L E R M S O F T W A R E ************************* TAPE COPIER 6 and M Mode 2 -------------------------- INTRODUCTORY SHEET ------------------ Thank you for buying our Tape Copier 6 (TC6) package of programs. We believe (at the time of construction), that they represent a significant advance in the production of an essential back-up copier. With modern security tape loading errors are more frequent, and with some very long programs tapes are almost certain to corrupt. We do stress however that it is a condition of sale that these utilities are NOT used to break copyright laws. They are for making your own personal copies, and these must NOT be sold, hired, or lent to others. Failure to do this may result in prosecution and we have no sympathy whatever for those defrauding companies from their well earned profits. This sort of THEFT must be stamped out otherwise YOU will suffer. We will report such illegal actions. PROGRAMS PROVIDED ----------------- You are provided with TAPE COPIER 6 (TC6) and a second program called "M" MODE2 (MM2). In addition those who have the m/drive option have a third program called MINITAPE 6.0. (MT6) TC6 makes back-up copies of programs, and bits of programs provided that they aren't too long, and load in at the normal speed. MM2 is provided to cope with the types that TC6 can't manage, but can only copy one bit at a time. MT6 for those who have it, copies BASIC, M/CODE or ARRAYS directly onto m/drive. For successful transfer of cassette based programs most software has also to be "converted". For this we sell a separate program called Microdrive One. This is essential for all m/drive owners (or wafer and disc drive owners except that they need MD1X). THE TC6 MANUAL HAS A SECTION MARKED TECHNICAL INFORMATION. PLEASE STUDY THIS CAREFULLY. General Comments. ----------------- 1. You are supplied with programs in the order TC6, then shortly afterwards MM2. Those with MT6 have this following the other two. If you require MT6 on a separate tape send us an SAE and cheque for £2. NOTE THAT MT6 WILL ONLY LOAD IF INTERFACE ONE IS ATTACHED. ---------------------------------------------------------- 2. Before attempting to LOAD in any of the programs ensure that you have an EMPTY Spectrum. i.e switch it off and on again or type RANDOMISE USR 0 (and ENTER). IN ADDITION we WARN YOU that the programs might not LOAD or WORK PROPERLY when peripherals are attached (except Interface One), OR if LOADED with the VOLUME TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW. Printers should be switched off. It may be that your printer, joystick, or whatever has to be removed. (a) Rewind the tape to the start of the program. (b) Press "J" (for LOAD), then "" (holding down symbol shift and pressing "p" twice). Your screen should now show LOAD "" (c) Now PRESS ENTER, and start PLAY on your recorder. if the load fails rewind the tape and adjust the control on your recorder, and try again. NOW PLEASE TRY COPYING YOUR SIMPLE PROGRAMS FIRST. CHECK THAT THE PROGRAMS WORK. WE REGRETABLY DO SEND OUT A SMALL NUMBER OF FAULTY TAPES - THIS IS UNAVOIDABLE AS TAPES ARE DELICATE AND WE CAN'T TEST EVERY TAPE WE SELL! Sometimes your cassette recorder doesn't quite suit a particular copy. IF THE TAPE IS FAULTY THEN SEND IT BACK FOP REPLACEMENT - we normally are v.prompt!! There is also a great temptation to back-up your latest software first. This is not a good idea as it is probably the best secured and you will need to get used to TC6 before tackling these more difficult programs. 3. Do experiment with the programs to realise their full potential. Enter break to see what happens (this is the abort feature EXCEPT when copying onto the microdrive. DO give yourself time to get used to the package. Despite the detailed manual to put you fully in the picture, the majority of programs can be copied very easily. 4. We are aware of a very few programs that TC6 can't manage. We are sorry about this but we feel that by the time we would have dealt with them there would no doubt be others to cope with. We hope that TC7 will manage them, and ask that you realise that this product must continue to be developed. TC6 won't copy several LERM programs either. 5. Remember that MOST systems require you to remove the "EAR" socket when SAVING, and "MIC" socket when loading - see your Spectrum manual. 6. We are always updating our programs, and to obtain the latest version (after checking that there is one), simply SEND us a STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE, THE COST and YOUR OLD TAPE. No SAE = much slower service ! GUARANTEES ---------- MONEY BACK GUARANTEE -------------------- If ON RECEIPT you are not completely satisfied with your programs and want a full refund, send the tape back STRAIGHT AWAY. Please state your reason(s) for return, giving all details if for some strange reason the package failed to work. For updates we will only refund the update price and send back your old version. ALSO an SAE does speed up the process. GENERAL GUARANTEE ----------------- Your programs are guaranteed for 6 months. Send back the faulty copy and it will be replaced free of charge, but again an SAE will save you time. ALL THE PROGRAMS IN THIS PACKAGE, TOGETHER WITH THE MANUALS ARE OUR COPYRIGHT, AND OTHER THAN A GENUINE PURCHASER FOR THEIR OWN USE ONLY, NO PART MAY BE REPRODUCED. LERM, 10 Brunswick Gdns, Corby, Northants. Great Oakley (0536) 743845 (evenings before 9.0p.m) For a reply you MUST enclose a stamped addressed envelope. WE REGRET THAT WE CAN'T GIVE ADVICE ON BACKING UP INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS - the chances are we don't have them anyway ! TC6-INT-2 MANUAL FOR TAPE COPIER 6. ------------------------- INTRODUCTORY NOTE ----------------- This is the main program. It can cope with most programs. Its total capacity is approx 41k, and thus if the total program is longer than this then copying must be done in two stages. If any single part exceeds the 41k or it has a part which loads in at a faster/slower than normal speed, you will need the other program provided - MM2. We advise you to read through the sections 2 and 3 to QUICKLY get familiar with the package. After this we advise you to read and try to understand the section marked TECHNICAL INFORMATION before reading through the rest of the manual. 1. LOADING IN TC6 ----------------- Follow the instructions on the introductory sheet. On successful loading a message "HERE ARE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS" will appear. HOW TO BACK-UP MOST PROGRAMS ---------------------------- 2. MAKING A BACK-UP COPY ------------------------ What follows under this main section is the QUICK and EASY guide to copy MOST programs. It is designed to get you going quickly, leaving the more difficult aspects until later on. All you basically have to do is to load in your program as you normally would, except that it is now under TC6's control. After loading enter break. Then you save it back out again. It is that simple for MOST programs. Try it and see, but leave your latest programs to last as they may take more effort, needing perhaps MM2 as well as TC6. 3. LOADING IN THE PROGRAM TO BE COPIED -------------------------------------- (a) Rewind the program to be copied to its start. (b) Press PLAY on your recorder and then key "t" on your Spectrum. (yes key "t" NOT "l" but this will be explained later). (c) After loading is completed enter BREAK, and stop your recorder playing. (d) You will be asked if there are any more parts to be loaded in. On the assumption that the answer is no press key "n". If there were then press "y" and start your recorder playing again. Saving a copy ------------- (e) Put a fresh tape into your recorder and start it RECORDING. (f) Press key "c" (for COPY) on your Spectrum and wait until saving is complete. PRESSING "a" (for advance) takes you back to the loading step (b). This is included in case you accidentally load in a block/program and don't wish to make a copy. Repeat copies ------------- (g) After saving, stop your recorder. If you want to make another copy press "y" for YES, and you are taken back to part (e). Pressing "n" for NO takes you back to part (a) ready to copy another program. To get rid of TC6 ----------------- While at the loading step (b) you can get the computer to new itself by entering CAPITAL "N". OTHER FEATURES -------------- Having got used to SECTION 3, you can now get used to some of the extra features that are provided for you. Before reading this we are going to assume that you have read and understood the TECHNICAL INFORMATION section of this manual. 4. ABORT -------- (a) If you enter BREAK at any time during LOADING, the loading process is discontinued (or ABORTED), and you are taken to Section 3(d) ready to save what has been loaded, or load in more program parts. TC6 will copy exactly what it has taken in up to the time of entering BREAK. (b) If you enter BREAK during saving your TC6 will stop saving, and take you to the repeat copy stage at section 3(g) Note you may have to hold down the BREAK for a little while to effect this step. 5. DELETE --------- While at Section 3 step (e) a number will appear half way up the screen on the left hand side. This tells you how many BLOCKS are in TC6's memory. (a simple basic program would have 2). Every time the "d" key is pressed the number of block is reduced by ONE. e.g if your program has 5 blocks pressing the "d" key twice removes the last 2 blocks, and only the first 3 played into TC6's memory would be saved. 6. PAUSE -------- Some programs have gaps between their various parts. e.g. after loading in some basic, a tune is played, the screen is altered, etc. The next program part doesn't appear on the tape for perhaps 5 seconds or so. Thus your copy needs these "gaps" placing between them. After saving any BLOCK TC6 checks to see if you are HOLDING DOWN the "p" key. YOU MUST PRESS AND HOLD DOWN THE "p" KEY WHILE TC6 IS SAVING THE BYTES OF THE BLOCK BEFORE THE GAP TO BE INSERTED. If you aren't holding down the "p" key then TC6 saves the next block. If you are it waits until you release the "p" key. Try this out and experiment to see the effect! eg. a program has T H T B * T H T B * you want a 5 second gap here After TC6 has saved the T H T and is saving the FIRST B, hold down the "p" key. When it has finished saving the FIRST B count to 5, then release the "p" key. It will then save the last T H and then T B. You can put gaps even between the H and next T if you want. (PS. Sorry TC6 was finished just as a new security - with "pulsed" tone leaders - e.g. Decath*** - was developed. Infact with MM2 holding down the loading keys and than releasing you can get them to load. They are saved with normal tone leaders, and you might well get them onto your drive using Micro or Wafa Drive One.) 7. THE MORE DIFFICULT PROGRAMS ------------------------------ The general rule here is: (i) copy what you can using the method outlined in Section 3 (ii) use this special section for programs with the problems outlined below, or perhaps the MM2 PROGRAM PROVIDED. (a) A wide TONE leader ---------------------- A few programs (e.g Bedl**) have a block of code that has a tone leader which is approx TWICE as THICK as usual. (i) Copy all but this part as in Section 3. (ii) For this part only at the loading stage (step b), instead of pressing "t", press "w" (for wide) instead. After loading you can copy it with a normal tone leader by pressing the "c" key as usual at step (4) - this is useful for m/drive transfer. To copy it with a thick tone leader press key "w" at step (f) instead of "c". (b) A lot of very short tone leaders ------------------------------------ A few programs, including ours, have blocks saved with very short tone leaders with no "time" gaps between each block. They thus have two problems - no time gap between blocks and short tone leaders. (e.g Starbli**) (i) Copy all the early blocks as outlined in Section 3. (ii) For the blocks of code with this security use key "s" at the loading stage (b). It will load in the blocks continuously just like the "t" option. You will see the border colour of CYAN/RED for a very short time whenever a "tone leader" is spotted. ("s" stands for short) Try it on TC6 but remember that although it will take in the bytes, it won't save them. To save at step (f) just press "c" as normal. There is ONE problem however. It is possible for TC6 to misread the program when using the "s" option. This happens when trying to back up URG*, however the problem can be overcome. This program has two short tone leaders. We will use the letter small "t" for these short Tone leaders. the last two blocks are t B t B (no sound gap between the blocks). If you use the "s" key TC6 takes in the first t and B, then the second t, but after a short while stops loading during the last long B. Enter "BREAK", and you will see that TC6 shows that 2 block are in its memory. Press "d" to delete the last one saving just the first. Now go back, and rewind your orginal copy and wait until the first t and B has passed, but then press key "t" (NOT "s") to take in the last part, and save it as usual. 8. EXPLANATION OF LOADING USING KEYS "t", "l", and "s" ------------------------------------------------------ (i) "t" key. When loading using "t" TC6 looks For normal length TONE leaders, and automatically changes the border colour to RED/CYAN when it spots them. (ii) "l" key. When using "l" no check is made for TONE leaders, and thus if there is no time gap between blocks TC6 will be fooled into saving TONE as BYTES. Incidentally this could be overcome by simply stopping and then starting the tape again whenever you notice the border becoming THICK yellow/blue (as this means you have a tone leader not bytes). We have provided you will the "l" key just in case the "t" option ever fails you by accidentally reading a block of code wrongly, but this is unlikely. (iii) "s" key. Looks for those v.short tone leaders. The only snag is that TC6 can misread the program thinking that some of the BYTES are TONE. If this happens use the "t" key to copy the block which is confusing the "s" option. 9. MEMORY SHORTAGE ------------------ Provided that the total of all the program parts is less than approx 41k, TC6 can manage all the blocks. It is possible however (say Scrabb**), that there isn't enough room for the whole program. USUALLY TC6 will warn you if it is likely that you aren't going to have enough room. If this happens: (i) Stop you tape the second the warning message appears, and save onto a fresh tape what you already have in TC6. (ii) Now load in the last long part separately and save. i.e do the copying in 2 stages rather than continuously. Block number 1 2 3 4 5 e.g T H T B T H T B* T B+ * copy up to here first stopping your recorder as soon after the last byte of block 4 has been loaded + copy this last long part separately. If this single block is too long (more than 41k) then you will have to use the MM2 program for that BLOCK ONLY. 10. SUMMARY OF KEYS ------------------- When ready to LOAD Key Purpose --------------------------------------------- l Normal load. t Loads looking for tone leaders. s Loads looking for SHORT tone leaders. w LOADS blocks with WIDE tone leaders. N Effects a NEW. When ready to SAVE Key Purpose --------------------------------------------- c Normal COPY w Copies with a WIDE tone leader. a Advances - skips out the saving process p Gives PAUSES between blocks. REMEMBER you can enter BREAK at any time. TC6-2. MANUAL FOR M MODE ver 2. ------------------------ INTRODUCTORY NOTE ----------------- This program copies only ONE block at a time (e.g to copy Basic you would have to copy the header and main bytes separately!). We have assumed that you have read the TECHNICAL INFORMATION sheet. To load it use the instructions given on the introductory sheet. This program copes with all situations that TC6 manages (except block with a wide tone leader), so it could be used instead of TC6 (but copying would have to be done one block at a time). WE GENERALLY ADVISE YOU TO USE TC6 FIRST TO COPY THE PARTS THAT IT CAN COPE WITH, AND THEN LOAD IN MM2 AND USE IT FOR THE "DIFFICULT" PART(S) ONLY. The program (unlike earlier versions) doesn't NEW itself after use except if you use the "j" option. In addition ignore the funny screen pictures that frequently occur when using MM2. What it can manage in addition is (i) very long blocks (say 65000 bytes) (ii) blocks which load at different speeds to normal (i.e different Baud rates). Finally, the program, to save on memory, is NOT user friendly, and gives no instructions at all apart from changes in the BORDER colour. It is thus very important for you to follow this manual carefully. AFTER loading in a BLOCK OF CODE the border can be any colour. We begin with a summary of the keys. SUMMARY OF KEYS --------------- Key Purpose ----------------------------------------------------------- l LOAD BLOCK up to approx 47.3k. m Long BLOCK from approx 47.3 to 50k. a Abort. Resets everything back to the state when just loaded. q For QUIT. Effects a NEW. c Counts bytes (must be used before r). Border goes MAGENTA. r For block longer that m can cope with (r= ridiculous!). c used first. s save j V.long BLOCK where r fails. Must use c first, and program NEW's after use. 0-9 Alter Baud rate. 2=normal. 0=slowest 9= fastest. BORDER goes GREEN. ----------------------------------------------------------- 1. MENU, START STATUS, and "a" KEY ---------------------------------- When MM2 is loaded in you will find that the screen is black, and the border is yellow. The program is now set at its START STATUS, and the above "menu" of options is available to you. At any stage (except after using the J option), you can get back to this initial START status by simply pressing the "a" key. WARNING. if you have used the "c" option to count bytes, then pressing "a" puts the counter back to O. 2. TO LOAD IN A SINGLE BLOCK UNDER APPROX 47.3k LONG THE "l" KEY ---------------------------------------------------------------- This option should be used whenever possible. (a) Rewind your tape to the start of the block. (b) Press PLAY and then the "l" key. (c) Wait until loading is complete. (d) To save see section 3. NOTE THAT SCREEN STRINGS WILL APPEAR MOVED ONE SPACE. 3. TO SAVE ANY BLOCK - THE "s" KEY ---------------------------------- (a) Place a fresh tape into your recorder. (b) Press the "s" key, and wait until saving is complete. By pressing "s" again you can get another copy. When you have finished saving you don't have to press key "a" to get the START STATUS. To do another loading just press whichever option you require. (Baud rate remains as previously set unless you alter it, see later.) 4. TO LOAD IN A SINGLE BLOCK WHICH IS BETWEEN APPROX 47.3k AND 50.0k - THE "m" KEY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The VAST MAJORITY of very long BLOCKS (that usually fill the whole 48k) can be managed with this option. Infact the "r", and "j" options are needed for a TINY handful of programs. As a SIMPLE guide, if the block, when loading seems to put a picture (or screen string) onto your t.v. first, and the loading takes a great deal of time, then the chances are that this option will work. Only if it is over approx 50k should you bother with the "r" or "j" options. To use this option follow the same instructions as section 2, except press the "m" rather than the "l" key. 5. TO LOAD IN BLOCKS LONGER THAN APPROX 50.k - THE "c", "r" AND "j" KEYS ------------------------------------------------------------------------ For security some programs have put you to the trouble of waiting a great deal of time by loading in many more bytes than the computer can manage. We consider this a waste of YOUR time, and totally unnecessary. To cope with these (e.g Milliona***) it is necessary for you to use the "c" key first. This COUNTS the bytes. AFTER USING THE "c" KEY THE BORDER CHANGES TO MAGENTA. (a) Copy all except the long part with TC6. (b) Rewind your tape to the start of the long block. (c) Press PLAY on your recorder and then the "c" key, and wait until all the block has been played through so that the counting can take place. (d) Now rewind your tape again to the start of the long block. (e) Press PLAY on your recorder, and then the "r" key to do the loading. Wait until loading is complete. (f) Now follow the saving proceedure in section 3. Now there is also the odd LONG block that even the "r" key can't manage. In that case repeat the above but press "j" instead of "r". NOTE THAT AFTER SAVING THE PROGRAM NEW'S ITSELF. One program that needs the "j" option for the last long part is "Superchess 3**". We have made this easier for you to cope with this one program by already "pre-programming" its length so you don't need to use the "count" option first, but normally you would For this program: (a) Copy the first few blocks using the "t" option in TC6. Note that it has as its last 2 blocks T B T B, where the last B is the very long part, the previous B being rather short, but with NO SOUND gap between them. Use TC6 for everything except that last long part. (b) To copy the last long part use MM2. Make sure that your tape is at its start, press PLAY on your recorder, and then the "j" key. (c) After loading is complete follow the saving proceedure in section 3. After saving the progam NEW's itself. 6. LENGTH OF BLOCK GUIDE ------------------------ If you time by using a watch, or using a tape counter, the length of the BYTES (excluding the TONE leader) the following table gives an indication of the APPROXIMATE number of bytes. (all at NORMAL Baud rate) Length Time (mins,seconds) Length on tape counter ----------------------------------------------------- a. 47k 4mins 1Osecs 71 b. 50k 4mins 26secs 76 Thus if the length were under 71 you use the "l" option, between approx 71 and 76 the "m" option, but over 76 the "r" option (use "c" first). 7. DIFFERENT LOADING SPEED or BAUD RATES ---------------------------------------- The speed of loading and saving can be altered easily by pressing the keys 0 to 9. KEY NUMBER ---------- O 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 slow normal usual fast high speed If you press one of these numbers the border changes to GREEN. Key 2 gives the normal speed, and you will find the majority of programs will load and save using key 5. One exception is F/Throttle which uses key 4. UNFORTUNATELY you can only test this by trail and error. If you try to load in a fast loader even under normal (key 2) it would appear to load. When saving however it would be obvious that the thickness of the yellow/blue stripes was the "normal" width, and not the narrow ones that are seen when using a "fast" loader. ALL the previous loading options (except the "j" key) still apply - its just that you have altered the speed. Obviously before using the "c" count option, MM2 must have been previously set to the "correct" baud rate. SUGGESTION. Load in a moderately long block of bytes. Then try pressing the various numbers 0-9 and press "s" without recording with your tape deck. See the difference? Enter "break" to stop "saving". ANOTHER SUGGESTION. When trying to "guess" the correct key to load in why not just load in a little program. Stop the tape, and then save what you already have. Load in your part copy and see if it fails to load before you reach the end. e.g. you load in and then save say 20 seconds of code. Playing back the copy it "crashes" after a few seconds. Thus this speed was wrong. Try another, until the "crash" only occurs when you play in those 20 seconds. e.g.1 Pyjamar*** (a) Copy all but the last part using TC6 OR use the "l" key in MM2 to copy each block, and save onto tape as usual. (b) For the last part with the fast loader press key "5". Having made sure that your tape is at the start of the block, press PLAY and key (we use key "l" as it is shorter than 41.3k). Wait until loading is complete. (c) Follow the usual saving proceedure at section 3. To try for m/drive transfer, you can make another copy by saving it at NORMAL speed, and then use our MD1 program. (see eg.2 below). To do this simply press key "2" (border will go green), and then follow section 3 for saving. Infact you can re-save at any one of the 10 speeds, but they would only then LOAD if the basic loading program was changed. e.g. 2 - F/Throttle. For this do the same as the above example except use key "4", rather than key "7". For m/drive transfer save a copy at normal rate and then use MD1. Follow the standard proceedures, but when using bytes mover to move your code around, instead of getting the program to return to basic, get it to run from address 46100 (equivalent to RANDOMISE USR 46100). Infact saving at speed "5" worked as well. Indeed you may even find a program that needs to loaded in at say 6, but then saved under 5. Note also that some programS (e.g. Braxx B***, Kentil**), use more than one Baud rate. These use keys 2 and 3. The "higher" sounding ones with narrower yellow/blue lines are key 3. They often follow a pattern (e.g alternate between 2 and 3 or two lots of 3 and then one lot of 2). WARNING Fiddling with the baud rate (increasing the speed) makes loading much more unreliable. You will thus have to experiment with different volume levels to make an effective copy. It might well be that your orginal only loads in with your recorder on FULL volume. Equally the copy that is made only loads in at three-quarters volume. This is because the copy is "better" and doesn't need to strain your recorders "hearing" as much. Too LOUD or too QUIET is far more critical. FINALLY if you have altered the baud rate load/saving MM2 remembers this, and all subsequent loadings/saving will take place at this level. You can change it by pressing a key in the range 0-9. If you press "a" you will be taken to the START STATUS. MM2-3 TECHNICAL INFORMATION --------------------- In order for you to try and understand your Spectrum a little more, and to help you make your back-up copies of the more difficult programs we have included this section. Please read it carefully (perhaps several times), as soon as you can. TONE leader, BYTES, BLOCK of code, and PROGRAM PART --------------------------------------------------- (i) TONE leader. (abbreviated T) -------------------------------- When you save or load in a program the first thing you see on the screen is some THICK red and CYAN stripes. This is called the TONE LEADER (TONE for short). It is used as an introduction to ensure that your code is taken into the computers memory at the correct time. (ii) BYTES. (abbreviated B) --------------------------- After the TONE there are some BYTES. These are usually easily spotted because you see NARROW yellow and blue stripes. BYTES are the actual numbers (in the range 0-255) that are put into the computers memory. i.e BYTES include basic, machine code, data. ALL are bytes, it is just that they have different purposes. (iii) BLOCK of Code. -------------------- A tone leader, together with the bytes that follow are called a BLOCK of code. (iv) PROGRAM PART. ------------------ Suppose you load in a simple piece of BASIC into your computer. What happens? First you will see T (Tone), then a short burst of B (bytes). This is the first block. Secondly, after a short time, you will see a second T, followed by a longer burst of B, the time that this second B lasts depends upon how long your program is. You have thus a second BLOCK of code. BLOCK 1 BLOCK 2 short summary T B time T B gap Tone leader (THICK RED/CYAN) Bytes (NARROW yellow/blue) These two block combined we shall call a PROGRAM part. Thus if you save some BASIC (TB TB) and then say an array of data (TB TB) you have saved TWO program parts, as your complete program has two "parts" to it. If on the other hand you save some Basic, and then some code, and then an array, then your program would have 3 program parts. Finally note that the BYTES (B) although usually NARROW yellow/blue can be changed by a programmer to other combinations. You can really recognise BYTES by the fact the lines are NARROW rather than by their colour. HEADER ------ Above we didn't quite tell the whole story. Suppose again you load in a simple Basic program. FIRST you see the thick RED/CYAN stripes of the TONE leader (i.e an introductory sound to prepare for loading) SECOND you see a SHORT burst of NARROW yellow/blue. i.e you have the first BLOCK T B. This FIRST burst of B is called the HEADER, and is short since a HEADER contains only 17 bytes (or numbers). The HEADER which tells the Spectrum the type of program it is loading in, where to load it, and its name. Thats why just after this you see a message like Program: Fred or Bytes: Fred After this the second block would be loaded in. The TONE (T) and LAST you see some more yellow/blue narrow lines which show the Basic bytes being loaded in. summary: when loading in a single program part we see BLOCK 1 time BLOCK 2 T H gap T B NOTE we have now abbreviated the header as H, and changed from TB TB to TH TB. The below gives you the details of the HEADER numbers. HEADER DATA ----------- For the technically minded you are shown for any program its "header data". The Spectrum has 17 numbers In its header. This tells the Spectrum the programs name and other vital information. On the screen will appear something like HEAD: 0-250-10-200 There will always be FOUR numbers shown. What do they mean? ------------------ First number: 0= basic 1= number array 2= string array 3= code (loaded/saved using LOAD""CODE or SAVE"name"CODE) (thus example header above is BASIC) Second number: gives the number of bytes that are to be loaded in. (our example has 250) Third number: If BASIC (1.e 1st number=0) this gives the AUTOMATIC line number from which the program would run. If this is greater than 32768, no AUTO run occurs. If CODE (i.e 1st number=3) this indicates the address where the first byte should be loaded when placed in the computers memory. Fourth number: This gives the number of bytes of BASIC if the first number was 0. (note this number will usually be less than given by the 2nd above as the latter includes bytes for the variables as well as the basic.) (our example has 200, thus 50 bytes are used for variables) e.g.2 for HEAD:3-780-36874-780 you would have CODE of length 780 bytes which would start to be loaded in from address 36874. HEADERLESS PROGRAM ------------------ All programs must start with a header, and then some bytes. i.e T H T B. After this the machine code programme can do without "headers' altogether, as he/she can control where the bytes are to be loaded. These are so called "HEADERLESS" programs. e.g T H T B * T B * T B * this has 2 parts (here) without headers. Incidentally some programmers have put into their programs so called "false headers". They are blocks of code 17 bytes long (made to look like "headers"), sometimes with illegal names within them. These are designed to fool copiers. TC6 doesn't take any notice of "headers". If you ever see something like PROGRAM NAME: FRED????? the ? have been used to replace those illegal numbers that have been placed in the header to fool or crash the copier. MORE ABOUT TONE LEADERS ----------------------- To improve their security various companies have made up their own TONE leaders. The first PROGRAM PART has to be "normal" or the Spectrum wouldn't load it. After this however, by writing some machine code, the programmer can bypass the usual loading system and create his own. This is an outline of some of the possibilities. (i) Create a TONE leader rather narrower than normal (e.g. W.W.Hero - TC6 manages this as if it were "normal") (ii) Create a TONE leader much wider than normal.m(e.g Bedl** - TC6 haS a special key to load in these and save them). (iii) Do a very short tone leader, say a tenth of a second instead of the usual 2-5 seconds. (e.g our own TC6 has these. The border goes THICK yellow/blue for a very short time.) TC6 again nas 4 special key for this. (iv) It is possible to save a program (using machine code) but without any sound gap between the BLOCKS of code. e.g T H T B T B We have done this in TC6, and if you listen to the tape continuous sound is heard. This can fool copiers as they assume that there will be a sound gap. What happens is that they get confused, the border goes thick yellow/blue when they hear the T and thus then save the tone leader as bytes by mistake. Again TC6 has a way of overcoming this problem. BAUD rate --------- Normally the Spectrum loads/saves programs at a particular SPEED. It is called the BAUD rate. Normally for a Spectrum it is 1500. It is possible for a programmer to increase or decrease this speed. If you speed up the rate and reduce loading time you pay the penalty of more unreliable loading. Several of the more recent programs use a faster Baud rate, and MM2 copes with these. They are most easily spotted by the fact that (i) when the bytes are loaded the gaps between yellow/blue (OR perhaps other colour combination) is NARROWER than usual; (ii) the pitch of the noise that is made is HIGHER and more "scratchy". unfortunately they are tricky to deal with and TIME and PATIENCE is required. TC6-TI-1 ************************************ LERM ~ WITH THE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ------------------------------------ ************************************ TAPE COPIER 6 ------------- 46K SPECTRUM - THE NEW GENERATION COPIER ---------------------------------------- YES if you are thinking of protecting YOUR valuable software by buying a BACK-UP COPIER then all we ask is that you look at our package before buying any other copier. FULL INSTRUCTIONS are supplied but the package is very USER FRIENDLY. TWO versions available. WE WARN YOU NOT TO USE THESE ULTILITIES TO BREAK COPYRIGHT LAWS. COMPANIES ARE ENTITLED TO BE PAID FOR THEIR WORK JUST LIKE YOU! You can COPY the vast majority of programs, and convert the fast loaders to normal speed for possible tape to drive transfer, with the help of our Microdrive One program. (or WD1) * CONTINUOUS LOADING - most programs can be loaded in ONE GO WITHOUT EVEN PRESSING A KEY! - including those with no sound gap between parts. MOST programs are backed-up VERY easily with no worry about false headers, etc. * Manages short and wide TONE leaders. * BREAK AT ANY TIME - just copy a header, AND YOU CAN THEN CARRY ON LOADING AGAIN, or SAVE. * M Mode 2 (MM2) - a special program to deal with parts even 65000+ bytes long, and those high speed loaders. 10 settings to choose from for loading then saving. Essential for transfer to disc, wafer, or micro-drives. * INTEGRATED HEADER READER and program names given, as well as memory shortage warnings - tells you what it is doing! * MINITAPE 6 extra program that copies Basic, m/code, and arrays directly onto MICRODRIVE. Stops programs to help make them run, alter program name, etc, etc. We offer a FULL REFUND if we can't satisfy you, and an update service. COST £5.00 (or £6.00 with M/tape6 on same tape). MT6 on own tape £3. Old customers send OLD TAPE + SAE and given a £2 reduction on the above. DRAGON COPIER ------------- Yes we supply a simple to use BACK-UP copier for the Dragon computer at at mere £6.99. FULL manual included as usual. MICRODRIVE ONE -------------- (WD1 for Wafa/Disc drive owners) -------------------------------- AT LAST 48k SPECTRUM OWNERS CAN GET THE MAJORITY OF PROGRAMS RUNNING ON THE MICRO/WAFA/DISC DRIVE. Before using MD1 the comment was ".. getting programs on cartridge range from 5 to 20 percent.." but after using MD1 "so far 100 percent success ..... So my advice is, before buying ...., check out LERM MD1." Your Spectrum No9. Transfering programs from TAPE to other fast storage systems is a TWO stage process. (i) Firstly you must transfer the bytes. (ii) Secondly you must alter or convert them so that the programs will run. M/Drive owners can buy our TAPE COPER with M/Drive option to do step (i), but this can be done "manually". In addition the "normal" copier has a baud rate converter for fast speed loaders and other "aids" for tape to drive transfer, as well as TAPE TO TAPE back-up. For step (ii) you MUST HAVE OUR MICRODRIVE ONE (MD1) package of 7 programs (48k SPECTRUM only) that offers you the following: (a) A fully detailed manual with examples and exercises. (b) Help you make MANY (but not all) of your programs RUN from the drive (having hopefully used our copier first). Our BYTES MOVER generates machine code required to move bytes around the memory. ESSENTIAL for long programs (up to 48k!) and those that load into memory - say under address 24000. (c) The package also contains an advanced header reader, bytes remover, program counter, header creator, program analysis for m/code search to locate loading positions for "headerless" parts, etc, etc. (d) A program that gives you an advanced CATALOGUE - printed neatly on the screen, with easy repeat erasure, loading, or copy of CAT onto most printers including dot matrix. (NOT supplied with WD1 who receive 5 programs). The introductory price will be £6.50. This program is not for the absolute beginner, BUT MOST CUSTOMERS SOON GET USED TO THE PACKAGE, and find it INVALUABLE. We believe it offers BY FAR the best opportunity for you to FULLY utilise your DRIVE system. LERM PRICE LIST --------------- Tape Copier 6 (TC6) £5.00 Tape Copier 6 (inc MT6) £6.00 Microdrive One (MD1) £6.50 wafadrive One (WD1) £6.50 Graphics and Sound Toolkit. £5.50 Minitape 6 (on own tape) £3.00 Education One £4.99 Marks Book £4.99 DRAGON Tape Copier £6.99 ALL WITH OUR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE --------------------------------- NO RISK WITH OUR SOFTWARE ! --------------------------- ALL for 48k SPECTRUM ONLY except Education 1 and Graphics and Sound toolkit which are suited to 16k and the 48k Spectrums. GRAPHICS and SOUND TOOLKIT -------------------------- 16/48k SPECTRUM --------------- MAXIMUM 5 STAR REVIEW IN HOME COMPUTING WEEKLY ---------------------------------------------- Yes you can now MASSIVELY improve ALL YOUR PROGRAMS with our Graphics and Sound toolkit. Once the 2k of machine code is loaded into your Spectrum you can greatly enhance both the sound and Graphics facilities of your computer. You can incorporate it into all yourprograms to give a really professional look. What we have done is to write the machine code for you to use at your will, simply using RANDOMISE USR numbers. WRITE REALLY IMPRESSIVE GAMES OR JUST SMARTEN UP YOUR SOFTWARE -------------------------------------------------------------- Make really impressive pixel by pixel scrolls, or fantastic lazer sound, with instantaneous colour changes. The list of choices is tremendous. Look at the features below, and bear in mind that our toolkit isn't priced at £10/£15 like many others. Also the code is relocatable (i.e. you can place almost anywhere in the computers memory so that it doesn't clash with other software). * Over 80 routines and options to choose from. * Basic and machine code sound (including white noise). * Scrolls (by print spaces and pixel by pixel) in all directions, parts or whole screen, with wraparounds if required - colour scrolls too! * Memory left. * Border stripes, screen inverts, random attributes. * Box fill (define an area and fill it with a character) * Rotate characters through ninety degrees, reflect horizontally and vertically (particularly useful for games). * FULL instructions, PLUS DEMO TAPE and LISTING to show you how to get the best from your toolkit and give you some really good programming tips. * Easy to use with those RANDOMISE USR numbers given in a simple list - can be used by experienced and new programmers alike. * FULLY relocatable, etc, etc. YES if you want to produce something of your own, and have hours of fun experimenting, this program is for you! EDUCATION ONE ------------- 16/48k SPECTRUM --------------- Fed up with playing games all day? Want an educational package written by an experienced teacher (works for CSE and 16+ boards for maths) that bring fun into learning? If the answer is yes THEN BUY OUR EDUCATION ONE. ALL programs are VERY FLEXIBLE, have FULL INSTRUCTIONS, are USER FRIENDLY, and contain SOUND and GAMES INCENTIVES, as well as being SIMPLE TO USE. Their strength is their EDUCATIONAL structure which can be adapted to suit the age/ability of the person using the program. Designed mainly for the 5-13 year olds. ALL PROGRAMS MAY BE TRANSFERED TO MICRO/WAFER or DISC DRIVE ----------------------------------------------------------- NUMBER GAME ----------- * Tests addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. * 10 questions are given with "SPACE SHOOT" game for ten out of ten (at first attempt). * Graphics plus sound with 3 attempts per question. * Educationally structured with 4 levels of difficulty OR * YOU CAN CHOOSE the size of numbers to suit the age/ability! * Incentive messages, with correct and attempted answers plus score display. SPELLING GAME ------------- * Totally flexible. The program can be used to test simple or difficult spelling. Test Fench or German, or anything you like. You program the computer with the answers and it will give you back the questions. You can thus make up many versions of Spelling Game, saving each onto tape or drive. * Hang man type dashes give clue to length of answers, 3 attempts allowed per question. Up to 200 questions per version. * Correct answer incentives - press to "take a letter" to reveal hidden messages - but it gets more difficult as time goes along! Used in schools to teach children to spell/read. CO-ORDINATES ------------ * Tests both positive and negative co-ordinates. eg (2,-1) * 5 correct answers in a row to play "HUNT THE SUB" game. * Informs you if the notation is wrong. e.g comma missing. * Colour and sound - can even be used by a 5 year old! Although we offer a full money back guarantee, in 18 months of sales we have only done this 3 times !!! (at time of going to press). TEACHERS MARKS BOOK ------------------- 48K SPECTRUM ONLY ----------------- If you are a teacher we have a superb MICRO/WAFA/DISC drive convertable MARKS BOOK program. We can't give all the detail here, but take our word for it - ITS FIRST CLASS. Send SAE for details. Cost £4.99 Prices inc p/p in U.K. For Europe add £1, outside add £2. Prices are subject alteration without notice. Stamped addressed envelope for further enquiries. We can accept cheques, international money orders, Eurocheques, but NOT credit cards or foreign cash. LERM, 10 BRUNSWICK GDNS, CORBY, NORTHANTS. (05636-745845)