CPCWiki - THE Amstrad CPC encyclopedia! - User contributions [en]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2026-03-11T21:24:28Z

Prodatron: /* events */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]] of [[FutureSoft]]
#[[TFM]] of [[FutureSoft]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#Angelina of [[FutureSoft]]
#EdoZ
#Henne
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#Deyta aka Merlin
#Dr.Irata
#[[Brainblaster]]
#for(;;) (Nils)
#[[Mr.Ams]]

== Events ==
* [[SymbOS]] 4.1 multilingual preview
* [[SymbOS]] Isetta TTL port presentation
* [[SymbOSVM]] 2.0 with HostFS finalization
* [[SymbOS]] NGZ port beta preview by [[Dr.Zed]]
* [[SymCommander]] 2.0 preview with recursive subdirectory handling for copy/move/delete and hex file viewer
* [[FutureOS]] 2025

[[Category:CPC events]]

Amstrad MP1/MP2 modulator

2026-02-11T00:33:22Z

Prodatron:

A TV-modulator and power supply by [[Amstrad]] for the [[CPC_old_generation|classic CPC-computers]]

As the Amstrad CPCs always came together with a monitor, normally there was no need for a TV modulator inside the CPC as seen on other home computers (Sinclair Spectrum, Commodore C64/C128 and so on).
As the power supply was included inside the monitor, there wasn't an external power supply either.

If you bought an Amstrad CPC together with one of the [[Amstrad GT64/GT65 Green Monitor]]s however, you might have wanted the ability to play games on the colour TV-set later, so Amstrad also made the MP-1/MP-2 devices.
They provided the power needed by the CPCs, so that you didn't have to carry the monitor around just to have power, and a TV-modulator which modulated the monitor signal in a way that it could be seen on a regular TV-set.

Having an MP-1/MP-2 today is more or less just a gimmick, as a self-made [[TV SCART cable]] gives better picture quality (SCART connectors weren't common back in the 80s) and the power can be taken from a modern much smaller switching power supply. To get a slightly better picture, it's also possible to mod the [[LCD And Plasma TV Solution|MP1/2 to output Composite video]].

The difference between the MP-1 and MP-2 models is just the additional 12V power supply for the CPC664/CPC6128's disk drive in the later model.

== Technical Specs. ==

* Supply In: ~220V/50Hz, 12W
* Supply Out: +5V (both MP1 and MP2), +12V (MP2 only)
* Video In: RGB, Sync (6 pin DIN)
* Video Out: UHF 36 (591,25 MHz) (2 pin)

Note: There has been also french versions with Scart RGB output, of the MP1 (no 12V) and MP2 (with 12V), see [[MP2F]]. As well as a spanish version, the [[Amstrad MPV 001 modulator|MPV 001]] (with '''unknown''' output).

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="Amstrad MP1">
Image:Amstrad mp-1.jpg|
</gallery>

<gallery caption="Amstrad MP1 (French version with SCART connector)">
Image:Amstrad_MP1_French_SCART.jpg|
Image:Amstrad_MP1_French_SCART_connectors.jpg|
Image:Amstrad_MP1_French_SCART_inside.jpg|
Image:Amstrad_MP1_French_SCART_inside_rgb_passthrough.jpg|
</gallery>

<gallery caption="Amstrad MP2">
Image:mp2 1.JPG|
Image:mp2 2.JPG|
Image:mp2 3.JPG|
Image:mp2 4.JPG|
Image:Amstrad mp-2.jpg|
</gallery>

<gallery caption="Schneider MP2">
Image:Schneider_mp_2_top.png|
Image:Schneider_mp_2_inside.png|
</gallery>

<gallery caption="Amstrad MP-2F">
Image:MP-2F.jpg|
</gallery>

== Weblinks ==

== Manual ==

The procedure of setting up the CPC with the MP-1/MP-2 modulators is described in the CPC's [[User Manual|user manual]].

[[Category:Peripherals]][[Category:CPC Internal Components]][[Category:Amstrad Products]][[Category:Graphic]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2026-01-31T13:53:19Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#Deyta aka Merlin
#Dr.Irata
#[[Brainblaster]]
#for(;;) (Nils)
#[[Mr.Ams]]

[[Category:CPC events]]

List of file formats

2026-01-10T10:44:25Z

Prodatron:

== CPC file extensions ==

This list is a collection of file-extensions used on the Amstrad/Schneider CPC and CPC Plus computer range. It's not a collection of file-extensions used by PC systems for CPC related stuff.

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| $$$
| Temporary Amsdos file
| [[Amsdos|amsdos]]
|-
| 128
| Soundtrakker 128KB music file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| 64K
| [[FutureOS]] Main-memory program
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| ACE
| Packed Windows archive
| [[ACE]]
|-
| ARC
| CP/M, Xexor ARC File format
| [[CP/M]], [[Format:Xexor ARC file format|Xexor ARC Format]]
|-
| ASC
| ASCII text
|
|-
| ASM
| Assembler source code
| ASM.COM
|-
| [[AYC]]
| Derivate or converted YM music file
| AYCplayers
|-
| BAK
| Backup file
| most CPC-DOS
|-
| BAS
| Basic program
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| BIN
| binary file
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| CCP
| Key definition for CP/M Plus
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| COM
| Executable CP/M or [[SymbOS]]-SymShell program
| [[CP/M]], [[SymShell]]
|-
| CS8
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 8 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CS9
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 9 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CUT
| AMX Pagemaker Clipart
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| DD*
| Device driver for GSX (CP/M Plus)
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| DEU
| German text
|
|-
| ENG
| English text
|
|-
| Fld
| Map file of a game
| [[GSED]]
|-
| FNT
| Font of AMX Pagemaker
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| FRA
| French text
|
|-
| GEs
| Set of Graphic-elements
| [[GSED]]
|-
| H
| C header
| Small C i.e.
|-
| HED
| Header/Icon definition for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HGB
| [[FutureOS]] Wallpaper / Background Picture
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| CP/M and others
|-
| INF
| AMX Pagemaker site
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| INS
| Soundtrakker Instrument file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| MAC
| Makroassembler source code
| MAC.COM
|-
| MAX
| Maxam Source Code
| [[Maxam]]
|-
| MDL
| Digitracker Module
| [[Digitracker]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File or Crown Protracker Module
| [[SymAmp]], Crown [[Protracker]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[FuturePlayer]], [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[MTX]]
| Keyboard MaTriX Layout file for apps like [[FutureTex]]
| [[FutureTex]], [[FutureOS]]
|-
|-
| OBJ
| Object Code
| CP/M
|-
| OVL
| Overlay parts of WordStar o.e.
| CP/M
|-
| PA1
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 1)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA2
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 2)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA3
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 3)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA4
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 4)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|PAL]]
| OCP Art Studio Palette
| [[The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| PAS
| (Turbo-)Pascal source code
| [[Turbo Pascal]]
|-
| PRV
| AMX Pagemaker site (Preview)
| AMX Pagemaker
|-
| PRL
| page relocatable file
| see also GSX
|-
| RAR
| Packed Windows Archive
|
|-
| ROM
| Rom-File (16K)
| [[ROManager]], diff. (Pseudo-)/(EP)ROM Manager
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|SCR]]
| OCP Art Studio Screen
| [[FutureOS]], [[The OCP Art Studio]], [[SymSee]]
|-
| SID
| chiptune from C64
| Geco's SID player
|-
| Skr
| Set of Scripts
| GSEd
|-
| SKS
| STarKos Module
| [[STarKos]]
|-
| SMC
| Executable C Program for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SND
| Soundtrakker 64KB Music
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| Spr
| Set of Sprites
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SUB
| Submit/Batch file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| SYS
| GSX file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| TXT
| ASCII text
|
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|WIN]]
| OCP Art Studio Clip
| [[The OCP Art Studio|The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| WP
| Key definition for WordStar
| [[WordStar]]
|-
| X16
| [[FutureOS]] Expansion RAM program / Multitasking Application
| [[FutureOS]]
|}

== PC / Emulator related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| [[Format:CDT tape image file format|CDT]]
| Tape image file format
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:CPR CPC Plus cartridge file format|CPR]]
| CPC Plus cartridge file format
| [[Arnold]],[[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:DSC disk image file format|DSC]]
| Disc image
| DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]],DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[ACE (Emulator)|ACE]], [[Arnold]], [[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:TAP tape image file format|TAP]]
| Emulator tape image
| [[Roland javascript emulator|Roland]]
|-
| YM
| YM Music file
| YM-Player and others
|}

== [[SymbOS]] related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| BAT
| Batch-File
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| SymShell application
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| CP/M application
| CPvM (CP/M virtual machine for SymbOS SymShell)
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[DiskDeDumper]], [[DiskDumper]]
|-
| EXE
| SymbOS executable
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| FNT
| Font file
| Control Panel, [[Font Editor]]
|-
| GOL
| Cell field
| [[Conways' Game of Life]]
|-
| GZ
| (compressed) GZip file
| [[UnZip]]
|-
| [https://github.com/Prodatron/symbos-wiki/wiki/Format-HLP-(Help) HLP]
| Help file
| Help document browser
|-
| MAN
| SymShell help file
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| PT3
| Spectrum Protracker 3 Music
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SA2
| Surprise! Adlib Tracker 2 OPL2 module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SAV
| SymbOS screen saver
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX]]
| graphic
| [[SymSee]]
|-
| SDS
| System sound scheme
| [[Sound Daemon]]
|-
| SPL
| Music playlist
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [https://github.com/Prodatron/symbos-wiki/wiki/Format-SPM-(SoundD-PSG-music) SPM], [https://github.com/Prodatron/symbos-wiki/wiki/Format-SPX-(SoundD-PSG-effects) SPX]
| PSG music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| SKM
| compilated [[STarKos]] Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[SymSnap]]
|-
| ST2
| Compilated [[Soundtrakker]] 128 Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [https://github.com/Prodatron/symbos-wiki/wiki/Format-SWM-(SoundD-Wave-music) SWM], [https://github.com/Prodatron/symbos-wiki/wiki/Format-SWX-(SoundD-Wave-effects) SWX]
| wave music/effect collection (OPL4)
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID]]
| video
| [[SymPlay]]
|-
| YSB
| Puzzle collection
| [[Sokoban]] for SymbOS
|-
| Z3, Z4, Z5, Z8
| Z-Code game file
| [[Zym]] Z-Machine interpreter
|-
| ZIP
| (compressed) ZIP file
| [[UnZip]]
|}

[[Category:Definitions]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2026-01-01T10:58:57Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#Deyta aka Merlin
#Dr.Irata
#[[Brainblaster]]

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-30T12:22:10Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#Deyta aka Merlin
#Dr.Irata

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-30T10:02:41Z

Prodatron:

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#Deyta aka Merlin

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-30T09:57:25Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne
#JAC! (Peter Dell)

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-30T09:56:52Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne
#Peter "Jac" Dell

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-29T11:39:09Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#EdoZ
#Henne

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-29T11:23:21Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 19. (Thursday) to 22.3.2026 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "Zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 50 flatrate including beverages)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#[[Insane]]
#[[Beetle]]
#Krill/Plush
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#Henne

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 19

2025-12-29T11:06:48Z

Prodatron: Created page with "The Mittwintermeeting goes straight to the 19th edition in Kirchen / Germany. Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different ho..."

Albireo

2025-03-28T07:18:27Z

Prodatron: list of supported mouses added

== General ==

=== Intro ===

Albireo is an expansion for the Amstrad CPC computers (all models). Its main goal is to provide reliable, fast, cheap and large storage, which it achieves by using a MicroSD card. But the board has a lot of features packed in:
* USB host port, allowing to connect USB mass storage, mouse, and other USB peripherals
* USB device port, allowing to link the CPC to a modern computer with maximal link speed (faster than the z80 can handle, and with on-board buffer and hardware flow control).

The interface is based on the WCH CH376 chip and allows access to USB mass storage and other USB devices on CPC.

The CH376 chip implements FAT32 in hardware, which means no filesystem driver is needed on the CPC side. It also implements the lower level aspects of USB, making it relatively easy to write drivers for other USB devices (mouse, joystick, ...).

=== What's in it? ===
* SD and SDHC card mass storage support with fast (6 MHz) SPI link with the SD card. Hardware FAT32 support for easy file access. Raw sector access also possible for homegrown file-systems and other advanced applications.
* USB host support with built in mass storage driver, also with FAT32 and direct sector access.
* Generic USB host with direct control of USB endpoints, for connecting other kinds of USB devices.
* High-speed (1.5 Mbaud) serial link with built-in USB interface for linking with other computers for fast data exchange. Includes flow control, 16 byte FIFO on CPC side, and 512 byte FIFO on remote side, allowing fast buffered and interrupt-driven operation.
* Software configurable interrupt routing to either [[NMI]] or INT, or interrupt masking. Multiplexing of several interrupt sources: USB host controller, UART, remotely triggered, and CRTC CURSOR signal interrupts are gathered and easily accessible from a single interrupt status register.

=== Board revisions ===

The hardware went through multiple iterations before reaching final state. Each version identifies itself on the USB link and the version should be visible in Windows device manager or lsusb on Linux.

==== Initial prototypes ====

The first prototype was an hand-wired one. There were some changes to I/O ports used since then, so it is not usable anymore.

==== Version 0.9 ====

The first 5 boards were manufactured with an early PCB design, which required some wire-patches to get things working. With the wire-patches, this version behaves the same as 1.0.

==== Version 1.0 ====

About 20 boards were shipped with version 1.0. Unfortunately, as people started to write software using it it turned out that the serial port chip has compatibility problems with the z80 timings. As a result, this version of the board can use the serial port only with the FIFO disabled, which makes it impossible to reach high baudrates. The board is still perfectly usable if you are interested only in the microSD and USB host port.

==== Version 1.1 ====

This version of the board replaces the serial chip with a slightly different one. The board still reads "v1.0" as it is the same PCB, only the chip used has changed.

You can identify your board from the info it sends on the USB device port, or by checking the serial chip (square chip on the back of the board).
Version 1.0 uses a TI TL16C550D chip. Version 1.1 uses a NXP SC16C650B chip.

==== Version 2.0 ====

Like the previous version, it provides one USB host port and one µSD slot with built-in support for mass storage and FAT filesystem. However, please note '''serial port has been removed'''. It is fully compatible (same port address). Of course, nothing is mapped on serial port addresses.

[[File:Albireo 2.0 top.jpg]]

[[File:Albireo 2.0 bottom.jpg]]

=== How does it work? ===
* There are two main devices: the CH376 handles the USB host and SD card side of things, and is accessed at FE80 (data) and FE81 (command/status). The communication side is handled by a SC16C650B, mapped at FEB0-FEB7. This is similar to the chip used on most PC hardware and some Amiga expansions like the SilverSurfer.
* There is an FT230X chip to convert the UART to USB for connecting with a modern PC (standard serial ports are not that common anymore, and they wouldn't be fast enough anyway). The FT230X also generates 12MHz and 48MHz clocks for the two other chips.
* The 16C650 "modem control" lines are connected to various things (CH376 interrupt, FT230X general IO pin for remote control) and turns them into interrupts.

=== What is it useful for? ===
* Use both USB mass storage devices and/or USB mice in [[SymbOS]] with one or two Albireos, which can be connected at the same time
* Access mass storage devices with [[UniDOS]]; use the USB key or SD card directly from BASIC and well-behaving apps (which support extra disk ROMs and a C drive); load games and tools from the mass storage media

Planned:
* Connect to another computer like the CPC Booster, load snapshot, DSK or other files from it and write them to floppies or the mass storage media. A snapshot of 128K could be loaded in 0.86 seconds, a snapshot of 64K in less than 0.43 seconds.
* Use SLIP (serial line IP) and a properly setup gateway (Linux machine or similar) to connect the CPC to the Internet.

== Hardware ==

=== I/O ports ===

The decoding is clean, this means there aren't any mirror ports or undecoded address bits. Just the addresses listed below are used.

The addresses are in the I/O range, which means you access them with the OUT and IN instructions. They are not memory mapped, and to match with the CPC address decoding, the address is decoded on 16 bytes. This makes using OTIR and similar looped instructions tricky, but is required for compatibility with the CPC.

==== CH376 registers ====

* FE80: "DATA" port (read/write)
* FE81: "COMMAND" (write) and "STATUS" (read) port

==== SC16C650B registers ====

Some of the registers are sharing the same address. A register bit (DLAB) is used to switch between the two groups.
<tt>
{|
|-
! Address !! DLAB !! Description
|-
| FEB0 || 0 || RBR/THR: RX buffer (read), TX buffer (write)
|-
| FEB1 || 0|| IER: Interrupt enable
|-
| FEB0 || 1|| DLL: Divisor latch LSB
|-
| FEB1 || 1|| DLM: Divisor latch MSB
|-
| FEB2 || || IIR/FCR: Interrupt status (read), FIFO control (write)
|-
| FEB3 || || LCR: Line control
|-
| FEB4 || || MCR: Modem control
|-
| FEB5 || || LSR: Line status
|-
| FEB6 || || MSR: Modem status
|-
| FEB7 || || SCR: Scratch register
|}</tt>

=== DIP switches ===
The board holds 4 DIP switches for configuration. From top to bottom:

==== S1 - CH376 interrupt enable ====

* When this switch is ON, the usb controller is allowed to generate interrupts to signal the CPC when it is done performing an operation.
* When this switch is OFF, the usb controller is not allowed to generate interrupts. The CPC must then poll the CH376 STATUS register to know wether the operation is finished.

==== S2 - CH376 reset enable====

* When this switch is ON, the CH376 will be reset at the same time as the CPC (hardware reset only).
* When this switch is OFF, the CH376 will not be reset, and the CPC must initialize it using the reset command (software reset). In this case, the CH376 internal buffer may be used to store reset resident data (but I don't know if this is of any practical use, yet).

==== S3 - Remote reset enable ====

* When this switch is ON, the DTR signal from the remote side of the serial link is connected to the CPC reset. This means that the remote side computer can trigger the CPC reset by toggling that line.
* When the switch is OFF, such reset is not allowed and the CPC is safe.

==== S4 - Remote interrupt enable ====

* When this switch is ON, the DTR signal from the remote side of the serial link is plugged to the DSR line of the UART controller. It then generates an interrupt which the CPC can process.

== Software ==
=== Software supporting the Albireo ===
* [[UniDOS]] ([[AMSDOS]] compatible and modular DOS; see [https://unidos.cpcscene.net UniDOS official website])
* [[SymbOS]] (both USB mass storage devices and USB mouse; supports two Albireos connected at the same time)
* [[Arkos_Tracker]] 2 (use the CPC AY chip through the USB serial port)
* [[FutureOS]] (USB mouse support)
* [[HDCPM]] (Support booting and running CP/M Plus from SD card)
* [[AlbiDOS]] **'''deprecated''', replaced by [[UniDOS]]** ([[AMSDOS]] compatible DOS driver; see [https://framagit.org/shinra/albireo/albireodos/-/wikis/home AlbiDOS documentation])

=== Upcoming software ===
* Serial communication to communicate with a PC

== List of compatible mouses ==
=== Whitelist ===
The following USB mice work seamlessly with the Albireo in [[SymbOS]].
* Logitech M100 (still available; 03/2025)
* Logitech M105
* Genius DX-150X (GM-150028)

=== Blacklist ===
This list contains mice that only have a maximum of three buttons and a scroll wheel, but still don't work with the standard Albireo drivers. More complex gaming mice, etc., are not listed, as they would require a more complex driver anyway.
* Hewlett Packard HP 100

== Links ==
*[https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/albireo-usbsdserial-interface-for-cpc/ Albireo] [https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/albireo-usbsd-interface-for-cpc-new-version-without-serial/ Albireo 2.0] Topics on CPCWiki forum
*[https://pulkomandy.github.io/shinra.github.io/albireo.html Albireo - Programmer's manual]
*[[Media:Ch376ds1.pdf|CH376 datasheet]] USB flash drive or SD card controller
*[https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/SC16C650B.pdf SC16C650B datasheet] UART

[[Category:DATA Storage]]
[[Category:Peripherals]]

List of file formats

2025-03-28T06:55:29Z

Prodatron: /* SymbOS related file formats */

== CPC file extensions ==

This list is a collection of file-extensions used on the Amstrad/Schneider CPC and CPC Plus computer range. It's not a collection of file-extensions used by PC systems for CPC related stuff.

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| $$$
| Temporary Amsdos file
| [[Amsdos|amsdos]]
|-
| 128
| Soundtrakker 128KB music file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| 64K
| [[FutureOS]] Main-memory program
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| ACE
| Packed Windows archive
| [[ACE]]
|-
| ARC
| CP/M, Xexor ARC File format
| [[CP/M]], [[Format:Xexor ARC file format|Xexor ARC Format]]
|-
| ASC
| ASCII text
|
|-
| ASM
| Assembler source code
| ASM.COM
|-
| [[AYC]]
| Derivate or converted YM music file
| AYCplayers
|-
| BAK
| Backup file
| most CPC-DOS
|-
| BAS
| Basic program
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| BIN
| binary file
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| CCP
| Key definition for CP/M Plus
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| COM
| Executable CP/M or [[SymbOS]]-SymShell program
| [[CP/M]], [[SymShell]]
|-
| CS8
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 8 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CS9
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 9 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CUT
| AMX Pagemaker Clipart
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| DD*
| Device driver for GSX (CP/M Plus)
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| DEU
| German text
|
|-
| ENG
| English text
|
|-
| Fld
| Map file of a game
| [[GSED]]
|-
| FNT
| Font of AMX Pagemaker
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| FRA
| French text
|
|-
| GEs
| Set of Graphic-elements
| [[GSED]]
|-
| H
| C header
| Small C i.e.
|-
| HED
| Header/Icon definition for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HGB
| [[FutureOS]] Wallpaper / Background Picture
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| CP/M and others
|-
| INF
| AMX Pagemaker site
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| INS
| Soundtrakker Instrument file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| MAC
| Makroassembler source code
| MAC.COM
|-
| MAX
| Maxam Source Code
| [[Maxam]]
|-
| MDL
| Digitracker Module
| [[Digitracker]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File or Crown Protracker Module
| [[SymAmp]], Crown [[Protracker]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[FuturePlayer]], [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[MTX]]
| Keyboard MaTriX Layout file for apps like [[FutureTex]]
| [[FutureTex]], [[FutureOS]]
|-
|-
| OBJ
| Object Code
| CP/M
|-
| OVL
| Overlay parts of WordStar o.e.
| CP/M
|-
| PA1
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 1)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA2
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 2)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA3
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 3)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA4
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 4)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|PAL]]
| OCP Art Studio Palette
| [[The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| PAS
| (Turbo-)Pascal source code
| [[Turbo Pascal]]
|-
| PRV
| AMX Pagemaker site (Preview)
| AMX Pagemaker
|-
| PRL
| page relocatable file
| see also GSX
|-
| RAR
| Packed Windows Archive
|
|-
| ROM
| Rom-File (16K)
| [[ROManager]], diff. (Pseudo-)/(EP)ROM Manager
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|SCR]]
| OCP Art Studio Screen
| [[FutureOS]], [[The OCP Art Studio]], [[SymSee]]
|-
| SID
| chiptune from C64
| Geco's SID player
|-
| Skr
| Set of Scripts
| GSEd
|-
| SKS
| STarKos Module
| [[STarKos]]
|-
| SMC
| Executable C Program for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SND
| Soundtrakker 64KB Music
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| Spr
| Set of Sprites
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SUB
| Submit/Batch file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| SYS
| GSX file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| TXT
| ASCII text
|
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|WIN]]
| OCP Art Studio Clip
| [[The OCP Art Studio|The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| WP
| Key definition for WordStar
| [[WordStar]]
|-
| X16
| [[FutureOS]] Expansion RAM program / Multitasking Application
| [[FutureOS]]
|}

== PC / Emulator related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| [[Format:CDT tape image file format|CDT]]
| Tape image file format
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:CPR CPC Plus cartridge file format|CPR]]
| CPC Plus cartridge file format
| [[Arnold]],[[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:DSC disk image file format|DSC]]
| Disc image
| DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]],DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[ACE (Emulator)|ACE]], [[Arnold]], [[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:TAP tape image file format|TAP]]
| Emulator tape image
| [[Roland javascript emulator|Roland]]
|-
| YM
| YM Music file
| YM-Player and others
|}

== [[SymbOS]] related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| BAT
| Batch-File
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| SymShell application
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| CP/M application
| CPvM (CP/M virtual machine for SymbOS SymShell)
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[DiskDeDumper]], [[DiskDumper]]
|-
| EXE
| SymbOS executable
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| FNT
| Font file
| Control Panel, [[Font Editor]]
|-
| GOL
| Cell field
| [[Conways' Game of Life]]
|-
| GZ
| (compressed) GZip file
| [[UnZip]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| Help document browser
|-
| MAN
| SymShell help file
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| PT3
| Spectrum Protracker 3 Music
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SA2
| Surprise! Adlib Tracker 2 OPL2 module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SAV
| SymbOS screen saver
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX]]
| graphic
| [[SymSee]]
|-
| SDS
| System sound scheme
| [[Sound Daemon]]
|-
| SPL
| Music playlist
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SPM, SPX
| PSG music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| SKM
| compilated [[STarKos]] Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[SymSnap]]
|-
| ST2
| Compilated [[Soundtrakker]] 128 Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SWM, SWX
| wave music/effect collection (OPL4)
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID]]
| video
| [[SymPlay]]
|-
| YSB
| Puzzle collection
| [[Sokoban]] for SymbOS
|-
| Z3, Z4, Z5, Z8
| Z-Code game file
| [[Zym]] Z-Machine interpreter
|-
| ZIP
| (compressed) ZIP file
| [[UnZip]]
|}

[[Category:Definitions]]

Programming:Integer Multiplication

2025-03-06T12:13:06Z

Prodatron: /* Fast 8bit * 8bit Unsigned with only 512 bytes of tables */ added improved version by calc84maniac

== Classic 8bit * 8bit Unsigned ==

'''Input:''' H = ''Multiplier'', E = ''Multiplicand'', L = 0, D = 0

'''Output:''' HL = ''Product''

'''CPC Cycles:''' 188-244 (216 on average) = 47-61 (54) usec

'''Size:''' 33 bytes

The additional clocks and bytes maybe required to set up D and L and for RET.
<pre>
sla h ; optimised 1st iteration
jr nc,$+3
ld l,e

add hl,hl ; unroll 7 times
jr nc,$+3 ; ...
add hl,de ; ...
</pre>

== Classic 16bit * 8bit Unsigned ==

'''Input:''' A = ''Multiplier'', DE = ''Multiplicand'', HL = 0, C = 0

'''Output:''' A:HL = ''Product''

'''CPC Cycles:''' 212-300 (256 on average) = 53-75 (64) usec

'''Size:''' 47 bytes

<pre>
add a,a ; optimised 1st iteration
jr nc,$+4
ld h,d
ld l,e

add hl,hl ; unroll 7 times
rla ; ...
jr nc,$+4 ; ...
add hl,de ; ...
adc a,c ; ...
</pre>

== Fast 8bit * 8bit Unsigned (using log / antilog tables) ==

The original routine was written by Jeff Frohwein for the Nintendo Gameboy. You can find it on [http://www.devrs.com/gb/files/logmult.txt Devrs.com].

Because of the usage of log / antilog tables this routine is less accurate, but very fast. It takes advantage of the fact that if you take the log of two numbers, add the results and then take the antilog of the total you have done the equivalent of multiplying the two numbers:

<pre>
x^a * x^b = x^(a+b)

a * b = x^(logx(a) + logx(b))
</pre>

'''Input:''' B = ''Multiplier'', C = ''Multiplicant''

'''Output:''' DE = ''Product''

'''CPC Cycles:''' 124 = 31 usec

'''Size:''' 1024 bytes (768 bytes for the tables)

'''Warning:''' It is VERY approximate routine, e.g., 0*7=7, 1*28=27, 10*81=790, 100*100=9742, ...
<pre>

FastMult:
ld l,c
ld h,&82
ld d,(hl) ; d = 32 * log_2(c)

ld l,b
ld a,(hl) ; a = 32 * log_2(b)

add a,d
ld l,a
ld a,0
adc a,0
ld h,a ; hl = d + a

add hl,hl
set 2,h ; hl = hl + $0400
set 7,h ; hl = hl + &8000

ld e,(hl)
inc hl
ld d,(hl) ; de = 2^((hl)/32)

ret

; 32*Log_2(x) Table
;
; FOR A=0 TO 255
; C=4
; B=2
; FOR Z=1 TO 10
; IF (2^C) > A THEN C=C-B ELSE C=C+B
; B=B/2
; NEXT Z
; PRINT INT(C*32);",";
; NEXT A
ORG &8200

logtable:
db 0 , 0 , 32 , 50 , 64 , 74 , 82 , 89 , 96 , 101 , 106 , 110 , 114 , 118 , 121
db 125 , 128 , 130 , 133 , 135 , 138 , 140 , 142 , 144 , 146 , 148 , 150 , 152
db 153 , 155 , 157 , 158 , 160 , 161 , 162 , 164 , 165 , 166 , 167 , 169 , 170
db 171 , 172 , 173 , 174 , 175 , 176 , 177 , 178 , 179 , 180 , 181 , 182 , 183
db 184 , 185 , 185 , 186 , 187 , 188 , 189 , 189 , 190 , 191 , 192 , 192 , 193
db 194 , 194 , 195 , 196 , 196 , 197 , 198 , 198 , 199 , 199 , 200 , 201 , 201
db 202 , 202 , 203 , 204 , 204 , 205 , 205 , 206 , 206 , 207 , 207 , 208 , 208
db 209 , 209 , 210 , 210 , 211 , 211 , 212 , 212 , 213 , 213 , 213 , 214 , 214
db 215 , 215 , 216 , 216 , 217 , 217 , 217 , 218 , 218 , 219 , 219 , 219 , 220
db 220 , 221 , 221 , 221 , 222 , 222 , 222 , 223 , 223 , 224 , 224 , 224 , 225
db 225 , 225 , 226 , 226 , 226 , 227 , 227 , 227 , 228 , 228 , 228 , 229 , 229
db 229 , 230 , 230 , 230 , 231 , 231 , 231 , 231 , 232 , 232 , 232 , 233 , 233
db 233 , 234 , 234 , 234 , 234 , 235 , 235 , 235 , 236 , 236 , 236 , 236 , 237
db 237 , 237 , 237 , 238 , 238 , 238 , 238 , 239 , 239 , 239 , 239 , 240 , 240
db 240 , 241 , 241 , 241 , 241 , 241 , 242 , 242 , 242 , 242 , 243 , 243 , 243
db 243 , 244 , 244 , 244 , 244 , 245 , 245 , 245 , 245 , 245 , 246 , 246 , 246
db 246 , 247 , 247 , 247 , 247 , 247 , 248 , 248 , 248 , 248 , 249 , 249 , 249
db 249 , 249 , 250 , 250 , 250 , 250 , 250 , 251 , 251 , 251 , 251 , 251 , 252
db 252 , 252 , 252 , 252 , 253 , 253 , 253 , 253 , 253 , 253 , 254 , 254 , 254
db 254 , 254 , 255 , 255 , 255 , 255 , 255

; AntiLog 2^(x/32) Table
;
; FOR A=0 to 510
; PRINT INT(2^(A/32)+.5);",";
; NEXT A
ORG &8400

antilog:
dw 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 1 , 2
dw 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2 , 2
dw 2 , 2 , 2 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 3 , 4 , 4
dw 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 4 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 5 , 6
dw 6 , 6 , 6 , 6 , 6 , 6 , 6 , 7 , 7 , 7 , 7 , 7 , 7 , 7 , 8 , 8 , 8 , 8 , 8 , 9
dw 9 , 9 , 9 , 9 , 10 , 10 , 10 , 10 , 10 , 11 , 11 , 11 , 11 , 12 , 12 , 12 , 12
dw 13 , 13 , 13 , 13 , 14 , 14 , 14 , 15 , 15 , 15 , 16 , 16 , 16 , 17 , 17 , 17
dw 18 , 18 , 19 , 19 , 19 , 20 , 20 , 21 , 21 , 22 , 22 , 23 , 23 , 24 , 24 , 25
dw 25 , 26 , 26 , 27 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 33 , 34 , 35
dw 36 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49
dw 50 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 63 , 64 , 65 , 67 , 68 , 70
dw 71 , 73 , 74 , 76 , 78 , 79 , 81 , 83 , 85 , 87 , 89 , 91 , 92 , 95 , 97 , 99
dw 101 , 103 , 105 , 108 , 110 , 112 , 115 , 117 , 120 , 123 , 125 , 128 , 131
dw 134 , 137 , 140 , 143 , 146 , 149 , 152 , 156 , 159 , 162 , 166 , 170 , 173
dw 177 , 181 , 185 , 189 , 193 , 197 , 202 , 206 , 211 , 215 , 220 , 225 , 230
dw 235 , 240 , 245 , 251 , 256 , 262 , 267 , 273 , 279 , 285 , 292 , 298 , 304
dw 311 , 318 , 325 , 332 , 339 , 347 , 354 , 362 , 370 , 378 , 386 , 395 , 403
dw 412 , 421 , 431 , 440 , 450 , 459 , 470 , 480 , 490 , 501 , 512 , 523 , 535
dw 546 , 558 , 571 , 583 , 596 , 609 , 622 , 636 , 650 , 664 , 679 , 693 , 709
dw 724 , 740 , 756 , 773 , 790 , 807 , 825 , 843 , 861 , 880 , 899 , 919 , 939
dw 960 , 981 , 1002 , 1024 , 1046 , 1069 , 1093 , 1117 , 1141 , 1166 , 1192
dw 1218 , 1244 , 1272 , 1300 , 1328 , 1357 , 1387 , 1417 , 1448 , 1480 , 1512
dw 1545 , 1579 , 1614 , 1649 , 1685 , 1722 , 1760 , 1798 , 1838 , 1878 , 1919
dw 1961 , 2004 , 2048 , 2093 , 2139 , 2186 , 2233 , 2282 , 2332 , 2383 , 2435
dw 2489 , 2543 , 2599 , 2656 , 2714 , 2774 , 2834 , 2896 , 2960 , 3025 , 3091
dw 3158 , 3228 , 3298 , 3371 , 3444 , 3520 , 3597 , 3676 , 3756 , 3838 , 3922
dw 4008 , 4096 , 4186 , 4277 , 4371 , 4467 , 4565 , 4664 , 4767 , 4871 , 4978
dw 5087 , 5198 , 5312 , 5428 , 5547 , 5668 , 5793 , 5919 , 6049 , 6182 , 6317
dw 6455 , 6597 , 6741 , 6889 , 7039 , 7194 , 7351 , 7512 , 7677 , 7845 , 8016
dw 8192 , 8371 , 8555 , 8742 , 8933 , 9129 , 9329 , 9533 , 9742 , 9955 , 10173
dw 10396 , 10624 , 10856 , 11094 , 11337 , 11585 , 11839 , 12098 , 12363 , 12634
dw 12910 , 13193 , 13482 , 13777 , 14079 , 14387 , 14702 , 15024 , 15353 , 15689
dw 16033 , 16384 , 16743 , 17109 , 17484 , 17867 , 18258 , 18658 , 19066 , 19484
dw 19911 , 20347 , 20792 , 21247 , 21713 , 22188 , 22674 , 23170 , 23678 , 24196
dw 24726 , 25268 , 25821 , 26386 , 26964 , 27554 , 28158 , 28774 , 29404 , 30048
dw 30706 , 31379 , 32066 , 32768 , 33485 , 34219 , 34968 , 35734 , 36516 , 37316
dw 38133 , 38968 , 39821 , 40693 , 41584 , 42495 , 43425 , 44376 , 45348 , 46341
dw 47356 , 48393 , 49452 , 50535 , 51642 , 52772 , 53928 , 55109 , 56316 , 57549
dw 58809 , 60097 , 61413 , 62757
</pre>

== Fastest, accurate 8bit * 8bit Unsigned with 16 KB tables ==

'''Input:''' L = Multiplier, C = Multiplicand

'''Output:''' DE = Product

'''CPC Cycles:''' 80 = 20 usec

'''Size:''' 14 bytes of code + 16 KB tables

I'm currently working on a new routine, based on a routine by Kirk Meyer [http://www.ticalc.org/pub/86/asm/source/routines/vfmult.asm] which uses nibble multiplication tables.

I have a working, tested version which uses 16K of tables and can perform multiplication in 20μs.

The code to produce the tables is below:

<pre>
.maketabs
ld hl,hltab1
.makelp1
ld a,l
rla
and #1e
add restab / 256
ld (hl),a
inc l
jr nz,makelp1
inc h
.makelp2
ld a,l
rra:rra:rra
and #1e
jr z,usez
add restab2 - restab / 256 - 2
.usez
add restab / 256
ld (hl),a
inc l
jr nz,makelp2
inc h ; restab
.makelp3
ld a,(hl)
inc h
ld d,(hl)
inc h
add l
ld (hl),a
inc h
ld a,0
adc d
ld (hl),a
dec h:dec h:dec h
inc l
jr nz,makelp3
inc h
inc h
ld a,h
cp restab2 / 256 - 2
jr nz,makelp3
ld b,h
ld c,l
inc b
inc b
ld h,restab / 256 + 2
.makelp4
ld e,(hl)
inc h
ld d,(hl)
dec h
ex de,hl
add hl,hl:add hl,hl:add hl,hl:add hl,hl
ex de,hl
ld a,e
ld (bc),a
inc b
ld a,d
ld (bc),a
dec b
inc l
inc c
jr nz,makelp4
inc h
inc h
inc b
inc b
ld a,h
cp restab2 / 256
jr nz,makelp4
ret

ds -$ and #ff
.hltab1
ds 256
.hltab2
ds 256
.restab
ds 512 * 16
.restab2
ds 512 * 15
</pre>

The code to perform the multiplication (DE = L * C):

<pre>
ld h,hltab1 / 256 ; 2
ld b,(hl) ; 4
inc h ; 5
ld h,(hl) ; 7
ld l,c ; 8
ld a,(bc) ; 10
add (hl) ; 12
ld e,a ; 13
inc b ; 14
inc h ; 15
ld a,(bc) ; 17
adc (hl) ; 19
ld d,a ; 20
</pre>

== Fast, accurate 8bit * 8bit Unsigned with 8 KB tables ==

'''Input:''' L = Multiplier, C = Multiplicand

'''Output:''' DE = Product

'''CPC Cycles:''' 100 = 25 usec

'''Size:''' 19 bytes of code + 8 KB tables

16K is a lot of memory to use for tables, but I'm working on a way to reduce this to 8K while maintaining similar performance (around 26μs). The idea is rather than using tables for the low and high nibbles, use tables for alternate bits. So there would be 16 tables for the values #00, #01, #04, #05, #10, #11, #14, #15, #40, #41, #44, #45, #50, #51, #54, #55. The values can be shifted by 1 (rather than 4) to give values for the alternate bits using a simple ADD HL,HL.

This routine should be easy to adapt to a 16bit * 8bit unsigned multiplication or even a 16bit * 16bit, using simple additions.

[[User:Executioner|Executioner]] 03:58, 8 May 2007 (CEST)

Ok, here is the new 8K routine, first the routine to build the tables:

<pre>
.maketabs
ld hl,hltab1
.makelp5
ld a,l
ld bc,0
rla:rl b:rla:rl c
rla:rl b:rla:rl c
rla:rl b:rla:rl c
rla:rl b:rla:rl c
ld a,b
add a
add restab / 256
ld (hl),a
inc h
ld a,c
add a
add restab / 256
ld (hl),a
dec h
inc l
jr nz,makelp5
ld h,restab / 256 + 2
.makelp6
ld (hl),l
inc l
jr nz,makelp6
inc h:inc h
ld b,2
.makelp8
push bc
xor a
rr b:rra:rrca
rr b:rra:rrca
rr b:rra:rrca
rr b:rra:rrca
.makelp7
push hl
push af
call mulLbyA
ex de,hl
pop af
pop hl
ld (hl),e
inc h
ld (hl),d
dec h
inc l
jr nz,makelp7
inc h:inc h
pop bc
inc b
bit 4,b
jr z,makelp8
ret

.mulLbyA ; MAX times ; MIN times
ld e,l ; 1 ; 1
ld d,0 ; 3 ; 3
add a ; 4 ; 4
ld h,a ; 5 ; 5
jr c,ncad0 ; 8 ; 8
ld l,d
.ncad0
add hl,hl ; 11 ; 11
jr nc,ncad1 ; 13 ; 14
add hl,de ; 16
.ncad1
add hl,hl ; 19 ; 17
jr nc,ncad2 ; 21 ; 20
add hl,de ; 24
.ncad2
add hl,hl ; 27 ; 23
jr nc,ncad3 ; 29 ; 26
add hl,de ; 32
.ncad3
add hl,hl ; 35 ; 29
jr nc,ncad4 ; 37 ; 32
add hl,de ; 40
.ncad4
add hl,hl ; 43 ; 35
jr nc,ncad5 ; 45 ; 38
add hl,de ; 48
.ncad5
add hl,hl ; 51 ; 41
jr nc,ncad6 ; 53 ; 44
add hl,de ; 56
.ncad6
add hl,hl ; 59 ; 47
ld a,h ; 60 ; 48
ret nc ; 61 ; 50?
add hl,de ; 64
ld a,h ; 65
ret

ds -$ and #ff

.hltab1
ds 256
.hltab2
ds 256
.restab
ds 512 * 16
</pre>

And the routine to do the multiplication:

<pre>
.umultCL ; Using 8 bit only (25us - DE = L * C)
ld h,hltab2 / 256 ; 2
ld b,(hl) ; 4
dec h ; 5
ld h,(hl) ; 7
ld l,c ; 8
ld a,(hl) ; 10
add a ; 11
inc h ; 12
ld d,(hl) ; 14
rl d ; 16
ld h,b ; 17
add (hl) ; 19
ld e,a ; 20
inc h ; 21
ld a,(hl) ; 23
adc d ; 24
ld d,a ; 25
ret
</pre>

== Very fast 8bit * 8bit Unsigned with only 1K of tables ==

'''Input:''' A = ''Multiplier'', L = ''Multiplicand''

'''Output:''' DE = ''Product''

'''CPC Cycles''': 104-112 (108 on average) = 26-28 (27) usec

'''Size''': 24 bytes of code and 1024 bytes for the tables

Here's a new routine I've developed which uses the formula ab = ((a + b)2 - (a - b)2) / 4. It's based on a routine for the 6502 by Stephen Judd in a C= Hacking article. Because of differences between the way the 6502 does register indexing it was quite difficult to actually get this working, but it's a great compromise between speed and space since it only uses 1K of tables (as opposed to the 16K or 8K table routines above), and can still manage to do the job in a maximum of 28 microseconds.

 Firstly, once again, we need some code to generate the tables. These tables contain values for

 x2/4 for 9 bit values of x, with the LSB when bit 8 is zero first followed by the MSB.
<pre>.gen_sq4
xor a
ld de,umul_tab + #1ff
ld (de),a
dec d
ld (de),a
ld h,d
ld l,e
inc e
ld c,e
ld b,2

.sq4_lp
ld a,b
cp 2
ld a,e
rra
add (hl)
ld (de),a
inc h
inc d
ld a,(hl)
adc c
ld (de),a
dec d
ld h,d
inc l
inc e
jr nz,sq4_lp
inc d
inc d
djnz sq4_lp
ret

align #100
.umul_tab ds #400

</pre>
Now for the actual multiply routine:

<pre>
ld h,umul_tab_lo / #100 ; 2
ld b,h ; 3
add l ; 4
ld c,a ; 5
jr nc,@noovf ; 7
inc b ; 8
inc b ; 9
.@noovf
sub l ; 10
sub l ; 11
jr nc,@noneg ; 13
neg ; 15
.@noneg
ld l,a ; 16
ld a,(bc) ; 18
sub (hl) ; 20
ld e,a ; 21
inc b ; 22
inc h ; 23
ld a,(bc) ; 25
sbc (hl) ; 27
ld d,a ; 28

</pre>
This code could easily be converted to a macro as it's only 24 bytes. I've tried to optimize it further but with no luck!

[[User:Executioner|Executioner]] 06:25, 4 April 2008 (CEST)

== Fast 8bit * 8bit Unsigned with only 512 bytes of tables ==

'''Input''': A = Multiplier, B = Multiplicant

'''Output''': A:E = Product

'''CPC Cycles''': 136-172 (154 on average) = 34-43 (38.5) usec

'''Size''': 44 bytes of code and 512 bytes for the tables

Fast 8 bit unsigned multiplication with 16 bit result. It uses formula
 x*y = ((x+y)/2)2 - ((x-y)/2)2, if x+y is even
 = ((x+y-1)/2)2 - ((x-y-1)/2)2 + y, if x+y is odd and x>=y

<pre> cp b
jr nc,l1

ld e,a
ld a,b
ld b,e

l1 ld c,a
sub b
rra
ld d,a
ld a,c
add a,b
rra
ld l,a
ld h,high(sqrlo)
ld a,(hl)
ld e,l
ld l,d
jr nc,l2

sub (hl) ;odd
ld l,e
ld e,a
inc h ;loads high(sqrhi)
ld a,(hl)
ld l,d
sbc a,(hl)
ld d,a

ld a,e
add a,b
ld e,a
ld a,d
adc a,0
ret

l2 sub (hl) ;even
ld l,e
ld e,a
inc h
ld a,(hl)
ld l,d
sbc a,(hl)
ret

sqrlo ;low(x*x) should be at the page border
db 0,1,4,9,$10,$19,$24,$31,$40,$51,$64,$79,$90,$a9,$c4,$e1
db 0,$21,$44,$69,$90,$b9,$e4,$11,$40,$71,$a4,$d9,$10,$49,$84,$c1
db 0,$41,$84,$c9,$10,$59,$a4,$f1,$40,$91,$e4,$39,$90,$e9,$44,$a1
db 0,$61,$c4,$29,$90,$f9,$64,$d1,$40,$b1,$24,$99,$10,$89,4,$81
db 0,$81,4,$89,$10,$99,$24,$b1,$40,$d1,$64,$f9,$90,$29,$c4,$61
db 0,$a1,$44,$e9,$90,$39,$e4,$91,$40,$f1,$a4,$59,$10,$c9,$84,$41
db 0,$c1,$84,$49,$10,$d9,$a4,$71,$40,$11,$e4,$b9,$90,$69,$44,$21
db 0,$e1,$c4,$a9,$90,$79,$64,$51,$40,$31,$24,$19,$10,9,4,$1
db 0,1,4,9,$10,$19,$24,$31,$40,$51,$64,$79,$90,$a9,$c4,$e1
db 0,$21,$44,$69,$90,$b9,$e4,$11,$40,$71,$a4,$d9,$10,$49,$84,$c1
db 0,$41,$84,$c9,$10,$59,$a4,$f1,$40,$91,$e4,$39,$90,$e9,$44,$a1
db 0,$61,$c4,$29,$90,$f9,$64,$d1,$40,$b1,$24,$99,$10,$89,4,$81
db 0,$81,4,$89,$10,$99,$24,$b1,$40,$d1,$64,$f9,$90,$29,$c4,$61
db 0,$a1,$44,$e9,$90,$39,$e4,$91,$40,$f1,$a4,$59,$10,$c9,$84,$41
db 0,$c1,$84,$49,$10,$d9,$a4,$71,$40,$11,$e4,$b9,$90,$69,$44,$21
db 0,$e1,$c4,$a9,$90,$79,$64,$51,$40,$31,$24,$19,$10,9,4,$1
sqrhi ;high(x*x)
db 0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0
db 1,1,1,1,1,1,1,2,2,2,2,2,3,3,3,3
db 4,4,4,4,5,5,5,5,6,6,6,7,7,7,8,8
db 9,9,9,$a,$a,$a,$b,$b,$c,$c,$d,$d,$e,$e,$f,$f
db $10,$10,$11,$11,$12,$12,$13,$13,$14,$14,$15,$15,$16,$17,$17,$18
db $19,$19,$1a,$1a,$1b,$1c,$1c,$1d,$1e,$1e,$1f,$20,$21,$21,$22,$23
db $24,$24,$25,$26,$27,$27,$28,$29,$2a,$2b,$2b,$2c,$2d,$2e,$2f,$30
db $31,$31,$32,$33,$34,$35,$36,$37,$38,$39,$3a,$3b,$3c,$3d,$3e,$3f
db $40,$41,$42,$43,$44,$45,$46,$47,$48,$49,$4a,$4b,$4c,$4d,$4e,$4f
db $51,$52,$53,$54,$55,$56,$57,$59,$5a,$5b,$5c,$5d,$5f,$60,$61,$62
db $64,$65,$66,$67,$69,$6a,$6b,$6c,$6e,$6f,$70,$72,$73,$74,$76,$77
db $79,$7a,$7b,$7d,$7e,$7f,$81,$82,$84,$85,$87,$88,$8a,$8b,$8d,$8e
db $90,$91,$93,$94,$96,$97,$99,$9a,$9c,$9d,$9f,$a0,$a2,$a4,$a5,$a7
db $a9,$aa,$ac,$ad,$af,$b1,$b2,$b4,$b6,$b7,$b9,$bb,$bd,$be,$c0,$c2
db $c4,$c5,$c7,$c9,$cb,$cc,$ce,$d0,$d2,$d4,$d5,$d7,$d9,$db,$dd,$df
db $e1,$e2,$e4,$e6,$e8,$ea,$ec,$ee,$f0,$f2,$f4,$f6,$f8,$fa,$fc,$fe
</pre>

[[User:Litwr|Litwr]] 10:25, 24 October 2015 (CEST)

== Fast 8bit * 8bit Unsigned with only 512 bytes of tables (improved version) ==

'''Input''': A = Multiplier, L = Multiplicant

'''Output:''' DE = ''Product''

'''CPC Cycles''': 124 = 31 usec

'''Size''': 27 bytes of code and 512 bytes for the tables

'''by calc84maniac'''

Hey, so someone brought up the wiki's 512-byte table routine in the context of Game Boy development, and I thought I'd take a crack at seeing if the speed and size could be made closer to the 1KB table routine. I actually had a good bit of success, by making the following observations: 
* The x >= y constraint isn't necessary if negative values for floor((x - y) / 2) have their square calculated properly, so no need to swap inputs. 
* Going from floor((x + y) / 2) to floor((x - y) / 2) simply requires a subtraction of y, so no need to divide by 2 twice or save the input value of x. 
* To square a negative number z, it's sufficient to calculate z ^ 2 = (z + 256) ^ 2 - z * 512 - 65536, meaning a conditional offset of -(z * 512) in the subtracted square, or z * 512 in the final result. 
* When conditionally adding y to the result when x + y is odd, the carry can be propagated into the low bit of the 8-bit register holding the upper half of z * 512. 
* Both of these conditional adds can be turned into branchless adds of either the value or zero. 
 
This results in the following implementation (which I adjusted to take the same inputs and outputs as the 1KB routine for a fair comparison), which comes out to 27 bytes and a constant 31 usec: 

<pre>
; Input: A = x, L = y
; Output: DE = x * y
; C = floor((x + y) / 2)
add a,l ; 1
rra ; 2
ld c,a ; 3
; E = y if x + y is odd, else 0
sbc a,a ; 4
and l ; 5
ld e,a ; 6
; L = floor((x - y) / 2)
ld a,c ; 7
sub l ; 8
ld l,a ; 9
; D = L if negative, else 0
sbc a,a ; 10
and l ; 11
ld d,a ; 12
; Calculate low half of product
ld h,high(sqrlo) ; 14
ld b,h ; 15
ld a,(bc) ; 17
add a,e ; 18
rl d ; 20, multiplies D by 2 and propagates carry
sub (hl) ; 22
ld e,a ; 23
; Calculate high half of product
inc h ; 24, loads high(sqrhi)
ld b,h ; 25
ld a,(bc) ; 27
sbc a,(hl) ; 29
add a,d ; 30
ld d,a ; 31
</pre>

== 16bit * 16bit Unsigned -> 32 bits result ==

'''Input:''' BC = ''Multiplier'', DE = ''Multiplicand''

'''Output:''' DE,HL = ''Product''
<pre>ld hl,0
ld a,16
muluw
add hl,hl
rl e
rl d
jr nc,muluw_cont
add hl,bc
jr nc,muluw_cont
inc de
muluw_cont
dec a
jr nz,muluw
</pre>

== 16bit * 16bit Unsigned -> 24 bits result ==

'''Input:''' BC = ''Multiplier'', DE = ''Multiplicand''

'''Output:''' A,HL = ''Product''
<pre>ld ix,0
ld hl,0
.mul24b1:
ld a,c
or b
jr z,mul24b3
srl b
rr c
jr nc,mul24b2
add ix,de
ld a,h
adc l
ld h,a
.mul24b2:
sla e
rl d
rl l
jr mul24b1:
.mul24b3:
ld a,h
db #dd:ld e,l
db #dd:ld d,h
ex de,hl
ret</pre>

== Web links ==

* [http://map.tni.nl/articles/mult_div_shifts.php Multiplications and divisions on the MSX Assembly Page]
* [http://www.mccw.hetlab.tk/92/Multiplication/en.html "Multiplication on a Z80" ( MSX Computer & Club Webmagazine)]
* [http://www.andreadrian.de/oldcpu/Z80_number_cruncher.html The Z80 number cruncher (Andre Adrian)] (16/32bit multiplication, addition, right shift)

[[Category:Programming]]

Albireo

2025-03-05T09:34:52Z

Prodatron: /* Software */

== General ==

=== Intro ===

Albireo is an expansion for the Amstrad CPC computers (all models). Its main goal is to provide reliable, fast, cheap and large storage, which it achieves by using a MicroSD card. But the board has a lot of features packed in:
* USB host port, allowing to connect USB mass storage, mouse, and other USB peripherals
* USB device port, allowing to link the CPC to a modern computer with maximal link speed (faster than the z80 can handle, and with on-board buffer and hardware flow control).

The interface is based on the WCH CH376 chip and allows access to USB mass storage and other USB devices on CPC.

The CH376 chip implements FAT32 in hardware, which means no filesystem driver is needed on the CPC side. It also implements the lower level aspects of USB, making it relatively easy to write drivers for other USB devices (mouse, joystick, ...).

=== What's in it? ===
* SD and SDHC card mass storage support with fast (6 MHz) SPI link with the SD card. Hardware FAT32 support for easy file access. Raw sector access also possible for homegrown file-systems and other advanced applications.
* USB host support with built in mass storage driver, also with FAT32 and direct sector access.
* Generic USB host with direct control of USB endpoints, for connecting other kinds of USB devices.
* High-speed (1.5 Mbaud) serial link with built-in USB interface for linking with other computers for fast data exchange. Includes flow control, 16 byte FIFO on CPC side, and 512 byte FIFO on remote side, allowing fast buffered and interrupt-driven operation.
* Software configurable interrupt routing to either [[NMI]] or INT, or interrupt masking. Multiplexing of several interrupt sources: USB host controller, UART, remotely triggered, and CRTC CURSOR signal interrupts are gathered and easily accessible from a single interrupt status register.

=== Board revisions ===

The hardware went through multiple iterations before reaching final state. Each version identifies itself on the USB link and the version should be visible in Windows device manager or lsusb on Linux.

==== Initial prototypes ====

The first prototype was an hand-wired one. There were some changes to I/O ports used since then, so it is not usable anymore.

==== Version 0.9 ====

The first 5 boards were manufactured with an early PCB design, which required some wire-patches to get things working. With the wire-patches, this version behaves the same as 1.0.

==== Version 1.0 ====

About 20 boards were shipped with version 1.0. Unfortunately, as people started to write software using it it turned out that the serial port chip has compatibility problems with the z80 timings. As a result, this version of the board can use the serial port only with the FIFO disabled, which makes it impossible to reach high baudrates. The board is still perfectly usable if you are interested only in the microSD and USB host port.

==== Version 1.1 ====

This version of the board replaces the serial chip with a slightly different one. The board still reads "v1.0" as it is the same PCB, only the chip used has changed.

You can identify your board from the info it sends on the USB device port, or by checking the serial chip (square chip on the back of the board).
Version 1.0 uses a TI TL16C550D chip. Version 1.1 uses a NXP SC16C650B chip.

=== How does it work? ===
* There are two main devices: the CH376 handles the USB host and SD card side of things, and is accessed at FE80 (data) and FE81 (command/status). The communication side is handled by a SC16C650B, mapped at FEB0-FEB7. This is similar to the chip used on most PC hardware and some Amiga expansions like the SilverSurfer.
* There is an FT230X chip to convert the UART to USB for connecting with a modern PC (standard serial ports are not that common anymore, and they wouldn't be fast enough anyway). The FT230X also generates 12MHz and 48MHz clocks for the two other chips.
* The 16C650 "modem control" lines are connected to various things (CH376 interrupt, FT230X general IO pin for remote control) and turns them into interrupts.

=== What is it useful for? ===
Not much currently because there is no software yet, but in the future:

* Use the USB key or SD card directly from BASIC and well-behaving apps (which support extra disk ROMs and a C drive). Load games and tools from the mass storage media
* Connect to another computer like the CPC Booster, load snapshot, DSK or other files from it and write them to floppies or the mass storage media. A snapshot of 128K could be loaded in 0.86 seconds, a snapshot of 64K in less than 0.43 seconds.
* Use SLIP (serial line IP) and a properly setup gateway (Linux machine or similar) to connect the CPC to the Internet.

There are a drivers in FutureOS and SymbOS to use Albireo with an USB mouse.

== Hardware ==

=== I/O ports ===

The decoding is clean, this means there aren't any mirror ports or undecoded address bits. Just the addresses listed below are used.

The addresses are in the I/O range, which means you access them with the OUT and IN instructions. They are not memory mapped, and to match with the CPC address decoding, the address is decoded on 16 bytes. This makes using OTIR and similar looped instructions tricky, but is required for compatibility with the CPC.

==== CH376 registers ====

* FE80: "DATA" port (read/write)
* FE81: "COMMAND" (write) and "STATUS" (read) port

==== SC16C650B registers ====

Some of the registers are sharing the same address. A register bit (DLAB) is used to switch between the two groups.
<tt>
{|
|-
! Address !! DLAB !! Description
|-
| FEB0 || 0 || RBR/THR: RX buffer (read), TX buffer (write)
|-
| FEB1 || 0|| IER: Interrupt enable
|-
| FEB0 || 1|| DLL: Divisor latch LSB
|-
| FEB1 || 1|| DLM: Divisor latch MSB
|-
| FEB2 || || IIR/FCR: Interrupt status (read), FIFO control (write)
|-
| FEB3 || || LCR: Line control
|-
| FEB4 || || MCR: Modem control
|-
| FEB5 || || LSR: Line status
|-
| FEB6 || || MSR: Modem status
|-
| FEB7 || || SCR: Scratch register
|}</tt>

=== DIP switches ===
The board holds 4 DIP switches for configuration. From top to bottom:

==== S1 - CH376 interrupt enable ====

* When this switch is ON, the usb controller is allowed to generate interrupts to signal the CPC when it is done performing an operation.
* When this switch is OFF, the usb controller is not allowed to generate interrupts. The CPC must then poll the CH376 STATUS register to know wether the operation is finished.

==== S2 - CH376 reset enable====

* When this switch is ON, the CH376 will be reset at the same time as the CPC (hardware reset only).
* When this switch is OFF, the CH376 will not be reset, and the CPC must initialize it using the reset command (software reset). In this case, the CH376 internal buffer may be used to store reset resident data (but I don't know if this is of any practical use, yet).

==== S3 - Remote reset enable ====

* When this switch is ON, the DTR signal from the remote side of the serial link is connected to the CPC reset. This means that the remote side computer can trigger the CPC reset by toggling that line.
* When the switch is OFF, such reset is not allowed and the CPC is safe.

==== S4 - Remote interrupt enable ====

* When this switch is ON, the DTR signal from the remote side of the serial link is plugged to the DSR line of the UART controller. It then generates an interrupt which the CPC can process.

== Software ==
=== Software supporting the Albireo ===
* [[UniDOS]] ([[AMSDOS]] compatible and modular DOS; see [https://unidos.cpcscene.net UniDOS official website])
* [[SymbOS]] (both USB mass storage devices and USB mouse)
* [[Arkos_Tracker]] 2 (use the CPC AY chip through the USB serial port)
* [[FutureOS]] (USB mouse support)
* [[HDCPM]] (Support booting and running CP/M Plus from SD card)
* [[AlbiDOS]] **'''deprecated''', replaced by [[UniDOS]]** ([[AMSDOS]] compatible DOS driver; see [https://framagit.org/shinra/albireo/albireodos/-/wikis/home AlbiDOS documentation])

=== Upcoming software ===
* Serial communication to communicate with a PC

== Links ==
*[https://pulkomandy.github.io/shinra.github.io/albireo.html Albireo - Programmer's manual]
*[[Media:Ch376ds1.pdf]] CH376 datasheet
*[https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/SC16C650B.pdf SC16C650B datasheet]

[[Category:DATA Storage]]
[[Category:Peripherals]]
[[Category:FutureOS]]

Virtual Net 96

2025-01-30T12:09:03Z

Prodatron:

The '''Virtual Net 96''' was developed by [[Wizcat]]. It is a combination of hard- and software, which was developed to connect two or more CPCs. The hardware consists of a simple transistor for each CPC and a wire which connects each CPC with another. Therefore, the data is transmitted serial to each CPC.

The software consists of applications or games which use the Virtual Net 96 routine pack. This collection of routines is able to transmit data with a speed of 46400 Baud.

See too [[Net Library]].

== Schematic ==

[[Image:Virtualnet96.gif|Schematics of the Virtual Net 96 interface]]

== Software ==

* [[Power Tetris]] ([[Face Hugger]])
* [[Shoulder Dash]] ([[Wizcat]])
* [[Last Action Point]] ([[Wizcat]])
* [[Turbo Ball]] ([[Bollaware]])
* [[File:Vn96rout.zip]]
* [[File:Vn96eng.zip]]
(+ more...)
* [[FutureOS]] provides minimal support (will be enhanced)

== Downloads ==

* [[Media:VN96.zip]] (documentation for Virtual Net 96, a network for Amstrad CPC, with ascii and gif plan of the hardware part and chat sample program)

== Web links ==

* [http://www.oocities.org/siliconvalley/park/6129/engmain.htm Virtual Network 96 homepage]

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="Virtua Net">

Image:Virtual net.JPG|Virtua Net cards connected
Image:Virtual net 2.JPG|A Virtua Net card closeup

</gallery>

== See also ==

* [[Soundplayer]] (Soundplayer+ was Virtual Net 96 a compatible card)

[[Category:DIY]]
[[Category:FutureOS]]
[[Category:Network]]
[[Category:Peripherals]]
[[Category:Printers and printer ports]]

Virtual Net 96

2025-01-30T12:03:30Z

Prodatron: Fantasy value corrected, the maximum rate is about 45000 baud, because for each individual byte a few additional things have to be done besides sending the 8 bits.

The '''Virtual Net 96''' was developed by [[Wizcat]]. It is a combination of hard- and software, which was developed to connect two or more CPCs. The hardware consists of a simple transistor for each CPC and a wire which connects each CPC with another. Therefore, the data is transmitted serial to each CPC.

The software consists of applications or games which use the Virtual Net 96 routine pack. This collection of routines is able to transmit data with a speed of 45000 Baud.

See too [[Net Library]].

== Schematic ==

[[Image:Virtualnet96.gif|Schematics of the Virtual Net 96 interface]]

== Software ==

* [[Power Tetris]] ([[Face Hugger]])
* [[Shoulder Dash]] ([[Wizcat]])
* [[Last Action Point]] ([[Wizcat]])
* [[Turbo Ball]] ([[Bollaware]])
* [[File:Vn96rout.zip]]
* [[File:Vn96eng.zip]]
(+ more...)
* [[FutureOS]] provides minimal support (will be enhanced)

== Downloads ==

* [[Media:VN96.zip]] (documentation for Virtual Net 96, a network for Amstrad CPC, with ascii and gif plan of the hardware part and chat sample program)

== Web links ==

* [http://www.oocities.org/siliconvalley/park/6129/engmain.htm Virtual Network 96 homepage]

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="Virtua Net">

Image:Virtual net.JPG|Virtua Net cards connected
Image:Virtual net 2.JPG|A Virtua Net card closeup

</gallery>

== See also ==

* [[Soundplayer]] (Soundplayer+ was Virtual Net 96 a compatible card)

[[Category:DIY]]
[[Category:FutureOS]]
[[Category:Network]]
[[Category:Peripherals]]
[[Category:Printers and printer ports]]

All System Software

2025-01-24T01:35:59Z

Prodatron: MSX mouse, not Amiga

'''All System Software''', later known as [[New Age Software]], was a project of Thorsten Mitschele aka [[Kangaroo MusiQue]] and Christian Link aka [[Thunderbird]], specialized in selling Soft- and Hardware for PC and CPC. They also manufactured two small hardware extensions for the CPC:
* The ASS Reis-Mouse, a modification of an MSX-Mouse from Reis-Software, to work on the CPC
* a light-pen (some models with reset and pause switch) for the [[Mal Mit Mir]] graphic utility (a software under development of [[Cadjo Clan]], but never finished).
[[Category:CPC related companies]]

List of file formats

2025-01-11T18:46:15Z

Prodatron: /* SymbOS related file formats */

== CPC file extensions ==

This list is a collection of file-extensions used on the Amstrad/Schneider CPC and CPC Plus computer range. It's not a collection of file-extensions used by PC systems for CPC related stuff.

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| $$$
| Temporary Amsdos file
| [[Amsdos|amsdos]]
|-
| 128
| Soundtrakker 128KB music file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| 64K
| [[FutureOS]] Main-memory program
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| ACE
| Packed Windows archive
| [[ACE]]
|-
| ARC
| CP/M, Xexor ARC File format
| [[CP/M]], [[Format:Xexor ARC file format|Xexor ARC Format]]
|-
| ASC
| ASCII text
|
|-
| ASM
| Assembler source code
| ASM.COM
|-
| [[AYC]]
| Derivate or converted YM music file
| AYCplayers
|-
| BAK
| Backup file
| most CPC-DOS
|-
| BAS
| Basic program
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| BIN
| binary file
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| CCP
| Key definition for CP/M Plus
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| COM
| Executable CP/M or [[SymbOS]]-SymShell program
| [[CP/M]], [[SymShell]]
|-
| CS8
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 8 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CS9
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 9 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CUT
| AMX Pagemaker Clipart
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| DD*
| Device driver for GSX (CP/M Plus)
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| DEU
| German text
|
|-
| ENG
| English text
|
|-
| Fld
| Map file of a game
| [[GSED]]
|-
| FNT
| Font of AMX Pagemaker
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| FRA
| French text
|
|-
| GEs
| Set of Graphic-elements
| [[GSED]]
|-
| H
| C header
| Small C i.e.
|-
| HED
| Header/Icon definition for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HGB
| [[FutureOS]] Wallpaper / Background Picture
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| CP/M and others
|-
| INF
| AMX Pagemaker site
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| INS
| Soundtrakker Instrument file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| MAC
| Makroassembler source code
| MAC.COM
|-
| MAX
| Maxam Source Code
| [[Maxam]]
|-
| MDL
| Digitracker Module
| [[Digitracker]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File or Crown Protracker Module
| [[SymAmp]], Crown [[Protracker]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[FuturePlayer]], [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[MTX]]
| Keyboard MaTriX Layout file for apps like [[FutureTex]]
| [[FutureTex]], [[FutureOS]]
|-
|-
| OBJ
| Object Code
| CP/M
|-
| OVL
| Overlay parts of WordStar o.e.
| CP/M
|-
| PA1
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 1)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA2
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 2)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA3
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 3)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA4
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 4)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|PAL]]
| OCP Art Studio Palette
| [[The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| PAS
| (Turbo-)Pascal source code
| [[Turbo Pascal]]
|-
| PRV
| AMX Pagemaker site (Preview)
| AMX Pagemaker
|-
| PRL
| page relocatable file
| see also GSX
|-
| RAR
| Packed Windows Archive
|
|-
| ROM
| Rom-File (16K)
| [[ROManager]], diff. (Pseudo-)/(EP)ROM Manager
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|SCR]]
| OCP Art Studio Screen
| [[FutureOS]], [[The OCP Art Studio]], [[SymSee]]
|-
| SID
| chiptune from C64
| Geco's SID player
|-
| Skr
| Set of Scripts
| GSEd
|-
| SKS
| STarKos Module
| [[STarKos]]
|-
| SMC
| Executable C Program for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SND
| Soundtrakker 64KB Music
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| Spr
| Set of Sprites
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SUB
| Submit/Batch file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| SYS
| GSX file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| TXT
| ASCII text
|
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|WIN]]
| OCP Art Studio Clip
| [[The OCP Art Studio|The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| WP
| Key definition for WordStar
| [[WordStar]]
|-
| X16
| [[FutureOS]] Expansion RAM program / Multitasking Application
| [[FutureOS]]
|}

== PC / Emulator related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| [[Format:CDT tape image file format|CDT]]
| Tape image file format
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:CPR CPC Plus cartridge file format|CPR]]
| CPC Plus cartridge file format
| [[Arnold]],[[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:DSC disk image file format|DSC]]
| Disc image
| DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]],DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[ACE (Emulator)|ACE]], [[Arnold]], [[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:TAP tape image file format|TAP]]
| Emulator tape image
| [[Roland javascript emulator|Roland]]
|-
| YM
| YM Music file
| YM-Player and others
|}

== [[SymbOS]] related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| BAT
| Batch-File
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| SymShell application
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| CP/M application
| CPvM (CP/M virtual machine for SymbOS SymShell)
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[DiskDeDumper]], [[DiskDumper]]
|-
| EXE
| SymbOS executable
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| FNT
| Font file
| Control Panel
|-
| GOL
| Cell field
| [[Conways' Game of Life]]
|-
| GZ
| (compressed) GZip file
| [[UnZip]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| Help document browser
|-
| MAN
| SymShell help file
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| PT3
| Spectrum Protracker 3 Music
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SA2
| Surprise! Adlib Tracker 2 OPL2 module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SAV
| SymbOS screen saver
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX]]
| graphic
| [[SymSee]]
|-
| SDS
| System sound scheme
| [[Sound Daemon]]
|-
| SPL
| Music playlist
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SPM, SPX
| PSG music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| SKM
| compilated [[STarKos]] Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[SymSnap]]
|-
| ST2
| Compilated [[Soundtrakker]] 128 Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SWM, SWX
| wave music/effect collection (OPL4)
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID]]
| video
| [[SymPlay]]
|-
| YSB
| Puzzle collection
| [[Sokoban]] for SymbOS
|-
| Z3, Z4, Z5, Z8
| Z-Code game file
| [[Zym]] Z-Machine interpreter
|-
| ZIP
| (compressed) ZIP file
| [[UnZip]]
|}

[[Category:Definitions]]

Mittwintermeeting 18

2025-01-07T09:01:18Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */ no Dr.Irata

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from April 3rd (Thursday) to 6.4.2025 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#Thomas Wieczorek
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Krill/Plush
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#[[Brainblaster]]
#Nils
#Edilbert Kirk
#Tolkin
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#Mr.Ams
#Merlin
#TFM

[[Category:CPC events]]

Technical information about Locomotive BASIC

2025-01-03T11:44:44Z

Prodatron: /* Floating Point data definition */ exponent description fixed

[[Category:Cpctech.org]]

'''''This article originally came from Kevin Thackers' archive at [http://www.cpctech.org.uk http://www.cpctech.org.uk].'''''

= Technical information about Locomotive BASIC =

The are two versions of Locomotive BASIC used in the Amstrad CPC and CPC+ computers. v1.0 is used by the CPC464, and v1.1 is used by the CPC664, CPC6128, CPC464+ and CPC6128+.

== BASIC v1.0 only ==

There is a region of memory between AC00-AC1B which is filled with RET instructions. The BASIC ROM calls the following locations:
AC01,AC04,AC07,AC0A,AC0D,AC10,AC13,AC16,AC19

It almost looks like these were used for debugging the ROM but were left in.

They can be used to implement new BASIC commands.

== Passing parameters to a RSX (Resident System Extension) command or binary function ==

A RSX (Resident System Extension) command is accessed through BASIC with a "|" character prefix. e.g. The "DIR" RSX, is accessed by "|DIR". A binary function is accessed through BASIC using the "CALL" command.

Both RSX and CALL commands work (are!) similar from the BASIC command line and invoke machine code - the only difference is: with the help of a RSX command you don't need to know the exact access address. You can pass up to 32 parameters with a CALL or RSX command. Possible parameters could be integer, floating points and strings. Just store the parameter into a variable:
Passing for integer:
<pre>
CALL &4000,32,34,&5E,&x10101010
|RSX-command,32,34,&5E,&x10101010
</pre>
Passing for floating points
<pre>
@a!=43.375
CALL or |RSX-command,@a!
</pre>

 Passing a string parameter:
 BASIC v1.0
<pre>a$="A":|DRIVE,@a$
</pre>
BASIC v1.1:
<pre>|DRIVE,"A"
</pre>
or
<pre>
b$="test"
CALL or |RSX-command,@b$
</pre>

The parameters will be stored inside the range of Stack:
<pre>
A=n -------> MSB PARAM1
LSB PARAM1
MSB PARAM2
LSB PARAM2
...
...
...
MSB PARAMn
IX+0 ------> LSB PARAMn
</pre>
with the help of that assembly code is it possible to find the parameters:
<pre>
ROUT1: CP x ;test register A if "x" parameters were given, e.g. x = 2
RET NZ ; if not exactly x parameters then do not execute RSX.
LD L,(IX+0)
LD H,(IX+1) ; HL = value of last parameter
LD E,(IX+2)
LD D,(IX+3) ; DE = value of next to last parameter
...
</pre>
A register holds the number of parameters. IX points to each parameter. IX+0/IX+1 is the last parameter. This happens because each parameter in order is pushed onto the stack and IX then points to the last parameter pushed. Each parameter is a 16-bit value.

If a parameter is a string, then IX holds the address of the string descriptor which point to a 3 byte block. The first byte of the string descriptor is the length. The next 2 bytes are an address that point to the string in memory.

With the help of the variable container "@" it is also possible to get a result from an invoked mc-code back to basic.
In this case the parameter contains the address of the integer, floating point or string. You can modify these to give the result.
BASIC allocates the strings, so when you modify a string, do not write more characters than the original string.

Hint: the first two bytes at the end of stack shows the internal return address from BASIC interpreter where it was executed.

== Additional keywords and variables in BASIC v1.1 ==

#BASIC v1.1 has the following additional keywords:
#*COPYCHR$
#*CURSOR
#*DEC$
#*FILL
#*FRAME
#*GRAPHICS
#*MASK
#BASIC v1.1 has the following additional predefined variables:
#*DERR

 

== BASIC programs ==

A maximum of 255 characters can be entered for a single BASIC line.

There are some rules for assigning names for variables:
: - it is not allowed to define a variable starting with a figure (the system expect then programming mode and interpret it as a program line number)
: - no space (or 'under' as it is common today) between variable names are allowed
: - BASIC keywords can't be used
: - different sign e.g.: a slash (doesn't depend which direction), a 'minus' sign, a 'and' sign can't be used in a variable names
: - after a dollar sign (for defining string variables) it is not allowed to use further signs
: - different defining functions together are not allowed (e.g. use '%' together with '$')

: - you can use 40 characters for a variable name
: - use ! for defining a REAL value variable (like the function DEFREAL but only for the assigned variable) > It's also possible to omit the exlamation mark because it's the default system declaration after powering on then CPC.
: - use % for defining a INTEGER value variable (like the function DEFINT but only for the assigned variable)
: - use $ for defining a STRING variable (like the function DEFSTR but only for the assigned variable)
: - Minimum line number is 1. Maximum line number is 65535.

This is converted into the tokenised BASIC program which is more compact than the line entered. The BASIC keywords are converted into "tokens", or 1-2 byte sequences which uniquely identify each keyword.

 

== Speeding up BASIC programs ==

To speed up BASIC programs following rules could help:
: - Avoid loops or a branching program structure if possible. Internally the operating system searches for the right line number always from the beginning of the program 'listing'. Often recurring subroutines (if necessary) should be at the beginning of RAM to speed up things.
: - Avoid the index variable after the <code>NEXT</code> command/statement (although it isn't a good program style)
: - Avoid spaces inside program code or remarks
: - Put lots of statements as possible in ONE line
: - Use variables instead of constants. A constand has always to be converted in a binary/digital format. A variable is already converted.
: - Dimensioning at the beginning of the program
: - Dimensioning your variables & pre-calculate
: - Avoid AND/OR/XOR in IF-THEN statements. It's faster to write IF ... THEN (statement 1).. IF ... THEN (statement 2).

== Structure of a BASIC program ==

A BASIC program is stored in a tokenised format. Here the keywords are represented by 1 or 2 byte unique sequences. Each line of the BASIC program has the form:

 

{| border="1"
|-
! Offset
! Size
! Description
|-
| 0
| 2
| Length of line data in bytes (note 1)
|-
| 2
| 2
| 16-bit decimal integer line number (note 2)
|-
| 4
| n
| BASIC line encoded into tokens (note 3)
|-
| n+1
| 1
| "0" the end of line marker (note 4)
|}

 Notes:

#This 16-bit value has two functions: if "0" it signals the end of the BASIC program. In this case, there is no furthur BASIC program lines or data, otherwise, this value defines the length of the tokenised BASIC program line in bytes, and includes the 2 bytes defining this value, the 2 bytes defining the program line number, and the end of line marker. This number is stored in little endian notation with low byte followed by high byte.
#This 16-bit value defines the line number and exists if the length of line data in bytes is not "0". A line number is a integer number in the range 1-65535. This number is stored in little endian notation with low byte followed by high byte.
#This data defines the tokenised BASIC program line and exists if the length of line data in bytes is not "0". The length is dependant on the BASIC program line contents.
#This value defines the end of the tokenised BASIC line data and exists if the length of line data in bytes is not "0". The BASIC interpreter looks for this token during the processing of this line, and if found, will stop execution and continue to the next line.

== BASIC tokens ==

This table list the BASIC tokens with no prefix byte.

 

{| border="1"
|-
! Code (hexidecimal)
! BASIC keyword
|-
| &00
| end of tokenised line marker
|-
| &01
| ":" statement seperator
|-
| &02
| integer variable definition (defined with "%" suffix)
|-
| &03
| string variable definition (defined with "$" suffix)
|-
| &04
| floating point variable definition (defined with "!" suffix)
|-
| &05
| var?
|-
| &06
| var?
|-
| &07
| var?
|-
| &08
| var?
|-
| &09
| var?
|-
| &0a
| var?
|-
| &0b
| variable definition (no suffix)
|-
| &0c
| variable definition (no suffix)
|-
| &0d
| variable definition (no suffix)
|-
| &0e
| number constant "0"
|-
| &0f
| number constant "1"
|-
| &10
| number constant "2"
|-
| &11
| number constant "3"
|-
| &12
| number constant "4"
|-
| &13
| number constant "5"
|-
| &14
| number constant "6"
|-
| &15
| number constant "7"
|-
| &16
| number constant "8"
|-
| &17
| number constant "9"
|-
| &18
| number constant "10"
|-
| &19
| 8-bit integer decimal value
|-
| &1a
| 16-bit integer decimal value
|-
| &1b
| 16-bit integer binary value (with "&X" prefix)
|-
| &1c
| 16-bit integer hexadecimal value (with "&H" or "&" prefix)
|-
| &1d
| 16-bit BASIC program line memory address pointer (see notes)
|-
| &1e
| 16-bit integer BASIC line number
|-
| &1f
| floating point value
|-
| &20
| " " (space) symbol
|-
| &21
| ASCII "!" symbol
|-
| &22
| quoted string value
|-
| &23-7b
| ASCII printable symbols
|-
| &7c
| "|" symbol; prefix for RSX commands
|-
| &80
| AFTER
|-
| &81
| AUTO
|-
| &82
| BORDER
|-
| &83
| CALL
|-
| &84
| CAT
|-
| &85
| CHAIN
|-
| &86
| CLEAR
|-
| &87
| CLG
|-
| &88
| CLOSEIN
|-
| &89
| CLOSEOUT
|-
| &8a
| CLS
|-
| &8b
| CONT
|-
| &8c
| DATA
|-
| &8d
| DEF
|-
| &8e
| DEFINT
|-
| &8f
| DEFREAL
|-
| &90
| DEFSTR
|-
| &91
| DEG
|-
| &92
| DELETE
|-
| &93
| DIM
|-
| &94
| DRAW
|-
| &95
| DRAWR
|-
| &96
| EDIT
|-
| &97
| ELSE
|-
| &98
| END
|-
| &99
| ENT
|-
| &9a
| ENV
|-
| &9b
| ERASE
|-
| &9c
| ERROR
|-
| &9d
| EVERY
|-
| &9e
| FOR
|-
| &9f
| GOSUB, GO SUB
|-
| &a0
| GOTO, GO TO
|-
| &a1
| IF
|-
| &a2
| INK
|-
| &a3
| INPUT
|-
| &a4
| KEY
|-
| &a5
| LET
|-
| &a6
| LINE
|-
| &a7
| LIST
|-
| &a8
| LOAD
|-
| &a9
| LOCATE
|-
| &aa
| MEMORY
|-
| &ab
| MERGE
|-
| &ac
| MID$
|-
| &ad
| MODE
|-
| &ae
| MOVE
|-
| &af
| MOVER
|-
| &b0
| NEXT
|-
| &b1
| NEW
|-
| &b2
| ON
|-
| &b3
| ON BREAK
|-
| &b4
| ON ERROR GOTO, ON ERROR GO TO
|-
| &b5
| ON SQ
|-
| &b6
| OPENIN
|-
| &b7
| OPENOUT
|-
| &b8
| ORIGIN
|-
| &b9
| OUT
|-
| &ba
| PAPER
|-
| &bb
| PEN
|-
| &bc
| PLOT
|-
| &bd
| PLOTR
|-
| &be
| POKE
|-
| &bf
| PRINT
|-
| &c0
| "'" symbol (same function as REM keyword)
|-
| &c1
| RAD
|-
| &c2
| RANDOMIZE
|-
| &c3
| READ
|-
| &c4
| RELEASE
|-
| &c5
| REM
|-
| &c6
| RENUM
|-
| &c7
| RESTORE
|-
| &c8
| RESUME
|-
| &c9
| RETURN
|-
| &ca
| RUN
|-
| &cb
| SAVE
|-
| &cc
| SOUND
|-
| &cd
| SPEED
|-
| &ce
| STOP
|-
| &cf
| SYMBOL
|-
| &d0
| TAG
|-
| &d1
| TAGOFF
|-
| &d2
| TROFF
|-
| &d3
| TRON
|-
| &d4
| WAIT
|-
| &d5
| WEND
|-
| &d6
| WHILE
|-
| &d7
| WIDTH
|-
| &d8
| WINDOW
|-
| &d9
| WRITE
|-
| &da
| ZONE
|-
| &db
| DI
|-
| &dc
| EI
|-
| &dd
| FILL (v1.1)
|-
| &de
| GRAPHICS (v1.1)
|-
| &df
| MASK (v1.1)
|-
| &e0
| FRAME (v1.1)
|-
| &e1
| CURSOR (v1.1)
|-
| &e2
| (note 2)
|-
| &e3
| ERL
|-
| &e4
| FN
|-
| &e5
| SPC
|-
| &e6
| STEP
|-
| &e7
| SWAP
|-
| &e8
| (note 2)
|-
| &e9
| (note 2)
|-
| &ea
| TAB
|-
| &eb
| THEN
|-
| &ec
| TO
|-
| &ed
| USING
|-
| &ee
| > (greater than)
|-
| &ef
| = (equal)
|-
| &f0
| &gt=, > =, => (greater or equal)
|-
| &f1
| < (less than)
|-
| &f2
| <&gt, < > (not equal)
|-
| &f3
| =<, <=, < = (less than or equal)
|-
| &f4
| + (addition)
|-
| &f5
| - (subtraction or unary minus)
|-
| &f6
| * (multiplication)
|-
| &f7
| / (division)
|-
| &f8
| ^ (x to the power of y)
|-
| &f9
| \ (integer division)
|-
| &fa
| AND
|-
| &fb
| MOD
|-
| &fc
| OR
|-
| &fd
| XOR
|-
| &fe
| NOT
|-
| &ff
| (prefix for additional keywords)
|}

 Notes:

*The &ff code is used as a prefix for more keywords. See the table below for the list of keywords using this prefix.
*&e2,&e8 and &e9 are not used
*&7c ("|") is a character prefix used to identify an RSX command. e.g. "|DIR".

An RSX is encoded in a BASIC program using the following structure:

{| border="1"
|-
! Offset
! Count
! Description
|-
| 0
| 1
| "|" character prefix
|-
| 1
| 1
| 8-bit byte offset to tokens following RSX name.
|-
| 2
| x
| RSX name. (Last character of name has bit 7 set to "1", all other characters have bit 7 set to "0")
|}

*This token identifies a integer (16-bit) number. The two bytes following this token is the number, stored low byte then high byte. e.g. &1a,&2d,&00 represents the integer number "&002d"="45".
*This token (&0B) is changed at run-time to &0D
*This token identifies a integer variable. 02,00,00,var name offset to number in program setup when program RUN. The variable name is stored directly, with bit 7 of the last character set.
*This token identifies a string variable. offset to string in program string stored AS IS with quotes around it.
*This token identifies a floating point number. Immediatly following the token are 5 bytes which define the number.

{| border="1"
|-
! Offset
! Count
! Description
|-
| 0
| 1
| &1f (note 1)
|-
| 1
| 5
| Floating point number (note 2)
|}

*#This byte is the BASIC token identifying a floating point number
*#These 5 bytes define the floating point number.
*The space symbol is used as a command seperator
*Variable definitions:
**The variable definition has the following structure:

{| border="1"
|-
! Offset
! Count
! Description
|-
| 0
| 1
| Token defining variable type
|-
| 2
| 2
| 16-bit Byte offset to variable value within tokenised BASIC program.
|-
| 4
| x
| Variable name
|}

 The 16-bit byte offset is initially set to 0, but is setup when the program is RUN. The offset is stored in little-endian format, with low byte followed by high byte.

**The token byte defines the variable type (i.e. string, floating point, integer) and the suffix ("$", none and "%").
**The variable name is stored in the program, with bit 7 of the last character set to "1". e.g. The variable named "abc" will be encoded as 'a','b','c'+&80
*String values:
**Each string value is prefixed with &22 token.
**All strings must be enclosed by double quote symbols (&quot). This symbols define the start and end of the string value.
**The string value can contain any symbol except the quote ("). i.e. 0-&21, and &23-&ff can be used.

*After running a program, Tokens of "1d" with 16-bit BASIC program line pointers are changed to token "1e" with the 16-bit memory address of the BASIC line number in memory.

 This table list the BASIC tokens with a &ff prefix byte.

 

{| border="1"
|-
! Code (hexidecimal)
! BASIC keyword
|-
| &00
| ABS
|-
| &01
| ASC
|-
| &02
| ATN
|-
| &03
| CHR$
|-
| &04
| CINT
|-
| &05
| COS
|-
| &06
| CREAL
|-
| &07
| EXP
|-
| &08
| FIX
|-
| &09
| FRE
|-
| &0a
| INKEY
|-
| &0b
| INP
|-
| &0c
| INT
|-
| &0d
| JOY
|-
| &0e
| LEN
|-
| &0f
| LOG
|-
| &10
| LOG10
|-
| &11
| LOWER$
|-
| &12
| PEEK
|-
| &13
| REMAIN
|-
| &14
| SGN
|-
| &15
| SIN
|-
| &16
| SPACE$
|-
| &17
| SQ
|-
| &18
| SQR
|-
| &19
| STR$
|-
| &1a
| TAN
|-
| &1b
| UNT
|-
| &1c
| UPPER$
|-
| &1d
| VAL
|-
|  
| (note 2)
|-
| &40
| EOF
|-
| &41
| ERR
|-
| &42
| HIMEM
|-
| &43
| INKEY$
|-
| &44
| PI
|-
| &45
| RND
|-
| &46
| TIME
|-
| &47
| XPOS
|-
| &48
| YPOS
|-
| &49
| DERR (v1.1)
|-
|  
| (note 3)
|-
| &71
| BIN$
|-
| &72
| DEC$ (v1.1)
|-
| &73
| HEX$
|-
| &74
| INSTR
|-
| &75
| LEFT$
|-
| &76
| MAX
|-
| &77
| MIN
|-
| &78
| POS
|-
| &79
| RIGHT$
|-
| &7a
| ROUND
|-
| &7b
| STRING$
|-
| &7c
| TEST
|-
| &7d
| TESTR
|-
| &7e
| COPYCHR$ (v1.1)
|-
| &7f
| VPOS
|-
|  
| (note 4)
|}

 NOTES:

*These codes are prefixed by &FF. e.g. The keyword "ABS" is stored as the following sequence: <pre>&FF,&00</pre>
*Codes &1e...&3f inclusive are not used
*Codes &4a...&6f inclusive are not used
*Codes &80...&ff inclusive are not used

*When a BASIC program is in memory, the BASIC ROM can replace "16-bit BASIC program line number" tokens with "16-bit BASIC program line memory address pointer".

When a program is loaded or saved, there will only be "16-bit BASIC program line number" tokens followed by a 16-bit number of the line.

When a program is running, BASIC will replace the "16-bit BASIC program line number" with the "16-bit BASIC program line memory address pointer" token, and replace the 16-bit line number with the memory address of the start of that line.

It does this to avoid having to lookup the address of the line each time.

* When a REM or ' is seen, the characters following it are output directly (i.e. the bytes are not tokenized) until the end of line or a ':' is seen.

* When a BASIC program is listed each line is converted to a string (this includes the line number and the tokens converted to their strings). There is a maximum length for this string of 256 characters. This means that if the BASIC line is LISTed or EDITed, then the line will be displayed incorrectly with missing characters on the end. This is also noticed if you have a "10-liner" program that packs as much BASIC as possible into each line and renumber it so the line number has more digits.

== Floating Point data definition ==

A floating point number represents a number with both an integer and fractional part.

 In Amstrad BASIC, a floating point number is stored in base-2 in a normalized form: 1 x 2<exponent> The representation uses 5 bytes and is stored using the following structure:

 

{| border="1"
|-
! Byte
! colspan="8" | 0
! colspan="8" | 1
! colspan="8" | 2
! colspan="8" | 3
! colspan="8" | 4
|-
! Bit
! 7
! 6
! 5
! 4
! 3
! 2
! 1
! 0
! 7
! 6
! 5
! 4
! 3
! 2
! 1
! 0
! 7
! 6
! 5
! 4
! 3
! 2
! 1
! 0
! 7
! 6
! 5
! 4
! 3
! 2
! 1
! 0
! 7
! 6
! 5
! 4
! 3
! 2
! 1
! 0
|-
| Function
| colspan="8" | (LSB) mantissa (bits 31-24)
| colspan="8" | mantissa (bits 23-16)
| colspan="8" | mantissa (bits 15-8)
| colspan="1" | sign
| colspan="7" | (MSB) mantissa (bits 7-0)
| colspan="8" | exponent
|}

=== Sign ===

The sign is represented by bit 7 of byte 3. The value of the sign bit indicates the sign of the floating point number.

#*If the sign bit is "1", then the number is negative.
#*If the sign bit is "0", then the number is positive.

=== Mantissa ===

The mantissa holds the normalized number. The exponent is manipulated so that the most significant bit is always 1. Since it is always 1, it is not stored. It's value is implied by the representation.

=== Exponent ===

The exponent is 8-bit and is stored in byte 4. It is stored with a bias of 128.

#*128-255 are positive exponents,
#*1-127 are negative exponents.
#*0 means, the number is zero

To obtain the signed exponent, you must subtract 128 from the stored exponent. The minimum exponent is 1 and this describes a number of 2^-127. The maximum exponent is 255 and this describes a number of 2^127.
A value of 0 just means, that the number is zero (0).

=== BASIC Display of Floating point numbers ===

* Numbers are displayed to 9 decimal places.
* If the number doesn't have a fractional part (e.g. .0) then the fractional part is not displayed.
* Trailing zeros (zero digits after the last digit in the fraction) are not displayed
* The value is rounded in the following way for display:

If the 10th fractional digit is 5 or above, then the number is rounded up.
If the 10th fractional digit is 4 or below, then the number is rounded down.
e.g.
0.1234567891 is displayed as 0.123456789
0.1234567895 is displayed as 0.12345679

=== floating point example in RAM by MaV ===

The initial figure = 43.375.
An example in BASIC:
<pre>
a!=43.375
READY
PRINT a!
43.375
PRINT @a!
374
FOR I=0 TO 4:PRINT HEX$(PEEK(374+I),2);:NEXT I
0000802D86
</pre>
the result for better readability: 
'''00 00 80 2D 86''' 
The first byte contains the least significant bits of the mantissa, and every following byte up to the fourth byte contain the bits following the first in significance and in exactly that order!

That means that you have to turn around the first four bytes if you want to read the mantissa correctly:
2D800000
or
0010.1101.1000.0000.0000.0000.0000.0000
in binary (the stops are inserted for better readability).

Now the highest significant bit here is 0, so the number is positive.
What's more, you need to clear that bit and substitute the implied highest bit (see description in the link), which is always 1 (regardless of the deleted sign bit!!!).
Thus you get:
AD800000
or
1010.1101.1000.0000.0000.0000.0000.0000
in binary.

The mantissa has an implied decimal point before the number. Since the number is 2^32 bits (i.e. 4 bytes) long you have to divide by 2^32 to get the proper decimal representation.

AD800000 (hex) = 2910846976 (dec)

2910846976 / 2^32 = 0.677734375

The mantissa in a decimal representation is: 0.677734375

Now, the last byte contains the exponent: 86 (hex) or 134 (dec). You need to subtract 128 to get the real exponent, the highest bit tells you that the exponent is positive (1) or negative (0). Your exponent is 6.

0.677734375 * 2^6 = 43.375

'''Another example:''' 
PI is represented in memory as: 
'''A2 DA 0F 49 82''' 
The mantissa is 
490FDAA2 (highest significant bit is zero => number is positive)
The exponent is 
82 (=positive mantissa, value=2 thus multiply mantissa with 2^2) 

Delete the sign bit (which is 0 anyway), and then add the implied 1 bit: 
C90FDAA2 (hex) = 3373259426 (dec) = 1100.1001.0000.1111.1101.1010.1010.0010 (bin) 

Calculate the decimal representation of the mantissa: 
3373259426 / 2^32 = 0,7853981633670628070831298828125 

Then add the exponent (82h - 80h = 2 thus 2^2) 
0,7853981633670628070831298828125 * 2^2 = 3,14159265346825122833251953125 

Voilà! The internal representation of the number PI on the CPC is: 3,14159265346825122833251953125 

If you compare to a (more) correct representation of PI, you'll see that the CPC is correct up to the 9th decimal place: 

CPC: 
3.14159265346825122833251953125 
more correctly: 
3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058209749445923078164062862089986...

== BASIC floating-point/real variables ==

A floating point (real) variable describes a number with integer and fractional parts. The biggest figure which can be stored correctly in RAM by a variable is 2^32-1 = 4294967295.

#*A integer variable is defined with a "!" character postfix.

e.g.
<pre>a! = 3.141592654
</pre>
#*A real number uses 5 bytes of memory as storage. The format is described above.
#*The address of a real variable can be found in BASIC by: <pre>PRINT @a!
</pre>

Where "a" should be replaced with the name of the variable.

 

== BASIC integer variables ==

A integer variable describes a whole number. i.e. a number without any fractional part.

 NOTES:

#*A integer variable is defined with a "%" character postfix.

e.g.
<pre>a% = 3
</pre>
#*A integer variable has a range of -32768 to 32767
#*A integer variable always uses two bytes of memory as storage with the following format:

{| border="1"
|-
! Offset
! Length
! Description
|-
| 0
| 2
| Integer number
|}

#*The address of the integer variable can be found in BASIC by: <pre>PRINT @a%
</pre>

where "a" should be replaced with the name of the variable.

== BASIC string variables ==

A string is a variable which contains a group of characters.

 NOTES:

#**A string variable is defined in BASIC with a "$" character postfix.

e.g.
<pre>a$ = "hello"
</pre>
#**A string variable is described internally by a "string descriptor block" which has the following structure:

{| border="1"
|-
! Offset
! Length
! Description
|-
| 0
| 1
| Length of string in bytes/characters
|-
| 1
| 2
| Location of start of string
|}

#**The address of the "string descriptor block" for the string variable can be found in BASIC by typing: <pre>PRINT @a$
</pre>

replacing "a$" with the name of the string variable.

#**A string uses a minimum of 3 bytes of storage (a 0 character length string) and a maximum of 258 bytes of storage. 3 bytes are used by the "string descriptor block")
#**A string variable can contain any ASCII character code in the range 0-255.
#**A string variable can store a minimum of 0 characters and a maximum of 255 characters.
#**The length of the string in characters is defined in the string descriptor block. The string does not have a termination character.

[[Category:Programming]]
[[Category:BASIC| ]]
[[Category:CPC Internal Components]]
[[Category:Operating System| ]]
[[Category:Software]]
[[Category:Programming software| ]]

Mittwintermeeting 18

2024-12-19T13:13:41Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from April 3rd (Thursday) to 6.4.2025 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#Thomas Wieczorek
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Krill/Plush
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#Dr.Irata
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#[[Brainblaster]]
#Nils
#Edilbert Kirk
#Tolkin
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)
#Mr.Ams
#Merlin
#TFM

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 18

2024-12-19T12:58:03Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from April 3rd (Thursday) to 6.4.2025 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#Thomas Wieczorek
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Krill/Plush
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#Dr.Irata
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#[[Brainblaster]]
#Nils
#Edilbert Kirk
#Tolkin
#Paco (Outdoor-Holger)

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 18

2024-12-17T21:43:00Z

Prodatron: typo

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from April 3rd (Thursday) to 6.4.2025 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#Thomas Wieczorek
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Krill/Plush
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#Dr.Irata
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#[[Brainblaster]]
#Nils
#Edilbert Kirk

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 18

2024-12-17T21:13:50Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 3rd (Thursday) to 6.4.2025 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)
Please note, that 18 participants is the maximum because of the location. So please hurry up with your registration until this list is "full".

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#Thomas Wieczorek
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Krill/Plush
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#Dr.Irata
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#[[Brainblaster]]
#Nils
#Edilbert Kirk

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 18

2024-12-17T21:11:15Z

Prodatron: Created page with "The Mittwintermeeting goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany. Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different ho..."

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 18th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from March 3rd (Thursday) to 6.4.2025 (Sunday) [4 days!]'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom < EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#Thomas Wieczorek
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Krill/Plush
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#Dr.Irata
#JAC! (Peter Dell)
#[[Brainblaster]]
#Nils
#Edilbert Kirk

[[Category:CPC events]]

List of file formats

2024-08-15T22:04:28Z

Prodatron: /* SymbOS related file formats */

== CPC file extensions ==

This list is a collection of file-extensions used on the Amstrad/Schneider CPC and CPC Plus computer range. It's not a collection of file-extensions used by PC systems for CPC related stuff.

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| $$$
| Temporary Amsdos file
| [[Amsdos|amsdos]]
|-
| 128
| Soundtrakker 128KB music file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| 64K
| [[FutureOS]] Main-memory program
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| ACE
| Packed Windows archive
| [[ACE]]
|-
| ARC
| CP/M, Xexor ARC File format
| [[CP/M]], [[Format:Xexor ARC file format|Xexor ARC Format]]
|-
| ASC
| ASCII text
|
|-
| ASM
| Assembler source code
| ASM.COM
|-
| [[AYC]]
| Derivate or converted YM music file
| AYCplayers
|-
| BAK
| Backup file
| most CPC-DOS
|-
| BAS
| Basic program
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| BIN
| binary file
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| CCP
| Key definition for CP/M Plus
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| COM
| Executable CP/M or [[SymbOS]]-SymShell program
| [[CP/M]], [[SymShell]]
|-
| CS8
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 8 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CS9
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 9 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CUT
| AMX Pagemaker Clipart
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| DD*
| Device driver for GSX (CP/M Plus)
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| DEU
| German text
|
|-
| ENG
| English text
|
|-
| Fld
| Map file of a game
| [[GSED]]
|-
| FNT
| Font of AMX Pagemaker
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| FRA
| French text
|
|-
| GEs
| Set of Graphic-elements
| [[GSED]]
|-
| H
| C header
| Small C i.e.
|-
| HED
| Header/Icon definition for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HGB
| [[FutureOS]] Wallpaper / Background Picture
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| CP/M and others
|-
| INF
| AMX Pagemaker site
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| INS
| Soundtrakker Instrument file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| MAC
| Makroassembler source code
| MAC.COM
|-
| MAX
| Maxam Source Code
| [[Maxam]]
|-
| MDL
| Digitracker Module
| [[Digitracker]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File or Crown Protracker Module
| [[SymAmp]], Crown [[Protracker]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]], [[FuturePlayer]]
|-
| OBJ
| Object Code
| CP/M
|-
| OVL
| Overlay parts of WordStar o.e.
| CP/M
|-
| PA1
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 1)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA2
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 2)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA3
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 3)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA4
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 4)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|PAL]]
| OCP Art Studio Palette
| [[The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| PAS
| (Turbo-)Pascal source code
| [[Turbo Pascal]]
|-
| PRV
| AMX Pagemaker site (Preview)
| AMX Pagemaker
|-
| PRL
| page relocatable file
| see also GSX
|-
| RAR
| Packed Windows Archive
|
|-
| ROM
| Rom-File (16K)
| diff. (Pseudo-)/(EP)ROM Manager
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|SCR]]
| OCP Art Studio Screen
| [[The OCP Art Studio]], [[SymSee]]
|-
| SID
| chiptune from C64
| Geco's SID player
|-
| Skr
| Set of Scripts
| GSEd
|-
| SKS
| STarKos Module
| [[STarKos]]
|-
| SMC
| Executable C Program for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SND
| Soundtrakker 64KB Music
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| Spr
| Set of Sprites
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SUB
| Submit/Batch file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| SYS
| GSX file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| TXT
| ASCII text
|
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|WIN]]
| OCP Art Studio Clip
| [[The OCP Art Studio|The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| WP
| Key definition for WordStar
| [[WordStar]]
|-
| X16
| [[FutureOS]] Expansion RAM program / Multitasking Application
| [[FutureOS]]
|}

== PC / Emulator related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| [[Format:CDT tape image file format|CDT]]
| Tape image file format
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:CPR CPC Plus cartridge file format|CPR]]
| CPC Plus cartridge file format
| [[Arnold]],[[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:DSC disk image file format|DSC]]
| Disc image
| DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]],DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[ACE (Emulator)|ACE]], [[Arnold]], [[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:TAP tape image file format|TAP]]
| Emulator tape image
| [[Roland javascript emulator|Roland]]
|-
| YM
| YM Music file
| YM-Player and others
|}

== [[SymbOS]] related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| BAT
| Batch-File
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| SymShell application
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| CP/M application
| CPvM (CP/M virtual machine for SymbOS SymShell)
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[DiskDeDumper]], [[DiskDumper]]
|-
| EXE
| SymbOS executable
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| FNT
| Font file
| Control Panel
|-
| GOL
| Cell field
| [[Conways' Game of Life]]
|-
| GZ
| (compressed) GZip file
| [[UnZip]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| Help document browser
|-
| MAN
| SymShell help file
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| PT3
| Spectrum Protracker 3 Music
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SA2
| Surprise! Adlib Tracker 2 OPL2 module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SAV
| SymbOS screen saver
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX]]
| graphic
| [[SymSee]]
|-
| SPL
| Music playlist
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SPM, SPX
| PSG music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| SKM
| compilated [[STarKos]] Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[SymSnap]]
|-
| ST2
| Compilated [[Soundtrakker]] 128 Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SWM, SWX
| wave music/effect collection (OPL4)
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID]]
| video
| [[SymPlay]]
|-
| YSB
| Puzzle collection
| [[Sokoban]] for SymbOS
|-
| Z3, Z4, Z5, Z8
| Z-Code game file
| [[Zym]] Z-Machine interpreter
|-
| ZIP
| (compressed) ZIP file
| [[UnZip]]
|}

[[Category:Definitions]]

List of file formats

2024-08-15T22:02:59Z

Prodatron: /* SymbOS related file formats */

== CPC file extensions ==

This list is a collection of file-extensions used on the Amstrad/Schneider CPC and CPC Plus computer range. It's not a collection of file-extensions used by PC systems for CPC related stuff.

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| $$$
| Temporary Amsdos file
| [[Amsdos|amsdos]]
|-
| 128
| Soundtrakker 128KB music file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| 64K
| [[FutureOS]] Main-memory program
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| ACE
| Packed Windows archive
| [[ACE]]
|-
| ARC
| CP/M, Xexor ARC File format
| [[CP/M]], [[Format:Xexor ARC file format|Xexor ARC Format]]
|-
| ASC
| ASCII text
|
|-
| ASM
| Assembler source code
| ASM.COM
|-
| [[AYC]]
| Derivate or converted YM music file
| AYCplayers
|-
| BAK
| Backup file
| most CPC-DOS
|-
| BAS
| Basic program
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| BIN
| binary file
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| CCP
| Key definition for CP/M Plus
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| COM
| Executable CP/M or [[SymbOS]]-SymShell program
| [[CP/M]], [[SymShell]]
|-
| CS8
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 8 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CS9
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 9 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CUT
| AMX Pagemaker Clipart
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| DD*
| Device driver for GSX (CP/M Plus)
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| DEU
| German text
|
|-
| ENG
| English text
|
|-
| Fld
| Map file of a game
| [[GSED]]
|-
| FNT
| Font of AMX Pagemaker
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| FRA
| French text
|
|-
| GEs
| Set of Graphic-elements
| [[GSED]]
|-
| H
| C header
| Small C i.e.
|-
| HED
| Header/Icon definition for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HGB
| [[FutureOS]] Wallpaper / Background Picture
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| CP/M and others
|-
| INF
| AMX Pagemaker site
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| INS
| Soundtrakker Instrument file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| MAC
| Makroassembler source code
| MAC.COM
|-
| MAX
| Maxam Source Code
| [[Maxam]]
|-
| MDL
| Digitracker Module
| [[Digitracker]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File or Crown Protracker Module
| [[SymAmp]], Crown [[Protracker]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]], [[FuturePlayer]]
|-
| OBJ
| Object Code
| CP/M
|-
| OVL
| Overlay parts of WordStar o.e.
| CP/M
|-
| PA1
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 1)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA2
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 2)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA3
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 3)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA4
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 4)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|PAL]]
| OCP Art Studio Palette
| [[The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| PAS
| (Turbo-)Pascal source code
| [[Turbo Pascal]]
|-
| PRV
| AMX Pagemaker site (Preview)
| AMX Pagemaker
|-
| PRL
| page relocatable file
| see also GSX
|-
| RAR
| Packed Windows Archive
|
|-
| ROM
| Rom-File (16K)
| diff. (Pseudo-)/(EP)ROM Manager
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|SCR]]
| OCP Art Studio Screen
| [[The OCP Art Studio]], [[SymSee]]
|-
| SID
| chiptune from C64
| Geco's SID player
|-
| Skr
| Set of Scripts
| GSEd
|-
| SKS
| STarKos Module
| [[STarKos]]
|-
| SMC
| Executable C Program for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SND
| Soundtrakker 64KB Music
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| Spr
| Set of Sprites
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SUB
| Submit/Batch file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| SYS
| GSX file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| TXT
| ASCII text
|
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|WIN]]
| OCP Art Studio Clip
| [[The OCP Art Studio|The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| WP
| Key definition for WordStar
| [[WordStar]]
|-
| X16
| [[FutureOS]] Expansion RAM program / Multitasking Application
| [[FutureOS]]
|}

== PC / Emulator related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| [[Format:CDT tape image file format|CDT]]
| Tape image file format
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:CPR CPC Plus cartridge file format|CPR]]
| CPC Plus cartridge file format
| [[Arnold]],[[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:DSC disk image file format|DSC]]
| Disc image
| DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]],DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[ACE (Emulator)|ACE]], [[Arnold]], [[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:TAP tape image file format|TAP]]
| Emulator tape image
| [[Roland javascript emulator|Roland]]
|-
| YM
| YM Music file
| YM-Player and others
|}

== [[SymbOS]] related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| BAT
| Batch-File
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| SymShell application
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| CP/M application
| CPvM CP/M virtual machine
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[DiskDeDumper]], [[DiskDumper]]
|-
| EXE
| SymbOS executable
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| FNT
| Font file
| Control Panel
|-
| GOL
| Cell field
| [[Conways' Game of Life]]
|-
| GZ
| (compressed) GZip file
| [[UnZip]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| Help document browser
|-
| MAN
| SymShell help file
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| PT3
| Spectrum Protracker 3 Music
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SA2
| Surprise! Adlib Tracker 2 OPL2 module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SAV
| SymbOS screen saver
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX]]
| graphic
| [[SymSee]]
|-
| SPL
| Music playlist
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SPM, SPX
| PSG music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| SKM
| compilated [[STarKos]] Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[SymSnap]]
|-
| ST2
| Compilated [[Soundtrakker]] 128 Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SWM, SWX
| wave music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID]]
| video
| [[SymPlay]]
|-
| YSB
| Puzzle collection
| [[Sokoban]] for SymbOS
|-
| Z3, Z4, Z5, Z8
| Z-Code game file
| [[Zym]] Z-Machine interpreter
|-
| ZIP
| (compressed) ZIP file
| [[UnZip]]
|}

[[Category:Definitions]]

List of file formats

2024-08-15T21:18:25Z

Prodatron: /* SymbOS related file formats */

== CPC file extensions ==

This list is a collection of file-extensions used on the Amstrad/Schneider CPC and CPC Plus computer range. It's not a collection of file-extensions used by PC systems for CPC related stuff.

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| $$$
| Temporary Amsdos file
| [[Amsdos|amsdos]]
|-
| 128
| Soundtrakker 128KB music file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| 64K
| [[FutureOS]] Main-memory program
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| ACE
| Packed Windows archive
| [[ACE]]
|-
| ARC
| CP/M, Xexor ARC File format
| [[CP/M]], [[Format:Xexor ARC file format|Xexor ARC Format]]
|-
| ASC
| ASCII text
|
|-
| ASM
| Assembler source code
| ASM.COM
|-
| [[AYC]]
| Derivate or converted YM music file
| AYCplayers
|-
| BAK
| Backup file
| most CPC-DOS
|-
| BAS
| Basic program
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| BIN
| binary file
| [[AMSDOS]]
|-
| CCP
| Key definition for CP/M Plus
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| COM
| Executable CP/M or [[SymbOS]]-SymShell program
| [[CP/M]], [[SymShell]]
|-
| CS8
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 8 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CS9
| [[FutureOS]] 2 KB Character Set, 9 scan lines/character
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| CUT
| AMX Pagemaker Clipart
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| DD*
| Device driver for GSX (CP/M Plus)
| [[CP/M 3.0]]
|-
| DEU
| German text
|
|-
| ENG
| English text
|
|-
| Fld
| Map file of a game
| [[GSED]]
|-
| FNT
| Font of AMX Pagemaker
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| FRA
| French text
|
|-
| GEs
| Set of Graphic-elements
| [[GSED]]
|-
| H
| C header
| Small C i.e.
|-
| HED
| Header/Icon definition for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HGB
| [[FutureOS]] Wallpaper / Background Picture
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| CP/M and others
|-
| INF
| AMX Pagemaker site
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| INS
| Soundtrakker Instrument file
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| MAC
| Makroassembler source code
| MAC.COM
|-
| MAX
| Maxam Source Code
| [[Maxam]]
|-
| MDL
| Digitracker Module
| [[Digitracker]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File or Crown Protracker Module
| [[SymAmp]], Crown [[Protracker]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]], [[FuturePlayer]]
|-
| OBJ
| Object Code
| CP/M
|-
| OVL
| Overlay parts of WordStar o.e.
| CP/M
|-
| PA1
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 1)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA2
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 2)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA3
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 3)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| PA4
| AMX Pagemaker site (part 4)
| [[AMX Pagemaker]]
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|PAL]]
| OCP Art Studio Palette
| [[The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| PAS
| (Turbo-)Pascal source code
| [[Turbo Pascal]]
|-
| PRV
| AMX Pagemaker site (Preview)
| AMX Pagemaker
|-
| PRL
| page relocatable file
| see also GSX
|-
| RAR
| Packed Windows Archive
|
|-
| ROM
| Rom-File (16K)
| diff. (Pseudo-)/(EP)ROM Manager
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|SCR]]
| OCP Art Studio Screen
| [[The OCP Art Studio]], [[SymSee]]
|-
| SID
| chiptune from C64
| Geco's SID player
|-
| Skr
| Set of Scripts
| GSEd
|-
| SKS
| STarKos Module
| [[STarKos]]
|-
| SMC
| Executable C Program for [[FutureOS]]
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SND
| Soundtrakker 64KB Music
| [[Soundtrakker]]
|-
| Spr
| Set of Sprites
| [[FutureOS]]
|-
| SUB
| Submit/Batch file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| SYS
| GSX file (CP/M)
| [[CP/M]]
|-
| TXT
| ASCII text
|
|-
| [[Format:Advanced OCP Art Studio File Formats|WIN]]
| OCP Art Studio Clip
| [[The OCP Art Studio|The OCP Art Studio]]
|-
| WP
| Key definition for WordStar
| [[WordStar]]
|-
| X16
| [[FutureOS]] Expansion RAM program / Multitasking Application
| [[FutureOS]]
|}

== PC / Emulator related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| [[Format:CDT tape image file format|CDT]]
| Tape image file format
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:CPR CPC Plus cartridge file format|CPR]]
| CPC Plus cartridge file format
| [[Arnold]],[[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:DSC disk image file format|DSC]]
| Disc image
| DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[Arnold]],[[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]],DSK-CPC
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[ACE (Emulator)|ACE]], [[Arnold]], [[CaPriCe]], [[JavaCPC]], [[WinCPC]], [[WinApe]]
|-
| [[Format:TAP tape image file format|TAP]]
| Emulator tape image
| [[Roland javascript emulator|Roland]]
|-
| YM
| YM Music file
| YM-Player and others
|}

== [[SymbOS]] related file formats ==

{| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| ''Extension''
| ''Explanations''
| ''Programs that use this extenstion''
|-
| BAT
| Batch-File
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| COM
| SymShell application
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| [[Format:DSK disk image file format|DSK]]
| Disc image
| [[DiskDeDumper]], [[DiskDumper]]
|-
| EXE
| SymbOS executable
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| FNT
| Font file
| Control Panel
|-
| GOL
| Cell field
| [[Conways' Game of Life]]
|-
| GZ
| (compressed) GZip file
| [[UnZip]]
|-
| HLP
| Help file
| Help document browser
|-
| MAN
| SymShell help file
| [[SymShell]]
|-
| MOD
| Amiga MOD File
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| MP3
| MP3 Sound file
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| PT3
| Spectrum Protracker 3 Music
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SA2
| Surprise! Adlib Tracker 2 OPL2 module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SAV
| SymbOS screen saver
| [[SymbOS]]
|-
| [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX]]
| graphic
| [[SymSee]]
|-
| SPL
| Music playlist
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SPM, SPX
| PSG music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| SKM
| compilated [[STarKos]] Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| [[Format:SNA snapshot file format|SNA]]
| Machine snapshot image file format
| [[SymSnap]]
|-
| ST2
| Compilated [[Soundtrakker]] 128 Module
| [[SymAmp]]
|-
| SWM, SWX
| wave (OPL4) music/effect collection
| [[Sound Daemon]], client applications
|-
| [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID]]
| video
| [[SymPlay]]
|-
| YSB
| Puzzle collection
| [[Sokoban]] for SymbOS
|-
| Z3, Z4, Z5, Z8
| Z-Code game file
| [[Zym]] Z-Machine interpreter
|-
| ZIP
| (compressed) ZIP file
| [[UnZip]]
|}

[[Category:Definitions]]

Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)

2024-08-10T07:40:41Z

Prodatron: /* Web links */

[[Image:sgxgraphic.gif|thumb|387px|Screen shots showing the same 16 colour SGX graphic in 6 different screen modes]]

This is a description of the '''SGX graphic format''' used in [[SymbOS]] and in [[SymSee]].

A SGX graphic consists of any number of chunks, which define different picture parts. While there are limitations for the width and the height of a single part, the complete graphic can have any size, as all parts will be linked together.

==Chunk types==

===Simple 4 colour graphic part===

<pre>
byte 0: [bit0-6] width in bytes (1-63)
[bit7] flag, if graphic data is compressed
byte 1: width in pixel (1-252)
byte 2: height in pixel (1-255)
if uncompressed:
byte 3-n: linear graphic data (size = byte0 * byte2)
if compressed:
byte 3,4: size of compressed graphic data
byte 5-n: compressed linear graphic data (ZX0 with SymbOS-specific header, see below)
</pre>

This chunk type can be recognized, if the first byte has a value between 1 and 63 (uncompressed) or between 129 and 191 (compressed). The 4 colour graphic data is encoded in CPC Mode 1 format. Every byte contains 4 pixels:
<pre>
bit7 = bit0 of pixel0 (left pixel)
bit6 = bit0 of pixel1
bit5 = bit0 of pixel2
bit4 = bit0 of pixel3 (right pixel)
bit3 = bit1 of pixel0
bit2 = bit1 of pixel1
bit1 = bit1 of pixel2
bit0 = bit1 of pixel3
</pre>

Or you can see it like this:
<pre>
pixel0 = bit7 + 2 * bit3 (left pixel)
pixel1 = bit6 + 2 * bit2
pixel2 = bit5 + 2 * bit1
pixel3 = bit4 + 2 * bit0 (right pixel)
</pre>

===Extended 4 and 16 colour graphic part===

<pre>
byte 0: [bit0-6] 64
[bit7] flag, if graphic data is compressed
byte 1: type (0=4 colour graphic, 5=16 colour graphic)
byte 2,3: width in bytes (1-255 [4c] or 2-254 [16c])
byte 4,5: width in pixel (1-1020 [4c] or 1-508 [16c])
byte 6,7: height in pixel (1-65535)
if uncompressed:
byte 8-n: linear graphic data (size = byte2,3 * byte6,7)
if compressed:
byte 8,9: size of compressed graphic data
byte 10-n: compressed linear graphic data (ZX0 with SymbOS-specific header, see below)
</pre>

This chunk type can be recognized with 64 (uncompressed) or 192 (compressed) in the first byte. 4 colour graphics are encoded in CPC Mode 1 format (see above). 16 colour graphics are encoded in MSX Screen 5/7 format. Every byte contains 2 pixels:
<pre>
bit7-4 (high nibble): left pixel
bit3-0 (low nibble): right pixel
</pre>

Please note, that currently there are some limitations:
* the maximum width for a 4 colour graphic part is 1020 pixel
* the maximum width for a 16 colour graphic part is 508 pixel
* 16 colour graphic parts must always have an even width in bytes (2,4,...,254)

===Line feed===

<pre>
byte 0: 255
byte 1,2: undefined
</pre>

This chunk has a length of 3 bytes and can be recognized with 255 in the first byte. Usually every graphic part will be linked right to the previous part. After a line feed the next graphic part will be linked below the first graphic of the previous "line".

===EOF===

<pre>
byte 0: 0
byte 1,2: undefined
</pre>

An EOF is not explicit required, but should be added, if graphics are stored on an Amsdos or CP/M disc, as these file system are not able to store the exact size of a file.

==Palette==

SGX files don't contain colour palette definitions, as these graphics have been designed in a way, which makes it possible to display them in any environment and colour-depth (2, 4 or 16 colours) on the SymbOS desktop.

For 4 colour graphics it means, that there is just a grayscale definition:
* Pen 0: white
* Pen 1: black
* Pen 2: light gray
* Pen 3: dark gray
This can be used for any type of colour, like orange, brown, light red, dark red etc.

16 colour graphics have a fixed palette which has the following definition:
* Pen 00-03: #ff8,#000,#f80,#800
* Pen 04-07: #0ff,#008,#88f,#00f
* Pen 08-11: #fff,#080,#0f0,#f0f
* Pen 12-15: #ff0,#888,#f88,#f00
The values are in CPC Plus RGB format. #ff8 means: red=15, green=15, blue=8.

On the MSX it would mean: red=7, green=7, blue=4.

On the CPC old generation it means: red=2, green=2, blue=1 (= 1*3^0 + 2*3^1 + 2*3^2 = 25).

Palette configuration and colors (for 16 colors format):

[[Image:symbosSGX.jpg]]

==Graphic data compression==

Both simple and extended graphic parts can be stored in a compressed way.
Compressed data has to be stored in the following SymbOS-specific way, which is used for all kind of compressed data in SymbOS:
<pre>
00 4B last 4 bytes of the data (not compressed)
04 1W size of non compressed part at the beginning (always 0 for SGX files)
06 ?B not compressed part of the data (not existing in SGX files)
?? ?B compressed part of the data without the last 4 bytes
using the "ZX0 data compressor" by Einar Saukas, see
https://github.com/einar-saukas/ZX0
</pre>

==See also==

* [[SymSee|SymSee (picture viewer)]]
* [[SymbOS|SymbOS (operating system)]]
* [[Format:VID (SymbOS video files)|VID (SymbOS video files)]]

==Web links==

* [https://www.symbos.org/media.htm?1 SGX file downloads]

[[Category:SymbOS]]
[[Category:Programming]]

Format:VID (SymbOS video files)

2024-02-27T11:02:11Z

Prodatron: /* Web links */ download link moved

This is a description of the VID format used for [[SymPlay]] in [[SymbOS]]. This format is also supported in the [[PC-CPC]] emulator.

<pre>

;### 512 byte main header
movinfbeg
;*** general
movinfide db "SymVid10" ;identifier
movinfflg db 0 ;flag field; if one flag is set, the regarding information is given in a 128byte header in each single frame,
;if one flag is not set, the regarding information is given in this main header or nowhere;
;if this byte is 0, all frames do not contain an additional header but only the screen data
;0 (+1) -> size *** NOT SUPPORTED ***
;1 (+2) -> number of colours (mode 0/1/2) *** NOT SUPPORTED ***
;2 (+4) -> colour definition *** IGNORED ***
;3 (+8) -> key controls
;4(+16) -> subtitles
movinfcrn db 0 ;crunch type (0=frames are not crunched) *** MUST BE 0 ***
movinffps db 0 ;frames per second (1-100)
movinflen ds 3 ;total number of frames (24bit); the total number of seconds must not be above 65535
;*** frame specific
movinfxln dw 0 ;frame width (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==0)
movinfyln dw 0 ;frame height (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==0)
movinfmod db 0 ;screen mode (only valid, if movinfflg[bit1]==0) [1=4colours, 7=16colours] *** MUST BE 1 or 7 ***
movinfcol ds 2*16 ;colour table -> 16 x 12bit cpc plus colours (only valid, if movinfflg[bit2]==0)*** IGNORED ***
movinfsiz dw 0 ;size of each frame in bytes without header (only valid, if movinfcrn==0);
;total size with optional header MUST be divideable by 512!
;*** subtitles
movtitnum db 0 ;number of presented languages (1-8; 0=no subtitles)
movtitdat ds 8*16 ;8 x name (16 bytes, 0=terminator) of the language with ID 0-7
movtitnam ds 32 ;movie name (terminated by 0)
movtitinf ds 32 ;additional information (terminated by 0)
movinfenc db 0 ;encoding type (0=CPC, 1=MSX)

movinfend ds 512-movinfend+movinfbeg

;### 128 byte frame header
;### only existing, if movinfflg>0 and movinfcrn>0; otherwise the bitmap data is starting directly
frminfbeg
frminfxln dw 0 ;frame width (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==1)
frminfyln dw 0 ;frame height (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==1)
frminfmod db 0 ;screen mode (only valid, if movinfflg[bit1]==1)
frminfcol ds 2*16 ;colour table -> 16 x 12bit cpc plus colours (only valid, if movinfflg[bit2]==1)
frminfsiz dw 0 ;size of this frame in bytes without header (only valid, if movinfcrn!=0)
frminfact ds 4 ;byte0=action -> 0=continue playing, 1=stop movie here (byte1=reason), 2=jump to frame [byte1-3]
frmkeynum db 0 ;number of possible keys (0-8)
frmkeyfrm ds 8*4 ;keycode (1byte) + destination frame (24bit)
frmtitact db 0 ;0=don't change last subtitle, 1=delete last subtitle
frmtitdat ds 128-frmtitdat+frminfbeg ;subtitle data (maximum is about 50 bytes)
;-> 1 byte=text length (0=data terminator), 1 byte=language id, x bytes=text

</pre>

==See also==

* [[SymPlay|SymPlay (video player)]]
* [[SymbOS|SymbOS (operating system)]]
* [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX (SymbOS graphic files)]]

==Web links==

* [http://www.symbos.de/media.htm?3 VID file downloads]

[[Category:SymbOS]]
[[Category:Programming]]

Format:VID (SymbOS video files)

2024-02-27T11:01:26Z

Prodatron:

This is a description of the VID format used for [[SymPlay]] in [[SymbOS]]. This format is also supported in the [[PC-CPC]] emulator.

<pre>

;### 512 byte main header
movinfbeg
;*** general
movinfide db "SymVid10" ;identifier
movinfflg db 0 ;flag field; if one flag is set, the regarding information is given in a 128byte header in each single frame,
;if one flag is not set, the regarding information is given in this main header or nowhere;
;if this byte is 0, all frames do not contain an additional header but only the screen data
;0 (+1) -> size *** NOT SUPPORTED ***
;1 (+2) -> number of colours (mode 0/1/2) *** NOT SUPPORTED ***
;2 (+4) -> colour definition *** IGNORED ***
;3 (+8) -> key controls
;4(+16) -> subtitles
movinfcrn db 0 ;crunch type (0=frames are not crunched) *** MUST BE 0 ***
movinffps db 0 ;frames per second (1-100)
movinflen ds 3 ;total number of frames (24bit); the total number of seconds must not be above 65535
;*** frame specific
movinfxln dw 0 ;frame width (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==0)
movinfyln dw 0 ;frame height (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==0)
movinfmod db 0 ;screen mode (only valid, if movinfflg[bit1]==0) [1=4colours, 7=16colours] *** MUST BE 1 or 7 ***
movinfcol ds 2*16 ;colour table -> 16 x 12bit cpc plus colours (only valid, if movinfflg[bit2]==0)*** IGNORED ***
movinfsiz dw 0 ;size of each frame in bytes without header (only valid, if movinfcrn==0);
;total size with optional header MUST be divideable by 512!
;*** subtitles
movtitnum db 0 ;number of presented languages (1-8; 0=no subtitles)
movtitdat ds 8*16 ;8 x name (16 bytes, 0=terminator) of the language with ID 0-7
movtitnam ds 32 ;movie name (terminated by 0)
movtitinf ds 32 ;additional information (terminated by 0)
movinfenc db 0 ;encoding type (0=CPC, 1=MSX)

movinfend ds 512-movinfend+movinfbeg

;### 128 byte frame header
;### only existing, if movinfflg>0 and movinfcrn>0; otherwise the bitmap data is starting directly
frminfbeg
frminfxln dw 0 ;frame width (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==1)
frminfyln dw 0 ;frame height (only valid, if movinfflg[bit0]==1)
frminfmod db 0 ;screen mode (only valid, if movinfflg[bit1]==1)
frminfcol ds 2*16 ;colour table -> 16 x 12bit cpc plus colours (only valid, if movinfflg[bit2]==1)
frminfsiz dw 0 ;size of this frame in bytes without header (only valid, if movinfcrn!=0)
frminfact ds 4 ;byte0=action -> 0=continue playing, 1=stop movie here (byte1=reason), 2=jump to frame [byte1-3]
frmkeynum db 0 ;number of possible keys (0-8)
frmkeyfrm ds 8*4 ;keycode (1byte) + destination frame (24bit)
frmtitact db 0 ;0=don't change last subtitle, 1=delete last subtitle
frmtitdat ds 128-frmtitdat+frminfbeg ;subtitle data (maximum is about 50 bytes)
;-> 1 byte=text length (0=data terminator), 1 byte=language id, x bytes=text

</pre>

==See also==

* [[SymPlay|SymPlay (video player)]]
* [[SymbOS|SymbOS (operating system)]]
* [[Format:SGX (SymbOS graphic files)|SGX (SymbOS graphic files)]]

==Web links==

* [http://www.symbos.de/download.htm#marke3 VID file downloads]

[[Category:SymbOS]]
[[Category:Programming]]

Mittwintermeeting 17

2024-02-21T10:17:55Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 17th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from 7. (yes, thursday!) to 10. March 2024'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom ~ EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Deyta (aka Merlin)
#Hans/TMTLogic
#Frits (MSX)
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Outdoor-Holger
#Dr.Irata
#Krill/Plush
#Bodo/Rabenauge
#Henne/Abyss Connection
#Dorle
#SvOlli
#Wizzard

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 17

2024-02-16T10:54:42Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

Mittwintermeeting 17

2024-02-14T12:56:06Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

Mittwintermeeting 17

2024-02-13T20:42:27Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

Mittwintermeeting 17

2024-02-13T19:23:03Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 17th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from 7. (yes, thursday!) to 10. March 2024'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom ~ EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Merlin
#Hans/TMTLogic
#Frits (MSX)
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Outdoor-Holger
#Dr.Irata
#Krill/Plush

[[Category:CPC events]]

Mittwintermeeting 17

2024-02-13T19:20:55Z

Prodatron: /* Participants */

The [[Mittwintermeeting]] goes straight to the 17th edition in Kirchen / Germany.

Over the last years, the Meeting has grown as a place where people from all the different home-computer
systems of the 80's can come together for a nice weekend.

For now, we cover Amstrad, Atari, Acorn, Commodore, MSX and more. Looking forward to grow even further :)

As in the last time, the party is held in a blockhouse directly at the east border of the Westerwald (Siegerland) in Kirchen / Germany.

Like every time, everyone who is interested in old home computers is very welcome!

''' The Meeting takes place from 7. (yes, thursday!) to 10. March 2024'''

== The Party-Place ==

DRK Vereinshaus Kirchen An der Buswende (Dorfstraße 80) 57548 Kirchen Germany GeoCoords: (longitude/latitude) :  7°54'40.84"E , 50°48'49.74"N

 

If you have any more questions please send a PM to: Prodatron or Dr.Zed

== Accommodation ==
* Hotel "zum weißen Stein" (single bedroom ~ EUR 80)
* bring your own Airbed and sleep at the party place (EUR 0)

== Participants ==

(planned/known)

#[[Dr.Zed]]
#[[Prodatron]]
#EdoZ/SymbiosiS
#[[Beetle]]
#[[Insane]]
#Merlin
#Hans/TMTLogic
#Frits (MSX)
#[[Tolkin]]
#[[TFM]]
#Outdoor-Holger
#Dr.Irata

[[Category:CPC events]]

KC Compact

2023-11-14T22:43:19Z

Prodatron: added first disc interface picture

''Note: Much of this article was originally written by [[Kevin Thacker]] and so any references in the first person ("I", "me", ''etc.'') are by him.

[[Image:Kcc top.jpg|right|thumb|250px|The East German KC Compact Computer]]

== Background ==

The KC compact is a [[Clones|clone]] of the Amstrad CPC and was developed by a East German company called RFT.

The computer was designed in 1989 and made to celebrate 40 years of the DDR/GDR (Deutsche Demokratische Republik/German Democratic Republic). A year later the Berlin wall came down and East and West Germany were joined together and the DDR/GDR came to an end. Production of the computer halted, and it was only available for a short time and is rare.

I read about the KC compact in the Amscene section of Amstrad Action magazine, a Future Publishing Ltd publication. From that point I was hooked and I eventually wanted to own one.

During this time I found Andreas Krueger, webmaster of the Robotron-Net website, who owned one of these computers. Andreas was very helpful and provided photocopies of a manual and the schematics, a dump of the roms, ran some tests for me and more. I want to send him a big thankyou for all the help he gave.

In the last few months (May 2001) I contacted Thomas Tratz who owns a KC Compact. Thomas Tratz runs a great website for QuickBASIC. He has given me many of the original manuals, original software, and I bought a real KC Compact from his cousin! A big thankyou to Thomas and his cousin!

The case of the KC compact is the same as the Robotron BIC A5105, but has different hardware inside. The KC Compact I have does not have a information sticker on the underside, but information for the A5105!

Many of the IC's inside are Russian and clones of other IC's. (The UA880 is a clone of the Zilog Z80, and the U82536 is a clone of the Zilog Z8536).

I know of only a few people who have a real KC Compact (Andreas Kruger, Thomas Tratz, Frank Salmon of Oldbits computer collection and myself), if there are others please contact me and I will make a list of KC Compact owners, and you will be members of an exclusive club! :)

This document will describe the hardware and software differences (that are known) between this system and the Amstrad CPC.

== Alternative power supply ==

With the help of Darren Jarvis I now have a new power supply for my KC Compact. He gave me a power pack from a PC laptop, and with a special lead, this works perfectly on the KC Compact.

PC laptop power pack details:

LISHIN INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISE CORP. AC ADAPTOR.

MODEL: LSE9802A1960

INPUT: 100-240V A.C. 50/60Hz 1.5A

OUTPUT: 19V D.C. 3.16A. 60W MAX

The power pack has a 3.5mm power plug at the end.

I made a lead which has a 3.5mm power socket and a telefunktion socket.

== External power supply ==

The official external power modulator provides +20V,-20V DC (err... more probably +20V and 0V) with 500mA (believed to be un-smoothed), from a source of ~220V at 50Hz.

The external power modulator is connected to the computer's internal power modulator, which generates a smoothed 12V and 5V outputs and these provide the power for the IC's. Most or all runs at 5V. The 12V are used for the built-in TV modulator, and is also output to the Expansion Port and Scart connector (and, not sure, maybe used elsewhere, too)

The internal power supply is very tolerant and the computer will run with input voltages as low as 6V, but the colours in the palette are weak. If the voltage is increased, the colours become strong, and around 18V-20V, they are all correct. If a low input voltage is used, it is likely that the 12V power output on the expansion connector will not be correct.

The connector is believed to be a Telefunken Line socket (Maplins catalogue reference: FT99H). If you can't find this connector then you can make a suitable connector using a power lead and a sharp craft knife.

== Software differences ==

The base system has 32k of

* Locomotive BASIC v1.1 rom (identical to BASIC rom in English CPC6128) (16k)
* A modified operating system rom from an English CPC6128 (16k)

* Differences are:

:* Different start-up message
:* Computer names (Schneider, Awa, Solavox etc) removed.
:* Initialisation code for the CIO (see details below)
:* Test program transfer (see details below)

I believe most software will run, but I have not been able to test this, but programs that use the following may be broken:

* Programs that rely on exact Interrupt mechanism of the CPC6128
* Programs that call direct into the operating system rom (these may work, because the changes to the operating system rom are minor)
* Programs that rely on a unofficial hardware feature (I do not know of all hardware details, so I cannot say the level of compatibility)

The disc interface has a modified AMSDOS rom.

== Hardware differences ==

* The colour palette is not cleared to black on reset
* The Amstrad unofficial mode (bit 1=bit 0=1 of [[Gate Array]] mode register) does not exist. The clock to the shift registers is stopped. The last colour is output.
* The raster interrupt is generated in a different way by the CIO.

This section describes the known hardware differences. This information is not definitive. I do not know all differences,

== UA880 CPU (equivalent to Zilog Z80) ==

The KC compact uses a UA880 CPU, which is an East German clone of the [[Z80]]. It is not confirmed whether there are any actual differences compared to a real Z80. In terms of documentation, the KC Compact System Handbook lists the opcodes SLL, INF [a.k.a. IN F,(C)], and OUTF [a.k.a. OUT (C),F], whereas these have remained undocumented by Zilog.

== Video ==

* The [[CRTC]] should be more or less same as those used in CPCs. The handbook and schematic say the CRTC is a CM 607 (Bulgarian clone of 6845), but the CRTC in mine [=Kevin's] is an HD6845P.
* The clocks for each mode (0,1 and 2) are derived from the main 16MHz clock, these then drive the shift registers to output pixels to the display.
* Mode 3 is hardwired to 5V, so it doesn't have a clock. The shift registers are stopped and output the last colour they clocked in. Even if this mode was activated in way of connecting up the clock for Mode 0 it is not decoded the same as on the CPC: 8 colours are chosen from the 16 colour palette, instead of 4.
* There may be a bug whereby if the border colour is changed rapidly there could be 1 pixel of another colour output. When loading a game which changes the colour of the border, I have seen moving "snow" on the screen. I have seen this effect, but I need to confirm how it is generated.
* The video output doesn't generate luminance, so the KC Compact can't be used with a GT64 or MM14.

== Colour-ROM ==

The KC compact has a colour-rom. Each byte in the ROM defines the R,G and B of an output colour.

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|''Bit''||''Function''
|-
|7||not used''
|-
|6||not used''
|-
|5||Green''
|-
|4||Green''
|-
|3||Red''
|-
|2||Red''
|-
|1||Blue''
|-
|0||Blue''
|-
|}

The hardware colour index (defined by the I/O write: A15="0", A14="1", D7="0", D6="1" D3-D0 define hardware colour index), is used as a look-up into the ROM.

Each colour-element (R, G or B) is defined using 2 bits and has the potential to define a total palette of 64 colours. The colour-rom only uses 3 of the 4 possible settings for each colour-element. Looking at the schematic, the potential is not realised, the two signals for each colour use the same resistors before being combined. This means that the bit combinations 10 and 01 produce the same result. So this means only 27 colours are possible.

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|''Element Bit 1''||''Element Bit 0''||Intensity''
|-
|0||0||Zero''
|-
|0||1||Half (same as 10)''
|-
|1||0||Half (same as 01)''
|-
|1||1||Full''
|-
|}

The colour ROM can be downloaded from the KC-Klub homepage.

== External connectors ==

=== Built-in connectors: pinout ===

* [[Connector:Cassette recorder|Cassette recorder]] - other pinout as CPC, motor control is TTL (not a relay)
* [[Connector:Digital joystick|Digital joystick]] - exactly as CPC (all 9 pins are exactly same)
* [[Connector:Expansion port|Expansion port]] - almost same as CPC (plus some extra pins: additional voltages, TEST feature, FBAS output)
* [[Connector:Monitor|Monitor]] - 21pin Scart connector, and UHF modulator
* [[Connector:Printer port|Printer port]] - almost same as CPC Plus (25pin)
* [[Connector:Stereo sound|Stereo sound]] - 5pin DIN (not 3.5mm)

=== Cassette socket ===

The Cassette socket has different connection assignments compared to the CPC, so you can't use a CPC cassette lead directly with the KC Compact.

I made a second lead which converted between KC Compact assignments and CPC assignments, which was connected between KC Compact and the CPC cassette lead.

I have been successfully loaded some CPC software.

=== Expansion socket ===

The KC compact has a real connector compared to the P.C.B. edge connector of an English CPC6128. This connector is not the same as the one on a German CPC6128.

The expansion connector has more pins; 58 compared to 50 on an English CPC6128.

The connector is a 'K1520 bus' connector which is present on all East German microcomputers. Some details about it can be found on the Wikipedia page for 'VEB Robotron' and some more here https://www.robotrontechnik.de/html/standards/k1520.htm (in German)

I am in the process of making an adaptor so that I can test CPC hardware on the KC Compact.

=== Parallel ===

On the KC compact the parallel port is connected to Port A of the CIO.

It is a general purpose I/O port. All 8-bits can be used for input or output. The input/output of each bit can be programmed. With standard setup, bit 7 is assigned to /STROBE, and bits 0-6 are assigned to Printer DATA, making a 7-bit printer port. Additionally, the 8th printer bit is implemented via Bit5 of PIO Port C (see [[8bit Printer Ports]]).

* The Amstrad CPC has a single-direction, 7-bit port.
* The KC Compact has a bi-directional, 8-bit port.

The KC compact parallel port is more powerful and flexible compared to the Amstrad CPC parallel port!

=== Keyboard ===

* The keyboard matrix of the KC compact supports all the keys of the CPC, but the following keys are not on the keyboard: F5, F6,F7,F8,F9.
* The KC Compact has a power LED (near CLR key). There are also (unused) locations for two additional LEDs (near TAB/CAPS key), eventually these locations are used by the D005 keyboard for KC-85 computers, or by the Robotron A5105 computer (both D005 and A5105 use the same case & keyboard as the KC Compact, aside from that, they have nothing to do with it).

== KP580BB55 PIO (equivalent to 8255 PPI) ==

Used (almost) identically as the CPC's [[8255]]. PIO Port B is slightly different:

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|7||Cassette data read (identical to CPC)
|-
|6||Centronics/Printer Busy (identical to CPC)
|-
|5||/EXP (identical to CPC)
|-
|4||1 (+5v) (would be LK4 screen refresh rate in CPC) (but isn't like so in KC Compact?)
|-
|3||1 (+5v) (would be LK3 manufacturer ID in CPC)
|-
|2||0 (0v) (would be LK2 manufacturer ID in CPC)
|-
|1||/TEST (would be LK1 manufacturer ID in CPC)
|-
|0||VSYNC (identical to CPC)
|-
|}

* Note: The KC System Handbook accidently calls the chip "KP580B55", however, the correct name is "KP580BB55" (with double "B").

== U82536 CIO (equivalent to Zilog Z8536 CIO) ==

* [[CIO Overview]]
* [[CIO Usage in KC Compact]]
* [[CIO Registers (Summary)]]
* [[CIO Registers (Detailed)]]

The CIO chip is a Counter and I/O chip. In the KC compact system it is used to generate interrupts, access to the parallel printer port, and possibly video control.

When A12 of the I/O address is "0", the CIO is selected. Bit A9 and A8 of the I/O address select the registers of the CIO,
to avoid conflict with other peripherals the CIO should be access using:

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|''Port''||''A9''||''A8''||''Register''||''Usage in KC Compact''
|-
|&ECxx||0||0||Port B data register||setup as timer and is connected to the video hardware (?)
|-
|&EDxx||0||1||Port C data register||setup as timer and is connected to the Interrupt hardware
|-
|&EExx||1||0||Control register||control
|-
|&EFxx||1||1||Port A data register||setup as I/O and is connected to the parallel printer port
|-
|}

* Note: A8 is passed through an inverter, resulting in the above "B,C,Control,A" ordering - this is done to map Port A to the same address as the CPC Printer Port (without the inverter, CIO registers would have "C,B,A,Control" ordering).

On start-up, the KC compact programs the CIO to the following state:

* Port A: I/O mode: all bits are set to output, and bit 7 is inverted when writing. (bit 7 is /strobe signal to printer)
* Port B: Counter mode (port B is split into two counters, both are setup the same): continuous count, restarts when count is over, uses external trigger, uses external input to update count, pulse output (when count is over)

* Port C: Counter mode: same configuration as port B.

Port C is used to generate interrupts. The counter input is HSYNC (the counter counts counter-input transitions; low-high and high-low). The trigger input is VSYV (this signal is derived from VSYNC).

What this means:

* The CIO Port C counter is updated when HSYNC changes state
* The CIO Port C counter is reset when VSYV changes state

With the default settings, the CIO will count 26 HSYNC transitions (52 lines of the display covered in this time) and generate a interrupt. At VSYNC the counter is reset so that the interrupts are synchronised.

I do not know the exact function of the counter's of Port B.

CPC Interrupts:

* synchronised to 2 HSYNCs after VSYNC
* interrupts cannot be generated closer than 32 lines
* counter inside Gate Array counts up to 52 lines.
* interrupt can be cleared by writing to bit 4 of Mode/ROM register in Gate Array (counter is also reset at this time)

KC compact interrupts:

* interrupt can be cleared by writing to bit 4 of Mode/ROM register at 0x07fxx (counter is *not* reset at this time)
* interrupt system fully programmable: can count HSYNCS, or count internal CIO clocks!

Therefore, the KC compact interrupt system is more powerful than the CPC!

== TEST feature ==

When the KC compact is reset, the /TEST signal on the expansion port is checked.

If it is high (1), the operating system will startup and BASIC will be entered. If it is low (0), the KC compact will enter a data transfer sequence using DATA2, DATA1, /STROBE and DATA7 on the expansion connector.

Data transfer:

The data transfer is controlled by another computer, the KC compact is the "slave".

Using DATA2, DATA1, /STROBE and DATA7, a program of 256 bytes in size can be transfered into KC compact memory at &a880. When all bytes have been transfered, this program will be executed.

KCC Side:

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|''Synchronisation stage (Data transfer begin)''||''/STROBE must read as "1"!! wait for DATA1 to change from "1" to "0"''
|-
|Synchronisation Acknowledge stage||write 0x0f: DATA2="1", DATA7="0"''
|-
|Data transfer stage (repeat for 256 bytes)||Data byte transfer||repeat 8 times (once for each data bit) * write 0x0ff: DATA2="1",DATA7="1", and wait for /STROBE to read as "1" * read inputs: DATA1=data bit
|-
|||Data byte acknowledge stage||write: 0x0f0: DATA2="0", DATA7="1", and wait for /STROBE to read as "1"
|-
|}

* /STROBE and DATA1 are inputs
* DATA2 and DATA7 are outputs

== Connecting a KC compact to a CPC+ monitor ==

These connections are known to work!

What you need:

* SCART plug
* 8-pin DIN socket

Lead connections:

* Connect the 8-pin DIN socket to the 8-pin DIN plug from the monitor
* Connect the SCART plug to the SCART socket on the back of the KC Compact

Signal connections:

{|{{Prettytable|width: 700px; font-size: 2em;}}
|''pin number on SCART plug''||''pin number on CPC+ monitor socket''
|-
|19 (Composite Video Output)||1 (Composite Sync)
|-
|17 (Video Ground)||8 (GND)
|-
|15 (Analogue Red)||4 (Red)
|-
|11 (Analogue Green)||2 (Green)
|-
|7 (Analogue Blue)||5 (Blue)
|-
|}

== Pictures ==

<gallery caption="KC Compact Pictures">
Image:Kcc top2.jpg|Top (with UHF cable)
Image:Kcc top.jpg|Top (Keyboard)
Image:Kcc open.jpg|Top (removed)
Image:Kcc pcb.jpg|Top (PCB)
Image:Kcc left.jpg|Left
Image:Kcc rigt.jpg|Right
Image:Kcc pjs.jpg|Right (Power, Joystick, Sound)
Image:Kcc labl.jpg|Sticker for Robotron K1505 computer (accidently badged on a KC computer)
Image:Kcc back.jpg|Rear
Image:Kcc pt.jpg|Rear (left: Power, Tape, UHF)
Image:Kcc asp.jpg|Rear (middle: UHF, Scart, Printer)
Image:Kcc exp.jpg|Rear (right: Expansion)
Image:Kcc lead.jpg|Aerial lead connector (UHF)
Image:KCC with power supply.jpg|Computer with Power Supply
Image:KCC boxed1.jpg|Boxed (closed)
Image:KCC boxed2.jpg|Boxed (open)
Image:Adcompa.jpg|KC Compact advert
Image:Kcc bright top.jpg|Top
Image:Kcc bright right.jpg|Right
Image:Kcc bright back.jpg|Rear
Image:Kcc base left.jpg|Base Left
Image:Kcc base right.jpg|Base Right
Image:Deepfb keyb size kcc.jpg|Dimensions
Image:KCCompact_PCB_Top.jpg|PCB Top
Image:KCCompact_PCB_Bottom.jpg|PCB Bottom
Image:KCCompact_Keyboard_Top.jpg|Keyboard Top
Image:KCCompact_Keyboard_Bottom.jpg|Keyboard bottom
</gallery>

== Pictures (Disc Interface) ==

<gallery caption="KC Compact Disc Interface (Amsdos Clone)">
Image:KC Compact AmsdosClone1.jpeg|Disc Interface
Image:KC Compact AmsdosClone2.jpeg|Disc Interface
Image:KC Compact AmsdosClone3.jpeg|Disc Interface
Image:KC Compact AmsdosClone4.jpeg|Disc Interface
Image:KC Compact AmsdosClone5.jpeg|Disc Interface
Image:KC Compact AmsdosClone6.jpeg|Disc Interface
</gallery>

== Datasheets ==

* [[Media:CIO-Z8536.pdf]] - Zilog Z8536 CIO Datasheet (equivalent to U82536)
* [[Media:PPI M5L8255AP-5.pdf]] - Mitsubishi 8255 PPI Datasheet (equivalent to KP580BB55)

== KC Compact Hardware Manuals (german) ==

* [[Media:Kcc Beschreibung.pdf]] - Technical Data and Pin-Outs
* [[Media:Kcc Basic Handbuch.pdf]] - Basic Handbook
* [[Media:Kcc Systemhandbuch.pdf]] - System Handbook
* [[Media:Kcc Floppy System Handbuch.pdf]] - Floppy Handbook

== KC Compact Cassette Manuals (german) ==

* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC4001 Demokcc.pdf]] - Demonstration (Demo1, Demo2)
* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC6001 Spielebox1.pdf]] - Gamebox 1 (Strolch, Roessel, Match)
* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC6002 Spielebox2.pdf]] - Gamebox 2 (Orgel, Konzert)
* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC6003 Spielebox3.pdf]] - Gamebox 3 (Fruity Frank, Memory)
* ... Gamebox 4 (?)
* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC6005 Spielebox5.pdf]] - Gamebox 5 (Cubit, Muehle, Pagode)
* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC7001 Komponist.pdf]] - Composer (Komponi.bas, Fughette.mus, Menuett.mus, Gedanken.mus, Muslink.bas)
* [[Media:Kcc kassette CC7002 Grafix1.pdf]] - Graphic (Grafik1, BspMode0.mal, BspMode1.mal)

== KC Compact Schematics ==

<gallery>
File:Kcc schematic cpu io.gif|CPU and I/O Schematic
File:Kcc schematic memory.gif|Memory Schematic
File:Kcc schematic modulator.gif|Modulator Schematic
File:Kcc schematic video power.gif|Video and Power Schematic
File:Kcc block diagram.gif|Block Diagram
File:Kcc component map mainboard.gif|Component Map (Mainboard)
File:Kcc component map modulator.gif|Component Map (Modulator)
</gallery>

For schematics at higher resolution, see
Schematic (Modulator):[[Media:Kcc schem1.png|hires]],
Block Diagram (Mainboard):[[Media:Kcc schem2.png|hires]],
Component Map (Modulator):[[Media:Kcc schem3.png|hires]],
Schematic (CPU and I/O):[[Media:Kcc schem4l.png|left]] and [[Media:Kcc schem4r.png|right]],
Schematic (Memory):[[Media:Kcc schem5l.png|left]] and [[Media:Kcc schem5r.png|right]],
Schematic (Video and Power):[[Media:Kcc schem6l.png|left]] and [[Media:Kcc schem6r.png|right]],
Component Map (Mainboard):[[Media:Kcc schem7l.png|left]] and [[Media:Kcc schem7r.png|right]].

== Operating systems ==

* [[AMSDOS#BASDOS|BASDOS]] - AMSDOS clone
* [[CP/M#MicroDOS|MicroDOS]] - CP/M clone
* [[FutureOS]] - only with Revaldhinos RAM expansion (true RAM mode &C3)

== KC Compact Computer Resources and Links ==

* [[KC Compact Advert]] - KC Compact Advertising (with english translation)
* [[Clones|CPC Clones]] - List of all known CPC clones
* http://www.robotrontechnik.de/ - Retro site for east-german computers
* http://www.robotron-net.de/ - Retro site for east-german computers
* http://www.iee.et.tu-dresden.de/~kc-club/index.html - Retro site for east-german computers
* http://www.sax.de/~zander/index2h.html - KC Compact is found in the "Hobby" section

[[Category:Non CPC Computers]][[Category:Clones]]

File:KC Compact AmsdosClone6.jpeg

2023-11-14T22:42:38Z