ZX81 to ZX Spectrum conversion possible

[1024MAK]

I thought we were talking about this program. Which ‘LOADs’ and converts ZX81 BASIC programs so that they will run on a ZX Spectrum.

If however, we are talking about running a ZX81 program as is, then yes, a ZX Spectrum 48K machine would need a suitable hardware interface.

Mark

[Moggy]

double post

[Moggy]

slowloader I used was software only and worked good in 1983.

This magazine and others mention an hardware attachment and it is the same east London robotics company bwinkle mentions.

Page 5

https://ia800704.us.archive.org/14/item ... -09-02.pdf

LATE EDIT.

Have edited the above as I was somewhat rude to my old friend Paul in the original text.

bitte akzeptiere meine Entschuldigung, Paul

[1024MAK]

@Moggy - you sir, have the advantage of having more knowledge, and have read the article. So if, as that article says, an expansion interface/hardware is required, that may explain why bwinkel67 is not having any success.

Either that, or there is more than one version of the program, and the copy that bwinkel67 has, is designed for use with the hardware.

Mark

[Moggy]

I did notice that the magazine is 82 and Paul says his version is 83 so yes perhaps they found some way around the hardware gubbins.

I do know the company went bust shortly after so maybe they dropped the hardware version to save cash?

Or perhaps it was some kind of primitive dongle needed to stop copies of the program being used but then dropped for the above cash reasons.

[Moggy]

As I have the luxury of time on my hands tonight I will download a copy of the program and try it my 48+.
It's a Samsung jobby and not a fussy loader, so will give it a spin and report back the result. If successful then this would be the version bwinkle needs.

Some kind of manual would be useful if anyone has it?

[Moggy]

I've downloaded 2 different TAP files for slowloader, one supposedly 1982 the other 1983.
Both files differ in size and markedly so when converted to WAV. whilst both TAPs load into fuse ok The WAV's however do not.
The earlier smaller file loads as it should in WAV format however the later, larger WAV does not and displays the kind of loading screen one sees when LOAD"" is used rather than LOAD"" CODE if you follow my meaning?

Anything above this is beyond me but will press on with real kit tonight.

I have attached the 2 TAPs should anyone want to study them.

[Moggy]

Tried this on real spectrum and sad to say I get the same result as bwinkle, the ZX81 WAV happily loads into real zeddy but slowloader doesn't even hear it.

It all works well on emulation but not the real thing be it tape or laptop and my spectrum will even load from a laptop earphone outlet so volume not a problem!as

My only thought is that the smaller of the files called "SLOWLOADER" from 1982 requires the hardware interface and the bigger 1983 version I have titled "slowloader2" is the software only version which sadly I cannot get to load on real thing.

It would take someone smarter than myself to perhaps analyse the 2 files and find a solution.

I have attached the 2 TAP files converted to WAV.

[dr beep]

Tried this on real spectrum and sad to say I get the same result as bwinkle, the ZX81 WAV happily loads into real zeddy but slowloader doesn't even hear it.

It all works well on emulation but not the real thing be it tape or laptop and my spectrum will even load from a laptop earphone outlet so volume not a problem!as

My only thought is that the smaller of the files called "SLOWLOADER" from 1982 requires the hardware interface and the bigger 1983 version I have titled "slowloader2" is the software only version which sadly I cannot get to load on real thing.

It would take someone smarter than myself to perhaps analyse the 2 files and find a solution.

I have attached the 2 TAP files converted to WAV.

The slowloader I used in 1997 with my emulator (I converted the code) was from a guy from Holland, name was in a REM line, so is that in one of your versions? I might take a look in the source I have somewhere.

[bwinkel67]

Wow, I get busy with school, come back and a terrific thread of folks with great info. Thanks to all. One question, if the 1982 ZX Slowloader requires hardware (apologies as I haven't read the article), why does the EightyOne emulator in 48K Spectrum mode handle it with real ZX81 .wav file? Shouldn't it balk at not knowing/having the interface?

I will play in the future with trying to get ZX Slowloader2 on load on my 48K Spectrum. I'm just getting to know that machine and I love software like that. I'm no as much of a gamer so I like looking at interesting software that does neat stuff back in the days before emulators and powerful PC's. One of my all-time favorite was MCODER2 for the ZX81, which, once I figured out how to do multiple loads to get past the size limits, worked a treat to compile a lengthy BASIC program.

Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question. Much appreciated!