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F.A.Q. for DamSpecEm 		       		   	   23rd July, 2001
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What is DamSpecEm?
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DamSpecEm is a program for Windows 95/98/NT/ME/2000 that emulates a
ZX Spectrum computer (48k, 128k and +2 models).

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In what programming language was DamSpecEm developed in?
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DamSpecEm is currently being developed under Visual Basic 5.0 Professional
Edition from Microsoft.
Soon it will be developed under Visual Basic 6.0.

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How fast is DamSpecEm?
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DamSpecEm working in 128k mode with full sound works at 3.5MHz Spectrum
speed on a Pentium II 350 processor with a good graphics card. I'm not
sure on the minumum requirements, since I haven't tested it in any other
machines but I suppose it would work on any Pentium II 200 at decent speed.

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What can we expect in further versions of DamSpecEm?
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Support for all known tape and snapshot formats is a goal I'm trying to
achieve with DamSpecEm. Also, I'm planning on starting to use DirectX but
I'm still not sure if this will be done soon.

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Where can I download Spectrum snapshots?
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The biggest searchable archive for Spectrum related material is The World
Of Spectrum (www.void.demon.nl/spectrum.html).

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What games are compatible with DamSpecEm?
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Hopefully, all of the available games in the compatible formats.
Some games may display incorrectly but sill be playable. This is because
DamSpecEm doesn't work with scanlines.
Be sure you read the issues.txt file to find out if there are any known
non-playable games.

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Under which conditions may I distribute DamSpecEm?
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You can distribute it freely as long as it isn't modified. This software
comes with no warranties, use at your own risk.
Read the readme.txt file for further info.

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Is DamSpecEm free? Must I pay for it?
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DamSpecEm is completely free of charge.

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Who developed DamSpecEm?
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DamSpecEm is being developed by Diogo Bastos (damspecem@hotmail.com).
The first processes of emulating the Spectrum used by DamSpecEm are widely
based upon Chris Cowley's (ccowley@grok.co.uk) VBSpec.
James Bagg's (chipmunk_uk_1@hotmail.com) work with the AY-3-8912 is also
used as a major reference in the emulator.
Both these authors have my thanks for the excellent work they've done.

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Can I have DamSpecEm's source code?
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No. This is not an open source project. As soon as I give up on completing
and working on the emulator, the source code will be made available. For
now, it will not be distributed.

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What is a Sinclair ZX Spectrum?
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The Sinclair ZX Spectrum (here in Portugal it was distributed by Timex) is
a computer based around a Zilog Z80A processor that runs at 3.5Mhz. It has
a very strong fan base, although it's most popular years were in the 80's.

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What do I need to run DamSpecEm?
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You'll need a Windows 9x/ME/NT OS and probably a Pentium processor or
equivalent will sufice. Since I have only tested DamSpecEm on my computer,
I would gladly be informed if it works on minor computer configurations.
My configuration includes and Intel Pentium II 350Mhz processor, 64Mb SDRAM
using RIVA TNT graphics adaptor and the emulator runs at full 3.5MHz speed.
These ROM images are optional. You'll only need them if you use the respective
emulated model:
	
	128tr93.rom		--> for Pentagon 93 support
	48e.rom			--> for Spectrum 48k Spanish support
	discipep.rom		--> for Disciple with EPSON code support
	inves.rom		--> for Inves Spectrum 48k+ Support
	iso.rom			--> for Didaktik Gama support
	msrrow.rom		--> for Didaktik Skalica support
	plus2_0.rom		--> for +2 support
	plus2_1.rom		--> for +2 support
	plus2a_0.rom		--> for +2A support
	plus2a_1.rom		--> for +2A support
	plus2a_2.rom		--> for +2A support
	plus2a_3.rom		--> for +2A support
	plus3_0.rom		--> for +3 support
	plus3_1.rom		--> for +3 support
	plus3_2.rom		--> for +3 support
	plus3_3.rom		--> for +3 support
	profi.rom		--> for PROFI support
	tk90x.rom		--> for Timex TK90x support
	tk95.rom		--> for Timex TK95 support
	trd609.rom		--> for TRDOS 6.09 PROFI support
	ts2068_0.rom		--> for Timex TS2068 support
	ts2068_1.rom		--> for Timex TS2068 support
	zx128_0.rom		--> for 128k support
	zx128_1.rom		--> for 128k support

These files are required to run and should be provided with the emulator:
f
	spectrum.rom		--> for 48k support
	DamSpecEm.exe		--> the emulator executable file
	default.lng		--> Default language file

These are the document files that you should have:

	FAQ.txt			--> this file
	Readme.txt		--> Readme file
	whatsnew.txt		--> Version history file

If you find any other files included they are probably not necessary for
the emulator, since only the files listed above are distributed in the
official releases.

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I found a bug, should I report it?
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Definitely. damspecem@hotmail.com should be the address to use.
Reporting bugs will help improve DamSpecEm. Also be sure to read the
issues.txt file so that you won't be reporting any already known bugs.

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Where can I get DamSpecEm?
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You can get it at http://damspecem.tsx.org
I'd really like to know if there are any emulation websites that are
providing DamSpecEm, so if you own a website that has DamSpecEm for download
please notify me. I fully support that you distribute it, I'm just wanting
to know where exactly can it be obtained from.

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Is it illegal to use Spectrum ROM images?
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No. Amstrad, the copyright owner, allows free distribution for emulation
purposes, although most of the times it is explicit that they cannot be
sold.

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Is it illegal to use Spectrum Snapshots (like games)?
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Using a snapshot without owing an original copy in a real tape is considered
a copyright violation. However, since Spectrum games are no longer sold,
you aren't harming copyright holders if you use them, except if you're
making profit from it. Many companies stated that they wouldn't like their
games distributed, and others have given their permission.
You can find a list of permits in this URL, maintained by Damien Burke.
http://www.jetman.demon.co.uk/speccy/permits.html

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What is the difference between all the Spectrum models?
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The 48K is the original model with rubber keys and RAM extension.
The 48K+ is the same but with a real keyboard.
The 128K had 128Kb RAM, AY-3-8912 sound chip, keypad, RS232 port and real
keyboard. It is the last real Sinclair machine.  
The +2 is a 128K with built-in tape deck, new (grey) case and keyboard. First
Amstrad-produced model.  
The +3 is a 128K with built-in disk drive, new ROMs including a DOS and some
internal changes on the bus. It came in a black case.
The +2A is a +3 with a tape deck instead of disk drive.

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Where can I get extensive info on the Spectrum?
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Try reading the ZX Spectrum FAQ. It's available on The World Of Spectrum,
which is also probably the best source for information.
www.void.demon.nl/spectrum.html

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Should I expect finding bugs on DamSpecEm?
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Yes. I found many bugs I was unaware of as I was testing the emulator with
some games. Particularly I found that Chase H.Q. was not working (hopefully
it is fully working now) but there are many other games that might not work.
Read the issues.txt file for information on the non-working games and other
known problems.

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DamSpecEm is so slow for me, what can I do to make it faster?
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Here are some tips on making the emulator run faster. Note that to make the
action faster, you may lose on quality and other features.

	- Set Emulation Speed under the Options menu to Fastest.
	- Set Display Size under the Options menu to Normal.
	- Set Multitask Priority under the Options menu to High.
	- Disable Sound under the Options menu.

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I just loaded a tape file but nothing happens! How can I play it?
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TAP and TZX formats are readable but not loadable.
This means that if you choose Verbose Tape Loading you can see what's inside
the tape file, but you won't be able to play it.

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I'd like to have DamSpecEm translated into my language. Can you do it?
I'd like to have DamSpecEm's documentation translated into my language.
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There are only two languages I can speak 100% correctly and they are already
available as language files. However, if you wish to translate the menus
to your own language, edit the default.lng file.
Change the settings and save the file into another of your choice, like
mylanguage.lng
I would thank you if you would send me the file so that I could post it in
the website. This way I would be able to provide the language files to anyone
who'd like them.

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Can I insert a nice comment into the language file?
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Yes, just make sure it is preceeded by ;

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Can I make my language setting the default?
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Yes, rename your file to default.lng

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What are those << and >> menus?
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They are, respectively, previous and next save slot.
You can also use CTRL+F1 and CTRL+F2 for the same effect.