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* TLC FORMATTER *
* Version 2.00 *
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*** Version 2.00 additions:
There are 2 new buttons in the formatting box. Verify will check each track
after it's formatted to ensure there are no weak sectors on the disk. This
takes longer but if you really want to make sure your disks are okay, use
it. Alerts simply allows you to turn the alert boxes on or off. If you turn
them off, be sure you don't format a good disk. As is the popular trend,
this now formats backwards (that is, from track 80 to track 1). If you abort
before it's finished, any files near the front of the disk will still be
there.
I. USE
This program is very simple to use, it runs as either an accessory or a
program by changing the extender (i.e. '.ACC' for an accessory and '.PRG'
for a program) and runs in Medium or High resolution. The main screen shows
all the available options, you may select either A or B to format, 9 or 10
sectors per track and between 80 and 82 tracks per disk. The 'FaST' format
option does NOT make the formatting process any faster but rather formats a
disk in a way that makes it read and write even faster than disks formatted
with Twister or with 'skewed' sectors like DC Format uses. The fast option
only works with 9 sectors per track. To enter a label for the disk, simply
type it on the main screen. If an error is encountered during the formatting
process, the applicable track and side number will be shown and you will
have a choice as to continue attempting the format or to abort the
operation. For info on the program, click on the 'TLC' Icon. The drive
button for drive B: will only be available if you have 2 floppies attached.
If you do have 2 drives, while the format is in progress you may press
either A or B on your keyboard to signify that that disk should be
immediately formatted when the first is done. The program uses ALL the same
parameters, single/double sided, number of tracks, sectors and so forth. It
even assigns the same volume name to both disks. You may continue drive
switching as long as you like. The formatting process can be aborted at any
time by pressing the Esc key.
II. EXPLANATION
The 'FaST' option isn't really difficult to implement at all. When
using the XBIOS 10 call to format, simply set the interleave value to 11 as
opposed to the usual value of 1. Perhaps I can find how to make it work with
other than 9 sectors per track to increase storage space on your disks.
Waiting for files to load from floppies is really time consuming, especially
long files like digitized sounds or long programs like PageSTream or Touch
Up. The FaST option makes a noticeable difference in these cases.
III. SHAREWARE
You have no idea how few people donate to us 'home brewed' programmers.
It certainly isn't enough to justify all this equipment! (Not to the boss
anyway). With enough support, programs such as this will continue to grow. I
will notify all contributors in the event of any major additions or bug
fixes. A $15 contribution gets you the latest version of not only this
program, but at least 6 other 'TLC' programs all personalized for you.
I hope you enjoy using this program and I look forward to
hearing from you soon...
American address German address
MSgt Tom Hayslett Tom Hayslett
HQ USAFE/FMF In den Langwiesen 22, Apt 1
PSC 2, Box 6195 6790 Landstuhl
APO AE 09012 GERMANY