USE CURSOR KEYS TO SCROLL TEXT. USE CURSOR KEYS TO SCROLL TEXT. 8 Bit MESSAGES AND ADS PART 2 MESSAGES AND ADS PART 2 To : 999 From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : Health of 8BS As the 8-bit world collapses around us (or, to be more precise, it finished collapsing about six months ago), 8-Bit Software appears to be stronger than ever. We apparently have 68 "active" members (more than double the number there were when Chris took over from me), and seemingly hundreds (?) of casual users of the PD pool. Thus, we're now the second biggest 8-bit library as far as numbers of customers are concerned, and, with well over 150 disks in the library, have the second biggest selection of software as well. And of course the disk magazine etc. provides all the advantages we've been crowing about since the late 1980's. Apart from this, we're also by far the cheapest - when reading the news of the "price increase" for members ordering TBI software on new disks, it occurred to me that the new price of 54p a disk (yes, that's what it is) for PD software is less than HALF the price of ANY other library. Even for non-members, we undercut other libraries by anything between twenty pence and one pound per disk. Sorry if that sounded rather over-effusive, but I felt the point ought to be made. As one criticism (and encouragement) to members, we could certainly do with more programs just now - perhaps the enthusiasm for text has gone a little too far (not that I myself write too much, of course!) To : 999 From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : Diary/Appointment program A large number of problems have now become apparent with this program, and I am abandoning (unfortunately, perhaps permanently) its development. I would advise people not to use it to store information of vital importance, although I am still using it myself. If anyone can work out what is wrong with it I would be very grateful. To : K2G + 999 From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : BBC/PC disk compatibility The BBC "B" and Master 128 were not designed to read PC disks. However,if the disk controller chip is capable of reading a particular density of disk format, it is possible (but complex) to program it to do so. For example, Alan Blundell produced a program to read 360K 5.25" PC disks on a Master 128 (is there a copy in the TBI pool Chris?). Also, it is sometimes suggested that it would be possible to write a program to read 720K 3.5" PC disks. Any such program would probably be very useful. To : 999 + 3WU + 2J3 From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : linking machines The Tube cannot be used to link computers together. It is designed to allow you to link additional processors to your existing computer to accomplish special tasks, e.g. advanced programming, extra speed/memory, emulation of other operating systems. Processors available (second-hand) include Z80 (64K, for running CPM), 80186 (512 or 1024K PC emulator), 32016 (512 or 1024K 32-bit programming), 6502 (64K, the original second processor to speed up your Beeb), 65C102 (the same but for Master 128 and twice as fast), ARM-2 (or maybe ARM-1, an Archimedes processor, which was unusual in using keyboard input from the Beeb but a direct video link for speed of graphics), and 68000 (the same as used by Apple Macs and old Amigas, but this processor was only used by Acorn themselves). The usual way to link computers together for data transfer or other purposes is a serial link. Both Beeb and Master 128 have RS423 ports for this purpose, and leads are not too expensive. As for software to control the process, I'm not too sure, though I suppose the Kermit transfer software available as PD (is there a copy in the TBI pool Chris?) might be useful, as might the Terminal Emulation software on the Master 128, though this is more for use with linking to mainframes etc. EDITOR... yes The other method of linking Acorn computers together is Econet, which is a more complex and expensive undertaking. The basic idea is that all the computers (up to 255 in each network, and you can link more than one network together!) are connected together by cabling, and can either pass messages between themselves, or (more often) send data to a central fileserver (using either floppy or hard disks), where it is stored in a similar way to a floppy disk (except all the machines can access it at once). The system looks very much like ADFS to the casual user, apart from the enhancements such as security features (and a considerably larger tree structure!) To : 999 + K1H From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : Master 512 If you're looking for a Master 512 I'd recommend looking round for old (or even current) issues of Acorn Computing (The Micro User) and BBC Acorn User, as there were hundreds and hundreds of 512's for sale a year or so ago, and I'm sure no-one will have bought them. For example, I was offered a Master 512 (i.e. normal 128 but with 512 board) for only three hundred pounds (this would obviously be a lot less now). The person in question was unwilling to sell the 512 board separately, and perhaps many other 512-sellers will feel the same, but if you point out that if they insist on selling the complete unit they will never get anything, while if they sell just the 512 board to you they will at least get fifty or a hundred pounds, they may well see sense. To : 999 + 20G From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : Acorn Video, PhraseE Interesting to see the news about Acorn's advertising video, it's always nice to know what they're up to now even when I have no intention of buying one of the machines (yet). Thanks also for the excellent PhraseE program which I found very amusing, though I'm afraid I wasn't very good at all at working out the answers. Is there any chance of 8BS users seeing the Solinet version with the different puzzles? To : 999 + K2R From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : errors when copying programs If a message like "PLOT-LOCAL-BASIC" appears it is a fair bet that it is not a genuine error message but simply the result of the computer getting extremely confused. In other words, an error has definitely occurred, but there's no way of knowing what it is; most likely something going wrong in a machine code program (it is very unlikely to be a problem with one of your !BOOT files). The problem of how inexperienced users can copy programs of various sorts to create disks with their own choice of software on, rather than the choice of the compilers of the original disks, is an extremely vexing one, as it is one of the most vital tasks, but not one the Welcome Guide covers very well (OK so Copyfiles is all very well, but what if something goes wrong?). If anyone is short of topics for articles, this would be an ideal one. Or I may try to write something myself at some point in the future. To : 4TK + 999 From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : Choice of computer, older users The choice of a new computer system is always confusing when there are so many options available. Assuming that you are going to stay with Acorn rather than opting for a PC, Macintosh, Amiga etc. (probably wise if you are not especially technically-minded, as any entirely new computer system is going to involve at least a certain amount of new complexity), there are a few points to consider. (i) A BBC B will obviously be easiest to use if you've used one before, as well as being cheap, but may not have all the facilities that might be desirable. (ii) For the non-technically-minded user, a Master 128 is functionally very similar to the BBC B, but has extras in terms of built-in software and more memory. If you dislike learning a new filing system (ADFS), you can simply configure your Master to always start up in DFS, and never bother with ADFS at all (except perhaps to take advantage of the 8BS ADFS version). If on the other hand you want to use some of the excellent facilities ADFS provides, many of the commands are just the same as DFS so it isn't too difficult. In the same way, you can ignore the extra bits of software provided in the Master (View, Edit etc.) unless you actually want to use them. All your old disks and most of your old software would be usable. (iii) Users who are not planning to add complex peripherals to their BBC's, but just want computer, monitor and printer, may well be better off going for a Master Compact since it is smaller and (presumably) cheaper (see my explanation of this a few issues ago). The disadvantages are firstly that they only (I think) take 3.5" disks, and secondly that to use DFS you need to load in a ROM image from disk (although this only takes a few seconds and is easily explained). (iv) A Master 512 is essentially a Master 128 with a processor from an early PC (+ memory chips etc.) on an add-on board inside, along with a few bits of application software. Not really recommended for those who want to keep things simple, but good for using old business software, or keen programmers. (v) An Archimedes may seem somewhat daunting when compared to the humble BBC, but once you have spent a little while getting to grips with the different way of operating it, it is perhaps more suitable for the technophobes amongst us, as rather than accomplishing an operation by typing in a series of commands (which you might forget or mis-spell), and having to remember which numbers come after them etc., most things are done simply by moving the pointer around the screen with the mouse and clicking on things. On the other hand, they certainly are more complex, and so far as I know there is no 8BS equivalent for the Archimedes, although there are some 8BS members who would be able to help you if you got stuck with your Archimedes. Archimedes tend to use only 3.5" disks, so any transfer of old software would have to be with the help of 8BS. 8BS has quite a few older users, and also a fairly large number of users who don't want to get involved in the technicalities of their computers but only to have fun with them. In fact I think we have more "non-programmers" than "advanced programmers". To : 4TK + 999 From : 483 (Daniel Shimmin) Re : Choice of printer A dot-matrix printer is ideal for use with a Beeb or Master, while an ink-jet (some are only slightly more expensive than a dot-matrix) would be preferable with an Archimedes. When choosing a dot-matrix, twenty-four pin printers will give considerably better printout quality (sometimes indistinguishable from an expensive typewriter), but nine-pin printers still produce perfectly readable results (I believe Chris uses a nine-pin for 8BS catalogues), and are often much cheaper. To: 999 (all members) From: K2Y Subject: AMATEUR RADIO SOFTWARE Has any nice fellow,(or lady), got any software for ham use, such as :- HF Receive RTTY, Morse, SSTV, or AMTOR? Any Technical Software for Shortwave frequencies would be great. I would be very gratefull. And some pennies waiting for you of course! Cheers for now....... Melvyn. 73s to any hams? 88s to any lady hams? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) +2J3 From: K2Y (Melvyn Phillips) Subject: INTRODUCING MYSELF By the time you read this, it will be "HAPPY NEW YEAR!". And if you made any new year resolutions? Then I hope they were the same as mine, that is,to support.... "8-BIT SOFTWARE"!? I've been into computers for the past 13 yrs. Way back in 1980, I was deep into Amateur Radio studies and had a fairly decent SHACK! (a radio room). The only thing missing, was a COMPUTER! How could I furnish my shack with one of these giant calculating machines?? Whilst perusing through my magazine... Practical Wireless, I came upon, what I thought, was a MIRAGE!! Yes! there it was....a centre page advert forrrr.. a ZX81!! What!? You say? Well, this is it, the miracle of technology, the machine that would change my life! and it did. I've never been the same since? I must admit though...as time went on..........I became very sick at the sight of an advert for something called a BBC Model A? I became even more sick, when I saw the price of this `399! phew! that was some money in those days. This was way out my league as I had a wife a family to support. The more I read about this machine, the more tormented I became. I gave up in the end, and settled down to studying this tiny miracle from the stable of our dear old, 'Sir Clive Sinclair'. Well, as you can see, if your sums are up to scratch, it's took me, THIRTEEN YEARS! to get hold of a BEEB! At the right price of course? Well, here I am, and raring to go..... I hope you are all going to make me feel welcome, and offer me lots of nice advice and free software,(JOKE!!!) In closing, may I just say, how welcome I've been made to the fold, by our very own, 'Chris Richardson'. Thank's Chris for the nice welcome. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) From: K1Z ROY CROUCH Subject: DATA COMMS. IS ANYONE OUT THERE INTO DATA COMMS??? BECAUSE I COULD DO WITH A BIT OF ASSISTA NCE WITH MY MODEM FIRST WHICH PORT DO I USE FOR THE MODEM ON A BBC MASTER 128 I AM HAVING A FEW PROBLEMS WITH KERMIT IS ANYONE USING THIS SYSTEM?? AND FINALLY CAN ANYONE TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT E.MAIL AND JANET.BOTH OF THESE I NEED TO HOOK UP TO FOR KERMIT COMMS. NEWSLETTER ETC. AND THE LITERATURE LANCA STER UNIVERCITY HAS SENT ME SAYS I NEED TO LINK UP TO E MAIL AND JANET.????? IN ANTICIPATION MANY THANKS. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) From: K1Z ROY CROUCH. Subject: MANUALS. FOR SALE MASTER REFERENCE MANUALS VOL 1 AND VOL 2 IN NEW CONDITION THREE POUNDS EACH NOW POSTAGE IS 1.40 EACH SO IF YOU ARE INTERESTED I WOULD LI KE 70 P TOWARDS THE POSTAGE.AND PACKING. THAT MUST BE A FAIR PRICE EH. THANKS. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) From: KIR Subject: SPELL CHECKER WANTED: A GOOD SPELL CHECKER, COMPATIBLE WITH WORDWISE+ AND BBC MASTER. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) From: KIR Subject: BBC MASTER SIDEWAYS RAM Does anyone know a way of write protecting software loaded into sideways ram on the Master? ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) From: K2C Subject: The Electron Computer I have just put together an Electron, Plus 1 and a Plus 3....a nostalgia trip as it was my first computer and was responsible for an enthusiasm that is summed up by my family as obsessional and I call pursuit of knowledge! However the power supply which comes with the Plus 3 to power the three units is coloured BLACK, whereas the basic mains adapter is coloured cream. Sadly I am running the three units off the cream one and the danger is that I might blow the thermal fuse..irretriev- ably, according to the manual. Anyone got the BLACK mains adapter for the Plus 3 for sale? Is a game called "Croaker" available on a 5.25 disc? Any offers? Will make a 6 year old young lady very happy. Another want is a book called "Computer Projects for Railway Modellers" by Roger Amos and Martin Cook, published about 1985. Any offers. 'Phone Frank ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members) From: 20G (Roy Dickens) Subject: Info. on Shoppin program. 'Shoppin'is a simple text/gamble game. I had collected a few minor moans to- gether of sods law. Things that slow you up when your in a hurry in a Super Market. I was going to just send a text list and ask 'has this ever happened to you?'.Then I thought may be it could be used in some sort of game. So after lots of groping through manuals, lots of trial and error and lots and more lots of hours. Plus my wife in the back ground saying a lot of times 'are you still on that program?'.I finally came to the end off 'Shoppin'! So thats your lot! HAPPY NEW YEAR ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, To: 999 (all members)+2J3 From: 20G (Roy Dickens) Subject: Programs too big for BBC (LADDERS issue 31) Chris stated that the 'Ladders' prog. was too big for a normal BBC. Would Chris or someone please explain how a MASTER user can check that their program submitted will work on a BBC? I think it is all to do with 0E00 on the MASTER and 1900 on the BBC or higher with ADFS. Many thanks. EDITOR.... As a general rule I write programs with page at &1900 (It should be &1A00 really to allow for a BBC with ADFS but I dissuade members with BBCs plus ADFS from using their ADFS as it causes various problems for me). Do not use shadow modes. So when changing mode always use 0 to 7. An excellent book that I use is the Master Dabhand Guide by David Atherton. It lists all the differences between various machines. It also helps to have one of each computer for the final check! ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Press BREAK for part 3