Commodore CASSIOPEI, User Manual

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2.3 Computer model (menu item “Comp”)
The computers that Commodore made (from PET to C128) have a tape protocol that is all very
similar, however they are not 100% compatible. Therefore it is very important that the Cassiopei
knows on what Commodore computer it is being used. Therefor if your are working with a C64
PAL computer, then choose this model from the list of available models.
This computer model setting is also used to allow the Cassiopei to hide all the files intended for
other computer models. So when you are working with a C64, you might not want to see the files
intended for your VIC20. Therefore on the SD-card there are folders for each computer model. Do
not rename these folders and only store files for that specific computer model. This way you'll be
having a filesystem that is organized, keep it that way and you'll be fine.
PAL/NTSC or 50/60Hz system compatibility
The Cassiopei is a device that can be connected to many computer models and from all the models
that Commodore made there is a PAL or NTSC version. And for the version with a build in
monitor, there is a distinction between 50 or 60Hz.
Therefor the Cassiopei settings allow you to select PAL/NTSC or 50/60Hz when you select the
computer model.
This setting is very important
as it determines the timing for the .TAP file
playback and for the loading of the fastloader program.
2.4 Operating modes (menu item “Mode”)
The Cassiopei is more then a TAP file player or cassette emulator. It can operate in different
modes, these are the four modes of operation:
PRG slow
This mode will allow the user to load a PRG file with normal speed. This is the most basic mode of
operation, it uses no speedloaders of any kind. It uses the normal Commodore kernal loader and is
therefore the slowest method of loading from tape. However, it is also the most reliable as it 100%
compatible with the Commodore loading methods. This might be of help when working with
computers that are modified or are unable to work with the fastloader for whatever reason.
PRG fastloader
This mode will allow the user to load a PRG file with a very high speed, more then 50x faster then
normal. This is the preferred mode of operation for working with the Cassiopei.
TAP
This mode will allow the user to playback TAP-files. More information about the use of TAP files
further on in this manual.
Virtual file
This mode is useful for cross development, as it allows a programmer to load a PRG file directly
from the PC's harddisk instead of loading it from the SD-card. This allows for fast loading and
testing without making modifications to the SD-cards filesystem. More information about the use
of the virtual file mode further on in this manual.
2019-10-27 Page 16 of 76 CASSIOPEI v2.0