Original package includes interface cable |
Copyright 1988 M.D. Bann and PAGE 6 Software
TARI-TALK is a communications package developed
by Martin Bann and PAGE 6 Software that will allow Atari 8-bit
owners who have purchased an Atari ST to transfer files from an
Atari 400, 800, XL or XE to the ST. Although primarily developed
for transferring text files TARI-TALK can be used to transfer all
types of file including BASIC programs. TARI-TALK does not of
course convert programs in any way to run on the ST, however it
will allow BASIC programs to be transferred so that the user may
convert them as far as possible to run with suitable BASICs on the
ST. TARI-TALK contains all you need to transfer any data from an
8-bit Atari to the ST. No further interfaces are required.
TARI-TALK
is published by Page 6 Software
Copyright
1988 by Page 6 Software and Martin Bann
All
rights reserved
|
CONNECTING UP
TART-TALK consists of two program disks and a cable
which connects the joystick port of your 8-bit Atari to the MIDI IN port
of your ST. Simply plug the joystick connector end of the cable to
joystick port 1 of your 8-bit Atari and the other end of the cable to
the MIDI IN port at the side or rear of your ST.
RUNNING THE PROGRAMS
With the 8-bit machine switched off insert Disk 1 into
drive 1 of your system and switch on the computer. The program will load
and run and will present a menu of options on screen.
Insert Disk 2 into drive A of your ST and either
switch on the computer or double click on TARITALK.PRG. The receiving
program will run and present a menu of options on screen.
TRANSFERRING FILES
The menus each present similar options with the 8-bit
menu sending various files and the ST receiving. Three options are
available for different types of file.
1. BASIC LISTed Files
This option is intended for the transfer of BASIC
programs in a form that can be loaded into programs such as ST BASIC and
then modified for use on the ST. TARI-TALK will convert the ATASCII non
standard carriage return (ATASCII 155) to the ASCII standard carriage
return (ASCII 13) and will also add a line feed command after the
carriage return. Programs to be transferred with this option must be in
LIST format. If necessary LOAD appropriate programs before using
TARI-TALK and LIST them to disk with suitable filenames.
Start by selecting option 1 on the ST. Messages will
be presented advising how much memory is available and indicating that
any non-ASCII characters will be shown as dots on screen. The true value
of the character received is however stored in memory. The ST is now
ready to receive data although you may return to the main menu if
required by pressing any key.
Next select option 1 on the 8-bit. There will be a
small delay the first time an option is selected as the program selects
the appropriate machine code data for that option, before a directory of
the files in drive 1 is shown. Use the SELECT and OPTION keys to choose
which files you wish to transfer, finally pressing START when you are
ready to send. The screen will clear and the message 'Set up ATARI ST to
receive DATA' will appear. As the ST has already been set up to receive
just press RETURN and the file will be transmitted. The program will be
shown simultaneously on both screens as it is transmitted and received.
2. WORD PROCESSING and TEXT FILES
This option is similar to the above except that it
assumes that line feeds have been inserted by the word processor used
and thus the only conversion is ATASCII 155 to ASCII 13 representing
carriage returns. Tari-TALK can transfer any type of file and control
codes used In your document will be transmitted as they stand however
they may not load into the word processor used on your ST. If you have
problems using a file transferred with this option it may be necessary
to resave your file in ASCII format or print files to disk first and you
should consult the manual of your word processor if you have any doubts.
Transfer of the file Is simply made by selecting
Option 2 on the ST and Option 2 on the 8-bit and then following the
procedure outlined above for transmitting a BASIC program.
If you find that the document when loaded into the
word processor used on your ST lacks line feeds then Option 1 of
TARI-TALK can be used to transfer the files and add line feeds.
3. DOS FILES
Option 3 Is used to transfer any type of file where no
conversion is required. All characters will be transmitted as they are,
however it should be understood that certain characters used on the
8-bit Atari do not appear on the ST and a certain amount of conversion
to equivalent ASCII characters will be made by the ST itself. Any file
for which there is a directory entry on the 8-bit machine may be
transferred with this option including text, picture and other data
files as well as SAVEd BASIC and machine code programs, however the
usefulness of transferring such programs will depend on your programming
abilities or the availability of suitable conversion programs on the ST.
The procedure for transferring files of this type is similar to that
outlined above under options 1 and 2.
TRANSMISSION COMPLETE
Whichever option is selected the message 'TRANSMISSION
COMPLETE' will appear on the 8-bit screen once data for a particular
file has been sent. On the ST two checksums will appear at the end of
the data received, with a warning should these not match. These
checksums are generated separately by the 8-bit and ST machines and
should be identical if the transmission was successful. A prompt will
appear asking if you wish to save the data received and if the checksums
agree you should answer 'Y'. If the checksums are not identical answer
'N', which will return you to the main menu, and try the transfer again.
If you wish to save the received data ensure that a
formatted disk is in the appropriate drive and use either the 8-bit
filename shown by answering 'Y' or enter a suitable filename in standard
ST format via the GEM selector box that will appear if you answer 'N'.
Once the file has been saved you will be returned to the main menu
on the ST and if you have selected other files to send
you must select the appropriate item 1, 2 or 3 to send the next file.
Although errors have been trapped as far as possible
it is wise to ensure that you have sufficient space on the disk
beforehand particularly if a large file has been transferred.
FINISHING UP
You should by now have successfully transmitted your
first file to the ST. If you have selected other files from the 8-bit
system, select the appropriate menu item and press START on the 8-bit to
send the next file. You can continue to transfer files or simply switch
off and transfer more files at a later date.
PROBLEMS
TARI-TALK has been extensively tested and should
present no problems, however it is possible that component tolerances
used in some machines may differ and if you find that you are unable to
successfully transfer files please contact PAGE 6 Software giving a full
explanation of the problem so that we may try and assist by modifying
the program to suit your machine.
The only difficulty you might encounter is when
checksums differ widely and this is caused by not selecting the same
menu items on both machines. If you find that the checksums do not
match, go back to the main menu on the ST and ensure that you have
selected the correct type of data to receive.
WARRANTY: The disks and components of TARI-TALK
are guaranteed against faulty workmanship or defect for a period of 12
months after purchase and will be replaced free of charge if the
original disk(s) or components are returned to PAGE 6 Software, P.O. BOX
54. STAFFORD, ST16 1DR with an explanation of the problem.
COPYRIGHT: The TARI-TALK programs and cable
design are copyright of M.D. Bann and PAGE 6 Software and the programs
may not be copied or duplicated in any way other than for the personal
use of the purchaser as expressly outlined herein. The TARI-TALK
programs and cable may not be sold or distributed by any unauthorised
person or loaned by any person or company in exchange for a fee. The
original purchaser may dispose of the package providing that all back-up
copies and documentation are disposed of at the same time.
BACKUPS: PAGE 6 Software is not copy protected
in any way so that the most flexible use may be obtained by the
purchaser. The purchaser may make back-up copies as appropriate but is
requested not to pass copies to any other person. PAGE 6 Software is
intended to provide continuing support to the 8-bit Atari by providing
programs that are unlikely to be available elsewhere. By their very
nature the programs published wilt not sell in large numbers and the
effect of unauthorised copies is thus more damaging. Please respect the
authors rights and encourage programmers and PAGE 6 Software to continue
to support the 8-bit Atari by ensuring that unauthorised copies are not
distributed in any way. If you feel that a program is worthwhile please
encourage others to purchase their own copy.
PAGE 6 SOFTWARE, P.O. BOX 54, STAFFORD, ST16 1DR
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