C64 - Not playing games :(

[Cpt. Hindsight]

Yes, testing the C64 with a cheap cartridge (you'll probably find International Soccer for 1 or 2 pounds) would be my first guess as well.

btw: I was using Audiotap and WAV-PRG to convert .prg and .tap files to my MP32C64(unfortunately my older version doesn't support play/pause control) and Hansel is right about his preferation of one-file programs (.prg files).

[john1979]

I have two untested datasettes sat here from previous C64 ebay purchases. If your's proves to be on the fritz I can see if one of them is working and send it down to you for the cost of postage (£4.88).

We'll see how you go with these tapes and getting the head aligned first though!

edit: Echoing what other people say too. A cheap cartridge game will test the CPU and various other chips. But my money is still on head alignment. "Out of Memory" or garbled characters in FOUND usually mean the cassette deck needs some attention.

[Neil79]

I've just done a clean up of the tape deck with some alcohol and bud, the tapes work!

Now to try and get TapDancer working

[Neil79]

Hmmm Escape-MPC tape not working, comes up with SEARCHING:Found Escape-MPC.. I hit space and it says "Out of memory"


EDIT : Just tried to reload Rastan which worked before, it started loading now it's stuck at a black box with a blue box on the outside. Just stopped loading. Starting to wonder now on this tape deck, what do you think?

ffs

[roy bates]

it might sound negative.

the c64 datasette wasnt the most reliable method to load in software,wouldnt it be easier and faster to use a disk drive or some sort of sd2iec?

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by roy bates

it might sound negative.

the c64 datasette wasnt the most reliable method to load in software,wouldnt it be easier and faster to use a disk drive or some sort of sd2iec?

At a cost yes, but I've already just purchased a £70+ HxC which is an SD device for the Amstrad CPC 6128. And I believe the sd2iec isn't cheap either, I just can't afford that right now.

[Neil79]

Another C64 user from my town came over and tested his tape decks, one of them worked atleast and now playing tapes and tapdancer files

Success!! Auto Pause : ON / First Silence ON / Everything else OFF / Volume at 12 through TapDancer(Buggy Boy). TapeDeck working good so far



Cheers for all the help anyway guys

[john1979]

Originally Posted by Neil79

(Picture)

What a beautiful sight!

[Amiga1992]

See? Someone helped you out and you are sorting the problem. That's the spirit

Enjoy your C64!

[s2325]

Yes, have fun.

[Neil79]

[barkingboy]

Cool, I love the C64 version of Buggy Boy!

[Neil79]

Been playing up again tonight, got loads of games to try from tapdancer and none of them work. Loaded up the Rastan game, not working.. So it will probably stay in the cupboard for awhile till I can get an SD device for it down the line

[john1979]

You really should try to get your first drive sorted. All it needs is you twiddle a screw driver in the head alignment and find the sweet spot.

Sd2iec are okay but some games won't work as they aren't compatible with some turbo loaders. And just about ALL demos won't work.

I suggest you go the way of 100% compatibility. Start with a 1541 floppy drive and eventually save up enough to buy an Ultimate cart. Expensive little device but you won't regret a single penny of it!

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by john1979

You really should try to get your first drive sorted. All it needs is you twiddle a screw driver in the head alignment and find the sweet spot.

Did that on the last one and it made no difference, I was always going one way or another. Isn't there two screws though? Or is it just the one under the hole

[john1979]

Originally Posted by Neil79

Did that on the last one and it made no difference, I was always going one way or another. Isn't there two screws though? Or is it just the one under the hole

For the read head it's just the main one on the top near middle buttons I think.

[Neil79]

Originally Posted by john1979

For the read head it's just the main one on the top near middle buttons I think.

Is there anyway of tweeking it without needing a bit of software? How much does it need to be turned? Is it just a slight turn to the right and see if a game loads?

[john1979]

Just try a quarter turn at a time. Anything more slight and probably isn't worth it, and anything more and you might miss it.

A second alcohol clean along the head and cassette adapter (as it may have picked up crap from the heads) would help too.

Good luck mate.

I will have a look this weekend at my spare decks and see if one is serviceable enough to send you down. With any luck I can wangle a bit of free postage at work.

[demolition]

Originally Posted by Neil79

Is there anyway of tweeking it without needing a bit of software? How much does it need to be turned? Is it just a slight turn to the right and see if a game loads?

I can recommend using this software:
http://csdb.dk/release/?id=49944

I have generated a tap file containing random data which can be used with the above program, see attached file.

When you have started the program, press F3 to show turbo tape thresholds.
The optimal adjustment looks like the screenshot from VICE. On a real C64, you might not reach such thin lines.
The idea is to adjust the azimuth until the two lines are as thin and distinct as possible.

[Neil79]

Awesome, will that work via a tapdancer app tape? Don't have any ways of recording direct to a normal tape

Cheers