Hitting RUN/STOP-RESTORE on a Laptop

[GreyGhost]

I've recently started a new job that allows me a good 5 hours of free time to program(hehe, night shift security is great). I use an ACER laptop and haven't been able to find the correct key combination to to do a run/stop-restore function so, I can't get out of graphics mode when I need to see a listing. Anyone out there know how to do this? I'm assuming most laptop keyboard layouts are the same. Any help would be great.

Later,

[e5frog]

I'm guessing you mean in VICE.

I can do a RUN STOP/RESTORE either by holding "Caps Lock" and just tapping "Page Up" or hold "Esc" instead of "Caps Lock" and do the same.

[GreyGhost]

Yeah, I did mean VICE, and thank you. I'll give it a go.

[GreyGhost]

Ok, I've tried this and still it doesn't work. I have also tried this on my desktop. I hold Caps Lock(which is the run/stop key on the Vic) and hit the '9/PgUp' key on the numeric keypad(which is Restore on the Vic). Run/stop works fine, but the restore doesn't. Num Lock key is off of course. Is there maybe another key press for the PC or Laptop to recognize the keypad? I can use PgUp/PgDn with my internet browser and it works fine. Maybe there is an easy way to remap the Restore key to some other key, say F12. My Laptop doesn't have separate PgUp/PgDn keys, its all on the numeric keypad. Any suggestions?

Later,

[GreyGhost]

I've done some looking into the Vice folder, and in the Vic20 folder. I found a file called "win_pos.vkm". This appears to be a key map overlay of some sort for the PC keyboard. It appears that '9/PgUp' isn't mapped to anything for the Vic 20. Could someone help me figure out what all those numbers mean in that file, so I can remap a few keys?

[GreyGhost]

Ok, I have figured it out. In the file 'win_pos.vkm'. Is a list of all the keys on the PC keyboard represented by numbers 1 - 107. Number 88 represents the F12 key on the PC keyboard. So, I changed:

#88 -1 -1 0 /* F12 -> (no key) */

to:

88 -3 1 0 /* F12 -> RESTORE */

# represents a comment line. Removing the '#' makes this line readable. It all seems pretty simple now. When I first opened the 'win_pos.vkm' file, It looked like a bunch of gibberish to me. hehe.

e5frog, you must have a laptop with separate PgUp/PgDn keys from the numeric keypad or something. Anyways thanks for the help again.

[e5frog]

EDIT: I was writing while you answered, yes my Page Up is a seperate button (also increase volume when Fn button is held), it's an old Dell C610.
Glad you solved it.



Well it says in mine last in the file:

# Restore key mappings
91 -3 0 /* PgUp -> RESTORE */



On my laptop I have to use a special Function-key named Fn to reach some keybard functions, perhaps that the case for your PgUp...

Anyway try this to use F10 insead - as it's unmapped:

# Restore key mappings
#91 -3 0 /* PgUp -> RESTORE */
68 -3 0 /* F10 -> RESTORE */


See if that helps.

Or perhaps:
# Restore key mappings
91 -3 0 /* PgUp -> RESTORE */
68 -3 1 /* F10 -> RESTORE */

That's supposed to add F10 as "second RESTORE key".

[GreyGhost]

In the PC Key list, PgUp key and the PgUp key on the numeric keypad have different values. Also the Home key is the same way. So, to keep with some consistency I just remapped those keys on the numeric keypad to mimic the regular keys. Also, I'm not really sure what's up with the "second RESTORE key". Is that a Vic thing or just a Vice thing?

[Jeff-20]

My primary computer is a netbook now. And I can't figure out most of the VICE keys: I've got RUNSTOP, but cursor keys and RESTORE are still a mystery to me. Fortunately, I only use VICE to "preview" games. My most often used computer, where I actually make programs, is a real VIC.

[rhurst]

... where I actually make programs, is a real VIC.

Jeff should get an Iron Man award ... such perseverance!! Or a glutton for torture.

[Jeff-20]

I can't imagine trying to program in VICE, especially with the cramped netbook keyboard. I don't see how you guys do it! A real VIC is so much easier. Am I the only one?

[e5frog]

Well, it's easier to find the right keys, and perhaps it's more inspirational writing on the real thing.

If you're writing in assembler however, it's perhaps easier on a PC, being able to check things on the internet, copy and paste stuff easily and so on...

[robinsonmason]

I use these on a laptop dedicated to emulation: http://cgi.ebay.com/C64-Keyboard-sticke ... ltDomain_0

The sticker surrounds include text that indicates where they should go on your keyboard to be properly mapped. Easy peasy.

Note the placement of Run/Stop and Restore. I know what you're thinking, but it doesn't really interfere with my normal laptop use as I touch type from memory.

[GreyGhost]

I like the skull and cross bones. As in "Danger Real World"

[Jeff-20]

...and it still took me five minutes to find RESTORE.