• SHARP X680x0 Frequently Asked Questions
• Source: [X68K] X68000 FAQ by painkilla
• www.kpark.co.kr

• This FAQ contains undisclosed number of questions, organized and answered by by Mr.Takuma
• Additional information added by Eidis/GameSX

Table of Contents

• 1. Main memory
• 2. Floppy disk
• 3. Hard Disk
• 4. Display
• 5. Keyboard
• 6. Mouse
• 7. RS-232C
• 8. MIDI
• 9. Other

Introduction:

SHARP and I/O data were the most recognized expansion card manufacturers.

Their product codes consist of two main parts:

1) The manufacturer:

• CZ - Genuine Sharp
• PIO - I/O data (older models)
• SH - I/O data (newer models)

2) The model number, which should be identical or very similar for both of them.

Question: What memory expansions are available for the X68000 ?

Answer: Each X68000 model is slightly different and here are the possible options for each one of them. The original X68000 and ACE/PRO models must have internal 1Mb expansion unit (Total: 2Mb) before they can be expanded further. The total amount of memory must be set by using SWITCH.X which can be found in HumanOS floppy.

Question: How can I transfer image files from PC to real floppy disks ?

Answer: There are two different procedures. One for 5.25“ drives and the other one for 3.5” drives:

• Writing 5.25" Floppies
• Writing 3.5" Floppies

Question: How can I use different floppy disk formats ?

Answer: Download 9SCSET v3.14r4 and use 9SCDRV driver. Here is the list of supported formats:

• 0 - 2HS (9sec/trk 1440k)
• 1 - 2HD (8sec/trk 1232k) Standard X68000 format
• 2 - 2HDE (9sec/trk 1440k)
• 3 - 2HC (15sec/trk 1200k)
• 4 - 2HT (1599k)
• 5 - 2DD/9 (9sec/trk 720k)
• 6 - 2DD/8 (8sec/trk 640k)
• B - 2HQ (18sec/trk 1440k) IBM 1.44MB 2HD format
• Z - 2HDE98 (FDISK.SYS v0.98 compatible)
• 7 - Initialize FAT
• 8 - Initialize IPL

Question: How can I connect a hard disk to my X68000 ?

Answer: All X68000 models can be equipped with a hard drive and the most modern approach is by using a SCSI to IDE/CF/SD adapter. The earlier X68000 models with SASI (SCSI1 predecessor) require SxSI driver in order to work. SCSI models require specifying boot device ID with SWITCH.X. Here is the list of SASI and SCSI models and links to tutorials:

• Connecting and preparing a hard drive on SASI machine
• X68000 Compact XVI internal SCSI and CF card mod

Question: What monitors are compatible with X68000 ?

Answer: The original X68000 monitor supports 15kHz/24kHz/31kHz display modes. 15kHz is used by TV's and 31kHz by PC monitors. The 24kHz mode is very rarely used and is not important. Approximately 80% of all software uses 31kHz mode, however some of the most desired games run in 15kHz. CRT monitor will provide you with the best possible picture quality. It is possible to use a LCD monitor with upscaler and scanline generator to achieve similar effect. You have several options:

• Original X68000 monitor
• Microvitec M1438 which was very popular with Amiga enthusiasts and supports all X68000 display modes.
• NEC XM29 (24kHz not supported). As long as it does not have too many hours of use, it will be an excellent choice.
• Micomsoft XPC-4 upscaler (manual) + Mini SLG scanline generator.

• RetroRGB review of RGB monitors
• Review of Micomsoft upscalers