Bin2BML Documentation
---------------------
March 14 2008, Lance Squire (Original Postings on Bally Alley Discussion Group) 
April 17, 2009, Adam Trionfo (Documentation Compiled)
August 26, 2019, Adam Trionfo (Slight changes for Bin2BML Ver. 3)


I - Overview of Bin2BML
-----------------------

Bin2BML converts .bin files to .BML files to load on an Astrocade with a RAM 
expansion.  An example called Sample.wav is included.  Using this program the 
user will finally get to see software run on actual HARDWARE!

Bin2BML is a PERL program that reads a .bin file (output from a Z-80 assembler) 
and makes a .BML out of it.  The .BML file is then run through Astrowav2.  The 
resulting WAV file is loaded into the Viper 1 (or possibly other RAM expansion 
units).

Very brief overview of use (see Using Bin2BML for additional details):

&(192)=0;:INPUT %(24576)

Set WR. to AUTO.

Remove AstroBasic

Set K to 8

RESET!

BooM!  The cart it THERE!


II - Perl Distribution for Windows
----------------------------------

A useful distribution is available here:

http://www.activestate.com/Products/activeperl/index.mhtml
 
Click on the Get ActivePerl link.
Click Download.

Bin2BML has also been tested with Stawberry PERL:

http://strawberryperl.com/


III - Using Bin2BML
-------------------

The sequence is quite simple:

1) On a PC, using a Command Line Interface:

     1. Use BintoBML (Perl script) to convert the Binary to BallyBin .BML file.

     1.a  Example with Windows:

          perl bin2bml <filename.bin> <filename.BML>

          For example, to convert the freely available Treasure Cove cartridge:

          perl bin2bml treasure.bin treasure.BML

     2. Use Astrowav to convert the .BML to a .wav file.

     2.a  Example to convert the Treasure Cove BML file to a WAV file
          using AstroWAV (the 2005 version).  Use the following command line:

          astrowav -b16 -c1 -f3 -h1 -v2 -k44100 -wtreasure.wav treasure.bml

          You may get a "Repairing Checksum" message from AstroWAV when the
          file is converted; this is normal.

     3. Connect your computer to AstroBASIC as if loading an AstroBASIC 
        program.

2) Set switches on RAM expansion

     1. Viper switches to write and 24K
     2. White Ram switches to RAM and 6K
     3. Other expansion units... ???

3) On Bally/Astrocade

     1. If using a Viper turns off soft write protect.  Type:

           &(192)=0

     2. Type:

           :input%(24576)

     3. Start audio on the computer.

     4. On Bally/Astrocade hit GO and then wait for cursor to return
        on screen.

     5. Set switches on RAM expansion

           1. On Viper set protect switch to Auto from Write.
           2. On White Ram set left switch to ROM.
           3. On other RAM expansions devices... ???
 
     6. Now switch RAM to lower setting,

           1. On Viper set 48K to 8K
           2. On White Ram set 6K to 2K on White Ram
           3. On other RAM expansions devices... ???

     7. Reset Bally/Astrocade and play cart.


3) There are similar load instructions here on www.Ballyalley.com.
   See the link called Viper RAM (Loading and Saving Tips):

      http://www.ballyalley.com/documentation/viper/viper.html


END OF DOCUMENT