HARV GRAPHS TO AMIGA
4 messages in this thread
I have access to a MATRIX Slide Maker hooked up to an IBM PS 2. Since I do
not have $15,000 to buy my own to make slides, I am interested in knowing
if anyone out there knows of any conversion programs which will allow
manipulation of graphics created on HARVARD GRAPHICS or similar programs on
the IBM system on an AMIGA compatible program and vice versa.
I don't quite understand which direction you'd like to go… FROM Amiga
formats TO some format that the slider maker accepts, or FROM Harvard
Graphics to any Amiga format? I know Harvard Graphics can output CGM
files, and I've thought about handling that format in InterChange. Tell me
more…
I've done it before. Get a public domain program which will allow you to
capture any graphic screen image on the IBM. The one I had was loaded as a
TSR into the IBM and then activated by a combination of keys. It beeped
when it was done and saved the picture in .GIF format in the directory you
chose when you first activated the program. It works with EGA and all I
did was display a Harvard Graphics screen and hit the key combination. I
then transferred the .GIF file it created to my Amiga. There are two ways
of doing this. #1. Use a program like Dos 2 Dos to transfer an IBM file
to the Amiga (requires a 3.5" drive on the IBM system) or #2. Transfer the
program using a Null Modem cable. Just hook up the null modem cable
between the two system's serial ports and then use a telecommunications
program to transfer the file (just like downloading and uploading at the
same time) and there you go. You can then get a program (shareware or PD)
that will transfer the .Gif file into IFF format and then you can edit
using any Amiga paint program. Real Easy and Cheap.
Later…
Your method works fine if you're satisfied with a bitmap image. Robert
mentioned a slide maker, which usually accepts a structured format, such as
CGM, aka "computer graphics metafile". This type of screen data can be
drawn at the high resolutions you get with a slide maker – often 1500 lines
per inch. Making slides of bitmaps means all the bits get enlarged when you
project the slide… it looks like an Amiga on a projection screen. 🙂
Also, depending on your video mode for the bitmap, you can get aspect ratio
differences between the PC and Amiga.