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- / \
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- \ /
- \ May 17, 1994 Vol.I No.3 /
- \ /
- ________________________________________________|______________
- /_________________ CAIN ________-_____________/
- /___|_|_|__________ Monthly Newsletter _______| |___________/
- /____|_|_|__________ ______| |_________/
- /____/__|__\_________ Central Atari ______| |________/
- /____/___|___\________ Information Network ____| | | |_____/
- /______________________________________________________________/
- / / \ \
- / / \ \
- / / \ \
-
- The Official Online Newsletter of the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG
- _________________________________________________________________________
- The Cleveland Free-Net Community Computer System is accessible worldwide!
- _________________________________________________________________________
- telnet freenet-in-{a,b,c}.cwru.edu (129.22.8.32 or 129.22.8.51)
- _________________________________________________________________________
- 216/368-3888 | 300/1200/2400+ baud | type 'go atari' at any menu
- _________________________________________________________________________
-
- Covering:
- 7800/XE/XL/800/400,FALCON030/ST/TT/ST(e),PORTFOLIO,LYNX,JAGUAR
-
- CAIN Online Newsletter Published and Copyright (c) 1994
- by Cain Publishing
-
- Publisher/Editor
- Voting/Conferences.........Mark Leair aa338@cleveland.freenet.edu
- Assistant Editor
- SIG Manager/Jaguar Area....Len Stys aa399@cleveland.freenet.edu
- 8-Bit Support Area..........Michael Current aa700@cleveland.freenet.edu
- 8-Bit Technical Forum.......Craig Lisowski aa853@cleveland.freenet.edu
- 16/32-Bit Support Area......Bruce D. Nelson aa789@cleveland.freenet.edu
- Atari Classic Gaming Corner/
- Portfolio Support Area......Fred Horvat ap748@cleveland.freenet.edu
- Lynx Support Area...........Barry W. Cantin aa852@cleveland.freenet.edu
-
- _________________________________________________________________________
- Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG Internet E-Mail: xx004@cleveland.freenet.edu
- _________________________________________________________________________
- Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG, P.O. Box 364, Mentor, OH U.S.A. 44061-0364
- _________________________________________________________________________
-
- Table of Contents
-
- >From the Editor..........................................The CAIN Newsletter
- -Mark Leair
-
- >From the SIG Manager......................The Cleveland Free-Net & Atari SIG
- -Len Stys
-
- Free-Net News.................................New Addition to Atari Community
- CAIN FTP Site Closed
- Login Problems by Next Users
- C.A.I.N. Atari Fun Fest '94 Announced
- -Atari SIG
-
- Atari News...........................Atari & Sigma Designs Partner to Deliver
- Atari at Consumer Electronics Show
- CatScan BBS
- Lynx Summer Steal Deal
- -Atari Corp.
-
- 8-Bit Computers Support Area........................Support from Richard Gore
- New from Atari Classic Programmers Club
- RAMbit Printer Interface Tech
- April Atari Classics Magazine
- PC Xformer
- -Michael Current
-
- 16/32-Bit Computers Support Area................Lexicor Announces TT040 Clone
- -Bruce D. Nelson
-
- Portfolio Support Area ..........................Portfolio-> 8 bit Connection
- New 128K Memory Card
- -Fred Horvat
-
- Atari Classic Gaming Corner..........................2600/7800 Developers Kit
- -Fred Horvat
-
- Lynx Support Area...................................................Lynx News
- Interview with Ted Tahquechi (part one: The Lynx)
- Bulletin Board Messages of Interest
- Lynx Commentary
- -Barry W. Cantin
-
- Jaguar Support Area...............................................Jaguar News
- Most Wanted Games for the Jaguar Results
- Interview with Ted Tahquechi (part two: The Jaguar)
- Bulletin Board Messages of Interest
- Jaguar Commentary
- -Len Stys
-
- Upcoming Atari Shows......................................Atari Show Calendar
- -Mark Leair
-
- Voting Issues and Results............Reader and User Opinion Poll Information
- Last Month's Poll Results
- This month's poll
- -Mark Leair
-
- Online Atari Conferences.....................Conferencing with the Atari SIG
- IRC Crash Course
- Conference with Atari United! Transcript
- Upcoming Conference with Jeff Minter
- -Mark Leair
-
- General Information of Need........................How to Contribute to CAIN
- Article Requests
- -Mark Leair
-
- >From the Editor
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-
- Time certainly flies when you're having fun! It's Hard to believe that it's
- already May! The Jaguar has been out roughly half a year and we're only
- getting a taste of its prowess with the release of Tempest 2000. Better turn
- up the AC because this summer is going to be a hot one with the Jaguar and
- (believe it or not) the Lynx! Read all about it in the Lynx and Jaguar
- sections. There, you'll find an interview with Ted Tahquechi, Software
- Production Manager for Atari Corp. Lynx editor, Barry Cantin, discusses the
- future of the Lynx and the Jaguar with Mr. Tahquechi. The interview has been
- split-up by game system and placed in their respected support areas. If you
- own neither of these game machines, you're still not left out! CAIN is proud
- to announce "CAIN Atari Fun Fest 94", featuring Atari's Jaguar, computers, and
- much more! See the Free-Net news section for further details. Finally, check
- out the new addition to CAIN, the "Atari Classic Gaming Corner." Believe it
- or not these nostalgic machines are still alive and well. This month editor
- Fred Horvat discusses an inexpensive game developers' kit for these classics
- that's perfect for the budding game designer!
-
- Keep those letters coming! Send any comments, questions, or suggestions to
- aa338@cleveland.freenet.edu (Internet) or by the US Mail address listed in the
- header.
-
- -Mark Leair
-
- >From the SIG Manager
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-
- The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG will be having a conference with Jeff Minter,
- programmer of Tempest 2000 for the Jaguar. The conference will be on
- May 29th (Sunday) at 7 PM EDT. Even though Jeff is in the UK right now, it
- is possible for us to have this conference through the miracle of Internet.
- NOW we are beginning to see the advantages of Free-Net.
-
- If you haven't already registered on Free-Net, you may want to do so as soon
- as possible. Even if you do not have "telnet" access right now and have to
- call long-distance, you may be able to "teleport" into the Cleveland Free-Net
- later from a Free-Net city that is being established in your area.
-
- The CFN Atari SIG has also changed somewhat by the addition of an Atari News
- area, access to CAIN Newsletters direct from the CAIN Newsroom, changes to
- Reference Desks in support areas, and additions to the Lynx and Jaguar Support
- Areas. If you haven't checked out the CFN Atari SIG lately, you are missing
- out on great information.
-
- Finally, if you read the transcript of the online conference with Atari
- United!'s Patti Barbiero, you might get the impression that there is demand
- for online representatives from Atari Corporation. This is indeed the case.
- The Cleveland Free-Net is probably the largest most accessible system in the
- world today thanks to its Internet connection. There are a lot of questions
- that users have for Atari, but we are unable to answer them because we do not
- represent Atari. There is hope though! Ted Tahquechi expressed interest
- in representing Atari Corp. on Free-Net. It is just a matter of him having
- enough time to do it.
-
- -Len Stys
-
- Free-Net News
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-
-
- New Addition to Atari Community
- -------------------------------
-
- The Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG congratulates Fred Horvat, the Atari SIG's
- Portfolio and Classics Gaming SIGOp on becoming a father!
-
- On May 17th, 12:55 PM, Gina Christine Horvat was born.
- She weighs 5 lb 12 oz and her height is 17 3/4".
-
- Who says the Atari Community population is decreasing? Way to go Fred!
- God Bless your family!
-
- CAIN FTP Site Closed/New CAIN FTP Site
- ---------------------------------------
-
- The Official FTP site for CAIN (akh104.rh.psu.edu) closed May 5, 1994 for the
- summer. CAIN will soon be available on the University of Michigan's Atari
- Archive. All issues of CAIN will be stored in the archive's "/Magazines"
- directory. To access this archive ftp to "atari.archive.umich.edu".
-
- Login Problems by Next Users
- ----------------------------
-
- Users of Next Work Stations have been reporting trouble logging into the
- Cleveland Free-net. After telnet'ing to Free-Net, they report seeing nothing
- more than a "Password:" prompt. The Next User who receives this should do the
- following:
-
- 1. Press Enter (or Return) at the "Password:" prompt. This will bring up
- "Login:" prompt.
-
- 2. Type in your account number and password. If you do not have an account
- number, continue following the steps below.
-
- 3. Type 'fnguest'. This will log you in as a guest to the Free-Net.
-
- Free-Net guest users may check out the system and do anything on the system
- except post messages, use the "chat" system, or send/read e-mail. To gain
- access to these features, a guest needs to apply for a password. Since the
- system did not prompt this user with the option to apply for a password, they
- need to do the following:
-
- 1. Type 'go teleport' at any "Your Choice ==>" prompt.
-
- 2. Select option '3' (The Terminal Tower) off the Teleport menu.
-
- 3. Select option '7' (Other Free-Net Systems)
-
- 4. Select option '1' (Free-Nets in Ohio)
-
- 5. Select option '6' (Youngstown Free-Net)
-
- 6. Type 'visitor' at the "Login:" prompt.
-
- 7. Type 'go teleport' at any "Your Choice ==>" prompt.
-
- 8. Select option '3' (The Terminal Tower) off the Teleport menu.
-
- 9. Select option '2' (Other NPTN (Free-Net) Systems)
-
- 10. Select option '1' (Cleveland Free-Net)
-
- This "second" login to the Cleveland Free-Net should bring up the following
- prompt:
-
- Are you a:
-
- 1. Registered User
- 2. Visitor
-
- Choose number 2. This will prompt you will the necessary information to apply
- for a password on the Cleveland Free-Net.
-
- Finally, the Cleveland Free-Net programmers have been informed of this
- problem. Hopefully they will have it solved soon.
-
-
- C.A.I.N. Atari Fun Fest '94 Announced
- -------------------------------------
-
- WHEN : August 7, 1994 10:00 to 5:00
- WHERE : Knights of Columbus Hall
- 7637 Chardon Road
- Kirtland, OH
-
- Admission : FREE!
-
- What to see and do
- ------------------
-
- Jaguar
- LYNX
- Falcon
- Gemulator
- Atari products for sale
- Classic Arcade Games to play
- 8-bit computers and products
- 16-32 bit computers and products
- Classic game systems 2600/5200/7800 games
- Catalogs and brochures for the Atari line of products and games
- Portfolio
- Meet the people of C.A.I.N.
- Plus much more
-
- Table pricing per 8 foot table
- ------------------------------
-
- $10.00 per table no electricity
- $15.00 per table with one outlet
-
- For more show info contact
- Fred Horvat
- P.O. Box 493
- Chesterland, OH 44026-0493
- 216-729-0761
- E-mail at Internet ID : ap748@cleveland.freenet.edu
-
- Editor's Note: This is the first Cleveland area Atari show in years! Stay
- tuned to this newsletter for further details. -ML
-
- Atari News
- -=-=-=-=-=
-
- ATARI and SIGMA DESIGNS PARTNER to DELIVER
- JAGUAR for the PC
-
- SAN JOSE, Calif. -- May 3, 1994 -- Atari Corporation (AMEX: ATC) today
- announced that it has exclusively licensed Jaguar technology to Sigma Designs
- (NASDAQ:SIGM) to deliver PC cards incorporating the award-winning Jaguar
- 64-bit technology with Sigma's Reel-Magic(TM) full-motion video capabilities.
- This deal will expand Jaguar's market reach by allowing more than 10 million
- users to play Jaguar software titles on their IBM-compatible personal
- computers by year's end.
-
- "Atari will once again jump ahead of the market by bringing the world's most
- advanced game technology to a new group of consumers in record time," said
- Sam Tramiel, president of Atari. "Knowing there would be great demand for
- Jaguar on personal computers -- we designed the system to talk easily to the
- leading computer architectures. This has allowed us to move quickly to
- partner with Sigma Designs to make this happen before Christmas."
-
- "We are pleased to join Atari in its mission to expand the industry standards
- for video game play," said Julien Nguyen, vice president of engineering and
- chief technical officer of Sigma Designs. "Jaguar's 64-bit technology will
- be extremely attractive to the MPC customer base of more than 10 million
- users. By combining Sigma's Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) technology
- with Atari's 3D animation, we look forward to bringing the hottest video game
- technology and software titles to the desktops of users worldwide."
-
- Sigma Designs, headquartered in Fremont, Calif., is a leading manufacturer of
- high-performance multimedia computer products and document imaging display
- solutions. With the the release of its ReelMagic MPEG controller in October
- 1993, Sigma Designs redefined affordable video playback for the PC.
- ReelMagic allows users to experience a new generation of realistic
- entertainment, education, training, and business presentation software titles
- with full-screen, full-motion video and CD-quality sound. All Sigma Designs
- products are sold worldwide through a network of dealers, distributors and
- system integrators.
-
- Atari Jaguar is the world's first 64-bit interactive multimedia home
- entertainment system and is the only video game system manufactured in the
- United States. Jaguar, the most powerful multimedia system available, was
- recently named the industry's "Best New Game System" (Video Games Magazine),
- "Best New Hardware System" (Game Informer) and "1993 Technical Achievement of
- the Year" (DieHard GameFan). Jaguar also recently was given the European
- Computer Trade Show Award for "Best Hardware of the Year."
-
- Atari Corporation, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., manufactures and markets
- 64-bit interactive multimedia entertainment systems, video games and personal
- computers for the home, office and educational marketplaces.
-
- All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
-
- Contact: Lynn Thompson, 408/764-0740
- Karen Magill, 617/494-8202
- Cunningham Communications, Inc.
-
- Bill Rehbock, 408/745-2000
- Atari Corporation
-
- ATARI AT SUMMER CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW
-
- The Summer Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will be held at McCormick Place in
- Chicago June 23-25. Atari Corporation will be showing the 64-bit Jaguar
- system as well as the latest software, hardware and accessories. The Jaguar
- booth will be at the front entrance of McCormick North Upper. The Jaguar
- booth (#6900) will host a minimum of 10 to 15 third party company
- representatives... many of whom may not have representation elsewhere in the
- show.
-
- The Summer Consumer Electronics Show is THE major "dog and pony" presentation
- of hot new consumer electronics products ready for immediate shipping
- or available through the 1994 Holiday Season. It is at this show that buyers
- of the country's most prominent retail stores as well as thousands of
- ambitious one or two location resellers make the big deals that will directly
- affect the fiscal success of their business.
-
- Atari Corporation has already scheduled virtually all available appointments
- for personalized demonstrations and private meetings with buyers.
- Arrangements have been made to accommodate everyone stopping by the booth
- unexpectedly. Members of the press should call their contact at Atari's
- public relations firm immediately.
-
- Those interested in immediate feedback pertaining to the events at the show
- may wish to consult popular online publications such as Atari Explorer Online
- and STReport immediately following the June show dates.
-
- CATSCAN BBS
- -Don Thomas, Jr., Customer Relations
-
- Although still in beginning development stages, I wish to pass on to my
- distribution list a new Jaguar/Lynx resource. The CATscan BBS is up and
- running. Although I realize that this BBS may not be practical for most of
- you to utilize regularly, it is being set up as a data source of news and
- information regarding Jaguar and Lynx products. Here are some of the
- features:
-
- An ongoing list of Jaguar/Lynx dealers which may be
- captured by state.
- Product descriptions selectable by title.
- Press releases from Atari and related third party sources.
- Gaming hints and tips.
- Game reviews.
- Questions and answers.
- Orders accepted for Atari products.
- (Processed by Atari as an extension to Atari's Customer
- Service Policies. All items sold at MSRP and billed by
- Atari. NO funds collected benefit the BBS or the SysOp.
- This is for the convenience of modem users who may not
- have access to online services to leave orders in E-Mail.
- Competitive knock offs.
-
- My first goal is to force myself into a practice to assemble pertinent and
- accurate data in one central area. By doing this, I will also be building a
- resource for the online press, SYSOPS of independent BBSs and a resource for
- retailers to help them answer customer questions in the store. It can also
- be used to preview editor's stories, if desired for accuracy.
-
- There are downsides right now. A lot of energy and time is going to create
- this resource, BUT I still have obstacles to overcome.
-
- 1) At present, I am trying to overcome a barrier where it seems I can only
- log on at 1200 baud... some sort of software <--> modem issue. It really
- isn't THAT serious since the menus are set up clearly and information
- takes longer than 1200 baud to read online anyway. I hope this
- will be resolved before too long.
-
- 2) A lot of info is already on the system, but it will take time to bring it
- up to speed. Many of the data banks are menu driven and time consuming
- scripts files must be written to accommodate them. at present product
- description and log on files are all taken care of. I expect dealer lists
- will be formatted and up today.
-
- 3) Total storage is presently restricted to 20 MEG. I hope this may be
- expanded as needed.
-
- 4) The system only supports one line at this time.
-
- In any case, feel free to log on quickly and establish your accounts. TRUSTED
- remote SYSOP positions are available.
-
- The number to CATscan is:
-
- 209/239-1552
-
- It is open to the public, but certain areas are diasabled for initial
- callers. There is NO fee to use the system. The system WILL BE CENSORED.
- Only data that is positive toward the image of Atari and companies supporting
- Atari will be permitted.
-
- Please pass his number on to dealers and developers who want to be included.
- I will be happy to be set up to accept 3rd party orders IF they are
- registered and licensed by Atari. If a dealer wants to be listed, all he has
- to do is post a request to the SYSOP. Information may also be added to the
- system by contacting me at the following addresses:
-
- CIS: 75300,1267
- GENIE: Atari
- PRODIGY: EUKG11A
-
- Again, don't expect too much initially and please be persistent if you get a
- busy. I am conducting frequent tests that might tie up the line, but I will
- not disconnect anyone on the system.
-
-
- NEW LYNX VALUES FROM ATARI!
- Now there's NO excuse!
-
- Atari Corporation has a new summer deal everyone should enjoy... New low
- prices on almost every Lynx video game. By special arrangement with the
- factory, a large but limited quantity of 60 outstanding game titles have been
- set aside especially for this special offer.
-
- Now and for a limited time, buy popular Lynx titles by Atari for as little as
- 14.99 each (SRP). Enjoy the fast paced action of Pinball Jam or an exciting
- whirl around the track with up to 6 ComLynx'd friends with Checkered Flag.
- Look for chilling answers to ghastly problems with Dracula The Undead for
- only $19.99 each (SRP). Beat incredible odds against an army of adversaries
- with Ninja Gaiden III for only $29.99 (SRP). In fact, NO specially reduced
- cartridge is priced any higher than $29.99. Most cartridges are less than
- $15.
-
- If you are tired of the same old thing that the other guys ram in front of
- your face, then ask your dealer for the system that's exploding with colorful
- excitement. Find out what head-to-head ComLynx gaming is all about. Spend
- your allowance on the system that leaves you change for lunch!
-
- NEW LYNX VALUES FROM ATARI!
- (limited time offer)
-
- NOW $29.99
- ==========
- AWESOME GOLF* NINJA GAIDEN III
- TOKI WARBIRDS*
-
- NOW $19.99
- ==========
- A.P.B. BATMAN RETURNS
- BLUE LIGHTENING CALIFORNIA GAMES*
- CRYSTAL MINES II DINOLYMPICS
- DIRTY LARRY RENEGADE COP DRACULA THE UNDEAD
- GORDO 106 HOCKEY*
- JIMMY CONNORS TENNIS* LEMMINGS
- MALIBU BEACH VOLLEYBALL* NFL FOOTBALL*
- NINJA GAIDEN PITFIGHTER*
- POWER FACTOR SCRAPYARD DOG
- SHADOW OF THE BEAST STEEL TALONS
- SWITCHBLADE II TURBO SUB*
- VIKING CHILD PAPERBOY
-
- NOW $14.99
- ==========
- BASEBALL HEROES* BASKETBRAWL*
- BILL & TED'S ADVENTURE* BLOCKOUT
- CHECKERED FLAG* CHIPS'S CHALLENGE
- ELECTROCOP GATES OF ZENDOCON
- GAUNTLET 3RD ENCOUNTER* HARD DRIVIN'
- HYDRA ISHIDO
- KLAX KUNG FOOD
- LYNX CASINO* MS. PAC-MAN
- PACLAND PINBALL JAM
- RAMPAGE* RAMPART*
- ROADBLASTERS ROBO-SQUASH*
- RYGAR S.T.U.N. RUNNER
- SHANGHAI* SUPERSKWEEK*
- TODD'S ADV/SLIME WORLD* TOURNAMENT CYBERBALL*
- WORLD CLASS SOCCER* XENOPHOBE*
- XYBOTS* ZARLOR MERCENARY*
-
- * denotes multiplayer games. Atari Corporation reserves
- the right to correct typing errors or to change
- promotional pricing at any time without notice.
-
- Can't find the Lynx or great Lynx titles in your area?
-
- Call 1-800-221-3343 or 1-800-GO-ATARI toll free,
- Monday thru Friday; 9am to 5pm Pacific time.
-
- OR Write: Atari Lynx "Summer Steal Deal"
- P.O. 61657
- Sunnyvale, CA 94089-1657
-
- OR fax your order to Atari at 1-408-745-2088
-
- OR send a message from any online service through the
- Internet to CIS:70007,2363 or GE:ATARI
-
- Any way you do it... Get Connected... Get the Lynx!
-
-
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- | CLEVELAND FREE-NET WILL PRESENT __FREE__ COMPLIMENTARY USAGE TIME |
- | to the readers of: |
- | |
- | CAIN Newsletter |
- | |
- | New Users Sign Today! Connect by modem: 216/368-3888 or |
- | Telnet to: freenet-in-a.cwru.edu, 129.22.8.32 |
- | |
- | You can log on as a visitor to explore the system. At the opening |
- | menu ("Please enter 1 or 2:"), enter "2" to log in as a visitor. At |
- | the next menu, enter "2" again to explore the system. You will then |
- | read an opening disclaimer and a login bulletin, then be sent to the |
- | main Free-Net menu. Once inside, type "go atari". Follow the menus |
- | to read Atari-related discussions, reviews, news, and information. |
- | In order to post messages, send e-mail, vote, chat online, and sign |
- | a user directory, you need a Free-Net account. Apply for a Free-Net |
- | account by entering "1" at the second menu instead of "2". |
- | |
- | All new registered users receive "free" accounts which will not |
- | require payment for the usage of the system. |
- | |
- | The Cleveland Free-Net has an Atari SIG comparable to other systems. |
- | The Atari SIG carries _ALL_ Z*Magazine issues. Z*Net & ST Report |
- | from 1989. All Atari Explorer Online issues. The latest and |
- | greatest Atari news. "Support Areas" for all Atari users. Multi- |
- | User Chat, Voting Booth, Wanted & For Sale, User Directories, and |
- | even direct access to Atari related Usenet newsgroups. |
- | |
- | No charge for registration or usage of this system! Register today! |
- | | -
- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=
-
-
- 8-Bit Computers Support Area
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- Michael Current
-
-
- Lots of announcements in the 8-bit world in April, so let's get
- right to them!
-
- 8-Bit Product News
- ------------------
- Subject: Software special offers. (Richard Gore)
- From: RG9@VAX.YORK.AC.UK
- Date: 29 Apr 1994 08:10:36 -0500
-
- SUPPORT FOR YOUR ATARI 8-BIT FROM RICHARD GORE.
- ----------------------------------------------
-
- SOFTWARE:
- --------
-
- JAWBREAKER - The classic Pac-man style game originally sold by Sierra-On-Line.
- This version includes two mazes which were originally sold as
- separate games as well as a new pause function and improved
- joystick control.
-
- MOUSEKATTACK - Another classic game from Sierra-On-Line. This game has you
- trying to plumb the levels of Rat Alley. A very addictive game
- featuring a one or two player (simultaneously on screen) mode,
- new pause feature and improved joystick control.
-
- Both games are available on disk, tape or Rambit Turbo tape (state which)
- and are supplied with a printed manual.
-
- Prices: #4.50 each or #6.95 for BOTH (UK p&p included)
-
- (overseas please add #2 for airmail shipping)
- (US dollar prices $10 each or $18 for both fully inclusive)
-
-
- N E W S O F T W A R E! N E W S O F T W A R E!
-
- In association with Visionaire software I am pleased to announce the
- availability of two new games programmed in the UK......
-
- ARENA: An original puzzle game where you must place pieces of a wall in
- order to guide a 'power pod' too its destination. It sounds simple,
- but it has good graphics and is very addictive. A demo version appeared
- on issue 66 of Page 6's disk, but this version is the full game with
- 50 levels.
- Price: #5 ($10) XL/XE, Disk only.
-
- BUBBLE ZONE: Enter the Bubble Zone and meet the challenge! Guide your tank
- and blast the ever increasing number of bubbles, collect the
- power ups, watch out for the holes. How far can you go?
- Frantic arcade action, with top notch graphics.
-
- Price: #5 ($10) XL/XE, Disk only.
-
- * * * * * SUPER SPECIAL OFFER * * * * * SUPER SPECIAL OFFER * * * * *
-
- Buy all four of the above games for only #15 ($30) inclusive of p&p
-
- Hurray this limited offer is only available until 31st May 1994
-
- * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
-
-
- For further details or to order contact:
-
- RICHARD GORE, 79 SPROTBROUGH ROAD, SPROTBROUGH, DONCASTER, DN5 8BW, ENGLAND
-
- Telephone: (0302) 784642 weekends only please.
-
- E-mail: RG9@UK.AC.YORK.TOWER or RG9@UK.AC.YORK.VAX
- (Non-JANET users invert UK.AC.YORK.xxx to xxx.YORK.AC.UK)
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
- SOFTWARE Authors, have you written any games or utilities for the Atari 8-
- bits, new or old? If you have and you have the rights contact me now and we
- can hopefully arrange to get them (re-)marketed!
-
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
-
- \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
- Subject: Atari Classic Programmer's Club
-
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -THE ATARI CLASSIC PROGRAMMER'S CLUB PRESENTS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS FOR YOUR ATARI CLASSIC
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- --------------------------SWIFT SPREADSHEET----------------------------------
-
- Got any financial problems? Not any more you haven't!
-
- Swift Spreadsheet is probably the most powerful spreadsheet program to have
- ever been released onto the Atari 8-bit. Originally released in 1986 by
- Audiogenic Software Ltd, it set new standards in how a Spreadsheet program
- should operate. Now, the Atari Classic Programmer's Club has gained the rights
- to publish this impressive piece of software ... and at half the price of its
- original release.
-
- Check out these features:
-
- 1. Large spreadsheet size - A1 to BL254 cell matrix on a 130XE, A1 to Z254 on
- an 800XL.
- 2. Adjustable column widths.
- 3. Uses drop down menus for ease of use.
- 4. Several different credit/debit notations such as debit brackets and cr/dr
- notation.
- 5. Fully adjustable decimal precision.
- 6. Can be programmed by the use of MACROS.
-
- And, as they say, much more ...
-
- What does all this cost? Surprisingly little in fact ...
-
- STANDARD SWIFT - This is the original version of Swift with the system disk,
- Commodore 64 manual (there wasn't an Atari-specific manual), and an Atari
- keyboard reference card.
-
- NEW SWIFT - This contains the system disk and a new 40 page, A4, comb-bound,
- Atari-specific manual.
-
- There are currently two disk formats available ... standard Atari 5.25"
- single density and a 720K 3.5" disk. Please specify which format you require
- when ordering ... there is no price difference.
-
- The cost of the two versions of Swift currently available are:
-
- STANDARD SWIFT - #9.95 ($US16.95) to non-members, #7.95 ($US14.95) to members.
- NEW SWIFT - #12.95 ($US21.95) to non-members, #10.95 ($US18.95) to members.
- (Remember to state which disk format you require)
-
- Calling Black Box owners!! Swift may be sector copied onto a hard disk for
- even easier usage.
-
- A cassette version will be available soon.
-
- XL/XE ONLY.
-
-
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -MENU PRINT ELITE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -Disk cataloguing can be a chore at the best of times, especially if you're
- using one of the PD cataloguing programs or a database to store details of
- your disk collection. However, your days of toiling over your collection are
- over. No longer will you have to load each disk in turn and jot down by hand
- the contents onto paper, then load up the database/cataloguer and type the lot
- out. Menu Print is fully automatic and contains all you need to catalogue
- your disks in a single package.
-
- Here are some of the things it has to offer:
-
- 1. Ability to read several of the most popular menu and DOS systems including
- Rob C, Multiboot, K&D Menu, all Atari DOS systems, DOS XL, MyDOS, SpartaDOS
- and more.
-
- 2. Allows you to create a library of boot disks. This gives Menu Print the
- unique feature of being the ONLY disk cataloguer that we know of that will
- recognize which boot disk has been inserted into the drive. Package comes
- complete with a ready-made library disk containing details of over 500 boot
- disks.
-
- 3. Allows you to create a Database far easier than with other programs due
- to the fact that it can read so many menu and DOS systems, as well as its
- ability to read BOOT disks ... just put a disk in the drive, press START
- and if the disk is one it recognizes it will automatically put its details
- into the database. However, you have full control over the contents of the
- database and may modify or delete the entries if you wish.
-
- 4. Allows you to print labels or lists onto Atari or Epson compatible
- printers.
-
- 5. Also contains a utility disk that may be freely distributed. This disk
- contains a database reader and a program that allows you to convert your
- existing database files into MPE format.
-
-
- Menu Print Elite will be available as either a three-disk set of 5.25" disks
- or on a single 720K 3.5" disk.
-
- RELEASE: SUMMER 1994
- PRICE: #9.95 ($US16.95) to non-members, #7.95 ($US14.95) to members.
-
- XL/XE ONLY.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- OTHER PRODUCTS UNDER PRODUCTION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- LOOPZ
-
- This is a conversion of an ST game. Loopz is a puzzle game as addictive as
- Tetris but with an added element of strategy.
-
- RELEASE: TBA
- PRICE: Cassette version - #6.95 ($US12.95)
- Disk version - #7.95 ($US14.95)
-
- Members discounts will be available.
-
-
- HELTER SKELTER
-
- Another conversion of an ST game. In Helter Skelter you must control a very
- bouncy ball around the screen, being careful to squash the monsters in the
- correct order. Quite tough but very addictive. Highly rated in magazines
- when it first came out.
-
- RELEASE: TBA
- PRICE: Cassette version - #6.95 ($US12.95)
- Disk version - #7.95 ($US14.95)
-
- Members discounts will be available.
-
-
- BOMB BLASTER
-
- Put simply, this is a version of the arcade game, Dynablasters.
-
- RELEASE: Christmas 1994
- PRICE: Cassette version - #6.95 ($US12.95)
- Disk version - #7.95 ($US14.95)
-
- Members discounts will be available.
-
-
- PRO PAINT
-
- The most advanced arts package ever devised for the Atari. Originally
- designed for in-house use and owing much to the ST arts packages.
-
- RELEASE: TBA
- PRICE: #9.95 ($US16.95) Disk only.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
-
- All prices INCLUDE postage.
-
- To obtain members discounts, you must first join ACPC. Please mail me for more
- information on how to join the club.
-
- Swift Spreadsheet, Loopz and Helter Skelter are copyright of Audiogenic
- Software Ltd.
-
- Menu Print Elite, Bomb Blaster and Pro Paint are copyright of The Atari
- Classic Programmer's Club.
-
- Please send orders to:
-
- ACPC
- Pen-Tyddyn
- Capel Coch
- LLangefni
- Anglesey
- Gwynedd LL77 7UR
- WALES
-
- If you have any queries, then mail me (David) on:
- MBITDC9306@newi.ac.uk
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
- Subject: Rambit Printer Interface.
-
- From: RG9@VAX.YORK.AC.UK
- Date: 21 Apr 1994 07:59:29 -0500
-
- This posting is being done as a service by Richard Gore on behalf of RAMBIT.
- All replies should be sent to the address given at the end of the posting.
-
- We are pleased to send you details of our PARALLEL PRINTER PORT for the Atari
- XL/XE computers, connecting to the parallel bus interface (XL) or enhanced
- cartridge port (XE). The P.P.P. is designed to enable you to connect EPSON
- compatible printers such as Panasonic KX-P1081, OKI-82, MP-165 etc. and print
- at their designed speeds, ie not slowed to serial speed.
- The P.P.P consists of a compact unit which plugs directly into your computer
- port and outputs through a standard female 36way centronics socket connected
- to the printer using the lead supplied with the printer (possibly!).
-
- The software necessary to drive the unit is best incorporated into your OS on
- EPROM so accessed by normal legal IO calls. Your system is so adapted as to
- allow use of your utilities (provided they only make standard use of the OS,
- 99% do) whether cartridge, disk or tape without any alteration of them.
-
- TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
-
- Power for the unit can be taken from the printer on pin 18 of the connector,
- or from the computer as desired. Should your printer be non-standard parallel,
- quite possibly we can advise on tailoring to its specification!
-
- Alteration of your cable, ie change of plug or reposition of individual wires,
- will only be necessary if it has no male 36way centronics plug on its computer
- end and/or full 36 wires present.
-
- SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS.
-
- PRINTER:- does it output +5volt on pin 18 to the cable? If not check pin 47 of
- your XL pbi, wiring of this may be necessary.
- :-printer signals as follows, SELECT and BUSY both active high,
- ACKNOWLEDGE and STROBE active low; differences will require tailoring
- at no extra cost!
- CABLE:-fitted with male standard 36way parallel (centronics) plug at computer
- end.
- COMPUTER:- for supply of EPROM driver details of your existing OS will be
- required and may involve fitting of a DIL socket to hold it. Kit also
- lends itself to being fitted inside your computer or having printer lead
- soldered too it.
-
- Prices all inclusive, Overseas +10%. Sterling only, cheques or postal orders
- made payable to Rambit.
-
- KIT WITH EPROM for XL or XE ....#20
-
- prices for ready assembled by negotiation.
-
- We aim to satisfy and consequently will do our best to give technical support,
- answer genuine queries and will be pleased to accept your comments. We will
- also update/re-record on receipt of out original disk/tape with return
- postage.
-
- Address: RAMBIT, 16 THE GREEN, THURLBY, BOURNE, LINCS., PE10 OHB, ENGLAND
-
- telephone (in UK): 0778 424450
-
- Additional comments by Richard GORE:
- Dave Richardson the man behind Rambit is very technical and I'm sure he won't
- mind me saying has difficulty in writing using non-technical jargon. The above
- posting sounds pretty complex but what he is saying is he has available a
- printer interface that plugs into a PBI on the XL or XE and can be tailored
- for non-standard printers.
- I also know he has experimented with using these kits to get two computers
- interconnected and I think has created an RS 232 interface.
-
- If you are at all interested in such projects I suggest you write to him at
- the address given above to find out more.
-
- \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
- Subject: April AC
-
- From: poehland%phvax.dnet@sb.com
- Date: 18 Apr 1994 16:54:17 -0500
-
- The final (April '94) issue of AC went to press a week ago. Looks like
- this last issue will run 36 pages (unless I'm badly off on my page
- allocations). If all goes well I'm hopeful it will go out around the
- end of April so won't be quite as late as the Feb. issue was.
-
- Unlike AIM & other mags that died miserably, this final issue of AC has a
- touch of flash & sparkle to it. Also perhaps the greatest diversity of
- subject matter in articles I think I've seen (for all those who moaned
- the Dec. issue was too hardware-focused).
-
- Apparently many of the missing February AC's finally got delivered last week,
- as the volume of complaints is way down. Dunno why it took so freakin' long
- this time, & I'm sure there are still one or 2 copies still being delivered
- via slow boat from China, courtesy of our dear friends, the Postal Gorillas.
-
- The December special Video Issue is selling briskly, back issues are going out
- the door every day, I'm down to maybe 25 copies left. Stocks of other back
- issues are also declining. My advice: anybody who wants any AC back issues
- better gettum now while I still have some available. The April issue will
- also be in limited supply, I anticipate receiving only about 50 copies when it
- gets released from the printer (12 of those are already spoken for).
-
- The following Back Issue items are still available (as of this week):
-
- mags: Dec'92, Apr'93, Jun'93, Aug'93, Oct'93, Dec'93, Feb'94, Apr'94
-
- disks: Feb'93, Jun'93, Oct'93, Feb'94
-
- All items $5 each, US funds only, cash or check to BEN POEHLAND, 179 Sproul
- Road/Rt.352, Frazer PA 19355 USA.
-
- The April issue contains a new subscription form, with the address of
- Jim Hood of SLCC, who apparently will be AC's new Managing Editor. People
- who get the April issue will get a chance to sample the flavor of the "new"
- AC, including an editorial from Jim
- Hood & an article by Mike Hohman of FTE. With the April issue, the concept of
- a user-based magazine for the Classic-8 will be in essence subjected to a
- referendum... I hope enough people will open their wallets to enable those
- SLCC guys to carry on the tradition already established by AC. The
- subscription price will remain the same, & apparently those fellows also
- intend to produce a disk as well.
-
- There are interesting times ahead for us, in the Chinese sense...
-
- - Ben Poehland
- Managing Editor
- ATARI CLASSICS Magazine
-
- \/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
- Subject: PC Xformer
-
-
- PC XFORMER - The Atari 8-Bit Emulator For DOS Compatible PCs
- ============================================================
-
- April 5, 1994.
-
- For additional information contact:
-
- Branch Always Software
- 14150 N.E. 20th Street
- Suite 302
- Bellevue, WA 98007
- U.S.A
-
- Phone: 206-369-5513
- Fax: 206-885-5893
- CIS: 73657,2714
- GEnie: BRASOFT
-
- Program by: Darek Mihocka.
- Availability: June 20, 1994, from Atari 8-bit and PC dealers.
- Retail price: $39.95 U.S. ($29.95 when ordered before June 30, 1994)
-
- Branch Always Software announces the upcoming release of PC Xformer,
- a DOS compatible version of the Xformer series of Atari 8-bit emulators.
- With our 8 years of experience developing Atari 8-bit and Atari ST
- emulators, this emulator is by far the fastest and most compatible
- Atari 8-bit emulator available on any computer platform.
-
- For the first time it is now possible to run Atari 8-bit software on
- the same computers that you run DOS and Windows software on, as fast
- or even faster than a real 8-bit computer. Imagine the ease of use and
- simplicity of using Atari Basic on a PC or even on a small notebook
- computer that you carry with you.
-
- Hardware requirements are simple: a PC running MS-DOS (or a compatible
- operating system), 640K of RAM, a VGA card, and a 286 compatible CPU.
- This includes computers using the 386, 486, and Pentium chips, as well
- as 286 emulators running on non-Intel based PCs. A CPU at least as fast
- as a 33 Mhz 386 is recommended for full speed emulation.
-
- Optional hardware not absolutely required (but recommended) includes:
- a Sound Blaster compatible sound card, a game card with 2 joysticks,
- and a hard disk. A SuperVGA card is not required to run PC Xformer.
-
- PC Xformer is a brand new DOS version of ST Xformer, the popular
- Atari 8-bit emulator for the Atari ST that first appeared in 1987 in
- ST LOG magazine and most recently came bundled with the Gemulator
- Atari ST Emulator for DOS.
-
- Unlike ST Xformer, which was limited in speed and graphics capabilities
- imposed by the Atari ST hardware, PC Xformer has no such limitations
- when used on a fast enough PC. Player Missile Graphics are now fully
- supported, as are all GTIA graphics modes and Display List interrupts.
- Vertical Blank and Display List interrupts occur in real time allowing
- for on-the-fly color changes (and other animation tricks that were not
- previously supported in ST Xformer) allowing PC Xformer to run any
- Atari 8-bit software that you transfer to your PC.
-
- To allow the usable playing of games which use timing loops instead
- of interrupts, an option in PC Xformer allows you to force it to
- "slow down" to normal speed. Or let it rip at maximum speed to get the
- most performance out of your Atari Basic programs.
-
- As with ST Xformer, the bank switched memory of the XL/XE is emulated,
- and Atari Basic can be toggled on and off.
-
- All popular 8-bit DOSes are supported, including DOS 2.0, DOS 2.5, MyDOS,
- and disk based versions of SpartaDOS.
-
- Disk files are handled by using virtual disks, the same method used by
- ST Xformer, Gemulator, and most other emulators. Up to 8 virtual disks
- can be used at once, as drives D1: thru D8:.
-
- Users of ST Xformer can directly use their existing virtual disk files
- (.XFD, .XHD, .SD, or .DD files) with PC Xformer without modification.
-
- Users of the SIO2PC cable can also directly use their "ramdisk" files
- with PC Xformer without modification. Any size virtual disk is supported,
- from the standard 90K single density disk to a 16 megabyte hard disk.
-
- Two PC style joysticks are supported using the game i/o card found in most
- PCs. Self-centering joysticks are recommended over standard analog joysticks.
-
-
- Users wishing to receive more information about PC Xformer or to place
- an advance order should contact Darek Mihocka at Branch Always Software
- at the address or numbers listed above.
-
- User group and dealer inquiries welcome.
-
-
-
- Also available from Branch Always Software:
-
- Gemulator 3.02 - The Atari ST Emulator For DOS Compatible PCs. Turns a
- 486 based PC into an Atari ST clone with up to 8 megabytes of RAM and
- up to 800x600 color SuperVGA graphics. Compatible with most non-MIDI
- Atari ST software and all version of ST TOS up to TOS 2.06.
-
- Gemulator can be purchased from Toad, Rising Star, Purple Mountain, Paragon,
- ST Club, Ordosoft, ACN, and other major Atari ST dealers. Write for more
- information or contact your dealer.
-
- Michael Current, Keeper of the 8-Bit Atari FAQ & Vendor/Developer Lists,
- Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIGOp: aa700, <mailto::mcurrent@carleton.edu>
-
- 16/32 bit Computers Support Area
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- Bruce D. Nelson
-
- Lexicor Announces TT040 Clone
-
- Lexicor announced the first 68040 based Atari clone this month. Called the
- Pandora/Medusa T40, it runs at 64 mhz on a 68040 chip. It has an internal FPU
- and PMMU, and it has a performance rating od 26 MIPS and 4.5 MFLOPS. It has
- 32 bit addressing and a 32 bit main bus, running at 32 Mhz.
-
- The new machine has a 12 Mb/sec IDE bus and an ISA bus for a custom graphics
- board, such as any ET-4000 based PC graphics board.
-
- Additionally you can get:
-
- -VME Bus
- VME Bus 16bit
- Laser Printer Port (?)
- ROM-Port
- Mega Bus
- -SCSI Board
- TT SCSI
- SCSI II
- TT Lan
- -DSP Board
- DSP96002
-
- and an MC68060 Board is scheduled for the year 1994. You can get it
- from LEXICOR SOFTWARE CORPORATION, (510) 848-7621 or (510) 848-7613.
-
- The MEDUSA T40 is ideal for the high-end Atari User. Based around TOS
- 3.06 It is very compatible. Following this message will be a short list
- of working programs.
-
- For a system consistin of:
- - Basic Motherboard 68040/64
- - Tower Housing
- - ST Input/Output Board
-
- The cost is: $2,490 US (Cost can vary depending on the exchange rate)
-
- Availability: NOW, Transport time should take no longer than 2 Weeks!
-
- Additionally you may purchase an ET-4000 Graphics Board 15/16bit Color
- onboard for about another $100 US + NVDI ET-4000. A VME Bus Multiple Bus
- Board (see description above) for another $400 US.
-
- 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 Megabytes on board, price depending on SIMMS,
- current price is around $40 US per megabyte.
-
- IDE Internal Drive will cost depending on drive size. Internal IDE, no
- external casing required.
-
- NOVA VME 16M Graphics Board when purchased with VME Bus (for 24bit Color)
- costs $489 US.
-
- All prices given are recommended retail, shipping not included!
-
- Short Compatibility List:
-
- Chronos-3D Key frame Animator Phoenix 2 Signum 3.0
- Phoenix U.S.A. (Xenomorph-3D) Interface Matrix Drivers2.2
- Prism Paint 1, 1.5, 2.0 Pure Pascal Snapshot
- ANM-Link (Relativity) 1st Word Tele Office
- Cybersculpt ( in St high) PKS-Edit ACS Pro
- Cyber Color Seka Assembler Argon
- ARTIS 4.0 Devpac Assembler Crypton
- XCONTROL Turboasss Assembler Xenon V2.4TT
- Calamus SL Easyride Assembler Crazy Sounds
- Calamus 1.09N GAL-Prommer PCB
- Platon V.2.21 Logic A. ST-Digital
- Platine ST GFA Basic 3.0 3.6TT Profiler
- Skyplus Delicious Pure C
- DGRAPH Raystart Cubase
- GMAN Topaz Emagic
- Kobold VTX SED
- Rufus Uniterm Turbo C
- Multigem Connect Adimens
- Multitos Iconedi Arabesque
- Superbase Guck Chagall
- Papillion Invaders Technobox CAD
- Papyrus Piccolo and Drafter
- DAs Vector Script 2.0, 3.0 LDW Powercalc
- Didot Pro Compo Script ASpice
- Didot Lineart ICD and AHDI Protar Manager
- Retousche Pro CD v.1.04 Hushi Tempus Word
- STAD and Editor
-
- and a lot more programs that follow the VDI and Atari guidelines should
- work with no problems whatsoever!
-
-
- Portfolio Support Area
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
- Fred Horvat
-
- This installment I will contribute something that I found on the
- Walnut Creek Gemini Atari CD-ROM. It's an article on how to transfer data
- between the Atari 8-bit line of computers and the Portfolio. Disclaimer :
- I have not tested this so I can't vouch for it but it does look accurate and
- should work fine.
-
-
- Author : Unknown
- Source : Walnut Creek Gemini Atari CD-ROM
-
- =======================================================================
-
- PORTFOLIO -> 8-BIT CONNECTION
-
- In order to connect your 8-bit to the new PORTFOLIO computer, you have to know
- three things;
-
- 1. You have to have an RS232 interface connected to your 8-bit; the 850, P:R:
- CONNECTION, or MIO devices all work well for the purpose.
-
- 2. You will need a null modem cable. This is a cable which connects two
- computers without the need for modems (cutting out the middle man, so to
- speak).
-
- 3. You will need to make the null modem cable (or have a friend do it if you
- subscribe to the ancient Code of the Programmer); "Hey, I don't do that, it's
- a hardware problem!"
-
- ////////// PART ONE: THE PROBLEM ..........
-
- The PORTFOLIO has file transfer capability... through the parallel interface.
- I don't know of any 8-bit application to redirect communication software into
- the parallel port, so ignore the File Transfer section in the SETUP
- application.
-
- The RS232 ports on 8-bit computer interfaces are not compatible with
- "standard" RS232 DB-9 cables, (having been developed a few years before IBM
- stuck their foot in the PC door); pinouts are as shown below.
-
- 8-bit STANDARD
- 1 DTR 1 CD
- 2 CD 2 RD
- 3 TD 3 TD
- 4 RD 4 DTR
- 5 GND 5 GND
- 6 DSR 6 DSR
- 7 RTS 7 RTS
- 8 CTS 8 CTS
- 9 (none) 9 RI
-
- Fortunately, PORTFOLIO's Serial Interface does conform to this standard, so
- that modems and IBM AT cables can be used with it.
-
- One other problem; the diagrams in the Serial Interface manual are wired
- wrong.
-
- If you intend to make your own standard cables, refer to this service for the
- file detailing proper connections. (NOTE: this file may be found in the ST
- sections of this service; for CIS, GO ATARIPRO; for GEnie, type ST.)
-
- ////////// PART TWO: THE SOLUTION .........
-
- Well, Part One ought to have scared the willies out of all but the most
- determined Solder-Jockies, so we can now proceed with our interface.
-
- 1. Get two (2) DB-9 "D" style connectors; one Male, one Female. (NOTE: if you
- don't want to go through the hassles of soldering, pick up the Radio Shack
- crimp-style connectors [CAT #276-1427 & 276-1428, respectively]; with these
- connectors, all you do is insert the wires and crimp the pins closed.)
-
- 2. You will also need hoods for your connections; I used the metalized hoods
- [276-1513] for my cable, as they offer the shielding ability of metal with the
- light weight of plastic.
-
- 3. For the cable, I recommend [278-775] double-shielded cable, especially for
- the MIO user; the PBI bus is flat-out full of RFI, and the chance of data
- corruption from that monster makes the extra cost worthwhile.
-
- ==== Connections are as follows;
-
- 8-bit (MALE) PORTFOLIO (FEMALE)
-
- +--1 DTR 4 DTR--+
- +--2 CD 6 DSR--+
- +--6 DSR 1 CD (N/C)
- 5 GND-------------5 GND
- 3 TD--------------2 RD
- 4 RD--------------3 TD
- +--7 RTS 7 RTS--+
- +--8 CTS 8 CTS--+
- 9 (N/C) 9 RI (N/C)
-
- Cable shield attached to PF hood ONLY.
-
- Double check your connections before connecting to either computer.
-
-
- To test your interface, connect the cables to their respective interfaces and
- fire up your favorite 8-bit term software (I've used 850 EXPRESS! and BOBTERM
- with equal results), and set the terminal for 300 baud, half duplex, ATARI.
- The ATARI mode will be important once you start binary file transfer.
-
-
- For PORTFOLIO, go to the RS232 option in the SETUP menu, and set 300 baud, no
- parity, 1 stop bit, 8 data bits, and initialize.
-
- Force the TERM mode on your 8-bit.
-
- At the c> prompt, enter:
-
- COPY CON AUX
-
- Type something in to your Portfolio, press ENTER: your message from PORTFOLIO
- should echo on your 8-bit monitor. If not, check the term program settings,
- connections, and cable pinouts.
-
- Congratulations! You now have a handheld computer that "talks" with it's older
- brother.
-
- The advantages? You can use your full-screen 8-bit for communications and D/L
- to your palmtop. You can fill your Portfolio with programs without having to
- borrow somebody's IBM.
-
- And, best of all, you can compute respectfully during the day, and _still_
- blast the bloody bejeezus out of ZYBEX at night.
- =======================================================================
-
- New Products
-
-
- Who says that no new products are coming out for the
- Portfolio? As reported in the February 1994 issue of "Atari ST User"
- Eickmann Computer has released some new Atari Portfolio
- products.
-
- 128K Memory Card - call Stefanie, no price given.
- Diskfolio Interface - with serial, parallel, and floppy drive
- ports. Suggested price 300DM.
-
- A floppy drive bundle contains a ST-compatible floppy drive.
- A hard drive version called Universal Interface, also contains
- the serial, parallel ports. The bundles also contain room for
- up to 512K RAM, built in ROM with software drivers, terminal
- program and P-BASIC. The hard drive connects to the parallel port.
- For further info contact
-
- Eickmann Computer
- In der Roemerstadt 259
- 60488 Frankfurt am Main
- Germany
-
-
- Atari Classic Gaming Corner
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- Fred Horvat
-
- This is my first installment of the "Classic Corner". It is open to any
- Classic Atari game or gaming system, whether it is a Pong style console, 2600,
- 5200, 7800 gaming consoles or an old Arcade game this is the place to discuss
- it. If you have any questions on a name of a game, where to find a game, or
- need some info on a game, I, or another reader may be able to help you.
- Please E-mail me at ap748@cleveland.freenet.edu and somewhere in the heading
- put Classic Corner so as I can identify your questions easier.
- Growing up as a kid did you ever dream of writing a video game for your
- favorite gaming system? I know I have. Well dreams can come true. Readily
- available and affordable is a development kit that allows you to write games
- for the Atari 2600 or 7800 gaming systems. This development kit is called the
- 2600/7800 Monitor Cartridge by Harry Dodgson. For $60.00(US) you get a
- 2600/7800 Monitor Cartridge, and a 250+page manual that includes the source
- code for the Monitor program plus source code for the demos. The cartridge
- plugs into the Atari 7800 system that allows you to program in 6502 Assembly
- Language. The Atari 8-bit line (400/800/1200/2600/5200/7800/XE/XL) all use
- the 6502 processor. Following this article, you will find a detailed
- description of the product, so I won't waste anymore space on the specs.
- I purchased Version 2.0 of the 2600/7800 Monitor cartridge in December 93
- and have tried most if not all of the functions to see how they work and
- tried the demos out. Besides a 7800, you will need a pair of the Atari (CX50)
- Keypad controllers used for 2600 Basic Programming or a combination of the
- 2600 (CX21) Star Raiders Keypad or Kids Controllers. These offer twelve keys
- per keypad and used together you have a 24 key keyboard. The best combination
- is the (CX50) Keypad controllers because there is a groove that to lock them
- together making one larger keypad then instead of two separate ones to deal
- with. I had a pair of the CX50 controllers and am happy with them. They do
- take time to get accustomed to because each key can have two or three
- different functions. After about 30 to 60 minutes and having a copy of the
- keypads overlays in front of you, navigating through the system is not too bad
- at all. There are seven sample programs on the cartridge. One is the 2600
- classic Combat. Harry went in and changed some of the playing fields around
- and it makes the old game fresh again and still fun to play after all these
- years. A 7800 demo game is Bumper Tanks that Harry wrote where you play
- bumper car with tanks.
- The meat and potatoes of the cartridge, programming a game requires
- knowledge of 6502 Assembler. If you have never done 6502 Assembler there is
- no crash course that I am aware of. The manual offers plenty of tips and
- hints of the 2600 and 7800, but in no way teaches you 6502 Assembler. The
- bright side
- is that there are plenty of books available on 6502 Assembler. Many Atari
- 8-bit programming books cover it in great detail and even some devoted to game
- design. Many dealers have books on their shelves at discount prices because
- of they have been sitting there for over 10 years. Local and college
- libraries still have Atari 8-bit books.
- I have just ordered my 2.1 upgrade and the most important upgrade feature
- is the addition of the 2400 baud serial port. You fabricate a device that
- plugs into a cartridge port and this will allow you to dump 6502 HEX into the
- cartridge to test games. What this means is that coding and compiling can be
- done on a computer and then downloaded to the 2600/7800 Monitor Cartridge
- allowing simpler and quicker development. The best thing is you are not
- limited in choice of computers and have to use an Atari 8-bit. Any computer
- with a 6502 Assembler will do. This includes the Atari 8-bit, ST, Apple IIc,
- and even IBM machines. Some 6502 Assemblers are shareware or even public
- domain now so after a little hunting you can get a cheap 6502 Assembler.
- Since I just mailed away for my 2.1 upgrade I can't tell you how the serial
- port load and go function works but it sounds simple enough to me.
- For $60.00(US) you get a cartridge and a 250+ page manual, part of the
- documentation is actual Atari programming documentation and schematics. The
- manual is almost worth the price of the kit alone. Support via Internet has
- worked out well for me with this product. I've had many little questions on
- programming techniques or on hardware. Plus Harry likes to keep in touch with
- others that are developing new software for the most popular game console ever
- produced, the 2600. So if you have wanted to program a game for the Atari
- 2600 or 7800 game systems this is your chance. What can you program in 4K
- (2600) or 8K (7800), would surprise you! Many people would ask that if you
- can program a game on a 64Meg RAM 2Gig HD Intel Pentium machine why would you
- choose something that constrained. The beauty of game machines in the classic
- era games made it or lost strictly on game play no hype just substance. You
- can hide lousy or the some old game play behind fancy textured Bit Maps or
- catchy Multi Media Stereo sound tracks. Many games today copy game play and
- design from 15 years ago but just look and sound better__ but are they really?
-
-
- Below is Harry's description and pricing of the product.
-
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -2600/7800 Monitor Cartridge
- Version 2.1
-
- Description:
- With this package you can experiment with and write games for the Atari
- 2600 and 7800 systems. It provides all the utilities you find in computer
- debugging environments as well as the documentation to get you started.
- There are also several sample programs for each mode included to help you
- understand how these systems really work. This version allows you to create
- games as large as 8Kbytes for a 7800, or up to 4Kbytes in 2600 mode. This
- is the ONLY cartridge for any Atari system as of this date to include battery
- backed-up RAM on the cartridge (Jaguar excluded). Supports loading programs
- via a 2400 baud serial connection with interface (circuit diagram supplied).
-
- Requirements:
- (1) Atari 7800 Prosystem
- (2) keypad controllers (or Star Raiders controllers or kid's controllers)
- or serial interface for load-n-go operation only
- (1-2) joystick(s) required for the games and some of the demos
- some knowledge of 6502 programming or a book on 6502 assembly language
-
- Included:
-
- (1) 7800 Prosystem Cartridge containing:
- the Monitor program,
- 7 sample programs,
- 8K non-volatile RAM,
- (3) FREE classic Atari 2600 games.
-
- (1) spiral bound manual of over 250 pages including:
- full source code for the monitor,
- source code for the large sample programs on ROM,
- operating instructions,
- sample programs to enter and run yourself,
- keypad layout diagrams,
- programming documentation (direct from Atari)
- list of 6502 instructions
- 7800 Prosystem schematic
-
- Full support via Internet or US Mail for problems or assistance.
- All cartridges are tested for 24 hours before shipping.
-
- Date released: 11 December 1993
-
- Current Price: $60 (Continental US shipping included)
-
- Upgrade from Ver 1.0 requires returning cartridge. New manual is sent
- back along with upgraded cart. Price $50.00
-
- Upgrade from Ver 2.0 is a user upgrade just requires replacing the ROM chip
- and relocating one resistor. Updates to manual. Price $5.00
-
- send to:
-
- Harry Dodgson Video 61
- P.O. Box 19574 22735 Congo St. N.E.
- Kalamazoo MI Stacy MN 55079
- 49019-0574 (612) 462-2500
-
- Video 61 also handles non-US orders.
-
- Harry's Internet ID : dodgson@coyote.cs.wmich.edu
-
-
- Lynx Support Area
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- Barry W. Cantin
-
- Lynx News
- ---------
- Well, there are NO games currently in production for the Lynx at the moment.
- All Atari's effort is being concentrated on the Jaguar. No official release
- dates on Lynx games, although it has been said that *several* games are
- COMPLETE and are waiting to go to production. They will go when the Tramiels
- give the word.
-
- Also -- the cart design problems are or are CLOSE to being fixed, as far as
- "Eye of the Beholder" is concerned. The cart design is different in this case
- because EOTB is the first Lynx cartridge to feature battery backup. When
- those bugs are worked out, it will be added to the list of Lynx games
- currently waiting the go-ahead for production.
-
- One final note - two Lynx titles planned a couple years ago have officially
- been scrapped. Those titles are "720" and "Cabal". No word on as to why they
- were cancelled.
-
- Don't forget to check out Atari's "summer steal deal" on Lynx games! For a
- limited time, all Atari-released Lynx titles have been greatly reduced in
- price! Most titles range from $14.99 to $19.99. Take advantage of this while
- you can - and build up that Lynx library!
-
- Interview with Ted Tahquechi
- ----------------------------
- part one: The Lynx
-
- Recently I had the opportunity to talk with Ted Tahquechi, Software
- Production Manager for Atari Corp. He is also the Product manager for most
- of the Lynx titles in development right now. I had prepared a list of
- questions for him, and here's how it went:
-
-
- BC: Are there any plans to redistribute the Lynx in retail outlets again?
-
- TT: The problem is that the national rollout for the Jaguar hasn't happened
- yet. When this does, expect to see more Lynx merchandise available in
- stores.
-
- BC: Are there any Lynx titles currently in production?
-
- TT: No Lynx titles are currently in production due to the concentration of
- effort on the Jaguar.
-
- BC: How is the cart design problem in "Eye of the Beholder" coming along?
-
- TT: To the best of my knowledge, this has been or is very close to being
- fixed.
-
- BC: How DOES the Lynx version compare to the PC and Amiga versions?
-
- TT: It's just as good if not better!
-
- BC: There has been talk of a new Lynx game called "Bubble Trouble". Is it
- real and is there an expected date of completion?
-
- TT: It IS a real game, but its development has been put on hold.
-
- BC: Have any Lynx titles been officially scrapped recently?
-
- TT: Two that come to mind are "Cabal" and "720".
-
- BC: Any idea when we can expect to see more Lynx titles released?
-
- TT: It's hard to say right now, things are changing every day.
-
- BC: Are there any plans to use the Lynx with the Jaguar either as:
- a) A "smart" controller, or
- b) A comlynxed unit?
-
- TT: I'm afraid I can't comment on that right now. Sorry!
-
-
- Editor's Note: Barry's interview with Ted Tahquechi continues in the Jaguar
- Section... -ML
-
- Lynx Bulletin Board Messages of Interest
- ----------------------------------------
-
- Article #892 (923 is last):
- From: aa338@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mark Leair)
- >Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.video
- Subject: Re: Strange Joust trick
- Reply-To: aa338@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mark Leair)
- Date: Sat Apr 23 14:22:41 1994
-
-
- In a previous article, aa852@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Barry W. Cantin) says:
-
- >
- >Bryan Woodworth told me of an odd way he killed the pterodactyl in
- >Joust. His bird's posterior (presumably accidentally) backed into
- >the ptero and KILLED it! Anybody else try this? I haven;t been able
- >to get it to work but Bryan said it was a one-shot deal for him.
- >
- >Maybe this is how we get to the Tempest Easter Egg in the game? ;-)
- >
- >No, no, no I won't resurrect that one... it's an old April Fool's
- >joke... <g,d,r>
-
-
- I haven't played Joust in a while, but I thought one needs to kill the ptero
- when its mouth was open...perhaps if you can some how land on top of it with
- the posterior end when the ptero's mouth is open and attacking????
- It is hard to explain what I'm talking about... :)
-
- Hmmm...now I wish I had my Joust card...
-
- --
-
- Article #903 (923 is last):
- From: aa852@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Barry W. Cantin)
- >Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.video
- Subject: How to kill the pterodactyl
- Date: Thu Apr 28 16:44:12 1994
-
-
- Okay, I have the *official* word from Ted T. at Atari on how to
- kill the pterodactyl. Mark Leair (I think) was right:
-
- get your lance down his throat, but the mouth has to be OPEN.
-
- That's it. Doing this successfully on a regular basis will take
- some practice (obviously).
- --
- <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
- Barry Cantin, aa852@cleveland.freenet.edu
- Atari Lynx SIGop, Cleveland Freenet
- <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
- -------------------------------
-
- Lynx Commentary
- ---------------
-
- The Lynx isn't dead. Far from it. It is HIBERNATING, perhaps, but it is
- NOT dead.
-
- Atari has temporarily lowered the price on their Lynx titles (ordered directly
- through them) for a limited time. Some people interpret this as a liquidation
- of Lynx stock so that Atari can get a little money and concentrate on the
- Jaguar. How's about this approach:
-
- Atari is not releasing Lynx titles for a while and must keep consumer interest
- alive during the lull.
-
- Hey, it works for me! I'm ordering two games at $19.99 apiece and will play
- them to death, no doubt. Others will presumably do the same. These prices
- are BETTER than a lot of USED game prices I have seen on the net and
- elsewhere. What better way to generate consumer interest? Now if they'd only
- publicize it...
-
- On another note... the game AvP is due out for the Lynx this year. Atari
- personnel have said that they'd LIKE to get the game released around the same
- time that the Jaguar version is released. I was wondering why, and several
- reasons came to mind. One of these I'll share.
-
- There has been a LOT of talk about Lynx/Jag connectivity, and now we have all
- heard that it's going to happen. Since AvP is being released for BOTH
- machines (and simultaneously to boot!) perhaps THIS will be the first game to
- feature a connection between the two machines. It certainly is *feasible*,
- and rumors have been flying for a while that it would.
-
- I certainly hope that it is true. What this means for LYNX owners is that
- they will have a way to interface with Jaguar owners. On the other hand, if
- the Lynx is used as a "smart" or auxiliary controller to the Jag version, then
- there will be several Jaguar owners purchasing Lynxes to take advantage of
- this unique feature. Then, they will discover the wonderful library of Lynx
- titles and start acquiring those (this assumes that the Jag owner in the
- example doesn't already have a Lynx) as well... voila! Another Lynx owner!
-
- Yes, this is all speculation. And Atari is tight-lipped about it. We'll see
- what happens, but I for one can't wait for the Lynx Resurgence!
-
- -Barry Cantin
-
- Jaguar Support Area
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- Len Stys
-
- Jaguar News
- -----------
-
- The multi-player feature in DOOM might have taken a turn for the worse.
- id Software is reporting that after requesting a cable from Atari Corp,
- which would allow programmers to make DOOM multi-player on the Jaguar,
- Atari Corp. responded by saying, "hack it yourselves."
-
- (Commentary by Len Stys: This does not necessarily mean that id Software
- won't make DOOM multi-player. It just means that Atari Corp. isn't making
- it any easier for game companies to produce multi-player (head-to-head/
- modem) games for the Jaguar. Concerned Jaguar owners are encouraged to
- write Atari Corp.)
-
- According to the manager of my local Electronics Boutique, the Jaguar is
- selling well and so is its games. This is great news, but don't expect to
- see any new games for the Jaguar until late June. This doesn't bother me
- too much since I'm finishing up my last quarter and I will be busy enough
- trying to get everything together!
-
- As promised, I have put together the "Most Wanted Games for the Jaguar"
- thanks to your votes. A lot of people voted throughout world and the
- results are the following:
-
- MOST WANTED GAMES FOR THE JAGUAR RESULTS
- ----------------------------------------
-
- Each person used 20 points to vote on any of the games on a list.
- The list was compiled from lists of games that game players throughout the
- world contributed since the last CAIN Newsletter. Each person was allowed
- to allocate as many points as they wanted in vote of a game, but they were
- not allowed to use more than a total of 20 points.
-
- If there was a game that a person really wanted to see made for the Jaguar
- but it was not on the list, the person was allowed to add that game to his
- or her votes, but was required to give that game at least 10 of their
- votes.
-
- As you look through the list, you may find errors in companies that have the
- rights to a particular game. If you find an error, please send the error to
- the Atari SIG.
-
- We are unaware (and most others) of who has the rights to certain Atari
- games--Atari Games Corporation or Atari Corporation. If you are aware of
- who has the rights to the game, please send the information to the
- address along with your vote.
-
- I have been assured by a representative of Atari Corporation that the list
- of most wanted games will be given to the appropriate person at Atari Corp.
-
- Here's the list:
-
- Mortal Kombat II..........................Acclaim/Midway...........[203 ]
- Super Street Fighter II...................Capcom...................[134 ]
- BallBlazer................................LucasArts................[110 ]
- STUN Runner...............................Atari Games..............[106 ]
- Sinistar..................................Williams/Midway..........[ 99 ]
- Discs of TRON.............................Midway...................[ 90 ]
- Defender..................................Williams/Midway..........[ 88 ]
- Pac-Man (complete series).................Namco....................[ 73 ]
- Assault...................................Namco....................[ 68 ]
- Virtua Fighting...........................Sega.....................[ 68 ]
- NBA Jam...................................Acclaim..................[ 56 ]
- X-Wing....................................LucasArts................[ 51 ]
- SimCity 2000..............................Maxis/Bullfrog...........[ 48 ]
- Mechwarrior II............................Activision...............[ 44 ]
- Virtua Racing.............................Sega.....................[ 44 ]
- Samurai Shodown...........................SNK......................[ 42 ]
- Robotron 2084.............................Williams.................[ 40 ]
- Mr. Do....................................Universal................[ 40 ]
- I, Robot..................................Atari Games..............[ 39 ]
- Xybots....................................Atari Games..............[ 38 ]
- Alternate Reality (complete series).......Philip Price.............[ 38 ]
- Smash TV..................................Williams/Midway..........[ 30 ]
- Asteroids (all forms in one)..............Atari....................[ 30 ]
- Battle Zone...............................Atari....................[ 30 ]
- Archon II.................................Electronic Arts..........[ 28 ]
- Gauntlet IV...............................Atari Games..............[ 28 ]
- Adventure.................................Atari....................[ 26 ]
- Blasteroids...............................Atari....................[ 26 ]
- Star Wars Trilogy (S.W.,E.S.Back,R.Jedi)..Atari Games..............[ 25 ]
- Elite II/Frontier.........................GameTek..................[ 25 ]
- Comanche Maximum Overkill.................NovaLogic................[ 24 ]
- Crazy Climber.............................Namco....................[ 24 ]
- Raiden II.................................Fabtek...................[ 22 ]
- Pinball Jam...............................Atari Corp...............[ 22 ]
- Alladin...................................Sega.....................[ 20 ]
- John Madden Football......................Electronic Arts..........[ 19 ]
- Attack of the Robot Monsters..............Atari....................[ 19 ]
- Bonk (all)................................HudsonSoft...............[ 19 ]
- Bubble Bobble.............................Taito....................[ 19 ]
- Gyruss....................................Konami...................[ 19 ]
- LLamatron.................................LlamaSoft................[ 18 ]
- M.U.L.E...................................Electronic Arts..........[ 18 ]
- Road Blasters.............................Atari....................[ 17 ]
- Carrier Command...........................Rainbird.................[ 16 ]
- Dune II...................................Virgin...................[ 16 ]
- Tournament Cyberball......................Atari Games..............[ 16 ]
- Baseball Stars............................SNK......................[ 14 ]
- Tecmo Bowl................................Tecmo Inc................[ 14 ]
- Dungeon Master............................FTL......................[ 14 ]
- Ultima....................................Origin...................[ 14 ]
- Zeppelin..................................Synapse..................[ 12 ]
- Aces Over Europe..........................Dynamix..................[ 12 ]
- Major Havoc...............................Atari Games..............[ 11 ]
- Rebel Assualt.............................LucasArts................[ 11 ]
- Centipede.................................Atari....................[ 10 ]
- Darksun: Shattered Lands..................Strategic Sim (SSI)......[ 10 ]
- Lady Bug..................................Universal................[ 10 ]
- Pinball Fantasies.........................Digital Illusions........[ 10 ]
- Wing Commander III........................Origin...................[ 9 ]
- Food Fight................................Atari Games..............[ 8 ]
- Wizardry..................................Sir Tech.................[ 8 ]
- Blazing Lazers............................HudsonSoft...............[ 8 ]
- Congo Bongo...............................Sega.....................[ 6 ]
- Pole Position.............................Atari....................[ 6 ]
- B-17 Flying Fortress......................Microprose...............[ 2 ]
- Rampart...................................Atari Games..............[ 2 ]
- Space Lords...............................Atari Games..............[ 2 ]
- Steel Talons..............................Atari Games..............[ 2 ]
- Stunt Track Racer.........................Microprose...............[ 2 ]
- Starblade.................................Namco....................[ 1 ]
- Thunderhawk...............................Core.....................[ 1 ]
-
- There were TWO comments that were included with most of the votes sent to
- the Atari SIG. 1) Each game should be enhanced to take advantage of the
- Jaguar's 64-bit features. But the classic game should also be included
- within the enhanced game (much like Tempest 2000). 2) Jeff Minter was the
- most requested programmer to program most of these games.
-
- Interview with Ted Tahquechi (Continued from the Lynx Section)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
- part two: The Jaguar
- -Barry W. Cantin
-
- Editor's Note: Barry now discusses the Jaguar with Ted Tahquechi... -ML
-
- BC: What is your Jaguar game release "guesstimate"?
-
- TT: I really can't say right now. As I said, things are changing daily.
- That's a question for Bob Brodie!
-
- BC: Do you know when DOOM and Wolfenstein 3D will be released?
-
- TT: Wolf 3D is VERY close, it could be in beta test by the first week in
- May. After that it could be another 2-3 months before it is actually
- released.
-
- BC: Why has Alien vs. Predator been delayed?
-
- TT: After looking at the beta test version we felt that the gameplay could
- use a bit more tweaking.
-
- BC: There are rumors that it was because multiplayer ability has been added
- to the game, is this true?
-
- TT: No.
-
- BC: What weapons are used in Alien vs. Predator?
-
- TT: Smart gun for the Marine, also (I think) a pulse rifle, flame thrower,
- shotgun, and possibly a grenade launcher.
-
- BC: How many frames per second is Alien vs. Predator?
-
- TT: Right now it's at 15 to 20. It could get faster but I don't know just
- yet.
-
- BC: Is Kasumi Ninja in the testing Stages yet?
-
- TT: No.
-
- BC: When will it be?
-
- TT: Soon. We're still doing characters and filming moves. The fatality
- moves are finished. I'll tell you about a new fatal move, that's
- previously never been revealed. The Goths (historically) used to trade
- with the Japanese. From them they were able to get "exploding bamboo
- sticks"... they would light them, throw them, and they'd blow up. The
- new finishing move for the Goth uses the exploding bamboo stick. He
- shoves the lighted bamboo stick into the mouth and partly down the throat
- of his opponent. It explodes and blows the top half of his opponent off,
- throwing meat and blood everywhere!
-
- BC: Wow...
-
- TT: It's great!
-
- BC: How long does it take to test Jaguar games on the average?
-
- TT: This depends on the game, and how solid it is when the beta version is
- received. It depends mainly on the gameplay. As an example,
- Wolfenstein 3-D is a port, so it's not going to be too long since the
- gameplay has already proven itself. On the other hand, the game "Legions
- of the Undead" - which will be the first RPG for the Jaguar, will take
- longer to test, even than AvP. As for a time frame, the best case would
- be two to three weeks, and a worst case might be up to a year and a half.
-
- BC: How long does it take to manufacture Jaguar games before they hit retail
- shelves?
-
- TT: Six to eight weeks on the average, most of the time there is growing the
- silicon for the chips. Sometimes the box art and manual production can
- add time.
-
- BC: We've heard that there are a few major game developers who have just
- signed to make games for the Jaguar. Care to elaborate?
-
- TT: Sorry, I really can't say!
-
- BC: Ted, thanks for your time! It's great to talk with you, as always.
-
- TT: You're very welcome! Glad to help.
-
- Jaguar Bulletin Board Messages of Interest
- ------------------------------------------
-
- From: aa338@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mark Leair)
- >Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.jaguar
- Subject: Tempest 2000 ads on USA
- Reply-To: aa338@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Mark Leair)
- Date: Sun Apr 17 05:30:22 1994
-
- I saw the Tempest 2000 ad on USA like 3 times...
-
- 1st. time was at 9pm in the middle of the movie "Revenge of the
- Nerds"...
-
- Then After the first break of Weird Science (which begins at 10pm)...
-
- Furthermore, Atari was the sponsor of this show...however, I only
- saw the ad run once during the course of the show...
-
- I think it only ran once...not sure when the third one ran...perhaps
- during Duckman???
-
- At any rate, I was a bit surprised that they sponsored the show and only
- ran one ad during the entire show...furthermore, the hand held
- game one of the kids was playing looked a lot like a Game Gear...
-
- Would have been nice if it were a Lynx...But I'm not sure what it was...
-
- Although one of the games was Joe Montana's FootBall...
-
- definitely not a Lynx title...
-
- As for the ad:
-
- I liked it...although the people in front of the screen shots really were
- distracting and were blockingsome of the screen...
-
- But it seemed like an exciting ad...I'm curious whether the background
- music in the ad is the theme music or not...I'm guessing it is since the
- samples matched the messages on the screen...
-
- The music sounds pretty cool... The music sounds fast and a lot like
- techno...
-
- A couple other comments:
-
- One other fella watching TV knew about the Jaguar and said how awesome it
- is...but the general consensus really knew nothing about the Jag...
-
- Another fella was surprised that the Jaguar was made by Atari...he commented,
- (and boy is this starting to sound like a cliche!) "Atari? They're still
- around???"
-
- --
- -------------------------------
-
- From: er571@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Rick Adams)
- >Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.jaguar
- Subject: Re: Tempest 2000 arrived today
- Date: Mon Apr 18 05:00:46 1994
-
- RE: Tempest 2000...like/dislike?
-
- I love it! And so does my wife! It's very hypnotic, and the music is great!
- I can't wait for Kasumi Ninja, AVP and Battlewheels! Some of the other games
- coming out look like they are going to be fantastic!
-
- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- "Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it!"
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------
-
- From: er571@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Rick Adams)
- >Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.spec.jaguar
- Subject: Re: Tempest 2000 ads on USA
- Date: Mon Apr 18 05:05:45 1994
-
- You'd be suprised at how many people are finding out about the Jaguar...
-
- At least I am! I live in Stuttgart Germany and I mentioned to someone
- at the PX (Post Exchange) that I had a Jaguar and they almost fainted!
- There's a few Jags around here now and every one wants one! Especially
- after they've seen T2K...heh heh...wait'll they see Kasumi Ninja or AVP
- or Battlewheels!!!
-
- Rick...
-
- --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
- "Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it!"
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
-
- Jaguar Commentary
- -----------------
-
- The Jag will Eat'em at Summer CES
-
- Atari Corporation will be making the Jaguar their killer cat at the Summer
- CES. This is fantastic news because if the Jaguar doesn't get into at least
- 6,000 retail outlets in the U.S. for the 1994 Christmas season, there will
- be a lot of disappointed people. Atari Corp. also needs the Jaguar
- available in a large number of retailers in order to get the most out of the
- millions that they will be spending on advertising.
-
- Signing Retailers & Producing Enough is Key
-
- The signing of a large number of retailers to carry the Jaguar is
- imperative. Atari Corp. also has to produce enough to meet demand. I doubt
- retailers will be happy with just fifty Jaguar units each during the busy
- Christmas season since they sell hundreds of Nintendos and Segas during this
- time. I believe that Atari Corp. will need to raise its sales estimate from
- 500,000 units to at least 1 million units. Nintendo and Sega are not
- concerned with 500,000 Jaguar units taking over their future 32-bit/64-bit
- market share. Nintendo and Sega will most likely quadruple this number in
- the first six months that their 32-bit/64-bit systems are released.
-
- History Repeats Itself Over and Over Again
-
- The first system that gets into millions of homes first usually rules for
- years to come. The Atari 2600, the NES, and the Sega Genesis are perfect
- examples. Will the Jaguar be the first 32-bit/64-bit system to get into
- millions of homes? Or will the Sega Saturn? Or 3DO? Or Project Reality?
- The Jaguar has no other choice but to be that system. Atari has no other
- choice to make it that system.
-
- The Lynx is Still The Cat
-
- Atari Corp. is getting to ready to push the Jaguar at this Summer's CES
- like the Jaguar has never been pushed before. But what about the Lynx?
- The Lynx is still the best portable video game system in the world today,
- but there doesn't seem to be any major plans to push it this year.
-
- The Lynx and its game cards have the potential to be just as profitable
- as the Jaguar this year. The reasons is that there are over seventy
- game cards available for the Lynx and Atari produces almost all of them.
- The problem is that most retailers may be reluctant to carry the Lynx
- since they have seen sales of the unit dwindle in the past few years.
- Atari Corp. needs to reorganize the Lynx, its game cards, prices, and its
- marketing of the Lynx to retailers.
-
- Give the Lynx some "I feel like myself again!"
-
- ========= NOTE: "WILD CAT PROMO" IS LEN'S HOPES... NOT REALILTY =========
-
- I propose that Atari reduce the suggested retail price of the Lynx
- deluxe package and base unit. While the low price may not make the Lynx
- hardware very profitable, it will increase sales of Lynx game cards.
-
- "Wild Cat" Price Reduction:
- LYNX DELUXE PACKAGE............................................$89.99
- LYNX BASE UNIT.................................................$69.99
-
- Atari Corp. should finish up the newer games and get them into production.
- There should also be a new game card pricing based strictly on the age and
- quality of the title.
-
- ======================== "Wild Cat 40 Hit List" =========================
-
- $49.99 $29.99
-
- Alien Vs. Predator Klax
- Eye of the Beholder Rampart
- Shanghai
- $39.99 Robotron:2084
- Joust
- Battlezone 2000 Crystal Mines II
- Bubble Trouble Xybots
- Fat Bobby Warbirds
- Ninja Gaiden III Steel Talons
- Road Riot 4WD Pinball Jam
- Super Asteroids & Checkered Flag
- Missle Command Baseball Heroes
- Raiden Rygar
- Batman Returns
-
- $24.99 $19.99
-
- S.T.U.N. Runner Xenophobe
- Toki Chip's Challenge
- A.P.B. Blue Lightning
- Awesome Golf Todd's Adventures In Slime World
- Roadblasters Zarlor Mercenary
- Scrapyard Dog Paperboy
- Rampage Ms. Pac-man
- Lynx Casino Block Out
- Ishido: The Way Of The Stone
-
- All of the above games are either potential hit games or were hit games
- in the past. There are no duds on this list.
-
- Marketing to Retailers
-
- The Lynx "Wild Cat" promo would include price reduction of the Lynx Deluxe
- package, base unit, and games. The only requirement is that the retailer
- carry all "Wild Cat 40 Hit List" games.
-
- Convincing Retailers
-
- An explanation to dealers that the Lynx will be used with upcoming Jaguar
- games. Should Atari Corp. use the Jaguar to get the Lynx into retail
- stores? Only as much as Nintendo used the NES and SNES to get the Gameboy
- into retail stores...
-
- It's Now or Never...
-
- The Lynx isn't getting any younger. Atari Corp. has put a lot of money
- into making games for it. Unless Atari takes action to get the Lynx into
- stores while the technology is still good, the Lynx may see its last days
- and Atari Corp. can write it off as a sunk cost.
-
- -Len Stys
-
-
- Upcoming Atari Shows
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-
- << Computer Shows >>
-
- Updated: 05/08/94
-
-
- To include shows (preferably shows that include Atari products),
- for the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG's Show list and the CAIN newsletter,
- send the show's name, date, location, and any additional information to
- xx004@po.cwru.edu. Please address the e-mail with the subject
- "Computer Show". The following information is correct to the best of our
- knowledge. However, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Corrections and
- cancellations are therefore requested.
-
- +-----------------+
- |Shows at a Glance|
- +-----------------+--------------+--------------------------+----------+
- | Name | Location | Date |
- |--------------------------------+--------------------------+----------|
- |1. Texas Atari Festival |St. Mary's University |06/04/94 |
- |2. C.A.I.N. Atari Fun Fest '94 |Kirtland, OH |08/07/94 |
- |3. Connecticut Atarifest '94 |Windsor Locks, CT |08/27/94 |
- |4. Atari Leistungsschau |Freiburg, Germany |09/22/94 |
- +----------------------------------------------------------------------+
-
- For more information on these shows, please consult the Atari SIG on the
- Cleveland Free-Net (telnet to freenet-in-a.cwru.edu or Nextsun.ins.cwru.edu)
- Once connected to the Free-Net type 'Go Atari' to get to the Atari SIG.
-
- In addition to show information, the CAIN newsletter would like to print
- any reports, summaries, or reviews of these and other recent shows. Please
- send any of these articles to 'aa338@po.cwru.edu'
- Thank-you...
-
-
- Vote Issues and Results
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- << Voting Booth >>
-
- One exciting feature of the Atari SIG is its voting booth. Here, users can
- create their own opinion polls. The voting booth is accessible from the main
- menu of the Atari SIG on the Cleveland Free-net (CFN). Select option '11'
- from this main menu to enter the voting booth.
-
- Last months poll:
-
- Please vote on when you would like to have a Real-Time Atari Conference in
- Freenet's local IRC chat system. Please NOTE: the results will be taken into
- consideration, but our staff and guest's availability will make the final
- decision. Please feel free to write in any specific time that is not already
- listed using option 'a'.
-
- A total of 9 votes have been cast as follows:
-
- 3 (33.3%) I am available just about anytime
- 3 (33.3%) Sunday Mornings
- 1 (11.1%) Saturday Evenings
- 1 (11.1%) Sunday Afternoons
- 1 (11.1%) Sunday Evenings
- 0 (0.0%) Saturday Mornings
- 0 (0.0%) Saturday Afternoons
-
-
-
- This month's poll:
-
- POLL #22
- ____________________________________________________________________________
- Which compression format do you prefer CAIN to use?
- You may add a type that's not listed with the 'a' option.
-
- Vote Options:
-
- 1. ARC
- 2. ARJ
- 3. LZH
- 4. Super ARC for Atari 8 bit
- 5. Unix compress Z
- 6. Zip PKWare etc
- 7. gzip GNU Zip for Unix
- ____________________________________________________________________________
-
- Online Atari Conferences
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-
- The Cleveland Free-Net (CFN) has the facilities to provide Real-Time Online
- Conferencing. It is hoped that the Atari SIG can sponsor Atari conferences
- in the future. The conferences would be held on CFN's chat system called the
- "IRC". IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat." This is a special program that
- allows real-time conferencing through the internet network. However, CFN's
- IRC is local, or accessible only by CFN users. If you are interested in
- these conferences, or would like to be a guest-speaker on one of these
- conferences, please send internet e-mail to "aa338@freenet.cleveland.edu".
- Finally, stay tuned to this newsletter for transcripts from these conferences.
-
-
- Editor's Note: The following originally appeared as a message on the Atari
- SIG (message #1364 in the general bulletin board). It is
- our hope that the following article will help first time users
- gain access to our monthly conferences. Finally, one needs
- a registered account on the Cleveland Free-Net before joining
- these conferences... -ML
-
-
- IRC Crash Course
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
-
- The IRC chat system can be a very overwhelming experience when one is
- beginning to use it. The purpose of this article is to introduce the user
- to a few basic commands, give instructions on joining an Atari Conference,
- and discuss the conduct expected during an Atari Conference.
-
- Choosing a Termianl Emulator
- ----------------------------
-
- The IRC works best under an intelligent terminal emulation. Such emulations
- include: VT52, VT100, and ANSI. If your terminal emulation software
- supports any of these (or an emulation in the list mentioned below) you're
- encouraged to use an intelligent emulation. Text from your typing and from
- other users is formatted nicely under an intelligent emulator, while text
- in an environment without intelligent emulation is unformatted and can get
- messy...However, if a terminal emulator is not available, you may skip down
- to "Connecting to the IRC".
-
- To choose an emulator, at any Free-Net prompt ("Your Choice ==>") type
- "Go Config".
- Next choose option 1, "Set Terminal Parameters", from the menu. Next,
- choose 1 again, "Set Terminal Type". You are now presented with a list of
- all the terminals Free-Net supports. Choose an emulation that your
- terminal software supports. Next set your terminal software to this emulation
- if you not yet done so.
-
- If you like to make this change permanent, enter 'p', and again, enter 'p'
- to return to the Configurations Menu. Option 4 saves your environment.
-
- Connecting to the IRC
- ---------------------
-
- Type "Go IRC" at any "Your Choice ==>" prompt. This command will take you
- to a menu that contains further information on the IRC (I encourage you to
- read these text files in your spare time). The two options we're interested
- in is option '8' and option '9'. Both of these options take you into the
- IRC. Option '8' is used by those who are using an intelligent terminal
- emulator (if you chosed a terminal emulation above) and option '9' is
- used by those who are not using an intelligent emulator. Select the
- appropriate option to enter the IRC.
-
- IRC Commands
- ------------
-
-
- All commands begin with a slash ('/') in the left most column of the command
- line.
-
- For example:
-
- /list - this command lists all the channels available on the Chat system
- and their topics.
-
-
- Joining the Conference
- ----------------------
-
- After entering the IRC, first thing you should do is give yourself a
- nickname...A nickname is an alias or handle that identifies you.
- The nicname can 1-9 characters long.
-
- /nick (Your nickname)
-
- That is, type "/nick" followed by your nickname then press Return...
-
- No commands or text is displayed or executed until the Return or Enter key
- is pressed...Therefore, if you make a mistake, you may backspace and
- correct it...
-
- After giving yourself a nickname type "/join #Atari".
-
- The join command allows you to join a specific channel. Channel names
- can be any length of non-whitespace characters preceded with the '#'
- character.
-
- After executing this command you are now in the conference.
-
-
- Normally one can now just type a line, press Return, and the text will be
- sent to the channel for all to read. However, during the first part of the
- conference open chatting will be limited to our guest and the operators.
-
- If you have a question for our guest you may ask it by doing the following.
-
- /msg ATARI_SIG Ask (your question)
-
-
- /msg is a command that sends a private message to the user that follows
- "/msg".
-
- The general syntax: /msg (user's Nickname) (your message)
-
- the ATARI_SIG user has a special feature that stores questions...these
- questions will then be forwarded to the guest at the appropriate time.
-
- If you would like to see a list of questions that haven't been answered
- yet, type "/msg ATARI_SIG View"
-
- A summary of these commands will be presented to you by ATARI_SIG when you
- join the channel.
-
- If you have any specific questions about IRC during the conference you
- may ask me personally during the conference by typing "/msg ATARI_SIG
- (your question)"
-
-
- Commands
- --------
-
- /names - tells you all the nicknames of all the users online
-
- /who - tells you all the users and their nicknames online.
-
- /msg (nickname) (your message) - send a message to the specifed nickname
-
- /join #(channel name) - join a specific channel name
-
- /whois (nickname) - Gives further information on a users with the specified
- nickname.
-
-
- Conference with Atari United! Transcript
-
- On April 17, 1994 members of the Atari SIG were treated to a conference with
- Patti Barbiero of Atari United! Below is the transcript of this conference.
-
-
- <Atari_SIG> Patti: when did you form Atari United?
-
- <AU> Gordie Meyer (asst. sysop on Delphi) and I formed ATARI UNITED! in July
- 1993.
-
- <Atari_SIG> How did you happen to meet Gordie and what was the main premise
- behind forming AU! in July of '93?
-
- <AU> After several late night conferences, where I was just introducing myself
- to the online community, Gordie and I decided that the dismal state of the
- Atari community would continue, until some of us users out there decided to do
- something about it. We were both tired of hearing about how Atari wasn't
- doing anything for the user, and rather than join the whiners, we decided to
- actually help provide some networking for support!
- or people with the Atari SIG.
-
- <AU> My husband was on deployment with the US Navy at the time, and I needed
- something to do. I certainly gave myself a job!
-
- <Atari_SIG> Great. Well, I certainly feel you two have been doing a good job
- thus far. Tell us what AU has done to benefit the Atari User Base
-
- <AU> First off, AU! started out by trying to locate isolated users. We
- suspect that there are quite a few people out there with Atari computers in
- their closets. They don't know what to do with them, and don't realize that
- there is support available.
-
- <AU> Unfortunately, it is difficult and expensive to run a nationwide, much
- less worldwide campaign like this.
-
- <AU> From the start, we knew that cooperation with user groups all over the
- country would be crucial.
-
- <AU> With Bob Brodie's help, we obtained Atari's most current list of user
- groups.
-
- <AU> Needless to say, it was very much out of date. We began by sending out
- postcards to every group on the list, and putting out press releases to let
- everyone know that we were trying to contact user groups.
-
- <AU> I also sent out informal email messages to the few email addresses
- listed.
-
- <AU> Many of the groups contacted have been quite helpful in getting out our
-
- <AU> news. I have received a number of phone calls from users all over the
-
- <AU> country that didnt know that Atari still existed, and that local support
- might be available. I am happy to say that I was successful in putting many
- of those individuals in contact with groups in their area.
-
- <AU> I have also found that it was very helpful to run free ads in some of the
- multi-platform mags in many areas of the country. Many people out there were
- thrilled to see that the Atari community lives on!
-
- <Atari_SIG> Great. and yes, "Atari? They still exist?" Is really becoming a
- cliche! Tell us a little about your connection with the FreezeDried term
- program
-
- <AU> Well, Gordie and I have been looking around for ways to financially
- support our project. We have begun talking about forming the AU!
- SoftWareHouse,
-
- <AU> with the intention of providing support to shareware developers.
-
- <AU> Aaron Hopkins of Freeze Dried Terminal was an obvious contact for us, and
- so we approached him first with our idea, to see what he thought.
-
- <AU> Aaron is typical of what we thought we could do to assist shareware
- programmers. He produces commercial quality programming, but through a series
- a problems, has had difficulty maintaining a registered base and keeping track
- of who has paid and hasn't.
-
- <AU> AU! would like to help programmers polish up their programs, put
- together documentation, and also help with distribution of the unregistered
- versions.
-
- <AU> People who want to register their programs would send their money
- directly to AU!. We would handle sending out the registered package,
- maintaining the database, and would send a monthly statement and hopefully a
- check <G> to the programmer. Of course we would take a cut, to be negoitiated
- on an individual basis.
-
- <AU> We would provide ongoing support for registered users, possibly including
- a newsletter that would contain hints and tips from the programmers to the
- users.
-
- <Atari_SIG> [MichaelC] asks: What Atari platforms are supported by AU! ?
-
- <AU> While we do not actively support the 8bit Atari, we do not exclude them
- by any means. All of the other Atari platforms are supported. I have been
- able to provide several people with crucial information on 8 bit support, so I
- make a point to collect that information too! Please excuse my spelling here
- tonight! <G>
-
- <Atari_SIG> no problem. What are some other future goals of AU? Any interest
- in world-wide coverage?
-
- <AU> At this time, our world wide coverage is expanding rapidly. With many
- people discovering the internet, and many of the commercial services providing
- at least internet mailers, contact with people everywhere is becoming
- increasingly easier. Recently I received a phone call from Costa Rica.
- Apparently there are 3 people there who own Falcons and want to start a branch
- of the Falcon Owners Group. I have also received email from a group in Mexico
- who sound like true die-hard Atarians. They meet once a week from 10 at night
- to 2 in the morning!
-
- <AU> I am currently working on bringing more information in my User Group
- Directory up to date. Future plans, well, we would like to get the AU!
- ShareWareHouse off the ground, and work on expansion of our DiskMagazine.
- Eventually we would possibly have a BBS
-
- <AU> or 800 number that could be called for support. Right now we need to
- focus on expanding our databases on local support, and locating isolated users
- to bring them in from the cold! Once we are firmly established--who knows
- what we might do? <G>
-
- <Atari_SIG> [Russ] asks: Is AU connected to Atari Corp?
-
- <AU> No, not officially. Bob Brodie at Atari has been extremely helpful to us
- in the past--but we are in no way connected to Atari Corporation.
-
- <Atari_SIG> Do you plan on supporting the Jaguar or Lynx?
-
- <AU> Not at this time! Our focus is strictly on the computing side of things.
- Of course if someone calls me up and wanted assistance, or had questions, I
- certainly wouldn't hang up on them. I am here to help!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [LenStys] asks: I'm at amazed at all that you do! How much time
- does it take to do everything you do?
-
- <AU> <GRIN> I don't know exactly how much time I spend doing all this. But
- it takes up most of the free time my kids, husband and birds allow me. Gordie
- also puts quite a bit of time in, and between the two of us, we manage!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [Russ] asks: FZT is great! Have you heard of the atzmod10 for 8
- bits?
-
- <Atari_SIG> [Russ] asks: (about atzmod10) It is $5 shareware.)
-
- <AU> Russ, I have not heard of that program. I myself know very little about
- the 8bit world! <G> I am a relative novice and newcomer to the computer
- community. I am glad you like FzDT, and I hope Aaron will finish v2.3 in a
- few weeks.
-
- <Atari_SIG> Is there a definite release date yet for V2.3 ?
-
- <AU> No, unfortunately Aaron is extremely busy--attending college full time
- and holding down a job. It leaves little time for him to program on FzDT. As
- you will understand, Aaron is reluctant to make any definite promises on a
- release date. As soon as he i
-
- <AU> ready to roll, we will put out press releases to AEO, STR, and CAIN!
-
- <Atari_SIG> What features will V2.3?
-
- <AU> For now, it will be a small upgrade. Aaron is removing some little used
- features, and cleaning up his code to make it smaller and more efficient. It
- will also be Falcon compatible.
-
- <Atari_SIG> [MichaelC] asks: What does your crystal ball say about the
- future of computers from Atari?
-
- <AU> Right now, Atari is in a desperate bid for solvency, the computer
- marketplace as a whole is in flux, and with the Jaguar, Atari can gain a cash
- making platform
-
- <AU> which will keep them alive. The Falcon030 and TT030 computers are still
- in production, and will continue as long as there are orders to fill.
-
- <AU> I see Atari having two cards to play in future computer making.
-
- <AU> #1 is the Jaguar GPU chipset, this could be used in a new computer, or
-
- <AU> as a card in other computers. Second, the PowerPC is on the verge of
- being the first RISC chip to break into consumer level computers, in a year or
- two, the bugs will be worked out of this fundamental shift in computer
- technology.
-
- <AU> Atari will make computers, and in the future they will only be able to
- make NEW computers if they are profitable!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [Russ] asks: Did Atari close down their Texas R&D?
-
- <Atari_SIG> ...also if you all can...get in your final questions...
-
- <AU> Russ,yes they did close down the Texas R&D, long before the Falcon 030
- went into production.
-
- <Atari_SIG> [LenStys] asks: Do you think that AU! will work with Atari Corp.
- to let user groups borrow computers and other products to demonstrate to
- people in the future?
-
- <AU> Len, it would be nice if we could, but at this time we have no plans like
- that. However, one of our goals is to help user group networking. Possibly
- we can assist groups contact each other, and borrow hardware, software and
- individuals with knowledge!
-
- <AU> For example, maybe one group would be able to contact another that had
- access to a Falcon with a wizztronics card installed, and be able to get the
- owner to attend their meeting!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [Russ] asks: Does Atari have another R&D facility?
-
- <AU> Sunnyvale, CA is the location of Atari's R&D facility!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [COWBOY] asks: has Atari stopped production on the lynx
-
- <Atari_SIG> [Russ] Thanks the lady.
-
- <AU> Oh absolutely not! Before I moved here to WA state, I lived just a few
- miles from Atari in CA. At Christmas I saw quite a few Jaguar ads that also
- had trailer ads for the Lynx. I recently purchased a Jaguar myself, and
- discovered a very nice brochure
- <AU> included for the Lynx.
-
- <AU> Atari is stepping up publicity for the Lynx!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [MichaelC] asks: About how many user groups has AU! confirmed to
- exist?
-
- <AU> At this time 68 in the US. I have about 10 listed internationally, with
- possible contacts for about 40 more.
-
- <Atari_SIG> A follow up question on the Jag and Lynx ads. What medium were
- these ads? (print, tv, etc)
-
- <AU> The Jaguar and Lynx ad that I mentioned were on TV. In fact there was
- quite a publicity blitz in Christmas. The Lynx brochure of course was print.
- Also, as an interesting aside: Andreas (my husband) and I saw a TV ad for
- Tempest 2000 (Jaguar) on MTV during Beavis and Butthead.
-
- <Atari_SIG> I saw it as well...On the USA network... I liked it...
-
- <AU> I was impressed!
-
- <Atari_SIG> [LenStys] asks: Do you know what the average size of each user
- group is?
-
- <AU> This isn't a scientific answer, but I would guess about 10 to 25 members.
-
- <Atari_SIG> [BRiTiSH] asks: Just out of curiosity, what platforms do you own
- and what do you like best about each of them?
-
- <AU> Hehehe. . .we own his and hers computers. . .Andreas owns a TT030 and I
- own a Mega STe. I love them both, but I think I prefer the speed of the TT.
- The Mega STe is the best ST there is for compatibility with older software.
- Many games are released
-
- <AU> that do not run on the TT, so the Mega comes in very handy.
-
- <Atari_SIG> [MichaelC] asks: Any guess how many Atari computer (TT/Falcon)
- dealers there are in the U.S.?
-
- <AU> Atari will not release official numbers, but excluding Jaguar dealers, I
- think there was about 300 a year or so ago.
-
- <Atari_SIG> ok...final question...(then we'll open up the forum)
-
- <Atari_SIG> [DarkFlame] asks: How do you feel that the Jaguar will do
- against such established game machines such as Genesis, or SNES. Is it better
- to support the price?
-
- <AU> The Jag offers significantly more power for the money than the SNES or
- Genesis not to mention the 3DO... even without the CDROM unit, the Jaguar can
- do FAR more than
-
- <AU> than existing CDROMs as far as gameplay. That is what we buy a game
- system for, right :-)
-
- <AU> If you haven't seen Tempest 2000, you haven't seen the first console game
- that beats anything at the arcade. Doom! and Wolfenstien 3d will reach new
- levels of
-
- <AU> performance when they are released in the next 30/60 days. Alien V.
- Predator will also blow away the competition.
-
- <AU> At $250 it is an amazing deal. The only thing remains to be seen is if
- they can get ENOUGH software out on the market in '94... at least 75 to 100
- titles should do it!
-
- <Atari_SIG> Great...any closing remarks on Atari United, Patti?
-
- <AU> Well, before we finish up here, I would like to encourage all of you to
- contact me via email <atariunited@delphi.com> with any information any of you
- may have about user groups. User groups are often very transient, and
- difficult to contact. Also, if an
- <AU> of you every need assistance, please don't hesitate to ask! I am
- collecting information on individuals also, basically, name, address, computer
- owned, user group membership, etc. Once in awhile we do "alerts" and do a
- mass emailing to everyone in our database.
-
- <AU> Just recently we did a letter campaign to SoftLogik, to encourage them to
- release an upgrade to Pagestream. The current plans only included Amiga, and
- of course we wanted Atari included too!
-
- <AU> Eventually we will make our databases available to commercial marketing
- concerns in the Atari market. So, get your name on our mailing list! <G>
-
- <AU> I would like to thank Mark for all his hard work in putting together this
- conference tonight. It has been fun!
-
- <Atari_SIG> Great. Thank-you for attending...You are certainly welcome to
- stick around for our open forum. I also want to add that a transcript of this
- conference will be available in the next issue of CAIN. Thank-you Patti, and
- thank-you to everyone who has attended tonight.
-
- <Atari_SIG> Stay tuned to the Atari SIG and the newsletter for details on an
- upcoming conference with the programmer of Tempest 2000, Jeff Minter
-
- * * *
-
- Upcoming Conference with Jeff Minter
-
- The Atari SIG will be sponsoring an Online Conference with Jeff Minter,
- programmer of the Jaguar's Tempest 2000. Tempest 2000 is the Jaguar that has
- received "game of the month" by two different game publications and "game of
- the show" at CES by several other organizations. The date and time for this
- conference is Sunday, May 29th, 1994 at 7 PM EDT.
-
- * * *
-
- Don't miss this upcoming conference! Get your Cleveland Free-Net IDs today!
- To get to the I.R.C. chat system type "go IRC" from any system prompt.
-
- General Information of Need
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
-
- How to Contribute to CAIN
- -------------------------
-
- For full details on contributing to CAIN, please check out the "CAIN Online
- Newsroom," option 13 from the Atari SIG's main menu. In summary, we can
- use articles, tutorials, and reviews on Atari products. The format is simple
- --ASCII format with 80 characters per line. The text should be sent via
- internet electronic mail to "xx004@freenet.cleveland.edu". All submissions
- to CAIN become the property of CAIN, unless otherwise agreed upon.
-
- Article Requests
- ----------------
-
- Below are some suggestions of articles we would like to see in future
- issues of CAIN. For a complete list of newsletter needs, please consult the
- discussion board under the CAIN Online Newsroom (option 13 from the Atari
- SIG's main menu).
-
- Newsletter Needs
- ----------------
-
- << Updated 03-Apr-1994 >>
-
- Communications: Any articles that fits into the area of communications (ie:
- reviews, summaries, articles, tutorials on BBS systems, term or BBS
- software, services, etc for any Atari computer) may be submitted to this
- section. When submitting to this section, please address this article with
- the subject "Communications."
-
- File Archives: Any type of summary, review, or list of new files that
- are on any Atari ftp archive will benefit our readers. Please address this
- article with the subject "ftp archives."
-
- Tutorials: CAIN is actively seeking any project, "how-to," and tutorial
- articles for future issues of CAIN. These articles can be for any type of
- Atari product. Please address this article with the subject "Tutorial
- Submission."
-
- Atari Shows: Not only can we use information on upcoming Atari Shows, but we
- also can use reviews and summaries of recent Atari shows. Please address this
- article with the subject "Atari Show Information."
-
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- THOUGHT OF THE MONTH: Who remembers the Atari/Commodore Rivalry?
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- [C]entral [A]tari [I]nformation [N]etwork Newsletter May 17, 1994
- copyright (c) 1994 All Rights Reserved No.003.
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- Central Atari Information Network (CAIN) Newsletter is produced by Cain
- Publishing and is no way affiliated with Atari Corporation. CAIN Newsletter
- editors/staff produce this publication on a volunteer basis strictly to
- benefit users of Atari products. Views and opinions expressed herein are
- those of the article's author(s) and not necessarily those of the
- editors/staff of CAIN Newsletter, the Cleveland Free-Net Atari SIG, or its
- affiliates. Permission to reprint articles is hereby granted, unless
- otherwise noted. Reprints must include: Name of article, author's name, name
- of publication, date, and issue number. CAIN Newsletter may not be edited in
- any way without prior written permission. CAIN Newsletter is believed to be
- reasonably accurate. If any inaccurate information is found within, please
- contact the editor of CAIN Newsletter and a correction will be made in the
- next issue.
- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
- Atari, ST, Mega ST, STE, Mega STE, TT030, Atari Falcon030, TOS, MultiTOS,
- NewDesk, BLiTTER, Atari Lynx, ComLynx, Atari Jaguar, Atari Portfolio, 7800,
- and the Atari Fuji Symbol are all trademarks or registered trademarks of
- Atari Corporation. The "Free-Net" name is a Servicemark (SM) of the National
- Public Telecomputing Network (NPTN). The Free-Net "FreePort" software is
- copyrighted by Case Western Reserve University. FreePort is a registered
- trademark of Case Western Reserve University registered in the U.S. Patent
- Office. All other trademarks and identifying marks mentioned in this issue
- belong to their respective owners.
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