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WANTED: ZX Microdrive Introductory Cartridge

rwaprwap
edited October 2007 in Wanted
Having thought I had heard the last of the whirr of microdrives copying, I have managed to get a small stock of unused ones. However, I need to test them fully, but cannot find a working copy of the introductory cartridge - does anyone have one to hand (especially the later updated version that includes wild card copying)

Rich
Post edited by rwap on
Supporting Sinclairs since 1986 !

www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
www.sellmyretro.com

Comments

  • PilsenerPilsener
    edited September 2007
    Is this the one you're looking for ?

    introcartridge.jpg

    I have tried to make a complete copy, but without any luck. Seems to be damaged in some way. However, I have succeeded in reading some files from it now and then. I might be able to copy the "Copier" program into a WAV.
  • rwaprwap
    edited September 2007
    Yes that is the one (although it may be the early version without wildcard).

    There must be some corruption if you cannot make a copy of it - or it could be your microdrive units (unlikely). Shame
    Supporting Sinclairs since 1986 !

    www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
    www.sellmyretro.com
  • jpjp
    edited September 2007
    http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseekid.cgi?id=0014770
    jp nz | TZXs updated with new loading screens | youtube bits and bobs
  • GeoffGeoff
    edited September 2007
    jp wrote: »
    http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseekid.cgi?id=0014770

    Yes that's the second one. The first cartridge is copyright 1983.
    I am not sure if that is my submission but I have submitted both cartridges to WOS in the past.

    You can try both cartridges in your browser at

    http://www.zzspectrum.org/

    Select from pull down menu at the top. I feel a little guilty as I have a cartridge packed away in my garage due to a house move but where anything is I haven't a clue.

    By loading that mdr into Spectaculator and connecting a tape lead to a real Spectrum with microdrive you can use the copy utility to duplicate any MDR cartridge including itself.
  • PilsenerPilsener
    edited September 2007
    My cartridge's startup screen says 1984. I have managed to copy most of it to tape by now. If a WAV can be of any interest, just let me know.



    And please let us know when you have more Microdrives for sale. I want another one.
  • rwaprwap
    edited September 2007
    Luckily for me that seems to have worked - WinTZX seemed the better bet once I had converted the .mdr file to various tap files

    Hmm now I have one or two microdrive units for sale if people need them :-)

    Rich
    www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
    Supporting Sinclairs since 1986 !

    www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
    www.sellmyretro.com
  • rwaprwap
    edited September 2007
    Why oh why did I get started on this?

    I now have another non-working spectrum (4 in total now I think). The microdrive cartridge formatted ok in the right hand drive and made up a copy as above (thanks). So I unplugged everything and added a second microdrive unit. Now turn everything on - fine, but cartridge will not format in the left hand drive - just carries on running. Unplug spectrum (as the reset button has no effect on microdrives - never realised that). Start it up and try formatting second microdrive cartridge in right hand drive. Again fails to stop spinning.

    OK - must be a duff microdrive cartridge I hear...

    Well turn off spectrum and turn it back on - I get the (c)1983 message, but no keyboard - drat where can I get another membrane I wonder?

    Open the case - membrane tails are burnt !!

    Replace membrane - still no response whatsoever at copyright screen - think something in the Spectrum must have blown !!

    Any ideas?
    Supporting Sinclairs since 1986 !

    www.rwapsoftware.co.uk
    www.sellmyretro.com
  • DEATHDEATH
    edited October 2007
    rwap wrote: »
    Why oh why did I get started on this?

    I now have another non-working spectrum (4 in total now I think). The microdrive cartridge formatted ok in the right hand drive and made up a copy as above (thanks). So I unplugged everything and added a second microdrive unit. Now turn everything on - fine, but cartridge will not format in the left hand drive - just carries on running. Unplug spectrum (as the reset button has no effect on microdrives - never realised that). Start it up and try formatting second microdrive cartridge in right hand drive. Again fails to stop spinning.

    OK - must be a duff microdrive cartridge I hear...

    Well turn off spectrum and turn it back on - I get the (c)1983 message, but no keyboard - drat where can I get another membrane I wonder?

    Open the case - membrane tails are burnt !!

    Replace membrane - still no response whatsoever at copyright screen - think something in the Spectrum must have blown !!

    Any ideas?

    Funny - mine says (c) 1982 :)

    Rich, if it's broken, you know where to send it.
    Oh bugger!<br>
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