FAQ

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is included in the APE Utility Package for CP/M?

A: The APE Utility Package includes the following utility programs:
APE Utility
Description
APEWRITE
Writes a new CP/M image to the SYSTEM region of an APE or Tarbell Floppy Disk formatted with 512 byte sectors
Uses APE Disks as A: & B:, Tarbell Disks 0 & 1 as C: & D:
APE 1.2
APEFCOPY
Copies SYSTEM, DATA, or ALL information between Tarbell and APE Floppy Disks
Uses Tarbell Disks 0 & 1 as A: & B:, APE Disks as C: & D:
APE 1.1
SBOOT
The APE Serial Boot Loader as a CP/M program to quickly perform a cold boot.
APE 1.0
PUBLIC
Makes files saved as User 0 on CP/M Disks PUBLIC or PRIVATE (default)
APE 2.6
SETUP
Enables/Disables Read-After-Write for Tarbell Floppy Disks and displays Read-After-Write Error Counts
APE 2.6
WRITE
Writes a new CP/M image to the SYSTEM region of a Tarbell Floppy Disk formatted with 512 byte sectors
Uses Tarbell Disks 0 & 1 as A: & B:
APE 1.1
COPY
Copies SYSTEM, DATA, or ALL information between Tarbell Floppy Disks
Uses Tarbell Disks 0 & 1 as A: & B:
APE 1.0
FORMAT
Formats a Tarbell Floppy Disk with 128 or 512 byte sectors
Uses Tarbell Disks 0 & 1 as A: & B:
APE 1.4

Q: How is the information stored on the PC?

A: Each APE Disk is stored in a file with the “.ape” extension. Formatting is provided by APE to create files representing CP/M Floppy Disks formatted with either 128 byte sectors (26 per track) or 512 byte sectors (8 per track.)

Q: Can CP/M files be moved in and out of the APE Disk files?

A: Not at this time. There are plans to create file import/export through the CP/M Reader and Punch devices in a later release of the APE software and the matching CP/M BIOS.

Q: Will APE support other devices?

A: There are plans to support the CP/M List device to a file on the PC.

Q: What about the CP/M Console?

A: While this would be a desirable addition, allowing the use of a single Altair serial port, it will require the creation of a Terminal Emulator that can be integrated with the APE software. This is a project in its own right that I may consider in the future.

Q: Is a Tarbell Electronics 1011D Floppy Disk controller required to use APE?

A: No. If you have one though you can get a version of APE that will allow you to transfer the contents of Floppy Disks between actual “Floppy Disks” and APE Floppy Disks. In fact NO floppy disk controller is required to use APE. More information is available (here.)

Q: What size floppy disk does APE use (with or without the Tarbell Floppy Disk Controller)?

A: APE emulates standard 8 inch, Single Side, Single Density floppy disks with either standard 128 byte sectors (26 per track) or 512 byte sectors (8 per track.)

Q: Will other floppy disk sizes or “Hard” disk sizes be supported in the future?

A: Possibly, based on user feedback and available information and hardware for testing.

Q: Will APE support other Floppy Disk controllers?

A: Possibly, in co-operation with other Altair fans who have the necessary hardware and are willing and able to assist in such a project.

Q: My question is not here - what should I do?

A: Contact us (here) with your question. We will do our best to supply an answer. Please keep in mind this is a "weekend" project so it may take a while to get a reply.

Frank Barberis

APE - To mimic: The Altair Peripheral Emulator