writing .st images on the ST

[Charlie_]

What software can I use to write .ST image files to disk on the ST?

I have a few MSA programs that work great, but none of them seem to support .ST files.

Thanks!

[Dal_1978]

JayMSA will do it:

http://phoenix.inf.upol.cz/~opichals/jay/

[Justin Payne]

Dumb question (I'm allotted get one per month ) but is this the best image format to back up old disks? I just came across a bunch of my old floppies in the garage and I'd like to back them up to "The Cloud" with the intention of putting them back onto a floppy just in case the original ever goes bad. I found a bunch of tools (http://www.atari-wiki.com/?title=Disk-Imagers) that seem to do just that but it's not quite clear which one will do exactly what I'd like to do.

Additionally, I'd hope to post any files that currently don't exist on a popular archive location, such as AtariMania.com. Of course, my only issue with AtariMania is that there doesn't seem to be an easy way to upload missing content and I'm getting the impression that won't change soon.

So, I would like...

• Archive old floppies to disk image format
• Able to put disk image back onto floppy
• Find archive site on the web to ensure all ST software is available to world for history purposes
• Win the lottery. Retire to a private island with white sandy beaches (optional)

[ParanoidLittleMan]

I clicked that link to Atari Wiki, and what I saw there ? That there is pretty few Atari SW listed there, and some even are not real floppy imagers. I think that I will go there soon and edit that page ! How they missed FastCopy, Acopy and some other good SW ? DISKIMAG is made with simple purpose - to keep system area of floppies in compact form, for later validation. It is not floppy image at all.

 

Back to topic: First thing you need to do is to determine is there some copy protection on floppy you want to image. From your post it is not clear what you have and what plan to put on "cloud".

If it is copy protected original SW you need Pasti image format and SW. And ST. Time. However, Pasti has disadvantage that supports not writing from images back to floppies. In any case, you should not image what is already on Atarimania, except if there are infos that image of particular title at AM is not OK. If you have lot of originals, you should consider buying of SCP imaging device (Super Card Pro) - what will make real images which can be written back to floppy.

Imaging unprotected floppies: usual formats are ST and MSA . Conversion from one to other is quite simple. I found that Jay MSA is not well usable. So, I recommend my TRACC , get it here: http://atari.8bitchip.info/floimgd.php

It needs 2 MB min, and you have it. As may see, it can image in ST or MSA format. Need little time to get into, but certainly simpler than using Pasti.

Same PRG TRACC is good for writing images back to floppies.

 

Archive site on WEB: that depends from what content you mean to upload. In case of Atarimania you need ftp access, then it is really simple and fast. Other question is how long will take that they move uploaded stuff in public area/database and add comments. I added some years ago plenty of STX images, and all it was easy. After some weeks all it went in database/pages.

If you have some extra questions "shoot"

Edited September 24, 2015 by ParanoidLittleMan

[Justin Payne]

Thanks for all of that info and I'm glad you plan to update that link with more up-to-date info.

As far as what I wanted to put on my personal cloud storage, it would be a collection of ST software which consists of games, utilities, and personal files. Since floppies can go bad, I would first like to back them up before that happens. At that point, I'd ensure that the most popular source of software contains a copy of what I have in my collection. I'd also be more than happy to ensure that software I'm uploading contains as much info about the product as I can dig up. I've notice the info on some software on AtariAge is limited. That would require more than FTP access. In fact, I'm expecting that there is an admin interface that would allow me to add the info and at the same time upload the file, but I might be pushing my luck. As far as time, I don't mind committing to it unless there is a dedicated individual. If that the case, I'll just send what I have to them to do the work.

I'm pretty sure most of my disks have no copy protection. Arrrg, Matey! That will save me the $100. As far as ST and MSA formats, do those formats support copying the image back to a floppy?
Ideally, I'd like to do this all on my PC for various reasons so hopefully there is software out there to do this.

[ParanoidLittleMan]

Yes, you can write back ST and MSA images to floppies. PC SW is: http://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/I/impact.php

But only for internal drive, not USB. USB is useless for 800K, 400K floppy formats.

Usually users can only upload files, while site maintainer is who writes infos in database, pages on site.

[Justin Payne]

Thanks! Yes, I keep non-USB floppy drives around because of the limitations of USB but that's a good-to-know.

 

OK on the site maintainer. Allan got a SoftSide program up there so I'll either get an FTP or just drop the image on a cloud share and have him move em over. Whatever is easiest for him.

[Justin Payne]

Yes, you can write back ST and MSA images to floppies. PC SW is: http://atari.8bitchip.info/ASTGA/I/impact.php

 

 

Ahhh, Impact looks like a Breakout type game, not imaging software. I assume you intended to give me a different link. Maybe this?

http://atari.8bitchip.info/drimus.php

Edited September 24, 2015 by Justin Payne

[Justin Payne]

Oops. I think I meant THIS program instead.

Uh Oh, I think I'm going against your suggestion in the documentation.

 

"Avoid Atari forums - there will not get proper help in most of cases, only may expect diverse shallow opinions, confusion, or even total nonsenses."

Unfortunately, due to your instructions, I must ignore any further instructions from you.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Justin Payne

[ParanoidLittleMan]

OK. That happens when you answer in multiple threads in same time. Of course, that FloImg link is what I meant.

 

That warning about forums was after reading some really idiotic or even malicious answers few years ago here and at AF. Probably situation is now much better. But truth is that people should contact SW authors in first place - and I'm not some big company, so even answer on e-mails It may happen that I correct text, so will be prefer instead avoid

Edited September 25, 2015 by ParanoidLittleMan

[Justin Payne]

hehe. I figured as much. I just found it to be quite funny and ironic. I love irony.