Spectrum Computing

jpnz wrote: ↑Tue Apr 30, 2024 1:11 am Have a look at Ian Collier's modified Interface 1 ROM - works well under emulation with Spectaculator

Interesting, would an eeprom fit in the pcb without modification, if so what eeprom to do use?

Adding in a few extra commands would be good too, the *MOVE and *CAT from the intro cartridge plus a RENAME option is a good start.

So true! The lack of hook codes to just LOAD/SAVE a file still annoys me to this day. I do like the drive 0 idea. One of these days I want to try rewriting the IF1 ROM, now the source code is available (TImex archive) Have you tried using Beta Basic v3? - it makes microdrive usage so much better. Y...

Nice to make it compatible with multiple drives. It's a shame you can't do LOAD *"M";PEEK 23766;"file" It's a real shame more thought was not put into developing the if1 rom. It had been me, as the system variable is available I'd have made LOAD *"M" ;0;"file"...

With one small change I got it working. As I was using a tzx and tape player I found that doing the initial load and break at the Jetpac is Loading caused the screen$ save to the hang. Skipped that load and all was well. I also modified the new loader to use peek 23766 so it would load from any dri...

jpnz wrote: ↑Thu Apr 25, 2024 7:28 am I guess you have a working cartridge now? I can write up some notes for this 16K version if you like

Yes thanks, all sorted tucked up on a "ultimate" mdr along with Tranz-Am. Will add a simple basic menu some time.....

If you've only got a Spectrum, a microdrive and the Jetpac tape then the following steps should get you a working cartridge. The method used does require a 48K Spectrum. 128K users will need to use 48 Mode Insert blank microdrive into drive 1 Clear Spectrum memory with RANDOMIZE USR 0 Type in LOAD ...

I assume the initial LOAD at stage 2 is to be initialise something ?

Now you are talking, many thanks, I'll give it a go soon

If you are using a vDriveZX then you can use my Z80onMDR utility to create a microdrive cartridge with JetPac on which will do the conversion for you and remove the memory issue (https://www.tomdalby.com/other/z80onmdr.html). You can either create a Z80 snapshot yourself from a TAP/TZX (skoolkit or...

Hi, looking to get a working copy on my vdrivezx, when you say copy the code do you mean the original Jetpac2, 3, 4, 5 etc?

Any guidance you could give to a numpty like me would be appreciated

I understand about 25% of that

Looks like I need lessons....

To complicate things I am using a VDriveZX rather than a traditional microdrive

Hi, I guess this is a rookie question, but I am trying to get Jetpac onto microdrive and have failed. Tried Trans Express but an invalid file error when running, so I merged the basic loader from tape and edited the load line to include the microdrive version of the command and now get an out of mem...

And it's now on my vdrive, so if anyone wants an mdr file.....

Just to confirm that he has now produced a tzx file that loads great using ZX Tape Player etc.

I've also edited the save and run code lines at the end of the BASIC to microdrive compatible and now have a copy that run in seconds

Not available as a tap or tzx?

I’ve fitted one of these to my Issue 2

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324185843979

Here it is all glued together, there are 7 separate parts plus a template for positioning the feet bases. Just need to clean up the edges, satin black paint and then roller on the red to the ZX Microdrive +

Food for thought. The main reason I was looking at the vdrive was it’s ability to fit in a standard case, or this…… https://i.postimg.cc/jn7JC205/45646-AA7-048-A-4-E94-A937-EFF34902-A359.jpg My own work, second prototype, needs cleaning up and painting, but still, very happy with it as a Plus cased ...

Am I right that the best way to get Mdr files onto microdrive cartridges is to load them onto sd card and use a vdrive?

Of course once I have a vdrive what’s the point of the old tape carts?

For those with a Spectrum + or toastrack, my little project

Ok, quick question for the brains out there. In the service manual it states A significant cause of problems has been found to be failure of the internal power supply transistor TR4. The circuit may be improved by changing the value of R60 from 100R to 270R and connecting a 4.7uF electrolytic (prefe...