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CP/M Plus (for +3 Spectrum) related software
Notes:
I am using the name CP/M Plus, as used by Locomotive Software for the +3 Spectrum version; in fact, CP/M Plus is CP/M version 3.
I am using the programs and/or files described below on a regular basis on my real +3 Spectrum, using CP/M Plus for +3 Spectrum from Locomotive Software and also on my PC, using MYZ80 emulator © Simeon Cran.
The CP/M files presented here are stand-alone and not .DSK disk image files.
CP/M Plus Y2K fixes
I was really surprised to find Y2K fixes for CP/M Plus system. The whole story can be found at the Unofficial CP/M Web Site.
The essential Y2K fixed files for CP/M Plus for +3 Spectrum are:
- DATE.COM
- DIR.COM
- SETDEF.COM
- SHOW.COM
SETDEF now allows you to set dates in US (MDY), UK (DMY) or YMD format. These fixes are the work of John Elliott.
 Download CP/M Plus Y2K fixes (.ZIP, 17K)
Compare v3.0 for CP/M
 Ever wanted to know if two files are identical ?
This program compares two disk files for equality and lists in case one or more differences are encountered. The different byte is displayed in reverse video, both HEX and ASCII format, if byte is printable character. If not, it displays a "." as ASCII representation.
Find more info in the COMPARE.TXT file, included in the archive.
Download Compare v3.0 for CP/M (.ZIP, 4K)
Help file for CP/M Plus, suitable for use on +3 Spectrum
The CP/M Plus for +3 Spectrum package contains a single CF-2 diskette, with no (significant) free space left on it. I guess this is the reason Locomotive Software missed the CP/M help file.
I have the help file from both CP/M Plus for Amstrad CPC and CP/M Plus for Amstrad PCW8256. From the two, I find the PCW version the most suitable for use on +3 Spectrum.
As far as I know, there are only three items one should take care of:
- PALETTE is quite ambiguous, the manual has a better description for it
- PAPER does not exists on CP/M for +3 Spectrum version
- PRINTER does not exists on CP/M for +3 Spectrum version
The file is relatively long. It makes sense to use it only if 720K diskettes are used with the CP/M Plus system (like I do).
Download Help file for Amstrad CP/M Plus, suitable for use on +3 Spectrum (.ZIP, 27K)
HiSoft Devpac80 v2
I have purchased this package by mistake, not mine, but MicroSnips’s, an UK store that does not exists anymore, AFAIK. I wanted the Devpac for +3DOS and they have sent a box with the wrong diskette, the CP/M version. I then wrote to HiSoft (making the proof of purchase) and they have sent to me the complete documentation for the CP/M version (at the same time I purchased the +3DOS Devpac directly from HiSoft).
Frankly, I wish to thank MicroSnips for that mistake, because the Devpac80 is an excellent tool, and without them, I shouldn’t have known that a CP/M version even exists !
My package includes:
- GEN80 v2.06 CP/M assembler
- MON80 v1.06 disassembler/debugger, previously included in Devpac80 v1
- ProMON v2.7 disassembler/debugger; works with Amstrad-type CP/M banked memory
- ED80 & HDE interactive CP/M editor
- Installation programs for each of the above components
The GEN80 assembler has something +3 Spectrum specific: option A+ generates +3DOS header.
The rest of the package seems to be universal CP/M (Plus) compatible.
I am not making Devpac80 available for download (yet).
Reason 1: I still don’t know the status of HiSoft copyright policy regarding its CP/M product. I wrote to them - no answer up now.
Reason 2: at the time of this writing, a quite similar package can be officially purchased from at least two UK software retailers, High Street Micro and The Trade In Post. There is, however, something different: the packages that can be purchased there are for CP/M Plus for Amstrad CPC or PCW computers; although the software is basically the same, the GEN80 for +3 version has the +3DOS header generation option. If you really need the Devpac80 for +3, just let me know, I will see what can I do for you :)
WordStar v3.0 for CP/M, suitable for use on +3 Spectrum
This is a real word processor. By running such piece of software on a +3, it means your Spectrum machine is a real computer :)
The version available here for download is customized for use on CP/M Plus for +3.
The terminal control codes are customized for VT52 compatible monitor.
The printer control codes are customized for Epson FX/LX, quite similar as the default +3BASIC printer control codes. Please note that this version of WordStar has a rather rudimentary printing capabilities in respect with modern (dot) printers. The product belongs to daisy wheel printers era ... Frankly, Tasword 2 or 3 has better printing capabilities.
Notes:
At the time of this writing, WordStar is the intellectual property of The Learning Company (many thanks to Mike Petrie for this info).
No compatible version for use with CP/M Plus for ZX Spectrum +3 has been ever build or sell.
This version is a binary modified code of a WordStar v3.0 copy, originally customized for an unknown system.
Download WordStar v3.0 for CP/M, suitable for use on +3 Spectrum (.ZIP, 50K)
The archive also contains the MAILMRGE.OVR overlay file. It is used by WordStar with the MailMerge option (M from main menu). However, I have no idea what this MailMerge does ...
For a summary help of the WordStar commands, click here.
The cursor movement control keys have become a de-facto standard for many upcoming text editors, especially those focused on programming languages (the ED80 editor from HiSoft’s Devpac80 package belongs to this category).
However, if you are not familiarized with the WordStar cursor movement control keys, or if you simply don’t like it and want to use the +3 cursor keys, you may change them by means of a submit batch file.
Just download this archive and put the KEYS.WS and WSK.SUB files on the same floppy where WordStar resides. Then you may:
- enter the WordStar as before, by typing WS at the CP/M command prompt
- enter the WordStar with the new keys, by typing WSK at the CP/M command prompt; when WordStar exits, the key configuration will be reset as when nothing has happened
Please check also the README.TXT file included in the archive.
The KEYS.WS and WSK.SUB files are simple ASCII text files. You can write them directly on disk, instead of making a copy. Make as you wish.
Download +3 cursor compatible WS control keys (.ZIP, 617bytes)
For general help and info about the WordStar program (all versions, including DOS and Windows), visit Mike Petrie’s WordStar Resource Site.
Unfortunately, the Oakland ftp site that previously hosted many CP/M files is now gone. At present I am not aware of any working mirror of the original Oakland archive.
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