Difference between revisions of "Using a tape-image on a real CPC"
(Upload with OpenOffice) |
(formatting) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | ''' | + | <div style="border: 1px solid rgb(228, 222, 222); margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0.5em 1em; background-color: rgb(249, 249, 249);"><center>'''''This article originally came from Kevin Thackers' archive at [http://www.cpctech.org.uk http://www.cpctech.org.uk].'''''</center></div> |
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
A tape image can be used on a real CPC if it is converted back into a audio signal. | A tape image can be used on a real CPC if it is converted back into a audio signal. | ||
| − | + | (The "playtzx" command-line utility can be used to convert a tape-image back into a audio file. -[[Converting a tape-image into a audio file]]). | |
The method to load this audio signal into the CPC then varies depending on the model of CPC you have. | The method to load this audio signal into the CPC then varies depending on the model of CPC you have. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
To use cassette software you must have a lead (5-pin DIN plug to 3 x 3.5mm plug) to connect the computer to a cassette player or the sound card of your PC or Mac. | To use cassette software you must have a lead (5-pin DIN plug to 3 x 3.5mm plug) to connect the computer to a cassette player or the sound card of your PC or Mac. | ||
| + | |||
== Loading using a cassette lead connected to a sound card == | == Loading using a cassette lead connected to a sound card == | ||
| + | |||
If you have a CPC664, CPC6128 or KC compact you can follow these steps: | If you have a CPC664, CPC6128 or KC compact you can follow these steps: | ||
| Line 37: | Line 39: | ||
#* The 5-pin DIN plug connects to the CPC cassette connector, | #* The 5-pin DIN plug connects to the CPC cassette connector, | ||
#* the 3.5mm data-in plug is connected to the line-out connector of your sound card, | #* the 3.5mm data-in plug is connected to the line-out connector of your sound card, | ||
| − | # | + | # Start the CPC computer and type the commands to load from cassette, ([[Loading cassette software on a emulator]]) |
# Start the sample playing | # Start the sample playing | ||
# Wait for the CPC to load the program | # Wait for the CPC to load the program | ||
| + | |||
== Loading using a cassette player (internal or connected to the CPC using a cassette lead) == | == Loading using a cassette player (internal or connected to the CPC using a cassette lead) == | ||
| + | |||
If you have a CPC464 and CPC464+ or a CPC664, CPC6128 or KC Compact with a cassette lead you can follow these steps: | If you have a CPC464 and CPC464+ or a CPC664, CPC6128 or KC Compact with a cassette lead you can follow these steps: | ||
# Record the sound onto a audio cassette | # Record the sound onto a audio cassette | ||
| − | # | + | # Start the CPC computer and type the commands to load from the cassette, ([[Loading cassette software on a emulator]]) |
Recording the sound onto a audio cassette: | Recording the sound onto a audio cassette: | ||
Revision as of 18:07, 17 January 2009
Introduction
A tape image is a file to be used with Amstrad CPC emulators. Most files have the file extension ".cdt", but some may also have the file extension ".tzx". The file format is defined using the "TZX" file specification. The file format describes the audio signal from a real Amstrad CPC cassette in a more compact form.
A tape image can be used on a real CPC if it is converted back into a audio signal.
(The "playtzx" command-line utility can be used to convert a tape-image back into a audio file. -Converting a tape-image into a audio file).
The method to load this audio signal into the CPC then varies depending on the model of CPC you have.
CPC6128+:
- This computer does not have a cassette connector
- This computer does not have a internal cassette recorder/player.
You must modify this machine if you want to use cassette software, then see the options available for the CPC664 and CPC6128 systems.
CPC464 and CPC464+:
- This computer does not have a cassette connector,
- This computer has a internal cassette player/recorder.
To use cassette software you must transfer the program to a real audio cassette.
CPC664, CPC6128 and KC Compact:
- This computer has a cassette connector.
- This computer does not have a internal cassette recorder/player
To use cassette software you must have a lead (5-pin DIN plug to 3 x 3.5mm plug) to connect the computer to a cassette player or the sound card of your PC or Mac.
Loading using a cassette lead connected to a sound card
If you have a CPC664, CPC6128 or KC compact you can follow these steps:
- Connect the CPC computer direct to the sound card of your PC/Mac computer:
- The 5-pin DIN plug connects to the CPC cassette connector,
- the 3.5mm data-in plug is connected to the line-out connector of your sound card,
- Start the CPC computer and type the commands to load from cassette, (Loading cassette software on a emulator)
- Start the sample playing
- Wait for the CPC to load the program
Loading using a cassette player (internal or connected to the CPC using a cassette lead)
If you have a CPC464 and CPC464+ or a CPC664, CPC6128 or KC Compact with a cassette lead you can follow these steps:
- Record the sound onto a audio cassette
- Start the CPC computer and type the commands to load from the cassette, (Loading cassette software on a emulator)
Recording the sound onto a audio cassette:
- Connect a cassette recorder to the sound card of your PC/Mac computer:
- Using a 3.5mm plug to 3.5mm plug lead, connect the line-out of the sound card to the line-in of the cassette recorder.
- Press record and play on the cassette recorder,
- Start the sample playing program,
- Wait for the whole sound to be played.
- Stop the cassette. The sound should be recorded onto the cassette.
