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Operating Instructions

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Arananet edited this page Feb 12, 2025 · 2 revisions

Tapuino User Guide

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for loading, saving, and converting files using the Tapuino device with your Commodore 64 (C64). It also includes instructions for dumping tapes from your old Datasette.

Buttons functionality

The Tapuino interface is controlled using four buttons. Here's a breakdown of their functions:

  1. SELECT:

    • Confirms the file or option selection.

  2. ABORT:

    • Allows you to abort the loading of a TAP image.

  3. PREVIOUS:

    • Returns to the parent menu or previous option.

  4. NEXT:

    • Moves between different options or files.

Loading a TAP File

  1. Copy your TAP files to the SD card and insert the card into the SD card slot.
  2. Switch on your C64, enter the command LOAD, and press Enter.
  3. On the Tapuino:
    • Select the option “Load”.
    • Navigate to the desired file using the four buttons.
    • Confirm your selection.
  4. The game or program will begin loading onto the C64. The OLED display will show the loading progress as a percentage via a progress bar.

Saving a File

Writing data to the SD card is straightforward. Follow these steps:

On the C64:

  1. Load the data you want to save or write a small Basic program for testing.
  2. Initiate the saving process with the command SAVE.

On the Tapuino:

  1. Select the menu item “Record”.
  2. Choose the recording mode:
    • Manual: Enter the file name manually using the buttons.
    • Automatic: A predefined name will be generated automatically.
  3. If using Manual mode, type the name using the buttons:
    • NEXT: Move cursor left.
    • PREV: Move cursor right.
    • BACK/SELECT: Change letters/characters.
    • Press and hold NEXT: Confirm the name.
  4. When “Ready …” appears on the display, press Button 1 once more to start the storage process.
  5. The saved data will be stored on the SD card in the “Recordings” directory and can be loaded from there later.

Converting Programs to TAP Format

If you have programs in formats like PRG, P00, or T64, you can convert them to TAP format using the Windows program WAV-PRG:

  1. Open WAV-PRG.
  2. Select the second option: “Convert a PRG, P00 or T64 to a sound or TAP or WAV” and click OK.
  3. Choose the target machine from the drop-down menu (e.g., C64 PAL) and click OK.
  4. Select the file you want to convert.
  5. The TAP file will be generated and ready for use with the Tapuino.

Dumping Tapes from Your Old Datasette

If you have old tapes and a Commodore Datasette, you can create TAP images from them:

  1. Connect your Datasette to the Tapuino.
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to dump the tape contents to the SD card as a TAP file.
  3. Once the process is complete, the TAP file will be saved and can be loaded onto your C64 using the Tapuino.

For more information, visit the Tapuino GitHub repository.

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