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Thursday, 16 June 2022 09:25

Commodore Disk Transfers

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The best kit setup to have (in order)

  1. Commodore 1571 Disk Drive + ZoomFloppy
  2. Commodore 1541 Disk Drive (with parallel mod) + ZoomFloppy
  3. Any Commodore Disk Drive + Any X-Cable

Buy from

These are my notes on how to transfer or image disks to and from a real Commodore Floppy disk.

Recommend Methods To Image Disks

  • Copy Protected Disks (Disk to Image):
    • PC (Windows) + 1571 + ZoomFloppy/XUM1541 + NIBTools + Images in G64 format
    • PC (Windows) + 1541 (With Parallel Port Mod) + ZoomFloppy/XUM1541 (With Parallel Port Option) + NIBTools + Images in G64 format
  • Copy Protected Disks (Disk to Emulated Disk):
    • PC (Windows) + 1541/1571 + Pi1541 + Maverick (GCR Nibbler Copier) + Images in G64 format (will not do all copy protections)
  • Normal Disks (Disk to Image):            
    • PC (Windows) + 1541/1571 + ZoomFloppy/XUM1541 + NIBTools + Images in D64 format
  • Normal Disks (Disk to Emulated Disk):
    • Commodore Computer + 1541/1571 + Pi1541 + DraCopy/Maverick (Fast Data Copier) + Images in D64 format
  • Normal Disks (Files to Image):
    • PC (Windows) + 1541/1571 + ZoomFloppy/XUM1541 + CBM-Transfer + Images in D64 format

Transfer Methods

There are some basic transfer methods I have discovered and they fall into the following groups below. Most of these methods require a real Commodore 1541 Disk Drive and they will not copy protected disks unless mentioned.

The instructions sets of the various methods for controlling the 1541 will vary, and so will the features they offer (i.e. Sector-to-Sector copying).

Directly connect a 1541 to a PC (Disk to Image)

  • PC (Windows) + 1571 + ZoomFloppy + NIBTools (can do copy protected disks)
  • PC (Windows) + 1541 (With Parallel Port Mod) + ZoomFloppy (With Parallel Port Option) + NIBTools (can do copy protected disks)
  • PC (Windows) + 1571 + XUM1541 + NIBTools (can do copy protected disks)
  • PC (?) + 1541 + KryoFlux + Their own software (can do copy protected disks)
  • PC (?) + 1541 + SuperCard Pro + Their own software (can do copy protected disks)

Directly connect a 1541 to a PC (File Transfer)

If you select all files it can work as if the disk is real standard DOS floppy disk for storing files etc. Programs with custom loaders (most full-disk games and demos) should be copied as disk images because they do not store their data in standard files.

  • PC (DOS)        + 1541 + Parallel Port Adapter + Star Commander
  • PC (Windows) + 1541 + Parallel Port Adapter + CBM-Transfer
  • PC (Windows) + 1541 + Parallel Port Adapter + Vice Emulator + (File Transfer Software | BASIC)
  • PC (Windows) + 1571 + ZoomFloppy + File Transfer Software
  • PC (Windows) + 1541 (With Parallel Port Mod) + ZoomFloppy (With Parallel Port Option) + File Transfer Software

Real Commodore, Real 1541 and an Emulated 1541 (Disk to Emulated Disk)

In this method creating a disk images is done by the fact we are emulating a real 1541 drive which stores the disk as an image. These methods will probably work when you want to copy disks between 2 real 1541 drives attached to a Commodore computer and if you really need too for some reason, a virtual 1541 to another virtual 1541.

You can substitute the 1541 with a another Commodore drive model of your choosing.

  • Commodore computer + 1541 + Pi1541 + Disk Copier Software (can do copy protected disks)
  • Commodore computer + 1541 + SD2IEC + Disk Copier Software
  • Commodore computer + 1541 + VC1541 (Parallel Port Adapter and PC) + Disk Copier Software (I am only guessing about this one but I don't think it will work)
  • Commodore computer + 1541 + 64HDD (Parallel Port Adapter and PC) + Disk Copier Software (I am only guessing about this one but I don't think it will work)

Real Commodore with a twin disk drive attached (BASIC)

I only mention this for completeness as I came across the following BASIC command

Copy the whole disk in drive 1 to the disk in drive 0 (on a dual-drive floppy only):

COPY D1 TO D0
  • COPY - C64-Wiki
  • The BASIC COPY command with logical drives can be used to copy between units of a dual disk drive (drives that use a single device number and two logical drives in that). I'm not aware any of them that could be connected to the plus/4 easily.
  • Examples of a suitable drive is probably the CBM PET 8050, 4040 etc..

 

Build your Commodore disk imaging setup in Windows

You must follow the 'Proper power-on sequence' as outlined here, also read these warnings

These instructions assume you have a Windows 10 PC, although not tested in Windows 11 and Windows 7 they might work. I will be installing all of the software you might use whether or not you use it to keep the instructions easy to follow.

  • Turn on your Windows 10 PC
  • Download
    • OpenCBM
      • Transfers files/images to/from a real CBM drive connected via an 'X-cable' on the parallel port or USB via ZoomFloppy/XUM1541.
      • Win NT/2K/XP, and Linux/i386 kernel driver and development library to control serial CBM devices, such as the Commodore 1541 disk drive, connected to the PC's parallel port via a XM1541 or XA1541 cable. Fast disk copier included.
      • Successor of cbm4li
      • Contains offical firmware for ZoomFloppy.
      • Releases are in a sub folder in the repo, not in the releases section.
    • C1541 / VICE (SDL Version)
      • A utility from the VICE emulator that works with CBM Image Files (ie: D64,D71,D81 files) NEW! CBM-Transfer 1.22 now supports latest releases..
      • VICE is an emulator collection which emulates the C64, the C64-DTV, the C128, the VIC20, practically all PET models, the PLUS4 and the CBM-II (aka C610). It runs on Unix, MS-DOS, Win32, OS/2, Acorn RISC OS, BeOS, QNX 6.x, Amiga, GP2X or Mac OS X machines.
      • Get the SDL version
    • CBM Transfer (CBMXfer)
      • An open-source GUI for OpenCBM, VICE, NIBTools and several other command-line utilities for transferring files and working with disk images.
    • NIBTools
      • Utilities to transfer images via parallel port. Supports protected disks.
  • Create a folder C:\commodore
  • Install OpenCBM
    • Unzip OpenCBM to (This is a temporary folder)
      C:\commodore\opencbm\
    • Navigate to this folder
    • Run the following command (doesn't have to be run from the command prompt). This will install the software to C:\Program Files\opencbm\
      C:\commodore\opencbm\install.cmd
    • When successful you will be prompted with some instructions 
      I could install the necessary USB drivers if you like
      • Option 1 - You have a ZoomFloppy
        • Insert the ZoomFloppy as instructed
        • Wait a moment for Windows to recognise the device
        • Press 'y' and then Enter
        • Press any key to continue . . .
        • (optionally) Update the ZoomFloppy firmware by running (doesn't have to be run from the command prompt)
          C:\commodore\opencbm\firmware-update.bat
        • Press any key to continue . . .
        • Unplug your ZoomFloppy
      • Option 2 - You don't have a ZoomFloppy
        • Press 'n' and then Enter
        • Press any key to continue . . .
    • Add the OpenCBM folder to the system PATH. If you need help follow the instructions here
      C:\Program Files\opencbm\
    • Create a folder to stored your imaged disks
      C:\commodore\floppies\
  • Install VICE for the C1541 utillity
    • Extract the VICE download to
      C:\commodore\vice\
    • Run one of the emulators such as x64sc.exe to make sure it works
  • Install NIBTools
    • Extract the downloaded package to
      c:\commodore\nibtools\
    • (optional) Add this folder to the system PATH.
      • If you need help follow the instructions here
      • This is if you are going to use the Nibtools from the command line.
  • Install CBM-Transfer
    • Extract the downloaded package to the folder
      C:\commodore\cbm-transfer\
    • There is no a separate setup that needs to be run even though this is what some istructions say. It must be for an old version.
    • Run
      C:\commodore\cbm-transfer\CBMXfer.exe
    • If you get an error as follows, you need to perform an additional step, if not, skip this step

      • How to Fix the 'comdlg32.ocx' missing Error on Windows? - Appuals.com
        • The comdlg32.ocx file is a part of the Visual Basic Runtime suite and it’s not located on your computer by default.
        • This guides you through fixing the issue
        • I located the file on one of my other computers, but this one should be fine.
      • The file should be located at one of these locations: 
        C:\Windows\System32\comdlg32.ocx (x32)
C:\Windows\SysWOW64\comdlg32.ocx (x64)
      • Get a copy of the file from another one of your PCs or the Appauls article above and place it in the correct folder for your version of windows
      • Open an command prompt in Administrator mode
      • Navigate to the relevant folder from above.
      • Run these 2 commands - They might generate an error but ignore it.
        regsvr32 /u Comdlg32.ocx
regsvr32 /i Comdlg32.ocx
    • Now run CBMXFer.exe
    • Upon first running you will get a dialogue box which can be ignored because we are fixing it in the next step
    • Under 'CBM-Transfer Options' (which should popped up automatically)
      • Set the various 'Utility Paths' which we installed earlier as follows:
        OpenCBM:     C:\Program Files\opencbm\
Vice, C1541: C:\commodore\vice\
NIBTools:    C:\commodore\nibtools\
      • Set the default 'Left' directory in the menu item 'Local Paths'
        C:\commodore\floppies\
  • (optionally) You can delete the folder below if you want, but I keep it because it has the documentation in it and a test script.
    C:\commodore\opencbm\
  • Done

Using your Windows setup to image Commodore disks

You must follow the 'Proper power-on sequence' as outlined here, also read these warnings

Now the software is setup, it is now time to use it to save those disk you have. I will mention all of the methods I know of and it is up to you to choose which is most appropriate with the disks and equipment you have.

Connect and Test the drive

  • Connect your Commodore drive to your chosen adapter (we will use ZoomFloppy) to your PC as prescribed here
    • You can use other adapters to connect your drive
    • For connection issues relating to the X Series of cables, see my article Commodore Tape Transfers | QuantumWarp
    • You can only use XM1541 or XA1541.
    • XA1541 is better.
  • Test your drive is on and working by trying these commands
        cbmctrl detect     - checks the drive is there (might be only ZoomFloppy)
    cbmctrl reset      - resets the drive
    cbmctrl status 8   - Will output some information about the drive

Making the Images

Now it is time to insert your disk that you want to image

  • OpenCBM - d64copy.exe
    • This will only work to copy 1541 formatted disks (D64)
    • Navigate to
      C:\commodore\floppies\
    • Run the command
      d64copy 8 test.d64
  • OpenCBM - imgcopy.exe
    • This is stilll under development and is not as stable as d64copy
    • This can be used to create D64, D71, D81 etc..
  • NIBTools - nibread.exe
    • Requires a 1571, or 1541 with parallel port mod
    • Will do copy protected disks
    • If you have a parallel connection in your Commodore drive, or a 1571 you can enable the "Use NibTools" option and create additional image types NIB, NBZ or G64 in a similar fashion. NibTools has many options, so please refer to the Nibtools documentation for correct usage of the various switches.
    • Navigate to
      C:\commodore\floppies\
    • Run one of these commands
      nibread test.nib
nibread test.nbz   (same as above, but compressed)
    • Convert NIB to G64 or D64 disk files
      • These NIB/NZB can be converted to G64 or D64 as required. Unless needed you should always convert the disks to .G64 as this can handle protected disks and is a better format.
      • You use nibconv.exe to change the format or removed the compression.
      • How to use NIB Disk Image Files | Commodore 64 | YouTube | Basic Bites
        • Using NIB files with your C64/1541 emulator: what they are, and how to easily convert them to G64/D64 floppy disk images.
        • As always a very clear and concise video.
    • nibread.exe can be tweaked with advanced options when edge-case disks are not working. 95% of disks should image with the default settings.
  • CBM-Transfer
    • This is a GUI for all of the above software and most functions can be done through this frontend.
    • Are using a X-Cable?
      • There are several different types of X-Cables. I recommend you use an "XM" or "XA" type for use with windows. Other types may not work.
      • XA is better.
    • I prefer to use this software.
    • Easy Disk copy
    • To make a D64 image from a disk (uses d64copy.exe)
      • Make sure NO files are selected in the RIGHT pane,
      • then click the "<-" button.
      • You will be asked for a name to save the image (the Disk Title will be the default).
      • If you have a 1571 dual-sided floppy, simply change the extension to D71.

Installing and Using links (sort)

Software

  • Fast Disk Copiers (Disk to Disk)
  • Nibblers (Low Level Disk Copiers) (native)
    • Maverick
      • C64
      • Is by far the more advanced copy program. very handy program.
      • [CSDb] - Maverick Copy by Angels (1999) - Commodore 64 Tool: Maverick Copy by Angels. Released on 1999
      • Maverick - C64 Copy ProtectionC64 Copy Protection - Maverick is one of the best software copiers for the C64. Maverick V2.0 was originally called ‘Renegade’ but was forced to change their name for copyright reasons. The last legitimate version is v5.04
      • Also has a Fast Disk Copier (sector by Sector)
      • Has a GCR Nibble mode
    • Fast Hack'em
      • C64
      • [CSDb] - Search for Fast Hack'em - CSDb
      • Fast Hack'em Parameter List - C64 Copy ProtectionC64 Copy Protection - Fast Hack’em v6.04 Parameter List Here is the list of the parameters found in Fast Hack’em version 6.04, There are 189 parameters: Fast Hackem 6.04 Parameters List by Craig A. Ernster    
      • Fast Hack'em v9.5a - Commodore Software - Fast Hack'em v9.5a by Mike J. Henry and the Basement Boys is I believe the last version of the awesome Commodore 64 copying arsenal.
      • Fast Hack'em - Wikipedia
        • Fast Hack'em is a Commodore 64 fast disk/file copier, nibbler and disk editor written by Mike J. Henry and released in 1985.
        • The most popular feature of Fast Hack'em was its ability to produce copies of copy-protected commercial software. When using the nibbler, disk copying is done on a very low level, bit-by-bit rather than using standard Commodore DOS commands. This effectively nullifies the efficacy of deliberate disk errors, non-standard track layouts, and related forms of copy prevention
    • Ultrabyte Disk Nibbler
      • Ultrabyte Disk Nibbler | C64 Copy Protection - Ultrabyte has quite a few version. From the ads 2.1, V4, V5 and V6. Early version where out in 1985 including routines to copy Electronic Arts titles. V4 included a powerful new GCR Nibbler and 105 parameters. V5 now copied Rapid Lock protection and had 205 parameters including VMAX protections. Finally V6 now has 305 parameters.
  • Other Copiers
  • GUI
    • CBM-Transfer / CBMXFer
      • GitHub - sjgray/cbm-transfer - GUI for OpenCBM and others to transfer and view Commodore disks and files.
      • The CBM-Transfer Homepage
        • An open-source front-end to several command-line utilities for transferring files and working with disk images.
        • CBM-Transfer makes using those utilities easy by providing a familiar windows interface that removes the need to learn the commandline syntax of each program.
        • CBM-Transfer also includes a multi-format file and picture viewer.
      • Windows based
      • Uses the OpenCBM driver for Windows 10, a utility from VICE and NIBTools and has some of its own binaries for copying
      • Commodore 1541 Disk Drive connected via parallel port
      • This is a front-end
      • CBMX-Transfer is a front-end to several command-line utilities for transferring files and working with disk images. CBM-Transfer makes using those utilities easy by providing a familiar windows interface that removes the need to learn the commandline syntax of each program. CBM-Transfer also includes a multi-format file and picture viewer.
      • A PC running Windows 95 or higher (see note below). Tested working on Windows 10.
      • Written in Visual Basic
      • CBM-Transfer (aka "CBMXfer") is based on GUI4CBM4WIN (G4C from now on) and is a lot more improved
  • File Transfer
  • Imagers
    • CBM-Transfer / CBMXFer
      • See above
    • OpenCBM
      • see below
    • NIBTools
    • d2d64 – Preserving your C64 disks - World of Jani
      • I needed a program to transfer C64 disks to .d64 images with a good overview of the process, but more importantly, it had to be fast and with minimial interaction to be used for reading disks in large batches. I ended up making a modified version of Nibread which i decided to call d2d64 so it would not be mixed up with the original Nibread. Nibread is part of the Nibtools utilities by Pete Rittwage at the C64 Preservation Project.
    • D64it Plus4 - Software Details - Plus/4 World
      • Plus4 / PRG
      • Creates D64 images and transfer them into mass storage devices.
  • Drivers
    • OpenCBM
      • A package of core utilities as-well as drivers and firmware for the ZoomFloppy/XUM1541 and several other related devices.
      • GitHub - OpenCBM/OpenCBM
      • OpenCBM download | SourceForge.net - Download OpenCBM for free. Win NT/2K/XP, and Linux/i386 kernel driver and development library to control serial CBM devices, such as the Commodore 1541 disk drive, connected to the PC's parallel port via a XM1541 or XA1541 cable. Fast disk copier included.
      • OpenCBM Changelog | Spiro
      • Win 7/8/10, and Linux/i386/AMD64 kernel driver and development library to control serial CBM devices, such as the Commodore 1541 disk drive, connected to the PC's parallel port via a XM1541 or XA1541 cable. Fast disk copier included. Successor of cbm4linux. Also supports the XU1541 and the XUM1541 devices (a.k.a. "ZoomFloppy").
      • Contains firmware for the ZoomFloppy
      • Has copying programs in it.
  • File Management
    • 64Copy
      • By Peter Schepers
      • 64COPY is an all-purpose DOS and C64 emulator file manager, modelled after Norton Commander, and runs under the Windows DOS VDM (32-bit or lower), and in real DOS. The 64-bit editions of Windows have no DOS VDM, so you will need to install a DOS-like emulator like DOSBox. It specializes in converting and manipulating emulator files between various formats, as well as a very flexible 6502 disassembler. 64COPY does not do any communication to the 1541/71/81 floppy drives to read disks
      • Latest v4.45 2014
    • DirMaster: a d64 editor and more | Style64
      • A Windows-based GUI application designed to help Commodore enthusiasts explore and manage their disk image collections.
      • DirMaster supports common (and uncommon) emulator disk image formats (such as .d64, .d81, .d2m, etc), almost every native Commodore archival format (such as .arc, .sda, .lnx, etc), and many native graphic formats (such as koala, doodle, amica, etc).
      • DirMaster was designed to give users a perfect blend of familiar appearance (e.g. natural looking disk image contents using the PETSCII character set) and modern GUI functionality (e.g. drag and drop, opening multiple disk images at once).
      • Extact PRG from the D64 easily with this.
  • Commodore Emulators (Can connect directly to a real 1541)
    • Vice Emulator
      • Commodore 1541 Disk Drive connected via parallel port
      • I am not sure how reliable this is reliable
  • 1541 Emulator
    • VC1541 (Hardware Emulator software)
      • 1541 Drive emulator you run on your PC (supports X1541 or XE1541)
      • This works with any Commodore that has the serial port.
      • Copy from the real disk to an Emulated disk
      • Use native Commodore disk copying software or commands to copy from the real disk to an image on the emulated drive.
    • 64HDD
      • A serial bus and disk drive emulator
      • Will run with either X1541 or XE1541 cables
      • 64HDD in action | youtube | Psylicium - I found an old IBM Thinkpad laptop in the trash a couple of months ago, and decided to turn it into an emulated floppy drive for my Commodore 64, using 64HDD. This is a short video of what it does :)
      • 64hdd for real dummies! - Commodore 64 (C64) Forum - I've no idea if this is going to be of any use to anyone, but I had a lot of trouble getting 64Hdd to work. I managed to figure out most of this either myself, or by googling.
    • See this article for more information Commodore Tape Transfers | QuantumWarp

Hardware

  • 1541 Emulator
    • SD2IEC (Hardware Emulator device)
      • This connects direct to a real Commodore computer
      • Commodore 1541 Disk Drive connected to the commodore computer
      • Use native Commodore disk copying software or commands to copy from the real disk to an image on the emulated drive.
      • How to Copy C64 Disks between SD2IEC and Real Drives | YouTube | Jan Beta
        • A little tutorial video about how to copy .D64 disk images from an SD2IEC (or equivalent device) to a real floppy disk using a 1541 disk drive (and also vice versa).
        • Set SD2IC to Device 9 (non permanent)
          • OPEN 15,8,15 - Opens channel 15 for device 8
          • PRINT#15,"u0>CHR$(9) - this send the command to change the drives address to 9
          • CLOSE 15 - Closes channel 15
        • Use DraCopy on a real C64
      • sd2iec (firmware) - C64-Wiki - This page describes the functionality of the sd2iec firmware including disk commands that can be issued from the Commodore.
      • Does not support G64 images
    • Pi1541
    • Raspberry Pi
  • PC 1541 Adapters
    • ZoomFloppy Adapter
      • Based on XUM1541 developed by Nate Lawson.
      • ZoomFloppy brings Commodore disk archival into the 21st Century, bridging the gap between the both the IEEE-488 and IEC-based disk intelligent Commodore™ disk drive line and contemporary personal computers.  Taking up the baton from the ever-popular X*-1541 line of parallel port interfaces, ZoomFloppy provides complete functionality for newer machines running multitasking and multi-user operating systems and those systems lacking the legacy parallel port upon which the X*-1541 interfaces depend.
      • ZoomFloppy Set Up | YouTube | Hey Birt!
        • Follow along as we wrap a case around a ZoomFloppy board, install the USB driver and OpenCBM software on the PC as well as learn how to back up a floppy disc to a .d64 file. There is a lot more you can do with a ZoomFloppy, if you have questions let me know in the comments below.
        • In this video he uses GUI4CBM4WIN to transfer files.
      • ZoomFloppy will always be compatible with the XUM1541 firmware
      • ZoomFloppy – RETRO Innovations
        • Excellent description of this product and it's features.
        • How is the Zoom Floppy different then the XU1541?
          • Performance
            • 25-second backup without optimizing (parallel transfer, needs cable in drive).
            • Still faster even for serial xfers.
          • Functionality
            • supports Burst Nibbler protocol via nibtools. Allows raw g64 backups (read and write). Works with vmax/epyx etc etc.
          • Reliability
            • interrupt xfers in the middle (^C), start another transfer, and everything gets reset and restarted properly
            • Supports infinite holdoff
          • IEEE-488 Support
            • ZoomFloppy is one of a few solutions for USB access to the IEE-488 drives, and the only one that understands PET/CBM IEEE commands.
            • Can talk directly to Commodore Disk drives such as the PET 4040 and PET 8050.
          • Future Expansion
            • All signals are available on the X5 Expansion Port.
            • only 7 KB used out of 32 KB FLASH on microcontroller
          • How does ZoomFloppy compare to a XUM1541 device?
            • ZoomFloppy is an implementation of an XUM1541-compliant interface. XUM1541 specifies a protocol that is used to transfer data from the interface to the OpenCBM libraries. In many cases, the terms can be used interchangeably, though they do not mean exactly the same thing. Incidentally, ZoomFloppy is partially named after the “xum” in XUM1541, which many people pronounce as “zoom” .
        • How to use ZoomFloppy – The WP Guru - ZoomFloppy is an ingenious contraption by Nate Lawson which lets you connect real Commodore disk drives via USB to modern computers.
      • ZoomFloppy adapter can access CBM Commodore PET Dual drives (i.e. 4040/8050)
      • ZoomFloppy – RETRO Innovations - homepage
      • ZoomFloppy review – Vintage is The New Old
      • This seems to be a next generation adapter that works with everything including PET drives.
      • I have not used this but included it because it keeps popping up
      • Commodore Software - CBM Transfer v1.22a - CBM Transfer v1.22a by Steve J. Gray (Released Sept. 13th, 2021) - This is an excellent Windows based program for transfer files from a real Commodore 1541/71/81 to a PC using either the Zoom Floppy or USB based XUM cable.
      • XUM1541 Setting up guide | load64.com
      • ZoomFloppy from Box to using in 10 minutes. | YouTube | Steve's Real World - Unboxing and use of a ZommFloppy
      • A ZoomFloppy, PixelBook Go, and Raspberry Pi - marcbilodeau.com - The ZoomFloppy is an essential tool for any serious Commodore 64 enthusiast. Learn about it and how to set one up with a Pixelbook Go and Raspberry Pi.
      • Getting two ZoomFloppies to Work on the Same Windows 10 Box - Realm of Zoggins - You have probably made poor decisions in life when you come to the conclusion that you need so many Commodore drives hooked up to your PC that you need more than one ZoomFloppy, but here I am to tell my story.
    • XUM1541-II
    • KryoFlux (PC Adapter)
    • SuperCard Pro (CMBSTUFF)
    • Burst Nibbler
      • The package came with software to be run on the Commodore C64
      • The connection cable is the same pinout of the ZoomFloppy (i am guessing)
      • Commodore 1541 Parallel Cable with ZoomFloppy & Burst Nibbler Demo | YouTube | Steve's Retro Gaming - This video shows a mix of ZoomFloppy/Burst nibbler hardware and software and how they can be mixed and matched when using the parallel mod on a Commodore 1541.
      • [CSDb] - Burst Nibbler V1.9 by Octagon (1988) - Commodore 64 Crack: Burst Nibbler V1.9 by Octagon. Released on 1988
      • Burst Nibbler for Commodore 64/128 Datel Parallel Cable & Software Zoom floppy compatible - GameDude Computers
        • Deep Scan Burst Nibbler!  Zoom floppy compatible Powerful Software
        • The notes below explain how the ZoomFloppy and this Burst Nibbler gets the un-modified data to make perfect backups.
        • The Burst Nibbler system is probably the most powerful disk copier available for the Commodore computer.
        • It gains its power by using parallel data transfer. With standard nibblers the data is read from the disk and decoded into a standard format before being transferred to the host computer by the serial bus. This is all well until it comes across some non-standard data on the disk. Because it can't recognize the code it is unable to decode into the form needed for serial transfer. With parallel transfer the data is read from the disk and transferred directly to the host computer without the need to decode it. This is achieved because the Burst Nibbler System is actually hardware and software package. The hardware consists of a parallel cable that plugs into the computers user port. The other end of the cable plugs into the Via chip socket inside your disk drive. The software is a powerful Nibbler control program with various parameter settings to maximize results.
        • Transfers raw GCR Code via cable!
        • Fitted in minutes usually no soldering!
        • Only package to copy up to 41 tracks!
        • Will copy a whole disk in under 2 mins!
        • Full and half tracks copied - no problem!
        • Make a perfect copy every time!
        • Fitting involves lifting the 6522 Via chip inside the drive, inserting it into the socket on the cable and plugging the whole assembly back into the socket, the other end just plugs into the user port and has a through connector for your other hardware.
    • Parallel Port Adapters (XE1541/XA1541/etc....)
    • XU1541
      • The xu1541 | Spiro's home on the web - Homepage
      • Originally developed by Till Harbaum
      • This project is now dead and you should not use these adapters anymore unless you have one already.
      • The xu1541 was the modern way to connect CBM IEC bus devices to todays USB equipped PCs (The more modern alternative is the XUM1541).
      • It was meant to replace the printer port solutions based on the so-called original x1541 cable.
      • It provides a means to send low level IEC commands forth and back via the USB. PC software developed to support this interface may then directly access the disk drive and the contents of a disk inserted. It should also be possible to access other IEC devices like printers. Currently e.g. the git version of the OpenCBM software supports this interface.
    • XUM1541
      • Developed by Nate Lawson
      • The firware and schematics are released as Open Source
      • ZoomFloppy is based on this.
      • Introducing xum1541: the fast C64 floppy USB adapter | rdist
        • I’ve been working on a project in my spare time that I’m now ready to announce. It is a USB interface for the C64 1541 floppy drive, which allows it to be connected to a modern PC.
        • The xum1541 (pronounced “zoom”) is built from a modified version of the xu1541 firmware.
        • It is a USB full speed device and supports high-speed parallel cables.
        • The hardware USB support significantly speeds up transfers.
        • It will support mnib (aka nibtools), which provides low-level imaging to backup copy protected disks. I’m most excited about this feature since it is critical to archiving original floppies for the C64 Preservation Project.
      • XUM1541 Homepage | Nate Lawson - Nate's original prototype page.
      • Nate recommends buying a ZoomFloppy prebuilt.
      • A GitHub XEUM1541 project
      • OpenCBM/xum1541 at master · OpenCBM/OpenCBM · GitHub
        • Official XUM1541 firmware
        • Win 7/8/10, and Linux/i386/AMD64 kernel driver and development library to control serial CBM devices, such as the Commodore 1541 disk drive, connected to the PC's parallel port via a XM1541 or ...
  • Commodore Drives
    • 1541
      • Commodore 1541 - Wikipedia
        • Disks formatted on the 1541 are compatible with the 1551
        • You can only change the devices ID number permanently with a hardware mod.
        • the default device ID is 8, but this can be changed to 9 and possible 11.
        • You can use software to change the device ID temporarily
        • Both theses change methods are written in the user manual.
        • Commodore Pet can read 1541/1551 formatted disks
      • Readers' Feedback: Commodore 1541 Disk Drive Device Number Update
        • Commodore Disk Drive Device Number Update (From Compute! Issue 50 / July 1984)
        • Covers hardware mod and software method, both mentioned in the user manual (page 48)
        • The 1541 demo disk that was included with your drive also contains a program to change device numbers. LOAD the program DISK ADDR CHANGE then RUN. The user prompts will tell you what to do.
        • If you feel uncomfortable changing the device number using the hardware method, the same thing can be achieved with a software (program) modification. Here is the procedure:
          1. Turn off all disk drives
          2. Turn on the disk drive whose device number you want to change
          3. Type and enter the following commands: 
            CLOSE 15: OPEN 15, 8, 15
PRINT # 15, "M-W", CHR$(119) CHR$(0) CHR$(2) CHR$(n + 32) CHR$(n + 64)
CLOSE 15
            • Change the n in the PRINT#15 command above to the device number you want to assign to the disk drive. It might be best to limit the device numbers to the range between 9 and 14.
            • Note the syntax of the PRINT#15, "M-" … command. Contrary to the instructions in the 1541 user's manual, do not include the colon after the memory-write (M-W) command. If the colon is included, the device number change will not be successful.
          4. Now you can turn on the other drive(s), and start processing.
        • The 1541 demo disk that was included with your drive also contains a program to change device numbers. LOAD the program DISK ADDR CHANGE then RUN. The user prompts will tell you what to do.
      • Change Device Number - Software Method (From Manual / Pg48)
        • The device number is selected by the drive by looking at a hardware jumper on the board and writing the number based on that jumper in a section of its RAM. Once operation is underway, it is easy to write over the previous device number with a new one.
        • The Code 
          FORMAT FOR CHANGING DEVICE NUMBER:

    PRINT#file#,"M-W:" CHR$(119) CHR$(0) CHR$(2) CHR$(address+32)
    CHR$(address+64)

EXAMPLE OF CHANGING DEVICE NUMBER (FROM 8 TO 9):

 10 OPEN 15, 8, 15
 20 PRINT# 15, "M-W" CHR$(119) CHR$(0) CHR$(2) CHR$(9+32)
    CHR$(9+64)
      • "HOW TO" change the 1541 drive assignment. | AmiBay
        • Every now and then i see that people are wondering how to change the 1541's drive assignment from say,8 to 9. So here is a little write up on how to do it, with pictures and a little hand drawn diagram.
        • This tutorial show you how to add your own DIP switches to your drive.
      • The 1541 demo disk that was included with your drive also contains a program to change device numbers. LOAD the program DISK ADDR CHANGE then RUN. The user prompts will tell you what to do.
      • Ruud's Commodore Site: 1541 - Ruud's Commodore site, information about Commodores and old PCs. This particular page is dedicated to the 1541 hardware and how it works.
    • 1541-II
      • Commodore 1541-II DIP switches - The Silicon Underground
        • Commodore's 1541-II disk drive has a pair of DIP switches in back. Here's how to set the Commodore 1541-II DIP switches so you can run more than one drive.
        • It shouldn’t strictly matter how you connect the drives, but Commodore recommended plugging drive 8 straight into to the computer. Plug drive 9 into drive 8. If you need help connecting them, see my earlier post on connecting Commodore disk drives.
        • For what it’s worth, the switch settings are the same on a 1571 or 1581 drive as well.
      • Device 12 - Changing the Commodore 1541 Default Device Number To Anything! | The Commodore Room - In this video, we change the 1541-II device number to start at 12 rather than the default 8. This way, you can avoid the lengthy process of software device number changes and easily daisy chain a couple dozen 1541's together!
    • 1551
      • Commodore 1551 - Wikipedia
        • Disks formatted on the 1551 are compatible with the 1541
        • You can only change the devices ID number permanently with a hardware mod.
        • the default device ID is 8, but this can be changed to 9 and possible 11.
        • You can use software to change the device ID temporarily
        • Both theses change methods are written in the user manual (age 71).
        • Commodore Pet can read 1541/1551 formatted disks
      • Change Device Number - Software Method (From Manual / Pg71)
        • The preferred way to temporarily change the device number of a disk drive is via a program. When power is first turned on. the drive reads an 110 location whose value is controlled by a jumper on its circuit board, and writes the device number it reads there into memory locations 119 and 120. Any time thereafter, you may write over that device number with a new one, which will be effective until it is changed again, or the 1551 is reset
        • The Code 
          FORMAT FOR TEMPORARILY CHANGING THE DISK DEVICE NUMBER:

    PRINT#15,"%n"

    Where n = 8 or 9

EXAMPLE

    Here is a program that sets any device number:

10 INPUT "NEW DEVICE NUMBER"; DV$
20 IF NOT (DV$ = "8" or DV$ = "9") THEN 10
30 OPEN 15,8,15, "%R"+DV$: CLOSE 15

If you send only the % sign, the device number will toggle between 8 and 9.
      • The 1551 demo disk that was included with your drive also contains a program to change device numbers. LOAD the program DISK ADDR CHANGE then RUN. The user prompts will tell you what to do.
      • Commodore 1551 and Plus 4 Update | YouTube | OldSkoolCoder - A simple repair for a 1551 not reading disk because the head is jammed.
      • Commodore 1551 Disk Drive - Peripheral - Computing History - Originally known as the SFS481, and designed specifically for the Commodore Plus 4, it is in appearance like a charcoal grey 1541. The drive plugs into the cartridge slot of the machine, using its own wired in interface.
      • Commodore 1551 - C64-Wiki - A small article on this unique drive.
      • Commodore 1551 - Hardware - Plus/4 World - The Commodore 1551 floppy drive is a rare beauty. Designed for the Commodore 264 series, it borrows the nice black look of the Commodore Plus/4. It connects through the parallel port, unlike the more common 1541 drive, which had a serial connection.
      • Commodore 1551 Academic - The Commodore 1551 (originally introduced as the SFS 481) was a floppy disk drive for the Commodore Plus/4 home computer. It resembled a charcoal-colored Commodore 1541 and plugged into the cartridge port, providing faster access than the C64/1541 combination. Commodore reportedly planned an interface to allow use of the 1551 with the C64, but it was never released.
    • 1571
      • The internal RAM of this drive is sufficient to load a complete track into memory which is require to beat some copy protections.
      • A 1571 can backup protected disks natively becasue it can read the a whole Track into RAM including read errors.
      • A parallel mod on a 1571 just speeds the drive up. I have not seen anyonbe who has done this mod so I could be wrong.
    • Parallel Port mod
      • This is mainly done on the 1541 thought it can be done on the rest of the drives with varing levels of difficultly.
      • It allows greater speed for transfers but it main feature is it allows direct access to the GCR data so copy protectsion can be imaged as-well. See Burst Nibbler notes above for more information.
      • Commodore c64 128 user port parallel adapter + 1541 drive parallel port | eBay
        • I know you have to add the parallel mod onto a 1541 to allow nibbling and it gives it speed increase. But I see on the mod 1571, does this mean you can apply this parallel mod to a 1571 for increased speed?
        • Yes, it can be used in a 1571 also, but in this case you can't use a header connector because the space inside is limited and you may need to raise the cover a little.
        • The 1571 has also the "burst" mode that can be used to increase speed and burst nibbling without parallel connection, so the mod in the 1571 is not very useful.
    • Disk Misc

Commodore BASIC/Disk Commands

  • COPY - C64-Wiki
    • Copy the whole disk in drive 1 to the disk in drive 0 (on a dual-drive floppy only) 
      COPY D1 TO D0

or possibly

COPY D8 TO D9
    • The BASIC COPY command with logical drives can be used to copy between units of a dual disk drive (drives that use a single device number and two logical drives in that). I'm not aware any of them that could be connected to the plus/4 easily.
    • Examples of a suitable drive is probably the CBM PET 8050
  • To load and show directory 
    LOAD"$",8
LIST
  • To load a PRG and execute it 
    LOAD"TTAPSERV.PRG",8
RUN
  • DIRECTORY - C64-Wiki
    • BASIC 3.5+ (i.e. C16 and Plus4)
  • DLOAD - C64-Wiki
    • BASIC 3.5+ (i.e. C16 and Plus4)

Notes

Read 1036 times Last modified on Tuesday, 10 January 2023 17:58
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