FDD1 questions

[DARKGATE]

  don't kill me for this questions.

I have finally a FDD1 for my cpc 464, a lot of floppy disk with programs and games, but my questions are:

1) if i want delete alls the files in the disk?
2) if i want delete some of files?
3) i have many games on tapes with standard loader (SPEED WRITE 1 AND 0) can i put it on disk, programs wich convert the games from real tape to real floppy?
I want play to IKARI WARRIORS, PUNCHY, TOMBSTOWNE and others on my FDD1.
Thank you at alls at next time,  .

[Gryzor]

For 1 and 2, use Discology, it allows you to do lots of disk operations...


For 3 I'm sure someone else can deluge you with a technical answer

[Devilmarkus]

1)
a$="*.*"
|ERA,@a$

2)
a$="DELETE.BAS"
|ERA,@a$

[Bryce]

Most of the games you'll want are available as DSK online. It's easier to transfer these files to a real disk than trying to convert tapes.

Bryce.

[DARKGATE]

Thank you, tomorrow i try on my real floppy disk 
But how i can save the files. dsk, on my real floppy disk?
How connect to my pc my AMSTRAD or FDD1 ?!?

[Bryce]

The easiest and safest way is to connect a 3.5in drive to the CPC as B:. You can use ManageDSK or other packages to write the DSK to 3.5in on the PC (doesn't work with USB connected floppy drives) then transfer the game from 3.5in to 3in on the CPC with Discology or whatever.

Bryce.

[DARKGATE]

Remember wich i have a cpc 464 with fdd1, here all speak only of cpc 6128, there are many wich use a 464.
There is a tutorial for connect to cpc 464 a drive 3.5?
I have a cpc464 with 128k why i have got a ram of 64k DKTRONIC, sorry but don't know how I do for this mod.  .
CPC 464 live!!! 

[Gryzor]

The 464 lacks a disk drive controller, so you'll need to add that first. That's why the 3" drive for the 464 comes in two pieces - one is the drive, the other is the controller that is not needed with a 664 or 6128.

[DARKGATE]

  Excuse me gryzor, i have FDD1 for my 464, DISKDRIVE+CABLE+CONNECTOR.
The connector wich put in interface behind the querty is the controller?
But why don't put photo tutorials?

[Bryce]

The connector is more of an interface than a connector. It contains the µPD765 IC to control the disk drive plus a ROM with the extra commands that are needed. If you don't have the original handbook, you can download it here and it gives full instructions on connecting and using the DDI-1 / FD-1.  Amstrad Disk Drive - CPCWiki

Bryce.

[Cholo]

..
3) i have many games on tapes with standard loader (SPEED WRITE 1 AND 0) can i put it on disk, programs wich convert the games from real tape to real floppy?
I want play to IKARI WARRIORS, PUNCHY, TOMBSTOWNE and others on my FDD1.
..

I suggest using JL-COPY or AMSBACK to copy files from tape to disc (or tape2tape, disc2disc, disc2tape or tape2disc). Both work the same way and is very userfriendly and "automated" as much as possible .. if you want to copy from tape to disc, then just select source: TAPE & destination: DISC. It will then automaticly load the next file on the tape & ask you for a proper disc name like "a:zorro.bas" or "b:zorro2.bin" (if you only have one drive you wont need the a: or b: in the names).

The reason i usually always mention JL-copy is because its easy to get a copy on tape of it .. as it is on the Amstrad Action covertape no. 22 (with the tank & penguin). Aka this one:
Amstrad CPC - Amstrad Action TAPE #22 ACTION PACK 1/93 | eBay

Infact most Amstrad Action covertapes .. especially the early ones .. usually had a tool (the "AA Toolkit") to help people copy the tape contents from the tape to a disc,. Now, many of the kits was programmed to copy the specifik contents to disc. BUT, the Glenco tape2disc kit on Amstrad Action covertape no. 1 works generical .. aka it copies any "block" file from tape to disc no matter what the name is. Aka the tape with Total Recall Demo, Hydrofool & Dizzy:
Amstrad CPC - Amstrad Action TAPE #1 ACTION PACK 4/91 | eBay

Perhaps you already have those tapes 

Amsback on cpc-power (dsk format): http://cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=5111
JL-copy on cpc-power (dsk format): http://cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=5268

About using DSK disc images on a amstrad 464. Well, you run into the following troubles:
1. The 3,5" drive needs a Ready-signal that only really really realllllyyy old pc drives has. Aka you cant just connect a modern 3,5" as they dont have the ready signal and dont have a jumper to set the signal either.
2. On the pc side: a pc cant read amstrad formatted 3,5" floppies directly .. except if the 3,5" drive is installed inside your pc (aka needs to be direct connected to the ribbon on your pc motherboard) as USB floppies dont work.
3. Even with the right drive or hardware, you will most likely need to mod your DDI drive or cable.
4. The DDI/FD1 is what powers the whole setup .. so you must have the big chunky drive at the very end of the cable at all times .. so either you get a second drive or install a new one internally.

Options:
Getting a HxC SD drive emulator board would solve issue 1 & 2 as it automaticly does the Ready signal & and getting disc images on the SD can be done as long as you have a normal SD port (or SD usb port adapter). The HxC is quite a lot of money of cause. Also you still need to either connect the HxC internal or external .. both require'ing mods & is fairly untested.

Internally connected: At some point you will have to take your DDI/FD1 apart as the drive is run with a rubber ribbon that break every 5 or 10 years. But please do be CAREFULL and make sure the drive hasnt been used for a while and isnt connected to anything for a couple of hours as its a PSU for the 3" drive. Carefully removing the long screws in the buttom & lift of the cover. Youll notice 1 black ground cable soldered to the side of the 3" you can cut off. Then gently unplug the power and ribbon cable to remove the drive. Installing the 3,5" does require a converter cable like this:
Amstrad / Schneider CPC 664 6128 / Spectrum +3 internal ribbon cable adaptor |

Also youll need to get a PSU for the 3,5" too (like one of those USB HDD or similar cheap psu) .. or get a internal conversion cable for the psu as well (warning the cable colours inside the DDI/FD1 is NOT pc compliant). Oh and its gonna look ugly as the 3,5" drive will of cause never fit inside the casing, lol.

Externally connected: Ive been "experimenting" a little with putting a HxC on as a second drive in the middel of the ribbon cable. The trick is that i connect it directly .. but in reverse on the plug. Did have to either file off the "direction tooth" on my middel FD1 plug or savage up my HxC connector back plate. I ended up filing off the tooth. It does work so far but ive got no idea if itll end up blowing up in my face.

Oh and the reason people usually always mention 6128 is because its usually much much cheaper to get a 6128 & hook up a modern (without ready signal)  3,5" drive or HxC externally with one of the pre-modded cables like:
Amstrad CPC 664 6128 Spectrum +3 ribbon cable HxC floppy emulator w/ SIDE SWITCH
The trick being that the cable fakes a Ready signal for the drive.

Or perhaps even cheaper to hook up a 3" drive to you PC:
Ribbon cable kit connect an Amstrad Schneider CPC 664 6128 3" floppy drive to PC

Of cause that requires you have spare 3" drive too.

[Gryzor]

Great post, mate.

[DARKGATE]

I suggest using JL-COPY or AMSBACK to copy files from tape to disc (or tape2tape, disc2disc, disc2tape or tape2disc). Both work the same way and is very userfriendly and "automated" as much as possible .. if you want to copy from tape to disc, then just select source: TAPE & destination: DISC. It will then automaticly load the next file on the tape & ask you for a proper disc name like "a:zorro.bas" or "b:zorro2.bin" (if you only have one drive you wont need the a: or b: in the names).

The reason i usually always mention JL-copy is because its easy to get a copy on tape of it .. as it is on the Amstrad Action covertape no. 22 (with the tank & penguin). Aka this one:
Amstrad CPC - Amstrad Action TAPE #22 ACTION PACK 1/93 | eBay

Infact most Amstrad Action covertapes .. especially the early ones .. usually had a tool (the "AA Toolkit") to help people copy the tape contents from the tape to a disc,. Now, many of the kits was programmed to copy the specifik contents to disc. BUT, the Glenco tape2disc kit on Amstrad Action covertape no. 1 works generical .. aka it copies any "block" file from tape to disc no matter what the name is. Aka the tape with Total Recall Demo, Hydrofool & Dizzy:
Amstrad CPC - Amstrad Action TAPE #1 ACTION PACK 4/91 | eBay

Perhaps you already have those tapes 

Amsback on cpc-power (dsk format): http://cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=5111
JL-copy on cpc-power (dsk format): http://cpc-power.com/index.php?page=detail&num=5268

About using DSK disc images on a amstrad 464. Well, you run into the following troubles:
1. The 3,5" drive needs a Ready-signal that only really really realllllyyy old pc drives has. Aka you cant just connect a modern 3,5" as they dont have the ready signal and dont have a jumper to set the signal either.
2. On the pc side: a pc cant read amstrad formatted 3,5" floppies directly .. except if the 3,5" drive is installed inside your pc (aka needs to be direct connected to the ribbon on your pc motherboard) as USB floppies dont work.
3. Even with the right drive or hardware, you will most likely need to mod your DDI drive or cable.
4. The DDI/FD1 is what powers the whole setup .. so you must have the big chunky drive at the very end of the cable at all times .. so either you get a second drive or install a new one internally.

Options:
Getting a HxC SD drive emulator board would solve issue 1 & 2 as it automaticly does the Ready signal & and getting disc images on the SD can be done as long as you have a normal SD port (or SD usb port adapter). The HxC is quite a lot of money of cause. Also you still need to either connect the HxC internal or external .. both require'ing mods & is fairly untested.

Internally connected: At some point you will have to take your DDI/FD1 apart as the drive is run with a rubber ribbon that break every 5 or 10 years. But please do be CAREFULL and make sure the drive hasnt been used for a while and isnt connected to anything for a couple of hours as its a PSU for the 3" drive. Carefully removing the long screws in the buttom & lift of the cover. Youll notice 1 black ground cable soldered to the side of the 3" you can cut off. Then gently unplug the power and ribbon cable to remove the drive. Installing the 3,5" does require a converter cable like this:
Amstrad / Schneider CPC 664 6128 / Spectrum +3 internal ribbon cable adaptor |

Also youll need to get a PSU for the 3,5" too (like one of those USB HDD or similar cheap psu) .. or get a internal conversion cable for the psu as well (warning the cable colours inside the DDI/FD1 is NOT pc compliant). Oh and its gonna look ugly as the 3,5" drive will of cause never fit inside the casing, lol.

Externally connected: Ive been "experimenting" a little with putting a HxC on as a second drive in the middel of the ribbon cable. The trick is that i connect it directly .. but in reverse on the plug. Did have to either file off the "direction tooth" on my middel FD1 plug or savage up my HxC connector back plate. I ended up filing off the tooth. It does work so far but ive got no idea if itll end up blowing up in my face.

Oh and the reason people usually always mention 6128 is because its usually much much cheaper to get a 6128 & hook up a modern (without ready signal)  3,5" drive or HxC externally with one of the pre-modded cables like:
Amstrad CPC 664 6128 Spectrum +3 ribbon cable HxC floppy emulator w/ SIDE SWITCH
The trick being that the cable fakes a Ready signal for the drive.

Or perhaps even cheaper to hook up a 3" drive to you PC:
Ribbon cable kit connect an Amstrad Schneider CPC 664 6128 3" floppy drive to PC

Of cause that requires you have spare 3" drive too.

Thank you, for the great detailed explanation, i copy all, and put it in a text file, and print.

The connector is more of an interface than a connector. It contains the µPD765 IC to control the disk drive plus a ROM with the extra commands that are needed. If you don't have the original handbook, you can download it here and it gives full instructions on connecting and using the DDI-1 / FD-1.  Amstrad Disk Drive - CPCWiki

Bryce.

yes, now i can know my FDD1 with the manual, thank you Bryce  .