AMSTRAD CPC6128 Installation instructions

Introduction
AMSTRADCPC6128
IntegratedComputer/DiscSystem
A LogicalProgression
AMSTRAD's hugely successful CPC464 and CPC664 systems have provided a sound
basisfor further development, and
now we proudlypresentthe CPC6128.
In keeping with our policy ofcompatibility, the CPC6128 will operate with software
from both
the CPC664 and CPC464 systems - but additionally provides afurther 64K
bytesof
RAM for use with CP/M andotheruser applications.
CP/MPlus
CP/M Plus (also known as CP/M 3.1) provides very easy access to the library ofCP/M
80 software. The 61K TPA means that any CP/M 80 program will find room to run,
and provide ample space for data.
CP/M Plus is compatible with CP/M 2.2, although
we have provided bothversions to ensure that applicationsdeveloped using firmware
features in
the AMSTRAD CP/M 2.2 systemswill operate without modification.
CP/M Plus includes many enhancements that improve the performance of the
system, and most existing
CP/M 2.2 software can take advantage of these facilities
without conflict. The
CP/M Plus system incorporates a specific terminal emulation
feature whereby software
that is configured to use screen handling characteristics
_similaLto_VT52and.Zenith-Z19/Z29-terminals-can-be installed-without·further
customisation.
GSX
The Graphics Extension System supplied with this version of CP/M Plus enables
applications programs to address printers/plotters and the screen using standard
instructions
that extend the concept of CP/M program portability beyond the text
screen. Software
that takes advantage of GSX will be able to be interfaced with a
numberofgraphics devices to provide
hard copy ofgraphs, diagramsetc.
Dr. LOGO
Digital Research's LOGO continues to make inroads into computer education -and
the increased memory of the 6128 has permitted extensions to the Dr. LOGO first
used under
CP/M 2.2. Programs will of course be upwards compatible from
AMSTRAD
CP/M 2.2.
Introduction
CPC 6128

Disc
The CPC664 set the standard for the future with its built in disc system, and the
CPC6128 continues to bringlow cost disc computing to increasingly demanding and
exacting users who
want personal computer performance at a home computer price.
The discs from all AMSTRAD systems are interchangeable, although programs
that
take advantage of the advanced features of CP/M Plus and GSX will obviously not
workonmodelswithoutthesefacilities.
Finally,
the CPC6128 is supported by one of the largest consumer electronics
organisations
in the country, and the AMSTRAD computer users' club with its
authoritative monthly magazine is already firmly established as the leading source
ofnews
and information.
Software
The CPC6128 runs all CPC664 and CPC464IDDIl disc software, and virtually all
CPC464 cassette software (with a cassette unit connected to the CPC6128 ofcourse),
giving
the owner an instant and enviable choice of software from AMSOFT's
extensiverange, as weB as theproductsofmanyindependentvendors.
AMSOFT
Adivision of
CONSUMERELECTRONICSPLC.
© Copyright1985 AMSOFT, AMSTRAD ConsumerElectronicsplc.
Neither the whole norany part ofthe informationcontainedherein, northeproduct described inthismanual,may
be adapted or reproduced in any material form except with
the prior written approval of AMSTRAD Consumer
Electronicsplc. ('AMSTRAD').
The product described in this manual, and products
for use with it are subject to continuous development and
improvement. All information of a technical
nature and parti~ulars of the product and its use (including the
information and particulars in this manual) are given
by AMSTRAD in good faith. However, it is acknowledged
that there may be errors or omissions in this manual. A list of details of any amendments or revisions to this
manual can
be obtained by sending a stamped, selfaddressedenvelope to AMSOFT Technical Enquiries. We ask
that all userstakecare to submittheir reply paid user registration andguaranteecards.
You are also advisedto complete and sendoffyour DigitalResearchUserregistrationcard.
CPC 6128 Introduction

AMSOFT welcome comments and suggestions relating to the product or to this
manual.
All correspondenceshouldbe addressedto:
AMSOFT
BrentwoodHouse,
169 KingsRoad,
Brentwood,
EssexCM144EF
All maintenance and serviceon the product must be carriedoutbyAMSOFT
authoriseddealers. Neither AMSOFTnorAMSTRAD can acceptanyliability
whatsoeverfor
any lossordamagecausedbyservice or maintenance by unauthorised
personnel. Thisguide is intendedonlyto assistthereader
in theuse of the product,
and thereforeAMSOFT and AMSTRAD shallnotbe liablefor any loss ordamage
whatsoeverarisingfrom
the useof any informationorparticularsin, or any erroror
omissionin,
this guideor any incorrectuse of the product.
Dr. LOGO, CPIM, CP/M Plus, GSX, and DR GrapharetrademarksofDigital Research Inc.
Z80 is atrademarkofZilog Inc.
IBM and IBM PC are trademarksofInternationalBusinessMachines Inc.
Z19, Z29, and H89 aretrademarksofZenithData Systems Inc.
VT52 is a trademarkofDigitalEquipment Corp.
AMSDOS, CPC6128, CPC664, and CPC464 aretrademarksof AMSTRAD.
FirstPublished 1985.
--- .-- -- - --- - - - - --- - - - -SecondEditionSummer1985.-- - -- -
Third Edition Winter
1985.
Compiled by Ivor Spital
Written
by Ivor Spital, RolandPerry, William Poel, CliffLawson, with acknowledgements to Locomotive Software Ltd.
Introduction
Contributions by AlexanderMartin, David Radisic, Ken Clark.
Published by AMSTRAD.
Typeset by KAMSETtypesettinggraphics (Brentwood).
AMSTRAD is aregistered trademark of AMSTRAD ConsumerElectronics plc.
Unauthorised use of the trademarks or word AMSTRAD is strictly forbidden.
CPC 6128

IMPORTANT
You mustreadthis ....
InstallationNotes
1. Always connectthe Mains Leadto a 3-pin plugfollowing theinstructions
containedin
part 1ofthe Foundationcourse.
2. Never attempt to connect the system to any Mains Supply other than
220-240V ~ 50Hz.
3. There are no user serviceable parts inside the system. Do not attempt to gain
access intothe equipment. Refer allservicing
to qualifiedservicepersonnel.
4. To avoid eye-strain, the monitor should be placed as far away as possible from
the keyboard and operated in an adequately lit room. The monitor
BRIGHTNESScontrolshouldbe keptto asIowasettingaspossible.
5. The computershould be placed centrally infront ofthe monitor, but asfar away
from the screen as possible. Formaximumdata reliability, the disc drive section
of
the computer shouldNOT be placed directly infront ofthe monitor, but to the
right of it. Do not place the computer close to any source of electrical
interference.
6. Alwayskeep disc drives anddiscs awayfrom magneticfields.
7. If you are operating a 2-drive system, keep the interconnecting ribbon cable to
the 2nddrive, awayfrom MainsLeads.
8. Do notblock orcover any ventilation holes.
9. Do notuse orstore the equipment in excessively hot, cold, damp, or dustyareas.
OperationNotes
(Don't worry if you are a little baffled by the technical jargon in this section; the
importance ofthese warnings will become clearer as you work throughthismanual.)
1. Never switch the system on or offwith a disc in the drive. Doing so will corrupt
yourdisc, losing valuableprogramsor data.
Warnings CPC 6128

2. Always make back-up (duplicate) copies of discs which contain valuable
programs.
It is especially importantto make back-up copies ofthemaster CP/M
system discs provided with the 6128. Should you otHerwise accidentally lose or
corruptyourdiscs, replacingthemcouldprove expensive.
3. Make sure that you do not accidentally overwrite your master CP/M system
discs, by ensuring
that the WriteProtectholeson thediscs arealwaysopen.
4. If you are operating a 2-drive system, i.e. if you have purchased an additional
AMSTRAD FD1, always switch on the 2nd disc drive before switching on the
computer.
5. Never touch the floppy disc surfaceitself, insideitsprotective casing.
6. Do notejecta disc while it is beingreadfrom orwrittento.
7. Alwaysremember that formattinga disc willeraseanypreviouscontents.
8. The internal disc interface occupies a small portion ofthe memory that in some
cases, was used by commercial writers of cassette based software for the
AMSTRAD model CPC464. These cassettes will not operate properly with the
6128 +Cassetteunit.
If youhave anyqueriesregardingcassettebasedsoftware
compatibility, contact AMSOFT on Brentwood [phone]. Note however,
that mostmajorAMSOFT softwaretitles areavailableondisc for the 6128.
9. The licence agreement for your CP/M system discs, (which are electronically
serial-number encoded) permit their use on a single computer system only. In
particular this means
that you are prohibited from giving any other person a
_<!isc with YOUR serial-numbered copy of CP/M on it. Carefully read the End
User Program Licence Agreement
TAppenaixl)~-towards-tlie endoCthis·· -
manual.
CPC 6128
Warnings

Contents
ChapterI
FoundationCourse
Settingup
Connectingperipherals
Floppydiscs
Keyboardfamiliarisation
Loadingsoftware, and
the 'Welcome'program
Introductionto BASIC keywords
Introductionto disc operations
Modes colours
and graphics
Sound -
Introductionto AMSDOS and CP/M
Introductionto the Bank Manager
Chapter2
BeyondFoundations
Writinga simpleprogram
Evolutionandafterthoughts
Using
an array
Introducinga menu
Loadingandsavingvariablesto disc
Editing
and linenumbering
--'I'idying-upa-progmm--------------- ------ --
Chapter3
CompleteList of AMSTRAD CPC6128 BASIC Keywords
Descriptionofnotationused
Alphabeticallistingofkeywordscomprising:
Keyword
Formalsyntax
Example
Description
Specialnotes(where applicable)
Associatedkeywords
CPC6128
Contents

Chapter4
Using Discs and Cassettes
Backup master disc
Getting
started with CP/M Plus
Use ofHelpfiles
Single and multiple drive operation
Copyingfiles
BASIC disc applications
Getting
started with GSX
CP/M2.2
Operationwithcassettes
ChapterS
AMSDOS andCP/M
AMSDOS:
Introductionto AMSDOS
Discdirectory
Filenamesfiletypes
and headers
Wildcards
Summary ofAMSDOS commands
Manipulating
and copyingfiles
Reference guideto errormessages
CP/M:
IntroductiontoCP/M
- --- Bootiiig-CP7M Plus-- - - - - -- - --- - - -- -- - - -
DirectConsole Mode
Transient programs
Managingperipherals
Working
with CP/M 2.2
Chapter6
IntroductiontoLOGO
What is LOGO?
Dr. LOGO procedures
Editingprograms
and procedures
Operating hints
Contents CPC6128

( Chapter 6continued
....
SummaryofDr. LOGO primitivescovering:
Word andlistprocessing
Arithmeticoperations
Logical operations
Variables
Procedures
Editing
Printer functions
Textscreen
Graphicscreen
TurtleGraphics
Workspace
management
Propertylists
Discfiles
Keyboard andjoystick
Sound
Flow ofcontrol
Exceptionhandling
Systemprimitives
Systemvariables
Systemproperties
Chapter 7
For Your Reference ....
Cursorlocations andcontrol code extensions
Interrupts
ASCII andgraphicscharacters
Key references
Sound
Errormessages
BASIC keywords
Planners
Connections
Printers
Joysticks
Discorganisation
ResidentSystemeXtensions(RSX's)
Memory
CP/M PlusTerminalEmulator
CP/M Pluscharacterset
CPC6128
----~~----~
Contents

Chapter 8
More aboutthe Bank Manager ....
Using the second 64Kofmemory
Storingscreenimages:
Hardware
bank switching
Swappingscreens
Copyingscreens
Pseudo-fileoperation:
Creatinga RAMdisc
Current record
Reading, writing,
and searchingfor strings
RAMfile exampleprogram
Chapter 9
At Your Leisure ....
General:
Theworldofmicrocomputers
Hardware and software
Comparingcomputers
Somepopularmisconceptions
How a computerdealswithyourinstructions
Thedigitalworld
-
--Bitsand-bytes-- - --------- ------- ----------------- ------------- - - __
TheBINARY number system
TheHEXADECIMAL
number system
CPC6128Specificfunctions:
Character set
Variables
Logic
Userdefined characters
Print formatting
Windows
Interrupts
Data
Sound
Graphics
Graphicsusing
the second 64K ofmemory
ScreenDesignerprogram
Contents CPC6128

Appendices
Appendix 1 End User Program Licence Agreement
Appendix 2 Glossary ofTerms .
Appendix 3 Some Programs For you ....
Bustout
Bomber
Telly tennis
Electric fencing
Amthello
Raffles
Appendix 4 Index
CPC6128 Contents

Chapterl
FoundationCourse
Part
1: Setting Up ....
The CPC6128 canbe set up with either:
1. TheAMSTRAD GT65 GreenTubeMonitor
2. TheAMSTRAD CTM644 ColourMonitor
3. The AMSTRAD MP2 Modulator/Power Supply and a domestic (UHF) colour
TV receiver.
FittingaMainsPlug
The CPC6128 operates from a 220-240Volt~ 50Hz Mains supply. Fit a proper Mains
Plug to the Mains Lead of either the GT65, CTM644, or MP2. If a 13 Amp (BS1363)
Plug is used, a 5 Amp Fuse must be fitted. The 13 Amp Fuse supplied in a new plug
must NOT be used. If any other type of Plug is used, a 5 Amp Fuse must be fitted
either in the Plug orAdaptoror at the DistributionBoard.
Important
Thewires in the MainsLead are coloured in accordancewiththefollowing code:
Blue : Neutral
Brown :Live
As
the colours of the wires in the Mains Lead of this apparatus may notcorrespond
with
the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as
follows:
The wire whichis coloured BLUE
must be connected to the terminal whichis marked
with the letter 'N'orcoloured Black.
The wire which is coloured BROWN
must be connected to the terminal which is
markedwith
the letter 'L'orcolouredRed.
Disconnect
the Mains Plug from the SupplySocketwhennot in use.
Do not attempt to remove anyscrews, noropen the casing ofthe computer, monitor, or
Modulator/Power supply unit. Always obey
the warning on the rating label which is
located
underneath the case ofthe CPC6128 and MP2, and on the rear cabinet ofthe
GT65 and CTM644:
WARNING- LIVE PARTS INSIDE.DO NOTREMOVE ANY SCREWS
Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 1

Connecting the computertoa monitor
(If you are using the CPC6128 with the MP2 Modulator/Power supply, skip to the
next section.)
1. Make sure that the monitorisnotpluggedinto the Mainssupplysocket.
2. Connect the lead from the front of the monitor, which is fitted with the larger
(6-pinDIN) plug, into
the rear socketof the computermarked MONITOR.
3. Connect the lead from the front of the monitor, which is fitted with the smaller
(5V DC) plug,into the rear socketon the computermarked 5V DC.
4. Connect the lead from the back of the computer, which is fitted with a small
(12V DC) plug,into the socket at the front ofthe monitor.
FRONT OF MONITOR
REAR PANEL OF COMPUTER
JOOOOOUuooooouoo
Chapter 1 Page 2 Foundation Course

Connectingthecomputerto an MP2
Modulator/Power
supply unit
The MP2 is an additional item that you may wish to purchase if you are currently
using your CPC6128 computer with
the GT65 green tube monitor. The MP2 enables
you to to use
the computer with your domestic colour TV and thereby enjoy the full
colourfacilities ofyourCPC6128 computer.
TheMP2 shouldbe positionednextto
the right handendoftheCPC6128.
1. Makesure that the MP2 is notpluggedinto the Mainssupplysocket.
2. Connect the lead from the MP2 which is fitted with the larger (6-pin DIN) plug,
into
the rear socketofthecomputermarked MONITOR.
3. Connect the lead from the MP2 which is fitted with the smaller (5V DC) plug,
into
the rear socketon the computermarked 5V DC.
4. Connect the lead from the MP2 which is fitted with an aerial plug, into the
AERIALorANTENNAsocketofyour TV set.
5. Connect the lead from the back of the computer, which is fitted with a small
(12V
DC) plug,into the socket at the rear of the MP2.
Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 3

Switching on -CPC6128 and GT6S/CTM644
system
(If you are using the CPC6128 with the MP2 Modulator/Power supply, skip to the
nextsection.)
Having connected up
the system as shownpreviously, insert the Mains Pluginto the
Supply socket and switch on. Press the POWER button at the bottom right hand
corner of
the monitor so that it is setto the IN position. When the buttonis set to the
OUT position, the Mainssupplyto thesystemis OFF.
Switchon
the computerusingthe POWER switchonthebackpanel.
The red
ON lamp at the top right of the keyboard should be illuminated, and the
monitorwilldisplay
the following picture:
AMstrad 128K Microco~put.r (v3)
.1985 A~strad Consu~er ElectronicsLPdlC
and Loco~otive Softwaret .
BASIC 1.1
Ready
•
To avoid unnecessary eye-strain, adjust the control marked BRIGHTNESS until the
display is adequatelybrightfor comfortable viewing, without glare or blurringofthe
characterson
the screen.
The
BRIGHTNESS control will be found on the lowerfront panel oftheGT65, or at the
right hand sideof the CTM644.
If you are using the GT65 greenmonitor, you may need to adjust the CONTRAST and
Vertical HOLD controlsonthelowerfront panel.
The
CONTRAST should be adjusted to the minimum setting consistent with
comfortableviewing.
TheVertical
HOLD control on the GT65 ismarked V-HOLD, andshouldbe adjusted so
that the display is correctly positioned in the middle of the screen, without jitter' or
'roll'.
Chapter 1 Page 4 Foundation Course

Switchingon-CPC6128 andMP2
Modulator/Power
supply system
Havingconnected up the systemas shown previously, insert theMains Plug into the
Supplysocket.
Switchon
the computerusing the POWER switchon the backpanel.
The red ON lamp
at the top right of the keyboardshould be illuminated, andyoumust
now tune
in yourTV set to receive the signalfrom the computer.
If you have a TV withpush-buttonchannel selection, press a channelbuttonto select
a spare or unused channel. Adjust
the corresponding tuning control in accordance
with
the TV set manufacturer's instructions (the signal will be approximately at
channel 36 if your TV has a marked tuning scale), until you receive a picture that
looks like:
Aftstrad 128H MicrocOMPuter (v3)
®1985 AMstrad ConsuMer Electronics PdlC
and LOCOMotive Software Lt .
BASIC 1.1
Ready
•
Tune in the TV set accurately until the clearest picture is seen. The writing will be
gold/yellowona deepbluebackground.
If your TV has a rotary programme selector knob, turn the tuning knob until the
above picture appears
and remains perfectly steady. (Again, at approximately
channel36).
Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 5

OtherConnections....
If youwishto connect any otherperipheralsto the standard system, namely:
Joystick(s)
Cassette
unit
Printer
2nddiscdrive
External amplifier/speakers
Expansiondevice(s)
....detailswillbefound
in part 2 ofthis Foundationcourse.
Finally, check
that youhaveobserved the following warningsgiven at the beginning
of
this manual, in the sectionentitled'IMPORTANT':
INSTALLATION NOTES1,2,4,5,6,7,8
OPERATIONNOTE 1
Chapter 1 Page 6 Foundation Course

(
Part 2: Connectingyour
peripherals....
This section explains how the various peripherals, or add-ons, are connected to the
CPC6128 system. Details concerning the use of these devices will be found in the
appropriatesections ofthis manual.
Joystick
The AMSOFT joystick model JY2 is an additional item that you may wish to
purchase
if you areusing the 6128 computer with games softwarewhichincorporates
thefacility for joystickcontrol and'firing'.
Connect
the plug fitted to the JY2 lead into the socket marked JOYSTICK on the
computer. The 6128 can be used with two joysticks; the !?econd joystick should be
pluggedinto
the socketon the firstjoystick.
TheAMSOFTjoystickmodelJY1 is also suitablefor use with
this computer.
Further informationonjoysticks will be found later in this manual.
TheAMSTRAD Lightpenmodel LP-1 maybe connectedto thissocket.
Programs may be loaded from, or saved to tape insteadofdisc. The commands which
instruct
the computerto direct data to andfrom disc ortapeareexplained later in this
manual.
To connect your cassette unit to the 6128, you will require the AMSOFT CL1lead, or
anyotherequivalent
standard cassette-interconnectinglead.
Insert the end of the lead with the larger (5-pin DIN) plug, into the socket marked
TAPE on the computer.
Insert the plug at the end of the Blue cable into the socket on your cassette unit
markedREMOTE orREM.
Insert the plug at the end of the Red cable into the socket on your cassette unit
marked MIC, COMPUTERIN, orINPUT.
Insert the plug at the end of the White cable into the socket on your cassette unit
markedEAR, COMPUTEROUT, or OUTPUT.
Foundation Course Chapter 1 Page 7