c2t is a command line tool that can convert binary code/data and/or Apple-1/II Monitor text, as well as 140K disk images, into audio files suitable for use with the Apple-1 and II (II, II+, //e) cassette interface.
c2t offers three high-speed options for the 64K Apple II, II+, and //e: 8000 bps, 8820 bps, and 9600 bps. The c2t compression option may be used to speed up the delivery of data with all three as well as the native 1333 bps cassette interface ROM routines.
8820 bps (used to burn CDs) and 9600 bps are not compatible with all II+s and //es. If you plan to distribute your audio files, then use 8000 bps.
8820 bps and 1333 bps is not an option for disk images.
High-speed and compression options require c2t's custom loader, and at this time that limits you to a single segment. You can overcome this limitation by concatenating all your code together and creating your own code to shuffle your data around, or pad each segment with enough zeros to align subsequent segments with their target addresses and then use the compress option to minimize this overhead.
Multi-segment audio files can be created for the Apple-1, II, II+, and //e that can be loaded using the standard cassette interface ROM routines.
Examples of c2t in action:
For more info on c2t internals please read: https://github.com/datajerk/c2t/raw/master/article/article.pdf.
I created this because I needed a convenient way to get data loaded into my //e without dragging my computer out of my office (2nd floor) to my retro man cave (basement). IOW, I needed an iPhone/iPad/mobile solution. That, and CFFA3000 was sold out--at the time.
You clearly do not understand the awesomeness of the Apple II, move along.
- c2t 0.997 (Sep 27 2017)
- c2t-96h 0.997 (Dec 31 2015)
Download https://github.com/datajerk/c2t/archive/master.zip and extract.
Both the archive and the repo bin directory contain macOS 64-bit (c2t) and Windows 32-bit (c2t.exe) binaries. Just copy to any directory in your path.
macOS users may need to adjust the permissions, e.g.:
sudo cp bin/c2t bin/c2t-96h /usr/local/bin
sudo chmod 755 /usr/local/bin/c2t-96h /usr/local/bin/c2t
An alternative and perhaps simplier install for macOS:
sudo curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/datajerk/c2t/master/bin/c2t-96h >/usr/local/bin/c2t-96h
sudo curl https://raw.githubusercontent.com/datajerk/c2t/master/bin/c2t >/usr/local/bin/c2t
sudo chmod 755 /usr/local/bin/c2t-96h /usr/local/bin/c2t
Prerequisites:
cl65version 2.13.3 (https://github.com/mrdudz/cc65-old/raw/master/cc65-sources-2.13.3.tar.bz2)
git clone https://github.com/datajerk/c2t.git
make clean
make
For Linux, read ubuntu_notes.md for build tips.
make clean
make macos
First install MinGW (https://osdn.net/projects/mingw/), then type from the root of this distribution:
PATH=C:\MinGW\bin;%PATH%
gcc -Wall -Wno-unused-value -Wno-unused-function -Wno-misleading-indentation -I. -O3 -static -o c2t c2t.c
To cross build for Windows from macOS, first install http://crossgcc.rts-software.org/download/gcc-4.8.0-qt-4.8.4-win32/gcc-4.8.0-qt-4.8.4-for-mingw32.dmg, then type:
make clean
make windows # or 'make dist' if you want both macOS and Windows built
If macOS errors with cannot be opened because the developer cannot be verified with the mingw32 gcc binaries, then type:
sudo xattr -r -d com.apple.quarantine /usr/local/gcc-4.8.0-qt-4.8.4-for-mingw32
c2t-96h is a hacked up version of c2t that fixes a few bugs (e.g. .po files) and adds better universal (should work on all Apple IIs) 9600 BPS code. Both -8 and -f activate this new 9600 BPS code.
c2t-96h will eventually replace c2t. IOW, use c2t-96h for now.
Older computers (e.g. circa 2008 MacBooks) have issues playing the
c2t-96hgenerated output. If you experience problems withc2t-96h -forc2t-96h -8usec2t -8. The mergedc2t+c2t-96hversion will support old and new computers.
Read https://github.com/datajerk/c2t/raw/master/article/article.pdf for details.
To create an audio file that can auto extract to disk, type:
c2t-96h diskimage.dsk audiofilename.aif or use .wav.
c2t-96hsupports.dsk,.do, and.poextensions.
The disk image must be exactly 143360 bytes (140K). 800K disks are not supported.
Use the
-noption, e.g.c2t-96h -n diskimage.dsk audiofilename.aifif the disk ][ is emulated (e.g. CFFA3000, SDISK //, etc.)
To create an audio file for a single load binary that can auto extract and execute, type:
c2t-96h -2bc8 super_puckman,800 audiofilename.wav or use .aif.
The input image must be an Apple II binary with or without a 4-byte header. The 4-byte header is the standard DOS header that defines the binary size and memory location. Depending on how you extracted the single load binary you may or may not have this header. If this header is missing you'll have to append to the binary name
,memorylocatione.g.,800.
A Single Load Binary is defined as a self contained executable that has no disk dependencies (e.g. data, overlays, game save data, high scores, etc.). The binary must be 100% stateless or it will fail to function properly. http://asciiexpress.net/gameserver has many examples.
In both cases you'll have a .aif or .wav formatted audio file. It is critical that the file not be compressed to MP3 or other lossy compression format. Read https://github.com/datajerk/c2t/raw/master/article/article.pdf for details.
To load up your disk or binary to a physical Apple //e or ][+:
-
Connect an audio patch cable from your phone, tablet, computer, etc. to the cassette-in port of the Apple II.
I just use Dropbox to quickly get these audio files to my iPhone. I also play them from the Dropbox app.
-
From the Apple II:
- Remove any disks
- Reboot or power on
- CTRL-RESET to get to a
]prompt - Optionally insert a blank disk if loading a disk image
- At the
]prompt typeLOADand press RETURN
-
From your phone, tablet, computer, etc., play the audio file
Single load binaries will auto extract and execute. Disk images will auto extract and expand to disk.
Automated testing is only supported on macOS and requires the following:
- Virtual ][ 10.0.1 (http://www.virtualii.com/)
- Windows cross-compiling tools http://crossgcc.rts-software.org/download/gcc-4.8.0-qt-4.8.4-win32/gcc-4.8.0-qt-4.8.4-for-mingw32.dmg
- Docker Desktop for Mac (https://hub.docker.com/editions/community/docker-ce-desktop-mac/)
You can edit
tests/test.mdif you do not want to test Windows binaries or want to use different images for test.
Build wine32 container (if testing Windows binaries):
# start docker first, make sure it is running
docker build --no-cache -t wine32 -f Dockerfile.wine32 .
To test, type:
make testclean # only once, unless you want to start over
make test
If Virtual ][ crashes while testing, just
make testagain to restart failed test and continue where it left off. Do not typemake testcleanagain unless you want to start over.
Example output: https://youtu.be/FCOb4f2hYN8
Most, if not all, disk ][ emulators (e.g. CFFA3000, SDISK //, etc.) do not support formatting. The
-noption must be used for testing in these cases.
The following configurations have been tested:
- Apple //e
- Apple disk ][ verified (format and no-format)
- Apple duodisk verified (format and no-format)
- CFFA3000 3.1 verified with USB stick (no-format only)
- CFFA3000 3.1 failed with IBM 4GB Microdrive (too slow)
- Nishida Radio SDISK // verified (no-format only)
- Apple II+
- Apple disk ][ verified (format and no-format)
- Nishida Radio SDISK // verified (no-format only)
- Virtual ][ Emulator
- Apple disk ][ verified (format and no-format)
Output of c2t -h:
usage: c2t [-vh?]
c2t [-elp] input[.mon],[addr] ... [output.mon]
c2t {-1} [-cepr] input[.mon],[addr] ... [output.[aif[f]|wav[e]]]
c2t {-2} [-abcdef8pmqr] input[.mon],[addr] ... [output.[aif[f]|wav[e]]]
c2t [-n8] input.dsk ... [output.[aif[f]|wav[e]]]
-1 or -2 for Apple I or II tape format
-8 use 48k/8bit 8000 bps transfer (Apple II/II+/IIe 64K only)
Implies -2a. Negates -f and -d.
-a assembly autoload and run (Apple II/II+/IIe 64K only)
-b basic autoload and run (Apple II+/IIe 64K only)
Implies -2a.
-c compress data
-d use fast 44.1k/16bit transfer (Apple II/II+/IIe 64K only)
Implies -2a. Negates -f and -8. Use for burning CDs.
-e pad with $00 to end on page boundary
-f use faster 48k/8bit (9600 bps) transfer (Apple II/II+/IIe 64K only)
Implies -2a. Negates -8 and -d. Unreliable on some systems.
-h|? this help
-l long monitor format (24 bytes/line)
-m jump to monitor after autoload
-n do not format disks
-p pipe to stdout
-q parameters and data only (for use with custom client)
-r #, where # overrides the sample rate (e.g. -r 48000)
-t 10 second preamble (default 4) for real tape use
-v print version number and exit
input(s) without a .mon or .dsk extension is assumed to be a binary with a 4
byte header. If the header is missing then you must append ,load_address to
each binary input missing a header, e.g. filename,800. The load address
will be read as hex.
input(s) with a .mon extension expected input format:
0280: A2 FF 9A 20 8C 02 20 4F
0288: 03 4C 00 FF 20 9E 02 A9
A single input with a .dsk extension expected to be a 140K disk image.
output must have aiff, aif, wav, wave, or mon extention.
Input: Apple 1 monitor file with two segments. First 4 lines:
0: 00 05 00 10 00 00 00 00
8: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00
280: A9 00 85 07 A9 00 A8 AA
288: 85 06 A5 00 85 04 A5 01
Command:
c2t -1 a1mt.mon a1mt.aif
Output:
Reading a1mt.mon, type monitor, segment 1, start: 0x0000, length: 16
Reading a1mt.mon, type monitor, segment 2, start: 0x0280, length: 290
Writing a1mt.aif as Apple I formatted aiff.
To load up and run on your Apple I, type:
C100R
0.FR 280.3A1R
Input: cc65/ca65 Apple II binary with DOS 4-byte header. The DOS header
contains the starting address of the program.
Command:
c2t -2 hello hello.wav
Output:
Reading hello, type binary, segment 1, start: 0x0803, length: 2958
Writing hello.wav as Apple II formatted wave.
To load up and run on your Apple II, type:
CALL -151
803.1390R
803G
Input: cc65/ca65 Apple II binary with DOS 4-byte header. The DOS header
contains the starting address of the program.
Command:
c2t hello hello.mon
Output:
Reading hello, type binary, segment 1, start: 0x0803, length: 2958
Writing hello.mon as Apple formatted monitor.
Example hello.mon output:
0803: A2 FF 9A 2C 81
0808: C0 2C 81 C0 A9 91 A0 13
0810: 85 9B 84 9C A9 91 A0 13
0818: 85 96 84 97 A9 00 A0 D4
Input: Binary game without DOS header that should be loaded at $801.
Command:
c2t -2 moon.patrol,801 moon.patrol.aif
Output:
Reading moon.patrol, type binary, segment 1, start: 0x0801, length: 18460
Writing moon.patrol.aif as Apple II formatted aiff.
To load up and run on your Apple II, type:
CALL -151
801.501CR
801G
Input: Binary game without DOS header that should be loaded at $801 as fast
as possible while being compatible with all Apple IIs.
Command:
c2t -8c moon.patrol,801 moon.patrol.aif
Reading moon.patrol, type binary, segment 1, start: 0x0801, length: 18460
Writing moon.patrol.aif as Apple II formatted aiff.
start: 0x7226, length: 18393, deflated: 0.36%, data time:18.95, inflate time:6.83
WARNING: compression disabled: no significant gain (18.11)
To load up and run on your Apple II, type:
LOAD
NOTE: Compression was disabled because it didn't help.
Input: Binary game without DOS header that should be loaded at $800 as fast
as possible while being compatible with all Apple IIs.
Command:
c2t -8c super_puckman,800 super_puckman.wav
Reading super_puckman, type binary, segment 1, start: 0x0800, length: 30719
Writing super_puckman.wav as Apple II formatted wave.
start: 0x886C, length: 12691, deflated: 58.69%, data time:13.25, inflate time:5.79
To load up and run on your Apple II, type:
LOAD
Input: Three binary files to be loaded at three different addresses.
c2t -2 foo,801 foo.obj,3ffd foo.pic,2000 foo.aif
Reading foo, type binary, segment 1, start: 0x0801, length: 91
Reading foo.obj, type binary, segment 2, start: 0x3FFD, length: 18947
Reading foo.pic, type binary, segment 3, start: 0x2000, length: 8192
Writing foo.aif as Apple II formatted aiff.
To load up and run on your Apple II, type:
CALL -151
801.85BR 3FFD.89FFR 2000.3FFFR
Input: DOS 3.3 140K diskette image to be loaded with maximum II
compatibility. Disk will be formatted first.
Command:
c2t -8 dos33.dsk dos33.wav
Output:
Reading dos33.dsk, type disk, segment 1, start: 0x1000, length: 28672
Reading dos33.dsk, type disk, segment 2, start: 0x1000, length: 28672
Reading dos33.dsk, type disk, segment 3, start: 0x1000, length: 28672
Reading dos33.dsk, type disk, segment 4, start: 0x1000, length: 28672
Reading dos33.dsk, type disk, segment 5, start: 0x1000, length: 28672
Writing dos33.wav as Apple II formatted wave.
Segment: 0, start: 0x459B, length: 19044, deflated: 33.58%, data time:19, inflate time:7.68
Segment: 1, start: 0x74A5, length: 7002, deflated: 75.58%, data time:7, inflate time:3.70
Segment: 2, start: 0x8514, length: 2795, deflated: 90.25%, data time:3, inflate time:2.28
Segment: 3, start: 0x6CD4, length: 9003, deflated: 68.60%, data time:9, inflate time:4.33
Segment: 4, start: 0x6DE6, length: 8729, deflated: 69.56%, data time:9, inflate time:4.27
To load up and run on your Apple II, type:
LOAD