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Syndicate ZMagazine Issue 184
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ZMAG/A\ZINE - THE ORIGINAL ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 4, 1990
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-Your Weekly Atari and 8-Bit News Source- Issue #184
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Published by Rovac Editor - Ron Kovacs Asst Editor - John Nagy
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CONTENTS
EDITORS DESK ......Ron Kovacs
Z*NET NEWSWIRE...............
GLENDALE ATARI SHOW INFO.....
DAISY DOT III LABELS.........
8-BIT PD UPDATE..............
XF551 HARDWARE MODIFICATION..
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| THE EDITORS DESK |*|
|*| by Ron Kovacs |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
Well, here we go again. It has been nine months since we released an
issue of ZMAG. There has been numerous requests for 8-bit coverage in
Z*Net Online, but the focus there is ST, TT, and STacy, to name a few.
The coverage for 8-bitters is fading fast and during this year you have
seen the departure of your favorite magazines. The hard copy coverage
may be gone but we are here and look forward to providing you the best
possible support.
This publication will start where we left off in December 1989 with
issue #184. We will start with a bi-weekly format until November and
attempt a weekly release soon after. Weekly release will be determined
by the articles we receive from the readers and other sources. Already
being selected as a source for material is the Puget Sound Atari News
and the JACG newsletter. Since our sister hard copy publication is
currently distributed in some twenty newsletters, I am sure we will be
able to collect more articles in the months ahead.
Each issue will contain the latest Z*Net Newswire especially edited for
8-bit owners. Of course there will be other news appearing from time to
time that we hope you will find interesting. In a survey to be released
shortly, we will poll you for coverage requests. This will help us
focus attention on issues and news that interestes you.
There are a few people already volunteering efforts, and I look forward
to pooling the information and presenting here. If you want to donate
articles, please leave email on the services and the BBS. Regular
columns will be assigned in the next few weeks and a special area each
week for previously released tips and information will appear.
BBS systems carrying the publication are encouraged to leave a message
with their number. The old Z*Magazine list has been deleted along with
the system numbers previously assigned. The revised 1990 edition of the
official ZMAG BBS list will be released as soon as we can get some
numbers on it.
Stay tuned to this page in the weeks ahead on plans and feedback on
suggestions. This new attempot will be a bit more personalized and
contain the latest Atari happenings.
Thanks go to everyone posting the positive messages. Best of luck to
us on this return and hopes for a long life online!
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| Z*NET NEWSWIRE |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
GLENDALE SHOW SETS UP SURPRISES
September 15 & 16 will bring the largest collection of Atari exhibitors
ever to Glendale, California. The vendor list is firming up, and next
week in Z*Net Online, we will have a new all-confirmed compilation of
those who are coming. The Southern California Atari Computer Faire,
Version 4.0b, is being managed by John King Tarpinian, who can be
reached for last minute bookings or other information at (818) 246-7286.
Atari has let it be known that they have some very special things
planned for this show, and even Elie Kenan, new General Manager at
Atari, has taken part in coordinating the advertising for the show in
major papers and on radio. Bob Brodie and many other Atari employees
will be attending.
A first for any show will be a LYNX-LINK PLAYOFF, similar in concept to
the Midi-Maze competitions that have been popular at many events.
Prizes for those competing in the continuous multi-player LYNX games
will include, of course, Lynx game units and lots of game carts.
Late word says that Portfolio developer Xetoerix will display a
remarkable 20 meg hard drive for the palm size Portfolio computer.
New seminars being planned include a hands-on HOTZ MIDI TRANSLATOR
session and a pair of PORTFOLIO -classes-.
FREE TICKETS TO GLENDALE SHOW
John King Tarpinian is offering FREE tickets to the Glendale Atari Show.
Regular admission will be $5.00 each day and only $3.00 for any Atari
user group members with membership identification. In the interests of
helping to support a wide mix and representation of Atari users from
other states, John will also send up to 10 pairs of FREE tickets ($60.00
worth), to any requesting user group based outside of the Southern
California area. Requests should come from a club officer and tickets
are not for resale except to members for the benefit of the club
treasury. Act soon to allow mailing time.
Remember, the show is this September 15 and 16. Call John at (818)
246-7286 at reasonable times. (Pacific Time)
ATARI STE FIXED
Sources close to Atari have let it be known that the hard drive
operation problem in the Atari STe computers has been eradicated
completely in the new production machines now leaving Sunnyvale.
Since no official statement has as yet been made by Atari regarding the
resolution of the nastyu DMA problem, Z*NET has asked Bob Brodie to
investigate and make an official response to our inquiry about it. We
hope to have the last word on this and on the handling of exisiting
machines very soon.
ST-WORLD SENT THE FRAUDULENT FAX
A joint statement is expected shortly from Atari Corp and former
ST-World Magazine owner Richard Tsukiji, explaining that investigation
of the -Bob Brodie FAX- incident has determined that the fax was in fact
sent from the ST-World offices, but from persons unknown. The FAX in
question falsely purported to be from Atari Manager of User Group
Services, Bob Brodie, and urged a boycott of World of Atari shows.
ST-World Magazine offices were closed and Tsukiji was allegedly out
of the state on July 2, 1990, when the FAX was sent.
Tsukiji is said to suspect that disgruntled former ST-World employees
sent the damaging FAX. Tsukiji transferred ownership of the magazine
to several employees for the sum of $1.00, bypassing other employees and
editors who had expected to take over the ST publication.
LYNX OWNERS UPDATE
Are you tired of scanning through page after page of Nintendo stuff in
video game magazines just so you can find a little Lynx news? Don't you
wish there was... oh, I don't know..a newsletter that was devoted solely
to Lynx news and game tips. Well now there is.
APE (Atari Portable Entertainment) is a quarterly newsletter that covers
the Lynx exclusively. The June Premiere issue features Summer Consumer
Electronics Show news, Lynx Game Secrets, tips and hints for California
Games, Blue Lightning, Chip's Challenge, Electrocop, Gates of Zendocon,
and Gauntlet 3.
The editor of APE is Clinton Smith. Smith is an avid Atari game player
and has written several reviews for Atari Explorer and has some coming
up in STart. If you're interested in subscribing now, (you'll receive
the free Premiere issue automatically) send your Check or money order
payable to Clinton Smith for $6.00 to:
APE SUBSCRIPTION
2104 NORTH KOSTNER
CHICAGO,IL 60639
INK CARTRIDGE REBATE
The Haystack Company we will be offering $7.00 for your dispensed Desk
Jet Ink Cartridges. Just send them the empty cartridge, being very
careful not to damage it, and they'll send you a check for $7.00
immediately.
The units are needed for testing. This is a limited time offer since
they are only looking for a fixed amount. Depending on the response,
the offer could expire at any time. However, they will guarentee the
offer until September 23, 1990. Send to:
The Haystack Co.
215 West 88th St.
Room 8G
New York, N.Y. 10024
HP TOLL-FREE HOTLINE
Hewlett-Packard now has a US only toll free telephone number (1-800-233-
5153) that customers can call to determine if their HP LaserJet IIP
printer is one of approx 70,000 manufactured during the early months of
the printer's release that have faulty power supplies. HP will replace
the power supply of affected HP LaserJet IIP printers at no charge.
Customers in Canada should contact their local HP-authorized dealer or
HP customer-service center. The failures do not represent a safety
hazard but will result in a front control panel message -50 NEEDS
SERVICE- that halts operation of the printer.
Owners of this printer purchased before March 1990 are encouraged to
call the toll-free number. Customers who have printers with faulty
power supplies will be given the option to:
- contact their local HP authorized dealer or HP customer-service center
to have the power supply replaced free of charge
- return the printer to HP and receive a remanufactured printer with a
full one-year warranty in exchange
GENIE OFFERS FLAT MONTHLY RATE
The GEnie online service announced last week the introduction of a flat
subscription rate of just $4.95 (US) per month including unlimited, non-
prime time access to more than 100 products and services.
The rate for US access to those GEnie service products/services not
covered under the flat monthly rate has been set at just $6 per hour
during non-prime time for all three access speeds of (300, 1200 and
2400 baud).
The prime time rate will remain at $18 per hour for all three access
speeds. In Canada, the monthly subscription rate is $5.95 (Canadian),
with a non-prime time rate of $8 (Canadian) per hour for all three
access speeds.
The $29.95 sign up fee for the GEnie service also has been eliminated
for all new subscribers effective immediately. If a subscriber does
not like the new service, they can cancel their membership and the GEnie
service will refund the $4.95 subscription fee to them.
NINTENDO UPDATE
Nintendo has launched 3 television commercials which showcase Nintendo's
creative philosophy: having fun through game play transcends all ages.
Incorporating real-life scenarios in all 3 commercials, Nintendo
demonstrates how its Game Boy portable video game system can play a role
in the lifestyles of two disparate age groups: kids and teens, ages
6-17; and adult males, ages 18-49.
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| GLENDALE ATARIFEST |*|
|*| Press Release |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ATARI COMPUTER FAIRE version 4.0b *
* ...also known as -THE GLENDALE SHOW- *
* *
* September 15 and 16, 1990, at the Glendale Civic Auditorium, *
* 1401 Verdugo Road, Glendale, California. Hours are 10 AM - *
* 6 PM Saturday, and 10 AM - 5 PM Sunday. Admission is $5.00, *
* or only $3.00 with any Atari User Group membership I.D. *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Glendale Atari Faire is a User Group sponsored tradition in Southern
California, the West Coast's Premier Atari event since 1986. This will
be the fourth show in five years at the same large auditorium in
Glendale, California, just a few minutes from Burbank Airport and
convenient to all of the metropolitan Los Angeles area. An attendance
of over 4,000 is realistically anticipated, considering previous year's
performances. Last year's Glendale show was cancelled due to
conflicting dates with another show, which was then itself cancelled.
With one month left before the show, organizer John King Tarpinian says
that he is nearly sold out of the original floor space planned for use
in the Glendale Civic Auditorium. He adds that if demand keeps up,
convenient, quality additional space can be arranged. John says that
the developers that appeared at the recent San Jose World of Atari show
are booked for Glendale, plus lots more. Publicity for the Glendale
show, including the vendor list, has been low key until now to avoid
drawing attention away from that San Jose show.
Here is the Glendale Show List of vendors, both of confirmed and
unconfirmed -but likely- to attend. There are 45 of them so far, plus
at least five user groups, making Glendale perhaps the biggest US Atari
show of all time!
ATARI Corporation American Music
Best Electronics Bill Skurski Enterprises
Branch Always Software BRE
Beckmeyer Carter Graphics
CodeHead SoftWare Computer Network
C.O.P. D.A. Brumleve
Datel Double Click
FAST Technology Gadgets by Small
Gold Leaf Gribnif
Groves School of Music ICD
ISD King's Domain
Lexicor MegaMax
Michtron MicroCreations
Mid-Cities Migraph
Neocept Practical Solutions
Safari Fonts S.D.S.
Sierra Seymour-Radix
SliccWare STart
ST Informer ST Journal
Sprokits Supra Corp.
Talon WuzTek
XETOERIX Zubair Interfaces
Z*Net News Service ... and more to come!
Atari Corporation has promised major support including a very large
display of the entire Atari Computer line of products. You can expect
to see LOTS of the ST, STE, MEGA, STACY, PORTFOLIO, LYNX, and even the
TT030 computers. Many of Atari's employees will be on hand to show and
discuss the machines. Advertising and promotion of this user-group show
is being provided through the generousity of Atari.
User Groups will include HACKS, ACES, ACAOC, NOCCC, SBACE, BACE, and
more. Volunteers from the groups will be providing the support for the
entire show, including setup, loading and unloading, security, and
staffing. They will also be available for short periods to assist
vendors in their booths. All volunteers will be given a custom Canvas
Tote Bag and Sun Visor (this is California!) with the Atari emblem on
each. These are limited production and will be for volunteers only, NOT
for sale! There will also be three $100 drawings, one each day of the
effort, for volunteers only.
Many seminars are already booked, including several with ATARI's BOB
BRODIE, other officials, and technical support people. Other seminars
that are planned at this time:
* Desktop Publishing with CALAMUS - Nathan Potechin of ISD
* Software Speeding up the ST/TT - Darek Mihocka of BRA-SOFT
* Int. Assoc. of Atari Developers - Nathan Potechin, Chairperson
* INTRODUCING NEODESK 3 - Rick Flashman of Gribnif
* DAVE SMALL TALKS/MAC EMULATION - Dave Small of Gadgets by Small
* NEW FROM CODEHEAD - Charles F. Johnson of CodeHead Software
* Kids and Atari Computers -
* PC Emulation -
* ST Magazines and Online Newsletters -
...with more to be added and announced at the show.
Door prizes, including a wide variety of software, accessories, and
computer paraphanalia, will be awarded every hour, with some extra
special drawings as well.
Lodging information: The Burbank Hilton weekend rate is $59 per day.
This hotel is adjacent to the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport, and
will be where the Atari Corporation employees will be staying. Contact
the Burbank Hilton at 818-843-6000. The Glendale Holiday Inn is the
closest hotel to the show itself, and the weekend rate is $89 per day.
Contact the Holiday Inn at 818-965-0202. These rates and hotels are
neither endorsed or guaranteed by the organizers. Neither hotel is
within walking distance to the Auditorium. This is Los Angeles, folks..
expect to use CARS. Don't worry about traffic jams in this area,
however.
Directions to the show (once you have found Glendale, which is a
Northern central suburb of Los Angeles): Take the Mountain exit of the
-2- freeway and go West (down the hill) one block. Or, from the -134-
freeway, take the Glendale Avenue exit, and go North one mile (Glendale
Ave will become Verdugo Road). The Glendale Civic Auditorium, 1401
Verdugo Road, is on the NORTH side of Verdugo. Large parking lots are
on the WEST side of the building, with metered parking for TEN CENTS AN
HOUR.
The final booth sales, seminar schedule, and advertising space in the
program are being arranged now. More information is available from the
show organizer, John King Tarpinian, 818-246-7286, or by mail at 246
North Brand #321, Glendale, California, 91203.
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| PRINTNIG 3 1/2- X 15/16- |*|
|*| LABELS WITH DAISY-DOT III |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
by Roy Goldman
(This document assumes familiarity with the Daisy-Dot III near letter
quality printing system. For information about DD3 send a SASE to Roy
Goldman, 2440 S Jasmine, Denver, CO 80222)
COPY THIS FILE TO YOUR PRINTER (P:)
INTRODUCTION
------------
One of the new features of Daisy-Dot III is variable page length
support, which allows the program to keep track of pages regardless of
page size, font or line spacing combination used.
The DD3 Print Processor Customizer restricts the minimum page length to
288/72- (4-) to avoid possible problems caused by top/bottom margin
overlap and printing of large fonts with large line spacing.
Unfortunately, this restriction makes it difficult to effectively print
popular continuous form 3 1/2- X 15/16- labels (with 1/16- between
labels).
The following suggested modifications set the page length to 1- for
proper control of these labels. But as a price for this flexibility,
the user must become responsible for setting both the top and bottom
margins to zero and making sure that font and line spacing sizes aren't
too large when creating the labels. I recommend that you apply these
modifications to a copy of DD3PP to be used ONLY for labels and that you
continue to use a copy of DD3PP configured by the unmodified customizer
for every other printing application.
MODIFICATIONS
-------------
Enter BASIC in your system, and type:
LOAD -Dn:PPCUSTOM.BAS-
where n is the drive containing an unmodified copy of the Print
Processor Customizer.
You need modify only two lines, 6010 and 6020, so type:
LIST 6010,6020
Change the 288 in line 6010 to 72 and press [RETURN].
Change the 287 in line 6020 to 71, change the 98 in line 6020 to 70, and
press [RETURN].
To double check the changes, type:
LIST 6010,6020
again. They should look like this:
6010 POSITION 2,17:? -Page Length (72-1008/72-;CHR$(34);-):-;:INPUT TEMP
6020 IF TEMP>71 AND TEMP<1009 AND TOP+BOT+70<TEMP AND TEMP=INT(TEMP)THEN
LENGTH=TEMP
Next, save the file under a different name. Try:
SAVE -Dn:PPCLABEL.BAS-
where n is the destination drive.
Next, run the customizer by typing:
RUN [RETURN]
Make sure you change the following settings on the customizer menu, in
the order listed:
Enter T, 0, and [RETURN].
Enter B, 0, and [RETURN].
Enter N, 72, and [RETURN].
Enter W, 120, and [RETURN].
You might as well also change the left and right margins; I suggest
setting both to zero (a zero setting will still provide the -built-in-
1/4- inch margins):
Enter E, 0, and [RETURN].
Enter R, 0, and [RETURN].
Next, press [L] and specify the location of the DD3PP file to be
modified.
(Any other settings not specified above may be changed as desired.)
Finally, press [SPACE] to customize the program.
MAKING A LABEL
--------------
Here's a sample session for creating and printing several copies of an
address label.
Run your word processor and type:
\cRoy Goldman [RETURN]
2440 South Jasmine [RETURN]
Denver, CO 80222 [RETURN]
Save the file as LABEL. Use this basic technique for every label--
experiment to see how many lines of your favorite font will fit on a
label. Almost every DD3 feature can be used within a label.
WARNING: Never modify the top or bottom margins.
WARNING: Make sure that the combined height of a font and the line
spacing is always less than an inch (i.e. avoid quadruple height fonts
and avoid large line spacing values).
Run the copy of DD3PP modified earlier. Specify MADRID as the font
(after inserting the appropriate disk) and LABEL as the text file.
Insert the label form into your printer and press [START] to print.
If the address isn't vertically aligned correctly within the label,
change the alignment manually and try again. Continue this process
until it is vertically centered within the label. Once the first one is
okay, press C, 5, [RETURN], and [START] to print five more copies.
CONCLUSION
----------
By following the suggestions in this document, DD3 can be used to easily
print labels.
In most cases, the page control feature is very accurate. However, with
some fonts, there may be very small alignment discrepancies between
labels that could become apparent if too many labels are printed at one
time.
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| 8-BIT PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE |*|
|*| by Ron Kovacs |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
* GEM.ARC - Printer utility to setup your printer from DOS. Uses
Sparta command line with parameter passing or a menu with less capable
DOS's. Written in ACTION! with source for easy reconfiguring with
other printers.
* APACSHW2.OBJ - Latest version of APACSHOW, the slide show program.
This version works correctly with DOS 2.0/2.5, displays in an
interlaced mode, (gets rid of those annoying black lines in APAC),
and fixes a few other bugs.
* APACVW20.ARC - Latest version of APACVIEW decodes and displays GIF
images in APAC (256 color) mode. It also allows you to create color-
separations (.R, .G, .B) for viewing with COLRVIEW in 80 x 192
resolution with 4096 colors. This version also has some additional
fixes noted in the doc file.
* SPLIB12.ARC - Sparta Library 1.2. Disk cataloger program. Runs under
SpartaDOS only. Reads SpartaDOS, DOS 2.x, maybe MYDOS, disks.
Features automatic subdirectory reads, describes and sorts by volume
name, subdirectory name, file name and file description. Fixes bugs
in version 1.1 and contains support files.
* VT52100.DCM - This file is an update to an early version vt52/vt100
terminal emulator. A bug in the old version that affected the
backspace (and a few other keys) in half duplex mode only. This
program is 100% machine language, offers a very complete emulation of
a VT100 as well as VT52 terminal, and has xmodem and ascii file
transfer capabilities.
* MFD35.DCM - This file must be expanded using Diskcomm 3.2 or higher
to create the MFD 3.5 disk. Atari DOS 3 and XL/XE machine required.
This is the newest version of the Master File Directory also known as
the File Organizer. It includes all features of older version plus
more, like the ability to delete unwanted records and new ways to
search records. If you use any one of the older versions (1.5 or 2.0)
you need, along with this file, the upgrade kit. New users only need
this one. You MUST read the docs before using the program because it
can't be used as it comes from the archive. Some setup is needed
before using the program for the first time. Due to a minor quirk
related to screen handling (which DOES NOT affect program operation)
you should hold OPTION during boot-up even though the docs tell you
this isn't necessary. Not doing this may produce annoying garbage in
the screen when you search records. This can also be fixed by re-
starting the program by pressing RESET once it has booted.
Documentation is NOT included in this archive.
* MFD35DOC.ARC - This file contains the docs for the new Master File
Directory 3.5. If you use any of the older versions be sure to get
the upgrade kit.
* UPGRADEKIT.ARC - This is intended only for users of the older versions
of the Master File Directory also known as the File Organizer. This
archive contains a program that will convert the data files you use
with your older version to the format used in the new 3.5 version.
Included are the docs to this program. You need to have Atari DOS 3
and XL/XE machine with at least 64K.
* PSDEMO.ARC - ARC file with PS icon fonts and a text file demonstrates
how to incorporate Print Shop icons (converted with PSTODD3B) into
documents to be printed with Daisy-Dot III. Included are 4 Icon fonts
and a total of over 50 fonts (fancy alphabet, Atari icons, horoscope
and Bart Simpson). The demo itself doesn't require PSTODD3B but does
require the registered version of DD3. You will need PSTODD3 to make
your own icon fonts. From DD3, choose ROMAN2 as the initial font and
TEST.TXT as the text file. Make sure all other font files in ARC file
(*.NL?) are on the default drive. Demo prepared by John McGowan from
Columbia, MO.
* SLOGRO.ARC - A model of diffusion limited aggregation: a particle is
released from the edge of a circle and wanders on a random walk until
it hits a central dot and becomes -stuck- in place. This continues
with additional particles until a -dust-ball- of accumualted dots
fills the screen. This program is released by the author to
demonstrate one of the educational disks available from Bresnik
Software.
* BASICMOD.COM - Change BASIC rev. B to C; quiet the noise during disk
access; speed key repeat; increase screen contrast; autoload a program
in BASIC that is named -HELLO- [no extension]. This program loads
into memory on page 6 and is protected against -RESET-.
* THEPLAYR.ARC - The Music Player plays AMS I or AMS II tunes. If you
have a 2nd pokey installed it will play in 16-bit stereo, 8-bit
stereo, or 8-bit mono. Up to 69 files can be seen on the screen.
Autoplay, Tag, Untag, and Play Tagged are some of the options. You
can switch modes (16-bit S, 8-bit S, or 8-bit M) while a tune is
playing. The name of the song being played is displayed on the piano
screen. This is a GOOD AMS player. If you haven't done Chuck's Gumby
upgrade yet, this should give you a reason to.
These files are available on the services and locals BBS systems.
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| XF551 8-BIT HARDWARE MOD |*|
|*| A Project by Mike Stevens |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
(Reprinted from the Puget Sound Atari News, April 1990)
Well, I think I've found the ultimate disk drive for the 8-bit computer.
I'm the AUGIE 8-bit Librarian and that means I handle a lot of disks
which takes a lot of time and disk space. Since time is money, as the
saying goes, I am always on the look out for anything that will save me
some of either. Well, when I heard about the XF35 kit from Innovative
Concepts, I was a little skeptical. But I thought, -If it works, boy,
oh boy, will I have it made!-
The IC ad said, -Now XF551 owners can convert their drive to the newer
3.5- format and have a massive 720K of storage! Works with MYDOS,
SpartaDOS, and the SpartaDOS X cartridge. Excellent for BBS use, hard
drive backup, or use as a mini-hard drive!- The kit includes an upgrade
ROM chip, adapting cables and complete instructions. The 3.5- drive was
not part of the kit nor did I need it to be. Here in Southern
California we have a lot of electronic swap meets and the one I went to
for my 3.5 drive is the -General Dynamics HAM Radio swap meet-. At this
swap meet you can find almost anything in the area of electronics,
computers and accessories. I found a seller who had three Cannon 3.5-
DD-DS disk drives that he was willing to just about give away. So I
gave him $10.00 for all three. One worked perfectly, another one
wouldn't format every time but otherwise worked fine, the last one will
be good for parts.
Anyway, after a phone call to IC, and a week's wait, I had my kit and
all the rest of the parts I needed to install the new 3.5- drive in my
XF551. Everything went in just like it was supposed to. I'm sure glad
that IBM parts are all pretty much standardized. One change I would
recommend, however, is not desoldering the cable connector from the
printed circuit board. You're just asking for problems if you aren't
really good at that sort of thing. Instead, just pry the top clip off
of the connector and firmly press the new cable (the one in the kit)
into place. Then put the clip back on the connector. It is really that
simple.
The kit instructions gives you the option of either leaving your 5.25-
drive mechanism in the case and installing the 3.5- drive externally, or
replacing the 5.25- drive mechanism with the 3.5- drive by use of an
adapter. I chose the internal option because I already own an AMDEC
with four IBM type 5.25- DD-DS disk drives attached to it. In fact the
XF551's drive mechanism is now number one on the AMDEC.
The instructions were clear and easy to follow. I really appreciate
someone who takes the time to write good directions, since it makes all
the difference in the world between a project like this being a pleasure
or a nightmare. In this case I'll brag about these instructions and say
that they make this Mod 'a piece of cake'.
Now to the good stuff: Using the modified XF551 or XF35 as it's called.
I can't say enough about the practical aspects of this drive setup.
After some experimentation I decided to use SpartaDOS and DiskCom
together for my software. What I wanted to do was have the club's
library available anytime without having to carry three or four hundred
disks around with me all the time. As it worked out I've been able to
put four to five double-sided 5.25- disks on each 3.5- disk. The
combination of SpartaDOS and Disk Com means that I can read and
duplicate in virtually any density or DOS situation I come across. I
love it! I now only need to keep sixty or so 3.5- disks handy and they
are little disks at that. I ask you, can it get any better? It's
easier than carrying around a hard drive. Let's see .... 737K times 60
plus disks, ummm, well I'm sure it's more than 30 megs.
Another really great application for the XF35 is in telecommunications.
SpartaDOS plus the Express 212 program handles the XF35 drive like a
dream. I can up- or down-load huge files (compressed ARCed or text)
with the greatest of ease. By the way, Text Pro 3.2r also loves the
XF35. I haven't begun to scratch the surface of the potential
applications for this wondrous modification. -XF35- where have you been
all my 8-bit life? I just love it!
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Z*Magazine Atari 8-Bit Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1990, Rovac Industries, Inc..
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