|
|
| (8 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) |
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| | + | [[Image:ASCII_Tools.jpg|right|thumb|250px|ASCII Tools, part of COSMOS application]] |
| | | | |
| − | <big>ASCII Tools Documentation</big> | + | <big>ASCII Tools </big> |
| | | | |
| − | # 1. General
| + | ASCII Tools for [[CP/M]]-80 were developed during the period 1988-2004 by [[KSL|KSL]]. The virgin name of the application was CPC-WRITE. The main task was to create a set of tools in order to deal with very large source code ASCII files, that were transferred from Windows or MS-DOS Systems to the CPC6128. In 2004, ASCII Tools v.1 were presented at the [[COM II|CPC Meeting II]] organized by [[TFM]]. Nowadays, ASCII Tools have been further developed and included in the latest version of [[Cosmos|COSMOS]] which can be downloaded directly from CPCWiki. <br><br>. |
| | | | |
| − | ASCII Tools was initially created in 1988, its virgin name was CPCWRITE. The
| + | [[Category:CP/M]] |
| − | main idea was to create a set of Tools for the CPC range maschines similar to
| + | |
| − | those for the MS-DOS computers.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | For many years, CPCWRITE was left unfinished. In 2004, the grow of interest for
| + | |
| − | the CPC maschines in the internet pushed the development of ASCII Tools. The
| + | |
| − | main task was to create a set of tools to deal with big source code files like
| + | |
| − | C, Fortran, Turbo Pascal, transfered from Windows or MS-DOS Systems to Amstrad
| + | |
| − | maschines. Code was developed on an upgraded Amstrad CPC6128 that is still
| + | |
| − | working properly after 17 years.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | DOWNLOAD: http://www.cpcwiki.eu/forum/applications/(visual)-file-comparison-aka-diff-(amsdos-cpm-futureos-symbos-)/?action=dlattach;attach=20161
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # 2. Requirements (CPC range)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------ 2.1 Minimum Configuration
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | >CPC computer
| + | |
| − | > 1 floppy drive
| + | |
| − | > CP/M plus
| + | |
| − | > 57k TPA
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------ 2.2 Installation
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Tools can be directly executed by editing A>TOOLS under CP/M plus.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | If you decide to boot from ASCII TOOLS original disk then insert disk in drive
| + | |
| − | A of your CPC and
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | -load CP/M plus by typing |CPM.
| + | |
| − | -If a memory expansion is present this will be automatically verified. The
| + | |
| − | amount of free RAM will appear on screen assigned as drive C:
| + | |
| − | -type A>MODE 2 to shift to 640x200 (320x200,160x200 are also available)
| + | |
| − | -type A>FAST to activate fast CRT I/O
| + | |
| − | -type A>MEMCHK to check that you have the required amount of TPA (464/664)
| + | |
| − | -type SETB xx to load drive B drivers (if present)
| + | |
| − | where xx:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 80 DS for a 80 track double head drive (720k)
| + | |
| − | 80 SS for a 80 track single head drive (360k)
| + | |
| − | 40 DS for a 40 track double head drive (360k)
| + | |
| − | 40 SS for a 40 track single head drive (default - 180k)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | -type A>palette 0,23 or 0,63 to set colours in case of a color monitor
| + | |
| − | -type A>TOOLS
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Any other drive B driver can also be installed prior ASCII TOOLS execution,
| + | |
| − | instead of SETB, eg. RamDos (800k) or MS800 drivers (360k).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------ 2.3 Expansions and peripherals
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Tools support most of Amstrad peripherals such as:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | a) RAM expansion
| + | |
| − | b) second floppy disk drive
| + | |
| − | c) Hard disk
| + | |
| − | d) Audio drive (Tape or Audio CD)
| + | |
| − | e) RS232C Amstrad Serial Interface
| + | |
| − | f) Centronics Parallel Printer
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | User can use the above peripherals after their drivers have been installed.
| + | |
| − | Peripherals topology is shown below.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ASCII Tools
| + | |
| − | |
| + | |
| − | ---------------------------------------------------------
| + | |
| − | | | | | |
| + | |
| − | Drive A Drive B RAM Hard Disk Audio
| + | |
| − | |
| + | |
| − | --------
| + | |
| − | | |
| + | |
| − | Internal Expansion
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # 3. Drive Definitions
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Drives can be defined when entering filenames. The following can be used:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | A: Internal FD
| + | |
| − | B: External FD
| + | |
| − | C: Memory Expansion
| + | |
| − | ...
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Drive Definitions are assigned with the current CP/M plus version.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # 4. Commands
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.1 Getting Started
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Verify.
| + | |
| − | If a new file is imported from other operating systems or Word Processors,
| + | |
| − | then it should be Verified before any further processing.
| + | |
| − | This is mainly to check if text is suitable for an 80-column screen size.
| + | |
| − | The following tasks will be performed:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | > Counting of Lines
| + | |
| − | > CPC-80x25 CRT conversion warning
| + | |
| − | > Length Check (k).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Convert.
| + | |
| − | Converts any text file that exceeds 80 columns width into a 80 column file.
| + | |
| − | Such texts can be imported from other Systems (Windows) or can be created
| + | |
| − | using other word processors (ProWort, Borland Editors etc).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - View.
| + | |
| − | Prints on screen an ASCII text file. CNTRL+S pauses scrolling. Line numbering
| + | |
| − | option available in Overwrite mode.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - View RAM data
| + | |
| − | Shows data stored in cache RAM.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.2 Large Text File Support (LTFS)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | All ASCII Tools commands Support Large Text files.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | To transfer MSDOS or Windows ASCII files on an Amstrad, the internal drive A
| + | |
| − | is normally used. That means that the user has to split the virgin file into
| + | |
| − | pieces of 178k (max) before transfer.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Build.
| + | |
| − | Merges two or more text files. This is to re-build source files that were
| + | |
| − | transfered to the CPC 3" drive from other Systems.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Demolish.
| + | |
| − | The opposite of Build command. A text file is divided into smaller files
| + | |
| − | of 30k each that CPC can easily deal with using commercial Word Processors.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Blocks.
| + | |
| − | Text between two horizontal blank lines is named block (Paragraph). Block
| + | |
| − | routine splits the source file into blank lines and blocks of text.
| + | |
| − | Results are text files named *.BLK in ascending order
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | eg,
| + | |
| − | 1.BLK (30 lines of text, paragraph 1)
| + | |
| − | 2.BLK (1 blank line)
| + | |
| − | 3.BLK (1 blank line)
| + | |
| − | .
| + | |
| − | ..
| + | |
| − | 40.BLK (100 lines of text, pargraph i)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | User can post process each block separetely and build the initial source
| + | |
| − | file when task has been finished. Blocks can be also appended in Cache Memory.
| + | |
| − | Block routine is drive-demanding. Source file, Destination drive (C:, B: A:),
| + | |
| − | temporary file (B:temp) and maximum directory entries (64/128/other) are
| + | |
| − | required as an input. If during blocking directory becomes full, user will be
| + | |
| − | asked to insert a new disk in Destination drive. If a memory expansion is
| + | |
| − | present, job is less time consuming.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | CP/M TYPE command can also be used (A>Type C:*.BLK) to check all block files.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | In case of source codes, block routine can split procedures, functions,
| + | |
| − | and main code modules into seperate blocks.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.3 Peripherals
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Print.
| + | |
| − | Sends text file to the parallel Centronics printer port. No specific printer
| + | |
| − | is assigned. Printers used for Windows Systems worked properly.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Transfer
| + | |
| − | Copies a text file from one CPC disk drive to one other.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Export.
| + | |
| − | Sends a text file to AUX physical device (optional serial interface RS232C)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Copy to RAM.
| + | |
| − | Copies a text file to cache memory. Data can be appended to cache memory
| + | |
| − | contents (Append) or not (Restart). A memory index will appear on screen
| + | |
| − | that shows current cache memory contents size. If needed, the files are
| + | |
| − | automatically converted to a 80 column file. TOOLS.HLP help file can be
| + | |
| − | copied to cache RAM for on board help.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Paste from RAM.
| + | |
| − | Paste cache memory contents to a specific destination (FDs, memory expansion).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Reserve.
| + | |
| − | Reserves disk space on a specific drive. Average reservation size is
| + | |
| − | required (k). There is an option for on board progress index but the total
| + | |
| − | processing time will be increased. Note that files that exceed 64k can only
| + | |
| − | be accessed by special Word Processors, in blocks of 64k.
| + | |
| − | In case of a second floppy drive (3.5 or 5.25"), the maximum file that can
| + | |
| − | be created is 796k (RamDos drivers).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.4 Typing
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Create
| + | |
| − | A very simple Editor just to be used as a simple Notepad. 80 charachters per
| + | |
| − | line can be edited then Return should be pressed for the next line.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | To Quit: >S and then RETURN on a new line
| + | |
| − | To paste cache memory contents: >P and then RETURN on an new line. There is
| + | |
| − | no size limit.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.5 Commands and Modifications
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Crypt.
| + | |
| − | Converts a text file to a cryptogram. The file is then impossible to be read
| + | |
| − | by normal humans.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Revert.
| + | |
| − | Converts a cryptogram to a normal text file.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Capitals.
| + | |
| − | Converts a text file to a new one that contains only capital letters.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Small.
| + | |
| − | Converts a text file to a new one that contains only small letters.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Delete.
| + | |
| − | Deletes lines from a text file. Start and End address (line Number) is
| + | |
| − | required.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Insert.
| + | |
| − | Inserts a text file into one other at a predefined location (line number).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Shrink.
| + | |
| − | Shrinks and modifies text width to a specified value (1-79).
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Search.
| + | |
| − | Searches a string through a text file. On board and Disk results.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Columns.
| + | |
| − | Merges two shrinked text files (Newspaper or Journal format).
| + | |
| − | Total width 80 charachters per line.
| + | |
| − |
| + | |
| − | - Numbering.
| + | |
| − | Create a text with ascending numbers plus 2 chars.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | eg. {01}
| + | |
| − | {02}
| + | |
| − | {03}
| + | |
| − | ...
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.6 Other
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Logbook
| + | |
| − | On board Logbook. There is space for 30 entries. If it runs out of space,
| + | |
| − | a quit warning will appear on screen. Reloading resets Logbook as beyond
| + | |
| − | 30 entries system may crash.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Help.
| + | |
| − | On board Help. System will load Help file from disk.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Quit
| + | |
| − | Quit to CP/M plus. This updates logbook and resets cache memory.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # ------------- 4.7 Advanced
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - Out.
| + | |
| − | Translates the specified source text file to an ASCII code numbers file.
| + | |
| − | Each number is written followed by <RETURN>.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | eg.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 120
| + | |
| − | 135
| + | |
| − | 140
| + | |
| − | .
| + | |
| − | . .
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Note that - Out - command may export a lot amount of data.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - In
| + | |
| − | Translates the specified source ASCII code numbers file to the equivalent
| + | |
| − | text file. The source file must follow the form described previously.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - SuperPen
| + | |
| − | Direct single line editing through ASCII code numbers. SuperPen can be used
| + | |
| − | to import special charachters in a line. Charachters in ranges 0-31 and 128
| + | |
| − | to 255 may appear different if accessed by other Word Processors, Printers
| + | |
| − | or even CP/M plus. A 40 charachters preview and a total view of the
| + | |
| − | supported ASCII charachters will appear on screen. For the advanced user,
| + | |
| − | SuperPen supports multi line editing by controlling ASCII 13 & 10 code
| + | |
| − | numbers.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | See Amstrad Manual, Chapter 7, page 8 & 54 for more details.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # 5. Comments
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | I/O errors are not taken into account. If an I/O error happens then system
| + | |
| − | returns to CP/M plus. In this case user has to reload.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | The disk contains:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 1 - TOOLS.COM - CP/M plus executable
| + | |
| − | 2 - TOOLS.HLP - Help file
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 3 - DEMO.TXT - An ASCII file as imported from Windows Systems and Internet.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 4 - DIR.COM - CP/M plus command
| + | |
| − | 5 - SHOW.COM - CP/M plus command
| + | |
| − | 6 - PALETTE.COM - CP/M plus command
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 7 - MODE.COM - CRT adapter resolution tuner
| + | |
| − | 8 - FAST.COM - CRT adapter I/O accelerator
| + | |
| − | 9 - MEMCHK.COM - TPA check in order to run ASCII Tools
| + | |
| − | 10- SETB.COM - Drive B drivers
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | # 6. Software updates
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - February 2004 -
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ASCII Tools v.1 was presented at the CPC Meeting II organized by TFM
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Software Updates:
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - April 2004
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 1. Shrink command modified for robust shrinking
| + | |
| − | 2. Modified Help text
| + | |
| − | 3. Code checked with 512k of RAM expansion
| + | |
| − | 4. User Interface modified and simplified
| + | |
| − | 5. Code checked at maximum external drive capacity of 796k (RamDos)
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | ASCII Tools v.2 published for free download at PCW king Internet site
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - May 2004 - Developing v.3
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 1. Print command checked with EPSON Stylus 640 ink Jet Printer and
| + | |
| − | Hewlett Packard 420 Laser Printer
| + | |
| − | 2. On board Help moved to disk
| + | |
| − | 3. Software Updates history placed on disk
| + | |
| − | 4. Left side Margin Option added on Print command
| + | |
| − | 5. Reservation Command tuned
| + | |
| − | 6. Reservation Progress-Index Option
| + | |
| − | 7. Improved build command, 50% less time when building files
| + | |
| − | 8. Size calculation tuned during Verification
| + | |
| − | 9. Cache RAM modified for multi file loading, appending and restart.
| + | |
| − | 10. A Powerful Paragraph/Block split Routine added
| + | |
| − | 11. FAST.COM and MODE.COM commands included in the original disk taken from
| + | |
| − | Dobbertin RAM expansion installation disk.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - July 2004
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | 1. Routine added to translate text files to equivalent ASCII code numbers
| + | |
| − | 2. Routine added to translate ASCII code numbers to text file
| + | |
| − | 3. SuperPen developed to create single text lines of any ASCII code supported
| + | |
| − | by the system
| + | |
| − | 4. MEMCHK.COM, a TPA check routine included in disk taken from Janus/ADA
| + | |
| − | installation disk.
| + | |
| − | 5. SETB.COM included in the original disk taken from XEXOR disk
| + | |
| − | 6. CP/M plus loader with RAM expansion recognition placed in original disk
| + | |
| − | for fast boot.
| + | |
| − | 7. Several CP/M plus commands included in the disk.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | - August 2004
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Project terminated and v.3 was published in PCW king Internet site
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | Best regards to all
| + | |
| − | CPC fans around the
| + | |
| − | world!.
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | D.Karalis
| + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | | + | |
| − | [[Category:Applications]][[Category:CP/M]]
| + | |
