How do I get started?Please note that all this information is contained in the README.TXT file, and is presented here as a quick start.
First, you must unzip the download file creating the directories contained within it. You must use the -d option in PKUNZIP to re-create the directories.
Next obtain images of the operating system, BASIC, and preferably the DFS ROMS. Place these in the ROMIMG directory. Give the ROMS the extension .ROM
Next run SETUP.COM and configure for your system.
Lastly, make sure you have a mouse driver and an XMS driver loaded and run pcBBC.
What software does pcBBC run? After several months in the field we know that almost every piece of software written for the standard BBC model B runs with the emulator. Also a lot programs that required a 'bit more' also work (notably M128 and Tube Elite). However, the Master is not officially emulated, please see the question about Master compatibility for further info. For example Uridium (which does really strange things to Shiela does not currently work. Having said all that, if you do know of any that don't please tell me and I'll try to fix it!
What are these disk images, and how do I make them?The disk images are basically an entire side of a 40 or 80 track disk as a sequential file. Why not try the demo image available from this site. As to the best way to make them... Well there are a couple of programs available with the registered version, or you can dive on in there and make your own (the format isn't too hard). There are also a few disk images available for download from the Net. pcBBC version 1.02 now supports .SSD and .DSD images and the registered version has a utility to deal with .INF format files.
I've registered, and would like the latest version. Can I get it on the Net?There is now a new section on the download page for registered users to update their copy of pcBBC
I've had problems writing disks using pcBBC version 1.01 and Watford DFS 1.44.Version 1.02 includes some more fixes for both the 8271 and 1770 FDC which fix this problem. pcBBC also now works with a large number of other DFSs from Acorn and Watford. For a full list of those tested, and known to work, see the new README.TXT file.
How do I print from pcBBC? Configure your printer port using the SETUP program. At the BBC prompt use *FX 6,0 to enable sending of Line Feeds to the printer. Then use CTRL-B to turn on printer output and CTRL-C to stop it. If you have an " A4 printer" you may need to add a final CTRL-B, CTRL-L, CTRL-C to eject the last page from the printer. Regrettably pcBBC is not compatible with some makes and types of printers.
Why can't I get my Sound Card or the SVGA mode to work under Windows NT. Sorry but the DOS box under NT does not allow access to the sound card or SVGA video modes. This is a limitation of Windows NT, not a bug in pcBBC. Use the PC speaker and VGA options under NT, or run pcBBC under DOS or Windows95 for full hardware support.
Mode 7 works fine, but modes 0 to 6 produce rubbish on the screen, why? This appears to be a probem with some newer graphics cards, and has been reported on the Diamond Viper 330 AGP card. To eliminate the problem disable the BIOS setting 'VGA Frame Buffer USWC'.
pcBBC crashes soon after I start! Why? The default for pcBBC is to use LPT1 and COM1 for the BBC parallel and serial ports. If you have other devices (e.g. a modem or mouse) connected to one of these ports this can cause pcBBC to crash. Use the SETUP program to disable the printer and serial ports and pcBBC should then function correctly.
Does pcBBC support any other disk formats other than .IMG?Yes! pcBBC version 1.02 now supports the popular .SSD and .DSD disk image formats. The .SSD format is exactly the same as .IMG. There is also a program available with the registered version to handle .INF files.
The BBC screen aspect ratio looks a little squashed. What can I do? Version 1.02 includes a SVGA 800x600 mode which gives a perfect BBC aspect ratio, without having to resize your monitor display!
Why is the 800 x 600 mode unavailable with ATI Rage pro and Mach 64 video cards ? ATI have not included support for VESA mode 102 in the BIOS that comes with these cards. However, you can download a TSR patch for these cards here.
Why is the sound quality from my SoundBlaster Live/Value audio card so poor when running pcBBC?These cards use software to emulate the synthesiser chip which was present on older cards and which pcBBC uses to generate BBC sound. Early versions of this software resulted in, what was described by some users, as an Under-watery effect. A new version of the LiveWare drivers, available from http://www.europe.soundblaster.com/sblive/liveware/drivers/ should rectify this problem. Sorry, but unfortunately this download is 2.6Mb :-(
Can I emulate a Master 128 using pcBBC?Technically, no. pcBBC version 1.02 does not support all of the extra memory and hardware required to run the Master OS. However, by enabling the Shadow RAM and 6502 C options and using a suitable E00 DFS, you can achieve some compatibility with Master programs (e.g. M128 Elite).
What future plans are there for pcBBC? I'm still having trouble, who do I talk to?You can gain support directly from me via e-mail as I am now on line! Write to stuart@pcbbc.demon.co.uk. Or if you prefer you can also write to me at the address on the main page. The BBC Lives web site also contains a lot of information that may help. Registered or not, I'm happy to help you with any problems you experience configuring or using pcBBC.