Byte Magazine Volume 07 Number 05 - Japanese Computers

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new small computet that won't limit you tomorrow

Expandability

Here's a low-priced computer that won't run out of memory capacity or expandability halfway through your project.

Typically, computer usage tends to grow, requiring more capability, more memory, more storage. Without a lot of capability and expandability, your computer can be obsolete from the start.

The new System One is a real building-block machine. It has capability and expandability by the carload.

Look at these features:

■ Z80-A processor

■ 64K of RAM

■ 780K of disk storage

■ CRT and printer interfaces

■ Eight S-100 card slots, allowing expansion with

— color graphics

— additional memory

— additional interfaces for telecommunications, data acquisition, etc.

■ Small size

GENEROUS DISK STORAGE

The 780K of disk storage in the System One Model CS-1 is much greater than what is typically available in small computers. But here, too, you have a choice since a second version, Model CS-1H, has a 5" Winchester drive that gives you 5 megabytes of disk storage.

MULTI-USER, MULTI-TASKING CAPABILITY

Believe it or not, this new computer even offers multi-user capability when used with our advanced CROMix* operating system option. Not only does this outstanding O/S support multiple users on this computer but does so with powerful features like multi

ple directories, file protection and record level lock. CROMix lets you run multiple jobs as well.

In addition to our highly-acclaimed cromix, there is our cdos*. This is an enhanced cp/m+ type system designed for single-user applications, cp/m and a wealth of CP/M-compatible software are also available for the new System One through thirdparty vendors.

COLOR GRAPHICS/WORD PROCESSING

This small computer even gives you the option of outstanding high-resolution color graphics with our Model SDI interface and two-port RAM cards.

Then there's our tremendously wide range of Cromemco software including packages for word processing, business, and much more, all usable with the new System One.

ANTI-OBSOLESCE NCE/LOW-PRICE D

As you can see, the new One offers you a lot of performance. It's obviously designed with antiobsolescence in mind.

What's more, it's priced at only $3,995. That's considerably less than many machines with much less capability. And it's not that much more than many machines that have little or nothing in the way of expandability.

Physically, the One is small — 7" high. And it's allmetal in construction. It's only 14Vs" wide, ideal for desk top use. A rack mount-option is also available.

CONTACT YOUR REP NOW

Get all the details on this important building-block computer. Get in touch with your Cromemco rep now. He'll show you how the new System One can grow with your task.

•CROMIX and CDOS are trademarks of Cromemco Inc. tCP/M is a trademark of Digital Research

|TM

Q Cromemco incorporated 280 BERNARDO AVE., MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040 • (415)964-7400 Tomorrow's computers today

Circle 126 on inquiry card.

CROMIX*—Cromemco's outstanding UNIX — like operating system

dmix is just the kind of major development you've come to expect from Cromemco. After all, we're already well-known for the most respected software in the microcomputer field.

And now we've come up with the industry's first uNix-lookalike for microcomputers. It's a tried and proven operating system. It's available on both 5" and 8" diskettes for Cromemco systems with 128K or more of memory.

Here are just some of the features you get in this powerful Cromemco system:

Multi-user and multi-tasking capability

Hierarchical directories Completely compatible file, device, and interprocess I/O Extensive subsystem support

FILE SYSTEM

One of the important features of our CROMix is its file system comprised of hierarchical directories. It's a tree structure of three types of files: data files,

•CROMIX is a trademark of Cromemco, Inc. tUNIX is a trademark of Bell Telephone Laboratories

directories, and device files. File, device, and interprocess I/O are compatible among these file types (input and output may be redirected interchangeably from and to any source or destination).

The tree structure allows different directories to be maintained for different users or functions with no chance of conflict.

PROTECTED FILES

Because of the hierarchical structure of the file system, cromix maintains separate ownership of every file and directory. All files can thus be protected from access by other users of the system. In fact, each file is protected by four separate access privileges in each of the three user categories.

TREMENDOUS ADDRESS SPACE, FAST ACCESS

The flexible file system and generalized disk structure of cromix give a disk address space in excess of one gigabyte per volume — file size is limited only by available disk capacity.

Speed of access to disk files has also been optimized. Average access speeds far surpass any yet implemented on microcomputers.

C COMPILER AVAILABLE, TOO

Cromemco offers a wide range of languages that operate under cromix. These include a high-level command process language and extensive subsystem support such as cobol, Fortran iv, ratfor, lisp, and 32K and 16K basics.

There is even our highly-acclaimed 'C compiler which allows a programmer fingertip access to cromix system calls.

THE STANDARD O-S FOR THE FUTURE

The power and breadth of its features make cromix the standard for the next generation of microcomputer operating systems.

And yet it is available for a surprisingly low $595.

The thing to do is to get all this capability working for you now. Get in touch with your Cromemco rep today.

r^l Cromemco

TM

incorporated

280 BERNARDO AVE., MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040 • (415)964-7400

Tomorrow's computers today

Circle on inquiry card. Ifl^H^H^^^B^H^H

In The Queue

ilTE

Volume 7, Number 5

May 1982

Features

34 Everyone Can Know the Real Time by Steve Ciarcia / Technological advances have made real-time clocks simple and inexpensive.

60 Six Personal Computers from Japan by Christopher P.

Kocher and Michael Keith / A comparative review of the BMC ifBOO, Canon CX-1. Hitachi MB-6890. NEC PC-800IA, Fujitsu FM-8, and Systems Formulate Corporation Bubcom80.

106 Japan Update by Mark Haas / The semiannual Consumer Electronics Show is on its way to becoming a showcase for new computer products.

114 The Machines Behind the Machines by Phil

Lemmons / Several Japanese companies, both large and small, have their eyes on the American market.

118 The Japanese Manufacturers —How Successful Will They Be? by Tod Zipnick / How they fare depends largely on their ability to meet the needs of the American marketplace.

140 Japan Maps Computer Domination by Tom

Manuel / Ten-year R&D effort aims to leapfrog U.S. technology.

148 The Atari Tutorial, Part 9: Even More Colorsl by

Kathleen Pitta and Lane Winner / Television artifacts and the new GTIA chip allow even more colors to be displayed on Atari computers.

162 Ports of Entry and Soft Breezes for the Color Computer and Model III by William Barden Jr. / A s 10

anemometer and other remote-sensing projects using the cassette interface.

202 The Input/Output Primer, Part 4: The BCD and Serial Interfaces by Steve Leibson / A look at one of the least understood interfaces—the RS-232C—and one of the first instrument interfaces.

226 The User's Column: Supercalc, Spelling Programs, BASIC Compilers, and Home-Grown Accounting by Jerry

Pournelle / A critical computer user surveys new programs, including one of his own.

274 More Maze Building by Thomas Edward Neldner / A

Pascal program to generate mazes efficiently on a printer.

318 TRS-80 BASIC Program Hang-ups: The Reasons and Some Solutions by Glenn Tesler / Understand and eliminate those mysterious crashes on your TRS-80 Model I.

334 Anatomy and Development of a Batch-Processing System by Gene Walters / A software system that lets your computer run a series of programs without your intervention.

426 CHEDIT: A Graphics-Character Editor by Jerry N. Sweet / Define your own character set for Apple Pascal.

446 Give Your Apple a Voice: A Speech-Development System Using the Radio Shack Speech Synthesizer by John Blankenship / How to make your Apple II talk.

465 Programming PERT In BASIC by Steven Zimmerman

and Leo M. Conrad / A method for planning complex activities where no precedents exist.

479 CP/M, Your Time Has Come: A Real-Time Clock for the Most Popular Microcomputer Operating System by J. L.

Calaway and B. Hill / All the hardware and software you need to get time-of-day printouts whenever you like.

Reviews

224 Alien Typhoon by Walt Latocha

246 PL/1 for Microcomputers by John A. Lehman

252 Apple II 80-Column Video Boards, Five Popular Units by John E.

Howland

266 More Apple 80-Column Boards by Gregg Williams

286 Colne Robotics Armdroid, The Small-Systems Robot by Steven W.

Leininger

296 Super FORTH Isn't by Gregg Williams

Nucleus

6 14 20, 22

300,

300 308 388 398 408 457 460 462 463 494 542 542 543

Editorial: Japan and the "64K" Question

Letters

307 BYTE's Bits

BYTE Comment: Copyrights, Computers, and the Betamax Case

302, 304 Book Reviews: Fifty BASIC Exercises: Programmer's

Guide to the 1802: TRS-80 Color Computer Technical Reference

Manual

BYTE's Bugs

Programming Quickies." Structured Strings in BASIC

BYTELINES

Ask BYTE

Event Queue

Technical Forum: Hierarchical Interrupts

Books Received

Clubs and Newsletters

Software Reteived

What's New?

BOMB, BOMB Results

Unclassified Ads

Reader Service

Page 60

Page 106

Page 286

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 3

u

Editor in Chief Christopher Morgan

Managing Editor

Mark Haas

Technical Editors

Gregg Williams. Senior Editor;

Richard S. Shufbrd; Curtis P. Feigel;

George Stewart; Arthur Little;

Stanley Wszola; Steve Garcia; Mark Dahmke

Philip Lemmons; Allan Lundell. Consulting

Editors; Jon Swanson, Drafting Editor

Copy Editors

Beverly Cronin, Chief; Faith Hanson; Warren Williamson; Anthony J. Lockwood; Ann Graves; Hilary Selby Polk; Elizabeth Kepner; Margaret Cook, Junior Copy Editor

Assistants

Faith Ferry; Debe Wheeler; Beverly Jackson

Production

David R. Anderson. Assoc. Director; Patrice Scribner; Damian Henriques; Jan Muller; Virginia Reardon; Sherry McCarthy, Chief Typographer; Debi Fredericks; Donna Sweeney; Valerie Horn; Jonathan M. Graves. Creative Consultant

Advertising

Thomas Harvey, Director; Marion Carlson; Rob Hannings; Deborah Porter; Vicki Reynolds; Cathy A. R. Drew; Jacqueline Earnshaw. Reader Service Coordinator; Wai Chiu Li, Advertising/ Production Coordinator; Linda J. Sweeney

Circulation

Gregory Spitzfaden. Manager; Andrew Jackson. Asst. Manager; Agnes E. Perry; Barbara Varnum; Louise Menegus; Pinky Krulis; Sheila A. Bamford James Bingham. Dealer Sales; Deborah J. Cadwell. Asst. Linda Ryan

Controller's Office

Daniel Rodrigues. Controller; Mary E. Fluhr, Acct. & D/P Mgr.; Karen Burgess. Jeanne Cilley; Linda Fluhr; Vicki Bennett

Traffic

N. Scott Gagnon; Scott Jackson, Kathleen Reckart

Receptionist

Jeanann Waters

Publishers

Virginia Londoner; Gordon R. Williamson;

John E. Hayes, Associate Publisher;

Cheryl A. Hurd; Michele P. Verville, Publisher's

Assistants;

Officers of McGraw-Hill Publications Company: Paul F. McPherson, President; Executive Vice Presidents: Daniel A. McMillan, III, Gene W. Simpson; Senior Vice President-Editorial: Ralph R. Schulz; Vice Presidents: Kemp Anderson. Business Systems Development; Harry L. Brown. Special Markets; Robert B. Doll. Circulation; James E. Hackett, Controller; Eric B. Herr, Planning and Development; H. John Sweger. Jr.. Marketing.

Officers of the Corporation: Harold W. McGraw Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; Joseph L. Dionne. President and Chief Operating Officer; Robert N. Landes. Senior Vice President and Secretary; Ralph J. Webb, Treasurer.

In This Issue

The Japanese entered the American personal computer market in earnest this year, and as one might expect, their products come standard with a host of "extras" at a price competitive with current American designs. This month we look closely at several Japanese personal computers—some that are already on the market, some that are on the horizon, and some that may never be sold in this country. Six machines, from Hitachi, BMC (Oki), Fujitsu, Canon, Systems Formulate, and NEC, are featured on the cover (photographed by Paul Avis; Pauline Elkin, stylist). For reviews of these computers see "Six Personal Computers from Japan" by Christopher P. Kocher and Michael Keith. Phil Lemmons discusses the companies responsible for these computers in "The Machines Behind the Machines." For a brief introduction to three new Japanese computers that were shown at the recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas see "Japan Update" by Mark Haas.

Steve Ciarcia tells you how you can build a real-time clock simply and inexpensively. Steve Leibson continues the Input/Output Primer with Part 4, in which he describes BCD and serial interfaces. Part 9 of the Atari Tutorial is on colors, and William Barden Jr. talks about ports of entry for the Color Computer and Model III.

BYTE is published monthly by BYTE Publications Inc. 70 Main St, Peterborough NH 03458. phone (603| 924-9281. a wholly-owned subsidiary of McGraw-Hill, Inc. Address subscriptions, change of address, USPS Form 3579, and fulfillment questions to BYTE Subscriptions. POB 590. Martinsville NJ 08836. Second class postage paid at Waseca, Minnesota 56093 - USPS Publication No. 528890 |ISSN 0360-5280). Canadian second class registration number 9321. Subscriptions are S19 for one year. S34 for two years, and S49 for three years in the USA and its possessions. In Canada and Mexico, S2I for one year, S 38 for two years. S 55 for three years. S43 for one year air delivery to Europe. S35 surface delivery elsewhere. Air delivery to selected areas at additional rates upon request. Single copy price is S2.95 in the USA and its possessions. S3.50 in Canada and Mexico. $4.50 in Europe, and S5.00 elsewhere. Foreign subscriptions and sales should be remitted in United States funds drawn on a US bank. Printed in United States of America.

Address all editorial correspondence to the editor at BYTE. POB 372. Hancock NH 03449. Unacceptable manuscripts will be returned if accompanied by sufficient first class postage. Not responsible for lost manuscripts or photos. Opinions expressed by the authors are not necessarily those of BYTE. Entire contents copyright © 1982 by BYTE Publications Inc. All rights reserved. Where necessary, permission is granted by the copyright owner for libraries and others registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) to photocopy any article herein for the base fee of S1.00 per copy of the article or item plus 25 cents per page. Payment should be sent directly to the CCC, 21 Congress St, Salem MA 01970. Copying done for other than personal or internal reference use without the permission of McGraw-Hill is prohibited. Requests for special permission or bulk orders should be addressed to the publisher.

BYTE" is available in microform from University Microfilms International, 300 N Zeeb Rd, Dept PR, Ann Arbor Ml 48106 USA or 18 Bedford Row. Dept PR. London WCIR 4EJ England.

Office hours: Mon-Thur 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM - Noon, Eastern Time

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

". . .stands well above other S-100 graphics displays in its price and performance range.

. better monochromatic . display.

BYTE, Product Review

ELECTRONIC DESIGN, 1981 Technology Forecast

MICROANGELO

HIGH RESOLUTION GRAPHICS SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER

512 x 480 resolution black and white and vivid color displays

Screenware™ Pak I

A 4K byte operating system resident in PROM on MicroAngelo™. Pak I emulates an 85 character by 40 line graphics terminal and provides over 40 graphics commands. Provisions exist for user defined character sets and directly callable user extensions to Screenware™ Pak I.

Screenware™ Pak II

An optional software superset of Pak I which adds circle generation, polygon flood, programmable split screen for separate graphics and terminal I/O, relative coordinates, faster vector and character plotting, a macro facility, full UCSD Pascal compatibility, and more.

Light pen interface

Time multiplexed refresh

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And now.. .COLOR!!

The new MicroAngelo™ Palette board treats from 2 to 8 MicroAngelos as "bit planes" at a full 512 x 480 resolution. Up to 256 colors may be chosen from 16.8 million through the programmable color lookup table. Overlays, bit plane precedence, fade-in, fade-out, gray levels, blinking bit plane, and a highly visual color editor are standard.

Ask about our multibus and RS-232 versions.

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syn-op-sis, n. La brief compendium of comments giving an overview of the whole subject.

2. a central index to the CP/M files on all your disks.

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When editing a document file, just enter the four lines as non-printing comments at the top of your text. SYNOPSIS automatically reads the comments into the index. Nondocument files can also be cataloged in the index.

You can search the Index for words or phrases in one or more fields. SYNOPSIS displays each full entry found.

The price is $125. SYNOPSIS reauires CP/M 2.x or MP/M, WordStar, Spellbinder or Magic Wand and 48K RAM. Formats: 8", NorthStar DD, Micropolis Mod II, Superbrain 3.0, Apple II with CP/M, 5V4" Xerox and 8" Xerox.

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Editorial

Japan and the "64K" Question

by Chris Morgan, Editor in Chief

Last May, Senior Editor Gregg Williams and I went to Tokyo to prepare for this special issue featuring the new Japanese personal computers. "Will the Japanese take over?" we asked ourselves during our ten-day whirlwind tour of major Japanese electronics firms. That was the 64K question. The answer is 'There is no answer."

One can draw parallels to other consumer markets in which the Japanese have become dominant, but those comparisons would be risky. For one, U.S. companies offered no real competition to the Japanese when the latter swept in to blitz the car, camera, and audio markets. But the situation is fundamentally different in the computer field. The vast majority of technical computer innovations have come from American research-and-development labs—till today, at least. But now the Japanese are aggressively entering the R&D field. Therein lies the danger (or the opportunity, depending on your point of view).

The question of whether the Japanese will take over or not is, in a sense, moot. By one definition they already have. Lift the lid on almost any personal computer and you'll see scores of Japanese-made components: resistors, capacitors, and ICs (especially memories, a field where the Japanese dominate the world market). Often a majority of the components are made in Japan. Yet in another sense the Japanese must fight an uphill battle against the creativity of American computer companies.

The other big "if" in the picture is the U.S. government's position on Japanese imports in general. The Japanese are all too aware that a major change in import duties or quotas could quickly cut them off from the world's most lucrative consumer-electronics and computer market.

What will their strategy be? I see a two-pronged approach: (1) form joint ventures with American companies so the Japanese will have access to the U.S.'s vaunted software experience, and (2) complete the development of the recently announced "Japanese master plan for a fifth-generation computer system" with a massive R&D push. I'll describe both approaches in detail. First, the joint-venture strategy.

Japanese-American Joint Ventures

The Japanese are weakest in software development; their track record has been uneven. They've developed some of the best video-game software in the business (e.g., Space Invaders and Pac-Man), but their business software has been virtually nonexistent. One reason for this is the radically different way the Japanese conduct business, a direct function, in turn, of the complexity of written Japanese. The Japanese use three different character sets containing a myriad of symbols. A conventionally designed Japanese typewriter would be almost a contradiction in terms. To my knowledge there are no typewriters

May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

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Pascal/Z is a true Pascal. It closely follows the Jensen and Wirth standard with a minimum of extensions designed to aid the serious program developer in producing extremely compact, bug-free code that runs FAST.

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Editorial

that can type Japanese characters. (Significant progress is being made, however, in the display of Japanese characters on video screens. At last year's Tokyo Microcomputer Show, several computer terminals were shown for the first time displaying all three Japanese character sets: kanji, katakana, and hiragana.) Japanese secretaries write all business correspondence—what there is of it—in longhand because most negotiations are conducted verbally. As a result, the Japanese lack an intuitive understanding of American office procedures and are hampered in their ability to design good wordprocessing software.

To remedy this situation, many Japanese computer companies are obtaining licenses from U.S. companies to use software such as CP/M, Microsoft BASIC, and Visicalc on Japanese computers, and they are forming joint ventures with American companies, such as the Fujitsu/TRW connection. This type of alliance helps cloud the issue of import restrictions, because the U.S. companies could rightly claim that actions against a Japanese partner would hurt the American partner too. Japanese companies are also building, or planning to build, production plants in America. Japanese electronics companies are sometimes more adventuresome than their American counterparts. In the videodisc field (which we'll be covering in detail next month), despite IBM's and MCA's withdrawal from the laserdisc market, Pioneer is planning to build an American videodisc production plant. Pioneer deserves high praise for backing the best videodisc format and not letting it die. It's unfortunate that RCA and Sears are continuing to promote the inferior Selectavision system.

The "Master Plan"

Of potentially greatest significance in Japan's computer fortunes is the ten-year plan for national computer policy announced last fall by the Japanese Information Processing Development Center (JIPDEC), whereby Japanese computer companies would jointly develop a grandiose fifth-generation computer system on several different levels, relying on sophisticated artificial-intelligence research into natural languages and graphics. (See Tom Manuel's article, "Japan Maps Computer Domination," page 140.) This may sound like a major threat, but as Tod Zipnick says (page 118), in many cases Japanese computers are designed for the Japanese market. One of the biggest technological problems the Japanese face today is that their written language is virtually unusable for fostering computer literacy. (All the Japanese software we saw was written mostly in BASIC with Japanese REM statements. The REM statements were written in a phonetic, Roman form of kanji that the Japanese use with some reluctance because it is considered aesthetically inferior to true kanji. Quite simply, there is no practical alternative if the Japanese wish to do any meaningful programming. The fact is that every high-level language

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presently in existence uses some form of the Englishbased ASCII character set.) And the Japanese (like the Chinese, who face a similar problem) must become as computer-literate as the rest of the world to survive in the coming computer age. Their preoccupation with overcoming the computer-language barrier will necessarily temper their aggressive ways for a while. Nonetheless, I have a great deal of respect for their ability to get up to speed quickly.

I welcome the Japanese into the "international computer sweepstakes." Only when we begin to think on a more global than national scale will we see that the socalled "Japanese threat" is really more of an "international promise."

A Note About Our Hardware Reviewers

This month we review six Japanese computers in "Six Personal Computers from Japan" (page 60) cowritten by Michael Keith and Christopher Kocher. Both men work in advanced computer science research in the southern New Jersey area and wrote the NEC PC-8001 review that appeared in the January 1981 BYTE (page 72). Producing these six comprehensive reviews was a major undertaking, and we thought BYTE readers would enjoy learning a little bit about their backgrounds.

Michael Keith

Chris Kocher

Michael Keith is 26 years old and has a BS degree in electrical engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and an MS in electrical engineering from Stanford University. He owns an Apple II computer. Among other things, he uses it in his spare time to manage the finances of his church. His other pursuits include playing the piano, reading, and juggling.

Thirty-four-year-old Chris Kocher has a BA in chemistry and an MS in systems engineering, both from the University of Pennsylvania. He is, in his own words, "slowly making my way toward a PhD in systems engineering." His hobbies include collecting books (over 2000 so far) and cross-country skiing. ■

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Innovative features include built in horizontal scrolling and screen line editing which lets the user extensively edit or re-enter any line on the screen for CP/M and application programs. Besides editing the line being typed in, the cursor may be moved to any line on the screen, and the line edited by overtyping or inserting and deleting characters. Typing the 'Return' key will then send the line, as it appears on the screen, to CP/M. While common on mainframe systems, this screen line editing is new to CP/M and greatly reduces the amount of retyping necessary due to mistyped or repeated commands.

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V-COM Disassembler

Finally a Z-80 disassembler for CP/M which produces easy to read code, a cross reference table and handles INTEL and ZILOG mnemonics. V-COM is exceptionally fast and produces an .ASM file directly from a .COM file. V-COM can accept two user created information files. One contains assignments of labels to 8 and 16 bit values; the second specifies the location of tables and ASCII strings. The resulting .ASM file will then contain labels and proper storage allocation for tables and strings. Each information file may contain nested 'INCLUDE' to other files. Each package includes a 30 page manual, sample program files and variations of V-COM compatible with the TDL, MAC and two types of ZILOG assemblers $80

10 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

$OftW€irQ An Industry Standard for CP/M & 8086

Uniquely User Oriented

VEDIT is user oriented to make your editing for program development and word processing as fast and easy as possible. The customization (installation) process makes VEDIT the only editing package that allows you to determine your own keyboard layout and use any available cursor and function keys. Just think of the difference it makes in your ease of learning and usage to type cursor and function keys instead of memorizing obscure control characters. This customization is menu driven, extends to much more and takes only a few minutes.

Unequaled Hardware Support

The CRT version directly supports over 35 terminals (including ANSI standard) in its installation menu and utilizes 'smart' terminal features such as line insert/delete, reverse scroll, status line and reverse video. Function keys on terminals like the Televideo 920/950, Heath H19, and IBM 3101 are all supported. The memory mapped version is extremely flexible, supports bank select such as on the SSM VB3 and screen sizes up to 70 X 200.

CP/M and MP. M art registered trademarks of Digital Research. Inc. Apple II is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Softcard is a trademark of Microsoft TRS-80 is a trademark of Tandy Corporation.

Sophisticated Full Screen Editing

VEDIT gives you true 'what you see is what you get' full screen editing with an extensive set of features for creating and editing standard text files of up to one diskette in length. Very large files are effortlessly handled by VEDIT's ability to edit up to 47K of a file entirely in memory without performing any slow and annoying disk accessing. And you can handle multiple files, insert a specified line range of another file anywhere in the text and even change diskettes.

User Oriented Features

You get the features you expect, like searching, a scratchpad buffer for moving and rearranging sections of text, complete file handling on multiple drives and flexible macros. For ease of use VEDIT has features you won't find elsewhere, like automatic indenting for use with structured languages such as Pascal and PL/I- You are less likely to make a mistake with VEDIT, but if you do, one key will 'Undo' the changes you just made to a screen line. And if you run out of disk space with VEDIT, you can easily recover by deleting old files or even inserting another diskette. It is therefore no surprise that VEDIT is the industry standard for program development editing.

Word Processing

VEDIT is suitable for simple stand-alone word processing, or it may be used in conjunction with a text processor. Its features include word wrap, adjustable left margin, reformatting of paragraphs, word oriented cursor movement and deleting, and imbedding of printer control characters. VEDIT can print any portion of your file and display the cursor's line and column positions.

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Letters

IBM's Personal Computer

I am in love! After spending considerable time at the local IBM Product Center and reading many highly favorable articles on the IBM Personal Computer, I have concluded that it is the best personal computer on the market today.

I especially enjoyed Gregg Williams's "A Closer Look at the IBM Personal Computer" (January 1982 BYTE, page 36). This was the most complete and detailed article I have seen on the Personal Computer. However, I am confused about one point: does the BIOS (basic input/output system) reside in ROM (read-only memory) or in the DOS? From other sources, I have heard that it occupies 6K bytes of ROM, along with BASIC and the power-on self-test software; Mr. Williams contends that it is in the DOS. Who's right?

Thank you for a terrific article in a terrific magazine!

Arthur A. Clecker 2726 Saint Paul St. Baltimore, MD 21218

In a long article, pieces of information do not always get grouped in the best possible way. Although the section on the IBM BIOS does not say that the BIOS is in ROM, the last line of table 6 (page 54) does give this information. Thanks for your interest in my article. . . . G. W.

I enjoyed "A Closer Look at the IBM Personal Computer." It was the first review I've read that contained nontrivial information. I learned things I didn't know even though I've read most of the manuals and have played with the computer to some extent.

On the negative side, I think your benchmarks were not quite fair to the IBM Personal Computer BASIC. Unlike most other BASICs, IBM's BASIC allows the use of integer variables in FOR statements. Since most FOR loops are over integers anyway, it certainly makes sense to use an integer variable index if it is available. In the benchmarks this could be accomplished by changing the Is to I%s or by using DEFINT I to declare I as an integer variable. If you try it, I think you'll

find that it knocks 2 + seconds off each of the IBM PC times.

Jim Mehl POB 632 Los Gatos, CA 95030

Thank you for your kind words about my article on the IBM Personal Computer. However, I must reiterate a point that seems to be forgotten by many BYTE readers: that a benchmark gains its validity by executing, as much as is possible, the same program on different machines. Integer variables are nothing new; several other Microsoft BASICs have integer variables (e.g., Apple II Applesoft and Radio Shack's TRS-80 Model III BASIC). When the same program coded with integer variables is run, the relative rankings of the machines should be almost exactly the same—but then, that's another benchmark, isn't it? And since we can't run every possible program on a computer, we run a set of benchmark programs that we have carefully chosen to be representative. We did not use a full set of benchmarks in the IBM article due to time constraints; however, a full set of BASIC benchmarks was used to test the six Japanese computers reviewed in this issue (see page 60). . . . G. W.

Gregg Williams's "A Closer Look at the IBM Personal Computer" was highly informative. It is a worthy successor to Phil Lemmons's article, 'The IBM Personal Computer: First Impressions" (October 1981 BYTE, page 26). The comparison between IBM medium resolution (320 pixels per row) and IBM high resolution (640 pixels per row), which is discussed on page 39 and pictured in photo 6, may be unfair. The performance in highresolution mode is probably limited by the resolution of the red-green-blue (RGB) monitor that was used. The RGB color monitor shown in photo 1 appears to be an Amdek Color II, which is advertised to resolve up to 560 pixels per row—80 less than the high-resolution mode of the IBM Color/Graphics Monitor Adapter.

Incidentally, Amdek is now accepting orders for a $10 adapter that enables its RGB monitor to use the intensity bit car

ried on pin 6 of the IBM Color/Graphics Monitor Adapter, and thereby to generate 16 colors.

Gary G. Price, Assistant Professor Department of Curriculum and Instruction University of Wisconsin—Madison Teacher Education Building 225 North Mills St. Madison, WI 53706

Though the monitor we used was not supplied by Amdek, it is functionally identical. Both are produced by Hitachi and are RGB high-resolution monitors. When ordering the intensity bit adapter from Amdek, ask for the 16-Color Modification. Future models of the Amdek Color II will include built-in 16-color capability. Amdek is located at 2420 E. Oakton St., Suite E, Arlington Heights, II 60005 (312) 364-1180. . . . M. H.

Too Much Praise for IBM?

BYTE has defined a new era in personal computing—in terms of IBM. No customer experience taken into account, no long-term usage needed to evaluate—the IBM Personal Computer is arriving, therefore nothing else need be said. Let us all dispose of our several hundred thousand IBM imitations, which just coincidentally predate the Personal Computer by some years.

What has IBM learned from its own and others' experience? First and foremost (to quote Chris Morgan's editorial, "Of IBM, Operating Systems, and Rosetta Stones," January 1982 BYTE), "the keyboard alone is one of the best I've seen, though I wish the shift keys were more conventionally placed. (Oh, well.)" Is "Oh, well" the only comment appropriate to the "best keyboard" designed by a company that has produced what may purport to be the standard of office typewriter excellence? BYTE simply passes off a conscious corporate stupidity with an "oh well." Justify it to the typist who uses a typewriter alternately with the new "oh well" standard and hits the wrong keys consistently on both.

How many other facets of this machine have been glossed over in the same manner but without accompanying comment? Are we seeing the new BYTE objectivity? A 16-bit chip operating in 8-bit mode is

14 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

TO USE YOUR EPSON WITHOUT WASTING COMPUTER

Your computer is capable of sending data at thousands of characters per second but the Epson can only print 80 characters per second.

This means your computer is forced to wait for the printer to finish one line before it can send the next. A waste of valuable time.

THE NEW MICROBUFFER

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PARALLEL OR SERIAL.

Microbuffer model MBP-16K is a Centronics-compatible parallel interface with 16,384 bytes of on-board RAM for data buffering.

The MBS-8K is a full-featured RS-232C serial interface with both hardware and software (X-On/X-Off) handshaking, baud rates from 300 to 19,000 and an 8,192 byte RAM buffer.

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Either model fits the existing auxiliary interface connector inside the Epson MX-80, MX-80 FfT or MX-100 without modification, and is compatible with standard Epson cables and printer control software, including GRAFTRAX-80.

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When you think how much time Microbuffer will save, can you afford not to have one? Call us for your nearest dealer.

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'Suggested retail price (or either model.

Letters.

■

justifiable because IBM is running at 4.77 MHz (let's have another resounding "oh well" for IBM's high speed).

The reason for all this is to point out, to some of your less sophisticated readers, that for each flaw (if I may use such a four-letter word in conjunction with IBM) there appears to be a BYTE rationale to justify it.

I don't remember, in the history of BYTE, any other company or products being accorded such accolades for a product yet unproven in the field with software, other hardware, and peripherals.

McGraw-Hill owns BYTE. Does IBM own McGraw-Hill?

Jack Kahn

6013 Summer hill Rd.

Camp Springs, MD 20748

Oh, well. I'm afraid Mr. Kahn misinterpreted my editorial, or failed to read the January BYTE closely enough. If he had, he would have realized that we discussed the shortcomings of the IBM machine in Gregg Williams's review on pages 60 and 61, including comments about the

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machine's speed. To imply that we have been less than forthright in evaluating the IBM Personal Computer is patently unfair. In fact, next month's BYTE contains some fairly strong criticism by Jerry Poumelle about shift-key placement on the IBM, and last month we printed an article about the good and bad humanfactors design points of the machine ("A Human-Factors Case Study Based on the IBM Personal Computer" by Robert G. Cooper Jr., Paul Thain Marston, John Durrett, and Theron Stimmel, page 56). I'm distressed by Mr. Kahn's implication that we are somehow in cahoots with IBM, or that we are withholding our true opinions. We simply stated what we thought about the machine: that it has a very good overall design—period.

CM.

Unwarranted Warranties

I read with interest the interchange of letters between Intertec's Manager of Public Relations and one of the firm's customers (see "Open Letter to Potential Superbrain Buyers," January 1982 BYTE, page 18).

Significantly, Intertec made no case to justify its warranty policies other than to refer to "rules," that is, their Master Agreement. As an independent consultant to the industry for product-support operations, I advise my clients to accept full responsibility for field failures arising out of component failures following delivery. Realistically, there is no such thing as a shelf life for electronic devices; these devices are not loaves of bread.

This ploy is peculiar to the computer and computer peripheral industry. It is not practiced by responsible and knowledgeable manufacturers of electronic devices in other areas of the industry. It appears to be nothing more or less than a ploy to avoid warranty responsibilities. There is simply no justification for penalizing the ultimate consumer because a product did not move off the shelf within some arbitrary time period established by the manufacturer. Business can be bad—the dealer simply may be unable to move his merchandise as promptly as even he would wish.

Certainly, warranty policies of this nature suggest a lack of confidence on the part of the manufacturer in the reliability of its product over the short haul.

Perhaps if Intertec and other companies employing this practice would establish

16 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Letters

aggressive Customer Relations departments concerned with the care of customers, there would be no need of Public Relations departments in their organizations. Undoubtedly, they would experience an increase in sales plus improved relations with their dealers.

If the Federal Trade Commission ever took the time to examine this failure to extend warranty coverage to the ultimate consumer, I suspect a "cease and desist" order would be forthcoming.

I suggest that Intertec clean up its act and provide a reasonable level of protection to the guy at the end of the pipeline. He deserves nothing less.

R. C. Redpath

250 Ramblewood Parkway

Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

The letter to the editor, in the January 1982 BYTE, from James Ford of Paoluccio Willis Nau Associates regarding the purchase of several Superbrains and a subsequent misunderstanding between Mr. Ford and the dealer he purchased the equipment from points out an industrywide problem.

Certainly, one should attempt to purchase equipment at the best possible price; however, it's important to remember that the sale is only the beginning of the relationship between the dealer and the customer. From time to time, equipment does malfunction and must be repaired; advice about communications, protocol, and software is sometimes called for.

Here at Compudial/Tristar, we give a guarantee from the date of purchase on Superbrains and other Intertec equipment and stand behind the product with knowledge of its capabilities and limita

tions. This is not meant to be a selfcongratulatory statement; rather, it is to point out to our dealers and potential customers that, just as not all Superbrains are perfect when they come off the production line, neither are all dealers.

Simply stated, when one is purchasing any data-processing equipment, one should look for an established, knowledgeable, and reputable source that is capable of servicing the equipment.

Daniel F. Brown, President Compudial Inc. 2 Keystone Ave. Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

More on Intertec from the Federal Trade Commission

I read with interest the correspondence relating to the warranty on Intertec's Superbrain computer. Mr. Ford, the computer purchaser, assumed that even if the product was "inoperable when the cartons were first opened [he] would have had to pay repair charges." Intertec does not deny this interpretation of its warranty. Rather, it claims that the "warranty offers [its] customers excellent coverage. . . ." Fortunately for purchasers, Mr. Ford's idea of who has to pay may be as incorrect as Intertec's reply is disingenuous.

The law does not require that merchandise be sold with a written warranty. However, whether or not the manufacturer or dealer includes a written warranty, the law of 49 states (under the Uniform Commercial Code) usually implies certain warranties. For example, there is usually an implied warranty of merchantability:

the goods must be fit for the general purposes appropriate to that type of goods. This implied warranty applies at the time of sale regardless of whether the manufacturer's or dealer's warranty has expired. Further, delivery of a defective item may be a total failure of consideration, or breach of contract, by the seller. I suggest that a purchaser of a defective product consult a private attorney if the seller refuses to repair or replace it. Note that this doesn't apply to products sold "as is." Incidentally, the Federal Trade Commission enforces a law called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. This law sets standards for disclosing the terms of written warranties on consumer (personal) products. Had Mr. Ford purchased a home microcomputer, the company's warranty would have had to state: 'This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state."

Randall H. Brook Assistant Regional Director Federal Trade Commission Seattle Regional Office 2840 Federal Building 915 Second Ave. Seattle, WA 98174

More on Warranties

Isn't it time that our industry grew up7 I just resisted purchasing an expensive piece of computer software for which the warranty reads in part:

All . . . computer programs are distributed on an "as is" basis with

«

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GRAPHIC SOFTWARE FOR

MICROCOMPUTERS —This self-teaching guide will show you how to write your own graphics software. 61 programs for 2D and 3D graphics: interactive input, translations, rotation, isometric views, perspective, scaling, stretching, clipping, surface intersections, shading, hidden line removal, tablet software, animation and more. Applications to science, engineering and business. "One of the most outstanding books on computer software"— A. Grund, U. Illinois; "The best book available on microcomputer graphics"—Creative Computing Feb, 1982. Book-$21.95; Disk-$18.95.

ENGINEE

SOFTWARE

ENGINEERING SOFTWARE FOR MICROS —Aselfteaching guide to developing software for engineering applications of microcomputers. Emphasis is on combining graphics with engineering problem solving. Programs included to interactively create engineering drawings, store on disk file, recall, modify and merge. Other programs for simulation, mechanisms design, heat transfer, circuit analysis, optimizations and including Monte Carlo techniques. Programs for Fourier analysis display frequency spectra graphically. This is a valuable collection of modern engineering analysis software for students and professionals. Book-$28.50;Disk-$19.95.

Books contain fully documented program listings in BASIC with theory and equations. Disks contain the same programs as the books but without documentation. When ordering disks, please specify APPLE II Plus 48K DOS 3.3 or CP/M,

18 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 228 on inquiry card

out warranty of any kind. The entire risk as to the quality and performance of such programs is with the purchaser. Should the programs prove defective . . . the purchaser and not the manufacturer . . . assumes the entire cost of all necessary servicing or repair. (The company) shall have no liability or responsibility to a purchaser. . . .

This is not mere legal jargon. It's the embodiment of a business philosophy which seriously harms all of us. It encourages sloppy work and inadequate testing, and it increases the potential for dishonesty. Is it any wonder that so many businessmen are turned off by computers?

To software companies I say: Accept responsibility for your products. Get the bugs out before you sell them. Don't try to sell a program debugged by your customers as a "revised" or improved product at additional cost.

To software consumers I say: If possible, avoid products for which there is no warranty. Don't buy on faith. Complain loudly to software companies which provide no warranty.

Of BYTE I ask: Speak out on the importance of product and software warranties. Help your readers by reporting on the warranty provided in your product and software reviews, perhaps in your "At a Glance" boxes. Praise the responsible firms that produce quality products and help to expose the ones with a reputation for bugs.

John Navas II

490 Mariners Island Blvd., #108

San Mateo, CA 94404

Note Pad for the Handicapped

I think that Howard Batie's article "Handi-Writer, A Video Note Pad for the Physically Handicapped" (December 1981 BYTE, page 474) described the most valuable and original application of a microcomputer that I have seen.

I have worked extensively with the handicapped, including many cerebral palsy victims, and I agree with Mr. Batie's estimate that these people are not generally intellectually deficient. Many feel that they are emotionally unstable, but I have never seen any evidence of instability that was not explainable, to me, by their severe frustration. What a boon it would be for such an imprisoned mind to finally be able to communicate!

I am sure it would not be difficult to add another button to the control panel so that data could be output to a printer, or this could be done by intervention of a companion, when the user is satisfied with the text in the buffer.

Imagine—correspondence and creative writing for those who previously had no means of expression.

Ralph Nottingham 1619 SE 3rd Court Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Software Copyright Kit

I have received an overwhelming number of inquiries concerning the booklet "The Copyright Kit—How to Copyright Your Computer Software," which was mentioned in a letter published in the October 1981 BYTE (see "Legal Argu

ments," page 10). You must have an incredible readership I Letters and telephone calls poured in from all over the country, as well as from England and Italy.

Please inform your readers that the Copyright Kit is available for $12.95 (plus $2 postage and handling) from B. T. Enterprises, 171 Hawkins Rd., Centereach, NY 11720, and from National Attorneys' Publications Inc., POB 150, East Setauket, NY 11733.

Noel D. Adler

POB 150

East Setauket, NY 11733

Apathetic Advertisers

As one of the millions whose relationship with computers has been an adversary one, my interest in them was zilch until I read The World Challenge by JeanJacques Servan-Schreiber (Simon and Schuster 1981), a book in which the role of computers in the world of tomorrow is rather graphically delineated. The mention of BYTE in the same book led to my subscribing to your publication.

Although I find much of the material in BYTE less than comprehensible, I'm slowly learning about computers and the many possibilities they offer. I've already decided to buy a home computer; unfortunately, many of your advertisers do little to facilitate the process of evaluating their products and services.

For example, I wrote to Apple for brochures and specifications on its various models, accessories, software, etc. In return, the company sent a booklet outlining the development of its Apple

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ON MICROS-This self teaching guide contains a series of programs which calculate stresses and deflections in beams, plates, trusses and frames using conventional and matrix techniques. Theory, equations and program listings fully documented. Written for the non-specialist who wants to use his micro for structural analysis with minimum investment in time. Use the programs as is or modify for your own applications. Book -$39.95; Disk -$19.95.

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DATA PLOTTING ON MICROS—A collection of programs to process and display all types of data: bar charts, stock market charts, engineering and scientific data, 3D views of surfaces, pie charts, sorting, filtering, running averages, curve fitting, and more. Application to business, engineering and science. All programs fully documented and keyed to theory. Use as is or modify for your own applications. Book-$24.95; Disk-$19.95.

To order, send check drawn on U.S. bank, money order in US funds, Vi«a or Mastercard number with expiration date to KERN PUBLICATIONS 190 Duck Hill Road. P. 0.1029A. Duxbury, MA 02332 Add $2 per book 4th cl postage in US and Canada; $31st cl or UPS in US: $4.501 st cl Canada: $12 air Europe and Central America; $18 elsewhere. Call (617) 934-0445 for taster delivery.

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May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 19

Letters

III—but none of the more useful materials I'd requested. I've written Atari twice and telephoned once; many weeks later, Atari has not yet deigned to reply. Of the halfdozen or so computer stores I've written for price lists and information, only one has bothered to reply.

I gather, from the heft of your publication and its numerous advertisements, that there is a rather substantial industry centered around home computers and allied products and services. But I also get the impression nobody's particularly interested in showing any initiative to assist a would-be purchaser in obtaining information that would be helpful in making a reasonably rational buying decision.

H. B. Brandon 1204 Park Lane Clarksdale, MS 38614

More on a Structured 6809 Assembly Language

Greg Walker's interesting article, "Toward a Structured 6809 Assembly

Language" (November 1981 BYTE, page 370), will be helpful to many people who, for one reason or another, are forced to write in assembly language.

Use of higher-level language control structures in assembly language goes back a long way. In general, there have been two approaches.

The first approach is to write a special assembler which includes high-level control structures as part of the language. The earliest descriptions of this approach with which I'm familiar appeared in Niklaus Wirth's "PL360, A Programmable Language for the 360 Computers" (Journal of the Association for Computing Machinery, 15:1 (1968), pp. 37-74) for a large machine, and Bell and Wichman's "An ALGOL-like Assembly Language for a Small Computer" (Software—Practice and Experience, 1 (1971), pp. 61-72).

This approach can produce comprehensive error messages and more efficient generated code because long/short branches, etc., can be optimized.

The second approach is to implement the control structures via the manufacturer's standard macro-assembler, as in

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Walker's 6809 macros. The first description of this approach that I know of is M. M. Kessler's "CONCEPT* Report 14, Implementation of Macros to Permit Structured Programming in OS/360 (IBM Corporation, Gaithersburg, MD 20760, 1970). The macro approach has the advantage of being piggy-backed on the standard assembler, thus greatly reducing the amount of documentation and programming needed to support it. Also, the macros can be examined easily and altered, if needed, by the user.

When our laboratory implemented Pascal-like control structures for the PDP-11 Macro-11 Assembler several years ago, we discovered that assembler programs with high-level control structures (IF . . . THEN, DO . . . WHILE, REPEAT . . . UNTIL and CASE) were much easier to write, debug, and maintain than the FORTRAN programs we wrote for the PDP-11 (FORTRAN was the only "high-level" language available to us on the PDP-11 at that time).

Scott Herman-Giddens Department of Computer Science Duke University Durham, NC 27706 ■

BYTEs Bits

Experimental Circuit Package Described

At a recent conference of the International Society for Hybird Electronics, a group of IBM engineers described an experimental circuit package that makes it possible to feed power and information to a complex bipolar logic integrated circuit. The package, with 200 pathways for electrical signals and 16 for power, links thousands of electronic circuits on the chip with the rest of the circuitry in the computer system. The thin metal-film pathways run between 216 connector pins and 354 pads connecting the chip to the package. Previous IBM circuit packages of this nature had a maximum of 96 signal paths and 132 pads, which means that the technique being worked on doubles the signal capacity and nearly triples the number of connection pads.

The chip is the result of an experiment to shrink the size of the IBM System/370's central processing unit to a single integrated circuit measuring one-quarter inch on a side. The System/370 contains nearly 45,000 transistors, resistors, capacitors, and diodes. ■

20

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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BYTE Comment

Copyrights, Computers, and the Betamax Case

Walter Klasson 77 Seventh Ave., 21P New York, NY 10011

You've spent hundreds and hundreds of hours bleary-eyed in your computer's glare, hoping that your late-night programming obsession really will pay off. You've missed your favorite television shows and your daughter's childhood. People look at you strangely and ask where you've been. Your wife joins Computer Widows Anonymous.

Then one day your great software masterpiece is finally finished. You

About the Author

Walter Klasson, an attorney with a specialty in computer law, is a member of the working group of the New York State Bar Association Subcommittee on Computer Law, which is considering a computer crime statute for New York. Mr. Klasson is author of a machine-language (Z80) word-processing program and president of Softlaw Inc., a consulting firm which specializes in adapting microcomputer/word-processor systems for small law offices.

call out to your wife and kids, and the entire family at long last sits laughing together around your flickering video display, playing your new science

Copyright is such an

absolute right that

even "innocent"

unauthorized copiers,

who may not have

known that what they

were copying belonged

to someone else, are

chargeable with

infringement.

fiction and fantasy computer game, The Beast That Ate Hoboken.

But someone out there wants to destroy your happiness. He buys a copy of your program only to give or sett a copy to a friend. Maybe the

friend gives or sells copies to other people. Maybe the evil spreads. Your royalties fall off. You miss a payment on little Janie's teeth. You can't afford that 10 megabytes of hard disk you wanted. Is there no hope for you anywhere?

Yes, said the United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this past October in what is known as the "Betamax Case." Sitting in California, that middle-level federal court determined that anyone who uses a video-tape recorder (VTR) to make a copy of copyrighted material without permission has infringed upon the copyright owner's statutory rights, even if the copier had no intention to sell the copy to anyone else. While computers weren't involved directly in the Betamax Case, this aspect of the decision seems to apply equally to unauthorized duplication of copyrighted computer software.

This legal development is not so

22 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

IT'S CRISP. IT'S CLEAR, IT'S COMPATIE3LE.

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Everything about our 12" Video-300 monitor was designed to be easy. Easy to read. Easy to use. And easy to match up with practically any computer or word processing system, including the popular Apple and IBM personal computers. So it's easy to see why you should choose Video-300 for your text display needs.

Amdek's Video-300 monitor features:

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So ask your dealer about Video-300 — part of Amdek's complete line of color, green phosphor and black and white monitors, then match Video300's performance and price against any other display monitor. For quality and value, you'll choose Amdek.

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BYTE May 1982 23

Circle 18 on inquiry card.

surprising, although the Ninth Circuit Court did have to reverse the contrary decision of the federal district court below. The Ninth Circuit rejected the argument that so-called noncommercial, personal use should be considered noninfringing under an implied exception to the copyright statute. The court also interpreted the statutory "fair use" exception to the copyright owner's exclusive rights as applying only where the unauthorized copier used the copyrighted material for limited "productive" purposes, such as "criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research." The exception does not apply where the copier merely wanted to use the copied material for the ordinary purposes for which it would be sold.

This part of the Betamax decision seems reasonable enough to me. After all, as the court said, the unauthorized copying of a television program or a movie that is for sale by the copyright owner is in fact quite "commercial" in that it "tends to diminish the potential market" for the product. It is not hard to agree that illegal copying, even for personal use, of someone else's copyrighted "intellectual" property is no more "innocent" then taking anything else of value belonging to another.

The results so far in the Betamax Case may have been of some small comfort to authors and sellers of word processors, computer games, and other relatively inexpensive software (i.e., virtually everything used on a microcomputer), which is easily copied on the rapidly increasing numbers of small computers being sold. But, at least, their copyrights (like those of Walt Disney and Universal Studios, the victorious parties before the Ninth Circuit) have been fully supported by the court.

However, copyright owners of mass-distributed software still face the impracticalities of enforcing numerous separate small claims against individual infringers even though the cumulative dollar loss from widespread software piracy may be very substantial. Unlike phonograph records, for example,

microcomputer software doesn't have to be copied on relatively centralized and specialized counterfeiting equipment, which can be discovered and closed down. On the contrary, as with VTRs, the small-computer software pirates can do their dirty work in the privacy of the home, with little special expertise, cost, or equipment. Also, many small software houses simply don't have the resources necessary to go after the infringers they do suspect. Manufacturers of expensive software for larger computers, whose customers are usually a limited number of relatively responsible business organizations, don't share these problems. In short, although the Ninth Circuit's opinion labels most unauthorized copiers of smallcomputer software as copyright infringers, the practical difficulties of enforcing the copyright owner's legal rights remain.

While the first part of the Betamax decision could have been predicted, the second part is potentially a very significant new legal development. The Ninth Circuit also decided that the manufacturer and sellers of a VTR on which illicit copies are made (in this case, the defendants were various divisions of Sony, its advertising agency, and four retail stores) are equally liable for copyright infringement. Even more interesting, the court suggested that a possible solution to the video-tape piracy problem would be to charge the VTR manufacturers a royalty to be paid to the copyright owners. Think of the possibly staggering implications in the halls of Xerox of this novel legal conclusion if it were applied to photocopiers!

"Aha," the small-software author might think upon hearing this news, "a manufacturer of computer 'reproduction' equipment (for example, disk drives, cassette players, or any system incorporating them) is a big enough target for me to sink my legal teeth into for some relief (i.e., money) for all this pirating of my Beast That Surfed at Santa Cruz computer game."

Still, maybe the sound of eyeballs dropping out of heads did not accompany receipt of the news of this part

The Context MBA will be available starting May IB, 1982 at leading personal computer retailers. For the name and address of your nearest dealer, call or write Context

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24 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Personal computers are full of promises.

MBA makes them deliver.

*&;

You've heard how the personal computer is going to revolutionize the way you work.

So far, the reality hasn't measured up to the promises.

But now there's a remarkable new software package that transforms the IBM Personal Computer into an incredibly powerful management tool (Apple and Xerox owners: read on).

The first totally integrated management software.

There are a lot of useful programs available for personal computers.

Unfortunately, they all seem to use different commands and different ways of storing data. This creates two major problems:

1. Every time you want to add a new function, you have to learn a whole new command language.

2. You may not be able to exchange data between different programs.

But now there's a better way. It's called the MBA, and it was created by a blue-chip management consultant, an MIT-trained systems designer, and some of the country's most experienced business programmers.

For the first time, MBA combines all the essential management functions in one easy-to-use package:

Electronic Spreadsheet. The ultimate financial modeling tool that lets you create a giant spreadsheet of figures and text. Change one number, and every affected item is instantly re-calculated.

Word Processing. Compose, edit, and print any kind of document. Make revisions yourself—faster than you can explain them to your secretary. Because MBA is an integrated system, it's easy to incorporate data from its other modules into a report you're writing.

Data Management. A sophisticated electronic filing system that lets you store information—ANY information —then retrieve it, analyze it, and generate reports to your specifications.

Circle 120 on

Graphic Output. For those occasions when a picture tells your story better than words, you can easily generate clear, readable graphs.

Communications. Tie into your company data center, a financial information service, or virtually any other computer system. MBA automatically retrieves the information you want, and lets you edit or rearrange it with a few keystrokes.

Easy to learn. Easy to use.

MBA's designers devoted great care to giving it a simple, consistent set of commands. So when you've learned one module, you'll immediately be comfortable with the others.

What, where, and how.

MBA is offered through selected computer retailers who have qualified people to demonstrate and answer questions.

It runs on the IBM Personal Computer, with Xerox and Apple versions available soon. But whichever machine you use, MBA will make a dramatic improvement in your personal productivity.

And that's a promise.

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© Copyright 1982 Conlext Management Systems, Inc. inquiry card.

MPOFmam

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of the Betamax decision wherever they make or sell disk drives. A brief legal and political explanation is in order to explain how the court found the VTR manufacturers liable along with the copiers and why, nevertheless, Tandy, Apple, Shugart, Percom, and many others may not have to raise their prices to pay royalties so that software authors can retire in luxury (or afford new shoes).

Copyright is such an absolute right that even "innocent" unauthorized copiers who may not have known that what they were copying belonged to someone else are chargeable with infringement. The difference in potential liability is that "innocent" unauthorized copiers, as opposed to deliberate infringers, might escape liability for full statutory minimum money damages, although they would probably be subject to an injunction (a court order that they not repeat the infringing behavior).

In the Betamax Case, however, the Ninth Circuit found that the defendants were not innocent, in that (although the legality of taping television broadcasts was in question) they knew that VTRs would be used to reproduce copyrighted materials and were in fact manufactured, advertised, and sold with that primary purpose in mind because virtually all television programming is copyrighted. The court therefore charged the manufacturers with "contributory infringement." On the other hand, the court, facing the reality of a popular and growing multimilliondollar industry recognized that an injunction (i.e., shutting the industry down) might not be appropriate and that the whole question of providing relief for the copyright owners was "exceedingly complex." But while suggesting the royalty mechanism, the court directed the district court below (which must, in the first instance, fashion the relief for the winning side) not to "be overly concerned with harm" to the VTR manufacturers.

Thus, by this time every good attorney who represents a manufacturer of modern technological "reproduction" equipment of any kind is busy "distinguishing" the Betamax

Case—that is, showing how his client's circumstances are significantly different from a VTR manufacturer's so that the Betamax decision should not apply. An obvious distinction in the small-computer area is the lack of any "free" source of copyrighted software for computer system buyers comparable to the extremely widespread broadcast of television programs. However, "the airwaves are free" argument sometimes heard (that copyright owners should lose their rights by broadcasting their works) is likewise not available in defense of computer software piracy, which is a more clear-cut form of infringement.

Another important distinction be tween VTRs and small-computer systems is that most of the latter are not promoted primarily as a means of duplicating copyrighted software but rather as requiring the purchase of certain copyrighted software (e.g., operating systems) and facilitating the general use of other purchased copyrighted applications software. Fully programmable systems even facilitate the creation of more copyrightable software, which is supportive of copyright's goal of promoting creativity. In contrast, what percentage of VTR owners have or reallv use video cameras?

In other words, even if you agree with the Ninth Circuit's implicit determination that most VTR owners are potential copyright infringers, most small-computer owners probably aren't. So it would be much more difficult to argue that most small-computer manufacturers and sellers were profiting from or encouraging copyright infringement to such a degree that they should be held liable as contributory infringers.

Even VTR manufacturers may not have to worry about the Ninth Circuit's Betamax decision. First, although at this writing it is still too early to know exactly what legal steps will be taken, Sony is likely to appeal to the United States Supreme Court which could reverse (or affirm) the Ninth Circuit on any number of grounds that could be more (or less) favorable to manufacturers of various types of reproduction equip

26 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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ment. Second, and perhaps more important, the United States Congress may act to set limits on copyright law. While copyright protection is mandated by the Constitution, its exact limits (such as the scope of its "fair use" exception) are a matter of federal statute. Within six weeks of the Betamax decision, at least one bill that, if enacted, would effectively overrule the Ninth Circuit was introduced in each house of Congress.

It is easy to imagine the vast industrial forces that might be arrayed against the Betamax decision, although the decision also has many important supporters among the owners of television, movie, and other copyrights. Intensive lobbying is probably now taking place, but Congress is likely to defer final action

If the Ninth Circuit's Betamax decision is judicially or legislatively overturned, the problem of the enforceability of the copyrights on inexpensive massdistributed software still remains.

until the Supreme Court has spoken, which probably won't be before the fall of 1982. "Friends of the court," representing various groups whose interests could be affected by the final judicial decision, may introduce additional briefs or arguments.

If the Ninth Circuit's Betamax decision is judicially or legislatively overturned, the problem of the enforceability of the copyrights on inexpensive mass-distributed software will remain. If the decision is allowed to stand and if it should be extended to the small-computer industry, then any royalty imposed would probably be passed on to the purchaser in higher prices on the hardware affected, almost like a tax on the entire class for the presumed piracy of a lesser number of individuals. This could reduce sales slightly.

I

Granting that such a royalty mechanism is not a perfect remedy for the software piracy problem, it is still certain that if there is insufficient legal or economic protection for inexpensive mass-distributed software, its availability will be reduced accordingly. While the actual incidence and cost of software piracy are not precisely known, it is likely to grow rapidly along with increased sales of computers and could become an additional economic barrier to the emergence of new small-software sources. All software authors may have to contend with an unacceptable uncertainty as to the exact economic potential of particularly valuable and innovative software.

The value to a hardware manufacturer of numerous sources of software that supports its system has at last been admitted by no less than IBM in connection with its new Personal Computer. Tandy and Apple, whether they admit it or not, owe much of their small-computer success to the multitudes of independent software sources for their machines, each of which is also promoting the hardware. There is currently software of great practical or entertainment value (as well as the inevitable rubbish) for the microcomputer market that costs anywhere from $10 to a few hundred dollars. Much of this software is a product of a relatively individualistic, labor-intensive cottage industry. Many members of this cottage industry could not individually support the expense of a full-blown legal defense of their copyrights.

Perhaps the answer is some simple form of voluntary cooperation by those united in interest, as is done in other areas of copyright law. For example, many composers and songwriters are paid royalties from such organizations as the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI), which have been legally designed to collect an appropriate amount from those who want to play, perform, or otherwise "copy" the protected material (for example, radio stations). Some type of centralized, less voluntary royalty system established as the result of the

28 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Betamax decision could perform a similar function for software authors, unless Congress or the industry acts to produce some better method of protecting the copyrights involved.

Another legal alternative might be to increase deterrence to software piracy by increasing the criminal sanctions available against copyright infringers. However, this leads into the wholly separate area of computer crime (which is beyond the scope of this article) and away from the copyright law's primary focus on civil, not penal, enforcement of the statutory right. While greatly increasing the minimum statutory money damages awardable against deliberate infringers and including the copyright owner's legal fees in those damages might be effective deterrents, such measures, which would have to be enacted by Congress, do not appear to be under serious consideration.

Of course, assorted hardwarebased technological solutions to the piracy problem, such as unduplicat

able disks or ROM cartridges, exist. While often technologically effective, these methods are not always popular with users, limit the standardization and interchangeability of the various manufacturers' products, and don't encourage independent software sources to write for the machine involved. (A word of caution: those who provide information or equipment to defeat hardware or software antipiracy measures could be chargeable with contributory copyright infringement under the Betamax decision.)

It is therefore easy to predict, without knowing exactly what will or should be done, that the outcome of the Betamax Case and any other legal developments involving computer software piracy could have an important effect on the makeup of the small-computer industry. The courts have designed copyright law to promote human creativity. As the Ninth Circuit stated, "this purpose is to be achieved by reliance on the economic

incentives granted to authors and inventors by the copyright scheme." Such a purpose is not being served where the more widely distributed and lower-priced products of human creativity may have the least effective protection because of technological and social factors. Perhaps, then, some form of royalty system for software copyright owners would help to remove the economic Catch-22 facing small-software authors as a result of the proliferation of small computers for which their programs are sold and on which their work may also be stolen. In any case, in the world of inexpensive computer software, events may now be taking place that will determine just what economic threshold must be crossed before copyrights are really of any value. ■

Occasionally, BYTE invites industry leaders to comment on topics related to the microcomputer industry. The opinions expressed by these authors are their own and do not necessarily express the opinions of BYTE or its publishers.

DATAFACE GRQ SERIES INTERFACE

TURNS YOUR ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITER INTO A PRINTER/TYPEWRITER

The Dataface GRQ-1 1 Interface expands your Olympia ES Series or Rem

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The GRQ Series Interface features:

1. Standard EIA RS-232-C Serial Interface and Parallel (Centronics compatible).

2. Standard asynchronous ASCII code, 7 bit data; 1 start bit; accommodates 1 or 2 stop bits automatically; accommodates odd, even or absence of parity bit.

3. Fifty thru 9600 Baud data rate options.

4. Two K buffer; supports X-on, X-off protocol as well as RTS signals.

30 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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PASCAL C

and Auto Dial (1200 Baud) Local Networking Videodisc Interface

SOFTWARE OPTIONS

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BASIC

APL*

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LISP

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t t » i t

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1

FIRST IN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY P.O.Box 1628 Champaign, IL61820 (217) 359-2112 Telex 270365

Circle 396 on inquiry card.

Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar

Everyone Can Know The Real Time

Technological advances have made real-time clocks simple and inexpensive.

Steve Ciarcia

POB 582

Glastonbury, CT 06033

It's almost three years now since I last discussed real-time clocks. Much has happened since I wrote "Anyone Know the Real Time?" (reference 1). Back then real-time clocks were usually put together either from existing digital watch or clock chips or from a series of TTL (transistor-transistor logic) counters. Microprocessor-bus-compatible real-time-clock chips were just emerging and were very expensive. I had to phrase my article title as a question.

Today, of course, real-time clocks are established, cost-effective products. The expense of adding a true millisecond-to-month time-of-day clock to a personal computer is barely more than the cost of the cheapest, most primitive clock of the kind in wide use just a few years ago. Today, with very little trouble, everyone who really wants to can know the real time.

This month I'd like to update the story a little and describe how to con

^rA«!

»<*

\N<*

Photo 1: No longer must we assemble real-time clocks from digital-watch parts or from small-scale-integrated circuits. National Semiconductor has introduced two components that do all the hard work: the MM58167A and the MM58174A.

nect one of the latest products of realtime-clock technology to a microprocessor-based computer system, using a minimum-component circuit with battery backup, and I'll show how you can put together an intelligent clock that can function as a standalone peripheral device which communicates time data over a serial communication link to a remote computer upon command. But first, some background information.

■ What Is Real Time?

Why do we need a clock to keep "real" time? Does this mean there exists "unreal" time?

Before we think too hard about what seems to be a philosophical conundrum, let's consider for a moment a typical application where a computer monitors a number of physical parameters and triggers a series of sequentially timed control outputs in response to certain changes in the parameters.

Suppose you have a computer controlling the lights in your home and that you want the control computer

Copyright © 1982 Steven A. Ciarcia. All rights reserved.

Z8 is a trademark of Zilog Inc. Diagrams and tables pertaining to the MM58167A and the MM58174A are reprinted courtesy of National Semiconductor Corporation.

34 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

115VAC

1N4002

—W T p^—f—

VAC AlN4002 io.l|iF ilK

IC1 7414

rh

IC2 I 7492

R0(l) R0(2)

0

m

0

12

Qa

BD IC3 7490

R0I1) R0(2)Roll)Rq(2) Qp

rh

TTL-LEVEL INTERRUPTS TO COMPUTER

0

1 Hz

Figure 1: Schematic diagram of a simple real-time clock that uses the 60-Hz power-line frequency as a reference. This provides the computer with only regular pulses or "heartbeat ticks"; the time of day must be kept by software.

+12V

-J- 10<VF 25V

rh

5-36pF

20pF

33 pF

^

;CRYSTAL 3.579545MHz

IC4 MM5369

OSCILLATOR IN

OSCILLATOR OUT

Number Type

o

IC1 IC2 IC3 IC4

7414 7492 7490 MM5369

+ 5V GND +12V

14 7

5 10

5 10

60Hz TO INTERRUPT INPUT

Figure 2: A simple real-time-clock circuit that relies on a crystal oscillator for its timebase. As in figure 1, the only output is a series of regular pulses.

to be able to tell when you are arriving home so that it can turn on the entrance light and turn it off when you get inside.

One way of setting up such a system is to place a pressure-sensitive switch under the doormat with a connection running to one of the computer's control inputs. As you approach the door and step on the mat, the computer's job is to sense the switch closure and turn the light on for, say, 200 seconds before turning it off. To perform these operations, the computer must be directed by a program which embodies a control algorithm that says, at least in part, 'Turn the light on when the switch is closed, and then turn the light off later."

Now here's the catch. An algorithm cannot by itself tell how long the computer's hardware takes to per

form any part of the algorithm. But you will be quite aware of how long the entrance light stays on, as directed by the control algorithm. So the algorithm must use some means to make 200 seconds pass in your real perception before turning the light off and moving to other tasks.

This is what we mean when we say that a computer keeps track of "real time." An algorithm that may execute at different speeds on different hardware is tied to external events. A hardware circuit or hardware/software combination that accurately records time with respect to an external observer is called a real-time clock.

Limitations of Software Timing

In our simple entrance-light application, it's not very hard to write a program that will satisfy us. We can

use a short BASIC program that monitors an input bit and sets an output state, incrementing a counter variable in a FOR. . .NEXT loop to provide the 200-second delay. Perhaps 5000 iterations of a 40-ms (millisecond) loop would do the trick.

But what happens if the problem becomes more complex? Suppose we have a second light inside the house and a second mat with a switch under it, with a similar need for the computer to turn the light on for a specified duration. We have to add another set of delay statements to our simple BASIC program, and when we add something, it changes the execution time of the original timing loop. While we could make the FOR. . . NEXT-loop method work for two lights, the complications mount quickly as the problem becomes larger.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 35

(3a)

STATUS BIT

-RD-CS

1kHz

•^32.768

—z—

OSC INI OSC OUT

RDI

RDYWRI

DODl> D2 • D3D4 • D5< D6< D7

10

3_!I

REAL TIME COUNTER 48 BITS

32kHz OSC

-WR-CS -RD-CS

7 BITS

15

16

20

COMPARATOR (48 BITS) <*>

1 LINE

I/O BUFFERS AND LOGIC

RAM 56 BITS

7*s

-WR-CS -RD-CS

8-BIT BIDIRECTIONAL BUS

•RD-CS •WR-CS

INTERRUPT

OUTPUT

(NOT OPERATIONAL

DURING PWR DOWN

CONDITION)

ADDRESS

CS»

POWER DOWN

23

■

-""N

, 5 (

ADDRESS DECODER

► 6 1

» 7 »

» 8 »

» 9 »

ADDRESS DECODES 19 ADDRESSES 2 RESETS

2 SPECIAL COMMANDS 1 TEST MODE

Figure 3: Block diagram (3a) and pinout specification (3b) of the National Semiconductor MM58167A Real Time Clock. This integrated circuit and the MM58174A are advertised as being available from several distributors, including Jameco Electronics, 1355 Shoreway Rd., Belmont, CA 94002, (415) 592-8097.

Hardware Marks Real Time

We escape the convolutions of the software approach by using special hardware circuitry that maintains a record of true elapsed time irrespective of software execution speeds. These circuits can take many forms, but generally such real-time clocks fall into either the time-of-day or "heartbeat-interrupt" category.

The heartbeat-interrupt clock is less expensive and uses fewer or simpler components, but more software interaction is needed to perform all the housekeeping chores, while a time-of-day clock does almost everything with hardware, requiring relatively little interaction with software.

Heartbeat-Interrupt Clocks

Figure 1 and figure 2 on page 35 show examples of two heartbeatinterrupt circuits, which were the feature attractions of my previous article. The circuit of figure 1 uses a crystal as a convenient timebase, while the circuit of figure 2 uses the 60-Hz power line. Both produce a single regular pulse (a clock "tick") at intervals of some precise fraction of a second. (Typical systems produce a tick at intervals of 1/60, 1/40, and 1/10 second.) The output line of the circuit is connected to an interrupt input on the processor.

Every time the clock ticks, the processor stops what it is doing and increments an elapsed-ticks counter in

♦■

24

vss

-4

12

INTERRUPT

OUTPUT (OPEN DRAIN OPERATION DURING PWR DOWN CONDITION)

(3b)

cs[

MM58167A 1* 24

]VDD

RD[

2 23

]POWER DOWN

WR[

3 22

]D7

RDY[

4 21

]D6

A0[

5 20

]D5

Al[

6 19

]D4

A2[

7 18

]D3

A3[

8 17

]D2

A4[

9 16

3 oi

OSC IN[

10 15

]D0

OSC 0UT[

11 14

]STANDBY INTERRUPT

vssL"

12 13

]INTERRUPT OUTPUT

TOP VIEW

memory. When the processor needs to know the real time, it must calculate the time from the number of ticks. For example, using a 1/60-second timebase, a count of 10,860 corresponds to 181 elapsed seconds.

Generally, a computer system with a heartbeat-interrupt clock is initialized with the time of day when it is turned on, with the initialization time stored either in the ticks counter (which is said to count ticks from midnight) or in a separate location (to be summed with the ticks when the value of the time is needed).

36 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Circle 12 on inquiry card.

CP/M is a rea. trademark of Diaital Research

•Rfinuires 7-flfl Rnttparrt

*Rpn traripmarb nf Mir

BLOCK DIAGRAM

(4a)

CONTROL BUS

ADDRESS BUS

5~*

INTERRUPT

ADDRESS DECODE

READ

READ MULTIPLEXER

0.1 SEC

1 SEC

10 Hz

0

DATA BUS

4

BITS

i^>

7~>

OSCILLATOR DIVIDERS

READ/WRITE MULTIPLEXER

10 SECS

1 MIN

10 MINS

1 HR

10 HRS

1 DAY

10 DAYS

1 MO.

10 MOS.

DAY OF WEEK

32 kHz

(4b)

CONNECTION DIAGRAM

Figure 4: Block diagram (4a) and pinout specifications (4b) of the National Semiconductor MM58174A Real Time Clock.

The heartbeat-interrupt clock has some disadvantages. First, it is totally dependent on the processor's execution time and interrupt-handling capability. When the processor must interact with multiple peripheral devices, often there can be competition for the processor's attention. Computers from one major manufacturer actually ignore the clock at times, shutting it off while I/O (input/output) operations with the disk drive are taking place. The value of this clock is questionable because it loses a second or two with every disk operation.

The second criticism of heartbeatinterrupt timing is volatility. Since the time of day is kept only in software, the clock works only when the computer is powered. It is impossible to keep the clock running all the time without keeping power applied to the

processor and part of the program memory, which can be an expensive undertaking.

What Is a Good Clock?

The ultimate solution is a separate hardware time-of-day real-time clock interfaced to the processor but running independently. Such a clock should keep track of the time of day to a resolution of milliseconds and should, with battery backup, never need to be reset. Additional features should include variable-rate processor interrupts (once per millisecond or once per month as required) and alarm-clock (coincidence of a preset time-of-day value) interrupts. Fortunately, these capabilities can be added to your system with a modest amount of hardware.

National Semiconductor Corporation has simplified the business of

CS[

1»

16

]VDD

NRDS[

2

15

]CRYSTAL IN

NWDS[

3

14

] CRYSTAL OUT

DB3[

4

13

]INTERRUPT

DB2[

5

12

] ADO

DBl[

6

11

]AD1

DB0[

7

10

]AD2

vssl"

8

9

]AD3

putting a versatile real-time clock in a computer by introducing two CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) LSI (large-scale integrated) circuits, the MM58167A and MM58174A. These real-time-clock chips are designed for direct connection to the control and data buses of common microprocessors. Figure 3 on page 36 is a block diagram of the MM58167A, and figure 4 is a block diagram of the MM58174A.

Real-Time Clock: the MM58167A

The MM58167A is packaged in a 24-pin DIP (dual-inline package) and contains a 48-bit (14-digit) counter chain clocked from a 32,768-Hz

40 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 262 on Inquiry card.

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A6fZ>

A5[>

Number Type

74LS10 MM58167A

+ 5V GND

14 7

see schematic

+ 5V

-f> <J SYSTEM

POWER

INT<3 STB INT<3

Figure 5: Schematic diagram of a real-time-clock circuit employing the National Semiconductor MM58167A suitable for direct connection to the bus of a microprocessor-based computer system {2.80, 8080, or 8085). The clock registers are addressed by input/output instructions that reference a set of addresses mapped into the I/O-address space of the processor. Provision is made for keeping the clock running when the computer system is turned off by supplying power from two 1.5-V alkaline battery cells, which should maintain operation for several months.

crystal-reference oscillator. The MM58167A can keep track of and communicate to the processor the time in any increment from 1/10,000 second to months. (Usually, submillisecond resolution isn't required except in critical instrumentation or arguments over processor benchmarks.)

The MM58167A contains a storage latch consisting of 56 bits of on-chip RAM (random-access read/write memory). With backup power from a battery supplied to the clock chip, this storage can be used to keep any desired quantity or time while the system is powered down, or, in the "alarm-clock" mode, to contain a value to be compared to the real-time counter (either in its entirety or against individual digits in the counter). Occurrence of a match be

42 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

tween the storage latch and the counters is signaled on a maskable interrupt line called the Standby Interrupt, which is active in the low logic state.

Another output, called simply the Interrupt Output (active high), can provide the heartbeat interrupt described earlier. This output can be programmed to provide clock ticks at seven regular rates (ten times per second [10 Hz], once a second [1 Hz], once a minute, once an hour, once a day, once a week, and once a month) and when a comparison match occurs between the storage latch and the real-time counter.

Real-Time Clock: the MM58174A

National Semiconductor's second

real-time-clock chip, the MM58174A,

is a 16-pin integrated circuit with

somewhat fewer talents (but a lowe cost) than the MM58167A. The timing chain is derived from a 32,768-Hz oscillator, as in the MM58167A, and it counts time intervals from 1/10 second through months. The other major difference is the MM58174A's lack of the comparison-match interrupt. However, the MM58174A does have a tick interrupt programmable for intervals of 1/2 second, 5 seconds, or 60 seconds.

As I write this, the price/performance ratio of the 58167A is more attractive than that of the 58174A, so I have based my construction project solely on the MM58167A.

Real-Time-Clock Interface

Figure 5 is the schematic diagram of a real-time-clock circuit that incorporates the MM58167A. The circuit is

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down to 2.2 volts (V). A small 3-V

A4

A3

A2

A1

AO

Function

battery can easily supply the current required (only 20 jtA [microamps],

0

0

0

0

0

Counter—ten thousandths of seconds

dissipating 44 fi\AI [microwatts] of

0

0

0

0

1

Counter—hundredths and tenths of seconds

power).

0

0

0

1

0

Counter—seconds

The circuit of figure 5 contains pro

0

0

0

1

1

Counter—minutes

vision for operating the real-time

0

0

1

0

0

Counter—hours

clock on battery power when the

0

0

1

0

1

Counter—day of week

computer is turned off. Transistors

0

0

1

1

0

Counter—day of month

Ql and Q2 serve as a voltage-sensi

0

0

1

1

1

Counter—month

tive on/off switch. When the system

0

0

0

0

RAM—ten thousandths of seconds

power is on at a potential of +5 V,

0

0

0

1

RAM—hundredths and tenths of seconds

transistor Ql conducts, supplying

0

0

1

0

RAM—seconds

power to the MM58167A. Diode Dl

0

0

1

1

RAM—minutes

blocks any large current flow into the

0

1

0

0

RAM—hours

battery, but the two alkaline cells do

0

1

0

1

RAM—day of week

receive a slight trickle charge from the

0

1

1

0

RAM—day of month

system power through the 4.7k-ohm

0

1

1

1

RAM—months

resistor. In normal operation the

0

0

0

0

Interrupt Status register

MM58167A requires about 12 mA

0

0

0

1

Interrupt Control register

(milliamps).

0

0

1

0

Count Reset\

> see table 2 RAM Reset )

When the computer is shut off and

0

0

1

1

the +5-V supply drops to 0 V, Ql

0

1

0

0

Status bit

opens to keep current from the bat

0 0

1 1

0

1

1

0

Go command

tery from going onto the system's power bus. Current begins to flow

Standby Interrupt

1

1

1

1

Test mode

from the battery through diode Dl into the clock chip. At the same time,

Table 1: Address codes and functions for registers and comparison latches (RAM) in

the PWRDN (Power Down, pin 23)

the National Semiconductor

MM58167A Real Time Clock.

input of the MM58167A senses the

low-voltage condition of the power

relatively simple to attach to most personal computer systems, requiring only an 8-bit data bus and 5 address lines.

The readJRD), write (WR), and chip select (CS) lines on the clock chip are similar to those found on memory devices. To read any register in the clock, external circuitry must place signals on the RD and CS lines while the proper address appears on the address lines; similarly, to write data into the clock registers, external circuitry must enable the WR and CS lines while the address appears. The data bus serves as the data path in and out of the counters and latches; values are loaded and read in BCD (binary-coded decimal) format. The 5 address lines allow activation of 24 counter and memory functions, which are listed in table 1. (The binary values are equivalent to hexadecimal 00 through IF.) The MM58167A can be attached to

virtually any microprocessor bus. For example, in 6502- or 6800-based systems, the MM58167A would be addressed as 32 locations in memoryaddress space. As shown, the circuit of figure 5 contains signals designed to be decoded by the I/O bus of a Z80-, 8080-, or 8085-based computer, with the 24 clock-register addresses extending from hexadecimal E0 to FF. For simplicity and generality, I shall refer to particular registers in this article following the 00 to IF coding of table 1. When you are using the circuit of figure 5, add hexadecimal E0 to these values.

Turned-Off Timekeeping

One important attribute of both the MM58167A and the MM58174A is their ability to operate from battery power when the computer-system power is off. Both chips will continue keeping track of the real time when supplied with power at voltages

bus and causes the clock to enter the powered-down operating mode.

In the powered-down mode, the clock's three-state I/O lines enter a high-impedance condition, effectively disconnected from the computer, and the current drawn from the power source is reduced from 12 mA to 20 fiA. In this mode, which can be activated at any time by placing a 0-V potential on pin 23, the clock continues to keep time, but only the Standby Interrupt remains active (if it was enabled previously). Using the Standby Interrupt and some external power-control circuitry, you could set up your computer to shut itself completely off and then turn itself on automatically weeks later.

An Intelligent Clock

Many of you will have no qualms about digging into your computers and adding this simple real-time clock. However, some of us who possess the technical skills to construct the project don't want to em

44

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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DECODED AS HEXADECIMAL B800-B81F

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Figure 6: Schematic diagram of a real-time-clock circuit that uses the MM58167A and the Z8-BA5IC Microcomputer to constitute an intelligent peripheral device that can send information on the date, time, and its status over a serial communication line to a remote computer.

bark on the sometimes dangerous course of modifying our computers. I have to admit to membership in this group to the extent that I don't dare mess with the one computer I use as my word processor. For that reason I wanted to develop an intelligent realtime clock that I could use as an external peripheral device for any computer. As with some of my previous projects, I found that the most convenient and cost-effective means of doing so was to use the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer that I developed last

year (see references 2 and 3).

Using the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer, we can develop an independent real-time clock that can communicate over a serial data link with almost any computer. (You could use another single-board microcomputer with similar results.) We can have almost all the features of the bus-interfaced real-time clock as well as convenient output formatting of the date and time. By adding intelligence to the hardware, software interaction with the real-time clock can be re

moved from the realm of the operating system and handled by an application program instead.

Figure 6 is the schematic diagram of an intelligent real-time clock consisting of an MM58167A chip interfaced with a Z8-BASIC Microcomputer. (The nomenclature on the left side of the diagram refers to bus signals of the Zilog Z8.) The logic gates ICl, IC2, and IC3 are address decoders. The clock-chip interface is set up to occupy hexadecimal addresses B800 through B81F (corres

46 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Photo 2: The prototype of the real-time-clock circuit of figure 6, mounted on the back of a Z8-BASIC Microcomputer, which provides the intelligence and versatility of control of a general-purpose microcomputer.

ponding to register addresses 00 through IF on the MM58167A). The Z8 has a multiplexed address/data bus, so the octal latch IC4 is required to latch the 8-bit low-order address. Other than that, circuit operation is as described for figure 5, including battery backup.

Time-Data Representation

Now that I have described the hardware of the clock interface, we can turn our attention to how to use the real-time clock. Before we start writing programs in BASIC, assembler, or even FORTH, we must understand how the MM58167A stores in its registers the values that represent the current time.

Each unit of time is allotted a twodigit binary-coded-decimal register. Each register has a unique address within the clock chip, which is mapped into the address space of the external logic according to the range of addresses assigned to the clock chip; in the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer, hexadecimal B800 through B81F are the addresses of the clock registers as seen by the outside world.

The BCD internal representation of time is a slight inconvenience when we are programming in a high-level

language; we can't directly load the registers with decimal values or read them with statements that assume decimal radix for arguments. But fortunately, the BCD representation maps directly onto hexadecimal representation for the set of numbers used for timekeeping, so we can load and read the registers using hexadecimal-radix operators, if our highlevel language has them.

The BASIC/Debug interpreter of the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer can operate on hexadecimal data, identifying hexadecimal variables and constants with the percent symbol (%) as a prefix character. If your language interpreter has no such ability, you may have to explicitly code some decimal-to-hexadecimal (and vice versa) conversion routines.

Setting the Clock

The best way to describe the operation of the clock and the computer's interaction with it is to follow a sequence of setting and monitoring the time. For example, choosing a convenient time and date, such as 2:34 p.m. on Friday, May 14, we can set the clock.

First, all the counters are reset by writing hexadecimal FF to the coun

ter-reset register, which lies at the internal clock-register address of hexadecimal 12. Then appropriate values for each time unit are loaded into the corresponding registers. For the date and time chosen, the decimal-radix values would be as follows (with the hours numbered in a 24-hour scheme):

month:

day of month:

day of week:

hour:

minute:

05 14 06 14 34

As I mentioned before, these twodigit decimal values must be represented in the clock in BCD format. If, for example, we tried to load 34 minutes into the minutes register (at clock address hexadecimal OB, decimal 11) using the simple integer-arithmetic BASIC statement

OUT 11,34

the MM58167A would read the 34 as two BCD digits and interpret it as 22 instead of 34. To avoid this error, we use the equivalent hexadecimal-radix statement

OUTll,%34

instead, with %34 understood to be a hexadecimal constant. (In the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer, the statement would be %0B,%34.) If your computer can't handle hexadecimal numbers, another possibility is to send 52, the decimal equivalent of hexadecimal 34. The statement

OUT 11,52

will result in 34 being loaded into the BCD minutes register.

The same problem exists in reading the clock registers. If you try to read the value of 34 minutes in clock register hexadecimal OB with the BASIC statement

PRINT INP(ll)

the interpreter will return the incorrect decimal value of 52 minutes. The solution is to print the value of deci

48 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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50 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

DO D1 D2 D3

D4

0 0 0 0

1

0 0 0

D5 D6 D7

0 0 0

Counter or RAM Reset

0 Ten thousandths of seconds

0 Hundredths and tenths of seconds

0 Seconds

0 0 0 Minutes

0 0 0 Hours

1 0 0 Days of the week 0 1 0 Days of the month 0 0 1 Months

Table 2: Bit specifications for the time-counter and comparison latch (RAM) reset format of the MM58167A.

mal register 11 in hexadecimal. The Z8-BASIC Microcomputer statement

PRINT HEX(OB)

Returning to our original example, 2:34 on Friday, May 14 is loaded into the real-time clock's registers with five write commands. In BASIC the statements are

OUT %0F,%05 (month) OUT %0E,%14 (day of month) OUT %0D,%06(day of week) OUT %0C,% 14 (hours) OUT %0B, %34 (minutes)

Next, a write pulse to hexadecimal address 15 is performed to reset the thousandths, hundredths, tenths, units, and tens of seconds counters to zero (the data on the address bus is ignored during the execution). This so-called Go command is used only for precise starting of the clock. If the seconds counter is at a value greater than 40 when the Go is issued, the minutes counter will be incremented; otherwise the minutes counter is unaffected. The Go command is unnecessary to start the clock, since the counters count whenever there is power. Instead, it is a convenient way to precisely synchronize at a given instant.

The time-unit counters and comparison (RAM) registers can be reset to zero at any time by setting the appropriate bits according to table 2 and writing to either the Counter

Reset (hexadecimal 12) or RAM Reset (hexadecimal 13) registers.

Clock Reading and Interrupts

The host processor can find out what time it is by reading the BCD values from registers 00 through 07. To display this information in any different form, you have to write an explicit software routine to convert the numeric output of the real-time clock to the desired format.

The Interrupt Output (pin 13) can be programmed to provide a signal at any of eight different times, as previously discussed. To enable one of these conditions, a logic 1 is written into the Interrupt Control register (hexadecimal 11) at the appropriate bit position corresponding to the desired output frequency. Figure 7 shows the functions of each bit position. (For example, writing hexadecimal 08—a 1 in bit D3—to the Interrupt Control register sets a once-perminute interrupt.)

When a counter rollover that corresponds to one of the control-register settings occurs, the Interrupt Output goes high. The interrupt is reset by reading the Interrupt Status register (hexadecimal 10).

The second interrupt is the Standby Interrupt (active low, pin 14). This interrupt is enabled by writing 01 to the Standby Interrupt register (hexadecimal 16). The interrupt output occurs when there is a match in the comparison between the comparison latch (RAM) and the real-time counter. The interrupt in this case is reset by writing 00 to this same register.

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BYTE May 1982 51

DO

Dl

D7

WRITE ONLY

1/MIN

1/SEC

10/SEC

COMPARE

READ ONLY

1

C D Q

C D Q

C D Q

C D

Q

C D

Q

IN Q

C D

C D Q

JT

C D Q

INTERRUPT CONTROL REGISTER HEXADECIMAL ADDRESS = 11

1/HOUR

1/DAY

1/WEEK

1/MONTH

INTERRUPT STATUS REGISTER HEXADECIMAL ADDRESS =10

INTERRUPT LOGIC

INTERRUPT OUTPUT "(ACTIVE LOGIC HIGH)

Figure 7: Conceptual diagram of the assignment of bit functions in the Interrupt Control and Interrupt Status registers of the MM58167A.

Number

Type

+ 5V GND

IC1

74LS04

14 7

IC2

74LS30

14 7

IC3

74LS02

14 7

IC4

74LS373

20 10

IC5

MM58167A

see schematic

Serial-Clock Software

Listing 1 on page 54 is a program written for the BASIC/Debug interpreter of the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer that reads and loads the MM58167A according to commands received from a remote computer over a serial communication link. This software is merely for demonstration and is not indicative of everything you might want in such an intelligent clock.

Because the intelligent clock of figure 6 has its own processor and battery backup, I felt it was unnecessary to include the code for setting the clock initially from the remote computer. For most applications, the clock will have to be set only once.

The subroutines starting at line 1000 allow the clock to be set using an off-line terminal. The program prompts you for entry of the current month, day, hour, etc. It waits after entry for you to issue a start command by pressing the space bar on the keyboard so that the clock can be synchronized with some time reference such as radio station WWV.

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Circle 379 on inquiry card

Listing 1: A BASIC/Debug program written for the Z8-BASIC Microcomputer and the MM58167A to allow them to function as an intelligent serial time-of-day clock.

100 REM Serial Controlled Real Time Clock

110 Rem

130 a=%b807:b=%b806:c=%b805:d=%b804:e=%b803:f=%b802

140 1=@240

142 if 1=161 then 148

143 gosub 600

144 goto 140 148 1=@240

150 if 1=137 then 300

152 if 1=146 then 200

154 if 1=147 then 1000

156 if 1=148 then 1300

158 if 1=149 then 500

170 goto 148

200 Rem Reset Interrupt

205 m=@%b810

210 goto 140

300 Rem Set interrupt control register

310 input n :@%b811=n

330 goto 140

500 Rem Read Interrupt Status Register

510 print hex (@%b810)

520 goto 140

600 Rem Check Interrupt Line

605 p=@%C000

610 if AND(p,%80)=0 then 140

620 print "I"

630 goto 200

1000 Rem Time Set Subroutine

1005 "Enter date. Preceed entries with %"

1010 "Month (1-12) ";:input g

1020 "Day of the month (1-31) ";:input h

1030 "Day of the week (1-7) ";:input i

1040 "Hour (1-24) ";:input j

1050 "Minute (0-59) ";:input k

1060 "Press SPACE to start clock"

1070 if §240=160 then 1090

1080 goto 1070

1090 @a=g:@b=h:@c=i:@d=j:@e=k

1100 goto 1200

1200 REM print full time parameters

1210 goto 1220+@c

1221 "Sunday ";:goto 1250

1222 "Monday ";:goto 1250

1223 "Tuesday ";:goto 1250

1224 "Wednesday ";:goto 1250

1225 "Thursday ";:goto 1250

1226 "Friday ";:goto 1250

1227 "Saturday ";:goto 1250 1250 if @a>9 then goto 1259+@a-6 1255 goto 1259+@a

1259 goto 1260

1260 " January ";:goto 1280

1261 " February ";:goto 1280

1262 " March ";:goto 1280 Listing 2 continued on page 56

54 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 1 continued:

1263 1264 1265 1266 1267 1268 1269 1270 1271 1280 1290 1295 1300 1310

April May ' June July August

September " October " " November " December print Hex(@b) print hex(@d) goto 140 print hex(@d) goto 140

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ii

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H

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1280 1280

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Add 2% for shipping and insurance. Superbrain shipped freight collect. VISA and MasterCards welcomed; add 3°/o for credit card purchases. Virginia residents, add 4% Sales Tax For fastest delivery, send certified check, money order or bank-wire transfer. Sorry, no CO.D. orders. All equipment is in factory cartons with manufacturers' warranty. Prices subject to change without notice. Most items are in stock now.

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Terminals Terrific, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1625, Merrifield, VA22116, 800-368-3404 (In VA, Call Collect 703-237-8695).

56 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 412 on Inquiry card.

And The Winner Is... IBC By Four Users!

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When you are racing toward that finish line, beating the competition is everything. IBC is the choice of OEM's, system integrators and dealers throughout the world, because in benchmark after benchmark our small business computer systems finish first.

We finish first because we are faster, offer higher quality peripherals and can expand our system significantly beyond our nearest competitors. In fact, looking at the chart below, you can quickly see why knowledgeable resellers are choosing IBC.

IOC

AUTO

Oasis Operating System (Max. Users)

9

4

CPU Speed (MHz)

6

Disk Speed I/O (MB/Sec.)

.81

65

.54

Seek (Milli Sec.)

35

50

65

Cache Disk Memory

Yes

No

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Join us in the winners circle with high performance equipment and the best dealer plan in the industry. Call or write:

OUTSIDE THE USA

WITHIN THE USA

Integrated Business Computers

21592 Marilla Street

Chatsworth, CA 91311

(213) 882-9007 TELEX NO. 215349

IBC^ DISTRIBUTION

4185 Harrison Blvd., Suite 301 Ogden, UTAH 84403 (801) 621-2294

Control-I

Control-R Control-S

Control-T

Control-U

Indicates command-sequence initiation (all control commands must be preceded by "!").

Set Interrupt Control register. Clock responds with "?". Remote computer sends "%X" and a carriage return (X is the BCD value computed according to figure 7). Each time the interrupt is triggered by a counter rollover, the clock will send "I" and a carriage return to the remote computer. Reset Interrupt Output.

Set complete time parameters. This is the manual preset mode and is most easily set using a terminal off line as previously described. Send short time. Clock responds with hours, minutes, and seconds as "10:25:35" plus a carriage return.

Read Interrupt Status register. Clock responds with the value stored in the Interrupt Status register. Reading this register resets the Interrupt Output.

Table 3: Command codes used by the BASIC/Debug code in listing 1 to control the real-time-clock circuit of figure 6 from a remote computer. These codes were arbitrarily chosen and do not provide for activating all the capabilities of the MM58167A.

The serial communication of time information to the remote computer is commanded by various control codes. Only the minimal required information is transmitted from the intelligent clock so that the information can be more easily used in an application program on the remote machine. A simple response to a time query of "06:34" reduces processor data

manipulation in the intelligent clock. The control codes I chose (arbitrarily) are listed in table 3.

My brief demonstration does not include setting the Standby Interrupt. It should be added for any serious use. Also, because this intelligent clock contains a versatile microcomputer, it can be programmed for any data rate or custom data format.

S-100 BUS (CP/M) Heath H89, H90 (CP/M, HDOS) Zenith Z89, Z90 (CP/M, HDOS) TRS 80 Model (CP/M, TRS DOS) Xerox 820 (CP/M) IBM Personal Computer (CP/M 86, IBMDOS)

AMTs EZ8X5 is a complete, ready to plug in Winchester Hard Disk Subsystem. Featuring easy implementation, enhanced system interface cards, an extensive disk test package. The EZ-8X5 delivers a full 5,10, or 20 megabytes. Dealer and Distributor inquiries are being accepted

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It's What's Inside That Counts.

In Conclusion

Technology has come a long way from the days when real-time clocks were based on a heartbeat interrupt clocked from the power line. The MM58167A real-time clock is a wellthought-out design which truly meets the market demand. Applications that once demanded expensive hardware/software solutions are now satisfied by low-cost LSI hardware.

National Semiconductor has long had the reputation of being a leader in semiconductor innovation, and I believe the company has justified that reputation with the MM58167A.

Next Month:

The high technology of videoimage storage has been promising to benefit the computer industry. In June, I'll let you in on how to reap this benefit with a computer controller for the Pioneer VP-1000 Laserdisc video player. ■

References

Ciarcia, Steve. "Anyone Know the Real Time?", August 1979 BYTE, page 50. Reprinted in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume II. Peterborough, NH: BYTE Books, 1981, page 96. Ciarcia, Steve. "Build a Z8-Based Control Computer with BASIC, Part 1," July 1981 BYTE, page 38. Reprinted in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume III. Peterborough, NH: BYTE Books, 1982, page 146. Ciarcia, Steve. "Build a Z8-Based Control Computer with BASIC, Part 2," August 1981 BYTE, page 50. Reprinted in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume III, page 156.

Editor's Note: Steve often refers to previous Circuit Cellar articles as reference material for each month's current article. Most of these past articles are available in reprint books from BYTE Books, 70 Main St., Peterborough, NH 03458. Ciarcia Circuit Cellar, Volume I, covers articles that appeared in BYTE from September 1977 through November 1978. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume II, contains articles from December 1978 through June 1980. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume III, contains the articles that were published from July 1980 through December 1981.

To receive a complete list of Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar project kits available from the Micromint, circle 100 on the reader-service inquiry card at the back of the magazine.

58 May 1982 <S BYTE Publications lnc

Circle 24 on inquiry card.

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The Link from Panasonic.

The portable computer that lets your customers take the

advantages of an office computer anywhere they go.

The Link.

It's the next major business tool because it's a full-logic computer that's fully portable.

By itself, it can perform a wide variety of sophisticated computer functions because it can store 4K bytes of information. Equally important, it can link you to the information and brainpower of your main office computer — wherever you go. You can program in Microsoft Basic.® Yet it's easy to operate, even if you've never worked with a computer before.

Imagine. Using just The Link, anyone in the field, the plant or on the sales floor—like salesmen, managers, engineers or retailers — can now answer questions that used to mean a trip back to the office. A sales engineer, for example, types data into The Link and gets detailed product information and specs on the spot.

And The Link is part of an entire computer system: By adding different optional components, you can create whatever kind of computer you need. Wherever you need it.

By adding the telephone modem, for example, a salesman can put his company's main office computer or a data bank

Exchange information with other computers with the telephone modem.

to work for him from any telephone booth. He can check credit ratings and inventory, trace shipments, enter orders, make bids and estimates, and much more. So The Link can make him and his office computer much more productive.

By adding the microprinter, the salesman gets hard copies of information right on the spot—ap instant record of his transactions.

By adding the TV adapter, he can display information and 8-color charts on any color TV

Display information and charts with the TV adapter.

screen. So he can use data from his office computer to develop a sales presentation in a motel room. And show it on a client's video monitor the next day.

If the salesman needs to work with a bigger program and

more memory, other optional components increase The Link's capacity to 52K RAM plus 64K ROM. That's more than many desktop computers.

The Link measures only 9" x 4", weighs only 21 ounces,

Take The Link and all its components anywhere in its slim attache* case.

and runs on AC or rechargeable batteries.

And it costs only $600.00* That's amazingly small when you realize the big change it could make in the way you do business.

* Manufacturer's suggested price.

1

DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED

Panasonic Company, Portable Computers One Panasonic Way. Secaucus, N.J. 07094

NAME. TITLE.

Panasonic®

_,..,., just slightly ahead of our time.

The Link. It will change the way the world uses computers. |_ IJ

PLEASE PRINT

COMPANY.

TYPE OF BUSINESS

ADDRESS

CITY STATE_

PHONE NUMBER

Circle 328 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 59

Six Personal Computers from Japan

A comparative review of the BMC ij800, the Canon CX-1, the

Hitachi MB-6890, the NEC PC-8001A, the Fujitsu FM-8, and the

Systems Formulate Corporation Bubcom80

Do you want a Japanese computer? Before you answer too hastily, think back a few years.

The trend setters who bought Toyota automobiles when they first appeared in the United States in the late 1960s got a great deal of bemused attention from their neighbors. The neighbors maundered about spare parts, Detroit styling, and horsepower, but the Toyota owners just smiled. They knew they were getting a low-cost car that was reliable and met their needs at a time when the domestic companies did not care to address that particular set of needs.

Today, of course, American motorists rush to buy Japanese cars while Detroit automakers, scratching their heads and wondering what went wrong, scramble to imitate the virtues of the Japanese imports. And in other industries in which Americans have heretofore led the world, pundits and xenophobes alike are stridently warning, "The Japanese'll getcha if ya don't watch out!" Many steel companies and electronics firms are beginning to feel the uncomfortable heat of Japanese competition.

Christopher P. Kocher

4233 Baltimore Ave.

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Michael Keith D-46 Abbington Dr. Hightstown, NJ 08520

What about personal computers? A few Japanese firms have started selling "Americanized" versions of their computers, and a few others plan to start. Will the Japanese take over again?

Our crystal ball is no better jthan anyone else's, but we would like to help you decide for yourself. In this article, we evaluate and compare six Japanese personal computers: I the BMC if800, the Canon CX-lj the Fujitsu FM-8, the Hitachi MB-6890, the NEC PC-8001A, and the Systems Formulate Corporation Bubcom80. Some of them are already being sold here; some are in the process of being adapted for the American market; and some may never be sold her,e.

Of course, there is no one best computer, just as there is no single

typical computer user. Each computer represents a design team's attempt to assemble a set of features that will appeal to a variety of users. How you rank a computer depends very much on what you plan to do with it. We will try to give as complete a picture of each machine as we can; you must supply the ranking.

Since the computers examined here are in various stages of adaptation, it would not be fair to rate the documentation of all the machines on the same scale. While some machines came with complete instruction manuals in English, others came with instructions written only in Japanese or with what were obviously first drafts of translations.

Moreover, since we had a limited time in which to examine a large number of very complicated machines, we had to concentrate on what is most salient: features that are conspicuously excellent, egregiously awful, or strikingly unique. We undoubtedly missed many subtleties of each machine. If this gives a misleading picture of any computer, we apologize.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

61

Japanese ©wnputers.

Photo 1: The BMC if800 computer. Shown here is the basic machine consisting of a keyboard/processor module, two floppy-disk drives, a color video monitor, and a unique built-in printer. Notice the 10 "super-function" keys along the bottom of the display screen. These are fully programmable function keys that can be used for menu selection or other forms of interaction in programs.

Photo 2: Inside the keyboard unit of the if800. The built-in printer mechanism is clearly visible. The printer can operate as either friction-feed or tractor-feed, and produces a high-quality dot-matrix output.

Photographs accompanying this article, except photo 6, were taken by Paul Avis, photographer, and Pauline Elkin, stylist.

The prize for the most computer in the smallest package goes to the if800 Model 20 computer, manufactured by the Oki Electric Company of Japan. But since it is marketed in this country by BMC Computer Corporation (which has its office in Carson, California—the abbreviation stands for Business Machines Corporation), we refer to it as a BMC product to avoid confusion. Although it is billed as a personal computer, it will receive much consideration as a small-business computer because it has highresolution color graphics, support for Digital Research's CP/M operating system, a built-in printer and floppydisk drives, and a very high-level BASIC language all as standard equipment.

BMC if800

Hardware Overview

The basic if800, shown in photo 1, consists of two pieces, one mounted above the other. One module contains the processor circuitry, the keyboard, and the printer; the other module contains the video-display screen and two 5Vi-inch floppy-disk drives. The two modules are connected by two cables, one for the monitor and one for the disk drives. The combined system is sufficiently compact to fit well on even the most crowded table.

Keyboard

The 98-key keyboard is very solid and has a nice typing feel. In addition to tactile feedback, you receive audio feedback with every key depression

in the form of a faint click from the speaker under the keyboard. If a key is held down for more than a second, it automatically repeats the typing of its character, along with audio feedback.

The 98 keys are separated into several groups: a typewriter-keyboard section, 10 program-assignable function keys, 8 editing keys, a numeric keypad, and several special keys. The special keys include keys for setting tabs, a CAN (cancel) key (which erases the line currently being typed), and three keys for controlling the printer. The typewriter section also has a GRAPH key (for accessing a set of special graphics characters, such as card symbols and linedrawing characters) and a COMD

62 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

At a Glance

Name

BMC if800 |Model 20)

Distributor

BMC Computer Corporation 860 East Walnut St. Carson, CA 90746 (213) 323-2600 Dimensions (Inches) 19% by 20 by 26%

Microprocessor

Z80, 8-bit

Size of User Memory

64K bytes

Number of Keys

98

Number of Function Keys

20

Built-in Hardware

Dot-matrix printer; two 5/4-inch floppydisk drives; color video monitor

Standard Interfaces

RS-232C (DB-25); light pen; monochrome video monitor; RGB color monitor; audiocassette tape

Optional Interfaces

8-inch floppy-disk drives; parallel I/O port; IEEE-488 bus; A/D. D/A converters

Expansion Sockets

3

Character Sets

Roman, katakana. graphics

Graphics/Color Resolution

640 by 200

Number of Colors

Other Features

Time-of-day clock with battery; speaker with music sublanguage

Price

S 7950 (whole system)

key that allows single-keystroke access to various BASIC keywords.

When the PRINT key is depressed, everything that appears on the display screen is printed by the builtin printer. A small LED (lightemitting diode) on the keytop indicates whether the computer is in print mode. For example, to get a program listing, merely hit the

PRINT key, type LIST, and hit RETURN, and you have instant hard copy. A separate HARD COPY key can be used to dump the current screen image (text and/or graphics) to the printer.

It also has a KANA key, which the manual says allows access to Japanese katakana characters. However, in the American unit, the key has been disabled with a metal spacer. (See the text box "Japanese Character Sets.")

Built-in Printer

The if800's self-contained printer is conveniently placed behind the keyboard so that the paper comes out in the same direction as it does in an ordinary typewriter. The dot-matrix printer uses a wire-impact mechanism and a regular typewriter ribbon, and has both friction- and tractor-feed mechanisms. Its printing speed is 80 cps (characters per second), and the print quality is excellent (almost good enough to conceal the dot-matrix printing method). The only shortcoming we noticed is that in dumping a screen image (as opposed to regular character-by-character text printing) the scan lines are spread quite far apart in the printed image, making text or detailed graphics difficult to read. We hope this is only a software limitation.

What's Inside?

Photo 2 gives an inside view of the keyboard/processor module, where various components of the computer are visible. The cover lifts off easily for access to the insides. The keyboard sits on top of the main printedcircuit board, which contains the microprocessor (a Z80A running at 4 megahertz [MHz]), memory, and support circuitry, as well as a small speaker for audio output. The keyboard assembly is all metal, providing a degree of electromagnetic shielding for the main circuit board.

Also inside the case is a real-timeclock chip that can be read by software. We were surprised at one feature of the time-of-day clock: the first time we plugged in the if800 and ran

Japanese

Character

Sets

Japanese, unlike most languages, has four separate writing systems, and it is not unusual to see all of them on one page.

Kanji characters are pictographs taken from Chinese. One character represents one word or concept. Kanji characters are used to represent roots of nouns or verbs.

The hiragana and katakana systems are syllabaries in which one character represents one consonantvowel pair. Hiragana characters, full of graceful but tiny curlicues, are considered easier to read and are used in most text to indicate inflectional endings and to spell out words that are uniquely Japanese. Katakana characters represent exactly the same syllables as the hiragana but are more angular. They are used for children's books, official documents, and transliterating foreign words, especially foreign technical terms.

The Roman alphabet is used for such things as computer commands, in large part due to the ubiquity of Western computer-language systems.

Most of the Japanese personal computers reviewed here offer a Roman-alphabet keyboard with some sort of locking shift key that allows the same keys to be used for katakana as well. Generally, a few very common kanji characters are thrown in as graphics keys (the pictographs for "date" and "time," for example), but the hiragana characters require resolution beyond the capability of most noninterlaced video displays.

If you think about it, the Japanese character sets might explain much of the feverish technological development in certain segments of the Japanese electronics industry—like the work on very dense read-only memories. The Japanese require great amounts of memory just in character generators to form the complex kanji characters.

May 1982 <S BYTE Publications Inc 63

Japanese Qompufijrj

Photo 3: A sample display from the if800, illustrating some of the graphics primitive operators. Most of the picture was produced using LINE commands to draw polygonal outlines followed by PAINT commands to fill the polygons.

Photo 4: An example of "dithering" on the if800. Even though only eight colors are available, by juxtaposing dots of different colors in different combinations, many different, apparently solid, colors can be displayed. This technique can also be used on the Fujitsu and Bubcom computers.

one of the demonstration programs, the system showed the correct time! A little hunting inside the unit revealed a nickel-cadmium battery that keeps the clock chip going when the computer is unplugged or turned off.

Connecting to the World

Near the rear of the keyboard/processor module are five slots for peripheral-device-controller circuit cards. Two of these slots are occupied by controller cards for the color video display and the two floppy-disk drives. Many other optional interfaces are available, including a controller for 8-inch floppy-disk drives, a Centronics-compatible parallel printer port, an IEEE-488 interface (an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard connection scheme), A/D (analog-to-digital) and D/A (digital-to-analog) converters, and additional RS-232C serial I/O (input/output) ports.

The keyboard/processor module has other switches and connection points. Built into its right side are a DB-25S connector for RS-232C serial communication and DIN (Deutsche Industrie Norm) connectors for a light pen, a black-and-white composite-video monitor, and an audio-cassette recorder. On the left side are two push-button switches that reset the system. The first button, labeled IPL (Initial Program Loader), is a "hard" reset that restarts the system in its power-up state, whereas the second button, NMI (Non-Maskable Interrupt), is a "soft" reset that returns you to the BASIC or CP/M command level (if possible). The NMI button is useful for aborting execution of a program in an infinite loop or some other "hung" state (when Control-C may not work).

Display Module

The top module of the if800 houses the standard color video monitor, which provides a high-resolution (640 dots horizontally by 200 dots vertically) eight-color display. Characters can be displayed in two sizes and in various screen formats (80 or 40 characters by 20 or 25 rows).

64 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

A unique feature of the if800 is the group of 10 "super-function" keys that are located on the video-monitor module, just below the display screen. These 10 keys duplicate the functions of the 10 function keys on the keyboard. Thus, they can be used under program control to produce any desired response. Their location makes it easy for an inexperienced user to select an item from a menu simply by pressing the function key just below the item shown on the screen. This would be especially useful in combination with a light pen because a program could be written that never required you to type on the main keyboard. You would just have to use the super-function keys.

Just to the right of the display screen are the two 5Vi-inch two-sided double-density floppy-disk drives. Each floppy disk can store 280k (280,000) bytes.

Overview of Software

The two major software packages that came with our if800 computer were Oki BASIC, a Microsoft product, and a version of the CP/M operating system. In addition, several demonstration programs that run under each were provided.

Oki BASIC is a very high-level implementation of the BASIC language that fully exploits the hardware of the if800. For example, many of the special functions on the keyboard (such as TAB, DEL [delete], CAN, and the function keys) are supported, as well as the COMD key, which allows single-keystroke typing of commonly used BASIC commands. Most of the peripheral devices can be directly controlled from BASIC, including both disk drives, the printer, the onboard speaker, the light pen, the clock and calendar, and RS-232C ports.

Each peripheral device is supported by a whole array of BASIC keywords. An example of a devicecontrol keyword is ON COM GOSUB, which allows a program to be interrupted by data arriving at the RS-232C port. A subroutine call is performed when a signal is detected

on the port. This in effect allows for interrupt processing—usually reserved for assembly-language programmers—entirely within BASIC.

Displaying Graphics

Because the if800 contains a highresolution color display, you might expect good graphics support from BASIC. We were not disappointed; many high-level keywords are available for manipulating the graphics screen. Primitive operators for drawing are available for creating images, including CIRCLE, LINE (which includes the capability of drawing rectangles), and POINT. In addition, a graphics macroinstruction facility called GML (Graphics Macro Lan

Each computer

represents a design

team's attempt to

assemble a set of

features that will

appeal to a variety of

users.

guage) is built into Oki BASIC. This is used by defining a BASIC character string consisting of GML commands, which appear mostly as a single letter followed by a single numeral. Typical GML commands are:

Un—Move cursor up n pixels (there are corresponding commands for other directions)

Cn—Set color to n

Sn—Set scale factor to n

Xstring—Execute a previously defined GML string

To execute a GML command, the statement DRAW string or stringvariable is issued. One GML string can call another GML string, thus providing a nested-macro facility. Consequently, small detailed objects (such as game pieces or special symbols) can be compactly described and drawn with a single command.

Another facility for describing detailed graphics images is the DEF CHR$ statement in BASIC, which redefines any of the characters in the character set. Note, however, that characters can be only two colors (foreground and background), whereas GML commands can draw images with multiple colors.

Another interesting BASIC keyword is PAINT. A PAINT statement fills in the area starting at specified Cartesian coordinates and bounded by a specified border color with a specified fill color. The area boundary can be any complex shape bounded by any color (which need not be the same as the drawing color). If the boundary is very large and complex, an OUT OF MEMORY error may result, since a recursive algorithm utilizing a stack is used to process a PAINT command. This command, combined with the geometric commands, can be used to easily create graphics displays using filled polygons. A sample picture drawn by one of the authors is shown in photo 3. This was drawn entirely by a small BASIC program (containing a lot of DATA statements!).

The high horizontal resolution (640 dots across) allows use of a standard trick in computer graphics that can effectively provide many more than eight colors. This technique is called dithering and depends on the following effect: if we draw a horizontal line consisting of alternating blue and red pixels, our eyes will area-average the pixels and perceive the line as a solid line of a color somewhere between blue and red. By using different combinations and mixtures of the eight available colors, a whole array of different, apparently solid, colors can be displayed. Photo 4 shows a display created using this technique. Unfortunately, the BASIC PAINT keyword does not support filling with dither patterns, but someone will eventually write such a routine for the if800. Even more impressive graphics will then be possible.

The eight-color display can be thought of as three overlaid planes of red, green, and blue pixels. It is possi

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 65

Japanese Computers

ble in software to choose whether one or several of these planes are to be displayed at any time. This could be used, for example, to allow superimposing a grid over an image in an architectural application program. The grid could be instantly displayed or removed at the touch of a key.

Musical Possibilities

A set of commands is also available for making single-voice musical melodies through the onboard speaker. Another sublanguage called MML (Music Macro Language) is used. A BASIC string is defined containing MML commands, which include commands for specifying pitches, octaves, timbres, and rests. To play the melody, the statement PLAY string is executed.

Minor Gripes

We noted only a few minor problems with the if800. When programming in BASIC, the keyboard produces uppercase letters in the normal mode. To get lowercase letters, the SHIFT key must be used. There is no shift-lock or lowercase-lock key, and there does not seem to be any way to reverse this behavior to the behavior most people expect (no shift = lowercase, shift = uppercase). This is fine for most programming, but if you have to type a lot of text (for example, in entering program instructions into the source file), it becomes annoying. The lowercase characters that have descenders are somewhat inelegant, as well; this is because of the small character matrix (8 by 8 dots).

Other Observations

In addition to Oki BASIC, we tested a 64K-byte version of CP/M. Since CP/M is widely known, we shall mention only a few unique features of the BMC version. First, a library of graphics routines that can be called from Microsoft's MBASIC is available. This allows utilizing most of the Oki BASIC graphics primitives (LINE, CIRCLE, PAINT, etc., but not GML commands) from MBASIC. In

fact, the CP/M graphics library seems to execute these commands slightly faster than Oki BASIC.

A version of Wordstar, the popular word processor from Micropro International, was also supplied. Overall it works quite well, with most of the special features (such as boldface, underlining, and text justification) sup

ported by the if800's built-in printer. Features not supported include multiple text sizes and proportional spacing, since the if800 printer cannot perform these functions. Also of interest is the fact that Micropro is said to be working on a color version for the if800, which will utilize the color capability of the video display.

Photo 5: The Canon CX-1 computer. All the parts of the basic machine (keyboard, processor, two disk drives, and green video-display screen) are contained within a single molded plastic case.

Canon CX-1

The CX-1 computer is being presented in the marketplace mainly as a business computer, partly because of its one-piece construction and its monochrome green display screen, which make it quite at home in an office setting. The documentation is well suited for use by inexperienced office workers. It is being marketed in this country by Canon U.S.A. Inc., which has its main office in Lake Success, New York.

Hardware Overview

The basic parts of the CX-1 computer—the keyboard, processor, memory, video display, and two floppy-disk drives—are housed in a single cabinet measuring 53 by 64 by 33 cm (21 by 25 by 13 inches), shown in photo 5. This single-piece design has both advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is that there are no connecting cables to break or wear out. A disadvantage is that the unit

66 May 1982 © BYTE Publkaeions Inc

takes up a lot of desk space and is quite heavy; it weighs 25 kg (55 is).

pounds).

Keyboard Characteristics

The CX-l's keyboard has 84 keys. In addition to the normal typewriter keys, it includes a numeric keypad, several command keys (SHIFT LOCK, UC, CTRL [Control], CAN, and ESC [Escape]), several editing keys (four cursor-control arrows, HOME, INS [insert], and DEL), two mode-select keys (PROG and OPE), and a HLT (halt) key.

Among the command keys are both a SHIFT LOCK key (which acts like a typewriter shift lock in that both alphabetic and numeric/symbol keys are locked in the shifted position) and a UC key (for "uppercase," which shift-locks only the alphabetic keys). The unfamiliar mode-select keys are used when programming in BASIC to switch between programming and operating modes (this will be explained later).

The HLT key is used to put the computer into a "pause" state. The computer will suspend whatever it is doing and display a special prompt character to show that it is in the pause state. You can then either continue or abort the current process. If this is done during execution of a BASIC program, variables can be examined in the pause state. This is very useful for debugging programs.

Another unfamiliar key is the large one labeled START on the right side of the keyboard. This key usually seems to work just like the RETURN key. It is labeled START because of the feature of Canon's BASIC interpreter that allows you to run a program by just hitting START in the "OPE" mode (rather than having to type "RUN" and then hit the RETURN key).

One notable omission from the keyboard is a REPEAT key (or a provision for automatic repetition of characters from all the keys). This is especially annoying when you are using the cursor-movement keys, as in editing; you have to keep jabbing

away at the keyboard to keep the cursor moving. A REPEAT key would eliminate much of this tedium.

Other Hardware Features

The 12-inch green monochrome video-display screen sits over the keyboard. The display format is 24 rows

Photo 6: The CX-1 display, showing the dual-intensity (or "boldface") capability. Characters can be displayed in two different intensities on the CRT (cathode-ray tube). Also, notice the clock display in the upper right-hand corner. This display (which can be either real time or elapsed time from some event) is automatically refreshed every second by the operating system. Photo by the authors.

of 80 characters, and the overall display quality is excellent. One rare feature of the CX-1 is its ability to display characters on the screen in two different levels of brightness (sort of an electronic boldface). Photo 6 shows an example of this dualintensity display, along with the complete character set. The CX-1 is an entirely character-oriented machine; these characters are all that can be displayed on the screen. There are no user-definable characters or any mechanism for displaying bit-mapped graphics.

A unique feature of the CX-1 is a constant display of the time from the internal time-of-day clock; this always appears in the upper righthand corner of the video screen.

To the right of the screen are two SVi-inch floppy-disk drives. Each one has a capacity of 320k bytes per disk. The operating system has a software door-lock function that prevents an absentminded user from opening the drive doors when the read/write head is engaged.

In the rear of the case are jacks for two optional additional disk drives, an optional light pen, three RS-232C serial ports, and three Centronicscompatible parallel ports.

Software: Operating System

The Canon computer is built around an 8-bit 6809 microprocessor and runs an operating system called MCX ("Monitor program for CX-1"), which is both powerful and unconventional. It is a very "modeoriented" system; that is, you perceive the system as operating in various modes, each identified by a different prompt character. Operating modes, and their prompt characters, include:

0>MCX command mode $ BASIC operating mode % BASIC programming mode @ Pause mode Editor

You can switch modes by various commands or keystrokes. Commands are not always obvious or consistent, however. For example, to switch from BASIC programming mode to operating mode, you must press the OPE key (whereupon a small LED on the OPE key lights up). To switch back, however, you must press PROG and then hit the RETURN key.

Another unconventional characteristic of the MCX operating system is that all user typing appears on the bottom two lines of the screen. Therefore it has no screen editing, and even the method of entering and editing a BASIC program takes some getting used to. When a BASIC statement is entered, it first appears on the twenty-third line of the screen, near the bottom. When the RETURN key is typed, the statement jumps to the

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 67

Japans QotnputQv^

At a Glance

Name

Canon CX-1

Distributor

Canon U.S.A. Inc. One Canon Plaza Lake Success. NY 11042 (516) 488-6700

Dimensions (inches)

13 by 20% by 25 </e

Microprocessor

6809, 8-bit

Size of User Memory

64K bytes

Number of Keys

84

Number of Function Keys

Standard Interfaces

Light pen; RS-232C (DB-25); printer; more disks

Expansion Sockets

Character Sets

Roman, graphics, boldface

Graphics/Color Resolution

None

Number of Colors

Other Features

Alphanumeric line labels; other FORTRANlike features in BASIC

Price

S4995 (whole system)

main part of the display and reappears at the correct place in the program. Similarly, to change a BASIC statement, you must first pull it down to the twenty-third line (via an editing command), edit it, and then reinsert it into the program.

MCX acts like CP/M in that when it encounters an unrecognized command, it searches the disk to try to find a BASIC or command file by that name to execute. The MCX operating system seems to read from and write to the system disk more frequently than most systems; this slows down

(1a)

FRC(x) = x mod 1 (i.e., the fractional part of x)

FIX(x,n) = value of x rounded off to n decimal places

MOD(x.n) = x MOD n (i.e., remainder when dividing x by n)

MAX(x?,x2 xn) Highest valued member of a set of numbers

MIN(x?,x2,...,xr?) Lowest valued member of a set of numbers

(1b)

CX-1 Function Microsoft Equivalent

ASC$

CHR$

CHR$

STR$

STR$

MID$

Table 1: Handy arithmetic functions available under Canon CX-1 BASIC (la), and string functions that are incompatibly named for conversion from Microsoft BASIC (lb).

the operation of many commands. We were surprised that the system accesses the disk during certain phases of operation—for instance, every time the BASIC program in memory is edited and run (the disk access

The Canon CX-1 s

one-piece construction

and its monochrome

green display screen

make it quite at

home in an

office setting.

comes after you type the RUN command).

Another feature of the MCX operating system is the SECURE command, which allows you to cause a BASIC program file on disk to assume the "secured" state. A secured file can only be executed, not listed. This provides a modicum of software protection, since it prevents unauthorized users from reading the source code. When a file is secured, a six-character password is requested. Only by correctly reiterating this password can a file be unsecured.

Software: BASIC Interpreter

The most important subsystem of MCX is Canon CX-1 BASIC. This in

teresting dialect of BASIC contains certain features seemingly borrowed from FORTRAN. This version of BASIC uses type declarations akin to those in FORTRAN, the double asterisk ("**") for exponentiation, FORMAT statements, and an interesting form of subprogram linkage. Perhaps the most attractive feature of CX-1 BASIC is its ability to use alphabetic labels for program lines. Here is a sample program in CX-1 BASIC:

10 FOR 1 = 1 TO 100

20 N = N + I

30 IF N>2000 GOTO [FINIS]

40 NEXT I

50 [FINIS] PRINT I: END

Notice that each line still has a line number, as in ordinary BASIC, but it can also have a label in brackets after the line number. This label can be referenced in GOTO, GOSUB, and IF... GOTO statements.

Another unique feature of CX-1 BASIC is its CALL statement, which allows an executing BASIC program in memory to call a BASIC program on disk as a subroutine. Upon encountering a CALL, the operating system searches for and loads the called program into memory, executes it, and then returns control to

68 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

the original calling program. Values of variables can be passed between programs by declaring them with a PARAM statement in the called program. It is possible in this way to have many BASIC routines in memory at once (assuming they all fit, of course).

This powerful capability allows the programmer to write structured, modular programs. Libraries of commonly used Canon-BASIC routines can be developed and tested individually. These routines can then be used by other programs or executed sequentially to form new, more complex programs.

Also, it has a built-in XREF command, which provides a cross-reference listing of a BASIC program, listing all variables and the lines in which they occur. To our knowledge, this is the only BASIC interpreter that comes with this command built in.

CX-1 BASIC contains several unusual and useful functions, such as the arithmetic functions shown in table la. Two other unique keywords are SAVECRT% and LOADCRT%, which save and recall the current video-screen image as a 1920-byte disk record.

One last observation about CX-1 BASIC: some of the string functions have nonstandard names compared to almost all other versions of BASIC (certainly the Microsoft-derived varieties). Some examples of these are shown in table lb. This can be quite confusing at first to an experienced BASIC user. It also complicates the conversion of programs to or from other versions of BASIC.

Other Software

In addition to the BASIC language, several other important subsystems of MCX come as standard equipment with the computer, including a lineoriented text editor (similar to the familiar ED of CP/M) and a 6809 assembler and debugger. Finally, it also has a text formatter called CROFF (Canon's version of Unix's NROFF?) that, unfortunately, we were not able to test.

Photo 7: NEC's PC-8001A together with the color monitor, PC-8012 I/O unit, and PC-8032 dual floppy-disk drive.

NEC PC-8001 A

The Nippon Electric Company (NEC) PC-8001 A, shown in photo 7, is a version of the PC-8001 that has been adapted for the American market. (We previously reviewed the original unit as it was sold in Japan; see our article "The NEC PC-8001: A New Japanese Personal Computer," January 1981 BYTE, page 72.) As you would expect, there are few differences. To avoid duplication, we shall concentrate on those differences and on the floppy-disk drives and I/O chassis, which we did not review last time.

As closely as we can determine, the software for the PC-8001A is identical to that of the PC-8001—both run Version 1.1 of N-BASIC, written for

NEC by Microsoft. (On the unit we tested, there was one galling difference: the cursor would not appear when the screen was in the 80- or 72-characters-per-line mode. An NEC spokesman, however, assured us that this was due to a defect in the unit we were testing and is not a characteristic of the system.)

Keyboard and Character Set

The katakana characters available on the PC-8001 display have been replaced by the Greek alphabet and a set of superscripts (see photo 8 on page 70). The keyboard, aside from the absence of kana legends on the keycaps, has only two differences. What was the Roman/katakana key

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 69

Japanese (Computers

Photo 8: The NEC display. Katakana characters in the Japanese version have been replaced by Greek characters and superscripts in the American version.

At a Glance

Name

Optional Interfaces

NECPC-8001A

Floppy-disk drives; I/O chassis; com

munications subsystem (IBM 3270, 3780.

Distributor

and HASP protocols)

NEC Information Systems Inc.

5 Militia Dr.

Expansion Sockets

Lexington, MA 02173

1 (system bus)

(617) 862-3120

Character Sets

Dimensions (Inches)

Roman, Greek, superscripts, graphics

3'/4 by 16% by 1 1

Graphics/Color Resolution

Microprocessor

160 by 100; 80 by 25

pPD780C-l (8-bit, Z80-compatible)

(character-oriented)

Size of User Memory

Number of Colors

32K bytes

8

Number of Keys

Other Features

82

Time-of-day clock; beeper

Number of Function Keys

Prices

5 (shift yields 10 functions)

Keyboard/processor S995

RGB color monitor S995

Standard Interfaces

Dual floppy-disk drive S995

RS-232C; audio-cassette tape;

I/O unit 5649

monochrome video monitor; RGB color

monitor; printer; expansion bus

on the 8001 is a much needed shiftlock key on the 8001A, and a duplicate "—" (minus) key in the 8001's numeric keypad has been replaced by a locking "alternate character set" (i.e., Greek and superscripts) key on the 8001 A.

Unfortunately, neither the alternate character set nor the graphics character set are indicated by legends on the keycaps—this makes them extremely awkward to use. If you have forgotten which is the Greek "gamma" (7) key, for example, you have to open the instruction manual, turn to the keyboard diagram, locate the gamma key, count the number of keys to the edge of the keyboard in the diagram, count the same number of keys in from the edge of the actual keyboard, and finally press the key. While most of the other computers reviewed here make you use this same sequence for graphic-character input, NEC forces you to do it for both graphics and Greek characters. Such a nuisance could and should be remedied, either by inscribing the alternative characters on the tops or fronts of the keys or by offering a set of stick-on labels for both alternative character sets.

What's Inside?

Inside the keyboard/processor module, we found only two differences between the Japanese and American versions. The American version has a thick metal cover over the main printed-circuit board. This cover protects and stiffens the board underneath, but it was probably added as a shield to help the PC8001A meet the Federal Communications Commission's stringent RFI (radio-frequency interference) emission limits. Also, the American version has more memory, 32K bytes, as standard equipment. (Because part of this memory is used for the display, up to 26,786 bytes are available to the read-only-memory-based BASIC interpreter for program and data storage, while 19,367 bytes are available to the disk BASIC system.) The NEC jtPD780C-l microprocessor, which is

70 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

practically identical to the Zilog Z80, runs at 4 MHz.

Judging from our experience with the Japanese version, the hardware is quite reliable. We have used our PC-8001 both as a computer and as a terminal almost daily for over a year and a half with no trouble.

Our only quibbles have been relatively minor. One is the location of the Reset button, which extends from the rear of the console. It is easily triggered by accident if you push the keyboard against books or a wall at the back of your desk. We eventually remedied this minor problem by hanging a large hex nut on the protruding button. Our other quibble is the RS-232C serial interface—instead of a standard DB-25S connector on the outside of the case, NEC provides only a DIP (dual-inline pin) socket hidden away in a relatively inaccessible spot inside the case. NEC does sell an adapter cable with a DB-25, but the added expense should not be necessary.

The size of the NEC keyboard/processor module is attractively small: only 8.3 by 26 by 43 cm (3V* by 10Vi by 16% inches), hardly bigger than just the keyboard. It is light enough to hold on your lap while you type, and it can easily be shoved to the side of your desk top when it's not in use—a definite advantage if your desk is crowded and doesn't really have room for a computer. Moreover, like most of the Japanese computers reviewed here, it can serve double duty either as a computer or as a remote terminal for a larger system.

Peripherals and Expansion

Of course, such a small chassis has no room inside for expansion, but to many users that is unimportant. For those who do wish to expand their systems, NEC sells the PC-8012A I/O unit shown in photo 9, a box that contains a power supply, 32K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory), sockets for 2K bytes of PROM (programmable read-only memory), interrupt-control circuitry,

Photo 9: The NEC PC-8012A I/O unit has seven slots for expansion and connectors on the back that can carry nonstandard voltages to the bus.

HEXADECIMAL FFFF

8000 7FFF

6000 5FFF

2000 1FFF

0000

PC-8001A RAM

PC-8001A

MASKED

ROM

N-BASIC

PC-8001A RAM

PC-8012A PROM

PC-8001A RAM

PC-8012A RAM

MODE 0

MODE 1

MODE 2

Figure 1: The NEC PC-8001A can operate in any of three memory modes when the PC8012A I/O unit is connected.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 71

Japanese Computed.

and an extension of the system bus (called the "mother bus") with seven 36-pin slots for plug-in cards. One of these slots normally holds a floppydisk interface card, and the PC-8031 double disk drive can plug into the 8012A. If you don't need the interface box, the disk drive can apparently be connected to the keyboard/processor module through another less widely advertised accessory, the PC-8033 disk-interface unit. A second double disk unit, the PC-8032, can be daisychained to the 8031.

Making the Connection

NEC will win no industrial-design awards for this arrangement of the peripheral devices. Both the disk drive and the I/O unit are big and awkward, and the interconnecting cables provided with the units are too short to allow you much freedom in the way the boxes can be arranged on a flat surface. The expansion unit must sit about six inches behind the keyboard/processor. By straining the cable a bit, you can place the disk drive to either side of the keyboard. The combination of short, wide peripherals and short cables largely negates the advantages of the 800lA's small size.

Nor has the cabling arrangement been designed with an inexperienced or inept user in mind. Instead of separate connectors mounted firmly to the chassis, slots located in the chassis give access to edge connectors on the printed-circuit boards. The boards are recessed and slightly flexible, and, since there is inevitably some play in their mountings, seating the connectors properly or unplugging them requires considerable fumbling.

Moreover, the connectors have not been "idiot-proofed"; they can be inserted upside down about as easily as they can be inserted right side up. Indeed, the disk-unit-to-I/O-unit (8031 to 8012A) cable almost begs to be inserted upside down—an arrow on the connector that is supposed to indicate proper orientation is printed on the bottom of the connector, where it is

invisible when the connector is oriented correctly.

Using Expanded Memory

Three memory modes are available for using the additional memory in the I/O-expansion unit (see figure 1). In mode 0, none of it is used, while in mode 1, only the PROM in the I/O unit can be addressed, along with the 32K bytes of RAM in the keyboard/ processor module. In mode 2, the 32K bytes of RAM in the 8012A are mapped into the memory-address space normally occupied by the BASIC-interpreter ROM, giving a full 64K bytes of user memory, but no BASIC. NEC spokesmen say that CP/M is available for the PC-8001A; undoubtedly, it must run in mode 2. Up to four more 32K-byte banks of RAM can be installed in slots in the motherboard. Any one of these banks can be swapped in address space with the main memory under software control, but no currently available software supports this.

Judging from our

experience with the

Japanese version, the

hardware of the NEC

PC-8001 is quite

reliable.

Control-Line Versatility

The bus structure of the 8012 appears to be designed for either instrumentation or process control. It looks like it could be easily interfaced to the IEEE-488 bus. It has separate lines for eight levels of interrupts, and an 8214 interrupt-control chip is an integral part of the unit. Also included is a 600-hertz (Hz) real-time clock that can be used to generate an interrupt every 1.67 milliseconds (ms); during such an interval, the microprocessor could poll or service many more than eight devices.

In addition to the address, data, control, and interrupt lines, the system bus has six undefined lines, plus

two sets of lines that can carry voltages input through a set of connectors at the rear of the chassis. These features make the bus particularly convenient to those wishing to build homebrew interfaces, even to systems requiring voltages other than the standard +5 volts (V) and ±12 V.

Floppy-Disk System

While, as we noted above, the dual floppy-disk drives take up a lot of real estate on your desk because they are mounted side by side, horizontally, they do hold a lot of data. The soft-sectored 5Vi-inch disks are formatted for 256 bytes per sector, 16 sectors per track, with 35 tracks per disk (34 user-accessible), for a total of 139k bytes per disk, although the disk directory won't allow a lot of small files. The cabinet is made of the same sturdy metal as the 8012 I/O unit, and, in addition to the clasp that snaps the drive doors open and shut, each drive has a separate lever that can be used to lock it shut.

The disk-drive unit is also "intelligent"—a separate controller within the drive unit does some of the work associated with storing data on a disk; the unburdened main processor just passes data through an I/O port. This is probably the reason for the major peculiarity of the NEC disk-access software.

In most disk BASICs, you just slide a disk into drive number 2 and type LOAD "2:filename" and the file loads. If you try that with the PC8001A, you will get the error message "Disk Not Mounted"—you must type MOUNT 2 before you can use the disk. When you are done with the data on the disk, you must similarly type REMOVE 2 before removing the disk; if you insert another disk in the same drive, you must MOUNT it as well. These commands are necessary because the microprocessor works with a copy of the disk's fileallocation table that it reads into user memory when it executes the MOUNT command. The disk's copy of this table is not updated until the

72 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese ComPutW

REMOVE command is executed. If you forget to issue the REMOVE command, the manual warns, the interpreter will not be able to locate any of the files you have added during that session, and, in the worst case, all data on the disk will be lost.

D ocumentation

As we explained earlier, we have not mentioned documentation for most of the machines reviewed here. Because some of them have not yet been introduced into the U.S. market, many of the user's manuals we saw were either preliminary translations or in the original Japanese. But the NEC PC-8001A is already being sold here, and the documentation we saw was what a buyer would see. We therefore decided to mention the documentation briefly to reassure would-be buyers who fear that the instructions for their new, expensive, and complicated Japanese computer may be as mystifying as the instructions that come with a cheap madein-Japan Christmas toy.

Although NEC's documentation is readable, in places it could be much better. The PC-8012A I/O Unit User's Manual would probably be somewhat mystifying to a totally inexperienced user because it seems to presuppose a good knowledge of both hardware and software. There are not enough step-by-step, do-this-then-dothat instructions; complicated features are inadequately explained; and some of the text is just plain bad English.

The PC-8001A Microcomputer Reference Manual is uneven in quality. Explanations of the BASIC commands are good, but they duplicate some sections of the NEC BASIC Language Learning Guide word for word. Explanations of more complicated hardware or system features, such as the terminal mode and the assembly-language monitor, tend to be confusing and poorly written. (One extreme example discusses the TM (test memory) command: "Note: As for the contents of the FF39 through FF3C numbers, since only

under normal circumstances does TL (sic) memory of the FF39 - FF3C numbers become significant, after the TM command is entered in a situation in which an error occurs for a few seconds." Anyone find a verb there?) Moreover, the English version leaves out a lot of valuable information included in the Japanese documentation, the PC-8001 User's Manual. Most conspicuously absent are the pinout tables for the printer interface, system bus, and RS-232C interface. The last is particularly

noticeable because the RS-232C connector is a DIP socket and not a standard DB-25 connector.

On the other hand, the PC-8031 Mini Disk Unit User's Manual is pretty good, although it could be improved by the addition of some photographs of assembled systems. And NEC's BASIC Language Learning Guide is excellent—a wellplanned and well-written primer with many examples and a set of self-test review exercises and answers at the end of each chapter.

Photo 10: The Hitachi MB-6890 personal computer together with the color video display, double floppy-disk drive, and dot-matrix printer.

Hitachi MB-6890

The word that best describes the Hitachi MB-6890, shown in photo 10, is flexible. It offers as standard equipment several features that other manufacturers provide only as expensive add-ons, such as a light-pen interface and an RS-232C interface complete with DB-25 connector. Also, it has such a profusion of hardware- and software-controllable switches and options that each user can configure the machine to individual taste.

Details of Construction

The case of the Hitachi processor unit is entirely plastic except for the detachable metal lid covering the rear. The rather thin (0.27-mm, 0.070-inch) base is reinforced with plastic posts in the rear where it is often required to bear the weight of the video monitor, and it is protected in front by the overlap of the substantially thicker plastic of the keyboard. This monocoque construction yields

74 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computes

Photo 11: Hitachi provides a set of individually removable panels along the back of the processor enclosure to give access to individual expansion slots on the motherboard.

At a Glance

Name

monitor; RGB color monitor; audio-cassette

Hitachi MB-6890

tape; light pen; printer; game paddles

American Representative

Optional Interfaces

Hitachi Sales Corporation

Disk drives; extra printers

of America

401 West Artesia Blvd.

Expansion Sockets

Compton, CA 90220

6 for I/O; 2 for RAM

|2I3) 537-8383

Character Sets

Dimensions (inches)

Roman, katakana, hiragana, graphics

43/4 by 1 7% by 20'/4

Graphics/Color Resolution

Microprocessor

640 by 200; 80 by 200

6809. 8-bit

Number of Colors

Size of User Memory

8 on 8

32K bytes

Other Features

Number of Keys

89

Time-of-day clock

Prices (Yen Equivalent In Dollars)

Number of Function Keys

Keyboard/processor Y = S1035

5 (with shift gives 10 functions)

Color monitor Y = S 860

Disk drive Y = S1500

Standard Interfaces

Printer Y = S 763

RS-232C (DB-25); monochrome video

76 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

a processor cabinet that is adequately strong and remarkably light.

The back of the case, shown in photo 11, shows Hitachi's solution to the problem of how to give access to optional peripheral-device circuit boards plugged into the system's bus. Six 56-pin sockets for edge connectors are mounted on the motherboard, perpendicular to the back of the case, and there is a removable plastic slot panel behind each socket.

The disk-controller board shown installed in the first slot incorporates a similar slot panel, mounted on the circuit card, that both stiffens the card and houses the card's connection to the outside world. Thus, no gaping holes are left for options that you may never install, nor must you arrange to snake expensive lengths of ribbon cable all over the inside of the processor cabinet to reach a fortuitous gap between sections of the case.

Since this plastic case provides no electromagnetic shielding, most of the motherboard and the circuit board underlying the keyboard are covered with thin (0.43-mm, 0.017-inch) sheets of aluminized plastic, making them look like hastily wrapped Christmas packages. Because this "gift wrapping" is staked in place and impedes access to the motherboard, it must surely also impede convective cooling of the electronic components underneath. On the other hand, it provides expensive components with an extra layer of protection against dust or an overturned mug of coffee.

System Versatility

The most striking features inside the case are the large number of miscellaneous unused connectors and a plethora of relocatable jumper connections. This suggests that it may be possible to substantially reconfigure the hardware rather easily.

In fact, a number of such reconfigurations are documented in the user's manual. Several of the jumpers have functions you might expect, such as setting the serial data-transfer rate and the transmission/reception parameters for the terminal mode.

I i I I

* I

WHEN AMERICAN BUSINESS HITS THE ROAD, AMERICAN BUSINESS DECIDES ON HILTON.

H

Wk£r

I ■

hi now

AMERICA'S BUSINESS ADDRESS

Japans Computers

Switch Number Open

Closed

1 BASIC mode

Terminal mode

2 Interlaced screen

Noninterlaced screen

3 80 characters per line

40 characters per line

4 Normal mode

High-resolution mode

5 Function keys labeled

Function keys unlabeled

6 Half duplex when terminal

Full duplex when terminal

7 7 bits/char when terminal

8 bits/char when terminal

8 Hiragana converted to

Hiragana output to printer

katakana for printer

Table 2: Functions of the Hitachi state-selection switch.

Photo 12: The Hitachi BREAK key is protected by a transparent plastic clamshell. The KATA/HiRA key can change the machine between any of three states— the color of the LED beside it indicates the state.

More unusual is an eight-position DIP switch on the motherboard that can be used to determine what state the machine will be in when the power is turned on (see table 2). Normally, the switch on the console labeled MODE is wired in parallel with DIP switch number 3, the characters-per-line switch. But by simply moving a jumper on the mother

board, it can be rewired to parallel DIP switches 1 or 2.

We should add that all these parameters can be reset individually by issuing the appropriate command from the keyboard, e.g., WIDTH 80 to select the 80-characters-per-line display mode. If you would rather change several of them simultaneously, you could reboot the system in the

desired mode with the command NEW ON b where b is an expression with a value from 0 to 255, inclusive. The 8 bits of the binary representation of b serve the same purpose as the eight DIP switches; a 1 in the least significant bit (bit 1) corresponds to switch 1 being in the open position.

This is a fine idea, showing great insight into the wide variety of ways people use personal computers. It allows the person who uses the machine primarily as a remote terminal for a large system to turn the MB-6890 on and find a functioning terminal, rather than a computer that can be turned into a terminal only with a lengthy set of commands; it allows the person who wants both a computer and a terminal to configure a machine that switches from one use to the other with one push of a button; and it lets the person who primarily wants a stand-alone computer to find the machine in this form when it is turned on.

Keyboard

The keyboard, like that on the other computers reviewed here, has all the typewriter keys, plus a numeric/editing keypad and a set of userdefinable function keys. Controls that are used infrequently (the on/off, reset, and mode-select switches, and a knob controlling the loudness of the click that accompanies each keystroke) are hidden behind a small door at the top of the keyboard. The BREAK key (a powerful stop/reset key) has a transparent plastic clamshell around its front edge (visible in photo 12), which prevents you from hitting it accidentally.

The keyboard has four cursorcontrol keys. The cursor-left and cursor-right keys have two separate modes of operation. Normally, they move the cursor in increments of one character position, but with the SHIFT key depressed, they move the cursor a word at a time.

Every time you hit a key, the speaker in the bottom of the keyboard/processor module produces a click. As we said, a knob adjusts the volume. The electronic clicks are

78 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computers

completely inaudible when the knob is set for minimum volume, but the key hitting the mechanical stop at the bottom of its excursion still provides audible feedback. Thus, the only distinctive function served by these clicks is to indicate the repeated entries that occur when a key is held down for more than a half second. Nonetheless, the pitch and duration of beeps from the speaker may be controlled by an assembly-language program. Thus, the speaker can be used to produce sound effects and rudimentary music.

The MB-6890, like most microcomputers, uses a scanned keyboard; the keys are wired in a matrix, with each key capable of closing a connection between a horizontal (row) and vertical (column) electrical line. The keyboard-monitor circuitry detects closure of the switch inside the key by rapidly sending out pulses to successive columns while monitoring the row lines. An input sensed on row x while the output is going to row y indicates that the key at the intersection of x and y was pressed. Since the circuitry can typically complete a scanning cycle many times during the interval it takes a key to close and open again, it is unlikely to miss keys hit by even the fastest typist. Software in the keyboard monitor can aid in deciphering key "rollover," hitting a second key before the first is released.

But the MB-6890 keyboard, either through insufficient scanning speed or inadequate rollover software, does not accept key rollover very gracefully. The manual warns, "Be careful not to press more than three keys at the same time." This may seem an unlikely occurrence during text entry; whether it is or not depends on your skill as a typist, your typing speed, and the type of material you are entering. The problem is most apparent when you hold down the GRAPH key (to input either graphics or hiragana characters, depending on graphics mode) and rapidly type D followed by the adjacent key F. The computer often interprets it as a spurious cursor-up character, and the

cursor goes bouncing merrily up to the previous line. Very disconcerting and very annoying!

Coping with Characters

The key labeled KATA/HIRA solves the problem of dealing with the four character sets used in Japanese text. Hitachi's elegant solution could easily be adapted to more universal problems. To understand its function, you must know that Japanese, unlike most languages, has four separate writing systems: kanji, katakana, hiragana, and the Roman alphabet. A brief discussion of the function of each appears in the text box "Japanese Character Sets" on page 63.

One of the most

intriguing features

of the MB-6890 is the

light-pen interface,

which is standard

equipment. The pen,

both simple and

sturdy, is extremely

easy to use.

Most of the Japanese personal computers reviewed here offer a Romanalphabet keyboard with some sort of locking shift key that allows the same keys to be used for katakana as well. There are generally a few very common kanji characters used as graphics keys (the pictographs for "date" and "time," for example), but the hiragana characters require resolution beyond the capability of most noninterlaced video displays.

Here's the way Hitachi approached the problem. The MB-6890 has an interlaced graphics mode (which doubles the vertical resolution of the characters), and in that mode, it offers you a choice of Roman, katakana, or hiragana characters. Normally, the keyboard produces Roman characters. Hit the KATA/ HIRA key once and an LED beside it

turns red, indicating that the keyboard is now accepting katakana input. Hit the key again and the LED turns green, indicating that the keyboard is accepting hiragana input. Hit it a third time and the LED goes out—you are back in the Roman mode.

File Operations

The Hitachi flavor of BASIC (Level-3 BASIC, a product of Microsoft) allows the programmer to pass files of data to or from any of the I/O interfaces—cassette tape, serial port, disk, printer, screen, or keyboard— using a common command format. For instance, to output a program listing to any of these devices, there is the command

LIST "file descriptor" [,line number [,line number]]

where file descriptor is a standard string that identifies the device and the other parameters are optional. Thus, LIST "LPTO:" sends the listing to printer 0, whereas LIST "CAS0:TEST" sends it out the cassette interface into a tape file named TEST.

Light Pen

One of the most intriguing features of the MB-6890 is the light-pen interface, which is standard equipment (the pen itself, however, is an option). The pen is remarkably easy to use. Since the photodiode in its tip is mounted in a retractable switch, you can both locate the pen and trigger it by simply poking the tip against the screen. The pen is simple and sturdy; numerous falls from the desk top to the floor did not seem to damage it. This interface is supported in software by Level-3 BASIC, which offers a set of keywords for controlling the light pen (see table 3).

The keywords reflect the areas where light pens are most useful:

• Option selection from a menu. The computer displays a list of choices, each one next to a box, and you in

80 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computer

ON PEN GOSUB line number when pen in undefined area [,line number when in nth area...]

—Branches to the nth subroutine when the light pen is pushed against the nth defined area

PEN n;[{horizontal starting point, vertical starting point) - (horizontal end point, vertical end point)] —Defines rectangular areas for ON PEN command

PEN ON—Pushing pen causes an interrupt OFF—Pen does not cause interrupt STOP—Pushing pen does not generate interrupts, but the status is stored; the subroutine executes at the next PEN ON

PEN(argument)—a variable returning the following values for different values of the argument:

Argument Value returned

0 TRUE when pen pressed

1 Horizontal position of pen when pen pressed

2 Vertical position of pen when pen pressed

3 TRUE while pen is being pressed, FALSE else

4 Current horizontal position as long as pen is pressed

5 Current vertical position as long as pen is pressed

Table 3: Hitachi MB-6890 light-pen commands.

HEXADECIMAL ADDRESS

(HEAD ADDRESS OF USER MEMORY)

RESS

DECIMAL Al 0

)DRESS

0000

WORK AREA (1)

r-5BITS-^

0400

(1)

1024

COLOR RAM

(2)

(4)

WORK AREA (2)

USER-MEMORY AREA

7FFF

32,767 40,960

UNOCCUPIED AREA

A000

ROM AREA

BASIC AND MONITOR

(24K BYTES)

65,280 65,535

FF00 FFFF

INPUT/OUTPUT ADDRESSINTERRUPT VECTORS

Figure 2: Memory map of the Hitachi MB-6890. This machine has an extra 5-bit-wide segment of memory that is addressed parallel to the segment of RAM that controls the video display. The extra 5 bits are used to specify the color of the corresponding pixel.

dicate your choice by pointing to a box with the light pen. Done properly, this can make use of the keyboard unnecessary.

• Screen location. You indicate where something is to be done on the screen by pointing to it with the light pen—much simpler than fiddling with cursors and control keys.

• Drawing. Instead of entering com

plicated shapes one point at a time, you just draw them on the screen using the light pen.

Nonetheless, light pens do have some inherent limitations, and the Hitachi unit is no exception. Since they work by detecting the image in the video raster on the screen and inferring the pen position from the tim

ing of the scanning beam, most light pens occasionally make mistakes. You trigger the pen here and the computer thinks that it was over there. In the Hitachi, the light pen seems particularly prone to wraparound errors. When you touch a point near the lefthand edge of the screen, the computer thinks you touched the right-hand side. But this is a problem that a clever programmer could largely circumvent by adding a verification step, such as letting a small blinking dot confirm the entry location before the computer accepts the data.

The Hitachi system displays another problem that results from the combination of a light pen with a color video display. The photodiode in the pen is not equally sensitive to all three primary additive colors. In fact, it is blind to red. This fact is not mentioned in the English-language version of the manual, but one of the demonstration programs supplied by the manufacturer shows that Hitachi is aware of the problem. In a routine in which you are supposed to select colors by pointing to the correct sample with the light pen, each color swatch has a white square in its center.

Graphics Display

Hitachi has made an interesting trade-off between memory use and display resolution. As the memory map in figure 2 shows, some of the

82 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

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Normal

High-Resolution

Horizontal Characters 40 80

40

80

Graphics Resolution 80 by 100 160 by 100

320 by 200

640 by 200

Color Resolution 40 by 25 80 by 25

40 by 200

80 by 200

Memory 1K 2K

8K

16K

Required/Screen

Character Mode 40 by 25 80 by 25

40 by 25

80 by 25

Usable

Character Matrix 8 by 8 pixels

8 by 16 pixels

Maximum Pages 16 8

2

1

Memory Available 29,546 28,522

22,378

14,186

to BASIC

Table 4: Hitachi display modes.

RAM is taken up by the display; how much depends on resolution. Apparently, a separate 5-bit-wide memory that controls color parallels the main memory. In the highest resolution mode, each pixel (picture element) of the 640- by 200-pixel screen can be turned on or off individually, but only one color in addition to the background color is available to pixels in a given colorresolution cell. Thus, lines of different colors intersecting within one color-resolution cell take the color of the last line entered. This means that extremely high-resolution graphics are possible if you either restrict yourself to one color in addition to the background color or are very careful about where and how different colored lines intersect. If you are not careful, you get lines changing colors and "jaggies" along diagonal borders between areas of different colors.

As table 4 shows, you are also able to trade off resolution against the number of video pages, where each page may contain a different picture. Although it may take a relatively long time to draw a particular picture, it is possible to put separate pictures on separate pages and rapidly flip back and forth by switching pages. This feature could be useful for animation, games, storytelling, or graph and chart presentation.

Peripheral Devices

In addition to the display and light pen mentioned above, the system we evaluated included the Hitachi

MP-3540 dual floppy-disk drive and MP-1040 dot-matrix printer. The connectors were well marked and designed so that they could not be inserted backward. Thus, it is nearly impossible to assemble the system incorrectly. We put everything together in less than five minutes without even looking at the manual. Hitachi, unlike some of the other manufacturers discussed here, included generous lengths of cable (more than three feet for each unit). The sockets for D-shaped connectors had wire ears that locked them in place so that they could not accidentally be pulled loose.

The dual SVi-inch floppy-diskdrive unit is reasonably compact, measuring 27 by 27 by 21 cm (105/8 by 10% by 8Ye inches), and unbelievably sturdy. The two drives are mounted vertically in a thick (1.65-mm, 0.065-inch) aluminum chassis that looks like it could withstand any abuse short of artillery fire. It weighs 11 kg (24 pounds).

Surprisingly, the disk drives are fan-cooled, even though the keyboard/processor unit is not. And, in addition to the power switch on the back, a "Motor" button on the front starts the drives spinning, independent of whether the processor is trying to read or write a disk. This might be useful if you have trouble centering disks when you put them in. A disk mounted on a rotating spindle tends to center itself.

The doors to the drive units do take a bit of getting used to. Instead of flipping a latch, to open a door you

push the door in, and a spring pops it open. The springs are very firm, and you initially get the erroneous feeling that you are crunching the floppy disk.

The disks are soft-sectored and single-density, with 128 bytes per sector. With 16 sectors per track and 40 tracks per disk, each disk can store a total of about 80k bytes. The middle tracks on each disk are reserved for the directory.

The Disk BASIC supplied with the system supports both sequential and random-access files. Also, it has a command that permits you to write to a specific sector on a specific drive, irrespective of file status. (This could be a dangerous command; using it carelessly could wipe out files, or even the directory.)

The MP-1040 printer is remarkably quiet and quick, the latter due to the bidirectional motion of the print head that causes the characters to appear on the paper boustrophedonically. The MP-1040 is a bit wider than the disk unit, measuring 36.1 by 32.8 by 13.3 cm (14V4 by 13 by 5V* inches), but its rubber feet are close enough together that it can sit on top of the disk drives if necessary. It can handle either fan-folded or rolled paper, either friction- or sprocket-feed, and can print not only Roman and katakana characters, but the more detailed hiragana characters as well. A rotary switch on the front panel allows the selection of 10 different form lengths, and push-button switches manually cause form and line feeds.

84 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Fujitsu FM-8

Photo 13: The Fujitsu FM-8 computer. Shown here are the keyboard/processor module, color monitor, and two disk drives, all connected together with lengthy cables for ease of rearrangement. Other optional hardware includes a printer, modem, joystick, and 2.80-processor card.

Update

At press time, we learned from Fujitsu that the company does not plan to sell in America the version of the FM-8 reviewed here. Instead, there is a strong possibility that Fujitsu will introduce an American version of the unit some time in the near future.

With the Fujitsu FM-8 ("FujitsuMicro 8"), we were faced once again with the unenviable task of attempting to use a computer for which documentation is not yet available in an English version. (We first went through this when we obtained our original Japanese-version NEC PC-8001.) Fortunately, many technical terms in the manual are written in katakana or English. Therefore, we

were able to decipher most of the salient features of the machine and obtain a fairly good working knowledge of it.

Hardware at First Look

The FM-8 computer system consists of three modules: keyboard/processor, SVi-inch floppy-disk drives, and video monitor, as shown in photo 13. Unlike some of the other computers, however, they are connected with long cables that can be rearranged to fit available desk or wall space. A four-foot ribbon cable goes from the keyboard through a small interface box to the disk drives, and an even longer round cable with DIN connectors goes to the color video monitor.

Keyboard and Controls

The keyboard has 95 keys in all, including most of the familiar ones encountered already (10 function keys, numeric keypad, editing keys). It does have a few unique features, however. Three of the keys, the CAP (uppercase lock) key, the katakana key, and the INS key, have adjacent red LEDs to indicate their status.

The INS key toggles the computer in and out of insert mode. When in insert mode, characters can be inserted in the middle of lines, and the line is automatically shifted over to accommodate the new characters.

Two other interesting keys are the EL (erase line) key and the DUP (duplicate) key. The EL key performs the standard erase-to-end-of-line function, which is useful but not often found on a keyboard. The DUP key causes the contents of the previous line to be duplicated into the current line being typed, up to the next tab stop. In other words, hitting the DUP key will enter as many as eight characters from the previous line into the current line. This is useful, for exam

86 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Plug and go. The SoftCard system starts with a Z-80 based circuit card. Just plug it into any slot (except 0) of your Apple. No modifications required. SoftCard supports most of your Apple peripherals, and, in 6502-mode, your Apple is still your Apple.

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BASIC included. A powerful tool, BASIC-80 is included in the SoftCard package. Running under CP/M, ANSI Standard BASIC-80 is the most powerful microcomputer BASIC available. It includes extensive disk I/O statements, error trapping, integer variables, 16-digit precision, extensive EDIT commands and string functions, high and low-res Apple graphics, PRINT USING, CHAIN and COMMON, plus many additional commands. And, it's a BASIC you can compile with Microsoft's BASIC Compiler.

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Japan^ Computed

At a Glance

Name

Fujitsu FM-8

American Representative

Fujitsu America Inc. 2945 Oakmead Village Court Santa Clara. CA 95051 |408) 727-4300

Dimensions (Inches)

4!* by 19 by 13!*

Microprocessors

Two 8-bit 6809s. one 4-bit 8841

Size of User Memory

64K bytes

Number of Keys

95

Number of Function Keys

10

Standard Interfaces

Analog input; RS-232C; expansion port; monochrome video monitor; RGB color monitor; printer

Optional Interfaces

Z80 processor card; disk drives

Expansion Sockets

1 (for Z80 card); 1 for system bus

Character Sets

Roman, katakana, graphics; optional: hiragana. Greek. Cyrillic, kanji

Graphics/Color Resolution

640 by 200

Number of Colors

Other Features

Time-of-day clock; optional bubble memory

Prices (Yen Equivalent In Dollars)

Y = S3400 (entire system) Keyboard/processor Y = S1035 Color monitor Y = S 860 Disk drive Y = S1500 Z80 expansion card Y= S50

pie, if you have two lines in a program such as:

100 A = C(I,J) + D(I,J) + 4*E(I,J) 110 R=C(IJ) + D(IJ) + 4*E(IJ)

Once you have typed line 100, you merely type "110 R = " and then hit the DUP key a few times to enter the rest of the line, which will be copied from the previous line.

The on/off switch for the computer is located under a hinged door in the upper right-hand corner of the keyboard. In our unit, there is nothing else under this door except a little niche that's just the right size for storing a bag of peanuts or a candy bar (to provide a little extra sustenance on those long nights of computing).

Fujitsu's engineers actually reserved this space to contain two optional bubble-memory-cartridge sockets. (We discuss bubble memory more in the review of the Bubcom80, coming up next.)

The back of the keyboard/processor unit contains jacks for several standard interfaces: floppy-disk

drives, serial RS-232C ports and parallel printer port, color video monitor, monochrome video monitor, and audio-cassette tape. A DIN jack labeled ANALOG IN provides at least two analog input ports that can be read from BASIC or assemblylanguage software. These ports can

The Fujitsu FA/1-8 s

multiprocessor division

of labor shows up in

speed.

be used, for example, for connecting game paddles or a joystick. There is also a 10-position DIP switch for setting various default parameters such as data rate and parity format for the remote-terminal mode.

Inspecting the Interior

Inside the keyboard/processor module, several surprises await you. First, it has three microprocessors!

Two are 8-bit 6809s, one serving as the central processor with the other dedicated entirely to handling videodisplay functions. The third one, a 4-bit microprocessor (a Fujitsu 8841), handles keyboard scanning. This division of labor means that the main processor is somewhat less taxed than in single-processor designs. This shows up in speed. The FM-8 was the fastest of the six computers reviewed here in a BASIC benchmark test that will be described later.

The main bank of random-access read/write memory is composed of eight 64K-bit memory chips, yielding 64K bytes. An additional 48K bytes of memory store the high-resolution video bit map composed of twentyfour 16K-bit chips.

Also taking up a significant area on the printed-circuit board (in the lower left-hand corner) are 16 integratedcircuit sockets, visible in all their bright-blue glory in photo 14. These were empty in our unit, but are intended to hold up to 16 ROM (readonly memory) chips. These ROMs provide the FM-8 with an amazing capability—an extra character set of 8500 characters! Approximately 8000 of these are Chinese-derived kanji characters; the remaining 500 include complete alphabets (uppercase and lowercase) of Cyrillic (used for Slavic languages, including Russian), Greek, Roman, and hiragana characters, plus some special symbols. Due to the intricate detail of the kanji pictographs, the auxiliary characters are formed in a 16 by 16 dot matrix, and are thus roughly twice the size of the ordinary characters. This character set is accessed from BASIC with the PRINT (x,y),A statement, where A is the hexadecimal address in ROM of the character desired; a table in the user's manual gives addresses for all the characters. Presumably, you could make your own ROMs containing characters for Arabic, Hebrew, APL, or whatever you like!

And if three microprocessors aren't enough, an optional Z80 processor card is available. It appears that this card is required to drive the alternate

88 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computers

Photo 14: Inside the keyboard of the FM-8. Visible in the lower left are 16 ROM sockets for the alternate-character-set ROMS.

Figure 3: An excerpt from the Fujitsu FM-8 Japanese-language tutorial BASIC manual, illustrating the ON...GOTO statement. The manual contains many such elegant and humorous drawings that are used to teach programming in BASIC.

character ROMs, but it apparently can be used as a general-purpose processor as well, since CP/M and other Z80 software are available for the FM-8.

BASIC Interpreter

Before we describe the software's capabilities, we want to praise whoever wrote the tutorial BASIC manual. Even though we could not read all of it (our edition is in Japanese), we were impressed by the simplicity and humor with which it teaches programming. (It is reminiscent of Roger Kaufman's A FORTRAN Coloring Book.) It is sprinkled liberally with good programming examples and amusing illustrations, like the one shown in figure 3, depicting the operation of various BASIC keywords. The other two manuals that come with the FM-8 (system-reference manual and BASIC-reference manual) also appear to be quite good (as far as we can tell).

The FM-8 dialect of BASIC (called FBASIC) is in many ways similar to some of the other BASICs reviewed here, supporting most of the same text, graphics, and I/O keywords as the others. It does have a few extra capabilities, however.

Of the graphics statements available, most notable is the CONNECT (xl,yl),{x2,y2),...,(xn,yn) statement. This statement draws a connected line segment through the points indicated, and can be used, for example, to draw polygonal outlines. Since most of the computers reviewed here have a polygon-fill command (PAINT), it is surprising that the FM-8 is the only one with a single command to draw an empty polygon (on all the others, you must use LINE commands in a loop to draw the line segments of the polygon). With the CONNECT command, it takes only two program statements to draw a filled polygon—you CONNECT it, then PAINT it.

Another unique keyword is SYMBOL, which provides the FM-8 with the unique ability to write multiple

90 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 346 on inquiry card.

VERSAbOX

The only intelligent SPOOLER/BUFFER with an optional REAL TIME CLOCK interface/ display. For use with all Centronics parallel and RS-232C INPUT/OUTPUT interfaces.

VERSAbox s high-speed input combined with up to 60K buffer (more with character compression) frees up your computer from the slow |ob of printing. Modems and other compatible devices can also be buffered. Multiple softwareselectable outputs permit you to choose between two or more VERSAbox outputs or use them simultaneously. You can buffer multiple inputs simultaneously too.

Add the optional REAL TIME CLOCK to VERSAbox and you get a six digit LED numeric time display. Your computer can read the time via the RS-232C port. Another useful option is the SWITCHED 120V SOCKET that can turn external devices on and off by clock control.

VERSAbox is supplied in an attractive, compact 11" wide. 8 deep. 3" high cabinet Interface cables are available from your dealer or Prometheus. SPECIAL OFFER for Apple II owners: Buy a VERSAbox this month and you will receive a tree parallel interface and cable.

VERSAbox, standard model with Centronics parallel INPUT/OUTPUT only and 16K buffer S249.00

VERSAbox. with both Centronics parallel and RS-232C INPUT/OUTPUT and 16K buffer S299.00

REAL TIME CLOCK option with

DISPLAY addS150.00

SWITCHED 120V OUTLET

option add S50.00

Additional 16K BUFFER MEMORY KITS each add S50.00

PLUS VERSAbox FOR EVERYBODY

I. VERSAcard

Four cards on one for Apple II. (1) Serial Input/ Output Interface, (2) Parallel Output Interface, (3) Precision Clock Calendar, and (4) BSR Control. All on one card with TRUE SIMULTANEOUS OPERATION.

Before you buy Mountain Computer CPS or any other multifunction card, ask these questions:

Can I use CP/M and Apple Pascal with NO disk modification''

Does it have interrupts9

Will I be able to read and set the year?

Does it have BSR control?

Can I use DB Master9 Ascu Express9 VISI Dex9 Easy Writer9 WORDSTAR9 Z-TERM PRO9 VISITERM9 . . other software packages?

If the answer is YE!

of the above

you re talking about VERSAcard and ONLY VERSAcard. And, the list price has been reduced by S50 to S199.00

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy a VERSAcard and we'll sell you GRAFTRIX, a sophisticated screen dump graphics package, with S25 off the regular list price of S65 for only $40.00.

II. AUTO-DOC

An automatic diagnostics system for your Apple II computer. Get a complete check of your critical Apple hardware EVERY time you power-up

AUTO-DOC saves TIME, ENERGY, and MONEY by identifying problems in your Apple before they make themselves known by system failures. And, you don't have to remember to insert a disk. DOC automatically identifies system problems before you run your programs by doing extensive system diagnostics. If DOC finds a failure, it indicates the problem area and, in some cases, the s component that's responsible.

DOC includes a memory test, processor test, ROM test, and more. In addition, extensive disk based diagnostics are included for further testing and subsystem checks for many popular peripheral cards.

AUTO-DOC is simple and easy to install. And once installed, DOC will always be there working AUTOMATICALLY even/time you power-up.

Can you afford to be without AUTO-DOC9 AUTO-DOC List Price $99.00

.,->- - -" '"

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ft

m

RR0ME,, IEUS1

PROMETHEUS PRODUCTS INCORPORATED

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Japanese Computers

size text. The syntax of the statement with all possible parameters is:

SYMBOL (x,y),string,x-scale,

y-scale,color,rotation

The x- and y-scale factors cause the characters printed to be scaled in size (independently in each axis, if desired) and rotated (by multiples of 90 degrees). This is very handy for labeling graphs, for example.

To assist in programming, FBASIC has a MERGE command, which allows the combining of two or more programs from disk into one large program. Another command bears the somewhat whimsical name of UNLIST. We still aren't sure exactly what this does. Issuing the command UNLIST 50, for example, causes the program currently in memory to become unlistable starting at line 50.

(It still runs normally, though.) Thus, it seems that the command might be similar to the SECURE command on the Canon CX-1. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a way to undo an UNLIST.

Also quite useful is the ANPORT function, which reads an analog input port, does an 8-bit A/D conversion, and returns a value in a BASIC variable.

Bubcom80

Photo 15: The BubcomSQ's high-resolution monitor has a contour at the bottom that lets it fit snugly against the keyboard/processor enclosure. Slots in the top of the keyboard enclosure accept bubble-memory cartridges.

Bubble memories—are they the wave of the future or a vestigial remnant of a technological dead end? In the past year, three American manufacturers have pulled out of the bubble-memory business. On the other hand, several Japanese manufacturers are putting bubble memories into personal computers, either as standard equipment or as an option, in what may be either an attempt to stimulate a lackluster market or an anticipation of wonders to come.

A computer that offers bubble memory as a standard feature is the Bubcom80 (see photo 15), a Z80based machine developed jointly by Fujitsu, one of the Japanese manufacturers of bubble memories, and Systems Formulate Corporation, a company founded by former Fujitsu employees with that company's encouragement and blessing.

But bubble memory is not the only attraction of the Bubcom80. Let's take a look at some of its other virtues first.

Hardware

The main keyboard/processor module offers a remarkable collection of features for the price. It has all the features that are standard on the Japanese computers: separate numeric and editing keypads; user-programmable function keys; RS-232C serial interface; and Roman, katakana, and graphic input. It also

92 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

one apple

■ ■

em gel a

TjlJ1! hi n

uj *

of apple add-ons

Vista

COMPUTER COMPANY, INC.

Available through your local computer dealer.

^.^P,--,-M4:^y

J75© Typewriter Interface

Apple to IBM Electronic 50, 60, 75 Typewriters Interface ■ Reads IBM keyboard in parallel with Apple keyboard ■ Supports the IBM code functions using an escape sequence ■ Types at about 13 characters per second ■ Prints from Integer or Applesoft programs ■ Supports the "Control I Number N" parallel line length mode sequence ■ Has switch selectable upper/lower case I/O 60, 66, 78 continuous from feed page lengths, 40+video, 80, 95, 132 character line lengths

Suggested price $225.00

TIMECARD III©

Multi-function time utility for the APPLE III computer system. Contains the year of the century, the month, the date, the day of week, the hour, the minute, the second. ■ A countdown timer with a range of one millisecond to 999 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds, 999 milliseconds ■ Selectable 12 or 24 hour time formats ■ Diagnostic error reporting ■ Fully compatible with the APPLE SOS operating system

Suggested price $195.00

Circle 429 on inquiry card.

MODEL 150 TYPE AHEAD BUFFER

■ Up to 40 character type ahead capability ■ Enter commands or data while your Apple Is processing previous instructions

■ Compatible with all Apple computers, keyboards and software ■ No cuts — no jumpers — no software patches required ■ Includes complete instructions for quick and easy installation

Suggested price $49.95

A800© FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLER

■ High speed DMA transfer of data (1 micro-second/byte) ■ Documentation provided — includes theory of operation, schematics and diskettes ■ Uses all standard Apple DOS commands (OPEN, CATALOG, LOCK, DELETE. LOAD, etc.) except for INIT which has been improved and enhanced in a Vista format routine ■ Compatible with Apple DOS 3.3, Pascal1.1and CP/M 2.2 (with the Z80 soft card by Microsoft)" 2K x 8 PROM contains Autoboot functions and all eight-inch

floppy driver code allowing complete compatibility with Apple DOS 3.3

Suggested price $595.00

PROM DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM©

■ Menu driven program development monitor ■ Programs 2708, 2716, 2532, 2732and 48016 EPROMS ■ Simulates PROM from RAM 4K ■ Data and address interface for operator location and control ■ Complete user documentation

Suggested price $495.00

VISION 80

■ Full upper and lower case character with 3 dot descenders

■ 9x10 dot matrix per line U.S. (9x11 Europe) ■ 128 ASCII character set ■ BASIC, FORTRAN and Pascal languages supported ■ Z80'" and CP/M'" comtible ■ Compatible with all standard Apple'" peripherals

COMPUTER COMPANY, INC.

Vista

^Copyright 1981 Vista Computer Company. Inc. '"Apple Computer Company, Inc.

Shift and lock for upper and * er case ■ Source switches ween 40x24 and 80x24 software and hardware ■ Rated #1 video card by Sottalk and Call Apple

Suggested price $395.00

VISION 40

Softscreen programmable character/generator card for the Apple II computer ■ Allows use of DOS tool kit upper/lower case character sets in Apple 40 column mode ■ Permits creation of new alpha/numeric and graphic characters under Aminatrix ■ Ideal for non-English language applications ■ Compatible with most popular word processing software packages

Suggested price $195.00

VISION 20

■ Cost effective ■ Compatible with the latest Apple II ■ Complete easy to follow installation guide ■ 120 day warranty ■ Immediate delivery Suggested price $29.95

1317 E. Edinger Santa Ana, CA 92705 (714) 953-0523

'"Digital Research, Inc. ©Designed by Burtronix

Japanese Computers

At a Glance

Name

Bubcom80

Distributor

Systems Formulate Corporation, U.S.A. 231-E South Whisman Rd. Mountain View, CA 94041 (415) 969-7499

Dimensions (Inches)

3% by 17% by 12/4

Microprocessor

Z80, 8-bit

Size of User Memory

64K bytes

Number of Keys

99

Number of Function Keys

8 definable, 8 defined

Standard Interfaces

RS-232C; audio-cassette tape; monochrome video monitor; RGB color monitor; printer; expansion bus; joysticks; two bubble-memory controllers

Optional Interfaces

Floppy-disk drives; high-resolution graphics

Expansion Sockets

1 (systems bus)

Character Sets

Roman, katakana, user-definable graphics

Graphics/Color Resolution

160 by 100 (standard); 640 by 200 (optional)

Number of Colors

8

Other Features

Time-of-day clock with battery backup; speaker with music macroinstructions

Prices

Keyboard/processor SI550

RGB color monitor S 1400 (with expansion

box)

Disk drive S1275 (+ S450 for interface

board)

offers a set of eight keys for singlekey entry of system commands (LABEL, FILES, INIT, STOP, CLS, EDIT, LIST, and RUN).

Connectors are included for both a light pen and joysticks. The numeric keypad, in addition to the 10 digits, includes a 000 key to facilitate the entry of large numbers. A loudspeaker can produce tones (with pitch manipulated by instructions written in a sort of sublanguage similar to the BMC's MML) to provide rudimentary music. And, of course, it has sockets for bubble-memory cartridges. One socket comes as standard equipment; the second is a $175 option.

The keyboard enclosure is a little larger than the keyboard itself, measuring 44.5 by 10 by 30.5 cm (17 Vi by 3% by 12 inches). Except for a sheetmetal bracket on the rear, which houses the power supply, the enclosure is all plastic. Apparently, its interior has been sprayed with conductive paint to provide electromagnetic shielding. If you push in two plastic tabs under the front edge of

the enclosure, you can tilt up the keyboard for access to the circuit board inside.

Space inside the case is understandably tight. The main printed-circuit board holds the Z80 microprocessor and associated circuitry, 64K bytes of main memory, the read/write mem

Bubble memory is not

the only attraction of

the Bubcom80.

ory for the user-definable graphiccharacter set, a counter-timer integrated circuit, various interface chips, and some rather large custom integrated circuits, whose function we are unsure of. A small area (about 2.5 by 7.5 cm, 1 by 3 inches) of largely unused plated-through holes in the board is something that an ambitious user might be able to use for patches or custom circuitry.

Three other circuit boards are

suspended from the keyboard backplane. Two of these are attached to sockets for the bubble-memory cartridges; the third contains circuitry that we assume scans the keyboard and/or operates the bubble memory. One of the mystery circuits on the board is an 88-pin monster with two rows of pins along each side of a square package.

Software

The Bubcom80 can use nearly all 64K bytes of its memory-address space for read /write memory because, aside from its bootstrap loader, no ROMs for a BASIC interpreter or an operating system are taking up address space—you must boot the system by loading the operating system and interpreter into user memory either from bubble memory or from cassette tape or disk storage. This, of course, gives more software flexibility than the ROM BASICs—a sophisticated user who wants to run assembly-language programs or some language other than BASIC need not sacrifice address space to a BASIC interpreter.

The system we tested came with two versions of BASIC. The standard BASIC, which apparently does not support some of the high-resolution graphics features, left 29,710 bytes of memory free; the extended BASIC, which does support the high-resolution graphics, left 23,610 bytes of memory free. The system specifications indicate that the CP/M operating system will also be available for the Bubcom80, although we did not have a copy.

The extended BASIC (yet another Microsoft product) has several particularly useful keywords (see table 5).

The most notable one is MENU—a real boon to anyone who wants to write programs with menus for selecting options. It allows a program writer, with a single statement, to display a menu of labels anywhere on the screen. When the statement is executed, the labels are displayed on the screen and the cursor blinks on the bullet in front of the first menu item.

94 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Company for a Hard Disk

Hard disk usage is starting to boom. Computer owners are demanding instant output and more flexibility in order to take advantage of today's advanced computers.

Great Plains Software, in anticipation of these growing needs, created a comprehensive hard disk accounting/management system for progressive businesses who expect to grow.

**E

/

Immediate response at your fingertips- a complete data base of every journal entry posted during fiscal year, CRT display of accounts payable, accounts receivable, customer and vendor records. Other features include budgeting, payroll, inventory, plus much more. Great Plains Software systems expand with your company. Built-in password keeps all information private and confidential. Documentation manual includes easy to follow step-by-step procedures. Screen display/ manual cross reference simplify operation.

Great Plains Software is designed specifically for businesses requiring in- depth results today and anticipate a growth potential in the future.

Your computer store has the details on Great Plains' advanced hard disk software systems - or for personal service, call (701) 293-8483.

OVERALL

- Password privacy system standard

- Written in UCSD Pascal*

- Hard disk oriented

*TM UC Regents

G/L

- All entries on line entire fiscal year

- Flexible format financial statements

- Comparative income statements

A/R

- Up to 9999 customers

- Profit by customer, customer type, salesman and state

- Open item or balance forward

- Instant screen inquiry

- Automatically posts to G/L

A/P

- Up to 9999 vendors

- Instant screen inquiry

- Automatically posts to G/L

PAYROLL

- Up to 9999 employees

- Up to 25 deductions per employee

- Withholding computed

- Prints W2, 941 & checks

INVENTORY

- FIFO, LIFO, standard cost, weighted moving average or serial number valuation

- 5 price levels per part

- Concise report including profit by part and line

- Point of sale "cash register" program included

S

WM

Advanced Software Systems for Today and Tomorrow

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Ac

50i%

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nkl

GPS

Great Plains Software

123 15th Street N., Fargo, N.D. (701) 293-8483

Circle 187 on inquiry card.

58102

Japanese Computers*

MENU(hor,vert)spacing "/atoe/?","/a£>e/2"...GOTO Address1,Address2...

MEHU(hor,vert)spacing "label1","label2"...GOSUB Address1,Address2...

—Displays a menu of labels, starting at (hor,vert), with number of lines between labels set by spacing parameter. Cursor flashes in front of first label; pushing space bar advances cursor to next line; typing RETURN causes a branch to appropriate address or subroutine.

OPTION BASE 0 OPTION BASE 1

—Specifies the starting value of array indices. Table 5: Useful Bubcom BASIC statements.

Photo 16: The Bubcom color-console/expansion box has slots for four 30.5-cm (12-inch) circuit boards.

If you hit the oversized RETURN key, the program branches to the subroutine or address associated with the first label; if you hit the space bar, the cursor drops down to the next label on the menu. Hitting the space bar when the cursor is in front of the last item on the menu sends it back to the first item on the list.

The BC834 console color video display with expansion box, shown in photo 16, is a bit expensive, but it offers more than most displays. The 40.6- by 40- by 37.5-cm (16- by 153/4- by 143/4-inch) high-resolution color CRT (cathode-ray tube) sits directly above the expansion box, which connects to the system bus and contains slots for four 30.5-cm (12-inch) circuit boards.

The back of the console has something more computer manufacturers should provide: a switched set of four

AC power outlets. Thus, you need not hunt around for extension cords and spare outlets to handle your computer and all its peripheral devices. You plug one cord into the wall and plug everything else into the switched outlets. You can then turn all components on or off together with a single switch.

The bottom front of the BC834 is recessed so that the keyboard/processor module can nestle snugly under the screen. In fact, it must fit snugly; the flat cable that connects the expansion unit to the back of the keyboard is no more than 7.5 cm (3 inches) long. This makes the system very difficult to plug together; you need skinny fingers and lots of patience to place the edge connector correctly and push it home.

Both the high-resolution graphics board and the floppy-disk-controller

board go into the expansion box. While the connections to the floppydisk board are straightforward, the connections to the graphics board are a little bit complicated—the graphics board plugs into the system bus in front and has two unmarked DIN connectors that poke out through holes in the back of the box. To install the board, you must run one cable from the back of the keyboard to the input DIN connector on one side of the graphics board and run another cable from the output DIN connector to the display input. A few labels on the connectors would be very helpful; as it is, you cannot connect the system correctly without consulting the diagram in the user's manual.

Without the high-resolution board, the processor's output can be connected directly to the display input. This mode of operation provides a graphics resolution of 160 by 100 pixels.

With the extra display memory on the high-resolution board, the resolution is 640 by 200 pixels, and the color of each pixel can be specified individually. The high-resolution display is organized as three separate conceptual planes, one each for red, blue, and green. When you clear the high-resolution screen, the three planes are erased sequentially, rather than simultaneously. The effect can be startling.

The main processor memory provides for a fourth character plane, which allows text to be displayed on top of the graphics plane; the text can be written, scrolled, or erased without disturbing the picture drawn on the graphics plane and underneath. Thus, you can list a graphics program on top of the display it creates to compare cause with effect.

Graphics keywords include PAINT, LINE, and CIRCLE, and a graphics macro language similar to that of the BMC is provided. Some of the graphics operations proceed slowly, particularly the PAINT routine. But the display is bright and luminous—figures drawn against a black background appear to float in space.

96 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

New direct-connect MODEM Microboard.

Auto-dial, auto-answer RCA MODEM Microboard adds data communications to your board-level computer system.

You don't need a separate modem when you use the new CMOS Microboard MODEM with your board-level computer system.

Just plug it into the Microboard Universal Backplane, connect it to your phone line, and you're ready to transmit or receive data.

FCC-approved for direct connect to phone lines, the CDP18S653

provides auto-originate and autoanswer modes for unattended operation. Other features include:

• 300 baud FDX or 1200 baud HDX operation

• Touch-tone or pulse dialing

• Dial-tone and busy-tone detection for tandem dialing

• Busy-tone detection permits repeated dialing

Ideal for any remote data acquisition applications.

Because our MODEM Microboard offers you the CMOS benefits

RCA Solid State headquarters: Somerville, NJ. Brussels. Sao Paulo

of low power and -40° C to +85° C operation, it is the ideal solution for gathering data at remote locations.

And the MODEM is supported by our large and growing family of CMOS Microboard products and development systems.

So if you want to turn your phone into a data communications center, pick it up right now and call (800) 526-3862.

Or contact any RCA Solid State sales office, representative or distributor.

Hong Kong.

Circle 292 on inquiry card.

Just connect "Old Reliable's" MODEM Microboard to your phone line, and you're ready to transmit and receive data.

Japans Computers

Photo 17: Each Bubcom bubble-memory cartridge holds 32K bytes. The white slide is a write-protect key.

Floppy-Disk Storage

The Bubcom80's floppy-disk drive, unlike the others reviewed here, uses double-sided IBM-format softsectored 8-inch floppy disks. Each disk can hold a whopping 1.2 megabytes, and if one drive is not enough, up to three more can be daisy-chained to the first one. But in spite of its capability, the vertically mounted drive unit takes remarkably little space—it is only 18.4 cm wide, 36.8 cm high, and 40.6 cm deep (7Vi by 14V2 by 16 inches).

Curiously, a battery-backed-up real-time clock is on the diskcontroller board. (When we started the system, the Bubcom80, like the BMC, displayed the correct time, but it was set for the Tokyo time zone.)

Bubble Memory

What about the bubble memories?

How do they work and what do they do?

The bubble-memory cartridges, shown in photo 17, are black plastic rectangular packages about the size of a small match box—6.0 by 4.5 by 2.0 cm (1.8 by 2.4 by 0.8 inches). On each one is a little white plastic slide switch that can be used to writeprotect the data on the front of each cartridge; a black plastic window at the bottom front of the cartridge covers the metallic contacts on the bottom and slides out of the way when the cartridge is shoved into one of the sockets. You release the cartridge from its socket by pushing a lever on the side of the socket.

Inside each cartridge, circuitry creates magnetic domains—bubbles —and moves the patterns of bubbles along circular loops. The data cannot be accessed in a completely random

fashion, in the way that data in main user memory is. To reach bits at the far end of a loop, you must cycle the intervening data past the read element, just as you must pass over sectors 1 through 15 before you read sector 16 on a disk. But because there is virtually no inertia to overcome when moving the bubbles, the average access time needed to read or write a given set of data is much less for a bubble cartridge than for a disk. (For more information, see A. I. Halsema's article "Bubble Memories: A Short Tutorial," June 1979 BYTE, page 166.)

Since the bubbles remain intact in the medium when power is removed, bubble cartridges can be removed and stored just the way disks can. The bubble cartridges supplied with the Bubcom80 machine we evaluated each hold 32K bytes of data, but Fujitsu, the manufacturer of the cartridges, promises that 128K-byte cartridges will be available in a year.

From the user's viewpoint, the bubble cartridges act just like disks. The software pretends that the two bubble-memory controllers are disk drives 1 and 2; the disk drives are considered drives 3 through 6. All the BASIC commands for disks, LOAD, SAVE, OPEN, CLOSE, etc., work the same for the bubble memories.

Two LEDs, labeled BUSY and READ ONLY, tell you when the bubble memory is in operation and when you are trying to write to a cartridge that is write-protected. The most noticeable difference is the speed of operation. Because there are no motors to start and bring up to speed, and no heads to move, the bubble memories are much faster.

Why Use Bubble Memory?

One disadvantage of the bubble cartridges is the price, currently $175 for a 32K-byte bubble cartridge; standard BASIC in a bubble cartridge costs $200, as opposed to $25 on cassette tape and $50 on an 8-inch floppy disk. Whether the prices come down substantially will undoubtedly depend on how widely used bubble memories become. On the other

98 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Your guide to the world of microprocessors,

The Micro-Professor™ -a low cost tool for

learning, teaching and prototyping.

Here in one attractive package and at a price of only $149.00 is a Z80* based microcomputer to lead you step by step to a thorough knowledge of the world of microprocessors.

The Micro-Professor is a complete hardware and software system whose extensive teaching

* Z80 is a trademark of Zilog Inc.

manual gives you detailed schematics and examples of program code. A superb learning tool for students, hobbyists and microprocessor enthusiasts, as well as an excellent teaching aid for instructors of electrical engineering and computer science courses.

But the Micro-Professor is much more than a teaching device. With it you can do breadboarding and prototyping, designing your own custom hardware and software applications with Z80, 8080 and 8085 compatible code.

The standard 2K bytes of RAM is expandable to 4K, and the standard 2K bytes of ROM can be increased to 8K.

All this plus a built-in speaker, a cassette interface, and

Multitech Electronics Inc.

sockets to accept optional CTC/PIO. Bus is extendable.

As well as being an exciting learning tool, the Micro-Professor is a great low-cost board for OEM's. Call for details.

SSB-MPF

Speech

Synthesizer

Board $129

A

_>. vocabulary

y?# of up to 400

jp^ words based

on the

TMS 5200 chip.

EPB-MPF EPROM

Programming Board $169

For all +5V

1KB/2KB/

4KB EPROMs.

Read/Copy/List/Verify

Capability.

BASIC-MPF Tiny Basic $19

2KB BASIC interpreter with hardware control capability. Machine-code s ' subroutine accessible. ^ '

Circle 296 on inquiry card. S

I'm ready to enter the world of microprocessing

Call toll free to order.

Pric*

MPF-I Micro-Professor $149.00

SSB-MPF Speech Synthesizer Board {129.00

EPB-MPF EPROM Programming Board {169.00

BASIC-MPF { 19.00

Shipping and Handling { 4.95

California residents add sales tax. TOTAL

4.95

In U.S. and Canada mail to: Multitech Electronics Inc. 195 West El Camino Real Sunnyvale. CA 94086 California Tel. (408) 773-8400 Elsewhere (800) 538-1542

Outside of North Amorica mat to:

Multitech Industrial Corporation 977 Min Shen E Road, 105 Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Tel. 02-769-1225 TWX 19162 MULTIIC, 23756 MULTIIC

Japanese Computers

hand, the bubble-memory controllers are much cheaper than disk drives.

The greatest advantage of bubbles over disks is the shorter data-access time. Then, too, in certain environments—abrasive, dusty at

mospheres, for example—bubble memories could be expected to be much more reliable than disks. Thus, certain applications exist even today where the bubbles might be preferred to disks. Whether bubble memories

will replace disks in more widespread applications depends on how quickly and how far their prices drop. Nevertheless, the Bubcom80 remains an interesting adventure into this new technology.

Comparisons

Test

if800 (MBASIC) (Ok

f800 BASIC)

Canon

NEC

Bubcom

Fujitsu

Hitachi

1. FOR...NEXT

9.7

9.7

15.5

9.4

12.5

8.9

12.8

2. 10 REMs

46.3

22.1

21.5

27.8

30.2

24.0

26.9

3. IF A>B

22.3

23.4

32.8

28.9

HH,30.3

24.2

35.8

4. A + B

23.5

25.1

28.2

25.9

32.4

27.7

40.6

5. A.B

28.9

32.8

47.2

32.3

42.5

30.3

49.8

6. A/B

34.4

40.6

1:15.1

40.8

52.5

38.4

52.0

7.AIB

2:49.3

3:52.2

15:57.6

3:17.5

4:57.1

2:14.8

4:15.7

8. SIN(A)

1:26.0

1:50.0

5:55.2

1:43.0

2:23.5

1:15.3

2:11.1

9. LOG(A) ;

1:32.3

1:56.7

10:25.0

1:30.4

2:35,6

1:08.4

1:56.9

10. ON...GOTO

22.2

23.4

24.6

20.8

30.2

21.1

30.1

11. GOSUB

18.6

15.9

17.5

15.0

19.9

14.8

21.8

12. INT

23.3

25.0

24.8

25.3

32.4

25.8

35.9

13. MID$

25.3

29.8

31.0

30.2

38.3

28.4

41.4

14. RND

29.6

33.5

2:04.0

31.7

43.5

26.4

438

IM<MBMMMBtaWJCffiiliH ii nil i Mill IIMlMftH

15. CHR$(X)

21.0

Hi21-6

24.4

21.7

27.9

19.8

32.0

16. Sieve

2:44.5

2:56.7

2:35.3

2:44.5

3:48.9

3:10.0

4:51.8

Table 6: Results of the benchmark comparison of the six Japanese computer systems. The tests were run twice on the BMC if800, once with each BASIC interpreter. The simple operations in the left column were repeated 5000 times; the prime-number-finding sieve was the most complicated algorithm in the test.

This completes our individual summaries of the features of the six Japanese computers.

But what about performance comparisons, especially speed of program execution? How fast do they execute the same BASIC program? Since execution speed depends on many different things, such as the type of microprocessor, clock rate, and efficiency of the language implementation, it is not easy to predict how a system will perform in this respect.

To compare these six computers, we ran a comprehensive set of 16 benchmark programs. The results of these comparisons are shown in table 6. Each benchmark tests one feature of BASIC, typically using a program

to do 5000 iterations of a simple operation (such as C = A*B). The only exception to this pattern is benchmark 16, which is a program to find all prime numbers less than 10,000 using a simple sieve algorithm.

Without attempting to draw too many conclusions from these data, we can safely say that the Fujitsu FM-8 is the fastest of the computers, followed closely by the BMC if800. This is not surprising because of the FM-8's multiprocessor architecture. The Canon CX-1 is usually the slowest of the six, except in a few cases where the Hitachi is slower.

Additional data for comparison can be found in the "At a Glance" boxes accompanying this article.

Data on the floppy-disk drives appears in table 7 on page 102.

Conclusions

The Japanese penchant for high quality and flexibility is readily apparent in these computers. The keyboards are durable and have many keys (usually including programmable ones). The video displays are either green-phosphor monochrome or color RGB- (red, green, blue) input monitors for crisp 80-column displays. The standard BASIC interpreters have many language extensions for supporting peripheral devices and usually contain a few abilities not found in most computers.

100 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computers

BMC Canon

Hitachi

NEC

Fujitsu

Bubcom

Drive size (inches)

5V4 5Vi

5'/4

51/4

5'/4

8

Number of drives

2 2

2

2

2

1

Sides/disk

2 2

1

1

2

2

Tracks/side

? ?

39

34

39

76

Sectors/track

? ?

16

16

16

26

Bytes/sector

? ?

128

256

?

?

Total bytes

280k 320k

81k

139k

328k

1.2M

per disk

Price per drive

not applicable

$1354

$1295

$1500

$1275

Price/interface care

$450

Table 7: Comparison chart of the six units' floppy-disk systems. Some specifications

were not known at the time of this writing.

Prices for these computers may seem a bit high, and they would seem higher still if we factored in import and export costs and a less favorable yen/dollar exchange rate. But you must remember that these prices include many capabilities (both hardware and software) that are not standard on most American computers. All these machines, for example, have user-definable function keys and full numeric keypads, in addition to the standard typewriter keyboard. Most of them have simple commands that allow them to serve double duty as a remote terminal for another computer. This should be considered when comparing these machines to other currently available personal computers.

The six computers have a 50/50 split between use of the 6809 and Z80 microprocessors. The Fujitsu FM-8 uses three microprocessors (two 6809s plus a 4-bit 8841). Thus, it has an inherent speed advantage over most of the others. Otherwise, neither the 6809 nor the Z80 machines have a clear-cut speed advantage.

While individual system modules are all well designed, at least some of the manufacturers have paid inadequate attention to how the components fit together. Cables are too short, connectors are difficult to insert and remove, and the systems will not readily fit onto a crowded desk top or laboratory bench. Not everyone wants the display directly behind and above the keyboard.

Because most of the BASIC interpreters (all except Canon's) were written by Microsoft, the versions of BASIC are very similar. It is nevertheless noteworthy that many keywords and features not found in most American machines are common to all Japanese computers. (An exception is the new IBM Personal Computer, which has a Microsoft BASIC system that resembles the ones in the Japanese machines.)

Although we have not really addressed the problem here, it is apparent that one major problem the Japanese manufacturers will have to address in penetrating the American market is documentation. Most Americans have experienced the atrociously translated instructions that come with many cheap Japanese toys and consumer goods, and they are likely to be very critical of instructions that are badly translated or confusing. Money allocated by the manufacturers for producing polished translations of software and hardware manuals would be well spent.

Will Japanese personal-computer manufacturers gain a significant portion of the market in North America? It's anybody's guess. Their prices may be slightly high, but they offer quality, along with a mix of features not found in domestically produced machines. And, as the automakers found, entrenched American competition may not be a significant impediment. ■

VHAT WERE W£ TALKIIN/cT ABOUT A SECOND AGO?

102 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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• Two R232C serial ports for a printer and modem.

• And a high speed port for plug-in expansion to a larger multi-user, multitasking TeleVideo computer system. But suppose you need more storage. TeleVideo s next model up, the TS 802H, gives you all the same features of the TS 802. But instead of two floppy diskettes, it uses one floppy diskette and a 5% inch Winchester hard disk to give you 10 million bytes of unformatted storage capacity—10 times the storage for only twice the price of the TS 802.

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Japanese Computers.

Japan Update

The semiannual Consumer Electronics Show is on its way to becoming a showcase for new computer products.

Mark Haas Managing Editor

The Japanese, formidable competitors in many U.S. and foreign markets, are making great headway into our domestic microcomputer industry. While a large percentage of components of American-made microcomputers are made in Japan, few microcomputers up until now were actually manufactured by

Japanese companies in Japan. This situation is rapidly changing, however. At the Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas in January, I previewed several new Japanese entries into the United States market by Casio, NEC, and Toshiba. Some companies were featuring soonto-be-available machines; others were

Photo 1: Casio's FX-9000P personal computer was finally introduced at the January Consumer Electronics Show. Using a Z80 look-alike, the basic unit comes with 12K bytes of ROM and one 4K-byte CMOS RAM pack with battery backup. RAM is expandable to 32K bytes, and a 16K-byte dynamic RAM pack is also available. The button-type keyboard contains only 67 keys but allows one-key access to many scientific and statistical functions. The printer is manufactured by Epson.

106 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

just offering a taste of what they'll be showing at next month's National Computer Conference in Houston. (For an extensive report on what the Japanese are up to see "Six Personal Computers from Japan" by Christopher P. Kocher and Michael Keith, page 60, in this issue.)

Casio's FX-9000P

Casio has finally released its FX9000P personal computer (see photo 1) which is based on a Z80 look-alike microprocessor. Running at 2.75 MHz, Casio's proprietary processor is in a rather unique environment. Casio partitioned the user-memory area (32K bytes maximum) into 10 sections. The philosophy behind this decision is related to the way memory is physically added to the machine: in 4K-byte CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) RAM (random-access read/write memory) packs with three-year battery backup. You can write programs to a RAM pack and interchange packs for different applications. While this may sound like a useful way of storing programs, keep in mind that each 4K-byte RAM pack costs $189. Compare this to the Bubcom80's $175 bubble-memory cartridges, each capable of holding 32K-bytes indefinitely, in a much smaller package.

The FX-9000P uses a button-type keyboard and is limited to 67 keys.

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Japanese Computers

Photo 2: NEC's PC-6000 computer system was introduced recently in Japan and may be brought to this country soon. Shown here is the PC-6001 computer, the Touch Panel graphics tablet, and the data-cassette recorder. The keyboard on the unit shown is of the button type and allows use of an overlay, but NEC is contemplating the use of a keyboard similar to the one used on the PC-8001 before the PC-6001 is introduced into this country. The Touch Panel, expected to sell here for less than $200, would mark a breakthrough in low-cost graphic input devices.

Photo 3: A close-up view of the PC-6001 as shown at NEC's suite at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. Though the keyboard is of the button type, the feel was very good and not at all toy-like. The gray area surrounding the keyboard is a removable overlay which is very useful in applications where it is necessary to redefine the keyboard. ROM packs can be inserted in the right side of the case, and the speaker opening is visible at the upper left-hand corner of the case. Both the style and layout of the keyboard may change before introduction of the PC-6001 into this country.

The display provides only 16 lines of 32 characters in the text mode but offers 256 by 128 dots on the SVi-inch video display in the graphics mode. The basic unit comes with one 4K-byte CMOS RAM pack, 12K bytes of ROM (read-only memory), and a 4K-byte video RAM.

The FX-9000P includes in its BASIC language many engineering and statistical functions and boasts an accuracy of 12 significant digits. Trigonometric and hyperbolic functions, as well as standard-deviation and correlation-coefficient functions, are built in and can be accessed with single keystrokes. Powerful graphics commands let you easily plot points, lines, curves, and quadrangles, which are useful for a graphics representation of business and scientific data.

Two option boards provide expansion capabilities. The OP-1 ($379) attaches to the lower rear of the mainframe and contains a cassette-tape interface, clock, alarm, and calendar logic with battery backup, a character printer interface, and a graphics printer interface. Casio designed the graphics printer interface to connect with the Epson MX-82 (an enhanced version of the MX-80 which costs $1295) and the character printer interface for a yet-to-bereleased exclusive character printer. The cassette interface operates at 300 bits per second (bps).

The OP-2, when released, will enable the FX-9000P to access two single-sided, double-density disk drives and will contain the disk operating system (DOS). The system includes an RS-232C interface.

Prices for the FX-9000P start at $1199. The 4K-byte CMOS RAM packs are $189, and a 16K-byte dynamic RAM pack is available for $129.

NEC to Introduce the PC-6000?

NEC displayed its PC-8000 computer system publicly at the show, but in its hotel suite, I had a private viewing of the PC-6000 system (see photo 2). Recently introduced in Japan, the PC-6001 is obviously aimed directly at Radio Shack's Color

108 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Computer and Commodore's VIC-20 markets. It contains NEC's version of the Z80 microprocessor, 16K bytes of ROM containing a subset of the BASIC found in the PC-8001, and 16K bytes of RAM expandable to 48K bytes. Made to connect to a color television, the display provides 25 lines of 32 characters and is capable of producing multicolored graphics. You can insert a ROM pack in the right side of the unit (see photo 3), and two Atari-type (nonresistive) joystick inputs allow connection of joysticks or other devices. The system includes RS-232C and Centronics ports and can synthesize music.

The keyboard on the unit I tried was of the button type, similar to the Color Computer's but with a much better feel to it. For applications that redefine the keyboard, you can use a keyboard overlay. Before the PC-6001 is introduced in this country, NEC may change its keyboard to resemble more closely that found on the PC-8001, although with that design you couldn't use the keyboard overlay. NEC still hasn't finalized the exact keyboard layout. The PC-6001 could be expected to sell here for well under $500.

Of equal significance was NEC's new graphics tablet. Expected to sell for less than $200, the graphics tablet connects to both joystick inputs, using 6 of the 8 bits of input provided. With the pressure-sensitive surface, you can use practically any writing instrument to trace existing artwork such as maps, or you can create new art directly on the tablet. I also viewed NEC's data-cassette recorder for program and data storage.

Toshiba Enters Personal Computer Market

Toshiba commanded a lot of attention at the show with the preview of its new T100. Part of the same family as the T200 and T250, the T100 provides a 64K-byte Z80-based computer for less than $1000. In addition to the 64K bytes of user memory, the T100 (see photo 4) contains 32K bytes of ROM and a 16K-byte video RAM.

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May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 109

Japanese Qomp^r^

Photo 4: Toshiba surprised everyone when it previewed the TWO at the show. Shown here with the optional flat liquidcrystal display, the TWO is Z80-based and contains 64K bytes of user memory, 32K bytes of ROM, 16K bytes of video RAM, and provision for 32K-byte RAM and ROM packs. Toshiba will be offering Wordstar, dBase II, and all of the Structured Systems Group software, as well as CP/M, when the unit is officially introduced at next month's National Computer Conference in Houston.

Photo 5: The dual 5V*-inch floppy disk drive being offered by Toshiba for the T100 is housed in a sturdy steel case containing its own power supply. Each drive is capable of storing 280K bytes, and the basic TWO can support four drives.

The ROM contains Microsoft BASIC, called T-BASIC, and CP/M is available. At the top right-hand corner of the unit, you can insert ROM and nonvolatile CMOS RAM packs with battery backup. Each pack can hold up to 32K bytes.

The T100 has a 90-key keyboard and displays 80 characters by 25 or 20 lines when used with a conventional monitor, or 36 characters by 24 or 19 lines when used with a regular television. Letters are formed in an 8 by 8 dot matrix. The color display can produce black, blue, purple, red, green, light blue, yellow, and white. You can display graphics in two modes: 640 by 200 dots and 160 by 100 dots.

One thing that caught everyone's eye was the optional flat liquidcrystal display, (see photo 4). The LCD pivot mounts on the back of the unit and displays 4 or 6 lines of 40 characters. It is also capable of providing a 320 by 64 dot matrix, which is dot addressable.

The T100 can accommodate up to four disk drives without resorting to use of the expansion unit (which will support four more drives). Two 5Vi-inch drives, each capable of storing 280K bytes on a 5 V^-inch floppy

disk, are housed in a sturdy metal enclosure (see photo 5) which also contains a power supply.

The T300, an 8088-based unit operating under MP/M and supporting from one to four users, was not on display at the show but is scheduled to be at the National Computer Conference in June. Toshiba

The TIOO's optional,

flat liquid-crystal

display caught

everyone's eye. It can

display 4 or 6 lines

of 40 characters.

will sell the basic T300 for $1500 and a full-blown four-user system, employing a hard disk, for up to $20,000.

Rumors

Reliable sources indicate that NEC is about to introduce an 8086-based all-in-one computer that will employ Digital Research's CP/M-86. Although it's still unofficial, I wouldn't be surprised if NEC were to preview the unit at one of the na

tional computer conferences in late spring or early summer. NEC in the past has used a similar approach of previewing its computers such as its PC-8000 system before officially announcing them as viable products on the U.S. market.

Hitachi is planning to introduce a 16-bit computer by year's end. Now being completed in Yokohama, the design will most likely include a 68000 microprocessor operating under the new CP/M-65K. Digital Research is developing this new version of its ubiquitous operating system for release in June. Hitachi considered incorporating the 8086 in its new machine, but the availability of CP/M for the 68000 assures Hitachi of a broad base of software.

More to Come

This by no means covers the range of computer products we can expect to see from Japanese manufacturers this year. Phil Lemmons's article 'The Machines Behind the Machines" on page 114 in this issue will bring you up to date on who will be the driving forces behind these new products. The Japanese have been carefully studying the U.S. market and are clearly ready to step right in.a

110 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computers

The Machines Behind the Machines

Several Japanese companies, both large and small, have their

eyes on the American market.

Phil Lemmons Consulting Editor

When shopping for the products of any rapidly developing industry, you must judge not only the products themselves but also their manufacturers. This is especially true when products are complex. If you buy the world's greatest microcomputer from a company whose business acumen falls far below its engineering genius, that company may not be around two years from now when you need parts or service for the machine. You want to buy a machine from a company that will continue to produce and support microcomputers. When you buy, you're betting on one company to survive.

The temptation is strong to buy only from the largest companies, but that oversimplifies the judgment you must make. Size is, of course, important. Companies that hope to survive in the American microcomputer market must now be able to stand up to giants such as IBM, DEC, and Xerox. Big companies can also achieve economies of scale and further economies by making most or all of

their products' components (which economists call vertical integration).

Just as important as a company's size, however, is its determination to continue making microcomputers. Industry pioneers such as Apple Computer Inc. will be formidable competitors because everyone believes their manufacture and support of microcomputers will probably continue. If some huge, diversified company introduces a microcomputer that fails to win a good share of the market, that company can stop making microcomputers and rely on its hundreds of other products.

This article doesn't pretend to judge the contenders in the battle for survival in the U.S. microcomputer market; it's purpose is to profile some Japanese companies, including Canon, Oki, Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, and Systems Formulate Corporation. (For a comparative review of these companies' microcomputers see "Six Personal Computers from Japan," page 60 in this issue.) To help you put this information in context, I'll first

give some information about the microcomputer industry in Japan and about Japanese pricing policies in the United States. I'll close with a few speculations about Japanese microcomputers in the United States during the next two years. These speculations must be considered strictly amateur.

The Japanese Microcomputer Industry

The Japanese microcomputer industry is large and diverse, but two generalizations apply: the graphics are excellent, and the competition is fierce. The graphics are excellent because they must be in order to represent the complex kanji (Chinese characters) used in Japanese. The competition is fierce because manufacturing personal computers appeals to two different kinds of Japanese companies: the long-standing manufacturers of computers and the consumer electronics firms.

Sixty-four companies manufacture personal computers in Japan. (Sixty

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 115

Japanese Computers.

four; this is not a misprint. Clearly, the Japanese are finding ways to occupy the 40,000 electrical engineers who graduate from Japanese universities each year.) At least eleven Japanese companies are already marketing microcomputers in the United States: Canon, Casio, Seiko (Epson), Fujitsu, Nippon Electric Company (NEC), Oki (through BMC), Panasonic, Sharp, Systems Formulate, Toshiba, and Hitachi (the last delayed by the FCC's changes in rules governing radio-frequency interference). Sanyo and Sony are in the wings, and others are in their dressing rooms.

Computer Manufacturers

The Japan Electronics Almanac 1981 lists six major manufacturers of computers in Japan: Fujitsu, Hitachi, NEC, Toshiba, Mitsubishi Electric, and Oki Electric Company. These

companies have experience in developing integrated computer systems and software. Oki is by far the

We know less about

the Intentions of the

Japanese consumer

electronics

manufacturers than

we do about the

major computer

manufacturers.

smallest with "only" 12,000 employees compared to Fujitsu's 34,000 and Mitsubishi's 49,000. NEC employs 64,000; Toshiba, 98,000; and Hitachi, 151,000.

Each of these major manufacturers has the resources to make a dream machine. The question is, can they ef

fectively market their microcomputers in the United States7

Fujitsu has the least experience in consumer electronics and has shown a tendency to market its machines through OEMs (that is, to have its machines packaged and sold under the names of other original equipment manufacturers). NEC markets consumer products widely in Japan but not in the United States. On the other hand, NEC has outpaced the other companies in entering the American microcomputer market. Like NEC, Oki has also sold peripherals here, notably its Okidata printers, and is marketing small-business computers through the Japanese trading company BMC (Business Machines Corporation) and BMC USA Inc., its American subsidiary.

Various sources claim that 8086- or 8088-based microcomputers will come from Toshiba, NEC, Hitachi, and Fujitsu. If these rumors are true,

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The Japanese Manufacturers—How Successful Will They Be?

by Tod Zipnick

TMQ Software Inc.

390 Northeast River Rd.

DesPlaines, IL 60016

America has long awaited the Japanese entry into the U.S. personal computer market. Some Japanese companies have already begun to sell microcomputers here, and more are surely on their way. But a few questions remain unanswered: How successful will the Japanese companies be? What are their plans and what products can we expect from them?

Japanese companies will have to go through a two- to three-year learning curve to understand the American microcomputer market. For one, Japanese methods of conducting business are different from ours. As well, they might encounter problems stemming from a less than thorough understanding of microcomputer distribution, service, and support, FCC regulations, and software and its support.

Japanese Methods

of Conducting Business

When Japanese engineers consider the design of a new product, they accept advice mainly from divisions within their company that have been successful in the past. Because their experience at this point stems from the Japanese rather than the American marketplace, new products are often designed with Japan in mind, not America. The market for microcomputers in Japan is several years behind ours. This explains why one Japanese company can plan to release a cassette-based microcomputer with no means to interface it with a disk drive. The Japanese market will accept such a product,

About the Author

Tod Zipnick is president of TMQ Software, a Chicago-based software and consulting firm to the microcomputer industry.

but the same product will find much resistance in America.

Japan is several years behind us in software capability. They know hardware better than software. Japanese products reflect this lack of knowledge; consequently, their computers are hardware-intensive rather than software-oriented. The hardware is, nonetheless, very good.

Distribution, Service, and Support

Microcomputer distribution, service, and support are also different here. The Japanese marketplace still contains a lot of hobbyists, and only recently in Japan has there been a transition to the business marketplace—a transition we experienced several years ago. When an American business plan is presented for Japanese approval, the Japanese are naturally skeptical about the distribution, service, and support based on their experiences in Japan. They do not yet understand the amount of money needed to support these functions in the American marketplace.

FCC Regulations

Having to pass a microcomputer through the FCC for approval is a new experience for the Japanese. Because of this, the Japanese manufacturers will spend a lot of time getting approval for their first line of products. In an industry that moves as fast as this one, such a delay could hurt their marketing plans. Future designs for new products will undoubtedly be passed through more quickly.

Software

One of the biggest lessons the

Japanese companies will have learn is that software sells hardware in America. A Japanese company will look at the third-party support of the Apple, Atari, Radio Shack, and IBM computers and expect the same to occur for their machines. What they may not realize is that they will have to commit $1 to 3 million to acquire software applications from outside vendors to do the job properly. A lot of money needs to be poured into software evaluations and support of software when it is released. This must be done in America, not in Japan, because the people working in Japan are not aware of the software options available through companies in the United States. At this time, very few Japanese companies have allocated the necessary resources in America to carry out these steps.

For software development, Japanese companies must lend between 50 and 100 machines to software companies. This often adds up to more money than most Japanese companies at first realize is necessary to push a product onto the market. Technical documentation on a system is also very difficult to get from Japanese manufacturers. The time and money needed to produce these documents is a must if software companies are going to support a machine.

We can expect Japanese manufacturers to make many mistakes when they first enter the American market. Remember, however, that American manufacturers had similar problems in the past. As the Japanese learn, and if they remain committed to the U.S. market, we can expect to see some fine products from Japan in the future. ■

118 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computers

the Japanese computer companies seem to be swarming around the chips of Intel design. This phenomenon is probably based on a desire to capitalize on the large base of software that already exists for these products.

Only Toshiba, NEC, and Hitachi are significant manufacturers of both computers and consumer products. Only Toshiba and Hitachi have marketed their consumer products on a large scale in the United States.

Consumer Electronics Manufacturers

Sharp, Sony, Matsushita (Panasonic and Quasar), Casio, Sanyo, Seiko, and Canon have all been successful in marketing consumer electronics in the U.S. These companies know the American consumer market and have impressive distribution and service networks. The demands of the consumer markets for small batterypowered gadgets have made these companies invest heavily in semiconductor research. Sharp and Seiko, for example, have spent millions on developing advanced low-power CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) chips. Those chips and their descendants will form the basis of remarkably small, portable, batteryoperated microcomputers.

As to the sizes of the companies themselves, Matsushita employs 96,000 people and had semiconductor sales of $254 million in 1981 (double the sales of Texas Instruments). Sony employs 33,000 and has annual sales of around $5 billion, Sanyo employs 19,000, and Sharp employs 18,000. Canon is a $2-billion company. Seiko is a privately held $3-billion company.

We know less about the intentions of the Japanese consumer electronics manufacturers than we do about the major computer manufacturers, but the consumer electronics companies are clearly interested in the American microcomputer market. Sharp makes the YX-3200 business-oriented computer, a handheld computer, and also manufactures the handheld computer

sold here under the Radio Shack name. Casio makes and sells the FX9000P, a desktop microcomputer aimed at scientists and engineers. Matsushita is producing a 6502-based handheld computer for sale under both the Panasonic and the Quasar names. Sony offers its Typecorder and a word processor that uses 3-inch floppy-disk drives. Matsushita and Hitachi are making 3-inch floppy-disk drives too.

Japanese consumer electronics companies know what an important role convenience of use plays in the sale of consumer goods. If we're lucky, these companies will introduce microcomputers that are not just friendly to users but are downright seductive.

Of particular interest to current microcomputer users is the Suwa Seiko Group, maker of Seiko watches. Suwa Seiko established the Shinshu Seiko Company Ltd. in 1961 to make watch parts. Shinshu Seiko now makes small liquid-crystal displays and digital printers. In the U.S., we know Shinshu Seiko better under the brand name Epson, as in Epson MX-80, the matrix printer that took the U.S. by storm.

Epson has made computers since 1978, when sale of the EX-1 office computer began in Japan. In 1980, Epson introduced to the Japanese market the KX-1, a desktop computer with built-in dual-disk drives. Epson America recently showed the HX-20, a handheld computer that looks very much like the Sony Typecorder, in the United States. At the October 1981 Data Show in Tokyo, Epson exhibited a desktop personal computer, the QC-20, which runs CP/M, has a 4-MHz Z80 processor, and comes with up to 256K-bytes of RAM (randomaccess read/write memory). The Data Show also gave Epson the opportunity to introduce a slim-line, 5V4-inch floppy-disk drive called the FT-20. Look for Epson to do big things with small packages.

Sony's plans for microcomputers are unknown, but in researching this article, I talked with many executives from Japanese electronics companies in the United States. Three people told

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We're a step ahead of Apple because we have a faster step.

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me that Sony has a marvelous personal computer running. Two of these sources said that the Sony computer is based on the 8086 microprocessor. One of these sources said that Sony had not yet decided to market the computer. Another enticing report claims that Sony is developing a 3-inch Winchester hard disk.

Matsushita will soon introduce a floppy-disk drive module for its handheld computer. The module incorporates a Z80 microprocessor and runs CP/M. Last fall at the press conference introducing the handheld computer, a Panasonic spokesman said, 'This is only the beginning."

An Exceptional Entry

Among the Japanese microcomputers reviewed in this issue is the Bubcom80 from Systems Formulate Corporation. This small company, recently founded with Fujitsu's help by a former designer for Fujitsu, is neither a consumer electronics manufacturer nor a major computer manufacturer. Systems Formulate is, however, entirely devoted to designing and selling microcomputers and to teaching people how to use them. In addition to its own Bubcom80, Systems Formulate sells the Commodore VIC, the NEC PC-8001, the Apple II, and the Oki if800. A more detailed profile of Systems Formulate appears later.

Japanese Pricing Policies

Some American advertisements are welcoming the entrance of the Japanese into the microcomputer market here. Other voices, however, are warning that the Japanese will use unconscionable pricing policies to drive their American competitors out of the market.

American semiconductor manufacturers reportedly feel that Japanese manufacturers are "dumping" integrated circuits in the United States. That is, they're selling at a loss in order to drive American companies out of the market. The Japanese maintain that they are selling at a small profit despite paying a 4.2-percent tariff.

Chris Rutkowski, marketing and

124 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

national sales manager of the peripheral products division of Epson America, offers a strong rebuttal to charges that the Japanese practice unfair pricing. Rutkowski sums up the difference between the way American and Japanese companies price their products with: 'The Americans make a product and sell it for as much as they think they can get. The Japanese make a product and then figure out what it actually cost to make and distribute it. Then they add 15 percent. This is fair, equitable pricing."

American car advertisements on television are now verging on racism. While it's convenient for the American auto industry to blame the Japanese for plummeting sales, most consumers realize that Detroit is in trouble mainly because its executives were appallingly slow in realizing the need for small, efficient cars.

The American microcomputer industry seems far more progressive than the car industry. American microcomputer manufacturers expect a challenge and are preparing to meet it—I hope—without resorting to slurs. It seems reasonable to expect that fair competition between domestic companies and the Japanese in the American microcomputer market will lead to better products and lower prices, with several companies surviving on each side and the American consumer being the ultimate victor.

ABMC BMC Interna^s tional is a Jap

anese trading company founded in 1977 to specialize in electronic products. BMC sells video monitors and terminals, memory boards, electronic typewriters, printers, the Oki if800 microcomputer, calculators, electronic games, and other products based on integrated circuits. BMC's promotional literature mentions personal computers as well as business computers. Its American subsidiary is known as BMC USA, Inc.

^■^___ Oki Electric In

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VrimJ. Ltd. of Tokyo

manufactures the if800 distributed

here by BMC. Okidata Corporation,

Circle 397 on inquiry card. *

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Oki Electronics of America, Oki Semiconductor, and Oki Electric Overseas Corporation are other subsidiaries of Oki Electric Industry. Last year marked Oki's centennial. While the company's size doesn't rival that of giants such as NEC and Toshiba, Oki does devote all the efforts of its 12,400 employees to electronic and telecommunications equipment.

About 38 percent of its sales consist of electronic business machines. Oki's OKITAC series of computers sells well in Japan, as do Oki's modems and teleprinters. Okidata printers are popular here. Oki Semiconductor's products include 64K-bit RAM chips and other VLSI (very large-scale integration) chips. The company's new VLSI plant opened in 1981 and was producing 3 million 64K-bit dynamic RAMs a month by late 1981. Oki expects production to rise gradually to 10 million a month by 1985.

f^AIIAII Although better

victim11 known for calcu.

lators and cameras than for computers, Canon is capable of mounting a substantial microcomputer marketing effort in North America. Canon has diversified in recent years and now produces copiers, electronic typewriters, micrographics equipment, magnetic-card readers, magnetic heads for audio and digital devices, and microcomputer disk drives. Canon is conducting research in computeraided design (CAD) and computeraided manufacturing (CAM). In fact, 40 percent of Canon's sales in North America are business machines.

The two primary markets for microcomputers are home and office, and Canon USA has extensive experience in North America in both. So far, Canon has produced computers for the office market only. The Canon CX-1 and the BX-3 are general-purpose small-business computers.

The TX-10 and TX-15 are designed for fields such as banking and finance, payroll management, foreign exchange, science, statistics, insurance, real estate, and auto sales. The TX-10

126 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

has a numeric pad, and the TX-15 has a standard alphanumeric keyboard. The TX-25 has an alphanumeric keyboard and 4-inch floppy-disk drives. All these machines are based on the Motorola 6809 microprocessor. Canon could seek a larger market through its 7500 independent dealers in the United States and Canada, and its 700 authorized service centers could be a strong selling point for consumer computers.

FUJITSU

Fujitsu Ltd. is Japan's largest manufacturer of computers and its fourth-largest producer of semiconductors. Although Fujitsu's assets of $3 billion are less than those of a few other Japanese corporations, Fujitsu devotes most of its efforts to computers and data communications. In fact, of Fujitsu's $2,769,895,000 in 1981 sales, computers and data communications accounted for $1,819,495,000 or 66 percent. Fujitsu makes printers, large hard-disk systems, terminals, integrated circuits, and many other computer-related products.

Fujitsu's prowess in making large computers is widely recognized. In May 1981, Fujitsu introduced the world's most powerful general-purpose computer, the FACOM M-382. Its dual processor system has 32 to 128 megabytes of main storage and as many as 64 channels, for a maximum total throughput of 96 megabytes per second.

Fujitsu is one of the world's largest producers of integrated circuits; its 64K-bit dynamic RAM mass-production system is the world's largest. Fujitsu sells integrated circuits in the United States through the subsidiary Fujitsu Microelectronics. In development are high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMT) and Josephsonjunction elements, both of which should bring dramatic improvements in circuit performance.

No one is doing more with bubble memories than Fujitsu. Mass production of 64K-bit and 256K-bit bubble

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ISE-ADV/ORGA GERMANY Lipowskystr. 26 8000 Munich 70 Tel: (089) 77 60 23-4

In France:

ISE-CEGOS

Tour Chenonceaux

204. Rond-Point du Pont de Sevres

92516 Boulogne Billancourt Cede*

Tel: 620-61-04

In Switzerland and Austria: ISE-ADVORGA SWITZERLAND Mainaustra|te 17 CH-8008 Zurich Tel: (01) 32 02 70-1

Elsewhere:

ISE-INTERNATIONAL P.O. Box 248 Lafayette. Indiana 47902 Tel: (317)463-2581

P.O. Box 248 Lafayette. IN 47902

For more on one of our fine products, see page 303

•

* »

* •

» 4

r

i As inevitable as evolution.

Two rapidly changing technologies:

1 .Computers shrinking in size and price, „ growing in power.

2. Professional software, steadily increasing

Wk in sophistication.

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It was inevitable that someone would bring computer systems. * these technologies together. That someone is ISE: ISE's current offerings of data base man*" a new kind of computing company created to agement systems and application development bridge the evolutionary gap between professional- tools provide all the capability of mainframe quality software and microcomputers. software, at a fraction of the price.

The result of an international alliance of For more information on this major develsoftware and computer consulting companies. opment in business computer technology, phone ISE today produces the world's most sophisticat- our main office at (317) 463-2581 or contact ed software for the world's smallest professional the ISE affiliate nearest you.

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Mainframe-quality software at micro prices.

P.O. Box 248 Lafayette. IN 47902

What if you want more assurance your valuable data

won t fane away ?

Rely on SYNCOM

disfettes with Ectype5

coating. Balanced coercivity means

long-lasting signal life.

Syncom diskettes assure excellent archival performance in the following ways.

First, with calibrated coercivity-a precisely balanced blend of milled ferrous oxides that allows Ectype® coating to respond fully to "write" signals, for strong, permanent data retention.

Then, a burnished coating surface to boost both signal strength and packing density.

Carbon additives drain away static charge before it can alter data.

And, finally, every Syncom diskette is write/read-back certified to be 100% error free.

To see which Syncom diskette will replace the one you're using now, send for our free "Flexi-Finder" selection guide - and the name of the supplier nearest you.

Balanced coercivity of Ectype® coating allows write current to saturate fully and permanently.

Syncom, Box 130, Mitchell, SD 57301. 800-843-9862; 605-996-8200.

SYNCOM

Manufacturer of a full line of flexible media "See us at NCC Booth #5510"

n o' Schwan't Sales Ente

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Japanese (^bmpuier^_

memories will begin soon, and Fujitsu has developed a prototype 1-megabit bubble memory. Although Fujitsu foresees the use of bubble memories in personal computers, price seems an obstacle at present.

In the U.S., Fujitsu markets its small- and medium-scale computers via the TRW-Fujitsu Company, a joint venture with TRW Inc. Fujitsu exports its large-scale computers to Amdahl Corporation, which markets them in an OEM arrangement.

In the realm of microcomputers for the mass market, Fujitsu has yet to establish itself. Fujitsu's "piggy-back" microcomputers, with their detachable ROMs (read-only memories) are certainly innovative. Users find the ease of replacing these ROMs a great aid in program development. The Fujitsu Micro 8 (FM-8), with twin 6809s and an optional Z80, is impressive too, although we have lately learned that it will not be sold in the U.S. in its present form. Fujitsu is among the Japanese firms rumored to have 8086-based systems in development, but they're not expected to be unveiled this year.

<§>HITACHI Hitachi is a 70year-old corporation whose 151,000 employees turn out thermal, hydroelectric, and nuclear power equipment as well as other electric utility equipment; chemicals; iron, steel, wire, and cable; industrial machinery; consumer products including televisions, video-tape recorders, audio equipment, and air conditioners; and computers, semiconductors, and other electronic equipment. Consumer items accounted for 21.3 percent of 1980 sales; computers, semiconductors, and other electronic equipment accounted for 18.9 percent. Hitachi's Maxell floppy disks have a substantial share of the market here and a reputation for excellent quality. Hitachi's dynamic RAMs also enjoy a good reputation, including the 64K-bit chips. In 1981, Hitachi was Japan's second-largest producer of semiconductors, turning out $614 million worth of chips.

THE $595* SMART TERMINAL

The Heath 19 Smart Video Terminal gives you all the important professional features you want in a terminal, all for under $600.* You get the flexibility you need for high-speed data entry, editing, inquiry and transaction processing. It's designed to be the backbone of your system with heavy-duty features that withstand the rigors of daily use. Standard RS-232C interfacing makes the 19 compatible with DEC VT-52 and most computer systems. And with the 19, you get the friendly advice and expert service that makes Heath/Zenith a strong partner for you.

Sold through Heathkit Electronic Centerst nationwide (see your white pages for locations). Stop in today for a demonstration of the Heath 19 Smart Video Terminal. If you can't get to a store, send for the latest Heathkit® Catalog. Write Heath Co.,Dept. 334-894, Benton Harbor, Ml 49022.

HEATH/ZENITH

Your strong partner

Completely addressable blinking cursor lets you edit anywhere on screen.

Reverse video by character lets you emphasize words, phrases or paragraphs.

High resolution CRT gives you sharp, easyto-read image, reduces eye-strain.

Complete ASC character set includ ing uppercase, lower case with descenders, and special graphic symbols.

80 character by 24 line format, plus 25th line for operator messages and prompts.

Professional quality keyboard, standard typewriter layout, 72 keys, including 12 special function keys.

Z-80 microprocessorcontrol makes the 19 capable of multitude of high-speed functions. It's the only terminal with ROM source code readily available.

Insert and delete character or line plus erase to end of line and end of screen make the 19 ideal for sophisticated editors like WORDSTAR.

Cursor and special functions are accessible by keyboard or computer, using either DEC VT-52 or ANSI Standard protocols.

Keypad in calculator format permits fast, easy entry of numeric data.

*ln kit form, F.O.B.Benton Harbor, Ml. Also available the completely assembled Zenith Z-19 at $895. Prices and specifications are subject to change without notice.

tHeath Company and Veritechnology Electronics Corporation are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Zenith Radio Corporation. The Heathkit Electronic Centers are operated by Veritechnology Electronics Corporation.

CP-202C

Circle 303 on inquiry card.

personal computer

UCSD

p-System™IV-1

A superior implementation of the UCSD p-SYSTEM is available NOW for your IBM Personal Computer. Network Consulting has added many features which the professional programmer will find useful. These features are not available from any other sources.

• Hard disk support for Corvus, Tall Grass Technology and others

• 25% more floppy storage, without adding or modifying hardware, retaining compatibility with standard IBM diskettes

• Double sided/double tracking/fast stepping floppy disk drive support

• RAM disk support (uses upto512k RAM) •Adaptable system support for adding

custom I/O drivers

• Remote Terminal support

• XON/XOFF flow control for serial printers

• Disk write verification

• and more!

Standard p-System features include:

• Program chaining

• Standard I/O redirection (including command files)

• Dynamic program overlays

• Support for asynchronous processes and concurrency primitives in Pascal

• Fast Pascal, Fortran and Basic compilers, all producing universal p-code programs

• A powerful screen oriented editor that runs in both programming and text editing modes

•A Native machine Code Generator that processes your Pascal, Fortran and Basic programs to convert parts of them to Native machine code

• Dynamic runtime binding of separately compile programs and units.

•Turtlegraphics for easy graphics displays

• Print spooler for background printing

• Symbolic debugger

• Extended memory support

•A library of program modules and other utilities 48 HOUR DELIVERY — CALL NOW!

UCSD p—SYSTEM from

Network Consulting

The only serious choice for business

Dealer Inquiries Welcome

TM The Regents of the University of California

58

Network Consulting Inc.

A106 - 1093 W. Broadway

Vancouver, B.C.

Canada V6H 1E2

(604) 738-3500

Japanese Computers.

Hitachi's integrated circuits and computers have been selling well where marketed under Hitachi's own name. Domestic Japanese sales of Hitachi's M and L series computers have been brisk. Hitachi's M-280H is among the world's most powerful computers, with 32 megabytes of main memory. What better place to dump that much data than the Hitachi disk storage unit that holds 2.5 gigabytes? The HITAC E-800 is a formidable super minicomputer, and the HITAC L series is designed for use as terminals in distributed processing. At the smaller end of the size scale, Hitachi offers three microcomputers based on the 6809 processor; the MB-6890, reviewed in this issue, is the most powerful of the three.

Despite its size, technical excellence, and vertical integration, Hitachi has suffered some setbacks in foreign markets. Hitachi was supplying processors to Itel in the United States, and Itel's debacle in computers hurt Hitachi here. In response, Hitachi has signed an agreement to supply large processors to a National Semiconductor Corporation subsidiary, National Advanced Systems Corporation. Hitachi has a similar arrangement in Europe with Olivetti.

The FCC's radio-frequency interference rules postponed the Hitachi 6809-based machines' entry into the American market. Hitachi is showing signs of being unhappy about software support for its 6809-based systems and is considering basing its future microcomputers on the 8086. Whatever Hitachi's decision, this giant company can make anything it wants to make, and it is sure to make interesting microcomputers.

SEC

Nippon Electric Company is another of the Japanese corporate giants on the international scene. With 64,000 employees and $5,174,493,000 in assets in 1981, NEC produces consumer products, including color televisions, hi-fi audio equipment, and kitchen appliances; microcomputers such as the PC-8000

series; and minicomputers such as the Astra series. It also produces mainframes, including the NEC System 1000, which can execute 29 million instructions per second, has a 64-megabyte main memory, a 256K-byte high-speed cache memory, and excellent integrated circuits, including NEC's widely used 64K-bit dynamic RAM chips (256K-byte dynamic RAMs and 512K-bit ROMs are in the experimental stage).

NEC's long list of peripherals is headed by the excellent Spinwriter series of letter-quality printers, renowned RGB (red-green-blue) color monitors, matrix printers, band printers, modems, floppy disks, and Winchester hard disks. In 1981, NEC led the world in production of semiconductors with sales of $805 million, about seven times those of Texas Instruments.

NEC clearly has everything needed for vertically integrated production of microcomputer systems. Moreover, much of its strength is in computers (24 percent), electronic devices (23 percent), and home electronics (13 percent).

Two of NEC's subsidiaries are now selling the PC-8000 series in the U.S. NEC Home Electronics USA, Personal Computer Division, targets the personal-computer market, while NEC Information Systems Inc. sells to the small-business market. NEC Information Systems also offers office furniture designed for the PC-8000 and a new communications board for the PC-8000 in the office environment. Since its inception in 1977, NEC Information Systems has grown to an annual revenue rate of $100 million.

Indications are that both NEC Home Electronics and NEC Information Systems plan aggressive expansion. NEC exhibited two new 8-bit microcomputers in Japan last year. Reports suggest that NEC Home Electronics will bring out a computer (perhaps the PC-6000) to compete head-on in price with the Commodore VIC.

NEC Information Systems may introduce the PC-8800, which will represent an improvement in mass storage

130 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

FMS-80. THE TWO DOOR DATA BASE PLUS _

We've split the proven, bestselling FMS-80 micro data base manager into two parts. And we've split the price.

Part one (FMS-81) gives you the essential file and reporting features. You can quickly create programs with input questions a clerk can understand, and with reports a manager can use.

And FMS-81 with its new manual, is so easy to use, you'll be generating reports the first day. FMS-81 sells for $495.

Part two (FMS-82) has all the fancy stuff. Including an Extended File Maintenance language that lets you perform virtually unlimited manipulation on up to 19 different data files simultaneously.

Door # 1: Reports you'll use today. Door #2: The sky is the limit.

Using FMS-82, you or your computer dealer can make FMS-80 do just about anything. FMS-82 sells for $495.

Naturally, FMS-82 is fully compatible with all the files and functions you generate with FMS-81.

FMS-81 is so useful, it might seem like you'll never need FMS-82.

But as you expand your use of computers, isn't it nice to know it's there?

The FMS family runs under CP/M, MP/M, CDOS, and Turbodos. Call or write today for a brochure detailing the extensive capabilities of the Two Door Data Base Manager, and the name of your nearest dealer.

You'll be impressed.

Plus, Inc.

%

1120 San Antonio Road Palo Alto, CA 94303 (415)969-7047

Q C(//~ product

DJR Associates, Inc. 2 Highland Lane North Tarrytown, NY 10591

Circle 403 on inquiry card.

FMS-80, FMS-81. FMS-82

TM DJR Associates CP/M, MP/M TM Digital Research CDOS TM Cromemco Turbodos TM Software 2000, Inc.

Circle 19 on inquiry card.

, |?V SmaII

AMERICAN BtsiNEs,

COMPUTERS 118 S. MILL ST. PRYOR, OK. 74761

ALL PRICES ARE CASH DISCOUNTED 3%. COD. AND CHARGE ORDERS ARE 3% MORE. DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED.

DON'T PAY MORE !!!

TRS-80 MODEL III

16K $825

48K $849

48K 1-DRIVE $1499

48K 2-DRIVE $1749

TRS-80 DISK DRIVES

MODELI

TEACorTANDON $250

MODELIII

DRIVE 0 $595

DRIVE 1 $239

DRIVE 2, 3 $250

COLOR COMPUTER

DRIVE 0 $499

DRIVE1.2, 3 $250

EPSON PRINTERS

ALMOST EVERYONE WHO CALLS ABOUT EPSON PRICES BUYS A PRINTER. THERE ARE TWO REASONS FOR THIS: 1. WE USUALLY HAVE THE LOWEST PRICE IN THE COUNTRY. 2. WE ALMOST ALWAYS HAVE THE PRINTER THEY NEED IN STOCK. SO...CALLUSTOOAY!

AW...WHAT THE HECK

RAM Memory Chips for the TRS-80 APPie

UttfthM >' ine :-,..■ $16.95

i poanbl* Several

W»Mtk «t btg.n Mil- PCD

:»AM Memo., Chipi lor f* C fl

TRS-80 lor 145 00

tel Someone alH «H0 --»

I IQF 144 00 We 10X3 ID IN. > (or 136 00 They ki<0

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I WHAT THE HECK'" O t I

I 200 nenoali THS-aO

COLOR COMPUTERS

4K LEVELI $318

16K LEVEL I $335

16K EXT. BASIC $435

32K EXT. BASIC $520

MODEL II $3287

MODEL 16 1-DRIVE $4495

MODEL 16 2-DRIVE $5218

OKIDATA MICROLINE 80 $399

82A $469

83A $719

84 $1250

C. ITOH F10-40 $1450

C. ITOH F10-55 $1750

C. ITOH PROWRITER $499

PACKET MAN FOR

COLOR COMPUTER $24.95

918-825-4844

132 May 1982 ® BYTE Publications Inc

japan^e Computers,

and packaging over the the PC-8000. The 8800 is expected to have 8-inch drives, and, unlike the PC-8000, the whole system can be turned on and off with a single switch. Both NEC Home Electronics and NEC Information Systems are offering more applications software tailored to the PC-8000.

Rumors are also circulating that NEC will introduce a 16-bit microcomputer based on Intel's 8086 microprocessor, but it's unclear whether the machine's target is home, office, or both. If and when NEC does introduce the 8086-based machine, much will be determined by which subsidiary introduces it—NEC Home Electronics, NEC Information Systems, or both.

Akio Watanabe founded Systems Formulate in September 1978. Since 1964,

Watanabe's true love has been small computers. While a hardware designer at Fujitsu, he designed the FACOM 230 and FACOM V series systems. Watanabe struck out on his own in 1978 in order to spread the benefits of microcomputers to the public. Systems Formulate not only designs and sells machines but also provides training courses.

Sales from April 1980 to March 1981 were $4,300,000, up from $3,100,000 the previous year. Systems Formulate has already made a full return on its original investment of $230,000. Fujitsu president Taiyu Kobayashi helped Systems Formulate with technology and personnel as well as financing.

Perhaps the most striking fact about Systems Formulate is that it sells 8 to 10 percent of all the personal computers in Japan. Systems Formulate has four retail stores, three in Japan and one in Palo Alto, California. The systems sold include the Commodore VIC, the Apple, the NEC PC-8001, and the Oki if800.

Systems Formulate has two training "campuses," both in Japan. The campuses, which offer a variety of software training courses, provide a sepa

rate personal computer for each student. The most popular course? "SB nyu-mon," the beginner's course in small-business computer applications. Students can rent computer time for study outside class hours.

Watanabe and other Systems Formulate staff members designed the Z80-based Bubcom80, which Fujitsu builds. The Bubcom80 is a beautiful machine, and a drop in the price of bubble memory would make it hard to resist. Systems Formulate's direct retail sales of computers may enable the company's talented designers to understand better than others the needs of personal computer users. Add to that the little company's close ties with Fujitsu and apparent ability to use the giant's production facilities, and Systems Formulate seems an attractive dark horse in the American microcomputer market. At this point, however, Systems Formulate's only machine is too expensive for all but a few personal computer users.

TOSHIBA £ century-old, $9-bilhon company that employs almost 64,000 people, Toshiba offers products that range from light bulbs to a neutral-beam injector for fusion experiments. Perhaps most impressive about Toshiba as a contender in the U.S. personal computer market is that Toshiba combines experience in both consumer electronics and information-processing systems with the capacity for vertical integration. Toshiba is Japan's thirdlargest producer of semiconductors, with sales of $541 million in 1981.

Toshiba's technological feats include a pocket liquid-crystal-display television, a voice-driven word processor for the intricate Japanese language, a highly successful family of CMOS integrated circuits, and the world's first microcomputer that uses silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technology.

The first two microcomputers Toshiba introduced in the United States were its T200 and T250 desktop machines. Both use the 8085A microprocessor and come with CP/M, CBASIC II, and Microsoft BASIC

GSX3 ENGINEERING

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MULTI-USER SYSTEMS

MP/M8-16

Are you having trouble deciding whether to go 8 bits (with lots of software that runs NOW), or 16 bits (with all that potential power)? Thanks to G&G, it's a split decision—EVERYBODY WINS! G&G ENGINEERING'S implementation of MP/M 86™ does it all! We call our package MP/M 8-16 because it uses Digital Research's MP/M 86 to provide a multi-user, multitasking environment for running both CP/M 2.2™ and CP/M 86™ compatible programs ... AT THE SAME TIME!

That's right! Imagine a system where one user could be running Wordstar™, another dBASE II™, a third SUPERCALC™ (all 8 bit CP/M 2.2 compatible programs), while a fourth user runs CBASIC 86™ (16 bits and CP/M 86 compatible)! It's all made possible thanks to CompuPro's powerful hardware, including the 8085/8088 processor board and DMA

Circle 459 on inquiry card.

disk controllers, and thanks to G&G Engineering's software expertise.

Plus you can install up to a Megabyte of CompuPro high speed static RAM memory and an assortment of hard disk drives. This system means business.

But flexibility isn't the only good news. This system is also FAST (naturally, it's by G&G). What's more, it's BIG. CP/M 2.2 compatible programs when run under MP/M 8-16 are not limited to user work areas of 48K, as with 8-bit-only MP/M systems. With MP/M 8-16, your work area for 8 bit software is a whopping 62K!

*MP/M 8-16 is a proprietary implementation of MP/M 86 version 2.0. This implementation takes advantage of the CompuPro 8085/8088 processor card and can not be run on other CPU cards.

UNIX

DUAL SYSTEMS and CompuPro make a perfect match in the best micro-computer version of UNIX we've seen. This is not "UNIX-LIKE"— this IS UNIX, implemented on the MC68000 processor (32 bit internal registers!). For the software connoisseur.

APPLICATIONS

(for users of our CompuPro systems)

Now you can really spread out with SuperSheet, G&G's enhancement of Sorcim's SUPERCALC™. Upward compatible with all your existing SUPERCALC files, SuperSheet allows up to 15 times more storage! If you are among the many who have been frustrated by the Memory FULL message, SuperSheet is the answer to your prayers! This is the largest electronic spreadsheet program on the market. Once again, G&G has taken the best and made it even better. (Requires a minimum of 128K RAM.)

WARP DRIVE

Compute in the fast lane with WARP DRIVE, G&G's RAM memory disk drive. WARP DRIVE is extended address RAM memory configured with CP/M 2.2 to look like a disk drive. Your programs can run from 10 to 30 times faster! When running CP/M 86, WARP DRIVE automatically becomes directly addressable main memory. WARP DRIVE is available in sizes ranging from 128K to 1 Megabyte.

CPM-IBM

Turn your G&G system into an IBM-ulator! Your system can become a powerful software development tool for the IBM Personal Computer. (We use CompuPro's Dual Processor 8085/88— the same hardware IBM used for their own development!) Our CPM-IBM program allows you to transfer CP/M® compatible files to and from 51/4-inch diskettes in the IBM DOS format. The program discerns what kind of file or diskette it is reading, then does the appropriate conversion— IBM to CP/M or CP/M to IBM. G&G makes it easy!

GSG ENGINEERING

1922 Republic Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577 (415)8950798

G&G Engineering is an authorized CompuPro Systems Center. We specialize in CP/M S-100 Software and Hardware integration. Our engineers are factory-trained experts in CompuPro products. All our CompuPro equipment is covered by a 2-year phone exchange warranty. Single-user systems start at $5,000 and multi-user systems begin at $9,000.

•COMPUPRO is a trademark of Godbout Electronic; MP/M. MP/M 86, CP/M, CP/M 2.2 and CP/M 86 are trademarks of Digital Research; WORDSTAR is a trademark of MicroPro; dBASE II is a trademark of AshtonTate; SUPERCALC and SUPERSHEET are trademarks of Sorcim; CBASIC 86 is a trademark of Compiler Systems Inc.; UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories; WARP DRIVE is a trademark of G&G Engineering.

Circle 93 on inquiry card.

SITTING PRETTY

You can use just about any desk for a computer terminal stand. But with CF&A, you're sitting pretty. Our full range of desks, workstations, and terminal stands are designed to accommodate a variety of computer equipment. Choose from our Classic Series desks, DR Series desks and enclosures, specialty items likeour Apple II desk, or a universal printer stand. You'll be sitting pretty with attractive color selections, durable construction, versatile configurations, useful options, competitive prices, quick delivery, and personal service. It's our way of doing business.

CPA

Computer Furniture and

Accessories, Inc.

1441 West 132nd Street

Gardens, CA 90249

(213) 327-7710

Japanese Computers,

standard. The T200 has two 5Vi-inch built-in disk drives, and the T250 has two 8-inch built-in disk drives.

At January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Toshiba surprised everyone by showing a third microcomputer, this one using a Z80A processor. Called the TlOO, this model has BASIC in a 32K-byte ROM, 64K bytes of user RAM, 16K bytes of video RAM, and the capacity to accept two additional 8- to 32K-byte ROM or RAM packs containing languages or applications programs. The TlOO's price starts at less than $1000 and demonstrates the seriousness of Toshiba's interest in the American personal computer market. The TlOO may or may not be the same machine as the rumored Toshiba PASOPIA. The PASOPIA was supposedly based on the 6502 processor and was to be priced below the Apple.

Toshiba will introduce another microcomputer at the June National Computer Conference in Houston. The T300 uses the more powerful 8088 microprocessor and is aimed at the small-business market. A single-user system with dual 8-inch, slim-line disk drives may sell for as little as $3500, with a 10-megabyte Winchester harddisk drive costing perhaps $4000. A multiuser system consisting of four T300s, a Winchester drive, and a printer may sell for around $25,000.

All of a sudden, Toshiba has covered the entire spectrum of the American microcomputer market. Its products range from home computers for under $1000 to multiuser systems for $25,000. The TlOO, T200, T250, and T300 together seem to reflect excellent long-range planning. According to Toshiba, all four machines will run the same software. There may also be a 6502-based PASOPIA in the works.

Toshiba has signed 30 dealers and has a goal of signing 40 more this year. It has also opened two retail computer stores, one in the Westwood section of Los Angeles and the other in Costa Mesa, California. Vice-president and general manager John Rehfeld of Toshiba America stresses that the

retail stores will serve as "learning laboratories for gathering information which can be useful to our dealer network."

Speculations and a Pipe Dream

At the moment, it looks as if NEC and Toshiba are leading the pack in marketing Japanese microcomputers in the United States. Expect them to maintain their lead for some time. Both companies will soon be offering complete lines of microcomputers ranging widely in price. Both seem determined to win a significant share of the American market. Both have the resources for large-scale, vertically integrated manufacturing. Toshiba has marketed more consumer products here, but NEC has established dealer networks for its Spinwriters and video monitors and, to some extent, for its PC-8000 series.

Later this year or early in 1983, Hitachi can be expected to introduce in the U.S. a series of powerful microcomputers. Despite its setbacks in marketing computers here, Hitachi is such an impressive company that its products are likely to be worth the wait. Hitachi has successfully marketed consumer products in the U.S. and has everything necessary for vertically integrated production. The only questions are whether Hitachi will decide to build the right machines and whether the market will still be waiting by the time the Hitachi machines arrive.

As for the consumer electronics companies, Seiko's Epson subsidiary will probably be the first to make a strong showing. Existing marketing channels and consumer enthusiasm for the MX-80, along with Seiko's stateof-the-art CMOS technology, enormous financial resources, and experience in manufacturing microcomputers, give Epson an excellent chance of winning a significant share of the American market. This is certain if Epson decides to sell its computers, as it does its printers, for very low prices.

Expect Sony and Matsushita to burst on the scene sometime during 1982 with compact, convenient home

134 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Performance, quality,

llliilsl

■r: 1

reliability.

Disk 21 ?£.™°J

■^■^^■m •■# Channel

Excellence in DMA hard disk control.

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Performance, Quality Reliability.

Disk controllers!

sub-system

Disk 1. High performance, DMA floppy disk controller for single or double-density, single or double-sided diskettes. IBM (soft-sector) compatible. $495, $595 CSC. CP/M® 2.2 $175, CP/M-86 $300.

Disk 2. High performance, DMA hard disk controller handles up to four disk drives, up to sixteen heads per drive. Compatible with MP/M, OASIS, CP/M-80, and CP/M-86. Contact factory for pricing.

Floppy Disk Sub-System. Two Qume doublesided, double-density drives provide up to 2.4M bytes of on-line mass storage. With all-metal enclosure, Disk 1 DMA floppy disk controller, CP/M80, and CP/M-86. $3295. MP/M 8-16 Operating System. CompuPro's proprietary version of Digital Research's multi-user MP/M-86 (V2.0) gives you the best of both worlds: Run 8 bit (CP/M 2.2) and 16 bit (CP/M-86) software - simultaneously - in a multi-user environment. $990.

Interfacers

Interfacer 1. Two RS-232C serial ports, full handshake, independently selectable Baud rates. $249, $324 CSC.

Interfacer 2. Three full duplex parallel ports plus one full-feature RS-232C serial port. $249, $324 CSC.

Interfacer 3-5. Five RS-232C serial ports (2 sync/async, 3 async) with full handshake and selectable Baud rates. $599, $699 CSC. Interfacer 3-8. Eight RS-232C serial ports (2 sync/async, 6 async) with full handshake and selectable Baud rates. $699, $849 CSC. Coming soon: Interfacer 4. The latest addition to the interfacer series. Three RS-232C serial ports, one parallel port, and one Centronics parallel port.

Memory

Static operation gives flawless DMA while handling 10 MHz clock speeds.

RAM 20. Extended addressing or bank select. RAM 20-8K: $210, $280 CSC. RAM 20-16K: $285, $355 CSC. RAM 20-24K: $355, $425 CSC. RAM 20-32K: $425, $495 CSC. RAM 16. Works automatically with 8 or 16 bit systems (64K X 8 or 32K X 16). $650, $750 CSC. RAM 17. Ultra low power (1.6 Watts typical for 64K). RAM 17-64K: $599, $699 CSC. 48K version also available.

RAM 21. Low power, high density. Works automatically with 8 or 16 bit systems (128K X 8 or 64K by 16). $1695, $1895 CSC.

M-DRIVE. The first "solid state disk drive" increases operating speeds up to 3500%. Memory saves are virtually instantaneous, spread sheets recalculate faster, long compiles take milliseconds instead of minutes, and disk wear is minimized too. You haven't experienced computing in the fast lane—until you've experienced M-DRIVE. 128K MDRIVE $1198,256K M-DRIVE $2395 (prices based on RAM 17; also available for other RAM types).

CPUs

CPU 8085188. Executes today's 8 bit and tomorrow's 16 bit software on an 8 bit bus. Chosen by leading software houses for IBM PC software development. $425, $525 CSC.

CPU Z. The preferred Z80 board for high speed

processing. $295, $395 CSC.

CPU 8086187. High-performance 16 bit CPU

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$695, $850 CSC.

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"CompuPro Product User Manuals, Volume 2". 300 + page book includes data on System Support 1, Disk 1, RAM 17, Interfaced, System Enclosure, and STD products. Softcover. $25.

"Interfacing to S-1 OOf IEEE 896 Microcomputers". By Mark Garetz and Sol Libes; published by McGraw-Hill. Covers operating requirements and characteristics of the S-100 bus with clarity and precision. Softcover, $15,

Individual user manuals. Interfaced, $10; Disk Controller, $25; System Support 1, $20; most others, $5.

Other computer

products

MPX 1 -4 (4K on-board RAM) $495, $595 CSC. MPX 1-16(16Kon-board RAM) $649,$749CSC.

Front end processor ideal for use with multi-user systems.

Enclosure 2. Rugged, all-metal construction. Includes 20 slot motherboard, heavy-duty power supply with constant voltage transformer and line filter, cutouts for all popular connectors, positive pressurized fan with dust filter, attractive styling. Desktop model $825, rack mount $895.

System Support 1. Battery clock/calendar; sockets for battery backup RAM, 9511 or 9512 math processor, and 2716 ROM options; RS-232C serial port; triple interval timers; dual interrupt controllers; power fail interrupt; more. $395, $495 CSC (add $195 to all prices for optional math processor). Selector Channel. High speed DMA controller. Contact factory for pricing.

Mullen Extender Board. Simplifies servicing, troubleshooting, and testing. $89.00

Mullen Controller Board. 8opto-isolators accept outside world input data; drives 8 reed relays for computer interface to external devices (power relays, lights, etc.). $219.00

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Japans Computers

computers that will set new standards for ease of use. The marketing channels open to these two companies are so extensive that both can easily recover from a late start.

The challenge to these companies is to design and produce the right machine on the first try. If the machines sacrifice versatility and performance to achieve the kind of compactness that fits neatly on one corner of a coffee table, then Sony and Matsushita will have to work very hard to succeed on the second try. If these two companies come in with machines that are not only compact and convenient but also are as powerful as the IBM Personal Computer, look out I

Any of the companies described in this article, as well as their American competitors, could get a lead on the others by bringing to market a system with clearly superior performance for the price. One obvious strategy would be to sell a standard built-in microWinchester hard disk for about the price of two standard floppy-disk drives. Veteran microcomputer users know how much faster the hard disks make many operations, and novices could tell at a glance when shopping for a system. Japanese and American computer companies with experience in manufacturing hard disks could turn that experience to advantage by mass producing micro-Winchesters and selling them at mass-market prices.

Here's where speculation ends and a pipe dream begins (no reference to Unix intended). Imagine an 8086based system with 256K-bytes of RAM, a CP/M-86 or MS-DOS operating system, BASIC in ROM, and a keyboard of high quality and versatility. That sounds a lot like a fully equipped IBM Personal Computer. Add a built-in micro-Winchester drive, a fold-away flat-screen video display, a built-in LSI 1200-bit-persecond modem, a home-appliance controller, and sell the whole thing for $3500 or less. Offer a high-quality RGB color monitor for $500. Then IBM, Radio Shack, and Apple would have something to worry about. ■

138 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 424 on inquiry card.

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Japanese Computers

Japan Maps Computer Domination

Ten-year research and development effort leading to fifth-generation systems for the 1990s is aimed at leapfrogging

U.S. technology.

The Japanese have set out to leapfrog U.S. computer technology and become the world's leading suppliers of advanced computer systems. After two years of study and research, the Japanese Information Processing Development Center—JIPDEC—has hammered out a body of ideas, plans, and recommendations for projects that will culminate in what it calls a fifth-generation system by 1990.

The plan for research and development during the coming decade neatly integrates many of the innovative ideas from researchers in the U.S., Japan, and the rest of the world, extending and fitting them into the new system [ELECTRONICS, November 3, 1981, p. 71].

Reprinted from ELECTRONICS, November I 7, 1981. Copyright © McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1981. All rights reserved.

Tom Manuel

Computers & Peripherals Editor

ELECTRONICS

What makes the goal entirely believable is the Japanese ability to turn such efforts into a national project. That gives them, in effect, a na

Fifth-generation

computers will

come in sizes ranging

from small personal

computers to large

mainframe computers.

tional computer policy that is concentrated, organized, and possibly government-backed in a way that other countries cannot match.

Problem Solver

To meet Japan's needs, the computer of the future, in addition to

having a higher performance level at lower cost, must be able to handle many more general problem-solving tasks than today's machines. In addition, the system must be as natural for people to use as it is for them to speak. Access is to be through natural language, everyday speech, and pictures. The system that will perform this feat is being called the intelligentinterface machine (see figure 1).

Another of its three basic functions will be the system's ability to learn, associate, and infer, just as people do. The computer will be able to clarify even vague requests and then, by using its vast store of information or that available from other computers, make judgments that will enhance the thinking capacity of its human masters.

In other words, the computer could carry on an intelligent question-and

140 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Japanese Computers

EXTERNAL INTERFACE

HIGH-LEVEL

INQUIRY

LANGUAGE

BASIC

ACCESS USING NATURALLANGUAGE SPEECH AND PICTURES

FIFTH-GENERATION COMPUTER KERNEL LANGUAGE

SOFTWARE SYSTEM

KNOWLEDGE-BASED

MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM

PROBLEM-SOLVING AND INFERENCE SYSTEM

INTELLIGENTINTERFACE SYSTEM

HARDWARE SYSTEM

KNOWLEDGE-BASED MACHINE

RELATIONAL ALGEBRA

RELATIONAL

DATABASE

MECHANISM

PROBLEM-SOLVING AND INFERENCE MACHINE

LOGIC-PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

ABSTRACT DATA-TYPE SUPPORT MECHANISM

DATA-FLOW PROCESSING MECHANISM

INNOVATIVE VON NEUMANN MECHANISM

INTELLIGENT-INTERFACE MACHINE

VERY LARGE-SCALE INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURE

GATEWAY TO NETWORK OF OTHER FIFTHGENERATION SYSTEMS

Figure 1: System planned for fifth-generation computers. The intelligent-interface machine will offer natural-language access, the ability to learn and infer, and an understanding of the data it is storing.

answer session with a person. The basic function that will perform this feat is called the problem-solving and inference system, with a separate machine to implement it.

The third basic capability will be the ability to use stored information—the computer will be able to understand the contents of the database instead of just being able to store it, retrieve it, and pass it on. These knowledge bases—as opposed to databases—will feed the problem-solving function.

This part of the tripartite brain will be called the knowledge-based management system. It, like the other two, will have its own specialized machine to use advanced very large-scale integration (VLSI).

In All Sizes

Fifth-generation computers are slated to come in sizes ranging from small personal to large mainframe computers. It should be no surprise that they will be interconnected with local and global networks. Some new techniques to be used are new architectures like data-flow machines, artificial-intelligence concepts, and languages such as Lisp and Prolog along with machines optimized for them.

JIPDEC has recommended 26 research and development themes, each with several projects. The themes are grouped into seven categories (see table 1). Each theme has target specifications.

For example, a personal work sta

142 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Which personal computer can make you better at what you do best?

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For you, choosing a personal computer means making an intelligent decision.

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Introducing the new HP-87. It's very good at what you do.

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The first step in your decision-making process is analysis. You look at all the numbers, and all the facts, before you leap. So you don't want a computer that's going to run short on memory. Not when you can have the HP-87 and a memory that expands to over half a million bytes.

Hewlett-Packard will make sure you don't run short on analytical software, either. For example, our VisiCalc® PLUS will let you turn up to 16,000 cells of data into bar graphs, pie charts or whatever you need to present your results graphically. And our CP/M® module gives you access to the expanding world of CP/M software.

We call it HP-Easy. Turn on the HP-87, and it's ready to go. The ROM-based operating system puts our built-in, enhanced BASIC to work for you. Instantly. The HP-87 has built-in commands and editing keys that eliminate complicated keystroke sequences. Whether you're generating a complex graph, writing a program or correcting errors.

And interfacing peripherals is as easy as putting a plug into a socket. That's the kind of craftsmanship that's putting all our Series 80 computers on the map. We're building power, friendliness and reliability into every one of them. From our portable partner, the HP-85, to the high-powered HP-87.

The most intelligent thing to do now? Get your hands on an HP-87. And then on the competition. You won't have any trouble making the right decision. Not if you want to get better and better at what you do best.

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call 503/758-1010. For additional product information, write Hewlett-Packard, Dept. 276K, Corvallis, OR 97330.

HEWLETT PACKARD

Circle 193 on inquiry card.

Japanese Computer^

Basic-Application Systems

• Machine-translation system

• Question-answering system

• Applied speech-understanding system

• Applied picture-and-imageunderstanding system

• Applied problem-solving system

Development Supporting Technology

• Development-support system

Very Large-Scale Integrated Technology

• VLSI architecture

• Intelligent VLSI computeraided design system

Distributed-Function Architecture

Network architecture Database machine High-speed numericalcomputation machine High-level man-machine communication system

New Advanced Architecture

• Logic-programming machine

• Functional machine

• Relational-algebra machine

• Abstract data-type support machine

• Data-flow machine

• Innovative von Neumann machine

Systematization Technology

• Intelligent-programming system

• Knowledge-based design system

• Systematization technology for computer architecture

• Database and distributeddatabase system

Basic-Software Systems

• Knowledge-based management system

• Problem-solving and inference system

• Intelligent-interface system

Table 1: Scope of the fifth-generation project.

tion would be required to perform 2 million instructions per second, have from 0.5 to 5 megabytes of memory, and include 100 megabytes of disk storage with an average access of 1 millisecond. Other specifications include what is referred to as a super high-speed processor to perform from 1 billion to 100 billion floating-point operations per second and have a memory capacity of 8 to 160 megabytes.

Big Numbers

Designers hope to create a problemsolving and inference function that will have a performance of 100 million to 1 billion logical-inference operations per second (one logical inference equals 100 to 1000 instructions). Another project example is the specifications for a natural-language processing system. In addition, the knowledge-based management function should retrieve a unit of knowledge in several seconds from a knowledge base of 100 to 1000 gigabytes.

Very large-scale integration technologies, first with 1 million tran

sistors per chip and then up to more than 10 million, are to be used. A design-automation system for these integrated circuits will also be developed.

Newer high-speed device technologies such as gallium arsenide and Josephson junctions are excluded from the program because the researchers believe that such devices will not be ready for general use by 1990. However, they do maintain that the progress of these devices will be closely watched so that they can be incorporated into the project at some intermediate stage should they prove sufficiently practical and capable of superior performance.

The design-automation system is to consist of three parts: the software for automated design of VLSI, a computer system to run it—called System 5G—and the 5G personal computer that will be a logic-programming work station for designers. In the initial stage (the first five years) of the project, the planners intend to implement the Hierarchical Specification Language (HSL) now being used at

the Musashino Electrical Communication Laboratory of the Nippon Telegraph & Telephone Public Corp. The HSL system has several modules that are integrated into a total design system. It contains a language for describing a circuit, compiler, database, timing simulator, logic simulator, circuit simulator, test-pattern generator, placement and routing program, and design-rule checker.

Logic Designer

Also part of the design-automation project is the development of the logic-programming work station. No existing personal computer satisfies the requirements of high-speed processing of voice, graphic, and digitized-image input and of performance as a personal-interface machine using languages like Lisp or Prolog. One of the fastest conventional general-purpose computers— one capable of 40 million instructions per second—is planned to be the host computer for the design-automation system until the first models of fifthgeneration computers are available. ■

144 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Circle 138 on inquiry card.

The Atari Tutorial

Part 9: Even More Colors!

Television artifacts and the new GTIA chip allow even more colors to be displayed on Atari computers.

The Atari 400 and 800 home computers allow the programmer to display many colors with their powerful color-register systems. Even more colors can be obtained with television artifacts and the new GTIA chip.

Television Artifacts

A television artifact is a pixel on the screen that displays a different color on the screen than the one assigned to it. This happens because the television display signal can become confused. The astute programmer can turn this bug into a feature. The ANTIC modes with which this can be accomplished are 2, 3, and 15. [Remember that the ANTIC mode numbers are not the same as the BASIC "GRAPHICS n" numbers;

This article appears in slightly different form in De Re Atari, published by Atari Inc., and is reproduced with its express permission. De Re Atari is available from the Atari Program Exchange, 155 Moffett Park Dr., POB 427, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.

Kathleen Pitta and Lane Winner

Atari Inc.

30 East Plumeria

POB 50047

San Jose, CA 95134

ANTIC mode 15 is not a mistake. . . . G. W. ] Each of these modes has a pixel resolution of one-half color clock by one scan line; each has one color and two luminances. With the use of artifacts, pixels of four different colors can be displayed on the screen in each of these modes.

A simple example of artifacts when using the Atari home computer is shown by the following lines of BASIC:

GRAPHICS 8 COLOR 1 POKE 710,0 PLOT 60,60 PLOT 63,60

These statements plot two points on a black background, each with a different color. To understand why these colors are different, you must first understand how the display information for the television display is contained in a modulated television signal.

The two major components of this signal are the luminance (or bright

ness) and the color (or tint). The luminance information is the primary signal, containing not only the brightness data but also the timing and synchronization signals. The color signal contains the color information and is combined or modulated onto the luminance waveform.

The luminance of a pixel on the screen is directly dependent on the amplitude of the luminance signal at that point. The higher the amplitude of the signal, the brighter the pixel. The color information, however, is a phase-shifted signal, which is a constantly oscillating waveform that has been delayed by some amount of time relative to a reference signal. This time delay is translated into the color.

The color signal oscillates at a constant rate of about 3.579 megahertz (MHz). The Atari home computer offers a high-resolution graphics mode (GRAPHICS 8) that displays 320 pixels across one horizontal scan line. The hardware does this by varying the amplitude of the luminance signal at 7.16 MHz, which is twice the color frequency. Since the color and lumi

148 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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PART OF

VIDEO DISPLAY

VISIBLE EFFECT

c

0 1

( COLOR A

\

J

/

(

LUMINANCE L

1 0

\ COLOR B

J

\

\

C_

1 1

\ COLOR C

X

/

2

\

C

0 1

1 0

) COLOR D

WIDTH OF VISIBLE PIXEL IN COLOR CLOCKS

1/2

1/2

ONE COLOR CLOCK WIDE; ALSO WIDTH OF FULL PIXEL (ALTHOUGH ONLY PART OF PIXEL-SHADED HERE-MAY BE VISIBLE )

Figure 1: In this example of artifact color pixels, the visible portion of a pixel is one-half color clock wide, and its position within a color clock influences the color produced. See figure 2 and listing 1 for another example of artifact color pixels.

nance signals are theoretically independent, you should be able to assign any background color to be displayed and then vary the luminance on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This is, in fact, the way mode 8 works, the background color coming from playfield register 2 and the luminances coming from both playfield registers 1 and 2.

However, a problem does arise. In practice, the color and luminance signals are not independent. They are part of a modulated signal that must be demodulated by the television receiver before they can be used. Since the luminance is the primary signal, whenever it changes, it also has a drastic effect on the color phase shift. For one or more color clocks of constant luminance this is no problem, since the color phase shift will be unchanged in this area. However, if the luminance changes on a half color-clock boundary, it will also produce a color shift at that point. Moreover, the color obtained cannot be controlled from the transmitting end of the signal (the computer). The artifact color obtained is defined by the settings of the television receiver.

(A color clock is a physical unit of horizontal distance on the video display—160 color clocks per line of video display. A pixel is a logical unit of video display with a size that varies with the graphics mode in use.

Depending on the graphics mode, a pixel may be one-half, one, two, or more color clocks wide.)

Since the luminance can change on half color-clock boundaries, two artifact colors can be generated, one for each side of the color clock. These two artifact color pixels can be combined to form two additional types of

The artifact colors are

definitely distinct from

each other, and

programs can be

written that utilize

them.

full color-clock pixels. This is illustrated in figure 1.

Each of these pixels requires one color clock of screen space (although the visible part of the pixel is one-half color clock). Hence, the resulting display has an effective horizontal resolution of 160 pixels.

The colors A through D are different for each television set, usually because the tint-knob settings vary. Thus, the actual colors obtained cannot be controlled by the programmer. They are definitely distinct from each other, and programs can be written that utilize these artifact colors.

To illustrate a simple application of artifacting, refer to the sample pro

gram in listing 1. This program draws lines in each of the four artifact colors (see figure 2) and then fills in areas using three of the colors. (Displaying many pixels of either type C or D next to each other results in the same thing: a line of constant luminance with background color.) The POKE 87,7 command causes the operating system to treat this mode as mode 7 instead of mode 8 and to use 2-bit masks when setting bits in the display memory; this tricks the Atari into creating pixels one-half color clock wide. To generate color A, use the COLOR 1 command. The COLOR 2 command produces color B; the COLOR 3 command produces color C. Color D is generated by displaying COLOR 1 to the left of COLOR 2.

The GTIA Chip

The new GTIA display chip for the Atari home computer will someday replace the CTIA chip currently in use. The GTIA is nothing more than a CTIA with a few extra features. It provides three additional modes of interpretation of information coming from the ANTIC chip. ANTIC does not require a new display mode to use the special GTIA modes; instead, it uses the high-resolution mode F hexadecimal. GTIA is completely upwardcompatible with the CTIA. A brief summary of the CTIA's features follows so that the differences between the two can be explained.

The CTIA is designed to display data on a television screen. It displays the playfield, players, and missiles. CTIA uses the data from ANTIC to display hue and luminance as defined by the four color registers. The GTIA expands this to use all nine color registers or 16 hues with one luminance or 16 luminances of one hue.

The three graphics modes of GTIA are simply three new interpretations of ANTIC mode F hexadecimal, a high-resolution mode. All three modes affect the playfield only. Players and missiles can still be added to introduce new hues or luminances, or to use the same colors and luminances in more than one way. All displays of hues and luminances can still be changed on-the-fly with

150 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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AN ATARI 800 HOME COMPUTER AND A FATHER'S LOVE COMBINED TO HELP CHILDREN EVERYWHERE.

Fernando Herrera became the first grand prize winner of the ATARI Software Acquisition Program (ASAP) competition because he believed in computers, his son and himself.

The story of Herrera's success began with his son's sight problems Young Steve Herrera had been born with severe cataracts in both eyes and, naturally, his father was concerned. Herrera reasoned that the boy's learning abilities could be seriously affected by growing up in a world he could not see.

Having just purchased an ATARI 800 Home Computer, it occured to Herrera that this could be the perfect tool for testing Steve's vision. So he wrote a program simply displaying the letter "E" in various sizes.

Success! It turned out that 2-year-old Steve could see even the smaller "E's" without special lenses. Herrera was first relieved, and then intrigued when he discovered that not only could his son see the "E's" but he would happily play with the computer-generated etters for hours. So Herrera added a picture of an elephant to go with the "E" and then more letters and pictures. Thus, "My First Alphabet" was born, a unique teaching program for children two-years and older consisting of 36 high resolution pictures of letters and numbers.

Herrera submitted the program to the ATARI Program Exchange, where it became an instant best-seller. ATARI was so impressed with the outstanding design, suitability and graphic appeal of "My First Alphabet',' that the program is being incorporated into the ATARI line of software.

In addition to his grand prize winnings of $25,000 in cash and an ATARI STAR trophy, Herrera also automatically receives royalties from sales of his program through the ATARI Program Exchange.

But Fernando Herrera wasn't the only software "star" that ATARI discovered. Three other ATARI STARS were awarded at the ASAP awards ceremony for software submitted to the ATARI Program Exchange and

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Greg Christensen of Anaheim, California, became our youngest ATARI STAR winner at the age of 17. Christensen designed the clever "Caverns of Mars" game program, which also will be incorporated into the ATARI product line. Greg designed the program in V/i months after owning his ATARI Home Computer for less than a year.

Every three months, ATARI awards ATARI STARS to the writers of software programs submitted to the ATARI Software Acquisition Program and judged first, second and third place in the following categories: Consumer (including entertainment, personal interest and development); Education; Business and Professional programs for the home (personal finance and record keeping); and System Software.

Quarterly prizes consist of selected ATARI products worth up to $3,000, as well as an ATARI STAR, plus royalties from program sales through the ATARI Program Exchange. The annual grand prize is the coveted ATARI STAR trophy and $25,000 in cash.

To be eligible, your software idea must be accepted by the ATARI Software Acquisition Program. Your program can have a broad application or serve a very specific purpose.

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Enter the ATARI ASAP competition and you could win $25,000 in cash, royalties, some great prizes and an ATARI STAR.

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Listing 1: An Atari BASIC program to display artifact colors. See the text and figures 1 and 2 for details.

10 GRAPHICS 8:POKE 87,7:POKE 710,0:POKE 709,14

20 COLOR l:PLOT 10,5:DRAWTO 10,70

30 PLOT 40,S:DRAWTO 40,70

40 COLOR 2:PLOT 20,5:DRAWTO 20,70

50 PLOT 41,5:DRAWTO 41,70

60 COLOR 3:PLOT 30,5:DRAWTO 30,70

70 FOR X= 1 TO 3:COLOR X:POKE 765,X

80 PLOT X*25 + 60,5:DRAWTO X*25 +60,70

90 DRAWTO X*25 + 40,70:POSITION X*25 + 40,5

100 X10 18,#6,12,0,"S:"

110 NEXTX

VERTICAL COLORED LINES DRAWN BY LISTING 1 (NOT TO SCALE)

1

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

1

0

COLOR A;

DRAWN BY LINE 20 OF

PROGRAM (SEE LISTING 1)

COLOR B;

DRAWN BY LINE 40

COLOR C;

DRAWN BY LINE 60

COLOR D —

0 1

1 0

0 1

1 0

0 1

1 0

0 1

1 0

0 1

1 0

0 1

1 0

!•■—^_-J

DRAWN BY LINE 30DRAWN BY LINE 50

Figure 2: An enlarged view (not to scale) of the upper left-hand corner of the video display produced by listing 1. This figure helps to explain how listing 2 produces four colored vertical lines from three different types of pixels.

display-list interrupts. The GTIA uses 4 bits of data from ANTIC for each pixel, called the pixel data. Each pixel is two color clocks wide and one scan line high. Thus, the pixels are roughly four times wider than their height. The display has a resolution of 80 horizontal pixels by 192 vertical pixels. Each line requires 320 bits (40 bytes) of memory, the same number used in ANTIC mode F hexadecimal. Therefore, for a program to run the GTIA modes, it must have at least 8K bytes of free RAM (random-access read/write memory) for the display.

The GTIA modes are selected by the priority register PRIOR, which is located at address D01B hexadecimal and shadowed at address 26F hexadecimal. [The contents of shadow registers are copied into their associated registers every 1/60 second. Thus, you will usually alter shadow registers, not the hardware registers themselves. . . . G. W. ] Bits D6 and D7 are the controlling bits. The effects of these bits are presented in figure 3.

Setting up the new GTIA modes is as simple as setting up the present modes supported by CTIA. To implement the modes from BASIC, simply use a GRAPHICS 9, GRAPHICS 10, or GRAPHICS 11 command. In assembly-language programs, selecting one of these modes is done by opening the screen device through CIO. If you are building your own display list, PRIOR must be set to select the correct mode.

PRIOR

D7

D6

OPTION

Q

0

NO GTIA MODES (MODES 0 THROUGH 8 ) (CTIA OPERATION)

0

1

1 HUE, 16 LUMINANCES (MODE 9)

1

0

9 HUES/LUMINANCES (MODE 10)

1

1

16

HUES

1 LUK

IINANI

:e

(MO

DE 11)

Figure 3: Activation of graphics modes 9, 10, and 11. The two most significant bits of the hardware register PRIOR control the selection of these modes. For information on the use of the low 6 bits of the PRIOR register, see page 338 of the November 1981 BYTE.

Mode 9

Mode 9 produces up to 16 different luminances of the same hue. ANTIC provides the pixel data that selects one of 16 different luminances. The background color register provides the hue. In BASIC, this is done by using the SETCOLOR command to set the hue value in the upper nybble (4 bits) of the background color register and to set the luminance value in the lower nybble to all zeros. The format of the command is

SETCOLOR 4,HUEVALUE,0

where 4 specifies the background

154 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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H4

H3

H2

HI

0

0

0

0

1

f '

i

L4

L3

L2

LI

1

1

1

1

H4

H3

H2

HI

L4

L3

L2

LI

BACKGROUND COLOR REGISTER

PIXEL DATA

(FOUR BITS FROM ANTIC)

ORED TOGETHER TO GIVE FINAL COLOR ON DISPLAY

HUE

ONE CONSTANT HUE SET BY BACKGROUND COLOR REGISTER

LUMINANCE

16 LUMINANCES SELECTED BY PIXEL DATA

Figure 4: Interpretation of a byte of memory as a color pixel in graphics mode 9. Mode 9 gives one hue at 16 possible luminances.

Listing 2: An Atari BASIC program that illustrates BASIC graphics mode 9 by drawing 16 vertical lines of varying luminances (same hue),

10 GRAPHICS 9

20 SETCOLOR 4,12,0:REM initialize the background color to green

30 FOR 1 = 0 TO 15:REM draw in different luminances

40 COLOR I

50 PLOT 2*1,10

60 DRAWTO 2*1,80

70 NEXT I

80 GOTO 80:REM hang up in a loop

0

0

0

0

L3 L

, u

1

l

H4

H3

H2

HI

1

1

1

1

1

H4

H3

H2

HI

L3 L

■ " X

BACKGROUND COLOR REGISTER

PIXEL DATA

(FOUR BITS FROM ANTIC)

TOGETHER TO GIVE . COLOR ON DISPLAY

HUE

16 HUES SELECTED BY PIXEL DATA

LUMINANCE

ONE CONSTANT LUMINANCE SET BY BACKGROUND COLOR REGISTER

Figure 5: Interpretation of a byte of memory as a color pixel in graphics mode 11. Mode 11 gives up to 9 hues at the same luminance level.

color register, HUEVALUE sets the hue and can be anything from 0 to 15, and 0 sets the luminance part of the register to zero. The background luminance must be zero because the pixel data from ANTIC will be logically ORed with the lower nybble of the background color register to get the luminance that appears on the screen (see figure 4). Use the COLOR command to select luminances for drawing on the screen; its argument (ranging from 0 to 15) specifies the luminance. A sample BASIC program to use mode 9 is shown in listing 2.

Assembly-language programs should write the hue directly into the upper 4 bits of the shadow location for the background color register at location 2C8 hexadecimal. If you use CIO calls to draw to the screen, store the pixel data into ATACHR located at 2FB hexadecimal. This selects the luminance with values from 0 to F hexadecimal. If you are maintaining your own display data, the pixel data goes directly into the left or right half of the display RAM byte.

Mode 11

Mode 11 is similar to mode 9 except that it provides 16 different hues all with the same luminance. ANTIC provides the pixel data to select one of 16 different hues (see figure 5). In BASIC, use the SETCOLOR command to declare the single luminance value in the lower nybble of the background color register. Set the upper nybble of the background color register (the hue nybble) to zero. The format of the command is

SETCOLOR 4,0,LUMVALUE

Listing 3: An Atari BASIC program that illustrates BASIC graphics mode 11 by drawing 16 vertical lines of varying hues (same luminance).

10 GRAPHICS 11

20 SETCOLOR 4,0,12:REM initialize the background color

30 FOR 1 = 0 TO 15

40 COLOR I:REM select different colors

50 PLOT 2*1,10

60 DRAWTO 2*I,80:REM draw bars in different colors

70 NEXT I

80 GOTO 80

where 4 specifies the background color register, 0 sets the upper nybble to zero, and LUMVALUE sets the value of the luminance and can range from 0 to 15. As with the other graphics modes (except mode 9), the lowest bit of the luminance is not used. The effective result is that only even numbers result in distinct luminances, which gives eight possible luminances in this mode. Use the COLOR command in this mode to select the various hues by selecting values from

156 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Address of

Address of

Color Register

Operating-System

R Statement

Used

Shadow Location

Value

(Hexadecimal)

(Hexadecimal)

0

D012

2C0

1

D013

2C1

2

D014

2C2

3

D015

2C3

4

D016

2C4

5

D017

2C5

6

D018

2C6

7

D019

2C7

8

D01A

2C8

Table 1: Addresses of color registers and their shadow locations affected by the COLOR statement in BASIC.

Listing 4: An Atari BASIC program that illustrates BASIC graphics mode 10 by drawing 16 vertical lines of varying hues and luminances.

10 GRAPHICS 10 20 FOR 1 = 0 TO 8

30 POKE 704 + I,255*RND(I):REM set random colors 40 COLOR I PLOT 2*1,10

:REM draw in bars of color

50

60 DRAWTO 2*

70 NEXT I

80 GOTO 80: REM hang up in a loop

0 to 15 for its argument. The pixel data from ANTIC will be logically ORed with the upper nybble of the background color register to set the hue part of the value that ultimately generates the color on the screen. A sample BASIC program using mode 11 is presented in listing 3.

In assembly language, use the operating-system shadow location for the background color register (at 2C8 hexadecimal) to set the luminance in the lower 4 bits with values from 0 to F hexadecimal. If you use CIO calls to write to the screen, store the pixel data to be written into ATACHR located at 2FB hexadecimal. This selects the hue with values from 0 to F hexadecimal. If you are maintaining your own display data, the pixel data goes directly into the left or right half of the display RAM byte.

Mode 10

Mode 10 allows all nine color registers to be used in the playfield at one time. Each color register to be used must be set to some combination of hue and luminance. The pixel data from ANTIC is used in this mode to select one of the color registers for

display. In BASIC, the SETCOLOR command can be used as described in the Atari 400/800 BASIC Reference Manual to set the colors in the background and the four playfield registers. These can also be set by using the POKE instruction to addresses 708 through 712 decimal where the four playfield registers and the background register are located. The POKE instruction must be used to set the four player/missile color registers at locations 704 through 707 decimal. The COLOR command is used to select the color register desired, as shown in table 1. The only meaningful values for its argument are 0 to 8. A problem arises with this mode. ANTIC supplies 4 bits of data per pixel, as it does with modes 9 and 11. This allows for the selection of 16 color registers. However, only nine color registers exist in the hardware. An illegal data value between 9 and 15 will select one of the lower-value color registers. A sample BASIC program using mode 10 is given in listing 4.

In assembly language, store the pixel data into ATACHR (location 2FB hexadecimal) or directly into the

158 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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BYTE May 1982 159

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display RAM byte, as in modes 9 and 11. In this mode, the pixel data can range from 0 to 8 and selects one of the nine color registers.

Advantages and Disadvantages

An important question arises in conjunction with GTIA concerning compatibility. GTIA is fully upwardcompatible with the CTIA, and all software that runs on a CTIA system will run the same way on a system with GTIA. This means you still have full use of players and missiles, collision detection, and display-list interrupts. The GTIA graphics modes are supported by the operating system, and all graphics commands and utilities that run in the CTIA modes can be used in GTIA modes.

The GTIA allows the programmer to display more colors on the screen with less work. Sixteen colors can be shown on one horizontal line. This is better than what can be done with horizontal kernels (see "The Atari Tutorial, Part 4: Display-List Interrupts," December 1981 BYTE, page 181) that can give a maximum of 12 colors per horizontal line. Much finer contour and depth can be represented using the shading available in mode 9. This means three-dimensional graphics can be realistically displayed.

Some disadvantages are associated with use of the GTIA chip. GTIA modes are map modes; text cannot be displayed in these modes without recourse to custom display lists. The GTIA pixel is a long, skinny horizontal rectangle (4:1 ratio, width to height) that does not represent curved lines well. Because each pixel uses 4 bits of information, GTIA requires nearly 8K bytes of free RAM to operate. Although it is upwardcompatible, it is not downwardcompatible. Thus, programs that use GTIA modes will not produce correct displays on computers that have CTIAs. There is no way currently for a program to determine whether or not a GTIA is present in a system. Finally, color artifacts produced by a GTIA system will not be identical to the color artifacts produced on the same television with a CTIA system. ■

160 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 387 on inquiry card.

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Ports of Entry and Soft Breezes

for the Color Computer

and Model III

A $10 Anemometer and Other Remote Sensing Projects

Using the Cassette Interface

William Barden Jr.

28122 Orsola

Mission Viejo, CA 92692

In the last article of this series, I discussed using the cassette output of the Model I and Model III as a single discrete output line to drive a music synthesizer, telephone dialer, and serial port. This month I'll look at the inverse—implementing discrete (binary) inputs on the Color Computer and Model III. (Unfortunately, the schemes I'll be using are not applicable on the Model I, so it will be slighted somewhat in this article.)

Of course, it's possible to implement dozens of discrete input lines to the Model I, Model III, or Color Computer by using a peripheral interface adapter (PIA) or peripheral input/output (PIO) device such as the 8255 semiconductor chip. This method requires four or five integrated circuits in addition to the PIO or PIA.

The approaches I'll discuss here, however, involve using few additional components other than sensors. This cheap and dirty approach can be used to detect remote switch

The anemometer is constructed with plastic sprinkler fittings, wooden dowels, and plastic cups. Do

some preliminary testing before using it atop a 200-foot tower.

closures (e.g., in burglar alarms and fire detectors); it can even be used to receive serial data (e.g., pulses generated by a telephone-type rotary dial).

Discrete line inputs can also serve as a frequency counter. With the proper sensors and software, you can implement a low-frequency counter that easily measures thousands of counts per second; the software can handle switch bounce too.

As an example of a practical application of this discrete line input, I'll show you how to construct an anemometer that will measure wind speeds from 2Vi to over 60 miles per hour. Believe it or not, this device costs less than $10 and can be made by hackers without opposing thumbs.

Where Are the Discrete Inputs?

Looking at the Color Computer, you can spot several potential discrete inputs: two joystick jacks, a cassette jack, and an RS-232C jack.

162 May 1982 © BYTE Publications In

Lack of ZX81 memory giving you headaches..?

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The Memopak is a 64K RAM pack which extends the memory of the ZX81 by a further 56K. Following the success of our 48K memory board the new memory extension is designed to be within the price range expected by Sinclair users. It plugs directly into the back of the ZX81 and does not inhibit the use of the printer or other add-on boards. There is no need for an additional power supply or for leads.

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Circle 35 on inquiry card.

N.O.

LEFT JOYSTICK PLUG LSW

GROUND

RIGHT JOYSTICK PLUG RSW

EXTERNAL INTERCOM OR OTHER TWO- OR THREE WIRE CABLE

PIA

ADDRESS

$FF00

PAO

NOTE:

FRONT VIEW OF

MALE PLUGS SHOWN

Figure 1: The Color Computer joystick switch inputs can be connected to external single-pole, single-throw (SPST) or single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) switches for remote sensing applications. Cable runs can be up to 50 feet.

RSW

Figure 2: The Color Computer joystick switch inputs are "wire ORed" to two keyboard rows. Since the keyboard is never used at the same time as the switches, this causes no sensing problems.

Joystick switch inputs. The left and right joysticks have four analog channels that could be used as discrete inputs. Even more promising, however, are the joystick "switch" inputs.

The joystick switches (shown in figure 1) are normally open switches that close to ground. The output of each switch goes to bit 0 (right joystick) and bit 1 (left joystick) of PIA address hexadecimal FFOO. As you can see from figure 2, the switch inputs to the PIA are shared by two keyboard rows; normally, you wouldn't be using the keyboard and joystick switches at the same time. The joystick switches connect to the PIA through a small filter made up of a choke and bypass capacitor as shown in the figure; this eliminates some input noise.

Substituting an external switch (or switches) for the joystick switches, a cable can be run 50 feet or more to a remote location. This procedure is not generally recommended with an unterminated input, but I experienced no difficulties and no false readings in a home environment with a 60-foot intercom cable.

The program used is shown in listing 1, which simply checks for a 1 or 0 on either joystick input. This Extended Color BASIC program loops at about 30 senses per second, making the scheme fine for switch closures in burglar alarms, fire detectors, microswitches in mailboxes triggered by the weight of the mail, and so forth. At this point it's probably well to mention a typical switch that can be used for remote sensing. Radio Shack has submini lever switches with and without rollers (275-017 and 275-016, respectively), which require about 50 grams of force to operate. These switches were used in the applications described here, although virtually any single-pole, doublethrow (SPDT) switch could be used.

RS-232C input. Another possibility for a discrete input on the Color Computer is the RS-232C read (RD) input. This line is normally used to input serial data and, as figure 3 shows, it connects to an LM339 comparator in the Color Computer. One input to the comparator is a voltage divider made up of a 15-kilohm (kfl)

164 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 1: Sample Color Computer BASIC program for reading joystick switch closures.

100 ' SWITCH CLOSURE FOR RIGHT AND LEFT JOYSTICK

110 INPUT "RIGHT*R> OR LEFTCL) DETECT";R*

120 IF R*«"R" THEN M-l ELSE M-2

130 fl-CPEEK<&HFF00> AND M>

140 IF fl-M THEN PRINT "OFF" ELSE PRINT "ON"

130 GOTO 130

Listing 2: Sample Color Computer BASIC program for reading RS-232C RD inputs.

108 ■' SWITCH CLOSURE FOR RS-232-C RD INPUT 110 fl=< PEEKX 8.HFF22) AND 1)

120 IF P*0 THEN PRINT "ON" ELSE PRINT "OFF" 130 GOTO 110

RS232C

4-PIN DIN

CONNECTOR (FEMALE)

THIS POINT 0 VOLTS FOR NEGATIVE INPUTS OR V-.6 FOR POSITIVE INPUTS

+ 5V

THIS POINT

IS APPROXIMATELY

2 VOLTS

Figure 3: The Color Computer RS-232C RD input goes to an LM339 comparator via a diode. Output of the comparator is a logic 0 for positive signals and a logic 1 for negative signals.

6V

BATTERY

6V

BATTERY

Ti'lh

X

SPOT SWITCH

RS-232C

CONNECTOR

(MALE)

GROUND

50 OR MORE FEET OF UNSHIELDED CABLE

Figure 4: Two 6-V batteries can be connected to an SPDT switch to implement a remote sensing switch connected to the Color Computer RS-232C port.

and a 10-kfl resistor. The junction point is a constant + 2 volts (V) and goes to the " + " (plus) input.

The " — " (minus) input connects to the external RD line via a common diode and 10-kfl resistor to ground. RS-232C signals are normally above + 3 V (logic 0) or below —3 V (logic 1). When the RD line is more positive than about +2.6 V, the input forward-biases the diode, and the " — " input is greater than the " + " input, producing a logic 0 comparator output. When the RD line is negative, the diode is reverse-biased, and the output of the comparator is logic 1, The comparator output goes to bit 0 of a PIA whose address is hexadecimal FF22. Reading bit 0 of PIA hexadecimal FF22 is a process similar to reading the joystick switch, as shown in listing 2.

Figure 4 shows the connections for the RS-232C remote input. Tie the normally closed contact of the switch to the positive terminal of a 6-V battery. Tie the normally open contact of the switch to the negative terminal of a second battery. Tie the opposite ends of the batteries together and to the ground lead of the RS-232C connector. The common contact of the switch goes to the RD line. There will be some switch bounce when the switch is broken (on the order of 50 or 60 milliseconds [ms]), but this arrangement is fine for slow sensing.

Again, this scheme was implemented using ordinary two-conductor cable without termination and with a 60-foot run in a home environment. No false readings were detected. Twisted-pair cable could be used to increase the noise immunity. As this method is essentially currentdriven rather than voltage driven, runs even longer than 60 feet should be possible.

Cassette input. Now for the third method of implementing a discrete input: using the cassette input. Examination of the Color Computer and Model III shows that the same scheme, a comparator input, is used for both the Color Computer and Model III 1500-bps (bits per second) cassette inputs. (The Model I and Model III 500-bps cassette inputs use

166 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Multi-purpose IEEE696/S-100. Decision I utilizes the Morrow Designs IEEE Standard S-100 Wunderbuss." That means you can configure it to your specific applications. Add a floating point processor, add memory (to a full megabyte), add I/O, add controllers...add boards from dozens of manufacturers. And S-100 has a major advantage over single-board computers: If a board goes down, you simply replace it. And keep running. If you want to expand your system. Add boards and terminals.

compatibly with UNIX." Thus, UNIX programs will compile directly and UNIX documentation is almost totally applicable. Morrow CP/M" has been configured to run under M/OS and communicate with both CP/M and UNIX standard media for maximum portability. Languages available include BASIC, COBOL, FORTRAN, RATFOR, Pascal and C. That means Decision I offers you a software base unmatched in its price/performance arena.

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COLOR COMPUTER

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C> CASSDIN

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MODEL HZ

1N914

THIS POINT ~ +1 VOLT

CASSDIN

CASSETTE CONNECTOR (5-PIN DIN PLUG)

Figure 5: The Color Computer and Model 111 have identical 1500-bps cassette input logic. An LM339 comparator compares a fixed reference voltage to the cassette data input. Output of the comparator is a logic 0 for positive signals and a logic 1 for negative signals.

a different scheme, one of rectifying pulses. That arrangement is not as functional for random inputs as the one discussed here.) As a matter of fact, the input circuits in the Color Computer and Model III 1500-bps cassette interfaces are identical (see figure 5).

A frequency-shift keying method is used to generate the cassette waveform. A different frequency is used for a 0 and a 1 bit, as shown in figure 6. The Color Computer or Model III firmware measures the frequency of the sine wave by checking the binary output of the LM339 comparator, as shown in the figure.

One input to the LM339 is a fixed voltage of about +1 V from the junction of the 56-kfi and 15-kfi voltage divider. The second input is from a similar voltage divider. In the latter case, however, a diode goes to ground at the junction of the 6.8-kfl and 8.2-kO resistors.

Input from the cassette recorder is an alternating current (AC) signal,

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170 May 1982 © BYTE Publications

Inc

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BYTE May 1982 171

0 BIT

CASSETTE WAVEFORM

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-PULSE WIDTH CAN BE EASILY MEASURED

K2.5 VOLT

0 VOLT

a-2.5 VOLT

OUTPUT OF COMPARATOR

Figure 6: Both the Color Computer and Model HI 1500-bps cassette logics use a

"frequency-shift keying" recording technique in which two separate frequencies represent logic 0 and 1.

Listing 3: Sample Color Computer BASIC program for reading cassette input.

100 ' SWITCH CLOSURE FOR CASSETTE INPUT

110 A»< PEEK'; 8.HFF20 > AND 15

120 IF fl=0 THEN PRINT "OFF" ELSE PRINT '

130 GOTO 110

OH

Listing 4: Sample Model III BASIC program for reading cassette input.

100 ' SWITCH CLOSURE FOR CASSETTE INPUT

110 A=<INP<255) AND 1)

120 IF A=0 THEN PRINT "OFF" ELSE PRINT "ON"

130 GOTO 110

CASSETTE CONNECTOR (5-PIN DIN)

50 OR MORE FEET OF UNSHIELDED" CABLE

N.C. = NORMALLY CLOSED N.O. = NORMALLY OPEN SPDT= SINGLE POLE DOUBLE THROW

Figure 7: Remote sensing can be implemented in the Color Computer or Model III by connecting an SPDT switch to two 3-V batteries.

with about 2.5-V swings on either side of 0 V. When the cassette signal is positive, the " —" input is greater than +1 V, and the comparator output is logic 0. When the cassette signal is negative, the diode conducts, dropping the " —" input to below 0 V and forcing the comparator output to logic 1,

Output of the comparator goes to bit 0 of PIA address hexadecimal FF20 in the Color Computer or to bit 0 of input/output (I/O) port address hexadecimal FF in the Model III. Reading either port requires a single BASIC instruction (PEEK (&HFF20) or INP(255)) or a comparable machine-language instruction. Listing 3 provides a simple Color Computer BASIC test of the cassette-in bit; listing 4 shows the equivalent Model III test.

A remote sensing switch can be implemented in identical fashion to the RS-232C method, as shown in figure 7. Two batteries produce +3 V and — 3 V, and these voltages are tied to the normally closed (NC) and normally open (NO) contacts of the remote sensing switch. The switch is connected via ordinary two-conductor cable. Again, twisted wires may be used if desired to improve noise immunity. A 60-foot length of cable was used in a home environment, and no false readings were detected for slow switch closures.

Switch Bounce

The BASIC programs listed for the three discrete input methods are fine for slowly changing inputs such as burglar alarms. A typical BASIC loop allows sampling at a dozen or so times per second. When the frequency of switch closures is greater, however, you must rely on faster assembly-language code. Assemblylanguage code can test the inputs thousands of times per second. In fact, assembly language is so fast that switch bounce can cause problems. The typical switches mentioned above do not close instantaneously. Minute movements produce "make and break" conditions during a certain period, as shown in figure 8.

Various hardware schemes can

172 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Circle 265 on inquiry card.

PRESS MAKE

BREAK

RELEASE

• 10ms TYPICAL

-10ms TYPICAL

50ms TYPICAL "OEBOUNCE" TIME

Figure 8: Switch debounce can be accomplished in software by delaying a "debounce time" after initial detection of the switch closure.

^^Bte

T.M.

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eliminate switch bounce, but let's seek software solutions instead. The usual software approach is to delay for a fixed interval after detection of the first switch closure.

The following table suggests debounce requirements. The two Radio Shack switches referred to previously were pressed rapidly for exactly 10 closures within about 2 seconds for various "debounce delays" ranging from 10 ms to 100 ms. The "count" represents the number of switch closures detected. Counts greater than 10 indicate that switch bounces were counted as closures.

Debounce

Key Closures

Delay (ms)

Detected

100

10

90

10

80

10

70

10

60

10

50

17

40

19

30

22

20

33

10

59

The switch-bounce delay in software varies with the type of switch and action of the operator. Use these figures as a rough guide only.

A Low-Frequency Event Counter

Listing 5 gives a low-frequency counter program for the Color Computer, one that will measure events occurring thousands of times per second. The discrete input is on the cassette input line and is designed to interface to a BASIC driver.

Three parameters are stored in high memory in a 16K-byte system. The first, an interval count, is stored in locations hexadecimal 3FFA and 3FFB. The interval count may be any number from 1 through 32,768 and represents the time window during which events will be counted in units of 30.35 microseconds (/ts). An interval of 1000, for example, represents 30,350 /xs or 30.35 ms. Maximum window time is 32,768 X 30.35 (is or .994508 second. (Note: for 32,768, use 0.)

The second parameter, a debounce delay count in milliseconds, is stored in locations hexadecimal 3FFC and 3FFD. This delay count will cause the program to "close" the window for a

174 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

sr^M£KKr*r ■>. «.

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ComP«Cloo?,oV?TATJ.0m *»» IBM Personal

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Circle 408 on inquiry card.

Listing

5: Color Computer assembly-language program for measuring low frequencies through the cassette input port.

Switch

debounce time

can be

varied.

3F00

00100

ORG f3F00

00110

**t#***#*##***#t#*###*******##***#*******#**#*t******

00120

* LOW-FREQUENCY EVENT COUNTER WITH DEBOUNCE

*

00130

* INPUT- *83FFA ■ INTERVAL CNT IN 38.35 MICROSEC

*

00140

*

UNITS, 2 BYTES

*

00150

*

$03FFC - DEBOUNCE DELAY CNT IN MS, 2 BY

*

00160

*

*03FFE ■ RESERVED FOR COUNT, 2 BYTES

*

00170

* OUTPUT' *03FFE " # OF COUNTS IN INTERVAL. 2 BYT

*

00180

##*##$##*######*###******#*###*#**##****###***##*#*##

00190

*

3F00

BE

3FFF

00200

LOWFRE

LDX $3FFA GET INTERVAL CUT

3F03

106E

mm

002 1 0

LDY #8 INITIALIZE COUNT

3F07

30

IF

00220

L0W818

LEAX -1,X DECREMENT INT CNT <5>

3F89

IF

10

00230

TFR X,D NOW IN D <?>

3F0B

4D

00240

TSTA TEST FOR NEGATIVE <2>

3F0C

2B

0D

00250

BMI LOW09O GO IF DONE <3>

3F0E

B6

FF2E

00260

LDA *FF28 GET PIA BYTE <5>

3F11

94

01

00278

ANDA #1 GET CASSDIN BIT <2>

3F13

27

F2

00289

BEQ LOW018 GO IF 0 <3>

3F15

31

21

00290

LEAY 1,Y 1, INCREMENT COUNT

3F17

8D

97

80300

BSR DEBNC DEBOUNCE DELAY

3F19

20

EC

00310

BRA LOW016 CONTINUE INTERVAL

3F1B

10BF

3FFE

00328

LOW090

STY *3FFE STORE COUNT

3F1F

39

00330 00340

*

RTS RETURN FROM SUBROUTINE

08350

* DEBOUNCE DELAY SUBROUTINE

00360

*

3F20

34

10

00370

DEBHC

PSHS X SAVE INTERVAL COUNT

3F22

BE

3FFC

00380

LDX $3FFC GET DELAY COUNT IN MS

3F25

SD

86

00390

DEB810

BSR DELAY DELAY N MS

3F27

30

IF

00400

LEAX -i,X DECREMENT DELAY COUNT

3F29

26

Ffl

00410

BNE DEB810 GO IF NOT N MS

3F2B

35

90

00420 00430 00440 00450

*

* DELAY

*

PULS X,PC RETRIEVE INTERVAL COUNT,RTN SUBROUTINE. DELAYS N MS.

3F2D

34

10

00460

DELAY

PSHS X SAVE DELAY COUNT

3F2F

BE

006F

00470

LDX #111 FINAGLE FACTOR

3F32

30

IF

00480

DEL018

LEAX -1,X DECREMENT FINAGLE COUNT

3F34

26

FC

00490

BNE DEL810 LOOP FOR 1 MS

3F36

RE

64

00500

LDX 4,S GET INTERVAL COUNT

3F38

30

86 DF 00510

LEAX -33,X ACUUST FOR 1 MS DELAY

3F3B

AF

64

00520

STX 4,8 RESTORE IN STACK.

3F3D

35

90

0000

80530 00540

PULS X,PC RETRIEVE COUNT, RTN END

00000 TOTAL ERRORS

Listing

6: Model III assembly-language

program for measuring low frequencies through the cassette input port. Switch-debounce

time can be varied.

7F00

00100

ORG

7F00H ;THIS SR NON-RELOCATABLE

00110 ;*###**####****#*##*#*«»»##»*#*#####***##»#****#**#»****»

00120 ;* LOW-FREQUENCY EVENT COUNTER WITH DEBOUNCE

*

00130 ;*

INPUT:

7FFAH = INTERVAL COUNT IN 26.86 MICROSEC

*

00140 !#

UNITS, 2 BYTES

*

00150 ;*

7FFCH = DEBOUNCE DELAY CNT IN MS, 2 BYTES

*

00160 ;*

7FFEH = RESERVED FOR COUNT, 2 BYTES

*

00170 ;*

OUTPUT:

7FFEH = # OF COUNTS IN INTERVAL, 2 BYTES

*

00180 ;********************************************************

00190 ;

7F00

F3

00191 LOWFRE DI

;DISABLE INTERRUPTS

Listing 6 continued on

page 178

176 May 1982 €

BYTE Publications Inc

TRS-80* COMPUTING EDITION

>1981 Percom Data Co., Inc.

Wyt percom peripteral

35 cents

Percom's DOUBLERII tolerates wide variations in media, drives

GARLAND, TEXAS — May 22, 1981 — Harold Mauch, president of Percom Data Company, announced here today that an improved version of the Company's innovative DOUBLER® adapter, a double-density plug-in module for TRS-80' Model I computers, is now available.

Reflecting design refinements based on both theoretical analyses and field testing, the DOUBLER II , so named, permits even greater tolerance in variations among media and drives than the previous design.

Like the original DOUBLER, the DOUBLER II plugs into the drive controller IC socket of a TRS-80 Model I Expansion Interface and permits a user to run either single- or double-density diskettes on a Model I.

With a DOUBLER II installed, over four times more formatted data — as much as 364 Kbytes — can be stored on one side of a fiveinch diskette than can be stored using a standard Tandy Model I drive system.

Moreover, a DOUBLER II equips a Model I with the hardware required to run Model III diskettes.

(Ed. Note: See "OS-8CT: Bridging the TRS80* software compatibility gap" elsewhere on thispage.)

The critical clock-data separation circuitry of the DOUBLER II is a proprietary design called a ROM-programmed digital phase-lock loop data separator.

According to Mauch, this design is more tolerant of differences from diskette to diskette and drive to drive, and also provides immunity to performance degradation caused by circuit component aging.

Percom DOUBLER II

Mauch said "A DOUBLER II will operate just as reliably two years after it is installed as it will two days after installation."

The digital phase-lock loop also eliminates the need for trimmer adjustments typical of analog phase-lock loop circuits.

"You plug in a Percom DOUBLER II and then forget it," he said.

The DOUBLER II also features a refined Write Precompensation circuit that more effectively minimizes the phenomena of bitand peak-shifting, a reliability-impairing characteristic of magnetic data recording.

The DOUBLER II, which is fully software compatible with the previous DOUBLER, is supplied with DBLDOS55, a TRSDOS-compatible disk operating system.

The DOUBLER II sells for $2^5, includ

ing the DBLDOS diskett

Circuit misapplication causes diskette read, format problems.

High resolution key to reliable data separation

megahertz — were found by Percom to provide only marginally improved performance over the original Tandy circuit.

The Percom solution is a simple adapter that plugs into the drive controller of the Expansion Interface (EI).

Not a kit — some vendors supply an untested separator kit of resistors, ICs and other paraphernalia that may be installed by modifying the computer — the Percom SEPARATOR is a fully assembled, fully tested plug-in module.

Installation involves merely plugging the SEPARATOR into the Model I EI disk controller chip socket, and plugging the controller chip into a socket on the SEPARATOR.

The SEPARATOR, which sells for only $29.95, may be purchased from authorized Percom retailers or ordered directly from the factory. The factory toll-free order number is 1-800-527-1222.

Ed. note: Opening the TRS-80 Expansion Interface may void the Tandy limited 90-day warranty. Circle 332 on inquiry card.

GARLAND, TEXAS — The Percom SEPARATOR" does very well for the Radio Shack TRS-80' Model I computer what the Tandy disk controller does poorly at best: reliably separates clock and data signals during disk-read operations.

Unreliable data-clock separation causes format verification failures and repeated read retries.

CRC ERROR-TRACK LOCKED OUT

The problem is most severe on high-number (high-density) inner file tracks.

As reported earlier, the clock-data separation problem was traced by Percom to misapplication of the internal separator of the 1771 drive controller IC used in the Model I.

The Percom Separator substitutes a highresolution digital data separator circuit, one which operates at 16 megahertz, for the lowresolution one-megahertz circuit of the Tandy design.

Separator circuits that operate at lower frequencies — for example, two- or four

The Percom DOUBLER II is available from authorized Percom retailers, or may be ordered direct from the factory. The factory toll-free order number is 1-800-527-1222.

Ed. note: Opening the TRS-80 Expansion Interface may void the Tandy limited 90-day warranty. Circle 333 on inquiry card.

All that glitters is not gold

OS-80® Bridging the TRS-80* software compatibility gap

Compatibility between TRS-80* Model I diskettes and the new Model III is about as genuine as a goldplated lead Krugerrand.

True, Model I TRSDOS* diskettes can be read on a Model III. But first they must be converted and rerecorded for Model III operation.

And you cannot write to a Model I TRSDOS* diskette. Not with a Model III. You cannot add a file. Delete a file. Or in any way modify a Model I TRSDOS diskette with a Model HI computer.

Furthermore, your converted TRSDOS diskettes cannot be converted back for Model I operation.

TRSDOS is a one-way street. And there's no retreating. A point to consider before switching the company's payroll to your new Model III.

Real software compatibility should allow the direct, immediate interchangeability of Model I and Model III diskettes. No read-only limitations, no conversion/re-recording steps and no chance to be left high and dry with Model III diskettes that can't be run on a Model I.

What's the answer? The answer is Percom's OS80** family of TRS-80 disk operating systems.

OS-80 programs allow direct, immediate interchangeability of Model I and Model III diskettes.

You can run Model I single-density diskettes on a Model III; install Percom's plug-in DOUBLER® adapter in your Model I, and you can run doubledensity Model III diskettes on a Model I.

There's no conversion, no re-recording.

Slip an OS-80 diskette out of your Model I and insert it directly in a Model III.

And vice-versa.

Just have the correct OS-80 disk operating system — OS-80, OS-80D or OS-80/III — in each computer.

Moreover, with OS-80 systems, you can add, delete, and update files. You can read and write diskettes regardless of the system of origin.

OS-80 is the original Percom TRS-80 DOS for BASIC programmers.

Even OS-80 utilities are written in BASIC.

OS-80 is the Percom system about which a user wrote, in Creative Computing magazine, "... the best $30.00 you will ever spend."t

Requiring only seven Kbytes of memory, OS-80 disk operating systems reside completely in RAM. There's no need to dedicate a drive exclusively for a system diskette.

And, unlike TRSDOS, you can work at the track sector level, defining and controlling data formats — in BASIC — to create simple or complex data structures that execute more quickly than TRSDOS files.

The Percom OS-80 DOS supports single-density operation of the Model I computer — price is $29.95: the OS-80D supports double-density operation of Model I computers equipped with a DOUBLER or DOUBLER II; and, OS-80/III — for the Model III of course — supports both single- and double-density operation. OS-80D and OS-80/III each sell for $49.95. Circle 334 on inquiry card.

PRICES AND SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECTTO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. PRICES DO NOT INCLUDE HANDLING AND SHIPPING.

PERCOM DATA COMPANY, INC. 11220 Pagemill Road Dallas, Texas 75243 (214) 340-7081

^Trademark of Percom Data Company, Inc. *TRS-80 and TRSDOS are trademarks of Tandy Corporation which has no relationship to Percom Data Company. tCreative Computing Magazine, June, 1980, page 26.

Listing 6

continued:

DD2AFA7F

/■% -i r™ **"• r*** r*~

00200

LD

IX,(7FFAH)

7F01

5GET INTERVAL COUNT ;FOR DECREMENTS

7F05

01FFFF

00210

LD

BC, -1

7F08

FD210000

00220

LD

IY,0

UNITIALIZE COUNT

7F0C

DD09

00230

LC

>W010

ADD

IX, BC

;DECREMENT INT CNT<15)

7F0E

D21F7F

00240

JP

NCLOW090

;GO IF DONE (10)

7FH

DBFF

00250

IN

A, (0FFH)

;GET I/O BYTE (11)

7F13

E601

00260

AND

1

5GET CASSDIN BIT (73

7F15

CA0C7F

00270

JP

Z,LOW010

1-50 IF 0 ( 10)

7F18

FD23

00280

INC

IY

INCREMENT COUNT

7F1A

CD257F

00290

CALL

DEBNC

;DEBOUNCE DELAY

7F1D

18ED

00300

JR

LOW010

;CONTINUE INTERVAL

7F1F

FD22FE7F

00310

LOW0*

LD

(7FFEH),IY

;STORE COUNT

7F23

FB

00311

EI

"ENABLE INTERRUPTS

7F24

C9

00320 00330

7

RET

;RETURN FROM SR

00340

"

DEBOUNCE

00350

t

7F25

FDE5

00360

DEBNC

PUSH

IY

5 SAVE INTERVAL CNT

7F27

FD2AFC7F

00370

LD

IY,(7FFCH)

;GET DEBOUNCE DELAY

7f-2B

CD357F

00380

DEB

CALL

DELAY

;DELAY N MS

7F2E

FD09

00390

ADD

IY,BC

"DECREMENT DELAY CNT

7F30

38F9

00400

JR

CDEB010

;G0 IF NOT N MS

7F32

FDE1

00410

POP

IY

;RETRIEVE INT COUNT

7F34

C9

00420 00430

5

RET

;RETURN FROM SR

00440

■>

DELAY

subrout: ; n ms.

00450

7

7F35

215E00

00460

DELAY

LD

HL,94

;FINAGLE FACTOR

7F38

09

00470

DEL010

ADD

HL,BC

; DECREMENT FINAGLE CNT

7F39

DA387F

00480

JP

CDEL010

;LOOP FOR 1 MS

7F3C

11DBFF

00490

LD

DE,-37

■ADJUSTMENT CONSTANT

7F3F

DD19

00500

ADD

I X, DE

;ADJUST FOR 1 MS DELAY

7F41

C9

00510

RET

"RETURN FROM SR

0000

00520

END

00000 Total e

r r o r s

specified time after each pulse is detected. The number of events detected in the interval, the third parameter, is returned in locations hexadecimal 3FFE and 3FFF.

A similar program for the Model III is shown in listing 6. The three parameters are passed in locations hexadecimal 7FFA through 7FFF and represent the same variables. Because operation for the two programs is similar, I'll describe both in general terms.

The DELAY subroutine delays for 1 ms by a simple loop. An interval count is adjusted for the 1-ms delay in units of 30.35 or 26.86. The DEBNC surboutine gets the debounce delay parameter and calls DELAY to delay for the debounce time in units of 1 ms.

The "main-line" code is in

LOWFRE. The interval count parameter is decreased by 1 each time through the main loop. When the interval count is decremented beyond 0, the interval is completed, and the subroutine returns to the BASIC program. If the interval count is not completed, the PIA or I/O port bit for CASSDIN is read. If the cassette bit is a logic 1, the count of pulses is increased by 1, and the DEBNC subroutine is called for the debounce delay.

These programs detect a logic 1 pulse, i.e., a negative voltage input. The input signal can be any switch closure occurring up to thousands of times per second. A typical example is a roller switch on a rotating cam shaft. A longer time window can be created by repeatedly calling the subroutine.

BASIC drivers for both versions are shown in listings 7 and 8. The machine-language forms of the program are contained within the BASIC program in DATA statements, and the programs are poked into high random-access memory (RAM) by the BASIC code. The BASIC program asks for the interval and debounce delay parameters, pokes them into the parameter block, then calls the machine-language subroutine. A running total of all counts is printed after each call. To see how the program works, connect a switch as shown in figure 7, then close the switch for various delay and interval times.

Now For the Soft Breezes

To give you a practical example of what can be accomplished with a single discrete input, I'm going to

178 May 1962 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 103 on inquiry card. —*■

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Visicalc (Stndrd) 175

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Ordering information: Phoneorders using VISA. MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINER'S CLUB, CARTE BLANCHE, bank wire transfer, cashier's or certified check, money order, or personal check (allow ten days to clear). Unless prepaid with cash, please add 5% for shipping, handling and insurance, (minimum 5.00) California residents add 6% sales tax. We accept CODs, OEM's. Institutions and corporations please send for a written quotation. All equipment is subject to price change and availability without notice. All equipment is new and complete with manufacturer's warranty (usually 90 days). Showroom prices may differ from mail order prices.

jSu^LiUyygjJIJiJruji^

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£ SAL6 $AL€ S AL€ $ AL€ SAL6 gAUE

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Listing 7: Color Computer BASIC driver program for LOWFRE. The machine-language code is included in the program and poked into high memory.

100 ■' LOWFRE DRIVER

113 DflTR 130,63,250,IS,142,0,0,48,31..31

120 DATA 16,77,43,13,182,255,32,132,1,39

130 DRTfi 242,49,33,141,7,32,236,16,191,63

140 DRTfi 254,57,52,16,190,63,252,141,6,48

150 DRTfi 31,38,250,53,144,52,16,142,0,111

160 DRTfi 48,31,38,252,174,100,48,136,223,175

170 DRTfi 100,53,144

180 FOR I^HSFOO TO &H3F3E

190 REfiD fi; POKE I,R

200 NEXT I

210 DEFUSR0=£,H3F00

220 INPUT "INTERVRL, DELfiY"

230 POKE &H3FFR,INT< IC256)

240 POKE &H3FFC, INK DC.'25S >

250 R»USR0<03

260 B=B+PEEKX &H3FFE >*256+PEEKX &H3FFF > ■■ PRINT B

270 GOTO 250

I CDC

POKE &H3FFB..IC

POKE &H3FFD,DC

INT1'. IC.'"-256>*256 INT'-.DC'25Sy#256

Listing 8: Model III BASIC driver program for LOWFRE. The machine-language code is included in the program and poked into high memory.

DRIVER

221)42^250?127i1,255i255,253,33 0,0)221,9,210,31,127,219,255,230 1,202,12,127,253,35,205,37,127,24 237,253,34,254,127,251,201,253,229,: 42,252,127,205,53,127,253,9,56,249 253,225,201,33,94,0,9,218,56,127 17,219,255,221,25,201 1=32512 TO 32577

100 ' LOWFRE

110 DATA 243

120 DATA

130 DATA

140 DATA

150 DATA

160 DATA

170 DATA

180 FOR

190 READ A:POKE I,A

200 NEXT I

210 DEFUSR0=&H7F00

220 INPUT "INTERVAL,

230 POKE &H7FFA,IC~

240 POKE &H7FFCDC

250 A=USR0<0)

260 B»B+PEEK(&H7FFE

270 GOTO 250

>53

, DELAY"; I CDC

INT<IC/256)*256:P0KE

INT(DC/256)*256:POKE

&H7FFB,INT(IC/256) &H7FFD, I NT<DC/256)

)+PEEK<&H7FFF)*256: PRINT B

describe a plumbing/electronics project—an anemometer. All parts can be purchased at your local hardware store and Radio Shack. The anemometer will measure a wide range of wind speeds and is easy to construct. Best of all, the entire project costs less than $10.

The plumbing. The physical appearance of the anemometer is detailed in figure 9. It's constructed with common 1-inch and Vi-inch poly vinyl chloride (PVC) sprinkler fit

tings, wooden dowels, and plastic cups. Necessary parts are listed in table 1. To asemble the unit, refer to figure 10 and proceed as outlined in steps 1 through 19.

1. Cut a piece of 1-inch PVC thickwall tubing to a length of 4 inches. (Any saw will do, but a hacksaw is best.)

2. Drill a hole in a 1-inch cap just large enough to pass a Vi-inch PVC tube without friction.

3. Cement the cap to the 4-inch piece of tubing from step 1. Push

the cap firmly down on the tube.

4. Drill a 3/i6-inch hole completely through the cap abut Vi-inch up from the bottom of the cap.

5. File off any projections from the bottom of a Vi-inch cap.

6. Drill a small, centered hole in the cap and push in a decorative nail having a rounded head. It should fit snugly.

7. Cement the cap to a 6-inch piece of thin-wall Vz-inch PVC tubing.

8. Push the Vi-inch tubing from step 7 through the hole in the 1-inch

180 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

prop* *. of tbe Aioj e%eYu^

! i ;A*hO»t f .-.'■■ ■....

, i *pl

\>v uft*0

Author

sl<latne.

AS AN AUTHOR

BE TOUR

MOST IMPORTANT 11NE.

If you ve tried to market your own program, you've probably run into a virtual brick wall of problems. Problems that require time, energy, funds, personnel and expertise to solve.

Lifeboat Associates invites you to bring your problems to us. That way you can do what you do best: create quality software. And we can do what we do best: sell it.

As an international publisher of quality computer software with a strong relationship among business, professional, programming and personal computer users, as well as micro- and minicomputer OEM's, Lifeboat Associates has sold and fully supported more software programs by more authors for more machines to more users in more countries than anyone else.

And we do a lot more than sell. Lifeboat also provides:

* Full after sales support • A multitude of media formats • OEM sales • Extensive promotional campaigns through Lifeboat's Software Desk Reference™, specially designed OEM private label catalogs, foreign catalogs, brochures, flyers and direct mail • Advertising • Advertising preparation • Marketing services throughout a wide network of affiliates, dealers and distributors • Translation facilities into foreign languages

• Seminars • Typesetting services • And lots more

So if you've expended your time and genius in writing a great program, bring it to Lifeboat. We'll expend our time and genius in publishing it.

Write for a copy of the Lifeboat Author Guide.

A

Lifeboat Associates

World s foremost software source

1651 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10028

Copyright ©1981, by Lifeboat Associates Software Desk Reference is a trademark of Lifeboat Associates.

Circle 237 on inquiry card.

1/4-INCH DOWELS

-INNER-TUBE ASSEMBLY

WIND CUPS

IR LED AND PHOTOTRANSISTOR ON OPPOSING SIDES

3-WIRE CABLE

ELECTRICIAN'S TAPE

Figure 9: A working anemometer can be easily constructed by using common materials (and a $600 or $1000 computer).

Quantity

Description

1

4-inch piece of 1-inch PVC thick-wall tubing

2

1 -inch slip caps

2

'/2-inch slip caps

1

6-inch piece of Vi-inch thin-wall tubing

1

round-head nail or small screw

3 ft

Vi-inch wooden doweling

4

plastic, low-mass cups (halves of plastic ball or toy)

1

container of PVC cement

1

suitable mounting hardware for mast

Table 1: Anemometer

parts list.

9.

10.

11

12

14.

15.

cap. Now cement a second 1-inch cap over the 1-inch tube. (Put two y8-inch drain holes in the bottom of the second cap.) Do not push the cap on all the way. The inner Vi-inch tube should move as freely as possible. After the cement has dried for an

hour, drill a 3/16-inch hole through the inner tube, using the existing hole as a guide. Hold the tubes up to the light. The holes in the tubes should match. If not, drill out the inner tube again. Drill two Vi-inch holes completely through a Vi-inch cap. The holes should be at right angles to each other and as close to the top of the cap as possible. The bottom hole should clear the path of the top hole.

Cut two Vi-inch wood dowels to 14 inches. Push through the holes in the cap. Center the dowels. Cement the dowels if they don't fit tightly. 13. Mount four plastic half-spheres (cups) on the four dowels. All four should present the same face to the wind.

Align and cement the plastic cups.

After the cement has dried, temporarily mount the cup assembly on the inner tube. Cut off enough of the inner tube to that the bot

THIS IS DIGITALKER*" OUT 127,0

This is all it takes to say this or 143 other expressions with MICROMOUTH*. Absolutely no software drivers or subroutines to load. MICROMOUTH*, the latest Circuit Cellar project can be used as an emergency annunciator, as an aid for the handicapped, for process control and automatic monitoring, and to add new dimensions to computer games.

Sample phrases that can be programmed are:

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"NUMBER 4 IS 3.47 VOLTS"

"THE SPEED IS 100 METERS A SECOND . . SLOW DOWN"

Thousands of expressions can be added by changing the ROM chips.

MICROMOUTH* is plug compatible with APPLE II and TRS-80* computers. Directions are included for,.S100, H8 and parallel

port operation. -DIGITALKER is a trademark ol National Semiconductor Corp

Complete Kit (as shown) $120.00 Assembled and tested:

Apple II $150.00

TRS-80 Model I w/power

supply and cable $170.00

TRS-80 Model III $200.00

•MICROMOUTH is a trademark ot Micromint Inc

The MicroMint Inc 917 Midway Woodmere, NY 11598 Dealer inquiries invited.

call:

1-800-645-3479

In N.Y. 516-374-6793

182 May 1982 @ BYTE Publications Inc •

Circle 456 on Inquiry card

HHt ~ '— SHMf ^

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Phone orders are welcome; same-day shipment on orders placed before 11:00 a.m. Free use of MasterCard and Visa CODs accepted. Personal checks require 2 weeks clearance. Manufacturer's warranty included on all equipment. Prices subject to revision

Orange Micro Retail Stores

Sherman Oaks: 13604 Ventura Blvd. (213) 501-3486 Anaheim: 3150 La Palma, # I (714) 630-3622 Santa Clara: 3216 Scott Blvd. (408) 980-1213

Circle 312 on inquiry card.

CALL FOR FREE CATALOG

TOLL FREE

Red Baron

COMPUTER PRODUCTS

1100 N. TUSTIN ANAHEIM, CA 92806

1-800-854-8275 flffiaraa

STEP 1

STEP 7

CEMENT.

\

1

6

STEPS 11, 12

1/4-INCH WOOD

A

6-INCHES

o

■•—1-INCH

^

-CEMENT FOR TIGHT FIT

STEP 2

STEP 8

□ 1-INCH SLIP CAP

y— DP,

m

DRILL OUT TO SS 1/2-INCH TUBE

*

*=

-14 INCHES

Sr£7>S 13, 14

STEP 3

.0

CEMENT SO THAT INNER TUBE MOVES FtEELY

n

* J— DRAIN

HOLES

-CEMENT

STEP 9

STEPS 15, IS

STEP 4

-DRILL 3/16-INCH THROUGH STEP 4 HOLES (THROUGH TUBE)

□

DRILL

3/16-INCH

HOLE „__- ,.

THROUGH STEP 10

CAP

CEMENT

3-INCH DIAMETER PLASTIC CUPS

PUSH THROUGH HOLES

CEMENT CAP TO TUBE

1/16-INCH GAP

CHECK FOR "DAYLIGHT" THROUGH HOLE

STEPS 5, 6

"8"

' /

n 1/2-INCH I SLIP CAP

FILE OFF FOR

ROUNDED

BOTTOM

1/2-INCH SLIP CAP

-DRILL TWO 1/4-INCH HOLES AS CLOSE TO TOP AS POSSIBLE

STEP 17

-CEMENT

PHOTOTRANSISTOR

r

DECORATIVE NAIL WITH ROUNDED HEAD

Figure 10: Construction details of the anemometer, imately one hour if all parts are on hand.

Total construction time is approx

Quantity Description

150-ohm Vi-watt 10% tolerance resistor 1-kilohm Vi-watt 10% tolerance resistor 100-kilohm Vi-watt 10% tolerance resistor 4.7-kilohm Vi-watt 10% tolerance resistor 560-ohm Vi-watt 10% tolerance resistor 741C op-amp (Radio Shack 276-007) Infrared LED (Radio Shack XC880-A, 276-143) Infrared phototransistor (Radio Shack 276-145) 6-V batteries or 8 "C" cells in assembly Wire, cable, solder Project board (Radio Shack 276-175) DIN plug, 5-pin (Radio Shack 274-003)

Table 2: Anemometer electronics parts list.

torn of the inner tube cap is about y16 inch from the top of the 1-inch cap. Cement the cup assembly to the inner tube.

16. Again, check the hole alignment of the inner and outer tubes. Redrill the inner tube if necessary.

17. Press-fit the phototransistor and light-emitting diode (LED) into the two holes. Bring down the two leads from each. Cement the components in place using a bead of PVC cement around the edges.

19. Spin the cup assembly. It should move very freely, even in a light wind. You should be able to spin it by gently blowing at a cup at a distance of about a foot.

The electronics. The electronics assembly is built on a Radio Shack project board. The arrangement of the parts is shown in figure 11, and a parts list is given in table 2. Make a cable assembly of four wires and route to the anemometer. Solder the four cable wires to the LED and phototransistor as shown in figure 12.

After soldering the cable wires, wrap a piece of plastic electrical tape around the cable and tubing for strain relief. Put a dab of PVC cement on each solder joint and exposed lead. This will waterproof the connections.

The circuit for the electronics is shown in figure 13. The electronics produce a +6-V or —6-V signal to the cassette input line. The 741C operational amplifier (op-amp) compares a voltage at the " — " input that is about 82 percent of the positive supply voltage. If the input voltage on the " + " lead drops below this level, the output of the op-amp is — 6 V; otherwise it is +6 V.

When the two holes in the anemometer tubing are aligned, the infared light from the LED strikes the phototransistor and causes current to flow through it. When enough current flows, the " + " input drops below the 82 percent level and the opamp output drops to —6 V. When no light is striking the phototransistor, no current flows through it, the " + " input is +6 V, and the op-amp output is +6 V. Place the anemometer assembly in a location that's shady yet exposed to the wind. (Don't

186 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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BYTE May 1982 187

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Figure 11: The electronics portion of the anemometer uses a small project board for easy circuit assembly. Three sets of wires go to power connections, the anemometer, and the cassette input plug.

mount it on a 200-foot tower until after additional testing, however.)

A PERIOD program. Listings 9 and 10 show PERIOD programs for the Color Computer and Model III, respectively. The PERIOD programs are used with the anemometer, but they are also general-purpose programs for measuring the period of any input signal that does not have to be debounced. The period is measured from the first negativegoing transition to the next negativegoing transition in 20.23- or 24.33-/us units. The period is passed back to a BASIC driver in locations hexadecimal 3FFE and 3FFF (Color Computer) or as the value of the USR function (Model III).

Listings 11 and 12 show the PERIOD programs incorporated as DATA statements in BASIC drivers. The machine-language code is located in high memory in both cases.

Using the anemometer. Protect high memory in the Color Computer by a CLEAR 200,&H3EFF. Protect high memory in the Model III by inputting a MEMORY SIZE of 32511. Load the BASIC Anemometer program, connect the cassette input to the electronics, connect the electronics power, and run the program.

The program measures the period for the rotating anemometer. If no

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190 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Circle 49 on inquiry card.

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Figure 12: The infrared LED and phototransistor are mounted on opposite sides of the anemometer shaft. Each shaft revolution produces two infrared light detections.

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fh PHOTOT

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Figure 13: The electronics portion of the anemometer uses a few simple components but can provide a precise measurement of anemometer rotation speed.

194 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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BYTE May 1982 195

Listing 9: Color Computer

assembly-language program to measure the period of a cassette input signal.

3F00

00100

ORG

*3F00

00110

***************::

90128

* SUBROUTINE '

FO MERSURE

PERIOD OF LOW-FREQ SIGNAL *

00130

* INPUT' NIL

*

00140

* OUTPUT' 31

"FEH=«PERIOD IN 28.23 MICROSECOND UNITS *

00138

*

OR -1 IF TIME OUT, 2 BYTES *

00160

*****************************************************

08178

*

3F00

9E

808E

1

00180

PERIOD

LDX

#8

TIME OUT COUNT

3F03

30

01

00198

PER018

LERX

1, X

INCREMENT TIME OUT CNT

3F85

27

30

00200

BEQ

PER898

GO IF TIME OUT

3F07

B6

FF2£

1

08210

LDP

*FF20

GET PIR BYTE

3F0A

84

01

00228

RNDR

#1

GET CRSSDIN

3F0C

26

F5

08238

BNE

PER.010

GO IF RT PULSE

3F0E

8E

800e

1

00240

LDX,

#0

INITIALIZE TIME OUT CNT

3F11

30

01

88250

PEP.828

LERX

1,X

INCREMENT TIME OUT CNT

3F13

27

22

80260

BEQ

PER098

GO IF TIME OUT

3F15

BS

FF2E

1

00270

LDR

fFF28

GET PIR BYTE

3F19

84

01

00288

RNDR

ttl

GET CRSSDIN

3F1A

27

F5

00298

BEQ

PER020

GO IF NOT PULSE

3F1C

8E

0006

1

00300

LDX

#8

INITIALIZE TIME OUT

3F1F

30

01

00310

PER830

LERX

1,X

INCREMENT TIME OUT CNT

3F21

27

14

00328

BEQ

PER890

GO IF TIME OUT

3F23

B6

FF22

1

88330

LDR

*FF20

GET PIA BYTE

3F26

84

01

08340

RNDR

ttl

GET CASSDIN

3F28

26

F5

88350

BNE

PER038

GO IF STILL PULSE

3F2fl

30

01

00360

PER850

LERX

1..X

INCREMENT TIME COUNT

3F2C

27

09

00370

BEQ

PER098

GO IF TIME OUT

3F2E

86

FF26

1

80388

LDR

*FF20

GET PIA BYTE

3F31

84

01

80390

RNDR

#1

GET CASSDIN

3F33

27

F3

00400

BEQ

PER050

GO IF NOT END

3F35

20

03

80410

BRR

PER095

NORMAL RETURN

3F37

SE

FFFF

80420

PER098

LDX

#~1

FLAG TIME OUT

3F3A

BF

3FFE

80438

PER.895

STX

$3FFE

RETURN WITH ARGUMENT

3F3D

39

0006

1

00448 00438

RTS END

RETURN

00000 TOTAL ERROR

o

■

Listing

10: Mo

del III assert

ibly-language program to measure

the period of a

cassette input signal.

7P00

00100

ORG

7F00H

;RELOCATABLE

001l0 ;********************************************************

001

20 ;* SUBROUTINE TO MEASURE PERIOD OF LOW-FREQ SIGNAL *

00130 ;*

INPUT:

NIL

*

00140 ;*

OUTPUT

s HL=PERIOD IN 2

:4.33 MICROSECOND UNITS *

00150 ;*

OR

1 IF TIME

OUT, 2 BYTES *

00l60 ;********************************************************

00170 ;

7F00

210000

00180 PERIOD LD

HL

10

;TIME OUT COUNT

7F03

010100

00190

LD

BC

, 1

INCREMENT

7F06

09

002

:00 PER010 ADD

HL

,BC

INCREMENT TIME OUT CNT

7F07

3829

00210

JR

C,

PER090

;GO IF TIME OUT

7F09

DBFF

002

:20

IN

A«

(0FFH)

;GET I/O BYTE

7F0B

E601

00230

AND

1

;GET CASSDIN

7F0D

20F7

002

:40

JR

NZ

,PER010

;GO IF AT PULSE

7F0F

210000

002

!50

LD

HL

,0

"REINITIALIZE TIME OUT CNT

7F12

09

002

:60 PER0:

20 ADD

HL

,BC

;INCREMENT TIME OUT COUNT

7F13

381D

00270

JR

C,

PER090

;GO IF TIME OUT

BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 10 continued on page 198

196 M

ay 1982 ©

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BYTE May 1982 197

Listing 10 continued:

7F15

DBFF

00280

IN

Ai(0FFH)

;GET I/O BYTE

7F17

E601

00290

AND

1

;GET CASSDIN

7F19

28F7

00300

JR

ZiPER020

;GO IF NOT PULSE

7F1B

210000

00310

LD

HLi0

REINITIALIZE TIME OUT

7F1E

09

00320

PER030

ADD

HLiBC

INCREMENT TIME OUT

7F1F

3811

00330

JR

CiPER090

;GO IF TIME OUT

7F21

DBFF

00340

IN

A,(0FFH)

?GET I/O BYTE

7F23

E601

00350

AND

1

;GET CASSDIN

7F25

20F7

00360

JR

NZiPER030

;GO IF STILL PULSE

7F27

09

00370

PER050

ADD

HLiBC

INCREMENT TIME OUT

7F28

3808

00380

JR

CiPER090

;GO IF TIME OUT

7F2A

DBFF

00390

IN

A,(0FFH)

,"GET I/O BYTE

7F2C

E601

00400

AND

1

5GET CASSDIN

7F2E

28F7

00410

JR

ZiPER050

5GO IF NOT END

7F30

1803

00420

JR

PER095

;NORMAL RETURN

7F32

21FFFF

00430

PER090

LD

HLi-1

;FLAG TIME OUT

7F35

C39A0A

00440

PER095

JP

0A9AH

;PASS ARGUMENT BACK

0000

00450

END

00000 Total

e r- r o r s

Listing 11: Color Computer BASIC driver program for the anemometer. This program uses the PERIOD program. The machine-language code for PERIOD is contained in the BASIC program and is poked into high memory.

100 'SAMPLE RHEMOMETER PROGRAM

110 DATA 142..0,0..48.1.. 39, 48.. 162.. 235,32

120 DATA 132,1,38,243,142,0,0,48,1,39,34

130 DATA 182,255,32,132,1,39,243,142,0,0

140 DATA 48,1,39,20,182,255,32,132,1,38

150 DATA 245,48,1,39,9,182,255,32,132,1,39

160 DATA 245,32,3,142, 255, 255,191, 63, 2.54, 57

170 FOR. I=&H3F00 TO &H3F3D

180 READ A' POKE I,A

190 NEXT I

200 DEFUSR0=&H3F00

210 CLS

220 A«=USR<0>

230 A*PEEK< &H3FFE >*256+PEEK< 8<H3FFF >

240 IF R-65535 THEN A=0' GOTO 260

250 A»3. 75.-'t: A*20. 23E-6 >

260 PRINT 8262,A.i"MPH

270 GOTO 220

Listing 12: Model III BASIC driver program for the anemometer. This program uses the PERIOD program. The machine-language code for PERIOD is contained in the BASIC program and is poked into high memory.

1100 'SAMPLE ANEMOMETER PROGRAM MODEL III

110 DATA 33i0i0ilili0i9.56.41i2.19

120 DATA 255.2301li32.247i33i0,0.9i56

130 DATA 29.219.255.230,1.40,247,33i0i0

140 DATA 9i56i17i219i255i230,Ii32i247i9

150 DATA 56i8i219i255i230iIi40i247i24i3

160 DATA 33i255i255i195i154i10

170 FOR 1=32512 TO 32567

180 READ A: POKE IiA

190 NEXT I

200 DEFUSR0=&H7F00

210 CLS

220 A=USR(0)

230 IF A=-l THEN A=0:GOTO 250

235 IF A<0 THEN A=65536+A

240 A=3.75/<A*24.33E-6)

250 PRINT a 532iA;"MPH

260 GOTO 220

rotation is detected, a —1 is returned as the period; both BASIC programs look for this flag and set the period to 0 in this case.

Wind speed will be displayed in the center of the screen. Wind speed in this case is a rough calculation based on preliminary empirical tests. The tests involved driving madly down city streets while keeping one eye on the road and the other on the rotating anemometer held at arm's length out the open car window. The 12-V DCpowered inverter for mobile computer operation is a project I'll leave for you in your spare time.

Each rotation of the shaft produces two pulses. A wind speed of 15 miles per hour (mph) is approximately 2 revolutions per second—thus the "3.75" factor. Rotational speed of the anemometer appears to be linear; 30-mph wind produces 4 revolutions per second and so forth. I would be very interested to hear from readers who construct the anemometer and run some tests with it, especially those who have access to a wind tunnel.

The above examples illustrate what can be achieved without a great deal of additional hardware when using inputs that were not meant to be discrete inputs but were dragged, kicking and screaming, into duty. In a later article, I'll look at a more sophisticated way to interface many lines to the system bus. I promise you won't be cutting up PVC tubing and scrubbing cement off your hands.■

198 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

Your computer,

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So why waste time while your computer waits for your printer? Ask your computer dealer for the Microbuffer]! or call us for the name of a dealer near you.

Microbuffer I and Snapshot are trademarks of Practical Peripherals. Inc.

CP/M is a registered trademark ot Digital Research. Inc.

Apple I is a registered trademark of Apple Computer,

PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS. Inc.

31245 La Baya Drive

Westlake Village. California 91362

(213) 991-8200

circle 340 on inquiry card.

Th

p 14995 personal co

WmMm

m

SjiDuter.

'"~&-.r*£3jJ^^^gB:

.----- -*:-;*£M^^^R3«$s

Introducing the Sinclair ZX81

If you're ever going to buy a personal computer, now is the time to do it.

The new Sinclair ZX81 is the most powerful, yet easy-to-use computer ever offered for anywhere near .the price: only $149.95* completely assembled.

Don't let the price fool you. The ZX81 has just about everything you could ask for in a personal computer A breakthrough in personal computers

The ZX81 is a major advance over the original Sinclair ZX80—the world's largest selling personal computer and the first for under $200.

In fact, the ZX81's new 8K Extended BASIC offers features found only on computers costing two or three times as much.

Just look at what you get:

■ Continuous display, including moving graphics

■ Multi-dimensional string and numerical arrays

* Plus shipping and handling. Price includes connectors for TV and cassette, AC adaptor, and FREE manual.

s:

•

■ Mathematical and scientific functions accurate to 8 decimal places

■ Unique one-touch entry of key words like PRINT, RUN and LIST

■ Automatic syntax error detection and easy editing

■ Randomize function useful for both games and serious applications

■ Built-in interface for ZX Printer

■ 1K of memory expandable to 16K

The ZX81 is also very convenient to use. It hooks up to any television set to produce a clear 32-column by 24-line display. And you can use a regular cassette recorder to store and recall programs by name.

If you already own a ZX80

The 8K Extended BASIC chip used in the ZX81 is available as a plug-in replacement for your ZX80 for only $39.95, plus shipping and handling—complete with new ke: board overlay and the ZX81 manual. So in just a few minutes, with no special skills or tools required, you can upgrade your ZX80 to have all the powerful features of the ZX81. (You'll have everything except continuous display, but you can still use the PAUSE and SCROLL commands to get moving graphics.)

With the 8K BASIC chip, your ZX80 will also be equipped to use the ZX Printer and Sinclair software.

Order at no risk**

We'll give you 10 days to try out the ZX81. If you're not completely satis fied, just return it to Sinclair Research and we'll give you a full refund.

And if you have a problem with your ZX81, send it to Sinclair Research within 90 days and we'll repair or replace it at no charge.

'•Does not apply to ZX81 kits

We wi1 sei ca

NEW SOFTWARErSinclair has published pre-recorded programs on cassettes for your ZX81, or ZX80 with 8K BASIC. We're constantly coming out with new programs, so we'll send you our latest software talog with your computer.

ZX PRINTER: The Sinclair ZX Printer will work with your ZX81, or ZX80 with 8K BASIC. It will be available in the near future and will cost less than $100.

16K MEMORY MODULE:

Like any powerful, full fledged computer, the ZX81 is expandable. Sinclair's 16K memory module plugs right onto the back of your ZX81 (or ZX80, with or without 8K BASIC). 2ost is $99.95. plus shipping id handling.

ZX81 MANUAL: The ZX81 comes with a comprehensive 164-page programming guide and operating manual designed for both beginners and experienced computer users. A $10.95 value, it's yours free with the ZX81.

If you really want to save money, and you enjoy building electronic kits, you can order the ZX81 in kit form for the incredible price of just $99.95? It's the same, full-featured computer, only you put it together yourself. We'll send complete, easyto-follow instructions on how you can assemble your ZX81 in just a few hours. All you have to supply is the soldering iron

How to order

Sinclair Research is the world's largest manufacturer of personal computers.

The ZX81 represents the latest technology in microelectronics, and it picks up right where the ZX80 left off. Thousands are selling every week.

We urge you to place your order for the new ZX81 today. The sooner you order, the sooner you can start enjoying your own computer.

To order, simply call our toll free number, and use your MasterCard or VISA. jf\ To order by mail, please use the

£^ apupon. And send your check or money \ order. We regret that we cannot accept * purchase orders or C.O.DIs.

CALL 800-543-3000. Ask for operator #509. In Ohio call 800-582-1364. In Canada call 513-729-4300. Ask for operator #509. Phones open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your Master Card or VISA ready.

These numbers are for orders only. For information, you must write to Sinclair Research Ltd., 2 Sinclair Plaza, Nashua, NH 03061.

Memory Module (for ZX81 or ZX80)

PRICEt QTY

AMOUNT

ZX81

ZX81 Kit

8K BASIC chip (for ZX80)

Shipping and Handling

$149.95

99.95

39.95

99.95

4.95

TOTAL

$4.95

MAIL TO: Sinclair Research Ltd., One Sinclair Plaza, Nashua, NH 03061. NAME .

ADDRESS _

rY/STATE/ZIP_

t U.S. Dollars

The Input/Output Primer

Part 4: The BCD and Serial Interfaces

A look at one of the least understood interfaces— RS-232C—and one of the first instrument interfaces.

In Part 3 of this series, we looked at the parallel and HPIB or GPIB (IEEE-488) interfaces. This month we turn our attention to the BCD (binary-coded decimal) interface and

This article is the fourth in Steve Leibson's six-part series, The Input/Output Primer. The series describes the problems involved in communications between computers and the outside world and explains how some of these problems have been solved. The two remaining articles will discuss character codes and interrupts, buffers, grounds, and signal degradation. "An I/O Glossary," which defines many terms used in these articles, appeared with the first installment (February 1982 BYTE, page 122). Figure and table numbers are continued from Part 3.

Steve Leibson

Auto-Trol Technology Corporation

12500 North Washington St.

POB 33815

Denver, CO 80233

the RS-232C serial interface. Both of these interfaces are older than those previously covered. The BCD interface traces its origins to scientific instruments that have been in use for decades. The serial interface's roots go back much farther, to the days when buffalo grazed the prairies of North America and Andre Ampere had an idea for a new method of communication. Let's look first at the BCD interface.

The BCD Interface

The BCD interface has remained popular because it provides a link to older measuring instruments that have been turning out reliable data for years. Some designers still put BCD interfaces in new digital instruments because the BCD interface is simple and inexpensive.

When scientists first connected

measuring instruments to computers, existing instruments lacked the electronic sophistication needed to use either the parallel or the IEEE-488 interface. Engineers were faced with developing an interface that relied on the intelligence of the computer to manage communications between the computer and the instruments.

Because measuring instruments send information to the computer but receive no information from it, the new interface could be unidirectional. There might be control lines from the computer to actuate ranges or control other aspects of the instrument's readings, but the control lines did not have to send data.

The new interface also had to accept a very wide word of data. For reasons that will become clear after I discuss the BCD coding method, high-resolution measuring instru

202 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Introducing The

FinalWord!

He

*m,

low could anyone call their word processor The FinalWord? Take the best features of the most popular word processors, combine them and add a few more in one text editor/ formatter and you'd be off to a good start. Then, write the program in C to allow user customization and make it capable of supporting any printer on the market and you'd be ahead of everybody else. If you went one step further and made your word processor transportable from one terminal to another you'd have—The FinalWord.

Supports multiple printers: The FinalWord allows you to produce high-speed draft copies on one printer, and letter-quality on another. It also means you'll never need another version just because you bought a new printer.

User-installable on different hardware: With The FinalWord you can upgrade your system and still have a familiar screen display. And since we've written The FinalWord in C, new versions are available almost as soon as new computers.

Features that go beyond the stars: Look at what you get with The FinalWord: automatic generation of Table of Contents, Index, footnoting and chapter/section numbering; enhanced command sets (delete/move a letter, word, sentence, paragraph, page); multiple buffers and windows, deletion recovery, true proportional spacing and more. And because we wrote The FinalWord to be easily reconfigured for different systems, our price can be lower.

oes

beyonc

Jth

est

ars.

The

Magic

Features FinalWord

WordStar

Wand

Full-Screen Editing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Directory Access while Editing

Yes

Yes

Yes

Simultaneous Printing while Editing

Yes

Yes

Yes

External Commands while Editing

Yes

Yes

No

Video Highlighting

Yes

Yes

No

Automatic Footnotes

Yes

No

No

User-Defined Commands

Yes

No

No

Multiple File Editing

Yes

No

No

Deletion Recovery

Yes

No

No

Supports Multiple Printers

Yes

No

No

Crash Recovery

Yes

No

No

Dynamic Include Files

Yes

No

Yes

Suggested Retail Price

$300

$495

$395

The FinalWord requires a S6K CP/M system and video terminal with cursor positioning character sequences. It is presently available in 8" standard format for the TRS-80 Model II, Vector Graphics and Altos Systems. There are compatible versions for the HP-125, Xerox 820, Cromemco, Micropolis, Ohio Scientific and Dynabyte Systems, and there are 5V4" versions for the Heath/Zenith Z-89, Northstar, Apple and Superbrain. Coming Soon: The FinalWord for the IBM Personal Computer.

The FinalWord is available through leading retailers, Westico, and Discount Software, or directly from:

Mark of the Unicorn

PO BOX 423

Arlington, Massachusetts 02174

(617) 489-1387

Dealer and OEM inquiries invited. Call for delivery schedule. Reserve yours now!

I ^* Mark of the Unicorn

Circle 250 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 203

SQV MicroGANTT is a

^f sophisticated project planning system which uses Critical Path Method (CPM) techniques and PERT to determine task dependencies and project completion dates. The user creates tasks, assigns costs and defines task dependencies. The interactive system immediately redisplays the project plan as data is entered. Projects are displayed as Gantt charts, labor time summaries and financial summaries.

MicroGANTT features: » Time scale of days, weeks, months, quarters or years can be varied at any time to present more or less detail. Accommodates unlimited number of tasks in a project plan. Detailed sub-projects can be included as tasks in a project model. Assumptions are easily modified to make "What if?" analyses. Single key-stroke commands page through tasks and calendar of events on display screen. Single key-strokes switch the display from Gantt chart to labor time summary to financial summary. Partial allocation of manpower to tasks. Partial completion of prerequisite tasks. All charts, reports and plans can be printed,

Available for IBM Personal Computerand CP/M compatible computers. Software and manual $395. Manual alone $25.

4 ways to order:

• Write Westico. Inc.. 25 Van Zant Street, Norwalk. CT 06855

• Call (203) 853-6880

• Telex 643-788

• Dial-up our 24-hour computer (300 baud) (203) 853-0816

copyright © 1982 Westico, Inc.

WES-44

WESTICO

The Software Express Service

DISPLAYS

I I

TTTT

l_l I I

I I

I I

_n_n_n_n_

OR

_i 1_

PHYSICAL QUANTITY

BCD COUNTERS

ELECTRONIC CONVERSION CIRCUITRY

CONTROL CIRCUITS

Figure 10: Block diagram of a BCD instrument. Two signals drive a string of single-digit binary-coded decimal (BCD) counters. One signal is a representation of the physical quantity being measured. This signal may be either a pulse of controlled duration or a series of pulses whose frequency is proportional to the physical quantity being measured. The second signal, from the control circuits, is used for timing.

ments may have I/O (input/output) connectors with as many as 40 or 50 pins. The new interface had to permit the peripheral instrument to present its entire message at once, sometimes as many as 50 bits in parallel. Then the interface had to break up this wide parallel word into pieces that the computer could digest more easi

ly.

Binary-Coded Decimal Numbers

BCD is a method that expresses each of the 10 decimal numerals (0 through 9) in a binary code. The coding sequence is:

Binary Code Decimal

Bit#

3 2 1

0

Numeral

0 0 0

0

0

0 0 0

1

1

0 0 1

0

2

0 0 1

1

3

0 10

0

4

0 10

1

5

0 11

0

6

0 11

1

7

10 0

0

8

10 0

1

9

Note that 4 binary digits (bits) are required to represent the numerals 8 and 9. Codes 1010 through 1111 are

not used. Consequently, BCD coding is not as efficient as pure binary coding, but the ease with which BCD can be displayed for human operators offsets its inefficiency in code compaction.

The standard calendar presents an analogy. Each page contains 5 weeks, more than enough space to hold the days in any month. The extra spaces for days remain blank. That extra space is useless to the printer, but because we do block the days of the year into months, the convenience of placing each month on a separate page more than makes up for the wasted space.

Since each decimal digit in BCD coding takes 4 bits, each digit of a scientific-instrument reading requires 4 wires to transmit the binary values that express that digit. Scientific instruments make all digits available simultaneously on the I/O connector, and high-resolution instruments can have connectors with as many as 50 pins. That explains why the BCD interface has to be able to accept such wide data words.

Implementing the BCD Interface

What makes the BCD interfacing technique easy to implement in

204 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

iiw — 11 iv ounwuit? cAfjiesd oviyitt? mui reuny uenvtJis

r

IILANGUAGE //PROCESSORS

When it comes to providing quality programs for serious microcomputer users — come to Westico. And you'll find more than quality software. You'll find instant response. In most cases, your order will be shipped within 24 hours. You'll also find the technical expertise on staff when you need help. For language processors and lots more, it's Westico. Here's just a sample of the more than 150 quality programs currently in stock:

PL/1-80™— Powerful application programming language for microcomputers. Implements on a micro the ANS Subset G language for minicomputers. Includes native code compiler, LINK-80 linkage editor, LIB-80 subroutine library manager. PULIB run-time library and RMAC relocatable macro assembler. $475/335. LINK-80 and RMAC also available separately. BT-80"— Efficient B-tree key indexed access method for PL/1-80. Features key length to 63 bytes, unigue or duplicate keys, and data records to 4096 bytes. Datasets can be spread over 8 files for a total of 64 megabytes. $200/$30.

BASIC-80— Extremelyfast interpreter features double precision floating point math, 40 character variable names, CHAIN/COMMON, random and sequential files, EDIT, CALL with parameters and an overlay technique. $350/—.

BASIC COMPILER- Compatible with BASIC-80. Produces extremely efficient, optimized 8080/Z80 machine code. Includes macro assembler, linkage editor and subroutine library manager. Compiled programs can be linked with FORTRAN-80, COBOL-80, and assembly language programs. $395/—. CBASIC"—BASIC language compiler/interpreter for development of financial and businessapplication programs. System $120/$20. CBASIC-86— Implementation of CBASIC for CP/M-86. INT files compatible with CBASIC and supports 128K main memory. Requires CP/M-86 or MP/M-86. S325/S30.

CB-80T"— Native code 8080 compiler of CBASIC language. Offers all of the features of CBASIC plus the speed and versatility of a compiler. Includes linkage editor which can create overlay modules. Supports CP/M and MP/M II, $500/$30. FORTRAN-80— Includes full ANSI standard X3.9 except COMPLEX data type. $500/-. LYNX""— Friendly overlay linkage editor for creating COM files from Microsoft compatible REL files. Constructs programs that use all available memory including that used by LYNX itself. Program size can be increased at least 9K without using the overlay feature. The overlay option is vital to programs larger than available memory. Easy to use with BATCH and HELP commands. $250/$25.

4

PASCAL/MT+ —Compiler produces 8080/Z80 code. Standard REL file can be linked with other languages. Includes linker, debugger disassembler and special Speed Programming Package with editor and Pascal syntax checker. S475/S30.

COBOL-80 — Complies with ANSI Level 1 requirements and most useful features of Level 2. SCREEN SECTION for definition of CRTs. $750/—. XASMxx— Family of microprocessor cross-assemblers. Designed to run on 8080/Z80 based microcomputers under a CP/M-like operating system. Support for Motorola 6800, 6801, 6803, 6805, 6809; RCA 1802; COP400; Intel 8048,8051; MOS 6502. $200/$25. XLT86'"—Translates Intel 8080 assembly language source code into optimized Intel 8086 source code. $150/$10.

The Westico 24-Hour Computer Hotline |203| 853-0816 {300 baud} for detailed information and quick access ordering.

• Westico has more than 150 programs for professionals and businesses that use a wide variety of microcomputers including: TRS-80 Model II, Apple, Vector Graphic, Cromemco, North Star, Micropolis, Ohio Scientific, Altos, Dynabyte, IBM, Intertec, Xerox, Zenith, Northern Telecom, AVL Eagle and more. We're working hard to be your software

4 Ways to order

• Write Westico, Inc., 25 Van Zant Street, Norwalk, CT 06855.

• Call (203) 853-6880.

• Telex 643-788

• Dial-up our 24-hour computer (300 baud) (203) 853-0816.

COD, MasterCard and VISA accepted.

Prices do not include shipping and are subject to change. In CT add 71/2% sales tax. All sales final.

Manual price may be credited toward purchase of software.

Dealer inquiries invited.

Copyright i

WES-43

1982 Westico, Inc.

company.

WESTICO

The Software Express Service

25 Van Zant Street • Norwalk, Connecticut 06855 (203) 853 6880 • Telex 643 788

TO DESKTO COMPUTE

K

98033A

BCD

INTERFACE

t/O BUS

SIGN DIGIT 1

DIGIT 2

DIGIT 3 DIGIT 4

) MANTISSA

DIGIT 6

DIGIT 7

EXPONENT

CTL (EXTERNAL TRIGGER)

DFLG (PRINT

COMMAND)

Figure 11: The 98033A BCD interface. This figure shows how a computer reads in the digits of a BCD instrument. The counters are connected to the BCD interface, which reads in each digit, converts the BCD data to characters, adds delimiting characters, and sends the entire message to the computer. CTL is an external trigger that tells the instrument to take a reading. DFLG (print command) is a signal from the instrument indicating that a valid reading is represented on the digit lines. These two signals, CTL and DFLG, are the handshake lines between the interface and the instrument.

measuring instruments? The answer lies in the circuitry used to do the measuring.

Figure 10 shows a diagram of a typical measuring instrument. Input to the instrument such as voltage, current, or weight is fed to an electronic circuit that converts the physical parameter to a signal that represents the parameter. This signal may be either of two types: a square wave or a pulse.

A square wave alternately takes on two different fixed values for equal lengths of time. If the signal produced by the instrument is a square wave, the physical quantity measured by the instrument determines the wave's frequency. The frequency is fed to the input of a counter that is allowed to count for a precisely controlled period of time.

If the signal produced by the instrument is a pulse, the physical quantity measured determines the pulse's dura

tion. The pulse is used to control a counter that is clocked by a precise square wave of known frequency.

Whether the signal starts as a frequency or a pulse, the result is a count proportional to the input parameter. The counter drives the digits in a display. If the counter counted in binary, the display would be difficult to read because we think in decimal.

Fortunately, it's possible to use BCD counters in the counter that drives the display. If several BCD counters are placed in series (or cascaded), they produce outputs easily displayed in decimal. This works in much the same way as an odometer. Each wheel of the odometer has the numerals 0 through 9 printed on it. Every time a wheel on the odometer makes a full turn, it advances the wheel to the left of it by one count. In a chain of BCD counters, each time a digit advances from 9 to 0, it ad

vances the next higher counter by 1. Each BCD counter has 4 digital output lines that represent the state of the counter. These outputs are used to drive one digit in the display. The digits combine to form the complete reading of the instrument.

This technique is used in a remarkably wide range of digital measuring instruments, including digital clocks. Most instruments use this counting technique to convert a physical quantity into a digital display; in the case of digital clocks, of course, the quantities are periods of time.

The BCD Interface Is Born

The first accessory that designers added to their digital instruments was a printer, which made it possible for an unattended instrument to log its own readings. Signal lines were brought out of the instruments to drive the print wheels —one print wheel for each digit. These signal lines were nothing more than the digital output lines of the BCD counters in the instrument. The counters drove the display and positioned the print wheel just before it struck the paper.

By supplementing the counter output lines with just two more signals, designers created the BCD interface. One of the added signals told the printer when the reading was valid (print command), and the other allowed the printer to pace the readings (external trigger) so that the instrument would not take readings faster than the printer could print them. These two signals form the handshake mechanism of the BCD interface.

At its birth BCD interfacing was a big success. Experiments that had required an attendant to write down readings (usually some unlucky graduate student or technician) could now be automated. Printed logs could be obtained for production testing. The tedious job of recording data was greatly simplified. If a printer could do all that, just think what could be done by substituting a computer for the printer! The system would not only log information but also analyze it, process it, and take

206 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 159 on inquiry card.

Powerful CP/M Software.

For Apple, Osborne, TRS-80, North Star, SuperBrain, Micropolis, Vector and others.

0

auscoMPin*

.JOWSTAWWEATmers

■

PILOT

NEVADA COBOL

$199.95 ForallCP/MorMP/M based computer systems with 32K RAM and one disk drive.

When we introduced Nevada COBOL three years ago, it was loaded with innovations. Today's Edition 2 is even better! For example:

D Compare speed. It's 4 to 20 times faster than any other micro COBOL according to an independent study* What's more, its easier to use.

□ Compare documentation. You get a 153-page manual with lots of examples and 16 complete COBOL source code programs.

□ Compare memory requirements. Extremely compact. You can compile and execute 2500 statements in 32K RAM, 4000 statements in 48K, etc.

□ Compare features. It's based upon the ANSI-74 standards with level 2 features such as compound conditionals and full CALL CANCEL.

D Compare royalties. You can distribute your object programs royalty FREE!

□ Compare support. If you have

a technical question, you talk directly to the author.

NEVADA PILOT

by John Starkweather.

$149.95 For all CP/M based computer systems with 32K RAM, 1 disk drive and CRT or video display and keyboard.

D It's so easy to use, you'll be writing interactive applications within the first hour.

□ Perfect for industrial training, office training, drill and testing, virtually all programmed instruction, word puzzle games, and data entry facilitated

by prompts.

□ What's more, John Starkweather, Ph.D., the inventor of the PILOT language, has added many new features to Nevada PILOT. There are commands to drive optional equipment such as Video Tape Recorders and Voice Response Units. There's a built-in full screen text editor and much more.

□ Meets all PILOT-73 standards for full compatibility with older versions. D You get a diskette, 146-page manual and ten useful sample programs.

'"A Compiler Benchmark: A Comparative Analysis of Four COBOL Compilers" by Stephen F. Wheeler. CP/M and MP/M are registered trademarks of Digital Research, Inc. TRS-80 is a registered trademark of Tandy Corp. ©1982. Ellis Computing.

NEVADA EDIT

$119.95. For all CP/M based systems with 32K RAM, 1 disk drive and CRT or video display and keyboard.

□ A character-oriented full-screen video display text editor designed specifically to create COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL and FORTRAN programs.

□ Completely customizable tab stops, default file type, keyboard layout and CRT by menu selection.

□ The diskette comes with an easyto-read manual.

Order now!

(415) 751-1522

We welcome COD's

Ellis Computing

600 41st Avenue, Dept. B

San Francisco, CA 94121 U.S.A.

o

ELLIS COMPUTING

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY

CHARAC" ASCII

rER#

DIGIT

1

+

2 X

3 4 5 6 X X X X

7 X

8 X

9

X

J

10 11 12 E ± X

EXPONENT ARACTER 15■

13 14 15

, Ov X

FUNCTION CC

16 LF

X = BCD

3v

MANTISSA OVERLOAD BIT

CH

DE

Figure 12: The BCD message format is a floating-point number in scientific notation followed by a comma, an overflow character, a function code, and a linefeed terminator. The floating-point number is represented by a sign, a mantissa, an "E" which indicates that an exponent follows, an exponent sign, and an exponent. Unused BCD digit inputs may be grounded; they will then be transmitted to the computer as 0s.

appropriate action. The eyes and ears of a computerized process control loop were about to come into being.

A Real BCD Interface

Let's look at an actual BCD interface. My example will be the HewlettPackard 98033A BCD interface designed for the 9800 series of desktop computers (see figure 11).

The 98033A has several inputs that connect to the BCD instrument. Enough signal wires are included for an 8-digit mantissa with a sign bit and a 1-digit exponent, also with a sign bit. If this terminology is unfamiliar, think of a number, say, 1,427,327. That is how you might write it. In scientific notation, that number is:

1.427327 X 106

The 1.427327 is called the mantissa and represents the significant figures of the number. The 6 is the exponent and represents the power of 10 by which the mantissa is multiplied to get the value of the number.

In addition to the mantissa and exponent inputs, the 98033A has an overload input bit and inputs for a

4-bit function code. Unlike the odometer, most instruments don't roll the display back to 0 when a counter reaches maximum count plus 1. Instead, they indicate an overflow, informing the operator that the input is too big to measure. The functioncode bits are useful for instruments that can measure more than one range or quantity.

When the computer takes a reading, the interface scans each digit and converts the BCD values into ASCII characters. The ASCII characters are sent to the computer serially. A reading is composed of 16 characters. As shown in figure 12, 8 digits are available for the mantissa and 1 for the exponent; this format is usually sufficient to interface a BCD instrument. If the instrument has fewer digits to send, unused inputs may be grounded to read 0s.

Interfacing Flexibility

Because no standard for BCD interfacing yet exists, the 98033A offers flexibility in the interpretation of signal wires. It can be configured to either positive- or negative-true signal

levels. Input-signal voltages are constrained to be TTL-compatible, meaning that the low level is between 0 and 0.7 volts (V) and the high level is between 2 and 5.5 V. This signal level comes from the TTL logic circuit family, which has dominated digital designs since the late 1960s.

The tenth, thirteenth, and sixteenth characters of the ASCII string of characters sent by the interface are generated within the interface itself. They aid the computer in deciphering the meaning of the digits coming from the instrument. Character 10 is always an "E," which is shorthand for exponent. The "E" separates the mantissa from the exponent. The thirteenth character is a comma and separates the exponent from the function code. The sixteenth and last character, the linefeed or < LF > , is a message terminator, informing the computer that transmission of the reading is complete.

Intelligence in the 98033A replaces any that might otherwise have to reside in the instrument. The 98033A provides a data path between today's computers and earlier interfacing instruments. Furthermore, the 98033A eases the burden for today's designers who cannot justify the development and manufacturing costs required to include a more complex interface in a new instrument.

The Unstandard Interface: Serial I/O

The first electronic digital com puters appeared in the 1940s, and serious work in computer data com

CP/M USERS LOOK OUT: S/S-PASCAL IS FASTER

Execute Total Size (seconds) (bytes)

S/S-PASCAL 12.5 1117

PL/I 80* 14.0 5977

PASCAL MT + * 19.0 3043 PASCAL/Z * 109 3328

Re: BYTE, September 1981, page 180 A high level language Benchmark

* CP/M. PL/I 80 TM of Digital Research PASCAL MT+ TM of MT Microsystems PASCAL/Z TM of Ithaca Intersystems

AND REQUIRES ONLY 32K OF MEMORY

S/S-PASCAL Version 3.0 for 8080/8085/Z80

Write to get the whole story, or better send $30.00 for

— Demo discette with compiler (READ statement not included) and sample programs

— Tutorial manual (over 100 pages)

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT, compile your own programs and test them before buying full compiler

S/S-PASCAL Version 3.0: $295 - Demo discette: $30

SS?i?«SCOTIA SOFTWARE JS,

Standard PASCAL features plus

Generates optimized native code

Compiles directly into .com file

External assembler subroutines

Random access files

14 digit BCD floating point reals

Chaining and overlays

Dynamic strings

Powerful string manipulation

Direct access to memory

Address and size functions

NEW. DISPOSE, MARK, RELEASE

and more . . .

"We answer all inquiries the same day"

Dealer inquiries welcome.

208 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 372 on inquiry card.

Second

From

Wallstreet

Now, a terminal in western Kansas is no more than a microsecond from the data of Wall Street or the Commodities Exchange.

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Circle 282 on inquiry card.

Circle 330 on inquiry card.

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munications didn't start until the next decade. When engineers began to connect computers to other devices, they drew upon serial I/O, a technology that had originated in the previous century.

The first electrical device used extensively for communications was the telegraph. Samuel Morse learned of Andre Ampere's idea for the telegraph in 1832. Morse improved the telegraph mechanically, but more important, he devised the Morse code. This was the first really practical encoding of human communications symbols into a form that is machinetransmittable.

Symbols are represented in Morse code by a series of dots and dashes, with each character having its own unique representation. The dots and dashes may be considered the predecessors of the Is and 0s of the character codes we use in computer data communications today.

Improvements in the telegraph led to printing telegraphs that required no human operator to decipher the codes. New codes and more advanced machines evolved, culminating with the teletypewriter. By the time the teletypewriter was introduced, dots and dashes had become Is and 0s. The Morse code gave way to codes that assigned the same number of bits to each character, making messages much easier for a machine to decode.

By the time the electronic computer came into being, a wealth of technology already existed for electronic data communications. Teletypewriters served as I/O devices between people and computers. The keyboard and printer of the teletypewriter provided a low-cost data entry and display mechanism. As technology progressed, cathode-ray tube terminals and faster printers replaced the teletypewriter, but the serial interfacing remained.

Transmitting Over One Wire

The basis for serial data communications is the transmission of information over one wire. The interfacing techniques previously discussed all rely on several parallel wires to carry information between

210 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 466 on inquiry card.

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9

DIRECTION NAME

TO DCE SECONDARY TRANSMITTED DATA TO DTE TRANSMIT CLOCK

TO DTE SECONDARY RECEIVED DATA

TO DTE RECEIVER CLOCK

UNASSIGNED TO DCE SECONDARY REQUEST TO SEND

TO DCE DATA TERMINAL READY

TO DTE SIGNAL QUALITY DETECT

TO DTE RING DETECT

TO DCE DATA RATE SELECT

TO DCE TRANSMIT CLOCK

UNASSIGNED

ll 314

2<3>15

30316

40317

50318

60319

703 20

8O321

90322

10 O323

llO3 24

120325 13<

NAME EARTH GROUND

DIRECTION N A.

TRANSMITTED DATA TO DCE

RECEIVED DATA TO DTE

REQUEST TO SEND TO DCE

CLEAR TO SEND TO DTE

DATA SET READY TO DTE

LOGIC GROUND N. A.

CARRIER DETECT TO DTE

RESERVED

RESERVED

UNASSIGNED

SECONDARY CARRIER DETECT TO DTE

SECONDARY CLEAR TO SEND TO DTE

Figure 13: The RS-232 connector. The most abused connector in interfacing, this 25-pin subminiature D connector is used by most manufacturers for RS-232C interfacing. The terminal is supposed to use the male version of the connector, and the modem is to use the female version. Some devices use only pins 2, 3, and 7, while other devices use more pins. The reserved and unassigned pins have been used for anything from handshake signals to current-loop signal pins to power-supply pins. The RS-232C standard endorses none of these uses. The "Basic 8" pins are 1 through 7 and 20. If you manage to get these 8 pins connected correctly, the interface will probably work. Beware the phrase "standard RS-232C." The only standard is that advertising phrase.

devices; each wire carries a single bit of a character that is composed of multiple bits. When long distances separate a computer and its peripheral, the cost of running several wires in parallel becomes prohibitive. Serial interfacing provides a much less expensive solution.

Computer timesharing was born when computers became sufficiently powerful to handle several tasks simultaneously. Because computers were still very expensive, it was desirable to spread their cost over many users. But how were users at several locations to be connected to the central computing facility? Stringing wires to each location was too costly. Fortunately, the telephone system already had a suitable network of communications links.

However, these links were not limited to wires. Satellite and landbased microwave links also made up part of the phone system. Further

more, all of these links were designed to carry voice, not computer data, and the phone companies winced at the prospect of finding all kinds of strange signals in their networks. Because teletypewriters did not have standardized interfacing requirements, the voltages involved could range from 6 to 140 V. A standard was required.

The RS-232C Standard

The Electronic Industries Association (EIA) standard RS-232C was specifically designed to do one thing: to define the electrical characteristics for an interface between a piece of data terminal equipment (DTE) and a piece of data communications equipment (DCE). The DTE is the terminal for the timeshare user, while the DCE is a modulator-demodulator (modem) that encodes computer data into voice-like signals that are permissible on the phone system.

212 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

rou don't know a bcaid from a flop]

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Circle 352 on inquiry card.

(TERMINAL!

TRANSMITTED DATA

RECEIVED DATA

SIGNAL GROUND

(MODEM)

Figure 14: A minimal RS-232C link. A minimum of three wires is required to connect two RS-232C-compatible devices for bidirectional communication. Note that the DTE (data terminal equipment) transmits on pin 2 (transmitted data) and receives on pin 3 (received data). The DCE (data communications equipment) transmits on pin 3 and receives on pin 2. The signal names are from the DTE's perspective. Two DTEs or DCEs may communicate by cross-wiring pins 2 and 3. Some people think that is the normal way of connecting RS-232C devices, which shows how "standard" the standard is. Pin 7, the signal ground, is a return path for the signal current, and pin 1 is the earth ground. It's usually a good idea to connect the earth grounds between devices.

Figure 13 depicts the connector used with the RS-232C standard. Note that more than one wire is involved at this interface. Pins 2 and 3, the data-carrying wires, are called transmitted and received data. Pin 7 is a signal ground and serves as a current return path between the DCE and the DTE. These three wires are sufficient for bidirectional communications between the DCE and the DTE.

What are the other wires for, then? They serve as control wires between the DCE and the DTE and are there to establish and maintain a communication link with the computer. Let's ignore those other wires for now and examine the data lines more closely.

Common sense would tell you that the RS-232C standard allows data to be sent out on the transmitted-data line and received on the received-data line. Right? Wrong! Which device transmits on the transmitted data line, the DTE or the DCE? Both cannot transmit on pin 2 and receive on pin 3. If the DTE transmits on a wire, the DCE must have a receiver on that same wire, or there is no communication.

Note the difference between serial I/O and IEEE-488 (HPIB). The IEEE-488 standard specifies bidirectional data lines. RS-232C was developed earlier, and bidirectionality wasn't possible with the technology of the day. With just two data lines, it wasn't required either.

Which piece of equipment does transmit on the transmitted-data line? All signal names in the RS-232C standard are from the perspective of the

DTE. Thus, the DTE transmits on pin 2 and receives on pin 3. The DCE transmits on pin 3 and receives on pin 2. Figure 14 should clear up any confusion about this.

Now to become confused again. Suppose you're going to connect a computer to a printer through the "standard RS-232C" port. Which device is a DTE, and which is a DCE? More specifically, which is going to transmit on pin 2 of the RS-232C connector, and which will transmit on pin 3? Neither the computer nor the printer is a terminal or a modem.

Manufacturers of these devices may offer cables which allow their equipment to look like either a DTE or a DCE. More often, however, the RS-232C connector is bolted to the back of the device, and no choice is possible. The manufacturer has had to make an arbitrary decision, one that will be wrong 50 percent of the time.

In the case of two devices of the same type, DTE or DCE, a haywire cable will have to be assembled to get signals onto the correct wires. Usually, this task falls to the user.

We have just jumped the first hurdle in connecting RS-232C equipment: physical plug-to-plug incompatibility. Many more potential problems are related to the data signal itself.

First, signal levels differ from those of the other interfaces discussed. RS232C does not use TTL signals because TTL didn't exist when the standard was written. A positive voltage between 5 and 25 V is used to represent a logic 0 level on the RS

232C data lines. A negative voltage between —5 and —25 V represents a logic 1 level.

These levels are true only for the data lines on pins 2 and 3; they are negative-true. All other signals in RS232C are positive-true; therefore, a positive voltage represents a logic 1, and a negative voltage represents a logic 0. The same voltage levels are used; they just represent different logic levels.

Because the bits of a character are separated by time, a waveform is produced on the data line when a character is transmitted. Such a waveform for the transmission of the ASCII character "E" is shown in figure 15. The ASCII code for "E" is 1000101 in binary, and its least significant bit is transmitted first. The data line idles in the logic 1 state, and the waveform of figure 15 is read from left to right.

Waiting for Start

For asynchronous serial data communications, a start bit is always sent first to mark the beginning of the character. (Synchronous data communications is different and won't be discussed here.) Following the start bit are the data bits in the character, sent in order from least to most significant. Each bit is held on the data line for a precisely controlled length of time called a bit time.

The receiver, which is alerted to the incoming character by the start bit, times the incoming signal and samples each bit as near to the center of each bit time as possible. Naturally, the transmitter and the receiver must agree on the length of time a bit will be held on the data line or the transmission will be garbled by samples made at incorrect times.

Bit time determines the maximum rate at which characters may be transmitted and thus defines the bit rate at which the RS-232C interface runs. Standard bit rates are 50, 75, 110, 134.5, 150, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 3600, 4800, and 9600 bits per second (bps).

Parity and Stop Bits

Following the data bits may be a parity bit, which is used for error

214 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 153 on inquiry card.

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ONE BIT TIME

STOP BIT (S)

yL\

f 10 100 0 1

START BIT

DATA BITS

Figure 15: The serial waveform. Serial information uses time to separate the bits of a message. This figure shows a 7-bit character being transmitted serially. A start bit goes first to signal the receiver that a character is coming. The start bit is always a 0 and is followed by the 7 data bits, transmitted from the least significant to most significant bit. The character shown being sent is 1000101, which is the ASCII code for "£". The data bits are followed by an optional parity bit for error checking, then 1 or 2 stop bits which are always 0. The stop bits serve to separate the characters and to give the receiver time to finish assembling a character before the next one starts coming in.

detection. A noise pulse could affect the data line at the wrong time, causing a bit in the transmission to be misread. If the transmitter keeps track of the number of Is in the character being transmitted, it can set the parity bit so that the total number of Is is always even (for even parity) or odd (for odd parity). The receiver can also keep track of and use the parity bit to determine whether the transmission was received in error. Parity is useful for detecting single-bit errors. If more bits are affected, parity might not detect the error.

The last bits to be transmitted are the stop bits. These are not really bits but stop times to allow the receiver time to assemble the serial bits just received, send the assembled character on, and prepare for the next character. There may be 1, 1.5, or 2 bit times allowed for stop bits. Since this is a rest period, "fractional bits" are allowed.

Picking Up the Pieces

Now, given the format of the data transmission, what could possibly go wrong? First, the transmitter and receiver must agree on several parameters. The bit rate has been mentioned already. In addition, the parity (odd, even, or none) and the number of stop bits must be set the same in both transmitter and receiver.

Character codes must also be con

sidered (more on these next month). Our example uses the ASCII character set with 7 bits per character. ASCII is the most popular code in use today, but 5-bit codes (Baudot and Murray), 6-bit codes (IBM Correspondence Code), and 8-bit codes (IBM EBCDIC) also exist. The RS232C standard does not restrict the number of bits per character.

After connecting the computer and printer so that they use the proper wires and agree on bit rate, parity, number of stop bits, and character code, you may feel that this interface is licked. Not so.

Suppose the printer is set up for ASCII 7-bit characters, odd parity, and 1 stop bit. In addition, the bit rate is set to 9600 bps. Well, that's fine. I've set the bit rate to the fastest rate so that the equipment doesn't waste a lot of time sending characters and the printer will be used at its maximum speed. Assume that the computer side of the interface has been set compatibly.

Now 111 write a program on the computer to send one line of text to the printer to be printed, being careful to put lots of comments in the program so I can remember what I did. The program works! I then list the program on the printer to have a record of my triumph. Unfortunately, several characters seem to have been lost in the transmission. I try again with equally dismal results. Running the program meets again

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with success and listing again fails. What is going on?

No Handshake Today

First, let's consider the data rate at which the computer is sending characters. ASCII uses 7 bits plus 1 for the parity bit, 1 for the stop bit, and a start bit, for a total of 10 bits per character. The computer is sending 9600 bits per second, which is equivalent to 960 characters per second.

A quick look at the printer specifications reveals the problem. The printer can print a maximum of only 175 characters per second. We are sending data to the printer five times faster than it can print! Most printers

The success of a

handshake mechanism

in an RS-232C

interface cannot

be predicted without

studying manuals for

both of the devices

involved.

have buffers and can tolerate this mismatched data rate until the buffer fills. After that, any subsequent characters transmitted will fall on the floor! Running my program required transmitting less than a buffer full of characters. Because the buffer didn't overflow, there was no problem. Listing the program on the printer, however, required sending more characters. When the buffer overflowed, characters were lost.

Other interfaces have handshake mechanisms to prevent data transmitters from going too fast for their receivers. Surely, RS-232C also has a handshake mechanism to prevent this problem? Nope. Returning to figure 13, let's now consider the other RS232C signals and try to find some to use as a handshake mechanism. Look in particular for two sets of handshake lines: one for the transmitteddata line and the other for the receivedata line.

Aha! Pins 4 and 5 are called Request to Send and Clear to Send.

These certainly look like prime contenders for handshake lines. Unfortunately, many printer manufacturers have also fallen into this trap. The names of the signals on pins 4 and 5 do indeed lead you to believe that they form a data-handshake mechanism. According to the strict RS-232C definition, the DTE asserts Request to Send when it has data to transmit. It then waits for the DCE to assert Clear to Send before transmitting. That's half of the traditional handshake. The problem is that the DCE is not allowed to drop Clear to Send until the DTE drops Request to Send.

Take a Long Drink

This situation is similar to taking a drink from a garden hose with a friend controlling the spigot. It's easy to start the flow, but you'd better be prepared to take either a long drink or a short shower.

The DTE and DCE signals on pins 4 and 5 were intended as a handshake between the terminal and the modem (remember those?) to allow the terminal to request control of the communications link from the modem. They also make it possible for the modem to tell the terminal when the link has been acquired. The terminal is then allowed to assume that it will keep the link as long as it wishes. Thus, the DCE cannot arbitrarily drop Clear to Send whenever it wishes.

Request to Send and Clear to Send are indeed handshake lines. Unfortunately, the DTE and the communications link are handshaking, not the DTE and the DCE. Also, this handshake is on a message basis, not character by character. Use of pins 4 and 5 of the RS-232C connector can result in success but usually results in a spectacular failure.

Some manufacturers have ignored the strict definition of pins 4 and 5 and use them for a data handshake anyway. Others avoid the conflict by using the Data Terminal Ready or Data Set Ready lines (depending on whether they are emulating a terminal or a modem). None of these lines was intended to be used for data handshaking. Use of any RS-232C line for handshaking does not

218 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Move UptoTarbell

The Serious Business Machine

Do you have a small computer system that operates with mini-floppies and has limited storage capacity? Then it's time to move up to the Tarbell Empire Series System. Tarbell starts where small systems leave off, providing storage from 1 to 20 megabytes. This means Tarbell is capable of growing right along with your business. (It also makes sense to start with Tarbell if you're a firsttime computer buyer.)

Tarbell is the serious general purpose business machine, backed by years of experience with disk systems. It gives you word processing, inventory control with bill of materials, mailing lists — all in addition to accounting applications: general ledger, payables, receivables, payroll with cost accounting and order entry. Whatever your need may be, Tarbell can provide the working software that gets the job done.

With the Tarbell System you get a Z80 4 Mhz CPU with memory management, timer and full interrupt capability, 2 RS-232 serial ports with handshaking, 64 K bytes of random-access memory, double density floppy disk interface, 2 double density floppy disk drives, cabinet, power supply, and cables.

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BYTE May 1982 219

guarantee recognition of the handshake by the device at the other end of the cable.

Consider other possibilities of using Clear to Send as a handshake line. If a device drops Clear to Send in the middle of a character transmission, what does that mean? If the transmitter stops immediately, in the middle of the character, that character is sure to be garbled because timing is important in serial communications. If the transmitter waits until that character transmission is complete and then stops, there may be no room in the receiver's buffer for that last character transmitted.

Because this possibility is not considered in the standard, the success of a handshake mechanism in an RS232C interface cannot be predicted without studying manuals for both of the devices involved. Sometimes even studying the manuals doesn't help.

Back to the Beginning

Finally, consider the device that started this discussion, the teletype

writer. The RS-232C standard at least defines a connector pinout and signal levels. No such standards exist for teletypewriters. The serial transmission format is the same, with start

The RS-232C standard

defines the electrical

characteristics for an

interface between a

piece of data terminal

equipment (DTE) and a

piece of data

communications

equipment (DCE).

and stop bits, data bits, and parity bits.

The signal interface uses a technique called current loop. Instead of positive and negative voltages representing logic Is and Os, current loop

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uses presence or absence of current. Presence may be either 20 or 60 milliamperes, depending on the teletypewriter model. No standard connector or standard pinouts exist for current-loop operation.

Despite all these problems, designers of serial interfaces for computers strive to include current-loop capabilities in their interface designs. Where RS-232C is limited to a 50-foot cable (an often-violated part of the standard), current loop can be run much farther. In addition, the current-loop interface has been around for a long time, and several devices other than teletypewriters use this interface. Finally, teletypewriters remain a cost-effective solution as a combination printer and terminal.

Handle with Care

As you can see, serial interfacing needs to be approached more carefully than other hardware interfacing techniques. The "standard RS-232C" nomenclature persists in specification sheets even though most uses of the interface are far from standard.

As technology progresses, serial interfaces become more adept at covering an ever-widening range of hardware. Unfortunately, this still doesn't guarantee an efficient interface in every application because serial I/O remains the unstandard interface.

I've now discussed the four basic interfaces: parallel, IEEE-488, BCD, and serial. Without these interfaces, the computer systems we all know and love wouldn't be able to do much useful work.

Next month 111 examine the character codes used for data transmission. Character codes are another major source of incompatibility in computer communications. I'll discuss the problems presented by different character codes and how today's software strives to cope with incompatibilities. ■

Steve Leibson has written a booklet called "Computer Input/Output Course," published by Instruments & Control Systems, Chilton Way, Radnor, PA 19089. Price of the book is $9.95

220 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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NEW FOB APPLE H V PIEWRITER

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PIEWriter has the ability to do incremental spacing so that fractions of a space can be added between words when justifying text. This makes the distribution of the space required to fill out a justified line more uniform and less noticeable. In addition, with its optional proportional spacing formatter program, PIEWriter becomes the ONL Y word processor that can print true proportionally spaced documents.

Versatility and compatibility are two important features of PIEWriter. While some word processors for the Apple II computer will only work with specific accessories, such as 80-column display boards, lowercase adaptors and printers, PIEWriter is versatile enough to work with almost any

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Software Review

Alien Typhoon

Walt Latocha

5328 South Narragansett

Chicago, IL 60638

In the history of arcade games, Space Invaders has been an enduring favorite, as the number and popularity of its descendants will attest. The Bally Company's coinoperated version of Space Invaders was a fantastic success, and when the initial popularity of the game started to fade, the company introduced an improved version, Deluxe Space Invaders. Later, Bally improved upon the basic motif once again to produce Galaxian—the most difficult variation on the Space Invaders theme.

Galaxian's popularity was somewhat eclipsed by the Asteroids craze; nevertheless, Galaxian, like other popular arcade games, was favored enough to be copied for the home-computer market.

One of the first of the Galaxian clones was Broderbund Software's Alien Rain. After great success with that game, Broderbund has issued a more challenging version named, appropriately, Alien Typhoon.

In Alien Typhoon, as in Space Invaders, you control a gun that appears on the bottom of the screen. You can move the gun and fire it either by keyboard input or by a paddle controller. Above the gun hangs a constantly moving swarm of up to forty-six alien spacecraft.

Alien Typhoon differs from Space Invaders in that the aliens don't march down the screen in orderly ranks; rather, the ships peel off from the main cloud and divebomb your gun in groups of one to ten ships at a time.

As in Space Invaders, the aliens can attack and destroy your gun with gunfire of their own, but you face an added hazard when a spacecraft uses a ramming maneuver to demolish your gun. You have only two defense options—shoot the alien craft or get out of its way when it comes swooping down.

You are initially allowed three guns per game. If you earn a total of 5000 points (scored by destroying the alien ships that, depending on their types, have various point values) you are awarded a fourth weapon.

Documentation for the game is nonexistent (the only thing that comes close is a warning on the disk's package that reads, "For Fanatics Only!! Twice as many, twice as fast, and twice as tricky!"). However, the lack of documentation doesn't handicap this easily understood game.

But there is absolutely nothing lacking in the game's graphics, which take full advantage of the Apple's resources. Beautiful color increases the excitement as the enemy craft swoop, bank, loop, and curl across the screen. In fact, the graphics are one of the major tactics that the computer uses in the game. Often a player will find himself bedazzled by the wild gyrations of one particular alien craft while another beelines in on a suicide run. The graphics alone make Alien Typhoon worth buying, and the game's sound effects are adequate and give proper emphasis to the mayhem on the screen.

As far as difficulty is concerned, I recommend that you take heed of the warning on the package. This game offers plenty of challenge—perhaps too much for some players. As a rule of thumb, if you haven't mastered Space Invaders or an equivalent game, think twice about purchasing Alien Typhoon.

Conclusion

Alien Typhoon is a fast-action, sophisticated, arcadetype game with exceptional color graphics. The game requires great skill (more, in fact, than Galaxian, the original coin-operated game on which it is based), but if you have the required aptitude, the game should hold your interest for hours. ■

At a Glance

Name

Format

Alien Typhoon

5 'A -inch floppy disk

Type

Language

Arcade-style game

6502 machine language

Manufacturer

Computer

Broderbund Software Inc.

Apple II or Apple II Plus with

1938 Fourth St.

one disk and 48K bytes of

San Rafael. CA 94901

memory

(415) 456-6424

Documentation

Price

None

S24.95

Audience

Author

Experienced game players

Tony Suzuki

224 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 56 on inquiry card. •

Mindful Machines

The

Brains of Me"1 andMadnnes

James S.AIbns

Aum.

robotics

■ ■

•Mi

Ernest

VV.Kent

On the leading edge of the current technological revolution, these two books are written by

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In Brains, Behavior, and Robotics, Dr. James Albus demonstrates through an analysis of the

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an artificial intelligence computer. He goes on to survey the state of the art of robotics and

concludes by portraying the social and economic impact of the coming "robot revolution."

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Complete with extensive bibliographies, both The Brains of Men and Machines and Brains,

Behavior, and Robotics will fascinate the layman and challenge the professional.

Circle 56 on inquiry card.

%'l'M Please send .

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B5

User's Column

Supercalc, Spelling Programs,

BASIC Compilers, and Home-Grown Accounting

A critical computer user surveys new programs, including one of his own.

"There may not be a lot of really new software," I said to my mad friend, "but there's a lot of good stuff coming out."

"What do you have in mind?" he asked.

"Well, there's Sorcim's Supercalc. I really like that one. Whatever you'd like to do with scratch-pad math, it'll do it, and simply. I've got two different versions, one on 5V4-inch disks for the Osborne 1 and another on 8-inch disks for the Godbout. And I love them both."

Which I do. One of the nicest things about Supercalc is the documentation, although it looks a bit formidable when you first open it (there are a lot of pages there). But on inspection it really tells you a lot about how to use the program. Neither I nor

Jerry Pournelle

c/o BYTE Publications

POB 372

Hancock, NH 03449

my assistants had any difficulty learning to use the program because there is not only complete program documentation, but also good Help instructions.

CB80 has all the

advantages and

disadvantages of

CBASIC-2.

"But there's no index," my mad friend said. "Mark 'em down. Tell the world. Dammit, there's no excuse for software without indexed documents."

A sentiment I thoroughly share, but Sorcim has an excuse for this one. Supercalc is so darned easy to use, once you get the hang of it, that the

on-line Help files, plus the handydandy little "AnswerCard" that comes with it, are all you really need; most of the documentation is a tutorial, not a reference guide. Me, I think I'd have designed the documents slightly differently, with an indexed reference work appended to the tutorial; but that's a mild preference. Certainly you can learn Supercalc from what Sorcim supplies.

It's worth learning, too. Like dBase II, Spellguard, and WRITE, Supercalc is destined to become a classic, a program that does what it says it will do with very little fuss and bother.

What Supercalc does is calculate. It is, of course, a Visicalc "work-alike," designed to work on 8080/Z80 CP/M systems. Imagine a big work sheet spread out in rows and columns of

226 May 1982 V BYTE Publications Inc

The 16 bit operating system designed specifically for business micro-computing. Application software9—it's here, NOW!

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BYTE May 1982

227

User's Column.

cells. Now imagine that into any cell you can enter any darned thing you want: a number, a label such as "sales tax" or "horsefeathers," or perhaps a formula such as "the sum of the five cells above this one." Another formula might be "the average of all the cells in the next row" or "the square of the cell above divided by pi." Finally, imagine that as soon as you enter a number that affects any cells in which you have formulas, the

values, no matter how complex, are instantly recalculated and displayed. That's Supercalc. Not only does it do all the above, but there are really nifty edit features that make it easy to get at the cells you want to work on; and you can save your work in a disk file at any time. I imagine the IRS is going to just hate Supercalc and all the programs like it; it will now be relatively easy to calculate your taxes in every conceivable way and choose

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the one you like best. The nicest part about it, too, is that if you use your computer to do your taxes, it's likely to be deductible—certainly the software is.

Sorcim is a thoroughly professional software company that also supplies the basic input/output system (BIOS) for the Godbout 8085 computer; and therein lies an instructive tale.

Supercalc has an installation program that lets you tell it what terminal you're using. Supercalc likes a half dozen or so terminals and will tolerate a few more. One that it likes is the Zenith Z-19, which is good because that's what I've connected to my new Godbout 8085/88. The Z-19 has a standard 24 lines of 80 columns, plus a special 25th status line that can't be got at without special programming. Supercalc uses the special programming to give some helpful information.

The Z-19 also has a row of specialfeature buttons that send an escape sequence—that is, the character "escape" (IB hexadecimal) and then a number or letter. Supercalc catches these and uses them to do nifty things like controlling the cursor and displaying Help files.

Unfortunately, the package I received from Sorcim didn't quite do that. There appeared on the 25th line a message that the "red square" special-purpose button was the "Help" button and that the "blue square" button would toggle the special shift to turn the numeric keypad into cursor controls; but in fact neither the red nor the blue button did anything at all, and trying to use the shift feature on the numeric keypad produced weird results that nothing seemed able to fix.

So now what? I sent a note to Richard Frank, president of Sorcim, and a few days later got a phone call from one of Sorcim's engineers. Other Z-19 terminals worked with Supercalc, so it wasn't the program. A few tests carried out during the phone conversation produced even stranger results: the terminal was operating well, but the computer wasn't receiving the escape sequences

228 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

the terminal was generating. Just what was going on?

Eventually we found it. The Godbout BIOS for the 8085 expects one pattern of data and stop bits; the Z-19 sends another. To make it worse, the Z-19, although an excellent terminal in many ways—I recommend it as about as good as you can get just now—has some minor bugs in its program chips, and those bugs interact with the Sorcim-supplied 8085 BIOS and Supercalc to generate the strange results I noticed.

If all this seems confusing to you, imagine what / thought about it while it was happening to me! Eventually, though, I got my friend and computer consultant Tony Pietsch together with the Sorcim program specialists, and all was fixed nicely. Moreover, Sorcim is putting the problem and its solution into its Supercalc manual and notifying Godbout. The moral of this story is that if you insist on a state-of-the-art system (such as the Godbout 8085/88), you'd better be prepared for some unexpected results; but if you deal with reputable companies, you'll eventually get satisfaction.

Microproof and Spellstar

Then there are the smaller companies: they want to do right, but they have limited resources. A lot of really good software comes out of such companies, but there are some problems too.

Example: As a result of my last column, Cornucopia Software has sent me four separate iterations of fixes for Microproof. Each version had problems, and each time I sent Cornucopia notes on what it probably ought to do. Lo! Cornucopia has now managed to take care of nearly all my objections to the program. It has speeded Microproof up enormously, overhauled the error-trapping procedures, made it easier to use, and generally fixed things up. But Microproof still doesn't handle dashes very well—the program thinks, for example, that "well—the" as I used it here is a candidate misspelled word. Quotation marks give Microproof problems too. There's another dif

ficulty: with Microproof you can correct the word by spelling it properly, after which the program will go through your text file and globally make the changes. What, though, do you do about capitalization? (Mostly you hope you haven't begun any sentences with the word.)

Anyway, it took several iterations, but eventually Cornucopia developed a useful spelling program. A number of other companies have read my

preliminary reviews of other programs and proceeded to patch things up and send me frantic revisions.

"So. You're a quality control department," my mad friend said.

"Well, not for everyone. And sometimes it's a fairly complicated situation like the problems with Supercalc and the Z-19 terminal."

"Yeah, sure," my mad friend said. "But did you ever stop to think how many software houses routinely use

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May 1982 - BYTE Publications lnc 229

User's Column

their paying customers as their quality control department? Look—how much advance-notice software do you get?"

I thought about it. "Not too much. Mostly I get advertised stuff because I write and ask for it. Sometimes an outfit will see a review and ask if I want to see its new product. I try to be fair, but I don't have time to help with development."

"But you do anyway. Now think about the poor guy who buys new software that doesn't quite work. He doesn't know what to do. The license agreements discourage sending anything back for refunds. He doesn't even know how to describe the problem, or maybe he hasn't enough experience with competing programs to know he has a lemon. And meanwhile the publishers keep those $500 price tags—and complain about pirates."

Unfortunately, my mad friend is right. In fact, things are worse than

that. Some companies, like Cornucopia, fry to fix things when their customers complain and eventually do things right. Others just ignore the complaints and take the money and run.

And yet. It's certainly to our (the users') advantage that a lot of small software houses spring up. We don't want the field dominated by a few giants with ever-more-restrictive licensing policies ("Levitical documentation," as my mad friend calls it). We want a lot of competition, which means, I guess, that those of us who like to try new products just better get used to being unpaid quality control departments. Sigh.

I have another spelling program, Spellstar. It's pretty nifty. It's a bit slow, compared to Spellguard, but it does have some nice features. For example, Spellstar lets you mark the words you're interested in, then shows you the document with those words highlighted; on my Z-19,

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they're in reverse video. So, there they are, completely in context and marked so I can't miss them. Very nice.

Even better, if you tell Spellstar to ignore a word in the future, it'll do that: from then on, when it hits the marked word, it will unmark it and go right past it. When you drop out of Spellstar you're in Wordstar, so that you can use a global search and replacement to fix every future instance of the mistake.

Indeed, if I used Wordstar as an editor, I'd be tempted to use Spellstar in connection with it. However, I do have to warn you that a couple of my knowledgeable friends who do use Wordstar and who have Spellstar available to them prefer to use Spellguard on the grounds that it is just overall more convenient, especially for longer documents.

Languages, Mon Amour

I know of two new BASIC compilers, and they're both excellent. It's almost an embarras de richesse. In my last review, I described the new features of Microsoft's BASCOM BASIC Compiler. I mentioned that Microsoft has added CHAIN and COMMON and that now only one run-time package is necessary.

One major consequence of only requiring one copy of the run-time program to be present on the disk (even though you may have half a dozen compiled programs) is that the compiled programs are shorter. Not all that much shorter, if you count program and run-time package; but the instant you have several compiled programs present, the disk savings mount. (I chuckle at that now; with my new Qume double-sided doubledensity disk system, I have more than 2 megabytes of floppy storage available, which means I don't worry so much about disk space. Yet. . . .)

Of course, if you use the run-time package, you're liable for the new royalty payments on any software you sell. (Microsoft dropped the royalty requirement for programs compiled with the old BASCOM, as I discussed in my last column.) You could, I guess, sell programs written

2JO May 1982 g BYTE Publications Inc

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notice.

User's Column.

in Microsoft BASIC and compilable with BASCOM, leaving it to the customer to buy his own copy of BASCOM with a run-time package.

And, of course, you can use BASCOM to develop as many programs as you like for yourself. Since BASCOM is almost the same language as Microsoft's BASIC-80 interpreter, the result is a very powerful tool: you can run programs interpretively, squeezing out the syntax errors, then test the program logic, all while having an instant editor available for fix-up. Now, true, it would be a lot easier if BASIC-80 didn't simply dump your program and scrub all its variables whenever you make any program change whatever (even to add a remark!); but you can't have everything. (I wish we could, though; and if Microsoft wants to update BASIC-80, I strongly suggest that improvement.)

A second major defect of BASCOM is its surprising inability to

deal with arrays. The rule with BASCOM is, once dimensioned, always dimensioned. You cannot change dimensions at all. Worse, you can't compute the size of a dimension, even if the compiler has been told everything it would need for the calculation. You can't even use a variable for dimension size. The result is that if you make up a database program—as I have; see last month's column for details—you must either recompile any time you change the database structure, or you must waste a lot of memory on larger than necessary arrays; neither choice is convenient.

Finally, BASIC-80 and BASCOM have a strange random-access file structure—and you cannot access the random files as if they were sequential. Microsoft's BASIC stores random files in a packed binary-code format that very efficiently uses the disk space; but the files aren't ASCII (American Standard Code for Infor

mation Interchange) standard and can't be printed by any program not written in Microsoft BASIC, and that can be a pain.

So: given the defects, what are the alternatives?

Digital Research's CB80

One solution might be to turn to Pascal and be done with it. Why mess with BASIC at all? Compiled Pascal MT + , or INT-file Pascal such as is created with Sorcim's Pascal M or UCSD Pascal, is supposed to be faster, easier to write, more efficient, and inherently better structured than the best BASIC ever written. (I'm not convinced; the few tests I've tried show BASIC programs compiled with BASCOM are about as fast as MT + and faster than UCSD Pascal.)

Besides, now comes Digital Research's new CB80 to challenge the whole notion.

CB80 was written by Compiler Systems, which in essence means

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User's Column •

Gordon Eubanks, the author of CBASIC; and in a real sense CB80 is compiled CBASIC. You can compile all of your CBASIC programs with only minimal changes. Thus CB80 has all the advantages and disadvantages of CBASIC-2.

Advantages abound. CBASIC programs are nice to work with. Just for starters, you can redimension arrays as often as you like. You can access random files sequentially, and the file structure is standard ASCII for all files. There's a UCASE (uppercase) function and a nice search function that looks to see if what you want is embedded in anything else.

Another advantage of CBASIC over Microsoft's BASIC-80 is string space allocation; although CBASIC is a little slower in processing each input line (and slows down more and more as memory fills up), it does its "garbage collection" on the fly, so to speak. BASIC-80, on the other hand, runs at higher speeds until it runs out of string space—after which you find yourself completely locked away from your computer, unable to do any input or output or anything else for something like one to four minutes while BASIC-80 goes chasing through memory finding old strings the program has been told to forget. Eventually BASIC-80 clears everything up and becomes responsive again, if by then you haven't got so furious you've hit the Reset button.

So. CB80 is very nice. But, there's no interpreter. As with Pascal, FORTRAN, PL/I, or any of the compiled languages, creating large programs in CB80 takes a lot of time. First you have to create the program on an editor; then you compile it, finding a number of trivial syntax errors that you must fix by loading in your text editor and mashing the source program; then you compile again, then link, and then run with the run-time package. By the time you're done, you can use up an afternoon to develop a pretty simple program.

However, because CB80 is compiled and has no line numbers to fool with, you can put in tons of remarks,

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User's Column<

meaning that if you come back to your program in six months you have half a chance of understanding it.

And actually CB80 is better than that.

Now it has labels. Instead of "GOSUB 3680" you can say "GOSUB COUNTIT", or "GOSUB PROCESS.ONE.ITEM". Better yet, you can have very complex functions, which you call and pass parameters to; and the functions use purely local variables that can't affect anything in the program outside.

The functions can take up many lines, and they can be "external," meaning that the function can be in an entirely different program "module" that gets called in at link time. Multiple-line functions can also access and change external variables; and the whole mess can be called by value, as in the statement "WHILE FARNUM(FOO)" where "FARNLJM" has previously been defined as a function of the variable "FOO."

More yet, a multiline function can have both purely local variables and variables created just for that function (the variable "X" in the function is not the same as the variable "X" in another function or in the main program) and can also affect regular global variables in the rest of your BASIC program. This means you could have a function called "YES" that prints a prompt, gets an input, checks to see if the first letter of that input is either "y" or "Y," and informs the main program.

In other words, CB80 has got pretty darned close to Pascal's functions and procedures, and it seems to be a lot faster than Pascal too. You could sit down and write a really neat set of "software tools." You can, with CB80, build a whole library of useful program modules, setting them up in nice orderly blocks to be called in when needed.

That, of course, is the answer to the "no interpreter" problem: build a set of functions that you know will work and include them in the new programs you write. After a while you'll find that most programming consists of stringing together routines

known to be reliable and once in a while developing a new function to stick into your tool kit.

Although CB80 is marketed by Digital Research and the manual flies Digital's colors, don't despair: the documentation wasn't really written by Digital, meaning that it's not encrypted and translated into Swahili, as much of Digital's documentation is. It does have some of the fine hand of the Digital hacker about it; for example, the text is peppered with incomprehensible "syntax diagrams," as if they were supposed to mean something; and here and there the sentence density gets completely out of hand. For the most part, though, the CB80 manual is in the really excellent style of the old CBASIC manual: clear, concise, and with plenty of examples. You need not be afraid of it.

You might, however, be afraid of CB80's price, which is steep, and its licensing policy, which is sheer madness: that is, Digital Research wants a flat $2000 a year if you're going to compile, link, and market programs using CB80. (The fee applies only to programs you distribute, not to those developed for your own use; still, it's onerous enough.) Again, I suspect competition will bring this down; meanwhile, we can wait. . . .

Which Language Now?

So. We have increasingly better BASICs, and one of these days we'll get a compiled language as good as CB80 with an interpreter as good as Microsoft's BASIC-80. When that happens, I think FORTRAN and COBOL and even Pascal are going to suffer a sharp drop in popularity.

My mad friend, meanwhile, continues to praise PL/I, which he says is easy to learn and remarkably effective. I confess I haven't had time to write anything but the simplest programs in PL/I or indeed even had time to examine it; but my mad friend is usually fairly reliable in his judgments and has a very healthy attitude toward computers, namely that they're for him to use and are not masters that control him.

236 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

TIM III

The Nori'Programming Approach to Data Base Management

Data Base Management

Data management packages were created to save time and money in the development of software solutions to information problems. Many have been designed to accomplish just that, although most have only the programmer in mind. Sure they would save time in the long run, but what of the initial investment in time and effort required to learn the new language? What about the non-programmers in the world who would like an easy yet powerful applications generator? The solution is one of the most highly acclaimed software packages of our time, T.I.M. III.

WhatisT.I.M.?

T.I.M. is Total Information Management. Programmers love it due to its original solutions to classic data management problems. Nonprogrammers adore it since they can use it to achieve the same results as with other more complicated programming-like packages.

What Makes T.I.M. So Simple to Use?

We at Innovative Software, Inc. designed TI.M. from day one with the end user in mind. Maybe he is a programmer who doesn't have time to learn a new language. Or perhaps a neophyte who fears coding pads and lines numbered by tens. We felt that a data management package should be able to be used by anyone from a systems analyst to a secretary. That's why TI.M. takes a full menu-dnven approach, uses multiple HELP screens, and has a manual that sets a new standard in documentation.

The Manual

Many people believe that the manual is just as important as the software itself, a view that we at Innovative Software, Inc. tend to share. The manual for TI.M. is divided into two sections, the Reference section and the Primer. The Reference section describes all of TI.M.'s commands and subcommands. This is done in English, not in technical terms or in our own language. Even if you have

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never seen a computer before in your life, you'll he able to read and understand our manual immediately. The second section is a primer which goes through several examples for you, again in plain English. These true-to-life examples take the beginner by the hand, and instructs him what to do and when. You will be able to see for yourself that TI.M.'s only limitation is the imagination of the user.

Features of T.I.M.

T.I.M. has all of the features cine has come to expect from a data management package, as well as many newiones. For example, a word prtKessing interface that allows you to merge information from a T.I.M. file with letters or other documents created by a word processor. Now you can automatically send personalized letters to hundreds or thousands—quickly and easily. TI.M.'s Setect command enables you to pull specific information from a file. For example. "All customers who live in a certain ZIP code, whose last name begins with the letter A to |_, whose balance due is less than $50.00." A sophisticated report generator and even a list generator are also included.

How powerful is T.I.M.? With a maximum record size of 2400 charactars and the ability to keep up to forty fields sorted properly at all times, TI.M. is powerful enough to handle just about any application. T.I.M. can handle over 32,000 records per file, and two files can be linked together for reports if your application requires a many-to-one relationship. T.I.M. also includes all of the safne editing commands as your word processor, thus making data entry and editing a snap. \bu can also pull selected records from one file to place them into another. Files may be restructured to add or subtract fields and/or change field lengths or types.TI.M. even has it's own utility for backing up hard disks onto floppies.

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User's Column

Accounts Comprehensible

Once again I find myself embarrassed: I have to review a program I've written.

I have most of the many computer accounting packages available. Some, I guess, are really swell for what they do; but not one of them, not one, looks too useful for me.

I'm a writer. A good part of my life is deductible. It's amazing just how many activities turn out to be

income-related research. And it comes as no surprise that the Internal Revenue Service is very interested in the records demonstrating that.

And therein lies the problem. Sure, I could hire an accountant. Many of my colleagues do, and a lot of them think I'm crazy when I tell them I keep my own books and make out my own tax returns. And yet, when I begin to question those colleagues, I find that I don't work any harder

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than they do. By the time they've explained everything to an accountant, turned in all the receipts, and kept all the records and diaries that the accountant wants, they've usually done more work than I do; and they pay more taxes too.

I've always kept my own books; one of the main reasons I let my mad friend talk me into buying Ezekial, my Z80, was the hope that I could computerize my accounting system. Thus I have for years pounced on every new accounting program eagerly and I've been disappointed every time.

Most "accounting" programs don't produce what I would call accounting books. Instead, they offer "special reports." Now understand: I don't know a darned thing about accounting. Everything I think I know came from two books, Donald H. MacKenzie's Fundamentals of Accounting and John N. Myer's Accounting for NonAccountants. Those books explain what accounting is all about; and with pictures and illustrations, they give actual examples of journals and ledgers with the funny single, double, and triple lines, the complex scheme of indentations, and the strange check marks favored by accountants. And as far as I'm concerned, that's what my company's books ought to look like.

Nor am I completely mad; every couple of years I have my boys drift into the local university bookstore and buy all the accounting textbooks they can find, and I look through them; and lo!, the textbooks still show that accountants like double and triple lines, and complicated indentations, and. . . .

Yet, there's no computer accounting program that I know of that produces books that look like the books in the accounting texts; and because that's the only thing I could understand with my cookbook knowledge of accounting, I had no real choice. I had to write programs that do make journals and ledgers that correspond with the examples in the elementary accounting textbooks.

Which is what I did. My account

238

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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User's Column'

ing system starts with a simpleminded thing that lets you build a chart of accounts, essentially a list of ledger page names each with a corresponding ledger page number: for example, 501, postage; 506, office supplies; 506.012, travel supplies; 523, business charitable contributions; 923, family charitable contributions.

You can add to the chart of ac

counts at any time, and you can use fractional page numbers, from .001 to .999, if you like, because each ledger page will become a CP/M file title "LED-xxx.yyy," as for example LED-506.012.

After you make a chart, you use the Journal program to build journals. A journal entry consists of a line that indicates to whom you paid (or from whom you received) something,

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a longer explanation line, an amount, and a series of debits and credits that the program keeps track of (I hate to remember that when you spend money you credit cash and debit the account you spent it on). The program will not allow you to enter an item that doesn't have equal debits and credits.

You can put stuff into the journal in any order you want; there is then a program that will allocate the journal entries by date, so that the journal becomes a chronological record of what you spent and for what. The program has ways of entering cash, checks (from more than one account if you like; I have two interestbearing checking accounts and one commercial account, and I need to keep them all straight), a dozen different credit cards, and so forth. It also keeps track of check numbers.

Once you've built a journal, you can print it; that requires a printer that can print solid vertical bars (ASCII character 124 in decimal) in order to reproduce the single, double, and treble lines so loved by accountants.

You can then use the Post program, which takes the journal entries and allocates them among the various ledger pages you created in the chart of accounts. Journal has provision for control accounts. I suppose I better explain that. Let's say a primary expense category is postage, and that's the way I intend to report the expenses to the IRS. However, I often find I have to send express mail packets. These ought to be charged to a particular project—in my case, of course, a project is a book. Thus I debit the book account and credit the controlled account; I also debit postage and credit cash. When I get income from that particular project, the book gets credited, as does "agented income,'' while the bank account's and the controlled account's summary pages get debits; once again the books balance, and I can get some clues about the profitability of any particular book.

Anyway, Post takes care of all that, after which another program

240 May 1982 ® BYTE Publications Inc

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Software Review

PL/I for Microcomputers

John A. Lehman

716 Hutchins #2

Ann Arbor, MI 48103

PL/I was originally developed by IBM as the language of choice for the 360 computer series. As such, it was expected to replace FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL, and assembler language. The original PL/I was a huge language with more features than a hundred-blade Swiss Army knife. It was inconvenient because it required large chunks of expensive memory and considerable feats of recall on the part of programmers who were trying to remember its features.

Several years ago, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) issued PL/I standards for both a full and a subset language. The latter was

At a Glance

Name: PL/1-80 Type

High-level-language system Manufacturer

Digital Research

POB 5 79

Pacific Grove, CA 93950

Price

S500 (S35 for documentation alone)

Format

Two 8-inch floppy disks (other formats available)

System Requirements

CP/M version 1.4 or higher, MP/M, 8080,8085, or Z80 processor with 48K bytes of memory and two 8-inch disk drives fan 8086 version is also available)

Documentation Language manual, operator's guide, applications guide, and pocket reference guide.

Audience

Language enthusiasts, applications and system programmers

named the G subset and was intended for minicomputer use. It preserved all of the really useful features of full PL/I but cut it down to a manageable size. Implementations are available for most of the popular minicomputers and for any microcomputer that runs CP/M (version 1.4 or later) or MP/M.

Digital Research's PL/I-80 implements all of the level-G features except DEFINED, FLOAT DECIMAL, LIKE, ATANH, DATE, TIME, STRING, and VALID. DATE and TIME are operating system functions that are not supported by CP/M. FLOAT DECIMAL (binary-coded decimal floating-point arithmetic and data storage) is seldom used; FLOAT BINARY (which is supported) is used instead.

The linkage editor (LINK-80), which is included, supports overlays, indexed libraries, and Microsoft .REL files. This means that subroutines compiled under Microsoft FORTRAN, COBOL, and BASIC can be used by PL/I programs. (I can only vouch for the FORTRAN features because I don't have the other two compilers.) A version of the Digital Research MAC macro assembler (called RMAC), which produces relocatable code, is included; thus assembler subroutines can also be used. Assembler source libraries to access all CP/M and MP/M system features are included, as is an entire disk of sample programs. A .SYM file is generated, so Digital Research's

SID (a symbolic debugger) can be used for debugging with symbolic constants.

Performance

As a combined scientific, business, and system programming language, PL/I isn't as elegant as Pascal or as easy to use as BASIC. It does provide most of the facilities of FORTRAN, COBOL, ALGOL (Pascal), BASIC, and assembler language in a form that encourages structured programming. Generally, programs written in PL/I are much more understandable than those written in BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL, or assembler language (see listing 1). PL/I is not as clear as Pascal, but it has much better facilities for file management and system programming. Its primary advantage as a programming tool is that you can do all of your programming in one language.

This advantage is especially apparent to those of us who use several different computers. I can write a single program in PL/I and run it on my Z80 at home or on the Amdahl, Honeywell, or IBM Series/1 at work. My wife can write programs at home and run them on the IBM 370 OS/VS2 system at work. Any of these programs can also be run on an 8086, a PDP-11, and a NOVA, among others. The only other languages that allow such transportability are FORTRAN and COBOL. I'm allergic to COBOL, and although FORTRAN is my native computer

246 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 259 on inquiry card.

INTRODUCING MetaCard

The future for your

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MetaCard has up to 128 K bytes of onboard memory with parity. Adding

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Speed is just as important as memory. MetaCard is designed to handle all computing tasks at greatly increased speeds. The Intel 8088 operates at the full 5MI1Z, running most applications at least 4 times faster dian the Apple's iMhz 6502. And MetaCard gives you multiprocessing capabilities, allowing both the 8088 and 6502 to run simultaneously at full speed. Increased processing speeds, interprocessor interrupts and a real-time clock enable your Apple to perform like the machine you want.

Compatibility and Reliability

Compatibility has been designed into MetaCard. Metamorphic's processor card runs CP/M-86, which is included with the card at no extra cost. And Metamorphic offers UCSD Pascal 4.0 and the operating system for the I B M Personal Computer as options. Full parity checking,

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Not everyone needs greater memory and speed. If you're one of those who does, MetaCard is for you. At an introductory price of $980 for the 64K configuration, it's not the least expensive addition you can make to your system, but high performance products never are. Call us today and find out what Metamorphic Systems has in mind for your Apple's future. Dealer inquiries welcome. Metamorphic Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 1541, Boulder, Colorado 80306, (303) 499-6502.

Intel 8088 is a product of Intel Corporation.

Apple II is a registered trademark of Apple Computer lnc

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IBM Personal Computer is a registered trademark of IBM.

U.CS.D. Pascal is a registered trade mark of the University of California.

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developments

Listing 1: The HYPOCY program. This sample program shows the easily understood structure of a PL/I program. The program will draw the curves traced by a point on a circle while that circle is rolling internally on the circumference of another circle.

hypocy

pro

/*

/*

/*

/*

/*

/*

del

3cl

del

call cou ci rele: do

end cal

hypo :

c opt ions(ma in) ;

Plots hypocycloid onto Microchroma 68 */

graphics board using raster addresses which*/

is set up as cp/m punch device. */

polypx and initgr are separately compiled (assembled

routines to send groups of dot coordinates and */

to initialize the graphics hardware respectively */

initgr entry,

polypx entry (fixed, (0:255) fixed,(0:255) fixed);

(x,y,theta,templ,temp2,temp3)float, (sines(0:255),cosines(0:255)) float, (i,.ix(0:255) ,iy(0:255) ,count) fixed;

forty fixed initial(40),

one_hundred fixed initial(1 00) ,

seventyfive fixed initial(75); ini tgr; nt=255;

i=0 to count;

temp3 = float (i);

theta=temp3/40;

sines< i)«sin(thetaj;

cosines(i)=cos;theta);

x-cosines(i)*seventy five+one_hundred;

y = sines(i)*seventy_f ive+one_hundred;

ix ( i )=fixed (x ) ;

i y(i)=fixed(y) ; circle; 1 polypx(count,ix,iy);

) */

do

i=0 to count;

temp3 = f loat: (i) ;

tempi=cosi nes(i) ;

temp2=sines(i);

x=templ*templ*templ*seventy_ five+one_hund red ;

y=temp2*temp2*temp2*seventy^f ive+one_hundred;

ix(i)=fixed(x);

iy(i)=fixed(y) ; end hypo;

call polypx(count,ix,iy) ; end hypocy;

language, it's not suitable for nonnumeric or data-intensive programming.

So much for why you should use PL/I. How well does it work? Table 1 compares run times (in seconds on a 2-MHz Z80) for PL/I-80, Microsoft FORTRAN, and XBASIC (TDL/ Xitan Extended Disk BASIC). The test programs were basically textbook examples, iterated enough times to make timing feasible. XBASIC is included to show how an interpreter compared with the compilers.

One hidden "gotcha" showed up in the tests. PL/I interprets numeric constants as fixed decimals and converts them to fixed binary-coded decimals each time arithmetic operations involving the latter are performed. Thus, using constants (rather than variables which have been set to a desired value) will increase the dura

tion of execution by as many as fifty times.

In practice, the only time slow run speeds have presented a problem with PL/I has been during interactive video graphics. Otherwise, a floppydisk-based system is usually so badly disk-bound that the efficiency of the code produced by the compiler doesn't matter much. This characteristic is slightly irritating because both the compiler and the linker make heavy use of the disks; consequently, long programs can take more than five minutes to compile or link. A hard disk would presumably help this. Even so, PL/I-80 and Link-80 work faster with floppy disks than their IBM Series/1 equivalents do with hard disks. They have fewer bugs too.

Version 1.3 of PL/I-80 appears bug-free; at least I haven't found any.

248

Mav 1082 & BYTE Publications lnc

■^ .-...(■. ■ ■* ""'^^^aj^H^ur^B

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© 1982 VisiCorp

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While the VisiCalc program does a lot by itself, it can do even more for you when used with the other Visi™ programs. That's because they're all inter-related, just like your needs and tasks, to give you a fully integrated solution. For example, automatically bring in data stored in our VisiFile program—such as customer or inventory information for calculation and analysis with your VisiCalc program.

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PL/I

FORTRAN

XBASIC

10,000 iterations

0.5

0.3

20.8

10,000 fixed-point

0.9

0.5

NS

additions

10,000 fixed-point

6.8

0.5

NS

multiplications

10,000 floating-point

10.0

8.4

48

additions

10,000 floating-point

15.5

14.9

57

multiplications

10,000 dummy

0.6

0.6

42

subroutine calls

10,000 cosine

35.0

23.0

63

calculations

Table 1: The results, in seconds, comparing various languages' performance of standard functions on a TDL/Xitan S-100 system with the Z80 running at 2 MHz. The languages were Digital Research's PL/1-80, Microsoft FORTRAN, and XBASIC (TDL/Xitan Extended Disk BASIC). (NS indicates function not supported.)

Earlier versions had problems that were quickly remedied. Version 1.1 (a major upgrade) was sent out free of charge on disk. Version 1.2 was distributed in the form of a free patch sheet. Version 1.3 (with more upgrades) was available for $25 on disk to owners of the earlier versions.

Conclusions

The current version of PL/I-80 provides a nearly full ANSI level-G system with excellent facilities for linking and overlays. The file format is compatible with Microsoft compilers and thus allows use of existing program and subroutine libraries

with PL/I. Full access to CP/M and MP/M facilities is also provided.

PL/I is a more powerful language than FORTRAN, COBOL, Pascal, or BASIC. This implementation allows access to all commonly used features of PL/I. It's intended to facilitate both applications and systems programming. The current version for microcomputers is remarkably bugfree and is source-compatible with the dialects used on many mini- and mainframe computers. Thus, users can take advantage of existing software or develop software for larger machines on CP/M-based systems. The existence of an 8086 version promises continued compatibility with more powerful hardware.

Support from Digital Research is excellent. The only difficulty commercial users will encounter is the necessity of licensing use of the runtime library in third-party software products. This is offset by Digital Research's assistance program for OEM customers.■

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250 May 1982 S BYTE Publications lnc

Circle 173 on inquiry card.

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Hardware Review

Apple II 80-Column Video Boards

Five Popular Units

John E. Howland

Vanguard Systems Corporation

6901 Blanco Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78216

The Apple II computer's video-display section was designed with an ordinary television set in mind. This design choice limited the Apple's screen to 40 characters per line because of the limited resolution of ordinary color television sets. Of course, this arrangement allowed Apple II users the option of using their home television set, rather than requiring them to purchase a more expensive video monitor or terminal. However, as the popularity of the Apple II grew, software developers began to write programs that made applications such as accounting and word processing possible. These applications often require a professional-quality 80-character-per-line display. It's not surprising, then, that several enterprising manufacturers have developed Apple II interface cards to provide the more or less standard 24 lines of 80 uppercase and lowercase characters. (See photo 1, page 256.) I have reviewed five popular interface cards, Omnivision, FullView 80, Smarterm, Sup'R'Terminal, and Videoterm, and this article surveys their characteristics and compares their features.

All the 80-column boards use a large-scale integration (LSI) device, either Motorola's 6845 or Synertek's 6545, as the "heart" of the display circuitry. Because of this, you might think that the boards would be very similar, but each has different features, and they are not entirely compatible with one another or with the standard Apple II software. Yet they do have features in common: all generate uppercase and lowercase characters and require a good-quality black-and-white monitor (not a blackand-white or color television set) for best results. (See the text box "A Fast Scan of Video Monitors," page 254.)

Accessing the Boards

All the boards are accessed by using the standard Apple II conventions for getting at peripheral devices. For example, the familiar PR#rc instruction, where n is the slot number of the peripheral device, can be used to activate the video boards. The Apple II permits only one peripheral device to be active at a time, so this can pose some difficulties if the board is intended to be used simultaneously with a modem (or serial interface, etc.). Another important consideration is that each board interprets certain control characters as commands to perform special functions. These control characters usually cannot be used by programs for other purposes. Moreover, Integer BASIC does not have the CHR$ function required to generate the control characters.

Characters are formed on the video display as a matrix of dots within a field of fixed size. (See photo 2, page 257.) Common character sizes are 5 by 7 or 7 by 9 dots. As an example, a character may be formed from a table of dots having 5 columns and 7 rows, within a field of 6 columns and 13 rows. The unused rows and columns in the field provide the spacing between characters on a line and between lines of characters. The lowercase characters g, j, p, q, and y are generally easier to read when they are allowed to extend down into the lower rows.

Usually, 7 by 9 dot characters can be made to have a more pleasing appearance than 5 by 7 dot characters, due to the higher resolution; however, this may not be apparent unless a higher-bandwidth monitor is used. I suggest that you test the video board with the monitor you intend to use to ensure acceptable character appearance.

252 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

The HiNet Local Area Network Because man was not meant to work alone

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No growing pains. Period.

Here, at last, is a system you can't outgrow. With HiNet you can start as small as just two work stations. Add up to 30 stations anywhere you want within your building. And since each low-cost station is a complete computer- not just a terminal - additional stations don't tax the system. They add to its capability.

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HiNet is hardware and software— a complete local area network. Advanced systems' utilities pr jvide the utmost in both data

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So simple you can plan it yourself.

Let HiNet demonstrate itself on paper before you buy with the Local Area Network Planning Kit. The Kit will show you how to lay out a network according to your office floor plan. It's easy and it's free! Send for it. See how a local area network can help you accomplish more- and share information- more easily and efficiently than ever before.

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A Fast Scan of Video Monitors

The video image produced by the Apple II and many other personal computers is called a raster-scan display. The image is made up of several hundred horizontal lines of several hundred tiny dots. In a normal television picture, there usually are 262 lines per frame and fewer than 200 dots per line. This allows fewer than 40 characters per line, with a 5 by 7 dot matrix. Lines of dots are displayed at the rate of 15,750 lines per second, so the video bandwidth would be 200 times 15,750 Hz, or about 3 MHz.

Try a test

run before

you buy

To display a line of 80 characters in a 7 by 9 dot-matrix format would require about 800 dots per line and a video bandwidth of 12 MHz (18 MHz is not uncommon in expensive units).

Some of the video boards in this review generate acceptable images only on monitors. This means that buying an 80-column board may also necessitate the purchase of a monitor, unless you already have one with enough resolution and bandwidth. Monitors are available through most computer dealers, but stick to name brands such as Hitachi, Amdek (formerly known as Leedex), Motorola, NEC Home Electronics, Panasonic, Zenith, etc.

If you have a monitor but are unsure of its suitability for use with the board you have selected, try a test run in a dealer's showroom before you buy. Keep in mind that some of these 80-column boards use more of the video field, so the height and width controls may need to be adjusted.

254 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 278 on inquiry card.

t't

with your business!

Invest in an

"Okay, which entry-level, singleuser microcomputer should I own?" The BOS M System. "Which multi-user system should I own?"

The BOS M System. "If I want a larger system with the ultimate in performance and capacity, what should I own?" The BOSMSystem Multiprocessor. "How much more does it cost to own a single-user set-up and upgrade it, than to start with a larger system?" Not a penny more. "Can I have diskette, tape, and large rigid disk storage?" Yes.

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Photo 1: Five 80-column video-interface boards for the Apple 11 computer. The photos are Full-View 80 (la), Omnivision (lb), Smarterm (lc), Sup'R'Terminal (Id), and Videoterm (le). Features vary, but most users will need a video monitor to appreciate the full quality of the displays produced.

lb

t :> • l-i

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»} 1

"j r> i

lllllllllllllll!

lc

All the boards store the character-dot tables in a readonly memory (ROM). Full-View 80, Sup'R'Terminal, and Videoterm allow an alternate character set to be selected from another ROM or from programmable memory. The alternate character set can be used for foreign languages or for special graphics characters. This is an important feature when special character fonts are needed for word processing or a programming language such as APL.

Compatibility

In selecting a video board, software compatibility must be considered, particularly if you plan to use the board

with off-the-shelf software packages. Many word-processing packages are customized for specific 80-column boards. If you are already using a particular word processor, you may want to be sure that a version of that program is available for the video board you intend to use. Most dealers can demonstrate the operation of programs with the video board. If a dealer is reluctant to demonstrate a particular program running with a given video board, beware; there may be a problem with that combination.

Program-compatibility problems are usually the result of two conditions: difference in display size and difference in control functions. For example, HOME, VTAB (vertical tab), and INVERSE (black on white) commands are not supported by all the boards. None of the boards reviewed here supports the Flash Mode of the standard Apple II video display. All offer some support for Pascal.

When the system is initially loaded, the Pascal-language system examines interface-slot 3 for a peripheral card. If an interface card is present, the Pascal system attempts to use that interface as its console device. The video boards, therefore, must be placed in slot 3 to be used with Pascal. All the boards support the Z80-based Microsoft Softcard and Digital Research's CP/M. Again, the board must be in slot 3 to be used.

256 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

More Maze Building

A Pascal program to generate mazes efficiently on a printer.

A maze may look incredibly complex, yet it must satisfy just three simple conditions. The maze must have only one starting point and one ending point. All points in the maze must be accessible from the starting point. And there must be only one path from the start to the finish. (For a discussion of the theory behind maze building, see "How to Build a Maze," by David Matuszek, in the (December 1981 BYTE, page 190.)

This article presents a complete program, written in Pascal, to generate mazes on a printer. The program is efficient in terms of speed and memory requirements and may readily be modified to create different kinds of traditional random mazes.

To understand the program, we must first examine traditional mazes with a view toward the efficient storage of a maze within a computer. Each maze is a certain number of "cells" wide and high. A standard cell has four sides and looks like this:

Because the top and left sides of each cell are the bottom and right sides of some other cell, we consider only the bottom and right sides for our purposes here. We then consider each cell as a matrix position in matrix M. Since we are concerned with only two sides, only four different combinations of open/closed sets of cell sides are possible:

Thomas Edward Neldner

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+ . . + +..+ +..+ +..+

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+ + + + + -- + +--+

12 3 4

The dots indicate "don't care" sides of the cell.

These are the four possible combinations of openings a cell can have and are thus the four possible values a cell can achieve. We are also going to define a fifth value, that of zero or "no value." Such a cell is in a pristine or "frontier" state—it has yet to be touched by the program.

To Create a Maze

First, a starting position must be created. Since both the start and stop position are immaterial, this merely amounts to printing the word START

and a line of " Y" with one

opening.

The program in listing 1 starts at an arbitrary position in the maze: the upper left cell. Note that this is not the upper left cell of the matrix; it is rather the M[l,l] cell, assuming subscripts of zero are allowed. M[0,0] would be the actual upper left cell, but this is part of the boundary described later. The program then tests the cells around it, searching for frontier cells. Since there are four directions out of any cell, there are 2" or 16 possible combinations of directions available, which may or may not open onto a frontier cell. The two special conditions are: it is not possible for all neighboring cells to be

frontier (we had to get to this cell somehow, thus making the previous cell nonfrontier); and if it is not possible to go in any direction, the path we were creating has come to a dead end—we are stuck.

The first of the nested CASE statements in listing 1 takes one of the 14 remaining possible combinations of directions (it picks randomly) and goes in that direction, making the cell it is moving into nonfrontier. And so the program winds its way through the matrix, "cutting" a path through the frontier cells as it does so. Sooner or later that path will curl up on itself, reaching a point where there are no frontier cells surrounding it.

When this happens, that cell is vacated, and the program goes back to the arbitrary starting cell (the upper left) and once again tests for frontier cells surrounding it. If there is one, the program once again takes off, blazing a trail through the frontier until it curls up and cannot continue. Once again, the system returns to the upper left cell and tests for frontier cells surrounding it. This can happen only a maximum of twice for the upper left cell; after that the program is stuck indeed.

So the program moves one cell to the right of the upper left cell and starts all over again, testing for frontier cells around it. Once again, this can happen only twice, and thus the program continues until it reaches the right-hand end of the line. Note that this is the only case where the pro

274 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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At a Glance

Name

Wizard-80

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple II Plus

Manufacturer

Wesper Micro Systems 14321 New Myford Rd. Tustin, CA 92680 (714) 730-6250

Price

S295

Features

Character appearance. 7 by 9 dot matrix; inverse video; character generator in EPROM

Software

Software in EPROM, compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC. Microsoft Softcard, and Apple Pascal

Hardware

Uses Hitachi HD46505 LSI circuit

teger BASIC programs, including ESCAPE SHIFT-P (to clear the screen and home the cursor); ESCAPE E and ESCAPE F (or CHR$(29) and CHR$(11)) to clear to endof-line and end-of-screen, respectively; CONTROL-S to stop video output; right-arrow, left-arrow; and ESCAPE A through ESCAPE D to control the cursor. One feature not found on some other 80-column boards is a goto-xy control code that lets you position the cursor anywhere on the screen under program control.

Two program bugs were found in the Wizard-80 board. The first is that the board does not respond to one

of the two codes that are supposed to move the cursor up. The board responds to ESCAPE D (as does the unaugmented Apple II), but it doesn't respond to CONTROLSHIFT-O (as stated in the manual). The second bug occurs when you SAVE or DELETE a command to the disk—the board does not go to the following line to receive your next command but, rather, receives it on the same line. Although the Apple does not malfunction because of this, it is a bug that is definitely there. (The board was tested on two different revisions of the Apple II to verify the validity of these bugs.)

The most serious flaw of the Wizard-80 is too many poor design decisions related to human interaction with the keyboard (which, after all, is the major way that you interact with your Apple). Of the 16 geometric shapes available from the board, four are not available from an unmodified Apple keyboard (although they are available if your Apple has one of several "extender" boards that add features to the keyboard); these shapes are available only through program control (e.g., through the CHR$ function in BASIC).

Another problem is the cursor control keys. It is to Wesper Micro Systems' credit that the board responds to the standard Apple ESCAPE A through ESCAPE D keys (each a two-keystroke sequence), but the more convenient ESCAPE followed by I, J, K, or M method was not implemented (the four letters form a diamond shape that indicates the direction of cursor movement). Wesper did implement control keys to do cursor movement, but chose CONTROL-SHIFT-O for cursor-up, CONTROL-U for cursor-right, CONTROL-J for cursor-down, and CONTROL-H for cursor-left. If you look at the relative layout of those keys on the keyboard, you'll see that they bear no relation to the cursor-movement direction. I believe that here, as in several other places, the designer was more concerned with making the board easy to implement than with making it easy to use.H

I

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May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 271

Photo 2: The Wizard-80 board (2a) and video display (2b).

2b

HIZARD-81

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Wizard-80

Wesper Micro Systems' Wizard-80 board is an adequate 80-column board, but it has a few problems and lacks any outstanding characteristics that would distinguish it from many other Apple 80-column boards. One nice feature is the "medium-resolution" style of blackand-white pixel graphics that the board offers. Each character can be divided horizontally into three square pixels, giving a resolution of 72 rows of 80 pixels each. However, the Smarterm offers the same kind of graphics, but with higher resolution: 72 by 160.

The prosaic stuff is as follows. Wizard-80 (see photo 2a) supports most Apple peripherals, including Apple Pascal and the Microsoft Softcard; to work with them, the card should be placed in Apple slot number 3. Its software is in EPROM, and the source code is provided in the documentation (along with a schematic of the board). The board allows shifting between uppercase and lowercase letters with a CONTROL-A, but it has no provision for working from the shift key. There is no provision for mechanically or electrically switching the 40- and 80-column displays to the same monitor. Characters are formed in a 7 by 9 grid (see photo 2b), and the board can display either 18 or 24 lines of 80 characters each; the 18-line mode is a good feature that often makes text more readable.

Wizard-80 has some interesting features, including the medium-resolution graphics I mentioned and a set of 16 geometric characters that can be used to draw lines, corners, and grids (e.g., to draw the outline of a sheet of paper). It allows inverse video and some of the textscreen manipulation commands used in Applesoft and In

At a Glance

Name

Vision-80

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple Plus

Manufacturer

Vista Computer Company 1317 East Edmger Santa Ana, CA 92705 (7 7 4) 953-0523

Price

S375

Features

Character appearance: 9 by 10 dot matrix; character generator in EPROM

inverse video;

Software

Software in EPROM, compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC, Microsoft Softcard, and Apple Pascal; supports Apple cursor editing and most Apple screen-manipulation commands

Hardware

Hitachi HD46505 LSI circuit

270 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 430 on inquiry card.

C is better than ever;

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We've added optimizations, sped up runtime routines, and (ahem) fixed all known bugs. The portable C library is more extensive than ever, with new math functions, pattern matching routines, and support for Ada-style exception handling. And it's easier than ever to interface to new environments.

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values in memory locations 32 through 35, ESCAPE SHIFT-P (same as HOME), ESCAPE E or CHR$(29) (clear to end-of-line), ESCAPE F or CHR$(11) (clear to end-of-page), TAB, HTAB, VTAB, INVERSE, NORMAL, the cursor movement and copying keys (right-arrow, leftarrow, ESCAPE A through ESCAPE D, and ESCAPE followed by I, J, K, or M), and CONTROL-S for stopping output to the video screen. In addition, you can switch between text and graphics screens under software control and you have a choice of six cursors (cursor shape can be either a block or an underline and it can be slow, fast, or no blink, a total of six combinations).

An interesting feature of the card is that it can be used with an acoustic modem and either the Apple Communications Card or the California Computer Systems Serial Card to make an intelligent terminal that can operate at data rates of up to 1800 bits per second. With a 48K-byte disk-based Apple, all available memory (about 33K bytes) can be used as a text buffer to store incoming data. Within the "communication option" (as it's called), the board can communicate with the disk operating system (DOS), which allows the saving and transmitting of files. If the remote computer is another Apple II with a Vision-80 board, your Apple can control itself and the remote Apple—potentially a powerful feature. The only thing bad that can be said about this feature is that it is not an option on the board. I'm sure it adds to the board's $395 price tag, and you may not want to pay for it if you do not need communications capabilities or if you already have them (e.g., in a Hayes Micromodem, which is incompatible with Vision-80).

268 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Ire

Circle 298 on inquiry card.

TheUniFLEX™ Operating System extracts

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With the UniFLEX™ Operating System, the 8 bit 6809 microprocessor can perform as well as larger CPUs in a multiuser, multi-tasking environment.

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sists of a 29-page manual that does not contain the firmware source code but does have many sample BASIC and Pascal programs. One interesting BASIC program converts control codes for Apple II Applesoft programs to the control codes required by Sup'R'Terminal.

Videoterm

Videx's Videoterm board supports software switching of the video display as a $35 option; in addition, a manual video switch is available for $19. The board has a light-pen input and supports an optional alternate character-generator EPROM ($39) of which several are available. (A special half-intensity character generator gave particularly good results on several monitors during my tests.) Characters are generated from a 7 by 9 dot matrix, and lowercase letters have true descenders.

When used in slot 3, Videoterm is compatible with the Pascal system and the Microsoft Softcard. Without the Videx Enhancer II (which, among other things, modifies the Apple keyboard to allow the shift key to work), CTRL-A is used to toggle between the lowercase and uppercase modes. If the video-switching option is installed, the standard single-wire shift-key modification to the Apple keyboard allows Videoterm to recognize both up

percase and lowercase letters via the shift key.

The documentation consists of a 141-page manual that includes firmware source code, many programming examples, and schematics of the board.

Conclusions

Which board should you buy? Unfortunately, the decision is not an easy one because no board outshines the others when all features are considered. I recommend that you have the entire package you intend to use demonstrated, including the display board, monitor, software, and other peripherals. Failure to consider all the components as a unit could lead to additional expenditures for a monitor and software updates. The newer boards (i.e., Full-View 80 and Smarterm) feature software-controlled video-source switching. This feature offers greater user convenience because multiple monitors or manual switches are not required. Having to flip a switch, and not knowing when, can be a source of confusion for the novice. Videoterm's half-intensity charactergenerator EPROM offered one of the most legible character sets of all the boards tested. The final choice, of course, is yours. You will be most successful if you have your retailer demonstrate the entire system. ■

More Apple 80-Column Boards

Gregg Williams Senior Editor

Two new Apple 80-column boards have recently been introduced. Here's a brief look at both of them.

Vision-80

Vista's Vision-80 board for the Apple (originally designed in Australia) is a very refined 80-column board. In fact, I've seen the Videoterm, Omnivision, Vision-80, Full-View 80, and Wizard-80 boards, and I'm most impressed with the Vision-80 because of the many things it does. Its two most interesting features are the retention of standard Apple commands associated with manipulating the 40-column Apple II text window and its ability to be used as an intelligent terminal.

First, the prosaic stuff. Vision-80 (see photo la, page 268) supports most Apple peripherals, including the Apple Pascal card and the Microsoft Softcard. Vision-80 must be placed in Apple slot number 3. Its software is in erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), although the source code for it is not given in the documentation. It supports a shift-key modification that allows the Apple keyboard to produce both uppercase and

lowercase letters, but there is no provision for toggling between uppercase or lowercase if the shift-key modification is not made. The video monitor connected to the Vision-80 can display the 80-column screen or the standard 40-column text and low-resolution or high-resolution graphics screens under software control. The characters are formed in a large 9 by 10 grid (see photo lb).

One of the problems with all of the 80-column boards except Vision-80 is that they do not respond properly to many of the text-screen manipulation commands common to many Applesoft and Integer BASIC programs. This means, for example, that when you use 80-column video board X with a given program, you may have to go into that program and replace, say, all occurrences of the HOME command with PRINT CHR$(25) because that is what board X recognizes as a command to clear the text screen and home the video cursor. Vision-80 does not respond to all text-screen manipulation commands used by the Apple, but it does respond to far more than any other board. The commands it responds to include HOME, TEXT, GR, HGR, HGR2, POKEs to the text-window

266 May 1982 CE) BYTE Publications Inc

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At a Glance

Name

Videoterm

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple II Plus

Manufacturer

Videx

897 Grant Ave. Corvallis, OR 97330 |503) 758-0521

Price

S345

Features

Character appearance: 7 by 9 dot matrix, lowercase descenders; inverse video (hardwired); character generator in EPROM; supports alternate character set in EPROM (option: S39); graphics

Software

Software in ROM compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC, Apple Pascal, and the Microsoft Softcard; Apple cursor editing; supports Pascal type-ahead buffer

Hardware

Motorola 6845 LSI circuit; light-pen input port; consumes 2.75 watts

changed easily under program control. Up to ten alternate character fonts for languages and graphics are supported.

Sup'RTerminal does not support software switching of the video display between the Apple II and its video sources. A manual video switch is not included. Sup'RTerminal has a special video-balance circuit adjustment that improves the appearance of characters on lowresolution monitors. This circuit tends to correct the difference in intensity between vertical and horizontal lines in a character.

When used in slot 3, Sup'RTerminal supports the Pascal system and the Microsoft Softcard. M & R Enterprises supplies the source code to provide keypress and type-ahead support for the Pascal system.

Sup'RTerminal supports the hardware shift-key modification. Without the shift-key modification, CTRL-A capitalizes the next character when the keyboard is in lowercase mode. CTRL-A CTRL-A causes the keyboard to enter a shift-lock mode.

Sup'RTerminal attaches to the Apple II computer in two places. The main board is inserted into a peripheral slot, while a second, smaller board, which is connected to Sup'RTerminal by a four-wire cable, is inserted in integrated-circuit location C2. (The C2 integrated circuit must be removed from the Apple motherboard and plugged into the small board.) The documentation con

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PRQ851

♦8-BIT PROCESSOR

*REMOTE RF DATA LINK

*BASIC COMPILER

*8K ROM

*16K RAM AREA

*REMOTE PERIPHERAL CONTROL

*BUILT-IN MODEM 1200 BAUD

♦SOFTWARE MODULES

*ONE USER CAPACITY

*UP TO 64K ROM AREA

*HUMAN INTERFACE TERMINAL

POCKET SIZED

RETAIL $934.95

RMMS 1686

* 16-BIT PROCESSOR

*REMOTE RF DATA LINK &. BUS

*EDDIE-86 OPERATING SYS.

*32K ROM

*128K RAM AREA

*DISK DRIVE &. VIDEO INTERFACE

*BUILT-IN MODEM 1200 BAUD

*FOUR LANGUAGE LINKING

*THIRTY USER CAPACITY

♦1MB RAM OPERATING AREA

♦COMPUTING LINK FOR POCKET

UNITS AND MAINFRAME

RETAIL $3,795.00

/^M 32/272

*32-BIT GDP

♦INTERFACE PROCESSOR

♦ADA™ PROGRAMMING

♦32K ROM

♦256K RAM OBJECTS

♦10MB HARD DISK 1.2MB FLOPPY

♦VIDEO COLOR DOT BY DOT

♦OBJECT ORIENTED

♦250 USER CAPACITY

♦16MB RAM AREA

RETAIL $24,145.00

DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INVITED!!! CONTACT:

Remote Evolutionary Computers, Inc.

Route #6; P.O. Box 105, Lebanon, Tennessee 37087

ADA is a trademark of

U.S. Dept. of Defense

(ADA Joint Program Office)

264 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 363 on inquiry card.

MORE COMPUTER POWER MINIMUM REAL ESTATE

NOW! All ALSPA computers come standard with a CORVUS** hard disk interface. In less than 5 minutes you'll be up and running. In the space of a standard 8 inch drive, ALSPA computers have three RS-232, one parallel, and one hard disk port; 8 inch drives; and run CP/M software. Optional clock/calendar. ALSPA performance starts at $1995, list. DEALER/DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES

INVITED

Circle 16 on inquiry card.

ANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 • (408) 429-6000

At a Glance

Name

Smarterm

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple II Plus

Manufacturer

Advanced Logic Systems Inc. Suite 1009, 491 Macara Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 730-0306

Price

S360

Features

Character appearance: 5 by 7 dot matrix; generator in EPROM; graphics

inverse video; character

Software

Software in ROM, compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC, Apple Pascal, and the Microsoft Softcard; Apple cursor editing; supports Pascal type-ahead buffer

Hardware

Synertek 6545 LSI circuit; consumes 2.75 watts

00000000000000000000000000000

ADALAB is a small lab computer system with LARGE capabilities from Interactive Microware, Inc.

ADALAB HARDWARE PACKS MORE POWER.. .for collecting data and controlling your laboratory instruments. It includes a 12-bit analog voltage Input, a 12-bit analog voltage output, 8 digital sense Inputs, 8 digital control outputs, a 32-bit real-time clock and two 16-bit timers/counters. . .ALL ON A SINGLE APPLE INTERFACE CARD!

QUICKI/O SOFTWARE MAKES IT EASY.. Simple commands in BASIC give you control of all hardware features of ADALAB. Sample programs and easy-touse manuals will enable you to start using your ADALAB system right away. Additional software tor laboratory applications is available at extra cost. A complete self-test diagnostic program Is Included to assure you that all of the hardware is working properly and accurately.

A • Saves time by eliminating manual calculations.

n • Is easy to use because the manuals and software are complete and well

Jj written.

A • Saves money by adding convenience and utility to older instruments.

(_ • Mas a great memory to store and organize experimental data.

A • is versatile; it works with many different Instruments.

B* Is more accurate than a meter or chart recording. • Is fully supported by a dedicted team of scientists.

GREAT PRICE/PERFORMANCE. . .the ADALAB Add-on Package with Interface card, cables, self-test module, QUICKi/O™ software and manuals is available today for ONLY $495.

Put a complete, reliable computer system In your laboratory FOR ONLY $3295, including a 48K APPLE II + * computer, disk drive, graphics/text printer, video monitor and ADALAB Add-on Package.

Send for FREE hardware and software brochures or enclose $10 for complete manuals. For fastest service, call in your VISA/Master Card order NOW. Dealer inquiries Invited! -Trademarks of Apple Computer, ino.

■ffl" INTERACTIVE MICROWARE, INC.

|H|| P.O. Box 771, Dept. B State College, PA 16801 **■ CALL (814) 238-8294 (or IMMEDIATE ACTION

Smarterm

Advanced Logic Systems' Smarterm board has EPROM-based control software and supports software switching of the screen between video sources. Smarterm generates characters formed from 5 by 7 dot matrices with no lowercase descenders. When used in slot 3, Smarterm supports the Pascal system and the Microsoft Softcard. Keypress and type-ahead are also maintained under Pascal.

Smarterm supports the hardware shift-key modification. Without the shift-key modification, CTRL-A capitalizes the next character when the keyboard is in the lowercase mode. CTRL-Z engages the shift-lock mode, where the keyboard will remain until CTRL-A is entered.

Smarterm has a medium-resolution graphics mode (160 elements horizontal by 72 elements vertical). (Basically, each normal character field is divided into three rows and two columns.) Smarterm can clear the screen, set the screen to black or white, plot points, draw lines, or draw a graphics character at the current cursor position. The documentation consists of a 47-page manual; no source code is given. Smarterm is now distributed by Apple Computer Inc.

Sup'R'Terminal

The Sup'R'Terminal board from M & R Enterprises has EPROM-based control software and generates characters formed from 5 by 8 dot matrices with true lowercase descenders. Sup'R'Terminal's font tables are stored in programmable memory, rather than ROM, so they can be

At a Glance

Name

Sup'R'Terminal

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple II Plus

Manufacturer

M & R Enterprises Suite E, 285 Sobrante Sunnyvale, CA 94086 (408) 738-3772

Price

S375

Features

Character appearance: 5 by 8 dot matrix, lowercase descenders; inverse video; character generator in programmable memory; supports up to ten alternate character sets; graphics

Software

Software in ROM, compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC, Apple Pascal, and the Microsoft Softcard; Apple cursor editing; supports Pascal type-ahead buffer

Hardware

Motorola 6845 LSI circuit; consumes 4.5 watts

262 May 1982 IS) BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 209 on inquiry card.

The Grappler is Ihe intelligent Apple interface available. Simple commands from the keyboard or user program, are all you need to dump screen graphics to your printer. The Grappler s exclusive EPROM chip makes

easy. There are Grappler v sions to accommodate the Anadex, Epson Series * IDS Paper Tigers, Centronics 739, NEC 8023, C. Itoh Pro-writer, Okidata 82A,* Malibu 200, and future graphic printers.

'Requires Graphics Upgrade.

with

nJla"wi' ■■■■■■■ ■

^| j Wm "

■■■ ■■ ■

i

E *

•j #j r*>

'■;.* '!

■

■Interface

.Jf6&™"""' J^

1 -" ;.

: 1

. '■"; ■■■■. --.■■■

Mm 4

:.

ppler's features

include:

• Graphics Screen Dump «Inverse Graphics

• Emphasized Graphics

• Double Size Picture

• 90° Rotation

• Center Graphics

• Chart Recorder Mode

• Block Graphics

• Bell Control

• Skip-over-Perf

• Left and Right Margins

• Variable Line Length

• Text Screen Dump.

The Grappler™ works with Pascal and CPM.

^Orange micro

inc.

3150 E. La Palma, Suite G, Anaheim, CA 92806 (800) 854 8275 TOLL FREE (714) 630 3322 CA; AK; HI.

TEK

MICROPROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

LEARN

SOFTWARE

DESIGN

If you're just getting into microprocessor software design and debugging, this 5-day workshop is just your program

You'll cover the development system's role in code design, assembling, debugging, software execution on hardware, and PROM programming

If all this sounds new to you, it won't after you get a week of hands-on experience in the basics of software design and debugging.

For schedules and class registration for the Software Design and Debugging Workshop in your area, call Customer Training collect at (503)642-8951

Tektronix

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

At a Glance

Name

Full-View 80

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple II Plus

Manufacturer

Bit 3 Computer Corporation 8120 Penn Ave. S. Minneapolis, MN 55431 (612) 881-6955

Price

S379

Features

Character appearance: 5 by 7, 7 by 9, or 8 by 10 dot matrix, lowercase descenders; inverse video; character generator in EPROM; supports alternate character set in EPROM (option: $47); graphics

Software

Software in ROM, compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC, Apple Pascal, and the Microsoft Softcard; Apple cursor editing; supports Pascal type-ahead buffer

Hardware

Synertek 6545 LSI circuit; light-pen input port; consumes 2.5 watts

[£ 1981 Teklronix Iric All rights reserved 106

260 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Full-View 80

Full-View 80 from Bit 3 Computer Corp. has onboard control software, the latest version being revision 1.2. Software switching of the video signal is supported.

Characters can be formed from 5 by 7, 7 by 9, or 5 by 9 dot matrices (within an 8 by 10 dot framework); however, the 7 by 9 format requires a higher-quality monitor. An optional erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) adapter that allows the user to define customcharacter fonts is available for $47. Full-View 80's display fully supports the Pascal-language system and the Microsoft Softcard when used in slot 3. Pascal keypress and type-ahead functions also are supported.

Full-View 80 supports the hardware shift-key modification. Without the keyboard modification, in the lowercase mode a CTRL-A is used to indicate that the next character is uppercase, while the sequence CTRL-A CTRL-A locks the keyboard in uppercase.

Full-View 80 has escape codes for entering certain frequently used commands such as HOME, CATALOG, LOAD, and RUN with two keystrokes. A stick-on legend for these codes is provided for the keyboard. Full-View 80 has a light-pen input, but a light-pen option is not offered at this time. Also, a 60-Hz nonmaskable-interrupt source is available. This can be used to provide a clock in software. Full-View 80s screen memory can be read by programs. The documentation consists of a 37-page manual; no source code is given.

Circle 313 on inquiry card. >

COMPUTERS

1

NORTHSTAR 1

New low price on the incredible Advantage TM. Your choice GDOS and Basic, or GCP/M $229. Let us burn ond test your Horizon or Advantage ond we'll back It with our own fast warranty service.

Advantage Call

Horizon N64K Quod $2895

TSS 18/4 $8295

ALTOS

Our tech's favorite systems - 8" floppys. hard disks, and multi-user under MP/M or Oasis. Coll for prices on Afros' new 16-bur sysrems and 5Vi" floppy sysrems.

8000-2 $2689

8000-10 $6375

8000-15.12.40 ... call

■ IMPORTS

XEROX

The under $0000 system with the billion dollar name. Systems include CPU, duol drives, keyboard, monitor, and two serial ports for a printer and modem, CP/M® compatible.

820 w/5" drives $2875

820 w/6" drives $2949

NEC v^

The low priced sysrem fhar's big on features. 4 Mhz Z-60A. reol rime clock, color ourput, CP/M® compatible, 5 function keys and more.

PC8001A Computer $739

PC8012AI/Ow/32K $479

PC6013A Duol 5«" drives $739

SOFTWARE

TELEVIOEO

The new all-in-one that's backed by G.E. Duilf in CRT. detachable keyboard. 750K formatted, dual floppys. 64K. CP/M® and more. Five software business modules (695.

Televideo 802 $2795

Tele 806, w/10 Meg., Most $5395

Televideo 802H (10 Meg.) $5095

ZENITH

The all-in-one that's backed by your local Zenith-Heath Service center. Green Screen, CP/M®. Supercalc. and Doslc incl.

Z-89w/48K $2135

Z-90-82 w/64K $2395

LOW COST

NECPC8023A $489

Epson MX-80 $444

Okldoto 82A $469

Epson MX-100 $719

Okldoto 83A w/troc $749

Okidoto 84

(200 cp-s.) $1059

■ HIGH SPEED

Wordstar - Easy and powerful - the most popular word processing system for micros.

MailMerge - Works with or without Wordstar to keep up-to-date mailing lists ond create individually producted letters.

CalcStar - Spread sheet analysis which is interactive with rhe other Micropro packages.

DafaSfar - Micropro's database sysrem works with Wordstar to combine text and numbers.

dDASE II ■ The most popular CP/M based relational database.

Accounting Plus- General ledger, Accounts payable, accounts receivable, etc., plus Condor data bose monagement.

Crosstalk - Plug into rhe personal computet networks and link-up with other systems via modem communications.

S.A.11. CP/M- For use with Northstor Horizonsincreases drive capacity 25K on doubles, 50K on Quads.

DotaSouthDS-180 $1269

Anadex950l $1244

T18lODosic $1359

Mollbu 200 call

IDS560G $1129

IDS Prism 80 $889

1 LETTER QUALITY"

Software sold only with systems and not warrantled for suitability to particular applications. All require CP/M® - All software sales final.

service/ordering""

INTEGRATION: Prices listed are for new equipment in factory sealed boxes with manufacturer's warranty. We will pretest your equipment. Integrate your system, configure your software, provide special cables, etc., for on additional charge. Coll for prices.

ORDERING: MAIL ORDER ONLY. Prices listed ore for cash. No C.O.D.'s. We sell on a net 20 basis to Fortune 500 companies and Universities (at cosh prices). Charge cords add 2%. Prices subject to change, product subject to availability. AZ. residents add 5%. Personal checks take 3 weeks to dear. 0-20% restocking fee for returned merchandise. Shipping extra - products are F.O.O. point of shipment. CP/M and MP/M are registered trademarks of Digital Research.

Viewpoint w/green $544

Televideo 910 $579

ADM3A $569

SorocIQ 130 $589

TELEVIDEO

"%!*&■

vJy

/ \

Televideo 912 $699

Televideo 920 $728

Televideo 925 $735

. Televideo 950 $927

TERMINALS ■

F10 Stotwriter

40c.p.s $1449

F10 Storwriter

55c.p.s $1649

NEC 3510 $1895

NEC 7710/7730 $2340

NEC 7720 $2695

Scottsdale Systems

6730 E. McDowell Rood, Suite 110, Scottsdale, Arizona 65257

3C (602)941-5856

Coll 6-5 Mon.-Fri. (We Export) TWX 910-950-0082 (IMEC SCOT)

FolcoTS-1 (VT52) $1069

Falco(VMOO) $1199

Zenith Z-19 (VT52) $689

Dialogue 80 Ambet $895

Volket Ctolg 404 $599

MORE PRINTERS

Zenith Z-25 $1225

Ptowrifet ACD $639

MPI 99G $719

DECLA34AA $1049

Tolly MT 1805 $1645

Xerox D80 $2149

I/O DEVICES

Houston Insttument:

Hi-Plot DMP-2 $849

Hi-Plot DMP-7/8 $2057

Hi Pod DM 1 $669

Hayes Smartrmodem $219

NEC 12"-G Monitot $169

TEK

MICROPROCESSOR DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

LEARN THE

ABC's

OF MDLs

In a 5-day workshop you'll follow a microprocessor application from software development through PROM programming on the Tektronix 8550 Microcomputer Development Lab.

If you work with editors and assemblers or compilers on a minicomputer or mainframe computer, or you've used a development system for microcomputers, you're already qualified to learn how the 8550 MDL supports the design process

For schedules and class registration for the Development System in the Design Process Workshop in your area, call Customer Training collect at (503) 642-8951

Tfektronix

At a Glance

Name

Omnivision

Use

80-column video-display interface for the Apple II or Apple II Plus

Manufacturer

The Computer Stop 16919 Hawthorne Blvd. Lawndale, CA 90260

(213) 371-4010

Price

S295

Features

Character appearance. 5 by 7 dot matrix; inverse video; character generator in programmable memory

Software

Software on disk, compatible with Integer and Applesoft BASIC. Apple Pascal, and the Microsoft Softcard; Apple cursor editing; supports Pascal type-ahead buffer

Hardware

Motorola 6845 LSI circuit; light-pen input port; consumes 3 watts

COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE

Omnivision

Computer Stop's Omnivision supersedes an earlier board known as Doublevision. The Omnivision board is, however, completely software compatible with the Doublevision. Omnivision is an 80-character video-display board and the only board reviewed here that does not have its software in ROM. The software drivers are supplied on 5V4-inch floppy disks, one for the standard Apple disk operating system (DOS) and the other for the Pascal-language system. (The Pascal language driver is provided for an additional $25.) This means that a diskbased computer is required for use of Omnivision. Because the software is loaded into user-programmable memory, rather than ROM, it can be changed easily.

Omnivision supports a lowercase mode in which the ESC key is used to indicate that the next character is capitalized. The sequence ESC ESC enters the shift-lock mode. A hardware shift-key modification, where a wire is soldered to the Apple IPs shift key at one end and attached to the Omnivision card at the other, is supported. In addition, Omnivision supports the Microsoft Softcard.

Characters are formed from 5 by 7 dot matrices without lowercase descenders. Neither a software-controlled video-signal switch nor a manual switch is provided. Complete program listings are provided in the documentation, which consists of a 60-page manual.

258 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Photo 2: Sample video displays of the five 80-column video-interface boards. Photos 2a through 2e correspond to the 80-column boards in photo 1.

2a

FULL-VIEU 88

!"«**'<>*♦,-./0123456789s,•<*>? 8ABC!EF6HIJKLHN0PQRSWUXYZ[\3A_

'ibcdefghijk 1 rflnopqrstuvyxyz(!)"%

2b

2d

QHHIVISIOH

!"«**'<>*♦,-./0123456789u<*>? «»CDEFGHIJKLHNOPQRSTUUyXVZC\]A. xabcdef9hiiUnnopqrstuvwxyz<i>^I

srriaML

aUdef 9hi j kl inopqrs t l*vwx\ez {! h'

2e

When you shop for a video board, you must consider two areas of hardware compatiblity. The first is how the video signal fed to the monitor is switched between the video board and the Apple II's normal display output. The second is how uppercase and lowercase characters are entered from the keyboard.

Full-View 80, Smarterm, and Videoterm support either a manual video-signal switch or a software video-signal switch. The software switch, however, requires modification of the existing software because the BASIC commands TEXT, GR, and HGR are not compatible with it. A similar problem is encountered with the Pascal Turtlegraphics unit. The boards can, of course, be used with two video displays. If this is done, both monitors can display information at the same time. If color graphics or simultaneous high-resolution graphics and 24 by 80 text displays are desired, then two monitors must be used, and video switching is not a problem.

The Apple II keyboard is a teletypewriter-compatible keyboard, but it does not generate all of the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) character codes. In particular, the lowercase alphabetic characters and certain special characters, such as {, }, and [, cannot be generated. The video boards use a control character, such as ESC A (two keystrokes, the

VIDEOTEX

f ibcdef §h i j k lifiopqrstiiVHxyzC 11*1

ESCAPE key followed by an A key) or CTRL-A (one keystroke, CONTROL-A), to indicate that the subsequent character is uppercase. Two consecutive control characters toggle the keyboard into a shift-lock mode.

Such conventions for shifting usually make those control characters unavailable for use by a program. All five boards support a hardware modification to the Apple II computer (which invalidates the warranty) that involves connecting the shift-key switch and the game-paddle connector, pin 4. When this modification is performed, the shift key can be used as with a standard typewriter.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 257

NO RISK MAIL ORDER DISCOUNTS

o

V

5*

W

#«

•*• „.i

9* i

\o<

r^

ft

At Consumer Computers we're experts in the business of selling computer products by mail. We have become one of the leaders not only because our prices are better, but because of the reputation we've worked hard to earn. Over the years we have learned what you, the customer, want and need from a mall order company. If we offer any merchandise that you're In the market for, you should seriously compare what we have to offer over the others. Here are just a few of the reasons.

Our helpful salespeople are prepared to meet any currently advertised price on anything we sell (call for details...it's Toll Free!). We pay shipping and insurance

NEC

Microcomputer

6001A Microcomputer (32K)

Dual Dish Drives CALL FOR

I/O unit with 32K ram

Tha Wedge 32K Expansion mod BEST

NEC 8023A Printer PRICE

H commodore

PET CBM

APPLE II ACCESSORIES

ICipPkZ COmpUtGf jj Mountain Computet Inc

fj-sa

Novation

3 /HrCApSOfT

idex

mkfoPfo (T) Hayes

♦ Call for details

charges on prepaid cash orders (with destinations in the continental US). We accept major credit cards for your convenience. If the product you receive Is defective, even up to 30 days after you purchase It, we'll repair or replace It and pay tor shipping back to you.

Consumer Computers carefully selects the hardware and software It offers to Insure that quality Is maintained in everything we sell. Our attention to quality is why we can stand behind our policy, because we stand behind our products.

You'll never regret becoming a member of our growing customer family. You have our word.

VIDEO MONITORS

>^uVIDEIC WEC

#) SANYO

8032 Computer with 32K

4022 Dot Matrix Printer

4040 Dual Disk Drive (5")

6050 (5") Dual Drive System .

IBKPet

32K Pet

SuperPet

BEST

PRICE

A

ATARI

Atari 800I18K) 809

Atari 400 W/16K 340

410 Program Recorder 70

810 Disk Drive 449

825 80 col, 7x8 Dot matrix Impact printer 699

822 40 col. Quiet Thermal Printer 349

850 Interface Module 159

Atari 16K Ram Module 60

Axlon Ramcram 32K Module 189

Asteroids. Missile Comand and Star Raiders 35 ea

16KflamBoard by ConComp Industries 99

Hayes Mlcromodem II 299

Hayes Smsrtmodem 369

Hayes Chronograph 198

Novation Apple-Cat 339

Novation Cat Modem 169

Novation Expansion Mod 39

Novation Handset 29

Novation BSR 19

Vldex Vldeoterm 60 column card ... 249

Vldex Keyboard Enhancer (Rev. 6) 115

Vldex Keyboard Enhancer (Rev. 7) 99

Vldex Keyboard Enhancer II (Rev. 7 ft up) 129

Vldex Swltchplate 1S

Vldex Soft Video Switch 28

Z-80 Softcard by Microsoft 299

Applesoft Compiler 149

Typing Tutor II 20

Microsoft Adventure 25

Olympic Decathalon 24

IBKRamCard by Microsoft 159

Thunderclock clock/calender card 128

Thunderclock X 10 inter/Scheduler 48

Smarterm 60 col card 289

Corvus Winchester Disk Drives CALL

ALF 3 Voice Music Card 199

ALF 9 Voice Music Card 149

Alpha syntauri keyboard system CALL

Lazer Lower Case + 55

Lazer Keyboerd Plus + 99

23 Key Numeric Keypad by Keyboard Co 180

Joystick by Keyboard Co. 46

6809 CPU Card (The Milt) by Stellatlon 319

AIO Serlel ft Parallel Interface by SSM AftT 189

DB Master by Stoneware 188

Music System (16 voices) 288

A/D + D/A Interface 278

Expansion Chassis (8 slots) 568

lntrol/X-10 Controller card 168

Clock/Calendar Card 225

CPS Multi-function Card 175

Supartalker SD-200 159

Romplus + card 135

Romwrlter card 148

Symlec HI Res Light Pen 210

Sup R Fan , 46

SupR-Termlnal 329

SVA ZVX4 Megabyter 8" Disk Controller 649

SVA 2 + 2 Single Den. 6" Disk Controller 345

Speechllnk 2000 by Heuristics 248

Versawriter Digitizer Teblet 228

Asynchronous Serlel Interface card by CCS 139

Centronics Parallel Interface card bv CCS 119

VlelCale version 3.3 148

VisiFlle (NEW data base menager) 178

VlelTrend/VlslPlot 218

VlalDex 168

VIslTerm 88

Desktoo Plan II 168

VlslPsk (Celc, Trend, Plot, File) 550

Essywriter Word Processor 188

Tax Preparer '81 version 88

Real Estate Analyzer 128

Creative Financing 139

Personal Filing System (PFS) 78

PFS...Report 78

Peachtree Accounting Software CALL

BPt Accounting Software CALL

Systems Plus Accounting Softwere CALL

Wordstar by Micro Pro 289

DataStar by Micro Pro 248

Micro-Sci Disk Drives

A2 (Compatible with Apple) with cont 488

A2 (Compatible with Apple) w/oeont 399

A40 with cont 479

A40 without cont 388

A70 with cont 588

A70 without cont 489

Mlcro-Sel Controller card 95

AmdekJLeedex Video 100 12" B«W 128

Amdek/Leedex Video 100G 12" Green Phospher . .. .148

Amdek (Hitachi) 13" Color w/audlo output 388

NEC 12" Green Phospher Display JB-1201M CALL

NEC 12" Lo-Res Color Display CALL

NEC 12" Hi-Res RGB Color Display CALL

Ssnyo 9" BftW Display 178

Sanyo 9" Green Display CALL

Sanyo 12" BftW Display 228

Sanyo 12" Green Phospher display 285

Sanyo 13" Color Display 419

Zenith 12" Green Phospher Display 139

ACCESSORIES

256 Dynamic Rem Card Hl-Speed Parallel IK) Card HI Speed Serial I/O Card Reel-Time System Clock Cerd Expansion Chassis.

CALL

FOR BEST PRICES

PRINTERS

<32 C. Itoh Pnadex

XEROX.

Personal Computers

820 System with 5-Vt" drives

820 System with 8" drives CALL FOR

Xerox 630(RS-232) Printer

Forms tractor for printer BEST

Xerox 820 5-V." CP/M 2.2 PRICE

Xerox 820 8" CPfM 2.2

Systems Plus software for Xerox

UIO20 $249

VIC ACCESSORIES

CALL OR

WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG

8K Ram Cartridge lor VIC 20 $50

3K Ram Cartridge for VIC 20 834

Superalot 824

Super Alien 524

Jupiter Lander $24

Draw Poker 824

VIC Software 6 pack 'A' 849

VIC Software 6 pack B 849

Datasette Cassette I/O Unit $69

VIC IEEE-468 Interlace $78

Vlcmon Machine Lang Monitor $47

VIC Super Expander $54

VIC RS232C Terminal Interface $38

Voice Synthesizer CBM/PET $319

Pgrm Char Set/Game Graphics ED $13

30 Invaders 931

Spiders of Mars $39

Outworld $32

Satellites and Meteorites $39

Alien Blitz 832

RS-232 Communicator Interface ., $40

18 In. Communicator Cable M'M . $13

36 In. Communicator Cable M/M $15

3K RAM Expander for VIC-20 $65

8K RAM Expansion lor VIC 20

OKJDATA

Diablo & Qume Eps0N

^Z> Uvkt" 1 >.n.< *» **«m, lm epson ancrca. nc

Grappler by Orange Micro 145

Anadex 9501 W/2K Buffer 1289

C. Itoh StarwrIter F-10 CALL

Epaon MX-70 CALL

Epson MX 80 ft MX-80 FT CALL

Epson MX-100 CALL

NEC 8023 Impact Dot Matrix 028

N EC Splnwriters (Latest models) CALL

Paper Tiger I0S-460G w/graphlcs 889

Paper Tiger IDS-560G w/graohice 1088

Qume Sprint Daieywheels (Latest Models) CALL

Diablo 630 Dalaywheel 40 CPS 1785

NEW FOR EPSON

NEC PRINTER

HI-RES GRAPHICS

INTERFACE

Ordering Information: Phone ordera using VISA. MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINER'S CLUB, CARTE BLANCHE, bank wire tranafer, cashier's or certified check, money order, or personal check (allow ten days to clear). Unleas prepeld with cash, please sdd 5% for shipping, handling and Insurance (minimum $5.00). California residents sdd 6% salea tax. Foreign customers please cell or write (or shipping Information and charges OEM's, Institutions snd corporations please send tor e written quotation. All equipment la subject to price change end availability without notice. All equipment is new and complete with manufacturer's warranty (usually 60 daya). Showroom prices may differ from mall order prices.

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G©fflgQD0O0®[J'

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la California and outside continental U.S.

COMING SOON!

(714) 698-8088

Telex 695-000 Beta CCMO

Circle 116 on inquiry card.

Listing 1: The maze-builder program, written in L1CSD Pascal.

{$G+}

{2/28/80}

PROGRAM MAZE;

LABEL 190,210,500;

CONST H = 10;W = 23;

VAR Q,Z,A,B,I,J,X:INTEGER;

M:ARRAY [ 0 . .11,0..24] OF INTEGER; SEED:REAL;

PROCEDURE L15 0;BEGIN

M[I,J]:=M[I,J]-1; J:=J+1; M[I,J]:=4; Q:=0; END; PROCEDURE L380;BEGIN

J:=J-1; M[I,J]:=3; Q:=0; END; PROCEDURE L42 0;BEGIN

M[I,J]:=M[I,J]-2; I:=I+1; M[I,J]:=4; Q:=0; END; PROCEDURE L470;BEGIN

I:=I-1; M[I,J]:=2; Q:=0; END;

PROCEDURE ONCEWITHSTYLE;BEGIN WRITE ('+'); FOR J:=l TO W DO

IF J=X THEN WRITE (■ +') ELSE WRITE ( '—+1) ; WRITELN; END;

FUNCTION FNA(X:INTEGER):INTEGER; BEGIN

SEED:=SEED*27.36947+31.8723423;

SEED:=SEED-TRUNC(SEED);

FNA:=TRUNC(SEED*X)+1;END;

PROCEDURE GETRAND; BEGIN;

WRITE ('Please input a number — any number:1); READ(SEED); SEED:=ABS(SEED);

REPEAT SEED:=SEED*13 UNTIL SEED>1; REPEAT SEED:=SEED/17 UNTIL SEED<1; END;

{INITIALIZATION}

BEGIN; GETRAND;

FOR I:=l TO H DO FOR J:=l TO W DO M[I,J]:=0;

FOR I:=0 TO W+l DO BEGIN

M[0,I]:=1; M[H+1,I]:=1; END; FOR I:=0 TO H+l DO BEG >J

M[I,0]:=1; M[I,W+1] '1} END;

X:=FNA(W-2)+l;

FOR I:=X-1 DOWNTO 1 DO WRITE (' ');

WRITELN ('START'); ONCEWITHSTYLE;

Is*l| J:=l; A:=l; B:=l; Q:=0; M[I,J]:=4;

{MAIN LOOP}

276 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 1 continued on page 278

SEC

PC-8000 SYSTEM

"The end of the compromise."

PC-8001A CPU/32K $745

PC-8012A I/O - 32K $490

PC-8023A 100 CPS Printer:

Friction, Tractor, Graphics $485

PC-8031A Dual Disk $745

JB-1201M(A) 12" Green $159

JC-1202DH(A) 13" RGB Color $830

PC-8091A RGB Cable $19

PC-CPM CP/M DOS FOR NEC $119

PC-GA Gen. Accounting $245

PC-AR Acct. Receivable $245

PC-INV Inventory Control $245

PC-JC Job Cost $245

PC-WP Word Processor $350

PC-RM 3-D Report Mgr $139

PC-32K 32K Card $155

PC-SER RS-232 Card $199

PRODUCTS FOR APPLE

AP-16 16K Ram Card $95

AP-128 128K Ram Floppy $700

AP-B1 Bison Drive W/3.3 $475

AP-B2 Bison Drive Add-On $365

AP-K6 Konan 6MB Hard Disk $2265

AP-111 Konan 11 MB Hard Disk $2750

AP-K11 Konan 16MB HardDisk $2970

AP-PAR Parallel Printer Card $72

PRODUCTS FOR IBM

IB-B2 Bison Drive-1 Side $275

IB-B3 Bison Drive-2 Side $465

IB-A64 AST64KCard $375

IB-A128 AST 128K Card $530

IB-A192 AST 192KCard $710

IB-A256 AST 256K Card $815

IB-A2S AST Dual Serial $235

20% Discount! - Entire Line.

(altoS)

ACS8000-14S/MTU

• 208K, 4 USER, Z80A

• .5M Floppy

• 40MB Winchester

• 17MB Tape Cartridge Backup

• Nationwide Service

AL-40M List .$15,500 BISON $12,400

SINGLE

BOARD

COMPUTER

• 64K • Z-80A (4MHZ)

• 2 Serial • Hard Disk Expansion

• 2 Parallel • CP/M DOS

• 578" Floppy Controller (Double Density)

Just add drives, power supply, cables, and CRT terminal $900

VIDEO MONITORS

V-ACl AmdekColorl $310

V-ACII Amdek Color II -Apple $Call

V-A300G Amdek 300 Green $150

V-Z12G Zenith 12" Green $115

V-J13 JCS 13" RGB $625

V-J12G JCS 12" Green $166

Circle 45 on inquiry card.

PRODUCTS

MAILORDERS:

P.O. Box 9078-184 Van Nuys.CA 91409

WILL CALLS:

16709 Roscoe Boulevard

Sepulveda, CA 91343

(213)891-5702

Please confirm price and availability by phone prior to ordering.

W^l j We accept VISA and Mastercard.

Shipping additional ■ $3 minimum. Calif, residents add 6^ sales tax.

Overseas orders and dealer inquiries accepted.

A11 merchandise is new and

comes with factory guarantee.

SIERRA DATA SCIENCES

S-100 BOARDS Z-80 Master/Slave

Single Board Computers

Master:

• 4MHZ

• 64K

• Serial

• 4 Parallel

• 16K EPROM

• 8" Floppy Disk Controller (Double Density)

• Winchester Interface

S-S4M $690

Slave: Without Disk Controllers

S-S4S $625

Winchester Adapter: Uses Micropolis Drives S-SW $145

DISKETTES

fcfl*

F-D8SD Dysan 8" SSDD, 10 PCS $45.00

F-W5SS Wabash 5'/4"SSSD, HUB ....$23.50

F-W8SD Wabash 8" SSDD $33.00

F-W8DD Wabash 8" DSDD $40.00

PRINTERS

P-MX80 Epson MX100 $405

P-MX80F/T Epson MX-80 F/T $515

P-MX100 Epson MX-100 $685

P-OK82 Okidata82A $468

P-OK83 Okidata 84, Serial $1125

P-PC8023A NEC PC-8023A $485

P-PRO C. ITOH Prowriter, 120 CPS ... $485

P-PRO O C. ITOH Prowriter II $Call

P-F10 C. ITOH 40 CPS Daisywheel .. $1395

AP-PAR Parallel Int/Cable/Apple $72

kroPro software

MP-WS8 Word Star, 8" $250

MP-WSA Word Star, Apple $192

MP-MM8 Mail Merge, 8" $ 77

MP-MMA Mail Merge, Apple $ 63

MP-SS8 Spell Star, 8" $127

MP-SSA Spell Star, Apple $ 53

MP-DS8 Data Star, 8" $175

MP-SR8 Super Sort, 8" $127

MP-SRA Super Sort, Apple $100

MP-SII8 SuperSort II, 8" $105

MP-CS8 Calc Star, 8" $149

Many additional software packages are available at similar discounts.

DISKDRD7ES

D-S801R Shugart 801R $390

D-QDT8 Qume DT-8 $495

D-T81 Tandon Thinline 8", SS $390

D-T82 Tandon Thinline 8", DS $485

SIGNALMAN MKI300BPS MODEM

• RS-232 to Telephone Link, Full Duplex

• Direct Connect, FCC Approved

• 1 Year Warranty

• Low Power Design

M-S300 List $115 BISON $89

AB DIGITAL DESIGN LABS

256KBYTE-128K

WORD DYNAMIC MEMORY

• 4MHZ with Extended DMA

• IEEE696, Multi-Layer

• 1 Year Warranty

S-B810A List $1245 BISON .. .$975

STATIC MEMORY SYSTEMS 64K

• 24 Line Addressing

• 200NS, Lower Power CMOS

• Intermix RAM and EPROM

• New Super Low Price

S-ST64 List $594

SEE

BISON $440

» 8 MHZ 8086 S-100 SET • 128K70NS Static RAM • DD Disk Controller • 22 Slot Mainframe • Cable for 2 8" Drives • MS-DOS (86-DOS) • Add Drives and Terminal! SC-SYS2 System 2 List..$4185 BISON ...$3450 SC-2/3 8086 2 BRD Set w/DOS

List $795 BISON $595

8086

SUPER

MICRO

s

QT S-100 & 8"

Floppy Drive Mainframe

• +8V(« 25A/ - 16V(« 5A S-100 Power

• +5V(«2.5A/-5V(a.5A/ +24V(« 3ADriv<

• Keyed Power Switch

• Shielded Motherboard

• Rugged Card Cage

• 9%" x 17" x 21" (HxWxD)

• Strappagle 110V or 220V AC

QT-MF6 6 Slot, 2-8" Drive $525

QT-MF8 8 Slot, 2-8" Drive $550

QT-MF12 12 Slot, 2-8" Drive $575

fl

QT S-100 &5V4" Floppy Mainframe

• Similar to 8" Mainframe

• Power for 5W Drives

• 7" x 17" x 20" (HxWxD)

• 7"xl7"x20"(HxWxD)

QT-5MF6 6 Slot, 2-5V4" Drive $350

QT-5MF8 8 Slot, 2-5%" Drive $375

QT-5MF12 12 Slot, 24SK" Drive $400

DRIVE CABINETS

H-BT8 BISON 2 Dr, Vert, 8", Thinline $245

H-QT8 QT 1 Drive, 8" Vertical $215

H-QT8-2 QT 2 Dr, Horizontal, 8" $305

Circle 417 on inquiry card.

L€TUS INTRODUCE VOU TO TH€ COMPUSTAR N6TUJORK.

AGAIN

«

nn

t5f»£S»p£^

*3

AND AGAIN

OR

AND AGAIN

Each CompuStar unit offers the CP/M operating system, 64K of RAM and the ability to start as a floppy-based system and grow to 400 megabytes of hard disk storage. Up to 255 units can be linked together in one shared-disk system.

Just the system for the dealer or OEM who wants to make it big in the business market. The versatility and expandability of the CompuStar network lets you answer your clients' needs today and tomorrow. And our low price lets you offer a package they can afford to buy and you can afford to sell.

If networking is new to you, TriStar will give you a proper introduction. We've got software for CompuStar, including accounts payable, payroll, accounts receivable, word processing and database management. Plus we'll help you with your own software development, systems configuration, communications, hardware service, training, installation and any other needs that might pop up.

Because we're experts in networking and support, Intertec* (the manufacturer of CompuStar) has chosen us to distribute this incredible, expandable business system.

For more information on CompuStar and other Intertec products, call (609) 424-4700.

W//MWW

y2 Keystone Avenue 'Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

CompuStar is the trademark of Intertec, Inc.

Listing 1 continued:

190: X:=0;

IF M[I,J-1] <>0 THEN X:=X+8

IF M[I-1,J] <>0 THEN X:=X+4

IF M[I+1,J] <>0 THEN X:=X+2

IF M[I,J+1] <>0 THEN X:=X+1

CASE

X OF

1

:CASE FNA

1:1.3 80;

2:L420;

3:L470;

END;

2

.-CASE FNA

1:L150;

2:L3 80;

3:L470;

END;

3

:CASE FNA

1:1,3 80;

2:L470;

END;

4

:CASE FNA

1:L15 0;

2:1,3 80;

3-.L420;

END;

5

:CASE FNA

1:L3 80;

2:L420;

END;

6

:CASE FNA

1:1,150;

2:L3 80;

END;

7

:L3 80;

8

:CASE FNA

1:L150;

2 : L4 2 0 ;

3:L470;

END;

9

:CASE FNA

1:1,420;

2:L470;

END;

10

:CASE FNA

1:1,150;

2-.L4 70

END;

11

:L470;

12

:CASE FNA

1:L150;

2:L420;

END;

13

:L420;

14

:L15 0;

(3) OF

(3) OF

(2) OF

(3) OF

(2) OF

(2) OF

(3) OF

(2) OF

(2) OF

(2) OF

Listing 1 continued on page 280

278 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

feacuRes

A GALAXY of features makes the LNVV85 a remarkable computer. As you explore the LNW80, you will find the most complete, powerful, ready to run. feature-packed personal and business computer ever made into one compact solid unit.

MODEL I COMPATIBILITY - The LNWSO is

fully hardware and software compatible with the Model I. Select from a universe of hardware accessories and software - from VisiCalc-1 to space games, your LNW80 will launch you into a new world of computing.

FULLY LOAQED - A full payload includes an on-board single and double density disk controller for 5 W' ind 8" single or double sided disk drives. RS2-32C communications port, cassette and parallel printer interfaces are standard features and ready to go. All memory is fully installed - 48K RAM, 16K graphics RAM and 12K ROM complete with Microsoft BASIC.

QUALITY CONSTRUCTION - Instrumentation quality construction sets LNW80 computers apart from all the rest. Integrated into the sleek solid steel case of the LNW80 is a professional 74-key expanded keyboard that includes a twelve key numeric keypad.

HIG.H RESOLUTION GRAPHICS & COLOR

The stunning 480 X 1 92 resolution gives you total display control - in color or black and white. The choice of display formats is yours; 80,64,40 and 32 columns by 24 or 1 6 lines in any combination of eight colors.

. PERFORMANCE - Lift-off with.a 4MHz Z80A CPU for twice the performance. The LNW80 outperforms all computers in its class.

Our down to earth#price won't send you into

LNW Research Corp.

'WllWAI Ml I'l' '!',,.,. ;„ I ' \ f*o<;o, i •*■

I' Tustin.CA. 02680

Monitor and Drsk drires not Included TM Personal Software. Inc"

Circle 239 on inquiry card.

Listing 1 continued:

15:GOTO 210; END; {OF UPPER-CASE STATEMENT} GOTO 190;

210: IF BOW THEN B:=B+Q ELSE BEGIN WRITE ('!');

FOR J:=l TO W DO IF (M[A,J]=2) OR (M[A,J]=4) THEN WRITE ('

ELSE WRITE (• WRITELN;

IF A=H THEN GOTO 500 ELSE BEGIN WRITE ('+');

FOR J:=l TO W DO IF M[A,J]>2 THEN WRITE (•—+')

ELSE WRITE (' +'); WRITELN; B:=l; A:=A+1; END END; I:=A; J:=B; Q:=l; GOTO 190;

500: X:=FNA(W-2)+l; M[H,X]:=M[H,X]-2; ONCEWITHSTYLE;

FOR I:=X-1 DOWNTO 1 DO WRITE (' '); WRITELN ('STOP');

END.

*);

gram will intentionally enter a nonfrontier cell.

Now the program has finished the first line of the maze. It is no longer possible for any more work to be done to this line because there are no longer any frontier cells surrounding any cell on the line. So the system prints the top line.

Now the system moves to the leftmost cell of the second line of the maze and does exactly the same thing over again for this new line. And so the program continues, left to right, top to bottom, creating and printing the maze.

When the program has completed

the maze—but before it has printed the last line—it is time to make the exit. The program randomly picks a spot on the last line of the maze and blows a hole through the bottom of the maze pattern, thus creating the stop point. The last line is printed, then the STOP message, and you have a maze with only one solution. See listings 2a and 2b on page 282 for a sample maze and its matrix.

Additional Comments

The program makes a boundary by setting the outer rows and columns of the matrix to 1, making them nonfrontier. This method wastes the

outer limits of the matrix and decreases the size of the maze but is much faster than any kind of numeric subscript out-of-bounds checking since the program logic treats these outermost nonfrontier cells as offlimits territory. Therefore it won't go beyond them and cause a subscript error. Note that this requires a maze of 10 by 10 to actually be stored in a 12 by 12 matrix. Naturally, the percentage of memory required as overhead to store these outermost values goes down rapidly as the size of the maze increases, so this method becomes highly efficient with very large mazes.

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• Performs arithmetic in any of three number bases — OCT, DEC, HEX.

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• One's complement capability in OCT and HEX.

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280 May 1982 £■ BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 421 on inquiry card.

Circle 207 on inquiry card.

Color output for $1995. . . and less.

The Prism color printers from Integral Data Systems give you great color hard copy for less than you'd pay for most other quality colorless matrix printers.

The fully optioned 132 column Prism Printer turns complex data into colorful, communicative infor' motion that you can really use. Practical information that can help you develop ideas, make deci sions and effectively communicate with others. Detailed inventory data, lengthy sales analyses and financial models can now be displayed more clearly and precisely than ever before with colorful text, charts and graphs.

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Crayola is a Trademark i

Listing 2a: A 10 by 23 maze. This one is rather simplistic and illustrates how the maze is easier to solve from bottom to top.

+ i

- +

S"

rART

+ y

t

i

i

+ --H h

t

+ +

+ i

+

-+—i- +

i

+ + 1 1

...+..

H +--+--+

. + j. 4. +.__ + .... + (. +. f__ + _..+

i i

i i

+ +__+__+ f. + $. + + + -|

i

i

+ - - +

+ - - + f

i

i

-I f ■

+

i

— + 1

--- +

• + 1

H ■+•

4 + _ .

+ -I I-

• +

+ - - H H - - + ■

H +.

+ 1- V

+ I

H 1

H- +■

-I

+ -- + ■

• + -- +

+

• + - - + H

+ -- +

•H

• +

+ --• +

- + -- +

+

+ 1- •

+ -- +

^ h

+ 1

— h +■■

+ -- +

+ -- +

+ --H +

• +

ST

• + h

+ OP

- H +

H

• + •

+ ~

+ ■

+ - - H 1

■ +

■-- +

• + --■ +

■ -- H- -- ■

H

+

-1t

H-

- +

+

- +

Listing 2b: 77te contents of matrix M, f he internal representation of the maze in listing 2a. Note the outer border of all Is. This keeps the algorithm from skipping beyond the matrix boundaries.

1

1

1

X

1

1

1

i

1

i.

1

1

1 4.

1

1

i

1

1

1

1

1

1

-A.

1

1

1

1

i

o

3

3

1

1

•I

1

3

1j

4

1

1

1

T

1

1

7

1

4

1

**5

1

i

2

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3

<-i

2

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1

3

1

3

4

o

*-j

4

3

*"3

2

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3

'Z'j

4

*p

1

1

3

3

2

3

4

4

2

1

2

3

4

1

4

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3

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2

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1

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4

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1

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282 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Announcing the mbp COBOL Compiler

for CP/M-86*...

available now.

Recently, 16-bit microcomputers have been the big news. And here's more news just as big: the mbp COBOL Compiler for 16-bit systems. Not a 'sometime-in-the-future' product, it's here now —we're already delivering.

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And it's available now for CP/M-86, iRMX-86* and ISIS*; available soon for OASIS-16* and MS-DOS*

Who is mbp? We're a worldwide company with more than twenty-five years of system software experience—more than twelve in custom COBOL Compiler installations for mainframes and minis. Now, this vast experience is also available to micro users. Take advantage of it—send the coupon or call today and start getting mainframe capabilities from your CP/M-86 micro. Why wait?

- AM/1 I I ™

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mbp COBOL is what I've been waiting for. Please send me today:

Special introductory offer

D mbp COBOL for CP/M-86 at single copy special introductory price of $990." (User's Manual included. Offer expires June 30, 1982 when retail price will become $1400.)

□ mbp COBOL User's Manual only, $95.

□ Complete mbp COBOL information.

LJ Please have a representative contact me with information about OEM and distributor arrangements.

Name. Title

Company.

Street (no PO Box numbers)

City State.

_ZiP„

□ Check enclosed □ VISA

D UPS C.O.D. □ Mastercharge

(Add $3 for shipping. California residents add sales tax.)

Card Number. Signature

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Hardware required: 96K memory, hard disk, 8-inch floppy. "CP/M-86 is a Digital Research trademark; iRMX-86 and ISIS

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Q is a Boolean variable that is also used as an arithmetic argument. The value of Q decides whether we advance to the next cell of a line (Q = 1) or not (Q = 0).

The program is very simple. Since it requires only integer arithmetic and uses a maximum integer value of 15, it is a rather trivial task to convert to machine language. Since each maze cell can attain only five values, this means that on a 60K-byte computer, assuming 4K bytes are used for program and operating system, and

assuming each byte is broken into two cells, a maze

V(60000X2) or 340

cells square is possible. Since a 132-column printer can print only 43 cells across, this means a 2500 by 43 maze can be created. Assuming 66 lines per page, a maze almost 80 pages long is possible.

The algorithm is fast. There is almost no delay between successive lines of the maze on my line printer

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past the first few (I use a Horizon computer at 4 MHz with an Anadex printer).

Possible Enhancements

One side effect of the algorithm is that the maze is almost always easier to solve by traveling from bottom to top. This makes sense when you realize that there are more possible pathways for the maze maker when the maze is "young" than when it is "older" (farther down, or more complete). Pathways created will generally be longer near the top of the maze and will have more possible paths diverging from them. A nifty solution to this problem is to duplicate the same algorithm in reverse, starting from the bottom right cell and moving from right to left, bottom to top. However, if the program figures out one line at the top, then one line at the bottom, alternating, the maze will be impossible to solve since the two separate pathways will never intersect. To fix this problem, randomly pick one place where the two pathways run side by side and cut a wall to connect them at that point. Naturally the correct solution of the maze will run through that hole.

Another option to make the mazes more difficult is to weigh the rar domnumber generator in favor of paths that extend vertically—at least for the first several thousand decisions (this is assuming the maze is higher than it is wide, which will normally be the case). Other "derandomizing" operations on the random-number generator output can create beautiful and eye-catching patterns, not to mention some eye-strainers.

After each line of the maize is printed, the corresponding matrix row is never used again. It is possible at that time to shift the entire matrix up one row. The first line disappears, the second becomes the first, the third line becomes the second, and so on through the end of the matrix. Be careful to set the last line to frontier status. The program then becomes capable of making infinite length mazes having only a single solution. Implementation of this feature is left to the motivated reader. ■

Circle 465 on inquiry card.

284

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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BYTE May 1982 285

Hardware Review

Colne Robotics Armdroid

The Small-Systems Robot

Steven W. Leininger

5402 Summit Ridge Trail

Arlington, TX 76017

If you think you've explored all the possible hardware options for your small-computer system and are looking for some excitement, you might be interested in Armdroid, a new computer-controlled robot arm. The bright orange mechanical arm is available from Colne Robotics in kit or assembled form, complete with power supply and interface electronics. The kit form, besides being less expensive, "enables the person assembling the device to understand the principles of the robot," according to the manufacturer. The robot can be used for a variety of experimental and educational applications. It has 6 degrees of motion and a lift capacity of 10 ounces. I received both a kit and an assembled Armdroid for my evaluation, along with a "preliminary" manual.

Mechanical Description

The Armdroid has five major mechanical components: the base, the shoulder, the upper arm, the forearm, and the wrist and hand assembly. Each section is connected to its neighbor by a pivoting or rotating joint. The stationary base sits on the tabletop and provides support for the rest of the arm. The base, which also serves as the enclosure for the stepper-motor-drive electronics, contains the motor which rotates the arm about a vertical axis through the base.

About the Author

Steven W. Leininger was the design engineer for the original Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I microcomputer. He is now an independent computer consultant.

At a Glance

Name

Armdroid

Use

Robotic arm

Manufacturer

Colne Robotics

207 NE 33rd St.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334

Dimensions

At shoulder: 18 by 18 by 29 cm (7 by 7 by 1 1.5 in) Shoulder pivot height: 25 cm (10 in)

Arm length at maximum extension from shoulder pivot to finger tip: 48 cm (19 in)

Price

Kit: S595 Assembled: S695

Features

6 degrees of motion: menu-driven control software: 10-ounce load capacity

Additional Hardware Needed

TRS-80 Model I Level II (other microcomputers will be supported in the future)

Additional Software Needed

Learn, an interactive menu-driven control program (included)

Hardware Option

Zero-position sense switches

Documentation

Construction and Operation Manual, 87 pages

Audience

Experimenters, students, and professionals interested in robotics

286 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Photo 1: 77ie Armdroid kit's many parts. The cost of the six stepper motors (at the top of the photo) is offset by the relatively inexpensive stamped-steel chassis and structural parts. The power supply and interface electronics are not shown.

Photo 2: The shoulder contains five of the six stepper motors. Reduction gears are used to increase the force applied via the drive cables.

The shoulder rotates on the main bearing, a fairly heavy-duty ball-bearing assembly at the top of the base. Five stepper motors and associated reduction gears and drive belts are mounted on the shoulder and provide motion control to the arm, wrist, and hand.

The upper arm connects to the shoulder with a horizontal pivot and is rotated on that pivot by one of the stepper motors in the shoulder. If you move the upper arm vertically, the hand is raised and brought closer to the base. Cable-driving gears transmit motion to the forearm and the hand and wrist assembly; these are mounted in the shoulder end of the upper arm.

The forearm fastens to the upper arm with a horizontal pivot and is rotated about that point with one of the motors in the shoulder. The primary response to pivoting the forearm is the raising or lowering of the hand with respect to the tabletop.

The hand and wrist assembly attaches to the end of the forearm with a combination horizontal pivot and bevel gear assembly. The operator uses two motors in the shoulder to either rotate the hand about the pivot (an upand-down motion) or twist the hand about its axis. The remaining motor in the shoulder opens and closes the hand's three rubber-tipped metal fingers.

You can move any section independently without affecting the orientation of the other sections because of the Armdroid's parallelogram-type construction. This independence of control permits the angle of the hand to remain constant with respect to the workbench while the rest of the arm is manipulated to position the hand in the desired location.

Interface Electronics

The Armdroid I tested came with an I/O (input/output) adapter for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I. This adapter, a nonlatched parallel port, plugs into the expan

sion port on the TRS-80. A cable from the adapter plugs into the base of the Armdroid.

Colne Robotics has mounted two printed-circuit cards within the base of the Armdroid: the interface board and the motor-drive board. The interface board accepts signals from the TRS-80, conditions them, and converts them to pulses of the duration and shape suitable for controlling the arm's motors. The motor-drive board amplifies the signals to provide the voltage and current levels required to drive the motors' coils.

You can set the Armdroid's internal electronics for external computer control or operation via manual switches by making the selection on the two printed-circuit boards inside the Armdroid's base.

Building the Kit

Being a disciple of Erector Set and Heathkit, I had no fears about venturing out into the frontiers of robot kit building. To get a feel for the scope of the project, I laid all the parts out and familiarized myself with the construction section of the manual.

The manual I received was a preliminary version. The entire mechanical assembly instructions were on just six pages! Undaunted, I forged ahead. About halfway through the first paragraph, I was instructed to glue magnets onto some of the gears. Apparently, the magnets are optional (at least they weren't included in the kit), but no mention was made of that fact. The system uses the magnets and their respective reed switches to sense the home position of the gears.

The instructions rambled on, sometimes with several steps in a sentence. The manual specified part numbers (usually) but didn't refer to the drawing numbers.

I knew the next part was going to be tricky because the instructions said that an assistant would be helpful. The task at hand was to assemble a dual-race ball-bearing assembly from scratch. Using refrigerated petroleum jelly

288 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Photo 3: The controlling circuitry is contained on two printedcircuit boards. The motor-drive board (left) and the microprocessor interface board (right) are easy to assemble and connect directly to a TRS-80 Model I (versions for the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the Sinclair ZX81 are planned).

Photo 4: A mechanical assistant can speed the assembly of the arm.

as per the instructions, I greased the bearing track and imbedded 24 ball bearings in the goo. After carefully inserting the base-support column into the bearing and turning the assembly upright, I attempted to repeat the job on the upper bearing track.

Darn. While tightening the adjusting ring, three balls hopped out of the lower bearing and huddled in a mound of petroleum jelly. Back to the beginning; twice more the same thing happened. Arrghll Finally, success! But wait, why was the shoulder pan rubbing on the shoulder-drive gear? And, wasn't that ball-bearing assembly just a little bit off parallel? At this point, I decided to cheat and look at the factory-assembled Armdroid. It appeared that the bearing-support column was too short. I described my problem to the gentlemen at Colne Robotics over the phone and was told that I probably had the bearing ring—an almost but not quite symmetrical part—on upside down.

I tried it again: I disassembled the bearing, inverted the bearing ring, and carefully placed the steel balls in the petroleum-jelly-coated track (I'm pretty good at this by now). Continuing as before, I installed the adjusting ring and beheld a smoothly operating shoulder bearing.

The instructions continued: put this motor here, put these gears there, and see the drawing. Well, I looked at the drawing. (The drawings are good up to a point, but they lack fine detail or close-ups in some areas.) I cheated a couple more times by looking at the assembled arm to verify my understanding of the drawings and text.

Assembly continued on the upper arm and forearm. The wrist posed no major problems. Then disaster struck! The fingers are held together with a large number of "circlips" (split rings that fit around the outside of a shaft). The circlips allow you to slide a rod through a hole, then prevent the rod from sliding back again. A special pair of circlip pliers is an absolute necessity to proceed beyond this point. I tried to make do with what I

had (needle-nose pliers, screwdrivers, etc.) and realized I definitely needed the proper tools. It would have been nice if the appropriate pliers came in the kit or were at least available as an option.

The final assembly of the hand progressed easily after I purchased the circlip pliers. The instructions said to connect the arm assembly to the shoulder and base assembly. The cable threading came next. In the helpful hints section, the instructions said that this operation is greatly simplified by threading the arm before attaching it to the shoulder. So I started over again.

The actual cable threading progressed well, except for a clearance problem on one of the wrist cables. After checking the preassembled arm, I decided that cable clearance in the wrist is an assembly problem that Colne Robotics had experienced and corrected but had not updated in the manual. Ten minutes later, the offending cable had been restrung and worked smoothly.

The two printed-circuit boards went together just about as well as one would expect. No part numbers or reference designators were silk-screened on the boards, so I had to rely on the drawings in the manual for parts placement. Mounting the interface and motor-driver printed-circuit boards into the base of the Armdroid and connecting the stepper-motor wires to the driver board completed the assembly operation.

Using the Armdroid

A machine-language cassette for the TRS-80 Model I Level II microcomputer comes with the Armdroid. The menu-driven program, named Learn, allows you to familiarize yourself with the operation of the robot arm and to create, modify, and save motion sequences.

The manual suggests reading through the software description quickly and proceeding to the "Introductory Demonstration Sequence" section, which tells you to load Learn and enter the learn mode by typing an "L".

290 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Photo 5: The hand and wrist assembly has three fingers. The fingers are opened and closed in unison under program control. The wrist allows both rotation and up-and-down motion of the hand.

This mode lets you manually operate the robot while programming it to follow the same motions automatically.

The program asks you if you want to start again, continue from the present position, or exit the program. Type "S" to clear the memory and free the arm. The arm is free when no torque is applied to the stepper motors. This allows you to initialize the Armdroid's position by hand using the large gears in the shoulder. When you are satisfied with the starting position, press the space bar. The program applies torque to the arm, effectively stiffening and locking the arm in place.

You can now move the arm using the Q, W, E, R, T, Y, and 1 through 6 keys to manually control the movement of the different parts of the arm. If you're like me, it will take a couple of tries to predictably move the arm, rotate the wrist, and open and close the hand under manual control. Type a "0" to get out of the learn mode.

Now the miracle of life! Press "G" for go, and the Armdroid takes the shortest path to your initial starting position. The program then asks "O" (once) or "F" (forever). Forever seems like a long time for something you haven't tried yet, so type "O".

Wow! The arm is doing just what you taught it to do! And without the long pauses for head scratching and note taking! You are returned to the menu.

To look at the sequence of commands that were sent to the stepper motors, type "D" for display. A table appears on the screen showing the stepper increment values stored in memory.

To extend the sequence of movements, simply reenter the learn mode, and type "C" for continue. You can add additional motions by using the manual-control keys. Once again, you must type "0" to return to the menu mode.

After testing the new sequence, you may decide that some of the motions need to be fine tuned. This can be done using the edit mode.

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Photo 6: The Armdroid has a maximum reach of 19 inches from the shoulder base.

Three cassette-tape commands allow you to save your Armdroid sequence for a rainy day. "W" (write) saves the sequence in memory on the tape, "R" (read) retrieves the sequence from tape, and "C" (check) verifies that the data on the tape is the same as that in memory.

Colne Robotics has graciously included the source listing for the Armdroid control software in the manual. The Z80 assembly-language source is well documented and should prove to be a valuable learning tool for the student of robot technology. The source code is also useful to those who wish to modify the control software for a specific application.

I understand that Colne Robotics is developing similar software for other microcomputers, such as the Commodore PET, the Apple II, and the Sinclair ZX81. Watch their advertisements for further details.

Documentation

The 87-page manual is broken down into four sections. The introduction section is nine pages long and strays from the purpose of an experimental robot arm. Discussions on the economic and social impact of industrial robots, complete with tables and formulas, seem more like padding than useful information.

The second section deals with the mechanical assembly of the Armdroid. As noted above, some deficiencies and inaccuracies in the instructions exist. A hand-holding, step-by-step approach would benefit the novice builder.

The next section details the electronics of the Armdroid. This section was not too bad, but again a step-bystep approach would be helpful.

The final section describes the software package included with the arm. This chapter of the manual was the easiest to use, due in part to the quality of the Learn program itself. And I applaud the inclusion of the program listing as an aid to understanding the ins and outs of microprocessor-controlled robotics.

It should be noted that my review is based on a "preliminary" manual for the Armdroid. I have been reassured that the manual will be revised to eliminate some of the limitations that I have noted above.

Conclusions

• The Armdroid is a low-cost manipulator with good dexterity and maneuverability.

• The software delivered with the arm is easy to use and serves as a powerful tool in understanding robot operation.

• The Armdroid kit is not for the inexperienced builder, unless the manual is improved.

• I feel I have learned a lot about the mechanics, electronics, and software of robots, thanks to the people at Colne Robotics. ■

Log

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by Harold Ableson

The name Logo describes not only the evolving family of computer languages detailed in this book, but also a philosophy of education that makes full and innovative use of the teaching potential of modern computers. Apple Logo presents the Apple II user with a complete guide to the applications of this unique system and also includes a description of TI Logo for users of the Texas Instruments 99/4 computer.

The designers' vision of an unlimited educational tool becomes a reality for the Apple II user who begins to work with this procedural language. Logo enables even young children to control the computer in self-directed ways (rather than merely responding to it), yet it also offers sophisticated users a general programming system of considerable power.

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294 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Software Review

Super FORTH Isn't

Gregg Williams Senior Editor

Let's imagine that someone has just implemented a language that looks something like BASIC, but that it has some very strange and arbitrary qualities. For example, not every line has to have a number, but all line numbers must end with a 5. All variables must be exactly three characters long. The BASIC keyword STEP is replaced by the word EVERY, and variables used in an INPUT statement must begin with the letter I. Although the language works—you can write programs in it—how would you feel if the manufacturer called the product Super BASIC?

It's apparent that I'm very disappointed with Hayden's Super FORTH and that I don't believe it is a worthwhile product. When I first saw the ads, I was very excited about the product. It ran on the Apple (only one very expensive Apple FORTH existed at the time); it implemented Apple high-resolution graphics, floating-point numbers, and string variables (none of which are usually supplied in a standard FORTH); and the $49.95 price was right. At the time, I thought Super FORTH might become the de facto standard for the Apple II.

At a Glance

Name

Super FORTH

under DOS 3.2 or BASIC'S disk)

Type

Version of the FORTH programming language

Language Used

6502 threaded machine code

Manufacturer

Hayden Book Company Inc. 50 Essex St.

Rochelle Park, NJ 07662 (201) 843-0550

Computer Needed

Apple II with 48K bytes of memory and Applesoft either in ROM or loaded into the Apple Language Card

Price

S49.95

Documentation

35 pages in a 3-ring binder

Author

Larry Bugbee

Audience

People interested in FORTH

Format

5!A-inch floppy disk (boots

296 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

I have been working with different versions of FORTH for about a year and a half and have used versions based both on and independent of the FORTH Interest Group (fig) version. I say this to indicate that I can be fair with a non-fig-FORTH implementation. I spent several nights programming on the Super FORTH system, and my conclusion is this; if you want to use this particular version of FORTH because of the features mentioned above, fine. However, if you're interested in interacting with the world of FORTH outside the confines of the Super FORTH instruction manual, you should buy a differem version.

Problems

To indicate why I formed my opinion of this software, here are some of the problems I found.

Super FORTH lacks the "screen" mechanism almost universally used to store FORTH source code for later compilation. It has only two commands that let you store either the entire contents of the FORTH system at that time or only newly defined words. This means that if you want to modify a definition, you have to FORGET it (oops—Super FORTH has no word for FORGET) and retype it. If the word you're redefining isn't the most recent one defined, you automatically lose every word defined after that word, and you have to retype those words as well. The absence of this feature alone puts an unreasonable burden on the Super FORTH user.

Certain essential FORTH words are missing; others have arbitrary nonstandard definitions. For example, the words ROT (which rotates the top three numbers on the stack), { +! } (which adds a number to a variable), and FORGET are missing in Super FORTH. (The braces are standard BYTE notation for FORTH words that include punctuation and for lists of FORTH words.) In addition, other words behave differently. The word C@ in other FORTHs takes the contents of a single byte and puts the byte on top of the FORTH stack; in Super FORTH, the corresponding word 1@ must be followed (don't ask me why) by the words { 0PUSH SWITCH } to make the number available on the top of the stack.

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Another arbitrary difference is that do-loops in Super FORTH cannot be nested in the same word (contrary to the way all other versions I know of work). In Super FORTH, you must define a word that contains the inner do-loop, then use this word within the do-loop of another word. Again, this is a problem only if you plan to interact with the rest of the FORTH world. Unfortunately, Super FORTH has too many such problems.

Although the Super FORTH system worked most of the time, it "went away" (irretrievably malfunctioned) many more times than my two other versions of FORTH. I counted four fatal malfunctions in one session.

Many FORTH functions, given the same name in every other FORTH implementation, are given other names in Super FORTH. For example, the FORTH words { C@ C! C, } are in Super FORTH { 1@ 1! 1, }. This small point is annoying when trying to relate Super FORTH to other written material about the FORTH language.

Another annoying point is that all numbers printed from the stack are always printed with leading zeros (e.g., 0005 if you are in hexadecimal mode, or 00005 if you are in decimal mode). Although this would be useful in printing tabular material, I think the fixed display width indicates a lack of craftsmanship.

Good Points

To be fair to Super FORTH and its author Larry Bugbee, the product does contain a number of things that are quite good.

The documentation for Super FORTH is better than average when compared to other FORTH products. Word definitions are grouped by function and are explained with a minimum of jargon. In a radical departure from most FORTH documentation, most word definitions include an example of their use, and some even give guidance for their proper use.

Super FORTH includes words that allow you to do Apple high-resolution graphics on high-resolution page 1. It allows you to draw boxes, blocks (filled-in boxes), points, lines, and shapes in any available high-resolution color. You can draw shapes, but the XDRAW function is

not supported. You must have Applesoft in ROM or in a Language Card for these commands to work. (The bulk of Super FORTH will work without Applesoft.)

Another set of words implements a stack for floatingpoint numbers and operations. (The regular FORTH stack works on 16-bit signed integers only.) The list of floating-point words is quite long and comprehensive, making it probably the best feature of Super FORTH. These words also require Applesoft to work.

Super FORTH includes a set of words that allows you to manipulate character strings. The words do the following operations: creation of string variables, string constants, and a string stack; string concatenation; string assignment; and substring manipulation through a MID$ word.

Finally, Super FORTH includes some words that allow you to directly manipulate the FORTH environment. Little guidance on how to do so is given, but this is usually the case with most FORTHs. These words are meant for use only by veteran FORTH programmers, and it is good they are there. For example, it should be possible to use them to make a call to the Applesoft ROM to implement the high-resolution XDRAW function.

Conclusions

The inability to store FORTH source code for later modification and recompilation is a major defect of Super FORTH.

On the other hand, the implementation of string, floating-point, and high-resolution graphics words is a definite advantage for someone who wants to use FORTH with these capabilities. They can be added to other FORTHs, but this would be a lot of work in itself.

Unfortunately, I cannot recommend Super FORTH to people interested in learning FORTH. The many differences between it and the two leading versions of FORTH (those supported by FORTH Inc. and the FORTH Interest Group) would make it difficult for the user to learn from the existing body of information on FORTH. It could be done, but it would require a lot of extra work.B

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Book Review

Fifty BASIC Exercises

Jean-Pierre Lamoitier

Sybex

Berkeley, CA, 1981

253 pages, softcover

SI 2.95

Reviewed by Paul Swanson 97 Jackson St. Cambridge, MA 02140

While BASIC is widely acclaimed as an easy-to-learn, easy-to-use programming language, teaching yourself BASIC can be a problem. The manuals that accompany many computer systems are very dry, and while you can learn BASIC (Beginner's Allpurpose Symbolic Instruction Code) from them, they serve better as reference manuals than teaching guides. Some computers do come with teaching guides, but these generally explain BASIC at a very elementary level, using simple text and cartoons.

For those who don't want to learn by trial and error with a manual designed for reference, but want a more intellectually written teaching guide than the cartoon approach, Fifty BASIC Exercises by Jean-Pierre Lamoitier could be the book you're looking for. This book uses the learnby-doing approach, a truly effective teaching method, well suited to programming. In the introduction, the author cautions that the book assumes some background in a scientific or technological field. I think a mathematical background in particular would be most helpful to the reader; a few of the included programs are based on mathematical algorithms that are not exactly on the tip of everyone's tongue. There is sufficient explanation, however, so that even if you aren't familiar

with the mathematics you can still learn something about BASIC from the program. Then too, you might try using a reference book such as the C.R.C. Standard Mathematical Tables to help you with the math.

Two chapters of introductory material include discussions of flowcharting and a few basic rules and techniques, along with some simple programs to write. The remaining chapters are divided into such topics as "Elementary Exercises in Geometry," "Financial Computations," and "Statistics." Each chapter builds on the information presented in the previous chapters, and each set of new material is accompanied by at least one exercise. The exercises, which are all short BASIC programs, cover many problems commonly confronted in programming, such as finding the number of days between two dates, calculating loan repayments, sales forecasting, and several calculations involving income tax.

The programs in the book were designed to run on the Radio Shack TRS-80 and so will run with some minor changes on any system using Microsoft BASIC. Where the differences in BASIC are important, Lamoitier discusses them.

The book was translated from French and may have lost a few things in translation. The glossary, in this English version at least, is missing, and this is a serious drawback. Definitions are the most common barrier to anyone learning a new subject, and a computer language is certainly no exception. A better index would also help; as it stands, the index fails to cover many of the subjects that are in the text, and the ones that are included are listed with

single page references, which makes it very difficult to relocate topics that appear in several places throughout the book. I don't know if the French version has a better index, but I find it hard to believe that no one thought to include a glossary.

From my observations, a person learning BASIC or any other first language on computers seems to go through four phases. The first, or orientation, phase is when any fears of the computer are dispelled and the rudiments of operating it are learned. This is well covered in the first two chapters alone. This brevity is geared toward the reader who is serious about, and adept at, learning, in which case more discussion at that level would be boring. The rest of the book deals quite successfully with the second phase, during which the programmer-to-be learns to write programs with loops and more sophisticated algorithms. The third phase, which the book should leave the reader ready to pursue, is when the programmer starts using a very structured approach and tackles applications that may use the programs written in phase two as

interim calculations. (The fourth phase, which I see as learning data file manipulation on a large scale, is not important here.) My purpose in mentioning these phases is to state one more point about this book: in order for the person learning BASIC to be ready for the third phase, that person should be familiar with subroutine use. Lamoitier uses subroutines quite effectively in the exercises and, further, discusses organizing, or structuring, the program in general. However, I would have liked more explanations of how the subroutines fit into the scheme of structuring; as programs get more sophisticated, subroutine use gets more important.

But in general, Fifty BASIC Exercises is a worthwhile book. It has its shortcomings, for while the need for more discussion on subroutines can be argued, I think that most readers of the book will agree that it would benefit considerably from a glossary and an expanded index. Nevertheless, it should serve the novice well as a practical and intelligently written guide to the fundamentals of BASIC programming. ■

BYTE's Bugs

Mystery Coll Turns Up In Circuit Cellar

Several readers contacted us with a complaint about Steve Ciarcia's article "Build a Computerized Weather Station" (see the February 1982 BYTE, page 38). An inductive coil labeled only "*L1" appeared in the schematic diagram of figure lib on page 64 with no explanation of its origin or value.

Coil LI is meant to be wound by hand from eight turns of number-26 copper wire around a coil form with an inside diameter of onequarter inch.

We apologize for the omission of this information, which should have been placed in the figure caption.

Thanks to Rick Parrot of Data General in Apex, North Carolina, and to others for pointing out this error. ■

300 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Book Review

Programmer's Guide to the 1802

Tom Swan

Hayden Book Company

Rochelle Park, NJ, 1981

156 pages, softcover

S7.95

Reviewed by Harley Shanko 15025 Vanowen, #209 Van Nuys, CA 91405

Users of the 1802 8-bit microprocessor are sure to enjoy Tom Swan's Programmer's Guide to the 1802. It is written in such a way that the novice should be able to understand quickly the 1802 instruction set and begin writing assembly-language programs; yet the more advanced programmer should find this book useful also. The author's style

and occasional interjections of humor make for easy reading, with references and comparisons that simply and clearly illustrate the subject matter.

The book is divided into four sections. Beginning with "A System of Numbers—A Number of Systems," Swan quickly acquaints the reader with the hexadecimal number system. This foundation should allpw the computer novice to proceed without difficulty through the next section, "Fundamentals of Assembly Language," to which one third of the book is devoted.

Arithmetic and logic operations are explained, using binary and hexadecimal examples to introduce various computer instructions (add, subtract, carry/borrow, com

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plement, AND, OR, exclusive OR, and shift). Then program flow (branch, skip, and call) and data flow (load and store) are covered, as well as register control, input/output, and other features and instructions unique to the 1802. The last ten pages of this section use assembly-language routines as examples to introduce certain programming concepts.

A quarter of the book is spent clearly explaining the 1802 instruction set. Each instruction mnemonic is defined, its symbolic actions are represented, and a textual discussion and programming example are included. Sprinkled throughout the book are illustrations, tables, and figures, all courtesy of RCA; interestingly, these are not referred to by the author.

The last quarter of the book includes a thoroughly commented assembler and disassembler source listing and text describing it, a library of subroutines which can be used in many programs, and the answers to the examples included at various points by the author. The assembler does not support the use of labels, macros, or mathematical expressions; thus the user must assign starting addresses and branch and call addresses. Nevertheless, this line-at-a-time assembler allows a programmer to enter mnemonics, addresses, and immediate data, and frees him from error-prone mnemonicto-object-code conversion. The assembler can be run on small systems (2ViK bytes of programmable memory, minimum) and still provide space for assembling IK bytes of object code.

To test its usability, I installed the assembler in my homebrew 1802 system. Despite its limitations, the assembler does provide a means to enter a program in source form and get immediate dis

play of valid entries (invalid entries are flagged with an ERROR message) via the disassembler, which overwrites the entry display. The assembled object code can then be run, saved, or programmed into an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) if both hardware and software support these last two features. It is assumed that the user can write his own "handler" which normalizes the user system and the assembler interfaces and provides a keyboard/display for the assembler/disassembler. Depending on the operating system's register usage, this handler software can range from quite simple code to the rewriting of all the keyboard input, display output, and SCRT (Standard Call and Return Technique) routines. My handler used about 150 bytes, using existing keyboard and video-display subroutines.

In summary, this book is what 1802 users have needed for years. In fact, it might have been better received five years ago when I started into microcomputing. Still, it does provide the explanations necessary to clarify several points and better explain some of the interrupt-type instructions. For all except perhaps the most advanced 1802 programmers, this book should prove to be a worthwhile acquisition. ■

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Book Review

TRS-80 Color

Computer

Technical

Reference

Manual

Tandy Corporation

Fort Worth, TX

1981, 71 pages

softcover, SI4.95

Reviewed by

Yvon Kolya

POB 22

Peterborough. NH 03458

I was astounded to see Radio Shack's TRS-80 Color Computer Technical Reference Manual on the shelf at the local Tandy Computer Center Store. After I had purchased it and began sifting through its informationpacked pages, I realized what

an incredible find this book was.

Radio Shack, along with many other major computer manufacturers, has had a reputation of closely guarding all the information about its computer systems, releasing only the bare minimum of facts necessary to sell the computers and software. With the appearance of this manual, Radio Shack seems to be reversing this policy.

This book gives all the information that any TRS-80 Color Computer (Level I and II) owner might want to know. It covers memory maps, block diagrams, schematics, pin connections— everything that could be of interest to either a software designer or a hardware hacker.

The Inscrutable PIA

Unfortunately, this manual is not as explicit at it should be. Apparently, it was originally written for Radio Shack's internal use, and after it was finished, Tandy decided to release it to the general public. The descriptions and explanations are quite sketchy, and I found myself rereading the material in order to make sense of it. For example, the second paragraph on page 4 states:

The next two pages of the Map (Color Computer Memory Map] explain the addressing for the PIA's. In general, the even numbered locations are the I/O registers and the odd numbered memory locations are the control registers. Bit two of the control registers

determines what is addressed at the even numbered memory locations. If this bit is set high (logic 1) the data I/O register is addressed. If it is low the data direction register is addressed. Normally the data direction register is addressed only during initialization to allow configuration of the data inputs and outputs. (By clearing bit 2 and writing to the even numbered memory location one address below, each bit of the PIA may be set as an input or an output. A 1 in the data direction register sets the bit as an output and a 0 sets the bit as an input.)

When I proceeded to the corresponding diagram, I found it was not clear to which of many registers the paragraph

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• 32-bit floating point operations

for arith., trig., exponential, etc. functions

• Or 64-bit floating point operations for arithmetic functions

Both the DTI and FMP meet the IEEE S-100 standard. Software is available.

For further information contact:

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304 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 454 on inquiry card.

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was referring. In general, the explanations are too terse.

Section 1, which is 11 pages long, is devoted to a block diagram of the Color Computer and to a series of precise memory maps of the randomaccess memory.

These maps are very useful if you like to experiment with the different memory pages, modes, and displays. For example, I found out how to get limited higher-density video graphics on my Level I 4K-byte system after only a little experimentation. And using the POKE command to place a 0 into location FFD7 causes the system to operate at a clock rate of 1.8 MHz instead of the normal .89 MHz.

Section 2 is only two pages long and details the proper sequence of operations needed to disassemble the computer, as well as the reassembly procedure.

Section 3, 'Theory of Operation," concentrates on the 6809E microprocessor, which is the heart of the TRS-80 Color Computer, and how it is interfaced to the outside world through the rest of the computer's components. Block diagrams, programming models, timing diagrams, cassette formats, and peripheral schematics are all included in the 26 pages that comprise this section. All of the components of the system are covered: joysticks, the RS-232C serial port, sound port, cassette port, and power supply.

The next section, labeled

'Troubleshooting," lays down general guidelines on where to look for the most common problems that you may encounter. Like the rest of the manual, the explanations do leave a lot unsaid and aren't very thorough. For example, the sound went out on my computer, and I discovered, much to my dismay, that the audio circuitry isn't covered in the troubleshooting section. However, using the schematics in the following sections, I was able to diagnose the problem and locate the bad chip on the circuit board.

Sections 5, 6, and 7 are gold mines for the hardware hacker. Section 5 features a complete list of all of the parts used in the Color Computer, including the screws 1 Section 6 is an actual-scale drawing of both the component side and the printed-circuit side of the computer board used in the Color Computer. Section 7, the last one in the manual, is composed of three 11 by 16 inch fold-out pages that give the complete circuit diagram of the Color Computer.

The TRS-80 Color Computer Technical Reference, Manual (order no. 26-3193) is a bit skimpy on the explanations, but the diagrams and schematics more than make up for these deficiencies. If you are interested in the hardware/interfacing aspect or the software aspect, or even if you're just curious about the machine, then I recommend this manual.■

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May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 307

Programming Quickies

Structured Strings in BASIC

Dr. David W. Stockburger

Psychology Department

Southwest Missouri State University

Springfield, MO 65802

The applications programmer often needs to create a sequence of events to direct the activity of a program. In many cases, the events are repeated at various levels within the sequence. The following describes a generalpurpose routine in BASIC that allows the programmer to create a great variety of structured strings easily; these strings may then be used to sequence events in control programs. It has potential use in music generation, industrial control, robotics, and animation.

As an example, suppose a program to demonstrate animation techniques had 26 possible screens or displays, each symbolized by a small letter a through z. Input to this program might be in the form of a string (e.g., <aabzzcabzrabz>), which would sequentially display

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the screen associated with each small letter. These strings can be constructed and entered by the user. This may be a laborious task, however, if the input strings are long and complicated. Because it is likely that some patterns of small letters are repeated within the final string, considerable time and effort can be saved by creating a production system that inputs strings of capital and/or small letters (e.g., <aBZcD>) and produces strings consisting of only small letters (e.g., <aaabccdefcddd>). A set of production rules govern the replacement of any capital letter by a string of capital and/or small letters.

In this routine, an initial string of capital and/or small letters entered by the user is expanded until a string with only small letters remains; this last string is called the structured string. The expansion is performed by userdefined production rules. A production rule is a string that begins with a capital letter and is followed by capital and/or small letters.

The routine works by setting the pointer to the first letter in the initial string and examining that symbol. If it is a small letter, the routine increments the pointer and repeats the process. If it is a capital letter, it expands the initial string by replacing the capital letter with all symbols that follow it in the appropriate production rule. The pointer is not incremented in this case and the process is repeated, beginning at the position of the first letter of the newly inserted string. If a symbol is encountered that is neither a capital letter for which a production rule has been defined nor a small letter, the routine will generate an error. The routine will repeat the above process until the expanded string contains only small letters or until a string longer than some predefined length results. The flowchart for this routine is presented in figure 1.

For example, given the following set of production rules:

AaabbB

Bcccd

CeAe DABCD

and the initial string <CD>, the routine proceeds as follows: it initially sets the pointer (p) to 1 and expands <C> in <CD>. The result is the string <eAeD>. When the routine now finds a small letter <e> in the

308 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

Circle 432 on inquiry card.

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Programming Quickies

first position of the string, it increments the pointer and examines the second letter in <eAeD>, which is <A>. Finding a capital letter, it looks it up in the set of production rules, finds it, and expands the string to <eaabbBeD>. The next capital letter to be expanded is <B>, and the expanded string would now be <eaabbcccdeD>. Continuing the process would yield <eaabbcccdeABCD>, which could be infinitely expanded. The routine would stop, however, because the pointer would have become larger than the limit set by the user.

The BASIC routine (written in Poly Disk BASIC for a Poly-88 computer) as described above is presented in listing 1. The production rules are read in as data statements in the string variable T$. If different production rules are desired, they may be substituted or added to the existing data statements. If a number of different production systems are desired, it would probably be easiest to store them in mass storage, such as disk or tape files, and read them into T$ as desired.

The string variable A$ is used for both the input and output string. The user inputs the initial string into the routine through this variable, and the routine returns the expanded string back into this variable. The routine uses the BASIC commands RIGHTS, LEFTS, and MID$ to accomplish the expansion. (This should pose no problem for most BASICs.) Examples of the results of the routine are presented in listing 2.

C start \ "-1 )

NO/EXIT

a/EXIT-\ TERROR/

r__ !

I PRODUCTION RULE ' ' DEFINED FOR IT

NO ,/EXIT-N "AERROR/'

REPLACE LETTER WITH STRING

I

Figure 1: Flowchart for the structured string-generation program in listing 1.

310 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 10 on inquiry card.

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BYTE May 1982 311

Programming Quickies .^———————

Listing 1: The structured string-generation program (written in Poly Disk BASIC). In practical applications, this program would be used as part of a larger program.

10 REM ******* STRINGS *******

20 REM A PROGRAM TO GENERATE STRUGTUREn STRINGS

30 REM

40 REM Copyright? 1981. by David W» StoeKburSer

50 REM PSYGHOLOGY DEPARTMENT

60 REM SOUTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY

70 REM SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI 65804

80 REM

90 DIM S$( 1J400)

100 REM CONTAINS STRING TO BE GENERATED

110 DIM T$(26t20>

120 REM CONTAINS PRODUCTION RULES

130 DIM A$< ill )

140 REM TEMPORARY STRING USED BY STRINGS

150 REM

160 REM READ IN TRANSFORMATION STRINGS TO BE USED

170 REM N IS THE NUMBER OF TRANSFORMATION STRINGS

180 N=10

190 FOR 1=1 TO N

200 READ T$( I )

21.0 NEXT

220 DATA "Aaabbcc"

230 DATA "Bedefsib"

240 DATA "CtABt"

250 DATA "Dxyz"

260 DATA "EtiSer"

270 DATA "Fnnop"

280 DATA "GvFZeeD"

290 DATA "HGCEH"

300 DATA "IwwzcbDBACH"

31.0 DATA "Zmmih"

320 REM

330 INPUT "Enter maximum length of expanded string (1. to 300) " rL

340 INPUT "ENTER STRING TO BE EXPANDED "»S$

350 GOSUB 430

360 PRINT 5*

370 INPUT "Do you wish to continue (Y or N)? "»A$

375 PRINT

380 IF A$="N" THEN STOP

390 IF A$="Y" THEN 340

400 GOTO 370

410 REM

420 REM

430 REM ******* SUBROUTINE TO EXPAND STRINGS *******

440 REM

450 P=0

460 REM P IS POSITION IN STRING

470 REM FIND CURRENT LETTER

480 P»P+1

490 IF P>L THEN RETURN

500 IF P>LEN<S$) THEN RETURN

510 A$=MJ.D$(S$)-r->P )

Listing 1 continued on page 314 312 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Programming Quickies

Listing 1 continued:

520 IF A*>="3" AND A$<="z" THEN 470

530 IF A$<"A" OR A*>"Z" THEN 670

540 REM THE LETTER IS A CAPITAL

550 REM CAN EXPANSION LETTER BE FOUND?

560 J=0

570 FOR 1=1 TO N

580 IF A$=LEET$CT$( 1 ) y :l ) THEN J«I

590 NEXT

600 IF J=0 THEN 720

610 REM IF ,1=0 THEN NO EXPANSION LETTER WAS FOUND

620 REM NOW EXPAND USING J

630 L1=LEN(T$(J) )-l

640 L2=LEN(S$)-P

650 S$=LEFT$<S$»P-1 )+RIGHT$( T*< J M-l )+RIGHT$( S$ >L2 )

660 GOTO 510

670 REM ERROR - SYMBOL IN STRING NOT A CAPITAL OR SMALL LETTER

680 PRINT "ERROR IN INPUT STRING OR PRODUCTION RULE"

690 PRINT "THE INCORRECT SYMBOL WAS " »A*

700 PRINT

710 RETURN

720 REM ERROR ~ PRODUCTION RULE NOT FOUND IN TRANSFORMATION TABLE

730 PRINT "CAPITAL LETTER NOT A PRODUCTION RULE"

740 PRINT "THE INCORRECT SYMBOL WAS "»A$

750 PRINT

760 RETURN

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314 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 46 on inquiry card.

LOGO

Language of the 80's

Apple Logo and Logo introduce you to a dynamic new computer language that not only enables educators to make full and innovative use of the teaching potential of modern computers but also offers programmers an easy-to-use system of considerable power.

Readers of this book will see that the designers' vision of Logo as a virtually unlimited educa tional tool has now become a reality. Logo enables even young children to use the computer in rewarding, self-directed projects, while at the same time providing sophisticated users with a powerful and expressive general programming system. This book presents the reader with a complete guide to the exciting applications of this unique procedural language.

The author introduces programming techniques through Turtle Geometry—a series of fascinating exercises involving both Logo programming and geometric concepts. Later chapters illustrate more advanced projects that utilize Logo's sophisticated listprocessing capabilities; these include the conversational DOCTOR program with its simulated psychotherapist and an INSTANT program with which parents and teachers can create a programming environment for preschool children. The book also contains reference material of enduring value to sophisticated users.

Get in on the ground floor of the burgeoning Logo movement with this comprehensive, detailed guide to the up-and-coming computer language of the Eighties!

This book is published in two versions: Apple Logo is for users of Apple Logo™ software (distributed by Apple Computer Company) and contains an appendix for users of Tl Logo™. Logo is specifically for users of Logo software developed at MIT for the Apple II computer (distributed by Krell Software and Terrapin, Inc.). Logo also contains appendices that enable users of Apple Logo™ and Tl Logo™ to carry out the projects in the book. Be sure to specify Apple Logo or Logo when ordering! j

Apple Logo $14.95 240 pages, softcover, illustrated

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Circle 58 on inquiry card.

m

m

Programming Quickies ■

Listing 2: Examples of structured string generation from program in listing 1. The production rules used are given in lines 220 through 310 of listing 1.

ENTER STRING TC BE EXPANDED sdefsflKiawZ s d e f £ 1K i a w m m m c d e f £ h I a 3 h b c c c d e f g h t x « 2 Do you wish to continue (Y of N)? Y

:«cd

ENTER STRING TG BE EXPANDED J9T CAPITAL LETTER NOT A PRODUCTION RULE THE INCORRECT SYMBOL WAS J

J9T

Do you wish to continue (Y or N)? Y

ENTER STRING TO BE EXPANDED EFG

t i 3 e r n n o p v n n o p m iti m e e x w 2

Do you wish to continue (Y or N)? Y

Cautions

Remember: •The string variable A$ must be dimensioned longer than the cutoff limit given to the routine because, upon exiting the routine, the expanded string may contain both small and capital letters to the right of this length. The additional length needed will depend upon the type of production rules that have been employed. •The replacement string of a production rule may not

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contain the capital element in the first position. For instance, AAa is not permitted because first position would never be expanded to a small letter. More complex versions of the same phenomenon may occur when replacement rules cyclically replace capital letters. For example, the replacement rules ABa and BAb would recursively call one another without replacing the initial portion of the string by small letters. •The routine is fairly slow and may not function in realtime applications, where short time intervals (i.e., seconds) are important. For example, it would probably not be possible to generate strings of musical notes and play them simultaneously with the result sounding anything like music. Where time is critical, the strings must first be generated and stored in a mass storage medium, such as floppy disk, tape, or programmable memory. They may then be recalled when needed.

•The routine cannot easily generate all useful strings. Some transformations of existing strings cannot be produced by this routine. For example, when a musical phrase an octave higher or lower than an existing phrase is desired, it may not be easily produced using this system.

The inspiration for the routine came from the discussion of formal systems by Douglas Hofstadter (in Godel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid, Basic Books, New York, 1979) and the formal theory of grammar (see Automata Theory: Machines and Languages by Richard Y. Kain, McGraw-Hill, New York, 1972). In these systems, a given string is expanded by the use of production rules to generate an axiom (discussed by Hofstadter) or an element of the language (discussed by Kain). The major difference between these systems and the present one is that, in the former cases, each capital letter may have a number of different replacement strings so that any number of possible expansions are possible, defining either a formal system or formal language. In the case of the above routine (where only one possible expansion is allowed for any capital letter), the initial string will always produce the same expanded string. ■

316 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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22C

BYTE May 1982 317

TRS-80 BASIC Program Hang-ups

The Reasons and Some Solutions

Understand and eliminate those mysterious crashes

Glenn Tesler

POB83

North Hollywood, CA 91603

Have your TRS-80 BASIC programs ever stopped for no apparent reason or hung up in the middle of an operation? There are at least six reasons why this can happen:

1. The program is trying to output to a nonexistent printer or to one that's not ready.

2. String space collection, also known as garbage collection, is taking place.

3. Your program is large and has many line references to the middle or end.

4. Your program uses variables that were not defined in the proper order (the proper order will be explained later).

5. Your program is stuck in an endless loop.

6. Your system has crashed, your memory has dropped out, etc.

These problems occur often, and can be annoying, especially when you have to load the program again and start over. Here are some solutions to the first four possibilities, some of which should improve your program execution time.

Printer Not Ready

Occasionally, you may run a program that contains LPRINT (output to printer) statements when your printer is off or disconnected. If so,

your program will hang up when it reaches the first LPRINT, because the TRS-80 printer-driver software waits until the printer sends a ready signal before it transmits each character to be output. If the printer is off, this software routine never receives the ready signal, staying in a loop without sending a warning message to the

Often a TRS-80 BASIC

program will stop

during an operation for

no apparent reason.

user. To prevent this, you need a routine that checks for the printer's presence without getting stuck. Listing 1 shows two methods, using both BASIC and Z80 machine language, that will alert you to the printer-not-ready situation.

If you use the NEWDOS operating system, accidentally pressing the J, K, and L keys simultaneously (the NEWDOS screen-print command) will result in a hang-up for the same reasons. To prevent this, you can disable the screen print by POKEing the decimal number 201 (hexadecimal C9) into decimal location 17333 (hexadecimal 43B5). To re-enable this function, you must POKE the decimal number 103 (hexadecimal 67) into the same location.

Garbage Collection

If you define 20 strings as 3 characters in length and then you redefine those same 20 strings as 2 characters, it should take up 40 bytes, right? Wrong! It takes 100 bytes: 60 for the old strings—now garbage—and 40 for the new strings. Eventually, the computer has to get rid of the garbage to free string space. This procedure sometimes seems to take forever.

The program in listing 2 repeatedly picks a random number from five to nine and defines 100 strings to that length; the random numbers are displayed between the asterisks. The program also shows how much string space is left in memory. Occasionally, this program pauses when the numbers get low. This means that it is time for string space compression, also known as garbage collection, which the computer usually does without a warning. This doesn't have to happen anymore!

Save the BASIC program from listing 2, then decide whether you want to use BASIC or machine language to create a string-compression detector. If you select BASIC, enter the program in listing 3; use the program in listing 4 if you select machine language.

The BASIC version POKEs a machine-language program similar to that in listing 4 into memory. Before running the BASIC version, you must

318 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 1: Two methods of alerting a user to a printer-not-ready condition on a TRS-80 Model I. Listing la is a one-line BASIC statement that prints a warning message if the printer is absent. Listing lb is the machine-language equivalent (users must write their own code to display the warning).

la

IF (PEEK<i4312) AND 2^0)018 THEN PRINT'TRINTER IS NOT READY"

J IS PRINTER READY?

J YES, START PRINTING

J DISPLAY WARNING (CODE NOT SHOWN)

J WAIT TILL KEY PRESSED

,'SO WE CAN TEST AGAIN

!PRINTER IS READY

lb

LOOP

CALL

5D1H

JR

Z,PRTRDY

CALL

PRTMSG

CALL

49H

JR

LOOP

PRTRDY

EQU

*

set the TRS-80 memory size to at least 71 bytes below the actual end of memory (or at least 65 bytes below where you usually set it if you have other programs in high memory). When you run it, the program will ask where in memory you want the machine-language program to be

POKEd. Answering with an ENTER will tell the program to use the current memory size. An address below the memory size will result in an error; otherwise, the program will POKE the data to the location specified.

To use the machine-language ver

sion, first assemble the source code given in listing 4 using a TRS-80 assembler. If you are using a tape-based system (Level II), save the object (executable) code to tape with the name CKSTR. Then reset the memory size as described above, ready the tape for loading, go into the system mode, type in "CKSTR," and hit ENTER to begin loading. When the tape is loaded, type "/" and ENTER. This will run the CKSTR program and return to BASIC. On a disk-based system, save the object code to disk with the name CKSTR. Type in this file name when you are in DOS (disk operating system). It will load, initialize, and return to DOS. You should then enter BASIC, setting your memory size as explained above.

Once you have a version of CKSTR in memory, load and run the program in listing 2 again. When it is time for a string compression to occur, the CKSTR routine displays a graphic character that looks like the letter C (for compression) in the

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320 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 2: This BASIC program will show the delays caused by TR.S-80 string compression and how these delays are caused by the way string space is maintained.

100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400 410 42U 430 440 450 460 470 480 490 500 510 520 530 54u 550 560 570 580 590 600 610 620 630 640 650 660 670 680 690 700 710 720

5TRING

(c) COPYRIGHT 1980 by Glenn Tesler

THIS PROGRAM SHOWS THE DELAYS CAUSED BY STRING COMPRESSION, AND ALSO HOW THESE DELAYS ARE CAUSED BY THE WAY STRING SPACE IS MAINTAINED.

GOTO 560 A=RND(5)+4

PRINT : PRINT "*"; A; "*"

'GO DO INITIALIZATION

'PICK A RANDOM LENGTH 'FROM 5-9.

'DISPLAY IT BETWEEN 'ASTERISKS

NOW DEFINE EACH ELEMENT IN THE ARRAY TO THE RANDOM LENGTH WHICH WAS JUST PICKED. THEN, DISPLAY THE AMOUNT OF STRING SPACE LEFT TO ALLOCATE TO STRINGS BEFORE GOING THROUGH THE STRING COMPRESSION ROUTINE. FRE(AS) IS NOT USED SINCE IT INVOKES THE STRING COMPRESSION ROUTINE, AND THAT WOULD DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS EXAMPLE.

FOR B=l TO X/10

A$ (B)=STRINGS(A,32)

X1=PEEK(16598) X2=PEEK(16544)

PRINT X1-X2;

NEXT B

GOTO 18C

END

'ARRAY ELEMENT COUNTER 'DEFINE AN ELEMENT 'TO THE RANDOM LENGTH 256*PEEK(16599) 'STRING WK AREA PTR 256*PEEK(16545) 'START OF STRING DATA 'POINTER

'CALCULATE & DISPLAY 'THE AMOUNT OF FREE 'STRING SPACE 'LOOP TILL EACH ELEMENT 'HAS BEEN DEFINED 'PICK A NEW RANDOM 'LENGTH

O F

MAIN

PROGRAM

INITIALIZATION

'ALLOCATE STRING SPACE. WHEN THE ARRAYS ARE DEFINED, THE 'AMOUNT OF STRING SPACE ALLOCATED BY THE CLEAR/10 WILL BE 'THE NUMBER OF ARRAY ELEMENTS IN ALL. THIS WAY, YOU CAN 'CAUSE MORE STRINGS OR LESS STRINGS TO BE DEFINED TO 'RANDOM LENTHS. CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 100 STRINGS IN ALL.

'CLEAR SCREEN

'USE INTEGERS FOR SPEED

CLEAR 1000

CLS

DEFINT A-W,Y-Z

PRE-DEFINE VARIABLES FOR SPEED A=0 : B=A : X1=0 : X2=0

GET AVAILIBLE STRING SPACE. FRE IS BEING USED AS THERE HAVE BEEN NO STRINGS DEFINED ALREADY, THUS NO GAPS HAVE BEEN CREATED.

X=FRE(A$)

NOW SET UP AN ARRAY.

DIM A$(X/10) GOTO 18 0

Listing 3: This BASIC program tells the user if any string compression or garbage collection is occurring by displaying a graphics character in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

1000 'ROUTINE TO POKE "STRING COMPRESSION DETECTOR" INTO MEMORY

1020 ' (c) COPYRIGHT 1980 by Glenn Tesler

1040 '

1060 GOTO 4120 'GO DO INITIALIZATION

Listing 3 continued on page 324

upper right-hand corner of the screen. When the garbage collection is finished, the character is removed. With this routine in memory, you will never have to wonder if the computer has crashed or is merely collecting garbage.

The garbage collection routine (starting at hexadecimal location 28E6) uses the Z80 RST instruction, and my detection program takes advantage of this. An RST causes the processor to begin executing at a location in low memory; the garbage collector contains an RST 18, effectively the same as a subroutine call to location hexadecimal 18. Contained in this location, which is in ROM (read-only memory), is a jump vector to another location in programmable memory (hexadecimal 4006), which in turn points to the routine that is the target of programs calling this particular RST. By replacing the information in the second jump vector (locations 4006 to 4008 hexadecimal), any call to RST 18 must first go through my program, where it then checks to see if the call came from the compression routine. If so, the graphics character is displayed, a "switch" in memory is set, and the program jumps to the original target of the RST 18; otherwise, it just does the RST 18.

To erase the graphics character when the compression routine is finished, RST 20 is also checked. This points to a routine that tests data type (i.e., string, integer, etc). Since almost every command has to check the data type, RST 20 is used a lot. When this RST is called, the program checks to see if the "switch" in memory is set and the graphics character is being displayed. If so, it resets the switch and erases the character, and continues with the regular RST 20.

The machine-language program is only 65 bytes long, including the initialization routine. If you are wondering whether an RST 20 is performed in the string-compression routine, it is not. Also, if you are wondering why I didn't use FRE(A$) in the BASIC program, it is because it uses the string-compression routine before calculating the available string space.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 323

Circle 111 on inquiry card.

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aVaV \ MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS X \ \ 5710 Drexel, Chicago, IL 60637

1100 1120 1140 1160 1180 1200 1220 1240 1260 1280 1300 1320 1340 1360 1380 1400 1420 1440 1460 1480 1500 1520 1540 1560 1580 1600 1620 1640 1660 1680 1700 1720 1740 1760 1780 1800 1820 1840 1860 1880 1900 1920 1940 1960 1980 2000 202-0 2040 2060 2080 2100 2120 2140 2160 2180 2200 2220 2240 2260 2280 2300 2320 2340 2360 2380 2400 2420 2440 2460 2480 2500 2520 2540 2560 2580 2600

'SET UP A DEFAULT LOAD ADDRESS AT WHICH TO POKE DETECTOR, 'THEN LET USER OVERRIDE IT IF NECESSARY

I

M1=M 'DEFAULT LOAD ADDRESS

CLS 'BEGIN WITH FRESH SCREEN

PRINT "WHERE SHOULD THE STRING COMPRESSION DETECTOR"

PRINT " BE LOADED (DEFAULT IS:"; Ml; ")";

INPUT Ml

IF Ml >= M THEN 1460 'LOAD POINT MUST BE>=MEM SIZE

PRINT

PRINT "MEMORY SIZE IS SET AT"; M; 'ERROR MESSAGE

PRINT "SO RESET MEMORY SIZE AND TRY AGAIN"

END : GOTO 1300 'DON'T LET PROGRAM CONTINUE

SAVE FINAL LOAD ADDRESS, THEN CONVERT IT TO VALID VALUES FOR THE "POKES": 0-32767 REMAIN THE SAME, BUT 65536 MUST BE SUBTRACTED FROM 32768-65535.

M=M1 '"M" IS LOAD ADDRESS FOR PGM.

IF M > 32767 THEN A=M-65536 ELSE A=M

'POKE THE MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAM INTO HIGH MEMORY. 'ANOTHER ROUTINE WILL HANDLE THE RELOCATION AS NEEDED.

1

PRINT : PRINT "NOW POKING PROGRAM INTO HIGH MEMORY..." FOR B=l TO NB 'LOOP TO DO THE POKES

READ C 'ONE BYTE AT A TIME

POKE A,C 'INTO HIGH MEMORY

IF A=32767 THEN A=-32768 ELSE A=A+1 'CHECK BOUNDARY NEXT B 'TO KEEP 'A' A VALID INTEGER

I

'INTEGERS MUST BE IN THE RANGE: -32768 TO 32767 'IF "M" EXCEEDS 32767, IT WOULD BE AN ERROR. BY 'SUBTRACTING 65536 FROM "M", A NEGATIVE NUMBER RESULTS, 'WHICH ACTUALLY IS A Z-80 ADDRESS BETWEEN 32768 AND 65535

IF M > 32767 THEN M=M-65536

'CHECK AND ADJUST RANGE

'MACHINE LANGUAGE IS NOT SELF-RELOCATABLE,

'SO NOW IT IS NECESSARY TO CALCULATE AND ADJUST SOME

'OF THE ADDRESSES IN IT.

' THE

' 1

CALCULATION IS DONE THIS WAY: CALCULATE ABSOLUTE ADDRESS OF A VARIABLE WITHIN THE MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAM:

M0 = PROGRAM LOAD ADDRESS + VARIABLE DISPLACEMENT WITHIN PROGRAM , CONVERT ADDRESS 'Ml' TO TWO SINGLE BYTES: LSB, MSB:

M2 = LSB, Ml = MSB , CALCULATE WHERE TO STORE ADJUSTED VARIABLE ADDRESS AND STORE IT THERE. THIS MAY HAVE TO BE DONE MORE THAN ONCE IF THE VARIABLE IS REFERENCED MORE THAN ONCE.

PRINT : PRINT M0=M+13 M2=M0 AND 255 M1 = INT (MO/256) POKE M+l, M2 POKE M+2, Ml

M0=M+38 M2=M0 AND 255 M1 = INT (MO/256) POKE M+7, M2 POKE M+8, Ml

M0=M+64 M2=M0 AND 255 M1 = INT (MO/256) M2 Ml M2 Ml M2 Ml

"NOW RELOCATING INTERNAL ADDRESSES..."

'ADDRESS OF GRAPHIC DISPLAY RTN 'EXTRACT LSB FROM 2-BYTE ADDR. AND 255 'EXTRACT MSB ALSO

'STORE LSB INTO MACH LANG PGM 'STORE MSB

AND

'ADDRESS OF "GRAPHIC REMOVER" 'CALC LSB OF GRAPHIC REMOVER 255 'CALC MSB

'STORE THEM INTO PROGRAM

3M

AND 255

POKE M+33, POKE M+34, POKE M+39, POKE M+40, POKE M+47, POKE M+48,

'ADDRESS OF A SWITCH IN PC

'LSB OF SWITCH ADDRESS

'MSB

'STORE SWITCH ADDRESS INTO

'PROGRAM IN THREE LOCATIONS.

'IN THREE PLACES

Listing 3 continued on page 326

324 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

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Most other business programs are limited single file systems, whereas GBS allows you to work with 3 different files at the same time. All Indexes are updated automatically. What's more, a large GBS data file can extend over 4 different disk drives...not merely one. No other data base system has the power and flexibility of GBS!

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Included as a part of GBS is a very powerful applications development tool, called QUICK GEN. Basically, this function allows almost anyone - even those unsophisticated about computers to generate useful business programs. Think of the efficiency you gain when anyone on your staff can quickly generate a needed program to solve a particular problem! But, GBS versatility doesn't stop there. GBS is also ...

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*CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. BYTE May 1982 325

Circle 50 on inquiry card.

NEC PC-8023A-C Printer

$49988 DEUVERED

□ 100 cps bi-directional printing

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D Hi-res dot-addressable graphics

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D Subscript, Superscript & underlining

Okidata Printers

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Microline 84 (Parallel)

$105988

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OKIGRAPH ROM—adds Hi-Res capabilities

. $8988

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Centronics 739 (Parallel)

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C.Itoh Pro Writer w/3K buffer

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C.Itoh F-10 Daisy Wheel

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Cables and interfaces available for the

Apple,

Atari, CBM/Pet, IBM, Osborne, and TRS-80.

Orders & Information:

CALL (603)-673-8857

Orders Only: CALL (800J-343-0726

We accept CODs—No surcharge for credit cards

No charge for UPS shipping—Stock shipments next

day—All equipment shipped factory fresl

with the

manufacturer's warranty

Prices subject to change

HIGH TECHNOLOGY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

THE BOTTOM

1 'LINE

12 Johnson Street, Milford NH 03055-0423

326 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

NECESSARY RELOCATIONS ARE COMPLETE.

SET UP THE "OSR" CALL: ASSUME LEVEL II, BUT IF IN DISK BASIC, SET IT UP THROUGH A "DEFUSR":

NOW SEE IF IN DISK BASIC. IF SO, ABOVE DIDN'T HURT. IF PEEK (16809) <> 201 THEN DEFUSR=M

NOW ACTIVATE THE STRING COMPRESSION ROUTINE. IT WILL REMAIN IN HIGH MEMORY UNTIL YOU RE-BOOT OR RE-INITIALIZE BASIC. YOU CAN LOAD AND RUN OTHER BASIC PROGRAMS NOW, AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT POKE OTHER MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS INTO THE SAME PLACE AS THE STRING COMPRESSION ROUTINE.

*** MAKE SURE YOUR OTHER PROGRAMS DO NOT *** *** DESTROY THE DETECTOR !!! ***

M=USR(0)

END OF MAINLINE OF PROGRAM

PRINT : PRINT "STRING COMPRESSION DETECTOR ACTIVE"

END : GOTO 3160 'MAKE SURE PROGRAM STOPS HERE

Listing 3 continued:

2620 2640 2660 2680 2700 2720 2740 2760 2780 2800 2820 2840 2860 2880 2900 2920 2940 2960 2980 3000 3020 3040 3060 3080 3100 3120 3140 3160 3180 3200 3220 3240 3260 3280 3300 3320 3340 3360 3380 3400 3420 3440 3460 3480 3500 3520 3540 3560 3580 3600 3620 3640 3660 3680 3700 3720 3740 3760 3780 3600 3820 3840 3860 3880 3900 3920 3940 3960 3980 4000 4020 4060 4080 4100

POKE 16526, M AND 255

POKE 16527, (M/256) AND 255

'LSB OF DETECTOR START 'MSB

'ACTIVATE THE DETECTOR

END

O F

MAIN

PROGRAM

ERROR ROUTINE FOR HANDLING OVERFLOWS IN A CERTAIN BLOCK OF LINES. IF THE ERROR IS SOMEPLACE ELSE, OR IS NOT AN OVERFLOW, THEN BASIC'S NORMAL ERROR MESSAGE IS GIVEN. IF IT IS AN OVERFLOW IN THAT BLOCK, THEN THIS ROUTINE MODIFIES THE APPROPRIATE VARIABLE.

CHECK TO SEE IF VALID ERROR

IF ERRO10 OR ERL<2200 OR ERL>2820 THEN ON ERROR GOTO 0

IF ERROR OCCURED WITH M0, CHANGE M0 ELSE CHANGE M

IF ERL=2200 OR ERL=2220 OR ERL=2240 THEN 3700 IF ERL=2320 OR ERL=2340 OR ERL=2360 THEN 3700 IF ERL=2440 OR ERL=2460 OR ERL=2480 THEN 3700

IN THE NEXT TWO LINES: IF THE VARIABLE IS NEGATIVE, 65536 IS ADDED. IF POSITIVE, 65536 IS SUBTRACTED. THIS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THE OVERFLOW. NEXT IT RESUMES TO GIVE CONTROL BACK TO THE ERROR LINE.

M=M+(-SGN(M)*65536) : RESUME M0=M0+(-SGN(M0)*65536) : RESUME

END

O F

ERROR

ROUTINE

THESE DATA STATEMENTS CONTAIN THE MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAM THAT IS THE "STRING COMPRESSION DETECTOR"

DATA 33,

DATA 10 ,

DATA 28,

DATA 62,

181, 255, 34,

7, 64, 33, 206, 255, 34

64, 201, 227, 213, 209, 227, 32, 10,

1,

DATA 255, 203, 71, DATA 63, 60, 254,

50, 232, 255, 195, 40, 16, 175, 183, 32, 5,

17, 253, 62, 183,

40, 205, 144

144,

50,

28,

50, 232, 255,

62, 32, 50,

63, 60

58, 232 58 63

DATA 60, 195, 217, 37,

END

' INITIALIZATION

O F

DATA

STATEMENTS

Listing 3 continued on page 328

Superfast in its class and ready to run,

Computer

Benchmarks

r

-All systems running th

e same BASIC program.

Manufacture- Model

Class

Operating

Language

Run Time

System

(Type*)

(Seconds)

IBM 3033

Mainframe

VS2-10RVYL

Stanford BASIC

10

Seattle Computer System 2

Micro

MS-DOS

Microsoft BASIC (C)

33

Digital Equipment PDP 11/70

Mini

n/a

BASIC (I)

45

Prime 550

Mainframe

PRIMOS

BASIC VI 6.4 (I)

63

Digital Equipment PDP-10

Mainfra

me

TOPS-10

BASIC (1)

65

IBM System 34

Mainfra

me

Release 05

BASIC (1)

129

TEI System 48

Micro

MAGIC 1.0

Microsoft BASIC (C)

178

Hewlett-Packard HP3000

Mini

Time Share

BASIC (1)

250

Seattle Computer System 2

Micro

MS-DOS

Microsoft BASIC (1)

310

Alpha Micro AM-100/T

Micro

AMOS 4.3a

Alpha BASIC (SC)

317

Digital Equipment PDP 11/45

Mini

n/a

BASIC (1)

330

Data General NOVA 3

Mini

Time Share

BASIC 5.32

517

Ohio Scientific C4-P

Micro

OS65D3.2

Level 1 BASIC (I)

680

North Star Floating Point

Micro

NSDOS

NorthStar BASIC (I)

685

Radio Shack TRS-80 II

Micro

TRSDOS1.2

BASIC (I)

792

Apple 11 +

Micro

DOS 3.2

Applesoft II (I)

960

Cromemco System 3

Micro

CDOS

32KBASIC(I)

1074

Commodore Pet 2001

Micro

n/a

Microsoft BASIC (I)

1374

IBM 5100

Micro

n/a

BASIC (I)

1951

Vector MZ

Micro

n/a

MicropolisBASIC(l)

2251

*C = Compiler; I = Interpreter. Time

;s (except for Seattle Computer) taken from August 1981 issue of Interface

Age.

The Seattle Computer System 2 is the fastest micro on the block. In fact, System 2 outperforms many minis and mainframes.

Even the big boys such as: IBM System 34, Prime 550, and Hewlett-Packard HP 3000 are left in the dust when System 2 starts running.

The speedy System 2 consists of 8 Mhz. 8086 CPU set, 128Kof 85 nsec. static RAM, double-density disk controller, 22-slot constant voltage mainframe, a cable for two 8" drives, and MS-DOS operating system (also called 86-DOS, IBM PC-DOS, Lifeboat SB-86).

High-level languages like Microsoft's Basic, Pascal, Fortran, Cobol are available now for your application programs.

System 2 comes fully assembled, tested and ready to run with the addition of disk drives (that we can supply) and terminal.

Call (206) 575-1830 for the location of your nearest System 2 dealer.

Dealer inquiries welcome.

1114 Industry Drive, Seattle, Washington 98188 Circle 374 on inquiry card.

Listing

3 continued:

4120

DEFINT A-L,N-Z

4140

M=PEEK(16561)+256*PEE

4160

ON ERROR GOTO 34 20

4180

C=0:B=C:A=C:M1=C:M2=C

4200

ON ERROR GOTO 34 20

4220

C=0:B=C:A=C:M0=C

4240

M1=C:M2=C

4260

NB=65

4280

GOTO 1160

4300

1

4320

1 E N D O F

Line Searches

When the TRS-80 BASIC interpreter encounters a GOSUB, GOTO, RUN, LIST, etc., it has to search for the associated line number. The interpreter always starts at the beginning of the program unless it is looking for a GOTO, RUN, or GOSUB, in which case it does one of the following:

• If the line referenced is earlier than the line the command is on, it will begin the search at the start of the program.

• If the line referenced is not earlier than the line the command is on, the search begins on the command line.

• If the command is entered as a direct statement, the search begins at the start of the program.

The further the line is from the command referencing it, the longer the interpreter takes to find it. This can take a long time in large programs. Here are three ways to prevent this situation:

1. Try to use subroutines as much as possible. This cuts down wasted program space.

2. Put frequently used routines near the start of the program to reduce search time.

3. Place your initialization routines at the end of the program, and start your program with a GOSUB to the routine. Then your program won't have to waste time going over lines that are used only once.

Also, when entering additional lines near the top of a large program, it takes a long time to get the prompt after hitting ENTER. Here are several reasons for this:

'USE INTEGER VARIABLES 6562)+l 'MEM SIZE 'OVERFLOW ERROR HANDLER 'SET UP VARIABLES FOR SPEED 'TAKE CARE OF OVERFLOW 'SET UP VARIABLES FOR SPEED

'LENGTH OF MACH. 'GO BACK TO MAIN

LANG. PGM. PROGRAM

INITIALIZATION

• The BASIC interpreter searches for the line, starting at the beginning of the program.

• If the line is currently in the program, it is deleted. When the interpreter deletes a line, the lines above must fill the empty space.

• Next, the interpreter moves the lines that are past where the new one has to go to accommodate it.

• The line pointers for each line are changed, starting with the new line.

• The interpreter finishes up by executing a CLEAR.

Defining Variables

Here are some recommendations on how to define variables. If you define them in these ways, the time it takes to find each variable should be reduced and the program execution time should improve.

• Use integer variables whenever possible.

• Define all variables in the statements of the program that will be executed first. These statements should be placed at the end of the program, and invoked by a GOSUB from the beginning of the program, as mentioned before. Then, it will not be necessary for BASIC to scan them when looking for GOTO and GOSUB targets during the rest of the run.

• Define simple variables before defining arrays.

• Define the most frequently used variables before defining infrequently used ones. (This is mentioned in the Level II manual on page 11/2.)

Combining these suggestions, you should define your frequently used variables before your seldomly used ones. Frequently used arrays should

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Toll Free: (800) 538-8133;

Telex 171551 DYSAN SNTA;

TWX: 910-338-2144.

Circle 150 on Inquiry card.

328 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

THAT THE BEST MEDIA

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Listing

4: The machine-language equivalent to listing 3.

00100

;CKSTR

(C) COPYRIGHT

1980 BY GLENN TESLER

00110

/

00120

;THIS

PROGRAM

TESTS TO SEE

IF

BASIC IS IN ITS

00130

;STRING COMPRESSION ROUTINE

. IF IT IS, IT DISPLAYS

00140

;A GRAPHICS CHARACTER, ELSE

IT CHECKS TO SEE IF THE

00150

;GRAPHICS CHAR

IS ON THE SCREEN. IF SO DISPLAY A BLANK.

00160

;NEXT,

DO RST18H

00170

/

1C90

00180

RST18H

EQU

1C90H

;16 BIT COMPARE

25D9

00190

RST20H

EQU

25D9H

;TEST DATA TYPE

00B7

00200 00210

CMPSYM

EQU

183

;CHAR TO DISPLAY

F618

00220 00230

1

ORG

63000

;<== YOU MAY CHANGE THIS

F618

2127F6

00240

SETSTR

: LD

HL,CKSTR

;OVERLAY JUMP VECTOR

F61B

220740

00250 00260

?

LD

(4007H) ,HL

;TO GIVE ME CONTROL. ^OVERLAY JUMP VECTOR

F61E

2140F6

00270

LD

HL,CKBYT

;TO BE ABLE TO TAKE IT

F621

220A40

00280 00290

.

LD

(400AH) HL

;OFF SCREEN AFTERWARDS.

00300

;SELECT ONE OF

THE NEXT TWO

JUMPS, DEPENDING ON WHERE

00310

;YOU ARE RUNNING THIS PROGRAM

AT EXECUTION TIME

00320

/

(BASIC

VIA "SYSTEM"

OR DOS VIA "CKSTR/CMD").

00330

/

F624

C3191A

00340

JP

1A19H

;USE THIS TO ENTER BASIC

00350

/

JP

402DH

;OR USE THIS TO ENTER DOS

00360

i

F627

E3

00370

CKSTR:

EX

(SP),HL

;SAVE HL, GET RET ADDR.

F628

D5

00380

PUSH

DE

;SAVE DE

F629

11FD28

00390

LD

DE,28FDH

;RET ADR IF IN STR CMPRSN

F62C

CD901C

00400

CALL

RST18H

; IS IT THAT ADDRESS?

F62F

Dl

00410

POP

DE

;RESTORE DE

F630

E3

00420

EX

(SP),HL

;SAVE RET ADD, GET HL

F631

200A

00430

JR

NZ,DORS 18

;NOT ADDR, SKIP

F633

3EB7

00440

LD

A,CMPSYM

;GET SYMBOL

F635

323F3C

00450

LD

(3C3FH) ,A

;DISPLAY

F638

3E01

00460

LD

A,l

;SET SWITCH

F63A

325AF6

00470

LD

(CMPSW),A

; . .

F63D

C3901C

00480 00490

DORSI8

JP

RSTlfiH

;DO 16 BIT COMPARE

F640

3A5AF6

00500

CKBYT

LD

A,(CMPSW)

;GET SWITCH

F643

CB47

00510

BIT

0,A

;ON?

F645

2810

00520

JR

Z,DORS20

;NO, DO RST20

F647

AF

00530

XOR

A

;ZAP A

F648

325AF6

00540

LD

(CMPSW),A

;ZAP SWITCH

F64B

3A3F3C

00550

LD

A,(3C3FH)

;GET SCN BYT

F64E

FEB7

00560

CP

CMPSYM

J IS IT THE CHAR?

F650

2005

00570

JR

NZ,DORS20

;NO, DO RST20H

F652

3E20

00580

LD

A,32

;BLANK

F654

323F3C

00590

LD

(3C3FH) ,A

;PUT BYTE ON SCREEN

F657

C3D925

. 00600 00610

DORS 20

JP

RST20H

;DATA TYPE

F65A

00

00620

CMPSW

DEFB

0

;SWITCH

0043

00630

ZSIZE

EQU

5-SETSTR

F618

00640

END

SETSTR

00000 TOTAL

ERRORS

CKBYT F640

005.00

00270

CK5T.R F627

00370

00240

CMPSW F65A

00620

00470

00500 00540

CMPSYM U0B7

00200

00440

00560

DORS18 F63D

00480

00430

DORS20 F657

00600

00520

00570

RST18H 1C90

00180

00400

00480

RST20H 25D9

00190

00600

SET3TR F618

00240

00630

00640

Z3IZE 0043

00630

be defined and then seldomly used Conclusion

If you do add them, and use some of

arrays. All these definitions should be Even if you don't add these detec- the variable-definition sequences sug

in an initialization routine at the end of the program, and a GOSUB at the beginning of the program should pass control to this initialization routine.

tion routines to your system, knowing what the computer is doing will help you avoid rebooting unnecessarily (say, during string compression).

gested, then you'll find the computer doing more of what it was meant to do: making your life easier and more

funis

330 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

Ill

(

LETTER PERFECT

T.M. LJK

\

WORD PROCESSING

ATARI 400/800

APPLE II & 11+

u

EASY TO USE — Letter Perfect is a single load easy to use program. It is a menu driven, character orientated processor with the user in mind. FAST machine language operation, ability to send control codes within the body of the program, mnemonics that make sense, and a full printed page of buffer space for text editing are but a few features. Screen Format allows you to preview printed text. Indented margins are allowed. Data Base Merge with DATA PERFECT by LJK, form letters, accounting files and mailing labels only with MAIL MERGE/UTILITY by LJK. FEATURES - Proportional/ Incremental spacing * Right Justification * File Merging * Block movement * Headers * Footers * Print Multiple Copies * Auto Page Numbering * Scroll forward/backward * Search and Replaces * Full cursor control * Underlining * Boldface * Superscripts * Subscripts * Auto page numbering * Insert character/line * Delete character/line * Centering * Horizontal tabs/changeable * Multifunction format line (line spacing — left margin — page width — lines/page — change fonts — top/ bot margin adjust) MUCH MORE! $149.95

ATARI VERSION 2.0 #2001

Uses proportional font, right justified with Atari 825/Centronics' 737, 739 printers. Uses EPSON MX' Series + Graftrax/italicized font. Can mix type fonts on same page; mix boldface and enhanced font in same line with justification. Can be used with 16K Atari/400.

"Compared to the price of many other word processors, this package is a steal. It does everything the advertisement claims and more. On top of this the software is very easy to use." A.N.A.L.O.G. MAGAZINE

APPLE VERSION 5.0 #1001

DOS 3.3 compatible — Use 40 or 80 column interchangeably (Smarterm — ALS; Videoterm-Videx; Full View 80 — Bit 3 Inc.; Vision 80 — Vista; Sup-R-Term — M&R Ent.) Reconfigurable at any time for different video, printer, or interface. USE HAYES MICROMODEM ll*LCA necessary if no 80 column board, need at least 32 K of memory. Files saved as either Text or Binary. Shift key modification allowed. Data Base Merge compatible with DATA PERFECT* by LJK.

"For $150, Letter Perfect offers the type of software that can provide qua ity word processing on inexpensive microcomputer systems at a competitive price." INFOWORLD

DATA PERFECT

APPLE & ATARI

DATA BASE MANAGEMENT

$99.95

EDIT 6502

Complete Data Base System. User orientated for easy and fast operation. 100% Assembly language. Easy to use. You may create your own screen mask for your needs. Searches and Sorts allowed. Configurable to use with any of the 80 column boards of Letter Perfect word processing, or use 40 column Apple video. Lower case supported in 40 column video. Utility enables user to convert standard files to Data Perfect format. Complete report generation capability. Much More!

T.M. LJK $29.95

MAIL MERGE/UTILITY ATARI

This menu driven program combined with LETTER PERFECT allows user to generate form letters and print mailing labels. With the Atari, you may CONVERT ATARI DOS FILES, or Visicalc files compatible for editing with LETTER PERFECT. Utility creates Data Base files for Letter Perfect.

This is a coresident — two pass ASSEMBLER, DISASSEMBLER, TEXT EDITOR, and MACHINE LANGUAGE MONITOR. Editing is both character and line oriented. Disassemblies create editable source files with ability to use predefined labels. Complete control with 41 commands, 5 disassembly modes, 24 monitor commands including step, trace, and read/write disk. Twenty pseudo opcodes, allows linked assemblies, software stacking (single and multiple page) plus complete printer control, i.e. paganation, titles and tab setting. User can move source, object and symbol table anywhere in memory. Feel as if you never left the environment of BASIC. Use any of the 80 column boards as supported by LETTER PERFECT, Lower Case optional with LCG.

LOWER CASE CHARACTER GENERATOR

P«rsruvvxyz< I )"■

$24.95

>7tA8CgEFG fohijkl

LJK DISK UTILITY

APPLE $29.95

This menu driven program allows the user to manipulate a variety of different file types. Binary, Text, and Source files may be easily converted into each other. The program may be used with APPLESOFT*, VISCALC*, and other programs. These program files may be readily adapted for multiple use including editing with LETTER PERFECT word processings.

abcdcfghijk

Lower Case Character Generator for the Rev. 7, Apple II or II+ computers. When installed, this Eprom will generate lower case characters to the video screen. Lower case characters set has two dot true descenders. Installation instruction included. Manual includes listing of software for full support and complete instructions for shift key modification. Compatible with LETTER PERFECT.

DEALER

INQUIRES

INVITED

LJK ENTERPRISES INC.

P.O. Box 10827

St. Louis, MO 63129

(314)846-6124

"Trademarks of: Apple Computer — Atari Computer — Epson America — Hayes Microcomputers — Personal Software — Videx — Bit 3 Inc. — M&R Ent. — Advanced Logic Systems — Vista Computers

Circle 238 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 331

with our variety ot quality ttisR arms.

ASAP carries only the highest quality floppy disk drives, to provide you with years of trouble-free service and superior performance.

Data Trak™ double-sided, double-density drives from Qume® feature state-of-the-art technology. You get superior data integrity through improved disk life, data reliability and drive serviceability.

Data Trak'" 5 (ANSI 5W compatibility) Call for price

Data Trak™ 8 (IBM compatibility) Call for price

Shugart drives have been setting industry quality and reliability standards for years. Shugart's Bi-Compliant™ head assembly provides superior media compliance and high reliability.

Model 801 (standard floppy) $400.00

Model 850 $640.00

ASAP also provides a full line of high reliability disk drive subsystems. For superior quality, high reliability disk drives, contact ASAP today.

Part No. — Description* Price

CAB5V — Single cabinet for either Shugart or Qume 51A"

floppy disk drives (cabinet only) $ 75.00

CAB5V/10 — Single cabinet with (1) Qume® DT-5, double-sided

double-density 5V<" floppy disk drive installed $ 425.00

CAB8H — Dual cabinet for 8" floppy disk drives

(horizontal mounting) $ 225.00

CAB8V — Cabinet for 8" floppy disk drives

(vertical mounting) $ 225.00

CAB8H/V+1S — Dual cabinet with (1) Shugart SA801R

8" floppy disk drive installed (horizontal or

vertical mounting) $ 665.00

CAB8H/V+2S — Dual cabinet with (2) Shugart SA801R's 8" floppy disk drives installed (horizontal or

vertical mounting) $1055.00

CAB8H+1M — Dual cabinet with (1) Mitsubishi double-sided

double-density, 8" floppy disk drive installed $ 695.00

CAB8H+2M — Dual cabinet with (2) Mitsubishi double-sided double-density, 8" floppy disk drives installed $1155.00

CAB8H/V+10 — Dual cabinet with (1) Qume® DT-8 double-sided double-density drive installed (horizontal or vertical mounting) $ 725.00

CAB8H/V+2Q — Dual cabinet with (2) Qume® DT-8's doublesided double-density drives installed (horizontal or vertical mounting) $1205.00

HDC8/1-HD — Cabinet with (1) Priam 10 megabyte hard disk

drive with Microbyte Controller Call for price

HDC8/1F+1HD — Cabinet with (1) Qume® DT-8 double-sided, double-density drive, and (1) Priam 10 megabyte hard disk

drive with Microbyte Controller Call for price

CAB8V/2F-9SMB — Desk top cabinet for (2) 8" Shugart or Qume floppy disk drives, 9-slot motherboard, card cage, fan, dust filter, power supply, and all power and drive

cables Call for price

X5 — Cabinet for desk top mainframe (small power

supply) $ 200.00

800D — Cabinet for desk top mainframe (standard power supply) $ 255.00

"All cabinets come complete with power supply, fan and internal cables.

332 BYTE May 1982

Circle 29 on inquiry card.

Terminals

Manufacturer Model # Price

Ampex Dialogue 80 S 875 00

Lear Siegler ADM-5 S 660.00

Lear Siegler ADM-3A S 635.00

Lear Siegler ADM-3A+ S1225.00

Lear Siegler ADM-31 S1095.00

Lear Siegler ADM-32 $1225.00

Lear Siegler ADM-42 $119500

Televideo TVI910 $ 625.00

Televideo TVI 912C S 725.00

Televideo TVI 925 $ 825.00

Televideo TVI 950C $ 925.00

Components

4116s (200 nSl/5290-3

Apple TRS-80 Heath

1-15 $170 each 50-99 SI 50 each

16-49 S1 60 each 100 tip . $1 30 each

2114 L-2/200 nS

Low-Powei 1Kx 4 Static RAM

1-16 S2 80 each 50-99 .... $2 60 each

17-49 ... $270 each 100 up ... $2 45 each

2708/450 nS

IK x 8 EPROM $4 00 each or 8/$28 00

2716/5 Volt

2K x 8 EPROM ' $4 95 each

Regulators

320T5 $80

340T5 870

320T12 $80

340T1? S 75

Connectors

19 10-24 25 up

DB25P S2 00 $190 S175

DB25S S2 95 S2 75 $2 50

DB25C S 95 $ 85 $ 75

100 Pin IMSAI

Gold'S-100 Soldertail Connectors S2 60 each or 10/S2 40each

Capacitors

1 rs> 12 Volt Ceramic 8c each ni 1O0/S7 0O

DIP SOCketS — Low Profile Tin Soldertail

Description 1-9 10 49 50 99 100 up

14 pin tin st S 15 $ 13 $ 12 $ 11

16 pin tin st S 16 $ 14 S 13 S 12

18 pin tin st S 19 $ 18 S 16 S 14

20 pin tin st $ 25 $ 23 $ 21 $ 20

?4 pin tin st $ 26 S 24 $ 22 $ 20

28 pin tin st S 32 S 30 S 29 S 27

40 pin tin st S 42 $ 40 $ 38 S 34

SYSTEMS WITH SPICE from CALIFORNIA COMPUTER SYSTEMS FOR S 100 USERS

32K Static RAM Board

Pait Numbei 2032C Puce 3595 00

16K Static RAM Board

Pait Numbei 2116C Price'$300 00

64K Dynamic RAM Board

Part Numbei 2065C Price 5550 00

280A CPU Board

Part Numbei 2810A Price S270 00

Floppy Disk Controller

Pait Number 2422A Price $370 00

CP/M™ Version 2 2 Free With Purchase S 100 Mainlrame

Part Number 2200A Price $475 00

SI 00 Motherboard

Part Number 2501A Price $150 00

4-Port Serial I/O Interface

Part Number 2710A Price 5285.00

2-Serial. 2-Parallel I/O Board

Part Numbei 2719A Price 5280 00

4 Port Parallel I/O Board

Pait Number 2720A Price $19500

FOR APPLE IP USERS

Synchronous Serial Interlace

Part Numbei 77I2A Price S149 00

Programmable Timer

Part Numbei 7440A Price 5 95 00

Asynchronous Serial Interlace

Part Number 7710A Price S139 00

Calendar/Clock Module

Pait Numbei 7424 Price: 5 99 00

3! i Digit BCD A to-0 Converter

Part Number 7470A Price S 95 00

12K ROM/PROM Module

Part Numbei 7114A Price S 85 00

Parallel Interlace

Part Number 7720A Price S125 00

Arithmetic Processor

Part Numbei 7811A Price S349 00

Centronics Printer Interlace

Part Numbei 7728A Price: 5125 00

Printers Epson MX-80

80 Column Dot Matrix Printer

Character set full 96-character ASCII with

descenders

Graphics characters: 64 block characters

Centronics-style 8-bit parallel interface

standard: Apple, TRS-80. RS-232 interfaces

optional.

MX-80 FT/Friction Feed MX-100/132 Column Okidata Dot Matrix Printers

82A — 80 column printer w/tractor Throughput (5> 80 characters per line: 76 lines per minute Print Speed: 120 CPS 83A — 136 column printer w/tractor Throughput @> 136 characters per line: 76 lines per minute Print Speed: 120 CPS 84A — 136 column printer w/tractor Throughput @ 136 characters per line 114 lines per minute Print Speed: 200 CPS

Centronics & RS-232C interfaces standard on models 82A & 83A 2K serial buffer board (RS-232) ■ optional on all models 84A: Centronics 8-bit parallel interface optional: Hi-RES Graphics standard. CALL FOR PRICE & DELIVERY

Apple Parallel Interface:

AEI-1 W/Cable $69.95

• Standard Interface

• Compatible with Epson & Okidata Printers

• On-board Firmware (2708) Optional Cables S20.00 AEC-2/Atati to Epson Printer TREC-2/TRS-80 to Epson/Okidata Printei RSC-1/RS-232lmaletomalel

Serial Interface SEI-1 $55.00

• Asynchronous 300 1200 2400 oi 9600 BPS

• Compatible with Epson Printers

• 75 to 9600 BPS

Manulacturer/Model # Price

Anadex-9501 W/2K buffei S1295 00

Diablo-630R0 52095 00

CltohPro/Wntei II Call for piice

C Itoh F-10 Printmaster Call for price

Texas lnstruments-810 $1650 00

Modems

Manufacturer Model 0 Price

Novation CAT $ 149 00

Novation d-CAT $ 160 00

Novation Auto-Cat $ 22900

DC Hayes Smart Modem S 235 00

DC Hayes Micro Modem II S 32000

(Apple)

DC Hayes Micro Modem 100 S 320.00

Lexicon Lex-11 5 13900

Livermore LIV-Star 20M S 149 00

UDS UDS 103 LP (300 Bd) S 18500

UDS UDS 202 LP (1200 Bd) 5 245.00

Monitors

Manufacturer Model # Price

Amdek 100/12" B&W S 11000

Amdek 100-80 S 16900

Amdek 100G/12"Grn S 125 00

Amdek Color-113" 5 35000

Sanyo DM 5109CX/9" Grn. S 17500

Sanyo DM 5012/12" B&W 5 27000

Sanyo DM 5112ex/12" Grn 5 290 00

Sanyo DM C6013/13" Color $425 00

Zenith ZVM-121/12"Grn S 115 00

ATARI COMPUTER PRODUCTS

ATARI 800

(16K) Personal Business Computer Features:

• Computer console

• Atari 8K basic

• 57 full stroke alpha-numeric keyboard with four function keys

• Operator's manual

• RF modulator

• Power supply Call for price

ATARI 400 $349.00

Atari Optional Accessories

Model # Description Price

410 Program Recorder S 80 00

810 Disk Drive System $ 455 00

822 40 Column Thermal

Printer S 299 00

820 40 Column Dot

Matrix Printer S 279 00

825 80 Column Dot

Matrix Printer S 625 00

830 Acoustic Modem $ 159 00

850 Interface Module 5 169 00

410 Cassette Recorder $ 80 00

CX30-04 Paddle Controls $ 17 95

CX40-04 Joysticks (pair) 5 17 95

INTRODUCING ASAP's

Atari 800 16K RAM Module: $55.00

1 year warranty parts & labor

Software

Atari

Basketball I S 27.00

Super Breakout S 30 00

Chess S 32 00

Video Easel 5 25 00

3-D Tic Tac Toe 5 25 00

Star Raiders ] 5 36 00

Asteroids S 32 00

Music Composer S 42 00

Assembler/Editor S 4500

Telelinkl 5 24 00

Space Invaders $3000

Kingdom $ 12 95

Missile Command S 32 00

Biorhythm S 1295

Graph It 5 1795

Energy Czar S 1295

Mailing List S 1995

Touch Typing 5 19 95

Stock Charting S 22 95

Stock Analysis S 19 95

Bond Analysis $ 19 95

Word Processor : 511900

Personal Finance [ $ 6495

Microsoft BASIC 5 75 00

Datasott

Atari Mailing List Disk 19 95

Atari Charactei Generator pisk 16 95

Text Wizard Disk 8995

Micropamtei Album 1 Disk 16 95

Micropaintei Album 2 Disk 16 95

Le Stick Accessory 30 00

Innovative Desiqn Software. Inc.

Pool 1 5 HI-RES 48K . . . , S28 95

On Line Systems

HI-RES Adv»0- Mission Asteroid Disk 19 95

HI-RES Adv »2 - Wiz 8. Pi ncess Disk . . 25 00

RoadwoikOisk j 2995

Jawbreaker Disk 25 0O

Softporn Adventure (X-ratpdl Disk .... 2500

The Next Step Disk '29 95

Personal Software

VisicalcDisk .j 169 00

Arcade Plus

Ghost Hunter (Cassettel . j S 25 00

Ghost Huntei (Diskl ... J S 30 00

FOfl HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEMS Activision

Dragster Cartridge j 18 50

Boxing Cartridge 18 50

Checkers Cartridge 18 50

Fishing Derby Cartridge . 18 50

Skiing Cartridge 1850

Bridge Cartridge 23 95

Tennis Cartridge ' 18 50

Laser Blast Cartridge 18 50

Freewav Cartridge ' 18.50

Kaboom1 Cartridge 18 50

Stampede Cartridge 18 50

Ice Hockey Cartridge 23 95

DISKETTES from ASAP

Verbatim

5T«" Diskettes

Part it Sector Price

MD525-01 Soft 10/S27 50

MD525-10 Hard 10 10/S27 50

MD52516 Hard 16 10/S27 50

8" Diskettes

FD32-100O Hard 10/S3500

FD34-1000 Soft 10/S35 00

Part #

MEM 3481 MEM 3483 MEM 3485

MEM 3060 MEM 3101 MFM3O90 MEM 3102

Parts 744-0

744-10 744-16 745-0 745-10 74516

Part ft

MD1

M02D

MH1

MH2D

FD1-128 FH1-32 FD2-XD

Memorex

5' i" Diskettes Side/Dens Sector 1 /Obi Soft 1 /Obi Hard 10 1/Obl Hard 16

8" Diskettes 1/Sgl Soft 2/Sgl Soft 1/Dbl Sott 2/Obl Soft

Scotch 3M

51 r Diskettes Side/Dens Sector 1'Sql

1'Snl 1/Sql 2/Dbl 2/Dhl 2/Dbl

Soft Hard 10 Hard 16 Sott Hard 10 Hard 16

Maxell

5'V Diskettes Side/Oens Sector 1/Sgl 2/Dbl 1/Sgl 2/Dbl

Sott Soft Hard 16 Hard 16

Part# EMS1 EMS 2 EMS 3 EMS 4 EMS 5 FMS6 EMS 7

Part* 1221-60 1223-00 122500

1241-00 1241-10 1241-16 1242-00 1242-10 1242-16 1244-00 1244-10 1244-16

8" Diskettes 1/Sgl Soft 1/Sgl Soft 32 2/Dbl Sott

Elephant Memory Systems

Price

10/S26 50 10/S26 50 10/S26 50

10/S35 00 10/S4500 10/S4500

10/S55 00

Price

tn.saioo to'saioo

10'S33 00 10/549 00 WS49 00 10/S49 00

Price

10/S32 00 10/S44 00 10'S3900 10/550 00

10/S4100

10/S41 no

10/S50 00

Side/Dens

1/Sgl 1/Dbl 1'0bl 1/Dbl 2/Dbl 2/Dbl 2/Dbl

Sector

Soft Soft Hard 10 Hard 16 Sotl Hard 10 Hard 16

Price

in S25 00 10/S27.50 10'S27 50 10/S27 50 10/S33 00 10/S3300 10/S33 0O

Control Data

8" Diskettes Side/Oens Sector

1/Sgl Soft 1/Dbl Soft 2/Dbl Soft

51 i" Diskettes

1/Sgl 1/Sgl 1/Sgl 1/Dbl 1/Dbl 1/Obl 2/Dbl 2/Dbl 2/Dbl

FLEXCASE Disk Storage

Sott Hard 10 Hard 16 Soft Hard 10 Hard 16 Soft Hard 10 Hard 16

Part #

SRW-5 SRW-8

SRW

Media Storage Cases Size

Price

10/5.18 00 10/S43 00 10/S4800

10/S25 0O 10/S25 00 10/S25 00 10/S3O00 10/S30 00 10/S3O0O 10/S40 00 10/S4O00 10/54000

Call for price

52 50ea

53 25 ea

All prices subject to change without notice. Call for best price.

ASAP offers a 15-day buyer protection policy full money-back guarantee if not

totally satisfied.

Ordering Information: name, address, phone, ship by: UPS or Mail Shipping

charge: add $2.50 up to 1 lb. for UPS blue: add S1 50 for U S Mail (U S only) ($25 00

minimum order) Call for larger shipments

Terms: We accept cash, check, money orders. Visa & Master Charge (US Funds

only). Tax: 6% Calif res. COD's and terms available on approval (school PO's

accepted)

as;i|»

computer ■ products, inc.

1198 E Willow St.. Signal Hill. CA 90806

Toll free outside California:

(800)421-7701

Inside California:

213)595-6431 714)891-2663

Circle 29 on Inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 333

Anatomy and Development of a Batch-Processing System

A software system lets your computer run a series of programs without your intervention.

Most microcomputer programs require responses or input from the user during their execution. For some applications, however, interactive computing has drawbacks. Programs that include updating, sorting, and listing files can take the computer a lot of time and leave you sitting idle. And many programs—even common ones for the home—do require such tasks. Suppose you want to keep a household inventory sorted by item descriptor and also by room or location or you want to catalog your collection of phonograph records and sort by title, performing artist, and composer. Programs for either of these domestic tasks would require time-consuming sorts.

Two basic approaches can be used to design programs that include lengthy operations like those described above. You can write several programs—one for updating, one for sorting, one for listing, and one for each additional function required—or you can write one large program that combines all the functions.

Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. Using the first method, you have more RAM (random-access read/write memory) free for sorting. However, you must run each program separately, which leaves you an unpleasant choice. You

Gene Walters

779 Vereda Court

San Jose, CA 95123

can watch the computer while one program executes so that you will be ready when the time comes to initiate the next program, or you can leave the computer and come back later. If you wait and watch, you waste your own time. If you leave and come back, you will find either that the program has not finished running or that the program has finished and the computer has been idle for some indefinite period. I find it frustrating to run back and forth to check on the computer's progress.

The second approach lets you enter all the desired options at the beginning of the program's run and then let the computer do all the required processing. Because all the program functions reside in memory at the same time, however, the computer may have little memory space free for processing. As a result, the program will run more slowly.

I wanted the best features of both methods: a third approach that would provide for continuous unattended running of all the required functions but leave plenty of memory space free for processing. I decided to write an executive program that would let me set up a file containing all the instructions and commands that the computer would need to run a number of separate programs in

succession without operator intervention. This approach is called batch processing.

I developed my batch-processing system on a North Star Horizon computer with 56K bytes of RAM, a video-display terminal, and a printer. I tested the programs on both release 4 and release 5.2 of North Star system software. You can use batchprocessing software like mine on any microcomputer that has a CHAIN feature (which permits one program to call another).

Design Goals

I tried to set up the executive program and its supporting programs in a way that would permit me to use them in many other applications without making extensive changes. I wanted to have one executive for a system consisting of many programs that would support an unattended run of several programs. I required that maximum memory, date and time information, and common parameters be available for all programs and that the parameters specific to the execution of one program be easily available.

Other features that I felt the batchprocessing system should include are error checking of all input parameters

334 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

INTRODUCING I

f JmI f STJalC Presenting CalcStar—another standard

^^•■■^^ ■^•■m* setting software product in the WordStar

IMATUfP tradition.

#%ffi\J I OllClm CalcStar is MicroPro s new electronic

ItlRlfRfUf A J%1 ^ spread sheet and financial modeling program— $ W§& 91 sPE #$t ShBL a sophisticated, Yet casY to use> calculating

^JEnm,*mm>mm*um an<^ P'ianninK to°' f°r CP/M:based computers.

DI IC NF^\ The ultimate electronic spread sheet.

99\0^muWmi^tw CalcStar calculates solutions to complex

P^PJ^mTi 1[^ AjUi C.Dl^^.fclB numerical problems in business and finance. W wK%J%mIwPMwl 2 lm\#l¥l Helps you make budget plans and sales foreUirDADDA'" casts w'tn Sreater speed and accuracy. And

IVIIWlC^Jl lm^#f projects figures into the future to answer the

™UIAIIIIf>TA WV'' "what if" questions you face in business. Wf \P1CP J 1 J«C ^no- CalcStar also has a unique MicroPro ■■■-■>«■ ■- advantage: It joins with WordStar to combine

Pf fl"| f spread-sheet and word-processing capabilities in

■ ■■^^™ •*§• several powerful ways.

CalcStar software eliminates the need to use ledger paper ever again. It turns your video screen into a "window" on a giant electronic ledger sheet, with up to 600 entries arranged the way you want. Then, by inserting formulas into CalcStar, you create financial models that simulate the future numerically. And predict the outcomes of your business decisions.

When you notice what CalcStar can do for your business, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. (If you're now a WordStar user, you probably already know the feeling.)

The MicroPro bonus. Like WordStar, CalcStar is packed with innovative features that make it versatile and easy to use. Features like Automatic Forms Mode, which lets an inexperienced user enter data into a spread sheet quickly and with less chance of error.

CalcStar s greatest innovation is its ability to join with WordStar. Which means, for example, you can use WordStar's printing options, like boldface and underlining, to dress up financial documents. And you can insert sections of CalcStar's spread sheets into your WordStar documents.

This kind of flexibility should come as no surprise if you're already familiar with the MicroPro software family — a line of programs designed to work together to multiply your problem-solving power. Visit your MicroPro dealer to find out just how big a difference all our products can make in your business. We predict you'll discover it's not just CalcStar or WordStar that's indispensable. It's MicroPro.^

A glance at CalcStar features

Runs on CP/M version 2.0 or above, with 80column screen, addressable cursor, and at least 48K memory, 56K or more is recommended for fullest utilization.

Highly user friendly: Call up full screen of help or use help menu. WordStar-like cursor commands. User's guide shows you the basics. Install from menu OR a WordStar file.

Srores formulas and formats along with data, for convenience and less chance of error.

Math functions include average, minimum, maximum, logarithms, exponents, and regression analysis.

SOFTWARE THAT MEANS BUSINESS1

©Pro

INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

1299 fourth Street, San Rafael, California 94901 (415) 457-8990;Telex: 340-388

CP/Misatrad.

Dealer and d

Datastai*

WWSteu*

«>crsor»

&a&**

^•fcfcH,

Circle 272 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 339

A Great Price For A Great Printer

Quality graphics and symbols for business and pleasure.

FAST QUIET LOW COST

The remarkable ALPHACOM 42 high speed 40 column thermal printer is now available through this mail offer for only $199.95.* For Apple, Commodore, Atari and other home computer users, this is the opportunity to own one of the most reliable printers ever introduced. It's a fool-proof printing mechanism that is backed by field experience with more than a million similar units in industry, government and education, plus a 90 day warranty. Fast, quiet and easy to operate, the ALPHACOM 42 prints up to 120 text lines per minute! Dump a 24 line CRT in 14 seconds!!

Order your ALPHACOM 42 today using the convenience of Master Card or Visa. Call for immediate action, or mail your check to ALPHACOM.

In California, dial 408-559-8000.

800 ■ 538 - 7047

'Interface Cables available for as little as $24.95.

Visa

fllphacom

■ 2323 S Bascom Avenue. Campbell, CA 95008 MasterCard

2. List the sorted master file.

3. Sort again, but by author.

4. List the newly sorted master file.

The Article/Book Maintenance System has an executive program and a subexecutive which together enable the system to call the update/sort and list programs in sequences like the one above. I'll discuss the executive and subexecutive programs in detail after I describe how the system looks in operation.

The system accepts an update file in the format of a North Star BASIC program file. Adoption of this format permits use of the North Star editor, normally used for entering BASIC programs, with the Article/Book Maintenance System. Listing 1 shows the formats for update data—title, author, and date on each new book or article. The format requires line numbers and quotes. In the absence of the quotes, the North Star editor would convert any BASIC keywords in the line to an internal representation different from an ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange) string. Note the use of the minus sign after the line number of a record to be deleted ^

Listings 2 through 5 show examples of two typical job executions in the Article/Book Maintenance System. Underlined text in the listings represents user input. Listing 2 shows an update file created with the North Star editor and saved under the name UPDATEl. The first job, shown in listing 3, is a sample run of the main program in the Article/Book Maintenance System. This run uses the file UPDATEl to create a new master file, MASTER, then sorts and lists MASTER. Since no MASTER file existed when the job was set up, the program asks the user during the input dialogues of both the update/sort and the list commands to confirm that it's all right to proceed without MASTER.

Listing 4 shows the new update file, UPDATE2. The second run of the main program appears in listing 5. The dialogue in listing 5 causes MASTER to be updated with the data in UPDATE2, then sorted and listed by title, then sorted and listed by

340 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 14 on Inquiry card.

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Circle 31 on Inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 341

author. The end of listing 5 shows both the system's listing by title and the listing by author. This simple example, which uses the same system of programs repeatedly to do a set of tasks and requires no attention from the operator after the job is set up, shows the convenience and flexibility of the executive of the Article/Book Maintenance system.

Programs

The Article/Book Maintenance System contains four programs. The main executive (MAIN) program handles all interaction between the Article/Book Maintenance System and the user. Handling the user interaction includes checking the validity of all input parameters. In addition, the MAIN program constructs a jobcontrol file containing both the global data (to be used by all programs) and the parameters entered by the user to

determine the course of program execution. MAIN provides a set of utility routines that can be used for the MAIN program in other batchprocessing systems.

The subexecutive (%!) program reads the next entry in the job-control file to determine which program to call next for execution.

The update/sort (%!SORT) program performs updates and sorts. It reads global data from the jobcontrol file and uses the data as parameters for the updates and sorts. The data read include parameters for listings (top and bottom margins, number of lines per page) and for adjusting the position of the paper after an error listing, the names of files to be sorted, and the field to use for the sort. After completing the update and the sort, this program returns control to the subexecutive.

The listing (%!LIST) program

reads parameters from the jobcontrol file, including the name of the master file to be listed and the order of fields for the listing.

Data Files

The Article/Book Maintenance System contains three kinds of data files. The job-control file (%!JCL) contains all the parameters and control information for the system. It is organized as a North Star Type 3 data file; figure 2 shows the file's format. Update files are defined by the user; they are files of North Star Type 2, which is normally used for BASIC programs. Master files, also userdefined, are files of North Star Type 3 as well.

File-naming conventions of the Article/Book Maintenance System are as follows: the MAIN program can have any name you wish, the subexecutive is %!, the job-control file is

Listing 1: The formats for data in an update file for the Article/Book Maintenance system. These formats were chosen so that the North Star BASIC editor could be used for entering and deleting data in the batch-processing system.

| Add Entry

| line number"title\author\date"

or

line number"title\author\date\"

Example:

10"Art of Computer Programming

Fund.

Al

e. Vol I\Knuth,

D.

E.\1968" |

20"Compiler Design Theory\Lewis,

P.M.,

et

al\1976"

Delete Entry

Same as add except for the addition of

a

minus sign

between

line numbers and the quote. All

master f

ile entries

s whose

fields

match the fields specified in th

2 delete

entry will

be deleted.

In other words, one, two or all

three

fie

Ids may be

used

in

making

a match for deletion.

I Example:

| 10-"Erroneous Title\Author\1973"

342 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 2: The update file UPDATE1. This file is used in listing 3 to create a new master file.

10"Art of Computer Programming - Fund. Alg. Vol I\Knuth, D.E.\1968" 20"Z80 Software Gourmet Guide & Cookbook\Wadsworth, N.\1979" 30"Basic with Style\Nagin, P, Ledgard, H\1978"

Listing 3: A sample run of the MAIN program in the Article/Book Maintenance System. Underscored items are entries made by the user. The dialogue causes the system to create a new master file, sort it, and list it on the printer.

SAMPLE MAIN

TYPE 'HELP' IN RESPONSE TO 'COMMAND:' IF YOU NEED DETAILED INSTRUCTION. TO CANCEL ANY COMMAND JUST TYPE A 'RETURN' TO ANY INPUT REQUEST.

DATE: 01/05/81

TIME: 13:00

COMMAND: SORT

MASTER FILE NAME: MASTER

MASTER FILE DOESN'T EXIST. IS THIS OKAY (Y/N)? Y

PROCESS UPDATE FILE (Y/N)? Y

UPDATE FILE NAME: UPDATE 1

SORT BY TITLE, AUTHOR OR DATE (T/A/D)? T

COMMAND: LIST

MASTER FILE NAME: MASTER

MASTER FILE DOESN'T EXIST. IS THIS OKAY (Y/N)? Y

EACH PRINT LINE WILL CONTAIN THE TITLE, AUTHOR AND DATE.

PLEASE SPECIFY THE ORDER TO PRINT.

ENTER 'T' FOR TITLE, 'A' FOR AUTHOR AND 'D' FOR DATE.

FIRST ONE: T

SECOND ONE: A

THIRD ONE: D

COMMAND: QUIT

.. . EXECUTING.". .UPDATE/SORT PROGRAM

...EXECUTING...LIST PROGRAM

Output on the printer:

ARTICLE/BOOK LIST 01/05/81 13:00 PAGE 1.

TITLE AUTHOR DATE

Art of Computer Programming - Fund. Alg. Vol I Knuth, D.E. 1968

Basic with Style Nagin, P, Ledgard, H 1978

Z80 Software Gourmet Guide & Cookbook Wadsworth, N. 1979

344 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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% IJCL, and application-program files have names prefixed with %! (restricting the name to six characters).

Flow of Execution

Figure 3 shows the flow of execution of the Article/Book Maintenance System. The MAIN program executes first, then shifts to the subexecutive. The subexecutive determines whether the job is at an end. If not, the subexecutive determines, based on data from the job-control file, the next program to execute — whether % ISORT or % (LIST. Either the sort or the list program CHAINs to the subexecutive.

The MAIN Program

Listing 6 is the MAIN program. MAIN contains remarks identifying the functions and variables used. I'll comment on MAIN from beginning to end, with emphasis on use of the utility routines. I gave the utility routines line numbers from 64000 to 65040; this numbering should make it easy for you to use the delete and append features of BASIC to separate the utility routines and use them for another application. Now for the comments, by line number. 170-200 Drive Determination. A search determines the disk drive on which the Article/Book Maintenance System is located. This eliminates the need to specify the drive when running MAIN.

290-400 Command Interpretation. This block of code starts by determining the command. Line 300 calls a utility routine at line 64990 to check for null input. MAIN calls this routine to handle input throughout the program. The GOTOs on line 370 correspond to the functions defined in the DATA statement on line 100. In this case, 1000 is HELP, 2000 is QUIT, 3000 is SORT, and 4000 is LIST. The command-processing routine matches each character in the input string with each character in the commands defined in the DATA statement at 100. This permits the user to enter short forms for each command (H, Q, S, and L) and still identify the desired function in a unique manner.

1000-1130 HELP-Command Processing. These lines display the available commands as they were defined in the DATA statement at line 100. 2000-2030 QUIT-Command Processing. These lines close the job-control file and call the subexecutive. 3000-3500 SORT-Command Processing. Lines 3010-3030 start a new entry in the job-control file. The GOSUB 64260 goes to the utility routine that saves the name of the program to be executed. Line 3050 transfers control to the routine at 64460, which will add a descriptive phrase for the program to be executed. Lines 3070 and 3080 call utility routines to process

NUMBER OF ENTRIES IN FILE

NEXT ENTRY TO PROCESS-1

POINTER TO FIRST ENTRY

GLOBAL PARAMETERS (EITHER STRING OR NUMERIC)

POINTER TO NEXT ENTRY

PROGRAM NAME (STRING)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTOR (STRING)

PARAMETERS FOR EXECUTION OF THE PROGRAM (EITHER STRING OR NUMERIC)

POINTER TO NEXT ENTRY

PROGRAM NAME

PROGRAM DESCRIPTOR

0 (ZERO)

PROGRAM NAME

PROGRAM DESCRIPTOR

LAST ENTRY

Figure 2: The structure of the job-control file. The file contains "global" parameters—parameters needed by more than one program in the Article/Book Maintenance System—and the parameters that determine which program is executed next.

346 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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file-name inputs. Two additional utility routines, found at lines 64460 and 64360, are called to process string and numeric values respectively. Whenever the routine at line 64990 is called to check for null input (e.g., line 3110), the jump for null value indicated on the next statement (e.g., line 3120) goes to 65050 to reset the pointers for starting the entry over. To complete command processing, line 3490 calls the routine at 64150 to update the pointers in the job-control file.

4000-4570 LIST-Command Processing. Setting up an entry in the jobcontrol file requires the same kind of processing required in the SORT command. The first and last lines of the code for each command that adds an entry to the job-control file are the same, as shown here:

P1 = P

(start of command processing)

Text continued on page 366

MAIN

MAIN PROGRAM

SUBEXECUTIVE PROGRAM

DETERMINE NEXT PROGRAM TO EXECUTE

lopy

UPDATE/SORT PROGRAM

CHAIN %!

%! LIST

LIST PROGRAM

U

Figure 3: A diagram of control flow in the Article/Book Maintenance System. The main program executes first and calls the subexecutive. Based on data from the jobcontrol file, the subexecutive determines which program executes next.

348 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 142 on inquiry card.

STOP

SOFTWARE

FAILURES

Using a micro in a product sounds easy... One piece of software can make the difference between success and failure.

What do you do when the software doesn't work? Over the years, we have seen many good products fail, either before or after they reached the market, because the microprocessor software did not do its job.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

Many ofthefailuresoccurred because the people programming the micro did not know how to organize a large control program. Those responsible for the product implementation were wizards at hardware design and had easily coded small micro control programs before. But the programming techniques that worked for less than 2K bytes of code simply fell apart as the program grew beyond 4K bytes.

Unfortunately, the loops and tests and flags that work so well for a small program get out of control very rapidly as the program grows. Pretty soon, some of the things the program must do are not being done fast enough. The code gets too complicated, difficult to modify and unreliable. The result: another software failure!

Fortunately, these problems can be avoided by using a program manager. You can divide your complex control program into a number of separate, more manageable programs, called tasks, each designed to do one job. For example, a Keyboard Task might handle user input; a Printer Task might generate reports. Each task can be written and tested separately and then combined to form a reliable, finished system.

The program manager, called a multitasking executive, supervises the orderly execution of these tasks, assuring that the most important jobs always get done first.Tasks appearto be executing simultaneously. It's almost like having a separate CPU for each task!

That is why professional software designers are now turning to AMX as the starting point for their product and system designs. They know that AMX will shield them from the difficulties of managing the micro, freeing them to concentrate on their application.

AMX is our multitasking executive for

the 8080, 8085, Z80 and 6809 processors. We're rather proud of it. We made AMXcompact, very fast.and ROMableto meet our own application needs. Even though the AMX nucleus is less th&n 1400 bytes in size, it features multiple task priorities, intertask message passing with priority queuing, external event synchronization, and interval timing with 32-bit precision. Each feature is clearly explained in the AMX Reference Manual.

RELIABILITY BUILT IN

We don't know anyone who can write an executive without errors, so we thoroughly tested AMX in real applications before ever offering it as a product. That is why not one system malfunction has ever been attributed to AMX. That kind of reliability just isn't an accident.

HARDWARE INDEPENDENCE

AMX does not require a particular hardware configuration. Of course, it does need a microprocessor, but even there we offer you a choice. You control your environment. You pick the I/O method. You decide the most optimum interrupt service technique for your syjstem. AMX will support your choice.

,1

CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research Corp.; FLEX is a trademark of Technical Systems Consultants, Inc.; Z80 is a trademark of Zilog Corp

High level language interface modules are available separately to allow AMX to be used with most popular programming languages including PASCAL, C, PL/M and FORTRAN. Of course, you can also code in assembly language if required.

Users of the CP/M and FLEX Operating Systems can utilize our AMX interface modules to access information on diskette in realtime.

COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION

AMX can be judged by the quality of our documentation. The positive response from our users has exceeded our expectations. Our manuals are especially valuable to those just being introduced to real-time multitasking. More experienced users will appreciate the fact that we deliver AMX source on diskette to permit AMX to be moved to the software development system of your choice.

HOW TO ORDER

A specification sheet and price list are available, free. Your check or money order for $75 will purchase the AMX Reference Manual for immediate evaluation (specify 8080,8085, Z80 or 6809 processor). Add $25 for postage and handling outside USA and Canada. The standard AMX Multitasking Executive package, including source code, is available for $800 after signing our liberal license agreement.

AMX is the choice of professionals the world over. Make it yours, today.

KADAK Products Ltd.

1847 West Broadway Avenue Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6J 1Y5 Telephone (604) 734-2796 Telex 04-55670

Circle 227 on inquiry card.

ir

Listing 4: The update file UPDATE2. Line 20 deletes an old entry and replaces it with the data in line 30. The dialogue in listing 5 shows how the Article/Book Maintenance System incorporates UPDATE2 in a new master file.

10"Pascal - User Manual & Report\Jensen, K, Wirth, N\1974"

20-"Basic with StyleW"

30"Basic with Style - Programming Proverbs\Nagin, P, Ledgard, H\197*

Listing 5: A second sample run of the MAIN program in the Article/Book Maintenance System. Underscored items are entries made by the user. The dialogue causes the system to update the master file, sort and list it by title, then sort and list it by author. Both sets of sorted data appear at the end of the listing.

SAMPLE MAIN

TYPE 'HELP' IN RESPONSE TO 'COMMAND:' IF YOU NEED DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS. TO CANCEL ANY COMMAND JUST TYPE A 'RETURN' TO ANY INPUT REQUEST.

DATE: 01/06/81

TIME: 09:00

COMMAND: SORT

MASTER FILE NAME: MASTER

PROCESS UPDATE FILE (Y/N)? Y

UPDATE FILE NAME: UPDATE2

SORT BY TITLE, AUTHOR OR DATE (T/A/D)? T

COMMAND: LIST

MASTER FILE NAME: MASTER

EACH PRINT LINE WILL CONTAIN THE TITLE, AUTHOR & DATE.

PLEASE SPECIFY THE ORDER TO PRINT.

ENTER 'T' FOR TITLE, 'A' FOR AUTHOR AND 'D' FOR DATE.

FIRST ONE? T

SECOND ONE? A

THIRD ONE? D

COMMAND: j^ORT

MASTER FILE NAME: MASTER

PROCESS UPDATE FILE (Y/N)? N

SORT BY TITLE, AUTHOR OR DATE (T/A/D)? A

COMMAND: LIST

MASTER FILE NAME: MASTER

EACH PRINT LINE WILL CONTAIN THE TITLE, AUTHOR AND DATE.

PLEASE SPECIFY THE ORDER TO PRINT.

ENTER 'T' FOR TITLE, 'A' FOR AUTHOR AND 'D' FOR DATE.

FIRST ONE? A

SECOND ONE? T

THIRD ONE? D

COMMAND: QUIT

...EXECUTING...UPDATE/SORT PROGRAM

...EXECUTING...LI ST PROGRAM

...EXECUTING...UPDATE/SORT PROGRAM

...EXECUTING...LIST PROGRAM

Listing 5 continued on page 352

350 May 1982 © BYTE Publicalions Inc

I ,:::'■•

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Circle 146 on inquiry card.

DUAL SYSTEMS CONTROL CORPORATION

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Listing 5 continued: I

| Output on the printer:

ARTICLE/BOOK LIST 01/06/81 09:00

TITLE

AUTHOR

PAGE 1 DATE

Art of Computer Programming - Fund. Alp;. Vol I Knuth, D.E. 1968

Basic with Style - Programming Proverbs Nagin, P, Ledgard, H 1978

Pascal - User Manual & Report Jensen, K, Wirth, N 1974

Z80 Software Gourmet Guide & Cookbook Wadsworth, N. 1979

ARTICLE/BOOK LIST 01/06/81 09:00 PAGE 1

AUTHOR TITLE DATE

Jensen, K, Uirth, N Pascal - User Manual & Report 1974

Knuth, D.E. Art of Computer Programming - Fund. Alg. Vol I 1968

Nagin, P, Ledgard, H Basic with Style - Programming Proverbs 1978

Wadsworth, N. Z80 Software Courmet Guide & Cookbook 1979

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352 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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(Please Print)

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170-052

Listing 6: The MAIN program in the Article/Book Maintenance System. This program is the executive that manages the other programs. It handles all interaction with the user and sets up a job-control file. MAIN repeatedly calls the utility subroutines found at lines 64000 through 65040.

10 REM* MAIN EXECUTIVE (SAVED IN FILE "MAIN")

20 REM* 12/16/80 WRITTEN BY GENE F. WALTERS

30 REM* SET UP PARAMETERS

40 DIM V$(80)

50 D1=0 \REM DEVICE FOR CONSOLE

60 D3=0 \REM DISK FILE FOR THE SYSTEM

70 U=3 \REM NO. OF DRIVES IN SYSTEM

80 Ll=5 \REM NO. OF BYTES FOR NUMERIC VALUES

90 L2=2 \REM NO. OF BYTES OF OVERHEAD FOR A STRING < 256 CHAR

100 DATA "HELP","QUIT","SORT","LIST" \REM AVAILABLE COMMANDS

110 N9=4 \REM NO. OF COMMANDS THAT CAN BE EXECUTED

120 N=0 \REM NO. OF COMMANDS IN JOB CONTROL FILE

130 B=5 \REM NO. OF BLOCKS FOR JOB CONTROL FILE

140 P=L1+L1 \REM POSITION OF NEXT AVAILABLE BYTE IN JOB CONTROL FILE

150 S$="%!" \REM PREFIX FOR SYSTEM FILE NAMES

160 GOSUB 64520 \REM SIGN-ON MESSAGE

170 FOR 1=1 TO U

180 U$=CHR$(I+48)

190 IF FILE(S$+","+U$)=2 THEN EXIT 220

200 NEXT I

210 PRINT #D1,"COULDN'T FIND SUBEXECUTIVE FILE [",S$,"]." \END

220 F$=S$+"JCL,"+U$

230 IF FILE(F$)=3 THEN 250

240 CREATE F$,B

250 OPEN #D3,F$

260 WRITE #D3,N,0

270 GOSUB 5000 \REM SET UP GLOBAL PARAMETERS IN JOB CONTROL FILE

280 REM* INPUT NEXT COMMAND

290 RESTORE \INPUT #D1,"NEXT COMMAND: ",C1$

300 I$=C1$ \GOSUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

310 ON Z GOTO 320, 290

320 FOR 1=1 TO N9

330 READ C2$

340 IF LEN(C1$)>LEN(C2$) THEN 380

350 IF Cl$OC2$(l,LEN(Cl$)) THEN 380

360 N=N+1

370 ON I GOTO 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 \REM GOTO FOR EACH COMMAND

380 NEXT I

390 PRINT #D1,"INVALID COMMAND!"

400 GOTO 290

1000 REM* HELP COMMAND

1010 RESTORE

1020 PRINT #D1

1030 PRINT #D1,"COMMANDS AVAILABLE: ",

1040 FOR 1=1 TO INT((N9+5)/6)

1050 FOR J=l TO N9-INT(N9/6)*6

1060 READ C2$

1070 PRINT #D1,C2$,

1080 IF (I-1)*6+J<>N9 THEN PRINT #D1,", ",

1090 NEXT J

1100 PRINT #D1 \PRINT #D1,TAB(20),

Listing 6 continued on page 356 354 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

EPSON

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MX80 The Printer that started it all All of the above features plus extreme ease of use CompleteTRSSO block graphics set as well as user selectable international symbols Gives correspondence quality printing in several user selectable modes Dip switch pins may be set for dedicated applications. Complete forms programability from BASIC software.

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KIT 2 Controller, Power Supply, Hardware 4 1 Disk Drive $595

KIT 3 Controller, Power Supply, Hardware 4 2 Disk Drive* $819

KIT 4 One Tandon Disk Drive (bare drive only) $219

KIT 5 16K ol High Quality TCS Memory chips $49.95

KIT 6 32k ot High Quality TCS Memory chips $79.95

MODEL III 48k 2 DISK DRIVES ... $1795

Above KIT fully assembled, with 48 hour burn-in test & 180 day TCS Limited Warranty!!

CUSTOM SOFTWARE FROM TCS

Completely Integrated BINARY SEARCH TREE programs now available This series ot programs fully implements the B-TREE structures including INSERTION. DELETION. EDITING & TRAVERSAL No more sorting or long data file searches and yet files can be larger than memory Duplicate keys are fully supported Files can be retrieved in sorted order via BTREE Traversal Each of the programs come with fully commented source code so that you can use the modules in your own programming.

B-TREE Library (organlza your Ikhm library kayad by author) $39.95

B-TREE Video (organlza your ikko eatMtta library, prints labato, ate) $39.95

B-TREE Mailing List (kayad by nam* or zlp,label printlng,atc) $49.95

ALTOS COMPUTERS $CALL

1

For fast, efficient service. Heart Of we can air freight from Dallas

TEXAS COMPUTER SYSTEMS

P.O. Box 1327 Arlington, Texas 76004-1327

Toll Free Number 800 433-5184 Texas Residents 817 274-5625

Payment: Money order cashiers or certified * Prices subject to change at any time check Prices above reflect 3% cash Discount "No Tax out-of-state Texans aod 5% Call tor Visa/MC card prices • Many items shipped FREE Call for quote

tV

Circle 414 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 355

Listing 6

continued:

1110

NEXT I

1120

PRINT #D1

1130

GOTO 290

2000

REM* QUIT COMMAND

2010

WRITE #D3%P,0

2020

CLOSE #D3

2030

CHAIN S$+A$+","+U$

3000

REM* SORT COMMAND

3010

P1=P \REM SAVE CURRENT POSITION OF BYTE POINTER

3020

P$=S$+"SORT"+A$+","+U$

3030

GOSUB 64260 \REM SAVE BYTE COUNTER & PROGRAM NAME TO EXEC

3040

V$="UPDATE/SORT PROGRAM"

3050

GOSUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER FOR PROGRAM DESCRIPTOR

3060

PRINT #D1,"MASTER ",

3070

GOSUB 64870 \REM GET FILE NAME

3080

GOSUB 64670 \REM SEPARATE OUT UNIT & CHECK FOR EXISTENCE

3090

ON Z GOTO 3170, 3100

3100

INPUT #D1,"MASTER FILE DOESN'T EXIST. IS THIS OKAY (Y/N)'

> ",X$

3110

I$=X$ \GOSUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

3120

ON Z GOTO 3130, 65050

3130

IF X$="Y" THEN 3170

3140

IF X$="y" THEN 3170

3150

IF X$="N" THEN 65050

3160

IF X$="n" THEN 65050 ELSE 3100

3170

V$=F1$ \GOSUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER Fl$, MASTER

FILE NAME

3180

V$=F2$ \G0SUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER F2$, MASTER

UNIT NO.

3190

INPUT //Dl, "PROCESS UPDATE FILE (Y/N)? ",X$

3200

I$=X$ \GOSUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

3210

ON Z GOTO 3220, 65050

3220

IF X$="Y" THEN 3290

3230

IF X$="y" THEN 3290

3240

IF X$="N" THEN 3260

3250

IF X$o"n" THEN 3190

3260

V$="" \G0SUB 64460 \REM ADD NULL STRING FOR UPDATE FILENAME

3270

GOSUB 64460 \REM ADD NULL STRING FOR UPDATE UNIT NO.

3280

GOTO 3370

3290

PRINT #D1,"UPDATE ",

3300

GOSUB 64870 \REM GET FILE NAME

3310

GOSUB 64670 \REM SEPARATE OUT UNIT & CHECK FOR EXISTENCE

3320

ON Z GOTO 3350, 3330

3330

F9$=F$ \GOSUB 64800 \REM COULDN'T FIND FILE

3340

GOTO 65050

3350

V$=F1$ \GOSUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER Fl$, UPDATE

FILE NAME

3360

V$=F2$ \GOSUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER F2$, UPDATE

UNIT NO.

3370

V=0

3380

INPUT #D1,"S0RT BY TITLE, AUTHOR OR DATE (T/A/D)? ",X$

3390

I$=X$ \GOSUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

3400

ON Z GOTO 3410, 65050

3410

IF X$="T" THEN V=l

3420

IF X$="t" THEN V=l

3430

IF X$="A" THEN V=2

3440

IF X$="a" THEN V=2

3450

IF X$="D" THEN V=3

3460

IF X$="d" THEN V=3

Listing 6 continued on page 358

356 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

THE FORTH SOURCE

TM

FORTH DISKS WITH DOCUMENTATION PRICE

fig-FORTH Model and Source Listing, with printed Installation Manual and Source Listing.

□ APPLE II 5/, □ 8080/Z80® 8

□ 8086/8088 8 □ H89/Z89 5/. $65.00

□ APPLE 11/11+ by MicroMotion. Version 2. FORTH-79 Standard, editor, assembler, 200 pg manual, 5V, 100.00

□ APPLE ll/ll + COMBO 1 by MicroMotion. Version 2. All of the above plus floating point and HiRes Turtle graphics 140.00

D APPLE II by Kuntze. fig-FORTH editor, assembler,

source listing and screens, 5/, 90.00

□ ATARI® by Pink Noise Studio. fig-FORTH, editor, assembler, missile graphics, sound and handle

drivers, 5/. 90.00

D CP/M by MicroMotion. Version 2.x. FORTH-79

Standard, editor, assembler. 200 pg manual, 8 100.00

□ CP/M Combo 1 by MicroMotion. 2.x. All of the above

plus floating point. 140.00

□ CROMEMCO® by Inner Access fig-FORTH editor, assembler, 5% or 8 100.00

D H89/Z89 by Haydon. fig-FORTH Stand Alone, source,

editor, assembler & tutorial on disk. 5'/, 250.00

□ H89/Z89 by Haydon. fig-FORTH, CP/M® , source, editor.assembler, & tutorial on disk, 5/< 175.00

□ HP-85 by Lange. fig-FORTH, editor and assembler,

5/, 90.00

D IBM® PC/FORTH by Laboratory Microsystems. figFORTH, editor and assembler. Manual, 5V, 100.00

D IBM-Floating Point by Laboratory Microsystems. Requires PC/FORTH. Specify software or for AMD 9511, AMD 9512 or Intel 8087 100.00

□ IBM-Cross Compiler by Laboratory Microsystems. Requires PC/FORTH. (Nautilus Systems Model) 300.00

□ PET® by FSS. fig-FORTH editor and assembler, 5Y, 90.00

□ pet® with floating point, strings, disk I/O 150.00

D TRS-80/1 by Nautilus Systems. fig-FORTH, editor and

assembler, 5% 90.00

D TRS-80/1 or III by Miller Microcomputer Services. MMSFORTH, FORTH-79 subset, editor, assembler, dbl-precision, arrays, utilities & applications. 210 pg. manual, 5/. 130.00

□ 6800 by Talbot Microsystems. fig-FORTH, editor, assembler, disk I/O, FLEX® 5/. or 8 100.00

□ 6809 by Talbot Microsystems. fig-FORTH, editor, assembler, disk I/O, FLEX® 5/. or 8 100.00 D 6809 Enhanced 2nd screen

editor,

macroassembler.tutorial,

tools and utilities, FLEX 250.00

□ Z80 by Laboratory Microsystems. Editor and

assembler, CP/M, 8 50.00

□ Z80, floating point, requires Z80 above 150.00 Q Z80, AMD 9511 support, requires Z80 above 150.00

□ Z80 by Inner Access. Editor, assembler and manual,

CP/M, 8 100.00

□ 8080 by Inner Access. Editor, assembler, and manual, CP/M, 8 100.00

D 8086/88 by Laboratory Microsystems. Editor,

assembler, CP/M-86® , 8 100.00

□ 8086/88 with floating point, CP/M-86 200.00 D 8086/88 with AMD 9511 support CP/M-86 200.00

FORTH MANUALS, GUIDES, & DOCUMENTS i ] "All About FORTH" by Haydon. Ideograms (words) of fig-FORTH, FORTH-79, Starting FORTH and much more. A MUST! A public domain product.

"FORTH Encyclopedia" by Baker and Derick. A complete programmer's manual to fig-FORTH with FORTH-79 references. Flow Charted "Starting FORTH" by Brodie. Prentice Hall. Best user's manual available, (soft cover)

Starting FORTH" (hard cover)

METAFORTH" by Cassady. Cross compiler with 8080 code. Proceedings of Technical Conferences

□ "1980 FORML" (FORTH Modification Laboratory)

□ "1981 FORML" Two Volume Set

□ "1981 Rochester University" MORE FORTH BOOKS & MANUALS

□ "Systems Guide □ 25.00 25.00

□

a

□

□

PRICE

$20.00

25.00

16.00 20.00

30.00

25.00 40.00 25.00

to fig-FORTH" "Using FORTH" "A FORTH Primer"

"Caltech FORTH Manual" D "Threaded Interpretive Languages" "Invitation to FORTH"

"PDP-11 FORTH User's Manual" "AIM FORTH User's Manual"

i :

□

□

□

: ]

25.00

12.00

20.00

20.00

20.00

n

"APPLE®

(MicroMotion)

User's Manual"

"CP/M®

(MicroMotion)

User's Manual"

"TRS-80®

MMSFORTH

User's Manual"

"FORTH-79

Standard"

"Tiny Pascal in

fig-FORTH"

"FORTH-79

Standard

Conversion"

12.00

INSTALLATION DOCUMENTS

i J Installation Manual for fig-FORTH, contains FORTH model, glossery, memory map, and instructions Source Listings of fig-FORTH, for specific CPU's and computers.

The above installation manual is required for implementation. Each

20.00

20.00

18.50 15.00 10.00

10.00

$15.00

15.00

□ AlphaMicro

D APPLE II®

C PDP-11/LSI/11

□ 1802 □ 6502 □ 6800

□ 8080 □ 8086/88 D 9900

□ PACE! D 6809 Q NOVA FORTH PROGRAMMING DISKS

□ "MVP-FORTH" byHaydon & Boutelle. An extended program development system. Based on "All About FORTH" and optimized for CP/M and 8080/Z80. A public domain product. 8 inch $ 75.00

D "FORTH PROGRAMMING AIDS" by Curry Assoc. Decompiler, Subroutine Decompiler, Callfinder and Translator requires fig-FORTH nucleus. Specify CP/M, 8" or Apple 3.3, 5/, 150.00

CROSS COMPILER DISKS

Allows extending, modifying and compiling for speed

and memory savings, can also produce ROMable

code.

Nautilus (NS), Talbot Microsystems (TM), Laboratory

Microsystems (LM) and Inner Access (IA).

□ CP/M (NS) 200.00 Q HB9/Z89 (NS) 200.00 O TRS80/1 (NS) 200.00 a Northstar (NS) 200.00 O 6809 (TM) 350.00

' Requires FORTH disk

□ IBM (LM)' 300.00 O 8086 (LM)' 300.00 a Z80 (LM)' 200.00 0 CP/M (IA) 450.00 D Cromemco (IA) 450.00

ORDERS ONLY (415) 961-4103

DEALER & AUTHOR INQUIRIES INVITED

Ordering Information: Check, Money Order (payable to MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS, INC.), VISA or MasterCard accepted. No COD'S or unpaid PO's. California residents add 61/2% sales tax. Shipping costs in US Included In price. Foreign orders, pay In US funds on US bank, include for handling and shipping by Air: $5.00 for each Item under {25.00, $10.00 for each item between $25.00 and $99.00 and $20.00 for each Item over $100.00. Minimum order $10.00. All prices and products subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Single system and/or single user license agreement required on some products.

Specializing in the FORTH Language

MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS, INC.

PO BOX 4656

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040

(415)961-4103

Circle 291 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 357

Listing 6 continued:

3470

3480

3490

3500

4000

4010

4020

4030

4040

4050

4060

4070

4080

4090

4100

4110

4120

4130

4140

4150

4160

4170

4180

4190

4200

4210

4220

4230

4240

4250

4260

4270

4280

4290

4300

4310

4320

4330

4340

4350

4360

4370

4380

4390

4400

4410

4420

4430

4440

4450

4460

4470

4480

4490

ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER, SORT OPTION UPDATE NO. OF COMMAND ENTRIES

IF V=0 THEN 3380 GOSUB 64360 \REM GOSUB 64150 \REM GOTO 290

REM* LIST COMMAND

P1=P \REM SAVE CURRENT POSITION OF BYTE POINTER P$=S$+"LIST"+A$+","+U$

GOSUB 64260 \REM SAVE BYTE COUNTER & PROGRAM NAME TO EXEC V$="LIST PROGRAM"

GOSUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER FOR PROGRAM DESCRIPTOR PRINT #D1,"MASTER ", GOSUB 64870 \REM GET FILE NAME

GOSUB 64670 \REM SEPARATE OUT UNIT & CHECK FOR EXISTENCE ON Z GOTO 4170, 4100

INPUT #D1,"MASTER FILE DOESN'T EXIST. IS THIS I$=X$ \G0SUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT ON Z GOTO 4130, 65050 IF X$="Y" THEN 4170 THEN 4170 THEN 65050 THEN 65050 ELSE 4100

\G0SUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER

\G0SUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER

OKAY (Y/N)? ",X$

X$="y" X$="N" X$="n"

IF

IF

IF

V$=F1$

V$=F2$

Fl$, F2$,

MASTER

MASTER AUTHOR

FILE NAME UNIT NO. & DATE."

PRINT #D1,"EACH PRINT LINE WILL CONTAIN THE TITLE,

PRINT #D1,"PLEASE SPECIFY THE ORDER TO PRINT."

PRINT #D1,"ENTER 'T' FOR TITLE, 'A' FOR AUTHOR AND 'D' FOR DATE."

INPUT #D1,"FIRST ONE? ",B$

I$=B$ \GOSUB 64950 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

ON Z GOTO 4250, 65010

GOSUB 4490 \REM CONVERT B$ TO 1=T, 2=A, 3=D, 4=NONE

B1=Z

ON Z GOTO 4280, 4280, 4280, 4220

INPUT #D1,"SECOND ONE? ",B$

I$=B$ \GOSUB 64950 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

ON Z GOTO 4310, 65010

GOSUB 4490 \REM CONVERT B$ TO 1=T, 2=A, 3-D, 4=N0NE

B2=Z

ON Z GOTO 4340, 4340, 4340, 4280

IF B2=B1 THEN 4470

INPUT #D1,"THIRD ONE? ",B$

I$=B$ \GOSUB 64950 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

ON Z GOTO 4380, 65010

GOSUB 4490 \REM CONVERT B$ TO 1=T, 2=A, 3=D, 4=NONE

B3=Z

ON Z GOTO 4410, 4410, 4410, 4350

IF B3=B1 OR B3=B2 THEN 4470

V-Bl \GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD

V=B2 \GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD

V=B3 \GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD

GOSUB 64150 \REM UPDATE NO.

GOTO 290

PRINT #D1,"INPUT ERROR. PLEASE START OVER."

GOTO 4220

REM SUBROUTINE TO CONVERT B$ TO 1=T, 2=A,

NUMERIC PARAMETER Bl,

1ST

PRINT

FIELD

NUMERIC PARAMETER B2,

2ND

PRINT

FIELD

NUMERIC PARAMETER B3,

3RD

PRINT

FIELD

OF COMMAND ENTRIES

3=D, 4=NONE

Listing 6 continued on page 360

358 May 1982 (B BYTE Publications Inc

The guy on the left J~esn't stand a chance.

He's carrying a briefcase with two file folders, a newsmagazine, and a sandwich.

She's carrying the OSBORNE 1 ® - the portable personal business computer. Using the OSBORNE 1, she is going to get more work done and better work done - in less time, and with less effort. She won't have to eat lunch at her desk.

Is competition a question of getting ahead, or of not being left behind?

Hardly an academic question in today's business environment. The computer is here to stay. And those who are grasping the tools of this technology are moving forward faster.

The OSBORNE 1 is a powerful computer that can handle all the details of the words, numbers, and information you deal with every day. You free up time to work with the essence of your day, not the detail. And you master a powerful new personal extension. A tool that will enable you to do jobs you simply could not consider before.

Consider the built-in advantage you gain over the person who is still shuffling tedium.

The most intelligent purchase you can make.

Lots of big and little computers can make a similar promise.

But none can match this: the OSBORNE 1 delivers two disk drives, a complete computer with communications capabilities, a business keyboard, and CRT screen. Plus five productivity

software packages with a retail value of over $1500. Including CP/Mf word processing, an advanced electronic spreadsheet, and BASIC languages. All for a total price of only $1795. All in a portable package that fits under the seat of your airplane.

To explore the very competitive capabilities of the OSBORNE 1, visit your local authorized computer retailer. A demonstration will show you just how easily you can put the power of the OSBORNE 1 into your career.

And you will quickly see why the OSBORNE 1 is the $1795 productivity investment that is changing the way people go to work.

$1795 Comple

The $1795 suggested retail price for the Osborne 1 (a registered trademark of Osborne Computer Corporation) includes the following software packages: WORDSTAR'" with MAILMERGE® (a trademark and a registered trademark of MicroPro International Corporation of San Rafoel, California, U.S.A.); SUPERCALC'- (a trademark of Sorcim Corporation); CBASIC® (a registered trademark of Compiler Systems), MBASfC® (a registered trademark af Microsoft); and CP/M (a registered trademark of Digital Research).

Listing 6 continued:

4500 Z=4

4510 I$=B$ \GOSUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

4520 ON Z GOTO 4530, 65050

4530 IF B$="T" THEN Z=l

4540 IF B$="t" THEN Z-l

4550 IF B$="A" THEN Z=2

4560 IF B$="a" THEN Z=2

4570 IF B$="D" THEN Z=3

4580 IF B$="d" THEN Z=3

4590 RETURN

5000 REM*

5010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO SET UP GLOBAL PARAMETERS

5020 REM*

5040 P$="GL0BAL"

5050 GOSUB 64260 \REM SAVE BYTE COUNTER & ENTRY ID

5060 INPUT #D1,"DATE: ",D$

5070 INPUT //D1,"TIME: ",T$

5080 V$=D$ \G0SUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER D$, DATE

5090 V$=T$ \G0SUB 64460 \REM ADD STRING PARAMETER T$, TIME

5100 V=66 \REM NO*. OF LINES PER OUTPUT PAGE

5110 GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER IN V

5120 V=2 \REM NO. OF LINES FOR TOP MARGIN

5130 GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER IN V

5140 V=3 \REM NO. OF LINES FOR BOTTOM MARGIN

5150 GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER IN V

5160 V=48 \REM MAX LENGTH OF TITLE

5170 GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER IN V

5180 V=20 \REM MAX LENGTH OF AUTHOR

5190 GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER IN V

5200 V-10 \REM MAX LENGTH OF DATE

5210 GOSUB 64360 \REM ADD NUMERIC PARAMETER IN V

5220 WRITE #D3%L1+L1,P,NOENDMARK \REM UPDATE BYTE POINTER

5230 RETURN

64000 REM#

64010 REM*

64020 REM* SUPPORTING ROUTINES

64030 REM*

64040 REM*

64050 REM

64060 REM*

64070 REM* SUBROUTINE TO UPDATE THE NUMBER OF COMMAND ENTRIES IN THE JCL 64080 REM* FILE AND SET UP THE POINTER TO THE NEXT COMMAND ENTRY

64090 REM*

64100 REM

64110 REM* VARIABLES USED BY ROUTINE

64120 REM* N - CURRENT COUNT FOR NUMBER OF COMMAND ENTRIES

64130 REM* PI - BYTE POSITION OF POINTER TO NEXT COMMAND ENTRY

64140 REM* P - BYTE POSITION OF FIRST BYTE OF NEXT COMMAND ENTRY

64150 WRITE #D3%0,N,NOENDMARK

64160 WRITE #D3%P1,P,NOENDMARK

64170 RETURN

64180 REM*

64190 REM* SUBROUTINE TO SAVE CURRENT BYTE POINTER AND PROGRAM NAME TO 64200 REM* EXECUTE IN CURRENT COMMAND ENTRY IN THE JCL FILE

Listing 6 continued on page 362 360 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

Nowyou don't have to decide

between a

personal computer and

aVTlOO terminal.

MUU^

Digital's introduced a personal computing option which can turn a VT100 terminal into a • personal computer that uses the CP/M® operating system.

It's called Digital's Personal Computing Option. You can purchase just the option, or you can buy the complete terminal/computing package called the VT180.

Either represents significant advantages over the choices available to you now. For now, you can provide access to a large computer and personal computing at the same terminal.

More than that, you save the additional cost of putting personal computers and terminals side by side on the top of a desk.

With the CP/M operating system Digital's personal computing terminal will run the literally hundreds of programs available for it. Including word processing, mailing lists, financial modeling, statistics, even data base communications-in addition to the many more being specially edited for this terminal.

And by virtue of the fact that Digital's personal computing terminal is VTlOO-based, you get all the features that people buy VTlOOs for in the first place. Features like smooth scrolling with up to 132 columns display, split-screen viewing, double-height and width characters, and reverse video.

Plus a reputation that's second to none in the industry. Plus Digital's service, on-site, anywhere in the world.

All of this should make great sense when you're confronted with the choice of terminals or personal computers.

Because now you can pick one and get both. See your Digital dealer for more information or write: Digital Equipment Corporation, Terminals Product Group, 2Mt. Royal Avenue, UPI-5, Marlboro, MA 01752. Telephone toll-free 800225-9378 (outside the continental U.S. or in Massachusetts call 617-480-4077) between 8:30am and 5:00pm Eastern time. In Europe: 12 Av. des Morgines, y| CH-1213 Petit-Lancy/Geneva. In Canada: Digital Equipment of Canada, Ltd.

SDSDDSD

Circle 445 on inquiry card. CP/M* is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc.

UPDATE FILE

UPDATE/SORT PROGRAM

READ MASTER FILE

READ UPDATE FILE

SORT

WRITE NEW MASTER

MASTER FILE

LIST PROGRAM

READ MASTER

MASTER

LIST

MASTER

LISTING

Figure 1: A diagram of relations between the update/sort program and the list program in the Article/Book Maintenance System. Either the master file or an update file must be present before execution of the update/sort program.

when the executive is set up to run a batch job, video display of processing status during execution, a built-in HELP command, automatic seeking of the batch-processing system on any disk drive, and cancellation of any command during job setup. The system should allow for both short and long forms of commands to the executive and for the easy addition of new commands, new programs, and additional parameters for all programs or a single program. Finally, I wanted to use general utility routines in the executive to set up job-control information.

Constructing the System

To illustrate how to construct a batch-processing system, I'll describe a set of four programs, called the Article/Book Maintenance System, for maintaining and listing a file on books and articles and show how this small system can serve as the basis for other systems.

The Article/Book Maintenance System maintains one record (a collection of a fixed number of related data items) for each article or book. Each record contains three fields (data items), one each for the title, the author, and the publication date. The system has two programs that work directly on the data:

1. a program that creates or updates the article/book master file and sorts the information by any of the three fields

2. a program that lists the current master file

Figure 1 shows the relationships among the functions performed by the update/sort program and the list program. Note that either the master file or an update file must exist before the update/sort program is run.

Execution of a single job may require calling either the update/sort program, the list program, or both more than once. A simple example is the following sequence:

1. Update an existing master file with an update file and sort the information by title.

338 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 337 on inquiry card.

How to maximize your

You don't have to settle for standard equipment. Let MTI and Alpha Byte help you build the Model III you want.

MTI FLOPPY DISK ADD-ON KITS

Now you can upgrade your 16K level II Model III to a lull 48K Disk System the easy way with MTI's Double Density Disk Controller and your choice of Disk Drives. You can choose 40 track. DoubleSided 40 track or Double-Sided 80 track Drives to supply your disk storage needs. Forty Track Drives store 175K. Double-sided 40 Track drives store 350K. Four Double-Sided 80 Track Drives provide up to 3 MEGABYTES of On-Line storage.

INTERNAL DISK DRIVE KITS

The first drive kit includes one Tandon Disk Drive. MTI Double Density Controller. Switching power supply. 32K of RAM, all mounting hardware, cables and Detailed Installation Instructions, The second internal drive kit includes a second drive and the necessary installation hardware.

40 TRACK DRIVE SYSTEM ORIVE NO 1 KIT DRIVE NO. 2 KIT

649.00 259,00

40 TRACK DUAL HEAD SYSTEM DRIVE NO 1 DRIVE NO. 2

729 00 369 00

80 TRACK DUAL HEAD SYSTEM ORIVE NO, 1 DRIVE NO 2

889 00 549.00

Circle 13 on Inquiry card.

EXTERNAL DRIVE KITS

Two external drives can be attached to any dual drive Model III Computer.

40 TRACK EXTERNAL DRIVES DRIVE NO. 3 359.00

DRIVE NO. 4 ......... 339.00

DUAL HEAD 40 TRACK EXTERNAL DRIVES

DRIVE NO. 3 |. . 479.00

DRIVE NO. 4 j 459.00

DUAL HEAD 80 TRACK EXTERNAL DRIVES DRIVE NO. 3 . . . 659.00

DRIVE NO. 4..... .. 639.00

FIVE MEGABYTE EXTERNAL

WINCHESTER HARD DRIVE .2795.00

Add the Ultimate in Fast High Capacity Disk Storage to any Model III Floppy Disk system. Reliable Winchester technology provides enough storage for the largest business files. Winchester disk drives have greatly increased data transfer rates and that means faster program and file loading. This is a complete self contained system that connects to a standard Model III Disk System in minutes without any modification to the computer.

MODEL III DIAGNOSTIC PROGRAM 49.95

A complete diagnostic program for the Model III. Tests RAM and ROM, video display and all disk drives. Catch problems while they're small and be sure that your Model III is in perfect running condition.

PUTER

ii

MODEL III CP/M-80 NOW AVAILABLE!. . 799.00 CP/M- & 80 Column Kit.

Now you can run proven CP/M based software on your Model III, with standard 80-column display A simple internal modification will transform your Model III into a NEW computer and allow you to run CP/M the industry-standard operating system and assure you of a large supply of fine software Includes CP/M 2.2.

MODEL III SPEED-UP MOD 149.00

Now you can run your Model III at 4 MEGAHERTZ that's almost double the standard speed. This simple-to-install kit does require some soldering.

MODEL III COOLING KIT 44.95

Heat build up is a major cause of system failures and 'flakey' operation. This kit provides excellent cooling.

DOSPLUS OPERATING SYSTEMS FOR THE MODEL III

Solid BUG-FREE operating systems for the Mode III. Supports different size drives on the same system and Basic Program Chaining with variables saved in memory.

40 TRACK 99.00

80 TRACK 119 00

EXPANDED DOSPLUS 3.3.8 149 00

Read and Write 40 Track Diskettes on an 80 Track System HARD DISK DOSPLUS 299 00

Supports the MTI 5 MEG HARD DISK.

We guarantee everything for 30 days. If anything is wrong, return the item and we'll make it right. And, of course, we'll pay the shipping charges.

We accept Visa and Master Card on all orders; COD orders, up to $300.00.

Add $2.00 for standard UPS shipping and handling on orders under 50 lbs, delivered in con tinental U.S. Call for shipping charges over 50 lbs. Foreign, FPO and APO orders add 15% for shipping. Californians add 6% sales tax.

Prices quoted are for stock on hand and are subject to change without notice.

31245 LA BAYA DR, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CALIFORNIA 91362

To order, or for infbrmation^call:

(213)7060333

To use our 24-hour modem order line, call: (213) 883-8976

CP/M is a reg trademark ot Digilal Research BYTE May 1982 335

NEC's new letter-quality printer gets personal with IBM.

The Spinwriter * 3550 lets the IBM PC get down to business.

NEC's new Spinwriter letter-quality printer is the only one plug-compatible with the IBM Personal Computer. So you get the business applications you've been wishing for. Letter-quality output for word and data processing. Multi-language, scientific, and technical printing. Simple forms handling. Quiet operation. And the reliability of the industry's most popular printer line.

NEC designed the new Spinwriter especially for the IBM PC. It comes complete with documentation and training materials to fit your PC user's handbook. Just plug the Spinwriter in and your PC instantly becomes more versatile and flexible.

More than 8 forms handlers and

50 print thimbles boost PC versatility.

NEC designed the Spinwriter's 8 modular forms handlers to accommodate a wide range of paper and document sizes and types. The easily mounted handlers let

your computer print out the forms you need for data processing, word processing, graphics, accounting or other business applications.

The Spinwriter's 50 print thimbles can more than triple your PC's usefulness. They come in both constant pitch and proportional-spaced fonts, plus in foreign language, technical and scientific versions. They snap in and out in seconds, and let you print up to 203 columns on 16-inch paper. They each last for more than 30 million impressions.

This printer's special features make everything look better on paper.

The Spinwriter's software-invoked features include automatic proportional spacing; bidirectional, bold and shadow printing; justification; centering; underscoring; and sub/super scripting, all at speeds up to 350 words per minute.

That big extra, Spinwriter reliability.

The new 3550 is part of NEC's renowned Spinwriter family, the world's most popular line of letter-quality printers.

Spinwriters have the industry's best mean-time-between-failure rating, in excess of 3,000 hours. In terms of average personal computer usage, that's more than five years.

NEC Information Systems, Inc.

5 Militia Drive, Lexington, MA 02173

Send me more information on the Spinwriter 3550.

Name Tide

Company Address

City

State

Zip

Wete Made

SEC

NEC information Systems, Inc.

Circle 300 on inquiry card.

for Each Other

■• -'■"«

Listing 6

64210 64220 64230 64240 64250 64260 64270 64280 64290 64300 64310 64320 64330 64340 64350 64360 64370 64380 64390 64400 64410 64420 64430 64440 64450 64460 64470 64480 64490 64500 64510 64520 64530 64540 64550 64560 64570 64580 64590 64600 64610 64620 64630 64640 64650 64660 64670 64680 64690 64700 64710 64720 64730 64740 64750

continued:

REM*

REM

REM* VARIABLES USED BY ROUTINE

REM* P$ - NAME OF PROGRAM TO EXECUTE (INCLUDES UNIT NUMBER)

REM* P - BYTE COUNTER FOR JCL FILE

WRITE #D3%P,P,P$

P=P+L1+LEN(P$)+L2

RETURN

REM*

REM* SUBROUTINE TO ADD A NUMERIC PARAMETER TO A COMMAND ENTRY

REM*

REM

REM* VARIABLES USED BY ROUTINE

REM* V - NUMERIC VALUE TO ADD

REM* P - BYTE COUNTER FOR JCL FILE

WRITE #D3,V

P=P+L1

RETURN

REM*

REM* SUBROUTINE TO ADD A STRING PARAMETER TO A COMMAND ENTRY

REM*

REM

REM* VARIABLES USED BY ROUTINE

REM* V$ - STRING VALUE TO ADD

REM* P - BYTE COUNTER FOR JCL FILE

WRITE #D3,V$

P=P+LEN(V$)+L2

RETURN

REM*

REM* SUBROUTINE TO DISPLAY INITIAL SIGN-ON MESSAGES

REM*

PRINT #D1,"SAMPLE MAIN" \PRINT #D1

PRINT #D1,"TYPE 'HELP' IN RESPONSE TO 'COMMAND:' IF YOU ",

PRINT #D1,"NEED DETAILED INSTRUCTION."

PRINT #D1,"T0 CANCEL ANY COMMAND JUST TYPE A 'RETURN'",

PRINT #D1," TO ANY INPUT REQUEST."

PRINT #D1

RETURN

REM*

REM* SUBROUTINE TO REMOVE UNIT NO. FROM FILE NAME

REM*

REM

■ FILE NAME WITH UNIT NO.

■ FILE NAME • UNIT IN THE FORM ',X'

■ 1 FOR FILE EXISTS, 2 IF IT DOESN'T 2 ELSE Z=l

F$ Fl$ F2$ Z

REM* USES

REM* RETURNS

REM*

REM*

IF FILE(F$)=-1 THEN Z«

F1$=F$

F2$=",l"

FOR 1=1 TO LEN(F$)

IF F$(I,I)<>"," THEN 64730

F1$=F$(1,I-1) \F2$=F$(I) \EXIT 64740

NEXT I

RETURN

REM*

Listing 6 continued on page 364

362 May 1982 8 BYTE Publications Inc

t>i There is More Brewing in 6

Milwaukee A

oo _

(QTY 1) ^

MC-IOOO

&,

v

COMPUTERS

Our new MC-1000 Computer System is proof that the age of affordability in computers has arrived. Thanks to single board design we can offer not only the lowest priced computer in its class but also the most reliable. For information and ordering call:

(414) 784-2312

r

ALL STANDARD

64K Memory

2-5W* Disk Drives (225K Total Storage)

Real Time Clock

2-RS-232 Interfaces

Parallel Printer Port (Centronics Type)

Extensive Self Diagnostics (In Rom)

2 Year Limited Warranty

OPTIONS

Disk Capacity to 1.8 MBYTE UCSD* Pascal, Basic, Fortran

•IM l! (H California

MILWAUKEE COMPUTERS INC

16235 W. RYERSON ROAD * NEW BERLIN, WI 53151 * (414) 784-2312

Circle 286 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 363

Listing 6 continued:

64760 REM* SUBROUTINE FOR FILE ERROR MESSAGE

64770 REM*

64780 REM

64790 REM* USES F9$ - FILE NAME

64800 PRINT #D1,"COULDN'T FIND FILE ",F9$

64810 RETURN

64820 REM*

64830 REM* SUBROUTINE FOR REQUESTING FILE NAME

64840 REM*

64850 REM

64860 REM* RETURNS FILE NAME IN F$

64870 INPUT #D1,"FILE NAME: ",F$

64880 I$=F$

64890 GOSUB 64990 \REM CHECK FOR NULL INPUT

64900 ON Z GOTO 64910, 65050

64910 RETURN

64920 REM*

64930 REM* CHECK FOR NULL STRING

64940 REM* r

64950 REM

64960 REM* USES 1$ WHICH CONTAINS THE INPUT STRING TO CHECK

64970 REM* RETURNS Z = 1 IF THE LEN(I$)>0

64980 REM* 2 IF THE LEN(I$)=0

64990 Z=l

65000 IF 1$="" THEN Z=2

65010 RETURN

65020 REM*

65030 REM* BACKUP FILE POINTER TO BEGINNING OF ENTRY

65040 REM*

65050 READ #D3%P1-1,&Z \REM READ TO POSITION PTR AT PI 65060 P=P1 \REM BACKUP RUNNING BYTE COUNTER 65070 N=N-1 \REM BACKUP ENTRY COUNTER 65080 GOTO 290

If you won't lead these 7 signals of cancer...

You probably have the 8th.

i

American Cancer Society

1 • Change in bowel or bladder habits.

8* A sore that does not heal.

3* Unusual bleeding or discharge.

4 • Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere.

8« Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.

©•Obvious change in wart or mole.

7. Nagging cough hoarseness.

or

O. A fear of cancer that can prevent you from detecting cancer at an early stage. A stage when it is highly curable. Everyone's afraid of cancer, but don't let it scare you to death.

364 May 1982 (£> BYTE Publications Inc

.v****"

We'd like your

<nppkz to meet The Executive Secretary

The professional word processing system for the Apple™ computer

GENERAL

Editing, printing, form letters, mall-merge, and electronic mall all In one package at one price?

User's manual designed for the user?

User-controlled configuration of printers, slots, drives, and 40/80 column editing?

THE MANUAL

Complete index included?

Organized as a set of lessons?

Easel-bound for ease of use?

THE DOCUMENT PRINTER

Integrates files from DB MASTER'S Utility Pack"'', The Data Factory", Visicalc™, Information Master™, and most DIF™ files.

Accepts keyboard input at print time?

Supports all major printers, including Centronics 737 and IBM ET- series?

Has IF and related commands to allow conditional printing of information based on the contents of a database or on keyboard input?

Prints page headers of arbitrary complexity?

Prints page numbers wherever you want them?

Automatically generates alphabetical index for words you specify?

Supports file chaining and file nesting?

Has multi-level outline indenting?

Has left- and right-Justified tab stops?

Gives full control of all margins, dynamic text reformatting, centering, and justification?

Supports Thunderclock " and the CCS clockcard for automatic dating?

M*

y

v*

check this chart:

INTEGRATED CARD FILE FEATURES

Allows multiple card files per disk?

Allows user to define size and content of 'cards' In each file?

Generates new subset card files based on search or sort criteria for an existing file?

Incorporates one/multiple line report printer for card files?

Allows totals and subtotals during report printing?

THE DOCUMENT EDITOR

Keeps up with professional typing speeds?

User-defined phrase abbreviations?

40 or 80 character edit modes user-selectable?

Supports Smarterm'", Superterm'*', Videoterm" and Full View 80'".

Uses real shift key?

Supports file merge and unmerge?

Global search and replace?

Block operations: move, transfer, delete?

Character/word/line: insert/replace/delete?

Allows embedded commands to control special printer functions?

ELECTRONIC MAIL SYSTEM

Menu driven?

Multiple document queuing?

Fully automatic with Hayes modem?

*

v*

:'

k<*

Published by:

Available at computer

stores nationwide.

$250 suggested retail.

SOF/SYS, inc.)

4306 Upton Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55410 Phone (612) 929-7104

Now available: The Executive Speller™. Allows on-the-fly corrections and specialized dictionaries. 25,000 word capacity. Suggested retail $75.00.

Listing 7: The subexecutive program (%!). This reads the next entry in the job-control file and determines which program to call next.

10 REM* SUBEXECUTIVE (SAVED IN FILE %!)

20 REM* 11/11/80

25 DIM P$(80)

30 D1=0 \REM DEVICE FOR CONSOLE

40 D3=0 \REM DISK DRIVE FOR SYSTEM

41 Ll=5 \REM NO. OF BYTES FOR NUMERIC VALUES

42 L2=2 \REM NO. OF OVERHEAD BYTES FOR A STRING < 256 CHAR

43 S$="%!" \REM PREFIX FOR SYSTEM FILE NAMES 50 FOR 1=1 TO 3

60 U$=CHR$(I+48)

70 IF FILE(S$+"JCL,"+U$)=3 THEN EXIT 100

80 NEXT I

90 PRINT #D1,"COULDN'T FIND JOB CONTROL FILE." \END

100 OPEN #D3,S$+"JCL,"+U$

110 READ #D3,N,N0,N1

120 IF N0=N THEN END

130 P=N1 \REM NO. OF BYTES FOR N+NO

140 FOR 1=0 TO NO

150 READ #D3%P,P1

160 P=P1

170 NEXT I

180 READ #D3,X$,P$

190 WRITE #D3%L1,N0+1,N0ENDMARK

195 PRINT #D1,"...EXECUTING...",P$

200 CHAIN X$

Text continued from page 348:

P$ = S$ +(program name) +

A$+"," + U$ GOSUB 64260 V$= (program description) GOSUB 64460

GOSUB 64360 GOTO 290

(end of command processing)

5000-5230 Setting Up Global Parameters. These lines repeatedly call utility routines to put parameters common to all programs into the jobcontrol file. Since the code does not evaluate the date and time variables, D$ and T$, the user can input date and time in any form so long as the entries are ten characters or fewer in length.

The Subexecutive

Listing 7 is the subexecutive (%!) program. Since the subexecutive's only functions are to read the next en

366 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

try in the job-control file and transfer control to the program indicated by that file, the subexecutive is independent of application. Here are comments, by line number, on the subexecutive.

50-80 Drive Determination. The subexecutive searches for the disk drive that contains the job-control file. 100-110 Read Initial Job-Control Parameters. These lines read the number of entries in the file (N), the last entry processed (NO), and the pointer giving the byte position (Nl). 130-180 Read Name of Program for CHAINing. The first. parameter of each entry is the pointer to the next entry, except in the case of the last entry, whose first parameter is set to 0. This program segment exploits North Star BASIC'S direct addressing of disk files for positioning and reading parameters at the correct byte. This segment also reads the name of the program, X$, and the descriptive phrase about the program, P$. 190 Update the Entry Counter. This updates the entry counter (the second parameter in the file) by 1, so that it

points to the next entry to be processed.

195-200 Transfer Control to Next Program. These lines display on the console a message that tells which program is running and then CHAIN the next program.

The Update/Sort Program

Listing 8 is the update/sort (%!SORT) program. I will describe only those features of this program that relate to its overall structure and its use of the executive. 30-90 Overall Program Flow. These lines all call subroutines. The simplest way to develop a program for execution in this system is to call a series of subroutines, each of which performs a major function. This allows isolation of the part of the program at lines 1000, 2000, and 7000 that interfaces with the executive and the jobcontrol file. The other subroutines at lines 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 actually do the updating and sorting. 1000-1270 Read in Global Data. This section of code dimensions arrays, initializes variables, and reads in the

Text continued on page 378

McGraw-Hill Bookstore

The

James Martin

Files

Published by Prentice-Hall

Break

Into The Future

With the World's Foremost Authority on Computer Technology

6. Design of Real-Time Computer Systems

629 pp. $24.95

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713 pp. $33.00

8. Systems Analysis for Data Transmission

910 pp. $39.95

'9. Communications Satellite Systems 398 pp. $39.50

I

(n.Teh

10. Principles of Data-Base Management

352 pp. $23.95

.Teleprocessing Network Organization 290 pp. $17.95

I

2. The Computerized Society 560 pp. $18.95

13. Future Developments in Telecommunications,

2nd Ed. 668 pp. $37.00

114. Telecommunications and the Computer 670 pp. $37.50

I 15. Design of Man-Computer Dialogues 559 pp. $32.00 I 16. Programming Real-Time Computer Systems 386 pp. $19.95 [j

17. Security, Accuracy and Privacy in Computer Systems 626 pp. $34.00

18. Introduction to Teleprocessing 266 pp. $22.95

McGraw-Hill Bookstore

1221 Ave. of the Americas New York, New York 10020 Please send me

BY5

. copies of book no. copies of book no._ . copies of book no. _ . copies of book no..

i:1

Check or credit card: AmerExp. □ MasterCard D VisaD

Acct. No Expires

Name

Address

City

State

Zip.

Add local sales tax plus $2.50 postage and handling for the first book, $1.00 for each additional book.

Circle 254 on inquiry card.

I

BYTE May 1982 367

.— i iL. ri„

Mrnof/itt)

h\i rail:

rnlhno seven

Listing 8 continued:

3010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO READ MASTER FILE 3020 REM*

3030 E-0 \REM NO. OF ENTRIES

3040 E$-"" \REM STRING ARRAY FOR ENTRIES

3050 IF FILE(F1$+U1$)<>3 THEN RETURN

3060 OPEN #D4,F1$+U1$

3070 IF TYP(D4)-0 THEN 3120

3080 READ #D4,E1$,E2$,E3$

3090 E$-E$+E1S+E2$+E3$

3100 E-E+l

3110 GOTO 3070

3120 CLOSE #D4

3130 RETURN

4000 REM*

4005 REM* SUBROUTINE TO READ UPDATE FILE

4010 REM*

4015 IF F2$="" THEN RETURN

4020 OPEN #D5%2,F2$+U2$

4025 READ #D5,&A(1) \REM READ # OF BYTES IN LINE

4030 IF A(l)-1 THEN 4355 \REM END OF BASIC TYPE 2 FILE

4035 FOR 1=2 TO A(l) \REM READ IN BASIC LINE

4040 READ #D5,&A(I)

4045 NEXT I

4050 X$="" \REM INITIALIZE STRING FORM OF BASIC LINE

4055 S=0 \REM SET S TO INDICATE ADD ENTRY OPERATION

4060 FOR 1=4 TO A(l)-1

4065 IF A(I)=34 THEN EXIT 4085 \REM SEARCH FOR QUOTE

4070 IF A(I)=229 THEN S=l \REM SET S TO INDICATE DELETE ENTRY

4075 NEXT I

4080 GOTO 4340

4085 Jl-I+1

4090 FOR I=A(1)-1 TO Jl STEP -1 \IF A(I)=34 THEN EXIT 4100 \NEXT I

4095 GOTO 4340

4100 J2-I-1

4105 FOR I=J1 TO J2 \REM CONVERT LINE TO A STRING

4110 X$=X$+CHR$(A(I))

4115 NEXT I

4120 C=0

4125 FOR 1=1 TO LEN(X$) \REM CHECK FOR PROPER NO. OF '\'

4130 IF X$(I,I)="\" THEN C=C+1

4135 NEXT I

4140 IF C<2 THEN 4340 \REM LINE IN ERROR

4145 IF C=2 THEN 4160

4150 IF C>3 THEN 4340

4155 IF X$(LEN(X$))<>"\" THEN 4340

4160 El$=,m

4165 FOR 1=1 TO LEN(X$)

4170 IF XS(I,I)="\" THEN EXIT 4185

4175 E1$=E1$+X$(I,I)

4180 NEXT I

4185 IF £1$="" THEN C0=1 ELSE C0=0 \REM CO = NO. OF BLANK FIELDS

4190 FOR K=l TO K1-LEN(E1$)

4195 E1$=E1$+" "

4200 NEXT K Listing 8 continued on page .

Project Recording

Projects are recorded on individual cards. New projects can be added and completed projects removed easily and quickly.

Separate Project Calendars

Each step is scheduled on a separate linear calendar space for each project. You simply place a mark or notation whenever something is to occur.

Fast Review

A quick daily scanning tells you instantly which projects need attention that day, or during the days ahead. It keeps you on top of all the details about what should be going on. At the same time, it gives you the "big picture" of all your projects and how they inter-relate.

Completely Flexible

Comes with four pads of 31 day MONTHLY calendars. Additionally, 52 week YEARLY, 7 day WEEKLY and 24 hour DAILY calendars are also available.

Rugged Construction

Made of handsome, Bavarian tan leather like material that will stand up to years of heavy use.

Expandable

Initially accommodates 40 projects. Additional panels can be added to expand to 100 projects.

New Scheduling Tool!

At last, a unique and completely portable scheduling system that's guaranteed to improve management productivity.

It's called the ScheduleMate™ scheduling system, and it can literally do away with scheduling conflicts, missed deadlines, last minute rushes and the resulting costly overtime. How? By providing a compact and completely portable "scheduling center" for all your project activities.

The ScheduleMate™ utilizes a separate project card and a separate scheduling calendar for each project, which means you can schedule each one individually. Then there's no more relying on memory, or trying to jam everything onto a single appointments calendar. And unlike bulky wall mounted units, the ScheduleMate is completely portable, so you can take it wherever you need it.

As a result, you have complete control over all your projects, including all the details of who is supposed to do what... and when. Then, in a matter of seconds, you can see what's due today... or... tomorrow... or even next week. As a result, you eliminate the disappointments and chaos that come from a lack of good scheduling and follow up. Instead, you are always prepared, and all of your projects run smoothly on schedule.

National Introductory Price

95

$59

Add $3 shipping and

handling. Ohio residents

add sales tax

Diners Club and Visa.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

We know you'll be pleased with the way the ScheduleMate" system improves productivity. However, if you are not, for any reason, you may return it within 30 days for a complete and courteous refund. We honor American Express, MasterCard

To order phone

800-848-2618

IN OHIO CALL: 800-282-2630

or mail check to:

Executive ScanCard" Systems Dept. 307 6480 Busch Blvd. Suite 200 Columbus, Ohio 43229

Circle 167 on inquiry card.

Orders outside the US. are assessed a minimum Air Parcel Post charge per unit as follows Canada $7 50; Mexico $12; all other countries $18

PATENTS PENDING O COPYRIGHT 1982 EXECUTIVE SCANCARD'" SYSTEMS

Listing 8 continued:

4205 E2$=""

4210 FOR J-I+l TO LEN(X$)

4215 IF X$(J,J)="\" THEN EXIT 4230

4220 E2$=E2$+X$(J,J)

4225 NEXT J

4230 IF E2$="" THEN C0=C0+1 \REM INCREMENT BLANK FIELD COUNTER

4235 FOR K=l TO K2-LEN(E2$)

4240 E2S=E2$+" "

4245 NEXT K

4250 E3$=""

4255 FOR I-J+l TO LEN(X$)

4260 IF X$(I,I)="\" THEN EXIT 4275

4265 E3$=E3$+X$(I,I)

42 70 NEXT I

4275 IF E3$="" THEN C0=C0+1 \REM INCREMENT BLANK FIELD. COUNTER

4280 FOR K=l TO K3-LEN(E3$)

4285 E3$=E3$+" "

4290 NEXT K

4295 IF S=0 THEN 4310

4300 GOSUB 4365 \REM DELETE ENTRY

4305 GOTO 4025

4310 IF C0<>3 THEN 4325 \REM CHECK FOR ALL FIELDS BLANK

4315 GOSUB 4465 \REM ERROR IN ENTRY

4320 GOTO 4025

4325 E$=E$+E1$+E2$+E3$

4330 E=E+1

4335 GOTO 4025

4340 GOSUB 8000 \REM CHECK FOR PAGE HEADING

4345 PRINT #D2,"COULDN'T PROCESS LINE",%6I,A(2)+A(3)*256," IN UPDATE FILE."

4350 GOTO 4025

4355 CLOSE #D5

4360 RETURN

4365 REM* ROUTINE TO DELETE AN ENTRY

4370 X$="" \FOR 1=1 TO K9 \X$=X$+" " \NEXT I

4375 S1=0 \REM INDICATOR FOR ENTRY FOUND

4380 REM DETERMINE WHICH FIELDS ARE BLANK

4385 IF El$=X$(l,Kl) THEN 11=0 ELSE 11=1

4390 IF E2$=X$(1,K2) THEN 12=0 ELSE 12=1

4395 IF E3$=X$(1,K3) THEN 13=0 ELSE 13=1

4400 FOR 1=1 TO E

4405 IF II THEN IF El$oE$(K9*I-K9+l,K9*I-K2-K3) THEN 4425

4410 IF 12 THEN IF E2$oE$(K9*I-K2-K3+l,K9*I-K3) THEN 4425

4415 IF 13 THEN IF E3$=E$(K9*I-K3+1,K9*I) THEN EXIT 4490

4420 IF NOT 13 THEN EXIT 4490

4425 NEXT I

4430 REM ENTRY NOT FOUND

4435 IF Sl=l THEN RETURN \REM ENTRY HAS BEEN FOUND - NO MSG

4440 GOSUB 8000 \REM CHECK FOR PAGE HEADING

4445 PRINT #D2,"COULDN'T FIND ENTRY TO DELETE THAT IS ON LINE ",

4450 PRINT #D2,A(2)+A(3)*256,"."

4455 RETURN

4460 REM INVALID DELETE REQUEST

4465 GOSUB 8000 \REM CHECK FOR PAGE HEADING Listing 8 continued on page 374

372 May 1982 v© BYTE Publications Inc

Shugart, Qume, Tandon, MPI, Siemens, Remex, Altos, Apple, Epson, NEC, Tally and more.

Apple II Add-on Disk Drive (Runs 3.2 or 3.3 DOS)

MPI

92-M

{(for only $335po])

DISK DRIVES

Shugart

SA 400

$230

SA 450

$285

SA 800/801

$385

SA 850/851

$535

Qume

DT-8

$479

DT-5

$285

Tandon

TM100-1

$225

TM100-2

$285

TM100-3

$285

TM100-4

$399

TM848-1

$449

TM848-2

$549

COMPUTERS

Altos

8000-10 8000-12 8000-14

Call

for

price

$389

PRINTERS

Ef

)son

MX-80

$469

MX 80 FT

$569

MX 100

$769

T<

illy

MT1602

$1399

MT1605

$1399

MT1802

$1699

MT1805

$1699

Siemens

FDD 200-8

$525

FDD 100-8

$370

Tandon Winchester

TM 602-5MB

$1040

TM 603-10MB

$1199

Corvus

5MB

$2999

10MB

Call

20MB

for

Mirror Backup

price

NEC - Spinwriter Model 7710 Model 7720 Model 7730 Model 7715 Model 7725 PC 8023

Data Products D50

Prices are subject to change without notice.

$2339 $2690 $2340 $2599 $3100 $ 625

$1499

Contact:

RDSJnc.

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

2630 Walnut Avenue, Suite H, Tustin, CA 92680 (714) 730-7207

■INCLUDES CABLE AND CABINET

Circle 344 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 373

Listing 8 continued:

4470 PRINT #D2,"AT LEAST ONE FIELD MUST BE NON-BLANK ON LINE ",

4475 PRINT //D2,A(2)+A(3)*256,"."

4480 RETURN

4485 REM FOUND ENTRY TO DELETE

4490 FOR J-I TO E-l

4495 E$(K9*J-K9+1,K9*J)-E$(K9*J+1,K9*J+K9)

4500 NEXT J

4505 E$-E$(1,LEN(E$)-K9) \REM TRUNCATE STRING BY ONE ENTRY

4510 E-E-l \REM DECREMENT ENTRY COUNTER

4515 Sl-1 \REM SET INDICATOR TO ENTRY FOUND

4520 GOTO 4400 \REM LOOK FOR ANOTHER TO DELETE

5000 REM*

5010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO SORT THE MERGED DATA

5020 REM*

5030 DEF FNF$(X)

5040 ON M GOTO 5050, 5060, 5070

5050 RETURN E$(K9*X-K9+1,K9*X-K2-K3)

5060 RETURN E$(K9*X-K2-K3+1,K9*X-K3)

5070 RETURN E$(K9*X-K3+1,K9*X)

5080 FNEND

5090 DEF FNP(X)-(X-((X/2-INT(X/2))*2))/2

5100 DEF FNB(X)

5110 K-0

5120 IF FNF$(X+X)<FNF$(X+X+1) THEN K-l

5130 RETURN X+X+(K AND (X+X<T))

5140 FNEND

5150 FOR T-2 TO E

5160 Q$-FNF$(T) \Q0$-E$(K9*T-K9+1,K9*T) \I-T

5170 IF 1-1 THEN 5220

5180 J-FNP(I)

5190 IF Q$<-FNF$(J) THEN 5220

5200 E$(K9*I-K9+1,K9*I)-E$(K9*J-K9+1,K9*J) \I-J

5210 GOTO 5170

5220 E$(K9*I-K9+1,K9*I)-Q0$

52 30 NEXT T

5240 T-E

5250 B$-FNF$(T) \B0$-E$(K9*T-K9+1,K9*T)

5260 E$(K9*T-K9+1,K9*T)-E$(1,K9) \T-T-1 \I-1

5270 IF I+I>T THEN 5320

5280 J=FNB(I)

5290 IF FNF$(J)<=B$ THEN 5320

5300 E$(K9*I-K9+1,K9*I)=E$(K9*J-K9+1,K9*J) \I=J

5310 GOTO 52 70

5320 E$(K9*I-K9+1,K9*I)=B0$

5330 IF T>=2 THEN 5250

5340 RETURN

6000 REM*

6010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO WRITE OUT NEW MASTER

6020 REM*

6030 F$=F1$+U1$ \L9=INT((LEN(E$)+3*L2*E+255)/256) 6040 IF FILE(F$)=-1 THEN 6060 6050 DESTROY F$ 6060 CREATE F$,L9

6070 OP EN #D 4, F $ Listing 8 continued on page 376

374 May 1982 S BYTE Publications Inc

C.ITOHF-10 PRINTMASTER

False Advertising?

... and, you may have to

get in line to get the best price.

C. ITOH F-10 PRINTMASTER 40 CPS DAISY WHEEL PRINTER

What a mess. If you saw our ad last month, and a lot of people did, you probably know we are selling the best price/ performance daisy wheel printer on the market at the unbelievable price of $1295. Now we are being told we are embarassing C. Itoh Electronics and using false advertising. Well, you decide.

Since we believe in free enterprise and competition, we recognized this printer would be a big success. The F-10 printer is everything a great printer should be. It's not a toy, but a full function 40 CPS printer designed to go after the Diablo 630 and it's competitors from Qume and NEC. Constructed on a cast aluminum base with durable metal parts, the quality is second to none.

To offer the $1295 price we arranged to buy the unit from a source that has the best price C. Itoh offers to a volume purchaser.

We scheduled the printers shipments, placed our advertising, and got ready. We knew the market was waiting for this kind of quality at the right price.

What we weren't ready for was the reaction of C. Itoh Electronics and their distributor Leading Edge Products. To say the least it wasn't pleasant.

Before the first ad hit the street some people received pre-publication copies. The phone started ringing off the hook. The callers are asking a lot of questions about who we are and do we have printers. Kind of like the questions a competitor might ask to see if you are for real. We are.

THE PRESIDENT CALLS

Then the president of C. Itoh Electronics calls and wants to know where we got the printers from and if we have them in stock. A very nice man, but a funny question. We decline to answer.

Its not over yet. The national sales manager calls next, and boy is he mad. Seems that he doesn't like us calling the F-10 a C. Itoh printer since we don't buy them directly from them. A rose by any other name. He tells us that our offer of a factory warranty is misleading, and they are getting a lot of calls. Since our supplier has warranty service from C. Itoh it

seemed like a good idea to pass it on to you. Maybe not. We tell him we will clarify this in furture advertising. He seems satisfied.

About this time we start our wholesale program to dealers and resellers. To say the least they were as excited as we were about the printer. Orders started rolling in, and we started shipping the printers. Sounds like everyone is happy so far. You are getting a great price, the dealers get a wholesale price, and C. Itoh is getting their asking price.

About this time two guys from Leading Edge Products come walking in the door to check us out, we're flattered, they leave. We can't say they are thrilled about our price, but thats what competition is all about. They sell parallel1 units to the dealers at $1250, and recommend a list price of $1995. Have you seen their ad about saving $800?

THE STING

Our customers start telling us that they've been told by Leading Edge Products that we're not for real. We call posing as a end user and they tell us the same thing. Dirty pool.

Oh well, the phone is ringing off the hook, we are going crazy because unlike many distributors we take each unit out of the box and test it. This takes time and the buyers seem to be in a hurry. We start to think about our next shipment, and hiring another technician.

Now the rub. Our source for these units is being hassled. Three heavyweights from C. Itoh tell them that they don't like the way we are selling the units, and that this might jeopardize their shipments in the future, and in fact the units confirmed for delivery the next two months are now "not confirmed."

A PRICE PROBLEM

Our source is told the low price is giving the unit a cheap image and they don't like it. Their marketing plans are being spoiled by these low prices, and they are going to stop it. We think you can tell the difference between "cheap quality" and "cheap prices."

You may be getting the feeling that

we are a bunch of nuts for selling this printer at such a low price. Not so, we make a nice profit and we intend to sell a lot of printers.

We also sell lots of accessories to go with the printers at great prices. Another profit center — and one stop shopping for our customers.

What C. Itoh is really unhappy about is that they are being flooded with calls about us wanting to know what the catch is. What you should really call about is to tell them you want them to get off our case so you can get this great printer at a great price.

LET THEM KNOW

Better yet send the president a note telling him that free enterprise and competition is what America is all about.

The man to tell is: MarkTakeuchi - President C. Itoh Electronics 5301 Beethoven Street Los Angeles, CA 90066

If you will send us a copy of your letter with your order we will throw in a box of ribbons and a couple of print wheels of your choice as a gesture of our appreciation for your support.

Just circle the reader service card and we will send you a full set of specifications, and our warranty policy (we do our own service). Doesn't exactly like sound like your typical mail order distributor does it. And if you ask we will even tell you the names of some happy users. Happy because of our service, the great product, the low price, and our money back guarantee if not satisfied in 30 days.

ykfritc

IAJW#e#% inc.

1703 STEWART STREET SANTA MONICA, CA 90404 TELEPHONE (213) 829-6871

Circle 437 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 375

Listing 8 continued:

6080 FOR 1=1 TO E

6090 WRITE #D4,E$(K9*I-K9+1,K9*I-K2-K3)

6100 WRITE #D4,E$(K9*I-K2-K3+1,K9*I-K3)

6110 WRITE #D4,E$(K9*I-K3+1,K9*I)

6120 NEXT I

6130 CLOSE #D4

6140 RETURN

7000 REM*

7010 REM* RETURN TO SUBEXECUTIVE

7020 REM*

7030 IF P=0 THEN 7070

7040 FOR I=P5-L-2 TO P5 \REM EJECT TO A NEW PAGE

7050 PRINT #D2

7060 NEXT I

7070 CHAIN S$+","+U$

8000 REM*

8010 REM* SUBROUTINE FOR PAGE HEADING

8020 REM*

8030 IF L=0 THEN 8060

8040 L=L-1

8050 RETURN

8060 IF P=0 THEN 8100

8070 FOR 1=1 TO P7 \REM BOTTOM MARGIN

8080 PRINT #D2

8090 NEXT I

8100 P=P+1

8110 FOR 1=1 TO P6 \REM TOP MARGIN

8120 PRINT #D2

8130 NEXT I

8140 PRINT #D2,"ERRORS",TAB(40-INT((LEN(D$)+LEN(T$)+2)/2)),

8150 PRINT #D2,D$," ",T$,TAB(73),"PAGE",%3I,P

8160 PRINT #D2

8170 L-P5-P6-P7-3

8180 RETURN

F~

NUTS, TH15 PROGRAM OF MINE \S TOO 5LOW AND TOO LARGE

376 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 9: The list program (%!LIST). The subroutines at lines WOO, 2000, and 5000 isolate interaction with the suhexecutive program and the job-control file.

10 REM* SAMPLE LIST PROGRAM (SAVED IN FILE '%!LIST')

20 REM* 11/18/80 WRITTEN BY GENE F. WALTERS

30 GOSUB 1000 \REM READ IN GLOBAL DATA

40 GOSUB 2000 \REM READ IN LIST COMMAND DATA & INITIALIZATION

50 GOSUB 3000 \REM READ AN ENTRY FOR PRINTING

60 IF Z THEN 90 \REM TEST FOR END OF FILE

70 GOSUB 4000 \REM PRINT ENTRY

80 GOTO 50

90 GOSUB 5000 \REM PROGRAM WRAPUP & RETURN TO SUBEXECUTIVE

1000 REM*

1010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO READ IN GLOBAL DATA

1020 REM*

1030 DIM P$(80),L(3)

1040 D1=0 \REM DEVICE FOR CONSOLE

1050 D2=l \REM DEVICE FOR PRINTER

1060 D3=0 \REM DISK FILE FOR THE SYSTEM

1070 D4=l \REM MASTER FILE

1080 U=3 \REM NO. OF DRIVES IN SYSTEM

1090 S$="%!" \REM PREFIX FOR SYSTEM FILE NAMES

1100 FOR 1=1 TO U

1110 U$=CHR$(I+48)

1120 IF FILE(S$+"JCL,"+U$)=3 THEN 1150

1130 NEXT I

Text continued from page 366:

global data stored at the beginning of the job-control file. 2000-2130 Read in Parameters for Program Execution. Using the current-entry pointer near the beginning of the job-control file, lines 2040 through 2070 position to the entry containing the parameters for the update/sort program's execution. Lines

2090 through 2110 then read in those parameters.

7000-7070 Return to Subexecutive. This section of code first positions the paper when an error listing is produced. The code uses the current line number, L, and the number of lines per page, P5, to calculate the number of blank lines to print in order to eject the listing to a new page. As a result,

Listing 9 continued on page 380

the printer should start at the top of a new page after each program's execution. Line 7070 CHAINs to the subexecutive.

The List Program

Listing 9 is the list program (%!LIST). Again, I will describe only those features of the list program that

Text continued on page 382

BITE Back Issues For Sa,e

The following issues are available:

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July 76

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Dec. 80

-.O'

1 Payments from foreign countries must be made in US funds payable at a US bank

Prices include postage in the US. Please add $.50 per copy for Canada and Mexico; and $2.00 per copy to foreign countries (surface delivery).

Send requests with payment to:

BYTE Magazine

70 Main St, Peterborough NH 03458 Attn: Back Issues

' Please allow 4 weeks for domestic delivery and 8 weeks for foreign delivery.

378 May 1982 G BYTE Publications Inc

With the new MP150G Wide Carriage Dot Matrix printer, a whole new world of extended capability stretches out before you. Performance-priced at $1095? the MP150G gives you data processing options you may have thought unavailable for such a low cost. DDD Extended capability means enhanced performance. A nine wire head prints six character densities, and gives you a choice between data processing, or correspondence quality fonts. DDD The microprocessor-controlled bi-directional logic seeking head zips along at 150 CPS, with thruputs of up to 200

LPM for average text, and as many as 226 columns on 15 inch wide paper. That's speed in two directions. Dot graphics; a full 1000 character buffer (with up to 8000 character capability optionally available); and an optional non-volatile soft-switch keypad for configuration selection and retention. All dressed up in sleek, attractively styled casework. DDD Set your sights on performance, versatility and extended capability with the MP150G Wide Carriage Dot Matrix Printer from MPI. It's worldsapart from the ordinary.

"Suggested list piiice. Substantial OEM discounts available.

The Printer People

Micro Peripherals, Inc. 4426 South Century Dr. Salt Lake City. Utah 84107 (801) 263-3081

Arizona PIS Associates (602) 246-6477 • California VITEK (714) 744-8305 • Computer Potentials (408) 738-1740 ■ Colorado PLS Associates (303) 773-1218 • Florida Computer Village (305) 266-5965 • Georgia Micro Graphics (404) 790-5771 • Illinois CW Electronic Enterprises (312) 298-4830 • Massachusetts Butler Associates (617) 965-1080 • Consumer Computer Marketing (617) 443-5128 • Minnesota Bohiig & Associates (612) 922-7011 • New Jersey Hansen S Hughes (201) 652-7055 • Ohio EQS (216) 729-2222 • Oregon Microware (503) 620-8150 • Pennsylvania QED Electronics (215) 674-9600 • Texas Computer Wares (214) 373-4443 • Thorson Distributors (214) 233-5744 • Utah PLS Associates (801) 466-8729 • Washington Microware (206) 451-8586 • International: Europe Russet Instrument. Ltd (0734) 868147 Telex: 849721 • Australia Datatel Pty. Ltd 690-4000 Telex: AA30996 • Canada Norango (416) 498-^332 Telex 06966710 ■ Mexico. Central and South America

Siscom-trol (905) 689-02-09

Circle 293 on inquiry card.

Listing 9 continued:

1140 PRINT #D1,"COULDN'T FIND JOB CONTROL FILE." \END

1150 OPEN #D3,S$+"JCL,"+U$

1160 READ #D3,N,N0,N1 \REM-# CMD ENTRIES, CURRENT CMD, PTR TO 1ST ENTRY

1170 READ #D3,P$ \REM PASS OVER FIRST STRING

1180 READ #D3,D$,T$ \REM READ IN DATE AND TIME

1190 READ #D3,P5,P6,P7 \REM LINES/PAGE, TOP MARGIN, BOTTOM MARGIN

1200 READ #D3,L(1),L(2),L(3) \REM MAX LENGTH FOR TITLE, AUTHOR, DATE

1210 RETURN

2000 REM*

2010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO READ IN LIST COMMAND DATA & INITIALIZATION

2020 REM*

2030 DIM P1$(80),P2$(80),P3$(80),P(3),X1$(80),X2$(80),X3$(80)

2040 P2=N1

2050 FOR 1=1 TO NO

2060 P1=P2

2070 READ #D3%P1,P2

2080 NEXT I

2090 READ #D3,P$,P$ \REM PASS OVER FIRST TWO STRINGS

2100 READ #D3,F1$,U1$ \REM FILE NAME & UNIT FOR MASTER

2110 READ #D3,P(1),P(2),P(3) \REM PRINT FIELD ORDER

2120 L1=L(P(1)) \REM LENGTH OF 1ST PRINT FIELD

2130 L2=L(P(2)) \REM LENGTH OF 2ND PRINT FIELD

2140 L3=L(P(3)) \REM LENGTH OF 3RD PRINT FIELD

2150 P=0 \REM INITIALIZE PAGE NUMBER COUNTER

2160 L=0 \REM INITIALIZE LINE COUNTER

2170 CLOSE #D3

2180 OPEN #D4,F1$+U1$

2190 RETURN

3000 REM*

3010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO READ AN ENTRY

3020 REM*

3030 Z=0

3040 IF TYP(D4)<>0 THEN 3060

3050 Z=l \RETURN \REM END OF FILE

3060 READ #D4,X1$,X2$,X3$

3070 ON P(l) GOTO 3080, 3090, 3100

3080 P1$=X1$ \GOTO 3110

3090 P1$=X2$ \GOTO 3110

3100 P1$=X3$

3110 IF LEN(P1$)>L1 THEN P1$=P1$(1,L1) \REM TRUNCATE IF TOO LONG

3120 ON P(2) GOTO 3130, 3140, 3150

3130 P2$=X1$ \GOTO 3160

3140 P2$=X2$ \GOTO 3160

3150 P2$=X3$

3160 IF LEN(P2$)>L2 THEN P2$=P2$(1,L2) \REM TRUNCATE IF TOO LONG

3170 ON P(3) GOTO 3180, 3190, 3200

3180 P3$=X1$ \GOTO 3210

3190 P3$=X2$ \GOTO 3210

3200 P3$=X3$

3210 IF LEN(P3$)>L3 THEN P3$=P3$(1,L3) \REM TRUNCATE IF TOO LONG

3220 RETURN

4000 REM*

4010 REM* SUBROUTINE TO PRINT AN ENTRY

4020 REM* Listing 9 continued on page 382

380 May 1982 © byte Publications Inc Circle 389 on inquiry card. >

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Listing 9 continued:

4030 GOSUB 4060 \REM PRINT HEADING IF REQUIRED

4040 PRINT #D2,P1$,TAB(L1+1),P2$,TAB(L1+L2+2),P3$

4050 RETURN

4060 REM*

4070 REM* SUBROUTINE TO PRINT HEADING

4080 REM*

4090 IF L=0 THEN 4120

4100 L-L-l

4110 RETURN

4120 IF P=0 THEN 4160

4130 FOR 1=1 TO P7 \REM BOTTOM MARGIN

4140 PRINT #D2

4150 NEXT I

4160 P=P+1

4170 FOR 1=1 TO P6 \REM TOP MARGIN

4180 PRINT #D2

4190 NEXT I

4200 PRINT #D2,"ARTICLE/BOOK LIST",TAB(40-INT((LEN(D$)+LEN(T$)+2)/2)),

4210 PRINT #D2,D$," ",T$,TAB(73),"PAGE",%3I,P

4220 PRINT #D2

4230 ON P(l) GOTO 4240, 4250, 4260

4240 PRINT #D2,"TITLE",TAB(L1+1), \GOTO 4270

4250 PRINT #D2,"AUTHOR",TAB(L1+1), \GOTO 4270

4260 PRINT #D2,"DATE",TAB(L1+1),

4270 ON P(2) GOTO 4280, 4290, 4300

4280 PRINT #D2,"TITLE",TAB(Ll+L2+2), \GOTO 4310

4290 PRINT #D2,"AUTHOR",TAB(L1+L2+2), \GOTO 4310

4300 PRINT #D2,"DATE",TAB(L1+L2+2),

4310 ON P(3) GOTO 4320, 4330, 4340

4320 PRINT #D2,"TITLE" \GOTO 4350

4330 PRINT #D2,"AUTHOR" \G0T0 4350

4340 PRINT //D2,"DATE"

4350 PRINT #D2

4360 L=P5-P6-P7-5

4370 RETURN

5000 REM*

5010 REM* RETURN TO SUBEXECUTIVE

5020 REM*

5030 FOR I-P5-L-2 TO P5 \REM EJECT TO A NEW PAGE

5040 PRINT #D2

5050 NEXT I

5060 CLOSE #D4

5070 CHAIN S$+","+U$

Text continued from vase 378: _ , . „, , , _. __ ___,-. ^ .

* 1000-1210 Read in Global Data. 5000-5070 Return to Subexecutive.

relate to its overall structure and its These lines are similar to lines After positioning the printer to a new

use of the executive. 1000 through 1270 in the update/sort pro- page, this section transfers control

30-90 Overall Program Flow. I again gram but do less processing after back to the subexecutive.

used the approach of controlling pro- reading the parameters.

gram flow by using a series of Adapting for your Application

GOSUB statements. The subroutines 2000-2190 Read in Parameters for You can adapt these programs for

at lines 1000, 2000, and 5000 isolate Program Execution. These lines read your application in two ways. One is

interaction with the subexecutive and in parameters for executing the rest of to retain the same basic functions in

the job-control file. this program. the system but change the fields to be

382 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

COMMODORE VS. IBM

APPLEJANDY AND ALL THE OTHERS

"READ THE CHART AND SEE WHICH COMPUTER COSTS LESS AND GIVES YOU MORE FOR YOUR MONEY."

—WILLIAM SHATNER

COMPARE OUR $995 COMPUTER

FEATURES

COMMODORE

4016

IBM®

APPLE II®

TRS-80® MODEL III

Base Price

$ 995

$1565

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12" Green Screen

Standard

345

299

NO

IEEE Interface

Standard

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300

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$ 995

$1910

$1929

$ 999

Intelligent Peripherals

Standard

NO

NO

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Real Time Clock

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NO

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Upper & Lower Case Letters

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Standard

NO

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Separate Numeric Key Pad

Standard

Standard

NO

Standard

Maximum 5V Disk Capacity Per Drive

500K

160K

143K

178K

These systems were configured to approximate the capabilities of the vary in their degree of expandability.

6K PETR 4016. Disk drives a

nd printers are not included in prices.

Models shown

WHY COMMODORE

The idea of a computer in every office and home used to be science fiction. But that idea is now becoming reality. The question is, with so many to choose from, which computer should you buy. When you consider the facts, the clear choice is Commodore:

1 Commodore is the only personal computer company with a full line of computers—from our $299.95 VIC-20 to the economical PET• and CBM™ (see chart) to our new SuperPET computer that speaks 5 computer languages.

2 Commodore is the only U.S. personal computer company that manufactures its own semiconductor microprocessors—the "heart" of all personal computers. As a result. Commodore s computer system is more affordable.

3 Commodore's proprietary "6502" microprocessor is so technologically advanced and reliable that it's used in all Apple and Atari computers, as well as many others.

4 Commodore's CBM provides more storage power— 1,000,000 characters on 514 " dual disks—than any system in its price range. More than IBM. More than Apple. More than Tandy.

5 Commodore computer systems can be expanded to meet the needs of a growing business.

6 With over a quarter of a million computers sold worldwide , Commodore is proven for performance and reliability.

7 Salesinexcessof$200,000,000annually g

8 Commodore is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

USES AND APPLICATIONS Word Processing. It s easy on Commo

Circle 82 on inquiry card.

dore—the most versatile, efficient and economical computers in their price range.

Financial Planning and Budgeting. Through the use ofVisiCalc™ ', the electronic worksheet. It lets you explore all your financial alternatives in seconds. Dow Jones Portfolio Management System2, Gives you up-to-the-minute data on over 6,000 securities. And more.

Data Management and Retrieval System. 07./'. our information wizard, makes it easy for you. Doctors' System. Our Medical Accounting System (MAS)4 offers a fast, flexible billing and accounts receivable package.

Legal Time Accounting System (LTA)4. Automatical ly processes activities by client, attorney and action. Accounting and Bookkeeping Systems. • Accounts receivable • Accounts payable • Payroll • Inventory control • Job costing • Engineering • Personnel recordkeeping • Tax preparation.

WE WROTE THE BOOK ON SOFTWARE

The Commodore Software Encyclopedia is a comprehensive directory of software programs for: • Business • Education • Recreation • Personal Use Contains over 1,000 software applications to choose from. Pick up a copy at your local Commodore dealer. FULL SERVICE. FULL SUPPORT Commodore dealers throughout the country offer prompt local service. And our new national service contract with TRW provides nationwide support. TRW is the largest third-party related computer service organization in the U.S., with over 2,000 skilled technicians, nationwide.

1 VisiCalc is a Trademark of Personal Softwear, Inc.

2 The Portfolio Management System was created by Micro Business Systems, Inc.

3 OZZ was created by the Bristol Software Factory.

4 MAS and LTA were created by Cimarron Corp.

Commodore Computer Systems

681 Moore Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406

Canadian Residents: Commodore Computer Systems

3370 Pharmacy Avenue

Agincourt, Ontario, Canada M1W 2K4

Please send me more information.

Name

Company

v COMPUTER

BYTE May 1982 383

Circle 157 on inquiry card.

CHOOSE...

Choose an Apple Desk

A compact Bi-Level desk ideal for the Apple computer system. This 42" x 29'/!" desk comes with a shelf to hold two Apple disk drives. The top shelf for your TV or monitor and manuals can also have an optional paper slot to accomodate a printer. It is shown here with the optional Corvis shelf which will hold one Corvis disk drive. The Corvis shelf is available on the 52" x 29'/2" version of the Apple desk.

Choose a Micro Desk

The Universal Micro desk accommodates the S-100 type microcomputers. The desk is available in four sizes: 17.75 inch, 19.06 inch, and 20.75 inch wide openings with 24 inch front-to-rear mounting space. The fourth size is a 20.75 inch wide opening with a 26.50 inch front-to-rear mounting space.

Choose a Mini Rack

Mini racks and mini micro racks have standard venting, cable cut outs and adjustable RETMA rails. Choose a stand alone bay or a 48", 60", or 72" desk model in a variety of colors and wood tones. A custom rack is available for the Cromemco.

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The Universal printer stand fits the:

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maintained; the other is to use the structure and the supporting utility routines for an entirely different set of tasks.

As an example of the easier case, let's assume you want to maintain a directory of all your program and data files where each entry contains the following fields: disk identification, file name, type of file, date of last update, and description of file contents. This system has five fields rather than the three in the Article/Book Maintenance System. The lines of the programs to change are shown in table 1. As this example shows, you can retain much of the original system for the new application. But this system has a major limitation on the number of entries that can be maintained, because the entire file must be in memory for the

sort process. Additional code could be written in the update/sort program to perform the sorting process on disk to remove this limitation.

Now let's look at how to adapt the batch-processing system for an application quite different from the original Article/Book Maintenance System. The MAIN program is made to be flexible. You can adapt it to meet the requirements of the programs that are to be incorporated; just set up the appropriate global parameters and parameters specific to the programs you want to use. This is done by deleting lines 3000 through 5230 from the MAIN program (see listing 6). Also change lines 100 and 360 to reflect the commands that you need. Determine all the parameters that will be used by two or more programs to be run in a batch. Then,

MAIN Program (Save in a file with a name of your choice)

Lines Modification

3380-3460 Change for your options

4130-4580 Change for your options

5160-5210 Change for proper length of each field

64520 Change the name to one of your choice

Subexecutive (%!) No change required

Update/Sort Program (%!SORT)

Lines Modification

1210-1240 Change for the different fields

3080-3090 Change for the different fields

4290 Provide more code for the two additional fields

4310 Change 3 to 5 for the proper number of fields

4325 Change for the additional two fields

4395-4560 Change and provide more code for the two additional fields

5040-5070 Change and provide more code for the two additional fields

6090-6110 Change and provide more code for the two additional fields

List Program (%!LIST)

Lines Modification

1030 Change for additional fields

1200 Change for additional fields

2030 Change for appropriate length of print line

2110 Change for additional fields

2140 Provide more code for additional fields

3060-3210 Change and provide more code for the two additional fields

4040 Change for the additional fields

4200 Change for the appropriate heading and print line length

4230-4340 Change subheading

Table 1: Changes required to adapt the Article/Book Maintenance System for maintaining disk directories. This table shows the required changes in each of the batchprocessing system's four programs, with line-number references in each.

384 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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using the utility routines found in lines 64000 through 65080, write a routine to set up the global parameters in the job-control file. This approach assures that if you want to change a parameter later, you will need to make only a simple modification in the MAIN program.

Next, again using the utility routines, write a routine for each command required. Remember the importance of checking that all parameters to be written to the jobcontrol file are reasonable. The Article/Book Maintenance System handles only string input. If you want to accept a numeric value, first read it in as a string, then call the routine at line 64990 to check for null input, and then convert the string to a numeric value by using the BASIC function VAL.

Finally, use the basic structure of the programs listed here as the model for the programs to be run under your batch-processing system.

Conclusion

It is irritating to have to attend a computer and nurse it through a series of repetitive operations. After all, the computer is supposed to be a laborsaving and timesaving device, especially useful for repetitious tasks that people hate. But what will save you from the labor and time required to supervise and redirect the computer through a series of repetitions?

The answer is batch-processing software. Once you have a batchprocessing system working, you'll find that you can easily adapt it for various specific applications. While the computer works on one set of tasks, you will be free to concentrate on another, or simply relax. I hope that the batch-processing system that I have described proves as helpful to you as it has to me.l

The author will send interested BYTE readers a 5lA-inch, singledensity North Star disk containing the programs described in this article. The programs on the disk, which costs $15, include both the Article/Book Maintenance System programs and the set of programs for maintaining disk directories.

386 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 348 on inquiry card.

BUSWESS FORM PROCESSING

Application Memo #1= INVOICES

BLANK FORM

CRT SCREEN

o

I

Other VersaForm Uses:

Purchase Orders Professional Billing Inventory Ledgers Job Costing Personnel Records

REPORTS

RECEIVABLES: BY DATE AND/OR CUSTOMER

YEAR TO DATE BY CUSTOMER

SALES BY PRODUCT

DAILY INVENTORY ACTIVITY

MONTH'S RESULTS BY SALESPERSON

MAIL LABELS

: 1 1 =

i E7J i

i EE :

i EH i

Send for Application Note INV-01

VersaForm supports Apple II and Apple III. Hard Disk versions available

Now there's a way to quickly automate specific areas of your business ... using existing forms. In a single session you can emulate a standard invoice on a personal computer (as shown on side). Automatic filling, calculating and data checking features to speed error-free processing. It's called Business Form Processing, a brand new concept in desktop computing. Producing management reports that used to take days now takes minutes. Just specify which items contained within your form are to be sorted, sub and summary totalled. Each report as shown took only minutes to specify, and minutes to produce. It's the combination of the easy-to-use reporting facility with its powerful forms emulator that makes VersaForm more than just a data base.

You can use existing forms. With a simple output formatting module, VersaForm lets you overprint processed information to a pre-printed form, or to blank paper that becomes its own custom form. It even customizes your output to your printer's line spacing and number of characters per line, and can omit confidential data from final customer drafts. If you have a form, we've got the system and solution to higher productivity. Visit your local computer store where Apples are sold.

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Circle 25 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 387

BYTELINES

News and Speculation about Personal Computing

Conducted by Sol Libes

R

,andom Rumors: IBM

is expected to expand distribution of its Personal Computer in the second half of this year; look for distribution through channels other than Computerland and Sears. Reportedly, IBM is taking a look at mail-order and nonfranchised computer stores. It's also rumored that IBM is readying a smaller computer system designed specifically for mail-order sales and that the Pick operating system for the Personal Computer will be released soon. There's word of a deal between IBM and Motorola for the development of a 370/4300-computer-compatible system of software to run on Motorola's 68000. . . . Epson America is rumored to be developing a desktop personal computer for the low-end business market. . . . Software Arts, Cambridge, Massachusetts (the outfit that developed Visicalc) is said to be developing another revolutionary program for a leading hardware manufacturer. . . . Commodore is expected to finally release its 16-bit microprocessor that will be software compatible with the 6502.

N.

|CC Predictions: Here are some of the new items that I expect to see introduced at the NCC show next month in Houston: look for Apple Computer Inc. to finally introduce the Apple IV using a 68000 microprocessor, a Unix-like operating system, sophisticated graphics, and networking functions. . . . Expect DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) to finally

introduce its personal com puter system based on the venerable PDP-8. . . . Look for Zenith to introduce its Z-100 16-bit computer system, rumored to use the Microsoft MS-DOS (the operating system used on the IBM Personal Computer). . . . Commodore will formally introduce its new personal computer that can emulate the Apple, Radio Shack, and IBM systems and run CP/M. ... I expect Xerox to introduce a portable version of its Xerox 820 computer/wordprocessor system. . . . Expect a 3.25-inch 3.3-megabyte "baby Winchester" disk drive from a U.S. vendor (check out the Sony, Monroe, Osborne, and Otrona booths for prototypes) and 514 -inch hard-disk drives with 30megabyte capacity from Tandon and Control Data. . . . Epson is rumored to be readying a 1-megabyte, very thin 51/i-inch floppy-disk drive for showing at NCC. . . . Also, Integral Data Systems is expected to debut a dotmatrix printer with an 18-wire head to provide high-quality print.

\3 rowing 68000 Market: As predicted several months ago in this column, Radio Shack has released its TRS-80 Model 16 using a 68000 16-bit microprocessor. Following in the footsteps of companies such as Codbout and Cromemco, the Model 16 is a dual-processor system that uses both an 8-bit Z80 processor and a 16-bit 68000 processor. This "hardware now, software later" strategy will allow purchasers to run

Z80 software until 68000 software becomes available. Tandy expects to release a three-user (reportedly Unixlike) operating system over the summer and may have several languages available later Applications software should be available starting in 1983.

Although the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model II has proved to be a very good single-user business system, the Model 16 represents a significant step upward for Tandy in its attempts to compete with IBM, DEC, et al„ in the very lucrative multiuser business market. The Model 16 also offers options of an Arcnet local network interface, memory expansion up to 512K bytes and hard-disk storage.

Rather than design a completely new computer from the ground up, as Apple is doing, Tandy has developed its Model 16 by adding the 68000 system to its Model II, replacing the single 8-inch floppy-disk drive with two slim-line drives (1.25 megabytes per drive), and changing the color of the cabinet from battleship gray to ivorywhite. The basic unit with 128K bytes of memory and 1.25 megabytes of disk storage lists for $5000; however, if you want additional memory, a second floppy-disk drive, and a hard disk, you can expect a price of over $10,000 (some Radio Shack dealers are already offering 15 percent discounts). Tandy also offers to upgrade Model II machines to most of the features of the Model 16 for $1500—it's nice to see a company that doesn't forget

its old customers.

Considering that Radio Shack's line of computers now ranges from tiny pocket computers to 16-bit multiuser systems, the next question is Will Radio Shack's next machine be a true 32-bit microcomputer?

Apple and PET users who want to upgrade to 16-bit processors need not feel left out in the cold. Several independent vendors are already offering plug-in and add-on 68000 and 8088 processor cards. For example, Digital Acoustics, Santa Clara, California, offers a 68000 processor card that can be attached to an Apple or PET for $700 to $1400, depending on the amount of additional memory (actually, the unit can be interfaced to any system via I/O ports and appropriate software). Metamorphic Microsystems, Boulder, Colorado, offers a card for the Apple that incorporates an Intel 8088, and also has available CP/M-86, MP/M-86, and UCSD Pascal 4.0. A 68000 Apple plug-in card is already being sold in England. (As yet, no software is available for the 68000 product.)

For almost a year now S-100 system owners have had 68000 processors available to them, with a variety of different multiuser Unixlike operating systems and development languages, from suppliers such as Empirical Research Group, Milton, Washington; MicroDaSys, Santa Monica, California; Dual Systems Control, Berkeley, California; and Cromemco, Mountain View, California. Already available

388 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Ten reasons

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BYTELINES

for these systems are languages such as Pascal, FORTH, FORTRAN, and BASIC Prices for these systems are equal to or less than the Radio Shack prices

Several other 68000-system suppliers are already delivering 68000 systems at under $5000. Most notable are the Fortune 32:16 (already in Computerland stores) and the Sage II from Sage Computer Technology, Reno, Nevada, starting at $3600.

Apple Computer's 68000 machine, which will not become available until the second half of the year at the earliest, will encounter a highly competitive 68000 marketplace. It will have to be darned good to compete.

IBM Doings: Like every other personal computer

manufacturer, IBM underestimated the market for its product. It initially expected to sell about 100,000 units this year, but the company has greatly expanded its manufacturing facilities and now is expecting to ship 200,000 Personal Computers, thus generating between $500 and $600 million in revenue (which should still be a small fraction of IBM's total yearly $30 billion revenue). This should make IBM number three in the personal computer marketplace, following Apple Computer Inc. and Radio Shack (both companies are expected to ship over 300,000 systems this year). In fact, just about every personal computer manufacturer expects to set records this year. In the meantime, many IBM customers must wait as long as two months for delivery.

Sales of the IBM Personal Computer are currently limited to the U.S., although some dealers are reshipping to dealers outside the U.S. However, IBM is expected to start shipping to foreign dealers before the year is out.

Although users are generally pleased with the Personal Computer, there are some complaints: users say IBM has not made it easy to expand its system with additional memory and accessory devices, that the keyboard differs from IBM's conventional keyboards, that the system takes up more desk space than competing systems, that competitors can match or even exceed the IBM's performance in many areas, and —the biggest complaint—that the few programs available are too complex Also, IBM hampered independent suppliers of add

on peripherals by not releasing technical information until several months after the unit was released.

There are rumors that IBM will introduce a new, lowercost personal computer later this year or in early 1983. Also of interest is the fact that Telesoft, San Diego, California, recently demonstrated its new Ada compiler on an IBM Personal Computer enhanced with 256K bytes of memory and a 6-megabyte hard-disk drive.

Justice Department vs AT&T and IBM: The Jus

tice Department, after many years of pursuit and incalculable expense, has finally settled its antitrust suit with AT&T and dropped its suit against IBM. This means that AT&T is now free to become a formidable competitor in

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Circle 69 on inquiry card.

390 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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the nonregulated computer/ communications marketplace. To grasp the potential impact of this decision, consider that last year AT&T's Bell Laboratories spent $1.6 billion on research and development—more than the total amount spent by Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry.

Last year alone Western Electric, AT&T's manufacturing arm, produced more 64K-bit dynamic-memory integrated circuits than any other U.S. supplier and is already producing the MAC-32 32-bit microprocessor. Bell Labs has already disclosed the design of a 256K-bit dynamic-memory chip. Consider also the attention the industry is focusing on Unix. AT&T's Advanced Communications Service, scheduled to go online shortly, promises to

tie together computers, networks, and communications terminals in an incredibly advanced and massive computer operation.

IBM is free to pursue the same path. The company has already reentered the timesharing business and is spending about 10 percent of its revenues (almost $2 billion) on research.

A»pple Doings: After failing in the courts to cancel Apple Computer Inc.'s ban on mail-order sales, one of the six mail-order dealers cut off by Apple has filed a formal complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, charging Apple with price fixing and violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act. In the meantime, mail-order sales continue from nonauthorized

Apple dealers who buy their units from authorized Apple dealers and still manage to offer discounts.

Apple finally appears to have gotten the Apple III off the ground by cutting the price by $400, increasing the dealer margin to 33.4 percent, offering a new, sophisticated operating system and seven application software packages (including CP/M), and making significant hardware improvements and options (including a built-in 5megabyte hard disk). Reportedly, only 10,000 of the original Apple Ills were sold compared to more than 350,000 Apple lis sold through the end of 1981.

Word has it that Apple has spent $30 million in the development of its two new microcomputer systems., which it hopes to formally

announce at NCC. Apple has kept tight wraps on information about these two units; however, rumors abound that one, called "Lisa," is intended for the business market and will be a workstation system using a 68000 processor. It should have a Unix-like operating system, hard disk, 128K bytes of memory, Ethernet interface, and a base price of at least $5000. The second system is rumored to be a low-cost portable system that will be softwarecompatible with the Apple II. It has been designated the "Super II." One question is What will happen to the Apple II and III when these new units are released?

Jllm line Floppy Race Heats Up: The slim-line 8-inch floppy-disk drives are

INDUSTRIES, INC.

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392 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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the first major redesign of this hardware to have occurred in several years. These drives are typically half the height of a standard drive. This makes it possible to double storage capacity without changing the cabinet, because you can stack two slim-line drives in the space previously occupied by one standard drive. Furthermore, manufacturers have reduced the length of the new 8-inch drives by at least two inches. The genesis of the slim-line design is credited to Micro Peripherals, Chatsworth, California, which introduced the first slim-line drive in the spring of 1980 but did not start shipping until November of that year. Tandon, also in Chatsworth, introduced a slim-line drive at last year's NCC show and has since introduced a double-sided version. Tandon is currently the

only high-volume supplier of these drives. Shugart Associates has introduced an 8-inch slim-line drive, and Siemens is expected to show prototypes of its drive at NCC next month. At least six Japanese suppliers are expected to show 8-inch slim-line drives at NCC, many of which are already being delivered in Japan.

Although prices for the slim-line drives are currently higher than standard drives, these prices are expected to fall quickly as manufacturers gear up to full production. In the long run, prices are expected to be significantly lower than standard drives because manufacturers are further along the learning curve in design and manufacturing techniques.

Last year saw a turning point in the floppy-disk market as shipments of 5V4 -inch

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drives overtook shipments of 8-inch drives Although the new slim-line 8-inch drives are expected to bolster sales of 8-inch drives in general, they are not expected to significantly affect 5 Va -inch shipments. Estimates for 1982 are that 1.9 million 8-inch and 3 million 5Vi-inch drives will be shipped

Incidentally, a reported 250 million disks were sold through the end of 1981; 125 million were sold in 1981 alone.

I Icrocomputer Profits: Apple Computer reported that its net income for the first quarter of 1981 rose 83 percent to $13.6 million on revenues of $133.6 million. But that's nothing compared to Atari! Warner Communications, which owns Atari, reported that Atari sales last year doubled to $1.2 billion, while income quadrupled to $287 million. Incidentally, when Warner bought Atari in 1976, sales were about $40 million — Warner is reaping a video game bonanza. Corvus Systems reported that its sales for 1981 more than quadrupled over the previous year, from $2.7 million to $11.4 million. Corvus is now two and a half years old.

Exxon Corp., which for the last few years has attempted to establish itself in the microcomputer field (with Zilog, Vydec, et al.) reported that its Office Systems subsidiary lost $76 million in 1981 —oh well, I guess Exxon needed a big tax loss.

ft^vorak Keyboard on Personal Computers: The

Dvorak typewriter keyboard configuration has long been recognized as considerably more efficient than the conventional QWERTY keyboard configuration. Unfortunately,

the conventional configuration has been with us for many years and changing it is assumed to be difficult and expensive; however, owners of personal computers whose keyboards are software controlled can make the change easily by changing the software which scans the keys, and recent studies show that increased production more than balances the slight effort required. Software is already available for the TRS-80 Models I and III, Apple II, and Exidy Sorcerer microcomputers. People who are interested in reconfiguring their personal computers to use the Dvorak keyboard configuration should contact Quick Strokes (the newsletter for Dvorak keyboard users), POB 643, West Sacramento, CA 95691

V.

Ideodlscs that can Record: Sharp Corp., Osaka, Japan, has disclosed that it has developed a videodisc system with recording capability. Based on a thermomagnetic effect, it employs a silicon laser and a 5VS-inch disk, similar to a floppy disk, that can store up to 200 megabytes. The unit is expected to be in production within two years.

■ orelgn Exchange: If

you're into computer bulletin boards and are tired of accessing U.S. bulletin board systems, why not try a foreign BBS such as FORUM-80 London (01-286-6207), CBBSLondon (01-286-6207), or FORUM-80 Holland (010-313512-533).

I llegal Access: Before the FBI and the courts put him out of business, a California teenager developed a hobby of illegally accessing computer systems He had ac

394 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 47 on inquiry card.

Made by Seikosha, AXIOM'S new GP-100 is the finest printer a little money can buy. It uses standard 8-1/2 x 11 paper and has AXIOM'S fabulous graphics interfaces for Apple,TRS-80, Atari, PET, HP and more! See the GP-100 at your AXIOM dealer today!

Seikosha is the leading company of the worldwide Seiko Group.

AXIOM CORPORATION

1014 Griswold Avenue, San Fernando, CA 91340 'Telephone: (213) 365-9521 >TWX: 910-496-1746

Circle 36 on inquiry card.

BYTELINES

cessed computers belonging to U.S. Leasing, UCLA, UCA, DEC, and even law enforcement agencies. How did he do it? How did he get the access codes and passwords? Some he got by going through printouts he found in company trash cans, some by trial and error, and others by posing as a law officer or computer repairman. Why did he do it? "Just for kicks!"

Computers and the Handicapped: Microcomputers are being used in many ways to help the handicapped help themselves to become more effective in the job market, more independent as individuals, and able to coexist with nonhandicapped persons on a more equal basis. A new organiza

tion to help this effort is "Computers to Help People," Madison, Wisconsin, founded by John Boyer, a grad student in computer science who is both deaf and blind.

I

ntel Upgrades 8086:

Intel has introduced a new microprocessor, called the 80286, that is software-compatible with the company's 8086 16-bit microprocessor. The new processor has an onchip multilevel protection mechanism as well as capabilities for memory management and virtual-memory address translation. Thus, it's targeted for the multiuser and multitasking market. The integrated circuit has 68 pins. Another upgrade that Intel is expected to release shortly

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u.

•nix Rumors: Tandy is expected to announce at NCC a Unix-like operating system for its new TRS-80 Model 16. Experts are betting that it will be Microsoft's Xenix Rumors also suggest that Xenix will be implemented on the IBM Personal Computer and National Semiconductor's new 16-bit microcomputer .... Word has it that Unix IV with the Writer's Workbench is being readied for release to commercial customers early next year. . . Unix System V is reportedly being tested by AT&T and is expected to be adopted internally in about six months

R

i andom News Bits:

Mattel Electronics has a new microcomputer game called Dallas. The processor, when playing the role of J.R., has been programmed to cheat, lie, and blackmail . . . Ithaca Intersystems' new version of Pascal/Z (version 4.0) has a unique feature: an interactive symbolic debugger called Swat. ... If your rug is creating static problems with your computer, try spraying the rug with a mixture of twothirds Downey Fabric Softener and one-third water in a spray bottle. . . . M/A-Com's purchase of Ohio Scientific Inc. seems to have determined Ohio Scientific's moving from the personal computer market to the business computer market—I note that the name of Ohio Scientific has been changed to "M/A-Com Office Systems Inc." . . . According to a report from Market Venture Consultants, Newport Beach,

California, 20 percent of all personal computers sold today are used in business, and this should increase to over 30 percent by 1985. . . . Disk Trends, another marketing research organization, predicts that the 3V2-inch floppy-disk drive is likely to become a major product, especially in office machines. It also predicts 3V2-inch Winchester drives with 5-megabyte capacity in volume production by 1983. . . . Pertec Computer has given up manufacturing floppy-disk drives to concentrate on higher-margin tape and Winchester disk-drive products. . . . Lifeboat Associates has released CP/Emulator, a program that will allow software written with it to run under CP/M-86 and under Microsoft's MS-DOS (used on IBM's Personal Computer and others). Cost is $750. . Lifeboat Associates and Intel have cooperatively formed iRUC, a users group for Intel's iRMX-86 operating system. For information write iRUC, Lifeboat Associates, 1651 Third Ave., New York, NY 10028 Intel is reportedly shipping its Ada compiler for the iAPX432 32-bit microprocessor and hopes to have its 432 development system available in the last quarter of this year.

^Jbuote of the Month:

"CP/M 2.2 is extremely important, and the Z80 chip will live forever because of it." Dr. Portia Isaacson Future Computing Inc.

MAIL: I receive a large number of letters each month as a result of this column. If you write to me and wish a response, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope.

Sol Llbes POB 1192 Mountainside, IMJ 07092

396 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 41 on inquiry card.

NEECO

WHY BUY FROM THE BEST?

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32K B (32K RAM-40 Clm.) - Lim. Qty $1295

4016 (16K RAM 4.0 Basic-40 Clm.) $ 995

4032 (32K RAM 4.0 Basic-40 Clm.) $1295

8032 (32K RAM 4.0 Basic-80 Clm.) $1495

8050 Dual Disk (1 Meg Storage) $1795

4040 Dual Disk (343K Storage) $1295

$ 280 $ 95 $ 40 $ 50

EPSON PRINTERS

MX-80 PRINTER : $ 645

MX-80 FT $ 745

MX-100 $ 945

MX-70 $ 459

INTERFACE CARDS

8141 (RS-232) $ 75

8150 (2K Buffered RS-232) $ 150

8161 (IEEE 488) $ 55

8131 (Apple Card) $ 85

8230 (Apple Card) $ 25

8220 (TRS-80 Cable) $ 35

DIABLO 630 PRINTER

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Telex: 951021

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Conducted by Steve Ciarcia

Cows and Catalogs

Dear Steve,

Another gentleman and I are currently trying to adapt the Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer for farmcontrol applications. Initially, we plan to develop a system for computer-controlled feeding of dairy cows.

One of our biggest hurdles involves reliably identifying each cow (up to 250) as she approaches the feeder. We'd like the computer to decide how much feed she is to receive and to update each cow's statistics.

We need a unit that can be worn by the cow like a necklace and mated with control circuitry on the feeder. Obviously, durability and temperature sensitivity are major concerns. Do you have any ideas that might prove useful?

In a different vein, my library of device manufacturers' and distributors' catalogs is very small. Although it's not too difficult to get catalogs from distributors listed in magazines like BYTE, I know that there are many outfits that could prove more useful. I have the feeling that many distributors ignore the most versatile and useful components because of their limited appeal. Can you suggest a method of building a larger device and component library? Gary L. Filkins Jr. Otsego, MI

/ am not familiar with cows, but I assume that you are not looking for a totally automated feeding arrangement and that someone will he available at the feeder to do whatever is necessary.

For reliability, I would suggest that the device around

the cow's neck be a passive one, i.e., no batteries to replace. The first thing that comes to mind is a dog tag (cow tag?) with a bar code (similar to the Universal Product Code) printed on it. When a cow approaches the feeder, the tag is read with a light-sensitive wand and the computer prints out the feed requirements and other pertinent data. This would require an optical bar-code interface to your computer.

Another device would need a resistive element molded into the cow tag with two ends brought out to a connector or wiper. As a cow approached, she would "punch in" to a device that would incorporate the resistance in an oscillator circuit and output a frequency unique to each cow. The computer would identify each cow by the generated frequency. A unit must be constructed to use this concept.

Here are a couple of approaches to beef up your device manufacturers' and distributors' catalog library. First, the major semiconductor manufacturers publish data catalogs and application notes about their products. You can contact their literature departments directly. Second, you might like to get the Electronics Engineers Master Catalog, which covers many manufacturers. It's available from United Technical Publications, Circulation Department, 645 Stewart Ave., Garden City, NY 11530. . . . Steve

TV Jitter Bugs

Dear Steve,

When I use my TRS-80 Color Computer with an old

Motorola tube-type color TV set, the picture is great. When I use it with my new 12-inch Sanyo, lots of evenly spaced horizontal bars fade in and out at about 1 Hz. Sometimes they disappear, at other times they appear diagonally or vertically. The controls have no effect, and similar bars appear much more dimly on a set in the Radio Shack store. On a 12-inch black-and-white portable TV, the bars are worse still and, in addition, the picture will sometimes bend as a "bump" rises slowly up the screen.

Is there something wrong with my set, or do all radiofrequency (RF) modulators do this? Can I just tap the signal going into the Astec RF modulator and pipe it directly into the video section of the set? I wrote Tandy Corporation and was referred to the manufacturer of my television. But why would it care whether my Color Computer works? Charles Hall Raleigh, NC

Your problem is not caused by the RF modulator, but by a slight "sync" incompatibility between the computer and the TV. Many of the newer TVs use phase-locked synchronization circuitry and their capture range is not great enough for some computers.

It's interesting to note that an article in the January 1981 Consumer Reports, "19-inch color TV's" (see page 36), dealt with this phenomenon. Consumers Union tested a number of televisions with an Apple II computer. It found that two models (Zenith and Sylvania) had a "severe vertical jitter, making the display almost unreadable."

While this is little consola

tion to you, in your case it may not be your TV. You mentioned the same effect occurred with your computer on a television in a store. Did the store's Color Computer exhibit these bars? If not, you may have a defect in your computer.

In summary, the problem exists with some television sets. Run a swap test with a Color Computer that functions normally and determine where the fault lies. . . . Steve

Downloading to CP/M

Dear Steve,

A brochure on Visicorp's Visiterm software package claims that it will allow information to be downloaded from a larger host computer to an Apple II. Do you know of any similar software packages that will allow downloading to a CP/M-based microcomputer? My company has a Z80-based computer with a Soroc IQ-120 terminal and CP/M 2.2. The host computer is an IBM 360/370. John E. O'Hare Tucson, AZ

Lifeboat Associates (1651 Third Ave., New York, NY 10028, (212) 860-0300) sells a utility program, called BSTMS, which allows you to download certain software from a large mainframe computer. BSTMS is available for many CP/M configurations at a cost of $400.

A popular public-domain telecommunications program is Modem73, which is the latest version of a program written by Ward Christensen. Modem73 is available at a low cost from the CP/M User's Group, which can be

398 May 1982 8 BYTE Publications Inc

Wild Hare Software Systems Multiply the Capabilities of Data General's

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Wild Hares Software Gives Data General Users A Choicel

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Circle 435 on inquiry card.

Ask BYTE

contacted via Lifeboat Associates. Winterhalter & Associates Inc. (313 North First St., Ann Arbor, Ml 48103, (313) 662-2002) has a number of programs, known as the Micro 3270 family, that emulate an IBM 3270 interactive terminal and the IBM 3780, 2780, 3741, and 2770 remote-job entry terminals. Some of the versions run under CP/M.

Hope this is of some help. . . Steve

Digital Speedometer

Dear Steve,

I want to build a digital speedometer with a threedigit readout having increments of 5 miles per hour (mph) or even 1 mph. Input pulses can be taken on a one

pulse-to-one-tire-revolution basis directly from the axle or brake drum. My tires have a diameter of about 29Vi inches. I also want to build a digital tachometer with a three-digit readout to display my four-cylinder engine's speed at any range up to 9990 revolutions per minute (rpm). Input pulses can be taken from an engine pulley or from the ignition coil.

Collector ^Edition BYTE COVERS

The Byte covers shown below are available as beautiful Collector Edition Prints. Each full color print is 11" x 14", including 1W border, and is part of an edition strictly limited to 500 prints. The artist, Robert Tinney, has personally inspected, signed and numbered each print. A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each print guaranteeing its quality and limited number.

The price of a Collector Edition Byte Cover is $25, plus $3 per shipment for postage and handling ($8 for overseas airmail). Collector Prints 9, 10, 11 and 12 can be purchased as a set for $80, as can Prints 13, 14, 15 and 16.

Collector Edition Byte Covers are also available in the beautiful mat and frame shown above for $60 each (if Set 9-12 or Set 13-16 is ordered framed and matted, the price per set is $200) The mat is a neutral gray which blends with most decors, and the black 12" x 16" frame is trimmed in silver. The print is mounted under non-glare glass. * Framed and matted prints are

J shipped UPS—no delivery to P.O.

I <j* boxes. Because of expense and

* ~\ breakage, no framed prints are

( shipped overseas. Please allow 4

6 weeks delivery for framed prints. To order use the coupon below; Visa and Master Charge orders may call Toll Free.

CHIP BUILDING

THROUGH THE

TRAPOOOfl

Mar. 1976

$35.00

BREAKING THE

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ALSO AVAILABLE are the prints shown at left. "Computer Chess" is an 18" X 22" full co-or poster.

"Through the Trip Door" and "Breaking the Sour-tf Barrier" are limited editions of 750 prints each, signed and numbered by the artist. Each print Is 16" X 22". and is accompanied by its own Certificate 0* Authenticity. It both 'Door" and "Barrier" are ordered, a special • oU

All three prints shown at left are shipped first class in heavy duty mailing tubes.

Please send me the followint QTV TITLE

Prints:

AMOUNT

*

Frames — $35 each

*

DSet9-12of D 13-16 —

$80.

Boin "Trap Door" and "Barrier" - $5f

postage & handling S3 00 (Overseas $8 00)

s

□ I have enclosed check or money order

□ Visa Q MasterCard

SHIP MY PRINTS TO:

Name _

Mail this coupon to: I

robert tinney graphics J

1864 N. Pamela Drive ■

Baton Rot me LA I

1864 N. Pamela Drive Baton Rouge, LA

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Address City-,

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n^r—~— 70S15 i

I haven't had any luck in locating circuit diagrams for these units. Can you help? Peter J. Pinette Yorktown Heights, NY

A circuit for a digital speedometer can be found in the January 1981 "Ask BYTE" (see page 288). The article has enough information to configure one for your purpose. A digital tachometer can be made using the same concepts.

My Circuit Cellar article "DC Motor Controls: Build a Motorized Platform" (May 1981 BYTE, page 66) also contained information on this subject.

Both circuits consist of signal conditioners feeding decade counters with the binary-coded decimal (BCD) outputs converted to drive seven-segment light-emitting diode (LED) displays. If you understand how the various counters work (refer to manufacturer's data sheets), you can tailor the circuits to your specific applications. . . . Steve

Data In, Garbage Out

Dear Steve,

Most people using small computers for hobby or business have experienced garbled data at some time. In my own case, it happens occasionally on data files on my Charles River Data HD11-T, which is hooked to a Heath H-11A (based on the LSI 11/23 microprocessor). The files have been known to be correct beforehand. Unfortunately, there is no indication that something has garbled the file until it is accessed.

I suspect that some sort of power glitch affecting the disk drive is the culprit, but there hasn't been lightning or any indication of power problems while the system

400 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Ask BYTE.

was operating. Although the power line used by the system is not "dedicated," it is not overloaded.

I'm confused by the various advertisements for "line conditioners," protectors, and regulators. How do you know if you really need one of these things, barring frequent catastrophes, and how do you choose the one suited for your installation? A 1-kilovolt-ampere (kVA) capacity regulator costs about $500, so it would be nice to know it would help before making the purchase. It would even be better to save part of the cost by building it I James R. Monnahan Provo, UT

Basically, two types of power-line problems affect computers: voltage transients and voltage fluctuations. Transients tend to place spikes (i.e., short-duration, high-voltage pulses) on the power-supply line. Spikes can raise havoc with a computer. Fortunately, a welldesigned and regulated power supply can suppress many of them. Poorly designed power supplies generally fail under a severe transient, usually by means of shorted diodes.

Ordinarily, voltage fluctuations are visible in the form of lights dimming or flashing. The problem here is that if the voltage goes too low, the regulators in the power supply cannot compensate and the voltage in the computer drops below the minimum specifications. The result is garbled data.

On the other end, high line voltages should be taken care of by power-supply regulator circuits. Because a computer's power transformers are usually step-down devices, higher voltages result in an increase in heat dissipation by the regulators.

Line conditioners and protectors are often metal-oxide

varistors (MOVs) or zener diodes designed to clip transients above a certain level, which protects circuits downstream. The regulators are designed to maintain the line voltage between prescribed limits.

Which device is required for your computer? I would try to be more aware of the lights dimming or flashing (e.g., when a large motor starts or stops). If this is the case, either add a regulator or eliminate the offending device. Otherwise, try a clipping device. . . . Steve

Wanted: RS-232C-toIEEE-488 Interface

Dear Steve,

I recently assumed a new position at Kenyon College and discovered that some of the scientists on campus have become very frustrated trying to use a Hewlett-Packard HP9872A Plotter that is attached to an HP-2647 Graphic Terminal. They have managed to learn about handshaking sequences and other protocols, but the problem seems to be the interface. A salesman informed me that the plotter interface is an IEEE-488 and not the RS-232C type that is standard on an Digital Equipment Corporation PDP-11/70.

Two solutions are obvious: to replace the plotter with a different model that has the appropriate interface, or to buy or build a "black box" that does bidirectional RS232C-to-IEEE-488 conversion. Since I'm not truly informed about electronics, I am wondering about the difficulty of making such a black box and about the cost of obtaining one, if I could even locate such a device.

Perhaps you know of someone or some company that has made such a device—or could you give me some estimates on the relative

402 May 1982 6 BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 268 on inquiry card.

Take jour pick of the litter.

When you're ready to let your computer out and introduce it to the rest of the world, one of the Cat family of Modems is the way to do it.

Take your pick. You can't go wrong. They're all purebreds—from Novation, the recognized world leader in personal communications.

Cat Acoustic Modem

Fast, accurate, reliable originate/answer modemwith built-in diagnostics. Just add your computer and phone. Then dial up the world. $189**

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Replace your phone's carbon mike with Super Mike No more carbon granule problems. Making things perfectly clear has never been so easy.

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Answers automatically and stores data in your computer until you're ready. The world's first LSI 103 modem. State-of-the-art, all digital, crystal controlled direct connect.

You're off the hook for under $250**

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Major breakthrough—the intelligent modem. Slips into your Apple. All auto functions, selectable baud rates, Serial RS-232 port, BSRX-10 controller*** easy-to-use self-prompting format. Other options available.

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D-Cat

Get the performance and reliability of a direct connect modem (up to 20dB improvement) with the portability and price of an acoustic. Use it at home. Use it at work. Truly unique. So's the price. $199**

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*Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. Cat is a trademark of Novation, Inc. which does not make Apple computers "Suggested retail price ***BSR is a trademark of BSR Corporation

Circle 307 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982

403

Birth of a legend

Epson.

A whole new generation of Epson MX printers has just arrived. And while they share the family traits that made Epson famous — like unequalled reliability and ultra-fine printing — they've got a lot more of what it takes to be a legend.

For instance, they've got a few extra type styles. Sixty-six, to be exact, including italics, a handy subscript and superscript for scientific notation, and enough international symbols to print most Western languages.

What's more, on the new-generation MX-80, MX-80 F/T and MX-100, you get GRAFTRAXPlus dot addressable graphics. Standard. So now you can have precision to rival plotters in a reliable Epson printer. Not to mention true backspace, software printer reset, and programmable form length, horizontal tab and right margin.

All in all, they've got the features that make them destined for stardom. But the best part is that beneath this software bonanza beats the

Uh...three legends.

heart of an Epson. So you still get a bidirectional, logical seeking, disposable print head, crisp, clean, correspondence quality printing, and the kind of reliability that has made Epson the bestselling printers in the world.

All of which should come as no surprise, especially when you look at the family tree. After all, Epson invented digital printers almost seventeen years ago for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. We were

the first to make printers as reliable as the family stereo. And we introduced the computer world to correspondence quality printing and disposable print heads. And now we've given birth to the finest printers for small computers on the market.

What's next? Wait and see. We're already expecting. EPSON AMERICA, INC.

3413 Kashiwa Street • Torrance, CA 90505 • (213) 539-9140

EPSON

FEATURE

ORIGINAL

MX-80

ORIGINAL GRAFTRAX-80* MX-100

MX-80 wi

MX-80 F/T MX-100 h GRAFTRAX-Plus

Bidirectional printing

X

X

X

X

X X

Logical seeking function

X

X

X

X

X X

Disposable print head

X

X

X

X

X X

Speed: 80 OPS

X

X

X

X

X X

Matrix: 9x9

X

X

X

X

X X

Selectable paper feed

PAPER HANDLING FUNCTIONS

Line spacing to n/216

X

X

X

X

Programmable form length

X

X

X

X

X

X

Programmable horizontal tabs

X

X

X

X

X

X

Skip over perforation

X

X

X

X

PRINT MODES AND CHARACTER FONTS

9b ASCII characters

X

X

X

X

X

X

Italics character font

X

X

X

X

Special international symbols

X

X

X

Normal, Emphasized, Double-Strike and Double/Emphasized print modes

X

X

X

X

X

X

Subscript/Superscript print mode

X

X

X

Underline mode

X

X

X

10CPI

X

X

X

X

X

X

5CP1

X

X

X

X

X

X

17.16 CPI

X

X

X

X

X

X

8.58 CPI

X

X

X

X

X

X

DOT GRAPHICS MODE

Line drawing graphics

X

X

X

Bit image 60 D.P.I.

X

X

X

X

X

Bit image 120 D.P.I.

X

X

X

X

X

CONTROL FUNCTIONS

Software printer reset

X

X

X

X

Adjustable right margin

X

X

X

X

True back space

INTERFACES

Standard — Centronics-style 8-bit parallel

X

X

X

X

X

X

Optional - RS-232C current loop w/2K buffer

X

X

X

X

X

X

RS-232C x-on/x-off w/2K buffer

X

X

X

X

X

X

IEEE-488

X

X

X

X

X

X

•Tandy TRS-80 block graphics only available with GRAFTRAX 80.

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Circle 165 on inquiry card.

Event Queue

May 1982

May

Courses from Boeing Computer Services, various sites throughout the U.S. Boeing Computer Services is offering a wide variety of computerrelated courses at its regional service centers. Course topics range from "Introduction to Data Processing" to "Structured Program Development in FORTRAN." For a complete schedule of times, locations, and fees, contact Boeing Computer Services Co., Education and Training Division, POB 24346, Seattle, WA 98124, (206) 575-7700.

May

Courses in Structured Systems, various sites throughout the U.S. Courses in "Structured Systems Design," and "Structured Requirements Definition" are being offered by Ken Orr and Associates. For information on meeting times, places, and fees, contact Ken Orr and Associates Inc., 715 East 8th, Topeka, KS 66607, (800) 255-2459; in Kansas, (913) 233-2349.

May

Courses from George Washington University, San

Jose, CA; Washington, DC; Mexico City; Mexico; and Berlin, West Germany. Among the courses scheduled are "Computer Performance Evaluation," "Workshop in Data Communications for Microcomputers," and "Microcomputer Applications Workshop." Fees range from $590 to $760. Contact Continuing Engineering Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, (800) 424-9773; in the District of Columbia, (202) 676-6106.

May

Seminars and Conferences from Datapro Research, various sites throughout the U.S. Among the topics to be presented are "IBM's Systems Network Architecture," "Data Dictionary/Directory Systems," and "Data Processing: Fundamental Concepts." Enrollment fees are $640 for Datapro subscribers and $690 for nonsubscribers. For a complete catalog with descriptions, dates, and locations, contact Datapro Research Corp., 1805 Underwood Blvd., Delran, NJ 08075, (800) 257-9406; in New Jersey, (609) 764-0100.

May

Technology Transfer Institute Seminars, Washington, DC, and San Francisco, CA. "Fundamentals of Database Management," "Fundamentals of Data Structures," and "X.25 and Other Protocol Interfaces" are among the seminars being offered. Contact Technology Transfer Institute, 741 10th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402, (213) 394-8305.

May-/tme

Intensive Two-day Seminars for Professional Development, various sites throughout New England. Among the seminars to be offered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute are "Fundamentals of Data Processing," "Distributed Systems: The Architecture and Utilization of this Revolutionary Technology," and "Microprocessors: Hardware, Software, and Applications." Registration fees range from $445 for a twoday program to $990 for a seven-day executive institute. For complete details, contact Ms. Ginny Bazarian, Office of Continuing Education, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, (617) 793-5517.

May-June

Cooperative Education Program, various sites throughout the U.S. This series of more than 100 data-processing courses is presented by Q.E.D. Information Sciences Inc. Course topics include systems development, structured methodologies, database, telecommunications, management, and human relations. These two- to five-day courses are tailored for analysts, designers, programmers, managers, and other users. For additional details, contact the Manager of Education Programs, Q.E.D Information Sciences Inc., Q.E.D. Plaza, POB 181, Wellesley, MA 02181, (800) 343-4848; in Massachusetts, (617) 237-5656.

May-June

Courses and Seminars from Sira Institute, various sites throughout England. Sira Institute is sponsoring seminars on a wide variety of subjects, ranging from microprocessor familiarization to design and development of microprocessor-based equipment. For details, contact Conferences & Courses Unit, Sira Institute Ltd., South Hill, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5EH, England.

May-June

National Computer Graphics Association Seminar Program, various sites throughout the U.S. Topics include "Computer Graphics: Technology and Applications," "Successful Business Graphics," and "Applications of Computer Graphics to Transportation Problems." Seminar fees are $395 for association members and $425 for nonmembers. For complete details, contact Eloise Wenker, NCGA Seminar, 2033 M St. NW, #300, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 466-4102.

May-June

Datamation Institute Seminars on Information Management, various sites throughout the U.S. Databases and communications, systems performance, data-processing management, word processing, office automation, computer graphics, and topics of general interest are among the areas to be covered by these two-day seminars. Fees range from $495 to $595. For schedules of times and places, contact Karen Smolens, the Center for Management Research, Datamation Institute Seminar Coordination Office, 850 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, (617) 738-5020.

May-June

Education and Training Seminars, various sites throughout the U.S. and Europe. Among the seminar topics offered by STSC Inc. and APL*Plus International are "Nested Arrays," "Intermediate APL," and "Advanced APL Programming Techniques." For complete details on these and other seminars, contact the Seminar Administrator, STSC Inc., 11 Clearbrook Rd., Elmsford, NY 10523, (914) 347-5560. In Europe, contact APL*Plus International, Tour Neptune, Cedex N°20, 92086 Paris La Defense, France, Tel: 773.79.64.

May-June

The Master Method of Selling Small-Business Systems,

Westlake Village, CA. This one-day seminar is designed for mini- and microcomputer manufacturers and software vendors who sell smallbusiness systems. The seminar fee is $150. For details, contact Seminar Information, M. W. L. Inc., 32038 Watergate Court, Westlake Village, CA 91361, (213) 889-2607.

408 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Circle 75 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 409

Event Queue.

May-June

One- and Two-day Professional Development Seminars, various sites in the greater Boston area. Among the courses being offered by Boston University are "Business Writing for Results," Improving Customer Service," and "Assertive Management." Registration fees range from $295 for a oneday program to $445 for a two-day program. These seminars can be conducted within your company. For details, contact Ms. Joan Merrick, Center for Management Research, 850 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, (617) 738-5020. For information on the in-company seminars, contact Ms. Elaine Dee at the same address.

May-June

Productivity '82, various sites throughout the U.S. and Canada. This two-day show

features hands-on demonstrations of Hewlett-Packard's newest computer and application solutions ranging from personal and smallbusiness computers to the top-of-the-line computer systems for office computing, distributed data processing, and factory automation. Sixteen different seminars are held each day on such topics as using personal computers, choosing financial and applications software, and preparing easy-to-read graphics. Additional information can be obtained from local Hewlett-Packard sales offices or from Rudanne Clark, Hewlett-Packard, 3000 Hanover St., Palo Alto, CA 94304, (415) 857-7247.

May-June

Sensors & Systems '82, various sites throughout the central and western regions of the U.S. This series of three-day

conferences will cover all aspects of sensor technology from temperature sensors through to displacement, velocity, acceleration, magnetic field, and moisture. Other topics to be covered include signal conditioning, digital interfaces, and system interfaces. Contact Network Exhibitions, 785 Harriet Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, (408) 370-1661.

May-July

Computerized Robots,

various sites throughout the U.S. This four-day course is tailored for managers concerned with the planning and design of advanced manufacturing methods and for those who will be involved with the development and integration of high-technology robot systems. Course topics include the extent of robot automation in the U.S., Japan, and Europe; technical

capabilities and limitations of robots; robot sensory mechanisms, vision, touch, proximity; and programming techniques for robot control. The course fee is $845. For details, contact Ruth Dordick, Integrated Computer Systems, 3304 Pico Blvd., POB 5339, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (800) 421-8166; in California, (800) 352-8251.

May-July

Meetings, Seminars, and Programs from the Electronic Industries Association (EIA), various sites throughout the U.S. Among the events planned are the Electronic Components Conference, the Government/Industry Executive Roundtable '82, and a symposium on "Telecommunications: Trends and Directions." Contact EIA, 2001 Eye St. NW, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 457-4981.

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For paper presentations

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Accessories discounted too. Corporate Accounts Invited. Master-charge or Visa by manor phone. Mail Cashiers Check, Money Order, Personal Check [2 wks to clear]. Add $4 00 1 st item; (Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada add $8.00 first item) $1 00 ea. add'l shpg. & handl. Shipments to IL address add 6% tax Prices subject to change.WRITE for free catalog. ALL ELEK-TEK MERCHANDISE IS BRAND NEW, FIRST QUALITY AND COMPLETE.

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410 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 158 on inquiry card.

The Hard & Soft of It:

Atari from ASAP

If you're into Atari, get into ASAP. When it comes to Atari, ASAP has it all — computers, a full line of accessories, and one of the most complete lines of software on the market. Whether you use your Atari for work or play, make ASAP your source. Call today.

The Atari® 800™ Computer features color graphics and English characters with truly high resolution, high quality sound, expandable memory and sleek modular appearance.

Atari* 400'" - 16K also available: $349.00.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES PRICE

ATARI® 410'" Program Recorder 80.00

ATARI® 810™ Disk Drive 455.00

ATARI® 822'" Thermal Printer 299.00

ATARI® 820™ 40-column Dot

Matrix Impact Printer 279.00

ATARI® 825™ 80-column Dot

Matrix Impact Printer 625.00

ATARI® 830™ Acoustic Modem .... 159.00

ATARI® 850™ Interface Module 169.00

ATARI® Paddle (CX30-04) and

Joystick (CX40-04) 17.95

ASAP 16K RAM Module 55.00

COMPLETE SOFTWARE LIBRARY INCLUDES THESE POPULAR UNITS:

Atari®

Video Easel ROM 25.00

Music Composer ROM ... 42.00 Assembler/Editor ROM .. 45.00 Mortgage Loan Analysis

Tape 15.95

Stock Analysis Disk 19.95

Stock Charting 22.95

Bond Analysis Disk 19.95

Mailing List Tape 19.95

Touch Typing (2 tapes) .. 19.95

Graph It (2 tapes) 17.95

Word Processor 119.00

Personal Finance 64.95

Microsoft Basic 75.00

Basketball ROM 27.00

Super Breakout ROM 30.00

Computer Chess ROM ... 32.00

3D Tic Tac Toe ROM 25.00

Star Raiders ROM 36.00

Kingdom Cassette 12.95

Blackjack Cassette 12.95

Biorhythm Cassette 12.95

asaii

computer ■ products, inc.

Energy Czar Tape 12.95

Telelink (Terminal ROM) 24.00

Space Invader ROM 30.00

Scram 18.95

Asteroid 32.00

Missile Command 32.00

Arcade Plus

Ghost Hunter Cassette ... 25.00

Ghost Hunter Disk 30.00

Datasoft

Atari Mailing List Disk ... 19.95

Atari Character Generator

Disk 16.95

Text Wizard Disk 89.95

Micropainter Album 1

Disk 16.95

Micropainter Album 2

Disk 16.95

Le Stick Accessory 30.00

Online Systems

HI-RES Adv #0 - Mission:

Asteroid Disk 19.95

HI-RES Adv #2-Wiz& Princess

Disk 25.00

Roadwork Disk 29.95

Jawbreaker Disk 25.00

Softporn Adventure (X-rated)

Disk 25.00

The Next Step Disk 29.95

Personal Software

Visicalc Disk 169.00

FOR HOME ENTERTAINMENT

SYSTEMS:

Actlvision

Dragster Cartridge 18.50

Boxing Cartridge 18.50

Checkers Cartridge 18.50

Fishing Derby Cartridge 18.50

Skiing Cartridge 18.50

Bridge Cartridge 23.95

Tennis Cartridge 18.50

Laser Blast Cartridge 18.50

Freeway Cartridge 18.50

Kaboom! Cartridge 18.50

Stampede Cartridge 18.50

Ice Hockey Cartridge 23.95

ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. CALL FOR BEST PRICE

ASAP offers a 15-day buyer protection policy: full money-back guarantee if not totally satisfied. Ordering information: name, address, phone; ship by: UPS or Mail. Shipping charge: add $2.50 up to 1 lb. (UPS blue), U.S. Mail add $1.50 (U.S. only) ($25.00 minimum order). Terms: We accept cash, check, money orders, Visa and Master Charge (U.S. funds only). Tax: 6% Calif, res., CODs and terms available on approval (School PO's Accepted).

usee.wiiiowst.signalh,ii.caaw* Toll free outside California: (800) 421-7701. Inside California: (213) 595-6431 (714) 891-2663.

Circle 30 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 411

Event Queue.

May-]uly

Speech Synthesis and Recognition, various sites throughout the U.S. This four-day seminar is for product development and design engineers, systems analysts, programmers, and technical managers who will be involved with the planning, design, and implementation of voice input/output (VIO) systems. Among the topics to be covered are understanding voice-processing algorithms and software, evaluating available VIO hardware components and systems, and using speech-synthesis techniques. In-class presentations of VIO systems, components, and techniques will illustrate discussions. The course fee is $795. Contact Ruth Dordick, Integrated Computer Systems, 3304 Pico Blvd., POB 5339, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (800) 421-8166; in California, (800) 352-8251.

May-July

Structured Design and Programming, various sites throughout the U.S. This four-day course emphasizes the development of skills that facilitate the efficient production of reliable, well-documented, and maintainable programs, on time and within budget. Some of the topics to be addressed are structured software design methods, how to write structured programs for mini- and microcomputers, and how to improve program readability and reliability. The course fee is $795. Contact Ruth Dordick, Integrated Computer Systems, 3304 Pico Blvd., POB 5339, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (800) 421-8166; in California, (800) 352-8251.

May-July

Technical Classes from Zilog,

Campbell, CA. Zilog is offering a series of one- to five-day

In Less Than 3 Minutes

Your IBM Model 50, 60, or 75

Electronic Typewriter

can be an RS232C PRINTER or TERMINAL

CALIFORNIA MICRO COMPUTER Models 5060 and 5061 can be installed easily and require NO modifications to the typewriter.

For additional information contact:

CALIFORNIA MICRO COMPUTER 9323 Warbler Ave., Fountain Valley, CA. 92708 (714)968-0890

technical classes at its California-based training facility. Topics range from "Microprocessors: A General Introduction" to "Zeus/System 8000 User." Contact Zilog, Training and Education Dept., 1315 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, (408) 446-4666.

May-July

Computer Network Design and Protocols, various sites throughout the U.S. This four-day course will focus on the practical aspects of network design, interfacing, protocols, and packet switching. Among the topics to be covered are how to determine system requirements and perform design trade-offs, how to carry out network communication and control protocols, and how to evaluate available network hardware and software components. The course fee is $845. For complete details, contact Ruth Dordick, Integrated Computer Systems, 3304 Pico Blvd., POB 5339, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (800) 421-8166; in California, (800) 352-8251.

May-August

Engineering Summer Conferences, Chrysler Center for Continuing Engineering Education, North Campus, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Among the conferences being offered are "Interactive Design with Computers," "Applied Numerical Methods," and "Robotics: Concepts, Theory, and Applications." For complete details, contact Engineering Summer Conferences, 200 Chrysler Center, North Campus, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (313) 764-8490.

May 9-12

The Seventeenth Annual Meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation

(AAMI), Hyatt Regency Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA. Approximately 50 scientific and technical sessions will explore such topics as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, computerized data management for surgical anesthesia monitoring, and patient data management. Exhibits will be featured. For details, contact the AAMI, Suite 602, 1901 North Fort Myer Dr., Arlington, VA 22209, (703) 525-1890.

May 10-12

Dexpo 82, Marriott Hotel, Atlanta, GA. This exposition features DEC- (Digital Equipment Corporation) compatible hardware, software, and services. Contact Expoconsul International Inc., 19 Yeger Rd., Cranbury, N] 08512, (609) 799-1661.

May 10-13

The Annual Meeting and Technical Conference of the IEEE Industrial Power Systems Department, Marriott Hotel, Philadelphia, PA. For details, contact Dr. Paul Reece, General Electric Co., 6901 Elmwood Ave., Mail Drop 06302, Philadelphia, PA 19142, (215) 726-2800.

May 10-14

Introduction to Microprocessor Systems Engineering,

University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN. For details, contact Jules Bernard, University of Tennessee Space Institute, Tullahoma, TN 37388, (615) 455-0631, ext. 278.

May 10-14

The Twentieth Annual Convention of the Association for Educational Data Systems (AEDS), Sheraton Twin Towers, Orlando, FL. This convention includes presentations on the state of the art in educational computing. Administrative and instructional computing applications will be presented, and new ways

412 May 1982 (S BYTE Publications Inc

YOUR COMPUTER HEADQUARTERS

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Videx Videoterm ■ 80 Col. s269*° Videx Keyboard

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Mountain Clock s239"

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Numeric Keypad . .S135BS

Apple Pascal *209"

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Apple Graphics, Tablet . .'649™ Verawi.*er Graphic Tablet s249"

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US - Pro Easywriter •200'"'

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Edu-Ware Math/Fractions s34,s

Math/Decimals !34"

Arithmetic Skills s43"

Algebra I «34«

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CMA Teacher Plus Pack . .s60°° PDI New Step-by-Step . . . s69"

SOFTWARE FOR APPLE

Fortran 80 =154"'

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Basic Compiler s295°°

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Data Capture 4.0 40 Col. . . '49" Data Capture 4.0 80 Videx. '69"

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DB Master Vers. 3 !179"

Utility Pack I '89"

Z-Term (CP/M) '99°°

ASC II Express 3.3 '65°°

Brodebund Payroll s299"

Microbufferll 16K '224"

Microbufferll32K '259"

Snapshot '59°°

Grappler Graphic

Interfaces Cable '139"

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Temple of Asphai '32"

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Crush, Crumple & Chomp .'25°°

Jabber Talky '24"

Major League Baseball ...26"

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Apple Panic '24"

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Joy Breaker »24"

Space Quarks '24"

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Shuffle Board '24"

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Computer Baseball '32"

Computer Quarterback . . .'32"

Sneakers '24"

TG Joystick '48"

TG Game Paddles '34°°

NEW! LOGO for Apple . . .'149"

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VIC 20 and RF Modulator PRICED TOO LOW TO PRINT

8K Memory Expansion 53.95

Phone Modem f/VIC by Bizcom... 139.95

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Tractor Feed, opt 55.00

OKIDATA OKIGRAPH™ Create i! lustrations, Graphs, Charts or whatever a

CRT screen tells it to 69.00

CENTRONICS 739-I Graphics, 100 CPS Monospaced Mode, Right Justification,

Friction and Tractor 525.00

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Bi-directional Tractor (optional) . 205.00 NEW! C.ITOH F10-40 Daisy Wheel,

Letter Quality Printer 1595.00

C.ITOH 8510 Pro Writer, 120 CPS, 136 Columns, Parallel, Bidirectional, F/T, High

Resolution Graphics 519.00

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p'SUnecllle^ -P°nsib,e for typographical errors. This ad supersedes all othe^dsXtcX '■ 1 1— suD1ect to change without notice. All orders subject to verification and acceptance. Minimum shipping and handling $4.95

10003

Circle 1 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 413

Event Queue.

of improving educational processes will be explored. Contact AEDS, 1201 Sixteenth St. NW, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 833-4100.

May 11

DEC-Compatible Show,

Omni International, Atlanta, GA. This conference for Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) users is sponsored by MDB Systems. It is designed to provide users with selection assistance and application support for a wide range of products. Contact MDB Systems Inc., 1995 North Batavia St., Orange, CA 92665, (714) 998-6900.

May 14-15

The Second Annual Southern California Computers-in-Education Conference, University High Scool, Irvine, CA. This conference covers the application of computers in education from kindergarten through two-year college. All areas of curriculum will be covered, including reading, mathematics, science, language, and special education. Hands-on workshops and field trips are planned. Contact Craig Walker, Arrowview Intermediate School, 2299 North G St., San Bernardino, CA 92405, (714) 886-9118.

May 14-16

Applefest/Boston, Hynes Auditorium, Boston, MA. This show will feature more than 200 displays and booths of Apple-compatible products and accessories. Seminars and panel discussions will be held. Ticket prices are $6 per day or $15 for a three-day pass. Contact National Computer Shows, 824 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, (617) 739-2000.

May 15-16

The North American Computer Othello Championship,

Learning Resources Center, Andersen Hall, Northwestern

University, Evanston, IL. This two-day tournament is sponsored by the United States Othello Association. Champions will be determined in three categories: microcomputer systems (located on site), mainframe systems (telephone hookup), and specialpurpose Othello machines. For complete tournament details, write to Professor Peter W. Frey, Dept. of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60201.

May 16-21

Advanced DP Training Management Workshop, Los

Angeles, CA. This workshop is intended for training managers directly responsible for planning, monitoring, and evaluating data-processing training and reporting to upper-level management. The prerequisite for this workshop is completion of Deltak's Training Managers' Workshop (see May 23-28) and a minimum of one year's experience since completion or the equivalent on-the-job experience. The registration fee is $850. Contact Linda Hubacek, Deltak Inc., 1220 Kensington Rd., Oak Brook, IL 60521, (312) 920-0700.

May 17-21

Graphics Interface 82, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This conference and exhibition is sponsored by the Canadian Man-Computer Communications Society and the National Computer Graphics Association of Canada. Papers and speakers will address a wide variety of topics, including man-computer interaction, animation, graphics algorithms, and computer-aided design and manufacturing. For details, contact Rich MacKay, Dataplotting Services Inc., 160 Duncan Mills Rd., Don Mills, Ontario M3B 1Z5, Canada, (416) 447-8518.

May 18-20

Microcomputers in Education, Gutman Library, Cambridge, MA. This series of workshops is designed for educators at all levels. Topics include an overview of the educational uses of microcomputers, BASIC and graphics, Pascal, and the administrative uses of microcomputers. Hands-on experience will be emphasized. For information, contact Technical Education Research Centers, 8 Eliot St., Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 547-3890.

May 18-20

Northcon/82 High-Technology Electronics Exhibition and Convention, Seattle Center Coliseum, Seattle, WA. Contact Electronics Conventions Inc., 999 North Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245, (800) 421-6816; in California, (213) 772-2965.

May 19-21

Computer Hong Kong 82,

Regent Hotel, Hong Kong. This three-day program, which embraces the Fifth Hong Kong Computer Conference, will focus on the electronic data-processing market. For further details, contact Kallman Associates, 5 Maple Court, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, (201) 652-7070.

May 20-21

The Third Annual Computer Law Institute, Los Angeles, CA. This institute will provide an in-depth program on antitrust, proprietary rights, and contractual issues confronting the computer industry. Among the topics to be covered are fair trade practices and the negotiation and structuring of distributor, dealer, and original equipment manufacturer contracts. Contact Ami Silverman, University of Southern California Law Center, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90007, (213) 743-2582.

May 20-21

The Third Annual Electronic Mail Seminar, BBN Conference Center, Cambridge, MA. This seminar is designed for anyone investigating, planning, implementing, or expanding computer-based message systems. The technical, social, and managerial issues involved in a successful electronic mail program will be studied. Hands-on experience will be provided. Contact BBN Information Management Corp., 10 Moulton St., Cambridge, MA 02238, (617) 497-2929.

May 21-23

The 1982 Computer Showcase Expo, Boston, MA. The Computer Showcase is designed for small-business owners, independent professionals, and corporate managers. Admission is $7.50. For further details, contact the Interface Group, 160 Speen St., POB 927, Framingham, MA 01701, (800) 225-4620; in Massachusetts, (617) 879-4502.

May 22

The First Regional Conference on Technology and Special Education, Mill Neck Manor Lutheran School for the Deaf, Mill Neck, NY. Sponsored by the New York State Association for Educational Data Systems, this conference will focus on computer applications in special education for administrators, teachers, and parents. Contact Dr. Dolores Shanahan, Commack Public Schools, Indian Hollow Computer Laboratory, Kings Park Rd., Commack, NY 11725, or Jerry Burke, Half Hollow Hills High School, Dix Hills, NY 11746.

May 22

The Third Annual New Jersey Microcomputer Show & Flea Market, Holiday Inn (North), Newark International Airport, Newark, NJ. This event will feature more

414 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

PERSONAL

COMPUTERS

PERSONAL

COMPUTERS

PERSONAL

COMPUTERS

Amdek Video-300 199.00

Amdek Color-1 Monitor 359.00

Atari 400 16K 349.00

Atari 810 Disk Drive 449.00

Atari 850 Interface 169.00

Atari 830 MODEM 159.00

Atari 800 16K 749.00

Diablo 630 2095.00

Epson MX-70 329.00

Epson MX-80 FT 549.00

Epson MX-100 FT Printer 739.00

Hayes Micromoderm II (Apple II) 299.00

Microtek 16K Ramboard for

Atari 800, 79.00

Microtek 32K Ramboard for

Atari 400 & 800 149.00

M&R Sup-R-Terminal 279.00

Microsoft Soft Card (Z-80) 279.00

Microsoft Ramcard 16K for Apple 159.00

NEC 3510 Spinwriter 1850.00

NEC 3515 Spinwriter 1895.00

NEC 3530 Spinwriter 1850.00

NEC PC-8023 Printer 569.00

NECJC1201 M(A)- Color 12" Monitor 359.00

NEC GREEN JB1201M - 12" Monitor 169.00

Okidata Microline-80 Matrix Printer 329.00

Okidata Microline-82A 499.00

Okidata Microline-83A 729.00

Televideo 910 559.00

Televideo 912C 669.00

Televideo 920C 749.00

Televideo 925 849.00

Televideo 950 929.00

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800-343-0873

Stock Shipments Same Day or Next

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Mass. Residents Please Add 5% Sales Tax

PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

OMEGA SALES COMPANY

(Not an affiliate with Omega Sales Co.. Inc.. A Delaware Corporation)

430 PEARL STREET, STOUGHTON, MA 02072

(617)344-6645

Circle 309 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 415

Circle 411 on inquiry card.

IBM Personal Computer 128 K + Clock/Calendar

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• 64k & Clock/Calendar.. . $445. 128k & Clock/Calendar.. $540.

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/MEDIk DISTRIBUTING

Event Queue.

than 50 commercial exhibitors and 150 flea market sellers. Hardware, software, and accessories for all popular systems will be featured. Contact Kengore Corp., 3001 Rte. 27, Franklin Park, NJ 08823, (201) 297-2526, for additional information.

May 23-28

DP Training Managers' Workshop, Dallas, TX. This workshop is intended for individuals with less than 18 months' experience in coordinating data-processing training programs. Participants will learn to establish in-house education programs that will meet management objectives and ensure a high return on their organization's investment in training. The registration fee is $850. Contact Linda Hubacek, Deltak Inc., 1220 Kensington Rd., Oak Brook, IL 60521, (312) 920-0700.

May 25-27

Electro/82 High-Technology Electronics Exhibition and Convention, Hynes Auditorium, Commonwealth Pier, and Sheraton-Boston Hotel, Boston, MA. Contact Electronics Conventions Inc., 999 North Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245, (800) 421-6816; in California, (213) 772-2965.

May 31-June 4

Personal Microcomputer Interfacing and Scientific Instrument Automation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. This workshop is designed to teach users how to interface and use personal computers in instrumentation and automation systems. Hands-on experience working with and designing interfaces for personal computers will be featured. Contact Dr. Linda Leffel, CEC, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, (703) 961-4848.

June 1982

June

Knowledge Engineering in the 1980s, Chicago, IL. Expert Systems are computer programs that reason in tasks requiring considerable human expertise, such as locating computer malfunctions, monitoring intensive care patients, analyzing noisy signal data, and diagnosing medical problems. This one-day executive briefing provides an introduction to the potential benefits and costs of Expert Systems. For further information, contact Dina Barr, Teknowledge, 151 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301, (415) 326-6827.

June-August

Database Concepts and Design, various sites throughout the U.S. Sponsored by the American Management Associations (AMA), this five-day seminar is designed for dataprocessing managers, system designers, and other personnel involved in database activities. Topics include an overview of the database environment; evaluating and measuring performance, costs, and results; determining organizational needs and the systems software to meet them; and implementing, integrating, and supporting the database within company plans and budget. Highlighting this seminar is a comprehensive review of database products. Individual fees are $850 for AMA members and $975 for nonmembers. Team discounts are available. Contact AMA, 135 West 50th St., New York, NY 10020, (212) 586-8100. To register by phone, call (212) 246-0800.

June 6-11

Advanced DP Training Management Workshop, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. For details, see May 16-21.

416 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 256 on inquiry card.

&&SSS&

BASIC Scientific Subroutines, Vols. I and II

Valuable programs for professional and hobbyist

by Fred R. Ruckdeschel

Designed for the engineer, scientist, experimenter, and student, this series presents a complete scientific subroutine package featuring routines written in both standard Microsoft and North Star BASIC.

• Volume I covers plotting, complex variables, vector and matrix operation, random number generation, and series approximations.

• Volume II includes leastsquares approximation, special polynomial functions, approximating techniques, optimization, roots of functions, interpolation, differentiation, and integration.

Volume /

ISBN 0-07-054201-5

336 pages; hardcover

19.95

Volume //

ISBN 0-07-054202-3

800 pages; hardcover

23.95

BEGIN NCR's

L fORTHF ^SDPascai SYSTEM '

Threaded Interpretive Languages

How to implement FORTH on your 280

by Ronald Loeliger

This book develops an interactive, extensible language with specific routines for the Zilog Z80 microprocessor. With the core interpreter, assembler, and data type defining words covered in the text, it is possible to design and implement programs for almost any application and equivalent routines for different processors.

ISBN 0-07-038360-X 272 pages; hardcover 18.95

Beginner's Guide for the UCSD Pascal System

The most popular Pascal version explained by its creator

by Kenneth L. Bowles

Written by the originator of the UCSD Pascal System, this informative book is an orientation guide to the System.

The

hard facts about Software

from Byte Books

For the novice, this book steps through the System, bringing the user to a sophisticated level of expertise. Once familiar with the System, the reader will find the Guide an invaluable reference tool for creating advanced applications.

ISBN 0-07-006745-7 204 pages; soficover 11.95

The BYTE Book of Pascal

A powerful, structured language

Blaise W. Liffick, Editor

Based on articles, language forums, and letters from BYTE magazine, this work is a valuable software resource. Pascal continues to be popular as a structured programming language. Written for both potential and established users, this book introduces the Pascal language and examines its merits and possible implementations. Featured are two versions of a Pascal compiler, one written

in BASIC and the other in 8080 assembly language; a p-code interpreter written in both Pascal and 8080 assembly language; a chessplaying program; and an APL interpreter.

ISBN 0-07-037823-1 334 pages

hardcover $25.00

Beyond Games: Systems Software for Your 6502 Personal Computer

Creating programs for the Apple, Atari, Challenger and PET computers

by Kenneth Skier

At last, a complete programming guidebook. A selfcontained course in structured programming and topdown design, this book presents a powerful set of tools for building an extended monitor, disassembler, hexadecimal dump routine and text editor programs.

ISBN 0-07-057860-5 440 pages; softcover 14.95

Name

Title

Price Quantity Amount

Address

City

State

Zip

Check Enclosed

Amount

BUI Visa/Master Card Number

m

Expiration Date

BYTE Books 70 Main Street Peterborough, N.H. 03458 Circle 59 on inquiry card.

Add 75c per book to cover shipping costs:

ORDER TOLL FREE 800/258-5420

Total

B5

Circle 311 on inquiry card.

Model EP-2A-79

EPROM Programmer

North Stai

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Three years in the field with unsurpassed performance. Software is available for the EP-2A-79 for most all of the microcomputers including the popular CP/M. FLEX, HDOS operating systems. Write or call for specific hardware/software interfacing. Driver packages available for F-8, 6800, 6809, 8080,8085, Z-80, 1802, 6502 and 2650 based systems.

EP-2A-79 115V 50/60 HZ $169.00

Personality Modules

PM-0 TMS2708 $17.00

PM-1 2704,2708 17.00

PM-2 2732 33.00

PM-2A 2732A 33.00

PM-3 TMS2716 17.00

PM-4 TMS2532 33.00

PM-5 2716,2758 $17.00

PM-5E 2816 35.00

PM-8 MCM68764 35.00

PM-9 2764 35.00

SA-64-2 TMS2564 39.00

SA-64-3 2764 39.00

Optimal Technology, Inc.

Phone (804) 973-5482 Blue Wood 127 Earlysville, VA 22936

XCEL MICROCOMPUTER RETROFIT GRAPHICS

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FOR COMPUSTAR® SUPERBRAIN® TRS-80® MODEL II Z-89

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SOFTWARE SUPPORT PROGRAMS

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•Screen Printer

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$175.00 $175.00 $345.00 $395.00 $395.00 $65.00

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in california call aa (213) 320-6604

^-SeL-^IVIAXTEK.IIMC. 2908 Oregon Court,Torrance, CA 90503 Available in Europe from Micronex Ltd., Chew Magna, England 3042 (STD 027-589 3042)

TRS-80'registered trademark Tandy Corp* SuperGrain-rrademark (riterter Daia Systems Tektron*-registered trademark Tektronn Inc CPM-'egjSler

Event Queue.

June 6-11

DP Training Managers' Workshop, Philadelphia, PA. For details, see May 23-28.

June 7-9

Microcomputers in Education, Taft School, Watertown, CT. For details, see May 18-20.

June 7-10

The 1982 National Computer Conference, Astrohall, Houston, TX. This show will feature sessions commemorating the twenty-fifth anniversary of the first FORTRAN compiler. For more details, contact the American Federation of Information Processing Societies Inc., 1815 North Lynn St., Arlington, VA 22209, (703) 558-3612.

June 7-11

The Eleventh Annual Meeting of the MUMPS Users' Group, Denver Hilton Hotel, Denver, CO. This conference will embrace a wide assortment of topics relating to the MUMPS computer language, including medical and business applications, small and large MUMPS systems, technical issues, and new areas of opportunity. Roundtable discussions, workshops, and tutorials for new and experienced programmers will be held. Hardware, software, and systems will be exhibited. Contact the 1982 MUMPS Users' Group Meeting, POB 37247, Washington, DC 20013, (301) 779-6555.

June 9-11

The International Conference on Consumer Electronics (ICCE), Arlington Park Hilton, Arlington Heights, IL. The technical program will include papers and panel discussions on such topics as personal computing, computeraided design techniques, home information systems, and videotex, teletext, videodisc, video-cassette recorders, and

418 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 252 on inquiry card.

cameras. Exhibits will be featured. This conference is sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Group of the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers). Contact the IEEE, 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854.

June 13-16

The Fifteenth Annual Conference of the Association of Small Computer Users in Education, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, PA. This conference will include papers and demonstrations on the educational and administrative uses of computers. Other topics to be covered are robotics, Pascal programming, computer literacy, and the use of packaged software in computer courses. For more information, contact Jan Carver, Computer Center, Chatham College, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, (412) 441-8200.

June 14-16

The Fifteenth Power Modulator Symposium, Hyatt Regency Baltimore, Baltimore, MD. This symposuim will focus on the technology, devices, and systems associated with rep-rated power modulators, including switches, auxiliary devices, energy storage, radio-frequency systems, and low-frequency generators. For details, contact Leonard Klein, Palisades Institute for Research Services Inc., 201 Varick St., New York, NY 10014, (212) 620-3377.

June 15-17

The 1982 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dallas, TX. The theme of this symposium is 'Thirty Years of Microwaves." Papers and tutorials on a wide range of topics, including computeraided design and measurement techniques, microwave field and network theory, as well as satellite communica

SPECIALS

WE CARRY THE COMPLETE LINE OF ATARI SOFTWARE, PERIPHERALS AND ACCESSORIES.

I

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INTERFACES & CABLES

IEEE $55. RS-232 $70.

APPLE INTERFACE & CABLE $90. £ .

TRS 80 CABLE $35 9439* 00

W/GRAPHTRAX $459.00

ATARI 400 16K

$339.00

PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Televideo 925 849.00

Televideo 950 929.00

CBM 8032 Computer 1149.00

CBM 8050 Disk Drive 1349.00

CBM 4032 Computer 975.00

CBM 4040 Disk Drive 975.00

CBM 4022 Printer 649.00

CBM VIC-20 269.00

Microtek 16K Romboard for Atari 800 79.00

Microtek 32K Ramboard for Atari 400 and 800 149.00

Qume Sprint 9/45 (Full Panel) 2095.00

Atari 810 Disk Drive 449.00

Atari 850 Interface 169.00

Atari 830 MODEM 159.00

Atari 800 16K 699.00

Epson MX-70 319.00

Epson MX-80 FT 549.00

Amdek Video-300 199.00

Hayes Micromodem II (Apple II) 299.00

Sanyo 9" B & W 189.00

NEC 3510 Spinwriter $1750.00

NEC 3515 Spinwriter 1795.00

NEC 3530 Spinwriter 1750.00

NEC PC-8023 Printer 629.00

NEC 7710 Spinwriter 2345.00

NEC 7720 Spinwriter 2695.00

NEC 7730 Spinwriter 2345.00

NECJC 1201 M(A) —Color 12" monitor 359.00

Okidata Microline-82A 499.00

Okidata Microline-83A 729.00

Diablo 630 1995.00

M & R Sup-R-Terminal 279.00

Microsoft Soft Card (Z-80) 279.00

Microsoft Ramcard 16K for Apple 149.00

Hazeltine 1420 799.00

Amdek 100 G 169.00

Anadex DP-9500/9501

Televideo 910

Televideo 912C

Televideo 920C

1249.00

. .559.00

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CALL TOLL FREE!

1-800-556-7586

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12 Meeting St.

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TELEX 952106

COMPUTER SHOPPING CENTER

We Accept C.O.D.'s • Stock Shipments Same Day or Next • No Surcharge for Credit Cards • All Equipment Factory Fresh w/MFT Warranty • We Carry the Complete Line of Personal Software • Prices do not Reflect Shipping Charges Rhode Island Residents please add 6% Sales Tax

NEC GREEN 12" MONITOR JB 1201M

$159.00

OKIDATA MICROLINE 80A MATRIX PRINTER

$329.00

a

AMDEK COLOR-1 MONITOR

$339.00

EPSON MX-100 FT PRINTER $729.00

PRICES ARE SUBJECT

TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Circle 102 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 419

Circle 377 on inquiry card.

E

DE

3E

HOW DO YOU KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SPECIAL PEOPLE?

(customers, suppliers, members, employees, associates, etc.)

EASY - WITH NAMOR

The new full feature mail/telephone list program.

• 100% menu driven

• Generates, deletes, merges lists

• Searches, sorts, modifies entries

• Prints 1" label or special list format ir Fast entry lookup, easy update

Introductory Offer, $100 ($150 after Sept. 30,1912)

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: CP/M®, 56K, terminal with addressable cusor& 80 char, x 24 line screen, single or dual disk, 8" IBM or h\i" North Star. CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. NAMOR is a trademark of SHAPE, Inc.

DETAILED INFORMATION AVAILABLE

L>

INCORPORATED

SHAPE,

P. O. BOX 29882

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78229

^

tf

Event Queue.

tions/microwave systems, will be presented. Contact J. R. Griffin, Texas Instruments Inc., Mail Stop 3432, POB 405, Lewisville, TX 75067, (214) 462-5693.

June 15-17

The Office Automation Show/Conference, Barbican Centre, London, England. For details on this show and conference, contact Clapp & Poliak International, 7315 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, DC 20014, (301) 657-3090.

June 16-18

The Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Association for Computational Linguistics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This meeting features papers on syntax, computational semantics, discourse analysis and speech acts, machine translation, as well as the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computational linguistics. For additional information, contact Don Walker, Artificial Intelligence Center, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025, (415) 859-3071.

June 20-25

DP Training Managers' Workshop, Chicago, IL. For details, see May 23-28.

June 23-26

Productivity 82, Seattle University, Seattle, WA. This conference is sponsored by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the Canadian Information Processing Society (CIPS). Productivity 82 is designed to emphasize the use of computers to improve productivity in industry and in the office, as well as to improve productivity in the programming of computers. Papers and panel discussions will be featured.

For more information, contact Productivity 82-ACM/CIPS, 10636 Main St. #276, Bellevue, WA 98004.

June 28-30

COMDEX/Spring '82, Atlantic City Convention Hall, Atlantic City, NJ. For details on this conference and exhibition, contact the Interface Group, 160 Speen St., POB 927, Framingham, MA 01701, (800) 225-4620; in Massachusetts, (617) 879-4502.

June 28-30

National Educational Computing Conference (NECC82), Radisson-Muehlebach Hotel, Kansas City, MO. This conference features papers, sessions, panel discussions, and exhibits of educational computing products. Among the topics to be addressed are "Computer Use in the Physical Sciences," "Computer Education for Teachers," and "Computer Science, Engineering, and Information Systems Education." For more information, contact E. Michael Staman, NECC-82 General Chairman, Computer Services, 305 Jesse Hall, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211.

July 1982

July 11-15

The International Manufacturing Systems Conference '82, Convention Center, Buffalo, NY. The conference theme is "The Technology of Productivity." More than 100 experts will conduct seminars on a wide variety of topics. Exhibits, vendor presentations, and plant tours are planned. Contact Roy Combs, International Manufacturing Systems Conference, 186 North Water St., Rochester, NY 14604, (716) 232-3950.

420 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 439 on inquiry card.

SUBARU OFFERS GREATER TRACTION. AND EVEN GREATER TRACTION.

We congratulate all the car makers who've finally noticed that front wheel drive improves traction. We, however, introduced front wheel drive in 1969. And we just don't think there's any substitute for experience.

As pioneers of front wheel drive, we use this experience to balance all the factors — drive train, steering, weight distribution, suspension — which make for remarkable adhesion to the road. Even around curves, in rain or snow.

The people of Maine, Idaho, Alaska and West Virginia think so much of our front wheel drive that they've helped make Subaru the best selling import in those states'. States where good traction is absolutely essential.

But if you want even more traction, we suggest our wagon with On Demand Four Wheel Drive. Which allows you to go from front wheel drive to four wheel drive with the, flick of a lever. On Demand. Without stopping.

(Any other 4 wheeler around requires a full stop before switching. And stopping is exactly whaj you can't do sometimes.)

Both models also help you keep things under control when it comes to gas mileage. So while you're holding on to the road, you can also hold on to your money.

And both offer plenty of room, with plenty of options, like power windows, power steering, AM/FM cassette tape deck, cruise control. The works.

But the best option of all is deciding what level of traction you want. Greater. Or even greater.

INEXPENSIVE. AND BUILT TO STAY THAT WAY.

am

* i

4HBWAGON

$7019*

frwa WAGON

^6,269**

t!981 YTD REGISTRATIONS JUNE 1981 R.L. POLK AND COMPANY REPORT

*1982 EPA ESTIMATES FOR OUR FWD 5-SPEED WAGON. USE EST. MPG FOR COMPARISONS. YOUR MILEAGE MAY DIFFER DEPENDING ON DRIVING SPEED, WEATHER CONDITIONS AND TRIP LENGTH. ACTUAL HWY. MILEWAY WILL PROBABLY BE LESS. *# TOTAL SUGGESTED POE FOR OUR DL MODELS - NOT INCLUDING DEALER PREP, INLAND TRANSPORTATION, STATE AND LOCAL TAX, LICENSE AND TITLE FEES.

CERTAIN ITEMS SHOWN OPTIONAL AT EXTRA COST. © SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. 1981

Event Queue.

July 13-14

Controlling Electromagnetic Interference, Hyatt Hotel at LA Airport, Los Angeles, CA. This seminar is sponsored by Electronics magazine, a McGraw-Hill publication, and is designed for electronics industry professionals who must make technical or cost decisions based on an understanding electromagnetic interference. Topics of discussion include intersystem problems, designing against environmental noise, how to determine the best frequency for a given application, and the structure and use of intrasystem electromagnetic compatibility models. The fee is $595; inplant programs can be arranged. Contact Ms. Barbara Bancroft, McGrawHill Seminar Center, Room 3112, 305 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10017, (212) 687-0243.

July 18-22

The Fourth General Assembly of the World Future Society, Sheraton Washington Hotel, Washing

ton, DC. The conference theme is "Communications and the Future." All areas of the communications field from telecommunications to interpersonal communication will be covered. The impact of new technologies on society will be explored. Contact the World Future Society, 4916 St. Elmo Ave., Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 656-8274.

July 19-21

Summer Computer Simulation Conference (SCSC), Marriott City Center Hotel, Denver, CO. The SCSC covers all aspects of computer simulation methodology and applications. Technical sessions and presentations on mathematical methods, model design, simulation languages, and validation techniques will be featured. Information is available from Harvery Marks or Philicia Marks, Transaction Technology Inc., 7648 Capistrano Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91304, (213) 346-5376.

July 21-23

The Computer: Extension of the Human Mind, Eugene Hilton Hotel, Eugene, OR. Sponsored by the University of Oregon College of Education, this conference will feature workshops, speakers, and presentations on the use of computers in education. Topics of interest include preparing teachers to teach with computers, the ethical and social issues associated with computers, and how computers assist learning. The conference fee is $95; students enrolled in the university's summer session can register for $55 and earn a single credit hour. For additional information, contact Judy Ohmer, College of Education, University of Oregon,

Eugene, OR 686-3405.

97403, (503)

July 25-31

Family Computer Camp,

Clarkson College, Potsdam, NY. Each member of your family can gain skill with computers while participating at his or her own level (beginner to expert) and age group (ranging from age 5 to adult). Among the topics to be covered in laboratory and lecture sessions are BASIC programming, word processing, graphics, and home and recreational computer use. Additional details are available from the Conference and Information Center, Clarkson College, Potsdam, NY 13676, (315) 268-6647. ■

In order to gain optimal coverage of your organization's computer conferences, seminars, workshops, courses, etc, notice should reach our office at least three months in advance of the date of the event. Entries should be sent to: Event Queue, BYTE Publications, POB 372, Hancock NH 03449. Each month we publish the current contents of the queue for the month of the cover date and the two following calendar months. Thus a given event may appear as many as three times in this section if it is sent to us far enough in advance.

Scotch' Diskettes

Rely on Scotch* diskettes to keep your valuable data safe. Dependable Scotch diskettes are tested and guaranteed error-free. The low abrasivity saves your read/write heads. They're compatible with most diskette drives.

(800)235-4137

Dealer Inquiries invited

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8921 S. Sepulveda #208 Los Angeles, CA 90045 (213)641-3101 (800)421-2418

WHY PAY MORE? SAVE MONEY! LOWEST PRICES ON PARTS!

EPROMS

[ REGULATORS

2708 2.60

1 7805 75

2716 4.00

1 7812 75

2716-1(350ns) 6.50

1 7815 .75

TMS 2716 6.00

1 7905 .85

2732 1000

1 7912 .85

2632 12.00

1 7915 85

RAMS W MICROPROCESSORS

4116(200ns) 8/13.00 I Z-80ACPU 5.50

41161150ns) 8/1600 I 8080A 2.25

2114|200ns| 8/1800 | 8085A 7.00

TERMS: Check. Visa, Mastercard Call for C.0.D U.S. Funds only California Residents add 6% Sales Tax. SHIPPING: Add $2 00 lor Ground $5 00 tor Air. ALL MAJOR MANUFACTURERS ALL PARTS 100% GUARANTEED

Circle 297 on Inquiry card.

Circle 320 on inquiry card.

Circle 236 on inquiry card.

Q^H ^0^^

BYTE'S Best Qellsp List

Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar,

Volumes I, II, & III by Steve Ciarcia

Collections of Steve Ciarcia's perennially popular columns from BYTE Magazine, these three volumes are sure to please home computer users and electronics hobbyists. Volume I includes power conversions, programming EPROMs, remote terminal interfacing, touchinput video display, and more. Volume II, focusing on projects which interface the personal computer with the home, features useful applications such as a computer-controlled home security system, computerized appliances, input-output expansion for the TRS-80, and even a computercontrolled wood stove. Volume III offers low-cost construction projects such as an ultrasonic rangefinder, handheld remote computer control, two speech synthesizers, and a remote-control motorized platform, to name just a few.

Build Your Own Z80 Computer

This complete guide to building a working computer offers

engineers, students, and hobbyists an exciting alternative to buying a computer. With clear

instructions, Steve Ciarcia fully explains how to build a basic single-board micro-computer

based on the Zilog Z80 microprocessor. The finished product features a 1 K-byte operating

system, serial and parallel ports, hexadecimal display, audio cassette mass storage, and easy

expansion to include a video terminal.

m

Please send

Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Vol. I $8.00

Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Vol. II $ 1 2.95

Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Vol. Ill $12.95

Build Your Own Z80 Computer $ 1 5.95

Call Toil-Free 800/258 5420

Name

Check Enclosed

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Bill Visa/ MasterCard #

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State

Zip

Expiration Date

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Bflll^iS 70 Main Street Peterborough, N.H. 03458

Please add .75 per book to cover shipping cost.

Circle 60 on inquiry card.

B5

BYTE May 1982 423

ATARI HOME COMPUTERS

A

ATARI

ATARI 800 16K... $679 32K ... $749 48K ... $819

410 Recorder $76 00

810 Disc Drive $449.00

822 Printer $269 00

825 Printer $629.00

830 Modem $159.00

820 Printer

850 Interface

New DOS 2 System

$269 00

$16900

$29 00

481 Entertainer $83 00

482 Educator $130 00

483 Programmer $57 00

484 Communicator $344 00

ATARI HOME COMPUTER PROGRAMS Home Ollice

CX404 ATARI Word Processor CX8102 Calculator

CX412 Dow Jones Investment Evaluator CX4109 Graph It, Joystick optional

CX4104 Mailing List

CX4115 Mortgage & Loan Analysis

CX406 Personal Financial Management System

CX4103 Statistics 1

CX8107 Stock Analysis

CXL4015TeleLink 1

Home Study

CX4101 An Invitation to Programming 1

CX4106 An Invitation to Programming 2

CX4107Biorhythm

Conversational Languages (ea)

CX4121 Energy Czar

CX4114 European Countries & Capitals CX4108 Hangman. Joystick optional CX4102 Kingdom CXL4007 Music Composer CX4123 Scram, uses loystick CX4112 States S Capitals CX4110 Touch Typing

Home Entertainment

$119 00 $29 00 $99 00 $17 00 $20 00 $1300 $59 00 $20 00 $20 00 $23 00

$20 00 $2300 $1300 $46 00 $1300 $13 00 $13 00 $1300 $47 00 $20 00 $13.00 $20 00

PAC MAN

Centipede

Caverns of Mars

CXL4013 Asteroids

CXL4004 Basketball

CX4105 Blackiack

CXL4009 Computer Chess

CXL4012 Missile Command .

CXL4008 Space Invaders

CXL4011 Star Raiders

CXL4006 Super Breakout

CXL4010 3-D Tic Tac Toe

CXL4005 Video Easel

Programming Languages and Aids

r~XL4003 Assembler Editor

CXL4002 ATARI BASIC

CX8126 ATARI Microsoft BASIC

CXL4018 PILOT

CX405 PILOT

$35.00 $35.00 $32.00

$3500 $27 00 $13 00 $3300 $35 00 $35 00 $42 00 $33 00 $27 00 $24 00

$47 00

$47 00

$7000

$72 00

$105 00

ATARI 400 16K.... $329 32K.... $478 48K.... $555

CX30 Paddle

CX40 Joy Stick

CX853 16K RAM

Microtek 16K RAM

Microtek 32K RAM

Ramdisk (128K)

Inteck 48K Board

One year extended warranty .

$18 00

$18 00

$89 00

$75.00

$159.00

$539.00

$249.00

. $50.00

THIRD PARTY PROGRAMS ATARI Program Exchange:

Eastern Front '41

Avalanche

Outlaw

747 Landing Simulation

Babel

Dog Daze

Downhill

Attacki

BlackjackCasino

Reversi II

Domination

Solitare

Disk Fixer

Supersort

Data Management

Chameleon

Instedit

Insomnia

My First Alphabet

Mapware

Number Blast Family Cash Flow Weekly Planner Bowler's Data Base Banner Generator

$25 50 $15 50 $1550 $15.50 $1550 $15 50 $1550 $1550 $15.50 $15.50 $15.50 $1550 $15.50 $15.50 $15 50 $1550 $1550 $1550 $25J0 $18.'0O $11 50 $15 50 $1550 $13 00 $11 50

PRINTERS

Centronics 739-3 $619.00

Centronics 739-1 $519.00

Diablo 630 Special $1799 00

Epson

MX70 $359.00

MX80 $469 00

MX80FT Call

MX100 Call

NEC

8023 $549.00

7730 Call

7720 Call

7710 Call

Okidata

82A $499 00

83A $769 00

84 $1129 00

Citoh Starwriter

F10-40 CPS $1469.00

F10-55 CPS Call

Paper Tiger

445G $699 00

460G $899.00

560G $112900

Talley

80247 $1399 00

8024 L .... $1629 00

MPC Apple Parallel Board & Cable $69.00

XEROX

Xerox 820

System I 5'«" System II 8" CPM 5'. Word Processing Super Calc

$2450 00

$2950 00

$169 00

$429 00

$269 00

Texas Instruments

Crystal Software

Bermuda Fantasy

Beneath Pyramids

Galactic Quest

House of Usher

Forgotten Island

Haunted Palace

Compumax (Acct. Rec. Gen. Ledger.

(Inventory, Payroll, ea.)

Visicalc

Letterperfect (Word Processor)

Ricochet

Crush Crumble & Chomp (cassette or disk)

Star Warrior (cassette or disk)

Rescue at Riael (cassette or disk)

Datestones (cassette or disk)

Invasion Orion (cassette or disk)

Mission Astenod

MouskATTACK

The Next Step

Softporn

Wizzard & Princess

KBYTE Krazy Shoot Out (ROM)

Protector (Disk 32K)

Jaw Breaker (on line disk)

Ghost Hunter (cassette)

Ghost Hunter (disk)

. $26.00 $20.00 $26.00 $20.00

. $26.00 $33.00

$110.00

$16900

$109.00

$14.50

$24.00

. $29.00

$24 00

$16.00

$1850

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. $34,00

$27,00

$29.00

. $39.00

$32.00

. $27 00

$2400

$30 00

TI-99/4A s299

PHA2100RF Modulate

PmP 16OO Telephone Coupler

PHP 1700 RS 232 Accessories interlace

PHP 1800 Disk Drive Controller

PHP 1L50 DiSk Memory Drive

PHP 2200 Memory Expansion IJ2K RAMI

PHP 1 100 Wired Remote ContronerSlPa"

32K Expansion

PHP Printer Solid State

PHM 3006 Home Fmanc.ai Decisions

PHM 3013 Persona' Record Keeping

PHD 5001 Mailing List

PHD 5021 Checkbook Manager

PHM 3008 Video Chess

PHM 3010 Physical Fitness

PHM 3009 Football

PHM 3018 Video Games 1

PHM 3024 Indoor Soccer

PHM 3025 Mind Challengers

PHM 3031 The Attack

PHM 3032 Blasto

PHM 3033 Blackiack and Poker

PHM 3034 Hustle

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BYTE May 1982 425

CHEDIT

A Graphics-Character Editor

Define your own character set for Apple Pascal.

Apple's Pascal system provides the graphics character set SYSTEM.CHARSET, which is manipulated with the TURTLEGRAPHICS procedures WSTRING, WCHAR, and CHARTYPE. These procedures allow you to employ limited graphics text on displays when the various hardware modes (text only, graphics only, and partially mixed text and graphics as described in the manuals) are insufficient. However, no presently supplied program allows you to edit the character set. Therefore, you are stuck with those characters defined by Apple, as nice as they may be. Herein lies a remedy.

The CHEDIT program allows editing of Apple-format graphics character sets (see listing 1). Although the program is easy to use, it has a number of idiosyncrasies because of its short implementation time. It is not entirely orthogonal and does not contain bulletproof input procedures.

The format of CHEDIT is loosely based on a program of the same name written for the Terak 8510a microcomputer by Keith Allan Shillington. His program was reasonably fast

426 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Jerry N. Sweet

30 Willow Tree Lane

Irvine, CA 92715

because it used all kinds of UCSD Pascal magic and byte-manipulation intrinsic procedures. However, there was no documentation available internal or external to the program, making it difficult to understand. In contrast, CHEDIT is quite slow in spots, but quite easy to read and understand.

Execution

Because the program uses TURTLEGRAPHICS procedures, the SYSTEM. LIBRARY must be online when CHEDIT is executed. In addition, since the program makes use of the SYSTEM.CHARSET file for prompts, it too must be online. If you are using a nongraphic display (e.g., an 80-column CRT), make sure that the graphics-output device is hooked up (i.e., your TV set). When everything is in order, execute the program (enter X followed by CHEDIT). You are confronted with the prompt INPUT FILE. Then, you must give the name of a file containing a graphics character set. Initially, this will probably be SYSTEM.CHARSET. You are then asked for the name of the output file. I suggest something like

TEMP.CHARSET for starters, unless you have something specific in mind, like APL.CHARSET.

Once these preliminaries are out of the way, an 8-row by 16-column character menu is set up in the lower center portion of the screen, an 8-row by 7-column editing pallet is set up in the upper right-hand portion, and a new prompt appears in the upper lefthand portion. This is your cue to select a character for editing (see table 1 on page 440).

Character Selection

The prompt at this stage is ABORT, QUIT, MAKE CHARACTER. The appropriate replies are A, to abort the program and editing (you are asked to confirm this with Y or N); Q, to terminate editing and save the result in the output file; and M, to perform character selection and editing.

Once you have typed M to make a character, the prompt '.' ACCEPTS, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT appears accompanied by a flashing cursor that is placed initially in the upper left-hand corner of the character menu. Two methods are used to Text continued on page 440

Circle 283 on inquiry card.

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Program Data Sheets, Application Guides, and Machine Compatibility Guides available

Each program$249.00from stock. Specify CP/M **■ IBM or CP/M ** DEC. Order from MicroTech Exports, Inc., 467 Hamilton Ave., Suite 2, Palo Alto, CA 94301 D Tel: 415/324-9114 □ TWX: 910-370-7457 MUH-ALTOS □ Dealer and OEM discounts available.

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Listing 1: The CREDIT program listing, designed for the Apple II. The program requires 48K bytes of memory, the Language System card, and the Apple Pascal package.

<ts+>

program MakeGraphicChars;

{version C33, June 21, 1981 by Jerry Sweet)

uses TurtleGraphics; {kindly provi ded by Apple Computers, Inc.>

const xmin = O; ymin = O; xmax = 279; ymax = 191; {screen parameters)

xboxcorner = 216; yboxcorner = 119; {exploded character box)

Hel lFreezesOver ~ f al se;

CharRows = 8; {number of rows of characters)

TopRow = 6; {top-most row of display)

CharsPerRow = 16; {number of characters per row)

xblocksize = 12; yblocksi ze = 13; {"logical" character block size)

xbmax = 11; ybmax = 12; {si zes less one)

title = * Graphic character generator, version C33, 25-Jun-81*;

type 1 egalset = set of char;

onebit = O.- 1;

bl ock = packed array CO- .7, O. . 73 ,o-f onebi t;

cblock = packed array CO..ybmax, O..xbmax 3 of onebi t;

charimage = packed array CO..73 of O..255;

Charset = packed array CO..1273 of charimage;

Charfile = file of Charset;

color = (fblack, fwhite); {turtle graphics uses 'black' and 'white') ortho - (horizontal, vertical);

{exploded character 'bits')

•ar f i11er : array Ccolor3 of cblock; filename, cnum : string; icfile, cfile : Charfile; selx, sely : i nteger;

procedure wrxy (x, y : integer);

{ places the turtle at the logical character position (x, y), where

(O, O) is the at the top-1eft corner of the screen ) begin

if x < O then x := O else if x > 39 then x := 39;

if y < O then y := O else if y > 22 then y := 22;

pencolor (none); moveto (x * 7, ymax - (y + 1) * 8) end;

procedure wr <p : string; x, y : integer);

{ writes the prompt p at the logical text posi tion (x, y), unless the

prompt i s nul1, in which case the screen i s cleared from 1ines x through

V- > var i, j : i nteger; begin

if length (p) > O then begin wrxy (x, y); wstring (p) end

el se

fori :=Otoy-x do begin

wrxy <0, x + i); for j := 1 to 30 do wchar (* ') end end;

procedure wrst (p : string; x5 y : integer); var i : integer; begi n

'wr (p, x, y) ; for i := length (p) + x to 29 do wchar <' ') end;

procedure rd (p : string; x, y : integer; var s : string);

{ writes the prompt p at the logical text position <x, y), then

reads, character-by-character (echoing), and returns s ) const bs = 8; can = 24; v&r c : char;

pn : integer; t : stri ng C13; stop : Boolean; begi n

wr (p, x, y); pn := length (p); s := "'; t := * '; repeat

read (keyboard, c); stop := eoln (keyboard); if not stop then begin case ord (c) of

bs : if pn > 1ength (p) then begin

pn : = pn - 1; wr (' ', pn, y); delete (s, length <s), 1) end; can : begin

wr C*, y, y); wr (p, x, y); pn := length (p); s := end end; if (pn < 40) and not (ord (c) in Cbs, can3) then begin

t C13 :=c; s := coneat (s, t); wr (t, pn, y); pn := pn + 1 end end; until stop end;

Listing 1 continued on page 430

428 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 96 on inquiry card.

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r

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BYTE May 1982 429

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Main/Frames

Listing 1 continued:

•function rdc <p : string; x , y : integer) : char;

var c : char;

begin

wr (p, >: , y) ; read (keyboard, c); rdc := c end;

procedure clrdi sp; begin

wr (**, O, 3)

end;

procedure box lines (angle : ortho; x, y, n, p, LineLength : integer); X Draw n + 1 1ines at the angle speci f ied, p pixels apart > var i : i nteger; {index} begin

if angle • horizontal then turnto (0) else turnto (90); -for i := 1 to n do begin

pencolor (none); moveto (x, y); pencolor (white); move (LineLength);

i-f angle = horizontal then y := y + p else x := x + p end C for } end ; { box 1 i nes >

procedure Drawcharbox (x, y ; integer);

{ This draws the exploded character box (the "pallet") onto the screen >

begin -C Drawcharbox )

box lines (horizontal, x, y, 9, 9, 63); €9 horizontal lines 9 pixels apart) boxlines (vertical, x, y, 8, 9, 72); {8 vertical lines 9 pixels apart)

end; { Drawcharbox )

■function keysense : Boolean;

{ Tell me when the user has pressed a key with the Sup—R-Term board )

const clear = -16368; {1 ocation to clear keyboard strobe) kbd ■ -16384; {location of keyboard i nput byte)

-function peek (addr : integer) : integer; type word = packed array CO..13 of C..255; trix = record

case Boolean of

false: (ptrs "word); {pointer to a Pascal word) true: tint: i nteger) {its representat ion) end; var magic : trix; begi n

magic.int := addr; {set up the pointer)

peek := magic.ptr ^ CO) {look at what the pointer i1luminates) end;

begin {keysense)

keysense := peek (kbd) end;

{data come in as negative ASCII)

function upca.se (c ; char) : char;

{ Translate the character to upper case )

begi n

if c in C * a^..'z * ) then upcase := chr (ord (c) - ord < * a') + ord ('A*))

else upcase := c end;

function gc (legal ; legalset; prompt : string; echo : Boolean) : char; { Read a character from the keyboard unti1 it is 1egal ) var c : char;

s : stri ng C11; begi n

s : = ' ' ; repeat

i f echo then c := rdc (prompt, 0, 0) else read (keyboard, c); c := upcase (c); until c in legal; gc := c end;

procedure nextchar (x, y : integer);

{ Causes the turtle to move to logical text posi tion (x, y). Top left corner is (O, O). )

begin {nextchar) pencolor (none);

if x < O then x := 0 else i f x > 22 then x s = 22; Cset x min and max) if y < 0 then y := 0 else if y > 13 then y := 13; {set y min and max) moveto (x * xblocksize, ymax - (y ♦ 1) * yblocksize + 1)

end; (nextchar)

of the character specified )

procedure onbox (c : char);

{ put the turtle at the logical "box"

begin

nextchar (ord (c) mod CharsPerRow + 3, TopRow + ord (c) di v CharsPerRow) end;

procedure stepchar (c : char);

{ Move the turtle to the next character to be edi ted )

begi n

onbox (c); turnto £0); move (2); turnto (90); move (2); end;

| procedure drawallchars;

Listing 1 continued on page 432

430 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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Listing 1 continued:

{ Crank out the characters in the charset file in a nice format )

var c : char;

1i ne : i nteger;

procedure stepback <ic : integer);

{ Moves the turtle to the specified character and back one pixel )

begin

onbox (chr (ic) ) ; turnto (-90) ; move <1); turnto (180) ; move (1)

end;

begi n Cdrawal1 chars)

(reset did an initial * get' for us> for c := chr <0) to chr (127) do begin stepchar (c);

drawblock (icfile" Cord (c) 3, 1, O, O, 7, 8, turtlex, turtley, 10) end;

close (icfile); {keep it kosher)

stepback ((CharRows - 1) * CharsPerRow); {go to the bottom line) boxlines (hori zontal, turt1 ex, turtley, CharRows + 1, yblocksize,

CharsPerRow * xblocksize); stepback ((CharRows - 1) * CharsPerRow); {put the turtle back) box 1ines (vertical. turt1 ex, turtley, CharsPerRow + 1, xblocksize, CharRows * yblocksize) end;

procedure Gencbar;

{ This procedure does the actual editing )

type cursor = (pallet, menu);

var c s char; (the character for edit)

x, y : i nteger; {cursor posi tion>

bitbox : block; {edit box)

i nc : char; {input character)

stack : array CO..73 of block; {bi tbox stack for saving characters)

sp, ts : integer; {stack pointers)

procedure c1 earbi ts;

{ Initialize the edit parameters )

var i, j : integer;

begin

x := 0; y := O;

for i := O to 7 do for j : = O to 7 do bitbox Ci, j3 := O end;

procedure placechar (c : char);

{ Put the character i n the bi tbox where it's supposed to go )

begin Cplacechar)

stepchar (c);

drawblock (bitbox, 2, O, O, 7, 8, turtlex, turtley, 10); end; {placechar)

procedure putblock (which : color; x , y : integer);

{ Put a block of the specified color both on the edit screen and

on the current edi t character's corresponding posi tion. This also changes the contents of bitbox ) begi n

if (x in C0..cj3) and (y in CO..73) then beg in drawblock (filler Cwhich3, 1, O, O, 8, 8,

xboxcorner + (x * 9) + 1, yboxcorner + iy * 9) +1, 10); drawblock (filler C wh i ch 3, 1, 0, 0, 1, 1, turtlex + >;, turtley + y, 10); bitbox Cy, x3 := ord (which) end end;

procedure newchar;

{ Finish the edit ) begin

placechar (c); {draw the character as it will appear)

exi t (Genchar) end;

procedure clearchar;

{ Clear the current character )

var i , j : i nteger;

begin

clearbi ts; {reinitialize)

for i := O to 6 do for j := O to 7 do putblock (fblack, i, j) end;

procedure spraychar (c : char);

{ Put the speci f ied character onto the pal let )

var i, j : integer;

begin

stepchar (c);

for i := O to 6 do for j := O to 7 do

if screenbit (turtlex + i, turtley + j) then putblock (fwhite, i, j) else putblock (fblack, i, j) end;

procedure f1ashi t (where : cursor; x, y : i nteger); { flash the cursor at the current edit position ) var k : Boolean;

Listing 1 continued on page 434

432

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keysense end;

Listing 1 continued:

procedure delay (var k : Boolean); ■C insert a delay between -flashes J var i : integer; begin

i := lOO;

while (not k) and (i > O) do begin i := i — 1; end;

procedure dopal1et;

var original : onebit; origscr s Boolean;

procedure putdot (on : Boolean; x, y : integer);

< also -flash the corresponding pixel in the edit character >

var fcolor : color;

begi n

i-f on then fcolor := fwhite else -fcolor := fblack;

drawblock (filler [fcolor], 1, O, O, 1, 1, turtle* + x, turtley + y, 10) end;

begin -Cdopallet}

original := bitbox Cy, x3;

ori gscr := screenbit (turtle* + x, turtley + y);

while not k do begin

putblock (fwhi te, x , y); putdot (true, x, y); del ay (k); putblock (fblack, x, y); putdot (false, x, y); delay (k)

end;

if original = 1 then putblock (fwhite, x, y)

else putblock (fblack, x, y);

putdot (origscr, x, y) end;

procedure domenu;

var reversed : Boolean;

procedure xor; begin

drawblock (filler tfwhitel, 2 * ((xblocksize + 15) div lc»).

end;

xblocksize, yblocksize - 1, turtlex, turtley, 6)

begin -C domenu >

onbox (chr (y * CharsPerRow + x));

reversed := false;

while not k do begin

xor; delay (k); reversed := not reversed;

end;

if reversed then xor end;

begin Cflashit> k := false; case where of

pallet : dopallet; menu : domenu end; (case) end;

procedure push;

C save the current bitbox on the stack >

begin

stack Csp J := bi tbox;

sp := (sp + 1) mod 8 end;

procedure pop;

i restore the bitbox from the top of stack >

begi n

sp := sp — 1; if sp = —1 then sp := 7;

bi tbox := stack Csp3;

stepchar (c)3

drawblock (bitbox, 2, O, O, 7, 8, turtlex, turtley, 10);

spraychar (c) end;

procedure shift;

£ shift the character up, down, left, or right J var x, y : integer;

procedure shi ftup; begi n

for y := 7 downto 1 do for x := O to 6 do bitbox Cy, xl := bitbox Cy — 1, xl;

for X ;= O to & do bitbox CO, x 3 := O end;

procedure shi ftdown; begi n

for y := O to 6 do for x := O to 6 do

bitbox Cy, x 3 := bitbox Cy + 1, x 3 ;

for x := O to 6 do bitbox C7, x] := O end;

Listing 1 continued on page 436

434 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 378 on inquiry card.

S100 EPROM PROGRAMMER/16K MEMORY MODULE • Programs, copies or verifies the most popular 5 volt EPROMS (2758, 2516, 2716,2532, & 2732) • Adjustable 25 volt on board supply.

• External programming console - Includes 24-pin ZIF socket • Sockets also included for up to 8 memory chips (2716/2732 EPROMS or 2KX 8 NMOS Static RAMS) • Memory addressable in 4K/2K windows • Memory management4 memory chips may be independently enabled/disabled under program control • 8-bit I/O port w/handshake • Software - CP/M version on 8" disk, PET 2001 (requires S100 adapter) on cassette.

S100 PROTOTYPE MODULE

• Unique prototype module takes up only one computer slot • Uses low cost W/W posts, and if desired, solder tail sockets.

• Wiring & components are on the same side • Provisions for 3 voltage regulators - 5 volt regulator may be TO-3 or TO220 case • Any size integrated circuit on .300, .400, or .600 centers may be used • Typical configurations - 36 16/14-pin IC's. or 4 40-pin & 28 16/14-pin IC's, or 1 40-pin & 4 24-pin & 14 20-pin & 14 16/14-pin IC's, etc. • Also has provisions for: toggle switch, trimpot, & 2 50-pin ribbon cable headers • Power & ground traces to each IC position • Ample de-coupling provisions.

PRICES

Prog/Mem Mod $195(kit)$240(A&T) EPROIMS:2Kx8 (5V) $8.00(450NS)-' 4Kx8 (5V) S16.00 (450NS)"

RAMS 2Kx8 (5V) $11.50 (150NS)-' Prototype (Board) $35.00

Prototype (Pins) $35/M

Software: CP/M version

(8" diskette) $15.00

PET (specify ROMS) 58.00

Shipping & handling 52.00

CALIFORNIA RES. ADD 6% SALES TAX.

PAYMENT: MONEY ORDER OR CHECK (ALLOW 10 DAYS TO CLEAR)

"WITH PURCHASE OF PROGRAMMING BOARD

SIERRA COMPUTER PRODUCTS 3645 Gold Ridge Trail, Pollock Pines, CA 95726/(916)644-5932

EPISODE

THE

VERSATILE

COMPUTER

Circle 164 on inquiry card.

__, . , —

JUST ADD PERIPHERALS

EPISODE is a CP/tVTcomputer with 1.6 M byte of disk storage on dual 51A floppies. Its compact design provides a wide range of standalone or network applications including data base sharing.

EPISODE gives you total flexibility. You can add your own CRT and Printer, whatever brand and price range you choose. All the logic including the 64K RAM memory is contained on a single 6" x 8" circuit board ensuring maximum reliability.

'Supervyz is a trademark of Epic Computer Corporation. CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research.

EPISODE includes a unique software system called SUPERVYZ™ - a menu based software control system that allows the user to integrate application programs.

Dealer inquiries invited, foreign and domestic.

Epic Computer Corporation 7542 Trade Street San Diego, CA 92121 Tel: 714-695-3560

S-100 INNOVATORS:

c i

T

R 0 N I

C S

I

N C.

REMOTE CONTROLLER-lnnovative Features:

* Complete 256 address control—not just 16 *No ultrasonic link—prevents erractic operation

* 120,208,240 and 277VAC control-for single & 3 phase operation

* Hardware driven—requires minimal software *Complete line of industrial switches available—to 5.5KW

REAL TIME CLOCK—Innovative Featuers:

* First to use LSI OKI clock chip *Crystal controlled for .002% accuracy *4 software selectable clock generated interrupts

* Full clock and calendar data

* Lithium battery backup good for 6000 hours!

ENERGY WATTCHER -Innovative Features:

* First microcomputer based energy monitor *Clip on probes for easy installation

* Monitors Real Power, not volt-amps *Peak Power and continuous power readings *Single and 3 phase operation

See your local computer dealer or contact SciTronics directly for more information. Watch for future innovative products from SciTronics Inc., 523 So. Clewed St., P.O. Box 5344, Bethlehem, PA 18015 (215) 868-7220

Circle 371 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1962 435

Fancy Shmancy

Elaborate microprocessor development systems cost a lot of money, and they can close off your engineering options by locking you into just one or two kinds of chips. Sound familiar? Well, read on-we've got a better idea.

Use your desktop computer; anything that will run CP/M* Is fine. With our microprocessor cross-assemblers you can produce software for eleven of the most popular chip families, and more are on the way.

In two years on the market, our crossassemblers have gained a reputation for quality, performance, and reliability. Hundreds of industrial R&D labs and several major semiconductor houses have found these products a fast, cost-effective way to develop their microprocessor software. We invite you to join them.

CP/M CROSS-ASSEMBLERS

Extremely fast absolute assemblers, running under CP/M. Generate object file (Intel hex or Motorola S-record format) and listing from standard assembly language for the target processors listed. Features Include comprehensive syntax checking, listing control, nested conditional assembly, and Insertion of external source files. All versions listed have been thoroughly field-tested and are available now.

XASM05 6805

XASM09 6809

XASM18 1802

XASM48 8048/41

XASM51 8051

XASM65 6502

XASM68 6800/01

XASM75 NEC 7500

XASMF8 F8/3870

XASMZ8 Z8

XASM400 COP400

NEW!

NEW!

Assemblers $200.00 each

except XASM75 $500.00

Visa and Mastercard accepted. We ship on 8" single-density and Softcard + 5.25" diskettes. Ask us about other formats. OEM INQUIRIES INVITED.

* Trademark of Digital Research \+ Trademark ol Microsoft

804 & STATE ST.. DEPT.BY52 DOVER, DEL 19901 302-734-0151

Listing 1 continued:

procedure shiftleft; begin

for x := O to 5 do -for y := O to 7 do

bitbox Cy, x 3 := bitbox Cy, x + 13;

for y == G to 7 do bitbox Cy, 63 := O end;

procedure shi ftright;

begin

for x : = 6 down to 1 do -for y : =

O

to 7 do

bitbox Cy,

x] := bitbox Cy, x

1 3)

f or y : = O

to 7 do bitbox Cy,

OH

:= O

end;

begin {shift)

wrst ('Shift

character7, O, 4);

case gc (C*U

, 'D*, *L', *R', '

2',

'4', '

'U', '8* :

shiftup;

'D*, '2' :

shi -f tdown;

'L*, '4* :

shiftleft;

*R*, '6* :

shi -ftright

end; (case)

piacechar (c

; spraychar (c)

end;

false) of

procedure i nvert;

{ invert the entire character >

var x, y : integer;

begin

for y := O to 7 do for x := O to 6 do bitbox Cy, x] := 1 — bitbox Cy, x3;

placechar <c); spraychar (c) end;

function select : char;

{ select a character for editing >

var comm : char;

begin

c 1 r d i sp;

wr (* * *.*" accepts", O. O);

wr ('Up,Down,Left,Right', O, 1);

repeat

flashit (menu, selx, sely); read (keyboard, comm); case upcase (comm) of

'LF, '8' : if sely - 1 in CO..CharRows - 13 then sely := sely - 1; 'D', "2* : if sely + 1 in CC.CharRows - 13 then sely := sely + 1; *L', '4' : if selx - 1 in CO.-CharsPerRow - 13 then selx := selx - 1; 'R', '6* : if selx + 1 in CO..CharsPerRow - 13 then selx := selx + 1; '.', '5' : begin

select := chr (sely * CharsPerRow + selx); exi t (select) end end; (case) unti1 HellFreezesOver end;

procedure getchar;

{ Duplicate another character for editing >

var sc : char;

begi n

wrst ('Get character', 0, 4);

sc := select; {select the character)

push; {push the old character)

spraychar (sc); {put the new character onto the pallet)

placechar (c) {put it into the edit position) end;

procedure PromptState; begin

wrst ('Edit character', O, 4);

stepchar (c) end;

procedure PromptEdi t; begi n

clrdisp;

wr ('New,Clear,Pop, Invert,Get ^ , Q, O); wr CCShift3 Up,Down,Left,Right', O, 1); wr (''*.'' (set),*' '' (clear)*, O, 2); PromptState end;

procedure setup; begin

clearbits; sp := O;

spraychar (c); {put the selected character onto the pallet)

for ts := O to 7 do push; {fill stack with original character)

PromptEdit end;

begin -C Genchar )

wrst ('Select character for edit', O, 4); c := select; {select character for edit)

Listing 1 continued on page 438

436 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 420 on inquiry card.

MODEM HEADQUARTERS

Connect any computer or terminal to the phone lines!

1200 Baud — 120 Characters per Second

Penril 300/1200 $739

Bell 212A identical. Full duplex, RS232. 1200 and 300 Baud. Originate/auto-answer. Phone connection via RJ11C standard phone jack. One year warranty. Self-test. Fits under phone.

300/1200 Auto-Dialer $225

Allows any computer to automatically dial out through

the Penril 300/1200.

300 Baud — 30 Characters per Second

Phone Link Acoustic Modem $129

Originate and Answer. Half/Full duplex. RS232. Operates with any standard telephone. Indicators for On, Carrier, Self-test, Send Data, Receive Data. One year warranty.

Micro-link $179

Originate/Auto-Answer, Half/Full duplex. RS232. Phone connection via RJ11C standard phone jack. Indicators for On, Carrier Detect, Self-test, Send Data, Receive Data. Two year warranty. Fits under phone.

ADDS Viewpoint CRT $529

GE2120 Printing Terminal $1,799

150 CPS. 300/1200 Baud.

GE2030 Printing Terminal $999

60 CPS. 300/1200 Baud.

All equipment is in stock. Your satisfaction guaranteed. Any product may be returned for full credit. Write or call for full product information.

m

U.S. ROBOTICS inc.

203 N. WABASH SUITE I71B CHICAGO, ILL B0601

(3I2J 34B-5B50

CATCH THE S-100 INC. BUS!

S ODDS SENDS

Mullen TB-4 Extender card

w/logic probe- kit ShugartSA801

bare drive 8" 3M Scotch 740-0 8"

diskettes — 10 box SSM I/0-4 2P+2S Ports Kit Morrow Designs 8 Slot

Motherboard A&T Hayes Computer "Stack"

Smart Modem A&T All S.D. Systems Kits

(call for available items)

LIST PRICE

59.00

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OUR SPECIAL CASH PRICE

49.00

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30% OFF

Subject to Available Quantities • Prices Quoted Include Cash Discounts Shipping & Insurance Extra.

We carry all major lines such as

D. Systems. Cromemco. Ithaca Intersystems. North Star.

Sanyo. ECT. TEI. Godbout. Thinker Toys. SSM.

For a special cash price, telephone us.

S-IDD,.nc.

14425 North 79th Street, Suite B

Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

SALES 800-528-3138 • TECHNICAL 602-991-7870

<£=-.

Best Price • Good Quality • Swift Delivery • Export

LNW80

COMPUTER

Graphic Computer I 48K

S 1 400 . . .2,300

ZENITH

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MONITOR

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9

119 170 340 445 950

SOFTWARE

database

dBASE II Ashton-Tate

CONDOR I

II

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financial (AR, AP, Inventory etc.) Accounting Plus

other

VISICALC

MICROSOFT softcard

FORTRAN 80

9

575

. .250

CROMEMCO

CS1 Z2H

26% off System & software 1 5% off boards & components

hard disk system . . .

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450 850

450 500

Integral Da PRISM 80

PRISM 13

MALIBU

PRINTER

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ZENITH C.ITOH

DATA SOL Printer Cab

PRINTER

IG-w/graphic feature)

a System

1 50 cps

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color G .

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785

1,099 . 1,050

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64K

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8K

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660

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SWTPC

BASIC Compiler

SUPERCALC Sorcim

Micro Pro WORDSTAR

MAILMERG

SUPERSORTI

CP/M 2.2 Digital Research

310 250 295 105 165 130

200 letter quality/

910 144x144,

200 cps G

920 144x144,

340 cps G

MX70G

MX80 1.

MXIOO 1.

. 1.497 1 380 SCALL

9CALL 305 4

. . 735

COMPUTER SYSTEM & TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Z80ASEM Z80 Macro Assembler Z80BUG Z80 Symbolic Debugger. 68ASEM 6800 Cross Assembler 686UG 6800 Debugger & board .

ATARI NORTH STAR

400 16K

800 16K

HORIZON, 2 quad drive, 64K. . . ADVANTAGE. 2 quad drive, 64K. . .

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6200 64K,

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6616 64K,

1 1 MB hard disk

8510A Graphic,

340 695

3,200

3,100 399

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200 . .350

DYNABYTE

WH14 75 cps

Starwriter

400 . 1.350

DISK DRIVES

Micropenis, Tandon

9CALL

45c parallel ,.

1.550 . 1.450

COMET I

350 1,299 % 30

8600 Graphic, 640x480, Color, DD

1 7.000

Prices subject to change, Visa/Masterc 3%. F.O.B. point of shipment. 20% res fee for returned merchandise. Personal take 3 weeks to clear. COD on certifiec only. N.Y. residents add sales tax.

CALL (212) 937-6363 free consultation, catalog

CABLE: COMSYSTEC NEW YORK TELEX: 429418 CSTNY 21-55 44th Road L.I.C..NY11101

e below

rd add ocking

II 8"

CP/M, 32K

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2,995

799

9 CALL

NEC

DEC, AOOs, A

DIGITIZER/PLOTTER

HOUSTON INSTRUMENT

HI PAD DIGITIZER DT-11 1 1" x 1 1" .

DT-11A w/APPLE Interface

HIPL0TDMP-2 8»"x11"

COMPLOTDP-1 1 4000 steps/sec . 8411A PRINTER/PLOTTER

725 750 975

. 4,000 5 200

TERMINAL

ZENITH Z 19

ZENTEC Zephyr

TELEVIDEO 91 2C

BEEHIVE. ESPRIT, HAZELTINE

635 1.050

705 9CALL

ue

*»p«ctal

Circle 90 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 437

Circle 441 on inquiry card.

XMW Ada™ Now

68OOO

XAVAX One/32KB $1,500

• 68000 8MHz single board computer

• Multibus'VIEEE 796 compatible

• 2 RS232C, 2 parallel ports

• Sockets for 64KB ROM

• Motorola KDM module compatible 128KB RAM on board, add ... .($500) Manual of boards, chips ($15)

XAVAX Two $8,500

• 68000 8MHz Multibus'" computer

• 256KB RAM expandible to 1 MB

• 10MB Winchester, 960KB floppy

• One parallel, 2 RS232C ports

• Graphics display monitor

• Multitasking operating system

• Editor, filer, linker, utilities

• Language: (Pascal, C, COBOL, FORTRAN, BASIC, or Assembler)

• UNIX/7 and APL are options.

Manual with OS summary ($15)

Operating system manual ($25)

System manuals set [7] ($85)

XAVAX Two/3 $10,850

• Multibus'VIEEE 796 bus, 3 users

• /6 includes 512KB RAM, 6 users

• /6 adds 3 RS232C ports [5 total] XAVAX Two/6 $12,850

XAVAX Three $12,850

• XAVAX Two features, plus:

• Second 68000 processor

• Memory management on board Ada™ and Pascal with OS ... ($5000) (nitial XAVAX Two/3, add ... ($2350) Initial XAVAX Two/6, add ... ($4350)

XAVAX 10 Cartridge Backup $5,000

• 10MB high speed mini-Winchester

• 7MB integrated backup [3 min.]

• Multibus™ controller [32KB RAM]

• 960KB floppy [in main cabinet] Interface to XAVAX Two, Three.

HARDWARE [Multibus™]

880 Kilobaud I/O controller $1,500

• 8 channel RS232C

• Bisync and ASCII asynchronous

• CRC generate, detect, check

• ports individually programmable

8 channel RS232C I/O board $300

8 channel intelligent RS232C $580

4 channel parallel board $400

ANSI Winchester controller $500

512KB RAM [parity, 270ns] $1,700

256KB RAM [half populated] $1,500

SOFTWARE

BizBooks™ [80 modules] $4,500

• Accounting, inventory control BizGraf™ [8 colors] $2,500

• Business color graphs, plots.

MasterCard and VISA accepted. Ask your distributor for XAVAX.

™ UNIX trademark of Bell Laboratories. " Multibus trademark of Intel Corporation. " Ada trademark Department of Defense.

(319)344-0550 XAVAX CORPORATION

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910-525-1177 XAVAXCORP

Listing 1 continued:

{set up the pallet}

setup;

repeat

flashit (pallet, x5 y> : read (keyboard, inc); case upcase (inc) o-f

{-flash the cursor at {read the character {convert to upper ca

■U' , 'D' , 'L', *R' .

'N'

*c

' B' '2' '4'

' b'

, p.

'S' ' I' 'G' '5'

newchar; begin push:

learchar end;

O..73 then y

0..7] then y

O..63 then x

0..6] then x

™ y " y

if y + 1 in C

if y- linC

if x - 1 in C

if x + 1 in C

pop;

begin shift; PromptState end;

i nvert;

begin getchar

putblock (fwh

putblock (fbl

PromptEdit end; ite, x, y);

ack, x, y)

the current position? just typed} se and select action}

{accept and exit}

{clear pal let} + 1; {move cursor up}

— 1; {move cursor down}

- 1; {move cursor left} + 1; {move cursor right}

{pop char from stack} {shift char} {invert char} {retrieve another char} {white space} {black space}

end; Cease} until HellFreezesOver end; { Genchar }

procedure gather;

{ get all the edited characters into their output configurations }

const msg = 'writing out';

var i, x, y : integer;

cval : charimage;

bitshift ; array CO..63 of integer;

dotcount : integer;

procedure writedot (i : integer); begin

if i mod CharsPerRow = O then begin

wr ('.r, length (msg) + dotcount, O); dotcount := dotcount + 1 end end;

beg l n

wr (* * ,

bitshift

bitshift

bitshift

bitshift

for l :=

turtley + y) then bitshift Cx];

>, 3) ; wr (msg, O, O) ; CO] : = 1; bitshift CI] := 2; [2] := 4; bitshift C3] := 8; [4] := 16; bitshift [5] := 32; C6] := 64; dotcount := O; O to 127 do begin stepchar (chr (i)); for y z= O to 7 do begin cval Cy] := O; for x := O to 6 do

if screenbit (turtlex * cval Cy] := cval Cy] end; {for} cfile~ Ci] := cval; writedot (i) end {for} end;

procedure getfiles;

{ Get input and output file names and open them } var sysio : integer; begin repeat

wr ('*, Of O); rd ('Input file: ', O, O, filename); if length (filename) = O then exit (program); {*]-} reset (icfile, filename); {»I+} sysio := ioresult;

if sysio <> O then wr (concat ('?Cannot open ', filename), 0, 1); until sysio = O; repeat

wr ('', 1, 1); rd ('Output file: ', O, 1, filename); if length (filename) = O then exit (program); {*I-} rewrite (cfile, filename); {*I+} sysio := ioresult;

if sysio <> O then wr (concat ('?Cannot open ', filename), O, 2); until sysio ■ O; end;

procedure initialize; begin

Initturtle;

fillscreen (black);

fillchar (filler Cfwhite], sizeof (cblock), 255);

fillchar (filler Cfblack], sizeof (cblock), O);

getfiles; fillscreen (black);

drawcharbox (xboxcorner, yboxcorner); drawallchars;

selx := O; sely := O; {initialize character selection coordinates} end;

procedure shutdown;

{ Get the edited characters and output the charset file }

begin

gather;

put (cf ile);

close (cfile, lock);

clrdisp; wr (concat ('C, filename, ' made]7), O, 1);

if gc (C'V, 'N'], 'new edit? ', true) = 'N' then exit (program);

Listing 1 continued on page 440

438 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 148 on inquiry card

Circle 176 on inquiry card.

LINE VOLTAGE"

TRANSIENT SUPPRESSORS

Features Parallel Operation 5000 Hits

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PROTECTS:

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• Micro-Computer Systems •Word Processors •Cash Registers •Power Supplies

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INDUSTRIES, INC

DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED

PROTECTS AGAINST:

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Transients • On-Ott Switching •Lightning Induced Transients •Inrush of On/Ott Power

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7133 Rutherford Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21207 ^v (301)298-3130 800-638^9098

J

Computer Based

PROM

Programming

Interface your S-100 Bus Computer with our PPS-100 MULTI-PROM Programmer.

• Disk storage of data/ no master PROMS required

• Clear English commands

• Programs up to 8 EPROMS simultaneously- each with different data

• $1500

9826SWTIGARDST. TIGARD, OR. 97223 (503-620r2722)

What's Good for the Space Shuttle is good for your Apple II!...

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MICROWARG. creator of OS-9/BASIC 09 (used by

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and corporations Worldwide) joins with STELLATION TWO

to deliver the same Operating system and Programming

Language to the APPLE II.

OS-9/BASIC 09 are the result of a 3 year research project-designed with the 6809 in mind. This "Operators dream machine" combines with THE MILL microprocessor board to provide Apple II users with software features previously reserved for Mainframes and mini's. JUST PLUG IN THE MILL AND LET BASIC 09 WORK FOR YOU! other Steltation Two products include:

Spooler: Allows Apple II to print while processing

Pascal Speedup: THE MILE with software for a 5&M faster Apple with

Pasci/ Floating Point: Extends the M/U's power to floating point numbers.)

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MICROWARG

OS-9 is a trademark of Microtome. HASIC09 is a trademark of Microwarc and Motorola.

Circle 390 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982

439

Circle 294 on inquiry card.

Mil stocks 'em all for faster delivery.

Ask about our" QED " discounts. VISA and MasterCard orders accepted.

MTI

VIDEO TERMINALS Price

VT100 DECscope $ 1595

VT18X Computing option 2400

VT101 DECscope 1215

VT131 DECscope 1785

VT1 32 DECscope 1995

ADM 3A (dumb terminal) 595

ADM 5 {dumb with visual attributes) . 645

ADM 31 (two page buffer) 1095

ADM 21, 24, 32, 36, 42

Hareltine Esprit 645

Hazeltine Executive 80 Model 20 1495

Hazeltine Executive 80 Model 30 1715

1410 (Hazeltine dumb terminal) 575

1421 (Consul 580 & ADM 3A comp.). 595

1500 (dumb terminal) 825

1520 (buffered, printer port) 1105

RETRO-GRAPHICS TERMINALS

VT100 with graphics pkg 3250

VT125 (DEC graphics) 3280

ADM 3 A with graphics pkg 1795

ADM 5 with graphics pkg 1845

300 BAUD TELEPRINTERS

LA 34-DA DECwriter IV 1045

LA 34-AA DECwriter IV 1095

LA 36 DECwriter II 1095

Diablo 630 RO 2295

Diablo 630 KSR 2695

Diablo 1650 KSR 2635

Tl 743 (portable) 1190

Tl 745 (port/built-in coupler) 1485

Tl 765 (port/bubble/b.i. coupler) 2595

600 BAUD TELEPRINTERS

Epson MX-80 645

Tl 825 KSR impact 1570

Tl 825 KSR pkg 1795

1200 BAUD TELEPRINTERS

Epson MX-100 995

LA 120 RA (receive only) 2095

LA 120 AA DECwriter III 2295

Tl 783 (portable) 1645

Tl 785 (port/built-in coupler) 2270

Tl 787 (port/internal modem) 2595

Tl 810 RO impact 1545

Tl 810 RO pkg 1 795

Tl 820 RO impact 1850

Tl 820 RO pkg 2025

Tl 820 KSR impact 2025

Tl 820 KSR Pkg 2195

Lear Siegler 310 ballistic 1945

2400 BAUD

Dataproducts M200 (2400 baud) 2910

DATAPRODUCTS LINE PRINTERS

B300 (300 LPM band) 5455

B600 (600 LPM band) 6930

B1000 (1000 LPM band) 11330

BP1500 (1500 LPM band) 19700

ACOUSTIC COUPLERS

A/J A242-A (300 baud orig.) 242

A/J 247 (300 baud orig.) 315

Vadic VA3413 (300/1200 orig.) 845

Vadic VA 3434 (1200 baud orig.) 845

MODEMS

GDC 103A3 (300 baud Bell) 395

GDC 202S/T (1200 baud Bell) 565

VA 3212 (Bell 212A comp.) 825

VA 103 (300 baud modemphone) 235

VA 3451 (orig/ans triple modem) 885

VA 3455 (1200 baud orig/ans.) 770

VA 2450 (Bell 201 comp.) 725

CASSETTE STORAGE SYSTEMS

Techtran 816 (store/forward) 735

Techtran 817 (store/for/speed up) 915

Techtran 818 (editing) 1225

Techtran 822 (dual) 1640

FLOPPY DISK SYSTEMS

Techtran 950 (store/forward) 1395

Techtran 951 (editing) 1995

* Please call for quote.

mti

Distributors, New York, New Jersey and Ohio.

New York:

516/482-3500,212/895-7177,518/449-5959

Outside N.Y.S.: 800/645-8016

New Jersey: 201/227-5552

Ohio: 216/464-6688

440 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 1 continued:

i ni ti alize end;

procedure abort; begin

cl rdi sp;

i-f gc (C'V, 'N' end;

3, 'Abort: are you sure?

then exit (program)

begin { MakeGraphicChars > ini ti alize; repeat

clrdisp; wrst case gc (C'A', 'A' : abort; 'Q' : shutdown; *h" : Genchar end; t case > until Hel1FreezesOver end.

Text continued from page 426:

move the cursor about within the menu. In the first method, you type the letters U, D, L, and R (for up, down, left, and right, respectively). In the second method, you use a standard numeric keypad (not normally present on the Apple) by pressing the number corresponding to the direction of desired cursor movement (i.e., 2 = down, 4 = left, 6 = right, 8 = up). When the cursor is placed over the character that you wish to edit, press the period key or 5. The character is displayed on the editing pallet and the list of edit options appears.

Character Editing

A new cursor appears in the lower left-hand corner of the editing pallet.

('Character Editor', O, 4);

'Q', 'M'], 'Abort, Quit, hake character:

{terminate with no save}

{terminate with save}

{make new character}

true) o-f

As with character selection, the cursor is moved about within the pallet with the letters U, D, L, and R, or with the digits on the keypad. The latter method is somewhat easier to use. However, if your Apple is like mine, you will have to suffer use of the directional mnemonics.

In order to make a white block, the period key or 5 is pressed. To make a black block, the space bar or 0 is pressed. If you are observant, you may have noticed by now that all cursor movement and flashing are duplicated by a one-pixel cursor within the menu box of the selected character. In fact, any action taken in the pallet is duplicated to scale within the selected character.

But there is more to it than that. Typing C clears the pallet, giving you

Prompt

Options

ABORT.QUIT.MAKE CHARACTER:

A = abort; do not save editing done

Q = quit; save editing done

M = select and edit a character

'.' ACCEPTS

"." (or 5) = select character

UP,DOWN,LEFT,RIGHT

U (or 8) = move cursor up

D (or 2) = move cursor down

L (or 4) = move cursor left

R (or 6) = move cursor right

NEW,CLEAR,POP,INVERT,GET

N = new character; terminate edit

[Shift] UP,DOWN,LEFT,RIGHT

C = clear pallet

'.' (SET), ' ' (CLEAR)

P = pop character from stack

1 = invert pallet

G = get and copy alternate character

S = shift character (up, down, left, right)

U (or 8) = move cursor up

D (or 2) = move cursor down

L (or 4) = move cursor left

R (or 6) = move cursor right

"." (or 5) = set current pixel

" " (or 0) = clear current pixel

Table 1: A summary of commands

for the CHEDIT program.

Circle 391 on inquiry card.

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PRODUCTS FOR YOUR RADIO SHACK

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The Micro Works Software Development System (SDS80C) is a complete 6809 editor, assembler and monitor package contained in one Color Computer program pack! Vastly superior to RAM-based assemblers/editors, the SDS80C is nonvolatile, meaning that if your application program bombs, it can't destroy your editor/assembler. Plus it leaves almost all of 16K or 32K RAM free for your program. Since all three programs, editor, assembler and monitor are co-resident, we eliminate tedious program loading when going back and forth from editing to assembly and debugging!

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Circle 273 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 441

North Star's

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The North Star ADVANTAGE desktop computer has

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the proverbial clean slate. If you have done this by accident, don't panic; the character is not lost forever. While in edit mode (as opposed to initial character selection mode), the character is saved in an 8-level circular stack. To recover the original character, type P (for pop). Upon entry to edit mode, the stack is filled with the original character found. Therefore, subsequent pops will only yield the same character. However, no mechanism yet exists for recovering from an accidental pop. Thus, this should be used as a "restart edit" command, rather than as a method of comparing or saving succeeding edits. Commands that "push" characters onto the stack are Clear (C) and Get (G). The number of pushes is finite; only the eight most recently cleared characters are saved.

If you wish to obtain another character for editing that might be similar in form or dimension to the one you have in mind, the Get command copies a specified character into the character currently under consideration. As previously mentioned, this operation performs a push of the old character. To perform a Get, typing G places you into a characterselection mode that is used in the same way as the initial selection. The letters U, D, L, and R are used to move the cursor about within the menu; the period is used to select the character under the cursor. A copy of the character specified then appears in the pallet and within the menu box of the character currently being edited.

A Shift mode allows you to move a character about within the pallet. Although pixels shifted off the edges of the pallet are lost and cannot be recovered, the entire original character may be recovered with the pop command mentioned earlier. To shift the character, press S followed by the direction of the shift (U, D, L, or R). Since only one shift is performed, subsequent shifts require S to be pressed again before specifying the direction.

Finally, an Invert command causes all black pixels to become white and vice versa. This is done by pressing I.

442 May 1982 ® BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 306 on inquiry card.

Circle 327 on inquiry card.

Circle 415 on inquiry card.

TRS-80'S™

and HewlettPackards

Best Discounts Possible

WE PAY SHIPPING in the 48 continental states on prepaid

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then Keele Code E40 could halve your disk costs and save transfer time by compressing natural English to about 40% of its original size. Through compression you achieve more than twice as much material on each disk in the same time as it would take to make a copy.

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further details I I

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I enclose a cheque/ money order for

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My computer is ... j Year of purchase.

Circle 450 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 443

Circle 15 on inquiry card.

STRIKE A

^""^■"n PERFECT w#f^ MATCH...

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Ip

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8086 SOFTWARE

From Dynamic Microprocessor Associates, Inc. EM80/86™

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We ship prepaid and COD orders Shipping & Handling charges extra: $5 UPS areas; $7 non-UPS areas, Mexico, Canada; $10+ elsewhere MasterCharge and VISA accepted * Trademarks. 80-DOS, Seattle Computer Products, CP/M and CP/M-86. Digital Research: SB-86. Lifeboat Associates; MS-DOS. Microsoft

Pressing I twice in a row yields the original character. The drawback to use of this command is that shifting causes black pixels to be brought in on one edge of the pallet. If you want a white background, these pixels must be filled in separately. The alternative is to make the background black before shifting, then change the background back to white with the Invert command.

Terminating the Edit

Once you are satisfied with an edit type N (for new character). This makes the change permanent. The ABORT, QUIT, MAKE CHARACTER prompt is then displayed and a new character may be selected for edit, or the new characters may be saved in the output file with the Q command. Then you are asked whether you want to begin a new edit session. Typing N terminates the program. Typing Y causes prompts for new input and output files to appear. If a null (Return key only) is entered for either file name, the program i terminated.

Using the New Character Set

In order to use a character set that you create, you must rename the file output from CHEDIT to SYSTEM. CHARSET. This is required by the TURTLEGRAPHICS unit.

The alternative is to write your own versions of WCHAR, WSTRING, and CHARTYPE by using DRAWBLOCK, in which case you must match some of the declarations made in CHEDIT (charimage, charset, and charfile), and read in the character-set file of your own choosing (see procedure drawallchars).

Summary

CHEDIT is a simple editor for Apple-format character sets. If required, modifications should be easy to make. I graciously forgive Apple for providing such a limited form of graphics support with its Pascal package; it is adequate for many small applications. But with CHEDIT, there is no reason why you should be restricted only to the character sets provided by Apple. ■

444 May 1982 @ BYTE Publications 1

Circle 143 on inquiry card.

Circle 174 on inquiry card.

Circle 112 on inquiry card.

CP/M Compatibility for your TRS-80

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Circle 308 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 445

Give Your Apple a Voice

A Speech-Development System Using the Radio Shack Speech Synthesizer

"Speech. It separates man from the lower forms of life and from mere machines." In the not-too-distant past, this statement would have been true. Now, with many consumer products gaining the power of speech, it seems only natural that the complete home-computer system have the power of verbal communication.

I added the power of speech to my Apple II with the aid of a Radio Shack Voice Synthesizer. To make the same conversion with your Apple you will need to tinker with its hardware: if you own a TRS-80 you will have to modify some of the software presented here, and if you own anything else you will have to do a little of both. I will attempt to cover the subject in such a manner that modifications will be as painless as possible. They might even be funl

Speech Alternatives

I had wanted to add the power of speech to my computer for some time and had explored several alternatives. I found that the best speech quality resulted from methods that reproduced, rather than created, the human sounds desired.

A simple sampling method that uses an A/D (analog-to-digital) converter can produce superb sound quality if the sample rate is suffi

John Blankenship

Professor of Computer Technology

DeVry Institute of Technology

2858 Woodcock Ave.

Atlanta, GA 30341

ciently high. Each sample, however, uses 1 byte of memory, so it is not unreasonable for one second of speech to require 4000 bytes. In addition, the vocabulary is fixed and considerable effort is required to increase it.

Another method for reproducing speech is LPC (linear predictive coding). This technique is used in Texas Instruments' Speak & Spell, and while it reduces the memory requirement to several hundred bytes per second, the quality of speech is slightly reduced (and it still has the disadvantage of a fixed vocabulary).

The Radio Shack Speech Synthesizer generates the sounds that make up speech, called phonemes, through the use of Votrax circuitry. The Speech Synthesizer can generate 45 different sounds, 10 of which are

Phoneme Example Sound Usage

ASCII Characters

"a" day "ah" honest "aw" law "e" meet "eh" heavy "oo" book "u" school

)

i

E 3 % U

Table 1: Examples from phonemes available

among the 45 with Radio

Shack's Speech Synth sounds can be combined and sentences.

esizer. These to form words

capable of varying durations (see samples in table 1). The major advantage of this method is that the words are not reproduced, but created from a single-byte code, which translates to less than 20 bytes for each second of output. These phonemes can be combined in any order, thus permitting an essentially unlimited vocabulary.

In the past I had heard speech that was generated from phonemes, and it was generally of poor quality. After a great deal of practice, I discovered that quality was more a function of the programmer than of the hardware. One major consideration in understanding speech is the rhythm. As an example, pronounce the word "kick." You will notice a pause before the last "k." The word flow can be improved through the insertion of such pauses.

Even the phonemes themselves can present problems. Let's examine the word "name." When asked what sounds form this word, most people initially respond with "n", "a", "m", where the "a" is long. If these sounds were sent to the synthesizer it would say something that resembled "name," but it would hardly sound proper.

A closer examination of the word "name" reveals the sounds "n", "a", "e", "m", where both the "a" and "e" are long. When these sounds are re

446 May 1982 E BYTE Publications Inc

TO APPLE PARALLEL INTERFACE

STROBE "LfO

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Circle 315 on inquiry card.

or o

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Figure 1: Schematic diagram for the interface between the Apple II Parallel Interface card and the Radio Shack Speech Synthesizer.

produced by the synthesizer, the word is easily recongnized. Now, however, the word ends too abruptly. The addition of another "m" to form the combination "n", "a", "e", "m", "m" sounds nearly human. (By lengthening the "a" or the "e" sound you can attain a pronunciation applicable to a particular region of the country.)

Word flow can also be improved by the addition of such neutral phonemes has "eh" and "uh." The transition between sounds in the word "name" is improved by adding an "uh" between the "n" and the "a" sounds.

By varying these techniques, I convinced myself that above-average speech quality could be achieved with phonemes. In order to manipulate the sounds quickly and easily, I decided to write a program that could perform the following:

• Aid in determining the proper sounds

• Keep those sounds in a dictionary

• Convert words to sounds automatically

I wanted to write the program in a modular format for two reasons. First, although the program would be written on an Apple II, I expected that many Radio Shack TRS-80 owners would want to convert it. The use of small modules, each with specific functions, would simplify the modification process considerably.

Second, although this program would be used to develop a dictionary, it would also be used in an application program to decode and output the words. If I wrote the original program in modules, the sections not required in the application program could be deleted to conserve memory.

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Photo 1: The Radio Shack Speech Synthesizer with the author's adapter for the Apple II computer.

Photo 2: Inside the Speech Synthesizer. The Votrax circuitry is encased in plastic, and none of the supporting integrated circuits have markings.

Let's take a closer look at the Radio Shack Voice Synthesizer to determine the requirements of such a program.

What the Synthesizer Needs

The synthesizer (see photo 1) has a built-in amplifier and speaker, and the ribbon cable plugs directly into the TRS-80 keyboard or expansion connector. It uses memory-mapped I/O (input/output) so that anything stored in the last 32 screen memory locations is sent to the synthesizer.

In order to use this system with my Apple II computer, I made an adapter (also shown in photo 1) to connect it to my parallel interface card, which doubles as my printer interface when

the system is not speaking. The only unusual requirement of the adapter is that the memory-mapped port inside the synthesizer must be hardwired to an address that will keep it enabled. I also added a power-on reset so that I would not have to contend with random sound each time the unit was turned on. Figure 1 shows the schematic for the adapter.

It is difficult to identify any of the internal circuitry of the synthesizer. The Votrax unit is completely sealed, and none of the surrounding integrated circuits are marked (see photo 2). But the central component, the Votrax SC-01 integrated circuit, is available to experimenters from the

Listing 1: Simple Apple program to convert sentences into phoneme codes. This routine uses information stored in DATA statements and performs a linear search to produce the proper output. The relatively slow speed limits it to use with vocabularies of less than 100 words.

L 0 INPUT TS ,5 GOSUB 60000 !0 COTO 10 I 0 END

i 0 0 00 Tl S = " " : OUT > FOR T = 1 TO

0 00 S 00 07 0 0 10 00 20 0 0 3 0 0 0 5 0 00 5 5 0057 0 0 6 0 0 0 7 0 0071 0 0 8 0 00 90 0 0 9 5 0 100 0 10 1 010 2 0 10 3 0 104 0 105

4 9 3 6 1 LEN (TS >

Tl S = TlS IF MID! NEXT T RETURN RESTORE READ T2 S

T3 * ■ T3 S FOR Tl = POKE OUT

* MIDS (TSi < TS , T , 1 ) « '

IF Tl S

1 ) 1 THEN

THEN 600 5 5

1 TO ASC

PRINT MIDS <T3S,T1.1 POKE < OUT * 3 > , 0 NEXT Tl T1S - '": GOTO 60020 DATA VOU,Y((U DATA WI LL ,WW# ' I * ft L L 0 DATA NOT,"NNA,A8TT0" DATA LIE,"OLAA;A«0" DATA TO.TTHtUUUO DATA ME,MME.£0

LEN < T3 S > MIDS <T3 S , Tl . 1 > >

Micromint, 917 Midway, Woodmere, NY 11598, (516) 374-6793.

Software

Actual operation of the unit is easy. Listing 1 shows a simple program that converts entered sentences to phoneme codes and sends the codes to the synthesizer.

The words and their respective sounds are kept in data statements. I soon found that the major disadvantage of this method was loss of speed. After I acquired several hundred words in my dictionary, the time that elapsed between words spoken became several seconds; this is obviously excessive for real-time output. However, the small program works well for vocabularies of less than 100 words, and it is very easy to add to an application program.

In addition to the speed problem of those applications that require large vocabularies, I still needed to develop the proper sounds. The program in listing 2, which fulfills all of the requirements set forth earlier, is the result of my effort. Let's examine each module in this program individually.

The first section provides the basic documentation. Note that all variables start with the letter T. In general, variable names should be easily identifiable, but I chose to modify this policy. Since this program would be added to other programs, I wanted to avoid using the same variable in both.

Text continued on page 454

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Listing 2: Completed speech-development program for the Apple. This program incorporates features that help determine proper sounds, maintain a dictionary, and automatically convert entered words to sounds.

6 0000 6 0 001 6 00 02 6 000 3 60 0 04 60 00 5 6 0 006 6 0007 6 0 006 6 0 0 0 9 6 00 10 600 11 6 00 12 6 0013 6 0014 6 00 15 6 0016 6 00 17 6 0018 6 0019

60020 6 0 02 1 6 0 0 2 2 6 0 023 6 0 0 24 6 002 5

REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM REM HEM REM REM REM REM

[*********<

m**«**t

* SPEECH *

> DEVELOPEMENT « < SYSTEM * ' BY »

> JOHN BLANKENSHIP • « * * ******** * ********

THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO BE INCLUDED INTO ANY OTHER PROGRAM REQUIRING SPEECH OUTPUT

ALL VARIABLES BEGIN WITH T' TO HELP PREVENT CONFLICTS WHEN WRITINC THE APPLICATION PROGRAM

THE ENTIRE PACKAGE PROVIDES FOR COMPLETE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF A PHONETIC DICTIONARY AS WELL AS THE SOFTWARE TO MAKE THE REQUIRED HUN TIME CONVERSIONS

THE SYSTEM IS MODULAR SO THAT UNNEEDED ROUTINES MAY BE DELETED FROM THE APPLICATION PACKAGE

HEM REM HEM DIM LET REM

KRK*«K«*1t***X*1t«l[*1tt

« INITIALIZATION «

a************* ****** TWS (300) ,TP S (300) D * * CHR * ( 4 )

60026 REM ********************

60027 REM * MENU * 600ZB REM ******************** 60029 TEXT HOME 6 0 0 3 0 PR INT " 6 0 031 PRINT " 6 0 0 3 2 PR INT " 1 60033 PR INT " 2 6 00 34 PR INT " 3 6003 5 PRINT " 4 6 00 36 PR INT " 5

60037 PHI NT " 6

60038 VTAB (20): PRINT

60039 IF VAL (TTS) = 6 THEN HOME

60040 LET Tl m VAL (TT«>: IF Tl ( 7): GOTO 6003 8

60041 ON Tl GOTO 6 0 0 4 3,60062.60081 6 0042 REM

SPEECH DEVELOPEMENT SYSTEM" WRITTEN BY JOHN BLANKENSHIP' INPUT DATA FROM DISKSAVE DATA TO DISK" PREPARE NEW WORD FOR ENTRY' SAY A SENTENCE" LIST DICTIONARY" RETURN TO BASIC"

WHICH? ";: GET TT* END 1 OR Tl > 5 1

60137,60122

VTAB 8

6 00 43 60 044 6 0 0 4 5 60046 6 0047 6 0 048 60 049 600 50 6 005 1

REM ********************

REM * INPUT DATA «

HEM * FROM DISK *

REM ********************

HOME

PRINT " INPUT DATA FROM DISK'

INPUT "WHAT FILE NAME ";TNS

IF LEN (TNS) » 0 THEN S0026

PRINT DS"DPEN SPEECH."TNI

'READ SPEECH "TNS

INVERSE

PR INT TNS

600 52 PR INT DS ■

60 05 3 INPUT TA

60054 VTAB 20: PRINT "FILE " T " CONTAINS "TA" WORDS "

60055 FOR Tl = 1 TO TA

60056 INPUT TWS(Tl)

60057 INPUT TPS(Tl) 6 00 58 NEXT Tl

60059 PRINT DS"CLOSE SPEECH.

6 0 0 6 0 GOTO 6 0 0 26

6 0061 REM

60062 REM *********************

60063 REM * SAVE DATA TO DISK *

60064 HEM *********************

60065 HOME PRINT " SAVE DATA TO DISK

60066 IF LEN (TNS) » 0 THEN 60069

6 0 0 6 7 PR INT "USE FILE NAME ";: INVERSE T "? (Y/N) ": GET TTS

60068 IF TTS = "Y" THEN 60070

60069 VTAB 12: INPUT "WHAT FILE NAME ",

60070 VTAB 20: PRINT "SAVING "TA" WORDS

60071 PRINT D$"OPEN SPEECH "TNS

PR I NT TNS

Listing 2 continued on page 452

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4. t>luR in Level K here, in cents Microsoft BASIC t

: Editor/Assembler m ROM

5. Add two SlOO rxxirds

i 6 Add you own custom eit nits (prototyping (

7 Co

io!

a CRT r D He>

onitor or a TV set (if you have an RF modulator) Keypad/Display kit $69.95 plus $2 P&l.*

□ FASTERM - 64 TERMINAL KIT - Featuring a 56 key ASCII Keyboard. 128 characte< set upper and lowei case, 75 ohm output. 8 baud rates 150 to 19,200 (switch selec able), RS232/C or 20 MA output. 32 I line formats, complete with Deluxe Steel Cabinet and Power Supply ..'., $199.95 plus $3 P*l *

□ RF Modulator kit (allows you to use your TV set as a

monitor) . $8.96 postpaid

a 12" Video Monitor (10MHz bandwidth) . . . $139.95

plus $5 PAI.*

D Deluxe Steel Cabinet fo

Explorer/85 $49.95 pit

pa I.'

□ Fan for cabinet plus $1.50 Pal.*

$15.00

ORDER A SPECIAL-PRICE

EXPLORER/85 PAK—THERE'S

ONE FOR EVERY NEED.

□ Beginner Pak (Save $28.00) — You get Level A (Terminal Version) with Monitor Source Listing ($25 value) AP-1. 5-amp power supply. Intel 8085 Users Manual. (Reg $199.95) SPECIAL$169.95 plus $4 Pal.* O Experimenter Pak (Save $53.40) — You get Level A (Hex Keypad/Display Version) wilh Hex Keypad/ Display. Intel 8085 User Manual, Level A Hex Monitor Source Listing, and AP-1,5-amp. power supply . . . (Reg. $279.95) SPECIAL $219.95 plus $6 Pal " G Special Microsoft BASIC Pak (Save SKU100)— You get Levels A (Terminal Version), B, D (4k RAM). E. 8k Microsoft in ROM. Intel 8085 User Manual, Level A Monitor Source Listing, and API, 5-amp. power supply . (Reg. $439.70) SPECIAL$329.95 plus $7 Pal.* Q Add a Rom-Version Text Edilor/Assembler (Requires levels Band Dor SlOO Memory). . .$99.95 plus $2 PW. Starter 8" EHak System - Includes Level A. B floppy disk controller, one CDC 8" disk-drive two-drive cable. Iwo SlOO connectors; just add your own power supplies cabinets and hardware . D (Reg. $1065.00) SPECIAL $999.99plus$13PaI.* G 32 k Starter System. $1045.9$ plus $13 Pal.* □ 48k Sldrter System. $1095.95 plus $13 Pi!.* G 64k Starter System, $1145.95 plus $13 Pal.* G Add lo any of above Explorer steel cabinet. AP-1 five amp power supply. Level C with two SlOO connectors, disk drive cabinet and power supply, two sub-D connectors for connecting your prinler and terminal (Reg $225.95) SPECIAL $199.95 plus $13 P&l * G Complete 64K Sratem Wired A Tested $1650.00 plus $26 pal.*

Q Special! Complete Business Software Pak (Save $625.00) — Includes CP/M 2.2 Microsoft BASIC. General Ledger. Accounls Receivable. Accounts Payable. Payroll Package (Reg $1325) SPECIAL$699.95 postpaid.

Continental Credit Card Buyers Outside Connecticut:

TO ORDER

Call Toll Free:

800-243-7428

To Order From Connecticut,

or For Technical Assistance,

Call (203) 354-9375

a leg trademark of Digital Research

j^ (C/ip find mail entire tid) j^

SEND ME THE ITEMS CHECKED ABOVE

Total Enclosed (Conn Residents add sales tax) $

Paid by:

D Personal Check Q Cashier's Check/Money Order Q VISA G MASTER CARD (Bank No.

JJ^JETRONICS Research & Development Ltd glfffAss^ Lj tchf ield_Koad, New Mi Iford; _CT 06776

ANNOUNCING TWO NEW TERMINALS

Smart* Fast • Graphics • Matching Modem and $295 Printer

Netronics announces a slate of the art breakthrough in terminals. Now at prices you can afford, you can go on-line with data-bank and computer phone-line services. It's all yours: "electronic newspapers," educational services, Dow-Jones stock reports, games, recipes, personal computing with any level language, program exchanges, electronic bulletin boards . . . and more every day!!!

Netronics offers two new terminals, both feature a full 56 key/128 character typewriterstyle keyboard, baud rates to 19.2 kilobaud, a fugged steel cabinet and power supply. The simplest one, FASTERM-64, is a 16 line by 64 or 32 character per line unit, with a serial printer port tor making hard copy of all incoming data, and optional provisions for block and special character graphics. The "smart" version, SMARTERM-80, features either 24 line by 80 characters per line or 16 by 40 characters per line, it offers on-screen editing with page-at-atime printing, 12,000 pixel graphics, line graphics, absolute cursor addressing, underlining, reverse video, one-half intensity and much more . . simply plug them into your computer or our phone modem and be on-line instantly. Use your TV set (RF modulator required) or our delux green-phosphor monitor pictured above. For hard copy just add our matched printer.

Price breakthrough!!! Own the FASTERM-64, a complete terminal kit. ready to plug in for just 4199.95 or order the SMARTERM-80 kii for just $299.95, (both available wired and tested.} Be on-line with the million-dollar computers' and data services today ... we even supply the necessary subscription forms.

More good news: All the components in our terminals are available separately (see coupon), so you buy only what you need!!!

FASTERM-64 . . DISPLAY FORMAT: 64 or 32 characters/line by 16 lines .96 displayable ASCII characters (upper & lower case) ... 8 baud rates: 150. 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19, 200, (switch sel.) . . LINE OUTPUT: RS232/C or 20 ma current loop . . VIDEO OUTPUT: IV P/P (EIA RS-170). . . CURSOR MOOES: home & clear screen, erase to end of line, erase cursor line, cursor up & down, auto carriage return/line feed at end of line & auto scrolling . . . REVERSE VIDEO . , BLINKING CURSOR PARITY: oft, even or odd . . STOP BITS: 1, 1.5, 2 . . . DATA BITS PER CHARACTER: 5, 6, 7 or 8 . . . CHARACTER OUTPUT: 5 by 7 dot matrix in a 7 by 12 cell . - . PRINTER OUTPUT: prints all incoming data 1K ON BOARD RAM 2K ON BOARD ROM . . CRYSTAL CONTROLLED . COMPLETE WITH POWER SUPPLY . OPTIONAL GRAPHICS MODE: includes 34 Greek & math characters plus 30 special graphics characters , . . ASCII ENCODED KEYBOARD: 56 key/128 characters.

SMARTERM-80 . . . DISPLAY FORMAT: 80 characters by 24 lines or 40 characters by 16 lines 128 displayable ASCII characters (upper & lower case) 8 baud rates: 110, 300, 600. 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19, 200 .. . LINE OUTPUT: RS232/C or 20 ma current loop . - VIDEO OUTPUT. 1V pp (EIA RS-170) .. . EDITING FEATURES: insert/delete line, insert/delete character, forward/back tab . LINE OR PAGE TRANSMIT . . PAGE PRINT FUNCTION . CURSOR POSI TIONING: up, down, right, left, plus absolute cursot positioning with read back . . VISUAL ATTRIBUTES: underline, blink, reverse video, half intensity, & blank .. . GRAPHICS: 12,000 pixel resolution block plus line graphics . ON-SCREEN PARITY INDICATOR PARITY: off, even or odd . STOP BITS: 110 baud 2. all others 1 . .. CHAR. OUTPUT: 7 by 11 character in a 9 by 12 block . . . PRINTER OUTPUT ... 60 OR 50 Hz VERTICAL REFRESH . . BLINKING BLOCK CURSOR . CRYSTAL CONTROLLED 2K ON BOARD RAM . ASCII ENCODED KEYBOARD: 56 key/128 character . .. 4K ON BOARD ROM . . COMPLETE WITH POWER SUPPLY.

TELEPHONE MODEM 103 O/A FULL DUPLEX. FCC APPROVED DATA RATE 300 baud . . . INTERFACE: RS232/C and TTY . CONTROLS: talk/data switch (no need to connect and disconnect phone), originate/answer switch on rear panel ... NO POWER SUPPLY REQUIRED.

ASCII KEYBOARD ASCII-3 .56 KEY/128 CHARACTER ASCII ENCODED . . . UPPER & LOWER CASE . FULLY DEBOUNCED 2 KEY ROLLOVER . . POS OR NEG LOGIC WITH POS STROBE REQUIRES + 5 & -12V DC (SUPPLIED FROM VIDEO BOARDS)

PRINTER COMET I . . SERIAL I/O TO 9600 BAUD .80 w Jft,

CHARACTER COLUMN (132 COMPRESSED) 10" TRACTOR FEED ^^hJV 4

. . . UPPER/LOWER CASE . INDUSTRY STANDARD RIBBONS . 4 CHARACTER SIZES ... 9 BY 7 DOT MATRIX . . . BI-DIRECTIONAL PRINTING

Continental U.S.A. Credit Card Buyers Outside Connecticut

CALL TOLL FREE 800-243-7428

To Order From Connecticut Or For Tech. Assist. Call (203) 354-9375

NETRONICS R&D LTD. D.Pt.

333 Litchfield Road, New Milford, CT 06776

Please send the items checked below:

U COMPLETE FASTERM-64 TERMINAL (includes FASTVID-64 video board

ASCII-3 keyboard, steel cabinet and power supply) ... kit $199.95 plus $3 P&l

. . . wired & tested $249.95 plus $3 P&l graphics option: add $19.95 to

each of above

D COMPLETE SMARTERM-80 TERMINAL (includes SMARTVID-80 video

board, ASCII-3 keyboard, steel cabinet and power supply) ... kit $299.95 plus

$3 P&l ... wired and tested $369.95 plus $3 P&l

D FASTVID-64 VIDEO BOARD (requires +5 & -12V DC] ... kit $99.95 plus $3

P&l ... graphics option add $19.95 .. . wired & tested $129.95 plus $3 P&l ...

graphics option add $19.95

□ SMARTVID-80 VIDEO BOARD (requires +5 & +/-12V DC) . . . kit $199.95 plus $3 P&l . . wired & tested $249.95 plus $3 P&l

0 DELUXE STEEL TERMINAL CABINET . . . $19.95 plus $3 P&l

□ ASCII-3 KEYBOARD (requires +5 & -12VDC)... kit $69.95 plus $3 P&l ... wired and tested $89.95 plus $3 P&l

G POWER SUPPLY (powers ASCII-3 keyboard & video boards) ... kit only $19.95 plus $2 P&l

□ ZENITH VIDEO MONITOR (high resolution green phosphor) . . . wired & tested $149.95 plus $6 P&l

□ TELEPHONE MODEM MODEL 103 O/A . . . wired & tested $189.95 plus $3 P&l

□ DOT MATRIX PRINTER Comet I . .. wired & tested $299.95 plus $10 P&l D RF MODULATOR MOD RF-1 ... kit only $8.95 plus $1 P&l

□ 3FT-25 LEAD MODEM/TERMINAL OR PRINTER/TERMINAL CONNECTOR CABLE . .. $14.95 ea plus $2 P&l

For Canadian orders, double the postage . Conn. res. add sales tax.

Total Enclosed $

□ Personal Check □ Cashier's Check/Money Order

□ VISA □ MasterCard (Bank No )

Acct. No Exp. Date

Signature

Print Name

Address

City

State

Zip

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

451

Circle 5 on inquiry card.

more ...

SPECTACULAR OFFERS

BASF

MAXELL

WABASH

OPUS

We stock the complete line of BASF diskettes, reel-to-reel tapes, mag cards, disk packs and cartridges. We also carry MAXELL, OPUS and WABASH products. All are 100% certified and fully guaranteed.

Box of 10 diskettes: SVt" 8"

OPUS ss/sd $20 $21

BASF ss/sd 23 24

WABASH SS/Sd 23 24

MAXELL . TOO LOW TO QUOTE. CALL 51/4"-10 sector-now available Sectoring must be specified

5V4" or8" Vinyl Storage Pages 10/$5

LIBRARY CASES

8" Kas-sette/10 $2.99

5V4" Mini Kas-sette/10 . . $2.49

<$

HARDHOLE DISK PROTECTORS Reinforcing rings of tough mylar protect disk hole edge from damage.

5V4"

Applicators $3

Hardhole Rings (50) $6

DISK DRIVE HEAD CLEANING KITS

Prevent head crashes and ensure error-free operation.

5</4"or8" $19.50

SFD C-10 CASSETTES 10/$7

(All cassettes include box ana labels.)

Get 8 cassettes, C-10 Sonic, and Cassette/8 Library-Album, as illustrated, for only $8

SNAP-IT POWER CENTER

Turns 1 outlet into 6. Wall mount or portable. Circuit breaker, lighted switch and UL approved.

4"x3"x2" 7~7 $19.95

We also offer printer ribbons, printwheels, type elements, equipment covers, power consoles, paper supplies, storage and filing equipment, furniture and many other accessories for word and data processing systems. Write for our free catalog.

VISA • MASTERCHARGE • MONEY

ORDERS • CERTIFIED CHECK • FOR

PERSONAL CHECKS ALLOW TWO WEEKS

• C.O.D. REQUIRES A 10% DEPOSIT • CAL.

RES. ADD 6% SALES TAX • MIN $2

SHIPPING & HANDLING • MINIMUM

ORDER $10 • SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

OR FULL REFUND

PRODUCTS

8868 CLAIREMONT MESA BLVD. SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92123

Toll Free 800-854-1555 Order Only

For Information or California Orders

(714) 268-3537

Listing 2 continued:

6 0 072

6 0073

6 00 74

6 0 0 7 5

6 0 076

6 0077

6 0078

6 0079

6 00 8 0

6 0081 6 0 082 6 0083 6 0084 6 00 85 6 0 0 8 6 6 0 087 6 00 38 6 0 089 CT" 6 0090 6 0 0 9 1 6 0092 REQUIB 6 0093 6 0 0 94 6 0095 N CONV 6 0 0 9 6 6 0 0 9 7 HEN 60 6 0 0 9 8 6 0 0 9 9 6 0 10 0 6 0 10 1 6 0 102 6 0 10 3 (Tl S , 6 0104

NORMA 6 010 5 60 106 6 0 10 7 6 0 10 8 6 0 109 60110 60111 60112 60113 6 0 114 6 0115 6 0 116 60117 ) = TP 6 0 118 6 0119 60 12 0 6 0 121

SPEECH

PRINT DS"WRITE SPEECH

PRINT TA

FOR Tl = 1 TO TA

P RI NT TVStTl)

PR I NT TP $ < Tl >

NEXT Tl

PRINT DS"CLOSE

GOTO 6 0 0 26

REM

REM K******************* REM " PREPARE NEW WORD * REM ********** **********

HOME PRINT " PREPARE AND ADD NEW WORD TO DICTIONARY' FRE < 0 > INVERSE PRINT "INSTRUCTIONS": NORMAL 1. ENTER PHONETIC SOUND" 2 HIT RETURN TO HEAR IT" 3. CONTINUE THE PROCESS UNTIL

LET T3 VTAB 4 PR INT PR INT PR INT

PR INT PR I NT PR INT

4. HIT RETURN (NO ENTRY) TO SAVE" NOTE:A SPACE AT THE END OF A WORD SET TOP OF WINDOW

14 1

" THEN T1S = LEFTS INVERSE PRINT T1S,

6 0 6 0 6 0 6 0 NY 6 0 O 8 O 6 O 6 0 6 0

6 0 6 0 60

6 0 E O 60

122 123 1 24

12 5 KEY

126

1000

127

128

129

13 0 1 :

13 1 132 13 3 134 135 136

ED TO STOP SOUND"

POKE 3 4,12: REM

LET TSS - ""

REM INPUT LINE WITH EDITING TO MEMORY STARTING AT 512 - THE ERT TO STRING

POKE 51,160: CALL 64874

LET TS$ = " " : FOR Tl = 1 TO 255: IF PEEK (511 +- Tl) 0 9 9

LET TSS = TSS + CHRS ( PEEK (511 -t- Tl) - 128) : NEXT Tl IF LEN (TSS) = 0 THEN 60103

LET T1S = TSS

LET TS * TSS COSUB 60186

GOTO 60094

IF RIGHTS (T1S,1) m " " AND T1S < ) LEN (T1S) - 1): COTO 60103

PRINT "DO YOU WISH TO SAVE THE SOUND' L PR INT " < Y/N) " ; : GET TTS : PR I NT

IF TTS < > "Y" THEN TEXT GOTO 60026

INPUT "WHAT WORD HAS THIS SOUND ";TTS

IF LEN (TTS) . 0 THEN 60026

HEM FIND ALPHABETICAL POSITION OF NEW WORD IN ARRAY

IF TA « 0 THEN 60118

FOR Tl = 1 TO TA

IF TWS<T1> < TTS THEN NEXT Tl

IF TWS(Tl) < > TTS THEN 60115

LET TP S (Tl ) m Tl S

TEXT GOTO 60081

LET T2 =. Tl

HEM MOVE ARRAY TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW WORD

FOR Tl = TA TO T2 STEP - 1:TWS(T1 + 1 > « TWS(T1>:TPS(TI S(T1): NEXT Tl

LET TA « TA ♦ 1

IF T2 = 0 THEN TZ = 1

LET TWS(T2> • TTSTPSIT!) « T1S

TEXT COTO 60081: HEM

REM ********************

REM » LIST DICTIONARY «

REM ********************

HOME PRINT " LIST

TO CONTINUE - ESC FOR MENUE)':

DICTIONARY' VTAB 10

■ 0 T3 : "DO

I F TA NEXT PR INT 1 F TS HOME LET T3 IF Tl S P RI NT TW S (T 2 ) NEXT T2 IFTS < > "Y PRINT DS"PR»0 GOTO 6002B REM

THEN PRINT GOTO 60026 YOU WANT THE = "Y" THEN CALL T3 = 1: FOR T2 =. = T3 t CHRS

■NO WORDS IN DICTIONARY'

FOR T3 p 1 T

PRINTER ON (Y/N) ",: GET TS 768: REM TURN PRINTER ON 1 TO TA

1 IF TS < > "Y" AND T3 • 20 THEN GET

< 27 ) THEN 60026

TPS(T2)

THEN REM

GET T1S

TUHN PRINTER

6 013 7 30 138 5 0139 ?0140

5 0141 • 0 142 10143

0 14 4

.0145

0146

60147

6 0148 60 149 6 0150 60 151 60152

REM «

HEM «

REM *

HOME

PRINT

LET T

PRINT

POKE

PR INT

IF L

GOSUB

GOTO

REM

HEM

REM

REM

*******************

SAY A SENTENCE * *******************

PRINT " SAY A SENTENCE"

PRINT "DO YOU WANT GRAPHICS (Y/N) " G = 0 : TF = 0: IF TSS = "Y" THEN TG = 1

GET TSS

4,5: VTAB 6: REM "WHAT SENTENCE "

EN (TS S ) = 0 THEN 6 0 15 0: IF TG = 1

60 145

SET WINDOW INPUT TSS

6 0 0 Z 6

THEN TEXT

GOTO 60 137

******************* SAY TSS *

*******************

452 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 2 continued:

GOTO 60176 GOTO 60 176

♦ TB»

60133 IF TG - 0 THEN 60135

60154 IF TF . 0 THEN GOSUB 6019Z:TF - 1

60155 LET TS» - TS» + " ":T1« - "":T3 - FRE (0) 60136 FOR Tl ■ 1 TO LEN < TS • >

60157 IF MIDI <TS«,T1,1> - " " THEN 60161

601SS LET Tit - Tit « MID* (TSl.Tl.l)

6 0 15 9 NEXT Tl

60160 RETURN

60161 REM BINARY SEARCH OF ARRAY FOR WORD

60162 IF LEN (Til) - 0 THEN 60159

60163 LET Tl* - TA TS* - 1

60164 LET T2» - TWKT8*) :TTt - TVKTLt)

60165 IF Tit > TZt AND Tit < TTt THEN 60168

60166 IF Tit - TZt THEN T - TS*:

60167 IF Tit ■ TTt THEN T - Tt*: 60169 LET T* - ((TL* - TS*) / 2) 60169 LET TYt - TUI(T*)

90170 REM NOT FOUND - SEND ORIGINAL WORD

•0171 IF TYt - Tt THEN Tt - TH:T1I - "":

B017Z LET Tt ■ TYt

60173 IF Tit > TYt THEN 90175

90174 LET TL* « T*:TTt . TYt: GOTO 90164

60175 LET TS* . T*:T2t - TYt: GOTO 60164

60176 REM FOUND AT ELEMENT T

60177 REM FOUND AT T - SEND PHONETIC EQUIVALENT

60178 LET Tt - TFt(T): COSUB 60181

60179 LET Tit Hi "": GOTO 90159 9 0 180 REM

60181 REM ********************

60182 REM « OUTPUT Tt «

60183 REM * TO SYNTHESIZER *

60184 REM ****************w*wi*

60185 LETT* . Tt <■ " ": IF TG Tl THEN GOSUB 60214

60186 FOR TS = 1 TO LEN (Tl)

60187 POKE 49361, ASC ( MIDt (TS O OUTPUT PORT

6 0 168 NEXT T3

60189 IF TG THEN COSUB 60234

6019P RETURN

6 0 19 1 R EM

GOSUB 60181: GOTO 6015 9

COSUB 6 0226

RND (1)

T3 , 1 > )

POKE 49 3 64,

SEND T

6 0 19 2 6 0 19 3 6 0194 90 195 6 0 196 90 197 6 019 9 6 0 19 9 6 02 00 6 0201 6 02 02 6 020 3 60204 6 020 5 6 02 06 6 020 7 6 02 08 60 20 9 6 0210 6 0211 6 02 1 Z 602 13 6 02 14 60Z 1 5 6 0 2 16 60 21 7 6 0Z 1 8 6 0219 ,T4 6 0 2 2 0 90 22 1 6 0222 9 0 223 6 O Z 2 4 6 022 5 6 02 26 6 02 27 6 0 228 6 0 229 6 0 230 602 3 1 6 0 2 3 2 6 0 2 3 3 6 02 34 6 02 35 6 0236 6 02 37 6 0 2 38 6 0Z3 9 60 240 6 0241

REM REM REM REM CR

FOR T2 COLOR= FOR T2 VL IN 2 VL IN 4 VL IN 8 VL IN VL IN

r ****** *

FACE *

r ****** *

*************

* DRAW LORES

*************

MAIN FACE

POKE - 19 3 0 2,0: HEM = 40 TO 47: HLIN 0 8 HLIN 9,30 AT 0: • 1 TO 39: HLIN 9,

FULL SCREEN CRAPHICS 39 AT TZ: NEXT TZ

COLOR. 7 9,30 AT TZ: , 3 7 AT 3 1 ,35 AT 3 Z , 3 3 AT 3 3 13,3! AT 3 4 18,26 AT 3 5 10,29 AT 4 1

NEXT T2

HLIN 11 HLIN 13 HLIN IS,

21 AT 4 3 2 6 AT 4 5 2 4 AT 4 7

37 AT 6: VLIN :

4,35 AT 7: VLIN '

8,33 AT 6: VLIN I

13,32 AT 5 VL IN

18,26 AT 4: VLIN HLIN 9,30 AT 40: HLIN HLIN 10,29 AT 42 HLIN 12,27 AT 44 HLIN 14,25 AT 46 REM FACIAL FEATURES

COLOR. 10 VLIN 23.33 AT 19: VLIN 23,33 AT 20 COLOR- 3 VLIN 30,32 AT 19: VLIN 30,32 AT 21 COLOR. 8: PLOT 18,33: PLOT 21,33

HLIN 10,15 AT 16 HLIN 24,29 AT 16: COSUB 60234 REM EYES

COLOR. 7: FOR T4 - 19 TO 21

HLIN 11,14 AT T4: HLIN 25,28 AT T4 NEXT T4 LET TH* m RND <1> « 5 : TV* . RND (1) » 2: COLOR. 0

FOR T4 = 10 TO 11: FOR T5 ■ 19 TO 2 0 PLOT T4 ♦ TH*,T5 <■ TV* PLOT T4 ♦ 14 ♦ TH*,T5 * TV*:

NEXT T5

HLIN 11

HLIN 10

1 5 AT 2 Z :

AT 10:

AT 24 :

2 1 2 1

COLOR.

COLOR.

HLIN 10

VLIN 19

VLIN 19

RETURN

REM MOUTH OPEN

COLOR. 1 0

COLOR. 9:

COLOR. 3: PLOT 13

COLOR. 0: HLIN 15

HLIN 16,17 AT 39:

COLOR. 8 HLIN 19

RETURN

REM MOUTH CLOSE

COLOR. 7:

COLOR. 10

COLOR. B:

COLOR. 3:

14 AT 18 ♦ TV*: HLIN

15 AT 18 HLIN 24,29 HLIN 24,29 AT 22 VLIN 19,21 AT 15 VLIN 19,21 AT 29

2 5 , AT

2 8 1 8

AT 18 * TV*

HLIN 16,23 AT 37: HLIN 17, PLOT 14,37: PLOT 25,37 36: PLOT 26,36 24 AT 3 8

HLIN 22,23 AT 3 9 21 AT 3 9

22 AT 40

COLOR. COLOR. RETURN

HLIN 15,24 AT 39: HLIN 15,24 AT 40

HLIN 16,23 AT 37: HLIN 17,22 AT 39 PLOT 14.37

3 6 : PLOT 26,36

17 AT 38: HLIN 22,23 AT 38

2 1 AT 3 8

PLOT 13, HLIN 16, HLIN 18,

Circle 335 on inquiry card 1

All Prices !

I. M -i i i -i ^__^_^^

Wffim HEWLETT mLUM PACKARD

HP-85

-tr

or

HP-125

CP M- based, //

$1989

NEWHP-87.... CALL

B%" Dual Master Disk Drive CALL

8" Dual Master Disk Drive CALL

5meg WINCHESTER Hard Disk. 5meg WIN. w/5% DSDD floppy.

$3599

S4399

APPLE II PLUS, 48K

APPLE III

Tl 99/4

COMMODORE VIC 20

NEC PC-8001 A. 32K

<£EROX820 5%" Disk Drives. XEROX 820 8" Disk Drives ..

CALL

CALL

$367

$255

$2489 $3095

Tl CALCULATORS

TIP 55 II

TIP-Business Analysis II.

TIP-58C

TIP 59

TIP-P-100C

$36

$36

$79

$169

$149

HP-41CV

w/Five times more memory

Built In

List, $325'

$244

NOW IN

STOCK

$189

HP-41C

list. $250

HP-41CV Printer T^T. . $289.00

HP-41CV Quad Memory $83.95

HP-41CV CardReader $167.95

HP82160A HP IL Module $99.00

HP82161A Digital Cassette Drive $449.00

ATARI 800 $689

*Limited time ont\

A

ATARI

/pRlcE |viEVvH-""'

ATARI 400 $339

Atari 830 Acoustic Modem $145

Atari 825 80 Col. Impt. Ptr $565

Atari 410 Prog. Recorder $69

Atari 810 Disk Drive $419

P,

ersonal ^^omputcr ^^•■y stems

P.O. Box 1073 Syracuse.N.Y. 13201

(315)478-6800

Prices do not include shipping bt UPS. All prices and offers are sub/ect to change without notice

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 453

Circle 171 on Inquiry card.

Remember when driving was fun?^

Rediscover the fun of driving, in this genuine replica of the '52 MG-TD. Detailed, authentic, this sporty roadster gives you all the pleasure of a classic sportscar - with easy maintenance and reliability, too! Easyto-assemble kit comes complete with everything you need to build the car at home in your leisure time, over a VW chassis and engine. Factory-built models also available. Fuel efficient, economical, and beautiful: you'll enjoy

The MG-TD Replica

By FIBERFRB

building it now, and driving it for years. Why long for the "good old days"they're here now! Call toll-free for complete information:

1-800-328-5671*

*In Minnesota, (612) 544-2781. International TWX: 910-576-3150. Or write for complete brochures: send $3.00 with your name, address, telephone number and the name of this publication, to Fiberfab, 1000 Turners Cross Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55416. Specify information on the MG-TD Replica.

. y> 68000 MINI-SYSTEMS

)3ji C IEEE-696S-100 Compatible

/~\ Special Offer

ERG-I $7995 - CPU, 4 RS232 SERIAL PORTS, 64K. STATIC RAM, 10 SLOT BACK PLANE, 2 8" DOUBLE DENSITY, DOUBLE SIDED FLOPPIES OR A 5MB 5%" WINCHESTER, 68KFORTH' SYSTEMS LANGUAGE WITH MACROASSEMBLER, ALL INTEGRATED INTO DESK TOP CABINET, BURNED-IN AND TESTED.

ERG-II $9795 SAME AS ERG-I EXCEPT FOR MASS STORAGE; ERG-II HAS A 5MB 5%" WINCHESTER AND ONE 8" DOUBLE DENSITY, DOUBLE SIDED DRIVE.

ERG-HI $12995 CPU, 4 RS232 SERIAL PORTS, 256K DYNAMIC RAM, 10 SLOT BACK PLANE, 5MB 5'/4" WINCHESTER AND ONE 8" DOUBLE DENSITY, DOUBLE SIDED DRIVE, IDRIS2 MULTI-USER, MULTI-TASKING OPERATING SYSTEM AND C COMPILER, ALL INTEGRATED INTO DESK TOP CABINET, BURNED-IN AND TESTED.

ERG-IV $18995 - CPU, 8 RS232 SERIAL PORTS, 512K DYNAMIC RAM, 10 SLOT BACK PLANE, 24MB 8" WINCHESTER AND 20 MB >/4" TAPE CARTRIDGE, IDRIS2 MULTI-USER, MULTI-TASKING OPERATING SYSTEM WITH BOTH C AND PASCAL COMPILERS, ALL INTEGRATED INTO DESK TOP CABINET, BURNED-IN AND TESTED.

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Text continued from page 448:

The INITIALIZATION section dimensions the WORD and PHONEME arrays to hold 300 entries each. This situation can be modified, of course, to suit your needs. In addition, the string variable D$ is initialized by setting it equal to control-D for use in disk operation of the Apple. (This step would be omitted for such computers as the TRS-80.)

The MENU section allows easy selection of the desired function when developing a vocabulary. The GET statement permits you to enter data from the keyboard without using the Return key.

The two DISK modules save and retrieve the two arrays that contain the vocabulary. Two variables are particularly important if you are converting this program for use on another computer. The number of words in the dictionary, and thus the number of entries in each array, is the first number in the disk file. It is read into the variable TA, and it controls the number of words that are subsequently read into each array. The variable TN$ holds the name of the disk file: this allows you to use several dictionaries. Dictionaries can also be loaded and saved to other disks when required.

The section for PREPARING A NEW WORD allows you to easily develop the proper sounds for a new dictionary entry.

Any character or group of characters will be "said" by the synthesizer when the Return key is hit. The last sound is continually voiced, so each word should be followed by a space. This "problem" is actually a design feature. When developing a word, you can listen to each sound by typing its character and hitting Return with no space. This feature is indispensable when comparing different phonemes.

When the word is finally correct, hit Return with no entry, and you will be asked if you wish to save that sound. If you do, you will also be asked to supply a word that demonstrates the sound. Both the word and its sound will be automatically entered into the dictionary in alphabetical order. The importance of this will become apparent in a moment.

454 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 161 on inquiry card.

Circle 423 on Inquiry card.

If you convert this program to another BASIC, lines 60095 to 60098 could present problems. These lines utilize a subroutine in the Apple's monitor that enters characters into the buffer area. A simple INPUT TS$ could have been used, but my method allows you to enter such illegal characters as semicolons and quotes. In addition, it preserves all of the Apple editing features.

The LIST DICTIONARY allows you to dump all the present words and their sound codes to the screen (or a printer). The listing scrolls a new screen full each time a key is pressed. ESC will abort the listing and return to the MENU.

The section SAY A SENTENCE is used to say the words contained in T$. It may be used as a separate subroutine if it is entered at line 60150, which only says TS$, without entering it from the keyboard. This module performs a binary search of the words in the dictionary and outputs the appropriate sound to the synthesizer.

By using a binary search of the dictionary, conversion is done very quickly. For example, 256 words can be examined with only eight reads. This is possible because the words are organized in alphabetical order and the program divides the remaining words in half with each successive guess.

If the word is not found in the dictionary, it (not its phonemes) is sent to the synthesizer. Such words are, at best, poorly pronounced, but at least the system does not crash in the middle of a big demonstration. In most cases you'll find that one bad word is easily recognized in the context of a complete sentence.

The FRE(0) function in lines 60085 and 60155 forces an internal clean-up of the Applesoft string variables. This operation can require several seconds, depending on the length of the dictionary. When utilizing subroutines from this system in other programs, FRE(0) can be postponed until several sentences have been voiced. This will allow pauses at the most natural points.

Section OUTPUT T$ sends the phoneme code of each individual

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word to the synthesizer. My program sends it to a port at address 49361 and strobes it in by writing to address 49364. On a TRS-80 you would only need to print T$ into the last 32 screen locations. The example programs provided in the synthesizer manual should aid in converting this module for use with a TRS-80.

One peculiarity of operating the system should be mentioned. Sending a "7" to the synthesizer will toggle it on or off depending on its present state. Since Reset does not turn the synthesizer on, you may or may not have to send a "7" to initially activate it.

Photo 3: Low-resolution graphics display adds life to the speech program.

As an afterthought, I decided to add a little spice to the program. The final module (draw a low-resolution face) produces the graphics shown in photo 3. Such an addition would have to be greatly modified if run on a TRS-80, but I heartily recommend it. The mouth opens and closes with each word and the eyes (complete with eyelids) move at random. I can't tell you the reaction a talking face gets from a person not used to working with computers.

I'm extremely happy with the addition of voice output to my personal computer, and it has inspired several applications that may be discussed in future articles. If you want your machine to talk, compare the phonetics approach with other methods. If it meets your requirements, I hope that my speech-development system will make your life easier. ■

456 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 135 on Inquiry card.

Technical Forum

Hierarchical Interrupts

Caxton C. Foster

Computer and Information Science

University of Massachusetts

Amherst, MA 01003

Most popular microprocessors will support daisychained peripheral devices. These allow a peripheral close to the processor to gain priority over a more distant peripheral when both devices request interrupt service simultaneously. This is normally done by using two lines between the processor and its set of peripheral devices (see figure 1). The first line is the IRQ (interrupt-request line). Any device is allowed to "pull" this line to ground, thus generating a request for interrupt service. At the convenience of the processor, the second line (the interrupt-acknowledge line or INTACK) is energized, indicating that the processor is ready to accept an interrupt.

The INTACK line goes sequentially from device to device, thus giving rise to the term "daisy chain." If a device isn't requesting an interrupt, it passes the unchanged INTACK signal to its successor in the chain. If, however, a device is in the active state and is requesting an interrupt, it "traps" the acknowledge signal. Since devices farther down the line never receive the acknowledge signal, they don't take control of the processor or the system bus.

In any imaginable interrupt system, if devices A and B request interrupts simultaneously, either A wins or B wins (ties are not permitted). We have, in effect, a strict ordering of all the peripheral devices by priority. Adding

INTACK CPU

IRQ

DEVICE 1

DEVICE 2

DEVICE 3

Figure 1: Daisy-chain connection of interrupting peripherals. If two peripheral devices interrupt simultaneously, the device closer to the computer takes priority over the one farther away. This system allows a higher-priority device to interrupt a lowerpriority device.

a hierarchical level mechanism merely gives the device at level n priority over the devices on level n — 1 or lower. In this sense, a daisy chain is a general solution to the problem of resolving simultaneous requests.

Unlike a daisy chain, a hierarchical scheme keeps lowpriority devices from interrupting the code processing the interrupt of a high-priority device. In a typical hierarchical scheme, the processor has a level at which it is currently running. Each peripheral device requests an interrupt on one of several lines: IRQO, IRQl . . . IRQn where n is commonly 3 or 7 (see figure 2). A priority encoder examines these request lines and outputs a binary number corresponding to the number of the highest active request line. This binary number is compared with the processor's current level and, if the level of the processor is greater than or equal to the level of the request, the request is not acted upon and no new interrupt is generated. Only if the request level exceeds the processor level will the current program be interrupted. If an interrupt is to be honored, the interrupt-acknowledge line (INTACKO, INTACK1 . . . INTACKn) corresponding to the level of the highest request is activated.

Three difficulties accompany the hierarchical-interrupt scheme. Foremost is the fact that many otherwise attractive microprocessors don't have one. Second, microprocessors that do incorporate such a scheme usually have too many levels (causing some hardware to go unused) or too few (almost as difficult as none at all). Third, for n levels, In lines must be added to the I/O (input/output) bus to convey requests and acknowledgments.

The Present Method

In a daisy chain, each peripheral device has an interrupt flag that has two states: on and off. To turn the processor's interrupt system back on (so that other, more important interrupts can be recognized), this initial interrupt flag must be cleared (thus releasing the IRQ line)

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 457

INTACK 7

DEVICE 7

CPU

IRQ

INTACK N

DEVICE

N

INTACK 0

IRQ?

DEVICE 0

IRQN

PRIORITY ENCODER

IRQO

COMPARATOR

Figure 2: A typical hierarchical-interrupt scheme. The processor keeps track of the interrupt level it's currently servicing and will pause to give service only if an interrupt occurs at a higher level.

soon after its recognition. If this is not done and all interrupts are serviced with the interrupt system disabled, the intended hierarchy becomes a first-come-first-served system.

Peripheral devices could be equipped with a three-state interrupt flag:

Off—not requesting service (does not affect IRQ);

passes INTACK down the chain (away from

the processor) and passes IRQ up the chain

(toward the processor). On—requesting service (asserts IRQ); does not pass

INTACK down line but traps it instead. Blocking—not requesting service; does not pass IRQ up the chain.

States Off and On correspond to the two conventional states. In the Blocking state, the device refuses to allow lower-priority devices (those farther down the chain) to break into its interrupt-service routine, thus protecting its own priority and incidentally providing a hierarchy with as many levels as there are peripheral devices. When a device needs service, it changes from Off to On. At the first clear-interrupt flag (issued by the processor prior to reenabling the interrupt system), the device changes its state from On to Blocking. This releases the IRQ line and also prevents lower-priority devices from pulling it down. At the second clear-interrupt flag (issued by the processor at the end of the interrupt routine), the device changes from Blocking to Off.

Clearly a paragon of interrupt systems, it allows each device to protect its own service routine from all lesser requests. The system allows infinitely fine discrimination, with classes of devices having one member each.

A Less Expensive Realization

The system described above requires an additional flipflop and a few additional gates at each peripheral device.

If this configuration is too expensive, it's possible to envision an intermediate system.

Into the daisy chain we insert a few blocking nodes (see figure 3). To the processor, these look like normal peripheral devices with a peripheral address. They are capable of executing two operations: Block and Unblock. In the Unblock state these special nodes are transparent and have no effect on the daisy chain, but in the Block state they inhibit any interrupt requests from devices beyond them in the chain.

After recognizing an interrupt and before reenabling the interrupt system, the processor issues a Block command to the node just inboard of the active peripheral. At the conclusion of the service routine, the processor Unblocks the node and allows all peripheral devices an opportunity to compete for attention.

If the processor had one more output line (the Unblock line), we could dispense with the addresses for these nodes. On interrupt request, the nearest inboard node could set itself automatically to the Block state and forward the interrupt request to the processor. At the conclusion of an interrupt-service routine, the processor could issue an Unblock command on the Unblock line, and the Blocked node nearest the processor could reset itself.

Conclusion

Either of these solutions would provide a moderatecost, reasonably flexible means of keeping low-priority devices from interrupting high-priority service routines. To be sure, the priority of a device would depend on its position in the daisy chain. Not only would it be a considerable nuisance to rearrange the priorities, but it would, in fact, be impossible to accomplish without operator assistance.

Using memory-mapped I/O with PIAs (peripheral interface adapters) or VIAs (versatile interface adapters) is a more flexible solution than either proposed here,

458 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Number

Type

+ 5 V

GND

<3 FROM DEVICE N

Figure 3: A compromise hierarchical system. This method reduces cost by using "blocking nodes" in a daisy-chain system.

because an arbitrary priority hierarchy can be constructed that doesn't even need to be transitive (A can block B and C, B can block C, and C can block A and B). The mask bits in the VIA permit and block interrupts from devices in any fashion that seems acceptable to the

system at a particular time. For a system organized on an I/O bus, however, either of the schemes proposed here offers a great improvement over the simple interrupt armed or interrupt disarmed that have been the usual implementations to date.B

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Books Received

Apple II/lII Software Directory, G. Van Diver and R. Love. Overland Park, KS: Vital Information Inc. (7899 Mastin Dr.), 1982; 1148 pages, 13 by 20.5 cm, softcover, ISBN none, $19.95.

Assembly Language for the PDP-11, Charles Kapps and Robert L. Starford. Boston, MA: CBI Publishing Company, 1981; 353 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-87150-304-2, $23.50.

BASIC Programs for Home Financial Management, W. B. Goldsmith Jr. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1981; 314 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13066522-3, $18.95.

BASIC Programs for Scientists and Engineers, Alan R. Miller. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1981; 318 pages, 17.5 by 23.5

cm, softcover, ISBN 089588-073-3, $14.95.

A Bibliography of Computer Music, Sandra L. Tjepkema. Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa Press, 1981; 276 pages, 15 by 23 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-87745110-9, $17.50.

CAI Sourcebook, Robert L. Burke. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1982; 206 pages, 15 by 23 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-110155-2, $14.95.

Computers for People, Jerry Willis and Merl Miller. Beaverton, OR: Dilithium Press, 1982; 200 pages, 13 by 21 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-918398-64-9, $7.95.

Computer Simulation of Classical Substitution Cryptographic Systems, Rudolph F. Lauer. Laguna Hills, CA:

Aegean Park Press, 1981; 111 pages, 21.2 by 27.2 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-89412-050-6, $24.80.

Database Management System Anatomy, James A. Larson. Lexington, MA: Lexington Books, 1982; 183 pages, 15.5 by 22.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-669-04544-6, $22.95.

Databook of Venture Capital Sources for HighTechnology Companies, Richard Loftin. Washington, DC: Financial Data Corporation, 1981; 576 pages, 14.5 by 22.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0940758-00-8, $115.

The 8085/SDK-85 \HandsOn, Volume 2j, Howard Boyet. New York: MTI Publications, 1981; 814 pages, 15.5 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN none, $19.95.

The 8051: Programming, Interfacing, Applications, Howard Boyet and Ron Katz. New York: MTI Publications, 1982; 396 pages, 17 by 25.2 cm, softcover, ISBN none, $19.95.

Experiments in Electronics, Instrumentation, and Microcomputers, F. Holler, J. Avery, S. Crouch, and C. Enke. Menlo Park, CA: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., 1982; 326 pages, 21.2 by 27.2 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-8053-6918-X, $13.95.

From Chips to Systems: An Introduction to Microprocessors, Rodnay Zaks. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1982; 552 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-8988-063-6, $14.95.

H-8 Programming for Beginners, Ron Santore, Don

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460 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 446 on inquiry card.

Circle 172 on inquiry card.

Inman, and Bob Albrecht. Portland, OR: Dilithium Press, 1980; 195 pages, 13 by 20.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0918398-17-7, $8.95.

Information Systems Development, A Systematic Approach, Mats Lundeberg, Goran Goldkuhl, and Anders Nilsson. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1981; 337 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-464677-0, $24.95.

Introduction to Interactive Computer Graphics, Joan E. Scott. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1982; 255 pages, 14.6 by 22.3 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-471-05773-8, $24.95.

Introduction to Real-Time Software Design, S. T. Allworth. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1981; 140 pages, 14.6 by 22.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387-91175-8, $14.

Inventory Management for Small Computers, Chuck Atkinson. Beaverton, OR: Dilithium Press, 1982; 194 pages, 13 by 20.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-918398-48-7, $16.95.

Minds and Mechanisms, Margaret A. Boden. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press, 1981; 311 pages, 13.5 by 22 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-80141431-8, $29.50.

Oh! Pascal!, Doug Cooper and Michael Clancy. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1982; 476 pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-393-95205-3, $15.95.

Pascal: A Problem Solving Approach, Elliot B. Koffman. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1982; 470 pages, 15.5 by 22.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-201-10341-9, $14.95.

PET Fun and Games, Ron Jeffries and Glen Fisher. Berkeley, CA: Osborne/ McGraw-Hill, 1981; 192 pages, 21.2 by 27.2 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-931988-70-5 $10.

Practical Data Base Management, edited by the Auerbach Publishers Staff. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Company, 1981; 430 pages, 14.6 by 22.3 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-8359-5591-5, $24.95

Robot Manipulators, Mathematics, Programming, and Control, Richard P. Paul. Cambridge, MA: The MIT Press, 1981; 279 pages, 15 by 23 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-262-16082-X, $25.

Simple Pascal, James J. McGregor and Alan H. Watt. Rockville, MD: Computer Science Press, 1981; 182 pages, 15 by 22 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-914894-72-2, $10.95.

Strategic Financial Planning with Simulation, Dennis

E. Grawoig and Charles L. Hubbard. Princeton, NJ: Petrocelli Books, 1982; 643 pages, 14.6 by 22.3 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-89433-115-9, $35.

Trends in Information Processing Systems (Proceedings of the Third Conference of the European Cooperation in Informatics, Munich, October 20-23, 1981), volume in the Lecture Notes in Computer Science series, edited by G. Goos and J. Hartmanis. New York: SpringerVerlag, 1981; 349 pages, 16 by 23.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 3-540-10885-8, $20.

A User Guide to the Unix System, Jean Yates and Rebecca Thomas. Berkeley, CA: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1982; 496 pages, 7.4 by 9 cm,

softcover, ISBN 0-93198871-3, $15.99.

Writing Interactive Compilers and Interpreters, P. J. Brown. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1981; 265 pages, 14.6 by 22.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-471-10072-2, $14.50. ■

This is a list of books received at BYTE Publications during this past month. Although the list is not meant to be exhaustive, its purpose is to acquaint BYTE readers with recently published titles in computer science and related fields. We regret that we cannot review or comment on all the books we receive; instead, this list is meant to be a monthly acknowledgment of these books and the publishers who sent them.

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461

Clubs and Newsletters

Hobbyists Compute Under the Big Sky

The Big Sky MicroComputer Club currently has about 35 members. All types of computers are of interest to the club. Beginners and experts alike are invited to join and help with the newsletter. Contact the Big Sky MicroComputer Club, POB 21456, Pioneer Station, Billings, MT 59102, or call Wes Henley at (406) 656-4013.

Personal Computer Group In Capital

IBMicro is a new group for IBM Personal Computer users in the Washington, DC, area. The club has created a charter and bylaws and is busily at

work on a newsletter, a bulletin board, and hardware and software exchanges. The group plans to have monthly meetings with guests speakers and feedback from members. Special-interest groups for word processing, graphics, games, and other applications are planned. Contact IBMicro, 1414-C Wright Circle, Boiling AFB, Washington, DC 20336.

Nevada COBOL Users Group

The Nevada COBOL Users Group has been formed to distribute information on applications and routines written in the language. The club will provide coordination among users developing extensions to

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Nevada COBOL. Information will be distributed through periodic newsletters. Contact Bob Blum, Nevada COBOL Users Group, 5536 Colbert Trail, Norcross, GA 30092, (404) 449-8948.

Starter Kit Group

Cary Davids has started a users group for owners of the Z80 Starter Kit from SD Systems. The club produces a newsletter. Contact Cary Davids, 6000 Puffer Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60516.

Osborne Group Assembling

A new group for Osborne Computer users is being formed in the Tampa Bay area. For further details, contact Frederick Dunn, POB 517, Clearwater, FL 33517, (817) 446-7239.

South American Hobbyists

The Concepcion Computer Club is interested in all areas of microcomputing. The club would appreciate information and newsletters from other users groups. A special edition of the group's newsletter, Boletin del Concepcion Computer Club, is produced in English. Contact Raul H. Figueroa Rebolledo, Concepcion Computer Club, POB 685, Concepcion, Chile, Tel: 24854.

6800/6809 Fans in Sweden

PD 68 is a group of Motorola 6800 and 6809 users

in Sweden. The group meets on the last Thursday of each month, excluding June, July, and December, at ABF Huset, Hammarby Centrum, in Stockholm. The Flex operating system is of particular interest to group members, who number about 300. A newsletter, MPU-laren, is produced each quarter. The club would like to hear from the personalcomputing community in the U.S. Contact Jason King, Ludwigsbergsgatan 131, S-117 26, Stockholm, Sweden, Tel: 08/68 23 11.

New Address

The new mailing address for the Amateur Computer Group of New Jersey (ACGNJ) is POB 319, South Bound Brook, NJ 08880.

Explorer 85 Users Group

A new group is being formed for owners of Netronics' Explorer 85 system. The group plans to produce a free newsletter of hardware and software ideas. For more information, contact Gord Wiggins, POB 88, Cartwright, Newfoundland, A0K 1V0, Canada.

Graphics Club Forming

A computer graphics club is being formed in the Connecticut/Westchester County, New York area. Plans call for group meetings with manufacturers of graphics products and creating a newsletter. For further details, contact Howard Rothman, 218 Huntington Rd., Bridgeport, CT 06608, (203) 579-0472. ■

462 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Software Received

Apple

AgDisk Financial Management Series One, an

agricultural financial-management package in Pascal for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $140. Harris Technical Systems, 624 Peach St., POB 80837, Lincoln, NE 68501.

Alkemstone, an adventuretype game for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $39.95. Level-10, Suite 507, 7475 Dakin St., Denver, CO 80221.

Apple-Aids, a disk-utility package for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $49.95. Advanced Operating Systems, 450 St. John Rd., Michigan City, IN 46360.

Beer Run, an arcade-type game for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $29.95. Sirius Software Inc., 10364 Rockingham Dr., Sacramento, CA 95827.

Enhanced Graphics Software for the IDS 460G/560G, a graphics utility for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $44.95. Computer Station Inc., 11610 Page Service Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141.

Graphic Writer, utility to combine graphics with Applewriter text for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $34.95. Computer Station Inc. (see address above).

Hadron, an arcade-type game for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $34.95. Sirius Software Inc. (see address above).

Hi-Res Computer Golf, a computerized golf game for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $29.95. Avant-Garde Creations, POB 30160, Eugene, OR 97403.

The Liberator, a programming utility and library of subroutines for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $29.95. Pear Software, 407 Terrace, Ashland, OR 97520.

Pascal Hi-Res Graphics Dump Routine for the IDS 460G, a graphics utility in Pascal for the Apple II.

Floppy disk, $44.95. Computer Station Inc. (see address above).

Snake Byte, an arcade-type game for the Apple II. Floppy disk $29.95. Sirius Software Inc. (see address above).

Sneakers, an arcade-type game for the Apple II. Floppy disk, $29.95. Sirius Software Inc. (see address above).

Ultra Hi-Res Graphics, utility for use with the IDS 460G/560G printers with the Apple II. Floppy disk, $49.95. Computer Station Inc. (see address above).

Atari Atari Word Processor, a

word-processing system for the Atari 800. Floppy disk, $149.95. Atari Inc., Computer Division, POB 427, Sunnyvale, CA 94086.

The Duplicating Machine, a program-duplication utility for the Atari 400 and 800. Floppy disk, $19.95. Midwest Software, 2707A Ridge Court, Lawrence, KS 66044.

CP/M

CP/M Adventures 1-12, a

series of Scott Adams's adventures for CP/M (Z80). 8-inch floppy disk, $129.95. Adventure International, 507 East St., POB 3435, Longwood, FL 32750.

Ficomp CP/M 2.2. Utilities, a set of utility programs for CP/M (Z80). 8-inch floppy disk, $24.95. Ficomp Inc., 3017 Talking Rock Dr., Fairfax, VA 22031.

Copy86, a utility program for copying Z80 CP/M files to and from 86-DOS. 8-inch floppy disk, $120. GIOS Enterprises, 9784 Woodhollow Way, Sacramento, CA 95827.

PET

Concentration, Memory, Cosmic Collision, Hangman, and Torpedo Command,

games for the PET 2001.

Cassette, $5.99 each. Royal Software, 149-45 83rd St., Howard Beach, NY 11414.

PET/CBM Cross-Reference Program, a crossreference utility program for the PET/CBM. Floppy disk, $29.95. Oppenheimer Software, 79th Street Boat Basin #39, New York, NY 10024.

Texas Instruments

Adventureland, an adventure-type game for the TI-99/4. Floppy disk, $29.95. Texas Instruments Inc., 13500 North Central Expressway, POB 225012, Dallas, TX 75265.

Car Wars, an arcade-type game for the TI-99/4. Command Module (i.e., ROM cartridge), $39.95. Texas Instruments Inc. (see address above).

The Count, an adventuretype game for the TI-99/4.

Floppy disk, $29.95. Texas Instruments Inc. (see address above).

Ghost Town, an adventure-type game for the TI-99/4. Floppy disk, $29.95. Texas Instruments Inc. (see address above).

Pirate Adventure, an adventure-type game for the TI-99/4. Floppy disk and Command Module (i.e., ROM cartridge), $29.95. Texas Instruments Inc. (see address above).

Pyramid of Doom, an adventure-type game for the TI-99/4. Floppy disk, $29.95. Texas Instruments Inc. (see address above).

TRS-80

Bisplan, a businessmodeling program for the TRS-80 Models I and III. Cassette, $20. Mariah Com

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May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 463

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ATARI 800 & 400

ATARI 800 (16K) 675

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810 DISK DRIVE 439

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ATARI WORD PROCESSOR 125

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Software Received.

puting, POB 513, Columbia, MO 65205.

DOSfix, a set of modifications for TRSDOS for the TRS-80 Models II and III. Floppy disk, $15 (Model II) and $10 (Model III). SnappWare, 3719 Mantell Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45236.

Macro-Mon, a machinelanguage utility program for the TRS-80 Models I and III. Cassette, $54.95; floppy disk, $59.95 (Model I) and $69.95 (Model III). Advanced Operating Systems, 450 St. John Rd., Michigan City, IN 46360.

Omniterm, a telecommunications software package for the TRS-80 Models I and III. Floppy disk, $95. Lindbergh Systems, 41 Fairhill Rd., Holden, MA 01520.

Rubik's Cube Coach, a simulator and solution for the Rubik's Cube puzzle for the TRS-80 Model I. Cassette, $14.95. H & S Computer Co., 1024 Alamosa Dr., Claremont, CA 91711.

Snapp-II, extended BASIC for the TRS-80 Models II and III. Floppy disk, $200 (Model II) and $125 (Model III). Snapp-Ware (see address above).

Snapp-III, language enhancements for the BASIC interpreter for the TRS-80 Models II and III. Floppy disk, $100 (Model II) and $75 (Model III). Snapp-Ware (see address above).

Snapp-IV, screen-manage

ment utilities for the TRS-80 Models II and III. Floppy disk, $100 (Model II) and $75 (Model III). Snapp-Ware (see address above).

Snapp-V, disk input/output file-management utilities for the TRS-80 Models II and III. Floppy disk, $75 (Model II) and $60 (Model III). Snapp-Ware (see address above).

Snapp-VI, a string spacemanagement utility for the TRS-80 Models II and III. Floppy disk, $100 (Model II) and $75 (Model III). SnappWare (see address above).

Snapp-VII, a reformatter for BASIC programs to increase readability for the TRS-80 Model III. Floppy disk, $40. Snapp-Ware (see address above).

Super Color Terminal, telecommunications software for the TRS-80 Color Computer. Cassette and floppy disk, $69.95. Nelson Software Systems, POB 19096, Minneapolis, MN 55419.

Time Quest, an adventuretype game for the TRS-80 Models I and III. Floppy disk, $24.95; cassette, $19.95. The Programmer's Guild, POB 66, Peterborough, NH 03458.

Other Computers Adventure A, an

adventure-type game for the Sinclair ZX80 and 81. Cassette, $19.95. Softsync, POB 480, Murray Hill Station, New York, NY 10156. ■

This is a list of software packages that have been received by BYTE Publications during the past month. The list is correct to the best of our knowledge, but it is not meant to be a full description of the product or the forms in which the product is available. In particular, some packages may be sold for several machines or in both cassette and floppy-disk format; the product listed here is the version received by BYTE Publications.

This is an all-inclusive list that makes no comment on the quality or usefulness of the software listed. We regret that we cannot review every software package we receive. Instead, this list is meant to be a monthly acknowledgment of these packages and the companies that sent them. All software received is considered to be on loan to BYTE and,is returned to the manufacturer after a set period of time. Companies sending software packages should be sure to include the list price of the packages and (where appropriate) the alternate forms in which they are available.

464 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 109 on inquiry card.

Programming PERT in BASIC

A method for planning complex activities where no precedents exist.

Steven Zimmerman

College of Business

and Management Studies

University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL 36688

Leo M. Conrad Imagineering Concepts

POB 9843 Mobile, AL 36691-0843

The Performance Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a powerful method of planning complex activities, especially pioneering projects like the creation of a new business or the development of a new machine. The innovative nature of these projects assures that few precedents exist to help estimate performance time.

PERT gives managers the tools to deal with uncertainty; PERT is management in action. It plans, schedules, and controls activity. Using PERT, contractors, builders, engineers, and businessmen can improve planning in the midst of uncertainty and save money as a result.

Until now, only large businesses with access to large computers could use PERT. The program in listing 1 brings PERT's power to microcomputer users. (Our article "Programming the Critical-Path Method in BASIC" in the July 1982 issue of BYTE will present the .Critical-Path Method, which places, greater emphasis on the trade-off between the time and the costs required to complete a project.)

Before presenting our program,

however, we'll give you a glimpse at PERT's history, briefly describe the nature of PERT analysis, suggest one possible PERT application for a manager, and examine the mathematics behind PERT.

The events that have

zero slack time form

the critical path.

Origins of PERT

PERT dates back to a team created by the Navy Special Projects Office, Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, and the management consulting firm of Booz, Allen, and Hamilton. Work during World War I on the Gannt scheduling chart and the Gannt milestone chart should also be noted because these precipitated the development of the network diagram (described later) used in PERT.

Managers of many different kinds of tasks have successfully applied PERT. One particularly spectacular result of the PERT approach is the

Polaris missile, which also occasioned PERT's development. (Lockheed Aircraft was the major contractor for Polaris.) Completion time was critical in the Polaris program, but there was considerable uncertainty about how long the required activities would take. Moreover, the start of many activities depended on the completion of others. These are the chief reasons why PERT employs a network scheme and focuses on the probability of various activities finishing at specified times.

The Start of PERT Analysis

PERT analysis begins by reducing a project description to a list of events and activities. An activity is a part of a project that consumes resources or time and has a definable beginning and end. An event is a point in time, an instant. The beginning and ending points of an activity are events. To apply PERT to a complex project, you must identify all the events needed to complete the project and all the activities that result in the identified events.

As an example, we'll use a simplified version of an actual conMay 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc 465

Letter

Activity

Beginning

End

Event

Event

A

assemble accounting data

1

2

B

look for bank

1

3

C

look for real-estate agent

1

4

Z

seek permits

2

7

D

make market study of area

2

3

G

look for contractor

2

5

F

seek insurance for construction

2

6

H

get basic architectural plans

3

5

E

make cost study

3

4

1

buy land

4

5

J

list materials

5

6

K

get more detailed architectural plans

5

7

L

have survey made

5

8

M

buy first batch of materials

6

8

0

buy second batch of materials

6

9

N

complete detailed internal layout of foundation

7

8

Q

hire crew

7

9

P

build foundation

8

9

Table 1: The activities required to build a foundation. The program in listing 1 uses the letters at left to identify the activities. The two columns at right list the first and last event during each activity. An event is the completion of one or more activities.

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struction project that we just completed. To simplify, we'll end our example with the completion of the building's foundation. We identified 18 activities needed to complete this foundation. Table 1 lists the activities, assigned letters A through Q and Z. Each of the nine events in the project consists of the completion of one or more activities.

The Bubble Diagram

The second stage in PERT analysis is the layout of a "bubble" diagram that shows how the necessary activities and events form a sequence of steps. Figure 1 is the bubble diagram of our foundation-building example. With or without PERT, specifying the sequence of a project's steps is obviously an important planning activity. Most contractors lay out the sequence of tasks in a project in some fashion, but PERT makes task sequencing a formal activity. Formalizing this process lends valuable structure to essential planning. In particular, making a bubble diagram forces the planner to specify which activities depend on the completion of others.

Diagrams like that shown in figure 1 are also called networks. A PERT network has one initial event, at the extreme left, and one terminal event, at the extreme right. The circles in figure 1 are numbered and represent events. The lines are lettered and represent activities; each line has an arrow indicating its direction in time from beginning to completion. The network as a whole shows the series of activities that must be performed to complete the project. The arrows show which activities and events logically precede others.

An event that results from completion of more than one activity is called a merge event; an event that represents the joint beginning of more than one activity is called a burst event. Before any activity can start, all preceding activities must be completed (but not all simultaneously). An arrow's length and its compass direction are insignificant.

Dashed lines in network diagrams represent "dummy" activities. A

466 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

Circle 186 on inquiry card.

CODE

Figure 1: The PERT network diagram of the activities required to build a foundation. Each circle represents an event and each line between circles represents one of the activities listed in table 1. The three numbers given for each activity represent human estimates of the optimistic (minimum), likely, and pessimistic (maximum) time in weeks that each activity will take. The network has one initial event, event 1 at the extreme left, and one terminal event, event 9 at the extreme right. The critical path is the one that takes the most time to get from event 1 to event 9.

dummy activity exists when the completion of one event depends on the completion of another but requires no additional work or activity. PERT handles dummy activities like any others but assigns the activity zero time and zero costs.

The Critical Path

The longest route from the beginning of the network on the left to its end on the right determines the time required to complete the project. This line is the critical path, which determines the minimum time required to complete a job. Although the concept of a critical path may sound complex, it is simple once you've laid a project out in a bubble diagram.

Critical-path analysis can reveal ways to shorten the critical path and to control the total length of a job. Because of the size of our computer, a TRS-80 Model I with 32K bytes of memory, we wrote a program that analyzes the critical path but does not attempt to shorten it.

Three Time Estimates

Along each activity line in figure 1, you see three decimal numbers. Each

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The solution that beats the system

number represents a time expressed in weeks (though you could use any unit of time if you used the same unit for all items). The first of the three numbers represents the optimistic (minimum) estimated time required to complete the activity that the line represents; the second number represents the time that you expect will be required to complete the activity (the likely time); the third number represents the pessimistic (maximum) time, or the time the activity may require if everything goes wrong.

An example will clarify this. Line A in figure 1 connects event 1 to event 2. Line A stands for the activity of gathering and organizing the required accounting data. Event 2 is the completion of the accounting papers needed for construction of our foundation. The minimum time required for line A is estimated at one week, the likely time at two weeks, and the maximum time at three weeks; so the three values 1, 2, 3 are written on line A.

One reason PERT requires these three time estimates is that, as noted earlier, PERT originates from a research project. Since most research project activities are unprecedented, planners can't make a single, accurate estimate of the time each activity requires. The three estimated times are the basis for a statistical estimate of the probability of completing a project or an activity by any given time.

Applying PERT

Applying PERT is simple. A manager who can identify a project's critical path can control time and costs by concentrating on activities along the critical path. If an activity not on the critical path slips behind schedule, the slippage will not usually affect the time required to complete the entire project (although the slippage can hurt if the critical path shifts). Should an activity on the critical path slip, however, the time required to complete the project will increase and the project may be in trouble.

One obvious application of PERT is in making decisions about authorizing overtime on a specific activity. If

Text continued on page 473

468 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 359 on inquiry card.

Listing 1: A program for PERT. Written in TRS-80 Level II Basic, the program asks a list of the activities in a project, the beginning and ending events of each activity, and estimates of the optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic durations of each activity. The program then uses statistical methods to find the critical path of the project, the time required to complete the critical path, and the probability of completing the project by any scheduled completion time.

10 CLEAR 1000:CLS:REM "PERt"

20 PRINT"PERT/CRITICAL PATH SCHEDULING PROGRAM"

30 PRINT"DEVELOPED BY STEVEN M. ZIMMERMAN,PH.D. S< LEO M. CONRAD 19BO"

40 INPUT-DISK SYSTEM OR LEVEL II BASIC (D/B)";S*

50 PRINT:PRINT"*** NOTE BEGINNING EVENTS WILL BE SORTED INTO NUMBERICAL ORDER *'

: INPUT"DIMENSION FOR ACTIVITIES" ; D7.: PRINT SO DIM A*<D7.,2) , A<D7., 11) ,SV<11)

70 PRINT"INPUT MENU"

80 PRINT" K KEYBOARD"

90 PRINT" D DISK FILE"

IOO PRINT" R READ STATEMENT"

HO PRINT" Tl TAPE RECORDER tt-1"

120 PRINT" T2 TAPE RECORDER #-2"

130 INPUT"SELECTION"; IO*

140 IFIO*<>"K"THEN 220

ISO INPUT "NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES" ; M7-: EE=C

160 PRINT"THIS IS GOING TO BE WORK YOU MUST NOW INPUT UP TO " ;M7.;" AC

TIVITIES"

170 FOR 1 = 1 TO M7.

1BO INPUT"ACTIVITY CODE ";A*<I,1)

190 INPUT"DESCRIPTION, BEGINING EVENT NUMBER, END EVENT NUMBER, MOST OPTIMISTIC TIME, MOST LIKELY TIME AND MOST PESSIMISTIC TIME";At(I,2),A(I,1),A(I,2),A(I,3),A

<I,4),A(I,5) 200 NEXTI 210 G0T0480

220 IFI0*="T1"ORI0*="T2"THEN23G ELSE330

230 PRINT-SETUP TAPE #-";I0&;" TO PLAY":REM TAPE INPUT 240 IF S*="D"CMD"T" 250 IFIO*="Tl"INPUT#-l,M7.,EE 260 IFIO*="T2"INPUT#-2,M7.,EE 270 FORI = lTOM7.

2BO IFIO*="Tl"INPUT#-1,A*(I,1),A*(I,2):INPUT#-1,A(I,1),A<I,2),A(I,3),A(I,4),A(I, 5)

290 IFIO*="T2"INPUT#-2,A*(I,1),A*(I,2):INPUT#-2,A(I,1),A(I,2),A<I,3),A(I,4),A<I, 5)

300 NEXTI

310 IFS*="D"CMD"R" 320 G0T0480 330 IFIO*0"D"THEN420

340 LINEINPUT"NAME OF FILE:DISK ";B*:REM DISK INPUT 350 OPEN"I",1,B* 360 INPUT#1.M7.,EE 370 FORI = lTOM7.

380 INPUT#1,A*(I,1),A*<I,2),A<I,1),A<I,2),A<I,3),A(I,4),A<I,5) 390 NEXTI 400 CLOSE1 410 G0T0480 420 IFIO*0"R"THEN70 430 READM7.,EE

440 FORI = lTOM7.: REM READ INPUT

450 READA*<I,1),A*(I,2),A(I,1),A<I,2),A<I,3),A(I,4),A(I,5) 460 IFA*(I,1)="END"THEN480 470 NEXTI

480 REM PRINTS INPUT DATA FOR VERIFICATION 490 M=M7.: TP=0 : FOR I = lTOM:IFA(I,2) >TPTHENTP=A (1,2) 495 NEXT:EE=TP 500 FORI=1TOM-1 51O FORJ=I+lTOM 520 IFA(I,1X=A<J,1) THEN550 listing, 1 continued on page 470

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 469

Listing 1 continued:

530 F0RK=1T011:SV<K)=A<I,K):A(I,K>=A<J,K): A < J , K> =SV (K):NEXTK

540 F0RK=1T02:SV«(K> =A* <I,K):A* <I,K)=A* <J,K):A*<J,K)=SV*(K):NEXTK

550 NEXTJ,I

560 XX=5:PRINT"VERIFICATION OF INPUT"

570 Z1*="C0DE DESCRIPTION EXPECTED EARLY EARLY LAST LAST SLACK"

580 Z2*=" TIME START FIN START FIN TIME"

590 Z3*="C0DE DESCRIPTION BEGIN END OPTIMIST LIKELY PESSI"

600 Z4*=" EVENT EVENT TIME TIME TIME"

610 PRINVNO ";Z3*

620 PRINT" ";Z4*

630 K=0

640 C4*="### "

650 FORI = lTOM7.

660 PRINTUSINGC4*;I;

670 Cl*=" #*#* "

680 C2*="7. V. 7. 7.":C3*=" *###.#« "

690 PRINTUSINGC2J;A*(I,1),A*(I,2);

7O0 F0RJ=1T02

710 PRINTUSINGC1*;A<I,J);:NEXTJ

720 F0RJ=3T05

730 PRINTUSINGC3*;A(I,J);:NEXTJ

740 K=K+1:IFK>=13 THENPRINT:INPUT"ENTER TO PAGE";DU*:K=0

750 PRINT:NEXTI

760 INPUT"-2 TO ADD, -1 TO CONTINUE OR NUMBER TO CHANGE";L:IFL=-1THEN810

770 IFLO-2THEN790

780 L=M7.+1 : M7.=L: N7.=N7.+1

790 INPUT"INPUT CODE, DESCRIPTION, BEGINNING EVENT NUMBER, END EVENT NUMBER

, MOST OPTIMISTIC TIME, MOST LIKELY TIME AND THE MOST PESSIMISTIC TIME";A*(L

,1),A*(L,2),A(L,1),A(L,2),A<L,3),A(L,4),A(L,5)

800 G0T0480

810 INPUT"HARD COPY OF INPUT DATA (Y/N)";P*

820 IFP*O"Y"THEN960

830 INPUT-TITLE";T*:LPRINT"TITLE: " ; T*

840 INPUT"DATE";T*:LPRINT"DATE: ";T»

850 LPRINT"NO " ; Z3*

860 LPRINT" ";Z4«

870 FORI = lTOM7.

880 LPRINTUSINGC4*; I;

890 LPRINTUSINGC2*;A*(I,1),A*(I,2);

900 FORJ=lT02

910 LPRINTUSINGC1*;A(I,J);sNEXTJ

920 F0RJ=3T05

930 LPRINTUSINGC3»;A<I,J);:NEXTJ

940 LPRINT" "

950 NEXTI

960 REM NOW THE WORK BEGINS BEGINNING EVENT IS 1 EARLY START =0 FOWARD PASS

970 FORI = lTOM7.

980 A(I,6)=(A(I,3)+4*A(I,4)+A(I,5))/6

990 IFA(I,1)=1THENA(I,7)=0:A<I,8)=A<I,6):G0T01070

lOOO MAX=0.0

1010 FORJ = lTOM7.

1020 IFA(J,2)OA(I, DTHEN1050

1030 IFA(J,8)>MAXTHENMAX=A(J,8)

1040 A(I,7)=MAX

1050 NEXTJ

1060 A(I,8)=A(I,7)+A(I,6>

1070 NEXTI

1080 REM BACKWARD PASS

1090 XM=0.0

1100 F0RI=M7.T01STEP-1

1110 IFA(I,2)OEETHEN1130

1120 IFXM<A(I,8)THENXM=A(I,8)

1130 NEXTI

1 140 FOR I =M7.TO 1 STEP-1

1150 IFA(I,2)=EETHENA<I,10)=XM:G0T01220

470 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 1 continued:

1160

1170

11 BO

1190

1200

1210

1220

1230

1240

1250

1260

1270

1280

1290

1300

1310

1320

1330

1340

1350

1360

1370

1380

1390

1400

1410

1420

1430

1440

1450

1460

1470

1480

1490

1500

1510

1520

1530

1540

1550

BED

1560

1570

15BO

1590

(USE

1600

1610

MIM=99999

F0RJ=M7.T01STEP-1

IFA(I,2)OA(J, DTHEN1210

IFA<J,9)<MIMTHENMIM=A(J, 9)

Ad,10)=MIM

NEXT J

A(I,9)=A(I,10)-A(I,6)

NEXTI

REM SLACK VARIABLE CALCULATIONS

FORI = lTOM7.

A(I,11)=A(I,10)-A(I,8)

NEXTI

K=0:REM PRINT OUTPUT

PRINT"CODE DESCRIPTION EXPECTED

PRINT" TIME

C5*=" ###.»#"

FORI = lTOM7.

PRINTUSIN6C2*;A*(I,1),A*(I,2);

FORJ=6TOH

PRINTUSIN6C5*;A(I,J);:NEXTJ

PRINT:K=K+1:IFK=13INPUT"ENTER TO

NEXTI

INPUT-HARD COPY OF RESULTS (Y/N)

LPRINT" ":LPRINTZ1*:LPRINTZ2*

FORI = lTOM7.

LFRINTUSIN6C2*;A*(I,1),A*(I,2);

FORJ=6TOH

LPRINTUSINSC3*;A<I,J);:NEXTJ

LPRINT" ":NEXTI

PRINT"OUTPUT MENU"

CRITICAL

EARLY START

EARLY FIN

LAST START

LAST FIN

SLACK TIME"

PA6E";DU*:K=0

; P*: IFP*<>"Y"THEN1450

PRINT" PRINT" PRINT" PRINT" PRINT" INPUT"

C

D

E

R

Tl

T2

PATH AND TIME"

DISK" ENDRECYCLE" TAPE#-1" TAPE#-2

I FOPtO " C " THEN 1690

REM IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL

CO=0:PATH*=" ":SI=0

FOR 1 = 1 TOM7.: IFA (1, 11) >0. OOOO1 THEN 1570

SELECTION ";OP*:IFOP*="R"THEN4BO PATH AND COSTS

REM NOTE >0 SHOULD WORK BUT .OOOOl LI

CO=CO+A<I,6):PATH*=PATH*+" "+A*(I,1):SI=SI+((A(I,3)-A(I,5))/6)C2

NEXTI:C6*="8S#,###,tttttt.##":SI=SOR(SI)

CLS:PRINT-CRITICAL PATH":PRINTPATH*:PRINT

PRINT-TIME OF CRITICAL PATH":PRINTUSINGC6*;CO:INPUT-SCHEDULED PROJECT TIME

SAME TIME UNITS AS DATA)";ST:Z=<ST-CO)/SI:XX=0

BB*="PROBABILITY OF BEING COMPLETED ON TIME":IFZ<0THEN1640

A=.4361836:6=-.1201676:C=.937298:D=(2.7182818C(-ZC2/2))*(2*3.1415926)C(-.5) :E=(1+.3326*Z)C(-1):P=1.-D*(A*E+B*EC2+C*EC3):IFXX>0THEN1630 :REM TAYLOR SERIES 1620 PRINT"Z= ";Z,BB*;P:B0T01650

PRINT"Z= ";-Z,BB*;1-P:B0T01650

XX=99:Z=-Z:B0T01610

INPUT-HARD COPY (Y/N) " ; P*: IFP*O"Y"THEN1450

LPRINT" ":LPRINT"CRITICAL PATH":LPRINT PATH*:LPRINT" ":LPRINT"SCHEDULED PRO

TIME IS ";ST

LPRINT-TIME OF CRITICAL PATH":LPRINTUSINSC6*;CO:IFXX=OLPRINT"Z= ";Z,BB*;P:B 0T01450 16BO LPRINT"Z= ";-Z,BB*;1-P:E0T01450

IFOP*="E"THENEND

IFOP*< >"D"THEN1750

LINEINPUT"NAME OF FILE:DISK ";X*:OPEN"0",1,X*

FRINTttl,M7.,EE

FORI = lTOM7.:PRINTttl,CHR*(34) ; A* < 1, 1) ;CHR*(34) ; " A(I,1);A(I,2);A(I,3);A(I,4);A(I,5):NEXTI 1740 CL0SE1:B0T01450

Listing 1 continued on page 472

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 471

1630 1640 1650 1660 JECT 1670

1690 1700 1710 1720

1730

;CHR*(34);A*(I,2);CHR*(34)

Listing 1 continued:

1),A*<I,2):FRINT#-1,A(I,1 1),A*<I,2):PRINT#-2,A(I,1

1750 IFS*="D"THENCMD,,T"

1760 IF0P*="T1"PRINT*-1, MX, EE: FORI = lTOM7.: PRINT*-1 , A* (I,

),A<I,2),A(I,3),A<I,4),A(I,5>:NEXTI

1770 iFOP*="T2"PRINT#-2,M7.,EE:FORI = lTOM7.:PRINT#-2,A*(I,

>,A<I,2),A<I,3),A<I.4),A<I,5>:NEXTI

1780 IFS*="D"THENCMD,,R"

1790 G0T01450

1800 REM PUT DATA HERE FIRST # ACTIVITIES THEN ENDING EVENT NUMBER THEN CODE,

DESCRIPTION,BESINNINS EVENT, ENDING EVENT, OPT. TIME, LIKELY TIME, PESS. TIME FO

R EACH ACTIVITY.

1810 DATA18,9

1820 DATA A,ACCT. PAPERS,1,2,1,2,3

1830 DATA Z,PERMITS,2,7,4,5,8

,3,2,4,6 1,4,2,13,17

,3,2,4,5 1.4,2.2,6.7 4, 1.3, 1.5

,2,4,6

1840 DATA B,SHOP BANKERS,1, 1850 DATA C,SHOP REAL EST., 1860 DATA D,MARKET STUDY,2, 1870 DATA B,CONTRACTOR,2,5, 1880 DATA F,INSURANCE,2,6,. 1890 DATA H,ART. PLANS,3,5, 1900 DATA E,COST STUDY,3,4,3,4,5 1910 DATA I,LAND,4,5,8,11,13 1920 DATA J,MATERIAL,5,6,2,3,4 1930 DATA K,PLANS,5,7,2,5,12 1940 DATA L,SURVEY,5,8,1,2,4 1950 DATA M,BUY MAT #1,6,8,2,3,4 1960 DATA 0,BUY MAT #2,6,9,1,2,5 1970 DATA N,LAYOUT,7,8,9,11,12 1980 DATA P,FOUNDATION,8,9,1,3,6 1990 DATA Q,HIRE CREW 2,7,9,1,2,3

MICROSTAT™ Release 2.0

r i £ A** Just some of the new features of Microstat Rel. 2.0 inelude: new programs for moments about the mean, skewness, kurtosis and stepwise multiple regression, longer file names, faster sort routine, the ability to declare each data file's numeric precision and drive location plus an expanded user's manual with new appendices for the equations and file structures used in Microstat. Also included is a Data Management Subsystem for file maintenance (edit, list, destroy, augment, sort, rank-order, move and merge) plus transformations (add, subtract, multiply, divide, reciprocal, log, natural log and antilog, exponentiation and linear) that allow you to create new variables from existing variables.

After file creation with DMS, programs for analysis include: Descriptive statistics, Hypothesis testing (mean and proportion), ANOVA (one-way, two-way, and random blocks), Scatterplots, Frequency distributions. Correlation analysis. Simple, Multiple and Stepwise Multiple Regression (including files larger than available memory), Time series, 11 Nonparametric tests, 8 Probability distributions, Crosstabs and Chi-square, Combinations, Permutations and Factorials (up to one million factorial). All program output is neatly formatted for easy use.

The price for Microstat Rel. 2.0 is $295.00 and the user's manual is available for $25.00 (credited towards purchase) and includes sample printouts with file tables that reference standard statistical texts and journals so you can compare the results from Microstat to those produced on much larger systems. Compare Microstat to any other package on the market and we think you'll agree that Microstat is the best at any price.

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472 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 151 on inquiry card.

Circle 156 on Inquiry card.

Text continued from page 468:

the activity is not on the critical path, a manager's decision to authorize expenditures for overtime would be foolish and wasteful. All activities not on the critical path have "slack time," the difference between the earliest and latest expected finish. By definition, only the activities on the critical path have zero slack time. We'll elaborate later.

Our PERT Program

Our PERT program is shown in listing 1. A dimension (DIM) statement at line 60 provides places to store data on activities. The same DIM statement also provides storage for a dummy variable, SV, to be used later during sorts.

On a system with 32K bytes of memory and two disk drives, our program can handle more than 200 activities. We have yet to need more than 100 activities. Your machine's memory capacity and the limits of your DIM statement will determine the size of the problem that our program can handle for you. You can find the limits by experimentation.

One way to save memory is to carefully omit remark (REM) statements. We used REM statements to index some of our GOTO statements; you must send the GOTO

Circle 449 on inquiry card.

to the line following any REM statement you drop. Another approach divides the problem into subproblems and treats each subproblem separately. If you can't reduce the problem's memory demands, you can always use the PERT program to determine how to obtain a machine with 48K bytes of memory.

As noted before, the critical path consists of a series of activities that have zero slack time. To find the critical path, you must identify activities that have zero slack time. The program output, consisting of two tables, is designed to identify these activities.

The first table (see listing 2) shows the program's input, listing all the activities in the project, their beginning and ending events, and the three estimates of the time each activity requires. You should check your input whenever you use this program, because otherwise you may get crazy results.

The second table (see listing 3) is the program's output. Notice the last column, "Slack Time." Zeros in this column identify the critical path. You can, of course, trace the activities in the critical path by looking in the first column, "Code," for each activity with zero slack time. But our pro

Listing 2: A printout of the input for the PERT program sample run shown in listing 1. Input includes the beginning and ending event of each activity and three estimates of the time each activity requires.

TITLE: SAMPLE PROBLEM DATE: 01/19/81

NO CODE DESCRIPTION BEGIN

EVENT

END [VENT

1 2 3 4

s

b 7 8

y

18

11 12 13

14 15

lb 17

18

FlCCT. PfiPE SHOP BflNKE SHOP REHL PERMITS

MARKET STU

CONTRACTOR INSURANCE ART. PLANS

COST STUDV LAND

MATERIAL

PLANS SURVEY

BUY MAT #1 BUY MAT #2

LAYOUT HIRE CREW

FOUNDATION

1 1

1

5

5

9

3

OPT IMIi TIME

1. 88

2. 00 2. 00 4. 00

2. 00

1. 40 8. 40

2. 00

3. 00

8. 88

2. 00 2. 00

1. 00

2. 00 1. 00

00 00

1. 00

LIKELY

TIME 2. 00 4. 00

00 00

PESSI TIME

13. 4.

1.

4.

9

I.

00

20 30

00

4. 00 11. 00

3. 00

5. 00

2. 00

3. 00 2. 00

11. 00

2. 00

3. 00

17

ay

00

00

8. 00

5. 00

6. 70 1. 50

b. 00

5. 00 13. 00

4. 00 12. 00

4. 88

4. 00

5. 00

12. 00 3. 00

b. 00

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gram also provides a menu option C CRITICAL PATH AND TIME, which prints both the critical path and the time required to complete it. A word of caution about using the program: round-off problems in cal

PERT and CPM

The Performance Review and Evaluation Technique (PERT) and the Critical-Path Method (CPM) are managerial tools that emerged in the late 1950s. Both PERT and CPM rely on network diagrams to analyze projects. PERT was developed to guide the management of complex research and development projects.

By their nature, such projects have no precedents to guide planners in estimating how long each activity in a project will take. Planners must resort to statistical methods to estimate actual performance time. PERT's developers wanted to know how long a project could be expected to last and, given a scheduled completion date, what probability there was of actually meeting the date.

CPM, on the other hand, was developed by duPont and Remington Rand Univac to determine how time required for routine construction and maintenance can be reduced. Here experience can serve as a guide for estimating the time required for each activity in a project. CPM assumes these are reliable estimates and concentrates on determining the optimal trade-off of total time required for a project and the total cost of a project. Rather than asking how long the project will probably take or what chance there is of meeting a schedule, CPM seeks to determine a project schedule to minimize direct and indirect costs. (An example of an indirect cost is production time lost while a manufacturing plant closes for maintenance.)

An article entitled "Programming the Critical-Path Method in BASIC" by Dr. Zimmerman and Mr. Conrad will appear in the July issue of BYTE. That article will use the same construction project that appears as a sample case in this article. Although the routine character of the project makes it better suited to analysis by CPM than by PERT, the authors chose to use the same example for both articles to show the similarities and contrasts between the two managerial techniques. . . . P.L.

474 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

Circle 289 on inquiry card.

culating the critical path forced us to define zero slack time as 0.00001 instead of true zero. Where small differences are important, this approximation of zero can cause problems. The value 0.00001 is entered at line 1550; perhaps you can change the value to true zero for some of your applications. Furthermore, since we used statistical methods to determine the probability of a project's being

completed on time, given a scheduled completion date, you should remember that data generated by the program is based on estimates and is itself an estimate.

Running the Program

The easiest way to input data is to use DATA statements at the end of the program. Entering data from the keyboard takes time and increases the

number of errors. The following description of a program run assumes that DATA statements were used for input.

The data needed (see listing 2) include the name of each activity, its beginning and ending events, and the optimistic, likely, and pessimistic estimates of the activity's length.

Whether you input data from DATA statements or the keyboard,

Listing 3: Output of the PERT program sample run in listing 1. Activities on the critical path are identified by zero slack time (shown in column on far right), where slack time is the difference between earliest (column 5) and lastest (column 7) expected finish. The program has printed the critical path, CI KN P, the project's expected duration (42.3333 weeks), and the probabilities of project completion in 35 weeks and 50 weeks.

CODE

DESCRIPTION

EXPECTED

EARLY

EARLY

LAS"

r

LAST

SLACK

TIME

START

FIN

START

FIN

TIME

fl

ACCT. PAPE

2. 00

0.

00

2

00

2.

00

4.

00

2. 00

6

SHOP BflNKE

4. 00

0.

00

4.

00

3.

82

7.

83

2. 82

C

SHOP REAL

11. 82

0.

00

11.

82

0.

00

11.

83

0. 00

Z

PERMITS

5. 22

2.

00

7.

ss

22.

00

28.

33

21. 00

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CRITICAL PATH C I K N P

SCHEDULED PROJECT TIME IS 42. 3322 TIME OF CRITICAL PATH

42. 33 Z= 0 PROBABILITY OF BEING COMPLETED ON TIME .5

CRITICAL PATH C I K N P

SCHEDULED PROJECT TIME IS 35 TIME OF CRITICAL PATH

42. 32 2= -2. 24527 PROBABILITY OF BEING COMPLETED ON TIME . 0122852

CRITICAL PATH C I K N P

SCHEDULED PROJECT TIME IS 50 TIME OF CRITICAL PATH

42. 22 Z= 2. 24742

PROBABILITY OF BEING COMPLETED ON TIME . 990536

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 475

Circle 88 on inquiry card.

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PROGRAM NAMF COMPUTFR

NAMF PHONF #

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V ACCOUNT *

FXP DATF

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the program begins by giving an identification message and then asks:

DISK SYSTEM OR LEVEL II BASIC (D/B)7

Our example will work the same way whichever answer you give. The program next asks the number of activities, using the answer as the basis for a dimension statement. As noted earlier, you must have enough memory to dimension the number of activities in your project.

The program presents the message:

*** NOTE BEGINNING EVENTS WILL BE SORTED INTO NUMERICAL ORDER *

when asking

DIMENSION FOR ACTIVITIES?_

As you see in listing 2, events are arranged according to the earliest starting event in each activity, and ties are broken by reference to the earliest ending event for each activity.

Now the program presents the input menu:

INPUT MENU K KEYBOARD D DISK FILE R READ STATEMENT Tl TAPERECORDER#-l T2 TAPERECORDER#-2

SELECTION7_

Option R causes the program to read DATA statements at the end of the program. After a brief delay, the program will display for verification the input that was read.

The video display of the input will look slightly different than the table in listing 2 because of differences in the screen and printer sizes. If a single screen won't accommodate all the input, the program will ask you to page through.

After listing all the input, the program will say:

-2 ADD, -1 TO CONTINUE OR NUMBER TO CHANGE7_

The number referred to is the number

476 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 68 on Inquiry card.

Circle 366 on inquiry card.

of any activity that you wish to change. Assuming you want to continue and enter —1, the program will ask:

HARD COPY OF INPUT DATA (Y/N)?_

If you request hard copy, the program will ask

TITLE?_ DATE?_

and will print your responses at the top of the page. Our sample set of data used the title SAMPLE PROBLEM and the date 01/19/81.

After the input is printed, the screen will display the results, as shown in listing 3. For each activity, you will see computations of how long it should be expected to take, the earliest week it can start, the earliest week it can finish, the last week it can start, the last week it can finish, and the slack time (the difference between the earliest and latest possible finish). You may have to page through a screen display of this data. The program will again ask if you want hard copy.

Then you will see:

OUTPUT MENU C CRITICAL PATH AND

TIME D DISK E END R RECYCLE Tl TAPE#-1 T2 TAPE#-2

SELECTION?_

Option C, for our example, results in a display like the following:

CRITICAL PATH

C I K N P

TIME OF CRITICAL PATH

42.33

SCHEDULED PROJECT TIME

(USE SAME TIME UNITS AS

DATA)?_

For our example, the critical path consists of shopping for a real-estate agent, obtaining land, getting architectural plans, getting a detailed

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Circle 115 on Inquiry card.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 477

layout for construction, and actually building the foundation. The time of the critical path is expected to be 42.33 weeks.

You can now input the scheduled time for the project, and the program will use the Z calculations explained in the textbox "A Glance at the Mathematics of PERT" to tell you the probability of meeting the schedule.

As shown in listing 3, there is a 0.0123852 probability of finishing in 35 weeks and a 0.990536 probability of finishing in 50 weeks. As noted earlier, there is also a 0.500 probability of finishing in the expected time of the critical path—42.33 weeks.

Conclusion

If you need help planning and

scheduling complex projects, our PERT program can provide it. You can use it without knowing how to perform the calculations involved. Although we repeat our caution about relying on estimate-based estimates, we still believe PERT has proved itself a valuable managerial tool and that our program accurately represents PERT.B

A Glance at the Mathematics of PERT

The mathematics of PERT involves some interesting statistical concepts. You don't have to understand the mathematics to use PERT, but it helps you to understand how our program works.

First, we must refresh your recollection of some basic statistical terms. The mean of a set of occurrences of some variable is the arithmetic average of the values of the occurences; the standard deviation shows the variability of occurrences from the mean (more precisely, the standard deviation is the square root of the mean of the squares of the deviations of individual occurrences from the mean); the variance is the square of the standard deviation.

For example, if we have three values 9, 12, and 15, their mean is 36/3 = 12, their variance is

(9-12)2 + (12-12? + (15-12)2 = 18

deviation is the which is approx

and the standard square root of 18, imately 4.24.

It is a common statistical assumption that the standard deviation in unimodal distributions (distributions that have only a single most-likelyoccurring value) is roughly a sixth of the range of distribution. The basis for this estimate is the fact that 89 percent or more of any distribution lies within three standard deviations of the mean; and for the normal distribution, 99.7 percent of the distribution lies within

R three standard deviations of the mean. Since we have estimates of the minimum time a and the maximum time b required to complete an activi

Pty, we have established an estimated range of actual times. We can estimate the standard deviation of the actual time as:

(b-a)

Since PERT assumes that chance, or random, factors will influence the actual time needed to complete an activity, we can expect the actual times to be distributed along some curve. PERT assumes that the mean actual time will follow the distribution known as the beta distribution, which is contained in a finite interval and may be either symmetric or skewed. Our most likely time of completion m is the mode of the curve for each activity. The following equation, based on the assumption that our formula for the standard deviation is correct, is a linear approximation of the value of the expected value, EV, of the mean time:

EV=

(a + AXm + b)

As you can see, this is just a weighted average, counting the minimum and the maximum each once and the mode four times, then dividing the total by six. On line 980 of listing 1, the same equation is expressed as:

A(I,6) = (A(l,3) + 4*A(l,4) + A(l,5))/6

The following equation gives the variance of the beta distribution for each activity:

VAR = ((b-a)/6)2

For each activity, the program applies the statistical principles described above and calculates the time the activity should last, the earliest time at which it can start, the earliest finish, the latest start, and the latest finish. Calculation of the earliest start and finish times is called the "forward pass" and takes place in our program at lines 960 through 1070. Calculation of the latest start and finish is called the "backward pass" and takes place at lines 1080 through 1230.

The difference between the earliest and latest projected finish for each activity is called "slack time." At lines 1240 through 1270, the program calculates slack time for each activity. The events that have zero slack time form the critical path.

To obtain the approximate variance for the critical path, add the variances of the activities on the path:

VAR(Path) - VAR(l) + VARQ) . . . + VAR(n)

It happens that the Central Limit theorem enables us, based on the foregoing, to assume that the distribution of the time required to complete the critical path is normal. Based on this assumption, we can calculate the probability of the project's being on time, given some specified target completion time. The calculation's basis is the deviation of the scheduled completion time from the estimated mean completion time, with the deviation measured in units of standard deviations. This deviation is called Z. The Z calculation for the standard normal table is:

, scheduled time of

V time — critical path)

VAR(path)

Rather than require you to use normal tables with our program, we have built in a Taylor series to approximate the tables. (A Taylor series is a power series that gives the expansion of a function f(x) in the neighborhood of a point a, provided all derivatives exist and the series converges.) The Taylor series is located at line 1600 and following in our program.

The expected time of the critical path is the sum of the expected times of all the activities on the path. If the scheduled time of the project equals the expected time of the critical path, you have a 50 percent chance of completing the project on time.

478 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

CP/M, Your Time Has Come

A real-time clock for the most popular microcomputer operating system.

J. L. Calaway and B. Hill

c/o Teleshows Inc.

6842 Ranchito Ave.

Van Nuys, CA 91405

Have you ever looked with envy at big computers that have built-in, real-time clocks? If so, this project may be for you. We had a business program that required such a clock, but the application neither warranted the expense of a clock board nor required split-second accuracy. We needed a time-of-day reference rather than a precise generator of program interrupts and we needed to be able to access the clock and print the time from either the operating system or a BASIC program. We wanted something like the clock in Digital Research's MP/M, but we also wanted our clock to work with earlier versions of CP/M.

The project turned out to be reasonably easy to implement in both hardware and software. Anyone running CP/M with a disk drive and a Z80 or 8080 processor can have a clock like ours with little difficulty. The part of the project that requires the most care is integrating the software into the existing CP/M system. If you're rusty at using CP/M's DDT (debugger), ED (editor), and ASSEMBLER programs, here is a chance to practice on a worthwhile project.

Building the Clock Hardware

Figure 1 shows all the hardware we need. The unregulated +8 V power bus in most computers has a lot of 120-cycle ripple riding on top. We differentiate this ripple with a condenser (Cl) and a resistor (Rl). By

About the Authors

Jack Calaway is an engineering consultant specializing in hardware and software systems for the television post-production industry. He is interested in computer languages and flying. His computer equipment consists of a mature 5-100 system with four disk drives, a line printer and several types of processors, including Intel 8080, Zilog Z80, Motorola 6800, and Intel 8088.

Ben Hill is president of Teleshows Inc, which provides television production services to the industry. He is interested in music and photography and has a special interest in business applications for computers. His equipment is a three-disk S-100 system with a Perkin-Elmer OWL terminal and a Diablo printer.

feeding the result into a high-gain LM324 operational amplifier (ICl), wired as a comparator, we get a 120-cycle pulse output. (The output isn't quite symmetrical, but that's not a problem in this application.)

Now that we have pulses to count, the rest of the hardware is easy. The 7490 (IC2) is used as a divide-by-10 counter, and its output feeds the 7492 (IC3), which is connected as a divide-by-12. The result: a divide-by-120 and one pulse per second on the output of the counter chain. Thanks to your friendly utility company, the pulse is accurate to 0.05%.

This one-second pulse is now fed to a 7400 NAND gate (IC4). Two of the gates in this device are connected as a familiar set/reset latch. Another gate is used to invert the processor interrupt-acknowledge pulse (SINTA, pin 96 on the S-100 bus). The diode on the POC (power-on clear) line (pin 99 on the S-100 bus) allows setting the latch on power-up but prevents the acknowledge pulse from feeding back down the POC line. Since the count pulse is too wide, we differentiate it with a condenser (C2) and a resistor (R2) and then feed it to pin 5 of IC4. The output of the latch (pin 3) is fed to the PINT (processor-interrupt) line (pin 73 on the S-100 bus). In operation, the clock pulse triggers the latch and PINT goes low. It stays low until the processor acknowledges the interrupt via SINTA and again presets the latch.

We could use a faster pulse time, but it would complicate the project. Each disk access by a running program will disable the interrupts. If clock pulses came in at a faster rate—say 60 times a second—then some method would have to be devised to keep track of those pulses occurring during disk access. Otherwise the pulses that occurred while the interrupts were disabled would be lost and the clock would lose time. Fortunately, disk-access times are usually less than 1 second. Since the latch will hold the clock request that long, the processor will recognize the clock pulse when the disk controller turns the interrupts back on.

The switch on the PINT line is there so that you can disable the clock. Some programs enable interrupts. DDT

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 479

is an example. Since DDT uses the same restart instruction as the clock program (RST.7), you must disable the clock to prevent mutual interference whenever you use DDT. Furthermore, if you use interrupts in your system, you won't be able to use the hardware described here.

You can construct the circuit using space on one of your boards or on a piece of perf-board. The layout is not critical. You can use either wire-wrap or point-to-point wiring with solder. When you complete your board, check for a one-second pulse at pin 3 of the 7400. If you have it, your clock hardware is working properly.

If you have a listing of your BIOS, now is the time to dust it off and use it. If you don't have a listing, get the name of your BIOS file from your system manual and print a listing to use as a reference while implementing this clock. You can print the listing by using the TYPE command on the ASM file that contains the BIOS or on the PRN file produced by assembling the file.

Note that some of the file names used in this article may not match the names used in your system. To prevent confusion, we describe file references as fully as possible.

Clock Software

The clock software consists of four parts:

• code that establishes an area in memory to act as a communications link between the BIOS (basic input/output system) and the clock program on disk

• a program that controls, sets, and reads the clock

• modifications in the BIOS to prepare it for handling the clock-generated interrupts

• code that adds BIOS to the clock routines that are accessed during each interrupt to update the time

Establishing a Communications Area

There are 16 unused bytes in CP/M's BIOS, starting at address 40 hexadecimal. We will use 7 bytes of this for our communications area. But first, look at the EQUATES or SYMBOL TABLE section at the beginning of your freshly printed BIOS. See if any of the labels or equate statements use address 40. If none does, then you are free to use any of those 16 bytes. If some of the locations are used, don't write over them or you will "clobber" your operating system. Instead, pick another location. The CP/M manual lists the addresses that are free in low memory. Look in the section called the CP/M

Number

Type

SINTA

+ 5V

GND

Figure 1: The hardware required to generate the clock interrupts for the CP/M clock programs. This design uses the inherent stability of the AC line to generate accurately timed pulses. The LM324 sees the few hundred millivolts of AC ripple riding on top of the computer's + 8 V supply and makes a pulse out of it. Using this approach makes it unnecessary to bring AC into the board. The counters divide the pulse down to one per second.

480 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Alteration Guide, under the heading "Reserved Locations in Page Zero."

You don't have to use the locations at 0040 hexadecimal, or even low memory for that matter. You can use any location that isn't reserved by CP/M. If you decide to use a high-memory location (i.e., above the BIOS), remember that you will have to change the addresses of all programs that use the clock whenever the size of the CP/M system is changed. Also, whatever location you do choose will become the value to be used in the TIME program equate: BASE.

Assuming we have picked 0040 hexadecimal as the starting location for our communications area, here is how hexadecimal addresses are employed: the address of the clock routine is stored at 0040 and 0041. This is set by the BIOS and is used by the time program when starting the clock. The clock ON/OFF flag is at 0042 (ON = l, OFF = 0), 0043 is the seconds register, 0044 is the minutes register, 0045 is the hours register, and 0046 is the AM/PM flag (AM=0, PM=FF).

The TIME Program

TIME is a short machine-language program that resides permanently on your system disk. In addition to reading and setting the clock, TIME checks to see if the BIOS has the code to handle the required interrupts. TIME also checks for valid time entries from the terminal.

As a command file, TIME may be called in response to CP/M's prompt. The time-of-day registers maintained by the BIOS may also be read by a BASIC program that uses the PEEK instruction. The clock may be called as often as desired with either method, but the actual starting and stopping of the clock can be done only in TIME's command mode.

To set the time and start the clock with this program, get the A> prompt, and then type:

TIME 120000PM (or any valid 12-hour clock time)

The program will respond with:

START CLOCK BY PRESSING RETURN

When return is pressed, the clock is started and the following message is displayed:

TIME SET TO = 12:00:00 PM (the set time)

The clock is now running and will continue to run without intervention. The clock won't interfere with your other programs unless they require the use of interrupts. To read the time, type:

TIME

The program will display the time in this format:

12:00:15 PM

To stop the clock, type:

TIME STOP This will stop the clock and display a message like:

STOPPED AT 12:00:15 PM

When you start the clock again, you must, of course, reset it. There is no provision for a split-time register.

Modifications

Now that we have a clock pulse, a program to process it, and a place in memory to store it, we need a few changes in the system BIOS to make it all work. The areas in BIOS that are affected by the clock program are as follows:

• The EQUATE area. We need to add EQUATES to tell the assembler what addresses we have chosen for the communications section.

• The cold boot (bootstrap) routine. When initializing the system or using the cold boot start, RST-7 has not yet been set up, so the clock must be disabled by setting the ON/OFF flag to OFF (0).

•The GOCPM area in the BIOS is used at program exits and by both cold and warm boots. During the cold boot, the ON/OFF flag is set to 0 and the interrupts are not turned on. With a warm boot, however, v/e don't know whether the clock is ON or OFF, so we check it. The program then decides what to do: either turn the clock OFF, or leave it OFF if it already is.

• The SETUP routine section sets up jumps into CP/M in low memory. Since the CP/M size changes if you add memory, we add a bit of code here to tell the communications area the address of the clock in BIOS. The TIME program, which sets up the restart address-link to the BIOS clock, must get the address from the communications area.

• The READ and WRITE routines. If the disk controller does not use DMA (direct memory access), or if it does but uses it in the direct-transfer mode, we must disable the interrupts while we are doing a read or write to disk. The code entered here turns off the interrupts and then turns them back on again as soon as possible to avoid losing any counts. Check your disk-controller manual to see what kind of read/write system it uses. If your controller tolerates interrupts during the read/write cycles, then you need not implement this section of code.

• Add the clock coding to BIOS. The program in listing 1 provides the coding necessary to handle and service the clock interrupts. At the end of this code is a short section called INTON. This code saves the processor status in a register, then checks the ON/OFF locations. If the clock ON/OFF location is ON (1), the interrupts are enabled. If the clock is OFF (0), the interrupts are left disabled. Note again that if your terminal or printer input/output routines in BIOS use interrupts, you will not be able to implement this clock.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 481

The preceding summarizes the changes needed in BIOS to implement the clock. The clock counter is kept in binary-coded-decimal form. The lower 4 bits of each byte hold the units of time, while the upper 4 bits hold tens of units. Since there is no way of knowing how much stack space your system has allowed, the interrupt handler routine is coded as simply as possible.

Putting It All Together

The new code to be added to the BIOS is shown in listing 1. It is generally compatible with all versions of CP/M, but in version 2.0 and later, make sure that add

ing this code doesn't exceed the BIOS size allowed by your system.

To start, find the equivalent code in your listing, and with your editor call up your CBIOSXX.ASM (where C stands for "custom" and XX is the size of your system). Put in the new EQUATES at any convenient location in your BIOS EQUATE area, and follow listing 1 for the rest of the new code. Remember: don't write over or delete any code in your BIOS. Just make additions.

After you have made the changes, save the file. This will give you a new CBIOSXX.ASM file that contains the additions. Starting at this point you should work on a

Text continued on page 486

Listing 1: The clock program that is added to the CP/M BIOS. It enables the system BIOS to handle the one-a-second interrupts generated by the clock hardware and maintains the accumulated time in registers located in low memory. Once the clock is started, this program maintains the time registers without interference with other operating programs.

CLOCK PROGRAM BIOS CODE BY J. L B. HILL. FEB 10, 1981 LISTING

CALAWAY AND #1 REVISION 1

; CODE TO BE ADDED TO THE SYSTEM BIOS TO IMPLEMENT THE

; CLOCK PROGRAM

; IN THE AREA USED BY BIOS TO SET THE VARIOUS EQUATES

; AND CONDITIONALS, WE ADD THE EQUATES NEEDED TO

: DEFINE THE CLOCK COMMUNICATIONS AREA

CLOCK

EQU

TRUE

BASE

EQU

00040H

CLKADR

EQU

BASE

0N0FF

EQU

CLKADR+2

SEC

EQU

0N0FF+1

MIN

EQU

SEC + 1

HRS

EQU

MIN+1

AMPM

EQU

HRS+1

; IN THE COLD

BOOT SECTION

>

XRA

A

>

STA

IOBYTE

*

IF

CLOCK

STA

0N0FF

ENDIF

ENABLE REAL-TIME-CLOCK COMMUNICATIONS AREA ADDRESS INITIATED BY BIOS ON/OFF FLAG 0=0FF BCD SECONDS BCD MINUTES BCD HOURS AM=0, PM=FF

EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE

NEW CODE TO BE ADDED

SET ONOFF=0

END OF NEW CODE IN THIS SECTION

IN THE GOCPM SECTION WHERE CONTROL IS TRANSFERED TO CP/M, WE ADD A CHECK TO SEE IF THE INTERRUPTS SHOULD BE ON, OR OFF

LDA MOV

IF

LDA

ORA

DISKNO C,A

CLOCK 0N0FF A

; EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE ; EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE

NEW CODE TO BE ADDED

GET FLAG

TEST

482 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 1 continued:

JZ CPMB

EI

ENDIF

JMP CPMB

; START WITHOUT INTERRUPTS

; TURN ON INTERRUPTS

; END OF NEW CODE

; BACK TO OLD CODE, NO CHANGE

IN THE AREA WHERE A JUMP TO LOW MEMORY IS SETUP, WE SET CLKADR TO THE ADDRESS OF CLOCK

; EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE

; ADDED CODE BEGINS : ADDRESS

SHLD

DMAADD

IF

CLOCK

LXI

H,CLK

SHLD

CLKADR

ENDIF

END OF NEW CODE

NOTE, WE DO NOT NEED TO PUT A JUMP INSTRUCTION IN NOW, AS THAT IS DONE BY THE TIME PROGRAM, WHEN THE CLOCK IS STARTED

IN THE WARM BOOT AREA, WE CHECK TO SEE IF THE USER PROGRAM HAS TURNED THE CLOCK OFF

WBOOT:

LXI

IF

CALL

ENDIF

LDA

SP,80H

CLOCK INTON

DISKNO

; OLD CODE, NO CHANGE

; NEW CODE STARTS HERE

; CHECK

; END OF NEW CODE

; OLD CODE, NO CHANGE

IN THE READ ROUTINE, SINCE MANY CONTROLLERS ARE NOT DMA, WE MUST TURN OFF THE INTERUPTS DURING THE ACTUAL READ PROCESS.

EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE

NEW CODE STARTS HERE KILL INTERUPTS END OF NEW CODE

XTHL

XTHL

IF

CLOCK

DI

ENDIF

LDA

SECTOR

EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE

NOW, AS SOON AS POSIBLE AFTER WE HAVE COMPLETED THE DISK TRANSFER, WE WANT TO TURN THEM BACK ON

RDDONE: IN

IF

CALL

ENDIF

DSTAT

CLOCK INTON

; READ DISC STATUS, OLD BIOS CODE

; NEW CODE STARTS HERE

; CHECK

: END OF NEW CODE

WE DO THE SAME THING FOR WRITE AS WE DID FOR READ

Listing 1 continued on page 484

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 483

Listing 1 continued:

XTHL XTHL

IF

DI ENDIF

CLOCK

; EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE ; EXISTING CODE, NO CHANGE

NEW CODE STARTS HERE TURN OFF END NEW CODE

; AND AGAIN, BACK ON AS SOON AS POSIBLE

WDONE:

IN

IF

CALL

ENDIF

DSTAT

CLOCK

INTON

; OLD CODE, NO CHANGE

NEW CODE HERE

CHECK - TURN BACK ON

END NEW CODE

THIS IS THE ACTUAL CLOCK SUBROUTINE TO BE ADDED TO THE BIOS, IT MAY BE PLACED ANYWHERE IN BIOS PROVIDING YOU DON'T BREAK UP A BIOS SUBROUTINE. A GOOD PLACE TO PUT IT IS AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM JUST BEFORE THE CBIOS MESSAGES.

CLOCK TIME IS KEPT IN BCD FORMAT AND

IN LINE CODE IS USED TO MINIMIZE STACK USAGE.

(NOTE: THE 3RD AND 4TH LOCATION FROM THE START OF CLK, IS CHECKED BY THE "TIME" PROGRAM BEFORE TURNING THE CLOCK ON AND IT MUST BE THE SAME AS THE ADDRESS IN THE TIME PROGRAM USED FOR SECONDS.)

IF

CLOCK

CLK:

PUSH

PSW

PUSH

H

LXI

H,SEC

MOV

A,M

ADI

1

DAA

MOV

M,A

CPI

060H

JNZ

CLK2

XRA

A

MOV

M,A

INX

H

MOV

A,M

ADI

1

DAA

MOV

M,A

CPI

060H

JNZ

CLK2

XRA

A

MOV

M,A

INX

H

MOV

A,M

ADI

1

DAA

SAVE USER

SECONDS

GET CURRENT

+ 1

BCD CORRECTION

PUT IT BACK - DATA MAY BE 'GOOD

BCD FOR 60 SEC

OK, EXIT

A = 0

RESET SECONDS, CHECK MINUTES

TO MINUTES

CURRENT

+ 1

BCD CORRECTION

PUT IT BACK AGAIN

BCD FOR 60 MINUTES

OK, EXIT

A = 0

RESET MINUTES, DO HOURS

TO HOURS

GET CURRENT

+ 1

BCD CORRECTION

484 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 1 continued:

MOV

M,A

CPI

013H

JNZ

CLK2

MVI

M,001H

INX

H

MOV

A,M

CMA

MOV

M,A

CLK2: POP

H

JMP

INTON1

OVERFLOW?

OK

SET TO 1 HR

TO AM/PM FLAG

GET CURRENT

REVERSE

NEW

RESTORE

DO ON/OFF CHECK

THIS ROUTINE IS USED TO CHECK AND SEE IF THE INTERRUPTS SHOULD BE ON OR NOT, IT ENABLES THEM IF NECESSARY

SAVE

GET FLAG AND TEST OFF

TURN ON RESTORE USER

INTON:

PUSH

PSW

INTON1:

LDA

ONOFF

ORA

A

JZ

INT0N2

EI

INT0N2:

POP RET ENDIF

PSW

THIS COMPLETES THE CODE ADDED TO BIOS FOR CLOCK OPERATION

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Circle 451 on inquiry card.

Circle 452 on inquiry card.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc 485

Text continued from page 482:

temporary disk so that any mistakes won't wipe out your

good disk.

Now assemble the BIOS file. If you have any errors, be sure to correct them before continuing. When the program assembles correctly, you will have two files: CBIOSXX.PRN and CBIOSXX.HEX. Transfer these two files along with SYSGEN (the CP/M command file that initializes new disks), CPMXX.COM (the command file for changing system size—sometimes called MOVCPM.COM), BOOT.HEX (the source file for the cold-start loader program), and DDT. You are now ready to add the new BIOS to your system. The following sequence shows how:

A> DDT CPMXX.COM DDT VERS X.X NEXT PC 2100 0100

-ICBIOSXX.HEX -RXXXX

NEXT PC 2286 0000

(Call your file with DDT.)

(system response after loading)

(Input your CBIOS hex file.)

(This number varies. Check your manual for correct offset bias.)

(system response after loading CBIOS.HEX)

-IBOOTXX.HEX -R900 NEXT PC 2286 0000

-*c

A>SYSGEN

(Input your BOOT hex

file.)

(This offset number is

always 900 for BOOT.)

(system response after

loading BOOT.HEX)

(Exit DDT with a warm boot.)

(Call SYSGEN and follow the prompts on your terminal to complete initializing the new system.)

Now it's time to try the new system. Put in your new disk and cold boot. If all is well, your system should run normally. Be sure to check out the CP/M operating system thoroughly to make sure you haven't added a bug somewhere. If the system crashes, one way to get a crosscheck is to print out the CBIOS.PRN file and compare it with your old listing. If the listings check, it is likely that you inserted some of the clock code in the wrong place. You'll have to do the BIOS over.

Once you get this far, the rest is easy. Call in your editor again and start a new file: TIME.ASM. This little program (listing 2) will reside permanently on your new

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486 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 117 on Inquiry card.

operating system disk. The coding is straightforward and heavily commented. After coding is complete, assemble the file and use the CP/M LOAD command to create the TIME.COM file on your new disk.

If you wired up the hardware on a kludge board, now is the time to install it. Power down and put in your board with the clock-disable switch OFF. Power up again and type the word 'TIME" in response to the CP/M prompt. You can expect to see a garbled message, such as:

A> <d:'#:B> AM

the time registers by the power-up start. "AM", "PM", or " : ", however, should appear in the proper position.

Now type in any valid 12-hour clock time. The display should read:

START CLOCK BY PRESSING RETURN

When you press return the display should read:

TIME IS SET TO = 12:00:00 PM (your set time)

If you get this answer—with strange characters for time—all is well. The time characters are just junk put in

If this message sequence doesn't occur, look for a problem in the TIME program. Fix this section before pro

Text continued on page 492

Listing 2: TIME, a program that initializes the clock in the CP/M command mode. It resides permanently on disk and, when called, sets, starts, and stops the clock and reads the time. TIME may be called from any drive.

CLOCK PROGRAM BY J. L. CALAWAY & B. HILL FEB 10, 1981 LISTING #2, 03:35:40 PM

COMMUNICATIONS AREA EQUATES

COMM. AREA

ADDR OF CLK IN BIOS

0N=1, OFF=0

BCD SEC

BCD MIN

BCD HOURS

AM=0, PM=1

RST-7

BASE

EQU

040H

CLKADR

EQU

BASE

ONOFF

EQU

CLKADR+2

SEC

EQU

ONOFF+1

MIN

EQU

SEC+1

HRS

EQU

MIN+1

AMPM

EQU

HRS+1

RSTLC

EQU

038H

; CP/M

ADDRESS

EQUATES

ENTRY

EQU

00005H

TAIL

EQU

00080H

CP/M FUNCTION EQUATES

PMSG

EQU

009H

GCHR

EQU

001H

; ASCII

EQUATES

CR

EQU

00DH

LF

EQU

00 AH

BELL

EQU

007H

EOM

EQU

024H

ORG

HERE WE BEGIN

0100H

; DOS ENTRY

; COMMAND TAIL

; PRINT BUFFER ; KEYBOARD

CARRIAGE RET LINE FEED BELL CP/M EOM

; CP/M TPA

LXI

D,CRLF

MVI

C,PMSG

CALL

ENTRY

START;

WHAT TO DO SHOW, SET, STOP

; CLEAR SCREEN

Listing 2 continued on page 488

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 487

Listing 2 continued:

LDA

TAIL

• COUNT

ORA

A

- TEST

JZ

DISP

• SHOW IF 0

LXI

D,TAIL+1

• FIRST CHAR

MOV

L,A

• COUNT

MVI

H,0

DAD

D

- END

XRA

A

• A=0

MOV

M,A

! EOF

; SCAN

TO FIRST

NON-BLANK

CHAR

SCAN:

LDAX

D

• CHAR

• EOM?

ORA

A

RZ

• YES-SKIP

CPI

i i

SPACE?

JNZ

SCANl

NO

INX

D

JMP

SCAN

; NON-BLANK

SCAN1:

CPI

061H

LOWER CASE

JM

$+5

NO

SBI

020H

MAKE LOWER

CPI

•s'

STOP

JZ

STOP

; LOOKS

LIKE WE

WILL SET TIME

; CHECK

TO SEE :

LHLD

INX

INX

[F BIOS HAS

CLKADR

H

H

CLOCK

INX

H

I

TO ADDRESS

MOV

C,M

INX

H

MOV

B,M

LXI

H,NOT SEC

l

■

DAD

B

MOV

A,L

ORA

H

JZ

SCAN3

LXI

DfBIOSMG

MVI

C,PMSG

CALL

ENTRY

RET

; CONVERT INPUT

TIME

SCAN3:

DCX

D

; BACK UP POINTER

; TEST

; 0-9 TIME

; :/M SKIP

; A/B SET AM/PM

; SPACE

= SKIP

; 00 =

END

TEST:

INX

D

; SRC

LDAX

D

; CHAR

ORA

A

; END?

488 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 2 continued:

JZ

FINI

CPI

061H

JM

$ + 5

SBI

020H

CPI

• 0i

JC

TESTl

CPI

'9'+l

JC

PACK

TEST1: CPI

'A1

JZ

SETA

CPI

.p.

JZ

SETP

CPI

'M'

JZ

TEST

CPI

i . '

JZ

TEST

CPI

■ i

JZ

TEST

ERROR: LXI

D,IVMSG

MVI

CPMSG

CALL

ENTRY

RET

LOWER

CONVERT NUMBER? NO

VALID AM

PM

JUNK?

COLON

SPACE

; NC

PACK INTO BCD

PACK

PACK1

SETA:

MVI

C,3

PUSH

D

LXI

H,BUFF+3

LXI

D,BUFF+2

LDAX

D

RAR

RAR

RAR

RAR

AN I

00FH

MOV

B,A

MOV

A,M

RLC

RLC

RLC

RLC

AN I

0F0H

ORA

B

MOV

M,A

DCX

D

DCX

H

DCR

C

JNZ

PACK1

POP

D

LDAX

D

ANI

00FH

MOV

B,A

I NX

H

MOV

A,M

ORA

B

MOV

M,A

JMP

TEST

XRA

; TO DO ; SAVE

SHIFT NIBBLE CLEAR HIGH TEMP

SHIFT TO HIGH CLEAR LOW COMBINE SAVE

DONE

SRC

GET NEW TO BCD TEMP

; NEXT

Listing 2 continued on page 490

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 489

Listing 2 continued:

JMP

SETAP

SETP: MVI

A,0FFH

SETAP: STA

BUFF+4

JMP

TEST

9

CONT

; FINISH

FINI: LXI

H,TABLE

9

TIME CHK

LXI

D,BUFF+1

MVI

C,3

FINI1: LDAX

D

7

GET TIME

CMP

M

JNC

ERROR

I NX

D

I NX

H

DCR

C

JNZ

FINI1

DCX

D

LDAX

D

r

MIN

CPI

001H

r

BCD 1 HR

JC

ERROR

DI

r

HOLD OFF

LHLD

BUFF+1

i

COPY

SHLD

SEC

LHLD

BUFF+3

SHLD

HRS

LHLD

CLKADR

7

SET VECTOR

SHLD

RSTLC+1

MVI

A,0C3H

t

JMP

STA

RSTLC

MVI

A,l

STA

ONOFF

9

START

LXI

D,STMSG

*

ASK FOR A START

MVI

C,PMSG

CALL

ENTRY

MVI

C,GCHR

CALL

ENTRY

/

GET KEY

LXI

D,TIMSG

7

GIVE AN ANSYER

MVI

C,PMSG

CALL

ENTRY

CALL

DISP

/

SHOW

EI

•

INTERRUPTS ON

RET

; TABLE OF MAX.

TIMES

TABLE: DB

060H,060H,013H

; STOP CLOCK

STOP: DI

INTERRUPTS OFF

XRA

A

A=0

STA

ONOFF

HALT

LXI

D,STPMSG

MVI

C,PMSG

CALL

ENTRY

r

TELL WHEN

CALL

DISP

RET

9

BACK TO CPM

; DISPLAY TIME

f

12HR FORMAT

490 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 2 continued:

DISP:

LXI

H,HRS

LXI

D,BUFF

CALL

DTIM

LDA

AMPM

ORA

A

MVI

A, 'A'

JZ

DISPl

MVI

A, 'P'

DISPl:

I NX

D

STAX

D

LXI

D,BUFF

MVI

C,PMSG

CALL

ENTRY

RET

; DISPLAY TIME

DTIM: DTIM1

MVI

MOV

RAR

RAR

RAR

RAR

AN I

ORI

STAX

I NX

MOV

AN I

ORI

STAX

DCX

I NX

DCR

RZ

MVI

STAX

I NX

JP

C,3

A,M

00FH -0

D D A,M

00FH • 0>

D H D C

A, ': ' D D DTIM1

DATA AND MESSAGE AREA

SET UP AM OR PM AM/PM

QUICK TO CP/M

TO DO

GET DATA

ISOLATE HI NIBBLE

MSN

CLEAR

TO ASCII

STORE IN BUFFER

LOW NIBBLE

; DONE

; ADD COLON

BIOSMG:

IVMSG:

STPMSG:

STMSG:

TIMSG:

BUFF:

DB DB DB DB DB DW DW DW DW DB

BELL,'NO CLOCK IN BIOS',CR,LF,EOM

BELL,'INVALID TIME',CR,LF,EOM

'STOPPED AT ',EOM

'START CLOCK BY PRESSING RETURN '

CR,LF,'TIME SET TO = ',EOM

0 ; DISPLAY DATA

0

0

0

' AM'

EOM

CRLF:

DB

CR,LF

CRLF1:

DB

CR,LF,EOM

DS

32

; ROOM

STACK

EQU

$

t

END

May 1982 <& BYTE Publications Inc 491

Text continued from page 487:

ceeding.

Now again type 'TIME" in response to the prompt and the display should read:

A> 12:00:00 PM

At this point you should have a working clock. Turn on the disable switch in your clock board and go through the set-time sequence again. There should be a time change in the seconds column whenever you type 'TIME" in response to the CP/M prompt.

Check out the minutes and seconds registers by setting the clock to 12:59:50. In 10 seconds, it should make the change to 01:00:00. If it does, congratulations! You now have a time-of-day clock—just like the expensive mainframe computers. If you have problems, then doublecheck your steps. This program has been thoroughly tested and should work.

If you program in BASIC, include one or two of the BASIC subroutines (listings 3, 4, and 5) in your pro

grams. You will then be able to get a time readout whenever you want by simply calling one of these subroutines.

Note that there are two listings for reading the clock. Listing 3 is a program in Microsoft BASIC with the instruction HEX$(X). Not all BASICs have this instruction, so there is an alternate clock read (listing 4), which does the same thing but less elegantly.

An interesting note here about the way that the HEX$(X) instruction works: remember that the program stores the clock as a binary-coded-decimal number. For example, 25 seconds would be stored in the register as 0010/0101. The 2 is stored in the upper 4 bits and the 5 in the lower 4 bits. Due to the binary weighting of the 8 bits in the register, the HEX$(X) instruction sees what it thinks is decimal 37. When called, the instruction dutifully returns the hexadecimal value of this number, or 25. Furthermore, it gives us that value as a string. Just what we need! Sneaky, isn't it? And very useful in cutting code down to size and setting up a printout.

Listing 5 is a short BASIC program that enables you to

Listing 3: A clock-read program in Microsoft BASIC. It can be used as a subroutine in a larger program to allow reading the clock when desired. This program makes interesting use of the HEX$(X) instruction.

10 REM CLOCK PROGRAM BY J.L. CALAWAY & B. HILL

20 REM FEB 12, 1981 02:20:47 PM LISTING #3

30 REM

40 REM READ CLOCK PROGRAM FOR BASIC WITH HEX$(X) COMMAND

50 REM

60 REM READ THE REGISTERS

70 REM

80 T(1)=PEEK(69) : T (2) =PEEK (68) : T (3 ) =PEEK (67) :Ml=PEEK(70)

90 IF M1=0 THEN M1$="AM" ELSE Ml$="PM"

100 REM

110 REM LOOP TO CHANGE REGISTER VALUES TO DECIMAL STRINGS

120 REM

130 FOR 1=1 TO 3

140 IF VAL(HEX$(T(I)))<10 THEN T$(I)="0"+HEX$(T(I))

ELSE T$(I)=HEX$(T(I)) 150 NEXT I 160 REM

170 REM PRINT IT

180 REM

190 PRINT "TIME: ";T$(1);":";T$(2);":"T$(3);" ";Ml$

200 REM

210 REM STORE AND/OR RETURN

Listing 4: A clock-read program for users who have a version of BASIC without a HEX$(X) instruction. It works the same as listing 3, but takes twice as much code. It assumes that DIM(X) need not be used if X is less than 10.

100 REM CLOCK PROGRAM BY J. L. CALAWAY AND B. HILL

110 REM FEB 12, 1981 03:05:19 PM LISTING #4

120 REM

130 REM READ CLOCK PROGRAM FOR BASIC WITHOUT THE HEX$(X) COMMAND

140 REM

150 REM READ THE REGISTERS

160 REM

170 T(1)=PEEK(69) : T ( 2) =PEEK (68) : T (3 ) =PEEK (6 7) :Ml=PEEK(70)

492 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Listing 4 continued:

180 IF M1=0 THEN M1$="AM" ELSE M1$="PM" 190 REM

200 REM LOOP CHANGES HEX CODE TO DECIMAL STRINGS

210 REM

220 FOR 1= 1 TO 3

230

240

250

260

270

280 REM

290

X=T(I) X=X-16 IF X<0 THEN GOTO 290

IF X<10 THEN T(I)=T(I)-6

IF X>10 THEN T(I)=T(I)-6: GOTO 240

IF T(I)<10 THEN T$(I)="0"+RIGHT$(STR$(T(I)),1) ELSE T$(I)=RIGHT$(STR$(T(I)),2) 300 NEXT I 310 REM

320 REM PRINT THE STRINGS

330 REM

340 PRINT T$(1)":";T$(2);":";T$(3);" "; Ml$

350 REM

360 REM STORE AND/OR RETURN AS DESIRED-

Listing 5: A BASIC program to set the clock by jamming a time into the clock registers. The clock has previously been started in the CP/M command mode and is running continuously. The program makes a cursory check for valid entries; an exhaustive examination for invalid time would require more code. The clock cannot be stopped and started from a BASIC program.

200 210 220 225 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400 410

REM REM REM REM REM

REM T(l)

REM

REM

REM

CLOCK PROGRAM BY J. L. CALAWAY & B. HILL FEB 12, 1981 02:23:07 PM LISTING 5

BASIC PROGRAM TO SET TIME IN RUNNING CLOCK

LINE INPUT "WHAT TIME DO YOU WANT SET (HHMMSS(AM OR PM)"; T$ IF LEN(T$)<>8 THEN PRINT CHR$(7); "INVALID TIME": GOTO 240

=VAL(MID$(T$,5,2)): T(2)=VAL(MID$(T$,3,2)): T(3)=VAL(LEFT$(T$,2)) IF MID$(T$,7/2)="AM" THEN T(4)=0 ELSE T(4)=l

-LOOP TO CHANGE SET TIME TO BCD

REM REM

FOR 1=1 TO 4 X=T(I) X=X-10

IF X<0 THEN 380

IF X<=9 THEN T(I)=T(I)+6

IF X>9 THEN T(I)=T(I)+6: GOTO 340 POKE 66+I,0+T(I) NEXT I

PRINT/STORE OR RETURN AS DESIRED-

set the clock from BASIC. But this program doesn't start or stop the clock. The time code is simply jammed into the running clock registers.

Depending on your variety of BASIC, you may have to make a few more changes in the code. If you use CBASIC, for example, then you will have to add DIM statements to initialize the arrays. Or you could forget the arrays and simply use separate variables for the hours, minutes, seconds, and the AM/PM registers. If

your BASIC requires the DIM statement, you may also have to initialize the arrays to 0.

While the BASIC listings serve as a starting point, you can embroider them as you wish. Maybe you would like to store the time in registers to be printed back later in the program. Perhaps you would like to display the seconds ticking away to add a sense of pressure to a favorite game program. Now that you have a clock, you can easily do such tricks. We hope you enjoy it.B

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 493

What's New?

SYSTEMS

Ace 100

Franklin Computer Corp. claims that its Ace 100 personal computer is 100% hardware and softwarecompatible with the Apple computer. According to the company, all programs written for the Apple II, including high- and low-resolution black-and-white graphics, will run on the Ace without modification. Standard features include 64K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory) and a Videx Keyboard Enhancer. The Ace has an uppercase and lowercase 72-key typewriter-like keyboard and a 12-key numeric keypad

The Franklin Ace 100 is available for $1595. Contact Franklin Computer Corp., 7030 Colonial Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08109. (609) 488-1700. Circle 500 on inquiry card.

Expandable Pocket Computer

The Model PC-2 TRS-80 Pocket Computer features a BASIC interpreter with 42 statements, 34 functions, and 6 commands. The expandable PC-2 has full string-handling abilities with 80-character string length and two-dimensional arrays, a 26-character alphanumeric LCD (liquid-crystal display) with uppercase and lowercase characters, 2.5K bytes of memory, and a built-in realtime clock. Additional fea

tures include fully addressable 7 by 156 dot-matrix LCD graphics and a 60-pin I/O interface connector

Options for the PC-2 include an RS-232C interface and software, a four-color printer/plotter with nine different character sizes, and add-on RAM (randomaccess read/write memory) and ROM (read-only memory) modules. The PC-2 costs $279.95. A 4K-byte memory module is available for $69.95. Contact local Radio Shack stores, computer centers, and participating dealers, or the Tandy Corp., 1300 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX 76102. Circle 501 on inquiry card.

Wlcat System 150

The high-capacity Wicat System 150 includes an 8-MHz Motorola 68000 microprocessor (a 16-bit processor), memory, display screen, storage, and storage backup in a single desktop unit. The 150's main memory ranges from 256K bytes to 1.5 megabytes; standard mass storage includes a 10-megabyte Winchester hard-disk drive and a 960K-byte 5/4-inch floppy-disk drive for backup. The singleuser, real-time, multitasking 150 can be configured with 514-inch floppy disks or as an intelligent terminal without mass storage. The System 150 supports two RS-232C serial interfaces, a 16-bit parallel interface, and Pascal, C, APL, Ada,

COBOL, FORTRAN, LISP, WBASIC, and 68000 assembly languages.

Hardware options include a videodisc interface and a battery backup. Optional operating systems include Unix version 7 and a CP/M emulator. The Wicat System 150 ranges in price from under $4000 for the intelligent terminal to $8500 with the Winchester hard-disk unit. Contact Wicat Systems, 1875 South State St., Orem, UT 84057, (801) 224-6400.

-SiACl-2

Desktop Computer

The ACI-2 desktop computer features two highperformance 8-inch floppydisk drives and 64K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory). The Z80-based ACI-2 can run Digital Research's CP/M 2.2 software and interface with most industrystandard terminals, modems, and printers through three RS-232C serial ports. The ACI-2, which can be used with a modem for communications over telephone lines and as a smart timeshare terminal, is available for S2995 from Alspa Computer Inc., 300 Harvey West Blvd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060, (408) 429-6000. Circle 503 on inquiry card.

PUBLICATIONS

Konan Products Catalog

Hard-disk drives and controllers, I/O controllers, cables, power supplies, and other items are listed in a free catalog of Konan products. Contact Konan Corp., 1448 North 27th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009, (800) 528-4563; in Arizona, (602) 269-2649. Circle 504 on inquiry card.

Understand Your VIC

Understanding Your VIC, Volume 1: Basic Programming is a step-bystep guide to learning about your Commodore VIC-20. Many of the book's exercises give the correct results so that you have feedback at your fingertips. The VIC's color and sound abilities can be mastered with the help of chapters that show you how to build demonstration programs with these features. Another chapter describes how the proper use of psuedocode and data dictionaries can help you refine programming problems.

Available in softcover for $ 11.95, Understanding Your VIC, Volume 1 can be purchased from Commodore dealers or directly from Total Information Services, POB 921, Los Alamos, NM 87544, (505) 455-7049. Circle 505 on inquiry card.

494 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

What's New?

8088 User's Manual

Intel's iAPX 88 Book details the 8088's architecture and discuss its 8- and 16-bit registers, megabyte memory-addressing modes, and instruction set. An overview of the 8088's key features, addressing techniques, and functional extensions is provided. A separate hardware section covers bus timing and interface considerations, interrupt handling, direct memory addressing, and interfacing memory and peripherals. Examples are given of multiplexed- and demultiplexed-bus personal and small-business computers, an S-100-bus-based design, and an 8088-based video-display controller.

The iAPX 88 Book costs S7.50. Contact Intel Corp., Literature Dept., 3065 Bowers Ave., Santa Clara, CA 95051, (408) 734-8102. Circle 506 on inquiry card.

Microprocessor Operating Systems

Microprocessor Operating Systems provides indepth descriptions of National Semiconductor's BLMX-80, Intel's iRMX 80/88 and iRMX 86, Data General's MP/OS, Texas Instruments' Rx, Bell Lab's Unix, Motorola's VERSAdos, and Zilog's RIO/CP and ZRTS operating systems. The book is available for S I 1.95 from Microcomputer Applications, POB E, Suisun City, CA 94585, (707) 422-1465. Circle 507 on inquiry card.

Software Business Review

ICP Software Business Review analyzes software solutions to business problems for the corporate and data-processing executive. Existing and potential information-management problems are identified, and software solutions are proposed. Contact International Computer Programs, 9000 Keystone Crossing, Indianapolis, IN 46240, (800) 428-61 79; in Indiana, (317) 844-7461. Circle 508 on inquiry card.

Tl Logo Source

Microcomputers Corporation has a new catalog and a newsletter for Texas Instruments' TI-99/4A computer users. The bimonthly Tl Logo Source newsletter is filled with reviews and news of the latest developments in Logo software. The catalog is packed with lists of available Logo programs. Both are free from Microcomputers Corp., POB 191, Rye, NY 10580, (914) 967-8370. Circle 509 on inquiry card.

Data Manual

The design and operation of the OB68K1 singleboard computer are described in a data manual available from Omnibyte. The OB68K1 computer system features the Motorola 16-bit MC68000 microprocessor on a Multi

bus/IEEE P796 bus and software compatibility with Motorola's MEX678KDM. The manual is available for S10 from Omnibyte Corp., 245 West Roosevelt Rd., West Chicago, IL 60185, (312) 231-6880. Circle 510 on inquiry card.

Microcomputer Buyer's Guide

Webster's Microcomputer Buyer's Guide reviews more than 150 microcomputer systems from more than 50 suppliers. Individual chapters elaborate on the general topics of theory, applications, independent software vendors, and a wide range of display and printing terminals. The guide costs S25, plus S2.50 postage and handling. Contact Computer Reference Guide, 135 South Harper Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90048, (213)852-4886. Circle 511 on inquiry card.

CP/M Users Software Directory

Vital Information's CP/M software directory is designed to aid hobbyists in the selection of software and peripherals. The directory contains more than 3000 entries, divided into 33 sections by subject. Program entries include publisher and list price. A toll-free hotline is available for subscribers who have software, hardware, or peripheral questions.

The directory costs SI9.95, plus S1.50 postage. Contact Vital Information Inc., 7899 Mastin Dr., Overland Park, KS 66204, (800) 255-5119; in Kansas, (913) 381-1818. Circle 512 on inquiry card.

PERIPHERALS

m

Hide Your Modem

The MB 10303 is a compact Bell-compatible 300-bit-per-second (bps) modem intended for spacesaving applications. It measures 5.8 by 5.75 by 2 cm (25/16 by 2% by % inches) and requires 33.5 square cm (5/5 square inches) of circuit-board area. It operates in full-duplex, manual originate, and manual or automatic answer. It interfaces at standard transistor-transistor logic (TTL) levels. Power requirements are 40 milliamperes (mA) at +5 volts (V) DC, 25 mA at + 8 to + 18 V DC, and 25 mA at -5 to - 12 VDC.lt can

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 495

What's New?

communicate with Bell System 103 and 113 series modems, with Bell 2I2A and Vadic 3400 series modems operating in the low-speed (300 bps) mode, and with acoustic-coupler data sets that use complementary signaling and handshake sequences. For further information, contact Micro-Baud Systems Inc., 3393 De La Cruz Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95050, (408) 727-5275. Circle 513 on inquiry card.

Single-Card EPROM Programming

Giddings & Lewis Electronics' single-card EPROM Programmer Module is designed to program 2708 EPROMs (erasable programmable read-only memories). It doesn't require a special software-development system because it plugs directly into your production system. The module fits into a standard 114-millimeter- (4/2-inch-) wide nest. The easy-to-use Programmer pulses each EPROM 100 times per byte; total programming time is 100 seconds per kilobyte of memory.

The EPROM Programmer Module costs S295. Contact Giddings & Lewis Electronics, 142 Doty St., POB 590, Fond du Lac, Wl 54935, (414) 921-9400. Circle 514 on inquiry card.

KIM-Compatlble Mini-Disk Systems

Percom Data Company's MFD mini-disk storage systems for AIM-65, KIM, and SYM computers are available in one-, two-, and three-drive versions. The MFD systems are available in 40- and 80-track models and in both standard- and "flippy-" drive versions. The 40-track drive can store 102K bytes of formatted data; the 80-track drive stores 205K bytes.

An MFD system includes a disk-controller circuit card, a disk operating system (DOS) in ROM and on a disk, an interconnecting cable, user's manual, and disk drives. Two controllers are available: one for the AIM-65, the other for Percom 's System-50 (SS-50) bus. Utilities and a 20-command library are supplied on the system disk. The DOS communicates directly with an Aim Monitor, Editor, BASIC, or other AIM program through your I/O and Fl and F2 keys.

The Percom MFD drive systems start at $599.95.

An interface for connecting the drives to your computer costs $49.95. Contact Percom Data Co., 211 North Kirby, Garland, TX 75042, (214) 272-3421. Circle 515 on inquiry card.

Paddle-Adapple

The Paddle-Adapple I/O expansion adapter lets software writers create fourplayer games with each player having paddle and push-button controls. Paddle-Adapple plugs into the Apple ll's game port and works in two modes: the first lets you select between two devices plugged into the Apple; the second takes advantage of the Apple's ability to handle up to four game controllers. In either mode, the PaddleAdapple's 'jumper" sockets can be configured to meet designer needs, such as exchanging X and Y axes or reassigning push-button numbers.

The Paddle-Adapple is compatible with all Apple software and with most game I/O devices. The shift

key modification is supported. It costs $29.95 and is available from Southern California Research Group, POB 2231-B, Goleta, CA 93118, (805) 685-1931. Circle 516 on inquiry card.

Clock/Calendar Board

Columbus Instruments' IB-902AB interface card converts the AIM-65, PET, KIM, 6502, and 6800 computers into dedicated laboratory and industrial measurement systems. It contains a 12-bit A/D (analogto-digital) converter, a 16-channel multiplexer, a real-time clock/calendar with battery backup, and space for an additional 16K bytes of memory. The clock/calendar is crystalcontrolled to three seconds per month and provides time in seconds, minutes, hours, day of week, date, month, and year. A 12- or 24-hour clock is selectable, and programmable interrupts from 1024 per second to 1 per second are available. The onboard battery backup will provide the accurate time of day for up to four years. Conversion time of the A/D converter is 35 microseconds. Power re quirements are ±15 volts.

Supplied with demonstration programs for setting up the clock/calendar, reading analog channels, and addressing and testing memory, the IB-902AB costs $1270. Contact Columbus Instruments, 950 North Hague Ave., Columbus, OH 43204, (614) 488-6176. Circle 517 on inquiry card.

496 May 1982 & BYTE Publications Inc

What's New

Adam

The Adam family of addon modules are designed to bring mini- and microcomputers into the world of data acquisition. The modules accept up to 16 analog inputs from a wide variety of analog devices and transducers such as temperature, flow-rate, and current sensors. The modules convert input voltage to digital values

Family

with a resolution of 8 bits. Adam modules are available with either an interface for the TRS-80 Expansion Interface or with an RS-232C asynchronous interface. The TRS-80 version costs S190; the RS-232C interface is S250. For details, contact Small System Design, POB 4546, Manchester, NH 03108, |603)432-7929. Circle 518 on inquiry card.

5-Megabyte Memory System

The LS525, a 5-megabyte memory system, incorporates a Seagate ST506 5/4 -inch Winchester harddisk drive. Logical Systems' LDOS disk operating system, a linear power supply, and the LSI 500 series controller. A separate host adapter provides crossconnections to different central processors and

buses. All TRS-80 programs currently running under TRSDOS or NEWDOS will operate with LDOS.

The LS525 costs S3750, including a manual that details LDOS operations. Contact Laredo Systems Inc., 2264 Calle de Luna, Santa Clara, CA 95050, (408) 980-1888. Circle 519 on inquiry card.

To Alphasyntaurl and Bach

The Alphasyntauri synthesizer is a modular instrument system that uses computer programs rather than hard-wired components to create and control sounds. Based on the Apple II microcomputer, the Alphasyntauri gives musicians an all-digital instrument that doesn't require programming or computer expertise.

An Alphasyntauri music system is made up of the Alphaplus operating system, instrument definitions, software utilities, a 61 -note keyboard, foot pedals, and a computer interface. Mountain Computer's Musicsystem synthesizer provides 8-voice stereo polyphony. The complete system, including the Apple II, costs $5000. The instrument alone costs $2100. The Alphasyntauri is available from selected Apple dealers. A demonstration record costs $2. Contact Syntauri Corp., 3506 Waverly St., Palo Alto, CA 94306, (415) 494-1017. Circle 520 on inquiry card.

Bell-Compatible Modem

The Datec 33 is a 0- to 300-bit-per-second (bps) Bell-compatible originate/answer modem featuring a front panel

voice/data button, long space disconnect, five diagnostic tests, and built-in "A" control. The modulardesigned rack-mountable modem will operate with any telephone over dial networks or over two-wire leased lines. The computerto-terminal interface is a standard RS-232C connection.

The Datec 33 has a suggested retail price of $399 in a stand-alone version and $325 for a card model. Contact Datec Inc., 300 East Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510, (919) 929-2135. Circle 521 on inquiry card.

Joystick Interface

Joy-6 is a joystick interface for TRS-80 Models I and III that features push buttons, sound-effects capability, and control software. It can be used as a 6-channel analog-to-digital converter with temperature sensors or other transducers, and it can drive an external relay for control applications.

A complete Joy-6 package includes two joysticks with push buttons, power supply, user's manual, and the Joypak-1, a J6K-byte machine-language cassette packed with six joystick games. The Model III version requires an adapter cable. Joy-6 costs $ 124.95; a kit version is available for $99.95. Contact Mega Systems Inc., 262 Park Lane, King of Prussia, PA 19406, (215) 337-3876. Circle 522 on inquiry card.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 497

What's New?

COMMDSOFT

SENsmvttY Tom vouime tower

New Products from Commsoft

Commsoft's CW89 software package lets hamradio operators send and receive Morse code with their Heath H-8/H-19 or Heath/Zenith Z-89 microcomputers. The CW89 features a split-screen display, 4- to 99-word-per-minute operation, the ability to receive autotrack, a 1000-character pretype buffer, ten user-definable messages, a break-in mode, on-screen system status, disk I/O, hard-copy capabilities, and a codepractice section. All communications can be sent to a printer or stored on a disk. The CVV89, which requires a hardware interface such as Commsoft's Codem, is available for S99.95, postpaid.

The Codem interface is a universal continuous-wave (CW) interface that converts received CW audio into RS-232C or TTL signal levels and RS-232C or TTL signal levels to transmitter keying, so the Codem doubles as a code-practice oscillator and CW regenerator. The Codem costs SI 24.95; a 9-volt DC power supply is S9.95. A complete package consisting of the software, Codem: an interface cable, power supply, documenta

tion, and shipping fees is available for $249.95. Contact Commsoft, 665 Maybell Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94306, (415) 493-2184. Circle 523 on inquiry card.

Modem Plus

The Modem-Plus is a 1200-bit-per-second (bps) 202C/S-compatible modem for the S-l 00 bus. The address-selectable, originate/answer modem provides S-l00 interface requirements, an on-board modem UART (universal asynchronous receiver/ transmitter) with selectable word format, hardwareautomatic pulse-dialing, 16-digit memory for redial, and modem sense and control lines using polling methods. Registered with the FCC for direct connection to the telephone system, the Modem-Plus is available in two models: one has a second on-board UART with selectable word format connected to a separate RS-232C I/O port; the other provides modem interrupts to the processor rather than the RS-232C port. The Modem-Plus is available for S595 from Integrated Design Engineering Inc., POB 16307, St. Louis, MO 63125, (314) 487-1188. Circle 524 on inquiry card.

Get Into

The Warp Drive hardware and software package allows extendedaddress S-l00 RAM (random access read/write memory) to emulate a disk drive under CP/M version 2.2, providing an increase in speed up to 40 times faster than floppy disks. The Warp Drive is based on Compupro's dual-processor 8085/8088 board, which allows as much as 1 megabyte of extendedaddress RAM to behave

Warp Drive

like a disk drive under CP/M-80 on the 8-MHz 8085 and to appear as directly addressable memory when running CP/M-86 on the 8-MHz 8088. All CP/M 2.2-compatible software runs on the Warp Drive without modifications.

The Warp Drive is available from G & G Engineering, 13708 Doolittle Dr., San Leandro, CA 94577, (415) 895-0798. Circle 525 on inquiry card.

Multiple-Output

The Model MP400 Power Supply can drive small line printers and lowcurrent floppy-disk drives. It provides outputs of +5 volts (V) DC at 5 amperes (A) with overvoltage protection, + 12 V DC at 0.5 A, - 5 V DC at 0.5 A, and + 24 V DC at 0.75 A with a 1.2-A surge capability. The + 5-V DC output is regulated to 0.1%; all others to 5%. Noise and ripple are less than 10 millivolts. The MP400 fits into

Power Supply

standard slope-front microprocessor enclosures and requires either 115 or 230 V AC ± 10% input power. An aluminum heat sink maintains low ambient temperatures. The MP400 Power Supply costs $72 in original-equipment-manufacturer quantities and is available from CEI Corp., Grenier Industrial Park, POB 501, Londonderry, NH 03053, (603) 623-8888. Circle 526 on inquiry card.

498 May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc

What's New?

Mlcrospeed

Apple II, II Plus, and III users can realize processing speeds up to 100 times faster than Applesoft BASIC with the Microspeed Language System. Developed from an extended FORTH, Microspeed is a hardware and software package that uses the Intel 8231A arithmetic processor and interactive compiler to provide enhanced programming capabilities such as print formatting, fast high-resolution and "turtle" graphics, and extended, highspeed mathematical functions.

System utilities include line- and screen-oriented text editors and a 6502 assembler. Each Microspeed comes with an auxiliary processor card, a user's manual, and two disks of software.

Two Microspeed configurations are available: Microspeed II, which uses a 2-MHz 8231A arithmetic processor, and Microspeed II +, which uses the newer 4-MHz 8231 A. Microspeed II costs S495, Microspeed 11+ costs S645. The manual is available separately for $35. Contact Applied Analytics Inc., Suite 200, 8910 Brookridge Dr., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, (301) 627-6650. Circle 527 on inquiry card.

Mice In Your System

Upgrade your microcomputer to a development tool with MICE—Micro InCircuit Emulator. A dualprocessor, two-board device with a built-in line

assembler and a two-pass disassembler, MICE features real-time emulation up to 5 MHz and an RS-232C interface for modems or terminals with data rates from 110 to 9600 bits per second.

MICE is available for 8085A, Z80, Z80A, Z80B, 6502, NSC800, 8048, 8049, and 8050 microcomputers. Prices range from SI495 to $5000. Obtain additional details from Microtek Lab Inc., 17221 South Western Ave., Gardena, CA 90247, (213) 538-5369. Circle 528 on inquiry card.

Holllster Microsystems

Hollister Microsystems supplies interface boards, peripheral devices, and software for the Apple II, the IBM Personal Computer, and other microcomputers. For the Apple II, Hollister offers a 6800 cross-assembler on disk and an EPROM- (erasable programmable read-only memory) programmer/ EPROM card for programming 2716, 2732, 2732A, and 2764 EPROMs. Other products for the Apple include an EPROM/ROM simulator and a 24-bit parallel \IO card with highlevel-drive and master/ slave stacking capabilities.

For complete details on these and other products, contact Hollister Microsystems, 5081 Fairview, Hollister, CA 95023, (408) 637-0753. Circle 529 on inquiry card.

No More Waiting

If you're tired of waiting for your printer, plotter, or other peripheral to finish its job so you can get back to your computer, the Microcue may be what you've been waiting for. Microcue, a programmable Z80-based first-in, first-out (FIFO) device, accepts data from your computer and drives the printer from its own memory, freeing the host computer for other chores. A multiport Microcue can connect multiple printers and computers and select between them from switches or software control.

The Microcue SP has serial and parallel ports and can convert from one to the other.

In addition to buffering, all Microcues are download-programmable, which allows for poll and select, code conversions, data formatting, modem operation, and interfacing to other systems. Present models have from two to eight ports and 16K to 32K bytes of memory. Prices start at $299. Contact Microcompatible, POB 7624, Atlanta, GA 30357, (404) 874-8366. Circle 530 on inquiry card.

Apple Cat II

The Apple-Cat H is a large-scale integration (LSI) modem that converts your Apple U or II Plus computer into a functional telephone, complete with a handset. It can automatically answer, dial, re-dial, and disconnect a telephone call. Both Baudot and ASCII code are combined in this single add-on product. For the deaf and hearing impaired, a special 45.5-bit-per-second (bps)

Baudot-coded Weitbrecht modem is provided for use with teletypewriters (TTYs).

Data-transmission rates range from 50 to 1200 bps. Software is supplied on a floppy disk. A separate RS232C serial port is provided, and the Apple Cat \] also offers a 26K-byte memory-storage area and software controls that assure the accurate transmission of data.

An optional program chip provides compatibility

May 1982 © BYTE Publications lnc 499

What's New?

with many languages and operating systems, including BASIC, Pascal, and CP/M. The Apple-Cat II costs S389 and is available from authorized Novation distributors. Contact Novation Inc., 18664 Oxnard St., Tarzana, CA 91356, (213) 996-5060. Circle 531 on inquiry card.

80-Column PET Adapter

Execom's 80-column adapter, circuit board, and ROM combination lets you switch the Commodore PET's 40-column display to an 80-column display from the keyboard or through program control. The kit contains a dual 24-pin socket, a circuit board that replaces the existing screen programmable memory, and an 80-column reference ROM that plugs into an expansion slot.

The circuit board and ROM combination is designed for the 2000, 3000, and 4000 series of PET/CBM computers that are designed for version 3.0 or 4.0 BASIC but do not have a video-display or a display-controller chip. The kit costs $275; Execom will install the adapter for an additional $75. An optional board that allows the ROM to be used with any other 2K-byte ROM in any expansion socket is available for $25. For details, contact Execom Corp., 1901 Polaris Ave., Racine, Wl 53404, (414) 632-1004. Circle 532 on inquiry card.

Z65: Database Processor

The Z65 Database Processor is an applications development tool for the Apple II. It consists of a Z80 microprocessor, a 6502-toZ80 software interface, and a Z80 implementation of the MDBS databasemanagement program, which is based on an extended-network data model. With the Z65, all applications development is performed within the Apple disk operating system using Applesoft BASIC. Database manipulations are handled by the Z80, which increases the 6502's speed.

With documentation, the Z65 package is available through a single-user license for $ 1600. Without the Z80 card, the Z65 software costs $1500, including documentation. Manuals can be purchased separately. For details, contact Micro Data Base Systems Inc., POB 248, Lafayette, IN 47902, (317) 448-1616. Circle 533 on inquiry card.

MISCELLANEOUS

Video Attributes Controller

The CRT 8021 Video Attributes Controller (VAC) works in conjunction with a character-generator ROM to provide video attributes and graphics for a display screen. An n-channel MOS/LSI (metal-oxide semiconductor/large-scale integrated) circuit, the 8021 processes and serializes

parallel data from the character generator for direct connection to the video input of a display-screen monitor. Attributes are added to alphanumeric data as you choose. The 8021 features both field and character attributes graphics modes, a 20-MHz video shift register, cursor, and separate data and attributes latches. Attributes include reverse video, character blink and blank, underline, and strike through. For more details, contact Standard Microsystems Corp., 35 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 1 1787, (516) 273-3100. Circle 534 on inquiry card.

Patch Set Monitors Line Signals

Syzygy's RS-232 Patch Set is a handheld device that connects inline with an interface cable, terminal, or modem. Designed for engineers and field-service personnel working with custom or nonstandard interfaces, the Patch Set's two 26-pin headers and jumpers permit line monitoring and full configuration of all 25 line signals. This lets the user completely define the configuration by means of

jumper cables. The unit does not affect communications and is transparent to the line.

About the size of a business card, the Patch Set conforms to RS-232C standards and comes with ten 2-pin, four 3-pin, and one 4-pin jumper assemblies. The RS-232 Patch Set costs $111. Contact Syzygy, 256 West San Bernardino Rd., Covina, CA 91723 (213) 332-3320. Circle 535 on inquiry card.

Flipper Flips Signals

A software-controllable switch that lets you switch voltage signals with simple software commands, the Flipper can be used be tween alternate video signals such as those generated by the Apple and an 80-column video board. The device plugs into the game port on the Apple and makes use of annunciator output zero (AN0). It allows unobstructed use of all the remaining functions for game \IO by providing a parallel game I/O connector.

The Flipper has two RCA phono jacks for input and one for output, and it can be arranged to have one jack for input and two for output. The board drains 30 milliamperes when the relay is energized. The Flipper costs S50 and is available from Aurora Systems Inc., 2040 East Washington Ave., Madison, Wl 53704, (608) 249-5875. Circle 536 on inquiry card.

500 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

What s New?

I 1 1 1 ■ B ■

)i i i i iii ii

Dynamic Memory Board

The CI-6800-2 dynamicmemory board for the Exorcisor I and II and Rockwell International's System 65 plugs directly into existing Exorcisor connectors. Available in 16K-, 48K-, and 64 K-byte configurations, the board allows maximum processor throughput with the use of hidden-refresh control logic onboard. Data-access time is 225 nanoseconds (ns) and cycle time is 400 ns, which allows the board to operate as a static programmable memory at clock rates in excess of 1.5 MHz. For 2-MHz operation, the board can be configured to use a cycle-steal

ing refresh operation.

Onboard memory-select is available in 4K-byte increments to up to 64K bytes of memory. Another feature is onboard even parity with output jumperselectable to the system bus as a parity error or nonmaskable interrupt. The board's power consumption is under 7 watts.

Prices range from $475 for the 16K-byte by 8-bit version to $575 for the 64K-byte by 8-bit version. Contact Chrislin Industries Inc., 31352 Via Colinas #102, Westlake Village, CA 91361, (213) 991-2254. Circle 537 on inquiry card.

Remote Transmitter Controls Appliances

works with answering

The BSR System X-10 Model TR274 remote tele phone transmitter is a portable, calculator-size transmitter that is used in conjunction with a personal computer and your telephone. With the TR274, you can control any lights and appliances that are hooked up to your base station from any telephone, anywhere. The TR274

machines as well. The transmitter must be used with the TR270 telephone responder/controller. The Model TR274 telephone transmitter costs $29.99. As a set, the TR274 and the TR270 cost $99.99. Contact BSR Ltd., Rte. 303, Blauvelt, NY 10913, (914) 358-6060. Circle 538 on inquiry card.

SOFTWARE

Package of Mysteries

The Applied Mysteries Package consolidates the information in H. C. Pennington's TRS-80 Disk & Other Mysteries into easily understood concepts. The package includes disassembled listings of bootstrap loaders with comments, descriptions of encoding methods that render floppy disks difficult to copy, a utility program for viewing a file's devicecontrol block, and procedures for disassembling system files. The Applied Mysteries package (booklet and floppy disk) costs $17.95, plus $2 postage. Contact Applied Softwares, 4316 Vermont Court, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. Circle 539 on inquiry card.

Print Diagrams of Your Projects

The expanded PMS-II project-management system has the ability to prepare net-change reports that compare the current status of a project to a previous status. In addition to critical-path analysis, data-management, and reporting capabilities, PMS-II can calculate gains and losses that can be displayed in both calendar and net working days format. Accommodating more than 1000 simultaneous activities for each project, PMS-II can calculate a critical-path schedule

based upon a three- to seven-day week, while omitting holiday periods.

PMS-II will operate with any microcomputer running under Digital Research's CP/M 2.2 operating system and Compiler Systems' CBASIC 2.07. Two 8-inch disk drives and a 132-column printer are required. PMS-II costs $995. Contact North America Mica Inc., Suite 240, 11772 Sorrento Valley Rd., San Diego, CA 92121, (714) 481-6998. Circle 540 on inquiry card.

Level II COBOL

Mainframe applications programs written to ANSI 74 COBOL standards can now be transported to microcomputers with minimal conversion thanks to Micro Focus Inc.'s Level II COBOL. The easy-to-install language fully meets the specifications set forth by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for Level II COBOL modules, including nucleus, table handling, sequential I/O, relative and indexed I/O, interprogram communication, and sort/ merge operations.

Level II COBOL is available for 8086-based computers and any computer with a C language compiler, such as the Z8000, the 68000, and the PDP-11. Contact Micro Focus Inc., 1601 Civic Centre Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95050, (408) 496-0176. Circle 541 on inquiry card.

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 501

What's New?

Get In Synch

Synch is a 2780/3780 IBM binary synchronous software communications package for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model II. Emulating 2770-, 2780-, and 3780-type bisynchronous work stations at data rates of up to 9600 bits per second, Synch supports transparency, buffer expansion from I28K bytes to 512K bytes, space compression, RVI (processor interrupt), and multipoint circuits. Synch provides lowcost RJE (remote job entry) capabilities and automatic features that allow up to 100 files to be arranged for unattended operations.

Including documentation. Synch costs $500. Contact Westico Inc., 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk, CT 06855, (203) 853-6880. Circle 542 on inquiry card.

Qulc-N-Easi

Program Development

The Quic-N-Easi programming system ties together formatted and edited data entry with processing, printing, and filehandling capabilities including index-sequential, sequential, and randomaccess methods. The system features a screen builder, parameter-driven content editor, an interpreter language, and a print-format handler.

Quic-N-Easi will operated with most CP/M, Z80-based microcomputers with a minimum of 48K bytes and one disk drive. It costs $395, including a self

teaching guide, reference manual, and reference card. Contact Standard Microsystems Inc., 136 Granite Hill Court, Langhorne, PA 19047, (215) 968-0689. Circle 543 on inquiry card.

Communications

Software

for Osborne

The Micro-Link communications package is designed exclusively for the Osborne 1 's video-display screen. It uses the Osborne's RS-232C port with a standard modem to communicate over telephone lines with other computer users as well as with computerized bulletin boards and informationretrieval services. One such service, The Source, has organized an electronic mailbox for members of the Osborne Users Group. Originate and answer modes as well as full- and halfduplex operation are supported. Operating at 300 bits per second (bps), Micro-link allows files to be transmitted in character, line, or memory-block protocols. Files can be prepared in advance and transmitted automatically, and a complete two-way record of communication can be recorded in memory and on disk.

With documentation and software on disk, Micro-Link costs $89. Contact Osborne Computer Corp., 26500 Corporate Ave., Hayward, CA 94545, (415) 887-8080. Circle 544 on inquiry card.

Mlcrollne Graphics Package

Okidata's all-pointsaddressable graphics software package lets you create flowing lines and illustrations with any Microline printer. Each dot in the 60- by 66-dot-per-squareinch field is under your control. A software algorithm, supplied on floppy disk, lets you translate data displayed by an Apple computer into parallel data that can be used by the Microline printer. The Apple displays data in a 280 by 192 dot format, and the software sets it up proportionally for printing on a one-to-one basis.

The package consists of two programmable readonly memories (PROMs) and a floppy disk. It's available for the Microline Models 82A and 83A for $ 100 at local dealers. As a standard feature on the Microline Model 84, the package provides a 72- by 72-dot-per-square-inch format. Contact Okidata Corp., 1 1 1 Gaither Dr., Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Circle 545 on inquiry card.

FORTH Source Code

A variety package of FORTH source code containing many previously unpublished FORTH definitions is available on an 8-inch disk from Timin Engineering. The package includes data structures, software-development aids, string manipulators, an expanded 32-bit vocabulary, a screen calculator, a typ

ing practice program, and a menu generation/selection program. Also provided are examples of recursion, < BUILDS. . .DOES> usage, output number formatting, assembler definitions, conversational programs, 100 screens of software, and 100 screens of instructional documentation. The screens can be used with Timin FORTH or any other FIG (FORTH Interest Group) FORTH.

The variety package of FORTH source code costs $75. Contact Timin Engineering Co., Suite E-2, 9575 Genesee Ave., San Diego, CA 92121. (714) 455-9008. Circle 546 on inquiry card.

Entertainment Products

Arcade Machine, Red Alert, Track Attack, and Midnight Magic are four new entertainment products from Broderbund Software.

Arcade Machine lets you create arcade games for one or two players, featuring monsters, sound effects, automatic scoring, fast loading, and automatic boot to a title page with your name and your game's title in large graphic letters.

Red Alert requires a joystick, which helps you wield radar, ack-ack, and rockets to protect your base against an alien menace. Track Attack is a fastpaced, high-resolution game with color graphics, large-scale animation, and three train-robbery scenar

502 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

What's New?

ios from which to choose. The Midnight Magic highresolution pinball game has dual flipper controls, upper and lower playing levels, and a host of other effects. The products range in price from S29.95 to $49.95. Each requires a 48K-byte Apple II with DOS 3.2 or 3.3. For details, contact Broderbund Software, 1938 Fourth Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901, (415) 456-6424. Circle 547 on inquiry card.

Depreciation Planner

Designed for the Apple computer, the Depreciation Planner keeps track of depreciable assets for accounting and tax-planning purposes. Incorporating both pre-January 1981 depreciation methods and the new post-January 1981 depreciation methods, the Planner automatically calculates currentmonth depreciation, yearto-date, and life-to-date amounts. A modeling feature lets you experiment with all forms of depreciation for each asset. Lists of

items potentially eligible for investment tax credit in each fiscal year can be printed, as well as a depreciation-projection report listing current and following-year depreciation for individual assets. The Planner can provide a printed list of assets in five formats: tag numbers, location, depreciation type, depreciation method, and asset life. Contact Dakin5 Corp., 7475 Dakin St., Denver, CO 80221, (303) 4266090. Circle 548 on inquiry card.

HP 83/85 File Manager

The Hewlett-Packard File Manager Software Pac gives owners of HP 83/85 computers electronic filemanagement capabilities. The File Manager lets you create your own forms for entering data into the filing system. Data can be updated, searched, sorted, or even translated to a string data file for use with other software packages, such as Visicalc Plus. Other fea

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1000 alphanumeric characters.

The HP 83/85 File Manager Software Pac is supplied on 5'A-inch floppy disks and is available for S200 at local HewlettPackard sales offices. ■ Circle 549 on inquiry card.

Where Do New Products Items Come From?

The information printed in the new products pages of BYTE is obtained from "new product" or "press release" copy sent by the promoters of new products. If in our judgment the information might be of interest to the personal computing experimenters and homebrewers who read BYTE, we print it in some form. We openly solicit releases and photos from manufacturers and suppliers to this marketplace. The information is printed more or less as a first-in first-out queue, subject to occasional priority modifications. While we would not knowingly print untrue or inaccurate data, or data from unreliable companies, our capacity to evaluate the products and companies appearing in the "What's New?" feature is necessarily limited. We therefore cannot be responsible for product quality or company performance.

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May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 503

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"OF THE FUTURE"

1 UHF-VHF CONVERSION KIT.

Compters with PC Bourd, oil requireO ccmpcxwnts; Jumper wire, cabinet wflti speaker, ono comprehensive brochure ind. schematic, boarO kjyout, mounting and hook-up diagrams, baits list, ond assembly dnd setup instructions All pans are industrial prime quality.

2 NEW ZENITH ZVM-1 21 HIGHLEGIBILITY CRT MONITOR. Feo rures 12" green phosphor CRt, with 15 Mhz Bandwidth 40 or 80 character wldms are operator switch-selectoble fully compatible with 80-column Apple cards, etc.

OUTSIDE OAL 800 864-8660 INSIDE CAL (714) 527 2554

SCR ELECTRONICS INC.

VISIT OUR NEW SUPER CENTER 5303 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, CA 90630

Pay by CHECK M.O. VISA WC

FREE

S119

S117!

Sprint 68 Microcomputer

CONTROL COMPUTER

DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

6800 MPU, serial I/O, 48K RAM, dual 8

drives, WIZRD multitasking DOS, editor.

assembler, 16K BASIC, all tor $3949.

OPTIONS

C, PL/W, PASCAL, FORTRAN, EROM programmer, analog I/O, parallel I/O, 488 GPIB interface, CMOS RAM/battery, power fail ^elect/power on reset

U'INTri: HOI South Slr»t I ■ l» ■ ** ■•» I Lafayette. IN 47904

CROSS REF. PROGRAM

for MBASIC & BASCOM

Source Files M80 and CP/M's ASM

MXREF will list all program variables, functions, key words, strings, constants and line number references in alphabetical order. 1000 variable names allowed. Requires an 8080 or Z80 running CP/M ver. 1.4 or later and at least 48K RAM. Price $96.00. Manual only $15.00. Add $5.00 COD. MXREF available in CP/M format on 5" NorthStar or 8" single or double density soft sector.

COMPUTER TOOLBOX INC.

1325 East Main St.

Waterbury, CT. 06705

(203) 754-4197

Circle 373 on inquiry card.

Circle 438 on inquiry card.

Circle 104 on inquiry card.

Model III 16K

$839

Model III 48K 2 disc & RS232C

$2059

Color Computer 4K $310

w/16KExt. Basic

$459

w/32KExt. Basic $525

BUY DIRECT. These are just a lew of our great otters which include Printers, Modems, Computers, Peripherals, Disc Drives, Software and more. call TOLL free 1-800-343-8124

We have the lowest GOflfHX/H5I

possible fully ■"^■JnllK'

warrantee.) prices ^e.[°'l°,U' r,W**

and a full complement of Radio Shack Software

tware. ^.

free catalog.

245A Great Road Littleton, MA 01460 617 • 486 • 3193 >

M[$219.95,

5%" Floppy Disk Drives

(single side-single or double density) TANDON Model TM 100-1 CDC Model 9409

2 or more — $214.95 ea.'

Floppy Drive Power Connector Kit $2.00*

5V4" Memorex Floppy Disks - single side soft sector, single or double density - Box of 10 $28.00'

CALL NOW - TOLL FREE

800-824-7888 all states except CA, 800-852-7777 for CA residents. Ask for Operator #99.

MC/VISA or COD. with certified check or money order. Kansas residents add 3% sales tax.

•Plus shipping.

For info call: 31 6-683-9225

316-685-9445

923 Longfellow Street Wichita, KS 67207

Maxell Floppy Disks

The Mini-Disks with maximum quality.

Dealer inquiries invited. C.O.D's accepted. Call FREE (800) 235-4137.

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd.. San Luis San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 In Cat call (800) 592-5935 or (805)543-1037.

Circle 98 on inquiry card.

Circle 178 on Inquiry card.

Circle 320 on inquiry card.

SPECIALS M INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

6502

7.45

10/6.95

50/6.55

100/6.15

6502A/6512A

8.40

10/7.95

50/7.35

100/6.90

6520 PIA

5.15

10/4.90

50/4.45

100/4.15

6522 VIA

6.45

10/6.10

50/5.75

100/5.45

6532

7.90

10/7.40

50/7.00

100/6.60

2114-L200

375

25/3.50

100/3.25

2114-L300

3.15

25/2.90

100/2.65

2716 EPROM

7.00

5/6.45

10/5.90

2532 EPROM

14.50

8116 Httwkl 2K i

1 CMOS DA

14.50

4116

8 lor 17

Zero Insertion Force 24 pin

Socket

2.00

6550 RAM (PET 8K)

12.70

S-100 Wire Wrap Socket

2.40

A P Products 15% OFF APHobby-Blox 15% OFF

MODEM SPECIAL $99

SIGNALMAN Mk1 from Anchor Automation

DIRECT CON NECT Modem with RS232 Cable and Connector included Fully compatible with all Bell 103 modems, 0 to 300 bps, full duplex, frequency shift keyed modulation, automatic ANSW/ORIG selection, direct connect, audible tone carrier detect indicator, self-contained battery powered

PET/CBM Version (Mk1 P) $169

For Commodore Computers, the Signalman Mk1P includes connector, cable, and machine language software

STAR MODEM

RS232 MODEM IEEE 488 MODEM RS232 CCITT IEEE 488 CCITT

Prentice/Livermore Data Systems

SALE $128

SALE $199

$170

$270

We carry Apple 11+ from Bell & Howell

16K RAM lor Apple

95

CASH MANAGEMENT SYSTEM $45

Easy to use. Keeps track of cash disbursements, cash receipts, cash transfers, expenses for up to 50 categories.

FORTH lor PET by Cargile/Riley $50

Full FIG model with all 79 Standard extensions. Motocomnller fir FORTH for independent object code 30

KMMM PASCAL for PET/CBM $85

Includes translator for true machine language object code.

EARL for PET/CBM 65

Editor, Assembler, Relocator, Linkeditor.

SuiorSrophlcs - BASIC unjuiei Extensions 40

Fast Machine Language Graphics routines for PET/CBM.

E3 commodore

CBM-PET SPECIALS , .

8023 Printer-136 col, 150cps bi-directional (995) 775

8300 Daisy Wheel-40 cps bi-directional (2250) 1750

8032 80 x 25 CRT, business keyboard (1495) 1100

Super Pet (1995) 1650

8096 Board (extra 64 K RAM for 8032) (500) 400

8050 Dual Disk Drive - 1 megabyte (1795) 1345

8250 Dual Disk Drive - 2 megabyte (2195) 1760

CBM IEEE Modem (395) 199

4016 full size graphics keyboard (995) 795

4032 full size graphics keyboard (1295) 999

4040 Dual Disk Drive - 330,000 bytes (1295) 999

2031 Single Disk Drive-165,000 bytes (695) 550

4022 Tractor Feed Printer (795) 630

C2N External Cassette Deck (75) 65

VIC 20 Color Computer (299) 259

VIC 1515 Graphic Printer (395) 335

Used CBM/PET Computers CALL

8024-7 High Speed Printer (1995) 1345

WE WILL MATCH ANY ADVERTISED PRICE *** EOUCAtToMAL DISCOUMTSJ***"

Buy 2 PET/CBM Cnmpnten receive 1 FREE

PETSCAN I $345 base price.

Allows you to connect up to 20 CBM/PET Computers to shared disk drives and printers. Completely transparent to the user. Perfect for schools or multiple word processing configurations.

VIC 20

VIC 1515 Printer VIC 3K RAM VIC 8K RAM VIC 16K RAM VIC 1540 Disk Drive VIC Invaders VIC Jupiter Lander

259 VIC Superslot

335 36 54 112 500 24 24

VIC Super Alien VIC Maze in 3-D VIC Cosmic Debris VIC Amok (UMI) VIC Snakman VIC Rubik's Cube VIC Night Rider

TNW 1000 Serial Interface 110

TNW 488/103 with DAA 450

Computers First Book of PET /CBM 11

WordPro 3 Plus - 32K CBM, disk, printer 195

WordPro 4 Plus - 8032, disk, printer 300

OZZ Data Base System for CBM 8032 335

VISICALC for PET, ATARI, or APPLE 190

SM-KIT - PET ROM Utlllthi 40

Programmers Toolkit - PET ROM Utilities 35

PET Spacemaker II ROM Switch 36

2 Meter PET to IEEE or IEEE to IEEE Cable 40

Dust Cover for PET 8

IEEE-Parallel Printer Interface for PET 110

IEEE-RS232 Printer Interface for PET 120

The PET Revealed 12

Library of PET Subroutines 12

RAM/ROM for PET/CBM

4K or OK bytes il soft ROM with oitlml Rettery Rocknp.

Adds extra RAM which can be write protected like ROM.

4K Version - $85 8K Version - SI 20 Bittory Backup - $30

EPROM Programmer for CBM/PET 79

Branding Iron with software/hardware for 2716 and 2532.

DISK SPECIALS

SCOTCH (3M) 5" SCOTCH (3M) 8"

10/2.45 50/2.35 100/2.30 10/2.60 50/2.45 100/2.40

WE STOCK VERBATIM DISKS

Try the new Verbatim Head Cleaner Kits

BASF 5" or 8" 10/2.00 20/1.95 100/1.85

Wabash 5" 10/2.00 20/1.95 100/1.85

Wabash 8" 10/2.00 20/1.95 100/1.85

WE STOCK MAXELL DISKS

Diskette Storage Pages 10 for 3.95

Disk Library Cases 8" - 2.85 5" - 2.15

Disk Hub Rings 8" - 50 for 7.50 5" - 50 for 6.00

CASSETTES - AGFA PE-611 PREMIUM

High output, low noise, 5 screw housings. C-10 10/56 50/.50 100/.48

C-30 10/.73 50/.68 100/66

All other lengths available. Write for price list

SPECIALS

EPSON MX-00 Printer EPSON MX-S0 F/T Printer EPSON MX-70 Printer EPSON MX-100 Printer

Centronics 739 Printer with dot graphics 575

STARWRITER Daisy Wnotl Printer 1445

Zenith ZVM-121 Green Phosphor Monitor 119

Amdek Color Monitor 355

DC Hayes Smartmodem 240 Watanabe Intelligent Plotter 1195 6-Pen 1445

BMC BM12A Green Phosphor Monitor 105

BMC BM1400BLUC 13" Color Monitor 285

ALL BOOK end SOFTWARE PRICES DISCOONTED

Synertek Systems

SYM-1 Microcomputer SALE 199

SYM BAS-1 BASIC or RAE 1/2 Assembler 85

KTM-2/80 Synertek Video and Keyboard 349

KTM-3/80 Synertek Tubeless Terminal 385

T£mith I data ^ I systems

Z90-80 64 K

Z90-82 64 K, 1 double dens, drive

Z89-0 48K

Z89-1 48K, 1 drive

Z67 10 Megabyte + Floppy Drive

Z37 1.3 Megabyte Dual Floppy

Z25 High Speed Printer

Z19 Video Terminal (VT-52 compatible)

ZVM-121 Green Phosphor Monitor

All Zenith Software discounted

2170 2395 1950 2150 4495 1495 1195 670 119

A

ATARI*

SPECIALS

800 Computer 400- 16K 810 Disk Drive 825 Printer 850 Interface Inside Atari DOS Paddle Pair Joystick Pair 16KRAM 32KRAM Pilot

Write for

695

339

449

629

175

18

19

19

69

99

68

Microsoft BASIC MISSILE COMMAND ASTEROIDS STAR RAIDERS

Space Invaders

Music Composer

Chess

Super Breakout

PAC-MAN

CENTIPEDE

First Book of Atari

72 32 32 32

36 45 30 30 36 36 11

prices on other Atari items.

252 Bethlehem Pike Colmar, PA 18915

215-822-7727

A B Computers

WRITE FOR CATALOG

Add $1,25 per order for shipping. We pay balance of UPS surface charges on all prepaid orders Prices listed are on cash discount basis. Regular prices slightly higher Prices subject to change.

Circle 4 on inquiry card.

"ELF"interface. Converts Your Typewriter into Printer

• Finest print quality • low cost

• Easy Installation • Quick delivery

• Fits IBM selectric and Electronic Typewriters

• Models for all popular computers

• Call or write for more Information, todayl

we export to all countries ■

■ ■■■'%# INTERNATIONAL INC.

IltJI, 5115 Douglas Fir Rd.

■ ™ ■ calabasas.CA 91S02 U.S.A.

V^Tel: 1215) 710-1444 TLX/TWX: 910 «94 2100

a BASF *£.

SAVE 40% compl-'eir

51/ " Specify soft. Price/10 ™ 10 or 16 sector

1 side/single density $26.70

1 side/double density 31.90

2 sides/double density 37.10

81 i Specify soft or 32 sector 1 side/single density 26.70

1 side/double density 31.90

2 sides/double density 41.60

CHECKS - VISA - MC - C.O.D. 1313) 777-7730 ADD $2 SHIPPING

LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS

27204 Harper Ave.

St. Clair Shores, Ml 48081

Like-new products

For free catalog,

phone toll-free (800) 225-1008

In Massachusetts (617) 938-0900

GENSTAR REI SALES COMPANY

19527 Business Center Dr.. Northridge. CA 91324

Circle 215 on inquiry card.

Circle 242 on inquiry card.

Circle 182 on Inquiry card.

EPROM 32

The only EPROM programmer you need!

• IEEE-696 (S-100) EPROM programmer (or single-supply ( + 5V) EPROMs.

• Programs current IK through 8K (byte) EPROMs plus future 16K and 32K EPROMs.

• Personality Modules adapt hoard lo different EPROM types:

PM-1 -2508, 2758 PM-4-2564 2516.2716 PM-5-2764 PM-2-2532 PM-6-68764

PM-3-2732 PM-7-2528ITI-16K)

■ Zero-insertion-force socket accommodates both 24-pin anc 28-pin EPROM packages

• DIP switch selection of programming ports and EPROM address for verification and/or use.

• On-board DC-to-DC converter with adjustable regulator for programming voltage.

• Programming voltage switched by software.

• Double-sided PC board with solder masks, silkscreen and gold-plated contact fingers.

• Documentation includes source listing of 8080/Z80 software for programming and verification.

—— r- $269.95

nicroDynamlcs (assembled & tester)]

Corporation

P.O. Box 17577

Memphis, TN 38117

(9011-755-0619

Puce includes EPROM-32, documentation and two personality modules (specify). Additional modules—$795 Programming/ verification software on 8 inch single density CP/M-compatible diskette—S9 95

MASTERCARD & VISA-TN residents add 6% sales tax.

Circle 275 on inquiry card.

UV CPftOM CftftSCR

$49.95

• ERASES ALL UV ERASABLE EPROMS (2706, 2716. 2664, etc.)

• QUICK FIFTEEN MINUTES ERASE TIME

« ERASES OVER FIFTEEN EPROMS AT A TIME

• LAMP LIFE. 7700 HOURS

• INDUSTRIAL MODEL S68.50.

• INDUSTRIAL MODEL WITH TIMER 4 SAFETY INTERLOCK SWITCH I97.M

IRugg#d steel enclosure with bottom fltWMM

THE BEST 6809 SINGH BOARD COMPUTER AVAIIABIE

• Floppy Controller a SWTPC HMMHH

• Printer Port • Rons TSC Fkx tZOOtVi

• flS-23?ftprf • F of Documentation PRICE: ?90*J.UU

FOR THE SS-50 AND S-100 BUS

ASSEMBLED, TESTED, 48 HOUR BURN-IN, 90 DAY WARRANTY

2716 EPROMS 250 M $4.95 direct from factory

SS-50 6809 CPU CARD: 1MHZ $149.00 2MHZ $189.00 RS-232 INTELLIGENT EPROM PROGRAMMER... $489.00

Programs: 2716, 2516, 2532, 2732, 8746, 6749

ANTISTATIC FOAM 4 x 8

we accept visa, mastercard, c.o.d., checks phone orders (305) 776-5870

TWX: 510**fl4M • Engineering Hoi-Line: (305) 974-0967

LOGICAL DEVICES INC.

781 W. OAKLAND PARK BLVD • FT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33311

■sy«

■+CPR

CPR

The Vital Link

C PR is an advanced text formatter offering

fast,flexible word processing for the

UCSD p-System.

CPR functions include pagination, underlining,

proportional spacing and a lot more.

CPR is available now on 8" diskettes for p-Sys

tem versions It and IV including 175 page users'

manual . . . $199.00.

Users' manual alone .. . $30.00

SOFTWARE FOR SYSTEMS AND APPLICATIONS

11568 Sorrento Valley Rd Suite 11

San Diego, CA 92121 (714) 452-9340

Circle 70 on inquiry card.

SGOLD DISKS

CP/M® Compatible

Z-80 Software

Z-80 DISASSEMBLER An easy to use program to create sourco (.ASM) filee from executable (.COM) files ppQ

EZ-TEXT WORDPROCESSOR EZ-TEXT will format 4 your text file thway you want It

5-8" SD/DD PPDl

Bower-Stewart & Associates

POST OFFICE BOX 1389 HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA 90250

1237 ^PJ^jA

Research l^ssv^ry

MBLER

175

PPD

ESSOR

75

"213-53 2

!! Trademark Digits

Heath Users

Double Your 5%" disk storage capacity without adding a drive.

Get twice as much from your H88 or H89 microcomputer. Our FDC-880H floppy disk controller, in conjunction with your 51/," drives, for example, expands memory capacity from 256 bytes to 512 bytes per sector.

And it handles single and doublesided, single and double-density, 8" and 5%" drives — simultaneously.

Call 714/275-1272 today or write for details.

Or

C.D.R. Systems In.

Controlled Data Recording Systems, Inc. 7667 Vickers St., San Diego, CA 92111

Circle 67 on inquiry card.

IEEE-488 TO TRS-80* INTERFACE Everything needed to add powerful BASIC GPIB-488 controller capability to TRS-80 Model 1 or 3, Level 2 or DOS with a minimum of 16K.

488 eoc

/r-! For Modal 3

rJar Op««t/on

488-80B

For Model 1

Operation

I HP*

Model 488-80B or 488-80C Price: $375.

+ shipping, insurance & lax WHEN OBOEKING SPECIFY DISK OR TAPE

SCIENTIFIC ENGINEERING LABORATORIES

11 Neil Drive • Old Bethpage, NY 11804 Telephone: (516) 694-3370 'Trademark of Tandy Corp.

There is no afliliation between Scientific Engineering Laboratories and Tandy Corp. or

Radio Shack.

Circle 240 on Inquiry card.

Circle 52 on Inquiry card.

Circle 369 on inquiry card.

Why use their flexible discs:

Athana, BASF, Control Data, Dysan, IBM, Maxell, Nashua, Scotch, Shugart, Syncom, 3M, Verbatim or Wabash

when you could be using

MEMOREX

high quality error free discs?

Product Description

8" SSSD IBM Compatible (128 B/S, 26 Sectors)

8" SSSD Shugart Compatible, 32 Hard Sector

8" SSDD IBM Compatible (128 B/S, 26 Sectors)

8" DSDD Soft Sector (Unformatted)

8" DSDD Soft Sector (128 B/S, 26 Sectors)

8" DSDD Soft Sector (1024 B/S, 8 Sectors)

8" DSDD Burroughs B-80 Comp., 32 Hard Sector

51/4" SSSD Soft Sector (Unformatted)

51/4" SSDD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

51/4" SSDD 10 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

51/4" SSDD 16 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

51/4" DSDD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

51/4" DSDD 10 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

51/4" DSDD 16 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

Part#

CE quant.

100 price

per disc ($)

3062

2.09

3015

2.09

3090

2.74

3102

3.14

3115

3.34

3104

3.34

3092

3.34

3401

1.94

3481

2.34

3483

2.34

3485

2.34

3491

3.09

3493

3.09

3495

3.09

SSSD = DSDD:

Single Sided Single Density; SSDD Double Sided Double Density

Single Sided Double Density

Memorex Flexible Discs...The Ultimate in Memory Excellence

Quality

Memorex means quality products that you can depend on. Quality control at Memorex means starting with the best materials available. Continual surveillance throughout the entire manufacturing process. The benefit of Memorex's years of experience in magnetic media production, resulting, for instance, in proprietary coating formulations. The most sophisticated testing procedures you'll find anywhere in the business. 100 Percent Error Free

Each and every Memorex Flexible Disc is certified to be 100 percent error free. Each track of each flexible disc is tested, individually, to Memorex's stringent standards of excellence. They test signal amplitude, resolution, low-pass modulation, overwrite, missing pulse error and extra pulse error. They are torque-tested, and competitively tested on drives available from almost every major drive manufacturer in the industry including drives that Memorex manufacturers. Rigid quality audits are built into every step of the manmanufacturing process and stringent testing result in a standard of excellence that assures you, our customer, of a quality product designed for increased data reliability and consistent top performance.

Customer-Oriented Packaging

Memorex's commitment to excellent does not stop with a quality product. They are proud of their flexible discs and they package them with pride. Both their packaging and their labeling have been designed with your ease of identification and use in mind. The desktop box containing ten discs is convenient for filing and storage. Both box labels and jacket labels provide full information on compatibility, density, sectoring, and record length. Envelopes with multi-language care and handling instructions and and color-coded removable labels are included. A write-protect feature is available to provide data security.

Full One Year Warranty—Your Assurance of Quality

Memorex Flexible Discs will be replaced free of charge by Memorex if they are found to be defective in materials or workmanship within one year of the date of purchase. Other than replacement, Memorex will not be responsible for any damages or losses (including consequential damages) caused by the use of Memorex Flexible Discs.

Quantity Discounts Available

Memorex Flexible Discs are packed 10 discs to a carton and 10 cartons to a case. Please order only in increments of 100 units for quantity 100 pricing. We are also willing to accommodate your smaller orders. Quantities less than 100 units are available in increments of 10 units at a 10% surcharge. Quantity discounts are also available. Order 500 or more discs at the same time and deduct 1 %; 1,000 or more saves you 2%; 2,000 or more saves you 3%; 5,000 or more saves you 4%; 10,000 or more saves you 5%; 25,000 or more saves you 6%; 50,000 or more saves you 7% and 100,000 or more discs earns you an 8% discount off our super low quantity 100 price. Almost all Memorex Flexible Discs are immediately available from CE. Our warehouse facilities are equipped to help us get you the quality product you need, when you need it. If you need further assistance to find the flexible disc that's right for you, call the Memorex compatibility hotline. Dial 800-538-8080 and ask for the flexible disc hotline extension 0997. In California dial 800-672-3525 extension 0997. Outside the U.S.A. dial 408-987-0997.

Buy with Confidence

To get the fastest delivery from CE of your Memorex Flexible Discs, send or phone your order directly to our Computer Products Division. Be sure to calculate your price using theCE prices in this ad. Michigan residents please add 4% sales tax. Written purchase orders are accepted from approved government agencies and most well rated firms at a 30% surcharge for net 30 billing. All sales are subject to availability, acceptance and verification. All sales are final. Prices, terms and specifications are subject to change without notice. Out of stock items will be placed on backorder automatically unless CE is instructed differently. Minimum order $50.00. International orders are invited with a$20.00 surcharge for special handling in addition to shipping charges. AM shipments are F.O.B. Ann Arbor, Michigan. No COD's please. Non-certified and foreign checks require bank clearance.

Mail orders to: Communications Electronics, Box 1002, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 U.S.A. Add $8.00 per case or partial-case of 100 8-inch discs or $6.00 per case or partial case of 100 5'/4-inch mini-discs for U.P.S. ground shipping and handling in the continental U.S.A. If you have a Master Card or Visa card, you may call anytime and place a credit card order. Order toll-free in the U.S. Call anytime 800-521 -4414. If you If you are outside the U.S. or in Michigan, dial 313-994-4444. Order your high quality, error free Memorex discs today. Copyright 1982 Communications Electronics"'

High Quality Error Free

. ,-, MEMBER

OCA

{ MomwQqrJ

Order Toll-Free! (800)521-4414

In Michigan (313) 994-4444

For Data Reliability—Memorex Flexible Discs

a

COMMUNICATIONS ELECTRONICS"

Computer Products Division

854 Phoenix □ Box 1002 O Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 U.S.A. Call TOLL-FREE (800| 521 -4414 or outside U.S.A. (313) 994-4444

Circle 84 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 509

Got to expand?

Get a Giltronix Dual Switching System.

Expand and upgrade your 19" rack mounted dual switching system with a Giltronix Switching System #GDnS24. Superior design features: PCB technology for increased reliability.,. Vertically mounted connectors for easy access... Optional 3rd position and monitoring functions. For only $139 Quantity discounts available. Dealer inquiries invited. SWITCH TO GIITRONIX.

JNIVEflSAL INTERFACE PRODUCTS

970 San Antonio Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94303

Got a computer?

VVV\VS\XVSNV^W,XNNNNXSSSX~«S^

Get a Giltronix Selector Switch.

Eliminate unplugging and re-plugging your CPU's, peripherals, and modems. Eliminate expensive duplication of interconnection hardware. Connect three components to Giltronix Selector Switch #S8AB. Then select your connection with a simple turn of the dial. Only $79 in OEM quantities. Monitoring options available. Full 5 year warranty on all Giltronix units. SWITCH TO GIITRONIX.

UNIVERSAL INTERFACE PRODUCTS

970 San Antonio Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94303

Get Greedy!

GetyourTRS-80a Giltronix Switching Unit.

Maximize price/performance by connecting your TRS-80 and two peripherals to Giltronix Switching Unit #GTRS-2AB-AP2. Then select your connection with a single turn of the dial. Eliminate duplicate interconnection hardware. Eliminate wasted time spent unplugging and replugging components. Offthe-shelf availability with a wide selection of I/O configurations. Call for your FREE product catalog. SWITCH TO GILTRONIX.

UNIVERSAL INTERFACE PROOUCTS)

970 San Antonio Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94303

Circle 183 on Inquiry card.

Circle 184 on Inquiry card.

Circle 185 on inquiry card.

'&,

CHIPS,

"DALE

THE INFLATION FIGHTERS!

41 16 300ns 8/S 11.OO 41 16 250r,s 8/S 12.00 4116200ns 8/S I 3.00 4116 I'.(In,, 8/S 16.00 2114L 300ns 8/$ 16.25 2114L 200ns 8/817.00

•4164 150ns S7.90

•6116 150ns $8.00

Z80A CPU $5.50 ea8251A $4.75 u.

27161 (SV)350ns8/S7.O0ea.S7.5Oea. 2716 (5V)450n. 8/S3.75 ea. $4.15 ea. •2732 (5V)450ns 8/87.25 ea. $9.00 ea. 2532 (5V»50ns 8/S9.75 ea. 810.00 ea.

Allow up to 3 wks. for personal checks to clear.

Please Include phone numbeY. Prices subject to

change without notice.

Add $3.50 Shipping & Handling

Wash, residents add 6.6% Sales Tax

CHIPS & DALE P.O. Box 31607 Seattle, Wash. Zip 98103

1-206-524-9126

Master Charge VISA accepted.

PROFESSIONAL MICROCOMPUTER

$2990

THE BEST VALUE ON THE MARKET

• Z80 4MHZ • 64K RAM

• DUAL 8" DRIVES • 1.2 MB STORAGE

• 2 SERIAL I/O • 2 PARALLEL I/O

• OPERATING SYSTEM AND UTILITIES MICRO BUSINESS ASSOCIATES, INC. 460 THIRD STREET

OAKLAND. CA 94607 415-839-5464

PLOTTING SOFTWARE Calcomp compatible, for

EPSON and HIPLOT with CPU, FORTRAN. and BASIC

as a d

PLOTWARE-I 8" Manuals only PLOTWARE-I samples • Refundable on order

.399 .35

ENERCOUP

P.O.BOX 28014

Lakewood, Colo.

80228

303-988-1648

OPTIONS

Map* Chart*

Drafting,

Scientific.

Cbaractars.

Terminal

Emulation

PLOTWARE

Circle 74 on inquiry card.

Circle 264 on inquiry card.

Circle 162 on inquiry card.

@9 Dysan

^CORPORATION

Solve your case problems, buy 100% surface tested Dysan dtokertes. All orders shipped from stock wtrhin 24 hours. Cadi toll FRIi (800) 23S4137 for prices and Itarunnanuii. Vtoa and Master Card accepted

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 (InCal call (805)543-1037

LABELS

perM

15/16"x3'/2" white pressure

1 up - pin feed sensitive

PRICE INCLUDES SHIPPING

Packed 5M per box - Min, order 1 box -$14.95 Check with order - Mass Residents add 5% Sales Tax

^CHECK-MATE

P.O. Box 103, Randolph, MA 02368

Telephone: 617-963-7694

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-343-7706

ATARI

400 16K $319.00

400 YOURS lo 32K or 48K CALL

800 (I6K) 659.00

410 RECORDER 84 00

810 DISK DRIVE 449.00

850IMTERFACE 169.00

830 MODEM 149.00

825 PRINTER 575.00

481 ENTERTAINER KIT 85.00

482 EDUCATOR KIT 125.00

483 PROGRAMMER'S KIT 60.00

484 COMMUNICATOR KIT 309.00

Prices subject to change without notice. Shipping extra. No tax out of state. Ca. residents add appropriate taxes.

WE ARE AN AUTHORIZED ATARI SALES AND SERVICE CENTER

1^ COMPUTERTIME, INC.

^^^^ P.O. Box 216

Kentfldd, CA 94914 CALL TOLL-FREE 800-227-2520

In California 800-772-4064

Circle 320 on inquiry cai

Circle 71 on inquiry card.

Circle 108 on inquiry card.

WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD

CP/M - Software Software/Manual only

Digital Research

PL/1-80

$459/$35

BT-80

$179/$30

Mac

$ 85/$15

Sid

$ 65/S15

Z-Sid

$ 90/S15

Tex

$ 90/$15

DeSpool

$ 50/S10

Micropro

WordStar

$319/$60

Customization Notes

$489/$na

Mail-Merge

$109/$25

WordStar/Mail-Merge

$419/$85

DataStar

$249/$60

WordMaster

$119/$40

SuperSort 1

$199/$40

Spell Star

$175/$40

Microsoft

Basic-80

$289/$na

Basic Compiler

$329/$na

Fortran-80

$349/$na

Cobol-80

$574/$na

M-Sort

$124/$na

Macro-80

$144/$na

Edit-80

$ 84/$na

MuSimp/MuMath

$224/$na

MuLisp-80

$174/$na

Organic Software

Milestone

$269/$30

Supersoft

Diagnostic 1

$ 49/$20

Diagnostic II

$ 84/S20

Disk Doctor

$ 84/$20

Forth (8080 or Z80)

$149/$30

Fortran

$219/$30

Fortran w/Ratfor

$289/$35

Unicorn

Mince

$149/$25

Scribble

$149/$25

Both

$249/$50

Data Base

FMS-80

$649/$45

dBASE II

$595/$50

Access/80

$699/$50

Pascal

Pascal/MT+

$429/$30

Pascal/M

$189/$20

Miscellaneous

SpellGuard

$299/$25

SuperCalc

$269/$50

CBASIC-2

$ 98/S20

MicroStat

$224/$25

StatPak

$449/$40

Micro B +

$229/$20

Apple Software (Business)

Micropro

Wordstar

$289

MailMerge

$119

Wordstar/Mail Merge

$389

SuperSort 1

$189

Spellstar

$139

Personal Software

Visicalc 3.3

$229

CCA Data Mgr

$ 84

Desktop/Plan II

$229

Visiterm

$139

Visidex

$229

Visiplot

$185

Visitrend/Visiplot

$275

Zork

$ 34

Miscellaneous

Micro Courier

$219

Super-Text II

$127

ASCII Express

$ 59

s

28 24 32 29 26 29 22 26 28 32 27 32 45

Apple Software (Entertainment)

Wizard & Princess

Mystery House

Flight Simulator

Raster Blaster

Space Eggs

Sargon II

ABM

Pool 1.5

Beer Run

Epoch

Sneakers

Midnight Magic

Wizardry

Apple Accessories

Z-80 Sottcard by Microsoft

Keyboard Enhancer

T & G Joystick

Sup-r Mod

CPS Multifunction Card

Videoterm by Videx

16K Card by Microsoft

Sup-r Fan

ALF9 Voice Board

CCS Cards

CCS Parallel Model 7720

CCS Serial Model 7710D

CCS Centronics Model 7728

Disk Drives For TRS-80* Model 1 CCI-100 5Vt", 40 Track Add-ons for Zenith Z-89 CCI-189 5V*", 40 Track Z-87 Dual 5V«" system Drives for Z-90

External card edge and power supply included. 90 day warranty/one year on power supply.

Corvus 5M Corvus 10M Corvus 20M Corvus Mirror

Shugart 8" 801R Raw Drive

TAN DON 5Vi" Raw Drive

Power Supplies

Diskettes—Box of 10

Maxell 5V*"

Maxell 8"

BASF/Verbatim 5V4"

BASF/Verbatim 8"

Plastic File Box—Holds 50 5v." a:

Plastic Library Case 51/i"

Plastic Library Case 8"

Head Cleaning Diskette

Floppy Saver

Floppy Saver Rings

16K RAM Kits

One Kit

Two Kits

200ns for TRS-80*, Apple II,

(specify): Jumpers $ 2.50

Computer Systems

Atari 400 $ 359

Atari 800 $ 699

Call for other Atari products

Zenith Z89, 48K $ Call

Zenith Z90, 64K $ Call

Call for other Zenith products

For fast delivery, send certified checks, money orders or call to arrange direct bank wire transfers. Personal or company checks require one to three weeks to clear. All prices are mail order only and are subject to change without notice. Call for shipping charges.

$299 $119 $ 49 $ 25 $199 $249 $159 $ 39 $149 SCall SCall SCall SCall

$299

$455 $995 SCall

$3089 $4489 $5429

699

399 Call Call

$ 40 $ 45 $26.95

36 $ 19 $ 3 $ 4 $ 25 $10.95 $ 6.95

$19.00 $37.00

Terminals

ADDS Viewpoint

Zenith Z-19

Televideo 910

Televideo 920C

Televideo 950

S-100 California Computer Systems

Mainframe

Z80 CPU

64K RAM

Floppy Disc Cntrl

Integrated Sys. w/int. cables, tstd.

2P + 2S I/O

4 Port Serial I/O

4 Port Parallel I/O

Casio Calculators

Pocket Comp. FX702

Desk Printr/Calc. FR100

$ Call

$ 699

595

769

$ 969

$ 349 $ 239 $ 569 $ 339 $1975 $ 269 $ 249 $ 179

Scientific Calc. Game Watch Game Watch Calendar Watch Printers

$185.00 $ 79.95 $ 49.95 49.95 69.95 59.95

$

$

FX8100

CA90 Plastic

CA901 Steel

AX210 NEC Spin writer 7710 R.O Ser $2395 7710 Ser w/tr. $2595

7720 KSR w/tr. $2795 7730 R.O. Par $2395 7730 R.O. Parw/tr.$2595 NEW 3500 Series $ Call

Epson MX-70

Epson MX-80

Epson MX-80FT

Epson MX-100

Epson Graftrax

PaperTiger 560 Gr. & 2K

IDS Prism 80

IDS Prism 132

PaperTiger Access.

Anadex DP-8000

Anadex DP-9500/01

Okidata Microline 80 Fric. & pin feed

Okidata Microline 82A Fric. & pin teed

Okidata Microline 83A 120 cps

Okidata 84 200 cps

Centronics 739

Data South 180 cps

Monitors

Leedex 12" B&W

Leedex 12" Green Screen

Leedex 13" Color

Sanyo 9" B&W

Sanyo 9" Green Screen

Sanyo 12" Green Screen

Sanyo 12" B&W

Sanyo 13" Color

Zenith 12" Green Screen

Zenith 13" Color

Call

Call

Call

Call

Call

$ Call

$ Call

$ Call

$ Call

$ 949

$1465

$ Call

$ Call

$ Call

$ Call

$ 739

$ Call

$ 119 $ 129 $ 329 $ 149 $ 189 $ 249 $ 239 $ 449 $ 129 $ 349

****** Special of the Month ******

Olivetti DY 211 Daisy Wheel

SCall

Telecommunications

Prentice Star Modem 1-yr. guar. $ 125

Univ. Data System UDS103LP $ 135

Univ. Data System UDS103JP $ 189

Novation Cat $ 139

Novation D-Cat $ 149

Novation Auto-Cat $ 199

Novation Apple Cat II $ 299

Hayes Smart Modem™ $ 249

Hayes Micro-Modem II™ $ 310

Hayes Chronograph™ $ 225

CCI Telnet Com. Package $ 135

dealer (national/international) inquiries invited Send for FREE Catalogue

The CPU SHOP

TO ORDER CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-343-6522

TWX: 710-348-1796 Massachusetts Residents call 617/242-3361

420-438 Rutherford Ave., Dept. B05M Charlestown, Massachusetts 02129 Hours 9 AM-9 PM (EST) Mon.-Fri. (Sat. til

6)

Technical Information call 617/242-3361 Massachusetts Residents add 5% Sales Tax Tandy Corporation Trademark/" Digital Research

Circle 123 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 511

ELIZA IS HERE!

AT LAST! A FULL IMPLEMENTATION ol tht original ELIZA

program It now available lo run on your microcomputer?

Created at MIT tn 1966, ELIZA hat become the world't most

celebrated artificial Intelligence demonstration program. ELIZA is a

non-directive psychotherapist who analyzes each statement as you

type It and then responds with her own comment or question — and

her remarks are often slantingly appropriate!

Designed to run on a large mainframe, ELIZA has hitherto been

unavailable to personal computer users except In greatly stripped

down versions lacking the sophistication which made the original

program so fascinating.

Now, our new microcomputer version possessing the FULL power

and range of expression of the original Is being ottered at the

introductory price ol only $25. And If you want to find out how she

does It (or teach her lo do more) we will Include the complete

Source Program for only $20 additional.

Order your copy of ELIZA today and you'll never again wonder how

to respond when you hear someone say "Okay, let's see what this

computer ol yours can actually dor

ELIZA IS AVAILABLE IN THI FOLLOWING DISK FORMATS:

1. Standard 8 Inch single density for all CP/M based computers S25 tor ELIZA.COM — add $20 for Microsoft BASIC-80 Source

2. m Inch CP/M for Apple II equipped with Z-80 SoftCard

$25 for ELIZA.COM — add $20 for Microsoft BASIC-80 Source

3. 5V. Inch for 48K Apple II with Applesoft ROM and DOS 3.3 $25 for Protected File — add $20 tor Unprotected Source

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH GROUP

_________ 921 NORTH LA JOLLA AVENUE

■™>^M LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90046 (213)656-7368 (213)654-2214

MC, VISA and CHECKS ACCEPTED

command your own

STARSHIP

with

Fleet: Maneuvers

iaS2's hottest new

play by mail game.

by

FgrtTgync ^imuLqTiom

p. O. box 24566 ckzrroer Colorado 80224

OMEGA

The Last Disassembler You Will Ever Need!

Mnemonics Externally Defined

Zilog, Intel, PASM Supplied

ASCII/HEX Preconditioner

Can Externally Def. Equates

Optional Address Listing

ASM/PASM/M80 Compatible

DB statements forcible over user specified range

$150. complete/$25. manual only for further information contact

COMPUTER TOOLBOX, INC.

1325 East Main St.

Waterbury, Ct. 06705

Phone (203) 754-4197

Circle 28 on inquiry card.

Circle 170 on inquiry card.

Circle 105 on inquiry card.

APPLE, IBM, TRS-60, CP/M

SOFTWARE

Westico is a publisher and distributor of professional software for microcomputers. If you have a new program ready for distribution or want your existing prog rams to reach a larger market, contact:

Phillip Woellhof, V.P. Mktg.

Westico, Inc.

25 Van Zant Street

Norwalk, CT 06855

(203) 853-6880 To increase your profits, take advantage of Westico's worldwide promotion and distribution

WESTICO

The Software Express Service

SOFTWARE for CP/iVT

dBASE II Ashton-Tate

TM

DATABANK

AND

DATAFLEX™

TM-DATA ACCESS CORPORATION

FOR -Mfcmnlo FREE

YOUR ls»VP^ CATALOG

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE

FETCH COMPUTER PRODUCTS DIVISION OF

ALMALY TRADING CORPORATION

8135 S.W. 17 STREET, MIAMI, FL 33155 TELEX: 51-9602 "ALMALY MIA"

CALL TOLL FREE 800-327-2251

Apple is a Registered Trademark of Apple Computers CP/M is a Registered Trademark of Digital Research

AN ALOC «■» DIGITAL DIGITAL*"* ANALOG

CONVERSION MODULES

SOFTWARE CAIN CONTROL

>ord test S-100 ', kh,

ible high and low inputs gain

programmable gain i nst rumen lotioi ,[f)tn bonrcJ icsi - S 100 ■ 2 to 15 khz

IE-bit sample and hold amplifier -*-1! o I analog to digital

For additional details about the AD-100-4 and other fine California Data corporation 100°/o individually tested, high reliability products, circle the reader service card number below or for faster response write or call us.

CALIFORNIA DATA CORPORATION

3475 Old Conejo Road, Suite C-10 Newbury Park, CA 91320

(805) 498-3651

Circle 62 on inquiry card.

RAM:64K-200ns(

8/$69

Color R.F. Modulator Kit: - $9.95 14A S-100 Power Supply Kit $29.95

(tor line cord and circuit breaker, add $8 95) .„ _.

47-63 Hz. 95-250 VAC with RFI filter included. ±1BV @^A

Enclosed versions now available for: NEC, IBM, Apple III (your choice). Call for Data.

Displays

New! RGB

• High Contrast Black-Stripe Tube

• Ultra Stable Convergence

• 90 Day Warranty

• 15.7 KHz Mlcroangelo CAT-100, IBM

13". $359°°

525x420 lines, 32 lbs

19". $389°°

525x620 lines, 48 lbs.

(Displays 80 characters on IBM)

Active 12' Cable to IBM with "Intensity" Input

Deaiin* Eiecironics

735 Loma Verde, Palo Alto, CA 94303 • 415-493-5930

Dealerships Available

\ferbatinr

Floppy Discs

SAVE 40% SJSri

51/fr Specif y soft. Price/10 /4 10 or 16 sector

MD525 1 side/dbl dens $27.30

MD5S0 2 sides/dbl dens 44.20

MD577 1 sids/77 track 32.50

MD657 2 sides/77 track 44.20

8i t Critically Certified Soft sector

FD34-9000 1 side/sgldens 33.80

FD34-8000 1 side/dbl dens 39.00

FD34-4001 2 side/dbl dens 46.20

CHECKS - VISA - MC - C.O.D. (3131 717-7180 ADD $2 SHIPPING

LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS

27204 Harper Ave.

St. Clair Shores, Ml 48081

Circle 243 on inquiry card.

DISKETTES CASSETTES

Error-Free 5V4-inch Diskettes (MD5) single-sided, soft sector, single or double density, reinforced hub.

Item

Qty 10

Qty50

MD-5

$25.00

$110.00

C-10 C-20 C-60 C-90

$ 7.50

9.00

11.50

15.00

$ 32.50 39.00 50.00 70.00

Circle 11 on inquiry card.

Circle 134 on Inquiry card.

UPS SHIPPING INCLUDED

in Continental USA

CA Customers add taxes

MICROSETTE

475 Ellis St., Mt. View, CA 94043 (415) 968-1604

Circle 279 on inquiry card.

CRT CONTROLLER

6522 APPLE II INTERFACE

81-260 "SLIM"

JBE I MICROCOMPUTER

This Intelligent CRT Controller uses an 8085A CPU & an 8275 Integrated CRT Controller, it features:

• 25lines(80char./line)

• 5x7 dot matrix

• Upper & lower case

• Two 2716's (controller & char.

§enerator) erial interface RS232 & TTL

• Baud rates of 110,150,300,600, 1200,2400, 4800 and 9600

• Keyboard scanning system

• Unencoded keyboard required

• Uses + 5V & + 12V Power Supplies

• Does not have graphic capabilities.

Documentation includes program listing and composite video circuit. Bare Board only

(with doc) $39.95

2716Char.Gen.A7 $19.95

2716 Program A12 $19.95

TheJBE6522 Parallel Interface for the Apple II Computer, plugs directly into anyslotl through7in the Apple. This card has 2 6522 VIA's that provide:

• Four8 bit bi-directional I/O ports

• Four 16 bit programmable timer/counters

• Serial shift registers

• Handshaking

A 74LS05 is for timing. Four 16 pin sockets provide easy connections to other peripheral devices. (Dip jumpers with ribbon cables are also available from JBE)The6522 Parallel I/O card interfaces to the JBE EPROM programmer. Understanding of machine language required to use this board. Inputs and outputs are TTL compatible.

79-295A $69.95Assembled

79-295K $59.95 Kit

79-295B $19.95 Bareboard

A-D CONVERTER

SPEECH SYNTHESIZERS

m-r.

JBEs 16 channel A-D Converter plugs into your Apple II computer. It uses an ADC0817 which incorporates a 16 channel multiplexer and an 8 bit A-D Converter. The 16 inputs are high impedance and the voltage range is 0 to 5.12 volts. Conversion time is<l 00j^sec. The resolution Is 8 bits or 256 steps, linearity is ± 1/2 step. Two 16 pin DIP sockets are used for input, GND & reference voltage connections. There are3singlebitTTLinputs.DOC. Includes sample program, ■

81-132AAssm. $89.95

81-132KKit $69.95

81 -132BBare Board $29.95

EPROM PROGRAMMER

J BE's EPROM Programmer Is designed toprogram5V2516's,2532's&2716's. It interfaces to the JBE Parallel I/O card using four ribbon cables. An LED Indicates when the EPROM Is being programmed. A textool zero Insertion force socket is used for the EPROM. Comes with complete documentation for writing and reading EPROM's in the Apple II or Apple t! Plus. Cables available separately.

80-244AAssm. $49.95

80-244KKit $39.95

80-244B Bare Board $24.95

JBEs Speech Synthesizers use the Votrax SC-01 Phoneme Synthesizer chip. The SC-01 phonetically synthesizes continuous speech of unlimited vocabulary. The SC-01 contains64 different phonemes and 4 levels of inflection accessed by an 8 bit code. It requires 10 Bytes per second for continuous speech. Both boards have an audio amp for direct connection to an 8 ohm speaker.

Documentation includes basic user programs, a phoneme chart and listing of coded words to help you get started. Documentation for the Apple 11® Speech Synthesizer includes a disk with many user programs.

81-088 Apple II Speech

Synthesizer $139.95

81-120 Parallel Input Speech

Synthesizer $149.95

Prices include the SC-01 Chip SC-01 sold separately for $ 75.95

EPROM EXPANSION CARD

PARTS

6502 MPU 6522 VIA Z-80MPU Z-80 PIO TW02114RAM 2716

50pinconn. DipJumper2ft.

$9.95 $9.95 $9.95 $9.95 $9.95 $14.95 $5.95 $4.95

JBE EPROM Expander for the Apple II holds six 5V 2716s tor a total of 12K bytes of EPROM. This board takes the place of the on board ROM in the Apple. It is software switchable by the same technique used by the Apple II firmware card. Solder jumpers are for reset to the Apple ROM or EPROM Expansion Card. Use JBE EPROM Programmer and Parallel I/O to program your EPROMs. EPROMs sold separately.

81-085AAssm.

81-085KKit

81-085B Bare Board

$59.95 $49.95 $39.95

Single board large scale Integration M icrocomputer. This 4.5 x 6.5 board uses the 6502 Microprocessor, two 6522 VIA's, four 2114 RAM's, 2516, 2716 or 2532 EPROM. The fully buffered 22/44 pin bus is similar to the KIM® , SYM® , and AIM® expansion connector. The four 8 bit I/O ports connect through 16 pin dip sockets. This board was designed for control and is ideal for Personal and OEM use.

• 6502 MPU

• Two 6522 VIA's

• Four2114 RAM's (2K bytes)

• One EPROM 2516 or 2532

• Crystal clock 1 Mhz

• Requires 5 V1 AMP Power

• 4.5x6.5 card ll^fa

• Power on reset

• Fully buffered-expandable

• Solder mask-both sides

Use your Apple II Computer, JBE 6522 Parallel Interface card and EPROM Programmer as a development system for SLIM.

Prices:

81-260A $199.95Assembled

81-260K $149.95 Kit

81-260B $ 39.95 Bare Board

6502 MICROCOMPUTER

6502MPU,6522VIA,2718EPROM,2114 RAM single board computer. Single 5 volt power supply at 400 Ma. Two Independent 8 bit I/O ports with handshake lines; RC controlled 1 Mhz clock.

Complete documentation. I/O lines use 50 pin edge connector. Data and address lines are not accessible. Mod. for 2532 Is Included. EPROM Is not Included. 1K RAM, 2K EPROM, 2 I/O ports.

80-153Assm. $110.95

80-153 Kit $ 89.95

80-153 Bare Board $ 1935

Z-80 MICROCOMUTER

Z-80 MPU, Z-80 PIO, 2716 EPROM, 2114 RAM single board computer. Single 5 volt power supply at 300 Ma. Two independent 8 bit I/O ports with handshake lines. RC controlled 2Mhz clock.

Complete documentation. I/O lines use 50 pin edge connector. Data and address lines are not accessible. Mod. for 2532 is included. EPROM is not included. 1K RAM, 2K EPROM, 2 I/O ports.

80-280 Assm. 80-280 Kit 80-280 Bare Board

$129.95 $119.95 $ 19.95

JBE's 7.75 x 11.75 6502 base Microcomputer has the capacity for 16K of EPROM, 4K of RAM, 8 Parallel Ports andl Serial Port. Monitor and Tiny Basic are also available. The fully populated version includes:

• 16502 CPU

• 4 6522 VIA (8 Parallel I/O Ports)

• 1 AY5-1013 (Serial I/O Ports)

• 8 2114 RAM (4K)

• 2 2716 EPROM (Monitor & Tiny Basic)

The partially populated version Includes:

• 16502 CPU

• 1 6522 VIA (2 Parallel I/O Ports)

• 1AY5-1013(Serial I/O Port)

• 22114 RAM (1K)

• 1 2716 EPROM (with Monitor)

Both versions include sockets for 2716s or 2532s, 8 16 pin sockets for I/O interfacing and a DB25 connector for RS232.

Alladdressanddatalinesare broughtof f the board to the 50 pin edge connector, (similar to the Apple II bus)

This board also features power on reset and cassette interface.

81-030 C Fully

Populated

$349.95

81-030M Partially

Populated

$249.95

81-030B Bare Board

$ 89.95

2716 EPROM

(with Monitor)

$ 19.95

2715 EPROM

(withTiny Basic

$ 19.95

Johiv Bell Eivgiiveeriivg, live.

ALL PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM JOHN BELL ENGINEERING, INC. • 1014 CENTER ST., SAN CARLOS, CA 94070

ADD SALES TAX IN CALIFORNIA • ADD 5% SHIPPING & HANDLING 3% FOR ORDERS OVER $100 SEND FOR CATALOG (415)592-8411 10% OUTSIDE U.S.A.

WILL CALL HOURS: 9am - 4pm

VISA

ATTENTION

SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER OWNERS

Complete your system with these fine products at savings from 15 to 25%.

Clock/Calendar for Digital Research's Big Board. Full time & date functions. Eight interrupts & battery backup. Bare board—$25, Kit—$54.95. Asm— $67.95, Program diskette—$5. Add $2.50 postage.

Enclosures — Will house a computer

board, keyboard, power supply,

12" monitor and 5" disk.

21"DX 19"WX 16" H.

List $105 Now Only $89 + $7 shipping

Monitors — 12" Motorola, 15 MHz, 800 line resolution. Separate video & sync.

List $200 Now Only $150 + $4 shipping.

Call or write for other great specials. AB COMPUTER PRODUCTS, P 0 BOX 571-B JACKSON, N.J. 08527, (201) 370-9889

Circle 3 on Inquiry card.

NOW! 176K TOTAL RAM

For the '89 • 3 MP/M II© Compatible Banks •"Invisible Disk" CP/MSoftware Included

Only $595.00

MAGNOLIAH

MICROSYSTEMS

2264-15th AVE. W • SEATTLE, W/ A 98119

[206] 285-7266 [800] 426-2841

CP/M"1 & MP/M II* are registered trademarks of Digital Research, Pacific Grove, CA.

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

ANNOUNCING THE FOX & GELLER

dBASEII

PROGRAM

GENERATOR!

QUICKCODE™

Now, without any programming, you can create these in seconds:

• MAILING LABELS

• WORDSTAR FORM LETTERS

• DATA ENTRY/RETRIEVAL PGMS.

• dBASE FILES

$995

INTRODUCING dUTIL™ The dBASEII utility program. Automatically improves and comments your programs. Many other features.

$99

Fox & Geller Teaneck, NJ 07666

P.O. Box 1053 (201) 837-014Z

dBASE-ll TM Ashton-Tate Wordstar TM Micropro Int'l

MEMOREX

FLEXIBLE DISCS

WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!! Call Free (800)2354137

for prices and information. Dealer inquiries invited and C.O.D's accepted.

VISA

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 In Cat call (800)592-5935 or (805)543-1037

Circle 320 on inquiry card.

STMITJOB

STARTJOB VERS 1.1 These Jobs Will Start At 22:00:00

Receive B

Transmit C:Test.txt Crun2 Update Submit Payroll

Starting Delayed Jobs

SYSTcm soiimons

G3

S-100

Circle 399 on Inquiry card.

fompuPro

]LUDER

8086 CPU AST 394. 8085/88 CPU AST 319.

CPU Z AST 199. CPU Z 6fflz CSC 308.

DISK IUmpm s-16 CALL DISK 1 AST 371.

IlflERFACER 3 (5) *fi. RAM 16 AST 6W 671,

LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS

LIGHTING 1 8086 399. LDP72 DISK CONTR. 220,

HAZITAL 2ser, 2p 260. fEDOS OR CPM™86 195.

RAM128KAST 650. RAM 256K AST 1099,

SEATTLE COMPUTER

8086,Support card S 86D0S only 629, 6« Static 7*. IBM 256K add-on 699,

MORROW DESIGNS

DECISION 1 BASIC 1295. DMA DJ w/CPM™ 356, RAH 65K Static 581. MJLTI 10 269,

DUAL 8" 801SCAB 1056. DUAL 8" 850S CAB 1196.

ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE SHIPPING MIN 3. CPH ISA TRADEMARK OF DIGITAL RESEARCH OF CA.

PD q&i u/E5nwf\5rER CR 32bte-nqsi 7H aqa-nMb ^^S£

Personal Publishing

If you have ever thought about publishing your memoirs, the Great American Novel, your PhD thesis, documentation for a computer program, or whatever; think about Intergraphics' Personal Publishing service. It is the lowest cost method yet devised to get your words into print. Your Personal Computer, a modem, and a little "do-it-yourself" spirit are all that is necessary to access our fully automated computerized typesetting service.

For further information, write to:

Intergraphics Inc.

106A Sojin Colj™ibus Street Alexandria V.rgmia 22314

Circle 212 on inquiry card.

NEC America

PC-8000 Series

Microcomputer

System.

• SYSTEMS • COMPONENTS

• PRINTERS • SOFTWARE

• SERVICE • ADD-ONS

For Pricing and Catalog Call or Write

-^■^^ Development Systems Co.

^^% 2100-A Walsh Ave

K] Santa Clara, CA 95050

^^f Phone: (408) 727-1549

Circle 139 on inquiry card.

TRS-80™ Models 1 & 3

SMART TERMINAL $69.95

Model 2 (CP/M) Version ... $79.95

Enables your TRS-80 to be used as a data communications terminal to a time-sharing system orto another computer. Automatic transmission or storage of data to/from other computer. Control keys, character mapping, true BREAK key. Cassette and disk files compatible with Electric Pencil" and Scripsit™. Transmit/receive with verification.

SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC $94.95

Complete diagnostics for every component

of your TRS-80. Separate tests for ROM,

RAM, video display, keyboard, line printer,

cassette recorder, disk drives, RS-232-C

interface.

Add $5.00 for program supplied on

diskette, $3.00 postage and handling.

S.A.S.E. for FREE catalogue.

HOWE SOFTWARE

14 Lexington Rd., New City, NY 10956

(914) 634-1821

Circle 461 on Inquiry card.

Circle 380 on inquiry card.

Circle 195 on Inquiry card.

FULL LINE ALL PARTS & COMPUTER PRODUCTS

P.O. Box 4430X

Santa Clara, CA 95054

'Will calls: 2322 Walsh Ave.

(408) 988-1640

Same day shipment. First line parts only. Factory tested. Guaranteed money back. Quality IC's and other components at factory prices.

INTEGRATED CIRCUITS Phone orders only (800) 538-8196

fELECTRONICS

7400N 7402N 7404N 7409N 741 ON 7414N 7420N 7430N 7442N 7445N 744 7N 744SN 7474N 7475N 7485N 7489N 7490N 7495N 74100N 74107N 74123N 74125N 74145N 74150N 74151N 74154N 74157N 74161N 74162N 74163N 74174N 74175N 74190N 74192N 74193N 74221N 74298N 74365N 74366N 74367N

741SMJ TTL

74LS00N

74LS02N

74LS04N

741.S05N

74LS08N

74LS10N

74LS13N

74LS14N

74LS20N

74LS22N

74LS28N

74LS30N

74LS33N

74LS38N

74LS74N

74LS75N

74LS90N

74LS93N

74LS95N

74LS107N

74LS112N

74LSU3N

74LS132N

74LS136N

74LS151N

mis'V.n

74LS157N

74LS162N

74LS163N

74LS174N

74LS190N

74LS22JN

74LS258N

74LS367N

LM320K-S

LM320K 12

LM32DK15

LM32DT-5

LM320T-8

LM320T12

LM320M5

LM323K-5 .

LM324N

LM339N

LM340K-5

I.M340K-8

LM340K-1?

LM340K-1S

LM340K-24

LM340T-5

LM340T-8

LM340T-J2

LM340T-15

LM340T18

LM340T-24

LM350

LM377

LM3B0-N

LM381

LM382

LM709H

LM723H/N

LM733N

LM741CH

LM741N

LM747H/N

LM748N

LM13Q3N

LM13Q4

LM1305

LM1307

LM1310

LM1458

LM1812 I

LM1889

LM2111

LM2902 :

LM3900N

LM39D5

LM3909N

MC1458V

NE550N

NE555V

NE556A

NE5S5A

NE5B6V

NE567V

NE570B

78L.05

78L08

78M05

75108

7549!CN

75492CN

75494CN

■ CD4017

■ CD4018 1 CD4019

■ CD4020 CD4021 CO4022

■ CD4023 CD4024

■ CD4025 C04026

■ CD4027 I CD4028 ' CD4029

■ CD403D

■ CD4035 i CD4040

■ CD4042

■ CD4043

■ C04044 i CD4045 < CD4049

CD4050

■ CD4051 CD4060 CD4066

■ CD4068 I CO4069

CD4070 1 CD4071 ' CD4072 CO4073 CD4075 CO4076 CD4078 CD4081 CD40B2 C04I16 CO4490 CD4507 C04508 CO4510 C04511 CD4515 CD4516 CD4518 CU452D CD4527 CD4528 CD4553 CD4566 CD4583 CD4585 CD40192 74C00 74C04 74C10 74C14 74C2D 74C30 74C48 74C74 74C76 74C90 74C93 74C154

8T97 99

8T98 99 MOS MEMORY RAM

2101-1 196

2102-1 85

2102AL-4 1 25

21KAN-2L 1 65

2104A-4 4 95

21078-4 3 75

2112-2 2114

2 99

2.24

114L 300ns 2 50 2114L 450ns 2 37 4116 200ns 2 50 B4116200ns 15 40 MM! H

DAFII MFU

AY5-1D13 3 9:

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3341 6 9: PROM

1702A 4 5'

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2708 2 9.

271671 8 5'

3716 5 Von 5 5i

8/2716 5Vol! 39 0'

2732 16.&

OE9S 1-95

DA15P 2 10

DA15S 3 1D

Compiste Set 9.50

Stopwatch Kit 26.95

Auto Clock Kit 17.95

Digital Clock KI1 19.75 RESISTORS V. witt 5%

0 perlype

0 petlyne

Uiin.i ;.,,

lype

MM5321 MM5330 P5101L 4200A

1MU2016

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CLOCKS

MM53H

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MM5314

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N82S129

NB2S131

N82S136

N82S137

DM8577

8223

CONNECTORS 30 pin edge 44 pm edge 86 pm edge

100 pin edge

39.95 39.95 34.95

J9?S

500O pet lype 350 piece pack, 5 per type 8 95 i

Vi wait 5% per type 05

[HP SWITCHES

4-position 85

5-position 90

6 position ~~ "90 7-position 95

B-position 95

KEYBOARDS

56 key ASCII keyboard kil Fully assembled

Enclosure Plastic

Metal Enclosure

UM

RedT018

Green, Yellow T018

012 MASTER 0085 CLOSEOUT $59.95

IC SOCKETS Solder Tin Law Profile PIN 1UP PIN 1UP

WIRE WRAP LEVEL 3

Gieen Qiange Velio* JurtiDo 25

Clipllle LED Mounting Clips 4/ BO (Spec red, amber green, yellow clear) CONTINENTAL SPECIALTIES ll Complete line of breadboard

i stock

SPECIAL PRODOCTS

2 5 MH: Fteg Counter Krt 37 50

30 MHz Freq Counter Kit 47 75

6522 6530 6532

6850

~l AC TRANSFORMERS

FRAME

6V 500 ma

6 3V CT 600 rr

n 12V 250 ma

c 12 6VCT

S4 00 10V 2 amp 4 60 12V 250 ma 1.95 12VCT250rr ■ 95 12V 500 it

7b A to D CONVERTER MC16C

LINEAR

CA3045 90

CA3046 1 10

CA30B1 1 80

CA3082 1 90

CA3089 3 40 LM301ANAH 34

LM305H 87

LM307N 35

LM308N 96

LM309K 1.25

LM311H/N .64

B700CJ

8701CN

8750CJ

LD130

9400CJVF

ICL7103

ICL7107

CMOS

CD4000 CD400I CD4O02 CD4006 CD4007 CD4008 CD4009 CD4010 CD4011 CD4012 CD4013 CO4014 CD4015 CD4016

74C175 74C192 74C221 74C905 I

74C906 74C914 74C922 :

74C923 !

74C925 I

74C926 I

74C927 I INTERFACE 8095

80B5A ZBOA 2B0B ZBO P10 Z80A P10 ZBO CTC ZBOA CTC ZBO DART Z80A DART ZBO DMA ZBOA DMA

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27 50 23 95

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5 MHz 10 MHz 18 MHz 20 MHz 32 MHz 3276B Hz

1 8432 MHz 3 5795 MHz

2 0100 MHz

2 097152 MHz

2 4576 MHz

3 2768 MHz 5 0688 MHz

5 185 MHz 5.7143 MHz

6 5536 MHz 14 31B1BMH2 18 432 MH7 22 1164 MHz

12 6VCT2amps 5 95 12V 1 amo : 12 6V CT 4 amp B 60 12V? amp

12 6VCT8amp 10.80 6,9, 12 VDC

24V CT 100 ma 3 95 300 ma

J 24V CT 600 ma 4 95 9 VDC 500 m

} ConstaniVollageTransformers 12V 11

5V. 23 amp. 24V 11 amp

395

ZSOB P10

8212

6214

8216

8224

8228

8251

8253

8255

8257

B259

1802CE plas

1B02E pla&

1861P

KEYBOAfiO ENCODERS AY5-7376 11 95

: A","- WQOPRO 17 95 ! 74C922 5 49

! 74C923 550

J HD0165-5 795

i 0 Connectors RS232 I DB25P 2 95

i DB25S 350

i Cover 1 25

DISPLAY LEDS

MAN 7274

DL704

DL707-DL707R

DL727/728

DL747'75Q

FND359

FND500'507

FND5O3.510

FND800 807

ID digit display

7520 Ctaire* pnotocells

TIL311 He*

MAN4610

MAN4640

MAN4710

MAN4740

MAN6640

MAN6710

MAN6740

CA.CA 300 75

COCA ! CCCA ! CCCA I

4116 200ns Dynamic RAM 8 $15 40

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS KITS

Apple Peripheral Kits

SERIAL I/O INTERFACE 0 to 30,000 baud, D.T.R., Input & output from monitor or basic, or use Apple as intelligent terminal, Bd only (P/N 2) $14.95, Kit (P/N 2A) $51.25, Assembled (P/N 2C) $62.95.

PROTOTYPING BOARD {P/N 7907) $21.95. PARALLEL TRIAC OUTPUT BOARD 8 triacs, each can switch 110V, 6A loads, Bd only (P/N 210) $19.20, Kit (P/N 210A) $119.55. OPTO-ISOLATED INPUT BOARD 8 inputs, can be driven from TTL logic, Bd only (P/N 120) $15.65, Kit (P/N 120A) $69.95. Interlace Kits

SERIAL/PARALLEL INTERFACE Bidirectional, Baud rates from 110 to 19.2K, sw selectable polarity of input and output strobe, 5 to 8 data bits, 1 or 2 stop bits, parity odd or even or none, all characters contain a start bit, +5 & -12V required.Bd only (P/N 101) $11.95, Kit (P/N 101A) $42.89.

RS-232/TTL INTERFACE Bidirectional, requires ±12V, Kit (P/N 232A)$9.95. RS-232/20mA INTERFACE Bidirectional. 2 passive opto-isolated circuits. Kit (P/N 7901A) $14.95.

PROM Eraser

Will erase 25 PROMs in 15 minutes. Ultraviolet, assembled. 25 PROM capacity $37.50 (with timer $69.50). 6 PROM capacity OSHA/UL version $76.50 (with timer $108.50).

NiCad Battery Fixer/Charger Kit

Opens shorted cells that won't hold a charge and then charges them up, all in one kit w/full parts and instructions. No PC board. $8.95

Z80 Microcomputer

16 bit 1/0. 2 MHz clock, 2K RAM, ROM Breadboard space. Excellent for control. Bare Board $28.50. Full Kit $99.00. Monitor $20.00. Power Supply Kit $35.00. Tiny Basic $30.00.

Modem Kit $60.00

State of the art, orig., answer. No tuning necessary. 103 compatible 300 baud. Inexpensive acoustic coupler plans included. Bd. only $17.00. Article in June Radio Electronics.

60 Hz Crystal Time Base Kit $4.40

Converts digital clocks from AC line frequency to crystal time base. Outstanding accuracy.

Video Modulator Kit $9.95

Convert TV set into a high quality monitor w/o affecting usage. Comp. kit w/full instruc.

Multi-volt Computer Power Supply

8v 5 amp, +18v .5 amp, 5v 1.5 amp, -5v .5 amp, 12v .5 amp, -12v option. ±5v, ±12v are regulated. Basic Kit $35.95. Kit with chassis and all hardware $51.95. Add $5.00 shipping. Kit of hardware $16.00. Woodgrain case $10.00. $1.50 shipping.

Type-N-Talk by Votrax

Text to speech synthesizer with unlimited vocabulary, built-in text to speech algorithm, 70 to 100 bits per second speech synthesizer, RS232C interface $359.00. Speech IC $79.95.

1802 16K Dynamic RAM Kit $149.00

Expandable to 64K. Hidden refresh w/clocks up to 4 MHz w/no wait states. Add). 16K RAM $25.00. S-100 4-slot expansion $ 9.95

Super Monitor VI.I Source Listing $15.00

rwwwwm

I «»■*■

Willi

RCA Cosmac 1802 Super Elf Computer $106.95

The Super Elf Is a small single board computer that does many big things. It's an excellent computer for training and for learning programming with its machine language and yet it's easily expanded with additional memory, Full Basic, ASCII Keyboards, video character generation, etc. ROM monitor; State and Mode displays; Single step; Optional address displays, Power Supply, Audio Amplifier and Speaker; Fully socketed for all IC's; Full documentation.

The Super Elf includes a ROM monitor for program loading, editing and execution with SINGLE STEP for program debugging which is not included in others at the same price. With SINGLE STEP you can see the microprocessor chip operating with the unique Quest address and data bus displays before, during and after executing instructions. Also. CPU mode and instruction cycle are decoded and displayed on 8 LED indicators. An RCA 1861 video graphics chip allows you to connect to your own TV with an inexpensive video modulator to do graphics and games There is a speaker system included for writing your own music or using many music programs already written. The speaker amplifier may also be used to drive relays for control purposes. A 24 key HEX keyboard includes 16 HEX keys plus load, reset, run, watt, input, memory protect, monitor select and single step Large, on board displays provide output and optional high and low address. There is a 44 pin standard connector slot

Quest Super Basic V5.0

A new enhanced version of Super Basic now available Quest was the first company worldwide to ship a full sire Basic for 1802 Systems. A complete function Super Basic by Ron Cenker including floating point capability with scientific notation (number range ±.17E3,)1 32 bit integer +2 billion; multi dim arrays, string arrays; string manipulation; cassette I/O; save and load, basic, data and machine language programs, and over 75 statements, functions and operations. New improved faster version including renumber and essentially unlimited variables. Also, an exclusive user expandable command library

Serial and Parallel I 0 routines included Super Basic on Cassette $55.00.

for PC cards and a 50 pin connector slot for the Quest Super Expansion Board. Power supply and sockets for all IC's are included plus a detailed 127 pg. instruction manual which now includes over 40 pgs. of software info, including a series of lessons to help get you started and a music program and graphics target game. Many schools and universities are using the Super Elf as a course of study. OEM's use it for training and R&D.

Remember, other computers only offer Super Elf features at additional cost or not at all. Compare before you buy. Super Elf Kit $106.95, High address option S8.95, Low address option $9.95. Custom Cabinet with drilled and labelled plexiglass front panel $24.95. All metal Expansion Cabinet, painted and silk screened, with room for 5S-100 boards and power supply $57.00. NiCad Battery Memory Saver Kit $6.95. All kits and options also completely assembled and tested. Questdata. a software publication for 1802 computer users is available by subscription for $12.00 per 12 issues. Single issues $1.50. Issues 1-12 bound $16.50.

Moews Video Graphics $3.50, Games and Music $3.00, Chip 8 Interpreter $5.50, Starship 4K cassette $14.95. Exciting and challenging space game. Complete manual included

Free 14 page brochure

of complete Super Elf system.

Super Expansion Board with Cassette Interface $89.95

This is truly an astounding value! This board has been designed to allow you to decide how you want it optioned The Super Expansion Board comes with 4K of low power RAM fully addressable anywhere in 64K with built-in memory protect and a cassette interface. Provisions have been made for all other options on the same board and it fits neatly into the hardwood cabinet alongside the Super Ell. The board includes slots for up to 6K of EPROM (2708, 2758, 2716 or Tl 2716) and is hilly socketed. EPROM can be used for the monitor and Tiny Basic or other purposes A1K Super ROM Monitor $19.95 is available as an on board option in 2708 EPROM which has been preprogrammed with a program loader/editor and error checking multi file cassette read/write software, (relocatable cassette file) another exclusive from Quest. It includes register save and readout, block move capability and video graphics driver with blinking cursor Break points can be used with the register save feature to isolate pro

gram bugs guickly, then follow with single step. If you have the Super Expansion Board and Super Monitor the monitor is up and running at the push of a button.

Other on board options include Parallel Input and Output Ports with full handshake. They allow easy connection of an ASCII keyboard to the input port. RS 232 and 20 ma Current Loop for teletype or other device are on board and if you need more memory there are two S-100 slots for static RAM or video boards. Also a 1K Super Monitor version 2 with video driver for full capability display with Tiny Basic and a video interface board. Parallel I/O Ports $9.85, RS 232 $4.50, TTY 20 ma l/F $1.95, S-100 $4.50. A 50 pin connector set with ribbon cable is available at $18.95 for easy connection between the Super Elf and the Super Expansion Board.

Power Supply Kit for the complete system (see Multi-volt Power Supply below).

Rockwell AIM 65 Computer

6502 based single board with full ASCII keyboard and 20 column thermal printer 20 char alphanumeric display ROM monitor;, fully expandable $419.00. 4K version $449.00 4K Assembler $35.00, 8K Basic Interpreter $65.00

Special small power supply 5V 2A 24V .5A assem in frame $59.00. Molded plastic enclosure to fit both AIM 65 and power supply $52.50. AIM 65 1K in cabinet with power supply, switch, fuse, cord assem $559.00. 4K $579.00. A65/40-5000AIM 65/40 W/16K RAM and monitor $1295.00. RAM Board Kit (16k, $195) (32K. $215) VD640 Video Interface Kit $119.00. A&T $149.00. Complete AIM 65 in thin briefcase with power supply $518.00. Special Package Price; 4K AIM. 8K Basic, power supply, cabinet $629.00

AIM 65/KIM/SYM/Super Elf 44 pin expansion board, board with 3 connectors $22.95.

Elf II Adapter Kit $24.95

Plugs into Elf II providing Super Elf 44 and 50 pin plus S-100 bus expansion. (With Super Expansion). High and low address displays, state and mode LED's optional $18.00.

Super Color S-100 Video Kit $129.95

Expandable to 256 x 192 high resolution color graphics. 6847 with all display modes computer controlled. Memory mapped. 1K RAM expandable to 6K. S-100 bus 1802, 8080, 8085, Z80, etc Dealers: Send for excellent pricing/margin program

TERMS: $5.00 min. order U.S. Funds. Calif, residents add 6% tax. Prices

$10.00 min. VISA and MasterCard accepted. $1.00 insurance optional. subject Shipping: Add 5%; orders under $25.00—10%. to change

FREE: Send for your copy of our NEW 1982 QUEST CATALOG. Include 88c stamp.

Circle 354 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 515

Save $ on Computer Books!

We offer a 10% discount on computer books from AddisonWesley, Wiley, Sybex, and Murach.

Fast, reliable service and low shipping charges for mail orders.

Write for FREE catalog (or stop in to see us in lower Manhattan).

DOWNTOWN BOOK BAZAAR, Dept. B

172 Fulton St. (near World Trade Ctr.) New York, NY. 10007

FLOPPY DISKS

NEW Shugart SA400L 3233.00

NEW Shugart SA450 325.00

NEW Shugart SAB01R 3BS.OO

NEW Shugart; SAB51 n 520.00

Oual B" enclosure, wired, power, rack mount Blides remote AC power

control B49.00

Enclosure. B" desk top, bare, unwired "75.00 ENCLOSURE DUAL MINI WITH

POWER. DESK TOP 30.00

FDSDB power supply 95.DO

DISKETTES

1 year warranty. 10 per plastic library case. B" ..single eide-eingle density 2S.40

S" ..single side-double density 33.30

S" ..double sided-double density 45."70

5% " REINFORCED HUB 10/PLASTIC LIBRARY CASE SOFT SECTORED. 10 OR 1B HOLES

single side-single density 29.70

single side-double density 36.10

double sided-double density 43.30

TRACTOR FEED PAPER

9Vfe x 11 blank, 3700 sheets, perf 27.22

BVfa X 11 blue ban, 37DD sheets 24.72

OTHER TYPES OF MEDIA AVAILABLE . . . CALL FOR PRICE

[W7E METAVAIM, INC.

L JvlJD 1 B°5 EsBt Dyer Road, Suite 307 Santa Ana, CA 3S705 [714] 5-00-2-427'

Build and Enhance

your Apple " software library

at affordable prices.

For the FIRST time — PACKED

disks with 60 outstanding

programs.

Your Apple ' needs programs!

At last you have an opportunity

to use your Apple* to its fullest

capacity!

nrrrLcUJlinE (UlL. offers on each disk an extensive variety ot programs including:

Business

• Printer

•

Graphics

Games

• Text

•

Music

Utilities

• Data Base

•

Finance

Science

• Engineering

"

and many

others with 3.3 DOS for easy demuffining.

First 3 disks available at $59.95 each Order all 3 for a tree bonus disk. Call now toll free: 1—800-327-8664 Fla. Residents: 305—584-7004 Please add $3 for postage & handling.

6400 Hayes St. "T^T*

Hollywood, FL 33024 ^^m

'TM '■: . e is a 'egistered trademark ot Apple Computer Co

Circle 144 on inquiry card.

Circle 260 on inquiry card.

Circle 23 on inquiry card.

-Mod II Owners

Program Modifications Now A Snap

With Basic IDEAS'"

If you know what ifs like to write programs on a mainframe computer with a well buman-enginered programming facility (like SPF), then you're probably frustated with the limitations of the BASIC Line Editor of your TRS-80* Mod II. tf you've never experienced mainframe programming power at its best, you don't know what you've been missing: Tedious line- by- line editing Is now a thing of the past with Basic IDEAS" and Its powerful Full-Screen Text Editor D Changes Made Easy. Move the cursor anywhere on the screen & simply type in your revisions. D Multr-Line Insert & Delate: Just position the

cursor and insert/delete lines at will. D Text Insert & Delate Within A Line: Again, just position the cursor anywhere on the line and insert or delete text with instantaneous visual feedback. D Also includes: Global Search A Replace, Automatic Prompting, Print and much more. That's not all. Basic IDEAS'" has a full array of advanced programming tools that make Mod It BASIC Easier To Write, Easier To Read, Easier To Modify. Send for our FREE brochure for complete details and actual examples of the power of Basic IDEAS". Complete system, fully documented, only $299.

Computer IDEAS Corporation

4229 Hall St. • Dallas,Texas 75219

Introducing.

Frog Prince Software

PROGRAMMERS: We are seeking outstanding entertainment programs for publication. Unique, challenging programs for the IBM PC, the TRS-80 Color Computer and other computers with high-resolution color graphics capabilities. Write for our submissions kit.

Froe Prince Software

P.O. Box 970

Bowline Green Station

New York, New York 10274

For CP/M-80® Users

DATA ENCRYPTION

$49,95 FAST-LOCKn -Fast File and Disk Encryption/Decryption.

• Very Fast, encrypts files or an entire disk ISS/SD 3740)

• Provides security for all but the most sensitive data * Combination of transposition, substitution, and algebraic cyphers

• Any bit change in KEY or DATA drastically altars results

• 64 bit key

$149.95 POWER-CRYPT/1 -U.S. Government's Data Encryption Standard.

• Software implementation, that doesn't require costly hardware, of the National Bureau of Standards FIPS pub, 46 (Jan. '771 Data Encryption Standard • Includes FAST-LOCK, 1 • Provides high level of security for the most sensitive data • Encrypts files lor entire disks with FAST-LOCK/1 ) • Provides multiple/combination encryption • "Electronic Code Book Mode" • 64 bit key

• Combination of multiple complex permutations, product transformations, block ciphering • MulTiole encryptions are virtually UNBREAKABLE by ANYONE, no matter how large or sophisticated the computer/crypto equipment.

SPREAD SHEfcT'STACK CALCULATOR

$49.95 STACK-CALCn -Easy to

• Uses RPN (Reverse Polish Notati

• Symbolic names for ROW/COL's Accumulator, Stack, Spread sheet (12 Digits, ±99 exp.)

Send Orders, and requests

■se SPREAD SHEET calculator, nt like scientific calculators • Three calculators; ' Decimal Floating Point

M FREE information to:

UNIVERSAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

26453 SKY Drive

Esconriido, California

92025

Circle 95 on inquiry card.

Circle 175 on inquiry card.

Ctrcte 422 on inquiry card.

TRS-80® Model ill 48K RAM & 2 Drives

$ 7 79988

DELIVERED

Nor, Radio Shock Warranty

HIGH TECHNOLOGY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

Orders 8. Information (603) 673-8857

TJfEBOT^

12 Johnson Street, Milford NH 03055-0423

Orders Only (800) 343-0726

Beech Enterprizes

6109 South I Street

Tacoma, Washington 98408

(206) 472-1094

Printers — Epson, Okldata, Nee, Anadex, Others

Epson MX-70 315.00

Epson MX-80 445.00

Epson MX-100 745.00

Anadex DP9500, DP9501 .. . .1265.00 IDS 560 1104.00

Boards — Microsoft. Vldex

Z80 Softcard by Microsoft ... .287.00 16K Ramcard by Microsoft ... .146.75

Computer systems — Altos. Teievideo, nec NEC — 64K Ram, 2 Disk, 7 Expansion Slots CRT 2379.00

Other Products & Software Available. $ Call

Hard Disk, Visicalc, Modems, Monitors, Furniture

Terms: Certified checks, personal checks, money orders. Allow 2 weeks for personal checks to clear. Equipment is subject to price change and availability.

dQis.*tuper

LETTER QUALITY

PRINTERS

Olivetti PRAXIS Electronic Daisywheel Model 30/35 Typewriter-Printer

non-ASCII Interface versions from $649

Buffered Centronics version Buffered RS-232 Terminals

Brand new units with 90 day warranty and case. We supply ribbons and printwheels.

Dealer Inquiry Welcome

SYSTEMED CORPORATION I^M

P O Box 18, Mountain City, Tennessee 37683 Phone (615) 127-6000

Circle 51 on inquiry card.

Circle 43 on inquiry card.

Circle 400 on inquiry card.

INCREDIBLE? believe m

Washington Computer Services

anat«i.ia,eo» fjggggjjgk es«. 1912

CUSTOM COMPUTER ROOM WIRING SINCE 1960

97 Spring Street, New York, New York 10012

TO ORDER: CALL OUR TOLL-FREE NUMBER: (800) 221-5416 In N.Y. State and for technical information: (212) 226-2121

HOURS: 9 AM-5:30 PM (EST) Monday-Friday TELEX: 12-5606 CABLE: WASHCOMP NYK

PRINTERS

150 cps bidirectional - 9x9 dot matrix, quietized case, 136 col, vertical form control and many other functions MM $950

The best price/performance ratio available. RS-232 serial to 19,200 baud x-on, x-off add $25 w^f ^ Teletype 40, 300 LPM-typewriter quality, RS- from Only

^ » 232 interface. This quality printer is available in many $3200 configurations including forms access, quietized case, etc. Teletype 43 from $995

Teletype AP-200, 340 cps dot matrix (similar to Data Prod. M-200) $2799 NEC Spinwrlter-55 cps, bidirectional, letter quality

R.0.7710 $2560 KSR7720 $2799

DIABLO 630-40 cps, bidirectional, daisy wheel, plot/graph $2349

QUME Sprint 9/35 cps, daisy wheel $1944

C. ITOH Starwriter, 40 cps, daisy wheel, F10 $1550

EPSON MX-80,100, 80 cps, 9x9 dot matrix $CALL

ANADEX 9500/9501, up to 200 cps, high resolution dot $1325

OKIDATA Microline 82A bidirectional, friction/pin feed $525

Microline83A, bidirectional, 120cps, uses15"paper $799

Tl—810,150cps, Basic $1449

Package-Compressed print, vertical form control $1630

MANNESMANN MT1705 200 cps, 7x9,132 col $CALL

TALLY MT 1805 200 cps, 7x9 + NLQ 40x18 matrix $CALL

CENTRONICS SCA1A

739100 cps, nx9 dot matrix, Full Graphics $567

122120cps, International set, Full Graphics $899

DEC LA-34 $1085

IDS PRISM, 132col., color $1785

TERMINALS pmmi modem $359

AMPEX DIALOGUE 30, 80, 81 SCALL

TELEVIDEO 910 C (multi-terminal) $610

925C $795

950C $950

S0R0CIQ120 $729

HAZELTINE ESPRIT $669

DEC VT-100 $1575

WYSEWY-100 (ALTOS 1) NEW! $CALL

Similar savings for our HAZELTINE and LEAR SIEGLER lines

SOFTWARE

MBASIC-80

$275

MBASIC COMPILER

$285

F0RTRAN-80

$349

C0B0L-80

$574

PL/1-80

$425

PASCAL MT+V5.5

$398

WHITESMITH'S C

$660

BSTAM.BSTMS

$200

CB-80

$420

PEARL (LEVEL 3)

$549

LIFEBOAT SOFTWARE

SCALL

PEACHTREE

SCALL

GRAHAM-DORIAN

SCALL

STRUCTUREDSYST.

SCALL

VANDATAIOSBORNE

$500

WORDSTAR

MAILMERGE

DATASTAR

DBASE II

CONDOR III

MILESTONE

SUPERCALC

FMS-80

SELECTOR V

SPELLGUARD

SUPERSOFT

$300 $110 $230 $525 $716 $235 $221 $649 $396 $236 $CALL

AMERICAN BUS. SYST. SCALL ACCOUNTING PLUS SCALL TURBODOS(MULTI) $500 TURBODOS(IUSER) $220

$669 $589

2 for $1289

2for$1110

$350

$950

8" DISK DRIVE SALE

8"SHU.GARTSA801R $450 8"SHUGART SA851R

QUMEDATATRACK8

Enclosure, power supply for 2 8" drives A & T

MORROW DISCUS 2D + CP/M® , MICROSOFT BASIC, CONT.

HARD DISK SPECIALS

CORVUS 5MB, 10MB, 20MB Constellation Multiplexer and Mirror Backup MORROW 26MB + controller + CP/M 2.2®, M basic $4495 $3821

® controller, CDC Hawk Drive (5 fix, 5 rem) $7995 $6795

""^ controller, Western Dynex (5 fix, 5 rem) $5995 $5099

j^^ Winchester 5'A drives complete with case, cable,

^pB^^, software, S-100 controller. Adapter avail for use with

^^pXCOMPgny z-80 system Cartridge drive controllers avail 5MB apple s-wo z-B9 $2898

10MB xerox altos OEM discounts available! ps.modii $3398

|[-y=fcH| & JWMJimJMJIi 5 V.i " 8" and 14" Winchester/tape ■===* subsystems avail.

FULLY CONFIGURED BUSINESS SYSTEMS

The following are some examples of the fully assembled and tested business and scientific computer systems which we offer.

8000 SX, multi-user, multi-processor, turbo DOS SCALL

CPM 2.2. FULL 2 YEAR WARRANTY!

6800016 bit multi-user UNIX V.7 $CALL

INTERNATIONAL

ITER 808616 bit, 128K RAM, Syst. #2

$3499

Call us for best prices on these high quality 2nd

— 1 Villi UJ IUI UL.OI pi IL.LO Ul I II

upI generation boards and systems.

,U California These high quality, reliable products have made CCS ISj Computer defacto industry standard for S-100 products «J Systems Assembled and tested: 2200 H.D. Mainframe $517 2810AZ-80CPU, serial port $316

2065C64K dynamic RAM $409 2422AFloppy Cont, CP/M 2.2 $427

CCS 2210Aw/floppy controller, 1 serial port $2116

CCS 300-1 Aw/1.2 MB floppy drives, 2 serial, 2 parallel ports $CALL

DIGIAC Fine Computers SCALL

FQBfiiinfllr3 We offer generous discounts on the Compupro line of

, fast, quality 8 and 16 bit boards „ _. >L ADVANTAGE

NortnSlar & horizon

NEClow prices on PC-8000 series

DELTA S-4500 10 User, Multi-Processor, 40 MB hard 17 MB tape

ALTOS single and multi-user systems

CP/M Microsoft Basic, UNIX

SCALL

Fjesigns Decision1

SCALL SCALL SCALL

SCALL

YCDnY 820 Desk,0P computer-64K, 2 floppys. (CP/M avail.) AtKUA. List $2995 $CALL

Similar savings on the full lines of CCS, SSM, NNC, MORROW, DELTA, NORTHSTAR, ITHACA INTERSYSTEMS, GODBOUT, NEC, TELEVIDEO, IMS ZENITH, ADDS, DEC, DATA GEN., ATARI, DYNABYTE, TECMAR, DUAL

LOOK HERE! AMPEX

Call us for ALL your softwear needs Dialogue 80

Systems Houses, Educational Institutions, & Government Agencies Given Special Consideration

ALL OF OUR PERIPHERALS CAN BE CONFIGURED FOR RADIO SHACK® MODEL II

DEALER and INTERNATIONAL INQUIRIES WELCOME

For fast delivery, send certitied check, money order or call to arrange direct bank wire transfer. Personal or company checks require two to three weeks to clear. All prices are mail order only. Prices subject to change without notice; call for latest prices. Prices include 3% cash discount. N ,Y. residents add sales tax. Qantex is a trademark of North Atlantic Industries, Inc. Radio Shack® is a trademark of the Tandy Corp. CP/M® is a trademark of Digital Research. All sales subject to our standard sale conditions (available on request).

Circle 433 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 517

KIT-80 INC.

• I»

E-Z-80 ENTRY KIT

A Z-80 Micro Computer with CPU: CTC: PIO: Prom Programmer: Read Outs: Key Pad: Onboard ROM & RAM: Wire Wrap: DC Regulator: Manual & Instructions.

Kit Price '390®

18601 LBJ Fwy • Mesquite, Texas 75150 • 800-527-1593

Circle 231 on inquiry card.

PRICE BREAK

EPSON

MX-80

CARTRIDGE RIBBONS

$095

92

EA.

$107.46 per dozen

Minimum Order 3 Ribbons Price Includes Shipping

We accept Mastercard and Visa

\T CHECK-MATE

t^ P.O. BOX 103, RANDOLPH, MA 02368 V* Call Toll Free -1-800-343-7706 In Massachusetts - 617-963-7694

RIBBONS at

GREAT DISCOUNTS

Multistrike ribbons (black) for

Refill* New Reloaded Ribbon Ribbons Cartridges Pancakes

Qume (Ours) $3 ea. $2 ea. $1 ea. Diablo (Univ.) $4 ea. $3 ea. $2 ea. NEC (Orig.) $4 ea. $3 ea. $2 ea.

Wang (Ours) $4 ea. $3 ea. S2 ea. Ricoh (Orig.) $6 ea. S4 ea. S3 ea. (Cloth ribbons will be available shortly.) 'Minimum order 3 pancakes with instructions. Add 25 percent for orders of less than 1 doz. We "trade" for RELOADABLE used cartridges. Write for price lists on diskettes, printwheels and other ribbons. Order our new 150 page book NOW TO RELOAD MULTI-STRIKE DAISY WHEEL WORD PROCESSING RIBBONS. $49. This book puts you in business reloading ribbons at home.

WILLIAM WALKER

Word Processing Supplies

306 West 46th St.

New York, NY 10036

Circle 431 on inquiry card.

VOLTAGE SURGE & TRANSIENT SUPPRESSOR

^^M

Protects Most Electronic Equipment

The SUPPRESSOR electronically removes or reduces sudden voltage changes. It simply plugs into a power receptacle on the same circuit as the equipment being protected.

END POWER LINE SPIKES, SURGES, HASH... Only $29.95 ea. Dealer Inquiries Invited.

CUESTA SYSTEMS. INC.

3440 Roberro Courr

Son Luis Obispo, California 93401

CS05) 541-4160

S

\ferbatim

flexible disks

Call Free (800) 235-4137 for

prices and information. Dealer inquiries invited. C.O.D. and charge cards accepted.

VISA'

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. In Cal. call (800) 592-5935 or (805) 543-1037.

Circle 320 on inquiry card.

LOOK ALIKE

One Year Ful I Warranty Delivery from stock

©ra©5

I50O NW. 62 Srr-t Ft. Lau<4.rdaU FL. 33309 Surf. 409

M

IA

305-77«-7l77

Circle 72 on Inquiry card.

Circle 128 on Inquiry card.

Circle 384 on inquiry card.

EPSON

DOT MATRIX PRINTERS SUPER DISCOUNTS ON

MX-80F/T NOW

MX-80 IN

MX-100 STOCK

We also stock direct connect

cables for TRS-80, Apple, IBM,

Atari, Pet or RS 232

TO ORDER (209) 667-2888 or 634-8888

GRAPHICS ROM'S AVAILABLE

AWCROTRONICS, inc.

1125 N Golden State Blvd. Turlock. California 95380

ADDS VIEWPOINT

$495 Qty. 1 Modem 300/1200 $699

DEC COMPATIBLE

Datamedia

Excel 12 $1,295

Excel 22 $995

Economy

Peripherals

(404) 952-0213

SUPER SALE

EPROM

8 up 50 up

2716 4.15 3.90 CALL 2732 9.70 8.85 CALL

16K RAM EXPANSION KIT

For TRS-80 Model III Set of 8 pieces UPD41 6-2 (200nS)

Data furnished with purchase on request. Ol J.yiJ

WRITE FOR FREE CATALOG

Jg± SUNTRONICS CO., inc.

12621 CRENSHAW BOULEVARD

■^—-— HAWTHORNE, CALIFORNIA 90250

v^p^w [LOCATED NEK! TO FORMULA INTERNATIONAL!

■^m**" STORE HOURS M..m ■ <-,, io„„, ,.„ 6 30nrr. - Sat lOamtoSpm IN CALIFORNIA OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA TOLL FREE

(213) 644-1149 1-800-421-5775

Mail Order—Minimum Order: $10. Send Money Order or Check to: P O BOX 1957—Oept. B HAWTHORNE. CA 90250 Usevour VISA or Mastercard (please include expiration date). Add $2.00 postage and handling lo order California residents add 6% sales tax

Circle 246 on inquiry card.

Circle 462 on inquiry card.

Circle 395 on inquiry card.

COMPUTERS

INTERSYSTEMS

DPSl DPS1A DPS2A CALL FOR PRICES

DYNABYTE List Less 30%

ALTOS List Less 20%

NORTHSTAR

Horizons & Advantages CALL

TELEVIDEO COMPUTER SYSTEMS CALL

SUPERBRAIN

64K DD $2639

64KQD $2949

DSS 10MEG Hard Disk $3195

CROMEMCO

CS 1 List, $3995 OUR PRICE$3195

CS-2 List, $4695 OUR PRICE $3549

CS3List, $7995 OUR PRICE$6349

Z2H List, $9995 OUR PRICE $7995

YfMtrH I data

systems

Z-89 L,st

$2895

OUR PRICE

$2099

TERMINALS

TeleVideo

Televideo 910C CALL

912C CALL

920C CALL

925C CALL

950C CALL

INTERTUBE $725

Emulator !$725

OKIDATA

VI VI VI

ilin-Hi) ii.ii.iS2A

>i'H.;83A

S359 $469 $749

C.ITOH CALL FOR PRICES

SOROC

SoroclQ120 $679

IQ130 $585

10.135 $719

'UUb m i|i,inii«.s $789

IQ140. . $995

HAZELTINE

1420 :.-.. CALL

1500 SAVE

1510 CALL

ZENITH Z19 $639

Prices are for pre-paid orders only, and reflect a cash discount. C.O.D.'s and charge cards slightly higher.

Mosi -ferns m stock for <mrrwr1idTe delivery fauorv peeled cartons, w full factory warranty NYS residents add jtppro [)*taie sates tax Prices do not include snipping .. OD p'ders require 2bJ'^ deposit Prices sut)|«ir:t to cnanq..' w'hout Notice

PRINTERS

CENTRONICS

749-1 PAR $699

739-3 SER $619

704-11 parallel $1569

704-9 IRS232) $1519

TI810

810 Basic $1289

810 Full Option $1599

820 RO Basic $1545

820 KSR Basic $1739

NEC 7710 (RS232) SERIAL $2395

7730 PARALLEL $2395

Qume CALL FOR PRICE

Diablo 630 RO $2049

1640 KSR $3495

1640 RO $3095

Paper Tiger 445G $739

460 $799

460G $839

560G $1099

Prism 80 $895

132 w/ color $1495

Epson

VIX 80 $46b

MX 80F I $548

MX [00 $745

DISKSYSTEMS

MORROW

Discus 2D $835

Dual Discuss2D $1385

Discuss 2+ 2 $1199

M 5 5meg Hard Disk $1995

M 10 10 met) Hard Disk $2995

M26 26 meg Hard Disk $3349

CORVUS 5 meg Hard Disk $2999

CORVUS 10 meg Hard Disk $4279

CORVUS 20 meg Hard Disk $5159

COMPUTERS WHOLESALE

P.O. Box 144 Camillus, N.Y. 13031

Prices subject to change without notice

Circle 107 on inquiry card.

C^mpuPro" ~ l»

6fHz CPU Z, WK„ (2) 8" DRS SYSTEM $2795. 6Wz CPU 85/88, 64K, (2) 8" DRS, SYSTEM 2795, 8fflz CPU 8086, MC (2) 8" DRS. SYSTEM 2995.

INCLUDES INTEGRAND CAB 10 SLOT £ CPHtm80 or 86 CPU tMPM ARE TRADEMARKS OF DIGITAL RESEARCH

LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS

lOfHz 8085, J28K, (2) 8" DRS SYSTEM $2995. imtm86 8086, floppy SYSTEM 128K 3495.

(FOR SB86 FOR CODBOUT DUAL PROCESSOR CALL)

SEATTLE COMPUTER

SYSTEM I 6tK $2549. SYSTEM II 128K $3325, (2) 8" 801's in raRROW CABINET w/ps 1056,

SB86 Is TRADEMARK OF LIFEBOAT ASSOCIATES

MORROW DESIGNS

DECISION 1 w/DUAL 5V' DRS., 65K, CPM, $3150. WIN A G0EB0UT DUAL PROCESSOR 85/88 WRITE

ALL GODBOUT, LOMAS, OR SEATTLE SYSTEMS AVAILABLE IN BUDGET SYSTEMS ABOVE OR LUXURY SYSTEM WITH CONSTANT VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER ON MAINFRAME AND DRIVE CABINET STARTING AT $3595. ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE PD R5I 1/EBrThlHSrER CR qatfla-fffil 7N BR5-nMb rBF

Circle 381 on inquiry card.

wabash

When it comes to

Flexible Disks, nobody

does it better than

Wabash.

MasterCard, Visa Accepted. Call Free: (800)235-4137

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd San Luis Obispo. O 93401 (InCal cal (805) 543-1037)

at}

Cables

EIA RS 232-C

Quality cables with immediate

delivery and low prices.

Conductor

Price

1-4

$1 1.50 + ,15/ft.

5-7

1 2.00 + ,25/ft.

8-12

1 3.00 + 30/ft.

13-16

1 4.00 + .40/ft.

1 7-25

16.00 + .50/ft.

Specify; Male or female connectors, length of cable and pins to be connected. OEM & quantity discounts available to qualified customers. On prepaid orders add $4.50 for shipping/handling.

We also supply DEC and IBM Compatible cables.

Communication Cable Company

319 Louella Ave. Wayne, PA 1 9087 V_ 215-964-9404 .

Circle 83 on inquiry card.

1*1 Hey 1*1

CANADIANS!

New and Refurbished Equipment

8" Disc Drives T, $400.00

Letter Quality Printers Qume & Diablo "" $1600."

Oscilloscopes Dual Trace, 15Mhz. "m $900.°°

Computer Systems, CP/M with 2 8" disc drives, CRT 64K, letter quality printer . $7500.°

All Sales Final Ontario Residents add PST

All items warranty 90 days, parts & labour All prices in Canadian Funds

TSA PRO FORMA INC.

154 Fulton Ave.

Toronto, Ontario

M4K 1Y3

(416) 922-1139 425-9056

MAGIC Telecommunication Software

1. MAGIC is compatible with any Host Computer Full or Half Duplex,

2. Use your CP/M computer system as an intelligent terminal on your modem.

3. Send disk files of text, programs, or keyboard input to host computer,

4. Record in a disk file all or part of the conversation with the host.

5. Send and Record disk files on your CP'M system without logging off of the host system,

6. Modular software is easily configured for various types of terminals computers, and modems.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

1, CP/M computer with 32K memory min.

2. Integral modem or RS-232 port and stand alone modem.

AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMATS

5W Apple CPM requires Z80 SoftCard 5W Zenith H-89 requires CP/M 2.2 5V* Xerox 820 single density format 8 inchs single density general release

MAGIC J95.00 Users Manual only $10.00 Terms certified check or money order Allow two weeks for personal check Nebraska resident add 3% sales tax

7016 N 107 CT Phone 402-493 9580

Technical Engineering Labs

Omaha Nebraska 68142

Circle 407 on inquiry card.

Switch box runs 2 printers from one CPU port.

• Change printers without

unplugging cables.

• Centronics compatible I/O

parallel model. RS232C serial model. All solid state electronics Attractive styling, compact size

only $129.95

DCS BE

automated control systems, inc.

#8i#"S 14218 N.E.21stSt., WC Bellevue, WA 98007 Or call Tracy Martin at (206) 881-0177.

Circle 320 on inquiry card.

Circle 463 on inquiry card.

Circle 34 on inquiry card.

rMEMORY EXPANSIOr FOR APPLE® The company that brought you the first 32K RAM board tor Apple II® and Apple II+® now offers:

• 128K RAM ALL for only $599

Includes 1 MOVEDOS (relocates DOS)

5 2 RAMEXPAND (tor Applesoft®, Integer*)

comprehensive 3 PSEUDO-DISK tor DOS 3.3 or 3 2 software 4 PSEUDO-DISK for CPM®

packages 5. PSEUDO-DISK for PASCAL

_________

A medium range memory expansion board which can be upgraded 1o 128K at a later date. (Upgrade kit sold for $175) Includes all 5 software packages offered with the 128K board.

• 32K RAM still only $239

The old favorite for Apple users. Includes our first 3 software packages (above) with CP/M* and PASCAL pseudo-disks now offered as options {$39 each).

• VC-EXPAND™ MEMORY EXPANSION only $100 FORVisiCalc®

Expand memory available to Personal Software's 16 sector VtsiCalc®. Add 32K, 64K, or even 128K to your present workspace (even if you already have a 16K card in use1) with this _^pi s^??^^ program plus one or more _f_i0*S^S^STVS

Saturn boards IY_lI *» *05Q. Ann Arbor, Ml 48107

Simple operation 313/973*8422

YOU'VE JUST FOUND

THE MISSING LINK!

Computer Shopper is your link to individuals who buy, sell and trade computer equipment and software among themselves nationwide. No other magazine fills this void in the marketplace chain.

Thousands of cost-conscious computer enthusiasts use Computer Shopper every month through hundreds of classified ads. And new equipment advertisers offer some of the lowest prices in the nation.

Subscribe to Computer Shopper with a

6 month trial for only $6. MasterCard

or visa call TOLL FREE 800-327-9920

oamnursR shiapPBR

P.O. Box F307 • Titusville. FL 32780 305-269-3211

COMPUTER CLASSIFIEDS™

Buy - Sell - Employment - Etc.

National on-line classified system for all types of advertisements.

Sell your unneeded equipment, or upgrade with good used gear.

There is no charge to read the listings. Club listings, reader to reader messages, and letters to the editor may be placed at no charge. Ads are $10.00 for 90 days, payable by Visa, MasterCard or check. Ads are up to 1200 characters long. Ads may also be sent in written form to the address below. Ads are not limited to computer related subjects. No delay, your ad is working for you the minute you enter it!!!

512 346-4495 @ 300 baud 24 hours, multiple lines

COMPUTER CLASSIFIEDS

8348 Summerwood Austin, Tx 78759

Circle 368 on inquiry card.

Circle 101 on inquiry card.

"THE BIG BOARD"

OEM - INDUSTRIAL - BUSINESS - SCIENTIFIC

SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER KIT!

Z-80 CPU! 64K RAM!

***»

THE BIG BOARD PROJECT: Three years in the works, and maybe too good to be true. A tribute to hard headed, no compromise, high performance. American engineering! The Big Board gives you all the most needed computing features on one board at a very reasonable cost. The Big Board was designed from scratch to run the latest version of CP/M*. Just imagine all the off-the-shelf software that can be run on the Big Board without any modifications needed! Take a Big Board, add a couple of 8 inch disc drives, power supply, an enclosure, C.R.T., and you have a total Business System for about 1/3 the cost you might expect to pay.

s499

00 <mk k,t

~ T BASIC I/O)

FULLY SOCKETED!

FEATURES: (Remember, all this on one board!)

SIZE: 8% x 13% IN. SAME AS AN 8 IN. DRIVE. REQUIRES: '5V @ 3 AMPS ♦ - 12V @ .5 AMPS.

64K RAM

24 x 80 CHARACTER VIDEO

Uses industry standard 4116 RAM'S. All 64K is available to the user, our VIDEO and EPROM sections do not make holes in system RAM. Also, very special care was taken in the RAM array PC layout to eliminate potential noise and glitches.

Z-80 CPU

With a crisp, flicker-free display thai looks extremely sharp even on smatl monitors. Hardware scroll and full cursor control. Composite video or split video and sync. Character set is supplied on a 2716 style ROM, making customized fonts easy. Sync pulses can be any desired length or polarity. Video may be inverted or true. 5x7 Matrix - Upper & Lower Case

Running at 2.5 MHZ. Handles all 4116 RAM refresh and supports Mode 2 INTERUPTS. Fully buffered and runs 8080 software.

FLOPPY DISC CONTROLLER

SERIAL I/O (OPTIONAL)

Full 2 channel* using the Z80 SIO and the SMC 8116 Baud Rate Generator. FULL RS232! For synchronous or asynchronous communication. In synchronous mode, the clocks can be transmitted or received by a modem. Both channels can be set up for either data-communication or data-terminals. Supports mode 2 Int. Price for all parts and connectors: $65.

Uses WD1771 controller chip with a TTL Data Separator for enhanced reliability. IBM 3740 compatible. Supports up to four 6 inch disc drives. Directly compatible with standard Shugart drives such as the SA800 or SA801. Drives can be configured (or remote AC off-on. Runs CP/M* 2.2.

TWO PORT PARALLEL I/O (OPTIONAL)

Uses Z-80 PIO. Full 16 bits, fully buffered, bi-directional. User selectable hand shake polarity. Set of all parts and connectors for parallel I/O: $19.95

BASIC I/O

Consists of a separate parallel port (Z80 PIO) for use with an ASCII encoded keyboard for input. Output would be on the 80 x 24 Video Display.

REAL TIME CLOCK (OPTIONAL)

Uses Z-80 CTC. Can be configured as a Counter on Real Time Clock. Set of all parts: $9-95

BLANK PC BOARD — $175

The blank Big Board PC Board comes complete with full documentation (including schematics), the character ROM, the PFM 3.3 MONITOR ROM, and a diskette with the source of our BIOS, BOOT, and PFM 3.3MONITOR.

CP/M* 2.2 FOR BIG BOARD

The popular CP/M* D.O.S. to run on Big Board is available lor $159.00.

PRICE CUT!

PFM 3.3 2K SYSTEM MONITOR

The real power of the Big Board lies in its PFM 3.3 on board monitor. PFM commands include: Dump Memory, Boot CP/M*, Copy, Examine, Fill Memory, Test Memory. GoTo, Read and Write I/O Ports, Disc Read (Drive. Track, Sector), and Search. PFM occupies one of the four 2716 EPROM locations provided. Z-80 is a Trademark of Zilog.

Digital Research Computers

** (OF TEXAS) ■

P.O. BOX 401565 • GARLAND, TEXAS 75040 • (214) 271-3538

TERMS: Shipments will be made approximately 3 to 6 weeks after we

receive your order, VISA, MC, cash accepted. We will accept COD's (for the

Big Board only) with a $75 deposit. Balance UPS COD. Add $4.00 shipping.

USA AND CANADA ONLY

•TRADEMARK OF DIGITAL RESEARCH. NOT ASSOCIATED WITH DIGITAL RESEARCH OF CALIFORNIA, THE ORIGINATORS OF CPM SOFTWARE

"1 TO 4 PIECE DOMESTIC USA PRICE.

aimsBM

Circle 154 on inquiry card.

FLOPPY DISK DRIVES

SPECIAL!!!!!!!! QUME DATATRAK 8

Virtually the industry standard. High quality/ reliability. Full featured, double sided, double dens'ty. Tan'don TM 848 $545

$525 quantity 1, $499 quantity 2 up.

TAIMDON DOUBLE SIDED, DOUBLE DENSITY MINIS

TM100-2 . . . . 48 TPI (500 KBYTES)

Compatible with Northstar, Cromemco, TRS-80

TM100-4 96 TPI (1000 KBYTES)

Compatible with Zenith, Heath, etc.

TANDON 5V," HARD DISKS

TM 602 (5MB)

TM 603 (10MB)

$325 $425

$1195 $1295

CONTROLLERS

Tarbell single density kit ... . Tarbell single density A & T . Tarbell double density A & T

CCS 2422 w/CPM 2.2

Godbout Disk 1

$195 $310 $425 $350 $450

MDA MXV-21 LSI-11 controller (RX-01, RX-02 compatible) $1050

MISCELLANEOUS

2 Disk drive enclosure $ 95

(fits Siemens, Shugart, Qume)

CP-206 power supply $110

(powers two floppies)

Mini-Enclosure with power supply

1 drive $ 85

2 drives $120

Cable Kits 2 drives $ 35

3 drives $ 40

4 drives $ 45

Diskettes ss $39/10 - ds $59/10

CPU

CCS 2810

Godbout Z-80A . Godbout 8085A

MEMORY

$ 275 $ 275 $ 295

CCS 2065 64K dynamic $ 595

CCS 2116 32K static $ 625

Godbout RAM 17 64K $ 675

I/O

CCS 2710 4 SIO $ 325

Godbout Interfacer 1 $ 225

Godbout Interfacer 2 $ 225

Electrolabs

POB 1608, Palo Alto, CA 94302 (415) 965-7040

NEW !!!!

Qume Sprint 9 DAISY WHEEL PRINTER . . $2395

45 CPS, RO. Available in KSR version. Call for further particulars. Ribbons: $125/case Bidirectional tractor feed $225

NEW !!!!

ABM 85 Video Terminal . . $ 895

— Detachable keyboard

— Televideo 920, ADM 3A compatible

— High resolution green phosphor (23 MHZ)

— Extra multi-bus or S-100 slot for stand-alone capability

Terms of sale: cash or checks, MC/ VISA. Min. order $25. CA residents add 6% tax. Prices subject to change without notice. All goods subject to prior sale.

General Software

Main Offices:

9060 Arrowood Ct.

Terre Haute, IN 47802

WE HONOR

VISA and MASTERCHARGE

TOLL FREE - Outside Indiana 1-800-457-0517 ORDER DESKS (812) 299-2484

Best Selection

Best Service

Write for our famous CATALOG. Contains many items not in ad.

Outside US add S10 plus additional postage. Add S3.50 postage and handling per each item. Indiana residents add 4% sales tax. Allow 2 weeks on checks. COD ok. Prices subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Disk Manual with * Only Manual

Dental (PAS-3) $849/40

Medical (PAS-3) $849/40

ASHTON-TATE

•dBASEII $575/50

BUSINESS PLANNING SYSTEMS

Plan-80 269/30

BYROM SOFTWARE

•BSTAM $149/15

•BSTMS $149/15

COMPUTER CONTROL

'Fabs(B-Tree) $159/25

Ultrasort $159/25

CONDOR COMPUTER

Condor II $549/50

Condor III $899/50

DIGITAL RESEARCH

CP/M

2 2lntelMDS-800 $149/25

Northstar (Horizon) $149/25

Micropolis $169/25

TRS Modelll $159/35

CB-80 $459/35

CBasic2 $ 98/20

ERIC COMPUTER

"Supervyx $ 89/15

FAIRCOM * Micro B +

(Specify language) $229/20

FINANCIAL PLANNING

•Mini Model $449/50

FRIENDS

ACCESS 80 I $249

ACCESS 80 II $429

FRONTIER SOFTWARE

Professional

Time Accounting $549/40

General Subroutine $269/40

Application Utilities $439/40

ISA

Spellguard $229/25

SP/Law $109

PASCAL LANGUAGE

Pascal Z $349/30

Pascal MT+ V5.5 $429/30

Compiler $316/20

SPPOnly $140/15

KEY BITS

Wordsearch $179/50

String 80 $ 84/20

String 80 (Source) $279

String Bit $ 65

LEXISOFT

•Spellbinder $349/45

MICRO AP

Selector IV $269/35

Selector V $469/50

SBasic $269/25

MICRO TAX

•Level I $249

•Level II $995

•Level III $749

•Combo II + III $1495

Microsoft 5 3 49

Run time module MICRO PRO

Wordstar $309/60

WS Training Guide 20

WS Custom Notes $429/na

MailMerge $109/25

WS-Mailmerge $419/85

Datastar $249/60

DS Custom Notes $429/na

Calcstar $259/na

Supersort I $199/40

Spellstar $175/40

MICROSOFT

Basic-80 $298

Basic Compiler $329

Fortran-80 $349

Cobol-80 $629

M-Sort $124

Macro-80 $144

Edlt-80 $ 84

MuSimp/muMath $224

MuLisp-80 $174

NORTHWEST ANALYTICAL

•Statpak $439/40

OASIS

•"TheWord" $ 75

ORGANIC SOFTWARE

•Textwriter III $111/25

•Datebook $269/25

•Milestone $269/30

PEACHTREE SOFTWARE

General Ledger $399/40

Accounts Receivable $399/40

Accounts Payable $399/40

Payroll $399/40

Inventory 399/40

Mailing Address $399/40

for P5 Version -add $119

Series 6-Peachtree

CPA $799/40

Property Mgt $799/40

Passive Payroll $449/40

Series 7-Peachtree

Sales Tracker $3049/55

AR-Sales Analysis $1299/50

Inventory $799/40

Order Entry $699/40

REDDING GROUP

•Lynx $199/20

SOHO GROUP

Matchmaker $ 97/20

Worksheet $177/20

SORCOM

•Pascal/MZ80 $349/40

Pascal/M 86/88 $449/40

•Act65 $149/20

'Act 68 'Act 69

•Act 86/88 $149/25

•Trans 86 $119/25

'Supercalc $269

SOUTHERN COMPUTERS

•Raid $224/35

•RaidFP $349/35

•FFP $224/15

•Recover $75

•RADAR $449/25

ISIS $224/20

STRUCTURED SYSTEMS GROUP

General Ledger $849/40

Accounts Receivable $849/40

Accounts Payable $849/40

Payroll $849/40

Inventory $849/40

Order Entry $849/40

Analyst $224/25

Letteright $159/20

NAD $ 89/20

Qsort $ 89/20

SUPERSOFT

•Diagnostic II $ 84/20

•Forth $149/30

•SSS Fortran $219/30

•Fortran w/RATFOR $289/35

•C Compiler $175/20

•Disk Doctor $ 84/20

•Term I $129/25

Term II $169/25

Z8000 Xassembler $449/35

Others less 10% WHITESMITHS

C Compiler $600/30

Pascal (mcl C) $850/45

Call for catalog and other listings

* Available for Apple with Softcard

526 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

Circle 180 on inquiry card.

Orange County • Sunnyvale

San Diego • Los Angeles San Fernando Valley • Dallas

BETTER THAN EPSON ! - Okidata

Microline 82A no 132 column, 120 CPS. 9 x 9 dot

matrix, friction feed, pin feed, adjustable tractor feed (optional), handles 4 part forms up to 9.5" wide, rear & bottom feed, paper tear bar. 100% duty cycle■ 200.000.000 character print head, bidirectional logic seeking, both serial & parallel interfaces included, front panel sleitch & program control of indifferent form lengths, uses inexpensive spool type ribbons, double width & condensed characters, true lower case descenders & graphics PRM-43082 Friction & pin feed .... $499.95

Microline 8SA 1.12 2:12 column. 120 CPS. handles forms up to If)" wide, removable tractor, plus all the features of the H2A. PRM-43083 with FREE tractor .... $744.95

Microline 84 132 2:12 column. 200 CPS. full dot graphics built in. handles forms up to In" wide, plus all the features of the 83A. PRM-43083 with FREE tractor ... $1149.95

PRA-27081 Apple card $39.95

PRA-27082 Apple cable $19.95

PRA-27087 TRS-80 cable $24.95

PRA-43081 2K hi spd serial card .. $169.95

PRA-43082 Graphics ROMs 82A .... $79.95

PRA-43083 Graphics ROMs 83A ....$79.95

PRA-43088 Tractor option 82A $39.95

PRA-43080 Extra ribbons pkg. of 2 ... $9.95

INEXPENSIVE PRINTERS - Epson

MX-70 SO column. HO CPS. 5 x 7 dot matrix, adjustable

tractor feed. <fe graphics

PRM-27070 List $459 $389.95

MX-80 80 column. 80 CPS. bi-directional logic seeking printing. 9 x 9 dot matrix, adjustable pin feed. & 64 graphics characters PRM-27080 List $645 $429.95

MX-80FT same as MX-80 with friction feed added. PRM-27082 List $745 $529.95

MX-100 132 column, correspondence quality, graphics, up to 15 " paper, friction feed & adjusta hie pin feed. 9 x9dot matrix. 80 CPS. PRM-27100 List $945 $724.95

PRA-27084 Serial interface $54.95

PRA-27088 Serial intf & 2K buffer . . $144.95

PRA-27081 Apple card $39.95

PRA-27082 Apple cable $19.95

PRA-27086 IEEE 488 card $52.95

PRA-27087 TRS-80 cable $24.95

PRA-27085 Graftrax II $75.00

PRA-27090 Extra print head $44.95

PRA-27083 MX-80 ribbon cart $13.95

PRA-27101 MX100 ribbon only $9.95

16K RAM Card for Apple II

was $175, Now Only $74.95

Expand your Apple's memory from 48K to 64K with this assemhled & tested RAM Card that just plugs right into your Apple. Take advantage of this half price sale !!! MEX-16700A 16K RAM Card $74.95

SD Systems

ExpandoRAM III

64K to 256K expandable RAM board

SO Systems has duplicated the famous reliability of their ExpandoRAM I and II hoards in the new ExpandoRAM III, a hoard capahle of containing 256K of high speed RAM. Utilizing the new 64K x 1 dymanic RAM chips, you can configure a memory ofh'4K, 12HK, 192K,or 256K, all on one S-100 hoard. Memory address decoding is done by a programmed bipolar ROM so that the memory map may be dip-switch configured to work with either COSMOS/MPM*type systems or with OASIS-type systems.

Extensive application notes concerning how to operate the ExpandoRAM III with Cromemco, Intersystems, and other popular 1 MHz Z-80 systems are contained in the manual.

MKM-65064A (UK A&T $424.95

MKM-H5128A 12HK A&T $494.95

MEM-65192A t92K A&T $559.95

MKM-65256A 2.r>fiK A&T $595.00

Disk Bank

Modular Diskette Storage

Modems on Sale !!!!

m * m *

SIGNALMAN - Anchor

Direct-conneet automatic answer originate selection. 300 Baud full duplex. Bell 10.1. includes KS-2:12 cable IOM-5600A Signalman $98.50

SMARTMODEM - Hayes

Sophisticated direct-conneet auto-answer autodial modem, touch-tone or pulse dialing. RS 232Cinterface, programmable

IOM-5400A Smartmodem $249.95

IOK-1500A Hayes Chronograph ... $219.95

IOM-2010A Mtcromodem II $329.95

IOM-1100A Mtcromodem 100 $375.00

Apple-CAT - Novation

Software selectable 1200 or .'100 Baud, direct connect, autoanswer, auto-dialse dialing, auxiliary ,1-wire RS-2:12C serial port for printer IOM-5232A Save $50.00 $325.00

FMJInc

Printer Pal

Model P80 & P100

P80 dimensions: H'A" wide, 13" deep, 4V4" high • P100 dimensions: 21" wide, 13" deep, 5'/a"high • Stores paper below printer • Constructed of 16 gauge steel • Attractive textured finish • Plastic trim and rubber feet • Adjustable paper support brackets.

The Printer Pal is a very simple, but convenient paper rack and printer stand. The Model P80 will support an 80 column printer such as the Epson MX80/MX80FT or the Okidata 82A. The Model P100 supports the larger 132 column printers like the Epson MX100 or the Okidata 83A. Either model performs the same function; to act as a stand for your printer while keeping your paper straight and tidy so you can spend your time computing instead of realigning your printer paper.

PRA-99080 P80, 10 lbs $24.95

PRA-99100 P100, 12 lbs $29.95

The Disk Bank system is a revolutionary diskette storage concept designed to handle all your diskette storage needs no matter how small or large.

The Disk Bank system can grow as your storage needs grow. Its modular interlocking design allows you to add to your system horizontally or verticallly. And Disk Bank's design allows easy accss to your diskettes. Just open the drawer and slide it out. The diskette retaining gate falls forward automatically for easy access to any of the 10 diskettes, without fear of bending or crimping. Shipping weight 1 lb.

MMA-405 5W Disk Bank $4.95

MMA-408 8" Disk Bank $5.95

I

I I I I i I

Place Orders Toll Free

Inside California

800-262-1710

Continental U.S.

800-421-5500

Technical Inquires or Customer .S'rnv'ce call:

213-973-7707

Computer Products

4901 W. Bosecrans, Hawthorne. Ca 90250

TKHMS of SALE: Cash, checks, credit cards, o:

Purchase Orders from qualified firms and institutions. Minimum Order $15.00. California residents add (>"' tax. Minimum shipping & handling charge Ivi.OO. icing & availibility subject to change

Circle 222 on inquiry card.

:

Computer Products

3313 S. Bristol St.

Santa Ana, Calif.

714-549-7108

Computer Products

1291 W. El Camino Real

Sunnyvale, Calif.

415-965-7980

Computer Products

4344 Convoy Street

Kearny Mesa, Calif.

714-268-4661

PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE.

Continental U.S. - 800-421-5500 Inside California - 800-262-1710 Los Angeles Area - 213-973-7707

JADE

Disk Sub-Systems

Shugart, Siemens, Qume

Handsome metal cabinet with proportionally balanced air flow system • Rugged dual drive power supply • Power cable kit • Power switch, line cord, fuse holder, cooling fan • Never-Mar rubber feet • All necessary hardware to mount 28" disk drives, power supply, and fan • Does not include signal cable

Dual 8" Subassembly Cabinet

KND-000420 Hare cabinet $59.95

KND-000421 Cabinet kit $225.00

KND-000431 A&T $359.95

KNI) KNI) KNI) KNI)

KNI) KNI) KNI) KNI)

N" Dish Drive Subsystems Single Sided, Double Density ■000423 Kit w 2 FDWO-HD* $924.95

■000424 A&Tut 2 FDlOOHDx $1124.95 ■000433 Kit iv 2 SA-HOIRs ... $999.95 ■000434 A & Tw2 SA-HOIRs $1195.00

S" Dish Drive Subsystems Double Sided, Double Density

■000426 Kit U"2 DTHs $1224.95

■000427 A & T tv 2 DT-Hs ... $1424.95 ■000436 Kit w 2SA-Kr>lRs ,. $1295.00 ■000437 A & Tw 2 SAHSlHs $1495.00

DISKETTES - Jade

EE if € > -a

| W^t-n

t I

■ 'jJH

■ 3 E J '

*" '¥■■

r

We proudly put our name on these high quality diskettes guaranteed to satisfy you or your money back.

5'4" Diskettes, Box of Ten

MM I)—5110103 MMD-5111003 MMD—5111603 MMD—5120103 MMD-5121003 MMD-5121603

SS, SD, 01S $29.00

SS, SD, 10S $29.00

SS, SD, 16S $29.00

SS, DD, 01S $31.00

SS. DD.010 $31.00

SS, DD, I6S $31.00

8" Diskettes, Box of Ten

MMD—8110103 88, SD. 018 $31.00

MMD—8120103 SS, DD.01S $39.00

MMD—8220103 DS, DD. OIS $48.00

EPROM ERASER - Spectronics

[ 'llra-eiolet EPROM erasers

XMK-3100A With out timer $69.50

XMK-3101 With timer $94.50

XMK-3200 Economy Model $39.95

16K MEMORY UPGRADE

Add IHK of RAM to your TRS-80. Apple, or Exidy in just minutes. We've sold thousands of these 16K RAM upgrades which include the appropriate memory chips (as specified by the manufacturer/, all necessary jumper blocks, fool-proof instructions, and our 1 year guarantee.

MEX-16100K TRS-80 kit $25.00

MEX-16101K Apple kit $25.00

MEX-16102K Exidy kit $25.00

16K RAM CARD - for Apple II

Expand your Apple to 64K, 1 year warranty MEX-16700A Save $125.00 .'.'.' $74.95

Z-80* CARD for APPLE

Two computers in one. Z-80 & 6502. more than doubles the power & potential of your Apple, includes Z-80* CPU card, CP M 2.2. & HASIC-80 CPX-30800A A&T $299.95

8" DISK CONTROLLER

New from Vista Computer, single or double sided, single or double density, compatible with DOS 3.2/&S, Pascal. & CPM 2.2. Shugart & Qume compatible IOD-2700A A&T $499.95

2 MEGABYTES for Apple II

Complete package includes: Two 8" double-density disk

drives, Vista double-density 8" disk controller, cabinet, power

supply, & cables, DOS 3.2 3.3, CP M 2.2, & Pasccl

compatible.

1 MegaByte Package (Kit) $1495.00

1 MegaByte Package (A&T) $1695.00

2 MegaByte Package (Kit) $1795.00

2 MegaByte Package (A&T) $1995.95

Apple-CAT - Novation

Software selectable 1200 or 300 baud, direct connect, autoanswer/auto-dial, auxiliary 3-wire RS232C serial port for printer, IOM-5232A Save $50.00!!! $334.95

DISK DRIVES - Micro Sci

Inexpensive disk drives for your Apple A2 Direct replacement for Apple Disk II, works with Apple II controller as first or second drive.

MSM-123101 Micro Sci A2 $429.95

MSM-123101C A2 with contrlr .... $499.95

A40 40 track drive for Apple II. Improved storage capacity and speed over Apple Brand drives ■ requires Micro Sci controller. IOD-2340A Micro Sci A40 $399.95

A 70 70 track drive for Apple II. Twice the storage capacity and three times faster than Apple Brand drives ■ requires Micro Sci controller IOD-2370A Micro Sci A70 $499.95

Micro Sci Controller Disk controller for up to two Micro Sci A40 or A70 disk drives, DOS 3.2, 3.3, Pascal, and Z-80 SoftCard compatible, includes utility disk and 40 70 track patch. IOD-2300A Micro Sci controller $95.00

VISION 80 - Vista Computer

80 column x 24 line video card for Apple II. 128 ASCII characters, upper and lower rase, 9 x 10 dot matrix with 3 dot descenders, standard data media terminal control codes. CP M Pascal & Fortran compatible, 50/60 Hz IOV-2400A Vista Vision 80 $375.00

Joystick - T G Products

A better joystick for your Apple 11 SYA-1512A A&T $49.95

CPS MULTICARD - Mtn. Computer

Three cards in one! Real time clock calendar, serial interface.

& parallel interface ■ all on one card.

IOX-2300A A & T $179.95

fjt commodore

VIC-20 Computer

Complete personal computer with SK HAM. full color. 61 key keyboard, 4 dual special-function keys, serial ports, cassette port, composite video output (connects to standard color TV set). BASIC language. & expansion port. COM-VIC20 VIC-20 $279.95

Z-80 STARTER KIT - SD Systems

Complete Z80 microcomputer with RAM. ROM, I O. keyboard, display, kludge area, manual. & workbook

CPS-30100K KIT $299.95

CPS-30100A A&T $469.95

A,

AIM-65 - Rockwell

6.502 c keyboa

CPK

CPK

SFK

SFK

PSX

KNX

SFK

SFK

SFK

&

mputer tcith alphanumeric display, printe rd. and complete instructional manuals

•50165A IK AIM-65 $424.95

•50465A IK AIM-65 $474.95

74600008K HK BASIC ROM ... $64.95 64600004K IK Assembler ROM $43.95

030A Power Supply $64.95

■000002 Enclosure $54.95

74600020K PL 65 ROM $84.95

74600010K Forth ROM $64.95

74600030K Instant Pascal $99.95

Special Packages

IK AIM-US, 8K BASIC, potter supply & enclosure Special Package Price $649.95

Video Monitors

HI-RES 12" GREEN - Zenith

15 MHz bandwidth. 700 lines inch. P31 green phosphor, switchable 40 or 80 columns, small, light-weight & portable. VDM-201201 List price $150.00 .... $118.95

12" GREEN SCREEN - NEC

20 MHz, P31 phosphor video monitor with audio, exceptionally high resolution - A fantastic monitor at a very reasonable price

VDM-651200 Special Sale Price $169.95

12" COLOR MONITOR - NEC

Hi-res monitor with audio & sculptured case VDC-651212 Color Monitor $479.95

NKC-1202D RGB color monitor ... $1045.00 Leedex / Amdek

Reasonably priced video monitors

VDC-801310 13" Color 1 $379.95

VDC-801320 Color II $895.00

IOV-2300A DVM board for Apple . . $199.95

Prices may be slightly higher at our retail locations. Please call the store nearest you for local price and availability.

Circle 223 on inquiry card.

Computer Products

13440 S. Hawthorne Blvd.

Hawthorne, Calif.

213-973-7330

Computer Products

21800 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, Calif.

213-716-6120

Computer Products

4950 Beltline Road

Addison, Texas

214-458-2782

PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE.

Continental U.S. - 800-421-5500 Inside California - 800-262-1710 Los Angeles Area - 213-973-7707

SBC-200 - SD Systems

4 MHz Z-80A CPU with serial & parallel I/O. IK RAM, 8K

ROM space, monitor PROM included.

CPC-30200A A&T $299.95

THE BIG Z* - Jade

2 or 4 MHz switchable Z-80* CPU with serial I/O, accomodates 2708. 2716. or 27.12 EPROM. baud rates from 75 to 9600

CPU-30201K Kit $139.95

CPU-30201A A & T r.. $189.95

CPU-30200B Bare board $35.00

2810 Z-80* CPU - Cal Comp Sys

2 / MHz Z80A* CPUwith RS2.12C serial I/O port andonboard MOSS 2.2 monitor PROM, front panel compatible. CPU-30400A A & T $269.95

CB-2 Z-80 CPU - S.S.M.

2 or 4 MHz Z-80 CPU board with provision for up to 8Kof ROM or 4K of RAM on board, extended addressing. IEEE S-100, front panel compatible.

CPU-30300K Kit $239.95

CPU-30300A A&T $299.95

16K STATIC RAM - Mem Merchant

( MHz IKK statu RAM board. IEEE S-100. bank selectable. Phantom capability, addressable in 4K blocks, "disable-able" in IK segments, extended addressing, low power MKM-16171A A&T $154.95

32K STATIC RAM - Jade

2 or 4 MHz expandable static RAM board uses 21 I4L's

MEM-16151K 16K4MHzkit $169.95

MKM-32151K 32K 4 MHz kit $299.95

Assembled & tested add $50.00

MEMORY BANK - Jade

4 MHz. S-ltm. bank selectable, expandable from 16Kto64K

MKM-99730B Bare Board $49.95

MKM-99730K Kit no HAM $199.95

MEM-32731K 32K Kit $239.95

MEM-64733K UK Kit $279.95

Assembled & Tested add $50.00

64K RAM - Calif Computer Sys

4 MHz bank port hank byte selectable, extended addressing. 16K bank selectable. PHANTOM line allows memory overlay. 8080 / Z-80 / front panel compatible. MEM-64565A A&T $575.00

64K STATIC RAM - Mem Merchant

HIK statw S-100 RAM card. 4-1OK banks, up to 8MHz MEM-64400A A&T $594.95

64K STATIC RAM - SSM

IEEE 696/S-100 standard, up to 6MHz/8 Bit. 12MHzi 16 Bit. 24 Bit extended addressing, disable-able in 2K increments MEM-64300A A&T $749.95

64K STATIC - Lab Standard

Absolute IEEE 696, S-100 compliance, 8 or 16 Bit data paths. 16-bit request/acknowledge properly implemented, supports DMA at 8MHz. switchable bank select system for use with Cromemco & Alpha Micro MEM-64900A A&T $699.95

BUS PROBE - Jade

5 100 diagnostic nnalyzir board, dynamic visual display of all 90 IEEE S-100 signals, aids in real time analysis of faulty hardicare and software

TSX-200B Bare Board $59.95

TSX-200K Kit $119.95

TSX-200A A & T $149.95

VERSAFLOPPY II - SD SYSTEMS

Double density disk controller for any combination of 5'/i" or 8" single or double sided disk drives, analog phase-locked loop data separator, vectored interrupt. CP M 2.2 & OASIS compatible, control diagnostic software PROM included

IOD-1160A A&T $359.95

SFC-55009047F CP/M 2.2 for VF II . $99.95

DOUBLED - Jade

Double density controller with the inside track, on-board Z80A*. printer port. IEEE S-100. can function on an interrupt driven buss

IOD-1200K Kit $299.95

IOD-1200A A&T $375.00

IOD-1200B Bare board $59.95

DOUBLE DENSITY - Cal Comp Sys

.5' <" and N" dish controller, single or double density, with onboard hoot loader ROM. and free CP M 2.2* and manual set.

IOD-1300A A&T $374.95

MPC-4 - SD Systems

Intelligent 4 port serial I/O card, onboard ZSOA, 2K RAM. 4K PROM area, on board firmware, fully buffered, vectored interrupts, four CTC channels, add to SD Board set for powerful multiuser system IOI-1504A A&T w/software $495.00

I/0-4 - S.S.M.

2 serial 1/ O ports plus 2 parallel I/O ports

IOI-1010K Kit $179.95

IOI-1010A A&T $249.95

IOI-1010B Bare board $35.00

1/0-5 - SSM Microcomputer

Two serial & 3 parallel I/O ports. 110-I9.2K Baud IOI-1015A A&T $279.95

1/0-8 - SSM Microcomputer

Eight software programmable serial I/O ports, 110 -19.2K

Baud, ideal for multi-user systems

IOI-1018A A&T $449.95

PROM-100 - SD Systems

2708. 2716. 27:12 EPROM programmer w software

MEM-99520K Kit $189.95

MEM-99520A A & T $249.95

PB-1 - S.S.M.

2708, 2716 EPROM boa'd with built-in programmer

MEM-99510K Kit $154.95

MEM-99510A A&T $219.95

EPROM BOARD - Jade

16K or 32K uses 2708's or 2716's, IK boundary

MEM-16230K Kit $79.95

MEM-16230A A&T $119.95

ISO-BUS - Jade

Silent, simple, and on sale - a better motherboard 6 Slot t5'/<" x8%")

MBS-061B Bare board $19.95

MBS-061K Kit $39.95

MBS-061A A&T $49.95

12 Slot (9%" x8%")

MBS-121B Bare board $29.95

MBS-121K Kit $69.95

MBS-121A A&T $89.95

18 Slot (14 W x 8%")

MBS-181B Bare board $49.95

MBS-181K Kit $99.95

MBS-181A A&T $139.95

Single User System

SBC 200. HIK ExpandoRAM II. Vcrsafloppv II. CP M2.2

$1095.00

1 MHz Z-80A CPU, 64K RAM, serial I/O port, parallel I/O port, double-density disk controller, CIVM 2.2 disk and manuals, system monitor, control and diagnostic software. Board set with 256K of RAM $1295.00

-All boards are assembled and tested

8" Disk Drives

Shusart SAH01R single-sided double-density MSF-10801R . . $394.95 ea 2 for $389.95 ea

Shugart SAHHIR double sided double-density MSF-10851R .. $554.95 ea 2 for $529.95 ea Qume OT-8 double-sided double density MSF-750080 .. $524.95 ea 2 for $499.95 ea Siemens FDD 100-8 snglsided dbl-density MSF-20I120 .. $384.95 ea 2 for $349.95 ea

5V4" Disk Drives

Shugart SA4O0L snglsided dbl-density 40 track MSM-104000 $2;i4.95ea 2 for $224.95 ea

Shugart SA4S0 dbl-sided dbl-density 70 track MSM-104500 $.'{49.95 ea 2 for $329.95 ea

Qume DT-5 dbl-sided dbl-density 80 track MSM-750050 .. $359.96 ea 2 for $349.95 ea

MPI B-51 snglsided dbl-density 40 track MSM-155100 . . $234.95 ea 2 for $224.95 ea

MPI B-52 dbl-sided dbl-density 40 track MSM-155200.. $344.95 ea 2 for $334.95 ea

MPI B-91 snglsided dbl-density 77 track MSM-155300 .. $369.95 ea 2 for $359.95 ea

MPI B-92 dbl-sided dbl-density 77 track MSM-155400 $469.95 ea 2 for $459.95 ea

ISOBAR - GSC

Isolates &' protects your valuable equipment from high voltage spikes & AC line noise, inductive isolated ground. 15 amp circuit breaker. U.I.. listed

EME-115103 3 socket $39.50

EME-115105 4 socket $49.50

EME-115100 8 socket $54.50

EME-115110 9 socket rackmount .. $74.50

Prices may be slightly higher at our retail locations. Please call the store nearest you for local price and availability.

Circle 223 on inquiry card. "~ ~~ "" ~

PALOMAR TAKES THE RISK

...Join the thousands of satisfied customers who buy from fast responsef expert technical help, and

NEC-8023 A

High-resolution dot graphics. Proportional

spacing. Correspondent quality printing.

Bidirectional tractor and friction feed. 80. 132

col. Greek and math symbols. 100 cps matrix

printer.

List $780 Parallel $599

C. ITOH

Pro/Writer offers 8 character sizes. 5 different alphabets, and high proportional spacing, bidirectional, vert and horiz. tabs, resolution graphics. nx9 matrix. 100 cps 136 col. max. Fhction and tractor feed.

8510R Parallel $549

8510R Serial $599

EPSON-COMPLETE STOCK!

Features disposable print heads, Oraphtrax. All models except MX-70 print text in two directions. MX-80F/T and MX 100 have both friction and tractor feed. Unparalleled dot placement accuracy.

MX-70 (80 col.) CALL

MX-80 (80 col.) CALL

MX-80F/T (80 col.) CALL

MX-100 (136 col.) CALL

Interface Cards CALL

Cables CALL

VIDEO TERMINALS, MONITORS

Ampex Dialog 80 $995

Ampex Dialog 30 $795

Televideo 920C $845

Televideo 950 $995

SOROC IQ 120 $699

Zenith 12" Green $119

NEC 12" Green $169

Amdex 12" B/W (Leedex) $99

Amdex 13" Color Lo-Res $439

LOW, LOW PRICE ON NOVELL!

Heavy duty. 150 CPS. bidirectional, tractor feed. 9x9 dot matrix. 6 or 8 lines per inch. 10. 13.6 or 16.5 CPI. EIA RS232C or parallel interface. IMAGE 800 $995

MPI 88G/99G MATRIX

High resolution dot-addressable graphics for Apple. Enhanced "correspondence quality" printing. Tractor and friction feed. Serial and Parallel Input. 100 cps Bidirectional printing.

88 G (132 col.) List $749 $549

99 G (132 col.) Ust $849 $599

Apple parallel I/O Card/Cable/Disk . . $ 110

with Graphics Prom (Ap-Pak) $ 145

IEEE I/O Card $55

Single Sheet Feeder $25

QT Cover $35

OKIDATA

(IP TO 200 CPS! Microline 82A-80//32 col.. 120 CPS. 9x9 dot matrix, friction, pin feed or tractor feed (removeable) rear and bottom feed. Includes bi directional/logic seeking, serial and parallel interfaces. Double width and condensed characters, true lower case descenders and graphics. 82A $545

Microline 83A- 132/232 col.. 120 CPS. handles forms up to 15 in. wide, plus all the features of the 82A.

83A $775

Microline 84- 132/232 col., 200 CPS. with full dot graphics built-in. Takes forms up to 15 in. wide, plus all the features of the 83A 84SP $ 1250

MODEMS

(JDS 103 LP. direct $ 169

103 JLP Auto Answer $209

202 LP 1200 BAUD $259

NOVATION CAT, acoustic $ 145

D-CAT, direct $ 155

Auto Cat $219

Apple Cat $329

HAYES S100 Micromodem $349

Apple Micromodem $299

Smart Modem $ 245

Circle 326 on inquiry card.

ADLER

17.5 CPI. 10. 12. 15 and proportional spacing, 2 line correcting memory, interchangeable print wheels.

SE1010 List $1295 SAVE $300

Interface Card ADD $395

NEC SPINWRITERS

7710/7730 RO w/tractor $2535

7720 KSR w/tractor $2945

3510/3530RO $1775

Bidirectional tractor $210

Push tractc $350

OLYMPIA

Letter quality. Daisy wheel printer typewriter interfaces to Apple. Atari. NEC TRS80 and RS232 Serial ports. ES 100 RO Computer printer

List $ 1690 SAVE $300

ESI 00 Typewriter only List $ 1195 SAVE $ 150 Interface Card Only $295

(specify serial or parallel

I/O Cable (specify serial or parallel) $25

Apple Serial Card $ 139

MODEMS

BIZCOMP Super low introductory price. Save over other modems! Apple—direct connect vie game port. No serial card needed. Save $139 oi more. Atari—direct conned via interface module and telelink cartridge. Commodore— the only modem available. Each pkg. contain! cable with connectors and phone Tadapter.

Apple Comm Pkg $169

VIC Comm Pkg $ 159

Atari Comm Pkg $ 159

OUT OF MAIL ORDER BUYING!

us with confidence and know you'll receive the same guaranteed satisfaction - at UNBEATABLE PRICES!

m

APPLE SOFTWARE

BUSINESS

Financial Partner $191.99

Pascal Tutor $97.99

Pro Easy Writer $ 196.99

Easy Writer 40 col $78.99

Ward Star (Req. Softcard) $241.99

Super Sort (Req. Softcard) $ 129.99

Mail Meger (Req. Softcard) $80.99

Data Star (Req. Softcard) $ 192.99

Spell Star (Req. Softcard) $ 129.99

Calle Star (Req. Softcard) $129.99

Super Tex II $117.99

The Address Book $38.99

Form Letter Module 78.99

Visifiles $229.99

Desktop Plan III $275.99

Desktop Plan II $229.99

Visiplot $185.99

Visitrend/Visiplot $275.99

Visidex $229.99

Visiterm $89.99

Visicalc3.3 $229.99

Infotory $199.99

Superspell (Req. Softcard) $435.99

Word Processor (Req. Softcard) $255.99

PERSONAL/HOME

Typing Tutor $ 19.99

Elementry Math $31.99

Personal Filing System $74.99

Personal Report System $74.99

Algebra I $31.99

Compu-Math: Arithmetic Skill $39.99

Compu-Math: Fractions $31.99

Compu-Math: Decimals $31.99

Compu-Spells: (Reg. Data Disk) .... $23.99 M1SC

Applesoft Compiler $ 165.99

Basic Compiler $315.99

Apple-Doc $41.99

D.B. Master $ 189.99

D.B. Utility Pack $81.99

GAMES

Raster Blaster $24.99

Air Traffic Controller $9.99

Temple of Apshai $31.95

Datestones of Ryn $ 15.99

Morloc's Tower $ 15.99

Rescue at Rigel $23.99

Hell Fire Warrior $31.99

Star Warrior $31.99

Crash, Crumble and Chomp $23.99

Upper Reaches of Apshai $15.99

The Keys to Acheron $15.99

Snack Attack $23.99

The Prisoner $23.99

Zonk I $31.99

Zonk II $31.99

Robot Ware $31.99

Three Mile Island $31.99

AB.M. $19.99

CastJe Wotfenstein $23.99

Wizard and Princes $25.99

Missile Defense $23.99

Cranston Manor $27.99

Warp Destroyer $23.99

Cyber Strike $31.99

Phantoms Five $23.99

Space Eggs $23.99

APPLE ACCESSORIES

MICROSOFT

Z80 Softcard $299.99

16KRAMcard $158.99

CCS

Parallel Card $ 119.99

A5YNC Serial Card $ 148.99

Clock Calender Card $99.99

IEEE Card $249.99

AD Card $99.99

MOUNTAIN COMPUTERS

Romolus $ 129.99

Keyboard Fitter Rom $49.99

CPS Multifunction Card $ 189.99

Super talker $229.99

PAYMAR

L/C Adapter-New $35.99

L/C Adapter-Old $45.99

Videx-Video Term $299.99

ADVANCE BUSINESS TECH 13 Key pad for Apple (New KBD) ..$110.99 13 Key pad for Apple (Old KBD) ... $110.99

BAR Code Reader $ 189.99

Dana-Cooling Fan $39.99

Lazer-Lower Case Adapter $55.99

T.G. PROD.

Game Paddles $31.99

Joy Stick $46.99

Select A Port $46.99

Wizard-80 (80 col.) $278.99

RS232 CABLES

4 wire male-male 10ft $ 19.99

9 wire male-male 10ft $21.99

4 wire male-female 10ft $ 19.99

9 wire male-female 10 ft $21.99

RS232 Switch Box (Use 2 terminals or printers from one output port) $ 109.99

FAN FOLD PAPER

(Prices F.O.B. S.P.) 9!6xl 1-20* Bond White (2700 ct.) $30.10 14%xl 1-20* Bond White (2400 ct.) $37.10 147/axl 1-20* Bond W Green Bar (2400 ct.) $37.10

RIBBONS

NEC $77/Doz.

Qume $45/Doz.

Diablo $66/Doz.

Anadex $ 135/6 ea.

Tritel $95/Doz.

TI/DEC/TTY $45/Doz.

Epson $13.95/ea.

MPI/Axiom/Base 2 $ 13.95/ea.

Circle 326 on inquiry card.

MAGNETIC MEDIA

Premium Quality At Bargain Prices

100% Certified with hub rings, box of 10

Economy Diskettes

5V4" SSSD Soft, 10 or 16 sector .. . $25.00

SSSD Soft. 10 or 16 sector .... $28.50

DSDD Soft, 10 or 16 sector $36.00

Quality Diskettes

5'A" SSD, Soft 10 or 16 sector $27.00

SSDD, Soft 10 or 16 sector $32.00

DSDD, Soft 10 or 16 sector $ 38.50

8" SSSD, Soft or 32 hard sector .... $28.50

DSDD. Soft or 32 hard sector $45.50

CALL for prices on name brand diskettses:

VERBATIM DYSAN 3M SCOTCH

MEMOREX WABASH MAXELL

NEC

PC-8000 Series Microcomputer System

• Z-80A CPCJ 4 MHz

• 5 user programmable function keys •82 Keys with numeric keypad

• 160 x 100 resolution

• 80 character screen

PCX-8001A Microcomputer w/32K RAM $899 PC-8012A I/O Unit w/32K RAM

Expansion slots $599

PC 8031A Dual Mini-Disk Drive Unit . . . $899 PC-8032A Add-On Dual Mini Disk

Drive Unit $799

ATARI SOFTWARE

Adventure * 1,2,3, (D) $31.99

Adventure *4,5,6, (D) $31.99

Adventure *7,8,9 (D) $31.99

Adventure *10,11,12 (D) $31.99

Adventure 1-12 (D) $79.99

Atari Mailing List (D) $ 19.99

Text Wizard (D) $79.99

Compu-Math/Fractions (D) $31.99

Compu-Math/Decimals (D) $31.99

Compu-Math/Fractions (D) $23.99

Compu-Math/Decimals (C) $23.99

Letter Perfect (D) $119.99

Mail Merge/Utility (D) 23.99

TO PLACE YOUR ORDER CALL: | TELEPHONE CODE: BApr82 TELEX

1(714)744-7314

697120

PAlOMAft

Computer Products

| 910-105 W. San Marcos Blvd.. San Marcos, CA 92069

I TERMS OF SALE: Cash, check, money order, bank wire transfer, ! credit card or purchase orders from qualified firms and institutions. I Please include telephone number with order and expiraton date on ■ credit card orders. California residents add 6% sales tax. Advertised I prices are for prepaid orders F.O.B. shipping point. Add 3% for I shipping in CIS Pricing and availability subject to change without 1 notice.

PRIORITY ONE ELECTRONICS

S-100 CPU

CO ■ PROCESSOR 8086 - 8087 COMPUPRO

Math co-processor

IPABTNO. gjjBgjjj LIST PRICE 0UBT8TCT|

BEGBT186A AST 8086 Only $695.00 $625.00

BE6BTI86C CSC 8086 Only $85000 $765.00

BE6BT6087 8087 Chip CALL

CPU Z - GODBOUT 2/4 MHZ Z80 CPU 24 Bit Addressing

BEBBT IBOA A S T $296.00 .... $280.00

BESBT HOC CSC 3-6 MHZ 1395.00 ... $375.00

DUAL PROCESSOR 8085-8088 - COMPUPRO

6or8MZ Provides true 16 Bit Power with a standard 8

bit S-100 bus.

BESBT IBI2A AST 6 MHZ $425.00 ... $399.00

BEBBT 1S12C CSC 6/8 MHZ $525.00 . .. $488.00

MPM ® * - COMPUPRO

Runs CPM 80". CPM 86~, And MPM86" AT THE SAME TIME! 8 AND/OR 16 BIT TOGETHER' WOW! BEBBTHPK1I6 Software $995.00

See Compupro AD in May BTTE tor details SOLID STATE DISK DRIVE, 3500% FASTER! Not Really, But the Next Best Thing For Compupro 8085/88 Users. Call lor Details on M-Drive.

BECBT MO I26K $1,550.00

BEBBT MO 256K $3,000.00

2810 Z80 CPU-CA. COMP. SYST. 2/4 MHZ Z80A CPU with RS232C Serial I/O Port complete with Monitor PROM tor 2422 Disk Controller

BECCS 2BI0A AST. $350.00 . .. $280.00

CB2 Z80 CPU - S.S.M. 2/4 MHZ will accept 2716, or 2732, or RAM

BE3SMCB2I Kit $280.00

BE8SHCB2A AST $344.00 ... $310.00

BESSMZ80M SSMZ80 Monitor $89.00

S-lOO I/O BOARDS

SYSTEM SUPPORT 1 - GODBOUT

Serial port (software prog baud), 4K EPROM OR RAM

provision, 7 5 levels of interrupt, real time clock,

optional math processor

m

JUL

IT182A BECBT1B2C BECBTS23I BEBBT8232 BEBBTI62AM1 BEBBTI62CMI BE GBT162AM2 BEGBT162CM2

BESBTI86A4 BEEBT1B6C4

BECBT166AIS BEBBT168C16

BEBBTI33A BEGBT133C

BESCWIPTIOII

LUT PWICE

$399.00 $495.00

^po?

$460.00

195.00

195.00 555.00 655.00 555.00 655.00

$445.00 $535.00

$585.00 $675.00

219.00 298.00

$219.00 $289.00

Assembled & Tested CSC

Math Chip Math Chip

AST with 8231 Math Chip CSC with 8231 Math Chip AST with 8232 Math Chip CSC with 8232 Math Chip MPX CHANNEL BOARD - COMPUPRO I/O Multiplexer, using 8085A-2 CPU on board With 4K RAM AST $495.00

CSC $595.00

With 16KRAM AST $649.00

CSC $749.00

INTERFACER I - COMPUPRO

Two Serial I/O

AST $249.00

CSC $324.00

INTERFACER II - COMPUPRO

Three parallel, one serial I/O board

BESBT150A AST $249.00

BEGBTI50C CSC $324.00

INTERFACER III - COMPUPRO

Eight channel multi-use serial I/O board

BEEBT1748A AST $699.00 $629.00

BE8BT1748C CSC 200 hr. 8 Port $849.00 $750.00

BEBBT1745A AST $599.00 $559.00

BE6BT1745C CSC 200 hr. 5 Port $699.00 $829.00

MULTI I/O - MORROW DESIGNS

Three Serial. Two parallel

BEMDSRB3200 AST $359.00

SWITCHBOARD - MORROW DESIGNS

Two serial I/O, tour parallel I/O,

one status port, one strobe port

BEMDSSB2411 $299 00

1/04 - SSM

Two serial I/O, two parallel I/O

BE$$MI04K Kit

BE$$MI04A AST $290.00

I/O 5 - SSM

2 Serial, 3 Parallel including 1 Centronics

BES$MI051 AST $329.00 $309.00

I/O 8 - SSM

8 Port Serial I/O with Timer

BESSMI08A AST $550.00 $495.00

2710 4 PORT SERIAL - CCS

4 Full handshaking RS232 ports and optional 2K ROM BECC127I001 AST $360.00 $310.00

2719 2 SERIAL & 2 PARALLEL - CCS

2 AS232 C ports, 2 8 bit parallel ports, S optional 2K ROM

BECCI27H0I AST $360.00 $325.00

2720 4 PORT PARALLEL - CCS

4 8 bit parallel ports and optional 2K ROM

BECC$2720O1 AST $250.00 $225.00

$329.00

$269.00

$210.00 $260.00

S-100 10 MHZ STATIC RAM

NEW LOW PRICES!

RAM 20 - 32K lompuPro

32K STATIC RAM - COMPUPRO

RAM 20 10 MHZ, 4K byte block disable, bank select or 24 bit addressing available 8 16, 24 or 32K

I SB H

DESCBIPTIOH

BEBBT164AA8 8K AST

BEI8T184AC8 SK CSC

BEGBTI64AA16 16KAST

BEGBTI64ACI6 16KCSC

BESBT164AA24 24K AST

BEGBT164AC24 24KCSC

BESBTI64AA32 32K AST

BESBTI64AC32 32KCSC

list rHicE oil; HUtil

$210.00 $190.00

$280.00 $260.00

$285.00 $268.00

$355.00 $325.80

$355.00 $325.00

$425.00 $385.00

$425.00 $385.00

$495.00 $450.00

CMOS STATIC RAM

For a complete analysis of the advantages of CMOS memory, see the "ProductDescription"on page416 of the January Issue of BYTE.

64K CMOS STATIC RAM - COMPUPRO

RAM 17, 10 MHZ, 2 Watt, DMA Compatable

24 Bit Addressing

BEGBTI75A84 64K AST $599.00 $550.00

BEGBTI75C64 64K CSC 200hr. $699.00 $650.00

NEW! 32K x 16 BIT CMOS STATIC RAM • COMPUPRO

8 and/or 16 Bit

® RAM 16 10 MHZ, 32K x 16 or 64K X 8

IEEE/696 16 BIT 2 Watt, 24 Bit Addressing

BEGBT180A 64K AST $650.00 $599.00

BEGBT180C 64K CSC $750.00 $609.00

NEW! 128K NMOS STATIC RAM - COMPUPRO

RAM 21 15MHz, 128K X 8 OR 64K x 16

IEEE/696 8 or 16 Bit 1.2 Amps 24 Bit Addressing

BESBTI90A 128KAST $1695.00 $1610.00

BEGBT190C 128KCSC $1895.00 $1795.00

S-100 PROM

PBI PROM PROGRAMMER - SSM

Programs 2708 or 2716's, operates as a

4K/8K EPROM BOARD AS WELL.

BESSHPBIK Kit $179.00

BE SSMPBIA AST $265.00 $220.00

ECONOROM 2708 - COMPUPRO

16K x 8 EPROM Board using 2708, Power on

jump to any 256 byte

BEGBT125A AST $135.00 $120.00

BEGBT125C CSC $19500 $175.00

MB8A - SSM 1K/16K2708 EPROM board, disabiein IKincrements BE$$MMB8AK Kit $114.00

BE$$MMB8AA AST $179.00 $159.00

S-100 VIDEO BOARDS

SPECTRUM - COMPUPRO

Color Graphics board with Parallel I/O

$399.00 $349.00

AST

BEGBT144A

BEGBT144C CSC $449.00 $399.00

BE6BT20 Sublogic Universal $35.00

Graphics Interpreter Software

VB - 3 S.S.M.

80 x 25 or 50 character video display Memory

Mapped, Parallel Keyboard port

BE$$MIB3K24 80 x 24 Kit $425.80

8ESSMHB3A24 80 x 24 AST $499.00 $440.00

BES$«HB3UP 80 x 50 Line Upgrade $ 39.00

VB2-S.S.M.

I/O Mapped Video Board, with Parallel Keyboard port

64 x 16

BESSM«B2> Kit $199.00

BES$M(B2A AST $269.00 $229.00

VBBB ■ S.S.M

Memory Mapped Video Board 64 x 16 character

display or 64 x 16 graphics display

BESSRIB1K Kit $179.00

BESSMVB1A AST $242.00 $220.00

S-lOO CLOCK CALENDAR

BEQTCCCSA Assembled S Tested $150.00

As seen in March Kilobaud Magazine

S-lOO MOTHERBOARDS - COMPUPRO

Active termination, 6-12-20 slot

BEGBT153A AST 6 slot. 2 lbs $140.00 $126.00

BEGBT153C CSC 6 slot, 2 lbs. $190.00 $175.00

BEGBT1S4A AST 12 slot. 3 lbs. $175.00 $155.00

BEGBTI54C CSC 12 slot, 3 ibs. $240.00 $220.00

BEGBT155A AST20 slot, 4 Ibs. $265.00 $235.80

BEGTB155C CSC 20 slot. 4 Ibs. $340.00 $310.00

S-lOO DYNAMIC RAM

THE EXPANDABLE 1 PRIORITY 1 ELECTRONICS

THE EXPANDABLE V" 64K Dynamic Ram board provides your S-100 system with 64 K of reliable, highspeed dynamic RAM. Compatable with most of the major S-100 systems on the market, including those with front panels, it supports DMA operations and requires no Wait states with current microprocessors.

• User expandable from 16 to 64K • Supports DMA

• Designed to IEEE proposed S-100 bus standards • 2 or 4 MHz operation • Operates with either an 8080 orZ-80 based S-100 system, providing processor-transparent refreshes with both • Supports IMSAI-type front panels

• Jumper-selectable Phantom input • Uses Popular 4116 RAMS • All ICs in sockets • Any 16K block can be made bank-independent • Fully buffered address and data lines • Fail-sate refresh circuitry for extended Wait states • Board configuration with reliable, easy-to-configure Berg jumpers

BE PRIEXP116 16K Assembled & Tested $299.00

BEPRIEXP132 32K Assembled & Tested $339.00

BEPXIEXPM8 48K Assembled & Tested $379.00

BEPMEXP164 64K Assembled & Tested $409.00

S-100 DISK CONTROLLERS

2422A - CA. COMP. SYST.

I/O Mapped, controls 8", single or double density AST with CPM 2.2 8" S.D.

HiST P8ICE 0U8 PBICEI

BECCB2422A $475.00 $375.00

DISK JOCKEY 2D - MORROW

Memory Mapped, controls 8", single or

double density, serial I/O

BEMDIDJ2208 AST with CP/M 2.2 $399.00 $375.00

S-100 DISK SUBSYSTEMS

DJ2B DISCUS SINGLE SIDED MORROW

8" DBL Density drives with cabinet, power supply

controller, with CP/M 2.2 and Microsoft Basic

BEMDSFI216 Single Drive System $1095.00 $950.00

BERD$F12M Dual Drive System $1875.00 $1598.80

DJ2B DISCUS DOUBLE SIDED - MORROW

8" DBL Density/sided drives with cabinet Power

supply controller, with CP/M 2.2 and Microsoft Basic

BEMDSF2216 Single Drive System $1395.00 $1256.00

BEM08F2228 Dual Drive System $2495.00 $2058.00

S-100 HARD DISK - MORROW

5.25" 5MB, 8" 10 S 20MB, 14" 26MB formatted hard disk complete with cabinet, P.S., Controller,

CP/M 2.2 and Microsoft MBASIC 80

[mTpillCE 8ALE PBICEI

BEMBB0MAM5 5 MS $2495.00

BEMDSM10S 10 MB $3695.00

BEM0$M2O$ 20 MB $4795.00 "6*. $3825.00

* $3495.00

.$1995.00

f $2950.00

REMDSMZ8S 26 MB

$4495.00

OUTPERFORMS MONITORS OF TWICE THE PRICE!

USI has the competition buckling at their kneesl You can have a professional performing Video Monitor tor a IricUon ol the cist! The USI EV2131N is a 12" Green, high resolution data display compatable with 80 x 24 computer formats

BEUSIEV2131N 24 Ibs $149.00

Circle 342 on Inquiry card.

PRIORITY ONE ELECTRONICS

COMPUPRO DMA DISK 1

WITH FREE CP/M 2.2

SALE $450.00

SAVE $220.00

Priority 1 Electronics is pleased to offer the COMPUPRO DISK 1 High Performance Disk Controller at our regular low price with CP/M 2.2 and BIOS at no additional cost. That's a savings of $220.00 of the manufacturer's list price.

• Third generation INTEL 8272/NEC 765A LSI floppy disk controller.

• High speed cycle stealing DMA interface tor processor independent data transfer between system memory and flexible disk.

• Handles up to tour 8 or 5.25 inch floppy disk drives

• Single or double density/single or double sided capability.

• Supports IBM 3740 soft sectored formats.

• 24 bit DMA addressing with data transfer across 64 K boundaries for data transfer throughout the 16Mbyte memory map.

IW»T ND.

0E$CR,1PT|ON

U«T MJCE

BEPDBI71ACPM A&Tw/CP/M 2.2 & BIOS $670.00'.

BEGBT171C CSC $595.00 (555.00

BEOBTCriHO* CP/M 2.2 tor Z80/B085 with $175.00

manuals & BIOS 8" S/D disk

BEGOTOAStS Oasis 8 bit single user 8" S/D disk $500.00

BEGBTOAHH Oasis S bit multiuser, 8" S/D disk $050.00

S-iOO SYSTEMS

SUPERSIXTEEN - COMPUPRO

HERE IS WHAT EACH PACKAGE INCLUDES:

BE GBT1612A 6 MHz 8085/8088 Dual Processor Board

BEGBT171A High Speed DMA Disk Controller

BEGBT162A System Support 1 Multi-Function Board

Bl&smzii Interfacer 1 Dual Serial I/O

BE128K 10MHz Low Power Static Ram

BE6BTCP/M 88 16 Bit Operating System Ready to Load & Go

Cabin art DacuaieitaHoi Three intertacer cables one disk I/O

cable, complete documentator for all hardware, and manuals

for both CP/M operating systems.

Coihiu Pro i famous 1 Ttir limited warranty.

Now to the best part of all. If purchased separately, these

quality components would list for $4,344,00. BUT SaaarSlxtaaa's

law aaduie price U an imizlnn, $3,495.00 Ton mi $849.001 (For

boards qualified under the Certified System Component

high-reliability program - with extended 2 year warranty.

200 hour burn-in and 6/8 MHz processors ■ add $600.00 to

the package price. Sh. Wt. 15 lbs.

BEPDBGBTSJ SuperSixteen A&T $3405.00

BE PDBGBTSK SuperSixteen CSC $4005.00

PRINTERS

S-IOO MAINFRAMES

MICROLINE - OKIDATA WITH FRICTION AND TRACTOR FEED

• BI-DIPECTIONAL -120 CPS • Parallel and Serial I/O

• 9x9 Matrix (Alphanumeric) • 100 Thru 1200 Baud

• 6x9 or 12 Matrix forGraphics •Self Test

• 5,8.3, 10,16Charactrsp/lnch • Out of Paper Switch

• 6 or 8 Lines per Inch • Friction or Tractor Feed

• 80 CPL» 10 CPI lor 82A «3" (o 14" Top of Form

• 132 CPL @ 10 CPI tor 83A (Switch Selectable! • 10 Different Character Sets

I PART HO.

DESCRIPTION

LIST PBICE SMI PRICE |

BE0KIDAT82AT(Z6IksJS 8OCPL»10CPI$ 799.00 $539.00

BE0KIDATB3ATI37 Rlil/32 CPL 9 10 CPI$1195.00 $750.00

BE0KISER2KBF 9600 baud with 2K Serial $159.00

Buffer upgrade with X-on Y-off

BE 0KIGRAPH Higf) Resolution Graphics Prom $99.00

CMJ. FOR THE HEW MICBOLDJE M

MX80 - EPSON NEED WE SAY MORE?

8EEPMU00 Tractor Feed 17 lbs $645.00 $450.00

BEEPMUI00 132 Col. Tractor Feed 24 lbs $725.00

PRINTER INTERFACES - MJCROBYTE

RS232 Serial Conversion for MX80 BEMBSSEI1 A&T $55.00

Apple Centronics 8 bit parallel interface tor Centronics, Epson & OKIDATA printers BEMBUEM A&T $55.00

BEMBSAECI Cable tor above $14.95

Printer interfaces & cables sold only with printer purchase

S-IOO MICROFRAME - TEI

110V 60HZ CVT Mainframes, the best money can buy!

12 Slot ±8V 17A±16V @ 2A

22 Slot ±8V <?> 30A± 16V IP 4A

PART «0.

TUR-plTcT— Lin PRICE 1-8 10-24

BETEIMCSII! 12 Slot Desk S6S5.OO$0l5.00 $570.00

BETEIMCS 122 22 Slot Desk $825.00$7(0.00 $705.00

BETEIRM12 12 Slot Rackmount $725.00$720.00 $019.00 BETEIRM22 22 Slot Rackmount $8 75.00$150.00 $750.00 Shipping Weight: On 12 Slot Mainframe 45 lbs. On 22 Sfof Mainframes 55 lbs.

TEI S-IOO FRAMES 3 - 5" DISK CUTOUTS

±8V @> 17±16V @ 7.2A Internal Cables

1-9 10-24

BETEITF12 12 Slot desk J675 OQS025.00 $510.00

BETEIRF12 12 Slot Rackmount S795.OO$715.00 $015.00

Shipping Weight: On 12 Slot Desk 40 lbs.

On 12 Slot Rackmount 45 lbs.

DUAL 8" DISK DRIVE CHASSIS ■ TEI

ForShugart 800/801 Ror850/851R with internal power

cables provided

+24V @ 1.5A+5V @ 1.0A ■ 5V « .25A

1-t 10-24

BETEBCFDO Desk Top J535.00$4$5.00 $455.00

BETEIKFB0 Rack Mount S72OOOW0M $030.00

S-IOO MAINFRAME - COMPUPRO

110V 60HZ CVT Mainframe uses famous 20 slot COMPUPRO Motherboard. 55 lbs. BEGBTMC20RN 20 Slot Rack Mount $895.00 $025.00

BEGBTEHC20DK 20 Slot Desk Top $825.00 $710.00

S-IOO MAINFRAME - CCS

12-slot motherboard with removable termination card BECCS220001 Office Cream 35 lbs $5 75 00 $515.00

BECCS220002 Slue 35 (OS $5 75.00 $535.00

SOFTWARE - MICROPRO

All software is supplied on 8" Single Density IBM

3740 CP/M Compatable Diskettes

WORDSTAR

Screen-Oriented, integrated word processing system

specifically designed for non-technical personnel

DEMPRWR0STA1 $495.00 $300.00

MAIL MERGE WORD STAR OPTION

Powerful file merging tool

BE nnm*mURequires Word Star 2.1 or later)$2S0.00 $1(0.00

SPELLSTAR WORD STAR OPTION One Step "Proofreader" with compressed 20,000 word

dictionary and user-created supplemental dictionaries BENPR$PLSTA1 (Requires Word Star 3.0 or later) $250.00 $150.00

SUPERSORT Sophisticated program that will select and re-arrange

variable length information from data files BEMPRSPRSRA1 $250.00 $150.00

CALCSTAR Sophisticated, easy-to-use, electronic spread

sheet and financial planner BEMPRCLCSTA1 £295.00 $200.00

DATA STAR Office-Oriented Data Entry, retrival, and

updating system BEMPBOATSTAl $350.00 $200.00

Turn to pages 12 and 13 for our

Full Color, 2-Page Ad

Announcing Our Fall 1982

Engineering Selection Guide

PRIORITY

FLOPPY DISC DRIVES

Tandon TM-800 Thinline is exactly half the size of conventional 8" floppy disk dr'ves-M^~^w

Exactly one-half the height of any other model. Propietary, high-resolution, read-write heads

patented by Tandon D.C. only operation - no A.C. required Industry standard interface.

Three millisecond track-to-track access time 9 lbs. BETBDTM401 Single Sided $425.00 2 or more $3(5.00 BETKDT«M82 Double Sided tiliM 2 or more $550.00 BETNDTM8M Manual - not included with drive $ 10.00 80IR - SHUGART

Single sided double density most popular 8" drive BESRUBOIR $425.00eaor2ormore(16lbs)for $305.00ea. BESHUSAOOIRM Manual for 80IR drives $10.00

A MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC

Better Than

QUME! Better Than SHUGART!

8 Inch double-sided, double density BEMITM28B453 Sh Wt. 16 lbs.

BEMITM2IMB3M Manual

$550.00 $10.00

2 or more $525.00 each

5>A" DRIVES - TANDON BETNDTMI001 Single Sided, 250KB (5 lbs) $249.00* •>.

2 or More $220.00

BETNDTM1002 Double Sided, 500KB $325.00 II.

2 or More $299.00

BETNDTM1003 Single Sided, 500KB $325.00 ta.

2 or More $299.00

BETNDTM1004 Double Sided, 1000KB $449.00 ea.

2 or More $420.00

BETNDTM5M Manual, not included with drive $10.00 Ms used in the IBM P.C.

DISK CABINETS

V-lOO - VISTA

• Desk or rack mountable • Internal power and data cables

• Drives pull out tor easy service and maintenance

BEIIS«100 Disk Drive Cabinet (43 lbs) $495.00 $449.00

SINGLE 8" - 6LT.

Single 8" cabinet with power supply

BEQTCBDCB (22 lbs) $249.00 $225.00

DUAL 8" - CLT.

Dual 8' cabinet with power supply BE9TCDDCM (24) $395.00 $349.00

5" CABINETS - VISTA

BEfl$9(01 Single 5" with P.S.

BE HIS 0802 Dual 5" with P.S.

TERMINALS

$75.1

$(5.1

SALE1$525.00

VIEWPOINT - ADDS

Detachable keyboard, RS232 interface and auxiliary port, 80 x 24 display, tillable screen SALE

BEADDKWPR Shipping Weight 30 lbs $699.00 $525.00

VT200 - VISUAL TECHNOLOGY

THE MOST RELIABLE TERMINAL WE'VEEVER USED! Detachable keyboard, RS232C or 20MA interface, 110 to 19200 baud, 12" non glare 80 x 24 display,

RS232 Aux. port and composite video out. BEKSL200 Shipping Weight 55 lbs. $095.00

9161B DEERING AVE • CHATSWORTH, CA 91311 ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 423-5922 CA, AK, HI CALL (213) 709-5464

Terms U.S. VISA, MC, BAC, Check, Money Order, ITS. FundsOnly. CA residents add 6%Sales Tax. MINIMUM PREPAID 0RDERS15.00. Include MINIMUM SHIPPING & HANDLING of $2.50 for the first 3 lbs. plus 25t for each additional pound. Orders over 50 lbs. sentlreight col led. Just in case, please include your phone number. Prices subject to change without notice. We will do our best to maintain prices through May, 1982. Credit Card orders will be charged appropriate freight. If you don't already have your Spring '82 Engineering Selection Guide, send $1.00 tor your copy, today Sale prices are for prepaid orders only.

Circle 342 on inquiry card.

16K Memory

4116-200ns

8/15.95

ALL MERCHANDISE 100% GUARANTEED!

CALL US FOR VOLUME QUOTES

1702

2708

2758

TMS2516

2716

2716-1

TMS2716

TMS2532

2732

2764

4027

4116-120

4116-150

4116-200

4116-300

4164

2101

2102-1

21L02-4

21L02-2

2111

2112

2114

2114L-2

2114L-3

2114L-4

2147

TMS4044-4

TMS4044-3

TMS40L44-2

TMM2016

HM6116

EPROMS Each

256x8 (1ns) 4.95

1024 x 8 (450ns) 2.99

1024 x 8 (5V) (450ns) 9.95

2048 x 8 (5V) (450ns) 6.95

2048 x 8 (5V) (450ns) 5.50

2048 x 8 (5V) (350ns) 9.00

2048 x 8 (450ns) 9.95

4096x8 (5V) (450ns) 12.95

4096 x 8 (5V) (450ns) (200ns)

8192 x 8 (5V) (450ns)

DYNAMIC RAMS

4096 x 1 16,384 x 1 16,384 x 1 16,384 x 1 16.384 x 1 64,536 x 1

(250ns) (120ns) (150ns) (200ns) (300ns) (200ns)

STATIC RAMS

(450ns)

(450ns)

(LP) (450ns)

(LP) (250ns)

(450ns)

(450ns)

(450ns)

(LP) (200ns)

(LP) (300ns)

(LP) (450ns)

(55ns)

(450ns)

(300ns)

(LP) (200ns)

256x4 1024 x 1 1024 x 1 1024 x 1 256x4 256x4 1024 x 4 1024 x 4 1024 x 4 1024x4 4096 x 1 4096 x 1 4096 x 1 4096 x 1 2048 x 8 2048 x 8

2.50 8/29.95 8/18.95 8/15.95 8/14.95

1.95

.89

1.29

1.69

2.99

2.99

8/16.95

8/19.95

8/18.95

8/17.95

9.95

3.49

399

4.49

(200ns) (150ns) (200ns) (150ns) (120ns)

8 pes

4.50 2.75 895 5.95 4.95 8.50 8.95 11.95

CALL

CALL

100 pes

2.00 CALL 1.95 1.80 1.75 CALL

100 pes

1.85 .85 1.15 1.55 2.49 2.79 1.95 2.35 2.25 2.10 CALL 3.25 3.75 4.25 CALL CALL

CRYSTALS

LP = LOW POWER

74LS00 SERIES

74LS00 74LS01 74LS02 74LS03 74LS04 74LS05 74LS08 74LS10 74LS11 74LS12 74LS13 74LS14 74LS15 74LS20 74LS21 74LS22 74LS26 74LS27 74LS28 74LS30 74LS32 74LS33 74LS37 74LS38 74LS40 74LS42 74LS47 74LS48 74LS49 74LS51 74LS54 74LS55 74LS63 74LS73 74LS74 74LS75 74LS76 74LS78 74LS83

25 .25 .25 .25 .25 .25 .35 .25 .35 .35 .45

1.00 .35 .25 .35 .25 .35 .35 .35 .25 .35 .55 .55 .35 .35 .55 .75 .75 .75 .25 .35 .35

1.25 .40 .45 .50 .40 .50 .75

74LS85

74LS86

74LS90

74LS91

74LS92

74LS93

74LS95

74LS96

74LS107

74LS109

74LS112

74LS113

74LS114

74LS122

74LS123

74LS124

74LS125

74LS126

74LS132

74LS136

74LS137

74LS138

74LS139

74LS145

74LS147

74LS148

74LS151

74LS153

74LS154

74LS155

74LS156

74LS157

74LS158

74LS160

74LS161

74LS162

74LS163

74LS164

74LS165

1.15 .40 .65 .89 .70 .65 .85 .95 .40 .40 .45 .45 .50 .45 .95 299 .95 .85 .75 .55 .99 .75 .75 1.20 2.49 1.35 .75 .75 2.35 1.15 .95 .75 .75 .90 .95 .95 .95 .95 .95

74LS166 74LS16B 74Lb169 74LS170 74LS173 74LS174 74LS175 74LS181 74LS189 74LS190 74LS191 74LS192 74LS193 74LS194 74LS195 74LS196 74LS197 74LS221 74LS240 74LS241 74LS242 74LS243 74LS244 74LS245 74LS247 74LS248 74LS249 74LS251 74LS253 74LS257 74LS258 74LS259 74LS260 74LS266 74LS273 74LS275 74LS279 74LS280 74LS283 74LS290

2.40

1.75

1.75

1.75

.80

.95

.95

2.15

9.95

1.00

1 00

.85

95

1.00

.95

.85

.85

1.20

.99

.99

1.85

1.85

.99

1.90

.76

1.25

.99

130

.85

.85

.85

2.85

.65

.55

1 65

335

.55

1.98

1.00

1.25

74LS293

1.85

74LS295

1.05

74LS298

1.20

74LS324

1.75

74LS352

1.55

74LS353

1.55

74LS363

1.35

74LS364

1.95

74LS365

.95

74LS366

.95

74LS367

.70

74LS368

.70

74LS373

99

74LS374

1 75

74LS377

1.45

74LS378

1.18

74LS379

1.35

74LS385

1.90

74LS386

65

74LS390

1.90

74LS393

190

74LS395

1.65

74LS399

1.70

74LS424

2.95

74LS447

.37

74LS490

1.95

74LS668

169

74LS669

1.89

74LS670

220

74LS674

9.65

74LS682

3.20

74LS683

230

74LS684

2.40

74LS685

2.40

74LS688

2.40

74LS689

2.40

81LS95

1.69

81LS96

1 69

81LS97

1.69

81LS98

1 69

32.768 KHZ

1.0 MHZ

1.8432

2.0

2.097152

2.4576

3.2768

3.579545

4,0

5.0

5 0688

5.185

5.7143

6.5536

8.0

10.0

14.31818

18.0

18.432

20.0

22.1184

32.0

MISC.

AY5-2376

11C90

XR2206

3242

3480

MC4024

MC4044

7103

7106

7107

76477

8038

95H90

9602

3.95 4.95 4.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95 3.95

12.50 13.95 4.95 7.95 9.00 3.95 4.50 9.50 995 12.95 3.95 3.95 7.99 1.50

DISC CONTROLLERS

1771 24.95

1791 3695

1793 44.95

1797 54.95

UPD765 39.95

UARTS

AY3-1014 AY5-1013 TR1602 IM6402

6.95 3.95 4.95 7.95

INTERFACE

8T26

8T28

8T95

8T96

8T97

8T98

DM8131

DS8836

1.69

2.49

.99

99

.99

.99

2.95

1.29

CLOCK CIRCUITS

MM5369 3.95

MM5375 3.95

MSM5832 7.45

7207 7.50

7208 15.95

CONVERTERS

IHflV SPECJflLS

16K APPLE* RAM CARD

• Upgrade your 48K Apple II to full 64K.

• Fully software and hardware compatible with Apple language card and microsoft Z80 card.

• Eliminates the need for Applesoft or Integer Basic ROM card when used in conjunction with DOS 3.3.

• Allows you to run Apple Fortran or Pascal.

• Available as bare board, kit, or completed and tested board.

BARE BOARD $ 40.00

KIT 89.95

ASSEMBLED &

TESTED 109.95

6883 SAM 24.95

RS232 FEMALE 3.49 RS232 RIGHT ANGLE

FEMALE 4.95

RS232 MALE 2.99

RS232 HOOD .99

Specials end May 31,1982. Please state "May Specials" when ordering.

6502

CMOS

MC1408 L8

DAC0800

ADC0804

495 4.95 4.95

74C00

74C02

74C04

74C08

74C10

74C14

74C20

74C30

74C32

74C42

74C48

74C73

74C74

74C76

74C83

74C85

74C86

74C89

74C90

74C93

74C95

74C107

74C150

74C151

74C154

74C157

74C160

74C161

74C162

76C163

74C164

74C165

74C173

74C174

74C175

74C192

74C193

74C195

74C200

74C221

74C373

.35

.35

.35

.35

.35

1.50

.35

.35

.50

1.75

2.10

.65

.85

.80

195

1.95

.95

4.50

1.75

1.75

1.75

1.00

5.75

225

3.25

1.75

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

2.00

225

225

225

2.25

225

5.75

2.25

2.75

74C374

74C901

74C902

74C903

74C905

74C906

74C907

74C908

74C909

74C910

74C911

74C912

74C914

74C915

74C918

74C920

74C921

74C922

74C923

74C925

74C926

74C927

74C928

74C929

74C930

4000

4001

4002

4006

4007

4008

4009

4010

4011

4012

4013

4014

4015

4016

4017

4018

2.75

.80

.85

.85

1095

.95

100

2.00

2.75

9.95

10.00

10.00

1.95

2.00

275

17.95

15.95

5.95

5.95

6.75

7.95

7.95

7.95

19.95

19.95

.35

.35

.25

.95

29

.95

.45

.45

.35

.25

.45

95

.95

.45

1.15

.95

4019 4020 4021 4022 4023 4024 4025 4026 4027 4028 4029 4030 4034 4035 4040 4041 4042 4043 4044 4046 4047 4049 4050 4051 4053 4060 4066 4068 4069 4070 4071 4072 4073 4075 4076 4078 4081 4082 4085 4086 4993

6502

6.95

6502-A

12.95

6504

6.95

6505

8.95

6507

995

6520

4.35

6522

9.95

6532

14.95

6551

11.85

Z80

Z80-CPU

Z80A-CPU

Z80-P10

Z80A-P10

Z80-CTC

Z80A-CTC

Z80DART

Z80A-DART

Z80-DMA

Z80A-DMA

Z80S10/0

Z80A-S10/0

Z80-S10/1

Z80A-S10/1

Z80-S10/2

Z80A-S10/2

Z80-S10/09

Z80A-S10/9

Z80B-CPU Z80B-CTC Z80B-P10

Z8671 LZ6132

8.95

6.00

6.50

6.00

5.95

8.65

15.25

18.75

17.50

27.50

2395

28.95

23.95

28.95

23.95

28.95

17.95

22.95

18.95 17.95 17.95

39.95 34.95A

.45 .95 .95

1.15 .35 .75 .35

1.65 .65 .80 .95 .45

295 .85 .95

1.25 .75 .85 .85 .95 .95 55 55 .95 .95

1.45 .75 40 .35 .35 .30 30 .30 .30 .95 .30 .30 .30 .95 .95 .95

4098

4099

14409

14410

14411

14412

14419

4502

4503

4508

4510

4511

4512

4514

4515

4516

4518

4519

4520

4522

4526

4527

4528

4531

4532

4538

4539

4543

4555

4556

4581

4582

4584

4585

4702

4724

80C07

80C95

80C96

80C97

80C98

2.49

1.95 I

12.95

12.95

11.95

12 95

4.95

.95

.65

1.95

.95

95

95

1.25

2.25

1.55

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.25

1.95

1.25

.95

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.70

95

95

1.95

1.95

.95

.95

12.95

1.50

.95

.85

95

.95

1.201

HOURS: Mon. - Fit, 9 to S; Sat., 11 to 3

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE!

p" .7!£~^r

i

[master charge] IBTTZ

■V T" -of

n

JDR MICRODEVICES, INC.

1224 So. Bascom Ave.

San Jose, CA 95128

800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA)

(408)995-5430 • Telex 171-110

TERMS: For shipping include $2.00 for UPS ground, $3.00 for UPS Blue Label air. $10.00 minimum order. Bay Area residents add 6 Vi% sales tax. California residents add 6% sales tax. We reserve the right to limit quantities and substitute manufacturer. Prices subject to change without notice. Send SASE for complete list.

534 BYTE May 1982

Circle 225 on inquiry card.

2716 EPROMS 450NS (5V)

8/4.95 ea

ALL MERCHANDISE 100% GUARANTEED!

CALL US FOR VOLUME QUOTES

8000

8200

8035

8039

8080A

8085

8085A-2

8086

8088

8155

8156

8185

8185-2

8741

8748

8755

16.95 19.95 3.95 12.95 16.95 99 95 39.95 11.95 11.95 29.95 39.95 39.95 29.95 44.95 ,

6800

6800

6802

6808

6809

6809 E

6810

6820

6821

6828

6834

6840

6843

6844

6845

6847

6850

6852

6860

6862

6875

6880

68B00 68B21 68B50

5.70

10.95

9.95

24.95

29.95

4.60

4.95

4.95

14.95

16.95

14.95

42.95

44.95

16.95

15.95

4.75

5.75

10.95

11.95

695

2.95

10.95 12.95 12.95.

8202 8205 8212 8214 8216 8224 8226 8228 8237 8238 8239 8243 8250 8251 8253 8253-5 8255 8255-5 8257 8259 8272 8275 8279 8279-5 8282 8283 8284 8286 8287 8288 .8289

LEDS

Jumbo Red Jumbo Green Jumbo Yellow 5082-7760 43'CC MAN74 3'CC L.MAN72 .3'CA

10/1.00

6/1.00

6/1.00

.79

99

9HJ

45.00 3.50 1.85 3.85 1.80 2.50 1.80 4.90

19.95 4.95 4.85 4.45

14.95 4.75 9.25 9.85 4.75 5.25 8.75 6.90

39.95

29.95 9.50

10.50 6.65 6.65 5.70 6.65 6.50

25.00

49.954

TV CIRCUITS

EPROM ERASERS

PE-14 78.50

PE-14T (with timer) 108.50

PE-24T (with timer) 154.50

ALL ARE HIGH QUALITY UNITS ENCLOSED IN A BLACK ANQDIZED ALUMINUM ENCLOSURE.

800-538-5000 800-662-6279

(CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS)

CALL JDR BEFORE YOU BUY! WE WILL BEAT ANY COMPETITORS' PRICES

VOLTAGE REG's

LINEAR

7805T 7808T 7812T 7815T 7824T

7805K 7812K 7815K 78L05 78L12 78L15

LM309K LM317T

.79 .99 .79 .99 99

1.39

1.39

1.39

.69

69

1.49 1.95

7905T 7912T 7915T 7924T

7905K 7912K 79L05 79L12 79L15

LM317K LM323K LM337K

.89 1.19 1.19

1.49

1.49

.79

.79

.79

3.95 4.95 3.95

.T = TO-220 K = TO-3 L=T0-92

SHUGART SA-400

Raw drive for use in TRS-80,Atari, Apple and other computers*.

NEW - in original carto i. Includes test certification.

LIMITED SUPPLY ■ they won't last long at this price.

$199.95 ea.

CALL FOR VOLUME QUOTE

*Some computers require modification of board.

LM301V LM308V LM309K LM311 LM317T LM317K LM318 LM323K LM324 LM337K LM339 LM377 LM380 LM386V LM555V LM556 LM565 LM566V LM567V LM723 LM/33 LM741V LM747 LM748V LM1310 MC1330V MC1350V MC1358 LM1414 LM1458V LM1488 LM1489 LM1800 LM1889 LM3900 LM3909V LM3914 LM3915 LM3916 75451V 75452V L75453V

.34

.98

1.49

.64

1.95

3.95

1.49

4.95

.59

3.95

.99

2.29

1.29

1.50

.39

.69

.99

1.49

1 29

.49

.98

.29

.79

.59

2.90

1.89

1.29

1.79

1.59

.69

.99

99

2.99

2.49

.59

98

3.95

3.95

3.95

.39

.39

.39j

APPLE* FAN $69.00

• EXTRA PLUG-IN CARDS CAN CAUSE YOUR APPLE TO OVERHEAT

• ULTRA-QUIET APPLE FAN DRAWS COOL AIR THROUGH YOUR COMPUTER

• ELIMINATES DOWN TIME

• SAVES REPAIR CHARGES

• INCREASES RELIABILITY

• CLIPS ON — NO HOLES OR SCREWS

• COLOR MATCHES APPLE

• LONG LIFE, LOW NOISE MOTOR

IC SOCKETS

8 pin ST 14 pin ST 16 pin ST 18 pin ST 20 pin ST 22 pin ST 24 pin ST 28 pin ST 40 pin ST

.13 .15 .17 .20 .29 .30 .30 .40 .49

.11 .12 .13 .18 .27 .27 .27 .32 .39

ST = SOLDERTAIL

* APPLE IS A TRADEMARK OE APPLE COMPUTER INC.

8 pin WW 14 pin WW 16 pin WW 18 pin WW 20 pin WW 22 pin WW 24 pin WW 28 pin WW 40 pin WW

.59

.69

.69

.99

1.09

1.39

1.49

1.69

1.99

.49

.52

.58

.90

.98

1.28

1.35

1.49

1.80

WW = WIREWRAP

CONNECTORS

TRANSISTORS

PN2222 2 N 2222 2N2907 2 N 3055 2N3904 2N3906 1N4148(1N914) L1N4004

10/1.00

.25

25

.79

10/1.00

10/1.00

100/ 8.99 50/10.99 50/10.99 10/ 6.99 100/ 8.99 100/ 8.99 25/ 1.00 10/ 1.00.

RS232 MALE RS232 FEMALE RS232 HOOD S-100 ST S-100 WW

3.25 3.75 1.25 3.95 4.95

DIP SWITCHES

4 POSITION .85

5 POSITION .90

6 POSITION .90

7 POSITION .95

8 POSITION .95

7400 7401 7402 7403 7404

1 7405 7406 7407 7408 7409 7410 7411 7412 7413 7414 7416 7417 7420 7421 7422 7423 7425 7426 7427 7428 7430 7432 7433 7437 7438 7440 7442 7443 7444 7445 7446

I 7447 7448

i 7450

7400 SERIES

.19 .19 .19 .19 .19 .22 .22 .22 .24 .19 .19 .25 .30 .35 .55 .25

25 .19 .35 .29 .29 .29 .29 .29 .45 .19

29 .45 .29 .29 .19 .49 .65 .69 .69 .59 .69 .69 .19

7451

7453

7454

7460

7470

7472

7473

7474

7475

7476

7480

7481

7482

7483

7485

7486

7489

7490

7491

7492

7493

7494

7495

7496

7497

74100

74107

74109

74110

74111

74116

74120

74121

74122

74123

74125

74126

74128

74132

.23 .23 .23 .23 .35 .29 .34 .35 49 .35 .59 1.10 .95 .50 .65 .35 4.95 .35 .40 .50 .49 .65 .55 .70 2.75 1.00 .30 .45 .45 .55 1.55 1.20 .29 .45 .55 .45 .45 .55 .45

74136 74141 74142 74143 74144 74145 74147 74148 74150 74151 74152 74153 74154 74155 74156 74157 74159 74160 74161 74162 74163 74164 74165 74166 74167 74170 74172 74173 74174 74175 74176 74177 74178 74179 74180 74181 74182 74184 74185

.50

.65

2.95

2.95

2.95

.60

1.75

1.20

1.35

.65

.65

.55

1.40

.75

.65

.55

1.65

.85

.70

.85

.85

.85

.85

1.00

2.95

1.65

5.95

75

.89

.89

.89

.75

1.15

1.75

.75

2.25

.75

2.00

2.00

74186 74190 74191 74192 74 93 74 194 74195 74196 74197 74198 74199 74221 74246 74247 74248 74249 74251 74259 74265 74273 74276 74279 74283 74284 74285 74290 74293 74298 74351 74365 74366 74367 74368 74376 74390 74393 74425 74426 74490

18.50

1.15

1.15

.79

.79

.85

.85

.79

.75

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.35

1.25

1.85

1.95

.75

2.25

1.35

1.95

1.25

.75

2.00

3.75

3.75

.95

.75

.85

2.25

65

.65

.65

.65

2.20

1.75

1.35

3.15

.85

2.55

HOURS: Mon. - Fri., 9 to 5; Sat. 11 to 3

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE!

r^zr^

IESSM

master charge

t<M Ma'tactM '.«-c j

JDR MICRODEVICES, INC.

1224 S. Bascom Ave.

San Jose, CA 95128

800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA)

(408)995-5430 • Telex 171-110

TERMS: For shipping include $2.00 for UPS Ground. $3.00 for UPS Blue Label Air. $10.00 minimum order. Bay Area residents add 6'/2% sales tax. California residents add 6% sales tax. We reserve the right to limit quantities and substitute manufacturer. Prices subject to change without notice. Send SASE for complete list.

Circle 225 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 535

TOLL FREE ORDER LINE

800-854-8230

I

Circle 7 on inquiry card.

LAEMVNCEDI

_ COMPUTER

PRODUCTS

16K Apple™ Ramcard

LIST 195

ACP S7495

• Full 1 year warranty • Top quality — gold fingers • Expand Apple II 48K to 64K Compatible with Z-80 Softcard" • Allows system to run with CP/M", PASCAL, DOS3.3,COBAL,Visicalc, etc. Supplied with extra 16K RAM & has (2) LED's

32K STATIC RAM

2 or 4 MHz Expandable

Uses 21141s

16K4MHZ Kit $159.95

16K4MHZAST 217 95

32K 4 MHz Kit s199-95~28936.

> 32K 4 MHz AST • 339.00

BARE BOARD 39.95

Bare Bdw/all parts less mem 99 95

BARE BOARDS

S-100 Sound Board 8080A CPU 32K Static RAM (2114) 8K EPROM (2708) 2708/2716 EPROM ACP Prolo Board Vector 8800 Proto Veclor 8803 11 siot MB ACP Extender with connector 13 Slot Mother Board (WMC) 9 Slot Mother Board (WMC) 8 Slot Mother Bd (Expandable) Floppy PCB (8" SHUGART) S100 (AY5-8910) Sound Board Apple Sound Board

$34 95 34.95 34.95 24.95 34.95 22.95 22.20 29 95 18.95 32.95 29.95 34.95 39.95 34 95 24.95

UV "EPROM"

ERASER

Model UVs-11E

Model S-52T

$79.95

Holds4EPROM's at a time

16K Memory Expansion Kits

for Apple/TRS-80

8 PCS4116 16K

200/250nS <tl O QK

Specify computer vj) I C.v70

CALL FOR VOLUME PRICING

D" SUB CONNECTORS

V

Unreal price. DB37 male, DB25 female. Gold PC mount with mounting holes. Mfg AMP Specify 25 or 37 pins.

$2.50 teas $1.95

Stepper Motor

*«*■

USED IN

DATA

PRODUCTS

PRINTER $19.95,,

1 2 VOLT BUZZER/HORN

2" DIAMETER ALL METAL

2/$1.99

GE D43C3

PNP power

HFE= 40-120

VCEO = 30

IC= 3A

6,000 pes available

690 ea.

Circle 7 on inquiry card.

Astec RF Modulator

-i-fcj: ->c^^_ for ta^"->? COLOR

< &

'■ B/W

P/N 1082 Channel 3 or 4 $6 95

P/N 4151 UHF Channel 33 8 9S

MOSTEK

4K RAMS

290e

BSWtvI 200,000 pieces in

lJV'' stock —priced to move.

I Same as MK4027 except 1mS

refresh. MK4015 4Kx1 RAM

PMI "Super Beta" LOW POWER AMPLIFIER

INTERNALLY COMPENSATED P/NOP12GJ Voftset = 1.0 mV $6 95 Ibias = 5.0mA

ACP Gain = 40V/mV

$1.95 {quantity limited)

4K STATIC RAM IELL-OFF

10/S9.90

Same as TMS4044 but designed specifically tor 2-80 based systems. This is a full-spec 4Kx1 RAM. 450nS. Order P/N Zilog 6104-4 while supply lasts.

Zilog

Z8CPU

with TINY BASIC Debug prog

Plus 6132 companion quasi-static RAM 29.95

l4?

,rog. $49.95

o°o

"BUNKER" UEDs re

: spondtosound.Complete.

ready to wear. (2:,x2"). \ Sold at Nieman Marcus ifor 69.95. ACP $49.95 ^red. yellow, green LED's

CONNECTORS

0B25P (RS232)

$3.25

DB25S Female

3.75

Hood

1.25

Set with Hood. Sale

7.50

22/44 S/T, KIM

2.95

43/86 S/T. MOT

6.50

50/100 S-100 Connector W/W

4.95

50/100 S-100 Connector S/T

395

Full ASCII Encoded Keyboards

HC/ll28-Character, 58-Key Typewritter Format for Alphanumeric Entry

VP-606Async serial output. Reg $99 00

acpSALE ... $69.95

MICROPROCESSORS

zao

9.95

Z80A 11.95

F-8 (3850) 1695

2650 16.95

1602 9 75

8080A 4 75

8085 14.95

2901 9 90

2901A 14.95

9900JL 49.95

6502 9.95

6502A 16,95

1M6100 29.95

6800 11.75

6800B 19.95

6802P 14 95

B035 14.95

6039 12.95

6073N 3495

8755 49 95

8748 49 95

6809 30 00

8086 49 95

63000 129.95

3.99 .79

6116/2016 $7.95

8264-64K 8.50

4116-2 1.99

4116-2 8/12.95

2101

2102

21L02-2

21L02-4

2111

2112

2114

2114L-2

2114L-4

2125

1101 1103 4027 4044 4050 4060 4096 4115 4200 4402

6.99 5280 4.60

8155 $9 95

8156 9.95 8202 29.95 8205 2.69 8212 2.75 8214 4.95 8216 2.75 8224 2.95 8226 2.95 8228 3.95 8243 9.50

8250 14.95

8251 6.50 8253 11.95 8255 4 50 8257 9.50

8259 $8.95 8275 19.95 8279 9.50 6810 4.75

6820 6.50

6821 6.50 6828 10.50 6834 16.95 6845 22.95 6847 27.95 6850 525 6852 5.25 6860 10.95 6862 10.95 6875 5 95 6880 2.49

$22.9

68047 68488

46505 229

6520 6.9

6522 9.9

6530-X 24 9

6532 17.9

6551 19.9

Z80-PIO 6.5

280A-PIO 9.5

Z80-CTC 6.5

Z80A-CTC 9.5

Z80-DMA 19.9

Z80A-DMA 27.9

Z80-SIO 24.9

Z80A-SIO 29 9

MOS PROMS

2764 (8Kx8) TS 2732 (4Kx8) TS 2716/2516; 5V (2Kx8) TS TMS2716. 5V. 12V 2758, 5V, (450nS)

7.95 17.95

3.50

2708(450nS) $5.78 2708(650nS) 5.25 1702A 5 75

MM5203AQ 1450 MM5204Q 9.95

E

2513-001 (5V) Upper

S3

£9 50

223

DAC08

2513-005 (5V) Lower

10.95

DAC100

2513-AOM3(5V)Lo*ef

14.95

8038 Function General or

MCM66710 ASCI 1 Shrfled 12 95

MC4024 VCO

MCM66740 Malh Symtt

1395

LM566 VCO

MCM66 750 Alpna Contro

13 45

XR2206 Function Genet a to

1771-01 8" & Minifloppy 24 95

Tfi1602B(5V, 12V)

17B1 Dual Floppy

29 95

AV510t3(5V, 12V)

1791-01 Dual Floppy

»;«:>

AY51014A/1612 (5-14V)

1791-02 Dual Floppy

4495

AV51015A/1863 (5V)

1793 DO. DS Floppy

44,95

IM6402

1797 DO. OS Floppy

54.95

IM6403

1691 Data Separate*

WH

2350 USUI

2143 Clock Generator

t&SS

167IB Astros 1

8700 8 Oil Binary

13 50

MC14411

8701 10 bit Binary

2200

4702

8703 8 bil TS

13.50

WD1841

9400 Volt lo Freq Conv

7.25

COM5016

8750 Sit Digit BCD

13.95

INS8250

1408L6 E 0.1

3.95

AY5-2376

140818 8 oil

595

AY5-3600

DAC01 D 10 A

595

MM5740AAC

■ m

LOW PROFILE SOCKETS (TIN)

8 pin LP .16 .15

14 pin LP .20 .19

16 pin LP .22 .21

18 pin LP .29 .28

20 pin LP .34 .32

22 pin LP .29 ,27

24 pin LP .38 ,37

28 pin LP .45 .44

40 pin LP .60 .59

3L WIREWRAP SOCKETS (GOLD)

8 pin WW 10 pin WW (Tin) 14 pin WW 16 pin WW 18 pin WW 20 pin WW 22 pin WW 24 pin WW 28 pin WW 40 pin WW

,55 .65 .75 .80 .95 1.15 1.45 1.35 1.60 2.20

90 1.08 1.35 1.26

1.53 2,09

78H05K

78fvt06

78M.G.

LM108AH

LM300H

LM3Q1CN

LM304H

LM305H

LM306H

LM307CN

LM308CN

LM309K

LM310CN

LM311D/CN

LM312H

LM317T

LM318CN

LM319N/H

LM320K-XX*

LM320T-XX"

LM320H-XX

LM323K

LM324N

LM337K

LM338K

LM339N

LM340K-XX*

LM340T-XX

LM340H-XX*

LM344H

LM348N

LM350K

LM358CN

LM360N

LM372N

LM376N

LM377N

LM380CN/N

LM381N

LM383T

LM386N

LM387N

LM390N

NE531V/T

NE555V

NE556N

NE561T

NE565N/H

NE566H/V

NE567V/H

NE592N

LM702H

LM709N/H

LM710N/H

LM711N/H

LM715N

LM723N/H

LM733N/H

LM739N

LM741CN/H

LM741CN-14

LM747N/H

LM748N/H

LM760CN

LM1310N

MC1330

MC1350

MC1358

74S00$ .39

74502 .43

74503 .45

74504 .52

74505 52

74508 .49

74509 .49

74510 .42

74511 .42 74S15 74S20 74S22 .42 74S30 .42 74S32 .49 74S38 1.19 74S40 .49 74S51 .42

74564 46

74565 46 74S74 .69 74S86 .72

745112 72

745113 72

745114 72

1.75 1.70 1.49 1.25 1.36 1 39

1.25

1.95 1.20

1.49 1.95 3.75 2.75 1.25 1.79 1,95 1.25 1.40 1.95 3.75 .39 .98 19.95 1.25 1.75 1.50 2,75 1.99 .29

LM1414N

LM1458CN/N

MC1488N

MC1489N

LM1496N

LM1556N

LM1820N

LM1850N

LM1889N

LM2111N

LM2900N

LM2901N

LM2917N

CA3013T

CA3018T

CA3021T

CA3023T

CA3035T

CA3039T

CA3046N

LM3053N

CA3059N

CA3060N

CA3062N

LM3065N

CA3080T

CA308IN

CA3082N

CA3083N

CA3086N

CA3089N

CA3096N

CA3097N

CA3130T

CA3140T

CA3146N

CA3160T

CA3190N

CA3410N

MC3423N

MC3460N

SG3524N

CA3600N

LM3900N

LM3905N

LM3909N

LM3914N

LM3915N

LM3916N

RC4131N

RC4136N

RC4151N

RC4194TK

RC4195TK

ULN2001

ULN2003

SN75450N

SN75451 N

SN75452N

SN75453N

SN75454N

SN75491N

SN75492N

SN75493N

SN75494N

TL494CN

TL496CP

2.99 2.75 1.29

2.99 3.49 1.99 1.30 1 19 249 1.19 1.95 .59 1.49 3.95 3.95

3.75

3.95 3.75 2.95 1.10 370 4.95 5.40

M2

74S124 74S133 74S134 74S135 74S136 74S138 74S139 74S140 74S151 74S153 74S157 74S158 74S160 74S174 74S175 74S188 74S194 74S195 74S196 74S240 74S241 74S242 74S243

74S244 $2.99

74S251 1.35

74S253 1 35

745257 1 29

745258 129 74S260 75 74S280 2 79

745287 2.99

745288 2.55

745373 3.10

745374 3.10 74S387 2 75

745471 7 95

745472 7.95

745473 7 95

745474 9.95

745475 9.95

745570 5.75

745571 5 75

745572 8.95

745573 8.95

745940 2.90

745941 2.90

DIP SWITCHES

2 Position $ .99

4 Position 1.19

5 Position 1,29

6 Position 1.35

7 Position $1.39

8 Position 1.49

9 Position 1.65 10 Position 1,69

MUFFIN® FAN

The dependable, low cost, largest selling fan for commercial cooling applications.

• 105cfm free air delivery

• 4.68" sq.x 1.50" deep Weight- 17oz.

SPECIAL PURCHASE *t*X $9.50ea

SUPER IC CLOSEOUT SPECIALS

ULN2003 2/S1.99

74LS668 3/1.99

74LS377 2/1.99

74LS241 2/1.99

8259 6.95

6561 RAM 2.95

LM733CN 3/1.99

MC1414 3/1.99

2N6121 3/$1 00 8080A CPU

SIG 2652 3.95

74S287 1.95

2758 EPROM 2.95 74173/8T10 5/1.99 Z80ACPU 4 95

6522 6.95

6502 CPU

5.95

2102 RAM 4060 RAM 8X300 CPU 74S387 2708 EPROM 74LS93 2114

75 1.49 14.95

1.96 8/29 95 3/1.00 8/14.50

5027 CRT

$9.95

11C24

695

95H03

2 89

MM5320

5.99

9131 RAM

1.99

EMM4402

1.99

1103 RAM

3/1.50

8700 A/D

2/16.95

TOLL FREE

800-854-8230

mix 910-595-1565

7400 $

7401

7402

7403

7404

7405

7406

7407

7408

7409

7410

7411

7412

7413

7414

7416

7417

7420

7421

7422

7423

7425

7426

7427

7429

7430

7432

7437

7438

7439

7440

7441

7442

7443

7444

7445

7446

7447

7448

7450

7451

7453

7454

7459

7460

7470

7472

7473

7474

7475 7476 7479 7480 7482 7483 7485 7486

.35 175

7490

7491 .57

7492 .45

7493 .45

7494 .69

7495 .65

7496 .69

7497 2.90 74100 2 90 74107 32 74109 .37 74116 1.95

74121 .29

74122 .39

74123 .59

74125 .39

74126 .44 74128 59 74132 69 74136 75 74139 .95

74141 79

74142 2.95

74143 2.95

74144 2.95

74145 .62

74147 1.95

74148 1.20

74150 1.09

74151 .67

74152 .67

74153 .67

74154 1.19

74155 .78

74156 78

74157 .69

74158 1.65

74159 2.49

34 74160

74LS00$ 26

74LS01

74LS02

74LS03

74LS04

74LS05

74LS08

74LS09

74LS10

74LS11

74LS12

74LS13

74LS14

74LS15

74LS20

74LS21

74LS22

74LS26

74LS27

74LS28

74LS30

74LS32

74LS33

74LS37

74LS38

74LS40

74LS42

74LS47

74LS48

74LS51

74LS54

74LS55

74LS73

74LS74

74LS75

74LS76

74LS78

74LS83A 79

74LS85 1 19

74LS86 45

74LS90 .57

74LS92 75

74LS93 75

74LS95 .88

74LS96 .98

74LS107 ,45

74LS109 .45

74LS112 .43

4002 4006 4007 4008 4009 4010

74LS113 74LS1t4 74LS122 74LS123 1 74LS124 1 74LS125 74LS126 74LS132 74LS136 74LS138 74LS139 74LS145 1. 74LS148 1 74LS151 74LS153 74LS154 1. 74LS155 1 74LS156 74LS157 74LS158 74LS160 1. 74LS161 1. 74LS162 1. 74LS163 1 74LS164 1. 74LS165 . 74LS166 2. 74LS168 1. 74LS169 1. 74LS170 1. 74LS173 . 74LS174 . 74LS175 74LS181 2. 74LS190 1. 74LS191 1, 74LS192 . 74LS193 74LS194 1 74LS195 74LS196 74LS197 . 74LS221 1 74LS240 1. 74LS242 1. 74LS243 1. 74LS244 t.

74161 I 74162 74t63 74164

74165 74166 74167 1 74170

74172 4.75

74173 79 74174 74175 74176 74177 74179 1.34

St

87

8/ i 20

74180 74181 74182

■vzm.M

75 1.75 75

74184 2.25

74185 2.25

74186 9.95 74188 3.90

74190 1,15

74191 1,15 74192 74193 74194 74195 74196 74197

74198 1.39

74199 1.39 74221 74251 74273 74276 74279

74283 1.40

74284 3.90

74285 3.90 74290 1.25 74298 74365 74366 74367 74368 74390 1.45 74393 74490 1.90

74LS245$2.20 74LS247 1.10 74LS248 1.10 74LS249 1,19 74LS251 1.40 74LS253 1.40 74LS257 85 74LS258 .98 74LS259 2.95 74LS260 .65 74LS261 2.49 74LS266 .59 74LS273 1.75 74LS275 4.40 74LS279 .59 74LS283 .99 74LS290 .99 74LS293 99 74LS295 1.10 74LS298 1.19 74LS324 1.75 74LS347 1.95 74LS348 1.95 74LS352 1.19 74LS353 1.19 74LS363 149 74LS365 .69 74LS366 69 74LS367 .69 74LS368 .69 74LS373 1.89 74LS374 1.89 74LS375 .69 74LS377 1.95 74LS385 1.95 74LS386 .65 74LS390 1.95 74LS393 1.95 74LS395 1.70 74LS399 2,35 74LS424 2.95 74LS668 1.75 74LS670 2.29 81LS95 1.69 81LS96 1.69 81LS97 1.69 81LS98 1.69 VOLUME PRICING CALL TOLL FREE

4089 $2.95

1.25

.45 .35

4011 4012 4013 4014

4015 1.15

4016 .59

4018

4019 4020 4021 4022 4023 4024 4025 4027 4028 4029 4030 4031

4041 4042 4043 4044 4046 1.75

4049 .45

4050 .69

4051 1.10

4052 1.10

4053 1.10

4066 75

4069 .35

4070 .49

4071 35

4072 .35

4073 35

4075 .35

4076 1.29

4077 .35

4078 .35

4081 .35

4082 35 4085 1.95

2.95 2.29 2.25

4501 4502 4503 4505 4506 4507 4508 4510 4511 4512 4515 4516 4518 4520 4555 4556

1.19 1.39 275 1.45

Mail Order P.O. Box 17329 Irvine, CA 92713

Retail: 131 OB E. Edinjer, Santi Am CA 92705 (714) 558-8813 542 W. Trimble, San Jose, CA 99131 (408) 949-7019

TERMS: MO. Cashiers Check. Bank Who Personal checks allow 2 weeks lor processing Include Drivers License anil credit card #s Visa. MC, AMEX, CBndd3% service chargfi Add 3% shipping S handling or $2. Whichever is greater Add 10% lor foreign orders or US

Parcel Post Include Telephone number NO COOs. Prices subject lo change without notice Some items subject to prior sale We reserve the right to substitute manufacturer Retail prices may vary

la W 852? MICRO

li'i. f'Hi. SALES

15381 CHEMICAL LANE * HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92649 * (714)891-2677*

• SPECIALS OF THE MONTH •

ONLY $25.00

wow

Brand new fully encoded ASCII keyboards. Guaranteed to work With all documentation. SUPER DEAL! 40 pin dual 100 cable. +5V <s> .500MA

ONLY $55.00

Perfect for 8" or 5" drive power. Comes with Shugart type connectors but 5" type can be put on. These are overstock from our Horizontal Cabinet shown below. + 5V @ 4A • + 24V or + 1 2V ©3A • - 1 2V w 1 A

BREAK THE COST BARRIER!

THIS OFFER ONLY GOOD THRU MAY 1982

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET THAT COMPUTER

LOOK AT THESE FEATURES!

• 4MHZ Z-80 CPU with 2 Programmable Serial and 3 Parallel Ports

• 64K Dynamic Ram w/Extended Addressing to 1 MB

• Floppy Disk Controller with WD1795. Runs 8" or 5" Floppys Error Free

• 30 Amp Power Supply with S-100 MOD 12 Slot Mother with Regulated Floppy Supplies as Shown Below

• Tan and Charcoal Sturdy Steel Cabinet with Space for 2 Floppy Drives at Left (8" or 5")

• DUAL DRIVE SUBSYSTEMS *

HORIZONTAL

VERTICAL

MINI

Power Supply for 2 801/851 DT8 etc.

50 Pin Ribbon Cable, 36"

AC Cord, Fuse, Internal Wiring and Connectors

w/2 801 R Shugart w/2 851 R Shugart w/2 QUME DT-8 w/2 MPI B-51 w/2 MPI B-52 w/2 MPI B91 w/2 MPI B92 w/2 Empty 5" w/2 Empty 8"

$1045.00 $1395.00 $1295.00 $ 675.00 830.00 850.00 995.00 87.00 95.00

$

$ $ $

* MODEMS •

Ask About

Our Low Cost

Modem Software

Hayes - Micro Modem

Hayes - Smart Modem

NOV. - DCAT 300 Baud Direct Con. Ans./Orig.

NOV. - AUTOCAT Auto/Ans./Orig. Direct Con.

NOV. - APPLECAT 300/1200 Baud Direct Con.

PMMI - MM 103 300/600 Baud (S-100)

$275.00 $250.00 $165.00 $235.00 $350.00 $359.00

OPEN FRAME POWER SUPPLIES

DISK POWER SUPPLIES

PRIAM -SHUGART-CENTURY-MICROPOLIS

+5V@9A |-5V@.8A I+24V @ 4.5A | US-384

89.00

SHUGART - SIEMANS - MPI 5%"

+5V@.5A

+ 12V@.9A|

US 340

33.50

+5V@2A

+ 12V@4A I

US-323

56.25

SHUGART - SIEMANS - CDC 8"

»5V @ 1A

+5V @ 2A

-5V@.5A -5V@.5A ~

+24V(s>1.5A

US-205

52.50

+24V @ 3A

US 206

69.00

+5V @ 3A

-5V@.6A

+24V @> 5A^

US 162

89.00

+5V<»> 1.7A +5V @ 2A

-5V@ 1.5A

4 12VSMA

+24V@2A

US-272

69.00

12V,'"' 4 A

US-HTAA

3750

If you can beat these prices we will be truly amazed. OEM's at 500 lot pay more than this. Call or write for full spec, sheets.

COMING NEXT MONTH — HARD DISK!

S100-12

$1750 Retail

ONLY

CP/M* $150

MP/M $350

CABLE SET $30

$975.00

(Less Drives, Cables Pick-up Price)

*CP/M is a Trademark of Digital Research

XOR

S-100 MOD KIT $199.00

BY XOR

For test or hobby applications complete S-100 12 Slot Sub-System power for C

up to 4 Floppy Disk Drives.

SPECIFICATIONS: UNREGULATED REGULATED

• 12 Slots S-100 +5 at 5 Amps

• +8VDC at 30Amps +24 at 4 Amps

• ±16VDC at 6 Amps -5 at 1 Amp

XOR-CPU Z-80 4MHZ, Prom 2 Serial 3 Par $255

XOR-DSK WD-1795 MINI and 8" S275

XOR-64K Bank SW Memory up to 1 Meg $389

XOR-32K Static Ram (Kit) $199

XOR-MPM IO MPM Interface Card $335

XOR-DTC Hard Disk and DTC Tape $225

XOR-SMS Hard Disk Controller $750

• IBM AND APPLE *

I

APPLE - 16K Ram Expansion Card, works

with Microsoft Basic $99.50

APPLE - Z-80 CPU Direct replacement for

Z-80 Softcard $149.50

IBM-PC Ram Expansion Card with 64K

(256K available $475.00

Circle 419 on inquiry card.

California Computer Systems

• 2810 CPU

• 2422DskCont

• 2065C64K

• 2200A Mainframe

• CCS Apple Boards

Only — $255.00 Only — $330.00 Only —$510.00 Only — $450.00 Call for prices

• CCS 2200 System Tested and Assembled

Only— $1,695.00

• SPECIAL * SPECIAL * SPECIAL •

CCS SYSTEM 2410

♦FEATURES*

* DMA Disk Controller

* 2-Real Time Clocks

* 2-Serial/1-Parrell Port

* Hardware Vectored Interupts

* Supports C/PM.M/PM, OASIS

* "Comes with C/PM*** only $2200.00

CB2-CPU $295.00

MB10A-16K $295.00

MB64-64K $845.00

I/05-2SER 3PAR $329.00

I/08-8SER $550.00

Apple

A-I/OII $225.00

A-SI/O $149.00

COMMUNICATIONS PACKAGES

TRACENDI $89.00

TRACENDII $149.00

([commodore

computer systems

CALL FOR PRICES

YfMirN I data

I systems

CALL FOR PRICES

Q

p o r a t • d

Cromemco

incorpora

CALL FOR PRICES

0 TekMdeo

SYSTEMS CALL FOR PRICES

11 EDISON DRIVE * NEW LENOX * ILLINOIS 60451

CALL TOLL FREE: 1-800-435-9357 * MONDAY thru SATURDAY

(ILLINOIS RESIDENTS CALL: 815-485-4002) * 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

TERMS: Prepayment — C.O.D. up to $100.00 — M/C Visa

$5.00 Processing and Handling added to each order PLUS

Shipping Charges. Please allow personal check to clear before shipment.

15% Restocking Charge for Non-Defective, Returned Merchandise.

TERMINAL

• Feather Touch Capacitance Keyboard

S-100-8

INCLUDING CP/M 2.2« AND WORDSTAR18

60 Key Standard ASCII

plus ♦ Hex Keypad WITH: 8" SS/DD Drives Only $2850.00

PLUS ♦ 8 Special Function Keys PLUS ♦ 20 Screen Editing Keys

51/4" SS/DD Drives Only $2700.00

• SOROC Type Screen Attribute Set

• Half Intensity

COMPUTER

8 Slot S-100

64K Dynamic Ram

4MHZ Z-80

Double Density Disk

Controller

Programmable Baud Rate

Programmable Keyboard Set

Serial Printer Port (150-19.2K)

CALL FOR QUOTE ON DIFFERENT DRIVE OPTIONS

WORDSTARi

- CP/M 2.2 i

MONITORS

ZENITH VIDEO MONITOR—

ZVM $145.00

AMDEK MONITORS—

AMDEK Color 1 $399.00

AMDEK Video 300 $229.00

w/Green Screen

SYSTEMS 200, 300, 400 CALL FOR PRICES

DISK DRIVES

Shugart 801's Shugart 851's Qume DT-8's Shugart 400's Tandom 51A

$395.00 $575.00 $540.00 $255.00 $255.00

TERMINALS

Adds Regent 20 — $570.00 Televideo 910 — $575.00 Televideo 912C — $665.00 Televideo 925C — $740.00 Televideo 950 — $950.00 Ampex Dialog 80—$895.00 Zenith Z19 — $745.00

PRINTERS

• C-ITOH

PROWRITER $625.00

• C-ITOH Comet I

9 x 7 Dot Matrix $450.00

• C-ITOH Comet II $810.00

132 Column Printer

9x7 Dot Matrix

• MPI-88G $725.00

• EPSON MX 80 CALL

• EPSON MX 100 CALL

• Anadex 9501 $1,235.00

Graphic Printer

• OKI DATA

82A $465.00

• Microline 80 $329.00

WE HAVE NEC SPINWRITERS

CALL FOR PRICES

Apple 8" Disk Controller Card

• ZVX4 Dual Density, Single & Double Sided - Auto Boot

$395.00

• Disk2 + 2Single Density Single or Dual Sided

$300.00

Circle 419 on inquiry card.

y>\^\ MINI STEREO f Li ) FM RECEIVER

k ■r™k"~~^i\t WITH HEADPHONES

rH.. . ■ y For Joggers, Cyclists,

and Skaters! FEATURES: Lightweight headphones. Left/right balance control. Full fidelity stereo sound. Additional black soft carrying case & shoulder strap. Belt clip (hands free). Operates on 3 AA cell batteries (not incl.). Compact size: 3%" x 4%" x 1". Wt. 6 oz.

Model 1810 List Price $89.95 $29.95

SPEAKERS

Par„A0201 1.25 .99

2%" Round — 8 Ohm

.25 Watt (4" Leads)

Size: 2'i" x %"

Pari* SF-25016 1.39 1.25 214" Square — 16 Ohm

.25 Watt (4 mount, holes)

Large Ceramic Magnet

Size: 2%" x 2%" x J"

tuir a National Semiconductor

« RAM SALE

STATIC RAMS

MM2114N-2 4K(200NS) $2.49 each

(8 EACH $1695(lot) (100 EACH $195.95/lot]

MM2114N-2L 4K(200NS) Low Power $2.95 each

(8 EACH $19.95/101) (100 EACH $225 OO(IOt)

MM2147N 4K(70NS) $4.95 each

(8 EACH $34.95(IOt) (100 EACH $419.95(l0t)

MM6116P-4 16KI200NS) $14.95 each

(8 EACH $9995()ot) (100 EACH $1195.00/lot)

DYNAMIC RAMS

MM4164N-20 64K (200NS) $14.95 each

(8 EACH $99 95(lol| (100 EACH $1195.00(lot)

MM5290N-2 16K(150NS)4116 $2.95 each

(8 EACH $1995/lot) (100 EACH $225.00(lot)

MM5290N-4 16K (250NS) 4116 $1.95 each

(6 EACH SH.95/101) (100 eacd $175.00/101)

EPROM Erasing Lamp

• Erases 2708, 2716, 1702A, 5203Q, 5204Q, etc.

• Erases up to 4 chips within 20 minutes.

• Maintains constant exposure distance of one inch.

• Special conductive foam liner eliminates static build-up.

• Built-in safety lock to prevent UV exposure.

• Compact - only 7-5/8" x 2-7/8" x 2"

• Complete with holding tray for 4 chips. UVS-11EL Replacement Bulb $16.95

UVS-11E $79.95

JOYSTICKS

JS-5K 5K Linear Taper Pots S5.25

JS-100K 100K Linear Taper Pots $4.95

JVC-40 40K (2) Video Controller in case . . . $4.95

MUFFIN® FAN

:ost, largest setting tollng applications.

• 1Q5cfm free air delivery

• 4.68" sq. x 1.50" depth. Weight ■ 17 oz.

• acoustical rating as low as NC-38

• more than 10 yrs. cont. duty at 10"C

• Impedance protected

• for amblents to 70 °C

• UL yellow card recognized & CSA approved

MU2A1

. $9.95 ea.

JE215 Adjustable Dual Power Supply

General Description: The JE215 is a Dual Power Supply with independent adjustable positive and negative output voltages. A separate adjustment for each of the supplies provides the user unlimited applications for IC current voltage requirements. The supply can also be used as a general all-purpose variable power

Supply. FEATURES:

• Adjustable regulated power supplies, pos. and neg. 1.2VDC to 15VDC.

^ ^ • Power Output (each supply):

5VDC <5> 500mA, 10VDC@ 750mA, 12VDC@500mA, and 15VDC@ 175mA.

• Two, 3 terminal adj. IC regulators with thermal overload protection.

• Heat sink regulator cooling

• LED "on" indicator

• Printed Board Construction

• 120VAC input ■ Size: 3 1/2'w x 5-l/16"L x 2'H

JE215 Adj. Dual PowcrSuppty Kit (asshown). . $24.95

L je;

ot shown but similar in construction to above)

JE200Reg. Power Supply Kit (5VDC. lamp) . . $14.95

JE205AdapterBrd.(toJE200)±5,±9& t12V. $12.95

JE210Var.Pwr.Spiy. Kit, 5-15VDC, to 1.5amp. $19.95

MICROPROCESSOR COMPONENTS

- 80aOA/8080A SUPPORT DEVICES

DPB216 DPB2M DPKM DP822S

DPS253 DP825S DPB24J

DPS3W DPS307 DPS3C8 DPS 310 OP8311

I/O Enpi

1-Blt Bl-Direction!

- 6800/6800 SUPPORT DEVICES

MC6830U MCSSSD

ICM52

C68&J

MPU

12Sxi Static

Syru

Vr (MCMAM-S) s Cornrn. AOiotor Seriil Dm Adapt*' ll MODEM

0-6000PI O i«U JiOJoDi ModulHOr

itSOA Qu»0 J-SUt« Buj.Trens. (MCSTS)

MICROPROCESSOR CHIPS

I7B0CI CPU (MK3SMN) (2MM*)

ZBOA (7B0-1) CPU (MK38gON-4) (4MHl|

DP1802 CPU

60 MPU

DM2901 ADC CPU-<-B(t Slice (Com. Temp. QriiM

MCSSS02 MPU w/Clock (6SK Bytes Memory)

NS»0BN-« MPU—B-BII (6MMI)

NStOMN-4 CPU-Sal. Chip B-Bil (12SBytei RAM)

NS8M0N-4 CPU (S6 Bytes RAM)

NSS070N CPU—64 Bytes RAM

S8073N CPU w/Be*lc Micro Interpreter

P808S CPU

1599Q0JLMPU—16-Bit

11173AN-1

30 Tune Musical MPU Chip

-SHIFT REGISTERS

Duel 25-Bll Dynemlc Bit Oynemlc

[j,»i

0-Blt Stat

DualW-BIt Accunu 256-Bit Dynamic 1024-Bit Dyrtamlc/A( 500/S12-Blt Dynamic Octal K-BIt Octal tO-Blt lOM-Bit Dynamic Max 32-Bit Static Dual 132-Bit Static Sll-Btt Dynamic i(0*-BK Dynamic Dual 2SS-BU Static Dual 250-Bit Static Dual 240-Bit Static Quad SO-Slt Static

■ I 80)

-DATA ACO.UISITIOIM

AF122-1CJ

LM308CH

LM334Z

LNI23SZ

LF3SSN

LF39SN

LMM9H

ADC0S04LCN

DACOSOCLCN

DATA ACQUISITION (CONTINUED)

8-Blt A/D Converter (S-Ch. Multl.) ! 8-Bit A/D Converter (16-Cri. Multl.) 1( 10-81t D/A Conv. Micro, Comp. (O.OS'4) 8 10-BltD/AConv. Micro. Comp. (0.20%) i 10-BltD/A Converter (0.06% Lin.) 1

10-BHD/A Converter (0.20% Lin.) !

12-BltD/A Converter (0.20% Lin.) !

ADC01HCCN

DAC1000LCN

OAC10MLCN

DAC1020LCN

DAC1022LCN

DAC1K5LCN

CD40S1N

AV-S-1013

30K BAUI

2U4L 2114-2 2114L-2

MS200

256 k* Static \

102**4 static i

1024x4 Static i

UPD416) 16K Dyn;

MMS262 2KxlDynem

MMS2KV2107 4096x1 Oyna'

(4116) II

MMS79CJ-3A HM6116-4 B2S25 UPD414/MK.

<Dyn,2Q0m (lower Vi of 16K i:t,«) Static 200ns (4 Bit RAM (16x40C) 4K Dynamic 16-pln 4K Static 1024x4 Static

— P ROMS/EPROMS

2K UV EraiaQle PROM

>12V)

KKE

ROM (Single *%\i)

12K EPI

»K EPROM (4S0ni) (Sinale -5V)

64K EPROM (Hilacnl HN462764)

2046 PROM

HxiPROM (Open Collector)

4096 Bip

32x8 T

8K P

PROM

2S13U140) criaracter Generator {Upper Case

2513(9021) Cnaracter Generator (Lower Caw

IMMOS READ ONLY MEMORIES

MCM66M0P 121x9x7 ASCII Sni'tad w/GreeK

- SPECIAL" FUNCTION

Oual MOS ClocK Driver (SMZ) Dual MOS Clock Driver (5MZ) Floppy Dltc Controller

r Real '

t RAM 6.95

COP402MN COP470N

AY-5-9100 AV-5-9200 AY-S-9500

J4C922 74C923

MMS31MN MM5M99IN

ft Direct LED Drive w/N Buss Int. 32-5eg.VAC Fluor. Driver (20-pin pM

LEPHONE/KEYBOARD CHIPS"

ii KeyP.

EECO Rocker DIP Switch - "Mini-Dipiw" 2400 Series

THE MOST UNIQUE DIP SWITCH AVAILABLE!

MINI-DIP is desiffnea to retrofit ail major brands ot Dip switches Unique lealt design lo prevenl accidental actuation ano gold sett-wiping contact One

lit terminals prevent contamination. 2-10 station Form • Termlnilt on .100 > 300 (2 54 i 7 62) CinUrs • PCS or dip tocket cleaning/wiping action with gold contact • Total saal and bonom seal Contlauntlon Socket Price _ Pwl Ho. Pos ConRfluration Socket

:lude locking

housing and

Poiiliva Price

24Q0-2

2400-3 2400-4

240O-ABC0

Moo-sc

12

7<J

10/ 6.95

2400-6

6 123456

14 pin

123

8 pin

m

10/ 7.95

2400-7

7 1234567

14 pin

1234

Spin

.98

10/ 8 95

7400-S

B 12345678

16 pin

ABCO

B pin

.as

10/ S.95

2400-S

9 1234567S9

1S pin

C54321

14 pin

1.09

10/ 9.95

7400-10

0 0123456789

20 pin

1.09 - 10/ 9.95

1.19 - 10/10.95

1.29 - 10/11.95

1.39 - 10/12.95

1.49 - 10/13.95

GRAB BAG £*SPECIALS

GB180 (Pictured Above)

-CAPACITOHS

- INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

-LEDS - LAMPS - READOUTS

-POTENTIOMETERS

BOOKS >

National Semiconductor — InMrail — Intat

30001 National CMOS Data Book 46.96

(640 pages) 74C. CD4000. and A/D Conveners

30002 National Interface Dura Book M.95

(704 pages) DP, DS8O0O. DS3600, DS75O00, etc.

30003 National Linear Data Book 48.96

(1376 pages) LM. LF, ADC, DAC, LH Series

30004 National SeriesB0- Board Level Computer (224 pages) $4.36 30006 National TTL Logic Data Book *8.9E

1624 pages) 740Q.LS,L,H,S, and DrViaOOO Series

30006 Buy above (31 30001.3.5 Be a set $19.95/tot

30009 Intersil Data Book (1074 pages) .$6.96

010400 Intel Component Data Catalog $10.00

Full data sheets for Intel's products inct. memory devices,

microproc, peripherals & indust./mil, products (1328 pages) 206010 Intel Peripheral Design Handbook $7.50

Full data sheets, appl. notes lor Intel peripheral device

components 1644 pages)

IACand DC Wall Transformers

l~~fl&7* With Universal Plug and

T\ ,^_^^^^^^^^^ 9V Battery Snap

\\ "tUM L^^ Selective voltages: 6.9.12VDC.

KW H Polarity selection ( + /-)■ six-fool

f^l —— —__ ^^m |jne jrom aC|apter lo plugs — slxV% ■ inch line from adapter to battery

w Vi^^^P snap. 120V/60Hz 300mA.

Part No. Input Output Price

AC 250 117V/60H* 12VAC 250mA $3.95

AC 500 117W60HZ 12VAC 500mA $4.95

AC1000 117V/60HZ 12VAC 1 amp $5.95

AC1700 117W60Hz 9VAC 1.7 amp $3.95

DC 800 120W60HZ 8VDC 400mA {bait charger) $2.49

DC6912 (above) 120V/60HZ 6,9,12VDC 300mA $9.95

DV9200 117W60HZ 9VDC 200mA $3.25

DC900 120V/60HZ 9VDC 500mA $3 95

DC1200 120W60HZ 12VDC 300mA $3.95

CONNECTORS

DB25P D-Submimature Plug S2.95

DB25S D-Subminiature Socket £3.50

D20418-2 ScrewLock Hdwr.{2) DB25S/P 2/$.99

OB51226 Cover for DB25P/S $1.75

22/44SE P.C. Edge (22/44 Pin) $2.95

UG88/U BNC Plug $1.79

UG89/U BNC Jack $3.79

UG175/U UHF Adapter $ .49

S0239 UHF Panel Recp $1.29

PL258 UHF Adapter $1.60

PL259 UHF Plug $1.60

UG260/U BNC Plug $1.79

UG1094/U BNC Bulkhead Recp S1.29

TRS-80 16K Conversion Kit

Expand your 4K TRS-80 System to 16K Kit comes complete with: •8ea. MM5290(UPD416/4116)16K Dyn. Ram('ns) • Documentation for conversion

TRS-16K2 '150ns 1995

TRS-16K3 *200ns 16.95

TRS-16K4 '250ns 14.95

KEYBOARDS

si

Datanectics 74-Key Keyboard

Uses EA 20134 Chip (Electronic Arrays). Size: 16V."L x 5Vi"W > l-3/8"H. White, black, blue, grey key caps (No Data Sheet) —

Part No. KB354 $29.95 ea.

Micro Switch 69-Key Keyboard

Uses AMI SW20350K Chip. Size: 16-3/8"L » 5%"W x 1-5/8"H Metal Frame. Light & dark grey key caps (No Data Sheet)

Part No. KB69SD12-2 $19.95 ea.

Boschert Multi-Voltage Power Supply

5VDC, 12VDC and 24VDC

«

-MISCELLANEOUS

$10.00 Minimum Ordei — U.S. Funds Only California Residents Add 6% Sales Tax Postage — Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance Send S.A.S.E. for Monthly Sale Flyer!

Spec Sheets — 25c Send 88c Postage for your FREE 1982 JAMECO CATALOG Prices Subject to Change

lameco

ELECTRONICS

1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 592-8097

FEATURES: Voltages-: SVDC @ 25amps, 12VDC <U 4amps,4 24VDC 0 4amps. Reg. Load: +5V out ±1%, +12 & 24V out ±5% (20-100% load). Overvolt. & overcurr. protection, 115 or 230VAC input. Wt. 4 lbs. Size: 4.95" x 2.50" x 15.00"

"Total average output shall not exceed 200 watts. General Description: The "Boschert" Power Supply was originally designed for application with ITT Advance Terminal Controller IATC). This open frame switching power supply provides user with high current requirements common in use with computer systems. Its compact size provides versatility (or mounting into electronic enclosures. Each supply has 6 threaded fasteners (pern nut type) for mounting. Specification requirements lo be used with ATC enclosed.

Part No. 200-3010 $69.95 each

- MANY OTHERS AVAILABLE • WHITE FOB INFORMATION —

JE600 Hexadecimal Encoder Kit

FULL 8-BIT LATCHED OUTPUT 19-KEY KEYBOARD

The JE600 Encoder Keyboard Kii prov hexadecimal digits produced from sequ> to ellow direct programming for 8-bi' or 8-bit memory circuits. Three additional keys are provided for user operations with one having a bistable output available. The outputs are latched and monitored with 9 LED readouts. Also included isa key entry strobe. Features: Full 8-bit latched Output for microprocessor use. Three user-define keys with one being bistable operation. Debounce circuit provided for all 19 keys. 9 LED readouts to verify entries. Easy Interfacing with standard 16-pin IC connector. Only +5VDC required for operation. Size: 3'/,"H x 8%"W x 8»"0

JE600/DTE-HK as picturea above)

$99.95

K19 19-Key Keyboard (Keyboard DTE-HK (case only—3V!"Hx8V4'

„ly).... $14.95 vxwo) $44.95>

540 BYTE May 1982

Circle 224 on inquiry card.

7400

74LSO0 74LS0I 74L502 74LSQ3 74LS04 74 L SOS 74 L SOB 74LS09 74L510 74LS11 74LS12 74LS13 74L.S14 74L.S15 74LS2Q 74LS21 74LS22 74LS26 74LS2? 74LS28 74LS30 74LS32 74LS33 74L537 74LS38 74LS40 74LS42 74LS47 74LS48 74 L 549 74LS51 74LS54 74LS5S 74LS73 74LS74 74LS75 74LS76 74LS78 74LS83 74LS85 74LS86 74LS90

74SOO 74 502

74S03 74504 74506 74S08 74509 74510 74S11 74S15 74S20 74522 74530 74S32 74538 74S40 74S51 74564 74565 74574 74S86 745112 74S113 74S114

*t 11 i'ir

5N74156N SN 74157 N SN74160N SN74161N SN74162N SN74163N SN74164N 5N7416SN SN74166N 5 N 74167N SN74170N SN74172N SN 74173 N SN74174N SN74175N SN74176N 5N74177N SN74179N SN74180N SN74181N SN74182N 5N74184N SN74185N SN74190N SN74191N SN74192N SN74193N SN74194N SN74195N SN 74196 N SN74197N 5N74198N SN74199N SN 74221N SN 74251N SN74276N SN74279N SN 74283 N SN742B4N SN74285N SN74365N SN74366N SN74367N SN74368N SN74390N SN74393N

74LS

74LS92

74LS93 74LS9S 74LS96 74L5107 74LS109 74 LSI 12 74 LSI 13 74 LSI 14 74LS122 74LS123 74LS125 74LS126 74LS132 74LS133 74LS136 74LS138 74LS139 74LS151 74LS153 74LS154 74LS155 74LS156 74LS157 74LS15B 74LS160 74LS161 74LS162 74LS163 74LS154 74LS165 74LS168 74LS169 74 LSI 70 74LS173 74 LSI 74 74LS175 74LS1S1 74LS190 74L5191

1.15 1.19 1.19 1.95

74LS192 74LS193 74LS194 74LS195 74 L 5197 74LS221 74LS240 74LS241 74LS242 74LS243 74LS244 74LS245 74LS247 74LS248 74LS249 74LS251 74LS2S3 74LS257 74LS2S8 74LS260 74LS266 74LS273 74LS279 74LS283 74LS290 74LS293 74LS298 74LS352 74LS353 74LS365 74LS366 74LS367 74LS368 74 L 5373 74LS374 74LS375 74LS386 74LS393 74LS399 74LS670 81LS95 8ILS97

74S

745124 74S133 745134 745135 745136 74 S138 745139 74S140 745151 74S153 74S157 74S158 745150 74S174 745175 745188 745194 74 S195 74S196 74S240 745241 74S242

1.35 1.35 1.35 1.35

2.95 1.59 1.59 2.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 2.95 2.95

74S243 745244 74S251 74S253 74S257 74S258 745250 74S280 745287 74S288 74S373 74S374 745387 74S471 74S472 745473 74S474 74S475 74S570 74S571 74S572 74S573 J4S940 74S941

1.15 1.15 1.15

1.15 1.19 1.19 1.49 1.49

2.95 1.19 1.19

1.19

1.25 1.29 1.29

2.49 2.49 2.49 1.9S

1.95

2.95 3.25 2.75 3.49 3.49 2.95 10.95 10.95 10.95 12.95 12.95 5.95 5.95 9.95 9.95

Bulova Quartz Ladies Watches

Rutin StbC.00

Your Choice — $69.95 ea. any Model

CALL OR SEND OHDEfl IN REFERENCING TO THIS AD FOR SPECIAL PRICE Because of Limited Supply, please provide a second and third choice

LITRONIX Stick Display Sale

217 Af,

-y. fTJ. -:

»/.C«

..,,..,. .,.*■

■ '■

*

"

u

»

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h»M

w: ■:

21 t.18 2/3.B5 if 3.85

IffS

2J3.8S

2 ' 1 49

■ na o... m

3*

WVDC PRICE

COMPUTER GRADE CAPACITORS

is

WVDC PRICE

32.300

40 000

IVER 300 OTHER VALUES AVAILABLE - CALL OR WfilTE FOR VOUR REQUIREMENT

LOW PROFILE (TIN) SOCKETS

8 pm lp

14 pin LP 16 pin LP 18 pin LP 20 pin LP 22 pin LP 24 pin LP 28 pin LP 36 pin LP 40 pin LP

IT I'M II

SOLDERTAIL (GOLD) STANDARD

Nil III

SOLDERTAIL STANDARD (TIN)

14 pin ST

.27

.25

.24

16 pin ST

.30

.27

.25

18 pin ST

.35

.32

.30

24 pin ST

.49

.45

.42

28 pin ST

.99

.90

.81

36 pin ST

1.39

1.26

1.15

40 pin ST

1.59

1.45

1.30

Si

WIRE WRAP SOCKETS

■—

(GOLD) LEVEL #3

Iff!1

1-24

25-49

50-100

8 pin WW

.59

.54

.49

10 pin WW

.69

.63

.58

14 pin WW

.79

.73

.67

16 pin WW

.85

.77

.70

18 pin WW

.99

.90

.81

20 pin WW

1.19

1.08

.99

22 pin WW

1.49

1.35

1.23

24 pin WW

1.39

1.26

1.14

28 pin WW

1.69

1.53

1.38

36 pin WW

2.19

1.99

1.79

40 pin WW

2.29

2.09

1.89

Part No. Function

7045IPI CMOS Precision Timer

7045EV,'Klt* Stopwatch Chip, XTL

710SCPL 3Vi Digit A/D (LCD Drive)

7106EV/KU* IC, Circuit Board, Display

7107CPL 3Vi Digit A/D (LED Drive)

7107EV/Kit* IC, Circuit Board, Display

7116CPL 3Vi Digit A/D LCD Dis. HLO.

7117CPL 3fc Digit A/D LED DIS. HLD.

7201IDR Low Battery Volt Indicator

7206IPG CMOS LED Stopwatch/Timer

72Q5EV/Kit* Stopwatch Chip. XTL

7206CJPE Tone Generator

7206CEV/Klt" Tone Generator Chip, XTL

7207AIPD Oscillator Controller

72Q7AEV/Klt* Freq. Counter Chip, XTL

72061 PI Sevan Decade Counter

7209IPA Clock Generator

7215IPG 4 Func. CMOS Stopwatch CKT

7215EV/Kit* 4 Func. Stopwatch Chip. XTL

7216AIJI 8 Digit Univ. Counter C.A.

7216CUI 8-Olgit Freq. Counter C.A.

7216DIPI e-Digit Freq. Counter C.C.

7217IJI 4-Diglt LED Up/Down Counter

7218CIJI 8-Dlglt Univ. LED Drive

7224IPL LCD 4Vj Digit Up Counter DRI

7226AIJL 8-Digit Univ. Counter

7226AEV/K.U* 5 Function Counter Chip, XTL

7240IJE CMOS Bin Prog. Timer/Counter

7242UA CMOS Dlvide-by-256 RC Timer

7250IJE CMOS BCD Prog. Timer/Counter

7260IJE CMOS BCD Prog. Timer/Counter

7555IPA CMOS 555 Timer (8 pin)

7556IPD CMOS 556 Timer (14 pin)

7611BCPA CMOS Op Amp Comparator

76128CPA CMOS Op Amp Ext. Cmvr.

762IBCPA CMOS Dual Op Amp Comp

7631CCPE CMOS Trl Op Amp Comp.

7641CCPD CMOS Quad Op Amp Coi

7642CCPD CMOS Quad Op Amp Coi

7660CPA Voltage Converter

8038CCPD Waveform Generator

8048CCPE Monolithic Logarithmic Amp

8059CCQ 50ppm Band—GAP Volt Ref. Dt

8211CPA Volt Ref/lndlcator

B212CPA Volt Ref/lndicator

Price

14.95 24.95 16.95 34.95 15.95 29.95 18.95 17.95 2.25 12.95 19.95 5.15 12.95 6.50 13.95 17.95 3.95 13.95 19.95 32.00 26.95 21.95 12.95 10.95 11.25 31.95 74.95 4.95 2.05 6.00 5.25 1.45 2.20 5MV 2.25 5MV 2.95 5MV 3.95 10MV 5.35 10MV 7.50 p. 10MV 7.50 2.95 4.95 21.60 2.50 2.95 2.95

74C00 74C02 74C04 74C08 74C10 74C14 74C20 74C30 74C42 74C48 74C73 74C74 74C85 74C86 74C89 74C90 74C93

74C

1.29

LH0002CN 6.85

LM10CLH 4.50

LM11CLH 4.75

LH0070-OH 4.95

TL071CP .79

TL072CP 1.39

TL074CN 2.49

LH0082CD 35.80

TL082CP 1.19

TL0B4CN 2.19

LH0094CD 36.80

LM300H .99

LM301CN .35

LM302H

LM304H

LM305H

LM307CN

LM30BCN

LM309H

LM309K

LM310CN

LM311/CN

LM312H

LM317MP

LM317T

LM317K

LM318CN

LM319N 1.95

LM320K-5 1.35

LM320K-12 1.35

LM320K-15 1.35

LM320T-5 1.25

LM320T-12

LM320T-15

LM323K

LM324N

LM329D2

LM331N

LM334Z

LM3352

LM336Z

LM337T

LM337MP

LM338K

LM339N

LM340K-5

LM340K-12 1.35

LM340K-15 1.35

1.95

1.00 1.95 1.25

1.75

3.95

5.95

3.95 1.30 1.40 1.75

1.35

74C95

1.59

74C107

1.89

74C151

MS

74C154

Ml

74C157

74 C160

1.69

74C161

1 hO

74C162

1 44

74C163

1.69

74C164

1 St

74C173

1.39

74C174

1 ■

74C175

LIS

74C192

l M

74C193

1.64

74C196

IM

LINEAR

LM340T-5

l ■

LM340T-12

La

LM340T-15

ljb

LM341P-5

-75

LM341P-12

.75

LM341P-15

.75

LM342P-6

.64

LM342P-12

.69

LM342P-15

.69

LM348N

1.26

LM350K

s,a

LF351N

.60

LF353N

] 00

LF355N

1.10

LF356N

1.10

LM358N

LM

LM3S9N

1.79

LM370N

4.«

LM373N

MB

LM377N

2.95

LM380N

1.26

LM381N

1.95

LM3S2N

1.79

LM384N

1 4*,

LM386N-3

1.29

LM387N

l.«

LM389N

1.J5

LM392N

.69

LF398N

4.00

LM399H

MB

TL494CN

4 44

TL496CP

1.75

NE510A

6.00

74C221 74C240 74C244 74C373 74C374 74C901 74C903 74C911 74C912 74C915 74C917 74C922 74C923 74C92S 74C926 80C95 80C97

1.95 2.25 2.25 2.49

2.59

10.95 10.96 1.69 10.95 5.49 5.75 7.50 7.50

NE529A

NE531H

NE536H

NE540H

NE544N

NE550A

NE555V

LM556N

NE564N

LM565N

LM566CN

LM567V

NE570N

Ml

3.96

6.00

s.oo

LM702H

LM703CN

LM709N

LM710N

LM7UN

LM723N

LM733N

LM739N

LM741CN

MC1741SCG

LM747N

LM748N

LM1014N

LM1310N

LM1458CN

LM1488N

LMI489IM

LM1496N

LM 1556 V

LM1900N

LM1871N

LM1872N

LM1877IM-9

LM1889N

LM1896N

LM2002T

LM2877P

LM2878P

LM2896P-1

LM3189N

LM3900N

LM3905CN

LM3909N

LM3914N

LM3915N

LM3916N

RC4136N

RC4151NB

RC4194TK

RC4195TK

LM4500A

ICL8038B

LM13080N

LM1360QN

75138N

75450N

75451CN

75492

CA3013H

2.15

CA3023H

3.25

CA3035H

2.49

CA3039H

1.35

CA3046N

1.30

CA3059N

3.25

CA-LINEAR

CA3060N

3.25

CA3080H

1.25

CA3081N

2.00

CA3082N

2.00

CA3083N

1.60

CA3066N

.85

CA3089N CA3096N CA3130H CA3140H CA3160H CA3401N CA3600N

CD4QO0 CD4001 CD4002 CD4006 CD4007 CD4009 CD4010 CD4011 CD4012 CO4013 CD4014 CD4015 CD4016 CD4017 CD4018 CO4019 CD4020 CD4021 CD4022 CD4023 CD4024 CD4025 CD4026 CD4027 CD4028 CD4029 CD4O30 CD4034 CD4035 CD4040

CD-CMOS

CD4041 CD4042 CD4043 CD4044 CD4046 CD4047 CD4048 CD4049 CD4050 CD4051 CD4052 CD4053 CD4056 CD4059 CD4060 CD4066 CD4068 CD4Q69 CD4070 CD4071 CD4072 CD4073 CD4075 CD4076 CD4078 CD4081 CD4Q62 CD4093

1.79 2.50 1.35

1.19 2.95 9.95

1.49

CD 4098

CD4506

C D4507

CD4508

CD4510

CD4511

CD4512

CD4514

CD4S15

CD4516

CD4518

CD4519

CD4520

CD4526

CD4528

CD4529

CD4543

CD4562

CD4566

CD4583

CD4584

CD4723

CD4724

MC14409

MC14410

MC14411

MC14412

MC14419

MC14433

MC 14538

MC14541

1/4 WATT RESISTOR ASSORTMENTS - 5%

50 pes. $1.95 50pcs. $1.95 50pcs. $1.95

CAPACITOR CORNER

ASST. 1 5ea.

ASST. 2 5ea.

50 VOLT CERAMIC DISC CAPACITORS

68 Ohm 82 Ohm 100 Ohm 120 Ohm 150 Otn 180 Ohm 220 Ohm 270 Ohm 330 Ohm 390 Oh:

ASST. 3 Sea.

470 Ohm 560 Ohm 680 Ohm 820 Ohrr 1.2K 1.5K 1.8K 2.2K

10 of 22pf 47 pf 100 pf

220 pf 470 pf

1-9 10-99 100+

1-9 10-99 100+

ASST. A 5ea.

3.3 K 8.2K

3.9K 10K

4.7K 12K

5.6K 15K

6.8K 18 K

50Pc«. $1.95

1.49 3.95 2.95 1.49 1.79 .89 1.29 1.79 1.79 1.95 2.79 11.95 2.79 2.49

1.95 17.95 18.95 15.95 15.95

7.95 15.95

2.49

1.95

ASST. 5

5aa.

22K

b6K

27K 68K

33 K 82K

39K 100K

47K 120K

50 pes.

$1.95

ASST. 6

5ea.

150K 390K

180K 470K

220K

560K

270K 680K

330K

820 K

GO pes.

$1.95

ASST. 7

5ea.

IM 2.7M

1.2M

3.3M

1.5M

3.9M

1.8M 4.7M

2.2M 5.6M

50 pes.

$1.95

Value .OOluF

.0047uF .08 .06 .05

.OliiF .08 .06 .05

.Q22MF .09 .07 .06

-047uF .09 .07 .06

.ljuF .15 .12 .10 100 VOLT MYLAR FILM CAPACITORS

-OOimr .12 .10 .07 I .022mf .13 .11 .08

.0022mf .12 .10 .07 .047mf .21 .17 .13

.0047mf .12 .10 .07 .lmf .27 .23 .17

.Qlmf .12 .10 .07 I .22mf .33 .27 .22

+20% DIPPED TANTALUMS (Solid) CAPACITORS

ASST. 8R

Includes Resistor Assts. 1-7 (350 pes.) $10.95 ea.

-1/35V

.15/35V -22/35V . 33/35V .47/35V .68/35V 1.0/35V

.39 .39 .39

.29 .34 .29

.29

1.5/35V 2.2/35V 3.3/25V 4.7/25V 6.8/25V 15/25V 22/6V

.51 .45 .34 .53 .47 .37

$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only California Residents Add 6% Sales Tax Postage — Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance Send S.A.S.E. for Monthly Sale Flyer!

Spec Sheets — 25c Send 88c Postage for your FREE 1962 J AM ECO CATALOG Prices Subject to Change

MINI. ALUMINUM ELECTROLYTIC CAPACITORS Axial 1-99 100-499 500+ Radial 1-99 100-499 500+

Jameco GEaEEnna

1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 5928097

.47/50V

1.0/50V

3.3/SOV

4.7/25V

10/25V

10/50V

22/25V

22/50V

47/25V

47/50V

100/25V

100/50V

220/25V

220/50V

470/25V

1000/16V

2200/16 V

.47/25V .47/50V 1.0/16V 1.0/25V 1.0/50V 4.7/16V 4.7/25V 4.7/50V 10/16V 10/25 V 10/SQV 47/SOV 100/16V 100/25V 100/SOV 220/16V 470/2SV

.21 .17 .14

Circle 224 on inquiry card.

BYTE May 1982 541

Unclassified Ads

FOR SALE: Synertek SYM-1 with 4 K monitor ROM and I K RAM. Excellent condition, with all manuals. S150 plus postage. Robert Perlstein, 142 Dumas Rd„ Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. |609| 428-7282

WANTED: Used computer-science books. Reasonably pnced, in good condition for personal use—only one copy of a title wanted. Examples: programming languages, Knuth (Vol. 2), programming technigues, compiler design, applications, etc. M. Berman. Mathematics Dept.. Room GT-1 13, Bronx Community College. Bronx. NY 10453.

FOR SALE: Programmer's Toolkit {3.0} for PET (8/16/32 KJ and Commodore WP2 (16/32 K) and Temple of Apshai programs (32 K). Originally SI 70. Asking S70 for total package, MTU 8-bit D/A converter for PET. S35 or best offer, Philip Chao, POB 387, Rochester, NY 14642, (716) 4420903.

FOR SALE: 32 K Sorcerer with Vista V200 5-inch dual disks, S-100 expansion box. music DAC, and video CRT. CP/M. Z80 assembler, BASIC and Development ROM PACs. and some Adventure games. Cost me $2800; will sell for S1600. Drop a card with guote and I'll call you. Gerald Owens, do S.M.C., Collegedale, TN 37315, (615) 396-3524 after 9 p.m.

UNCLASSIFIED POLICY: Readers who are soliciting or giving advice, or who have equipment to buy, sell or swap should send in a clearly typed notice to that effect. To be considered for publication, an advertisement must be clearly noncommercial, typed double spaced on plain white paper, contain 75 words or less, and include complete name and address information.

These notices are free of charge and will be printed one time only on a space available basis. Notices can be accepted from individuals or bona fide computer users clubs only. We can engage in no correspondence on these and your confirmation of placement is appearance in an issue of BYTE.

Please note that it may take three or four months for an ad to appear in the magazine.

BYTE's Ongoing Monitor Box

Article # Page Article

1

2

34 60

3

4 5

106 114 118

6 7

140 148

8

162

9

202

10 II

224 226

12 13

246 252

14 15 16

266 274 286

17 18

296 318

19

334

20 21

426 446

22

23

Everyone Can Know the Real Time Six Personal Computers from Japan

Japan Update

The Machines Behind the Machines

The Japanese Manufacturers, How

Successful Will They Be?

Japan Maps Computer Domination

The Atari Tutorial, Part 9: Even More

Colorsl

Ports of Entry and Soft Breezes for the Color Computer and Model III The Input/Output Primer, Part 4: The BCD and Serial Interfaces Alien Typhoon

Supercalc, Spelling Programs, Basic Compilers, and Home-Grown Accounting PL/I for Microcomputers Apple II 80-Column Video Boards, Five Popular Units

More Apple 80-Column Boards More Maze Building

Colne Robotics Armdroid, The Small-Systems Robot

Super FORTH Isn't

TRS-80 BASIC Program Hang-ups: The Reasons and Some Solutions Anatomy and Development of a BatchProcessing System

CHEDIT: A Graphics-Character Editor Give Your Apple a Voice: A Speech Development System Using the Radio Shack Speech Synthesizer

465 Programming PERT in BASIC

479 CP/M, Your Time Has Come: A Real-Time Clock for the Most Popular Microcomputer Operating System

Author(s)

Ciarcia

Kocher,

Keith

Haas

Lemmons

Zipnick Manuel

Pitta, Winner

Barden

Leibson Latocha

Pournelle Lehman

Howland

Williams

Neldner

Leininger Williams

Tesler

Walters Sweet

Blankenship Zimmerman, Conrad

Calaway, Hill

FOR SALE: National Semiconductor Digitalker DT-1050 3-chip set. Never used, still in box S40. Jeffrey M. Craig. 3001 South King Dr. Apt. 912, Chicago, IL 60616.

FOR SALE: Jade double-density disk controller. S-100 bus compatible Reads and writes single- or double-density, 5- or 8-inch, single- or double-sided Uses on-board Z80A Has serial printer port. S200. Jim Burrett. 5-629 Rubdige St., Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, (70S) 742-4831

FOR SALE OR TRADE: Assembled and tested Disk-80 |BYTE, March 1981) substitute for RS expansion interface Originally cost $429 95. Two months old. For sale at S250 or trade for database/business programs, printers, or hardware Includes: 32 K RAM. disk controller for four drives, real-time clock, printer port, power supply, cable to TRS-80, case, and documentation. A. Keung. 761 Fieldstone Rd.. Mississauga. Ontario. L5C 3K7 Canada, |4I6| 279-4613 after 6 p.m.

WANTED: Manuals covering the electronic portions of the Savin 900 Wordmaster and the Holmes Tycom KSR38 Selectnc typewriter modification, I have the baseplate information available, if anyone needs it, but need maintenance manual or at least schematic for the digital electronics parts of both units, particularly the circuit boards of the Savin 900 Will pay for originals or copies. Please call collect. Bob Howard. 1234 South First Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006, (213) 446-3302.

FOR SALE: OSI CIP Challenger with 32 K memory, minidisk drive with DOS, APF 9-inch monitor, manuals, and repair manual Barry Hammer, (608) 725-5114

WANTED: The following back issues of Microsystems: 1-1, 1-3, 1-6, and 2-2. DJC POB 4163. Spartanburg. SC 29303. (803) 583-6106.

FOR SALE: IEEE Computer, 35 issues from 9/71 to 2/78 (some missing). Communications of the ACM. Vol. 23: #3, 5, 6, 9, 1 1 and Vol. 24: #1, 3. 73, 2/76 to 4/76. IEEE Spectrum, 89 issues from 2/68 to 2/76 (some missing). Everything for S 150 or best offer. You pay postage, David Wolverton. 301 C Nubes, Irvine, CA 92715, (7I4| 752-7303.

FOR SALE: Tektronix 4051 graphics computer system. Includes 4662 digital plotter, 4924 tape drive, 4952 joystick, datacommunications interface. Extended BASIC, editor, binary loader, ROM pack expander, manuals, and more. Software included: Mathematics Vol. I & 2. Stat Vol. I -4, Mangmt Vol. 1 & 2. Plotter, and Graphics programs. More than 30 tapes. Can be used as stand-alone or terminal. Present price is over S20.000, but will sell for S5000. Ron Bremer. 19645 Southwest Wright St., Aloha, OR 97007, (503) 642-1048, 629-1859.

First Place Tie

The February BOMB results ended in a tie for first place between Steve Ciarcia for "Build a Computerized Weather Station" and Steve Leibson for "The Input/ Output Primer, Part I: What is I/O?" Each will receive S100. Neal Atkins and Enrique Castro-Cid captured the second-place prize of $50 for their description of "A Homebrew Graphics Digitizer." Our readers evidently appreciated the tax advice offered by Melvyn Feuerman and Melvyn Moller as their article "Tax Tips for Computer Owners" placed third. Our congratulations to these authors.

Reader Service

Inquiry No.

Page No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 B 9

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 310 27 28 29 30 31

32

33

34

36 37 38

39 40 41 42 43

44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60

61

460

62

63

64 65

66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 79 80

453 81 82 83 84

451

47th STREET PHOTO 413 A.S.T. RESEARCH 17 AB COMP.PROD. 514 AB COMPUTERS 507 ABM PRODUCTS 452 ACTION COMPUTER 73 ADV.COMP.PROD. 536, 537 ADV. EFFORT-SAVER 506 ADV.MICRO DIGITAL CORP. 289 ALF PRODUCTS, INC. 242 ALL ELECTRONICS CORP 310 ALMALY TRADING CORP. 512 ALPHA BYTE COMP.PROD. 38, 39 ALPHA BYTE COMP.PROD 335 ALPHACOM 340 ALPS 444

ALSPA COMP.SYS. 263 ALTOS COMP.SYS. 112, 113 AMDEK CORP. 23 AMER.SMALL BUSN.COMP 132 AMER.SQUARE COMP. 188, 189 ANSWER CORP. 50 APPARAT INC 265 APPLEWARE.INC. 516 A.M.T. 58

APPLIED SOFTWARE TECH 387 ARBA 20 ARCHIVE 377

ARRIX LOGIC SYS.INC. 522 ARTIFICIAL INT'L.RESRCH 512 ASAP COMPUTER PROD 332, 333 ASAP COMPUTER PROD 411 ASHTONTATE 341 ASPEN SFTW.CO. 26 ATARI 152, 153

ATLANTIC CABINET CORP. 504 AUTOMATED CONTROL SYS. 520 AVOCET 436 AXIOM CORP 395 B&B ELECTR. 504 BASF SYSTEMS 389 BASIC BOOKS 304 BAUSCH & LOMB INSTR.SYS. 233 BAUSCH & LOMB INSTR.SYS. 233 BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC. 396 BBI MAIL ORDER 504 BEECH ENTERPRISES 516 BELL.JOHN ENGR. 513 BIBLE RESEARCH SYSTEMS 230 BISON PRODUCTS 277 BIT 3 COMP.CORP. 314 BLAT RESRCH & DEVELP. 394 BMC INTL119 BORLAND LIMITED 194 BOTTOM LINE.THE 326 BOTTOM LINEJHE 516 BOWER-STEWART 508 BRIDGE COMPUTER 238 BUSINESS & PROF.SFTW. 81 BUSINESS OPERATING SYS 255 BYTE BOOKS 225 BYTE BOOKS 294 BYTE BOOKS 315 BYTE BOOKS 417 BYTE BOOKS 423 BYTE BACK ISSUES 378 BYTE SUBSCRIBER 243 BYTEK COMP. SYS. 468 BYTEWRITER 461 CALIF DATA CORP 512 CALIF. DIGITAL 524, 525 CALIF. DIGITAL 523 CALIF. COMP.SYS. 107 CALIF.MICRO COMP. 412 CAMBRIDGE DEVEL LABS 320 CDR SYSTEMS 508 CENTENNIAL SOFTWARE 476 CERMETEK 390 CHAPIN & ASSOCIATES 508 CHECK-MATE 510 CHECK-MATE 518 CHECKS-TOGO 240 CHIPS & DALE 510 CHRISLIN INDUSTRIES 409 CMC.INT'L. 211 CMC.INT'L. 287 COLONIAL DATA SERV. 116 COLONIAL DATA SERV. 170 COLONIAL DATA SERV. 322 COLUMBIA DATA PROD. 89 COMMODORE BUSN.MACH. 383 COMMUNICATION CABLE 520 COMMUNICATIONS ELECTR. 509 COMPUCO BUSN. SYS 485

Inquiry No.

Page No.

86 COMPULINK CORP. 218

• COMPUMART 52

• COMPUPRO/GODBOUT 135

87 COMPUPRO/GODBOUT 136, 137

88 COMPUSERVE 476

89 COMPUSYSTEMS Inc. 504

448 COMPUTE MAGZN.&BOOKS 311

111 COMPUTEX CORP. 324

112 COMPUTORIAL 445

113 COMPUVIEW PROD.INC. 10, 11

90 COMPUTER CHANNEL 437

• COMPUTER CLASSIFIEDS 520 452 COMP COMPNTS.UNLTD. 485

92 COMPUTER EXCHANGE 391

93 COMPUTER FURN.& ACCSS. 134

94 COMPUTER HORIZON 464

95 COMPUTER IDEAS CORP. 516

96 COMPUTER INNOVATIONS 429

97 COMPUTER MAIL ORDER 424, 425

98 COMPUTER PLUS 506

99 COMPUTER RESOURCES 221 446 COMPUTER SHOPPER 460

101 COMPUTER SHOPPER 520

102 COMP SHOPPING CTR. 419

103 COMPUTER SPCLTIES. 179

104 COMPUTER TOOLBOX.INC. 506

105 COMPUTER TOOLBOX.INC. 512 ' COMPUTER WRHSE. 155

106 COMPUTERIST.THE 522

107 COMPUTERS WHOLESALE 519

108 COMPUTERTIME INC. 510

109 COMPUTERWARE 464

110 COMPUTERWORLD INTL. 319

114 CONCORD COMP.PROD. 427

115 CONCURRENT CORP. 477

116 CONSUMER COMP. 275

117 CONSUMER COMP. 486

• CONTEXT INC. 49

119 CONTEXT MANGMNT.SYS. 24

120 CONTEXT MANGMNT.SYS. 25

121 CORONA DATA SYS. 111

122 COSMIC COMP.UNLTD. 522

123 CPU SHOP, THE 511

126 CROMEMCO C II, 1

127 CROMEMCO 2

128 CUESTA SYSTEMS 518

• CYBERNETICS INC 385

' DATA DISCOUNT CTR 352 ' DATA-ED 28

129 DATA-RX INC. 310

• DATA SOURCE SYS.CORP. 234

130 DATAFACE 30

131 DATAMAC COMP.SYS. 117

132 DATASOUTH COMP.CORP. 83

133 DAY STAR TECHNOLOGY 85

134 DEALIN' ELECTR. 512

135 DELMART-DELUX CHKPRNTRS. 456

136 DELPHIC SYSTEMS 158

• DELTA PRODUCTS 146

138 DELTA PRODUCTS 147

139 DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS 514 445 DIGITAL EQUIP. CORP 336, 337

140 DIGITAL MARKETING 6

141 DIGITAL MICROSYSTEMS 253

• DIGITAL RESEARCH COMP. 505

• DIGITAL RESEARCH COMP. 521

142 DISCOUNT SOFTWARE 348

143 DMA 444

• DOW JONES 145

144 DOWNTOWN BOOK BAZAAR 516

145 DRAKE MICRO SYS. 456

146 DUAL SYS.CONTROL CORP. 351 148 DYMARC IND. 439

150 DYSAN CORP. 328, 329

462 ECONOMY PERIPHERALS 518

151 ECOSOFT 472

152 EDMOND SCIENTIFIC CO. 441 449 ELCOMP PUBLISHING INC 473

153 ELECTROHOME 215

154 6LECTROLABS 526

156 ELECTRONIC SPCLISTS 472

202 ELECTRONIC SUPER-MART 522

157 ELECTRONIC SYS.FURN 384

158 ELEKTEK 410

159 ELLIS COMPUTING 207

160 EMERGING TECH.CONSLT. 431

161 EMPIRICAL RESRCH GRP 454

162 ENERCOMP510

163 EPIC COMP.CORP. 139

164 EPIC COMP.CORP. 435

165 EPSON AMERICA 406, 407

166 ESSEX PUBLISHING 429

167 EXECUTIVE SCANCARD SYS. 371

168 EXPOTEK 236

Inquiry No.

Page No.

169 EXXON OFFICE SYSCO. 301

170 FANTASTIC SIMULATIONS 512

171 FIBERFAB.INC. 454

172 FORETHOUGHT PRODUCTS 460 461 FOX & GELLER ASSOC. 514

' FRANKLIN MINT CORP. 192, 193

173 FREDERICK COMP.PROD. 250 258 FREE COUPONS 467

174 FREEDOM TECHN.INT'L. 445

175 FROG PRINCE.THE 516

176 FRYE ELECTR. 439

177 FYI INC. 345

459 G & G ENGINEERING 133

178 G-H COMPUTER SYS. 506

179 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO. 171

180 GENERAL SOFTWARE INC. 526

181 GENSTAR REI SALES CO. 109

182 GENSTAR REI SALES CO. 508

183 GILTRONIX.INC. 510

184 GILTRONIX.INC. 510

185 GILTRONIX.INC. 510

330 GNT AUTOMATIC INC 210

466 GR ELECTRONICS 210

187 GREAT PLAINS SOFTWARE 95

188 H&E COMPUTRONICS 393

189 HAYES MICROCOMP.PROD. 191

190 HAYES MICROCOMP.PROD. 295

191 HAYES MICROCOMP.PROD. 316

• HEATH COMPANY 129

192 HERTZ CORP.THE 235

193 HEWLETT-PACKARD 143

194 HIGH TECH.SFTW.PROD. 183

• HILTON HOTEL CORP. 77

195 HOWE SOFTWARE 514

197 HYPERTEK, INC 298

198 I.B.C. 57

199 I.Q.SYSTEMS 101

200 IMS INTERNATIONAL 297

201 INDIGO TECHNOLOGY 302

203 INFOSOFT COMP.SYS. 522

204 INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE 237

205 INT'L.INST.OF APPLD.TECH 306

206 INT'LMICRO SYS. 309

207 INTEGRAL DATA SYS. 281

208 INTEGRAND 430

209 INTERACTIVE MICROWRE. 262

210 INTERACTIVE STRUCTURES 292 465 INTERCONT'L MICRO SYS. 284

211 INTERFACE INC. 474

212 INTERGRAPHICS 514

213 INTERTEC DATA SYS. 272, 273

215 IPEX INT'L. 508

216 ISE 126, 127

217 ISE 303

218 ISOTECH.INC. 120

219 ITHACA INTERSYSTEMS 8

220 ITHACA INTERSYSTEMS 9

186 J.C.SYSTEMS 466

222 JADE COMP.PROD. 527

223 JADE COMP.PROD. 528, 529

224 JAMECO ELECTR. 540, 541

225 JDR MICRODEVICES 534, 535

226 JIMSCOT.INC. 431

227 KADAK PRODUCTS 349 450 KEELE CODES LTD. 443

228 KERN PUBLISHING 18

229 KERN PUBLISHING 19

230 KIT 80 INC. 504

231 KIT 80 INC. 518

232 KRAMER SYS INT'L. 433

233 LABORATORY MICROSYS. 506

234 LEADING EDGE PROD Clll

235 LEHIGH VALLEY LOGIC INC. 431

236 LEO ELECTRONICS 422

• LIFEBOAT ASSOC. 141

237 LIFEBOAT ASSOC. 181

238 LJK ENTERPRISES INC. 331

239 LNW RESEARCH 279

240 LOGICAL DEVICES 508

241 LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS 197 244 LYBEN COMP.SYS. 504

242 LYBEN COMP.SYS. 508

243 LYBEN COMP.SYS. 512 447 MACROTECH COMP 16

467 MACROTECH INT'L. 313

468 MACROTECH INT'L. 313

469 MACROTECH INT'L. 313

246 MACROTRONICS518

247 MAGNETIC INFORMATION 522

248 MAGNOLIA MICROSYS. 514

249 MANNESMANN TALLY 103

250 MARK OF THE UNICORN 203

251 MARYMAC INDUSTRIES 392

252 MAXTEK 418

To get further information on the products advertising in BYTE, fill out the reader service card with your name and address. Then circle the appropriate numbers for the advertisers you select from the list. Add an 18-cent stamp to the card, then drop it in the mail Not only do you gam information, but our advertisers are encouraged to use the marketplace provided by BYTE. This helps us bring you a big ger BYTE. The index is provided as an additional service by the publisher, who assumes no liability for errors or omissions. 'Correspond directly with company.

Inquiry No.

Page No.

* MBP SFTF.&SYS.TECH. 283 254 MCGRAW-HILL BOOK CO. 367

* MCGRAW-HILL RESEARCH 271

* MCMILLAN BOOK CLUBS 449

256 MEDIA DISTRIBUTING 416

257 MEMORY MERCHANT 231 35 MEMOTECH 163

259 METAMORPHIC SYS.INC. 247

260 METAVAN INC. 516 118 METROTECH291

261 MFJ ENTERPRISES INC 142

262 MICRO AGE COMP.STORE 41

263 MICRO BUSINESS WORLD 343

264 MICRO BUSN.ASSOC 510

265 MICROCOM 173

266 MICRO DEVELOPMENTS 248

267 MICRO FOCUS 165

268 MICRO MAGAZINE 402

269 MICRO MANAGEMENT SYS 307 456 MICRO MINT 182

464 MICRO MINT 522

271 MICRO PRINTER MRKTG 149

272 MICRO PRO INT'L. 339

273 MICRO WORKS, THE 441

274 MICRO-SPOT ELECTR. 504

275 MICRODYNAMICS 508

277 MICROHOUSE 222, 223

278 MICROMAIL254

279 MICROSETTE INC. 512

280 MICROSOFT (CPD) 87

281 MICROSOFT (CPD) 305

282 MICROSTUF.INC. 209

283 MICROTECH EXPORTS 427

284 MIKOS 346

285 MILLER MICROCOMP.SERV. 434

286 MILWAUKEE COMP.INC. 363

287 MINI COMP.SUPPLIERS 427

288 MINI MICRO MART 317

289 MOORE BUSN. FORMS 474

290 MORROW DESIGNS 168, 169

291 MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS 357

293 MPI 379

294 MTI.INC. 440

295 MULTI BUSN.COMP.INC. 428

296 MULTITECH ELECTR.INC. 99

297 NAT'L.GRAPHICS OF CO. 422

298 NEBS 268

299 NEC HOME ELECTR.USA 43

300 NEC INFORMATION SYS. 361

301 NEECO 397

302 NET PROFIT COMP. 432

* NETRONICS450,451

303 NETWORK CONSULTING CORP 130

304 NEW GENERATION SYS. 455

305 NORPAK LIMITED 241

306 NORTH STAR COMPUTERS 442

307 NOVATION 403

' NRI SCHOOLS ELECTR.DIV. 353

* OASIS SYSTEMS 174

308 OLYMPIC SALES 445

309 OMEGA SALES 415

311 OPTIMAL TECHNOLOGY 418

313 ORANGE MICRO 261

314 ORYX SOFTWARE 212

315 ORYX SOFTWARE 447

* OSBORNE COMPUTERS 359

316 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL 167

317 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL 299

318 OSM COMPUTER 51

* OWENS ASSOC. 228, 229, 243 320 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 422, 508, 510 320 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 514, 518, 520

326 PALOMAR COMP.EQUIP. 530, 531

327 PAN AMERICAN ELEC INC. 443

328 PANASONIC 59

329 PCD SYSTEMS INC. 124

* PERCOM DATA 7

332 PERCOM DATA 177

333 PERCOM DATA 177

334 PERCOM DATA 177

335 PERSONAL COMP.SYS. 453

336 PHASE ONE SYS.INC. 227

337 PHONE I.INC. 338

338 PICKLES & TROUT 216

* POPULAR COMPUTING 161

' POTOMAC MICRO-MAGIC 462

339 PRACTICAL PERIPH. 15

340 PRACTICAL PERIPH. 199

341 PRIORITY ONE 12, 13

342 PRIORITY ONE 532, 533

343 PROCESSOR INTERFACES INC. 506

344 PROFESSIONAL DATA SYS. 373

345 PROGRAMS UNLTD. 504

346 PROMETHEUS PRODUCTS 91

348 PURCHASING AGENT.THE 386

349 QUANTEX DIV. 293

351 QUALITY SOFTWARE 325

352 QUASAR DATA PROD.INC. 213

353 QUCES 321

354 QUEST ELECTR. 515

355 QUME CORP. 151

457 RACET COMPUTES 433

458 RACET COMPUTES 433

357 RADIO SHACK CIV

358 RAN A SYSTEMS 122, 123

359 RCA AMERICOM 468

May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc 543

Inquiry No. Page No.

Inquiry No. Page No.

Inquiry No. Page

No.

Inquiry No. Page No.

292 RCA SOLID STATE 97

•

SINCLAIR RESEARCH 200, 201

402 SYSTEMS GROUP. THE 29

424 VECTOR ELECTR. 138

360 RCE 429

380

SLUDER 514

403 SYSTEMS PLUS INC.

131

425 VECTOR GRAPHICS 79

312 RED BARON OOMP.PROD. 184,185

381

SLUDER 520

404 TAB BOOKS 401

426 VERBATIM CORP 75

361 REITH.WALCOTT ENG. 433

*

SOF/SYS.INC. 365

405 TARBELL ELECTR. 219

427 VIDEX 21

363 REMOTE EVOLUTIONARY

382

SOFTECH MICROSYS 347

407 TECHNICAL ENGINEERING 520

428 VISIBLE COMP.SUPPLY 463

COM P. 264

383

SOFTWARE CONSLTG.SERV. 504

408 TECMAR INC 175

• VISICORP INC. 249

364 RENAISSANCE TECHN. 220

*

SOLID STATE SALES 503

409 TECMAR INC 251

429 VISTA COMPUTER CO 93

365 ROCKWELL INT'L. 405

384

SONICS MICRO SYS. 518

• TEKTRONIX INC. 55

* VR DATA 45

455 RUPERT NEVE INC. 239

385

SORRENTO VALLEY ASSOC 232

• TEKTRONIX INC. 258

430 VYNET CORP. 270

366 S C DIGITAL 477

386

SOURCE TELECOMP.CORP. 285

• TEKTRONIX INC. 260

431 WALKER.WILLIAM 518

454 S.P.C. TECH.INC. 304

387

STANDARD SFTW.CORP. 160

410 TELEVIDEO INC 104,

105

432 WARNER ROBINS AFB 308

* S-100INC437

388

STATE OF ALABAMA 159

411 TENLEY DESIGN 416

433 WASHINGTON COMP.SERV. 517

367 SAGE COMP. TECH. 27

389

STATIC MEMORY SYS 381

412 TERMINALS TERRIFIC 56

• WESTICO INC. 204, 205, 512

368 SATURN SYSTEMS INC. 520

390

STELLATION TWO 439

413 TERRAPIN INC. 369

• WHITESMITHS LTD 269

369 SCIENTIFIC ENG. 508

391

STRAWBERRY TREE COMP. 441

414 TEXAS COMP.SYS. 355

• WICAT SYSTEMS 31

370 SCION CORP 5

392

STRICTLY SOFTWARE 195

• TINNEY.RBT.GRAPHICS 400

434 WILDFIRE PUBLISHING 404

371 SCITRONICS 435

393

STROBE 121

415 TRANSNET CORP. 443

435 WILDHARE COMP.SYS. 399

372 SCOTIA SOFTWARE 208

"

SUBARU OF AMERICA 421

416 TRAXX COMP.CORP.

217

436 WINCHENDON GRP.THE 522

• SCOTTSDALE SYSTEMS 259

394

SUBLOGIC 190

417 TRISTAR DATA SYS.

278

438 WINTEK CORP. 506

373 SCR ELECTR. 506

395

SUNTRONICS 518

463 TSA PROFORMA 520

439 WINTERHALTER & ASSOC. 420

374 SEATTLE COMP PRODS 327

396

SUPERSOFT 32, 33

* TSC 267

437 WRITEWRITTER 375

375 SEIKO-SHA CORP. 37

397

SYBEX 125

419 U.S. MICRO SALES 538, 539

440 X COMP 47

376 SFTW.TECH FOR COMP. 157

398

SYNCOM 128

420 U.S. ROBOTICS 437

441 XAVAX CORP. 438

377 SHAPE INC. 420

399

SYSTEM SOLUTIONS 514

421 UNISOURCE ELECTR.INC 280

442 XEDEX CORP. 244, 245

378 SIERRA COMP.PROD. 435

400

SYSTEMED 516

422 UNIVERSAL INFO.SYS. 516

443 ZOBEX 187

379 SIERRA DATA SCIENCES 53

401

SYSTEMS GROUP, THE 29

423 VANDATA455

*Correspond directly with company.

National Advertisl

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544 May 1982 © BYTE Publications Inc

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LEADING EDGE

Circle 234 on inquiry card.

Radio Shack's TRS-80 is Your Best Choice in a First Computer

Why? Because you can start with our $999 Model III and easily—and economically—expand into a powerful, professional system!

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■ Add Up to 4 Double-Density Disk Drives—2 Internally

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■ Add RS-232-C Interface

■ Or Get It All with Our '2495 Model III Desktop Computer

A Radio Shack Model III is a

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The built-in "extras". Our $999 system includes: a 65-key keyboard with 12-key data pad, a 12" high-resolution monitor, and a parallel printer interface.

You get much more, including 16K memory, powerful Model III BASIC language, 500 and 1500 baud cassette operation, 16 li nes of 64 or 32 upper and lower case characters, repeating keys, special graphics characters, program editor and real time clock.

Model III is ready for a wide range of professional and personal uses. Choose from our large library of user-proven programs or develop yourown applications in easy-to-learn BASIC. Just add a cassette recorder to store and run programs and data. Cat. No. 26-1062. s999

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I 1

Send me a free TRS-80 catalog.

Mail To: Radio Shack Dept. 82-A-130 1300 One Tandy Center Fort Worth, TX 76102

NAME

COMPANY . ADDRESS _ CITY

STATE.

Retail prices may vary at individual stores and dealers.

and for a TRS-80 computer catalog. Includes a I line of Radio Shack computers and software.

Circle 357 on inquiry can