How to archive Commodore PET tapes?

At some point in the past, I obtained a collection of Commodore PET tapes, around ten in number. Although I had intended to archive them, I didn't get around to it until recently. After some effort, I managed to convert them into WAV and TAP files, which are now available on this website's Commodore PET page. In this blog post, I'll explain the process I followed.

​Required Software:
    •    Audacity (or alternative audio recording software)
    •    Audiotap
    •    VICE emulator
Equipment Needed:
    •    1530 to USB adapter
    •    Commodore Datasette

Troubles on my side:
The process took me an entire day due to challenges, starting with finding a functional Commodore Datasette. I tested them on one of my Commodore 64s and discovered that several of my Datasettes needed repairs. Interestingly, the best-performing one was the one that appeared the least aesthetically pleasing.

My Commodore PET requires repairs as its keyboard is non-functional. Therefore, I relied on the VICE emulator to test the software and tap files.

Archiving Procedure:
To initiate the archiving process, connect the datasette to your computer using the 1530 to USB adapter. On Windows 10, choose "Microphone (USB PnP Sound device)" as the input device in the settings. Similarly, select the same input device in Audacity. Begin with a test recording, adjusting the recording volume so that the datasette’s output fills the recordingscreen. (Picture added to illustrate what I mean) Erase the test recording and rewind the tape. Commence recording in Audacity and press play on the cassette deck.

Wait for the recording to finish; most PET software is relatively short, around three minutes, Computer tapes usually last around 15 minutes.

Saving and Exporting Audacity Files:
When archiving multiple tapes, establishing a consistent file-naming template is beneficial. I named the files according to this structure: "Commodore PET Tape (number) side (letter)." This approach streamlines the process by enabling the quick insertion of the correct number and letter. Save all files in Audacity before exporting to avoid the need to type filenames twice. The shortcut for saving in Audacity is CTRL-S.

After saving files with accurate names, proceed to export them as WAV files. Find the export option in the "File" menu, typically located under the save button. Choose the "Export to WAV" option, and provide track information as desired. I like to sign my files by writing under the artist tab Archived by RetroMels. Click "OK" to initiate the export.

Tip:
Create a dedicated folder for this process to keep files organized.

Transitioning to Audiotap:
After exporting the WAV files, transition to Audiotap. This straightforward software is wonderful for creating TAP files without unnecessary complexities.  Select "Create a TAP file" and choose "From an audio file (WAV or similar)" and "inverted waveform." Tick "inverted waveform" as it's crucial for compatibility with the VICE emulator. My tap files without this option did not work, Click "Advanced options," select "VIC20" as the machine, and choose the appropriate video standard (PAL or NTSC). In my case since I’m located in Europe PAL. Proceed by selecting your first file to transfer.

Here in case you are converting multiple files it is important to stick to clear filenames. I used the same format for the file names as I used in the Audacity process. Audiotap is pretty fast in converting the files and sometimes doesn’t even show a progress bar. If all goes well after a couple minutes you will have a file folder filled with WAV and TAP files.

Loading into VICE:
Using VICE to load files is exciting, especially if you're unsure of the tape's contents. Select "XPet" from the menu, listen to the lovely Commodore PET's bootup sound (if your sound is on ofcourse), and attach the datasette image. Test files by typing "load" in the emulator, and if successful, you'll see "found" and to start the program type run.

I cheered out loud when the first program loaded successfully into my digital Commodore PET, hopefully after reading this article you will find the same results!

Things to watch out for:
Cassettetapes are of course a physical mediatype, making them prone to degrading over time. This means that it might happen that your Commodore PET tape from the 1970’s has degraded and therefore is not or more difficult for your computer to read. If you have a working commodore PET to test the actual tape with, this shouldn’t be an issue since you can determine the operation of your tape before you archive it. I find that not knowing what is on the tape can be more exiting.

Like I wrote in the beginning of this post, datasettes can be a bit dodgy and for instance suffer from not being aligned properly or having a dirty readhead. This ofcourse can also be prevented by testing the datasette with the software on an actual Commodore PET. I assume that most people that have PET software might also have a Commodore 64 laying around somewhere. Testing the functionality of your datasette that way is also a good option. Have issues loading on actual Commodore Computers try cleaning your readhead with a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me using the archive support page.

Commodore PET software in my Archive:
All the software I archived using this method can be found on the Commodore PET page of this website!

Goodluck archiving!
RetroMels