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comp.sys.amstrad.8bit FAQ v1.27 1 / 16 1/1 |
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germany. The price is 3,- DM per belt plus 1,10 DM for postage.
Payment is to be made in advance in cash or in stamps.
To avoid long delays and assure that enough belts are in stock,
contact him at nurgle@gmx.de
Andreas Micklei
Lefevrestr. 15I
14161 Berlin
GERMANY
A8.2) information
A8.2.1) the firmware guide
The unofficial (not the proper SOFT 968 guide) Amstrad CPC Firmware
guide is available now! Thanks to Bob Taylor and Thomas Defoe for
allowing the distribution.
David Cantrell has scanned and reformatted the electronical version!
Get ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/firmware.zip
A8.2.2) Pin-out for colour monitor
u
5 1
6
4 2 (viewed from rear)
3
1 = Red 4 = Sync
2 = Green 5 = Gnd
3 = Blue 6 = Lum
A8.2.3) Programs on ROMs (01/10/99)
With RamRomBox by Inicron or RAMCARD by RAM7 (see A10.3.2) come the
utility Softbrenner which can easily save any program on ROM (or
fake, SRAM-simulated ROM in case of a RamRomBox), even ones longer
than 16 kb.
A8.2.4) "The Anatomy for the CPC's" 02/14/2000
John Kilcline (jk@webnetsystems.co.uk) has 8 copies of "The Anatomy
for the CPC's" for sale (10 UK pounds *each*, this includes postage
and packaging). This is a hardback book, with a pink cover, and
contains details of the CPC hardware and software. It describes the
different Gate Array versions (including the one with the heat sink),
the CRTC, FDC and more, their signals (and what those do), and how
these relate to the CPC. It also contains:
- a listing of the CPC firmware calls, plus the undocumented maths
calls.
- a commented "disassembly" of the CPC Basic and OS Rom (this comes
in the form of an address and a comment. Although not a actual fully
commented disassembly, it is still very useful).
A8.2.5) using a CPC joystick on PC 09/18/99
To use a CPC joystick on PC, see http://www.ziplabel.com/dpadpro
A8.2.6) loading protected BASIC programs 02/20/2000
'Read Amstrad CPC protected BASIC files
'
' Adapted from Clefs Pour Amstrad, 2. Systeme disque
' by Daniel MARTIN and Philippe JADOUL
' (c) Editions du PSI, 1986 ' ISBN 2-86595-256-8 '
' Run, type in filename (can be empty for tape) and
' then type 'CALL &A400'
'
' This program will fail for very large BASIC files
'
' A line needs to be changed for CPC464s '
MEMORY &9FFF
INPUT "Filename "; n$
n = LEN (n$)
FOR i = 1 TO n
POKE &A430 + i, ASC (MID$ (n$, i, 1))
NEXT i
FOR i = &A400 TO &A428
READ a$
POKE i, VAL ("&" + a$)
NEXT i
POKE &a401, n
DATA 06, 00, 21, 31, A4, 11, 00, A0, CD, 77, BC, 30, 18
DATA C5, 21, 70, 01, CD, 83, BC, C1
DATA 21, 70, 01, 09, EB, 21
DATA 66 : ' Change this to 83 for CPC464s
DATA AE, 06, 04
DATA 73, 23, 72, 23, 10, FA, CD, 7A, BC, C9
PRINT "Type 'CALL &A400'"
NEW
A8.3) Email addresses
You can found other email address on Kevin Thacker web page, see A2.2
A8.3.1) Amstrad/Locomotive 01/20/2001
- Cliff Lawson (Amstrad), cliffl@amstrad.com,
- Richard Clayton (ex Locomotive Software Ltd),arnold@highwayman.com,
- Howard Fisher (was LocoScript Software), howardf@locomotive.com
- Roland Perry (was Amstrad), arnold@perry.co.uk,
A8.3.2) Emulators authors 04/20/2001
- Marco Vieth, ali@uni-paderborn.de, CPCEMU,
- Bernd Schmidt, crux@Pool.Informatik.RWTH-Aachen.DE, CPE,
- Ulrich Doewich, caprice32@cybercube.com, CPE, utilities,
- Mark Rison, mrison@hotmail.com, !CPC,
- Herman Dullink, dullink@castel.nl, CPC,
- Kevin Thacker, amstrad@aiind.upv.es, A-CPC,
- Brice Rive, brice@world-net.sct.fr, CPC++,
- Ludovic Deplanque, deplanque@chez.com, AMI-CPC and PC-CPC,
- Paul Hodgson, paul.hodgson@multi-machine.demon.co.uk, MTM.
A8.3.3) demo makers 05/30/98
- Sebastien Bernard (Arkos), sbernard@hp1.esiea.fr
- Andreas Stroiczek (aka Face Hugger), n96477@pbhrzx.uni-paderborn.de
DOSCOPY, Face Huggers Ultimate MegaDemo, !CPCEmu for Archimedes, and
more...
- Doc Bartlet, rdbarthe@trick.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de
Bollaware demo/game coders
- Antoine Pitrou, pitrou@Email.ENST.fr, Cheese, Turbo Monitor, etc...
- Mage, demo maker, Imperial.Mage@mail.dotcom.fr,
- Georg Odenthal (Odiesoft), odie@soz.psychologie.uni-konstanz.de
Megablasters, demos
- Ilias Fotopoulos (KOD), fotopul@ceid.upatras.gr, demos, SEX disk
fanzine
- Simon Matthews (Ratz), ha3012@qmw.ac.uk, Demos
- Prodatron, pdt@uni-duisburg.de, Demos, Digitracker, X-treme
- DREAMER of TGS/CRT, Heiner@wendt.westfalen.de,
Heiner de Went
Tannenweg 1
48727 Billerbeck
GERMANY
- Benjamin Fall, ben.f@altavista.net
A8.3.4) Zines 08/05/98
- Brain Blaster and Schlumpf of Frankenteam,
makra@cip.e-technik.uni-erlangen.de, CPC Telegram Disczine
- Gert Genial of Frankenteam,
- Richard Fairhurst (CRTC), richard@systemed.u-net.com,
AA, BTL, RoutePlanner etc
- Juggler, editor of TRIBAL MAG ONLINE, Deppisch@Internet-Service.nu
- John Bowley, WACCI magazine editor, jebowley@wacci.demon.co.uk
- Olivier Floquet (Eliot), Digital Press, benediction@rtel.fr
A8.3.5) Games 07/13/2000
- Keith A Goodyer, kgoodyer@mag-net.co.uk
R-Type, f16, Dynamite Dan II, Speedzone, Gilbert Escape from Drill,
Grid Iron I,
- Mark Haigh-Hutchinson, mhh@computer.org (Vortex Software), voir
A7, now a Project Manager at Retro Studios in Austin, Texas.
* A8.3.6) Others 04/14/2002
- WSX/INICRON, wsx@inicron.de
- Offset (Groupe Futur's), quasarcpc@caramail.com, hardware/software for CPC(+),
- Paul Gargan (Gliceas), pgarga.ca4@compapp.dcu.ie, Amstrad User
- Richard Wildey (Wild Thang), cs94rrw@brunel.ac.uk
Sentinel Software, TUSS
- Simon Forrester (Hairy), simon.forrester@futurenet.com
Amstrad Action, BooTracker
* - Shaun M. Neary, shaun@mind-riot.com, Game reviews
- Mark Ray, h089@mth.uea.ac.uk - Amstrad Notepad (NC100)
* - Frederic Herlem, frederic.herlem@planetis.com, see A6.4
- Brian Watson (Protext, Montrac, Robot Software, Parados cartridge,
Pipeline Tutorials, 8BIT magazine, PcW16 os upgrades, IEBA, WACCO)
brian@spheroid.demon.co.uk
- Kaneda (swapper) : arnaud.lecouvez@wanadoo.fr
A9) Fanzines
If french people are interested, don't forget to send stamps to get
back your disk or paper fanzine. For foreign people, International
Reply Coupons are available from post offices in all EU countries,
US, Canada, and most others. A single International Reply Coupon
(IRC) can be exchanged by the recipient for enough postage stamps
to cover airmail for a letter weighing up to 10 grams. For heavier
letters, such as those containing disks or zines, send more IRCs!
A9.1) on paper
A9.1.1) WACCI 06/22/97
Issues are 2 pounds each in the UK, 2 pounds 50 pences in Europe and 3
pounds elsewhere. Special yearly rates : 22 pounds UK, 27.50 Europe,
33 elsewhere. Cheques and postal orders payable to WACCI at
97, Tirrington
Bretton
PETERBOROUGH
PE3 9XT
United Kingdom
The Editor is John Bowley, at the above address.
They have a Book Library, Tape library, "Homegrown" Disk Library and
PD Disk Library, 3" Disks supplied at 1 pound 50p each, alternative
Firmware Guide and Disk, 6 pounds. Look at 2.2) for their www
address.
For a free sample copy of the clubs magazine either Email at
brian@spheroid.demon.co.uk with your name and address, or send your
name and address to the snail mail address above.
A9.1.2) CPC User
A magazine published every couple of months by the United Amstrad
User Group (UAUG), see A2.2 and A8.1.3.3
A9.1.3) Quasar 07/13/2000
A french zine, especially about programming on CPC(+). Last issue is
no 18 (summer 2000), available for 6,70 FF of stamps and 9 FF :
Philippe Rimauro (Futur's/Quasar)
8 chemin des Maillos
09200 SAINT-GIRONS
FRANCE
A9.1.4) Eurostrad 10/31/99
A french paper zine, most of the articles are translated in english.
Last issue is no 12 (summer 1999).
Thomas FOURNERIE
Le Reverdy
50530 SARTILLY
FRANCE
A9.1.5) Amstrad Action
Not a fanzine, but a commercial U.K. newspaper which stopped with
issue 117 in June 1995. It was sold with cover tapes containing
commercial games. Issue 117 came with North & South.
A9.2) on disk
A9.2.1) Boxon 07/28/97
Nicolas Ader (Nicky one)
Place du Donjon
32320 BASSOUES
FRANCE
Boxon issue 3 is out (07-96 to 02/97).
A9.2.2) Demoniak 11/03/98
Anthony Nevo (orphee)
Le Louya
35290 GAEL
FRANCE
Get issues 3 to 6 on ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/zines (dmk*.zip)
A9.2.3) Dracula Fanz 08/01/98
Miguel Fremeaux (Dracula)
238 rue du cardinal Allen
59553 CUINCY
FRANCE
Last issue is 5 (December 1995) with articles in english, get the
issues at ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/zines
A9.2.4) Phaser
Sebastien Broudin (Seb)
1 rue Emile Combes
60600 FITZ-JAMES
FRANCE
A9.2.5) Better Than Life
An English disc fanzine, with around 40 articles (all in English)
covering a huge range of subjects. Issues 1 to 4 are out, look at
ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/zines, you can e-mail the editor
Richard Fairhurst (CRTC/Systeme D) : richard@systemed.u-net.com
A9.2.6) Tribal Mag 05/23/99
A good german zine, with some english articles, issue 8 is the last
one. Tribal Mag has now merged with CPC-Telegramm. Web site is :
http://tribal-mag.home.pages.de
All issues are on ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/zines
Jan Deppisch (Deppisch@Internet-Service.nu)
Lechstr. 10a
76437 Rastatt
GERMANY
A9.2.7) Art of Fantasy
A TGS/Creators production. It's a discmag that is mainly about
non-computer stuff, but instead about stuff like role-playing games,
fantasy books, science fiction, stories, etc. Collapse, the editor,
gets nearly no contribution, so it would be good to point his mag out
a bit... The first issue (the only one out up to now) was German only,
but if he gets English stuff, this mag could become international
soon! The address:
Collapse of TGS/Creators
Tobias Zimmermann
Augsburger Weg 3
59439 Holzwickede
GERMANY
A9.2.8) Guten TAG
A new disc german-only mag by the group "TAG". I don't know much to
write about it now... ask the editor! His address:
Gremlin of TAG
Thomas Schilling
Rebenweg 28
79793 Wutschingen-Horheim
GERMANY
A9.2.9) Coders Paradise
A disc mag for all the programmers out there. All Routines the editor
(Steve of Wizcat) gets are published with many explanations
(normally). Steve has many problems getting enough stuff for each
issue, so pointing him out would be good again... The address:
Steve of Wizcat
Christian Stengel
Ihnbergstrasse 9/1
73479 Ellwangen
Germany
A9.2.10) CPC-Telegramm 08/04/98
German Diskzine "CPC-Telegramm", see http://home.pages.de/~CPC-Telegramm
Andreas Koenig
Hutstr. 7
D-91056 Erlangen
A9.2.11) Digital Press 08/01/98
At first a german zine with english articles, now a french-german
production. Get the issues at ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/zines
For information : benediction@rtel.fr :
Olivier FLOQUET (Eliot)
Chemin de l'Eglise
14130 DRUBEC
FRANCE
A10) Additional hardware
For using older additional hardware on a CPC+, you will need an
adaptor called a widget, as connections are not the same. They use
the same connectors as german CPC (Schneider). All hardware should
work with this adaptor, except the standard multiface, see A10.2
(06/09/97)
Look A6.4) for a list of hardware made on CPC.
A10.1) Hard disks (no more produced)
A10.1.1) MFM hard drive
- a Dobbertin MFM interface with 20 MB HD for 1000 DM (400 UKP),
- in the very early years a Vortex Filecard with 20 MB MFM HD for 3500
DM.
A10.1.2) AT IDE hard drive
A10.1.2.1) GIDE
The GIDE is a generic Z80 device that allows easy connection of any
AT (16 bit) IDE hard drive to a Z80 computer. If your Z80 is
socketed, you simply unplug it, plug the GIDE into the Z80 socket, and
plug the Z80 into the GIDE.
You need to write your own driver software, however.
Details on http://www.psyber.com/~tcj
No GIDE for CPC, but look below for another project which is for CPC.
A10.1.2.2) IDE Drives (by RAM7)
It uses an ISA IDE controler and an adaptator card wich plugs in the
expansion connector. It will be able to use IDE hard drives, CDROM
(certainly) and disk drives (1.44 Mo). Not available for the moment.
A10.2) Multiface II
A useful add-on, connected to the expansion port, its primary use is
to make snapshots, exactly like the emulators. See A1.2.7, an utility
to transform multiface snapshot to emulators snapshot.
There is a special multiface for the CPC+, standard multiface doesn't
work on a plus, even with a widget. (06/09/97)
A10.3) ROMBOX
A10.3.1) ROMCARD and RAMCARD 10/31/99
Francisco DOS SANTOS
123 boulevard Strasbourg
94130 NOGENT SUR MARNE
FRANCE
RAM7 email : ram7@mail.dotcom.fr
The ROMCARD is a ROM box with 4 available slots which accepts 16 Ko
(27128) or 32 Ko (27256 or 27C256) EPROM for a maximum of 128 Ko
(so better use 32 Ko as there are only 4 slots). Other ROMCARDs
can be put in parallel, to add another 128 Ko of ROMs each time. The
price is 150 FF plus the cable at 150 FF.
The RAMCARD is a ROMCARD that uses 128 Ko of RAM instead of ROM. The
price is 200 FF plus the cable at 150 FF. Do not expect fast delivery.
PS : the cable that costs 150 FF can be used to connect every RAM7 add-on.
A10.3.2) Inicron ROM-RAM-BOX 04/15/2001
The RRB is a ROM box that doesn't need EPROMs. Up to 32 EPROMs can be
simulated in the 512Kb big RAM (if build the enhanced RRB). Additional
to this you can use a normal EPROM from 8-64Kb in a normal EPROM
socket. Go at http://www.inicron.de or get
ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/roms/rrb.zip
A10.4) SoundPlayer 1 and 2
See A8.1.1.2) and A9.1.3)
A10.5) Network 10/31/99
A10.5.1) Virtual Net 96 (VN96)
Virtual net 96, a network for Amstrad CPC, made by germans, look at
(english and german page) :
http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6129/start.htm
Get ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/vn96eng.lzh (or ger instead of eng)
for information about VN96.
A10.5.2) Multi-IO card 10/31/99
VN96 doesn't work on a CPC+, but Futur's (see A8.1.1.2) has a plan for a
VN96 card for CPC+, which will work of course on plain CPC. But the
multi-IO card is more than a VN96 card, it has a standard parallel port
where you will be able to connect all parallel devices such as a printer or
a ZIP drive when a driver will be ready. The price will be about 100 FF.
A10.6) Future OS 04/24/2000
Future OS is in fact a new operating system for Amstrad CPC that needs
a rombox or a rambox, Future OS is more powerful than amsdos, but
amsdos and CP/M programs must be adapted before using them under
Future OS (they can even work faster under Future OS). Type |OS or
|FDESK to launch Future OS. For more information, go at
http://FutureOS.home.pages.de
A10.7) Memory extension
A10.7.1) 2 Mo MemCard (by RAM7) 31/10/99
For 6128 and 6128+, it's compatible with Dk'tronics memory extensions,
it plugs on the expansion connector. It uses the same memory managing
of the 6128 second 64 Ko bank. It comes with 4 slots of static RAM (128 Ko
or 512 Ko). For more information, see A10.3, the prices are :
- 256 Ko : 300 FF,
- 512 Ko : 400 FF,
- 1 Mo : 600 FF,
- 2 Mo : 900 FF.
Beware the 256 Ko and 512 Ko models use 128 Ko RAM, the 1 and 2 Mo use
512 Ko RAM. You must also buy a cable for 150 FF.
A10.7.2) Inicron RAM-BOX 04/24/2000
A 512 Ko RAM extension for Amstrad CPC by Inicron, get
ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/rambox.zip
or go at http://www.inicron.de
A10.8) Card Tridge (by RAM7) 10/31/99
The Card Tridge can read, copy and store Amstrad CPC+ cartridges with
its 512 Ko of RAM). The price is 400 FF plus the cable at 150 FF. For more
information see A10.3
A10.9) CPC ISA 01/20/2001
Connect ISA cards on your CPC, by Siou (siou@free.fr), see :
http://siou.free.fr
A10.10) Amstrad MP1 and MP2 10/27/2000
Amstrad MP1 and MP2 replace the CPC monitor alimentation and permits to
use the television (SCART connector) for the video output (MP1 for 464,
MP2 for 664/6128). Could be available from Computer Cavern in UK,
phone +44 1628 891022. You can also send the video signal on a PC
which has a tuner card.
The MP1 does not provide the 12V connector the 664/6128 needs to power
the floppy disk drive. So you can use a 664/6128 with a MP1 but you
cant use the floppy, or you need an external power supply.
A10.11) CD-ROM 01/13/99
Codemasters CPC CD-ROM : although there was a great deal of talk
in the CPC press about Codemasters project to add simple CD-ROM
capabilities to a CPC (using a domestic CD player and a special
interface to convert the audio signal into something suitable for
Arnold) this product never went into production.
A10.12) Mouse 08/06/2000
You cant use a PC mouse (serial or PS/2). There are Amstrad CPC
mouses, but few programs uses them (Advanced OCP art studio) :
- AMX mouse (the most common),
- GENIUS mouse,
- DATEL mouse.
A11) Upcoming Meetings
B - Amstrad Notepad (NC100/150/200)
B0) NC 100/150/200 presentation 08/06/2000
The Notepad is Amstrad's idea of a simple word processor. It is NOT
a PC-compatible and is NOT the PenPad PDA.
The NC100, launched in september 1992, is about A4 size with a LCD
screen (80 car. x 8 lines), nearly full size keyboard, a PCMCIA memory
card slot on the left side, four coloured keys, 64 Kb of RAM. It
features a word processor, word spell checker, address book,
calculator, diary, clock, alarms and BBC basic. There are a serial
and parallel ports.
The NC200, launched in october 1993, has a fold-down LCD screen
(80 car. x 16 lines), a 3.5" disk drive, 128 Kb of RAM, new software
(spreadsheet and graphics, games).
The NC150, launched in april 1993, has the look of the NC100 but
the NC200 software, 128 Kb of RAM too, and the possibility to connect
a 3,5 drive. It exists only in french and italian versions.
B1) Emulators
B1.1) M.E.S.S.
See above.
B1.2.) NC100EM 03/17/2001
NC100EM by Russell Marks for Linux (svgalib, X, tty) and MSDOS. It
supports both the ROM software and ZCN, a free CP/M 2.2 clone. Get
it at http://rus.members.beeb.net
B2) How can I buy one ? 10/27/2000
Unfortunately, Tandy finally stopped selling them in November 1996.
The best way to buy one now is probably second-hand ads in national
computer magazines, "for sale" newsgroups or auctions sites like
http://www.ebay.com or http://www.ibazar.com
B3) What peripherals can I use ?
The Notepads have standard Centronics parallel ports and RS232 9-pin
serial ports. The system has drivers for 9 and 24-pin dot matrix,
Canon inkjet and Laserjet printers. The serial port claims 9600 bps,
but I can only make my NC100 work reliably at the full speed using
Xmodem and the AC adapter. This seems to be a common problem probably
because the AC adapter supplies 10 volts and the batteries only 6.
B3.1) Printing 07/14/99
The NC can use dot matrix, inkjet and laser printers with its built-in
drivers (for emulating Epson, IBM, Canon, LaserJet). The LaserJet printer
driver doesn't seem to be fully implemented. It doesn't support changing
font sizes (at least in the german version of the NC100). If anyone fancies
writing the necessary software, we'd love to hear about it...
B3.2) Extra Memory 07/30/2000
A battery-backed PCMCIA memory card (SRAM) will keep data even if
your Notepad crashes and increases the available memory. It also
allows you to create a file with BASIC bigger than 2048 bytes. This is
because BASIC allocates all available memory on start-up except 2048
bytes. The memory card (maximum of 1 Mo) can be bought from :
- Primary Simulation Inc., 2963 Mozart Drive, Silver Spring,
MD 20904, USA. http://www.psism.com/sramsp.htm
- Talisman Electronics, P.O. Box 26 Pangbourne, Reading, RG8 8TL.
Telephone 01491 671914. http://www.talisman-uk.com
- Vikant Corp., 512 Kb or 1Mb cards (http://www.vikant.com or
https://secure.webcom.com/vikant/onlineorder.htm
B3.3) Disks 08/15/99
Cliff Lawson (NC Project Manager): if you have an NC200 you already
have a disk and built in Ranger disk routines. If you have an NC150
then the only bit of Ranger code is the terminal but it contains a hidden
"hook" which allows the Ranger external disk to be connected to the
machine and if you have an NC100 there is no Ranger code in it at all.
B4) How do I connect it to a PC ?
B4.1) What's the cable ?
Brief instructions are given in the manual. You can either use the LapCat
parallel port system or use a standard "null modem cable", available
from most computer parts shops. If you really want to make your own, the
NC serial port is a 9-pin RS232, and the PC cables are:
25 pins at PC 9 pins at PC
NC PC NC PC
2 ----------- 2 2 ----------- 3
3 ----------- 3 3 ----------- 2
4 ----------- 6 4 ----------- 6
5 ----------- 7 5 ----------- 5
7 ----------- 5 7 ----------- 8
8 ----------- 4 8 ----------- 7
B4.2) Settings
Use a terminal program on the PC (Telix supports XModem file transfers
as well, but standard windows terminal/hyperterminal works ok for text).
Set both ends to the same speed (9600 is fine), 8 data bits, no parity,
1 stop bit, RTS/CTS handshaking on and experiments until it works...
B4.3) Converting Word Processor Files 04/29/2000
Converter programs are available for both PC and NC to convert from
the NC's protext to RTF on the PC :
- for msdos : ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/nc100/nc2rtf.zip
- for NC : ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/nc100/nc2rtfb.zip
B4.4) How do I connect it to a BBC micro 08/15/99
You will need a 5 pin C-type DIN plug, a 9 pin serial plug, some
cable, and the instructions from http://www.gre.ac.uk/~st702/qanda.htm#q11
B5) BASIC
Oddly enough, the Notepad includes a copy of BBC BASIC. This allows
you to create your own programs and download other peoples. However,
some people have found that using the WP to look at a BASIC file can
crash the machine, so backup your important files first.
B5.1) Where can I find programs for it ?
- ftp.maekong.york.ac.uk/pub/BBC
- http://www.ncus.org.uk
Tim's Amstrad NC Users Site, go to links
B5.2) Can I use the Word Processor to enter listings ?
Certainly, to go from WP to BASIC type "*EXEC filename" into BASIC
(don't forget line numbers). To go from BASIC to WP, load the program
and then type:
*SPOOL document
LIST
*SPOOL
Don't put formatting (bold, etc...) in the program.
B5.3) Can I make a program auto-run ?
Of course, just save it with the name AUTO and whenever you start
BASIC, it'll run.
B6) Other Programs 07/11/99
ZCN is a free operating system for the NC100. It's largely compatible
with CP/M 2.2. It runs most CP/M 2.2 programs, including ZDE, QTERM,
Mallard Basic, and Hitech C. It can also run the NC100's ROM BBC Basic
as if it were a native ZCN program. You need an NC100 and at least one
PCMCIA memory card to use it, a separate computer (perhaps a PC)
and a serial lead to get the system code to it for the first time.
It's available from ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/nc100 or
http://www.ncus.org.uk
B7) I've just crashed it...
If you're lucky, switching it to standby and back will get you out. If
you've got context saving on then it definitely won't. Try these:
switching on while holding Function; switching on while holding
Function, Stop, Del and the right-hand Shift; removing all the
batteries (including the lithium cell) and the power adapter and
trying to switch on. The last two definitely blank the memory. The
first two don't always, but they don't always fix it.
B8) I've just broken it...
Try CPC supplies on +44 1772 654455 (Main switchboard) or Email their
fax machine on remote-printer.Sales@6.6.4.4.5.6.2.7.7.1.4.4.tpc.int
and ask them to 'phone you! Failing that, call Amstrad (see A2.2
B9) Help! Where to ask 08/15/99
Since the demise of Amstrad and Tandy stopping to sell the Notepad,
the best place to ask for help is the newsgroup comp.sys.amstrad.8bit
Free user support on Protext, the NC series word processor,
from Brian Watson (protext@spheroid.demon.co.uk).
B10) Internet resources 12/17/2000
- http://www.amstrad.com and http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson
official and unofficial Amstrad page
- ftp://ftp.nvg.ntnu.no/pub/cpc/nc100
NVG FTP site
- http://www.miracles.win-uk.net/NC100
New address of Mark Ray NC page
- http://www.ncus.org.uk
Tim's Amstrad NC Users Site
B11) Credits 08/15/99
Although I appear to maintain this section, it wouldn't be in its
current fine state without the many people who have asked questions
and provided answers over the year. Especially Tim Surtell and
Russell Marks, who have provided substantial amounts of information.
C - Amstrad PCW
C0) PCW presentation 08/04/2001
Amstrad made the following PCW systems :
1) PCW8256
2) PCW8512
3) PCW9512
4) PcW9512+
5) PcW9256
6) PcW10, see http://www.euronet.nl/users/fvempel/pcw10.html
7) PcW16
1) had 180K drives, 2) had a 180 kb A drive and a 720 kb B drive,
3) had only 720 kb drives. All subsequent models had 3.5" disks
using CP/M format at 720 Kb until 7) when it switched to 1.44 mb in
MS-DOS format. The PcW's (no capital 'c') all used EMT rather than
EMS early morning start files with 3.5" drives. The PcW 9512+ was a
look-alike from the older 9512, including the daisy-wheel printer.
The 9256 (256 kb memory) was a redesign of the 8000 series, with
thesame dot matrix printer and keyboard, but in a more modern
lookingdesign. The PcW 10 resembled the 9256 but had 512 Ko.
The PcW16 is a radical digression who's sole "raison d'Štre" was to
make a true WYSIWYG product but this meant a change in the screen
and processor (to 16MHz) which meant that it could not be kept
compatible with the previous models (though documents ARE compatible).
C1) Emulators and utilities
C1.1) Emulators
C1.1.1) Joyce 08/04/2001
Joyce v1.36 (dos and Unix) by John Elliott, a PCW emulator at
http://www.seasip.demon.co.uk/pcw.html
Joyce comes with PCWtrans, an utility like CPCtrans and CPDread/write to
transfer PCW and Spectrum+3 disks between a PC and these computers.
PCWtrans handles CF2DD (720 kb) format only, but the single sided CF2
(173 Ko) format can be used too when you use a CF2 drive.
Joyce emulates two-disc drives, a Centronics printer interface and
2 mb RAM drives. It supports virtual hard discs and limited use of the
actual disc drives.
C1.1.2) Joyce MAC 07/28/97
MACOs port of Joyce by Richard Bannister at
http://internetter.com/titan/software
C1.1.3) M.E.S.S. 08/08/2001
See above
You need the boot images. M.E.S.S. should not emulate other hardware
than the standard (i.e. no Centronics parallel port on a PcW 9256).
In that respect JOYCE is better, but M.E.S.S. supports all PCW's. And
PCWTrans (JOYCE) cannot convert CF2 disks to images, not when you use
a CF2DD drive.
C1.2) Utilities 08/04/2001
See C2.2) for some PD stuff. A listing of the better commercial utilities
as well as PD will follow shortly.
C2) Where can I find emulators, ROMs and programs ? 08/08/2000
C2.1) FTP sites
- ftp://ftp.demon.co.uk/pub/cpm/
Demon UK, Amstrad directory, containing lots of programs for the PCW.
C2.2) WWW 08/04/2001
- http://www.locomotive.com
Locomotive Software, co-author of the Amstrad CPC and PCW ROMs
bought in 2000 by SD Micros, see below
- http://members.aol.com/sdmicro
new owner of Locomotive name and products
- http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson
a site by an Amstrad member staff with information, files for all
the Amstrad computers. The official Amstrad site :
http://www.amstrad.com
- http://www.ansible.demon.co.uk/ai
Ansible information, makers of AnsibleIndex for LocoScript,
AnsibleIndex Pro and AILINK (to convert LocoScript data to e.g. Word).
Free downloadable CPM.EXE (freebies) to copy files from CF2DD to DOS.
- http://www.euronet.nl/users/fvempel
PCW Joyce Computer Club : PCW serial communication with a PC,
mounting a 3.5" drive on a PCW, a 3" on a PC, repairing a 3" drive,
upgrading memory to 512 Ko, club news, PCW ads. Downloadable Public
Domain.
- http://www.seasip.demon.co.uk
John Elliott's CP/M page, he is the man behind some of the finest PCW
freeware around and provides links to many generic CP/M resources.
He's also put up exhaustive information on the PCW's XBIOS.
Lots of downloadable conversion tools, also for graphics.
- http://www.systemed.u-net.com/pcw/hardware.html
Richard Fairhurst page about PCW hardware reference
- http://www.xs4all.nl/~ianmacd/PCW.html
Ian Macdonald, about PCW
- Protext related issues: Brian Watson (protext@spheroid.demon.co.uk).
http://www.cix.co.uk/~mtilley/protext
- Walnut Creek CD-ROM, contains a section on Amstrad PCW software and
other programs which run on the PCW, some requiring no more than the
operation of a small installation program to tell the program the key
code to use. Unfortunately no longer sold, but downloadable on:
http://deltasoft.fife.wa.us/cpm/cdrom
C2.3) Various sources 08/08/2000
A PCW CD-ROM by P.D. Blake with over 4,500 files of PCW software,
including all of his commercial titles and around two hundred PD and
Freeware titles. There is also a large amount of Microdesign material
and just about every programming language and utility available for
the PCW. The CD costs ú25 + ú2.50 P&P. You can order it by
sending a cheque for ú27.50, made payable to Mr P.D.Blake to:
P.D.Blake, 32 Sample avenue, Beverley, E.Yorks, HU17 9DW, England.
E-mail address : pdblake@yahoo.co.uk
C3) Transferring between PCW and PC 08/04/2001
Transferring data from floppy discs is easy if you have a 3.5" drive:
all PcW's have one. A PCW (the 8256, 8512 and 9512) can be provided
with such a drive. The free software CPM.EXE from Ansible Index at
http://www.ansible.demon.co.uk/ai can read CF2DD (double sided
discs for drive B). If you have a 3.5" disc, reading it in a PC will be
easy. If you only have a 3" drive you could opt for mounting the B
drive in your PC (see C3.4). If you have other logical disc formats on
3.5", Sydex 22DISK will give you the best results.
Summarising the hardware conversion alternatives:
- 3.5" drive on PCW (DIY possible),
- LocoLink between PCW and PC,
- RS 232 serial null-modem between PCW and PC (DIY possible),
- 3" drive on PC (DIY possible),
- acoustic communication (DIY possible).
The 22DISK, MS Odball, PCWTrans and CPM.EXE software is freely
available: 22DISK still is shareware formally and should be purchased
(USD 25, an unsupported license) with Sydex. Of these programs 22DISK
is the only one that can handle all disc formats for the PCW : some
formats require additional definitions, some common ones listed in
Euro1.zip. If you have discs that have been formatted by DISCTOOL (the
one from Matthijs Vermeulen, not the Moonstone program with the same
name) which offered variable combinations of directory- and data-
allocation, contact fvempel@euronet.nl for additional definitions or
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