On his channel 8-Bit Show And Tell, Robin explains how to convert Turbo Macro Pro files into plain text for use on modern systems. In this tutorial, he walks through the entire process of taking assembler code from a D64 disk image and making it ready for cross-assemblers and emulators. The focus keyphrase is Turbo Macro Pro.
The tutorial starts with Turbo Macro Pro running inside the VICE emulator. Robin explains that source files created in this assembler are not plain text but a compact format optimized for speed and space on the Commodore 64. To prepare them for conversion, he shows how to save the code as sequential ASCII. With just a few keystrokes, the assembler writes out the file, making it ready for extraction.
Next, Robin moves to the C1541 utility, a command-line tool bundled with VICE. This step allows users to copy files out of a D64 image and into their system’s file structure. He explains how to set the correct file type so sequential files are recognized and transferred without error. This step bridges the emulator environment and the modern desktop.
The conversion itself relies on Petcat, another VICE utility. Robin demonstrates two approaches: the fast piping method and the more detailed official command. Petcat translates the Commodore-formatted files into clean, editable text. He also illustrates how Petcat can handle BASIC programs, revealing how special control characters appear in the output. This side example makes the tool’s flexibility even clearer.
By the end, Robin provides a reliable method for converting Turbo Macro Pro files into modern text. The combination of C1541 and Petcat ensures that old assembler code can move smoothly into today’s workflows. He notes that while alternatives exist, this approach works well and even integrates with automated build processes.
For programmers working with Commodore 64 source code, this tutorial offers more than just a file conversion tip. It’s about keeping vintage tools functional in modern environments. Fans of Turbo Macro Pro will come away confident in archiving and editing their source with ease.
