To load cassette files into a real Spectrum

  1. Using a suitable lead, connect the output of your soundcard to the EAR socket on the Spectrum.

  2. On the Tools menu, click Options.

  3. Click the Cassette Recorder tab.

  4. Disable all the playback options.

  5. Enable Generate loading noise and Boost loading noise volume.

  6. Click OK.

  7. If the cassette recorder window is not visible, click Cassette Recorder on the View menu.

  8. On the File menu, click Open.

  9. Locate the audio cassette file you want to load into the real Spectrum, click it, and then click Open.

  10. Reset the real Spectrum and type the appropriate load command into BASIC (normally LOAD ""). For the 128k/+2/+2A and +3 Spectrums, you can normally use the tape loader from the menu.

  11. Make sure auto play/stop is disabled.

  12. Press Play on the cassette recorder.

  13. If the program does not load, adjust the volume and tone controls and try again.

Tip

  • You will probably need to experiment with the volume and tone levels of the soundcard output to get programs to load correctly.

  • If the cassette recorder immediately stops after clicking Play, ensure auto play/stop is disabled.

Note

  • The Spectrum needs quite a high signal to load from. Many soundcards cannot produce enough volume to load directly. In this case, you will need to amplify the signal. If you have a set of speakers connected to your soundcard, the headphone socket can usually provide enough volume.