ScuzzBlog: Diaries December 2018
Entry 16th December 2018: Post 02: Commodore 64 - How to copy tapes
Commodore 64 - How to copy tapes
Dilemma time as I discovered this tape that had a Music Player
and not Music Maker for the C64. I have long wanted to transfer
some useful programs to disk and the like but have not found a
way to do so. I have tried simply copying the tapes, but the
C64 uses a clever synchronisation process that starts and stops
the tape. Getting that right is the key to success.
So I tripped onto YouTube and found this nifty little video that
shows the use of a CloneMaster by Datel Electronics and available
from Shareware Plus. Only a few quid and worth every penny.
The box arrived in no time and set out to carrying out the copying.
I am pretty sure that the copying of games is still illegal with
some games as is some software. This tape was a freebie given out
by Dixons so I think it was pretty low risk. The copy of the C64
software Music Maker probably went under when Commodore went pop.
I have no idea. I have the tape anyway and I am simply trying to
maintain my copy.
I also copied Mini Office which by nature uses copies as you have
to edit your documents and the like. I have copies of the tape
made by others so I wasn't to troubled by that.
To copy games requires an understanding of when the games stop
and start. The space between the pauses is mapped perfectly by
the program. It is not enough to just let the datasette stop and
start back up on its own. The only was is to stop both tapes at
the precise moment the game load stops and then press start and
record simultaneously and then hit the Commodore key. Allegedly,
though I cannot verify the success of this process. Though I
am pretty sure it does work. That is all I will say.
So how does it work. Well, really simple. You will need two
datasettes and you need to make sure they are working perfectly. The
one that plays connects to the left Port A of the green gadget and
the record datasette to the right Port B.
It is best to use new tapes though you can play with older ones.
For me I used an old one cus C90s are just way too long.
So insert both tapes and makes sure they are rewound and reset
the counter. [ That is the tricky part for multiple recordings ].
Then hit RunStop on the C64 and start the tape and press record
on the other at the same time. When the computer states that it
found the program, stop both tapes. Then quickly hit start and
record again at the same time and again hit the Commodore Key. I
tried just letting the tape start and stop on its own and it
failed every time.
The red light on the green gadget means that it is receiving data
so when its not then either something went wrong or the recording
has paused or ended.
Following the guide from YouTube I got it right first and second
time without a problem. I tried then Mini Office without stopping
the tape and starting it again and it didn't work. Also I failed
to get the coordination spot on with the DataBase and that didn't
work either. That is where the synchronisation of the counter
comes into play... But here is the rub. Not one counter is the
same as another. No matter how good the kit.
So I had one tape with my music software on it and rather than
call it Musak which I use on the PC in good old scuzz tradition
I had to give it a bogus name to represent a copy... Musik.
It worked and its brilliant and I can certainly recommend the
provider. For me I will be buying again from them but I will
have to wait now till the holiday season is over.
Comment about piracy and copyright. It is never right to make
copies of copyrighted material that you do not own and circulate.
However the unwritten rule I use is that when you own something
you should be able to protect your purchase. With music the
rule was you could make one copy for your own usage. I believe
that the spirit of that holds true with anything you own. So
making a backup of what you have seems appropriate. BUT.. It is
not legal to do so.
And making profit from other peoples endeavours is totally
wrong and that is why I distribute no disks from this site.
Commodore 64 - How to copy tapes
.. and just playing with the original.
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