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Report
Silicon Times Report Issue 0046
ST REPORT WEEKLY ONLINE MAGAZINE
Monday, AUG. 1, 1988
Vol II No. 46
===========
APEInc., P.O. BOX 74, Middlesex, N.J. 08846-0074
PUBLISHER MANAGING EDITOR
Ron Kovacs R.F.Mariano
=======================================================
ST REPORT EDITOR: Thomas Rex Reade
PO Box 6672 Jacksonville, Florida. 32236
Headquarters Bulletin Boards
ST Report North ST Report Central ST Report South
201-968-8148 216-784-0574 904-786-4176
------------------------------------
CONTENTS
========
> From the Editor's Desk..............> ST REPORT ART CONTEST RULES.......
> GEnie - ST Transformer Conference...> GEnie Roundtable - An Overview....
> Nostalgia - Remember When?..........> Atari Scuttlebits.................
> ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL..............> Garbage on the Line...............
* INTERSECT HINTS and KINKS *
=========================================================================
EXCLUSIVELY ON: COMP-U-SERVE ~ GENIE ~ DELPHI
=========================================================================
From the Editor's Desk:
Here I am in a very mellow mood reflecting on the information that the
person at Atari who is responsible for the Developer's Kit sits vainly
behind his/her desk feeling smug and comfy about how nicely the proverbial
short end of the stick is being handed out to the very people interested
enough in Atari to invest 300.00 in a SCHLOCK Developer Kit.
As of this date, we are not sure who makes the decisions regarding the
format and quality of what is represented to be "The Developer's Kit"..
WHOMEVER it is needs to be put in the mailroom licking stamps because they
have no idea what representing a corporation is by what it sends to it's
supporters is ALL about.
Consider this:
The Developer Kit Contains:
---------------------------
1- No Cabinet dimensions for any of the machines or drives.(perfect
for hardware developers)
2- No schematics at all...not for any of the equipment. (perfect for
BOTH hardware and software development)
3- NO Information at all about the 520 stf, 1040stf, and the Mega
series of computers or the Laser printer.
* THESE THREE POINTS RENDER "THE KIT" OBSOLETE!! *
In Addition:
------------
4- An out of date version of Mark Williams "C" programming Language
is supplied.
5- Roughly 1100 pages of photocopied material..NOT BOUND AT ALL!
except by a rubber band!! We spent 47.60 for binders and 16.00
for sheet protector sleeves.
6- 6 (3.5) S/S floppy disks with OLD and tired routines.
This is a shame! For a person to approach Atari, invest in the
Developer Kit because they have faith in the future of Atari, and get
handed this shabby affair is rediculous! Shame on you Atari.
To the bleeding hearts I say, this is not slamming Atari but making them
acutely aware of the disasterous presentation somebody is making of Atari
and it's intentions. ( Support of POTENTIAL Developers ). The SHABBY kit
has a very loud and clear message that Atari could care less about
Developers of both Hardware and Software! I hope this is not true and I
believe it is not true, NO COMPANY can be this SUICIDAL. I certainly do
not believe it's because the Atari Corp. is too CHEAP to produce a
quality kit, not when they can go to Lake Tahoe to hold a conference.
For goodness' sake guys let's get our priorities in the right order.
DEVELOPERS MAKE THINGS HAPPEN POSITIVLY FOR A COMPUTER COMPANY...
or, are YOU still of the ilk that only Atari can do it right?
I respectfully direct this editorial to Mr. N. Harris and all the
individuals on up to Mr. Jack Tramiel. I await a response as I peer upon
this trash sent to me represented as a Developer's Kit. Sure, sure I know
about the discount (1 time) and the telephone help..but these are
intangables, the 300.00 and what is in front of me are not. Besides, the
DISCOUNT is rendered ineffective by the HIGH cost of this LOW QUALITY
kit!
Is this practice going to be rectified?....along with having your name put
on CHEAP JUNK being used in LAND DEALS IN FLA.???? ATARI 9200 DESKTOP
COMPUTER WITH PRINTER AND MONITOR! FREE! come to our presention for time
share sales...the 9200 is a 26.00 pocket calculator with LED read out and
a print-out 1"...they claim it to be worth 195.00 and it has the ATARI
name on it....just another reason to create hysterical laughter when we
mention we use an Atari ST! I await the headlines on that deal! (Atari
Sells Swamps!) I hope I NEVER see that type of headline.
They have time to patchka in Tahoe while Fuji is Crumbling! [SIGH]
Rex........
PS, I called and told an individual at Atari about the Old C program and
such, this person said thanks for the info! No mention was made about
remedies or possible solutions to this non-sense. What a perfect example
of TOP NOTCH CUSTOMER SERVICE and concientious marketing. Yessir, nothing
like doing business with the best! (smile) When you get had, you get
get had good! 300.00 worth of good. (knashing of teeth).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE JUDGES LIST
===============
Service Name
------- ------------
CIS Ron Luks
CIS Dan Rhea
CIS Mike Schoenbach
GEnie Darlah Hudson
GEnie Fred Beckman
GEnie Sandy Wilson
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-Report Official Contest Rules
================================
No purchase necessary.
Deadline for consideration in this contest is midnight August 31, 1988.
Winners will be announced in ST-Report on September 12, 1988. We
guarantee to award all prizes. The prize list will be announced during
the contest.
All readers are eligible to enter except employees of APEInc.
Publishing, CompuServe, GEnie, Delphi and their immediate families.
This contest void where prohibited or restricted by law. We are not
responsible for lost, mis-marked, or delayed art/work.
All submissions must be drawn with any Atari ST drawing program.
All submissions must be drawn by the original artist. Copyrighted art work
will not be accepted.
All submissions become the property of APEInc.
All submissions must be uploaded to specified BBS systems by the deadline
date. All systems have time and date stamping capability. Any entry dated
after 8/31/88 will be void from the contest.
Art Work Requirements
---------------------
All art work considered for this contest must be drawn with any Atari ST
drawing program.
Any person submitting art work must leave an address, telephone number,
and drawing program used.
Artwork must contain the following:
ST-REPORT
The winning entry will be used at a later date for a newsletter or
magazine cover.
Where to Send
-------------
All art work may be uploaded to the following systems.
Syndicate BBS (201) 968-8148
Bounty ST BBS (904) 786-4176
Entries by mail are also permitted. Be sure to use a 3.5 floppy S/S!
You may send to:
ST-Report Logo Contest
Post Office Box 74
Middlesex, New Jersey 08846-0074
(Please include your name, address and telephone number)
Updates
-------
This contest will update uploading areas every two weeks. Contest rules
will not be changed, but judges may be added during the run of the
contest.
Current judge listing will be published next week.
This contest commences May 2, 1988 and will end Midnight August 31, 1988.
If you have any questions, Please leave email on the services at the
following addresses:
CompuServe: 71777,2140
GEnie : ST-REPORT
: R.KOVACS
DELPHI : RONKOVACS
The Source: BDG793
Rules and Regulations:
1). Use any full color program written exclusively for the ST to draw
your own personal design of an ST-Report logo.
2). Art work ported over from any other computer is void.
3). No X-rated art work will be accepted.
4). Winners will be announced by mail, email, phone call or equivalent
on or before September 12, 1988.
5). Judges decisions are final.
************************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
---------------------------------
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type XJM11877,GEnie and hit RETURN.
The system will prompt you for your information.
*************************************************************************
GEnie CONFERENCE JULY 27, 1988
===============================
featuring: Darek Mihoka Author: ST Transformer
ATTENDEES: ----------
C.DARBY1 DERRICK MIKE.ACKLIN
M.AUCOIN DARLAH-Moderator M.PETERSEN
JEFFWILLIAMS ST-REPORT [Dan] GRIBNIF
[Mark] MB [Mel] NIGHTDIVER D.BURRIS
[APOSTLE] APOSTLE [Bob Rx] R.ROBERTSON B.MITTELMAN
[Doug] D.N.WHEELER D [John] JKUEHN C. DAVIS
[Tom Miller] T.MILLER7 SANDY.W MAJOR-HAVOC
[WER@Home] W.E.RASCHE [bill] ABGRAF [Rich]NOEGFA
W.BUCKHOLDT ST.DICKSON [brad]B.MORAVEK
[Gerry] G.GENSON [Bob] R.ROSENDALE1 DAVESMALL
[Darek] DAREKM-GUEST
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
<DARLAH> Darek welcome to the co. Can you tell us about your product.
<[Darek] DAREKM> Hello everyone. Hi Darlah. Glad you can have me here
tonight.I'm here for several reasons tonight: to plug my latest emulator,
ST Xformer II, which was released here on GEnie 4 weeks ago, to answer any
questions you may have about it (either from using it, or because you
haven't seen it yet), and to announce an update that will be released here
on GEnie in a couple of days. <[Darek] DAREKM Judging from the 600+
downloads of Xformer in just its first two weeks within its release, it
looks like there are a lot of former 8 bit users out there. So you'll be
happy to learn that the update, ST Xformer 2.1, now supports:
- the "RAM under ROM" 800XL memory emulation, which allows 800XL specific
programs like Turbo Basic to run
- both single and double density 8 bit disks and allows one to read 5 1/4"
double density disks directly,
- better player missile graphics
- a limited Apple emulator
- fixes some brutal crashing bugs, like the "3 bombs in color", "black
stripes in mono", and "crashes to the menu bar" bugs. I was playing with
2.1 for a few hours last night and didn't get it to crash even once.
In addition to the updated emulator, a file transfer program, "ST Xformer
File Xfer Program" will be provided to help out with those dreaded .SD
files. It is now possible to move 8 bit files back and forth between
GEMDOS and the .SOUTH DAKOTA files. <[Darek] DAREKM That's about all for
the intro, so let the CO begin.
<C.DARBY1> Any luck on getting access to the C64 roms.
<[Darek] DAREKM> nope, Commodore won't talk to me. DId get in touch with
the... Laser 128 people people, Video Tech or something, and they... told
me to call Hong Kong (their head office), and the number... I got for
Franklin computers is no longer in use. So no luck... so far. However, as
an experiment, version 2.1 will allow a a user to user their own Apple
ROMs (how you obtain them is... _your_ business). I just want to see how
many people can actually figure it out (how to port them).
<C.DARBY1> Ok thanks and keep up the good work.
<[Darek] DAREKM> next Q?
<[Bob Rx] R.ROBERTSON> Hi Darek, Will the 2.1 version work on 520St's.
<[Darek] DAREKM> no. the original Xformer II and version 2.1 require a
full Meg, although 2.1 is slightly more memory efficient. There is a
stripped down version that I put together about 3 weeks ago, called ST
Xformer Jr, which runs on any 520ST in color. It... gives you a 48K Atari
800, with a single density drive, and no more, because the 520 can hold no
more. This file is already up here on GEnie as STXFJR.ARC I believe.
<[Bob Rx] R.ROBERTSON> Thanks Darek for the answer and the Xformer I
program.
<[brad] B.MORAVEK> I use an old apple II, will the basic/pascal programs
work?
<[Darek] DAREKM> Brad, what you have to do is copy over the 12K of ROM in
he Apple, (memory location $C000 to $FFFF). You save that as a file which
you then port to the ST and call APPLE.STX. Run the emulator, click on the
appropriate menu option, and you will boot up in Applesoft Basic. Same
works for Integer Basic, but I don't know about Pascal on the Apple.
Never used it.
<[brad] B.MORAVEK> Thank you....
<DAVESMALL> Hi Darek -- How's it coming with reading double density
8-bitdisks?
<[Darek] DAREKM> Well, like I told you a few weeks ago by phone, I had
some luck with reading Indus GT and 1050 Doubler disks. No luck still with
my Rana disks. The File Xfer Program will contain a routine to sector
read an entire double density disk directly off a 5 1/4" drive, like an IB
drive, and save it out as a DD file for use with the emulator.
<DAVESMALL> Great! What do you use for development these days? Still
Megamax?
<[Darek] DAREKM> Yep, that buggy version 1.01 of Laser C. By the way,
they didn't seem to interested in placing a Laser promo in the emulator,
so I put one in for them. I've just about had it with Laser C's bugs. But
there are some new and interesting ads that other companies did submit.
<DAVESMALL> thank you..
<MIKE.ACKLIN> Hi Darek, Just wanted to say thanks for the fast response
and I got 2.02 yesterday. Star Trek 3 worked great
<[Darek] DAREKM> Great! You tried it under Turbo Basic? (I do hope that
Star Trek 3 _is_ a P/D game. GOt sent to me on a P/D disk). You should get
version 2.1 when it comes out, since the 2.02 you receive is missing some
features. Thanks for your registration.
<M.AUCOIN> Can XformerII run the classics (Pac Man etc.)
<[Darek] DAREKM> well, this is where things get a bit troublesome. Yes,
it can run some classics, my favorite being Lode Runner. However, most of
these "classics cartridge games, which for you to run them imply that you
must crack them first. To try to reduce the amount of piracy that might go
on as people move 8 bit stuff to the ST, I've contacted a few 8 bit
software companies about having them release some of their 8 bit stuff
into the ST public domain. For example, other great programs that run are
Sargon II chess and B/Graph. So far, I've got a few "we'll think about it"
responses, and I'm still waiting to hear from EA about B/Graph. But, on
more legal programs, Xformer II will run most of your Antic and Analog
programs that find their way to BBSs, and some of those programs are as
good as cracked stuff, so please stick to them. You may try the 8 bit
library here on GEnie for a source of several thousand 8 bit files.
<M.AUCOIN> Thanks Darek I have a lot of purchased
<[Darek] DAREKM> well, if they are not copy protected, you can use
Diskcomm to transfer them to the ST. For example, Paperclip.
<[bill] ABGRAF> I had a apple clone made by ZUES maybe they are still
around?
<[Darek] DAREKM> maybe, but I'd need an address or telephone number of
whoever own their ROMs, (_if_ ZEUS's ROMs are legal to begin with).
<[bill] ABGRAF> also when is that transfer prog to an IB drive available
ZEUS was part of a photo processor
<[Darek] DAREKM> the Xfer program will be released with version 2.1,
hopefully by July 29 (Friday). The emulator upgrade itself is finished,
but the Xfer program is being written by another programmer who didn't
quite make the deadline I set for him for tonight. But I've got an almost
functioning version of the Xfer program and should be able to get it
running myself by Friday.
<[bill] ABGRAF> thank you!
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> Hi' As I told you on the phone, I have (Had) a bunch
of 8-bit files on disk. I put these into .SD files an they didn't work.
Out of more than 50
<[Darek] DAREKM> That was a bug with 2.0 not merging the files sometimes.
Fixed in the Xfer program.
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> only about 3 or 4 of them actually worked.
(Emulated???). Also the Xformer II jr. needs some way to exchange disk
within the program.
<[Darek] DAREKM> Yes, that's one flaw of Xformer Jr, but like I said, the
20 doesn't leave me with any memory to do more. So Jr. is more of a teaser
than a useful emulator. You need 1Meg to do serious work on it, since on
2.1, you can insert and eject both the double and single density "disk"
at any time without then forcing a reboot of the Atari 800, like Jr and
2.00 require you to do. This way, 8 bit programs that take up several
disks can be run on the emulator.
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> I see. As you also know, I have the APPLE ROMS. Think
I should u/l them? Naw.
<DARLAH> naw
<[Darek] DAREKM> naw
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> So then the 2.1 will allow the programs to work on
the jr, if that makes any sense. Not sure it does.
<[Darek] DAREKM> yep, with the Xfer program. (please type your questions
in ahead of time)
<ST-REPORT> DAREK, ARE YOU FAMILAR WITH JONES' EMULATOR? ARE THE TWO OF
YOU COOPERATING? HOW DIFFERENT ARE YOUR APPROACHES
<[Darek] DAREKM> No, we're not co-operating, but we have spoken by voice
a few times to exchange ideas. Since he's working on his emulator as a
commercial project, I can understand that he wouldn't want to talk about
it _too much. From what he told me, the main difference is that I load the
Atari 800 or 800XL ROMs from disk (actually, they're merged into the
emulator), whereas he's going about it the Magic Sac way, which then
allows you to plug in Apple and C64 ROMs legally. In terms of speed, he
claims 60%, whereas I'm running 40%, but haven't seen his, so I'll
believe it when I see it. As you know, the next step for me will be to
turn Xformer from a 650 interpreter, which is slow, into a 6502 compiler,
which will convert 6502 code into 68000 that runs faster than a real
Atari 800. Probably a 6 month or 1 year project, but it is do-able, as
some benchmarks I've worked out on paper indicate it would run at about
150-200% the speed of an Atari 800.
<ST-REPORT> HOW MANY SHAREWARE REGISTRATIONS HAVE YOU GOTTEN?
<[Darek] DAREKM> too few! Out of the 600 downloads here on GEnie, I've
received less than 20 registrations. Things really dried up in the last
week, ever since I took 2.00 off GEnie, which would seem to indicate that
the program might n t be propagating through the BBS as fast as I though.
version 2.1 should replace 2.0 anyway, so if you see the older one on any
BBS, be sure to upload the newer version. And inform the sysop (and other
users) that the registration fee is now $20, since at $15 I wasn't really
making profit, especially with the low turnout. I am optimistic that the
registrations will increase after the release of 2.1, and after the
various Atari magazines publish blurbs on it in the coming months.
After all, not everyone has a modem.
<ST-REPORT> DAREK, WHY ARE YOU NOT SUPPORTING THE 520ST? IT SEEMS LIKE A
FIRST JUMP FOR MANY PEOPLE TO GET A 520ST BEFORE A 1MEG. THERE ARE A LOT
OF 520S OUT THERE.
<[Darek] DAREKM> It's not that I'm not support it. The problem is that
the emulator's internal data structures, which hold the 64K of Atari 800
memory, the virtual disk drives, the code and look up table required for
emulation, the Apple emulator, the C64 emulator, and the GEM stuff take up
800K. The Junior version just squeezes into 520K by removing all GEM,
Apple, and C64 stuff, and reducing the virtual drive support to a single
SD drive. I guess I could split it up into separate emulator that each
fit in 520K, but then they'd all be "just squeezing" into 520K, rather
than having room for expansion. I'll stick with the 1 meg version for now
unless a _lot_ of people really complain. Anyway, no one has 520K anymore
<grin>.
<ST-REPORT> HOW ABOUT A TRANSFER PROGRAM JUST FOR JUNIOR USERS?
<[Darek] DAREKM> PC Ditto bypasses the problem by just hijacking the ST.
Ever tried to exit PC Ditto into the desktop? The File Xfer Program can
be used for both 520 and 1 meg users. I specifically broke it off from
the main emulator (as in 2.00) for that reason, after receiving some phone
calls from people who downloaded Jr. but couldn't add any 8 bit files to
it. (Hey, I can't think of everything. It was a complete oversight
on my part)
<ST-REPORT> THIS WILL TRANSFER FILES ALREADY PORTED TO THE ST NOT USING
DISCOMM?
<[Darek] DAREKM> yes. all files ported to the ST either recently or for
use with Xformer 1.1 or 1.2 (kill them!) can be salvaged with the
utility Diskcomm is only useful for porting over entire disks, no
individual files. By the way, Robert Puff, author of Diskcomm, was _very_
helpful, not only with the custom version of Diskcomm but also with
helping me get the 800XL and double density to work. Good to know that
there are still good 8 bit programmers sticking to their machines.
<ST-REPORT> GOOD, I HAVE SOME THAT I USED WITH THE OLDER EMULATOR.
THANKS DAREK
<[Darek] DAREKM> Be warned though!!!!!!!!! If you copy a file from the 8
bit to the ST using XMODEM, it may get corrupted, since XMODEM pads the
last sector with extra characters. Atari DOS 2.0 _doesn't_ like that in
the least, so be sure to ARC your files first on the 8 bit, transfer the
ARC file, then UnArc to be sure you get a good file.
<ST-REPORT> NO MORE QUESTIONS FOR NOW.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> Why wont games like PacMan work very well on Xformer?
<[Darek] DAREKM> Games that are heavily graphics oriented make heavy use
of the ANTIC, POKEY, and GTIA chips, and little use of the 6502. The
problem is not that the machine language doesn't run, since the emulator
executes all 6502 code perfectly (I _think_!!) but does not emulate the
ANTIC and other chips perfectly. One reason is that I haven't figured out
a way to do it in real time, as with smooth scrolling, and the other is
that some Atari 800 features do not exist on the ST, such as 4 voices, 4
joy sticks, paddles, etc. The main "bug" right now is the lack of display
list interrupt emulation, which many program use. However, there are a
number of tricks that can be used to jump start games by patching a few
bytes of code here and there. (You'd have to know 6502 machine language
of course). Hopefully, people will post patches for various programs as
they try them.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> Will 2.10 be up on GEnie to download or will you mail it
out?
<[Darek] DAREKM> It'll be up on GEnie in a couple of days, and then it
(or a further update) will be mailed to people who register. I'll probably
limit the number of updates I post on Genie to maybe one every month
or even two, to reduce the confusion with all the various versions. 2.10
is currently the latest version, but will change as soon as I make a bug
fix or add a new feature.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> Thanks, and keep at it! I hope more ST users register
Xformer!
<[Darek] DAREKM> Show it at your local user group and hold a gun to
peoples heads. he-he
<[Rich] NOEGFA> I was late but what is the major difference between 2.0
and 2.1
<[Darek] DAREKM> Rich, 2.1 has 800XL emulation, double density disk
support and fixes a few bugs and adds a few minor features.
<[Rich] NOEGFA> Also Can I download 8 bit files from the 8 bit rt and
use them. I don't currently have an * bit available
<[Darek] DAREKM> yes, most files in the 8 bit RT should work.
<[Rich] NOEGFA> Thanks
<[Darek] DAREKM> and there was DEAD silence!
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> Oh... One silly question... if the (sorry about the
typing time) new Xformer has XL emulation, will I be able to run
Impersonator files on it?
<[Darek] DAREKM> I've never heard of Impersonator. qu'est quebec c'est?
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> It's a cartridge backup utility. The cartridges that
aren't protected, you can load from disk and run by pressing the inverse
video key
<[Darek] DAREKM> if they get saved to disk unprotected, use Diskcomm and
they should work.
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> The ones that ARE protected use a "Dummy CART" that
comes with the program. But it only works with XL/XE systems.
<[Darek] DAREKM> Xformer 2.1 can be patched to support _any_ cartridge,
US or non US 8 bit ROMs, and US or non US ST's, so with a good debugger
like Tempelmon, you should be able to patch in the "dummy Cart", unless
it contains additional circuitry beside ROMs.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> What about 850 support for the modem?
<[Darek] DAREKM> the 850 is not currently support (but the printer is)
because use I simply don't have any documentation on an 850. I never had
one, since I was an MMP 1000-C sufferer. One guy here on GEnie did promise
to mail me some docs, but as yet I haven't received them.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> I have the docs for the 850 if you want them...?
<[Darek] DAREKM> Atari Corp won't tell me much either, so I'm stuck
without the 850 support. just regular "how to use the 850" docs won't do.
I need the kind of documentation found in the 400/800 Technical Reference
Notes, which mysteriously never mention the 850. Dave, if you're still
here, any ideas why?
<MAJOR-HAVOC> ok thanks!
<DAVESMALL> Me? Um, Darlah, I didn't have a question. *grin* So,..
<DARLAH> I know Darek asked you a question. no prob..go back to sleep :-)
<DAVESMALL> Okay, I'm completely lost - (lots of line noise here in
lightningville) Darek, want to repeat the question?
<[Darek] DAREKM> ya, any idea why the 400/800 Tech Ref Notes don't
mention anything about thursday 850 at all. No docs anywhere.
<DAVESMALL> Well, the 850 had some interesting politics behind it.
Perhaps it was one of the old Atari typically political decision not to
include it in the docs, to make it a separate sheet. I don't have any
850 docs that are worth anything, either.
<[Darek] DAREKM> ok, so to answer the previous question, no 850 emulation
in the near future!
<ST-REPORT> Darek, why did you want to write the Emulator? You do have an
8 bit, right?
<[Darek] DAREKM> nope, haven't touched an 8 bit in over 3 years.
oh, part of the question... it wasn't there and Atari didn't seem
(back in 1986) to be coming out with one. I though it would be
interesting, but didn't anticipate how difficult a program it would turn
out to be. Should have stuck to playing video games. ;-)
<DARLAH> Any more questions??
<ST-REPORT> How much memory do you have left in the 1mb for expanding
<[Darek] DAREKM> not much for "expanding" but there is just enough room
to hold the additional 64K of memory for the XE emulation, and still
leave 30 or 40K for desk accessories. (2.10 will run with Control Panel
or Deskcart installed).
<[Doug] D.N.WHEELER> Darek, if I remember right, the PR:connection had
good docs, They should cover most 850 stuff.
<[Darek] DAREKM> ok, if I can dig one up, I'll look into it. If any 8
bit progammers are reading this, I need a detailed description of all the
SIO calls for the 850.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> Did Atari Corp. give you any problems with Xformer? Did
they like the idea?
<[Darek] DAREKM> Well this time around they were very co-operative in
letting me use DOS 2.0 and 2.5 and the XL/XE ROMs. I tried to get them to
ease up on Atariwriter, which also works great on Xformer, but they said
the rights for AW are tied up with someone else. However, when it comes
to getting technical information out of them , it's like talking to a
brick wall.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> What do you mean "this time around" ?
<[Darek] DAREKM> i.e. for version 2.0. enough said about that, hint
hint.
<MAJOR-HAVOC> ok thanks!
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> You were talking about the Xmodem dilema. I seem to
recall that there is a way to erase the last sector of an Xmodem d/l.
<[Darek] DAREKM> yes, there are 8 bit utilities which you could run on
the...emulator to fix up the last sector. I find it easier to just ARC
ahead of time.
<[APOSTLE] APOSTLE> I think there are, Do you recall what the utilities
are?
<[Darek] DAREKM> a possible upcoming feature of the File Xfer Program
maybe!
<[Barry] B.LARSON3> Such as more drives then 2?
<[Darek] DAREKM> To support more than two drives you'd need more than 1
Meg. I just kept it to two drives since I've never seen anyone with 3
drive or more (real disk drives).
<[Barry] B.LARSON3> Will it allow you more then 2 if you have say 2.5 M?
<[Darek] DAREKM> no, the SIO emulation will return an error 138 if you
try to access a drive past D2:, although I don't know what would happen
ith the RAMdisk. Does anyone actually ever have a D3: or D4: hooked up?
<[Barry] B.LARSON3> I have never had an 8 bit Atari. Just Apples.
<DARLAH> Well thank you Darek for coming. We are out of questions. I
appreciate the time and effort. I will be posting the transcript
<[Darek] DAREKM> ok, just in time to catch a rerun of Letterman. <grin>
<[Barry] B.LARSON3> I was actually thinking of Apple emulation...
<[Darek] DAREKM> I am working on a similar scheme to the .SD files to do
the Apple DOS emulation.
<DARLAH> Now to open up the room unless you like to say something in
closing
<[Darek] DAREKM> nope, open it up
<DARLAH> Room is now in the talk mode.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE GENIE ATARI ST ROUNDTABLE - AN OVERVIEW
-------------------------------------------
The Roundtable is an area of GEnie specifically set aside for owners and
users of Atari ST computers, although all are welcome to participate.
There are three main sections to the Roundtable: the Bulletin Board, the
Software Library and the Real Time Conference area.
The Bulletin Board contains messages from Roundtable members on a variety
of Topics, organized under several Categories. These messages are all
open and available for all to read (GEnie Mail should be used for private
messages). If you have a question, comment, hot rumor or an answer to
someone else's question, the Bulletin Board is the place to share it.
The Software Library is where we keep the Public Domain software files
that are available to all Roundtable members. You can 'download' any of
these files into your own computer by using a Terminal Program which uses
the 'XMODEM' file-transfer method. You can also share your favorite Public
Domain programs and files with other Roundtable members by 'uploading'
them to the Software Library. Uploading on GEnie is FREE, so you are
encouraged to participate and help your Roundtable grow.
The Real Time Conference is an area where two or more Roundtable members
may get together and 'talk' in 'real-time'. You can participate in
organized conferences with special guests, drop in on our weekly Open
COnference, or simply join in on an impromptu chat session. Unlike posting
messages or Mail for other members to read at some later time, everyone in
the Conference area can see what you type immediately, and can respond to
you right away, in an 'electronic conversation'.
Below is the Main Roundtable Menu, with these areas indicated:
GEnie ST Page 475
Atari ST RoundTable
Library: ALL Libraries
1. Atari ST Bulletin Board <-- Messages
2. Atari ST Real-Time Conference <-- Electronic Conversations
3. Atari ST RT Libraries <-- Software Library (Programs)
4. About the Roundtable
5. Roundtable News 880719
Enter #, <P>revious, or <H>elp?
GEnie uses 'Page Numbers' to indicate the menus for the different
Roundtables
on the system. In this case, the Atari ST Roundtable is Page 475.
Menu selection #4, 'About the Roundtable' will contain information about
the purpose of the Roundtable, and the system operators, or SysOps.
Choices #5 will contain bulletins and information. You may want to Capture
these and print them out for reference.
At the menu prompt, you can type P to return to the previous Menu (in this
case, the GEnie Atari Roundtables Menu), or H for more Help, or simply
type the number of your choice from the menu.
Using the GEnie Atari ST RoundTable Software Library
----------------------------------------------------
XMODEM and XMODEM 1-K
---------------------
To benefit from the many files in the Atari ST Software Library, you must
first be able to transfer them to your computer. This transfer process is
commonly known as 'DOWNLOADING'. The files on GEnie are in the Public Domain,
to the best of the staff's knowledge, and are available to you, for
downloading, at no additional costs, outside of your normal connect time
fees.
To download these files, you MUST have a terminal program that will support
the 'XMODEM' and or XMODEM 1-K file transfer protocol. If you are in need
of such a program, you can get one of the many Public Domain ones from your
local user's group, or contact DARLAH on how to receive one via the USMail.
Most commercially available terminal programs have the XMODEM protocol also.
Be aware due to Ymodem, only standard filenames will be accepted. All others
will be changed by the sysops without permission. The standard filenames
must consist of UP to 8 characters and a 3 character extension.
In Example: FILENAME.HLP or TEST.HLP
Now, on to the downloading!!!
When you come into the Atari ST RoundTable, you can go directly to the
Software Libraries by typing:
M 476
Now let me explain the Page 476 menu to you briefly:
GEnie Page 476
Atari Software Library
Library: ALL Libraries
1. Description of this Library <--- Tells you what type of
files are in this library.
2. Directory of files <--- Gives you a complete listing
of the files in the library.
3. Search File Directory <--- Allows a detailed search of
files in the library.
4. Browse through files <--- Allows you to look through
files in any order.
5. Upload a new file <--- Contribute a file to the
library.
6. Download a file <*** This is what our help file
will be dealing with.
7. Delete a file you own <--- Delete a file you have
uploaded.
8. Set Software Library <--- Use to narrow your library
to just one area, ie: Games.
9. Save Current Software Library <--- Saves setting in #8 until
you change it again.
10. Instructions for Software Exchange <--- Overview of GEnie file
transfers.
I will assume you already know which file number you wish to download.
if you want more than one file, use Ymodem Batch. If you do not, you may
want to select #2 from the above menu, and look at the various files
available. To abort the listing, hit your BREAK key. (To learn more
about your BREAK key, please see the 'SETTINGS.HLP'file)
You will need the number of the file you wish to download. Armed with
that information, select #6 from the Page 476 menu and
I will take you through a sample download:
GEnie Page 476
Atari Software Library
Library: ALL Libraries
1. Description of Library
2. Directory of files
3. Search File Directory
4. Browse through files
5. Upload a new file
6. Download a file
7. Delete a file you own
8. Set Software Library
9. Save Current Software Library
10. Instructions for Software Exchange
Enter #, <P>revious, or <H>elp? 6 <--- tells GEnie you wish to
download
You have either the option of entering a filename or file number. See the
library listings that are frequently uploaded for off line convenience.
For Xmodem, 7-Bit, and Xmodem-1K you are limited to one file per download
request. Enter the file number or the file name.
If you use host echo, make sure your host echo setting is set to YES on
page 905, item 2. You will recieve this prompt when selecting option #6
Enter download request or <H>elp? <-- Place filename or number here
You will recieve a full description of the file you selected.
*********************************
Number: 7605 Name: BUNKERS.SND
Address: STAPPLIC Date: 880725
Approximate # of Bytes: 31500
Number of Accesses: 1 Library: 17
Description:
Remember that great old Norman Lear sitcom "All In The Family"? Using
ST Replay @ 15 Khz I digitized a CD version of the theme music. Now hear
Archie and Edith "Dingbat" Bunker wailing it out on your own ST. This is
a must for All In The Family fans. Excellent quality. It is probably the
largest download you will ever receive but well worth it. Not arced due
to poor compression of .SND files (usually less than 5%) and the fact that
owners of the original ARC.TTP wouldn't be able to dearc on 1 mb machines.
WARNING!: This file requires a double-sided disk and at least 1 mb of RAM
to run. Use PLAYIT.ARC (File #7206).
Keywords: ST Replay, Michtron, Bunkers, Sound, .SND, Dingbat, All In The
Family, PLAYIT
---------------------------------
File: BUNKERS.SND
is a BINARY File.
Press <RETURN> to skip, <D>ownload, <L>ist, or <Q>uit.
?D <-- Enter D here to download.
You will now be prompted with a menu to select your protocol.
Select Download Protocol
1. XMODEM
2. XMODEM (w/1K blocks)
3. YMODEM
Which item, or <RETURN> to skip? 2 <-- Select option 1 or 2. If you wish
to download more than one file, you MUST select enter up to several file
numbers at the file name or # prompt. See YMODEM.HLP for more details.
230 blocks in file.
<-- This menu tells you how many packets and
blocks are in your file selection
291K XMODEM Packets.
File is ready. Start your 1K XMODEM receive file. <-- Wait for this prompt
Make sure if Xmodem 1-K is selected that your Xmodem parameters are
changed to reflect this. See your terminal manual. For Xmodem be sure
that your oarameters are set to 128K bytes block size.
1K XMODEM: NORMAL TERMINATION
29 FRAMES PROCESSED
0 FRAMES RETRANSMITTED <-- You will recieve this menu when done
0 TIMEOUTS
<B>rowse, <R>epeat, or <Q>uit?
POSSIBLE DOWNLOADING PROBLEMS
-----------------------------
Possible problems which may occur during downloading are generally
related to conditions on your telephone lines. If you receive a lot
of odd characters, or garbage across your screen, hang up and dial back
into GEnie. If the problem persists, make sure your phone and modem
equipment are in top working order. If you still have garbage, please
call the GEnie Customer Service number, 1-800-638-9636, and report your
troubles. Line noise will cause bad downloads, and incomplete file
transfers.
Each terminal program also has a number of settings which must be
adjusted before you can download. Make sure your settings for transfers
are (again, see your docs for specific details for your program):
8 data bits, NO Parity, 1 Stop Bit
Be sure your modem is set to FULL DUPLEX, and your software is set to
HALF DUPLEX.
If your settings are correct, and all else seems fine, but your downloads
abort or give you incomplete files, it may be your GEnie Port. While
you are online, (experiencing bad downloads) type 'PORT' at any GEnie
menu prompt, record *ALL* the numbers, and report the problem to GEnie.
Download Summary:
================
1. Find your file, either through one of the many Software Library
indexes, the #2 Directory Listing, through #3 Searches, or #4 Browse.
2. Select Download from the Software Library menu, #6.
3. Enter either your filename or number
4. Wait for GEnie to tell you to go to receive mode.
5. Start your Xmodem or Xmodem-1K download/receive with your terminal
program.
6. Wait until the file(s) is completed the transfer.
7. Press RETURN, and follow the next prompt to download additional
files, or quit.
Ymodem and Ymodem Batch
-----------------------
To benefit from the many files in the Atari ST Software Library, you must
first be able to transfer them to your computer. This transfer process is
commonly known as 'DOWNLOADING'. The files on GEnie are in the Public
Domain, to the best of the staff's knowledge, and are available to you,
for downloading, at no additional costs, outside of your normal connect
time fees.
To download these files, you MUST have a terminal program that will
support the 'YMODEM' file transfer protocol. If you are in need of such a
program, you can get one of the many Public Domain ones from your local
user's group, or contact DARLAH on how to receive one via the USMail.
Most commercially available terminal programs have the YMODEM protocol
also.
Be aware due to Ymodem, only standard filenames will be accepted. All
others will be changed by the sysops without permission. The standard
filenames must consist of UP to 8 characters and a 3 character extension.
In Example: FILENAME.HLP or TEST.HLP
Now, on to the downloading!!!
When you come into the Atari ST RoundTable, you can go directly to the
Software Libraries by typing:
M 476
Now let me explain the Page 476 menu to you briefly:
GEnie Page 476
Atari Software Library
Library: ALL Libraries
1. Description of this Library <--- Tells you the type of files
are in this library.
2. Directory of files <--- Gives you a complete list of
files in this library.
3. Search File Directory <--- Allows a detailed search of
files in this library.
4. Browse through files <--- Allows you to download files
in any order.
5. Upload a new file <--- Contribute a file to the
library.
6. Download a file <*** This is what our help file
will be dealing with.
7. Delete a file you own <--- Delete a file you have
uploaded.
8. Set Software Library <--- Sets your library choice to
just one area, ie: Games.
9. Save Current Software Library <--- Saves setting in #8 until
you change it again.
10. Instructions for Software Exchange <--- Overview of GEnie file
transfers.
I will assume you already know which file number(s) you wish to
download. If you do not, you may want to select #2 from the above menu,
and look at the various files available. To abort the listing, hit your
BREAK key. (To learn more about your BREAK key, please see the
'SETTINGS. HLP' file)
You will need the number of the file or files you wish to
download. Armed with that information, select #6 from the Page 476 menu
and I will take you through a sample download:
GEnie Page 476
Atari Software Library
Library: ALL Libraries
1. Description of Library
2. Directory of files
3. Search File Directory
4. Browse through files
5. Upload a new file
6. Download a file
7. Delete a file you own
8. Set Software Library
9. Save Current Software Library
10. Instructions for Software Exchange
Enter #, <P>revious, or <H>elp? 6 <--- tells GEnie you wish to
download
With Ymodem you can request up to 20 files to be downloaded with one
request. Enter the file numbers or names separated by commas,
example: 200,204,155 If you use host echo, make
sure your host echo setting is set to YES on page 905, item 2.
Enter download request or <H>elp? 7605,7604,7603 <-- up to 20 files
BUNKERS.SND
PYTHON1.SND <-- you will recieve a list of files you requested
MARCHO.SNG
YMODEM batch assumed. Download these files? (Y/N)? y <-- select YES for
Ymodem Batch
** Note for the speed of Ymodem, one can select item #4 from page 476 to
use Ymodem without the batch capabilities. One would select Ymodem batch
only when you are downloading more than one file.
1765 Blocks in 3 files. <--This will tell you the TOTAL blocks in all
files selected.
222 YMODEM 1-K Packets. <--This will tell you the TOTAL YMODEM 1-K Packets
** Be aware that Ymodem will appear to be slower than Xmodem but in
reality it is only the Packet Counts that are slower. Notice the
difference in Blocks and 1-K Packets. Ymodem has been tested
repeatedly and proves to be a faster means of transmission.
File is ready. Start your YMODEM receive file. <-- Wait for this prompt
to start your Ymodem
transmission.
With Flash, one only needs to push your insert key then type DL YB to
start Ymodem Batch. See your Manual for all the rest of your favorite
terminal programs. I only mention how to start Ymodem from Flash due
to NOT being able to find it in my manual myself. :-)
YMODEM: NORMAL TERMINATION
222 FRAMES PROCESSED
0 FRAMES RETRANSMITTED <-- You will recieve this menu when
0 TIMEOUTS complete.
Download another file (Y/N)?n <-- Enter the prompt Y for more files
or N when no more files are needed
POSSIBLE DOWNLOADING PROBLEMS:
=============================
Possible problems which may occur during downloading are generally
related to conditions on your telephone lines. If you receive a lot of
odd characters, or garbage across your screen, hang up and dial back
into GEnie. If the problem persists, make sure your phone and modem
equipment are in top working order. If you still have garbage, please
call the GEnie Customer Service number, 1-800-638-9636, and report your
troubles. Line noise will cause bad downloads, and incomplete file
transfers.
Each terminal program also has a number of settings which must be
adjusted before you can download. Make sure your settings for
transfers are (again, see your documentation for specific details for
your program):
8 data bits, NO Parity, 1 Stop Bit
Be sure your modem is set to FULL DUPLEX, and your software is set to
HALF DUPLEX.
If your settings are correct, and all else seems fine, but your downloads
abort or give you incomplete files, it may be your GEnie Port. While
you are online, (experiencing bad downloads) type 'PORT' at any GEnie
menu prompt, record *ALL* the numbers, and report the problem to GEnie.
Download Summary:
================
1. Find your file, either through one of the many Software Library
indexes, the #2 Directory Listing, through #3 Searches, or #4 Browse.
2. Select Download from the Software Library menu, #6.
3. Enter up to 20 file numbers seperated with a comma (,)
In Example : 7005,7006,7007
4. Wait for GEnie to tell you to go to receive mode.
5. Start your Ymodem download/receive with your terminal program.
6. Wait until the file(s) is completed the transfer.
7. Press RETURN, and follow the next prompt to download additional
files, or quit.
*************************************************************************
NOSTALGIA - Remember When?
Feb/1988
ATARI! What price Glory .........
To say the news about the home/small business computer market has been
dull over the past few months is an understatement. Atari's new computer
product announcements hit the street like a feather dropped from a ten
story building. In other words, the national news media ignored Atari's
press releases and, of course, there was no impact on Atari's stock
price.
On the other hand, while Atari has NOT advertised it's 16 or 8 bit home
computers, it has been advertising. The game machines and they are
booming and Atari once again is a leader. However, Nintendo, the primary
competitor, did not cater to the public by advertising as Atari did.
Atari Versus Nintendo - For Real!
Nintendo of America sought a preliminary injunction against Atari for
unfavorably comparing in its commercials the XE video game system with a
real computer but seeing is believing here are the facts:
1. Atari's game system played hundreds of games while Nintendo played
only 80.
2. Atari's system played both disks and cartridges while Nintendo
offered only cartridges.
According to Nintendo, the facts in the case were:
(1) many of the "hundreds of Atari games" were out of production/
circulation, and
(2) Atari failed to inform the consumer the disk drive, which had to be
purchased separately, was expensive and hard to find.
The court, in December, ruled AGAINST Nintendo stating Atari may continue
its advertising campaign. The advertisements did not violate the Lanham
Act, a federal statute prohibiting false advertising. Atari, needless to
say, was very pleased with the judge's ruling.
Incidentally, Atari, by the end of November, was sold out of the XE game
system through Christmas. As of mid-January, the XE game system is
available in only limited quantities on the East Coast with sales
remaining very brisk. Atari plans to release/develop more game software
to support sales of the XE system.
No doubt Atari has a true winner, at least for now. Glory, glory,
hallelujah! However, game system sales in the U.S. are once again
carrying Atari's corporate image to the public. This strategy for the
U.S. market is fraught with danger. The last thing Jack Tramiel's Atari
should want is to reinforce the image of a game machine company in the
U.S. market. This happened with the old Atari (Warner Corporation) and we
know what the results were. The largest market for computer sales in the
world is in the United States and Atari is pursuing a policy which subtly
encourages serious consumers to buy a non-Atari machine. The "game
machine company" is a stigma which must be avoided.
Atari needs to separate game machines from its computer operations. It
must be done IMMEDIATELY. My own suggestion is give much less prominence
to the Atari Corporate Logo on the packaging and in the advertising.
Further, advertising of the ST/MEGA computer line is a must in the U.S.
market and should be stepped up in the 2nd quarter of this year. Jack, I
will be happier, as will a lot of other Atari users, if there was a lot
less GLORY for the Atari Logo in connection with the XE game system.
Atari Versus Apple - A Possibility?
The rumor mill within the computer industry on occasion can come up with
a whopper (it makes writing this column definitely interesting). One
source of rumors/gossip from time to time is InfoWorld, the weekly
computer news magazine. Over the past year, a news policy has been
implemented by InfoWorld which stresses business use of computers as
opposed to small business/home applications. As a consequence, little
mention of Atari has appeared in the general columns. (Of course, this is
also because they consider themselves to be serious minded. Who knows,
maybe they are serious since my subscription has just been cancelled). In
any event, two InfoWorld columnists are exceptions to this general
policy, Jerry Pournelle and Robert Cringely who write occasionally on
events impacting the Atari Corporation.
Cringely, in his January 11, 1988 column, mentioned some possible
business between Steve Jobs (founder of Apple) and Jack Tramiel. It is
best that I quote the column directly.
"I bumped heads with one of Jack Tramiel's secret agents from Atari. It
looks like Jack has been paying very close attention to Apple, and in
fact it seems he's readying a couple of 68020-based PCs that will run
Macintosh software as well as ST programs. The machines are supposed to
be products of the long-rumored collaboration between Atari and Next
Inc., which nobody could figure out until now.
"Fans of Russian novels take note-here's the plot: Steve Jobs, hating
John Sculley for firing him and wanting to destroy Apple as an act of
revenge, commissions a Mac emulator, possibly from wunderkind Andy
Hertzfeld. But Steve has no extra money to build it, and he's saddled
with an agreement that lets Apple see his technology before it goes to
market.
"Enter Jack Tramiel, who also hates John Sculley (Jack hates everybody)
and who envies the large Mac software base. Steve gives the Mac emulator
to Jack, who will produce a zillion low-priced Mac clones in Taiwan,
while Jack lets Steve use Atari's amazing eight-voice Amy sound chip for
the Next workstation. Steve wins, Jack wins, John loses. Film at eleven."
Hey, this is far out stuff. But, how does this make David Small feel
(Mr. Magic Sac)? Does anyone really believe that John Sculley will stand
by and let this happen? I, for one, don't think it's likely. Talk about
lawsuits! They will be flying all over the West Coast courtesy of Apple.
In fact, such a course of events could even spawn a growth industry for
lawyers.
Business and the Mac - An Insight
Numerous articles have been written by the national press concerning
Apple and its penetration of the corporate market. While it is correct in
thrust, some of what has been said needs to be put in perspective.
For 1987, it is estimated that approximately 390,000 Mac II's and SE's
have been shipped by Apple to its dealers. According to Apple, about 40%
of the SE's and 65 to 70% of the Mac's have been going to companies with
at least 1000 employees. This means roughly 180,000 Mac II/SE computers
are in the hands of major corporations as a result of purchases in 1987
(translates into a demand of 15,000 computers per month.)
If one were to measure Mac's sales performance against total national
sales for an average month, 15,000 computers quickly becomes miniscule.
In fact, Apple's share of the Fortune 500 market is estimated for 1987 at
3 1/2 to 4%. By way of comparison with Compaq Computer's share of the
business market, Apple is probably somewhere in the neighborhood of being
1/4 as large as Compaq's. Thus, Apple is light years away from IBM.
The fact cannot be ignored that the Mac has introduced more competition
to the IBM/clone dominated corporate market. In my mind, there is no
doubt that the Mac is a superior machine in terms of technical
capabilities and ease of use. The economics of its purchase in lieu of an
IBM or clone is, however, certainly negative. To really gain market
share, Apple's Mac prices must become more competitive. Further, with the
advent of Sun Computers joining forces with AT&T; Next, Inc., Steve Job's
new company, introducing a new machine in 1988; and IBM's move to a Mac
look-alike interface (Presentation Manager), Apple's fight for market
share is certainly just beginning.
P.S. By the way Atari, where is the 80 column cartridge for the 8
bit'ers and most importantly the software (new Atariwriter +) that was
suppose to be on the market in September? November? December? etc.?
Your reputation in marketing and delivering products is growing!
The article above is really history, but it sounds SO real......and
contemporary.
It would appear that the gripe is essentially the same...late ..ever so
late releases with numb excuses for the reason..Certainly Mr. Ligouri will
not let this sort of thing occur any longer.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATARI SCUTTLEBITS
=================
by Bob Kelly
Atari Stock Market Happenings
-----------------------------
I. Annual Report:
In mid-May, as an Atari stock owner, I received the 1987 annual report.
Some investors will tell you that a firm's annual report is largely a
propaganda exercise. This simply is not correct. The reports are
required to present general financial data in compliance with Federal
statutes that are of value and interest. The table below, from the 1987
annual report, lists the major stockholders and salaries of those running
the corporation.
Common Stock Ownership* and the
Five Highest Paid Executive Officers
====================================
Amount
Name (millions Percent Dollar
of Owner of shares) of Stock Compensation
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Tramiel 25.3 43.9% ---
Warner Comm, Inc. 14.2 24.6% N.A.
Sam Tramiel 1.1 1.9% 211,798
Leonard I. Schreiber .220 ---
Samuel Chin .193 --- 158,207
Gregory A. Pratt .177 --- 157,632
Michael Rosenberg .050 ---
Taro Tokai ? --- 198,720
Steven Kawalick ? --- 109,618
* As of April 11, 1988
Compensation includes salaries, bonuses and employer contributions to Life
Insurance Policies.
There are some unfamiliar names mentioned above:
Mr. Chin is a Vice President and served as General Manager of Atari's
Taiwan manufacturing facility from 1985 to 1987.
Mr. Schreiber is, in essence, Jack Tramiel's personal counsel while
also a member of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Pratt is the Vice-President for Finance/Chief Financial Officer for
Atari.
Mr. Rosenberg is a member of the Board of Directors.
Mr. Tokai is the Vice-President and General Manager for Atari, Japan.
Mr. Kawalick is Atari's Treasurer.
Except for Mr. Kawalick and Mr. Rosenberg, all senior executive officers
at Atari worked for Commodore Ltd., at one time or another.
A few of the more interesting facts/claims presented in the 1987 annual
report are:
Federated stores' operating losses are expected to continue for the
first three quarters of 1988. By year end, Federated is projected to
achieve break-even by Atari. Comment: The fourth quarter holiday sales
period is the critical variable in this projection. In essence, Atari's
overall growth in the price of its stock by the end of 1988 will largely
depend upon the speed of Federated's recovery.
Research & Development outlays, as a percent of sales, declined from 6%
in 1986 to 5% in 1987.
In West Germany, Atari computers represent 10% of the total market for
computers selling over 1000 Deutsch Marks (roughly equivalent to U.S.
$600).
In Switzerland, the Atari ST's share is about 30% of the educational
market.
In the United Kingdom, Atari sales accounted for some 40% of the 16 bit
computer market.
In the U.S., over 1000 schools use ST's for math, reading, and language
skills.
In 1987, Atari's revenue (net sales) from the electronic products division
(computers) was $362 million and for retail operations (Federated Stores)
$131 million yielding a total of $493 million. The operating income was
$72 million for the electronic products division while Federated stores
experienced an operating loss of $6.4 million. Interestingly enough, of
the total $493 million in revenues, $267 was generated in North America
with Europe's share amounting to roughly $204 million. Europe's revenues
were all computer related while Federated sales of $131 million must be
deducted from the U.S. and Canada net sale figure to be somewhat
comparable. Thus, as best can be determined, European computer sales
were roughly $50 to $65 million more than those of North America.
Finally, earnings per share for the electronic products division alone
rose from 53 cents in 1986 to 80 cents/share in 1987, an increase of
51%.
Considering this performance, one would expect Atari's current stock price
to be on the rise. However, it remains below the average of $10 7/8 for
the week prior to the Oct. 19, 1987 crash (as of early June the price
per/share ranged between $7 & $7 1/2).
II. Glasnost and Atari:
A U.S. firm will be the first to publish a personal computer magazine in
the U.S.S.R. The magazine to be printed in the Russian language will be
under the editorial control of the publisher of PC World - IDG.
The first issue of the magazine is scheduled for publication this month
and will cost the equivalent of U.S. $3.20 per copy. Currently, the
number of PC users in Russia is small and little information about
computer developments is transmitted to the general population. About a
third of the magazine's content will focus upon developments in Russia
with the remainder covering the U.S. and European computer markets. The
first issue is expected to be a run of 50,000 copies. The Soviet staff
of the magazine will consist of seven writers and editors.
What does this have to do with Atari? Atari will advertise in the
magazine. The other companies planning to advertise are: Ashton-Tate,
MicroSoft, and Siemens. The first issue will be about 150 pages with 20%
of the available space devoted to the advertisers. Ad space is not
cheap. This looks like a major long-range marketing effort by Atari.
The ultimate goal of this initiative, according to an unidentified Atari
spokesperson, is for every computer classroom and factory in the U.S.S.R.
to have an ST on the desk and a picture of Jack on the walls next to
Lenin and Gorbachev. Za Zaslugi, Nagradit' Tramiela Dzhaka (Ordenom
Lenina).
III. Europe, Midi, and Atari:
The Financial Times of London recently reported that the European
recording industry is experiencing financial difficulties. Recording
studios in Hamburg, Paris, and London are being forced out of business.
The problem stems from the introduction to the music world of the
personal computer and the midi interface.
During the 1970's and up to the mid-1980's, recording artists did most of
their rehearsing in record company studios. The ratio of rehearsal time
to actual recording time was on the order of 6:1 (usually measured in
months). However, in the past few years, an increasing number of
recording artists are conducting their rehearsals at home with the aid of
a personal computer, midi interface, and music design software. Some
studios faced with the loss of the rental income from rehearsals have
attempted to lure artist back by purchasing the latest, most sophisticated
computerized recording technology. This has stretched the finances of
many companies. Lately, the major European studios have been reducing
their prices in an attempt to draw back former customers. The smaller
companies, unable to purchase advanced recording equipment owing to
capital constraints and the inability to significantly reduced prices
have but one option available - close their doors.
By the way, the home computer which dominates the European recording
market is ... the Atari 1040. Now, you know the rest of the story and
why Atari assigns such a high priority to attending the Midi Expos in
Anaheim and New York in September and December 1988.
IV. Video Games:
A quote from a recent article in Advertising Age:
"The demand is greater than supply, and the demand has stayed much
stronger than expected . . . Last year, the majority of U.S. sales came
from video games."
The speaker was Michael Katz, President of the Atari entertainment
electronics division. What he is really saying is the U.S. public's
perception that Atari is a video game company is CORRECT.
Total video game sales in the U.S. in 1987 amounted to roughly
$1.1 billion and Atari has about 16% of the market based on dollar sales
(market share is 35% for the number of game units sold). Nintendo has
about 70% of the market based on dollar sales and between 55 and 60% when
calculated on unit sales. The best "guestimate" is that XE game related
sales accounted for roughly $140 to 170 million of Atari's total revenue
in 1987.
Atari has hired a new advertising firm to help market its video games.
The XE game advertising account is valued at roughly $10 million. Note,
the Atari computer division is without an advertising agency in the United
States. I leave you with this fact to ponder and its implications for the
priority assigned by Atari to Mega and ST sales in the U.S. for the
remainder of 1988. Enjoy the rest of your summer and minimize the time
on that computer till fall.
That's all for now folks.........
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST REPORT CONFIDENTIAL
======================
SUNNYVALE Atari will make the issue about the 520 STFM and D/S
--------- drives official, remember where you saw it first, ST
Report's Spring Comdex Issue, 6 weeks ago.
SALT LAKE CITY Rumor has it that C. Babbit was NEVER under a 45 day
-------------- contract as some folks would have the world believe.
NEW YORK CITY Capt. Blood, a game released by Mindscape, will follow
------------- the footsteps of Dungeon Master as far as sales and
popularity are concerned...it is "one to buy".
SUNNYVALE Atari has another trickie poo up their sleeve, seems the
--------- "new" run of disk drives are from another and different
vendor, SONY CORP. hmm SONY, NO BALONEY. You'll
recognize it by the smaller button.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Garbage-On-The-Line
===================
by Linda Woodworth
A Once-Over of the _DM Guide_ by Computer Avenue
I don't play many games. The last adventure game I completed was The
Sands of Egypt on my 8-bit. With determination <and some help from the guy
who wrote it> I finished it. Since then, my heart has belonged to my BBS
and I just didn't take the time. Nor pay much attention.
Then along comes something like Dungeon Master <by FTL> The Evil Mummies
on level one, getting past the gates on level two. Level 3s slime covered
aqua ducts - yuk, or the purple worm <where I prepared for death> yeah, I
found my mind wandering back to my BBS. I wasn't a brave champion when it
came to DM - although it seemed everyone was talking about it. I just
couldn't share in their glory. Oh well- C:\FDBASE\DB001.004 suited me just
as well. Fare ye well, Dungeon Master.
Alas, at the C.A.S.T.L.E. User Group meeting in Denver, Colorado, I saw
an exceptionally talented young man "run" through Dungeon Master. The
skill, the knowledge, the insight impressed me very much. That evening, I
found out Computer Avenue and Kendall Gelner <the DM warrior> were putting
together a DM Guide, which I saw in its early stages. The maps were
incredible! Again I was impressed. These people got my attention...
Was I ready to descend the stairs ?? Before I began my quest into the
Dungeon, I got myself a copy and became engrossed in reading the text of
the DM Guide. Picking a character became easier with the Help Guide.
Remember, I'm not a game player. I was hung-up by the first half of the
first page. I was gone. On to the General Hints, Fighting Tips, Using
Spells, -- their effects, Monster Help, the incredible list of weapons and
magical objects. I already didn't care when I would eat next! After all I
have a list of available food. Grab a dragon steak and an apple, clothe
myself in leather pants, a fine robe and leather boots, drink up some VI
Health and I was set. Fantasy Time! Excitement took over and I haven't
begun the game yet!
The DM Guide has 14 levels of maps that completely align with each other.
Go down a flight of stairs... and the next level shows you where you are.
The coding for the maps is well done and I can tell many hours has gone
into this. Proceeding on, there are Map & Level Hints for all the 14
levels. I love it. Be you a novice like me, or a champion, you will gain
a lot from this hint list.
To read the message, just...
Press the button to reveal...
Here's how to open the door...
To open this secret wall, use...
Here's the key you need to get the...
Look carefully! You don't have to BUT...
There are six pages to the Map and Level Hints, with puzzle solutions.
As well as where the goodies are, be they hidden buttons or doors or... ??
* ENDING THE GAME - I read through this a bit... but when I got to...
* WARNING! "If you read any further, you will be told how to..." yeah, I
stopped reading.
The DM Guide is the perfect companion to Dungeon Master for detailed
information and help. For your convenience, the spiral bound book fits in
the Dungeon Master game box. You will also receive, FREE, an 8 1/2" X 11"
Parchment Paper Spell List with the purchase of the DM Guide.
Send your Check or M.O. payable for $6.95 to:
COMPUTER AVENUE
90 S. Wadsworth
Suite 105-502
Lakewood, CO. 80226
BE SURE TO TELL 'EM YOU SAW IT HERE IN ST REPORT!
If you have any questions, you can F-Net a message to Computer Avenue at
Mile High BBS. Node #5 Denver, Colorado.
My congradulations to Ron, Kendall and Craig!
Thanks to them, I am ready and... my Quest begins... :-)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intersect's Hints and Kinks
----------------------------
INTERLINK -> Setting Upload and Download Paths
==============================================
Press F2 to bring up the File Transfer window and then click on the Path
Button in the upper right corner of the window. This will bring up a
file selector box. Do the following to select your path:
1) Select your drive.
In order to change drives you must select the drive letter by
clicking on the arrows on either side of the Drive Letter box
(in the lower left hand corner of the File Selector). You must
then click ONCE on the drive letter box to cause the new drive
to actually be selected. (double clicking will not select but
will show free space remaining on that drive)
2) Select folder.
Once you have selected the drive that you want you may select
folders, etc. to establish your path. Just click on the folder
(folders have headers that look like a reverse diamond). To
exit a folder just click on the button to the left of the bar
at the top of the file display window (the bar that looks like
the top border of a GEM window).
You may also select drive and path by typing a valid path value
into the Path Line in the upper area of the file selector, but
that will not actually select a path until you click on the BAR
above the file display window (the bar that looks like the top
border of a GEM window).
3) Click on OK.
That's it, the path is set for this session of Interlink. You may
exit the file transfer window now and any time during the current
session with Interlink your Upload/download path will default to
that chosen in the above steps.
You can make the above automatic for each new session of Interlink
by using the Recorder. Just include the above steps when making your
STARTUP.REC
Setting Paths:
Interlink remembers many File Selector Paths. For instance, you load
the buffer from a folder on drive D: called TEXT. If you go to load
the buffer again, your path is already set to Drive D:\TEXT, Interlink
stored your path. Below is a list of the separate Paths that Interlink
remembers:
Load Buffer-Save Buffer-Save Block
Upload/Download (Path button in file transfer window)
Recorder (Play and Record)
Load-Save Phone dialer file
Emulation Mode (Style/Features)
Call Logging (Global setup)
Translation Table (Load-Save)
Execute Program
Disk Functions (Path Button in Window for all functions)
Most of these paths are set (at run time) by Interlink to the root of
the default drive (the drive Interlink is run from). Some like the
Dialer file are set to the folder and drive that Interlink is run from.
You may set these paths yourself by using the STARTUP.REC feature built
into Interlink. Upload/Download and Disk Functions have path buttons
to set their path and both may be set using the method described in
the section, Setting Upload and Download paths:.
The other paths may be set using a trick that takes advantage of the
GEM file selector box. Just include the following steps (for each
path you want to set ) when you make your STARTUP recording:
1) Bring up the File Selector Box.
Bring up the file selector box for the feature whose path
you want to set.
2) Select your drive.
In order to change drives you must select the drive letter by
clicking on the arrows on either side of the Drive Letter box
(in the lower left hand corner of the File Selector). You must
then click ONCE on the drive letter box to cause the new drive
to actually be selected. (double clicking will not select but
will show free space remaining on that drive)
3) Select folder.
Once you have selected the drive you may select folders, etc.
to establish your path. Just click on the folder (folders have
headers that look like a reverse diamond). To exit a folder
just click on the button to the left of the bar at the top of
the file display window (the bar that looks like the top border
of a GEM window).
You may also select drive and path by typing a valid path value
into the Path Line in the upper area of the file selector, but,
that will not actually select a path until you click on the BAR
above the file display window (the bar that looks like the top
border of a GEM window).
4) Press the Escape key to clear the select line at the bottom of
the file selector box.
5) Click on OK at the bottom right of the File selector box.
The path for GEM file selector window will not be set until you click
on the OK button, the trick here is that there is nothing on the select
line at the bottom of the window so nothing is selected but the path.
Got a question? Give us a call!
INTERSECT SOFTWARE
3951 Sawyer Road - Suite 108
Sarasota, Florida, 33583
TOLL FREE: 800-826-0130 In Fla. 813-923-8774
INTERLINK ** REVOLVER ** MUSIC CONSTRUCTION SET
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ST-REPORT Issue #46 AUG. 1, 1988 (c)'88 APEInc. All Rights Reserved.
Reprint permission granted except where noted in the article. Any reprint
must include ST-Report and the author in the credits. Views Presented
herein are not necessarily those of ST-Report or of the Staff.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
