Unmodded 6128 Plus to PC transfer

[tonystark]

Hello all, thank you for accepting me here. I'm curious on the following. I have various disks on the CPC that I want to transfer to the PC. The 6128+ is unmodded and I would like to remain that way. Is it possible to transfer the disk contents to a PC (Btw there is also a standard 6128 available, if the plus won't cut it). What gear is required? Can someone point me to the right direction? thank you in advance.

[poulette73]

Hello,

You can use an external Gotek drive, as a second drive.
Then copy your real 3" disks to DSK images (stored on a USB key).

The USIfAC II interface also allows this kind of operation.
But I don't know its compatibility with a 6128+, can someone confirm?

A few more steps (hardware and software) but it's also possible to use an external 3"1/2 drive as a second drive.
Then copy your 3" disks to 3"1/2, and reread them on PC with CPCDiskXP utility.
But this requires an internal 3"1/2 drive on the PC's motherboard (not a 3"1/2 USB drive) and an older Windows OS for native drive compatibility as CPCDiskXP runs low level on BIOS layer hardware.

[ComSoft6128]

Hello,

You can use an external Gotek drive, as a second drive.
Then copy your real 3" disks to DSK images (stored on a USB key).

The USIfAC II interface also allows this kind of operation.
But I don't know its compatibility with a 6128+, can someone confirm?

A few more steps (hardware and software) but it's also possible to use an external 3"1/2 drive as a second drive.
Then copy your 3" disks to 3"1/2, and reread them on PC with CPCDiskXP utility.
But this requires an internal 3"1/2 drive on the PC's motherboard (not a 3"1/2 USB drive) and an older Windows OS for native drive compatibility as CPCDiskXP runs low level on BIOS layer hardware.

The first method outlined by @poulette73 is the easiest.
I use this on a 6128 Plus and it works fine.

[tonystark]

I will try it and let you know...thank you. By the way, can please some one give me a link on what exactly I should get ? or all gotek drives the same ?

[ComSoft6128]

I bought a Gotek with pre-installed CPC firmware from here:

https://www.cpcstore.co.uk/s/shop

Unfortunately it doesn't look like they have any in stock at the moment but I suppose you could email them or purchase elsewhere.

[tonystark]

So basically gotek is just a hardware piece that works with the respective firmware to read the desired machine floppies. correct ? I mean if I get a gotek and flash the appropriate firmware i'll be able to use it either Amstrad or lets say amiga ?

[ComSoft6128]

Yes but I've only ever used it on the CPC and you would need a new ribbon cable for the Amiga.

https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Gotek

[ComSoft6128]

What is it you wish to transfer?

[tonystark]

I want first at foremost to transfer amstrad disk contents to pc and then maybe connect it to an amiga. And since there are quite a few models, should I go for the latest one ? (SFR1M44-U100LQD)

[ComSoft6128]

OK,

If these are old data files fair enough but if its games or applications just get them from CPC POWER or CPCRulez.
But you'll still find a Gotek essential.

[tonystark]

Yup, I'm interested in reading from actual 3" disks and transfer the contents to the PC. Wouldn't say no to the opposite , So is SFR1M44-U100LQD a good choice to buy ?

[ComSoft6128]

I couldn't tell you if the SFR1M44-U100LQD is a good choice, I suggest you look for reviews and see what you find.

[Gonzo_XIII]

The USIfAC II interface also allows this kind of operation.
But I don't know its compatibility with a 6128+, can someone confirm?

I can confirm that as of ROM Rev.6f that although it seems to boot up OK, and although some of the pipe commends work (|usb and |stat seem to work) if you try anything else with it, even just |help, it seems to bug out and make the machine freeze or behave erratically.

I'm quite sad as this seemed like a really fantastic solution but contacting the developer seemed to brushed off with a "I don't have a plus to test it on" and that was it.

[Cwiiis]

The USIfAC II interface also allows this kind of operation.
But I don't know its compatibility with a 6128+, can someone confirm?

I can confirm that as of ROM Rev.6f that although it seems to boot up OK, and although some of the pipe commends work (|usb and |stat seem to work) if you try anything else with it, even just |help, it seems to bug out and make the machine freeze or behave erratically.

I'm quite sad as this seemed like a really fantastic solution but contacting the developer seemed to brushed off with a "I don't have a plus to test it on" and that was it.

I get this behaviour if I use any cartridge except for the original Burnin' Rubber + BASIC cart. My hand-wavy presumption is that it's the NoACID work-around making the timing a bit tighter and the usifac2 not being tolerant of this (I can replicate some instability with other non-usifac2 add-ons in this scenario, but not nearly to the same extent).