Floppy Image Runner (IMGRF2X)

Wait, don't damage the ST's case!!

---

Most Atari ST games/demos/PD software/cover disks are still available on floppy disks. Many can be found as a disk image (.ST and .MSA format) and can be downloaded off the Internet. IMGRF2X is a program, developed by Peter Putnik that provides a way to use these images on your real Atari ST - without the hassle of needing the actual floppy. It's basically software CosmosEx/Gotek and works with many disks.

Obviously, the requirements are raised beyond the stock 520ST because you need extra memory. Anything more than 2MB RAM. Also, a hard drive or UltraSatan is beneficial for storing loads of these virtual floppies.

I don't think many Atari ST users are struggling with only 512K RAM these days. Exactly, so read on...

But how is this possible?

---

It's simple: assign either ST or MSA file types in GEM. Dead easy - just watch my video recording. Now you can double-click on any image from your collection to load Image Runner - this copies it into RAM and reboots. The ST will start up as if it has that disk physically inside its drive - powered by black magic!!

Sadly, GEM cannot assign multiple file types to any single program. To get around this limitation, make a second copy of "IMGRF2X.PRG" and rename it to something similar (don't worry about drive space, this isn't a BIG program). Now you can assign both types of disk images (ST/MSA) to each of these "two" programs. Just double-click any image for instant access to your collection of downloaded floppy images!

Or manually edit the Desktop.Inf file using a text editor like Everest or similar. Easy-peasy!

The CryptO'pinion?

---

I must say, Image Runner worked rather well and I enjoyed a good success rate. This program is a Godsend for us without a Gotek or CosmosEx and has certainly allowed me to enjoy Menu disks again! However, please remember that this is software, so YMMV. But nobody can deny that this program is genius!!

I shudder at cutting the case to fit a Gotek device so I think many will appreciate this program; the results are often positive. I love it and hope Peter continues working on this to improve compatibility. Okay, there are two downloads on his website for IMGRF2X (which includes an easy-to-use option). Just watch the video!!

Let me know in the comments what you think and what worked for you. Above all, enjoy yourself :)

Update: if you enjoyed using this program, then you may wish to purchase the SidecarTride Multi-Device. It plugs into the cartridge port and uses wifi to download menu disks on the fly!!

Bootblock

First impressions

There are many different boot sector programs to add cool fx onto a floppy. This helps prevent virus infections but we all love the dazzling effects! Some are technically amazing! Bootblock by The Fingerbobs is one of my favourite programs that writes a number of boot sectors and the one above is Bladerunners!!

Credits: Bootblock was coded by Oberje of Fingerbobs with music by Jochen Hippel.

There are many boot sectors to choose from and I love finding awesome programs like this. There are more lurking out there somewhere in ST Land. Let me know in the comments below what programs you find.

Diamond Edge

I loved Hi-Soft!!

Isn't Diamond Edge a brilliant program? One of its features is 'Test Disk' which scans for potential problems. Only the other day, this saved my bacon because Drive C (a 32MB partition) suddenly reported itself as 22MB. Why I do not know, but Diamond Edge came to the rescue and fixed several serious errors!!

I have found it particularly useful to optimise (defrag) the partitions in order to better stream audio for (storage) demanding games (Cannon Fodder / Xenon II) or other programs like ST Video Player. I defrag the drives on a monthly basis. Don't get me started with Undelete, another superb part of the Diamond Edge suit.

Diamond Edge is one of the most fundamental utilities for all Atari computers equipped with a hard drive. Anodyne has Diamond Edge freely available to download along with the manual too.

Which is simply excellent!!

Trans D-Bug Express

Save our floppy!

D-Bug's TDE is a program to convert floppies into MSA disk images. I know there are excellent apps already out like Jay MSA and Magic Shadow Archiver but TDE works at a technically lower level and therefore has more success with those crusty old floppies. In fact, even if TDE fails with a dead part of a disk, it still offers you the option to save a good image. Thus you're able to partially rescue the contents.

This is such an excellent and essential utility!

Update October 2020

---

Version v1.05 is out and with lots of changes: low RAM reqs, low-level FDC code, faster code, Drive B support, and compatible with all Atari computers. See the readme file within the download.

App appreciation day

A time to celebrate!

Some programs don't get the credit or respect that they deserve. The ones that we use regularly, that never let us down, and get the job done perfectly. Yet, once their task is complete, they are TOSsed to one side without so much as a thank you. How cruel we are. Do you know a downtrodden app? Then shame on you!

Sadly, I am guilty of this sin. For me, it's called FastCopy (Pro) by Martin Backchat. This is an iconic copier/formatter for the Atari ST. In fact, you will be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn't/doesn't use this funky program? I think every ST owner has a copy on their computer?

Rightly so, because it has several distinct features that I admire...

1. A brilliant backup tool.
2. Essential formatting options.
3. Actually, very smart formatting. Woo!!
4. Nifty virus prevention.
5. Can run either as a PRG or an ACC.

I format all my disks using Fastcopy Pro. It never lets me down (touches wooden head) and I've used it since the 80s. How cool is that! So, dear FastCopy, I promise to start being nice to you, appreciating your commitment to ST floppies. Greetings to Mr Backschat for making such an awesome Atari ST program.

I hope this silly post made you smile :)

 Atari-Forum Wiki  |  Atarimania