Date   : Sat, 25 Oct 1997 12:56:00 +0100
From   : Theo Markettos <bbc-list@...>
Subject: Re: File transfer to Acorn 32-bit or PC

On Tue, 21 Oct 1997 09:48:18 +0200, rsc@... said:

> jjl101 wrote:
> > 
> > I am going to be using a BBC (B, I think) as a data logger for an STM
> > (Scanning Tunnelling Microscope) and would very much prefer to
> > transfer the data to a more powerful computer for analysis, wonderful
> > though I'm sure the BBC is.
> > 
> > I have a 32 bit Acorn (A5000) and access to PCs, and I think I should
> > be able to either get hold of a disc drive for the Beeb or at least a
> > tape drive.  I have found a program at HENSA to transfer files via
> > tape, but nothing for disc transfer, which would be a lot easier.
>
> Reading BBC disks on a PC is dodgy, you're very lucky if it works.

I've got a program to read and write BBC discs on 32 bit Acorns called
ArcDFS.  This works very well on my Risc PC with HD 3.5" drive, even though
it has a new style (FDC37C665GT) FDC, and ArcDFS was designed for machines
with a 1772 FDC. I originally got this from the Datafile BBS - let me know if
you'd like a copy.

As far as drives go, I've found that the Model B's 8271 FDC is a little
unreliable with standard PC HD 3.5" drives - either get a Master or 1770
upgrade, which I've found works happily with them, an older DD drive, or,
preferably, the type of drive used in Risc PCs (made by Citizen I think),
which has slightly different density sensing arrangement to cheap (and lower
quality) PC drives.  

> Decoding BBC tapes via a soundcard usually works quite well.

There is a companion package to Warm Silence Software's 6502em (sp?) which
reads BBC tapes through a 32 bit Acorn's parallel port.  I think it costs
about 5 or 10 pounds as a separate package to the emulator.  WSS are at
http://www.wss.co.uk

-- 
Theo Markettos
theo@...