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General Category => NC100, NC200, PCW, PDA600 - the rest of the Family! => Topic started by: DoctorCPC on 12:20, 07 November 21

Title: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 12:20, 07 November 21

I used Amstrad PCW when I was 3 years old. I haven't been using Amstrad PCW since then.
In my Amstrad PCW 8256 computer, there is a 3'' driver as the first floppy drive and GOTEK as the second floppy drive. I can boot my computer with CPM and Locoscript. How can I format floppy disks on GOTEK on Amstrad PCW so that CPM and Locoscript can see it. How can I save my writings to the floppy disk on GOTEK after turning on the computer with Locoscript?
Can you give me a link for Amstrad PCW Apps, Games and etc.

I weared GOTEK for second driver. firs disc drive is 3'' discs. i love 3'' discs. I use GOTEK for Transfer and new apps. Do the files have to be in the root directory in the gotek? In Amstrad PCW, the folder is separated, can we log into the folders via gotek? how can i run apps from second drive gotek?
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 12:39, 07 November 21

what I really want to do is to open my Amstrad PCW computer with 3'' floppy drive with CPM and Locoscript. then formatting the empty floppy disks on the second drive, GOTEK, and saving the texts here. My goal is to publish a book in 2022 written only with Amstrad PCW and Amiga.
How can i save my writes from locoscript to new DSK on Gotek? There is no format command on CP/M. instead there is diskkit command but it only sees drive A. It only works with drive A. By typing B: on CP/M I go to the second drive, but it shows the contents of drive A. what can I do?

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 13:55, 07 November 21

I think I plugged in the floppy drive cable wrong. It does not see the floppy disk on CP/M or LocoScript.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 22:28, 07 November 21

I'm pretty sure either gotek is broken or a flashfloppy version is installed with a bug.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 22:35, 07 November 21
Hi. The fact that DISCKIT show the A: drive when you type B: means it does not think you have a B: drive.
The B: drive is a different format to the A: drive. On the GOTEK you need a DSK file (in the root) that is formatted in the correct way - ie double sided and double density.
I have a spare GOTEK so I will connect it as B: when I have time next weekend.
If I get it working, I will post the details here in a few days time.
Richard.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 16:36, 08 November 21
I have a BOX 5.25" drive attached to my PCW.   When I turn my PCW ON, I need to have a disk loaded into B:.   If I do not, then the PCW does not detect that B: is present.   If a disk IS there, then all is OK.

Alternatively, I can attach a 3.5" drive.   This uses a special cable, and is always present.   If I have this drive connected when I boot, then there is no problem if I boot with no disk in the drive.

When you start the machine, can you have a image file 'active' already.   Maybe not?   Maybe you need a similar tweak to the cable to make the drive always active.   This of course may cause a problem for DISCKIT, or anything else that demands that disks be removed, as this may not work.  The 3.5" cable includes a switch to force this.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 21:34, 08 November 21
Hi. Managed to find some time today. Here is the step by step list I followed to install a GOTEK as drive B:.


Flashed my spare GOTEK with the latest stable FlashFloppy = v3.29
Set the jumper to S1 - no other jumpers present
Connected the Gotek to the PCW ribbon cable and 5V power - no USB stick yet
Booted the PCW from A:
CP/M reported "2 disc drives"
        If CP/M reports only 1 drive here then you need to back up and find the problem before going any further
Formatted a USB stick FAT32 in Windows
Copied (in Windows) the attached CF2DD.DSK file onto it - no other files present
Put the USB stick in GOTEK B:
Typed B: at the CP/M A> prompt - now have B> prompt
Typed DIR at the B> prompt - showed "No File"
I can now PIP files onto B: and use DISCKIT to format it


Now use Windows to make as many copies of the CF2DD.DSK on the USB stick as you need. Each should be given a different name according to what you are going to store in each one. It can be data or programs - it's up to you. Use the buttons or the rotary selector on the GOTEK to move between them

Hope that helps.


Good luck. Richard
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 06:49, 12 November 21

Flashed my spare GOTEK with the latest stable FlashFloppy = v3.29
Set the jumper to S1 - no other jumpers present
Connected the Gotek to the PCW ribbon cable and 5V power - no USB stick yet
Booted the PCW from A:
CP/M reported "2 disc drives"
      If CP/M reports only 1 drive here then you need to back up and find the problem before going any further
i'm stuck here unfortunately... i'm going to get support from a retro computer repair shop.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 17:10, 13 November 21
OK, good luck.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 09:32, 19 November 21
I still haven't been able to go to the retro computer repair shop. Why does my computer not see GOTEK as the second disk drive? I bought a cable adapter, a 5 volt adapter. I installed it by installing flashfloppy. what could be the problem?
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 15:08, 19 November 21
When your PCW starts up, and you get the initial screen reporting CP/M, and saying 1 disk present, which version of the system is it reporting.   1.4 is a common one, but you may have something else?

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 17:17, 19 November 21
It just says there is one floppy drive. whereas gotek 2 is connected as a floppy drive. There is no one in Turkey who understands Amstrad PCW. Unfortunately I am alone on this. I'm pretty sure I got it hooked up correctly. I'm using the gotek floppy cable adapter and power adapter I bought from the UK. where am i doing wrong? I am sharing my screenshot. CPM 1.4 version screenshot is attached. @Richard_Lloyd (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3766)  @GeoffB17 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1489)
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 17:38, 19 November 21
Thanks for the update.

System 1.4 is a very common version, and it's fairly standard.   Not trying to do anything strange.

I've used this vesion for many years, with the normal 3" disk as A: and my 5.25" BOX drive as B:, and never gave any problem, apart from what I mentioned before - if there is no disk in the B: drive at startup then the drive is not detected.   So it's not so much detecting the presence of the 'drive', rather the presence of the disk.

When you start up the Gotek, is there a disk loaded/selected?   While the system is loading, i.e. the power is on, can you select a disk on the Gotek?

If you start up the PCW and get the '1 drive' message can you then select a disk on the Gotek, what happens then if you immed reboot the computer using the Shift, Extra & Exit keys.   Does that make any difference?

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 17:49, 19 November 21

I can choose over gotek. On gotk installed flashfloppy. I choose CF2DD and Symbos disks on GOTEK. It only sees 1 floppy drive whether there is a floppy or not. by the way, after I installed Gotek and changed the floppy disk of disk A, it does not read my 2 boot disks. I have only 1 copy left out of 3 copies. I don't know what I would do if he didn't read that copy either. I tried everything GOTEK and Flashfloppy installed correctly I think. I chose S1 but I'm not sure if I plugged it back into S0 afterwards. I can look again. But when the result is negative, I feel very sad. I'm falling into despair. Amstrad PCW 8256 is the first computer I used at age 3. then I got my own Amstrad CPC 464 when I was 4 years old. I wouldn't be a computer engineer today without the Amstrad PCW 8256. as valuable to me as Amstrad CPC 464 and Amstrad CPC 6128. After Amstrad CPC 464, Amstrad CPC 6128 is my second computer. but the first computer I used in my life was Amstrad PCW 8256. @GeoffB17 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1489)  @Richard_Lloyd (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3766)  @Prodatron (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13)

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 18:28, 19 November 21
Yes, I can understand how you feel.   My PCW was my second computer bought in 1985 when they first came out.   I would be very upset if I lost it - I could buy another one, but it would not be quite the same.

If the presence of the B: drive is damaging the A: disks, then the connections for the two drives are crossed over in some way, and the system is writing to A: when it thinks it is writing to B:.   Make TOTALLY sure that the B: drive is set as drive 1 (S1) and NOT as device 0 (S0).

Have you had the Gotek installed as A: (as single drive, no B:) at least as temporary to confirm that the Gotek IS working correctly.   You'd need an A: type (CF2) image to boot from of course.

Don't worry too much about the damaged disks.   They can be replaced.   If the disk seems damaged just now, a lot of what is on the disk might be recovered.  I have sent disks through the post, not sure about to Turkey mind you.

Most people add a Gotek as A:, esp if they want to boot games.   The cable you got may be set on this assumption.

I confess I have never used a Gotek, I have no need to.   I don't bother much with games.   Having the 5.25" drive (and an alt 3.5" drive as well) means I have few problems with disks, and I now have a uIDE unit attached with about 100 Mb of disk space, also I have old PCs with floppy drives and use 22DISK to transfer files back and forth easily.   The only thing I lack is a CF2DD drive for B:.   Sometimes, that would be useful.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 01:05, 20 November 21
Hello, sorry you are struggling. Try to check the Gotek as suggested by @GeoffB17 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1489)


Disconnect the 3" drive
Connect just the Gotek set to S0
Put the attached DSK file on the USB stick
Try to boot
If it boots, the Gotek is good


Hope that helps
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 19:19, 20 November 21
That's how I'll try it tonight. this CPM image turned out great. Could you also share the Locoscript file as the boot disk? i will just connect gotek and set it as 1st floppy drive. Worst case I'll set the 3" floppy drive as the second drive. This is the most sensible way to test. Can you also share the Locoscript startup floppy?
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 19:26, 20 November 21
Hopefully I'll attach a std Loco boot image:

NB - using the 3" drive as B: may cause new problems.   Leave that for now.   This IS possible, but you need a later version of the System that will support FID drivers, and you need a B180 driver to load to allow a CF2 B: drive

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 19:34, 20 November 21
So, I'm confused.

You say you'll try ?? tonight - is that with the Gotek as A:, alone?

Then you say the CPM boot image works fine?   Do you mean on the Gotek, or some other way?

The more detail you can say as to what happens, or does NOT happen that SHOULD, then the more we can help.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 19:58, 20 November 21

I will not sleep tonight. I will continue the day without sleep. I haven't started trying yet. I will start later in tonight. I will set gotek to s0. but if it works i'll know there is no problem with gotek. but this time you say that it will be a problem if I use the 3'' floppy drive as the second drive. I don't know what a solution will be to live the 3'' floppy disk spirit and use GOTEK at the same time in PCW. I'll see if GOTEK works first.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 22:28, 20 November 21
Don't worry about problems that haven't happened yet.

Using the Gotek as A: is intended to be a temporary thing to confirm if it's working.   Stick to one problem at a time.  Get the Gotek working.   It might be the Gotek, it might be the cable.  Something is messing with the drive ID.  Could be re the jumpers, could be the cable.

I understand that it IS possible to use the Gotek as A: with the 3" drive as B:, but you need to 'fix' the system to allow this.   There is a FID (or maybe it's a FIB) file to do this.   This file loads automatically at boot and does a 'fix', but you need a version of the system that knows how to do this.  This is easy to sort out.   But if you do NOT need to boot games from the Gotek (as A:) then once the Gotek is working you can put it back as B: with the 3" drive as A:, and there's no problem.   If you've got plenty of disks, then you can still use games that need to be booted (as they do NOT work under CP/M and need to take over the complete system).   Many games CAN be started from CP/M, and therefore from the B: drive, although if they take over the complete system you will need to reboot the computer afterwards.

More news in the morning - if you're awake?

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 23:19, 20 November 21

yes i am still standing first of all now my Amstrad CPC computer is running Symbos with a PS2 Mouse with M4Wifi, MotherX4 and ZMEM attached. I'm going to deal with a few server issues now. Next will be Amstrad PCW's turn.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 05:41, 21 November 21
at the end of sleepless night this GOTEK is not working on Amstrad PCW. flashfloppy v3.28 is installed on it. But I have no clue why it's not working. In the worst case, I can plug it into an Amiga and try if it works on the Amiga. An Amigaist friend of mine uploaded this and installed a rotary and led screen. now i need to find out why this gotek is not working.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 05:47, 21 November 21

Now I can read and write Amstrad PCW images to floppy disks on Symbos. Prodatron has done a great job. I will try to wear GOTEK until the end. but if I can copy Amstrad PCW images to PC with Symbos, why do I use GOTEK? Would two 3'' floppy drives be better? The Prodatron application takes images of Amstrad PCW floppy disks. I think we can also burn these images with DiskDeDumper. then is GOTEK really needed in Amstrad PCW? I am a 3'' floppy disk enthusiast. Meanwhile, their images can be backed up to PC via Amstrad CPC. I am the author of 7 books. one of my dreams is to write a whole book with Amstrad PCW and Amstrad CPC. 2022 is perhaps a book written in 2023 with Amstrad PCW and Amstrad CPC!



The spirit of Amstrad is on 3" floppy disks. only Amstrad PCW 8256 does not have a metal case for the 2nd drive. Can we 3D print this box? and a 3" floppy drive from Amstrad CPCs as a 2nd drive will work for me? GOTEK as the second driver (I'll figure this out) or the 3'' driver as the second driver. so what does it gain or lose if both drivers A and B are 3'' drivers? by the way, as the author of 7 books, I will write my 8th book using Amstrad PCW and Amstrad CPC. I can transfer files to PC as DSK image. but how can I transfer my Locoscript written texts in this DSK image to Microsoft Word environment? if i'm going to use pictures or layouts in my book, i want to do it with my Amiga 500 computer with piStorm installed, not with a PC. I wish Smybos notepad was more advanced. @Prodatron (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13)  how do you think write a Word program to make a full Amstrad CPC and Amstrad PCW Workstation? I know C programming language :)


By the way, until I solve the gotek problem, I will insert the 3'' floppy drive as the second disk drive. How will the cable connection be? both a 3'' floppy drive in A and a 3'' floppy drive in B. by the way, can we plug M4Wifi or XMASS to Amstrad PCW expansion port? What hardware can I still find in the Amstrad PCW expansion port? I only know the PCWIO card at the moment. Thanks to @Prodatron (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) , I was able to get Amstrad PCW floppy images, so Amstrad CPC is on its way to becoming a full Workstation.


Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 10:58, 21 November 21
Thank you for the updates.

A normal Gotek SHOULD work.  There are others here who have them working.   If yours is not working, then there must be a reason, that can be fixed?

My first suspect would be the cable.   Either something not connected correctly, or something broken (that WAS OK ?).

Where did you get the cable from?   Could you post photos of the cable at both ends, how is it seated into the connectors.   Check no bent pins.   Even worse, a broken pin?

There have been other threads here where users have struggled to get Gotek working, and then got it working, and have recorded jumper settings - there were two quoted I think.

If you do not NEED the Gotek, then it's a good idea to stay with two 3" drives.   The A: drive should be CF2, the B: drive should be CF2DD, else the PCW will complain - but with the B180 driver you CAN have 2 @ CF2.   Or could use a 3.5" drive as B: which will give you extra options re transfer files/data between PCW and PC.   3.5" drive on my PCW works fine (when it's connected).  Only problem there is finding DSDD disks (using HD disks is too risky).

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 11:03, 21 November 21

Is a 3'' floppy drive compatible with Amstrad CPC (Amstrad CPC internal disc drive) as a second floppy drive?

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 11:42, 21 November 21

Do I need a metal or plastic case to connect an ordinary 3'' floppy drive? my PCW model is 8256. What should I consider before installing a 3" floppy drive from another Amstrad CPC 6128 computer. it's like there's nowhere to mount a 3" drive.

I can do all file transfer with Symbos and M4Wifi. I can also transfer DSK files to PC. By the way, how can I open Locoscript files or other files in the DSK images I created with PCW with windows? Of course, the first goal is to install the 3'' version as a second floppy drive.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 12:37, 21 November 21
As far as I know, the drives are the same, the only thing is to regard any settings for A: or B: (Device 0 or 1).

I don't know how essential the metal boxes are.   There may be a risk of stray EM signals that might cause problems within the PCW.   More of a problem re how to fit/secure?

As for Loco, the disks are totally the same in all regards EXCEPT two, which is that Loco uses the User Areas 8 to 15 for Limbo files although CP/M sees them as normal files, also Loco does something slightly non-standard with the Group Label files, but neither of these things causes any major problem.   Otherwise CP/M can access Loco files, and vice-versa.   You NEED Loco running to usefully edit a Loco document, but you can copy etc the file using CP/M.   Disk images will be just PCW images, just the same for CP/M or Loco.

The Joyce emulator on the PC/Windows is very useful for many regards even if you have the real PCW.   Esp if you're using images.   There's Habi's emulator as well.   The emulator can be used directly with images, also the system comes with some CP/M utils that allow using DOS  to insert/remove indiv files from images.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 13:18, 21 November 21

I installed a 3'' floppy drive as the second floppy drive. This 3'' drive worked when I plugged it in from A. but when I plugged in two 3'' floppy drives, CPM still saw a single 3'' floppy drive. I think this situation has nothing to do with GOTEK. I used the standard PCW cable to attach two 3'' floppy drives. If I insert two floppy drives separately, it sees them as A drive. but if I plug in two 3'' floppy drives, CPM still sees it as only 1 floppy drive. I wonder if my CPM version is outdated? v1.4 is my CPM version. or is there any jumper setting on PCW? I just plug in the cables.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 14:01, 21 November 21
Oh.

Maybe the B: cable inside the PCW is damaged.

Was the extra 3" drive you inserted an A: drive from another machine.   Don't know if there's a jumper to change to make it a B:?

I've got a spare CF2 drive here, and I've just checked it, and there are no jumpers that I can see.

The cables in the PCW are quite separate, i.e. one cable for A: from the PCB to the drive, another for B: from the PCB to the drive.  So maybe the drives don't need to know?   But if the drive thinks it's A: then it'll cause problems.  I'll dig out my service book and see what that suggests.

A correction to my earlier note about extracting files from images.   The two utilities that come with the Joyce emulator are called IMPORT and EXPORT, and they are CP/M progs that work within Joyce, but they act to copy a file from within the current image to a DOS path, or they copy a file from a DOS path into the current image.   But there is an easier way.   If you use a later version of the system, then you can create virtual HDs within Joyce that are in fact DOS directories (folders), that are visible within the emulated CP/M, and are also visible at DOS/Windows.   Much easier to move files in/out of images via that routs.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 14:24, 21 November 21

i solved the problem, the cable to gotek is reversed. Please don't be mad at me. I used Amstrad PCW for the first time in my life when I was 3 years old. After I had an Amstrad CPC 464 computer when I was 4 years old, I never had a chance to use it. for me at Amstrad PCW it is as sacred as Amstrad CPC. now it sees two floppy drives. but it was only able to see the empty CF2DD.DSK image in CPM. Do I generally need to copy programs from USB Stick to disk A? do i have to do this with diskkit? also what additional hardware can i buy for my Amstrad PCW 8256. I've heard that Symbiface 3 can connect. do you have different hardware for amstrad PCW? By the way, thank you very much for your help my dear friend. It is as if the holy figures of the Amstrad community are gathered here. our local forums don't have such passionate people.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 15:24, 21 November 21
No problem.   Done the same myself more than once.

Good to hear the Gotek is actually OK.

I assume you go back to CF2 drive as A: and Gotek as B:.

Once you've got the Gotek active, then whichever image is selected will act totally like a normal disk in a normal B:.   So no need to copy anything.   I guess that right now you have one empty image ONLY, you will need to keep that empty image as a master BLANK disk, and create more copies of it to use for each purpose, like GAMES, or PROG or UTILITIES.

I like to use a prog called NSWP to move files about.   Have you got that?

If you need to copy files from one B: image to another, then you may need to copy B: to M:, then change the active image in B:, then copy files back from M: to the new B: image.

DISCKIT is used to copy a complete disk, or format, of verify, a disk, but it's no use for single files.

The NSWP prog allows a number of files to be 'tagged', and then the next action (copy, delete, etc) will apply to ALL the tagged files.   This is useful!

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 15:56, 21 November 21
Excellent, glad it is sorted.


@GeoffB17 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1489) is right, DISCKIT will only copy one disc to another of the SAME format.


In CP/M, use PIP to copy files from one drive to M: and then PIP again to copy from M: to the new drive.
e.g.
PIP m:=A:*.* (to copy every file from A: to M:)
PIP B:=M:*.* (to copy the files from M: to B:)


Well done.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 16:04, 21 November 21
Yes, SymbiFace3 can be connected to the PCW but not many people have done it yet! Otherwise there is only  Goteks, memory expansions and mouse adaptors that are much use.


I have just received an SF3 and will be connecting it to my PCW in the next couple of weeks. I've posted a couple of videos on the TMTLogic Slack site of my PCW 'testbed'.


Cheers and good luck with your work.


Richard_Lloyd.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 16:08, 21 November 21

GeoffB17: I take note of this important information. All I knew in Amstrad PCW was to run from the startup disk and write with locoscript. my main goal is to write my 8th book with Amstrad PCW and Amstrad CPC and edit it with Amiga 500 while using Amstrad PCW programs. In fact, if I can achieve this, I can write all my future books this way. I don't have the NSWP, can you send it? by the way i think the best typing tool is locoscript on PCW. then I guess I can transfer these files to windows with joyce and then open them in a word document. It will take some editing. In terms of Amstrad PCW hardware, I think it would be great to use Symbos. but I think Symbos makes sense with M4Wifi or Symbiface hardware. If I'm not using Symbos, is there an application that I can use as a hard drive for Amstrad PCW? Do you know projects with open source PCBs? Amstrad is about PCW. I am very excited about Amstrad PCW. CPM didn't read any of them except the CF2DD image I showed with GOTEK in B only. The dir command didn't work for these. I guess I need to figure out the most basic things first. Amstrad CPC, Amstrad PCW and Amstrad NC are very special tools. In order not to spoil the series, I can say that I also love the Amstrad GX. I currently do not have an Amstrad GX. but after I get all the Amstrad CPC, PCW, NC hardware and it's in order, I want to get it in an Amstrad GX. In this way, the Plus series is also completed. Amstrad PCW is the best computer for typing. Amstrad CPC is a complete Workstation. A lot of questions come to my mind in Amstrad NC as well. I will open a separate post for it in the future. First of all, I am learning the introductory information for Amstrad PCW thanks to you. thank you very much. Amstrad owners are truly special people.


Richard, please share your Symbiface and PCW experiences with us. A youtube video would be great. How are you connecting Symbiface to PCW. do you have a breakout card?

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 17:19, 21 November 21
Hello,

I cannot comment on a lot of your last message, some parts I don't understand, other bits (like anything to do with SymbOS) I know nothing about.

Regarding the idea of creating documents on the PCW, then transferring to the PC, I'm not sure about the point of that except re doing it for the sake of doing it.   Well, OK, if that's what you want to do.   Please note by the way that there are PC versions of Locoscipt which run on PCs which will allow the loading of a document created on a PCW and will retain all (maybe almost all)of the PCW formatting code onto the PC - but I think these are still DOS progs, not WinDoze.   The PC version of Loco that I have is certainly DOS, but running on a PC it supports a laser printer for example.   Might save some work?

Could still be viable to create just simple text on the PCW, export the file(s) as page images and then load into a WinDoze WP system and then do all editing/formatting there?

There are at least two variants of HD for the PCW that are about now.   There's the uIDE system created by JonB much mentioned on this forum, this connects to the PCW either via the Exp port, or via a CPU 'shim', and provides multiple 8 Mb virtual HDs stored on a 128 Mb DOM card (that's a 'Disk on Module' where the card contains a limited IDE interface on something like a CF card).  See data on this Wiki about this.   There is another similar device using larger HDs developed by someone else, again, there's been posting on this forum about this.   Basically, the PCW can support IDE via a .FID driver, and the DOM can provide the IDE device to connect into.

I find the uIDE system to be great, it operates as fast as the normal M: drive.

You refer to the dir command not working on something, but I'm not sure what this is.   The dir command should work fine on a 'loaded' image.   But if the image is not active/loaded, then it will not.  Please explain more what you mean here.

I'll sort you out a CF2DD image file with NSWP and some other useful items.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Prodatron on 22:15, 21 November 21
Quote from: DoctorCPC on 16:08, 21 November 21In terms of Amstrad PCW hardware, I think it would be great to use Symbos. but I think Symbos makes sense with M4Wifi or Symbiface hardware. If I'm not using Symbos, is there an application that I can use as a hard drive for Amstrad PCW?
SymbOS PCW 3.1 supports the uIDE interface by JonB (currently I don't find the dedicated thread here), so you can connect FAT16/FAT32 CF cards (and even modern harddiscs) to your PCW with up to 2TB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t4ud6GYLLI


It sucks a little bit, that SymbOS 3.1 still isn't released, but if you have this cool interface I can send you a preview package.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 00:34, 22 November 21
Further to my note above, I attach a CF2DD image containing a few files, incl the NSWP.

There is a file FILES.TXT with some brief notes.

Any queries, just ask.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 10:25, 22 November 21
@Prodatron (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=13) : can we use RSF3 all properties on PCW? how can i wear RSF3 on PCW when i buy one. Is it necessary to install a connector between bRSF3 and Amstrad PCW? I've heard of people using Symbiface3 on Amstrad PCW. A word processor like locoscript on symbos is needed. Amstrad PCW and Amstrad CPC will be a complete workstation when it is too.


@GeoffB17: a lot of thanks dear friend. I am also a writer and poet. I want to write my book on Amstrad PCW. When we write the book, we send the digital copy to the publishing house. I can transfer DSK images written on Amstrad PCW to PC. I need to import the Locoscript files in the DSK image to the windows environment. First of all, I have a positive view of the transfer path to DOS and then to Windows. then I need to edit these text files and send them to the publisher by e-mail. I have a printer on Amstrad PCW. but I don't need to print these texts. In short, this is what I want to do. Where can I buy the uIDE storage tool. is it still for sale? Or do we make it ourselves over the printed circuit board?

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: Richard_Lloyd on 13:19, 22 November 21
@DoctorCPC (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=2738)

At the moment there is no adaptor to attach an SF3 to the PCW, it has to be home-made. I am making one at the moment. When I have got it working I will design a PCB which I will share. I may include Habi's PCW-IO on the same card.


Videos will come!


Cheers, Richard_Lloyd.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 13:51, 22 November 21
Regarding the uIDE unti, the one I have is that designed and made by JonB, who is on this forum.  You could try to contact him via PM, using that id (JonB).

He has built them in batches subject to demand, if the last batch has all gone he may need to wait until there are enough orders to justify another batch.

Note the extra info available.   There is a substantial Wiki page within this site about the device, you'll have to search for it.   Also, there are YouTube videos produced by JonB about the device on the general web about the design and operation of the unit.

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/UIDE_Universal_IDE_adapter_cards_for_Z-80_computers (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/UIDE_Universal_IDE_adapter_cards_for_Z-80_computers)

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/nc100-nc200-pcw-pda600/pcw-fid-file-can-only-register-to-new-drives/

There is another unit made by someone in the Netherlands, similar, but he uses fewer, but larger, drive units (32Mb as opposed to 8Mb) and I don't know if his unit was ever designed for general sale (as opposed to his own use).

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 19:33, 22 November 21
Quote from: Richard_Lloyd on 13:19, 22 November 21At the moment there is no adaptor to attach an SF3 to the PCW, it has to be home-made. I am making one at the moment. When I have got it working I will design a PCB which I will share. I may include Habi's PCW-IO on the same card.


Videos will come!
I ordered PCB for Habi's PCWIO. but I remember that the Habi PCWIO card was only for adding a new screen, keyboard and mouse. I also get a friend to do PCWIO. but i think i only use mouse output.




Quote from: GeoffB17 on 13:51, 22 November 21
Regarding the uIDE unti, the one I have is that designed and made by JonB, who is on this forum.  You could try to contact him via PM, using that id (JonB).

He has built them in batches subject to demand, if the last batch has all gone he may need to wait until there are enough orders to justify another batch.

Note the extra info available.   There is a substantial Wiki page within this site about the device, you'll have to search for it.   Also, there are YouTube videos produced by JonB about the device on the general web about the design and operation of the unit.

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/UIDE_Universal_IDE_adapter_cards_for_Z-80_computers (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/UIDE_Universal_IDE_adapter_cards_for_Z-80_computers)

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/nc100-nc200-pcw-pda600/pcw-fid-file-can-only-register-to-new-drives/

There is another unit made by someone in the Netherlands, similar, but he uses fewer, but larger, drive units (32Mb as opposed to 8Mb) and I don't know if his unit was ever designed for general sale (as opposed to his own use).

Geoff
I texted JonB. But frankly, the costs are significant. because I want to install SymbifaceIII on Amstrad PCW. SymbifaceIII is the most advanced board on Amstrad PCW. Homemade adapter is needed, but there is nothing better. but I guess it will take a year for it to come out again. I can use the uIDE if the cost is affordable. The uIDE intrigues me in any case.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 20:12, 22 November 21
I don't know if you're interested in this, but I did discover an article in an old magazine - back to 1980s I think, relating to a project for building an oscilloscope based on the PCW.   There was a circuit detailed, and other details for the construction, including the interface, but the article was not complete, and the associated software was not given, you had to buy that from the writer of the article.

The address given was no use.   I managed to trace the writer, now retired, but he could not help with any missing details.

I have a photocopy of the article that was published, but this is not enough to do anything with, I think.   But interesting that such a thing was possible.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 20:51, 22 November 21

Amstrad PCW and Amstrad CPC are actually a complete workstation with small add-ons. I work as a computer engineer in my professional life. But I am also a writer and poet. I have written 7 books before. I want to publish my 8th book by writing with Amstrad PCW and editing with Amiga 500. I even have an Amstrad CPC/PCW/NC/GX magazine project. this magazine will actually be a fanzine. everything will be homemade and printed in house. I want to do these projects slowly. by the way, would you and Richard like to write an article about Amstrad PCW in this magazine? The only requirement is that the articles are written in Amstrad PCW or Amstrad CPC. @GeoffB17 (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=1489)  @Richard_Lloyd (https://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=3766)


Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 22:29, 22 November 21
OK, could do an article.   About my PCW and becomming a professional programmer.   Designing and writing software on an IBM System /36 mini computer, etc.   But you want it written on a PCW as well?  OK, could do that, if necessary.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 22:40, 22 November 21

I am still not an expert on Amstrad PCW. Can I get a copy for it as an Amstrad PCW file and a copy as a Word document? In case of an emergency, I use the Word document. You can also send the pictures in the article separately. I'm sending a private message. I'm sure it will be a great article.

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 23:35, 22 November 21
Hello.

Got message.

Cannot read it.

Font size extreme tiny.   Don't know if I can change something on my PC?

Aha - fiddled with Select/Quote and now can read text normal size.  Yes, I'll do whatever.   As needed.  OK?

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 00:37, 23 November 21
ok its great
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 10:37, 25 November 21

my dear friend. Currently copying from A to B is in progress. but there were many PCW games and programs in GOTEK plugged into B, but it can only read and write the Cf2DD and B-GEOFF floppy disks you sent. As far as I understand, I will not be able to directly transfer the PCW archive from B to A that I uploaded to GOTEK mounted on B. diskkit gives a B read error on all of them. but the CF2DD and B-GEOFF floppy disks you sent work great. What way do you suggest I follow to keep an archive in GOTEK on B. Or should I copy what I need to CF2DD after doing all my work in A and pulling all the floppy disks to PCW on CPC?

Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 14:17, 25 November 21
Sorry, but I'm not sure just what the problem is.

The capacity of the A: drive is 173k, the capacity of the B: drive is 706K, you cannot use DISCKIT to copy from one to the other.

Maybe you need to make copies of the B: disks, make a number of copies.   You'll need to do this with the memory card in your PC.   For example, copy CF2DD to CF2DD2, CF2DD3 etc.   Then, when you've got the extra disks on B: you've got two choices.

Firstly, by copying the image, you actually have a copy of the disk and the files on it anyway.   So maybe you don't need to go any further.  OR you can now use DISCKIT to copy a disk in B: to another disk in B:, which IS possible as they are the same size.   This process will require that you swap disks, as the data you're copying is more than the capacity of your M: drive.   Do you have an M: drive by the way, and what capacity is that?

If you make copies of the images, then you can delete the files in the copy (but not the original) to make the disk an empty disk.   However the DISCKIT copy process will overwrite the existing data on the destination disk anyway.

The BIG danger here with this sort of copy and swapping the disks is that you CAN damage the original disk, so be careful which disk you're reading from, and which disk you write to.   Much better to give the different disks more distinct different names, that will be more clear which is which in the Gotek LCD screen.

Oh, if you're making archive copies, you could also just save copies of all your images to your PC while you've got the memory card/stick in the PC?

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 15:04, 25 November 21
If you have other images in B: that cannot be read, what images are they.  Can you attach one of them, so I can check it.   The B: drive should be able to READ an A: image, but it cannot WRITE one.   Apart from this, I'm not sure what the problem is that you're having.  But I'm sure we can sort it out.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: JohnElliott on 21:44, 30 November 21
On a real PCW, 180k 3" discs have 48tpi track spacing, and 720k 3" discs have 96tpi track spacing. So when a PCW detects a 180k disc in a 720k drive, it double-steps to compensate.
FlashFloppy on a Gotek usually assumes all disc images have 96tpi track spacing, so the double-stepping doesn't work. This page (https://github.com/keirf/FlashFloppy/wiki/Host-Platforms#180k-disk-images) suggests a couple of ways to mark a disc image as 48tpi, so it can be read in drive B:
Alternatively, you can use a program what I wrote: DLOGIN (from XLOGIN.PMA on this page (https://www.seasip.info/Cpm/software/amstrad.html)) which stops the double-stepping behaviour - it was intended for 3.5" drives where 180k discs have 96tpi spacing, but may work on a Gotek device as well.
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 22:52, 02 December 21
John,

Thanks for this information.

Seems a bit wierd that the Gotek software would do things this way, but I suppose that Gotek doesn't know that it's working with a PCW system, and another system might need to do the double step?

I've never seen an image with the tracks repeated.   At least, if I ever do, I'll know why!

I've got your .PMA file, and yes, the original didn't come through, but the .BIN variant did.   I've unpacked the various items in there, and I see that the notes in the .DOC file is rather more positive about the DLOGIN files than your posting here was.

I've moved the .COM and the .FID files into Joyce, although I've tried the .COM version only so far.

I can report that it seems to be working fine.   I've now been able to access A: images in the b: drive without any problems, although I've tested only a few so far.

I've just sent a new B: image file to DoctorCPC, with the two files on, for him to see if they work on his PCW/Gotek setup.   If the .COM works, then I'll sort out with him about the .FID, if he wants to go that way, but he'll need System 1.7H for that.

I'll confirm how this story ends up.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: JohnElliott on 01:49, 03 December 21
Quote from: GeoffB17 on 22:52, 02 December 21Seems a bit wierd that the Gotek software would do things this way, but I suppose that Gotek doesn't know that it's working with a PCW system, and another system might need to do the double step?

How the Gotek does it (assume by default that all disk images have the same track spacing as the drive) is the most obvious and useful way to behave for nearly any system. It just doesn't get on well with PCWs, where the system software expects the same disk (image) to give different results in A: and B: - particularly difficult if both are identical Goteks!
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: GeoffB17 on 23:22, 05 December 21
I've now had confirmation from DoctorCPC that the dlogin.com does the trick with his PCW with the attached Gotek as B:.   He can now read CF2 images in his B: as well as the CF2DD that were working OK before.   So he can start sorting out his disks/files and get his A: (real) disks organised as he wishes.

I'll get the relevant files sorted out to attach here.  Save anyone else having to mess with the PMA archive.

Geoff
Title: Re: Amstrad PCW Questions
Post by: DoctorCPC on 16:36, 06 December 21
works great as my gotek drive b. Thank you very much. especially after dozens of e-mail conversations with my dear friend Geoff, we solved this problem. Thanks for the FID software. Thanks to Richard. Also, Geoff was always there for me, a big thank you to him. it easy use gotek as a. but it hard use gotek as b. we solved... it works as b with CF2DD and CF2 images. and i can run apps and games from b and i can copy from b to a with disckit. everything is great...
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