AMSTRAD CPC464 - The CPC464 Datacorder Controls

Similarly, operation of the auxillary keyboard for the cassette datacorder is the same as for most
types of audio cassette recorder:
Figure 2.2 The CPC464 Datacorder controls
Note that these control keys require to be pressed considerably harder than the keys on the main
‘typewriter-style’ keyboard.
[REC] = [REC]ord (operates simultaneously with [PLAY] to record data when instructed by the
program to do so). It can not be activated unless a cassette with the ‘record protect’ tab (see figure
2.2) is placed in the machine, and the door shut.
To activate the function, you must press [REC] - and then whilst holding down the
[REC] key, press the [PLAY] key. The computer will then write data onto the cassette when
instructed to do so by the program currently in the memory -or by a direct SAVE command entered
from the keyboard.
[PLAY] = [PLAY] the tape to either LOAD or RUN a program from the cassette system. The
computer will then read data from the cassette when instructed to do so by the program currently in
the memory - or by a direct command entered from the keyboard. Both the [REC] and [PLAY] keys
are reset by a mechanical trip in the mechanism when the cassette tape reaches its end.
[REW] = [REW]ind the tape from the right hand spool to the left hand spool. There is no mechanical
cancellation of this function at the tape end, so you should not leave the machine running in rewind
mode or the tape drive motor may overheat when stalled.
[F.F.] = Fast Forward will advance the tape rapidly, winding from the left hand spool to the right
hand spool. There is no mechanical cancellation of this function at the tape end, so you should not
leave the machine running in fast forward mode or the tape drive motor may overheat when stalled.
[STOP/EJECT] = Stop any current cassette operation, and reset all the cassette operation keys to
the original state. If the key is released and then pressed again, the cassette lid will open, allowing a
cassette to be either removed or inserted as required. The cassette cannot be taken out until the
operation of the drive has ceased.
[PAUSE] = A mechanical pause operating in conjunction with the [PLAY] or [REC] and [PLAY]
keys. It should not be used to pause during either a data read or data write operation, or an error
will occur. All pauses during play and record operations are handled by internal instructions in the
CPC464 software, leaving the mechanical pause facility largely unused.