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alternatives.
There are quite a lot of commercial alternatives around: among others
Moonstone 2-in-1 and DDriverPCW (a DOS driver that allows disks to be
read and written on a PC). These two can still be obtained from
LocoScript Software.
Besides the hardware process you will need to pay some attention to
the file format as well: at least where LocoScript is concerned.
The simple and cheap option is to export the documents on the PCW to
ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange - the
"language" that works with most computers, except for Windows which
uses a slightly different dialect called ANSI). By exporting to ASCII
your files will be restricted to the default 256 characters available
with ASCII (quite a downgrade from the 600 as offered by LocoScript)
and you will lose formatting, headers, footers, page numbers and
accents. When you opt for the PAGE IMAGE attribute, present on all
versions of LocoScript, you will at least retain some details like tab
stops (replaced by spaces) and margins, but you definitely will have to
check the end-result on the PC. When combined with mounting a 3" drive
on a PC or (more expensive) a 3.5" drive on a PCW it is a cheap DIY
solution, useful and reliable for confidential data or data that you do
not want to risk losing in the mail.
If you want to retain the document settings, layout, accents and the
like you will have to convert the document(s), using the available
commercial programs:
- Ansible AILINK
- LocoScript Professional or LocoScript Easy with or without LocoLink
(for Windows)
Which one suits you best depends on your budget and purpose. The
AILINK http://www.ansible.co.uk/ can read CF2DD format disks and convert
all LocoScript formats (from 1 to 4) into a.o. Richmond Text Format,
a format commonly used in word processors. At GBP 19.50 it may sound
expensive and I have not used all of it's features but it seems like a
good alternative to reformatting documents or buying a DOS word
processor for conversion only. AILINK is a true Windows program
(allowed for the occasional DOS box) and offers amongst others RTF,
RTF for Word, WordPerfect 4.2, ASCII, ANSI, HTML and some other
formats.It allows for mass copying and converting and seems to produce
a 1:1 copy including formatting and accents. Do note that AILINK can
read from CF2DD only (no CF2 or other formats) and does not solve the
3" problem, unless you mount a 3" drive in your PC.
The LocoScript alternatives are more expensive but they also provide
the hardware solution (LocoLink, part of LocoScript, does). Data
conversion retaining layout and accents is also seamless but there is
no mass-tagging option and the PCW LocoScript source file has to be
translated to PC LocoScript source file before it can be exported to
other formats. But then again, the LocoScript PC word processing
software is not bad either. LocoFile datafiles need to be "squashed"
by LocoScript Professional or PC Easy before they can be used.
Conversion requirements do not apply for LocoLink for Windows, only
the earlier version requires it.
To use the data from a LocoFile datafile with other PC software you
will need to use LocoScript Professional or LocoScript PC Easy
Mailmerge commands to output the data to a LocoScript document. You
should then export the document as above. Or LocoLink for Windows can
be used to convert datafiles to DBase or FoxPro formats.
I have heard from other projects on the subject, but have not seen
products so far.
Using Mallard BASIC programs on the PC is possible, though the
following aspects should be considered. First of all, Mallard BASIC has
a special file format that (I think) can be read by the PC version of
Mallard BASIC only (an expensive and therefore rare item: I do believe
it is still for sale, though). Saving it into ASCII format is easy
though: just add the attribute A when you (re-)save a program, e.g.
SAVE "PROG.BAS",A will save the file in ASCII format. This format can
be read by 99% of the other Basic dialects. Also, unprotect your
file program, if it has been protected, before exporting it.
Although Mallard BASIC is pretty much standard in command convention,
there are a couple of exceptions.
1) JetSam keyed-index databases cannot be used by other Basic dialects:
redesign of the program to a sequential or random access database
structure will be required.
2) GSX, the Graphics System eXtension, does not have an MS Dos
equivalent. In fact it is not part of BASIC but if your application
uses this add-on on the PCW, it can obstruct the proper working on
another Basic language. It will have to be replaced by graphics
functionality offered by the other Basic.
3) Machine code and peeks & pokes will not work at all. If the
program contains too much of these: forget it...
4) The different hardware can be a bit of a problem when the program
uses the PCW hardware to it's maximum. The big screen and the
Epson FX-80 emulation on the printer may force you to re-write
the program.
I found that good old GWBasic, supplied in numerous quantities with MS
Dos, works best when porting PCW Basic source to other computers. Check
a program up-front for the mentioned issues and decide whether it is
worth your while to adopt it on a PC, to redesign it on a PC or to use
a PCW emulator on the PC. Do be careful when modifying a PCW Mallard
BASIC program on the PC, though!
Using PC data on a PCW is also possible: ASCII would be the normal
standard here but several Dos and Windows programs offer export
formats for older software (e.g. dBaseII, SuperCalc II) too. LocoScript
Professional or LocoScript Easy documents can be read by LocoScript
2.50 or later on the PCW if they have been saved in the LocoScript 2/3
format, a feature offered by LocoScript Professional 2 or LocoScript
PC Easy (version 1.01 or later).
LocoFile databases from a PC need to be extracted to a LocoScript
document and can be converted to the PCW. On the PCW the LocoFile
database needs to be rebuild.
Software Versions and Requirements (Howard Fisher)
To use LocoLink, LocoScript Professional or LocoScript PC Easy is
required. The above information applies to versions since 1 st January
94 - LocoLink for LocoScript Professional, Version 1.08 or later of
LocoScript Professional and Version 1.01 or later of LocoScript PC
Easy. To export from LocoScript on the PC to the PCW you need v2.50
or later of LocoScript on the PCW. LocoLink for Windows can
convert documents and datafiles produced with any version of
LocoScript.
Alternatively, you can use a disc transfer service both to copy the
discs and if necessary convert the files to other PC word processor
formats.
Here are those which can transfer and/or convert files :
- http://www.locomotive.com,
- http://members.aol.com/sdmicro,
- http://www.cix.co.uk/~digby/Mapej.html.
C3.1) 3.5" drive to a PCW 08/04/2001
(this section by Axel_Berger@Su2.Maus.De)
Amstrad uses a 26-pin floppy bus, which is exactly similar to the 34
pin Shugart bus but with 4 signals, that are never used anyway, left
out. In both cases all odd numbered lines are grounded and all signals
are active low. The unused lines of the Shugart are: (usage of some of
them varies, I have tried to state the most common one)
2: Density
4: Head Load
6: Drive Select 3, Ready
14: Drive Select 2
So you have to splice the cable and fit it to a 34-pin connector as:
Amstrad Shugart Use
2 8 Index
4 10 Drive Select 0
6 12 Drive Select 1
8 16 Motor On
10 18 Step Direction
12 20 Step
14 22 Write Data
16 24 Write Gate
18 26 Track 00
20 28 Write Protect
22 30 Read Data
24 32 Side Select
26 34 Ready
There is one problem with the choice of drive: The PCW expects to get
a "Ready" on pin 26 and IBM compatible 3.5" HD don't deliver it.
Drives used to have jumpers but with the Gates monopoly they don't
have them anymore, so you might have to improvise something. A direct
connection from Drive Select to Ready by Diode will deliver the signal
too soon, reading will work, as the computer gives it a second try but
writing will be dangerous. I haven't needed to try that, I have got
enough old 720 k drives that can be jumpered or otherwise adapted
to fit.
Some people have experimented successfully with a diode protected push
switch with a signal from motor on. See http://www.king27.freeserve.co.uk/
*BEWARE OF A SERIOUS PITFALL*
Amstrad has the *power connecter wired the other way round* and on top
of that uses yellow for 5 V and red for 12 V!!!!
Details and a photo-session on the subject can be viewed on :
http://www.euronet.nl/users/fvempel/3pc.html
I have added a changeover switch that allows me to make the 3.5"
either drive A or drive B and the original 3" one the other. Of course
my 3.5" disks have to be formatted differently for either use and the
3" accessed as drive B will not work, but allows me to boot from 3.5"
and then switch over to use the full 720 k capacity.
C3.2) LocoLink (for Windows) 08/04/2001
LocoLink is a cable that can connect a PCW to a PC with a parallel
cable (connects to the expansion port of the PCW). The software is a
part of LocoScript Professional or LocoScript PC Easy and converts the
complicated format of the PCW LocoScript file seamless.
At present there are two versions around, the old LocoLink and LocoLink
for Windows. The latter one provides mouse support and a wider range of
direct conversions to PC format WPs.
C3.3) RS 232 08/04/2001
RS232 can serve for a null-modem cable to connect to a PC. In order to
create such a cable (when you buy one in a store, do check for the
prescribed connections!) connect the pins as stated below.
PCW PC
2 3
3 2
5 20
7 7
20 5
Pins 4, 6 and 8 must be connected to each other on the same side! It
may look like a classic 'short circuit', but it has to be done !
So : 4, 6 and 8 connected to each other on the PCW side and 4, 6 and
8 connected on the PC side connected to each other.
A Laplink serial cable can also be used.
For software I would recommend Kermit. An old (v 3.0, 1990) but
functional DOS version can be downloaded. The version tailored for the
PCW can be downloaded too. If you cannot convert it to a 3" contact
me. A safe speed is 9.600 bps if you have a standard interface. Other
transfer products like CSTAM and Pipeline will do too. If you have a
high-speed model you may try a higher baud rate. Frank van
Empel, fvempel@euronet.nl
C3.4) 3" Drive on PC 08/04/2001
Operating a 3" 720Kb drive on a PC is very well possible: the cable
required is already presented under A3.1 (the CPC resembles the PCW in
this respect). However, in view of my experiences with it I would
recommend it only to experienced Do-It-Yourselfers. I would not take
the risk and go through the trouble for just 10 3" disks. Besides the
hardware troubles you probably still face the problem of how to convert
LocoScript to a format common on PC's. If you absolutely want to do it,
consult http://www.euronet.nl/users/fvempel/3pc.html (specific details
for the PCW and a photo session).
Getting the data on a PC is a problem only with a 3" drive as mounted
in an 8256, 8512 or 9512. When you have a 3.5" fitted there are plenty
of utilities around to read from CF2DD format (Ansible's free
downloadable CPM.EXE, the shareware program 22DISK from Sydex or the
PCWTrans/MS Odball programs by John Elliott). The next problem is
getting the data into a format that can be used on a PC: most programs
(dBase, SuperCalc, Masterfile, TasWord, WordStar, MicroDesign) have a
version commonly available for MS Dos and the CP/M file can therefore
be imported in the PC counterpart easily and without loss of details.
C3.5) Acoustic communication 08/08/2000
At present experiments with acoustic communications are being
conducted (in Spain). This would allow for cheap one-way communication
(only the PCW to PC) that requires a PCW 8000 model, a PC with a sound
card and a microphone. A short BASIC listing (that, will be made
available after release of the programs) can be typed in on the PCW
and will allow files to be converted into beeps (call it morse) that
can be received by the microphone and converted back into files again
on the PC.
The software works already: the speed (at present 25 bps) is not very
fast but it is a very promising project that finally could provide 3"
PCW'ers with a cheap and easy way to exchange small data files. The
object is to produce a program protocol that can reliably send and
receive up to 400bps with the additional + feature to record it on
tape, thus allowing for playback. Subject to be continued.
C4) Shops supporting PCW 08/04/2001
Elliam Associates still supports the Amstrad 8256, 8512 and 9512 in
the US with software, hardware, supplies and repairs. Their address is
P.O box 2664, Atascadero, CA 93423, USA
Phone (805) 466-8440
Fax (805) 461-1666
Pinboard, repairs, parts and disc drives. UK.
Pinboardcomputers@btinternet.com
http://www.btinternet.com/~pinboardcomputers
Merline Serve, hardware and systems, books, consumables, repairs,
parts, games, conversion. See their large, downloadable, catalogue.
http://www.midnight.uk.com/merline
Cambrian Computers, 50-52 Paget Street, Grangetown Cardiff
44 2920 384646 still undertakes repairs
Wiedmann Unternehmensberatung und Handel
Haupstrasse 45
D-73553 Alfdorf
Germany
Spares and consumables.
http://www.wiedmann.com
SD Microsystems Ltd, who took over LocoScript Software in 1999, are
dedicated to the profesional support of the Amstrad PCW in general
and all LocoScript products in particular. We offer probably the most
comprehensive range of software and supplies for this market and can
be contacted by phone on 08700 736427, by mail at PO Box 99 Thetford
UK IP24 1NA, by email at sales@locoscript.com or via our web site:
www.locoscript.com
To add a 3" drive to your PC you will need a 3" Disk Kit which
includes both the drive and software to copy files from a 3" disc to
a DOS disc. This is available from Eureka on 01329 239953.
There are also some enthusiasts who continue to support the
machines, including limited spares and repairs :
- Geoffrey Hayes on +44 606 888003, email Geoffrey@Lentil.org.uk
- John King at www.pcwking.freeserve.co.uk for technical information,
spares and some second user software.
- Ron King at www.king27.freeserve.co.uk for technical information
and repairs.
- Anthony Hill at +44 2920 618012 or 07778 044696, email at
anthony.hill@chaos.camelot.co.uk.
- David Williams email Beafeater@lineone.net
Some clubs continue to exist in supporting the PCW, though many
have expanded to include PC's:
- British Amstrad PCW club
- Crawley PCW club
- North Wales Computer club contact www.nwcc.org.uk
HCC Amstrad Gebruikers Groep (Dutch), web site will open in October 2001:
http://www.hccnet.nl/hccworld/groeperingen/groepering.cfm?groep=AMS
Look also for A8.1.4.4
C5) Hardware
C5.1) Printer 08/04/2001
The original PCW printers can't be used on another computer, being
controlled by the PCW itself.
The 9 pin matrix printers, as supplied with the PCW 8256, PCW 8512,
PcW 9256 and PcW 10 are basically the same. They are not fully
compatible, though. Printers for the:
8256 can be used with the 8512 too. Separate data (flat)
cable and power cord;
8512 can be used with the 8256 too. Separate data (flat)
cable and power cord;
9256 only for the 9256. Integrated data and power cable,
IBM/Centronics connector which is NOT Centronics
compatible!!!
10 only for the 10. Connector type of the 8256/8512 but
integrated data and power supply.
All of these printers are basically identical, support 7 bit Epson
FX-80 and use Seikosha SP 800/SP 1000 ribbons (available in both nylon
and carbon).
The matrix printer is one of the first parts that will wear and
eventually break down (after 10 or more years). Spares cannot be
obtained and repair is often an expensive and insufficient option. I
can supply used print heads (at postal expenses) but no guarantee
towards quality or life span. In view of the price of a new computer
plus printer, expanding a PCW with a Centronics printer interface might
be a realistic alternative.
You would need to pay attention to the availability of printer drivers
for LocoScript and CP/M and/or the emulation modes offered by the new
printer. The original PCW printer is Epson FX compatible: partly
(7 bits only). Other common emulations used on PCW's are HP Laserjet
III, Diablo 630 and Canon BJ.
The daisy wheel printer as supplied with the PCW 9512 and PcW 9512+
are compatible with each other only. The part that can break down first
in this printer is the hammer, which is subject to violet action.
Spares can be obtained and replacing it is easy. The standard ribbon
type is Olympia Carrera II.
Some of the 9000 models were supplied with standard non-Amstrad
printers as well, a common model was a Canon but Epsons were supplied
too. Being standard models of printers, they are beyond the scope
of this document.
The PCW 9512, PcW 9512+, PcW 10 and PcW 16 have a standard parallel
Centronics printer interface, the other types can be equipped with
such a port through the expansion port (by means of an add-on interface). Several models were made some of them featuring
additional options like a serial RS 232 port, a real-time clock,
or additional memory (up to 2mb). There is a lot of software for the
PCW's that can make use of external printer: LocoScript (using
softfonts - downloaded from the RAM disc) and MicroDesign (up to 400
dpi graphics) are the top in this respect. But utilities like
landscape printing and screen dumping in text or graphics mode for
CP/M are around too. Again, before considering attaching an external
printer to the PCW, attention should be paid to the best combination(s)
available!
C5.2) Keyboard 08/08/2000
Three different keyboard layouts were produced for most PCW's: the
QWERTY lay-out used for the majority, the QWERTZ for Germans
(Schneider's) and AZERTY for French machines.
Usually reliable sources have told me that the entire series of PCW
keyboards (8256, 8512, 9512, 9256, 9512+ and 10, that is) can be
exchanged. I have not tested them all but found that the Teqniche (an
XT keyboard meant for the 8000 series) does indeed work with a 9000
model, so the statement should be true. In how far all keys will
respond depends on the software version used but I see not much reason
to exchange keyboards, unless you want to use the 9512/9512+/Teqniche
keyboards on the other machines. PCW keyboard do not work on other
computers (or the other way around).
Interesting detail is that the PCW keyboards (already customised to
work as a dedicated word processor) can be altered entirely to match
the user preferences. Besides the standard CP/M SETKEYS.COM there is a
more user friendly SMARTKEYS (a Resident System Extension, RSX) and
LocoScript has the LocoKey program available to do the job.
A negative side effect of the customised keyboard is the confusion
when confronted with standard key-notation of PC (or CPC's for that
matter). Here are some useful keys to remember in CP/M:
PCW: Other computers:
EXIT ESC
ALT CTRL
SHIFT+EXTRA+EXIT CTRL+ALT+DEL
You will find the three keystrokes above useful when reading computer
books or magazines: they confirm to the standards in the computer
industry. ALT+P will for instance function as a toggle to turn print
output (next to screen output) on or off. EXIT will work for certain
strokes: it is the ESCape character that allows control over the
hardware. This is usually from software to e.g. set the printer
to italic. You can input some of these ESCape codes through the
keyboard:
EXIT+E+EXIT+H+ENTER will clear the screen. CP/M 3.0 converts all input
to capital letters unfortunately so all small letter ESC's will not
work: consult a good book on the subject. Some special key stokes on
the PCW:
PTR Printer control status
EXTRA+PTR graphics screen dump of the screen on
the printer
ALT+ENTER CAPS lock (like SHIFT lock, except for
the numeric keys)
ALT+RELAY NUM lock (enables the 'numeric path',
the section were the cursor keys are
located to produce numbers.
Using the standard Amstrad SETKEYS (or the enhanced SMARTKEYS) will
allow you to redefine practically all keys on the board as long as you
know it's number and the number of the character or ESC sequence you
want to produce. Certain keys can take more than one character: the
so-called expansion keys. There is a shorter way to modify the
keyboard: the language. Take a look at the manual for the different
accents that will produce.
The PcW 16 Anne (section D) has a PS/2 compatible keyboard and will
NOT work on a Joyce!
C5.3) Disc drive 08/08/2000
The 3" disc drives of the 8256, 8512 and 9512 can suffer from the some
problems as the Amstrad CPC can. Refer to section A5.1) for tips on
how to solve these. The usual problem with a PCW 3" drive is a worn or
broken drive belt. The typical symptoms are: unable to boot, LED
burning constantly, slipping motor noise and a variety of disc and/or
data errors. When you have only one boot disk but do have more 3" data
disks, try to boot from a data disk. If the PCW does not respond with
three beeps (no system disk in the drive) chances are that the belt is
defective.
C6) Additional hardware 08/08/2000
C6.1) Memory up to 512 kb
All PCW (except the 16) can take a maximum of 512kb on the main board
and all of them do have this amount of RAM, except for the PCW 8256
and PcW 9256, which came with a standard of 256kb. These machines can
easily be upgraded to 512kb using 8 x IC 41256 in the range of 100-150
nanoseconds. This is a standard chip, old fashioned nowadays and
should cost a maximum of NLG 50.
All extra memory goes into the RAM disc M and will not attribute to
the computers internal memory capacity of 64kb. CP/M and LocoScript
use a so-called bank switching system that allows the use of more than
64kb: the remainder of memory will go into drive M. A PCW with 256kb
has 110kb drive M, a 512kb model has 368kb drive M. Increasing M can
be very useful, as e.g. disc copying is done through the RAM disc. A
368 RAM disc will allow you to copy a 720kb disc is 2 passes (4 disc
swaps). Moreover: several programs can work with virtual memory (see
below) and starting (and running data-intensive) programs from disc M
is a lot faster than from floppy disc.
C6.2) Memory beyond 512kb 08/08/2000
Besides the maximum of 512kb on board PCW's can use memory above that:
the same applies as with normal RAM memory above the bank switching
system. It will be assigned to the RAM disc M. Again, this is very
useful: besides DiscKit, programs like LocoScript 3/4 (softfonts),
MicroDesign (high resolution up to 400dpi), The Rocket, Scratchpad
Plus (the latter two spreadsheets), Flipper (multitasking), The
Network (networking) and several others can use disc M as virtual
memory, thus allowing for more features or capacity.
Several interfaces (see C6.3) were put on the market, while Cirtech
also produced an on-board version called the Sprinter. That card
replaced the Z80 processor by a faster processor on 8mHz and expanded
memory up to a maximum of (I believe) 2 megabytes. Besides the
processor you had to remove a memory chip as well in order to plug the
Sprinter card onto the main board of the PCW. It fitted for the 8000
models only, as the sizes of the main boards do vary.
C6.3) Interfaces (various purposes) 08/04/2001
An interface is an add-on that fits on the expansion port on the back
of the PCW and provides additional communication ports or memory (at
least that is how I define it). An interface is therefore always an
add-on, but not the other way around. A break-through connector is a
feature that allows a second add-on to be connected on the break-
through connector (basically a second expansion port). This
'back-packing' of add-ons is commonly known as the Christmas Tree and
can lead to potential dangerous situations regarding the power supply
of the PCW or the risk of losing an add-on. The later is fatal to the
life of any PCW when connected: never (dis-)connect devices while the
PCW is switched ON!!! Many of the add-ons are no longer for sale.
- Amstrad/Schneider (the German model known as CPS - Centronics
Parallel Schnitstelle). Offered a Centronics parallel and RS 232C
serial port but does not feature a through connector and has a
female Centronics connector: with the normal type of printer that
requires a cable with Centronics male/Centronics male connectors,
rather than the stand Centronics male/IBM.
- SCA Professional & Professional Plus. A look-alike from the original
CPS, but the Professional Plus has a battery-backed up clock plus software.
- Cirtech parallel interface. Low-budget printer interface with only a
Centronics port. The right, market-standard, connector though!
- Cirtech SpeedPrint. Print spooler that frees the PCW of print jobs.
- Cirtech FlashDrive: non volatile RAM disc memory (data remains after
switching off the PCW) in two different sizes of 1 Mb and 2Mb, with
and without through connector
- The SCA Rampack is an add-on of additional RAM memory of (I believe)
up to a maximum of 2mb. Break through connector for a second add-on.
- LocoMotive RAMpack, additional memory. Marketed when LocoScript started
featuring downloadle soft fonts (with version 3).
- Phono Set (Vortex) offered an RS232 port and an acoustic modem. Sure
wish a had such a beast, considering the Spanish project for acoustic
comm's.
C6.4) ProScan 08/04/2001
A hand-held scanner, 400dpi, by Creative Technology for use principally
with MicroDesign and some other graphics packages. Uses an add-on box
for the expansion port (through connector available).
"Best in the West".
C6.5) MasterScan 08/08/2000
A scanner that is fitted on the print head of the 9-pin dot matrix and
connects to the expansion port (break through available). Sheets that
are fed through the printer can be scanned and digitised.
Although the format supported was screen size only, the supplied
MasterPaint (a Mac look-alike) is a piece of art in itself.
C6.6) Electric Studio Light Pen 08/08/2000
Light Pen from Electric Studio (PCW variant of the CPC device) for use
with, among others, Fleet Street Editor. Break-through available.
C6.7) Electric Studio Digitiser 08/08/2000
Video digitiser, also from Electric Studio. European PAL system, works
neat, although the monochrome effects of saved snapshots sometimes
need editing. Break-through connector is available.
C6.8) Robotics Hegatron Grafpad II 08/08/2000
Graphics drawing pallet with a substitute keyboard (using the pen).
This package was often used for (electrical) technical drawing.
C6.9) Intergem interface 08/08/2000
A lame duck: an interface that allows you to connect an 80 track disc
drive from a BBC computer to the PCW. Not very useful, considering
the number of BBC owners that would want to offer their drive(s) for
this purpose.
C6.10) Disc drives 08/04/2001
Several manufacturers made (Pace) and still make (Pinboard) disc
drives packages that allow 5.25" or 3.5" disc-drives to be connected
to a PCW. In view of the relatively minor adjustments that are
required for a do-it-yourself operation not very useful, unless you
consider an external power supply (power supply is the PCW's weak
spot). And with the exception of the Pinboard drives that are supplied
in a variety of models. Besides switchable types that allow a 3" 720kb
to be operated next to a 3.5" 720kb (both as drive B) there are also
"double deckers" and versions that allow an 8000 model to boot from
3.5" 720kb discs.
Pinboard is still in business: Pinboardcomputers@btinternet.com
http://www.btinternet.com/~pinboardcomputers/
LocoScript software supplies a 3.5" that fits into the bay of a 3"
drive. sales@locomotive.com.
ACW Soft (Germany) offered a kit to connect a 3" to the PC, Eureka
01329 239953 (UK) still does.
C6.11) Hard disks 08/08/2000
Several hard discs were made too for the PCW series.
- The ACC Computer Services came as a 10mb hard disc, with Tasword
(LocoScript was not supported).
- Vortex (Germany) offered the WD2000 of 20mb.
- WEB made a 20mb hard disc.
- ASD supplied one in 10/20/40mb capacity with some utilities.
- Cirtech offers a variety of hard discs with patched versions of
LocoScript 2.
Others were made for networking purposes and are very rare, considering
the expensive software (back then) which came with these.
C6.12) Margin Maker 08/08/2000
A small, inexpensive add-on for the 9-pins matrix printer that allows
for a shortcoming in the PCW's printer. The PCW printer does have a
ruler but lacks a device that will align paper to the chosen left of
right margins.
C6.13) Mice & other input devices 08/04/2001
Lots were made for the PCW series: the Kempston 2-button and the AMX
3-button mice are the most familiar but Star, Electric Studio and
Gerdes also marketed these. Most DTP packages support these. The AMX
features a through connector.
Cirtech produced the keymouse, which unlike the others worked through
the keyboard socket.
d'k Tronics produced a joystick for the PCW and several adapters
appeared from various producers. Some were supported by PCW software,
others were not. A simple diy scheme was around that allowed a
joystick to be connected to the cursor keys of the keyboard. Also see
the sections on the light pen C6.6) and the graphics tablet C6.8).
The PcW 16 (see section D) has a PS/2 mouse.
C6.14) Teqniche keyboard 08/08/2000
A standard 102 keyboard (IBM AT type) was made for the Amstrad PCW
series. It fits on all PCW's except the PcW 16 (which uses a PS/2
type). A real heavy keyboard featuring separate [F.] function keys,
cursor and numeric keys, adopted for the Amstrad word processing
layout.
C6.15) LocoLink & LocoLink for Windows 08/08/2000
See C3.2)
C6.16) d'k Tronics sound synthesiser. 08/08/2000
A sound synthesiser was produced by d'k Tronics but I do not know of
any details. Some DIY layouts were published in magazines to produce
sound add-ons for PCW's but sound has remained a rarity for the
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