PDATA DOCUMENTATION Release version 3.4, March 1994 Copyright © 1993-1994 Deadbeat/The Sharks (C64 end, optimized cable schematics, documentation) Copyright © 1993 Hude (Amiga end) 1. Introduction and features PData is an utility for transfering both binary and text files between the C64/C128 and the Amiga. It's faster than a null modem cable and it doesn't even fill your Amiga's serial port. While using PData for transfering files, you can use your modem for other purposes. After all, Amiga is THE multitasking computer. You can transfer up to 255 files both directions in multi transfer mode. PData is easy to use and it won't let you down like most others. 2. Distribution and disclaimer This archive may be freely distributed as long as all files are included intact. PD libraries should only ask a nominal fee for copying it. PData may not be used for commercial purposes without a written permission from the author(s). When applying for your permission, you should include a reasonable contribution for development costs. The author(s) can't be held liable for any damage directly or indirectly caused by the use or misuse of this manual and/or program it describes. 3. Requirements The C64 end of PData will work in every C64/C128. The Amiga end of PData will work in every model, but Kickstart v37.175 (v2.04) or above is required for utilizing every function. A special cable between the C64 and the Amiga is required. It can be built by following the schematic in the next chapter. The following things are required for the cable: - One card edge connector (C64 user port) - One male D-25 connector (Amiga parallel port) - Suitable lenght of flat cable (Width 12) - A soldering iron and some solder 4. Cable schematics C64 user port Amiga parallel port Pin Description Description Pin B FLAG* STROBE 1 C PB0 DATA 0 2 D PB1 DATA 1 3 E PB2 DATA 2 4 F PB3 DATA 3 5 H PB4 DATA 4 6 J PB5 DATA 5 7 K PB6 DATA 6 8 L PB7 DATA 7 9 M PA2 BUSY 11 8 PC* ACK* 10 N GND GND 17 5. Using PData C64 Using PData C64 is fairly easy. You'll first be prompted for your work drive. Any device between 8 and 11 will do. Then you can select whether to handle your files as binary or text. If you select binary, the files will be transfered without any alterations. Selecting text mode will cause all files be translated from PETSCII to ASCII and vice versa. The next step is to decide whether to send or receive files. At this point, you can press "," to access SEQ file handler, using which you can print out or view sequential files. Once you've made your decision, you can press F1 to toggle between normal/zip mode. If zip mode is on, PData will add those 1! 2! 3! and 4! appearing in front of each zipped file automatically and you only need to worry about the fourteen last chars. If you start receiving in single mode, you'll be prompted whether to process files as PRG or SEQ. If a file exists, you'll be given a chance to regret. You can use "$" (Default) to see directory, "@" for DOS commands and "?" to see free blocks. Pressing "=" at all times (Except in multi transfer menu) will take you one step "backwards" in the menu. In zip mode you can decide which files to overwrite individually. Pressing F3 will take you to multi transfer menu. Press F1 to send files, F3 to receive files, F5 for directory and F7 for main menu. After pressing F1, you can use Y/N to select files. Pressing return will quit or start transfer, depending if you selected any files or not. After pressing F3, you can enter target filenames. Leave one blank line to start transfer. Multi transfer can handle 255 files both directions. It handles only binary PRG files and never overwrites it's target files. At ALL times, pressing restore will clear the channel, initialize vectors and restart program. If you're uncertain of something, just try it. The program can't crash. 6. Using PData Amiga pdata < > (s = send / r = receive / ? = help) Example : pdata r dh1:dl/c64_rules.txt Pressing CTRL+C will abort transfer. Use it in combination with restore to gain maximum effect. If you have a multifacecard (MFC) in your Amiga, remember you must use the PData.CFG in S: directory to re-route PAR: into PIT:. Edit the file so that it reads PIT:. If you're not a hard drive user, I suggest you receive the files into RAM: if you don't have masses of spare time to waste. In 68000 based machines receiving files is surprisingly slightly slower than sending them. 7. General tips Configuring your regular directory tool for PData makes your life much easier. Once you've made the first transfer after turning your computers on, you can ignore the C64's on-screen prompts about setting the other end in send/receive mode. This is because once the port-handler has been activated, PData can't "lose" anything. When transfering the PDATA.C64 to the C64, you MUST use the filename "PDATA 3.4-SHARKS". If you're experiencing problems in doing this, you may send me a 5.25" disk filled with some nice warez (Include SAE & IRC if possible) and I'll send it back to you with PData v3.4 in it. 8. Bugs and missing features C64 end: - None known. Amiga end: - Sometimes refuses to work if a filename ends with "+". - Receive buffer missing PData doesn't send a header containing a filename. This is not a bug. Until a PC version of PData appears it will stay like this. I didn't want filename header to be installed in the first place, because we need to determine a common format first. We'll probably end up in the old 8+3 filename format because of the great (Hmmm...) MS-DOS. PData can be used to transfer data between two C64's or two Amiga's with minor cable modifications. Hardware wizards may figure this one out on their own, full cable specifications will be released later on. If we manage with the PC end of PData, the holy triangle is complete and PData may become the global binary data transfer format. :-) 9. Contact address (Deadbeat/The Sharks) Timo Rönkkö Kangaslammentie 24 as I FIN-74130 Iisalmi Finland 10. Boards - Master & Servant +49-(0)YOU-KNOW! / +49-(0)PRi-VATE! The Sharks World Headquarters (C64) Quartex German Headquarters (Amiga, PC, SNES) - Deep Thought +358-(9)77-51252 / +358-(9)77-iNViTE / +358-(9)77-FRiENDS The Sharks European Headquarters (C64) Silent Imperium World Headquarters (Amiga)