How to create a blank disc and use it for saving basic programs

[majinbuu]

Hi

 

I've been flicking through some manuals trying to learn Atari Basic. I've been messing around with a few programs but I am at a complete loss as to how to store the programs when I have finished with them . I am using Altirra in standard 800 os-b mode with basic enabled, but for the life of me I can't create a functional blank disk image and save and load from it. Can someone walk me through the process please? Error 130 is killing me.

 

Some questions whose answers would be helpful are:

1) Do I need to format a new disk image, if so, how?

2) Do I need to use open and close commands, or are the save and load commands enough

 

Thank you

Sam

[oracle_jedi]

You need a DOS disk.

 

The exact procedure will depend on the DOS in use, but DOS 2.0 and derivatives is the most popular.

 

If you boot with BASIC you will end up at the READY prompt.

 

Type DOS to access the DOS menu and then select I for "Format Disk".

 

MAKE SURE YOU PUT A BLANK FLOPPY in the drive.

 

Once formatted you can select B - Run Cartridge.

 

Then once you have written your masterpiece:

 

SAVE "D1:MYPROG.BAS"

[majinbuu]

You need a DOS disk.

 

The exact procedure will depend on the DOS in use, but DOS 2.0 and derivatives is the most popular.

 

If you boot with BASIC you will end up at the READY prompt.

 

Type DOS to access the DOS menu and then select I for "Format Disk".

 

MAKE SURE YOU PUT A BLANK FLOPPY in the drive.

 

Once formatted you can select B - Run Cartridge.

 

Then once you have written your masterpiece:

 

SAVE "D1:MYPROG.BAS"

 

Heh, "masterpiece"

 

Not quite there yet but thanks for the info. Will try it out a bit later.

Edited April 18, 2010 by majinbuu

[majinbuu]

Ok, using DOS 2.0d I am now able to format, save and load from disks. You have been a great help.

 

Last question. From what I can understand so far, to access disks in BASIC for read/write purposes you always need to have DOS running in the background?

[Rybags]

Yep.

 

Don't use DOS 2.0, use 2.5.

[majinbuu]

Got it now. Thanks guys, you rock

[atariksi]

Yep.

 

Don't use DOS 2.0, use 2.5.

 

What about sector I/O? That should be do-able w/o a DOS 2.0 or 2.5 running although OP seems like a beginner.

[Rybags]

2.5 would be less potential for trouble.

 

You could format a DD disk with 2.0d and 2.5 or 2.0s would have no way of using it.

[+therealbountybob]

Hi majinbuu, you might want to checkout the High Score Clubs' Bonus Round "Best of Basic" (link below) there is a DOS2.5 ATR image with 10 basic games and a menu

[atariksi]

Hi majinbuu, you might want to checkout the High Score Clubs' Bonus Round "Best of Basic" (link below) there is a DOS2.5 ATR image with 10 basic games and a menu

 

Are you suggesting that he treat that ATR as a blank disc? I didn't know those games were that bad.