Difference between revisions of "A guide to running software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC Plus computer"

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[[Category:Cpctech.org]]
 +
 
A guide to running software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ computer
 
A guide to running software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ computer
  
−
    * Restarting a Amstrad CPC+ to load cassette or disc software
+
== Restarting an Amstrad CPC to load a cassette or disc software ==
−
    * Restarting a Amstrad CPC to load cassette or disc software
+
−
    * Loading cassette software on a Amstrad CPC/CPC+
+
−
    * Loading disc software on a Amstrad CPC/CPC+
+
  
−
== Restarting a Amstrad CPC+ to load cassette or disc software ==
+
=== Amstrad CPC464, CPC664, CPC472 or CPC6128 ===
  
−
If you are using a CPC464+:
+
* Switch off the computer and switch it on again.
 +
The computer will show the startup message and there will be a “Ready” prompt.
 +
[[File:Cpc6128.gif|center|frame|The Amstrad CPC 6128 when (re)booted.]]
 +
You can now follow the instructions to use cassette or disc software.
  
−
* switch the computer off.
+
=== Amstrad CPC+ ===
−
* insert the system cartridge (this contains the game "Burnin' Rubber" and "Locomotive BASIC").
+
−
* switch on the computer. A menu will be displayed with two options "f1 Amstrad BASIC" and "f2 Burnin Rubber'".
+
  
−
[[Image:Cpcplus.gif]
+
# Switch the computer off.
−
 
+
# Insert the system cartridge (which contains the game “Burnin' Rubber” and “Locomotive BASIC”).
−
* Press f1 to select "Amstrad BASIC".
+
# Switch on the computer.
−
* The screen will clear then display:
+
A menu will then be displayed with two options “f1 Amstrad BASIC” and “f2 Burnin Rubber”.
−
 
+
[[File:Cpcplus.gif|center|frame|The menu]]
−
      BASIC 1.1
+
# Press f1 to select “Amstrad BASIC”.
−
 
+
# The screen will clear and then display:
−
      Ready
+
<pre>
−
 
+
BASIC 1.1
−
 
+
Ready
−
 
+
</pre>
−
      [Picture of CPC464+ or CPC6128+ BASIC prompt]
+
You can now follow the instructions to use the cassette or disc software.
−
* You can now follow the instructions to use cassette or disc software  
+
−
 
+
−
== Restarting a Amstrad CPC to load cassette or disc software ==
+
−
 
+
−
If you are using a CPC464, CPC664, CPC472 or CPC6128:
+
−
 
+
−
* Switch off the computer and switch it on again. The computer will show the startup message and there will be a "Ready" prompt.
+
−
 
+
−
      [Picture of CPC6128 startup display]
+
−
 
+
−
* You can now follow the instructions to use cassette or disc software
+
  
 
== Loading cassette software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system ==
 
== Loading cassette software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system ==
  
−
* Restart the computer. (see the instructions above for the CPC+ and CPC computers).
+
# Restart the computer.
−
* Insert the cassette into the cassette player.
+
# Insert the cassette into the cassette player.
 +
'''Note:''' On a CPC464 or CPC464+ system you must insert the cassette into the internal cassette player.
  
−
(On a CPC464 or CPC464+ system you must insert the cassette into the internal cassette player.)
+
If you are using a CPC with a disc interface you will need to type <code>|TAPE</code> and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
  
−
* If you are using a CPC with a disc interface you will need to type:
+
'''Note:'''
 +
* The <code>|</code> symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and “@” (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
 +
* The CPC664, CPC6128 and CPC6128+ have a disc interface built-in, and this command must be used to enter cassette mode.
 +
* The CPC464 and CPC464+ have a cassette player built in. If you have a disc interface (Amstrad/Schneider DDI-1 or Vortex) connected you will need to type this command to enter cassette mode. If you do not have a disc interface, you do not need to type this command.
  
−
      |TAPE
+
Now type <code>RUN"</code> and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
  
−
      and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
+
'''Tips:'''
 +
* On a CPC464 system you can press SHIFT and the small ENTER key (on the keypad) together instead of typing <code>RUN"</code>.
 +
* On a CPC464+, CPC6128, or CPC6128+ system you can press SHIFT and ENTER together instead of typing <code>RUN"</code>.  
  
−
      NOTE:
+
The message <code>Press PLAY then any key:</code> will be displayed.
  
−
* the "|" symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and "@" (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
+
[[File:Cpc6128r.gif|center|frame|Commands to load from cassette on a CPC with a disc interface]]
−
* The CPC664, CPC6128 and CPC6128+ have a disc interface built in, and this command must be used to enter cassette mode.
+
−
* The CPC464 and CPC464+ have a cassette player built in. If you have a disc interface (Amstrad/Schneider DDI-1 or Vortex) connected you will need to type this command to enter cassette mode. If you do not have a disc interface, you do not need to type this command.
+
−
* Now type:
+
  
−
      RUN"
+
# Press the PLAY button on the cassette player.
 +
# Press any key on the Amstrad keyboard, and the cassette will start to play.
  
−
      and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
+
After a short time you will see the message <code>Loading <filename> block x</code> where <code><filename></code> is the filename of the program found and <code>x</code> is the number of the blocks.
  
−
Tips:
+
[[File:Cpcload.gif|center|frame|Loading the file LOADER, located on block 1.]]
  
−
* On a CPC464 system you can press SHIFT and the small ENTER key (on the keypad) together instead of typing RUN".
+
=== Troubleshooting ===
−
* On a CPC464+, CPC6128, or CPC6128+ system you can press SHIFT and ENTER together instead of typing RUN".
+
−
* The following message will be displayed:
+
  
−
      Press PLAY then any key:
+
* If you see the error “Bad command” then make sure you type in <code>|TAPE</code>.
−
 
+
* Try completely rewinding the cassette again and wait. It is possible that the Amstrad missed the first file.
−
      [Picture shows the commands to load from cassette on a CPC with a disc interface]
+
* The cassette may not be made for the Amstrad and won't load.
−
 
+
* The cassette may be damaged and be unusable.
−
      [Picture shows commands to load from cassette on a CPC without a disc interface]
+
* The cassette may have been inserted on the wrong side.
−
 
+
−
* Now press the PLAY button on the cassette player
+
−
* Now press any key on the Amstrad keyboard, and the cassette will start to play.
+
−
* After a short time you will see the following message:
+
−
 
+
−
      Loading <filename> block x
+
−
 
+
−
      where "<filename>" is the filename of the program found and "x" is the number of the block.
+
−
 
+
−
      [Picture shows a cassette program loading]
+
−
 
+
−
If you do not see this message:
+
−
 
+
−
* If you see the error "Bad command" then make sure you type in "|TAPE".
+
−
* try rewind the cassette to the start again and waiting. It is possible the Amstrad missed the first file.
+
−
 
+
−
* the cassette is not made for the Amstrad and will not load
+
−
* the cassette is damaged and it is not possible to run the program on it.
+
−
* the wrong side of the cassette has been inserted
+
  
 
For each block that is successfully read, the Amstrad will report the block number.
 
For each block that is successfully read, the Amstrad will report the block number.
−
 
 
When all of the blocks of the file have been loaded, the program will start automatically.
 
When all of the blocks of the file have been loaded, the program will start automatically.
  
−
If there is a error, a message will be displayed:
+
If there is a error, the message <code>Read error a</code> or <code>Read error b</code> will be shown.
−
 
+
−
:Read error a
+
−
 
+
−
or
+
−
 
+
−
:Read error b
+
−
 
+
−
will be shown.
+
−
 
+
 
If this happens, you can rewind the cassette to the start of the block with the error and try again.
 
If this happens, you can rewind the cassette to the start of the block with the error and try again.
−
 
+
If you have an external cassette recorder, then you can try to adjust the volume. This may make a difference.
−
If you have a external cassette recorder, then you can try to adjust the volume, this may make a difference.  
+
  
 
== Loading disc software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system ==
 
== Loading disc software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system ==
  
−
* Restart the computer. (see the instructions above for the CPC+ and CPC computers).
+
# Restart the computer.
−
* Insert the disc into the disc drive.
+
# Insert the disc into the disc drive.
−
* Type:
+
# Type <code>CAT</code> or <code>|DIR</code> and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
−
 
+
−
:CAT
+
−
 
+
−
or
+
−
 
+
−
      |DIR
+
−
 
+
−
and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
+
  
 
These commands will display a listing (directory) of the files on the disc.
 
These commands will display a listing (directory) of the files on the disc.
  
−
NOTE:
+
'''Note:'''
−
 
+
−
* the "|" symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and "@" (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
+
−
 
+
−
There are normally 3 responses to this command:
+
−
 
+
−
        1.
+
−
 
+
−
            Drive A: disc missing
+
−
 
+
−
            Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
+
−
 
+
−
            This message will be displayed if the disc is not inserted, or the disc is inserted and the drive belt in the disc drive has worn out and needs replacing.
+
−
 
+
−
            [Picture showing 'Disc missing' error message]
+
−
        2.
+
−
 
+
−
            Drive A: read fail
+
−
 
+
−
            Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
+
−
 
+
−
            This message will be displayed if the directory can't be read or the directory is corrupted. It is possible the disc may not have a directory. In this case try the "|CPM" loading method described below.
+
−
 
+
−
            [Picture showing 'Read fail' error message]
+
−
        3. A message similar to the following will be displayed:
+
−
 
+
−
            Drive A: user 0
+
−
 
+
−
            DISC.BAS 1K
+
−
 
+
−
            177K free
+
−
 
+
−
            This is the directory of the files on the disc. Here you will see the names of each file. If you typed "CAT" then you will also see the size of each file. In both cases, the amount of free space is also displayed.
+
−
 
+
−
            [Picture showing directory listing from 'CAT' command]
+
−
 
+
−
            [Picture showing directory listing from '|DIR' command]
+
−
          o If there was a "Read fail" error, please try the loading method using the "|CPM" command. (see the instructions below)
+
−
          o If the directory is displayed, please continue to follow these instructions.
+
−
    * The directory shows the list of files on the disc.
+
−
          o If there is a single file, then this should be RUN by typing:
+
−
 
+
−
            RUN"<filename>
+
−
 
+
−
            replacing <filename> with the name of the file.
+
−
 
+
−
            e.g.
+
−
 
+
−
            RUN"disc.bin
+
−
 
+
−
            [Picture showing a directory with a single file]
+
−
 
+
−
            NOTES:
+
−
                + If the file has a ".BAS", ".BIN" or ". " (3 spaces) as an extension then you can omit it.
+
  
−
                  e.g. if the file is "DISC.BIN" you can type:
+
The <code>|</code> symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and “@” (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
  
−
                  RUN"disc
+
A message similar to the following will be displayed:
  
−
                  instead of:
+
<pre>
 +
Drive A: user 0
 +
DISC.BAS 1K
 +
177K free
 +
</pre>
  
−
                  RUN"disc.bin
+
This is the directory of the files on the disc.
 +
Here you will see the names of each file.
 +
If you typed <code>CAT</code> then you will also see the size of each file.
 +
In both cases the amount of free space is also displayed.
  
−
                + The disc operating system is not case sensitive. Therefore you do not need to type the name exactly as shown. i.e. "disc.bin" is the same as "DISC.BIN".
+
'''Note:''' In case of a “Read fail” error, please try the loading method using the <code>|CPM</code> command. (see the instructions below)
−
          o If there is more than one file, look for a small file with a ".BAS", ".BIN" or ". " extension. e.g.
+
  
−
            Drive A: user  0
+
The directory shows the list of files on the disc.
 +
If there is a single file, then this should be run by typing <code>RUN"<filename></code> replacing <code><filename></code> with the name of the file.
 +
(e.g. <code>RUN"disc.bin</code>)
  
−
            ZAPTBALL.BAS   4K  ZAPTBALL.BI3  14K
+
'''Note:''' If the file has a <code>.BAS</code>, <code>.BIN</code> or <code>.  </code> (3 spaces) as an extension then you can omit it.
−
            ZAPTBALL.BI0   2K  ZAPTBALL.BI4  11K
+
(e.g. if the file is <code>DISC.BIN</code> you can type <code>RUN"disc</code> instead of <code>RUN"disc.bin</code>)
−
            ZAPTBALL.BI1  13K  ZAPTBALL.BI5  8K
+
−
            ZAPTBALL.BI2  8K  ZAPTBALL.LEV  8K
+
  
−
            112K free
+
The disc operating system is not case sensitive, therefore you do not need to type the name exactly as shown.
 +
(i.e. <code>disc.bin</code> is the same as <code>DISC.BIN</code>.)
  
−
            Ready
+
If there is more than one file, look for a small file with a <code>.BAS</code>, <code>.BIN</code> or <code>.  </code> extension.
  
−
            In this example, the file "ZAPTBALL.BAS" should be run.
+
<pre>
 +
Drive A: user  0
 +
ZAPTBALL.BAS   4K  ZAPTBALL.BI3  14K
 +
ZAPTBALL.BI0  2K  ZAPTBALL.BI4  11K
 +
ZAPTBALL.BI1  13K  ZAPTBALL.BI5  8K
 +
ZAPTBALL.BI2  8K  ZAPTBALL.LEV  8K
 +
112K free
 +
Ready
 +
</pre>
  
−
            [Picture showing a directory with multiple files]
+
In this example, the file <code>ZAPTBALL.BAS</code> should be run.
  
−
            If the computer crashes, resets or "PROGRAM LOAD FAILED" is displayed, then choose another file and try again.  
+
If the computer crashes, resets or “PROGRAM LOAD FAILED” is displayed, then choose another file and try again.
  
−
== Loading disc software using "|CPM" ==
+
=== Disc reading error messages ===
  
−
You should attempt to start a program on a disc using this method if there is a "Read fail" error with the "CAT" or "|DIR" commands.
+
==== Disc missing ====
  
−
    * Restart the computer (follow the instructions above)
+
This message will be displayed if the disc is not inserted, or the disc is inserted and the drive belt in the disc drive has worn out and needs replacing.
−
    * At the "Ready" prompt, type:
+
<pre>
 +
Drive A: disc missing
 +
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
 +
</pre>
  
−
      |CPM
+
==== Read fail ====
  
−
      and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
+
This message will be displayed if the directory can't be read or the directory is corrupted. It is possible the disc may not have a directory. In this case try the "|CPM" loading method described below.
 +
<pre>
 +
Drive A: read fail
 +
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
 +
</pre>
  
−
      NOTE:
+
== Loading disc software using <code>|CPM</code> ==
−
          o the "|" symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and "@" (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
+
  
−
[Picture showing '|CPM' command]
+
You should attempt to start a program on a disc using this method if there is a “Read fail” error with the <code>CAT</code> or <code>|DIR</code> commands.
  
−
# The screen will clear. There are 3 possible results:
+
# Restart the computer.
 +
# At the “Ready” prompt, type <code>|CPM</code> and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).
  
−
  1.
+
'''Note:''' The <code>|</code> symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and “@” (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
  
−
      Drive A: read fail
+
The program loads and run!
  
−
      Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
+
=== Disc reading error messages ===
  
−
      If you press the "R" key, then the "read fail" message is repeated. If you press "I" or "C" keys then the following message is displayed.
+
==== Read fail ====
  
−
      Failed to load boot sector
+
<pre>
 +
Drive A: read fail
 +
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
 +
</pre>
  
−
      Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
+
If you press the “R” key, then the “read fail” message is repeated.
  
−
      [Picture showing 'Read fail' error after '|CPM' command has been executed]
+
If you press “I” or “C” keys then the following message is displayed.
  
−
      These errors show that the command has failed and that the program can't be started using the "|CPM" command.
+
<pre>
−
  2.
+
Failed to load boot sector
 +
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
 +
</pre>
  
−
      Failed to load boot sector
+
These errors show that the command has failed and that the program can't be started using the <code>|CPM</code> command.
  
−
      Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
+
==== Failed to load boot sector ====
  
−
      [Picture showing 'Failed to load boot sector' error after '|CPM' command has been executed]
+
<pre>
 +
Failed to load boot sector
 +
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?
 +
</pre>
  
−
      This error shows that the command has failed and the program can't be started using the "|CPM" command.
+
This error shows that the command has failed and the program can't be started using the <code>|CPM</code> command.
−
  3. The program will load and run! The program can be started using the "|CPM" command.
+

Latest revision as of 03:37, 18 April 2024


A guide to running software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ computer

Restarting an Amstrad CPC to load a cassette or disc software

Amstrad CPC464, CPC664, CPC472 or CPC6128

  • Switch off the computer and switch it on again.

The computer will show the startup message and there will be a “Ready” prompt.

The Amstrad CPC 6128 when (re)booted.

You can now follow the instructions to use cassette or disc software.

Amstrad CPC+

  1. Switch the computer off.
  2. Insert the system cartridge (which contains the game “Burnin' Rubber” and “Locomotive BASIC”).
  3. Switch on the computer.

A menu will then be displayed with two options “f1 Amstrad BASIC” and “f2 Burnin Rubber”.

The menu
  1. Press f1 to select “Amstrad BASIC”.
  2. The screen will clear and then display:
BASIC 1.1
Ready

You can now follow the instructions to use the cassette or disc software.

Loading cassette software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Insert the cassette into the cassette player.

Note: On a CPC464 or CPC464+ system you must insert the cassette into the internal cassette player.

If you are using a CPC with a disc interface you will need to type |TAPE and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).

Note:

  • The | symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and “@” (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.
  • The CPC664, CPC6128 and CPC6128+ have a disc interface built-in, and this command must be used to enter cassette mode.
  • The CPC464 and CPC464+ have a cassette player built in. If you have a disc interface (Amstrad/Schneider DDI-1 or Vortex) connected you will need to type this command to enter cassette mode. If you do not have a disc interface, you do not need to type this command.

Now type RUN" and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).

Tips:

  • On a CPC464 system you can press SHIFT and the small ENTER key (on the keypad) together instead of typing RUN".
  • On a CPC464+, CPC6128, or CPC6128+ system you can press SHIFT and ENTER together instead of typing RUN".

The message Press PLAY then any key: will be displayed.

Commands to load from cassette on a CPC with a disc interface
  1. Press the PLAY button on the cassette player.
  2. Press any key on the Amstrad keyboard, and the cassette will start to play.

After a short time you will see the message Loading <filename> block x where <filename> is the filename of the program found and x is the number of the blocks.

Loading the file LOADER, located on block 1.

Troubleshooting

  • If you see the error “Bad command” then make sure you type in |TAPE.
  • Try completely rewinding the cassette again and wait. It is possible that the Amstrad missed the first file.
  • The cassette may not be made for the Amstrad and won't load.
  • The cassette may be damaged and be unusable.
  • The cassette may have been inserted on the wrong side.

For each block that is successfully read, the Amstrad will report the block number. When all of the blocks of the file have been loaded, the program will start automatically.

If there is a error, the message Read error a or Read error b will be shown. If this happens, you can rewind the cassette to the start of the block with the error and try again. If you have an external cassette recorder, then you can try to adjust the volume. This may make a difference.

Loading disc software on a real Amstrad CPC/CPC+ system

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. Insert the disc into the disc drive.
  3. Type CAT or |DIR and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).

These commands will display a listing (directory) of the files on the disc.

Note:

The | symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and “@” (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.

A message similar to the following will be displayed: 

Drive A: user 0
DISC.BAS	1K
177K free

This is the directory of the files on the disc. Here you will see the names of each file. If you typed CAT then you will also see the size of each file. In both cases the amount of free space is also displayed.

Note: In case of a “Read fail” error, please try the loading method using the |CPM command. (see the instructions below)

The directory shows the list of files on the disc. If there is a single file, then this should be run by typing RUN"<filename> replacing <filename> with the name of the file. (e.g. RUN"disc.bin)

Note: If the file has a .BAS, .BIN or . (3 spaces) as an extension then you can omit it. (e.g. if the file is DISC.BIN you can type RUN"disc instead of RUN"disc.bin)

The disc operating system is not case sensitive, therefore you do not need to type the name exactly as shown. (i.e. disc.bin is the same as DISC.BIN.)

If there is more than one file, look for a small file with a .BAS, .BIN or . extension. 

Drive A: user  0 
ZAPTBALL.BAS   4K   ZAPTBALL.BI3  14K
ZAPTBALL.BI0   2K   ZAPTBALL.BI4  11K
ZAPTBALL.BI1  13K   ZAPTBALL.BI5   8K
ZAPTBALL.BI2   8K   ZAPTBALL.LEV   8K
112K free
Ready

In this example, the file ZAPTBALL.BAS should be run.

If the computer crashes, resets or “PROGRAM LOAD FAILED” is displayed, then choose another file and try again.

Disc reading error messages

Disc missing

This message will be displayed if the disc is not inserted, or the disc is inserted and the drive belt in the disc drive has worn out and needs replacing. 

Drive A: disc missing
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?

Read fail

This message will be displayed if the directory can't be read or the directory is corrupted. It is possible the disc may not have a directory. In this case try the "|CPM" loading method described below. 

Drive A: read fail
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?

Loading disc software using |CPM

You should attempt to start a program on a disc using this method if there is a “Read fail” error with the CAT or |DIR commands.

  1. Restart the computer.
  2. At the “Ready” prompt, type |CPM and then press the large ENTER key (CPC464) or RETURN key (CPC6128, CPC464+,CPC6128+).

Note: The | symbol can be obtained by pressing SHIFT and “@” (at) together on the Amstrad keyboard.

The program loads and run!

Disc reading error messages

Read fail

Drive A: read fail
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?

If you press the “R” key, then the “read fail” message is repeated.

If you press “I” or “C” keys then the following message is displayed. 

Failed to load boot sector
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?

These errors show that the command has failed and that the program can't be started using the |CPM command.

Failed to load boot sector

Failed to load boot sector
Retry, Ignore or Cancel?

This error shows that the command has failed and the program can't be started using the |CPM command.

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