Assembly 1994 - The 3rd Phase/ASMROM94.mdf/c64/pdatafnl/pdata.doc

Text File | 1995-01-21 | 10KB | 222 lines

PDATA DOCUMENTATION
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Release version 3.51 Final, January 1995
(Yes, the FINAL release version of PData EVER!)

Copyright ⌐ 1993-1995 Deadbeat/The Sharks
        (C64 end, optimized cable schematics, documentation)
Copyright ⌐ 1993 Hude
        (Amiga end)

PLEASE NOTICE THAT THE AMIGA EXECUTABLE FILE IS NOW CALLED "XDATA"!
(100% compatible with PData, read "FUTURE" for more information...)

1. Introduction and features

PData is an utility for transfering both binary and text files between
the C64/C128 and the Amiga. It's about 25 times faster than a null modem
cable (The maximum BPS rate on a standard C64 is 2400), and it even
leaves your Amiga's serial port free for other applications.

You can transfer up to 255 files both directions in multitransfer mode.
PData is easy to use and it won't let you down like most others. ;-)

2. Distribution and disclaimer

This archive may be freely distributed as long as all files are included
intact. PD libraries should only ask a nominal fee for copying it. PData
may not be used for commercial purposes without a written permission from
the author(s). When applying for your permission, you should include a
reasonable contribution.

The author(s) can't be held liable for any damage directly or indirectly
caused by the use or misuse of this manual and/or program it describes.

The latest version of PData can always be found from The Sharks' boards.
Internet users will most likely find the latest version from nic.funet.fi
at C64 utilities directory (I think it was at /pub/cbm/c64/utilities/).
If you're an IRC addict, you might find it convenient to /DCC CHAT with
DemoBot on #C-64... Besides the latest version of PData (XData from now
on, read "FUTURE" for more information), you can leech loads of classic
C64 demos... (Ain't that nice?)

3. Requirements

The C64 end of PData will work in every C64/C128. The Amiga end of PData
will work in every model, but Kickstart v37.175 (v2.04) or above is
required for utilizing every function. A special cable between the C64
and the Amiga is required. It can be built by following the schematic
in the next chapter. The following things are required for the cable:

        - One card edge connector (C64 user port)
        - One male D-25 connector (Amiga parallel port)
        - Suitable lenght of flat cable (Width 12 or more)
        - A soldering iron and some solder

Additionally, you'll need the following files for your Amiga...
(I guess this shouldn't be too big problem as these are system files!)

        - Devs/Parallel.device
        - L/Port-handler
        - Libs/Asl.library
        - Libs/Locale.library

4. PData cable schematics

C64 user port              Amiga parallel port

Pin      Description       Description      Pin

B        FLAG*             STROBE           1
C        PB0               DATA 0           2
D        PB1               DATA 1           3
E        PB2               DATA 2           4
F        PB3               DATA 3           5
H        PB4               DATA 4           6
J        PB5               DATA 5           7
K        PB6               DATA 6           8
L        PB7               DATA 7           9
M        PA2               BUSY             11
8        PC*               ACK*             10
N        GND               GND              17

5. Using PData C64

Using PData C64 is fairly easy. You'll first be prompted for your work
drive. Any device between 8 and 11 will do. Then you can select whether to
handle your files as binary or text. If you select binary, the files will
be transfered without any alterations. Selecting text mode will cause all
files be translated from PETSCII to ASCII and vice versa. The next step is
to decide whether to send or receive files. At this point, you can press
"," to access SEQ file handler, using which you can print out or view
sequential files. Once you've made your decision, you can press F1 to
toggle between normal/zip mode. If zip mode is on, PData will add those
1! 2! 3! and 4! appearing in front of each zipped file automatically and
you only need to worry about the fourteen last chars. If you start
receiving in single mode, you'll be prompted whether to process files as
PRG or SEQ. If a file exists, you'll be given a chance to regret. You can
use "$" (Default) to see directory, "@" for DOS commands and "?" to see
free blocks. Pressing "=" at all times (Except in multi transfer menu)
will take you one step "backwards" in the menu. In zip mode you can
decide which files to overwrite individually. Pressing F3 will take you
to multi transfer menu. Press F1 to send files, F3 to receive files, F5
for directory and F7 for main menu. After pressing F1, you can use Y/N to
select files. Pressing return will quit or start transfer, depending if
you selected any files or not. After pressing F3, you can enter target
filenames. Leave one blank line to start transfer. Multi transfer can
handle 255 files both directions. It handles only binary PRG files and
never overwrites it's target files. At ALL times, pressing restore will
clear the channel, initialize vectors and restart program. If you're
in doubt of something, just try it. There's no way the program could crash.

6. Using XData Amiga

xdata <<s/r/?> <path><filename>>
(s = send / r = receive / ? = help)
Example : xdata r dh1:dl/c64_rules.txt

Pressing CTRL+C will HOPEFULLY abort transfer. Use it in combination with
RESTORE to gain maximum effect. If you have a multifacecard (MFC) in your
Amiga, remember you must use the XData.CFG in S: directory to re-route PAR:
into PIT:. Edit the file so that it reads PIT:<cr>. If you're not a hard
drive user, I suggest you receive the files into RAM: if you don't have
lots of spare time to waste (See missing features to see why).

7. General tips

Configuring your regular directory tool for PData makes your life much
easier. Once you've made the first transfer after turning your computers
on, you can ignore the C64's on-screen prompts about setting the other end
in send/receive mode. This is because once the port-handler has been
activated, PData can't "lose" anything. When transfering the PDATA.C64 to
the C64, you MUST use the filename "PDATA 3.5-SHARKS".

To transfer the file, try a null modem cable. Schematics are supplied below.
You'll need a RS-232 adapter for the C64 and a suitable terminal program
for both ends. If, however, you should experience problems in doing so,
e-mail the address [e-mail] and beg for help! :)
(It's Mysdee/Canus*Patrol's e-mail address, not mine, so... He just
volunteered to help all the people in need... ;)
(You could of course e-mail my very self, but I rarely read my e-mail!)

8. Null modem cable schematics

Pin     Description       Description       Pin

2       TXD               RXD               3
3       RXD               TXD               2
4       RTS               DCD               8
6       DSR               DTR               20
7       GND               GND               7
8       DCD               RTS               4
20      DTR               DSR               6

9. Bugs and missing features

C64 end:   - None known, although there has been some reports.
             (Mostly with multifiletransfers...)

Amiga end: - Sometimes refuses to work if a filename ends with "+".
           - Refuses to work if a filename contains any spaces.
           - Receive buffer missing.
             (... the list is endless, you wouldn't have the time!)

PData doesn't send a header containing a filename. This is NOT a bug.
Until a PC version of PData appears, it will stay like this. I didn't want
a filename header to be installed in the first place, because we need to
determine a common format first. We'll probably end up in the old 8+3
filename format because of the great (Hmmm...?) MS-DOS. PData can be used
to transfer data between two C64's or two Amiga's with minor cable
modifications. Hardware wizards may figure this one out on their own,
full cable schematics will be released