Tape loading basics
Posted: Sat Feb 17, 2018 7:56 pm
Any general advice on loading from original tapes? Following my ZX Spectrum experience I've tried:
- Using an old-fashioned mono tape recorder (still works great with my Speccy)
- Setting the volume to just off maximum
- Only having ear plugs connected when loading
- Trying at slightly different volume settings
- Trying multiple times
About my specific ZX81 arrangements
- I have four programs on tape (Raiders, Bomber, 16k Chess and Chess Clock)
- I have an unmarked 16k RAM pack which tests as really working (using the little machine code programme included)
- I have tried both my ZX81 and my ZX Spectrum wires to connect to the tape recorder
- I have tried connecting the mic ports after all
Nevertheless, I have so far only been able to load Chess Clock. When trying to load Raiders or Bombers I get a reset somewhere along the line (most often) or (at best, and at maximum volume) "Load Check Failed // Reload // 0/2". With Raiders for example there is a two-line BASIC program loaded: 1 SAVE "RAIDERS" 2 RAND USR 017342.
Is there anything I'm missing about loading from tape on a ZX81? Are there any tests I can do to troubleshoot?
I'm surprised this isn't in the FAQ, and it seems to belong best here, but I'm happy to move it elsewhere if that's where it better belongs.
- Using an old-fashioned mono tape recorder (still works great with my Speccy)
- Setting the volume to just off maximum
- Only having ear plugs connected when loading
- Trying at slightly different volume settings
- Trying multiple times
About my specific ZX81 arrangements
- I have four programs on tape (Raiders, Bomber, 16k Chess and Chess Clock)
- I have an unmarked 16k RAM pack which tests as really working (using the little machine code programme included)
- I have tried both my ZX81 and my ZX Spectrum wires to connect to the tape recorder
- I have tried connecting the mic ports after all
Nevertheless, I have so far only been able to load Chess Clock. When trying to load Raiders or Bombers I get a reset somewhere along the line (most often) or (at best, and at maximum volume) "Load Check Failed // Reload // 0/2". With Raiders for example there is a two-line BASIC program loaded: 1 SAVE "RAIDERS" 2 RAND USR 017342.
Is there anything I'm missing about loading from tape on a ZX81? Are there any tests I can do to troubleshoot?
I'm surprised this isn't in the FAQ, and it seems to belong best here, but I'm happy to move it elsewhere if that's where it better belongs.