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- _______________________________________________________________________________
- ST-REPORT 7 September 12, 1987 from Zmagazine Information Network (c) 1987
- Published/Edited by: Ron Kovacs Assistants:Sue Perry, Rich Decowski
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- IN THIS ISSUE:
-
- <*> Exclusive report on the Atari MAGIC Show...................By Steve Godun
- <*> Magic Show Part 2...........................................By Mike Brown
- <*> Disk Drive Set-up for Atari Computers............................From CIS
- <*> How to Create 80 Track 3.5 Disks.........................................
- <*> Product Ancmts....THE INFORMER...... EASEL/ST
- <*> GDOS Help..................................................By Mark Stangl
- <*> Scientific ST........................................By Richard Leinecker
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- ZMAG EXCLUSIVE REPORTS ...Atari MAGIC Show In Detroit...
-
- This text is (C)1987 Syndicate Services. Free distribution is allowed provided
- this notice appears and text remains unchanged.
-
- Written by Steve Godun
-
- The Atari MAGIC (Michigan Atari General Information Conference) show attracted
- young and old alike. Some 50-60 software publishers, hardware developers,
- magazine publishers, and mail order houses attended the show. Important names
- in the Atari community were present, among them Keith Ledbetter of Express
- fame, and Neil Harris and Sandi Austin of Atari.
-
- Important Atari supporters like ICD, Atari (of course), Hybrid Arts, Antic,
- MichTron, Astra, Abacus, and Innovative Concepts were all showing new
- hardware/software products for the Atari 8-bit and 16-bit computers.
-
- My first stop in the gymnasium-sized Atari show was at Hybrid Arts' MIDI setup.
- At the heart of Hybrid Arts' display was the impressive 16-player MIDI-Maze
- game. Surprises were abound all throughout the show, but I was more than
- startled to see no less than 16 of the ill-fated PS3000 color monitor/disk
- drive units being linked to 520ST's for MIDI-Maze.
-
- Almost all the time during the show, is was a free-for-all as people scrambled
- for one of the 16 positions. Hybrid Arts ran hourly tournaments that all could
- get in on. Winners for each tournament were given a pass to return to the show
- on Sunday to compete for the grand prize - a Casio CZ-320C keyboard and a stack
- of Hybrid Arts software. I happen to have won that prize (a little pat on the
- pack please...).
-
- Hybrid Arts also had two other stations set up, each running with a 1040ST and
- several keyboards. The show is always alive with very well created melodies.
- No Walkman units wanted here!
-
- Next to Hybrid Arts was a large indoor tent that housed Atari Corp's products.
- Several 520ST-FM, 1040ST, and 130XE computers were running the most popular
- Atari softwarem such as "Battlezone", "Rogue", and "Joust" on the ST's with
- "Planetarium" and "AtariWriter Plus" on the XE's. The XE Game System was also
- displayed running "Bug Hunt", the first game to use Atari's TV gun. Other
- Atari products were present, most notably the Atari PC (very nice unit,
- although very slow when compared to the ST speeds), the Atari Laser Printer
- (producing free samples of high resolution flyers), the Mega ST-4 (many of the
- other developers were also using pre-production models with no Blitter chip for
- demos, although Atari's model did indeed have Blitter installed), and the
- still-to-be-released SX-212 modem.
-
- All models except for the Atari PC are clothed in Atari XE grey with slanted
- lights and an almost art-deco insignia (the word "Laser" on the laser printer
- is in a 'hot pink' color). The Atari PC is set up in bone white. A monochrome
- monitor was being used on the PC. No comment from the guys from Atari. Also,
- there was still no sight of the 8-bit 80 column card or the new XF551 disk
- drive. Atari claims problems adapting the SX-212 to the 8-bit, although on the
- ST it runs fine. The XF551 is "still very early in its development to be
- shown". No comment pertaining to the XEP-80. Hmmm...
-
- Atari is still "iffy" on release dates for these products. The laser printer,
- Mega ST-4, and the XE Game System are scheduled for mid to late September
- ("Definately way before Christmas" says Neil Harris), and the Atari PC and
- SX-212 are to be released shortly thereafter.
-
- Innovative Concepts, a relatively small company with some really neat 8-bit
- upgrades, showed several new products. A kit that allows you to install four
- function keys (like the extinct 1200XL) on any XL/XE computer was available for
- $15. The keys are totally programmable (nice for making macros in modem
- programs), and default to cursor control, key click on/off, etc. The ICX-85
- keypad (a modified Atari CX-85 keypad that needs no handlers yet works with all
- 8-bit software) was available. A trade-in policy is in effect; Send them your
- CX-85 keypad and you'll save $10 on the ICX-85. RAM-Aid is for owners of
- upgraded XL/XE Ataris. Install this, and you now have the capability to perform
- a coldstart without turning your computer off, but still retain all data in
- your RamDisks. An external modem speaker, Modem-Mouth, is for modems who don't
- have one (like the Atari 835 and 1030). Contact Innovative Concepts for
- prices, information, and ordering.
-
- Microdaft of "Chipmunk" fame was there showing two new arcade games. "Dropzone"
- is a Defender-like game that offers high resolution graphics and excellent
- animation. "Solar Star" is a hybrid game that reminds me somewhat of the Tron
- "Light Cycles". You travel over a huge grid avoiding walls while trying to
- shoot and overcome energy areas and crystals. Both games are for the 8-bit
- Atari (hints of a C-64 version were dropped) and are scheduled for release on
- October 1st.
-
- A most interesting product was shown by Quantum Microsystems. They were
- showing a pad that looked very much like a large (17.5"x11") white Koala pad,
- but it had a thinner, wired stylus and was connected to an ST. Moving the
- stylus across the pad simulates the movement of a mouse. Labeled as "ProTablet
- ST", Quantum claims their pad is much more accurate than the Atari mouse,
- allowing up to 250 lines per inch. "ProTablet ST" is available now for $395,
- and includes the tablet, digitizing pen, cable, and driving accessory.
-
- ICD, along with the Keith "Mr.Express" Ledbetter, was showing their newest
- addition to the Express line of modem software, "BBS Express ST". Only for the
- ST, "BBS Express ST" is probably the best ST BBS program around today. "BBS
- Express ST" is just starting to ship for a list price of $79.95. It features
- 40/80 column support, XMODEM and YMODEM protocols, threaded message bases, full
- descriptions on all UL/DL files, and COMPLETE sysop maintenance. Some lucky
- show purchasers got a personally autographed copy of the new program (at no
- extra cost).
-
- Also being shown at the ICD booth was a 60-megabyte hard disk for the ST. It is
- actually two 30-meg hard disks in one sleek, attractive case, but offers more
- than a conventional hard disk. Besides the storage, the ICD model also
- contains a silent fan and a real-time clock/calander. The unit is large and
- strong enough to support an ST monitor. The model shown was not a complete
- model. No list price or release date was given.
-
- When asked about SpartaDOS-X, the new cartridge-oriented DOS for Atari, ICD
- claims to be working on it but are having a few difficulties in programming.
- This new DOS will be on a 256K ROM cartridge and will have a souped-up version
- of SpartaDOS 3.2 on it, along with a database and "whatever else we can think
- of". ICD is considering much input from the current Atari community, so if you
- have a suggestion for Sparta-X, send them your ideas!
-
- When asked about problems with the MIO board, ICD claimed to have fixed all
- known bugs prior to June 1987 and is still shipping both the 256K and 1-meg
- models. The 80-column adapter is "loosing interest...because of a lack of a
- suitable market", so even that might not hit the streets in the near future.
- But, you never know.
-
- The MichTron display occupied most of the far wall. Their feature product was
- the arcade-to-home laser game "Dragon's Lair" (marketed as "Journey Into The
- Lair" for copyright reasons). The version they had running was played on a
- 1-meg 520ST-FM, color monitor (for player input), Panasonic video disc player,
- and a Panasonic TV (for showing the pictures). The game is great in itself,
- although it loses just about all of its original arcade action. No longer is
- "Dragon's Lair" a split second arcade adventure; the player can now spend
- (literally) hours deciding on where to go. Joystick input has been substituted
- for a slow point-and-click mouse command. You actually have to tell the
- computer what to do; no more simple up/down/etc moves to memorize, you now have
- to say, for example, "Turn Swing Sword" to vanquish a creature in one instance.
- Personally, I don't think this will sell very well.
-
- Plans to incorporate the other two major laser arcade games, "Space Ace" and
- "Cliff Hanger", are in the works. No release date was set, although pre orders
- were being taken at the show.
-
- Other MichTron releases include "Maz", a sort of computerized cat and mouse
- game were you must find the exit to a huge maze before your opponent does while
- avoiding the always moving cat. "Airball" is a offshoot of "Marble Madness",
- but with a more 'natural' background to it. Instead of a scrolling abstract
- maze, you now have a screen-by-screen maze lined with trees (well, that's what
- they look like) and such. MichTron was also offering RAM upgrades for the ST. A
- 2-meg 520ST kit and a 2.5-meg 1040ST kit are available, and both require no
- soldering inside the ST. Contact MichTron for details.
-
- Alpha Systems had the "Turbocharger" on display. This is a double sided 8-bit
- disk that is packed full of useful ML subroutines that you can incorporate into
- your BASIC programs. Also for the 8-bit, the "Parrot II+" was there. Those
- familliar with the original "Parrot" know that the hardware part isn't very
- sturdy or sensitive. The new version is VERY strong and VERY sensitive, and
- makes a clearer digitized sound - almost as good as an ST!
-
- Speaking of ST sound, Alpha Systems also produced "Digisound", the ST equal to
- the "Parrot II+". The unit on display was quite impressive. Sound is
- practically flawless when compared to the original source. Excellent!
-
- "Magic Sac+" wasn't as popular as Data Pacific had hoped. It certainly wasn't
- one of the busier booths at the show. On a 4-meg ST, the user can have up to a
- 3900K Macintosh capable of running most popular Mac software. However, in order
- to use the software, the user must have several things. Among them are a set
- of Mac ROM chips (so that the thing will work in the first place), access to a
- Macintosh computer, and communications software for both computers. Null modem
- cables are provided with the Sac+, a helpful surprize. The "Magic Sac+" also
- has its own clock/calendar for time/date stamping. Details were limited to an
- 8.5"x11" flyer, and reps at the show were somewhat unwilling to speak about
- certain compatability problems. Contact Data Pacific for more details.
-
- The show attracted many mail order houses. Mars Merchandising was there in
- full force with great deals on 8-bit and ST products stacked from floor to
- ceiling (literally). Sector One Computers, with not nearly as much stuff as
- Mars, was doing well in their double booth. Basic Bits And Bytes was a bonanza
- of Atari printers, 50%-off software, and more than I can list. They were the
- only place at the show selling the Indus ST DS/DD disk drive, a unit about 1/2
- the size of an ST drive and runs (of course) much quieter and a bit faster.
- Rite Way Computers was offering membership into a software preview club along
- with many other nice deals.
-
- Since this IS an Atari-oriented show, user groups were abound. GAG (Genesee
- Atari Group) was there showing off their newest Print Shop application, "Cute
- Labels" by Jim Steele. This will print out 1"x3.5" labels using multiple fonts
- and Print Shop icons. This is a VERY flexible label program! GAG is offering
- "Cute Labels" alone for $9.95, and a pack of 6 Print Shop icon disks (around
- 600-700 icons) for $20. A complete "Cute Labels" package ("Cute Labels" plus
- the 6 icon disks) is available for a mere $27. Incredible bargain!
-
- MACE, Michigan Atari Computer Enthusiasts, was there selling back issues of
- "MACE Journal", trying to gain new members, and showing a few demos. Other
- user groups, WAUG (Washtenaw Atari Users Group), GLASS (Great Lakes Atari ST
- Support), CHAOS (Capitol Hill Atari Owners Society), and of course, MAGIC were
- all present and showing off some of the latest ST and 8-bit programs, demos,
- and hardware (like the Mega ST-4).
-
- Overall, the show was a grand success for user and vendor alike. Everybody went
- home happy and almost nobody left empty-handed. I was a bit sad when I walked
- into the large once-filled ballroom and saw nothing but soda bottles, product
- flyers, and empty bags. Oh well...There will be other shows. But the Atari
- MAGIC Show has proven, once again, that Atari computers are here to stay, this
- time for good. Until next time...
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- MAGIC SHOW EXCLUSIVE REPORT PART TWO By: Mike Brown
-
- I had the good fortune of attending the MAGIC Atari Show in Detroit, Michigan.
- For those of you who were there, I do not have to tell you that it was a well
- thought out effort by three Atari user groups in the eastern Michigan area;
-
- Michigan Atari General Information Conference (MAGIC)
- Genesee Atari Group (GAG)
- Great Lakes Atari ST Support (GLASS)
-
- This is not to imply that these were the only user groups involved, there were
- most of the major groups from Michigan playing an ACTIVE part in the show, and
- several groups from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois were out in force! I did not
- realize the extent of the participation of the user group community until the
- "User Group Roundtable" on Saturday. One of the best things about it was the
- fact that the "featured" speaker, Sandi Austin of Atari, was late! It gave the
- attendees time to unwind and get to know each other a bit. However, when Sandi
- arrived, the jovial atmosphere seemed to vanish and almost a tense atmosphere
- prevailed.
-
- By the nature of the questions and comments fired at Ms. Austin, it was
- apparent that Atari enjoys a less than favorable impression among those
- attending the Roundtable. The feeling is that Atari could and should be doing
- more to support the user groups and the user community in general. As saddened
- as I was by the attitude in the room, I must agree that the tide is slowly
- turning; Atari's best spokesmen, the user groups and the upper 25% of the Atari
- users, are turning cynical. Hardly anything that was said by an Atari
- representative during the seminars (I attended most of them) was not met by an
- attitude that they were joking (In one seminar, a Neil Harris statement was
- followed up in a loud voice by "Good one Neil!").
-
- It is sad to see such a hopeless attitude by the user community here in the
- midwest. If I was Ms. Austin or Mr. Harris I would seek ways to improve User
- and User group relations and certainly NOT make statements such as were quoted
- in a recent issue of "Computer Shopper" magazine attributed to Mr. Harris
- during speeches to user groups during CES week in Chicago. I will not dignify
- Mr. Harris' words by repeating them here, but if it was me and my work that he
- was referring to, I would be considering legal action!
-
- The bottom line is this: Atari must come out of its fog and realize that, with
- proper "stokes" the established Atari user base will sell a lot of computers
- and game systems. The Atari Fairs across the country are a brilliant move to
- put on a good face, don't go blowing it with ill advised words or poor
- attitudes...enough said!
-
- As I stated eariler, one of the unexpected benefits of attending the Atari fair
- in Detroit was being able to rub elbows with members of other user groups and
- picking up material for this column... I bought a couple of copies of Michigan
- Atari user group newsletters while I was up there, and got somewhat of an
- education on the state of things: Atari in the great lake state.
-
- In the coming weeks I will give my views on all of the publications that I
- picked up, but for this time I want to let you in on a rather unique
- newsletter.
-
- One of the big problems that small Atari user groups face, is the cost of
- publishing and distributing their newsletters. Several Michigan Atari Groups
- put their heads together and came up with a creative solution: They merged all
- of their small newsletters into a LARGE newsletter called the "Michigan Atari
- Magazine". The clubs participating in this joint venture are CHAOS (Lansing),
- GAG (Flint), TAG (Saginaw, Bay City, Midland), BKAUG (Battle Creek), WAUG (Ann
- Arbor), GKAUG (Kalamazoo) and GRASS (Grand Rapids).
-
- Although this publication is not quite in the leauge with "Current Notes", it
- certainly is a well put together newsletter with a heavy emphasis on activities
- within the individual clubs. It must be great for Michiganians to keep tabs on
- their sister groups in "their" newsletter! I'm sure that the promotion of
- special events (such as the Atari Fest) is much easier to the expanded audience
- reached by the Michigan Atari Magazine.
-
- The only bad note that I can think of in a publication filled with creativity
- and much original material, is the somewhat uncertain typeset quality. Quite a
- few of the article headings seemed skewed at odd angles to the text below them
- (indicating the cut-and-paste school of typesetting). I guess because of the
- otherwise excellent quality of printing (multi-color stock and ink!) and
- graphics, this was emphasised out of proportion. Editors Rich and Judy Barnes
- deserve a pat on the back for their efforts.
-
- For more information on subscriptions to the Michigan Atari Magazine, please
- contact them at P.O. Box 16132, Lansing, Michigan 48901.
-
- I am still in need of user group newsletters and information for this feature!
- Please send material to M. Brown, 268 E. Fourth St., Box 32, Ashland, OH 44805,
- or upload to the Balloon Works- 419 289 8392. Thanks!
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- DISK DRIVES FOR YOUR ATARI COMPUTERS
-
- IBM software can be used "out-of-the-box" on the Atari with pc-ditto.
- Transfering data to and from 5.25-inch disks requires only a 5.25-inch 40-track
- drive. If the software is not copy-protected, it can be easily transfered
- using the DOS Copy command, or other similar copying utilities. The capacity of
- the 5.25-inch disk is about 360,000 characters, while the capacity of the
- 3.5-inch double-sided drive is about 720,000 characters [3.5-inch single-sided
- is the same: 360,000]. Therefore, be sure the target disk contains enough
- space for you to copy your files to it.
-
- The 5.25-inch drive is optional, and not required if all your software is
- stored on 3.5-inch disks. In fact, most DOS software today is becoming more
- popular on both 5.25- and 3.5-inch media. You can thus use 3.5-inch software
- without any need for 5.25-inch drive in your Atari, except for the following:
-
- Warning: Commercial 3.5-inch DOS software is sold on double-sided 80-track
- disks. It can NOT be used in single-sided drives. You will need access to a
- double-sided drive to copy the software to a single-sided disk, if not
- copy-protected. Again, if the software is copy-protected, you may not be able
- to successfully use it without a double-sided drive.
-
- Finally, you may purchase 5.25-inch drives (which just plug directly into the
- Atari or Atari drive), or you may "homebrew" your own drive. The drive
- consists of a standard IBM compatible mechanism, power supply, and cable. We
- have found that the cable is the hardest item to obtain. Below are the names
- of drive and cable manufacturers for which we have tested and recommend their
- products. Also, the cost of a fully assembled drive with warranty and drive
- software is usually not any less than the cost of "do-it-yourself" approaches.
- Especially because many drive mechanisms have been found NOT to work reliably
- with the Atari. A fully-assembled drive takes the worry and frustration out of
- getting a drive to work, and provides the assurance that the drive can be
- repaired or replaced if found defective or damaged.
-
- When we are asked whether a certain brand of drive we have not tested works
- with pc-ditto, we usually respond by stating that if the drive connection
- appears to be sound and the drive works with the Atari under GEM (usually by at
- least displaying a directory), then the drive should work with pc-ditto.
- However, as with our DOS software, we can only provide assurances on those
- drives with which we have certified with pc-ditto.
-
- I. B. Computers Source of 5.25-inch drives and cables
- 1519 S. W. Marlow Ave.
- Portland, OR 97225
- (503) 297-8425
-
- E. Arthur Brown Company Source of cables
- 3404 Pawnee Drive
- Alexandria, MN 56308
- (612) 762-8847 (612) 763-6393
-
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- HOW TO CREATE 80-TRACK 3.5 DISKS
-
- Whenever DOS starts, it checks the type of machine it is running on. pc-ditto
- imitates an IBM PC XT. Therefore, DOS assumes by default that the drives
- attached to your Atari are 5.25-inch 40-track drives.
-
- When you ask DOS to format a disk, it will format a 40-track disk, even if the
- drive can handle 80-tracks. We can override the default DOS table of drive
- characteristics by the following steps.
-
- Step 1. Create a CONFIG.SYS file on your DOS disk (use a backup, not your
- master)
-
- At the A> prompt, type:
-
- COPY CON: CONFIG.SYS
-
- Step 2. Press the RETURN key
- After this, the cursor will move to the next line and wait for the next step.
-
- Step 3. Put a line in the file to override the DOS. Use the table below
- for the correct line or lines to type:
-
- A: drive is: B: drive is: Type in:
- ____________ ____________ ________
- 3.5-inch Single-sided none DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
- 3.5-inch Double-sided none DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
- 5.25-inch 3.5-inch Single-sided DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
- 5.25-inch 3.5-inch Double-sided DRIVPARM=/D:1/F:2
- 3.5-inch Single-sided 5.25-inch DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
- 3.5-inch Double-sided 5.25-inch DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
- 3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
- Press RETURN key DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
- 3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/T:80/S:9/H:1
- Press RETURN key
- DRIVPARM=/D:1/F:2
- 3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
- Press RETURN key
- DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
- 3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
- Press RETURN key
- DRIVPARM=/D:1/F:2
-
- Note: The following drive arrangement is not supported because you need at
- least one (1) 3.5-inch drive 5.25-inch none
-
- Example
- _______
-
- You have a 520ST. The first drive is a single-sided 3.5, and the second drive
- is a double-sided 3.5. Using pc-dmenu.prg, you assigned drive A: to the
- EXTERNAL (second) drive, which makes the first drive B:. So for step 3, type
- in:
-
- DRIVPARM=/D:0/F:2
- Press the RETURN key
- DRIVPARM=/D:1/T:80/S:9/H:1
-
- Step 4. Now, go back and review what you have typed in.
-
- Step 5. Press RETURN key
-
- Press F6 function key (located at top of your keyboard) Press RETURN key
- Then, DOS will respond with
-
- ^Z
- 1 file(s) copied
-
- Step 6. Restart DOS so that the new CONFIG.SYS file will be read and the
- changes noted. Do this by:
- Holding down together the CONTROL ALTERNATE DELETE keys.
-
- The pc-ditto startup screen will appear. Press RETURN to start the DOS.
-
- Step 7. Formatting a blank 80-track disk.
-
- Using the standard DOS FORMAT utility, format the 3.5-inch drive. From the
- table below, type the appropriate FORMAT command.
-
- A: drive is: B: drive is: FORMAT command
- ____________ ____________ ______________
- 3.5-inch Single-sided none FORMAT A:
- 3.5-inch Double-sided none FORMAT A:
- 5.25-inch 3.5-inch Single-sided FORMAT B:
- 5.25-inch 3.5-inch Double-sided FORMAT B:
- 3.5-inch Single-sided 5.25-inch FORMAT A:
- 3.5-inch Double-sided 5.25-inch FORMAT A:
- 3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided FORMAT A:
- or
- FORMAT B:
- 3.5-inch Single-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided FORMAT A:
- or
- FORMAT B:
- 3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Single-sided FORMAT A:
- or
- FORMAT B:
- 3.5-inch Double-sided 3.5-inch Double-sided FORMAT A:
- or
- FORMAT B:
-
- EXAMPLE
- _______
-
- Continuing the example above, type the following to create a blank 80-track
- double-sided disk:
-
- FORMAT A:
-
- To create a blank 80-track single-sided disk, type the following:
-
- FORMAT B:
-
- To create a bootable disk (that is, one with a copy of DOS on it), add /S to
- the end of the FORMAT line. For example, type:
-
- FORMAT A:/S
-
- How to format disks after the first time
- ________________________________________
- The CONFIG.SYS file needs to be placed on each DOS disk you start DOS with, so
- that the drive A: and/or B: will be overridden. DOS 3.2 will automatically
- recognize 40- and 80-track disks. You only need the CONFIG.SYS file on your
- DOS startup disk when you will FORMAT a disk. Remember, the disk you start DOS
- from must contain the proper CONFIG.SYS file.
-
- What to do if the drive letter assignments are changed using pc-dmenu, or the
- drives are changed.
-
- You will have to change the CONFIG.SYS lines to reflect the new drive types.
- Follow steps 1 through 6 again for your new drive assignments.
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- PRODUCT ANNOUNCEMENT
-
- The Informer: A Graphic Database is now shipping!
-
-
- List Price $99.95 US ($19.95 Trial Pak demonstration) Available: Now
- Systems: Atari 520ST, 1040ST, Mega2, Mega4
- Misc: International language support
-
- We weren't looking for a small improvement over the existing database file
- managers for the Atari ST. We were shooting for a major new system that pushed
- the ST's powerful features to the limit. No other database for the ST has The
- Informer's impressive graphics ability or its ease-of-use.
-
- Other databases restrict your Atari ST's incredible graphics capabilities. With
- The Informer you can use graphics and pictures from DegasTM and NeochromeTM in
- a form or as data in a database.
-
- No programming is required to use The Informer. Easy point-and-click functions
- are used to create and manipulate any of up to four databases simultaneously.
- Information is stored in a database like a spreadsheet. The mouse is used to
- control the layout of columns. A programmable data entry screen allows each
- record to be added, changed, or deleted.
-
- The Informer is a powerful database. Sub-lists of information may be developed
- using statistical and relational operators. Records may be sorted according to
- content, type and in ascending or descending sequence.
-
- Customizing reports is as easy. Just point and click the mouse. Reports and
- graphics may be printed as they appear on the screen.
-
- Included with The Informer are several example databases that you can start
- using immediately. The large manual includes a complete tutorial.
-
- The Informer is compatible with data from HabaviewTM, Regent BaseTM, and
- dBManTM.
-
- We even have a demonstration disk with examples available for only $19.95, the
- cost is good towards a purchase of The Informer.
-
- The Informer: A graphic database of unprecedented power.
-
- Regent Software 7131 Owensmouth, Suite 45A Canoga Park,CA 91303 (818) 882-2800
- Contact: Frank Cohen, Marketing
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Lake Monroe, Fla.: Computer Fenestrations today (September 4, 1987) announced
- the availability of EASEL/ST for Atari Corp.'s ST series of computers. A
- software add-in, EASEL/ST enhances the ST's integral GEM Desktop, allowing the
- user to control the appearance of the Desktop's background, without otherwise
- affecting the Desktop's operation. For the first time, users can substitute a
- picture or other graphics for the normally plain background. Both D.E.G.A.S.
- and Neochrome picture file formats are supported.
-
- Three groups of buyers are targeted for EASEL/ST, according to the company.
- Most buyers will be casual users who desire to personalize their computer.
- Also expected to show interest are retailers who depend on customers' hands-on
- experience with ST computers in their showroom for sales. These dealers can
- use EASEL/ST to display promotional messages and new product announcements even
- as the customer test-drives the machine. Finally, systems houses face the
- problem of getting their customers past the GEM Desktop, which is always the
- first GEM application run whenever the computer is reset, and into the
- customer's specific application(s). With EASEL/ST, the vendor can place
- detailed operating instructions right on the GEM Desktop, where they cannot be
- lost or overlooked.
-
- EASEL/ST was designed to be compatible with all ST configurations, including
- early ST models in which the operating system was soft-loaded, and the new
- MegaST models, with the latest ROM revision. It is provided on a single-sided
- diskette, and it is not copy-protected. EASEL/ST operates in all of the ST's
- various resolutions. On color systems, it adapts automatically to resolution
- changes, and it overrides Atari Corporation's Control Panel in order to
- maintain the palette of the user-selected picture. EASEL/ST does not compete
- with other software for one of the six desk accessory menu slots; instead, it
- is loaded by means of the AUTO folder when the system is reset. EASEL/ST is
- GDOS compatible.
-
- Price: $19.95. Contact publisher for dealer/distributor pricing.
-
- D.E.G.A.S. is a trademark of Electronic Arts/Batteries Included. GEM and GDOS
- are trademarks of Digital Research, Inc. ST, TOS, and Neochrome are trademarks
- of Atari Corporation.
-
- Publisher: Computer Fenestrations, Post Office Box 151, Lake Monroe, Florida,
- 32747-0151. Telephone: (305)-322-3222. Electronic mail: BIX - bob_breum;
- CompuServe - [75116,2262] .
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- GDOS HELP
-
- How to boot GDOS from a hard disk while auto booting from the hardisk too.
-
- This is tested for monochrome, 20 meg Supra drive, 1 meg 520 ST.
-
- 1) Make a folder \EASYDRAW\ per the manual's instructions.
- 2) set PATH = \EASYDRAW\GEMSYS\ in ASSIGN.SYS file in the root hardrive
- directory.
- 3) Suprboot 1.1 is recommended. Put GDOS in auto folder and you can select to
- boot with GDOS or save ram without it.
- 4) Now reboot and you will autoboot GDOS and EASYDRAW fonts.
-
- Options:
-
- 1) Use ASSIGN.SYS from other GDOS programs or to load alternate fonts. Hide or
- rename unused ASSIGN.SYS files when not active. Remember only one
- ASSIGN.SYS file can be active at one time.
-
- 2) Experiment if logic fails.
-
- Thanks to Gordon W. Moore for Suprboot 1.1 !
- Mark Stangl, Boulder Colorado
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- THE SCIENTIFIC ST by Richard Leinecker Computer Spectrum Inc.
-
- In our world today you can be sure you will be dazzled with amazing
- technological advances on a daily basis. With the advent of super-conductivity,
- we are on the very doorstep of being able to have an actual supercomputer
- sitting on our desktop with speeds that would make Roadrunner jealous! Yet, we
- do not need to twiddle our thumbs and wait for these great scientific advances
- in the computer field...the only limit to what a computer can do is the person
- sitting at the keyboard.
-
- It would be a real understatement to say that the graphics I have seen to date
- on the Atari ST have often held me breathless! But the matter I really find
- holds my attention and captures my fancy is the ability to interface a computer
- with the real world, and enable it to control actual physical objects in our
- earthly realm. We see these principles demonstrated in the fields of Robotics
- and Space Exploration...but with the projects you will find in the book called
- "The Scientific ST" Richard C. Leinecker you will not need a NASA sized
- budget to pull off some genuine computing wizardry!
-
- This fine volume comes with a disk of demonstration programs that allow you to
- actually use those projects you build to operate from your Atari ST computer.
- The disk I received with this package was single-sided, and so you SF354 owners
- will be able to run these fine software routines without having to bother your
- SF314 friends to break the disk down so you too can use it!. But...simply
- because is indeed single-sided doesn't mean it isn't jam-packed with
- programming jewels...you will find very little free space on your disk!
-
- In "The Scientific ST" you will first be shown some of the basics of
- electronics and project construction. You will be shown how to read the values
- of resistors, capacitors, diodes, and sundry types of transistors. A brief
- overview is also given to various types of regulators and IC's that you will
- use in your electronic undertaking. As you launch out in the wonderful world of
- kit building you are given several rudimentary projects to build that will
- clearly teach you the fundamentals needed to understand the joystick/mouse
- ports, the parallel port, and also the cartridge port.
-
- This fine volume then proceeds to instruct us on how to build several
- fascinating projects that I can guarantee will assure you that you have indeed
- spent your money wisely when you purchased "The Scientific ST". We are
- enlightened on how to build a frequency meter that is capable of detecting and
- calculating an external frequency up to 16,000 Hertz. Then we proceed to
- delve into building a bar code reader that will read and interpret UPC symbols
- found on many items today such as groceries, clothing tags and the like. Next
- we are treated to a motor control project that would be useful in Robotics, and
- this little gem can be used to operate a motor with current requirments all the
- way up to 5 amps. When you complete your ST version of the Hero robot, you can
- then use the next project to determine how fast he can go from 0-60! Ok,
- ok...I know I am getting carried away, but we really can do some amazing
- things with these projects! The speed and acceleration project can detect and
- calculate the speed and acceleration of an object in motion with your own home
- computer!!
-
- Imagine, you now be able to calculate the velocity of that projectile your wife
- hurls at you as you continue your quest to become the Worlds Greatest Submarine
- Captain!
-
- As we proceed further into this volume we find a color discrimination project
- whose purpose is to analyze the color of the light in your immediate
- environment. The appropriate color values are displayed and your screen
- palette is set according to the previously calculated color values. More? Ok!
- How about a project that teaches you the difference between synchronous and
- asynchronous data? Or an experiment where we build a fully functional waveform
- generator which could be used for audio work or as a digital waveform generator
- for electronic design work? Or, how about a Lie Detector, ESP or precognition
- experiments, or even a memory trainer!!! Wow! But there is more! How do some
- biological experiments with mice, and three weather experiments strike you?
-
- All of the above projects are setup so that you either build them to operate
- from your cartridge port OR your parallel port. At the end of this fine manual
- you will find a glossary which contains some recommended sources for parts and
- pc boards to be used in these projects. One item that we carry here at
- Midtown which would be a great help to you is a special adapter which plugs
- into your cartridge port and allows you to use standard spacing 44 pin
- perfboard and cartridge boards rather than the almost impossible-to-find and
- expensive boards that plug straight into the ST cartridge port. The cost of
- this adapter is 19.95 plus shipping and handling.
-
- Well, needless to say, I found this $29.95 book/disk combination a real treat
- and would highly recommend it to any Atari ST user, whether they want to use
- it for educational purposes or developmental purposes, as it is a priceless
- resource of information for the ST computer!
-
- -Mr. Goodprobe-
- c/o Midtown TV
- 27 Midway Plaza
- Tallmadge, Ohio 44278
- (216)-633-0997
-
- Note: Please send us your hardware mod/fix/upgrade questions for use in future
- issues of Zmag!
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- Garbage-On-The-Line by Calamity Jane
-
- Diary of a Mad SysOp
-
- I don't know what qualifies one as a SysOp?? I wonder if all SysOp's are
- unhinged, obsessed, or just a wild, deranged, raging, lunatic? Why does one
- spend a whole heck of a lot of ones personal time and money on this leisure-
- time activity?? Not only time and money, but the speculation, reflection,
- brainstorming, anxiety, conviction, and determination!!
-
- Something... maybe it's in the air, or at least on the phone lines !!
-
- As The Prairie Chip goes for an on-line time of three years, it has been thru a
- lot of changes and growth. Fast.Amis, Tod.Amis, OASIS and now FoReM. Onward &
- upward, so they say. Some of the callers have been with me since the beginning,
- others come and go. Every SysOp appreciates, you, the caller. Some of you I
- appreciate more than others. The use of handles vs. real life names is usually
- up to the SysOp. I like handles, lets have some fun!! The Chip gets the usual
- handles (several Joe Cool's in various stages of spelling) but some of them....
- I have to ask, as to what the heck IT is, where the heck did you come up with
- IT, and whether or not IT is dangerous. Some very clever handles, and I always
- wonder how alike you are with your handle? After all, IT is an extension of
- your personality. Virgin Killer??? hmmm...
-
- Nothing exasperates me more than when the ever present YELL is activated and
- before I can physically move to the computer the caller has logged off. Hmmmm,
- I get tired of "let's get the SysOp to jump" game. I recognize these callers
- and make a mental note. SysOp's do not sit at command headquarters waiting to
- answer your chat. Some SysOp's (sIs-op's <long I> in England) do not chat. I
- chat. I have found it another way to get to know people and I like it. I am
- more than happy to help. Be it looking up that forgotten password, helping the
- new caller with logging on (with out adding 5 names to the hard disk), making
- your way around the system or comparing the MPH of the wind or the depth of the
- latest snow. Yes, my BBS is a friend, and very much a companion. I care about
- several of you very much, you are good company!!
-
- When all goes well, running a BBS is fun, challenging, satisfying, captivating,
- amusing and exciting. When all goes bad, a SysOp's job is boring, frustrating,
- tiresome, tedious and annoying. <FoReM has improved on this situation
- tremendously> One can go from a star to a bum in one afternoon. Nothing much
- (besides equipment failure) is worse than a hard disk crash or heaven forbid,
- the message bases crashing. Remember, the first rule is there are no rules,
- but a good one could be: Make A Back-Up!! What I am getting at here, is if you
- encounter a problem using a system, be patient. And be kind !! Leave a
- message to the SysOp with as much information as possible. What the error was,
- what you were attempting to do, anything helps really. I know a certain things
- mean certain things!! I do the dumb and stupid, I just try not to let you catch
- me at it !!
-
- One of my biggest peeves, is, those who are done on the system and just drop
- carrier. ARGGHH !! This irritates me more than a dumb message that makes no
- sense!! Please log-off properly. A system remembers you!! What does it say
- about you as a caller, when your stats show 47 downloads to 0 up loads??? You
- could be treading on shaky phone lines here!! Remember, there is more to most
- BBS's than the [F] and [Y] commands!! Don't be a computer wimp.
-
- This can be thankless job. But I guess I don't do it for that reason. I'll
- tell you who has the truly thankless job. The Co-SysOp's of the world. I try
- to show my appreciation as much as I can, but it just never seems enough. So,
- to the Co-SysOp's of the BBS world, this is a thank-you from everyone who
- doesn't realize what it is YOU do!!
-
- Tele-computing is a fasinating way to communicate and in theory, quite simple.
- The ability to get two machines to interact, whether they are across the room
- or across the world. I am always interested in whose been on the BBS, always
- glad to see someone who has been away, and always glad to meet someone new. On
- top of the desk a picture of my Great-Grandfather, taken in 1913, sitting at
- one of the first telephone switchboards in the Rocky Mountain area. He operated
- this switchboard out of his home just West of Denver, and probably felt the
- same way as I do operating my electronic gadgets. I feel a deep kin-ship with
- him and try to offer the same satisfying service the look on his face projects.
- Till then...be chattin' at ya' !! -=-CJ-=-
-
- Permission Granted to Reprint...with proper credit
- _______________________________________________________________________________
- ST-REPORT Issue #7 September 12, 1987 (c)1987 Ron Kovacs/Syndicate Services
- Reprint permission granted as long as all authors and copyright notice is
- included.
- Next issue September 26, 1987
- _______________________________________________________________________________
-