The Einstein Speculator - How to use Conversion Codes and the Supplied Conversion Disks
Introduction
Before beginning this process, It is essential that you have a firm understanding of the Speculators
basic usage. Luckily all the information you need is documented in my previous publication “The
Einstein Speculator - Basic Usage Guide.
This previous document which explained how to use the Speculator with the three original
conversion disks (SP1, SP2 and SP3) provided with the speculator or for sale at the time.
What this previous publication did not do was explain how to make use of the conversion codes
supplied in period magazines and publications, such as “The Einstein Speculator”, “Beyond the
Spectrum Emulator”.
The purpose of this document is therefore, firstly to provide you the user with the details of how to
use the conversion codes yourself and secondly to point out that the work of typing these codes
and creating new files has already been done for you. If therefore you are not interested in how to
use the conversion codes yourself, then please proceed directly to the “How to use the Conversion
DIsks” section.
How to use the Conversion Codes
The Conversion codes published in the books “The Einstein Speculator” by Mike Smallman,
“Beyond the Spectrum Emulator” by Leslie T Smith and period Magazine of the time, all work via
the modification of the original SP1.COM file and all actions need to be performed either on an
original Einstein or within the excellent Einstein Emulator.
Boot the machine and then create a blank formatted disk ready for when needed.
Insert the disk containing the SP1.COM program and
Type LOAD SP1.COM and press enter.
Now type MOS and press enter.
Then type either M1969 or M196C depending on which is specified in the conversion code.
Now simply type the conversion codes in, making sure to insert the full stops where specified.
When complete press the Cntrl/Brk keys together and then insert the previously created blank disk,
you can now save the modified SP1.COM file by typing “SAVE 48 nnnn.COM and pressing enter.
NOTE: nnnn needs to be a unique name for the file as otherwise you would not be able to identify
what game it will convert.
These names need to comply with the 8.3 file format so for instance if you have just
entered the conversion code for “Ultimate Combat Mission” an appropriate name
could be UCM.COM or ULTIMATE.COM but the first part must not exceed 8
characters.
The blank disk you created can hold up to 15 of these converted files so your naming of the files is
essential. Now you have the new files you can proceed to the usage section.
How to use the Conversion DIsks
Each of the disk supplied or created by yourself uses a modified SP1.COM file, these files when
modified and loaded on an original Einstein load the game specified by performing the normal
actions associated with SP1.COM and selecting option “I” which is labelled JETPAK in the menu
screen.
This might sound a little confusing, so lets step through an attempt to load “Wheelie” for the ZX
Spectrum:-
Step 1. Load a Speculator boot disk but do not type SP1.
Step 2. Switch the boot disk in the drive or on the Gotek to be Conversion Disk 1.
Step 3. Type “DIR” and you will now see the contents of that disk (up to 15 files).
Step 4. Type “Wheelie.com” and press return.You will now be presented with the usual SP1 menu.
Step 5. Now select option “I” (Jetpak) and although the screen will clearly say Jetpak, it is in fact
going to try and load “Wheelie.
Step 6. Start the tape and wait for it to finish. One of four things may now happen:-
A. The tape load process will fail. In which case you have no option but to repeat the
previous process and try again - possibly with a different tape image or with the volume
control of the tape loader adjusted up or down.
Please Note: if you have the wrong tape image, this will never work, and it may be
necessary to try repeatedly with the correct tape at different levels before a successful
load is achieved.
Please Note 2: all of these routines have been carefully typed in and double checked but
that does not mean that the original codes provided in the original books were correct - its
quite possible typing errors occurred with the listings in the book and for this reason some
games will never load.
B. The tape load process will complete, but nothing will happen. This happens quite a lot
and simply means that the tape did not load correctly, refer to the comments made in A
above for what to do now.
C. The tape load process will complete and the game will start. Excellent now you need to
proceed to Step 7.
D. The game loads perfectly but no keys work - in this situation there are several things
worth trying:-
1. Hold down the preferred menu option key and press “0”.
2. Hold down the preferred menu option key and press “Space”.
3. Press the “Break” key - not in the emulator this is achieved by pressing “Left
Shift and Space” at the same time.
4. If none of the above work, save the program, then reload it using SP1.Com and
then pressing F6 and the slot number you saved it to, when ir loads you will be
asked to enter an interrupt (this is always 1 or 2) first try 1 and see if the game now
works, if not repeat the process and then press 2. If neither works option works
then sadly this game has not loaded correctly, the volume was not correct, the
original conversion code provided was faulty, etc and the game load had failed.
Step 7. You now need to save the game to a blank disk, so swap the “Conversion Disk 1” with a
blank formatted disk or if using a Gotek a blank disk image.
Step 8. Now press F5 and 1,2 or 3 depending on which of the three available slots you wish to
save your game to. NOTE. Each disk can only hold 3 games, when stored these will be called
F1.SPC, F2.SPC or F3.SPC. so its important to remember if you have already stored a game in a
slot, because otherwise you risk overwriting a previously saved game.
Step 9. You now have a working version of Wheelie, in future you can run this by loading the
Speculator Boot Disk, typing SP1.COM and at the MENU screen pressing the F6 key and either
1,2 or 3 depending on which of the available slots you stored the game.
The Conversion DIsks
It is hoped that should you use these Conversion Disks and create your own library of games, that
you will share the contents with us, so that a library of games for the Speculator can grow and be
shared on the website.
Each disk which contains up to 15 files has been documented for easy access and all relevant
information provided within the books added for each entry.
Please Note: some of the details of the Software houses, the codes themselves, etc may be wrong
as we have simply entered the details as originally published.
Conversion Disk 1 - Contains
Cavelon by Ocean Software
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use PROTEK
Feud by Bulldog Software
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Galaxians by Silverbird (Classics Tape)
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available. NOTE use Space invaders Loader first.
Grand Prix Simulation by Code Masters
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick support press F3
and then select Define Keys.
Planatoids (Software house not specified)
Taken from old Magazine listing - Uses interrupt 1 or 2 - No Joystick Support.
Raiders (Software house not specified)
Taken from old Magazine listing - Uses interrupt 1 or 2 - No Joystick Support.
Rasterscan by Mastertronic
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Red Arrows by Database
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick support press F3
and then select Define Keys.
Robin of Sherwood by Odin
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use CURSOR.
Sweevo’s World by Gargoyle Games
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Terminus by Mastertronic
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Thrust by Firebird
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Wheelie by Microsphere
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Zip Zap (2) by Imagine
Taken from old Magazine listing - Uses interrupt 1 or 2 - No Joystick Support - Note this
code is different to that supplied in the “Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book” and so it is
worth trying should that code not work.
Conversion Disk 2 - Contains
ACE by Cascade Games
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available. NOTE when starting the game, hold down the preferred menu option key and
press “0” the game will run normally thereafter.
Aliens
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Big Ben Strikes Again by Artic Software
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Bubble Run by Harry Price
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Chiller by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Code Name Matt 2 by Domark
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Con-Quest by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Cosmic Cruiser by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Curse of Sherwood by Bulldog
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Delta Wing by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Flyer Fox
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Ian Botham ’s Test Match by Tynesoft
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Jock and the Time Rings by Tim Oldham
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Kemshu by Cult
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Komplex by Legend
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Conversion Disk 3 - Contains
Ten Little Indians by Brian Howarth
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
3D Luna Attack by Hewson Consultants
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Lazer Wheel by Mr Chip Software
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available. NOTE when starting the game, hold down the preferred menu option key and
press “Space” the game will run normally thereafter.
Mega Apocalypse by Martech
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Meteor Storm by Quicksilva
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Micromouse Goes Debugging found on 90 Games Pack
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Micronaut One by Peter Cooke
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Moon Buggy by Visions Software Factory
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Motos by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Octagon Squad by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Pedro by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Robot Messiah by Alphabation
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Rupert and the Ice Castle by Quicksilva
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Sceptre of Bagdad by Atlantis
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Spore by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Conversion Disk 4 - Contains
B.C. Bill by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Bosconian by (Software house not specified)
Taken from old Magazine listing - Uses interrupt 1 or 2 - No Joystick Support.
Colony by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Defcom by??
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Galletron by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Nether Earth found on 90 Games Pack
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Perseus and Andromeda by Channel 8 Software
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Planet of Death by Arctic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Roads of Plexar by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available. NOTE - USE POTTY PIGEON NOT JETPAK TO LOAD THIS GAME.
Super Pipeline 2 by Tasket
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Survivors by Atlantis
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Time Machine by Brian Howarth
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick
support.
Ultimate Combat Mission by David Thompson
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Xeno by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Zip Zap by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Conversion Disk 5 - Contains
Dark Empire by Lothlorien
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Dan Dare by Beau-Jolly
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Dr Jackle and Mr Wide
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Formula 1 by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Use auto option
for Joystick support.
Ghost Busters by Activision
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Ground Attack by Silversoft
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Hellfire by Melbourne House
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Hyperball by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Jawz by D.K. Tronics
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Jumping Jack by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Kane by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Knot in 3d by New Generation
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
KU-KU by Micromania
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Night Gunner by Digital Integration
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Skullduggery by Alternative Software
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Conversion Disk 6 - Contains
180 by Mastertronic
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use CURSOR.
A Whole New Ball Game by Peter Cooke
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Circus by Adventure Soft
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Core by A n F
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Dizzy (Crash Edition)
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Escape from Pulsar 7 by Channel 8 Software
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Frightmare by Cascade
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Invasion by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
L.A. Swat by Beau Jolly
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Max Headroom by Quicksilva
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Space Invaders by Silverbird
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Void Runner by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Waxworks by Dixons Pack
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick
support.
Wizard of Akryz by Channel 8
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Yogi Bear by Piranha
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available. To start game you need to press Break (Left Shift and Space).
Conversion Disk 7 - Contains
1985 by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
1994 by Visions Software Factory
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Captain Kelley by Quicksilva
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Cosmic Pirate by Byte Back
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Devils Crown by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Eddie Kidds Jump Challenge
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Mugsys Revenge by Melbourne House
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick
support.
Ocean Conqueror by Rack It Hewson
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Sarlmoor by Atlantis
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Sorcerer of Claymorgue Castle
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick
support.
Starclash by Micromega
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Star Warrior by Visions Software Factory
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Streaker by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Tau-Ceti by C.R.L. Group
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
Who Dares Wins 2 by Aligator
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Conversion Disk 8 - Contains
Action Reflex by Mirrorsoft
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Ad Astra by Gargoyle Games
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Ah Diddums by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Alchemist by Imagine
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1- Joystick support
available.
Cookie by Ultimate
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use CURSOR.
Desert Rats by CCS
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick support.
Gremlins by Adventure International
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick support.
Lords of Midnight by Beyond Software
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick support.
Lunar Jetman by Ultimate
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use CURSOR.
Nonterraqueous by Mastertromic
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use PROTEK.
Snowman by Quicksilver
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Spitfire 40 by Mirrorsoft
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use CURSOR.
Warlock of Firetop Mountain
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Way of the Exploding Fist by Melbourne House
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For Joystick support press F3
then select ‘Define Keys’.
Wolfan by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support
available.
Conversion Disk 9 - Contains
Arrow of Death by Brian Howarth
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - No joystick
support.
Dimension Destruction by Artic Software
Taken from old Magazine listing - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick Support.
Grand Prix Tennis by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
PSSST by Ultimate
Taken from old Magazine listing - Uses interrupt 1 - No Joystick Support.
Strike by Mastertronic
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - For joystick use
CURSOR.
Transam by Ultimate
Taken from the Einstein Speculator Book - Uses interrupt 1 - Joystick support available.
Video Classics by Silverbird
Taken from the Beyond the Spectrum Emulator Book - Uses interrupt 2 - Joystick support
available.
