1166 lines
52 KiB
Plaintext
1166 lines
52 KiB
Plaintext
|
|
==(((((((((( == Z*MAG/A\ZINE ATARI ONLINE MAGAZINE
|
|
=========(( === September 10, 1991
|
|
=======(( ===== Issue #196
|
|
=====(( ======= ----------------------------------
|
|
==(((((((((( == Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Ind Inc..
|
|
|
|
Publisher/Editor : Ron Kovacs
|
|
Assistant Editor : Stan Lowell
|
|
|
|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
CompuServe: 75300,1642 GEnie: Z-NET
|
|
Z*NET BBS: (908) 968-8148 BLANK PAGE BBS: (908) 805-3967
|
|
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE EDITORS DESK
|
|
----------------
|
|
by Ron Kovacs
|
|
|
|
|
|
Well, the last Z*Magazine release was on June 11, 1991 as Issue #196.
|
|
That was at the start of summer and three issues or more will be
|
|
required to update you, incase you aren't reading Z*Net regularly, on
|
|
the summer happenings in the Atari community.
|
|
|
|
This is Issue #196 and the next release will take place in a short 7
|
|
days, not 90 as previously discussed above. Thanks for reading!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Z*NET NEWSWIRE
|
|
--------------
|
|
Summer Edition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THREE TAIWAN PLANTS UNDER ATARI CONTRACT
|
|
Although Atari has sold their Taiwan production facility for $60
|
|
million, it now contract with THREE plants in Taiwan alone. Production
|
|
is way up at last, and cash flow is greatly improved. Atari just
|
|
decided that it can do better as a contractor than as an owner. The
|
|
results of this and other moves should hit the US shores in July, when
|
|
literally up to 25,000 units a MONTH will arrive in the USA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW MEGAS SHIPPING TO BE MEGA 1's
|
|
Most of the arriving Mega units will be the one-meg no-hard drive model.
|
|
These can be upgraded in seconds to 2-meg, but to go to 4 meg may
|
|
require installing a pair of sockets. The holes will be there, although
|
|
soldered closed. The operation should be able to be performed from the
|
|
outside of the case, opening only the hard drive cover. There is still
|
|
no word on what the range of offering or prices for Atari's hard drive
|
|
kits might cost for installing the internal drives.
|
|
|
|
|
|
WORDPERFECT REQUEST
|
|
Ataris' developer man, Bill Rehbock, has asked Z*Net to clarify what he
|
|
is looking for in support for a new revision of WordPerfect. The
|
|
company is hesitant to release version 5-point-something because of
|
|
fears of insufficient sales. Bill has been actively soliciting reports
|
|
from users as to their actual reasons for not buying WordPerfect to
|
|
date, including bug reports. So far, Bill tells Z*Net that his mail has
|
|
been primarily negative, bashing him and Atari for flubbing the WP deal.
|
|
What he NEEDS are letters to take with him to WordPerfect in July.
|
|
Those letters should say what YOU think about WordPerfect, both in the
|
|
current incarnation for the Atari and what would make you buy a new
|
|
version. Reasons you didn't buy the existing version are important too.
|
|
Atari Corp, Bill Rehbock, 1196 Borregas Blvd, Sunnyvale, CA 94088. And
|
|
/or direct to WordPerfect, 1555 North Technology way, Orem, UT 84057.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW SUPPORT FOR ST
|
|
System Solutions will begin selling professional software and hardware,
|
|
including the MegaSTe and TT030. In addition to focusing in the UK,
|
|
products will be distributed throughout Europe and North America. SS
|
|
has alrady secured exclusive distribution rights to several products,
|
|
including a library of over 100 Calamus fonts, graphics programs and
|
|
hardware enhancements. The first products to be sold will be
|
|
accelerators from the US.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CeBIT MIDI NEWS
|
|
Steinberg showed Cubase working under M*ROS Midi multi-tasking system
|
|
and Synthworks SY77/TG77. C-Lab displayed Notator notation, Aura music
|
|
education and Midia analysing programs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUSTRALIAN EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS
|
|
The Victorian Ministry of Education and Training have recommended Atari
|
|
computers. The 1040STE is recommended as follows: General Curriculum
|
|
Use - As part of the Atari ST range, the 1040STE supports a variety of
|
|
simple word processing, database and spreadsheet packages which operate
|
|
within a graphical user interface. A limited range of adventure game/
|
|
simulation software is available to support cross-curriculum activities.
|
|
A proprietary brand of LOGO is available as is a robotics kit. For
|
|
schools wishing to work with video, a Genlock is available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
CODEHEAD SELECTS SS
|
|
Codehead Software has selected System Solutions as their new UK
|
|
distributor. Available thru SS will be, MaxiFile 3.1, Hotwire 2.4,
|
|
MultiDesk, Lookit, Poppit, Codekeys and the Codehead Utilities for
|
|
$29.95 each.
|
|
|
|
|
|
REPRO SELECTS SS
|
|
Trade-it has selected System Solutions as their UK distributor for
|
|
Repro Studio and Repro Studio Plus. This software will be available,
|
|
bundled with Logitech scanners and retail for $399 plus VAT.
|
|
|
|
|
|
IBM INTRODUCES DOS 5.0
|
|
IBM announced DOS 5.0, an enhanced, single-tasking operating system that
|
|
provides lower memory requirements than earlier versions of DOS,
|
|
improved performance and an easier-to-use interface. DOS 5.0 offers the
|
|
simplest installation of any version of DOS yet, by allowing users to
|
|
choose from only two screens of installation options. In addition, a
|
|
DOS 5.0 Retail Upgrade Package is available for users who are upgrading
|
|
from a previous version of DOS. This package enables the system to
|
|
automatically retain configuration information, eliminating the need to
|
|
copy files and transfer them to the new version. DOS 5.0 is priced at
|
|
$165 and additional licenses are priced at $125. Customers can upgrade
|
|
from DOS 2.1 or later through the IBM Retail Upgrade Package for DOS 5.0
|
|
for $85. DOS 5.0 supports all models of the IBM Personal Computer and
|
|
Personal System/2 families, with the exception of the PCjr, PC XT/370
|
|
and PC AT/370.
|
|
|
|
|
|
XCONTROL RELEASED
|
|
Atari Corp has released on GEnie the new XCONTROL panel for the STe and
|
|
TT. The arced file contains full documentation and the CPX control
|
|
files. Get it now on GEnie, CompuServe and the Z*Net BBS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
FIRST SCSI HOST ADAPTER ANNOUNCED
|
|
Adaptec became the first company to announce a Small Computer Systems
|
|
Interface (SCSI) host adapter to support Insite Peripherals' new high-
|
|
capacity 21Mbyte Floptical drives, debuting next week. Adaptec's AHA-
|
|
1520 AT-to-SCSI host adapter, with Floptical drive support built into
|
|
its BIOS, enables Floptical drives to be integrated seamlessly into AT-
|
|
class microcomputers. A working demonstration of the unit with an
|
|
Insite Peripherals Floptical drive will be demonstrated June 25-27 at
|
|
PC Expo, Booth 5555, Javits Center, New York.
|
|
|
|
|
|
DISTINCTIVE SOFTWARE UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
|
|
Electronic Arts announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire
|
|
Distinctive Software Inc. Electronic Arts will pay $782,900 and issue
|
|
488,157 shares of new common stock in exchange for all the outstanding
|
|
capital stock of DSI. DSI will be operated as a wholly-owned
|
|
subsidiary. Tarrnie Williams, 50, will continue as president and chief
|
|
executive officer of the new subsidiary. Don Mattrick, 27, founder,
|
|
chairman, and vice president of marketing and design for DSI, will
|
|
become vice president of strategic planning for Electronic Arts.
|
|
Distinctive Software has created over 40 titles and 90 SKU's for leading
|
|
publishers including Electronic Arts, Broderbund, Konami, Walt Disney
|
|
Computer Software, Mindscape and Accolade. It has participated in the
|
|
development of Test Drive and Hardball. It has designed Evolution and
|
|
The Duel: Test Drive II. It has also developed Ace of Aces, Dambusters,
|
|
Grand Prix Circuit, Hardball II, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMARTMODEM 10th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
|
|
Hayes announced the Smartmodem Tenth Anniversary by kicking off a year-
|
|
long celebration, beginning with the biggest cash rebate ever on Hayes
|
|
modems in the United States and Canada. From June 17 to Aug. 18, 1991,
|
|
Hayes provides customers with a US$150 rebate on ULTRA 96 or V-series
|
|
Smartmodem 9600; a US$100 rebate on Smartmodem 2400, Smartmodem 2400P,
|
|
Smartmodem 1200, or Smartmodem 1200B; and a US$35 rebate on Smartcom
|
|
Exec or Smartcom II for the Macintosh when purchased with one of these
|
|
modems. Hayes has set no volume limitations on individual or total unit
|
|
rebates. Customers may also obtain rebate coupons in metropolitan
|
|
newspapers and major industry magazines as well as through Hayes
|
|
electronic bulletin board system at 1-800-US-HAYES or 1-404-HI-MODEM.
|
|
For more information, contact Hayes Sales Support at (404) 840-9200.
|
|
|
|
|
|
$29 ATARI MODEM DEAL
|
|
Appearing on the back cover of the latest DAMARK -Great Deal Catalog- is
|
|
the familiar Atari SX-212 1200 baud modem for only $29.99. According to
|
|
Atari, about 10,000 of the Hayes compatible 300/1200 modem were sold,
|
|
cash in advance, to the Damark liquidation and close-out specialty mail
|
|
order company. The SX-212 features the standard RS232 port for use on
|
|
any computer, plus the 8-Bit Atari SIO port that allows use on an 8-Bit
|
|
Atari without further adapters or interfaces. At $29, it is an
|
|
unbeatable bargain despite its lack of 2400 baud speeds. Damark Item
|
|
Number B-373-181504 from catalog B-373-2329, call 800-729-9000 to order.
|
|
|
|
|
|
PORTFOLIO SAVES THE WORLD
|
|
Hold on to your Atari Portfolio, it just may help save the world some
|
|
day! The 16-bit personal computer plays a key role in two sequences in
|
|
the new Schwarzennegger blockbuster, -Terminator 2: Judgement Day.- In
|
|
the first sequence, the young boy hero uses his Portfolio to break into
|
|
a bank's automatic telling machine (We'd like to know if that program is
|
|
public domain!!). The other is later on during one of the film's many
|
|
climaxes, in another break-in attempt with a locked door. Incidentally,
|
|
you heard it here first -- the film will blow you away!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARI ANNOUNCES CLOSING
|
|
Atari announced this week the closing of the sale of its property in
|
|
Taiwan for $60 million. A portion of money will be used to reduce bank
|
|
debts of $27 million. Atari also reported that due to adverse market
|
|
conditions, particularly a slowdown of sales in Europe, it expects sales
|
|
for the current quarter ending June 30, 1991 to be below what it
|
|
experienced during the second quarter of 1990.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPSON UPDATE
|
|
Epson introduced ESC/P 2, a new printer control language for dot-matrix
|
|
printers that provides enhanced graphics capability and, for the first
|
|
time, scalable fonts. Epson ESC/P 2 is an extension of ESC/P, the
|
|
industry-standard language for 24-pin printing that is commonly known as
|
|
Epson LQ. ESC/P 2 will be incorporated into all future LQ printers from
|
|
Epson, starting in July 1991 with the new LQ-570, LQ-870, LQ-1170 and
|
|
ActionPrinter 5000 models. The new printers include ESC/P 2 drivers for
|
|
WordPerfect 5.1, PlanPerfect 5.1, DrawPerfect 1.1, Letter-Perfect 1.0,
|
|
Microsoft Windows 3.0, Microsoft Word 5.5 and WordStar 6.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARI LASER TONER $49 FROM DAK
|
|
High-tech liquidator DAK offered the PC-ready brother of the Atari
|
|
SLM804 laser printer for only $699 in recent catalogs. LaserPro built
|
|
the SLM804 for Atari, and their Silver Express model is nearly
|
|
identical to the Atari version. Remaining quantities of the now
|
|
out-of-production line were sold to DAK, who has sold out, according
|
|
to inquiries this week. But all is not lost, as DAK signed agreements
|
|
that should assure Toner and Drum availability for another five years.
|
|
Since these items directly interchange with Atari's SLM804, owners of
|
|
the -obsolete- printer can easily get supplies for years to come.
|
|
Toner is available for $49 (order number 5848), and drum kits are $199
|
|
(order number 5849), each plus shipping. Ask for their great catalog.
|
|
DAK, 800-325-0800, 8200 Remmet Ave, Canoga Park, CA 91304.
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEW PORTFOLIO HD AVAILABLE
|
|
There is finally a hard disk unit really available for the Portfolio!
|
|
The BSE Company, 14701 Candeda Place, Tustin, CA 92680, (714)-832-4316
|
|
have developed the Flashdrive hard disk unit. The unit connects to
|
|
the Portfolio via the Parallel Interface. The 20mb version sells for
|
|
$499. XoteriX has been offering a similar $899 unit, but they build
|
|
them as they are ordered rather than having stock available.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TRAMIEL's 7th ANNIVERSARY AT ATARI
|
|
July 3 marked the SEVENTH anniversary of the Tramiel Atari Corp. It
|
|
was in 1984 that Warner Communications gave up trying to sell a
|
|
machine they didn't understand to a market that Jack Tramiel had
|
|
personally shaped. Jack had just left Commodore where he had made the
|
|
C64 into -THE CHOICE- for small home computers, despite a limited
|
|
operating architecture and a dubious price advantage over the superior
|
|
Atari line. The -family way- of the Tramiel's wasn't favored at
|
|
Commodore, so Jack and the kids quit and bought the competition. And
|
|
Atari began a new phase. Jack and sons Sam, Leonard, and Garry held a
|
|
company pizza party on July 3 to celebrate the past and to toast the
|
|
future. Attending were the new crew at Sunnyvale who we all hope will
|
|
help make that future brighter than the past: Bob Brodie, Bill
|
|
Rehbock, and others. Honored guest was Kent Fillmore, product manager
|
|
of GEnie Telecommunication Service, who was visiting to find out more
|
|
about the company that motivates the busiest area on his international
|
|
system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARIUSER UNAFFECTED BY TAX
|
|
The California sales tax on publications reported by Z*Net last week
|
|
will not affect operation of AtariUser magazine. Quite contrary to the
|
|
worst-case scenarios discussed here last week before a decision was made
|
|
by California officials, AtariUser will only have to pay sales tax on
|
|
their costs of printing the new monthly Atari magazine. With a
|
|
circulation nearing 40,000, this is a far more affordable scheme than
|
|
pre-paying retail taxes on each copy, suggested as one crippling
|
|
possibility in last weeks Z*Net story. Says Steve Lesh, owner of Quill
|
|
Publishing Co. and publisher of AtariUser, -The tax story was premature
|
|
and it scared a lot of our advertisers, distributors, and subscribers.
|
|
We didn't know what the real costs were going to be, and neither did the
|
|
tax people. AtariUser Magazine is not and was not threatened by the
|
|
tax. Now we know it will have almost no effect on us. In fact, we are
|
|
expecting that new equipment at our printer's office will reduce the
|
|
actual cost of printing, just about offsetting the increase in tax
|
|
expense. It will be business as usual for AtariUser. We're expanding
|
|
our market every month in America and overseas, and both our acceptance
|
|
and advertising base are growing steadily.- Some small adjustments may
|
|
still be required for subscriptions, which are also taxable at 8.5% as a
|
|
sale since the new law became effective on July 15. The new sales taxes
|
|
apply to all publications in California, but the manner in which -free-
|
|
publications are assessed may be on a case-by-case basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOM BYRON JOINS HOLOBYTE
|
|
Former STart magazine editor Tom Byron begins a new position next week
|
|
at SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE. Tom will be in public relations and promotion at
|
|
the successful software company, leaving a staff position at ANTIC
|
|
publishing where his duties were limited to writing for the PC Home
|
|
Journal since the suspension of the STart publication two months ago.
|
|
(There is no word yet of any progress on a hoped-for sale of STart.)
|
|
Still an Atari fan, Tom Byron hopes to have opportunities to promote
|
|
more Atari projects. Spectrum Holobyte is the maker of the already-
|
|
classic FALCON flight simulation game, but has a limited number of
|
|
titles available for the Atari computers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 MEG HARD DRIVE KITS SHIPPING
|
|
Atari Canada confirmed shipping of the fifty megabyte hard drive kits
|
|
for the Mega STE. The Mega STE 1 marketed in Canada for the past few
|
|
months has been upgraded and will only use Atari's own hard drive kits
|
|
to install an internal hard drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARI AT PACIFIC NATIONAL EXPO
|
|
Atari Canada and Minitronics Canada will join forces this summer at the
|
|
Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver. This seventeen day fair hosts
|
|
a variety of interests and currently planned are demonstrations on the
|
|
Atari Computer, in conjunction with the Roland Desktop Music System as
|
|
well as Portfolio and Lynx displays. The fair is annual event attended
|
|
by over a million people each year.
|
|
|
|
|
|
MANNY MINI-FEST
|
|
On Tuesday 7-23-91 Manny's Music In New York City hosted an Atari Day
|
|
for on non-Midi applications for the Atari ST & Musicians. The
|
|
following companies were present; Goldleaf Publishing, STep Ahead
|
|
Softeare, ISD, SoftLogic and of course Atari Corp's Mike Groh. A better
|
|
detailed report will appear next week here in Z*Net.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ANTI-PIRACY CONFERENCE ANNOUNCED
|
|
In an effort to bring piracy under control within FNET, the FoReM inter-
|
|
BBS network, the Z*Net BBS is sponsoring the Anti-Piracy Conference
|
|
which is available now. The conference code is 40593 and it available
|
|
to any FoReM BBS system not participating in the 'Elite- conferences
|
|
currently under way in the network. The 'Elite- conference are non-
|
|
public, private conferences (message bases) openly discussing pirating
|
|
of Atari software. The Z*Net BBS has been deleting nodes from the
|
|
Magazine conference since the receipt of a capture from one of the host
|
|
nodes in FNET. Stay tuned for more information on this situation.
|
|
Z*Net will be re-producing -pirate topic- discussions during the weeks
|
|
ahead and will include what we are doing to fight piracy in the Atari
|
|
community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
BRODIE AT ASHEVILLE ATARIFEST
|
|
Bob Brodie attended the weekend Atarifest hosted by Sheldon Winick in
|
|
North Carolina last week. Current estimates range between 400-500
|
|
people attending along with seminars held by Brodie and ST-Reports
|
|
RF Mariano. See the report of the event by Bob Brodie in next weeks
|
|
Z*Net. Brodie is on his way to Indiana this weekend and will hopefully
|
|
be kind enough to pass along his comments!
|
|
|
|
|
|
IBM BEGINS TO RUN APPLE SOFTWARE
|
|
Hydra announced the delivery of its ANDOR ONE product, a PC add-in board
|
|
with associated software that allows IBM PCs and compatible to run Apple
|
|
Macintosh software. Andor One is a hardware and software package which
|
|
combines the two predominant microcomputer standards into a single
|
|
machine and works with all PCs ranging from XTs through 486s. This new
|
|
product allows a PC-committed corporation to experiment with the
|
|
productivity of Macintosh software before committing to the purchase of
|
|
a new family of computers and a new computer vendor.
|
|
|
|
|
|
EPSON INTRODUCES NEW LX-810
|
|
Epson has introduced an enhanced version of its LX-810 printer that
|
|
features faster print speeds. The LX-810, a narrow-carriage, 9-pin
|
|
printer, produces up to 240 cps in draft mode, a 30 percent increase,
|
|
and up to 48 cps in NLQ mode, a 60 percent increase. The LX-810 has a
|
|
suggested retail price of $269 and comes with a two-year limited
|
|
warranty.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARI NEWS UPDATE
|
|
-----------------
|
|
Press Release
|
|
|
|
|
|
NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROFESSIONAL SYSTEMS GROUP LAUNCHES THE RENAISSANCE OF ATARI'S NORTH
|
|
AMERICAN COMPUTING MARKET WITH THE AEGIS STRATEGIC PARTNER PROGRAM
|
|
|
|
Sunnyvale, California - 25 July 1991 - The Professional Systems Group,
|
|
a division of Atari Computer Corporation, will kick-off the AEGIS
|
|
Strategic Partner program at the AEGIS Symposium to be held August 5 and
|
|
6.
|
|
|
|
The AEGIS Strategic Partner program creates a unique relationship
|
|
between Atari, its key resellers and its key developers. This
|
|
relationship nurtures the development of both vertical-market and cross-
|
|
discipline solutions, resulting in a strong and effective national sales
|
|
organization.
|
|
|
|
A key part of the AEGIS Strategic Partner program is the AEGIS
|
|
Symposium, a clearinghouse for the ideas and information that create
|
|
powerful vertical-market solutions. The AEGIS Symposium is a two-day
|
|
product training event with participation from both key resellers and
|
|
key developers.
|
|
|
|
The first AEGIS Symposium will be held August 5 and 6 at the Wyndham
|
|
Garden Hotel in Sunnyvale, California and at the Cogswell Polytechnical
|
|
College in Cupertino, California. Over 50 computer and music sales,
|
|
third-party software, and Atari representative personnel will be in
|
|
attendance.
|
|
|
|
Key software developers attending the AEGIS Symposium include: C-Lab
|
|
Software, Dr. T's Music Software, Hybrid Arts, Roland Corporation USA,
|
|
Steinberg/Jones, Codehead Software, Goldleaf Publishing, Gribnif
|
|
Software, ISD Marketing, Soft-logik Publishing and Step Ahead Software.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARI BACK IN KEYBOARD
|
|
Atari is back advertising in Keyboard magazine, the most widely read
|
|
professional musician's magazine in the country. In the August issue
|
|
(with Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman on the cover), Atari has taken co-op
|
|
ads with C-Lab (Notator, Creator) and Dr. T (numerous editor/librarians
|
|
and sequencers). The Atari logo is large and clearly seen in both ads.
|
|
There will be an Atari/Dr. T ad in Electronic Musician this month as
|
|
well. Bob Brodie of Atari says -We've also done similar things in PC-
|
|
related magazines with some of our Portfolio developers.-
|
|
|
|
|
|
ATARI CANADA PROMOS
|
|
Four promotions were announced this week by Geoff Earle at Canadian
|
|
headquarters in Markham Ontario. Package One (BTS Mono) includes a
|
|
1040STE, SM124 Monochrome monitor, Star NX1000, First Word Plus and
|
|
HyperPaint II. Package Two (BTS Color) inlucdes a 1040STE, SC1224 Color
|
|
monitor, Star NX1000, First Word Plus and HyperPaint II. Package Three
|
|
includes same products except a Mega 2STe in place of the 1040STe. The
|
|
final package #4 (MIDI) includes a 1040STe, SM124 Monochrome monitor and
|
|
Super Librarian.
|
|
|
|
|
|
DAMARK UPDATE
|
|
As previously reported in Z*Net, Damark has purchased a number of Atari
|
|
SX212 300/1200-baud Hayes-compatible modems. The latest Damark catalog
|
|
(September 1991), shows a reduced price of only $19.99, a full $10 off
|
|
their earlier price. Shipping and handling is an additional $5.50. (A
|
|
large picture of the modem appears on page 5 of the catalog; while the
|
|
word -Atari- had been difficult to read in the previous catalog, it's
|
|
quite legible now.) Damark's order lines are open 7 days a week, 24
|
|
hours a day: 800 729 9000. When ordering, purchasers will be asked to
|
|
supply the item number for the modem (B-375-181504) and the -Damark
|
|
Code- on the catalog (B-375-2006).
|
|
|
|
|
|
COMPUTER FAIR ANNOUNCED
|
|
The Atari Special Interest Group (SIG) of the McDonnell Douglas
|
|
Corporation Recreational Computer Club (MDC-RCC) in St. Louis, Missouri,
|
|
will be holding their fourth annual Computer Fair at the North County
|
|
Recreation Complex in St. Louis on August 31, 1991. This will be a
|
|
general-interest show, with many different kinds of computers
|
|
represented (not just Atari). The Fair will open to the public at 11:00
|
|
a.m. CDT and close at 7:00 p.m. For more information contact: Ray Perry
|
|
(GEnie address R.PERRY6) MDC-RCC Atari SIG Director.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ISRAEL AND ATARI
|
|
Plans to build a plant in Israel are nearly gone. Atari is alledged to
|
|
be attempting to borrow money from the Israeli government for building
|
|
the plant. Talks on this have failed and it looks like Atari will be
|
|
searching for another area. As previously reported, Atari has been
|
|
closing plants in Taiwan and sub-contracting work to other manufacturers
|
|
in the United States and abroad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SONY TO MAKE PORTABLE PCS FOR APPLE
|
|
A Sony spokesman said this week that it will produce notebook-size
|
|
personal computers for Apple. However, an Apple spokeswoman denied the
|
|
article, saying that although Apple deals extensively with Japanese
|
|
firms, no contract has been struck with Sony or any other company
|
|
regarding the production of its computers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
KICK THE TIRES
|
|
--------------
|
|
by Stan Lowell
|
|
|
|
|
|
CSS' Deluxe 3-1/2- upgrade for the XF551
|
|
----------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
Computer Software Services continues to come out with new upgrades to
|
|
their hardware and software products. I have been getting reports back
|
|
on the -DeLuxe- 3-1/2- upgrade package for the XF551.
|
|
|
|
As you might have guessed, it is *impressive!* This upgrade will let
|
|
you add a 3-1/2- drive to your existing 5-1/4- XF551. A program comes
|
|
along with the upgrade which will let you *read*(only) 720k MSDOS
|
|
formatted floppies. For you 'multi-CPU folks, or those with friends who
|
|
have one of those -other- machines, this would make porting files from
|
|
them to your 8-bit much easier!
|
|
|
|
Hopefully, someone who has this upgrade will write up a 'quick look' or
|
|
even a full fledged review? (*Hint, Hint*)
|
|
|
|
I would guess that the surfacing of this bodes well for owners of the
|
|
Black Box. For those who don't know about the BB: one of the 'add-ons'
|
|
to it will be a floppy interface which will support drive configurations
|
|
of up to 720k. This will allow reading, writing, and formatting of
|
|
MSDOS, ST, or any Dos for Atari which will support these high capacity
|
|
drives (SpartaDos, MyDos in the main)! Only conjecture on my part, but
|
|
as a BB owner, I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
|
|
|
|
Back-up Pro! - A Quick Look
|
|
------------
|
|
|
|
CSS has also updated its back-up program! This is an impressive piece
|
|
of software! It will let you back-up/restore to another hard drive
|
|
partition or drives 1-9 (Yes! Multiple drives on the back-up/restore!
|
|
Using drive 9 does require your OS to support it). This feature laden
|
|
program will also let you -compact- or -compress- (requires 128k of
|
|
memory). This will cut your disk requirements in half(10 instead of 20
|
|
disks), but this does increase the back-up/restore time required.
|
|
|
|
As for times, I normally used FlashBack to back-up my 1st partition.
|
|
Time: 2-1/2 hours. Ready for this? Time with this program: 45
|
|
minutes! These times are *without* using compression. This program is
|
|
a *must have* for Hard Disk owners and BBS SysOps!
|
|
|
|
It does the usual sort of things like let you back up an entire
|
|
partition or select a subdirectory(s) or file(s), lets you do a 'dry run
|
|
through' to determine the number of disks you will require, etc.
|
|
|
|
Things I don't like about it: Copy protection requires floppy re-boot
|
|
after every use. I fully understand the unfortunate *need* for
|
|
protection, but it is a real pain to select what you want to back-up, do
|
|
a 'dry run' to see how many floppies you will need to have on hand...
|
|
then have to re-boot and try and remember what you had selected before.
|
|
You COULD have written it down, but that is like reading directions -
|
|
you do it after things have crumbled! <Grin> I would like to see it
|
|
possible to either boot from HD or simply re-run after booting via
|
|
floppy the first time. As a minimum, something like HardBack's Calc.com
|
|
would be nice.
|
|
|
|
The second thing that I don't like is that, like FastBack on the PC, you
|
|
can't easily restore a single file because the format is proprietary
|
|
(unlike the old -Hardback- & -FlashBack-) and will not allow file copies
|
|
except from within the program. What this also means is that you had
|
|
better use *GOOD* floppies for the backup. If you get a bad spot, you
|
|
lose everything on that disk!
|
|
|
|
These things aside, if you value what you have on your HD, just from the
|
|
savings in time alone, you should buy this one! Price is $49.95 plus
|
|
shipping & handling.
|
|
|
|
Computer Software Services(CSS) has moved since Bob Puff acquired sole
|
|
ownership, but the mailing address remains the same:
|
|
|
|
Computer Software Services
|
|
PO Box 17660
|
|
Rochester, NY 14617
|
|
|
|
The new voice phone number is:
|
|
(716) 429-5639
|
|
|
|
Their BBS number is still the same: 716-247-7157(N,8,1).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BRACE ATARIFEST SHOW REPORT
|
|
---------------------------
|
|
by the Z*Net Staff and Bob Brodie,
|
|
Director of Communications, Atari Computer Corporation
|
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, July 20th was a great day in Asheville, NC. Atarians from all
|
|
over the southeast came together once again to enjoy their hobby at the
|
|
second annual Blue Ridge Atarifest. The event is co-sponsored by the
|
|
Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts, and the local Atari dealer,
|
|
Computer STudio. Sheldon Winick is the well known owner of Computer
|
|
STudio.
|
|
|
|
This was the second time Atarians had come to Asheville for the Blue
|
|
Ridge Atarifest. Last year was the first event, inspired by a visit
|
|
from Bob Brodie of Atari. When Bob arrived, he found an exceptional
|
|
Atari dealership, and excited users. A total of about 150 people turned
|
|
out for the inaugural Blue Ridge Atarifest. Most of the rest of the
|
|
exhibitors at the first -show- were other Atari owners who enjoyed
|
|
sharing their expertise in particular areas of their hobby. Included in
|
|
last years exhibitors was a number of members from KAUG, the Knoxville
|
|
Atari Users Group. Clifton Willard, a video professional, returned with
|
|
the rest of the gang from KAUG for the second Blue Ridge Atarifest.
|
|
|
|
No one has ever accused Bob Brodie of hiding a good thing! He was sure
|
|
to tell one and all about the great impression Asheville's fine folk had
|
|
made on him. This year, the show moved itself up by several notches!
|
|
There were a number of other professional developers that attended the
|
|
Blue Ridge Atarifest this year, and even more people! As before, the
|
|
show was held in the lovely Westgate Shopping Center, in which Computer
|
|
STudio is located. In a major switch from the norm of most other Atari
|
|
shows, BRACE and Computer STudio made this event *FREE* to everyone!
|
|
There was no charge for admission, and no charge to any of the
|
|
developers that chose to display their wares in Asheville for the day!
|
|
Computer STudio is a full service Atari retailer, carrying the full line
|
|
of Atari products. On display in the store was the TT030, with 8 megs
|
|
of ram, a Mega/STE with four megs of ram, 1040 STEs, Stacys, Lynx, and
|
|
the Portfolio palmtop computer. Computer STudio is a well stocked
|
|
dealer, with over 500 software titles available on the shelf.
|
|
|
|
Folks from all over the southeast came to see this event. User groups
|
|
were reported present from KAUG, the Knoxville Atari Users Group, the
|
|
East Tennesee Atari Computer Enthusiasts, and other groups from North
|
|
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and even Florida was
|
|
represented at this event.
|
|
|
|
Among the people that drove up to this southern style gathering was the
|
|
colorful and controversial Ralph Mariano. Most Atarians recognize Ralph
|
|
as being the publisher of ST Report, a weakly rumor column distributed
|
|
primarily on the FNET. In addition to ST Report, Mariano also has his
|
|
own hard drive business, ABCO Computer. The vocal Mariano, ever a
|
|
curiosity to the end users and developers alike, elected not to take a
|
|
booth to show his famous ABCO hard disks, but rather opted to try to
|
|
mingle with the crowd at the event. Bob enjoyed an opportunity to meet
|
|
Ralph's sons, who also came for the journey north. Hmmm, wonder if they
|
|
read ST Report? The once influential journalist hosted his own seminar
|
|
toward the end of the day entitled -Current Events-. It was an event
|
|
not to be forgotten: entertaining, humuorous, and unclouded by facts.
|
|
|
|
D.A. Brumleve and her family took time out from their vacation to swing
|
|
through Asheville. Dorothy had her KIDPRGs on display, and enjoyed
|
|
speaking to the many new users that she encountered there. Unlike many
|
|
of the booths at shows, Dorothy's is one that the parents can encourage
|
|
their children to use the computer! No worries about lost data at
|
|
Dorothy's booth. She's always glad to get the little ones up to the
|
|
screen. It's usually not too longer after the kids get busy with the
|
|
KIDPRGs that Mom and Dad notice that maybe their kid isn't too young to
|
|
use a computer after all! Always a seminar favorite, Dorothy gave a
|
|
session on -Empowering You Learners Through Technology-.
|
|
|
|
Located down the hall from his wife, was Dr. Timothy Brumleve, who has
|
|
written his own librarian for a Kawai synthesizer. Tim hosted a MIDI
|
|
seminar to demonstrate his K5/K5m Voice Librarian. Many of the great
|
|
sounds heard throughout the Westgate Shopping Center this day were
|
|
courtesy of Tim Brumleve! Along with Tim, Mike Cloninger was on hand
|
|
from Dragon Studio to show off some his stuff, done with Cubase.
|
|
|
|
GEnie was well represented by Darlah Pine, head of the Atari Roundtables
|
|
on GEnie. Hooked up live to GEnie, Darlah showed how to get around the
|
|
system to the new users. Most of them were impressed with Atari's
|
|
official online service! Genie's Basic Services are an exceptional
|
|
value! Darlah also showed the new subscribers how to locate the
|
|
developers of their favorite programs, most of whom are probably online
|
|
on GEnie now! Got a problem with a program? Here's how to send
|
|
electronic mail to the company! Did you say that you were interested in
|
|
public domain software? GEnie has simply the *best* online libraries
|
|
around! Darlah remarked how wonderful it was to find so many new users
|
|
at a show! It had been a long time since so many new folk had appeared
|
|
at a show.
|
|
|
|
John Fox of Goldleaf Publishing was on hand, his usual wacky self, to
|
|
wow the crowd with WordFlair II. Word Flair II takes advantage of
|
|
Atari's FSMGDOS, utilizing scalable outline font technology. A truly
|
|
unique product, a document processor, Word Flair II let you integrate
|
|
text, graphics, and data all on one page!
|
|
|
|
Jeff Williams is a familiar sight to show goers as one of the syops from
|
|
GEnie. Jeff has long been a fixture as the moderator of the Wed. night
|
|
conferences on GEnie. Now Jeff is also with ICD, and ICD sent him to
|
|
Asheville with an ample supply of host adapters, AdSpeed accelerators,
|
|
and great deals on close out 8 bit stuff! Jeff displayed a STacy 4 with
|
|
an AdSpeed up and running. ICD's products just seem to get better and
|
|
better!
|
|
|
|
Located inside the Computer STudio store, hidden behind a wall of people
|
|
that constantly surrounded him was none other than Nathan Potechin of
|
|
ISD Marketing. Nathan was showing off Calamus S/L on the Atari TT030 at
|
|
Computer STudio. People were lined up three and four deep from opening
|
|
till about 2:30 to speak with Nathan, and to see the power of Calamus
|
|
S/L. Nathan also gave a seminar later in the day on Atari Desktop
|
|
Publishing using Calamus. Always easy to approach, Nathan spent time
|
|
with new friends discussing Calamus, Outline Art, DynaCadd, and the
|
|
Independent Association of Atari Developers.
|
|
|
|
Nevin Shalit of Step Ahead Software is the author of Tracker/ST.
|
|
Tracker is a powerful application that offers a complete mail manager
|
|
with a quick letter option, label printing and more. Nevin is one of
|
|
the sysops of the SoftLogik Roundtable on GEnie, and also gave folks a
|
|
look at the powerful new version of PageStream. Better known in some
|
|
circles for his Rumor City column in ST Informer, Nevin proves every
|
|
month that you can kiss & tell if you do it right! Everyone likes to
|
|
keep up with the latest scoop on the Atari community. Nevin shares his
|
|
rumors with little flash and no slash, and lots of class. Refreshing
|
|
reading for everyone! Other pseudo journalists would do well to
|
|
consider his approach! Nevin sold out of Tracker/ST at this show! In
|
|
addition to Nevin, ST Informer was also represented by Brian Gockley.
|
|
Brian and his lovely wife had great supplies of ST Informers' A & D
|
|
Software, including the Universal Item Selector and the Universal
|
|
Network.
|
|
|
|
Down from Virginia for the Blue Ridge Atarifest came Don and Carole
|
|
Terp. These longtime Atarians might be remembered by some for their
|
|
writings in the Atari community. They started ST Business magazine, and
|
|
then published their original material in ST Applications. Now under
|
|
the name of Reed Mountain Press, Don discussed the business side of
|
|
desktop publishing.
|
|
|
|
Clifton Willard was again on hand from Knoxville to show off his
|
|
fabulous video creations, all generated using an Atari computer. Those
|
|
doubters that the ST's video capabilities should have been present. His
|
|
creations are simply fabulous!
|
|
|
|
While not showing an Atari specific products, author Ralph Roberts spent
|
|
time discussing Computer Viruses...the topic of his book. He has also
|
|
written a series of Leisure Suit Larry hint books. Ralph autographed
|
|
copies of his book as a special bonus to show attendees.
|
|
|
|
Although not exhibiting per se, any report would be remiss if it didn't
|
|
mention the attendance of Bill Aycock, Compuserve Sysop. Bill was easy
|
|
to approach, and quite open about discussing the current state of
|
|
CompuServe. If your a Portfolio user, CompuServe has an excellent
|
|
Portfolio forum!
|
|
|
|
Last, but certainly not least was Bob Brodie of Atari Computer
|
|
Corporation. Bob spent most of his time helping out Darlah Pine showing
|
|
of GEnie, and meeting new friends from the south. Bob especially
|
|
enjoyed being right across the way from Computer STudio. It made it so
|
|
easy for him to refer people to a great store just a few feet away to
|
|
have their needs met. Instead of having to suggest that a dealer
|
|
*might* have what the user needed, chances are that Computer STudio
|
|
would already have the product in stock.
|
|
|
|
And speaking of Computer STudio, Sheldon Winick and staff were on the
|
|
go from almost before opening the store to the very end of the day.
|
|
Lines are the cash register were typically about 4 deep. Sheldon was
|
|
all smiles by the end of the day. I'd bet that this day goes down in
|
|
Computer STudio history as one of the best. Did you say *the* best?
|
|
Could be! The many specials that were run were sure to please any
|
|
budget, and developers seemed to be all aglow as well. Beyond a doubt,
|
|
this gathering brought together a fine balance of buyers and sellers!
|
|
|
|
Clearly, credit for this event must go to the Blue Ridge Atari Computer
|
|
Enthusiasts and Computer STudio. How many other shows in recent memory
|
|
offer to provide developer space for free, and *no admission* charge?
|
|
Hmmm, sounds like a pretty REVOLUTIONARY idea to me! A show in a
|
|
shopping center?? Even more REVOLUTIONARY stuff! Don Thomas would be
|
|
pleased.
|
|
|
|
And could there be any doubt that there will be a repeat performance?
|
|
How could it go wrong! With free booths for the developers, the major
|
|
cost that they will have to deal is more like transportation and hotels.
|
|
What a pleasant change from other recent shows! Look for this event to
|
|
grow into an even bigger event than the 500 people that attended this
|
|
year. Look for the friendly people at Computer STudio to be host to
|
|
*the* gathering point for southern Atarians! Sheldon told Bob that he
|
|
is already in discussions with a major mall in Asheville to relocate
|
|
Computer STudio there. Imagine how many non-Atarians will see next
|
|
years show! Kudos to Sheldon and his fine staff, and the Blue Ridge
|
|
Atari Computer Enthusiasts for putting on such a fine event! I'm
|
|
looking forward to next year!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8-BIT SUPPORT
|
|
-------------
|
|
Courtesy CompuServe Atari8 Forum
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Atari 8-bit computers are one of finest home computers ever
|
|
designed. Unfortunately, after some 12 years on the market, software
|
|
and hardware has become very difficult to find. Hopefully this file
|
|
will help you extend the life of your Atari. The following is a list of
|
|
companies and individuals still marketing items as of 7/1/91.
|
|
|
|
If you know of any companies not on this list, or any changes necessary
|
|
to this list, please contact us, as we are attempting to update this
|
|
list on a regular basis.
|
|
|
|
Software Infinity
|
|
642 East Waring Avenue
|
|
State College, PA 16801
|
|
-----------------------
|
|
Good PD selection. Have just begun marketing commercial games from
|
|
overseas.
|
|
|
|
Reevesoft
|
|
29W150 Old Farm Lane
|
|
Warrenville, IL 60555
|
|
---------------------
|
|
Produces Diamond GOS cartridge, Diamond Paint, Diamond Write, Diamond
|
|
News Station. Windowing environment for 8bits.
|
|
|
|
DataQue Software
|
|
PO Box 134
|
|
Ontario, OH 44862
|
|
-----------------
|
|
Turbo-816 16-bit upgrade board, TransKey hardware for using IBM
|
|
keyboards on the 8-bit, and other hardware.
|
|
|
|
B&C ComputerVisions
|
|
3256 Kifer Road
|
|
Santa Clara, CA 95051 (408)749-1003
|
|
------------------------------------
|
|
Huge selection of software and hardware items. Also some new commercial
|
|
games, unavailable elsewhere.
|
|
|
|
Sagamore Software
|
|
2104 Arapahoe Dr.
|
|
Lafayette, IN 47905
|
|
-------------------
|
|
Good PD/shareware selection with extensive documentation.
|
|
|
|
Change In Heat
|
|
12 Bella Vista Place
|
|
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
|
|
---------------------
|
|
Independent programmer has produced 2 excellent commercial quality games
|
|
for the 8-bit.
|
|
|
|
Bresnik Software
|
|
555 Ware Street
|
|
Mansfield, MA 02048
|
|
-------------------
|
|
Another independent, producing good educational software yet.
|
|
|
|
UltraBasic
|
|
10 East 10th Street
|
|
Bloomsburg, PA 17815
|
|
--------------------
|
|
8-bit speciality software.
|
|
|
|
NERDS Software
|
|
18 Wendy Drive
|
|
Farmingville, NY 11738
|
|
----------------------
|
|
Printshop related software.
|
|
|
|
IB Computers
|
|
9244 S.W. Beaverton-Hills Hwy
|
|
Valley Plaza Shopping Center
|
|
Beaverton, Oregon 97005 (503)297-8425
|
|
--------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
BellCom
|
|
PO Box 1043
|
|
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada K9J7A5
|
|
------------------------------------
|
|
The largest PD/shareware selection.
|
|
|
|
Compsult
|
|
PO Box 5160
|
|
San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-5160
|
|
------------------------------
|
|
Closeout items galore.
|
|
|
|
No Frills Software
|
|
800 East 23rd Street
|
|
Kearney, NE 68847
|
|
-----------------
|
|
Closeouts & Printshop graphics.
|
|
|
|
Miles Better Software
|
|
219/221 Cannock Road, Chadsmoor
|
|
Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 2DD England
|
|
---------------------------------------
|
|
An overseas mail-order source for the Atari. They have many games which
|
|
were never released in the US.
|
|
|
|
Electronic Clinic
|
|
4916 Del Ray Ave.
|
|
Bethesda, MD 20814
|
|
------------------
|
|
Refurbished equipment.
|
|
|
|
Kake Software
|
|
9 Smith Ct.
|
|
Vincentown, NJ 08088
|
|
--------------------
|
|
Assorted theme disks.
|
|
|
|
Bacmun Software
|
|
1671 East 16th Street, Suite 629
|
|
Brooklyn, NY 11229
|
|
------------------
|
|
PD theme disks.
|
|
|
|
Alpha Systems
|
|
1012 Skyland Drive
|
|
Macedonia, OH 44056
|
|
-------------------
|
|
Utility software & hardware.
|
|
|
|
American Technavision
|
|
15338 Inverness Street
|
|
San Leandro, CA 94579 (415)352-3787
|
|
------------------------------------
|
|
Large selection of commercial software at closeout prices, and hardware
|
|
replacement parts.
|
|
|
|
Best Electronics
|
|
2021 The Alameda, Suite 290
|
|
San Jose, CA 95126 (408) 243-6950
|
|
----------------------------------
|
|
Known as *the* Atari hardware store. If they don't have the part you
|
|
need, nobody does.
|
|
|
|
BRE Software
|
|
352 West Bedford Ave, Suite 104
|
|
Fresno, CA 93711
|
|
----------------
|
|
PD/Shareware.
|
|
|
|
C&T ComputerActive
|
|
PO Box 893
|
|
Clinton, OK 73601
|
|
-----------------
|
|
|
|
Chameleon Software
|
|
1013 Marvern Drive East
|
|
Chambersburg, PA 17201
|
|
----------------------
|
|
New & used 8-bit software and hardware. Had a -going out of business
|
|
sale- in May '91, so they may be gone by now.
|
|
|
|
MWPDS
|
|
890 North Huntington St.
|
|
Medina OH 44256
|
|
---------------
|
|
|
|
Phantoms Atari 8-bit
|
|
Box 331 Levisa Road
|
|
MouthCard, KY 41548
|
|
-------------------
|
|
|
|
Vulcan Software
|
|
PO Box 692
|
|
Manassas VA 22111-0692
|
|
----------------------
|
|
|
|
Walt Huber
|
|
644 East Clinton
|
|
Atwater, CA 95301
|
|
-----------------
|
|
Discontinued software galore, as well as some original programs.
|
|
|
|
Innovative Concepts
|
|
31172 Shawn Drive
|
|
Warren, MI 48093 (313)293-0730
|
|
-------------------------------
|
|
Accesories, hardware, PD software
|
|
|
|
CSS
|
|
PO Box 17660
|
|
Rochester NY 14617 (716)586-5545
|
|
---------------------------------
|
|
Specialty hardware items, 8-bit repair service.
|
|
|
|
San Jose Computers
|
|
640 Blossom Hill Road
|
|
San Jose, CA 95123 (408)224-8575
|
|
---------------------------------
|
|
New and reconditioned hardware and software
|
|
|
|
Entertainment Excellence
|
|
1805 Princeton Place
|
|
Merrick, NY 11566
|
|
-----------------
|
|
Discontinued 8-bit software.
|
|
|
|
East Hartford Computer
|
|
202 Robert Street
|
|
East Hartford, CT 06108
|
|
-----------------------
|
|
Discontinued software for all computers.
|
|
|
|
Aerion Software
|
|
PO Box 1222
|
|
Riverdale Station, NY, NY 10471-1222
|
|
------------------------------------
|
|
Markets a new 8-bit commercial game.
|
|
|
|
Toad Computers
|
|
556 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd
|
|
Severna Park, Maryland 21146 (301)544-6943
|
|
-------------------------------------------
|
|
Now offers a selection of software and reconditioned hardware.
|
|
|
|
When writing to request catalogs, it's always a good idea to include
|
|
a Stamped, Self-Addressed Envelope.
|
|
|
|
Next, is a list of magazines still supporting the 8-bit Atari.
|
|
|
|
Current Notes
|
|
122 North Johnson Road
|
|
Sterling, VA 22170
|
|
------------------
|
|
A truly excellent Atari-oriented magazine, supporting both 8-bit and ST.
|
|
|
|
Atari Interface
|
|
3487 Braeburn Circle
|
|
Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (313) 973-8825
|
|
-----------------------------------
|
|
A magazine supporting both 8-bit and ST, with input from Atari user
|
|
groups in the US, Canada and the UK. They also produce a monthly Atari
|
|
8-bit disk.
|
|
|
|
AtariUser
|
|
113 West College Street
|
|
Covina, CA 91723
|
|
----------------
|
|
A new Atari publication covering the full line of Atari products.
|
|
|
|
Rovac Industries
|
|
Post Office Box 59
|
|
Middlesex, NJ 08846-0059 (908) 968-2024
|
|
----------------------------------------
|
|
Produces Z*Magazine an Atari 8-Bit online magazine on a monthly basis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MODIFYING THE 1200XL
|
|
--------------------
|
|
by Jason Hedrick
|
|
|
|
Special thanks to: Bob Woolley, Bob Puff and Paul Smith
|
|
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer: None of the above persons shall be held responsible in the
|
|
event that the person doing the modifications stated in this article
|
|
should damage his or her equipment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
I bought a 1200XL about a year ago from a person for rather cheap.
|
|
1200XL machines can be had rather inexpensively these days, because when
|
|
Atari made them, they weren't what one would consider as good as, say,
|
|
an 800XL. I resolved to find out as much as I possibly could about this
|
|
machine, and that I would try to make it what it 'should have been'. I
|
|
have used an article written by Paul Smith and Bob Woolley as
|
|
guidelines. I have basically compiled the facts.
|
|
|
|
Another reason I wrote this article is because I wanted to have Computer
|
|
Software Services' Ultra Speed Plus Operating System work in it. To
|
|
look at it with an amateur's point of view, (like myself) you would have
|
|
said, -Impossible!-. No, it wasn't. Well, enough of my babbling, and
|
|
on with the show.
|
|
|
|
The first problem encountered with the 1200XL is the fact that any
|
|
device drawing power from the SIO port didn't work because there is a
|
|
current limit resistor keeping devices from getting the voltage/current
|
|
they needed. So if you ever plugged in, say, a P:R: Connection, it
|
|
wouldn't work, because it has no external power supply.
|
|
|
|
To fix this problem, all you have to do is short out R63. This is a 100
|
|
Ohm resistor (Brown-Black-Brown) in series with the power supply and is
|
|
located near the SIO connector (J1). Just solder a wire from one end of
|
|
the resistor to the other. This is easiest from the solder side of the
|
|
board. Another way of doing it is to de-solder the resistor, and
|
|
replace it with a piece of jumper wire.
|
|
|
|
Now for the big stuff. The 1200XL has its own operating system unique
|
|
from the rest of the XL series of computers. It has compatibility
|
|
problems, and it doesn't have BASIC built-in. Also, it doesn't have a
|
|
parallel Buss. I'm not going to cover how to install the Parallel Buss
|
|
Interface here, but the seperate article by Bob Woolley is available on
|
|
networks like Compuserve. It's called, -Adding A Parallel I/O Buss to a
|
|
1200XL-. I will get the file, (I only have a printout that my user's
|
|
group president gave me) and upload it to the Computer Software Services
|
|
BBS. (716) 247-7157.
|
|
|
|
The main part of Bob Woolley's article I'm focusing on is how to add the
|
|
1200XL operating system chip, and how to put in a BASIC ROM. I will
|
|
quote directly from his article. If there's any mention of things like
|
|
'PBI code', it's because the article I'm quoting from has the sole
|
|
purpose of installing a Parallel Buss Interface (PBI) in the 1200XL. I
|
|
had another purpose in mind.
|
|
|
|
The 1200XL OS does not have the PBI code in either of its two 8K ROMs,
|
|
which means we'll have to either recode an EPROM or use the 800XL or
|
|
130XE (same chip) OS ROM. Since many people don't have an EPROM burner
|
|
and don't want to spend $150.00 for one, maybe $5 to $10 for an Atari
|
|
ROM out of an 800XL (CO616598B) is a good idea. Also, it really isn't
|
|
legal to copy the Atari ROM into an EPROM, even for your own use. Even
|
|
if you destroy the source ROM. Atari was nice enough to provide an easy
|
|
upgrade path. Use their ROM. OK? First thing you may find is that the
|
|
1200XL ROMs are 24 pin devices and the new ROM is a 28 pin package. No
|
|
problem. All you need to do is de-solder the 24 pin socket at U13 and
|
|
solder in a 28 pin socket. [I recommend a high-reliabily machined pin
|
|
socket.] One more address line (A13) is needed, so remove the W6 jumper
|
|
and solder a wire from pin 23 of the CPU chip (U21) to the top pad of
|
|
W6. Now, plug the 800XL OS ROM into U13. The 16K ROM select is just as
|
|
simple. Take a look inside your 1200XL. See the chip that has 20 pins
|
|
(U14)? That is your MMU. It is the main difference between a 1200XL
|
|
and an 800XL. Same number of little pins, same number of inputs and
|
|
outputs ..... But the 800XL IC has the 16K select fot the OS ROM. So
|
|
lets jump right in and swap the MMU with the 800XL part (CO61618). Fits
|
|
just fine, doesn't it? De-solder all jumpers except W11, W12, and W9
|
|
and you have a ROM select line that will select the address range from
|
|
$C000 to $FFFF in a single ROM, like the 800XL.
|
|
|
|
Since the 1200XL has two ROM sockets and there may be some hard core
|
|
nuts out there that just must have the internal BASIC ROM, get a
|
|
revision C ROM and bend up pins 24 and 21. Plug this ROM into U12 and
|
|
solder a wire from pin 24 of the BASIC ROM to +5 Volts at the top of C11
|
|
(just to the left of U13). Solder another wire from pin 21 of the ROM
|
|
to the left hand pad of W7 (which should not have a jumper in it). One
|
|
more wire from pin 18 of U14 to pin 11 of U23 and your machine has BASIC
|
|
under the covers, just like the big guys!! Now you get the thrill of
|
|
holding down OPTION when you want to boot without BASIC, where those of
|
|
us who don't do this section only need to pull the cartridge. To be
|
|
fair, though, SpartaDos will now turn BASIC on and off in your 1200XL
|
|
with the BASIC on and off commands - which is kinda nice.
|
|
|
|
Now to install the Ultra Speed Plus Operating System, follow these
|
|
instrucions.
|
|
|
|
1. Remove the 800XL ROM from U13.
|
|
2. Install the US+ module into the socket with the wires coming out the
|
|
end to which the notch of the old chip was pointing.
|
|
3. You will have to splice on extra lengths of wire from the module to
|
|
install it correctly.
|
|
4. Solder the shortest wire coming from the US+ module to pin 7 of the
|
|
74LS138 right above the CPU (U21, CO14806).
|
|
5. Now desolder the wire going from the US+ module to its 16 pin chip.
|
|
Note which pin you desoldered it from.
|
|
6. Now splice an extra length of wire to the wire you just de-soldered,
|
|
and solder back on to the chip you de-soldered it from.
|
|
7. Splice on extra lengths of wire onto the wires coming from the US+'s
|
|
16 pin chip, enough to reach to POKEY chip on (CO12294) the left
|
|
side of the board.
|
|
8. Now, piggy back the 16 pin chip pins 7 and 14 only making sure you
|
|
line the notch up correctly.
|
|
9. Next, solder the wire coming from the US+ module's 16 pin chip to
|
|
POKEY pin 7.
|
|
10. Solder the remaining wire coming from pins 4 and 5 of the US+
|
|
external 16 pin chip to pin 32 of the POKEY.
|
|
11. Drill a 1/4- hole in the left side of the bottom part of the case
|
|
for the US+ switch.
|
|
12. To put the top RF shield back on the mother board, you'll have to
|
|
cut a hole big enough for the US+ module to poke through.
|
|
13. Assemble your computer, and screw it all back together.
|
|
14. Turn it on. If nothing happens, call Computer Software Services at
|
|
(716)467-9326 Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM EST. Explain to them the
|
|
modifications you made, and they should be able to help. They're
|
|
knowledgable folks.
|
|
|
|
Well, that wraps it up. With all mods installed, you have brought your
|
|
machine up to state of the art. Coming soon: Dual POKEYs and stereo
|
|
outputs on your 1200XL!!
|
|
|
|
8/23/91 - Jason Hedrick
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
========================================================================
|
|
Z*Magazine is an Atari 8-Bit Online Magazine covering the Atari 8-Bit
|
|
and related computer community. Articles and commentary presented here
|
|
do not reflect the opinions of the staff of Z*Magazine. Articles unless
|
|
otherwise noted may be reprinted in full with the title, author and
|
|
Issue number at the top of each article reprinted. Z*Magazine, Z*Net,
|
|
Z*Net Newswire and Z*Net News Service are Copyright (c)1991, Rovac
|
|
Industries, Inc. Post Office Box 59, Middlesex, New Jersey, 08846-0059.
|
|
========================================================================
|
|
Z*Magazine
|
|
Copyright (c)1991, Rovac Industries, Inc..
|
|
========================================================================
|
|
|