Mocha FAQ

Why?
How do I load my own software into Mocha?
The left and right joysticks are reversed from my trusty CoCo. What's wrong?
A CoCo game starts with a blue or red screen. What do I do?
What JVM do you recommend for running Mocha?
Can I play Mocha in full-screen?
Is there a stand-alone version of Mocha?
Does OS9 run on Mocha?
Was anyone else involved in creating Mocha?
Why is this FAQ so short?


Why?

I spent a lot of time in my formative years in front of a small television programming a Color Computer. Much later in life, I made a career programming in Java. Mocha was (and still is) a way to combine these interests and simultaneously learn new things about Java. Yes, there are other CoCo emulators and there's even another applet. That's fine. If no one else used Mocha, I'd still be working on it.
How do I load my own software into Mocha?

Mocha uses the same file formats for cassette and floppy disk images as most other Color Computer emulators. By default, Java applets are not allowed to access the local file system for security purposes.  To use your own images, you must use the signed applet. When running the signed version, a dialog box will appear asking if you trust content signed by Brad Grier. If and when you agree, the applet will work as before with the exception of a new 'Local' button that will appear on the 'Cassette', 'BIN' and 'Disk' program lists. In the case of BIN and Disk files, clicking that button will immediately open a file dialog so you can select your own images. For cassette images, the file dialog will appear when you run a CLOAD, CLOADM, CSAVE or CSAVEM command.

The MESS emulator seems to accept a cassette image with a format unrecognized by Mocha and other emulators. CAS files created specifically for MESS may not work.
The left and right joysticks are reversed from my trusty CoCo. What's wrong?

It's either one of two possibilities: Programmer error or the Color Computer reference manual incorrectly labeled the joystick ports. Either way, I've left things as they are because it may be too confusing to switch now. This is subject to change.
A CoCo game starts with a blue or red screen. What do I do?

Long story short: Programmers found a way to coax additional colors out of the CoCo's high resolution two color mode using artifacts in the NTSC signal. Unfortunately, the color of the pixels could vary depending on the current "phase" of the computer. Because there's no way to programmatically figure out the current phase, many games simply asked the user. If the screen looked red, the user was supposed to press the "Enter" key. If the screen looked blue, the space bar. Other games required the user to press the reset button until the colors were right. You can always use the artifacting button in Mocha to adjust the colors.
What JVM do you recommend for running Mocha?

On Windows, I strongly recommend the 1.4.2 JVM or higher from Sun Microsystems. However Mocha works fine with 1.3. There is a link to a 1.1 version of the applet if you're stuck with an older JVM. This version is no longer maintained.
Can I play Mocha in full-screen?

Yes, if you use the signed applet and a 1.4+ version of Sun's JVM, you can run Mocha in "full-screen exclusive mode". This has only been tested on Windows.
Is there a stand-alone version of Mocha?

Sort of. You can use Java Web Start which is included with Sun's Java distributions. Just run "Java Web Start" (there should be an icon on your start menu somewhere) and type "http://members.cox.net/javacoco/mocha.jnlp" into the URL field. On newer JVMs, make sure 'javaws.exe' is in your path and simply type "javaws http://members.cox.net/javacoco/mocha.jnlp". You must agree to trust content signed by Brad Grier. Once you do, Mocha runs in a window on your desktop with full priveledges.
Does OS9 run on Mocha?

No. OS9 requires a more robust implementation of the Color Computer's disk controller. The current controller emulation is a bare-bones affair meant to get the majority of disk-based games up and running. I simply haven't been able to take the time to write a better controller. If you're interested in writing a more complete FDC for Mocha, send me an e-mail at bradgrier@cox.net.
Was anyone else involved in creating Mocha?

Funny you should ask. I've gotten a lot of useful feedback from the CoCo community. A few people deserve thanks for their assistance. In no particular order:
If I've forgotten anyone, please let me know and your name will be added to this distinguished list.
Why is this FAQ so short?

Like Mocha, this FAQ is a work in progress. More information is available from the "Help" tab in the applet itself. It can also be helpful to look through the release notes. More will be added as time permits. Please feel free to contribute to the FAQ.