Tape Master Pro: TIP #2 : Mastering BASIC / Compiled BASIC programs


Tape Master Pro V3.0 and Tape Master Pro V4.0 has support for running BASIC SYS start addresses, but what about BASIC programs and compiled BASIC? Well, unfortunately not. Instead you will get some kind of ?Syntax Error or similar. 

Don't fret. It is possible to master BASIC programs in two different ways.


Option 1: Cartridge Freezer (Action Replay/Retro Replay Cartridge)

1. Do a memory fill or normal reset with your Action Replay / Retro Replay cartridge
2. Load the BASIC program / compiled program. 
3. Before running the program make your cursor black, then enter FOR I = 1 to 500 : NEXT I : RUN 
4. Quickly Freeze the program with your Action / Retro Replay 
5. Go to the screen editor and set up the colour of the border/background. Clear the screen using the colour of the cursor, which is set as the border/background colour.
5. Go to the backup menu and select option A or C to save your program to disk
6. Master the program with Tape Master Pro. It will work.

Note: If you use this method, and your game uses BASIC sound effects. There might be loss of sound channels.

Option 2: Packer/Cruncher with BASIC Support

1. Load in a packer / cruncher with BASIC run support. The one I would normally use is Stoat and Tim's 2Mhz Time Cruncher V5.0

2. When entering parameters, set $37 as $01, and $A659 as jump address. If using Time V5.0 set '1' as the crunch step (speed). This is the fastest crunching speed.

3. Save your crunched file to your tape master disk. It should work on Tape Master Pro V3.0 and V4.0.

... and that's everything :)

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