TSFX¶

Overview¶

Ordinary cassette recorders are hard to obtain these days. Yet you still do not have to give up, because TURGEN offers you a magical feature called TSFX (Tape self-extractor).

To put it simply, TSFX is an Atari executable file (.xex) that turns your Atari 8-bit computer into a tape mastering machine. Instead of using PC sound card to play audio into an ordinary tape recorder, a TSFX allows you to use your trusted Atari data recorder (410, 1010, XC12) paired with a modern storage device (SIO2SD, AVG Cart, Ultimate Cart) to record perfect tapes directly from the Atari's own hardware.

What Is inside the TSFX?¶

The TSFX consists of the following parts:

Initialization routine
Payload (files and blocks to be recorded)
Control routine
Recording routine

How TSFX Operates?¶

After initialization, the control routine displays the payload name, and asks you to: 1. Insert a blank tape in your data recorder, 2. Press PLAY+RECORD, 3. Press the START key. After you press the START key, the control routine records the payload using the recording routine.

Screenshot

What Are the Possibilities¶

TSFXes are powerful. A simple, standalone TSFX can record one file. A composite TSFX can record whole side of a cassette, combining standard and turbo records. The TSFX can even beep when the recording is complete, so you can enjoy your cup of tea.

How to Create and Use a TSFX?¶

Create a project and populate it with project items
Select project items
Create TSFXes from the project items
Copy the TSFXes to an SD card
Place the SD card in a powerful universal cartridge or a disk drive emulator.
Insert the cartridge in the cartridge slot of the Atari computer or connect the disk drive emulator
Insert a blank tape in the data recorder.
Launch the TSFX from the universal cartridge or disk drive emulator
Press PLAY+RECORD on the data recorder
Press START to record the software on tape