New, simplified methods to get the FIRST file
from the PC to the Amiga
Deutsch(Wolfgang Stöggl, 1998 - 2005)
This page has been released because people have asked me how to exchange files between Amiga and PC without a terminal program, CrossDOS,
dos2dos etc. available on the Amiga.
Requirements
All methods described require a nullmodem cable and ADF Sender Terminal.
Click here to see the schematics under 3.).
I highly recommend using RTS/CTS handshaking. If you want to change the serial settings you have to start preferences on the Amiga Workbench or properties within ADF Sender Terminal on the PC.
On the Amiga commands are entered from CLI or shell. Press Ctrl+D while booting the Workbench or start 'shell' from the Workbench, which has got advantages under kickstart1.x as you can repeat commands with the cursor keys. (Yes, I am serious - people ask me things like that.)
The given examples refer to transdisk, but you may want to transfer TransWarp, twinexpress or dos2dos etc.
The file is sent to RAM: of the Amiga, which should prevent transmission errors.
Choose method A, B or C:
A You only need a Workbench disk or at least the TYPE command on the AMIGA (Amiga with Workbench 1.2 or 1.3)
- A1 TYPE command and prepared file
- A2 TYPE command and self extracting archive. Especially for TransWarp
B With AMIGABASIC (e.g. Amiga 500, Workbench 1.3, Extras)
C With ARexx script (e.g. Amiga 600, Workbench 2.05 and higher)
Due to the feedback I get, most people prefer method B. The methods A and C were developed for people who only own an Amiga with the Workbench disk.
Check that the serial settings are the same on both machines (e.g. 19200,8,N,1,RTS/CTS) PC:
Properties ADF Sender Terminal, Amiga: Workbench-Preferences-Serial.
The TYPE command must be from Workbench 1.3 or older if you want to transfer a binary file like transdisk. Note: In the case of TYPE from Workbench 2.05 and higher ONLY text files are handled correctly.
You should use a copy of your Workbench disk.
The following Example is for transdisk. But you may want to download other prepared programs in prepared.zip (dos2dos3, twin, transdisk, transwarp)
or create your own file with my software fileprep so that it will be intact on Amiga after type.
Amiga: (the word type is a command!)
type ser: to ram:transdisk
PC:
send transdisklong from transdisklong.zip with my program ADF Sender Terminal (use *.*).
This file is 11204 bytes long instead of 11092 so that type will not cut off anything from the actual program. Use this up to date version of transdisklong!
Amiga:
ctrl+c
PC:
send any file again, this releases the break on the amiga as it is
still waiting for data. Afterwards press Cancel on PC.
Amiga:
Now copy the file to the copy of your Workbench disk, preferably into the C directory.
copy ram:transdisk to df0:c
Transdisk will work in case of correct transmission.
Info:
Transdisk is a few bytes longer after transfer but due to my special modification at the end of the file it is 100 % OK.
Especially for TransWarp a self extracting archive has been prepared, which contains transwarp and BaudBandit.device (transwarp_sfx.zip). In this archive there is a dummy.file at the end, which is not needed and can be cut by the type command. This way all needed files reach the Amiga exactly - even with date and file attributes. Follow Method A1 and send transwarp.run instead of transdisklong.
If you start ram:transwarp.run after transmission to Amiga, then transwarp and BaudBandit.device are unpacked automatically without errors.
Remark: the Amiga archive was created using lha and lhasfx.
- If you have got AmigaBasic, then type in the program I have
written and receive files from the PC via a serial cable. On PC you can view receive.bas with e.g. WordPad or emacs.
Click here to download receive.zip.
How to use receive.bas
- Connect the Amiga and the PC with a nullmodem cable.
- Check that the serial settings are the same on both machines (e.g. 19200,8,N,1,RTS/CTS). RTS/CTS is very important!
- Start Amigabasic on your Amiga, type in the Program and save it to a disk.
- Run the program from AmigaBasic.
- Enter the filename (e.g. ram:transdisk) and the exact size of the file to be received in bytes (e.g. 11092 for transdisk or 15060 for TransWarp 1.4.3).
-
Now the Amiga is waiting for data, so send the file with ADF Sender Terminal.
You see the number of bytes received.
- Send a second file from PC, in order to fill the serial buffer.
| Note: | The second file has to be sent from the PC in order to fill up the buffer on the Amiga, but only the bytes of the wanted first file will be written. That's what size is for.
|
| Tech info: | The buffer of ser: on the Amiga is only read every 200 bytes (this is filled up by the second file).
|
| Troubleshooting: | If the file does not work, try a lower baudrate (9600 or 4800). Read the FAQ of ADF Sender Terminal. Send an Email to me.
Do not try to change the program in the following way:
OPEN "com1:19200,n,8,1" AS 1
because Bytes with $FF (255, 8 Bits high) cannot be received! |
- If you have got e.g. an Amiga 600 with Workbench 2.05, then type in the ARexx script receive.rexx I have written and receive files from the PC via a serial cable. You can view receive.rexx on your PC with e.g. WordPad or emacs.
It is easiest to transfer the script using method A and you need not type the whole program manually (send receive.rexxlong, this works fine as the type command from WB 2.05 only handles text).
Click here to download receive.zip.
How to use receive.rexx
- Connect the Amiga and the PC with a nullmodem cable.
- Check that the serial settings are the same on both machines (e.g. 19200,8,N,1,RTS/CTS). RTS/CTS is very important!
- Start the ARexx script with e.g.:
rx receive
- Enter the filename (e.g. ram:transdisk) and the exact size of the file to be received in bytes (e.g. 11092 for transdisk or 15060 for TransWarp 1.4.2).
-
Now the Amiga is waiting for data, so send the file with ADF Sender Terminal.
You see the number of bytes received.
- Send a second file from PC, in order to fill the serial buffer.
- For additional information and hints have a look at the end of method B.