TOK64 problems and workarounds for use with a Vic-20 or PCVIC


TXT -> PRG

TOK64 always generates PRG files with start address $0801, while the Vic-20
normally expects $0401, $1001, or $1201.

* You can use the RLCCBM utility to relocate the BASIC program to the right
  start address.

* For a real Vic-20 this is not really a problem: just boot with the right
  memory expansion and load it as you'd normally do (that is, no extra ',1'
  parameter). The BASIC lines are rechained automatically.

* If you use PCVIC, try 'Load with User prompt', so you can select the proper
  start address (the memory expansion will be automatically detected after
  that). Undelete after the Vic has booted.


PRG -> TXT

If you want to convert from PRG to TXT, there is another problem: since
TOK64 expects the program to begin at $0801, it reports a 'wrong filetype'
error with typical Vic programs. Just fixing the start address is not enough,
because it will then find out that the BASIC lines are not rechained properly
and will still report the error.

* You can use the RLCCBM utility to relocate the BASIC program to the right
  start address.

* If you can't use RLCCBM, getting around this is rather awkward. For small
  programs, you can do the following:

    1. Boot up with 3K expansion (if you have one!)
    2. Type POKE44,8:POKE2048,0:NEW
    3. Load the program normally (Vic-20: no extra ',1' parameter.
       PCVIC: Load automatic and undelete)
    4. Save the program under another name.

  The new file should now be convertable.


Missing close quotes

If TOK64 does not see a closing quote at the end of a BASIC line (which is
considered syntactically correct by CBM BASIC), it reports an error and
DELETES the line from the target file.

    Source: geocities.com/timessquare/alley/3583/prog

               ( geocities.com/timessquare/alley/3583)                   ( geocities.com/timessquare/alley)                   ( geocities.com/timessquare)