exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

rubber_jonnie wrote: 12 Feb 2026 14:54

JezC wrote: 12 Feb 2026 14:04 I think there's some additional code required for the Tube interface to work on a Model B (already present in the Master OS, maybe also on the B+).

IIRC this applies for any co-processor so it's not running on the Pi

Only based on some preliminary research before I get one at some point, not personal experience.

So it looks like I had a bad cable, but something is not right still. On boot I get a single beep and this error:

I've not read anywhere that additional code is required in the github pages or wiki. I've posted a request for help over at Stardot, but that error looks like it might be failing trying to load a 6502 copro.

It feels close...

I copied this off his eBay listing for the complete kit...so it may depend which DFS you have in the Beeb...

You must ensure that the external TUBE connector on your machine is clean and not corroded or damaged, otherwise this can cause connection issues. You must also ensure that your machine is fitted with the TUBE host code. This is always present in DFSs such as the Acorn 1770, Watford DDFS 1.54T, and in some of the MMC/SD card ROMs as well. If your DFS is reporting 0.90, then you will need an upgrade, so contact me in that instance and a replacement ROM can be provided at extra cost.

JezC wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:04

rubber_jonnie wrote: 12 Feb 2026 14:54

So it looks like I had a bad cable, but something is not right still. On boot I get a single beep and this error:

I've not read anywhere that additional code is required in the github pages or wiki. I've posted a request for help over at Stardot, but that error looks like it might be failing trying to load a 6502 copro.

It feels close...

I copied this off his eBay listing for the complete kit...so it may depend which DFS you have in the Beeb...

You must ensure that the external TUBE connector on your machine is clean and not corroded or damaged, otherwise this can cause connection issues. You must also ensure that your machine is fitted with the TUBE host code. This is always present in DFSs such as the Acorn 1770, Watford DDFS 1.54T, and in some of the MMC/SD card ROMs as well. If your DFS is reporting 0.90, then you will need an upgrade, so contact me in that instance and a replacement ROM can be provided at extra cost.

Interesting. I will try it on one of my other Beebs that has the 1770 fitted, see what gives there. I do have a TurboSPI and associated ROM installed.

JezC wrote: 12 Feb 2026 14:04 I think there's some additional code required for the Tube interface to work on a Model B (already present in the Master OS, maybe also on the B+).

IIRC this applies for any co-processor so it's not running on the Pi

Only based on some preliminary research before I get one at some point, not personal experience.

Usually that's included in the floppy interface ROM, DNFS 1.2

Well damn...

It looks like the Beeb itself. I pulled out the one I have with a 1770 mod and it's showing up on boot:


Makes me think that the MMFS ROM I have doesn't work. Oddly the FX commands don't work.

rubber_jonnie wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:25 Well damn...

It looks like the Beeb itself. I pulled out the one I have with a 1770 mod and it's showing up on boot:


IMG20260212152204.jpg


Makes me think that the MMFS ROM I have doesn't work. Oddly the FX commands don't work.

Well, at least it's some progress...

JezC wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:33

rubber_jonnie wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:25 Well damn...

It looks like the Beeb itself. I pulled out the one I have with a 1770 mod and it's showing up on boot:


IMG20260212152204.jpg


Makes me think that the MMFS ROM I have doesn't work. Oddly the FX commands don't work.

Well, at least it's some progress...

It is, but the lack of the FX command is problematic...

Slight update - it's now working on the target machine after cleaning the Tube socket on the machine :)


Still no FX commands though.

Actually it's fully working!!!

I just stumbled into the * prompt and can change copro now, but I can't boot from the TurboSPI. It does however work, so I'm pretty happy now.

rubber_jonnie wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:53 It is, but the lack of the FX command is problematic...

Slight update - it's now working on the target machine after cleaning the Tube socket on the machine :)


IMG20260212154439.jpg


Still no FX commands though.

Actually it's fully working!!!

I just stumbled into the * prompt and can change copro now, but I can't boot from the TurboSPI. It does however work, so I'm pretty happy now.

Glad it's sorted - time for some Elite (Executive version) to give it a good soak test maybe? :D

JezC wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:58

rubber_jonnie wrote: 12 Feb 2026 15:53 It is, but the lack of the FX command is problematic...

Slight update - it's now working on the target machine after cleaning the Tube socket on the machine :)


IMG20260212154439.jpg


Still no FX commands though.

Actually it's fully working!!!

I just stumbled into the * prompt and can change copro now, but I can't boot from the TurboSPI. It does however work, so I'm pretty happy now.

Glad it's sorted - time for some Elite (Executive version) to give it a good soak test maybe? :D

Not quite, if I hit shift+break for the TurboSpi to boot I get Tube on! so I need to figure out how to boot from MMFS without that.

OK, so here's the deal - it works and what my main issue was, was a dirty TUBE connector on the BBC side, fixed with some contact cleaner and plugging it in and out a few times.

Just plug the RPi and adapter into the TUBE, use the latest software from the github extracted to a FAT32 SD card and you're off to the races.

The FX command works - Type *FX 151,230,N where N is the number of the co-pro you want from the list below, then hit CTRL+Break to restart with the desired co-pro running:

0 * 65C02 (fast)
1 65C02 (3MHz, for games compatbility)
2 65C102 (fast)
3 65C102 (4MHz, for games compatbility)
4 Z80 (1.21)
5 Z80 (2.00)
6 Z80 (2.2c)
7 Z80 (2.30)
8 80286
9 MC6809
11 PDP-11
12 ARM2
13 32016
14 Disable
15 ARM Native
16 LIB65C02 64K
17 LIB65C02 256K Turbo
18 65C816 (Dossy)
19 65C816 (ReCo)
20 OPC5LS
21 OPC6
22 OPC7
24 65C02 (JIT)
28 Ferranti F100-L

I have tried quite a few and they all seem to work fine.

My only issue now is that the MMFS TurboSPI SD adapter won't boot so I can't run any software. If I disable the co-pro it works as normal, but I really need it to work with the co-pro running, so more research required.

Well, I have found a way around the 'Tube on' issues :)

Rather than booting the master menu disk I have to boot the individual disk and use the menu on those. I ran the command *DBOOT 45 and it worked!!!

A bit painful but I am now running the expanded Elite for tube and wow it's a bit different!!! Pictures for proof, there is alot more to it than the original it seems.


@JezC give me a should if you run into any issues when you set up yours.