Star Commander (short: SC) looks like the Norton Commander. It is a DOS shell for the PC for exchanging files of the C64 emulators C64.

While the C64 is probably one of my favorite home computers from the 1980s, one of the biggest gripes I have with the machine is being able to transfer.d64 images into 5.25 inch floppy disks. People who are in the Apple II club have it easy, using nothing more then their phones and an aux cable to load software and even create whole disks of programs and games. This challenge of getting software onto the C64 has been my biggest hold back to my C64 experience, but recently I decided to try to finally get it working.My first attempt was with tape games. I had done this before in the past with a cassette recorder and an aux cord to transfer.tap files to cassette with mediocre success. Sometime it would work, many times not. I messed around with the volume settings, aligned the heads, cleaned the heads, no change. With the loading speeds of the cassette port, it didn't even seem worth it.

Even trying the aux to car cassette adapter trick lead to no avail for consistency. Finally I decided the disk drive was the way to go.I had seen people use a MS-DOS program called 'Star Commander', it looked like a pretty straight forward method, kinda. With nothing more then some old YouTube videos and the Star Commander website, I went out to build the X1541 cable.

Know I am aware of some of the problems that arise going this route. The X1541 cable is the oldest method of PC to C64 data transfer and requires a computer from the 90s with a SPP or PS/2 parallel port. Searching around my house, I found a computer from 2005 with an on board parallel port. I have read about the strict compatibility problems that go with 'modern' computers past the 90s with this method. I have no problem with going out and thrifting for a 90s PC, but before I do I want to make sure there is nothing I can be before going that route. After plugging in the cable and running the external software, I was able to ensure that the parallel port on the motherboard was operating in SPP mode.

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Running the X1541 logic test program showed that the computer could see the 1541, so far so good. Opening Star Commander and messing around with the settings eventually led to Star Commander seeing the drive, and even listing the disk name and available space remaining.

This is where things started going sideways.Selecting a.d64 image file and using the CopyDisk function starts up fine, but doesn't keep writing after the first few sectors. After a massive game of trial and error, I found that setting the transfer setting to TURBO operates even 'better' then WARP, which operates better then NORMAL. Now Star Commander can format and write about the first 15 or so tracks on the disk before it stalls. I don't want to say 'freezes' because its not like it locks up completely, I can still abort the writing session and use the program.

It's like the program is just waiting for something our of nowhere. Interrupting the CopyDisk process and selecting 'retry' causes the drive to write a few more sectors at a time before getting stuck again.Now there is another option, suck it up and buy an SD card to IDE 1541 emulator. While yes, its easier, there is something that feels wrong about not using the floppy disks. Call me weird, but it feels like it takes away some of the 'magic' of the experience. At that point, why not just emulate the whole machine.So I guess to wrap this much longer then intended story up, has anyone ever faced these problems trying to get Star Commander to write game disks?

Is it absolutely required to use a Pentium or below computer to use the X1541 method? Could a head alignment cause writing errors on the higher half of the tracks on the disk?Thanks for any info if anyone has any about this subject.

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1. Star Command

Star Command

DOS - 1988

Also available on: Amiga - Atari ST

Description of Star Command

Star Command is a highly underrated space RPG/ strategy game that's similar to Psi 5 Trading Company in exotic aliens and expansive universe, except it has a stronger focus on RPG aspects than commerce.

Start out by recruiting your crew members and choose their expertise, then buy a ship and equipments before setting out for fame and fortune in the vast galaxy. Neat combat interface and ability to upscan / downscan planets and galaxies. The missions get difficult fast, so be warned.

The game is simple to learn, but very addictive once you get into it. If you enjoy RPGs that focus more on character and plot development and funds management rather than on throwing a lot of tough battles at you, you will enjoy Star Command -- one of SSI's most underrated games ever released. Highly recommended!

Review By HOTUD

External links

Captures and Snapshots

Screenshots from MobyGames.com

Screenshots from MobyGames.com

Comments and reviews

Wolvie2016-12-301 point

to save star command games in dos box v .74 switch game to single floppy disk mode instead of hard drive mode and use all 'a' for code

Jack2014-01-280 point DOS version

I've use the 'a' to save but it won't let me load a game I saved after a party wiping pirate party. How can I load a saved game?

vin2012-10-240 point DOS version

use start.bat

vin2012-10-24-1 point DOS version

i am typing all As in the word and it still isnt saving, do you have any hints

guest2012-10-03-1 point DOS version

Review of Star Command for DOS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCCuW0yXwCE

u2012-08-17-1 point DOS version

can someone please explain exactly what you have to do to save the game, when i put aaaa, it doesn't work, thank you

Amra2011-11-210 point DOS version

One of the best games ever made

hawk2011-03-270 point DOS version

Great, awesome spectacular!!! type all 'A's' in the word entry dashes and the game is saved. tested and retested so it is a go.

Seriously2009-12-010 point DOS version

I did that and it worked. But I seriously lost like 4 games worth of this! Darn .

Goodmongo2009-01-290 point DOS version

Found a site that said to type all a's to bypass copy protection. So if you need 4 letters type 4 a's. This worked for me

Goodmongo2009-01-28-1 point DOS version

It seems the save game function doesn't work with dosbox. I typed in the correct key word but the program says it was wrong. Not sure what to do or how to fix. maybe only solution is to hack it so it always succeds.

Hookan912008-10-170 point DOS version

I cant save the game, someone help me!!!!! It say i need to imput a code from a manual or something.

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DOS Version

Amiga ROM

• Year:1988
• Publisher:Strategic Simulations, Inc.

Atari ST ROM

• Year:1988
• Publisher:Strategic Simulations, Inc.

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