news.apfel.de!univ-lyon1.fr!jussieu.fr!blaise.lip6.fr!roussin
Subject: comp.sys.amstrad.8bit FAQ v0.85 1/1
Date: 10 Aug 1997 23:17:57 GMT
Archive-name: amstrad8bit-faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly (4th day)
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2]

  comp.sys.amstrad.8bit Frequently Asked Questions v0.85 (07/27/97)

  The FAQ exists in three versions :

  - AMSTRAD.FAQ : english text, always up to date,
  - AMSTRAD.HTM : english HTML (v0.80 from 1 to 2.1, v0.72 after),
  - FRENCH.FAQ  : french text (v0.73, not yet entirely translated from
                  the english version).

  The latest versions of these FAQ are archived on :

  - primary site : ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/
  - FAQ archive (english text only) :
    http://www.faqs.org/faqs/amstrad8bit-faq
    ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/comp.sys.amstrad.8bit
    ftp://ftp.cs.nott.ac.uk/faq/amstrad8bit-faq
  - ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/di/dibald/FAQS and
    ftp://ftp.psyber.com/tcj/faqs

  The first french translation was done by Pierre Guerrier. The
  conversion from text to HTML was first done by Erwann Gaudal. Thanks
  to them.

  This FAQ is posted twice a month on the 4th and 19th to
  comp.sys.amstrad.8bit, and only once on the 4th to comp.answers and
  news.answers (well on 19th if I forgot to add *.answers on 4th !).

  Lines preceded by '+' have been added    since the last FAQ.
  Lines preceded by '*' have been modified         ""
  Both added and modified are in bold in the HTML FAQ

  This FAQ is written by :

  - Emmanuel Roussin, roussin@genesis8.frmug.fr.net, section A1 to A11,
  - Mark Ray, mjr13@bigfoot.com, section B (Amstrad Notepad),
  - still waiting for somebody who could write a PCW part, send it to
    E.R., for the moment it's the section C.

  If you have any ideas for the FAQ, send an email to the correct
  person. About parts written by E.R., as english isn't my mother
  tongue, this FAQ has certainly typing mistakes, grammar errors, etc...
  I welcome the corrections.

  This FAQ is freeware, you can use it freely for your personnal use.
  For commercial use, you must ask our permission before.

  Parts of this FAQ are taken from the documentation of CPCEMU, some are
  from the main faq keeper (E.R.) and Mark Ray (Notepad part), other
  parts are taken from articles of the newsgroup, thanks to :

  michaels@jake.unsw.edu.au
  llopis@cs.unc.edu (Noel Llopis)
  l21ba540@rz.unibw-muenchen.de (Robert Steindl)
  ard@siva.bris.ac.uk
  kmc56@cantva.canterbury.ac.nz (Kenneth Crawford)
  simonh@cvcge.ic.ac.uk (Dr S.J. Harris)
  ml322523@dingo.cc.uq.oz.au (Ben Williamson)
  rrotz@ezinfo.ucs.indiana.edu (rrotz)
  nwc@kom.auc.dk (Peter Sorensen)
  Dave@kechb.demon.co.uk (David Long)
  ksweber@cip.informatik.uni-erlangen.de (Klaus Weber)
  ianmacd@xs4all.nl (Ian Macdonald)
  iri@aber.ac.uk (IAN RODERIC IZETT)
  K.E.W.Thacker@cm.cf.ac.uk (K Thacker)
  slog@cix.compulink.co.uk (Roger Bradley)
  matthew.phillips@christ-church.oxford.ac.uk
  richard@systemed.u-net.com (Richard Fairhurst)
  hubersn@lcs.wn.bawue.de (Steffen Huber)
  dik@dix.teuto.de (Dirk Eismann)
  makra@cip.e-technik.uni-erlangen.de (Martin Krausse)
  guerrier@ecoledoc.ibp.fr (Pierre Guerrier)
  prhunt@dyson.brisnet.org.au
  gblancha@jonque.ens.fr (Gilles Blanchard)
  cliffl@amstrad.com (Cliff Lawson)


                              ------------


  Table of Contents


  Introduction

  A - Amstrad CPC

  A1) Emulators and utilities

    A1.1) emulators
    A1.2) utilities


  A2) Sources of emulators, ROMs and programs

    A2.1) FTP sites
    A2.2) WWW
    A2.3) BBS
    A2.4) Using programs with emulators or real CPC

  A3) Transfer between CPC and PC

    A3.1) 3" drive on PC
    A3.2) 3,5" or 5,25" drive on CPC
    A3.3) parallel cable
    A3.4) RS 232 / RS 422 (Macintosh)
    A3.5) Companies
    A3.6) Tapes


  A4) Maps, solutions, pokes, basic loaders

    A4.1) Maps
    A4.2) Solutions
    A4.3) Pokes
    A4.4) Basic loaders


  A5) Hardware problems

    A5.1) Internal drive
    A5.2) Components


  A6) How can I help the CPC/PCW world ?

    A6.1) Updating the FAQ
    A6.2) Commercial games becoming freeware
    A6.3) Adding files to ftp.ibp.fr
    A6.4) Updating ALL_CPC, ALL_HW, ALL_ROM, ALL_UTIL


  A7) Commercial programs wich are now PD, freeware or shareware


  A8) Useful address and information

    A8.1) Snail mail addresses
    A8.2) information
    A8.3) Email addresses


  A9) Fanzines

    A9.1) on paper
    A9.2) on disk


  A10) Additionnal hardware

    A10.1) Hard disk
    A10.2) Multiface II
    A10.3) ROMCARD and RAMCARD
    A10.4) Sound Player 1 and 2
    A10.5) Network

  A11) Upcoming CPC meetings

  A12) Amstrad scene news


  B - Amstrad Notepad (NC)

  B1) What is it?
  B2) How can I buy one?
  B3) What peripherals can I use?

    B3.1) Printing
    B3.2) Extra Memory

  B4) How do I connect it to a PC?
  B5) BASIC

    B5.1) Where can I find programs for it?
    B5.2) Can I use the Word Processor to enter listings?
    B5.3) Can I make a program auto-run?

  B6) Other Programs
  B7) I've just crashed it...
  B8) I've just broken it...
  B9) Help!  Where to ask.
  B10) Internet resources.


  C - PCW

  C1) Emulators and utilities

  C2) Where can I find emulators, ROMs and programs ?

    C2.1) FTP sites
    C2.2) WWW

  C3) Transfering between PCW and PC

    C3.1) Disks
    C3.2) RS 232

  C4) Shops supporting PCW

  C5) PCW 16


  Annexe 1 : Amstrad is dead, long live to Betacom...

                      ---------------------------

  Introduction


  This unmoderated newsgroup comp.sys.amstrad.8bit is open to
  discussions about the Z80 Amstrad computers : CPC (464, 664, 6128,
  464+, 6128+), GX4000, PCW (8256, 8512, 9256, 9512, 9512+, QUibble) and
  NC-100 notepad. It was created in august 1994 from an idea by Marco
  Vieth and David Long (maintainer of the UK Demon PD library).

  Appropriate topics include, but are not limited to :

       - CPC/GX4000/PCW/NC-100 hardware and software,
       - emulators,
       - specific Amstrad CP/M files, overlays...
       - ads for selling/buying the relative hardware and software.

        etc...


  The only topic that is excluded :

      discussion of Amstrad PC-compatible (1512, 1640, 2x86, 3x86 and
      others Amstrad compatible I don't know) because these computers
      are really compatible, so comp.sys.ibm.pc.* newsgroups must be
      used.


  The GX 4000 was the Amstrad 8 bit console. The "new" console ran
  enhanced graphics and sound. It had a colour palette of 4096, hardware
  sprites, hardware scrolling, and used 128K carts. Yes games were made
  for it, there are about 10-20 still available in England.

  Amstrad also released computers that had the GX 4000 hardware and
  cart facilities, but still could use tapes and disks. The white 8 bit
  Amstrads were the 464+ and 6128+.




  A1) Emulators and utilities

  All the following emulators and utilities can be found on
  ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/emulator, or use the HTML frontend :
  ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/frontend/emulator.htm

  A1.1) emulators

  For the moment, there are six emulators for PC, four for Amiga, two
  for Acorn RISC OS machines, one for Unix (SUNos for the moment) and
  MAC (Power MAC and 68k MAC).

  There is a commercial spectrum emulator for the CPC, reviewed in
  Amstrad Action.


  A1.1.1) CPCEMU (PC)

  The first widely known emulator is CPCEMU by Marco Vieth, the last
  version is 1.4 (look for CPCEMU14.ZIP). It needs at least a 386 SX/DX
  with a VGA display, runs with MS-DOS and OS/2 2.x DOS box.

  Marco Vieth has slowed his development with version 1.3, but still
  released minor modifications. Version 1.4 was out in march 1996 with
  GUS support by Ulrich Doewich, french documentation by the FAQ keeper
  and Jean-Pierre MARQUET, on line help, 2 joysticks, VESA resolutions,
  new SNA2GIF, better FDC routines...


  A1.1.2) CPE (for PC and Amiga)

  CPE, written by Bernd Schmidt and now maintained by Ulrich Doewich
  (reports bugs, suggestions to ulrich.doewich@shaw.wave.ca) since v5.1, look
  for CPE52.ZIP, it needs least a 486 SX/DX or higher with MS-DOS. What
  are the main differences with CPCEMU ? Mostly CPE manages better
  graphics. If you have a 386, keep the v5.1, as v5.2 doesn't support it
  anymore.

  If you are interested, you can get CPE sources for the PC version,
  look for CPESRC52.ZIP

  On mid-february 95, Bernd Schmidt released amiga CPE, needs 68000,
  1 Mo. Looks for ACPE_NEW.LZH, it will be the last version.
  

  A1.1.3) A-CPC (PC) (06/01/97)

  The Amstrad CPC emulator (v0.55beta) by Herman Dullink on PC, needs
  386sx at least and VGA, look for CPC055B.ZIP.

+ Current beta version is v0.56, I played Head over Heals with it.


  A1.1.4) PC-CPC (PC)

  A PC version 0.40 of AMI-CPC by Ludovic Deplanque (see A1.1.7), look
  for PCCPC040.LZH, and AMICPCUT.LZH for conversion between .CPC and
  .DSK images disks.


  A1.1.5) NO$CPC (PC)

  Another german emulator, by Martin Korth, last version is 1.3, look
  for NO$CPC13.ZIP


  A1.1.6) RWCPC (PC)
  
  An emulator by Richard Wilson (ParaDOS), look for RWCPC.ZIP

+ As 04/10/97, Richard Fairhurst announced a new version of this
+ emulator, supporting .DSK, the archive isn't available for the moment.


  A1.1.7) AMI-CPC (Amiga) 07/12/97

  CPC emulators are no more the speciality of germans, here is a french
* CPC emulator for AMIGA, by Ludovic Deplanque. Look for AMI-CPC v0.43 :
* AMICPC43.LZH, with .DSK support, includes sources.

  You will need AMICPCUT.LZH, utilities for the conversion between .CPC
  and .DSK images disks.



  A1.1.8) A-CPC (Amiga)

  The CPC emulator for Amiga by K.E.W. Thacker is finally out in
  septembre 1995.

  For the latest version, look for ACPCDE20.LHA, it's a demo/evaluation
  version of the real shareware. Don't forget the web page of Kevin (see
  A2.2), it's the best and biggest.


  A1.1.9) Emu-CPC (Amiga)

  Another french CPC emulator on AMIGA by Stephane Tavenard, look for
  EmuCPC v0.7 : EMUCPC07.LZX

 
  A1.1.10) !CPC (Acorn) 06/18/97

  !CPC is a CPC emulator for Acorn RISC OS machines (Archimedes/RISC PC)
  by Mark RISON. Look for CPCDEMO.ZIP

+ Mark hasn't time anymore to work on !CPC, he will release it as
+ freeware, sources will be available too.


  A1.1.11) !CPCemu (Acorn)

  This emulator for Acorn RISC OS machines is written by Andreas
  Stroiczek, aka Face Hugger. Current version is 1.10, look for
  CPCEM110.ZIP on ftp.ibp.fr, or on
  ftp://ftp.uni-kl.de/pub/acorn/long/emulator/
  ftp://ftp.uni-stuttgart.de/pub/systems/acorn/riscos/emulator/


  A1.1.12) CPC++ (Unix and MAC)

  This emulator for SUNos and MAC is written by Brice Rive.

  Version 1.3.2 for PowerMAC, look for CPC132PM.ARJ
  Version 1.3.2 for 68k MAC, look for CPC13268.ARJ
  Version 1.3.0 for SunOS, look for CPC130SU.ZIP

  http://www.worldnet.fr/~brice/cpc/cpcpp.html


  A1.1.13) SIMCPC (PC)

  Presumably the first CPC emulator written, for PC/XT/AT (c) 1989, 90
  by GHE, Aachen. It is only black and white, but with additional ROMs;
  only a "beer humour". Look for SIMCPC.ZIP


  A1.1.14) Multi-Machine, or MTM (win95, other ports later) 06/01/97

  This emulator by Paul Hodgson (paul.hodgson@curved-logic.com) isn't
  available for the moment.

  Multi-machine (MTM) is as its name states is a muli-machine emulator.
  Currently implimented emulation cores are Amstrad CPC range and the
  Spectrum range of computers, other cores in the pipeline are
  Zx80/Zx81, Mastersystem/Gamegear, MSX and Gameboy. MTM is currently a
  Win95 hosted emulator but once all cores are complete the following
  hosts will be supported:- DOS, SGI Unix, Mac. The ideology behind MTM
  is 'Why have ten different emulators for ten machines all of which do
  somethings well and others not so well.'. If the baseline emulation of
  the hardware is good and fast you may as well use the same kernel for
  all other applicable machines.


+ A1.1.15) XCPC (unix)
+
+ An Unix/Linux Emulator by Mark Conmy (mpc@scs.leeds.ac.uk). Emulation
+ is fine (without sound) apart from some interrupts errors with some
+ games and supports DSK files.  The tape support and snapshot support
+ were almost there, but not quite.
+
+ It works under Irix (4,5 and 6), SunOS 4.1.3/4, Solaris and Linux.
+
+ it will be posted to c.s.a.8 if/when Mark get it properly running
+ (hopefully he will have some time this summer 1997). The full source
+ code _will_ be made available (not just binaries) under the GNU GPL.


  A1.1.16) Other emulators

  - CPCEMUII (?) : in development since October 1993 by Paco Lopez
    (Spain). Still unavalaible. It uses the same disk format as CPCEMU.

* - a linux emulator by Noel Llopis, as 05/10/97, Noel write it will be
+   available in september 97. Initial release will be for both DOS and
+   linux. He expects to port it to other UNIX and win95 quickly after.
+
+   The basics are already done (pretty much complete Z80 emulation, and
+   basic emulation of the CRTC, gate array, and PPI. You can run many
+   simple programs, including some non standard screen modes. I need to
+   hunt down a few bugs, add disk support, unser interface, and that
+   should be it.
+
+  It comes with a built in debugger which I think it's extremely
+  useful. Whenever ACE (oh yeah, that's the name, by the way) is mature
+  I expect that some people will use it to debug/crack programs
+  programs instead of CPC debuggers.



  A1.2 Utilities

  A1.2.1) SNA2GIF (PC)

  SNA2GIF v1.1 by Marco Vieth, is included in CPCEMU14.ZIP, it extracts
  screens from snapshots to GIF format.


  A1.2.2) SNAP GRAB (PC)

  SNAP GRAB v1.1 is a freeware by Georg Schwarz to extract screens from
  snapshots to Multiface II format, which can be seen on real CPC even
  with a multiface. If you want to see the picture on your PC, you will
* need CPC2x (a1.2.3). Look for SNAPGR11.ZIP.


  A1.2.3) CPC2x (was CPC to TIFF) (PC)

  CPC2x v2.0 by Michael Stroucken converts Amstrad CPC screens to the
  graphic TIF and GIF format. Look for CPC2X.ZIP with sources and
  binaries for MSDOS and CP/M.


  A1.2.4) CPC file system (PC)

  CPC fs v0.85 by Derik van Zutphen transfer CPC files between .DSK
  files and DOS files, in the two ways, look for CPCFS085.ZIP.

  Don't forget to RTFM, there is a useful batch mode.

  Last version : http://home.t-online.de/home/derik/cpcfs/


  A1.2.5) Multiface II to Snapshot (PC)

  M2TOSNA v1.1 by James McKay converts CPC Multiface II files to 64
  Ko and 128 Ko snapshots files. Look for M2TOSNA1.ZIP.


  A1.2.6) CPDread (PC)

  Copy Protected Disk reader v3.24 by Ulrich Doewich, utility to
  transfer CPC disks into the common DSK file format of CPC emulators.
  It uses the extended DSK format which manages better copy protected
  disks. Look for CPDR324.ZIP


  A1.2.7) MACTerm (MAC)

  Transfer files between CPC and MAC with a parallel cable, look for
  CPCTERM.ZIP


  A1.2.8) 22disk (PC)

  22disk is a shareware utility by Sybex which can read/write/format
  CP/M disks on PC. It can read CPC disks formats with a definition file
  called CPMDISKS.DEF which comes with CPCEMU, or EURO.DEF
  (EURODEF.ZIP). You shouldn't use it under OS/2 or win95, unless you
  have the last version, v1.44, which states it has an improved basic
  diskette access library for operation under windows and windows 95.
  Look for 22DSK144.RAR


  A1.2.9) DIC (PC) 06/14/97

  Disc Image Copier by Tim Rieman, transfer DATA and SYSTEM disc from
* CPC to PC with a parallel cable, look for DIC130.ZIP

  For conversion from PC to CPC, see 1.2.11


  A1.2.10) AIFF decoder (Unix, PC, Amiga)

  AIFF decoder v1.1 by Pierre Guerrier, MSDOS port (DECODR11.ZIP) by
  Ulrich Doewich, Amiga port (AMIAIFF.LZH) by Kevin Thacker, a tool for
  retrieving data from sampled Amstrad CPC tapes, C sources included.


  A1.2.11) PC2CPC (PC)

  PC2CPC v2.0 by James Churchill converts CPC emulator EDSK images to 3"
  disks via the CPCEMU parallel link, look for PC2CPC.ZIP

  For conversion from CPC 3" disk to PC .DSK see A1.2.9)


  A1.2.12) DSK-CPC (CPC) 06/05/97

+ DSK-CPC by Divine Coding; The program reads an image (.DSK or .EDSK)
+ from a 3.5" 720Kb DOS disc and writes the image to a CPC disc, thus
+ recreating the original software disc. The program can cope with
+ copy-protected software and is useful for transfering software which
+ isn't emulator compatible. Full instructions are enclosed.
+
+ Author  : Divine Coding, divine@dcs.warwick.ac.uk
+ Program : http::/www.dcs.warwick.ac.uk/~divine/dsk-cpc.bas
+           http::/www.dcs.warwick.ac.uk/~divine/cpc.html
+
+ There will be a version 2 soon which will allow transfers from CPC
+ disc to DSK files as well as many new features.
  

  A1.2.13) CPCKEY (PC)

  CpcKey v0.3 (see A8.1.1.1.) can :

  - command/replace CPC keyboard with the PC
  keyboard,
  - send files between CPC and PC
  - modify the CPC memory, poke during games
  - automatic procedures, etc...
  - compatible Intex HEX format
  - compatible with CPCEMU parallel cable

  http://home.aol.com/SLei777
  french minitel : 3614 CHEZ*LEI


+ A1.2.14) SEND2 (CPC) 06/15/97
+
+ SEND2 v1.2 by J.GUEZENNEC (jguezenn@icor.fr) is a complete parallel
+ transfer package which is an amelioration of CPCPARA.BAS :
+
+ - 3" disk transfer (DATA, SYSTEM, IBM),
+ - ROM transfers,
+ - tape transfers.



  A2) Sources of emulators, ROMs and programs

  ROMs are now included with CPCEMU and CPE, with the permission of
  Amstrad and Locomotive Software.

  A2.1) FTP sites

  - ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad, thanks to Remy Card,
    ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/frontend/menu.htm (HTML front end with
    the list of all files, size and description included).

    all questions about this site should be directed to
    roussin@genesis8.frmug.fr.net
    All files comes from 'Genesis, the 8bit generation BBS' (see A2.3).

  - ftp://andercheran.aiind.upv.es/pub/cpc, mirror of ftp.ibp.fr by
    The Great Brubaker <root@aiind.upv.es>

  - ftp://ftp.nvg.unit.no/pub/cpc, thanks to Arnt Gulbrandsen for
*   creating the site, and to Noel Llopis and Frederic Herlem to
    maintain it, ROMs, CPC programs, emulators, send what you have in
    /pub/cpc/incoming look for the HTML frontend :
    http://www.dcs.napier.ac.uk/~bsc4074/amstrad/amstrad.html

  - ftp://sunshine.informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de/pub/joscho/cpcemu
    mirror of ftp.nvg.unit.no, limit of ftp-users to 4 from 8-18 CET and
    to 10 from 18-8 CET. Any questions, remarks and additions to
    joscho@informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de

  - ftp://ftp.demon.co.uk/pub/cpm, thanks to Paul Martin, specific
    amstrad CP/M related files. Paul Martin (pm@nowster.demon.co.uk)
    will send anyone, who can give him proof (photocopy of the CP/M disk
    with the serial number for example) that they have original Amstrad
    CP/M Plus, the binary ROM images of his "CP/M Plus ROMs" for free.

  - ftp://adams.eimages.co.uk - partial mirror of ftp.nvg.unit.no, by
    David Cantrell


  A2.2) WWW

  Sites sorted by address :

  - ftp:/ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/amstrad.htm, this FAQ in HTML,
    ftp:/ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/frontend/menu.htm, ibp HTML frontend.

  - the biggest Amstrad web page is the one from Kevin Thacker, the
    A-CPC author (Amiga CPC emulator).
    http://andercheran.aiind.upv.es/~amstrad

  - http://home.pages.de/~Schlumpf
    Schlumpf, of Frankenteam, makes CPC-Telegramm (german disk fanzine,
    see section 9.2.10)

  - Tim Rieman, author of DIC (Disc image copy), see 1.2.11),
*   http://home.t-online.de/home/TCS-Software

* - http://members.tor.shaw.wave.ca/~doewich/cpc
    Ulrich Doewich, added GUS support to CPCEMU & CPE, and new SB sound
    & better FDC code to CPE. 06/19/97

  - http://privat.schlund.de/OppererSascha/CPC.htm
    Amstrad/Schneider CPC department, german pages, includes Austria CPC
    Cheat Archiv, basic loaders for cheating
*   unavailable as 07/27/97

  - http://tick.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de/~rdbarthe/Bollaware.html
    Bollaware demos, games and utilities

  - http://transrapid.simplenet.com/pdt/cpc.htm
    Prodatron CPC's productions

  - http://users.ox.ac.uk/~chri0264/wowww.html
    Wacci, an U.K. CPC paper zine (see section 9.1.2).

  - http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson/index.htm
    Official Amstrad site with informations, files for all the Amstrad
    computers (CPC, PCW, PC)

  - http://www.8bit.com/cpcmaine.htm (english)
    http://www.8bit.com/cpcmain.htm (german)
    a little bit empty for the moment :-)

  - http://www.chez.com/arkos/garde.html
    Arkos, a french demo group

  - http://www.compapp.dcu.ie/~pgarga.ca2/au/aboutau.html
    The english disk zine 'Amstrad User'

+ - http://www.cs.unc.edu/~llopis/cpc/cpc.html
+   Noel Llopis web page with :
+   - History of spanish software for the Amstrad CPC,
+   - Amstrad CPC documentation (under construction),
+   - ACE (Amstrad CPC Emulator), soon a page for it.

  - http://www.dcs.napier.ac.uk/~bsc4074/amstrad/amstrad.html
    The Amstrad CPC Games Resource, an HTML frontend for 
    ftp://ftp.nvg.unit.no/pub/cpc and a list of all
    'Amstrad Action' reviews

   - http://www.dynamis.de/php/bsc/
     BSC web page, all his .ST and .128 songs, Soundtrakker source code

+  - http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1044/
+    Siou web page, informations about new hardware for CPC

   - http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Metro/1701/
     D-Z!Gn Art Home Page

  - http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Pines/2839/amstrad.html
    Front end to David Cantrells games resource which is located at
    http://www.eimages.co.uk/users/davidc/cpc/games


  - http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6129/start.htm
    VN96, Virtual Net 96, a network for the Amstrad CPC, see 10.5)

  - http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Alley/1842/
    The Electronic Monk homepage, with his games (they are on ibp)

  - http://www.informatik.uni-oldenburg.de/~virtech/index_amstrad.html
    All Amstrad CPC Virtech programs

+ - http://www.internetica.net/amstrad/
+   A Web based Museum for all Amstrad CPC hardware and software
+   including a software search engine

  - http://www.kom.auc.dk/~nwc/
    Peter Sorensen (Aka NWC) 

  - http://www.lysator.liu.se/tolkien-games/amstrad.html
    Tolkien computer games for Amstrad CPC

  - http://www.mygale.org/01/futurs
    french group, with their productions available, nice pages, see
    A8.1.1.2

  - http://www2.psyber.com/~tcj/
    The Computer Journal (TCJ) 

  - http://www.rrze.uni-erlangen.de/~sz3222/astrogirl.html
    Weee web page

  - http://www.systemed.u-net.com/
    STS homepage, the British CPC group, is now on-line, with also the
    BTL fanzine (see 9.2.5), maintained by Richard Fairhurst, includes
    Amstrad PCW Hardware Reference.

  - http://www1.pitt.edu/~mxsst1/cpc/
    Michael Stroucken, author of CPC2x (see 1.2.3), with technical data
    about repairing CPC monitor and power supply.

+ - http://www.student.adelaide.edu.au/~darkhalf/transcpc.html
+   CPC transfile project, a project aimed at simulating a small
+   filesystem on the Amstrad CPC with the files being stored on a PC
+   hard disk. The project is complete, there is no plan to improve it.
+   Get ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/emulator/transcpc.zip for the ASM
+   code to be compiled with Depvac or similar for the CPC part, and any
+   PC assembler for the PC part.

  - http://www.ThePentagon.com/NukeEmUp/uaug/index.html
    United Amstrad User Group (UAUG), software, firmware guide
    in HTML, see sections 8.1.3.3) and 9.1.3)

  - http://www.worldnet.fr/~brice/cpc/cpcpp.shtml
*   Brice Rive, author of the CPC++ emulator (MAC and SunOS)

  
  Old adresses not sorted :
  
  - Mark Rison, author of !CPC (RISC CPC emulator),
    http://www.hep.phy.cam.ac.uk:8080/rison/cpc/cpc.html
+   it doesn't exist anymore (06/15/97)

  - Amstrad CPC poke database (for CPCEMU), you can submit your pokes to
    be added in the database :
    http://andercheran.aiind.upv.es/~sergio/cpc


  A2.3) BBS

  - Aspects (2:250/107) : +44 1617920260, in United Kingdom, sysop Dave
    Gorski, V32b, CPCEMU v1.2, programs (mostly in basic),

  - Genesis the 8bit generation (2:320/220) : +33 1 39 07 29 58, in
    France, up to V34, soon an ISDN & modem line, sysop : Emmanuel
    Roussin. Last versions of emulators, qwerty and azerty 6128 ROMs,
    freeware, shareware, PD, disk zines, pokes, solutions, demos and a
    few commercial games (with the permission of their authors).

*   For the moment, there are 1274 files for 59.1 Mo of compressed
    programs. For fido users, you can file request ALLFILES.ZIP, and
    then what is interesting you. Many thanks to Kangaroo, Tom&Jerry and
    Juggler for the files they sent me.

  - Razormaid (2:2471/6009) : +49 711 4204329, in Germany, up to V32b
    and Zyxel, sysop : Thorsten Mitschele aka Kangaroo in the CPC scene.
    CPC files have been erased, Kangaroo had too few people interested in
    them.

  - ZNODE 51 : +49 89 961 45 75, in Germany, from 15:00 to 3:00 CET
    (MEZ), up to V32b, CPC files.

  - The Dream Machine (2:442/600) : +44-1222-689812, Cardiff, Wales,
    U.K., V21 throuph v34/VFC, sysops : David J. Thomas and Rachael
    Munns, this bbs carry CPC and CP/M files, and the c.s.a.8 newsgroup.

  - Chill out zone : +49 821 2290356, Augsburg, Germany, v21 to v32b,
    sysop : Dark Sector, CPC files (coming from Razormaid).

  - Kittis Box (2:2448/53): +49-234-682887, Bochum, Germany,V34-VFC,
    sysop: Thorsten Franke, this bbs carry CPC and CP/M Files, it is the
    home of the CPCNet, a german speeking network for CPC-Users based on
    fidotechnology and ZConnect. To get infos write a mail to
    Botho@kitti.ftg.donut.de or get via fido-file-request the file
    CPCNET

  - Chaos Cottage : +44 1736 756633, Hayle, Cornwall, U.K., V34,sysop :
    Nigel Woolcock (jacob@spuddy.mew.co.uk), CP/M file area (mainly PCW)
    with 5 Mo, AMSTRAD, CPM, CPMTECH fido echos and the csa8 newsgroup
    available.



  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
  CPCEMU, and F6 with CPE, then you can type CAT to see the files,


  A2.4.2) CPC files

  You can either put these files in the TAPE directory of your emulator,
  or inject them in a .DSK file (see A1.2.4).


  A2.4.3) How to run programs with a CPC or emulator ?

  Type CAT to get the directory of the disk, mostly programs are runned
  with a BASIC loader, so looks for *.BAS, then type RUN"name.BAS" (.BAS
  can be omitted). If there isn't a basic loader, run directly the
  .BINary program, type RUN"name.BIN" (.BIN can be omitted).

  Some disks doesn't have a real directory, and must be launched with
  the CP/M command : |CPM.

  For running tapes on a real CPC, type RUN", the CPC will launch the
  first program on the tape.



  A3) Transfer between CPC and PC

  Later mentions of DDI-1 can also be remplaced by FD-1 (which comes
  without the interface for the 464)
 
  A3.1.1) 3" drive on PC (part one)

  Porting files across from CPC to PC for use in CPCEMU is easy, at
  least, if you have a DDI-1 disk  drive it's easy!  You need to follow
  these instructions. Follow them exactly. As is usual with things like
  this, you do everything entirely at your own risk. I have done this on
  my own PC without damaging it, but can not guarantee that it will work
  with yours. If you do damage your computer, it is YOUR FAULT.

  Note of the FAQ keeper, I have a report of someone trying the
  following instructions, who had his controller burnt, so beware, do it
  only if you have another controler in case where the first controller
  would burn.

  These instructions only apply to the DDI-1 package. They MAY work with
  the FD1 3" second drive, and will definitely NOT work with the
  internal drives on 6128s, 664s, and 6128+s.

  Install 22DISK! You will need to tell it you have no A: drive, and
  that B: is a 360K drive, physical unit 0, on the Primary adapter, with
  step-rate of 12 milli-seconds. You will also need the CPMDISKS.DEF
  file from CPCEMU.

  0 Install 22DISK with CPMDISKS.DEF coming with CPCEMU or the one from
  EURODEF.ZIP

  1 open your PC, following all usual precautions such as turning off
  the power and discharging any static electricity on your body!

  2 Unplug any floppy drives. This step is important. (See note 1)

  3 Find the connector which is meant for the B: drive. (It is probably
  on the same cable as the connector for the A: drive. The A: connector
  has a twist in it. The B: connector is the other one!)

  4 Plug it into your DDI-1 drive unit. You may have to file the keyway
  on the connector off. (Different  PCs have different keyways on their
  connectors, so you may not have to attack it with a file. So much for
  standardisation!)

  5 Turn the DDI-1 drive on first, then the PC. When it does the
  Power-on test, press DEL to enter the setup menu (you have got an AMI
  BIOS haven't you?). Tell it you have no A: drive and a 360K 5.25" B:
  drive. (See note 2)

  6 Use 22DISK to read (not under OS/2 or windows 95), write and format
  your 3" disks to your heart's content ! You could also use ANADISK I
  suppose.

  7 When you've finished, restore the machine its original state. As
  well as using CPC disks, you'll probably be able to use Spectrum  3
  disks if you have an appropriate  CPMDISKS.DEF.  If of course you want
  to use Speccy disks...

  Note 1 : Amstrad's disk drive is reasonably standard, but not quite!
  When you install it, it claims to be both your physical drive 0 and
  physical drive 1. As such, if you expect it to be just drive 1 (B:),
  and leave unit 0 (A:) still plugged in, it will promptly ram the heads
  of unit 0 hard against the end stop, promptly trashing your unit 0. I
  found this the hard way, and had to buy a new 3.5" floppy drive.

  Note 2 : If you don't have an AMI BIOS, then this will be different.
  You may have to run a program from a system disk which came with your
  computer.

                             -------------

  The pinouts of the 3" drive are _identical_ to the ones of a 5.25"
  drive - it will just plug in. It's a long time since I was inside my
  Einstein, but I'm pretty sure that drive is a 40track SS unit - what a
  PC would call a 180K drive. Things like the Disk Change line may be
  different, but if you set up your PC to ignore that (and possibly tell
  it it's a 360K drive), you should be OK.

  I've used a 3" drive (actually a Double-sided model) with an original
  IBM XT in this way.


  A reply to the last two paragraphs :

  It actually depends on the type of 3" drive. Some of them had a 34 way
  connector like the IBM PC 5.25 " drive (i.e. PCB gold plated edge connector)
  and are compatible. Genuine Amstrad drives on the other hand have a
  26 way PCB header which contains all the useful signals, although some
  have been removed.

  I remember, that the 34 way connectors are only nearly compatible. In
  those days arround 1985, I connected a CPC 464 External drive to
  another CPM computer with standard 5.25" drives like the PC-drives. It
  was necessary to swap the lines since the pin numbering was mirrored
  compared to the standard.

  I also think that the exact layout depends on the version of the
  computer (CPC 464/664/6128). So be careful and do not ruin your
  hardware by building sh circuits! (It shouldn't be very difficult to
  verify which are the GND-lines )

  A complement to this reply

  The amstrad and PC disk connections are as follows:

  24 pin Amstrad disk drive:

  Index   2       *       *       1       GND
  DS0     4       *       *       3       GND
  DS1     6       *       *       5       GND
  Motor   8       *       *       7       GND
  Dirn    10      *       *       9       GND
  Step    12      *       *       11      GND
  Wdata   14      *       *       13      GND
  Wenable 16      *       *       15      GND
  Track0  18      *       *       16      GND
  WProt   20      *       *       19      GND
  Rdata   22      *       *       21      GND
  Side    24      *       *       23      GND
  N.C ?   26      *       *       25      GND

  34 pin Standard disk drive:

  Head Load       2       *       *       1       GND
  In Use ?        4       *       *       3       GND
  DS3             6       *       *       5       GND
  Index           8       *       *       7       GND
  DS0             10      *       *       9       GND
  DS1             12      *       *       11      GND
  DS2             14      *       *       13      GND
  Motor           16      *       *       15      GND
  Dirn            18      *       *       17      GND
  Step            20      *       *       19      GND
  Wdata           22      *       *       21      GND
  Wenable         24      *       *       23      GND
  Track0          26      *       *       25      GND
  WProt           28      *       *       27      GND
  Rdata           30      *       *       29      GND
  Side            32      *       *       31      GND
  N.C. ?          34      *       *       33      GND

  Note that on the Amstrad drive, DS3 and DS2 are missing.

  The pins marked with a ? may have been redefined on some
  drives (e.g. on high density PC drives, one of them is used
  to change the drive current - I can't remember which now),
  also on very old single sided drives, the Side signal used to
  be used to reset the drive. If you are using a 34 way
  connector drive in an Amstrad, you may want to hard wire
  Head Load to be permanently enabled (if it is used - not
  all drives do).


  A3.1.2) 3" drive on PC (part two)

  Here are other informations by Juan Perez Delgado, as I know nothing
  in hardware, be cautious. This doesn't apply for Schneider drives.

    1. Read all first

    2. Then you open your PC, and unplug and take off the cable that goes
      from the FD controller to the FD drives. The cable looks something
      like this:  (including the twist between the B: and A: connectors)

    to FD ctler    to B: drive to A: drive
         /-\         /-\         /-\
        2 -|---------|-|---------|-|2
        4 -|---------|-|---------|-|4
        6 -|---------|-|---------|-|6
        8 -|---------|-|---------|-|8
        10-|---------|-|-\  /----|-|10  ) 16 of ctler, A: thinks it is 10
        12-|---------|-|- \/ ----|-|12  ) 14 of ctler, A: thinks it is 12
        14-|---------|-|- /\ ----|-|14  ) 12 of ctler, A: thinks it is 14
        16-|---------|-|-/  \----|-|16  ) 10 of ctler, A: thinks it is 16
        18-|---------|-|---------|-|18
        20-|---------|-|---------|-|20
        22-|---------|-|---------|-|22
        24-|---------|-|---------|-|24
        26-|---------|-|---------|-|26
        28-|---------|-|---------|-|28
        30-|---------|-|---------|-|30
        32-|---------|-|---------|-|32
        34-|---------|-|---------|-|34
         \-/         \-/         \-/

    3. Using a screwdriver and a cuttex I reordered the wires that go to
       the A: drive (I left some of them not connected):

    to FD ctler.   to B: drive    to A: drive
         /-\         /-\
        2 -|---------|-|-------              You can see that signals
        4 -|---------|-|-------              2,4,6,10(16 from the ctler)
        6 -|---------|-|-------                 are not used.
        8 -|---------|-|---------\
        10-|---------|-|-\  /-nc  \-|-| 2 (connected to ctler pin 8)
        12-|---------|-|- \/ -------|-| 4
        14-|---------|-|- /\ -------|-| 6
        16-|---------|-|-/  \-------|-| 8
        18-|---------|-|------------|-| 10
        20-|---------|-|------------|-| 12
        22-|---------|-|------------|-| 14
        24-|---------|-|------------|-| 16
        26-|---------|-|------------|-| 18
        28-|---------|-|------------|-| 20
        30-|---------|-|------------|-| 22
        32-|---------|-|------------|-| 24
        34-|---------|-|------------|-| 26
        \-/          \-/            |-| 28
                                    |-| 30
                                    |-| 32
                                    |-| 34
                                    \-/

        Of course, odd pins must be connected to wires of ground (odd
        pins in the drive with odd pins in the ctler, doesn't matter the
        number).

    4. Next, you open the CPC6128, and get the 3"FD, unplug only the cable
       that comes from the controller (the one in the 26 pin connector).

    5. Plug-in the cable you have 'build' in step 3 to the FD cntler (as it
       was before you disconnected it), and connect the CPC 3"FD to the
       connector witch wires you have reordered. As the connector is 34 pin
       wide, and the drive is 26 pin, there will be a side not connected
       (corresponding to pins 28 to 34).

       Now you have the controller cable from the PC controller connected to
       the 3" drive. I think you can still connect another driver to the other
       free connector, but I didn't try it because I read somepeople have
       burned its controller doing similar things.
       You leave the power cable of the 3" drive connected to the CPC, as
       it was before.

    6. Now, you switch on your CPC (monitor, then keyboard). The FD will start
       running continously.

    7. Now, you switch on your PC. If all is Ok, nothing should burn :), and
       the 3" FD will stop running. Then in the bios setup you tell you have a
       360Kb 5.25" drive A. You boot the PC again if needed.

    8. In order to use with CPDRead, you must set your drive
       (cpdread.cfg) as a 360Ko drive with 360Ko disks, and you must set
       #STEP to 2)


  A3.2) 3,5" or 5,25" drive on CPC

  You can use a 5,25" drive on a CPC. You have to take care about the
  cabling, as the 6128 uses a 36 pin port and the drive only has 34. The
  two problems which can arrive are:

  - The drive has no ready signal. That is true for some older PC
    drives. In this case, forget it, if you are not able to solder some
    IC's to simulate the signal.

  - You can only use one side of the disk (180k). If you want to use
    both sides, you have to solder in a switch, or get another DOS
    (Vortex XDOS or Dobbertin X-DDOS), the best DOS is ParaDOS.

  You can read the CPC disks on the PC with 22DISK from Sydex (see
  A1.2.8).


  A3.3) parallel cable

* The CPCEMU v1.4 package contains documentation on how to make such a
* cable yourself and includes utilities for both the PC and CPC that
* allow two-way communication and file transfer. However the CPCPARA.BAS
* file supplied in this package is to extract files from CPC disk
+ drives, not those saved on cassette tape. For files on tape, see
+ A1.2.14)

  See section A8.1.1.1) for getting this cable in France.

  If you have a problem with PCPARA.BAS, coming with CPCEMU, load the
  program into the emulator (put it in the TAPE directory) and save it
  as an ascii file with this command : SAVE"PCPARA.BAS",A


  A3.4) RS 232 & RS 422

  The CPC nor the PCW have a RS 232. You can buy it, you then
  just need a communication program on PC and CPC/PCW and a null modem
  cable to exchange files between the computers.

  Get ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/rs232cpc.lzh for a circuit plan for
  a RS 232 interface, by Tim Riemann.


  A3.5) Companies

  Commercial companies can transfer your files

  A3.5.1) Locoscript Software (was Locomotive Software)
  
  See C3.1)


  A3.5.2) Rowansoft

  Contact Tony Gill at tgill@alystra.win-uk.net for rates.

  ROWANSOFT, ROWANCRAIG, ARDFERN,
  BY LOCHGILPHEAD, ARGYLL, PA31 8QN
  Tel. 01852 500 257


  A3.5.3) Holland Numerics Ltd

  Converts PCW data to PC format.  A price list can be obtained by email
  from <phil.holland@bcs.org.uk>, or by post from:

  Philip R Holland
  Holland Numerics Ltd
  94 Green Drift
  Royston
  Herts SG8 5BT
  United Kingdom

  Turnround is about 7 working days, and prices start at 5 GBP per PCW
  diskette converted (if copying ASCII files only and all diskettes to
  be used are supplied by the customer).


  A3.5.4) David Simpson

  David Simpson  ( DAS@picknowl.com.au )
  PO Box 187
  Mitcham Shopping Centre
  South Australia  5062

  Ph +61-8-83731693

  Contact me for rates.

  I also supply belts and/or do the replacement for 3" drives

  I am the contact for Amstrad Computer Club Incorporated in South
  Australia.

  The club meets weekly on Tuesday evenings between 6:30 and 9:00pm at
  Torrensville Primary School, Hayward Avenue, Torrensville, SA While
  the club is primarily a no-brand PC compatibles club, I and several
  other members are familiar with CPC and PCW machines and are only too
  happy to help.


  A3.6) Tapes

* See A1.2.10) and A1.2.14)



  A4) Maps, solutions, pokes, basic loaders ?

  A4.1) Maps

  A message from llopis@cs.unc.edu (Noel Llopis)

  What do you mean you liked so much as to draw a map??? I did draw a
  map of almost every single game! And I still have them around (will
  have access to them  in Xmas) so if somebody has a request... I do
  have all the Ultimate Filmation ones, Batman, Head over Heels, etc,
  etc... A LOT OF THEM!


  A4.2) Solutions

  http://www2.rz.hu-berlin.de/inside/angl/people/pdd/advent.html
  ("PDD's adventure page")

  It features many informations about the beginnings of these cool text
  adventures on our good old 8-bit computers, classed by companies, and
  gives a lot of links towards other related pages which should interest
  everybody who once enjoyed playing these games (want to play "Colossal
  cave" on the web?). All major companies are mentioned whith a brief
  historical explanation (Infocom, Magnetic Scrolls, Level 9, Melbourne
  house...). To be especially noticed is a link towards the ftp
  "IF-archive" which contains tons of informations, in particular
  solutions of most classic adventures, and also the really cool
  original cluesheets from Level 9!


  A4.3) Pokes

  Starting with CPCEMU 1.3 you can easily poke games with an external
  database file of pokes. Here is the structure of the database :

  - part, 1 character (0 to f), 0 for one poke, for multi-pokes 1 for
    the first, 2 for the second, etc...
  - name of the game, 20 characters,
  - description, 20 characters, blank when it's infinite lives, when
    there is a multi-pokes, only the description of the first poke is
    written.
  - type, 1 character, 't' for tape, 'd' for disc and 'a' for tape and
    disc, it's only an indication,
  - address, 4 characters, the poke address in hexadecimal,
  - byte to poke, 2 characters, a hexadecimal value, or '??' when you
    must type something, at this moment the explication is in the field
    description,
  - old byte, 2 characters, a hexadecimal value if a check is needed or
    '??' for no check,

  Here is an example of a DBF file saved with the command :
  COPY ALL TO file DELIMITED WITH "

  "0","Chuckie Egg 2","255 lifes","t","67c2","ff","??"
  "0","Combat Lynx","# choppers","t","5899","00","??"
  "0","Cybernoid","255 lifes","t","0227","ff","??"
  "0","Defenders OE","","t","8461","18","??"
  "1","Defenders OE","","t","8462","08","??"
  "0","Devils Crown","inf oxygen","t","863b","00","??"
  "1","Devils Crown","","t","863c","00","??"
  "2","Devils Crown","","t","863d","00","??"

  Do not hesitate to post pokes on comp.sys.amstrad.8bit, I will
  concatene them, and post them regularly.

  Amstrad CPC poke database (for CPCEMU), you can submit your pokes to
  be added in the database : http://andercheran.aiind.upv.es/~sergio/cpc

  And last, simply post solutions in the newsgroup, I will keep them,
  and repost them when asked. But put a CTRL-L, as some people won't
  want to see them.

  A4.4) Basic loaders

  see http://privat.schlund.de/OppererSascha/CPCCHEAT.htm



  A5) Hardware problems

  A5.1) Internal drive

  If you have the error : 'disk missing', the drive belt should be the
  problem. Here is a working reference :

  CIBOTRONIC
  16-20 avenue Gneral Michel Bizot
  75012 PARIS
  FRANCE
  Tl: 01-44-74-83-83
  Mtro: Porte de Charenton.

  Just ask a belt for an Amstrad CPC drive, they know this. The price is
  about 25 FF, the reference is MASTER type CR 4092, dimensions
  71.0 x  0.6 x 2.8 mm.

  Two other references for belts, but electronics shops I tried didn't
  seem to know them : KO 7000 or Konig electronics 7092.00

  A working reference in U.K. : maplins reference RK99.

  The best solution is to come with you old belt in an electronics shop
  and to see the available belts. You should look for one with the
  dimensions 72mm x 3 mm x 0.5 mm (although I believe it is OK to use
  belts in the length range of 69-72 mm long and either 3 or 4mm wide).

  Now how to replace it, in my example I am talking of a 6128, open it,
  detach the cable from the main board to the drive, unscrew the screws.
  You can now take the drive in your hand, look at the down of the
  drive, you see the green printed circuit, remove it, you see now the
  belt, which has certainly slipped, put the new belt, and replace all
  the elements.
  
  The other possibility is a fault with the index hole detection.  As
  well as the large shutter on a 3" disc, there is also a smaller one
  through which the disc drive can watch for the index hole to go past.
  There is a LED and an associated detector that watch for this, and if
  either has gone wrong or got covered in dust you may get disc missing
  messages.


+ 5.2) Components
+ The place to go for CPC spares is (coincidentally) a company called
+ CPC Spares in United Kingdom, at +44 1772 654477.
+
+ There are 3 Gate Array, two types beeing used on 464 (a very old cpc uses
+ 400007, the newer ones have 400010).
+
+ The AM40007 is the type used in most CPC464's and they should be
+ available from CPC Ltd. +44 1772 654455. They're gonna be expensive
+ though, probably about 25-35 pounds.




  A6) How can I help the CPC/PCW world ?

  A6.1) Updating the FAQ

  By sending corrections, modifications, new informations for this FAQ
  to roussin@genesis8.frmug.fr.net


  A6.2) Commercial games becoming freeware

  If you know addresses of authors who wrote programs on CPC/PCW, send
  me their address, I will write them to ask the persmission for letting
  their games to become freeware or shareware (they still will retain
  the copyright, even after all these years).

  Look for section A7), for the games which already became freeware,
  or almost freeware (authors stating that they don't care for the
  distribution of their games).


  A6.3) Adding files to ftp.ibp.fr

  You can send me your latest production, whatever it is. As there is no
  upload directory on ibp, you will need to send me your programs
  uuencoded, or send them to ftp.nvg.unit.no and write me, or use my
  snail mail address :

  Emmanuel ROUSSIN
  115 avenue de Paris
  78000 VERSAILLES
  FRANCE

  I will then put it on my BBS and on the french FTP site (ftp.ibp.fr). I
  will of course send you back your disks. I can read 3"; DD 3,5" and 40
  tracks 5,25" with the formats known by the PARADOS ROM, MAGIC DOS, and
  those defined in 22disk. Don't forget to precise which one you use,
  thanks. I can read the following PC media : 3,5"; 5,25"; QIC-80 tapes,
  ZIP disks and CD-ROM.


  A6.4) Updating ALL_CPC, ALL_HW, ALL_ROM, ALL_UTIL  07/27/97

  Frederic Herlem (herlem@dr.gdf.fr) is writing the complete inventory
  of the CPC programs. You can get this inventory at
* ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/all_cpc.zip, you will be able them to
  help him to update it. Last version is 06/04/97.

+ Kevin Thacker (amstrad@andercheran.aiind.upv.es) is writing :
+
+ - inventory of all hardware produced for the CPC, look in the same
+   directory for ALL_HW.ZIP, v1.0 is 02/04/97,
+ - inventory of all CPC ROM software, look for ALL_ROM.ZIP, v1.0 is
+   02/04/97,
+ - inventory of all CPC utilities, commercial and non-commercial, look
+   for ALL_UTIL.ZIP, v1.0 is 02/04/97.



  A7) Commercial programs wich are now PD, freeware or shareware

  A7.1) Vortex Software

  Mark Haigh-Hutchinson, one of the three persons of Vortex Software
  with Costa Panayi and Luke Andrews, has released the "Vortex Emulation
  Package", all the games of the company for Amstrad CPC, but also for
  C64, Spectrum and ZX 81. Attention, the games are now FREEWARE, so
  Vortex Software retains the copyright. Please, do not alter them
  or make money with them. Look for VTX_*.ZIP

  Marks works now for Lucasarts on "Shadows of the Empire" for the
  nintendo 64.


  A7.2) Design Design

  Design Design Software have released all their CPC games (Tank
  Busters, Dark Star, Forbidden Planet) as freeware. With the permission
  of the author (Simon Brattel, crem@cix.compulink.co.uk).


  A7.3) Jon Ritman

  Some almost freeware : batman, Head over Heels, Matchday I and II, I
  have word of Jon Ritman which is the author, that Ocean doesn't bother
  to see these programs to be available. Thanks to them. Don't forget
  that they still own the copyright, please don't modify the programs.


  A7.4) Radical Software

  Radical Software released "Fluff" (Plus-only game, FLUFF.LZH on
  ftp.ibp.fr) and "Smart Plus" (Plus-only art package, supports new
  features and overscan) to freeware. Does someone have Smart Plus ?


  A7.5) Transoft (France)

  Transoft published three games, Bad Max (3d adventure), Atuahalpa
  (arcade) and 'Les dents de sa mre' (adventure). With the permission
  of the ownership of these games, they are now freeware, available as
  BADMAX.LZH, ATAHUALP.LZH and DENTMERE.LZH

  If you have documentation, send me it to add it to the archives,
  thanks.


  A7.6) Sapiens

  Sapiens was written by Didier and Olivier Guillion, two brothers.
  Their game was edited by Loriciels. In 1996, they got their rights
  back from Loriciels, and Sapiens for win95 and MAC were released. They
  also accepted to see the Amstrad CPC version become freeware, thanks
  to them. Look for SAPIENS.LZH


  A7.7) Cobra Soft (France) 05/26/97

  As I knew Cobra Soft games became freeware on Oric, I asked the same
  permission for the CPC versions to the person owning the games, there
  are now freeware (personal use only, no commercial use) too, soon I
  hope on ftp.ibp.fr


+ A7.8) Prowort (06/06/97)
+
+ Following recent requests, I (Brian Watson) have now spoken to Peter
+ Campbell (co-owner of Protext etc) and we are making Prowort, the
+ German version of Protext in its AMSDOS version on disc, freeware. The
+ program will be supplied on one 3" disc, and the manual will be
+ supplied as text files on the other 3" disc. The text files will
+ probably require editing to provide a properly formatted printout on
+ the owner's printer. User support is not included. The program will
+ not be supplied on any other disc format, but permission is given for
+ its conversion by a user to run under an emulator on his/her
+ computer(s) only. To obtain it :
+
+ Brian Watson
+ 39 High Street
+ Sutton
+ ELY
+ Cambs
+ CB6 2RA
+ England
+
+ on the two options of terms above, that is;
+
+ 1) 5 pounds enclose no discs, or
+ 2) 1 pound, enclose two 3" discs.
+
+ Please apply using a padded envelope, enclose a return label, and
+ please send payments as sterling cash or cheques/postal orders/IMOs
+ payable to "BA Watson"
+
+ PLEASE NOTE: COMSOFT DOES NOT HAVE READY COPIES OF PROWORT SO CANNOT
+ SUPPLY THE PROGRAM UNDER THIS PROCEDURE.
+
+ E-mail me at protext@spheroid.demon.co.uk for any Protext-related
+ enquiries.



  A8) Useful addresses and information

  A8.1) Addresses

  See A3.4) for a PCW address.

  A8.1.1) FRANCE

  A8.1.1.1) L.E.I.

  For a CPC to PC cable, to be used with CPCEMU, send 80 FF to (you can
  also write to the pseudo 'idem' on 3615 RTEL1), you will also get
  CPCKEY v0.3 (see A1.2.12) which lets you command the CPC with the PC
  keyboard, transfer text files and automatic procedures :

  L.E.I.
  46 Bd Chezy
  35000 RENNES
  FRANCE


  A8.1.1.2) Futur's

  see http://www.mygale.org/01/futurs

  Futur's is a french group, they do many things, one good thing is the
  Soundplayer CPC, which is a better Digiblaster. The Soundplayer is
  used by Protracker and Digitracker, for a little sum of money if you
  are making it yourself : 25 FF (2.5 pounds, 5 dollars). The
  electroninc plan is in the paper zine Quasar issue 9, see 9.1.4)

  So, with this little marvelous thing, you can have 8bit samples,
  instead of 4bit samples, it is connected to the printer port.

  A SoundPlayer II exists now, more information later.


  A8.1.1.3) Sebastien BROUDIN

  Sebastien BROUDIN
  4 bis avenue Gambetta
  Apt 30
  60600 CLERMONT
  FRANCE

  He sells Megablasters, a game made by Odiesoft, released on january
  1995. It's like bomber man on Amiga, but really better. The price are
  
  - 170 FF for two 3" disk, box, documentation,
  - 155 FF for two 3.5" disk, box, documentation,
  - 137 FF for box, documentation, if you send two 3" or 3.5" disks.


+ A8.1.1.4) Association des Fans de CPC (AFC) 07/28/97
+
+ AFC is alive once again, a french association whose aim is to be a
+ link between the various CPC users.
+
+ For more informations, write to :
+
+ Associations des Fans de CPC
+ GEREY Yves
+ Les Pataudes
+ 87220 BOISSEUIL
+
+ More informations soon, like the inscription bulletin.

  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
  PC 1640 disks, ribbons, memory and drive upgrades, etc. in the USA is:

  Sinotech Ltd.
  218 Terrace Drive
  Mundelein, Illinois
  USA    60060

  phone: (708) 566-0504


  A8.1.3) United Kingdom

  A8.1.3.1) Comsoft (was Campursoft)

  The FAQ keeper bought to this company a rombox and the ParaDOS ROM,
  the best disc OS ROM for CPC, it works great. This company is held by
  Peter Campbell : cam1@cix.compulink.co.uk

  Comsoft
  10 McInstosh Crt.
  Wellpark
  Glasgow
  G31 2HW
  United Kingdom

  Tel/fax (044) 0141 554 4735

  World wide credit card (visa, mastercard) are accepted, you can also
  send an international postal money order, and of course checks (U.K.
  only).

  - 8 sockets ROMBOX, and now a 16 sockets too,
  - ParaDOS, a ROM operating system, the best OS as AA states it.
  - DES (Desktop Environment System), graphical interface for CPC, like
    on MAC or PC   Windows, on disk or ROM,
  - ProPrint, protext text enhancement program, fonts, font editor, on
    disk or ROM,
  - MicroDesign Plus, DTP package,
  - MicroDesign Extra, disc of clip arts for MicroDesign,
  - Maps for MD, british isles and worlds maps,
  - 2in1, PC to CPC, runs under CP/M,
  - The Basic Idea, tutorial of 42 pages and disc of examples for the
    aimed basic programmer,
  - Xexor, file management/disc backup utility (also for protected
    discs),
  - Soft-Lok v2.3, tape 2 disc, especially for speedlock protected
    games.

* Comsoft will release a PCW version of RoutePlanner in 1997, real soon
+ now (06/09/97).
  
  World copyrights on the CPC/PCW versions of the Protext word processor
  (and derivatives), Maxam assembler and Utopia utility programs,
  formerly published by Arnor Ltd, are now owned by WACCO and sold by
  ComSoft.

  AS OF 21 APRIL 1996: PERMISSION IS GIVEN BY BRIAN WATSON OF WACCO
  (BRIAN@SPHEROID.DEMON.CO.UK, VOICE: 044 1353 777006, FAX: 044 353
  777471) FOR LEGITIMATE OWNERS OF PROTEXT (AND DERIVATIVES), MAXAM,
  UTOPIA AND OTHER WACCO PROGRAMS TO CONVERT THEM FOR USE WITHIN
  EMULATORS. CONTACT WACCO FOR MORE INFORMATION.


  A8.1.3.2) Sentinel Software

  Sentinel Software
  41 Enmore Gardens
  East Sheen
  London SW14 8RF
  United Kingdom

  - RoutePlanner, UK navigation program
  - Pro-Ext, Protext extensions for desktop publishing
  - TUSS, utility to find sprites in games
  - DesText, interfaces Protext with Comsoft's DES
  - a wide range of CPC programming tutorials


  A8.1.3.3) United Amstrad User Group

  Membership secretary :

  Gordon Wooliscroft
  2 Wrenbeck Drive
  Otley
  W. Yorks
  LS21 2BR
  United Kingdom

  The group has been going for 10 years now.  We publish a magazine
  called "CPC User" every couple of months, and have other services
  for members - a disk and tape library, book library, and helplines.
  The magazine carries occasional articles on using CPCs in conjunction
  with PCs (how to set up emulators, share files, and so on), and other
  articles range from those aimed at beginners to experienced users,
  with competitions, type-ins, tutorials, and fiction.

  See section A2.2) for web address and A9.1.3) for fanzine.


  A8.1.4) Germany

  They are only a small number of CPC-ware traders in Germany.

  A8.1.4.1) Karl-Heinz Weeske

  Karl-Heinz Weeske
  Potsdamer Ring 10
  D-71522 Backnang
  Tel +49 7191 60078
  Fax +49 7191 60079

  supply of:

  CPC hardware and software, printer ribbons (NQL401 & DMP), circuit
  diagrams, manuals, etc..., demand an offer list !


  A8.1.4.2) Walter Kuhn

  Walter Kuhn
  EDV-Zubehr
  Hessenstrasse 7 (Frohnhausen)
  D-35684 Dillenburg
  Tel./Fax +49 2771 32688

  supply printer ribbons Schneider/Amstrad, DMP 2000...3160 DM 6,50, NLQ
  401 DM 6,50, Joyce, LQ 3500, PCW 8256/8512 DM 7,5, PCW 9512,
  Multistrikeband DM 7, Maxell 3"-Disks 10 pack DM 83,

  P & P (Germany): DM 9,50
  out of Germany: pay in advance only, orders over DM 5,- only


+ A8.1.4.3) Wiedmann 06/15/97
+
+ A german company which provides somes Amstrad Support/spares, see
+ http://www.wiedmann.com



  A8.2) information

  A8.2.1) the firmware guide

  The CPCEMU Amstrad CPC Firmware Guide is available now! Thanks to Bob
  Taylor and Thomas Defoe for allowing the distribution.

  David Cantrell has scanned and reformatted the electronical version!

  It is on ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/firmware.zip.


+ A8.2.2) pinout for colour monitor
+
+         u
+      5    1
+         6
+      4    2  (viewed from rear)
+         3
+
+ 1 = Red      4 = Sync
+ 2 = Green    5 = Gnd
+ 3 = Blue     6 = Lum



  A8.3) Email addresses

  A8.3.1) Amstrad/Locomotive

  - Cliff Lawson (Amstrad), cliffl@amstrad.com,
  - Richard Clayton (was Locomotive Software Ltd), Richard@Turnpike.com,
  - Howard Fisher (was Locomotive Software Ltd, now MD of LocroScript
    Software), howardf@locomotive.com

  A8.3.2) Emulators authors

  - Marco Vieth, ali@uni-paderborn.de, CPCEMU,
  - Bernd Schmidt, crux@Pool.Informatik.RWTH-Aachen.DE, CPE,
  - Ulrich Doewich, ulrich.doewich@shaw.wave.ca, CPE, utilities,
* - Mark Rison, rison@acorn.co.uk, !CPC,
  - Herman Dullink, dullink@castel.nl, CPC,
  - Kevin Thacker (Morpheus), amstrad@andercheran.aiind.upv.es, A-CPC,
  - Brice Rive, brice@world-net.sct.fr, CPC++.

  A8.3.3) demo makers

  - Sebastien Bernard (Arkos), sbernard@hp1.esiea.fr
  - Andreas Stroiczek (aka Face Hugger), n96477@pbhrzx.uni-paderborn.de
    DOSCOPY, Face Huggers Ultimate MegaDemo, !CPCEmu for Archimedes, and
    more...
  - Doc Bartlet, rdbarthe@trick.informatik.uni-stuttgart.de
    Bollaware demo/game coders
  - Antoine Pitrou, pitrou@Email.ENST.fr, Cheese, Turbo Monitor, etc...
  - Mage, demo maker, Imperial.Mage@mail.dotcom.fr,
  - Georg Odenthal (Odiesoft), odie@soz.psychologie.uni-konstanz.de
    Megablasters, demos
  - Ilias Fotopoulos (KOD), fotopul@ceid.upatras.gr, demos, SEX disk
    fanzine
  - Oliver Mayer (BSC), a2888696@smail.rrz.uni-koeln.de
    Demos, Soundtrakker
  - Simon Matthews (Ratz), ha3012@qmw.ac.uk, Demos
  - Prodatron, pdt@uni-duisburg.de, Demos, Digitracker, X-treme
  - DREAMER of TGS/CRT, Heiner@wendt.westfalen.de,
    Heiner de Went
    Tannenweg 1
    48727 Billerbeck
    GERMANY

  A8.3.4) Zines

  - Brain Blaster & Schlumpf of Frankenteam,
    makra@cip.e-technik.uni-erlangen.de, CPC Telegram Disczine
  - Gert Genial of Frankenteam, hschoen@mail.uni-freiburg.de
  - Richard Fairhurst (CRTC), richard@systemed.u-net.com,
    AA, BTL, RoutePlanner etc

  A8.3.5) Games

  - Keith A Goodyer, kgoodyer@mag-net.co.uk
    R-Type, f16, Dynamite Dan II, Speedzone, Gilbert Escape from Drill,
    Grid Iron I,
  - Mark Haigh-Hutschinson, mhh@lucasarts.com, Vortex Software, see 7.1)
    18 Raffles COurt
    Petaluma
    CA 94954
    U.S.A.

  A8.3.6) Others

  - WSX/INICRON, nwil0062@rz.uni-hildesheim.de
  - Roland Perry, has changed
* - Offset (Futur's group), new address in october 1997
    Plus software and Hardware, CPC software and hardware too
  - Paul Gargan (Gliceas), c1pgarga@CompApp.DCU.IE, Amstrad User
  - Richard Wildey (Wild Thang), cs94rrw@brunel.ac.uk
    Sentinel Software, TUSS
  - Simon Forrester (Hairy), sforrester@futurenet.co.uk
    AA, BooTracker
  - Spike, klleherd@tcd.ie, Game reviews
  - Mark Ray, M.Ray@UEA.ac.uk - Amstrad Notepad (NC100)
  - Frederic Herlem, herlem@dr.gdf.fr, see A6.4


  A9) Fanzines

  If french people are interested, don't forget to send stamps to get
  back your disk or paper fanzine. For foreign people, International
  Reply Coupons are available from post offices in all EU countries, US,
  Canada, and most others.  A single IRC can be exchanged by the
  recipient for enough postage stamps to cover airmail for a letter
  weighing up to 10 grams.  For heavier letters, such as those
  containing disks or 'zines, simply send more IRCs!

  A9.1) on paper

  A9.1.1) Rundschlag

  address : BIOS, Postfach 27
            88475 Schwendi
            Germany

  Articles are mostly in german, but many are translated into english or
  french. Price for one issue is 7DM, you can also subscribe for five
  issues by sending 35 DM or an euro-cheque, or 17 IRC. You also will
  receive disk, state the format you use : 3" 3,5" 5,25"/40 5,25"/80
  (one/doublestep) or VDOS/XDOS.

  You can send your own articles about the CPC scene, the best
  solution would be a file typed on word for windows.


  A9.1.2) WACCI 06/22/97

  Issues are 2 pounds each in the UK, 2 pounds 50 pences in Europe and 3
  pounds elsewhere. Special yearly rates : 22 pounds UK, 27.50 Europe,
  33 elsewhere. Cheques and postal orders payable to WACCI at

* 97, Tirrington
* Bretton
* PETERBOROUGH
* PE3 9XT
* United Kingdom
*
* The Editor is John Bowley, at the above address.

  They have a Book Library, Tape library, "Homegrown" Disk Library and
  PD Disk Library, 3" Disks supplied at 1 pound 50p each, alternative
  Firmware Guide and Disk, 6 pounds. Look at 2.2) for their www
  address.

  For a free sample copy of the clubs magazine either Email at
* brian@spheroid.demon.co.uk with your name and address, or send your
  name and address to the snail mail address above.


  A9.1.3) CPC User

  A magazine published every couple of months by the United Amstrad User
  Group (UAUG), see section 2.2) and 8.1.3.3)


  A9.1.4) Quasar

  A french zine, especially about programmation on CPC and CPC+. Last
  issue is number 12 (may 1997) is available with 6,70 FF of stamps.
  See http://www.mygale.org/01/futurs and A8.1.1.2

  Philippe Rimauro (Futur's/Quasar)
  80 chemin des Maillos
  09200 SAINT-GIRONS
  FRANCE


  A9.1.5) 8BIT

  New copy each 2 months. Issue 11 out 1st April 1996. Editor: Brian
  Watson of WACCO. Articles (and advertisements!) are in English and for

  all users of 8-bit computers. Price for one issue is 2UKP (UK) or 3UKP
  (rest of world). You can also subscribe for 10 issues for 25UKP.

  8BIT,
  39, High Street,
  Sutton,
  ELY
  Cambs
  CB6 2RA
  United Kingdom


+ A9.1.6) Eurostrad
+
+ A french paper zine, most of the articles are translated in english.
+ Last issue is no 10 (september 96-april 97).
+
+ Thomas FOURNERIE
+ La Hamelinire
+ 50450 HAMBYE
+ FRANCE




  A9.2) on disk

  send me addresses, or better send me your last issue at the address
  given in 6), I will of course send you back your disks.

  Here is a message from DREAMER of TGS/CRT (see section A8.1.4) :

  Just today I had an idea for a new project. It's called "Project
  Projects". It'll be a kind of discmag with the main columns "Games",
  "Demos", "Zines" and "Tools". In each column you can find articles
  about projects that anyone wants to do or is doing, but needs
  help/support or whatever. For example, a coder wants to do a game like
  Dune 2 on CPC. But he needs graffix and musix for this and cant do it
  himself. So in "Project Projects" he writes in the column "Games" in a
  sub-column called "Dune 2". There he explains exactly what he wants to
  do and what he needs. He says, e.g., he needs a graphician for
  painting units, backgrounds, and logos, and a good musician. Some days
  after the issue of "PP" has been released (with his question for
  graffixmen and musicians) he is contacted by some people who wanna do
  the game with him. So he tells me he needs no more support and I put
  the game out of the projects list. Some months later the game is
  finished, but he needs beta testers for finding mistakes/errors and
  for suggestions to improve the game. So he again tells me, and I put
  him back into PP. You could also use PP just for making suggestions
  for projects. For example, you put the project "Dune 2" into games and
  say that coders, gfx-men and musicians are needed - so everybody for
  the game is needed... Perhaps some time anyone will take the idea and
  make it reality.

  I hope that this project will help and motivate the CPC users out
  there! When I have enough stuff for a first issue, I'll release that
  thingy!

  More news about "Project projects" on 07/09/96 :

  It will be released in a cooperation with "CPC Telegramm", a German
  fanzine. This way the German Only CT shall become international, too,
  and the PP gets a probably much better start... I think the first
  cooperation issue will be released in the next two or three months.

  
  A9.2.1) Boxon 07/28/97

  Nicolas Ader (Nicky one)
  Place du Donjon
  32320 BASSOUES
  FRANCE

* Boxon issue 3 is out (07-96 to 02/97).


  A9.2.2) Demoniak

  Anthony Nevo (orphee)
  Le Louya
  35290 GAEL
  FRANCE

+ You will find issues 3, 4 and 5 on ftp.ibp.fr, as dmk3.zip, dmk4.lzh
+ and dmk5.zip


  A9.2.3) Dracula Fanz

  Miguel Fremeaux (Dracula)
  1 rue de la Viale
  11610 VENTENAC-CABARDES
  FRANCE

  the last issue (number 5) of december 1995 is out with articles
  translated in english, on 2 disks, available on ftp.ibp.fr :
  ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/dracula5.lzh


  A9.2.4) Phaser

  Sebastien Broudin (Seb)
  1 rue Emile Combes
  60600 FITZ-JAMES
  FRANCE


  A9.2.5) Better Than Life

  An English disc fanzine, with around 40 articles (all in English) in
  each issue covering a huge range of subjects : opinion, humorous
  articles, comprehensive news coverage, demo, game, fanzine and utility
  reviews, and much more. It's been described by some people as the
  best-coded disc fanzine ever: it won't work on CPC emulators, though.
  Issues 1,2 and 3 are already out. BTL 4 should be out in mid 1997.

  You can e-mail the editor Richard Fairhurst (CRTC / Systeme D) at
  richard@systemed.u-net.com, and BTL is now on the web pages at Kevin
  Thacker's site, and also on Richard Fairhurst site.


  A9.2.6) Tribal Mag

  A good german zine, with some english articles, issue 7 is the last
  one. All issues are on ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/zines, look for
  tribmag?.* (ZIP or LZH).

  Juggler of POW!
  postlagernd
  PA Donaustrasse 7-9
  76437 Rastatt
  GERMANY


  A9.2.7) Art of Fantasy

  A TGS/Creators production. It's a discmag which is mainly about
  non-computer stuff, but instead about stuff like roleplaying games,
  fantasy books, science fiction, stories, etc. Collapse, the editor,
  gets nearly no contribution, so it would be good to point his mag out
  a bit... The first issue (the only one out up to now) was German only,
  but if he gets English stuff, this mag could become international
  soon! The address:

  Collapse of TGS/Creators
  Tobias Zimmermann
  Augsburger Weg 3
  59439 Holzwickede
  GERMANY


  A9.2.8) Guten TAG

  A new disc german-only mag by the group "TAG". I don't know much to
  write about it now... ask the editor! His address:

  Gremlin of TAG
  Thomas Schilling
  Rebenweg 28
  79793 Wutschingen-Horheim
  GERMANY


  A9.2.9) Coders Paradise

  A disc mag for all the programmers out there. All Routines the editor
  (Steve of Wizcat) gets are published with many explanations
  (normally). Steve has many problems getting enough stuff for each
  issue, so pointing him out would be good again... The address:

  Steve of Wizcat
  Christian Stengel
  Ihnbergstrasse 9/1
  73479 Ellwangen
  Germany


  A9.2.10) CPC-Telegramm

  German two-monthly DiskZine "CPC-Telegramm"
  http://home.pages.de/~CPC-Telegramm

  The DiskZine is issued by
  Andreas Knig           Harald Schoen
  Hutstr. 7               Hindenburgstr. 68/702
  D-91056 Erlangen        D-79102 Freiburg


+ A9.2.11) Digital Press 07/28/97
+
+ At first a german zine with english articles, now a french-german
+ production with issue 3 (08/96-04/97) which is 2 disks ! Get
+ DIGIPRE2.LZH and DIGIPRE3.LZH from ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/zines



  A10) Additionnal hardware

+ For using older additionnal hardware on a CPC+, you will need an
+ adaptator called a widget, as connections are not the same. They use
+ the same connectors as german CPC (Schneider). All hardware should
+ work with this adaptator, except the standard multiface, see A10.2
  (06/09/97)

+ 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 for 1000 DM (400 UKP),
  - in the very early years a Vortex Filecard with 20 MB MFM HD for 3500
    DM.

  A10.1.2) AT IDE hard drive

  A10.1.2.1) GIDE

  The GIDE is a generic Z80 device which allows easy connection of any
  AT (16 bit) IDE hard drive to a Z80 computer. If your Z80 is
  socketed, you simply unplug it, plug the GIDE into the Z80 socket, and
  plug the Z80 into the GIDE.

  You need to write your own driver software, however.

  Details on http://www.psyber.com/~tcj

+ No GIDE for CPC, but look below for another project which is for CPC.
  

  A10.1.2.2) IDE Drives (by RAM7, see 10.3)

  It uses an ISA IDE controler and an adaptator card wich plugs in the
  expansion connector. It will be able to use IDE hard drives, CDROM
  (certainly) and disk drives (1.44 Mo).

  It should be available in mid 1997.



  A10.2) Multiface II

  A useful add-on, connected to the expansion port, its primary use is
  to make snapshots, exactly like the emulators. See 1.2.7), an utility
  to transform multiface snapshot to emulators snapshot.

+ There is a special multiface for the CPC+, standard multiface doesn't
+ work on a plus, even with a widget. (06/09/97)


  A10.3) ROMCARD and RAMCARD

  DOS SANTOS Francisco (RAM7)
  123 boulevard Strasbourg
  94130 NOGENT SUR MARNE
  FRANCE

  You can contact him by email : ram7@genesis8.frmug.fr.net

  The ROMCARD is sold 300 FF, with its cable. The RAMCARD is sold about
  400-450 FF. Don't expect short delays.

  The ROMCARD can have four 32Ko EPROMs : so that's 8 ROMs on the CPC as
  it uses 16Ko ROMs. Other ROMCARDs can be put in parallel, to add
  another four 32 Ko EPROMs each time.

  If you order one ROMCARD or RAMCARD, say to RAM7 where you heard of
  his production.


  A10.4) SoundPlayer 1 and 2

  See A8.1.1.2 and A9.1.4


  A10.5) Network

  Virtual net 96, a network for Amstrad CPC, made by germans, look at
  (english and german page) :

  http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6129/start.htm

+ Get ftp://ftp.ibp.fr/pub/amstrad/misc/VN96xxx.LZH (xxx as GEN or GER)
+ for informations about VN96.


  A10.6) Future-OS

  Not exactly hardware, an alternative OS for the CPC, loot at (in
  german for the moment) :

  http://www.home.pages.de/~futureOS


  A10.7) 2 Mo MemCard (by RAM7)

  For 6128 and 6128+, it's compatible with Dk'tronics memory extensions,
  it is plugged on the expansion connector. It uses the same memory
  gestion of the second 64 Ko bank of the 6128.

  It comes with two parts :

  - a main card,
  - a card with the memory, 256 Ko to 2 Mo, it accepts static (4 slots
    of 128 Ko or 512 Ko) and dynamic (2 slot of 256 Ko or 1 Mo for SIMM
    used on PC) RAM,

  If you are interested in informations about this card, contact RAM7,
  see A10.3


  A10.8) Vox card (by RAM7)

  It's a sound card wich can digitalize with compression, about 20
  seconds of sound with 64 Ko. It's plugged on the expansion port.

  It's not compatible with digiblasters cards.

  If you are interested in informations about this card, contact RAM7,
  see A10.3


+ A10.9) CPC ISA
+
+ Connect ISA cards on your CPC, now working, by Siou
+ (siou@polux.freenix.fr), look at his web page :
+
+ http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/1044/




  A11) Upcoming Meetings


  A11.1) LPT2/BYTE97

  It should be august 1997 in Clermont (Oise, FRANCE)



+ A12) Amstrad scene news
+
+ These informations comes from the AFC bulletin, see A8.1.1.4),
+ which is only one of the services from AFC.
+
+ - Odiesoft is making two new games,
+ - new disk zines are coming, not only about CPC : HD Mag, Jabber and
+   M.A.T.,
+ - the group MORTEL will release the disk zine DRACULA issue 6 (see
+   A9.2.3), the demos BYTE96 & VIRUS (nice ones as I saw the previews),
+   a slide show NO REALITY, the game PRIMAL FIGHT (a prehistorik 3 !),
+ - several megademos are coded, one of these by ROUDOUDOU with the
+   participation of MADE (graphism).



  B - The Amstrad Notepad (NC)

  B1) What is it?

  The "User-friendly" Notepad is Amstrad's idea of a what a simple word
  processor should be like.  It is _not_ a PC-compatible and is _not_
  the PenPad PDA.  Its main flavours can be recognised from the
  following characteristic markings:  The NC100 is about A4 size with a
  LCD "letterbox" screen, nearly full size keyboard, a PCMCIA memory
  card slot on the right-hand side and four coloured keys;  The NC200
  has a fold-down LCD screen instead and a built in 3.5" disk drive.
  The NC150 appears to be a French version of the NC100, but I've never
  seen one. Depending on the frequency of useage, the batteries can last
  for several months.

  B2) How can I buy one?

  Unfortunately, Tandy finally stopped selling them in November 1996.
  The best way to buy one now is probably second-hand, via the normal
  magazines, etc.


  B3) What peripherals can I use?

  The Notepads have standard Centronics parallel ports and RS232 9-pin
  serial ports.  The system has drivers for 9 and 24 pin dot matrix,
  Canon inkjet and Laserjet printers.  The serial port claims 9600 bps,
  but I can only make my NC100 work reliably at the full speed using
  Xmodem and the AC adapter.  This seems to be a common problem probably
  because the AC adapter supplies 10 volts and the batteries only 6.

  B3.1) Printing

  The NC can use dot matrix, inkjet and laser printers with its built-in
  drivers (for emulating Epson, IBM, Canon and LaserJet), but does not
  support changing font sizes (at least on the NC100). If anyone fancies
  writing the necessary software, we'd love to hear about it...

  B3.2) Extra Memory

  A battery-buffered PCMCIA Memory Card will preserve you from data loss
  even if your Notepad crashes and increases the available memory. It
  also allows you to create a file with BASIC bigger than 1024 bytes.
  This is because BASIC allocates all available memory on startup except
  1024 bytes.


  B4) How do I connect it to a PC?

  Brief instructions are given in the manual. You can either buy the
  LapCat parallel port system, or buy a "Null Modem Cable" from your
  local computer store and use a terminal program on the PC (Telix
  supports the XModem file transfers as well, but standard Windows
  Terminal/HyperTerminal works OK for text).  Set both ends to the same
  speed, 8 data bits, No Parity, 1 Stop Bit, RTS/CTS handshaking on, and
  experiment until it works...


  B5) BASIC

  Oddly enough, the Notepad includes a copy of BBC BASIC. This allows
  you to create your own programs and download other peoples'. However,
  some people have found that using the WP to look at a BASIC file can
  crash the machine, so backup your important files first.

  B5.1) Where can I find programs for it ?

  Try ftp.maekong.york.ac.uk in /pub/BBC or
  http://www.uea.ac.uk/~u9428232/NC/files/ for starters!

  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 forget line numbers!). To go from BASIC to WP, load the program
  and then type:

  *SPOOL document
  LIST
  *SPOOL

  B5.3) Can I make a program auto-run ?

  Of course - just save it with the name AUTO and whenever you start
  BASIC, it'll run...


  B6) Other Programs

  CP/M is available for the Notepad from ftp.nvg.unit.no (& mirrors) in
  /pub/cpc/nc100/. It needs you to have a PC-compatible linked to your
  Notepad and a memory card ready for it. I haven't tried it but I'm
  told it works on all the NC machines.


  B7) I've just crashed it...

  If you're lucky, switching it to standby and back will get you out. If
  you've got context-saving on then it definitely won't. Try these:
  switching on while holding Function; switching on while holding
  Function, Stop, Del and the right-hand Shift; removing all the
  batteries (including the lithium cell) and the power adapter and
  trying to switch on. The last two definitely blank the memory. The
  first two don't always.


  B8) I've just broken it...

  Try CPC supplies on +44 1772 654455 (Main switchboard) or Email their
  fax machine on remote-printer.Sales@6.6.4.4.5.6.2.7.7.1.4.4.tpc.int
  and ask them to 'phone you! Failing that, call Amstrad (see A2.2)


  B9) Help!  Where to ask.

  Since the demise of Amstrad and Tandy stopping to sell the Notepad,
  the best places to ask for help are this newsgroup
  (comp.sys.amstrad.8bit) or email me at M.Ray@UEA.ac.uk (until summer
  1997) and I'll do my best.


  B10) Internet resources

  Amstrad Notepad Users' Web - http://www.uea.ac.uk/~u9428232/NC/
                   mirrored at http://www.miracles.win-uk.net/NC100/

  Amstrad's homepage - http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson/index.htm

  Mirko's NC100 page - http://www.informatik.uni-bremen.de/~mir/amstrad.html

  NVG FTP site - ftp://ftp.nvg.unit.no/pub/cpc/nc100



  C - Amstrad PCW

  C1) Emulators and utilities

  C1.1) Emulators

+ C1.1.1) Joyce 07/20/97
+
+ Joyce v1.0 by John Elliott, a PCW 8000 series emulator for PC. You
+ need :
+
+ - A 386 or higher PC. For anything faster than snail-like performance,
+   at least a 75MHz Pentium.
+
+ - A VESA-compatible video card capable of 800x600x256 graphics.
+
+ - At least 1.7Mb of DPMI memory; for ideal performance, 4Mb or more.
+
+ Get JOYCE10.ZIP


  C1.2) Utilities

  Nothing in this section


  C2) Where can I find emulators, ROMs and programs ?

  C2.1) FTP sites

  C2.2) WWW

  - http://webserv.futurenet.co.uk/computing/pcwplus.html
    PCW Plus magazine's, pretty new and not a lot of info on it yet.

  - http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson/index.htm
    Official Amstrad site with informations, files for all the Amstrad
    computers (CPC, PCW, PC)

  - http://www.ansible.demon.co.uk/ai/index.html
    Ansible informaiton, makers of AnsibleIndex for LocoScript and
    AnsibleIndex Pro

  - http://www.cus.umist.ac.uk/~octopus
    PCW page by Jake Last

  - http://www.euronet.nl/users/fvempel/
    PCW Joyce Computer Club : PCW serial communication with a PC,
    mouting a 3.5" drive on a PCW, repairing a 3" drive, upgrading
    memory to 512 Ko, club news, PCW ads.

  - http://www.locomotive.com
+   or http://www.locosoft.demon.co.uk
    Locomotive Software, co-author of the Amstrad CPC and PCW ROMs, for
    the PCW

  - http://www.systemed.u-net.com/pcw/hardware.html
    John Elliot's CP/M page, he is the man behind some of the finest PCW
    freeware around and provides links to many generic CP/M resources.
    He's also put up exhaustive information on the PCW's XBIOS

* - http://www.seasip.demon.co.uk/
    PCW, CPC and Spectrum +3 programs
+   PCW emulator

  - http://www.systemed.u-net.com/pcw/hardware.html
    Richard Fairhurst page about PCW hardware referece

  - http://www.xs4all.nl/~ianmacd/PCW.html
    Ian Macdonald, about PCW,



  C3) Transfering betwee PCW and PC

  C3.1) Disks

  All this section C3 comes was in article from Howard Fisher
  (Locoscript Software).

  There are two things to be considered when transferring files between
  PCWs and PCs :

  - the transfer of the information;
  - the use of the information after it has been transferred.

  Transferring the Files

  3" PCWs to PCs


  If the PC and PCW are side by side, LocoLink provides the easiest way
  to transfer information between Amstrad 3" PCWs and any PC with
  LocoScript Professional or LocoScript PC Easy; and LocoLink for
  Windows from LocoScript on the PCW to most Windows word processors.

  LocoLink consists of a special cable and software for the PCW. The
  cable plugs into the expansion port of your PCW and the parallel
  printer port of your PC, with different versions of the cable for UK
  and export models of PCW.

  At the PC, LocoLink works within LocoScript and provides a view of a
  PCW disc as if it were a disc on the PC. LocoLink for Windows provides
  a File Manager style view of the PCW disc and lets you use the mouse
  to copy and convert documents.

  At the PCW, you simply need to run the LocoLink or LocoLink for
  Windows PCW software.

  If you cannot get your PCW and PC side by side, you can transfer
  between 3" and 3.5" discs by either adding a 3.5" drive to your PCW,
  or adding a 3" drive to your PC. In both cases you will also need to
  run suitable software to transfer between PCW format and PC format
  discs.

  LocoScript Software can supply a DIY 3.5" PCW drive kit - call (01306)
  747756 for details. You can then copy any files to 3.5" discs and use
  one of the methods listed below to transfer to the PC.

  To add a 3" drive to your PC you will need a 3" Disk Kit which
  includes both the drive and software to copy files from a  3" disc to
  a DOS disc. This is available from Eureka on 01329 239953.


  3.5" PCWs to PCs

  No physical link is required when transferring files between a 3.5"
  PCW and a PC with a 3.5" drive, or between a 3" PCW with an added 3"
  drive  and a 3.5" PC. The discs can be switched between the machines
  but the file formats must be changed between PCW format and DOS
  format, so that they are readable by the other machine.

  Depending on if you want to do the transfer on your PCW or your PC you
  need different software:

  - To convert the files on your PCW, you need Moonstone 2-in-1.
  - To convert the files on your PC, you need DDriverPCW. Both of these
    are available from LocoScript Software.

  2-in-1 is a program you run under CP/M to write PC format discs on
  your PCW, whereas DDriverPCW is a DOS "device driver" which enables
  any software on the PC to read a PCW format disc directly.

  For information about adding a 3.5" disc drive to your PCW, see our
  information sheet 'Using 3.5" Disc Drives with the PCW - Using the
  Transferred Files'

  Working with PCW files on a PC

  LocoScript 1, 2 and 3 documents can be used with LocoScript
  Professional and LocoScript PC Easy simply by editing them.

  LocoFile datafiles need to be "squashed" by LocoScript Professional or
  PC Easy before they can be used.

  LocoScript 1, 2 and 3 documents can be used with Windows word
  processors by using LocoLink for Windows to convert the documents to
  the form required by the Windows word processor. For other PC software
  first transfer to a PC format disc, then use LocoScript Professional
  or LocoScript PC Easy to "export" the document in a suitable format:

  - WordPerfect 5.1 (not PC Easy),
  - Wordstar,
  - DCA RFT,
  - ASCII.

  You will need to ask the manufacturer of the software you intend to
  use which of these formats are suitable. With ASCII all formatting is
  discarded.

  To use the data from a LocoFile datafile with other PC software you
  will need to use LocoScript Professional or LocoScript PC Easy
  Mailmerge commands to output the data to a LocoScript document. You
  should then export the document as above. Or LocoLink for Windows can
  be used to convert datafiles to DBase or FoxPro formats.

  To use any non-LocoScript PCW files (such as spreadsheet or accounts
  data) with other PC software you should consult the manufacturer of
  the PC software you intend to use for advice on how you can use the
  files - if this is indeed possible.

  Working with PC files on a PCW

  Except for LocoLink for Windows and DDriverPCW, the various methods
  above also allow files to be copied from PC to PCW discs. If these
  files are LocoScript documents, you can edit these documents with
  LocoScript 3, but not directly - first, you must use LocoScript
  Professional 2 or LocoScript PC Easy (version 1.01 or later) to e
  xport the document to LocoScript 2/3 format. This can be done directly
  onto a PCW disc with LocoLink or onto a DOS format disc and then
  converted using the other methods.

  Then LocoScript 2 (Version 2.50 or later) or LocoScript 3 will be able
  to work with the exported version of the document.

  LocoScript database files on a PC cannot be exported to LocoFile on a
  PCW directly. The information in the PC datafiles must be extracted
  into a data document and then transferred to LocoScript on the PCW as
  a normal document, as described above. On the PCW this data can then
  be inserted into a pre-created datafile. More information on this can
  be obtained from LocoScript Software.


  Software Versions and Requirements

  To use LocoLink, LocoScript Professional or LocoScript PC Easy is
  required. The above information applies to versions since 1 st January
  94 - LocoLink for LocoScript Professional, Version 1.08 or later of
  LocoScript Professional and Version 1.01 or later of LocoScript PC
  Easy. To export from LocoScript on the PC to the PCW you need Version
  2.50 or later of LocoScript on the PCW. LocoLink for Windows can
  convert documents and datafiles produced with any version of
  LocoScript.

  LocoLink for LocoScript Professional and DDriverPCW cost GBP 39.95 each,
  LocoLink for Windows costs GBP 69.95,
  LocoScript Professional 2 costs GBP 59.95 and
  LocoScript PC Easy costs GBP 39.95.
  We can also supply LocoLink for Windows PC only version at GBP 39.95.
  This just contains the PC conversion utilities - not the PCW-PC cable.

  If you have earlier versions of any of these products, call LocoScript
  Software on (01306) 747756 to upgrade.

  Prices include UK VAT at 17.5% and UK postage.
  Orders sent to Europe, add 10% postage.
  Orders sent outside Europe add 30% postage.
  Orders from outside the EEC deduct VAT.

  Disc Transfer Services

  Alternatively, you can use a disc transfer service both to copy the
  discs and if necessary convert the files to other PC word processor
  formats.

  Both LocoScript Software and Dave's Disc Doctor Service can do t his
  for you.

  If you have purchased LocoScript Professional our charges can be as
  low as GBP 1 per disc. See the following details:

  -----------------------------------------------------------

  Use this form to order our 3" disc copying service. Simply fill in the
  details of the 3" discs you want copied, the sort of disc to be copied
  to and if appropriate the PC word processor format. Calculate the
  price for the service and return the form with your payment
  and the discs to be copied to:

        LocoScript Software,
        10 Vincent Works, Vincent Lane, DORKING, Surrey RH4 1YL

  The price per disc (including the supply of the 3.5" disc) is:

  GBP 1 (minimum GBP5) if you have purchased our 3.5" disc drive kit, a
  PC package or LocoScript Professional or LocoLink for Windows; or

  GBP5 per disc (minimum GBP10) if you have not purchased these items.

  Each side of a PCW8256 low density disc is charged as a separate disc.

  WE DO NOT RETURN THE 3" DISCS, though we can do so for a supplement of
  GBP4 per disc.

  You should typically allow about a week for us to supply the copied
  discs.

  If we can't read any of your discs we will try on several PCWs, but if
  we still cannot read the disc we will simply return the 3" disc with a
  note. We will still charge the full fee for discs we cannot copy as
  the price covers the time spent  carrying out the service, which can
  if anything be greater if disc faults occur.

  We will retain your old 3" discs for at least 30 days. Please ensure
  that you can check the copied discs within that time. We will remedy
  any problems (including recopying if necessary) free of charge during
  this period, but cannot accept responsibility for problems discovered
  later.

  Number of discs to be copied    ____
          (count each 180K disc side as a separate disc)

  Format of disc to be copied to
           PCW format             ____

           DOS format:            ____

                  if DOS format:

                          copy to   LocoScript/Unchanged  ____

                                  Windows format
                                  word processor        ____
                        (If Windows format, select format from:
                         - for LocoScript Documents:
                        Word 3, 3.1, 4, 5, 5.5, 6;
                        Word for Windows 1, 2, 6;
                        Wordperfect for Windows 5.1, 6;
                        Ami Pro 1.1, 1.2, 2. 3;
                        Wordstar 3.3, 3.31, 3.45, 4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7;
                        Wordstar for Windows;
                        Windows Write 3, 3.1;
                        ASCII;
                        RTF
                         - for LocoFile datafiles:
                        dBase III, III+, IV;
                        FoxPro for Windows 2.5

        Note: Non-LocoScript/File files will be copied across unchanged.


  Price per disc
          if Disc Drive Kit/LocoScript PC/LocoLink for Windows
          has been purchased                              GBP1
                          minimum order value             GBP5
          otherwise                                       GBP5
                          minimum order value             GBP10

          Number of disc sides _____ at _____

          If 3" discs to be returned at 4GBP per disc, add _____

  Amount payable                                  _______________

  Payment
           Cheque payable to LocoScript Software
           Please charge my Access/Mastercard/Visa/Switch account


  C3.2) RS 232

  PCW is Internet capable. Fifty quid does, indeed, mean fifty British
  pounds. SCA can be contacted at 146 Ham Road, Worthing, Sussex, BN11
  2QS, England. Tel: +44 903 821128 or Fax: +44 903 821120.

  In addition to a special, high-speed serial interface (which can
  handle speeds of up to 38,400 baud!), they also supply many other
  products, such as parallel ports and memory expansions. They even sell
  two complete modem kits for the PCW: a slow 2400 baud model and a fast
  14k4 model. Both kits come with a serial interface, but the faster
  modem comes with a special interface (normal ones can only handle up
  to 9600 baud on the PCW), better software and fax facilities. I can
  highly recommend this deluxe kit. I use it myself and have astounded
  friends by using a humble PCW to send faxes! The cheaper kit costs 169
  pounds and the deluxe one 299, although you can get a twenty pound
  discount by mentioning that you're a 'PCW Plus' reader. Be warned,
  however, that you'd have to contend with the dreaded three-pronged
  British plug.



  C4) Shops supporting PCW

  Elliam Associates still supports the Amstrad 8256, 8512 and 9512 in
  the US with software, hardware, supplies and repairs. Their address is

  P.O box 2664, Atascadero, CA 93423, USA
  Phone (805) 466-8440
  Fax (805) 461-1666



  C5) PCW 16

  All this section comes from a csa8 article by Cliff Lawson.
  
  Unlike all previous 4MHz Amstrad Z80 machines this has a 16MHz Z80
  core (hence the 16 in PcW16). I know a lot of people "hate" us for not
  making it binary compatible with the previous PCWs but the fact is
  that we couldn't do it and design the architecture optimised for
  graphic word processing software (which means that it is optimised for
  BitBlt type graphics). The screen is actually kind of VGA compatible
  in that it is 640x480x2 with a straight raster mapping rather than the
  character scan raster map and roller RAM of previous PCW (in fact a
  lot like the 640x200 mode on the CPC I suppose).

  The main thing that makes this machine such a dream to develop for is
  the graphic OS (windows, icons, mice are all in there in the core OS).
  The OS was developed in the main by Simon Hargreaves of Creative who
  is reknowned for MicroDesign on the previous PCWs.

  The Rosanne operating system that he has put together is just so
  advanced compared to the other Z80 operating systems that we have been
  responsible for in the past that it just seems a shame that any Z80
  development talent out there isn't considering writing stuff for the
  system - you'd enjoy it, believe me.

  Apart from the graphic stuff, message based event system (a la
  Windows) you've got window, menu, dialog, scroll bar, radio button,
  checkbox, etc. etc. all immediately available in the OS.

  The OS also has a rich set of disk/flash disk filing stuff. The system
  read/writes MS-DOS format files/disks and can also read (not write)
  CP/M format files/disks.

  It has fairly advanced memory alloc/dealloc routines and OS support
  for 24 bit banked addressing.

  There's an RTC in there so functions exist for that.

  Even the spell checker in the WP is exposed as an OS callable
  function.

  Perhaps best of all is the huge support for variable typefaces for
  output to both the screen and printer using Swiss and Times in 6, 8,
  10, 11, 12, 14, 18, 24, 36, 72 point.

  The machine has an unused RS232 on the back so there's a possibility
  for developing email/news software - perhaps even a web browser!

  The system is, after all, based around a Z80 core so some bright spark
  could even write a CP/M emulator for it. Either just a simple thing
  that implements the BDOS 5 interface and offers a simple CCP through
  to a full implementation of CP/M 3

  There's a help engine in the OS so adding Help support to your apps is
  also very very easy.

  For doing maths there's a 5 byte floating point system in the OS so
  sin/cos/tan/log/exp are all provided.

  If you want to read more about this operating system then get:


  http://web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson/bin/rosandoc.zip

  or email me direct and chat about it.



+ Annexe 1 : Amstrad is dead, long live to Betacom (06/12/97)
+            by Cliff Lawson
+
+ In recent years there have been some dramatic changes at Amstrad plc.
+ In 1992 Alan Sugar made an offer of 30p a share to try and buy back
+ the complete shareholding and take the company private again under his
+ direct control. Unfortunately, although he owns 34% of the shares that
+ attempt failed as some vociferous shareholders thought that 30p
+ undervalued the company. (At that time they were probably wrong).
+
+ Because it had a large pile of cash from dumping PC2000 stock (see
+ later about Seagate/WD court case), subsequent to that failed attempt
+ Amstrad bought Dancall, a mobile phone company, in 1993 for 6m. In
+ 1994 it also bought Viglen, a PC company, for 60m. During 1996 Psion
+ offered to buy Amstrad for 200m but on investigation decided it
+ wasn't worth it (As it turns out, probably the wrong decision on their
+ part!)
+
+ In April 1997 Amstrad sold Dancall to Bosch for 92m (37m was a loan
+ repayment but even so that means it made a 49m profit on the deal).
+ This 92m together with more than 100m already held as cash gave
+ Amstrad a cash "mountain" of more than 200m. Alan Sugar promised the
+ shareholders at that time that he would try and free that cash for
+ them in a tax efficient way.
+
+ Already all Amstrad overseas subsidiaries had been closed and the
+ operation in the UK had been downsized from about 1,000 employees to
+ about 100 over the last 2-3 years.
+
+ In late May 1997 Amstrad annouced that it was selling all it's
+ remaining business together with it's trade names (Amstrad, Fidelity,
+ Sinlclair, Integra), patents and other intellectual property rights to
+ Betacom plc (which it already had a 66% shareholding in) for 6m as a
+ share deal bringing Amstrad's shareholding to 69% (Alan Sugar is
+ already chairman of the Betacom plc board of directors). Part of the
+ deal involved the selling of Amstrad's research and development
+ department employees to Betacom together with the extremely lucrative
+ (perhaps 200m) BSkyB digital satellite receiver contract.
+
+ Finally, it was announced on the 5th June 1997 that, subject to
+ shareholder approval, Amstrad plc will be dissolved on 4th August and
+ for each Amstrad share held a shareholder will receive:
+
+ 1) A loan note for 1.63 (effectively a fraction of the 200m cash in
+ bank). This is redeemable over 3 years allowing deferral of capital
+ gains tax to a later date.
+
+ 2) A share in a new listed company - Viglen Technology plc
+
+ 3) 0.43 of a share in Betacom plc (the break up of the 69% holding)
+
+ 4) A note of entitlement to any proceeds from our litigation with
+ Seagate/WD (currently that may be about 55p per share - may rise to
+ 1.10)
+
+ Alan Sugar will be a non-executive director of Viglen Technology
+ holding 34% of it's shares. He is already chairman of Betacom and will
+ get 34% of the 69% of Betacom that Amstrad owns (23.4% of it's
+ shares).
+
+ Amstrad have been sueing both Seagate and Western Digital in separate
+ cases for huge damages as it is cited that it was the failure of their
+ hard disk drives that tainted the Amstrad brand name and particularly
+ the Amstrad 2000 series PC range and prevented Amstrad from becoming a
+ major player in the lucrative business PC market with huge amounts of
+ subsequent lost business.
+
+ In the London based Seagate trial Amstrad claimed 220m damages. The
+ trial ended in October 96 and judgement came in April 97 when the
+ judge awarded Amstrad 57.5m of damages (dated 1990). With accrued
+ interest and costs it is expected that the total claim will be 105m
+ but this is now subject to an appeal from Seagate. Meanwhile the case
+ against Western Digital is due to be heard in California in Autumn
+ 1997 (it might be expected for there to be similar damages awarded).
+ In total this may equate to about 1.10 per share value entitlement
+ when Amstrad is dissolved.
+
+ So what will be left after August 4th is:
+
+ 1) No Amstrad plc
+
+ 2) Betacom plc just as before but instead of 69% owned by Amstrad it
+ will be owned individually by the 200million odd holders of Amstrad
+ shares (so that actually means that Alan, who's already chairman, will
+ have about 24%). Effectively this is the "new Amstrad" as most of the
+ employees are ex-Amstrad and the chairman is Alan Sugar.
+
+ 3) A new Viglen Technology plc that will own Viglen Limited and a new
+ company called AmsLit who's only purpose in life will be to litigate
+ (hence the name) with Seagate and WD to try and get the 57m from
+ Seagate that has already been awarded (plus 48m of accrued interest).
+ Hopefully there might be similar money from WD if Amslit wins its case
+ against them in California in the Autumn (should that be "fall"?)
+ which now seems more and more likely.
+
+ In this "un-bundling" It's because the stockmarket can't really put a
+ value on either Viglen Technology or the litigation payout (because
+ Seagate are appealing (well, no actually, they're not in the slightest
+ bit appealing)) that the real value of the package and hence the
+ Amstrad shares is unknown. However recent reports suggest that the
+ whole package ranges in value between 2.47 and 3.92 per share. As of
+ this date the Amstrad share price is 2.80 which is therefore probably
+ heavily undervalued. Also Betacom's share price may be heavily
+ undervalued at present as it's price does not reflect the fact that it
+ has part of the BIB contract.
+
+ Incidentally as a result of all this, because Alan has 34% of Amstrad
+ shares his entitlement to the 1.63 notes alone is going to let him
+ walk away with 70m in cash -then there's his entitlement to the 34%
+ of the litigation money (maybe another 70m) and at the end of the day
+ he'll still have a 34% holding of Viglen and a 24% holding of Betacom
+ (of whom he's the Chairman and to whom he just sold all the existing
+ Amstrad business including the lucrative Sky contract). No wonder he
+ was to be seen whistling around the building yesterday (June 5th)!
+
+ As far as CPC, PCW and NC computers are concerned the only small
+ change is that the company that effectively owns the trade names and
+ the design rights is Betacom plc rather than Amstrad plc but it is
+ effectively the same Chairman with the same engineering department and
+ upper management so, in effect, nothing's really changed.
+
+ All it would take is for someone to decide to rename Betacom to
+ Amstrad and the company would effectively be exactly where it was in
+ 1984 when it designed the CPC - except that this time round it's
+ "blockbuster" product is going to be a digital satellite "set top box"
+ which is probably going to have more impact on people's lives than the
+ home computer ever did (because it's effectively home computer,
+ internet terminal and televsion receiver all in one box!).
+
+ Unfortunately for members of comp.sys.amstrad.8bit the one thing the
+ box won't have is an 8-bit micro - more liklely a 32-bit or 64-bit
+ RISC micro (there may be the odd 8bitter in there doing things like
+ the remote control though!)


