PCem, old PCs emulator for GNU/Linux

PCem, is an old PCs emulator than simulate certain old machines like los Amstrad PC for example, this is not emulate only DOS system like DosBOX do so good.

Let's go to install and configure it.

Download and instalation

1. Install all the necessary libraries:
   sudo apt-get install libsdl2-dev libopenal-dev libwxbase3.0-dev libwxgtk3.0-dev automake
2. Download  latest available version of code from bitbucket.
3. Create a folder and uncompress in it:
   mkdir pcem
   cd pcem
   tar -zxvf ../PCemV14Linux.tar.gz
4. Compile and install:
   sudo chmod +x ./configure
   ./configure --enable-release
   make
   sudo make install

Configuration

Run emulator a first time:

pcem

You get an error because you haven't any BIOS but .pcem folder will be created in your $HOME with all the folder structure to add all the files you need:

Folder	Contents
configs	Each system configuration file.
logs	emulator logs (errors and warnings).
nvr	nvr
roms	ESSENTIAL: the roms you need for each system. This folder contains a folder for each PC type to emulate.
screenshots	Screenshots.
Other folders	You can create HD and DSK folders to add HD or floppy images for example.

If we have a configuración of a Windows pcemu for example, we need to copy configuration in .pcem folder.

We can change some things in emulation while machine is running clicking with right button into the emulation window.

Or we can use dialog boxes we can see when pcem start with any roms files included. This allow us add more configuration profiles or change the ones we have.

Important: check that all configuration files have the right path.

How to make a CP/M plus boot disk that start some commands at beginning (i.e.: Mallard Basic)

Vamos a preparar una cara de un disco de 3'' en un Amstrad CPC6128 para que al teclear |CPM arranque el sistema operativo y el comando que deseemos.

Lets make a CP/M plus boot disk in a side of a an Amstrad CPC6128 3'' disk, the goal is type |CPM an starts the operating system and the commands that we want.

Format as SYSTEM

IMPORTANT: You must use numerical keyboard in DISCKIT3 assistant, other numeric keys won't work.

1. Insert CP/M plus disk #1 (better a copy) and type:
   |CPM
2. Run the software:
   DISCKIT3
3. Select these options:
   Format > System Format
4. Keep system disk in A: drive until system tracks are copied, then press a key.
5. Select unit drive where is the disk to format (if we have more than one).
6. Confirm than this is the right drive and desired format, then press a key.
7. DISCKIT ask us if we want to format another disk, in this case we say NO.
8. Eject all the floppies and exit from DISCKIT3.
9. Return to CP/M prompt

Copy system to our new floppy disk

1. Insert again the new floppy but now in A: drive.
2. Insert system disk in B: drive or switch when system ask you if you have only one.
3. Copy these files to the new floppy:
   PIP B:=A:C10CPM3.EMS
   PIP B:=A:KEYS.*
   PIP B:=A:SUBMIT.COM
   PIP B:=A:SETKEYS.*
   PIP B:=A:SET24X80.COM
   PIP B:=A:AMSDOS.COM
   PIP B:=A:PIP.COM
   
4. Eject both floppies, restart CPC and we insert only the new one in A drive. Check if all runs ok with the command:
   |CPM

Copy Mallard Basic and some example BAS files

In my case I got the executable file of Mallard Basic del PCW with some BAS files, so I need to copy them (now I insert old floppy in B:)

PIP B:=A:BASIC.COM
PIP B:=A:*.BAS 

 Hacer que arranque Basic Mallard al iniciar CP/M 

1. Exit from CP/M typing AMSDOS
2. Type this lines from Locomotive Basic IN AMSDOS:
   10 OPENOUT "PROFILE.SUB"
   20 PRINT #9, "BASIC"
   30 CLOSEOUT
3. Save for future uses and changes:
   SAVE "GENPROF.BAS"
   (remember, this is a Locomotive Basic AMSDOS software, don't try to open with Mallard Basic in CP/M).
4. Type RUN.
5. Type |CPM again to check that new floppy works ok.

REMEMBER: Type SYSTEM to exit from Mallard Basic.

The big problem is you can't activate floppy write protection or autorun doesn't work. :(