How SPS helps you to preserve your original disks

[Harry1968]

The Software Preservation Society, a project for preservation of historic computer disk games, accepts dumps for the Atari 8-bit. Please give your original disks a chance!

 

The Software Preservation Society (SPS) is a project to preserve historic computer games supplied on disks. It wants to preserve the games in their original published form, unabridged and futureproof. To achieve that, the disk will be read with an IBM-PC, a Kryoflux USB board and a suitable disk drive and a so-called dump be created. Because Kryoflux samples the low level magnetic flux transitions, only this procedure guarantees that all information of the disk can be determined, like phantom sectors and exact alignment of sectors on adjoining tracks. This binary dump will then be transferred to the SPS which analyses it and creates an IPF file which contains all disk information of the original disk. This IPF file can then either be written back to a real disk or be used in an emulator. Of course, this process takes some time, because the members of the SPS carry out the conversion in their spare time. The source code of the loading library has been published under a MAME-like license, thus the format is futureproof and adaptions are easy, contrary to e. g. VAPI, where some images do not work in the "Atari800" emulator, because it is not known how they must be integrated. IPF has been established on the Amiga and realised for the Atari ST, ZX Spectrum and Amstrad CPC, and dumps will be accepted for various other systems. To get the ball rolling also for the Atari 8-bit, a minimum amount of about 80 dumps must be gathered, thus this call for participation. And time runs out slowly: Original disks are perishable media, the magnetisation decreases continuously and reaches now, 25 years after their creation, a critical level where single bits begin to fail.

 

In practice, of the 300 Amiga-dumps I submitted, I got 270 IPFs in six years, and on the remaining ones either their format has not been supported yet, the disk has already read errors, or no unabridged dumps have been found, where no highscores or similar have been written to the disk. However, every dump is sensible, because firstly, every contributor of an original dump gets an IPF when its published, and secondly, IPFs have already been created from several pieces of dumps. Normally, original disks are written with specialised hardware which implements a certain timing different from home equipment, thus the SPS can determine the originality. For the Atari 8-bit, the procedure is as follows: If the disk is single-sided it can be dumped with an 80-track drive. Flippy disks require a rare "flippy" drive which is able to step to track -8 in order to read both sides at once. Thus these disks must either be send to SPS or read on a personal meeting, e. g. on a Retro-party. If someone has really many flippy disks (30 minimum), such a drive can also be rent, but due the rough conditions of postal service and the limited availability of such drives this is restricted. For private persons, the conversion is free of charge. The preliminary dump format has been documented, but it is planned to be changed once again. Based on it, also games could be supported in an emulator whose IPFs have not yet been created. For further information of the SPS please look on their website. Question may be asked there or in the Kryoflux forum.

 

This text is being published under the license Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported by Achim Härtel and ABBUC. Distribution and translation is desired.

 

Weblinks:

SPS http://www.softpres.org

Kryoflux http://www.kryoflux.com

CC-BY 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

ABBUC Atari Bit Byter User Club http://www.abbuc.de/

Preliminary stream format documentation http://www.softpres.org/kryoflux:stream

[phaeron]

Am I correct that the IPF format is not yet documented? If so, it has the same problem that VAPI originally had, which is an undocumented format that can only be read by a library that is license-incompatible with most emulators. Since then, VAPI has been documented and reimplemented without its original library. I prefer this as I like to work directly with a file format rather than being forced to use someone else's library to process it.

 

I also have concerns about adding yet another disk image format that goes all the way to the flux level when there hasn't even been enough emphasis placed on precisely emulating to the track/sector level supported by VAPI. It's not clear to me that there are any Atari disks that couldn't be faithfully represented in at most VAPI minimally extended to support enhanced and double density, especially for games. The high level disk API used in the Atari 8-bit simply prohibits many of the tricks that were used on other platforms and VAPI already supports sector timing, FDC error conditions, and weak bits. I'd like to see at least IPF-to-VAPI and IPF-to-ATR conversion paths so that at least there is some convergence on disk formats for varying size/speed/fidelity tradeoffs.

[Farb]

I've imaged 15 disks so far in stream format. I can easily get to the 80 number but I want to make sure I'm doing it right before I do any more. The command line I'm using is:

 

dtc -ffilename-stream -g0 -k2 -i0 -ffilename-raw -g0 -k2 -i2

 

Here are two example dumps:

 

http://www.whizzosoftware.com/downloads/kryoflux/shamus.zip

http://www.whizzosoftware.com/downloads/kryoflux/shamus_alt.zip

[Farb]

Am I correct that the IPF format is not yet documented?

 

My understanding is that the source code to read IPF files was made available. I guess it depends whether you consider code to be documentation :-)

[+rdemming]

Am I correct that the IPF format is not yet documented?

 

My understanding is that the source code to read IPF files was made available. I guess it depends whether you consider code to be documentation :-)

 

The source code is indeed available under a modified MAME license on the Kryoflux website.

 

When using Kryoflox to image flippy disks (disk where you flip the disk to read the other side), you need a modified drive to correctly read the back side. Or modify the disk to have an index hole at the other side as well.

 

Robert

[Farb]

When using Kryoflox to image flippy disks (disk where you flip the disk to read the other side), you need a modified drive to correctly read the back side. Or modify the disk to have an index hole at the other side as well.

 

I'm not sure if this was directed at me or just a general statement. Just in case it was to me, I don't plan to image the back side of any flippy disks.

[+rdemming]

When using Kryoflox to image flippy disks (disk where you flip the disk to read the other side), you need a modified drive to correctly read the back side. Or modify the disk to have an index hole at the other side as well.

 

I'm not sure if this was directed at me or just a general statement. Just in case it was to me, I don't plan to image the back side of any flippy disks.

 

Hi Farb,

 

It was a general statement for those who are planning to image Atari flippy disks with Kryoflux. Most commercial programs came on a single side disk but there were a few that uses flippy disks. Just flipping the disk on a regular Kryoflux compatible 5 1/4 drive or image it as a normal double sided disk does not work and should be taken in mind when encountering an Atari flippy disk.

 

I have a Kryoflux myself but got not around imaging my (limited collection of) Atari disks yet

 

Robert

[phaeron]

Am I correct that the IPF format is not yet documented?

My understanding is that the source code to read IPF files was made available. I guess it depends whether you consider code to be documentation :-)

 

No, code makes for pretty crappy documentation.

 

License-incompatible source code is especially problematic since the data structures can't just be copied. IMO, it would be cleaner and more respectful to reverse the IPF format from scratch than to play license games to reverse it from the source code. I have no issue with the use of the modified MAME license in the IPF library, but it has to be recognized that a lot of software related to Atari disk images would not be able to use it.

[Farb]

No, code makes for pretty crappy documentation.

 

I agree completely. I've had many discussions with developers over the years who felt differently, though. One of my favorite arguments is "documentation lies." I've also seen that argument used to get out of properly commenting code

 

I have no issue with the use of the modified MAME license in the IPF library, but it has to be recognized that a lot of software related to Atari disk images would not be able to use it.

 

I read quite a few of the discussions that went on when the SPS was determining what license to use. It seemed their biggest concern was that companies were going to take all of their hard work and start making money from it. That was why they went with the modified MAME license. I can't imagine who would be making enough money from this old software to be a concern other than maybe companies that sell pre-packaged collections of emulated games. But the way it sounded, they had already been approached by companies that wanted to use the technology for profit.

 

I could be wrong, but I would think that all open source Atari projects would be safe using it. APE is the only thing that comes to mind as having a conflict. And that can probably just use the Windows DLL anyway.

 

I'm not trying to be an IPF fanboy (I definitely see downsides with it), but I do think the prospect of having one disk format that spans platforms (IPF is used for Amiga, Atari ST, C64, Atari 8-bit, etc.) is pretty cool. I don't feel like we're in any better position with VAPI (yet) than we are with IPF other than that you (and others) have had some good success with reverse engineering it.

 

In any event, I'd like to see a way to create VAPI images using the Kryoflux device since PC 5.25" drives are easier to come by (and "newer") than Happy-enhanced 1050's.

Edited January 15, 2012 by Farb

[fiath]

No, code makes for pretty crappy documentation.

 

I agree completely. I've had many discussions with developers over the years who felt differently, though. One of my favorite arguments is "documentation lies." I've also seen that argument used to get out of properly commenting code

 

 

Depends what they meant. When people usually say things like that, they mean that they think you should write code so that comments are less useful. That is, your code is readable without comments. E.g. the usual stuff like composing small methods (your domain "primitives") into a more-meaningful higher level language.

 

Of course, with something like IPF, while code is better than nothing, what it really needs is a spec. Giving you a high level view to guide you though the format - an insight into the code. A spec is definitely something we want to do, it's just a question of getting the time to do it (properly). IPF is not a simple format (it can't be simple, it is a disk-format-generation - mastering - format).

 

However, I think the comments as code idea still has merit. Write your code so that comments become less useful. You probably still need them of course.

 

I read quite a few of the discussions that went on when the SPS was determining what license to use. It seemed their biggest concern was that companies were going to take all of their hard work and start making money from it. That was why they went with the modified MAME license. I can't imagine who would be making enough money from this old software to be a concern other than maybe companies that sell pre-packaged collections of emulated games. But the way it sounded, they had already been approached by companies that wanted to use the technology for profit.

 

 

This is absolutely spot on (and some other related points). However, in the end, we thought that we were hurting ourselves, our preservation goals, and the cause, more than any good it was doing. Actually, we thought that for a long time, but couldn't find a license we liked.

[fiath]

I've imaged 15 disks so far in stream format. I can easily get to the 80 number but I want to make sure I'm doing it right before I do any more. The command line I'm using is:

 

dtc -ffilename-stream -g0 -k2 -i0 -ffilename-raw -g0 -k2 -i2

 

Here are two example dumps:

 

http://www.whizzosof...flux/shamus.zip

http://www.whizzosof.../shamus_alt.zip

 

 

Nice! I fired that up in the GUI:

 

Are those original disks you've dumped?

 

BTW, if you specify the image type for this (-i3a) you'll get error checking, and it will retry any tracks with errors.

Edited January 15, 2012 by fiath

[F#READY]

Also bought the KryoFlux for preserving disks in the context of the Atari Preservation Project (after all those years).

I can imagine that we eventually will extract other image formats from this (e.g. PRO, VAPI or ATP).

 

@Farb: what are the downsides of IPF? Just curious.

 

Any experience with flippy disks yet? I mean, anyone already modified a drive for flippy disks?

[Farb]

Depends what they meant. When people usually say things like that, they mean that they think you should write code so that comments are less useful. That is, your code is readable without comments.

 

The discussions I've had have always been in the context of code that wasn't easy read (e.g. you should add comments to this code since it could use some clarification). I definitely agree that code should be well-written and readable. Comments are extremely useful where that isn't possible or where further contextual insight is appropriate. Anyway, sorry, I didn't mean to derail this thread...

 

 

Nice! I fired that up in the GUI:

 

The image isn't visible for me. I was able to see the image if I opened it directly.

 

Are those original disks you've dumped?

 

Yes, all my disks are originals.

 

BTW, if you specify the image type for this (-i3a) you'll get error checking, and it will retry any tracks with errors.

 

I'd really like to clearly define a full command-line that includes all the necessary and/or useful parameters for dumping a SS/SD Atari disk. These exist for other platforms on the Kryoflux site but not for the A8.

 

 

@Farb: what are the downsides of IPF? Just curious.

 

This is my opinion, of course, but I see the following downsides: 1) There are a limited number of people that can convert a stream dump to IPF. If the SPS leaves the scene for whatever reason, new IPF images will not be possible with Kryoflux hardware and we'll have to create something new for disks that aren't yet imaged. This could just proliferate disk image formats. 2) Write support is still early days (although I know that is being actively worked on). 3) There is a lack of good documentation (and some license encumberment as phaeron mentioned) for the IPF format itself (as has already been mentioned above).

 

Any experience with flippy disks yet? I mean, anyone already modified a drive for flippy disks?

 

Not yet. If I can get my hands on an easily modifiable drive, I would definitely do so since I have a lot of flippy disks.

Edited January 15, 2012 by Farb

[Farb]

Here's another using the following command line:

 

dtc -fseafox-stream -g0 -k2 -i0 -fseafox-raw -g0 -k2 -i2 -fseafox.xfd -i3a

 

http://www.whizzosoftware.com/downloads/kryoflux/seafox.zip

 

Does that work better?

[Defender II]

Does anyone have any of the Panasonic JU-475-5 drives that they know work for this? (or any other drives that they know work for this)

 

If someone will donate one I will modify it and purchase the Kryoflux USB board to so I can volunteer to dump Flippys.

Have any of the Flippys with C64 on the front and Atari on the back (or vice versa) been successfully copied already?

 

My concern is that the drives they are using to backup DSDD disks are DSHD. Copying the data off is fine, but writing them for use on SD or DD drives can cause problems.

 

Has anyone modified a DSDD drive for writing the data back to new disks?

 

Because of the following, I recommend you don't write SD or DD disks on a HD drive if you will be using the disk in a SD or DD drive:

 

It has been quite some time, so please correct me if you see any errors...

 

The following pertains to 5.25" DSHD drives and disks...

 

DSHD drives have a narrower gap (on the write/erase aka read/write head) than SD or DD drives so they write a narrower track whether they are writing SD, DD or HD.

 

The DSHD disks use a different formulation of coating than SD or DD disks which is harder to create a flux pattern so that tracks can be closer together without interfering.

 

When told to write HD, DSHD drives write with a higher magnetic field than SD or DD drives to create the flux patterns on the HD disks.

 

When told to write SD or DD, most DSHD drives still write with a higher magnetic field than SD or DD drives to create the flux patterns on the SD or DD disks, but because the gap is narrower on all DSHD drives any old data written with a SD or DD drive may cause read errors when you try to read the disk on a SD or DD drive.

 

Because the flux patterns written by the HD drive are stronger even when written as SD or DD, if you change data on the disk with a SD or DD drive there may be remaining data which can cause read errors.

Edited January 16, 2012 by Defender II

[Defender II]

If you are going to use the modified drive to write Flippy disks, does the length of the index card added to the track zero sensor actuator have to be an exact length so the zero (and thus subsequent) track(s) for that head are written in the correct position or does the KyroFlux automatically count steps back from track zero on the other side?

[Farb]

I've got 52 disks imaged so far. If anyone would like me to image their original disks, just shoot me a PM.

[Defender II]

I've got 52 disks imaged so far. If anyone would like me to image their original disks, just shoot me a PM.

 

Did you do any Flippy disks yet?

[Farb]

Did you do any Flippy disks yet?

 

Nope, still trying to get my hands on a drive I can modify.

[Farb]

116 120 disks imaged so far...

Edited January 22, 2012 by Farb

[Farb]

Update: I've now imaged 176 disks. This represents most of the original, non-flippy disks that I have (I need to do one more sweep since there are probably 20 or so I missed).

 

If anyone has any original disks they would like to have imaged, please let me know and we can work out a way to get them to me and back. I can image them and then send you the IPF when I receive it. I am still working on getting a drive that I can modify to do flippy disks.

 

Here's what I've done so far:

 

Ace of Aces (1987)(Accolade).zip
A Financial Wizard (v1.5C)(1982)(COMPUTARI).zip
Agent USA (1984)(Scholastic Wizware).zip
Alien Hell (1981)(Syncro).zip
Apple Panic (198x)(Broderbund Software).zip
Archon (1983)(Electronic Arts).zip
Archon 2 - Adept (1984)(Electronic Arts).zip
Ardy the Ardvaark (198x)(Main Street Publishing).zip
Assassin's Cove (198x)(ALA Enterprises).zip
Astrology (198x)(APX).zip
Atari 810 Master Diskette II (19xx)(Atari).zip
Bandits (1981)(Sirius Software).zip
Battalion Commander (1985)(SSI).zip
BC's Quest for Tires (1983)(Sierra On-Line).zip
Bismarck The North Sea Chase (1987)(Datasoft).zip
Blue Max 2001 (198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Canyon Climber (1982)(Datasoft).zip
CASDIS (1982)(Vervan Software).zip
Castle Wolfenstein (1982)(MUSE Software).zip
Caverns of Khafka (1983)(Cosmi).zip
Caverns of Mars (1982)(Atari).zip
Chem Lab Sim #1 (v2.4)(Disk 1)(1979)(High Technology Software Products).zip
Chem Lab Sim #2 (v2.4)(Disk 2)(1979)(High Technology Software Products).zip
Choplifter (198x)(Broderbund Software)[alt].zip
Choplifter (198x)(Broderbund Software).zip
Classy Chassy (1988)(Clearstar Softechnologies).zip
CodeWriter - Star Voyage Series (1985)(CodeWriter Corp).zip
Color Print (1982)(Datasoft).zip
Computer Quarterback (Second Edition)(1981)(SSI).zip
Conflict in Vietnam (1986)(Microprose Software).zip
ConPutation (1980)(Softsmith).zip
Creppers (1982)(Silicon Valley Systems).zip
Crossfire (1981)(On-Line Systems)[alt].zip
Crossfire (1981)(On-Line Systems).zip
Crush Crumble and Chomp (1981)(EPYX).zip
Crypts of Plumbous (1982)(Cosmi).zip
Curse of Ra (1982)(EPYX).zip
Cyclod (1982)(Sirius Software).zip
Dandy Dungeon (198x)(Antic).zip
Decision Maker (1982)(Creative Software).zip
Dimension X (198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Diskey (198x)(Adventure International).zip
Dnieper River Line (1982)(Avalon Hill).zip
Dragon's Eye (1981)(EPYX).zip
Empire of the Overmind (1982)(Avalon Hill).zip
F-15 Strike Eagle (1984)(Microprose Software).zip
Facts in Five (1982)(Avalon Hill).zip
Fight Night (Side A)(1986)(Accolade).zip
FileManager 800 (198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Floyd of the Jungle (1982)(Microprose Software).zip
Flying Ace (1982)(Avalon Hill).zip
Fooblitzky (1985)(Infocom).zip
Forbidden Forest (1983)(Cosmi).zip
Fort Apocalypse (198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Frogger (FRL 201)(1981)(Sega Enterprises).zip
Frogger (FRL 201)(1982)(Sega Enterprises).zip
Galahad and the Holy Grail (198x)(APX).zip
Gauntlet (1985)(Mindscape).zip
G.F.S. Sorceress (1982)(Avalon Hill).zip
Ghostbusters (1984)(Activision).zip
Gomoku (198x)(artsci).zip
Gorf (1981)(Roklan).zip
Graphic Generator (1982)(Datasoft).zip
Hacker (1985)(Activision).zip
HardBall (1986)(Accolade).zip
Hard Hat Mack (1983)(Electronic Arts).zip
Homeword (1983)(Sierra On-Line).zip
Household Finance (1982)(Creative Software).zip
Invasion Orion (1981)(EPYX).zip
Jaw Breaker (1981)(On-Line Systems).zip
JumpMan (1983)(EPYX).zip
K-DOS (1981)(K-Byte).zip
Keyboard Organ (198x)(APX).zip
Label Mate (Disk 1)(1988)(No Frills Software).zip
Label Mate (Disk 2)(1988)(No Frills Software).zip
Leader Board Atari Tournament Disk 1 (1986)(Access Software).zip
Letterman (198x)(APX).zip
Lode Runner (198x)(Broderbund).zip
Lode Runner's Rescue (Disk 1)(198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Lode Runner's Rescue (Disk 2)(198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Lords of Conquest (1985)(Electronic Arts).zip
Lunar Lander (1980)(Adventure International).zip
Lunar Leeper (1982)(Sierra On-Line).zip
Mail Order Monsters (Side A)(1986)(Electronic Arts).zip
Master Diskette 3 (1983)(Atari).zip
Master of the Lamps (1985)(Activision).zip
MasterType (1981)(Lightning Software).zip
Match Racer (1981)(Gebelli Software).zip
Math Pack (1982)(Inhome Software).zip
Maths For Fun (198x)(Educational Software).zip
Meltdown at Megalopolis (1983)(Cosmi).zip
Memorease+ (Disk 1)(1983)(Eagle Software Company).zip
Memorease+ (Disk 2)(1983)(Eagle Software Company).zip
Memory Mania and Maxwell's Demon (1983)(Gentry Software).zip
Micro League Baseball (1986 NL and AL Teams)(1986)(Micro League Sports Association).zip
Micro League Baseball (Game Disk)(1984)(Micro League Sports Association).zip
Micro League Baseball (General Mgr-Owner's Disk)(1985)(Micro League Sports Association).zip
Micro League Baseball (World Series Teams 1960's)(1984)(Micro League Sports Association).zip
Microsoft Basic (1981)(Microsoft).zip
MidiTrack III (1985)(Hybrid Arts).zip
MidiPatch (Yamaha DX-7/TX Tone Rack)(1985)(Hybrid Arts).zip
Mouskattack (1981)(On-Line Systems).zip
MRCA Mach 2 Combat Flight Simulator (198x)(Disconnect Peripherals).zip
Murder on the Zinderneuf (1983)(Electronic Arts).zip
Music Construction Set (1983)(Electronic Arts).zip
Music I - Terms and Notations (198x)(APX).zip
Music Player (198x)(APX).zip
My First Alphabet (1982)(Atari).zip
Napoleon in Russia - Borodino 1812 (1987)(Datasoft).zip
Nautilus (198x)(Synapse Software)[gold label].zip
Nightmare, The (1982)(Automated Simulations).zip
Number Blast (198x)(APX).zip
Oasis Visual Editing System (Ensoniq Mirage)(1986)(Hybrid Arts).zip
One on One (1984)(Electronic Arts).zip
Page Designer (1985)(XLEnt Software)[#2174].zip
Paint Master Diskette (1982)(Atari)[alt].zip
Paint Master Diskette (1982)(Atari).zip
Paris in Danger (1983)(Avalon Hill).zip
Pathfinder (1982)(Gebelli Software).zip
Pharaoh's Curse (198x)(Synapse Software)[b&w label].zip
Picnic Paranoia (198x)(Synapse Software)[gold label].zip
Pinball Construction Set (1982)(Electronic Arts).zip
Prefixes (198x)(APX).zip
Preppie! (1982)(Adventure International).zip
Print Shop (Side A)(198x)(Broderbund Software).zip
Protector (198x)(Synapse Software)[gold label].zip
Protector II (198x)(Synapse Software)[gold label].zip
Quest for the Space Beagle (Disk 1)(1984)(Avalon Hill).zip
Quest for the Space Beagle (Disk 2)(1984)(Avalon Hill).zip
Quiz Master (198x)(APX).zip
Realm of Impossibility (1984)(Electronic Arts).zip
Rear Guard (1982)(Adventure International).zip
Recipe Search'n Save (v1.1)(198x)(APX).zip
Reversi (198x)(artsci).zip
Rhymes and Riddles (1982)(Spinnaker Software).zip
Run for It (198x)(Optimum Resource).zip
S.A.G.A #5 - The Count (198x)(Adventure International).zip
S.A.M. (1982)(Don't Ask).zip
Sargon II (1982)(Hayden Software).zip
Seafox (198x)(Broderbund Software).zip
Shamus (1986)(Synapse Software)[alt].zip
Shamus (198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Shamus Case II (198x)(Synapse Software)[alt].zip
Shamus Case II (198x)(Synapse Software).zip
Shooting Arcade (1982)(Datasoft).zip
Silent Service (1985)(Microprose Software).zip
SmartDos 6.1 (1984)(Rana Systems).zip
Sneakers (1981)(Sirius Software).zip
Spider Eater (1983)(Koala Technologies).zip
Spy's Demise (1982)(Penguin Software).zip
Stellar Shuttle (198x)(Broderbund Software).zip
Strip Poker (198x)(Artworx Software).zip
Super Zaxxon (1984)(Sega Enterprises).zip
Tapper (1984)(Sega Enterprises).zip
Tax Advantage (1983)(Continental Software).zip
Teletalk (1982)(Datasoft).zip
Temple of Apshai (1979)(Automated Simulations).zip
The Factory (1983)(HesWare).zip
The Great American Cross-Country Road Race (1985)(Activision).zip
Threshold (1982)(On-Line Systems).zip
Tink's Adventure (1984)(Mindscape).zip
tiny C (1982)(OSS Inc.).zip
tiny C (Source Disk)(1982)(OSS Inc.).zip
TOP-DOS (v1.5a)(1984)(Eclipse Software).zip
Touchdown Football (1986)(Electronic Arts).zip
Track Attack (198x)(Broderbund Software).zip
Tumble Bugs (1982)(Datasoft).zip
Turtle Tracks (1982)(Scholastic Wizware).zip
Upper Reaches of Apshai (1982)(Automated Simulations).zip
VisiCalc (1980)(VisiCorp).zip
Vorrak (1983)(Avalon Hill).zip
WallWar (1982)(Sierra On-Line).zip
Warp Speed Software (v7.0) (1986)(Happy Computers).zip
Wizard and the Princess (1980)(Sierra On-Line).zip
Wombats I (1984)(Dynamic Software Design).zip
Word Flyer (1983)(Electronic Arts).zip

Edited January 22, 2012 by Farb

[F#READY]

I've now imaged 155 disks. This represents most of the original, non-flippy disks that I have (I need to do one more sweep since there are probably 20 or so I missed).

 

If anyone has any original disks they would like to have imaged, please let me know and we can work out a way to get them to me and back. I can image them and then send you the IPF when I receive it. I am still working on getting a drive that I can modify to do flippy disks.

 

Here's what I've done so far:

 

...

 

Wow! Nice work!

 

I've just finished testing my Kryoflux setup and everything seems to work perfectly.

 

Now I'm considering the 'reed contact with magnet' modification to do flippy disks.

Anyone tried this? E.g. here: http://www.siliconsonic.de/t/flipside.html

[Defender II]

I've now imaged 155 disks. This represents most of the original, non-flippy disks that I have (I need to do one more sweep since there are probably 20 or so I missed).

 

If anyone has any original disks they would like to have imaged, please let me know and we can work out a way to get them to me and back. I can image them and then send you the IPF when I receive it. I am still working on getting a drive that I can modify to do flippy disks.

 

Here's what I've done so far:

 

...

 

Wow! Nice work!

 

I've just finished testing my Kryoflux setup and everything seems to work perfectly.

 

Now I'm considering the 'reed contact with magnet' modification to do flippy disks.

Anyone tried this? E.g. here: http://www.siliconso...t/flipside.html

 

I don't think they (SPS) want that (the 'reed contact with magnet' modification) for original manufacture disks, because they want exact images of the whole disk.

If you are just using it for imaging personal disks it should work well.

Edited January 27, 2012 by Defender II

[F#READY]

...

I've just finished testing my Kryoflux setup and everything seems to work perfectly.

 

Now I'm considering the 'reed contact with magnet' modification to do flippy disks.

Anyone tried this? E.g. here: http://www.siliconso...t/flipside.html

 

I don't think they (SPS) want that (the 'reed contact with magnet' modification) for original manufacture disks, because they want exact images of the whole disk.

If you are just using it for imaging personal disks it should work well.

 

Hm, interesting point.

I thought, since the 1050 doesn't use the index hole anyway, it makes no difference to use the real index hole sensor or to fake it.

 

Have to ask them (SPS) if this method is allowed. Thanks for your remark!

[Harry1968]

I have imaged and submitted my disks:

 

Airline.zip

AlternateRealityTheCity.zip (modified)

Archon.zip

AtariSmashHits3.zip

AtariSmashHits5.zip

Ballblazer.zip

BasilTheGreatMouseDetective.zip

BCsQuestForTires.zip (modified)

BoulderDashConstructionKit.zip

BruceLee.zip

Cavelord.zip

ChessMaster2000.zip

ChopSuey.zip

Conan_alt.zip

Conan.zip

DimensionX.zip

DOS2.5.zip

DragonsKeep.zip

Elektraglide.zip

EternalDagger.zip (bad)

Gauntlet.zip

Ghostbusters.zip

GreatAmericanCrossCountryRoadRace_alt.zip

GreatAmericanCrossCountryRoadRace.zip

Hacker.zip

Hardball.zip

Herbert2.zip (modified)

Herbert.zip (unsure if modified)

JewelsOfDarkness.zip (probably bad)

KennedyApproach_Alt1.zip

KennedyApproach.zip (bad)

Kikstart.zip

LaserHawk.zip

LASwatPanther.zip

LeaderBoard.zip

MagnetoBugs.zip

Mercenary.zip

MickeyInTheGreatOutdoors.zip

MicroValueVolume2.zip

MoleculeMan.zip

MrRobotAndHisRobotFactory.zip

Ninja.zip

PharaohsCurse.zip

PinballConstructionSet.zip

Pitstop.zip

PolarPierre.zip

PolePosition.zip

RacingDestructionSet.zip

RainbowWalker.zip

RescueOnFractalus.zip (bad)

RosensBrigade.zip

ScreamingWings.zip

SiliconDreams.zip

SoloFlight.zip

SpiderMan.zip

Spindizzy.zip

SpyHunter.zip

SpyVsSpy3.zip

SpyVsSpyVolume1And2.zip

Starblade.zip

StarRaiders2.zip

StripPoker.zip

SummerGames.zip

SunStar.zip

SuperBoulderDash.zip

Superman.zip

SuperZaxxon.zip

TalesOfDragonsAndCavemen.zip

Talladega.zip

TechnoNinja.zip (unmodified)

Trailblazer.zip

Triad.zip

TriplePack.zip

Wayout.zip

WinterChallenge.zip

WinterOlympics.zip

WorldKarate.zip

Zeppelin.zip