Falcon Xfer - by Orion_ [2006]

http://onorisoft.info/
orion@onorisoft.info


-What does this tool ?:
As you probably noticed by looking at the tool name, this tool is used to transfer Files from your PC Computer under Windows XP to your beloved Atari Falcon 030, using a simple parallel cable.


-A bit of History:
When I first had my Falcon, about 2 weeks ago, the first thing I do was installing a new hard drive and start finding falcon utilities and demos to transfer on my falcon, and the only way to do that was .. the floppy disk ...
I think you know what disk swapping is, it take a lots of time and is painful as hell !
I started to find some transfer program, but it was all for DOS, not really compatible with WinXP, and needed serial null modem cable or specific cable, and I only had a simple parallel cable ...
so I started to code this utility :)
4 day later, it was done and I could transfer the entire "Chosneck Magazine" without floppy, only using my tool \o/


-Cable Needed:
I made the parallel cable myself, but I think and hope it is the same pinout in commercial cable.
Just in case it is not, I give you here the pin schematic of my cable:
Pin 1 -> Pin 11
Pin 2 to 10 -> Pin 2 to 10
Pin 11 -> Pin 1
Pin 25 -> Pin 25


-How to use:
First, connect the parallel cable from your PC to your Falcon.
Start the tool on your PC then on your Falcon.
From now all things will be done using your PC.
Click on the button "Connect to Falcon".
If everything is going allright, the TransferFile button and Disconnect Button should appear useable and the message "PC Connected !" should appear on the screen of the Falcon.
If nothing happen, then Click on the Quit button of the tool.
Restart the tool and click on "Bidirect" button, then retry using the "Connect to Falcon" button.
If nothing happen again, quit the tool, restart it and try the "NoBidirect" button then the "Connect to Falcon" button.
If really nothing happen again ... mmh ... try to reboot your PC and check in your bios settings if the parallel port is enabled and in EPP mode.
If something happen then say "hooray !" and Try the TransferFile button :)
Warning! you can't select a file that is currently in use ! (for example: inpout32.dll or falcxfer.exe)


-Compatibility:
This tool was coded and tested under Windows XP SP2, and a Falcon 030 at 16Mhz with Cache and 4MB of memory.
It was also tested under a Falcon with CT63, in both 030 and 060 mode at 80 Mhz. (Thanks GT Turbo)


-Greetings:
DHS		- Excellent demos and Awesome website !
.tscc.		- The GPU are gonna blind me !
Paradise	- Hello coopy o_O
Cerebral Vortex	- kroko powered !
Jagware Team	- Too much people, so I don't give a list ;)
Sector One	- Hi frost & Dma-SC (Gameplay foir, challenge augment ;)
