Zebra Copy?
9 messages · 2009-08-06 → 2009-08-10 · Yahoo Group era · View archive on archive.org
Participants: Timex, zniedzwiedz, Al Hartman
Preserved from the Timex/Sinclair 2068 Yahoo Group (2001–2019), which is no longer online. Text reproduced from the archive.org archive; email addresses masked.
Messages
1. Re: Zebra Copy?
Al Hartman · Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:00
Encardo,
What is "Zebra Copy"?
I've never heard of it.
Al
2. Re: [ts2068] Re: Zebra Copy?
Timex · Thu, 6 Aug 2009 23:32:
I don't remember where I read about it as it was a lot of time ago.
I read somewhere it as a program to copy tape to Timex FDD disk made
by Zebra Systems (maybe it was wrong and who wrote it associated
Zebra with Zebra Systems).
Because I never found it and I got a piece of Timex FDD technical
manual with some machine code, I wrote a program that do the same but
only work with normal data blocks. Speed loaders and special loaders
do not work and as I don't know much about programing in machine
code, part of the program was basic and the other part was machine
code that was loaded to the printer buffer and because of that I was
limited to 32K blocks (I think it was 32K or 36K)
It didn't worked directly with tapes because it was much easier
with .TAP files.
With a MS-DOS computer and TOSDOS program to be able to copy the TAP
file to a FDD disk I managed to pass some of my games to disk.
Now it's somewhere as my FDD interface died. :(
Encarnado, Portugal
On Aug 6, 2009, at 4:00 PM, Al Hartman wrote:
> Encardo,
>
> What is "Zebra Copy"?
>
> I've never heard of it.
>
> Al
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
3. Re: Zebra Copy?
Al Hartman · Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:50
I wish I was still in touch with Jeff Street, who was our main
programmer. He would know if he wrote such a thing.
I remember it being pretty easy to transfer unprotected software from
tape to disk.
When I unbury my original Zebra Software archive, I'll look for it. I
also have to try to restore a Fastback backup of 20 5 1/4 disks which
holds all the manual sources up to the time I left Zebra.
I found a copy of the FDD tech manual, I was going to take it to Office
Max and run 10 copies off to sell at cost plus shipping to anyone who
would want one.
I also found my masters of all the FDD software on 3" disc. I have the
CP/M as well as the TimexOS. Tom is supposed to bring over his FDD 3000
system so I can make copies onto 3.5" disks.
I was hoping to find an FDD system in the Zebra Storage Room, but one
didn't turn up. I always wanted one of those...
4. Re: [ts2068] Re: Zebra Copy?
Timex · Fri, 7 Aug 2009 23:34:
On Aug 7, 2009, at 8:50 PM, Al Hartman wrote:
> I wish I was still in touch with Jeff Street, who was our main
> programmer. He would know if he wrote such a thing.
>
> I remember it being pretty easy to transfer unprotected software from
> tape to disk.
Load block to memory, save in disk. Easy. I did it.
Load the loader with merge and save it on disk.
> I found a copy of the FDD tech manual, I was going to take it to
> Office
> Max and run 10 copies off to sell at cost plus shipping to anyone who
> would want one.
I have a PDF with FDD tech manual. I think I took it from a website.
> I also found my masters of all the FDD software on 3" disc. I have the
> CP/M as well as the TimexOS. Tom is supposed to bring over his FDD
> 3000
> system so I can make copies onto 3.5" disks.
A 3" drive and a old PC (386) with MS-DOS and TOSDOS lets you copy
files to MS-DOS.
As I moved from a very old house that was mostly used as a warehouse,
I dumped all my old PCs forgetting to save one for this...
Encarnado, Portugal
5. Re: [ts2068] Re: Zebra Copy?
Timex · Sat, 8 Aug 2009 01:39:
Who made it?
Is it free?
Encarnado, Portugal
On Aug 8, 2009, at 12:41 AM, zniedzwiedz wrote:
> --- In [email], Al Hartman <alhartman6@...> wrote:
>>
>> Encardo,
>>
>> What is "Zebra Copy"?
>>
>> I've never heard of it.
>>
>> Al
>>
> Here is Google translation of manual:
>
> INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE "ZEBRA v1.3 COPY"
> The program is used to transfer files from tape to disk. Copies
> virtually everything that does not exceed approximately 41,100
> bytes. In the case of "loader" copied programs BASIC'u, they are
> put to use for disk versions. After the launch zebra, on the
> computer screen shows the board title with a number of options.
> From left: 1) load (hold 'L') - Loading a file from tape, 2) save
> (key "S") - Ripping the file to disk; 3) QUIT (press "Q") - Output
> from zebras to the system; 4) CLEAR (key "C") - Delete the file
> loaded into memory, while the withdrawal name of a meter; 5) NEW
> (key, "N") - Typing the name of the new copied file; 6) FREE (key
> "F") - Application by the quantity free space on the disk is
> currently active, and in the window options: 1) Turbo (press "T") -
> Loading files from the tape in a mode) OFF -- The standard mode of
> loading programs from tape to the ZX Spectrum, b) ON - Normal turbo
> (two times faster), c) TAC - As above, but the procedure charging
> Unprotect files connected to the tape (if one end of the file is
> connected with the beginning of next pilot file) d) LAC -- Just as
> the TAC, but the speed NORMALC 2) MODE (key "M") - Modes of copying
> programs: a) COP - Copying files only from the headlines memory at
> full capacity, about 41,100 B, b) STO - Copying files from the
> headlines or not, but with the control length. In other words, the
> file can not be no more than 40,955 B, that is, as much as can dump
> MEGA PHANTOM when copying from disk to tape. When a file is not
> copied has a header, he receives a type of 4); TRA - Full capacity
> of the memory, files with or without headers. In the latter case
> files Headers are added (the start of the file type is "remote"
> from a tape loaded in the file), d) HEAD - Used when the version of
> the tape copied, headers files are not adequate for the proper file
> (to be given other than the actual length, etc.) then dumps the
> header ZEBRA as a separate file on disk. All files of the type of
> receiving 4. 3) Insert (key, "I") - cross loaderów (BASIC) on disk
> versions (ON) or not (OFF). 4) DRIVE (press "D") - Selection of the
> active drive (A or B).
>
> EXAMPLE OF THE PROCEDURE
> We assume that the program consists of three files in BASIC'u
> loader, image and code block machine. 1) Depending on the type of
> ownership recorder, set the turbo (normally OFF), the drive, which
> will move the program from the tape (eg A), and INSERT MODE and
> (see description). 2) Set the tape to replicate the program in the
> tape recorder before the loader (the first file), press the button
> "L" (LOAD) and run the tape. Once loaded, stop the tape loader, and
> the program will ask us the name under which you want to save to
> disk (enter new name). It should be provide up to eight characters,
> then press ENTER (or ENTER itself, if we match the original name
> given in the header ta¶mowym) and press key 'S' (SAVE). The
> computer after you test the amount of free space on the disk and
> the belt przerobieniu loader on disk (show square then, as the
> number of names found in the load-loaderze s), saves entire file to
> disk and automatically goes into standby mode at loading the next
> file from a tape copied program. 3) Please restart the tape. After
> loading the next file from tape (including Otherwise, screen) and
> the recorder stopped, press again the button "S" and rip the image
> to disk. The next time start the tape and upload the last block of
> machine code. After successfully loading the press, just press "S"
> by zgraniu after the last file on the disk have ready to move in
> the disk. 4) If you do not want to copy another program, press
> BREAK key and "Q" (QUIT). 5) In the transfer of more than one
> program, the game at once, instead of point 4 of this procedure the
> next upload loader (another program), press "N" (New) and enter a
> new name. Press the button "S" and proceed as described above. As
> you can see, krokowo copying takes place, one file. They are
> numbered consecutively from 1 to 9 and from A to Z. If you try to
> load the file for further the exhaustion of all permissible
> extensions are currently in memory to disk. You have to undo the
> tape and try again ...
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
6. Re: Zebra Copy?
zniedzwiedz · Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:41
--- In [email], Al Hartman <alhartman6@...> wrote:
>
> Encardo,
>
> What is "Zebra Copy"?
>
> I've never heard of it.
>
> Al
>
Here is Google translation of manual:
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF THE "ZEBRA v1.3 COPY"
The program is used to transfer files from tape to disk. Copies virtually everything that does not exceed approximately 41,100 bytes. In the case of "loader" copied programs BASIC'u, they are put to use for disk versions. After the launch zebra, on the computer screen shows the board title with a number of options. From left: 1) load (hold 'L') - Loading a file from tape, 2) save (key "S") - Ripping the file to disk; 3) QUIT (press "Q") - Output from zebras to the system; 4) CLEAR (key "C") - Delete the file loaded into memory, while the withdrawal name of a meter; 5) NEW (key, "N") - Typing the name of the new copied file; 6) FREE (key "F") - Application by the quantity free space on the disk is currently active, and in the window options: 1) Turbo (press "T") - Loading files from the tape in a mode) OFF -- The standard mode of loading programs from tape to the ZX Spectrum, b) ON - Normal turbo (two times faster), c) TAC - As above, but the procedure charging Unprotect files connected to the tape (if one end of the file is connected with the beginning of next pilot file) d) LAC -- Just as the TAC, but the speed NORMALC 2) MODE (key "M") - Modes of copying programs: a) COP - Copying files only from the headlines memory at full capacity, about 41,100 B, b) STO - Copying files from the headlines or not, but with the control length. In other words, the file can not be no more than 40,955 B, that is, as much as can dump MEGA PHANTOM when copying from disk to tape. When a file is not copied has a header, he receives a type of 4); TRA - Full capacity of the memory, files with or without headers. In the latter case files Headers are added (the start of the file type is "remote" from a tape loaded in the file), d) HEAD - Used when the version of the tape copied, headers files are not adequate for the proper file (to be given other than the actual length, etc.) then dumps the header ZEBRA as a separate file on disk. All files of the type of receiving 4. 3) Insert (key, "I") - cross loaderów (BASIC) on disk versions (ON) or not (OFF). 4) DRIVE (press "D") - Selection of the active drive (A or B).
EXAMPLE OF THE PROCEDURE
We assume that the program consists of three files in BASIC'u loader, image and code block machine. 1) Depending on the type of ownership recorder, set the turbo (normally OFF), the drive, which will move the program from the tape (eg A), and INSERT MODE and (see description). 2) Set the tape to replicate the program in the tape recorder before the loader (the first file), press the button "L" (LOAD) and run the tape. Once loaded, stop the tape loader, and the program will ask us the name under which you want to save to disk (enter new name). It should be provide up to eight characters, then press ENTER (or ENTER itself, if we match the original name given in the header ta¶mowym) and press key 'S' (SAVE). The computer after you test the amount of free space on the disk and the belt przerobieniu loader on disk (show square then, as the number of names found in the load-loaderze s), saves entire file to disk and automatically goes into standby mode at loading the next file from a tape copied program. 3) Please restart the tape. After loading the next file from tape (including Otherwise, screen) and the recorder stopped, press again the button "S" and rip the image to disk. The next time start the tape and upload the last block of machine code. After successfully loading the press, just press "S" by zgraniu after the last file on the disk have ready to move in the disk. 4) If you do not want to copy another program, press BREAK key and "Q" (QUIT). 5) In the transfer of more than one program, the game at once, instead of point 4 of this procedure the next upload loader (another program), press "N" (New) and enter a new name. Press the button "S" and proceed as described above. As you can see, krokowo copying takes place, one file. They are numbered consecutively from 1 to 9 and from A to Z. If you try to load the file for further the exhaustion of all permissible extensions are currently in memory to disk. You have to undo the tape and try again ...
7. Re: Zebra Copy?
zniedzwiedz · Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:07
--- In [email], "Johnny Red (Timex)" <timex.pt@...> wrote:
>
> Who made it?
According to Bajtek (polish magazine) 12/89 p. 15, "mysterious Mr KATO, author of many copying programs i.e. Turbo Compress Copy".
http://atarionline.pl/biblioteka/czasopisma/Bajtek/Bajtek_1989_12.djvu
The same program was part of the TOS A.4 by Wise Man (Rados³aw Cymer) but again according to Bajtek 9-10/90 p. 19 "every program is effect of another author's work".
http://atarionline.pl/biblioteka/czasopisma/Bajtek/Bajtek_1990_09_10.djvu
> Is it free?
In first article above author describes this program as "available on swap meet". Up to 1994 in Poland there was no IP law, so every program could be copied if it's protection were weak... So many people wrote programs not for money but for fun and fame :-)
8. Re: [ts2068] Re: Zebra Copy?
Timex · Mon, 10 Aug 2009 03:35
Mighty Bajtek!
How can I get a copy? Only with TOS A.4?
Have you (or anyone in Poland) preserved bajtek disk images for
FDD3000 they published?
Someone long time ago sent to me some bajtek disk images but I lost
those (hard disk died).
I only found one I have put on a real disk :(
I remember it was a 2 sided disk, I think it was published on 5,25"
disks that required a FDD3000 with a 360K 5,25" drive and a switch to
choose disk side as those cannot be reversed.
Encarnado, Portugal
On Aug 9, 2009, at 12:07 AM, zniedzwiedz wrote:
> --- In [email], "Johnny Red (Timex)" <timex.pt@...>
> wrote:
>>
>> Who made it?
>
> According to Bajtek (polish magazine) 12/89 p. 15, "mysterious Mr
> KATO, author of many copying programs i.e. Turbo Compress Copy".
> http://atarionline.pl/biblioteka/czasopisma/Bajtek/Bajtek_1989_12.djvu
>
> The same program was part of the TOS A.4 by Wise Man (Rados³aw
> Cymer) but again according to Bajtek 9-10/90 p. 19 "every program
> is effect of another author's work".
> http://atarionline.pl/biblioteka/czasopisma/Bajtek/
> Bajtek_1990_09_10.djvu
>
>> Is it free?
>
> In first article above author describes this program as "available
> on swap meet". Up to 1994 in Poland there was no IP law, so every
> program could be copied if it's protection were weak... So many
> people wrote programs not for money but for fun and fame :-)
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
9. Re: Zebra Copy?
zniedzwiedz · Mon, 10 Aug 2009 13:05
--- In [email], "Johnny Red (Timex)" <timex.pt@...> wrote:
>
> Mighty Bajtek!
> How can I get a copy? Only with TOS A.4?
I've search all disk images that I have and found some of them probably containing Zebra Copy with or without TOS A.4. Here they are:
http://8bit.computerlublin.pl/files/dsk/spectrum/tos/zebra.zip
> Have you (or anyone in Poland) preserved bajtek disk images for
> FDD3000 they published?
I am preserving every timex-like diskette that I can get :-) I want to catalogue and publish them but I don't have too much time for my hobby... Maybe I'll have some good news after holidays.
> Someone long time ago sent to me some bajtek disk images but I lost
> those (hard disk died).
> I only found one I have put on a real disk :(
> I remember it was a 2 sided disk, I think it was published on 5,25"
> disks that required a FDD3000 with a 360K 5,25" drive and a switch to
> choose disk side as those cannot be reversed.
In that time it was the cheapest storage medium. FDD3000 uses 3" SSDD and you can easily connect any 5.25" DD drive. My first 5.25" drive was bulgarian, full-size device with only one head. I had to punch second index hole and cut write protect tab to use second side of diskette :-) Of course when I've got classic 360K Teac drive and connected head switch I didn't have to punch and cut diskettes again :-)
If you have desktop PC and old FDD cable the easiest way to write image to disk is using http://www.cpcmania.com/cpcdiskxp/cpcdiskxp.htm
Connect your 3" drive (set drive jumper to B) to PC, write image, connect it back to FDD3000 and enjoy :-)