Commodore FD-4000 User manual

Djsk Drives
User's Manual
For all FD Series Models

Copyright Notice
Copyright © 1992
by Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
Fourth Edition, First Printing, October, 1993
All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, in any
form or by any means either manually or electronically without written
permission
from Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
The FD Disk Operating System (FD-DOS) is protected under
International and United States Copyright Laws, and may not
be copied, in whole
or in part, without prior written
permission from Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
JiffyDOSTM, RAMLinkTM, FD-2000TM, FD-4000TM, and HD Series™ are
trademarks ofCreative Micro Designs, Inc. Commodore 64®,
64CTM, SX-
64™, C-128™, C-128-DTM, 154FM, 1541-CTM, 1541-IITM, 1571™, and
1581™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Commodore Electronics
Limited.
Amiga™ is a trademark of Commodore Amiga. GEOSTM, GEOS
deskTopTM, GEORAMTM, and Berkeley Softworks™ are trademarks of
Berkeley Softworks. CP/M®
is a registered trademark of Digital Research
Corporation. IBM®
is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines.

Table of Contents
( Section
1: General Information
,
Introduction ................................................................................... ~ 1
Features ......................................................................................... 1
Orders ...........................................................................................2
Technical Assistance and Information .................................................. 2
Section 2: Getting Started
Hookup ......................................................................................... 3
Powering Up
.................................................................................. 3
Device Number Configuration
........................................................... 4
Section 3: Using the FD
Before you Start ................................ , ............................................. 5
Modes
of Operation ......................................................................... 5
1581 Compatible Mode
................................................................. 5
CMD Partitionable Mode ...............................................................5
Formatting Disks
............................................................................ 7
Disk Types
................................................................................. 7
Formatting Diskettes
.................................................................... 7
Write Protecting Disks
.................................................................. 8
Partitioning Disks
........................................................................... 8
Copying Software to the FD ........................................................... 10
Softwa~e without copy-protection .................................................. 10
Copy-Protected Software .............................................................. 11
GEOS, gateWay and Cp/M........................................................... 12
1581 Compatible
Software ........................................................... 12
Popular Programs that work on the FD .......................................... 13
Loading and Running Programs ....................................................... 13
Changing Partitions.................................................................... 13
Swapping Device Numbers .......................................................... 14
C-128 Autoboot Programs ........................................................... 15
Backing up Disks and Files ............................................................. 15
Real Time Clock Option ................................................................ 17
Setting the RTC ........................................................................ 17
Viewing the Current Time ........................................................... 17
Viewing Time and Date Stamped Directories ................................... 17
Setting the GEOS Clock from the RTC ......................................... 17
Section 4: Using the FD with GEOS
Before you Begin........................................................................... 19
Using the FD with the GEOS Desktop.............................................. 19
Using the FD with gateWay ............................................................ 21
Using CMD_MOVE...................................................................... 24

Table of Contents
Section 5: Using the FD with CP/M
Before you Begin...........................................................................25
Using Cp/M
................................................................................ 26
Section 6: Partitions and Subdirectories
Introduction..................................................................................27
Partitions.....................................................................................27
Native Mode Partitions................................................................27
Emulation Mode Partitions ..........................................................28
Native Mode Subdirectories.............................................................29
Section 7: Command Reference
Command Syntax.......................................................................... 31
Command String Elements .......................................................... 31
Example command string............................................................. 32
Paths in Command Strings ..........................................................32
Subdirectory Paths Using JiffyDOS Commands............................34
Sending Commands from BASIC .............................. ~ ......................34
The Command ChanneL.................................................................
34
Reading Disk Errors.................................................................... 36
Partition Numbers in File Names..................................................... 37
Partition Numbers in Disk Commands..............................................
37
Partition Commands ...................................................................... 38
Creating Partitions .....................................................................
38
Creating 1581 Style Sub-partitions............................................. 38
Deleting Partitions ..................................................................... 39
Deleting 1581 Style Sub-partitions.........................................
~ ... 39
Changing Partitions.................................................................... 39
Moving Between 1581 Style Sub-partitions ................................
.40
Formatting Partitions and Disks.................................................... 40
Formatting 1581 Style Sub-partitions........................................ .42
Initializing Partitions .................................................................. 43
Validating Partitions...................................................................43
Partition directory.......................................................................44
Renaming Partitions...................................................................44
Renaming Directory Headers.........................................................45
Getting Partition Information .......................................................45
Autobooting.................................................................................46
Subdirectory Commands.................................................................47
Creating Native Mode Subdirectories..............................................47
. Moving Between Native Mode Subdirectories ................................. .48
Deleting Native Mode Subdirectories..........................;...................49
Viewing Directories.......................................................................50
Pattern Matching........................................................................ 50
Time and Date Stamped Directory Listings...................................... 51
ii

Table of ClOl'ltent~
File Commands ..........................................................................., 53
Loading Files ............................................................................ 53
Saving Files.............................................................................. 54
Verifying Files .......................................................................... 55
Renaming Files .......................................................................... 56
Scratching (deleting) Files............................................................ 57
Copying Files ........................................................................... 58
Copying files between drives..................................................... 58
Copying and Combining files between partitions .......................... 58
Locking.................................................................................... 60
Relative File Commands ................................................................ 61
Opening or Creating a Relative File............................................... 61
Positioning to a Specific Record ...................................................62
Direct Access Commands................................................................ 63
The Direct Access ChanneL......................................................... 63
Block Commands ....................................................................... 63
Allocating and Freeing Blocks ................................................... 63
The Buffer Pointer ................................................................... 64
Reading and Writing Blocks ...................................................... 64
Block Execute......................................................................... 64
Memory Commands ...................................................................... 65
Reading from Drive Memory ........................................................ 65
Writing to Drive Memory ............................................................ 65
Memory Execute ........................................................................ 65
User Commands............................................................................66
UO Utility Commands.................................................................66
Reading and Writing Blocks .........................................................66
User Jump ...............................................................................66
User Reset ............................................................................... 66
Special Loaders ............................................................................. 67
Utility Loader............................................................................ 67
Autoboot :I.i>ader ........................................................................ 67
Special FD Commands................................................................... 67
Software Write Protect ................................................................ 67
Software SWAP......................................................................... 68
Getting Diskchange Status........................................................... 68
RTC Commands ........................................................................... 69
Burst Commands........................................................................... 72
Job Queue Instructions................................................................... 80
Jump Tables................................................................................. 85
iii

Table of Contents
Appendix A: Utilities
About the Utility Disks.................................................................. 87
FD-TOOLS.................................................................................. 87
DISKETTE FORMATTING OPTIONS ......................................... 88
PARTITIONING OPTIONS......................................................... 89
SET REAL TIME CLOCK.......................................................... 92
CHANGE DEVICE SELECTION................................................. 92
LOG NEW DISK ....................................................................... 92
EXIT FROM PROGRAM........................................................... 92
FCOPY....................................................................................... 93
MCOPY...................................................................................... 95
BCOPY........................................................................................ 96
Modes ...................................................................................... 96
Backing up data.......................................................................... 96
Restoring data............................................................................ 97
1541SUB and 1581SUB ................................................................. 97
Appendix 8: Error Codes
Command Channel Error Codes ....................................................... 99
Appendix C: Disk, Partition and File Formats
Physical Disk Formats .................................................................. 105
Common Formats Used in all Partition Types ................................... 106
1541 and 1571 Emulation Mode...................................................... 108
1581 Emulation Mode...................................................................l10
Native Mode................................................................................ 111
File Formats ............................................................................... 115
Appendix D: FD Memory Map
CMD FD Extended Memory Map .................................................... 118
Appendix E: DOS ROM and RTC Install,dtion
Installation Procedure ......................."........................................... 119
Warranty Information
LIMI1ED WARRANTY ............................................................... 121
RETURN POLICy ...................................................................... 122

Section 1
General Information
Introduction
The CMD FD-2000 and FD-4000 are 3.5 inch floppy disk drives which
have been designed utilizing the latest in micro-floppy technology. While
retaining backward compatibility with Commodore 1581 formatted diskettes
(8ooK), these drives are also capable
of utilizing high density (HD) disks for
a storage capacity
of up to 1.6 Megabytes. The FD-4000 model can also use
the newer enhanced density (ED) diskettes for a storage capacity
of up to 3.2
Megabytes.
In addition to emulating the standard Commodore 1581 disk format, the FD
Series drives also operate as CMD partitionable devices. Users may create
up to a maximum
of 31 partitions (ED disk format), using a mixture of any
of the supported disk/partition types. Partition types available include 1541,
1571, 1581 and
CMD Native partitions. Both FD Series drive models will
automatically determine if an inserted disk is in 1581 or CMD partitionable
format, and special commands and utilities are provided to ease formatting,
partitioning and copying.
Features
The FD Series drives contain a number of features in addition to those
considered to be necessary for the operation
of a disk drive system. Here is a
short list
of some of the features and options available:
• Compatible with Commodore DOS commands, GEOS, and CP/M
• Easy connection via the serial port
• Compatible with all serial modes and burst commands
• Built-in JiffyDOS compatibility
• Real Time Clock option available for time and date stamping offiles
• Swap functions allow drive to become device 8 or 9
• Up to 31 separate partitions on a single disk (ED)
• 1541, 1571 and 1581 emulation partitions
• CMD Native mode partition support with true subdirectories
1

General Information
Orders
If you wish to place an order or need general infonnation about any product
available from us, you should call Monday through Friday 10:00 AM
through 5:00 PM Eastern. If at all possible, call before 3:00 PM for fastest
service. To place ORDERS call:
Continental US and Canada
All others
[phone] (Orders only)
[phone] (Questions/support)
You may also call this number during these hours if you have a problem
with an order you placed with CMD. If you have a problem with an order
which you placed with one of our dealers, you should contact the dealership.
Technical Assistance and Information
Technical information and assistance is available from 10:00 AM through
5:00 PM Eastern. If you are calling for technical assistance with a CMD
product which you own, please have your serial number, model number, and
any other pertinent information ready. The phone number to call is:
CMD Technical Support [phone]
If you have programming questions, or your are in need of non-immediate
technical assistance or information, you should contact CMD via mail.
Alternatively, you may pose your questions in the appropriate CMD
support areas located on Q-Link (CIN/Hardware Support Group) or GEnie
(Commodore Flagship RI). CMD visits these areas regularly, and there are
also many other users who may be able to assist you.
Bug reports or compatibility problems should be handled via mail, as they
are rarely fixable via telephone, and usually require hard copy detailing your
system configuration, the software involved, and a method to repeat the
problem. We also enjoy hearing about any successes you have in using your
drive with various types of software. Our mailing address is:
Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
P.O. Box 646
East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Hookup
Section 2
Getting Started
Before attempting to setup and begin using your drive, you should read this
manual. It may not be necessary for you to read it completely, but you
should at least browse through it and become familiar with the sections
which pertain to you and your intended use of the drive.
If you have not yet removed your drive from its shipping carton, do so now.
The shipping carton should contain the drive, a power supply, a serial cable
and this manual. Place the drive in a well ventilated area on a level surface
close to your computer and other peripherals. Be sure to keep the shipping
carton in case you have any problems with the system and find it necessary
to return your drive for service.
Connections
You may now connect your FD to your computer by using the included
serial cable. This cable may be plugged into either of the connectors labeled
SERIAL on the back of the drive. The other end of this cable may be
connected to the port labeled SERIAL on the back of your computer, or if
this connection is already being used by another disk drive or printer, you
may connect it to an available serial port on one of these devices.
Next, connect the power supply to your drive by plugging the small DC
power plug into its connector on the back of the drive.
Before plugging the power supply into an AC power outlet, make sure that
the power switch on the drive is in the OFF (0) position. Now plug the
supply into a suitable AC power outlet.
Powering Up
Your drive is now ready for use with your computer. Tum on the drive
using the power switch located on the rear panel. Please note that when
turning on your equipment, the order in which you activate each peripheral
sometimes affects the computer's ability to recognize some devices. In this
respect, your FD series drive may be turned on first, last, or at any point in
between without harm to itself. Therefore, use the order which you are
accustomed to, or which seems to work best for your system.
3

Getting Started
Powerup Diagnostics
When power is applied to your FO Series drive, an internal test is perfonned
to make sure that the drive is working correctly. If a problem exists, the
ERROR lamp on the front panel will indicate the error. If this should occur,
try restarting the drive. If the problem persists, contact CMO Technical
Support for assistance.
Device Number Configuration
FD Series drives are shipped with a device number setting of 10. This device
number can be changed via a four position dip switch which is accessed
though a cutout in the rear panel. If you wish to change the default to some
other number, make sure the drive is turned off, then use the chart below to
detennine the settings for the device number you wish to configure the drive
for. When considering what device number to use the drive as, be aware that
the SWAP button on the front panel will allow you to swap the device
number to 8 or 9 very easily for temporary requirements.
Device Number
Switch 1 Switch 2
Switch 3 Switch 4
8
Not Used
DOWN
DOWN DOWN
9 Not Used DOWN
DOWN
UP
10 Not Used DOWN UP DOWN
11 Not Used DOWN UP UP
12 Not Used
UP
DOWN
DOWN
13 Not Used UP DOWN UP
14
Not Used
UP UP DOWN
15
Not Used
UP UP UP
You can use a small screwdriver, pen, etc. to move each switch to the
appropriate position. If your FO does not respond to the proper device
setting when you tum it on:
1. Shut the FD off and move each switch up and down a few times to
remove any oxidation that might be on the switch contacts.
2. Reset the switches again according to the table above, and then try
powering the drive up again.
Important: If you have a Xetec Super Graphix Gold printer interface, you
should not configure your FD as device number 14.
4