Commodore C2N User manual

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR C2N
CASSETTE UNIT
A COMMODORE C2N cassette unit is a device for storing and/or
recalling computer programs on ordinary cassette tapes. It can be used
for saving programs you have written and want to recall for later use. It
can also be used to read pre-recorded programs that you have
purchased.

CASSETTE OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR
YOUR COMPUTER
Important information about your cassette unit
The COMMODORE C2N cassette unit is supplied with a cord
attached. This cord connects the cassette unit to the computer. Power is
supplied from the computer to the unit through this cord. The computer
and the cassette communicate through the cord as well.
TURN OFF THE COMPUTER BEFORE CONNECTING THE
CASSETTE UNIT TO IT.
For VIC computer users
The cassette unit plugs on to a connector at the back of the
computer. See the figure below. The plug will only fit on the connector on
e way. DO NOT FORCE IT.
It is also important to keep the cassette unit at least 2 feet away
from the TV as radio emissions from the TV can interfere with the correct
operation of the cassette unit.

FOR CBM/PET COMPUTER USERS
For CBM/PET computers, 4000 and 8000, the cassette unit plugs
on to a connector at the back of the computer.

PRELIMINARY CHECKOUT
Before using your cassette drive unit to recall or store programs,
you should complete the preliminary checks—which are described below:
STEP 1 Turn off the computer and plug in the cassette unit.
STEP 2 Ensure that the cassette deck motor is off by checking that all of
the function keys are up. If any are not, press the STOP/EJECT
button.
STEP 3 Turn the computer on.

STEP 4 Press the PLAY button on the cassette unit. Look to see that, as
the button is engaged, the READ/WRITE heads move towards
the spindles and the capstan comes into contact with the pinch
roller (see Fig. 1). The take-up spindle should be moving
smoothly in a counter-clockwise direction.
STEP 5 Now press the STOP button. The heads should move back and
the spindle stop.
STEP 6 Press the REWIND button. The tape heads should remain in the
inactive position and the supply spindle should move rapidly
clockwise.
STEP 7 Press STOP again and then F.FWD. The tape heads should still
remain in the inactive position and the take-up spindle should
move rapidly counter-clockwise.
STEP 8 Press STOP once more and then GENTLY attempt to press
REC. You should feel strong mechanism resistance.
STEP 9 If all has worked properly, proceed to the operations test on the
next page. If you have encountered any difficulties with the
preliminary checkout, please turn to the last page in this manual.

OPERATIONS TEST
To test the operation of your new cassette unit, let's write a short
program, SAVE it on to the cassette, and LOAD it back into the computer.
Obtain a blank cassette (no special cassette is required) and place
it in the cassette unit. Always press REW to ensure that you are starting at
the beginning of the tape.
NOTE: A tape with playing time of 12 to 30 minutes is of ample length.
It is not advisable to use anything longer than this, as it strains
the motor.
STEP 1 On the keyboard type: 10 PRINT”THIS IS A TEST”
STEP 2 Press <RETURN>
STEP 3 Type: SAVE”TEST”
STEP 4 Press <RETURN>
The display will show:
For VIC PRESS RECORD & PLAY ON
TAPE
For PET/CBM PRESS PLAY & RECORD ON
TAPE NO. 1
Do just that by pressing
the REC, then wile holding
this button down, pressing
PLAY until both keys lock.
The display will show: OK
For VIC SAVING TEST
For PET/CBM WRITING TEST
and then after a few
moments, the display
will show: READY
Your program has now been SAVEd. Let's verify this.

STEP 5 Erase the memory by typing: NEW
then press <RETURN>.
The display will show: READY
STEP 6 Type: LIST
then press <RETURN>.
The display will show: READY
indicating that the memory
is blank.
STEP 7 Rewind the cassette by pressing
REW, then STOP when the tape
is at the beginning.
STEP 8 Type: LOAD”TEST”
the display will show:
for VIC PRESS PLAY ON TAPE
for PET/CBM PRESS PLAY ON TAPE NO. 1
After obeying the command,
the display will show: OK
SEARCHING FOR TEST
FOUND TEST
LOADING
READY
NOTE: If the computer displays: LOAD ERROR
try the LOAD command a
few more times, but if the message repeats, turn to the last page.
STEP 9 Type: LIST
and press <RETURN>.
Now the display will show
that the memory has received the program “TEST” by displaying
10 PRINT”THIS IS A TEST” READY
If all of the preceding steps have been successfully completed,
your cassette has been properly checked and is ready to go to work. The
commands to use the cassette are described later in this manual. NOTE:
If any of the above steps do not work, turn to the last page of this manual.

CARE OF TAPES
Be careful to rewind all tapes to the beginning after use as this
protects the recording from abrasion and contamination. Do not store or
place any tapes near strong magnetic fields such as may occur near
loudspeakers, or large motors.
CASSETTE MAINTENANCE
The cassette uses magnetic heads to record and retrieve the
information on the cassette tapes. These heads tend to accumulate
residue and dirt from the tape as the tape moves across them. After a
period of time the accumulation lifts the tape slightly away from the heads
drastically degrading the signal from the head.
Therefore, the following procedure should be used after every 10
to 20 hours of tape playing time to ensure that your cassette continues to
read and write reliably.

CLEANING AND DEMAGNATIZING YOUR
CASSETTE HEADS
You'll need the following tools and materials:
1. Tape head cleaner. Alcohol may be used in emergency, but is not
recommended for long term use.
NOTE: Do not use trichloroethane or any other plastic or rubber solvent.
2. Cotton swabs.
3. Tape head demagnetizer. Unit must have protective plastic or
rubber covering on the piece that comes into contact with the
tape heads so as not to scratch delicate head gap.