CMD RAMLink
Specific System Requirements – CMD RAMLink
Color 64 operates very effectively with the CMD RAMLink from Creative Micro Designs. When used in conjunction with a CMD HD and connected via the parallel cable, overlay load times can be significantly reduced.
If you have a Commodore 17XX-series REU and prefer not to configure it as expanded memory for the RAMLink, you may instead operate it in direct mode and use it with RAMDOS. Follow the RAMLink manual instructions for accessing the REU in direct mode, then proceed with the standard Color 64 installation steps for configuring RAMDOS.
The CMD SwiftLink RS-232 interface is compatible with RAMLink and should be connected to the Pass-Thru port. However, SwiftLink will not function if the RAMLink is operating in direct mode, as the Pass-Thru port is disabled in that configuration.
If your RAMLink includes a RamCard with installed RAM, you may run Color 64 overlays directly from it. Be sure to maintain disk backups of any files stored on the RAMLink. Since √bbs.parms is read from the Program Files drive, verify that the file resides in the correct location for your configuration.
Additional file groups may also be stored on a RAMLink equipped with RamCard memory, but this is recommended only if the unit has battery backup. Without battery backup, a power interruption will result in complete data loss. Even with battery backup, it is advisable to store primarily static file groups—such as Help Files or Text Files—on the RAMLink.
If your RAMLink includes the Real Time Clock option, refer to the CMD HD section for instructions on enabling automatic date and time synchronization through the appropriate initialization merge.