Oct./Nov. No’. 9 $2.00
‘Tnterview wi
Dave’ Peahottod
‘Can the Timex Computer be REBORN?”
2068 Spirograph
Bulk Rate U.S. Postage Paid Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 PERMIT NO. 151
L-l ©1984
2ZX-TEXT
2x TEXT
copyargrr co) 3 alBeat F RobA aoe?
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A word processor is to a computer user what a typewriter is to a typist, except that the former has more advantages than the latter 2X-Text can operate in 16-64K RAM providing from 1350 to 9000 words per document. It features 6 different options: write, read, edit, Print, Save and clear text. Text is writen on a per-line basis with quick speed and with horizontal back-space and delete capabilities being available. You can also access the editor directly trom write mode and vice-versa. Text can be proof-read on a per-line basis allowing for enough time to determine it any editing is needed. The text editor allows a line Of text to be deleted, inserted, replaced and \isted for editing. You may also change a word OF expression within a line, stop or start text while it is scrolling up the screen, begin Feeding text from the first line of the file, ra- enter write mode from the editor, return to the main-menu or create a window so that you can read-edit two files simultaneously. The Print option takes text displayed in 30-column format on the screen and outputs to either the 2X/TS printer. (With Memotech’s Centronics Parallel Interface 80-column and lower/ higher - case output Is possible.) Files may be saved on tape cassette with the use of ‘one single command, or by the same token they can be erased from memory / storage so that the full capacity of the program can be used for other purposes such as composing letter reports, articles, memos, standard forms, instructions, ads, graphs, telephone directory, lists of customers, members, {riends..etc, Also copies of files are always Jess expensive and easier to run than using a Photocopier. Other advantages are savings in time, paper, ink, correcting mistakes and adding afterthoughts more efficiently than doing them through either handwriting or using @ typewriter.
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An electronic spreadsheet calculator is the fundamental basic tool for summarising, reporting and analyzing in matrix form any accounting, mathematical or scientific manipuation of num- bers. ZX-Calc operates in 32-64K RAM andatlords: ‘& maximum of 3360 characters / spreadsheet. The entire matrix consists of 15 columns (letters A-O) ‘and 30 rows (numbers 1-30) with 6 characters/ Cell. Unlike other popular ESCs, ZX-Calc uses in calculations and wihin celts all 14 math functions ‘On the ZX-81/TS1000, It offers @ unique "SUM. function that totals one or more rows /columns simultaneously. Parenthesis can be used within equations. There Is no fixed limi on how many equations may be entered. Formulas may be stored in all 420 cells of the spreadsheet. The display atords 15 rows/colums. Loading of data into more than one cell can occur across /down ‘on@ oF more row/column simultaneously. With vertical windowing you can arrange a set of col- ‘umns in any order, or practice using fixed-variable- alignment display formats, The menu offers 6 Options: enter /erase, move, calculate, print, save ‘and clear the spreadsheet. Enter /erase allows the entering, deletion or data alignment within e Cell through the use of a mobile cursor. With the ‘move option you may move around the entire steadsheet to access any row, column or cell The calculate option allows you to enter labels, values or formulas into a cell or write and enter ‘equations that wil act uponthe data already within the spreadsheet. You can also enter bar graphs into a cellin this option. Absolute /relative replica- tion, down/across a column /row,isalsoalliowed by this option. Also this option allows the auto- ‘matic calculation of the entire spreadsheet with ‘one single command. Print allows youto outputto ‘ether the ZX/TS printerthe entire spreadsheet by column-sets and row-pages through use of the COPY command. The entire spreadsheet maybe ‘saved on cassette tape or you may clear ali data from it or erase the program from RAM entirely. The most salient advantage provided by an ESC ‘ver specifically vertical applications sohwareis that an ESC provides a reusable framework with which you can compose any specific financial model rather than just be limitedto only one stati- cally fixed format for storing, displaying and manipulating numerical data.
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spending it. ZX-Calendar operates in 16-64K RAM atfording 30 appointments in 16K, 100 in S2K, 180 in 48K or 250 in 64K, Each appointment record holds a maximum of 220 Characters. The main menu includes enter, search/check/sort, change, save, clear and Print any and all appointments made on a Specific date or with any party, Output to either the ZX/TS printer is permissible. This program will permit you to remember to do something or to be somewhere important by cataloging your ‘answers to six questions that you must account {or in order not to waste time when It is ecarce: when, with whom, at what time, for how long, where and what are you going to discuss and Conclude when you get logether with someone else? The program lets you permanently originate, record, classity, search, sort, calculate, modify, summarize, obtain a written report and store your answers to the preceding questions so that you will not forget what you decide to do with your time, This program identifies your time according to when you are going to spend it and with whom you are going to share it. Through these forms of labeling appointments you are able to verity or modity how your time is budgeted without wasting ink, Paper or more time trying to remember what you Said to yourself or what someone else said to you or where you placed certain written ‘Messages that you now can't find. With this Program you will know where you can find exactly whal you need to know about where you want to and have to be, or where you have been, before you get and after you got there. Thus, ZX- Calendar will lt you plan your time so that you wll Never have to worry about what is ahead or what ‘came before, for you will always know, by using t, to never be caught astray by any time-frame.
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TS Haritans
Atfordabie Quality for the Timex Computer User 2002 SUMMIT ST. PORTSMOUTH, OHIO 45662
ENTER The Dave Higgenbottom Story, 4 More on Michael Wilson Corrections: "WORM", “Music for the TS1000" 6
Bank Switching, Part 5 8 Paul Hunter’s Series Continues
“Bytes & Bits" #2, by Bill Ferrebee il News and Trivia
Rebirth of the Timex Computer? 12
The most complete coverage of the Dave Higgenbottom story published anywhere... Can it be done? Decide for yourself after you read this intensive ENTERview by Tex Faucette.
FORTH for TS 2068 by Tex Faucette 14 An overview of two available programs.
2068 Spirograph - Enter the Twilight Zone 16 TS 2068 Reviews
"User Designed Graghics" 16 Rev. by Tex Faucette
"Zeus" - Rev. by Gordon Young 18
AERCO Centronics Interface review 19
“Art for All Ages" 20
"In Touch with the World" #3 - B,Ferrebee 22
TS 1000 Hardware Reviews - by Doug Gangi 23 Zebra Talker, Q-Save
Spectrum Section 24 For TS 2068 Users with Spectrum Emulator Product Reviews, Program Tips, and more
TS News ~ "Look Before You Leap, etc. 30
Back Issues ARE Available
1 Nov*63 Creating/Saving Files (Johnson), Repeat Key and Unint- erruptible Power Supply Projects, Numerical Analysis, Load/Save Problems, Reviews, and more!
2 Dec’83 Natrix/Cursor Input (Johnson), User-Friendliness, Reset Switch Project, Memory Reduction, Rule of 78, 2X Cash Register, Graphics Tutorial,etc!
woooo soon090n05
3 Jan/Feb’84 Two Animation Pro- grams, Simple Loading Aid Proj. (Young), Tape File Protection, Differential Equations,Ham Radio Reviews, User Group News & Hore!
#4 March ’64 The Death of TCC,
Error Recovery (Johnson), Bdge Connector Schem., Simpson Rule, Reviews, Reader Input, & more!
{ __ 12-issue subscription $15tin US) $21 Canada, $25 Other Foreign = $
Back Issues 9 $1.50 each ’
Name
WS April/Hay’84 "WORM" Word Pro- cessor(Young) Pt.t, Least Squares, TS1000 Graphics Program, 752068 Future?, Bank Switching Pt. 2, Program Tips, Reviews, and more!
#6 June’84 Ts1000 As Church Aid, Interfacing Books, Num. Analysis, Hardware Tips, "“WORM"~2, Switch- ing-3, Good News from BA Brown, Six Reviews, and more!
#7 July/Aug’84,Telecommunications Issue, 2068 Program Tips, How A Compiler Works, Rotating Globe, Byte-Back Hodem, TC for Beginner, Switching-4, WORM-3, S.I.N., etc,
8 Sept’84 TS 1000 Music Program, 2068 Plotter, 2068 Character Set (Young), Address Program, Nine Reviews, Telecommunications Column, TS News, and more!
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E N T E R TSH: One Thousand
Since this issue marks the first anniversary of the publication of T-S Horizons, .we are proud to announce that T-S Horizons now officially has 1,000 subscribers. In a conversation with Dave Higgenbottom earlier this month (October) I mentioned that we were near the 1,000-mark, and he requested the "honor" of being #1,000. couldn't turn down an easy $15, so I agreed, Sure enough later that week we hit the mark, and a bill for a twelve-issue subscription is now speeding its way to California.
You may wonder why the anniversary issue of a "monthly" magazine, is dated October/November and is called issue #9, As I've said many times, our goal is to publish T-S Horizons on a monthly schedule, but occasional problems occur. Advertising has been sparse, some- times authors are late with articles but these are only part of the reason. Let's just say if we had forced upon ourselves a strict monthly schedule the quality of the magazine would have definitely suffered more than it has. So for now we'll do our best, and keep stressing that your $15 subscription covers 12 issues no matter if our publishing schedule is stretched out a bit.
CONGRATULA
T IG T=S. HORIZONS Joe 106
Richard Duncan Publisher
Scott Duncan Advertising/Circulation Manager
4
Needless to say, I ©
Dave Higgenbottom
Our main article in this issue concerns the plans of Dave Higgenbottom to revive the Timex computer line. Dave has been the source of rumors for several months now, and he maybe the last hope to see the horizons of the Timex world expanded beyond the current users and available products.
Some have said that, however good they were when introduced, it's too late for the Timex computers to be successful now. But many reviewers have called the TS-2068 as good or better than the Commodore 64 (which is currently the best selling computer), and
Dave has a lot of improvements in mind, He has been talking to a portable-typewriter maker about incorporating the 2068 into a "Brother"-style machine, effectively making it a portable 2068 with a printer and a L.C.D, display built-in. The light weight Sinclair-style micro-drives would also be incorporated to make a very attractive, inexpensive portable computer, Also planned is a business-oriented version with an improved keyboard and dependable mass stor- age. The current model 2068 will still be available, and Dave plans to use the bank-switching, word-processing, and other capabilities of the machine to the maximum,
In Dave's plan the TS-1000 will be replaced by the 1500, which will be marketed primarily as part of an inexpensive telecommunications package, for someone who is more interested in a usable modem than a fancy computer.
You may wonder why we've held onto this interview for so long before publishing it. Tex did a great job and it is very informa- tive. It's not that we doubt Mr.
-Higgenbottom's sincerity or his ability. We
just wanted to wait with it until it seemed there was a good chance that it could be pulled off.
Dave has taken on a big goal and we wish him success, But Timex is notoriously difficult to deal with. In fact, they have been denying all along that they are negotiating any kind of deal for the computers. I've
heard "horror stories" from many people who've dealt with Timex and I don't envy Dave's position (though he's never mentioned any problems).
He has however made a lot of progress in a past few months, and at last we feel we can print his story. Timex has made a specific commitment (details can't be released now) and Dave has been able to get significant financial backing. So keep your fingers crossed, Dave is shooting for production in early '85,
TS COMPUTING More ; ==On
Michael : Wilson ‘&
“TS Computing
Last issue's discussion of the recent antics of Michael Wilson prompted two irate phone calls from him, The first time he demanded a retraction on several points. For one he said that he never called any Sinclair computer "junk" but only said that the futute looked bleak, For what its worth, I must admit that I can't recall him actually using the word "junk." He also. claims that he definitely refunded the whole subscription amount to everyone who subscribed. If this is the case then I am sorry to have implied otherwise, and I told him these were the only two points I would concede. However, I did invite him to write a letter defending his side of the story and promised to publish it. He agreed to this, even though he felt the damage was already done. He also said he was glad that we printed his new phone number, because the phone company allegedly changed it without his permission.
Later that week I received another phone call from him in which he said that his phone was ringing day and night because of our story about him. He also said printing his side of 5
the story would not be good enough and that he was going tc see somebody or other about having my bulk mailing permit taken away. He then hung up without giving me a chance to reply. a
In publishing Mr. Wilson's phone number, we were trying to help anyone who truly needed to get in touch with him. We do not encour- age any harassment of him. We only published it because the old number which was published in Mr, Wilson's publication (the first and only issue) was disconnected and the new number was unlisted.
I have talked to Jim Payne of Phoenix Enter- prises who had sent a monitor to Mr. Wilson's alledged user group and has yet to receive payment. He is considering legal action. He said that several other companies of which he is aware have sent Wilson various items on credit, but Wilson is refusing to pay them, also. In most of these cases the orders exceeded $100.
At this point, I have two questions readers of T-S Horizons:
1) I would like to be made aware of anyone who ordered a subscription to TS Computing, but has not received a refund.
2) Do you, as a reader of TS Horizons, feel that last issues story about TS Computing and
for
Michael Wilson was appropriate? Did it belong in T-S Horizons?
Hopeyou enjoy this anniversary issue. A lot of people said it would never come. Thanks for your support. Sincerely,
Ca a
Rick Duncan
oeemmr ern prt Terr ranmem
Correction to "Worm" Word Processor for the TS-1000
As many of you who entered Gordon Young's program from T-S Horizons discovered, the program doesn't work as_ published. The problem occurred during the paste-up stage of the magazine when yours truly accidently rearranged the machine code listing in issue #5. The fault was our own and Gordon Young's program works beautifully, as many of you have found out.
We tried to send corrections to everyone who wrote to us saying they had problems with it. A few people found the error and corrected the problem themselves. Chuck Peterson discovered a simple way to correct the problem and sent the following note:
"One way [to correct the program] is to re-enter all the codes in the 1 REM state- ment. ‘This is horribly time consuming. A better way is to let the computer correct the problem for you. The program [enclosed] does this. Here's how to use it.
"Hopefully a reader would have the completed, but erroneous, program on tape. Load it into your Timex. Stop the program with BREAK, To that program add the lines listed in my correction, Then run the correction using the command RUN 7000, When the correction ends with the STOP code, Delete lines 7000 to 7180, Your "WORM" program is now correct and ready to use.
7000 REM WORM CORRECTION
7010 FAST
7020 DIM A(222)
7030 LET C=1
7040 FOR F=16850 TO 16939 7050 LET A(C)=PEEK F “7060 LET C=C+1
7070 NEXT F
7080 FOR F=16718 TO 16849 7090 LET A(C)=PEEK F
7100 LET C=C+1
7110 NEXT F
7120 LET C=1
7130 FOR F=16718 TO 16939 7140 POKE F,A(C)
7150 LET C=C+1
7160 NEXT F
7170 CLEAR
7175 SLOW
7180 STOP
"After doing the above my "WORM" program works perfectly. I've never had a word processer program for my ZX81, I don't know what the others are like. But I am very impressed with what Gordon Young has written, It's a great program. You have permission to print my correction in T-S Horizons. Sincerely, Chuck Peterson"
Editor's Note: As a reference we are also printing the correct code for line 1. Lines 2, 3, and 4 were correct as published, We regret any inconvenience we have caused for our readers, TSH
Correction To TS-1000 Music Program
Mather White, the author of September's music-generation article, found the following minor-typographical errors (our fault), Hopefully, they did not cause a great problem for our readers,
Page 10, Driver 1, second listing in column, line 40: should be double quotes (not single)
Page 10, Driver 2, third listing in column, line 20: "(1-25)" should be "(1-225)"
Page 11, 13 lines down from top of second column: "118" should be "/18"(divided by 18)
Page 11, 17 lines from top of second column: "H" should be "it"
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Bank Switching - - - - Part 5
To start this month's instalment, we will clear up the increased RF interference on the display and discuss alternative power sup- plies.
DIRECT VIDEO
There have been several articles describing how to interface a ZXxB1/TS1@@@ to a monitor instead of a TV. The advantage, of course, is the elimination of RF interference and a much sharper and steadier picture. ‘The most useful articles have been:
Garcia BYTE 8 (6) June 1983 p.462 Nachbaur — SYNCWARE NEWS 1 (5) June 1984 p.14 Pence COMP. & ELECTR. 21 (5) 1983 p.82 Lewart SYNC 3 (4) 1983 p.5@ & (5) p.42
There have been several others but in general not so useful as the four listed above. The Procedure is nearly always the same. The camposite video signal fram pin 16 of the ULA is buffered by an NPN transistor in an emitter-follower configuration. ‘The output is fed to the 75ctm input of the monitor (Figure 1). Ciarcia's article illustrates the use of the lower power 2N3904 transistor. Same articles discuss circuitry for the generation of inverse video.
t
from ULA pin 16 ——_——=— 75ohm input monitor
FIGURE 1
° ° o—o ° FR3—-FR2 UK2 USA2 FRI USA1
This circuit is the same as the one in Fred Nachbaur's article -- you might wish to add his simple video cleanup/reverse circuit as well.
If you look inside your 281/TS1008 you will gee next to the ASTEC RF modulator (which you can remove if you wish), a row of six holes (Figure 2).
RF MODULATOR
F1iGURE 2
Connect cabie shielding to one of these points
GND
USA3. UK1
The connection between the cable-shielding (ground) and the ZxB1 board can be made as shown in Figure 2. ‘The base lead of the NPN transistor is mounted in the UK2 hole, the emitter lead is soldered directly to the monitor cable, and the collector is connected via a 2ctm resistor to the USA2 or FRI/UK1 tole. The cable may be obdtained from Radio-Shack (#42-2367 $1.89). ‘The difference in the display is remarkable. Green or amber 12" monitors can be obtained for less than $108. (For exemple, K-Mart recently had the EMC monitor on sale for $84.)
PUWEK SUPPLY
By the time you connect four RAM packs, an NVM board, anda Centronics I/F, etc. to the expansion board the original power supply runs very hot, even after removing the regulator from the case and adding more effective heat sinking. So a new supply was required.
¥
A useful approach is to build a more powerful 9-18V supply and then place separate 5V regulators on individual boards as needed. As it tured out, however, I used the original 9.75V supply for the RAM packs and built a separate well-regulated 5V 5A supply. The approach worked well enough. ‘The 5V supply was later replaced by a surplus switching Power supply fram Jameco because I needed +12V and -12V as well. Jameco and many other companies often have surplus power supplies on offer at very reasonable prices. For example, B.G.Micro (P.O.Box 280298, Dallas, 1X75228) have a multivoltage switching power supply for $37:50. Many others are advertised periodically in the popular magazines. Finally, an article by Steve Ciarcia in BYTE December 1983 p.36 described the use of M's to protect your system from transient high yoltages. Considering how cheap these M's are, it's worth doing.
Sumsé POINTS ARISING
The COMPUTER CONTINUUM board is no longer supplied by Eric Reiter but it is available fram Budget Robotics & Computing, P.O.Box 18616, Tucson, AR 95731, for $48 post paid. The price includes the ZXB1 connector.
Other buffer boards are available. An example is Kit #K2615 fran Velleman UK, P.O.Box 30, St.Leonards on Sea, East Sussex N37 7NL, UK. Alternatively, Board #84954 fran Elektor, Elektor House, 1@ Longport, Canterbury CTl 28R, UK. (This is a simple board with socketing for three 7415244, one 74LS245, one 7418138, and one 74LS@. Connection to various peripherals is left up to you.)
If you need any extra ZXxB1/TS10@ CPU boards to incorporate in a banked memory system or whatever, BNF Enterprises (P.0.Box 3357, Peabody, MA 91961-3357) currently have them on sale at $18:88.
‘The foil diagrans shown last month were not actual size as stated, but were reduced in reproduction.
pin $
If more banks -- beyond the four catered for by the 'LS74 and 'LS139 -- are required, then a quad 'LS175 with up to two 'IS138's will Provide up to 16 banks of 16K each. ‘he froblem with this is, of course, that sometime’ or other it all has to be loaded and it is vunerable to a system power failure. ‘The better approach is to limit the nunber of banks and provide additional nonvolatile mass storage. The banked RAM can then be used to support the mess storage by providing fast access cache menory.
In Part 2, Figure 2 section 5, the SUSEN signal is input at pin 2 of the IC2 socket not the IC9 socket as stated. Normally this can be held at ground by jumpering as shown below (Figure 3). The board has been changed slightly to facilitate this. If you plan to use two processors, or require DMA, then the BUSEN signal should be derived from the BUSAK signal fron the ZXB1/TS1@@0 board by inversion.
held low
pin 6 IC1 ROMCS
pins. Ico RD 4.7K resistor pin 8 DI pin 14 uy 1c2 SV 668 pin 2h GND pin 7 1¢2 FIGURE 3 1c2__ jumper BUSEN 2. With BUSEN derived from BUSAK after inversion in 6 IC1
RONCS
Ico RD
pin 8 IC9 DIR pin 14 1C2 sv caag jumper —,¢ pin 2 + GND pin 7 IC2 1c2 from BUSAK pin 12 IC8
BUSEN
SrTURLNG NUMBERS
In thinking about an operating system for this banked memory system, I found that at same point it was necessary to convert a decimal character string into a two-byte integer. Fortunately there are routines in the Sinclair Operating system for the conversion between the different formats in which numbers are stored. See in particular the Complete RM Disassembly by Logan and O'Hara.
Possible formats for numbers are:
INTEGER: byte @-255 decimal
word @-65535 decimal
FLOATING-POINT: any number between 10+38 and 4x 10-39, ly 9-16 digits
stored and anly 8 displayed Each number occupies five bytes
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Information sheet, list of U.S./Can. retailers of Spectrum
WINKY BOARD 2000 Cassette-computer interface for TS2068,
>
a string of character codes representing decimal digits @ through 9
Figure 4 illustrates how to convert between the different formats using system ROM calls.
* Actually prints the string at the current Position on the screen — which can be changed using the routine at @6F5hex with the line in register B and the column in register Cc.
** Note that since the result is in the register pair BC, the result can be displayed by using the command PRINT USR ...
ADDRESSES Poutine hex decimal MSB LSB
STACK-A 151D 21-29 5405 STACK-BC 1528 21325408 STK~TO-A ece2 12 2 3074 FIND-INT EAT 14 (1673751 PRINT-FP 15DB 21 «(219 5595 DEC-TO-FP 14D9 2 217 5337
‘Try the following two examples to illustrate the use of these routines:
EXAMPLE 1
In this example a two-byte word will be moved to the calculator stack and then printed. The two bytes 35 (MSB) and 4@ (LSB) represent the number 9608 (i.e. 35 x 256 + 40 = 9900).
Store the two bytes in a REM statement at 16514 and 16515. First enter a REM statement at line 10 with any two characters following the REM. ‘Then:
POKE 16514, 48
POKE 16515, 35
Cont. P. 28 10
BYTE
(in A register) age PRINT-FP * STK-TO-A ae
FLOATING-POINT STRING
(at top of calculator stack) (addressed by HL and cil_ AbD) ella DEC-T0-FP WORD FIND-INT ++ (in BC register pair) FIGURE 4
“Bits & Bytes No.2
By Bill Ferrebee MOUNTAINEER SOFTWARE
Hello again. We're back with "everything you Notice I said FIRST contest..,I have alréady didn't know, and may not care about"! But gotten the next one ready,..keep watching!!! you're getting it anyway!
With the holidays approaching, I am interest- I'm getting a great response from the User ed in seeing your best Christmas programs for Groups around the country, and even from T/S computers. Send me you programs, and we CANADA! If you haven't sent me info on your will share the best in the December issue. group, what are you waiting for?!? I am putting the list on the RIVER CITIES SMART In the January issue, I will be doing a
BBS (see ad in this issue), and am compiling comprehensive look at Word Processing pro‘. a list for a future issue of T-S Horizons, grams for the 1TS2068, If you have a WP
program, and want to be included in the Also, please put me on the mailing list to article, send me a copy for review.
get your group newsletter, if you publish one. I plan to dedicate a section of this In closing, I appreciate hearing from you.
column to a "T/S User Group of the Month", Comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you want to be in contention, make sure I My address is: hear from you! Bill Ferrebee MOUNTIANEER SOFTWARE Make sure you check out the TI-S 115 North 7th Avenue
HORIZONS/Games to Learn By "Art Show" contest Paden City, West Virginia 26159
elsewhere in this issue. If you haven't
already gotten ART FOR ALL AGES, get it! Until next month, take care and ENJOY LIFE!!! Send us your best work with the program, and
you may become a winner in our first contest.
11
Rebirth of the Timex Computer?
INTERVIEW - Dave Higgenbottom By: Tex Faucette
Dave Higgenbottom has hopes of "reviving" the TIMEX computer line. After hearing this rumor (in at least forty different formats) for several weeks, I was able to contact Mr. Higgenbottom by telephone for the following interview taped on June 18th,
Tex: Do you actually have the rights for TIMEX?
Dave: No, we are presently negotiating for them, in fact, we are working on the final draft of the business plan which we hope to submit to Timex by the end of the week.
Tex: Good, I guess that's progress!
Dave: Well, as it is there are about 55 companies that have agreed "in principle" to merge together...
Tex: HOW MANY?
Dave: Fifty-five!
Tex: Hey, this is getting more intriguing by the moment! Would you elucidate a bit?
Dave: Essentially what we came up with was a way of acquiring the rights and being able to put forth a nation-wide marketing company. I went out and started contacting a lot of small companies that all serviced the TIMEX field, and presented them with the basic question, "What were they going to do now that TIMEX has stopped production?". And how would they like to get together as a single company, a publicly held company, and not only be able to produce their product; but to have the rights for the computers as well, All of this has happened within the last 80 days or so,
Tex: Well, things move fast in the computer world,
Dave: I'm trying to move them very fast. As you can appreciate, there's an immense amount of paper work that has to be accomplished, What we will have is the basis of a 'Market- ing Co-op".
Tex: Well, that sounds good. Except for one Hastings Book Store in this area, I haven't seen any real effort to market the TIMEX, I sometimes wonder if there is a real salesman left in the world!
Dave: Imagine, if you will,
a National, even, International
chain of DEDICATED computer stores under the name of, "THE LITILE COMPUTER STORE". It would have the Products of all the member companies as well aS products not necessarily associated with member companies, but also specifically related to TIMEX. The new computer when it comes out will be called, "TIMESTAR, The Timeless Little Computer".
12
* no, we repeat, No!
Tex: Now will this include producing the "1000", "1500" as well as the "2068"?
Dave: The "1500", yes, the "1000", possibly not as it was essentially superseded by the 1500. As of the Memorial Day weekend I was able to contact 10 people of the original TIMEX design team, and they have all virtual- ly agreed to come back together. So we will have some of the original product design team,
Tex: So you can take the 2068 on into areas that TIMEX had announced or hinted at: bank switching memory expansion, that kind of goodies?
Dave: In fact, the person who holds the bank-switching rights is one of those people. Tex: Dave, can we call any names at this oint?
ave: At their request, no. You will find that I will be very free with information except where people have asked me not to. We have a little news "blip" that hasn't been able to get out into the major area. I can read it to you...
Tex: Tape rollin, go ahead!
Dave: Essentially, this was the original news release we came up with, and it was dated 3/14/84:
"T/S COMPUTERS TO BE BORN AGAIN? How many of you have asked or been asked this question, "Is the T/S computer dead?", The answer is A thousand times, yea, 1500 times, yea, 2068 times NO. They are not even dying, they are just growing up. A metamorphosis is about to happen, one which may really shake things up. Following the formal announcement by the TIMEX Corporation regarding its withdrawal from the retail computer market, a multifaceted plan has been revealed by Trinity Magnum, a California company, to re-vamp and strengthen the T/S 1500-2068 market previously established by the TIMEX Corporation. The total re-structuring of distribution and marketing emphasis is foremost in this proposal. Nationwide support involving hardware man- ufacturers, software producers, and other interested individuals or companies related to the support of the I/S computers is seen at this time, and is growing daily at an astonishing rate. Plans include aggressively supporting the educational market with a complete systems approach, not only with peripherals and software heretofore only hoped for, even disk drives, full-size printers, expansion busses, and much, much more, all of which are already in production, Also high quality sophisticated courseware geared to individual subjects, as well as primary computer training. System sales, in-service training, user support, monthly publications and books, along with product maintenance and insurance will be offered. As part of the package, classroom networking as well as full system-wide interfacing will
be stressed. In addition, a nation-wide chain of retail stores under the name of, "The Little Computer Stores" will be estab- lished, dedicated exclusively to the con- tinued support and development of T/S compatable hardware, software and acces- sories, All items to be marketed will be of the highest quality, and fully warranted. Hardware/software demonstrations of any product will be offered. Stores will be operated as partnerships between individuals or companies and Trinity Magnum. A complete support system for the little computer and you, the dedicated user, will be the end result. No, folks, the I/S story is not ending here, only just beginning. Look for much more future life to come to your little computer system. Manufacturers or suppliers who want further information should contact David Higgenbottom at Trinity Magnum, (213) 864-7068,"
Dave: Now that's what was to go into SYNC... Tex: AHA! And SYNC quit before they got around to publishing it!
Dave: And SYNC pulled the plug.
Tex: Yeah, I was one of those subscribers who got a choice of either of two magazines to fill out my unexpired subscription. I think they were extremely short-sighted on that. They completely ignored the thou- sands,..I won't say millions because I really don't know...
Dave: They had a hundred thousand subscrib- er, roughly, I don't know, maybe 85 to 90 thousand,
Tex: Well now, Dave, can you honestly tell me that you are making real good progress here, and that we are going to see this?
Dave: I'm sitting here with one of the other fellows I have chosen as a partner, and he's finishing up the business plan right in front of me...see, we already have a public company down in San Diego, California that has agreed to subordinate about two million shares out of 3,9 million and change its name to Trinity Magnum and to be the acquisition vehicle from which these other companies will come in. I spoke to a person this morning who may put in a minimum of $250,000 into the project, and I've got some other friends who will be able to come in for a bit more than that...
Tex: Am I reading you right that these stores are going to be more or less a fran- chise type... :
Dave: No, a quasi-franchise, they will
actually be limited partnerships between the owner-operators and Trinity Magnum, Trinity Magnum becoming the limited partner and they becoming the general partner, of each store, That way, we can actually support the price. That was one of the problems TIMEX had, they went down the street and sold their computer to everybody and said, "Here. You guys go fight."
13
Tex: Maybe that was why nobody was pushing the things.
(At this point we discussed a sampling of suppliers, programmers, etc.)
Dave: One of the wild things that's out there, there's a tremendous amount of ingenu- ity and engineering talent. What I propose’ to do is basically have these people start complementing each other, rather than compet~ ing against each other. The concept of Trinity Magnum is that when Timex pulled the rug out from under, these companies were going nowhere except down. And what I am trying to do is build an ark big enough and fast enough...to give them as much indepen- dent control of their companies as possible, but go out with the combined financial resources of all these companies...you know how a dairy co-op works? 0.K., now imagine Trinity Magnum would wind up having 50% of the co-op. Now each one of these little companies would now come in and Trinity Magnum would make an offer to acquire their assets for stock in Trinity Magnum. Now that gives Trinity Magnum, to the financial world, the combined financial resources of all these 100 "farmers", And each "farmer" will sell his product to the co-op at a profit, The co-op in turn will market it, package it, get it ready for distribution to a major market like, say "Carnation", which in this case happens to be The Little Computer Store. The co-op then would sell at a profit, and the money coming back would pay to run the co-op, packaging, transportation, etc,, and what is left over would revert back to the individual shareholders of the co-op. How the companies will benefit is that they, in fact, will have ownership in Trinity Magnum, so they not only get their shares back for a dollar volume related directly in the co-op, they also get it back in long-term tax deferred income by virtue of their ownership in Trinity Magnum.
Tex: Will you carry the co-op concept on into the purchasing area?
Dave: What we are talking about now is purchasing 10,000 computers at a time from Timex. They will continue to manufacture them, only under the TIMESTAR label, they will be manufactured exclusively for us, as we will in fact have the rights to them. Now imagine being able to go out and order 10,000
or 50,000 disk drives at a time. Imagine user groups interrelated to the Little Computer Stores, walk in to the Little
Computer Stores and have any hardware or software demonstrated prior to purchase. You would wind up having the stores support the user groups in their area, in fact the user groups could hold stock in the store.
Tex: One more crucial question, Dave, and I'll let you go. When and where can we expect to see the first "“LITILE COMPUTER STORE"
Dave: I would like to see it in September. As for where, well, I have had 12 people stand up and want 18 stores, so...we envision between 2500 and 7000 stores all across the area we will hold the rights to when we get through.
Tex: What size city will you be targeting? Dave: Wherever anybody wants a computer. A good rule of thumb is anywhere there's a McDonalds, we'll put a store. The stores will cost between $25,000 and $50,000 a whack, and most of that will be going into products. There isn't going to be any kind
of a franchise fee, kKK*
So that's the Dave Higgenbottom story as of June 18, 1984, That wasn't the whole conver- sation; Dave has plans for advanced models, expanded models, portable models, full use of the front port, in short, all the things Timex should have progressed to. It is a very ambitious undertaking, and if he pulls it off it should open up all kinds of oppor- tunities,
Mailing address for Trinity Magnum is 10614 Roseton , Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670. Dave would especially like to hear from Charles Bride, believed to be somewhere in Massachussets, also Huron Valley Research, somewhere in Michigan.
And tell them you read it in T-S HORIZONS.
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LOOK FOR OUR PRODUCTS AT SKIPPER ELECTRONICS.
14
FORTH for the 2068 By Tex Faucette
Everyone should try FORTH. I am unaware of the exact ratio, but a certain percentage of those who try it will like it, and the rest will hate it. There seems to be no middle ground. I recently read (I don't remember where) a statement of the number of active FORTH programmers which indicated that a rather exclusive society exists when compared to active programmers in almost any other computer language,
The fact is, FORTH systems are available for everything from the Timex-Sinclair machines on up to the top of the price scale. In addition to two new packages for the 2068, "XFORTR" for the T/S 1000 has been available for quite some time. HAWG WILD SOFTWARE (P,0,Box 7668, Little Rock, Arkansas 72217) introduced the program, and shortly thereaf- ter began publication of "XFORTH EXCHANGE", "XFORTH EXCHANGE" is a rather exclusive (and free) newsletter available ONLY to those who purchase any FORTH package form HAWG WILD, It is not available to others at any price.
"XFORTH" is a FORTH-79 sub-set, which has been adapted to utilize the Timex limited character set, The manual is rather sketchy for a beginner, but for an experienced FORTH programmer the only limitation is the avail- able memory.
2068 FIG-FORTH is a much more elaborate "kernal" by E,A. Worden. It also includes a standard (16 line by 64 character per) "Editor" which is explained in a special section of the manual by Bill Stoddart of FIG, United Kingdom. I believe the user will find this FORTH to be much easier to master, using the recommended tutorial textbooks (Brodie, Scanlon, et al). A few nonstandard "words" are already installed, such as "TAPE-SAVE", "SCR-SAVE", '"SCR-LOAD", and "BYE" (which returns one to Basic).
nop OH Ot Hm
pon
1vmoe
"ABERSOFIT FORTH FOR TIMEX T-S 2068" is another "FIG", by John Jones-Steele. I found this particular FORTH to be quite fascinat- ing, in that it contains a "RAM disc" scheme in anticipation of the projected "MICRO-DRIVES", (Where are you, David H.?) It also contains major extensions that use familiar words such as "INK, "PAPER", "PLOT", "DRAW", etc, "LINK" ties the screen and printer together so that anything input to the screen is also printed on the ZX printer. (I have not tried this one yet, if it works on the Timex printer it could be very useful in a FORTH communications program for down- loads!) "UDG" (User Defined Graphics) is also included, with directions as to how to design special characters given in the manual.
Both of the 2068 FORTH programs described have the option for a "warm start" which will preserve any "words" the user has added to the vocabulary but not yet committed to tape or disk,
Both 2068 programs have very good user manuals, which I anticipate will be supple- mented by future issues of HAWG WILD SOFT- WAREs "XFORTH XCHANGE", And I would urge all users of these programs to utilize that medium, along with T-S HORIZONS, to share their experiences and "words" with all of us.
(Editor's Note: All the FORTH software mentioned above are available from Hawg Wild Software. See above for address.) TSH
MATH & SCIENCE SOFTWARE : q for your TS1000, 1500, & TS 2068
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Predict the local, short term weather (1800 pos— sible predictions, with wind speed & direction) Also computes relative humidity, dew point, THI temperature-humidity index, and’wind chill
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The following note accompanied this month's tape from T.S, Services (formerly known as T.S.T,1.S, - See T.S. News section for more details).
“Here is a cute routine to show your friends PLOT 68,28:DRAW 100,100,4100.""
At first glance you might expect that this program would not work because of the large third number in the DRAW Statement. But if you try it you'll find that it does more than draw an arc, as the DRAW command is intended to do. It very quickly draws a pattern of lines and produces the following figure. (1) It is circular on your TV screen but the 2040 printer elongates it somewhat.
2068 SPIROG
5 tet a=4099 10 PLOT 68,28:DRAW 100,100,A
LET A=3936.4
500
3936.6 3936.9 3937
39:
LET A=20002.5 20003 30000 40002 2068 SOFTWARE REVIEW the user with a menu that includes a be "tutorial" option. This should be selected f: By Tex Faucette by the first-time user. It runs through the 3] whole routine of designing a special charac- Pp ter, with on-screen narrative. When this ac USER DESIGN GRAPHICS demonstration is completed, one has the m option of repeating the demo or getting down ur By Andrew J. Jackson to the business of designing the desired us characters, , st (C) HAWG WILD SOFTWARE, P.O. Box 7668, Little ba Rock, Arkansas 72217 The new character is designed in the lower ir right portion of the screen by entering 1s | USER DESIGN GRAPHICS is a neat way to design and $s to produce the desired figure. When Ar your own characters for use in games or the figure is completed, the user must ct whatever. The program selfstarts, presenting confirm that it is correct. If a mistake has ct
16
SPIROGRAPH
3937.05
4156
4162
3937.1
Numbers other than 4100 will work in, tne DRAW command, but about 80% of the tried returned an error message.
numbers we Some of the
more interesting patterns for the numbers from 4100 to 4200 are pictured below. (Fig’ 2. This and the following figures are reduced).
Even fractional numbers produce their own unique designs. For 3936.4 to 3937.6. (Fig. 3)
There doesn't seem to be a limit to how large
a number can be used, either. (Fig. 4)
Other ways to modify the design are to change
the starting point (PLOT parameters) or increase or decrease the diameter (the first two DRAW parameters For some of the patterns printed here, these parameters had to be changed to keep the picture on the screen,
Perhaps eventually some mathematician or machine code programmer can determine a formula to find the numbers that give good results. In the meantime, the rest of us can just use it to impress our friends and in
graphics programs.
4o002 40003.1 a been made, it can be corrected before the reloaded later, and of course they remain in ad figure is committed to memory. The figures memory until over-written or the machine is Ye created are displayed in the upper left turned off. ca portion of the screen in the size they will ls actually appear. Larger figures, of course, In using this program I discovered that in le may be constructed in segments and combined the design mode th program will cept m under control of the program they are to be decimal data as well as binary. This can be ad used in. To produce a form of animation in a great time saver, as entry of a @ will , Such programs, one could create several produce a blank line, 255 will produce a } aspects of the same character to be displayed solid line. Quite a few published programs Da in sequence. give the data strings in decimal, so if you 8 | want to copy someone elses characters, just n Another menu option allows viewing of the enter the decimal strings from the published t characters already created. Once created, program! TSH 8 characters may also be saved on tape and
17
2068 SOFTWARE REVIEW By Gordon Young
I had hopes of getting more done on the 2068 machine code routines I was working on but having taken my summer vacation this month, I am a bit behind on just about everything. Thanks to the many users who have written me about the WORM word processor program and hope everyone gets all the machine codes entered all right. Like most of you, I am STILL waiting for my 2068 technical manual for the machine and hope to get information on ROM routines available. If this informa- tion was shared better than it is, more good software would evolve, and we need it!
Yesterday I received a stringy floppy (the one from CAI) for the TS-1000. I can cer- tainly say that having used this for only a day, that I am impressed. Most of my pro~ grams take at least 3 minutes to load and even though my cassette yields good loads, the stringy loads in seconds perfectly. More on that later. A number of outfits have been contacted in my plight for BBS software to run on the 2068 or 1000. Byte Back was good to provide the source code for their MODEM so that I could write my own but this will take some time to complete. A very good mini BBS can be operated on the 2068 since it has so much memory, and even the IS 1000 could be coupled with the 64K to do the job. Or, how about a mini system to run with the stringy floppy! I am quite surprised that no one has developed the software to do this yet. Maybe one of the readers will have a tidbit to help me get going.
If you are wanting to use the 2068 with a full size printer, news. From Paul Hunters articles I learned ‘how to devise an input/output port. It is just what I needed to let the computer send data to the Radio Shack USART chip I was playing with. So far, I have initially tested the RS 232 design I am working on and
18
I have some promising.
it is sending the bits out on 4 line to the printer just as I wanted. When the - 5V circuit is added, I will provide you all with an article on it. You will be able to use this on either the 2068 or the 1000, So I am still very busy!
"ZEUS" ASSEMBLER
Now, for the real portion of this article. I have seen and tried a great many assemblers for the 1000 and they are still sitting in a drawer somewhere, But, there has been no piece of software to come along quite like the one from SOFISYNC, "ZEUS" is an assem~ bler which I think was written in Britain. If you program in machine language, get your order in immediately! Forget inserting the mnemonics in stupid REM lines. "ZEUS" is as good an assembler as the highly expensive one for the APPLE, I have used it to write routines and I vow never again to spend hours handwriting a machine program again, "ZEUS" loads very quickly on the TS 2068 and has 2 modes: assembler/monitor. To assemble a routine, simply write a line number, the mnemonic and thats it. If you wish to use a label or literal, no problem. This is what I really like...I write a routine within the machine code program that performs some specific task (like print to the screen). Instead of saying JP to an address, I just say JP PRINTSCRN or whatever label I give it. Should I decide to use an address to hold certain information and dislike referring to a number all the time, I can give it a name. In doing so, I define it in the beginning: SCRNADD EQU 37500 (meaning to let address 37500 be used every time I refer to a name called SCRNADD [Screen Address]). You can write in optional comments for the lines you write (like using REM lines for notes), ZEUS also handles expressions and operators. Right now you should be getting the im- pression that this program is a MUST! The ZEUS user can add to or subtract from his program as easy as BASIC and when everything looks right, you simply press "A" to assem-
ble, 4 takes < your pr
The mo the as copy i HEX/DEC j can get routine | found ¢ ) the lin | hot dog
Tt took
feel fi
switch | definit | looked)
might
caliber
abiliti | powerfu |
Centron | AERCO,
Box 189
Austin,
| The unt company | owner Sinclai market A numb« excelle entire is AERC and dis | 81/Ts : introdu the int | for the
It is t TS 206 Recentl 10X pri
e. I ablers sina en no : like assem- itain. t your ag the is as ve one write 1 hours "ZEUS" | has 2 ible a r, the > use a what I iin the s some creen). I just dive it. to hold ring to a name. sinning: address a name You can Ines you ). ZEUS erators. the im- iI! The irom his erything 9 assem
ble. Any errors are quickly noted. It only takes a second for ZEUS to assemble and check your program,
The monitor portion allows you to dig into the assembled programs to check things out, copy it to another area in memory, convert HEX/DECIMAL, modify and more. With ZEUS you can get a printout on the 2040, execute your routine and do many of the high class things found only on expensive assemblers for top of the line computers. This program is a real hot dog.
It took me about 3 or 4 hours to really get a feel for it, but I would rather fight than switch to anything else! I rate this one a definite 10, Price: $19,95 (the last time I looked) form SOFTSYNC, Although a beginner might get lost with an assembler of this caliber, a seasoned user will appreciate its abilities, If only I could write such powerful programs!
HARDWARE REVIEW-TS2068 By Larry Biederman
Centronics Printer Interface AERCO, Acme Electric Robot Company Box 18993 Austin, Texas 78760
The untimely demise of Timex as a computer company left the American Sinclair computer owner in a real pickle. Fortunately, Sinclair has always encouraged the after market producers of software and peripherals. A number of these barnstormers in computer excellence have continued to support the entire line of TS computers. Of special note is AERCO, AERCO produced a line of printer and disk drive interface cables for the ZX 81/TS 1000, 1500 computers. They have now introduced a printer interface and project the introduction of a disk drive interface for the TS 2068.
It is this type of interface which allows the TS 2068 to utilize its full potential. Recently, I connected my 2068 to my Gemini 10X printer using the AERCO interface. The
cable connection took only a moment. My next step was to customize my programs for use with the printer. This proved far more difficult, AERCO has a simple and very user friendly method for customizing programs for use with the 10X. All one needs to do is: 1, Enter the printer driver software; 2. Do the customize routine; 3, Do the printer test routine. No problems with the 10X; 4, Do the load routine and program.
enter your regular
From this point on, you proceed normally using your program and utilizing your printer for output. Tf you wish, the program has provisions for entering the program line of your Timex programs in order that you might further customize the program or save it on another tape,
All and all this is a well thought out system. Unfortunately, AERCO didn't spend enough time on their documentation of their
printer driver software to let you know what a good job they have done. Instead, they used the "hieroglyphic" system of documenta- tion. The consequence, It took me two days of trial and error to figure out what they
should have said up front and from the beginning. ~ TSH CACTUS TS1aa8 SOFTWARE Zx381 WORD PRO - Simple Word Processing $4,395 U.S. QUIZ - Test Yourself on Our Major Cities 4.95 Send 5.A,5.6. For Catatag
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WILLIAM M. JOHNSON 4 BUTTERFLY DRIVE PRESIDENT HAUPPAUGE, NY 11788
By Bill Ferrebee
Program name: Art for All Ages
Author: Robert E. Conlon
Type: Educational/Entertainment
Machine: 1S2068
Price: $15.95 _
Available from: Games to Learn By, P.O.Box 78, 28 Claire Hill Road, Collinsville,
Connecticut 06022
Last month we explored the world of music through the program MUSICOLA for the TS2068, This month we continue our journey through the "Computer Cultural Corner" with a look at another program that allows us to express our artistic tendencies.
ART FOR ALL AGES is a program for the TS2068 that allows you to turn your TV or monitor into a "Computer Canvas", This program can enable you to create pictures as simple as a block drawing house, or as complex as any fine painting. A good example of how complex your picture may be is the cover sheet that is generated when you load ART FOR ALL AGES, You will feel as if you own a piece of The ‘Louvre in Paris, because a very realistic drawing of the Mona Lisa appears. Of course, something this complex will take some time to
create, but you can begin drawing very nice pictures almost immediately. A demonstration tutorial has been included to show you how to operate this program. By the time you finish the tutorial, you will have become familiar with most of the commands, and you will have drawn your first masterpiece.
Even if you can't draw a straight line, you can share your artistic tendencies with this program. (And if you send us your best picture, you just might win your first "Art Show''! See the adjoining article for more information.)
The Instruction Manual included with ART FOR ALL AGES is very complete and well written. It includes two keyboard layout charts, to help you find the appropriate keys for each command and the 29 Predefined Graphic keys. Each command available in the program is well explained, and prompts appear on the screen to further help you while you create your "Masterpiece". For those of you that would like to give your kids a chance to explore the "World of Art", there is a simplified versions of this program, ART FOR KIDS, that will satisfy their needs. In closing, I feel that Mr. Conlon has done a fine job in creating this program, and I recommend it to all aspiring DiVincis and Piccasos. TSH
By
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In Touch With The World 0.3
By Bill Ferrebee Mountaineer Software
Welcome again to the column, and this month I will "shift gears in midstream", so to say. Originally I had planned to review the new SMART II software for the Westridge 2050 modem, Anchor finally released it, and many of you may already have it.
I was promised a review copy of SMART II from Anchor the day it was shipped to the dealers, However, as I am writing this column, that was over THREE weeks ago, and I still have not received my copy!
To make matters worse, I am receiving numerous calls, letters, and messages on the RIVER CITIES SMART BBS, asking for an expla- nation on how to use the Upload and Download features of the software. It seems that the Instruction Manual included with SMART II lightly brushes over what I feel is the most important feature of the program, I have been in contact with whom I feel are the most knowledgeable people on the Z/S, and none of them have been able to get it to work, either,
This brings me to two conclusions on this subject: 1) I hope that Anchor recognizes this oversight, and will remedy the problem of the explanation of how to use the UL/DL in SMART II, and they will see clear to allow me to review the program as they promised. 2) I hope that someone will find the solution in the meantime, and will get in contact with me so that I can share the answer with everyone else,
Enough for now on that subject. I want to tell you about a few sources you can contact with your modem, and these will not put a strain on your long-distance telephone bill, because they are TOLL-FREE!!! You got it, through the magic of "800" numbers, you can
telecommunicate across the country for free (or almost),
The first source is MCI Mail. The same guys that are saving you $$ on long-distance phone calls are at it again. This time you are able to send Instant Letters electronically anywhere in the country for almost nothing (your first letter IS free!), and you pay only for the letters you send. No membership fee, no minimum, TOLL-FREE calling, and it includes a FREE membership to Dow Jones News/Retrieval (a $75.00 value).
If you want more information on MCI Mail, call TOLL-FREE (voice) 1-800-624-2255,
The other TOLL-FREE number is a National BBS called ONLINE. Based near Atlanta, ONLINE provides free online newsletters and product information for numerous brands of computers, including Timex/Sinclair. John Murray, owner of ONLINE, has told me that he already has a big contingent of T/S users. Let's show him we're ALL behind him!!!
The board is now open Monday-Thursday from 6 p.m. - 1 a.m, Eastern Time, and from 6 p.m, Friday - 6 a.m, Sunday. John assures me that by the first of the year he expects to extend the hours on weekdays.
The number for ONLINE is 1-800-438-2438, outside of Georgia, Be sure to check out the T/S newsletter...you should recognize the editor!!!
Well, that's it for another month. If you know of any BBSs that have a T/S SIG, let me
know. I will give the board the exposure it deserves, Also, keep those cards and letters coming!
My address is:
Bill Ferrebee
MOUNTAINEER SOFTWARE
115 North 7th Avenue
Paden City, West Virginia 26159
‘Til next month, HAPPY TELECOMMUNICATING! !!
22
Or
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Hardware Reviews for the T-S 1000
Q-SAVE
Order from: Intercomputer Inc. 358 Chestnut Hill Avenue Boston, Mass 02416 (617) 738-5310
Q-SAVE is a speedy loader device for the TS 1000/2¥81. It can load a 16K program in about 25 seconds (compared to 6 minutes with the normal loading time.,,that's quite a differ-
ence). Q-SAVE is a hardware/software com- bination. The hardware supplied is a filter/amplifier, It greatly increases the
chances of a load (with a Q-SAVE program or normally). The software is what makes the Q-SAVE save and load so fast. It comes in 16k and 64k formats. With a "PRINT USR" call, Q-SAVE is activated. For example (16k version): PRINT USR 32383,...is the Q-SAVE save command. Q-SAVE is very handy in saving long programs. If you never play a game because it takes so long to load and you just never want to bother, then Q-SAVE is for you. It is also great for saving long files or records. A few problems with Q-SAVE is that you can't use the printer. If you try a COPY, you get an error code, Another problem is that some of the older tape recorders do not work that well with Q-SAVE. Tape -volume is also very important.
But a great feature to make up for all this is the VERIFY facility. It acts as a regular LOAD command, but tells you if the program is a good LOAD or not, and if not, then you can always reSAVE it, rather than finding’ out later that you have a bum program,
All in all, I really like my Q-SAVE. I usually use it only on long programs, since it would take just as long to load the Q-SAVE
by Doug Gangi
software then the Q-SAVE program than it. would take to load the regular short program. Q-SAVE is a remarkable device, and there are many other devices like it, but Q-SAVE is the cheapest and most popular. Q-SAVE is a must for all of you serious programmers (and people who hate waiting 5 minutes to LOAD a program).
The Zebra Talker Speech Synthesizer
Order from: Zebra Systems 78-06 Jamaica Avenue Woodhaven, New York 11421 $59.95 plus $3.00 postage and handling
The Zebra Talker is an excellent choice for a speech synthesizer. It has very good sound for an under $100 dollar speech synthesizer, and is very easy to program. It has no software to operate it, because it comes with it's own little eprom that just plugs into the port of the TS 1000/ZxX81. With a speech synthesizer, you can add some reality to your programs (Quizzes could be spoken, not just printed on the screen!). I have found that a speech synthesizer shows off the Timex more than any other peripheral that I have. Everybody that I show it too is very startled that a computer is actually speaking to them. A speech synthesizer does show what the little TS 1000/2X81 can do. I would recom- mend a speech synthesizer to everybody, Your kids will get a kick out of it, and so will you.
If you need a speaker then add $12.50 or you can go out and buy one from your nearest Radio Shack Store (ask for their "MINI AMPLIFIER"),
23
SPECTRUM SECTION
The Timex 2068 is based on the English ZX Spectrum computer, which is very popular in throughout Europe. Tons of excellent soft- ware is available for the Spectrum, yet very little of it will run on the 2068 due to design changes made by Timex.
With the proliferation of Spectrum emulators and ROM chips, more and more American 2068 users are becoming 2068/Spectrum users. Doug Gangi has provided a list of programming tips that work on his converted 2068 and reviews of "3D-Tanx" and "Ant Attack." We've heard that the latter has become wildly popular in England,
Elsewhere in this issue is a review, by C, Hewitt that will tell you what you can expect when you get a Spectrum ROM replacement chip. Some people however may not like the idea of inserting and removing chips too well.
Fortunately there are less drastic solutions also available,
- G, Russell Electronics offers a kit that can be permanently mounted inside the case of the computer itself, and can switch the computer between Spectrum and 2068 modes by an external magnetic switch. It costs $54.95 from G.R.E., RD 1, Box 539, Centre Hall, Pennsylvania 16828,
- Doug Dewey of the Traingle Sinclair User Group has developed the "Chameleon" - a simple way to run an estimated 95-98% of all Spectrum software on the 2068, This does not require opening the computer, or any special software. For more information write to 206 James Street, Carrboro, North Carolina 27510. Phone 919/929-3079, The cost is $60,
Doug,
3D Tanx (DK'Tronics) Tf you are the type of person who likes the shoot-'em-up games, then you'll love 3D Tanx, The graphics are very good, and the game is very addictive. 24
Your point of view in the game is a tank in the foreground (you can only see your turret) and there is a bridge in the middle of the screen with a street in the background, The street is divided into 4 lanes, each of which has an enemy tank. You can either raise or lower your gun to hit him. I£ you only hit the tank indirectly, the turret of the tank will still be able to function (and shoot at youl!), The only way to destroy the turret is by a direct hit. This will leave the tank looking like a crumpled mess. It takes only 1 hit by the enemy tanks to blow your tank up and end the game,
Since the Spectrum ROM is not set up to use the joystick ports, you can only use the keyboard. In 3D-Tanx, you can select the keys to suit your preference. There is also a key that pauses the game (if you need to make a quick shot to the refrigerator!). The price of 3D-Tanx is somewhere around 6 pounds (about 8% dollars American money),
Ant Attack (Quicksilva)
Ant Attack is a super 3D game for the Spec- trum, It really shows off the graphic capabilities of the machine.
The object of Ant Attack is to enter a 3D maze (seen originally from a diagonal above the maze, like "Zaxxon"), and rescue a girl (if you are a boy), or a boy (if you are a girl). It may sound easy, but it is not. There are many hungry ants roaming the maze looking for people to eat. Your only defense is a bomb of insecticide which you can throw | at the ants. You can also jump onto an ant and paralyze him. Your person can jump to various levels (but the ants can only stay on | the ground). If you run behind a tall wall | and can't see yourself, you can change the | "perspective' of the view. Sometimes it is very difficult to stay alive if the ants 'swarm' you. You may be able to kill off a few ants with bombs, but more will come and get you.
|
The
unus of t rect your jump, diste dista but e
Ant Ai to sh it. 1 lovers childr
Free m
Scroll,
Protecti
Neat Mett
| Border:
Spec~ raphic
‘a 3D above a girl are a s not. e maze lefense 1 throw an ant ump to stay on L1 wall age the i it is 1e ants L off a ome and
The way you move about in Ant Attack is unusual. The 'm' key turns your body to any of the 4 east, west, north, and south di- rections. Then pressing the 'v' key makes your person move, and the 'c' key makes him
jump. The 'd' key throws a bomb a short | distance and the 'f' key throws a long distance.
The keys are hard to get used to, but eventually you will get to know them.
Ant Attack is a very good game. If you want to show off a game to your friends, this is it. I highly suggest Ant Attack to all game
lovers (it may be a little hard for young TSH
children), The price is 6.95 Pounds.
Helpful Hints
(Spectrum):
Free memory: PRINT 65536-USR 7962
Scrolls:
RANDOMIZE USR 3280 scrolls whole page up one line
RANDOMIZE USR 3330 scrolls whole page up to first line
RANDOMIZE USR 3652 clears bottom 5 of screen
Cursor: POKE 23617,236 prints '?' as the
cursor for input prompts.
POKE 23659,0 disables 'break' key and program can't produce reports
Protections:
Neat Method: 1 LET A=PEEK 23637+256*PEEK 23638: POKE A, 0: POKE A+1,0)
QREM oIIEEENILINE OLL!!E1!
NEW: POKE 23755,100 makes listing disappear POKE 23755,0 makes it come back Border: RANDOMIZE USR 1331 makes an
"exploding" border
25
EB IGSOR AWARE
P.O. Box 2036, Del Mar, CA 92014 charge by phone (619) 481-3629
GAMES SAMPLER
MIND VS. MACHINE
MAKING TREKS,
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TURNING THE TRUTH TABLES WORKING MOTHER'S DILEMMA SNAKE EYES
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KEYSTROKE MANAGEMENT
GRIDLOCK ey $5
BASIC BASIC Runs on TS1000/TS1500 4 GAMES ON EVERY CASSETTE
o0000g0o000000
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CTRUM pr HEZEEEH We have Comput Printers, ALP Had
HEHHZHEH REMEMBER... ,.WE Of SHIPPING 3
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HFEEESE
HARDWARE REVIEW By Cherie Hewitt
SPECTRUM Conversion Kit
Order from:
Pheonix Enterprises
1780 N. DuPont Hwy, #17
Dover, Delaware 19901
$19 plus $3.00 shipping and handling (302) 734-0179
About a month ago I received a golden flyer from Pheonix Enterprises advertising a product that they claimed would allow me to run Spectrum programs. Needless to say, they had my attention, I had already heard of Doug Dewey's emulator board, but decided that was more than I wanted to invest at the time,
So I got on the phone and called them and talked to a Mr, Jim Payne, Yes, they did sell the kit, but no it didn't plug into the cartridge port. You had to open the comput- er. I wasn't too thrilled with this, but he explained that the kit was actually a simple micro chip that plugs into one of the sockets already occupied by the current ROMs.
He explained that they didn't offer it on a board since that ran costs up and they wanted it to be as cheap as possible, Besides, it really isn't that hard to change the chips.
So I gave them my charge card number and was told that there could be up to a 4 to 6 week wait due to high demand and supply problems, I said okay, no problem, Two and a half weeks later I got my package from PHEONIX.
The package contains only a microchip and instructions on how to install it. Mr. Payne was right, all that was needed was to remove the seven screws from the case and gently lift a chip out. Then you plug in the new chip and Viola! you have a Spectrum (or an almost Spectrum anyway).
26
All in all it was a pretty painless (no pun intended) operation. As a matter of fact, I now leave the screws out and changing the chips is just as easy as plugging one of my TS cartridges. I have several Spectrum Programs that I got from Pheonix (they have well over 30 titles) and they all run without a hitch. My 2050 modem and software run on the converted 2068 and I now use the new chip over 80% of the time. You lose the STICK, SOUND, ON ERR, FREE, and RESET commands; but all of these can still be obtained with machine code on the converted 2068. The OUT command for 64 columns even works! Pheonix will be marketing ZX Microdrives this fall for use with the chip (they won't work without it,), and even my 2040 still works.
To wrap this up, Pheonix Enterprises has given new life to my 2068 computer. They have given me the ability to run Spectrum software and they even will help me get the software I want. They have delivered what TIMEX had only promised and I am greatly pleased with their service,
I heartily recommend Pheonix's answer to our Problem. The price is right, the service is good, and the benefits are FABULOUS! TSH
ZOOM THROUGH THE BSTEROID BELT. THE HUMAN RACE CEFEN ! eest NEED ¢
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18k CASSETTE.. ah CASSET
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MORSE CODE TRANSLATOR (2K): NO HARDWARE OR CHANGES NEEDED. This program has tuo modes.
1) Allows user to decode Morse code and scroll accross screen. Code is received through "ear" Jack and can come from any source of adequate volume and clarity up to 35WPN.
2) Allows user to translate keyboard entries into Morse code to be heard from TV or “mic" jack. $9.95 cass.
MUSIC BOX (16K)1 Allows user to enter, edit, and play back one part music. Many tunes can be kept on file and played back in any order and at different speeds. Sound can be heard from TV or "mic" jack. $9.95 cass.
TALKING TS1000 (16K): Computer pronounces memory bytes in hex or decimal. Use it to check machine code or data without watching TV screen. Comes with program for recording sounds into computer memory and play- ing back at different speeds. NO HARDWARE NEEDED. $9.95 cass.
Please add $1.00 for P&H. THOMSON SOFTWARE
PO BOX 1266 LOMBARD, IL 60148
OME BUSINESS NEWS
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* SHUTTLE DESIGNER is the first in the
SPACEWARE Series of Educational/Game Software Packages developed for the
enjoyment and benefit of teenagers and
adults alike.
*Go through the actual design and develop- pace Shuttle Mission. +The results are then analyzed to determine
ment of a
* Toronto Sortware Wor.p*
TS150Q
Zx81 TS1000
Forty Niner, 2X-81 Resolution identical to the SPECTRUM
Gilbert Factor: 9. sinctain usER
Price $18.95
ne MACHINE CODE COMPILER FOR THE ZX81 FoR $18.95,
Keyboard e THE FILESIXTY BESO RAISED KEYBOARD Consisting of » back ABS retin cane, tht push Dutton Xeyoourd forthe 2X01 it fied to the computer vie a ‘number of achesive pads. Once this it done, you have s much emovoved keybourd lor Your computer $22.95 ————— i will virtually guarantee Winky Board 2 v1.ci'cil dutyuse * FOR USE WITH 206, 1500, 241, & 75-1000 SINCLUDES sarphone $29.95
SOFTWARE FOR 2068
Pp. EXCELLENT GRAPHICS RO GOLF EXACT SIMULATION OF BRITAIN'S. TOP cour OURS poe
ALSO AVAILABLE Sinclair ‘Spectrum Software for the TS2068 and. emulator
Sample $2 j
* __Toplace orders or » For Product Information
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AVAILABLE ON: COMMODORE APPLE II(#,e,c), and TI 99 with X BASIC
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DISK - $30.00 CASSETTE - $27.00
CALL: JA SPECIALTY SOFTWARE
the success or failure of the mission.
* Teaches from basic to advanced math and engnesting concepts. un, and easy to use.
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3103 MEADOW BROOK TR. BIRMINGHAM, AL. 35243 (205) 991-6914
MASTERCARD
COMPUTER NAMES ARE TRADEMARKS OF THEIR
RESPECTIVE MANUFACTURERS.
Bank Switching cont.
Enter the following machine code at a convenient location (for example, above RAMTOP
or in the 8-16K block as below):
8192 237 75 138 64 LD BC (16514) 8196 201 RETURN
Now enter PRINT USR 8192 ani return. ‘The result shows that BC register pair contains the decimal integer 9000. Now add the additional instructions:
8196 285 32 21 CALL STACK-BC 8199 205-219 21 CALL PRINT-FP 8262 201 RETURN
Enter RAND USR 8192 and the same result (9908) is printed -- the two-byte integer is converted to floating Point, placed on the stack and then printed.
EXAMPLE 2 In this example a string of decimal characters
will be converted into a floating-point number and then printed.
Enter a REM statement with any number less
than 65535 followed by an asterisk. Fur example: 16 REM 9000* The machine code is: 8192 33°«138 64 LD HL 16514 8195 4 22 64 LD (CH_ADD) HL 8198 126 LD A (HL) 8199 205 «217 2B CALL DEC~TO-FP 8262 205 «(167 14 CALL FIND-INT 8205 201 RevukN
Fnter PRINT USR 8192 and the nunber in the REM statement will be printed. Instead of calling FIND-INT, call PRINT-FP and use RAND USR 8192. The result will be the same. Use of the single byte routines limits the size of the integer to 255 larger numbers will Yesult in the error report B. Just for interest, using PRINT-FP, try a string such as 1E2 or even 1.2E-2 in the REM statement.
Next month we will construct a directory.
28
The HUNTER Board Add Memory that won't Forget!
DESCRIBED IN JULY/AUGUST 1983 Radie-Mleelrenies
» ADD YOUR OWN SYSTEM UTILITIES
» BUILD UP A LIBRARY OF MACHINE LANGUAGE SUBROUTINES
» UP TO 8K NONVOLATILE RAM
» USE HM6116LP CMOS RAM OR 2716/2732 EPROM
» COMPATIBLE WITH 16K RAM PACKS.
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pls $1.95 shipping ang hanging
\Wnal 8 fuper produc!!_ concerved and executed very nicely...and wih qualty components (SYNTAX QUARTERLY Winter 62)
For versatity ths ss even better than an EPROM ...1anks qute high on the kst of “mus!-haves” (BYNC Magazine Mar/Apr 83)
Provides the user wih instant sohware...an extremely versatie memory extension, (Z-WEST June 63) Complete kit with one 2k 6116LP-3 $92.95 Addivona’ three 6116LP-3 $20.00 Bare pe board & mansal $13.05 Female connector 23/46 gold biurcated $ 5.00 Kit for EPROM use only $22.95 Assembied & tested with 2 $47.95 Assembied & tested with 6 $65.95 Shipping & handing per order $1.95
‘Send check o* money order to the address below HUNTER, 1630 FOREST HILLS DRIVE, OKEMOS, Mi 48864
Attention Technical Types: SUM" is here!!!
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SPEED. REDEFINED
AN UNEQUALED EVOLUTION IN 2068 COMPUTING
Imagine: youslide into your seat, select a program disk and slip it into your disk drive. In about the time it takes your finger to press the button, your selected program is up and running. \
Realize: you don't have to imagine anymore—The new Millennia K disk SP-DOS 3295 interface and disk drive system from Ramex.will enable your 2068 to offers these g and handing operate in the league of computers costing 5 to 10 times as much! Ir operating features: fact, when it comes to maximum transfe Loads 32K per second! rates, total storage capacity per disk » *Stores 820K per disk ‘must-hav and efficiency of formatted _ *Occupies only 4K ram
ve Mar/Apr 83) operation, the Millennia K ; Compatible with most software
somponents LY Winter 62)
will out perform : Commodore, a Super support!—a Apple Ile or IBM PC! 4 whole new generation of” Disk Software:
In order to extract the + Tasword Il (Word Processing) maximum efficiency ’ + Tasmerge (Mailmerge) from the disk, a whole + Masterfile (Database)
e orat System * Omnicalc Il (Spreadsheet) new operating syster ~'Dévpat (Aasembler) had to be devised; i h th sult: rynauags Support: * Basic fe ee isk Pascal « “C" Language Compiler SP-DOS.
The SP-DOS system allows you to use all the Timex cassette commands suchas: +Save “sLoad «Save Data
+ Load Data ave Screend + Load Screens
*And all the Micro Drive Commands
rives that may be used include
Qume, Tandon, MPI, Teac
nee Drive #1 1s double sided, Quad density. 160 tracks ewis. # 2.3.4 may be single or double sided. Double or Quad density You can wait and hear about the Millennia K from everyone else, or take action now and start drivin’ today!
‘The Millennia K nly $200.00 The Package: $450.00 + $5.00 s/H
inctudes Drive #1. case. P/S, cables and interface.
Orders are now being taken however, due to ttemendous demand
for the Millennia K interface system. orders will be on a strict first
come, first serve basis. Reserve your system ‘today.
Send check or -y order or cdli_ 1-313-731-2163 for Visa and MasterCard orders. Michigan residents please add
Ramex . fst er KE 87
International Ltd.
T-S NEWS
LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
With the decrease of support and a lack of availability of the Timex computers, many Sinclair followers have been looking forward to the U.S. introduction of the Sinclair Quantum Leap (QL). While some reports of disappointment with the new computer have been filtering in from Englaad (where the QL was finally released earlier this year), many of us have been optomistic, However, the September issue of BYTE features the closest thing to an in-depth review that we have yet seen, and the news is not good.
London computer reviewer, Dick Pountain reports problems with the microdrives, Operating system, SuperBASIC, the keyboard and more. His biggest complaint was with delivery delays in Great Britain. Sinclair began taking orders in January 1984, promised delivery in 28 days, had shipped only 300 machines by May, at which time the waiting list was around 13,000,
He calls the keys "dead and unresponsive," The drives in the unit he examined, had a friction problem which destroys the micro-tapes rapidly. (Sinclair claims to have this problem solved now.s) The QL is supposed to be multi-tasking, but Sinclair has not perfected this yet. As for Super- BASIC, he says its graphics are poor, and the number handling isn't good enough for busi- ness usage,
Hopefully by the time the QL is released in the! U.S. the microdrive problems will be fixed, the operating system (QDOS) will be
SRS ARETE ~sooy i=. = ee ?
30
complete, and there will be an alternative to SuperBASIC (unless it is vastly improved). And hopefully it won't be another year before we get a chance to get one,
ITEM: The T.S, National Users Network is a new concept for Timex users, The main feature is the "TS2068 User's Guidebook", a cassette that is mailed monthly to members containing a listing of products available for Timex users. They also maintain a database of user groups, newsletter, BBSs, known Timex users that can be accessed by members, Network membersalso receive a free game and 10% discount on certain merchandise. The yearly fee is $30.00, For a sample copy of the Guidebook (TS-2068 only) send $5.00 to T.S. Services, P,0,Box 14214, Red Bank, IN 37415. (615)877-6328,
ITEM: In T-S Horizons #5 we listed several publications which still support the Timex and Sinclair lines of computers. As editor Bo Barry wrote to remind us, we neglected to mention QZX, a journal for amateur radio enthusiasts who use a 2X81, TS1000, TS1500, or 182068, The July issue contained information on an RITY that requires no interface, a logger program, schematics for a real-time hardware clock, a look at the Sinclair QL from a ham radio viewpoint, and more. A subscription is $12,00/year, from Q2X, 2025 O'Donnell Drive, Las Cruces, NM 88001,
ITEM: The Triangle Sinclair User Group, 206 James Street, Carrboro, North Carolina 27510, is offering back issues of their very infor- mative newsletter (4 in all) for $5. These newsletter include articles by John Oliger, Dick Scoville, and others, not published elsewhere.
T-S NEWS
21st CENTURY ELECTRONICS
6813 POLK STREET e GUTTENBERG, N.J.07093 (201) 869-2616 to : [ STOP IN FOR 4 LIVE DEMONSTRATION dd). | a a — sacl sa main i ‘a bers able na SBSs, &, a paren eee BI ahs matte eevee d by THE ASTON MARTIN OF THE COMPUTER WORLD free | | MTxXS122 REG. PC~. #595.90 | dise. | | $100 DISC. for MEMOTECH ZX81 CENTRONICS INT. and GABLE | | towards MTX512 PURCHASE ' copy Fi cel cen alla el till rc ee Sa | 00 to ¢ | mtxsiazs m.:.- DUAL RS2S2c H TN PORTS and COMMUNICATIONS PORT % REG-Pc. #6295. 50 | | $100 DISC. for MEMOTECH ZX81 CENTRONICS INT. and GABLE Hl | towards MTX512S PURCHASE everal | > PROCESSING PKG Timex | Inc/ NEWNORD in ROM, DMX80 PRINTER and MTXS12s aditor i REG.Pc. $999.00 | $125 DISC. for MEMOTECH ZX81 CENTRONICS INT. and CABLE ted to | towards MTXS512SNP PURCHASE H radio = 381500, itained ion me THIS IS THE PROGRAM THAT WILL BRING 3 for a OUT THE POWER OF YOUR TIMEX/2068. at the MSCRIPT IS A WORD PROCESSOR, WHICH 4 HAS THE CAPABILITIES ONLY FOUND IN it, an WORDPROCESSORS COSTING MANY TIMES +, from THE PRICE OF MSCRIPT. A 70 PAGE ; NM MANUAL IS INCLUDED. A SCREEN 1e8, COMMAND AND FUNCTION MENU ARE AT YOUR FINGER TIPS AT ALL TIMES. DELETE, INSERT, STRING SEARCH, BLOCK 206 MOVE, AND PRINTER FORMATTING ARE DUP s BUT A FEW OF THE FUNCTIONS a 27510, AVALIABLE TO YOU. THERE ARE EVEN 10 inget= USER DEFINABLE FUNCTIONS. MSCRIPT 7 in WAS DEVELOPED TO WORK WITH THE , These CENTRONICS INTERFACE BEING MARKETED Oliger BY 21st CENTURY ELECTRONICS AND i AERCO, others, ere.
—SUPER _VaALUE WORD PROCESSOR PACKAGE 1) THE MEMOTECH DNX80 PRINTER 2) CENTRONICS INTERFACE 32 MSCRIPT (wordprocessor) REG. $442.85
NEWS
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