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Z*NET Online Magazine Issue 535
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Z*NET ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE - AUGUST 31, 1990 - ISSUE #535
Your Weekly Atari News Source
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Published by Rovac Editor: Ron Kovacs Asst Editor: John Nagy
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Staff Columnists: Jon Clarke, Terry Schreiber, Terry May
Advertising: John King Tarpinian Distribution: Bruce Hansford
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CONTENTS
Z*NET NEWSWIRE.........................................................
PORTFOLIO PD UPDATE..........................................Ron Kovacs
10 COMMANDMENTS OF TELECOMMUNICATING...................................
Z*NET SYSOPS CORNER...........................................Terry May
Z*NET ECHOES............................................Terry Schreiber
8-BIT PD UPDATE..............................................Ron Kovacs
Happy Labor Day!
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|*| 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 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". Look for more detail next week in Z*Net.
=> 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 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 respons to our inquiry about it.
We hope to have the last word on this and on the handling of
exisiting machines by next week.
=> 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
factsent 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.
=> ICD ADSPEED TECH INFO - From GEnie ST Roundtable Topic 4 Cat 16
AdSpeed ST has been tested with and is fully compatible with Spectrum
512 in the 8 Mhz mode! We have also successfully tested AdSpeed ST
with Calamus, Omikron BASIC, and other software. No blitters have
caused any problems but we are still searching for some of the
elusive "bad" blitters to test. If you have one you would like to
sell or trade, please leave me EMAIL (ICDINC). Big screen monitors
will be tested shortly.
Quick Index 2.1 was used to run the following benchmarks (the same
times also result using Quick Index 1.5) The computer under test was
a USA version Mega 2 with TOS 1.4 using floppy disk drive A: With
the Blitter OFF and AdSpeed ST in 16 Mhz mode and no resident
software loaded.
CPU memory 164% CPU register 204% CPU divide 203%
CPU shifts 207% DMA 64K read 100% GEMDOS files 100%
Disk (RPM) 300 TOS text 161% TOS string 158%
TOS scroll 114% GEM dialog 166%
With the Blitter ON and AdSpeed ST in 16 Mhz mode and no resident
software loaded.
CPU memory 164% CPU register 204% CPU divide 203%
CPU shifts 207% DMA 64K read 100% GEMDOS files 100%
Disk (RPM) 300 TOS text 122% TOS string 123%
TOS scroll 133% GEM dialog 163%
With the Blitter OFF and AdSpeed ST in 16 Mhz mode and Turbo ST 1.82
loaded.
CPU memory 164% CPU register 204% CPU divide 203%
CPU shifts 207% DMA 64K read 100% GEMDOS files 100%
Disk (RPM) 300 TOS text 521% TOS string 2001%
TOS scroll 144% GEM dialog 461%
With the Blitter ON and AdSpeed ST in 16 Mhz mode and Turbo ST 1.82
loaded.
CPU memory 164% CPU register 204% CPU divide 203%
CPU shifts 207% DMA 64K read 100% GEMDOS files 100%
Disk (RPM) 300 TOS text 521% TOS string 2001%
TOS scroll 137% GEM dialog 438%
With the Blitter OFF and AdSpeed ST in 8 Mhz mode and no resident
software loaded.
CPU memory 100% CPU register 100% CPU divide 100%
CPU shifts 100% DMA 64K read 100% GEMDOS files 100%
Disk (RPM) 300 TOS text 100% TOS string 100%
TOS scroll 100% GEM dialog 100%
With the Blitter ON and AdSpeed ST in 8 Mhz mode and no resident
software loaded.
CPU memory 100% CPU register 100% CPU divide 100%
CPU shifts 100% DMA 64K read 100% GEMDOS files 100%
Disk (RPM) 300 TOS text 110% TOS string 106%
TOS scroll 132% GEM dialog 133%
=> STACY POWER SUPPLY
Tired of lugging that power supply around for your Stacy? Most
people will never run their Stacy on batteries due to the short duty
cycle. You now can have your power supply mounted inside the battery
case and use a standard power cable to plug in your unit. This
modification leaves your present power plug available for use in
other applications such as a car cigarette lighter and gives you the
alternate plug for running on standard current. For further info:
Quay Computers, Unit 233b, 810 Quayside Drive, New Westminster B.C.,
V3M 6B9
=> ENVIROMENTAL ATARI
Delta Controls, a major supplier of heating and air-conditioning
units for large office complexes has developed new software for the
Portfolio. Using the Portfolio's serial interface and connecting to
the buildings environment system, the user is supplied with all
programming data such as area temperatures, run cycle time, duty
cycle time, on/off times for each floor and/or rooms. The unit can
even tell if it is functioning properly through it's own self-test
mode. The temperatures can then be adjusted to maximum efficiency
for occupancy and energy conservation. Data can then be stored in
the Portfolio and transfered to a PC via the card drive for storage
or further analysis in a graphical representation of the building.
=> 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 for
$6.00 to:
APE SUBSCRIPTION
2104 NORTH KOSTNER
CHICAGO,IL 60639
CHECKS AND MONEY ORDERS MUST BE MADE OUT TO CLINTON SMITH.
=> INK CARTRIDGE REBATE
The Haystack Company we will be offering $7.00 for your dispensed
Desk Jet Ink Cartridges. Just send us the empty cartridge, being
very careful not to damage it, and we'll send you a check for $7.00
immediately. The units are needed for testing. This is a limited
time offer since we only need 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.
=> APPLE TO INTRODUCE NEW LOW-COST MAC
Apple responded to criticism regarding the pricing of its Macintosh
computers by planning to introduce three models in October including
a version expected to sell for less than $1,000. Apple has not
disclosed prices or details about the new machines.
=> SEARS OFFERING NEW IBM PS/1
Sears rolled out the IBM PS/1 in about 800 Sears Brand Central
stores and 60 Sears Business Systems Centers. Sears will also
introduce the PS/1 in its catalog, which will be issued to 12.3
million households in September.
=> HP INTRODUCES DESKJET 500
Hewlett-Packard introduced an improved, lower-priced HP DeskJet
printer this week labled the HP DeskJet 500. This printer replaces
the HP DeskJet PLUS and DeskJet printers and will be priced at $729.
The HP DeskJet 500 printer will be offering more fonts and better
font spacing, water-resistant ink and compatibility with Microsoft
Windows 3.0.
=> 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
=> NEW MOTOROLA 68300
Motorola announced the 68331 (331), the newest member of the 68300
family for embedded control this week. The 331 is similar to
Motorola's 68332 (332) with cost saving changes which allow Motorola
to make 32-bit power available to cost-sensitive applications.
Motorola also announced reduced pricing for the 332 and a new
development system for the 68300 family. The 68331 is sampling now
and is priced at $36 in 1K quantities.
=> GENIE OFFERS FLAT MONTHLY RATE
The GEnie online service announced this week the introduction of a
flat subscription rate of just $4.95 (U.S.) 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.
=> COMPAQ COMPUTER PROBLEMS
Compaq's notebook-sized laptop computers have been developing
hairline cracks after a couple of months of use. The cracks are
developing along the sides of the LTE and the LTE 286 models, which
were introduced in October 1989. The tiny fractures are the first
widespread defect Compaq has experienced on a product shipped to the
market. Compaq is reimbursing dealers for replacement of the plastic
cases on the laptop machines and until a cause is found, Compaq has
extended the one-year warranty on the computers an extra year to
cover the plastic case.
=> NINTENDO UPDATE
Nintendo has launched three television commercials which showcase
Nintendo's creative philosophy: having fun through game play
transcends all ages. Incorporating real-life scenarios in all three
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.
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|*| PORTFOLIO PD UPDATE |*|
|*| by Ron Kovacs |*|
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Filename: MACPF9.SIT
This is a MacWrite 5.0 document that explains how to use a Portfolio
with a Macintosh. Included in this file are tips on using Mac
utilities to extract ARC and ZIP archives.
Filename: MUSICJ.ZIP
Three short music pieces in PBASIC 2.1. Included are Bach, Beethoven,
Happy Birthday along with a text file on how they were written.
Filename: ADDRES.SIT
This Hypercard Address Book provides a means to export addresses into a
format that can be ported directly into the Portfolio Address Book.
Filename: PBAS21.ZIP
PBASIC 2.1.. Fixes the bugs in 2.0 and adds a few new statements: DATA,
READ and RESTORE, for the Portfolio.
Filename: TETRAD.EXE
This is Tetrad7, a Tetris-like game for the Portfolio with a twist:
The player has the option of changing the keys used to control the
pieces and also which direction (left or right) the pieces fall.
Documentation in not included in this file and available seperatly.
Filename: A86V32.ZIP
This is A86 version 3.22 which will work on the Portfolio. Earlier
versions of this assembler would not (they would cause a system crash
on reboot.) This is a powerful, fast and small (26k) assembler that is
very well documented.
Filename: PVIEW.COM
A Page Preview program. Will display the text as dots, much like the
thumb nail display on Wordstar. Two pages per screen, any key to
display the next two pages, <ESC> to exit. Not arced.
Filename: SPELLP.ZIP
The is a small dictionary program. It needs 70k of disk space and 90k
of memory to run, but has a built in dictionary of 40k words. Displays
the mispelled words and what line they are on. You might want to set
the screen to tracked mode so you can scroll back in the list.
Filename: ADDTIM.BAS
A small PBASIC program to add up running times. Helpful to those
involved in broadcasting and entertainment production. Very
straightforward. NOTE: Modified to run under PBASIC 2.1
Filename: PCHESS.ZIP
Portfolio Chess, version 1.0. Based on Qchess.
Filename: SM.COM
A simple program to set the display mode to STATIC, NORMAL or TRACKED
from the command line or inside a batch file. If in a batch file,
recommend that you place a CLS instruction immeditaly before it.
eg: SM S to set to static. by BJ Gleason, Thin Air Labs.
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|*| 10 COMMANDMENTS |*|
|*| OF TELECOMMUNICATING |*|
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1. Read all notices. Including New User notices, system bulletins
and messages left by the Sysop in the message base to the users.
This is where you learn about how the system runs and when
changes are made.
2. Follow the rules. You are a guest in the Sysops/Owners computer.
The Owner has a right to set the rules just as you have a right
to set house rules for your guests. Alot of systems are set up
for a particular reason. It is not polite to try to force your
way in someone else's system.
3. Take your time and use the menus. Almost all BBS systems allow
you to enter something like ? when you need a Menu. Some also
have a "panic" command like "Menu" that brings you back to the
Main Menu if you get lost. Most things are clear if you take
your time. One suggestion is the first time you get on try all
the choices on the Menus to wee what they do.
4. Leave a message once in awhile. If nothing else say something
about yourself. Someone has to start talking before a
conversation can get going. I've seen a lot of conversations on
BBS systems start with "Why did you buy a computer/ modem?".
Only going to the File sections of a BBS is like going to a
party and sitting by yourself at the food and eating. Sounds
kind of strange when put that way.
5. Keep your language and discussions clean and legal! BBS systems
are used by all kinds of people of all ages. Unless the Sysop
has a Smoking section...don't smoke. Before you type something
ask yourself if you would say it in Church. That's a good rule
of thumb. You can express yourself without getting vulgar, can't
you? It only start the ball rolling to worse things.
6. Type in lower case and take your time. HAVE YOU EVEN TRIED TO
READ SOMETHING TYPED IN ALL UPPER CASE. ALSO HAVE YOU EVER TRIED
TO READ SOMETHING THAT HAD ALOT OF TYPOS. THIS IS USUALLY DUE TO
THE FACT THAT THE PERSON TRIED TO BE A SUPERTYPER AND TYPE FASTER
THAN THEY COULD. ALSO ITS A SIGN THAT THE PERSON WAS TO LAZY TO
CORRECT THE MISTAKES. Grammar is only important to the extent
that other users can understand what you are trying to get across.
It's not a term paper or formal letter, but we would all like to
understand what you are saying.
7. Stay on the topic. If you change the topic, change the message
header. All BBS system message bases that allow this. If the
message base you are in is about ST Support, talk about something
to do with ST Support.
8. If you find a good PD or Shareware program upload it to the proper
section. This is how the new programs got there that you see.
Either someone uploaded it to a BBS that the Sysop calls or
someone uploaded it to this BBS. Someone was nice enough to see
that you got it. Alot of people only call a few BBS systems and
don't come across programs that the others don't have. We are not
all rich. Just upload when you have them and use the message base
also.
9. Don't use BBS systems that allow stolen software. This will hurt
you in the long run. Do you want to see a computer system die
fast? Then you will have a $1000 paper weight on your hands.
Would you work for free?
10. Last but not least, leave the Sysop(s) suggestions and comments
nicely. They, like all people, do not like to be commanded to do
something, or being cursed at, because the download section is
acting up. You can be sure if the suggestion is worth while it
will appear.
-Author Unknown
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|*| Z*NET SYSOP'S CORNER |*|
|*| by Terry May |*|
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The last issue of each month, starting with this issue, I'm going to be
taking a break from the normal Public Domain/Shareware reviews and write
a column for SysOps. I've been running a BBS since October '85,
starting with the infamous BBCS software for the 8-bits, graduating from
there to BBS Express! 850, then BBS Express! ST and currently STark,
with a small stop with MichTron 3.0 along the way.
Sysoping remains my greatest love in computers, and hopefully this
column will reflect that, though it's not my intention to gloss over
anything. Each month I'll be covering the latest BBS news, including
reviews of the latest BBS software, utilities, games, etc. If any of
you sysops have anything to add, by all means let us know!
STark Authors 'Charged' With Credit Card Fraud
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The big news these days is the news from Twilight Zone Software (TZS)
that they (the two authors of STark) have been charged with illegal use
of a credit card number. TZS had previously maintained their problems
(there hasn't been an update since early April) were the result of
hardware failures due to a lightning storm.
TZS originally consisted of David Brown and Jason Dickens. David and
Jason have since had a falling out, leaving TZS with David by himself.
David is now accusing Jason (a minor) of falsely supplying him with the
credit card number, telling David the number belonged to him (Jason).
David further contends that the Kentucky legal system wants to make an
example in this case, and since Jason is a minor, they are going after
him, instead.
It's hard to know whether David is lying or just plain naive -- I would
have a difficult time believing that a minor could have his own credit
card. In any event, the case goes to trial in November. In the
meantime, David is without the source code to STark, making updates
impossible. I feel STark is potentially the finest BBS software for
ANY computer, so I certainly hope this is resolved soon -- for the good
of all ST sysops.
Jason Strautman [*> Second Generation <*] Commercial: $70
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GEnie: SGDEMO.ARC (#16228) CIS (PRO): SGDEMO.ARC, SSGFEA.TXT
Second Generation (SG) is the latest entry into the ever growing ST BBS
software market. It is very new in the development stages, and as such,
any criticisms will possibly be corrected as the program matures.
It's extremely difficult to get a handle on this program. While it has
an abundance of features, it's not very user-friendly, even for an
experienced BBS caller (not to mention sysop) such as myself. It is
also very sluggish, both from the caller's perspective and the sysop's
(using the demo). I tend to think the user-friendliness problem could
be overcome by a good sysop (Jason seems to be better at programming
than actual sysoping). Hopefully the sluggish problem will be
corrected as the program develops.
The program revolves entirely around a script language, the 'brain'
being a MENU.CTL file that tells SG what to do. SG's script language
does not appear to be a full fledged language, as with Express and
MichTron, but rather a simple command processor. In other words, don't
expect to do anything fancy, like games and such with this language.
Still, there is a lot of room for customization with this script
language.
SG allows you to have multiple SIGs, with each SIG containing its own
message bases and file sections. It's like having multiple BBSes
within your BBS! Of course, each SIG can have its own sysop. Imagine
having an entire BBS devoted to the ST, another to the IBM, etc. -- each
one almost transparent to the other.
I could go on and on about SG's features and shortcomings, but it would
be like writing a novel! Suffice it to say, this is a POWERFUL program,
but with some annoying shortcomings. It seems to be geared more towards
the 'power sysop' than the rookie, what with all the files to edit, and
the script language. If you are just starting out, you're probably
better of with something like Express. Otherwise, I urge you to take a
look at the demo and see if SG is for you!
Joe Blenke [*> Cows v7.0 <*] Freeware
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GEnie: COWS_70.LZH Grade: USDA! CIS (ART): COWS70.LZH
Cows is a text adventure full of graphic violence and borderline adult
language. It is highly offensive to animal lovers, puritans, cows and
k.d. lang. If none of those apply to you, you're going to LOVE it!
Cows should run on virtually any BBS software that allows 'doors,'
though some might require the caller to manually enter their name. It
is chalk full of humor, and if you're not easily offended, chances are
you're going to find yourself laughing throughout; or at least smiling!
The object of the game is to infiltrate the "Moovian Cow Base" and blow
up their secret weapon. Along the way you are confronted with guards of
the cow persuasion. Cows are not real intelligent, so even if you are a
dimwit, chances are you'll get by the guards, usually by removing them
in a graphically described manner. In fact, I've found the secret to
higher scores is to NOT try to win, but rather do what's FUNNY!
Cows v7.0 - "Nothing fancy, but then cows are stupid anyway"
*** MONTHLY SYSOP'S CONFERENCE ON GENIE -- SAT 1 SEP 6:00PM PST ***
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| Z*NET ECHOES |*|
|*| by Terry Schreiber |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
ATONCE 286 AT EMULATION
General Specs from the manual
-----------------------------
- 16 bit, 8MHz 80286 CPU
- Norton factor 6.7
- 704kb DOS-Memory (in ST's with at least 1 MB RAM)
- up to 3 MB(e.g. Mega ST 4) Expanded/Extended memory for example as
RAM-DISK or as RAM for certain programs
- Administration of up to 24 GEM-DOS-compatable partitions under DOS
- DOS can be booted directly from one of these partitions
- Supports hard disk and removable hard disk subsystems (for example
votex HDplus, vortex DataJet) (Ed.note: commonly refered to as
Syquest mechanism)
- Video-Emulations: CGA, Hercules, Toshiba T3100, Olivetti (with the
Atari color monitor CGA only)
- Use of the Atari Mouse as Micro-soft-Mouse (on COM1 as well as COM2)
- Supports the parallel and serial interface
- Complete integration of the internal 3.5" floppy drive as 720KB DOS
floppy drive, as well as one external 3.5" or 5.25" as 720KB/360KB
DOS floppy drive
- Sound support
- Adapter for 1040STE and Mega ST (optional extra)
The first striking this about this product is the guarantee.
"Votex guarantees that on leaving the premises of vortex the product is
in a faultless condition and is manufactured to the product
specifications. No further guarantee is given."
With this in mind I suggest that you have an experienced tech install
this unit, although I did install my own and it took about 35 minutes.
The manual is quite informative as to the install in all the Atari
product line excepting the Stacy. The size of the ATonce makes it an
instant sell in the Stacy as the board measures 2 3/4" X 3 1/4" by
5/8" height requirements.
After the install I did find that being used to Supercharger and it's
handling of GEM partitions I became spoiled. All partitions to be used
as DOS partitions need to be formatted under dos therefore making most
drives need re-formatting and/or re-partitioned for the size that you
need. A 16 meg partition is the maximum you are allowed.
After the install you are ready to boot. There is a noticeable
difference in speed in the boot-time as compared with the Supercharger,
the ATonce is about 1/3 faster.
As for benchmarks and speed checks I didn't do any but the speed
increase is very noticeable. I tried it on both color and monochrome
and the color was somewhat lacking. A future upgrade to some software
emulations for color would be nice so that you can run Hercules and EGA,
VGA would also be nice but I would, for now be satisfied with Hercules.
Running Better Working's "Eight-in One" software I connected a modem and
Voila'- connect 9600 ARQ to a local system. As for Atari Laser printer,
the manual doesn't state anything regarding the laser. I will try it
out in the next week and see what happens, hopefully it will work as
well as the Supercharger.
FNET UPDATE
Personal conflicts continue to flare in messages through-out the F-Net.
As in reported in last weeks issue (Z-Net 533) the arguements for and
against Atari continue but something new has been added.
Each cross-net message base or sig (special interest group) has it's own
lead node or main B.B.S. which hosts the conference. The sysop's job as
lead node is to keep the messages of that base on topic, not at all an
easy task.
Due to some conflicts between users and lead nodes some sysops (bulletin
board system operators) are pulling the plug on some bases and some have
even gone the extra mile to re-route their system through other systems.
There has even been some talk of nodes being blacklisted or deleted so
they no longer have a route to many of the major routes. This all may
sound like childish games but it has escalated to a point where I feel
it is worth mentioning.
There has also been some talk of re-routing of most of the network. If
one of the main hub boards should go down or decide that he didn't want
to route anything from a particular conference, he could shut off a base
to a major portion of the network. I do like the hub idea the best as
information is passed along much quicker and more efficiently than an
open network but an alternate plan must be implemented to make sure that
the routes remain open and that no one is capable of cutting off the
flow of messages either by accidental or deliberate.
Plans are going into effect to direct connect to three of the main hubs
and should provide a small buffer to any of the problems that the net
might encounter.
All F-Net nodes are invited to join the Z-Net Online conference current
lead node is #448 Crash St BBS - conference code 20448.
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
|*| 8-BIT PUBLIC DOMAIN UPDATE |*|
|*| by Ron Kovacs |*|
|*||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||*|
(Reprinted from ZMagazine Issue #184)
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.
ERIKA.ARC
Use COLRVIEW to view. RGB source files of digitized woman, done on an
Amiga with a flatbed scanner in overscanned HAM mode, then converted to
the 8 bit with a program under development.
RGBCHESS.ARC
COLRVIEW source RGB files of some raytraced chess pieces. Converted
from an Amiga HAM pic.
RGBBALLOON.ARC
RGB source files for use with Jeff Potter's Colorview.
SPLIB12.ARC
SpartaLibrary 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.
RGBFIDO.ARC
Touchtablet RGB picture of Fido. Lots of anti-aliasing around the eye.
T816UPGRADE.ARC
This file contains all the distribution files in an archive. This
would include: Installation, Usage, Examples, Hardware upgrade
nstructions, Software (TOS) version differences, PAL usage, OS cross-
reference, 65816 Macro file, TOS Include file, Bus connector, memory
maps, and much more.
T816INFO.ARC
This archive contains the current price list and product list available
from DataQue Software. Included are the Turbo-816 system components,
Turbo-Calc, MV-80 etc.
DD3LABEL.TXT
This is a text file describing some simple modifications that allow
Daisy-Dot III to more easily print 3.5 X 15/16" continuous labels for
addresses, disks, etc., from Roy Goldman.
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.
GAMELINK.ARC
This archive contains the source to GameLink (by itself) and the
GameLink code loaded into BASIC data statements. An example file
showing how to use this data, in BASIC, is included. The GameLink.Doc
file also is included, to show how the cable is constructed, in addition
to other GL information.
LIBDBASE.BXE
Read the GEnie library list as you would normally see it. Search on
different fields. You must download a library listing from GEnie and
store it in a disc file. The program was written in ICD/OSS BASIC XE
but will run under BASIC XL. It will NOT run under Atari BASIC!
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.
PSTODD3B.ARC
ARC file with program and documentation by John McGowan of Columbia, MO
for conveniently converting Print Shop icons from "OTHER" disks into DD3
fonts that can be easily used within a document. Very impressive and
useful.
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 accumulated dots fills the
screen. This program is released by the author to demonstrate one of
the educational disks available from Bresnik Software.
TT2.ARC
This is an archive of the GameLink, and TT2 source/com/docs. Included
is the source, and specifications for the GameLink serisk (serial)
driver. TT2 is a two player tic-tac-toe game in 100% assembly language.
AMS_R.ARC
28 AMS tunes. It will fit on a single density disk (it's 317 DD sectors
long).
AMS_C1.ARC
This file contains 33 AMS tunes. It is 304 DD sectors long and will fit
on a single density disk.
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".
UNDRSCOR.TXT
This is a short text file telling how to get DOS 2.0, DOS 2.5, SmartDOS,
and DOSXL to recognize the underscore character. This will let you
batch download from GEnie using these DOS's.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*Net Atari Online Magazine is a weekly magazine covering the Atari and
related computer community. Material contained in this edition may be
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Z*Net or the staff. Z*Net Atari Online Magazine and Z*Net are copyright
(c)1990 by Rovac Industries Inc, a registered corporation. Post Office
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CompuServe at 71777,2140 and on GEnie at Z-NET.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Z*NET Atari Online Magazine
Copyright (c)1990, Rovac Industries, Inc..
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