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

Section 3
Using the FD
Before you Start
Before reading the following information, it is important to understand that
your
FD Series drive is a true Commodore-compatible disk drive. In other
words, if you already
own a 1541, 1571, 1581 or other Commodore-
compatible drive, you already have the basic skills and knowledge required to
operate the FD. This section shows you how to apply the already familiar
concepts of disk drive operation
to the FD, and briefly describes how to
make use ofsome of the FD's unique and advanced features.
Modes of Operation
FD Series drives can operate in two basic modes: 1581 C()mpatible Mode
and
CMD Partitionable Mode. Even though the FD automatically knows
which mode to use when a formatted disk is inserted, you should be familiar
with each operating mode and its capabilities.
1581 Compatible Mode
As the name of this mode implies, your FD can emulate a Commodore
1581 disk drive. It can read and write disks that were created on a
Commodore 1581 and can format 800K disks for use on a 1581. Your FD
responds to all 1581 commands and can read all 1581 files and formats
(including
GEOS and CP/M) without the need for conversions.
CMD Partitionable Mode
The FD can format disks in a manner that provides storage capacity and
flexibility far beyond that of
the 1581 or any other floppy drive. On disks
with a CMD partitionable format, you can break up the overall storage
space into as many as
31 segments (partitions). This concept, which is
already familiar
to CMD HD, RAMLink and RAMDrive users, is similar to
dividing a large disk into a number of smaller disks. CMD-formatted disks
can store 800K, 1.6 Megabytes and on the FD-4000, 3.2 Megabytes.
Each partition on a'disk is referred to by number (1-31), has its own
directory, and is treated as ifit were a separate disk. Your computer can "see"
the directory, files and storage area of only one partition at a time -making
partitions ideal for keeping different programs separate
from one another. On
a partitionable disk, you will work in one partition at a time (the current
5

Using the FD
partition). The current partition is changed by sending a simple command
and has the same effect as physically swapping disks on otherfloppy drives.
A CMD-formatted disk must have at least
one partition for it to be usable.
A partition can be as small as 256 blocks (64K) or as large as the entire disk
(up to 3.2 Megabytes for an FD-4000 Enhanced-Density disk). Although the
partitioning system can handle
up to 31 partitions on a single disk, the
number
of partitions you can create is limited by the total storage of the
particular disk and the size
of the partitions you create.
There are a number
of good reasons for making a large capacity disk
partitionable. Some programs may take up very little space, or may contain
a lot
of filenames. Using partitions allows you to have separate directories
for differentprograms
or types of programs. Partitions can also be useful for
quick backups or compatibility. There are two types
of CMD partitions:
CMD Emulation Mode partitions
These partitions duplicate the storage and directory/BAM layout of 1541,
1571 and
1581 disks exactly. The main reason for using an Emulation Mode
partition is software compatibility (some programs will only work from
within a partition that emulates a 1541, 1571
or 1581 drive). A good
example is the standard GEOS desktop, which will work on the FD only
through the use
of 1581 Emulation Mode partitions. The table below gives
the number
of blocks required to create each type of Emulation Mode
partition, and the number
of blocks free available in the directory.
PARTITION TYPE
BLOCKS REQUIRED
BLOCKS FREE
1541 Emulation Mode 684 664
1571 Emulation Mode
1368 1328
1581 Emulation Mode
3200
3160
CMD Native Mode partitions
CMD Native Mode partitions are the most flexible and powerful type of
partition. Native Mode partitions can be as small as 256 blocks or as large
as the entire disk and
are defined in 256 block increments up to a maximum
of 12,800 blocks (3.2 Megabytes). The directory and BAM of a Native
Mode partition take up 64 blocks regardless of the partition's size. For
example, a Native Mode partition that takes 256 blocks to create will show
192 blocks free, a 512 block partition will show 448 blocks free, and a
12,800 block partition will show 12,736 blocks free.
Native Mode partitions
are ideal because you can tailor the size of the
partition to the exact needs
of a program and its files without wasting space
or running out
of room. Most programs can run from within Native Mode
partitions; a notable example is CMD's gateWay desktop for GEOS. Native
Mode partitions can also contain CMD's MS-DOS style subdirectories (an
advanced topic explained in detail in a separate section).
6

Using the FD
Formatting Disks
Disk Types
FD Series driv~s are capable of formatting most of the available types of
3.5" micro-floppy diskettes. The chart below shows the supported disk types
along with information on storage capacities. Please note that the ED disk
type is only supported on the FD-4000 model.
DISK DESCRIPTION UNFORMAmD
FORMATIED
TYPE CAPACITY CAPACITY
DO
Double-sided Double-density 1000K{1 M) BOOK
HD High Density 2000K (2M)
1600K (1.6M)
ED
Enhanced Density (FD-4000) 4000K (4M)
3200K (3.2Ml
Supported Disk Formats and Capacities
A Warning About Formatting
and Disk Types
You should always use the correct format density for the disk type you are
formatting. Other options
may appear to work, but the results and reliability
are not guaranteed, especially if
you format disks at a higher density than
they
were manufactured for. You should also be aware that the FD-2000 will
not format disks in ED (Enhanced Density).
Formatting Diskettes
The easiest way to format disks is to use the FD-TOOLS utility program
supplied on the FD UTILITIES disk. The
FORMATTING OPTIONS area
in FD- TOOLS allows you to create any of a number of standard formats,
and
also provides options for custom formatting. The following paragraphs
describe
the two standard options for formatting the disks that will hold your
Commodore programs and files.
1581 Compatible Format
The
FD can format Double-Density 800K disks that are identical to those
formatted
on a 1581. To format a 1581-compatible disk in FD-TOOLS,
select 'CBM' as the disk type. Note: disks that you want to use for CP/M
should be formatted as 1581 compatible disks.
CMD Partltlonable Formats
CMD partitionable formats let you take full advantage of the capacity and
flexibility of your drive, and can be Double-Density 800K, High-Density
1.6M, or Enhanced-Density 3.2M (FD-4000 only). To create a disk with a
CMD partitionable format in FD-TOOLS, first select 'CMD' as the format
type. Next, select the desired density (800K/1.6M!3.2M). Finally, select the
7

Using the FD
partition arrangement that you want to appear on the disk. There are three
possible choices:
NATIVE This option creates a single CMD Native Mode partition that
uses all
of the available storage space, resulting in 3136 blocks
free on 800K disks, 6336 blocks free on 1.6M disks, and 12736
blocks free on 3.2M disks.
1581 This option creates
1581 partitions on the disk. 800K disks will
have one 1581 partition, 1.6M disks will have two, and 3.2M
disks will have four. Each
1581 partition has 3160 blocks free.
NONE This option does not create any partitions on the disk, allowing
you to create your own custom partition arrangement. Before you
can use the disk, you'll have to use the PARTITIONING
OPTIONS in FD-TOOLS to create at least one partition.
Write Protecting Disks
Your FD will detect the condition of the write protect 'window' on any disk
inserted into the drive.
If this window is open, the disk is write protected,
and cannot be written to. You open or close the write-protect window by
sliding a small plastic tab
to the appropriate position. You can easily move
the tab by using the point of a pen or a similar instrument.
It is important to note that the write-protect window on a 3.5" disk
functions in a manner opposite
to that of the write-protect tab on a 5.25"
inch disk. That is to say, a 3.5" disk is write protected when its window is
open, while a 5.25" disk is write protected when its window is closed (write-
protect tab on).
There is also a set
of software commands which can be issued to write
protect an FD disk from within your own programs. For further information
on these commands, see the Command Reference section
of this manual.
Partitioning Disks
FD-TOOLS allows you to tailor the partitioning arrangement of CMD-
formatted disks to suit the needs
of the particular programs that you use.
The default partitioning options (NATIVE, 1581, and NONE) discussed
in
the previous paragraphs for CMD-formatted disks are not permanent and
may be changed at any time. By using the PARTITIONING, OPTIONS in
FD-TOOLS, you can view a list of the existing partitions on a disk, delete
unwanted partitions, create new partitions, set the default partition, and
format (NEW the directory) ofa partition.
Note: In FD-TOOLS, partition sizes are always displayed in 'blocks'. Each
block is 256 bytes in size; therefore four blocks is equal to lK of storage.
S

Using the FD
Viewing Partitions
The VIEW PARTITION TABLE option enables you to see a list of the
partitions that currently exist on a disk. The partitions are listed by their
number, name, size and type.
Setting The Default Partition
If you have more than one partition on a CMD-formatted disk, you will
want to define the default partition by using the CHANGE DEFAULT
PARTITION option.
The default partition is the partition that the computer
"sees" whenever that disk is inserted in the PD.
As an example, you might
have a disk with Partition 1 containing a database program and Partition 2
containing your wordprocessing program.
If you use the wordprocessing
program 90%
of the time, you would want to set Partition 2 as the default
partition so that
you would automatically be in the wordprocessing partition
each time the disk is inserted.
In order to use the database program, you
would issue a 'Change Partition' command after inserting the disk.
Each disk has its own default partition. Note: Whenever you create a CMD-
formatted disk, the default partition is set to Partition 1.
Creating Partitions
The CREATE PARTITIONS option allows you to create one or more
partitions on a CMD-formatted disk.
For each partition you create, you
must select a number, name, and type (1541, 1571,
1581 or Native). If you
choose
to create a Native Mode partition, you will also have to specify a
size in increments
of 256 blocks.
Note: Once you create a Native Mode partition, you cannot increase or
decrease its size without deleting the partition entirely first.
Please note that the number
of partitions you can create is always limited by
the amount of available storage
on a particular disk. In addition, if there is
little free space remaining on a disk, the type
of partitions you can create
may also be limited (for example,
if only 400 blocks remain, you will only
be able
to create a 256-block Native partition). An INSUFFICIENT SPACE
AVAILABLE message means that you will not be able to create a new
partition until at least oneexisting partition has been deleted.
Deleting Partitions
The DELETE PARTITIONS option allows you to delete one or more
partitions on a CMD-formatted disk. When you delete a partition, it is
removed from the disk's partition table and any programs
or data in that
partition are lost. Deleting a partition will free up space which can then
be
used in the creation of new partitions. Note: If you wish to delete all the
partitions on a disk, use the DELETE ALL PARTITIONS option instead.
9

Using the FD
Deleting a partition may take some time (up to 15 minutes), because any
remaining partitions located above the one being deleted must
be moved
down to fill in the vacated space. In addition,
if a disk error occurs while you
are deleting partitions, there is a risk that information in one
of the
remaining partitions could
be corrupted. Therefore, you should not delete a
partition until you have backed up all valuable data on the disk.
Formatting Partitions
The REFORMAT PARTITION option allows you to 'NEW' the directory
of a partition on a CMD-formatted disk without destroying information in
any of -the other partitions that reside on the same disk. This can be useful
when you want to quickly 'clean out' a partition in order
to use it for a
differentprogram or set
of meso
Copying Software to the FD
Two programs are supplied that you will use almost exclusively to copy
programs and data files to your PD:
FCOPY is a file copy program that will copy all types of files (except
GEOS files) between any FD partition and any type of drive. You should
always try to copy software
to the FD by using FCOPY, as it will allow
you to place your programs and data files into the powerfiIl and flexible
Native Mode partitions.
MCOPY is a full disk copier that makes a mirror image copy of every
sector on a disk. Because itcopies a disk
by sectors, MCOPY can only copy
between drives and partitions of the same type (i.e. between a
1541 disk
drive and a 1541 Emulation Mode partition, a 1581 drive and a 1581
partition, etc.). MCOPY is most useful for copying programs that are
dependent upon the exact track and sector layout
of a Commodore disk drive
to run properly.
FCOPY and MCOPY both incorporate the same menus and command keys
that make it easy
to select the drives and partitions that you will be copying
to and from.
Software without copy-protection .
Software which is not copy-protected can almost always beinstalled directly
on the PD. With these programs the main concern is usually which type
of
partition to use. The best way is to start with a Native Mode partition, and
then copy all the files·from the program disk to that partition by using
FCOPY. You should then try to run the program (see the instructions given
a few pages ahead in the section titled "Running Programs"), Note: Some
Cb 128 programs can only be loaded by autobooting after powerup or reset.
HI

Using the FD
These types of programs will require you to copy the boot sector to your
FD partition by using FCOPY's 'COpy C-128 BOOT SECTOR' function.
Some software, even though it contains no copy-protection, will only work
with a certain type
of drive and should be placed in an Emulation Mode
partition.
Use FCOPY and work your way 'downward', trying a 1581
partition first, then a 1571, and finally a 1541 partition.
If the software will
still not work, all is not lost, as there may be some 'hidden' data on the
program disk which cannot be duplicated with FCOPY. In this case, use
MCOPY to copy the entire disk to a partition of the same type.
If the program still does not work, it is probably performing some very
drive specific tasks or may use an incompatible fast loader routine. Certain
fast loader routines may have
to be disabled in order to get software to work
with the FD (a good example is the fast loader built into CMD's Stereo
SIDplayer software).
Multiple Disk Programs
Some programs are distributed on a number of disks. In many cases, simply
copying all the files from each
of the disks into a single partition using
FCOPY will allow you to use this type of program on the FD. Watch out
for file names which are the same when copying these types
of disks. These
files
mayor may not be identical.
If some of the information for a program is stored directly on the disk
without a file name, or the disk name is checked
to determine if the correct
disk is being used, it will be necessary to use MCOPY
to copy the disks to
partitions. However, you may only be able to use one of the disks in the set
inhere is no provision in the program for sending a C:p (Change Partition)
command to the FDbefore a disk swap is required.
Other Solutions
Some software expects to find the disk directory in a certain place on the
disk. Normally this kind
of software can be operated using an emulation
mode partition
of the required type. It may also bepossible for this software
to be operated in a Native Mode subdirectory which has been specially
created
to simulate the directory ofa 1541 or 1581 disk drive. These types of
subdirectories can be created in an empty Native Mode partition which has
the required number of tracks by using the 1541SUB and 1581SUB
utilities supplied with the FD (see Appendix A for more information).
Copy-Protected Software
Normally, copy-protected software cannot be placed directly onto the FD.
You may, however, be able to copy some of the more mildly protected
programs by using MCOPY.
If a program still will not load from the FD,
you can try to copy only the data files
to the FD with FCOPY, and then
11

Using the FD
load the program initially from the usual boot disk. After the program stops
loading (and is past checking the copy-protection) you could press the
SWAP 8 switch to substitute the FD in place of the boot drive. Any
subsequent disk access will be directed
to the FD.
One last method to try is to use a memory capture type of cartridge to save
the program as an unprotected file. There are also some copy utilities which
will remove protection from programs by using a parameter disk. This is
also a good method for making bootable copies
of protected software. Be
aware that not all parameters will remove copy protection; many make exact
copies with the protection still intact.
GEOS, ga~eWay and CP/M
Please refer to Sections 4 and 5 for information on how to use the FD with
these programs.
1581 Compatible Software
Overall, the FD has proven' to be more compatible with commercial
productivity software than the 1581. This is due mainly to the FD's ability
to emulate the exact track and sector layout
of 1541 and'1571 disks through
the use
of CMD's emulation mode partitions. FD compatibility with 1581
programs follows three general rules:
1. Any 1541- or 1571-basedprogram that can be successfully copied to the
1581 will work on the FD.
2. Many programs that rely on'I541/1571-specific track and sector layouts
that do not work on the
1581 will work on the FD through the use of
1541 and 1571 emulation mode partitions.
3. A very small number
of programs that access the 1581 Floppy Disk
Controller chip directly, or use undocumented routines in the 1581
ROM will not work on the FD. These programs are listed below:
1581 Software Incompatibilities
1. RUN's 1581 GEOS Bootmaker. Use CMD's GeoMakeBoot instead.
2. Big Blue Reader MS-DOS FORMAT PROGRAM (V4.0 or earlier).
Use a later version of Big Blue Reader instead.
3.
1581 TOOLKIT; Use Super 81 Utilities, MCOPY, at FCOPY instead.
4. MAVERICK. Use Super 81 Utilities, MCOPY, or FCOPY instead.
1:2

Using the FD
Popular Programs that work on the FD
CMD has successfully tested the following programs with the PD. Please
note that this is by no means a complete list - we have included only the
most popular programs with the most appeal to the majority of PD users.
Bible Search from SOGW AP Paperclip TIl
Big Blue Reader 64 & 128 V4.0 Pocket Series (FD as data drive)
Bobstenn Pro Practicalc 64
Compute's SIDplayer Stereo SIDplayer
CP/M Super 81 Utilities 64 & 128
Destenn 128 Super Snapshot Cartridge V5
Fleet Filer 64 & 128 Superbase V3.01
Fleet System IV Superscript
Flexfile 128 Swiftcalc 128
gateWay 64 & 128 Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance
GEOS 64 & 128 V2.0 Word Writer 64 & 128
Multiplan V1.07 (FD as data drive) WordPro 128
Loading and Running Programs
As with any disk drive, the method you use to load and run a program will
vary according to the particular program. To load a program from the FD,
you will use the same method as you did with your 1541, 1571 or 1581
drive (for example, LOAD"*",8,1). However, you may have to perform one
or two preliminary steps before the program can be loaded from the PD.
Changing Partitions
If your FD disk has more than one partition on it, and if the program you
are trying to load is not in the currently selected partition, you will have to
change the current partition before loading the program. To change the
current partition, you will use the CP (Change Partition) command. For
example, if the
program you want to load is in Partition 2, enter the
following command:
OPEN 15,dv,15,"CP2":CLOSE15
JiffyDOS users can instead select the FD as the default device and then enter:
@CP2
Remember to substitute 'dv' with th~ FD device number in the example
above. To verify that
you are in the correct partition after you have sent the
CP command, you can view the current directory of the FD by entering:
LOAD"$",dv
LIST
JiffyDOS users can instead press f1 to view the directory.
13

Using the FD
If you do not remember which partitions are on a particular disk, you can
view the partition directory by entering:
LOAD"$=P",dv
LIST
JiffyDOS users can instead enter:
@$=P
You will see a list of the partitions on the disk showing each partition's
number and name. The list should remind you which partition the particular
program is in. The first partition in the list will always
be the System
Partition. Please note that the System Partition is used exclusively by the
FD to store system information and cannot be used to hold your files or
programs.
Swapping Device Numbers
Many times a program can only be loaded from device 8 or 9. If your FD is
normally set to another device number
(15 for example), you can still easily
load these programs by using the front panel SWAP function. Press SWAP
once to make the FD device 8, twice to make it device 9, and three times to
change back to the FD's original.device number. The ACCESS and ERROR
lamps will stay on for about three seconds to indicate when an FD has been
swapped to device 8 or 9. The following chart shows how the FD Series
drives react to presses of the SWAP button.
NUMBER OF TIMES FD BECOMES ACCESS ERROR
SWAP IS PRESSED DEVICE
LAMP LAMP
1 8
ON
OFF
2 9
OFF ON
3
DEFAULT ON ON
As an example, assume your FD is device IS, you have a 1541 that is
device 8, and the program you want
to load from the FD needs to load from
device 8. Before loading the program, you would press SWAP once. This
will make the FD become device 8 and will swap the 1541 to device 15.
You can then load the program in the normal manner. After you have
finished using the program and want to use your 1541 as device 8 again,
press SWAP three times.
The SWAP function can.also be useful even if a
copy-prote~ted program
cannot be loaded from the FD. A good example is the Pocket Writer
wordprocessor program.
In this case, you would first load Pocket Writer
from your 1541 or 1571 (device 8) and then SWAP the FD to device 8 after
the program loads. This allows you
to use the FD to store Pocket Writer
documents and program overlay files.
14