top of the main page, logo by Antoine Rozanski | mobile version | Files | CSA8 & FAQ | Emulator | Links | Games | Archives | Contact | Aller vers la version française de ce site== About ==
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU
Followup-To: comp.sys.amstrad.8bit
Reply-To: roussin noos.fr
Archive-name: amstrad8bit-faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly (4th day)
comp.sys.amstrad.8bit Frequently Asked Questions v1.32 (10/16/2005)
The FAQ exists in english, french, german, spanish and dutch. The spanish and german translations arent up to date. They are archived on :
* http://www.genesis8bit.com
* english text only :
** http://www.faqs.org/faqs/amstrad8bit-faq
** ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/comp.sys.amstrad.8bit
The french translation was done by Pierre Guerrier and then by Pierre Thevenet. Thanks to them.
This FAQ is posted each month on the 4th to comp.sys.amstrad.8bit, comp.answers and news.answers
* Lines preceded by '+' have been added since the last FAQ
* Lines preceded by '*' have been modified since the last FAQ
* Lines preceded by '-' will be removed in the next FAQ
The FAQ exists in english, french, german, spanish and dutch. The
spanish and german translations arent up to date. They are archived on :
- http://www.genesis8bit.com
- english text only :
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/amstrad8bit-faq
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/comp.sys.amstrad.8bit
The french translation was done by Pierre Guerrier and then by Pierre
Thevenet. Thanks to them.
This FAQ is posted each month on the 4th to comp.sys.amstrad.8bit,
comp.answers and news.answers
Lines preceded by '+' have been added since the last FAQ
Lines preceded by '*' have been modified since the last FAQ
Lines preceded by '-' will be removed in the next FAQ
This FAQ is written by :
* Emmanuel Roussin, sections A, D, E
* Mark Ray, h089 mth.uea.ac.uk, section B (Notepad)
* Frank van Empel, http://www.fvempel.nl/, section C (PCW)
All mailto links have been removed, all emails addresses were translated like this : a@b.com is now a b.com
- Emmanuel Roussin, sections A, DIf you have any ideas for the FAQ, send an email to the correct person. About parts written by E - Mark Ray, h089 mth.ueaR.ac.uk, section B (Notepad)* - Frank van Empelas english isn't my mother tongue, http://wwwthis FAQ has certainly typing mistakes, grammar errors, etc.fvempel.nl/, section C (PCW) . I welcome the corrections.
This FAQ is freeware, you can use it freely for your personal use, but we retain the copyright. For commercial use, you must ask our permission before.
All mailto links have been removed, all emails addresses were translated like this : a@b.com is now a b.com If you have any ideas for the FAQ, send an email to the correct person. About parts written by E.R., as english isn't my mother tongue, this FAQ has certainly typing mistakes, grammar errors, etc... I welcome the corrections. This FAQ is freeware, you can use it freely for your personal use, but we retain the copyright. For commercial use, you must ask our permission before. Parts of this FAQ are taken from the documentation of CPCEMU, some are from the main faq keeper (E.R.) and Mark Ray (Notepad part), other parts are taken from articles of the newsgroup. ------------ Table of Contents Introduction Z - Amstrad : Alan Michael Sugar TRADing A - Amstrad CPC A0) Amstrad CPC(+), KC Compact and GX 4000 presentation A1) Emulators and utilities A1.1) emulators A1.2) utilities A2) Sources of emulators, ROMs, programs, buying hardware/software A2.0) IRC A2.1) FTP A2.2) WWW A2.3) BBS A2.4) Using programs with emulators or real CPC A2.5) Buying hardware/software A3) Transfer between CPC and PC A3.1) 3" drive on PC A3.2.1) 3,5" or 5,25" drive on CPC A3.2.2) 3,5" or 5,25" drive on CPC+ A3.3) parallel cable A3.4) RS 232 / RS 422 (Macintosh) A3.5) Companies A3.6) Tapes A4) Maps, solutions, pokes A4.1) Maps and Solutions A4.2) Pokes A5) Hardware problems A5.1) Internal drive A5.2) External drive A5.3) Components A6) How can I help the Amstrad world ? A6.1) Updating the FAQ A6.2) Commercial games becoming freeware A6.3) Adding files to ftp.lip6.fr A6.4) Updating ALL_CPC, ALL_HW, ALL_ROM, ALL_UTIL A7) Programs A8) Useful addresses and information A8.1) Snail mail addresses A8.2) Information A9) Fanzines A9.1) on paper A9.2) on disk A10) Additional hardware A10.1) Hard disk A10.2) Multiface II A10.3) Rombox A10.3.1) ROMCARD and RAMCARD A10.3.2) Inicron ROM-RAM-BOX A10.4) Sound Player 1 and 2 A10.5) Network A10.6) Future OS A10.7) Memory extensions A10.7.1) 2 Mo RAM extension A10.7.2) Inicron RAM-BOX A10.8) Card Tridge A10.9) CPC ISA A10.10) Amstrad MP1 & MP2 A10.11) CD-ROM A10.12) Mouse A11) Upcoming CPC meetings B - Amstrad Notepad (NC100/150/200) B0) NC 100/150/200 presentation B1) Emulators B2) How can I buy one ? B3) What peripherals can I use ? B3.1) Printer B3.2) Extra Memory B3.3) Disks B4) How do I connect it to a PC ? B4.1) Which cable ? B4.2) Settings B4.3) Converting Word Processor Files B4.4) How do I connect it to a BBC micro B5) BASIC B5.1) Where can I find basic programs ? B5.2) Can I use the Word Processor to enter listings ? B5.3) Can I make a program auto-run ? B6) Other Programs B7) I've just crashed it B8) I've just broken it B9) Where to ask help B10) Internet resources B11) Credits C - PCW C0) PCW presentation C1) Emulators and utilities C1.1.1) Joyce C1.1.2) Joyce MAC C1.1.3) M.E.S.S. C1.2) Utilities C2) Where can I find emulators and programs ? C2.1) FTP sites C2.2) WWW C2.3) Various sources C3) Transferring between PCW and PC C3.1) 3.5" drive to a PCW C3.2) LocoLink for Windows C3.3) RS 232 C3.4) 3" drive on PC C3.5) Acoustic communication C4) Shops supporting PCW C5) Hardware C5.1) Printer C5.2) Keyboard C5.3) Disc drive C6) Additional hardware C6.1) Memory up to 51k2kb C6.2) Memory beyond 512kb C6.3) Interfaces (various purposes) C6.4) ProScan C6.5) MasterScan C6.6) Electric Studio Light Pen C6.7) Electric Studio Digitiser C6.8) Robotics Hegatron Grafpad II C6.9) Intergem interface C6.10) Disc drives C6.11) Hard disks C6.12) Margin Maker C6.13) Mice & other input devices C6.14) Teqniche keyboard C6.15) LocoLink & LocoLink for Windows C6.16) D'K Tronics sound synthesiser C6.17) ISA card C6.18) Various DIY layouts C7) Fanzines D) PcW 16 D0) PcW 16 presentation D1) Emulators D1.1) CP/M v2.2 and 3.1 for the PCW16 D1.2) M.E.S.S. D2) Support E - PDA600 E0) PDA600 presentation F - CP/M
---------------------------
Introduction
The vote for the creation of this newsgroup passed on 28th July 1994 with 148:36, it was effectively created on 4th august 1994. It was the idea of Marco Vieth and David Long. This unmoderated newsgroup comp.sys.amstrad.8bit is open to discussions about the Z80 Amstrad computers : CPC (464, 664, 6128, 464+, 6128+), GX4000, PCW (8256, 8512, 9256, 9512, 9512+, 10, 16), NC100/150/200 and PDA600.
This unmoderated newsgroup comp.sys.amstrad.8bit is open Appropriate topics include, but are not limited to discussions about the Z80 Amstrad computers : CPC (464, 664, 6128, 464+, 6128+), GX4000, PCW (8256, 8512, 9256, 9512, 9512+, 10, 16), NC100/150/200 and PDA600.
Appropriate topics include* CPC, but are not limited to :GX4000, PCW, NC, PDA hardware and software,* emulators,* specific Amstrad CP/M files, overlays...* ads for selling/buying the relative hardware and software. etc...
The only topic that is excluded : discussion of Amstrad PC- CPCcompatible (1512, GX40001640, PCW2x86, NC, PDA hardware 3x86 and software, - emulators, - specific others Amstrad CP/M filescompatible I don't know) because these computers are really compatible, overlaysso comp.sys.ibm. - ads for selling/buying the relative hardware and softwarepc.* newsgroups must be used, especially comp.sys.ibm.pc.classic
etcFor questions about these PC see http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson and http://www.seasip.info/AmstradXT
The only topic that is excluded For easier reading and filtering, please use the following tags at the start of your subject line :
discussion of Amstrad PC-compatible (1512, 1640, 2x86, 3x86 and* announce posts : [announce] others Amstrad compatible I don't know) because these computers* unrelated topic : [i] are really compatible, so comp.sys.ibm.pc.* newsgroups must befor buying items : [want to buy] used* for selling items : [want so sell]* for post in another language : [french], [german], especially competc.sys.ibm.pc, but put a short summary in english to not ignore people who dont understand your language, also you will get much more help if more people can read your post.classic
For questions about these PC see http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson
and http://www.seasip.info/AmstradXT
For easier reading and filtering, please use the following tags at the start of your subject line :== Alan Michael Sugar TRADing ==
Alan Michael Sugar created his company, and called it using his name : Alan Michael Sugar TRADing, that's Amstrad. More on Amstrad company later.
- announce posts : [announce] - unrelated topic : [i] - for buying items : [want to buy] - for selling items : [want so sell] - for post in another language : [french], [german], etc..., but put a short summary in english to not ignore people who dont understand your language, also you will get much more help if more people can read your post.== Amstrad CPC ==
=== Amstrad CPC(+), KC compact and GX 4000 presentation 06/30/2003 ===
Z - Alan Michael Sugar TRADing Alan Michael Sugar created his company, and called They use the Zilog Z80A processor which speed is 4.00MHz. From SOFT968 "The system centres round the Z80A with a 4.00MHz clock". Later it using his name : Alan Michael Sugar TRADingstates that "Accesses to memory are synchronised with the video logic, constrained to occur on microsecond boundaries. This has the effect of stretching each Z80 machine cycle to be a multiple of 4 time states (clock cycles) In practice, this alters the instruction timing so that's Amstradthe effective clock rate is approximately 3.3MHz"
More on Amstrad company later.made the following CPC systems :
* CPC 464 (Arnold 1),
* CPC 664 (Arnold 2),
* CPC 6128 (Arnold 3), there was also a CPC6128 cost down (Arnold 4 which was identical in operation to the original 6128 but had a new PCB and ASIC that reduced the board size and chip count to a mere fraction of the original size. If you open up a 6128 and the board fills the entire space you've got one of the originals. If you open one up and the board only occupies about 1/4 to 1/3 of the available space with a LOT of surrounding fresh air then you've got an Arnold 4.
* CPC 464+ (Arnold 5),
* CPC 6128+ (Arnold 6),
* GX 4000, the Amstrad 8 bit console.
The CPC+ and GX 4000 have enhanced graphics and sound (DMA), colour palette of 4096, hardware sprites, hardware scrolling, and used 128 Ko to 512 Ko carts.
A - Amstrad CPCused CRTC (Cathodic Ray Tube Controller) from different manufacturers, which worked the same in the main, but do have many different characteristics. This is the reason why a demo designed for CRTC type 1, may not display correctly (or even at all), on a CRTC type 0 :
A0) Amstrad * CRTC 0 : chipset HD6845S, HD6845SP, UM6845* CRTC 1 : chipset UM6845R,* CRTC 2 : chipset MC6845, MC6845S, MC6845P* CRTC 3 : CPC(+), KC compact and GX 4000 presentation 06/30/2003ASIC AMS40489* CRTC 4 : CPC+ pre-ASIC AMS40226
They use the Zilog Z80A processor which speed The KC compact (KC mean KleinComputer = little computer) is 4a clone of the Amstrad CPC.00MHz. From SOFT968 "The system centres round It was made by VEB Mikroelectronik in East Germany (the Z80A with a 4old DDR) in 1989.00MHz clock" Later it states that "Accesses to memory are synchronised with It was made the year before the video logicBerlin wall came down, constrained to occur on microsecond boundariesand ceased production soon after. This has The KC compact is 95% compatible to the effect CPC. The functions of stretching each Z80 machine cycle to be the Gate-Array are simulated by TTL-Logic and a multiple of 4 time states Zilog Z8536 CIO. The ROMs are a patched English CPC6128 Operating system ROM (clock cycles) In practice,this alters includes setup code for the instruction timing so that the effective clock rate is approximately 3Z8536) and a unpatched Locomotive BASIC v1.1 rom.3MHz"
Amstrad made The only incompatibility lies with the following CPC systems :interrupt generation mechanism. Any program that relies on exact interrupt generation behaviour may fail to work.
- 1) CPC 464 (Arnold 1)In some respects, - 2) the KC compact is actually more powerful than the CPC 664 (Arnold 2), - 3) CPC 6128 (Arnold 3)because the interrupt frequency can be programmed, there was also a CPC6128 cost down (Arnold 4 which was identical in operation to theory the original 6128 but had a new PCB resolution could be reprogrammed, and ASIC that reduced the board size and chip count to a mere fraction of colour palette changed (replacing the original sizecolour rom). If you open up a 6128 and the board fills the entire space you've got one of the originals. If you open one up and the board only occupies about 1More details are available at http:/4 to 1/3 of the available space with a LOT of surrounding fresh air then you've got an Arnold 4andercheran. - 4) CPC 464+ (Arnold 5), - 5) CPC 6128+ (Arnold 6), - 6) GX 4000, the Amstrad 8 bit consoleaiind.upv.es/~amstrad
The CPC+ and GX 4000 have enhanced graphics and sound (DMA), colour palette of 4096, hardware sprites, hardware scrolling, and used 128 Ko to 512 Ko carts. Amstrad used CRTC (Cathodic Ray Tube Controller) from different manufacturers, which worked the same in the main, but do have many different characteristics. This is the reason why a demo designed for CRTC type 1, may not display correctly (or even at all), on a CRTC type 0 : - CRTC 0 : chipset HD6845S, - CRTC 1 : chipset UM6845R, - CRTC 2 : chipset MC6845, - CRTC 3 : CPC+ Asic, - CRTC 4 : ? The KC compact (KC mean KleinComputer = little computer) is a clone of the Amstrad CPC. It was made by VEB Mikroelectronik in East Germany (the old DDR) in 1989. It was made the year before the Berlin wall came down, and ceased production soon after. The KC compact is 95% compatible to the CPC. The functions of the Gate-Array are simulated by TTL-Logic and a Zilog Z8536 CIO. The ROMs are a patched English CPC6128 Operating system ROM (includes setup code for the Z8536) and a unpatched Locomotive BASIC v1.1 rom. The only incompatibility lies with the interrupt generation mechanism. Any program that relies on exact interrupt generation behaviour may fail to work. In some respects, the KC compact is actually more powerful than the CPC, because the interrupt frequency can be programmed, in theory the resolution could be reprogrammed, and the colour palette changed (replacing the colour rom). More details are available at http://andercheran.aiind.upv.es/~amstrad If you can read french and want to learn more about Amstrad CPC history, you should order the excellent book "Ces ordinateurs sont dangereux" by François Quentin (fquentin club-internet.fr) for 25 Euros (postage included, send an international postal order by going to your post office) to :
François Quentin
FRANCE
cover of the book ces ordinateurs sont dangereux A1) == Emulators and utilities==
A1.1) emulators=== Emulators ===
There is a commercial spectrum emulator for the CPC, reviewed in Amstrad Action.
The best emulator for DOS is Caprice32. For win9x, the emulators are quite good : Arnold, Winape32 and MTMW. All win9x emulators emulates CPC+, NO$CPC is the only DOS emulator which emulates CPC+. On Amiga, Emu-CPC should be the best emulator.
==== A1.1.1) CPCEMU (PC) 06/25/98====
CPCEMU by Marco Vieth, last version is 1.5b1, get ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/emulator/cpcemu15.zip
==== A1.1.2) Caprice32 (PC) and CPE (for PC and Amiga) and 04/28/2003====
CPE, first written by Bernd Schmidt and then by Ulrich Doewich
==== A1.1.3) A-CPC (PC) (06/01/97)====
The Amstrad CPC emulator (v0.55beta) by Herman Dullink on PC, get
==== A1.1.4) PC-CPC (PC) 11/07/2004====
A PC version of AMI-CPC by Ludovic Deplanque (see A1.1.7), go
==== A1.1.5) NO$CPC (PC) 02/04/2001====
A german emulator by Martin Korth, go to http://www.work.de/nocash
==== A1.1.6) Richard Wilson's emulators 12/23/99====
Richard Wilson (author of ParaDOS) wrote no less than 3 emulators, get
==== A1.1.7) AMI-CPC (Amiga) 07/11/2004====
A french CPC emulator for Amiga, by Ludovic Deplanque, sources included.
==== A1.1.8) A-CPC (Amiga)====
A CPC emulator for Amiga by Kevin Thacker. Get
==== A1.1.9) Emu-CPC (Amiga) 04/15/99====
Another french CPC emulator on AMIGA by Stephane Tavenard, get EmuCPC
==== A1.1.10) !CPC (Acorn) 07/18/99====
!CPC is a CPC emulator for Acorn RISC OS machines (Archimedes/RISC PC)
==== A1.1.11) !CPCemu (Acorn)====
This emulator for Acorn RISC OS machines is written by Andreas
==== A1.1.12) CPC++ (Unix and MAC) 03/02/2002====
==== A1.1.13) SIMCPC (PC)====
Presumably the first CPC emulator written, for PC XT/AT by GHE,
==== A1.1.14) Multi-Machine, or MTM (win9x) 01/11/2000====
Get MTM v1.30b by Paul Hodgson at ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/emulator/mtmw130b.zip
==== A1.1.15) Arnold (win9x, MACos, Unix/Linux), Arnold Jr (Java) 11/08/2004====
A CPC(+) emulator by Kevin Thacker for win9x, get binaries and
==== A1.1.16) Zsim (PC) 05/06/2003====
Zsim v2.42 by Jurgen G. Weber, it simulates a CP/M Z80 machine. It
==== A1.1.17) Yage (PC) 07/15/99====
Yage v0.91 by Antoine Pitrou, a CPC emulator which handles demos like
==== A1.1.18) CPCE (msdos/win9x) 05/06/2003====
A spanish Amstrad CPC emulator for msdos/win9x by CNGSOFT, go
==== A1.1.19) CPC-emulator (Linux/Unix) 02/05/2001====
CPC-emulator for Linux/Unix with X11 version 023 by Ulrich Cordes,
==== A1.1.20) M.E.S.S. (PC, MAC, Amiga) 10/23/2001====
Multi-Emulator Super System (Amstrad CPC, PCW, and NC) is available
==== A1.1.21) Arnimedes (PC) 05/06/2003====
Arnimedes for msdos and win9x, by Oliver Lenz, get it at http://www.arnimedes.de
==== A1.1.22) XCPC (Unix/X11R6) 10/24/2001====
An Amstrad CPC emulator by Olivier Poncet for unix and X11R6 at :
==== A1.1.23 CoPaCabana (win9x) 05/06/2003====
A french windows Amstrad CPC emulator at :
=== A1.2) Utilities===
==== A1.2.1) SNA2GIF (PC)====
SNA2GIF v1.1 by Marco Vieth is included in CPCEMU, it extracts
==== A1.2.2) SNAP GRAB (PC)====
SNAP GRAB v1.1 is a freeware by Georg Schwarz to extract screens from
==== A1.2.3) CPC2x (was CPC to TIFF) (PC)====
CPC2x v2.0 by Michael Stroucken converts Amstrad CPC screens to the
==== A1.2.4) CPC file system (PC) 06/08/2004====
CPCfs v0.85.3 by Derik van Zutphen, it transfers CPC files between .DSK
==== A1.2.5) Multiface II to Snapshot (PC)====
M2TOSNA v1.1 by James McKay converts CPC Multiface II files to 64
==== A1.2.6) CPDread and CPDwrite (PC) 06/03/99====
Copy Protected Disk reader v3.24 by Ulrich Doewich, for transferring
==== A1.2.7) MACTerm (MAC)====
Transfer files between CPC and MAC with a parallel cable, get CPCTERM.ZIP
==== A1.2.8) 22disk (PC) 08/06/2000====
22disk is a shareware utility by Sydex (http://www.sydex.com) which
==== A1.2.9) DIC (PC) 06/14/97====
Disc Image Copier by Tim Rieman, transfer DATA and SYSTEM disc from
==== A1.2.10) AIFF decoder (Unix, PC, Amiga) 02/28/2000====
AIFF decoder by Pierre Guerrier, a tool for retrieving data from
ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/emu-uti/amiaiff.lzh
==== A1.2.11) PC2CPC (PC)====
PC2CPC v2.0 by James Churchill converts CPC emulator EDSK images to 3"
==== A1.2.12) DSK-CPC (CPC) 09/01/99====
DSK-CPC by Divine Coding reads a .DSK or .EDSK image from a 3.5"
==== A1.2.13) CPCKEY (PC) 06/08/2001====
CpcKey v0.3 for msdos use the CPCEMU parallel link for :
==== A1.2.14) SEND2 (CPC) 06/15/97====
SEND2 v1.2 by J.GUEZENNEC (jguezenn icor.fr) is a complete parallel
==== A1.2.15) TransCPC====
CPC transfile project, a project aimed at simulating a small file
==== A1.2.16) ReadScr (PC)====
A PC utility for ms-dos by Ark for viewing Amstrad CPC screens, with
==== A1.2.17 CPC2TAPE (PC) 08/16/99====
A dos utility (comes with C sources) to transfer Amstrad files from
==== A1.2.18) SLIP/IP stack 04/24/99====
A SLIP/IP stack developped by Mark Rison for Amstrad
== A2) Sources of emulators, ROMs and programs==
ROMs are now included with CPCEMU and CPE, with the permission of
=== A2.0) IRC 07/24/2004===
You can exchange files with Internet Relay Chat, but its primary goal
=== A2.1) FTP sites 07/31/2004===
If you have problems accessing FTP sites, use the following method :
==== A2.2) WWW 07/24/2004===
You will find them at :
=== A2.3) BBS 07/31/2004===
Informations removed indefinitely.
=== A2.4) Using programs with emulators or real CPC===
==== A2.4.1) DSK files====
These files are images of a disk, you "insert" a disk with F3 in
==== A2.4.2) CPC files 11/07/2004====
Three solutions to use plain CPC files :
==== A2.4.3) How to run programs with a CPC or emulator ?====
Type CAT to get the directory of the disk, mostly programs are run
==== A2.4.4) How to format a disk 01/03/2003====
On a CPC, use the formatting utility on your CP/M disk (diskit) or
=== A2.5) Buying hardware/software===
==== A2.5.1) Auctions sites====
Auctions sites like http://www.ebay.com are good places to find
==== A2.5.2) Emmaüs (only in France)====
It's possible to find interesting things in Emmaüs shops, like at
==== A2.5.3) Tradinpost====
- You can buy a selection of games cartridges for the CPC+ and the
== A3) Transfer between CPC and PC==
Later mentions of DDI-1 can also be replaced by FD-1 (which comes
without the interface for the 464)
==== A3.1.1) 3" drive on PC (part one) 10/22/2002====
* A working solution on http://www.fvempel.nl/3pc.html
==== A3.1.2) 3" drive on PC (part two) 01/11/2000====
Porting files across from CPC to PC is easy, at least, if you have
==== A3.1.3) 3" drive on PC (part three) 02/17/98====
Here is other information by Juan Perez Delgado, as I know nothing
==== A3.2.1) 3,5" or 5,25" drive on CPC 06/29/98====
See A5.2 after installing your new drive.
==== A3.2.2) 3,5" or 5,25" drive on CPC+ (by Simon Matthews)====
See A5.2 after installing your new drive.
=== A3.3) parallel cable 06/08/2001===
The CPCEMU emulator has documentation on how to make such
=== A3.4) RS 232 & RS 422===
Neither the CPC nor the PCW have a RS 232. You can buy it, you then
=== A3.5) Companies===
Commercial companies can transfer your files
==== A3.5.1) Locoscript Software (was Locomotive Software) 05/08/2000====
The Locomotive name and products has been sold to SD Micros (SD
==== A3.5.2) Rowansoft====
Contact Tony Gill at tgill alystra.win-uk.net for rates.
==== A3.5.3) Holland Numerics Ltd 09/07/97====
Converts PCW data to PC format. A price list can be obtained by email
==== A3.5.4) David Simpson====
David Simpson (email : DAS picknowl.com.au)
=== A3.6) Tapes 03/28/2002===
==== A3.6.1) Using AIFF decoder 03/28/2002====
- digitalize the tape as AIFF or WAV files, using Cool Edit for example,
You can use CPC2TAPE (A1.2.17) to transfer a tape directly from PC to CPC.
==== A3.6.2) Using vox2tzx and playtzx 03/28/2002====
Voc2tzx is an utility to transfer cassette programs into CDT tape
== A4) Maps, solutions, pokes, basic loaders ?==
=== A4.1) Maps & Solutions 02/14/2000===
Post solutions in the newsgroup, I will store them on lip6.
=== A4.2) Pokes 03/05/99===
Starting with CPCEMU 1.3 you can easily poke games with an external
== A5) Hardware problems==
=== A5.1) Internal drive 07/22/2000===
If you have the error : 'disk missing', the drive belt should be the
=== A5.2) External drive 05/15/99===
See A3.2.1 and A3.2.2 for adding a 5,25" or 3,5" drive to your CPC.
=== A5.3) Components===
The place to go for CPC spares is (coincidentally) a company called
== A6) How can I help the Amstrad world ?==
=== A6.1) Updating the FAQ===
By sending corrections, modifications, new informations for this FAQ
=== A6.2) Commercial games becoming freeware 07/31/2004===
If you know addresses of authors who wrote programs on CPC/PCW, send
=== A6.3) Adding files to ftp.lip6.fr 04/15/2001===
You can send me your latest production. As there is no upload
=== A6.4) Updating ALL_CPC, ALL_HW, ALL_ROM, ALL_UTIL 04/14/2002===
Frederic Herlem (frederic.herlem planetis.com) is writing the complete
== A7) Commercial programs which are now PD, freeware or shareware 07/31/2004==
See http://genesis8.free.fr/gamecal.php
== A8) Useful addresses and information==
=== A8.1) Addresses===
See A3.4 for a PCW address.
==== A8.1.1) FRANCE====
==== A8.1.1.1) removed 05/18/2001====
==== A8.1.1.2) Futur's 10/31/99====
Futur's is a french group, they do many things. They bring you the
==== A8.1.1.3) Association des Fans de CPC (AFC) 07/31/2004====
AFC is a french association whose aim is to be a link between the various
==== A8.1.2) U.S.A====
==== A8.1.2.1) Sinotech Ltd.====
A source for Amstrad PCW, PC 1286/2286, PC1386/2386, PC 1512/6400, and
==== A8.1.3) United Kingdom====
==== A8.1.3.1) Comsoft (was Campursoft) 07/24/2004====
Comsoft doesnt exist anymore. This company was held by Peter Campbell.
==== A8.1.3.2) United Amstrad User Group 06/01/98====
Martyn Sherwood
==== A8.1.3.3) Brian Watson====
Brian Watson
==== A8.1.4) Germany====
==== A8.1.4.1) Karl-Heinz Weeske====
Karl-Heinz Weeske
==== A8.1.4.2) Walter Kuhn====
Walter Kuhn
==== A8.1.4.4) Beratung Mewes 06/09/2004====
EDV-Beratung Mewes
==== A8.1.4.5) Andreas Micklei 06/19/2004====
Andreas will send out replacement belts for 3 inch drives to anyone in
=== A8.2) information===
==== A8.2.1) the firmware guide====
The unofficial (not the proper SOFT 968 guide) Amstrad CPC Firmware
==== A8.2.2) Pin-out for colour monitor====
u
==== A8.2.3) Programs on ROMs (01/10/99)====
With RamRomBox by Inicron or RAMCARD by RAM7 (see A10.3.2) come the
==== A8.2.4) "The Anatomy for the CPC's" 03/21/2005====
The Anatomy for the CPC is a hardback book, with a pink cover, and
==== A8.2.5) using a CPC joystick on PC 09/18/99====
To use a CPC joystick on PC, get ftp://ftp.lip6.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/DPADPR50.ZIP
==== A8.2.6) loading protected BASIC programs 02/20/2000====
'Read Amstrad CPC protected BASIC files
== A9) Fanzines==
If french people are interested, don't forget to send stamps to get
=== A9.1) on paper===
==== A9.1.1) WACCI 07/24/2004====
For more informations see http://www.wacci.org.uk/
==== A9.1.2) CPC User====
A magazine published every couple of months by the United Amstrad
==== A9.1.3) Quasar 05/02/2003====
A french zine, especially about programming on CPC(+). Last issue is
==== A9.1.4) Eurostrad 10/31/99====
A french paper zine, most of the articles are translated in english.
==== A9.1.5) Amstrad Action 07/24/2004====
Not a fanzine, but a commercial U.K. newspaper which stopped with
=== A9.2) on disk===
==== A9.2.1) Boxon 07/28/97====
Nicolas Ader (Nicky one)
==== A9.2.2) Demoniak 11/03/98====
Anthony Nevo (orphee)
==== A9.2.3) Dracula Fanz 08/01/98====
Miguel Fremeaux (Dracula)
==== A9.2.4) Phaser====
Sebastien Broudin (Seb)
==== A9.2.5) Better Than Life====
An English disc fanzine, with around 40 articles (all in English)
==== A9.2.6) Tribal Mag 05/23/99====
A good german zine, with some english articles, issue 8 is the last
==== A9.2.7) Art of Fantasy====
A TGS/Creators production. It's a discmag that is mainly about
==== A9.2.8) Guten TAG====
A new disc german-only mag by the group "TAG". I don't know much to
==== A9.2.9) Coders Paradise====
A disc mag for all the programmers out there. All Routines the editor
==== A9.2.10) CPC-Telegramm 08/04/98====
German Diskzine by
==== A9.2.11) Digital Press 07/11/2004====
At first a german zine with english articles, now a french-german
== A10) Additional hardware==
For using older additional hardware on a CPC+, you will need an
Look A6.4) for a list of hardware made on CPC.
=== A10.1) Hard disks (no more produced)===
==== A10.1.1) MFM hard drive====
- a Dobbertin MFM interface with 20 MB HD,
==== A10.1.2) AT IDE hard drive====
==== A10.1.2.1) GIDE 11/08/2004====
The GIDE is a generic Z80 device that allows easy connection of any
==== A10.1.2.2) IDE Drives (by RAM7)====
It uses an ISA IDE controler and an adaptator card wich plugs in the
=== A10.2) Multiface II===
A useful add-on, connected to the expansion port, its primary use is
=== A10.3) ROMBOX===
==== A10.3.1) ROMCARD and RAMCARD 10/31/99====
Francisco DOS SANTOS
==== A10.3.2) Inicron ROM-RAM-BOX 04/15/2001====
The RRB is a ROM box that doesn't need EPROMs. Up to 32 EPROMs can be
=== A10.4) SoundPlayer 1 and 2===
See A8.1.1.2) and A9.1.3)
=== A10.5) Network 10/31/99===
==== A10.5.1) Virtual Net 96 (VN96)====
Virtual net 96, a network for Amstrad CPC, made by germans, look at
==== A10.5.2) Multi-IO card 05/30/2003====
VN96 doesn't work on a CPC+, but Futur's (see A8.1.1.2) has a plan for a
=== A10.6) Future OS 05/31/2003===
Future OS is a new operating system for Amstrad CPC that needs
=== A10.7) Memory extension===
==== A10.7.1) 256 Kb to 2 Mb MemCard (by RAM7) 05/30/2003====
For 6128 and 6128+, it's compatible with Dk'tronics memory extensions,
==== A10.7.2) Inicron RAM-BOX 04/24/2000====
A 512 Ko RAM extension for Amstrad CPC by Inicron, get
=== A10.8) Card Tridge (by RAM7) 10/31/99===
The Card Tridge can read, copy and store Amstrad CPC+ cartridges with
=== A10.9) CPC ISA 03/26/2005===
Connect ISA cards on your CPC by Siou (siou free.fr) :
=== A10.10) Amstrad MP1 and MP2 10/27/2000===
Amstrad MP1 and MP2 replace the CPC monitor alimentation and permits to
=== A10.11) CD-ROM 05/12/2003===
For several years people thought that the CPC version of the
=== A10.12) Mouse 08/06/2000===
You cant use a PC mouse (serial or PS/2). There are Amstrad CPC
== A11) Upcoming Meetings==
= B - Amstrad Notepad (NC100/150/200)=
== B0) NC 100/150/200 presentation 08/06/2000==
The Notepad is Amstrad's idea of a simple word processor. It is NOT
== B1) Emulators==
=== B1.1) M.E.S.S. 06/09/2004===
See A1.1.20.
=== B1.2) NC100EM 03/17/2001===
NC100EM by Russell Marks for Linux (svgalib, X, tty) and MSDOS. It
== B2) How can I buy one ? 10/27/2000==
Unfortunately, Tandy finally stopped selling them in November 1996.
== B3) What peripherals can I use ?==
The Notepads have standard Centronics parallel ports and RS232 9-pin
=== B3.1) Printing 07/14/99===
The NC can use dot matrix, inkjet and laser printers with its built-in
* === B3.2) Extra Memory 09/09/2009===
A battery-backed PCMCIA memory card (SRAM) will keep data even if
=== B3.3) Disks 08/15/99===
Cliff Lawson (NC Project Manager): if you have an NC200 you already
== B4) How do I connect it to a PC ?==
=== B4.1) What's the cable ?===
Brief instructions are given in the manual. You can either use the LapCat
=== B4.2) Settings===
Use a terminal program on the PC (Telix supports XModem file transfers
=== B4.3) Converting Word Processor Files 04/29/2000===
Converter programs are available for both PC and NC to convert from
=== B4.4) How do I connect it to a BBC micro 08/15/99===
You will need a 5 pin C-type DIN plug, a 9 pin serial plug, some
== B5) BASIC==
Oddly enough, the Notepad includes a copy of BBC BASIC. This allows
=== B5.1) Where can I find programs for it ?===
- ftp.maekong.york.ac.uk/pub/BBC
=== B5.2) Can I use the Word Processor to enter listings ?===
Certainly, to go from WP to BASIC type "*EXEC filename" into BASIC
Don't put formatting (bold, etc...) in the program.
=== B5.3) Can I make a program auto-run ?===
Of course, just save it with the name AUTO and whenever you start
== B6) Other Programs 07/11/99==
ZCN is a free operating system for the NC100. It's largely compatible
== B7) I've just crashed it...==
If you're lucky, switching it to standby and back will get you out. If
== B8) I've just broken it...==
Try CPC supplies on +44 1772 654455 (Main switchboard) or Email their
== B9) Help! Where to ask 08/15/99==
Since the demise of Amstrad and Tandy stopping to sell the Notepad,
== B10) Internet resources 12/17/2000==
- http://www.amstrad.com and http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson
== B11) Credits 08/15/99==
Although I appear to maintain this section, it wouldn't be in its
= C - Amstrad PCW=
== C0) PCW presentation 08/04/2001==
Amstrad made the following PCW systems :
== C1) Emulators and utilities==
=== C1.1) Emulators===
==== C1.1.1) Joyce 06/09/2004====
A superior PCW emulator with loads of features. Currently at version 2.02
==== C1.1.2) Joyce MAC 11/08/2004====
MACOs port of Joyce by Richard Bannister at
==== C1.1.3) M.E.S.S. 06/09/2004====
See A1.1.20
=== C1.2) Utilities 08/04/2001===
See C2.2) for some PD stuff. A listing of the better commercial utilities
== C2) Where can I find emulators, ROMs and programs ? 08/08/2000==
=== C2.1) FTP sites 07/24/2004===
- ftp://ftp.demon.co.uk/pub/cpm/
=== C2.2) WWW 10/03/2004===
- http://www.locomotive.com
=== C2.3) Various sources 08/08/2000===
A PCW CD-ROM by P.D. Blake with over 4,500 files of PCW software,
== C3) Transferring between PCW and PC 08/08/2004==
Transferring data from floppy discs is easy if you have a 3.5" drive:
=== C3.1) 3.5" drive to a PCW 06/09/2004===
(this section by Axel_Berger Su2.Maus.De)
=== C3.2) LocoLink (for Windows) 06/09/2004===
LocoLink is a cable that can connect a PCW to a PC with a parallel
=== C3.3) RS 232 08/04/2001===
RS232 can serve for a null-modem cable to connect to a PC. In order to
=== C3.4) 3" Drive on PC 08/04/2001===
Operating a 3" 720Kb drive on a PC is very well possible: the cable
=== C3.5) Acoustic communication 08/08/2000===
At present experiments with acoustic communications are being
== C4) Shops supporting PCW 06/09/2004==
Mike Mackenzie (AVCOM Services)
== C5) Hardware==
=== C5.1) Printer 08/04/2001===
The original PCW printers can't be used on another computer, being
=== C5.2) Keyboard 08/08/2000===
Three different keyboard layouts were produced for most PCW's: the
=== C5.3) Disc drive 08/08/2000===
The 3" disc drives of the 8256, 8512 and 9512 can suffer from the some
== C6) Additional hardware 08/08/2000==
=== C6.1) Memory up to 512 kb 06/09/2004===
All PCW (except the 16) can take a maximum of 512kb on the main board
=== C6.2) Memory beyond 512kb 08/08/2000===
Besides the maximum of 512kb on board PCW's can use memory above that:
=== C6.3) Interfaces (various purposes) 08/04/2001===
An interface is an add-on that fits on the expansion port on the back
=== C6.4) ProScan 08/04/2001===
A hand-held scanner, 400dpi, by Creative Technology for use principally
=== C6.5) MasterScan 08/08/2000===
A scanner that is fitted on the print head of the 9-pin dot matrix and
=== C6.6) Electric Studio Light Pen 08/08/2000===
Light Pen from Electric Studio (PCW variant of the CPC device) for use
=== C6.7) Electric Studio Digitiser 08/08/2000===
Video digitiser, also from Electric Studio. European PAL system, works
=== C6.8) Robotics Hegatron Grafpad II 08/08/2000===
Graphics drawing pallet with a substitute keyboard (using the pen).
=== C6.9) Intergem interface 08/08/2000===
A lame duck: an interface that allows you to connect an 80 track disc
=== C6.10) Disc drives 08/04/2001===
Several manufacturers made (Pace) and still make (Pinboard) disc
=== C6.11) Hard disks 08/08/2000===
Several hard discs were made too for the PCW series.
=== C6.12) Margin Maker 08/08/2000===
A small, inexpensive add-on for the 9-pins matrix printer that allows
=== C6.13) Mice & other input devices 08/04/2001===
Lots were made for the PCW series: the Kempston 2-button and the AMX
=== C6.14) Teqniche keyboard 08/08/2000===
A standard 102 keyboard (IBM AT type) was made for the Amstrad PCW
=== C6.15) LocoLink & LocoLink for Windows 08/08/2000===
See C3.2)
=== C6.16) d'k Tronics sound synthesiser. 08/08/2000===
A sound synthesiser was produced by d'k Tronics but I do not know of
=== C6.17) ISA card. 08/04/2001===
The layout to make an Industry Standard Adapter for the PCW is
=== C6.18) Various DIY layouts. 08/04/2001===
A number of layouts for diy expansions to the PCW can be found on:
== C7) Fanzines 06/09/2004==
No magazines are now produced, the last two PCWPlus and Amstrad PCW
= D) PcW 16=
== D0) PcW 16 presentation==
This presentation comes from a csa8 article by Cliff Lawson.
== D1) Emulators 08/08/2000==
=== D1.1) CP/M v2.2 and 3.1 for the PCW16 08/04/2001===
Get this CP/M emulator for PcW16 by John Elliott at
=== D1.2) M.E.S.S. 08/04/2001===
See above
== D2) Support 08/04/2001==
= E - PDA600 10/10/2000=
== E0) PDA600 presentation 10/10/2000==
= F - CP/M 04/21/2002=
