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+--- Thread: System 80 Cassette Recording (/thread-687.html)
System 80 Cassette Recording - CheshireNoir - 19-08-2023
I'm trying to work out what is wrong with the cassette on my System 80, and to eliminate the inputs, I was wondering if anyone could make me a recording for it. Doesn't really matter what the software is, as long as it works with real hardware. (Tested is better, if at all possible)
(At least then I'll be able to eliminate a lot of the chain I'm trying to get going with mine. It'll also give me a reference point for testing against my own recordings.)
Obviously happy to pay for media and postage!
John
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - ChickenMan - 20-08-2023
What program have you tried to record and what with ? What level are you using on the Sys80 to load them, I set mine to mid-way and all load fine for me. I've written the Space Invaders image from the repository to a Sony C60 tape which loads perfectly, takes a whole 59 seconds. Thats a System file and loads with S.
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - CheshireNoir - 21-08-2023
(20-08-2023, 01:31 AM)ChickenMan Wrote: What program have you tried to record and what with ? What level are you using on the Sys80 to load them, I set mine to mid-way and all load fine for me. I've written the Space Invaders image from the repository to a Sony C60 tape which loads perfectly, takes a whole 59 seconds. Thats a System file and loads with S.
I tried a couple of different programs, using one of those "in car CD converter" fake cassettes you plug into an audio source at the other end.
No matter what I tried, I couldn't get the levels on the VU above about 1/4 and the software never completed.
I guess I'm trying to find an audio example so I can tune my audio levels for any solution I end up using.
Cheers!
John
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - ChickenMan - 21-08-2023
Since you can only load System file in via the built in recorder, there is a very simple mod to switch it to the Cassette port at the back, then just make a cable up and plug into you audio source, be it your phone, ipad, ipod, etc. Then it can load Basic and System files. I can upload a cable layout for an ipad to System 80 if that helps.
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - CheshireNoir - 22-08-2023
Cheers Chickenman!
Converting it to use the external tape interface might be the way to go. I'll check what I can find in the documentation on the mod and the cable I should be able to work out.
(I spent the weekend making adapters to use the colour 'bees with various CRT Monitors I have on hand with varying degrees of success, so happy to make cables)
Your advice, as always, is excellent!
John
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - CheshireNoir - 24-08-2023
Hey Chickenman!
I have a question, and I suspect you're the best person to ask... For your iPad to Trs-80 cassette port interface, do you tie both audio channels from the source together or only connect one channel? If the latter, which channel?
Cheers and TIA!
(I'm currently working on the assumption they get tied together)
John
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - RedskullDC - 24-08-2023
(24-08-2023, 10:41 PM)CheshireNoir Wrote: (I'm currently working on the assumption they get tied together)
John
Hi John,
Ideally, they should be mixed, else you run the potential risk of damaging the iPad output.
See : https://www.instructables.com/Simple-Way-to-Convert-Stereo-to-Mono/
![[Image: FWEXK0GJ20PGM48.jpg]](https://content.instructables.com/FWE/XK0G/J20PGM48/FWEXK0GJ20PGM48.jpg)
Regards,
Leslie
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - CheshireNoir - 25-08-2023
There will be a slight delay on testing as the keyboard has failed
Been one of THOSE weeks.
John
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - ChickenMan - 25-08-2023
Sorry for the delay, Leslie diagram is spot on, with Mono Sum going to Pin 4 of the 5pin DIN plug, and Ground to Pin 2. A known working connection from an ipad to System 80 uses 22 ohm 1/4watt resistors.
RE: System 80 Cassette Recording - CheshireNoir - 24-09-2023
Huzzah!
After a MARATHON repair session, the System 80 is back in one working piece and the correct tape cable has been made and it works!
Thanks ChickenMan and RedSkullDC for your details.
(It works!!!)
John