Manual / Guide · 1985
Amstrad CPC6128 — User Instructions
Joystick and expansion socket pinouts (L.PEN on pin 47) and the LP-1 light pen. Downsampled to 150 dpi.
- amstrad cpc
- light pen
- expansion socket
Manual / Guide · 1985
Joystick and expansion socket pinouts (L.PEN on pin 47) and the LP-1 light pen. Downsampled to 150 dpi.
ns Uy am UNESP bs AMSTRAD CPC6128 Integrated Computer/Disc System A Logical Progression AMSTRAD’s hugely successful CPC464 and CPC664 systems have provided a sound basis for further development, and now we proudly present the CPC6128. In keeping with our policy of compatibility, the CPC6128 will operate with software from both the CPC664 and CPC464 systems - but additionally provides a further 64K bytes of RAM for use with CP/M and other user applications. CP/M Plus CP/M Plus (also known as CP/M 3.1) provides very easy access to the library of CP/M 80 software. The 61K TPA means that any CP/M 80 program will find room to run, and provide ample space for data. CP/M Plus is compatible with CP/M 2.2, although we have provided both versions to ensure that applications developed using firmware features in the AMSTRAD CP/M 2.2 systems will operate without modification. CP/M Plus includes many enhancements that improve the performance of the system, and most existing CP/M 2.2 software can take advantage of these facilities without conflict. The CP/M Plus system incorporates a specific terminal emulation feature whereby software that is configured to use screen handling characteristics similar _to_VT52 and Zenith Z19/Z29 customisation. terminals_can_be installed-without further GSx The Graphics Extension System supplied with this version of CP/M Plus enables applications programs to address printers/plotters and the screen using standard instructions that extend the concept of CP/M program portability beyond the text screen. Software that takes advantage of GSX will be able to be interfaced with a number of graphics devices to provide hard copy of graphs, diagrams etc. Dr. LOGO Digital Research’s LOGO continues to make inroads into computer education - and the increased memory of the 6128 has permitted extensions to the Dr. LOGO first used under CP/M 2.2. AMSTRAD CP/M 2.2. Introduction Programs will of course be upwards compatible from CPC 6128 Disc The CPC664 set the standard for the future with its built in disc system, and the CPC6128 continues to bring low cost disc computing to increasingly demanding and exacting users who want personal computer performance at a home computer price. The discs from all AMSTRAD systems are interchangeable, although programs that take advantage of the advanced features of CP/M Plus and GSX will obviously not work on models without these facilities. Finally, the CPC6128 is supported by one of the largest consumer electronics organisations in the country, and the AMSTRAD computer users’ club with its authoritative monthly magazine is already firmly established as the leading source of news and information. Software The CPC6128 runs all CPC664 and CPC464/DDI1 disc software, and virtually all CPC464 cassette software (with a cassette unit connected to the CPC6128 of course), giving the owner an instant and enviable choice of software from AMSOFT’s extensive range, as well as the products of many independent vendors. AMSOFT A division of AMSTRAD CONSUMER ELECTRONICS PLC. © Copyright 1985 AMSOFT, AMSTRAD Consumer Electronics ple. Neither the whole nor any part of the information contained herein, nor the product described in this manual, may be adapted or reproduced in any material form except with the prior written approval of AMSTRAD Consumer Electronics ple. (AMSTRAD). ‘The product described in this manual, and products for use with it are subject to continuous development and improvement. All information of a technical nature and particulars of the product and its use (including the information and particulars in this manual) are given by AMSTRAD in good faith. However, it is acknowledged that there may be errors or omissions in this manual. A list of details of any amendments or revisions to this manual can be obtained by sending a stamped, self addressed envelope to AMSOFT Technical Enquiries. We ask that all users take care tosubmit their reply paid user registration and guarantee cards. ‘Youare also advised to complete and send off your Digital Research User registration card. CPC 6128 Introduction AMSOFT welcome comments and suggestions relating to the product or to this manual. All correspondence should be addressed to: AMSOFT Brentwood House, 169 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4EF All maintenance and service on the product must be carried out by AMSOFT authorised dealers, Neither AMSOFT nor AMSTRAD can accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service or maintenance by unauthorised personnel. This guide is intended only to assist the reader in the use of the product, and therefore AMSOFT and AMSTRAD shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of any information or particulars in, or any error or omission in, this guide or any incorrect use of the product. Dr. LOGO, CP/M, CP/M Plus, GSX, and DR Graph are trademarks of Digital Research Inc. 280 is.a trademark of Zilog Inc. IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines Inc 719, 229, and H89 are trademarks of Zenith Data Systems Inc. V''52 isa trademark of Digital Equipment Corp. AMSDOS, CPC6128, CPC664, and CPC464 are trademarks of AMSTRAD. First Published 1985. Second Edition Summer 1985. ‘Third Edition Winter 1985. Compiled by Ivor Spital Written by Ivor Spital, Roland Perry, William Poel, Cliff Lawson, with acknowledgements to Locomotive Software Ltd. Contributions by Alexander Martin, David Radisie, Ken Clark. Published by AMSTRAD. ‘Typeset by KAMSET typesetting graphics (Brentwood). AMSTRAD isa registered trademark of AMSTRAD Consumer Electronics ple. Unauthorised use of the trademarks or word AMSTRAD isstrictly forbidden. Introduction CPC 6128 You must read this.... Installation Notes 1. Always connect the Mains Lead to a 3-pin plug following the instructions contained in part 1 of the Foundation course. Never attempt to connect 220-240V ~ 50Hz. the system to any Mains Supply other than There are no user serviceable parts inside the system. Do not attempt to gain access into the equipment. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. To avoid eye-strain, the monitor should be placed as far away as possible from a the keyboard and operated in an adequately lit’ room. The BRIGHTNESS control should be kept to as low a setting as possible. monitor ‘The computer should be placed centrally in front of the monitor, but as far away from the screen as possible. For maximum data reliability, the disc drive section of the computer should NOT be placed directly in front of the monitor, but to the right of it. Do not place the computer close to any source of electrical interference. Always keep disc drives and discs away from magnetic fields. If you are operating a 2-drive system, keep the interconnecting ribbon cable to the 2nd drive, away from Mains Leads. Do not block or cover any ventilation holes. Do not use or store the equipment in excessively hot, cold, damp, or dusty areas. Operation Notes (Don’t worry if you are a little baffled by the technical jargon in this section; the importance of these warnings will become clearer as you work through this manual.) a, Never switch the system on or off with a disc in the drive. Doing so will corrupt your disc, losing valuable programs or data. Narnings CPC 6128 2. Always make back-up (duplicate) copies of discs which contain valuable programs. It is especially important to make back-up copies of the master CP/M system discs provided with the 6128. Should you otherwise accidentally lose or corrupt your discs, replacing them could prove expensive. 3. Make sure that you do not accidentally overwrite your master CP/M system discs, by ensuring that the Write Protect holes on the discs are always open. 4. Ifyou are operating a 2-drive system, i.e. if you have purchased an additional AMSTRAD FD1, always switch on the 2nd disc drive before switching on the computer. Ps Never touch the floppy disc surface itself, inside its protective casing. Do not ejecta disc while it is being read from or written to. ex Always remember that formatting a disc will erase any previous contents. The internal disc interface occupies a small portion of the memory that in some cases, was used by commercial writers of cassette based software for the AMSTRAD model CPC464. These cassettes will not operate properly with the 6128 + Cassette unit. If you have any queries regarding cassette based software compatibility, contact AMSOFT on Brentwood (0277) 230222. Note however, that most major AMSOFT software titles are available on disc for the 6128. 9. The licence agreement for your CP/M system discs, (which are electronically serial-number encoded) permit their use on a single computer system only. In particular this means that you are prohibited from giving any other person a disc with YOUR serial-numbered copy of CP/M on it. Carefuily read the End User Program manual. CPC 6128 Licence Agreement (Appendix 1), towards the end of this Warnings ~ Chapter 1 Foundation Course Setting up Connecting peripherals Floppy discs Keyboard familiarisation Loading software, and the ‘Welcome’ program Introduction to BASIC keywords Introduction to disc operations Modes colours and graphics Sound Introduction to AMSDOS and CP/M Introduction to the Bank Manager Chapter 2 Beyond Foundations Writing a simple program Evolution and afterthoughts Using an array Introducing amenu Loading and saving variables to disc Editing and line numbering Tidying-up.aprogram- Chapter 3 Complete List of AMSTRAD CPC6128 BASIC Keywords Description of notation used Alphabetical listing of keywords comprising: Keyword Formal syntax Example Description Special notes (where applicable) Associated keywords CPC6128 Contents Chapter 4 Using Discs and Cassettes Backup master disc Getting started with CP/M Plus Use of Help files Single and multiple drive operation Copying files BASIC disc applications Getting started with GSX CP/M 2.2 Operation with cassettes Chapter 5 AMSDOS and CP/M AMSDOS: Introduction to AMSDOS Disc directory Filenames filetypes and headers Wildcards Summary of AMSDOS commands Manipulating and copying files Reference guide to error messages CP/M: Introduction to CP/M Booting CP/M Plus Direct Console Mode Transient programs Managing peripherals Working with CP/M 2.2 Chapter 6 Introduction to LOGO What is LOGO? Dr. LOGO procedures Editing programs and procedures Operating hints Contents CPC6128 Chapter 6 continued... Summary of Dr. LOGO primitives covering: Word and list processing Arithmetic operations Logical operations Variables Procedures Editing Printer functions Text screen Graphic screen Turtle Graphics Workspace management. Property lists Disc files Keyboard and joystick Sound Flow of control Exception handling System primitives System variables System properties Chapter7 For Your Reference... Cursor locations and control code extensions Interrupts ASCII and graphics characters Key references Sound Error messages BASIC keywords Planners Connections Printers Joysticks Disc organisation Resident System eXtensions (RSX’s) Memory CP/M Plus Terminal Emulator CP/M Plus character set CPC6128 Contents Chapter 8 More about the Bank Manager.... Using the second 64K of memory Hardware bank switching Swapping screens Copying screens Pseudo-file operation: Creating a RAMdise Current record Reading, writing, and searching for strings RAMfile example program Storing screen images: Chapter 9 At Your Leisure.... General: The world of microcomputers Hardware and software Comparing computers Some popular misconceptions How a computer deals with your instructions The digital world Bitsand bytes The BINARY number system The HEXADECIMAL number system CPC6128 Specific functions: Character set Variables Logic User defined characters Print formatting Windows Interrupts Data Sound Graphics Graphics using the second 64K of memory Screen Designer program Contents CPC6128 Appendices Appendix 1 End User Program Licence Agreement. Appendix 2 Glossary of Terms Appendix 3 Some Programs For You.... Bustout Bomber Telly tennis Electric fencing Amthello Raffles Appendix 4 Index CPC6128 Contents Chapter 1 Foundation Course Part 1: Setting Up.... The CPC6128 can be set up with either: 1. The AMSTRAD GT65 Green Tube Monitor 2, The AMSTRAD CTM644 Colour Monitor 38. The AMSTRAD MP2 Modulator/Power Supply and a domestic (UHF) colour TV receiver. Fitting a Mains Plug The CPC6128 operates from a 220-240Volt~ 50Hz Mains supply. Fit a proper Mains Plug to the Mains Lead of either the GT65, CTM644, or MP2. Ifa 13 Amp (BS1363) Plug is used, a 5 Amp Fuse must be fitted. The 13 Amp Fuse supplied in a new plug must NOT be used. If any other type of Plug is used, a 5 Amp Fuse must be fitted either in the Plug or Adaptor or at the Distribution Board. Important The wires in the Mains Lead are coloured in accordance with the following code: Blue: Brown Neutral : Live As the colours of the wires in the Mains Lead of this apparatus may not.correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows: The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘N’ or coloured Black. The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter ‘L’ or coloured Red. Disconnect the Mains Plug from the Supply Socket when not in use. Do not attempt to remove any screws, nor open the casing of the computer, monitor, or Modulator/Power supply unit. Always obey the warning on the rating label which is located underneath the case of the CPC6128 and MP2, and on the rear cabinet of the GT65 and CTM644: WARNING - LIVE PARTS INSIDE. DO NOT REMOVE ANY SCREWS Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 1 Connecting the computer to a monitor (If you are using the CPC6128 with the MP2 Modulator/Power supply, skip to the next section.) 1. 2. 3. 4. Makesure that the monitor is not plugged into the Mains supply socket. Connect the lead from the front of the monitor, which is fitted with the larger (6-pin DIN) plug, into the rear socket of the computer marked MONITOR. Connect the lead from the front of the monitor, which is fitted with the smaller (6V DC) plug, into the rear socket on the computer marked 5V DC. Connect the lead from the back of the computer, which is fitted with a small (12V DC) plug, into the socket at the front of the monitor. FRONT OF MONITOR REAR PAWEL OF CoupuTER ToNOUTToUTTTUU Chapter 1 Page 2 Foundation Course Connecting the computer to an MP2 Modulator/Power supply unit The MP2 is an additional item that you may wish to purchase if you are currently using your CPC6128 computer with the GT65 green tube monitor. The MP2 enables you to to use the computer with your domestic colour TV and thereby enjoy the full colour facilities of your CPC6128 computer. The MP2 should be positioned next to the right hand end of the CPC6128. 1. 2. Makesure that the MP2 is not plugged into the Mains supply socket. Connect the lead from the MP2 which is fitted with the larger (6-pin DIN) plug, into the rear socket of the computer marked MONITOR. 3. Connect the lead from the MP2 which is fitted with the smaller (5V DC) plug, into the rear socket on the computer marked 5VDC. 4. Connect the lead from the MP2 which is fitted with an aerial plug, into the AERIAL or ANTENNA socket of your TV set. 5. Connect the lead from the back of the computer, which is fitted with a small (12V DC) plug, into the socket at the rear of the MP2. ‘REAR paweL. oF compurER Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 3 Switching on - CPC6128 and GT65/CTM644 system (If you are using the CPC6128 with the MP2 Modulator/Power supply, skip to the next section.) Having connected up the system as shown previously, insert the Mains Plug into the Supply socket and switch on. Press the POWER button at the bottom right hand corner of the monitor so that it is set to the IN position. When the button is set to the OUT position, the Mains supply to the system is OFF. Switch on the computer using the POWER switch on the back panel. The red ON lamp at the top right of the keyboard should be illuminated, and the monitor will display the following picture: @mstrad 128K ©1985 Amstrad al BASIC Ready a Microcomputer <¢v3> Consumer Ele ponies, ic Locomotive $8. toare L 1.1 To avoid unnecessary eye-strain, adjust the control marked BRIGHTNESS until the display is adequately bright for comfortable viewing, without glare or blurring of the characters on the screen. The BRIGHTNESS control will be found on the lower front panel of the GT65, or at the right hand side of the CTM644. Ifyou are using the GT65 green monitor, you may need to adjust the CONTRAST and Vertical HOLD controls on the lower front panel. The CONTRAST should be adjusted to the minimum setting consistent with comfortable viewing. The Vertical HOLD control on the GT65 is marked V-HOLD, and should be adjusted so that the display is correctly positioned in the middle of the screen, without jitter’ or ‘rol, Chapter 1 Page 4 Foundation Course Switching on -CPC6128 and MP2 Modulator/Power supply system Having connected up the system as shown previously, insert the Mains Plug into the Supply socket. Switch on the computer using the POWER switch on the back panel. The red ON lamp at the top right of the keyboard should be illuminated, and you must now tune in your TV set to receive the signal from the computer. Ifyou have a TV with push-button channel selection, press a channel button to select a spare or unused channel. Adjust the corresponding tuning control in accordance with the TV set manufacturer’s instructions (the signal will be approximately at channel 36 if your TV has a marked tuning scale), until you receive a picture that looks like: Amstrad 128K Microcomputer ©1985 Amstrad and BASIC 1.1 (v3) Consumer Elgot: Tonics, eis Locomotive gs¥ toore L Read: Beate Tune in the TV set accurately until the clearest picture is seen. The writing will be gold/yellow on adeep blue background. If your TV has a rotary programme selector knob, turn the tuning knob until the above picture appears and remains perfectly steady. (Again, at approximately channel 36). Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 5 Other Connections.... Ifyou wish to connect any other peripherals to the standard system, namely: Joystick(s) Cassette unit Printer 2nd disc drive External amplifier/speakers Expansion device(s) letails will be found in part 2 of this Foundation course. Finally, check that you have observed the following warnings given at the beginning of this manual, in the section entitled IMPORTANT’: INSTALLATION NOTES 1,2,4,5,6,7,8 OPERATION NOTE 1 Chapter 1 Page 6 Foundation Course Part 2: Connecting your peripherals.... This section explains how the various peripherals, or add-ons, are connected to the CPC6128 system. Details concerning the use of these devices will be found in the appropriate sections of this manual. Joystick The AMSOFT joystick model JY2 is an additional item that you may wish to purchase if you are using the 6128 computer with games software which incorporates the facility for joystick control and ‘firing’. Connect the plug fitted to the JY2 lead into the socket marked JOYSTICK on the computer. The 6128 can be used with two joysticks; the second joystick should be plugged into the socket on the first joystick. The AMSOFT joystick model JY1 is also suitable for use with this computer. Further information on joysticks will be found later in this manual. The AMSTRAD Light pen model LP-1 may be connected to this socket. _ Cassette unit Programs may be loaded from, or saved to tape instead of disc. The commands which instruct the computer to direct data to and from disc or tape are explained later in this manual. . To connect your cassette unit to the 6128, you will require the AMSOFT CL1 lead, or any other equivalent standard cassette-interconnecting lead. Insert the end of the lead with the larger (5-pin DIN) plug, into the socket marked TAPE on the computer. Insert the plug at the end of the Blue cable into the socket on your cassette unit marked REMOTE or REM. Insert the plug at the end of the Red cable into the socket on your cassette unit marked MIC, COMPUTERIN, or INPUT. Insert the plug at the end of the White cable into the socket on your cassette unit marked EAR, COMPUTER OUT, or OUTPUT. Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 7 It is important to remember that the successful transfer of data between the 6128 and cassette is largely dependent upon the correct setting of the LEVEL or VOLUME control on your cassette unit. If you cannot seem to load or save programs properly, experiment with different LEVEL control positions until the optimum setting is found. Printer ‘The 6128 may be used with any Centronics compatible parallel printer. If you intend to connect an AMSTRAD printer to the 6128, simply use the interconnecting lead provided with the printer. If you wish to use any other Centronics compatible printer, you will require the AMSOFT PLI printer interconnecting lead. Connect the end of the lead which is fitted with the flat edge-connector plug, into the socket marked PRINTER at the rear of the computer. Connect the other end of the lead which is fitted with a Centronics style plug, into the socket at the rear of the printer. If the printer is equipped with security clips at each side of the socket, these may be clipped into the cut-outs at the side of the printer plug. Details of printer operation will be found later in this manual. A 2nd disc drive (AMSTRAD FD1) The AMSTRAD FD1 may be added to the system as a 2nd disc drive. The advantages of a 2-drive system will be particularly apparent to the regular CP/M user, since many programs are configured to run with the library program disc inserted in one drive, and the working data files stored on a disc in the second drive. Operation under CP/M always requires that a program be loaded from disc (there is no access to the ROM BASIC). Since CP/M allows the use of multiple files by an overlay technique that permits programs that are larger than the RAM memory, the actual library disc may contain so many program files that there is little workspace left for the data. Thanks to the versatility of the utilities provided with your 6128 system disc, you can do all necessary file maintenance; copying, erasing etc, on a single disc drive. However a second drive will certainly speed up these processes and reduce the scope for accidents. To connect the FD1 to the 6128, you will require the AMSOFT DI2 disc interconnecting lead. Chapter 1 Page 8 Foundation Course Connect the end of the lead which is fitted with the larger edge-connector plug, into the socket marked DISC DRIVE 2 at the rear of the computer, Connect the other end of the lead which is fitted with a smaller plug, into the socket at the rear of the FD1 disc drive. DON’T FORGET - Before connecting or disconnecting the 2nd disc drive, make sure that any discs are removed from both drives, and that the system is switched off. If connections are altered while the system is on, it is likely that the program in the computer’s memory will be corrupted. Always save any valuable programs before meddling with connections! When the FD1 is connected to the 6128, FIRST switch on the FD1 using the slide switch on the rear panel of the disc drive, THEN switch on the 6128 using the slide switch on the rear panel of the computer. Both the green and red indicators on the front panel of the FD1 should be illuminated. The 2-drive system will then be ready to operate. Details of 2-drive operation will be found later in this manual. External amplifier/speakers The 6128 may be connected to a stereo amplifier and speakers 3-channel capabilities of the computer. to enjoy the full The input lead to your stereo amplifier should be terminated with a 3.5mm stereo jack plug, which should be inserted into the socket marked STEREO on the computer. The connections to the jack plug are: Plug tip - Left channel Plug inner ring - Right channel Plug rear shaft - Ground (Common) The 6128 will provide a fixed voltage signal out of the STEREO socket, and you should therefore use the controls on the amplifier itself to regulate volume, balance and tone. High impedance headphones will also operate with the 6128, however the volume will not be adjustable by the VOLUME control on the computer. Low impedance headphones, such as those usually used with stereo systems, will not operate directly plugged into the computer. Details concerning the directing of sound to the required output channel will be found later in this manual. Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 9 Expansion devices Expansion devices such as serial interfaces, modems, light pens, ROMs etc may be connected computer. to the 6128, using the socket marked EXPANSION at the rear of the The AMSTRAD RS232C Serial Interface may be connected to this socket. The AMSOFT speech synthesiser/amplifier model SSA2 may also be connected to this socket. Details of connections to the EXPANSION socket will be found in the chapter entitled ‘For your reference....’. Finally, check that you have observed the following warnings given at the beginning of this manual, in the section entitled IMPORTANT’: INSTALLATION NOTES 6,7 OPERATION NOTES 4,8 Chapter 1 Page 10 Foundation Course Part 3: About Discs. The AMSTRAD CPC6128 uses 3 inch compact floppy discs. We strongly recommend that for reliable data-to-disc transfer, you use only AMSOFT CF2 compact floppy discs. Discs made by leading manufacturers however, may also be used. Insertion Each side of a disc may be used separately. A disc should be inserted with its label facing outward from the drive, and with the side that you wish to use face up: SS Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 11 Write Protection In the left hand corner of each side ofa blank disc, you will see an arrow pointing toa small shuttered hole. This is called the Write Protect hole, and facilitates protection against erasure or ‘overwriting’: Write Protect hole When the hole is closed, data can be ‘written’ onto the disc by the computer. When the hole is open however, the disc will not allow data to be written onto it, thus enabling you to avoid accidental erasure of valuable programs. Various compact floppy disc manufacturers employ different mechanisms for opening and closing the Write Protect hole. The operation may be carried out on the AMSOFT CF2 compact floppy disc as follows: To open the Write Protect hole, slide the small shutter located at the left hand corner of the disc, and the hole will be opened: Shutter_{ OPEN } [" [9] () > Write Protect hole (OPEN) Shutter CLOSED (} : Y ©© Write Protection ON CO)© Write Protection OFF U To close the Write protect hole, simply slide the shutter to its closed position. Chapter 1 Page 12 Foundation Course Some other compact floppy discs employ a small plastic lever located in a slot at the left hand corner: Lever Write Protect hole (CLOSED) To open the Write Protect hole on this type of disc, slide the lever towards the middle of the disc, using the tip ofa ball-point pen or similar object: Slide Lever towards middle of disc > Write Protect hole (OPEN) Note that regardless of the method employed to open and close the Write Protect hole, opening the hole in all cases facilitates protection against overwriting. IMPORTANT Always ensure that the Write Protect holes on your master CP/M package are open. Foundation Course system discs Chapter 1 Page 13 When Your Disc isin At the front of the computer's disc drive, you will see a red indicator lamp, anda push button for Bject: | Indicator Lamp s«éEject: Button Indicator Lamp This indicates that data is being read from, or written to the disc. Ifa 2nd disc drive is connected, the red indicator on the 2nd disc drive (Drive B) will illuminate constantly. It will extinguish when the main disc drive within the computer (Drive A) is reading or writing to disc. Eject Button Pressing in the Eject button allows you to remove your disc from the drive. Finally, check that you have observed the following warnings given at the beginning of this manual, in the section entitled IMPORTANT’: OPERATION NOTES 1, 3,4, 5,6 Chapter 1 Page 14 Foundation Course Part 4: Getting Started.... Before we start loading software and saving programs to disc, let’s get familiar with some of the keys on the computer. Those of you who are experienced in using computers may skip this section. With the computer switched on and the opening message on the screen, we’re going to find out what the various keys do.... GC The cursor keys a © 4 ( (at the bottom right hand corner of the keyboard) move the position of the cursor (the small solid block) on the screen. Press each of the cursor keys in turn, and you will see the cursor move about the screen, RETURN The [RETURN] key enters the information that you have typed into the computer. After the [RETURN] key is pressed, a new line is started on the screen. Each instruction that you type into the computer should be followed by pressing the [RETURN] key. From now on, we will show [RETURN] as meaning press the [RETURN] key after each instruction or program line. Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 15 ENTER Under normal circumstances (by default), this key has the same effect as [RETURN] and can be used as such. However, like the function keys on the numeric keypad, the [ENTER] key may be re-defined for other uses. This will be explained later in the manual. This key is used to delete a character to the left of the cursor on the screen (for examplea letter or a number) which is not required. Type in abcd and you will see that the letter d is positionedto the left of the cursor. If you decide that you do not want the letter d, press [DEL] once and you will see the d removed. If you press [DEL] and continue to hold it down, the letters ab c will also be removed. There are two [SHIFT] keys. Ifyou press either of these and hold it down whilst typing a character, a capital letter or upper case symbol will appear on the screen. ‘Type in the letter e then hold down the [SHIFT] key and type in the letter e again. On the screen you will see: eE Now type in a few spaces by holding down the space bar. Try the following using the number keys which are on the top line of the keyboard, above the letter keys. Type in the number 2, then hold down the [SHIFT] key and type in the number 2 again. On the screen you will see: 2" You can now see what happens when the [SHIFT] key is held down whilst pressing a character key. Experiment by pressing any of the character keys, either on their own, or together with the [SHIFT] key. Chapter 1 Page 16 Foundation Course This has a similar operation to [SHIFT] except that you only have to press it once, From then on each letter that you type in will be in capitals, although the number keys will not be shifted. Press [CAPS LOCK] once, then type in: abcdef 123456 On the screen you will see: ABCDEF123456 You will notice that although all the letters are shifted to capitals, the numbers have not been shifted to symbols. If you wish to type in a shifted symbol while [CAPS LOCK] is in operation, simply hold down the [SHIFT] key before pressing a number key. Type in the following while holding down the [SHIFT] key: abcdef123456 On the screen you will see: ABCEDF!"#$2%& Ifyou wish to return to small (lower case) characters again, press the [CAPS LOCK] key once again. Ifyou wish to type in capital letters and shifted upper case symbols without having to constantly hold down the [SHIFT] key, this can be carried out as follows: CONTROL Holding down the [CONTROL] key, then press the [CAPS LOCK] key once. This performs the function ofa ‘SHIFT LOCK’. Now type in: abcdef123456 On the screen you will see: ABCDEF!"#$2& Note that it is still possible to type in numbers while [CONTROL] and [CAPS LOCK] are in operation, by using the number keys (fU to f9) at the right of the keyboard. Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 17 Holding down the [CONTROL] key and pressing [CAPS LOCK] once, will return you to the mode that you were previously in, (i.e. either lower case or capital letters-only). Ifyou have returned to the capital letters-only mode, simply press [CAPS LOCK] once again to return to the lower case mode. This key is used to clear a character within the cursor. ‘Type in ABC DE F GH. The cursor will be positioned to the right of the last letter typed (H). Now press the cursor left key 4 four times. The cursor will have moved four places to the left, and will be superimposed over the top of the letter E. Notice how the letter E is still visible within the cursor. Press the [CLR] key once and you will see that the letter E has been cleared and the letters FGH have each moved one space to the left with the letter F now appearing within the cursor. Now press the [CLR] key again and hold it down. You will see how the letter F is cleared followed by the letters G and H. ESC This key is used to [ESC]ape from a function that the computer is in the process of carrying out. Pressing the [ESC] key once will cause the computer to temporarily pause in its function, and will continue again if any other key is pressed. Pressing the [ESC] key twice will cause the computer to completely [ESC]ape from the function which it is carrying out. The computer is then ready for you to type in some more instructions. Important When you reach the right hand edge of the screen by entering 40 characters on a line, the next character will automatically appear on the following line at the left edge of the screen. This means that you should NOT press [RETURN] as those of you accustomed to typewriters might press a carriage return towards the right edge ofa page. The computer [RETURN] does this automatically for you, and will react to an unwanted by printing an error message - usually a Syntax error, either there and then, or when the program is run. Chapter 1 Page 18 Foundation Course Syntax Error Ifthe message: Syntax error appears on the screen, the computer is telling you that it does not understand an instruction that you have entered. For example type in: printt [RETURN] On the screen you will see the message: Syntax error The message appears because the computer has not understood the instruction: printt Ifyou type a mistake in the line ofa program, such as: 18 printt The Syntax "abc" error [RETURN] message will not appear until the instruction is processed by the computer when the program is run. Type in: run [RETURN] (This command tells the computer to carry out the program that you have just typed into the memory.) On the screen you will see: Syntax error 10 PJrintt in 10 "abc" This message tells you in-which line the error has occurred; and displays the program line, together with the editing cursor so that you can correct the mistake. . Press the cursor-right key } until the cursor is over the t in print t. Now press the [CLR] key to remove the unwanted t , then press the [RETURN] key to enter the corrected line into the computer. Now type in: run[RETURN] «and you will see that the computer has accepted the instruction, and has printed: abc Finally, check that you have observed the following warnings given at the beginning of this manual, in the section entitled IMPORTANT’: INSTALLATION NOTES 4,5 OPERATION NOTE 1 Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 19 Part 5: Loading Software and games.... Welcome to those of you who skipped here from the beginning of the previous section! As a quick demonstration of the speed of loading disc software, switch on the system, then insert Side 4 of your master CP/M discs package into the drive (i.e. the label ‘Side 4’ should be uppermost). Type in: run "rointime.dem" [RETURN] After a few seconds the program will have loaded into the memory. Answer the question on the screen as to whether you are using a green monitor; (Type Y for Yes, or N for No), and you will then see a continuous demonstration of the game ‘Roland in Time’ on the screen. It may even persuade you to go out and buy a copy of the game! When you have finished watching the demonstration, you may ‘escape’ from the program by simultaneously holding down the [CONTROL] and [SHIFT] keys then pressing the [ESC] key. This has the effect of completely resetting the computer, and may be used whenever you wish to start afresh. (You do not need to remove any disc from the drive when resetting the computer in this way). If the program hasn’t loaded, study any error message on the screen to see where you went wrong: Drive A: Retry, disc Ignore missing or Cancel? ...means that you have either not inserted your disc correctly, or, if you have a 2-drive system, that you have inserted it into Drive B. ROINTIME.DEM not found ...means that you have either inserted the wrong disc, (or the wrong side of the disc), or you have not carefully and precisely typed in the name, ROINTIME.DEM Bad command ans that you have probably mis-typed ROINTIME.DEM by introducing an unwanted space or punctuation mark. Chapter 1 Page 20 Foundation Course Type mismatch .-means that you have omitted the quotation marks " Syntax error ...means that you mistyped the word run Drive A: Retry, read Ignore fail or Cancel? ...means that the computer has failed to read data from your disc. Check that you have inserted the correct disc and press R to Retry. This message will appear if ever you corrupt your disc by switching the system on or off while the disc is in the drive. Once you have learned how to make back-up copies of discs, always do so for valuable programs, and especially for your master CP/M system discs package. Loading AMSOFT software and the WELCOME program Having hopefully whetted your appetite for the lighter side of computing, let’s load a game... Insert your software disc in the drive, and type in: run "disc" [RETURN] After a few seconds, your game will be loaded and ready to play. Try typing in: run "disc" with Side 4 of your master CP/M system discs package finished watching inserted into the drive, and you will see and hear the CPC6128 continuous ‘Welcome’ demonstration. When you have ‘Welcome’, reset the computer using the [CONTROL] [SHIFT] and [ESC] keys. The above instruction (run disc") will load most of the AMSOFT range of disc software, but you may come across the odd occasion where you have to type in something else. In all cases however, the loading instructions will be found on the label of the software disc, which should always be carefully followed. Finally, check that you have observed the following warnings given at the beginning of this manual, in the section entitled IMPORTANT’: INSTALLATION NOTE6 OPERATION NOTES 1,5,6 Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 21 Part 6: Let’s Compute. So far, we know what we must and mustn’t do with the computer, and how to set it up and connect peripherals. We know what some of the keys on the computer do, and how to load software. Now we’ll look at some of the instructions that you can type in to make things happen..... Like you or I, the computer can only understand instructions in a language that it knows, and that language is called BASIC, (short for Beginners’ All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code). The words in BASIC’s vocabulary are called ‘keywords’ and each of them tell the computer to perform a specific function. All languages must conform to the rules of grammar, and BASIC is no e