Building tape drive cable

kd7vdb · Post by **kd7vdb** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 10:49 am

I have recently got a vic 20, multiple c64's , and a c128 but no tape drives. Is there a way to make a cable that will emulate the tape drive so I can just hook it up to a mp3 player or PC?

dabone · Post by **dabone** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 4:31 am

I would just get a uiec. The tape drives use a digital signal into the computer, so it requires some hardware besides a cable to get that kind of interface working.

The uiec is a sd card based disk drive simulator solution.

http://store.go4retro.com/products/uIEC_SD.html

You would need the uiec, sd card, daughter card, and a iec cable.
And then you would be able to use most of the non copy protected disk images out there.

Later,
dabone

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:18 am

There are modules for using an audio source in the datassette input, I recommend Cassadapt:

http://cbm8bit.com/index.php?option=com ... it-designs

I have seen a similar device that also had a shell on eBay, perhaps something to look for.

orion70 · Post by **orion70** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:31 am

uIEC is excellent in emulating a disk drive for non-copy protected, non-turbo loaded disks (D64 files). For D64 and PRG files, there's also the X1541 cables family, which provides good connection between a (DOS-based) PC and the Commodore 64/VIC20/128 via dedicated software such as 64HDD.

If you want tape emulation (T64/TAP) via cable, it's a little bit harder; you have to make your own cable w/electronics (there are several schematics in the web, e.g. HERE). Most cables connect to the LPT port, so no mp3 players, only older PCs.
A good alternative is to purchase the DC2N, a ready-made device to play TAP files with, interesting but expensive

- or the Cassadapt device cited by e5frog, which is less expensive but comes from Australia

.

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 5:39 am

There are schematics for DIY audio converters that does the same as Cassadapt, just google for it if you're into electronics. It's not very difficult.

kd7vdb · Post by **kd7vdb** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 9:48 am

Thanks for your input, I think for now I am going to get a cassette deck and a regular cassette adapter.

thanks

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:24 am

You mean a datassette? Yes, you can load directly from a PC with a cassette-adapter, I recommend removing the lid for easier access for the cord.

People seem to give them away, just ask, maybe you can ask at Lemon64 if there's no extras here.

kd7vdb · Post by **kd7vdb** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:28 am

Is there really any difference between a cassette and a "datasette"?

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:33 am

Yes, they spell differently.

Just wanted to know if you meant a datassette that is meant for the computer only or if you meant a plain audio cassette-deck. People have gotten datassettes for free lots of times on various forums. I think I have five boxed units myself and a couple of loose ones.

Then there's the 1541 Ultimate II Tape Extender as well...

Very handy.

16KVIC20 · Post by **16KVIC20** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:44 am

Another dumb question!:

When ordering the uIEC, does everything you need come with it for the $59.99? There are some radio buttons, and the deluxe daughter card is filled. If I get one I want to be sure I have the right thing.

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 10:56 am

I wondered the same thing the other day, there seems to be a lot of different parts.

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 12:22 pm

I don't know if this device is able to hook up a plain tape deck to a C= datassette-port:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tape-adapter- ... 19c98b2110

Looks interesting.

tokra · Post by **tokra** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 12:54 pm

16KVIC20 wrote:When ordering the uIEC, does everything you need come with it for the $59.99? There are some radio buttons, and the deluxe daughter card is filled. If I get one I want to be sure I have the right thing.

If you're in the UK, I'd suggest you rather get a C64SD v2.0 Infinity at http://www.manosoft.it - This comes from Italy, so no hassles with customs. Works and looks great on the VIC-20 as well, just plug-in an you're ready to go. See here it here connected to my VIC:

http://www.sleepingelephant.com/ipw-web ... php?t=5185

It has a reset-switch included which works great on the VIC-20 as well, since you don't need the user-port-cable there.

e5frog · Post by **e5frog** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 12:59 pm

It's a very handy device, just plug it in, but it's not beautiful and IMHO it looks best on a breadbin or VIC, on a C64C it towers up far past the edge of the computer.

They are stackable as well, you can plug several of them on each other - in case you need several devices.

matsondawson · Post by **matsondawson** » Tue Oct 11, 2011 6:49 pm

As for the interface, I've stared at what comes out of the tape deck for many days in a personal project of mine, and all it seems to do is amplify the signal heaps and clip it top and bottom.