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Vortex Disc Drives

2025-08-10T16:29:27Z

Poliander:

A series of external 3,5" and 5,25" floppy disc drives from [[Vortex_Computersysteme|Vortex]] providing up to 720K capacity (704K available). The Vortex drives were most popular in Germany. For more information regarding [[VDOS]] and the Vortex Disk Format, see the dedicated [[VDOS]] Wiki page.

== S- and D-Drives (720K) ==

These are the first generation of 720K floppy disc drives from Vortex. They came in variants having either a single drive ("S" variant) or two drives ("D" variant). The "S" variant (as well as the less expensive "Z" variant) was delivered with the same double-height casing as the "D" variant, so that a second drive could be retrofitted.

The F1-S, F1-D, M1-S, M1-D drives have their own FDC765 in the controller, and this one supports all DS0 up to DS3. The Vortex interface can manage 4 floppy drives in total.

=== F1-S and F1-D (5,25") ===

The F1-S and F1-D models are based on BASF 6138 (81690-001) type 5,25" disk drives, i.e. double-sided, 80 tracks per side, 96 tpi density.

<gallery>
Image:IMG 3163.JPG|F1-D
Image:Vortex f1d front.jpg|F1-D front view
Image:Vortex f1d back.jpg|F1-D backside
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Vortex fd-1 interface 664.jpg|F1-D interface (CPC 664)
Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine front.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)
Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine back.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)
Image:F1DCONT.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 6128)
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Vortex f1 manual.jpg|F1-S/D manual
Image:Vortex F1 SystemDisk 464.jpg|F1-S/D system disk (CPC 464)
Image:Vortex f1 manual disk.jpg|F1-S/D system disk (CPC 664/6128)
</gallery>

The floppy controller of the F1-D / F1-S was cloned by Hans Hübner of FutureSoft with MX4 connector and without ROM slot. It supports four drives. Under FutureOS they are named E-H.

=== A1-S Upgrade Kit (5,25") ===

Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a single bare drive and an installation manual, allowing to upgrade a F1-S (single) drive to a F1-D (dual) drive. To do this, one simply had to install the additional drive in the free slot of the drive case.

<gallery>
Image:Basf 6138 spare drive.jpg|BASF 6138 spare drive
</gallery>

=== M1-S and M1-D (3,5") ===

The M1-S and M1-D models are based on 3,5" disk drives. Controller and DOS were identical for 5,25" and 3,5" devices.

=== FDA-1 3" Drive Adapter ===

This adapter allows to connect an external FD-1 3" drive on Vortex F1/M1 setups on the CPC 464. Since only two drives can be used at the same time, the external 3" drive first had to be selected manually with the RSX command '''|S'''. This RSX command worked also with VDOS 2.11 on CPC6128.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! RSX !! Description
|-
| |S,1 || Use 3" drive as drive A, upper Vortex drive is disabled
|-
| |S,2 || Use 3" drive as drive B, lower Vortex drive is disabled
|-
| |S,0 || Disable the 3" drive (default)
|}

<gallery>
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter.jpg|FDA-1 Adapter
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides.jpg|Inside the adapter box
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides closeup.jpg|Inside the adapter box (closeup)
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter plug cable.jpg|Plug (cable side)
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter plug floppy.jpg|FD-1 3" floppy drive plug
</gallery>

=== Clone of the F1-D controller ===
A clone of the F1-D controller was created by [[Hans Hübner]] of [[FutureSoft]] in 2024. The card fits on the Mother X4 board and doesn't contain an extra ROM slot. Using [[FutureOS]] this card allows to add four additional floppy disc drives to the CPC, being called E, F, G and H.

=== FDC I/O Ports ===

All types of floppy disk controllers for the F1-S/D and M1-S/D series are based on the NEC 765 chip. The manual states that on "controllers having an integrated ROM module/eprommer" (probably the later 6128 interfaces?), the port addresses can be freely configured using a decoder ROM.

'''CPC 464:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Address !! Description
|-
| 0xFB7E || uPD control
|-
| 0xFB7F || uPD data
|-
| 0xFA7E || motor on/off
|}

'''CPC 664/6128:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Address !! Description
|-
| 0xFBF6 || uPD control
|-
| 0xFBF7 || uPD data
|-
| 0xFA7E || motor on/off
|}

=== Downloads ===

* [[Media:Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464 - Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464]] {{DE}} (Vortex F1 user manual)
* [[Media:Vortex_Vdos_2.0_Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für das Diskettenbetriebssystem VDOS 2.0]] {{DE}} (VDOS 2.0 user manual)
* [[Media:3-Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für den FDA-1 3"-Adapter]] {{DE}} (3" adapter user manual)
* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|Vortex F1-S/D Systemdiskette für CPC 464]] (system disk, 720k image, bootable)
* [[Media:VORTF1.DSK|Vortex F1-S/D Systemdiskette für CPC 664/6128]] (system disk, 720k image)
* [[Media:Vortex10.zip|VDOS 1.0 ROM]] {{DE}}
* [[Media:Vortex20.zip|VDOS 2.0 ROM]] {{DE}}
* [[Media:80307-058 BASF 6138 Mini Disk Apr83.zip|BASF 6138 Datasheet (F1-S/D/Z Floppy Disk Drive)]]

 

== Z-Drives (180K/side) ==

These are less expensive drives and were meant to be directly connected as B drive to a CPC 464 with DDI-1 or a CPC 664/6128. Since these drives ship neither with an own controller nor a [[VDOS]] ROM, they do rely fully on AMSDOS and thus only 40 tracks on one side can be accessed, resulting in the same capacity (180K/side) as the 3" drives.

=== F1-Z (5,25") ===

The F1-Z model is based on a later revision of the BASF 6138 type disk drive (81757-001), which offers more configuration options using jumpers. The drive was shipped in a "double step" configuration to use only 40 tracks, and thus the cheaper and more widely available DS DD floppy disks (48 tpi, 180K/side) could be used.

<gallery>
Image:Basf 6138 81757 001.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) drive
Image:Basf 6138 81757 001 jumpers.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) 40 track jumper configuration
</gallery>

=== A1-Z Upgrade Kit (5,25") ===

Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a controller, a manual, a CP/M license and an utility disk which allows a F1-Z drive to be upgraded to a F1-S drive.

=== M1-Z (3,5") ===

The M1-Z model is equipped with a single 3,5" disk drive.

 

== X-Drives (720K) ==

These are the latest drives from Vortex for use with a CPC 464 with DDI-1 or a CPC 664/6128 (ie. on systems that already have a floppy disc controller); no additional controller was required anymore. Instead, a ROM module was supplied together with the drive, which provided VDOS 2.0-X. Only single-drive variants were available. The |S command (for accessing a third drive) is no longer used, the new |X command allows to swap drive A and B (same as [[X-DDOS]] from Dobbertin).

=== F1-X and F1-XRS (5,25") ===

The F1-X model is based on either a single BASF 6138 (81690-001 or 81757-001) or a single BASF 6139 5,25" disk drive. The BASF 6139 is a revisioned version which is slightly more compact (~1cm shorter), and also a number of electronical and mechanical design flaws that affected durability were corrected. The F1-XRS variant is equipped with an additional RS232-C interface.

<gallery>
File:F1-x front.jpg|F1-X
File:Vortex f1-x cpc464 backside.jpg|F1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)
File:Vortex f1-x cpc664 backside edge.jpg|F1-X backside, showing edge connector (CPC 664)
File:F1-x inside.jpg|F1-X inside view, showing a BASF 6139 drive
File:F1x m1x manual.jpg|F1-X/M1-X manual and system utilities disk
</gallery>

=== M1-X and M1-XRS (3,5") ===

The M1-X model is based on a single NEC FD1035 type 3,5" disk drive. The M1-XRS variant is equipped with an additional RS232-C interface.

<gallery>
File:vortex-m1-x-front.png|M1-X
File:vortex-m1-x-back.png|M1-X backside
File:vortex-m1-x-connector.png|M1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)
File:vortex-m1-x-under.png|M1-X underside
File:vortex-m1-x-inside.png|M1-X inside view, showing the drive and power
File:vortex-m1-x-drive-close.png|M1-X inside view, close-up of the drive from above
File:vortex-m1-x-drive-details.png|M1-X inside view, close-up from the backside
</gallery>

=== X(RS)-Modul ===

The X-drives for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port. In order to provide [[VDOS]], the "X-Modul" (sometimes also called "VDOS module") must be connected additionally to the expansion port. This contains a ROM board that provides a VDOS 2.0-X ROM. The ROM board supplied for the CPC 464 came together with a chunky housing in which both the "X-Modul" and the DDI-1 controller were installed. All variants were also available with an additional RS232-C interface (in this case called either "XRS-Modul" or "X-Modul/RS").

<gallery>
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 1.jpg|XRS-Modul (CPC 464)
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 2.jpg|XRS-Modul with built-in DDI-1 visible (CPC 464)
Image:Xrs 464.jpg|XRS-Modul board beneath the DDI-1 (CPC 464)
Image:Vortex xrs 464 board backside.jpg|XRS-Modul board backside (CPC 464)
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128.jpg|X-Modul (CPC 6128)
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128 Board Front.jpg|X-Modul board (CPC 6128)
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128 Board Backside.jpg|X-Modul board backside (CPC 6128)
</gallery>

=== RS232 I/O Ports ===

The RS232-C interface of the "XRS-Modul" was advertised to be compatible with Amstrad/Pace interfaces, but offers only one channel (so no channel B).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Address !! Description
|-
| 0xFADC || SIO data (R/W)
|-
| 0xFADD || SIO control (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDC || 8253 counter 0 (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDD || 8253 counter 1 (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDE || 8253 counter 2 (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDF || Mode word (W)
|}

=== Downloads ===

* [https://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Vortex%20X-Laufwerke%20Manual.de.rar Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex X-Laufwerke] {{DE}} (manual)
* [[Media:Vortex RS232-C Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex RS232-C Schnittstelle]] {{DE}} (RS232-C user manual)
* [[Media:Manual de las Unidades Vortex.pdf|Manual de las Unidades Vortex]] {{ES}} (manual)
* [[Media:VORTF1X.DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex X-Laufwerke]] (system disk, 720k disk image, original)
* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex X-Laufwerke]] (system disk, 720k disk image, modified to boot CP/M 2.2)
* [[Media:VDOS20X.ROM|VDOS 2.0-X ROM]] {{DE}} (German VDOS 2.0-X ROM for CPC 664/6128)
* [[Media:NEC_FD1035_Floppy.pdf|NEC FD1035 Datasheet (M1-X Floppy Disk Drive)]]

 

== Software Accessories ==

=== DOSCOPY ===

DOSCOPY is a CP/M 2.2 utility which allows to read and write files from IBM and Atari ST formatted 5,25" disks. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner.

<gallery>
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Manual.JPG|DOSCOPY physical manual
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Disk.JPG|DOSCOPY 5,25" disk
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Screenshot.JPG|DOSCOPY screenshot
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:DOSCOPY.DSK|DOSCOPY 1.1]] {{DE}} (Vortex 360k disk image)
* [[Media:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|DOSCOPY 1.1 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual)

=== PARA 3.0 ===

PARA 3.0 is a CP/M 2.2 utility allowing to exchange files between the CPC and other CP/M based systems. It claims to support "reading, writing and formatting of 99% of all CP/M formats" and provides a comprehensive disk format analzer. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner.

<gallery>
Image:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Manual.JPG|PARA 3.0 physical manual
Image:Vortex PARA 3.0 Disk.JPG|PARA 3.0 5,25" disk
Image:Vortex PARA 3.0 Screenshot 1.JPG|PARA 3.0 loading screen
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:PARA30.DSK|PARA 3.0]] {{DE}} (Vortex 720k disk image)
* [[Media:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Benutzerhandbuch.zip|PARA 3.0 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual)

=== PARA 3.0 PLUS ===

PARA 3.0 PLUS (or PARA PLUS) is an enhanced distribution of PARA 3.0 which also integrates DOSCOPY 1.3 into a single software suite.

<gallery>
Image:Para 30 plus intro.jpg|PARA 3.0+ loading screen
Image:Para 30 plus mainmenu.jpg|PARA 3.0+ main menu
Image:Para 30 plus analyzer.jpg|PARA 3.0+ format analyzer
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:PARAPLUS.DSK|PARA 3.0+]] {{DE}} (Vortex 720k disk image, bootable)

=== SPARA ===

SPARA was either the predecessor or a cut-down version of PARA 3.0 and was supplied with the F1-Z drives, only supporting 40 track formats.

=== FileCopy ===
FileCopy 3.0 is a comprehensive tool to copy files with up to 16 different devices (using letters A to P), it supports the Vortex 704 KB format for 80 Track drives.

 

== 3rd Party Software ==

=== dBASE II ===

Markt & Technik released a version of Ashton-Tate dBASE II 2.41 for owners of a Vortex disk drive.

=== FutureOS ===

[[FutureOS]] has support for Vortex drives, it uses the Vortex 704 KB format for 80 Track drives.

=== House of Usher ===

Besides tape and 3 inch floppy disk release, the game [[House of Usher]] has been officially released on 5.25 inch floppy disk for the Schneider CPC with Vortex F1 floppy drive.

<gallery>
House of Usher ads.jpeg
House-of-usher-floppy-cover.png
House-of-usher-floppy-no-cover.png
</gallery>

=== Multiplan ===

Markt & Technik released a version of Microsoft Multiplan 1.06 for owners of a Vortex disk drive.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:MPLAN106.DSK|Microsoft Multiplan 1.06]] {{DE}} (Vortex 720k disk image, bootable CP/M Plus)

=== ParaDOS ===

[[ParaDOS]] supports Vortex X-drives and can be used as a replacement for the VDOS-X ROM. There is also a patched version called VaraDOS, which is configured to use a Vortex X-drive as drive B per default. ParaDOS does not provide a way too boot CP/M from drive B.

=== WordStar 3.0 ===

A version of MicroPro WordStar 3.0 was released by Markt & Technik for owners of a Vortex disk drive.
 

== Media Coverage ==

<gallery>
Image:Vortex Schneider CPC International 1985-09.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1985/09
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-02.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/02
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-04.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/04
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-07.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/07
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-08.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/08
</gallery>

[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:DATA Storage]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

File:MPLAN106.DSK

2025-08-10T16:25:12Z

Poliander: Microsoft Multiplan 1.06 (Vortex 720k image with bootable CP/M Plus)

Microsoft Multiplan 1.06 (Vortex 720k image with bootable CP/M Plus)

Vortex Disc Drives

2025-08-10T16:18:13Z

Poliander:

A series of external 3,5" and 5,25" floppy disc drives from [[Vortex_Computersysteme|Vortex]] providing up to 720K capacity (704K available). The Vortex drives were most popular in Germany. For more information regarding [[VDOS]] and the Vortex Disk Format, see the dedicated [[VDOS]] Wiki page.

== S- and D-Drives (720K) ==

These are the first generation of 720K floppy disc drives from Vortex. They came in variants having either a single drive ("S" variant) or two drives ("D" variant). The "S" variant (as well as the less expensive "Z" variant) was delivered with the same double-height casing as the "D" variant, so that a second drive could be retrofitted.

The F1-S, F1-D, M1-S, M1-D drives have their own FDC765 in the controller, and this one supports all DS0 up to DS3. The Vortex interface can manage 4 floppy drives in total.

=== F1-S and F1-D (5,25") ===

The F1-S and F1-D models are based on BASF 6138 (81690-001) type 5,25" disk drives, i.e. double-sided, 80 tracks per side, 96 tpi density.

<gallery>
Image:IMG 3163.JPG|F1-D
Image:Vortex f1d front.jpg|F1-D front view
Image:Vortex f1d back.jpg|F1-D backside
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Vortex fd-1 interface 664.jpg|F1-D interface (CPC 664)
Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine front.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)
Image:Fd1 interface 664 platine back.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 664)
Image:F1DCONT.jpg|F1-D interface board (CPC 6128)
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Vortex f1 manual.jpg|F1-S/D manual
Image:Vortex F1 SystemDisk 464.jpg|F1-S/D system disk (CPC 464)
Image:Vortex f1 manual disk.jpg|F1-S/D system disk (CPC 664/6128)
</gallery>

The floppy controller of the F1-D / F1-S was cloned by Hans Hübner of FutureSoft with MX4 connector and without ROM slot. It supports four drives. Under FutureOS they are named E-H.

=== A1-S Upgrade Kit (5,25") ===

Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a single bare drive and an installation manual, allowing to upgrade a F1-S (single) drive to a F1-D (dual) drive. To do this, one simply had to install the additional drive in the free slot of the drive case.

<gallery>
Image:Basf 6138 spare drive.jpg|BASF 6138 spare drive
</gallery>

=== M1-S and M1-D (3,5") ===

The M1-S and M1-D models are based on 3,5" disk drives. Controller and DOS were identical for 5,25" and 3,5" devices.

=== FDA-1 3" Drive Adapter ===

This adapter allows to connect an external FD-1 3" drive on Vortex F1/M1 setups on the CPC 464. Since only two drives can be used at the same time, the external 3" drive first had to be selected manually with the RSX command '''|S'''. This RSX command worked also with VDOS 2.11 on CPC6128.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! RSX !! Description
|-
| |S,1 || Use 3" drive as drive A, upper Vortex drive is disabled
|-
| |S,2 || Use 3" drive as drive B, lower Vortex drive is disabled
|-
| |S,0 || Disable the 3" drive (default)
|}

<gallery>
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter.jpg|FDA-1 Adapter
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides.jpg|Inside the adapter box
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter insides closeup.jpg|Inside the adapter box (closeup)
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter plug cable.jpg|Plug (cable side)
Image:Vortex 3rd drive adapter plug floppy.jpg|FD-1 3" floppy drive plug
</gallery>

=== Clone of the F1-D controller ===
A clone of the F1-D controller was created by [[Hans Hübner]] of [[FutureSoft]] in 2024. The card fits on the Mother X4 board and doesn't contain an extra ROM slot. Using [[FutureOS]] this card allows to add four additional floppy disc drives to the CPC, being called E, F, G and H.

=== FDC I/O Ports ===

All types of floppy disk controllers for the F1-S/D and M1-S/D series are based on the NEC 765 chip. The manual states that on "controllers having an integrated ROM module/eprommer" (probably the later 6128 interfaces?), the port addresses can be freely configured using a decoder ROM.

'''CPC 464:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Address !! Description
|-
| 0xFB7E || uPD control
|-
| 0xFB7F || uPD data
|-
| 0xFA7E || motor on/off
|}

'''CPC 664/6128:'''

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Address !! Description
|-
| 0xFBF6 || uPD control
|-
| 0xFBF7 || uPD data
|-
| 0xFA7E || motor on/off
|}

=== Downloads ===

* [[Media:Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464 - Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex Floppy Disk Station F1 für den Schneider CPC 464]] {{DE}} (Vortex F1 user manual)
* [[Media:Vortex_Vdos_2.0_Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für das Diskettenbetriebssystem VDOS 2.0]] {{DE}} (VDOS 2.0 user manual)
* [[Media:3-Zoll-Adapter zur VORTEX-Diskettenstation.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für den FDA-1 3"-Adapter]] {{DE}} (3" adapter user manual)
* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|Vortex F1-S/D Systemdiskette für CPC 464]] (system disk, 720k image, bootable)
* [[Media:VORTF1.DSK|Vortex F1-S/D Systemdiskette für CPC 664/6128]] (system disk, 720k image)
* [[Media:Vortex10.zip|VDOS 1.0 ROM]] {{DE}}
* [[Media:Vortex20.zip|VDOS 2.0 ROM]] {{DE}}
* [[Media:80307-058 BASF 6138 Mini Disk Apr83.zip|BASF 6138 Datasheet (F1-S/D/Z Floppy Disk Drive)]]

 

== Z-Drives (180K/side) ==

These are less expensive drives and were meant to be directly connected as B drive to a CPC 464 with DDI-1 or a CPC 664/6128. Since these drives ship neither with an own controller nor a [[VDOS]] ROM, they do rely fully on AMSDOS and thus only 40 tracks on one side can be accessed, resulting in the same capacity (180K/side) as the 3" drives.

=== F1-Z (5,25") ===

The F1-Z model is based on a later revision of the BASF 6138 type disk drive (81757-001), which offers more configuration options using jumpers. The drive was shipped in a "double step" configuration to use only 40 tracks, and thus the cheaper and more widely available DS DD floppy disks (48 tpi, 180K/side) could be used.

<gallery>
Image:Basf 6138 81757 001.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) drive
Image:Basf 6138 81757 001 jumpers.jpg|BASF AG 6138 (81757-001) 40 track jumper configuration
</gallery>

=== A1-Z Upgrade Kit (5,25") ===

Vortex offered an upgrade kit consisting of a controller, a manual, a CP/M license and an utility disk which allows a F1-Z drive to be upgraded to a F1-S drive.

=== M1-Z (3,5") ===

The M1-Z model is equipped with a single 3,5" disk drive.

 

== X-Drives (720K) ==

These are the latest drives from Vortex for use with a CPC 464 with DDI-1 or a CPC 664/6128 (ie. on systems that already have a floppy disc controller); no additional controller was required anymore. Instead, a ROM module was supplied together with the drive, which provided VDOS 2.0-X. Only single-drive variants were available. The |S command (for accessing a third drive) is no longer used, the new |X command allows to swap drive A and B (same as [[X-DDOS]] from Dobbertin).

=== F1-X and F1-XRS (5,25") ===

The F1-X model is based on either a single BASF 6138 (81690-001 or 81757-001) or a single BASF 6139 5,25" disk drive. The BASF 6139 is a revisioned version which is slightly more compact (~1cm shorter), and also a number of electronical and mechanical design flaws that affected durability were corrected. The F1-XRS variant is equipped with an additional RS232-C interface.

<gallery>
File:F1-x front.jpg|F1-X
File:Vortex f1-x cpc464 backside.jpg|F1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)
File:Vortex f1-x cpc664 backside edge.jpg|F1-X backside, showing edge connector (CPC 664)
File:F1-x inside.jpg|F1-X inside view, showing a BASF 6139 drive
File:F1x m1x manual.jpg|F1-X/M1-X manual and system utilities disk
</gallery>

=== M1-X and M1-XRS (3,5") ===

The M1-X model is based on a single NEC FD1035 type 3,5" disk drive. The M1-XRS variant is equipped with an additional RS232-C interface.

<gallery>
File:vortex-m1-x-front.png|M1-X
File:vortex-m1-x-back.png|M1-X backside
File:vortex-m1-x-connector.png|M1-X backside, showing IDC connector (CPC 464)
File:vortex-m1-x-under.png|M1-X underside
File:vortex-m1-x-inside.png|M1-X inside view, showing the drive and power
File:vortex-m1-x-drive-close.png|M1-X inside view, close-up of the drive from above
File:vortex-m1-x-drive-details.png|M1-X inside view, close-up from the backside
</gallery>

=== X(RS)-Modul ===

The X-drives for the CPC 664/6128 are connected directly to the floppy port. In order to provide [[VDOS]], the "X-Modul" (sometimes also called "VDOS module") must be connected additionally to the expansion port. This contains a ROM board that provides a VDOS 2.0-X ROM. The ROM board supplied for the CPC 464 came together with a chunky housing in which both the "X-Modul" and the DDI-1 controller were installed. All variants were also available with an additional RS232-C interface (in this case called either "XRS-Modul" or "X-Modul/RS").

<gallery>
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 1.jpg|XRS-Modul (CPC 464)
Image:Vortex fd1 464 controller 2.jpg|XRS-Modul with built-in DDI-1 visible (CPC 464)
Image:Xrs 464.jpg|XRS-Modul board beneath the DDI-1 (CPC 464)
Image:Vortex xrs 464 board backside.jpg|XRS-Modul board backside (CPC 464)
</gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128.jpg|X-Modul (CPC 6128)
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128 Board Front.jpg|X-Modul board (CPC 6128)
Image:Vortex X-Modul 6128 Board Backside.jpg|X-Modul board backside (CPC 6128)
</gallery>

=== RS232 I/O Ports ===

The RS232-C interface of the "XRS-Modul" was advertised to be compatible with Amstrad/Pace interfaces, but offers only one channel (so no channel B).

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Address !! Description
|-
| 0xFADC || SIO data (R/W)
|-
| 0xFADD || SIO control (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDC || 8253 counter 0 (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDD || 8253 counter 1 (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDE || 8253 counter 2 (R/W)
|-
| 0xFBDF || Mode word (W)
|}

=== Downloads ===

* [https://www.cpcwiki.eu/manuals/Vortex%20X-Laufwerke%20Manual.de.rar Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex X-Laufwerke] {{DE}} (manual)
* [[Media:Vortex RS232-C Manual.pdf|Benutzerhandbuch für die Vortex RS232-C Schnittstelle]] {{DE}} (RS232-C user manual)
* [[Media:Manual de las Unidades Vortex.pdf|Manual de las Unidades Vortex]] {{ES}} (manual)
* [[Media:VORTF1X.DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex X-Laufwerke]] (system disk, 720k disk image, original)
* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|Systemdiskette für Vortex X-Laufwerke]] (system disk, 720k disk image, modified to boot CP/M 2.2)
* [[Media:VDOS20X.ROM|VDOS 2.0-X ROM]] {{DE}} (German VDOS 2.0-X ROM for CPC 664/6128)
* [[Media:NEC_FD1035_Floppy.pdf|NEC FD1035 Datasheet (M1-X Floppy Disk Drive)]]

 

== Software Accessories ==

=== DOSCOPY ===

DOSCOPY is a CP/M 2.2 utility which allows to read and write files from IBM and Atari ST formatted 5,25" disks. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner.

<gallery>
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Manual.JPG|DOSCOPY physical manual
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Disk.JPG|DOSCOPY 5,25" disk
Image:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Screenshot.JPG|DOSCOPY screenshot
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:DOSCOPY.DSK|DOSCOPY 1.1]] {{DE}} (Vortex 360k disk image)
* [[Media:Vortex_DOSCOPY_Benutzerhandbuch.pdf|DOSCOPY 1.1 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual)

=== PARA 3.0 ===

PARA 3.0 is a CP/M 2.2 utility allowing to exchange files between the CPC and other CP/M based systems. It claims to support "reading, writing and formatting of 99% of all CP/M formats" and provides a comprehensive disk format analzer. It was written in 1987 by Peter Höpfner.

<gallery>
Image:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Manual.JPG|PARA 3.0 physical manual
Image:Vortex PARA 3.0 Disk.JPG|PARA 3.0 5,25" disk
Image:Vortex PARA 3.0 Screenshot 1.JPG|PARA 3.0 loading screen
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:PARA30.DSK|PARA 3.0]] {{DE}} (Vortex 720k disk image)
* [[Media:Vortex_PARA_3.0_Benutzerhandbuch.zip|PARA 3.0 Benutzerhandbuch]] {{DE}} (manual)

=== PARA 3.0 PLUS ===

PARA 3.0 PLUS (or PARA PLUS) is an enhanced distribution of PARA 3.0 which also integrates DOSCOPY 1.3 into a single software suite.

<gallery>
Image:Para 30 plus intro.jpg|PARA 3.0+ loading screen
Image:Para 30 plus mainmenu.jpg|PARA 3.0+ main menu
Image:Para 30 plus analyzer.jpg|PARA 3.0+ format analyzer
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:PARAPLUS.DSK|PARA 3.0+]] {{DE}} (Vortex 720k disk image, bootable)

=== SPARA ===

SPARA was either the predecessor or a cut-down version of PARA 3.0 and was supplied with the F1-Z drives, only supporting 40 track formats.

=== FileCopy ===
FileCopy 3.0 is a comprehensive tool to copy files with up to 16 different devices (using letters A to P), it supports the Vortex 704 KB format for 80 Track drives.

 

== 3rd Party Software ==

=== dBASE II ===

Markt & Technik released a version of Ashton-Tate dBASE II 2.41 for owners of a Vortex disk drive.

=== FutureOS ===

[[FutureOS]] has support for Vortex drives, it uses the Vortex 704 KB format for 80 Track drives.

=== House of Usher ===

Besides tape and 3 inch floppy disk release, the game [[House of Usher]] has been officially released on 5.25 inch floppy disk for the Schneider CPC with Vortex F1 floppy drive.

<gallery>
House of Usher ads.jpeg
House-of-usher-floppy-cover.png
House-of-usher-floppy-no-cover.png
</gallery>

=== Multiplan ===

Markt & Technik released a version of Microsoft Multiplan 1.06 for owners of a Vortex disk drive.

=== ParaDOS ===

[[ParaDOS]] supports Vortex X-drives and can be used as a replacement for the VDOS-X ROM. There is also a patched version called VaraDOS, which is configured to use a Vortex X-drive as drive B per default. ParaDOS does not provide a way too boot CP/M from drive B.

=== WordStar 3.0 ===

A version of MicroPro WordStar 3.0 was released by Markt & Technik for owners of a Vortex disk drive.
 

== Media Coverage ==

<gallery>
Image:Vortex Schneider CPC International 1985-09.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1985/09
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-02.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/02
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-04.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/04
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-07.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/07
Image:Vortex schneider cpc international 1986-08.JPG|Schneider CPC International 1986/08
</gallery>

[[Category:Peripherals]] [[Category:Manual]][[Category:DATA Storage]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T15:34:42Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1 S-/D-Drive system disk for CPC 464, bootable CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 3.0. The X-Drive came with a system disc containing XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format. The system disc itself can be modified to boot CPM 2.2 or 3.0.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1/M1 X-Drive system disk, patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T14:02:36Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1 S-/D-Drive system disk for CPC 464, bootable CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M. The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1/M1 X-Drive system disk, patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T14:00:11Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1 S-/D-Drive system disk for CPC 464, bootable CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1/M1 X-Drive system disk, patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:59:44Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1/M1 S-/D-Drive system disk, can boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1/M1 X-Drive system disk, patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:59:05Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1/M1 S-/D-Drive system disk, bootable CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1/M1 X-Drive system disk, already patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:58:38Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1 S-/D-Drive system disk, bootable CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1 X-Drive system disk, already patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:58:13Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1464.DSK|F1 S-/D-Drive system disk, bootable CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|F1 X-Drive system disk, patched to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:55:42Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|X-Drive system disk, modified to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:55:32Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|X-Drive system disc, modified to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex format)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:55:22Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|X-Drive system disc, modified to boot CP/M 2.2]] (720k Vortex disc image)

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:55:05Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

==== Downloads ====

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|X-Drive system disc, modified to boot CP/M 2.2]]

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:54:45Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

* [[Media:VTXF1XB.DSK|X-Drive system disc, modified to boot CP/M 2.2]]

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:48:05Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:47:44Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0 adding support for the 80-track Vortex disc format.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:45:55Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch which adds support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive to CP/M 2.2. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:45:29Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch for CP/M 2.2, enabling support for the Vortex WD20 hard disc drive. There was no patch released for CP/M 3.0.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:43:21Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Floppy Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M 2.2 which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive. There was no support for CP/M 3.0 for the WD20.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex Computersysteme

2025-07-27T13:41:25Z

Poliander:

[[Image:Vortex-logo.jpg|thumb|Vortex Logo]]

'''Vortex Computersysteme''' from Neckarsulm, Germany, was a hardware and software manufacturer for the Amstrad CPC.

It was founded in 1984 by Mr. Michel and his brother, Mr. Majer and Mrs. Armbruster.

Vortex now is called ICP (Intelligent Computer Peripherals) an is an Adaptec Company, specialized in RAID-Controllers.

== Hardware ==

* [[Vortex Disc Drives]]
* [[Vortex Expansion RAM card]]
* [[Vortex Winchester Drive (WD20)]] (Hard Disc Drive)

== Software ==

* [[Graphic Master]] - a graphics program
* [[Para Plus]] - a disk utility for CP/M
* [[Vector]] - a maths program to print functions or to find a function which follows given points

== ROMs (Operating Systems) ==

* [[BOS]]
* [[VDOS]]
* [[Vortex CP/M]]

== Adverts ==

<gallery>
File:Vortex Advert (CPCI 9-1986 page 76-77).jpg|Two-page advert from 1986
</gallery>

[[Category:Peripherals]][[Category:CPC related companies]][[Category:German companies]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex Computersysteme

2025-07-27T13:40:16Z

Poliander:

[[Image:Vortex-logo.jpg|thumb|Vortex Logo]]

'''Vortex Computersysteme''' from Neckarsulm, Germany, was a hardware and software manufacturer for the Amstrad CPC.

It was founded in 1984 by Mr. Michel and his brother, Mr. Majer and Mrs. Armbruster.

Vortex now is called ICP (Intelligent Computer Peripherals) an is an Adaptec Company, specialized in RAID-Controllers.

== Hardware ==

* [[Vortex Disc Drives]]
* [[Vortex Expansion RAM card]]
* [[Vortex Winchester Drive (WD20)]] (Hard Disc Drive)

== Software ==

* [[Para Plus]]
* [[Vector]] A maths program to print functions or to find a function which follows given points. Released 1986.

== ROMs (Operating Systems) ==

* [[BOS]]
* [[VDOS]]
* [[Vortex CP/M]]

== Adverts ==

<gallery>
File:Vortex Advert (CPCI 9-1986 page 76-77).jpg|Two-page advert from 1986
</gallery>

[[Category:Peripherals]][[Category:CPC related companies]][[Category:German companies]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex

2025-07-27T13:39:57Z

Poliander:

Do you mean...

* [[Vortex Computersysteme]] (a German Hardware-Manufacturer)

* [[Vortex Format]] (standard format for 3.5" and 5.25" floppies)

* [[Vortex Software]] (Software company)

[[Category:CPC related companies]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:30:41Z

Poliander: /* F1/M1 X-Drive */

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

<gallery>
Cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M 2.2 which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive. There was no support for CP/M 3.0 for the WD20.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

File:Cpm22-xdrive.jpg

2025-07-27T13:30:19Z

Poliander: CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied, booting on a CPC 6128 using an Vortex F1 X-Drive

CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied, booting on a CPC 6128 using an Vortex F1 X-Drive

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:29:28Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

<gallery>
cpm22-xdrive.jpg|CP/M 2.2 with Vortex patch applied
</gallery>

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M 2.2 which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive. There was no support for CP/M 3.0 for the WD20.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:23:09Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M 2.2 which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive. There was no support for CP/M 3.0 for the WD20.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:22:34Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 or 3.0, so that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:21:16Z

Poliander:

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

=== F1/M1 S- and D-Drive ===

Initially, Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

=== F1/M1 X-Drive ===

The X-Drive came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, or CP/M+ respectively, to that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

== Winchester Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:19:42Z

Poliander:

Initially, Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

The X-Drive series came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, or CP/M+ respectively, to that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

== Vortex Winchester Drive Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:19:06Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 3.0.

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

The X-Drive series came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, or CP/M+ respectively, to that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

== Vortex Winchester Drive Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:18:39Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their S- and D-Drives. Following a legal dispute with Digital Research, Vortex switched to supplying only patches for CP/M.

== Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a system disc with a file called PATCH.COM on it, which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2 so that CP/M could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex Disc Drives ==

The X-Drive series came with a system disc containing files called XPATCH.COM and XPATCH30.COM which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, or CP/M+ respectively, to that Vortex disc drives can be used in CP/M.

== Vortex Winchester Drive Hard Disk Drive (WD20) ==

There is a patch and/or a patched version of CP/M which enables using Vortex WD20 hard disc drive.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T13:11:03Z

Poliander:

At first, Vortex provided a [[Vortex Disc Drives#Downloads|patched version of CP/M 2.2]] together with their F1/M1 S- and D-Drives. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex switched to only provide patches for CP/M 2.2 (XPATCH.COM) and CP/M 3.0 (XPATCH30.COM) to enable using their [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:58:26Z

Poliander:

At first, Vortex provided a [[Vortex Disc Drives#Downloads|patched version of CP/M 2.2]] together with their F1/M1 S- and D-Drives. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex switched to only provide patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Programming:Detecting a NEC765 disc controller

2025-07-27T12:56:21Z

Poliander:

From the '''The Unofficial Amstrad WWW Resource'''

<pre>
;; This example shows how it is possible to detect a Amstrad
;; or Vortex floppy disc controller.
;;
;; Both controllers use a NEC765 compatible floppy disc controller,
;; and the same control method to read/write to the discs
;; using the controller (polling).
;;
;; But the NEC765 controller is accessed through different
;; I/O port addressess for each controller.
;;
;; This example attempts to send a "invalid" command to the NEC765
;; FDC. If the correct responses are detected, then it is assumed
;; that the controller is present and connected.

org &4000
nolist

.txt_output equ &bb5a
.ams_fdc_io equ &fb7e ;; I/O address for main status register of NEC765 in Amstrad controller
.vtx_fdc_io equ &fbf6 ;; I/O address for main status register of NEC765 in Vortex controller.

;;---------------------------------------------------
;;
;; do detection and report result

.do_detect
ld hl,amstrad_di
call output_text

;;------------------------------------
;; detect amstrad floppy disc interface

ld bc,ams_fdc_io
call detect_fdc
ld hl,detected
jr nc,dd1
ld hl,not_detected
.dd1
call output_text

call crlf

;;------------------------------------
;; detect vortex floppy disc interface

ld hl,vortex_di
call output_text

ld bc,vtx_fdc_io
call detect_fdc
ld hl,detected
jr nc,dd2
ld hl,not_detected
.dd2
call output_text

call crlf
ret

;;-----------------------------------------------------
;; messages

.amstrad_di
defb "Amstrad disc interface",0
.vortex_di
defb "Vortex disc interface",0

.detected
defb " detected",0
.not_detected
defb " not detected",0

;;-----------------------------------------------------
;; new line

.crlf
ld a,13
call txt_output
ld a,10
call txt_output
ret

;;-----------------------------------------------------
;; output a null terminated string

.output_text
ld a,(hl) ;; get character
inc hl ;; update character pointer
or a ;; termination char (0)?
ret z
call txt_output ;; output character to screen
jr output_text ;; loop for next character

;;-----------------------------------------------------------------
;; Entry conditions:
;; BC = I/O address for FDC main status register
;;
;; Exit conditions:
;; carry flag set -> not detected
;; carry flag clear -> detected
;;
;; assumes:
;; - I/O port for read data = I/O port for write data
;; - I/O port for read data = I/O port for write data = I/O port for main status register + 1
;; - FDC is not executing a command at this time
;;
;; Attempts to execute a invalid command.

.detect_fdc
;; initialise timeout
ld e,0

.df1
;; read main status register
in a,(c)
;; isolate flags we are interested in
and %11110000
;; test for the following flags:
;; - Data register of FDC is ready for data transfer
;; - Data transfer direction is from CPU->FDC
;; - Not in Execution Mode
;; - FDC not busy
cp %10000000
jr z,df2

;; decrease timeout
dec e
jr nz,df1
;; failed
scf
ret

.df2
;; ok... FDC is ready to accept a command

;;----------------------------------------
;; write the "invalid" command

inc c
;; BC = I/O address of FDC data register

;; code for invalid command
xor a
;; write to FDC data register
out (c),a
dec c
;; BC = I/O address of FDC main status register

;;--------------------------
;; wait for fdc to become busy
ld e,0
.df3
;; read main status register
in a,(c)
and %00010000
jr nz,df4

dec e
jr nz,df3
;; failed
scf
ret

.df4
;; saw fdc become busy

;;--------------------------------
;; wait for execution phase

ld e,0
.df5
in a,(c)
and %11110000
;; test for the following flags:
;; - Data register of FDC is ready for data transfer
;; - Data transfer direction is from CPU->FDC
;; - Not in Execution Mode
;; - FDC busy
cp %11010000
jr z,df6
dec e
jr nz,df5

;; failed
scf
ret

.df6
;; ok saw start of result phase
inc c
;; BC = I/O address of FDC data register

;; read result phase data
in a,(c)

dec c

cp &80
jr nz,df7

;; ok successful
or a
ret

.df7
;; failed
scf
ret
</pre>

[[Category:Programming]]

Programming:Detecting a NEC765 disc controller

2025-07-27T12:56:03Z

Poliander: Poliander moved page Programming:Detecting an Amstrad or Vortex disc controller to Programming:Detecting a NEC765 disc controller

Programming:Detecting an Amstrad or Vortex disc controller

2025-07-27T12:56:03Z

Poliander: Poliander moved page Programming:Detecting an Amstrad or Vortex disc controller to Programming:Detecting a NEC765 disc controller

#REDIRECT [[Programming:Detecting a NEC765 disc controller]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:49:01Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided [[Vortex Disc Drives#Downloads|a patched version of CP/M 2.2]] together with their F1/M1 S- and D-Drives. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex switched to only provide patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:48:10Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided [[Vortex Disc Drives#Downloads|a patched version of CP/M 2.2]] together with their [[Vortex Disc Drives|F1/M1 disc drives]]. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex switched to only provide patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:44:47Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their [[Vortex Disc Drives|F1/M1 disc drives]]. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex switched to only provide patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:44:15Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their F1/M1 drives. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex switched to only provide patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:43:21Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided a patched version of CP/M 2.2 together with their F1/M1 drives. After a legal dispute with [[Digital Research]], Vortex only provided patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:40:21Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their [[Vortex Expansion RAM card|memory expansions]] and [[Vortex Disc Drives|floppy disc drives]]. Vortex also provided an already patched version of CP/M together with the X-Drives.

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:39:16Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their memory expansions and floppy disc drives. Vortex also provided an already patched version of CP/M together with the X-Drives.

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to enable Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:38:58Z

Poliander:

Vortex provided patches for CP/M 2.2 to enable using their memory expansions and floppy disc drives. Vortex also provided an already patched version of CP/M together with the X-Drives.

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to use Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex CP/M

2025-07-27T12:36:19Z

Poliander:

Vortex implemented their own version of CP/M for the CPC and also provided patches for Amstrad's CP/M to use their memory expansion.

There were also third party implementations which supported the Vortex RAM Expansion such as [[RCPM]].

== Patch for CP/M 2.2 to use Vortex RAM Expansion ==

Vortex provided a disc with a PATCH.COM on it which patched Amstrad's CP/M 2.2, which came with the CPC664, so that CPM could use their RAM expansion to get 63KB TPA.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Floppy ==

To boot CP/M you need:
* a CPC464
* VDOS 1.0 on ROM and a Vortex disc interface.
* a 80 track double sided drive A.
* a Vortex 512KB RAM Expansion.

There are other versions of VDOS and other ways to boot their CPM on CPC6128 etc.

== Vortex's implementation of CP/M on Vortex's Winchester WD20 hard disk ==

Vortex's CP/M for their hard disk is CPM2.2 only.

[[Category:Operating System]][[Category:CP/M]][[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex Format

2025-07-27T12:35:11Z

Poliander:

The Vortex Format is a standard floppy disc format for 3.5" and 5.25" floppy discs with 80 tracks and two heads. Especially in Germany it is the standard format for external drives. In other countries other formats may have a higher priority.

== Characteristics of the Vortex format ==

* 80 tracks
* 2 sides
* 512 byte sector size
* sector numbers 1-9
* 9 sectors (512 byte) per track, so 18 sectors per cylinder
* 2 reserved tracks (equals 1 reserved cylinder)
* 704 KB free per disc

Further it is possible to boot CP/M 2.2 and Plus form this format, when using [[VDOS]] or [[XD-DOS]].

== Operating systems supporting the Vortex format ==

*[[CP/M 2.2]] (Dobbertin or Vortex patch)
*[[CP/M 3.0|CP/M Plus]] (Dobbertin patch)
*[[DDOS]] and [[XD-DOS]] (Dobbertin)
*[[FutureOS]] (FutureSoft)
*[[ParaDOS]] and [[VaraDOS]] (Executioner)
*[[VDOS]] (Vortex)

[[Category:Definitions]]
[[Category:Disc Operating System]]
[[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex Format

2025-07-27T12:34:24Z

Poliander:

The Vortex Format is a standard floppy disc format for 3.5" and 5.25" floppy discs with 80 tracks and two heads. Especially in Germany it is the standard format for external drives. In other countries other formats may have a higher priority.

== Characteristics of the Vortex Format: ==

* 80 tracks
* 2 sides
* 512 byte sector size
* sector numbers 1-9
* 9 sectors (512 byte) per track, so 18 sectors per cylinder
* 2 reserved tracks (equals 1 reserved cylinder)
* 704 KB free per disc

Further it is possible to boot CP/M 2.2 and Plus form this format, when using [[VDOS]] or [[XD-DOS]].

== DOS / OS supporting the Vortex Format: ==

*[[CP/M 2.2]] (Dobbertin or Vortex patch)
*[[CP/M 3.0|CP/M Plus]] (Dobbertin patch)
*[[DDOS]] and [[XD-DOS]] (Dobbertin)
*[[FutureOS]] (FutureSoft)
*[[ParaDOS]] and [[VaraDOS]] (Executioner)
*[[VDOS]] (Vortex)

[[Category:Disc Operating System]]
[[Category:Vortex Computersysteme]]

Vortex Para Plus

2025-07-27T12:33:27Z

Poliander: Poliander moved page Vortex Para Plus to Para Plus

#REDIRECT [[Para Plus]]

Para Plus

2025-07-27T12:33:26Z

Poliander: Poliander moved page Vortex Para Plus to Para Plus