Changes

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

1,505 bytes added, 22:29, 4 December 2021
/* A1.1.1) CPCEMU (PC) 06/25/98 */ wikify
==== 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=
897
edits