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Silicon Times Report Issue 0007
_______________________________________________________________________________
ST-REPORT 7 September 12, 1987 from Zmagazine Information Network (c) 1987
Published/Edited by: Ron Kovacs Assistants:Sue Perry, Rich Decowski
_______________________________________________________________________________
IN THIS ISSUE:
<*> Exclusive report on the Atari MAGIC Show...................By Steve Godun
<*> Magic Show Part 2...........................................By Mike Brown
<*> Disk Drive Set-up for Atari Computers............................From CIS
<*> How to Create 80 Track 3.5 Disks.........................................
<*> Product Ancmts....THE INFORMER...... EASEL/ST
<*> GDOS Help..................................................By Mark Stangl
<*> Scientific ST........................................By Richard Leinecker
_______________________________________________________________________________
ZMAG EXCLUSIVE REPORTS ...Atari MAGIC Show In Detroit...
This text is (C)1987 Syndicate Services. Free distribution is allowed provided
this notice appears and text remains unchanged.
Written by Steve Godun
The Atari MAGIC (Michigan Atari General Information Conference) show attracted
young and old alike. Some 50-60 software publishers, hardware developers,
magazine publishers, and mail order houses attended the show. Important names
in the Atari community were present, among them Keith Ledbetter of Express
fame, and Neil Harris and Sandi Austin of Atari.
Important Atari supporters like ICD, Atari (of course), Hybrid Arts, Antic,
MichTron, Astra, Abacus, and Innovative Concepts were all showing new
hardware/software products for the Atari 8-bit and 16-bit computers.
My first stop in the gymnasium-sized Atari show was at Hybrid Arts' MIDI setup.
At the heart of Hybrid Arts' display was the impressive 16-player MIDI-Maze
game. Surprises were abound all throughout the show, but I was more than
startled to see no less than 16 of the ill-fated PS3000 color monitor/disk
drive units being linked to 520ST's for MIDI-Maze.
Almost all the time during the show, is was a free-for-all as people scrambled
for one of the 16 positions. Hybrid Arts ran hourly tournaments that all could
get in on. Winners for each tournament were given a pass to return to the show
on Sunday to compete for the grand prize - a Casio CZ-320C keyboard and a stack
of Hybrid Arts software. I happen to have won that prize (a little pat on the
pack please...).
Hybrid Arts also had two other stations set up, each running with a 1040ST and
several keyboards. The show is always alive with very well created melodies.
No Walkman units wanted here!
Next to Hybrid Arts was a large indoor tent that housed Atari Corp's products.
Several 520ST-FM, 1040ST, and 130XE computers were running the most popular
Atari softwarem such as "Battlezone", "Rogue", and "Joust" on the ST's with
"Planetarium" and "AtariWriter Plus" on the XE's. The XE Game System was also
displayed running "Bug Hunt", the first game to use Atari's TV gun. Other
Atari products were present, most notably the Atari PC (very nice unit,
although very slow when compared to the ST speeds), the Atari Laser Printer
(producing free samples of high resolution flyers), the Mega ST-4 (many of the
other developers were also using pre-production models with no Blitter chip for
demos, although Atari's model did indeed have Blitter installed), and the
still-to-be-released SX-212 modem.
All models except for the Atari PC are clothed in Atari XE grey with slanted
lights and an almost art-deco insignia (the word "Laser" on the laser printer
is in a 'hot pink' color). The Atari PC is set up in bone white. A monochrome
monitor was being used on the PC. No comment from the guys from Atari. Also,
there was still no sight of the 8-bit 80 column card or the new XF551 disk
drive. Atari claims problems adapting the SX-212 to the 8-bit, although on the
ST it runs fine. The XF551 is "still very early in its development to be
shown". No comment pertaining to the XEP-80. Hmmm...
Atari is still "iffy" on release dates for these products. The laser printer,
Mega ST-4, and the XE Game System are scheduled for mid to late September
("Definately way before Christmas" says Neil Harris), and the Atari PC and
SX-212 are to be released shortly thereafter.
Innovative Concepts, a relatively small company with some really neat 8-bit
upgrades, showed several new products. A kit that allows you to install four
function keys (like the extinct 1200XL) on any XL/XE computer was available for
$15. The keys are totally programmable (nice for making macros in modem
programs), and default to cursor control, key click on/off, etc. The ICX-85
keypad (a modified Atari CX-85 keypad that needs no handlers yet works with all
8-bit software) was available. A trade-in policy is in effect; Send them your
CX-85 keypad and you'll save $10 on the ICX-85. RAM-Aid is for owners of
upgraded XL/XE Ataris. Install this, and you now have the capability to perform
a coldstart without turning your computer off, but still retain all data in
your RamDisks. An external modem speaker, Modem-Mouth, is for modems who don't
have one (like the Atari 835 and 1030). Contact Innovative Concepts for
prices, information, and ordering.
Microdaft of "Chipmunk" fame was there showing two new arcade games. "Dropzone"
is a Defender-like game that offers high resolution graphics and excellent
animation. "Solar Star" is a hybrid game that reminds me somewhat of the Tron
"Light Cycles". You travel over a huge grid avoiding walls while trying to
shoot and overcome energy areas and crystals. Both games are for the 8-bit
Atari (hints of a C-64 version were dropped) and are scheduled for release on
October 1st.
A most interesting product was shown by Quantum Microsystems. They were
showing a pad that looked very much like a large (17.5"x11") white Koala pad,
but it had a thinner, wired stylus and was connected to an ST. Moving the
stylus across the pad simulates the movement of a mouse. Labeled as "ProTablet
ST", Quantum claims their pad is much more accurate than the Atari mouse,
allowing up to 250 lines per inch. "ProTablet ST" is available now for $395,
and includes the tablet, digitizing pen, cable, and driving accessory.
ICD, along with the Keith "Mr.Express" Ledbetter, was showing their newest
addition to the Express line of modem software, "BBS Express ST". Only for the
ST, "BBS Express ST" is probably the best ST BBS program around today. "BBS
Express ST" is just starting to ship for a list price of $79.95. It features
40/80 column support, XMODEM and YMODEM protocols, threaded message bases, full
descriptions on all UL/DL files, and COMPLETE sysop maintenance. Some lucky
show purchasers got a personally autographed copy of the new program (at no
extra cost).
Also being shown at the ICD booth was a 60-megabyte hard disk for the ST. It is
actually two 30-meg hard disks in one sleek, attractive case, but offers more
than a conventional hard disk. Besides the storage, the ICD model also
contains a silent fan and a real-time clock/calander. The unit is large and
strong enough to support an ST monitor. The model shown was not a complete
model. No list price or release date was given.
When asked about SpartaDOS-X, the new cartridge-oriented DOS for Atari, ICD
claims to be working on it but are having a few difficulties in programming.
This new DOS will be on a 256K ROM cartridge and will have a souped-up version
of SpartaDOS 3.2 on it, along with a database and "whatever else we can think
of". ICD is considering much input from the current Atari community, so if you
have a suggestion for Sparta-X, send them your ideas!
When asked about problems with the MIO board, ICD claimed to have fixed all
known bugs prior to June 1987 and is still shipping both the 256K and 1-meg
models. The 80-column adapter is "loosing interest...because of a lack of a
suitable market", so even that might not hit the streets in the near future.
But, you never know.
The MichTron display occupied most of the far wall. Their feature product was
the arcade-to-home laser game "Dragon's Lair" (marketed as "Journey Into The
Lair" for copyright reasons). The version they had running was played on a
1-meg 520ST-FM, color monitor (for player input), Panasonic video disc player,
and a Panasonic TV (for showing the pictures). The game is great in itself,
although it loses just about all of its original arcade action. No longer is
"Dragon's Lair" a split second arcade adventure; the player can now spend
(literally) hours deciding on where to go. Joystick input has been substituted
for a slow point-and-click mouse command. You actually have to tell the
computer what to do; no more simple up/down/etc moves to memorize, you now have
to say, for example, "Turn Swing Sword" to vanquish a creature in one instance.
Personally, I don't think this will sell very well.
Plans to incorporate the other two major laser arcade games, "Space Ace" and
"Cliff Hanger", are in the works. No release date was set, although pre orders
were being taken at the show.
Other MichTron releases include "Maz", a sort of computerized cat and mouse
game were you must find the exit to a huge maze before your opponent does while
avoiding the always moving cat. "Airball" is a offshoot of "Marble Madness",
but with a more 'natural' background to it. Instead of a scrolling abstract
maze, you now have a screen-by-screen maze lined with trees (well, that's what
they look like) and such. MichTron was also offering RAM upgrades for the ST. A
2-meg 520ST kit and a 2.5-meg 1040ST kit are available, and both require no
soldering inside the ST. Contact MichTron for details.
Alpha Systems had the "Turbocharger" on display. This is a double sided 8-bit
disk that is packed full of useful ML subroutines that you can incorporate into
your BASIC programs. Also for the 8-bit, the "Parrot II+" was there. Those
familliar with the original "Parrot" know that the hardware part isn't very
sturdy or sensitive. The new version is VERY strong and VERY sensitive, and
makes a clearer digitized sound - almost as good as an ST!
Speaking of ST sound, Alpha Systems also produced "Digisound", the ST equal to
the "Parrot II+". The unit on display was quite impressive. Sound is
practically flawless when compared to the original source. Excellent!
"Magic Sac+" wasn't as popular as Data Pacific had hoped. It certainly wasn't
one of the busier booths at the show. On a 4-meg ST, the user can have up to a
3900K Macintosh capable of running most popular Mac software. However, in order
to use the software, the user must have several things. Among them are a set
of Mac ROM chips (so that the thing will work in the first place), access to a
Macintosh computer, and communications software for both computers. Null modem
cables are provided with the Sac+, a helpful surprize. The "Magic Sac+" also
has its own clock/calendar for time/date stamping. Details were limited to an
8.5"x11" flyer, and reps at the show were somewhat unwilling to speak about
certain compatability problems. Contact Data Pacific for more details.
The show attracted many mail order houses. Mars Merchandising was there in
full force with great deals on 8-bit and ST products stacked from floor to
ceiling (literally). Sector One Computers, with not nearly as much stuff as
Mars, was doing well in their double booth. Basic Bits And Bytes was a bonanza
of Atari printers, 50%-off software, and more than I can list. They were the
only place at the show selling the Indus ST DS/DD disk drive, a unit about 1/2
the size of an ST drive and runs (of course) much quieter and a bit faster.
Rite Way Computers was offering membership into a software preview club along
with many other nice deals.
Since this IS an Atari-oriented show, user groups were abound. GAG (Genesee
Atari Group) was there showing off their newest Print Shop application, "Cute
Labels" by Jim Steele. This will print out 1"x3.5" labels using multiple fonts
and Print Shop icons. This is a VERY flexible label program! GAG is offering
"Cute Labels" alone for $9.95, and a pack of 6 Print Shop icon disks (around
600-700 icons) for $20. A complete "Cute Labels" package ("Cute Labels" plus
the 6 icon disks) is available for a mere $27. Incredible bargain!
MACE, Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts, was there selling back issues of
"MACE Journal", trying to gain new members, and showing a few demos. Other
user groups, WAUG (Washtenaw Atari Users Group), GLASS (Great Lakes Atari ST
Support), CHAOS (Capitol Hill Atari Owners Society), and of course, MAGIC were
all present and showing off some of the latest ST and 8-bit programs, demos,
and hardware (like the Mega ST-4).
Overall, the show was a grand success for user and vendor alike. Everybody went
home happy and almost nobody left empty-handed. I was a bit sad when I walked
into the large once-filled ballroom and saw nothing but soda bottles, product
flyers, and empty bags. Oh well...There will be other shows. But the Atari
MAGIC Show has proven, once again, that Atari computers are here to stay, this
time for good. Until next time...
_______________________________________________________________________________
MAGIC SHOW EXCLUSIVE REPORT PART TWO By: Mike Brown
I had the good fortune of attending the MAGIC Atari Show in Detroit, Michigan.
For those of you who were there, I do not have to tell you that it was a well
thought out effort by three Atari user groups in the eastern Michigan area;
Michigan Atari General Information Conference (MAGIC)
Genesee Atari Group (GAG)
Great Lakes Atari ST Support (GLASS)
This is not to imply that these were the only user groups involved, there were
most of the major groups from Michigan playing an ACTIVE part in the show, and
several groups from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois were out in force! I did not
realize the extent of the participation of the user group community until the
"User Group Roundtable" on Saturday. One of the best things about it was the
fact that the "featured" speaker, Sandi Austin of Atari, was late! It gave the
attendees time to unwind and get to know each other a bit. However, when Sandi
arrived, the jovial atmosphere seemed to vanish and almost a tense atmosphere
prevailed.
By the nature of the questions and comments fired at Ms. Austin, it was
apparent that Atari enjoys a less than favorable impression among those
attending the Roundtable. The feeling is that Atari could and should be doing
more to support the user groups and the user community in general. As saddened
as I was by the attitude in the room, I must agree that the tide is slowly
turning; Atari's best spokesmen, the user groups and the upper 25% of the Atari
users, are turning cynical. Hardly anything that was said by an Atari
representative during the seminars (I attended most of them) was not met by an
attitude that they were joking (In one seminar, a Neil Harris statement was
followed up in a loud voice by "Good one Neil!").
It is sad to see such a hopeless attitude by the user community here in the
midwest. If I was Ms. Austin or Mr. Harris I would seek ways to improve User
and User group relations and certainly NOT make statements such as were quoted
in a recent issue of "Computer Shopper" magazine attributed to Mr. Harris
during speeches to user groups during CES week in Chicago. I will not dignify
Mr. Harris' words by repeating them here, but if it was me and my work that he
was referring to, I would be considering legal action!
The bottom line is this: Atari must come out of its fog and realize that, with
proper "stokes" the established Atari user base will sell a lot of computers
and game systems. The Atari Fairs across the country are a brilliant move to
put on a good face, don't go blowing it with ill advised words or poor
attitudes...enough said!
As I stated eariler, one of the unexpected benefits of attending the Atari fair
in Detroit was being able to rub elbows with members of other user groups and
picking up material for this column... I bought a couple of copies of Michigan
Atari user group newsletters while I was up there, and got somewhat of an
education on the state of things: Atari in the great lake state.
In the coming weeks I will give my views on all of the publications that I
picked up, but for this time I want to let you in on a rather unique
newsletter.
One of the big problems that small Atari user groups face, is the cost of
publishing and distributing their newsletters. Several Michigan Atari Groups
put their heads together and came up with a creative solution: They merged all
of their small newsletters into a LARGE newsletter called the "Michigan Atari
Magazine". The clubs participating in this joint venture are CHAOS (Lansing),
GAG (Flint), TAG (Saginaw, Bay City, Midland), BKAUG (Battle Creek), WAUG (Ann
Arbor), GKAUG (Kalamazoo) and GRASS (Grand Rapids).
Although this publication is not quite in the leauge with "Current Notes", it
certainly is a well put together newsletter with a heavy emphasis on activities
within the individual clubs. It must be great for Michiganians to keep tabs on
their sister groups in "their" newsletter! I'm sure that the promotion of
special events (such as the Atari Fest) is much easier to the expanded audience
reached by the Michigan Atari Magazine.
The only bad note that I can think of in a publication filled with creativity
and much original material, is the somewhat uncertain typeset quality. Quite a
few of the article headings seemed skewed at odd angles to the text below them
(indicating the cut-and-paste school of typesetting). I guess because of the
otherwise excellent quality of printing (multi-color stock and ink!) and
graphics, this was emphasised out of proportion. Editors Rich and Judy Barnes
deserve a pat on the back for their efforts.
For more information on subscriptions to the Michigan Atari Magazine, please
contact them at P.O. Box 16132, Lansing, Michigan 48901.
I am still in need of user group newsletters and information for this feature!
Please send material to M. Brown, 268 E. Fourth St., Box 32, Ashland, OH 44805,
or upload to the Balloon Works- 419 289 8392. Thanks!
_______________________________________________________________________________
DISK DRIVES FOR YOUR ATARI COMPUTERS
IBM software can be used "out-of-the-box" on the Atari with pc-ditto.
Transfering data to and from 5.25-inch disks requires only a 5.25-inch 40-track
drive. If the software is not copy-protected, it can be easily transfered
using the DOS Copy command, or other similar copying utilities. The capacity of
the 5.25-inch disk is about 360,000 characters, while the capacity of the
3.5-inch double-sided drive is about 720,000 characters [3.5-inch single-sided
is the same: 360,000]. Therefore, be sure the target disk contains enough
space for you to copy your files to it.
The 5.25-inch drive is optional, and not required if all your software is
stored on 3.5-inch disks. In fact, most DOS software today is becoming more
popular on both 5.25- and 3.5-inch media. You can thus use 3.5-inch software
without any need for 5.25-inch drive in your Atari, except for the following:
Warning: Commercial 3.5-inch DOS software is sold on double-sided 80-track
disks. It can NOT be used in single-sided drives. You will need access to a
double-sided drive to copy the software to a single-sided disk, if not
copy-protected. Again, if the software is copy-protected, you may not be able
to successfully use it without a double-sided drive.
Finally, you may purchase 5.25-inch drives (which just plug directly into the
Atari or Atari drive), or you may "homebrew" your own drive. The drive
consists of a standard IBM compatible mechanism, power supply, and cable. We
have found that the cable is the hardest item to obtain. Below are the names
of drive and cable manufacturers for which we have tested and recommend their
products. Also, the cost of a fully assembled drive with warranty and drive
software is usually not any less than the cost of "do-it-yourself" approaches.
Especially because many drive mechanisms have been found NOT to work reliably
with the Atari. A fully-assembled drive takes the worry and frustration out of
getting a drive to work, and provides the assurance that the drive can be
repaired or replaced if found defective or damaged.
When we are asked whether a certain brand of drive we have not tested works
with pc-ditto, we usually respond by stating that if the drive connection
appears to be sound and the drive works with the Atari under GEM (usually by at
least displaying a directory), then the drive should work with pc-ditto.
However, as with our DOS software, we can only provide assurances on those
drives with which we have certified with pc-ditto.
I. B. Computers Source of 5.25-inch drives and cables
1519 S. W. Marlow Ave.
Portland, OR 97225
(503) 297-8425
E. Arthur Brown Company Source of cables
3404 Pawnee Drive
Alexandria, MN 56308
(612) 762-8847 (612) 763-6393
_______________________________________________________________________________
HOW TO CREATE 80-TRACK 3.5 DISKS
Whenever DOS starts, it checks the type of machine it is running on. pc-ditto
imitates an IBM PC XT. Therefore, DOS assumes by default that the drives
attached to your Atari are 5.25-inch 40-track drives.
When you ask DOS to format a disk, it will format a 40-track disk, even if the
drive can handle 80-tracks. We can override the default DOS table of drive
characteristics by the following steps.
Step 1. Create a CONFIG.SYS file on your DOS disk (use a backup, not your
master)
At the A> prompt, type:
COPY CON: CONFIG.SYS
Step 2. Press the RETURN key
After this, the cursor will move to the next line and wait for the next step.
Step 3. Put a line in the file to override the DOS. Use the table below
for the correct line or lines to type:
A: drive is: B: drive is: Type in:
____________ ____________ ________
3.5-inch Single-sided none DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
3.5-inch Double-sided none DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
5.25-inch 3.5-inch Single-sided DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
5.25-inch 3.5-inch Double-sided DRIVPARM=/D:1/F:2
3.5-inch Single-sided 5.25-inch DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
3.5-inch Double-sided 5.25-inch DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
Press RETURN key DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
Press RETURN key
DRIVPARM=/D:1/F:2
3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
Press RETURN key
DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
Press RETURN key
DRIVPARM=/D:1/F:2
Note: The following drive arrangement is not supported because you need at
least one (1) 3.5-inch drive 5.25-inch none
Example
_______
You have a 520ST. The first drive is a single-sided 3.5, and the second drive
is a double-sided 3.5. Using pc-dmenu.prg, you assigned drive A: to the
EXTERNAL (second) drive, which makes the first drive B:. So for step 3, type
in:
DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
Press the RETURN key
DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
Step 4. Now, go back and review what you have typed in.
Step 5. Press RETURN key
Press F6 function key (located at top of your keyboard) Press RETURN key
Then, DOS will respond with
^Z
1 file(s) copied
Step 6. Restart DOS so that the new CONFIG.SYS file will be read and the
changes noted. Do this by:
Holding down together the CONTROL ALTERNATE DELETE keys.
The pc-ditto startup screen will appear. Press RETURN to start the DOS.
Step 7. Formatting a blank 80-track disk.
Using the standard DOS FORMAT utility, format the 3.5-inch drive. From the
table below, type the appropriate FORMAT command.
A: drive is: B: drive is: FORMAT command
____________ ____________ ______________
3.5-inch Single-sided none FORMAT A:
3.5-inch Double-sided none FORMAT A:
5.25-inch 3.5-inch Single-sided FORMAT B:
5.25-inch 3.5-inch Double-sided FORMAT B:
3.5-inch Single-sided 5.25-inch FORMAT A:
3.5-inch Double-sided 5.25-inch FORMAT A:
3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided FORMAT A:
or
FORMAT B:
3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided FORMAT A:
or
FORMAT B:
3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided FORMAT A:
or
FORMAT B:
3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided FORMAT A:
or
FORMAT B:
EXAMPLE
_______
Continuing the example above, type the following to create a blank 80-track
double-sided disk:
FORMAT A:
To create a blank 80-track single-sided disk, type the following:
FORMAT B:
To create a bootable disk (that is, one with a copy of DOS on it), add /S to
the end of the FORMAT line. For example, type:
FORMAT A:/S
How to format disks after the first time
________________________________________
The CONFIG.SYS file needs to be placed on each DOS disk you start DOS with, so
that the drive A: and/or B: will be overridden. DOS 3.2 will automatically
recognize 40- and 80-track disks. You only need the CONFIG.SYS file on your
DOS startup disk when you will FORMAT a disk. Remember, the disk you start DOS
from must contain the proper CONFIG.SYS file.
What to do if the drive letter assignments are changed using pc-dmenu, or the
drives are changed.
You will have to change the CONFIG.SYS lines to reflect the new drive types.
Follow steps 1 through 6 again for your new drive assignments.
_______________________________________________________________________________
PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Informer: A Graphic Database is now shipping!
List Price $99.95 US ($19.95 Trial Pak demonstration) Available: Now
Systems: Atari 520ST, 1040ST, Mega2, Mega4
Misc: International language support
We weren't looking for a small improvement over the existing database file
managers for the Atari ST. We were shooting for a major new system that pushed
the ST's powerful features to the limit. No other database for the ST has The
Informer's impressive graphics ability or its ease-of-use.
Other databases restrict your Atari ST's incredible graphics capabilities. With
The Informer you can use graphics and pictures from DegasTM and NeochromeTM in
a form or as data in a database.
No programming is required to use The Informer. Easy point-and-click functions
are used to create and manipulate any of up to four databases simultaneously.
Information is stored in a database like a spreadsheet. The mouse is used to
control the layout of columns. A programmable data entry screen allows each
record to be added, changed, or deleted.
The Informer is a powerful database. Sub-lists of information may be developed
using statistical and relational operators. Records may be sorted according to
content, type and in ascending or descending sequence.
Customizing reports is as easy. Just point and click the mouse. Reports and
graphics may be printed as they appear on the screen.
Included with The Informer are several example databases that you can start
using immediately. The large manual includes a complete tutorial.
The Informer is compatible with data from HabaviewTM, Regent BaseTM, and
dBManTM.
We even have a demonstration disk with examples available for only $19.95, the
cost is good towards a purchase of The Informer.
The Informer: A graphic database of unprecedented power.
Regent Software 7131 Owensmouth, Suite 45A Canoga Park,CA 91303 (818) 882-2800
Contact: Frank Cohen, Marketing
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lake Monroe, Fla.: Computer Fenestrations today (September 4, 1987) announced
the availability of EASEL/ST for Atari Corp.'s ST series of computers. A
software add-in, EASEL/ST enhances the ST's integral GEM Desktop, allowing the
user to control the appearance of the Desktop's background, without otherwise
affecting the Desktop's operation. For the first time, users can substitute a
picture or other graphics for the normally plain background. Both D.E.G.A.S.
and Neochrome picture file formats are supported.
Three groups of buyers are targeted for EASEL/ST, according to the company.
Most buyers will be casual users who desire to personalize their computer.
Also expected to show interest are retailers who depend on customers' hands-on
experience with ST computers in their showroom for sales. These dealers can
use EASEL/ST to display promotional messages and new product announcements even
as the customer test-drives the machine. Finally, systems houses face the
problem of getting their customers past the GEM Desktop, which is always the
first GEM application run whenever the computer is reset, and into the
customer's specific application(s). With EASEL/ST, the vendor can place
detailed operating instructions right on the GEM Desktop, where they cannot be
lost or overlooked.
EASEL/ST was designed to be compatible with all ST configurations, including
early ST models in which the operating system was soft-loaded, and the new
MegaST models, with the latest ROM revision. It is provided on a single-sided
diskette, and it is not copy-protected. EASEL/ST operates in all of the ST's
various resolutions. On color systems, it adapts automatically to resolution
changes, and it overrides Atari Corporation's Control Panel in order to
maintain the palette of the user-selected picture. EASEL/ST does not compete
with other software for one of the six desk accessory menu slots; instead, it
is loaded by means of the AUTO folder when the system is reset. EASEL/ST is
GDOS compatible.
Price: $19.95. Contact publisher for dealer/distributor pricing.
D.E.G.A.S. is a trademark of Electronic Arts/Batteries Included. GEM and GDOS
are trademarks of Digital Research, Inc. ST, TOS, and Neochrome are trademarks
of Atari Corporation.
Publisher: Computer Fenestrations, Post Office Box 151, Lake Monroe, Florida,
32747-0151. Telephone: (305)-322-3222. Electronic mail: BIX - bob_breum;
CompuServe - [75116,2262] .
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GDOS HELP
How to boot GDOS from a hard disk while auto booting from the hardisk too.
This is tested for monochrome, 20 meg Supra drive, 1 meg 520 ST.
1) Make a folder \EASYDRAW\ per the manual's instructions.
2) set PATH = \EASYDRAW\GEMSYS\ in ASSIGN.SYS file in the root hardrive
directory.
3) Suprboot 1.1 is recommended. Put GDOS in auto folder and you can select to
boot with GDOS or save ram without it.
4) Now reboot and you will autoboot GDOS and EASYDRAW fonts.
Options:
1) Use ASSIGN.SYS from other GDOS programs or to load alternate fonts. Hide or
rename unused ASSIGN.SYS files when not active. Remember only one
ASSIGN.SYS file can be active at one time.
2) Experiment if logic fails.
Thanks to Gordon W. Moore for Suprboot 1.1 !
Mark Stangl, Boulder Colorado
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THE SCIENTIFIC ST by Richard Leinecker Computer Spectrum Inc.
In our world today you can be sure you will be dazzled with amazing
technological advances on a daily basis. With the advent of super-conductivity,
we are on the very doorstep of being able to have an actual supercomputer
sitting on our desktop with speeds that would make Roadrunner jealous! Yet, we
do not need to twiddle our thumbs and wait for these great scientific advances
in the computer field...the only limit to what a computer can do is the person
sitting at the keyboard.
It would be a real understatement to say that the graphics I have seen to date
on the Atari ST have often held me breathless! But the matter I really find
holds my attention and captures my fancy is the ability to interface a computer
with the real world, and enable it to control actual physical objects in our
earthly realm. We see these principles demonstrated in the fields of Robotics
and Space Exploration...but with the projects you will find in the book called
"The Scientific ST" Richard C. Leinecker you will not need a NASA sized
budget to pull off some genuine computing wizardry!
This fine volume comes with a disk of demonstration programs that allow you to
actually use those projects you build to operate from your Atari ST computer.
The disk I received with this package was single-sided, and so you SF354 owners
will be able to run these fine software routines without having to bother your
SF314 friends to break the disk down so you too can use it!. But...simply
because is indeed single-sided doesn't mean it isn't jam-packed with
programming jewels...you will find very little free space on your disk!
In "The Scientific ST" you will first be shown some of the basics of
electronics and project construction. You will be shown how to read the values
of resistors, capacitors, diodes, and sundry types of transistors. A brief
overview is also given to various types of regulators and IC's that you will
use in your electronic undertaking. As you launch out in the wonderful world of
kit building you are given several rudimentary projects to build that will
clearly teach you the fundamentals needed to understand the joystick/mouse
ports, the parallel port, and also the cartridge port.
This fine volume then proceeds to instruct us on how to build several
fascinating projects that I can guarantee will assure you that you have indeed
spent your money wisely when you purchased "The Scientific ST". We are
enlightened on how to build a frequency meter that is capable of detecting and
calculating an external frequency up to 16,000 Hertz. Then we proceed to
delve into building a bar code reader that will read and interpret UPC symbols
found on many items today such as groceries, clothing tags and the like. Next
we are treated to a motor control project that would be useful in Robotics, and
this little gem can be used to operate a motor with current requirments all the
way up to 5 amps. When you complete your ST version of the Hero robot, you can
then use the next project to determine how fast he can go from 0-60! Ok,
ok...I know I am getting carried away, but we really can do some amazing
things with these projects! The speed and acceleration project can detect and
calculate the speed and acceleration of an object in motion with your own home
computer!!
Imagine, you now be able to calculate the velocity of that projectile your wife
hurls at you as you continue your quest to become the Worlds Greatest Submarine
Captain!
As we proceed further into this volume we find a color discrimination project
whose purpose is to analyze the color of the light in your immediate
environment. The appropriate color values are displayed and your screen
palette is set according to the previously calculated color values. More? Ok!
How about a project that teaches you the difference between synchronous and
asynchronous data? Or an experiment where we build a fully functional waveform
generator which could be used for audio work or as a digital waveform generator
for electronic design work? Or, how about a Lie Detector, ESP or precognition
experiments, or even a memory trainer!!! Wow! But there is more! How do some
biological experiments with mice, and three weather experiments strike you?
All of the above projects are setup so that you either build them to operate
from your cartridge port OR your parallel port. At the end of this fine manual
you will find a glossary which contains some recommended sources for parts and
pc boards to be used in these projects. One item that we carry here at
Midtown which would be a great help to you is a special adapter which plugs
into your cartridge port and allows you to use standard spacing 44 pin
perfboard and cartridge boards rather than the almost impossible-to-find and
expensive boards that plug straight into the ST cartridge port. The cost of
this adapter is 19.95 plus shipping and handling.
Well, needless to say, I found this $29.95 book/disk combination a real treat
and would highly recommend it to any Atari ST user, whether they want to use
it for educational purposes or developmental purposes, as it is a priceless
resource of information for the ST computer!
-Mr. Goodprobe-
c/o Midtown TV
27 Midway Plaza
Tallmadge, Ohio 44278
(216)-633-0997
Note: Please send us your hardware mod/fix/upgrade questions for use in future
issues of Zmag!
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Garbage-On-The-Line by Calamity Jane
Diary of a Mad SysOp
I don't know what qualifies one as a SysOp?? I wonder if all SysOp's are
unhinged, obsessed, or just a wild, deranged, raging, lunatic? Why does one
spend a whole heck of a lot of ones personal time and money on this leisure-
time activity?? Not only time and money, but the speculation, reflection,
brainstorming, anxiety, conviction, and determination!!
Something... maybe it's in the air, or at least on the phone lines !!
As The Prairie Chip goes for an on-line time of three years, it has been thru a
lot of changes and growth. Fast.Amis, Tod.Amis, OASIS and now FoReM. Onward &
upward, so they say. Some of the callers have been with me since the beginning,
others come and go. Every SysOp appreciates, you, the caller. Some of you I
appreciate more than others. The use of handles vs. real life names is usually
up to the SysOp. I like handles, lets have some fun!! The Chip gets the usual
handles (several Joe Cool's in various stages of spelling) but some of them....
I have to ask, as to what the heck IT is, where the heck did you come up with
IT, and whether or not IT is dangerous. Some very clever handles, and I always
wonder how alike you are with your handle? After all, IT is an extension of
your personality. Virgin Killer??? hmmm...
Nothing exasperates me more than when the ever present YELL is activated and
before I can physically move to the computer the caller has logged off. Hmmmm,
I get tired of "let's get the SysOp to jump" game. I recognize these callers
and make a mental note. SysOp's do not sit at command headquarters waiting to
answer your chat. Some SysOp's (sIs-op's <long I> in England) do not chat. I
chat. I have found it another way to get to know people and I like it. I am
more than happy to help. Be it looking up that forgotten password, helping the
new caller with logging on (with out adding 5 names to the hard disk), making
your way around the system or comparing the MPH of the wind or the depth of the
latest snow. Yes, my BBS is a friend, and very much a companion. I care about
several of you very much, you are good company!!
When all goes well, running a BBS is fun, challenging, satisfying, captivating,
amusing and exciting. When all goes bad, a SysOp's job is boring, frustrating,
tiresome, tedious and annoying. <FoReM has improved on this situation
tremendously> One can go from a star to a bum in one afternoon. Nothing much
(besides equipment failure) is worse than a hard disk crash or heaven forbid,
the message bases crashing. Remember, the first rule is there are no rules,
but a good one could be: Make A Back-Up!! What I am getting at here, is if you
encounter a problem using a system, be patient. And be kind !! Leave a
message to the SysOp with as much information as possible. What the error was,
what you were attempting to do, anything helps really. I know a certain things
mean certain things!! I do the dumb and stupid, I just try not to let you catch
me at it !!
One of my biggest peeves, is, those who are done on the system and just drop
carrier. ARGGHH !! This irritates me more than a dumb message that makes no
sense!! Please log-off properly. A system remembers you!! What does it say
about you as a caller, when your stats show 47 downloads to 0 up loads??? You
could be treading on shaky phone lines here!! Remember, there is more to most
BBS's than the [F] and [Y] commands!! Don't be a computer wimp.
This can be thankless job. But I guess I don't do it for that reason. I'll
tell you who has the truly thankless job. The Co-SysOp's of the world. I try
to show my appreciation as much as I can, but it just never seems enough. So,
to the Co-SysOp's of the BBS world, this is a thank-you from everyone who
doesn't realize what it is YOU do!!
Tele-computing is a fasinating way to communicate and in theory, quite simple.
The ability to get two machines to interact, whether they are across the room
or across the world. I am always interested in whose been on the BBS, always
glad to see someone who has been away, and always glad to meet someone new. On
top of the desk a picture of my Great-Grandfather, taken in 1913, sitting at
one of the first telephone switchboards in the Rocky Mountain area. He operated
this switchboard out of his home just West of Denver, and probably felt the
same way as I do operating my electronic gadgets. I feel a deep kin-ship with
him and try to offer the same satisfying service the look on his face projects.
Till then...be chattin' at ya' !! -=-CJ-=-
Permission Granted to Reprint...with proper credit
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ST-REPORT Issue #7 September 12, 1987 (c)1987 Ron Kovacs/Syndicate Services
Reprint permission granted as long as all authors and copyright notice is
included.
Next issue September 26, 1987
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