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

CPC Basic

2017-05-04T16:13:00Z

Ssg: Add web archive link

[[Category:Programming software]]
CPC Basic is a compiler that compiles a language heavily based on Locomotive BASIC (the BASIC of the Amstrad CPC).
However there are some differences.

It works in command line mode under Windows, but it is possible use it on Linux with WINE or MONO and also on MacOS with MONO. The program generates a binary file that can be added to a disc image, inserted into a snapshot or similar.

The compiler is free for any use and the existing library of functions on this page is open source, but the source code of compiler is not released.

http://www.telefonica.net/web2/emilioguerrero/CPCBasic/CPCBasic.html (URL inaccessible since 2012, [http://web.archive.org/web/20120208115405/http://www.telefonica.net/web2/emilioguerrero/CPCBasic/CPCBasic.html Web Archive])

CPC Basic

2017-05-04T16:11:46Z

Ssg:

Datacorder

2011-02-01T17:26:15Z

Ssg: /* Other related pages */

''Disclaimer : this page is a bit ironic.''

The tape/cassette reader/writer.

Slow and painfully, yet it makes a funny "Matrix like" sound on old 464...

Spanish Scene still produce games on this media...maybe the Nostalgia or pure masochism.

Britania was also very found of Tapes.

While in France, The awesomness and Fast speed of Discs was prefered by far.

==Why so lame ?==

Tapes are known for wasting 20 minutes only to find out that the load screwed up because the magnetic tape is not that reliable due to parasistic noises.

A problem encountered with this standard lies when the software have to take control of the Datacorder (to stop or play...)

As no CD reader nor MP3 reader were designed on this purpose, you have to do it manually.

This problem prooves critical when a software needs frequent Data Reading/Writing.

==Yet a few advantages==

It was cheap and easy.

Any AudioTape was far cheaper than a 3" disk, and easier to find.

You could get 90 "minutes" of Datas, compilations were fun to make.

Also you could copy any games with any audio double tape system.

Yet some games still include Copy protections...

==Modern use==

The use of Audio signal was clearly improved recently as modern Audio devices are not more analogic by logical.

As said, less parasitic noises and reliable durable storage.

Bad quality magnetic tapes had to read slowler to compensate the poor sound.

Clean modern logic signal allows to read at faster speed.

Yet the silence times between each blocks must remain of 3-4 seconds (this is the uncompressible part...).

==The strange case of the 6128+==

Oddly, the 6128+ does not have any Tape connector at all.

But as the Mainboard is the same on the 464+ and the 6128+ you can easily fix this if you cannibalize a 464+ to improve your 6128+ (or find the proper electronic componnents).

Just pierce a hole in the plastic, put a Jack connector and use it for small games with any mp3 walkman.

More complex games or softwares should better use a Disk-like solution (no pun intended).

==Other related pages==

*[[Cassette data information]]
* [[Read error codes]]
*[[Converting a tape-image into a audio file]]

*[[Ultra Son]] this software use the Datacorder to sample sounds. Of course a modern mp3 or Wave source performs better, or even [[Programming:Cross Development|Gross-Development]] solutions.
*[[Disk drives]]

[[Category:Hardware]][[Category:DATA Storage|*]][[Category:CPC Internal Components]]

User:Ssg

2011-02-01T17:24:20Z

Ssg: Created page with "Fellow CPC user between 1988-1993 from Turkey."

Fellow CPC user between 1988-1993 from Turkey.

Connector:Cassette recorder

2011-02-01T17:21:46Z

Ssg:

== CPC Tape Connector ==

External Cassette Connector (CPC 664/6128 only) (5 pin DIN, female)
1 Remote Control __ __
2 Ground / - \
3 Remote Control | |
4 Data Input |3 1|
5 Data Output \5_2_4/
* The two Remote Control pins are connected to a relay inside of the CPC, the relay becomes closed when the /Motor On bit in PIO Port C is set to zero, ie. the cassette recorder may use the relay to switch its power suppy on and off when Play and/or Record is pressed - this is of course supposed for low-voltages only.
* The CPC 6128+ does not include a Cassette Connector.

== KC Compact Tape Connector ==
[[KC Compact]] uses a 5pin DIN connector
1 Cas-Write __ __
2 GND / - \
3 Cas-Read | |
4 Sound-Mono |3 1|
5 Motor On (TTL) \5_2_4/
Shield GND
* Caution: The connector looks same as on CPC, but the Pin-Outs are entirely different, and, Motor On is a TTL output (instead of a Relay)

== Aleste Tape/Sound Connector (female) ==
[[Aleste 520EX]] uses a 5pin female DIN connector
1 Tape In __ __
2 GND / - \
3 Sound Mono-Left | |
4 Tape Out |3 1|
5 Sould Mono-Right \5_2_4/
Shield GND
* The Left/Right pins are actually shortcut with each other on the Aleste mainboard, so sound is mono.
* There is no Tape Motor Control (the corresponding PIO bit is mis-used as Printer Strobe in the Aleste).
* According to the Russian User Manual the two Tape pins are NC. They do exist in the schematics though.

== External Cassette Ports ==

* [[Draysoft Doubler]] (external tape input, for tape-to-tape transfers)

[[Category:Peripherals]][[Category:CPC Internal Components]][[Category:DATA Storage]]

== See Also ==

* [[Read error codes]]

Read error codes

2011-01-28T11:12:24Z

Ssg: Initial version out of forum

Read error codes are presented when using tape with Amstrad CPC computers. The possible read error codes are:

*'''Read error a''': The signal is dropped or timing is incorrect.
*'''Read error b''': CRC error.
*'''Read error c''': Invalid file type / seems to be used with "CAS CHECK". This is where you are comparing data in memory with data written to tape. So effectively a verify that data was written correctly.
*'''Read error d''': Block is too large to fit in the buffer. (given when you do a CAT on large blocks)<br>