Persistent Data with ZX Spectrum Core: Saving into TRD, MGT, DSK Disk Images

SmurfDaddy
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Persistent Data with ZX Spectrum Core: Saving into TRD, MGT, DSK Disk Images

Unread post by SmurfDaddy »

Howdy’all

Made some experiments with ZX Spectrum core persistence information, here to share some tips...

I am using ZX-Spectrum_20201108.rbf. As the core description mentions, the following is supported:

Code: Select all

1. TR-DOS (Beta Disk Interface) - TRD(read/write) and SCL(read-only) images.
2. G+DOS (MGT +D Disk Interface) and IMG, MGT images (only in non +2A/+3 memory modes).
3. 3 Disk drive usable with +3DOS.
4. Multiface 128 and Multiface 3 (in +3 mode) add-on.

I didn’t try 4. Here’s what worked for me:


  1. TR-DOS (Beta Disk Interface)
    This is indicated as the preferred method (I actually prefer MGT). You can access TR-DOS from 128k menu (TR-DOS option) or by typing RANDOMIZE USR 15616 if you are in 48k classic mode.
    Both will take you to a dedicated screen where you can enter TR-DOS commands.

You start by mounting a TRD image file (your ‘disk’) from OSD menu.

Basic commands:
LIST – see what’s in the disk
RUN “filename” – run program from disk
RUN – run “boot” program from disk

SAVE “filename” - same as basic save
LOAD “filename” - same as basic load

RETURN – Leave TR-DOS screen

MERGE, VERIFY, FORMAT, ERASE – did not work for me.

Luckily Mr Gluk Rom allows for some additional operations. You access it by pressing F11. Then its a “one key” thing: Cursor keys to select files, “D” for delete, “T” to label the disk, “R” to rename file, “C” to copy disk, “Q” to quit


G+DOS (MGT +D Disk Interface)
I like this method because it allows to take snapshot and also manipulate files. Google for “MGT PLUS D manual”, its all explained in there.

You start by mounting a IMG or a MGT image file (your ‘disk’) from OSD menu.

Hint: D1 below means “Disk One”

Basic command:
CAT 1 – see what’s in the disk 1.
LOAD D1 “filename”. Abbreviated - LOAD pX - where X is the index of the file (number in first column from the CAT command)
SAVE D1 “filename” or SAVE pX as above.
ERASE D1 “filename” – aaahh this one works
ERASE D1 “oldname” TO “newname”- actually they used the ERASE command to rename files?...LOL…
VERIFY D1 “finaname” - check saves file is ok.
SAVE D1 “file1” TO D1 “file2” - make a copy of file1 to a new file2 inside D1

Snapshots are copies of what is in memory at a certain point in time, good to save game progress. Here the core’s instructions are clear enough: At any time just press F11 followed by 4 to save a 48k image or 5 to save a 128k one. Load as per described above.


3 Disk drive usable with +3DOS.
If you are using the core to emulate a Spectrum +3 (+3 mode) you can load from and save to DSK files. The spectrum manual explains this.

You start by mounting a DSK image file (your ‘disk’) from OSD menu.

Basic commands:
CAT – see what’s in the disk 1.
SAVE “filename” - same as basic save
LOAD “filename” - same as basic load

Also TR-DOS is available in +3 mode so you can RANDOMIZE USR 15616 to enter its menu and manipulate TRD images.


BLANK DISKS TO PLAY

Some ready made blank disks below

BLANK.ZIP
(719.36 KiB) Downloaded 96 times

Happy 2021. :D
Antonio

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