PC2CPC v2.0 - Disk image transfer utility
(c) Rekall Systems 1997
with thanks to Marco Vieth
=========================================

PC2CPC is a utility for use with the parallel link described in Marco Vieth's
CPCEMU. As is, the utilities supplied with CPCEMU only allow for single file
transfers between the machines. Transferring files from the disk images is
an inconvienient (or due to funny formats and copy protections, impossible)
task.

PC2CPC allows a user to recreate disk sides from Extended DSK images used in
CPCEMU and some other emulators. Previously, this required the user to add a
3.5 inch drive to the CPC or a 3 inch drive to the PC, and they are expensive
(and sometimes dangerous) upgrades to carry out; whereas the parallel link
plus PC2CPC is a very cheap and reliable option.

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Note - for 3inch disk to DSK image transfer across the parallel link, download
DIC from ftp.ibp.fr (it only handles SYSTEM and DATA format disks, so wait for
my CPC2PC to come out soon.)
-----

Instructions:
=============

You'll need the following things:-
1. A PC and CPC connected by parallel link (get the link specs from the CPCEMU
   distribution.)
2. CPCPARA on the CPC (follow the instructions with the link specs) and PCPARA
   on the PC. (Use the utilities from CPCEMU v1.4 if possible)
3. PC2CPC.BAS (and PC2CPCD.BAS if you want to copy double sided images)
4. Some extended disk images (.edk).
5. Some 3inch disk sides you don't mind getting wiped.

Recommended:-
1. XTI, the disk image converter. Use this if your disk images aren't in
   extended disk format. (Get it from ftp.ibp.fr)

Now:-
1. Use CPCPARA and PCPARA to transfer PC2CPC.BAS and PC2CPCD.BAS across to the
   CPC. Write protect that disk side (You wouldn't want to wipe that disk
   side!)
2. Run PC2CPC on the CPC (or PC2CPCD if you're transferring double sided
   images.)
3. Wait for PC2CPC to load the M/C, then follow the instructions on the screen
   i.e. type "PCPARA /s filename.edk" on the PC replacing "filename.edk" with
   the name of your image; Put the disk you wish to copy the image to into
   drive A on the CPC, then press any key on the CPC.
   (Make sure PCPARA is in the path or your disk image is in the directory
   with PCPARA or it won't work!)
4. If you are using PC2CPCD and transferring a double sided disk image, you
   will be queried as to which side you want to transfer from the image.
5. Wait for the transfer to finish (it will take approximately 4 minutes.)
   When transferring a side from a doublesided image with PC2CPCD, you will
   get "Skipping" messages; ignore them as it is just PC2CPCD ignoring the
   data for the other disk side.

NOTE 1: On any remotely fast computer you may get a LOT of timeout errors.
        Don't worry about it; the data will be transferred perfectly regardless.

NOTE 2: PC2CPCD is untested (I don't have any doublesided images) and I
        would appreciate any feedback on it's success. It will also transfer
        single sided images properly, but slower than PC2CPC, so I suggest
        using that for single sided images.

NOTE 3: PC2CPC should handle most funny formats with ease. If you have a disk
        image that breaks during or after transfer with PC2CPC, i'd appreciate
        a note describing what disk image and what problem occurs so I can fix
        it. (I have been known to be incredibly lazy, so if you come up with
        a patch for PC2CPC I'll happily accept that too. :)

Now you should have a disk side with a perfect copy from the disk image.
It should work perfectly the instant the transfer is complete; but PC2CPC
installs some code which may interfere with games, |CPM and the like; so
I recommend resetting the CPC before using anything after running PC2CPC.

--------
James Churchill
Rekall Systems 16/2/97
s2191231@cse.unsw.edu.au
