Current state of CPC<-> PC transfer

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Apologies if this isn't the right category (seems like both a hardware and software thing?) or if it has been answered obviously elsewhere (I've spent a good while searching but I might be missing something)...

What are the current options for managing transfer of data between PC and CPC?

I have a number of 3" discs and 3.5" discs and a working Amstrad CPC with working 3" and working external 3.5" disc drives. I'd like to archive the discs to .dsk for posterity and to read old source files. I'd also like to do some coding using RASM under Linux and occasionally transfer builds to the CPC for testing on real hardware. 

I read that the M4 board might not be available due to the component shortages in the industry - does anyone know the current status? 

I have an old Parados ROM if that helps but my (homemade A-level electronics) ROM board has seen better days - do hardware solutions come with their own software / ROMs to manage data transfer or is that something extra I'll need?

Thanks for any suggestions.

[SkulleateR]

Well you could read/write 3,5" Disks on your PC : http://www.cpcmania.com/cpcdiskxp/cpcdiskxp.htm

Or just write @Duke a message about the M4 status

Or ask @ikonsgr about his USIfAC II board so you could transfer data with a USB Stick  

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Well you could read/write 3,5" Disks on your PC : http://www.cpcmania.com/cpcdiskxp/cpcdiskxp.htm

Or just write @Duke a message about the M4 status

I'm not sure the 3.5" will work on my PC (was bought specifically for the Amstrad CPC many many years ago). CPCDiskXP won't work with a USB floppy drive. 

[SkulleateR]

I am pretty sure I already used it with an external USB drive but my memory is not the best anymore 

Ok, so some more ideas :

- Gotek Drive on CPC
- serial connection
- old PC Latop with 3,5" floppy

But seriously, get yourself a M4 or a USIfAC II ... 

Some more info here : https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/amstrad-cpc-hardware/usifac-iimake-your-pc-or-usb-stick-an-hdd-for-amstrad-access-dsk-and-many-more!/

[Duke]

I read that the M4 board might not be available due to the component shortages in the industry - does anyone know the current status?

I am still producing it (chips are available again, just more expensive), but due to massive backlog, expect several months after being put on my waiting list before it will be ready.

[xesrjb]

- old PC Latop with 3,5" floppy

This is my solution...

xesrjb 

[poulette73]

As said @SkulleateR , USIfAC II is an excellent way (and fast) to transfert data between CPC and PC.

With USIfAC II board you can :

Transfer DSK/CDT/SNA images, or AMSDOS native files in 2 ways using :
* USB key.
* Serial communication between CPC and PC (USB cable or Wifi).

Create new CPC diskette (3", 3"1/2, or Gotek image) :
* From a DSK image on USB key plugged in USIfAC II.
* From a DSK image on PC, using direct writing function (USB cable or Wifi).

Launch any game DSK/CDT/SNA images, or AMSDOS native files:
* From USB key plugged in USIfAC II.
* By accessing PC hard disk directories and files directly (USB cable or Wifi).

And many more things. 👍

[Prodatron]

I have a number of 3" discs and 3.5" discs and a working Amstrad CPC with working 3" and working external 3.5" disc drives. I'd like to archive the discs to .dsk for posterity and to read old source files.

You can use DiskDumper in SymbOS...

http://www.symbos.de/appinfo.htm?00046

...for transfering your 3" discs (not copy protected) as a DSK to a FAT12 formatted DD 3,5" disc, inserted in your external CPC drive. As SymbOS has native FAT12/16/32 support exchange with a PC is easy.

No more hardware is required, your external 3,5" drive is just fine, but you need 128K, so a 6128 or a 464 with a memory expansion.

[ComSoft6128]

I use a Gotek as a B drive and transfer files (USB stick) daily between PC & CPC. Quick & easy.
You'll need a .dsk file - any data one from CPCPOWER or CPCRulez will do. Use an AMSDOS disc/file manager - Parados is best but others will also do the job fine. Delete the original contents and then rename the .dsk file using Windows file explorer to whatever suits you.

[GUNHED]

Well, I use an HxC Floppy emulator with SD card. 
If you have 'empty' DSK files on the HxC, then just copy your 3" discs over.
For 3,5" floppies either move data through the '3" bottleneck', read them on PC (if you can find such an old device including floppy) or add a Vortex controller to have more than 2 drives (one fixed as internal 3"). Or... even use the HxC as floppy A und the real 3,5" as floppy B.

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Thanks all. Seems like a good number of options to check out.

[poulette73]

Create new CPC diskette (3", 3"1/2, or Gotek image) :
* From a DSK image on USB key plugged in USIfAC II.
* From a DSK image on PC, using direct writing function (USB cable or Wifi).

On the other way, I forgot to mention that it's possible to easily generate a DSK file from a CPC diskette (3", 3"1/2, or Gotek image) with a simple RSX command. Then transfer either from USB key, USB Cable or Wifi serial communication.
Also as @GUNHED suggested, use 'empty' DSK files on the USB key and just copy your 3" discs over.

[martin464]

old pc's with floppy's are about but can't recommend doing what i did - it works really well, do not attempt this, much swearing

i found one with usb support but no hard drive and took a punt. it works really well with cpcdskxp but it took a lot of swearing. a major frustration was installing xp, first finding an iso image online and second activating it - you have to do it by phone. amazingly the number xp gives you still worked here in uk and if you select 'other products' you can activate xp using the key on the case (iso image found at https://downloadbytes.com/operating-systems/windows-xp-home-free-download.html)
got a retro pc out of this! can even browse web using k-meleon browser

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Received my USIfAC II quickly (but only just got a moment to use it) from @ikonsgr (thanks! It seems to work well) and I'm busy copying over the contents of some of my old floppy disks. Also great to be able to see a few new demos on a real machine! Thanks all.