***   ZXTAPE V1.0   ***

         TRANSFER P FILES FROM PC PRINTER PORT TO A ZX81
         hardware and software by W.Rigter (c) Aug 1996
           Any questions? just email rigter@cafe.net



ZXTAPE was written in compiled basic and doesn't have the slick
frontpanel of a commercial program but it's simple and it works!

This beta version 1.0 includes :

ZXTAPE.TXT - this file
ZXTAPE.EXE - the PC to ZX81 file transfer program
ZXT.BAT    - a batch file to run your own application ie XTENDER
WRX1K1.P   - a small hires demo for a 1K or 2K ZX81 (no rampack)

HARDWARE:

Turn your PC into a cassette player loading ZX81 programs with ZXTAPE.
Just make up a simple cable with 2 wires and a male DB25 connector
(for the PC printer port) to one end and a mini phone plug (for the
ZX81 EAR jack) on the other end. Connect one wire to DB25 pin 2 and
TIP terminal of the mini phone plug. Connect the other wire to DB25
pin 24 and the RING terminal of the mini phone plug. That's it!


SOFTWARE:

The serial data generated by ZXTAPE simulates the normal tape signal
recorded by a ZX81. The pulses are generated with software loops and
the PC recalibrates the timebase every time you load a ZX program
I have tested ZXTAPE with a 8Mhz AT and a 40Mhz 386 with no problems.
On slower machines, the break (spacebar) is disabled because it
introduced unacceptable delays. This means that a program has to
finish loading before control is returned to the keyboard.
The P. file type which is compatable with ZXTAPE is available from
the SINCLAIR archives at nvg.unit.no.pub.sinclair I have included a
small program (WRX1K1.P) to demonstrate hires graphics on a 1K or 2K
ZX81 without a 16K RAMPACK.


INSTALATION:

Just install ZXTAPE on your hard drive in the XTender or ZX81 subdirectory.
Use a ASCII text editor to change the ZXT.BAT file if required.
Plug the connecting cable into the PC printer port and ZX81 EAR jack
respectively and type ZXTAPE to start the program.
When you are ready to LOAD a program, type LOAD "P" (or LOAD "") and ENTER
on the ZX81 and then press "L" on the PC.  The P files in the current
directory are listed for you convenience. Type in the file name WITHOUT
the .P extention and watch the familiar screen pattern on the TV. If no
pattern appears break the load by pressing the space bar (just like a
ZX81) and check your cable or use "I" to change the printer port address.
Then try again! If all else fails send me an email at rigter@cafe.net


COMMAND SUMMARY

L  (load)   - On the ZX81 press LOAD P and enter. On the PC select a file
              from the P file listing and press enter.

D  (dir)    - Lists all the .P files in the current directory

C  (chdir)  - enter new directory : for example \zx81\files

B  (batch)  - run batch file ZXT.BAT in the current directory:
              for example create the following simple ASCII text file :
                                     XTenders
              and save it as ZXT.BAT . Then use the B key to run XTender
              from within the PCTAPE program.

S  (shell)  - Go to DOS to run another application and to return type EXIT

I  (ioport) - select the printer port address (378 is default)

Q  (quit)   - quit ZXTAPE and return to DOS