Need to transfer data from Amstrad discs to PC????

TERRA Operative · 18th July 2012, 7:15 PM

Ok, I'm not sure where to put this, but here seems appropriate.

I have a situation where I need to transfer a couple of diskettes worth of word processor save files from an Amstrad to a PC. (decades worth of family history stuff, with no backup I believe).
I think from memory it's a CPC 464, using the funny sized disc drive.

I want to transfer it all so I can then play with the data to convert it to a standard text format for use in Word/InDesign/whatever.

The trick is getting the data from the Amstrad to the PC... I was thinking of two possibilities.
The first is getting my hands on an Amstrad and writing a program to output the data on the disc straight to a com port and then reading the data on the PC using something like Teraterm.
The other is getting the PC to interface directly with an Amstrad disc drive, maybe through an interface like an Arduino hooked to PC somehow (maybe through USB or the com port again).

Any ideas? I really want to get this data backed up to a more reliable storage solution and get the document reformatted for easier distribution (and rescanned/retouched photos) to the entire extended family.

Draxx · 18th July 2012, 9:11 PM

This (http://www.fvempel.nl/3pc.html) and this (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Amstrad-P...#ht_552wt_1072) are a start - bit pricey though

TERRA Operative · 19th July 2012, 6:18 AM

Yeah, I found that site. The mod looks straight forward, but the cost of a drive is a bit

I found a place in the UK that will convert discs to .txt, .doc, etc and email the files back for $5GBP per disk (regardless of the number of files per disc).
I reckon that might be better than the hassle of reinventing the wheel, so now all I need to do is find some 3" discs.

18th July 2012, 7:15 PM	#1
TERRA Operative Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Niraikanai Posts: 6,552	Need to transfer data from Amstrad discs to PC???? Ok, I'm not sure where to put this, but here seems appropriate. I have a situation where I need to transfer a couple of diskettes worth of word processor save files from an Amstrad to a PC. (decades worth of family history stuff, with no backup I believe). I think from memory it's a CPC 464, using the funny sized disc drive. I want to transfer it all so I can then play with the data to convert it to a standard text format for use in Word/InDesign/whatever. The trick is getting the data from the Amstrad to the PC... I was thinking of two possibilities. The first is getting my hands on an Amstrad and writing a program to output the data on the disc straight to a com port and then reading the data on the PC using something like Teraterm. The other is getting the PC to interface directly with an Amstrad disc drive, maybe through an interface like an Arduino hooked to PC somehow (maybe through USB or the com port again). Any ideas? I really want to get this data backed up to a more reliable storage solution and get the document reformatted for easier distribution (and rescanned/retouched photos) to the entire extended family. __________________ I DO NOT support internet filtering!!! Tereno Empireo Rapidmova Reakcii Armeo Check out my Youtube channel!

18th July 2012, 9:11 PM	#2
Draxx Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Bendigo Posts: 696	This (http://www.fvempel.nl/3pc.html) and this (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Amstrad-P...#ht_552wt_1072) are a start - bit pricey though __________________ Draxx's ABIT FTP Mirror: PM for access Daily Driver: 2008 FG Falcon XR6 \| 4.0L I6 \| 6SP Auto \| Nitro (FOR SALE) Second Car: 1984 Nissan 300C (Y30 Cedric) \| 3.0L V6 \| Auto \| Metallic Beige (FOR SALE) Wife's Car: 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer CH "Velocity" \| 2.4L 4cyl \| 4SP Auto \| Effect Grey (FOR SALE)

19th July 2012, 6:18 AM	#3
TERRA Operative Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Niraikanai Posts: 6,552	Yeah, I found that site. The mod looks straight forward, but the cost of a drive is a bit I found a place in the UK that will convert discs to .txt, .doc, etc and email the files back for $5GBP per disk (regardless of the number of files per disc). I reckon that might be better than the hassle of reinventing the wheel, so now all I need to do is find some 3" discs. __________________ I DO NOT support internet filtering!!! Tereno Empireo Rapidmova Reakcii Armeo Check out my Youtube channel! Last edited by TERRA Operative; 19th July 2012 at 6:23 AM.