Apple IIGS: How to Access the Clock


TOPIC ---------------------------------------------

I have a customer using Z-BASIC on his Apple IIGS under ProDOS, running as
an Apple IIe. Although there no are toolbox calls for accessing the Apple
IIGS clock from Z-BASIC, is there a way to do this from Z-BASIC with PEEKS
and POKES or a machine language call?

DISCUSSION ---------------------------------------------

The preferred method is to use the ProDOS GET_TIME call. Note: You need
ProDOS 8 version 1.2 or later to get the time on the Apple IIGS.

This method works on any Apple II running under ProDOS and with most Apple
II-compatible clocks (because they all come with ProDOS patch routines).
More information on the format of the GET_TIME call and other ProDOS
commands is in the ProDOS Technical Reference Manual. The GET_TIME call is
documented on page 71. Additional information is on page 99 and pages 104
through 106.

When the GET_TIME routine is called, the system date and time are placed
into the documented locations. Using PEEKs, the data in those location can
be extracted.


Published Date: Feb 18, 2012