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Loadstar 128 21
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t.diskovery 21
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2022-08-28
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D I S K O V E R Y : The State of the C-128 Art
by Fender Tucker
Before I get into the State of the C-128 Art, let me announce that
LOADSTAR 128 will now work on any drive! The programs themselves have had
this capability for the last couple of years but not the LOADSTAR 128 menu.
Now it does. You can now copy LOADSTAR 128 onto a 1571 or 1581 disk and run
it, no matter what your 1571 or 1581 is numbered. Remember, when copying an
issue of LOADSTAR 128 to a 1571 or 1581 disk, copy all of the files on Side
One but only the files on Side Two that concern the programs. Don't copy
the "--------" files or any files that are duplicates of those on Side One.
As the editor of the only 128-specific disk magazine in the solar
system, I guess it's up to me to report on the State of the C-128 Art. And
that state is...okay, could be better. We don't have anyone supporting us
hardwarewise, except Creative Micro Designs, but their stuff is so good that
I'm not sure we need more goodies. Thanks to CMD I have very fast and easy
access to my 1571s, FD 2000, RAMLink and hard drive. What other piece of
hardware do I need?
Last month I reviewed Randy Winchester's KeyDOS ROM, which is a chip you
can put in an empty slot inside your C-128. A similar chip is Alf
Jonassen's THE SERVANT, but you don't really need the chip -- most of the
main features of it have been worked into a program we are proud to publish
on this issue, DISKSERVANT. Maybe it's time we realize that 128-specific
HARDWARE is not going to happen. What we need is software.
But before I get off the hardware angle, the latest news on monitors for
the C-128 is: Don't get a new 1084! The new versions don't have the RGB
circuitry so they won't work in 80 columns for the C-128. The monitor of
choice these days seems to be the Magnavox 1CM 135. Tenex (1-800-776-6781)
offers it for $280.
Besides LOADSTAR 128 there seems to be a small market of 128-specific
titles. I recently received the S.E.C. CHECK REGISTER from Sparks
Electronics, 5316 S. 9th Street, St. Joseph MO 64504-1802. It's a well-done
check balancing program in 80 columns. It comes with a sharp, 23-page
manual that explains (in slightly stilted language) every one of its many
functions in detail. It supports RAM devices and actually prints the
checks, using either your checks or form feed checks. Allen Sparks, the
programmer, knows the C-128 quite well and takes advantage of its power. I
would rate it more powerful (and therefore more complicated) than CHECKSTAR,
our check-writing program from LS 128 #6. It also has a financial
calculator built into the program, but it doesn't do nearly as much as the
two financial calculators we published on LS 128 #19. S.E.C. CHECK REGISTER
is available from Sparks for $24.95 plus $4.50 for shipping.
I've been concentrating on the C-128 for the past year and I think if I
had a good idea for a useful program I'd consider trying to market it. I'd
make it work with all CMD devices and use the full 80-column screen and the
huge memory we have. Then I'd send LOADSTAR 128 a review copy, advertise in
the LOADSTAR Letter, and be prepared to give it good support. That's what
I'd do if I had a good idea for a useful program.
But of course I don't use my computer for anything useful. I keep lists
and write letters with THE WRITE STUFF. Other than that, my C-128 is used
for writing code for the little word and number games I throw at you every
now and then. There doesn't seem to be any market at all for brain
exercisers for adults -- on any computer. Everything on the IBM has to be a
Lucas-sized production number, involving dozens of artists, engineers and
corporate types. It's only on LOADSTAR that you can find the dreams of
individuals turned into flesh and blood programs.
We will publish your dreams. Only 1000 people will see your programs
(legally) and you'll only be paid three or four hundred dollars for your
sweat and tears, but your dream will be made flesh on LOADSTAR 128 -- if you
send it to me. I'm proud of my games, but I would be just as proud to be
editor of yours. Join the C-128 world by sending me your program. It's
your chance to be the State of the C-128 Art.
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