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From: ihom@SDCSVAX.ARPA
Newsgroups: net.micro.cpm
Subject: Re: Reading Apple II Disks
Message-ID: <9724@brl-tgr.ARPA>
Date: Wed, 3-Apr-85 23:33:37 EST
Article-I.D.: brl-tgr.9724
Posted: Wed Apr  3 23:33:37 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 7-Apr-85 10:50:36 EST
Sender: news@brl-tgr.ARPA
Lines: 35

> Is there any way I can read text files off an Apple II disk, using a
> Kaypro II?  Is there a formatting program that will do that?
 
>> Unfortunately, you cannot read or write Apple disks on a CP/M system
>> like the Kaypro. The reason for this is that Apple uses a HARD SECTORED
>> "maverick" format unlike every other system out there which uses SOFT
>> sectoring (which is what makes programs like MediaMaster and Uniform
>> possible).
>> What you need is a modem and communications software on both machines:
>> then file transfer will be as easy as a phone call (well, almost)
 
Apple *does not* use a hard sectored format.  Its uses a 16 sector format
which *does not* use the index hole, thus soft sectored.  Software is
able to find any given track/sector without the aid from the hardware.
 
When using a communications program on the Kaypro (i.e. modem7 or mex)
and Apple (i.e. ASCII Express "The Professional), avoid using the xmodem
(Christensen) protocol if possible.  Invoke the Apple's comm program to
list the file and copy the data into the buffer of modem7 or mex.  Protocol
is possible, but the file has to be processed after the transfer.
 
Apple's method of terminating a line in a text file is just a carriage
return -- with no linefeed.  So when you type the file out in CP/M, every
line will be overwritten.  Solve this by processing the file with FILTEX
(a public domain program) or some other utility that inserts a LF after
every orphan CR.  Likewise, a CP/M text file transferred to an Apple will
contain that *normal* LF and appear double-spaced when listed.
 
> Is it economical to get my potential typist a CP/M card for her Apple?
> Are they still made?  Where and by whom?  Costs?
 
Two popular CP/M cards are available for the Apple:  the "Softcard" by
Microsoft and the "Appli-Card" by PCPI.  They sell for about $275.00.
Each card comes with a utility disk that includes a program to convert
DOS files to CP/M.