Byte Magazine Volume 09 Number 06 - Computers and Education

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Introducing Macintosh. What makes if tick. And talk.

Well, to begin with, 110 volts of alternating current.

Secondly, some of the hottest hardware to come down the pike in the last 3vears.

Tlx garden variet\ 16-bit 8088 microprocessor.

Macintosh's 32-bit MC68000 microprocessor.

Some hard facts may be in order at this point:

Macintosh's brain is the same blind ingly-fast 32-bit microprocessor we gave our other brainchild, the Lisa™Personal Computer. Far more powerful than the 16-bit 8088 found in current generation computers.

Its heart is the same Lisa Technology of windows, pull-down menus, mouse commands and icons. All of which make that 32-bit power far more useful by making the Macintosh™Personal Computer far easier to use than current generation computers. In fact, if you can point without hurting yourself, you can use it.

Now for some small talk.

Thanks to its size, if you can't bring the problem to a Macintosh, you can always

bring a Macintosh to the problem. (It weighs 9 pounds less than the most popular "portable.")

Another miracle of miniaturization is Macintosh's built-in 3V2" drive. Its disks store 400K—more than conventional 5'A" floppies. So while they're big enough to hold a desk full of work, they're small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. And, they're totally encased in a rigid plastic so they're totally protected.

And talk about programming.

There are already plenty of programs to keep a Macintosh busy Like MacPaint,™

a program that, for the first time, lets a personal computer produce virtually any image the human hand can create. There's more software on the way from developers like MicrosofCLotus™and Software Publishing Corp., to mention a few

Macintosh automatically makes room MacPaint produces virtually any image for your illustrations in the text. the human hand can create.

Microsoft's Multiplanfor Macintosh.

And with Macintosh BASIC, Macintosh Pascal and our Macintosh Toolbox for writing your own mouse-driven programs, you, too, could make big bucks in your spare time.

You can even program Macintosh to talk in other languages, like Yiddish or Serbo-Croation, because it has a builtin polyphonic sound generator\, capable of producing

high quality Speech/' The Mouse itself

nr m s'r / Replaces typed-in

Or mUSlC computer commands with a

form of communication you already understand— pointing.

Some mice Ixive two buttons. Macintosh Ixis one. So it's extremely difficult to push tlx wrong button.

The inside story —a rotating ball atui'optical'sensors translate movements of the mouse to Macintosh's screen pointer with pinpoint accuracy.

All the right connections.

On the back of the machine, you'll find built-in RS232 and RS422 AppleBus serial communication ports. Which means you can connect printers, modems and other peripherals without adding $150 cards. It also means that Macintosh is ready to hook in to a local area network. (With AppleBus, you will be able to interconnect up to 16 different Apple computers and peripherals.)

Should you wish to double Macintosh's storage with an external disk

9" high resolution 512x342 pixel bit-mapped display.

Ultra compact, switching-type power supply an " video circuitry.

Battery for Macintosh's built-in clock calendar.

Built-in handle for getting carried away.

is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc. Aft logo, MacPaint and Lisa are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. Microsoft is a roistered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Lotus is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. For an authorized Apple dealer near you call (800)538-%96. In Canada, call (800) 268-7796 or (800)268-7637.

Thanks to clever venting, Macintosh requires no intemalfan.

RS232, RS422AppleBus serial communications ports for printers, modems and other peripherals.

Mouse connector.

External disk drive connector.

Polyphonic sound port.

Brightness control.

128K bytes RAM.

Built-in 31 disk drive.

Keyboard connector — a teleplxme-type jack you already know how to use.

drive, you can do so without paying for a disk controller card—that connector's built-in, too.

There's also a built-in connector for Macintosh's mouse, a feature that costs up to $300 on computers that can't even run mouse-controlled software.

One last pointer.

Now that youVe seen some of the logic, the technology, the engineering genius and the software wizardry that separates

32-bit Motorola MC68000 microprocessor.

Macintosh from conventional computers, we'd like to point you in the direction of your nearest authorized Apple dealer. Over 1500 of them are eagerly waiting to put a mouse in your hand. As one point-and-click makes perfectly clear, the real genius of Macintosh isn't

Macintosh Is digital board — the processing power of an entire 32-bit digital graphics computer in 80 square inches.

its 32-bit Lisa Technology, or its 3%" floppy disks, or its serial ports, or its software, or its polyphonic sound generator.

The real genius is that you don't have to be a genius to use a Macintosh.

You just have to be smart enough to buy one.

Soon there'll be just two kinds of people Those who use computers. And ■*£> those who use Apples. W.

T

'"CUVLK FAIN ITINO tSY KUDCK1 iinnci/ac,\.nvivAi\r ur

BYTE's New Look

The redesign of a magazine always requires some adjustment by the reader, and so we pondered the matter before proceeding to change BYTE's appearance. In the end, we went ahead for several reasons. We want to make BYTE easier to read without making it less technical. We want to include more input and feedback from readers, to make reviews easy to distinguish from feature articles, to make review findings clearer by using graphics, and to give some of BYTE's most popular articles the best possible setting.

Note that we have made no changes for change's sake. There is much continuity. Robert Tinney, whom time only improves, remains our cover artist. Our new typeface, Novarese, has a classic feeling, like that of our old Palacio, but is more chiseled. Steve Ciarcia and Jerry Pournelle still appear prominently in major sections. The redesign, developed by McGraw-Hill's Joe Davis and refined and implemented by Rosslyn Frick, our new art director, keeps BYTE clean and simple. We think the judicious use of art and white space makes BYTE more pleasing to the eye and not garish or splashy.

The front of the magazine now includes an "Update" section where we can bring important matters to your attention. "Update" will contain, among other things, corrections of errors in previously published articles. Another addition to the front is a few pages of the most important items from "What's New." You will also find up front "Ask BYTE," "Book Reviews," "Clubs and Newsletters," and "Event Queue."

We have included more reader input and feedback by setting letters to the editor in smaller type, by introducing "Review Feedback" at the end of the Review section, by introducing "Update," by expanding the space for responses to Jerry Pournell's popular column (more on this below), and by

enlarging Steve Ciarcia's "Ask BYTE."

The four main sections of BYTE are the Feature section, the Theme section, the Review section, and the Kernel. The distinguished artist Ivan Chermayeff has done graphics to introduce the first three of these sections. The Feature section now comes first. This section provides a variety of previews and descriptions of major new products and indepth articles on topics of interest to sophisticated personal computer users. This month we provide a close look at the HP 110 portable, the second half of Steve Ciarcia's blockbuster article on building a Z8000 board for the IBM PC, part 1 of an Ada primer, and other articles including a preview of the innovative Macintosh Pascal and a clever way of making FORTH work faster. We have moved "Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar" to the Feature section because Steve really writes a major feature article each month rather than a traditional column. Next comes the Theme section, which explores in depth a different subject each month. This month's theme articles discuss computers in education, with an emphasis on their use at the university level. Thanks to DEC, IBM, Apple, Zenith, and other companies, personal computers are now reaching campuses in volume. Associate Editor Donna Osgood's introduction to the Theme section shows the variety of uses for personal computers in universities, schools, and outside the formal educational system.

The Review section follows the Theme section. Reviews carry a slug on each page identifying them as reviews. The graphics in reviews of the Chameleon Plus, Infoscope, and C compilers give an indication of what to expect in BYTE's future reviews. Note how the graphs in the Chameleon review compare that machine's features and performance with two de facto standards—the IBM PC and the Apple He. From now on, you will see similar graphs for every system (text continued on page 8)

IYTE • IUNE 1984

Wordstar Wordprocessing and SuperCalc 3" Spreadsheet with Graphics Free Through June, 1984

X

SEEQUA BELIEVES PAYING IBM PRICES FOR A PERSONAL COMPUTER COULD MAKE ATRAMP OUT OF ANYONE.

PRESENTING THE CHAMELEON BY SEEQUA FOR JUST '1995.

The Chameleon by Seequa lets you run popular IBM software like Lotus® 1-2-3™ and dBase II.® It gives you a keyboard just like the IBM. A disk drive like the IBM. And a bright 80x25 character screen just like you know who. And it all comes complete at a price that isn't at all like an IBM.

But the Chameleon's $1995 price tag isn't its only advantage over its famous competitor. The Chameleon also has an 8 bit microprocessor that lets you run any of the thousands of CP/M-80® programs available. It comes complete with two of the best

Circle 294 on inquiry card.

programs around, Perfect Writer™ and Perfect Calc.™ It's portable. And you can plug it in and begin computing the moment you unwrap it.

So before you spend all your money on an IBM, consider the IBM compatible Chameleon by Seequa.

It's a tool for modern times that won't set you back a fortune.

The Chameleon by

SEEQUA

COMPUTER

CORPORATION

8305 Telegraph Road Odenton, MD 21113

Chameleon shown with optional second disk drive.

To team more about Seequa or for the location of the Seequa dealer

nearest you, call (800) 638-6066 or (301) 672-3600.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.

EDITORIAL

[text continued from page 6) we review, making general month-tomonth comparisons much easier than before.

After the Review section comes the Kernel, a major new section that starts with Jerry Pournelle's popular column, includes "BYTE West Coast," and will soon include "BYTE )apan" by William Raike and a rotation of other columns on important topics such as artificial intelligence and telecommunications. You will find Bill Raike's name on the masthead with those of other new contributing editors who will help make the Kernel a mainstay. Jerry Pournelle's fans will have no trouble recognizing his column under its new title, "Computing at Chaos Manor." What makes Jerry's writing so popular is his unique way of looking at things from Chaos Manor's techno-cluttered halls. His writing was originally entitled "The User's Column" not because Jerry is a typical user, but

because in earlier days, Jerry was virtually BYTE's only writer who was a mere user—he didn't create compilers and computers, he just used them. We have renamed Jerry's column in recognition of his individuality. Feedback to Jerry's column now comes immediately afterward in "Chaos Manor Mail."

"Programming Insights" (formerly "Quickies"), "Technical Forums," "Application Notes," "What's New," "Books Received," and "Unclassified Ads" round out the magazine (although we may not have material in every category every month).

To make it easier for readers to learn something about our authors, we've moved "about the author" information to the front of each article. Look for it near the bottom of the first or second page of each piece.

The AIM Inquiry System

This month, BYTE inaugurates the first

Writing For BYTE

BYTE continues to solicit and publish articles and reviews that keep you informed about what's new and important in microprocessor-based technology, and many of our articles are still written by you, the people directly involved with the field we report on. Details on querying us about article, productreview, and book-review ideas are listed below. We also welcome submissions (typed and double-spaced, please) to our Letters to the Editor column. Please contact us, via the appropriate department at: BYTE

POB 372 Hancock, NH 03449

(6031 924-9281

You may also want to call or write us (send a stamped, self-addressed business envelope) for our current author guidelines.

Articles

Because our editorial needs are very specific and subject to change, we prefer receiving query letters instead of completed articles. A query letter should contain one or two pages explaining the subject to be covered, its importance to the BYTE reader, and the focus of the proposed article; it should also contain a one- or two-page outline and a tentative first two pages of the proposed article. Query letters should be addressed to the features editor.

If you send us a completed article, we need double-spaced printed versions of the main text (up to 2 5 numbered pages) and all listings, figures, and tables; please label all items and place all captions on a separate page. Photos should be 3 5 mm (or larger) transparencies or 5- by 7-inch (or larger) prints. If possible, we would also like to receive magnetic copies of the text, listings, and tables on Apple DOS. IBM PC, Kaypro. or 8-inch CP/M disks; we will pay an additional $20 for this. The files should be standard ASCII text files and should not contain any nonprintable characters: we prefer files that use carriage returns only at the end of each paragraph. You should also include a stamped, selfaddressed return envelope of the appropriate size. Address these to the features editor.

Product Reviews

We frequently need good product reviewers and sometimes accept unsolicited reviews. BYTE product reviews must be fair, accurate, and comprehensive. Reviewers must have considerable experience in the microcomputer field. Writing experience is preferred but not required, and reviewers must have no financial connection to the company whose products are being reviewed. If you are interested in becoming a BYTE reviewer, send a letter to our product-review editor stating what computer products you own, what products you are interested in, and what writing experience you have.

Book Reviews

BYTE is always looking for qualified book reviewers. Submit queries and proposals accompanied by a resume, writing samples, or a list of computer-related interests and expertise to the book-review editor. Unsolicited book reviews also will be considered.

We pay competitive rates for articles and reviews and offer you the chance to share your expertise with hundreds of thousands of BYTE readers. Your comments and submissions are always welcome.

electronic reader service processing system for readers and advertisers of computer magazines. Just as BYTE's new design is intended to refine the magazine and make it easier to read, the new electronic inquiry system is intended to modernize our reader inquiry service and make it easier for you to get information about products seen in BYTE. This automated inquiry management (AIM) system allows subscribers to request information from advertisers by using any Touch-Tone telephone. The AIM system will trim the typical six-week response time of the current reply-card system to as few as seven days. Here's how it works.

During the next three months, every BYTE subscriber will receive by mail a Subscriber Identification Card and ID number. Using your unique number, you can call the BYTE Reader Service Computer and then key in your subscriber number and the reader service numbers from the ads in BYTE you'd like more information about. When you're finished, close the session with a special ending code, and then watch your mailbox for replies from the manufacturers of products you've expressed an interest in.

Complete instructions appear in your copy of BYTE (if you've received your identification number) on the page facing the traditional reader service card. In this location you'll also find a form to help you organize your AIM system call before you make it.

If you did not receive your subscriber identification number this month, yours will be arriving in the next two months. The AIM system is being brought to a new one-third of our subscribers each month for the (une-July-August period.

For those who live in an area without Touch-Tone service, who are not subscribers, or who prefer the traditional reply method, we'll continue to provide reader service reply cards.

—Phil Lemmons, Editor in Chief

The second BYTE Computer Show takes place June 14-17 in the Ix>s Angeles Convention Center. Subscribers are especially welcome and receive a fullday pass to exhibits and conferences for $7.50. See you at the show PL.

8 BYTE • IUNE 1984

MICROBYTES

Staff-written highlights of late developments in the microcomputer industry

Franklin Unveils CX Series Computers

Franklin Computer Corp. has introduced a line of transportable computers. All are said to be Apple II compatible; MS-DOS or CP/M options are available. The CX-1, with a 6502 processor, 64K bytes of RAM, serial and parallel ports, a 7-inch display, and one disk drive, costs $1425. The $1730 CX-2 adds a second disk drive. The $2049 CX-3 also adds a card with a Z80 processor and 64K bytes of additional RAM, while the $2395 CX-4 adds an 8086 and 128K bytes of RAM.

The CX computers use a 12K-byte write-once memory (WOM) to store the operating system, which is loaded from floppy disk after power-up: after this, the memory cannot be written to until the machine is turned off and on again.

Hayes Enters New Field: Data-Management Software

Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc., best known as a maker of modems, has moved into the software arena with its data-management system called Please. Not surprisingly, a modem-communications link is part of the program. Please has extensive help screens to ease learning and is written in assembly language for speed of execution. The menu-driven program allows up to 999 characters per field and 99 fields (2000 characters total) per record; the number of records per file is hardware limited. Hayes also sells application templates for the program, including mailing list, membership, household records, and appointments. Please retails for $349; application templates are $29.95 each.

Videotex Capabilities Added to Micros

Several manufacturers have recently announced videotex capability for microcomputers. Wang introduced the PC Viewdata Decoder, a $250 program for its Professional Computer. Digital Equipment Corp. unveiled Pro/NAPLPS, a $195 program for its Professional 350 computer. Sony showed a NAPLPS/ASCII terminal, the VDX-1000, as well as a videotex framecreation system. Avcor, in Toronto, announced a $100 cartridge enabling the Commodore 64 to act as a NAPLPS/ASCII terminal.

IBM announced PC/Videotex, software enabling the IBM PC, PC XT, or PCjr to act as a videotex terminal. PC/Videotex will be available in October for $220 to $250. Network Videotex Systems Inc. of Toronto is selling Quick-Pel, a $625 expansion card allowing the IBM PC to function as a NAPLPS videotex terminal. TVOntario, also of Toronto, offers a NAPLPS page/frame-creation system for the IBM PC for $1450.

Texas Instruments has developed a single-chip video-display processor that supports the NAPLPS standard used for American videotex. TI's Advanced Video Display Processor is software compatible with TI's popular 9918 video processor.

Wilcom Announces Telecommunications Device for IBM PC

Wilcom Inc., Roswell, GA, has introduced Asher, a telecommunications device for the IBM Personal Computer. Asher includes an expansion card with a 300-bps modem, a telephone handset, and MS-DOS software for memory partitioning, appointment scheduling, and card file/speed dial functions. While several applications can be in memory simultaneously, they do not execute concurrently. The Asher software uses 128K bytes in addition to the memory needed for other programs, so a minimum of 256K bytes is needed. Asher will be available this month for $795.

TeleVideo Personal Mini Uses IBM PCs as Workstations

TeleVideo Systems has introduced the Personal Mini, a 16-user computer that uses IBMcompatible computers as intelligent workstations. The Personal Mini includes a 40-megabyte hard disk and 80186 and Z80 processors. Microcomputers can be linked to the system using a $99 interface card and cable; special "diskless workstations" are also available. TeleVideo says users can run any PC-DOS or MS-DOS software on the workstations or can use any of 50 available multiuser software packages. The Personal Mini should be available this month for less than $10,000.

{text continued on page 10)

JUNE 1984 • BYTE 9

MICROBYTES

(text continued from page 9)

Fourteen Firms Back Network Standard

Fourteen computer makers, communications firms, and manufacturers announced their support of a network based on the IEEE 802.4 broadband token bus standard. General Motors and Boeing Computer Services signed an agreement pledging support of the standard and promising to demonstrate a working network at the National Computer Conference next month. Also participating in the demonstration will be IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment Corp., Honeywell, NCR, Charles River Data Systems, Intel, Motorola, and others. While the demonstration will be of a factory-floor network, 802.4 could also be used to network personal computers. General Motors showed the network earlier this year at its technical center in Warren, Michigan.

Epson and Commodore Show New Computers

Epson showed the PX-8, a new notebook computer, at the recent Hannover Fair in West Germany. The computer includes 64K bytes of RAM, an 8-line by 80-column LCD, a microcassette tape drive, a Z80-compatible processor, and the CP/M 2.2 operating system in ROM. MicroPro announced that ROM-based versions of its application software programs, including Portable WordStar, Portable Calc, and Portable Scheduler, are bundled with the PX-8, which is not yet available in the U.S.

Although Commodore showed prototypes of several computers, it didn't announce details, pricing, or availability dates for any of the products. The most talked-about machine was an 8088-based MS-DOS computer, reportedly based on Bytec's Hyperion. Commodore also displayed a Z8000-based computer with dual floppy-disk drives, 256K bytes of RAM, and the UNIX-like Coherent operating system. Commodore also showed the Commodore 16, a scaled-down version of its 64.

Microrim Offers Conversational Query Language

Microrim Inc. has introduced a conversational query language for its R:base series of database-management programs. The language, called CLOUT, allows a user to get database information by using commands that resemble English-language questions. CLOUT requires an IBM PC with at least 256K bytes of RAM and two double-density double-sided disk drives; a hard disk is recommended. The $195 program works with PC-DOS, MS-DOS, BTOS, and UNIX, using R:base, which costs $495.

Microrim also announced two new versions of R:base—the Model 6000 for multiuser systems and the Model 2000 for the IBM PCjr and other small systems.

NANOBYTES

IBM has developed an experimental 1-megabit dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) chip using existing manufacturing facilities. The chip uses a silicon and aluminum metal oxide semiconductor (SAMOS) technology. ... Phoenix Software, Norwood, MA, is offering its custom-written IBM-compatible ROM BIOS for MS-DOS to computer makers. Phoenix says the code was written without any knowledge of IBM's BIOS and thus companies using it should be free from lawsuits.. . . Holmes Engineering, Murray, UT, is offering the Portable Micro Drive, a wafer tape drive for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 notebook computer. The $370 unit can store up to 64K bytes on a tape cartridge and includes a rechargeable battery.... Fujitsu America, San Jose, CA, announced a 671-megabyte 14-inch Winchester disk drive with a price of $7045 in quantities of 100.... Digital Equipment Corp. is now offering an eight-user Micro/PDP-11 for about $20,000, including two terminals and a printer.... Seequa Computer Corp., Odenton, MD, will use Tabor's 3'/4-inch disk drive in its Seequa 325, an enhanced version of its Chameleon. Seequa is the first computer maker to use the drive.

From Nikkei BYTE, Tokyo: Epson appears ready to unveil two hand-held computers, the HC-80 and HC-88, with built-in Japanese-language processing functions. The high-resolution LCD will show either 90 kanji (Chinese) or 640 English characters at a time.... Mitsubishi and B-Con Systems are selling a kanji version of Microrim's R:base 4000 database software for Japanese MS-DOS computers.

10 BYTE- IUNE 1984

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Now, translate your integrated software into integrated hard copy, with the TI OMNI 800™ Model 855 printer. So versatile, it combines letter-quality print, draft-quality print and graphics as no other printer can. It prints letter-quality twice as fast as comparably priced daisy wheel printers, yet gives you characters just as sharp, just as clear. It prints rough drafts ten times faster than daisy wheel printers... faster than most any other dot matrix printer. Only the TI 855 has snap-in font modules. Just touch a button; change your typestyle. The 855 gives you more typestyles to choose from than ordinary dot matrix printers. It makes them quicker, cleaner, easier

to access than any other dot matrix

or daisy wheel printer.

The 855's pie charts are rounder...

all its graphics are sharper than on other dot matrix printers, because the TI 855 prints more dots per inch. As for daisy wheel printers... no graphics.

TheTI 855 Printer

The printer for all major PC's

For under $1,000 you get twice the performance of typical dot matrix printers. Or all the performance of a daisy wheel printer, and then some, for half the price. So get the best of all printers, and get optimum results from your integrated software. With the TI 855. See it at your nearest authorized TI dealer. Or call toll-free: 1-800-527-3500. Or write Texas Instruments Incorporated, P.O. Box 402430, Dept. DPF-182BY, Dallas, Texas 75240. m.

Texas ^r Instruments

Creating useful products and services for you.

OMNI 800 is a trademark of Texas Instruments Incorporated Copyright © 1984 Texas Instruments Incorporated. 2763-36

«

Dare to

TI makes the best software perform even better.

When choosing a computer, there are two important things to look for. Who runs the best software—and who runs the software bestl That's why we're staging a dramatic country-wide side-by-side comparison against IBM™ called "Dare to Compare."

Come to a participating dealer and take the "Dare to Compare" challenge. You'll see first-hand how...

TI makes software faster to use.

Take a closer look. See how we give you more information on-screen than the IBM PC? That way you'll spend less time looking for data, and more time using it. We also give you 12 function keys, while they give you 10. Unlike IBM, we give you a separate numeric keypad and cursor controls. And that saves you both keystrokes and time. We also isolated the edit/delete keys to reduce chance of making mistakes.

TI makes software easier to use.

TI gives you up to 8 colors on-screen simultaneously, which makes separating the data a lot easier. IBM displays only 4. Our graphics are also sharper. And easier on the eyes.

////< '•

'i*'in\

IBM Personal Computer

And TI makes it easier to get your data on-screen. Our keyboard is simpler—it's more like the familiar IBM Selectric™ typewriter than the IBM PC keyboard is.

TI lets you see for yourself.

Right now, you can "Dare to Compare" for yourself at participating TI dealers all over the country. Stop in, present your business card, put both machines through their paces using the same software titles, and see the difference for yourself. We'll give you a TI solar powered calculator, free, just for taking our challenge*. For the name of a participating dealer near you, please call TI toll-free at 1-800-527-3500, or write: Texas Instruments Incorporated, P.O. Box 402430, Dept. DCA232BY, Dallas, Texas 75240. ^

Texas Instruments

Creating useful products and services for you.

This offer available only to persons age 21 or over, while supplies last. This offer expires July 31, 1984. BPS Business Graphics™ shown. BPS is a trademark of Business

& Professional Software Incorporated. IBM and Selectric are trademarks of

International Business Machines, Inc.

Copyright © 1984 Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Professional Computer

DTC 2763-69

LETTERS

Controller Correction

1 recently ran into a problem with my Apple II disk drive. I couldn't find a controller card that wouldn't stop every two seconds while reading in a text file longer than two sectors. This pause was annoying because the disk drive sounded like it was dying and it took me twice as long to read the file.

I don't know how many companies and how many of their controller cards have this problem, but I have experienced it twice. I asked some people at the Hughes Apple Byter's Club, with which I'm "affiliated, about this problem, but nobody really knew what caused it. It has been suggested to me that there may be a POKE command that keeps the motor running, but I have yet to find out if this is true.

My roommate noticed that while using an Apple controller, the drive continued to run approximately Wi seconds after control had returned to the user. I solved this problem by increasing the size of the tantalum capacitor on the threshold of the timer chip by about 10 microfarads. The capacitor controls the amount of time the output line stays enabled on the motor control. This allows the drive motor to stay on a few milliseconds longer than before, so DOS has a chance to finish transferring the contents of the file buffers and return for more data before the motor stops spinning. Otherwise it would have to restart the drive motor before it could resume reading. This is what added the extra time it took to read in the file(s).

I hope this information will save your readers some unnecessary frustration.

Chris A. Nielsen

Nielsen Engineering

2910 Seventh St.

Santa Monica, CA 90405

American as Apple Pie

The introduction of the Apple Macintosh computer has been eagerly awaited by many home and business computerists. The complete description in the February BYTE ("The Apple Macintosh Computer" by Gregg Williams, February, page 30) is certainly impressive and I can see many applications for the Macintosh. 1 would consider the Macintosh for those applications were it not for one negative factor. The Apple computer has been, since its introduction, one of the most popular computers, regarded as American as apple pie. Now comes the Macintosh computer and, lo and behold, it uses a Sony storage medium. It seems to me that if the United States is going to lead the world in computer technology, it has to be innovative and responsible enough to develop

those leading technological products that make it the world leader.

When I go look at television sets, videocassette recorders, cameras, etc., 1 find an almost total predominance from the lapanese manufacturers. This is appalling. What has happened to U.S. technology in these fields? It has appeared that our technical excellence has returned in the areas of computers and certainly the world has looked to the U.S. for computers in the past several years. If the American-asapple-pie computer suddenly incorporates iapanese-supplied hardware, what is the next step?

I, for one, have given up considering the Macintosh computer for any application I have. I will not contribute in any way to the furthering of lapanese technology into the American computer industry, and I think Apple Computer Inc. deserves a failing grade for contributing to an already substantial balance of payments deficit with its Macintosh design. I hope the rest of the computer-buying public will recognize this unAmerican approach and express their reaction at the computer store purchase counter.

David A. Nibbelin. P.E.

President. Variable Acoustics Corp.

2222 West Vickery Blvd.

Fort Worth. TX 76102

In the Rainbow Corner

I would like to comment on recent criticisms of the DEC Rainbow that appeared in two March articles (The User Goes to COMDEX, 1983," by lerry Pournelle, page 3 52, and "Reviewer's Notebook," by Rich Malloy, page 213) and in a letter to the editor by Carter Scholz (page 20) in the same issue. It was just last month (February 1984) that the (then) editor in chief of BYTE, Lawrence I. Curran, editorialized on the drive to be compatible with IBM equipment. Mr. Curran's point was that the compatibility craze might be stifling innovation that usually arises from smaller companies. Now in March, Messrs. Pournelle and Malloy criticize the DEC Rainbow for not running IBM software and for not having the IBM disk format, and because it is not being cloned. Possibly they should read the March editorial, because they too seem to be caught up in the compatibility craze.

Mr. Poumelle's article correctly grasps the obvious, that the DEC Rainbow was never intended to mimic the IBM, therefore it will not run IBM software. Many initial purchasers of the Rainbow (and 1 can assure Mr. Pournelle that there are many Rainbow owners) were individuals who were already familiar with DEC minicomputers. These people wanted a home

computer compatible with other DEC equipment that also ran the popular commercial software packages (the Rainbow emulates the VT100 terminal, an industry standard that is often cloned). In providing for the needs of the initial market, DEC created a product superior to the IBM. The screen resolution is better, there are built-in communications and printer ports, and space is provided for a second set of halfheight floppy-disk drives or a hard-disk drive. I disagree with Mr. Pournelle about the keyboard, and I feel that it is superior to that of the IBM and may be the best in microcomputers today.

Mr. Malloy makes some remarks about the DEC that I feel are incorrect. He implies that the Rainbow 100 Plus is required to format MSDOS disks. Rather, it is the version of MS-DOS that determines whether the Rainbow will format MS-DOS disks. My regular Rainbow using version 2.05 of MS-DOS formats disks perfectly. The version 2.05 MS-DOS was a no-cost option with my computer, and it is supplied by default with the 100 Plus computer. Mr. Malloy also slighted the Rainbow because the Rainbow 100 Plus looks like the 100 except for a plastic sticker. This is a cheap shot: DEC'S Plus option to the Rainbow is merely an addition of the hard-disk drive, hardly requiring a change in the processor enclosure. I recall Mr. Pournelle discovering that he had the IBM PC XT motherboard only after he had removed the cover and inserted his own memory chips ("Chaos Manor Gets Its Long-Awaited IBM PC' February, page 113).

The Digital Classified Software (DCS) needs some clarification. The DCS program ensures that the software is adapted to the Rainbow hardware and special-function keys. The DCS program also requires DEC to provide software support. I can't imagine calling IBM in San Jose to ask about Lotus 1-2-3, yet this is the service DEC provides. DEC is providing hardware and software support from one source, a trend I find comforting. Also, third-party software is now available; in fact, I saw a DEC booklet (at the local computer store) listing hundreds of independent (nonauthorized) vendors providing programs on Rainbow-compatible disks. Eventually software will provide translation links between disk formats that all manufacturers (IBM, DEC, Tandy, etc.) fail to provide.

Finally, I would like to state that the Rainbow is a capable home and business computer that has sufficient and improving software. (Don't be fooled, all the biggies provide software for the Rainbow.) The Rainbow was never intended to be a hacker's machine and Mr. Scholz should never have purchased one. The Rainbow has sufficient slots for extra memory, a superb {text continued on page 16)

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LETTERS

(text continued from page 14)

graphics board and a second storage medium

(floppy or hard disk). Recall that the I/O ports

are already installed and not sold as extras. The

Rainbow has filled the needs of this nonhacker

with good installation and software

documentation.

Cameron T. Murray

Department of Polymer Science

and Engineering

University of Massachusetts

Amherst. MA 01003

As far as reviews are concerned, BYTE has no bias either for or against DEC or any other company. We are concerned with how well a product works, how much software is available for that product, how readily available that software is, and how easy it is to turn that product into an even better product. IBM PC compatibility is desirable only because it provides a tremendous amount of readily available software and hardware peripherals. For a long time. Rainbow software was not available in local computer stores. And there are still few readily available third-party hardware peripherals for it. If. in a year's time, you can buy third-party hardware for the Rainbow at your local computer store, then the Rainbow will be a much stronger machine.

—Richard Malloy

Senior Technical Editor

BYTE Magazine

Having just received the March issue of BYTE and, obviously, not having seen the April issue for which you have scheduled a review of the DEC Rainbow, I would like immediately to comment on the letter from Carter Scholz, lest other readers get a misleading impression of this machine.

Mr. Scholz admits to 50 hours of intensive use. Having obtained my machine in February 1983. 1 have over 1650 hours of experience with it in connection with my consultancy business— a figure I feel sure must exceed even that of most reviewers of any one machine. To that extent, I suggest that my comments may have more than ordinary validity.

The observation that the documentation is "wretched" is, at the least, an overstatement. It is true that screen formatting and the use of function keys are not covered, which certainly is regrettable. With one exception—the manual for the LA 50 printer, which, I readily admit, is appalling—the documentation is perfectly sound and helpful.

Mr. Scholz may not have wished to make an outlay for the technical manuals; but I had nothing but the most courteous cooperation and help from DEC'S Canadian Customer Support Center when, at an early stage, 1 too had to raise screen-formatting and function-key questions.

DEC has not claimed that "thousands" of CP/M and CP/M-86 disks can be run on the Rainbow. As their Guide to Personal Computing points out, the machine can run a "very wide selection" of the "thousands" of software programs available on CP/M, CP/M-86, and MS-DOS. At the beginning there was a shortage of available

programs because of the then-new disk format; today there are several hundreds of software packages available, the great majority of which are from third-party vendors and are not part of the "DEC-approved" program. Even the problem of nonavailability of DEC'S distinctive disks—except from DEC—is no longer a problem, and most of the major disk manufacturers have added the Digital RX50 format to their lines at reasonable prices.

As one who can claim extensive experience with the Rainbow. I cannot speak too highly of a machine that is a real joy to use, and I would hate to have readers draw unfavorable conclusions on the basis of Mr. Scholz's inaccurate letter. 1 might add that the only hardware problem 1 have had was with the LA 50 printer which, due to a faulty chip, packed up after about three months. Under warranty, it was replaced in about four hours. (Incidentally, this printer, bearing the Digital logo, is considerably more versatile than the look-alike model produced by the same manufacturer.)

Tom Walker

Fortsask lnfodata Ltd.

Box 3026

Fort Saskatchewan

Alberta T8L 2T1

Canada

As a DEC Rainbow user for over a year. I've learned to ignore most of what I read in the computer trade press about the product. Rarely are the facts in order. If other products were comparably reported, the computer trade press would have earned a reputation comparable to that of the computer salesperson.

Of course, after a year, I'm happy to see the product mentioned at all. Please accept my sincere gratitude for printing the words "DEC Rainbow'—and for promising (as you always have) to review it.

But your March issue was somewhat misguided, and I'd like to set the record straight.

Although Chaos Manor is one of my favorite haunts, Jerry Pournelle's reaction (from afar) to the DEC keyboard was hardly responsible journalism (and his disclaimer at the beginning of the article doesn't justify that). |See "The User Goes to COMDEX. 1983," March, page 3 52.|

The test of a keyboard is daily use. Seven people have used the Rainbow keyboard at our weekly magazine for a year. They universally acknowledge it as a work of art. Sure it's unconventional—so is a Ferrari. The point of doing ergonomic research, as DEC did for its personal computers, is to find out how things ought to be designed, not how they have been designed. Despite its unique design, it is easy to learn the keyboard. Within one session, almost all of us had accustomed ourselves to its enhancements.

Specifically, I found Mr. Pournelle's complaint about the Shift and Return keys ridiculous. The Shift key measures the same travel as a Selectric Shift key (I regularly use both without trouble adapting), and the Return key is large and easily located. The Compose Character key is a very handy user-defined key in many wordprocessing programs, and it is easily learned (text continued on page 18)

B YTE • JUNE 1984

"We bought an

IBC Middi Cadet because no other system could do

thei

Sue Kardas

Director of Career Training

Burlington Area Vocational-Technical Center

"When the Burlington Area VocationalTechnical Center needed a multi-user system for student training, we considered many multi-user systems, but in demo after demo there was too much of a user delay,

Then IBC contacted us, and offered to demonstrate the Middi Cadet's multi- user capabilities-we were skeptical, but we gave it a try.

First, the Middi Cadet ran 9 users doing word processing without any delays. As a second test, we had the Middi operating 3 terminals each on word processing, accounting and BASIC programming. Again, no user delay. This was the multi-user, multi-tasking system we had been looking for.

With the Middi Cadet, we got a higher speed Z80B processor, a very fast hard disk drive and enough memory to do the job (512K Bytes].

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LETTERS

{text continued from page 16) by a touch-typist. Obviously. Mr. Pournelle didn't look closely enough to notice the dip in the F and ] keys—a more subtle and successful "hom'ng" device than some other keyboards that distinguish the home row.

Carter Scholz's letter in the same issue raised more serious points. First of all, "wretched" is an irresponsible description of the documentation, hardly earned by a missing bottle of screen cleaner (which was supplied with the first monitors). I frankly don't find the errors he seems to have run across.

Second, my prejudice may be that I can't take BASIC seriously, but we have formatted the screen very easily in dBASE II. Turbo Pascal, and assembly language.

Third, he fails to distinguish between disk formats and software. The machine can read several disk formats (Robin, VT180. Rainbow, IBM 8 and 9 sector) and hundreds of programs off the shelf (not counting RCP/M software), and with additional software can read many more disk formats.

Mr. Scholz intimates a use for the machine quite different from that for which it was designed. And his representation of DEC'S software-classification program (which we think of as insurance against uninstallable or immature products) and disk format (400K is an enhancement over 320K in my book, not "perverse") is libelous.

Let me explain what this "collage of impressive features with limited utility" did for my company in the last year:

• It typeset 45 magazine pages of insurance-company statistics using Multiplan and transmitted them to our typesetter using nothing more than the communications parameters in ROM and the operatingsystem commands.

• It stepped in to typeset our stories when our typesetter went down.

• It scheduled and billed our advertising, then it took over the scheduling, billing, and circulation maintenance of our directory.

• It estimated and billed all our commercial printing.

• This year it replaced our ledger, no mean achievement for an "immature product" with little utility.

DEC understands us. We want an appliance that gets specific jobs done and doesn't break down. If we have a question (even about programming function keys), we want a number to call with a prompt and courteous answer at the other end. DEC delivers that at a very low cost.

In fact, any intelligent cost analysis of their formatted quad-density disk offering proves it is competitively priced. Again and again we find (with rare exception) DEC on our side.

Finally, Mr. Scholz appears as naive about the stock market as he is about the business world. As all Rainbow users have come to know, the wheels of justice grind slowly, but they grind exceeding small.

Well, I'm still looking forward to your review {text continued on page 22)

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In the 8086 architecture, those memory segments are variably-sized and mapped as needed. So loading is very fast. And the resulting performance is very high, because you can load the exact memory you need. Which then gives you the highest performance from any given memory size.

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*YisiOn and VisiCorp are registered trademarks or VisiCorp © 198-4 Intel Corporation

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ing point power, with calculations running up to 100 times faster than normal.

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irrtel

IUNE 1984

IYTE 21

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101 BY

LETTERS

(text continued from page 18)

of the Rainbow. I hope it will be as professional

as the machine itself.

Mike Pasini

Underwriters' Report

667 Mission Street

San Francisco. CA 94105

I read with interest Carter Scholz's letter on the DEC Rainbow 100 PC. We purchased five Rainbow PCs and I am sorry now that we did not return them as did Mr. Scholz. Although 1 agree in part with Mr. Scholz's criticisms (particularly in regard to the documentation) and I have additional complaints about the Rainbow and DEC in general, all of Mr. Scholz's criticisms are not correct, at least in my experience:

1. In an attempt to modify MODEM7 for the Rainbow I needed the communication-port status and data addresses. This is not in the documentation supplied by DEC (unless one purchases the extended documents referred to in Scholz's letter—we are still waiting for ours). However, a phone call to Customer Support not only produced the information over the phone but also a copy of the appropriate section of the extended document in the mail. As it turned out, the MODEM7 cannot be configured for the Rainbow. Once again however. Customer Support came to my aid and supplied me with an article (actually the whole magazine) giving the address for obtaining publicdomain software equivalent to MODEM7.

2. DEC has an "authorization'' program for Rainbow software but that does not mean that third-party software is not available. We purchased Spellbinder (which to my knowledge is not "authorized" by DEC), after finding that the so-called "authorized" wordprocessing software was either so slow that the secretaries were frustrated or so complex that it was not usable.

R. S. Newman

Faculty of Medicine

Memorial University

St. lohn's

Newfoundland MB 3V6

Canada

I have been a Rainbow owner since April 1983. Although I have had some problems, I feel Mr. Scholz's conclusions are incorrect. I offer the following replies to his objections.

1. Documentation for the Rainbow is professionally produced. I would be surprised if there weren't contradictions. This would be consistent with other machines and software, particularly a new machine. In use, however, the machine and the software perform as advertised. The escape sequences of all function keys are listed on pages 32 and 34 of the Rainbow 100 User's Guide. Utilizing them in user-written programs is the simple matter of interpreting the sequences they generate. Screen formatting is more difficult. DEC published a set of basic subroutines in Prospective in the summer of 1983. You could also obtain a copy of a VT100

manual, which explains all the attributes of the Rainbow screen that it emulates.

2. Lack of high-level language support is found only in Microsoft BASIC or perhaps languages that are not screen intensive such as COBOL. I have the new Turbo Pascal from Borland International and both function keys and screen attributes are supported. Many other machines or software vendors have failed to initially support some of the features of their environments, some because they felt other features were more important and deserved more initial support.

3. The contention that the Rainbow cannot run "thousands" of CP/M-80 and CP/M-86 programs is totally false. I purchased Condor III directly from Condor in Rainbow format. Reportmaker from Krepec. and TURBO Pascal from Borland. I think that Mr. Scholz has failed to look beyond the magazine advertisements. Most advertise IBM and IBM compatibles because that's the largest segment of the market. MS-DOS is also available for the Rainbow. Any authorized software dealer can obtain numerous software-applications packages in Rainbow format. Many of us do not consider the fact that this format allows about 400K bytes per disk to be a drawback.

I think that there is a difference in philosophy in the design and marketing of DEC microcomputers. Their philosophy seems to be that their primary market is the plug-in-and-go nonprogrammer. This is supported by the fact that there are only a few expansion ports and a private bus structure. That does not inherently produce a bad machine, just one that may not fit a "hacker's" needs.

DEC supports its hardware and authorized software. This support includes a toll-free line for help (try that at IBM), factory service, and extended warranties. Few other manufacturers offer this commitment to their purchasers. 1 cite Mr. Scholz's own statement that he was able to return the machine for a refund. That is the true test of factory support if there ever was one.

Rainbows are relatively new on the market and market support has been slow. Part of this could be the big push to get IBM software out first due to its market share. There are. however, two DEC micro-oriented magazines now available—Digital Review and Personal and Professional. There also have been changes in DEC operations that should enhance users' options. However, based on hardware and ease of use. the Rainbow is still one of the better machines on the market.

Gerald Artman

828 East Third St.

Royal Oak. Ml 48067

Vive la Difference

I greatly appreciated the December 1983 BYTE article on the Tl personal computer ("The Texas Instruments Professional Computer," page 286). The unbiased evaluations and the well-chosen (text continued on page 24)

I YTE • 1UNE 1984

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24 BYTE • IUNE 1984

LETTERS

[text continued from page 22) industry-wide comparisons were a welcome change from the maudlin treatment given the IBM machine in November 1983. Your intro to the IBM articles left me perplexed. How could such phrases as "transformed the computer industry" or "legitimized personal computers" or "single-handedly enabled microcomputers to assume a greater percentage of the world's computational tasks" be used with a straight face? All conscience aside, the IBM PC is widely accepted and is making a lot of money for a lot of people. I could wish, however, that as an industry we were more self-critical.

Iames A. Barnett

4719 Williston St.

Baltimore. MD 212299

SIMSCRIPT 11.5

Although a good general overview, the article "Computer Simulation; What It Is and How It's Done" by Richard Bronson (March, page 95) was incomplete and somewhat inaccurate in its treatment of SIMSCRIPT 11.5

Despite being lumped with GASP, SIMSCRIPT does not require that "a complete coded model |consists| essentially of calls to subroutines and assignment statements...." For example, the essence of the barbershop problem given in the article could be represented by

Process GENERATOR

For N = 1 to 100,

Do Activate a CUSTOMER now Wait Exponential.f(2 5.,2) minutes

Loop End Process CUSTOMER

Request 1 BARBER

Wait Normal.f(20.,5„l) minutes

Relinquish $ BARBER End

In the example, the number 1 is specified before BARBER to give the number of units of the resource needed. Units other than 1 are used, for example, when modeling computer resources, where a 42K-byte allocation of 256Kbyte main memory is sought. The final parameter in the two SIMSCRIPT-defined random distribution functions is a stream number that allows isolation of the inherent side effects of taking successive samples from a pseudorandom generator.

Contrary to the article and as suggested in the example, SIMSCRIPT 11.5 is a processoriented simulation language. At the same time, it retains the event-based capabilities of the Rand Corporation's original SIMSCRIPT I.

Finally, a word about language preprocessors such as GASP and SLAM. Although they can be valuable tools for developing simulation models, they are not true programming languages. For medium- and large-scale applications (1000 to 100.000 lines) a user is usually forced to revert to the underlying programming language—FORTRAN—thus losing the preprocessor "language." A preprocessor is a good

short-term solution, but no substitute for a complete compiler and support library, which is why SIMSCRIPT abandoned its FORTRAN translator with the introduction of SIMSCRIPT 1.5 in 1965. IoelW. West III CACI Inc. 3344 North Tbrrey Pines Court Lalolla. CA 92037

What Is a Typical Computer Professional?

Yesterday I took the kids to see WarGames. Apparently the movie has entrenched the latterday meaning of the word "hacker" (synonymous with database intruder). I recall when the word was simply the computer equivalent of the radio "ham."

What really upset me was the way the movie portrayed the (typical?) computer professional. The two main characters, certainly escapees from the loony bin, apparently were able to think only in binary, and they obviously were unfit for human company. Is this the image computer people and computer magazines such as BYTE want to project to the general public?

Back in the dark ages, before the microprocessor. I used to read Computers and Automation, edited by Edmund C. Berkeley. The magazine strove to place computers and computer people in a meaningful relationship with the community. I don't know what became of Computers and Automation. Perhaps this is something to consider? "If you prick us, do we not bleed?"

Opinions please!

Tore Rambol

Cranliveien 37

N-3440 Royken

Norway

Standardization Encourages Innovation

While I am one who always looks forward to advances and innovation in the computer field, I fail to find the flaws in the home-computer market you claim exist in your February editorial ("The Compatibility Craze." by Lawrence J. Curran, page 4). The fact that IBM has become the de facto standard in microcomputers has led, I believe, to more, not less innovation. While the rate of change of new and radically different hardware pieces may have slowed down, both the quality and quantity of software have increased tremendously. The fact that one standard is dominating the hardware market means it's possible and profitable for larger and/or more unique software packages to be produced. One need only look at the success of a piece of software like Lotus 1-2-3. Would such a product have come to market had there not been standardization through the large sales of IBM PCs and PC-compatibles? Probably not. The cost of writing sophisticated software is high, both in terms of time and money. It has become less risky for software firms to introduce a new product because their initial ver(text continued on page 26)

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(text continued from page 24) sion (assuming it's written for the IBM and its compatibles) has the potential to reach a larger audience. No longer do software houses and individuals have to create a myriad of different versions to capture just a small share of the market. The success of Lotus 1-2-3 is largely based on this one standard. Other firms and individuals who can't afford, in terms of time or money, to write software for all of the different machines in existence have the oppor

tunity to write software with a better chance for returns. If this means that other, lesser "standards" such as CP/M-80 fall by the wayside, so be it. Consumers have already benefited significantly from the software that might not otherwise have been introduced.

Second, I do not see a decline even in the introduction of new, innovative hardware, lust because much of what's being introduced isn't as radically different as some might like does not mean that innovation has ceased. I like to

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think of this time as a period of refinement, versus the last period of a hodgepodge of products, many with dubious quality. I think the area of printers is a fine example. Over the past five years the price of the letter-quality machines has declined markedly while quality and durability have increased. And what of disk drives, modems, and other peripherals? One finds the same situation as with printers.

Over the past three years we have seen the introduction of new and innovative machines. Look at Osborne, Kaypro, the Epson QX-10, the NEC and Tandy "lap" computers. Grid. etc. Surely, these machines qualify as new and innovative.

I believe that the de facto standard that IBM has established in the home-computer market is a good thing. Further. 1 do not believe that this has led to a decrease in innovation. If anything is responsible for any perceived slowdown in innovation. I would place the blame with the nature of the new technology itself. Gone are the days of computers made in garages. The technology of late is complex. Smaller firms cannot compete with many of the larger ones because of this complexity. One need only read the series of articles on the latest Apple, the Macintosh, in your February issue. If lobs and Wozniak were starting now and had to compete with the likes of an Apple or an IBM in the home-computer market, their chances for success would be slim.

I remember a few short years ago when everyone was hollering for standardization. The market has done much in achieving this end. The fact that the composition of the businesses in the market is changing does not mean that innovation has died. If one is convinced that innovation is dead with respect to the manufacture of computers proper, look to the peripherals market, as here you will find an abundance of diverse firms producing a multitude of innovative products. The market is a mechanism that works. Entrepreneurial spirit is anything but dead in the computer industry. To "urge" funds to be spent differently, as you do in the aforementioned editorial, is a form of coercion no different from the urging done by Luddites (see your January editorial), albeit to different ends. The market has taken us this far already. As consumers, let us sit back and enjoy. We are the dictators of the market, not editors of magazines.

Raymond Frigo

64 Hamilton Park West

London N5

England

I just received the February BYTE and I see that your magazine, along with several other computer magazines this month, is objecting to the IBM PC "compatibility craze" because it hinders innovation, stifles creativity, etc. I would like to point out that computer makers have compelling reasons for this behavior that seem to be ignored in all the editorials on this subject.

First, the phenomenal success of the IBM PC

shows that it is exactly what a large number of

computer buyers want. The market ultimately

provides what the consumer demands. When

(text continued on page 30)

26 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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LETTERS

(text continued from page 26)

innovation is required (by the user) it will be

forthcoming.

Second, today's "innovation" is tomorrows "for sale" item when the newness has worn off and something more advanced comes along. A de facto standard like the IBM PC provides stability in the marketplace and allows the computer purchased today to retain its value—both monetarily and functionally—for a longer time.

Third, a new computer, no matter how advanced, cannot succeed if there is no software to run on it. What software manufacturer (except the very largest) can afford to modify its products every time a new innovation comes along? Small companies could not possible afford to provide versions for every kind of computer. A proliferation of incompatible hardware clearly would inhibit the innovative small software manufacturer.

Herbert R. Sorock

2241 Thornwood Ave.

Wilmette. IL 60091

Thanks Again

Please express my appreciation to E. Hart Rasmussen on the quality of his article entitled "Queue Simulation" (March, page 157).

I teach a class called "Port and Harbor Facilities Planning" at Oregon State University in which queuing applications relative to ship movements are discussed. Accordingly, I have called Mr. Rasmussen's article to the attention of students and staff interested in queuing applications.

Thanks again for a most informative article and for including an adaptable program on queuing.

Larry S. Slotta. Ph.D., RE.

Slotta Engineering Associates, Inc.

570 Northwest Van Buren St.

POB 1376

Corvallis, OR 97339

A Reviewer Replies

I just read the letter from David Colver (March, page 15) regarding my review of what HP now calls the HP9000 Series 200 Model 16. 1 feel compelled to reply to some of his statements.

Mr. Colver complains that my review of HP BASIC was inadequate, feeling that a game program is trivial as an example. He also said that 1 ignored file I/O and the subroutine and function features.

I stated in the review that I was not a fan of BASIC, making my prejudice clear. This was stated more strongly in my original manuscript, but it was made less prominent in the editing process. (This is not a complaint—my rant against BASIC was a bit excessive for a review of this nature.) My main purpose in using the game program was to illustrate the use of the knob, the user-programmable softkeys, and the graphics. The program in fact has four subroutines. I plead guilty to ignoring file I/O. 1 tried it, it worked, and I didn't feel the need (text continued on page 33)

30 B YTE • |UNE 1984

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simple steps required to create, send, receive, display, list, name and rename files. It even receives data completely unattended—especially helpful when you're sending work from home to the office, or vice versa.

If you need it, there's always "help:' This feature explains prompts, messages, etc. to make communicating extra easy.

With Smartcom II, it is. Case in point. Before you communicate with another system, you need to "set up" your computer to match the way the remote system transmits data. With Smartcom II, you do this only once. After that, parameters for 25 different remote systems are stored in a directory on Smartcom II.

Calling or answering a system listed in the directory requires just a few quick keystrokes. You can store lengthy log-on sequences the same way. Press one key, and Smartcom II automatically connects you to a utility or information service.

mqui! Hayes

32 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Smartmodem 300.1200. and 1200B are FCC approved in the U.S. and DOC approved in Canada.

Smartmodem 1200B. (Includes telephone cable. No serial card or separate power source is needed.)

Smartcom II communications software.

NOTE: Smartmodem 1200B may also be installed in the IBM Personal Computer XT or the Expansion Unit. In those units, another board installed in the slot to the immediate right of the Smartmodem 1200 B may not dear the modem: also, the brackets may not fit properly. If this occurs, the slot to the right of the modem should be left empty.

And. in addition to the IBM PC, Smartcom II is also available for the IBM Personal Computer XT, COMPAQ Portable, Corona Portable PC, Columbia MPC, DEC Rainbow 100, Xerox 820-II, and Kaypro II personal computers*

Backed by the experience and reputation of Hayes. A solid leader in the miaocomputer industry, Hayes provides excellent documentation for all products. A limited two-year warranty on all hardware. And full support from us to your dealer

So see him today Break out of isolation. Get a telephone for your Personal Computer. From Hayes.

Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc., 5923 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross, GA 30092.404/441-1617.

Smartmodem J00. Smartmodem 1200. Smartmodem 1200Band Smartcom II are trademarks of Hayes Miaocomputer Products, Inc. 'Trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation, Compaq Computer Corporation. Corona Data Systems. Columbia Data Products, Inc., Digital Equipment Corporation, Xerox Corporation, and Kaypro Corporation.Touch-Tone is a registered service mark of American Telephone and Telegraph. ©1984 Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc.

Circle 153 on inquiry card.

LETTERS

[text continued from page 30)

to test it further because there was so much

other stuff to test.

Mr. Colver also complains about my treatment of HP Pascal, saying that I ignored the elegant features of modules borrowed from Modula-2 in favor of picking on the bleeper The point of the bleeper raillery was to illustrate the rigmarole needed to access the simplest hardware functions and the lack of attention to detail I found in the Pascal package. Yes. the module feature is neat and elegant, but it renders programs that use it incompatible with either the ISO Pascal standard or Modula-2. Further, this feature was not borrowed from Modula-2 at all. but from MODCAL. HP's proprietary version of a hybrid (that's the nice word) between Pascal and Modula-2. (MODCAL was the implementation language of the Pascal system).

I still liked the machine. I think my impressions were summed up well in the March editorial ("Where BYTE Is Going," page 4), but a further problem I found was the alleged compatiblity with the other members of the Series 200 family. Almost compatible is often more frustrating than incompatible.

Berry Kercheval

Zehntel Inc.

2625 Shadelands Dr.

Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Mac Flak

Although 1 can understand your enthusiasm for the technical "bells and whistles" on the Macintosh ("The Apple Macintosh Computer" by Gregg Williams. February, page 30). 1 must say that as a practical productivity tool for business, it is abysmal. It is slow going from one function to another, text editing with the mouse is inefficient and cumbersome (try deleting or adding a single character—it's difficult to know exactly where the pointer is pointing), and its one strong point—the graphics free-form capability and creative fonts—is of limited value in a serious business environment. In short, it's a delightful, expensive, toy computer for those who have been afraid of trying computers. It is not a productivity aid.

Susan Gold

POB 6095

Santa Fe. NM 87502

Fighting City Hall

Your editorial comment "that IBM's burgeoning influence in the PC community is stifling innovation because so many other companies are simply mimicking Big Blue" ("The Compatibility Craze," February, page 4) is too little too late. How can a company dare to introduce a better machine when Microsoft's Word runs only on IBM PC hardware (no graphics/keyboard device drivers or overlays). (Perhaps for a sizable fee. Microsoft will create a special version for MS DOS.) And what about the glitches with INT 14 for servicing the RS-232C or the hardware problems in the 8150 UART? Very few software packages go through MS-DOS or PC-DOS ROMs

because they are either slow or incorrect.

Unless magazines such as BYTE encourage software vendors such as Lotus and Microsoft to centralize their software screen and keyboard handlers to go through overlay or device driver files (if done correctly, only one subroutine call overhead in performance), only clones will succeed. BYTE also could encourage reviewers not to grade machines solely on IBM compatibility. Some machines have implemented the communications interrupts correctly, it's just that nobody uses them and the software authors have made no provisions for supporting MS DOS. If it's true that operating system compatibility is dead, then hardware is where it's at. And if that's true, we have taken a giant step backward and some of the responsibility lies with magazines such as BYTE.

Avram Tetewsky

555 Tech Sq. MS 92

Cambridge. MA 02139

Simple Innovations

Your editorial call for innovation in the February issue ("The Compatibility Craze" by Lawrence |. Curran, page 4) was well placed. Three articles in the same issue deal with useful, fairly simple enhancements that vendors could add to new or even existing microcomputer designs:

• "A Low-Cost, LowWrite Voltage EEPROM" by loe D. Blagg. page 343. explained how to add circuitry to allow the in-memory reprogramming of EEPROMS.

• "Foot"Control" by Dennis M. Pfister (page 346) shows how to add sockets to the keyboard to allow the attachment of foot switches to activate the Control key. Escape key, etc. The user could even activate both keys, using two such switches, one for each foot. This would eliminate most double keystroke operations, and give microcomputers most of the convenience of dedicated word processors. Hopefully, some computer stores will offer to retrofit keyboards with such sockets and sell foot switches to go with them.

• More ambitiously, vendors might offer a built-in, software-selectable 132-column by 48-line display option (as described in "The Videx Ultraterm" by Peter V. Callamaras. page 310). Such a display truly expands the user's horizons.

\

Roger Knights

5446 45 Ave. SW

Seattle. WA 98136

Comparing Compilers

I found Kaare Christian's "Inside a Compiler: Notes on Optimization and Code Generation" (February, page 349) most intriguing, and I rushed to my IBM PC to see what kind of optimized code Microsoft's 3.13 Pascal compiler produces for the Sieve of Eratosthenes. |For more information see "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once More through the Sieve" by lim Gilbreath (text continued on page 34)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 33

LETTERS

{text continued from page 33) and Gary Gilbreath, January 1983. page 283] Eagerly comparing my COD listing to the DR1 and Intel listings, I saw a close correlation between Microsoft's and Intel's optimization strategies.

My summary: Where Intel dedicates CX and AX to somewhat specific functions, Microsoft seems to use AX generally. This results in five instructions (that the Intel code did not require) to load AX with the desired values. In one case, Microsoft saves an instruction, adding directly to the count in memory whereas Intel adds to and then stores AX. The bottom line is that Intel produces a tighter, faster Sieve, but not by much.

Because I use MS-DOS and do not have access to iRMX/86,1 was pleased to see how well Microsoft Pascal optimizes. Although some may be bothered by the fact that the Microsoft .COD file is just a memo listing and not an assemblylanguage source that can be modified, this suits me just fine. Code that is not tinkered with is one less picket in the fence to come loose—or one less to be hammered up in the first place. The fact that the compiler does such a good job of optimizing is key to my happiness.

As Christian points out, the use of COD lists is most helpful in analyzing alternative coding tactics. In one case, a piece of my Pascal source

code looked redundant because a variable expression was explicitly stated in two consecutive lines. When I compiled this alongside an alternative that precomputed the expression, 1 discovered that the compiler carried the results of the expression evaluation to the second line, doing automatically, and in less code, what I attempted to achieve in my alternative.

As a final note, Christian's discussion of ways to beat the FOR loop control was most instructive. Microsoft, by the way. exhibits the same weakness that Intel does.

Chet Floyd

664 18th St.

Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Still More on the Model 16

I have read with interest the correspondence regarding the performance of the TRS-80 Model 16 under XENIX (Letters, October 1983, page 20; December 1983. page 20; and February 1984. page 24). In one sense Radio Shack is not to blame for the slow response under MBAS1C or Multiplan because the use of floating-point arithmetic in both these products appears to substantially downgrade the potential. We have been using the Model 16 for almost

a year with both MBASIC and Multiplan and have found it surprising that with these products the performance was not impressive but that the system commands (written in C) suggest that the machine had all the power we wanted.

More recently we benchmarked the system in C. For a simple processing loop we found that even with floating-point arithmetic. C will perform the operation around 15 times faster than interpretive MBASIC. .but if integer arithmetic is used, the speedup becomes a factor of around 90 times.

The message is clear. Floating-point arithmetic on the Model 16 is the main cause of poor performance.

Given the speedup provided by software written in C, there seems little doubt that, in terms of processing, the Model 16 is more than adequate to deal with the number of users that Radio Shack says can be supported. I would be interested to learn from your readers whether there are any hardware solutions I could use to overcome the floating-point arithmetic problem.

D O. Rowe

109 King Charles Rd.

Surbiton,

Surrey.

England ■

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EQUATIONS PROCESSED

NO PENCIL. NO PAPER. NO MANUAL LABOR.

The TKISolver® program will take on your toughest problemslinear, quadratic, simultaneous equations, whatever. Then stand back. Because TKISolver turns your personal computer into a simple, yet powerful, desktop equation processor.

Whether your problem is a simple formula or a model consisting of many equations, TKISolver can help improve your productivity. Once the equations are written, enter the known values, press the ! key, and TKISolver gives you the answer.

Engineers, scientists, architects, financial analysts and planners, educators, researchers, and other professionals who use equations and mathematical models can work more creatively with TKISolver.

TKISOLVER GIVES YOU: BACKSOLVING

If the programs you use now require you to rewrite the same equation to solve for different unknowns, TKISolver can dramatically improve your productivity. Enter your problem once and then solve for the unknowns no matter where they are in your equation.

ITERATIVE SOLVING

If TKISolver can't solve an equation directly, take an educated guess at the answer. Type the I key and the TKISolver program starts with your guess and performs repeated approximations to converge on the answer.

LIST SOLVING

Given a list of input values, TKISolver automatically calculates the equation for every value in

your list. For example, if you want to know how different interest rates will affect monthly loan payments, enter a list of interest rates and let TKISolver calculate the payment amount for each value.

UNIT CONVERSIONS

Any type of unit conversionFahrenheit to Celsius, meters to feet, dollars to deutschemarks, newtons to dynes-can be made without altering your equations. Just define the numerical relationship between two units of measurement and the TKISolver program automatically converts the variable value to the unit you specify.

TABLES AND PLOTS

Quickly generate tables and plots of your results on your screen or printer.

AVAILABLE NOW

You can run the TKISolver program on the IBM® PC and XT and compatible machines, the Digital™ Professional™ 350, the Digital™ Rainbow™ 100, the Wang Professional Computer, Apple®//e, and on the following personal computers using MS™-DOS: Tl Professional Computer, GRiD Compass Computer,™ Canon AS-100, Eagle® 1600, Toshiba T300, and the Zenith Z-100.™

SEE IT TODAY

There's more. Lot's more. But you'll have to see it to believe it. And that's easy. Bring your own equations into your nearest computer retailer and . ask to see the TKISolver program in action. The world's first equation processor for personal computers.

TKISolver

By Software Arts" creators of VisiCalc®

27 Mica Lane, Wellesley, Massachusetts 02181 617-237-4000

Copyright © 1984 Software Arts, Inc. All rights reserved.

Circle 299 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 35

HOW

TO RUN

THE WORLD

.■:■;-'' ■

Without software you're nowhere.

That's why the Corona PC runs virtually everything. Word Star.1 dBASE H? Lotus 1-2-3 3f Thousands of packages in all. But we didn't stop there.

We give you 60% better graphics than IBM® (640x325 pixels). So your pie charts look tastier. We doubled the memory: 128K memory expandable to 512K on the main board. For power that won't quit. And we bundle software. For instant productivity right out of the box. All at a price about 20% less than IBM's.

The Corona PC. Once you can run the world, runningyour business looks easy. In North America, call 1-800-621-6746 for the Authorized Corona Dealer near you. In Holland, call 020-03240-18111. There are over 1600 dealers worldwide. And their job is to help. Service by Xerox.

THE CORONA PC

©Corona Data Systems 1984.1. TM Micropro Corp. 2. TM AshtonTate. 3. TM Lotus Development Corp. *HTS driver needed for graphics only.

Circle 89 on inquiry card.

corona

data systems, inc.

UPDATE

Developments

More on the Tandy TRS-80 Model 2000

In our Product Description of the Tandy Model 2000 (March, page 306) Rich Malioy mentioned that a numeric coprocessor chip may be offered as an option at some future date. The chip he suggested was the Intel 80187. We have since learned that the motherboard for the Tandy 2000 does not have a socket for a numeric coprocessor chip and that such an option will most likely be offered as part of an add-on board for one of the expansion slots.

We have also learned that Intel has decided not to market an 80187 coprocessor chip to work with the 80186 microprocessor. According to Rick Schue, a Regional Applications Specialist at Intel's Dayton, Ohio, sales office, Intel instead will make available an integrated buscontroller chip called the 82188. This chip will allow the 80186 processor to work with the 8087 numeric coprocessor, which is readily available. The new bus controller will also permit the 8086 family of processors to work with two other coprocessors: the 82 586, a local-areanetwork coprocessor, and the 82730, a text coprocessor that will simplify such things as proportional spacing and superscripts.

Sweet Talker II

If you're interested in buying the SS1263 speechsynthesizer chip described in the March Circuit Cellar project, "Build a Third-Generation Phonetic Speech Synthesizer'' (page 28), it's available from CC1, Box 428, Tolland, CT 06084, (203) 875-5795, for $65 plus $2 shipping (includes the Apple algorithm and data sheets).

You also can buy the assembled and tested Sweet Talker II speech-synthesizer board. This board comes with the SSI263, demonstration software, a user's manual, and a text-to-speech algorithm on a DOS 3.3-formatted floppy disk. It costs $100 plus shipping, from The Micromint Inc., 561 Willow Ave., Cedarhurst. NY 11516; to order toll-free, call (800) 645-3479. For information only, call (516) 374-6793.

If you decide to build the board yourself, be aware of an error in figure 2 (page 32). IC1 pin 22 should connect with the Apple Bus pin 38.

Product News

Santa Clara Systems recently announced that increased outlays for components have forced the company to raise the price of its PCterminal to $1595. The PCterminal is an IBM PC-compatible computer with a built-in local-area network. It can function as an intelligent terminal in a PCNet network. The original price was $1295.

• The Word Processor—Professional Version has undergone a number of changes according to its Fresno-based publisher, Mirage Concepts. Primarily, its price has dropped to $89.95 from $99.95. Also, a spelling checker has been added, and its print and loading capabilities have been streamlined.

• 3Com Corporation has reduced the cost of its Etherlink interface and software to $795, a 16 percent reduction. In addition, EtherShare software now supports a single IBM PC as both a network server and workstation; previously, a dedicated server was required. A new chip, called EtherStart. which allows the IBM PC to function on the network without local drives or controllers, was also announced by the Mountain View, California, communications company.

• From Solana Beach, California, we learn that Kaypro Corporation has dropped the price of the Kaypro 2 to $1295. The company hopes this move will encourage more people to try its popular computer.

• Novation has announced across-the-board price reductions of its Apple-Cat II communications line. Cutbacks range from $40 off the Apple-Cat II 1200-bps modem upgrade (now $349) to a $130 price cut for the 300/1200-bps 212 modem, which now lists for $595. Novation, headquartered in Chatsworth, California, is also trying to induce consumers by offering a free CompuServe demonstration pack with their purchase.

• Staff Technology Corporation, Del Mar, California, has lowered the price of the serial version of The Key to $210 (1 to 99 units). The Key is a hardware module that protects software from unauthorized use.

• Lotus will no longer market a version of 1-2-3 for the Victor 9000 computer. Jim Manzi, vicepresident of sales and marketing for the Cambridge, Massachusetts, software developer, cited Victor Technologies' recent financial woes as reason for the decision. Lotus will continue to support all Victor users who have purchased 1-2-3.

Info Interchange Standards

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has been working on a set of standards and formats to facilitate the electronic interchange of business information. When fully implemented, the new procedures should eliminate such paper exchanges as purchase orders and invoices for companies desiring the greater speed and efficiency of electronic communications.

A free report discussing these standards is now available. Single copies can be obtained from X12 Secretariat, TDCC, 1101 17th St. NW Washington, DC 20036, (202) 293-5514.

Feedback

Benchmarks and Age

Mike Forman, employed with Hewlett-Packard's Systems Division in Fort Collins, Colorado, wrote us in defense of the HP 984 5 A computer, which he felt was slighted in Jeffrey Star's article "Favorite Benchmarks" (February, page 436). While running his CBASIC benchmarks, Mr. Star noticed that the $30,000 HP computer was "not suited for plain number-crunching because of its BASIC-in-ROM interpreter" and that it was "faster than the $5000 IMS5000's pseudointerpretive CBASIC (version 2) but slower when compared with compiler Microsoft FORTRAN-80."

Mr. Star attributed the slow response to the fact that CBASIC and CB-80 use double-precision real mathematics. Mr. Forman points out that the HP 9845 employed quad-precision mathematics.

"The crux of the matter," says Forman, "is that comparing an older product against current competition will always give a false indication of the price/performance ratio. Newer products cost less for a given performance level."

He then ran Mr. Star's benchmark on an HP 9000 Model 216, which costs approximately $5000 with BASIC The benchmark was run in interpretive, interactive BASIC, using quadprecision (i.e., 64-bit numbers); integers were not used for loop counters. Table 1 on page 40 shows the results.

In summary, Mr. Forman reminds us that benchmarks can be misleading. "One must be aware of the intended application before selecting a benchmark, lust because a language is interpreted doesn't mean that the machine is slow. Conversely, a compiled language doesn't assure speed."

Technical Point Clarified

Katherine Hammer, Texas Instruments' section manager/natural-language branch, dropped us a line to express her satisfaction with Mark Haas's article on Tl's NaturalLink to the Dow Jones News/Retrieval service (January, page 324) and to clarify a technical misunderstanding that cropped up in the article.

The point in question was Mr. Haas's suggestion that NaturalLink's "Build Questions" option is table-driven. "Such a deduction," explains Ms. Hammer, "is understandable since the syntactic simplicity of the command language for Dow Jones News/Retrieval would lend itself to such an approach. Nevertheless, the actual software underlying INaturalLink's] component ... is a general-purpose parser/translator capable of handling a large portion of the structures that (tot continued on page 40)

38 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 328 on inquiry card. —►

Our Family Tree Is Growing Again

) user mullinroc essiiu

(4 or (i MHz), 1 serial ports, (>4k RAM, and _'K I IK ) buffer for ea< h user! A cost effective way lo add users to your multiprocessing system.

HD/CTC A hard disk and cartridge tape controller combined together on one board! A Z-80 CPU (4 or 6 MHz); 16K ROM, and up to 8K RAM provide intelligence' required to relieve disk I/O burden from host system CPU. Round out your multi-processing system with an integrated mass storage/backup controller.

Systemaster

I he ultimate one b < omputer; use it a i omplete single-u^ system or .is the "master" in a mult

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SBC-l A multiprocessing slave board computer with Z-80 CPU (4 or 6 MHz), 2 serial ports, 2 parallel ports, and up to 128K RAM. Provides unique 2K FIFO buffering for system block data transfers. When used with TurboDOS or MDZ/OS the results are phenomenal!

1 IVaJ

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> parallel ports, floppy controller, DMA, real time clock, RAM drive disk emulation package, and Teletek's advanced CP/M BIOS or TurboDOS.

TELETEK

UPDATE

(text continued from page 38)

Table 1: The results obtained by Mr. Forman after a 40-™ loop of the benchmark program described in "Favorite Benchmarks'.' All the results, except for those listed for the HP 216, appeared in \effrey Star's February article.

Time (seconds)

IMS 5000 HP Model 216 HP9845 CBASIC FORTRAN-80 CB-80 16 74 443 44 285

occur in natural language. Consequently, this software can be used to provide a similar kind of interface to any number of underlying systems."

Our thanks to Ms. Hammer for clearing up this issue.

Miscellanea

Library Templates Sought

Microcomputer Libraries would like to hear from librarians willing to share general-purpose software templates that they might have developed. Any librarians desiring to use the templates or contribute to the group's collection are encouraged to write Microcomputer Libraries, 145 Marcia Dr., Freeport, 1L 61032.

Computer Science Programs to Share

The ECN, an educational forum promoting the interchange of ideas and applications, has a number of computer-science programs to share with educators. In all, 15 programs can be obtained for the price of the disk and postage. The programs are designed for the Apple 11+ and lie and include BASIC, machine-language, and DOS tutorials. For information, send a selfaddressed stamped envelope to Educational Computing Network, POB 8236-CS, Riverside, CA 92515.

Address Update

LDH Computing, publisher of the Tutor-PC/ Graphics program, which was recently men

tioned in BYTE, has moved. The new address is 1496 North Mornlngside Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, (404) 885-9735; Source account: TCD2 57; CompuServe account; 70270,140.

Music for Your Ears

PC Musician, a free musical-composition program for the IBM PC, lets you create and edit music on screen as well as store, retrieve, and play back your creations. PC Musician requires 64K bytes of memory, a single disk drive, PCDOS, and a monochrome or color-graphics adapter. A donation is requested if you find the program useful or enjoyable. Send a formatted disk and a postage-paid mailer to Christopher Wiley, POB 111, VAMC, Prescott, AZ 86313.

$10,000 Scholarship to be Awarded for Best Program

Software City has announced that it will award a $10,000 college scholarship to the student who produces the most marketable computer program. In addition, four runner-ups will receive $1000 scholarships. Eligible programs must be formatted to run on Adam, Apple H/lle. Atari, Commodore 64, or IBM Personal Computers. Other formats may be announced, and (tact continued on page 44)

ALF COPY SERVICE

1315F Nelson Street

Denver, CO 80215

(303)234-0871

FAST • RELIABLE • LOW COST

If you produce software, ALF's disk copying service is the quick, convenient answer to your duplication needs. Most orders are shipped in less than a week. Every disk we copy is verified bit by bit and guaranteed 100% flawless.

We can copy virtually formats: Apple II (including i Apple III, Atari, IBM PC, $fv Zenith Z-90 and Z-100, and^bre. Copy formats.

Our "no frills" pricing need—set-up charges start at $10, and copyii side. (See blank disk prices^ counts available for large order

Of course, we have the frilfsHflQJ^beJ application, 3-hole vinyl pages, printing of labels and sleeves, shrink packaging, heat sealing, and much more. We can put your product in a customized package—vinyl folder or IBM-style binder/slip case—for a low price in small or large quantities.

ALF is one of the oldest and most trusted names in the duplication business. ALF designs and manufactures copying machines that other copying services and software publishers around the world rely on every day. Our complete understanding of duplication technology assuresyou of the finest reproduction available.

We're eager to solve your duplication and packaging problems— whether you want one serviceVor a/lotal package. Give us a call today!

ed mini format. Standard

double-boot, and fast load),

sborne, TRS-80 I and III,

n is available for most

o buy extras you don't rges are 30q: to 40$ per copies.) Quantity dis

BLANK DISKS

ALF buys large quantities of disks for our disk copying service — and we can pass our savings on to you. If you're buying hundreds of disks, ALF is your ideal source for top quality disks at a reasonable price. We buy our disks in bulk packages, avoiding the expense of fancy printing and labeling.

The disks listed below are 5 1/4",

soft sector, double density, unlabeled,

with hub reinforcement ring. Other

disks are available, call for details.

SINGLE SIDED

MEMOREX $160 per 100 NASHUA $160 per 100 VERBATIM $160 per 100

DOUBLE SIDED

MEMOREX $185 per 100 VERBATIM $195 per 100

OTHER BRANDS AVAILABLE.

Without sleeves: add $2.50 shipping per 100.

With tyvek sleeves: add $7 plus $2.50 shipping per 100.

Packed in boxes of 10 with tyvek sleeves: add $15 plus $3.00 shipping per 100.

40 B YTE • JUNE 1984

from us could solve

service

We've noticed that some words cause PC owners extreme anxiety. Words like

'The disk drive blew, come up on the screen. printer won't print."

'The data won't ." and "The

Well, the next time words like that are echoing in your ears, just ask

for Americare service from Xerox. Unlike a lot of manufacturers and deal

XEROX® and Americare™ are trademarks of XEROX CORPORATION.

IBM PC* and [he IBM logo are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Quadram* is a registered trademark of Quadram Corporation.

Service for a variety of systems.

ers, we don't restrict our repair service to one select brand. Instead, we service 22 of them, including 82 different models. From IBM PCs to Quadram boards. And from Amdek monitors to Okidata printers. Our technicians undergo intensive training on the equipment we service. In fact, they probably know as mtich about servicing it as the people who made it.

And they work fast, so in mostfcases they can have your PC up and running

Repairs in

48 hours or less.

42 BYTE- JUNE 1984

XEROX

TM

again in 48 hours or less.

Of course, you can't get it back fast if the parts aren't available. Which is why we're downright obsessive about keeping our parts department well stocked.

Americare has Xerox Service Centers that provide you with a nationwide support

system. And to make service even

In addition, we offer a

££££& - - choice of on

site, depot or pick-up and delivery service. \ear-long service contracts or time and materials service agreements are available. So call 800-238-2300 for the Americare dealer nearest you.

_easier, you can reach us through our network of over 3,000 authorized computer dealers.

Well stocked parts departments.

It's the first thing to do when you're looking for the last word in service.

Circle 362 on inquiry card.

JUNE 1984 • BYTE 43

UPDATE

{text continued from page 40) applications for other computers will be considered on a case-by<ase basis. Applications will be judged in one of five categories: business, home, recreation, and system software. Applicants must have graduated high school after January 1, 1984.

All entries must be received by December 31, 1984. For complete information and scholarship application, contact Software City Corporate Headquarters. 1415 Queen Anne Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666, Attn: Scholarship Director. Software City, which specializes in software and accessories, had more than 60 franchises in operation at the end of 1983.

Free Update for Macintosh Multiplan

Microsoft Corp. was to begin shipping free updates of Macintosh Multiplan version 1.00 in mid-April. Registered owners should receive the update. Multiplan version 1.01, automatically. The 70 percent of owners who have not registered their purchase should send the warranty card to receive the update. If the warranty card is lost, a sales receipt as proof of purchase can be sent to Microsoft Corp., Customer Service, 10700 Northup Way. Box 97200. Bellevue. WA 98009.

Art Curricula Available from Museum

The Capital Children's Museum has made available two courses for classroom teachers: "Teaching Art Through Computers" and "Teaching Computers Through Art." Both curricula come with complete lesson plans and suggestions for supplementary materials. Designed for students ages 11 to 15, they are based on the use of the Atari 800 and a graphics program called Paint. Computer use is a part of each lesson.

Either curriculum can be obtained for the price of copying and shipping by teachers who will test the programs and provide the museum with suggestions for improvements. The cost is S5. Additional information is available from Computer Curricula, Capital Children's Museum, 800 Third St. NE, Washington, DC 20002.

Educational Conference Proceedings

Arizona State University has announced the availability of the 1983 Microcomputers in Education Conference Proceedings. The proceedings cost $20. The 1982 conference proceedings are still available for $15. Purchase-order transactions cost $5 more. Contact Arizona State University, College of Education, Payne Hall B203. Tempe, AZ 85287. Attention: Tina Hite.

BYTE's Bugs

Confusion's Cause: Omitted Symbols

The greater-than and less-than symbols were inadvertently omitted from Richard Willis's IBM PCjr benchmark programs, which accompanied G. Michael Vose and Richard S. Shuford's article "A Closer Look at the IBM PCjr" (March, page 320). Make the following corrections to

listing 1: 820 1220 1230

IF A(I)<=A(1+1) THEN 870 IF ASC(C$(I))<65 THEN 1250 IF ASC(C$(I))>90THEN 1250

Gremlins in Utility Program

Gremlins bit into listing 1 in lames Folts's "A Cross-Reference Utility for IBM PC BASIC Programs.'' (August 1983. page 378). In line 610, the conditional statement checks for REM or data codes. If true, the remainder of the line is skipped. The 2-byte code for the FRE function is 255 143. and the code for SGN is 255 132. Byte 143 will be interpreted as a REM and byte 132 as a data code, which causes the rest of the line to be discarded. To correct this, make the following changes: (text continued on page 46)

££#

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w

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PRINTERS

C. ITOH

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Prowriter8510 $335

8510 SP $460

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V* 8510 BPI

M0 Serial or Parallel

COMREX

Cr-2 $450

Keyboard $150

DIABLO

620 RO $860

630 RO $1715

630 ECS/IBM $2090

S-ll $560

Ml $560

EPSON

All model) SAVE

INFORUNNER

Riteman $250

JUKI

6100 $480

NEC

2010 $780

2050 S905

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letter Pro 20S $609

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PC-8281A Recorder $89

PC-8201A-90 Battery Pack $15

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MODEMS

HAYES

1200 $490

1200B $435

300 $205

Mlcromodem lie $240

DISK DRIVES

RANA

Elite 1 $215

Elite 2 $345

Elite 3 $410

1000 w/DOS (for Atari) $305

MONITORS

TAXAN

12" Amber $125

ZENITH

12" Green $95

12" Amber $120 *. ■»

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Prices reflect 3% to 5% cash discount Product shipped in factory cartons with manufacturer's warranty. Free shipping is on UPS ground only. Prices & availability subject to change without notice. Send cash- ^^J ier's check or money t\^ order...all other *v^t^ checks will ■**!%-* delay shipping two weeks.

«

f

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<pW*#

44 BYTE • JUNE 1984

ISOO

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UPGRADES FOR YOUR IBM PC /PC COMPATIBLES

1501 • 10 Mega-byte Winchester

• Modular hard disk controller

$1095.00

1502 • 10 Mega-byte Winchester

• Floppy/Hard disk controller $1295.00

1516 • Half-high tape drive

• XT-Power Supply $ 995.00

1517 • Half-high tape drive

• Half-high floppy drive

• XT-Power Supply $1265.00

1518 • Half-high tape drive

• Half-high 10 Mega-byte Winchester

• Hard disk controller

• XT-Power Supply $2095.00

1520 • 20 Mega-byte Winchester

• Hard disk controller $1595.00

1521 • Half-high tape drive

• Half-high 20 Mega-byte Winchester

• Hard disk controller

• XT-Power Supply $2495.00 IS40 • 40 Mega-byte Winchester

• Hard disk controller

• XT-Power supply $2895.00

• I8M 6 a registered irademafk

of International Business Machines Corporation

IS41 • Half-high tape drive

• Half-high floppy drive

• 40 Mega-byte Winchester

• Hard disk controller

• XT-Power Supply ISPS • XT-Power Supply

TAPE FOR YOUR IBM XT

XT01 • Half-high tape drive

• Half-high floppy drive

Micro Design International Inc. has been serving the computer industry for over VI years, call us today for our complete catalog or to place your order.

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UPDATE

(text continued from page 44)

610 IF (C-143 OR C-132) AND COLD <> 2 55 THEN WHILE C <>0 .... 7050 COLD-C : C-ASC(CS(FTR))

The variable COLD contains the value of the previous byte. Line 610 will now check the new byte as well as the previous one.

Many thanks to). A. Griffioen for this correction.

Typo Mars Listing

Sharp-eyed Ken Dawson of Louisville, Kentucky, found a typo in Kaare Christian's article "Inside a Compiler: Notes on Optimization and Code Generation" (February, page 349). Under the Pascal-86 code in listing 3 on page 358. change the second line in P7 to read

INC AX

Our thanks to Ken Dawson.

Bugs Blemish Character Editor

P. E. Burcher of Alexandria, Virginia, has reported a number of minor errors in Raymond A. Diedrichs's "A Character Editor for the IBM PC" (November 1983, page 467). For listing 1, Burcher recommends that you change

FFREPEAT in line 1320 to FREPEAT and that you delete the word REM in line 3140. Tb avoid an unwanted scroll when the last line of the experiment page is displayed, change line 3160 to read

3160 IF I<EXPROW THEN PRINT

Also, correct the number 1024 to read 1023 in line 8065, This allows the BASIC interpreter and the Font Editor to read user-defined symbols correctly.

Like most programmers. Burcher couldn't resist the urge to tamper with a program. Listing 1 (presented here) is Burcher's prescribed patch for a more graceful exit to the BASIC command mode.

Raymond Diedrichs wrote us with an update of the Font Editor's initialization of the interrupt vector for newer PCs. (It's correct for older versions.) Change line 8070 to

8070 DEF SEG- 0: POKE 124.0:

POKE 125, (TABLEADDR/2 56)

and add line 8071

8071 POKE 126,0: POKE 127,0

An improved copy of the Font Editor program is available to any interested readers who send Mr. Diedrichs a formatted disk and return postage.

Listing I: RE. Burcher prescribes this patch for a more graceful exit to the BASIC command mode from Raymond Diedrichs's character-editor program for the IBM PC.

1055 CLOSE: GOTO 9100

STOP

9100 RESTORE SOFTKEYS AND END GRACEFULLY

9105 KEY I, "LIST": KEY 2.

"RUN " + CHR$(I3): KEY 3, "LOAD' KEY 4. "SAVE " + CHR$(34):KEY 5. "CONT" + CHR$(l3|

9110 KEY 6, "," + CHR$(34} + "LPTI:" + CHR$4(34)+ CHR$(13): KEY 7. "TRON' + CHRS1I3): KEY 8. "TROFF' + CHR$(I3): KEY 9, "KEY": KEY 10, "SCREEN 0, 0, 0, " + CHRS(13)

9115 KEY ON: SCREEN 0. 0, 0: CLS

9120 END

DEVELOPMENT HARDWARE/SOFTWARE HIGH PERFORMANCE/ cost ratio

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EPROM PROGRAMMER

Compatible w/all Rs 232 serial interface port * Auto select baud rate • With or without handshaking * Bidirectional Xon/Xoff and CTS/DTR supported * Read pin compatible ROMS • No personality modules • Intel. Motorola. MCS86, Hex formats * Split facility for 16 bit data paths • Read, program, formatted list commands * Interrupt driven, program and verify real time while sending data • Program single byte. block, or whole EPROM • Intelligent diagnostics discern bad and erasable EPKOM * Verify erasure and compare commands • Busy light • Complete w/Textool zero insertion force socket and integral 120 VAC power (240 VAC/50Hz available)

DR Utility Package allows communication with 7128. 7228. and 7956 programmers from the CP/M command line. Source Code is provided. PGX utility package allows the same thing, but will also allow you to specify a range of addresses to send to the programmer. Verify, set the Eprom

•ype- ^^^__^^^____

MODEL 7316 PAL PROGRAMMER

Programs all series 20 PALS. Software included for compiling PAL source codes. .

Software Available for CPM, ISIS.

Model 7I28-L1.L2.L2A .$239.00

Model 7128-24 $329.00

DR8or DR5 $ 30.00

DR8POX or DR5PGX $ 75.00

Cross Assemblers $200.00

XASM (for MSDOS) . . $250.00

U/V Eraser DE-4 $ 78.00

RS232 Cables $ 30.00

8751 adapter $174.00

8755 adapter $135.00

48 Family adapter .....$ 98.00

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Avocet Cross Assemblers are available to handle 8748, 8751 Z8, 6502, 680X. etc. Available for CP/M and MSDOS computers. Order by

Erocessor type and specify ind of computer.

Model DE-4 U/V Products hold 8. 28 pin parts. High quality professional construction.

MODEL 7324 PAL PROGRAMMER

Programs all series 20 & 24 PALS. Operates stand alone or via RS232.

46 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 149 on inquiry card.

BASF QUALIMETRICFLEXYDISKS®

BUILT FOR ETERNITY-WARRANTED FOR A LIFETIME.

BASF Qualimetric FlexyDisks® offer you more...an extraordinary new lifetime warranty* The BASF Qualimetric standard is a dramatic new international standard of quality in magnetic media...insurance that your most vital information will be secure for tomorrow when you enter it on BASF FlexyDisks today.

We can offer this warranty with complete confidence because the Qualimetric standard reflects a continuing BASF commitment to perfection...a process which begins with materials selection and inspection, and continues through coating, polishing, lubricating, testing, and 100% error-free certification. Built into our FlexyDisk jacket is a unique two-piece liner. This BASF feature traps damaging debris away from the media surface, and creates extra space in the head access area, insuring optimum media-to-head alignment. The result is a lifetime of outstanding performance.

When your information must be secure for the future, look for the distinctive BASF package with the Qualimetric seal. Call 800-3434600 for the name of your nearest supplier.

Circle 41 on inquiry card.

ENTER TOMORROW ON BASF TODAY

¥)ur System Deserves The Best!

Kev Tronic Keyboards.

To enhance the performance of your personal computer or computer terminal, ask your dealer for a plug-compatible Key Tronic keyboard.

Key Tronic Corporation is the world's largest independent manufacturer of computer keyboards.

Key Tronic keyboards are engineered for performance and reliability, and are backed by a 14-year tradition of manufacturing excellence. All Key Tronic plug-compatible keyboards feature:

• Familiar typewriter key locations and legends

• Low-profile design

• Solid-state capacitive switches

• Positive tactile feedback Each production element, from printed

circuit boards to keytops is generated inhouse to insure high quality.

So ask your computer dealer for a hands-on demonstration of a Key Tronic keyboard.

Call Toll Free 1-800-262-6006 for the retailer closest to you. (7 am-3 pm Pacific Time). Warranty information may be obtained by writing to the address below.

|f£Ui<.n/Vr.o|

c

KB 5151 and 5151jr — The Professional Series KB 5151 is plug-compatible with the IBM * PC and XT. KB 5151jr is plug-compatible with the IBM PCjr*. Both are available in DVORAK and foreign layouts, and special models are made for the handicapped.

EEHD B

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-4

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keytronic

"THE RESPONSIVE KEYBOARD COMPANY"

Department E • P.O. Box 14687 • Spokane, WA 99214 (U.S.A.) • (509) 928-8000 Circle 182 on inquiry card.

KB 5150 and 5150 jf^The Pnjesskmd Series KB 5150 is plug-compatible with the IBM* PC and XT. KB 5150 jr. is plug-compatible with the IBM PC jr.* Both are available in DVORAK and foreign layouts, and a special model is made for the handicapped. Suggested Retail Price: $209.00

'IBM and PC jr. are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation. 'Apple II is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. 'DEC VT-100 is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation.

*Televideo-925 is a registered trademark of Televideo

Systems, Inc. 'Radio Shack is a registered trademark of Tandy

Corporation.

WHAT'S NEW

Plug-In Bubble-Memory Boards Boost PC Storage

Hicomp Corporation's MBM-550 Bubble Drive family gives you either 256K or 512K bytes of nonvolatile high-speed mass storage on a single card that plugs into any IBM PC's I/O slot. The MBM-550 is compatible with PC-DOS 1.1 and 2.0 and appears to the user, DOS. and applications software as an additional floppy disk. The MBM-5 50 can be used as a stand-alone unit or in conjunction with floppy and hard disks. With a Bubble Drive, you can store applications programs, programs that are disk intensive, or critical data. Inasmuch as the MBM-550 is nonmechanical, it is practically maintenance free and many times more reliable than a floppy-disk drive. Nonvolatile bubble memory retains data without battery backup and is immune to dust. dirt, extreme temperatures, humidity, shock, and vibrations. These charac

Rainbow 100B

teristics also make the MBM-550 bubble drives suitable for storing the DOS or programs and data files when the operating environment precludes the use of mechanical disk drives.

Write-protect and boot-enable switches are standard features of the Bubble Drives. The writeprotect feature prevents stored files from being erased or written over, while the bootenable lets you boot your PC from the drive.

Other features include a selfinstallation feature that automatically installs the Bubble

Drive software after power-up. The 2 56K-byte MBM Bubble Drive offers an average access time of 45 milliseconds and an average transfer rate of 17K bytes per second. The 512Kbyte version has a 45-millisecond access time and a 34Kbyte-per-second transfer rate. They list for $995 and $1495, repectively. An optional RS-232C port increases the price $50. Contact Hicomp Computer Corp.. 5016 148th Ave. NE. Redmond, WA 98052, (206) 881-6030.

Circle 700 on inquiry card.

HP Laser Printer

Hewlett-Packard's LaserJet prints either text or graphics at a speed of eight pages per minute, or about 32 5 cps. This high-speed laser printer has an RS-232C interface so that it can be used with many personal computers, including the HP-150 and IBM PC While graphics can be printed with a resolution of 300 by 300 dots per square inch, configuration software will be needed for most graphics programs. Although the printer is a version of Canon's LBP-CX, it adds a special intelligent interface card.

Priced at $3500. the LaserJet will compete with high-speed daisy-wheel printers. Type-font cartridges cost $200 each. The ink. toner, and drum come in a $99 cartridge, which has an estimated life of about 3000 pages. Contact your local Hewlett-Packard sales office, or call (800) 547-3400; in Oregon. (503) 758-1010. Circle 701 on inquiry card.

Stand-Alone Videotex for the Pro 350

The Rainbow 100B is an enhanced version of DEC'S dualprocessor personal computer. The 100B includes 128K bytes of RAM (now expandable to 768K bytes), two 5K-inch 400Kbyte floppy-disk drives, dual Z80 and 8088 processors, and three expansion slots. An optional hard-disk drive can be added more easily than in the earlier Rainbow.

Bundled with the DEC Rainbow 100B are the CP/M-80, CP/M-86 version 2.0. and MSDOS version 2.05 operating systems. Concurrent CP/M-86 is also available as an option for $150.

The DEC Rainbow 100B is priced at $2750 without keyboard or monitor. For more information, contact Digital Equipment Corp.. 200 Baker St., Concord. MA 01742, (800) 344-4825. Circle 702 on inquiry card.

Pro/Videotex allows a Digital Equipment Corporation Professional 350 computer to be used as a stand-alone singleuser videotex system. Screens

of videotex graphics and text are stored on the system's 10-megabyte hard disk and can be recalled through menus, by keyword, or by page number.

Graphics and text are displayed using the NAPLPS protocol with a resolution of 768 by 240 pixels on a monochrome or color monitor.

The videotex database can be modified either by loading new information via floppy disk or by calling a remote mainframe computer. Pro/ Videotex costs $895. It requires a Professional 350 computer with Pro/Communications software, the P/OS version 1.7 operating system, the extended bit-map graphics option, and a 10-megabyte hard disk. Contact Digital Equipment Corp., 200 Baker St., Concord, MA 01742 (800) 344-4825. Circle 703 on inquiry card.

A NAPLPS-coded image is displayed on the DEC Professional 350 computer's color display using ProNideotex.

(text continued on page 52)

50 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 339 on inquiry card. —♦

You can bank on it. Your outlay will be less than if you settle for our major competitor, but not your output! A Password '' modem sends and receives up to 120 words a minute. Provides both 1200 and 300 baud capacity. Offers total interchangeability that lets you transmit information from any make microcomputer to any other make. And your investment is protected by a 2-year warranty.

Unlike our major competitor. Password'" delivers operating simplicity, plus the convenience of uncommon portability. Thanks to lighter weight, it goes almost anywhere. And because of the ingenuity of Velcro"' strips, it attaches wherever you need it, from the side of a desk to the side of a computer!

This means that Password " doesn't tie you

down, and its price won't hold you up. It features

auto-dial, auto-answer, and even knows when

to disconnect. If you're cost conscious,

but refuse to sacrifice high-speed

capability and performance, hook up

with the right modem—Password'."

The smart decision.

PASSWORD

by U.S. Robotics, Inc.

1123 W.Washington Chicago, IL 60607 Phone:(312)733-0497

- r

sed on suggested retail price nparisons of U.S. Robotics, Inc. id Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc.

WHAT'S NEW

Eagle Turbo Reportedly Twice as Fast as IBM PC

The Eagle Turbo XL has network file-server capabilities and is said to be twice as fast as the standard IBM PCcompatible. Operating at 8 MHz. the Turbo XL is designed with the 16-bit Intel 8086 microprocessor and with a minimum of wait states. A 256Kbyte computer, the Turbo XL comes with a 10-megabyte harddisk drive and a 360K-byte IBMformat double-sided, doubledensity 514-inch floppy-disk drive. The processing speed is switch-selectable from 4.77 MHz to 8 MHz to accommodate a variety of programs.

A detached 84-key Selectricformat keyboard is augmented with 10 function keys, a numeric pad, and LED indicators on all lock keys. Five IBM PC-compatible slots and a parallel port

comprise the Turbo XLs expansion capabilities. Up to 512K bytes of RAM can be installed on the main circuit board.

A 12-inch. P39 greenphosphor monitor and a 13-inch RGB monitor are available. Both provide high-resolution displays (i.e.. 720 by 352 pixels monochrome or 640 by 200 color) and 80 by 2 5 formats.

Additional options such as EagleNet 1 local-area networking software, monochrome adapter board, a color/graphics board, and interface ports are offered.

The Eagle Turbo XL costs $4995. Contact Eagle Computer Inc., 983 University Ave., Los Gatos, CA 95030, (408) 399-4200. Circle 704 on inquiry card.

j^^^^

Voice I/O with Telephone Management on Single IBM PC Board

Votan's VPC 2000 Voice Card is a single plug-in card that provides the IBM PC with voice recognition, speech generation, and telephone-management functions. With its accompanying software, you can use the Voice Card for speech command and control of your existing IBM PC programs.

For each applications program, you can define and incorporate up to 64 voice utterances that are linked to a sequence of applications-specific keystrokes. Each keystroke can contain as many as 30 characters. Thus, you can replace cumbersome keystroke combinations used to activate a word processor or spreadsheet with the voice input of your choosing.

The Voice Card features Votan's continuous speakerdependent recognition (CSDR), which lets you speak to your computer in a normal conversational flow, without pause between words. A word-spotting capability homes in on target words located anywhere within a stream of conversation. Rather than using fragmented grammar,

a series of commands or data input can be issued using normal sentence structure.

Votan asserts that its technology is the only commercially available speech recognition that operates over telephone lines. These abilities let you talk to your IBM PC from remote locations and have it respond to your commands verbally. The Voice Card's telephone-interfacing capabilities include autoanswer, auto-dial, and TouchTone encoding and decoding. A supplied program gives you immediate access to these features. In addition, these abilities give you a voice-controlled telephone dialer and an automatic answering/voice mail system.

The VPC 2000 Voice Card is contained on a single printedcircuit board that plugs into any of the IBM PC's long auxiliary system bus slots. A microphone, speaker, software, and documentation are included in its $2450 list price. Contact Votan, 4487 Technology Dr.. Fremont, CA 94538, (415) 490-7600. Circle 705 on inquiry card.

Briefcase Computer's Integrated Software Has Windows

The 1S-11 briefcase computer by Sord Computer of America comes with an integrated software package with multiwindow screens. Data handling, calculation, word processing, and communications capabilities are standard. The IS-ll's six function keys provide access to these applications and to a Help key. Optional applications software, including financial, communications, and advanced word-processing programs, comes in 60K-byte ROM packs.

The IS-ll's hardware features are 32K bytes of nonvolatile RAM. 64K bytes of ROM, and an 8-line by 40-character LCD display with an angle adjustment. A high-speed recorder provides mass storage; each tape can accommodate more than 128K bytes of data. The IS-11. built with CMOS technology, operates on rechargeable NiCad batteries. One charge is good for eight hours of operation. An AC adapter/ battery charger is supplied. The

unit weighs 4 pounds 6 ounces and measures ll13/6 by 8V\6 by VAt inches.

A thermal printer, a numeric keypad with 16 additional function keys, and a microfloppy-disk drive are options. The base price is $995. A version with a built-in modem will cost $1095. Contact Sord Computer of America Inc., 645 Fifth Ave. New York, NY 10022, (212) 759-0140 Circle 706 on inquiry card.

(tot continued on page 54)

52 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 342 on inquiry card. —►

ESS^X"

Re

Wt^c

Hester

ujitft

Sopvare

That's right, partner. Now is

the time to upgrade your PC

with the Sundown" disk.

Includes controller. Installs right

inside your PC in less than 10 minutes.

Backed by our full one-year warrranty.

But that's only half the story . . .

The Sundown comes loaded with VenturCom

Venix/86. This highly-acclaimed operating system

is a licensed implementation of AT&T's UNIX and is

the only MULTI-USER, MULTI-TASKING UNIX environment

available on the IBM PC. Plus you can store and run your

MS/DOS programs and files as well!

We offer immediate delivery. And our price . . .

now that will blow your boots off! Need we say more?

Reach for your phone and dial:

617-491-1264

Unisource Software Corp., Department 4109 71 Bent Street, Cambridge, MA 02141

'UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories.

WHAT'S NEW

$399 Modem Emulates Smartmodem Command Structure

DisplayWrite Software

For IBM's Personal Computers

The Signalman Mark XII modem emulates the Hayes Smartmodem's command structure. You can manually manipulate this answer/originate modem from your computer's keyboard or set it for automatic operation.

For Bell 103 compatibility. Mark XII can send or receive calls at 300 bps, while its 1200-bps data rate provides Bell 212A compatibility. The Mark XII detects dial tone and busy

Color Display for PCjr

signals, automatically displaying the status.

An on-board CMOS microprocessor, an RS-232C serial interface with built-in cable, and dual telephone jacks are provided.

The Signalman Mark XII is $399. Further information is available from Anchor Automation Inc., 6913 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406, (213) 997-6493. Circle 707 on inquiry card.

IBM recently introduced a color display monitor for its PCjr. In its 80-character mode, this di

rect-drive display is said to provide better character definition than a color composite-video monitor. Features include a 13-inch (diagonal) screen, 40- by 25-character mode, 320 by 200 lines, 16 colors, nonglare face, internal speaker, earphone connector, and front-panel controls. The display, which can tilt 10 degrees, can be placed on top of the PCjr system unit.

The IBM PCjr Color Display is $429. Contact IBM Corp., Entry Systems Division, POB 2989, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Circle 708 on inquiry card.

In a move intended to tie the IBM PC, PC XT, and PCjr more closely to the world of the company's larger computer systems, IBM has announced software for its personal computers that emulates many of the features employed by its minicomputer and mainframe computer word-processing systems and that can share files with those machines.

Both DisplayWrite 1 and DisplayWrite 2 have user interfaces that resemble those used by the DisplayWriter.

DisplayWrite 1 is a generalpurpose menu-driven word processor for the full range of IBM personal computers. It requires DOS 2.1 and 128K bytes of RAM.

DisplayWrite 2 extends the features of DisplayWrite 1 by adding a spelling checker, automatic hyphenation and pagination, and merge functions. However, because it requires 192K bytes of RAM, it will not run on the PCjr. An optional legal dictionary is available for DisplayWrite 2.

Both programs can generate ASCII files; DisplayWrite 2 can produce output that is directly

compatible with that of the DisplayWriter.

PCWriter for the PC, PC XT, and Portable PC is designed to look like and replicate most of the functions of word processing on the IBM 5520 Administrative System and the IBM System/23 Datamaster.

IBM will also market software called DisplayComm BSC for personal computers equipped with the IBM Personal Computer Binary Synchronous Communications Adapter, a minimum of 256K bytes of RAM, and an appropriate modem.

DisplayComm BSC provides emulation of IBM 2770/3780 and 2780 terminals and can be used to transmit DisplayWrite 2 files to the DisplayWriter as well as a selection of larger IBM systems.

DisplayWrite 1 will sell for $95, DisplayWrite 2 for $299, DisplayWrite Legal Support (optional legal dictionary) for $165, PCWriter for $199, and DisplayComm BSC for $375. Contact IBM Corp., Information Systems Group, 900 King St., Rye Brook, NY 10573. Circle 709 on inquiry card.

MicroPro Spelling Checker Features Phonetic Analysis

MicroPro International has unveiled a successor to SpellStar, the spelling checker sold as a complement to the company's WordStar word-processing package. The new program, named CorrectStar, is based on Houghton Mifflin's American Heritage Dictionary. Predictably, CorrectStar is fully interactive with WordStar-when it replaces a misspelled word in a WordStar file with a correction of a different length, the paragraph containing the error is reformed automatically and soft hyphens are inserted into text where appropriate. Corrections can be made one by one or replaced globally.

The program is a full-word checker: i.e., it uses no algorithms for attaching prefixes and suffixes to a list of roots, and hence is relatively foolproof. CorrectStar uses three

dictionaries: a 9000-word basic vocabulary that it reads into memory, a main dictionary of 65,000 words kept on disk, and a user-generated 1500-word personal dictionary. Personal dic

tionaries for specific subjects can be maintained and used for different documents, and all dictionaries can be edited as if they were WordStar text files. The major advance in spelling

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checker design, however, is CorrectStar's ability to suggest corrections based on phonetic similarities. For every word it can't locate in one of its dictionaries, CorrectStar recommends an alternative, and the program's algorithms enable it to "sound out" improbable spellings and achieve a high rate of success in determining replacements.

CorrectStar is available for the IBM PC, generic MS-DOS machines, the TI Professional, the DEC Rainbow, and the Tandy 2000. The memory requirement is 192K bytes of RAM. Suggested price is $195, and SpellStar owners will be able to purchase upgrades for $85. Contact MicroPro International Corp., 33 San Pablo Ave., San Rafael, CA 94903, (415) 499-1200. Circle 710 on inquiry card.

{text continued on page 56)

54 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Free and Easy

u

sing a Business Plotter is difficult and expensive, right? Wrong! That's the way things used to be. Roland DG's new hardware/software package not only makes plotting easy, it also makes part of the deal free!

During the months of April, May and June with the purchase of a Roland DC DXY-800 8-Pen X-Y Plotter, you get the KeyChart Presentation Graphics Software to run the plotter—Absolutely Free! A savings of $375.00.

At the heart of the package is the Roland DG DXY-800 X-Y Plotter, (the lowest priced 8-pen plotter on the market). The DXY-800 is an 8-pen intelligent plotter offering an 11" x 17" plot bed, Centronics parallel and RS-232 serial interfaces, and can also be used in either a horizontal or vertical (60 degree inclined) position, to conserve your desk-top space. Use regular paper or even acetate to produce overhead projection graphics.

Next add KeyChart, probably the quickest, and easiest software program for generating presentation-quality business graphics. You don have to be a programmer to use KeyChart. It is completely menu-driven and can provide automatic default values for every characteristic. Load in your data from the keyboard, or from almost any electronic spreadsheet, including Lotus 1-2-3.

Circle 288 on inquiry card.

JL

keyChart graphics software is high-quality, quick, and easy.

Why not take the work out ofyour next business

thanks to Roland DG, KeyChart can come to you for free.

oland DG's DXY-800 KeyChart package is available for most popular personal computers. Just plug it in, and within minutes you'll be creating the kind of graphics you thought might take days of programming. All of this comes to you for the DXY-800's normal low retail price of $995.00. KeyChart, normally priced at $375.00 is included at no additional cost. For those who don't need multi-pens, Roland DG also makes a single pen plotter (the DXY-101), also bundled with KeyChart for only $750.00 Why not let the Roland DG graphics system improve the quality of your business presentations? But you'd better hurry, this kind of free and easy dealing isn't going to last forever, just until June 30th. For a dealer near you contact: Roland DG, 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040,(213)685-5141.

KeyChart is a trademark of SoftKey Software Products Inc. Lotus and 1-2-3 are trademarks of Lotus Development Corp.

Roland DG

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 55

WHAT'S NEW

Create Graphics with Tablet, Software

Adult Power for PCjr

Suncom's Animation Station touch-sensitive graphics tablet and DataSoft's UltraGraphics software let you create graphics for presentations, animate screen displays, reposition words and symbols, store images, and draw pictures for the fun of it. With a touch of a finger or stylus, you can stretch, reshape, copy, and erase images. The Animation Station has

side-mounted dual left- or right-hand function buttons, and its surface area complements a home television's proportions. Printouts can be generated.

A line of software for education, entertainment, interior design, and word processing is in development.

Animation Station with UltraGraphics software is available for the Apple He. the Com

modore 64, the IBM PCjr, and Atari computers. The Apple lie version is $104.95. For the PCjr, it's priced at $124.95. The Atari and Commodore packages are $79.95. A Coleco Adam package will be offered. For more information, contact Suncom Inc., Suite E, 650 Anthony Trail, Northbrook, IL 60062, (800) 323-8341; in Illinois. (312) 291-9780. Circle 711 on inquiry card.

Multipurpose Software from AshtonTate

Framework is a fully integrated software package that combines word processing, database management, financial modeling, business graphics, and outline processing in a flexible windowing environment. Users can create multiple windows, or "frames," each of which contains up to 32,000 characters of data organized into one of four formats: text, spreadsheet, database report, or graphics. Data can be copied or moved from one frame to another, or linked between frames; as an example, it's possible to build a series of spreadsheets (in manageable units for output) that share common data and that recalculate themselves automatically when linked cells are modified. Though an individual frame can be treated as a complete file, the program is designed to allow frames of differing formats to be chained together into larger documents. The heart of the program (and what gives Framework its great

flexibility) is the underlying structure provided by the way it organizes frames into hierarchies. Single frames may be created as independent units of equal status, or they may be opened "within'' or "above" other frames. The program constructs an outline of frame titles as you work, and the resulting outline can be rearranged or modified as if it were a text file. By changing a frame's position within the outline, you change its location in the hierarchy. At any time, you can move from a screenful of frames to a view of the overall structure (the outline) with a couple of keystrokes. By moving the cursor to a new point within the outline and reversing the process, you can shift rapidly to working in a frame that's far removed from your starting point. It's also possible to organize your work flow by first writing an outline and then creating the related frames one at a time, in any order you

decide to arrange them.

The user interface of Framework is smooth and welldesigned. At no time are you more than two keystrokes away from an assortment of dropdown menus, and on-line help can be had with the push of a single function key. The bottom few lines of the screen report status (position within a frame or hierarchy, etc.) and show the nature of the current operation, e.g., cell formulas in a spreadsheet. All elements of the program are as powerful as many competing single-function products: the word processor supports complex formatting and handles sophisticated searchand-replace operations; the spreadsheet accepts intricate formulas and macro functions, either built-in or user-defined; the database manager is a table-oriented relational system that can also be used to generate views of existing dBASE II files; graphics can be derived from either spreadsheet or database information.

Finally. Framework includes its own extensive programming language." complicated manipulations can be developed and reused by any user or programmer.

Framework runs on the IBM PC and compatibles and requires only a two-floppy (double-sided) system with a minimum of 256K bytes of RAM. The program will be available in early luly. at an announced price of $695. For further information, contact Ashton-Tate, 10150 West iefferson Blvd.. Culver City. CA 90230, (213) 204-5570. Circle 712 on inquiry card.

The "jr extender" from Falcon Technology gives the IBM PCjr the capability of running "real" IBM PC software—all in a compact add-on box styled to match the PCjr's exterior. The "jr extender" contains a second double-sided, double-density 360K-byte disk drive; sockets for memory expansion up to an additional 256K bytes of random access memory; a power supply; two switched outlets for the PCjr and a display monitor. A single switch turns on or off the PCjr, monitor, and "jr extender."

The unit plugs into the PCjr's expansion port and attaches to the right side of the PCjr with four thumbwheel screws. The extender comes with a version of DOS 2.1 enhanced to accommodate the modifications.

As an option, you can purchase a lithium-powered clock and mouse port combination; you can attach either the two-button Microsoft mouse or a licensed version of the same product from Falcon. The clock board has an automatic timer function that allows you to preset the system to perform a task at a specific time.

The "jr extender" will retail for $995. No fixed prices were available for the options at press time, but a company spokesperson estimated that the clock/mouse port would sell for around $100. and the mouse for approximately $175. Contact Falcon Technology Inc.. Suite T-101. 6644 South 196th St., Kent, WA 98032, (800) 7222510: in Washington, (206) 251-8282. Circle 713 on inquiry card.

(text continued on page 468)

56 BYTE • IUNE 1984

QUARK COMBINES

WORD JUGGLER AND

TM

LEXICHECK.

FOR HALF THE PRICE.

vou can have the power of Quark's Word Juggler word pi ■ k - i ■ \nd the convenience of the Lexicheck spelling checker, with its 50,000 word dictionary and special Word Guess Plus ™ feature. All in one package. For virtually half the price.

The new suggested retail for Word Juggler lie is only $189. I Juggler for the Apple III and III Plus is only $229*.

Ask for a demonstration today. For the name of the Quark ^H dealer nearest you, call 1 (800) 543-7711. And be sure you look into Quark's other popular office automation tools for the Apple He, Apple HI and Apple HI Plus. Especially the Catalyst™ program selector.

♦Previous list prices: Word Juggler He, $239; Lexicheck He, $129; Word Juggler for the Apple III, $295; Lexicheck for the Apple III, $149. All prices suggested US. retail.

Quark, Word Juggler, Lexicheck, Word Guess Plus and Catalyst are trademarks of Quark Incorporated. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Circle 278 on inquiry card

Quark

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Apple'sfnew baby has

Microsoft BASIC on Apple's new Macintosh

Its called Macintosh And it has our brains and a lot of our personality

Were called Microsoft! And

our part of Macintosh is five new

programs that are bright, intuitive,

outgoing, understanding and born

1 to perform.

Our pride, your joy*

Microsoft Multiplan

Microsoft Chart

Taking advantage of Macintosh's mouse and rich graphics, we've designed software that works like you, even thinks like you.

All our programs share the same plain English commands. So what once took days to learn, now takes hours or minutes to learn with Macintosh.

Meet the family

Our financial whiz is MULTIPLAN® an electronic spreadsheet that actually remembers how you work. Even offers suggestions on spreadsheet set-up.

When it comes to writing, nothing travels faster

Microsoft and Multiplan are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Apple is a registered trademark and Macintosh is a trademark licensed to Apple Computer, Inc.

our best features*

than our WORD, Using the mouse, it lets you select commands faster than you can say "cheese!"

Our most artistic child is CHART It gives you 40 presentation-quality chart and graphic styles to choose from.

FILE is our most manageable child, an advanced personal record management program. MICROSOFI And BASIC, the language spoken by nine out of ten microcomputers worldwide, is the granddaddy of them all. Now enhanced to take advantage of the

Macintosh mouse, windows and graphics. We 11 be adding more to the family soon. So call 800426-9400 (in

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ASK BYTE

RS-232C for the Apple He

Dear Steve,

I would like to build an RS-232C card for my Apple He to use with your modem described in the March 1983 BYTE ("Build the ECM-103, an Originate/Answer Modem,'' page 26). Just what would be involved? Could you recommend a good reference? Thanks.

Tony Simon St. Paul, MN

An article in a back issue of the Amateur Computer Group of New jersey (POB 319, South Bound Brook. NI 08880) newsletter should answer your need for an RS-232C serial interface for your Apple lie computer. "An Apple 11 Serial Interface" by left Calinat, while written for an Apple 11, will work equally well on your lie. The circuit need not be copied exactly, and sufficient information is provided if you wish to customize it. The MC14411 bit-rate generator chip, which is rather expensive, can be replaced with one of the less expensive versions on the market—Steve

Stalking the MCL1303

Dear Steve,

I recently decided to build your breakout box ("Build an RS-232C Breakout Box," April 1983 BYTE, page 28), but I'm having trouble locating a source for the MCL1303 diodes. Can you help? Thank you.

Gary Glasscock Renton, WA

The MCL1303 diode is a field-effect currentlimiting diode manufactured by Motorola. It is designed for applications requiring a current reference or a constant current over a specified voltage range. It can be obtained from any Motorola distributor—Steve

More on Line Filters

Dear Steve,

In your December 1983 Circuit Cellar project ("Keep Power-Line Pollution Out of Your Computer," page 36), you show how to modify a four-outlet power strip for better protection. How can 1 modify a six-outlet power strip? Miles Rinehart Hoffman Estates, IL

Because all four outlets are in parallel, it does not matter where the MOVs (metal-oxide varistors) are placed. While figure 1 on page 43 shows the MOVs ahead of the sockets, each is protecting an entire side of the line and can

be installed in any convenient manner. For a six-outlet power strip, any three positions will be adequate. The important thing is to connect an MOV to each side of the line and across the line—Steve

LCD Sources

Dear Steve,

I'd like to build or buy an LCD (liquid-crystal display) that shows a 16-character message whose content depends on the presence/absence of voltage on 10 input lines. Can you provide some information? Thank you.

Kevin Dwan Nevada City, CA

My article on page 54 in the February 1983 BYTE, "Build a Handheld LCD Terminal!' featured a 16-character LCD that should suit your applications. Two sources for such a display are AND Inc.. 770 Airport Blvd.. Burlingame. CA 94010, (415) 347-9916 (for its Model 1811) and Epson America Inc., LCD Division. 23155 Kashiwa Court, Torrance, CA 90505, (213) 5340360 (for its Model MA-B955B).

Interfacing and scrolling can be simplified by using the CY300 LCD controller chip from Cybernetic Micro Systems, POB 3000. San Gregorio, CA 94074, (415) 726-3000.-Steve

Home-Security Resources

Dear Steve,

My home recently fell prey to burglars, and my fairly expensive computer is gone. I'd like to use my old computer to guard my house while I'm away. Can you recommend any good publications to help me computerize a homealarm system? Any help would be appreciated.

Marc Weigel Delta, British Columbia, Canada

Home security is a high-technology field. The abundance of low-cost microprocessors has produced a plethora of devices to protect any given area. Reasonably priced sensors are available to detect motion, heat, smoke, noise, and vibration, as well as the simple opening or closing of a door or window. Before a computerized alarm system can be designed or installed, you must first decide on the level of protection that you need and the price that protection costs. I wrote a series of articles in the lanuary-March 1979 issues of BYTE that describes a security system built and installed in my home. In it. I discuss the philosophy of protection, typical sensors and where to mount them, circuit diagrams, flowcharts, and a computer program to control the system. This series

of articles has been reprinted in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume II.

An excellent source for security devices is Mountain West. Its catalog features a complete line of burglar-alarm controls, switches, sensors, wiring aids, and advice. Write for a copy to Mountain West. 4215 North 16th St.. POB 10780. Phoenix, AZ 85064-Steve

Two Questions

Dear Steve,

I have a Zenith Z-90 with two disk drives and three serial ports. My printer is on the blink, and I have gone to a backup system (a Royal typewriter). Most of the printers here are the Centronics parallel type, and my Zenith has only serial ports. I was wondering if I could construct a serial-to-parallel converter like the one in your September 1981 article on the Votrax phoneme synthesizer. Will that logic drive a printer as well? Would it be easier to make a whole new port? I am worried about having to change the BIOS. Commercial converters run around $100. Would I be saving any money?

1 have noticed that some equipment will run on either 110-240-V, 50- or 60-Hz current. That was the reason I bought the Z-90—it has a switch for that. What happens to other power supplies if they are not rated at other frequencies? Voltage differences are usually amenable to transformers, but what happens to my disk drive when 1 run it at 110 V, 50 Hz? The drive itself takes only DC so the only problem should be the power supply. I've been told that it can be damaged.

I once had an old Hammarlund Super Pro receiver with a monstrous power supply that would go to 2 5 Hz. Was its size related to those capabilities? Thank you.

Jonathan Yuen Taiwan, Republic of China

The circuit shown on page 48 of the September 1981 BYTE can be used to convert the serial output from your computer to a parallel input for a Centronics-type printer. The conversion is accomplished completely with hardware; no software is required.

In a transformer-type power supply, the frequency rating is a function of the amount of iron in the transformer core. Transformers rated at 60 Hz will run hot at 50 Hz—and could possibly burn up. If the unit is rated at 50 Hz. it will operate safely at 60 Hz. That 25-Hz power supply of yours was monstrous due to the size of the iron core of its power transformer. Units rated for 110-220 V have a dual primary wind[text continued on page 62)

60 BYTE • JUNE 1984

WAIT REDUCTION MADE EASY.

You know how hard it is to wait for the printer to finish before using the computer again. It's wasteful! Counter productive!

The solution: simply install Microbuffer™ printer buffer into the system, in seconds. And you can print and process simultaneously.

With one swift command, all printing data is dumped to the Microbuffer—it handles the printer and frees the computer for other functions.

Presto! Instant wait reduction.

Microbuffer II and 11+ for the Apple II, 11+, and lie computers.

Microbuffer II comes in either a serial or a parallel version with 16K or 32K of RAM. Microbuffer 11+ , available with 16K, 32K or 64K, has both serial and parallel capabilities, so you can control two different printers at once. The Microbuffer 11+ has on board high resolution graphics routines for 37 popular printers, and all include expanded graphics capabilities and text formatting in addition to the inherent benefit of letting you use your computer while your printer is working.

] }

* • ...

:.-,.;.-; ■

Microbuffer In-line for virtually any computer/printer combination.

These are stand-alone units that install In-line between virtually any computer and printer.

Besides printer buffering, the In-line serial interface (MBIS) can be used to efficiently transmit data from the computer to almost any device using a serial RS-232C interface. The parallel Microbuffer In-line (MBIP) is built exclusively for parallel interfacing, and works exceptionally well in virtually any parallel computer and any parallel printer.

Each of the stand-alone models have controls for making multiple copies (up to 255). With the pause control, printing may be halted at any point and continued later—it will pick up right where it left off. Even while you are printing copies of a document, additional files can be sent to the buffer and they will be processed in turn. Both

come with either 32K or 64K of RAM, and are easily upgradable up to 256K for processing greater amounts of data.

Microbuffer/E for Epson printers.

Fully compatible with Epson MX, FX, RX, and IBM-PC series printers, these easy-toinstall boards simply plug inside the printer.

For parallel interfaces, the Microbuffer models MBP-16K and MBP-64K are available.

For serial interfacing, Microbuffer models MBS-8K and MBS-32/64K are available. The MBS-8K supports both hardware and software (X-ON/X-OFF) handshaking; the MBS-32/64K supports three handshaking configurations (hardware, software X-ON/X-OFF and ETX/ACK).

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

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JUNE 1984 -BYTE 61

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[text continued from page 60)

ingin the transformer with a selector switch for

the proper voltage.

The voltage ratio is not substantially affected by small changes in frequency. Running a 50-Hz supply on 60 Hz will yield the same output voltages, so equipment operation is not affected. Your computer and disk drives run off of the rectified voltage from the transformer secondary and will not notice any changeSteve

More on the CarrierCurrent Modem

Dear Steve,

In regard to your article "Build a Power-Line Carrier-Current Modem" in the August 1983 BYTE (page 36), I have some questions. What is the minimum separation required for mark and space frequencies? Do you have any kits or circuit boards available? Thanks for your help.

Brent Lowensohn Woodland Hills. CA

EXAR Application Note AN-OI gives several guidelines for designing with its XR-2206 modulator and XR-2211 demodulator. One of these relates to minimum bandwidth: "For any given pair of mark and space frequencies, there is a limit to the baud rate that can be achieved. When maximum spacing between the mark and space frequencies is used (where the ratio is close to 2:1) the relationship mark-space frequency difference (Hz) ^ 83 percent (maximum data rate in baud). For narrower spacing, the minimum ratio should be about 67 percent'

Thus, the minimum spacing for 300 baud would be 0.67 x 300 » 200 Hz, and this is the separation used in the 103-type modem format. Because, in the carrier-current modem, adequate bandwidth was available and a higher center frequency was used, the 5-kHz separation was a convenient choice.

The power-line carrier-current modem is not available as a kit, and no circuit boards have been configured.—Steve

More on Scoping Your Data

Dear Steve,

1 just read the December 1983 "Ask BYTE," and on page 560 you seem to give some bad advice to Mr. Chuck Gollnick of Pullman, Washington, regarding the use of an oscilloscope to determine the data rate, parity, and stop-bit characteristics of data coming from an RS-232C port.

Specifically, you recommend the use of a character with lots of consecutive Is to determine the data rate. This would work great if RZ signaling was used. But RS-232C uses NRZ-L signaling; what is thus needed is a character with alternating Is and 0s to make it possible to see distinct opposite-polarity pulses. For example, the character 01010101 = U would be useful.

1 have successfully determined the stop-bit characteristics of Baudot signals from a radioteletype interface using an oscilloscope by

watching the display for extra-length bits. If you see a bit 1.5 times longer than the shortest one seen, you know it is 1.5 stop bits. By slowing the sweep so that one or two characters are seen on the display, you may also be able to come up with the stop-bit characteristics.

Robert French District Heights, MD

You are correct. The transmission of alternating is and Os will simplify the measurement of data rate using an oscilloscope. A series of Us is a good choice. Your method of determining stop-bit characteristics is sound and should work on an ASCII signal (7 data bits) as well as the Baudot (5 data bits). Thank you for your correction and clarification.—Steve

Cleaning Disk Drives

Dear Steve,

1 recently noticed the large number of ads for disk-drive cleaners. This sparked two questions I'd like to have answered. How much attention do disk drives require, and what type of cleaner is best for them? Thank you for your help.

Brian Gragg Claremont. CA

The iron-oxide coatings used on most disks are somewhat abrasive. The in-out motion of the read/write head of the disk drive against this rotating medium produces a self-cleaning action and minimizes the buildup of oxide and dirt. Unless a poor-quality medium is used, head cleaning is not required often and can be accomplished with a cotton swab and some isopropyl alcohol, as well as the many headcleaning disks available. Some head<leaning disks are quite abrasive and should be used on an as-needed basis rather than at regular intervals—Steve

E-Z Color In Kuwait

Dear Steve,

I plan to buy the E-Z Color Graphics Interface for my TRS-80 Model 1.1 am not certain, however, whether it can be used with a TV set here in Kuwait because the TV system here is based on the PAL color system and not the NTSC as in the United States. Can the composite-video output from the TMS9918A chip be fed to a UHF modulator and the modulated RF to a 256-line PAL color TV set?

If the TMS9918A is not suitable to drive a PAL system, is there a similar chip that could be substituted in your E-Z Color Graphics Interface project in the August 1982 BYTE, "High-Resolution Sprite-Oriented Graphics," page 57?

Thank you for your time and assistance.

M. I. Saleem Safat, Kuwait

The Texas Instruments TMS9918A Video Display Processor used in the E-Z Color Graphics Interface is designed for a composite-video output to the NTSC format and is not compatible with a PAL TV system. A similar chip, the (tot continued on page 64)

62 B YTE • IUNE 1984

f^^Wj

OKPDATA

THE PERSONAL PRINTER BUILT LIKE A SHERMAN TANK

PERFORMS LIKE A CONCERT GRAND.

Why We Get Encores. Okidata takes center stage with a cast of printers that can't be outperformed. All eight dot matrix printers offer you more features for your money than you can find anywhere else. Pick your tempo: data processing at speeds from 80 to an exceptional 350 cps; to stress a point, enhanced and emphasized printing at up to 100 cps; outstanding letter quality printing at speeds three times faster than most daisy wheels — up to 85 cps. Add a full range of graphics capabilities, downline loadable character sets for creating personalized typefaces and symbols, and your print repertoire is virtually unlimited.

We Play On and On. Our virtuosos feature rugged steel frames, laser

Circle 243 on inquiry card.

welded parts, and our long-life, nonballistic print head warranted for up to one full year. With this tank-toughness you'd expect Okidata to have the lowest warranty claim rate in the industry. And we do: less than Vi%.

In Tune with All Major Computers. We've designed each of these finely tuned instruments to be harmonious with all the major names in personal computers. And to give you more than you'd get from the major computer name printers. After all, we specialize in printers. The computer folks specialize in computers. (That's why MOST buy their printers from somebody else).

Larger Selection. Smaller Prices. Because we make more printers than anybody else, we can give you just the

right one to fit your specific needs. Not to mention your budget. Suggested retail prices range from $299 to $2995. Call 1-800-OKIDATA (in N], 609-235-2600) for the dealer nearest you. Both you and your computer will enjoy the performance. Or write OKIDATA, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.

Pt . .

. X4r*'

en

■■

^■■■i

OKIDATA

^^ an OKI AMERICA company

1UNE 1984 -BYTE 63

ASK BYTE

(text continued from page 62) TMS9929A. is pin compatible except for four pins and outputs luminance and colordifference signals that can be combined through a video encoder (such as the National Semiconductor LM1889) to produce a 625-line PAL composite-video signal. This signal can be fed through a modulator to your color TV or additional circuitry added to use the modulator feature of the LMI889. The video-encoder circuit requires modifica

tion of the E-Z Color Card and the addition of extra components.—Steve

Hardware Training Program

Dear Steve,

I would appreciate your comments on the value of hardware training programs. Over the last few years I have done some work with software, but I would now like to investigate hard

The Data Defenders

I he Ring King™ Data Defenders. A rugged defense against grit, sharp objects, bending and all other enemies of magnetic media.

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Flip File. Closed, it's a vinyl binder that protects 20 mini diskettes. Open, the cover flips up and out of the way to pre

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ware design. Any information you have would be appreciated.

Michael R. Forry Newport Beach, CA

The Heathkit hardware training courses are an excellent means of learning electronic hardware operation and design. Heath's documentation is famous for being clear and thorough, and the hardware breadboard trainers give you the "lab" work so necessary to support the theory. You can proceed at your own pace and tailor your studies to your particular interests.

In addition to the Heathkit courses, other schools offer at-home training in electronics. Two of them are NRI Schools, McGraw-Hill Continuing Education Center, 3939 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, DC 20016 and National Technical Schools, 4000 South Figueroa St.. Los Angeles. CA 90037. Write them for further informationSteve

Basic Video

Dear Steve,

I'd like to ask a couple of questions on everybody's favorite topic—video monitors. What do references to column widths mean in ads for monitors? Some just list monitors, but others advertise 40-, 60-, or 80-column monitors, as if they're talking about printers. I'm thinking of adding a monitor driver to my Radio Shack Color Computer, connecting it to a monochrome monitor, and using it with the Telewriter word-processing program. Because Telewriter's highest resolution provides an 85-character line, do I need an 85-column monitor (I've never seen one advertised), or do 1 need to worry about such things at all, considering that the program uses the high-resolution-graphics mode to draw the letters on the screen?

I've seen three green-screen monitors in the $100 price range. Can you comment on and/or recommend any of these, or are all $100 monitors pretty much equal?

With monitors available in the $100 price range, is it worthwhile considering converting a TV into a monitor by bypassing the tuner and other circuits, or is that more trouble than it's worth?

Duff Kennedy Santa Barbara, CA

With all the letters pertaining to video monitors that I've recently received, it must be everybody's favorite subject.

Column width is a simplified means of relating the video bandwidth of monitors. Many computers are designed to be used with a TV set and display only about 40 characters per line. This occurs because a TV set's bandwidth is restricted (TV channels are only 6 MHz apart, and the video bandwidth is about 3.5 MHz) and cannot clearly display more than this number. Monitors advertising 40column width are comparable to a TV set.

Word processing requires an 80<olumn line

to completely fill a standard sheet of 8ti- by

11-inch paper, and monitors that can display this

[text continued on page 66)

64 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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66 BYTE- JUNE 1984 Circle 22 on inquiry card.

ASK BYTE

[text continued from page 64) many characters need increased bandwidth. Whether they are advertised as 80- or 85<haracter displays is not important; the ad is telling you that they have the bandwidth to display a full line.

Rather than comment on the $100 monitors. I refer you to the October 1983 Consumer Reports. Pages 537-540 feature an article on choosing a monitor and include comparisons of several monitors in the $100 price range.

Finally, it is more trouble than it is worth to convert a TV into a monitor, especially if proper grounding and isolation techniques are not used. The risk of electric shock or an unwanted ground loop fed back into your computer can more than offset the cost of a good monitorSteve

Multiprocessing Help

Dear Steve,

I want to build a multiuser, multiprocessor. CP/M-oriented computer in which each user has a microprocessor and 64K bytes of RAM. I know enough about CP/M to write the BIOS (basic input/output system), and that once a bootstrap loader is written to load CP/M from disk to memory and to transfer execution to CP/M. I am home free. But because I have never used a multiprocessor computer, the concept is unclear to me as to what is going to happen when two users try to access the same disk or file simultaneously.

Once 1 physically configure the system, however, how can 1 use it to write the CP/M and bootstrap loader and save it on a floppy disk starting on sector 0, track 1? Also, can I be sure that the automatic power-up sequence in the floppy-disk controller will load the bootstrap loader in at location 80 hexadecimal and transfer execution there?

My main problem is that in this part of the world 1 can't get any book I need or pop into the local computer store for questions. I would really appreciate your help on this.

Tariqul Hasan Dhaka-2. Bangladesh

In a multiuser CP/M system, each user is assigned a user code number from Oto 15. The user numbers are assigned using the built-in CP/M function called USER. Once a user number is assigned, the user can access only files on the disks with that user number. It is not necessary to set aside disk space for each user because the user number is assigned to the file when it is put on the disk. When a cold start is performed, each user is assigned to user 0 and can access only programs in that user area until a different user number is assigned with the USER command.

When a system operates with CP/M. the instructions for initiating the system usually come with the microprocessor hardware or with the CP/M software you receive with the microprocessor. If these instructions do not come with the system you purchase, it would be a good {text continued on page 68)

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67

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WES-41

ASK BYTE

(text continued from page 66) idea to purchase a reference guide that shows you how to write a bootstrap loader. A good manual on the subject is The Programmer's CP/M Handbook by Andy Johnson-Laird. For information on translations and book distributors outside the U.S.. write to Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St.. Berkeley, CA 94710.

In general, the bootstrap loader for a system resides in a PROM or an EPROM that is bankswitched into the memory address space starting at address 0000 hexadecimal. When a hardware reset is performed, the microprocessor looks at this address for its first instruction. If the bootstrap were not in firmware, a boot program would have to be written each time the system was reset. The program must load the CCP (command control processor!, BDOS (basic disk operating system), and BIOS from disk and then transfer control to the cold-boot entry point in the BIOS. Hardware manufacturers usually offer this firmware with the CP/M system they are selling.

For further information on this subject, you should purchase the manuals for the particular system that you intend to buy—Steve

Communication Without Wires

Dear Steve,

You are no doubt extremely familiar with most input and output devices. My project involves the transmission of data from one computer to another (I am using two VlC-20s). The catch is that I will try to achieve this without using wires. i.e., transmitting data without having the two machines connected.

I realize that connecting computers and peripherals by infrared light has already been accomplished, therefore I am considering using the radio spectrum as a means of transmission.

My best bet would probably be to utilize the RS-232C interface for my actual transmission and reception. The concept would involve (from what I understand) converting the parallel signal to a serial, and then to an analog, which could be transmitted over a carrier wave to the receiving unit.

This is purely an idea. I have no working knowledge in the area and can only guess. I would value greatly your reflections on the subject. Thank you very much.

DALLAS KACHAN Blind River, Ontario, Canada

Your idea of transmitting computer data via the radio spectrum is a form of radioteletype, which has been in use for years with a 5-bit code known as Baudot. Early devices were mechanical in nature and connected by wires. Radio transmission was achieved by connecting these mechanical units to a modulator for transmitting and a demodulator for receiving. Recently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved the transmission of ASCII over the airwaves, which stimulated the application of computers to this form of communications.

The concept of radioteletype is analogous to Morse code, except that marks and spaces replace the dots and dashes. Where Morse code uses timing to distinguish dots from dashes, radioteletype uses frequencies to distinguish marks from spaces. Data is converted into a serial stream, modulated into audio tones, and then transmitted. On the receiving end. these tones are demodulated and decoded into data.

This system operates much as a modem connects two computers via a telephone line. In the February 1981 BYTE. I wrote an article on controlling a Big Trak computerized toy tank (page 44). I used a pair of inexpensive citizens band walkie-talkies to send data via the airwaves using a modem. A small, inexpensive modem, described on page 26 in the March 1983 Circuit Cellar article "Build the ECM-103. an Originate/Answer Modem." simplifies the project by reducing the number of components involved—Steve

Advanced Video

Dear Steve,

In an "Ask BYTE" letter from D. K. Broberg ("Calculating Bandwidth Revisited," November 1983, page 602), the argument was made that the video bandwidth required of a video pixel stream can be obtained not as the inverse of the pixel rate but as the inverse of half the pixel rate. The reasoning was that driving alternating pixels fully on and fully off represents the worstcase demand for bandwidth, so the inverse of the two-pixel period yields the frequency of interest.

This argument is not correct. If the videostream pixels could be accurately represented by sine waves or contiguous half-cycles of sine waves, Broberg would be quite right. However, a harmonic structure is associated with any kind of waveform other than sines, and a pixel stream requires a better representation than sines in order to preserve edge definition in the image. Ideally, the pixel stream would show instantaneous jumps from the amplitude level for one pixel to the amplitude for the next. At worst, this would result in a square-wave period equal to two pixel times. However, the bandwidth is not l/(two pixel times). Fourier analysis shows that a square wave contains all odd harmonics. To get an acceptable picture, it is necessary for the video amplifiers to pass the third harmonic, which is at 3/(two pixel times). For a pixel time of 100 nanoseconds, this requires a video bandwidth not of 5 MHz, but of 15 MHz.

Robert P. Colwell Pittsburgh, PA

Thank you very much for your response to D. K. Broberg's letter. The harmonic content of square waves is often overlooked in digital analysis when only levels are of concern. As you correctly point out. however, third-harmonic distortion should be kept low. and a videoamplifier bandwidth sufficient to pass these fre[text continued on page 70)

68 B YTE • JUNE 1984

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(text continued from page 68) quencies should be used. A general rule would be to use as high a bandwidth as possible but settle for any monitor that you visually judge to have a satisfactory display—Steve

Shugart SA-400s for Apples

Dear Steve,

I have an Apple II with one 5 !4-inch Apple disk drive. I'd like to use my Apple with a

Shugart SA-400 drive I know these components are incompatible, but can you show me how to create a proper interface? Thank you.

Claudio Pugliese Buenos Aires, Argentina

A printed-circuit board and complete instructions for modifying a Shugart SA-400 disk drive for use with your Apple II can be obtained for $29.95 from R&D Electronics. 100 East Orangethorpe. Anaheim. CA 92801. (714) 773-0240.

Several traces on the SA-400 printed-circuit board must be cut and several jumper wires installed in addition to the interface<ircuit board that connects between the Apple II cable and the 34-pin edge connector on the SA-400.

It is important to note that the SA-400 and this modification draw about 450 milliamperes from the Apple lis + 5-V supply. If your system has many expansion cards, you may want to consider a separate power supply—Steve

Replacing 4116s with 4164s

Dear Steve,

1 have an Atari 400 with the 16K-byte memory board. I would like to know if it is possible to change the 4116 memory chips to 4164 chips, add some jumpers, and have a 64K-byte board. Thank you for your help.

Randy B. Bumgarner Tayhrsville. NC

In theory, upgrading from the 4116 to the 4164 is as simple as adding a few jumpers if the memory system was originally designed to do this. In most cases, it is more complicated.

The 4116 used a three-voltage power-supply system that was changed to a single + 5-V supply for the 4164. This left two extra pins that could be used for addressing. On the 4164. only one of these pins was needed to upgrade the chip to a 64K-byte part. The following chart shows the reassignment of the pins:

Pin

4116

4164

I

-5 V

N.C.

8

+ 12 V

+ 5 V

9

+ 5 V

A7

Pin 1 can be handled easily by cutting the - 5-V trace on your board that goes to your memory array. Pin 8 can be reassigned by cutting the + 5-V and + 12-V traces to your memory array and jumpering the trace from pin 8 to the + 5-V supply. The trace from pin 9 now will be your new address line, and all decoupling capacitors on this line in your memory array must be removed.

That was the easy part. Now the memory address multiplexing portion of your board must be modified to bring in the new address line A 7. Because I am not familiar with the addressing used on the Atari board. 1 can only suggest that you look over that portion of the circuit carefully before making any changes. An error here will be disastrous. You also must be careful that your new 64K-byte memory does not conflict with any other memory already assigned in the system, for example, any ROM or memory-mapped I/O devices.—Steve

Real-Time Clock Thoughts

Dear Steve,

I'd like to suggest a project for your Circuit Cellar.

I lust after a real-time clock for my IBM PC,

but all my expansion slots are full of other

(text continued on page 74)

70 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 365 on inquiry card.

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ASK BYTE

[text continued from page 70) things. I suspect that some type of clock/calendar would be easy to put together, the only consideration being how to interface it without taking up an expansion slot. Two possibilities occur to me: use the ROM socket(s) "reserved" for future use by IBM or interface to the cassette-recorder input port. Of the two, the cassette idea strikes me as the most promising because it might apply to Apples and other computers. The only drawbacks might be that the cassette interface is not available on the PC XT and that the clock must "broadcast" the time and date serially.

The project would be especially neat if you could use a cheap digital clock or watch movement that would display and be set external to the system.

If you can put something like this together,

I think a lot of PC owners would be overjoyed.

Thomas G. Cassidy

Bloomington. MN

A battery-powered clock is indeed a useful addition to the IBM PC or any other computer that has date and time functions available. And a unit such as you suggest could be made to work through the cassette port. However. I believe this would have rather limited appeal for two reasons. First, because the first expansion board purchased by many IBM PC owners is one of the popular "six-function" boards that provides clock, printer port, serial port, and sockets for memory expansion all on one board: and second, because cassette datatransfer rates and protocols vary between different makes of computers so that the unit wouldn't be as universal as one would like.

Another approach, which I described in "Everyone Can Know The Real Time" in the May 1982 BYTE (page 34). is to interface the clock circuit through the RS-232C port. This has the advantage that the protocol is well established, and ICs are available to simplify design and construction of the necessary interface circuits.

Because the IBM PC has a software real-time clock written into its operating system, all that is needed to make use of an external hardware clock (once it has been set to the correct time) is to write a program to read the time from the serial port and output it to the PCs clock port whenever the computer is started up or reset. This can be written in BASIC and run automatically by calling it with an Autoexec program—Steve

PC-Operated Cash Drawer

Dear Steve,

I am attempting to use my computer as a cash register in my business. My problem is interfacing an electronic stand-alone cash drawer with my IBM PC. 1 need to make a digital-toanalog (D/A| converter. Ideally. I would like to output a byte to the serial port of my computer and have that digital signal converted to a voltage that would, in turn, trip a relay to unlock the cash drawer.

Can you supply me with any information about how I can build or purchase such a

device? I know where I can get an electrically operated cash drawer; the problem is the interfacing. I would greatly appreciate any advice or information.

Jason E. Gapco White Plains, NY

Probably the easiest way to interface your IBM PC to your cash register is by using the cassette port, which provides a 6-V DC power source rated at I ampere for driving a tapecassette motor. Connect your relay to pins 3 and I of the cassette interface connector (the 5-pin DIN connector next to the keyboard connector on the rear panel). Pin 3 is +6 V DC, and pin I is common.

If your cash-register program is written in BASIC, the relay can be activated by adding the lines shown in listing I to your program in the appropriate place. This will set up your program so that function key 10 will open the cash register any time it is pressed. You can. of course, choose any other function key if you want, and you can provide more restricted access by using the KEY(IO) ON and KEY(IO) OFF statements as needed throughout your program. You also may need to play around with the timing loop to get the correct delay.

If your program is in assembly language or a compiled language, you can still use this port by outputting a I to bit 3 of port 61 (hexadecimal) and holding it for the required time. This can be done by modifying your program or by redirecting the INT 16 (hexadecimal) keyboard interrupt to a custom program that performs the output if the key just pressed is FIO or transfers to the normal keyboard if it isn't. A method for doing this is suggested in the book 8088 Assembler Language Programming: The IBM PC by David C Willen and Jeffrey I. Krantz (Howard W. Sams & CoJ.—Steve

Listing 1: Additional lines to activate the relay.

1 ON KEY(IO) GOSUB 10000:

KEY(IO) ON

10000 OON=l

10010 OFFF = 0

10020 MOTOR OON

Activate relay.

10030 FOR T= 1 TO 10: NEXT

Wait for drawer

to open.

10040 MOTOR OFFF

Turn relay off.

10050 RETURN

A Senior Project

Dear Steve.

I am a senior in electrical engineering at Howard University. My idea for a senior project is to design and construct a system that will continuously monitor (in the home) a person's body temperature, blood pressure, respiration, etc., and transmit this data via radio throughout the household to a remote radio receiver that is interfaced with a personal computer. The [text continued on page 76)

74 BYTE • 1UNE 1984

Answer:

Smith-Corona

Question: What company offers a new daisy wheel printer, three

dot matrix printers and a combination printer-typewriter, with suggested retail pricing of $395 to $795?

Question: What printer company offers print quality that challenges printers costing hundreds of dollars more?

Question: What printer company offers dual interfaces for all five of its printer models?

Question: What printer company offers removable and adjustable tractor feeds as standard equipment on all of its dot matrix models?

Question: What printer company has a toll-free telephone number to call if you ever have a problem? And an extensive service system, too? V*

Ultrasonic III Messenger (TM)

portable typewriter with optional Messenger Module.

r

I)-IOO(TM)

dot matrix printer.

D-200 (TM) dot matrix printer.

□ Please send me more information about Smith-Corona printers; I am interested in in-home use.

□ Please send me more information about Smith-Corona printers for office use.

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Type of Business

Send to: Jerry Diener, VR Sales. Smith-Corona 65 Locust Avenue New Canaan, Connecticut 06840

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(text continued from page 74) personal computer will then process and store this data for subsequent retransmission via telephone lines to a family physician. The telemetry link is an important part of this system because the person being monitored would be able to move about the house unencumbered by wires. I find a project like this very interesting but quite challenging. Therefore, I would appreciate your answers to the following questions:

1. What type of transducers are available to monitor body temperature, blood pressure, respiration, etc.? Who manufactures such devices?

2. What ICs are available for conditioning the transducer outputs? Other than amplification and buffering, what signal conditioning is necessary to modulate an RF (radio frequency) carrier?

3. Once the analog signals from the transducers are properly "conditioned," should they be converted to digital signals and then transmitted via RF or transmitted in their analog form and then converted to digital signals on the receiver/computer end?

4. What form of carrier modulation should I use? AM, FM, pulse-width modulation? And what carrier frequency do you suggest (in the home environment)?

5. With a view toward making the transducer/signal conditioner/transmitter unit as small as possible and battery operated, are there any low-power ICs that contain a complete transmitter and receiver on a chip? National Semiconductor's LM1871 Radio Control Encoder/Transmitter and LM1872 Radio Control Receiver/Decoder seem likely candidates, but they are generally used for control of hobby servos.

I hope you can share your insights and shed some light. Thank you.

Robyn L. King Washington. DC

The project you selected is. as you say. very interesting and challenging. The questions you asked also are very challenging and could take many pages to answer. Instead of answering them directly, I will try to give you a selection of reference materials where you can find the answers yourself (after all. it is your project).

Several sources can be reviewed to find the type of transducers you need. EDN (Electronic Design News) and Electronics magazines often carry articles on medical electronics. A review of these magazines should yield all the information you need. For example, an article in a September 1980 EDN discusses the Hughes HLSS-0533 heart-rate monitor chip that employs the photoplethysmographic monitoring technique. The March 20, 1980 EDN, page 122, had a special report on sensors and transducers, and an April 1977 Electronics had an article on a silicon transducer to measure blood pressure. Electronic Products is another good source of reference material. An article in the November 1982 issue (page 49) discusses advances in signal conditioning.

Transmitting and receiving these signals can become a project in itself. I have taken the approach of "not reinventing the wheel" several times and used commercially built devices like walkie-talkies to do the job. You can find discussions of these techniques in two of my articles: "Handheld Remote Control for Your Computerized Home." July 1980 BYTE (page 22) and "A Computer-Controlled Tank." February 1981 BYTE (page 44).

1 hope these references will be helpful in your senior project.—Steve

A Kaypro 10/S-lOO Combo

Dear Steve,

As an author's portable word processor, the Kaypro 10 with an Epson FX-80 printer seems to be a good choice. For everything else, an 8086 with several IBM-compatible slots is advisable.

The Kaypro 10 has a parallel printer output, two RS-232C ports, and one light-pen input jack.

If I want to use the Kaypro screen, keyboard, and large disk, but also want to use a Semidisk or RAM Disk and an 8086 for the bulk of internal processing, what sort of hookup makes sense?

Sam Timac Ft. Vermilion, Alberta. Canada

As I read your letter. I get the impression that even though you say "IBM-compatible slots" you are really thinking in terms of an S-100 bus system with an 8086 microprocessor rather than an IBM PC. The S-100 bus offers a wide selection of boards to run with the 8086. including several Semidisk. or RAM Disk, boards, but is in no way compatible with IBM hardware.

The Kaypro 10 does look good as a portable word processor, and if you like the relatively small screen (compared to a full-sized terminal), it might be used as a terminal for an S-100 system. Because S-100 systems are designed to be run with remote terminals rather than builtin displays, you should have no trouble at that end. and the Kaypro can easily function as a terminal with the proper software. Your dealer should be able to recommend a communications program that will configure the computer as a suitable terminal. The physical connection between the two computers will be through the RS-232C po/ts.-Steve ■

IN "ASK BYTE," Steve Garcia answers questions on any area of microcomputing. The most representative questions received each month will be answered and published. Do you have a nagging problem? Send your inquiry to:

Ask BYTE

do Steve Qiarcia

POB 582

Glastonbury. CT 06033 Due to the high volume of inquiries, personal replies cannot be given. All letters and photographs become the property of Steve Ciarcia and cannot be returned. Be sure to include "Ask BYTE" in the address.

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78 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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BOOK REVIEWS

LEARNING WITH LOGO

Dan Watt

BYTE Books/McGraw-Hill

New York: 1983

208 pages, S22.95

THE TOLL FREE MICROCOMPUTER INDEX Richard I. Volz and Gene E. Thompson Spokane Technical Press Spokane. WA: 1983 360 pages, S14.95

Learning with Logo Reviewed by Tim Barclay

When teachers ask what they should be doing with microcomputers at the elementary school level, we say Logo, and the second thing we say is, get Dan Watt's book, learning with logo. As a part of the MIT Logo Project, Watt was responsible for the pilot study in Brookline, Massachusetts, schools. Before working on Logo, he was an elementary school teacher at the middle school level, and prior to that he was a curriculum developer with the Elementary Science Study, a federally supported curriculum-development project of the late 1960s. It is this depth of teaching experience combined with his thorough understanding of Logo that he brings to his book, and it shines through. The book is a successful combination of Logo programming, Logo philosophy, and teaching strategies. Although there are other books that deal with one or another of these aspects of Logo, none that I know of encompasses all three, not to mention with such success.

The book is written for an Apple using the Terrapin/Krell versions of Logo but includes appendixes that list necessary modifications for Apple Logo and Tl

Logo users. A separate edition of the book, learning with Apple logo, is also available; editions for Logo on Atari, Commodore, and Texas Instruments are in preparation.

A Learning Adventure

learning with logo is challenging and rewarding for children and adults alike. The initial chapters of the three-part book are written with 10- to 13-year-olds in mind, but in no way does this introduction insult the intelligence of the novice adult embarked on a new adventure. The ideas are also accessible to younger children with the help of a teacher; in fact, the author includes several teaching hints within each chapter for this purpose. The basic graphics commands for

^^^^_ drawing on the screen are all introduced in this first section as well as the necessary commands for saving procedures and pictures on disk and for going to the editor to define your own new procedures. Anyone who completes the first portion of this spiralbound, easy-to-use book befriends the Logo turtle and learns how to draw de| 1 signs and pictures on the

!| 9 screen.

The second section of the book introduces more sophisticated programming concepts that use graphics, words, and lists. The uses of variables and conditionals are also included. These abstract concepts, which can be so mystifying when first encountered in algebra, come as simple solutions to real needs that every Logo learner encounters while writing graphics ^^B ■ programs. It is an example of what Seymour Papert, the head of the MIT Logo Project, is talking about when he refers to setting up natural learning environments. That means providing a context in which students can explore, try new ideas, and find their own solutions as problems arise.

Watt shows the reader examples of some of the complex designs that can be drawn using recursion, such as rotating polygons, growing squares, and spirals. He explains the procedures that he used to create these shapes and suggests further investigations.

In addition to these more advanced graphics programming ideas, the author introduces the use of words and lists, explaining how to write interactive programs in a chapter called "ConversaItexl continued on page 80)

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 79

BOOK REVIEWS

(text continued from page 79) tions with the Computer: Activities with Numbers, Words and Lists." As is true throughout the book, in his presentation of new commands and concepts Watt braids several modes of presentation together. They include:

• examples for the reader to try on the microcomputer that use commands needed to work with lists

• explanations of what the examples are doing

• cartoon sequences that graphically present the ideas

• "explorations—suggested problems to try on your own

• "helper's hints—more detailed explanations and teaching suggestions

By the end of this chapter, the reader is able to write procedures for conversations with the computer and quiz programs that are carefully designed using multiple subprocedures. For the person willing to work through these steps,

understanding and fluency can develop. The third section of the book builds upon the skills that have been developed in the first two sections. Each of the four chapters in this section takes a single programming project and develops the many procedures that make up the final program. The first project is an interactive computer game called Shoot, in which the player tries to hit a target with the turtle. Next is Quickdraw, which is described as a "Turtle Drawing Activity for Young Children." A chapter on animating the turtle follows, accompanied by a project called Racetrack, and last is a chapter on writing poetry called Poet. These later sections are appropriate for both older readers working independently or for younger users with assistance nearby.

Teachers Also Benefit

learning with logo is designed to be used with a preprogrammed disk of procedures ($15.95) that includes the afore

mentioned Shoot, Quickdraw, Racetrack, and Poet. Watt intends his audience to learn these procedures gradually, initially by just using and seeing them in action, later by studying and changing them. The disk also enables beginning learners to experience Logo in a more exciting way than they otherwise could. As an alternative to buying the disk, you can get a copy by typing the procedures listed in the appendix of the book.

A motto of Logo is "no threshold, no ceiling." This means that the language is easily accessible to young children yet is still a powerful and sophisticated language. For instance, many 4-year-olds are using Logo, as are students at MIT. The low-threshold part lies in the turtle graphics. If you have used Logo at all you have undoubtedly experienced the delight of drawing designs or solving geometric problems. But a question teachers often ask is, what next? Right{text continued on page 82)

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BOOK REVIEWS

(text continued from page 80) fully so, for there is more beyond the turtle world, such as using words and lists, writing interactive programs, and getting into embedded recursion. Beginners tend to expect that this part of Logo will also be as easily accessible, and it is not. Watt tackles this teaching problem by leading the reader carefully through material with the use of examples, explanations, and teaching suggestions, all to be tried hands-on. After reading and working through this part of the book, teachers have told us that, for the first time, they understand words and lists.

Minor Criticism

One potential pitfall when writing a book on Logo is how to sequence concepts and activities. Because there are any number of approaches, every Logo teacher will develop a favorite way. The author acknowledges this phenomenon by admitting "Here is what worked for

V

Figure 1: Repeating a random shape creates a design.

me, you should do what works best for you." And one section in his book where Watt's sequencing did not work for me was in Chapter 3 on Quickdraw.

Quickdraw is a program that lets you perform turtle graphics with single-key entries. For instance, instead of typing FD space 20 Return (a total of six keys),

you just type F With F, B, R, and L as single keys for FORWARD 20. BACK 20, RIGHT 30, and LEFT 30, respectively, you can move and turn the turtle by predetermined increments to make graphics designs. Quickdraw has some other useful procedures for saving and re(text continued on page 84)

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BOOK REVIEWS

[text continued from page 82) drawing a set of commands, but it does not include any other graphics commands.

One very practical use for Quickdraw is for young children wh'o cannot type the longer command words. Another use is to speed up graphics drawing. What I find inappropriate, however, is the series of suggested drawing activities using Quickdraw. These drawings (see figure 1) really beg for the REPEAT command. Without the REPEAT command, you have to enter the sequence of commands for the random shape (FFLLFLLLLFFFLLLLLFF) and then type them in repeatedly twelve more times. There is something to be said for motivating the learning of a new command by creating a need for it, but that does not seem to be part of the author's scheme here. This example seems to highlight the challenge of trying to balance easy access against interesting output.

Just as Logo uses turtle graphics as an entry into understanding programming, so also the author has included graphics in this book to clarify language and computer concepts. For this he has used a series of cartoon characters who act out the processes being carried on inside the computer. But the cartoons of a Logo elf, robot primitives, mailbags, mailboxes, and trash cans do not seem to help. Rather than being worth a thousand words, the cartoons require all the intense study that a page of print can demand if you are to understand the concepts being presented. They are easily skipped over, however, so you can ignore them and concentrate on just the words. This is a minor criticism about an otherwise marvelous book.

Anybody planning to teach Logo should have his or her own copy available in the classroom for quick reference. The more you refer to Dan Watt's book, the more enamored with it and with Logo you will become.

The Toll Free Microcomputer Index Reviewed by Maria V. Peeler

One problem with promising too much is that it's hard to live up to it. In this case, the product is slightly less than the promise.

That's the core of the discrepancy with The Toll Free Microcomputer \ndex. The authors use so much space in the first 14 pages glorifying the book's virtueshow it will save money, time, and headaches; how it will save the cost of a professional research service or consultant, the cost of microcomputer-magazine subscriptions, the cost of training the neophyte computer enthusiast—that the simple usefulness of the book is buried, leaving the reader a little shortchanged in the end.

Take A Look

Neophytes don't become wise com(text continued on page 86)

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BOOK REVIEWS

(text continued from page 84) puter buyers by calling 1-800-numbers; businesses can't completely bypass consultants or research services by calling 1-800-numbers; and most of us who buy computer magazines do so to enjoy articles, learn a little, and find out who has the lowest price on a Hayes modem this month—not to find out which companies have toll-free numbers.

That doesn't mean that this book isn't worth a look. It just means that The Toll Free Microcomputer Index is not the superbook its authors proclaim it to be. Taken in that light, it can be a helpful manual— especially to computer dealers, consultants, and myriad other individuals who tend to rely on information and merchandise from national rather than local sources.

Colorful Contents

The Toll Free Microcomputer \ndex consists of two parts. The White Pages are an

alphabetized database holding over 500 records on companies that maintain toll-free lines. The Orchid Pages consist of an alphabetized listing of keywords pertinent both to specific brands and large general categories. The two sections more or less correspond to a telephone book's white and yellow pages and function similarly.

The foreword to the Orchid Pages promises an index to the Keyword Index (which gives the name of the company and a one-line description), a Catalog Index, Information Index, and Location Index. Don't bother looking for the last three. They aren't there. According to the authors, funding ran out and they hope to include those indexes in the next edition.

Oversights

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no mention or cross-reference to Morrow's hard-disk manufacturing.

Despite the exclusion of three indexes, the oversights, and the overpraising in the stiff, textbook prose of the first 14 pages, the book looks professional. The cross-references, although not exhaustive, are at least accurate and adequate for its limited database. It is well printed on good quality paper, has a pleasant cover, and has few errors or typos. The book is available to user groups or clubs at a discount. ■

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Maria V. Peeler (7002 37th SE, Laceu, WA 98503) is a technical writer and a publicinformation officer at the Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission.

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Idris is a trademark of Whitesmiths, ltd.

CLUBS & NEWSLETTERS

• CHICAGO BBS ON ART AND TECHNOLOGY. The Center for Advanced Studies in Art and Technology (CASAT) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has set up a bulletinboard system (BBS) for artists and scientists to exchange information and ideas concerning the uses of technology in the arts. Research projects under way include sound synthesis and image processing. You can up- or download Apple high-resolution images to the system. CASAT's bulletin board is (312) 443-3744.

• 50 FIGS ON TREE

The FORTH Interest Group (FIG) announces the formation of the 50th chapter in Berkeley, California. FIG, a nonprofit organization, serves more than 4000 users of the FORTH computer language. It also sponsors the FIG-Tree, an on-line FORTH database (a 300-bit-per-second BBS) at (415) 538-3 580. Membership is $15 a year ($27 foreign) and includes a subscription to FORTH Dimensions, a bimonthly newsletter. Contact the FORTH Interest Group, POB 1105, San Carlos. CA 94070. (415) 962-8653.

• ARTISTIC GRASS ROOTS Art, Computers and Education (ACE) is a grass-roots group of artists, teachers, technicians, software developers, and art educators that meets to discuss issues in the arts and in art education involving the use of computers. Its newsletter contains interviews, software reviews, and reviews of arts peripherals. A $5 membership fee per school year entitles you to receive the ACE newsletter. For details, write to ACE, 3155 Avalon Court, Palo Alto. CA 94306.

• HUG IN CONN

The Connecticut Heath Users Group (CONNHUG) meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at the Heathkit Electronic Center in Avon, Connecticut. The club maintains a bulletin board at (203)

674-8915. By providing a forum for information exchange,. CONNHUG aims to educate in the area of computer science, particularly Heath/Zenith computers. For further details, contact CONNHUG, 395 West Main St.. Avon, CT 06001, (203) 678-0323.

• GET INSIDE IRIS

The IRIS Users Group (independent of Point 4 Data Corporation, which owns the IRIS license) produces a quarterly newsletter, Inside IRIS, that contains educational and informative articles for more than 20,000 users. A BBS using the IRIS (interactive real-time information system) operating system is on line at (303) 44X-CLUB. A membership fee is $3 5 a year and includes the newsletter. For further information, call Doc Gordon at (303) 449-7637, Chauncey Taylor at (303) 663-1400, or write the IRIS Users Group, 1531 North Lincoln Ave, Loveland. CO 80537.

• ASK THE ORACLE Oracle Network Headquarters' Silicon Valley Interchange RCP/M (remote CP/M) bulletinboard system is a nonprofit public-domain system operating 24 hours a day. Running on a CompuPro 816 with a 40-megabyte hard-disk drive. Oracle can accommodate more than 2 500 on-line files of news releases, communications, utilities, data on 16-bit computers, and items of interest to users of Apple, Osborne, IBM PC, and CompuPro. The 300- or 1200-bps system's number is (408) 732-9190. Registration is required. Send a six-digit password and a $2 5 annual membership fee to Oracle Network Headquarters. Silicon

Valley Interchange RCP/M, Attn: Registration, POB 532, Cupertino, CA 95015.

• "WORKSTEADER'S" FACT SOURCE. The National Association for the Cottage Industry is a nonprofit association that provides the home-based businessperson with access to information supporting "worksteading" as a financially viable alternative. It sponsors quarterly regional conferences and periodic seminars. A related newsletter. Mind Your Own Business At Home, is available. Contact the National Association for the Cottage Industry, POB 14460, Chicago. 1L 60614. (312) 472-8116.

• HAWKEYE AREA ATARI USERS GROUP, Eastern Iowa Atari owners have banded together to form Hawkatari, a users group that meets monthly and produces a newsletter. A library of public-domain software is maintained and members are encouraged to submit their programs. New members are welcome to join for $6 a year. Contact J.K. Wiese. Hawkatari, 2 565 22nd Ave., Marion, IA 52302.

• ACES MEET IN THE SUNSHINE STATE. The lacksonville Atari Computer Enthusiasts (1ACE) is an independent users group that meets regularly and produces a newsletter that contains reviews, program listings, classified ads, and news. A $10 membership fee entitles Atari owners to become members. Sample newsletters are $1 each. Contact JACE, 1187 Dunbar Court. Orange Park. FL 32073.

• HOW TO EXPORT SOFTWARE. World Software Markets

CLUBS & NEWSLETTERS is a forum for letting BYTE readers know what is happening in the microcomputing community. Emphasis will be given to electronic bulletinboard services, club-sponsored classes, community-help projects, field trips, and other activities outside of routine meetings. Of course, we will continue to list new clubs, their addresses and contact persons, and other information of interest. To list events on schedule, we must receive your information at least four months in advance. Send information to BYTE. Clubs & Newsletters. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

(WSM) are covered in The WSM Newsletter, a monthly publication from World Education Markets Inc. It provides readers with information about overseas export and licensing opportunities of software. This includes trends and developments in home, business, and school microcomputer markets. For details, contact WSM. Garrett Park, MD 20896-0255.

• A SOURCE FOR COMPARATIVE PRICING, Computer Price Alert is billed as a national survey of computer and software prices. Each issue reports the three lowest prices on certain materials as the result of a scan of several hundred discount and mail-order firms. It includes a listing of vendors who don't advertise elsewhere, thus keeping overhead expenses down. A one-year subscription (20 issues) is $48; a trial subscription (12 issues) is $36. Club discounts are available. For details, contact Computer Price Alert. POB 574, Cambridge, MA 02238. (617) 354-8116.

• BRIEFS FOR COMPUTER BUFFS. Owners of any brand of computer who live in the District of Columbia will benefit from the resources outlined in a monthly newsletter entitled Home Computer Briefs. It features articles on training, repairs, and other services; a word-processing column; a calendar of events; reviews of microcomputer books; and a column for readers to share experiences. The information selected for the contents of the newsletter is designed to help disgruntled users tap the full potential of their equipment. A one-year subscription is $18. Contact Home Computer Briefs. Suite 1739, 3421 M St. NW, Washington, DC 20007, (202) 965-4428.

• NORTH COUNTRY EDUCATORS UNITE, North Country Micro is produced five times a year and brings together almost 1500 educators in the

(continued on page 92)

-—Circle 354 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 91

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CLUBS & NEWSLETTERS

(continued from page 91) Franklin/Essex/Hamilton area of northern New York state. They work on common problems and keep up on modern classroom technology via editorials, applications of existing software to education, reviews of hardware and software, and updates on what other school systems are doing regarding computer education. North Country Micro contains bibliographies for further study; subscriptions are free. To inquire, contact Kirk Peterson, Paul Smith's College of Arts and Sciences, Paul Smiths, NY 12970.

• CALIFORNIAN COMMODORIANS, The Orange County 20-64 Users Club meets at l p.m. on the fourth Saturday of each month to discuss news items and see presentations. Separate libraries for the VIC-20 and the C-64 are maintained for the members. A S24 annual membership includes a subscription to the computerized newsletter. For details, contact Burt Bonem, 11212 Barclay Dr., Garden Grove, CA 92641, (714) 539-5909.

• THE USERS GROUP FOR PCjr The User's Group offers IBM PCjr owners up-to-date information, new products, and support via a newsletter and program exchange. The User's Group will publish a list of approved products based on its testing standards of reliability, ease of use, and pricing. The membership fee is $15 annually. For details, contact Brian Gratz, The User's Group, 4620 50th St. A-9, Lubbock, TX 79414, (806) 799-0327.

• MACINTOSH USERS UNITE National Apple Pie is a clearinghouse for information and software exchange for users of the Apple Macintosh and Lisa computers. The bimonthly newsletter, MacinTouch. is free for members seeking information on seminars, meetings, workshops, new products, developments, and hands-on assistance. Annual membership is $19. For details, contact National Apple Pie, Wayland Square, POB 3198, Providence. RI 02906.

• RURAL RUCUS Computer users who are farmers and ranchers living in remote areas can now ask hightech vendors questions about

computers, thanks to a newsletter produced by the Rural Computer Users Society (RUCUS). Articles range from improving gross revenue and methods of scheduling to programs for the school-age reader. The focus of the newsletter is to help novices figure out how to best use their computers for business purposes. Send for information from RUCUS, POB 233, Hamilton, VA 22068.

• INVEST WISELY

The American Association of Microcomputer Investors (AAM1) is an independent nonprofit organization that provides information to investors on how to use their microcomputers for profit in the stock, options, and commodities markets, bonds, real estate, and other investment opportunities. The AAMI ]ournal is produced bimonthly and contains reviews of investment software and on-line stock-market databases. A quarterly directory updates investment software. Computer programs, software discounts, and study guides are also available to members. For further information, contact AAMI, POB 1384, Princeton. NI 06542, (609) 921-6494.

• WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, New members of the Commodore Club receive a copy of a booklet entitled, Cash from Your Computer'. Members exchange software, programming tips, and information. The bimonthly newsletter, I/O, contains technical columns, computer applications, and other topics related to the Commodore. Annual dues are $15 and include a newsletter subscription. Send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to Joe Kamenar. 22 5J Dunbar Lane, Horsham, PA 19044.

• SOFTWARE IS AN ISSUE Software issues is an independent quarterly newsletter for people involved in the design, development, purchase, maintenance, or use of computer software. It addresses the development of quality computer programs, design and documentation methods, user interfacing, testing techniques, computer literacy, and more. An annual subscription is $12. Contact GDW Associates, POB 142 58, Clearwater, FL 34279. ■

92 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 285 on inquiry card.

Computer's Choice.

Primage I

Sooner or later, you'll probably want to use your business computer for word processing or data communications applications. And if you let your computer choose the best printer to provide letter quality printing at high production speeds, its first choice would be Primage I.

That's because when all the facts are entered, the Primage I with PageMate I sheet feeder, gives you more for your money than any other daisy system—45 cps, heavy duty, letter quality printing, with automatic sheet feeder, for hundreds of dollars less than its closest competitor.

The lower cost and higher performance are all made possible by a totally new control technology that allows simple, inherently more reliable stepping motors to run at much higher speeds. The design eliminates lots of parts that

you find in other serial printers. Parts you don't have to pay for and, just as important, parts you don't have to maintain. Primage I features simplified controls, easy paper feeding and a wide choice of fonts. It also comes with a unique 100-spoke daisy wheel that provides switch selectable multiple languages, and an easy access, easy set-up interface that connects to popular PC's without special cable fittings.

When you compare Primage I with top quality daisy printers and sheet feeders that cost up to 50% more, we're confident you'll make the same choice your computer would. So come into your computer dealer today for a first hand demonstration. Or contact us for detailed product literature. Primages Inc., 620 Johnson Ave., Bohemia, NY 11716 (516) 567-8200.

PRIMAGES INC.

Circle 265 on inquiry card.

]UNE 1984 -BYTE 93

EVENT QUEUE

}une 1984

• SOFTWARE ONLY Info/Software, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Mainframe and mini- and microcomputer software will be featured. Contact Clapp & Poliak, 708 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017. (212) 370-1100 and 661-8410. June 12-14

• MEDICINE AND COMPUTERS Clinical Laboratory Computers Symposium 1984, Towsley Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Contact the Office of Continuing Medical Education, Towsley Center Box 057, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, (313) 7631400. June 13-15

• NECC NUMBER SIX

The Sixth Annual National Educational Computing Conference—NECC '84, University of Dayton, OH. Papers, workshops, and exhibits to improve computer-based classroom instruction. Contact Lawrence A. Jehn, Computer Science Department, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH 45469, (513) 229-3831. June 13-15

• PC IN SPOTLIGHT PC-World Exposition, McCormick Place West, Chicago, IL. Contact Mitch Hall Associates, POB 860, Westwood, MA 02090, (617) 329-8090.

June 13-15

• BYTE HOSTS COMPUTER SHOW, BYTE Computer Show, Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA. Seminars, product displays, and technical conference sessions are some of the highlights of this show sponsored by BYTE and Popular Computing magazines. Contact the Interface Group, 300 First Ave., Needham, MA 02194, (800) 325-3330; in Massachusetts, (617) 449-6600. June 14-17

• COMPUTING GERMAN STYLE. International Computer Show, Cologne, West Germany. Seminars, workshops, and hardware and software exhibits. Con

tact Messe- und AusstellungsGes.m.b.H Koln, Messeplatz, Postfach 210760, D-5000 Cologne 21, West Germany: tel: (0221) 821-1; Telex: 8873 426 a mua d. June 14-17

• VOICE/DATA ISSUES, ANSWERS, Voice/Data Integration: Issues and Answers, Newport Beach Marriott, CA. Contact Bernie Ilson, 65 West 55th St., New York, NY 10019, (800) 638-6590: in New York, (212) 245-7950. June 15

• MIDWEST COMPUTER FAIR The Ninth Annual Midwest Affiliation of Computer Clubs' Computerfest '84, Convention Center, Dayton, OH. Commercial exhibits, computer and electronics fleamarket, seminars, and mini-courses highlight this event. Tickets are $6. Contact Computerfest '84, POB 24505, Dayton, OH 45424. June 15-17

• TECHNICAL WRITING Writing for the Computer Industry. Plymouth State College, Plymouth, NH. Topics: how to write computer-related text for an international audience, electronic documentation, training and linguistic style, and how to integrate text and graphics. Contact Dr. Sally Boland, 5 Reed House, Plymouth State College, Plymouth, NH 03264, (603) 5361550. June 16

• ACADEMIC COMPUTING The Seventeenth Annual Association for Small Computer Users in Education Conference, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green. Contact Dr. Dudley Bryant, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY 42101, (502) 745-0111.

June 17-20

• INTRO TO FORTH PROGRAMMING, People, Computers, and FORTH Programming, Humboldt

State University, Areata, CA. A hands-on. introductory course providing an understanding of the interna] workings of FORTH and enough knowledge to write applications programs. Prior experience with a computer language is advised. The fee is $12 5 or $175 with three quarter hours academic credit. Contact Claire Duffey, Office of Continuing Education. Humboldt State University, Areata, CA 95521, or call (707) 826-3731. June 18-21

• COMPUTERS AND BIOLOGY The Fourth Annual Notre Dame Short Course Series: Computers in Biology, University of NevadaReno. Three concurrent short courses: "Computers in Bioeducation," "Microcomputers in Classroom and Laboratory," and "Computerized Data Analysis in Biological Research." Technical expertise is not required. Tuition is $450. Contact Theodore J. Crovello, Biocomputing Short Course Coordinator, Department of Biology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556. (219) 239-7496. June 18-22

• ELECTRONIC OFFICE CONCEPTS. Office Information System Software, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge. The concepts behind the design of multifunction office workstations, including technologies, human factors, software, and applications generators, will be studied. Contact the Director of the Summer Session, Room E19-356, MIT. Cambridge, MA 02139. June 18-22

• DIGITAL MUSIC TECHNIQUES, Experimental Music Studio. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Cambridge. Two complementary sessions: "Techniques of Digital Audio Processing" and "Workshop in Computer Music Composition." The former, which

IF YOU WANT your organizations public activities listed in BYTE's Event Queue, we need to know about them at least four months in advance. Send information about computer conferences, seminars, workshops, and courses to BYTE, Event Queue, POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

runs from June 18-29, provides a technical background and experience in digital soundsynthesis methods. The latter, which begins July 2, gives composers the opportunity to experiment with the computer as a musical instrument. No special technical knowledge is required. Contact the Director of the Summer Session, Room E19356, MIT, Cambridge. MA 02139. June 18-Ju/u 27

• THE OFFICE OF THE FUTURE, Computerized Office Equipment Expo/Office Information Systems Conference— COEE/OIS, O'Hare Exposition Center, Rosemont, IL. Contact COEE/OIS Program Coordinator, Cahners Exposition Group, Cahners Plaza, 1350 East Touhy Ave., POB 5060, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (312) 299-9311.

June 19-21

• DOCUMENTATION METHODS How to Document a Computer System, Sheraton Commander Hotel, Cambridge, MA. A series of documentation procedures will be presented. The fee is $155 prepaid. Contact Technical Communications Associates, Suite 210, 12 50 Oakmead Parkway, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, (800) 227-3800, ext. 977; in California, (408) 737-2665. June 20

• TECHNICAL PROGRAM IN PRC, The First International Conference on Computers and Applications, Fragrant Hill Hotel, Peking, People's Republic of China. More than 100 technical papers will be delivered. Contact IEEE Computer Society, POB 639, Silver Spring, MD 20901. (301) 589-8142. lune 20-22

• COMPUTING IN NE FLORIDA The Great Southern Computer Show, Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Jacksonville, FL. Hardware, software, peripherals, accessories, and word- and dataprocessing exhibits complemented by workshops and seminars. Contact Great Southern

(continued on page 96)

94 B YTE • JUNE 1984

ANNOUNCING VERSION 2.0

EXTENDED PASCAL FOR YOUR IBM PC, PC jr., APPLE CP/M, MSDOS, CP/M 86, CCP/M, OR CP/M 80

"What I think the computer industry is headed for: well documented, standard, plenty of good features, and a reasonable price."

Jerry Pournelle,

Byte, February 1984

"The Perfect Pascal" Alan R. Miller,

Interface Age, January 1984

If you already own Turbo Pascal version 1.0, you can upgrade to 2.0 for $29.95. Just send in your old master with your check. (Manual update included of course).

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California residents add 6% sales tax Outside U.S.A. add $15.00. (If outside of U.S.A. payment must be by bank draft payable in the U.S. and in U.S. dollars.) Sorry, no C.O.D. or Purchase Orders. B15

Circle 130 on Inquiry card.

THE

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ORDERING INFORMATION AND TERMS: All items usually in stock. Castas Checks. Money Odets, Fortune 1000 Checks and Government Checks, we immediately honor. Personal or other Company I

I Checks allow 20 days to clear. No C.O.D. Prices reflect 3% cash discount so ADO 3% to above prices tor VISA or MC. For U.S. Mainland, add 3% tor shipping, insurance and handling (SI&H) by UPS with $5 minimum for SI&H. UPS ground is standard so add 3% more for UPS Blue with $10 minimum tor SI&H. Add 12% total for SI&H for US Postal, APO or FPO with $15 minimum for SI&H. For Hawaii, Alaska and Canada, UPS is in some areas only, all others are ] Postal so call, write or specify Postal. Foreign orders except Canada for SI&H add 18% or $25 minimum for SI&H ex

L cept fa monitors add 30% or $50 minimum for SI&H. Prices subject to charoe and typo errors, so call to verify.

(continued from page 94) Computer Shows, POB 655, Jacksonville, FL 32201, (904) 356-1044. ]une 21-23

• COMPUTERS IN MEDICAL PRACTICE-MEDCOM 84, The First National Conference on Computers in Medical Practices, Masonic Memorial Temple, Nob Hill. San Francisco, CA. Twenty educational sessions plus exhibits and an investmentplanning seminar. Contact MEDCOM 84, 1803 Golden Cate, San Francisco, CA 94115. (800) 468-2211; in California. (800) 445-2121 or (415) 931-0910. ]une 23-25

• GRAPHICS STANDARD COURSE, Introduction to GKS. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Austin, TX. A course on the Graphical Kernel System (GKS) standard. The fee is $495. Contact Nova Graphics International Corp., 1015 Bee Cave Woods, Austin, TX 78746. (512) 327-9300. June 2 5-26

• COMPUTATIONAL METHODOLOGY, Conference on the Forefronts of Large-scale Computational Problems, National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD The interdisciplinary application of largescale computing technology will be addressed. The focus is on complex problems that test the limits of traditional experimental and computational methodologies. Registration is $275. Contact Wm. L. Schrader. FF '84, Newman Laboratory, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853. (607) 256-3455. June 25-27

• MICROS IN EDUCATION Stanford Institute on Microcomputers in Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. An intensive session that provides the background necessary to serve as a school or district resource person. Hands-on programming, word processing, and administrative computing. Contact Stanford Institute on Microcomputers in Education, POB K. Stanford, CA 94305. (415) 322-4640. June 25-Juty 27

• COMPUTERS IN DENTAL PRACTICE-DENTCOM 84. The First National Conference on Computers in Dental Practices, Masonic Memorial Temple, Nob Hill, San Francisco, CA. Twenty educational sessions plus ex

hibits and an investmentplanning seminar. Contact DENTCOM 84. 1803 Golden Gate. San Francisco, CA 94115, (800) 468-2211; in California. (800) 445-2121 or (415) 9310910. }une 26-28

• SOFTWARE, SYSTEMS, STRATEGIES, The 1984 Coronado Invitational Conference on Software, Systems, and Strategies: The Next Five Years, Hotel del Coronado, San Diego, CA. Contact Gnostic Concepts Inc., Suite 300, 951 Mariner's Island Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94404, (415) 345-7400.

]une 26-28

• PC IN BIG APPLE PCExpo, Coliseum, New York City. IBM Personal Computer hardware, software, and vendor exhibits. Daily seminars. Contact PCExpo, 333 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632, (201J 569-8542. June 26-28

• FEDERAL COMPUTING EXPO Government Computer Expo— GCE84, Sheraton Washington Hotel, Washington, DC. Workshops, exhibits, and technical programs focusing on end-user computing and applications. Contact U.S. Professional Development Institute, 1620 Elton Rd.. Silver Spring, MD 20903, (301) 445-4405.

]une 26-29

• LOGO CONVOCATION

Logo '84 Conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge Four main themes, Logo Learning, Learning Environments, Technical Forecasts, and Images of Future Work. Product exhibits. Contact the Special Events Office. Room 7-111, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139. )une 26-29

• FORTH PROGRAMMING TIPS Using FORTH Effectively, Humboldt State University, Areata, CA. A hands-on, advanced course on the generation and internal operations of a FORTH system. A mastery of an introductory FORTH course or a minimum of six months using FORTH and a knowledge of assembly language and operatingsystem principles are prerequisites. The fee is $150 or $200 with three quarter hours academic credit. Contact Claire Duffey, Office of Continuing

(continued on page 101)

From Apple to Zilog, Leave the Care and Feeding

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Inmac PC turntable: lots of tilt & turn. little $$$!

Inmac's compact PC monitor turntable rotates and tilts your monitor so you can work in glarefree comfort.

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The rack is angled for comfortable reading and quick flipping from book to book. Holds all Apple and spiral bound manuals.

Order yours now. Once you try it, you'll wish we'd invented it sooner!

Spiral Bound Manual Rack. No. 3720-PT4 $49.95

«*«

AP^

***>>*

i\*'

FREE INMAC CATALOG.

For 2500 more great ways to feed and care for your mini, micro or wp, call today and we'll rush you the latest edition. With paper, ribbons, cable, media, g

modems, and more.

TheTeleVideo IBM PC The best hardware for

TeleVideo versus IBM. Make a few simple comparisons and you'll find there is no comparison.

RUNS IBM SOFTWARE.

With the TeleVideo" IBM Compatible line—PC, XT and portable computers—you'll get the most out of all the most popular software written for the IBM" PC-more than 3,000 programs.

Because every TeleVideo Personal Computer offers the highest level of IBM compatibility on the market

THE BEST HARDWARE FOR THE BEST PRICE

Features

Tele-PC

IBM PC

Tele-XT

IBM XT

Monitor

YES

OPTIONAL

YES

OPTIONAL

Screen Size

14"

12"

14"

12"

Tilt Screen

YES

NO

YES

NO

Quiet Operation YES (NO FAN)

NO

YES

NO

Memory

128K

128K OPTION

256K

256K OPTION

Graphics Display (640x200 resolution)

YES

OPTIONAL

YES

OPTIONAL

Printer Port

YES

OPTIONAL

YES

OPTIONAL

Communication Port

YES

OPTIONAL

YES

YES

MS™-DOS/BASIC"

YES

OPTIONAL

YES

OPTIONAL

System Expansion Slot

YES

YES

YES

YES

RGB and Video Port

YES

OPTIONAL

YES

OPTIONAL

Typical System Price

$2995

$3843

$4995

$5754

compatibles the best software.

and has the standard — not optional —features you need to take full advantage of every job your software can do.

Study the chart at the left. It proves thatTeleVideo—not IBMoffers the best hardware for the best price.

Note thatTeleVideo's ergonomic superiority over IBM extends from fully sculpted keys and a comfortable palm rest to a 14-inch, no glare screen that tilts at a touch.

THE BEST MICROCHIPS.

What is perhaps most impressive about the TeleVideo IBM PC Compatible can be found deep within its circuitry. We use the same 8088 central processing unit that runs an IBM PC. But we also employ new VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) microchips that are designed and built exclusively for TeleVideo. These interface more efficiently with the powerful 8088 and yield numerous benefits.

THE BEST PORTABLE FOR THE BEST PRICE.

Features

TPCII

COMPAQ

High Capacity Storage

YES

NO

2nd Disk Drive

YES

OPTIONAL

Quiet Operation (No Fan)

YES

NO

Ergonomic Display

YES

NO

Communication Port

YES

OPTIONAL

International Power Supply

YES

NO

MS™-DOS2.TI

YES

NO

Graphics Display

YES

YES

Typical System Price

$2995

$3710

. For example, our tiny custom chips do the work of many of the larger, "more expensive circuit boards in an IBM PC. So we can offer a computer system that comes in one attractive, integrated case, is ready to run and occupies less desk space. A computer that edges out IBM's added-cost component system for reliability, ease of service and purchase simplicity.

Fewer circuit boards to cool also allowed us to eliminate the noisy, irritating fan IBM and most other PCs force you to put up with. And TeleVideo compatibles accept

any IBM hardware options without modification.

THE BEST LINE.

But theTele-PC is only one element of the TeleVideo IBM PC Compatible line.

The TeleVideo XT is the best hardware for users of popular IBM XT software who would appreciate an extra 10 megabytes of storage capacity along with the advantages listed on the preceding chart.

As the chart above demonstrates, our portable IBM compatible computer, theTPC 11, is far and away better hardware than COMPAQ™ Better hardware—standard—at a better price.

THE BEST MANUFACTURER.

The TeleVideo IBM PC Compatible line is made by the world leader in multi-user computer systems and the number one independent manufacturer of terminals.

Our compatibles are available at participating ComputerLand and Entre (call 800-HI-ENTRE) dealers or you may call 800-538-8725 for the dealer nearest you. In California, call 800-345-8008.

Before you invest, make a few simple comparisons. You'll find that TeleVideo—not IBM or COMPAQ — has the best hardware for the best software. At the best price.

IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines. MS is a trademark of MicroSoft Corporation. CW Basic is a registered trademark of MicroSoft Corporation, COMPAQ is a trademark of COMPAQ Computer Corporation

TeleVideo

Personal Computers

©^TeleVideo Systems, Inc.

Circle 329 on inquiry card.

BUY A BANK FOR $1S.9S

The DiskBank Media Mate.

Media Mate 3 for new micro diskettes. Media Mate 5 for 5%"diskettes.

Convenient easy-carry handle.

Introducing Media Mate...another affordable solution in diskette filing technology from DiskBank.

Media Mate combines an attractive desktop appearance with superior protection, organization and storing capability for 50 diskettes. All at a cost your budget will appreciate.

Available in sizes to accommodate both 5V'and Wdiskettes, Media Mate includes a fortress of features:

■ Sturdy, high impact styrene construction

■ Attractive smoke see-thru cover

■ Convenient adjustable tab dividers

■ Self-locking cover with easycarry handle

■ Case on case stackability

For protecting, organizing and storing your valuable diskettes, make the little investment that pays off big. Buy a Bank. Buy DiskBank.

DiskBank

AMARAY CORPORATION

2251 Grant Road, Los Altos, CA 94022 (415) 968-2840, Telex 171627 Amaray-Ltos

100 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 23 on inquiry card.

Circle 357 on inquiry card.

EVENT QUEUE

{continued from page 96) Education. Humboldt State University, Areata. CA 95521. (707) 826-3731. )une 26-29

• MEDICINE AND COMPUTERS Annual American Society of Computers in Medicine and Dentistry Conference. Lodge at Vail, CO. An introduction to computers for doctors and dentists and a forum for expanding the use of computers. Contact Arlene Rogers, ASCMD, POB 21483, Upper Arlington. OH 43221, (614) 421-8487. )une 28-30

July 1984

• WORKSHOPS FOR EDUCATORS, Compuworkshops Computer Seminars for Educators, various locations in California. Among the seminars offered are Authoring Tools and Word Processing for Educators," "BASIC Programming for Educators," and "Designing Educational Courseware." Each course is $50. Contact Compukids of Seal Beach, Rossmoor Shopping Center. 12385 Seal Beach Blvd.. Seal Beach, CA 90740, (213) 430-7226; in West Los Angeles. (213) 473-8002; in Tarzana, (213) 343-4008; and in Rancho Bernardo/San Diego, (619) 451-1742. )utu-August

• SME CONFERENCES & EXPOS, Conferences and Expositions from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, various sites in the U.S. and around the world. A calendar is available. Contact the Public Relations Department. Society of Manufacturing Engineers, One SME Dr.. POB 930, Dearborn, Ml 48121. (313) 271-0777. ]uly-August

• C, UNIX COURSES Courses in C Language and UNIX, Concord, MA. Somers Point, NJ. and College Park. MD. Three five-day courses are offered: "C Programming Workshop," "Advanced C Topics Seminar," and "UNIX Workshop." Contact loan Hall, Plum Hall Inc.. I Spruce Ave.. Cardiff, N| 08232, (609) 927-3770. ]uly-August

• DBM SEMINARS

Digital Consulting Associates' Classes and Seminars, various sites in the U.S. Seminars and classes on dBASE II. Lotus

1-2-3. database administration, and other microcomputer topics. Contact Digital Consulting Associates Inc., 339 Salem St., Wakefield. MA 01880, (617) 246-4850. Wly-August

• DATABASE SEMINARS SoftwareBanc Seminars, various sites in the U.S. and Canada. Such seminars as "Problem Solving with 1-2-3," "dBASE II." and "Exploring UNIX" are planned. Contact SoftwareBanc Inc.. 661 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA 02174, (800) 451

2 502; in Massachusetts, (617) 641-1241. }uly-August

• EFFICIENT COMPUTING TECHNIQUES. Microcomputers: Techniques for Improving Your Computer Efficiency, Valley Inn and Tavern, Waterville Valley, NH. Four intensive two-day seminars: "Microcomputers: Programming in BASIC," "Introduction to VisiCalc," "Micro Database Applications," and "Engineering and Management Applications." Tuition is $495. or $679 with meals and lodging. Contact New Hampshire College. Resource Center, 2 500 North River Rd., Manchester. NH 03104, (603) 668-2211, ext. 175. luly-September

• MANAGERIAL SEMINARS Computer Competence Seminars, Boston University Metropolitan College, Boston, MA. A series of hands-on presentations tailored for managers who know little or nothing about computers and for those who wish to sharpen their computing skills. On the docket are "PCs for Improving Financial Analysis and Decision Support" and "Personal Computers for Sales and Marketing Professionals." Fees range from $22 5 to $595. In-house programs can be organized. Contact loan Merrick, University Seminar Center, Suite 415, 850 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, (617) 738-5020. )uly-September

• RAINBOW SEMINARS All-Hands-On. Boston, MA, Chicago, 1L, New York City, and San Francisco, CA. A series of applications seminars featuring the DEC Rainbow 100. Contact Carol Ericson, BUO/E50, Educational Services, Digital Equipment Corp.. 12 Crosby Dr., Bed

(continued on page 102)

makes

communication

simple

FOR PC DOS, CPM-86 and CPM Systems.

• SIMPLE TO INSTALL. MOVE-IT can be installed in under 5 minutes by answering simple questions at the console. Included is the set-up information for over 100 micros and 10 I/O boards.

• SIMPLE TO USE PROGRAM. MOVE-IT'S 20 commands allow you to auto-dial and access remote information utilities, and bulletin boards, including upload and download. Transfer files error free between PC and other micros when both run MOVE-IT. Display both local and remote directories ... and a whole list of other features.

• SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND MANUAL. Complete 80 page manual is included. Over 8000 programs now in use. "One of the few packages that actually works as advertised," says Interface Age.

MOVE-IT program and manual suggested retail $150. For CPM systems $125. Specify disk format and operating sysem when ordering.

WOOLF SOFTWARE SYSTEMS INC.

6754 ETON AVE. CANOGA PK., CA 91303 (213) 703-8112

w

514 DISK CONTROLLER

KEY FEATURES

• Full sector buffering

• Logical sector addressing

• Multiple sector, cylinder operation

• 11 bit burst ECC

• Self-diagnostic capability

• Automatic sector alternation for the diffective sectors

• Automatic Error Retry

• Industry Standurd SASI l/F

National Computer Ltd.

UASON OFFICE IN CALIFORNIA PHONE:(4O8)734-10O6 FAX:(408)744-0709

AKEBONO BLDG. 2-6-12 IWAMOTO-CHO CHIYODA-KU TOKKO, JAPAN PHONE: (031863-6705 TLX:J27542 FAX: (03)864-4581

Circle 235 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE

101

Circle 67 on inquiry card.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

P.O. BOX 556 ORDERS 800-336-1410

PLYMOUTH, Ml 48170 INFO 313-451-0665

40 MEGABYTE HARD DISK SUB-SYSTEM AT 20MB PRICE $2595 DISK 3™ CONTROLLER, 40 MB HARD DISK, CP/M® 80 & 86, CAB & PS

READY TO RUN WITH ALL CompuPro® OPERATING SYSTEMS COMPETITIVE EDGE S-100 BCTM & S-100 SCTM BUSINESS COMPUTER & SCIENTIFIC COMPUTER

TYPE

RAM/HARD DISK S-100-BC 286 5" S-100 BC 186 5" S-100-BC Z 8" S-1'OO-BC 85/88 S-100-BC 68K 8"

TYPE

S-100-SC 286/287 5' S-100-SC 86/87 5'

SINGLE USER 4 USER

266K 512K10MB

$3495 $5495 $1995 $4295 $2295 64K $4595 320K $2895 64K $7595 40MB $6699 40MB 256K STATIC

FLOPPY BASED

$4795 256K STATIC $3895 256K STATIC

6 USER

8 USER +

768K 20MB

1024K40MB

$6995

$8195

$5795

$6995

$5995 448K

$7595 576K

$8750 40MB

$9895 40MB

40 MB HARD DISK BASED

$6995 256K STATIC

$6095 256K STATIC

COMPONENTS FROM CompuPro® , Lomas, Teletek

" Disk 3™w/ uP/M® 80&E"

Disk 1 A™ RAM 22™ SS1

CP/NP 68K™ CPU 85/88 SS1 CSC ACT TERM LIGHTNING 1 LIGHTN. 286 256K DRAM 0CTAP0RT8 SYSTEMASTER® HD/CTC 40MB HD

$459 1155 297 242 327 363 55 420 1116 636 316

Disk 11

TM

Ram 21™

I/O 3

RAM22CSC

CPU Z™

I/O 4 CSC

20 SLOT MB

10MH2L1

286/287

CC/PM86

GRAPHICS 557 SBC-1 4MHZ 499 6-128 SBC1 1595 53MB HD

$327 657 459

1287 215 363 195 520

1595 280 396

7TM

Ram 17

I/O 4

CPU86™CSC

DISK 1CSC

ENCLOS 2

12SLTMB

HAZITALL

RAM 67

MCCP/M86

THUNDER 186 256K 525 6MHZSBC1 733 13MB HD

$329 297 561 393 599 129 275 725 360

Ram 16™ CCP/M"> 86 CPU68 CSC 85/88 CSC ENCLOS R CPU 68K™ LDP 72 128KDRAM MSDOS™ 211 CCP/M 695 SBC 2 795 27MB HD

$525

$359 242 561 393 639 459 220 396 225

1195 995

1195

1795 HD/CTC, 53MB HD, CAB & PS 2495

TERMINALS, PRINTERS, SOFTWARE, MODEMS

WYSE 50 $550

ZENITH Z29 675

EPSON FX80 499

F10 40 1095

DRIC 225

WYSE75 TV 925 IDS P 80 F10 55 C.I. C

$650 749 969

1395 295

QUME102GR

TV 970

P132 COLOR

C.I 1550

SPELLBINDER™

$539 1095 1495 675 295

QUME102AM VISUAL 55 C. IT0H8510 1550 SERIAL S-100 MODEM

$549 795 549 725 315

eglstced

ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND SUBJECT TO STOCK ON HAND - CP/M, CC/M-86. MPfM ar trademarks or trademarks of Digital Research, CompuPro* Is a Godbou! Company, Disk 1. Disk 1a. Disk 3, MRU 8 10, CP'M 8 16, CCPiM 8-16 CPU 2 CPU B5IB6 CPU 6BK, CPU 86. RAM 22, RAM 21. RAM 17, RAM 16 are trademarks ol CompuPro' Systemaster* is a registered trademark of Teleleh. Enterprises Inc. MSDOS Is a trademark of Microsoft Spellbinder Is a trademark of Lexlsoft Inc.

H

;■;:

EVEN LOWER PRICES

for SERVICE,

SAVINGS, and SATISFACTION

Call for June Specials !

#

Q

PRINTERS

Dynax 15X 439

Epson FX-100 679

FX-80 499

RX-80 FT 389

Gemini 10X 259

15X 389

NEC 3550 1829

2030 Call

Okidata92P 439

93P 747

Prowriter 349

HP Ink Jel 499

MONITORS

Amdek310A 159

300 135

Princeton HX 12 479

Sakata SCI OO Color 259

Taxan Amber 119

Vision 3 449

Zenith 123 12 Green 95

122 12 Amber....95 135 13 Color....459

MODEMS

Hayes1200 479

1200B 399

MM //e 249

300 baud 199

Novation Apple Cat 2.... 259

Promodem 1 200 SCALL

Signalman Mark I 81

Mark X 210

XII 279

VolksModem300baud .59

m

cippkz

//e

64KCPU, 2 Drives,

Controller, 80-Col

S SAVE $

NEW ARRIVAL!!

MACINTOSH...Call

MONTH'S SPECIALS

Juki 6100 $449

Gemini 10X...... SCALL

Gemini 1 5X $389

Word w/Mouse ...$269 Slim Line Drive

Apple/IBM $189

PC64K

2 Drives. Controller

Color & Monochrome,

Parallel Port

$2455

IBM XT $4295

Call for Special Deals !

APPLE PRODUCTS

Micro Sci A2 Drives 199

Rana Elite I 219

Teac Drive 210

Chinon Drive 189

Videx 80 col w/softswitch.189

Ultraterm 289

Grappler+ 119

Wesper Full Graphics 79

Buffered 16K....139

16K Ram 67

System Saver Fan 69

Microsoft Prem lie 289

SoftcardCPM.229

Multiplan 179

MAC Multiplan 139

Basic 109

Apricorn Serial Card 69

Koala Graphic Tablet 79

Z-80 Card 59

IBM PRODUCTS

Tandon TM 100-2 219

Panasonic 320K 179

Teac 55B 320K 189

STBGraphix Plus 259

RIO+ 259

Super RIO 279

Microsoft Multiplan 179

64K Ram 149

Flight Sim 39

Lotus 1-2-3 289

AST 6 Pak 269

Mega-h 269

Quadboard EK 219

WE SUPPORT THESE FINE SYSTEMS: Altos, Apple, Columbia, Compaq, Corona, DEC. Epson, IBM, KayPro, Sanyo, TeleVideo, Zenith, Zorba, and

nany i

ore.

NO CLUB FEE

PRICES SUE

5/84

Computer Price

Club 714 841-6160

16783 Beach Blvd. Huntington Beach, Cfi 92647

EVENT QUEUE

(continued from page 101)

ford, MA 01730, (617) 276-4572.

lulu-September

• DEC SEMINARS Technical and Management Seminars for Professionals, various sites in the U.S. Subject areas: system-performance management, networking, personal computing, applications design and programming, real-time applications design, and management development. On-site seminars can be arranged. Contact Educational Services, Digital Equipment Corp., Seminar Programs BUO/E58, 12 Crosby Dr., Bedford, MA 01730. (617) 2764949. luly-September

• HIGH-TECH TUTORIALS Tutorial Short Courses from Hellman Associates, various sites in the U.S. Among the courses offered are "VLSI Design," "Digital Control," and "Error Correction." Fees are generally $895. Contact Hellman Associates Inc., Suite 300, 299 California Ave.. Palo Alto. CA 94306, (415) 328-4091. lulu-October

• PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Seminars from the Institute for Professional Education, various sites in the U.S. Programs in statistics, management, simulation and modeling, personal computers, and computer science. Contact the Institute for Professional Education, POB 756, Arlington, VA 22216, (703) 527-8700. lulu-December

• COMMODORE DISSECTED Commodore College '84, Brandon University, Manitoba, Canada. Workshops on graphics, sound, file handling, disk techniques, and 6502 machine language. Contact Faculty of Education, Brandon University, Brandon, Manitoba R7A 6A9, Canada, (204) 728-9520. July 1-6

• PC SHOW IN LONDON The 1984 PC User Show, Novotel, London, England. Devoted to the IBM Personal Computer. More than 100 exhibits. Contact Geoff Dickinson. EMAP International Exhibitions Ltd., 8 Herbal Hill, London EC1B 1PA, England; tel: 01 837 3699. ]uly 3-5

• WOMEN AND COMPUTING The Third Annual National Con

ference of the Association for Women in Computing Conference, Holiday Inn Center Strip, Las Vegas, NV. The conference theme is "Choice or Chance in Computing Careers." Contact Patricia Timpanaro, AWCC '84 Registration, 40 Main St. Number 206, Stoneham, MA 02180. lulu 8

• NCC

The 1984 National Computer Conference—NCC, Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Professional-development seminars, more than 650 exhibits, and nearly 100 technical sessions. Contact the American Federation of Information Processing Societies Inc., 1899 Preston White Dr., Reston, VA 22091, (703) 620-8926. lulu 9-12

• FIBER-OPTIC METHODS Fiber and Integrated Optics, San Diego. CA. Course topics: single- and multimode fiber cabling, photo detectors, receiver and repeater technology, and optical-fiber sensors. The fee is $875. Contact Continuing Engineering Education, George Washington University. Washington, DC 20052, (800) 424-9773; in the District of Columbia, (202) 676-6106. luly 9-13

• SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTITUTE, Microcomputers in Special Education: Today's Challenge, Lesley College. Cambridge, MA. Subjects: Logo, software evaluation, administrative applications, and model programs. Technical expertise not required. Contact Joy Nikkei, Lesley College, 29 Everett St., Cambridge, MA 02238, (617) 868-9600. luly 16-20

• SIMULATION CONFERENCE Summer Computer Simulation Conference-SCSC '84, Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston, MA. Technical sessions, papers, panel discussions, exhibits, and tutorials. Contact Charles Pratt, Simulation Councils Inc., POB 2228, La Jolla, CA 92038, (619) 459-3888. )uly 23-2 5

• SIGGRAPH

ACM SIGGRAPH '84, Minneapolis, MN. Technical papers, panel discussions, a design show, film and video presentations, and nearly 30 courses. Contact SIGGRAPH '84 Conference Office. Ill East Wacker

(continued on page 104)

102 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 79 on inquiry card.

i iv^vv:

Choose From 3

Hard Disc Drive Systems That Convert Your IBM* PC To Perform Like The PC XT!

Our Winchester Hard Disc Drive Systems offer 10 Mega-bytes of formated capacity, are internally installed and use available power!

Maynard Electronics introduces three Winchester Hard Disc Drive 5ystems — the only drive systems to offer you 10 Megabytes of formatted capacity with complete internal installation! These systems offer the user countless benefits and features: capability of booting off the hard disc; additional functions while requiring only one card slot in your PC; and, use of available power, thereby preventing overheating problems which have affected other drives, handling heavyweight data was never easier.

All three systems are quality engineered and worK with D05

2.0 without any special software drivers and also run with other operating systems designed to maKe use of the XT hard drive system. All you need is the IBM' D05 2.0 Manual and you're ready to run!

Each system is equipped with a low-power hard disc drive, complete software, cable, a 5and5tar™ Card and Hard Disc Controller Module. 5and5tar™ is the first family of modular peripherals created for the IBM* PC. Simple instructions for easy installation are included and all components are backed by an Unconditional One Year Parts and Labor Guarantee.

W5 1

W5 2

WS3

m

tHn

, w t3L_. _■■■

This 5ystem 15 equipped with the 5and5tar ™ Multifunction card In addition to the Hard Disc Controller Module, you can add up to three other 5and5tar" Modules while using only one card 5lot. The following modules are available: 5enal Fort, Parallel Port Clock Calendar, Game Adaptor, and Prototyping Module.

This System is equipped with the 5and5tar" Floppy Drive Controller Card. The Card can control, in addition to the Hard Disc Drive, two floppy drives mounted inside your PC and optionally two additional 5Vo" or 8" drives mounted externally. This leaves three system slots for other expansion boards.

This System is equipped with the 5and5tar" Memory Card. In addition to controlling the Hard Disc Drive, the Memory Card allows you to add 64K bytes to 576K bytes of memory using only one card slot.

xpand your PC to perform like the PC XT, one of our Winchester Hard c Drive Systems is right for you. And if you have already made the e decision to install any of Maynard's SandStar Cards, the idStar Hard Disc Controller Module may be purchased separately.

ORDER, COHTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER OR DISTRIBUTOR.

MAYNARD ELECTRONICS

400 East 5emoran Blvd. Casselberry, Florida 32707 305/331-6402

We make modern times better.

MOW! Compatible

with > COMPAQ!**

tr^rhofy^o,t

LMC's 32-Bit Virtual Memory MegaMicro Is The-State-Of-The-Art UNIX Microcomputer

LMC's 32-bit MegaMicro provides mainframe or super-minicomputer performance at prices competitive with today's far less powerful 8- and 16-bit microcomputers. This is made possible by use of the next generation of logic chips—the National Semiconductor 16000-series. LMC MegaMicros incorporate: the NS16032 central processing unit which has true 32-bit internal logic and internal data path configured on the IEEE 796 multibus; demand-paged virtual memory implemented in hardware; and hardware 64-bit double-precision floating-point arithmetic.

The LMC MegaMicro is supplied with HCR's UNITY* which is a full implementation of UNIX** and includes the Berkeley 4.1 enhancements to take advantage of demand-paged virtual memory. Also included are C and FORTRAN. Typical multiuser systems with 33 megs, of fast (30 ms. average access time) Winchester disk storage, a half meg. of RAM, virtual memory, hardware floating-point arithmetic, UNIX, C, and FORTRAN 77 are available for $20,000 (and even less with quantity or OEM discounts).

* UNITY is a Trademark of Human Computing Resources. "UNIX is a Trademark of Bell Laboratories.

LMC MegaMicros The Logical Alternative™

iac

The Logical Microcomputer Company

4200 W. Diversey, Chicago, IL60639(312) 282.9667

111

A member of The Marmon Group of companies

EVENT QUEUE

(continued from page 102)

Dr.. Chicago, IL 60601, (312)

644-6610. )uly 23-27

• INTERFACING TIPS FOR TEACHERS, Microcomputerbased Instrumentation for Schools, Middletown, OH. An introductory, hands-on workshop for college and secondary teachers. Contact Bill Rouse. 301 McGuffey Hall. Miami University, Oxford, OH 45056, (513) 5292141. My 23-August 2

• MICROS IN EDUCATION Stanford Institute on Microcomputers in Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA. See June 25-July 27. ]uly 30-August 31

August 1984

• SCHOOL COMPUTER COORDINATORS, The Computer: Extension of the Human Mind, Center for Advanced Technology in Education, University of Oregon, Eugene. For individuals responsible for the use of computers and emerging technologies at the school and district levels. Pre- and postconference workshops. Registration is $95. Contact Summer Conference Office. College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403. August 1-3.

• SHOW FOR TARHEELS Great Southern Computer Show, Civic Center, Charlotte, NC Hardware, software, peripherals, and accessories for the home and office. Seminars and workshops. Contact Great Southern Computer Shows, POB 655, Jacksonville, FL 32201, (904)

3 56-1044. August 2-4

• HOME AND OFFICE The First Annual Tampa Bay Computer Show & Office Equipment Exposition, Curtis Hixon Convention Center, Tampa, FL. Hardware, software, accessories, and peripherals for industry and home. Contact CompuShows Inc., POB 3315, Annapolis, MD 21403, (800) 368-2066; in Annapolis. (301) 263-8044; in Baltimore. 269- 7694; in the District of Columbia, 261-1047. August 2-5

• AI INVESTIGATED

The National Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Performing

Arts Center, University of Texas, Austin. Seminars, exhibits, and panel discussions. Registration for American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) members is $100; nonmembers pay $140. Contact Claudia C. Mazzetti, AAAI, 445 Burgess Dr., Menlo Park, CA 94025, (415) 328-3123. August 6-10

• COMPUTERS IN ENGINEERING, The 1984 ASME International Computers in Engineering Conference and Exhibit, Hilton Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. More than 60 panel discussions and paper sessions. Product exhibits. Contact American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 345 East 47th St., New York, NY 10017, (212) 705-7100. August 12-16

• MICROS & VOC ED Microcomputers and High Technology in Vocational Education Conference, Vocational Studies Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Concurrent sessions, formal classes, presentations, speeches, and videotaped programs. Preregistration fee is $55, or $65 at the door. Contact Dr. Judith Rodenstein, 964 Educational Sciences Building, University of Wisconsin, 102 5 West Johnson St., Madison, Wl 53706, (608) 263-4367.

August 13-16

• COMPUTERS AND BIOLOGY, The Fourth Annual Notre Dame Short Course Series: Computers in Biology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN. See June 18-22. August 13-17

• GRAPHICS & CONSTRUCTION, The Third International Conference and Exposition on Computers/Graphics in the Building Process, BP '84, Embarcadero Center, Hyatt Regency, San Francisco, CA. Tutorials, plenaries, and technical sessions will focus on the theme "The Building Process in Transition.'' Contact Conference Director, BP '84, Suite 333, 2033 M St. NW Washington. DC 20036. (202) 775-9556. August 19-23

• PCB TECHNICAL SEMINAR The 1984 Printed Circuit Fabrication Technical Seminar, Boston, MA. Contact Donna Esposito, PMS Industries. 62 5 Sims Industrial Blvd., Alpharetta, GA 30201, (404) 475-1818. August 27-29 ■

104 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 194 on inquiry card.

Introducing the Most Powerful Business Software Ever!

TKS 80 " (Model I, [I, III, or 16) • APPLE"* IBM™* OSBORNE"* CP/M"« XEROX"

**?

The VersaBusiness" Series

Each VERSABUSINESS module can be purchased and used independently, or can be linked in any combination to form a complete, coordinated business system.

VERSARECEIVABLES™ $99.95

VERSARECEIVABLES™ is a complete menu-driven accounts receivable, invoicing, and monthly statement-generating system. It keeps track of all information related to who owes you or your company money, and can provide automatic billing for past due accounts. VERSA RECEIVABLES" prints all necessary statements, invoices, and summary reports and can be linked with VersaLedger IP" and VERSA Inventory"".

VERSAPAYABLES™ $99.95

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V

BYTE

Features

The HP 110

by Ezra Shapiro Ill

Trump Card, Part 2: Software

by Steve Garcia 115

Faster FORTH

by Ronald L Greene 127

An Ada Language Primer

by Sabina H. Saib 131

Macintosh Pascal

by G. Michael Vose 136

Build a Printer Buffer

by \ohn Bono 142

Apple FAX: Weather Maps on a Video Screen

by Keith H. Sueher 146

Spreadsheet in BASIC

by Rodolfo Cerati 154

ALTHOUGH BYTE'S LOOK and organization change this month, the Feature section will continue to offer a range of topics: previews of innovative machines and software, techniques for using hardware and software, and in-depth explanations of how important technologies work. We welcome Steve Ciarcia to the Feature section effective this issue. The originality and diversity of Steve's popular construction projects rival those of some large manufacturing companies.

West Coast editor Ezra Shapiro opens the Feature section this month with a preview of the impressive Hewlett-Packard battery-powered portable computer, the HP 110. Small and light, the HP 110 packs powerful software into its ROM, including Lotus 1-2-3 and a text editor. The HP 110 accelerates the trend toward self-contained, truly personal (carry it with you everywhere) productivity tools.

Next, Steve Ciarcia completes his tale about turning the IBM PC into a personal minicomputer. "I know BASIC" Steve recently said, "and I don't want to learn any other high-level language." But Steve didn't resign himself to plodding through life at interpreter speeds. The Z8000 Trump Card lets Steve run BASIC and other software on the IBM PC at lightning speeds. This second and final part of the Trump Card article describes its software.

Ronald L. Greene follows with a lucid article that explains how macro substitution for the executable portions of words can make subroutine-threaded compilers produce faster code. Greene's article addresses reducing overhead in threaded interpreted languages and shows how to make FORTH run faster.

The monolith called the Department of Defense has given us Agent Orange and the F-l 11 bomber in recent years. As of lanuary 1, 1984, it insists that Ada is the new computer language of the military-industrial complex. Whether this is bad or good, we offer this month the first installment of a two-part Ada primer written by Sabina H. Saib.

An interpreted version of Pascal will soon debut as Macintosh Pascal. Our product preview reveals that a company called Think Technologies produced this full implementation of the language combining BASIC'S interactiveness and Pascal's structure to provide a powerful teaching language.

We've put lohn Bono to work on the hardware front, designing a low-cost printer buffer that you can build over a weekend. The result of lohn's effort is an article that'll help you build a device that frees your computer from periods of servitude to your printer.

In what may develop into a technique we'll all use some day, Keith H. Sueker explains how he receives radio-transmitted weather maps and displays the resulting data on a video monitor using his Apple computer. His article, called "Apple FAX: Weather Maps on a Video Screen," includes a screen photograph proving that the technique is a workable one. The hardware needed is inexpensive and the software relatively simple.

After last month's look at structured, incrementally-compiled BASIC, this month Rodolfo Cerati shows you how to write a spreadsheet in old-fashioned BASIC, in an article that reveals some interesting programming techniques.

—G. Michael Vose. Senior Technical Editor. Features

JUNE 1984 'BYTE 109

PREVIEW

A light and powerful portable

IN THE BATTLE for dominance in the growing market for lightweight, battery-powered, briefcase-size portable computers, Hewlett-Packard has unveiled its new model, the HP 110. The unit is outwardly similar to many of its competitors—it's about the size of a metropolitan phone directory and has a flip-up LCD (liquid-crystal displayl screen that lifts to uncover a typewriter-style keyboard. But two aspects of the design philosophy behind the 110 help set it apart from the crowd.

First, the 110 s combination of abundant internal memory and silicon-based software makes it an extremely satisfactory traveling computer, freeing you from a large part of the dependence on disks and other cumbersome storage media. Second, the HP 110 was seen from the very first as the hub of an integrated system of components, an

ideal that has been realized with the concurrent announcement of related products from Hewlett-Packard (see photo II.

The guts of the computer are built around the Harris 80C86. a CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) version of the popular 8086 microprocessor chip, running at 5.33 MHz (megahertz). Available memory consists of 272K bytes of CMOS RAM (random-access read/ write memoryl, which you can divide between system RAM and electronicdisk emulation, and a whopping 384K bytes of CMOS ROM (read-only memory). System RAM can range from a minimum of 96K bytes to a llnl continued on page 1121

Ezra Shapiro is a technical editor ai BYTE's West Coast bureau. He can he reached at McGraw-Hill, 42 5 Batteni St.. San Francisco. CA 94111.

by Ezra Shapiro

PHOTOGRAPHED BY PAUL AVIS

AT A GLANCE

Name

HP 110

Type

Portable computer with built-in 300-bps modem

Manufacturer

Hewlett-Packard Corporation 11000 Wolfe Rd. Cupertino, CA 95014 (800) 367-4772

Processor

Harris CMOS 80C86

Memory

272K bytes CMOS RAM. user-definable as RAM or solid-state disk; 384K bytes CMOS ROM

Data Storage

RAM-based disk emulator: no internal drives

Size

13 by 10 by 3 inches: 9 pounds

Display

LCD, 16 lines by 80 characters; graphics resolution. 480 by 128 pixels

Power Supply

Rechargeable lead-acid batteries, rated 20 hours

Software Provided

MS-DOS 2.01, Personal Applications Manager, Lotus 1-2-3, Memomaker (word processor), terminal and communications packages

Price

$2995

Options

Thinkjet (HP 2225B) ink-jet printer. HP 9114 single 3'/2-inch disk drive. IBM PC/HPIL interface card with HPLINK software, various Hewlett-Packard interface converters

(tot continued from page 111) maximum of 256K bytes. Onboard ROM contains an assortment of software, including HP's Personal Applications Manager (a shell-style user interface). MS-DOS version 2.01 (the operating system itself plus a collection of utilities for file management, directory maintenance, disk formatting, etc.). Lotus 1-2-3. Memomaker (a simple word-processing program), and a timer/ alarm program. Also contained in ROM is the communications software to drive the computer's three output ports: an RS-2 32C serial interface, a proprietary HPIL (Hewlett-Packard Interface Loop) interface, and a built-in 300-bps (bits per second) modem that accepts a standard phone plug (see photo 2). There is no internal disk storage, but the batterypowered CMOS chips are essentially nonvolatile; that is, you can turn off the display and come back to the computer a week later and pick up exactly where you left off.

Hewlett-Packard manufactures its own CMOS ROM and RAM chips at Corvallis, Oregon, home of the division that has been producing hand-held computers and calculators for several years. Designers of the 110 took advantage of this facility to engineer two other CMOS chips for this project: an LCD controller with 8K bytes of display ROM, software fonts for the character generator, and ' bit-mapping for graphics: and another 8K-byte ROM chip, known as "the kitchen sink," that includes the timer, interrupts, serial port, and keyboard interface. These efforts resulted in a main printed-circuit board and an I/O (input/ output) board with lower chip counts than you might expect. The final boards are not tightly packed: descendants of the 110 will have room for more interesting goodies.

The display is an 80-character by 16-line LCD, though the large expanse of plastic bezel around the screen suggests the possibility of a bigger display in the indeterminate future. In fact, HP engineers commented that they had looked at 24-line screens but had decided that product reliability and image quality were still too uncertain to make them acceptable at this time. You can select two character fonts: HewlettPackard's and an alternate set compatible with that of the IBM Personal Computer (PC). You can program the display in graphics mode as a grid of 480 by 128 pixels (picture elements). This is relatively high resolution, particularly for an LCD, and is suitable for most types of business graphics. Brightness (actually, darkness in this case) can be

controlled with a single key on the right side of the keyboard. Characters and graphics are sharp, and screen updates are quite rapid.

The 110s keyboard is laid out in the standard Selectric format (i.e., the Return and Shift keys are in the old familiar locations) and has a full complement of computer keys: Control, Break/Stop, Escape/Delete, Caps Lock, and Print/ Enter. A key labeled "Extend char" generates a non-ASCII (American National Standard Code for Information Interchange) character and is equivalent to the Alt key of the IBM PC. An additional row of keys along the top of the keyboard includes eight soft (determined by individual programs) function keys, two menu keys that generate or remove a map of the function keys from the bottom three lines of the screen, a Select key that chooses a highlighted option within a program, and four cursormovement keys. There is no separate numeric keypad.

The rechargeable lead-acid batteries that power the 110 are rated at 20 hours of continuous use. In actual practice, the 1.10 can go for a week or more of sporadic use before the batteries become dangerously weak. The system is designed to preserve memory at all costs. The display is the major power drain, and the computer shuts it off at a preset interval of inactivity; you can choose an interval of anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes. When the batteries reach 5 percent of capacity, the 110 refuses to turn on the display until they've been recharged. If the 110 is not used at all, you can expect a couple of months on a single charge.

The unit is a compact device with a high-impact molded plastic shell, measuring 13 by 10 by 3 inches (closed); its color is the typical nondescript offwhite. It weighs in at 9 pounds. The basic package includes a plug-in recharger (similar to those used for other portable products) and a black vinyl carrying case with a handle and a wide, adjustable shoulder strap.

The HP 110 is tested to rather severe standards. However, the HewlettPackard quality-control staff stresses that these are goals rather than absolute guarantees for each machine: 0 to 50 degrees Celsius for operation, -25 to 5 5 degrees for storage, and 95 percent humidity for five days at 40 degrees. The units are also put through condensation, moisture absorption, and rapid temperature cycling tests. HP 110s have withstood altitudes of 50,000 feet and forces of 100 G on all axes. The fact that there are no sensitive internal

112 B YTE • IUNE 1984

drives—no moving parts at all. with the exception of the keys and the lid hinges and latches—makes the 110 an extremely rugged computer. All units must pass FCC Class B limits on electromagnetic interference; Hewlett-Packard is working with the FAA to end the controversy over computer use on commercial airliners and to establish hard, published standards for portable computer radiation.

The Software

When you first open the HP 110, the screen is blank; pressing any key activates the display. The first time you use the computer, you will see HewlettPackard's Personal Applications Manager (PAM), modified somewhat from the original version distributed with the HP 150 touchscreen personal computer (see photo 3). Subsequently, turning on the display returns you to where you were the last time you used the computer. PAM is an operating-system shell; most file manipulation and system configuration is accomplished through PAM's main or subsidiary menus.

The initial PAM screen shows a number of important status items: date, time, remaining battery life, and space available on the electronic disk drive (called the A: drive). Most of the display is used to show the applications you can run. At the outset, these applications are those programs resident in ROM (called the B: drive); if at some point you load programs into the RAM disk, those programs are also displayed on the screen. Moving the cursor to a program and pressing either the first function key (Start Applic) or the Select key loads and runs the program. Data files are not listed.

The second function key (File Manager) leads to a secondary shell. The File Manager displays all the files in the default directory and a list of alternate directories. On this screen, the function keys enable you to print or delete a file or a directory, create a new directory (following MS-DOS path rules), choose a new directory to display, copy a file, rename a file, or format a new disk (more on this later in the section on peripherals). The File Manager serves as the shell for most of the MS-DOS maintenance commands.

The third function key (Clock Config) provides access to the clock configuration commands, letting you reset the time and the date. The fourth key (Reread Discs) rescans the directories and updates the PAM screen. The fifth function key (Datacom Config) leads to a menu for setting the parameters (com

munications rate, word length, stop bits, parity, protocol) for the HPIL interface and either the modem or the RS-2 32C serial port (you can't run these two outputs simultaneously).

The sixth function key brings up the system configuration menu (see photo 4). Here, you can allocate system memory and RAM-disk space, indicate the number of external disk drives plugged into the computer, select a read-afterwrite verification of disk action, set the display time-out interval, choose between a block or an underscore cursor, select the character set, determine the length of the warning beep, and configure the printer interface.

Pressing the seventh key, either from the main PAM menu or from any of the secondary menus, produces a menu for a series of detailed Help screens on all operations of the HP 110 (see photo 5). The eighth key returns you to the main menu from a secondary menu; if ac

tivated from the main menu, the key shuts off the display.

The four applications programs listed by PAM include Memomaker, Lotus 1-2-3, Terminal, and DOS Commands. Memomaker is a rudimentary word processor developed by Hewlett-Packard for quick notes, brief business correspondence, and ASCII program script files (such as the scripts PAM uses to trigger the alarm or run a program at a specific date and time). If you're accustomed to working with a full-fledged word-processing program, you might find Memomaker severely lacking in sophistication, particularly when it comes to formatted output.

Lotus 1-2-3, on the other hand, is a delight to use (see photo 6). Maximum system memory enables use of a spreadsheet with 2048 by 512 cells, certainly more than adequate for most modeling problems. Because everything (text continued on page 414)

Photo 1: The HP .110 links to two optional battery-powered peripherals, the HP 2225B ink-jet dot-matrix printer and the HP 9114 single VA-inch disk drive.

Photo 2: The back view of the HP 110. Shown from left to right are the two connections for the HPIL serial interface, the socket for the plug-in recharger, a nine-pin RS-232C port. and a modular phone jack for the internal modem. The removable panel in the center provides access to the lead-acid batteries.

IUNE 1984 • BYTE 113

With Microfazer, you could be doing this...

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CIARCIAS CIRCUIT CELLAR

Trump Card Part 2: Software

TBASIC and

C compilers

and an

by Steve Garcia

Last month, we looked at the hardware of the Trump Card, a coprocessor board for use with the IBM Personal Computer (PC) or compatible computers. The presentation centered mainly on the Zilog Z8000's processor architecture, the support assembler c>rcuitry, and the interface between the Z8000 and the Intel 8088. But the power of the Trump Card can be unleashed only by the right software. This month, I'll describe the collection of software I've assembled for the Trump Card from several sources—most of it designed to support further program development. Let's first quickly review the features of the Trump Card.

What is the Trump Card?

The Trump Card (see photo 1) is a printedcircuit board that plugs into any I/O (input/output) expansion slot of an IBM PC. an IBM PC XT, or any computer compatible with them. It contains a Zilog Z8001 16-/16-bit microprocessor (the memory-segmented version of the Z8000) running at 10 MHz and up to 512K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory). The Trump Card communicates with the PC's built-in 8088 processor through a 2 56-byte FIFO (first-in/first-out) buffer.

A variety of software is available for the Trump Card. The most important, from my point of view, is the language system for its special version of BASIC. As you would expect, the Trump Card's TBASIC compiler excels at making user programs run fast, but it's also so easy to use that it makes some interpreted versions of BASIC look clumsy. The source language accepted by the TBASIC compiler is nearly identical with that of the IBM PC's Advanced BASIC interpreter (BAS1CA) and includes a few enhancements, such as compilation of programs larger than 64 K bytes.

Other software included with the Trump Card follows:

• CP/M-80 emulator. The Trump Card can run programs designed to run under Digital Research's CP/M-80 DOS (disk operating system) by emulating the 8-bit Z80 instruction set and DOS calls. No

special file headers or instruction-translation programs are required.

• C compiler. The source language accepted by this compiler follows that of Kernighan and Ritchie with a few minor differences (see reference 6).

• Screen editor. Incorporating many of the features normally found only in word-processing packages, the screen editor, called EE, enables you to write or examine ASCII (American National Standard Code for Information Interchange) text files for use either with the Trump Card or in the normal IBM PC environment.

• Y multilevel-language compiler. The unusual Y language system is essentially a structured assembler that enables Pascal-like control constructs and data types, arithmetic expressions with automatic or specified allocations of registers, and procedure calls with parameter passing.

• Debugger. With the debugger, you can examine and replace the contents of memory and registers, set breakpoints, or single-step through programs. Intended to aid in program development, the debugger is an integral part of Y

• Semiconductor disk emulator. Under versions of PC-DOS equal to or higher than 2.0, Trump Card can allocate 128K to 387K bytes of its on-board RAM to function as a RAM disk or disk emulator. This memory is separate from the memory already existing on the PC's motherboard or other expansion boards and resides in the Z8000's separate address space. The Trump Card can run another function concurrently with the disk emulator.

{text continued on page 116)

Copyright (c) reserved.

984 Steven A. Ciarcia. All rights

Steve Ciarcia [pronounced "see-ARE-see-ah") is an electronics engineer and computer consultant with experience in process control, digital design, nuclear instrumentation, and product development. In addition to writing for BYTE, he has published several books. He can be contacted at POB 582, Glastonbury. CT 06033.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 115

:: :: :: :::,i::»i::'i::,i:::qr;ns::5,i::,i:::^J,i::ii :: :: :: :: :: :: ::|f::J::|I::[t::ii::i|:: : :i

li II li li ii llh!Kliii(liilli|ll(lfll I

:: :: ?:: *:; :: iSS>iS'*liS't,is,stis:«iiS:ssiS

• ■ t « • , E t i ■ ' • » - • i •i».ii ii ■

• • •' •■ •• i< • i • * « i ii « i • ■ •

U +*,±i :,

• itit. • i {f ■ i ■««« *i •■ ii i ■ ■ > ii • i ♦ i i t ■ i , i i , t' _.

: i:?:::^!

TBASIC is g new

version 0/ the

BASIC language

that looks like an

interpreter and

executes like

a compiler.

Photo 1: The soldered prototype printed-circuit version of Trump Card. RAM sockets are at left. EPROMs are top center, and the Z8001 and support chips fill the remainder of the board.

(text continued from page 115)

Bringing the Trump Card Up

To initialize the Trump Card, run a program called LDZSYS.COM from PC-DOS. When it has completed setting up the Trump Card and installing the device driver needed by PC-DOS to communicate with it, LDZSYS returns control to PC-DOS and the host 8088 processor, with the Z8000 awaiting further instructions. Example 1 in the text box on page 118 contains examples of this and other typical user commands (in italics) and the system's response (in roman type). The operation of the Trump Card is transparent to programs running on the host 8088. (If you think that you will always want the Trump Card's capabilities available, you can add a line containing LDZSYS to your PC-DOS AUTOEXEC.BAT file.)

To begin using the Trump Card, execute the "go" program, G.COM (G). When the Z8000 has control of the system, it returns with a colon prompt, as the fourth line of example 1 shows, indicating that the Z8000 is ready to accept commands. The text box also shows the command format for editing and compiling files and programs, which may be stored on the same disk used to boot PC-DOS.

INTERPRETERS VERSUS COMPILERS

As 1 said last month, a chief cause for my building the Trump Card was a feeling of frustration with the slowness of BASIC interpreters. I had, of course, considered using an off-the-shelf BASIC compiler to speed up my programs, but 1 did not relish all the overhead operations required by the compilers 1 had seen, such as Microsoft's BASIC compiler.

The typical compiler requires three separate operations to run a BASIC program. First, the program source code must be written using an editor program. Next, the ASCII program text from the editor is compiled into object code and stored in a disk file, which often takes several minutes. Finally, the special BASIC run-time processor is loaded from the disk to supervise execution of the object program. At last, the program does its thing.

Interpreters, for all their inefficiency of execution, do have one important benefit: you quickly can add a line to your program and type RUN to see its effect. But if you want to change a line in a compiled program, it's back to the editor and all the way through the process again. So when you finally have your debugged, compiled program, it may indeed execute 100 times faster than under an interpreted one, but it may have taken you 10 times as long to get it running right. I think this is one reason BASIC compilers are not in wider use.

To counter this criticism, compiler manufacturers suggest developing code on an interpreted BASIC first and then compiling it. Such a suggestion, while valid, ignores the reason for a compiler in the first place. If a hundredfold increase in speed is necessary to achieve a program's objective, it hardly makes sense that to write and test the original program you must wait 100 times longer each time you must run it.

The answer seemed relatively trivial to me—simply write a version of BASIC that looks like an interpreter and executes like a compiler. The result is TBASIC.

The Trump Card's TBASIC language system is a BASIC compiler that offers

116 BYTE- IUNE 1984

significantly faster execution of BASIC programs than does a BASIC interpreter, while furnishing an operating environment much like that of an interpreter. TBASIC bridges the gap between traditional BASIC interpreters, which have built-in editors and are known for ease of use, and typical BASIC compilers, which produce rather efficient object code but can be difficult to work with. TBASIC's extremely fast compilation times and its capability for immediate-mode execution make working with it as easy as working with a friendly but slow interpreted BASIC, but the resulting programs run with the speed of a compiler. Unlike other compilers, the object code is not written into a disk file before execution (unless you request it). Therefore, no long delays are needed. When you load the file into the Trump Card, TBASIC compiles the program in a few tenths of a second.

Most programs that will run under the IBM PC's BASICA interpreter can be fed into TBASIC for compilation. You can use either the Trump Card's EE screen editor or the BASICA editor to write the programs. But if you then run the same program under both BASICA and TBASIC, depending upon the instructions you use, you will notice an increase in program performance by a factor of anywhere from 7 to 100. A listing of TBASIC's keywords is shown in table 1. TBASIC also supports most of BASICAs color and graphics commands (see photo 2).

Line numbers aren't required in the source code of programs written for TBASIC except where a line is to be referenced elsewhere in the program; for example, the destination of a GOTO or GOSUB statement would need a line number. Although not requiring them, TBASIC certainly allows line numbers on every line, so existing BASICA source code will run under TBASIC, to the extent that the program is compatible with TBASIC's syntax. Such programs can immediately benefit from the increase in performance provided by TBASIC.

The development of a program using a BASIC interpreter occurs in two modes: editing the program and running it. Developing a program with TBASIC involves three modes: editing, compiling, and running. Obviously, the only difference is compilation, which is invoked on the Trump Card by the DO command; once the program has been compiled, the familiar RUN command executes it.

Example 2 on page 118 shows some examples of the kind of interaction that

occurs when you use TBASIC: how to enter a program using the EE editor, compile it. and run the compiled program. In the text box, input by the user is shown in italic type while the system's prompts and output are shown in roman characters.

During compilation of a program, error messages are issued each time an error is encountered. The line of the source file in which the error was detected is displayed; in some cases, an error message is also displayed. After an error is found and displayed, compilation continues and any other errors found also will be displayed. When the compilation has been completed, a list of any undefined symbols also may be output, in which case the program should not be run.

TBASIC Programs

Three methods can be used for entering program statements into the system for compilation under TBASIC. The first is to use the Trump Card's built-in EE screen editor, as mentioned previously (see photo 3). A second method is to enter the statements using TBASIC's direct-entry mode. The third choice is to enter and test the program using the computer's regular BASICA interpreter and then run it for effect using TBASIC.

The three methods may be used interchangeably.

Example 3 shows an example of these functions with a minimally modified version of the Sieve of Eratosthenes program often used as a system benchmark (see references 4 and 5). A program called SIEVE.S was previously written in BASICA and stored as an ASCII file on the disk in drive B.

Suppose you want to run the program under both BASICA and TBASIC while recording how long it takes to be executed. You could use a stopwatch, but it's easier to add a few more program lines that record the starting and ending times automatically by calling the TIMES function. It's possible to invoke the editor directly from TBASIC. as shown in example 3, to add two lines. And you can see that TBASIC took about 2 seconds to run the modified program as measured by the internal clock.

The program changes quickly were added and executed, and, when you left the editor with a QU command, the file SIEVE.S on drive B was updated to contain the TIMES-function statements. After running the slightly revised program under BASICA, you see that it takes 202 seconds, around 100 times as (text continued on page 118)

Photo 2: Color (2a) and graphics (2b) tests demonstrate TBASIC's support of color/graphics commands normally associated with BASICA.

Photo 3: Programs in BASICA (3a) and in C (3b) can be written for Trump Card or the PC by using Trump Card's built-in EE editor.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE

117

{text continued from page 117)

long. Now consider the aggravation of making changes in programs that take this long to run and waiting for the results each time. Perhaps you now understand why I built the Trump Card. If you're interested in how fast some

TBASIC speeds up development and debugging as well as execution.

other computers and BASIC systems executed essentially the same program, see table 2. Another program that demonstrates how TBASIC speeds things up is the simple looping benchmark shown in listing 1. The results are shown in table 3.

Not all programs run a hundred times faster in TBASIC. The Sieve program purposely uses integer arithmetic and avoids difficult floating-point calculations. But we can get an idea of floatingpoint performance from the simple benchmark routine of listing 2. In this program, TBASIC takes 3.2 seconds while BASICA takes 24.2. This benchmark shows the wide variation in performance you can expect from a different mix of statements.

Of course, most other BASIC compilers for the IBM PC also can demonstrate dramatic speed increases over interpretive BASICA. But I believe that TBASIC is different because it speeds up development and debugging as well as execution.

(You might be wondering if the installation of an Intel 8087 Numeric Processor Extension in the IBM PC would help speed up execution of BASIC programs. Under BASICA, it would have no effect whatsoever because BASICA is not written to use it. I did a quick informal test using Morgan Professional BASIC, which uses the 8087, Morgan BASIC took 12.8 seconds to execute listing 2.)

TBASICs Ease of Use

TBASIC has many of the same convenience features for running programs that an interpreter has. You can use the commands RUN, RUN<line number>, GOTO< line number >, and GOSUB< line number> just as in BASICA. To stop a program from the console, you just hit

EXAMPLE 1

Computer Interaction

A > LDZSYS

A>

A>G

EE<filename>

Z80EM < filename >

C< filename >

Y< filename >

BASIC< filename >

II A>

Comments

Initialize Trump Card from PC-DOS. Control is returned to PC-DOS. Turn control over to Trump Card. ITrump Card's command prompt.)

Edit a file.

Emulate Z80 and run CP/M-80 programs.

Compile and run a C program.

Compile and run Z8000 structured assembly language.

Compile and run TBASIC programs.

Exit from Z8000 command interpreter. Control returns to PC-DOS.

EXAMPLE 2

Computer Interaction A>6. (Return)

B>G /Return) BASIC /Return)

-EDIT TESTFILE /Return)

T EOF

E

FOR 1=1 TO 5 /ReturnI

PRINT "Demo program" /Return!

NEXT I /Return)

/Escape)

OU /Return)

-DO /Return)

-RUN /Return) Demo program Demo program Demo program Demo program Demo program

-// /Return)

:DIR /Return) DIRECTORY OF DRIVE B:

TESTFILE :// /Return)

Comments

Set the PC-DOS default drive to B. TBASIC will also use

this drive as its default drive.

Type C to go to" the Z8000.

The colon (:) is the Z8000 system command prompt,

equivalent to the A> or B> prompt of PC-DOS.

Invoke TBASIC.

The hyphen (-) is the command prompt used by TBASIC;

you may now invoke any TBASIC command.

Edit a new file using the EE editor.

You are now in the EE editor in command mode. Type "E" to enter text.

Type in your BASIC program.

Hit the Escape key to leave the Enter mode.

Quit and save program on default disk B.

The "-" prompt shows that you are now back in TBASIC.

Compile the program by using the DO command Itakes

about 0.1 second).

Your program is now compiled.

Type RUN to execute the compiled program.

Compiled program output.

The // command exits TBASIC. (The SYSTEM command

could be used instead.)

Call for a disk directory from the command interpreter.

There's the source file you created with the EE editor. The // command exits the Z8000s B> command mode and returns control to PC-DOS.

EXAMPLE 3

Computer Interaction

B> C /Return)

: BASIC SIEVES /Return)

- RUN (Return) 1 ITERATION

1899 PRIMES

-EDIT (Return)

5 DEFINT ACZ

10 SIZE = 8190

20 DIM FLAGSI8191)

30 PRINT "Only 1 iteration'

50 COUNT = 0

Comments

Go to the Z8000 operating system.

Get SIEVES from disk and compile it in about 0.2

second.

Execute program in TBASIC.

The program produces output and ends.

Awaiting next command.

Call the editor from TBASIC prompt.

T indicates display from top of file; the complete Sieve

file is displayed, ready to edit.

118 BYTE

IUNE 1984

60 FOR 1 = 0 TO SIZE

70 FLAGS! 1) = 1

80 NEXT 1

90 FOR 1 = 0 TO SIZE

100 IF FLAGSOI = 0 THEN 180

110 PRIME = 1 + 1+3

120 K = 1 + PRIME

130 IF K > SIZE THEN 170

140 FLAGS(K) = 0

150 K = K + PRIME

160 GOTO 130

170 COUNT = COUNT + 1

180 NEXT 1

190 PRINT COUNT PRIMES

E {RETURN)

Enter mode, allows text entry.

2 IS = TIMES

Two lines are added to print the time.

200 PRINT IS. TIMES

(Escape. Return)

Type Escape key to exit Enter mode.

OU {Return)

Finished changes. Leave editor and return to TBAS1C.

- DO {Return)

The file is recompiled with the DO command, taking

about 0.2 second.

- RUN {Return)

The program is run again with changes.

1 ITERATION

The program produces output.

1899 PRIMES

01:01:25 01:01:27

The prompt returns after execution ends.

-// {Return)

Exit TBASIC

:// {Return!

Exit the Trump Card system.

B>BAS/C4 {Return)

Get BASICA and run SIEVES.

LOAD ■SIEVES"

(SIEVE.S was stored in ASCII format!

RUN

1 ITERATION

The program produces output.

1899 PRIMES

01:05:35 01:09:01

EXAMPLE 4

Computer Interaction

Comments

B>C {Return)

Activate the Trump Card.

: BASIC {Return)

Enter TBASIC.

- /DIAC {Return)

Invoke subroutine-diagnostic mode.

- PRINT 2 + 3 {Return)

Directly add and print 2 + 3.

CExit:Clmmxlnit:Ki00000000:

The listing shows the compiler

CPrtlnit:Ki00000002:Ki00000003:

subroutines that are executed to

b + :CPrtl:CPrtCR:R: 5

perform the function. CExit leal! exit) jumps out of the

console-input mode; Clmmxlnit calls for immediate ex

ecution with a flag integer-constant value of 0 set as

KiOOOOOOOO.

CPrtlnit (call printerl directs printing to the console: the

two integer values are expressed as Ki00000002 and

Ki00000003. respectively: b+ calls a binary add routine;

CPrtl prints the integer.

CPrtCR finishes by sending a carriage return to the

printer or console while R designates a return to the

system. The computed value. 5, appears at the end.

- PRINT2.027 + 3.094 {Return)

Floating-point values produce a slightly different result.

CExit:Clmmxlnit:KiOOOOOOO0:

This time the constants are stored

CPrtlnit;Kf01BA5E82;Kf4604l982:

as floating-point numbers, and

CFItAdd:CPrtF;CPrtCR:R: 5.121

floating-point add and print routines are called instead.

Back in command interpreter.

:C {Return)

Call C compiler, the "-" is

■

the C compiler prompt.

-/DO BASICIO.C {Return)

Compile I/O routines.

■/DO CDEMO.C {Return)

Compile CDEMO.C program (listing 3|.

-/IMAGE CDEMO E=MAIN {Return)

Save memory image of compiled program in a disk file

called CDEMO.

■II {Return)

Get out of C compiler

Back in command interpreter.

CDEMO {Return)

Run compiled program.

C language

C language

The program produces output.

C language

C language

C language

Back in command interpreter.

:// {Return)

Get out of interpreter.

B>

Back to IBM PC-DOS command prompt

Control-C. If possible, TBASIC will display the statement label nearest the point in the program where the stop occurred. Programs may contain STOP statements and may be restarted by a CONT command.

TBASIC also can execute statements and commands in immediate mode. You simply type the program line without a line number. (If you precede a statement with a line number, it will be compiled into the existing program.) You can get results like

-PRINT SQR(2) 1.414214

-PRINT 2*3

You can print out variables or run specific program lines that contain lineidentifier labels. Immediate-mode statements and commands also may be included in program files.

TBASIC also has some commands useful in debugging and problem diagnosis that you probably have not seen before. You can examine the actual compiled machine-language object code with commands like /DIAG. If you give the /DIAG command before a program is compiled, a complete list of compiler subroutine calls will be produced. This can be demonstrated in the direct-execution immediate mode, as shown in example 4 for both integer and floating-point values.

C Compiler

For more ambitious program development, the Trump Card also supports a compiler for programs in the C language, as described by Kemighan and Ritchie (see reference 6). Programs need

The Trump Card also supports a compiler for,

programs written in the C language.

only slight modifications for compilation. Developing and running a C program is a three-step operation similar to the process used in TBASIC: editing, compiling, and running.

[lexl continued on page 120)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE

119

\text continued from page 119)

C compilers expect to find input and output routines in a subroutine library separate from the compiler. Kernighan and Ritchie describe a file called "stdio.h" that contains the I/O facilities. The Trump Card's C compiler uses a file of I/O routines called "basicio.c", which includes the following routines: "getchar", "putchar", "open", "close", "read", "write", "printf", "scanf", "Iseek". and "creat".

The implementation of "scanf" and "printf" in the Trump Card's version of C differs slightly from that of Kernighan and Ritchie. In their implementation, the conversion characters "d" and "x" may each be preceded by an "1" to indicate a pointer to a "long" value rather than a pointer to an "int" value appears in the argument list. In this implementation, the uppercase conversion characters "D" and "X" are used for the same purpose. The conversion character "f" is used for floating point. The "scanf" routine assumes that the input values are separated by Space or Tab characters and that a Return character ends an input sequence.

The Trump Card's C compiler was designed with a user interface similar to that of TBASIC, and it's just as easy to use. Listing 3 shows a C program that is entered into the system using the EE editor in a manner such as that used for TBASIC. Example 5 shows how the program is compiled and run. Should you care to try the Sieve program in C, it is shown in listing 4 set up for 10 iterations. It runs in 3.2 seconds on the Trump Card, which compares quite favorably with versions of C running on 8-MHz MC68000 processors and with assembly-language versions on the IBM's 4.77-MHz

Y Multilevel Language

The Y language system compiles a multilevel language that can be best described as structured assembler code. It allows you to write programs using a mixture of Z8000 assembly language (in Zilog mnemonics), Pascal-like control structures, data types, arithmetic expressions with automatic or specified allocation of registers, procedure calls with parameter passing, and a descriptive compiler language. The different levels of constructs may. for the most part, be freely mixed.

The Y compiler generates code directly into memory with one pass and supports immediate execution of statements, conditional compilation, userdefined extensions to the language, and symbolic debugging. Most of the Z8000

Table 1: K£ywords for

Function

Statement

Command

Variable

statements and functions available in the TBASIC compiler for the Trump Card.

ABS

ASC ATN

CALLINTS* CDBL

BEEP

CALL

CLOSE

CIRCLE

CLS

ALLOCATE*

BLOAD

BSAVE

CONT

DIAG*

CSRLIN

DATESS

ERR

INKEYS

TIMES

An asterisk indicates a

CHRS

COLOR

DISP*

new feature.

CINT COS

DATA DATES

DO* EDIT

CSNG

DEF FN

KILL

CVI

DEF SEG

LIST

CVS

DEFtype

MAP

CVD

DIM

NAME

EOF

END

NEW

EXP

FIELD

REGIONS*

FIX

FOR..NEXT

REGS*

HEXS

GET

RESET

INP

GOSUB

RUN

INPUTS

GOTO

SAVE

INSTR

IF

SYSTEM

INT

INPUT

LEFTS

INPUT*

LEN

LSET

LOC

LET

LOF

LINE

LOG

LINE INPUT

LPOS

LINE INPUT*

MIDS

LOCATE

MKIS

MKSS

MKDS

OCTS

PEEK

POINT

POS

RIGHTS

RND

SCREEN

SGN

SIN

SPACE

SPC

SQR

STRS

STRINGS

TAB

TAN

VAL

LPRINT

LPRINT USING

ON ERROR

ON GOSUB

ON GOTO

OPEN

OUT

PAINT

POKE

PRINT

PRINT USING

PRINT*

PRINT* USING

PSET

PUT

PRESET

RANDOMIZE

READ

REM

RESTORE

RESUME

RETURN

RSET

SCREEN

SEEK*

SOUND

STOP

TIMES

WAIT

WHILE...WEND

WIDTH

WRITE

WRITE*

Table 2: Comparison of Sieve benchmark results [one iteration)

on other computers

running Microsoft-derived BASIC interpreters [times measured in

seconds).

Apple II Apple III TRS-80 IBM PC

IBM PC

Model II (BASICA)

(TBASIC with

Trump Card)

224 222 189 206

2.4

120 BYTE ■ IUNE 1984

Table 3: Execution time in seconds for the looping program of listing 1 on several interpreters.

Apple

101

IBM PC

IBM PC

IBM PC

ICBASIC-861

(BASICAI

(TBASIC with Trump Cardl

275

80

Table 4: A listing of the standard CP/M-80 2.2 functions. Those marked with an asterisk are supported bg the Trump Card Z80 emulator.

Function

System Reset Console Input Console Output Reader Input Punch Output List Output Dir Console I/O Get I/O Byte Set I/O Byte Print String

10 Read Con Buffer

11 Console Status

12 Version Number

13 Reset Disk Sys

14 Select Disk

15 Open File

16 Close File

17 Search For 1st

18 Search For Next

19 Delete File

20 Read Sequential

21 Write Sequential

22 Make File

23 Rename File

24 Login Vector

25 Current Disk

26 Set DMA Address

27 Get Alloc Addr

28 Write Protect

29 Get R/O Vector

30 File Attributes

31 Disk Params Addr

32 User Codes

33 Read Random

34 Write Random

35 Comp File Size

36 Set Random Rec

Supported?

mnemonics are implemented; those that are not can be used via the WORD pseudo-operation, as in the following: LDCTL REFRESH,R3 = WORD 07D3B. The TBASIC and C compilers are written in Y. Each of the compiler subroutines is a Y file that has been compiled into assembly-language code. A full explanation of Y is beyond the scope of this article, but listing 5 shows some Y code for your inspection. Y is an advanced tool for the experienced programmer.

CP/M-80 Emulator

The Trump Card supports a software emulator for CP/M-80 version 2.2, which allows the Trump Card to execute assembly-language programs for the 8-bit Z80 microprocessor.

The Z80 program must be transferred to a PC-DOS (or MS-DOS) floppy disk. (This can be done by linking a Z80based computer and an IBM PC through a serial RS-232C connection, either through a direct cable or through a modem.) Once the Z80 program is on the IBM-format disk, its filename extension must be changed from "COM" to ".CMD", which is consistent with the CP/M-86 convention and avoids the problem of trying to run a Z80 program under IBM PC-DOS.

The emulator normally resides on a disk in drive B and is used in a manner very much like that of the other Trump Card software we've looked at. Nearly all the normal CP/M-80 system calls are supported by the emulator, with a few exceptions as shown in table 4. The standard CP/M-80 BIOS (basic input/output system) calls dealing with the disk, punch, and reader devices are not supported by the Z80 emulator; the remaining BIOS calls are supported.

In CONCLUSION

The Trump Card is a board-level hardware approach to upgrading the performance of your IBM PC (or a compatible system). Aside from its function as a [text continued on page 122)

Listing 1: A simple FOR...NEXT loop benchmark program in BASIC.

100 FOR A=l TO 10

115 FOR 1=1 TO 10

120 FOR T = 0 TO 200

130 GOSUB 200

140 B= I

150 NEXTT

155 NEXT I

160 NEXT A

170 PRINT "DONE"

200 RETURN

Listing 2: A simple BASIC benchmark program for floating-point division.

60 A = 2.71828

80 B=3.14159

100 FOR 1=1 TO 5000

120 C = A/B

320 NEXT I

Listing 3: A demonstration program for the C compiler.

mainO

int count.step;

count = I:

step = I;

while Icount < = 5)

{

printfl" C languages

count = count + step;

IUNE 1984 'BYTE

[text continued from page 121) Z8000 development system, it provides many popular system enhancements in a single package: add-on memory, execution of Z80 programs, a separate editor, and language compilers. It was designed to solve my specific personal problem—1 wanted a better BASIC that wasn't slow or cumbersome—and to support the PC in other ways: as a language and RAM-disk peripheral. If you're like me, these characteristics will be the most important ones to you.

In the process of building the Trump Card, however, I've found that it has potential I never imagined. Besides the software I've described, 1 expect that object-code translators for Z80-to-Z8000 and 8088-to-Z8000 conversions will soon be available, along with other utilities such as a print spooler. You also eventually will see Bell Laboratories' UNIX operating system for the Trump Card.

Next Month

Whimsy is in vogue, as Steve designs a musical telephone bell. ■

Z8000 and Z80 are trademarks of Ziloq Corporation, a subsidiary of Exxon. CP/M-80 is a trademark of Digital Research.

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

Listing 4: The Sieve of Eratosthenes benchmark in C.

/define true I #define false 0 #define size 8190 #define sizepl 8191

char flagslsizepll: main(|{

register int i,prime,k,count,iter; printfl "10 iterations\n"|: for liter = l;iter <= I0;iter + + |{ count=0: ford = 0;i < = size;i + +)

flagslil = true; forli = 0;i < = size:i + + l{ if(flags|il){

prime = i + i + 3; k = i + prime;

while(k < = size){ flags|k| = false; k += prime;

!

count = count + I;

printf("\n%d primes ".count);

Listing 5: TBAS1C subroutines written on

the Y multilevel-language compiler.

|5al

SETGRAPHBGIR3I

if SWITCH = 0 or CNT>l0O then begin

end

SWITCH:=1; GODOITI2, VAL&0F)

restore R6.R7

end

RET

else begin

SOUND: PROC ...passed duration

R3:="ABC; R5: = @R9|2|; RI: = CNT/2

(in 1/18.2 secsl and frequency

LDIR @R3.@R5,RI

...make sound

end

POPL RR4,@RRI2 ...duration

POPL RR2,@RRI2 ...frequency

|5b|

EXB RL3.RH3: EXB RL5.RH5

COLOR: PROC ...passed flag, then other params

R3:->BX; R5:->CX

depending on flag

AH: = 4 ...sound

...if flag bit 2 = 1. then set border color (if text

EXTCALLISPSCRINTI

model

RET

...if bit 1 = 1. set background color (textl or

palette (graphicsl

...if bit 0= 1. set foreground color (textl or

background color {graphicsl

save R6.R7

POPL RR6,@RRI2

if BIT R7,2 not zero then begin

POPL RR2,@RR12

if SCRMODE< = I then SETBORDER(R3l

end

if BIT R7.I not zero then begin

POPL RR2.0RRI2

if R0: = SCRMODE< = 1 then SETBGIR3) else

if R0 = 2 then

SETPALET(R3)

end

if BIT R7,0 not zero then begin

POPL RR2,@RRI2

if R0: = SCRMODE< = l then SETFCIR3I else

if R0=2 then

REFERENCES

1. Brown, Peter I. Writing interactive Compilers and Interpreters. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1979.

2. Ciarcia, Steve. "Trump Card, Part 1: Hardware." BYTE, May 1984, page 40.

3. George, Donald P, "Professional BASIC" BYTE, April 1984, page 334.

4. Gilbreath, )im. "A High-Level Language Benchmark." BYTE, September 1981, page 180.

5. Gilbreath, Jim, and Gary Gilbreath. "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once More through the Sieve." BYTE, January 1983, page 283.

6. Kemighan, Brian W., and Dennis M. Ritchie. The C Programming Language. New York: Prentice-Hall, 1978.

7. Lee, J. A. N. The Anatomy of a Compiler. 2nd ed. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1974.

8. Mello-Grand, Sergio. "The Docutel/Olivetti M20: A Sleek Import." BYTE, June 1983, page 188.

The following items are available from

Sweet Micro Systems Inc. 50 Freeway Dr. Cranston, Rl 02910 (800) 341-8001 for orders (401) 461-0530 for information

1. Trump Card, including IC sockets, assembled and tested with 2 56K bytes of the 512Kbyte RAM space populated. Includes TBASIC compiler, C compiler Z8000 Y assembler, CP/M-80 emulator, RAM-disk driver and documentation. Software supplied on a PCDOS 2.0 disk unless otherwise specified,

2 56TCB $995

2. Trump Card, printed-circuit board completely socketed, assembled, and tested with 512K bytes of RAM, support software described above, and documentation. Software supplied on a PC-DOS 2.0 floppy disk unless otherwise specified.

512TCC S1325

3. Trump Card partial kit, completely socketed and wave-soldered with all passive components, less ICs but including bootstrap loader EPROMs, 10-MHz Z8001. and Z8581. Includes support software described above on PC-DOS 2.0 floppy disk (unless otherwise specified) and documentation.

0KTCA S52 5

Please add $10 for shipping and insurance in continental United States, $20 elsewhere. Rhode Island residents please include 6 percent sales tax.

Editor's Note: Steve often refers to previous Circuit Cellar articles. Most of these are available in reprint books from BYTE Books, McGraw-Hill Book Company, POB 400, Hightstown. NJ 082 50.

Ciarcia's 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 lune 1980. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar. Volume III contains articles from July 1980 through December 1981. Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar. Volume IV contains articles from January 1982 through June 1983.

122 BYTE

IUNE 1984

Circle 384 on inquiry card. —►

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SourceTbols works with any language, and is designed for individual and team environments. It runs on VAX/VMS PDP-11/RSX, RSTS. SourceTDols improves productivity, naturally.

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Ask for Department No. 219-A In Oregon Call: (503) 620-1602

SourceTools is a trademark of Oregon Software VAX/VMS. PDP-11/FtSX and RSTS are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.

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EVEN A BIG-TIME

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Instead of making you learn computerese, it learns your language. Since it actually learns from experience, it even remembers your favorite abbreviations and slang. So if you want to know what salesmen in California were naughty last month, just ask. You get straight answers to your questionsfnot more questions from &* your computer

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FASTER FORTH

Reducing overhead in threaded interpretive languages

by Ronald L. Greene

hreaded interpretive languages (TILs), of which FORTH is the most well known, possess a number of characteristics that make them nearly ideal microcomputer languages. One useful feature of a TIL is that, like BASIC, it can be used in an interpretive mode in which the computer immediately acts on commands. This is a major advantage when you're debugging programs. But a TIL can have many more immediately executable commands available to it than BASIC does, and you can create additional commands, thus adding to the power of the language.

A second desirable trait of a TIL is that it can be used in a compile mode. As with other compiled languages, such as Pascal or FORTRAN, programs written in the source code of the TIL can be compiled into machine code once and for all rather than retranslated each

(text continued on page 128)

Ronald L. Greene is an associate professor of physics at the University of New Orleans (New Orleans, LA 70148). His research specialty is semiconductor physics.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 127

p

A revu

, reviously debugged words need not be recompiled when errors are found in subsequent source code.

[text continued from page 127) time they are run. But unlike the more common compiled languages, the compiler used in a TIL is incremental; that is. it compiles portions of code at a time under the interactive control of the programmer. In practice this means that you can name, compile, test, and debug small, logically related blocks of code (called "words" in TIL jargon) before you proceed to the next block. Previously debugged words need not be recompiled when errors are found in subsequent source code. Because of this, a TIL can produce programs that execute faster than most interpretive languages.

Other languages can be programmed using this modular technique to some extent through the use of functions, subroutines, and procedures. However, to debug one of these subprograms, you must write a main program to call it, and typically both must be compiled, linked, and executed repeatedly. A new TIL word, by contrast, can be compiled and then executed immediately using the interpretive mode; there is no need to write a main program to call it. In addition, the compilation step is almost trivial compared to other compiled languages because each new word is composed of previously defined (i.e., compiled and debugged) words.

Finally, a TIL can be extended. As mentioned above, new commands (words) can be constructed from previously defined words. These new words have the same power as the older ones: that is, they can be executed interpretively or used in the compile mode to define still other words. In fact, typical TIL programs consist of short, progressively defined new words. You enter the final word or words of the program to perform the required task.

These characteristics result in a language that is well suited to program development. In addition, if a TIL is implemented with care at the machine level, it can produce very efficient code.

The next section of this article will ex

amine two approaches to implementing FORTH, the most common TIL. The usual method is very efficient in its use of memory and at the same time produces quite respectable execution times. The other technique is less memory efficient (though still superior to most common compiler languages) but can result in significantly shorter execution times.

Implementing Threaded Code

Several years ago in BYTE, Terry Ritter and Gregory Walker discussed four approaches to the implementation of threaded interpretive languages (see reference 5). 1 group three of the methods—direct-threaded, indirectthreaded, and token-threaded—under the generic name of "pointer-threaded" code. Pointer-threaded code is the most common method for implementing a TIL. The technique is also discussed in detail by R. G. Loeliger (see reference 3).

Most of this article is devoted to a form of subroutine-threaded code, which is the fourth approach Ritter and Walker cover. It allows the programmer to specify whether a given operation of the language is used as a subroutine or as a macro. I'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of the macro/subroutine approach in relation to the pointer-threaded technique. I use the syntax of FORTH for my high-level examples, but the techniques can be applied to any TIL. My low-level examples use 8086/8088 assembly code, but, again, they can be adapted to other processors.

All TILs have at their roots a set of executable, machine-language primitive operations called words. Examples from FORTH are such arithmetic operations as +, -, and * and such stack manipulation operations as DUR DROP, and ROT. Additional (secondary) words are defined using these primitives or previously defined secondary words. All words, whether primitive or secondary, are kept in memory in a "dictionary." Each dictionary entry consists of a header (made up of the number of characters in the name), ASCII code for the characters of the name or part of the name (often the first three characters), and a link address for getting to the previous (or the next, depending on the implementation) dictionary entry. After the header comes the body of the word. The body of a primitive word consists of executable machine code that performs the operation. The body of a secondary word varies according to the type of threading used.

In pointer-threaded code the second

ary word consists of a sequence of addresses, each of which is a pointer (direct or indirect) to either a primitive or another secondary word (see figure I). Thus, it is necessary to provide a simple, "inner" interpreter that gets the pointer, jumps to the proper address, and then either executes the machine code if the routine is a primitive or continues the process of interpretation if the routine is another secondary word. Usually there can be as many levels of secondary routines as you like, but the interpreter must eventually get to the machine code of a primitive before it can start back down the ladder of interpretation. The execution speed of such an arrangement is critically dependent on the efficiency of this inner interpreter, which not only has to get the address of the next word to be executed but has to save the current address in order to continue with the flow of the program after execution of that routine.

If you are familiar with assembly language but not with the structure of a TIL, you may wonder, "Why write a special interpreter to save return addresses and jump to new routines when the processor contains the instructions to do just that in hardware, through subroutine calls and returns?" The answer is that a pointer-threaded compiler/interpreter has a smaller overall memory requirement than one that uses subroutine threading. I will return to this point shortly.

Figure 2 illustrates the organization of subroutine-threaded code. The form for the primitives is basically the same as in pointer threading, except that they end with a return from subroutine instruction (RET in 8086/8088 mnemonics). Pointer-threaded primitives, in contrast, end with more involved code that gets the interpreter to the pointer of the next word to be executed. The major difference lies in the secondary words. Subroutine-threaded secondary words are made up of executable subroutine calls to the starting addresses of primitives or other secondary words. Since these primitives or lower-level secondary words are terminated by a return instruction, the processor hardware or microcode itself controls the flow, without the need for the inner interpreter. The result is smaller overhead and faster execution.

A modification of the above scheme allows the execution overhead to be reduced even further. Very short words, consisting of a few bytes of code, need not be treated as subroutines at all. Instead, the subroutine call can be replaced by a macro substitution of the

128 B YTE • IUNE 1984

entire executable portion of the word, thus eliminating the overhead of the subroutine call and return completely. We'll look at how to implement this plan next.

Threading Code with Subroutines or Macros

In order to add the possibility of macro substitution to the subroutine-threaded compiler/interpreter, you must include additional information within the header of each word. First, there must be a way for the compiler to determine whether the word is to be used as a subroutine or a macro. One simple way to do this is to use the high-order bit of the character-count byte as a flag. The bit is checked during compilation of the word. If, for example, it is a 0, the compiler writes code for a subroutine call to the address of the first executable statement of the word. On the other hand, if it is a 1, the compiler copies the executable code byte by byte (except for the RET). In order to reliably copy the required code, the number of bytes in the executable portion of the word being referenced must be stored. This is done by devoting an additional byte to the header. If you like, you could use the high-order bit of this byte (rather than the character-count byte) as the subroutine/macro flag.

Even if a given word is to be used as a macro in the compile mode, its executable code should be terminated by a RET statement. This is because pure subroutine threading is the best way of handling the interpretive mode of the TIL. Also, note that any word to be used as a macro should be written to contain only one RET statement—at the end.

With this scheme, you control whether a given word is to be used as a subroutine or as a macro. All you need do is define two additional primitives for the language-perhaps SUBROUTINE and MACRO—which clear or set the flag bit.

Comparison of Threading Techniques

To get a concrete understanding of the tradeoff between memory and execution speed, let's look at some specific examples of primitives and secondary words as used in the two threading schemes discussed above. In Chapter 3 of Threaded Interpretive languages, Loeliger calculates the overhead for a primitive and a secondary word in terms of processor cycles. Folllowing his lead, I have translated his (indirect-threaded) inner interpreter for a "generic computer" into one applicable to an 8086/8088 microprocessor; the routines are shown

in listing 1. For ease of comparison, the labels in the listing are the same as those used by Loeliger. The correspondence between his generic registers and my choice of 8086/8088 registers is given within the listing. Because most of the new personal computers using Intel microprocessors use the 8088 rather than the 8086, I have calculated the total number of 8088 clock periods for execution of the routines in listing 1, where the results are also given. Each execution of a primitive in this pointerthreaded language performs a call to the routines NEXT, RUN, and RETURN; thus, the number of 8088 machine cycles required is:

primitive cycles = NEXT + RUN + body + RETURN = 82 + body

(pointer-threaded)

For simple primitives such as DROP or

+ (addition), which require four cycles each, the amount of overhead is enormous—20 times what is required for the operation itself. The machine code of other primitives, of course, takes longer than four cycles; however, most will be significantly shorter than 82 cycles.

The overhead for a secondary word depends on the number and kind of words in the definition of the secondary. As Loeliger notes, each call to the secondary word requires a NEXT-RUNCOLON combination on entrance and a NEXT-RUN-SEMI combination on exit. Lower-level secondary words in the definition will need these calls as well. In addition, any primitives within the definition use 82 cycles in overhead. The secondary word with the least amount of overhead is one that is made up of primary words. For example, the word 2DUP defined as a secondary word requires:

(tent continued on page 418)

Primitive

Secondary

Choracter Count

First Character

Character Count

First Character

Second Character

Third Character

Second Character

Third Character

Link Address

Link Address

Executable

Machine

Code

Address of First Word

Address of Second Word

Code to get to next routine

: ':

Address of Last Word

Address of Return

Figure I: Organization of primitive and secondary words of a pointer-threaded interpretive language.

Primitive

Secondary

Character Count

First Character

Second Character

Third Character

Link Address

Executable

Machine

Code

RET

Character Count

Second Character Third Character

First Character

Link Address

CALL First Word

CALL Second Word

CALL Last Word

RET

Figure 2: Organization of primitive and secondary words of a subroutine-threaded interpretive language.

IUNE 1984 • BYTE 129

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PART 1 of this two-part article presents a brief overview of the Ada language and its history, as well as small examples of programs that demonstrate Ada's features. I have assumed that BYTE readers are familiar with programming languages, so 1 have not defined such concepts as variables, loops, functions, and arguments.

The following examples are intended to help you explore Ada's features. Each program focuses on a specific feature of the Ada language. The only drawback to this approach is that it sometimes sacrifices utility for exposition. The examples and the format of this article are a direct steal from lames Joyce's two-part article, A C Language Primer" (August and September 1983 BYTE). You can compare this article with his to compare the two languages.

To reinforce what you learn, I recommend that you enter each program into a computer, assuming, of course, that you have access to an Ada compiler. After a program runs successfully, experiment with omitting or changing parts of it. Introducing deliberate errors can provide a controlled exposure to Ada's sometimes cryptic error messages and can give you valuable experience in interpreting compiler diagnostics. Such messages are not the fault of the Ada language but of the compiler designs available today. As is the case with many language compilers, errors can have a cascading effect: many errors are actually the result of one original error.

This article does not pretend to explain everything you will want to know about Ada. My goal is to get you started with some key constructs and conventions in Ada.

Ada was designed by lean ichbiah at CII Honeywell Bull in France in 1978. Ichbiah improved the language in a second version, which was presented in 1980. It was based on Pascal with many features borrowed from more modern, but experimental, languages. Ada became an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard language in 1983 and is expected to remain unchanged until 1988. It is also a military standard and, as of this year, is used in many military applications.

Ada has many goals. Its primary reason for existence is to

ugusta Ada Lovelace, Lord Byron's daughter. The language was named after the countess, who is considered to be the world's first programmer.

BY Sabina H. Saib

replace the use of assembly language in small computers dedicated to specialized applications such as signal processing, process control, and communications. Furthermore, Ada is intended to make programs much more portable, readable,

maintainable, and reliable than programs written in other languages.

Someday Ada and its support tools will be available on many computers. Currently, there are only three true Ada compilers available: the New York University (NYU) Ada/Ed for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) VAX; Rolm Ada and Ada Environment for the Data General Eclipse and the Rolm 3200; and Western Digital Ada for the Western Digital Microengine. There are also numerous partial compilers for Intel 8086-/8088-based computers, for Zilog Z80-based computers, and for Motorola 68000-based computers. A true Ada compiler has passed more than 2000 tests provided by the Ada joint Program Office. After passing the tests, the compiler is issued a certificate of validation good for one year.

No dates have been established for validation of the microcomputer-based compilers, nor for validation of compilers based on larger computers. I expect that several more validated compilers will be available in 1984. and that at least one will be a microcomputer-based Ada compiler. As with any language, good programming style is important. Ada provides facilities to help "readability," but it is up to the programmer to use these features. Indentation and naming conventions can help to make a program more readable, and their use should be encouraged. On the other hand, nesting can be avoided, and unstructured constructs can be forbidden. Ada has more protection against common programming errors than most other languages. Often, when you get a pro

(text continued on page 132)

Sabina H. Saib (1500 Holiday Hill. Colela. CA 93117) is a member of the Aeronautical Operations Group at General Research Corp. Dr. Saib is the author of an Ada textbook to be published by Holt, Rinehart & Winston and co-author of a tutorial published by the IEEE Computer Society.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CULVER PICTURES

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 131

(tort continued from page 131)

gram to compile, it runs the first time, which should help programmer productivity immensely. Like Pascal, Ada has many checks that it performs during execution. If a program is not time-critical, these checks should be left in. If the checks are burdensome, or if you are running benchmarks, they can (and should) be turned off.

Ada Program Structure

This is the smallest possible complete Ada program:

- tinylada

-- The smallest Ada program

procedure smallest is

begin

null; - a comment end smallest;

Comments in Ada begin with two hyphens (-) and end at the end of each line. No special character is needed for the end of a comment as in Pascal or C This program has three comments: the ones in the first and second lines, which take up whole lines, and the one after the null statement, which takes up the rest of the line after the semicolon. This program is named smallest and does nothing. Any executable code would have been placed between the begin and end for the procedure.

To compile and execute this program on the NYU Ada/Ed system, the command is $ada tinyl.

Normally, Ada programs are in a file whose name ends in ,ada . If the compilation is successful, the system presents a series of messages listing the time spent in compilation, binding, and execution. After finishing, the $ prompt is displayed.

It is possible to compile a program without executing it and to create a library of programs for later binding.

Because Ada is a free-format language, we could have written this program in a more compact form, such as

- tiny2.ada The smallest Ada ~ program rewritten procedure smallest is begin null; end smallest;

In fact, if we left out the comments, the smallest program could be written on a single line as

procedure smallest is begin null; end smallest;

However, this is poor style and is not recommended.

Packages

Ada programs consist of packages of subprograms and a main program. You should structure a large program as a number of packages that contain related small subprograms.

In the following example, the program small calls a subprogram, do nothing, that doesn't do anything.

- Smalllada

- Smallest Ada program with

- a subprogram in a package

package example is

- subprogram specification procedure do nothing;

end example; package body example is procedure do nothing is

- subprogram implementation begin

null;

end do nothing;

end example; with example; use example;

- main program uses subprograms

- in package example

- main program procedue small is begin

do nothing;

end small;

The package named example has one subprogram named

do nothing. A package in Ada has two parts, each of which

can be compiled separately. (The main program also can be compiled separately.) The first part of the package is called the package specification. It merely lists the names and parameters, if any, of the subprograms in the package. Data items and data types can also be placed in the package specification. The second part of the package is called the package body, which contains the complete Ada code for the subprograms listed in the specification of the package. Our example has just one subprogram that does not do anything.

A main program that uses a package normally names the package in with and use statements just before the first statement of the program. To call a subprogram in a package, the program just states the name of the program. Any arguments are placed within parentheses after the name. A semicolon follows every statement and serves as a statement terminator rather than as a statement separator (as in Pascal).

This main program calls the subprogram do nothing in the

package example. The subprogram does nothing and returns control to the main program, which does more nothing before finishing execution.

You could nest the subprogram do nothing, instead of putting it in a package, as in the following example.

-- Small2.ada

- Smallest Ada program

- with a nested subprogram procedure small is

- nested subprogram

procedure do nothing is

begin null;

end do nothing;

begin

do nothing;

end small;

The text of the subprogram is placed in the declaration part (before the begin) of the main program. This has an advantage in that the program text is smaller for our do-nothing example. However, this approach has serious disadvantages over using the package form. When nesting is used, the main program is no longer small. It usually takes longer to compile than when programs are placed in a separate package. Other users of subprograms placed in nested programs must include the text of the subprogram in their program, so there is much less sharing of software. Nesting also usually results in large data spaces accessible by all parts of the program. This is the usual Pascal approach to programming.

As demonstrated in the following example, Ada has a method of separate compilation that avoids long compilation time and long main-program text.

(text continued on page 134)

132 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Ada for Microcomputers

A number of companies have developed, or are preparing, compilers for Ada or for subsets of Ada. As of lanuary 1984, only three compilers had been approved by the Department of Defense, which holds the trademark to the name Ada." A New York University implementation runs on the DEC VAX 11/780; a Rolm/Data General version runs on Rolm and Data General minicomputers; and GenSoft, formerly a Western Digital subsidiary, has developed a validated compiler and development system for Western Digital's WD-1600.

Of the three validated compilers, only GenSoft's version runs on a microcomputer. Although developed for the WD-1600, which is no longer produced, the compiler can be used on Digicomp Research's Delphi-100, which uses the same processor chip set. The Delphi-100 with a complete Ada development system would cost about $15,000 to $20,000. GenSoft is currently deciding whether to port the compiler to other processors or develop an entirely new version of the compiler.

Other vendors have announced either compilers that will be submitted for validation soon or subsets of Ada that will later be expanded to include the full language. Several of these run on microcomputers (see table 1). Many are crosscompilers that take advantage of the speed and memory of mainframes to produce code that can be run on microprocessors in dedicated systems—mostly for the military.

Alsys is developing compilers for the 8086 and 68000 processors, which the company hopes to submit for validation by the end of this year. The compilers need at least 1 megabyte of memory and a 10-megabyte hard disk.

Irvine Computer Sciences Corporation (ICSC) has developed Ada compilers for the 68000 and the Z8000. The 68000 compiler runs under Unisoft's implementation of UNIX and is available from Unisoft for $3500. The Z8000 version is available from Zilog for its System 8000.

RR Software is selling (anus, a subset of Ada. The vendor says the product will be expanded to the full Ada language by the end of the year. Available for computers using MS-DOS, CP/M, CP/M-86, or Concurrent CP/M-86, (anus costs from $300 to $1100, depending on development tools included.

RR Software has also introduced PASTRAN, a Pascal-to-Ada translator to increase the speed of program translation. It costs $100 for CP/M. CP/M-86, and MS-DOS. Nontranslatable features of

by Mark J. Welch

Pascal are flagged.

Soflech is retargeting its Ada Language System for the 8086 under a contract with the U.S. Air Force Systems Command. Soflech also sells an Ada-to-Pascal translator. The company hasn't discussed any commercial plans for the product.

SuperSoft announced an Ada subset in early 1982 and had planned to have a full version late that year. However, it has decided not to expand its compiler. SuperSoft is selling a $300 CP/M-80 version, called SuperSoft-A, which it says includes about 65 percent of Ada's fea

tures.

Telesoft has a $3030 Ada Development Kit for the IBM Personal Computer (PC). The kit produces interpreted p-code. Telesoft submitted its $443 5 compiler for the Motorola 68000 for validation in February.

Intellimac Inc. released an Ada shell that enables eight people to use TelesoftAda on Intellimac's 68000-based IN/7000 compiler family.

Mark I, Welch is a BYTE staff writer. He can be contacted at POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

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IUNE 1984

1YTE 133

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(text continued from page 133)

- Small3.ada

- Smallest Ada program with a

- separately compiled subprogram procedure small is

- nested subprogram

- separately compiled procedure do nothing is separate;

begin

do nothing;

end small; separate (small)

- subprogram implementation

procedure do nothing is

begin

null; end do nothing;

Although this approach avoids the problem of a long main program, it still has the data space problem and the sharing problem common to nesting. Therefore, I believe that almost all Ada subprograms should be placed in packages instead of using nesting or separate compilation and nesting.

Displaying a Message

Ada has several packages common to all compilers. Two of these are the standard package and the text_io package. The

text io package contains subprograms to display a message

on the standard output device, which is usually your terminal.

- helloLada

- Greet the world

- Introduce output in Ada with text io;

- use of text_io package

use text io;

procedure hello is begin

put ("Hello, world!"); new_line; end hello;

The message displayed by this example is the statement Hello, world! It is written as a character string within parentheses in the call to the put subprogram, which is in the text_io package. After the put subprogram, there is a call to the new_line subprogram, which positions the cursor at the beginning of the next line.

When using the put subprogram without a new_line call, the next output request puts the subsequent output on the same line on the display. Thus, we could write the message as follows:

- hello2.ada

- Greet the world

- in another version with text io;

- use of text io package

use text_io; procedure hello is begin

put ("Hello"); put (","); put (""); put ("world"); put ("!");

(text continued on page 428)

134 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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PREVIEW

by G. Michael Vose

MACINTOSH

PASCAL

.ascal's evolution has mirrored the growth of the microcomputer industry—both seek to bring usable, learnable computer power to a generation of inquisitive, educated people looking toward the next century. Niklaus Wirth created Pascal to make learning computer programming an easy but still rigorous task. Even before Carl Helmers called six years ago in this journal for the widespread adoption of Pascal, colleges and universities worldwide were beginning to embrace the language as a primary tool for teaching programming.

Apple Pascal was released in 1979 and was one of the first microcomputer implementations. Pascal became the primary programming language within Apple Computer Inc. for the development of new products. With this strong tie to Pascal, there was a good chance that Apple would be instrumental in the adoption of significant new Pascal products. The first of these new products is the recently announced version for the Macintosh.

The version of Pascal that Apple Computer offers for its new Macintosh is called Macintosh Pascal. Although it will be marketed by Apple, Macintosh

Editor's Uote: This article is a BYTE Product Preview. \t is not a review. We think this new product is significant and therefore offer this advance look at a prerelease version. An independent in-depth review, with appropriate benchmarks, will appear in a subsequent issue.

136 BYTE • IUNE 1984

An interactive interpreter transforms Pascal into a language as easy to learn as it is expeditious to use.

Pascal was created at Think Technologies Inc. (420 Bedford St., Lexington, MA 02173) by Melvin Conway, who conceived the project and wrote the prototype interpreter; Andrew Singer and John Hueras, who designed the product for the Macintosh; and Peter Maruhnic and Terry Lucas, who wrote the Macintosh version. Running initially on the Macintosh only, Macintosh Pascal will be available for Apple's Lisa running under the MacWorks operating system. Think Technologies promises separate versions of the language for all major educational microcomputers in the next 18 months. Macintosh Pascal will retail for $125.

A New Breed

An interactive interpreter is the most innovative feature of Macintosh Pascal. Programmers can write source code in Macintosh Pascal and run it immediately without going through a separate compilation step. Students can run individual commands to understand their functions. Using the Macintosh user interface—with its multiple windows, mouse, and data integration—makes Macintosh Pascal programming easy and efficient. New programmers can learn the language more quickly and effectively when they can interact with a program at the source-code level. Macintosh Pascal's program-development tools, including single-step execution, use of breakpoints, and an Observe window to track the alteration

of variables, further enhance this process (see "Macintosh Pascal's Development Tools" later in the text).

Macintosh Pascal is a full implementation, not a subset, of Pascal, and it emulates as closely as possible both the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard Pascal and LisaPascal. The following paragraphs describe the major differences between Macintosh Pascal and LisaPascal and Macintosh Pascal and ANSI Pascal.

Macintosh Pascal varies slightly from LisaPascal, particularly in the way the latter uses extensions to the language definition. Also, the scope anomalies of LisaPascal are errors in Macintosh Pascal. The Macintosh version differs in other significant ways, including:

• use of up to 2 5 5 significant identifier characters

• no support of compiler commands or nested comments

• simpler rules for integer and longint arithmetic

• additional real data types: longreal. extended, and computational

• requirement of the otherwise statement within a CASE construct

• no support of the external directive

• no support of user-defined units or segmentation

• no support of the functions

exit halt heapresult

mark release memavail

pwroften moveleft moveright

scaneq scanne fillchar

• support of the pack and unpack procedures

The Macintosh Pascal manual lists other minor differences between the two.

Macintosh Pascal conforms most closely to the ANSI standard for Pascal and is closer to that standard than is LisaPascal. Macintosh Pascal's major departures from the ANSI/IEEE 770X3.97-1983 standard include:

• the special symbol @ is an operator and never treated as a *

• only the standard file variables INPUT and OUTPUT can be used as program parameters

• all quoted character strings are STRING data types, but Macintosh Pascal's compatibility rules are nonetheless compatible with the standard's

• support of the word symbols otherwise, string, and uses

• support of the underscore character within an identifier

• all integer and real data type operands are converted to extended before real arithmetic is performed; the result is always extended

• support of predefined libraries

• support of a set of string procedures and functions

• support of the pointer and sizeof functions for LisaPascal compatibility

The Macintosh Pascal manual lists other minor differences from the ANSI standard, including errors not automatically detected and reported, in an appendix.

Macintosh Pascal also supports the graphics functions of the Macintosh QuickDraw program. Macintosh Pascal

can take advantage of QuickDraw's functions by including the QuickDraw libraries. This is done with the uses clause; for example, uses QUICKDRAWS QUICKDRAW2.

Macintosh Pascal also supports IEEE numerics conventions using the Pascal library SANE (Standard Apple Numeric Environment). The SANE package is the first implementation of IEEE numerics on a microcomputer.

Programming

in Macintosh Pascal

Because the language is interpreted,

programming in Macintosh Pascal is

very similar to using interpreted BASIC.

(text continued on page 138)

G. Michael Vose is a BYTE senior technical editor. He can be contacted at POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449.

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Figure I: The Macintosh Pascal AutoSketch program. The Run menu appears in the upper center of the screen. At the right are the Tat and Drawing windows. The listing window, on the left, shows breakpoints indicated by stop signs: the finger points to the next instruction to be executed in single-step mode.

Figure 2: The Oscillation program. The Observe window in the upper right shows the value of variables or expressions. The Instant window enables execution of code fragments and the changing of variables during program execution.

1UNE 1984 -BYTE 137

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(tot continued from page 137) You type in or load from disk the code you plan to run and then run it. Because Macintosh Pascal program lines are precompiled with the entry of a carriage return, errors are detected and reported immediately. Macintosh Pascal is thus even friendlier than traditional interpreted BASIC in detecting errors.

Where BASIC uses the RUN command to start program execution, Macintosh Pascal uses GO or 36 -G, Apple's Cloverleaf command key followed by G in the manner of the Control-X keystroke sequence. Macintosh Pascal also enables execution of a program with breakpoints (called Stops) placed within the code (GO-GO), or single-step execution of the code with (STEP-STEP) or without (STEP or Cloverleaf-S) breakpoints. The GO-GO and STEP-STEP commands run a program with breakpoints, pause briefly at each Stop, and then continue, updating variables or expressions in the Observe window (see "Macintosh Pascal's Development Tools").

Figure l is a Macintosh screen with the Macintosh Pascal program, AutoSketch, being executed in single-step mode. The Run menu appears at the upper center of the display. Breakpoints have been inserted into the code and are shown in the listing window as miniature stop signs within the left scroll bar. The miniature hand with pointing finger shows the command that will be executed next. The Text and Drawing windows show the program's output.

Macintosh Pascal program fragments cannot be run alone using the commands in the Run menu. There is an Instant window that provides this capability, however. Within this window, you can enter, edit, and execute any Macintosh Pascal statement. The Instant window has great potential as an educational aid but has additional capabilities as well that make it one of the language's development tools.

Macintosh Pascals Development Tools

Interestingly, Macintosh Pascal's program-development tools double as learning aids and can make the process of writing programs more efficient. The Instant window is a good example.

Students can use the Instant window to see how a specific command or program segment works. More experienced programmers can use this window to help create desired operations because it also can be used to change the value of a variable in a running program. Using the Instant window, you can play "what if" games with variables in a

program while it is running.

This intraprogram interactivity is the guiding philosophy behind the language's program-development tools. Besides the Instant window, you can use an Observe window to watch the value of variables and expressions change as a program executes; the Text and Drawing windows to see the text and graphics output, respectively, of the current running program; or the Clipboard window, which provides access to the Clipboard system utility, used to move text or graphics from one window or program to any other program or window.

Figure 2 shows a Macintosh Pascal program called Oscillation in a display that includes the Instant and Observe windows. The Observe window, in the upper right corner, shows that the value of the Accel>0 expression is false, while the value of the variable Vel is 0.272. The Instant window enables the execution of a single for loop, with its result shown in the Drawing window.

You can access Macintosh Pascal's other development tools through the File, Edit, and Search menus, and a special Pause menu that appears only while a program is executing. The functions available for file manipulation include opening, closing, saving, restoring after editing (Revert), and program printing. With the edit functions, you can cut, paste, copy, and clear (delete). Search functions are Find, Replace, and Everywhere (search and replace). The special Pause menu provides the single HALT command that stops program execution.

Using Macintosh Pascal

Although the Macintosh makes full and extensive use of the mouse, Macintosh Pascal enables you to select many of its functions from the keyboard by using the Cloverleaf key as a control key File and window functions cannot be invoked from the keyboard, but most edit, search, and run functions can be. Because these functions are the ones most often used during program development, this "mousetrap" ensures that programmers are not hindered much by the ubiquitous rodent.

Macintosh Pascal consumes approximately 50K bytes of the Macintosh's memory, leaving more than 35K bytes for programs. Program disks provide approximately 100K bytes of space for program storage.

Through Think Technologies, Apple plans to offer a system programmer's toolkit for the development of applications software. The toolkit will be released four to six months after Macintosh Pascal's debut. ■

138 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE 139

MICROPROCESSOR CHIPS

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28 8192xB (450ns)

24 2048x8 (450ns) 3 voltage

24 2048x8 (450ns)

24 2048x8 (350ns)

24 2048x8 (550ns)

24 4096x8 |450ns)

24 4096x8 |300ns)

24 4096x8 (450ns)21V

24 4096x8 (550ns)

24 1024x8 (450ns)

28 8192x8 (450ns) . ,

21 8192x8 (300ns)

24 5l2x8(1us)

24 8192x8 (450ns)

28 16.384x8 (450ns) 128K EPROM

16 32x8 PROMOC (6330-1)

16 256x4 PROMT S (6301-1)

16 32x8 PROMT S (6331-1)

16 256x4 PROM OC (6300-1) " PROMT S (6309-1) PROMT S (6349-1) PROM 0 C (6348) PROMT S (OM87S296N) PROMOC (6340)

39 95 9 95 2.25 3 95 3 95 395 395

20 256x8

20 512x8

20 512x8

24 512x8

24 512x8

1024x4 PROMT S

PROM T.S PROMOC (6305) PROM T.S (6306)

18 1024x4 PROMO C (6352) . .

18 1024x4 PROMT S (82S137) PROMO.C (27S18) . PROMTS (27S15) PROMT S (27S19) PROMOC (27S20) PROMTS (27S21) .. PROMO C (27S12)

- -BP24S81)

1024x8 16 512x4 16 512x4

24 512x8

16 32x8

16 256x4

IB 256x4

16 512x4

DM87S18QN 24 0M87S" DM87S184N DM87S185N

2048x4 PROM T S ( 24 2048x8 (80ns) 24 2048x8 '""

1024x8 PROMO.C (82S180) .

1024x8 PROM T.S. (82S181)

2048x4 PROMOC I82S184)

2048x4 PROMT S (82S185)

DM87S190N 24 2048x4 PROM 0 C (82S190) DM87S191N 24 2048x8 PROMT S (82S19V DATA ACQUISITION

DC10 Mostek DC/DC Convert

9V.

2.95

MC3470P 18 Floppy Disk Read AMP System MC1408L7 16 7-bit D/A Convener (DACIJ807LCN) . , .1.49 MC1408LB IB 8-bilD/A Convener (DAC0808LCN) ...2.25 ADC0803LCN 2D8-bitA/DCo.nvt:iici it' ?I.SB"l . .4.95

MB-bitA,'D Converter 11LSB) , ... 3 49 16 8bitD/A Converter (0 78% Lin ) 1.95

2B8-b*tA/D Converter |8-Ch Multi ) 4.49

408-bitA/DConverter(i6-Ch Multi ) 9 95 24 10-bil O/A Conv. Micro Comp (0 05%) 7 95 20 in b.'D/AConv Micro Comp. (0 20%) 6 95 16 10-bilD/AConv. (0 05% Lin.) .. .. 7 95 16 tO-bit D/A Conv. (0 20%"- '

DAC1000 DAC1008 0AC1020 DAC1022 DAC1222 LM334Z LM3352 LM399H

Constant Current Source Temperature Transducer Temp Comp Prec Ret ( 5ppm/C)

6.95

AY-5-1013A 4030KB>udUar1(TH1602)

LOW PROFILE (TIN) SOCKETS

SOLDERTAIL (GOLD) STANDARD

1-9 10-99 100-up

mm

TTrTnT

^m^

ST

WW

SOLDERTAIL STANDARD (TIN)

WIRE WRAP SOCKETS (GOLD) LEVEL #3

14 pin WW 11, pin WW IB pin WW

1.7t

$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only California Residents Add 6'/i% Sales Tax Shipping — Add 5% plus S1.50 Insurance Send S.A.S.E. lor Monthly Sales Flyer!

Spec Sheets — 30c each Send S1.00 Postage for your FREE 1984 JAMECO CATALOG Prices Subject to Change

lameco

ELECTRONICS

VISA1

DT1050 — Applications: Teaching aids, appliances, clocks, automotive, telecommunications, language translations, etc.

The DT1O50 is a standard DIGITALKER kit encoded with 137 separate and useful words, 2 tones, and 5 different silence durations. The words and tones have been assigned dlscrele addresses, making it possible to output single words or words concatenated into phrases or even sentences The "voice" output ol the DT1050 is a highly intelligible male voice. Female and children's voices can be synthesized. The vocabulary is chosen so that it is applicable lo many products and markets.

The DT1050 consists of a Speech Processor Chip, MM54104 (40-pin) and two (2) Speech ROMs MM52164SSR1 and MM52164SSR2 (24-pin) along with a Master Word list and a recommended schematic diagram on the application sheet.

DT1050 Digitalker™ $34.95 ea.

MM54104 Processor Chip $14.95 ea.

0T1057 - Expands the DT10SO vocabulary from 13710 over 260

words. Includes 2 ROMs and specs.

Pari No. DT1057 $24.95 ea.

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PtrtNo

7045IPI

7045EV/Kit*

7106CPL

FE02Q3D

7106EV/Ki1*

7107CPL

7107EV7K(t*

7116CPL

7201IUS

72G5IPG

7205EV/Kif

7206CJPE

7206CEV/Ki1*

7207AIPD

7207AEV/Krt*

7215IPG

7215EV/Kit*

7216AIJI

72I6DIPI

7217IJI

721MIPI

7224IPL

7226AEV/KI1

CMOS Precision Timer . ...

Stopwatch Ctiip. XTL .

Vh Digit A^D (LCD Drive)

31* Digit LCD Display for 7106 & 7116 IC, Circuit Board. Display . .

3Vj Digit A/D (LEO Drive) IC. Circuit Board. Display 3V? Digit A/D LCOOlS HLD Low Battery Volt Indicator CMOS LED Slogwatch/Timer Stopwatch Chip. XTL . ......

Tone Genera lor

Tone Generator Chip, XTL

Oscillator Controller

Freq Counter Chip. XTL

4Func CMOS Stopwatch CKT

4 Func Stopwatch Chip. XTL

8Digit Univ. Counter C A .....

BDigii Freq. Counter C C...........,

4 Digit LED Up/Down Counter C.A

4 Digit LED Up/Down Counter C.C LCD4V* Dign up Counter DR1

5 Function Counter Chip. XTL

130009 1963 INTERSIL Data Book 03560

29.95 19.95

.10.95 .11.95 10.95 74 95

$9.95 I

74HC High Speed CMOS

74HCOO

74HCOQ

74HC02

74HC03

74HC04

74HCU04

74HC0S

74HC10

74HC11

74HC14

74HC20

74HC27

74HC30

74HC32

74HC42

74HC51

74HC58

74HC73

74HC74

74HC75

74HC76

74HC85

74HC86

74HC107

74HC109

74HC112

74HC113

74HC132

74HC137

74HC13B

74HC139

74HC147 I

74HC151 1

74MC153 1

74HC154 I

74HC157 t

74HC158 t

74HC160 1

74HC161 I

74HC162 1

74HC163 1

74HC164 t

74HC165 1

74HC173 1

74HC174 1

74HC175 I

74HC192 I

74HCT93 1

74HC194 1

74HC195 1

74HC237 I

74HC240 i

74HC241 i 74HC242 71HC243

74HC244 I

74HC245 I 74HC251 74HC253 74HCU04

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1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 vmPHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 592-8097 Telex: 176043

TL071CP

TL072CP

TL074CN 1

TL081CP

TL082CP

TL084CN 1

LM301CN

LM302H

LM304H

LM305H

LM307CN

LM308CN

LM309K

LM309H

LM310CN

LM311CN

LM312H

LM3I7T

LM317K

LM31BCN

LM319N

LM320K-5

LM320K-12

LM320K-15

LM320K-24

LM320T-5

LM320T-12

LM320T-15

LM320T-24

LM322N

LM323K

LM324N

LM32907

LM331N

LM3342

LM335Z

LM336Z

LM337MP

LM337T

LM338K

LM339N

LM340K-5

LM340K-12

LM340K-15

LM340K-34

LM340T-5

LM340T-12

LM340T-15

LM340T-24

LM341P-5

LM341P12

LM341P-15

LM342P-5

LM342P-12

LM342P-15

LF347N

LM34SN

LM350K

LF351N

LF353N

LF355N

LF356N

LM358N

LM359N

LM370N

LM373N

LM377N

LM380CN

LM3B0N LM381N

LM382N

LM384N

LM386N-3

LM387N

LM389N

LM391N-80

LM392N

LM398N

LM399H

TL494CN

TL496CP

NE531V

NE544N

NE550A

NE555V

XR-L555

LM5S6N

NE564N

LM565N

LM566CN

LM567V

NE570N

NE571N

LM703CN

LM709N

LM710N

LM711N

LM739N

LM741CN

LM747N

LM748N

LM1310N

MC1330AI

MC1349

MC1350

MCI358

LM1456V

LVi.i'.Jir.N

LM1488N

LM1489N

LM1496N

H

1.9S

LH1605CK

U<K>

LM1800N

11

tm

LM1871N

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zm

LM1872N

IB

3V.S

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249

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18

2.7h

LM1896N

14

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LM2002T

IRS

ULU2003A

IB

m

XR2206

IB

3Sh

XR2207

14

2-95

XR2208

IB

■t#r,

XR22II

14

a«

LU2877P

1.Wh

LM2878P

IM

LM2901N

14

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LM2902N

14

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LM2907N

14

vm

LM31B9N

IB

1f.D

LM3900N

14

hW

LM390SCN

1

119

LM3909N

•

.99

LM3914N

11

VW\

LM3915N

IB

29S

LM3916N

H

VHh

RC4136N

14

1.ft

RC41S1NB

B

1%

RC4194TX

449

LM4250CN

B

129

LM4500A

IB

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NE5532

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76477

JB

3.9b

30003 1982 Nal. Linear Data Book n952pgs ] .$11.95

140 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 175 on inquiry card.

HOME COMPUTER ACCESSORIES

RS232 ADAPTER FOR VIC-20 AND COMMODORE 64

The JE232CM allows connection of standard RS232 printers, modems, etc. to your VIC-20 and C-64. A 4-pole switch allows the inversion of the 4 control lines. Complete installation and operation instructions included.

• Plugs into User Port • Provides Standard RS232 signal levels • Uses 6 signals {Transmit, Receive, Clear to Send, Request to Send, Data Terminal Ready, Data Set Ready).

JE232CM $39.95

VOICE SYNTHESIZER FOR APPLE AND COMMODORE

NEW!

JE520AP

JE520CM

• Over 250 word vocabulary-affixes allow the formation ol more than 500 words • Built-in amplifier, speaker, volume control, and audio jack • Recreates a clear, natural male voice * Plug-In user ready with documentation and sample software • Case size: 7'A"L x 3V«"W x 1-3/8"H

APPLICATIONS: • Security Warning • Telecommunication

• Teaching • Handicap Aid

• Instrumentation • Games

The JE520 VOICE SYNTHESIZER will plug right into your computer and allow you to enhance almost any application. Utilizing National Semiconductor's DIGITALKER Speech Processor IC (with four custom memory chips), the JE520 compresses natural speech into digital memory, including the original inflections and emphases. The result is an extremely clear, natural vocalization. Part No. Description Price

JE520CM For Commodore 64 & VIC-20 $114.95

JE520AP For Apple II, 11+, and //e $149 95

JE664 EPROM PROGRAMMER 8K to 64K EPROMS - 24 & 28 Pin Packages

Completely Self Contained - Requires No Additional Systems for Operation

■ Programs and validates EPROMs ■ Checks lor properly erased EPROMs

■ Emulates PROMsor EPROMs ■ RS232C Computer Interface for editing and program loading • Loads data into RAM by keyboard * Changes data in RAM by keyboard ■ Loads RAM Irom an EPROM * Compares EPROMs tor contenl differences-Copies EPROMs-Power Input: 115VAC, 60Hz, leas than 10W power consumption ■ Enclosure: Color-coordinated, light tan panels with molded end pieces in mocha brown ■ Size: IWli 8%"Dx 3VH -Weight 5*. lbs.

The JE664 EPROM Programme* emulates anO programs various 8-Bit Word EPROMs Irom 8K to 64K- Bit memory capacity Data can Oe entered into ine JE664's internal 8K x 8-Bn RAM in three ways: (1) from a ROM or EPROM. (2) from an external computer via the optional JE665 RS232C BUS, (3| from its panel keyboard The JE6W's RAMs may Oe accessed lor emulation purposes

'rrjm 1'u; [i.ii'c '■■ 1i";l s.'n ki>l W. .in r■ »tj.■:r..;. iiiu-rapruce'isnr li'; ji.nirning and fir'Mil.Tui'. the

JE664 allows lor examination, change and validation ol program content. The JE664's RAMs can be programmed quickly to all" l"s (or any value), allowing unused addresses in the EPROM to be programmed later without necessity ol "UV" erasing The JE6fW displays DATA and ADORESS in convenient hexadecimal (alphanumeric) format. A "DISPLAY EPROM DATA" button changes the DATA readout irom RAM word to EPROM word and is displayed in Doth hexadecimal and binary code. The Iront panel features a convenienl operating guide The JE664 Programmer includes one JM1SA Jumper Module (as listed below).

JE664-A EPROM Programmar $995.00

Assembled & Tested (Includes JM16A Module)

JEB65 - HSZ32C INTERFACE OPTION - The RS232C Interface Option implements computer access to the JE664's RAM. This allows the computer to manipulate, store and transfer EPROM dala to and from the JE664 A sample program listing is supplied m MSASIC lor CP/M computers. Documentation is provided lo adapt the software to other computers with an RS232 pon. 9600 Baud, 8-bit word, odd parity and 2 stop bits.

FOR A LIMITED TIME A SAMPLE OF SOFTWARE WRITTEN IN BASIC FOR THE TRS-80' MODEL I, LEVEL II COMPUTER WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED

JE664-ARS EPROM Prog. W/JE66S Option $1195.00

Assembled & Tested (Includes JM16A Module) EPROM JUMPER MODULES - The JE664's JUMPER MODULE (Personality Module) is a plug-in Module thai pre-sets the JE664 'or the proper programming pulses to the EPROM and configures the EPROM socket connections lor that particular EPROM.

JtSMtn™

mm

'«r

EPfM HUWWIUIU

MCI

JMOM

j7oa

25V

amd. mbb*i. <at mm. n

IH 95

JMtM

2716. TMSK1S (71)

2SV

inW. Motorola. Nat. NEC 11.

•MU. nnar.ni. Mmtck

in 9S

JM168

tWitVIC i3-yv

.'.V >W .1.'

Motorola, ti

1)495

JM32A

MtBtt

25V

Mow*,. 1. Mriicni OKI

114.95

W3?B

!732

25V

AMD. h,|,i;,u (*.<; rtiucf,. Iniw. MrtsirMsh, NaMnM

11*95

JM32C

2732A

itv

fujBu, mw

J149S

JM64A

UCMSI7S4, MCM68L764

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. . 114.95

KEYBOARDS

HI-TEK 14-KEY NUMERIC KEYPAD

■ Great keypad tor many home and business computer applications

■ SPST switching ■ Mounted on PC. board ■ Size 5" l_ x 3" W x IV H - Color: Grey ■ Weight: 1 lb. ■ Spec available

K-14 $9.95

•W8W

13VLx4VWx VH

18"T-x7VWx 1VH

Nationally Known Manufacturer!

21V L x 9.8"Wx3VH

MICRO SWITCH

ASCII Encoded Keyboards

■ Large selection of keyboards ■ Hall effect switching ■ Some have parallel interfaces ■ Some have serial interfaces ■ All have status LEDs and a minimum of 68 keys • Some with numeric keypad capabilities, cursor controls, or both • Styles may vary ■ Weight: 2 lbs. • No specs available

KB-MISC $9.95

Mitsumi 54-Key Unencoded Matrix All-Purpose Keyboard

• SPST keyswitches ■ 20 pin ribbon cable connection • Low profile keys ■ Features: cursor controls, control, caps (lock), function, enter and shift keys ■Color (keycaps): grey ■ Wt.: 1 lb. • Pinout included

KB54 $14.95

71-Key ASCII Cherry Keyboard

■ 7 bit parallel ASCII with strobe • 11 key numeric keypad ■ SPST mechanical keyswitches • 15/30 card-edge connector ■ Features: escape, control, cursor controls, plus 10 add'!, special function keys • Color: white - Weight: 2 lbs. ■ Spec, included

KB1801 $29.95

87-KEY ASCII Cherry Keyboard

■ 12-key numeric keypad ■ Cursor keypad • SPST mechanical keyswitches ■ 40-pin header connector

■ Colors: main and numeric keypad-orange; Cursor keypad-yellow • Weight: 2 lbs. • Spec included

KB8600 $34.95

106-KEY 8-BIT SERIAL ASCII KEYBOARD

• The terminals were designed to be daisy chained around a central host computer and used as individual work stations • Hall effect switching ■ numeric and cursor keypad ■ 10 user definable keys ■ 50" interface cable with 9-pin sub-miniature connector

• 7 LED function displays • Security lock • N-key rollover • Automatic key repeat function -Color: (case): white w/black panel—(key caps): grey and blue ■ Weight: 6% lbs. ■ Data included.

KB139 $59.95

POWER SUPPLIES

TRANSACTION TECHNOLOGY, INC. 5VDC @ 1 AMP Regulated Power Supply

• Output: +5VDC fl 1.0 amp (also +30VDC regulated) ■ Input: 115VAC, 60 Hz ■Two-tone (black/beige) self-enclosed case ■ 6 foot, 3-conductor black power cord ■ Size: 6V L x 7" W x 2V H • Weight: 3 lbs.

PS51194 $14.95

New!

^-^R

Power/Mate Corp. REGULATED POWER SUPPLY

-Input: 105-125/210-250 VAC at 47-63 Hz-Line regulation: ;0.05%-Three mounting surfaces ■ Overvoltage protection ■ UL recognized - CSA certified Bart No. Output Size Weight Price

EMA5/6B EMA5/6C

5V@3A/6V@2.5A 4VL x 4"W x 2VH 2 lbs. 5V@6A/6V@5A 5WL x 4VW x 2VH 4 lbs.

$29.95 S39.95

ASTEC SWITCHING REGULATED POWER SUPPLY

• Apple III Power Supply ■ Multiple outputs tor bench top uses and other applications ■ Input: 115VAC, 50-60 Hz @ 3.0 amps • Output: +5VDC @ 1.0 amp, +12VDC @ 1.0 amp, -12VDC • 1.0 amp, +24VDC @ 2.5 amp, -24VDC • 2.5 amp ■ Size: 15" L x 3V W x 2W H • Weight: 2'k lbs.

AS1155 $39.95

POWER SUPPLY +5VDC @ 7.6 AMR 12VDC • 1.5 AMP SWITCHING

■Input 115VAC, 50-60NJ 0 3 amp/230VAC. 50Hz • 16 amp -Fan volt'power supply select switches (1 I5/230VAC) -Output: 5VDC S 7.6 amp. 12VDC© 1 5 amp ■ 8 loot black power cord -Size: 11 VLx IS^-Wx 3s* "H -Weight: 6 lbs.

PS94VOS $39.95

KEPCO/TDK 4-OUTPUT SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY • Ideal for disk drive needs of CRT terminals, microcompuiers and

videogames- Input: 115/230VAC,50/60Hz- Output: +5V@5Amp, +12V® 1.8 Amp, +12V @ 2 Amp, -12V @ 0.5 Amp • UL recognized -CSA certified - Size; 7VL x 6-3/16"W x 1 VH ■ Weight: 2 lbs.

MRM 174KF $59.95

4-CHANNEL SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY

■ Microprocessor, mini-computer, terminal, medical equipment and process control applications • Input: 90-130VAC, 47-440HZ • Output: +5VDC • 5A, -5VDC@1 A; +12VDC@1A, -12VDC@1A- Line regulations: ±0.2% ■ Ripple: 30mV p-p ■ Load regulation: * 1 % • Overcurrenl protection • Adj: 5V main output ±10% -Size: 6WLx1VWx 4-15/16"H -Weight: Vb lbs.

FCS-604A $69.95 each

Switching Power Supply for APPLE II, 11+ & tie"*

■ Can drive four floppy disk drives and up to eight expansion cards

• Short circuit and overload protection • Fits inside Apple computer

■ Fully regulated +5V@5A, + 12V@ 1.5A,-5Vfi.5A.-12Ve.5A

■ Direct plug-in power cord included • Size: 9VL x 3VW x 2VH

• Weight: 2 lbs.

KHP4007 $79.95

$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only California Residents Add 61/a% Sales Tax Shipping — Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance Send S.A.S.E. for Monthly Sales Flyer!

Spec Sheets — 30c each Send $1.00 Postage for your FREE 1984 JAMECO CATALOG Prices Subject to Change

'MasterCard

ameco

ELECTRONICS

VISA"

1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002 6/84 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 592-8097 Telex: 178043

4 Digit Fluorescent Alarm Clock Kit

MEW!

• AM/PM indicator

• Automatic display dimmer

• Bright 4-dlgit 0.5' high display • 10 minute snooze alarm

The JE750 Clock Kit is a versatile 12-hour digital clock with 24-hour alarm. The clock has a bright 0.5" high blue-green fluorescent display. The display will automatically dim with changing light conditions. The 24-hour alarm allows the user to disable the alarm and immediately re-enable the alarm to activate 24 hours later. The kit includes all documentation, components, case and wall transformer. Size: 6VLx 3V4"W x 1VD.

JE750 Alarm Clock Kit $29.95

DISK DRIVES AND SUPPLIES

5V4" APPLE™

Direct Plug-In

Compatible Disk Drive

• U»i Stiugin SA390 mechanics • 143K lormittid tlorigi • 35 Irsck* - compatible, with Apple controller • Complttt witti conntt1o> ind cable — just plug Inlo your disk con trailer cird • Sin: B"L x 3Vi"W . B-9/l6"D • Weight ■!'■■. Ibt.

ADD-514... $195.95

+5VDC @ 6 Amps +12VDC@4Amps -12VDC® 0.5 Amps

Microcomputer

Power Inc.

Regulated

Power Supply

• Perfect for computer or disk drive systems • Supply has AMP connectors for direct connection to two 5V disk drives

• Cooling fan • Input: 100/115/ 200/230VAC, 47-63HZ ■ Output (above) • Weight: 9 lbs.

CP167 $59.95

»••■■

13VLx6VWx5"H

Ii.\dlS7rj£5 Protect Yourself... DATASHIELD

VeafktaV Surge Protector

l^K^&f^A ■ Eliminates voltage spikes and EMI-RFl noise

laHV^^' before it can damage your equipment or cause

lWj* data loss ■ 6 month warranty ■ Rower dissipa

l " ^ .. tion (100 microseconds): 1,000,000 watts ■ 6

1 -ViP •* sockets ■ 6 foot power cord - Normal line volt

l ' jg-:--igp|" age indicator light • Brown out/black out reset

' switch - Weight; 2 lbs.

Model 100 $69.95

Protect

Yourself..

DATASHIELD'

Back-Up Power Source

hfcgL i Provides up to 30 minutes of continuous 120

KB jf- I VAC 60Hz power to your computer system

(I (load dependent) when you have a black out

N^; : or voltage sag-Output rating: 200 watts-Six

»' month warranty ■ Weight: 19 lbs.

Model 200 (PC200) $349.95

IBM MEMORY EXPANSION KIT COMPAQ COMPATIBILITY

SAVE HUNDREDS OF SSS BY UPGRADING MEMORY BOARDS YOURSELF!

Most of the popula, memory boards allow you to add an additional 64K, 128K, 192K. or 2S6K. The IBM64K Kit will populate thasa boards In 64K byts increments Tha kit Is slmpla to Install — Just Insert the nine 64K RAM chips In the provided sockets and sal the two groups ol switches. Directions are included.

IBM64K (Nine 200ns 64K RAMs) $49.95

TRS-80 MEMORY EXPANSION KIT

TRS-80 to 16K, 32K, or 48K

"Modal 1 = From 4K to 16K Requires (1) One Kit Model 3 = From 4K to 48K Requires (3) Throe Kits Color = From 4K to 16K Requires (1) One Kit

"Modal 1 aqulpprt will) Eipiniion Board up to 48K Two Kdi Hoquirod — OlM Kit Hoquirod lor oooli 16K ol ExpaflllOd —

TRS-16K3*200ns for Color & Model III $12.95

TRS-16K4 -250ns for Model I S10.95

TRS-80 Color 32K or 64K Conversion Kit

Easy to install kits comes complete with 8 ea. 4164-2 (200ns) 64K dynamic RAMs and conversion documentation. Converts TRS-80 color computers with D, E, ET, F and NC circuit boards to 32K. Also converts TRS-80 color computer II to 64K. Flex DOS or OS-9 required to utilize full 64K RAM on all computers. TRS-64K2 $44.95

UV-EPROM Eraser

8 Chips - 51 Minutes

1 Chip — 37 Minutes

Erases 2708, 2716, 2732, 2764, 2516, 2532, 2564. Erases up to 8 chips within 51 minutes (1 chip In 37 minutes). Maintains constant exposure distance of one Inch. Special conductive loam liner eliminates static build-up. Built-in aatety lock to prevent UV exposure. Compact — only 9.00" x 3.70* x 2.60". Complete with holding tray for 8 chips.

DE-4 UV-EPROM Eraser . S79.95 UVS-11EL Replacement Bulb ..$16.95 J

Circle 175 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984

IYTE 141

BUILD A PRINTER BUFFER

Aw inexpensive project for the parallel port

by John Bono

Personal computers have eliminated many of life's minor frustrations. Unfortunately, they also have created a unique set of new frustrations. For instance, have you ever debugged a program with a listing so old that even your handwritten modifications are modified? If you're like me, you don't want to stop debugging to wait for a new printout. Have you ever been connected to a computer via a phone line and wished you could get hard copy but your printer was too slow to keep up with the data transmissions? Perhaps you have a program that produces so much printed output that you wait until lunch to run it? Tying up your computer to print data is a waste of time and resources. If these situations sound familiar, a printer buffer may be the solution.

A printer buffer holds characters to be printed out until the printer is ready to accept them. It allows the computer sending the characters to dump the characters and go back to other tasks. In the meantime, the printer prints the characters at its relatively slow pace.

Software printer buffers do exist, but they have these drawbacks: they are highly hardware dependent, limited in buffer space, incompatible with some programs, and

still slow down the computer somewhat.

The best solution is a hardware printer buffer external to your computer. These devices exist commercially, but they are relatively expensive. For that reason you should consider building one, as 1 did.

Photo 1 shows the completed printer buffer. It consists of only 24 chips, connectors, and a power supply. The entire unit cost less than $150 to build. The parts list for this project is specified in table 1.

How It Works

Figure 1 shows the flow of data from the host computer through the printer buffer and out to the printer. The computer sends a byte to the printer buffer interface. The -microprocessor inside the printer buffer reads the byte and stores it in RAM (random-access read/write memory). This process continues until there are no more characters sent or until the buffer fills up. The buffer uses 64K bytes of RAM, which means that over

65,000 characters can be stored in the printer buffer. This translates to about 35 pages of printed material.

Output from the printer buffer takes place independent of input. The characters are taken from RAM in the same order as they are input. The microprocessor then sends the characters one by one to the printer interface. To the user, these two processes appear to take place simultaneously so that data can leave the computer and be printed as quickly as possible.

Figure 2 shows the block diagram for the printer buffer. The heart of the system is a Z80 microprocessor running with a 1-MHz clock. It executes instructions stored in an EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory). The characters are input from the host computer into an 8-bit latch and are output to the printer through another 8-bit latch. The printer buffer includes 64K bytes of dynamic RAM. The RAM has a multiplexed address input and refresh

ing requirements, so additional support logic is required for its operation.

Getting Down to the Nitty Gritty

Figures 3a and 3b (pages 450 and 452) show the schematic diagram for the printer buffer. The 1-MHz clock is generated by IC1, an MC4024. Exercise special caution when buying this part because it is not CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) as its 4000 series number might lead you to believe. Order only a MC4024. not just a 4024, and you won't have a problem. The 0.001 jtF (microfarad) capacitor across pins 3 and 4 sets the frequency, and the connections to pin 2 adjust the frequency somewhat. In this application, the clock frequency is not at all critical—any clock rate between 0.5 and 2 MHz is acceptable.

IC2 is the Z80 microprocessor that runs the whole printer buffer. Pin 26 resets the processor when the 68-fiF

142 BYTE

IUNE 1984

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capacitor charges through the 10,000ohm (fi) resistor. This system is quite simple, therefore, all the interrupt and direct-memory handshaking inputs are strapped to their inactive state. One thing I have found is that the Z80 has an annoying feature of letting its highaddress bus float at certain times, which causes random chip selects and could destroy the contents of the RAM. To avoid this problem, IC5, a 74LS373, latches the upper-address byte and keeps it valid during the entire instruction cycle.

The EPROM memory resides at address locations 0 through 2047 (although 2 56 bytes is more than enough memory). The EPROM chip select is generated by IC11. This 74LS138 decoder is used as a 5-input OR gate determining whether the EPROM or the RAM will be selected during a given memory cycle. If the output of IC11 is low, the EPROM will be selected; if it is high, then the RAM will be selected.

memory consists of eight 4164 chips. All of the chip's pins are connected in parallel except for the data input and output pins (2 and 14). The interface from the Z80 to the RAM chips was the most challenging part of the design. The dynamic RAM works like this: a row address is provided, the row-address strobe (RAS) goes low, a column address is provided, the column-address strobe (CAS) goes low, and then data goes either in or out. The level of the READ/WRITE pin at the time of CAS determines the data direction. 1C7 and IC8 are the address multiplexers for the RAM. When their S input is high, the low byte of the Z80 address is provided to the RAM-address input. When their S input is low, the high byte of the Z80 address goes to the RAM-address inputs.

The memory-access sequence starts with the Z80 putting out an address.

The low-address byte goes to the RAM. The MEMORY REQUEST signal and either the READ or WRITE signal then occurs. These signals, with a RAM SELECT signal from IC11, are combined by IC4 to generate the RAS. Now, the ■> RAM has the low-address byte. The RAS signal is delayed slightly by the buffers of IC14 and IC6 to allow for RAMaddress hold time. Then the delayed RAS switches the address multiplexers 1C7 and IC8 to provide the high-address byte to the RAM. The RAS is further delayed to allow for multiplexer settling time and then is fed to the RAM to provide CAS. When CAS goes low, the RAM either accepts or outputs the data byte depending on whether the Z80 is doing a READ or WRITE.

(text continued on page 446)

\ohn Bono (23624 137th Ave. SE, Kent. WA, 98031) is an electrical engineer with Boeing Aerospace Company's Electrical Technology Organization in Kent, Washington.

ILLUSTRATION BY KIMBLE PENDLETON MEAD

IUNE 1984

143

Only one company can show you so many And it isn't IBM.

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Connect your PC to peripherals like a

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Circle 373 on inquiry card.

WAIT-LESS PRINTING,

INSTA-DRIVE, PC/EDIT'" SOFTWARE

DEC RAINBOW

APPLE FAX: Weather

Maps on a Video Screen

With a simple converter circuit,

you can use your Apple to display

facsimile weather maps

by Keith H. Sueker

Photo 1: Polar weather from the Alaskan Peninsula at extreme left center to Scotland at extreme upper right. Baffin Island is at upper center. This composite photo is made from five sequential screen displays.

ehind the scenes, at television and radio stations and in hundreds of (airports around the world, meteorologists ponder dozens of surface and upper-air weather maps several times each day. These maps display information about pressure, winds, temperature, and many other factors that forecasters use to predict the weather.

In this article 1 will describe a way to display real-time, radio-facsimile weather maps on the Apple II high-resolution video screen. With a short-wave receiver, a simple converter, and a short machine-language program, you can have a new window on the world.

Weather maps come in many forms and formats. Station NSS in Washington, DC, transmits a schedule of daily maps at 0000Z and 1200Z (7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST). Some maps have a Mercator projection, some a polar projection. Some of the more interesting maps cover the northern hemisphere from Alaska to Gibraltar and include latitude and longitude lines as well as political and geographical boundaries. Many maps cover the North American continent from Mexico to the polar regions. State and provincial boundaries can be seen, along with major geographical features such as the Great Lakes and Hudson Bay. A sample display is shown in photo 1.

Other maps show a radar summary of precipitation over the U.S. mainland while still others show satellite-recorded cloud cover over large areas. Although the satellite maps are computerenhanced to include geographical lines, this fine detail is lost when displayed on a video screen.

146 BYTE • JUNE 1984

The content of these maps is not always obvious, and their complete interpretation is beyond my ability. Suffice to say that many maps show altitude contours for selected upperatmosphere pressures, and that highland low-pressure centers are often clearly shown.

FAX AND WX

Facsimile transmission (FAX) is widely used commercially for sending drawings over the common-carrier telephone lines. It is also used for transmitting weather maps (WX) to ships at sea on high-frequency radio circuits.

For mariners, weather is more than a matter of casual concern. It is vital for them to have as much forecast information as possible on wind velocity, wave heights, air and water temperatures, and other marine conditions. Sea-based aircraft pilots need forecasts of winds, cloud cover, temperatures, and other variables for marine operations. Weather information in the U.S. is collected by land and radio teletype circuits from a worldwide network of ground stations and ships at sea. Nearly every country in the world cooperates in this effort. Orbiting satellites provide additional inputs from specialized sensors. The resulting mass of data is assembled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and fed into computers. NOAAs output is a daily stream of synoptic and forecast maps for almost anything you could want to know about the weather. The maps are transmitted nationally over FAX wire circuits and selected maps are also transmitted simultaneously on a number of high-frequency radio circuits through the facilities of the

U.S. Navy Fleet Weather Service. Many other nations also transmit FAX maps, and their transmissions can often be received in this country.

FAX can be visualized as transmission of a television picture at a snail's pace. The original copy is scanned in a series of lines, just as in television. Instead of the 15.750-kHz horizontal-scan rate of television, however, a typical FAX scan rate is 2 Hz or 120 scans per minute. The luminance information of FAX transmissions requires only a kilohertz or so of bandwidth to resolve fine detail because the scan rate is so slow. The video of television is audio in FAX, the result of adapting picture transmission to the frequency and bandwidth limitations of telephone lines and longdistance radio circuits. Because a full FAX picture may require five minutes or more to transmit, FAX is not a winner for live action—except possibly for chess. But it has real utility for handling still pictures.

Receiving FAX

My personal involvement with FAX reception began several years ago when 1 acquired a surplus Western Union Deskfax machine for the princely sum of $15. This little machine uses a rotating drum covered with electrosensitive paper and forms an image by sparking a fine wire that advances slowly along the axis of the drum. To make Deskfax functional on radio weather FAX frequencies I had to convert it from 180 scans per minute to the standard 120 scans by building a precision 40-Hz power supply to drive the synchronous motors. Synchronizing pulses are sent at the start of each weather map, but FAX machines run "open loop"; i.e., they

rely on a precise speed match between the transmitting and receiving scanners. Crystal-controlled motor drives provide the required accuracy.

The Deskfax machine also requires a receiving converter because the transmitted FAX signal is a continuous-wave carrier frequency shifted by the "video" information. Commercial FAX receivers employ automatic gain control (AGC) circuits with limiters and discriminators to recover the modulation and convert it to synchronizing pulses and a signal voltage that varies with pixel brightness in the original material. The signal voltage then drives whatever circuitry and mechanism is used to produce the received picture. For this project. 1 designed a much less elegant, but still functional, receiving adapter.

The Deskfax machine was a lot of fun to operate, but paper supply was a problem and the short drum could accommodate only enough paper for a small portion of each map. When I finally entered the computer age with the acquisition of an Apple II, it seemed logical to see if I could put FAX pictures up on the video screen.

Apple Hi-Res Video

The high-resolution graphics (HGR) display of the Apple II is arranged as 192 lines of 280 horizontal pixels per line. (texi continued on page 148)

Keith Sueker (110 Garlow Dr., Pittsburgh. PA 15235) is a radio amateur (W3VF) who worked for 20 years at VJeslinghouse before becoming Power Systems engineering manager at Robicon Corp. in Pittsburgh. Sueker has a B.S.E.E. from the University of Minnesota and an M.S.E.E. from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 147

An attempt to

display the entire

picture width on the

video screen produces

a vertically

elongated picture.

[text continued from page 147) Each line is organized as 40 bytes of 7 pixel bits per byte. The page is stored in RAM from hexadecimal 2000 to 3FFF (8192 to 16,375 decimal). The lines are not in a simple sequential order but jump around, presumably to make things easier for the character generator and the low-resolution graphics displays. This design feature makes screen addressing somewhat complicated.

An individual pixel may be displayed by setting high the corresponding bit of the byte in which the pixel resides. Bits 0 through 6 are displayed from left to right with bit 0 (the least significant bit) on the left. The highest bit of each byte must be a common value to assure proper display positioning. The procedure in generating the FAX display is to sample the received radio signal from the signal converter (see figure 1) 280 times for each half-second scan line, and to set each pixel bit high or low according to the signal level at that moment. This arrangement only distinguishes between black and white.

The transmitted picture resolution is better than 500 pixels per line, but this resolution is degraded by transmission conditions, sampling errors introduced by digitizing (accomplished at the game port on the Apple II), and the limitations of the simple receiving converter. In the vertical direction (successive scan lines), line spacing on the screen is such that lines are much farther apart than their spacing on mechanical FAX machines like my Deskfax. An attempt to display the entire picture width on the video screen produces a vertically elongated

Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the FAX Converter.

RECEIVER

AUDIO

OUTPUT

3-8il

CM jj

2000ft CT

€)"

-°1 (+5V)

-°2 (PB1)

APPLE n GAME

CONTROLLER !C2 SOCKET

-o 8 (GND)

Tl Transistor-output transformer, 2000GCT/3.20

D1.D2 Germanium diodes, IN34 or equivalent

C1.C2 0.1 /*F

Rl 22,000 Ohms

R2 470 Ohms

Ql 2N4401, 2N3904, or similar type

picture. For this reason, only about 20 percent of a scan line is displayed to preserve the proper aspect ratio.

Hardware

The receiver signal converter shown schematically in figure 1 is used for FAX reception with the Apple II. Audio output from the radio receiver is isolated and boosted in voltage by the input transformer, Tl, an output transformer connected backwards. The impedance ratio is not critical. Diodes Dl and D2 rectify the signal and charge CI to the peak voltage of the signal. Germanium diodes should be used for these rectifiers. Silicon diodes such as the 1N4148 can also be used, but they will require a considerably higher audio level from the receiver. Transistor Ql acts as a level detector and its collector provides the computer with input using the game-controller socket. Nearly any type of NPN signal transistor will be satisfactory for Ql. The circuit is insensitive to layout and can be built on a breadboard, a printed-circuit board, or simply plugged into a prototype board. Audio leads to the receiver do not have to be shielded. The Apple's game port circuitry converts the analog signal from the radio receiver signal converter to the digital information used to display the map video image.

Software

Listings 1 and 2 show the machine-language program for FAX picture reception and the few lines of the BASIC driving program that call it. The BASIC program simply sets the Apple II to fullpage high-resolution graphics mode that clears the screen and calls the binary program. I chose to locate this program in the secondary high-resolution graphics page (HGR2) because it is not needed for the FAX display. The program can be relocated to run in any convenient location, however.

Let's examine screen addressing for a moment. The high-resolution screen has three symmetrical address divisions that I call "groups." These are each 64 lines long and have starting addresses of hexadecimal 2000, 2028, and 2050. Within each group there are eight "sets" of eight "rows" (or lines) each. Row addresses increment by hexadecimal 400 within each set, and set addresses increment by hexadecimal 80 within each group. This is the scheme the program follows in computing each new row address as the picture is drawn on the screen. There are probably more elegant ways of writing the program, so {text continued on page 150)

148 BYTE • JUNE 1984

THIS MONTH'S

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LOTUS1-2-3 $349

MBSI, STAR Accounting Software . . SCall

MICROPRO WordStar (IBM, CP/M). . $319

WordStar w/ Applicard (For Apple). . $349

PS WordPlus-PC w/ BOSS $349

SOFTWORD SYSTEMS Multimate . . $319

SORCIM SuperCalc 3 $269

Circle 144 on inquiry card.

[text continued from page 148)

1 offer this code simply as something

that does the job.

In operation, the program sets starting addresses, waits one line, and then begins at "READ" by sampling the input flag on PB1. This appears as the highest bit of location hexadecimal

The high-res screen has three symmetrical address divisions called groups.

C061. The bit is rotated left into the carry flag and then right into buffer location hexadecimal 4F05. The bit delay, hexadecimal 08, between samples determines the percentage of each line that is displayed, choosing the proper aspect ratio as described earlier. This process continues until 7 bits have been rotated into the buffer. At this point, the carry bit is set and rotated into the buffer to complete the byte. Finally, the byte is written into the next computed screen location and displayed immediately. Note that the screen refresh circuitry is continually reading the entire block of memory that comprises the high-resolution graphics page, although this action is transparent to the user.

When all 40 (hexadecimal 28) bytes have been written, the row is complete. The program then waits before starting the next row. The wait time is critical to insure precise synchronism with the transmitted line rate. At the end of each group, the program examines the keyboard flag at hexadecimal C000 to see if a key has been pressed. If so, the display is halted. This feature allows the picture to be restarted from the beginning by pressing another key, or to be held until a second key is pressed. If the first key is pressed during the last group formation (at the bottom one-third of the screen), the full picture will be held. It can be stored on tape or disk by exiting the program and entering "BSAVE (filename if disk), AS2000, LS1FFF'

The video display shows about 20 percent of a map's width, and the 20 percent displayed comes up at random each time the program is initiated. The restart feature is useful in moving to the more interesting parts of the map. After the display is complete, the program immediately begins a new display by overwriting the old one from the top. The screen is not cleared because it is useful to visually "tack" the new section onto the old one for continuity.

Listing I: The Facsimile driver program, written in 6502 assembly language.

SOURCE FILE: FAXT

4F0O

1

BITS

EQU

S4F00

4F05

2

BUFF

EQU

S4F05

C06I

3

FLAG

EQU

SC061

FCA8

4

WAIT

EQU

SFCA8

4F10

5

ROW

EQU

S4F10

4F11

6

SET

EQU

S4FI1

4F12

7

GRP

EQU

S4FI2

4F13

8

SADL

EQU

S4F13

4F14

9

SADH

EQU

$4FI4

4FI5

10

GADL

EQU

S4F15

4F16

1!

GADH

EQU

S4F16

cooo

12

KBD

EQU

SCOOO

com

13

KBDSTRB

EQU

SCO 10

NEXT OBJECT FILE NAME IS FAXT.OBJO

4000:

14

ORG

$4000

4000:A9

08

15

START

LDA

#$08

4002:8D

10

4F

16

STA

ROW

4005:8D

11

4F

17

STA

SET

4008:A9

03

18

LDA

#$03

400A:8D

12

4F

19

STA

GRP

400D:A9

00

20

LDA

#$00

400F:8D

13

4F

21

STA

SADL

4012:8D

15

4F

22

STA

GADL

4015.8D

5D

40

23

STA

ADDL

40I8:A9

20

24

LDA

#$20

401A:8D

14

4F

25

STA

SADH

401D:8D

16

4F

26

STA

GADH

4020:8D

5E

40

27

STA

ADDH

4023:A9

00

28

IN IT

LDA

#$00

4025:AA

29

TAX

4026:A9

29

30

LDA

#$29

4028:20

A8

FC

31

JSR

WAIT

402B:A9 AA

32

LDA

#$AA

402D:20

A8

FC

33

JSR

WAIT

4030:A9

FF

34

LDA

#$FF

4032:20

A8

FC

35

JSR

WAIT

4035:A9

FF

36

LDA

#$FF

4037:20

A8

FC

37

JSR

WAIT

403A:A9

08

38

CHAR

LDA

#$08

403C8D

00

4F

39

STA

BITS

403F:A9

00

40

LDA

#$00

4041:8D

05

4F

41

STA

BUFF

4044:AD

61

CO

42

READ

LDA

FLAG

4047:2A

43

ROL

A

4048:6E

05

4F

44

ROR

BUFF

404B:A9

08

45

LDA

#$08

404D:20

A8

FC

46

JSR

WAIT

4050:CE

00

4F

47

DEC

BITS

4053:DO

EF

48

BNE

READ

4055:38

49

SEC

4056:6E

05

4F

50

ROR

BUFF

4059.AD

05

4F

51

LDA

BUFF

405C9D

52

DFB

$9D

405D:O0

53

ADDL

DFB

$00

405E:20

54

ADDH

DFB

$20

405F.E8

55

INX

4060:8A

56

TXA

4061:18

57

CLC

4062 :E9

27

58

SBC

#$27

4064.D0

D4

59

BNE

CHAR

4066:CE

10

4F

60

DEC

ROW

4069:F0

OC

61

BEQ

SETCHK

406B:AD

5E

40

62

LDA

ADDH

406E:I8

63

CLC

406F:69

04

64

ADC

#$04

4071:8D

5E

40

65

STA

ADDH

4074:4C

23

40

66

IMP

IN IT

4077:CE

11

4F

67

SETCHK

DEC

SET

407A:FO

22

68

BEQ

GRPCHK

407CAD

13

4F

69

LDA

SADL

407F:I8

70

CLC

4080:69

80

71

ADC

#$80

4082:8D

5D

40

72

STA

ADDL

4085:8D

13

4F

73

STA

SADL

BITS PER BYTE COUNTER.

BUFFER TO FORM DISPLAY BYTE.

INTERFACE INPUT ON PB1.

MONITOR SR WAIT.

ROW COUNTER.

SET COUNTER.

GROUP COUNTER.

STARTING ADDRESS

OF CURRENT SET.

STARTING ADDRESS

OF CURRENT GROUP.

MONITOR SR KBD.

MONITOR SR KBDSTRB.

START NEW PICTURE. 8 ROWS PER SET, 8 SETS PER GROUP. 3 GROUPS PER PAGE FOR THE DISPLAY.

SET LOW BYTE STARTING ADDRESS FOR FIRST SET. GROUP AND ROW.

SET HIGH BYTE STARTING ADDRESS FOR EACH SET, GROUP AND ROW. START A NEW LINE AFTER DELAY.

;(THIS COMBINATION OF WAIT ;TIMES KEEPS DISPLAY ROWS SYNCHRONIZED WITH SCAN :RATE OF FAX TRANSMISSIONS. :DELAYS CAN BE CHANGED TO :MATCH A PARTICULAR APPLE ;CRYSTAL IF NECESSARY.) :DONE. READY FOR NEW ROW. ;SET BIT COUNTER FOR ;SEVEN BITS PER BYTE. :CLEAR BUFFER FOR NEW :BYTE STORAGE. :READ INTERFACE INPUT AND : ROTATE INTO CARRY FLAG, :THEN INTO BUFFER. :WAIT BEFORE SAMPLING INTERFACE AGAIN. :BYTE COMPLETE? IF NOT. :TAKE ANOTHER SAMPLE.

:IF DONE. SET HIGH BIT ;IN BUFFER, THEN .READ BYTE INTO A. :STORE BYTE FOR DISPLAY AT ;CURRENT SCREEN LOCATION WHICH :WILL BE UPDATED LATER.

:COUNT OFF BYTE AND

:CHECK TO SEE IF

:DISPLAY IS AT :END OF ROW? IF NOT, CONTINUE.

:ONE MORE ROW DONE. :SEE IF AT END OF SET. :IF NOT, ADD $400 FOR NEXT

:ROW STARTING ADDRESS :WITH1N SET AND PREPARE :FOR NEXT ROW. :HERE WE GO - NEXT ROW. :END OF SET? IF SO. CHECK :FOR END OF GROUP. :IF NOT. FORM NEW ROW LOW

STARTING ADDRESS BY :ADDING $80. ;STORE FOR OUTPUT AND :UPDATE SET ADDRESS.

150 BYTE • JUNE 1984

4088:AD

14

4F

74

LDA

SADH

:DO SAME FOR HIGH BYTE.

408B:90

03

75

BCC

NEWSAD

:DONT FORGET TO BRING IN

408DM8

76

CLC

:A POSSIBLE CARRY

408E:69

01

77

ADC

#$01

FROM LOW BYTE ADDITION.

4090:8D

14

4F

78

NEWSAD STA

SADH

STORE BASE AND CURRENT

4093:8D

5E

40

79

STA

ADDH

SET ADDRESS HIGH BYTE,

4096:A9

08

80

LDA

#$08

RESET ROW COUNTER

4098:8D

10

4F

81

STA

ROW

AND

409B:4C

23

40

82

IMP

IN IT

HERE WE GO - NEXT SET.

409E:CE

12

4F

83

GRPCHK DEC

GRP

END OF PICTURE? IF NOT.

40A1:D0

16

84

BNE

ZERO

GO DO RESETS.

40A3:AD 00

CO

85

LDA

KBD

DID THE BOSS PRESS A KEY?

40A6:30

03

86

BMI

HOLD

YES. HOLD THE PHONE.

40A8:4C

00

40

87

IMP

START

NO, START ANOTHER GROUP.

40AB:AD

10

CO

88

HOLD

LDA

KBDSTRB

NOW WAIT FOR HIM TO

40AE:AD 00

CO

89

LOOP

LDA

KBD

PUSH ANOTHER KEY.

40BI:I0

FB

90

BPL

LOOP

NOT YET.

40B3:AD

10

CO

91

LDA

KBDSTRB

OK, WE'RE OFF AGAIN TO

40B6:4C

00

40

92

JMP

START

START A NEW PICTURE.

40B9:AD

15

4F

93

ZERO

LDA

GADL

FORM NEW LOW BYTE GROUP

40BC:18

94

CLC

STARTING ADDRESS BY

40BD:69

28

95

ADC

#$28

ADDING $28.

40BF:8D

15

*F.

96

STA

GADL

STORE FOR BASE GROUP.

40C2:8D

13

4F

97

STA

SADL

SET AND

40C5:8D

5D

40

98

STA

ADDL

ROW ADDRESS.

40C8:AD

16

4F

99

LDA

GADH

DO SAME FOR HIGH BYTE,

40CB:90

03

100

BCC

NEWGAD

REMEMBERING TO BRING IN

40CD:18

101

CLC

:A POSSIBLE CARRY FROM

40CE:69

01

102

ADC

#$01

LOW BYTE ADDITION.

40D0:8D

16

4F

103

NEWGAD STA

GADH

STORE ALL THE HIGH BYTE

40D3:8D

14

4F

104

STA

SADH

STARTING ADDRESSES

40D6:8D

5E

40

105

STA

ADDH

AS ABOVE.

40D9:A9

08

106

LDA

#$08

40DB:8D

10

4F

107

STA

ROW

RESET ROW AND

40DE:8D

11

4F

108

STA

SET

SET COUNTERS.

40EI:AD

00

CO

109

LDA

KBD

ARE WE ON HOLD?

40E4:30

C5

110

BMI

HOLD

YES, HOLD THE PHONE.

40E6:4C

23

40

111

IMP

IN IT

NO, START A NEW GROUP.

40E9:00

112

BRK

•*' SUCCESSFUL ASSEMBLY

NO ERRORS

405E ADDH

405D

ADDL

4F00

BITS 4F05 BUFF

403A CHAR

C061

FLAG

4F16

GADH 4FI5 GADL

409E GRPCHK

4F12

GRP

40AB

HOLD 4023 INIT

C0O0 KBD

C0I0

KBDSTRB

40AE

LOOP 40D0 NEWGAD

4090 NEWSAD

4044

READ

4F10

ROW 4FI4 SADH

4F13 SADL

4077

SETCHK

4FI1

SET 4000 START

FCA8 WAIT

40B9

ZERO

4000

START 4023 INIT

403A CHAR

4044

READ

405D ADDL

405E

ADDH

4077

SETCHK 4090 NEWSAD

409E GRPCHK

40AB

HOLD

40AE

LOOP 40B9 ZERO

40D0 NEWGAD

4F00

BITS

4F05

BUFF 4FI0 ROW

4F11 SET

4F12

GRP

4F13

SADL 4FI4 SADH

4F15 GADL

4F16

GADH

COOO

KBD CO 10 KBDSTRB

C06I FLAG

FCA8

WAIT

Listing 2.

A BASIC

program

to load the Facsimile machine driver.

100

D$ =

CHR$(4)

no

PRINT D$. "BLOAD FAXT.OBJO'

120

HGR

130

POKE 49234,0

140

CALL

16384

This program resulted in part from a desire to learn more about the Apple video display and to produce something useful in the process.

Reception

FAX weather maps are transmitted on numerous frequencies from many different locations worldwide. Among

Signals can arrive from different paths and may augment or interfere with each other.

these are Washington, DC; Honolulu, HI; Bracknell, England; Guam; Tokyo, Japan; Canberra, Australia; Halifax, Canada; and Moscow, USSR. At my location transmissions from Washington are the most reliable (on frequencies of 3356 kHz, 4975 kHz, 8080 kHz. and 10,865 kHz). Many other frequencies and locations are available, however. A communications-type receiver with a beatfrequency oscillator (BFO) is required for reception. While a picture is being transmitted, the signal will sound like a short tone burst followed by a "skritch" sound. This is repeated twice each second. The tone burst should be tuned to zero beat so only the "skritch" is heard. A single sideband receiver is preferred but not essential.

The Fickle Ionosphere

Reception quality can be highly variable. Long-range radio reception depends on signal reflection from the ionosphere, and the density and height of the ionized layers can change rapidly. Signals can arrive from several different paths and may augment or interfere with each other. Multipath reception is often accompanied by differential time delays in transmission. The result is a smearing of horizontal details or the appearance of echo lines. Atmospheric or man-made electrical disturbances can also degrade picture quality. I mention these effects not to discourage the reader but, rather, to suggest that an element of uncertainty can add spice to the otherwise orderly world of digital computing. ■

References

1. Grove, Robert B. Confidential Frequency List. Park Ridge, N|: Gilfer Associates Inc., pages 68-71.

2. Luebbert, William F. What's Where in the Apple? Chelmsford. MA: Micro Ink Inc., pages 12-14.

IUNE 1984 "BYTE

151

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Automatically plotted charts and graphs are just the beginning. You'll have access to hundreds of pre-drawn images and clip art from special add-on graphics libraries created specifically to add visual impact.

• Graphically frame your most important ideas and information with artwork from the The Border Collection.

• Use The Initials & Decorative Design Collection to emphasize key words or phrases in your text.

• From production lines to executive suites...there's an ideal visual to enhance your report or proposal data in The Industry &

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• Images from all over the world are at your fingertips in the International Symbols & Landmarks Collection.

• Give your data geographic perspective and impact with images from The Maps and Regions Collection.

Each library contains both full screen images and partial screens (pixes). You can use the entire image, or, with the electronic CUT AND PASTE program function, use just a detail from the full screen. You can modify or enhance the images, mix and match them, choose from 64 possible color combinations... you can even set the images in motion across the screen using VCN ExecuVision's animation functions.

With the program's sketching capabilities, you can create your own visual images! For your text, choose from 10 different type styles, from bold to italic, plain to fancy.

Best of all, you don't have to be an artist to use VCN ExecuVision successfully. Every function is offered in a series of easy to follow menus. VCN ExecuVision also comes with a tutorial disk and an extremely easy-to-follow full-color manual that will take you step by step through the program.

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«*j

^

VCN ExecuVision is a trademark of Visual Communications Network, Inc., Cambridge, MA

IBM is the registered trademark of International Business Machine Corporation. © 1984 Prentice-Hall Inc

Canadian inquiries: write to Prentice-Hall Canada, Inc., 1870 Birchmount Road, Scarborough, Ontario M1P2J7

Circle 264 on inquiry card.

C J

SPREADSHEET

IN BASIC

An architect's

cost-estimation

program

BY RODOLFO CERATI

I am an architect, and as such I often need to estimate building costs. One good way to do this is with a spreadsheet. The trouble is, cost estimates often require several hundred spreadsheet cells, but my CalcStar spreadsheet only allows 295. To eliminate this limitation I wrote my own cost-estimation program, EST1MATE.BAS, but 1 wrote it so that it would look like and be as easy to use as CalcStar. Specifically, it uses the same cursor-control codes, instantly recalculates values, saves and recalls spreadsheet values on disk, and interfaces with a database.

I wrote the program in Microsoft BAS1C-80, so it should be easily ported to other CP/M-80 computers. 1 also grouped the screen-handling functions in a series of subroutines so you can easily change them to match your screen's requirements. Finally. I included the ability to interface with a database program that I've written.

To run the program, you'll need: a microcomputer with a Z80 microprocessor and at least 56K bytes of memory, the CP/M 2.2 operating system, Microsoft's BASIC-80 interpreter, and a terminal with a directly addressable cursor, a clear-screen command, a backspace-and-character-delete command, and an erase-to-end-of-line command. A reduced intensity character display comes in handy, too.

Using ESTIMATE.BAS

Once you've typed the program in, save it and type RUN. You'll see a menu that looks like this: B=build up a new estimate E=edit an existing estimate

S=save values on disk

R=read values from disk

L=load another program

ESC=exit

Let's suppose that you type E to edit an existing estimate. You would then see a spreadsheet something like the one in figure 1. To move from cell to cell in this spreadsheet, you use the same control codes that you would use for cursor movement in WordStar. The current cell is indicated by angle brackets (><). Unlike other spreadsheets, though, my spreadsheet will not let you place just any kind of information in the cells. Instead, you are limited to entering the type of information called for in the column headings. For instance, you may only enter names under "Job type" and numbers under "Unit cost"; you may not enter formulas in any of the cells. Whenever you enter new numbers under "Unit cost" and "Quantity" and type the proper command, the program recalculates the percentages in the last column and the total value in the "Total value" row. If you want to add or delete rows, jump to a different page of the spreadsheet, or print the spreadsheet, type a semicolon and capital H (;H) for a list of the proper commands.

The other items in the menu are selfexplanatory.

Program Notes

I've included many remark statements in my program (see listing 1), but a few more words will help, I'm sure. The program is built around a two-dimensional array—ARR$—that contains the contents of each cell. The array is dimensioned for 100 rows by 7 columns. Four one-dimensional arrays-TP%. L%, POX. and

154 BYTE • IUNE 1984

MSK%—hold the screen-display and formatting parameters. Array TP% tells whether the cell is alphabetic or numeric, array L% tells the length of each column, array PO% tells the screen position of each cell in the spreadsheet, and array MSK% contains the strings used by the PRINT USING statements for formatting purposes.

The variables VM1N%, P%, VMAX%, PS%, SCR%. HZ%, and VP% contain the absolute position of the current cell in the main array and its relative position on the screen.

The program is sectioned into many subroutines to simplify programming and debugging. The most often used subroutines are at the start of the program to minimize the time the BASIC interpreter has to spend looking for them. The initialization and main menu subroutines are at the end.

The program occupies 15K bytes of disk space in compressed form and 18K bytes in ASCII (American National Standard Code for information Interchange) form. If you want to save space, you can delete all of the remark statements, which are indicated with an apostrophe.

To adapt the program to other computer terminals, you only need to change the CRT (cathode-ray tube) routines in lines 60000 and 60020. If your terminal doesn't support reduced intensity, you can use reverse video instead. Or just place a null string ("") in variables W$(2) and W$(3).

To change the total number of cells in the main array, change MAX% in line 60060. To change the number of rows that are displayed, change the variables in line 60100. Finally, to change the screen-formatting parameters, change the DATA statements beginning in line 60220.

By now you have probably noticed that my program is not as flexible as CalcStar. It is, in fact, very specialized, but it has the same ease of data entry and display that commercial spreadsheets have. I've eliminated the flexibility of commercial programs in favor of a larger data capacity and a more compact program. I'm sure that you could adapt this program to your own purposes, especially if your applications are too large for conventional spreadsheets.

I can provide a copy of the program on disk in North Star double-density format for a nominal fee. Please write to me for details. ■

Rodolfo Cerati [Piazza Europa 26, 12100 Cuneo. \taly\ is part owner of S & R Cerati Architects.

#

Code

1

Job type u.m.

_| 1

Unit cost

Quantity

Amount

%

I

1 A/01

1 1 Excavations m3

1.50

1,950.00

2,92 5.00

1.3

2

B/01

Found, concrete m3

14.50

130.00

1.885.00

0.8

3

F/02

Steel bars Kg

0.40

40,800.00

16,320.00

7.2

4

S/03

R.concr. slabs m2

25.50

2,780.00

70,890.00

31.5

5

H/12

Exterior masonry m2

28.50

1,3 50.00

38,475.00

17.1

6

H/04

Int. walls (1) m2

4.50

2,050.00

9,22 5.00

4.1

7

H/02

Int. walls (2) m2

6.75

385.00

2,498.75

1.2

8

G/10

Plaster m2

5.25

7,450.00

39,112.50

17.4

9

L/01

Ext. finish m2

6.50

1.850.00

12.02 5.00

5.3

10

L/02

>Int. finish <m2

2.50

6,200.00

15,500 00

4.5

11

M/01

Marble floors m2

52.50

195.00

10,237.50

4.5

12

1314

M/03

Synt. floors m2

28.25

215.00

6,073.00

2.7

Total value

225,267.50

type : text order : L

-R Col.: 2 Row : 10

contents : Int. finish

e

Hit ■

Figure row 10. [ml).

1: An example of a fictitious estimate spreadsheet. The cursor is at column 2 and The unit abbreviations are cubic meters [m% kilograms (Kg), and square meters

Listing 1: ESTIMATE.BAS, a construction-costs estimate program with a spreadsheet-like data entry and display.

i '

2 '

3 '

4 •

5 '

6 •

7 '

8 •

9 ■

10 GOTO 60000 85 '

86 87 '

############ ESTIMATE.BAS ############

Construction costs estimating program © 1983 — Rodolfo Cerati, Architect Piazza Europa 26, 12100 Cuneo, Italy Version 2.0 - date : )une 13th, 1983

< lump to initialization routine

##########

Often used subroutines (lines 100-950) 88 ■ ##########

96 '

97 ' Print formatted value on screen

100 IFTP%(I%| THEN T = VAL(ARR$(I%,|%)):PRINT FNC$|PO%(|%),PS%lUSING MSK$(|%);T;

ELSE PRINT FNC$(PO%(|%),PS%)USING MSK$(|%);ARR$(I%,J%); 120 RETURN

248 '

249 ' Clear partial screen

250 FORT%=l TOGAP%:PRINT FNC$(O.T% + OFS%-l)W$(l):NEXT T%:RETURN

298 '

299 ' Calculate absolute row value in array (P%|

300 P% = VP%-(OFS%-l) + SCR%'GAP%:IF P%>MAX% THEN P% = MAX%:RETURN ELSE RETURN

318 '

319' Calculate position on screen

320 PS% = P% + OFS%- 1 -SCR%'GAP%:RETURN

348 '

349 ' Calculate bottom limit for screen display

350 VMAX% = VMIN% + GAP%-1:IF VMAX%>MAX% THEN VMAX% = MAX% 360 RETURN

396 '

397 ' Backspace one character

400 IF LEN|DS) = 0 THEN RETURN ELSE PRINT CHR$(8|" "CHR$(8|;

420 IFLEN(D$)=1 THEN D$ = " ":RETURN ELSE D$ = LEFT$(D$.LEN(D$)-1):RETURN

697 '

698 ' Get line

[listing continued on page 156)

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 155

Circle 123 on inquiry card.

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156 BYTE • IUNE 1984

SPREADSHEET

(listing continued from page 155)

700 LINE INPUT;" ";C$:PRINT CHR$(I 3|;:RETURN

709 ' get single character and echo it on screen

710 GOSUB 730:IFT%=13 or T%>31 THEN PRINT C$;CHR$(13);:RETURN ELSE PRINT" + CHR$(T% + 64)CHR$(!3);:RETURN

729 ' as above, but no echo

730 C$ = INPUT$I1):T% = ASC(C$):RETURN

747 '

748 ' Waiting message

750 GOSUB 950:PRINT"Wait "W$I3);:RETURN

897 '

898 ' delete status line

900 PRINT FNCS(0,0)WS(1);:RETURN

947 '

948 ' Display program prompt

950 GOSUB 900:PRINT FNC$(0,0|" "W$(2|;:RETURN

995 '

996 ' ##########

997 ' Print array

998 ' ##########

999 '

1000 GOSUB 350.FOR l% = VMIN% TO VMAX%:PS% = l% + (OFS%-1)-SCR%*GAP%: PRINT FNCS(PO%(l|,PS%)USING MSK$(I|;VAL(ARR$(I%,1)); IF ARR$(I%,2)<>" "THEN FOR |%=1 TO NN%:GOSUB I00:NEXT:PRINT NEXT:RETURN

##########

Print single item & recalculate total

##########

1020

1040

1295

1296

1297

1298

1299

1300 GOSUB 300:GOSUB 320:IF HZ%>4 THEN T# = VAL(ARR$(P%,NN%||

1320 ARR$(P%,HZ%) = D$:I% = P%:|% = HZ%:GOSUB 100:IF HZ%<5 THEN RETURN ELSE IF

HZ% = 7 THEN 1360 1340 TI# = VAL(ARR$(P%,NN%-2||*VAL(ARR$|P%,NN%-1)):ARRS(P%.NN%) = RIGHTS(STRS

(TI#),LEN(STR$(T1#»- l):)% = NN%:GOSUB 100 1360 TOT# = TOT# + VAL(ARRS(P%.NN%))-T#:GOSUB I600:RETURN 1395

1396 ' ##########

1397 ' Print top title

1398 ' ########## 1399

1400 PRINT FNC$I0,1|T1$ FNCS(0.2)T2$:RETURN 1495

########## Print title for total ##########

1496 1497 1498 1499 1500 PRINT FNCS(O.I7)STRINGS(79,45|FNCS(O.I8)"Total •

I600:RETURN 1595 1596 1597 1598 1599 1600 1795 1796 1797 1798 1799

->>>"WS(l);:GOSUB

########## Print total value

##########

PRINT FNCS(PO%(7).18IUSING MSKS(7|;TOT#:RETURN

##########

Print informations at bottom of CRT screen

using MicroPro's Calcstar conventions

########## 1800 PRINT FNC$(0.19)STRING$(78.45)FNC$(0,20)W$(l)FNC$(15,20)"type :"FNC$I0,2 1|WS(1)

FNC$(ll,21|"contents :"FNCS(0.22)W$(l)FNC$(15,22)"edit :" 1820 PRINT FNC$(35,20)W$(2)"order : ";:IF RD% THEN PRINT"T = B" ELSE PRINT"L = R" 1840 PRINT FNCS(50,20)"Col. :"FNC$(65,20|"Row :"W$(3):RETURN

1845 '

1846 ' ##########

1847 ' 2nd cursor routines

1848 ' ##########

1849 ' display 2nd cursor, i.e. brackets

[listing continued on page 457)

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE 157

r

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158 B YTE • JUNE 1984

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iUNE 1984 • BYTE 159

BYTE

A Computer on Every Desk

by Donna Osgood 162

Programming by Rehearsal

by William Fwzer and Laura Gould 187

Game Sets and Builders

by Ann Piestrup 215

Cautions on Computers in Education

by Slephan L. Chorover 223

Languages for Students

by Fred A. Masterson 233

Microcomputers in the Field

by Robert P. Case 243

Kermit: A File-Transfer Protocol for Universities. Part I: Design Considerations and Specifications

by Frank da Cruz and Bill Catchings 255

San Francisco-s Exploratorium

by }ohn Markoff 279

Designing a Simulated Laboratory

by Nils Peterson 287

Education

"BY THE YEAR 1984, there will be millions of general-purpose microcomputers in schools. . ."-Tom Dwyer, August 1980 BYTE.

Well, it's 1984 and there are about a million general-purpose microcomputers in schools, but many of them are still used as computerized page-turners and drill-and-practice sergeants. In 1980, when BYTE published its first education theme issue, the emphasis was on computer literacy and CAI (computer-aided instruction). Today, as computers reach students in all disciplines, the focus is moving from the computer as an object of study to the computer as a versatile learning tool.

Until recently, computers in education have been mainframes and minicomputers, administered and controlled by institutions and dispensed to users. As microcomputers get cheaper, more powerful, and easier to use, though, they are showing up on students' and teachers' desks. Computing power is being redistributed to the educational grassroots.

Software designed for education is still largely based on traditional learning materials, using the computer as a convenient delivery system that can give immediate feedback. A few innovative researchers and educators, however, are beginning tc explore the computer's real power, not only for computation, but for graphics, communications, and word processing.

Microcomputers are flooding American college campuses in record numbers. "A Computer on Every Desk" is a survey of schools that are trying to channel the tide to fit their educational goals.

Educational software suffers in the design loop: educators know what they want from software, but they can't write programs; programmers are not always versed in educational theory. The Rehearsal World, a programming environment developed at Xerox Palo Alto Research Center, is a first step toward a solution. In "Programming by Rehearsal," William Finzer and Laura Gould describe how a nonprogrammer can design and implement sophisticated software while the Rehearsal World writes Smalltalk code.

Learning software is only beginning to take advantage of the full power of computer graphics. Ann Piestrup of The Learning Company describes the design considerations behind TLC's powerful but playful interactive learning programs in "Game Sets and Builders."

Now more than ever, educators must be aware of the impact of computers on students and on the process of learning. How can computers best be introduced so that they will supplement, not supplant teachers? In this issue, Stephan L. Chorover ("Cautions on Computers in Education") and loseph Weizenbaum (in the accompanying sidebar "Another View from MIT") offer warnings and suggestions to forestall the overzealous automation of learning.

An article by John Markoff on San Francisco's Exploratorium (with a text box on Tfelelearning's Electronic University), describes examples of alternate forms of off-campus education through the use of microcomputers.

Fred A. Masterson of the University of Delaware believes that programming languages can be useful pedagogic tools as well as programming tools. His "Languages for Students" describes the strengths and weaknesses of several popular, and some relatively unknown, languages for education.

There is now a great variety of microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes on many campuses. Naturally, all these machines need to communicate. One way is to use the Kermit protocol described by Frank da Cruz and Bill Catchings.

The possibilities for microcomputer applications in science and technology learning are endless. Examples in this issue include Nils Peterson's "Designing a Simulated Laboratory" and Robert P. Case's "Microcomputers in the Field."

Microcomputers are changing education—fast. Computing professionals and educators must work closely together to ensure that these changes are for the better.

—Donna Osgood. Associate Editor

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 161

THEME

A COMPUTER ON EVERY DESK

by Donna Osgood

A survey of personal computers in American universities

ACROSS THE COUNTRY colleges and universities are taking a serious look at the microcomputer as an essential part of the educational experience. A few dozen schools are already putting computers on students' desks, and hundreds more are exploring the possibilities. In several colleges, a personal computer is already as much a part of the cost of an education as tuition.

Why the move to micros? Plenty of reasons. Timesharing systems are overcrowded and expensive to upgrade. Students with an eye on the job market are beginning to demand "computer literacy" from their educations. And major computer manufacturers—most notably Apple, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), IBM, and Zenith-are wheeling and dealing to make their computers attractive.

The availability of personal computers is an obvious advantage. "Twenty-four hour access to a computer makes a tremendous difference in the way students view computing," says David Bray, dean of educational computing at Clarkson University. "Before, with our minicomputers and mainframes, students had to walk to the computer center and sometimes wait for hours to get to the computer. Some people are soured on computers that way."

Money is another powerful motivation for many schools. Faced with overbur

dened timesharing systems and rapidly increasing demands for computing, administrators look to micros to absorb and distribute some of the cost. In most cases, the student buys the hardware, often at a sizable discount from the manufacturer, and pays for it over several semesters or as part of tuition. This shifts some of the financial responsibility for computing to the students, though the cost of implementing a campuswide computer program is still considerable for the institution.

Clearly, hardware manufacturers see long-term advantages to having their machines in students' hands. Schools such as MIT, Carnegie-Mellon, Stevens Institute, and Brown have entered jointresearch agreements with manufacturers and are doing extensive development in hardware, software, and network design. In some cases, the manufacturer gets proprietary rights to the products developed this way. Other advantages to the computer companies are not so immediate or tangible, but may well be important: students who use a particular machine in college may be loyal to the manufacturer later, as consumers and professionals.

Donna Osgood is an associate editor at BYTE's West Coast bureau. She can be reached at McGraw-Hill. 425 Battery St.. San Francisco, CA 94111.

Students, faculty, and administrators are beginning to view the computer less as a computing machine and more as a broadly applicable tool for education and communication. "Our business is education, and we shouldn't lose sight of that," says Robert Golden of Rochester Institute. "Planning for computer use on campus has got to be curriculum driven, not just an afterthought to the selection of some hardware."

Most colleges either have plans to network microcomputers on campus or already have networks in place. Many schools will link the micros to larger computers for file storage or for terminal emulation. Networks can deliver electronic mail, student bulletin board and information services, and electronic library catalogs as well as communication among faculty, students, and staff.

Sociologists and psychologists are beginning to study the effects of widespread computer use on students. So far, the stereotype of the computer addict glued to a monitor screen and isolated from human contact just doesn't hold true. On the contrary, on many campuses the computer has brought together students who wouldn't otherwise have anything in common.

Private colleges and universities, with their greater financial and administrative flexibility, have been faster off the mark than their public counterparts. Even so.

162 BYTE' IUNE 1984

EDUCATION SURVEY

only a handful of schools actually have large numbers of micros in student hands today, though several programs will start this September. No doubt some school administrators are holding back to watch and learn from the pioneers' mistakes. The 15 colleges and universities in the survey that follows are at the forefront of the movement.

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Cambridge, Massachusetts

"Coherence" is the watchword for MIT's Project Athena, a $70 million joint research and development project with IBM and DEC. One of Athena's goals is to make hardware obstacles transparent to the user, so that a program produced on one part of the system is available to all other users. The entire university will rely on a single operating system and a comprehensive network.

IBM and DEC are supplying $50 million in equipment, staff, and maintenance to the project. DEC equipment and support will be centered in the School of Engineering, while the rest of the institute will use IBM machines. By dealing with two vendors, and possibly more later, MIT can preserve flexibility and transportability for future developments without being locked in to one vendor's product line.

In the first phase of the project, equipment on the DEC side will be 63 networked VAX minicomputers with four to six terminals each. IBM equipment in Phase 1 will be a distributed system of 500 PC XTs with 32-bit coprocessors, high-resolution bit-mapped displays, and local-area network interface cards. The PC XTs will be organized into several local-area networks, each supported by a file server (an IBM 4341) and a laser printer.

In Phase 2, beginning in 1985, the advanced workstations from both vendors

(now under development) will be installed across campus. The workstations will have 32-bit processors, high-resolution bit-mapped displays, and networking capabilities. All Phase 1 software and curricular material should be transferable to the more advanced equipment.

Initially, Athena software will be based on Berkeley UNIX, version 4.2, with an editor, printing formatter, numerical analysis and graphics packages, a mail/ file transfer program, and languages (C. FORTRAN, LISP, and Pascal). The system will evolve to accommodate new peripherals and software as well as improvements in the user interface.

The emphasis on coherence, which allows the transfer of information unimpeded by software and hardware considerations, brings its own restrictions. A set of rules is imposed on software design, limiting programming flexibility. Any group using the Athena network must agree to observe Athena's rules in its own programs.

MIT is investing $20 million over five years to support Project Athena. More than half of that money will fund faculty software-development efforts. "The educational value of Athena rests more in the software than the hardware," says Steven Lerman, the project's director. "We envision an environment where faculty prepare curriculum materials linked to the Athena system. What we hope will come out of this is an entire new generation of educational software for the technical curriculum."

Lerman anticipates applications in laboratory data acquisition and simulations, computation, and visualization. "The traditional means which we have to illustrate things in three dimensions are very limited—you can't control them, you can't rotate them and look at them from different directions at will. What we hope to do is create graphic environments in which students can explore the three-dimensional space and really get an intuitive gut feel for what's going on. Some students don't need this, interestingly enough, and some students desperately need it. Those that don't acquire it are seriously handicapped. The notion of a good architect or engineer who doesn't have that three-dimensional instinct is very hard to imagine."

Right now, says Lerman, "Educational institutions tend to provide a narrow

band of ways to acquire information, principally the classroom and homework. Certain students seem to do well in one environment and not in another. I'm hoping that by creating a variety of software environments, we can extend the ways in which people can learn."

CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

By 1986, if everything goes as planned, all freshmen at Carnegie-Mellon University will be required to buy a very powerful personal computer that will become an integral part of their education. That computer will probably be the product of Camegie-Mellon's joint research and development project with IBM, though the school is not under contract to buy the machines from IBM. Over the next few years, CMU will make the transition from what is now primarily a timesharing system to distributed personal computers.

According to James Morris, Director of the Information Technology Center at CMU, "Computers that are currently available at a price students can afford (about $3000) are not adequate to really make a difference to a student's education."

Specifications for CMU's machine are ambitious: it must have a bit-mapped display of a million pixels, a million instructions per second of processing power, a megabyte of real memory, and a virtual-address architecture with 32-bit address spaces. It must be connected to a local-area network as well.

Can they cram all that into a $3000 computer? "That is a very close call," says Morris. "Looking at what is currently available on the market, if you assume that the price will be cut in half over the next three years, it's plausible. The price will depend on the market developing, the competition developing, (text continued on page 164)

IUNE 1984 "BYTE 163

EDUCATION SURVEY

[text continued from page 163) and a nontrivial discount from manufacturers, I would estimate." A prototype machine, an IBM PC with a National Semiconductor 16032 processor, will be available soon.

The computers will be networked in what Morris calls a "timesharing file system." It will encompass direct point-topoint communications and electronic mail but also will enable the user to browse through all the databases on campus. "It's the traditional kind of file sharing you find on timesharing systems," he says. Instead of hundreds of users, however, the system will handle thousands. "We're going to do that with large numbers of machines and localarea networks. The user doesn't have to worry about which machine is storing the file. Multiple copies of files will be kept on different machines, and there will be all sorts of computer system tricks to increase reliability and performance, but it will behave as one giant file system."

How will this tool change the way students work? "I can only speculate based on my experience at Xerox PARC |Palo Alto Research Center| over the last 10 years. If you provide people with a highpowered workstation and get them all connected into a common network and provide high-quality printing facilities, you drastically improve their ability to communicate with each other. People have seen fancy computers before. What they haven't seen before is a community of 5000 or 8000 people all wired together with this new communication medium."

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY

Potsdam, New York

In the fall of 1983, Clarkson University issued Zenith Z-100 microcomputers to all incoming freshmen. Each student pays $200 additional tuition a semester

and a one-time maintenance deposit of $200. On graduation, the student surrenders the deposit and owns the computer.

David Bray, Clarkson's dean of educational computing, believes that if students are not computer literate when they leave the school, "then we are shortchanging them." When these students graduate in 1987, he says, nearly every professional in their fields will be expected to use a computer. Bray wants to be certain that Clarkson graduates will be prepared.

The computers have 192K bytes of memory, both 8-bit and 16-bit processors, and one disk drive. Clarkson has promised the incoming class a complete network by the time they are seniors and is working on the network design.

It's the logistics of learning that are changing at Clarkson, not the curriculum content. Laboratory and class demonstrations can use computer graphics to illustrate principles that cannot be clearly explained in a lecture. Some faculty members have established office hours when students can bring in their disks and discuss their work.

To Bray, word-processing capabilities are one of the most significant advantages the computer will confer. Already, he says, students are becoming more critical of what they write, and for the first time professors feel free to demand rewrites.

Bray believes that accessible micros are the key to getting the faculty involved in computing. Nearly all the Clarkson faculty have computers. Professors who would not use the timesharing facilities at the computer center will use desktop computers. Faculty members got Z-lOOs six months before the students did, and many attended classes and seminars to help them integrate the machines into their teaching.

Professors must be involved in developing computer software to integrate the computer into their classes. A faculty member who has programming questions, needs someone to write small routines, or needs computer help in a research project will latch onto a student for help. These one-on-one relationships between students and faculty members are emerging as a fringe benefit of the micro program.

The administrators' fear that students

with micros would lock themselves into closets and become hackers was unfounded. In fact, according to Steve Newkofsky, acting dean of student life at Clarkson, the computer program has helped break down barriers between students in different fields by providing a common ground.

Five years from now, says Bray, "We will still be teaching chemistry, engineering, and so on. I don't think the educational process itself is going to change. Instead, we will be providing students with powerful tools and an effective educational assistant in the computer."

STEVENS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Hoboken, New ]ersey

The Computers in Education program at Stevens has its roots in a decision made in 1978 to put new emphasis on computing and computers in the curriculum. By the fail of 1982, a pilot program was underway: all freshmen in the science and systems planning/management curricula were required to buy an Atari 800, at a 40 percent discount from the retail price. The computers were well received, and in the fall of 1983 the proprogram was expanded to include all incoming freshmen.

The new group, however, is getting a lot more computer for its money. The school contracted with DEC to buy 16-bit DEC 325s with 512K bytes of RAM and dual disk drives, which would have cost students about $1800. Through Stevens's special negotiations with DEC, however, students are getting an even sweeter deal: a Pro3 50 with dual floppy disks and a 10-megabyte Winchester disk, with software, for $1950. This 80 percent discount from the list price is based on an educational discount from DEC and contributions from Stevens.

Joseph Moeller, dean of educational development, emphasizes that

164 BYTE • IUNE 1984

EDUCATION SURVEY

Stevens's approach to integrating the computer into courses is "curriculum driven." Computer use in early courses is designed to develop general computer skills that will be useful later. Moeller says, "The development of such a 'computer thread' throughout the curricula allows for a comprehensive approach to the effective integration of computer methods into the course structure."

A local-area network will eventually incorporate students' 350s. The net is already in place to link all the academic departments, VAXes, and the mainframe, and the next major expansion will bring in the students' computers. Dormitories are being refurbished to accommodate the computers, and a conduit is being installed for the network in the process.

Stevens has not yet finalized a total networking strategy because of the lack of standardization in networking technology. A research project under way with DEC will lead to development of a comprehensive local-area network solution for the entire campus.

Microcomputers are used across the curriculum. For example, interactive calculus programs help students through mathematical analysis classes. Chemistry courses include graphic simulations and drill and practice in chemical principles. In an introductory engineering graphics course, the computer is being used as an electronic drawing board and to integrate computer graphics capabilities into engineering graphics concepts, in the lab, computers will be used to collect data, interface with equipment, control procedures, and simulate experiments that might be impractical, expensive, or dangerous.

Applications in the liberal arts include a program in political science that analyzes voting systems and word-processing programs that students use to prepare their papers. Stevens is investi

Stevens is investigating the possibility of a joint project with AT&T to get Writer's Workbench running on the 350s.

gating the possibility of a joint project with AT&T to get Writer's Workbench,, an editing program, running on the 3 50s.

"One of the most important benefits expected from this approach to computers," says Moeller, "is an increase in student involvement in project workboth independently and as part of teams. This was evident during the summer 1983 term, when approximately 30 faculty members and 20 undergraduate and graduate students formed softwaredevelopment teams to prepare personal computer course materials for the fall semester. Many of the undergraduates were among those required to purchase Atari computers in 1982. Such activities have continued during the 19831984 academic year and are certain to increase, including both academic and research projects in the future."

Moeller believes the computers encourage better planning and less duplication from one course to another. Faculty involvement, central to the coordination effort, has led to an increase in interdisciplinary efforts by faculty members, he says.

Seventy-five percent of the full-time faculty is actively involved in the personal computer project. The institute supports an incentive program to encourage faculty members to buy and use computers. They can purchase the same DEC 350 system, with additional language capability, for $1500—paid over a period of three years—and will use computers in research and writing in addition to curricular activities.

"Within five years," says Moeller, "we'll see every student, every faculty member, and most of the staff with a desktop computer. This computer will have the capability of what is now a minicomputer with substantial stand-alone computing capacity hooked into a network to facilitate communications and professional activities. We are not going to stop having classes in classrooms with direct interaction between students and faculty. There will be a shift in the way faculty and students interact, and perhaps an increase in the kinds of learning that can take place. I expect that students will approach problems in ways which take full advantage of the computer resource at their fingertips and will be able to address more complex problems in more depth than ever before."

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Rochester, New York

Rochester Institute is a larger and more diverse school than either Stevens or Clarkson. Computers from several manufacturers will be available to students through the bookstore at a discount, and the school will provide maintenance and training, but students are not required to buy personal computers.

Robert Golden, director of RIT's microcomputer task force, believes that fewer than a quarter of the 16,000 students will buy micros. He points out that no one machine would meet the needs of all the students, who major in such diverse fields as the fine and performing arts, hotel management and tourism studies, and engineering and sciences.

The computers getting the most emphasis at Rochester right now are DECs. The whole range of DEC micros is available through the bookstore at discounts of from 30 percent to roughly 60 percent on some special packages, with training and maintenance facilities already available. RIT is using some of its resouces to offer even larger discounts (as much as 82 percent) on some DEC packages for up to 200 faculty and staff members.

The school is developing an array of microcomputer uses in the classroom, from increased use of computer graphics in fine arts courses to a Survey of Computer Science course that uses computers as the primary mode of instruction. "We are just beginning the integration of computers into the classroom," says Golden, "but we see an incredible number of possible applications in the programs we offer here."

RIT has extensive timesharing facilities

that are not yet overcrowded but could

[text continued on page 166)

IUNE 1984 • BYTE 165

EDUCATION SURVEY

Every building on campus, including student housing, is wired to a digital PBX network.

(text continued from page 165) be in the foreseeable future. Golden sees the school moving toward expanding the availability of micros on campus to meet the increasing demand for computing. He adds, "The path into the future is students having micros that can access larger computers or other micros through a network."

Although RIT is working with DEC on a limited Ethernet microcomputer network, the question of what networking scheme it will use for the entire campus is still open. Golden says, "There are technological issues that haven't been resolved.... There still doesn't seem to be the degree of compatibility between brands of micros that we need. The more you want to do, the more difficult it is. I've heard it said that the smart thing to do in computer networks is to wait. . . there's no great advantage in being the first."

RENSSELAER

POLYTECHNIC

INSTITUTE

Troy, New York

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, though similar in size and curriculum to Clarkson and Stevens, is not yet prepared to require students to buy computers, though they will be strongly encouraged. So far, few faculty members have instructional uses for personal computers, and the micros on campus are being used as intelligent terminals to the mainframe, for word processing, a little personal research, and games.

Rensselaer traditionally has offered easily accessible and plentiful timesharing to students, but administrators feel that distributed processing will be the direction of the future.

Jim Moss, director of computer services at RPI, estimates that, of a total campus population of 6000, one thousand students already have personal computers. But until computers are an integral part of the instructional program, he says, and until a network is in place, Rensselaer will not require students to buy them. For now, there are two public microcomputer sites on campus to which students have free access. Every building on campus, including student housing, is wired to a digital PBX network, so that students with micros can access the campus mainframes or minis and eventually will be able to communicate micro to micro.

Moss stresses that an electronic information environment, not just a computing environment, will be important in the next decade. In the past, he says, the bulk of computing was geared to problem solving and calculations. Now the electronic movement and control of information is central, in the form of electronic mail, word processing, on-line libraries, and communication among faculty and students.

For several years, RPI has provided a unique scholarship program: 20 students a year are awarded a microcomputer in addition to their stipend. In a two-year study, psychologist Linnda Caporael has compared these students to a group who brought their own micros to college and to students with similar academic talents but without computers.

"There is this idea that computers are going to turn people into hackers or social isolates," Caporael says. "1 was hardly prepared for the extent to which computer use was a social activity. Half of the students in our study reported that having a computer helped them to make friends. Most of the information students get about computers comes from people—nobody likes to read manuals, so they get information from each other. At RPI we have a microcomputer facility in a dormitory, which is damned inconvenient for faculty and staff, but great for students. I know students who own computers that go down there, because they've got a burning

question and they know they can find somebody there to answer it."

So far, according to Caporael, students are using computers to replace typewriters and calculators. "There's not so much of what we call 'emergent use,' things the computer makes possible that wouldn't be happening otherwise. 1 think that will change over time. The niche for computing in education is there, but the software and applications just aren't there yet."

CASE WESTERN RESERVE

Cleveland, Ohio

Case Western Reserve studied and rejected the idea of a computer for every student, at least for the present. Instead, DEC Pro 3 50s in a computer laboratory and in clusters around campus serve many of the students' computing needs. Case's mainframe had been overburdened and due for expansion until the microcomputers distributed some of the load.

Freshman and sophomore computing students are the computer lab's primary users. Upperclassmen tend to outgrow the microcomputers and move on to the mainframe, according to Case vicepresident Don Schuele. That, he says, is the trouble with requiring students to buy microcomputers. Schuele believes that the school should provide the facilities necessary for an education, but if a student wants the comfort and privilege of a personal machine, the school will make it easy to get one.

Case has found the computer lab to be cost-effective. Within two and a half years, the savings in time bought from the mainframe will cover the entire cost of the lab. "Three years down the road, if it turns out that the 3 50s are not right for us, we can sell them and buy new machines. It won't have cost us a penny," says Schuele.

(text continued on page 170)

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A LOCKED DOOR.ADEAD MAN jSSIfeanodNfeaad*

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Incomplete, yes. But it's not just because we're always bringing out new stories in the Infocom interactive fiction collection. Nor is it simply due to the fact that with all the writing and re-writing, honing and perfecting that we put into every one of our stories, our work is seemingly never done.

The real reason is: an Infocom work of fiction can never be complete until you become a part of it.

You see, as hard as we work at perfecting our stories, we always leave out one essential element—the main character. And that's where you enter in.

Once you've got Infocom's interactive fiction in your computer, you experience something akin to waking up inside a novel. You find yourself at the center of an exciting plot that continually challenges you with surprising twists, unique characters (many of whom possess extraordinarily developed personalities), and original, logical, often hilarious puzzles. Communication is carried on in the same way as it is in a novel—in prose. And interaction is easy—you type in full English sentences.

But there is this key difference between our tales and conventional novels: Infocom's interactive fiction is active, not passive. The course of events is shaped by the actions you choose to take. And you enjoy enormous freedom in your choice of actions—you have hundreds, even thousands of alternatives at every step. In fact, an Infocom interactive story is roughly the length of a short novel in content, but because you're actively engaged in the plot, your adventure can last for weeks and months.

In other words, only you can complete the works of Infocom, Inc. Because they're stories that grow out of your imagination.

Find out what it's like to get inside a story. Get one from Infocom. Because with Infocom's interactive fiction, there's room for you on every disk.

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EDUCATION SURVEY

{text continued from page 166)

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Palo Alto. California

Stanford University may well provide a model for microcomputer programs in the heterogeneous environments of large universities. No single microcomputer could meet the needs of all Stanford faculty, staff, and students, and no program to impose a single standard across the campus could ever be successful. Yet, if the proliferation of personal computers on campus were ignored, the result would be chaos. Stanford's approach is a kind of guided evolution, using the university's resources to encourage ordered development.

"Standardization and control aren't the style of the institution," says Michael Carter, director of instruction and research information systems (IRIS). "Our solution to the problem is to be flexible and adaptable in getting all of those

devices to be useful in the same environment."

The idea is to focus attention on a few microcomputer systems by providing discounts, training, maintenance support, and software development. "We want to focus the rather diffused enthusiasm on the campus for a wide range of products. What we're trying to do is select vendors and products that we think would be particularly useful in our academic and administrative computing environment, and then make them available to people," says Carter.

Through a program called Microdisk. Stanford will sell, service, and maintain microcomputers for faculty, staff, and students. So far. Microdisk has a contract with Apple and is negotiating with DEC, Hewlett-Packard, and IBM for equipment at academic discounts. Microdisk will offer a lab where prospective buyers can try hardware and software as well as consultants who will assure that they make informed purchases.

Carter intends to let the needs of the Stanford community guide the development of the microcomputer program. Questions that users ask through Microdisk are one source of information. "Our strategy is to learn as much as we can about where people want to go with their computing by providing support to questions," he explains. Experiments that get microcomputers to students

and faculty, such as instructional and demonstration labs or the Tiro project (in which 150 humanities professors received IBM PCs) are a comparatively inexpensive way to find out what works and what doesn't.

All Stanford students will have access to microcomputers whether they choose to buy them through Microdisk or not. Clusters of the more popular computers will be distributed around campus for public use. Stanford plans a combination of broadband and baseband networking for voice, video, and digital links to all academic buildings, including student residences.

Faculty members will be encouraged to develop instructional software for the approved machines. IRIS will provide development hardware, professional and student programmers, and consulting to faculty software developersprovided they write software for machines widely available to students, through Microdisk or in the public clusters.

"What we're trying to do is enhance academic achievement by applying computer technology. Our best bet is to try to focus it a little here, nudge it a little there, lead a little bit over here. With so many really smart faculty members out there. I want to give them enough devices so that they know exactly what they want to do. and then fol(text continued on page 172)

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE

171

EDUCATION SURVEY

(text continued from page 170) low them, rather than control the way they use computers. The trick really is to remove the obstacles so that those people can lead the way."

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Ann Arbor, Michigan

"We are putting tools in students' hands that before were available only to teachers and scholars," says Karl Zinn of the University of Michigan. "With modeling or simulation tools, students can do more thorough research than scholars used to be able to do with graduate assistants cranking things out by hand. Students now have the resources to do more original and creative work."

The first segment of the University of Michigan to implement an extensive microcomputer program is the College of Engineering, with its Computer-Aided Engineering Network (CAEN). Associate dean Daniel Atkins says, "We are building what we see as the absolutely essential computing environment, highly distributed, with networks connecting everything." Apple Lisas and Macintoshes, IBM PC XTs, and Apollo Engi

neering Workstations are distributed in "open computing clusters" across campus. Engineering students pay a usage fee of $100 per term.

"We are on a schedule that will essentially equip all our faculty, staff, and students with the appropriate workstation within a couple of years," says Atkins. There will be computers in research labs and in every faculty member's office, as well as a computer on every desk in some classrooms. CAEN is working with housing administrators to get computer clusters into dormitories.

So far, there is no plan to issue computers to individual students, though that may happen later. Students are free to buy personal computers, of course, and as a member of Apple's University Consortium, the school provides Macintosh computers at about half the retail price. "We're not sure how many of our students will buy Macintoshes," says Atkins. "Macintosh is still not a powerful enough machine for all the needs that engineering students have, but it is beginning to get very interesting."

Microcomputer clusters will be connected to the university network, UMnet, to allow access to a variety of mainframes and to permit file transfer for storage on mainframes. Eventually, UMnet will have connections in every dormitory room for personal computers, adequate dial-up capabilities for off-campus users, and archival storage for the entire network.

How will easy access to computing change the way students learn? "We are saturating the environment with computers," says Atkins, "and seeing what

the students do with them. One of our criteria is that the machines support highly interactive graphics. This is a 'what if environment for engineers, where they can have experience with many design iterations using a powerful industrial tool." When students in the technical communications course used Lisas to produce their papers, instructors noticed an enormous increase in the use of figures and graphics.

The key to the success of the program, Atkins says, is in convincing the faculty to make routine use of the computers. CAEN has provided each faculty member with an office workstation, and most professors are also buying computers to use at home. The college provides release time from teaching and student assistants to help an instructor develop applications. There is another motivation, according to Atkins: "The fact that the students have this environment readily available is creating pressure on the faculty from below. That was quite deliberate."

The College of Engineering is the testing ground for microcomputers for the rest of the university, and it is sharing information with deans of other colleges, the campus computing center, and the university's Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT). Atkins believes it will not be long before all University of Michigan students have ready access to personal computers.

Karl Zinn is heading a program within CRLT to introduce students to microcomputers, and he is enthusiastic about the Macintosh. Humanists react well to a screen that looks like a piece of paper, (tot continued on page 174)

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IUNE 1984 • BYTE 173

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EDUCATION SURVEY

(tot continued from page 172) he says. A small, transportable machine like Macintosh makes an unthreatening demonstration possible: you can bring the machine to the person, rather than bring the person into a special computer room filled with unfamiliar equipment.

Zinn stresses the importance of activities that shift the user's focus from the machine itself to the process of communicating with other people through the computer. For several years CRLT has helped students and faculty use its computer-based conferencing software, first on the UM timesharing systems, and now on microcomputers. Convenient access to microcomputers, Zinn says, expands personal and academic communication possibilities.

"Computer centers are more and more going to become information centers," says Atkins. "If we end up going in the direction of lots of isolated, noncommunicating computers, that's going to be a step backward. We have to build a network that allows access to databases, to the technical library, to national networks, to electronic communities of people doing research together. The challenge is not really that of acquiring lots of personal computers. The challenge is integrating them in a distributed environment."

Drexel University

174 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 256 on inquiry card.

DREXEL UNIVERSITY

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Our approach to microcomputing has been to enhance undergraduate education. We picked a machine that we felt would support that aim. We are not trying to serve every possible goal that computers could serve on an academic campus." Brian Hawkins, assistant vicepresident for academic affairs, feels that Macintosh is an ideal tool for Drexel students. Half of the university's students commute to campus, and (to! continued on page 176)

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EDUCATION SURVEY

(text continued from page 174) every term a third of them work in business and industry as part of Drexel's cooperative education program. Hawkins believes the Macintosh is powerful, flexible, and portable enough to meet their needs.

As of this spring, all freshmen are required to have access to a Macintosh. Although most Apple University Consortium schools will not have large numbers of Macintoshes until fall of this year, Drexel received a large shipment of them in February. According to Apple sources, this commitment was based on Drexel's aggressive and well-publicized plan to get computers to all students.

Students can buy the computer from the university for $1000, with financing from the school if necessary, or they can work out independent arrangements. Disks and some peripherals will be available from the university bookstore at a discount.

A student advisory committee and a student-run users' group were in place before the computers were distributed on campus, running demonstrations and tutorials and raising student complaints and concerns. "We have been impressed with Drexel's planning," says Steven Weintraut of the Student Microcomputers Advisory Committee. "Every time we come up with a question, they have an answer."

Drexel freshmen are required to have access to a microcomputer.

There are no immediate plans to network the Macintoshes, partly because the student population is so mobile. Many will use the computer at home or at the job. "I can't hardwire that world," says Hawkins. "Certainly we have longterm plans for networks to support our academic program. Our approach for the first two years is based on the standalone capability of the machine. After that, we will network as needed."

Faculty training has run for more than a year to prepare for the onslaught of microcomputers. Applications and demonstrations, some of them designed on other computers, will be available immediately, and a software review center in the library will enable instructors to see what is already available in particular fields.

A fringe benefit of the microcomputer program, according to Hawkins, is the faculty's renewed interest in teaching methods. "Because of the change in technology, there seems to be a greater willingness to look at the educational technology as well as at how to best present concepts and ideas."

Drexel administrators share a concern voiced by educators at other schools: how will the computer change students' lives? Sociology professor loan McCord is beginning a five-year study to measure changes in values, attitudes, stress, and time use among students and faculty. "You don't have to have an attitude toward the telephone, but you use it and it changes the way you approach problems, lust as the wide use of telephones changed lives, habits, and attitudes, so could the widespread use of computers."

BROWN UNIVERSITY

Providence, Rhode Island

Brown University is involved in a $50 million research and development project with IBM. In a few years, students and faculty may be using graphicsbased, fully networked IBM "scholars' workstations" designed at Brown. In the meantime, a lab full of Apollo computers is changing the way students learn, and the Macintosh will probably be a hit on campus.

Microcomputers are just beginning their incursion into students' lives at Brown. There is no overall plan to get a computer to every student, but Brown's participation in the Apple University Consortium means that the Macintosh will be readily available. Bill Shipp, director of Brown's Institute for Research in Information and Scholarship, says, "The fact that a student or faculty member can have an affordable machine makes all the difference in the world. The average student will think of refrigerators and computers in the same thought."

English professor George Landow believes that easy access to computing can give liberal arts students some of (tat continued on page 178)

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EDUCATION SURVEY

(text continued from page 176) the same research advantages that scientists have enjoyed. "With a scholar's workstation that could tie in to the university, or perhaps someday the Library of Congress catalog on line, someone doing research at a very sophisticated level could have a great many facts immediately available. One could teach students in the humanities to do the same kind of hands-on research that has been done for a long time in science courses.''

Students in computer science courses at Brown are involved in a new sort of learning experience, one that may eventually be applied in other disciplines. In a lab equipped with 60 Apollo computers, students can watch dynamic graphic simulations of algorithms in operation. A typical lecture in this class includes a 20-minute "movie" illustrating an algorithm.

According to Bob Sedgwick, who teaches the class, more students learn

advanced material faster with the simulations. Enrollment in the course is twice what it was last year. He found, however, that there was a limit to the information people could absorb in the visual form. "Every once in a while the entire class would say 'Stop!' and we'd have to freeze everything for about 15 minutes to explain what was going on. Eventually the students in the class got to accept it, though someone coming in from outside would be bewildered." Sedgwick looks forward to next year, when he'll work with students who already have experience with the medium.

The simulation system may be adapted for other computers, including the IBM workstation and possibly the Macintosh. "There is a question of performance," Sedgwick says. "I think we can do a lot on the Mac. but we can't do everything." What's important, says Bill Shipp, is to get people in different disciplines to think about the ways they work and the kinds of tools they use.

DARTMOUTH COLLEGE

Hanover, New Hampshire

Dartmouth has a long tradition of student computing. In the sixties, when the school developed its timesharing system, students were the principle users, and computing was a service provided freely to all. Even before the advent of personal computers, 95 percent of students used computers while at Dartmouth. The move toward personal computers will draw from and build upon the timesharing system already in place. (text continued on page 181)

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EDUCATION SURVEY

(text continued from page 178)

Entering freshmen will be required to buy Macintoshes this September. "A personal computer will be one of the tools of the trade that every student has, like a textbook," says William Arms, viceprovost for computing and planning. Students can pay for their computers over time, as with any student cost, and financial aid will take the cost of the computers into account.

Macintoshes will be used both as freestanding computers and as terminals to the timesharing system, Arms says. Word and graphics processing, selected applications, and BASIC are the first priorities for the Macintosh as a standalone computer. For electronic mail, library access, and large programs, the Mac will serve as a terminal to the school's larger computers.

Although BASIC was developed at Dartmouth, Arms says that the comparatively crude versions of the language currently available are an embarrassment to the school. BASIC'S original authors, John Kemeny and Tom Kurtz, have promised that a modern version will be available for the Macintosh by fall.

The high-speed communications network already in place at Dartmouth will be extended to all student dormitory rooms by September. Outlets in dorm rooms will link students' Macintoshes to each other, to computers in departments and administrative offices, and to the mainframes in the Kiewit Computation Center.

"The key to all of this is the faculty," says Arms. Many faculty members are already involved in software development, funded by a grant from the Sloan Foundation. When the Dean of Arts and Sciences surveyed the Dartmouth faculty, he found that a third had plans to use the computers in their courses within a year. The interested faculty were evenly distributed among the humanities, sciences, and social sciences divisions.

Many of the initial proposals for software development are based on materials already available on the timesharing system. Conversion projects in mathematics, writing, philosophy, art, social science, literature, psychology, music, and physical sciences are well under way. Every faculty member who (text continued on page 182)

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EDUCATION SURVEY

{text continued from page 181) expects to do curriculum work will have a Macintosh or a Lisa, some of which have been donated by Apple. Software developed at Dartmouth will be shared with other universities through the Apple University Consortium and the Sloan Foundation.

"We have a very simple ambition," Arms says, "and that is to be an outstandingly good liberal arts university. I would hate to see computing seen as something special, rather than simply as a good tool."

REED COLLEGE Portland, Oregon

Reed is the smallest member of Apple's University Consortium. A college with a reputation for rigid academic standards, it may serve as a proving ground for the impact of large numbers of microcomputers on a student population.

Reed will provide Macintoshes to the academic community without cost to students. This is to be accomplished through donations from friends of the college and corporations. No one, however, will be required to use the computer. Richard Crandall, chairman of the Technical Resource Committee, says, "If

a student finds a personal computer conducive to thinking, then it is welcome. If the personal computer is forced, it may not be welcome. If a liberal arts education is going to mean anything, it has to be supported with access, but not requirement."

In August of 1983, Reed published a five-year master plan for computing resources, covering the microcomputers, new mainframe and mid-sized computers, development of the Computer Center, and establishment of an Information Resource Center. The Information Resource Center will be a central location for printing facilities and graphics terminals. It will also be a place where people can meet to discuss their computer problems and techniques. "This should reduce some of the isolation that might be caused by many independent terminals," says Crandall.

The first Macintoshes that arrive at Reed will go to the Information Resource Center. After that, faculty members will get computers, then department and division support staff. Library workstations are the next priority, and individual allocations for students are last on the list.

Reed plans an icon-oriented network, which will link all the campus computers, from the mainframe to the integrated system level, to the Macintoshes. According to Crandall, "The Macintosh is ideal for this kind of network, because it's possible for an individual to visualize the entire Reed campus, academically and geographically." He adds, "Macintosh has many of the features we would have designed in if we had specified an academic computer."

DALLAS BAPTIST COLLEGE

Dallas, Texas

Dallas Baptist College is a small school, with only 1300 students. Dallas Baptist's microcomputer is small, too: in the fall of 1983 incoming freshmen were required to buy Radio Shack Model 100 portable computers.

The scope of the project at Dallas Baptist is certainly not small, however. The computers are used throughout the curriculum; in any freshman class, at least three assignments per term must make use of the computer.

Word processing is a primary concern at Dallas Baptist, according to Bill Moos, assistant professor of computer science. Students will have the opportunity to write more and will therefore learn to communicate better, he says. The word processor bundled with the Model 100, supplemented with third-party and inhouse software, is adequate for students' needs. Moos says.

Computer literacy classes have been required at Dallas Baptist since 1982. Now that students have portable computers, introductory computer literacy is a hands-on course. Everyone learns {text continued on page 184)

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EDUCATION SURVEY

(text continued from page 182) at least the rudiments of BASIC programming, and the more advanced BASIC course, though not required, is well attended.

The goal of the microcomputer program is to produce students who will have a competitive advantage in business and industry, both because they will be familiar with computers and because they will be more experienced communicators. "We wanted a general support tool so that students can increase their overall productivity," said Moos. "This is not just something more to learn. We feel our students will have a head start in business."

DREW COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Madison, New )ersey

The head of Drew's computer initiative, Richard Detweiler, is a psychology professor. Why a psychologist? "We are not doing something for computer scientists, or even for people who are interested in computers," Detweiler says. "We are doing something which is important for people in today's world."

Detweiler sees two purposes for introducing the computer: to enhance education in the short term and to prepare students for the computer-driven world they will face when they graduate. "If students are to function successfully and make a contribution to the society in which they live, the ability to use the microcomputer or computers in general as tools, as problem solvers in an everyday way, is absolutely crucial. The only way to accomplish that is through a per

Drew will issue Epson QX-lOs to freshmen matriculating this fall.

The Apple University Consortium

By the end of 1984, twenty-three American universities will have bought 50.000 Macintosh computers for faculty, students, and staff. As members of the Apple University Consortium, these schools will get a big price break on the machines—students will pay about $1000 (plus tax) for a Macintosh at most Consortium schools.

One of the program's goals, according to Steve Jobs, chairman of the board of Apple, is to "help Apple discover new applications for its products." Software will be shared among Consortium members. "There will be a consortia! spirit," says Drexel's Brian Hawkins. Consortium members, however, are not bound by contract to license to Apple the software they develop. In fact, some universities are planning to market their proprietary software and are beginning to consider inhouse and third-party development schemes.

Most schools will have a full compliment of Macintoshes by September. For now, many colleges have enough machines for demonstrations and software development, but not enough to pass out to students. The exception is Drexel University (see page 174), where students received their computers in February and began using them for classwork with the spring term.

Apple's retail dealers in university towns

have mixed reactions to the plan. They cannot match the Consortium's discount, and many feel they are losing business to the schools. Some retailers, however, see the program as a way to open previously untapped markets. In Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University has taken steps to protect the local dealers. Each student who buys a Mac signs over to the university the right to buy the computer if the student sells it within five years. "We are a small community, and we must be sensitive to dealers' needs," says BYU's Lynn McClurg.

No doubt a black market in Macintoshes will flourish for a time in many university towns. Already, ads are showing up in local papers, offering students a quick profit on the machines. Some will regret selling the computer, though. No school will sell more than one to a student, and, according to Hawkins, "A student who sells his or her Macintosh is committing academic suicide."

Apple University Consortium members are Boston College, Brigham Young, Brown, CarnegieMellon. City University of New York. Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Drexel, Harvard, Northwestern. Princeton, Reed, Rice, Stanford, University of Chicago. University of Michigan. University of Notre Dame. University of Pennsylvania. University of Rochester, University of Utah. University of Washington, and Yale.

sonai ownership kind of approach."

Drew will issue an Epson QX-10 with a 16-bit 8088 coprocessor to each freshman matriculating this fall. Rather than charge students directly for the equipment, however. Drew will allocate funds from tuition to the project over the next several years. Students will take the machines with them when they graduate. Any faculty member who wants a computer can have one, and much of the administrative staff will be using the Epson. Current students can buy an Epson at a Drew-supported discount or use the computers that will be scattered across campus in public clusters.

Drew settled on the Epson QX-10 after considering many other machines, including the Macintosh. "We decided against the Macintosh because of its proprietary operating system and the fact that it would lock us in to Macintosh and Macintosh descendants. We did not want to be tied to a specific ma

chine for the future," says Detweiler. He believes that the large body of public-domain software available for MSDOS and CP/M will be an advantage to students.

By September, when freshmen begin using their computers, software will be in place for introductory courses throughout the academic disciplines. Word processing will be a built-in part of freshman writing courses, so faculty can demand refinements and rewriting wherever necessary. Detweiler believes that students can absorb the routine parts of learning, such as names and dates in history or vocabulary in foreign languages, through computer drills outside of class, freeing class time for higher-level learning.

"We are a liberal arts institution," says Detweiler, "and we believe that for people to be liberally educated they need to know how to use the computer as a tool." ■

184 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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THEME

PROGRAMMING BY REHEARSAL

by William Finzer and Laura Gould

An environment for developing educational software

PROGRAMMING BY REHEARSAL is a visual programming environment that nonprogrammers can use to create educational software. It combines many of the qualities of computer-based design environments with the full power of a programming language. The emphasis in this graphical environment is on programming visually; only things that can be seen can be manipulated. The design and programming process consists of moving "performers" around on "stages" and teaching them how to interact by sending "cues" to one another. The system relies almost completely on interactive graphics and allows designers to react immediately to their emerging products by showing them, at all stages of development, exactly what their potential users will see.

The process is quick, easy, and enjoyable; a simple program may be constructed in less than half an hour. The beginning set of 18 primitive performers, each of which responds to about 70 cues, can be extended as the designers create new composite performers and teach them new cues.

We were motivated to undertake this project by our desire to give programming power to those who understand how people learn; we wanted to eliminate the need for programmers in the design of educational software. Programming by Rehearsal is implemented

in the Smalltalk-80 programming environment and runs on a large, fast, personal machine: the Xerox 1132 Scientific Information Processor (the Dorado).

Computers and Intuition

In the spring of 1980 our attention was focused on a topic we called Computers and Intuition. It seemed to us that newly available, high-resolution computer images, combined with interactive control over these images, constituted a new medium for the presentation of information and concepts. We were particularly concerned with the implications that this interactive computer graphics medium might have for education.

We were also thinking about how paradoxical it was that the computer was often viewed as an engine for improving cognitive and analytical skills, while it might turn out that because of its

William Finzer is a consultant with the System Concepts laboratory at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center and an instructor and curriculum developer in the mathematics department at San Francisco State University (1600 Holloway. San Francisco. CA 94132).

Laura Gould has been a member of the Smalltalk group at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center for the past seven years. She is now National Secretary of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (POB 717, Palo Alto. CA 94301).

superlative dynamic graphics, its main new contribution to education might be in the enhancement of nonanalytical. intuitive thought.

Such ideas were certainly not new. Even 15 years ago, a few farseeing people proposed that computer graphics would have a profound effect on human learning. As Brown and Lewis wrote in 1968, "In the same way that books support man's linear and verbal thinking, machines will support his graphic and intuitive thought processes." (See reference 1.) Similarly, in 1969 Tony Oettinger wrote "Computers are capable of profoundly affecting science by stretching human reason and intuition, much as telescopes or microscopes extend human vision." (See reference 2.) It seemed that now we had both the software and hardware to realize these visions.

From these ruminations grew the design and implementation of a system called TRIP, which attempted to give students an intuitive understanding of algebra word problems through the manipulation of high-resolution pictures. (See reference 3.) TRIP, implemented in the Smalltalk-76 system (see reference 4) on research hardware, a Xerox Alto, took about two months to design and four months to implement. It was structured in the form of a kit so that {text continued on page 188)

.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 187

REHEARSAL

\n the Rehearsal World, only things that can be seen can be manipulated

(text continued from page 187) teachers could add new time-rate-distance problems fairly easily; it included a diagram checker, an animation package, an expression evaluator, and an extensive help system. Members of the computing profession were impressed that we were able to bring to life such a complex, general, graphical, yet robust and helpful system in such a short time. Educators, however, were usually aghast that so much time and effort were needed to produce a single system and that the result was, in their view, so limited.

After we had pilot-tested TRIP and were thinking about what project to take on next, we realized that our interest had shifted up one level, from the actual design of educational software to the design of a "design environment" for educators. As our colleagues were busy building .the Smalltalk-80 environment (see references 5, 6, 7, and 8), we undertook the task of extending and reifying that environment to allow curriculum designers who did not program to implement their own creative ideas.

Designer Control

The work described here is based on the belief that it should be possible to place the control of interactive computer graphics in the hands of creative curriculum designers, those with an understanding of the power of such systems but not necessarily with the ability or willingness to write the complex programs that are necessary to control the systems.

Design and implementation constitute two phases of a feedback loop. In most design situations, in which programming is a separate and specialized skill, the designer must somehow convey embryonic ideas to a programmer, perhaps by sketching on paper or talking. Then the programmer goes away to write a program so that something shows on the screen to which the designer can respond. This process introduces inter

ruption, distortion, and delay of creative design.

In the creation of educational software it is particularly important that the design decisions be made by someone who understands how students learn and what they enjoy rather than by someone whose expertise is in how computers work. Too much of the educational software we see today has a lot of fancy graphics but little real learning content. We hope that if educators have more direct control of the computer, they will create high-quality software.

In the environment we describe here, the designer begins by sketching the description, not in words or on paper, but directly on the computer screen. This sketching is not free-form but is done with the aid of specially provided graphical entities. If the designer's ideas are rather vague, the process of sketching may help to define them; if the ideas are well defined, they can be quickly accepted, rejected, or improved. In either case, nothing is lost in the translation process, as the only intermediary between the designer and the product is a helpful, graphical computer system that gives immediate response. Since there is no waiting, the designer is involved in a collaborative, creative process in which there is minimal investment in the current production; thus a poor production can be rejected quickly and easily, and a good one pursued and improved.

The Rehearsal Metaphor

A large, supportive design environment needs a potent metaphor in which the unfamiliar concepts of programming will have familiar, real-world referents. Our goal was that the metaphor would serve as a guide to the designers without getting in their way.

Smalltalk is an object-oriented language. This means that all the basic elements of programming—strings, numbers, complex data structures, control structures, and procedures themselves—are treated as objects. Objects interact with other objects by sending messages. Logo is an example of a programming language with one object, a Turtle, which can be sent a limited number of messages such as FORWARD 20. Smalltalk has many kinds of objects that respond to a wide variety of messages.

Our immersion in Smalltalk led us to

extend the object-message metaphor to a theater metaphor in which the basic components of a production are performers; these performers interact with one another on a stage by sending cues. We call the design environment the Rehearsal World and the process of creating a production Programming by Rehearsal'.

Everything in the Rehearsal World is visible; there are no abstractions and only things that can be seen can be manipulated. Almost all of the designer's interactions with the Rehearsal World are through the selection (with a mouse) of some performer or of some cue to a performer. Assuming that a designer has the germ of an idea, the creation of a Rehearsal World production involves:

• Auditioning the available performers by selecting their cues and observing their responses to determine which are appropriate for the planned production. If a production involves getting the student to write stories using pictures, the designer might choose a text performer and a picture performer because the former responds to the cues setText: and readFromKeyboard and the latter responds to growBy. and follotfTheMouse.

• Copying the chosen performers and placing them on a stage.

• Blocking the production by resizing and moving the performers until they are the desired size and in the desired place.

• Rehearsing the production by showing each performer what actions it should take in response either to student (user) input or to cues sent by other performers.

• Storing the production away for later retrieval.

A Scenario

Static words and pictures on paper are a poor substitute for direct experience with a dynamic, interactive, computer design environment. Nevertheless, we shall try to give the flavor of what it is like to use the Rehearsal World through a simple scenario involving two novice designers, Laura and Bill. Suppose that these designers are interested in language curriculum and would like to (text continued on page 190)

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REHEARSAL

-j ■■.

______

-ai.^-:Lj'2-■:••:.'■

Whenever you want information about anything on the screen, please point, at it and press the middle mouse button (this is called the NAME button). The name of that entity will thei; appear and will follow your mouse until you press any mouse button. If you drop the name on either this prompter's box or on the HELP button below, the entity will describe itself.

STAGES

HELP

RESHOW

CLEAR PRINT

Figure 1: The control panel and the prompter's box, showing an initial help message. The icon in the corner is an eraser.

(text continued from page 188) make some sort of word game. We'll follow their efforts, skimming over many of the details of their interactions with the Rehearsal World, with an eye to understanding some of the design decisions of Programming by Rehearsal itself. Although one person can manage both mouse and keyboard quite well, we'll assume that Laura is in charge of the mouse and Bill is typing on the keyboard. In what follows, the paragraphs describing the action of the designers have been italicized.

Bill and Laura know from their brief introduction to the Rehearsal World that all of the performers are clustered together in troupes waiting to be auditioned for parts in a production. They know also that the Rehearsal World includes a help facility that gives assistance and descriptive information about how to proceed.

Laura starts by selecting the HELP button from the control panel at the bottom of the screen (see figure 1). Selection of the HELP button causes the "prompter's box" to fill immediately with "procedural help" suggesting something that the designers might want to do next. When they select HELP initially, the procedural help message that appears explains that they can always obtain "descriptive help" about anything that they can see on the screen.

The fact that everything that can be seen is capable of self-description is an important component of the Rehearsal World and one that makes it accessible to nonprogrammers.

When they ask for descriptive help about the STAGES button, they learn that if they select the STAGES button, they will get a menu of troupes and productions. Laura selects the STAGES button which presents her with a menu of troupes and productions (see figure 2).

She finds a Text performer in the Basic Troupe that she wants to audition to learn what it can do. Laura starts by asking it to describe itself and is told by the help system that if she selects the Text performer, she can edit the text that it displays. This editing is the default action of the Text performer. Laura and Bill spend a minute becoming familiar with the simple editor that the Text performer provides.

The Rehearsal World uses a threebutton mouse for pointing at things on the screen. The SELECT mouse button causes a performer to execute its default action. The NAME button always causes the name of the entity to appear at the cursor point; if this name is

dropped in the prompter's box, a description of the entity appears. Finally, the MENU button raises a pop-up menu for the performer, enabling the designer to send cues to it. In interacting with a finished production, only the SELECT button is used; that is, the NAME and MENU buttons are not needed by the student user.

Laura uses the MENU mouse button to see the category menu for the Text performer (see figure 3). Certain commonly used cues are at the top of this menu in lowercase, while others are grouped under categories in uppercase. Most of the cues and categories are shared by all performers. Only the (text continued on page 192)

* * *

* * * * * * * *

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PROGRAMMING BY REHEARSAL

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The B&HCTMUpe CMWHttS ihe ihree Text [Jcriariiier which u used to she x fw msfemi soft buttons on the stl

coiners tli.ii Hr riius' irei'.'eri'ly wrt'lt■< Tire ursi is a id .ii—iiiiulaw iiiiii'iit it's useful fur licijiiits _> well ihai 'he user c«i press. There is also a Number

HELP

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Figure 2: The entire Rehearsal World theater, showing the STAGES menu at the left, all the available Troupes, and a descriptive help message about the BasicTroupe.

190 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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REHEARSAL

Figure 3: A BasicTroupe, containing a Text, a Number and a Counter, and a category menu for the Text performer.

(text continued from page 190)

categories at the bottom of the menu

(in bold) are particular to the Text

performer.

In its current prototype form, the Rehearsal World contains 18 primitive performers, each of which responds to a standard set of 53 cues and an average of 15 cues particular to that performer. To understand what this means, imagine a BASIC with a thousand reserved words. This complexity would be intolerable without a hierarchical organization and a simple way for the designer to browse that organization. The Smalltalk-80 system provides a window, called a Browser (see figure 4), whose visual structure reflects the hierarchical organization of the objects and methods in the system. In the Rehearsal World, functionality is organized around performers grouped together into troupes; the cues that each performer understands are grouped into categories. The result is that designers never have to scan too much information at a time, and, because each level in the hierarchy has a different screen appearance, they never lose track of where they are in that hierarchy.

Our novice designers proceed to rehearse the Text performer by sending it various cues. Laura tries move and resize and gets a pleasant surprise when the fonts change so that the text always fits within the performer's borders. She selects the SET category and gets a cue sheet showing the list of cues that have

to do with setting text (see figure 5). Some cues, like setText:, take parameters that are indicated by parameter lines next to the cue. They use the help system to discover that they can type any string as a parameter to the setText: cue. Bill types goodbye' on the parameter line. When Laura selects the cue. "goodbye" appears in the Text performer.

They discover through rehearsal that the set\umbled cue produces a random permutation of the characters in the text. They enjoy looking at the different bizarre configurations that jumbling a word can produce and decide to explore no more, but to make a jumble game as their first design exercise. As often happens, interaction with the design environment itself leads to a creative idea.

One would not expect jumbling of text to be a basic capability of a programming language. A programmer who encountered a need for such a function would expect to write a simple routine. In a design environment, however, we expect to find a great deal of high-level functionality, chosen with care by the implementors of the environment, so that the designer's attention is not diverted from the design task itself.

Laura and Bill's initial idea for their simple production is to use two Text performers, one to be placed above the

System

Rehearsal-Help Rehearsal-Controllers Rehearsal-Buttons Rehearsal-Clocks

Rehearsal-Control Rehear sal-Kernel Rehearsal-Troupes Rehearsal-Stages PerformerWorkshop Kernel-Objects

CircleView

Picture

PictureBoxView

PictureController

HMureVjew

Position

PositionView

RectangleView

other on the stage. The top Text is to contain the word to be jumbled and the bottom one is to act as a soft button (a button on the screen which, when the student selects it with the mouse, causes something to occur). In this case its action will be to cause the jumbling of the top Text (see figure 6). Laura uses the copy cue to put a Text performer on an empty stage.

Any existing performer can be copied. Thus each performer acts as a prototype from which other performers can be generated; each new copy will have exactly the same characteristics as its prototype.

Laura and Bill use the resize cue to make the Text performer fill most of the top half of the stage, and then they copy it to make a second Text performer (exactly the same size as the first) in the bottom half of the stage. Bill types the word JUMBLE into it, as this is what they want the user to see. With the blocking thus completed, they decide to give each of their performers a mnemonic name that describes its purpose; they call the performers fumbledWord and JumbleButton. Now they are ready to define the action of the bottom Text, which they want to act as a button.

Any performer can become a button.

By turning a performer into a button,

(text continued on page 194)

initialize & release & u{

displaying

transformation

accessing

points

copying

Clearing

GET A STORE

MOVE

realForm reverse. displayForm reverse, self displayNewPicture, self changed

Figure 4: A Smalltalk browser showing the Rehearsal-Graphics category, the PictureView class, its ALTER category, the message named reverse from that category, and the method associated with that message.

192 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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a^smssmiagaigasss^^

■Text- SET

etTe:u:-w ' goodbye'.

rw\ O

s setTextFromKeyboaid ® setReverse $ setJumbled ** setEmpty

www*mzwwm

%

mmmm

Figure 5: A cue sheet for the SET category of a Text performer. The string 'goodbye has been typed on the parameter line of its first cue.

inEmpt-V I

egboody

JUMBLE

1 -JumbleButton- BUTTON

becomeAButton

codeForButtonAction: w [ ] performEutton Action

Figure 7: The cue sheet for the BUTTON category of the performer named lumbleButton. The square brackets on the parameter line indicate that the designer should write some code between them.

• Ju m b 1 e B U tto n - B U T T O N

ss becomeAButton

* codeForButton Action:

v,,-- [ Jumbled Word setJumbled, 1

performButtonAction

Figure 8: The code, written by watching, which indicates what the JumbleButton should do whenever it is selected by the user.

(text continued from page 192) the designers get to decide what will happen when the user selects that performer. One of the categories on every category menu is BUTTON; its cue sheet contains the cue becomeAButton (see figure 7).

After Laura sends the becomeAButton is cue to the JumbleButton, it no longer responds to selection by providing an editor; instead, it simply flashes. It is now a soft button on the screen, but it has no action. They must show it what to do.

They do this by using the cue codeFor

Button Action: 11 to which every performer responds. Bill and Laura understand that they are expected to provide a block of code between the square brackets to describe the action that should occur when the user selects the lumbleButton. The action they want is very simple; they just want the JumbledWord to receive the setJumbled cue. Bill knows that he does not have to type the code; instead the Rehearsal World will "watch" while they show it what to do. To the left of each parameter line is a tiny icon representing a closed eye. When Laura selects it, the eye opens to

Figure 6: A stage containing two Text performers, the top one showing a jumbled word and the bottom one acting as a button which the user can select to cause the jumbling to occur.

indicate that the system is indeed watching. Then Laura sends the setlumbled cue to the JumbledWord by selecting it. The code JumbledWord setJumbled appears within the square brackets of the codeForButtonAction:\\ cue of the JumbleButton, and the eye closes again (see figure 8).

Two significant obstacles to learning a programming language are mastering the language's syntax and learning the vocabulary. In the Rehearsal World, the designers rarely have to know either the syntax or the vocabulary as most writing of code is done by watching. While the eye is open, the designers rehearse a performer and the system makes a record of this rehearsal. The Rehearsal World's ability to watch, in combination with a mouse-driven interface, means that the designers do remarkably little typing. The designers know whether or not the code is correct not so much by reading it but by observing whether the effect produced on the stage is the desired one.

Immediately after Laura sends the codeForButtonAction:\\ cue. she can select the newly defined button to see if it behaves as expected. Each time she selects the JumbleButton, it flashes and the JumbledWord jumbles its text.

In a traditional programming environment, the programmer moves back and forth between programming mode, in (tact continued on page 196)

194 B YTE • JUNE 1984

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REHEARSAL

JumbledV

ford

I am a Text, performer, I can be used to make headings, show instructions, or act ss a. labelled button, Try the cues in my SET caegory to experiment with different, ways of setting my text,

(> j

I

| accept | | cancel |

(9a)

■ iViiVMiiiViiYiiiiinMiniiiwYii^^^^

riiYftiTirmiiYiViiiiiiiriYr^

JumbledWord

I am a. word whose letters sie to be jumbled.

Every time the user selects the JumbleButton which is below me on the stage,

my text will be re jumbled.

>>

accept

:ancel

■ ...^"m— n™..,m:/.^,™^T^^^.:-^..-:.S7»,.--^„-,^n;,^.-,,,-,.: -:.-.;-, m--^

.,,,-■ .....I J,l„!Jj1:,,;!::.l..l,llg. :■:- " :.... .;,. I . M.,l«, ,| I; 1,1.,, ..,...,,..,.„., I,,, ..,,,, U..U.,.

'J'gW-W'.Mir

(9b)

Figure 9: Tfte default comment associated with every Text performer [9a) and the edited comment to be associated only with the performer named JumbledWord (9b).

{text continued from page 194) which typing code is the dominant activity, and running mode, in which testing takes place. In Programming by Rehearsal, the designer does not feel any

shift from one mode to another.

Even though their production is very simple, Laura and Bill decide to document it. They have already given the two Text performers appropriate names:

-Jumble 1

resize reshow

erase

destroy

cleanup

wings

JAMEATITLE

FORMAT

DISPLAY

SIDES

POINTS

LIST

ACTION

BUTTON

STORE

PROTECT

ACCESS

LAYOUT

GRIDDING

INITIALIZE

CONVERT

CUES

DEBUG

Jumble 1

gybeodo

JUMBLE

-Jumble 1- STORE

~~H

store store WithName: w 'Jumble 1'

Figure 10: A stage named Jumblel; it's a category menu and cue sheet for its STORE category.

JumbledWord and JumbleButtton. They use the help system to get the default comment for the JumbledWord and edit it to be more specific (see figure 9).

As a designer creates new productions and new performers, the Rehearsal World becomes more complex. The default descriptive help messages can be changed by the designer by simply editing what appears in the prompter's box and selecting the ACCEPT button. This provides a quick and pleasant method for providing descriptive comments for productions, performers, and cues.

It takes our two designers less time to produce their first fumble game than it takes to read about it. Although they have some ideas about how to make the game more interesting and educationally worthwhile, they decide to store what they have implemented so far. It is the stage itself that must be instructed to do the storing. The stage has its own category menu and one of its categories is STORE. They store their efforts under the name Jumblel (see figure 10).

No fixed set of functions provided in a design environment will ever be satisfactory; the designers will always run up against the limits of that set and wish for more capabilities. The fact that stages understand cues suggests one of the mechanisms for extensibility in the Rehearsal World: every stage can be (text continued on page 198)

196 B YTE • IUNE 1984

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IUNE I984 -BYTE 197

REHEARSAL

Figure 11: An improved game named Jumble5, which evolved from Jumblel.

(text continued from page 196) converted into a new performer and every stage can be taught new cues. A designer who needs a new kind of performer can construct one by aggregating existing performers on a stage, teaching that stage some appropriate new cues, and converting the result into a new performer.

There are many circumstances in which the designers may wish to aggregate performers: several performers belong together as a logical and spatial unit: a group of performers are to be used repeatedly within a production or in several different productions: a production is very complex, and creating a new performer allows a factorization of the entire problem into smaller ones.

Bill and Laura's jumble game goes through four revisions until it finally becomes the one shown in figure 11. This improved game contains four Text performers and a Number performer . The large Text at the bottom is used simply to give feedback to the student.

The Text labeled "New Word" has been turned into a button; its button action is to cause a new secret word to be chosen from a List and presented in jumbled form in the top Text performer. This performer has also been turned into a button; its button action is to rejumble itself. The number of rejumblings is shown by the Number performer next to it. The Text performer in the center of the stage is to be edited by the student who will type the answer there. Every time that Text is changed, it will cause the answer to be checked against the secret word and suitable feedback to be provided. It does this by means of its change action.

When a performer changes in some fundamental way, as when a Number performer changes its value or a Text performer changes its text, it executes its change action. The default change action of a performer is to do nothing, but the designer can define this action for any performer. Certain other performers have additional possible ac

tions: the Repeater performer has a repeat action, the List performer has a selection action, and the Traveler performer has a move action.

In the jumble5 game. Laura and Bill use a List performer to keep a list of secret words. Since they don't want the user to see the List, they place it in the wings fsee figure 12).

While everything should be visible to the designers, not everything should be visible to the user of the production. Wings can hold performers waiting to appear on stage, data structures like the List of secret words, or temporary variables used in computations.

A very simple game grew and prospered as our designers implemented it. changing in response to their new understanding of what they were doing, and to the needs and interests of users and other designers who experimented with it. It became something real that people wish to play with and from which they can get some increased intuitive understanding of the rules underlying English orthography.

Beneath the Rehearsal World - Through the Trapdoor

The Rehearsal World in some ways may be thought of as a visible Smalltalk. Although our original intention was to remove the need for programming at the Smalltalk level, it is paradoxically true that the Rehearsal World provides an excellent entry point for an incipient Smalltalk programmer. Designers may drop through the trapdoor of the Rehearsal World: beneath they will find all the tools of the Smalltalk-80 programming environment. A Rehearsal World tool found there is called the Performer Workshop. It looks like a simplified Smalltalk browser and provides a midlevel mechanism for creating new primitive performers and defining new cues.

For each kind of performer there is a corresponding Smalltalk class that is a subclass of class Performer. The inheritance mechanism of Smalltalk allows the subclass to inherit the message interface of class Performer. Each production corresponds to a subclass of class Stage. When designers store a production, the Rehearsal World defines a new subclass of class Stage. Interest{text continued on page 200)

198 B YTE • IUNE 1984

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REHEARSAL

[text continued from page 198) ingly, a stage is so much like a performer that class Stage is actually a subclass of class Performer.

When designers create new performers, the Rehearsal World defines a new subclass of Performer and writes the code for the appropriate additional methods that the class will need for layout and for cues. Because the code written by the Rehearsal World is indistinguishable from code written by a programmer, one can inspect it and modify it in either a Performer Workshop or a Smalltalk browser (see figure 4).

There are two important features of Smalltalk that are not present in the Rehearsal World. The first is the ability to create a hierarchy of objects. In Smalltalk, when one constructs a new kind of object—that is, a class—one usually con

\ j liji i iu

{'yacht'

'tricky'

['jumbled'

'helpful'

['scissors'

['pencil'

ftypist'

ijstudy'

rprogram'

r remote"

rhonor'

jrmustartf'

['salmon*

f utmasdi

I secret word

Figure 12: The wings of the |umble5 game, showing a List performer in which the current secret word is selected.

structs it by defining a subclass of the existing class that is most like the new class. In that way the new class can inherit a great deal of the desired behavior. In the Rehearsal World, there is no concept of class. A designer who wants a new production that is similar to an existing one can modify the existing production and store it under a different name. A major weakness of this method is that modifications made to the first production will not be automatically reflected in the modified one. In contrast, a modification made to a Smalltalk class will be automatically reflected in its subclasses.

The second difference between Smalltalk and the Rehearsal World is that in Smalltalk there is a distinction between a class and an instance of that class. The class is the abstraction; an object is always an instance of some class. A class may have any number of instances. Any changes to the class will be immediately reflected in all its instances. In the Rehearsal World, there are no abstractions, thus no classes. Everything is visible. Any performer can serve as a prototype and one gets new performers through copying. What is lost is the ability to have changes made to the original reflected automatically in the copies.

Debugging

Ordinarily, the sooner a program gives evidence that something is wrong, the easier it is for the programmer to diagnose the problem. Designers in the Rehearsal World find that bugs manifest themselves very quickly because nearly all state information is visible and because the flow of control from performer to performer is fairly obvious to the eye. Even so, a situation will occasionally arise in which the designer cannot easily account for some behavior on a stage.

It seems appropriate in Programming by Rehearsal that help should come in the form of another performer, the Debugger performer (see figure 13). A Debugger, when placed on a stage, intercepts all the actions that performers execute, shows their code, and waits for the designer to tell it to go on. While the actions of the production are thus halted, the designers can investigate the cause of a problem using any of the normal Rehearsal World activities such as

opening up cue sheets and sending cues. Additional actions that may be initiated are placed in the Debugger's queue for later execution.

Animation and Multiple Processes

An intuitively pleasing, though incorrect, model for the Rehearsal World would be that each performer goes about its business independently of the others except when it needs another performer to answer a question or do something. Performers would be like people in the real world, capable of independent action but interacting through requests. Animation, you might think, would be easy because each performer would have its own rules for moving around on the screen. In this model, which we call the one-processper-performer model, each performer would essentially have its own processor for its private use. Trouble comes when performers have to share resources and coordinate that sharing. Several schemes for dealing with these problems have been developed over the years.

Our own solution to the problems introduced by having one process per performer was to allow each user action to initiate a single independent process that either runs to completion or, as with animation, continues in an infinite loop. A single production can. at any given time, have any number of different processes running in it. (Beyond that, there can be several stages on the screen at a time, each running its own processes.) This one-process-per-useraction model has so far proven to be both intuitive and powerful, though we see it as an area where further research is necessary.

Designers at Work

Since the Rehearsal World is a prototype system, very few designers have had a chance to experiment with it. The first one to actually use the system was loan Ross, a curriculum designer from the University of Michigan. loan created many interesting productions using the Picture and Turtle performers. She helped us to debug the system and to understand how to improve it on all levels as we prepared for a pilot study. We spent a month responding to the (text continued on page 202)

200 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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201

REHEARSAL

[text continued from page 200) issues that Joan raised as a result of her experiences and then invited Dan Fendel and Diane Resek, curriculum designers and faculty members of the Mathematics Department at San Francisco State University, to visit for three days to see what they could create in the Rehearsal World. They are very ex

perienced designers, familiar with the power of interactive computer graphics, but they are not programmers.

We gave them a tour of the system and within 45 minutes Dan and Diane had taken over and were using the Rehearsal World themselves. They started by investigating a simple production we had made about probability and soon

Plotter

1

.mm***************!* mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm mm mmmmmmmmm mm mm mmmm mmmtm mmmmmmm*

4000*

/

i clear! [

J'LOT jj

x * x +100

m

l . ;;v

; ill

I!

Loop

iterate

j

![x setValue: Loop getlndex. |

point setX: x / midX * (Graph getWidth / 2).

point setY: expression evaluate / midY * (Graph

jgetHeight f 2).

[Turtle 1 goto: Point + Graph getBottomLef t. ]

I 5

j 1

^^^M Run

Doit

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Debugger |

Figure 13: A stage on which a Debugger performer has been placed temporarily so that the designer may observe the code for each successive action.

suggested and implemented some improvements. They found out how it worked by looking at the button actions and change actions of the performers, both on stage and in the wings. By the end of the first afternoon, they had turned it into a game that bore only a slight resemblance to our original exploratory activity. In the process, they had auditioned Texts, Numbers, Lists, and Repeaters to discover their capabilities, dealt some with the blocking of the stage, written a fair amount of code by watching, and understood about button actions, change actions, and repeat actions.

Dan and Diane spent an hour the next morning away from the machine, designing with words and a pencil. In the course of this design session, they refined their embryonic ideas for a fraction game through discussion of both the pedagogical issues and the fantasy through which they should be transmitted. They also considered which Rehearsal World performers they would need in their proposed game. The fantasy involved a cave filled with gold dust. They envisioned the ceiling of the cave as an irregular set of stalactites: they saw the floor as tiled. The student's problem would be to sweep a vertical broom through this cave, one floor tile at a time, trying to collect as much gold dust as possible without ever allowing the broom to touch the ceiling. The broom would stretch or shrink by a certain fractional amount which the student would specify before each move. For example, if the student edited the fraction to read 2/1, the broom would become twice as tall when it moved.

They had other design criteria as well. They wanted the game to configure itself differently every time the START button was selected, and they also wanted to make it easy for a designer to specify an easy cave, with broad floor tiles and very little variation in the ceiling, or a hard one. They wanted to have a score that was expressed as a percentage of the available gold dust: they wanted some sort of disaster to occur if the student made the fraction too large and the broom touched the ceiling. They decided to call their production GoldRush (see figure 14).

We found this description quite overwhelming for an initial project, as we {text continued on page 204)

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REHEARSAL

■■■:...-. ■ ,.. .■:■■...■■.■.■■■ .-.:■,

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Figure 14: The GoldRush game and its complicated wings, showing more performers backstage than are on stage.

[text continued from page 202) had expected them to embark on something at the level of the Jumble Game described earlier. Rather than starting with a toy example for practice, they were embarking on a real-world task after only one day's experience. We worried that they had chosen something too difficult for them to accomplish in the remaining two days.

By lunch time they had figured out how to use the Turtle to draw the floor. They said, "We need a Floor Director to be in charge of drawing the floor," and placed a button in the wings labeled FloorDirector for that purpose. They used this same strategy to make a CeilingDirector, a Checker to test whether or not the broom was touching the ceiling, and a DisasterDirector in charge of what should happen when it did. Certain performers had become, if you will, visible procedures. They invented this strategy on their own, led to it by the Rehearsal World's emphasis on buttons.

Next to these directors in the wings,

they placed the performers that would be needed by the directors to accomplish their tasks. These performers fulfil the role of variables; since everything in the Rehearsal World must be visible, all variables must be represented by performers. By grouping their performers in a logical manner, they could debug their program easily by selecting a button, like the CeilingDirector, and simply watching what happened, both on stage and in the wings.

Their next task was to implement the broom (for which they used a Rectangle), the START button, and the MOVE button. The action of the START button was simply to cause the FloorDirector and the CeilingDirector to perform their button actions. The action of the MOVE button was first to move the broom and then to ask the Checker to determine whether or not the broom was touching the ceiling. If it was. it asked the DisasterDirector to perform its action; if it wasn't, the Checker computed the score. That they had not yet

even designed the disaster didn't matter; they were using top-down programming techniques, realizing that they could return later and replace the empty code block of the DisasterDirector with whatever they wanted.

By the end of the day, the FloorDirector and the CeilingDirector were both working properly and they could move the broom through the cave. They started to plan the randomness that they wanted to build into the button action of the START button.

The next day they made a fraction to be edited by the user, creating it from two Numbers and two Rectangles, one to act as the line between the Numbers, the other to act as a frame. This looked and worked fine, but they soon discovered that it was a great disadvantage to be dealing with four independent performers instead of a single unified one: whenever they decided that their fraction was the wrong size or in the wrong place, they had to resize or move (text continued on page 206)

204 BYTE- IUNE 1984

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REHEARSAL

[text continued from page 204)

four performers commensurately.

Consequently they felt the need to create a new Fraction performer, which they did by placing two Numbers and a Rectangle for the central line on an otherwise empty stage. Since other performers would need to use the values of the numerator and denominator of this Fraction performer, they taught this stage the new cues getHumerator, getDenominator, and getValue. Then they told it to convert itself into a new performer named Fraction and promptly used it in their production.

By the end of the third day. they had a game that worked, that they could respond to, that they liked, and that still needed improvement.

An extra day of work was devoted to adding new features. A Number performer called Parts was added that could be edited by the user; its change action was to show the broom divided into the number of parts indicated. This additional piece of design arose from their interaction with the production; had they been working entirely from a paper sketch, this improvement might not have occurred to them.

They then invited others in our research center to play. Although it had been designed for third-graders, our colleagues found the game interesting and fun to play. They were impressed with the quality of the game and especially with the fact that the designers were nonprogrammers, yet had implemented something so complicated in only a few days.

Eventually we found some children of an appropriate age to be students; they also enjoyed playing the game and spent many hours trying to make a perfect score. Diane now plans to reimplement GoldRush at San Francisco State using the Rehearsal World design as a prototype but changing it to run on different hardware, which might include color and have a different pointing mechanism.

Research Questions

Our experiences with designers have given us confidence that our general ideas about how to make the power of computers accessible to nonprogrammers are correct. We believe that interactive, graphical programs could and [text continued on page 208)

206 B YTE • IUNE 1984

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REHEARSAL

{text continued from page 206) should be built inside an interactive, graphical programming environment. We believe that for such programs, some sort of visual, spatial programming will eventually supplant the current process of writing lines of textual code. Nevertheless, we have many unanswered questions about the nature of visual programming.

An important aspect of the Rehearsal World is that everything is made visible: only things that can be seen can be manipulated. Thus, rather than thinking abstractly, as is necessary in most programming environments, a designer is always thinking concretely, selecting a particular performer, then a particular cue, then observing the cue's instant effect. We know that much of the initial accessibility of the system is due to this concrete, visual, object-oriented approach. What we don't know are its shortcomings.

As designers create increasingly large and sophisticated productions, they may find it a nuisance to have to instantiate everything (even temporary variables) in the form of a performer. There are problems with space on the screen and with visual complexity. Some of these problems are addressed by the ability to collapse a large set of performers into a single new one, which can be made very small while still retaining its original functionality. This helps not only with space but with factoring the production into significant pieces.

While beginning designers benefit from the concreteness, more experienced ones will benefit from being able to think in more general and abstract terms. They are led to think in general terms by the fact that all performers respond to a large set of common cues: they are led to think in abstract terms through the manipulation of Lists and Repeaters. Still, it may be difficult to build productions, for example, that need to access large amounts of data. At some point, the concreteness may become a barrier rather than an advantage.

We know that the "watching" facility is very important to beginners and makes it possible for them to "write" code without learning a language. But it's really very simple and is in no way "programming by example": it employs (text continued on page 210)

208 BYTE- IUNE 1984

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REHEARSAL

[text continued from page 208) no generalizations but merely makes a textual record of a performer being sent a cue, perhaps with parameters. Again, advanced designers might be led to think abstractly rather than specifically if the Rehearsal World provided a more powerful watching facility that was capable of some form of generalization.

In the Rehearsal World, button action and change action are the major mechanisms for expressing the interactions of all performers; a few performers, like the Repeater, the List, and the Traveler, have other special actions as well. Designers find these actions very natural and so far have had no difficulty describing their needs in these terms. However, the Rehearsal World does not provide designers with the facility to create new types of actions for new performers, and this may become a problem in the future.

The Rehearsal World supports multiple processes in such a natural way

that our designers are not surprised by the existence of this facility as they interrupt whatever they're doing to do something else. However, we have little experience with designers using multiple processes in some production and expect a variety of conceptual and mechanical difficulties to arise.

Designers express actions in a procedural fashion, instructing a performer to send a cue under certain conditions.

We are curious about how designers would deal with a constraint-based Rehearsal World in which the relationships between performers were expressed in terms of conditions that should always hold true (for example, that the value of a Number should always be twice that of another Number). We hope that researchers working on similar design environments will explore these questions. ■

REFERENCES

1. Brown, Dean, and loan Lewis. "The Process of Conceptualization.'' Educational Policy Center Research Note EPRC-6747-9. SRI Project 6747. December, 1968.

2. Oettinger, Anthony, with Sema Marks. Run, Computer, Run. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1969.

3. Gould, Laura, and William Finzer. "A Study of TRIP: A Computer System for Animating Time-Rate-Distance Problems." International lournal o\ Man-Machine Studies (1982) 17, 109-126.

4. Ingalis, Daniel H. H. "The SmalItalk-76 Pro

gramming System: Design and Implementation.'' Conference Record of the Fifth Annual ACM Symposium on Principles of Programming languages. Tucson, AZ: 1978.

5. BYTE, August 1981.

6. Goldberg. Adele. Smalltalk-&0: The Interactive Programming Environment. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1984.

7. Goldberg, Adele, and David Robson. Smalltalk-SO'. The language and its Implementation. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1983.

8. Krasner, Glenn, ed. Smalltalk-80,, Bits of History, Words of Advice. Reading, MA: AddisonWesley, 1983.

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534 Printmaster F10 55 cps Daisy Wheel

1265

PGS

We Know How to Make

PCS HX12

473

Your Prowriter IBM Compatib

e

MAX 12

1% Okidata

SR12

CaM 92p 160 cps

427

USI

93p 160 cps

705

Pi 2 12" Green

1?1

IBM Printer Rom ...

45

Pi 3 12" Amber

14"

2350 350 cps

2000

Sanyo

8112 Hi/Res

2410

2380

W

Star Micronics

Gemini 10X 120 cps . .

285

NEC

Gemini 15X 120 cps

423

IB 1201

1b

Delta 10 160 cps

448

IB 1205A

17;

Delta 15 160 cps

633

|C 1410

81;

NEC

3550 40 cps 7710 55 cps

Brother

MODEMS

1698 1899

Hayes

300

20;

HRI ... 16 cps

569

1200

49:

HR25 23 cps

765

1200B

43;

HR35 34 cps

Call

Micromodem lie W/T , ,

24i

Dynax

DX15 14 cps

US Robotics

3o;

477

Password

Keyboard

149

Autodial 212A

46C

IDS

Novation

Prism 132 color

1535

Access 1,2,3

45<

Prism 80 color

1419

Apple Cat II

27/

Transtar

Prometheus Products

315 color

450

Promodem 1200

36!

Silver Reed

Options Processor

ft

550

595

Memory

$30 per 16K up to 64K

Alphanumeric Display Procom Software-Apple, IBM

Rixon

PC212A

P212A

78 78

415

415

IBM ACCESSORIES

Ast Research

6-Pack 225

Combo Plus 225

Mega Plus • . 225

64 K Ram Set 55

Plantronics

Color Plus 375

Hercules Computer

Hercules Graphics Card 350

Amdek

MAI 477

Koala

Koala Graphic Tablet Call

Everex

Dual Display Call

Number 9 Number 9 1448X1448 Call

500

Spirit 160

Juki

18 cps

Teletex

12 cps

Mansman Tally

80 cps 160 cps

DISK DRIVES

For IBM

Tandon TM100-2 . . Teac 55B Yi Height Panasonic/Shugart Vi Height

CDC

For Apple

Super 5 %A Height

Quentin Ap 100-Y

Quentin Ap 105-Y Vi Height

Quentin Controller

Rana 1

Rana 1 with Controller

431

450

315 641

180 175 194 220

203 242 213 48 255 325

HAVE IT YOUR WAY

18 Slot Chassis 125 Watt Power

and IBM Compatible CPU

li ■ Willi

m^t^^a^

IMP SYSTEM — $1,300 The S-100 Concept for IBM Compatible Systems

You want a computer. You like the flexibility and options of the IBM PC. EXCEPT there are some things that you want your way. YOU:

• Don't like the funny keyboard.

• Want 1/2 height drives so you can add a hard disk later.

• Want a powerful supply that is adequate for disk expansion.

• Want more than three additional slots.

• Want a faster or different CPU.

• Want higher resolution graphics.

• Want Dvorak or other keyboard layout.

List Our

TIME SPECTRUM 395 Call

APSTEK 369 Call

CRAMBO 359 Call

BIG BLUE 600 Call

EASIBOARD + 15 functions 350

Maynard Sandstar 230

PC GT 80186 8MHz 1195 Call

Scion 1595

Halo-lntlgnt High Res Graphics 150

PROTIUM 1195

Keytronics Keyboard QWERTY 169

Keytronics Keyboard DVORAK 169

Keytronics Keyboard 5151 255 Lotus 1-2-3 users, you need this keyboard

COMPUTERS

Franklin OMS 1200 1709

Columbia 1600-1 2600

TAVA PC 1900

Eagle I 1650

Eagle II 2050

Eagle III 2270

Eagle IV 3500

Eagle PC-2 2730

Eagle 1620 3400

Eagle 1630 ' . 5270

Eagle 1640 6400

SOFTWARE

Ashton Tate

dBase I! Friday

Software Arts

TK Solver Solver Pac

Seasoned Systems

Sure Stroke Dvorak Tutor

Sorcim

Super Calc 111

Micro Pro

Wordstar Mail Merge Spellstar Pro Pack

MBSI

Realworld Gl Realworld AR

ATI

For Most Software Programs

Hayes

Smart Com

Micro Stuff

Crosstalk

TERMINALS

Televideo

Micro Rim

RBase

Hard Disks Call

914 925 950

50

3000

Wyse Teletex

569 460

ONX System 5 De Smetc

389 184

48

189

258 131 131

475

533 533

69

72 134

344

Call Call

California Residents add 6.5% State Sales

Tax

Shipping extra for outside USA, FPO and

APO

Please include an address reachable by

UPS, no P.O. boxes, and your phone number

where you can be reached during the day.

(213) 344-4455

Knowledge Systems Inc.

19707 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Circle 183 on inauirv card

ORDERING TERMS

Prepaid: Money Orders, Cashier's Checks, Certified Checks, Bank Wire Transfers, Master Card, Visa, AMEX (add .3% for AMEX) and Personal Checks (allow 15 banking days for all personal checks). Please include Valid Driver's License # and Major Credit Card for Identification.

#B5

THE WORLD S LARGEST

ORDER RRM

ALL MAIL: Conroy-LaPointe, Inc. 12060 SW Garden Hace, Portland, OR 97223 SHOWROOMS AT: PORTLAND, OR and SEATTLE, WA - BOTH OPEN M-SAT10-6

f

HARDWARE for your APPLE

APPLE lie. 128K. 80COLUMN

APPLE II*. STARTER SYSTEM BY APPLE

CALL CALL

APPLE MACINTOSH CALL

LUMTH) WUMANTY t, 100% Parts S Labor tor 90 days by us

DISK DRIVES

: Amdisk I. 3" Micro Floppy, 143K J 299 J 249 ♦ CENTRAL PT.. filer. UtilityS Apple DOS $ 20 $ 15

* A2 143K Disk Drive A2 Controller Card

* A4Q 160K. Drive

* A70, 286K, Drive A40A70 Controller

$ 479 t 100 $ 449 $ 599 $ 100

$229

t n

$299

$299 $ 79

1/2 HIGH 'LPS. A40, Belt Drive. 163K $ 299 1199

noiucc TEAC, T40. Direct Drive, 163K {349 $219

l/Hllca TEAC, T8D DouWeSded. 326K J 449 $329

Controller Card by ComX $110 $ 59

Rana Elite 1, 163K. 40 Track $ 379

$259

— — Elite I 326K, 80 Track $649 •fg Elite 3, 652K, 160 Track 5 849 ■eW Elite Controller $ 145

$429

$539

$ 89

RAM EXPANSION

♦ ALS, ADD Ram (lit) 16* S 100

$ 49

* ComX.80 col, ♦64K RAM.for He, 1 Yr. Wry $ 199

$ 99

* RAM Card. lYr.Wty, (II*) 16K $ 179

$ 39

• Mkneoft, RAM Card (II ♦) 16K $100

$ 69

« Titan/Saturn RAM Card (II») 32K $249

$169

RAM Card (11+) 64K $425

$299

RAM Card (II*) 128K $599

$399

VIDEO CARDS

« ALS, Smarterm ll(* or e) SPECIAL $ 179

* ComX 80 col. *64K RAM(lle) 1 yr. wry $ 199 ' ' orel $279

$379 $ 35 $149 $ 39

Video Term 80 col.

* UltraTerm (+ or e)

Soft Video Switch (11+) Enhancer II |ll*| Function Strip (11+)

We Have Full Motor Line. Cell.

$129 $ 99 $189 $279 $ 25 $ 99 S 29 Up 10 35% off.

MISCELLANEOUS

ALS,TheCP/MCardV3.0|*ore) $399 $279

1 Card (+ ore) $169 $109

ASTAR, Rf Modulator, to use TV $ 35 $ 25

* CCS, Serial Interface 7710 (Set BAUD) $ 150 $ 99 Chalkboard. Power Pad $ 100 $ 75

>. Wld Card (copier, II* only) $110 $ 85

Mid Card 2 (copier. * or e) $ 140 $ 99

_ xi. System Saver $ 90 $ 65

Key Tronic KB200 keyboard (11+) $298 $219

Koala. Touch Tablet w/Micro Illustrator $125 $ 85

Kraft, Joystick (Ap 11/11+) $ 65 $ 49

PaddlelAp 11/11*1 $ 50 $ 39

MSA Sup R fan (* ore) $ 50 $ 39

Z80Softcard(*ore| $345 $345

Z80Softcard Plus (*ore) $465 $465

Z80SoftcardPremium(ll«) $695 $479

ZSOSoftcard Premium(lle) $495 $339

MIcroTefc, Dumpling 64, Buffer $349 $269

* Orange Micro, Grappler Plus (e or *) $ 175 $119

16K Buffer Board for Grappler Plus $175 $119

Buffered Grappler Plus, 16K $245 $179

Paymar, Lower Case Chip. Rev. 7(11*) $ 50 $ 39

* PCPI, Applicsrd, 14 features 6Mhz $375 $275 RH Electronic*, Super Fan II $ 75 $ 59

* Titan/Saturn. Accelerator II $599 $449 Tranaand/SSM, AI0II, Serial/Para l/F $225 $169 TG Product*. Game Paddles (11+) $ 40 $ 29

Joystick (11+) $ 60 $ 45

Vldn.PSIO l/F Card $229 $169

WICO, Mouse. Complete $179 $119

SOFTWARE for votir APPLE

BUSINESS

* Applied Soft Tech., Versaform $389 $259 Artsci, Magic IMndo* II $ 150 $ 99

Magic CombofWind.Mail&Words) $225 $149

* Athlon-Tate, dBase II (Ret) CP/M 80] $700 $385

Friday (Requires CP/M 80) $295 $199

BP1Sy*t*m»,GL.AR.AP.PRorlNV.each $395 $269

» Broderbund.Bank St Writer or Speli.ea $ 70 $ 45

Continental, GL.AR.AP or PR. each $250 $165

* Home Accountant $ 75 $ 49 Tax Advantage $ 70 $ 47

Dow Jon**, Market Analyzer $350 $275

Market Manager $300 $235

Market Microscope $700 $525

Fox & GeDer, Quickcode or dGraph. ea. $295 $185

dUtility ("or dBase II) $ 99 $ 66

Haydan. Pie Writer (Specify 80 col. bd) $150 $ 99

* Howard Soft. Tax Preparer, 1984 $250 $185 UK. Letter Perfect w /Mail Merge $ 150 $ 99 Micro Pro, (all require Z8DCP/M Card)

* WordStar w/applicard 8CP/M SPECIAL $ 695 $295 InfoStar w/apphcard SCP/M SPECIAL $ 695 $295 WordStar ~ + Training Manual SPECIAL $495 $239 SpellStar - or MailMerge'-ea SPECIAL $250 $129

* WordStar Professional, 4 Pak SPECIAL $695 $395 Options Pak, SS/MM/SI $295 $175

Mtaoaoft Multi-Plan CP/M or Apple DOS) $250 $169

* Oabome/ComX. (Disk and Book) (Stat, Bus. 8 Math)

Some Common Basic Programs [75 ea.) $ 100 Practical Basic Programs (40 ea.) $ 100

l, Requires CP/M UMBasic, 64K

$395 $399 $249 $969 $295 $189 $125

Series 40GL 8.AR JAP, all 3

MeetPerfect Writer/Spellet-2pak

Perfect Filer or Perfect Calc. each

Perfect Writer/Spel/Filer/Calc(4)

Pearttoft, Personal Peart

Quark, Word Juggler & Lexicheck (lie)

Serwible, Sen. Speller or Bookends, ea.

Sierra/On-Une. Screenwriter Pro. 2 Pak $200

Screenwriter II $ 130

The Dictionary NEW! $ 100

Gen. Manager ll-NEW! $230

Homeword $ 50

* Silicon Valley. Word Handler $ 60

* List Handler $ 50

* Handler Pak (Word, List & Spell) $130 Software PuHiahina, PFS File $ 125 (specify + or e) Ff S: Report $ 125

PFS: Graph $125

PFS: Write (lie) $125

D8 Master Version 40 $ 350

DB Utility I or II $129

Advanced DB Master % 595

$ 49 $ 49

$239 $249 $149 $499 $195 $139 $ 85 $135 $ 89 $ 69 $155 $ 34

$229 $ 87 $495

VhaCorp, Visicalc 3.3(11+)

Visicatc Enhanced (lie) Visicalc Advanced (lie) Visilile or VisiDex, each

$250 $169

$250 $179

$295 $210

$250 $179

UTILITY & SYSTEM

_ i. Apple Mechanic or Diskquik. ea.

Double-Take or GPLE each $35 $ 25

Typefaces (Req. Ap. Mechanic) I 20 $ 15

DOSS Boss or Utility City, each $ 30 $ 22

Tip Disk »1 $ 20 $ 15

Pronto DOSS $ 30 $ 20

Alpha Plot $ 40 $ 27

Central Point, Filer. DOS 33 8 Util $ 20 $ 15

Copy II Plus (bit copier) s 40 $ 30

' i, Compiler-Applesoft BASIC $ 129 $ 85

Epaon, Graphics Dump $15 $ 9

Have*. Terminal Prog. (SM or MM.ea j $ 100 $ 65

* Ineofi. GraFORTH by Paul Lutus $ 90 $ 65 Microsoft A IDS $125 $ 85

Fortran 80 $195 $135 COMPLETE MICROSOFT UNE IN STOCK

* Omega. Locksmith (Txl copier) VerS 0 $ 100 $ 75 Penguin, Complete Graphics System I! $ 70 $ 53

Graphics Magician $ 60 1 41

Phoenix, Zoom Grafix I 40 § 34

Qualify, Bag of Tncks $ 40 $ 29

Terrapin, Logo $ 150 $ 99

LRHico. Essential Data Duplicator III I 80 I 49

HOME & EDUCATIONAL

Atari, Centipede, PacMan or Donkey K.,ea. $

Beagle Bro*.. Beagle Bag $ 30

Bluechip, Millionaire $ 60

Broderhund Choplifter or Lode Runner.ea $ 35

Arcade Machine $ 60

Apple Panic $ 30

BudgeCo., Pinball Constr. Set $ 40

r Continental. Home Accountant $ 75

Datasoft, Aztec or Zaxxon, each $ 40

Davidson. Math Blaster! $ 50 Edu-Ware. (Large Inventory)

Hayden. Sargon II (Chess) $ 35

Sargon III (Chess) $ 50

Infocom, Zork 1,11,III, or Starcross. each $ 40 Koala, Full line in stock, CALL Learning Co., (Large Inventory)

Micro Lab, Miner 2049er $ 40

Microsoft. Typing Tutor $ 25

Monogram, Dollars and Sense $ 100

Origin, Ultima III $ 60

Scarborough /Lightning, Mastertype $ 40

Sierra/On-Line. Ultima II $ 60

Sir-Tech, Wizardry $ 50

Spinnaker, Kindercomp (others in stock) $ 30

Sub Logic, Flight Simulator II $ 50

22

40

25

40

21

27

49

27

34

Call

$ 29

$ 34

$ 27

Call

Call

PRINTER COMBO SALE

ONE TIME. QUANTITY LIMITED

*OKIDATAML80

80cps,

Pinfeed, 80col 132 col. condensed 96ASCII. Graphics, Parallel list Price $299

COMBOA for Apple or IBM- $549 IM $450

ML80 + dBase II

COMBO B for Apple or IBM- $494 save $500

ML80 ♦ WordStar + Mail Merge + SpellStar* Star Index COMBO C for Apple ll+/e- $474 aave $520

M180 ♦ Appfcard CP/M ♦ 13 Features) ♦ WordStar or InfoStar COMBO D for IBM-PC- $397 Mve $550

ML80 + 50Generik~DS/DD diskettes + Bank Street Writer Home Accountant Plus + 3 insert Trix educational games. COMBOE for Apple II+.'e-$291 taire $420

Ml 80 + 50Generik'-SS/SD diskettes + Bank Street Writer + Insoft 3 game pak + Home Accountant

NEC PC-820LA $649

Includes word processing and 13 other programs: 32K ROM & 1GK RAM both expandable to 64* RS232 Disk, Printer. Cassette and Bar Code interfaces built-in: AC or DC Complete line in stock.

♦a/JaY" Computer, PC8201A 16K(64K $800 $649 faMJV Data Recorder, PC8281A $115

Pnner.PC8221AThermal,40col $ 170

$ 99

$149

^-MEANS A BEST BUY

DISKETTES

CDC. lOOea SS/DD, 40T (Apple, IBM) lOeaSS/DD, 40T (Apple. IBM) 100eaDS/DD.40T(IBM,H/P) lOeaDS/DD, 40TIIBM.H/P) DYSAN. lOea SS/SD (Apple, etc.)

10eaDS/DD48T(IBM.H/P.etc.) MAXELL, 10each.MDL SS/DD 10each.MDZDS/D0 VERBATIM. lOeaMD52501.SS/DD 10eaMD34,DS/DD

LIST PRICE

$550 $ 55

$750

ou>

PIKE $239 $ 26 $295

GENERIK"' DISKETTES - AS LOW AS $1

W/Jackets. no labels, top quality. 90 day limited warranty by us.

10 ea SS/SO, 35 Track (Apr*, Atari) 100 ea SS/SD, 35 Track (Apple. Atari) 1000 ea SS/SD, 35 Track (AppMtari) 10eaDS/DD.48TPI(IBM, H/P) 100eaDS/OD,48TPI(IBM,H/P) 1000ea DS/DD, 48TPI (IBM, H/P)

$ 42 $ 17

$ 415 $ 130

$4150 $ 995

$ 63 $ 25

$ 626 $ 170

$6260 $1400

NO HASSLE MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON GENERIK S

GENERIK™ DISKETTES

Each at lOOO quantity.

SS/SD $1.00 Each DS/DD $1.40 Each

A

for the ATARI

RAMA 1000 Drive. 320K $ 449 $ 369

KOALA. Pad w/Micro lllus. $ 100 $ 75

MODEMS JS&

ACCESSORIES

out

PPJCE

$ 99 $ 79

ANCHOR Signalman MKI (RS232) Signalman Mark XII

HAYES, IBM-PC Smartmodem 1200B IBM-PC Smartcom II Software Stack Chronograph (RS-232) StackSmartmcdern 300(RS232) $289 $225 Smartmodem 1200 (RS-232) $699 $535 MicromodemlOOIS-lOObus) " Micromodem lie w /Smartcom

IBM-PC to Modern Cane

$399 $269

$599 $439

$149 $109

$249 $169

$399 $275 $329 $239

NOVATION, IBM-PC Access 1-2-3 Pack. $595 $445

Apple Cat II Modem 300 BAUD $389 $269

212AppleCat 1200BAUD

Cat

J-Cat

212 Auto Cat

Smart Cat 103/212 TRANSEND/SSM.

Transendl lor Apple II $ 89 $ 69

ModemCard lor the Apple II $299 $259

Transmodem 1200 $ 695 $ 559

SOFTWARE -St E APPtt OR IBM UTILITY SOf 1KJARE SECTIONS

$725 $559

$189 $139

$149 $104

$695 $579

$595 $415

MONITORS?1*

I ACCESSORIES

* AMDEK, 12- Green, #309; $ 200

* 12" Amber, WOOA $210

* 12"Amber, HlOAtor IBM-PC $230

* 13" Color I, Composite $379

* 13"Color II, RGB, Hi Res $529 DVM. Color II or III to Apple II I.f $199 13-,CotorlV.RGB,720Hx400V

NEC. 12- Green, Model 1260MA $150

12" Green, Model 1201MA $199

12" Amber, Model 1205MA $ 210

12"Color,RGB,1216FA(IBM&NEC-PC| $ 599

12"Cotor, Composite, 12!5A(Apple) $399

* PRINCETON, RGB Hi Res, HX-12 $795

* RGB Hi Res, SR-12 $799

* Amber, MAX-12fwono6rd.) $249 QUADRAM.QuadchromelZ-RGEIColor $695

Quadscreen 17" 968x512 $1995

2ENITH, 12" Green, Mdl. ZVM123 $ 200

PRINTERS SBS

DOT MATRIX:

EPSON, RX80, 100 cps

FX80. 160 CDS

FX100,160 cps

MX100F/T. (JOcps. w/Grafrax+

Apple II Graphics Dump MANNESMANN 160L 80col. 160cps TALLY, 180L132COI. 160cps

* Spirit 80 col SOcps NEC. PC-8023A, FT. 120cps, 80col. para

PC-8025,120CPS, 136 col, para Cable, 8023/8025 to IBM-PC OKIDATA. 82A. 80cot, 120 CDS, para 83A, 132 col, 120 cps, para

92. 80 col, 160 cps, para.

93, 136cot, 160cps. para 2350P,Pacemark, 350cps,para 2410P,Pacemark, 350cps,para.

ORANGE MICRO.Grappler+, for Apple PRACTICAL, Mcrobjff kvUne 64K,Para. Mcrobuff In-Line 64K,Ser. QUADRAM, Quadjet. Jet Color Fnnter

• STAR MK.. Gemini 107.120cps.23K

Gemini 15"X,120cps,2.3K

LETTER QUALITY:

NEC, 15LQ, 14cps, Pariw/TF, lOlcol TTX. 1014,13cps, ParaiSer., Pin&fric.

UST PRICE

$ 695 $ 649

PRINTER INTERFACES and BUFFERS:

IBM-PC to Epson or Star Micro Cable $ 60 $ 31 Apple I /F & Cable for Epson or Gemini $ 95 $ 51

SUADRAM. icrofazer, w/Copy, PP, 8K,*MP8w/PS $ 189 $ 13! Microfarer. w/Copy. PP, 64K, «MP64w/PS $ 319 $ 231 MicrofEer, w/Copy, PP, 128K.W/PS $ 465 $ 34!

Mictotaec Snap-on, 8K, PP Epson w/PS $ 179 $ 14! Microfazer, Snap-on, 64K, PP, Epson w/PS $ 319 $ 231 All Irtcrofarers are expandable (w/copy to 512*0 (SnapHXi to 64K) SUPPLIES.' Tractor Feed Paper, Ribbons, Daisy Wheels.

E9

41CX, Calculator NEW $ 325 $ 275 41C. Calculator $ 195 $ 149

41CV, Calculator w/22K $ 275 $ 219

HYPERION

Portable Computer $3690 $.2990

Checks allow 20 days to clear No COO Prices reflect a 3% cash discount so ADD 3% to above prices lor VISA or MC. For US Mainland, add 3% ($5 minimum) lor shipping, insurance and handling (SI&H) by UPS UPS ground is standard so add 3MJ10 minimum) more tor UPS Slue tor SI&H. Add 12% total {$15 minimum) tor SI&H lor US Postal. APO or FPO. For Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. UPS is in some areas only, all others are Postal so call, write, or specify Postal Foreign orders e.cept Canada lor SI&H add 18% {$25 minimum) tot SI&H eicept lot monitors add 30% {$50 minimum) tor SI&H. All prices. availaMity and specifications subject to errors or change without notice so call to verity All goods are new, include warranty and are guaranteed to work. Due to our low prices and our assurance that you will get new unused products. ALL SALES ARE FINAL Call before returning goods lor repair or replacement Orders received with insufficient SI&H charges will be refunded. ORDER DESK HOURS 6A.M. to 6 P.M PST, Monday through Friday and lOto 4 Saturday 6AM here b 9A.M. in New York

OUR REFERENCES: We Have been in computers inO electronics since 195& a computer dealer since 1978 and in computer mail order since 1980, Banks 1st Interstate Bank. (503) 643-4678 We belong to the Chamber of Commerce {503} fj*4-0121*idftre«MarluAngAssocurmor M^

CASH & CARRY OUTLETS:

Over-the-counter sales only. Open Monday through fnday, 10:00 until 6:00 Saturday. lftOOuntil 6:00

POITUMID, OREGON—NEW tOCATION! At Part 217. Tigard at intersection of 217 and 99W. Coming from Portland on 99W, take immediate left after 217overpass and Texaco Station Call 620-5595. SEATUE. WASH.-3540 128th Ave. SE. Bellevue. WA 98006 Tel: 641-4736 in Loehmann's Rata near Factoria Square, S£ ol Hwy 405 « 90 and at SE 3Hh $ Dichards.

212 BYTE' IUNE 1984

Computer Exchange

LOW PRICES TO PROFESSIONALS WHO KNOW WHA T THEY WANT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT!

SUPPLY CENTER for IBM-PC or XT

256KIBM-PCorXT

320/360K Disk Drives by CDC

90 Day Warranty By Us

Call for Details

Coming soon products for the PC Jr.

® 1984, Service Mark ol Conroy-LaPointe. Inc.

• 1984 by Conroy-LaPointe. Inc. All Rights Reserved

DRIVES

CONTRPL

DATA OR "I

indon

320K/360K DS/DD DISK DRIVES

With Detailed Installation Instructions 30 Day Warranty by Factory Authorized Distributor

Same as now #0 1 O installed by IBM ^£19 S229 For One.

HALF $199 HEIGHT

LIST OUR

PRICE PRICE

ComX T Disk Drive Power Cable $ 8 $ 6

Amdisk V, !4 height internal, 320/360K $ 329 $ 249 Amdisk III, Dual 3" Micro Floppy. 320/360K $599 $529 Cable, Amdisk III to IBM-PC interlace OK

MAYNARD

FloppyDnveControlBrdupto4dnves $215$ 189

same with Parallel Part $ 300 $ 239

Internal 10 meg Hard Disk $1395 $1195

OUR AD

#B5

NO SALES TAX

AMItPlf m 4'in'l Multiple Board, Color MIVIL/CI\ Graphics, Mono, 128K

LIST PRICE

fTe

ComboRus, 64K. S/P/C ComboHus, 256K, S/P/C MegaPlus II, 64K, 2S/P/C MegaPlus II, 256K. 2S/P/C 256K MegaPlus II Expander SiicPakPlus, 64K, S/P/C +S/W SxPakPlus. 256K.S/P/C *S/W SxPakPlus. 384K.S/P/C +S/W For SixPak w/ Game Port, add l/0Plusll,S/P/CC IA}Plusll, s/p/cca; 1/0 Plus II, 2S/P/CC/G

$599 $519

$395 $279

$695 $495

$495 $375

$795 $595

$395 $295

$395 $295

$695 $495

$895 $595

$ 50 $ 39

$215 $150

$265 $185

$315 $215

$799 $599

$875 $695

Z Plus 64. fast Z80B, 64K para port

Chalkboard, Power Pad, Req. Kit $100 $ 73

*ComX Era»IW™25« RAM Cart »/Fa^™ RAM dirt

emulator and spooler software. $ 495 $ 325

CURTIS UNH Monitor bit & swivel base $ 50 $ 39

3to9foot keyboard cable $ 40 $ 30

Vertical CPU "System Stand" $ 25 $ 19

Monochrome Ext Cable Pair $ 50 $ 35

HERCULES Graphic, tod. Mono $499 $349

Key TrOniC KB515Q 3d keyboard $209 $159

* KB5151. Stit keyboard NEW $ 255 $209

Knala «'*"««ta|ii $150 $109

■ lUOia Programmer's Guide $ 15 $ 12

MAYNARDM"«*ln*1" IS Card, MFC $ 89 $ 79

CAIinCTAD Memory Card no RAM $230 $169

oANUolAH Memory Card 256K $499 $395

Modules for Sandstar in stxk Cai

* Internal lOmeg Hard Disk $1395 $1195

Mtf^OAC/rjETRAMCard 256K $ 550 $ 385

rviivsmsdvjr i SlStMCali 256K $ 625 $ 469

SystemCard 64K $ 395 $ 295

Mouse $ 195 $ 145

MOUSE SYSTEMS, PC Mouse w/sofrware $ 295 $ 195

$1490 $1090 $ 695 $ 495

ORCHID PCnet-StarterKftlAN unullu PCnet'-Circuit Board Kit

PLANTRONICS

QxdrBoard SCokxmagK, 16color,w/Para $ 559 $ 395 Color Board & Draftsman, 16 color,* /Para $ 559 $ 395

QUADfV\M

* Quadlink NEWEST VERSION Quadboard, no RAM. expand to 384K Quadboard 64K, expand to 384K Quadboard 256K, expand to 384K

* Quadboard, 384K

Quadboard II, no RAM, expand to 256K Quadboard II. 64K. expand to 256K Quadboard II. 256K. 6 function Quad 512 « 64K plus serial port Quad 512 * 256K plus serial port Quad 512 » 512K plus serial port Quadcolor I, board, 16 colors

* Quadcolor II, board, use with Quadcolor I

* Quadchrome. 12" RGB Monitor Quadscreen, 17" 968x 512 Monitor

S/P/CC 256K.S/P/CC Captain, 64K.S/P/CC Captain,384K.S/P/a Wave, 256K (short bid.) Bosun, S/P/CCfshort brd.) Graphics Master

$ 680

1CV.IIK1I 1st MATE, 256k

295

395

675

795

Call

395

595

325

550

895

$ 295

$ 275

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ALPHA, Database Manager II ASHTONTATE

* dBase II, (req. PC-DOS & 128K] dBase II User's Guide (Book) Everyman's DB Primer (Book) The Financial Planner Friday

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dUtil (MSDOS or CP/M86, each) $ 99

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SpeHStar™ $250

WordStar Professional, 4 Pak $695

Options Pak, SS/MM/SI $ 295

Starlndex™ $195

InfoStar" $ 495

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Word $375

Word with Mouse $475

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$165

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OPEN SYS, GL.AFLAP,PRINV or PO.eacI

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Some Common Basic Programs(70ea

1 $100

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$100

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Circle 85 for IBM Peripherals. Circle 86 for Apple. Circle 87 for all others.

JUNE 1984 'BYTE 213

- ♦wmaro*

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THEME

GAME SETS AND BUILDERS

by Ann Piestrup

Graphics-based learning software

ONLY RECENTLY ARE computer scientists and educators beginning to collaborate to create learning software that can fulfill the promise of the personal computer to transform education. A few educators have begun to think like computer scientists, and some programmers are beginning to understand children's learning needs.

Schools lag far behind business, science, medicine, and law in responding to changes in the culture. Children, for the most part, are getting a token exposure to the power of computing in schools, and only minimal exposure to the computer as a graphic, playful, interactive medium with which to learn concepts and skills.

Early educational software used in computer-aided instruction (CAI) has been primarily text-based. While useful for factual drill and effective at teaching what standardized tests measure, too often there is little in such software to engage the learner's imagination.

Much of the graphics-based "entertaining education" software now distributed for the home is like a slow video game, with a thin veneer of educational content and merely decorative graphics. The purpose of such programs is to teach a limited set of facts, such as math problems or spelling words. Many of these programs require only that a child press a single key,

then passively watch while the computer does tricks—the computer has all the fun. Once the child learns the minimal content and exhausts the limited bag of graphic tricks, interest in the program is gone.

In contrast, powerful learning software programs, such as learning game sets and builders, use graphics to convey meaning, not to decorate the screen. They teach learning strategies and fundamental, generalized skills upon which others can be built.

Powerful Learning

Powerful learning is carefully sequenced, with content that offers real value to the child. It is playful, with features of a game and characteristics of literature (themes, characters, elements of surprise), and it has a simple, clear user interface.

In effective learning games, play can begin in a very few minutes. To achieve this, commands for getting in and out of programs and for reaching instructions and the menu should be straightforward and consistent. A simple user interface frees the user from the details of man

Ann Piestrup is chairman and founder of The Learning Company {Suite 170, 545 Middlefield Road. Menlo Park, CA 94025). She holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of California at Berkeley.

aging the game and allows the child to focus on playing, and therefore learning.

Designers of learning software must be constantly aware of the cognitive "load" the mind can absorb and must present a carefully measured amount of new information with a proportional amount of familiar information.

Powerful learning software can offer several approaches to the same material and thereby encourage the learner to think flexibly. This flexible thinking can carry over outside the context of the game. There are no single correct answers; there are patterns to find and alternatives to consider.

Fascination with concepts can be an intrinsic motivation, leaving the child free to operate at his or her learning edge. The best learning software offers options, such as editors that enable children to create their own games or to create original graphics or text. Games need to have a smooth flow, with no barriers between steps. Children should be able to choose their own pathways through a set of games and to play any game as many times as it poses a challenge.

Motivation

With a whimsical story line, humor, and

a warm, nonjudgmental tone, learning

games can be endearing and delightful

(tot continued on page 216)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 215

GAME SETS

Photo la:

The first game in

the Bumble set.

Find Your

Number, presents

the concepts of

numerals, number

lines, and greater

than and less

than.

Photo lb:

Find the Bumble

combines these

elements in a 4

by 4 array.

Columns and rows

are highlighted as

numbers and

letters are plotted.

Concepts are

represented both

in words and

symbols.

t

Photo Ic:

Butterfly Hunt

offers a larger grid

and removes arrow

clues, leaving only

tot explanations.

The horizontal

axis is plotted

first, then the

vertical axis.

{text continued from page 215) to younger children. A theme character can tie programs together in a fantasyevoking way. The best games are elegantly simple, so that a small input has a dramatic output.

Exciting games may offer an element of chance, or competition with an opponent or against the clock; there is a sense of risk and the unexpected. Within a game, children can be encouraged to play cooperatively, to seek joint solutions to a problem.

Learning games, like other software, books, and movies, convey values. Designers must be sensitive to the values that schools and parents want to teach. Good learning software interests both sexes and avoids gratuitous violence.

Learning Game Sets

A learning game set is a series of programs structured so that concepts and skills learned in earlier games form a foundation for later games. Learning game sets focus attention narrowly and offer manageable bits of new information, and they guide the learner with prompts throughout the learning experience. While working through the game set, children can learn complex skills and advanced concepts. In addition, they can learn strategies for approaching visual information.

All games in a set should have a unifying theme, which could include a character, story, and cohesive metaphor.

Bumble Games and Bumble Plots from The Learning Company (Menlo Park. California) are examples of learning game sets. These programs present a focused set of information and skills, such as using numerals, number lines, arrays, and grids (photos la through If). A fantasy character named Bumble from the planet Furrin guides the learning.

In these games, each time a child presses a key, some action is shown on the screen. The child can press another key within three seconds to make something else happen. The player sets the pace of the game and therefore has a sense of control over the medium.

Children playing games in the Bumble set work through fundamental concepts such as counting, greater than and less than, positive and negative numbers, columns and rows. When they can enter x,y coordinates fluently in a fourquadrant grid, they catch robbers in

216 BYTE • IUNE 1984

GAME SETS

moving cars, name coordinates for a sonar detector, and plot tic-tac-toe positions. Then they can plot their own graphics with a simple editor that is presented like a game.

These games encourage play because there is no way to lose. Children can cooperate or compete in guessing numbers and often transcend the issue of winning or losing by assuring that each child has a turn to play at alternate times when it is obvious that the next entry will win.

Children maintain interest in a program like Bumble Games for many months or even years. The concepts are very basic—how space relates to number. The concepts of row and column lay the foundation for beginning to use spreadsheets and to plot computer graphics. The programs also encourage children to build spatial awareness, to formulate strategies, and to experience success in learning.

Children can transfer skills learned in these games to new situations, such as finding points on a map from grid references. Thus young children can learn the skills that many of us struggled with in junior high school. Kindergarten children who can fluently plot graphics on a computer may present a challenge to the schools, but they show that computer learning games can teach important concepts in a playful, powerful way.

Builders

A builder is a program with real-time, animated graphics, with which a user can put parts together to make something new. Nothing in text could simulate a builder program, with its functional graphics. Its purpose is to encourage learning by doing in an exploratory environment. A builder could teach a specific content, such as electronics, chemistry, biology, or music. Examples are Pinball Construction Set from Electronic Arts and our own Rocky's Boots.

Builders provide a metaphor to the real universe, with a defined and internally consistent geography, elements (often icons) such as building parts and connectors, and rules. For example, in Pinball Construction Set, the player uses icons to create a simulated pinball machine. The machine is a game board with movable bumpers and flippers, {text continued on page 218)

Photo Id:

Visit from Space substitutes a grid for the array. For the first time in the set. numbers label both axes.

Photo Ie:

\n Tic lac Toe, children must enter numbers in x.y format. Columns and rows are no longer highlighted as points are plotted. Children must plot many coordinates on the same grid, using a game strategy.

Photo If:

In Bumble Dots, children use standard pair notation to plot original graphics on a 10 by 10 grid. These graphics become the basis of a game.

IUNE 1984

IYTE 217

GAME SETS

Photo 2a:

Players using

Rooky's Boots can

design machines

using AND. OR.

and NOT gates.

Photo 2 b:

In the game room

in Rocky's Boots,

players build

logical kicking

machines to solve

problems.

Photo 2c:

Rocky's Boots has

a graphics editor

that players use

to create new

games.

{text continued from page 217) which can act according to the rules of real pinball machines or according to rules modified by the player.

The internal geography of Rocky's Boots is represented as a set of rooms with doors and walls (photos 2a through 2c). The player uses elements such as wires, logic gates, and sensors to build simulated electronic devices according to the internal rules of Rocky's world and the broader rules of combinatorial and sequential logic.

Within the parameters set by a builder, players can recombine elements according to structuring rules. They can create games, generate novel solutions to puzzles, edit and rework their creations, and in doing so explore fully the properties of the elements and rules. The program designer creates tools that are open to the player's exploration. At the same time, the limits of the program's universe (of the physical space, its elements, and rules) help structure learning. This permits both freedom and focus within the same environment.

The exploratory character of a builder encourages invention and divergent thinking. An ordinary computer-aided instruction program, in contrast, requires single, predetermined correct answers from a passive user. The builder says, "Use your mind. Here are some examples—now go make your own." A child experiencing a builder environment can develop persistence, self-confidence, a sense of mastery, and the ability to make choices.

Successful builder programs must not be punitive or judgmental, as some CAI programs are. Rather than operating in a binary, right-wrong mode, they present an environment in which any action has a natural consequence. A badly planned or clumsy action will produce unsatisfying results—an inelegantly designed machine doesn't do much—but it is up to the player to judge the outcome. The player can redesign the machine, seek new solutions, and improve upon the design until he or she is satisfied. Thus, the learner deals not only with information but with knowledge and insight.

The player can gain insight by trying many approaches to the same problem. The program designer presents an abstract concept in a builder whose

218 BYTE- IUNE 1984

Circle 185 on inquiry card.

GAME SETS

elements make the concepts concrete. The player gains direct experience with the concepts, has time to think, to formulate and test hypotheses, approaching the building environment from many angles. The parameters of the builder focus attention on a small set of realities and allow the player to manipulate concrete objects in order to achieve a "felt" awareness of broader concepts. These new concepts are not empty words or mere labels but the beginnings of insight.

For example, the designer of Rocky's Boots wanted to convey logical concepts inherent in AND, OR, and NOT gates. He represented these as Tinkertoy-like parts with symbols used by electrical engineers. He added color and animation to model electric current flow. The player begins by working through structured tutorials, then combines and recombines elements, directly experiencing the abstract concepts of AND, OR, and NOT. After completing a series of puzzles, the player can create original games. Some people apply what they have learned in the context of the game to new situations in real life. These players have gained insight into very important concepts in electronics and logic.

Builders are simulations that can defy the laws of the physical universe. By suspending disbelief, the player can enter a special reality, then stand outside it to gain insight into the modeling process itself. For example, in Rocky's Boots, the presence of electric current in a wire or gate is represented in red, absence of current in white. Players use this color coding to understand the current flow in complex circuits, then some make the conceptual leap: this is a model, and like any model, it has limitations and is not a complete representation of reality. Children who can make this connection have learned an important principle in science: we are bound by our models.

A New Generation of Learning Software

Learning game sets and builders are new genres of educational software. Children using these programs explore powerful visual environments. Through their play with these tools, children can acquire not only skills and knowledge, but insights at a new level. ■

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IUNE 1984

1YTE 219

Lucille Le Sueur made a name for herself

She called herself Joan Crawford. Because a star* needs a star's name. One that commands attention. And gets it.

MultiMate International is that kind of a name. Replacing Softword Systems. A good name too, but one that no longer suite the company we've become.

Today, MultiMate International spans four continents. MultiMate, the word processor that redefined the IBM PC, has been translated into five languages. Its similarity to Wang has resulted in phenomenal growth, both in acceptance and sophistication, and fueled our own phenomenal growth as a company.

MultiMate International. It's the name we deserve. Because it's the name we've earned.

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international We ve made a name lor ourselves.

Circle 406 on inquiry card.

Professional

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Application Creation

FORMULA II™

The Application Creator

The first and only Application Creator—a do-it-yourself concept for office automation. FORMULA II lets you define your files, forms, menus, and reports—FORMULA II then creates your program. FORMULA II includes a Database manager with an English Query language and a Form/Report Creator with word processing features.

Communications

ASCOM™

ASCOM™ is the most versatile asynchronous communication package for microcomputers on the market. It features interactive, menu-driven, and batch operations; supports auto-answer and auto-dial modems; includes most popular protocols; provides network simulation; and many other options.Xerox Corporation, NCR, Monroe Systems for Business, and the big 8 accounting firms use ASCOM™.

**' "WCOM™—A bisynchronous communication package that will De configurable for a variety of systems and includes a flexible interface to the operating system. 2780/3780/3270 protocols available on microcomputers with appropriate hardware.

TERMCOM™—A configurable terminal emulator allowing any personal computer to emulate most conversational and selected block mode terminals with asynchronous communications. Available December 1983.

Utilities

EM80/86™

This software emulator lets you use eight bit software on sixteen bit microcomputers without hardware modifications. The 8086 O.S. Converter™

CP to MS—Permits execution of Digital Research's CP/M-86 programs under Microsoft's MSDOS (or PCDOS).

MS to CP—Permits execution of MSDOS programs under CP/M-86.

UT-86™

This package of user-friendly utilities for the IBM Personal Computer and similar systems includes copying, directory sorting, patching, and a general purpose file print utility.

Coming Soon

DMA."C"™—A "C" language compiler which will generate either Z80 or 8086 assembly language code. Due to a unique optimization routine which is based upon a functional "P-code" model, the efficiency of DMA."C" will far exceed that of existing compilers.

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222 B YTE • !UNE 1984

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THEME

CAUTIONS ON

COMPUTERS

IN EDUCATION

BY Stephan L. Chorover

Effects on the student-teacher relationship

"TO PROPHESY IS extremely difficult." says an old Chinese proverb, "especially with respect to the future." Nevertheless, the proliferation of personal computers in the educational environment seems certain to have a profound and farreaching effect upon teachers, students, and the educational enterprise as a whole.

As a student of "psychotechnology," I am interested in the material and conceptual impact of sociotechnological change upon both the thought process and behavior of individuals, and the organization and development of human groups. What is the relationship between computer-based systems and the human social systems within which they develop or into which they are introduced? As an educator and psychologist, 1 am interested mainly in the human side of this question, as we make the transition to computer-based systems of instruction.

Only experience and time will tell whether or not the computerization of education will actually revolutionize the ways in which we teach and learn, but it will undoubtedly have many more or less profound effects upon how stu

dents and teachers relate to one another.

Among the questions that 1 would like to see addressed are these: How will the evolution of computer systems affect the fundamental form and content of the educational enterprise? What effects will it have on the personal and professional lives of students and teachers? How will it affect relations between, and patterns of interactions among, individuals and groups?

Carnegie-Mellon University is developing an integrated computer network. CMU President Richard Cyert wrote in Science (November 11, 1982) that: "An environment that is densely populated with computers represents a new type of world. We need to know the impact of such an environment on social inter

Stephan L. Chorover (Department of Psychology. MIT, Cambridge. MA 02139) is a neuropsychologist and professor of psychology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is the author of From Genesis to Genocide: The Meaning of Human Nature and the Power of Behavior Control (MIT Press, 1979) and a frequent commentator on developments in the field of "psychotechnology."

actions. We also must study the effects of decisions made by the process of communicating over a network, as opposed to face-to-face meetings. There are, in fact, a large number of issues that require study at the inception of the radical change we are making."

At Carnegie-Mellon, he reports, the task of studying these questions has been assigned to a committee of social and computer scientists.

Schools as Factories

Ostensible experts, including many of this year's political candidates, are inclined to issue alarms about the declining "efficiency and productivity" of American commerce and industry, especially as compared to that of the lapanese. Equally expert analyses of the present state of our educational system tend to reflect and reinforce this perspective. I have been unable to find a single example of a recent, officially authorized review of American public school education that is not predicated upon the view that we are falling woefully behind our principal competitors in the international race for industrial (tot continued on page 224)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 223

COMPUTER CAUTIONS

[text continued from page 223) and commercial supremacy in the world. Once that premise is accepted it is easy to offer the conjecture that one reason for this sorry state of affairs is the failure of our educational institutions to provide a proper grounding in the skills required for national success and international leadership.

In the context of this conception of education, we should examine what the experts are telling us about the role of computers in education. In a recent paper entitled "Productivity and Technology in Education," Dr. Arthur S. Melmed, an official of the U.S. Department of Education, tells us that the problem of "how to improve productivity in education" will be "perhaps the central problem for education and educational research for the remainder of this decade." Failure to deal successfully with this problem, he continues, will have profound and far-reaching deleterious effects on our national economy. What is to be done? Here is his answer: "The key to productivity improvement in every other economic sector has been through technological innovation. Applications of modern information and communication technologies that are properly developed and appropriately used may soon offer education policy makers ... a unique opportunity for productivity management."

Though some readers may think it strange to speak of education in such crassly materialistic terms, there is nothing new in the idea of the school as a kind of "factory." As early as 1916, Professor Ellwood Cubberly, Dean of Stanford's School of Education, proudly proclaimed our schools to be "factories in which the raw materials are to be shaped and fashioned into finished products" in accordance with "specifications for manufacturing (derived from) the demands of twentieth-century civilization."

Richard Cyert, in a Carnegie-Mellon press release of October 20, 1982. expressed his belief that the network of personal computers developed at Carnegie-Mellon "will have the same role in student learning that the development of the assembly line in the 1920s had for the production of automobiles. The assembly line enabled large-scale manufacturing to develop. Likewise, the network personal com

puter system will enable students to increase significantly the amount of learning they do in the university."

Displacement, Deskilling, and Alienation

My father would have said: "There is no free lunch." The improvement in productivity achieved in other economic sectors through the development and deployment of technological innovations always has effects upon the people whose productive activities are directly affected. Not all of the effects are reducible to measure and number. For the vast majority of men and women whose work lives have been signifi

Though some may think it strange to speak in such terms, there is nothing new in the idea of the school as a kind of factory.

cantly affected by automation—the principal mode of industrial innovation—the response has not been entirely salutary. All too often automation has led to worker displacement, deskilling, and alienation. What reasons do we have to believe that technological innovation (computerization) will follow a different course and lead to a different outcome in the field of education?

Let us imagine ourselves to be educational policy makers involved in trying to decide which way to turn in the helter-skelter transition toward computer-based systems of instruction. Let us assume that ours is an underfinanced public school system in an American city and that our teachers feel they are underpaid and overworked.

Let's assume that we are responsible for determining whether (and if so, how) to introduce computers into the elementary school and high school curricula. Let us suppose further that we are concerned with "improving our productivity" and that we are already keeping track of our system's "inputs and outputs" through the use of standardized academic achievement tests.

Into this situation comes a well-trained and well-meaning team of computer experts and cognitive scientists. Perhaps they have come from a major scientific/ technological university or computerdevelopment corporation nearby. In any event, they bear what appears to be a carefully crafted proposal: one that they and others have been working on for some time in the laboratory. They believe it is time for a field test.

Precisely what have they been working on? "Improved educational productivity," says one. "Computer-aided instruction," says another. "Computerjfeased learning," claims a third.

They explain that the tutorial mode of teaching, using individualized instruction, is much more efficient than the classroom mode. They have designed a courseware package of both hardware and software, with which a student who has no prior computer experience can work in a self-paced manner. Subject matter is broken down into codable units and presented to the student at the appropriate time. Any information a student needs can be encapsulated in a computer program.

After an initial investment in the hardware and software, they point out, the system will,be extremely cost-effective. Instead of teachers who are subject-area specialists, the school can hire relatively unskilled people to be "resource managers" and "system monitors," more commonly known as stockroom attendants and security guards. The university (or company) will provide all the expert assistance the school will need, including curricular material, lesson plans, and examinations. The school will be able to say "goodbye teacher," and good riddance to that skyrocketing professional payroll.

To the objections now arising, let me hasten to insist that what I have presented is more than a caricature. "Goodbye teacher" was, in fact, the title of an article written almost two decades ago by Professor Fred S. Keller, a behavioristically inclined psychologist who was one of the leading developers of an earlier system of automated instruction inspired by the work of B. F Skinner. The so-called "Keller Plan" is one of the old theories that has died along with many other well-intended measures for increasing educational productivity through automation.

224 B YTE • IUNE 1984

COMPUTER CAUTIONS

"Computer tutor" systems have the same form, content, and intended applications as that just described and are presently under development in many academic and corporate contexts. My scenario is based, in part, on a lecture presented recently at MIT by a visiting professor of cognitive science. The interpretation of the foreseeable effects of the computer tutor upon the quality of work life in the classroom (especially as it touches on the deskilling of the

teacher's role) is taken directly from a conversation with him.

A Crisis in Education

What is to be done? I do not presume to say what researchers and systems developers in this field should do, or how educational policy makers ought to respond when confronted with proposals of this kind. Nevertheless, I am convinced that developments in the rapidly evolving field of computers in educa

tion are bound to have an effect on all of us who are part of the American educational system.

I hope that the problem of automation in education will give us a reason to stop, think, and reconsider the problem of sociotechnological transition in deeper and more humane ways. Meanwhile, let me suggest that the experience gained in many places thus far provides a provisional basis for saying (text continued on page 226)

Another View from MIT

by Joseph Weizenbaum

\oseph Weizenbaum, Ph.D., a Professor of computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology, made the following comments in a telephone interview conducted by Donna

Osgood, a BYTE associate editor, on the effectiveness of computers as learning tools.

We in the United States are in the grip of a mass delusion with respect to the education of kids with computers. The belief that it is very urgent that we put computers in primary and secondary schools is based on a number of premises, of which only one is true. The true premise is that the whole world is becoming increasingly pervaded by computers. But then people infer that in a world pervaded by computers, everybody must be "computer literate" in order to be able to cope with the world at all. A second inference is that a high degree of computer literacy assures one a good job, while computer illiteracy condemns one to life on the margin of the coming information society. I think most people imagine computer literacy to consist largely of the ability to communicate with computers, to operate them and to be able to correctly interpret their output. Hence, computer literacy is generally interpreted to mean knowing a computer language or two, and probably involves facility with the computer's keyboard.

Another illusion is that computer-language learning is like other kinds of learning. That, of course, is best done very early in life, indeed, the earlier the better. This provides a lot of fuel for the pressure on the schools to begin computer training very early and to make it part of the school curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12.

Again, all of this is based upon the true assumption that the computer is beginning to pervade and will continue to pervade our society. 1 would like to draw an

analogy to something else that is ubiquitous in our society—the electric motor. There are undoubtedly many more electric motors in the United States than there are people, and almost everybody owns a lot of electric motors without thinking about it. They are everywhere, in automobiles, food mixers, vacuum cleaners, even watches and pencil sharpeners. Yet, it doesn't require any sort of electricmotor literacy to get on with the world, or, importantly, to be able to use these gadgets.

Another important point about electric motors is that they're invisible. If you question someone using a vacuum cleaner, of course they know that there is an electric motor inside. But nobody says "Well, I think I'll use an electric motor programmed to be a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the floor."

The computer will also become largely invisible, as it already is to a large extent in the consumer market. I believe that the more pervasive the computer becomes, the more invisible it will become. We talk about it a lot now because it is new, but as we get used to the computer, it will retreat into the background. How much hands-on computer experience will students need? The answer, of course, is not very much. The student and the practicing professional will operate special-purpose instruments that happen to have computers as components.

The emphasis on learning computer languages early is misplaced. It is clear to me that computer languages are not like natural languages. I think they are

more like mathematical languages or physics. They require a certain intellectual maturity, and when you have that intellectual or mathematical maturity, you can learn them relatively quickly. It isn't worth spending a lot of time on at an early age.

The counterargument that we should begin with baby steps early, like teaching BASIC to eight-year-olds, is going in exactly the wrong direction. BASIC is, from a pedagogic point of view, an intellectual monstrosity that we should start to eradicate and not attempt to use as a basis for anything.

I'm trying to argue that the introduction of computers into primary and secondary schools is basically a mistake based on very false assumptions. Our schools are already in desperate trouble, and the introduction of the computer at this time is, at very best, a diversion— possibly a dangerous diversion.

Too often, the computer is used in the schools, as it is used in other social establishments, as a quick technological fix. It is used to paper over fundamental problems to create the illusion that they are being attacked.

If Johnny can't read and somebody writes computer software that will improve Johnny's reading score a little bit for the present, then the easiest thing to do is to bring in the computer and sit Johnny down at it. This makes it unnecessary to ask why Johnny can't read. In other words, it makes it unnecessary to reform the school system, or for that matter the society that tolerates the breakdown of its schools.

JUNE 1984 'BYTE 225

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(tot continued from page 225) what should not be done. Computerbased systems should not be introduced from the top down.

Too many schools still follow a wellestablished recipe for disaster: first, policy makers choose the hardware, then decide on the software. They then teach teachers and other staff how to use the system, and finally, everybody tries to figure out what the goals of system utilization are to be and whether the system already in place can help meet those goals.

Instead, teachers and students should be involved at all stages of the process, including the initial and difficult (often

Too many schools still follow an established recipe for disaster: first, policy makers choose the hardware, then decide on the software.

neglected) one of defining the educational values and goals that any such system is intended to serve.

It would be a very serious error to look only at the technical aspects of computers in education and to think only in terms of quantifiable productive efficiency. It is only in the context of a supportive educational community—a human environment conducive to learning—that the hazards of automation can be avoided.

What then needs to be done in the design of educational systems that will include the use of computers? Without attempting to give a comprehensive answer, as the details will vary from case to case. I would suggest that we must take it as our goal to draw people into an intimate and creative human context. The people who are on the receiving end of the innovations have to be involved in the transition. We are at a turning point, if you will, a kind of crisis. The Chinese character for "crisis" is made up of two other characters: "danger" and "opportunity." ■

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THEME

LANGUAGES FOR STUDENTS

by Fred A. Masterson

Evaluating programming languages for use in education

ONE OF THE MOST enlightened forms of computer-aided instruction (CAI) encourages students to use a programming language to explore problem domains, classes of related problems. In addition to enhancing computer literacy, such exploration helps students acquire strategies for learning about new problem domains. But all programming languages are not created equal; some are more appropriate for this application than others.

I have four requirements for a CAI programming language: simplicity, power, compatibility, and cognitive richness. "Simplicity" refers to the ease with which students can learn a programming language, at least to the degree that they can use it to solve simple problems. "Power" is a measure of the ease with which a programming language can be applied to complicated problems. Simplicity and power are relatively independent. Some programming languages are difficult to learn but provide relatively easy solutions to complex problems, while some simple languages do not.

The third requirement for a CAI programming language is that it be compatible with other computing applications. A programming language encountered in a CAI context may be the first computing experience for many students. There should be a positive

transfer between a CAI programming language and such common computing applications as word processing, statistics packages, and other popular programming languages.

"Cognitive richness" measures the extent to which the programming language facilitates thinking about various problems. Cognitively rich languages provide easy ways to represent and test hypotheses about the rules governing problem domains. In contrast, cognitively poor languages may actually block reasoning about a problem domain by producing an antagonism between natural ways of thinking and the representations allowed by the language. This requirement is closely related to those of simplicity and power. Indeed, ease of learning and ease of application necessitate a rich notation for representing problems.

Mainstream Languages: Neither Simple Nor Powerful

Such mainstream programming languages as FORTRAN, ALGOL, and Pascal are widely distributed and widely used in academia and industry. The same languages tend to be popular in

Fred A. Masterson is a professor of cognitive sciences and psychology at the University of Delaware {Newark. DE 19711).

both settings, since industry hires the graduates of academia, and curriculum planners are sensitive to the needs of industry.

FORTRAN (Formula Translation), because it was the first high-level language, established a dominance that still prevails in physical science and engineering, though most versions of it lack overall coherence and welldesigned flow-of-control commands. FORTRAN programs make heavy use of conditional branching statements that send control to different parts of a program, so that programs for all but the simplest tasks must be read in a zigzag fashion, instead of in a smooth flow from top to bottom. (However, RATFOR, a UNIX version of FORTRAN, and FORTRAN 77 incorporate ALGOL-like flowof-control commands.)

ALGOL (Algorithmic Language) shows a higher degree of internal consistency and sophisticated control structures. As a result, it became a universal language for communicating algorithms in computer science. ALGOL control structures such as BEGIN.. . END, IF. . .THEN. . . ELSE, FOR... DO, and WHILE... DO set a precedent for future solutions to flow of control in programming languages. However, ALGOL lacks a standard set of commands for reading and writing data.

(tat continued on page 234)

JUNE 1984 'BYTE 233

STUDENT LANGUAGES

{text continued from page 233)

Pascal, a descendant of ALGOL, is doing well in academia. Pascal is trim enough to run in the 48K- to 64K-byte memory limit that characterizes many of the personal computers commonly used in educational settings. It is small enough to be easily implemented, and its trimness makes its syntax and semantics easy to specify and relatively easy to grasp.

A major drawback to FORTRAN, ALGOL, and Pascal as programming languages for student use is that they are not interactive. In order to try even the simplest commands, a student must enter them in a source-code file, run a compiler to produce an objectcode file, and then run a linker to make an executable program file. Consequently, experiments with one or a few commands consume disproportionately large amounts of time and effort. A much better environment would be an interactive one in which small sets of statements could be tested immediately.

A second major flaw in these programming languages is that all complex procedures must be broken down into steps that manipulate the contents of single memory locations in the computer. Although the computer is forced by its architecture to deal with memory locations one at a time, a programming language suitable for student use should disguise this limitation, making it seem that entire arrays or lists of numbers or characters can be manipulated by single commands.

The "one thing at a time" limitation is often built into programming languages as a limitation on the values of userdefined functions, which must be the contents of a single location in memory. Thus, functions cannot return arrays or lists as values—only single numbers or items. Subroutines in FORTRAN or procedures in ALGOL or Pascal must be used to compute more complicated data structures. As a result, procedure or subroutine calls are used much more frequently than functions. This is unfortunate, because a sequence of function applications can convey a clearer picture of a computation than an equivalent sequence of procedure or subroutine calls. For example, consider the problem of squaring each element of a matrix named MATRIX1 and then

transposing the result. If SQUARE and TRANSPOSE could be coded as functions, a solution would be

MATRIX2 := TRANSPOSE (SQUARE

(MATR1X1))

Since this is not possible in any of the

aforementioned languages, the solution

would have to look something like this:

SQUARE (MATRIX 1, TEMPORARYMATRIX)

TRANSPOSE (TEMPORARYMATRIX, MATRIX2) where the first argument of each procedure is the matrix to be operated upon and the second argument is the result of the operation. (In FORTRAN, "CALL' would precede "SQUARE" and "TRANSPOSE".) By comparison, the functional notation is considerably clearer.

BASIC:

Simple But Not Powerful

A high degree of interactiveness is essential to the potential simplicity of a programming language. One of the best-known interactive programming languages is BASIC (Beginner's AllPurpose Symbolic Instruction Code). Successive lines of a BASIC program are typed directly to the BASIC system, and a program can be run immediately, without the delays interpolated by compiling and linking. In addition, most BASIC systems can execute single lines of commands outside of formal program definitions.

BASIC became the programming language for microcomputers during the middle to late 1970s because it was small enough to fit in the limited memories of early microcomputers. The price of this compactness was reduced performance.

Like FORTRAN, BASIC lacks adequate control structures. Many versions restrict variable names to no more than two characters, making the use of mnemonic names nearly impossible. However, BASIC'S most egregious flaw is the absence of procedures or subroutines. Many manuals erroneously describe BASIC'S "GOSUB" command as a subroutine facility. In fact, it is no more than an unconditioned branch from one to another block of code, with the ability to later return to the original block.

Fortunately, standards for an improved version have been drafted by the BASIC Committee of the American

National Standards Institute (ANSI). The proposed standard allows multicharacter names for variables and ALGOUike flow-of-control commands. The new standard also supports true subroutines with calling parameters and local variables.

APL and LISP: Powerful But Not Simple

All the languages we've looked at so far have only moderate power because they suffer from the "one thing at a time" limitation mentioned earlier. Restricting our search to readily available programming languages, two avoid this limitation—APL and LISP. Implementations of APL (A Programming Language) and LISP (List Processing language) are available for many mainframe and minicomputer systems and for some microcomputers. APL and LISP are highly interactive and extremely powerful, but their unusual notations have daunted many would-be users.

In some ways, APL and LISP are two of the best-kept secrets in computer software. While both have devoted users, neither has gained widespread acceptance, probably because of the notational problems mentioned above. Yet beneath those quirky notations lie programming systems that can be described as "futuristic" when compared to ALGOL, BASIC, FORTRAN, and Pascal.

APL and LISP let users think in terms of data structures. The data structures favored by APL are arrays (scalars, vectors, matrices, and arrays with more than two dimensions). In LISP, the data structures are lists (and the elements of a list may themselves be lists). Both APL and LISP enable the user to define functions that return entire data structures. Thus, embedded function applications can be used to clarify the hierarchical structure of a computation. Here is the APL command for the earlier example, squaring each element of a matrix and transposing the result:

MATRIX2 <- TRANSPOSE SQUARE MATRIX 1

APL and LISP are also highly interactive. A function can be executed as soon as its definition has been entered. In addition, you can execute commands in "immediate execution mode" without embedding them in a function defini[text continued on page 236)

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STUDENT LANGUAGES

(text continued from page 234) tion. Thus, it is very easy to try out various commands to see how they work. This is especially valuable in powerful languages such as APL and LISP, where the effects of one-line commands can be relatively far-reaching.

Both APL and LISP encourage a modular programming style In which problems are broken down into several short function definitions. Since each function can be tested separately, logic errors are relatively easy to detect and rectify, lb further aid debugging, both languages enable the user to set "trace points" and "break points" in functions. Trace points enable the user to follow the flow of control from function to function or from line to line In the same function. Break points suspend execution at preselected locations In functions so that the user can check the state of the computation at those locations.

APL and LISP let the user store large numbers of function definitions and data ob)ects in the user's core Image, thus greatly reducing the need for disk file save and retrieve commands. The user's core memory image Is allocated dynamically, expanding when additional functions or structures are created and contracting when functions or structures are reduced or eliminated. Memory allocation is completely transparent to the user, so that "dimension statements" are not required to warn the system of future memory requirements. At any time, the entire memory image can be saved as a single disk file and retrieved later, Thus, the user can load an entire core image from disk, modify, delete, or add functions and data structures to that image, then save the entire core image back to disk.

APL and LISP are self-contained programming-language environments. They have coordinated facilities for memory management, error recovery, and I/O formatting defaults that enable users to customize the environment to fit special requirements.

Although both APL and LISP are interactive and powerful, they use offbeat notations and eccentric built-in editors. APL uses unusual characters and requires special terminals outfitted with APL keyboards. LISP has standard characters but uses reverse Polish notation and uses parentheses often to delineate

the structure of a computation.

Neither APL nor LISP has structured commands for controlling iterations. Fortunately, both languages encourage programming styles that reduce the need for iteration, because both provide many commands that process entire data structures at once. Indeed, many of the applications of iteration in other languages involve the one-at-atime processing of sequential elements of a list, vector, or array—processing that can be done in a single APL or LISP command. The use of recursive programming techniques further reduces the need for iteration in APL and LISP.

ampl and logo: Simple and Powerful

Fortunately, programming-language systems without notational difficulties can be based on APL and LISP. AMPL (A Modified Programming Language), developed at the University of Delaware, is a dialect of APL that avoids the special APL character set. |For a list of publications on AMPL, see the bibliography on page 238.] Logo, though Inspired by LISP, does not rely as heavily on parentheses and allows the use of standard notation (in addition to reverse Polish) for arithmetic operators.

Despite notational simplification, AMPL and Logo retain many of the advanced features of their parent languages. In particular, both AMPL and Logo have the following features:

1. interactive, interpreted code

2. powerful primitives for creating and altering whole data structures

3. functional notation that often emphasizes the hierarchical structure of a computation

4. dynamic memory allocation

5. stored workspaces containing variables and function definitions

6. user access to system variables

The Logo programming language is a simple yet powerful tool that children can use to explore the worlds of geometry, mathematics, and physics. However, far from being just for children, Logo has many sophisticated features that will sustain the interest of advanced programmers.

We have used AMPL as part of an introductory college-level course in statistical data analysis. Our goals are

twofold. First, and most important, we want to provide our students with a simple yet powerful tool for exploring mathematical and statistical relationships in sets of experimental data. Our second goal is to further the cause of computer literacy. This is the first exposure of most of our students to computers. Thus, it is extremely important that the experience be Interesting and that it transfer to other computer activities. Perhaps the strongest motive behind the design of AMPL was to rid APL of its major eccentricities and thus increase its commonality with other computing notations and systems.

AMPL enables students to experiment with the grammar of algebra. There Is a close correspondence between the structure of AMPL expressions and the equivalent algebraic expressions. Thus, each time a student interactively tries an AMPL expression, he or she learns a little more about the rules governing the evaluation of algebraic expressions. The end result of such learning can be dramatic. Students with poor math backgrounds, who otherwise would have difficulty grasping algebraic evaluation rules, learn the rules relatively easily by interacting with AMPL.

In addition to computing the values of statistics, students use AMPL to do sampling experiments. The experiments simulate coin tossing, sampling from continuous distributions, sampling correlation scatter plots, and so on. Such experiments give students a dynamic understanding of sampling variability and illustrate the basic logic of statistical inference.

Cognitive Richness: Languages to Think with

Cognitively rich languages let users think in terms of complete structures. APL and AMPL let users think in terms of whole arrays, and LISP and Logo let users think in terms of hierarchical list structures. While other languages support these types of data, they distract the programmer's attention to elementby-element processing details. Due to the built-in "one thing at a time" limitation, the net effect is to pull the programmer's perspective away from the whole structure. The numerical array representations (tat continued on page 238)

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STUDENT LANGUAGES

(text continued from page 236) of APL and AMPL make these languages ideal for representing problems in linear algebra and statistics. Arrays can be used in these languages to represent string data as well. For example, a book is easily represented as a threedimensional array in which each twodimensional slice represents a page of text. Simple commands can be used to access and rearrange pages, lines, columns, and individual characters.

The hierarchical list structures of LISP and Logo facilitate the representation of algebraic formulas and propositions in symbolic logic. List structures are also useful in natural-language programs, where they represent the grammatical parsing diagram of a sentence or, at a deeper level of processing, a propositional representation of the meaning of the sentence.

The ability to think in terms of whole structures comes as a delightful surprise to students who are used to "one thing at a time" languages. Data structures acquire an almost physical palpability as the user breaks them apart and reassembles them into new structures by means of simple commands.

Another contribution to cognitive power is the freedom these languages provide from disk file bookkeeping. All required procedures and data structures reside in a core workspace and are instantly accessible by name. In many other languages a source program may reside in one file, library procedures in another, and data in yet another. As a result, the user must move about from file to file to edit procedures and data. This is just one more source of distrac

tion from the cognitive goals of a programmer.

Another conceptually powerful feature of APL, AMPL, LISP, and Logo is the ability to write recursive procedures; that is, procedures that call themselves. For example, a recursive procedure to determine the length of a list would apply itself to the list with one element removed and then add 1 to the answer. This recursive procedure is shorter and conceptually more satisfying than an iterative one that steps through the list counting each element in turn.

wanted: responsive, Customizable Languages

The result of my survey of widely available programming languages is distressing. One might well ask why so few programming languages are suitable for CAI. And since CAI suitability should be synonymous with "human efficiency," why are there so few human-oriented programming languages?

We are at a new frontier of programming-language design. The old, inflexible, noninteractive programming languages have catered to the large-scale computing needs of science, business, and government. What we need now are flexible, interactive, powerful programming languages for the student and the personal computer user.

The requirements of large-scale computing could hardly be farther from those of most students and individuals. Cost-effective programming languages, in the context of economies of scale, demand machine efficiency at the expense of human efficiency. Machine-efficient programming languages tend to be in

flexible and picayune, requiring several lines of code to accomplish even the simplest tasks. Programming becomes a tedious task prone to mistakes.

An analogy can be made to ground transportation. Businesses use large trucks to transport goods as cheaply as possible. Who would claim that individuals should use the same vehicles to go to work or go shopping? FORTRAN, ALGOL, BASIC and Pascal seem like trucks. We need more "automobiles" and "bicycles": responsive, customizable programming languages for CAI and personal computing. ■

AMPL, a modification of APL designed at the University of Delaware, allows standard ASCII characters, mnemonic command names, and a simple editor. It runs on the DECsystem-10 mainframe. A VAX 780 version is due for release this summer, and an IBM PC version is projected for 1985.

The author thanks Ken Cowan, Elizabeth Rust Kahl. Suzanne McBride. and Tony Stavely for their helpful comments on earlier versions of this article.

Bibliography

Masterson. F. A. "Bringing APL Down to Earth on the DECsystem-10: Standard Characters and a Standard Editor." Behavior Research Methods and Instrumentation, 1981, Volume 13, pages 374-376. Masterson, F. A. DEC-10 AMPL Installation Guide. Newark, Delaware: Software Psychology Project, Department of Psychology, University of Delaware. Technical Memorandum No. 3, August 15, 1981. Masterson, F. A. AMPL: A Modified Programming Language. Newark, Delaware: Software Psychology Project. Department of Psychology, University of Delaware. Technical Memorandum No. 4, August 15, 1981.

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MICROCOMPUTERS IN THE FIELD

by Robert P. Case

Practical considerations

PORTABLE COMPUTERS ARE perfectly suited for use in anthropological and zoological in-the-field data-processing applications. Portables were designed, however, for use in friendly environments. Taking a portable into potentially hostile environments requires more than the usual planning for system organization. Introduction of unfriendly elements like extremes of temperature and humidity, contamination by dust and other foreign matter, and general abuse in the field, can quickly reduce a computer to electronic junk. This article describes the special selection and the "hardening" of a portable computer system for use in a research project in Central America.

Throughout this discussion 1 have taken a cookbook-like approach based on the presumption that field scientists interested in this application will have modest exposure to computers. A stepby-step presentation should be the most useful for the reader.

Why Use a System in the Field?

Field scientists in anthropology, environmental sciences, and zoology conduct research primarily through funding provided by a variety of public or private agencies. Research funds are traditionally in short supply and the competition is always strenuous. A proposed project

must promise much in the way of research, and once funded, it must deliver, especially if it is to receive future assistance. Most granting agencies monitor the research closely and require that the researcher provide preliminary reports on the progress made. Some of the advantages of an onsite computer should be readily apparent, given these conditions. I will draw upon experiences from my current project to illustrate various points.

The project is a three-year research program designed to investigate the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization of southern Mexico and northern Central America. My role is to direct laboratory and data-processing operations. A multiplicity of competing theories have been offered about the rise and fall of Mayan social, economic, and political organization, but very little has been done in the way of empirical testing. The primary objective of the project, then, is to collect and analyze sufficient data from our research area so that we can validate, modify, or reject some of these alternative theories.

We recognized from the beginning that it would be extremely slow and difficult to manually process such a wide

Robert P. Case (7664 Madison Ave., lemon Grove. CA 92045) is a lecturer in anthropology at San Diego State University.

variety of data; yet we wanted to be capable of doing some preliminary hypothesis testing in the field. So the decision was made to computerize data processing.

System Analysis and Design

After deciding to use a portable computer, the next step was to identify the specific tasks that the computer would perform. Software and, ultimately, hardware selection must be tailored to the user's needs.

In our case (and probably in the case of all research projects), the most critical need was for a database management system that could store, manipulate, and retrieve data. Second, we required the means to mathematically analyze our data. A third, but not essential, function included word-processing and hardcopy documentation capabilities.

The first consideration at this stage is whether it will be necessary to transfer data to a mainframe computer after returning from the field. We talked to the director of our university's mainframe facility to get some guidelines on the compatibility of different systems. Usually compatibility problems can be resolved by using special software. But this requires additional processing steps and should be avoided whenever possible. Also, many large data-processing (text continued on page 244)

JUNE 1984 'BYTE 24J

FIELD MICROS

(tat continued jrom page 243) facilities have mainframe computers by more than one manufacturer, so there may still be a wide range of compatible microcomputers and software to choose from.

This brings us to the second step, selecting the software that will perform the specified tasks. A multitude of programs may exist for any given task, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, these programs are designed to run on particular operating systems such as CP/M or MS-DOS. In effect, this stage of the system analysis involves simultaneously evaluating competing software/hardware configurations. That is, program X, which runs only on class X computers, must be compared to a similar program, Y, which runs only on class Y computers. If at all possible, get a demonstration of the different candidates. When evaluating similar programs, keep the following questions in mind: How well will it perform the tasks I need? How easy is it to learn and use? Has it been extensively tested and is it reliable? And, of course, how much does it cost? Based on this analysis, you should pinpoint the programs you require and be able to narrow down the selection of suitable hardware.

Your choice of a microcomputer is limited to the operating system your software will run on, but there will usually still be a number of portable computers to choose from (see "How to Choose a Portable," September 1983 BYTE, page 34). Important considerations include: the size, feel, and arrangement of the keyboard; the size and quality of the video monitor: the size of the memory; and the disk-storage capacity. The keyboard and monitor characteristics are a significant concern; a poor design in either can reduce input speed and accuracy. Another important factor is the amount of randomaccess read/write memory (RAM) and disk storage, which can place limits on data storage and processing. Naturally, mechanical reliability and cost are also important concerns.

Using these guidelines for our project we first examined database-management programs. On the basis of comparisons, dBASE II was chosen for its greater power and flexibility. We searched next for a suitable statistics

package to fill our second requirement. At the time of the analysis (May 1982) there were only a handful of such packages. Our choice, Statpak, was designed to be interfaced with dBASE II and other popular database-management systems. Statpak requires MBASIC and so this was added to our list. One other criterion added to our list was a minimum of 64 K bytes of RAM for dBASE II; this is less important today since most suitcase-size and many briefcase-size portable microcomputers match or exceed 64K bytes of RAM.

We were concurrently studying the portable systems then on the market. We concluded that our three-year research program would require a tremendous amount of disk storage. We investigated the Kaypro 10, the first portable to have a 10-megabyte Winchester hard disk, This system has the 64K bytes of RAM required for dBASE II, it uses the necessary CP/M operating system, and, as a further benefit, it comes with bundled software including MBASIC (required for Statpak) and WordStar (a word-processing package that fulfilled our third general requirement). Finally, the close proximity of the Kaypro plant to our base at San Diego State University was an additional advantage. Subsequently, the peripheral devices were evaluated, with the Prowriter 8510 printer (Cltoh Electronics) and the 500-watt Grizzly Uninterruptible Power System (Electronic Protection Devices Inc.) being selected.

Upon completion of the system analysis and design we would normally have gone out and bought the specified equipment and software. In our case, however, an unexpected reduction in our National Science Foundation award made this impossible. We were not willing to give up easily, so we contacted each manufacturer, first by telephone, followed by a written proposal in which we solicited their sponsorship. Each one graciously accepted and we owe them much gratitude.

Field Conditions and microcomputers

In spite of their portability, microcomputers imitate mainframes in requiring a relatively clean, climate-controlled room at home or in the office. Obviously, field scientists will not usually have such luxurious accommodations. It is

imperative that you identify the potential environmental perils that await and take the necessary preventive measures. A system failure in a remote location is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to recover from.

The most serious climate-related problems for the computer are excessive heat and extreme humidity or aridity. Equally serious is the problem of the equipment being infiltrated by dust or insects. Finally, the source and quality of electricity used to power the system has to be considered; a blackout, brownout, or power surge can ruin your whole day, not to mention your project. These, in fact, constitute the environmental problems that we anticipated adversely affecting our anthropology project in Central America. We wrote in our proposal to Kaypro that we expected daily temperatures to reach the mid-90s with humidity exceeding 90 percent. We also noted that dust and insects would be a problem, as would an inconsistent power supply. Kaypro recognized that there were significant risks to the operation of a computer and that modifications were called for. One of their engineers, Ron Morgan, took on the task of constructing a climateresistant Kaypro 10,

Morgan's objective was to have a completely sealed cabinet in order to prevent dust and moisture from affecting components. This created additional problems, such as cooling and the need for data backup. The solution to the cooling problem was to build a special heat sink mounted to the top of the cabinet. Whisper fans mounted over holes in the cabinet circulate air through the components, out through the heat sink, and back into the cabinet again. This closed cooling system is designed to maintain the interior of the computer at a normal room temperature.

Second, sealing the cabinet required that all vents and the floppy-disk port be closed. Both the hard-disk and floppy-disk drives were removed together with the standard fan. Two of the new, thinner, 10-megabyte hard-disk drives and a Toshiba floppy-disk drive were installed, with the Toshiba in line with, but backset from, the floppy-disk port. The port was then sealed by screwing a piece of plexiglass over it. It was Morgan's intention to use the sec{text continued on page 246)

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{text continued from page 244) ond hard disk to back up the first, so status lights for each drive were attached to the clear plexiglass, lb monitor internal conditions a small thermometer and humidity indicator were placed so that they would be visible through this port window.

The addition of a second hard-disk drive created problems. First, the power supply had to be modified. It was decided that the backup unit would normally be inactive. For files to be copied, a three-way switch mounted on the back panel would be used to power up the second drive. Beyond that, special firmware had to be created to allow communication between the hard-disk units, with one designated as primary and the other secondary. As an added precaution, provision was made for switching these designations in the event of primary-drive failure.

With these modifications, it was apparent that all data would be resident on the hard disks. This was viewed as an example of the "all your eggs in one basket" syndrome, an intolerable situation. Since we would probably have use of a climate-controlled building near the project site, we decided that we should also take along a Kaypro 4 computer. We realized that if this unit could be kept operational, there would be several important benefits, not the least of which was a backup for the Kaypro 10. Furthermore, by using the serial ports, the Kaypro 4 and 10 could be linked for uploading and downloading. This would provide an extra level of security since all data could then be backed up on floppy disks. Finally, the Kaypro 4 would give us a second data-entry station. Since this is the slowest aspect of any data-processing operation, a second workstation would prove quite valuable. One other emergency provision was made, that of the Toshiba floppy-disk drive sealed inside the Kaypro 10. If the Kaypro 4 were inoperable and the 10's performance degrading, we could remove the plexiglass window, power up the Toshiba disk drive, and download the data from hard disks to floppies.

From our perspective we had covered every reasonable contingency affecting the operational qualities of the computers. What remained was the worst possibility: a system failure. Ron Morgan assessed the various components with

in the Kaypros on two criteria: (1) high or low risk of failure, and (2) repairability or nonrepairability. Spare components of a high-risk but repairable nature were assembled and packaged for shipment. Repairing a computer in the field may seem like an impossible mission to anyone who has never looked inside a microcomputer. The Kaypros' modular design, however, makes replacing damaged boards eminently practical. Our parts kit consisted of a power-supply board, diskcontroller board for both hard and floppy disks, LSI (large-scale integration) chips, fuses, and whisper fans. Naturally, an appropriate tool kit was assembled and 1 was given some training as well.

Having covered every conceivable angle concerning the computers, we next evaluated the environmental risks to the peripheral devices. The Prowriter 8510 is listed in the Cltoh manual as being operational within a temperature range of 5 ° to 40°C (41 ° to 104 ° F) with relative humidity between 10 and 85 percent. This was judged to be adequate, so no modifications were needed. Of greater concern, actually, was the probability of the printer paper absorbing moisture from the air, which could potentially harm the printer as the paper passed through. This problem should be alleviated by keeping paper supplied in special storage except when the printer is used.

The second device, the Grizzly Uninterruptible Power System, was also deemed to be fieldworthy without modification. This essential tool "purifies" the electrical current and instantaneously provides up to 15 minutes of battery power to gracefully shut down in the event of a blackout. The only extra effort here was to make a dust cover to place over it when not in use, something we provided for all hardware.

Operational Procedures

Beyond mechanical modifications, adverse environmental conditions can be mitigated by thoughtful operational procedures. In fact, a well-designed, well-regulated operation is equally or more important than the hardware and software and can contribute much to the success or failure of any project. In essence, operational procedures should

answer the questions of who, what, when, why, where, and how.

Who has access to the equipment and what their responsibilities are might not be applicable to a small project with a one-man data-processing operation. But if more than one person will be working with the equipment then it is always best to establish the lines of authority and to explicitly identify each person's role and duties.

When and where data-processing operations take place are two important considerations in softening harsh environmental conditions. Careful selection of the physical facility where the operation will be established can go a long way toward minimizing subsequent problems. Similarly, by scheduling our operational time for the early morning and late afternoon or evening, we will avoid the high-risk peaks in heat and humidity and, hopefully, avoid damaging the equipment.

The most elaborate planning should be accorded to how the work will flow through the system: this should be done in a step-by-step fashion so that nothing is overlooked. To begin with, the field forms on which the data is recorded should be designed so that they are easy to key into the computer. The cleaner the input document, the more accurate the data entry will be.

Inevitably, errors will be entered, either because the source document was wrong or the key entry person erred. Data validation techniques must be developed to catch as many errors as feasible. Some kinds of error-trapping methods are built into various programs while others, like range and plausibility tests, can be specifically created to meet the user's needs. Ultimately, verification of data accuracy is best accomplished by spot-checking records against the original documents. It is advisable to spot-check a higher percentage of records in the early stages: subsequently, verification can be reduced and focused toward the most critical data, assuming, of course, that the overall error rate is not excessive.

Once the data is stored to the disk it should be backed up immediately. Probably one master and two working copies of each program or data disk is the optimum level of protection. If a printer is available, then hard-copy {text continued on page 248)

246 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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MDBS III allows application developers to define data base structures in the most natural and logical way, without resorting to redundancy to describe data relationships, its truly innovative data structuring capabilities surpass but also accommodate the older relational, hierarchical and CODASYL-network architectures. That means power for your PC and flexibility for you.

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MDBS III, KnowledgeMan and SCREEN MASTER are trademarks of Micro Data Base Systems, Inc.; PCDOS a are trademarks of IBM; MSDOS is a trademark of N CP/M-B6 and MP/M-86 are trademarks of Digital I

Circle 380 on inquiry card.

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 247

FIELD MICROS

[text continued from page 246) documentation of raw and processed data files is highly recommended. This is especially true in multistage processing where the intermediate results will be modified by the final processing step.

It follows from this that some basic housekeeping rules are required if the data-processing operation is to run smoothly and efficiently. A transaction log containing a running narrative of the daily activities is vital. This log should record the names of newly created files, what files were used in processing, what processing steps were used, and what was the disposition of the results. Furthermore, all disks and printouts should be unambiguously labeled and stored in a safe and logical manner when not in use. Never assume you will remember a filename or the location of a printout; this is the fastest way to sink the entire operation into chaos. Disks should be kept in a dustproof file with the various

generations of copies separated to minimize catastrophic loss. Likewise, printouts will be more useful if they are organized in labeled folders or binders, and they will last longer as well.

System Testing and Debugging

The entire system should be assembled at the earliest possible moment; this will allow you to become familiar with its operating characteristics prior to entering the field. Sufficient lead time is an extremely valuable asset. With it, you can develop applications programs, run test data, and uncover any bugs that may exist, all while you have technical support available. Without adequate lead time, there is a strong possibility that you will spend an inordinate amount of time on system basics, all to the detriment of the data-processing goals of the project.

Frequently, over-the-counter software is more than adequate for research pro

Put an Amber CRT in Your Computer

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grams and has the added advantage of being thoroughly tested. The specific procedures required can be tested with data similar to what you expect to collect. This can be accomplished either by creating artificial test data or, as we did, by extracting similar data from published reports within our discipline. In either event, tests should be made for any errors that appear to be likely or that would be disastrous. Tests using abundant normal data and some high and low values are recommended. Testing for a zero value in unexpected places may also uncover significant problems. Finally, checking for empty files or for errors in processing the first and last record should reveal any remaining difficulties.

Maintenance in the Field

Maintenance requirements will vary with the kind of equipment selected, and the kind of environmental conditions that will be encountered is especially important. However, under every circumstance you will at least want to have dustcovers for all equipment, a head-cleaning kit (with refills) for the floppy-disk drives, and a very light (lowviscosity) oil for lubricating the printer. The only real variable is the maintenance scheduling for the floppy-disk drives. In our case, we have anticipated a severe and pervasive dust problem and so we have decided that the drive heads will be cleaned once each week. There is no hard and fast rule here; you must rely on your own judgment.

Transportation

Despite their portability, microcomputers cannot withstand prolonged episodes of bumping and jostling about. Although more stable than minicomputers or mainframes, they are still relatively delicate. If they must be shipped, use sufficient packing to prevent damage. Probably the best assurance of your portable computer arriving safely is to hand-carry it onto jetliners. When traveling by air, have the computer hand-inspected at the airport rather than passed through electronic screening devices. The latter could potentially damage disks or, worse yet, the read-only memory (ROM) in the central processing unit. Also, while most portable computers are designed to fit (text continued on page 250)

248 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 186 on inquiry card.

$75

PRinterfaceCard

$

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GraphiCard

RIGHT MCE.

At $75 and $99 * respectively, PRinterface™ and GraphiCard™ are the right parallel interface products for your Apple** II, II+, He or Apple compatible system.

But don't be fooled by those low prices. High performance features and high reliability make them the right choice for serious printing requirements.

PRinterface, for example, offers 27 easy commands that let you format text, send controls to the printer. You can even dump 80-column text screen from your Apple He.

Circle 261 on inquiry card.

GraphiCard gives you all that, plus graphics capabilities for 37 of the most popular printers. Eight additional commands permit a variety of graphics, screen dumps, including side-by-side, top-to-bottom, double size, inverse, emphasized, rotated and mixed text and graphics. For Apple II owners, the GraphiCard will give 80-column screen dumps from the Videx™ 80-column board.

By the way, if you buy PRINTERFACE and decide later that graphics would be nice, there's an easy-toinstall upgrade kit that'll do the trick just fine.

Both cards clearly give you more for your money. And both are warrantied for five years. That's right, five years.

So drop into your local dealer and ask about PRINTERFACE and GraphiCard today. Two more practical products from Practical Peripherals.

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FIELD MICROS

(text continued from page 248) under airline seats, some computers may be slightly oversize. To prevent unfortunate encounters, check with the airline you wil be traveling with before arriving at the airport. Even if your computer is slightly oversize, many airlines will allow it to be carried on and stored in one of the storage compartments in

the passenger area.

Finally, if the project destination lies outside of the United States, special documentation is required. Two separate documents are needed: a General Temporary Export license and a Shipper's Export Declaration, both obtainable from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The General Temporary Export

The proven Winchester subsystem drives for your IBM or compatible PC. 10,15, 25, or 33 mesabytes of bis system storase in a DiskSystem you simply plus into your system and it's ready to use. At prices that make the speed and storase of a Winchester practical. Only $1495 for a 10 mesabyte DiskSystem, $1795 for 15 mesabytes, $2245 for 25 mesabytes, or $2795 for 33 mesabytes. DiskSystems can be bootable from the Winchester. See your dealer today for DiskSystem power for your PC.

I2 INTERFACE INC

Is Interface Inc 7630 Alabama Avenue Canoga Park, CA 91304 (818)341-7914 Telex: 662949

Dealer Inquiries Invitee

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license (GTE) is necessary for exiting the United States, while the Shipper's Export Declaration demonstrates that the equipment was acquired in the United States and can thus re-enter without an import duty being imposed. Without a valid GTE in hand, a user going overseas may have his equipment confiscated at the point of embarkation.

Pitfalls and Prospects

Throughout this article I have pointed out numerous dangers that await the field scientist who would be bold enough to take a computer into the field. While the dangers are real, they are not insurmountable, and with sufficient planning they can be overcome. The importance of lead time cannot be stressed enough. Basically, the field scientist will be faced with two enemies. The first is system incompatibility, which can be either hardware that is incompatible with the software or the failure of the system to perform the user's tasks adequately. Careful system analysis and design will prevent this from occurring. The second enemy is a hostile environment; here the mitigating measures will depend on the anticipated field conditions. Again, thorough planning, combined with system testing under simulated conditions, should be sufficient to overcome this obstacle.

The benefits to be derived from a computer in the field are greater than the hazards faced. The turnaround time for data analysis is dramatically decreased. Multistaged research designs can be executed in a single season rather than over several seasons. As a planning tool, the computer permits the project staff and resources to be utilized to maximum potential. Preliminary reports can be started earlier, completed faster, and contain more substantive information than was possible ever before. We can hope that these prospects will encourage computer manufacturers to promote further development of fieldworthy portable microcomputers. ■

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant number BNS83-10677. Any opinions offered are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Additional support has been provided by San Diego State University and the Explorers Club.

250 B YTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 167 for Dealer inquiries. Circle 168 for End-User inquiries.

Circle 80 on inquiry card. —►

SUMO-TESTED

%•

WOULD YOU BELIEVE 3 OUT OF 4 SUMO WRESTLERS RECOMMEND CASES BY COMPUTER-MATE "? Neither do we. Bui, it wouldn't surprise us. Because our cases are built with brute strength, able to take a beating from even the mightiest challengers.

t Stop wrestling with your computer equipment With our cases, you have 1 ease of transportation plus maximum protection for all your components. ^ Standard cases available for IBM, DEC, Apple, Tl, plus many others. I And with the new Computer-Mate media case, you can transport that priceless data (both disk pack and reels) with confidence. Custom built cases are also available to help protect almost any configuration of sensitive equipment. For loss prevention, each case has a 3 x 5 personal identification frame and individual serial number with toll-free telephone number. And like all Computer-Mate " products, each case is prescreened for excellence and backed with a 100% unconditional guarantee.

For more information contact:

Computer Mate, inc.

1006 Hampshire Lane Richardson, Texas 75080 Dallas (214) 669-9370 Texas Residents (800) 442-4006 Out of State (800) 527-3643

Distributors and Representatives: MSW Marketing, Inc. 500 Shepard Avenue East Willowdale, Ontario. Canada M2N 6H7 (416) 221-5400

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COMPUTER SHOW

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>nvention Center ne 14-17

f you're closer to Los Angeles than to San Francisco, come to our second BYTE Computer Show, in June. If you're closer to San Francisco, we're holding our third BYTE show there for you, in September. Why so many BYTE Shows? So that our subscribers don't have to travel too far!

The BYTE Shows are "selling'' shows—where you ican buy, not just look. BYTE subscribers enjoy special reduced admission prices to all BYTE shows, and conference seminars. These seminars are targeted to the interests of BYTE subscribers, and led by such BYTE favorites as Jerry Pournelle.

The BYTE Shows are professionally produced by The Interface Group—the same pros who bring you the Comdex Shows. Their show "know-how", combined with BYTE's editorial expertise, make the BYTE Shows ideal information centers and shopping marts for BYTE subscribers.

Further information on BYTE subscribers' exclusive benefits will be coming to you by mail. So, plan now to be in Los Angeles on June 14-17, or, at the BYTE Show nearest you!

. .J

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foreveiyonewhoworft buy a best seller without

reading the reviews.

Ever since we introduced 1-2-3 last year, it's received some pretty incredible press.

But that's only natural.

Because when you've got the number one selling PC business software in the world, you get a lot of critical attention. Here are a few significant examples:

"The first integrated package is a super spreadsheet with speed, power and graphing and datamanagement functions. Deservedly king of the hill." InfoWorld April 16, 1984

"For power and ease-ofuse, 1-2-3's spreadsheet is hard to beat. Other programs do some things that 1-2-3 can't, but none seems to have been designed with comparable attention to detail and care for the user."

PC Magazine April 17, 1984

"Sit down behind 1-2-3 from Lotus Development and you'll never again ask why this $495 business program tops the best seller list month after month it's fast, efficient, easy-to-use, and sometimes, even fun." Computer Buyer's Guide and Handbook May, 1984

".. .two thirds of all United States companies buying business microcomputers last year chose 1-2-3 for making complex financial projections and displaying the results instantly in computer generated pie charts, bar charts and other graphic displays."

New York Times February 13, 1984 "1-2-3 is still in a class by itself."

PC World March, 1984 "Product of the Year 1983"

Fortune December 12, 1983 What the critics have been saying recently about 1-2-3, our users have known all along. It's the most powerful productivity software available today.

To find out what 1-2-3 from Lotus™ can do for you just visit your local computer store, or call 1-800-3435414 (in Massachusetts call 617-492-7870).

1-2-3 and Lotus arc trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.

0 Lotus

The hardest working software in the world.

Circle 197 on inquiry card.

THEME

KERMIT:

A FILE-TRANSFER

PROTOCOL FOR UNIVERSITIES

PART 1: DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

by Frank da Cruz and Bill Catchings

RECENTLY. A GREAT deal of attention has been focused on developments in computer networking—the IEEE 802 committee. IBM's System Network Architecture (SNA), the latest Ethernet interfaces, fiber optics, satellite communications, and broadband versus baseband transmissions. But little attention has been given to the single working mechanism that may be the most widely used in the real world for direct interprocessor communication: the socalled asynchronous protocol, which is found in some form at most institutions that have a need to transfer files between microcomputers and central computers.

Columbia University has large timesharing computers at a central site complemented by smaller systems scattered throughout laboratories, departments, homes, and dormitory rooms. As soon as these small machines began to appear, users asked for ways to exchange files with the central and departmental systems.

At the same time, student use of our central systems was growing at an astonishing rate. Because we could no longer afford to provide students with

perpetual on-line disk storage, we began to issue identification codes valid only for a course and term. The decreased longevity of the IDs caused a need for students to economically archive their files. Given a reliable way to transfer files to microcomputers from the central mainframes and back, microcomputers with floppy disks could provide inexpensive removable media ideal for this purpose.

The situation called for a file-transfer mechanism that could work among all our computers, large and small. Some such mechanisms were intended for use between microcomputers, others between large computers, but none specifically addressed our need for communication between microcomputers and IBM and DEC mainframes.

Frank da Cruz is the manager of systems integration at the Columbia University Center for Computing Activities (612 West 115th St.. New York. NY 10025) and is also planning the university's move toward personal computing in the coming years. Bill Catchings was the chief systems programmer of the file-transfer protocol and its principal designer. He is currently a systems analyst at Lehman Brothers Kuhn Loeb.

Most commercial packages served a limited set of systems, and their cost would have been prohibitive when multiplied by the large number of machines involved.

We thus embarked on our own project. Part 1 of this two-part article discusses some of the issues and tradeoffs that arose and illustrates them in terms of our result, the Kermit protocol for point-to-point file transfer over telecommunication lines. Because commercial Iocal-area-networking products are expensive, not yet widely available, and unsuitable for one-shot or long-haul applications, humble asynchronous protocols such as Kermit are likely to be with us for a long time.

The Communication Medium

The only communication medium common to all computers is the asynchronous serial telecommunication line, used for connecting terminals to computers. Standards for this medium are almost universally followed—connectors, voltages, and signals (EIA RS-232C); character encoding (ASCII, ANSI X3.4-1977); and bit-transmission {text continued on page 2 56)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 255

KERMIT

A communication protocol is a set of rules for handling packets of information.

[text continued from page 255) sequence (ANSI X3.15-1976). Serial connections can be made in many ways: dedicated local cables ("null modem" cables), leased telephone circuits, and dial-up connections. Dial-up connections can be initiated manually from the home or office using an inexpensive acoustic coupler or automatically from one computer to another using a programmable dial-out mechanism. The asynchronous serial line offers the ordinary user a high degree of convenience and control in establishing intersystem connections—at relatively low cost.

Once two computers are connected with a serial line, information can be transferred from one machine to the other, provided one side can be instructed to send the information and the other to receive it. Right away, however, several important factors come into play:

1. Noise—It is rarely safe to assume that there will be no electrical interference on a line; any long or switched datacommunication line will have occasional interference, or noise, that typically results in garbled or extra characters. Noise corrupts data, perhaps in subtle ways not noticed until it's too late.

2. Synchronization—Data must not come in faster than the receiving machine can handle it. Although line speeds at the two ends of the connection may match, the receiving machine might not be able to process a steady stream of input at that speed. Its central processor may be too slow or too heavily loaded or its buffers too full or too small. The typical symptom of a synchronization problem is lost data; most operating systems will simply discard incoming data they are not prepared to receive.

3. Line Outages—A line may stop working for short periods because of a faulty connector, loss of power, or

similar reason. On dial-up or switched connections, such intermittent failures will cause the carrier signal to be dropped and the connection to be closed, but for any connection in which the carrier signal is not used, the symptom will be lost data.

Other communication media, such as the parallel data bus, have safeguards built in to prevent or minimize these effects. For instance, distances may be strictly limited, the environment controlled, special signals may be available for synchronization, and so forth. The serial telecommunication line provides no such safeguards, and we must therefore regard it as an intrinsically unreliable medium.

Reliable Communications

To determine whether data has been transmitted between two machines correctly and completely, the machines can compare the data before and after transmission. A scheme commonly used for file transfer employs cooperating programs running simultaneously on each machine, communicating in a well-defined, concise language. The sending program divides outbound data into discrete pieces, adding special information to each piece describing the data for the receiving program. The result is called a packet. The receiver separates the description from the data and determines whether they still match. If so, the packet is acknowledged and the transfer proceeds. If not, the packet is negatively acknowledged and the sender retransmits it; this procedure repeats for each packet until it is received correctly.

The process is called a communication protocol—a set of rules for forming and transmitting packets, carried out by programs that embody those rules. Protocols vary in complexity; our preference was for a simple approach that could be realized in almost any language on almost any computer by a programmer of moderate skill, allowing the protocol to be easily adapted to new systems.

Accommodating Diverse Systems

Most systems agree on how to communicate at the lowest levels—the EIA (Electronic Industries Association)

RS-232C asynchronous communication line and the ASCII (American National Standard Code for Information Interchange) character set—but agreement rarely extends beyond that. To avoid a design that might lock out some kinds of systems, we must consider certain important ways in which systems can differ.

Mainframes versus Microcomputers—A distinction must first be made between microcomputers and mainframes. These terms are not used pejoratively: a microcomputer could be a powerful workstation, and a mainframe could be a small minicomputer. For our purposes, a microcomputer is any singleuser system in which the serialcommunication port is strictly an external device. A mainframe is any system that is host to multiple, simultaneous users at terminals, who log into jobs, and where a user's terminal is the job's controlling terminal. Some mainframe systems allow users to assign another terminal line on the same machine as an external I/O (input/output) device.

Mainframe operating-system terminal drivers usually treat a job's controlling terminal specially. Full-duplex systems echo incoming characters on the controlling terminal but not on an assigned line. System command interpreters or user processes might take special action on certain characters on the controlling line but not on an assigned line (for instance, Control-C under CP/M or most DEC operating systems). Messages sent to a job's controlling terminal from other jobs could interfere with transmission of data. The ability of a system to test for the availability of input on a serial line might depend on whether the line is the job's controlling terminal or an assigned device; CP/M and IBM VM/370 are examples of such systems. CP/M can test for data only at the console; VM can test anywhere but the console.

Output to a job's controlling terminal may be reformatted by the operating system: control characters may be translated to printable equivalents, lowercase letters specially flagged or translated to uppercase (or vice versa), or tabs expanded to spaces. In addition, based on the terminal's declared width and length, long lines might be wrapped around or truncated, formfeeds translated to a series of linefeeds, and (text continued on page 259)

256 BYTE • |UNE 1984

Statpro™ brings the power of mainframe statistics to your personal computer"

Until now, serious statistical analysis meant mainframes, computer centers and a lot of extra work for you.

Enter Statpro, the most powerful statistical software system ever developed for personal computers.

It lets you do almost everything you do on a mainframe on your IBM* or Apple* personal computer. Including descriptive statistics, regression, ANOVA, factor and cluster analysis, to name just a few capabilities.

And Statpro's awesome power isn't limited to number crunching. You can plot all your results in fourcolor graphics, such as scatter, triangle and regression plots, dendrograms, histograms and pie charts.

What's more, Statpro has sophisticated database management capabilities "^^ which make entering, manipulating, transforming and editing data quick and easy.

Most important of all, you get this incredible power in one integrated, fully documented, easy-touse package.

Statpro for personal computers. Another example of why small is beautiful.

Contact your local dealer. Or Wadsworth Professional Software, Inc., Statler Office Building, 20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116.

800-322-2208

In Massachusetts call (617) 423-0420.

Wadsworth Professional Software

Statpro is a trademark of Wadsworth Professional Software, Inc. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines, Corp.

Circle 349 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 257

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Helix Laboratories, inc., 8123 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91304

(818) 710-0300—outside California, 800-468-0004 Dealer inquiries Welcome

) 1984, Helix Laboratories, Inc.

Circle 374 for Dealer Inquiries. Circle 375 for End-User Inquiries.

Circle 75 on inquiry card.

KERMIT

[text continued from page 2 56) the system may pause at the end of each screen full of output. Input from a job's controlling terminal may also be handled specially: lowercase letters may be converted to uppercase, a linefeed may be supplied when a carriage return is typed, or control characters may invoke special functions, such as line editing or program interruption. The DECSYSTEM-20 is an example of a computer where any of these might happen.

The moral here is that care must be taken to disable special handling of a mainframe job's controlling terminal when it is to be a vehicle for interprocessor communication. But some systems simply do not allow certain of these features to be disabled, so filetransfer protocols must be designed around them.

Line Access—Line access is either full or half duplex. If full duplex, transmission can occur in both directions at once. If half duplex, the two sides must take turns sending, each signaling the other when the line is free; data sent out of turn is discarded, or it can cause a break in synchronization. On mainframes, the host echoes characters typed at the terminal in full duplex but not in half duplex. Naturally, echoing is undesirable during file transfer. Full-duplex systems can usually accommodate halfduplex communication but not vice versa. IBM mainframes are the most prevalent half-duplex systems.

Buffering and Flow Control—Some systems cannot handle sustained bursts of input on a telecommunication line; the input buffer can fill up faster than it can be emptied, especially at high line speeds. Some systems attempt to buffer typeahead (unrequested input); others discard it. Those that buffer typeahead may or may not provide a mechanism to test or clear the buffer.

Systems may try to regulate how fast characters come in using a flow-control mechanism, either in the data stream (XON/XOFF) or parallel to it (modem control signals), but no two systems can be assumed to honor the same conventions for flow control—or to do it at all. Even when flow control is being done, the control signals themselves are subject to noise corruption.

Our experiments with several host {text continued on page 260)

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IUNE 1984 'BYTE 259

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IBM-PC/XT or PC compatible IEEE-488 INTERFACE BOARD

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A resident firmware interpreter simplifies programming and

accepts any ASCII string or code including Tektronix Standard Codes and Formats and IEEE-488 command mnemonics. Interpreter routines support BASIC, PASCAL, C and other languages.

Supports the PrtSc (print screen) key, and all BASIC print statements for IEEE-488 printers and devices.

i Small size - see BYTE 11 /83, p. 314

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KERMIT

(tat continued from page 259) computers revealed that a burst of more than a line's worth of characters (60 to 100) into a terminal port at moderate speed could result in loss of data—or worse—on some hosts. For instance, the communications front end of the DECsystem-2060 is designed on the statistical assumption that all terminal input comes from human fingers, and it cannot allocate buffers fast enough when this assumption is violated by

Kermit is not written in any particular computer language as it is not a portable program but a portable protocol.

sending continuous data simultaneously from several microcomputers attached to terminal ports.

Character Interpretation—Systems differ in how they interpret characters that arrive at the terminal port. A host can accept some characters as sent, ignore others, translate others, and take special action on others. Communications front ends or multiplexers might swallow certain characters (typically, DC1, DC3) for flow control, padding (NUL or DEL), or transfer of control (escape). The characters that typically trigger special behavior are the ASCII control characters, including the delete character. For instance, of these 33 control characters, 17 invoke special functions of our DECSYSTEM-20 command processor. However, all hosts and communication processors we've encountered allow any printable character to reach an application program, even though the character may be translated to a different encoding, like EBCDIC (extended binarycoded-decimal interchange code), for internal use.

Some operating systems allow an application to input a character at a time; others delay passing the characters to the program until a logical record has been detected, usually a sequence of characters terminated by a carriage return or linefeed. Some record

oriented systems, like the IBM VM/370, discard the terminator; others keep it. And different ways of keeping it are used—UNIX translates a carriage return into a linefeed; most DEC operating systems keep the carriage return but also add a linefeed.

Timing Out—Hosts may or may not have the ability to time out. When exchanging messages with another computer, it is desirable to be able to issue an input request without waiting forever should the incoming data be lost. A lost message could result in a protocol deadlock in which one system is waiting forever for the message while the other waits for a response. Some systems can set timer interrupts to allow escape from potential blocking operations; others, including many microcomputers, cannot do so. When time-outs are not possible, they may be simulated by sleep-and-test or loop-and-test operations or deadlocked systems may be awakened by manual intervention.

File Organization—Some computers store all files in a uniform way, such as the linear stream of bytes that is a UNIX file. Other computers have more complicated or diverse file organizations and access methods—record-oriented storage with its many variations, exemplified in IBM OS/360 or DEC RMS. Even simple microcomputers can present complications when files are treated as uniform data to be transferred; for instance, under CP/M, the ends of binary and text files are determined differently. A major question in any operating system is whether a file is specified sufficiently by its contents and its name or if additional external information is required to make the file valid. A simple, generalized file-transfer facility can be expected to transmit a file's name and contents but not every conceivable attribute a file might possess.

Designers of expensive networks have gone to great lengths to pass file attributes along when transferring files between unlike systems. For instance, the DECnet Data Access Protocol supports 42 generic-system capabilities (such as whether files can be preallocated, appended to, accessed randomly, etc.), 8 data types (ASCII, EBCDIC, executable, etc.), 4 organizations (sequential, relative, indexed, hashed), 5 record for[text continued on page 262)

260 BYTE- IUNE 1984

**•* EXTRA ••**

FOX & GELLER SHIPS OZ!

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OZ DOES FOR MANAGERS WHAT SPREADSHEETS CANT

Elmwood Park, N.J.—Fox & Geller today announced the shipping of OZ, their new stand-alone financial management software.

OZ is designed to do what managers have been trying to do with spreadsheets all along.

OZ can work with spreadsheet files or its own data files to perform managerial functions like: Organizational consolidation, Profit & Loss analysis, 3-dimensional financial analysis, built-in financial reports plus complete color graphics capability. Most of these functions are performed with a single keystroke.

Fox & Geller boast of a unique Budget Variance Analysis feature in OZ. Everytime you change a number OZ will allow you to give a reason for making the change. "This makes it easy to spot and explain any variance in your company's key financial in

dicators. You could never do this with spreadsheets. In fact, many of the features in OZ have never before been available on microcomputers.

OZ is written in plain English with an instructive, step-by-step manual and requires no programming or previous computer experience.

Big corporations are seen as a major market for OZ as are current users of popular spreadsheet like Lotus 1 -2-3™ Multiplan™ and VisiCalcIM

DEALERS EAGER FOR OZ!

Dealers today are spreading the news concerning OZ, the latest introduction from Fox & Geller, the creators of QUICKCODE.

OZ is a stand-alone financial management program specially tailored for managers. OZ enables the user to perform specific managerial tasks using data from OZ files or from existing spreadsheet data files.

Industry analysts predict the Fox & Geller name will guarantee OZ immediate success. "They are well respected", an industry spokesman said recently. "A lot of people are using their dBASE II enhancement packages", he said refer ring to QUICKCODE and dGRAPH by Fox & Geller.

OZ offers managers the ability to have complete control over their financials. OZ is the first and only software that can actually be used to (continued on page 44)

These ads for OZ have appeared in major computer

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Q: Why do I need OZ?

A: By controlling the financials of an organization you control the organization. OZ gives you this ability. You will know why sales are down, why costs went up, what effect it will have on next year or the rest of this year and what can be done to control it in the future. Imagine, having this much information at your desk.

Q: How is OZ different than a spreadsheet?

A: As good as spreadsheets are, they are very general in their application. OZ was made for managers and is specifically tailored to perform functions managers need on a daily basis.

OZ does what managers have been trying to do with spreadsheets all along. Managerial functions like computer-aidea variance analysis, updating and maintaining P&L, organization consolidations, budget forecast and actuals, 3-dimensional financial analysis, built-in reports of key financial indicators and complete color graphic capability to name a few.

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Q: Where do I get OZ?

A: OZ is available at most local computer stores. Or call Fox & Geller directly at

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KERMIT

(text continued from page 260) mats (fixed, variable, etc.), 8 record attributes (for format control), 14 fileallocation attributes (byte size, record size, block size, etc.), 28 access options (supersede, update, append, rewind, etc.), 26 device characteristics (terminal, directory structured, shared, spooled, etc.). and various access options (new, old, rename, password, etc.), in addition to the better-known file attributes like name, creation date, protection code, and so on. All this was deemed necessary even when the designers had only a small number of machines from one vendor to worry about.

The ARPA (Advanced Research Projects Agency of the Department of Defense) network, which attempts to provide services for many more machines from many vendors, makes some simplifying assumptions and sets some restrictions in its File Transfer Protocol (FTP). All files are forced into certain categories with respect to encoding (ASCII, EBCDIC, image), record-format control, byte size, and file structure (record or stream), and it is generally left to the host FTP implementation to do the necessary transformations. No particular provision is made, or can be made, to ensure that such transformations are invertible. Invertibility involves sending a copy of a file to another system, receiving a copy of that file back from the other system, and having all the attributes of this second copy of the file match the original file's characteristics.

DECnet is able to provide invertibility for operating systems like VMS or RSX, which can store the necessary file attributes along with the file. But simpler file systems, like those of TOPS-10 or TOPS-20, can lose vital information about incoming files. For instance, if VMS requires some type of file to have a specific block size, while TOPS-20 has no concept of block size, the block size will be lost upon transfer from VMS to TOPS-20 and cannot be restored automatically when the file is sent back, leaving the result potentially unusable.

Invertibility is a major problem with no simple solution. Fortunately, file transfer between unlike systems usually involves only textual informationdata, documents, program source— which is sequential in organization, and for which any required transformations

(e.g., blocked to stream, EBCDIC to ASCII) are simple and not dependent on any special file attributes.

In fact, invertibility can be achieved if that is the primary goal of a file-transfer protocol. All the external attributes of a file can be encoded and included with the contents of the file to be stored on the remote system. For unlike systems, this can render the file less than useful on the target system but allows it to be restored correctly upon return. However, it is more commonly desired that textual files remain intelligible when transferred to a foreign system, even if transformations must be made. To allow the necessary transformations to take place on textual files between unlike systems, there must be a standard way of representing these files during transmission.

Binary Files versus Parity—Each ASCII character is represented by a string of 7 bits. Printable ASCII files can be transmitted in a straightforward fashion because ASCII transmission is designed for them: a serial stream of 8-bit characters, 7 bits for data and 1 bit for parity, framed by start and stop bits for the benefit of the hardware. The parity bit is added as a check on the integrity of a character. Some systems always transmit parity, some insist on parity for incoming characters, some ignore the parity bit for communication purposes and pass it along to the software, and some discard it altogether. In addition, communications front ends or common carriers might usurp the parity bit, regardless of what the system itself may do.

Computer file systems generally store an ASCII text file as a sequence of either 7-bit or 8-bit bytes. Eight-bit bytes are more common, in which the eighth bit of each byte is generally superfluous. Besides files composed of ASCII characters, however, computers also have binary files, in which every bit is meaningful; examples include executable core images of programs, numbers stored in internal format, and databases with embedded pointers. Such binary data must be mapped to ASCII characters for transmission over serial lines. When two systems allow the user-level software to control the parity bit, the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards may be stretched to {text continued on page 264)

262 BYTE • JUNE 1984

The Micro world's Most Powerful Editor is also die

Easiest to Use.

Easy to Use

VEDIT is an exceptionally easy to use, flexible and powerful full-screen editor. Now you can perform word processing quickly and easily, yet have command of editing tools created for the most sophisticated programmer.

VEDIT helps you concentrate on creativity instead of devoting your attention to operating the program. VEDIT is also forgiving - it allows you to make mistakes or experiment. If you don't like what you've just typed, 'undo' it with a single keystroke.

Need Help? Just press the help key, a summary of commands and your keyboard layout will be displayed. Even include your own help messages.

Other helpful features include a directory display, single key search and selective replace, line and column display, word wrap, adjustable margins, paragraph formatting & print functions, plus the unique ability to completely determine your own keyboard layout.

Powerful

VEDIT - the micro industry's most respected full screen editor - has evolved into a powerful programming language, with the flexibility, performance & features of SPF, TECO and other mainframe editors. The power of its command macro language is virtually limitless. Sophisticated search/replace with pattern matching of multiple strings in multiple files may be executed automatically. You can create a custom macro program to do virtually anything. Translate source code. Format printed output. Convert WordStar files to VEDIT. With a one line command you can selectively strip comments from programs. And macros may be loaded, saved and reused at a later time.

VEDIT is a 'virtual editor' with unlimited and automatic file handling capability - there is no limit to the size of files you can edit. Plus you can change disks at any time.

VEDITs Newest Features

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VEDIT is highly acclaimed in every major computing journal. Reviewers say VEDIT is 'nothing short of outstanding', and 'the most flexible programming editor I've ever seen'. In InfoWorlds 1983 Report Card of word processing software, VEDIT scored highest of all CP/M-MSDOS word processors/editors reviewed.

Expect a lot from VEDIT. While easy to use, VEDIT is specifically designed for complex text manipulations. VEDIT has 10 text registers for extensive 'cut & paste' on multiple files, plus special features for programming in Pascal, PL/1, C, Assembler and other languages.

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KERMIT

{text continued from page 262) permit the transmission of 8 data bits per character, which corresponds to the byte size of most machines. But since not all computers allow this flexibility, the ability to transfer binary data in this fashion cannot be assumed.

Software— Finally, systems differ in their application software. In particular, no system can be assumed to have a particular programming language. Even widespread languages such as FORTRAN and BASIC may be lacking from some computers, either because they have not been implemented or because they are proprietary and have not been purchased. Even when two different systems support the same language, it is unrealistic to expect the two implementations to be totally compatible. A general-purpose file-transfer protocol should not be written in or geared toward the features of any particular computer language.

The Kermit Protocol

Kermit addresses the problems outlined above by setting certain minimal standards for transmission and providing a mapping among disk-storage organization, machine word and byte size, and the transmission medium. Kermit has the following characteristics:

• Communication takes place over ordinary terminal connections.

• Communication is half duplex. This allows both full- and half-duplex systems to participate, and it eliminates the echoing that would otherwise occur for characters arriving at a host job's controlling terminal.

• The packet length is variable, but the maximum is 96 characters so that most hosts can take packets in without buffering problems.

• Packets are sent in alternate directions; a reply is required for each packet. This allows half-duplex systems to participate and prevents buffer overruns that would occur on some systems if packets were sent back to back.

• A time-out facility, when available, allows transmission to resume after a packet is lost.

• All transmission is in ASCII. Any non-ASCII hosts are responsible for conversion. ASCII control characters are prefixed with a special character

and then converted to printable characters during transmission to ensure that they arrive as sent. A single ASCII control character (normally SOH [start of header]) is used to mark the beginning of a packet.

• Binary files can be transmitted by a similar prefix scheme or by use of the parity bit when both sides have control of it.

• Logical records (lines) in textual files are terminated during transmission with prefixed carriage return/linefeed sequences, which are transparent to the protocol and may appear anywhere in a packet. Systems that delimit records in other ways are responsible for conversion, if they desire the distinction between records to be preserved across unlike systems.

• Only a file's name and contents are transmitted—no attributes. It is the user's responsibility to see that the file is stored correctly on the target system. Within this framework, invertible transfer of text files can be assured, but invertible transfer of nontext files depends on the capabilities of the particular implementations of Kermit and the host operating systems.

• Kermit has no special knowledge of the host on the other side. No attempt is made to integrate the two sides. Rather, Kermit is designed to work more or less uniformly on all systems.

• Kermit need not be written in any particular language. It is not a portable program but a portable protocol.

Thus, Kermit accommodates itself to many systems by conforming to a common subset of their features. But the resulting simplicity and generality allow Kermit on any machine to communicate with Kermit on any other machine: microcomputer-to-mainframe, microcomputer-to-microcomputer, mainframe-to-mainframe. The back-and-forth exchange of packets keeps the two sides synchronized; the protocol can be called asynchronous only because the communication hardware itself operates asynchronously.

As far as the user is concerned, Kermit is a do-it-yourself operation. For instance, to transfer files between your microcomputer and a mainframe, you would run Kermit on your microcomputer, put Kermit into the terminalemulation mode to let you "connect" to

the mainframe, log in and run Kermit on the mainframe, and then escape back to the microcomputer and issue commands to the microcomputer's Kermit to send or fetch the desired files. Any inconvenience implicit in this procedure is a consequence of the power it gives the ordinary user to establish reliable connections between computers that could not otherwise be connected.

Packets

Kermit packets need to contain the data that is being transferred, plus minimum information to ensure that the expected data arrives completely and correctly. Several issues arise when designing the packet layout: how to represent data, how to delimit fields within the packet, how to delimit the packet itself, and how to arrange the fields within the packet. Since the transmission medium itself is character oriented, it is not feasible to transmit bit strings of arbitrary length, as do the bit-oriented protocols like HDLC (high-level data-link control) and SDLC (synchronous data-link control). Therefore, the smallest unit of information in a packet must be the ASCII character. As we will see, this precludes some techniques used with other communication media.

Control Fields—Most popular protocol definitions view the packet as layers of information that pass through a hierarchy of protocol levels, each level adding its own information at the ends of an outbound packet or stripping its information from the ends of an incoming packet, and then passing the result along to the next level in the hierarchy. The fields for each layer must be arranged so that they can be found, identified, and interpreted correctly at the appropriate level.

Since Kermit packets are short, it is important to minimize the amount of control information per packet. It would be convenient to limit the control fields to one character each. Because we have 95 printable characters to work with (128 ASCII characters, less the delete character |DEL] and the 32 control characters), we can represent values from 0 to 94 with a single character:

• The packet sequence number is used to

detect missing or duplicate packets. It

is unlikely that a large number of

[text continued on page 268)

264 BYTE • IUNE 1984

THE PRINTER TO PICK WHEN THE PACE QUICKENS.

It's happening all over the PC and micro worlds.

You're getting hit with a ton of increased throughput requirements. Your applications are generating a deluge of paper. You need more printer speed. A lot more.

You're also looking for more professional-looking presentations so you need better print quality. A lot better.

Who's got the best of both worlds for you?

Okidata's Pacemark 2350 and 2410 dot matrix printers.

They'll not only help you keep pace with your world, they'll help you set new and exciting ones. In print speed. In print quality. And in vastly increased compatibility and capability.

Take throughput. The 2350 and 2410 can quickly get you out of the waiting game to where you're really cranking it out. And with flexibility, too: up to 5 pages per minute.

But wait. Cranking what out, you may ask? A single, restrictive printing mode? No way. The 2410 can give you DP, draft,

and a correspondence quality that truly rivals the daisywheel.

And the 2350 and 2410 can both print at up to 350 cps. While producing 120 to 420 lines a minute for you. With bidirectional printing and short line seeking logic. And both high speed horizontal and vertical slew.

PC COMPATIBILITY. SOFTWARE COMPATIBILITY.

The 2350 and 2410 use industry standard interfaces making them hardware compatible with most mini and microsystems on the market today. In addition, they are supported on the menus of most of the important software being offered to microsystem users like Visicalc, Lotus 1,2,3, DBASE 2, Peachtree 500 and General Ledger, Multi-Mate WP, Wordstar, etcetera, etcetera.

But wait, there's more. Like an outstanding all points addressable graphics capability with 144 x 144 dots per inch resolution.

Two color printing for highlighting. Down line loadable font sets for flexibility.

Subscripts and superscripts so your scientific and technical usage won't bog down. Six-part forms handling. The capability to print 132 columns on eight-inch paper using 17.1 characters per inch to save paper costs and make output easier to handle.

And—so that you can depend on getting all that good stuff, all the time—a mean time between failure of 2200 hours. A mean time to repair of only 30 minutes. An average printhead life of 200,000,000 characters. And an industry low warranty claim rate of less than 2%.

No doubt about it, the quicker the pace at your place, the more you need Pacemark from our place. For more information, call toll free 1-800-OKIDATA. In New Jersev, 609-235-2600. Or write OKIDATA, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.

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SupetS ft

Language Library

For PC DOS; MS DOS, CP/M-86, and others

A programmer's most important software tool is the language compiler or interpreter he uses. He has to depend on it to work and work well.

At SuperSoft, we believe it. That's why we offer three fine compilers: SuperSoft FORTRAN, SuperSoft BASIC, and SuperSoft C, that answer the programmer's need for rock solid, dependable performance on 16 bit systems.

BASIC

COMPILER

Compatible with Microsoft BASIC

The SuperSoft BASIC compiler, available under CP/M-86 and MS DOS, is compatible with Microsoft* BASIC and follows the ANSI standard.

Greater accuracy with BCD math routines

If you have used other languages without BCD math, you know how disconcerting decimal round off errors can be. For example:

With IBM PC*

With SuperSoft

BASIC

BASIC with

BCD math

10A=.99

10A=99

20 PRINT A

20 PRINT A

30 END

30 END

Output: .9899999

Output: .99

As you can see, SuperSoft BASIC with BCD provides greater assurance in applications where accuracy is critical.

SuperSoft's BASIC is a true native code compiler, not an intermediate code interpreter. It is a superset of standard BASIC, supporting numerous extensions to the language. Important features include:

■ Four variable types: Integer, String, and Single and Double Precision Floating Point (13 digit)

■ Full PRINT USING for formatted output

■ Long variable names

■ Error trapping

■ Matrices with up to 32 dimensions

■ Boolean operators OR, AND, NOT, XOR, EQV, IMP

■ Supports random and sequential disk files with a complete set of file manipulation statements

■ IEEE floating point available soon as an option

■ No run time license fee

Requires: 128K memory

BASIC compiler: $300.00

For CP/M-86: MS DOS, and PC DOS

*SuperSoft BASIC is compatible with Microsoft BASIC interpreter and IBM PC BASIC. Due to version differences and inherent differences in compilers and interpreters some minor variations may be found. Machine dependent commands may not be supported. The vast majority of programs will run with no changes.

FORTRAN

SuperSoft FORTRAN is the answer to the growing need for a high quality FORTRAN compiler running under CP/M-86 and IBM PC DOS. It has major advantages over other FORTRAN compilers for the 8086. For example, consider the benchmark program used to test the IBM FORTRAN in InfoWorld, p. 44, Oct. 25, 1982. (While the differential listed will not be the same for all benchmark programs, we feel it is a good indication of the quality of our compiler.) Results are as follows:

IBM FORTRAN: SuperSoft FORTRAN

38.0 Seconds 2.8 Seconds

In its first release SuperSoft FORTRAN offers the following outstanding features:

1. Full ANSI 66 standard FORTRAN with important extensions

2. Standard data types, double precision, varying string length, complex numbers

3. Free format input and free format string output

4. Compact object code and run time support

5. Special functions include string functions, dynamic allocation, time/date, and video access

6. Debug support: subscript checking, good runtime messages

7. Full IEEE floating point

8. Full 8087 support available as option ($50.00).

9. Ratfor preprocessor available as option ($100.00).

Program developers:

SuperSoft s family of FORTRAN compilers means you can write your programs once and they will run under CP/M-80, CP/M-86, and MS DOS. This lets you get your applications running fast no matter what the environment.

SuperSoft FORTRAN:

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working great!

Requires:

FORTRAN: 8087 Support: Ratfor:

128K with CP/M-86 or MS DOS,

32K with CP/M-80

$425.00 (in each environment)

$ 50.00

$100.00

For CP/M-86: MS DOS, IBM PC DOS; and CP/M-80*

In conjunction with SuperSoft, SuperSoft FORTRAN

was developed by Small Systems Services. Urbana. IL. a

leader in FORTRAN development.

Japanese Distributor:

ASR Corporation International, TBI Building, 7th Floor. 1-19-9 Toranomon. Minato-Ku. Tokyo 105 Japan Tel 1031-5025550, Telex 222-5650 ASRTYO J European Distributor: SuperSoft International Ltd , 51 The Pantiles Tunbridge Wells. Kent England TN2 5TE Tel 0892-45433 Telex 95441 Micro-G

C Compiler

In 1982 SuperSoft helped C programmers around the world move their applications from 8 to 16 bit operating systems with the first C compiler under CP/M-86,® PC DOS, and MS DOS.

Today there are several C compilers on the market, and you can look at them all. But if you want a C that's fully portable, syntactically compatible with UNIX version 7 C, rigorously tested, fast in both compilation and execution, packed with more library functions than any other, and produces a very highly optimized assembly code...then you'll find only one. The SuperSoft C compiler.

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KERMIT

(text continued from page 264] packets could be lost, especially since packet n is acknowledged before packet n+\ is sent. The sequence number can thus be a small quantity, which wraps around to its minimum value when it exceeds a specified maximum value.

• To prevent long packets, a small maximum length can be enforced by specifying the packet length with a single character; since 95 printable ASCII characters can be transmitted, this would be the maximum length, depending on how we count the control fields.

• The checksum can be of fixed length. The actual length depends on the desired balance between efficiency and error detection.

The packet length and checksum act together to detect corrupted, missing, or extra characters. These are the essential fields for promoting error-free transmission. So far, however, we've considered only packets that carry actual file data; we will also require special packets composed only of control information, for instance, to tell the remote host the name of the file that is about to come or to tell it that the transmission is complete. This can be accomplished with a packet type field. The number of functions we need to specify in this field is small, so a single character can also suffice here.

Packet Framing—We chose to mark the beginning of a package with a distinguishing start character, SOH (ControlA). This character cannot appear anywhere else within the packet. SOH was chosen because, unlike most other control characters, it is generally accepted upon input at a job's controlling terminal as a data character rather than as an interrupt or break character on most mainframes. This is probably no accident, since it was originally intended for this use by the designers of the ASCII alphabet. Should a system be incapable of sending or receiving SOH, it is possible to redefine the start-of-packet character to be any other control character; the two sides need not use the same one.

Three principal options for recognizing the end of a packet are available: fixed length, distinguishing packet-end (text continued on page 270)

268 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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KERMIT

[text continued from page 268) character, and length field. Arguments are made for and against each involving what happens when characters, particularly a length or terminator, are lost or garbled. These will be mentioned later. Kermit uses a length field.

To take in a packet, Kermit gets characters from the line until it encounters the SOH. The next character is the length; Kermit reads and decodes the length and then reads that many subsequent characters to complete the packet. If another SOH is encountered before the count is exhausted, the current packet is forgotten and a new one started automatically. This strategy allows arbitrary amounts of noise to be generated spontaneously between packets without interfering with the protocol.

Encoding—When transmitting textual data, Kermit terminates logical records with carriage return/linefeed combinations (CR/LFs). On record-oriented sys

tems, trailing blanks or length fields are removed and a CR/LF appended to outbound records, with the inverse operation performed on incoming records. On stream-oriented systems, incoming CR/LFs may be translated to some other terminator. Files, of course, need not have logical records, in which case record processing can be skipped altogether, and the file can be treated as a long string of bytes. This is known as image transfer, and it can also be used between like systems where no transformations are necessary.

In order to make each character in the packet printable, Kermit prefixes, or quotes, any unprintable character by transforming it to a printable one and precedes it with a special prefix character, normally #. The transformation is done by complementing the seventh bit (adding or subtracting 64 modulo 64). Thus, Control-A becomes #A and Control-Z becomes #Z. The prefix character is also used to prefix itself: ##.

Upon input, the reverse transformation is performed. Printable characters are not transformed. The assumption is that most files to be transferred are printable, and printable text files contain relatively few control characters; when this is true, the character stream is not significantly lengthened by quoting. For binary files, the average quoting overhead will be 26.6 percent more characters if all bit patterns are equally likely, since the characters that must be prefixed (the control characters, plus DEL and # itself) comprise 26.6 percent of the ASCII alphabet.

Kermit also provides a scheme for indicating the status of the eighth bit when transferring binary files between systems that must use the eighth bit for parity. A byte whose eighth bit is set is preceded by another special prefix character, &. If the low-order 7 bits coincide with an ASCII control character, a control-character prefix is also added. {text continued on page 272)

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270 B YTE • IUNE 1984

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KERMIT

(text continued from page 270) For instance, the byte 100000012 would be transmitted as &#A. The & character itself can be included as data by prefixing it (#&), and the control-prefix character may have its eighth bit set (&##). Eighth-bit prefixing is done only when necessary; if both sides can control the parity bit, its value is preserved during transmission. If the eighth bit is set randomly on binary files, eighth-bit prefixing will add 50 percent character overhead. For some kinds of binary data, it could be less; for instance, positive binary numbers in two'scomplement notation do not have their high-order bits set, in which case at least one byte per word will not be prefixed.

A third kind of prefix implements rudimentary data compression. At low speeds, the bottleneck in file transmission is likely to be the line itself, so any measure that can cut down on use of the line would be welcome. The special prefix character " indicates that the next character is a repeat count (a single character, encoded printably) and that the character after that (which may also have control or eighth-bit prefixes) is repeated so many times. For instance, ~}A indicates a series of 93 letter As; ~H&#B indicates a series of 40 ControlBs with the parity bit set. The repeat count prefix itself can be included as text by prefixing it with #.

Tb keep the protocol simple, no other transformations are done. At this point, however, it might be worth mentioning some things we did not do to the data:

• Fancy data compression, if the data is known to be (or resemble) English text, a Huffman encoding based on the frequency of characters in English text could be used. A Huffman code resembles Morse code, which has variable-length characters whose boundaries can always be distinguished. The more frequent the character, the shorter the bit string to represent it. Of course, this scheme can backfire if the character distribution of the data is very different from the one assumed. In any case, variable-length characters and ASCII transmission don't mix well.

• Error-correcting codes. Techniques such as Hamming codes exist for detecting and correcting errors on a

[tact continued on page 274)

272 BYTE • JUNE I984

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CONTRpL DATA

KERMIT

Kermit is a simple, generalized file-transfer facility that transmits a file's name and contents but not every attribute a file might possess.

{text continued from page 272) per-character basis. These are expensive in resources and complex to program. Kermit uses per-packet block-check techniques (explained below).

• Nubble encoding. To circumvent problems with control and 8-bit characters, it would have been possible to divide every character into two 4-bit nybbles. sending each as a printable character (e.g., a hexadecimal digit). The character overhead caused by this scheme would always be 100 percent. But it would be an easy way to transfer binary files.

Error Detection—Character parity and Hamming codes are forms of vertical redundancy checks (VRCs), formed by combining all the bits of a character. The other kind of check that can be used is the longitudinal redundancy check (LRC), which produces a blockcheck character formed by some combination of each character within a sequence. The sending side computes the LRC and sends it with the packet; the receiving side recomputes it for comparison. Various forms of LRCs exist. One form produces a column-parity character, or logical sum, whose bits are the exclusive-ORs of the corresponding bits of the data characters. Another is the checksum, which is the arithmetic sum of all the characters in the sequence, interpreted numerically. Another is the cyclic redundancy check (CRC), which passes the characters through what amounts to a shift register with embedded feedback loops, producing a block check in which each bit is affected in many ways by the preceding characters.

All these techniques will catch singlebit errors. They do vary in their ability to detect other kinds of errors. For instance, a double-bit column error will

always go undetected with column parity, since the result of exclusive-ORing any 2 bits together is the same as exclusive-ORing their complements, whereas half the possible double-bit errors can be caught by addition because of the carry into the next bit position. The CRC does even better by rippling the effect of a data-bit multiply through the block-check character, but the method is complex, and a software implementation of a CRC can be inscrutable.

Standard, base-level Kermit employs a single-character arithmetic checksum, which is simple to program, low in overhead, and has proven quite adequate in practice. The sum is formed by adding together the ASCII values of each character in the packet except the SOH and the checksum itself and including any prefixing characters. Even non-ASCII hosts must do this calculation in ASCII. The result can approach 12,000 in the worst case. The binary representation of this number is 101110111000002. which is 14 bits long. This is much more than one character's worth of bits, but we can make the observation that every character included in the sum has contributed to the low-order 7 bits, so we can discard some high-order bits and still have a viable validity check.

The Kermit protocol also allows other block-check options, including a twocharacter checksum and a three-character 16-bit CRC. The two-character checksum is simply the low-order 12 bits of the arithmetic sum broken into two printable characters. The CRC sequence is formed from the 16-bit quantity generated by the CCITT-recommended polynomial X[6+ Xn+ X5+ 1, which is also used in some form with other popular transmission techniques, such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) HDLC and IBM SDLC. The high-order 4 bits of the CRC go into the first character, the middle 6 into the second, and the low-order 6 into the third.

Some care must be taken in the formation of the single-character block check. Since it must be expressed as a single printable character, values of the high-order data bits may be lost, which could result in undetected errors, especially when transferring binary files. Therefore, we extract the seventh and eighth bits of the sum and add them

back to the low-order bits; if the arithmetic sum of all the characters is S. the value of the single-character Kermit checksum is given by

(S + ((S AND 300J/100)) AND 77

(The numbers are in octal notation.) This ensures that the checksum, terse though it is, reflects every bit from every character in the packet.

The probability that an error will not be caught by a correctly transmitted arithmetic checksum is the ratio of the number of possible errors that cancel each other out to the total number of possible errors, which works out to 1/2", where n is the number of bits in the checksum, assuming all errors are equally likely. This is 1/64 for the singlecharacter checksum and 1/4096 for the two-character checksum. But the probability that errors will go undetected by this method under real conditions cannot be easily derived, because all kinds of errors are not equally likely. A 16-bit CRC will detect all single- and doublebit errors, all messages with an odd number of bits in error, all error bursts shorter than 16 bits, and more than 99.99 percent of longer bursts. These probabilities all assume, of course, that the block check has been identified correctly, i.e., that the length field points to it and that no intervening characters have been lost or spuriously added.

A final note on parity—a parity bit on each character combined with a logical sum of all the characters (VRC and LRC) would allow detection and correction of single-bit errors without retransmission by pinpointing the row and column of the bad bit. But control of the parity bit cannot be achieved on every system, so we use the parity bit for binary data when we can or surrender it to the communication hardware if we must. If we have use of the eighth bit for data, it is figured into the block check; if we do not, it must be omitted from the block check in case it has been changed by agents beyond the knowledge or control of Kermit.

Packet Layout—Kermit packets have the format, shown in figure 1, where all fields consist of ASCII characters, and the char function converts a number in the range O.to 94 to a printable ASCII character by adding 32.

In terms of the seven-layer ISO net{texl continued on page 276)

274 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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KERMIT

itext continued from page 274) work reference model, 8-bit bytes are presented to Kermit by the hardware and operating-system software comprising the physical-link layer. Correct transmission is ensured by the packetlevel routines that implement the datalink layer using the outer "skin" of the packet-the MARK, LEN, and CHECK fields. The network and transport layers are moot, since Kermit is a point-topoint affair in which the user personally makes all the required connections. The session layer is responsible for requesting retransmission of missing packets or ignoring redundant ones, based on the SEQ field; the presentation layer is responsible for any data conversions (EBCDIC/ASCII, insertion or stripping of CR/LFs, etc.). Finally, the TYPE and DATA fields are the province of the application layer; our application, of course, is file transfer. In any particular implementation, however, the organization of the program may not strictly follow this model. For instance, since transmission is always in an ASCII stream, IBM mainframe implementations must convert from EBCDIC and insert CR/LFs before checksum computation.

The six fields of a Kermit information packet are listed in table 1. The packet may be followed by any line terminator required by the host, a carriage return by default. Line terminators are not part of the packet and are not included in the count or checksum. Terminators are not necessary to the protocol and are invisible to it, as are any characters that may appear between packets. If a host cannot do single-character input from a terminal, a terminator will be re

quired for that host.

Some sample Kermit data packets are shown in listing 1. The "A represents the unprintable SOH (or Control-A) character. In the last packet shown, E is the length. The ASCII value of the E character is 69, less 32 (the unchar transformation, which is the opposite of char) gives a length of 37. The next character, &, tells the packet sequence number, in this case 6. The next is the packet type D for Data. The next characters, "of#M#Jconstructing a theory conta", form the data; note the prefixed carriage return and linefeed. The final character, 5, is the checksum, which represents the number 21.

E//ecrs of Packet Corruption—What are the consequences of transmission errors in the various fields? If the SOH is garbled, the packet will be treated as interpacket garbage and ignored. If any other character within the packet is garbled into SOH, the current packet will be discarded and a new (spurious) packet detected. If the length is garbled into a smaller number, a character from the data field will be misinterpreted as the checksum; if larger, the program will probably become stuck trying to input characters that will not be sent until one side or the other times out and retransmits. If the sequence number, type, any of the data characters, or the checksum itself is garbled, the checksum should be wrong. If characters are lost, there will most likely be a time-out. If noise characters are spontaneously generated, they will be ignored if they are between packets or will cause the wrong character to be interpreted as the checksum if they come during packet transmission.

Most kinds of errors are caught by the checksum comparison and are handled by immediate retransmission. Time-outs are more costly because the line sits idle for the time-out period. The packet design minimizes the necessity for timeouts due to packet corruption: the only fields that can be corrupted to cause a time-out are the SOH and the packet length, and the latter only half the time. Lost characters, however, can produce the same effect (as they would with a fixed-length block protocol). Had a distinguishing end-of-packet character been used rather than a length field, there would be a time-out every time it was corrupted. It is always better to retransmit immediately than to time out.

Summary

We've covered the factors that should be considered in designing a simple, reliable, inexpensive, and yet comprehensive file-transfer protocol—Kermit. The asynchronous serial communications used by the Kermit protocol can accommodate a variety of diverse computer systems and their different ways of handling information and files. Kermit sets minimum transmission standards by providing a common subset of the machines' features. These features include transfer of the filename and contents for both textual and binary files, different error-detection methods, and time-out facilities if either end of the communication link experiences delays or difficulties. The encoding of the information in the packets, the errordetection checksums, and the layout of the fields in the packets were also presented.

(tat continued on page 278)

MARK

char(LEN)

char(SEQ)

TYPE

DATA

CHECK

Application

■Session

Data Link

Figure 1: The format for a packet of information according to the Kermit protocol.

276 BYTE • )UNE 1984

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Circle 20 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984

1YTE 277

KERMIT

[text continued from page 276)

In part 2, we'll look at how the Kermit protocol works and its uses: the different modes each side can be in when sending and receiving files, how initial connections take place and the exchange of initial packets of information that specify each side's setup requirements, the heuristics to improve efficiency and error recovery, examples of packets and a session using Kermit, performance figures, the user interface, and future directions for Kermit as a working network with file servers. ■

Listing 1: Some sample packets of information in the Kermit protocol. The "A represents the unprintable ASCII start-of-header character.

"AE"D No celestial body has required I "AE#Das much labor for the study of its* "AESD#M#lmotion as the moon. Since ClaA ~AE%Dirault (1747), who indicated a way7 "AE&D of#M#Jconstructing a theory conta5

{Kermit is not an acronym. It was named after Kermit the Frog, star of the television series. The Muppet Show. Used by permission of Henson Associates Inc.)

Table 1: The six fields in a packet of information in the Kermit protocol.

MARK Start-of-packet character, normally SOH (Control-A).

LEN

SEQ

TYPE

DATA

CHECK

The number of ASCII characters, including prefixing characters and the checksum. in the rest of the packet that follows this field; in other words, the packet length minus two. Since this number is expressed as a single character via the char function, packet character counts of 0 to 94 are permitted, and 96 is the maximum total packet length, including the MARK and LEN fields.

The packet sequence number, between 0 and 63. The sequence number wraps around to 0 after each group of 64 packets.

The packet type, a single printable ASCII character, is one of the following:

Data

Acknowledge (ACK)

Negative Acknowledge (NAK)

Send Initiate (Send-Init)

Receive Initiate

Break Transmission (EOT)

File Header

End of File (EOF)

Error

Generic command. A single character in the data field, possibly followed by operands, requests host-independent remote execution of the specified command:

Log out, bye

Finish, but don't log out

Directory query (followed by optional file specification)

Disk-usage query

Erase (followed by file specification)

Type (followed by file specification)

Query server status

L F D U

E T Q and others.

C Host command. The data field contains a string to be executed as a systemdependent (literal) command by the host.

X Text display header. To indicate the arrival of text to be displayed on the screen, for instance, as the result of a generic or host command executed at the other end. Operation is exactly like a file transfer.

The contents of the packet, if any contents are required in the given type of packet, interpreted according to the packet type. Nonprintable ASCII characters are prefixed with special characters and then converted to printable characters by complementing the seventh bit. Characters with the eighth bit set may also be prefixed, and a repeated character can be prefixed by a count. A prefixed sequence of characters may not be broken across packets.

The block-check sequence, based on all the characters in the packet between, but not including, the mark and the check itself, can be one, two, or three characters in length as described previously, each character transformed by the char function. Normally, the single-character checksum is used.

278 BYTE

IUNE 1984

THEME

SAN

FRANCISCO'S

EXPLORATORIUM

by John Markoff

A hands-on, interactive museum

AS A VISITOR to San Francisco's Exploratorium. you will be struck by what seems at first to be utter chaos. Entering the dim, cavernous space the Exploratorium occupies, you will see children darting to and fro, hear random sounds from strange devices that echo into the distance, and observe spectral lights that seem to shine in every corner.

Soon the confusion clears and you realize that you haven't entered some hightech asylum. You have found your way into a wonderfully diverse free-form science museum.

The Exploratorium represents science for the general public. There is no right or wrong way to conduct an experiment and the exhibits here are intended to be used in ways their designers never imagined.

Each year more than 4 50,000 visitors, almost as many adults as children, make the trek to this unique learning center. They play with—and learn from—more than 500 interactive scientific exhibits

PHOTOS BY MARGARET MOULTON

ranging from gravity wells to echo chambers to more esoteric computerized simulations.

The Exploratorium was founded in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer and has since gained an international reputation as a hands-on science museum, it has been called "the best science museum in the world" by the editor of Scientific American.

}ohn Markoff is a BYTE senior technical editor. He can be reached at 1000 Elwell Q„ Palo Alto, CA 94303.

As might be expected, a museum that intentionally disregards many of the established conventions of scientific good manners uses personal computers in an unorthodox fashion as well. In exhibits scattered around the Exploratorium floor, it's possible to find microcomputers ranging from simple John Bell Engineering controllers to full-blown Intel 8086 development systems. The difference is that at the Exploratorium there are no personal computer exhibits per se. Computers are used to illustrate basic scientific concepts or to alter the perception of Exploratorium visitors about things around them that they haven't noticed before. Visitors may never realize that any particular exhibit is being guided by a personal computer. Unlike other computer-literacy projects, teaching programming is not a first priority at the Exploratorium. Instead, the goal is to convey the idea that computers are just tools and that they can (text continued on page 281)

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 279

i

/

' ■ICJit

\iipZ*

The Exploratorium has received

financial support and donations

of equipment from a number of

semiconductor and computer

corporations. Mel Corporation

has donated computer hardware

and has permitted several of its

engineers to spend three-month

sabbaticals designing simulation

exhibits based on \ntel

equipment. The children at this

exhibit are controlling a

simulated satellite in orbit

around a planetary object. The

simulation system is based on

an Intel 8086 development

computer with an 8087 math

coprocessor.

'-*,

if

■'

280 BYTE • 1UNE 1984

EXPLORATORIUM

>

(text continued from page 279)

be used like any other tool.

"We try to show people that you typically do not break computers by touching them. There's nothing you can do that is wrong," says Ron Hipschman, a San Francisco physicist who serves as the Exploratorium's resident computer wizard. "Our science museum is based on that concept, too. You can't do anything wrong with our exhibits. You may not do what we intended, but if you do something different, so what?"

Hipschman began teaching computer courses at the Exploratorium years ago with borrowed 1MSA1 and North Star computers. More recently, donations of computers from Texas Instruments and Atari have made it possible to hold regular introductory classes in both BASIC and Logo.

Logo fits in well with the philosophy of the Exploratorium, as it has always been perceived as an exploratory and experimental language.

"The Exploratorium is designed to give people the ability to explore and play," he says, "so our classes are much less structured than school. You can't

Several computer-based Exploratorium exhibits have been designed by artists. Recollections, by Ed lannenbaum, employs an Apple II computer that controls a frame buffer hooked to a video camera. Like all Exploratorium exhibits, this one is participatory. Visitors walk into a three-sided room. On one side the video camera tracks their movements, which are then transformed by the Apple II and the frame buffer and projected on a screen in front of the observer.

force-feed the kids in school and you can't force-feed them on the computer either."

Another thing that the children bring away from their introduction to computers at the Exploratorium is that if something goes wrong, it's usually their own fault, not the computer's. Hipschman strives to show the children that because the computer is a tool that doesn't often make mistakes, it's actually very reliable.

At the Exploratorium, the computer is viewed as a valuable instructional aid in demonstrating a system of scientific reasoning.

"It's a very logical process in finding your mistakes and it spills over into everyday life." remarks Hipschman. "You say, 'OK, something's not working here, what's going on?' You start at the beginning without any assumptions. It (the computer) has a logical sequence of events and it works everywhere."

In the future, the Exploratorium plans to use computers to simulate events that can't take place directly within the confines of the museum. Already the Intel 8086 development systems are being used to simulate simple orbital mechanics and the backscattering of light. Another simulation running on an Apple II computer illustrates how different growth rates of competing populations can interact.

What kinds of simulations are possible?

Recently Hipschman and Exploratorium co-worker Joe Ansel tried to envision a perfect computer simulation for (text continued on page 282)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 281

ERG/68000

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EXPLORATORIUM

{text continued from page 281) the Exploratorium. They began with a simple water fountain in which water shoots up into the air and makes a nice parabola, then comes back down.

In the physical world there are really only a few variables you can change easily; you might vary the velocity of the water or the height and angle of the nozzle. But in Hipschman's and Ansel's fantasies it would be nice if you could

vary the viscosity of the air around the water to increase the friction. What would it look like if you varied the viscosity of the water or even changed the force of gravity?

Computer simulations will bring these physicists' fantasies to life in the Exploratorium. Perhaps Ansel says it best when he points out that "there is no pathway to walk through this museum." ■

Courses for Credit

Through

Electronic Mail

by Donna Osgood

As enrollments decline, colleges are looking for new ways to distribute their product—education. Personal computers with communications capabilities open new possibilities for away-from-campus learning.

A problem that's inherent in computerbased learning at home also plagues traditional correspondence courses: the student has no direct contact with the instructor. Without a human there to answer questions, direct discussion, and get the student "unstuck" when necessary, motivation can flag. If no one cares whether a student finishes the course, he may not.

One solution is offered by TeleLeaming's Electronic University, which enrolled its first student in an accredited course last March. A student in the Electronic University studies course material and completes assignments using a personal computer, then transmits the work directly to the instructor's electronic mailbox. Within a day or two, the instructor sends a response to the student's mailbox. Instructors hold "office hours" when students can contact them directly.

TteleLearning provides a delivery system for courses developed and accredited by universities and community colleges. Instructors develop new courses using TeleLearning's authoring package. TeleLearning codes and digitizes lessons and graphics for each instructor. A student buys a software package and a simple modem from TeleLearning, and enrolls in

the course on line. The software package includes an operating system and a front end for communications, to reduce the sign-on procedure and protocols to a keystroke.

Colleges can offer courses for credit to students who otherwise could not enroll because of time, work, distance, or financial constraints, or physical disability. Textbooks and course disks can be distributed through department stores and computer specialty centers, further extending the university's reach. The course costs are usually less than similar traditional courses.

Students and instructors introduce themselves to each other at the beginning of the course. An instructor typically spends twenty minutes per lesson with each student's work and can individualize questions and problems to fit the student's interests. Students and instructors find the system convenient and flexible— they can complete the work wherever and whenever convenient.

TeleLearning uses the Tymnet. Tfelenet, and Uninet public packet-switching networks, switching automatically from one to the other in case of network problems. A communications-analysis system monitors all functions and handles routing and error corrections. By compressing data and batching complete files, the system cuts communications costs to a minimum. The TeleLearning system runs on the IBM PC, Apple II series, and Commodore 64.

282 B YTE • IUNE 1984

SAM-86

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

FOR MICROS

APPLE, IBM PC, COMMODORE

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IUNE 1984 'BYTE 283

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The Micromint Collection

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MPX-16 Circuit Board Asembled

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Circle 218 on inquiry card.

As featured in Ciarcias Circuit Cellar. BYTE Magazine, July & August 1981

The Z8 Basic System Controller is an updated version of our popular BCC01. The price has been reduced and features added. The entire computer is 4" by 4VS" and includes a tiny BASIC interpreter, up to 6K bytes of RAM and EPROM, one RS-232C serial port with switchable baud rates and two parallel ports. BASIC or machine language programming is accomplished simply by connecting a CRT terminal. Programs can be transferred to 2732 EPROMs with an optional EPROM programmer tor auto start applications. Additional Z8 peripheral boards include memory expansion, serial and parallel I/O, real time clock, an A/D Converter and an EPROM programmer.

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As featured in Ciarcia s Circuit Cellar BYTE Magazine September, October 1982.

Microvox is a second generation professional voice quality text-to-speech synthesizer that is easily interfaced to any computer, modern, RS-232C serial or parallel output device and provides speech of unbelievable clarity.

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THEME

DESIGNING A SIMULATED LABORATORY

by Nils Peterson

An example from cardiovascular physiology

THE DYNAMICS OF a medical laboratory spring to life with the aid of microcomputer simulation. Computer-simulated laboratories are increasingly valuable as teaching aids; without them, most medical students could only read about important discoveries. Laboratories are becoming too expensive and their maintenance too difficult to be practical. In today's fast-paced medical curriculum, it is hard for students to perform experiments that are a hundred years old but are still crucial to contemporary medical understanding. This creates a fundamental problem because the dynamics of a laboratory are an important supplement to the static explanations in textbooks. Simulated laboratories in the health sciences also serve to alleviate, in part, the need for experimental animals—an important ethical consideration. The laboratory must not be lost from medical training. Photo 1 shows the simulation of an experiment first performed at the turn of the century. The experiment remains central to our understanding and treatment of heart disease. The computer provides an ideal environment for teaching the intellectual concepts of

cardiac function while omitting those things that make a real laboratory prohibitive as a teaching environment (the long hours of open-heart surgery, the animal-care facilities, the expensive modern apparatus).

The lack of laboratory training is a problem not unique to medicine. It affects all disciplines in which theory and technology have advanced rapidly. A simulated laboratory can fill the gaps in a student's understanding by providing concrete demonstrations in the manner of a real laboratory, but without the expense and without making demands on the student's already precious time. Today, a 16-bit microcomputer with highresolution graphics and a numeric coprocessor offers an enhancement that further increases the utility of laboratory simulation. This article is intended to show what we have done to take advantage of the microcomputer's growing prowess as a teaching aid.

Nils Peterson is a knowledge interface designer for learning Tools (NE 1050 Alfred lane, Pullman, WA 99163) and a researcher in computer-based instruction at Washington State University.

Design Considerations

The design of an educational program requires some fundamental decisions long before any code is written. Our first choice was to use simulation programs as the instructional vehicle. These differ greatly from drill and practice programs. In drill and practice, the computer attempts to program the student with certain facts. The student is a passive learner. Simulations, however, are active learning environments. They provide a world for the learner to explore (see reference 1). In addition to facts, simulations teach the skills of the explorer: scientific method, debugging, and hierarchically organized thinking.

Simulations come in several forms, and our second design choice involved deciding what type of simulation to use. One type is based on empirical observations and rules. This is the approach of many artificial-intelligence simulations (for example, expert medical diagnosis). Adventure games are also simulations based on empirical rules, except that the rules reside solely in the imagination of the program author.

Simulations also may be based on ap[texi continued on page 288)

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 287

SIMULATION

(text continued from page 287) proximate equations. For example, an architect can design a small building that can withstand earthquakes by taking into account the maximum force that might push on each wall. Many earlier cardiovascular simulations used algebraic relationships to approximate the average behavior of the heart and arteries (see reference 2). These programs were forced to use approximate models because of the limited computational power of 8-bit microprocessors.

In the designing of a teaching simulation, the fundamental problem that constrains model complexity is the time required to update the system's outputs. To be lively and hold interest, the model must respond to parameter changes in 5 to 10 seconds. A 16-bit computer with a numeric coprocessor can do realnumber arithmetic several hundred times faster than an 8-bit machine. This means that the model may be much more complex and still respond equally well.

The final type of simulation, and the one we chose, is based on dynamic causal principles. Large buildings and bridges must be designed using detailed descriptions of their oscillatory

properties because their internal swaying motions are important to their structural integrity. For systems with a significant dynamic character, this type of model provides the most detailed description. The simulation in our Isolated Heart Laboratory program is based on equations that relate instantaneous pressure and volume events in both the heart and the arteries (see reference 3).

Selecting the Hardware

Several issues are important in selecting hardware for a simulated laboratory. Machine power, both graphic and numeric, is paramount. We felt we needed memory-mapped graphics to make our animation ideas work (see the text box on the next page). Experience with other cardiovascular models on research minicomputers showed us that we would need to perform 5000 to 50,000 floating-point operations per second. The Intel 8087 is sufficient. Finally, the computer has to be a model that's widely distributed; other medical schools already own, or would be willing to buy, a popular machine. Distribution is important, we felt, because our ideas are useful to many medical programs. At the time of our hardware decision,

Photo 1: A simulated early laboratory for studying cardiac mechanics. The student may control the animated apparatus to change the conditions and perform experiments on the heart. Only seven keys are required to control the program, including all numeric inputs.

the IBM Personal Computer (PC) was the only machine that satisfied all our demands. As with any choice, there were tradeoffs, but the IBM PC has proven quite adequate for the task. For example, many people might argue that the 8088's narrow bus and slow clock (5 MHz) are disadvantages, but no 68000-based machine was available that had both memory-mapped graphics and potential to be as popular as the IBM machine. In our numerically intensive application, we have found that the PC has a large numerical throughput and the capability to animate graphics quickly and smoothly without videodisplay flicker. In fact, its processor power enabled us to develop most of the code in UCSD Pascal. In the future, this will simplify transporting the program to a new architecture when one becomes available.

Designing the Software

In a simulated laboratory, the computer must be transparent. Our experience shows that medical students and operating systems don't mix. The solution is to make the program auto-booting and uncrashable, which frees the student to focus on the course material and not on the computer.

In terms of presentation, current interactive video games provide a visual standard against which students judge educational programs. Further, electronic spreadsheets and other highly refined interactive programs raise expectations about user interfaces. Animations in science-fiction movies depict elaborate computer simulations that create the impression that this technology can reproduce and display complex events in near-real time. Designers of instructional programs must learn from these examples to grab and hold the student's attention. These standards motivated us to improve instructional computing along two paths: user interface and graphics. We found that the most natural way to explain a model is with a drawing. Specifically, we drew pictures of the laboratory environment where the discoveries that led to the model were made. The most intuitive way to show and control the settings of the apparatus is by animating the drawing. The heart model illustrated on these pages uses as its interface an (text continued on page 290)

288 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Graphics Displays and Animation

Graphics are commonly handled on microcomputers in one of two ways. An intelligent terminal may be used to receive high-level graphics commands, then plot and store the image in its private memory space. Alternatively, the main processor may have access to all the video memory and be responsible for drawing and modifying the figure. The penalty of this approach is the burden on the central processing unit. It must do all the low-level graphics operations. The advantage is greater flexibility in manipulating the graphics.

Some memory-mapped video displays use a small set of graphic shapes to build pictures. These shapes often are treated like characters and manipulated by PRINT statements. Usually they are assigned to the upper 128 values of the character set, above the standard ASCII (American National Standard Code for Information Interchange) sequence. The Pac-Man screen is an example of what is possible with this technique. The advantage is that it does not consume much memory, usually 2K bytes, and the graphic

figure may be quickly manipulated in BASIC. The disadvantage is that the simple shapes are too limited to represent a laboratory well.

The IBM Personal Computer (PC) uses a bit-mapped display in which each pair of bits in one section of memory is translated into a single color dot. Each dot may be one of four colors. This technique consumes 16K bytes of memory in the PC but yields figures of higher resolution. Drawing on the display is done by altering the appropriate bits in the video memory. It may be done in BASIC with PEEK and POKE statements, but this process is slow. We code drawing primitives in assembly language for maximum speed.

Several different drawings are stored on disk and may be recalled by the program for different experiments. To move a full screen image, the disk reads 32 blocks of 512 bytes, and the program transfers them to the video-display memory (see figure 1 in this text box). An 8088 assembly-language instruction, the repeated string move, makes this very simple. The string move copies a byte in memory from the source index (SI) to the destination index

(DI). If the instruction is prefixed with the REP instruction, the CX register is used as a counter. After each move, the source and destination are incremented and the CX is decremented. As a result, a string CX bytes long is moved from source to destination. To transfer a picture from disk to video, all you need to do is read blocks from the disk to a memory buffer and then use the string move to copy 512 bytes to the appropriate part of video memory. The chart recorder in photo 2 is animated to move left as new data is written on its right-hand edge. To accomplish this, we have to move the "paper" to the left. The same string move is used, but this time both addresses are in video memory (see figure 2). We use shorter moves, one from the middle of each video line. It is critical to note that the designers of the video control chip organize the video data in memory differently than what is projected on the screen: all even screen rows (0 through 198) are placed together in memory, with the odd rows placed above them. This layout is slightly more awkward for programming, but conceptually it is no different.

Disk to Video Memory Transfer

Memory map Flowchart

high addresses

Open file

,

Xter block from disk

Set CX,St,DI REP MOVS

Advance

to next

disk block, ten EOF

F

<C^ EOF? J^>

Close tile

Stripchart Animation

Memory map Screen image

o

row 3

■IA00O_

•

i*

row 4

byaSO

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byr, 1

row 2

u—

row2\ rows

fOW 4'

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SI source DI destination

< slide left 4 dot!

Si

Figure I: String moves facilitate transferring images from a disk buffer to video memory. The 8088 registers CX (counter). SI(DS) {source), and DI(ES) (destination) are involved. Whole images move in a fraction of a second from RAM or hard disk: floppy-disk drives are slower.

/

Figure 2: The chart paper is animated by overlapping string moves within video memory. Each byte is moved one position to the left: its neighbor to the right then occupies the old position. The last byte must be zeroed separately to blank the old data at that position.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 289

SIMULATION

{text continued from page 288) animated drawing of an experiment patterned after the famous work of Patterson and Starling in 1914.

Cardiovascular simulations have been developed for teaching purposes before, but they have not included both the research laboratory and the heart in the simulation. This was our third major design decision.

The technological intensification of medicine has placed a strain on the usefulness of student laboratories. The concepts taught in the laboratory are increasingly more involved, requiring students to perform more elaborate laboratory exercises. The modern experimental laboratory is difficult to use in teaching because it requires that the student have high technical skills and because the apparatus is expensive.

Nevertheless, the laboratory approach to teaching has not been abandoned for several good reasons. It provides experiences that textbooks and lectures are incapable of capturing. Specifically, the laboratory learning environment provides a sense of realism and immediacy; shows dynamic events as they occur; includes scientific methodology as part of everyday problem solving; allows for errors, correc

tions, and rethinking; and, in contrast to lectures, is self-paced and flexible. We considered these features of the laboratory when we decided to design a new computer simulation.

Keyboard Inputs

Mice and touchscreens notwithstanding, the primary input device for some time to come will be the keyboard. This raises a problem: keyboards are devices with 96 wrong buttons for every correct one. Many students are not comfortable with computers, nor are they good typists. The combination can make the computer learning experience intimidating. Tb eliminate the intimidating factors, we decided to use as few keys as possible, put all the keys together to eliminate hunting around the keyboard, make the program monitor the keyboard continuously for keypresses, and provide an immediate visual response to each keystroke.

Photo 1 shows the keyboard we use in the Isolated Heart Laboratory. We developed seven generic functions to provide all possible program control. We assigned each key a core meaning that can be applied usefully in every setting. The meanings are thus general enough that we can also use them in

cm . H2<> *

LU A Aortic Pressure Stop

1

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120 90 -.,

60 30 A -1

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Photo 2: An animated strip-chart display, showing pressures in the heart and arteries. The electronic "paper" slides left, and new data is displayed as fast as it is recorded from the experiment. The star cursor is set to control the reservoir.

future programs. This feature makes a student's knowledge of the interface transportable between different programmed laboratories.

We got the idea for the graphic symbols and core meanings from the Japanese kanji, or pictographic characters. The basic function of the kanji characters is to express meaning or concept, not sound or pronunciation. Arabic numerals also use this type of symbolic writing. The symbol 5 means the same quantity, no matter whether it is pronounced five, cinco. or /mm/. Kanji is slightly different in that each character may have a variety of meanings around a core concept. The exact meaning is inferred from context. The advantage of conceptual icons for our purpose is that the core concepts we need have many English words that, if spelled out, may seem contradictory or confusing. Graphic symbols are also more compact on the screen. Consider the circleslash key. The symbol comes from international traffic signs, and its meaning on our keyboard is similar: no, stop (going), don't select that one, stop (pausing). At any point in the program, the key functions around its core meaning of "no."

We thought it important to restrict the keyboard to seven keys. Five to seven concepts is the maximum a person can keep in short-term memory. To make learning the controls easier, it helps if the student can hold all the commands in short-term memory and compare their effects. As familiarity with the system grows, each person develops individual vocalizations of the meanings of the keys and their complementary roles.

Each key has several functions, which are dependent on context, and each key is paired with its opposite. The keys in photo 1 are: No, Stop/ Yes, Go; Enter (or Escape) Checklist/ Move, Advance Cursor; and Down, Less/ Up, More. We also added an Escape key in the upper right as a quick way to pop up one level in the program hierarchy. We built the program to have two menu levels, which the students operate by pointing with the star and pressing the Yes, Go key. The outer level offers general types of displays and experiments; the inner level offers specific laboratory activities.

[text continued on page 292)

290 B YTE • JUNE 1984

SoftCaidu squeezes the mostjuice out Qf^uijji^ppt>

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FORTRAN-80, COBOL and BASIC Compiler.

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SIMULATION

{text continued from page 290)

The Role of Graphics

The Isolated Heart Laboratory centers around a single graphic image. From left to right, in photos 1,2, and 3, its components are: a filling reservoir, the heart, a surge capacitor, a variable hydraulic resistor, and a mercury manometer to measure the compression pressure around the resistor. We chose to measure pressure with a mercury mano

meter instead of a pressure gauge to emphasize the physical aspects of the laboratory apparatus. Two readings from the simulated meterstick must be subtracted to get the pressure reading. The heart rate (HR) and heart strength, or inotropic state (IS%), have no simple physical representation and are shown as scales with pointers. They, along with the manometer and the reservoir for filling, are animated and controlled by the student.

Figure 3: A typical textbook illustration showing cardiac-cycle events for four types of data: volume in the heart, flow leaving the heart, pressure in the heart, and pressure in the arteries. The ECG [electrocardiogram) in each graph provides a common timing reference. The student can create this figure for many possible states of exercise or disease.

To be faithful to the early cardiac laboratories, we used a canine heart for the picture and model parameters. The dog has historically been used because it is a good model of the human circulatory system. Blood pressures in dogs are the same as in humans. The flows and volumes are proportionally less because of the size differences between the species.

As an interface-design tool, the laboratory concept is crucial. A focus on animated physical objects in the laboratory makes numeric inputs both simple and natural. Rather than have the student type new numeric parameter settings, the program lets the student manipulate the laboratory apparatus to realize the desired input results (as can be seen by comparing the settings of the reservoir on the left in photos 2 and 3). There are several benefits to this approach:

• it eliminates typographical errors such as using a small I for the digit /

• the screen graphically and immediately conveys the range of possible inputs and the student's relative change

• moving the apparatus heightens the student's physical intuition about the laboratory experience

Photo 2 shows a strip-chart data display. This is the raw data format as it would appear during a real experiment. Simulated chart paper slides from right to left across the window, and new data is recorded on the fresh right edge. This display does not run in real physiologic time, but it is lively, requiring less than 10 seconds for a complete beat to appear. The 8087 coprocessor chip makes this feat possible. Also, note the star in the upper left of the display, above the filling reservoir. This is a graphic cursor. Its position indicates which variable is currently controlled by the Down and Up function keys.

Having the laboratory always visible, despite the complexity of fitting in the data displays, is an important design consideration. It provides a visual landmark and a constant reminder of each student-controlled parameter setting. When a printer is attached, the student can make hard-copy "snapshots" of the screen in order to have a complete record of all experimental conditions.

A laboratory's visual presence adds (text continued on page 294)

292 BYTE • |UNE 1984

Blazing BASIC.

Who said BASIC had to be slow?

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The High Performance Software Compiler designed to work best with our BASIC interpreter—the de facto industry standard. Together, they let you develop and debug your programs interactively using the interpreter, then compile for speed.

And like all Microsoft languages, the standard linking

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SIMULATION

(tat continued from page 292) to the multidimensionality of this educational tool. Many people, from

children to co-workers, have played with the program during its development. It is surprising and pleasing to see how

Photo 3: A classic textbook figure showing the pressure response of the heart to changes in filling pressure. All beats are aligned to start at the same time. This experiment was first performed by Otto Frank in 1896. Note the clamp to prevent any flow from the heart.

Photo 4: A pressure-volume loop tutor. Instantaneous pressure and volume in the heart (graphs on left) are plotted together to make a standard diagnostic tool (loop figure on the right). Yellow lines transfer the information from the familiar graphs to the new one. A mirror is used in the volume transfer to "reflect" the data onto a horizontal axis.

often they point to an illustrative picture while explaining an idea or result. In a real laboratory, it would not be possible to examine closely the data and the laboratory at the same time, to say nothing of stopping an experiment in order to discuss events. This is yet another advantage of the simulated laboratory as a teaching device.

The student may observe flow and volume using the same format employed to study pressure. Figure 3 demonstrates a classic textbook illustration that shows all the events in the cardiac cycle. It is a collage of printer output from pressure, flow, and volume records. The student may experiment freely with the heart and strip-chart display, setting the four parameters to achieve over 6000 operating conditions. Some of these conditions would kill a real experimental animal, but they obviously don't hurt the computer, and they can be very instructive.

Dynamic and lively output graphics are a tool for holding interest and focusing attention on an important feature. Photo 3 illustrates another classic textbook figure that we recreated in the laboratory. In this example, we aligned all pressure beats to begin at the same time. All the displays of time-varying data are animated as smoothly continuous functions. This graphic technique visually conveys a real-life quality of measuring data, even though the display runs at less than the real speeds. Although the simulation program creates figures that closely resemble those in cardiology texts, watching the animation during transients as the figure develops adds an instructional dimension that a book cannot reproduce.

Beyond the Textbook

In addition to reproducing textbook displays and experiments, simulation has other uses. Specifically, it can be used to create graphic displays of textbook figures that students find hard to grasp. One such example is the pressurevolume display in photo 4.

The pressure-volume loop is a modern tool for assessing the health of the heart. Students are comfortable with the strip chart but often are confused by the loop display in which the trace is circular. Photo 4 shows the laboratory set up to explain the pres[text continued on page 296)

294 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Raging Q

Concise structure and fast execution make C the ideal language for applications and system-level programming.

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**Reprinted with permission, BYTE Magazine, August '83.

SIMULATION

{text continued from page 294) sure-volume relationship. This display would never be available in a real laboratory because data processing is required concurrently with the experiment.

Three data windows appear in the display. In the upper left is the pressure strip chart from photo 2. It is sliding and showing instantaneous pressures in the heart. Below it is the volume strip chart, which shows the simultaneous volume data. To the right is a developing pressure-volume loop. In graphing the loop, pressure data is plotted on the vertical axis against volume data on the horizontal axis. The laboratory demonstrates this relationship by shooting a horizontal yellow line from the pressure strip chart rightward onto the loop graph. We call these data transfers "laser blasts." At the same time, volume is shot as a horizontal blast to the right. This bounces off a mirror in order to be correctly oriented for the horizontal volume axis. The two laser blasts intersect, and a new segment of the pressure-volume loop is drawn to the intersection.

We froze this figure at the point where the valve has just opened to let blood leave the heart. Note that volume in the heart has started to decrease. Photo 5

The student may watch the display loop continuously or single-step the display with the Stop and Go keys. This freeze action would never be possible with a real animal in a real laboratory.

shows the situation a few moments later. At this point, the heart has quit ejecting blood and is relaxing to fill again. Volume is at its lowest point and pressure is falling rapidly.

The student may watch this display loop continuously. It is also possible to single-step the display with the Stop and Go keys. This freeze action would, of course, never be possible with a real animal in a real laboratory. It represents the power of a simulated laboratory for medical education. The student can analyze each phase of the cardiac cycle. Two laboratory parameters may also be altered, enabling the student to examine the roles of filling pressure and hydraulic loading. Finally, when the student has mastered the pressure-volume concept, he may return to a smaller display window and the full set of variables.

We have found that problem-solving simulation can change some veterinary

Photo 5: The loop tutor from photo 4 a few moments later. Compare it with photo 4 to see the fall in pressure and volume after the heart emptied and relaxed.

students' understanding of the cardiovascular system, from one narrowly based on anatomical relations to one that also includes a component of dynamic interaction (see reference 4). Students have reported that, in addition to the changes that were measured in their mental models, they have enjoyed the computer experience, felt that they have learned from it, and would like more computer materials in the curriculum.

Conclusion

We designed a simulated cardiovascular laboratory for medical education. Certainly other medical laboratories can be simulated with microcomputers, and students can move from one to another easily and efficiently. The general idea of laboratory simulation, moreover, can be applied to learning situations ranging from fluid pumping in an oil refinery to the complex relationships of predator and prey in an ecosystem. Simulated laboratories teach the facts of the subject area and also provide intellectual tools and insights for true professional growth. ■

REFERENCES

1. Papert, Seymour. Mindstorms: Children. Computers, and Powerful Ideas. New York: Basic Books. 1980.

2. Randall, |. E. The Use of Microcomputers for Physiological Simulation. Reading, MA: AddisonWesley, 1980.

3. Peterson, N.. and K. B. Campbell. "Simulated Laboratory for Teaching Cardiac Mechanics." The Physiology Teacher. forthcoming.

4. Hopkins, R. H., K. B. Campbell, and N. Peterson. "Conceptualization of Cardiovascular Variables by Veterinary Students." Presented at a meeting of the Psychonomic Society. San Diego, CA, 1983.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT I would like to thank Dr. Kenneth B. Campbell of the Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy. Pharmacology, and Physiology, Washington State University. His cardiovascular expertise and criticism made the realism of this laboratory possible.

296 BYTE • 1UNE 1984

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BYTE

Reviews

Another Look at CP/M-80 C Compilers

by Christopher Kern 303

Archon

by Gregg Williams 321

The Chameleon Plus

by Rich Krajewski 327

The Texas Instruments Speech Command System

by Mark Haas 34)

Volition Systems Modula-2

by Eric Eldred 353

INFOSCOPE

by George Bond 367

Review Feedback 374

Reviewer's Notebook

IF THE IBM PC WERE A MOVIE, the PCjr probably would be its spin-off TV situation comedy. And while some movie-based TV sitcoms (such as M*A*S*H) are very successful, others fall flat on their faces. The reason they fail is usually that too much of the original was lost.

As for the PCjr, we're not sure how it will fare. Almost all of the PC's features have been adulterated, but a few new ones have been thrown in to appeal to the home audience.

The chief deficiency of the PCjr is. of course, its keyboard. Worse than even the PC's keyboard, this should set a new standard for intentional product handicapping. The PCjr's second major deficiency is the way user memory has been usurped by video memory. Its 128K bytes of memory are not all available for user programs—32K bytes are used by the video display. The PCjr, thus, in IBM PC standards, is really a 96K-byte machine. And one more thing, whereas the Apple II is nice and quiet in your living room, the PCjr sounds like a small vacuum cleaner.

The PCjr does have some good features: its software is fairly good, broad ranging, and inexpensive. It has better graphics than the PC. The unit itself is also fairly inexpensive (by PC standards). And it has a fair degree of compatibility with its older sibling.

Need a good CP/M machine with a hard disk? You've probably already taken a brief look at the Morrow MD-11 with its 10-megabyte hard disk. Although they've raised the price to $2950, it still seems a bargain. The Morrow package includes New Word, supposedly comparable to WordStar. Look for a review of both the Morrow MD-11 and New Word in the next few months.

About every other day we get a request for a review of one of the Columbia PC-compatibles. Please note that we have been wanting to review the Columbia MPC portable for about nine months now—if only Columbia would loan us one for a short time. Fortunately, one of our reviewers bought an MPC and a review is finally in the works. From what I hear, the machine runs very well.

Apple Mouse II and Mouse Paint for the Apple II arrived recently and should give owners of that machine a chance to try some of the things they've seen on Macintosh. Mouse Paint appears to have about 7 5 percent of MacPaint's capabilities with no sacrifice in speed.

The reviews in this issue start with Christopher Kern's continuing examination of C compilers for CP/M. In this article, he looks at C compilers from SuperSoft, Q/C, and Whitesmiths and compares them with Cs previously reviewed.

After a few hours thrashing about with a compiler, you may welcome some diversion. Senior Technical Editor Gregg Williams tells you what to expect from Archon. a game that combines the strategic elements of chess with the demands on dexterity made by arcade games.

For many of us, nothing is quite so diverting as a new personal computer. Technical Editor Rich Krajewski spent three months playing with the Chameleon Plus and gives his considered opinions of this IBM PC-compatible. Note BYTE's new benchmarks and format for system reviews.

We all have moments when we feel like telling a computer off. The Tl Speech Command System for the Tl Professional Computer may be able to listen. Mark Haas spoke to the Tl Professional and reports on the results.

Eric Eldred compares Volition's Modula-2 for the Apple II to Pascal for the same machine. If you want to try Niklaus Wirth's latest language before reading our coming August Modula-2 issue, Volition's version could be for you.

George Bond, BYTE's Managing Editor for User News, used Microstuf's new data-management program for the IBM PC. Infoscope, and gives it high marks for many applications. The RAM-based system runs fast and exploits color well.

—Rich Mailoy, Product-Review Editor

IUNE 1984

iYTE 301

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302 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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SOFTWARE REVIEW

Another Look at CP/M-80 C Compilers

This article uses various benchmark programs. Sieve, Fibonacci. Copy, and Sort, to compare three new CP/M-80 C compilers-Q/C version 3.0. SuperSoft version 1.2.3., and Whitesmiths version 2.2—with three C compilers evaluated previously—Aztec version 1.05G, BDS version 1.5a, and C/80 version 2.0 (see "Five C Compilers for CP/M-80," by Christopher Kern, August 1983 BYTE, page 110). All are designed for 8080. 8085, and Z80 computers running under the CP/M-80 operating system.

When 1 first compared CP/M-80 C compilers last year, I did not find one that was clearly superior in both compilation speed and object-code quality. Since then, three new products—a significant update to Whitesmiths and two compilers that I did not cover, SuperSoft and Q/C—have made it even more difficult to choose the "best" 8080-family C compiler.

Whats New

At the time of my original tests, the Whitesmiths compiler came with an idiosyncratic "standard" function library; now it has a library that really is standard. This update makes a crucial difference because C uses standard library functions to perform all input and output. It means that the Whitesmiths compiler is now compatible with the one available on Bell Laboratories' UNIX operating system— C's native habitat—and with the language definition published in the standard reference on C, The C Programming language, by Brian W. Kernighan and Dennis M. Ritchie.

My latest tests also include SuperSoft C, distributed by SuperSoft Inc. of Champaign, Illinois, and Q/C C distributed by The Code Works of Santa Barbara, California. The SuperSoft product is a fairly complete implementation of the language and performs well on the benchmark programs. The Q/C compiler was recently reviewed in BYTE ("Two More Versions of C for CP/M." by David D Clark, May, page 246), I am including it here to provide a more comprehensive comparison.

The Benchmark Programs

I base my evaluation on four benchmark programs that are short enough to type in

manually and simple enough to use with all the compilers (with minor modifications in a few instances).

Execution times for the Sieve. Fibonacci, and Copy programs are presented graphically on the "At a Glance" page for easy comparison among the various C compilers.

The prototype programs conform to the language definition in the Kernighan and Ritchie book—essentially the same syntax accepted by the current UNIX C compilers. The programs test a number of factors affecting the overall performance of a compiler on an 8-bit system with floppy-disk mass storage.

Sieve.C is the now familiar prime-number generator based on the Sieve of Eratosthenes algorithm. Generating prime numbers sounds like an exercise in number crunching; actually, it's not. As the source code in listing 1 shows, the Sieve program does not perform much difficult arithmetic. However, it does involve juggling a number of variables. The program is essentially a test of variable access.

You can place external variables, such as the flags array in listing 1, in absolute locations in memory and access them fairly easily. This is not true with automatic variables, which the program creates dynamically as it executes.

The program creates automatic variables when it enters a function and discards them when it exits that function. They are known only to the function in which they are declared. Automatic variables challenge the 8080-family compilers because these 8-bit central processors have only a few internal registers and limited addressing modes.

The benchmark programs also test the overhead associated with a function call. C programs typically contain a large number of functions. (Other programming languages refer to some of these as procedures; C doesn't distinguish between those subroutines that return a value and those that do not.)

It is important to determine how efficiently each compiler generates the code necessary

continued on page 304

Christopher Kern (201 I St. NW. Apt. 839, Washington. DC 20024) is a journalist and a frequent contributor to BYTE.

JUNE 1984 • BYTE 303

REVIEW: C COMPILERS

continued from page 303

to enter and leave a function because any given program is likely to contain many functions and use some of them over and over again. The benchmark Fib.C (see listing 2) is designed to test each compiler's efficiency by computing a Fibonacci number recursively—an exercise involving only one local variable and little processing other than the function call. The Fibonacci function, F(x), is defined as:

F(x) = 1 for x < = 2

F(x) = F(x - 1) + F(x - 2) for x > 2

The next benchmark program. Copy.C (see listing 3). tests file access. File input and output in C normally is performed by "buffered" I/O (input/output) functions from the standard library. These functions permit you to read or write a disk file one byte at a time. The Copy program simply copies its input directly to output with no intermediate processing.

Sort.C tests the string-handling ability of each compiler. It sorts a list of words alphabetically using a quicksort algorithm. Sort is a bit longer than the other benchmarks, as listing 4 illustrates, but is still a reasonable length to copy manually if you want to try these programs yourself.

String handling is a potential problem because C deals with strings somewhat differently than most programming languages. Strings in C are not distinct data types; they are just character arrays delimited by a null, or zero, byte. You access them through pointers—variables containing memory addresses. The standard library includes a number of primitive string functions that permit efficient string copying, string comparison, and length determination.

Methodology

I compared the compilers under conditions that were as similar as possible. First, 1 made a batch of identical disks containing the benchmark programs and some test data. Then, to test each product, 1 copied the programs and files necessary to perform the compilations onto one of the disks. The test data for the Copy program

was a text file of 1000 lines. 80 columns each. The Sort program alphabetized a file composed of the first 1000 words of one of my previous BYTE articles, listed one word to a line in sequential order. 1 used Microshell, a UNIX-like command interpreter that permits input redirection to read the file prior to sorting (see "Microshell and Unica: UnixStyle Enhancements for CP/M" by Christopher Kern, December 1982 BYTE, page 206). This equalized the time required to get the file into memory with the different products.

In an attempt to minimize observational error, both the test compilations and the execution of the compiled benchmark programs were automated. A DC. Hayes Chronograph (a clock that you can read as a serial device) measured the intervals. The benchmark programs were timed under Microshell so the commands to read the clock and execute the program could be put on the same line. I used CP/M's standard batch utility, SUBMIT, to perform the compilations because not all the compilers would operate under Microshell.

While these procedures guaranteed consistency, they also introduced some additional errors. Both Microshell and SUBMIT exact some overhead, and it takes some time to read the serial clock at 1200 bps (bits per second). The total error for the execution measurements was less than 1 second under Microshell. The overhead was greater for the compilation measurements—which involved more individual programs and were performed with the considerably slower SUBMIT utility—about 1 second for each program executed in a given command stream. There was no instance where the timing errors significantly altered the comparative ratings. The only practical effect of the timing procedure was to understate the BDS compiler's speed. The BDS product compiled the benchmark programs so much faster than its competitors that an error of a second or two was significant.

All the tests were performed on a

CompuPro computer system with a Z80

microprocessor running at 6 MHz and

one memory-request wait state. The

continued on page 307

Listing 1: The prototype Sieve program.

#indude

<stdio.h

>

#deflne

NTIMES

10

/* number of times to run sieve */

#define

SIZE

8190

/* size of number array •/

#define

FALSE

0

#define

TRUE

1

char

flaglSIZE

+ 11:

main() {

/

compute primes using Sieve of Eratosthenes "/

int i, j, k, count, prime;

printf("%d iterations: ", NTIMES);

for (i = 1; i <= NTIMES: i + + ) { count = 0; for (j = 0; i <= SIZE; j + + )

flaglil = TRUE; for (j = 0: | <= SIZE; j + + ) { if (flaglil == TRUE) { prime = j + j + 3;

for (k = j + prime; k < = SIZE; k += prime) flaglk] = FALSE; /• discard multiples */ count+ + ; } } }

printf("%d primes.\n", count); exit(0);

304 BYTE • IUNE 1984

AT A GLANCE

EXECUTION TIMES 240

FIBONACCI

COPY

SORT

SIEVE

FIBONACCI

COMPILE TIMES 350

A

comparison of Q/C C, SuperSoft C, and Whitesmiths C compilers for CP/M systems with the Aztec, BDS. and C/80 compilers. Four benchmark programs were used: the Sieve of Eratosthenes prime-number program, a Fibonacci Series program, a Copy program, and a simple Sort program. All tests were run on the same CdmpuPro S-100 system. More details on the benchmarks are given in the text.

FIBONACC

COPY

SORT

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REVIEW: C COMPILERS

continued from page 304

mass storage used was an 8-inch disk formatted into 1024-byte sectors (extended double-density). The summaries of the test results give the absolute measurements in "units" that correspond to seconds on the test computer system.

The Compilers and the Standard

I had to customize the benchmark programs somewhat to compile them with each product. Only the Aztec and Whitesmiths compilers accepted the prototype source code essentially without change. Actually, the Whitesmiths compiler requires all external variables to be initialized; therefore. I had to explicitly set the first element in the Sort flags array to zero. However, I consider that change minor. It's fair to say that both Aztec C and Whitesmiths C are compatible with the UNIX compilers and the language defined in the Kernighan and Ritchie book.

All the other compilers are incomplete implementations of C, although SuperSoft C is relatively complete (see table 1 on page 312). BDS C makes up for some of its omissions by providing special library functions. You use these

to simulate the initialization of variables, simulate the initialization of variables, for example, and for floating-point and long-integer arithmetic.

Most changes to the prototype benchmark programs were minor. The Q/C compiler won't accept a function that returns anything other than an integer value, so I altered the Fib.C code slightly to compile the program.

The SuperSoft compiler comes with nonstandard buffered I/O library functions. When you open a file for buffered input or output in SuperSoft C, you must specify the buffer size you want to use (see listing 5a). In the Copy program I chose a buffer size of'1024 bytes, a reasonable memory expenditure for this type of program.

The Copy program required more significant changes to compile under BDS C because the BDS buffered I/O functions are different from the standard ones (see listing 5b).

The C/80 package does not provide the standard string comparison and string copy functions, so I had to add them to the source code of Copy and Sort.

None of the compilers that I tested continued on page 309

Listing

2: The prototype Fibonacci program.

#include stdio.h>

#define

NTIMES 10 /• number of times to compute Fibonacci value •/

#define

NUMBER 24 /' biggest one we can compute within 16 bits */

main()

{

/* compute Fibonacci value "/

int i;

unsigned value. fibO;

printfl "%d iterations: ", NTIMES);

for (i = 1: i <= NTIMES; I + + )

value = fib(NUMBER);

printf("fibonacci(%d) = %u.\n", NUMBER, value);

!

exit(0);

unsigned fib(x| /• compute Fibonacci number recursively •/

int x; /

(

If (x > 21

return (fib(x - 1) + fib(x - 2));

else

}

return (I);

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REVIEW: C COMPILERS

continued from page 307

Listing 3: The prototype Copy program.

#include <stdlo.h>

malnfargc. argv) int argc; char *argv||;

{

Int

FILE

/• copy file a byte at a time •/

•inflle. 'outfile;

If (argc < 31

errexltl'Usage: copy oldfile newfile", NULL); if (strcmp(argv|l|, argv|2|) == 0)

errexitC'Flle names must be different". NULL); If ((inflle = fopen(argv|l|, "r")) == NULL)

errexltCCan't open", argv|l|); if ((outfile = fopen(argv|2|, "w")| == NULL)

errexitCCan't create". argv|2|);

printfC'File %s ", argv|l|):

while He = getc(infile)) != EOF) putclc outfile);

fclose(inflle); fclose(outfile);

printfCcopied to %s.\n". argv|2|); exitlOl;

errexit(sl. s2) char *sl. *s2;

/* print error message and die */

printf(s2 == NULL ? "%s\n" : "%s %s\n". si. s2); exit(-l):

Listing 4: The prototype Sort program.

#include <stdio.h>

#define MAX #define MAXLINE #define NTIMES

main()

{

1001 /' maximum number of entries "/

135 /• longest line expected */

10 /• number of times to sort entries •/

/" sort lines in memory */

int i, j. n, length;

char buflMAXLlNEI. *sort|MAX|. 'unsorted[MAX|. "allocO;

for (n = 0; n < MAX; n + + )

if ((length = getln(buf, MAXLINE)) = = 0) { n —; break;

}

else if ((unsorted|n| = alloc(length + 1)) == NULL) {

printfC'Sort: not enough room\n");

exit(-l);

} else

strcpy(unsorted|n|. buf);

listing 4 continued on page 311

. ..

Sound off!

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for superior color and clarity, you can hardly do better than NEC's JC-1215 Color Monitor Use it to get abetter picture on yout present system or a truly first-rate picture with acomplete Nl c computei system rheJC-1215 iscom p.'itible with Apple II,- Applelli * Atari'" 800and400,' VIC ->0.* and Others, including NEC's own NFC TREK" |PC-6000)

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«— Circle 184 on Inquiry card.

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 309

GET YOUR :

EVEN WHEN YOUR MODEM SENDS IT BY WAY OF THE OKEFENOKEE SWAMP.

When you send data by telephone through nasty environments like this, it can run into problems tougher than just alligators. Problems like impulse noise. Chatter from the switchgear. Static from the atmosphere or bad weather. Distortion due to crosstalk or just plain white noise.

To get your message through, your IBM PC or XT needs the advanced performance features of the PC:lntelliModem™ It's got the best receive sensitivity available today— actually down below -50 dBm. So now you can achieve a high level of data transmission integrity. Even with bad connections.

Get patented modem technology.

The PC:lntelliModem is elegantly simple. Its patented design does it all on a single microprocessor chip, with just one crystal. Other modems take

Bizcomp: A history of innovation.

1980

Invented first command-driven modem

Introduced proprietary linestatus monitoring 1983 Designed first single-^P 212Acompatible modem Introduced first integrated voice/data modem for IBM PC Granted patent on commanddriven modem

1981

1983 1983

two, four or more j/Ps (and even more oscillators), and still accomplish less.

How do we do this? By creating architectural innovations in firmware, and by pushing the chip to its limit, close to 12 MHz. Since it uses fewer parts, the PC:lntelliModem's no-compromise design offers higher reliability, a more compact form factor, and lower costs.

This design elegance leads naturally to more elegant performance. Take line status detection, for example. The PC:lntelliModem's adaptive, decisiondirected logic monitors line status more closely than other modems. Even at weak or degraded signal levels. So it can make connections with less chance of error, by detecting signals for dial tone, remote ringback, busy and voicesome of which other modems ignore.

Plan ahead with integrated voice and data.

For opening up a whole new world of integrated voice and data applications, there's nothing like the PC:lntelliModem. Literally. Its easy-to-use software package-PC:lntelliCom™- lets you switch repeatedly between talking or listening and sending or receiving data. All at

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Switch between voice and data

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Programmable telephone handset jack

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Audio monitor

Programmable status LED

PC:lntelliCom™ Software Included

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File transfer

Data capture to diskette

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the touch of a single function key. That means now both you and your computer can talk on the same line. Without having to hang up, re-dial or plug and unplug a lot of cables.

So if you're designing microcomputer datacomm products-or just looking for a PC/XT modem for yourself, check out the PC:lntelliModem at your local dealer. You'll get the message. And so will they. Or contact: Bizcomp, 532 Weddell Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94089; 408/745-1616.

We've got people talking.

310 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 48 on inquiry card.

Circle 238 on inquiry card.

REVIEW: C COMPILERS

listing 4 continued from page 309

printf("%d iterations: ". NTIMES);

for (i = I; i <= NTIMES; i+ + ) { for (j = 0; j < = n; | ++)

sortljl = unsortedlll; quicklO. n. sort):

)

printfl "%d entries.\n", n + I); exit 10);

}

getlnls. n) char s||: int n:

{

/* get a line of up to n characters into s •/

int

for (i = 0; n > 0; n--. i++)

if ((c = getcharO) == EOF || c == \n)

break: else

s|i| = c: s|i| = \0': return |i):

}

quickdo. hi. base) int lo. hi: char *base||: {

/• quicksort */

int char

i. i:

•pivot, "temp;

if (lo < hi) {

for (i = lo. j = hi, pivot = base|hl|: I < j; ) {

while (I < | strcmp(base|i|. pivot) < = 0)

i+ + : while li > i strcmplbaseljl, pivot) >= 0)

I —: if (i < i) {

temp = base|i|: base|i| = baseljl: baselj] = temp: } }

temp = base|i|: baselil ■ base|hi|: base|hi| = temp; quickdo, i - 1, base); quickfi + 1, hi. base):

support two recent changes to the UNIX C language. One of these changes enlarges the number of legal operations on composite data types, known as "structures." Current UNIX C compilers allow structures to be assigned, passed as parameters to functions, and returned as function values. The other change is the creation of the "enumeration" data type, which takes on values enumerated by the programmer. For example, you might create a data type

called color with legal values of red, white, and blue. 1 didn't expect to find either of these features implemented under CP/M-80, but I was surprised that the BDS and SuperSoft compilers failed to generate an error when compiling a program where structures were passed to a function as parameters. Both compilers accepted the program without protest, even though neither one could compile it correctly.

continued on page 312

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NEC Home Electronics |U.S.A.|, Inc. Personal Computer Division

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NEC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan

JUNE 1984 • BYTE 311

REVIEW: C COMPILERS

continued from page 311

•fable 1: Features of 8080 C Compilers.

Q/C

SuperSoft Whitesmiths

Kernighan and Ritchie complete

X

Kernighan and Ritchie standard

library

X

library source

X

X

run-time package source

X

X

link compiled modules

121

HI

X

preprocessor arguments

X

generates assembly code

X

X

X

in-line assembly code

X

X

I/O redirection

X

X

library manager

X

debugging aids

floating-point math

X

X

M80-compatible code

|2|

131

requires CP/M 2.0

minimum system size (kilobytes)

56

48

60

size of manual (pages

136

174 >

300 |4|

list price

95

275

550

111 With relocating macro assembly language/lir

king loader (not si

ppliedl

121 User must supply relocating assembly langi

age/linking loader

|3| Optional

|4| Includes manual pages for several operatinj

! systems

Listing 5a: The SuperSoft Copy program.

#include <stdio.h>

#define BUFSIZ #define EOF

mainlargc argvl int argc; char *argv||;

{

int (

FILE

1024 -1

/' copy file a byte at a time. SuperSoft version •/

•infile, 'outfile:

if (argc < 3|

errexitC'Usage: copy oldflle newfile", NULL); if (strcmp(argv|l|, argv|2|) »- 0)

errexitC'File names must be different", NULL); if ((infile = fopen(argv|l|, "r". BUFSIZI) == NULL)

errexit("Can't open", argv|l|); if ((outfile = fopen(argv|2|, "w", BUFSIZ)) == NULL)

errexitl'Cant create", argv|2|);

printfC'File %s ". argv|l|);

while ((c = getc(infllel) != EOF) putclc. outfile);

fclose(infile); fclose(outfile):

printfl"copied to %s.\n". argv|2|); exit(0);

errexitlsl. s2) char *sl, *s2;

/• print error message and die •/

printf(s2 == NULL? "%s\n" : "%s %s\n". si. s2); exit(-l);

continued on page 314

Where to buy Toshiba's P1351 and P1340 printers:

312 B YTE • IUNE 1984

EASTERN

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DIGITAL ENTRY SYSTEMS

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MICROAMERICA

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In MA (617) 877-8500

CYBER/SOURCE

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(313)353-8660

GENERAL BUSINESS COMPUTERS. INC

Cherry Hill. NJ

(609) 424-6500

MONROE DISTRIBUTING COMPANY

Cleveland. OH

(216)781 4600

ROBEC DISTRIBUTORS

Line Lexington, PA

(215)822-0700

SOUTHERN

SYSPRINT INC

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(813)924-8278

MICROAMERICA

(813)623-6526

Tampa. FL

In FL (800) 282-3385

Norcross. GA

(800)241-8566

In GA (404) 441-0515

Rockville. MD

(800) 638-6621

In MD (800) 492-2949

2AMOISKI COMPANY

Baltimore. MD

(301)644-2900

CENTRAL

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(312)870-7400

Arlington Heights. IL

or (800) 323-4138

KALTRONICS DISTRIBUTORS. INC

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(312)291-1220

MICROAMERICA

(800) 323-6827

Schaumburg, IL

In IL (800) 942-4690

Richardson. TX

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In TX (800) 442 5847

ONE STOP MICROPRODUCTS

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MIDTEC ASSOCIATES dba CRYSTAL COMPL

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B & W DISTRIBUTORS

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or (800) 528-1415

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In CA (800) 262-4212

BYTE INDUSTRIES. INC

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or (800) 972-5948

outside CA (800) 227-2070

PREMIER SOURCE DISTRIBUTING

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(714)261-2011

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Bellevue. WA

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Redmond. WA

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or (800) 426-6244

CANADA

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IBM PC to PI340 and P1351 graphics utilizes PaperScreen and the IBM PC with color graphics adapter. IBM PC is a trademark of International Business Machines. Lotus and 1*2-3 are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation. SPRINT 5 is a trademark of Qume Corporation.

© 1984 Toshiba America, Inc.

Circle 337 on inquiry card.

)UNE 1984 'BYTE 313

Circle 40 on inquiry card.

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REVIEW: C COMPILERS

Listing 5b: The BDS Copy program.

#include <bdscio.h>

mainlargc argv) int argc; char *argv||: {

/• copy file a byte at a time. BDS version •/

char c;

FILE inflle. outflle;

if (argc < 3)

errexitf'Usage: copy oldfile newfile', NULL); if (strcmp(argv[l), argv|2|) == 0)

errexitf "File names must be different". NULL); if (fopenfargvlH. inflle) == ERROR)

errexitf "Can't open", argv[l|). if ffcreat(argv[2], outfile) == ERROR)

errexltf'Can't create", argv[2|);

printff "File %s ". argv|l|);

do {

putcfc = getc(infile). outfile); } while (c != CPMEOF);

fclose(infile): fclosefoutfile);

printff "copied to %.\n", argv|2|): exit(O);

}

errexitfsl, s2) char 'si, *s2;

{

printf(s2 exitf-1);

}

/• print error message and die "/ NULL ? "%s\n" : "%s %s\n". si. s2);

continued from page 312

Assembly Options

During the tests, there were two procedural decisions I had to make concerning the use of optional relocating assembler. Both C/80 and SuperSoft C permit you to compile a program without a relocating assembler, which means that the compiler must read all your program's source code during a single compiler run. With an optional relocating assembler and linking loader, such as Microsoft's M80 and L80, you can compile different modules independently and link them together later.

A relocating assembler is a practical necessity with the SuperSoft compiler. While the SuperSoft manuals describe ways to compile programs for an absolute assembler, the results are disap

pointing. You either must endure a cumbersome editing procedure to get the library routines you need, or accept a mammoth amount of object code. Therefore, all the SuperSoft C tests were performed with M80 and L80.

C/80 programs, on the other hand, are not impractically large when assembled without a relocating assembler— primarily because the C/80 function library is small. It also seems inappropriate to use a $150 relocating assembly-language package for a $50 compiler.

The Q/C compiler requires that you supply a relocating assembler, and the remaining compilers all come with one.

The Timing Tests

BDS C is much faster than any of the

other products in compiling and linking

continued on page 316

314 B YTE • )UNE 1984

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REVIEW: C COMPILERS

continued from page 314

a program (see table 2 and the graphs on the At-a-Glance page). This is because it is the only compiler that reads the entire source module into memory before beginning compilation, and it is the only one that keeps its intermediate output in main memory instead of placing it in a temporary file. As you can see in table 2 and on the At-a-Glance page, the C/80 object code is the most compact, but BDS, Q/C, and SuperSoft are not far behind. The Aztec programs require noticeably more memory than the others, and Whitesmiths requires the most memory of all the compilers tested. The Whitesmiths Sieve program, for example, took more than 27,000 bytes—almost half the main memory available on the average 64 Kbyte CP/M-80 system.

The results of the most important speed test—the execution speed of the compiled programs—are the most difficult to generalize about. The C/80 and Whitesmiths Sieve programs are the

fastest, but not by much, and the performance range in the Sieve test is narrow. Q/C is the slowest, though by less than a factor of two. The SuperSoft Fibonacci program is noticeably faster than the others, but again, the range from the slowest to the fastest is less than two-to-one.

The Copy program shows the greatest range of execution times, but the speed difference is largely attributable to the size of the disk buffer used for file I/O. This is characteristic of the buffered I/O functions supplied with each product, rather than an intrinsic quality of the code produced by the compiler. For Sort the Aztec compiler is the clear winner, followed by Whitesmiths, with the others spread out about evenly behind. But the Aztec object code for the Sort program is roughly twice the size of the slower SuperSoft, C/80, BDS, and Q/C programs, and the Whitesmiths object code is considerably larger than Aztec's.

continued on page 318

Table 2: Test results for six C compilers for CP/M systems using four benchmark programs. All tests were run under the Microshell operating environment program and CP/M's SUBMIT batch-processing utility program running on a CompuPro S-100-bus system with a 6-MHz Z80 processor. The Sieve program is the Sieve of Eratosthenes prime-number program [see "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once More through the Sieve" by ]im Cilbreath and Gary Cilbreath. January 1983 BYTE, page 283). The Fibonacci program determines a series of Fibonacci numbers (i.e„ each number in the series is. the sum of the two preceding numbers). The Copy program measures how long it takes to input and output an 80,000-character text file. The Sort program measures how long it takes to alphabetically sort the first 1,000 words in a BYTE article. A graphic comparison of these results is given on the "At a Glance" page.

Execution Time (seconds):

Sieve Fibonacci Copy Sort

Compile Times (seconds):

Sieve Fibonacci Copy Sort

Sieve Fibonacci Copy Sort

iztec BDS

C/80

Q/C

SuperSoft

Whitesmiths

32 37

26

45

29

26

95 81

69

95

49

60

91 75

218

205

88

224

54 119

102

123

79

71

76 18

65

173

105

339

65 18

62

57

97

253

80 20

70

67

116

296

99 20

81

80

139

327

i (K bytes):

18 12

12

13

12

27

10 4

3

4

3

19

12 6

4

6

11

22

12 6

4

6

6

21

316 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Enter CompuServe's Electronic Mall and shop at your convenience in these exciting departments.

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dilithium Press

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Knapp Press

Magazine Entree

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Manufacturer's Hanover Trust

MaxUle

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Practical Peripherals

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RCA Record Clubs

Record World

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Vanguard

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REVIEW: C COMPILERS

continued from page 316

Listing 6a: The string-length program.

#include

<stdio.h>

#define

NTIMES 25000

#define

S "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the parity."

main!)

/* string: get length of string •/

int i;

for (i = 1; i <= NTIMES: I + + ) strlng(S);

}

exit(O);

strlng(s) char -s;

i

char *p;

for (p = s; *s != \0'; s+ + l

}

return (s - p);

Register Variables

There are tricks you can use with the various compilers to optimize the object code they produce both temporally and spatially, but I wanted to keep the benchmark tests as similar as possible, rather than adapt each program to make it most efficient for a particular compiler.

However. 1 did perform a separate test of each compiler's ability to use register variables. This standard C feature allows you to specify that a particular variable be kept in a machine register whenever possible. Because data kept in the registers is more accessible than data stored in ordinary read-write memory, the intelligent use of register variables can substantially speed a program up.

To measure the effect of using register variables with each compiler, 1 wrote a short program to repeatedly count the number of characters in a string. Listings 6a and 6b show this program's regular and register versions.

TWA's 3 miR BEATS IAN AM

318 BYTE • JUNE 1984

REVIEW: C COMPILERS

While the SuperSoft manual claims that the compiler generates true register variables, both SuperSoft test programs executed at the same speed. BDS C does not support register variables, but all the other compilers did generate faster object code for the register version of the program.

A Tough Choice

Some people may find these results disappointing because they don't clearly determine which compiler is "best." I think they are encouraging. They show that competition is indeed alive and well in program-development tools, a relatively small part of today's CP/M-80 software market.

A few years ago it was impossible to find a C compiler suitable for serious software development on an 8-bit microcomputer. I. for one, am not going to complain that the proliferation of these products now makes the choice among them increasingly difficult. ■

Listing 6b: The string-length program using register variables.

#include <stdlo.h>

#deflne NTIMES 25000

#deflne S "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the parity."

mainl) {

/* string: register version 'I

for (i = 1; i <= NTIMES: i+ + ) strlng(S);

exit(O):

strlng(s) register char *s:

char *p;

for (p = s: *s ! = \0'; s+ + | return (s - p):

's FULL HOUSE.

TWA'S INTERNATIONAL

BUSINESS CLASS HAS 6-SEATS ACROSS.

PANAMsHAS8.

WHO'S YOUR MONEYON?

For space and comfort across the Atlantic, the smart money's on TWA. Because TWA has 6-across seating. Pan Am and most others have eight. So on TWA, every seat is either an aisle seat or a window seat. That means there's never more than one person sitting next to you, so you'll have more room to work, and more room to relax.

And now you get comfortable 6-across seating on every widebody TWA flies overseas—our L-1011's as well as our 747's. That's because we've folded down the two middle seats and added more legroom in our L-1011's. So now, they're more comfortable than ever.

TWA's Ambassador Class®—it's the oddson favorite to Europe and the Middle East.

You're going to like us

JUNE 1984 'BYTE 319

DONTCOMPROMISE:

esttpare C

€©HpSP? i

for

SOFTWARE REVIEW

Archon

In this

innovative

game,

pieces vie

for control

of a disputed

square

by Gregg Williams

I like games—board games, video games, word games, any kind. I browse in game and video stores the way most people browse in bookstores. 1 play and analyze the games 1 see (a lot of which come in to BYTE) and buy the few that are worth the money. I've animated even tried designing different kinds of games. I mention all this only to lend weight to what I'm about to say: that Archon (pronounced "ARK-on"), from Electronic Arts (see photo 1), is one of the best computer games I've ever played.

What makes a computer game good? For me, an original game concept, a strong design, and high repeat payability are all important, but I also value something many computer games don't address: appropriateness to the computer format. In other words, whether the game uses the computer to create something that couldn't be done without a computer. Sophisticated interactive adventures put the computer to good use: computer cribbage games do not.

Archon is special because it weds the strategy- and the arcade-style video game genres, and that makes for a very powerful synergistic combination. The playing pieces are mythological figures with different characteristics (photo 1). When one piece moves onto a square occupied by an enemy piece, the playing board becomes a battlefield, where the pieces battle to the death in best arcade fashion (photo 2). The object of the game is to capture five "power points" on the board or to eliminate all enemy pieces. Whether you play against another person or against the computer, you must use both strategy and arcade skills to win.

(My praise is for the Atari version of Archon. Electronic Arts is adapting the game to other machines, but I am not sure the game will play as well on other machines.)

The Board

The pieces appear on a 9 by 9 playing board. Some squares are permanently dark, others are permanently light, and 33 of them (called luminance squares) continuously change from light to dark (through four shades of gray) and back again, one change per turn. There are five power points, one in the exact center and

one in the middle of each edge of the square board. The power points are also luminance squares: the other luminance squares trace a path from any power point to any other power point (making for a plus-sign-inside-a-diamond shape). When the game begins, the light pieces occupy the first two columns of squares and the dark occupy the last two.

The Pieces

Each player has 18 pieces, two columns of nine each. The initial layout resembles a chess board: the innermost column consists mostly of pawn-like pieces (knights for the light side, golems for the dark), leaving the more powerful pieces behind them.

Each player has eight kinds of pieces, each with its own movement (walking, flying, or teleporting) and method of attack (throwing an object, thrusting with a short sword, or emitting a destructive circular aura). Players control piece selection, movement, and combat with joysticks. Each piece also has a fixed attack force (how damaging the attack is), attack speed (how fast the attack "moves"), attack interval (how long until the piece can attack again), and lifespan (how resistant the piece is to an attack). For example, the phoenix can fly up to five squares per turn, attacks by radiating a fireball, and has a long lifespan: its fireball is very powerful but radiates outward slowly and takes a long time to build up.

One piece on each side (the wizard on the dark side, the sorceress on the light) can cast a spell instead of moving. There are seven spells, and each can be used only once. Each spell is potent (for example, one revives a selected piece that has been killed), but you shouldn't necessarily hoard them for later use—you lose all remaining spells if your spellcasting piece gets killed.

The rule book offers a lot of information about the pieces, but be sure to read the Archon Command Summary Card packaged with the program disk. It contains information that doesn't appear elsewhere in the package. [text continued on page "ill)

Gregg Williams is a senior technical editor at BYTE. He can be reached at POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 321

Circle 21 on inquiry card.

AS GOOD AS

WHOLESALE

PRICES

64K RAM

Chips

[Min. 150) S4.99 (Quantity Price

IBM PC 64K FDC, 2x 320KB Disk Drive, Monochrome Card, Monochrome Monitor, Parallel Port $2699.00

TAVA System Unit with 128KB Memory, Floppy Drive Controller, Videoadapter, 2-320KB Slimline Drives, Monitor, Keyboard, Parallel Port & Serial Port

$2395.00

TAVA System Base Unit includes Power Supply, Parallel Port, Serial Port & Keyboard S/299.00

TAVA 10MB System includes 128K Memory, 10MB Hard Disk Drive, Monitor, 360KB Floppy Drive, Keyboard, Parallel Port & Serial Port CALL

TAVA Floppy Drive Controller

$ 199.00

TAVA Color Graphics Card

$ 299.00

TAVA Video Adapter and Floppy Controller-Two in one $ 499.00

TAVA Video-20 [Monitor Hi-Res) Green or Amber S *99.00

TAVA 320KB Disk Drive Slimline

$ 199.00

10MB Hard Disk Sub-System

$1595.00

Apple He Starter System

Chassis

S1499.00 S 399.00

ANI

17752 Sky Park Circle, Suite 210

Irvine, CA 92714

(714) 261-6226, 6227

REVIEW: ARCHON

AT A GLANCE

Name

Archon (Atari version)

■type

Arcade/strategy game

Manufacturer

Electronic Arts 2755 Campus Dr. San Mateo, CA 94403 (415) 571-7171

Price

S40

Authors

Anne Westfall, Ion Freeman, Paul Reiche III

Format

One 514-inch floppy disk

Number of Players

One or two

Language

Assembly language

Computers

Atari home computers with 32K bytes of memory (expanded Atari 400 and 600XL, standard Atari 800, 800XL, and 1200XL) (Also available for Apple and Commodore computers and the IBM PC.)

Documentation

A 14-page rule book, reference and command summary cards

Audience

People who want action, thinking, and human interaction in a video game

[text continued from page 321)

Combat

You are advised to choose the time and place of your combat well, because it is influenced by your opponent's piece, the combat history of both pieces, and the color of the square. You have an edge if your piece is "fresh" (i.e., unwounded), inherently powerful, or if it is fighting on a square of its own color. During combat, vertical bars called lifelines appear on both sides of the combat screen. These decrease in size every time a piece is hit (see photo 2) and tell you how close your piece is to being destroyed. The wounds from a previous battle leave a piece weakened until sufficient time passes or a "heal" spell is cast; pieces resting on power points heal faster than those on ordinary squares. Because pieces can be weakened by combat, several weak pieces, with some skill on the part of the player, can successively weaken and destroy a strong piece.

Combat is also affected by irregular barriers that appear, fade, and disappear cyclically. Depending on its solidity, a barrier can allow, retard, or prevent piece or projectile movement. To survive in the battlefield, you must make the best use of these barriers.

A final factor, square color, heavily influences combat. The lifeline of a piece is considerably lengthened if it faces combat on a square close to (or the same as) its own color—the closer the match, the greater the advantage. Regardless of your piece's strength, you'll usually want to do battle on your own color.

Archon, from Electronic Arts.

322 BYTE • JUNE

REVIEW: ARCHON

Balance and Diversity

Another feature that distinguishes Archon from other games is its attention to balance and diversity. Examples of its diversity are that there are two ways to win and that seven spells are available to the sorceress and wizard pieces. An example of balance is that, although opposing pieces are different from each other in shape and capabilities, neither player has an advantage.

Archon gains vitality from its diversity and payability from its balance. Without diversity, a game becomes repetitive and boring. Without balance, one player has an unfair advantage, and the game suffers.

Unfortunately, Archon suffers from an imperfect balance between arcade and strategy skills. Although the game calls on both strategy and arcade skills, it seems to favor the player with more of the latter. I know—1 seem to constantly lose to the same people who beat me in arcade games.

Evaluation

Archon can be played against either the computer or a human opponent. (In this respect, it reminds me of two of my favorite multiplayer games, M.U.L.E. from Electronic Arts and Cytron Masters from Strategic Simulations.) The version reviewed here runs on any Atari home computer with 32K bytes of memory (an expanded Atari 400 or 600XL or a standard Atari 800, 800XL, or 1200XL). I wish the authors had made it a 48Kbyte game and used the extra 16K to provide some variant games, differently skilled computer opponents, or some kind of handicapping. The computer opponent is unmercifully skillful, making the single-player game an exercise in good sportsmanship (how can you be a good sport when you lose to a computer?). Some Archon players claim they can consistently beat the computer— I'd be interested in knowing how.

Archon's authors, Anne Westfall, )on Freeman (cofounder of Automated Simulations and author of the awardwinning game Temple of Apshai), and Paul Reiche III, all of Freefall Associates, are to be thanked for their contribution to the gaming community. (They're said to be working on a sequel, Archon II.) Electronic Arts deserves praise as well for its superior game packaging and rule book, which make a good game even

more enjoyable, and for the exceptionally high standards that mark this and other Electronic Arts products.

Although Archon would be better if it had some game options and if it

placed less of an emphasis on arcade skill, it is still a great game: fun, yet not mindless; involved, yet not hard to learn; and rewarding and varied enough to be played again and again. ■

Photo 1: The chess-like strategy board of Archon. When two pieces meet on the same square, the action transfers to a combat battlefield [see photo 2).

Photo 2: The Archon battlefield. Here, a dark goblin prepares to strike a light knight.

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 323

M I

EPSON LQ-15Da

. : ..

Minor miracle.

Or how Epson got two

astonishing printers to

occupy the same space.

The new LO-1500:

You've never seen anything quite like the new Epson LQ-1500 Business Printer. It switches effortlessly back and forth between draft and letter-quality printing, on fanfold* or single sheet paper. And it does it at a price every office can afford.

Two for one.

With the LQ-1500 in draft mode, you can race through a report at 200 characters per second. Then switch over to letter quality and polish off a pile of correspondence four times faster than the average daisy wheel.

Need graphics? The LQ-1500 gives you business charts with a crispness and definition you wouldn't think possible in a dot matrix. And with the LQ-1500's 15.5-inch carriage, your spreadsheets and ledgers can take on a distinction they've never had before. The secret.

The Epson LQ-1500 is the logical extension of Epson's outstanding dot matrix printers. Instead of nine "wires" forming each letter, however, the LQ-1500 has 24. So you get letter-quality characters to rival fine office typewriters. In proportional. Italic. And condensed, expanded, subscript, superscript and over 200 other different typefaces. All without changing a print wheel. With the LQ-1500, you can even create 128 characters or symbols of your own and add them to the printer's internal memory. String of miracles.

For Epson, the LQ-1500 is just one more in a long line of miracles, many of which are also on display at your neighborhood computer dealer.

And like all products in the Epson line, the LQ-1500 is now backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor, ready to go to work with just about any personal computer made, and available in more places than any other brand. But that's not really miraculous. That's just Epson.

The way the LQ-1500 goes from high-speed draft.. .to letter quality] printing is a positive miracle!

Actual LQ-1500 print sample.

EPSON

Number one. And built like it.

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

3415 Kashiwa Street, Torrance. California 90505 Call (800) 421-5426 for the Epson dealer in your area. In California call (213) 539-9140.

Epson is a registered trademark and LQ-1500 is a trademark of Epson America, Inc. 'With optional tractor unit

Circle 131 on inquiry card.

SemiDisk and SemiSpool:

SURE-FIRE WAIT-REDUCTION!

A is

t-iy.v

512Kbyte

SemiDisk l $1095

Time was, you thought you couldn't afford a SemiDisk. Now, you can't afford to be without one.

256K 512K IMbvte

SemiDisk l.S-100 $8!

IBM PC

TRS-80 Model II SemiDisk II, S-100 Battery Backup Unit $150

$895 $1095 $1795

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$1395 $2095

Time was, you had to wait for your disk drives. The SemiDisk changed all that, giving you large, extremely fast disk emulators specifically designed for your computer. Much faster than floppies or hard disks, SemiDisk squeezes the last drop of performance out of your computer.

Time was, disk emulators were afraid of the dark. When your computer was turned off, or a power outage occurred, all your valuable data was lost. But the SemiDisk changed all that. Now, the optional Battery Backup Unit helps take the worry out of power interruptions. It keeps the SemiDisk powered for up to 5 hours during a power failure.

Time was, you had to wait until your printer finished printing to use your computer. That's changed, too. Now, the SemiSpool print buffer in our Version 5.0 software, running under CP/M 2.2, frees your computer for other tasks while your data is printing. With a capacity up to the size of the SemiDisk itself, you could implement an 8 Mbyte spooler!

But one thing hasn't changed. That's our continuing commitment to supply the fastest, highest density, easiest to use, most compatible, and most cost-effective disk emulators in the world.

SemiDisk.

It's the disk the others are trying to copy.

SemiDisk Systems, Inc.

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Call 503-646-5510 for CBBS»'NW, a SemiOisk-equipped computet bulletin board 300 1200 BAUD

SemiDisk trademark ot SemiDisk Systems, Inc. Copyright E 1983 SenwDisk Systems, Inc CP'M Trademark Digital B

n^T™<n

SYSTEM REVIEW

The Chameleon Plus

mimic of the

Computer,

packaging

It'c a ar\r\r\ ^1P^ ^e Chameleon Plus is an enhanced IL S 3 gOOU version of the Chameleon, an IBM PC

JKL compatible that was announced in 1982. Like the $1995 Chameleon, the $2895 IRM PPf^OnPll Chameleon Plus is a portable computer that ,: v J ' c ! ,u '"'' can run three different operating systems: MSDOS, CP/M-86, and CP/M-80. Seequa Computer Corporation, based in Odenton, MaryDUt itS designed the Chameleon Plus to be com

patible with MS-DOS and IBM Personal Computer software in particular.

After using the Chameleon Plus for three neeClS revision months, I've come to believe that Seequa has

almost succeeded. 1 loaded a wide variety of software—all marked "for the IBM PC—into the Chameleon Plus, and it ran most of it without BY RICH KRAJEWSKI complaint or mistake.

The Chameleon Plus is intended for business people who want a computer and enough software to get running, and who want IBM compatibility, but who don't necessarily want an IBM. These people are willing to trade the security of the IBM name for a lower price. Hobbyists will reject the Chameleon Plus because it has no built-in expansion capability. Home computerists will be turned off by the price, which is lower than that of an IBM PC but is still too high for the home market.

The original Chameleon had only singlesided floppy-disk drives and 128K bytes of memory. The price of the Chameleon Plus includes 2 56K bytes of memory; a 9-inch green monitor; two 5!4-inch, double-sided floppy-disk drives; an IBM-style keyboard; a serial port; a parallel printer port; a 5-MHz 8088 microprocessor; and a 2.5-MHz Z80A microprocessor. In the software department you get MS-DOS version 1.2 5, Perfect Writer, Perfect Calc, Perfect Speller, and Microsoft's BASIC-86.

The Condor I database program and the GW BASIC interpreter are supposed to come with the machine, too, but so far Seequa has been substituting lOUs for these programs. Can you imagine buying a computer system that's supposedly bundled with software and getting an IOU instead of the software? Strangely enough, that's happening.

carry it home. Let me tell you, that machine is heavy—28 pounds heavy. I could probably have endured the weight if it weren't for the handle, which is cold, poorly shaped, and no friend to hands. If you grab the handle just a little off center, the machine tries to wrench itself out of your hands. The solution, if you do buy one of these things, or if your uncle gives you one for your birthday, is to purchase a Kaypro carrying bag. I've heard from reliable sources that the Chameleon Plus fits just dandy into it, and it makes toting the machine a bearable task.

The Chameleon Plus opens as shown in photo 1: place your finger between the latch and the knob, then pull the latch out and up. Notice in the photo how the finger strains. This latch was definitely not designed for arthritic hands, nor was it designed for frequent openings and closings. 1 would pass up the Chameleon Plus (as well as its fewer-featured relative, the Chameleon) because of that latch. There are plenty of inexpensive, easy-to-open latches available for a manufacturer to choose from. Why did Seequa purposely choose such a rotten one? I hope that someday the product designers at Seequa will replace this painful latch with a small, easy-to-open, metal latch.

And while they're doing that, they ought to redesign the case of the machine. It's a metal case, which has the virtue of durability, but unfortunately it mars the furniture. The unit does have some tiny rubber pads on its bottom, but they help only when the machine is lying flat. When you prop it up on its carrying handle, the case's unprotected rear edge engraves designs on your desk.

The display screen is like any other good monochrome display: it has fine contrast, a sharp 80-character by 2 5-line image, and comfortable brightness. It can also show highresolution graphics with its 640- by 200-pixel matrix. Unlike good displays, though, this one tends to waver: the characters start undulating every so often, which is not on my list of desirable display characteristics. 1 suspect the (text continued on page 328)

The Case of the Chameleon Plus

Before I opened the Chameleon Plus, I had to

Rich Krajewski is a technical editor at BYTE. He can be reached at POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 327

REVIEW: CHAMELEON PLUS

{text continued from page 327) problem is an inadequate or poorly regulated power supply, but the system is no less guilty for that.

The Chameleon Plus has an outlet for connection to a composite color monitor. As with the IBM PC, the Chameleon Plus can display 16 different colors in the text, with up to 4 on the screen at one time in medium-resolution graphics mode. According to the Chameleon Plus User's Manual, the Chameleon Plus has 16K bytes set aside for display memory, which is enough to handle one screen of graphics.

The keyboard (made by Key Tronic) is much like the IBM PC's, except that the Chameleon Plus's keys are springier. It took me a while to get used to the different feel. Two improvements it has over IBM's keyboard are the Caps Lock key and Num Lock key indicator lights, which tell you when these keys are active.

The Chameleon Plus has an 8088 microprocessor (which has a 16-bit internal and an 8-bit external data path) and a Z80A microprocessor (which has 8-bit internal and external data paths). This lets the Chameleon Plus tap two major sources of business programs—the IBM PC world and the CP/M-80 world. At least it does theoretically. In real life, though, it is more an IBM work-alike than an 8-bit CP/M machine, as I'll explain

Photo 1: Opening the Chameleon Plus can result in digital pain.

later in this article.

The Chameleon Plus comes with 2 56K bytes of RAM (random-access read/write memory) and 16K bytes of ROM (readonly memory). The ROM contains initialization, booting, and some diagnostic routines. (It does not contain a BASIC interpreter as the ROM in the IBM Personal Computer does, but the intended market for the Chameleon Plus—business people—will probably not care.) According to Seequa, technically knowledgeable users can add 80K bytes of extra ROM to the Chameleon Plus for special applications. Seequa claims that extra RAM can be added, too, with an external expansion box. I have not seen the expansion box (and, it appears, neither has anyone else), so I don't know how it affects the operation or portability of the computer. It can't make carrying the Chameleon Plus any easier. Without the expansion box. you won't be able to expand memory, but 256K bytes of RAM is enough for most of today's personal computer applications.

The two double-sided, double-density disk drives that come with the machine, the same kind used in many IBM PCs, hold 3 2 OK bytes each with the version of MS-DOS that is provided. If you buy MS-DOS version 2.0 (which you'll probably have to buy from IBM because Seequa doesn't yet offer it), you'll be able to store 360K bytes on each drive.

Every computer should have one parallel port for connection to a printer and one RS-232C serial port for connection to a modem. The Chameleon Plus comes with these two ports standard. The utility program called Option lets you configure the ports, direct data from one port to another, set the speed of data transmission, and change the protocol of the data. For example, you can tell the computer to send printer output to the serial port at 1200 bits per second, with even parity, 7 data bits, and 1 parity bit.

A drawback of the ports is their lack of labeling. Once again, Seequa has made a packaging error. To be sure, this is a drawback that is easy to overcome, but only with the help of a dealer or the user's manual. It is a nuisance that Seequa could have easily avoided.

The power supply is designed to operate with either 110- or 220-volt power, but your dealer must make the switch for you. Seequa advertises an op

tional battery pack for the computer, but a spokesman for the company told me that it's not yet available. I have no idea how long the battery pack will take to recharge or how long it will provide power, but guess what? Seequa doesn't know either.

The Mystery of the Missing Options

Seequa advertises several options for the Chameleon Plus: the expansion chassis, extra RAM, the battery pack that i've already mentioned, a hard disk, a second asynchronous-synchronous serial port, an IEEE-488 bus port, an analogto-digital converter, an RGB (red-greenblue) color-monitor interface, and an 8087 math coprocessor. On the software side you can purchase two additional operating systems, CP/M-86 and CP/M-80.

This is an admirable selection of options that, surprisingly, seems geared to the scientist. For instance, the analog-todigital converter is certainly not for business applications. The converter, the IEEE-488 bus port (which controls scientific instruments), and the 8087 math coprocessor are for the laboratory.

Though this is an admirable selection, it is also a misleading one; two dealers I spoke with said that they did not have in stock the expansion box nor about half of the other options. One said that the expansion box was not available, while the other said that he could order one for me. Whom to believe? I called Seequa, and a spokesman confirmed that the options in question were not available (see the "At a Glance" box on page 329), but he promised that eventually they would be. This leaves the last chapter in this mystery unwritten, for we do not know if Seequa's promise will be fulfilled. We shall have to wait and see.

You could, of course, tell yourself that you don't need options; the Chameleon Plus can handle the usual applications programs—word processors, spreadsheets, databases—without accessories.

Software

MS-DOS version 1.2 5, standard on the Chameleon Plus, works exactly like PCDOS version 1.1 as far as the business user is concerned. You can also buy CP/M-80 and CP/M-86. If you want, you can buy PC-DOS version 2.0 from an {text continued on page 332)

328 BYTE" |UNE 1984

f\ I rV v*L/\lNv,El

Name

Chameleon Plus

Manufacturer

Seequa Computer Corp. 8305 Telegraph Rd. Odenton. MD 21113 (301) 672-3600 or (800) 638-6066

Components

Size: 8 by 18 by 15/2

inches

Weight: 28 pounds

Processor: 5-MHz 16-/8-bit

8088 and 2.5-MHz 8-/8-bit

Z80A

Memory: 2 56K bytes

Display: 9-inch diagonal,

green phosphor, built-in

monitor: 80 characters by

2 5 lines: nonadjustable:

composite color video jack

Keyboard: IBM PC-style

Mass storage: Two 5!4-inch

floppy-disk drives. 320K

bytes each

Expansion capability:

None

I/O interfaces: One

RS-2 32C serial port and

one parallel printer port

Software

MS-DOS 1.25, BASIC-86. GW BASIC. Perfect Writer, Perfect Calc, Perfect Speller, Condor I, C-Term communications program

Optional Hardware

Second RS-232C port $49 4-channel. 8-bit analogto-digital converter S49 RGB monitor interface S49 8087 coprocessor $320

Optional Software

CP/M-80 version 2.2 $150 CP/M-86 $60

Perfect Filer (runs under MS-DOS) $495

Documentation

User's manual. 147 pages: MS-DOS, 1 54 pages: Microsoft BASIC, 69 pages: BASIC reference guide, 149 pages: Perfect Writer/ Speller, 377 pages: Perfect Calc. 346 pages

Price

$2895

MEMORY

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700K

MAXIMUM FLOPPY-DISK CAPACITY

0 100 ZOO 300

STANDARD* OPTIONAL** BUNDLED SOFTWARE PACKAGES

) 2

4

6 8 1 1

10

2

PRICE

$0 $1000

$2000

$3000

$4000

$2748

CHAMELEON PLUS

3 APPLE IE

The memory graph shows the standard and optional memory available for the computers under comparison. The graph of disk storage capacity shows the highest capacity of a floppy-disk drive on each of the computers. The bundled software graph shows the number of software packages that are included with the system. The price graph shows the costs of the Chameleon and the IBM PC with two 5!4-inch. double-sided, doubie-density. floppy-disk drives: a monochrome monitor with connection apparatus: color-display capability: a printer port and a serial port: 2 56K bytes of memory: the standard operating systems for the computers being compared: and their standard BASIC interpreters. The Apple lie includes a monochrome monitor, two disk drives, 64K bytes of memory, and a printer port and a serial port.

IUNE 1984

IYTE 329

The rear of the Chameleon Plus, pictured on a 4-inch grid. Notice the lack of The top of the Chameleon Plus with the cover removed. Servicing the unit labels and the trap door. should be easy because of the accessibility of the components. Unfortunately.

there is no room for expansion.

DISK ACCESS IN BASIC 400

BASIC PROGRAM PERFORMANCE 500

400

300

200

100

CALCULATIONS

SYSTEM UTILITIES 50

L

SPREADSHEET (MULTIPLAN) 25

20

15

m

DISK COPY RATE

FILE COPY

LOAD

RECALCULATE

CHAMELEON

IBM ■ APPLE

The graphs of BASIC program performance and disk access in BASIC show the times for running the benchmarks in listings 1 and 2. The system utilities graphs show how long it took to format and copy a disk (adjusted for 40K bytes of disk data) and to transfer a 40K-byte file using the system utility programs. The spreadsheet graph shows how long the computers took to load and recalculate a 2 5- by 25-cell spreadsheet using Microsoft's Multiplan.

330 BYTE • IUNE 1984

How theTI65-II makes short woikof long problems

Whenever you can solve complex problems quickly and accurately, you're ahead of the game. And that's exactly what the TI-55-II does for you. By giving you 112 pre-programmed

capabilities. This way you can work out linear regressions, permutations and combinations, just to name a few.

The TI-55-II also gives you enough programmability to

functions (like definite integrals), eliminate a lot of repetitive key

it allows you to take short cuts without losing accuracy. You'll accomplish a lot more in less time which means increased efficiency.

With our TI-55-II you can tackle problems you thought could only be solved with higher

punching. Our Constant Memory™ keeps programs and data on tap, even when the calculator is turned off. So once you've

out of your calculator with the Calculator Decision-Making Sourcebook. It gives you stepby-step examples of the best techniques used for solving mathematical, scientific and statistical problems. And we've included a special section on how to program your TI-55-II.

So next time you're facing another time-consuming

entered a formula, you can simply problem, cut it down to

put in the variables to get your solution. The Liquid Crystal Display shows your answers in stan

size with the TI-55-11.

o r~*7 ^li^v»^ 7WU1 aiwwcio 111 5LcU

priced programmables. You're not dard, scientific or engineering

only getting the standard slide notations — clearly and precisely rule functions but also statistical We also help you get the most

Copyright © 1983 Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments

Creating useful products and services for you.

REVIEW: CHAMELEON PLUS

[text continued from page 328) IBM PC dealer. PC-DOS 2.0 gives you the advantage of additional disk space and slightly faster disk access time. It runs with no glitches on the Chameleon Plus, as far as I can tell. The only problem in the MS-DOS department is the TIME command. In either version of MS-DOS. TIME keeps terrible time; it loses about 2 seconds every minute. This means that programs that rely on time updates will run poorly.

Currently, Seequa provides BASIC-86 with the Chameleon Plus. This lets you run most IBM BASIC programs that do not use graphics. Seequa promises to send GW BASIC to its customers one of these days. GW BASIC I understand, is completely compatible with IBM BASICA, but I haven't seen it yet.

The word-processing programs that come standard with the Chameleon Plus, Perfect Writer and Perfect Speller, are similar to other word-processing programs and are perhaps better. These two programs have a number of advanced features that you would expect to find on a dedicated word processor. For instance, Perfect Writer has commands that let you transpose words or letters. Most other word-processing programs require that you either type the items over again or use the command for moving blocks. However, these simpler programs are also simpler to learn than Perfect Writer and Perfect Speller.

Perfect Calc is a spreadsheet program that's also standard with the Chameleon Plus. I would rate it as average because there are several more sophisticated spreadsheets on the market (for example, Lotus 1-2-3).

As for the optional CP/M-80 operating system, a surprise awaits you: Seequa's version of CP/M-80 does not open the world of CP/M-80 software to you. At best, it lets you get your toe in the door. But in no way could anyone say it leaps ahead of you, opens the door wide, and bows low when you pass through; Seequa's version of CP/M can read only disks that are in the IBM PC CP/M-86 format. And good luck finding CP/M-80 software in CP/M-86 format. Even Seequa doesn't sell any. I understand Zenith Data Systems may carry some 8-bit software in this format, but what a patch quilt. I'd rather have a guaranteed source of software.

In its helpfulness, Seequa gives you the

name and address of a company that sells a disk-translation program, called Crossdata, for $99. The program enables your computer to read different disk formats. So, if you want to "run software from the vast library of CP/M-80 software currently available," as Seequa's ads say you'll be able to do with its Chameleon Plus, you'd better make sure your dealer stocks the software in a format the Chameleon Plus can read. Or be willing to spend another $99.

One Chameleon Plus dealer I spoke with said that he could transfer most CP/M-80 software onto Chameleon Plus disks. This is a point to remember if you intend to buy this machine—make sure the dealer can help you get CP/M-80 software if you plan to use 8-bit software. Actually, I talked to a couple of Chameleon dealers about this and they claimed that there is very little call for Chameleon Plus 8-bit software.

Performance

The "At a Glance" box shows the results of a comparison of the Chameleon Plus, the IBM PC, and the Apple He. The BASIC benchmarks that I used to test the disk access and program performance of the computers are shown in listings 1 and 2. The benchmarks for system utilities and standard spreadsheets are quite different from our previous benchmarks and require some explanation.

Since much computer time is spent transferring files from disk to disk, I measured how quickly the system utilities (DISKCOPY, COPY, etc.) of the three computers were able to perform this function. The results are presented in the system utilities graphs. 1 also tested how quickly the machines ran a popular applications program, Multiplan.

Before you start writing letters to me, let me say I know that the times I measured are functions of the computer, the applications program, the operating system, and the test files. 1 know that if I had used different programs or files, the times might have been faster or slower. Don't get upset because you feel that your favorite applications program would have done the job better. This is not a comparison of applications programs; this is a comparison of computer systems. The numbers are for comparison only—to demonstrate whether one computer saves more time than another in typical applications.

I placed the test files on otherwise blank disks to avoid unknown delays due to random disk file arrangement. The applications program was in drive A, the test file in drive B. I always began timing from the last keystroke needed to begin the action under test; I stopped timing when the cursor reappeared.

I did the spreadsheet tests on a 2 5- by 25-cell spreadsheet. I didn't use the spreadsheet provided with the Chameleon because I wasn't as familiar with it as I am with Multiplan.

The IBM PC I used had 2 56K bytes of RAM on its motherboard and another 2 56K bytes on a QuadRAM board. I did not use any of the QuadRAM software, but that does not mean the board did not affect the operation of the IBM. The PC also had an IBM monochrome board.

IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED

The Chameleon Plus is basically a good machine. It served me well for the three months I used it. As a matter of fact, I wrote much of this review on the Chameleon Plus. However, as you've probably gathered by now, I feel that the machine could use a bit of improving. It needs a padded, balanced handle; a nondestructive case; a small, metal latch; a copy of Crossdata or a similar program thrown in when you buy CP/M-80; labeled I/O ports; and no IOUs. And Seequa ought to stop advertising accessories that aren't available and, indeed, may never be.

If Seequa doesn't or can't include Crossdata, then I think it ought to offer 8-bit applications software with the proper disk format for the Chameleon Plus. With the recent introduction of the IBM Portable Computer, Seequa will have to work extra hard to stay competitive; providing a convenient source of 8-bit software is one way to do it.

DOCUMENTATION

I received my first version of the Chameleon Plus several months ago. With that first machine came a typographically hard-to-read and incomplete manual that was utterly useless. Nevertheless, I thought that the machine itself was very useful. Before the latest version of the Chameleon Plus arrived, I was going to recommend to you cognoscenti who read BYTE that you shouldn't let the bad documentation steer you away from (text continued on page 334)

332 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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The optional 12-character ALPHANUMERIC DISPLAY indicates modem operating status, system diagnostics, message status, phone numbers, and real time clock data... to name just a few.

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Additional telephone jack with exclusion switching

Analog loop back self test

Self Test at Power Up

Call Progress Detection (Busy, Dial Tones, Trunk Busy, etc.)

Speaker and External Volume Control Full Complement of Status Lights 8 Switch Selectable power-up defaults Adaptive Dialing

Auto Redial on Busy

Economically designed easy to read front display panel

Internal Stand Alone Power Supply Built in Real Time Clock/Calendar

Help Command

300 baud connect while maintaining 1200 baud RS-232 link

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Auto Logon Macros

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\S

ANCHOR 1200 30TICS PASSWO

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12-character Alphanumeric Display

REVIEW: CHAMELEON PLUS

{text continued from page 332) this computer because, for most purposes, all you have to do is buy a book about how to use the IBM PC and you'll learn how to use the Chameleon Plus. The difference in price between the IBM and the Seequa more than makes up for the additional cost of the books.

Fortunately, all that rigmarole is no longer necessary because the Chameleon documentation has been improved tremendously. The manual now includes unpacking and setup instructions, as well as enough information to get you started on the applications software.

The documentation for the optional CP/M-80 operating system is another story. The CP/M-80 user's manual supplied with the Chameleon Plus version of CP/M-80 is just a reprint of Digital Research's CP/M Operating System Manual. It is far from being a "user's guide"; it is, instead, a programmer's guide. The average purchaser of the Chameleon Plus with the CP/M-80 option will be on his own when it comes to using CP/M-80. Fortunately, several good CP/M-80 guides are available, but it's disappointing to be left in the lurch by Seequa.

The Manufacturer

Seequa Computer Corporation has been in existence since 1979. It is a privately owned corporation. The firm seems to be growing, but that may change with the introduction of the IBM Portable Computer. If the company were to fold, the dealers that sold the Chameleon Plus will not, so you will probably still be able to obtain service for the machine. The Chameleon Plus uses no unique components as far as I can tell, so replacing parts should not be a problem. Of course, even if the IBM Portable becomes a big success, Seequa may still survive.

Service

According to the warranty, service for the Chameleon Plus is available from authorized Seequa dealers. The machine has a warranty for 90 days. Since you know that all computers break eventually, you ought to check with your local dealer to find out what the repair costs might be. It may help swing your purchase decision either toward or away from the Chameleon Plus.

[text continued on page 336)

Listing 1: The IBM PC and Chameleon Plus benchmark programs.

LISTING I

5 REM: THE DISK WRITE BENCHMARK FOR THE IBM PC

40 A$ = "12345678123456781234567812345678"

60 BS = AS + AS + AS + A$

80 NR=5I2

100 OPEN "b:test" FOR OUTPUT AS #1

140 FOR 1=1 TO NR

180 PRINT #1. B$;

200 NEXT I

220 CLOSE

240 PRINT "DONE"

5 REM: THE DISK READ BENCHMARK FOR THE IBM PC

10 NR=5I2

20 OPEN "b:test" FOR INPUT AS #1

30 FOR 1 = 1 TO NR

40 B$ = INPUTS(I28. II

50 NEXT I

60 CLOSE

70 PRINT "done"

5 REM: THE SIEVE BENCHMARK

10 SIZE = 7000

20 DIM FLAGSI7001)

30 PRINT "start one iteration"

40 COUNT = 0

50 FOR 1 = 0 TO SIZE

60 FLAGS! I) =1

70 NEXT I

80 FOR 1 = 0 THEN 170

90 IF FLAGS(l) = 0 THEN 170

100 PRIME =1 + 1 + 3

110 K = 1 + PRIME

120 IF KSIZE THEN 160

130 FLAGSIK) = 0

140 K = K + PRIME

150 GOTO 120

160 COUNT = COUNT+ I

170 NEXT 1

180 PRINT "done: ";COUNT" primes found"

5 REM: THE CALCULATION BENCHMARK

10 NR = 5000

20 DEFSNG A-Z

30 A= 2.71828

40 B = 3.14159

50 C= 1

60 FOR 1=1 TO NR

70 C = CA

80 C = C.B

90 C = C/A

100 C = C/B

110 NEXT I

120 PRINT "done"

130 PRINT "error = ":C- I

334 BYTE- IUNE 1984

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In addition to developing and marketing its own unique products, C.Itoh Electronics buys products from many international manufacturers and sells them through U.S. sales offices, sales representatives, distributors and OEM's. More than 10 Japanese manufacturers who market their products in the U.S. are currently represented.

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It's no wonder that when it comes to bringing high technology to market, C.Itoh Electronics has the best ideas.

REVIEW: CHAMELEON PLUS

(text continued from page 334)

The two dealers 1 talked to offer repair service. Dealer A offered a service contract for $245 per year; dealer B said he did not offer such a contract, but said he would replace inoperative parts at price plus a "small markup." He couldn't tell me what the small markup would be. I am not a suspicious man, but I tend to shy away when facts cannot be given. You would be wise to do the same.

Availability

Certainly availability is a factor in deciding which computer to buy. At press time, the two dealers 1 spoke with said that Chameleon Plus computers were available. Seequa recently moved into larger quarters and expanded its work force to keep up with demand.

I also asked the dealers if they like the machine, its manufacturer, and if the machine is selling well. One said he sells 10 Chameleons for every 1 Columbia portable microcomputer. According to him, "Columbia doesn't care about its dealers or customers. Seequa has been more responsive. Seequa has had problems, but everybody is going to have startup problems." He said that the Chameleon also sells better than the Eagle, the Morrow, and the NEC APC all of which he offers.

Here, I thought, is a testimony for Seequa. But further questioning cast doubt on its validity. "Do you," 1 asked, "make more money when you sell a Chameleon than when you sell one of the other brands?" I had him there. "Yes." he conceded, "but not always, and even when I do make more, it is only a small amount more."

Summary

On its plus side, the Chameleon Plus is a reliable machine that offers more features and a lower price than the IBM Personal Computer. On the minus side, it is hampered by several errors in ergonomics and support—the case, the latch, and the unavailable options come to mind. If I could get quick delivery, if I didn't need to carry the computer, if there were a service facility nearby, and if 1 had a Formica desktop, I would consider buying the Chameleon Plus. But I wouldn't make up my mind until 1 had seen some of the other portables, such as the Panasonic Sr. Partner and the IBM Portable Computer. ■

Listing 2: The Apple We benchmark programs.

LISTING 2

5 REM: THE DISK WRITE BENCHMARK FOR THE APPLE II E

40 A$=T2345678123456781234567812345678"

60 B$ = A$ + A$ + A$ + AS

80 NR=5I2

100 PRINT CHRS(4l:"OPEN TEST"

120 PRINT CHRS(4I;"WRITE TEST"

140 FOR 1 = 1 TO NR

180 PRINT B$;

200 NEXT I

220 PRINT CHR$(4);"CLOSE TEST"

240 PRINT "DONE"

5 REM: THE DISK READ BENCHMARK FOR THE APPLE II E

10 NR=5I2

20 PRINT CHR$(4):"OPEN TEST"

25 PRINT CHR$(4|;"READ TEST"

30 FOR 1=1 TO NR

40 INPUT B$

50 NEXT I

60 PRINT CHR$(4):"CLOSE TEST"

70 PRINT "done"

5 REM: THE SIEVE BENCHMARK

10 SIZE = 7000

20 DIM FLAGSI700II

30 PRINT "start one iteration"

40 COUNT = 0

50 FOR 1 = 0 TO SIZE

60 FLAGS|I)=I

70 NEXT I

80 FOR 1 = 0 TO SIZE

90 IF FLAGS(l| = 0THEN 170

100 PRIME =1 + 1 + 3

110 K=I + PRIME

120 IF KSIZE THEN 160

130 FLAGS(K| = 0

140 K = K + PRIME

150 GOTO 120

160 COUNT = COUNT+ I

170 NEXT I

180 PRINT "done: ";COUNT" primes found"

5 REM: THE CALCULATION BENCHMARK

10 NR = 5000

30 A = 2.71828

40 B=3.14159

50 C= I

60 FOR 1=1 TO NR

70 C=C.A

80 C=C.B

90 C = C/A

100 C = C/B

110 NEXT I

120 PRINT "done"

130 PRINT "error ■ ";C-1

336 BYTE' IUNE 1984

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JUNE 1984 -BYTE 337

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Use it for dal the 7065 zips alo tionally. Both use and six-part forrr standard.

Switch to wo the 7065 delivers 125 cps Plus feat tional spacing, ji derline and bole

And as a 65

340 B Y T E • Jl

eavy the traffic, our i multimode printer >cuments flowing ry affordable price, a processing, and ng at 300 cps bidirecr-defined formats s capability are

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JNE 1984

printer, it's fast enough and quiet enough to leave the competition in the dust. You get high density double pass printing in your choice of some 20 fonts.

The 7065 is also a dot addressable graphics printer with resolution to 144 x 144 dots per inch and a full complement of line drawing graphics

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HARDWARE REVIEW

The Texas Instruments Speech Command System

You can now give voice

Computer or use it as an

The TI Professional Computer can now listen to its master's voice and carry out the commands. The Texas Instruments Speech Command System is an adCOJYIIYOflQS vanced voice interface and communications

package that provides a base for sophisticated

tO tile 1 t voice and data integration. The piggybacked,

— 7 ; 7 two-board speech-processing system is built

PrOreSSlOnal around proprietary components, occupies one of the Tl Professional Computer's expansion slots, and provides a combination of communication functions never before offered to the personal computer user. These

answering functions inc,ude:

— ** "voice recognition

machine and -voice storage

'voice playback

3 Smart •integrated telephone functions

j jr 'pulse or tone dialing

telephone 'dual-tone multifrequency decoding 'selection of communications channel

By combining these functions with the proper software, it is possible to give voice commands to any application and have an inBY MARK HAAS telligent telephone or a sophisticated telephone-answering machine, and more.

Setting Up the

Speech Command System

The TI Speech Command System has three major components: the Speech Command System hardware, the Speech Command System software, and the Transparent Keyboard software. These components work together to combine the functions described above into useful tools. In addition, Texas Instruments is offering a Speech Design Kit to software developers to allow them to design additional applications around the hardware component. The average user does not need to know what the various components of the Speech Command hardware do. It is really a specialpurpose computer system with its own proprietary coprocessor, designed to perform a limited number of tasks. Texas Instruments provides the software necessary to program this computer to perform its special tasks. You only need to install this piggybacked board into a slot on the TI Professional Computer

system board and run a series of diagnostic tests.

Installation is fairly straightforward. I found it necessary to move some of the boards already installed in the system to accommodate this new thicker board. (I have already installed an internal modem, a Winchester hard-disk controller, and an asynchronous communications board.) The speech board cannot fit in either the first or last slots, leaving only three possibilities. Because it is a piggybacked system, it takes a bit of care fitting the board into the narrow space (see photo 1). A wire connecting this board to the speaker on the main system board must also be installed if you intend to use the internal speaker. It takes a steady hand and perhaps a pair of needle-nose pliers to do the job.

After the board is installed, the headset (or an external microphone and speaker) is connected and the diagnostics are run. Every function of this complex system is tested, even the voice quality. It was a bit of a shock when the computer first started talking to me. This is not synthesized speech but rather the reproduction of someone's voice that had been stored as data on the diagnostics disk. When the tests are successfully completed, the system is ready to be used.

The software for the Speech Command System is contained on two disks that in my case had to be copied first onto the hard disk. Before the system can actually be used, a number of commands must be issued from the operating-system level, and they must be used in the proper order. Some of these commands also have one or more arguments associated with them that may or may not be included, depending on how you will be using the system. It took me awhile to sort out the numerous software components.

First, a command file called CALIBRAT is used to determine the gain setting necessary for your particular voice and microphone. It can also be used to actually set the gain, too. Then, if your computer uses a Winchester (tat continued on page 342)

Mark Haas is the technical director at Osbornel McGrai^Hi/1 (2600 Tenth St.. Berkeley, CA 94710).

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 341

REVIEW: TI SPEECH

AT A GLANCE

Name

Speech Command System

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments Data Systems Group Austin. TX 78769

Price

$2600

Hardware Required

Texas Intruments Professional Computer with 192K bytes of RAM; hard disk recommended

Documentation

Hardware installation and test manual; Speech Command software users manual

Audience

Serious computer users or users with special needs

(text continued from page 341) hard disk, you invoke WINPATCH to modify the speech system for use on a hard disk. Next, you enter PCSPEECH to install interrupt vectors in the operating system and load the control software into the Speech Command hardware. PCSPEECH can also contain arguments for setting the gain (previously determined by using CALIBRAT), the output volume, and a switch to turn the Smartphone (described below) on or off. The manual accompanying this system presents several examples of batch files that can be used instead of invoking each of these commands individually. At this point you are finally ready to do something.

The Transparent Keyboard

The Transparent Keyboard software provided by Texas Instruments allows the user to enter data into the computer by voice. What this data is and how it is used is left up to the individual, although a number of predefined vocabularies are provided for applications such as Lotus 1-2-3 and EasyWriter. I used the Transparent Keyboard and a vocabulary I designed to verbally enter commands into my word-processing software, PeachText, to write this article. I can insert and delete, scroll forward and back by line or page, perform block moves and cursor movements, and even save my file and return to the operating system without touching the keyboard. But not having to touch the keyboard is not the point here. What is important is that 1 can concentrate on writing this article without having to remember which function key is the one that will insert a line, which one will delete a line (they are next to each other), and then have to move my hand from the keyboard to enter it. All 1 have to do now is say "split" to insert a line and "line delete" to delete a line. All this does not come easily, however.

In order to use the Transparent Keyboard, you must first define a vocabulary (or use one of the prepared ones) and then teach the computer to recognize your voice. The Speech Command (SC) software allows you to accomplish this. After initializing the system with all the preliminary commands described above, entering "SC" will activate the Speech Command software.

The Speech Command software, by

the way, can do a number of things besides defining the vocabulary for the Transparent Keyboard. These include:

•activating a sophisticated telephone management system •setting up a calendar/tickler manager •setting up a dictation system

Defining a vocabulary comprises several steps. First, the words you want the system to recognize must be determined and typed into the system. The system uses these only as a prompt later when you are teaching it to recognize your voice. If, for instance, you type COPY but say "directory," it will recognize the word "directory." Of course, any language can be used, too.

Next, the equivalent keystrokes these words will activate must be defined. Alphanumeric keys, control codes, function keys (alone or in conjunction with Control, Shift, and Alternate), and even phone pad keys can be used. In fact, any key or legitimate combination of keys can be used because you can enter this data either literally (COPY for the word "copy"), as a hexadecimal code (using a caret [ " | as a prefix), as a key code (using a tilde | ~ ] as a prefix), or as a phone pad command (using two tildes | | as a prefix). All the codes are contained in an appendix to the users manual. A definition can contain up to 2 54 characters. Thus, it is possible for one voice command to activate a whole series of commands that would normally be entered manually

Up to 50 words may be defined in any one vocabulary, but if more words are necessary, there is a mechanism that allows you to switch among several vocabularies. For example, during my test of this system I defined one vocabulary for the operating system and another for PeachText. The two vocabularies totaled more than 50 words. In my operating system vocabulary I included a command called EDIT. The equivalent keystrokes defined for EDIT look like this:

PT-0DED-0D"2 PT is the name of the PeachText command file. The "0D defines the hexadecimal code for a carriage return. This combination causes the PeachText program to start. ED and the second carriage return then tell PeachText that I want to edit a file. Finally, the ~~ 2 tells the Speech Command System to swap

342 BYTE • IUNE 1984

REVIEW: TI SPEECH

vocabularies, turning off the operating-system vocabulary and turning on the PeachText vocabulary. Whenever 1 say "edit" at the operating-system level, these characters are presented to the system as if I had entered them manually.

Once the second vocabulary is activated, only the words contained therein will be recognized. It is possible, therefore, for the same word contained in two vocabularies to have different keystrokes specified for it, and thus obtain different results. For instance, the word "delete" in my operating-system vocabulary produces the string DEL, while the same word in my PeachText vocabulary produces the equivalent of the Delete key.

There must be another switch in the second vocabulary to get back to the first one (or to a third one that, in turn, will lead back to the first). In my case I have defined the command DOS to get me back. This keystroke definition ends with '"1 to switch back to the first vocabulary.

The vocabulary words and their equivalent keystrokes are entered in two columns on a series of screens in the SC software; words on the left, keystrokes on the right. After all definitions are entered, they are saved onto disk by pressing function key F8.

It is then necessary to teach the computer to recognize your voice. The SC software makes this an easy two-step process. First, words are entered by saying each one once as it is pointed to by the SC software. Since it is nearly impossible to say any word exactly the same way twice, the words are then updated by repeating each word a number of times to average the variations in the way a word is pronounced.

The degree to which the system is recognizing your voice can be tested using a built-in test function. All the words of a vocabulary are displayed on the screen and as you say each one, in any order, the system tries to recognize and point to it. The screen also displays a number from 0 to 9 as an indication of the degree of fit as each word is

Photo I: The TI Speech Command

hardware consists of the plug-in circuit

card, a headset and extension cord, and

a modular phone cord to connect the

circuit card to a telephone wall jack.

recognized. In addition, the highlighting used to point to a recognized word will be either green (high degree of fit), yellow (moderate degree of fit), or red (marginal recognition). This information can then be used to update those words with marginal or moderate recognition until all words test green.

After all the vocabularies are determined, the equivalent keystrokes defined, and the system taught to recognize your voice, you still need to install these vocabularies into the system and turn on the Transparent Keyboard feature. Assuming you've already performed the steps outlined above (CALIBRAT, WINPATCH, and PCSPEECH), the next step involves a bit more user interaction.

From the operating system the command TPKSETUP is entered. TPKSETUP changes the keyboard interrupt vector. If you intend to use more than one vocabulary, it will be necessary to also add a numerical argument to the command, based on the size of the vocabulary files you want to include, plus some overhead figure to tell TPKSETUP how much memory to reserve. If you don't reserve enough memory, not all the vocabularies will be able to be installed at the next step in the process. It then will be necessary to start again from scratch by rebooting. I found this a rather roundabout way of dealing with this problem, but it seems that once

TPKSETUP is run, you can't run it again without rebooting.

Next, the command TPK is entered. Here you are asked for the number and names of the vocabularies you wish to use, whether you are using a headset or microphone, and which vocabulary you want to activate first. If you didn't reserve enough memory when using TPKSETUP, then TPK will not load all the vocabularies. But at least it will tell you how much memory you should have reserved. Assuming you did reserve enough memory, you can now begin using voice input.

Using Voice Input

The first command I gave the computer was "directory return," which caused the directory of the entire hard disk to scroll by, all 317 files (actually, it was two commands). I noticed that it seemed to be scrolling a bit more slowly than usual. Then I noticed that if I issued another command, even just a "return," while the directory scrolled by, it started scrolling faster. This would appear to indicate that the Speech Command System, operating in the background, could degrade performance to some degree. To test the degree to which performance was affected, I ran three of the standard BYTE benchmarks while the Transparent Keyboard was enabled. The first test 1 ran was the Sieve of {text continued on page 344)

IUNE 1984

1YTE 343

REVIEW: Tl SPEECH

The system can pluck recognized words from a stream of words, and string together multiple recognized words.

(text continued from page 343) Eratosthenes (see January 1983 BYTE, page 283). Surprisingly, it ran in 2 minutes 38.2 seconds, exactly the same time it ran in before the speech hardware was installed. Next, 1 ran the disk write and read benchmarks, using the hard disk for convenience. This time, however, the times were slower, running 7.8 and 5.5 seconds respectively, instead of the 7.1- and 5.1-second times recorded previously. These times represent 10 percent and 8 percent degradations. (See "The Texas Instruments Professional Computer" in the December 1983 BYTE, page 286, for a table listing all the benchmark times.)

Since 1 originally noticed the slowdown during display scrolling, I next issued a TYPE command from the operating system to display the contents of a 53K-byte file. Without the Transparent Keyboard enabled, the file scrolled by in 59.8 seconds. With the Transparent Keyboard enabled it took 1 minute 43.6 seconds, a 73 percent increase in time. Again, if I issued another command during the scrolling, the scrolling would speed up.

1 brought this problem to the attention of Ken Bice of Texas Instruments while 1 was at the Fall 1983 COMDEX in Las Vegas. It turned out that TI was unaware of the slowdown but was extremely interested in my findings. The following week. Ken called me with a complete explanation of the problem. The Transparent Keyboard software, it seems, patches in its own keyboard decoding routine by changing an interrupt vector (see my December 1983 review). Every time application or system software checks for keyboard input, it has to pass through this extra code. The TYPE command does this after every character displayed, thus the significant slowdown. Reading and writing to disk does this less frequently. When a verbal command is uttered and recognized

by the speech system, the keyboard checks pass through less code since there is data in the keyboard buffer, and the processes then speed up. Apparently it would take a major revision of the Transparent Keyboard software to fix this.

Distinguishing Voices

An important factor to consider when evaluating a speech system is how well it recognizes your voice. 1 defined a simple vocabulary consisting of words beginning or ending in plosives, such as "type" and "edit," as well as words beginning or ending in sibilant esses such as "search" and "thesaurus." I also included combinations of similar words such as "delete," "line delete," and "word delete." and "scroll forward" and "scroll back." The results were interesting.

The system had no trouble distinguishing the similar word combinations. The words "delete," "line delete," and "word delete," as well as the two scroll commands were never confused. The sibilant esses proved to be no problem either. But I did have trouble with the plosives. I attribute this more to my diction, however, than to some shortcoming in the system, since further testing by another individual showed no problem, and a serious effort on my part to more clearly pronounce the words resulted in improved performance. Also the system has the ability to pluck recognized words from a stream of words, such as a sentence, and string together multiple recognized words.

1 also wanted to test the system to see how well it recognized a female voice. Using the same vocabulary as before, 1 had my sister-in-law (who has a distinct midwestern accent but excellent diction) teach the system to recognize her voice. In most cases the recognition (closeness of fit) was greater, especially on the words that had given me trouble.

Next, I wanted to test how well voice recognition could be used as a security device, responding only to my voice. Using a vocabulary based on my voice data, 1 had my sister-in-law speak the contents of the vocabulary. There was no recognition whatsoever. Since our voices are markedly different, this didn't surprise me. I then had my brother-inlaw try the same thing. Though our pronunciation is somewhat different, our

voice qualities are very similar. This time the system recognized every word. Using the built-in test facility of the SC software, I looked for closeness of fit. In most cases the closeness of fit was moderate to marginal, although one word did score a nine. I would not recommend using this system as a security device.

Ambient sounds are present in any office environment. Although 1 didn't test this system in an office, 1 did try to simulate it by having others talk in the background and make other loud noises while I used the system. 1 could detect no adverse effects on system performance.

Finally, I tried changing my voice, speaking in a moderately higher pitch as might be the case when one has a cold. This time the system did have trouble recognizing my voice and missed most words.

The only other problem I encountered concerned false triggers, the issuance of a command when none was spoken. Whether this was due to ambient sounds (the fan on the computer is quite noisy) or a bug in the software, it can become not only quite annoying but dangerous. There were enough of these false triggers that I would hesitate to recommend using the Transparent Keyboard feature for important work. I made sure there were no words defined in my vocabulary that could cause irreparable damage should they be invoked accidentally. For example, I did not include the QUIT command in my PeachText vocabularies because invoking it would cause the entire file to be lost. On several occasions during the writing of this article I found PeachText suddenly stopping when no command had been spoken. Fortunately, it was executing a normal END and saving the file on disk. It was annoying, but not disastrous. These false triggers occurred only when the microphone on the headset was on. I called Tl to ask about this problem. According to TI, it seems to be a matter of a buffer overflowing, and they are working on it.

It should also be noted that the Transparent Keyboard feature will not work with Tl's communications software unless a patch is installed. TI informs me that this is a temporary solution and that with the release of MS-DOS 2.0 (text continued on page 346]

344 BYTE • IUNE 1984

THE BUFFER DID IT.

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JUNE 1984 -BYTE 345

REVIEW: TI SPEECH

The Speech Command software lets your TI PC send telephone messages and serve as an answering machine.

(text continued from page 344)

(due out by the time you read this) the

problem will solve itself.

Other Features of the Speech Command System

Besides allowing you to define vocabularies to be used with the Transparent Keyboard, the SC software can turn your TI Professional Computer into a sophisticated telephone messaging system.

In its most traditional role. SC software allows the TI PC to act like an answering machine. You can "record" up to five greeting messages of any length, provided you have enough disk space. You can then direct the system to play one of these messages whenever it answers the phone. You can program how many rings to wait before answering, too. When the computer picks up the line it immediately plays the chosen greeting message and then goes into record mode and awaits the caller's response. In most cases, the caller will simply leave a message of some arbitrary length. The message is saved after the caller hangs up, and the file is time and date stamped. Remember, the voice information is being digitized and stored as digital data on a disk as any other type of file would be, not recorded in analog form as with a tape recorder. Consequently, the file can be time and date stamped, copied, and combined with other information such as a text description of the contents of the message. TI's software allows you to do all these things and more.

The answering machine functions allow you to review the messages in two ways, either from the keyboard or remotely using a Touch-Tone keypad. Messages are stored in two groups: new messages that have been added since the last review, and older messages that have been previously stored. When performing this function from a remote location over the telephone, a four-digit

password must be entered first, and voice prompting then guides you through the rest of the process. You can even request the time and date of a message and the system will respond by voice. Again, this is not synthesized voice, but rather a real voice that has been processed and stored in a file and provided with the software.

The SC software also allows your TI PC to become a message-sending system. It will automatically deliver a message you have recorded to every phone number listed in a directory you create and then optionally record any reply the called party may have. You program the system to begin calling at a certain time, to allow each phone called to ring a certain maximum number of times before going on to the next number, and to keep trying unreached numbers until a certain cutoff time. The system will then start calling at the predetermined time, beginning with the first number in the directory, proceeding down the list. If a phone is not answered before the maximum number of rings programmed, the system will go on to the next number until the end of the directory is reached. At this point the computer attempts to call numbers not reached the first time, and so on until the cutoff time is reached.

One of the more mundane functions the SC software performs, but one that is fun to play with, is that of a dictation machine. You talk and it records. You can then play your words back. But you can also control the speed of playback without changing the pitch of the voice. Push a few buttons and you, too, can sound like the fast-talking man on the Federal Express commercials. As with any dictation machine, you can also move forward and back within the "recording" and pause at any point.

Lastly, the SC software provides a calendar/tickler system. You can enter appointments, birthdays, and such, along with an associated date and time. You can choose to have a reminder placed on the screen when you first use the SC software on any given day. But this functionality is low, in my opinion, since you could be wrapped up for hours designing, say, a Lotus 1-2-3 model and you won't be reminded of anything until you run the SC software again. This function could be quite useful if the tickler system were running

in the background with the ability to play back a verbal message or pop a message onto the screen at any time no matter what other program you were running.

Quality versus Quantity

The quality of voice reproduction in a system such as this is closely associated with the rate at which the recorded voice is sampled. The higher the sampling rate, the more bits per second, the greater the fidelity on playback. The price paid for this fidelity is the amount of storage needed to hold all this data. The new compact disk stereo players use a laser to record music at a sampling rate of 5 5,000 samples per second, and each sample is a 16-bit word. When recording is limited to voice only, several "tricks" can be performed to greatly reduce the volume of data necessary to produce intelligible speech on playback.

When you consider that the recording rate of the Speech Command System is only 2400 bits per second, it's astounding that you can understand the playback at all. TI has done a remarkable job of providing adequate voice quality and high storage density. At this rate, a single 320K-byte disk is capable of holding up to 16 minutes of digitized speech, and a 5-megabyte hard disk can accommodate over eight hours of voice data. TI accomplishes this minor miracle with a technique called linear predictive coding, or LPC. Basically, LPC converts the incoming voice signal into a series of numbers representing the coefficients of an equation. This equation models the human vocal tract. Upon playback, these coefficients are then used to drive this artificial vocal tract, and speech is produced. One side benefit of this system is that long pauses between words or sentences are eliminated, and precious disk space is not used for "dead air." Also, this system is designed for voice recording only, and it does that very well. An attempt to record music resulted in a series of blips and squeaks, though they did have a definite rhythm.

The Smartphone

Another component of the Speech

Command System is the Smartphone.

The Smartphone provides a truly inte

(tot continued on page 348)

346 B YTE • JUNE 1984

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE 347

REVIEW: TI SPEECH

[text continued from page 346) grated phone system for your TI PC that is capable of completely "hands-off" phone operation.

The Smartphone is activated by a software switch when invoking the PCSPEECH command from the operating system. By itself, the Smartphone allows you to make phone calls through your headset (or microphone) using the numeric keypad on the TI PC's keyboard to dial. It also allows any extension phone with a Touch-Tone keypad to use the Smartphone features. These features include:

•redialing of the last number called •speed dialing any number in a directory using only three keys •eliminating incoming calls (callers hear the phone ring, not a busy signal) •switching between tone and pulse dialing •dial tone detection

The Smartphone becomes even more impressive when used with the Transparent Keyboard.

Imagine yourself deeply immersed in an application, such as writing a review of a Texas Instruments product, when you suddenly realize you need to call someone at TI for information. While you're still using your trusty word processor you utter "Call TI" and a few moments later you hear the phone ringing in your headset. You get the information you need, jotting it down with your word processor as you talk, press a key to hang up, and complete your article. This is not a fantasy. What 1 just described is possible using the Smartphone in conjunction with the Transparent Keyboard.

DOCUMENTATION

Texas Instruments provides a comprehensive manual detailing every function of the Speech Command System. It does a decent job of familiarizing you with the use of a fairly complex system. It provides several examples to aid in understanding and even suggests methods for streamlining system operation, such as creating batch files for system initialization. A smaller, separate guide is provided for the physical installation of the processor card, and it, too, clearly describes the process, pointing out trouble spots and supplying illustrations for clarity.

Conclusions

Texas Instruments has provided a truly unique package of functions at a price that is only a fraction of that charged for less-capable, stand-alone voicerecognition systems. (If you don't think $2600 is cheap, then you should see the prices on the other systems.) TI also provides a fair amount of software to allow you to do some useful things with your computer. But I think it will be the independent software vendors who determine whether this product succeeds or fails.

You have to understand one thing. The Speech Command System is basically another computer within your Texas Instruments Professional Computer. TI provides two levels of software There is the systems software that gives this computer its basic smarts—digitize a voice, reproduce a voice, detect Touch Tones or produce them, and so on. The second level of software is the application that runs on the TI PC and accesses the functions of this second computer, in this case the SC software and the Transparent Keyboard software, and combines them with its own logic to produce a useful product. Without the proper software the hardware is useless. At the same time, however, the user has absolutely no access to this computerwithin-a-computer and cannot develop any other applications for it. Instead, a software developer needs to invest about $8000 to license the run-time software for integration into an application, and then needs to purchase a development kit to be used in conjunction with a high-level language to develop the application. Thus, any purchaser of this system will have to rely on (as yet nonexistent) third-party software developers to provide new ways in which to use it. (Software developers interested in designing applications for this system should contact Bill Smiers at Texas Instruments in Austin, Texas.)

The potential of voice input is exciting and could solve many of the problems now encountered with mice and touchscreens. There are perhaps dozens of specialized applications for this system (e.g., an aid to the disabled). All in all, I found the Speech Command System quite impressive. With the exception of the false triggering, which is a problem I suspect TI will solve, the system performed as advertised. ■

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SOFTWARE REVIEW

Volition Systems' Modula-2

A version of

Modula-2 for

the Apple II

by Eric Eldred

How does Volition Systems' implementation of Modula-2 stack up in the hands of a nonprofessional Apple Pascal programmer? This review should answer that question.

Why Modula-2?

Modula-2 was designed for systems programming, so it has speedy low-level facilities built into a readable high-level language. You don't have to restrict yourself to one microprocessor's assembly language. Modula-2 has interrupts and coroutines and can perform multitasking on the Apple II.

The language embodies the ideals of structured programming. Its module concept is superior to Apple Pascal's intrinsic units both in ease of use and efficiency. The definition module, which replaces the interface section of a unit, can be compiled separately and can make teams work well together. Only the data that must be shared need be exported; everything else will be inaccessible and, therefore, protected against accidental or malicious tampering. Modules maintain type checking, and version checking protects against changing the definition module without recompiling the programs that depend on it. It is possible to do some of this in Apple Pascal but it is never easy (see Michael Feldman's "Information Hiding in Pascal," November 1981 BYTE, page 493).

Modula-2 remedies some of the problems of Apple Pascal (few units, no open arrays, limited I/O (input/output), etc.) but it doesn't force you to abandon Pascal entirely. Pascal's block structure is still there because variables exist inside the same procedures. Yet there are some arbitrary differences as well as improvements in syntax, so it will take a Pascal programmer a few weeks to become comfortable thinking in Modula-2. For example, see the connected example of source code in listing 1. When you run this program, it will ask you to enter a real number, which must have a decimal point. If the number converts to integer 1, then the module Scheduler creates a status window and you can type anything into the top window while the trivia test is going on below. If what you type con

tains either of the two uppercase characters not on the standard phone dial, you will create another silly process. Statements in the form (*$..*) are directives to Volition's compiler. If you set (*$UPCASE:=TRUE:*), enter "|" (which divides CASE statements) as "!".

The Product

Let's take a closer look at the Volition Systems package. Three disks come with it: M2SYS:, M2LIB:, and M2PROGS:. Volition's Advanced System Editor (ASE, pronounced "ace") and p-Shell (formerly "p-Nix") are available as options on separate disks.

On M2SYS:, there is a file called SYSTEM.MODULA that replaces Apple's SYSTEM.PASCAL. This is the standard Apple 6502 operating system, based on UCSD Pascal III, but the file is 40, rather than 41, blocks long (a block is two sectors, or 512 bytes). Your command prompt line will work exactly the same as in Apple Pascal.

M2SYS: also contains a p-code ("pseudocode," or the instruction set of an imaginary, portable p-machine) interpreter, called SYSTEM. APPLE, written in 6502 assembly code. It is 32 blocks long and is not much different from the Apple Pascal file it replaces, except that it has extensions for Modula-2. Because it does not have the two UCSD support routines IDSEARCH and TREESEARCH, it cannot run the Apple Pascal compiler or any userwritten Pascal programs containing TREESEARCH.

Volition does not supply a Pascal compiler with the Apple system; therefore, you must boot Apple Computer's SYSTEM.APPLE and SYSTEMCOMPILER on a separate disk if you wish to program in Pascal. Also, the system will crash if Pascal programs using long integers are run under the Volition interpreter; this problem may be resolved in a later release of Modula-2. Incidentally, many people who have made patches to the Pascal SYS(tert continued on page 354)

Eric Eldred is a chief pulmonary technologist for Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. He can be reached at RFD 2, English Range Road. Deny. NH 03038.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 353

REVIEW: MODULA-2

AT A GLANCE

Name

Modula-2

Type

Modula-2 one-pass p-code compiler, p-code interpreter, library modules, and utilities.

Version

0.3k

Manufacturer

Volition Systems POB 1236 Del Mar. CA 92014 (619) 481-2286

Format

5!4-inch disks. Apple Pascal 1.1 format, unprotected

Computer Needed

Requires 64K-byte Apple 11+ or lie and two disk drives; 80-columns and lowercase input and display helpful but not essential; versions available for the Apple III, 64K-byte IBM PC (not XT or PCjr), Z80/8080. and Sage II and IV

Software Required

Apple Pascal 1.1 or 1.2 (not 1.0); Apple III version needs Pascal and SOS

Documentation

241-page user's manual. 8V2- by 11-inch 3-ring binder: Niklaus Wirth, Programming in Modula-2, 2nd edition (NY: SpringerVerlag). 1983. 176 pages, hardcover

Price

$295

with ASE. $395;

Modula-2 User's Manual. $3 5;

ASE User's Manual. $2 5:

Winn's book, $16; p-Shell

available through UCSD p

System Users' Society (USUS)

and the International Apple

Core

Audience

Systems and application software developers, individuals advanced in Pascal

[text continued from page 353) TEM.APPLE for various reasons will find most will not work with the new interpreter unless done with SYSTEM.ATTACH.

The more recent Volition releases include a file called SMALL.APPLE, which uses significantly less memory than SYSTEM.APPLE, and SMALL.COMPILER, with which you can compile larger Modula-2 programs—as long as you do not employ real numbers.

P-Code Compiler

The centerpiece Modula-2 compiler was written in Pascal and is one block shorter than Apple Pascal's 75. It is a fast, one-pass compiler that compiles to p-code.

Using a p-code compiler is significant because such programs can execute on other machines for which there is a suitable p-code interpreter. (Even Apple II Pascal code files can't run under the Apple III Pascal interpreter.) The Volition compiler has an option to flip the "bytesex" of the code, so you can compile a program on a 6502-based system and then on a computer that has the high byte in opposite order, such as the 68000. I think the Volition Modula-2 system will be attractive to programmers who want to reach a majority of the business market (Apple, IBM, CP/M, 68000) with a single tested program.

The compiler has some other advanced features, including conditional compilation. I found it convenient to use with Volition's optional ASE edition. When the compiler caught a syntax error, it first reported an English phrase, not an error number. I then got a chance to enter the editor at the place the error was found, hit the space bar, and correct it. After finding and correcting the error, 1 still had to start the compilation all over again. If you set the (*$DEBUG: =TRUE;*) compiler option, a run-time error will report the procedure name, rather than some cryptic number. But there is still no true debugger with breakpoints or single stepping.

The major difference between Volition's implementation and Wirth's Modula-2 standard is Volition's inclusion of PACKED variables, FORWARD declarations, and CODE procedures. PACKED variables and FORWARD declarations were included to save memory and disk space. (The FORWARD declara

tion could have been dispensed with because it is logically possible to write mutually recursive procedures in a roundabout fashion, but its inclusion does simplify work for a one-pass compiler.) The CODE procedures, which allow you to perform low-level operations with p-code instructions, are not needed in standard Modula-2. Programs that use any of these extensions will not be directly compilable with a standard Modula-2 compiler. Other differences occur between Volition's and Wirth's Modula-2. Volition uses INTEGER, rather than the standard CARDINAL, values for FLOAT and TRUNC and integer size limits for the maximum CASE label, DIV and MOD, but these are more limits than violations of the Modula-2 standard.

Using Modula-2

Volition has added most of the I/O and string-handling features that have made UCSD Pascal so popular, but they are located in the utility library on the M2LIB: disk. Thus the standard language is sparse, pure, and elegant, and the user has access to as much power as desired. There are minor syntax differences from the Pascal versions of some procedures.

The utility library includes the module Decimals, which gives COBOL-like formatting "pictures" for business or scientific purposes.

You will need to put the library (97 blocks) and user files on the second drive because of the Apple's limited disk capacity. Much of the time it takes you to get used to Modula-2 will be spent in determining which module to import and which module is dependent on which. Because whenever you import a module you put it and its dependent modules in memory, you will quickly use up your workspace unless you are careful. The manual gives helpful hints on how to maximize either compilation or run-time space. I had to make up a map of module dependencies.

LIB.CODE, the library manager on M2L1B:, is an improvement over the similar Apple Pascal LIBRARYCODE because

• You can hide and unhide modules in the library to speed up the compilation process.

• You can remove definition

354 BYTE • IUNE 1984

REVIEW: MODULA-2

modules after all the implementation modules and programs have been compiled and they are no longer needed.

• You can concatenate user modules into a program library that you can then compact by doing an update.

• You can go into compiled program code, extract a module, and reuse it in another program. You don't have to disassemble it to get the source text, you can make full use of it without its being a separate code fragment.

• You have 64 slots in the standard library versus 16 in Apple Pascal, and module overlays are much superior to Pascal's segments.

Software Benchmarks

Is Volition Systems' Modula-2 any faster than Apple Pascal? To find out, I ran BYTE's Sieve of Eratosthenes primenumber generator program (see "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once More through the Sieve," by )im Gilbreath and Gary Gilbreath, January 1983, page 283).

The Modula-2 program in listing 2 ran in 322 seconds (or about 11 percent faster) on the Volition system versus 363 seconds for the Apple Pascal version in listing 3. 1 couldn't resist tinkering with the declaration order of the original benchmark. 1 declared the integer or cardinal variables before the array, reversing the customary sequence of lines 9 and 10. Though it's not widely known, the UCSD p-machine was designed with more efficient storage instructions for the first 16 words of data in a procedure, so you should always declare the mostused scalar variables first and arrays (which take more space) last. Other Pascal compilers' times may not improve using the modified Sieve shown in listing 3.

The Modula-2 compiler also does not allocate storage in backward order as the Apple Pascal compiler does when you assign several variables the same type within the same statement. Thus, to be absolutely fair, I reversed the order inside the Pascal integer variable declaration (see line 9), but because those variables are still within the first 16 words of data, it made no difference in running time.

BYTE's original Modula-2 benchmark (text continued on page 356)

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REVIEW: MODULA-2

(text continued from page 354) was not written in standard Modula-2 syntax, so it would not compile. (The Apple Pascal benchmark wouldn't compile either until I changed the name of the program from "Prime," which aliased one of the identifiers, to "prime.") When I tuned up the text, turned off range checking, and optimized both with addition instead of multiplication on line 18 (leaving the declaration order as in the originals), the benchmarks ran in 375 seconds for Volition's Modula-2 and 451 for regular Apple Pascal 1.1. Both might run faster if the arrays were initialized with FillChar, but that was specifically disallowed because of portability concerns. The Volition system has FillChar, but it should be used cautiously because it avoids some of the usual tight type checking. The Sieve article explained how to turn off range checking if that were available, and so I did.

The fourth column of the listings, which gives the offsets, or bytes, generated, shows that the way these compilers work is different from what you would expect from the text files. The Modula-2 compiler left the message shown below the listing; the program is compact, occupying 176 bytes. This doesn't count the module InOut, which will also be loaded into memory at run time, before the timing starts. Note that procedures such as WriteString don't generate more code than Pascal's WriteLn, they simply make the programmer do more of the work.

In particular, observe that the Volition Modula-2 compiler uses comparatively few bytes for a FOR loop. 1 understand that Volition's president, Joel McCormack, invented a new method of coding the FOR.. .TO.. .BY.. .DO.. .END loops that saves the p-machine much space and time. Because benchmarks such as BYTE's mainly use this control structure, Volition's programs test faster. Other constructs might not be as efficient, but Wirth claims that Modula-2's CARDINAL type and the built-in INC procedure, to name a few, are superior to Pascal's.

Please note that for some reason my benchmarks were slower than others BYTE gave for Apple Pascal, but some of my timings have been confirmed by Alan Anderson in an article submitted to Apple Orchard magazine.

In my experience, Volition's Modula-2

Listing 1: This program creates four windows on the screen to demonstrate some features of Modula-2. Each coroutine has memory space and processor time allocated by the modules "Window and Scheduler. Note the similarities to Pascal (e.g., calling procedures by name or by value) as well as the differences (e.g., expressions and an ELSE within CASE labels, ELSIF, and two methods of module unqualifying: FROM . . . IMPORT or the alternative used in ReattnOut.ReadReal). See text for more information.

MODULE WindyDay;

(* multitask Modula-2 program "improved" from loel McCormack's WindowDemo *l

(*$NOT "original, copyright 1982 by Volition Systems, all rights reserved" *)

(*$SET "Old stock Apple II keyboard?" FatherWoz *)(*$IF NOT FatherWoz THEN *)

FROM Windows IMPORT WINDOW, Open, Write, WriteString, Borders:

(*$TYPE "Remember, first compile definition and implementation modules" *)

("STYPE "you edit from Scheduler, and assign (*$SEG: = 8;*| to definition." *)

FROM Scheduler (* in M2-LIB:WindDemo.text *) IMPORT CreateTask. Sleep, Start;

FROM Terminal IMPORT BusyRead; (* FROM Mouse IMPORT Swiss;*) IMPORT ReallnOut;

FROM ASCII IMPORT esc; (• all these must be in library modules, prefix #5: *)

PROCEDURE MaBell;

VAR wind : WINDOW; BEGIN

Open (wind, II, 18, 5, 22);

LOOP

WriteStringlwind, "You cant dial these 2"); Sleep

END END MaBell;

PROCEDURE IsaacWatts;

VAR wind: WINDOW; BEGIN

Open (wind, 12, I, 10, 16);

LOOP

WriteStringlwind. "little busy bee "); Sleep

END END IsaacWatts;

(* appears in center of screen

(* toward left side

PROCEDURE WriteltOnTheWind;

VAR ch : CHAR; wind : WINDOW; BEGIN Open (wind, 2, 24, 6, 15); Borders (wind, ' + ', '{', '-'); LOOP BusyRead(ch); IF ch = 0C THEN Sleep ELSIF (ch = Q') OR (ch = I32C)

THEN CreateTask (IsaacWatts ELSIF ch = esc THEN HALT ELSE Write(wind, ch) END

(* type anything in top window (* nice border around wind

(* checks for character typed (* if not, continues (' 'Z' : nC is octal What?)

END END WriteltOnTheWind;

(* types buffer in wind (* if you have an Apple lie 80-column card, ' (* you get inverse wind when you hit CTRL-0'

PROCEDURE OpenWindow;

VAR number: REAL; choice: INTEGER: wind: WINDOW; CONST two = 1 + 1: BEGIN Open (wind, 0, 1. 39);

WriteStringlwind. "Won't you really type one number? "); ReallnOut.ReadReal(number); choice := TRUNC(number); CASE choice OF two - 1 : CreateTask (MaBell, Phony');

CreateTask (WriteltOnTheWind, Typer); Start I 2..9 : HALT ELSE OpenWindow

END (• CASE Swiss *) END OpenWindow; (* Phony'

(* Scheduler creates status box, *) etc., appear in box when created *)

BEGIN

OpenWindow END WindyDay (*$END*)(*lf stock Apple

keyboard, set (*$UPCASE: = TRUE;*) at top first*

356 BYTE • JUNE 1984

REVIEW: MODULA-2

runs about 10 to 20 percent faster than Pascal on the p-System, if you do not include disk-access time. More informative comparisons could be obtained with other high-level languages. 1 believe that Modula-2 will run many times faster than BASIC or COBOL, but somewhat slower than most C or FORTH implementations, everything else being equal. But I think Modula-2 is the most readable.

It would be wise to heed the warning in the benchmark article, "Execution time of the Sieve program, of course, should be regarded as only one of several considerations in choosing a particular language, system, or processor." For example, it took about 40 seconds to compile (without listing to the printer) and then load the Modula-2 Sieve program, versus 22 seconds for Apple Pascal. The Modula-2 compiler accesses the disk more, to find modules to import from the standard library. But you can edit the standard library or even package necessary library modules directly into the program and so reduce

the disk access. You might also place your files on a RAM (random-access read/write memory) disk.

Hassles

I had only a few minor problems with the Volition Systems' Modula-2 package. One was the documentation. Though complete, the manual is segmented into six parts, each with its own index, but there is no overall index and no common reference chart or summary. You have to read through the whole manual before it makes sense.

The last part of the manual is what you will need first—it is the implementation guide for your system. This guide has important differences from earlier sections of the manual. For example, section one of the user's manual says FLOAT and TRUNC work with CARDINAL numbers and even gives an example of how they work. That example will not compile as listed because, as we discover later, the Apple implementation uses the type INTEGER instead of the standard CARDINAL for those func

Listing 2: The Sieve of Eratosthenes prime-number program written in Modula-2.

This program was compared to its Pascal equivalent, seen in listing 3.

1 7 1:D 0 (* STO "PRINTER:" *)

2 7 l:D I (* SRANGE: = FALSE; *) (* Note range checking off for speed *)

3 7 1:D 1 (* Eratosthenes Sieve prime-number program in Modula-2 *)

4 7 l:D 1 (" Original by Gunter Dotzel. ETH-Zurich, BYTE, January 1983, p. 290 ']

5 7 l:D 1 (* Modified by Eric Eldred •)

6 7 1:D I MODULE Prime;

7 7 l:D I FROM InOut IMPORT WriteLn. WriteCard, WriteString;

8 7 1:D I CONST Size = 8190;

9 7 1:D 1 VAR i. prime, k, count, iter : CARDINAL;

10 7 l:D 6 Flags : ARRAYIO.Sizel OF BOOLEAN;

11 7 l:C 0 BEGIN

12 7 2:C 0 WriteLn; WriteString! TO iterations");

13 7 2:C 24 FOR iter := 1 TO 10 DO

14 7 2:C 27 count := 0;

15 7 2:C 30 FOR i := 0 TO Size DO Flags|i| := TRUE END;

16 7 2:C 49 FOR i := 0 TO Size DO

17 7 2:C 52 IF FIags|i| THEN

18 7 2:C 60 prime := i + i + 3;

19 7 2:C 67 k := i + prime;

20 7 2:C 72 WHILE k < = Size DO

21 7 2:C 80 Flagslkl := FALSE;

22 7 2:C 87 INC(k, prime)

23 7 2:C 92 END;

24 7 2:C 94 ('• WriteCard(prime,6); WriteLn; *)

25 7 2:C 94 INC(count)

26 7 2:C 98 END;

27 7 2:C 98 END;

28 7 2:C 107 END:

29 7 2:C 114 WriteLn; WriteCardlcount, 6); WriteStringC primes')

30 7 1:C 133 END Prime.

30 lines, 1750 words left 176 bytes generated

tions. Also, some examples in the first part of the text do not assign segment numbers to definition modules; therefore, if you try to compile them as is, the compiler just breaks off. Later, the manual tells you what numbers to assign and how, but I wish I had been advised earlier not to try to type in the manual's examples. The ones that do work are on disk and can be compiled.

The sample programs on the PROG2: disk and on M2LIB: disk are an excellent tutorial to the Volition system. You should first print out the text files of these programs so you can follow along as you try to compile them.

The manual advises that you are limited to 10 significant characters for module names (the Modula-2 standard does not mention a limit). But two sample programs on PROG2:, namely LIBMODBTEXT and OBJECTMODB.TEXT, have the same first 10 characters in their identifiers (NumberGenerator and NumberGenerators). When I compiled the second program it overwrote the file of the first one without any warning. I learned that it doesn't matter if you tell the compiler to give the code file a different filename because the compiler uses the identifier in the text file and then adds a suffix .SYM (or .MOD in the case of implementation modules). This procedure is different from the UCSD Pascal compiler's and deserves to be treated cautiously.

I also had one problem with the conditional compilation feature, using the (*$IF. . THEN. . .SELSIF. . .$ELSE. . . SEND*) directives. At first, I could not compile more than one module at a time, as was suggested by David Carlisle in the \ournal of Pascal and Ada (May/June 1983). The compiler stops when it sees a period in the text. The compiler directive (*$END*) to end the choice must come once, before the last period. Each separately compiled module or program usually ends with a period, and if there is more than one the compiler can't find either a (*$END*) or a (*$IF*), depending on which module I chose at compile time. When I inquired about this. Volition Systems told me the compiler had been changed somewhat from the 0.3a version Carlisle used, and that when using version 0.3k I should end each module prior to the last module with a semicolon instead of a period. (text continued on page 3 58)

JUNE 1984

iYTE 357

REVIEW: MODULA-2

(text continued from page 357)

That worked fine. Tne documentation

should be updated.

In addition to the user's manual and the tutorial disk, Volition includes Wirth's book. Programming in Modula-2.

Listing 3: The prime-number program in Apple Pascal. Both prime-number

programs were modified from the originals found in "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once

More through the Sieve," by )im Gilbreath and Gary Gilbreath, )anuary 1983

BYTE, page 283.

1 1 1:D I (*$L PRINTER:*)

2 1 1

D 1 ("$R-*) (* Note range checking turned off for speed *)

3 1 1

D 1 (* Eratosthenes Sieve prime-number program in Pascal •)

4 I 1

D 1 C Original in BYTE, lanuary 1983, p. 284 *)

5 1 1

D 1 (* Modified by Eric Eldred 25 Dec 83 to compare to Modula-2 *)

6 1 1

D 1 PROGRAM PrimePascal:

7 1 1

D 3

8 1 1

D 3 CONST Size = 8190;

9 1 1

D 3 VAR iter, count, k, prime, i : INTEGER

10 1 1

D 8 Flags : ARRAY|0..Size| OF BOOLEAN;

II II

0 0 BEGIN

12 1 1

1 0 WriteLn; WriteLnC 10 iterations');

13 1 1

1 43 FOR iter := 1 TO 10 DO BEGIN

14 1 1

3 57 count := 0;

15 1 1

3 60 FOR i := 0 TO Size DO Flags|i] := TRUE;

16 1 1

3 90 FORi := 0 TO Size DO

17 1 1

4 106 IF Flags|i| THEN BEGIN

18 1 1

6 114 prime : = i + i + 3;

19 1 1

6 121 k : = i + prime;

20 1 1

6 126 WHILE k < = Size DO BEGIN

21 1 1

8 133 FIags|k] := FALSE;

22 1 1

8 140 k := k + prime

23 1 1

7 141 END;

24 1 1

7 147 (* WriteLn(prime); •)

25 1 1

6 147 count:= count+ 1

26 1 1

5 148 END;

27 1 1

5 159

28 1 1

2 159 END;

29 I 1

I 166 WriteLn; WriteLn(count,' primes'!

30 1 I

0 211 END (• PrimePascal *).

30 lines

Smallest available space = 2349 words

Table 1: These p-Shell utility programs add UNIX-life capabilities to the p-System. All of these shell utilities are written in Modula-2 and their source code is available.

cat concatenates/copies input to output

cl clears screen and home cursor

cp copies any kind of file to another file

date writes current date to standard output

echo writes command arguments to output

ed invokes editor, and edits file if listed (ASE is too large to fit in memory along with Modula-2 on the Apple II, but the original SYSTEM.EDITOR works fine here.)

f invokes SYSTEM.FILER.

grep searches input for string and writes lines to standard output: can search files listed

Is catalogs files on disk

mc invokes compiler (this won't work on Apple II)

mem writes words of memory available

more echoes input to terminal and writes "More?'' when output reaches bottom of screen. If you then type "y", the screen will clear and the next 24 lines appear

mv changes name of file

rm removes file

sh invokes shell (recursively)

sort sorts lines of text file by ASCII (American National Standard Code for Information Interchange) order and writes to standard output; uses recursive quicksort in memory

wc counts words, lines, and characters and writes totals to standard output

which is hardly mentioned in the user's manual. Some of the modules in the manual are explained, with full source code, in the book. It's hard to know which to read first, but if you are just beginning programming you might study the first few chapters of the Wirth book before anything else. It is hard to find some things in the book because of its woeful index. Wirth not only wrote Modula-2, but also set the standard, helped develop hardware on which to run the new system, used the hardware to write the book about the language, then wrote a program to format the book's text, and finally typeset it with the computer and a Canon laser printer.

Wirth's book gives the definition module LineDrawing and states that it should be included in each implementation's standard library. It is not included in Volition Systems' library. Apple's Turtlegraphics unit (with minor syntax changes) is used instead, and it is somewhat different. It is not clear how Apple's high-resolution screen memory pages can be protected from user programs overwriting them. Some programs in Wirth's book can't run directly on an Apple because they were designed for the LineDrawing module or the Lilith's graphics screen. There is the module Windows on Volition's library disk, but it is not exactly the same as the WindowHandler in Wirth's book.

I must admit that I ran into these problems only because of my eagerness to get going with Modula-2. If I had approached it in a more organized fashion, I would have learned Modula-2 from the documentation rather than my own mistakes. If you have used Apple Pascal, it should not take more than a few weeks to feel comfortable with Volition's Modula-2.

1 did experience some hardware problems.

When I attempted to install Modula-2 on my Corvus Winchester disk, the hard disk would no longer boot. Eventually, I had to completely reformat the disk and wipe out all its data in the process. Corvus customer support did not know about Modula-2 but I later learned that they were working on getting it up on the Corvus drive. Similar problems probably will occur if any hardware depends on patching Apple's SYSTEM.APPLE in a nonstandard way. The (text continued on page 360)

358 B YTE • |UNE 1984

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IUNE 1984 'BYTE 3J9

REVIEW: MODULA-2

[text continued from page 358) standard way is to use the SYSTEM.ATTACH utility, as described on a disk from the International Apple Core. For example, 1 was able to install my Saturn 128Kbyte card as a RAM disk with no trouble.

To be fair. Volition Systems did not suggest that 1 could perform any such surgery on my Corvus. If I had checked with the company first, it would have warned me of the consequences. Modula-2 can be used with the Corona Starfire (with minor patches) and Xebec hard disks, but some early Videx Videoterm 80-column card ROM (readonly memory) chips may need to be updated before Modula-2 will work with them, according to a manual addendum.

Other difficulties I experienced using Modula-2 on the Apple are not Volition's fault. The Apple II has limited memory, speed, and disk space and Modula-2 pushes the machine to its limits. Apple has promised that Apple Pascal version 1.2, when released, will allow you to use Volition's Modula-2 more conveniently, at least on a 128Kbyte Apple lie.

The version of Modula-2 I tested (0.3k) did not support long integers. Volition Systems has been working on implementing them in two directions. First, Richard Gleaves revealed to me that he had worked out a zero-page change to allow Pascal long integers to run under Volition's Apple p-code interpreter, and this should be available in the next Modula-2 release. Second, Volition, together with the Modula Research Institute, is developing a standard longinteger approach, a natural tool on 16-bit machines, and hopes to persuade Wirth to include it in the standard language. Although Volition does include the Decimals module to do scientific and commercial mathematics, so many programs have been written using long integers in Pascal that it would be senseless to disregard them and start over.

There are several ways to use Pascal with this Modula-2 system. One is to run Pascal straight, as a completely separate program under the Modula-2 interpreter. ASE, a large Pascal program, does this. If the program works, there will be no need to waste time converting it. But if you wish to convert a Pascal [text continued on page 362)

360 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Table 2: A feature-by-feature comparison of Volition Systems' Modula-2 (version 03k) with Apple Pascal (version 1.1).

Feature

Language Comparison Chart Apple Pascal (version 1.11

Volition Modula-2 (version 0.3k)

Separate compilation, information hiding

units, constricted; no true packages with local variables, user-defined opaque types

modules, flexible; definition modules give version control; locals, opaques

Large programs

26 segments, chaining

64 modules, overlays

Input/output

awkward, not standard

standard library

Machines access

machine language or variant records

type transfer, SYSTEM, fixed address variable

Concurrency, interrupts

not standard

standard, coroutines

Procedure variables

none

standard type

Functions

return only scalars

return any type

Arrays

fixed size, typed

open array parameters

Expression evaluation

not always clear order

AND, OR short-circuits

Constants

no expressions, fixed order of declaration

expressions too (also allowed in CASE labels); declare in any order

Declaration order

fixed, at beginning; all CONST, etc., together

any place before use; ok to group in any order

Identifiers

case-insensitive; no standard style among programmers

CaseSensitive (standard— unless SUPCASE directive)

Character significance

first eig(ht

AsManyAsltTakes

Underscore character

ignored, more readable

NotAllowedAtAll

Predefined

GET, PUT, INTERACTIVE

not needed

ATAN

same as standard ARCTAN

arctan only

CAP

none; use nonstandard capitalization procedure

standard identifier, converts to uppercase

CONCAT

)oins two or more strings

only two arguments

Log (base 10)

in TRANSCEND unit

not provided

NEW, DISPOSE

use MARK, RELEASE

standard identifiers

NIL

reserved word

standard identifier

ORD

returns INTEGER, value of CHAR is decimal

returns CARDINAL, but CHAR value is octal

PAGE

no UCSD ClearScreen

use ClearScreen

Power of ten

PWROFTEN

PowerOfTen

PRED, SUCC

standard

none, use INC, DEC

PROC

none; no procedure variables allowed

standard type, denotes parameterless procedure

ROUND

standard UCSD identifier (integer)

none, use FLOAT(integer) (standard is CARDINAL)

[table 2 continued on page 362)

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REVIEW: MODULA-2

The p-Shell (formerly called p~Nix) is an optional replacement for the p-System command envelope.

(text continued from page 360) procedure to Modula-2, as for example a software tool, then you can do so with the aid of CONVERT.CODE, a program on M2LIB:. This will not convert a program automatically. First you have to compile the program (or assemble an external procedure) and make it a Pascal intrinsic unit. Then you have to change the interface syntax by hand so it agrees with Modula-2 's and make that part into a definition module. You do not even need the text of the unit. Finally, you can convert the unit code into a Modula-2 implementation module and use it in MODULA.L1BRARY. Unless you go through these steps, all carefully described in the manual, you cannot directly access a Pascal or assembly routine from Modula-2. It makes sense to start thinking in Modula-2 right away, but your Pascal programming need not all be wasted.

The p-Shell (formerly called p-Nix) is an optional replacement for the p-System command envelope. It adds commands like those in the UNIX operating system to the p-system. (See "The Software Tools: Unix Capabilities on NonUnix Systems," by Deborah K. Scherrer, et al, November 1983 BYTE, page 430, for another implementation.) The pShell has pipes and redirection, but no hierarchical files and no control structures such as IF.. THEN. Also, it creates a temporary file on the root volume when needed, so it is rather slow and disk-intensive.

Volition has generously donated the full Modula-2 text files of many shell utilities (see table 1).

You may add commands of your own to the shell. Facing the disk and memory limits of Apple II version 1.1, you will need to use all the tricks suggested in the disk documentation when recompiling the shell programs. I'd like to see some utilities such as a style checker (text continued on page 364)

[table 2 continued from

page 360)

SQR

also SORT In TRANSCEND

sqrt only

STR

may convert long integers or integers to string

none; use Decimals, Conversions

TIME

not implemented

not implemented on Apple

TREESEARCH

fast binary tree search function

absent; thus can't run Pascal compiler

TRUNC

accepts long integer, but error if >32767

returns INTEGER, no long; (standard is CARDINAL)

WriteLn

if followed by string, number, or character, then writes it and return, else return alone

carriage return and line feed only; import WriteString, WriteCard, etc. for other functions

Reserved words

case-INsensitive (more legible if in CAPS)

MUST BE ALL CAPS (but see SUPCASE directive)

Include

PROGRAM, FUNCTION, EXTERNAL. UNIT USES.

use modules isntead; convert

INTERFACE, SEGMENT

language too)

Also

PACKED, FORWARD

nonstandard but present

CODE procedure

none; use assembly language

p-code instructions

BEGIN

one for every END

most not needed

Terminator for

END; (END. for program) ok:

add identifier after END as

procedure (module)

END (* Big_Program *).

END Stuff; END Foon

IF, FOR, WHILE, WITH,

use compound statements

require only closing END;

REPEAT

each with BEGIN. . .END

(UNTIL if REPEAT)

ELSE

none allowed in CASE

ok in CASE for otherwise

ELSIF

none; use maze of IF.. THENs

use for cascaded IF.. THEN

GOTO, LABEL

programming's Piltdown man;

streng verboten; use

useful for multiple exits

LOOP/EXIT, RETURN, HALT

DOWNTO

negative steps in

none; step can be BY - 1 or

FOR. . .TO. . .DO

almost any value

Symbols

Extra delimiter

Pointer

Set constant delimiter

Subranges, array Declarations

AND

Not equal Comment delimiters

generate all needed from old Apple II keyboard

";" expected to delimit all statements

not before ELSE

Isquare, brackets)

"(",")" around subranges

AND

either "(*" or "{"; if use both, then one-level nesting, not standard

use nonstandard SSPECIAL to transliterate some

also, "|" delimits CASE statements and record variants

no "|" before ELSE

declare POINTER TO

{curly, braces}

"I"."I", also arrays if explicitly declared

"&" also used

"#" also used only "(*"

multiple nesting is standard (table 2 continued on page 364)

362 B YTE • IUNE 1984

"Kaypro 2... $1295... Complete..."

Oh, mentor of highest wisdom, help all mystified first-time buyers discover the ultimate truth about personal business computers.

Tell them that, unlike other computer companies, Kaypro does not advertise a low "starter system" price, then charge extra for so-called "options" like a monitor, software, disk drives or peripheral interfaces.

Tell them that Kaypro 2 has become the fourth largest-selling personal business computer because we sell it complete. For $1295.

Tell them that Kaypro 2 comes with a highly readable, 9" greenscreen monitor. A 64K RAM, Z-80 microprocessor. Two built-in disk drives with a 400K capacity. A more complete keyboard than Apple He. Interfaces for both a printer and a telecommunications modem. And a full complement of CP/M software to handle the overwhelming majority of Word Processing, Data Base Management and Financial Spreadsheeting needs, with top quality programs such as Wordstar.

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Then, tell them to call 800447-4700 for their nearest dealer, or call Kaypro at 619-481-4318.

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Registered Trademarks: Z-80, Zilog, Apple, Apple Computer Corp.; CP/M, Digital Research, Inc.; Wordstar. Micro Pro. © 1984 Kaypro.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 363

REVIEW: MODULA-2

Volition Systems' Modula-2 for the Apple II has useful features to correct most of Pascal's problems.

(tot continued from page 362) and dictionary, and others have suggested that lint, a program syntax checker, would be welcomed.

Volition Systems is composed of a small group of programmers, many of whom worked on the original UCSD Pascal project. Their support ranks among the highest I have encountered. 1 found them approachable, patient, and anxious to fix all bugs. They are active in helping users groups, and they make you feel we are all in this together.

Conclusions

Volition Systems' Modula-2 for the Apple II is much more than enhancement to the Apple Pascal operating system and language. The system has useful features to correct most of Pascal's problems; the modules are a big improvement over units, especially for teams of programmers. It has advanced features such as multitasking and lowlevel access. See table 2 for a featureby-feature comparison with Pascal.

The system is not intended for beginners, but it would be suitable for any advanced user who is reaching the limits of Apple or UCSD Pascal. Most students start with BASIC, go on to Pascal, and then on to Modula-2, C, etc.

This version of Modula-2 is designed to be portable. Not only will most existing Apple Pascal programs run unchanged under its interpreter, but you can easily convert most Pascal units to Modula-2 as well. You should be able to compile Modula-2 programs on the Apple II that will run directly on an Apple III, an IBM PC, a Sage, or a Z80 computer.

The Advanced System Editor and pShell are inexpensive and effective tools for software development. You may find you spend a lot of time using them for everyday purposes, even if you don't program in Modula-2. ■

[table 2 continued from page

362)

String delimiters

single quotes; contained single quotes can be expressed by doubling them

either single or double quotes; use other mark to express contained one

"8"

not allowed

empty parameter list

INTEGERS

decimal only; ok to mix with reals

also hex and octal; convert before mixing

MOD

unreliable with negatives; works with any INTEGERS

undefined for negative; no CARDINALS >32767

CARDINAL,

none, use (long) integers

unsigned units 0 to 65535

Long integers

up to 36 BCD digits for business, scientific use

use Decimals (19 digits) no long integers yet

Reals

no decimal point is required, "e" ok; ok to mix with integers

requires decimal point, "E" only, not "e ": don't mix with integers

Reading a real

mistaken string input will crash system; read string instead and then convert

ReadReal uses ReadString, so no crash, but you must check if it's real

Characters

standard Pascal maybe not standard ASCII sequence

in ISO, US ASCII order; ordinal value octal

Strings

UCSD; first byte is length of string

ARRAY, not predeclared, can convert to UCSD

One-character string

ok

allowed in versions after .3k

Constant, variable length

must match

constant can be shorter than ARRAY length

Sets

elements 0-511, integer, maximum

same, up to 32 words on Apple, 255 on others

Type

determined by elements

can be explicitly typed

BITSET

lacking; (NB: PACKED ARRAY 10.7] OF BOOLEAN is 16 bits)

standard default type to fit in one machine word

Set operations

within same type

can also use INCL, EXCL; "/" for bitwise XOR

Record variants

very important, but only one variant part available

"trick" variants for PEEK. POKE

can contain several variant parts, each terminates with END;

use SYSTEM for machineindependent access

Compiler

supplies dots for each line

no dots

Swapping

compiler option

nonswapping

Even more swapping

S++ gives more memory

SRECYCLE option

Conditionally compiles

no

yes

Byte-flip option

no

yes

Debugger

not implemented

minimal SDEBUG

Version control

none or minimal

both at run and compile

Input-output check

(•SH disables

not compiler option

364 BYTE • IUNE 1984

If you still

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Circle 212 on inquiry card.

SOFTWARE REVIEW

A RAM-based databasemanagement system

by George Bond

Infoscope

Infoscope is a database-management system for the IBM PC that is significantly different from other similar products. Unlike many other programs in the new generation of database-management systems (DBMSs), Infoscope is not relational. It does not handle huge data files. It does not do fancy formatting of reports. And, more than just incidentally, it does not cost over S400. What Infoscope does do is run extremely fast. The program is RAM (random-access read/write memory) based rather than disk based, giving it a faster operating speed without the usual wait for disk accesses for data retrieval. You can have as many as 12 "scopes" (the program's term for windows) on the screen and 8 files open at once. However, only one scope may be used at a time—the program does not offer multiple active windows in the sense that Concurrent CP/M-86 does. Infoscope does sophisticated, complex sorts and searches. It is as close to being truly "user friendly" as anything on the market today. Its use of color adds genuine utility to the program. It has an excellent on-line, interactive spelling checker and it can use files generated by other popular programs, such as dBASE II and Lotus 1-2-3. And Infoscope carries a retail price of $22 5.

BASIC Functions

The main program, written in assembly language, occupies almost 85K bytes of disk space. Help and other subsidiary files add about 150K bytes to the disk load. Infoscope allows a maximum of about 8000 records per file, 254 fields per record, and 2 54 characters per field. It can use straight ASCII (American National Standard Code for Information Interchange) text command and vocabulary files; these files can be created with MS-DOS's EDL1N editor or a compatible word processor. The basic trade-off made in writing the Infoscope program seems to have been speed versus file size. The program runs entirely in RAM, which makes it exceptionally fast, but it requires a lot of memory, which limits the amount of data that can be used at one time. The specified minimum system requirement for RAM is 192K bytes. With the memory

address space available to 16-bit microprocessors, such as the 8088 in the IBM PC, the large memory requirement for Infoscope is not a serious problem. For example, when the program is loaded into an IBM PC having 512K. bytes of RAM, 392K bytes will be left for datafile manipulation. When a file of 1418 records, each containing 173 characters, is loaded on top of the Infoscope program, 153K bytes of RAM remain free. This means that Infoscope is not limited to files of trivial size, although it will never become the program of choice for running a population analysis of the People's Republic of China or an econometric model of the United States.

RAM limits also cause problems when using Infoscope's DOS command (under DOS 2.0 or higher, only). This command allows you to temporarily leave Infoscope, drop into MSDOS, run another program, and return to Infoscope exactly where you left it. This is very handy but, unfortunately, if you leave Infoscope with, say, 240K bytes of RAM free and run a BASIC program from DOS, you may find only 100K bytes or so of RAM free when you get back to Infoscope. Infoscope generates a warning message if it is in danger of overwriting itself in memory.

The Quick Sort

If you are used to working with dBASE 11 or another DBMS that is I/O (input/output) intensive, sorting on Infoscope will be a pleasant surprise. The 1418-record file described previously can be sorted on one field, 40 characters long, in about 6 seconds. Sorting on two fields takes about 8 seconds, and on three fields takes about 10 seconds. Sorting the same file on the same single field using dBASE 11 (the file was originally created in dBASE 11 and converted by an Infoscope utility program) on a computer with an Intel 80186 microprocessor running at 8 MHz (instead of the 4.7 MHz of the IBM PC's 8088) took about an hour and five minutes. Multilist continued on page 368)

George Bond is managing editor of User News for BYTE. He can be contacted at POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 367

REVIEW: INFOSCOPE

{text continued from page 367)

field sorts are not possible using the

dBASE II sort program.

Sorting the BYTE standard benchmark file for DBMSs (see table 1) took about 3.2 seconds using Infoscope. In contrast, dBASE II took 6 minutes and 33 seconds on the same IBM PC using a 10-megabyte hard disk. On a DOS 2.1 formatted 5!4-inch floppy disk, the dBASE II sort took 12 minutes and 45 seconds. Lotus 1-2-3 required 12.8 seconds for the sort. (Both 1-2-3 and Infoscope work entirely in memory, so the type of disk you use has no effect except when loading and saving files.) Finding specific records within the file is equally fast. In Infoscope, it again takes about 0.5 second to find and display the 1000th record in the benchmark file as opposed to 0.3 second on the hard disk using the "locate" function in dBASE II (however, if the dBASE file is indexed, its "find" function slightly outperforms Infoscope, taking about 0.3 second to find the 1000th record, but not display it). On the floppy disk, the dBASE 11 "locate" took 43 seconds.

Color

Infoscope uses color to make the program more effective. The program dis

Photo 1: Scopes, Infoscope $ name for windows, can be colored and then referenced by the color name rather than by the filename. On this screen, for example, the scope at top left could be moved to the cursor position with the command "move red here'.'

plays information inside a scope. The scope is outlined by a white line when first displayed. Up to 12 scopes, containing information from different files, can be displayed on the same virtual screen. When multiple scopes are open, moving among them can be a problem. Infoscope helps you cope with this through its COLOR command. You can outline a scope in yellow, red, blue, cyan, magenta, or green (see photo 1). Once a scope is colored, you can refer to it in commands by its color instead of its filename. (For example, you can command the program to "move red here" rather than type "move payrol63.dat here.") The same method can be used on a monochrome screen, but instead of actually changing color the scopes are merely labeled with the color name.

The colors of all parts of the screen can be easily changed, albeit only for cosmetic reasons outside of naming scopes. Having black characters on a white background inside the scopes, however, does seem to make them easier to read and less visually fatiguing than the normal VDT (video-display terminal) light-on-dark screen. Black, incidentally, is an undocumented color; press K to get it from the PAINT menu.

Working Environment

When Infoscope is booted, it displays a "command box" on the bottom left of the screen and a "scanner" on the right (see photo 2a). The command box, which occupies about 80 percent of the horizontal space at the bottom of the screen, is where commands are entered and some basic system information is displayed. The scanner, is a simulation of the program's workspace and is intended to show you where the cursor is located in that workspace. The workspace is 62 lines deep by 253 characters wide; the physical screen, which is a window into the workspace, is 22 lines deep by 78 characters wide.

Cursor movement in the workspace is slow compared to other Infoscope functions. It takes about 7 seconds to move from the left edge of the screen to the right edge using the right cursor key. The cursor movement can take even longer if a scope is wider than 80 characters (see photo 2 b). Fortunately, there are alternatives. You can use the MAP command for an overall view of the workspace, showing the relative location of scopes from above the screen (see photo 2c) or from the left side or bottom of the screen. MAP also allows you to jump the cursor directly to a new

Table I: These benchmarks were compiled using a standard BYTE benchmark file composed of 1000 records, each 100 characters long. The first field of the record is 4 characters long and contains a unique number from 1001 to 2000. The remaining three fields are also numeric, each containing four continuous strings of the characters "1" through "8" ("12345678123456781234567812345678").

The sort was done on the first field. It was sorted into normal order from reverse order, "locate" is a dBASE II function that locates records in nonindexed files. The time shown is the time needed to find the last record in the file, using the fournumeral field as the search field. "Find" is the dBASE II procedure for finding a record in an indexed file; again, the four-numeral field was the search field. Neither Infoscope nor lotus 1-2-3 require indexing, although Lotus 1-2-3 does require a lookup table for its "find" function. The dBASE II times for both "locate" and "find" are compared to nonindexed. nontabled procedures in infoscope and to look-up table procedures in lotus 1-2-3. All times are the average of four trials.

Note that three of the times are Vi second or less, and normal margins of error could make relatively large differences. However, these should be useful measures relative to each other.

Sort

Locate Find

Infoscope

3.2

dBASE II

(floppy disk)

765

43 .3

dBASE II

(hard disk)

393

13 .3

Lotus 1-2-3

12.8

(All times in secondsl

368 BYTE • IUNE 1984

REVIEW: INFOSCOPE

scope. The POINTER command lets you enter vectors to jump the cursor to a new location. For example, you can enter the command "pointer R 59 D 22" to move 59 columns to the right and 22 down. Finally, you can set up to 10 markers—landmarks" in Infoscope jargon—anywhere in the workspace and jump directly to any one with a ControlA\t-number command. Using the numeric keypad's plus and minus keys in conjunction with the arrow keys also helps by causing the cursor to do a long tab, 10 characters at a time horizontally or vertically.

Infoscope's spelling checker should make entering long commands, such as the pointer strings and other data, less frazzling for the fumble-fingered. Type "poniter" in a command line and Infoscope politely asks if you really mean "pointer." Respond with a Y and the command is entered. In fact, the spelling checker is so effective and makes the program so much faster and easier to use, it's a wonder more programs don't have such an amenity.

Overall operation of Infoscope is straightforward. Most procedures can be run either by pointing to choices in a series of menus and submenus or by typed-in commands. Help screens are available for many functions (see photo 2d). New scope files can be made through a CREATE command. Data is entered into a scope from the keyboard by using the ADD RECORD command, and edited or deleted with the CHANGE and DELETE commands. Changes are permanently saved with a SAVE command and printed with a PRINT command. On-screen forms may be designed using a FORMS command and saved for later use. In all, there are 67 Infoscope commands; they can be displayed by typing "list commands" (see photo 3). If you don't like some of the command words, you can change them within the program. If you prefer the concept of rearranging data rather than sorting it, you can add the REARRANGE command to the system vocabulary as a synonym for SORT.

FEATURES

Infoscope can deal with several foreign file formats. It can read and write files for dBASE II and Lotus 1-2-3 by simply "loading" them before "looking" at them (LOAD converts the file format

jar me a p^z'"n cps* SL Sr !i Kir £sl

wotr-i hm«(cm, but, r ,;^H' ^j. _Ma*j^^B

(2c) (2d)

Photo 2: \nfoscope provides operating information in several ways. "Tiers" of commands can be displayed at the bottom of the screen (2a) by pressing the lab or Slash key and individual commands can be selected by stepping to them with the space bar or by typing their first character. The blue square at the right is the "scanner" showing the cursor's relative position on the virtual screen. The colors of any screen section may be changed with a short series of commands. The scopes themselves may extend beyond the real screen boundaries {2b). requiring scrolling to be displayed fully. The program can provide a map of the virtual screen (2c), showing the position of multiple scopes on the virtual screen. You can jump directly to any screen by locating the cursor over it on the map. Help screens (2d) are available for many functions. An unusual feature of Infoscope's help screens is that they may be kept on the screen while the instructions are executed, eliminating the need for the user to remember a complex series of steps to do a task.

and LOOK puts an Infoscope file into memory). DataStar files can be read after having their extensions changed to conform to Infoscope requirements. After data is manipulated by Infoscope, it is semi-automatically converted back for use by one of these programs (you must "write" the file instead of "saving" it). Infoscope also can write but not read Multiplan SYLK files.

Two kinds of sorts are available. One is the ordinary sort-on-last-name variety to reorder an entire file. It works in the same manner as many other DBMS sorts, although much faster. The second sort is called Focus, and it creates temporary new files that contain only specific records within a file. The range of words you can use in focusing is much wider than the usual collection of Boolean terms (see table 2). These

words include several that use an algorithm to locate similar-sounding wordsfreed and Fried, for example. In a personnel file, all lune hires could be found and placed in a special, temporary file (that can be saved if a permanent file is needed) by using the command "focus hired in June." The FOCUS command does not reorder the contents of the temporary file; it is a selection and creation command. But a Focus file can be reordered with the SORT command. Infoscope procedures can be automated through the use of command files either from DOS or in the program. Also, function keys may be reprogrammed easily from the keyboard. Infoscope was written by Jeff Garbers. who wrote the Crosstalk telecommunications program, and its parentage (text continued on page 370)

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REVIEW: INFOSCOPE

One of the nice features of Infoscope is that most of its data is stored in ASCII files. No fancy control codes are used, so you can write simple BASIC programs that process Infoscope data.

[text continued from page 369) shows in the command-file procedures. Anyone familiar with writing Crosstalk's command files will be at home with Infoscope's. Reprogramming function keys is accomplished by the KEY command. "Key 1 sort date |" would program key Fl to sort the active scope by date. Combinations of Alt, Shift, and Control keys plus a function key can be programmed also, allowing 40 macros to be stored at once.

As mentioned before, one of the nice features of Infoscope is that most of its data is stored in ASCII files. No fancy control codes are used. This means that you can write simple BASIC programs that can process Infoscope data. It also means that you have an "escape valve." If you can't figure out how to change a certain parameter in your data, you can use an editor program or word processor to change it directly. For example, a BYTE editor using the program couldn't figure out how to change the

name of a data field from "Received?" to "Date-Rec'd." But he quickly found the file that contained the field names and changed them using the PeachText word-processing program.

Problems

Not all program bugs have been fixed yet. Directions for using two of the data types, "date" and "time," are incorrect in the manual. (The types must be entered as "date-type" and "time-type" when creating a scope.) A tutor program is misnamed on the disk, which could cause problems for an inexperienced user. Formatting for printing is poor; the program simply breaks lines at the eightieth character, no matter if it's in the middle of a word. And the screen formatting can be difficult to read (see photo 4). A "maximum-field-width" command is promised for later versions, which should help correct the latter two problems.

The user manual could be improved. Its biggest problem is that it was designed to be read with a powerful magnifying glass and not the unaided human eye. Physically, it looks like the IBM PC user-manual format—a 7- by 9-inch three-ring binder with slipcase. Unlike IBM, which sets type specially to fit this format. Infoscope information was set on 8J4- by 11-inch sheets and apparently simply shrunk to fit in the binder (I know because I had a preproduction version of the manual still in its 8'/2- by 11-inch format). The illustrations are useless. All of this is a shame because the content is not only readable, but also bright and interesting— (tat continued on page "ill)

Photo 3: There are 67 Infoscope commands; the full command set can be displayed on the screen by typing "list commands'.'

Photo 4: Infoscope's screens can sometimes be difficult to read, especially when long lines are broken to fit into an 80-column display.

370 BYTE • IUNE 1984

AT A GLANCE

Name

Infoscope

Type

In-memory database manager

Manufacturer

Microstuf Inc. 1845 The Exchange Suite 140 Atlanta. GA 30339 (404) 952-0267

Price

S225

Author

Jeff Garbers

Format

One 5^-inch floppy disk

Language

Assembly language

Computers

IBM PC and PC XT

Documentation

IBM PC-style 162-page, indexed manual

Audience

Anyone needing to organize and analyze moderate amounts of data

LOCATE TIMES (IN SECONDS) 50 ■

40

30

10

SORT TIMES (IN SECONDS) 800

600

200

0

FIND 2

TIMES ( IN SECONDS)

h

dBASEII (FLOPPY)

dBAStll (HARD)

D

LOTUS 1-2-3

T

A he

.hese are the results of three sets of benchmark tests comparing Infoscope, dBASE II, and Lotus 1-2-3. All were run on an IBM PC with 512K bytes of RAM (256K on the motherboard and 2 56K on a Quadboard I) and an external 10-megabyte hard-disk drive manufactured by Great Lakes Computer Peripherals. The operating system was PC-DOS 2.1.

The first test was to determine how long it takes to sort a file containing 1000 records, each 100 characters long, on a field containing four numeric characters. The second test was to determine how long it takes to access and display the last record in the file without using an index; the third test was for the same thing, but using an index. Creating the dBASE II index on the four-numeral field took about 96 seconds. Neither Infoscope nor Lotus 1-2-3 require indexing, but Lotus 1-2-3 requires a look-up table for its Find function. Also, when dBASE II executes a "locate" or "find" command, it does not automatically display the record found; that requires a second command.

All times listed were clocked by hand using a stopwatch, so they are not absolute. However, they should be accurate in relation to each other.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 371

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REVIEW: INFOSCOPE

{text continued from page 370)

almost unheard of characteristics in

computer documentation.

Summary

Infoscope clearly is not the program for every use. There are better choices for dealing with mailing lists or complex

sets of related but separate data that will be combined into a multiplicity of unique databases or for dealing with data that requires sophisticated numerical manipulation. But for many, perhaps most, DBMS applications suited for microcomputers, Infoscope should provide an attractive solution. ■

Table 2: Focus

commands for Infoscope. The commands, using "plain English',' enable

you to select the particular records based on specific criteria in

any of a record's fields to

create temporary

new files. The temporary files can be saved

if needed.

Word:

Example / Meaning:

IS

Price IS 80.000

EQUALS

Price EQUALS 80.000

(same as IS)

SAME

Price SAME AS 80,000

(same as IS)

BE

Price BE 80,000

(same as IS)

=

(abbreviation for IS, EQUALS, SAME, BE)

BETWEEN

Price BETWEEN 80,000 and 100,000

STARTS

Name STARTS with "fa"

BEGINS

Name BEGINS "fa"

(same as STARTS)

ENDS

Name ENDS "y"

(similar to BEGINS)

BEFORE

Date BEFORE 12/31/83

FROM

Date FROM 12/1/83 to 12/31/83

(similar to BETWEEN)

DURING

Date DURING March, 1983

AFTER

Date AFTER 12/1/83

TODAY

Date is TODAY

LAST

Date is LAST MONDAY

NEXT

Date is NEXT MONDAY

OVER

Price OVER 80.000

>

(abbreviation for OVER)

GREATER

Price GREATER THAN 80.000

(same as OVER)

ABOVE

Price ABOVE 80,000

(same as OVER)

MORE

Price MORE THAN 80,000

(same as OVER)

LARGER

Price LARGER than 80.000

(same as OVER)

UNDER

Price UNDER 80,000

LESS

Price LESS than 80,000

(same as UNDER)

<

(abbreviation for LESS THAN)

BELOW

Price BELOW 80,000

(same as UNDER)

SMALLER

Price SMALLER than 80,000

(same as UNDER)

OR

(conjunction — used to express multiple conditions, i.e.: City is "moria" OR

"Riveria")

AND

(conjunction — used to express more than one i.e.: Price over 80,000 AND city is "Moria")

focus condition at a time.

&

(abbreviation for AND)

INCLUDES

Features INCLUDES "school"

S

(abbreviation for INCLUDES)

CONTAINS

Name CONTAINS "BERT"

(same as INCLUDES)

HAS

Name HAS "BERT"

(same as INCLUDES)

SOUNDS

Name SOUNDS "Freed"

(finds records which sound like "Freed"; "Freid", "Fried", etc. First letter MUST match)

LIKE

(alternate form of SOUNDS)

NEAR

(alternate form of SOUNDS)

NOT

City NOT "Moria"

"

(abbreviation for NOT)

REJECT

(alternative form of NOT i.e. Focus reject city " city not "moria")

moria" is the same as Focus

BUT

(alternative form of NOT i.e. Focus All BUT city

"moria")

EXCEPT

(same as BUT)

AMONG

(Include only items which are contained in a certain set; i.e. Focus company

AMONG automakers will locate only those com

panies in the file that are

also contained in the AUTOMAKERS set. The set must have been previous

ly defined with the DEFINE command.)

IN

(same as AMONG)

CHANGED

(finds records that have been changed since last Infoscope session)

MARKED

(focus on specially marked records)

DELETED

(finds records that have been deleted during th

is Infoscope session)

NEW

(finds records that have been added during thi<

Infoscope session)

372 BYTE ■ IUNE 1984

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REVIEW FEEDBACK

Basis 108

I read with interest Seth Bates's informative review of the Basis 108 (January, page 354). I bought a Basis in August 1983 and agree with Bates's positive comments about its advantages. However, he failed to note some of the limitations of which your readers should be aware. Here are those we have discovered:

• The Basis 108 is not fully compatible with Apple 11+ CP/M software, in much the same way that the Apple Me is not.

• Technical support from the current Basis distributor (and Basis itself) has been very poor.

• Documentation is poorly organized and uneven in depth. Those professionals planning to add peripherals or do anything out of the ordinary should be aware that no assembly code of the CP/M BIOS is available. Since this is essential also for debugging and using advertised options, it is a distinct disadvantage that it has not been included in the documentation.

M. |. Mayer

Associate Professor of

Psychology/Psychobiology

University of California

Santa Cruz. CA 95064

Your review of the Basis 108 computer in the lanuary issue missed some features of this computer that I have found very helpful. It also overlooked some deficiencies and contained some errors.

On the positive side, the Basis does not normally require a fan for cooling purposes (because of the large metal housing and sufficient power supply). This means it is without the nerve-wracking hum that many computers have. Other writers who work in a quiet environment, as I do, would appreciate this feature. The power supply also comes with surge protection built in.

One of the utility programs included is a "pseudo disk" that transforms the extra 64K bytes of RAM into a "RAM disk," a most useful feature that can speed up processing immensely and can automatically be booted upon power-up.

While the Basis has many improvements over its Apple counterparts, this also means some programs written for the Apple need to be specially configured ("optimized" in the words of the reviewer) for the Basis. This means you may be forced to buy the software from a Basis dealer. Some dealers will not provide computer help unless you are using their software.

Seth Bates is obviously a computer technician, since he didn't comment on the documentation of the Basis. The documentation that to date has come with the Basis is very technical. For a technician the manual is probably useful, but

for a layperson it is confusing and not helpful. Computer Systems Designs informs us that a new, more friendly manual is in process but not yet available.

We purchased our machines in 1982 and no documentation is available for the CP/M utilities (CP/M 2.2); this means you borrow an Apple/CP/M Softcard Manual from an Apple owner, or spend hours on the phone handholding a dealer, who you hope is patient and intelligible. Even then, some of these utility programs include the configuration program for the Basis, GBASIC, and MBASIC, which require documentation to use.

This makes it imperative to have Basis users groups. However, your review erred in listing a California Basis users group in Salinas, California. The gentleman listed is a former Basis dealer, period. The only Basis users group is the one listed in New lersey, under Bill Cook.

The Basis is a well-built, powerful computer (like a well-designed German car), but the average driver needs a good drivers manual, not an electrical specs pamphlet. The average layperson will find it difficult to use the full powers of the Basis without more clear and simple documentation.

Martin Thommes

549 Auburn St.

Ashland. OR 97520

Bugs in the Pinball Construction Set

I was surprised to read Elaine Holdens review, "Pinball Construction Set" (lanuary, page 282) and see that she could not find anything wrong with it. I have had the Commodore 64 version for two months now and find it extremely bug infested. Some of the problems, which were apparent the first day I had the product, are:

• The drop targets can "catch" a ball and jam. Also, hitting a drop target near the side can drop the target on the opposite side.

• The "multiball unit," the most advanced feature of the playfield, hardly works at all. With the default "world" settings, the balls tend to sit at the top of the unit but never enter it. increasing the gravity (not always desirable) seems to reduce this, but the problem may still occur. However, after multiball play, if a ball reenters the unit, the game may never detect that that player's turn is over.

• The construction mechanism itself is prone to hang or crash without apparent cause. I have talked with other users and found that this is a common problem. Anyone who works with the set for a few hours can expect to see such a crash. There's no restart mechanism, so you are back to zero when this happens. When play

ing the game and bugs like those mentioned hang a player, there's no recourse but to cycle power and reload to continue to play.

There are also a number of limitations and design flaws I hoped the review would mention, but these are not truly bugs. Many show limitations of the Apple origin of the software, however, and could have been cleaned up quickly.

1 have not seen the Apple or Atari versions of the Pinball Construction Set, but I expect they do not suffer the same problems. Apparently Electronic Arts rushed this product out for the Commodore 64. The package reads "Designed and programmed by Bill Budge." but when the disk is booted, we find a message that the 64 version has been programmed by someone else. (I doubt if Bill Budge, having spent the time he obviously did, would have let the bugs slip out.) Electronic Arts' "warranty" is a disclaimer: it claims the company will not be responsible for the bugs.

Pinball Construction Set is certainly a spectacular piece of software, and it is sure to be a big seller. It's unconscionable that Electronic Arts would push the Commodore version to market in the state that it's in.

Harry I. Kuhman

6407 I The Lakes Drive

Raleigh. NC 27609

The IBM CS-9000

After reading Thomas R. Clune's review of the CS-9000 from IBM Instruments (February, page 278), 1 felt that he had left some things unsaid. We have had a CS-9000 in our laboratory since lanuary 1983, and we have experienced every difficulty mentioned in the review and then some. The amount of time I have spent with that machine is just appalling.

We purchased the CS-9000 for two major reasons. First, because its multitasking operating system (OS) would let us acquire data from our two liquid scintillation counters and two gamma counters concurrently. These devices output digital data on multiple samples at sample intervals of several minutes over periods of several hours. Our plan was that after one counter had finished its samples we could massage the data via BASIC or Pascal programs while the other counters were still active. The second reason for purchasing the CS-9000 was to add the four RS-232C ports on the optional analog-sensor board to the three RS-232C ports on the motherboard, ending up with seven ports: four for the counters, one for a digital plotter, and two for future expansions.

When our CS-9000 arrived, we went through

every problem that Clune noted (including

(text continued on page 376)

374 B YTE • IUNE 1984

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REVIEW FEEDBACK

(text continued from page 374) breaking the plastic nut on the CRT ball joint). We discovered that the CS-9000 multitasks only with compiled programs. No compiler was available for months and the BASIC was interpreted. Then we got the Pascal compiler (so I learned Pascal) and discovered that the OS had some bug that effectively prevented multitasking. We finally got a multitasking OS and the longawaited analog-sensor board. The RS-232C ports on the analog-sensor board never have been made to work with OS 1.0. However, we were successful in using the motherboard RS-232C ports in a multitasking mode.

Where are we now? The latest version of the OS, OS 1.1, which we received in January 1984, won't write BASIC files to disks formatted by

OS 1.0. The programs we wrote to input data via the motherboard RS-232C ports using OS 1.0 don't work with OS 1.1. Despite the fact that we do have programs that successfully input data using OS 1.0., we are unable to input data using OS 1.1 via either the motherboard or the new analog-sensor board RS-232C ports. Readers should also know that the XENIX operating system mentioned by Clune is only in the "intended" stage—it is not available now. Additionally, I know of no commercially available software for the CS-9000 other than the languages available from IBM Instruments. The OS for the CS-9000 is not compatible with any other computer. Service on the CS-9000 consists mostly of sending the owner new parts for installation by the owner. The CS-9000 is built to occupy

as little space as possible, and doing anything other than plugging in a new options board is not trivial. We have had several hardware problems. I can now gut. scale, and fillet a CS-9000 in about 10 minutes, but it took a lot of practice. The ergonomic problems noted by Clune are also not trivial. Our lab benches are standard for a biochemistry lab, but too narrow for the CS-9000—siting has been a problem.

But the cruelest blow was when a visiting scientist brought his Apple 11+ to our lab. A few lines of Applesoft and it took in data from a counter on the first run.

To give the CS-9000 its due, it is very capable

hardware. It might be the choice if you have a

few highly repetitive tasks for which you are will

(text continued on page 378)

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REVIEW FEEDBACK

[text continued from page 376) ing to write the software, and you have another computer for spreadsheets, general graphics, and the like. At present, the CS-9000 is definitely not a general-purpose laboratory computer. And it never will be one until it becomes dependable easy to use, and begins to get a software base.

And. to give IBM Instruments its due, it has agreed to take back its computer and give us a refund.

Peter S. Tobias. Ph.D.

Department of Immunology

Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation

10666 North Tbrrey Pines Road

La lolla. CA 92037

After reading the article by Thomas R. Clune, I was amazed. Not as amazed as I have been by the lousy service we have received from IBM. however. It's terrible! Our research group ordered a CS-9000 in the fall of 1982, and the string of promises, inaction, and bugs that followed (and are continuing) has forever tarnished the IBM name for me.

First there were the delays in shipping, then the lack of documentation or a high-level language. When we finally did receive versions of Pascal and BASIC, they weren't compatible with the current (original) version of the operating system (OS). Similar problems plagued us for at least another year. Finally, after seven months of promises from our former marketing representative, the company replaced our unit. The new processing unit didn't work with the old disk drives or old software, so more waiting followed.

You call this customer service? There have been several updates of both the high-level languages and the OS since our new machine arrived last fall. We were not informed of them nor did we receive any of them. Most of our information about software updates and new offerings comes from the rumor mill, not from our current marketing representative.

Most recently we discovered yet another bug in the system. The editor has the habit of inadvertently overwriting parts of other files on the same track of the disk, leaving all of the affected files unusable and unretrievable. When I described this problem to Dr. lohn Tesch of IBM. he agreed that it does do that sometimes. Even though IBM is aware of this bug, it is still shipping an OS containing it, without warning customers.

I agree with Clune's description of the potential that this system possesses. That's what compelled us to purchase one when it was first introduced. Unfortunately, unlike Clune, we were not the beneficiaries of any significant attention from the customer service department at IBM Instruments. Without that support, and with this trouble-laden product, none of us are very fond of our CS-9000 system.

Michael Riebe

Chemistry Department

University of Wisconsin

Madison. Wl 53706

I enjoyed your article on the IBM CS-9000 laboratory computer, but I feel the article grossly

understates the computing power of the CS-9000 system. The performance example cited in the article involved polling a device once per second, receiving, and averaging 2K bytes of data. In our application (high-performance NMR spectroscopy and medical imaging), a CS-9000-based system is used for polling several devices every 200 milliseconds, receiving, scaling, and graphically displaying 6Kbyte data packets. In addition, the system is able to simultaneously transform the data to floatingpoint format and perform complex manipulations on it rapidly (for example, 1024-point complex floating-point Fourier transforms in 145 milliseconds). By way of comparison, a VAX 11/780 with DEC'S floating-point accelerator requires 228 milliseconds of processing-unit time and an indeterminate amount of real time to perform the same 1024-point complex floatingpoint Fourier transform (IMSL scientific subroutine library "FFTCC").

To be fair. I must point out that my CS-9000s have been configured with extra hardware including 1 megabyte of RAM, a 10-megabyte Winchester disk, and a SKY Computers SKYMNK-V floating-point processor. Even with all these goodies, the CS-9000 system can be purchased for $20,000, an order of magnitude less than the cost of the VAX. The implications of this are quite remarkable, and they suggest that a new generation of supermicrocomputers is now available. These machines are desktop computers that offer real computing power, affordable by small laboratory or business groups. Only 5 or 10 years ago comparable performance figures would have been regarded as competitive for a low-end mainframe.

The EN1AC, a room-size behemoth that revolutionized the world of computing, required 200 milliseconds to perform one multiplication. The CS-9000 sitting on my desk does one multiplication in less than 2 microseconds. In other words, my little computer is 100.000 times faster than the EN1AC I think it is impressive.

David J. States. M.D.. Ph.D.

Staff Scientist

MIT

Building NW14-5122

Cambridge, MA 02139

The Wang Professional Computer

I was pleased to see the review, "The Wang Professional Computer," by Elaine Long in the December 1983 issue, page 360. This is the first article I have seen about the machine.

There are three Wang PCs at my place of employment. I have been using one almost daily since luly for spreadsheet and word-processing applications (using Multiplan and Wang Word Processing). And I introduce new users to the computer and software. I like the hardware very much. The keyboard in particular is excellent. The arrangement of the keys favors the person with some typing experience, but the shape and response of the keys suit almost everyone except those with unusually large fingers. On the other hand, the lack of an Escape key is irritating.

378 B YTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 334 on inquiry card.

REVIEW FEEDBACK

The menus make it easy for our users to spend time using the computer rather than learning how to command the operating system. If the menus are time-consuming to a regular user, they can be circumvented quickly.

Wang Labs' sales and support has been rather poor in my area; I feel it is not ready to sell the equipment. There is a toll-free PC hotline in Lowell. Massachusetts, for customers. Answers to questions are being delayed one to two days at this time. The people on the hotline are very diligent in their efforts to solve problems; however, they are still learning about the equipment.

Regarding quality, on the first two machines a memory-expansion board and a Winchester controller card failed to function on delivery. A floppy-disk drive failed in three days after delivery. Both of these machines were delivered to us before September of last year. We received an extensively configured machine in December, everything still functions. A board inside one of the older monochrome monitors was replaced recently. Service (on maintenance contract) has been painless, of the replace and test variety.

For us. delivery of hardware takes about eight weeks. We have waited for several months for delivery of our 2.0 version of Wang Word Processing and the Program Development Manual. The local sales office will not show us the Wang Data Base, explaining that it is too bug-ridden to be demonstrated.

When we purchase a system, the second drive and expansion boards arrive in separate packages. The customer is expected to install them or engage Wang (the fee is extra). There are instructions included, and the current set is correct. There are no caveats regarding static charge and the like, however. Installation is simple for the type of person who would fearlessly attack a broken toaster—and be able to avoid creating further damage.

I like the computer, and I will like Wang better in a few more months when, I hope, the newness of the product has been overcome.

By the way, the printer in photo 1 of the article is not a daisy-wheel model. It is the Wang Dot Matrix printer, correctly listed as model PCPM010. The printer looks and acts remarkably like an Epson MX-80 FAT. The daisy-wheel printer available is model PC-PM012: it looks like a Diablo (640,1 think). I recommend that any prospective Wang Word Processing user either purchase one of Wang's printers, an Epson or similar printer, or do some very thorough investigation. Wang's generic parallel-printer driver supports few of the word-processing package's features, not even the double line spacing, I have not worked with the generic serial printer driver.

Kandace L. Myers

17 East Factory St.

Mechanicsburg. PA 17055

Videx UltraTerm

I would like to extend Videx's thanks for the recent review of the UltraTerm in the February BYTE (p. 310). There has been a change, how

ever, in the VisiCalc preboot for the UltraTerm that occurred after the review was written. The 160-column mode of the preboot was replaced with another display mode that uses 80 columns and 32 lines. We feel that this display will better complement the UltraTerm with VisiCalc. Videx is now sending a list of available software that utilizes the expanded features of the UltraTerm upon request.

William Leineweber

Customer Service

Videx Company

897 NW Grant Ave.

Corvallis. OR 97330

Z-100 Documentation and Other Views

I have just read "The Zenith Z-100" (lanuary. page 268) written by Ken Skier. I am a sophomore computer-science major at Clarkson University and have had a Z-100 for about six months. Mr. Skier's review was excellent in all aspects but one: the documentation. In my opinion, the documentation as a whole is lousy. It is often incomplete, difficult to use. and very confusing. The BASIC. FORTRAN, Pascal, Multiplan, CP/M, and Z-DOS manuals consist of one or two ring-bound binders. Almost all are lacking a detailed index consolidating both binders in a clear and concise fashion. Although, as Mr. Skier mentioned, the documentation is quantitative (in terms of pages), it certainly is not qualitative.

Other than this section, I think the review was very accurate and did justice to the underpublicized Z-100.

Brent n. Hunter Clarkson University Potsdam. NY 13676

1 enjoyed reading Ken Skier's Z-100 review. (I've had my H-120 since last May.) I'm writing because of one small inaccuracy regarding the dual-processor configuration.

Any time you are running CP/M-85. you are using the 16-bit 8088 almost constantly. Briefly, all I/O (input/output)—disk, screen, keyboard, serial, and parallel ports—is being done in the bottom page of memory under the control of the 8088. Anytime there is I/O activity, the 8085 swaps out to the 16-bit side.

There are a couple of significant advantages to this, besides the fact that the 8088 is running more efficient code routines:

• The BIOS in the 8-bit memory page is considerably smaller; CP/M-85 therefore gives the user around 3K bytes more program and data workspace.

• Warm boots are extremely fast, as copies of the BDOS and CCP are kept in the bottom page of RAM and therefore do not have to be reread from a bootable disk. A warm boot merely logs in the new disk, as the 8088 very quickly copies the BDOS and CCP from low RAM to the CP/M page of memory.

A couple of minor points—the separate video

RAM banks are not parity-checked, and the

(tat continued on page 380)

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utilized as a solid state RAM disk. Additionally Titan's VC-EXPAND/ 80™ software supplied with each Neptune expands VisiCalc® up to 220K of workspace memory and provides many other VisiCalc enhancements. DOS, PASCAL and CP/M® PSEUDO-DISK™ patches and a DOS relocation program are also included with each Neptune card.

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JUNE 1984 -BYTE 379

REVIEW FEEDBACK

(tot continued from page 379) 11-megabyte Winchester upgrade has been announced at SI799.

1 thought the article was very good—comprehensive and well written. I have three Heath/ Zenith micros; the H-120 is rapidly becoming my favorite because of its exceptional capabilities.

Al Heigl

Mill City Records

POB 3759

Minneapolis, MN 55403

I would like to take this opportunity to comment on the Zenith Z-100 review. I own a Heath H-100, which is the kit version of the Zenith Z-100. and I am extremely pleased with this machine.

Ken Skier states that "8-bit CP/M software is hard to come by in the Z-100 5!4-inch format." 1 have found that almost all software that I am interested in comes in the Heath/Zenith format. Perhaps your author was not aware that the Zenith format is the same as the common Heath format. In particular, the complete CP/M User's Group and SIG/M public-domain CP/M libraries are available on Heath soft-sectored disks (two sources of these public-domain disks are: Robert Todd Jr., 1121 Briarwood. Bensalem, PA 19020, and Headware, 2865 Akron St., Atlanta, GA 30344).

Skier states that the Z-100 cannot transfer files between disks of different formats. Computer Consultants to Business (1033 Bishop Walsh Rd.. Cumberland, MD 21502) sells several Z-100 programs that allow file transfers between the Heath/Zenith CP/M format, the Heath/Zenith ZDOS (IBM PC-DOS) format, the Osborne CP/M format, and the Kaypro CP/M format. This company is also considering other formats, such as DEC Rainbow and North Star.

The author also stated that "although both processors |8088 and 8085| are present... I am not aware of any applications that transfer control from one processor to another." One such application, called "CP/EMulator," is available from the Heath User's Group, which produces hundreds of programs for the Heath/Zenith computers (and sells them, with source code, for about $20 each). This program runs on the 8088 (Z-DOS) and allows the user to temporarily switch control to the 8085 (CP/M) to run CP/M programs. These CP/M programs may use ZDOS files for I/O (input/output).

Skier states that "a light-pen port is available, but Zenith does not yet provide a light pen to go with it." While it is true that Zenith does not yet fully support this option, at least one thirdparty vendor does. Software Wizardry (122 Yankee Drive, St. Charles, MO 63301), a longtime supporter of the Heath/Zenith computer

line, sells a light pen that is compatible with the Z-100. This firm also sells a graphics software package for the Z-100 that optionally accepts input from this light pen.

The author mentioned that the Z-100 is not IBM PC compatible. While it is true that many programs written for the IBM PC will not run on the Z-100. almost all of the most popular applications programs are available in versions for the Z-100 or in MS-DOS versions (the Z-100 can run all MS-DOS programs). Many of the Z-100 applications are even superior to the IBM PC versions; for example, the Z-100 version of Lotus 1-2-3 supports more colors and higher-resolution graphics than the IBM PC version. Also, there are two programs available for the Z-100 that allow some incompatible IBM PC software to run on the Z-100. These programs are "IB-Em" from Wideman Computer Consulting (1320 Pepper Villa Dr., El Cajon. CA 92021) and

RUNPC" from Lindley Systems (21 Hancock St.. Bedford, MA 01730).

1 agree with Skier's conclusion that the Z-100 is an excellent machine. This is probably one of the best 8088-based microcomputers on the market today, and although third-party software support is not as large as for the IBM PC, the Z-100 hardware is far superior to the IBM PC (and its clones) in terms of hardware.

Also, please note that 1 am not affiliated with

REVIEW FEEDBACK

any of the companies mentioned in this letter. I am a computer user and have used some of the products that I have described. Those I have used all operate as advertised.

Kenton Lee

2138 Aldrin Rd.

Apt. 5A

Ocean. NJ 07712

I appreciated Ken Skier's hardware review on the Zenith Z-100. While suitably glowing in its assessment of the machine, the review understandably omits mention of an immense resource that is readily available to users of Zenith computers—namely, users of Heath computers.

The omission is understandable because Zenith never mentions it either. From the company's advertising and its dealers one might think that a Z-100 has nothing in common with an H-100 (the kit version of the same machine). In fact, however, the only thing they don't have in common is 4 square inches of plastic on the front panel: the product logo.

The H-100 is one of the newest toys to capture the imagination of the rather large community of Heath computer builders and users and— equally important—to capture the attention of the rather large number of independent hardware and software vendors who provide sup

port for Heath machines. The users themselves, to judge from the publications that cater to them, are hardware and software hackers in the fine old sense of the word: people who stay up until morning breathing solder fumes and banging on keyboards for the fun of it. The vendors provide what these people need: hardware and software that exploit the machine's capabilities and don't cost a mint. The journals provide information of use to everyone from beginners to professionals.

What H-100 users need is also what Z-100 users, including Mr. Skier, need. Almost everything his review says a Z-100 won't do, it will do—with the help of cheap or free things from the Heath users and their commercial allies.

Eight-bit CP/M software is not hard to come by in the Z-100 514-inch disk format. Several vendors, such as the Software Toolworks, sell very economical software—compilers, utilities, editors, games—in that format. Users groups and other sources provide a great deal more at lower prices.

For example, Z-DOS indeed can't write CP/M files—however, CP/M can be tricked into reading Z-DOS files, with identical results. RDZDOS, a $20 program from an independent vendor, makes that possible. If you don't have $20 left, you can trick the machine into doing the same thing using just the utilities that come with the

operating systems: the trick is explained in a letter to REMark magazine, issue 4 5 (October. 1983). REMark is the journal of the Heath Users' Group, which is actually a part of the Heath company.

That should be enough to make the point. Anybody considering a Z-100 should take into account its underground support system. You don't have to be a genius to use it. You just have to be inquisitive.

Arnold Seibel

621 Parcel St.

Monterey. CA 93940

Flight Simulator

In regard to Stan Miastkowski's review "Microsoft Flight Simulator" (March, page 224), I realize that the programmers can, and did, take literary privilege in writing this software. But the comments of Miastkowski, who purports to be a pilot, are simply astounding.

On page 228, Miastkowski says that Meigs Field, in Chicago, is an uncontrolled airport. If he had checked with his "lepp" manuals, he would have assuredly known that Meigs is indeed a controlled airport, to the extent that student pilots are forbidden to take off or land there.

[text continued on page 383)

Let the gibberish stop here.

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE 381

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{text continued from page 381)

Since its construction. Meigs Field has been plagued by crosswinds and burbles (disturbed winds coming from buildings and structures), as well as convection currents (from flying over water and then flying over heated concrete or other hard terrain). This is the result of the fact that Meigs has only two runways.

1 find that the Flight Simulator software should not be used without a joystick control, which the IBM PC does not make allowances for.

LOVELL E. SWANIGAN JR.

2801 South King Dr. #517 Chicago, 1L 60616

Interrupting Hercules

With reference to the review, "The Hercules Graphics Card" by Tom Wadlow (December 1983, page 343). I would like to point out a problem with the examples presented.

The assembler language interrupts will not work on an IBM XT running DOS 2.0 due to the fact that INT 40-4F are used by the system.

A close look at the technical reference manual will show that these interrupts are, indeed, reserved.

Hercules, it seems, has fallen into the same trap as so many others (including ourselves). The only interrupts that are reserved for the user are 60-6F.

Charles Allen

Managing Director

Gulf Computing Systems

POB 25125

Safat, Kuwait

Hercules responds:

Since Mr. Allen took the trouble to send us a copy of the letter that he wrote to you. 1 will take the trouble to correct him. The Hercules Graphics Card uses interrupt 10. not any interrupts in the range 40-4F. as is his understanding. The fact that I am composing this letter on an XT running DOS 2.0 with a Hercules card in the system convinces me that there is no problem with this arrangement.

Andrew Fischer

Technical Support

Hercules Computer Technology

2550 Ninth St.. Suite 210

Berkeley. CA 94710

Applause for APL

Thank you very much for the excellent article "STSC APL'PLUS and IBM PC APL: Two APLs for the IBM PC" by lacques Bensimon (March, page 246).

REVIEW FEEDBACK IS a new column of readers' letters. We welcome responses that support or challenge BYTE reviews. Send letters to Review Feedback, BYTE Publications. POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449. Name and address must be on all letters.

The author established immediate empathy, I am sure, with every APL "true believer" when he recounted his disappointment that APL was not chosen over BASIC as IBM's premier language for the PC. Having established his credentials as an APLer, though, he did not go on to abandon those unfamiliar with the language, as I have seen many authors do. The section "A Brief Look at APL." with numerous clear examples, was worthy of publication all by itself.

■ The entire article was very well written, technically accurate, to the best of my knowledge (I have had professional exposure to both systems), and a fair and equitable comparison between the two implementations.

A heartfelt "keep up the good work" is in

order for both you and lacques Bensimon.

Jim Fiegenschue

1805 High Meadow Cove

Carrollton. TX 75006 M

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An Analog and Digital I/O board for your IBM PCat just $295!*

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IUNE 1984 'BYTE 385

Is BYTE too big for you ?

Is the biggest monthly computer magazine in the world too big for your advertising? Are you concerned that your ad will be lost, unread among all those others? Consider these big-number facts:

Advertisers in BYTE receive an average of over 1,000 inquiries per page of advertising, an average of 1,300 for full-page or larger ads.

And as the number of ad pages goes up, the number of inquiries-per-page soars. When we broke the Folio 400 record by doubling our ad pages, we tripled ad response. And not just in preferred positions, but all through the magazine. Some back-of-book advertisers have received over 2,000 inquiries from a single ad.

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COMPUTING

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Apple-Franklin Case »»

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H

ow do you manage to find so much to write about?" my sane friend asked.

I just looked at her. When your subject is small computers, the problem isn't finding enough to write about, it's knowing when to stop.

1 thought I knew where to start. We've been expecting two new machines, the Sage IV and the CompuPro 10. Alas, both arrived today. The flu has blasted through Chaos Manor, and we're not likely to uncrate either machine until well after the deadline for this column, so this month maybe I can catch up on the backlog. Maybe.

by Jerry Pournelle

Thanks

Sage IV First, a pair of thank-yous. As some of you know, I've been heavily involved in the L-5 Society Promoting Space Development, which is an outfit that takes seriously Robert Heinlein's dictum that the earth is just too small and fragile a basket for the human race to keep all its eggs in. (You can join the L-5 Society by sending $25 to L-5, 1060 East Elm St., Tucson, AZ 85719.)

The L-5 Society isn't broke, but I don't suppose it's much of a surprise that there's no surplus money, so when we found ourselves in need of some new computer equipment we had a problem.

Indeed, it was more of a problem than you might think. I'm fully aware that I could get any number of companies to donate equipment to L-5; but might someone see my request as attempted extortion?

Fortunately, there was a simple solution to the problem.

Some years ago the L-5 Society bought a CompuPro computer to keep the books and membership list on. CompuPro's Bill Godbout arranged to have that system completely updated, donating a new set of hardware with all the bells and whistles, including a new CompuPro hard disk.

Meanwhile, the Bay Area L-5 people were putting on the annual meeting, and their computer died; whereupon David Kay's company donated a Kaypro IV, which, I am pleased to report, arrived in time to bail our people out

of a mountain of paperwork.

Since what I think of those machines was in print long before I brought up the subject of L-5, I've no fear anyone will get the wrong idea. My thanks to both companies and their presidents.

The Copyright Decision

The papers announce that Apple and Franklin have settled out of court.

That's fine, but it means that for the moment we'll have no final and binding decision on the questions the suit posed. We do have a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. That's binding only in that area; judges in other circuits could rule otherwise, although in practice the Third Circuit decision is likely to be persuasive wherever the issue comes up.

What's at stake is the whole question of copyright protection for software.

The facts of the case were pretty simple. Franklin (of Philadelphia) wanted to market a computer that would run Apple software. It studied the situation and concluded that it wasn't feasible to rewrite the Apple operating system including the code in the boot ROM (read-only memory) because, in the words of Franklin's vice-president for engineering, "there were just too many entry points in relationship to the instructions in the program."

Franklin therefore copied Apple's ROM. According to the Circuit Court decision, "Apple produced evidence at the hearing. . . that programs sold by Franklin in conjunction with its ACE 100 computer were virtually identical with those covered by the fourteen Apple copyrights. The variations that did exist were minor, consisting merely of such things as deletion of reference to Apple or its copyright notice."

In fact, James Huston, an Apple programmer, found his name embedded in one of the programs sold by Franklin and the word "Applesoft" in another. Franklin didn't dispute that (tat continued on page 388)

]erry Pournelle holds a doctorate in psychology and is a science-fiction writer who also earns a comfortable living writing about computers present and future.

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 387

CHAOS MANOR

{text continued from page 387) it copied the Apple programs. "Its factual defense was directed to its contention that it was not feasible for Franklin to write its own operating system programs."

In short, Franklin's defense was (1) it had to copy the Apple programs or it couldn't produce a machine that would run Apple software, and (2) operating systems and machine codes aren't subject to copyright because they're not literary works.

This isn't a totally unreasonable position. My late mad friend thought copyright law was sufficiently complicated already, and he was adamantly opposed to adding computer-program object code to the works protected by copyright. MacLean thought there ought to be special legislation based on patent law. I didn't agree with him, but he could be pretty persuasive.

Moreover, there are only so many ways to make computers do things. You can't copyright an idea; only its expression. Thus, it can certainly be argued that had Franklin been able to rewrite the Apple operating system in such a way as to keep all the same entry points but not have made an exact copy of the copyrighted Apple programs, it would have been home free.

This would be akin to taking a book of nonfiction and rewriting it so that the table of contents for the original and the rewrite were identical: on each page of both the same ideas would be expressed, but the actual words and sentences would be different. That would be a lot of work but certainly not impossible.

Franklin didn't do that. My reading of the Court's decision leads me to think that it would have won if it had, but in fact the Court specifically didn't address that issue in the decision. What it did do was rule that "a computer program in object code embedded in a ROM chip is an appropriate subject of copyright," and that "a computer program, whether in object code or source code, is a 'literary work' and is protected from unauthorized copying, whether from its object- or source-code version."

This can have some pretty far-reaching effects. For one thing, software publishers can't have it both ways: if they want to rely on copyright protection, they're going to have to give up those

388 BYTE- |UNE 1984

ridiculous licensing agreements their lawyers are so fond of. That's probably just as well, because I suspect those agreements are worthless.

The idea of licensing software is a legacy of the mainframe and minicomputer days, when software could and did cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and was installed and maintained by experts. There was a time, after all, when you couldn't buy an IBM computer; they could only be leased, and severe restrictions on what peripheral equipment you could connect to the IBM were built right into the lease contract.

In those days, software licensing agreements were actual contracts, negotiated between independent entities that, if not in an equal bargaining position, were at least not as unequal as a consumer and a major software company.

That's no longer true. Now you go to a store and plunk down money for software exactly as you might buy a cable or an all-day sucker or a Jerry Pournelle science-fiction novel. The difference is that when you get your software home, there's this imbecilic licensing agreement under which the publisher warrants nothing at all and guarantees that his product isn't worth anything, and you "agree" not to copy the program, show it to others, or run it on more than one machine or during the dark of the moon. You also agree that this unwarranted and unmerchantable program is enormously valuable, and if you do violate the terms of the agreement you have done the publisher irreparable harm, and you'll sell your spouse and children into slavery in partial recompense to the poor damaged publisher.

I've never heard of a court trial based on one of those goofy licenses, and I find it hard to believe that any judge would take one seriously. Of course, one is never safe in relying on lawyers to exhibit common sense. Even so, i really doubt the enforceability of those agreements, and I suspect that software publishers would do much better to rely on copyright.

There are, however, some limits to copyright protection. For one thing, educational and nonprofit groups have some privileges under the Copyright Act. So do those outfits that translate and adapt works for use by the blind.

Educators, reviewers, and scholars have the right of "fair use." Finally, there's the question of backup copies. Under copyright law, you are prohibited from selling or distributing copies of a protected work without the owner's permission; but making a copy for your own use is a different story. You can't make a copy and sell the original, but I see nothing to stop you from making and keeping copies for your own use.

You can also lend books to friends, so long as they don't make copies. Indeed, as I've said before, the law requires me to pay taxes in support of institutions whose business is to lend people copies of my books.

Thus, one result of the Franklin-Apple case may be the demise of software licensing agreements in favor of something more sensible. 1 hope so. It's too bad, though: I can sympathize with both companies' desire to stay out of court and get this thing settled, but 1 wish it had gotten to the U.S. Supreme Court so we'd have some of the issues settled once and for all.

Cp/m-8/16 Revisited

It's hard to believe that I've had my CompuPro 40-megabyte hard disk and CP/M-8/16 for only a month now. In fact, it's hard to see how I ever lived without them. Not that it has all been smooth sailing. As I mentioned last month, it's just as well that Chaos Manor was a test site for the new BIOS (basic input/output system): we were still flushing bugs out of the system as late as last week.

None of them was fatal, but some were annoying. Diagnosing one of the errors was instructive. The directory of the E: segment of my hard disk kept going haywire. That is: the hard disk is divided by software into five logical disk drives. The A:, B:, C. and D: drives have 10 megabytes each. The E: drive has 1.1 megabytes and is set up to look exactly like an 8-inch double-sided doubledensity floppy, making it possible to copy to and from it. However, whenever I'd put any great amount of data onto the E: drive, the directory would get trashed, and I couldn't even erase it. When I tried, it would tell me there were Read/Only files on it, but then STAT couldn't find them. It made the E: drive useless.

Then we had another glitch, some(text continued on page 390)

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IUNE 1984 'BYTE 389

CHAOS MANOR

[text continued from page 388) thing like keyboard bounce, that would go away once the system had been running for a few minutes. Hardly fatal, but annoying, and as Bill Godbout is fond of saying, if the error rate is high enough to measure, it's too high. Little glitches can be symptoms of coming big trouble.

Tony Pietsch, the guru who maintains my systems, couldn't figure out what was happening and kept coming up with new hypotheses, most of which involved removing features from The Golem (our CompuPro Dual Processor). That's no bad way to proceed, of course. Get the system down to basics you understand. The relentless application of logic will generally solve the most puzzling problems.

Finally, he removed jim Hudson's 8087 add-on board. That did clear up the cold-start glitch, and the E: drive seemed to be behaving itself.

However, it left me without an 8087 math-chip system, and that's not acceptable. Logitech's Modula-2, the language I've fallen in love with, doesn't do floating point unless you have an 8087. Thus, I found myself on the phone to tell Jim Hudson we'd yanked his board.

He wasn't happy and decided to come down with a new math board and his own Dual Processor's processor board, which was known to work in a system nearly identical to mine, lust to be sure he hadn't left anything out, he

brought Bob Greene, a troubleshooter from Intel, who carried a couple of new 8-MHz 8087 chips.

After a few tests it transpired that I had a very early 8088 chip, which doesn't surprise me since The Golem was one of the first Dual Processor systems to leave the CompuPro factory; it too began life as a test box, but we'd never had any trouble before. We replaced the 8088, at which point all seemed to work fine. Then, when we had everything swapped out, I needed a copy of lim's Modula-2 disk. He'd brought down a lot of small program modules he'd got from Willy Steiger at Logitech: more than 200, in fact.

Fine, thought I. We'll use the newly working E: disk to copy onto. I started PIP going. Things went well for a while. Then, suddenly, error messages. Worse, when I checked the E: disk to see what had managed to get copied, there was that same old trash in the directory again!

I still didn't have a copy of lim's disk. Alas, no one has yet written a copy program that understands that my 8-inch disks are I: and (:, respectively. (That's coming Real Soon Now.) It was lunchtime, and we were in a hurry, so 1 tried to use PIP to move Jim's disk off to the M: memory drive, which is certainly the fastest way. That didn't work either. Now what?

In fact, try as I liked, I couldn't use PIP

to move that disk to any part of my hard disk. It would go a long way, then come up with a BDOS (basic disk operating system) error, even on the D: segment, which had never given me any trouble. There was nothing for it but to fire up Zeke II, my superreliable Z80, and copy that disk.

lim went home feeling much better: it wasn't his board causing the problem. Now it was Tony's turn to sweat.

We also knew it wasn't the processor board. Nothing for it, then: Tony brought over his own CompuPro hard disk and controller. We installed them. Everything worked fine. I breathed a sigh of relief. "Not yet," said Tony. "Where's that disk that kept crashing the system?"

We put that into the floppy-disk drive and started PIP going. File after file came across. Then—blooey. Same error messages. Tony sat down with a St. Pauli Girl to think. For some reason, I started to use PIP to move the disk to the M: memory drive while he was puzzling it out.

That provided the clue. After 128 files had been sent over, we got an error message. Tony thought for a second. "Oh, sure," he said. "There's no more directory space. There's not room for more than 128 files in the M: drive/ H: RAM (random-access read/write memory| disk."

(tat continued on page 392)

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390 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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CHAOS MANOR

[text continued from page 389)

I hadn't known that, and I guess Tony had forgotten it. "Hardly a serious limitation," 1 said. "Strange, though, the file just after that one is where we get the other problem . . ."

I stopped talking because Tony was scribbling madly.

It didn't take long to fix things after that. When Tony and the CompuPro people ginned up the new superfast BIOS, they'd managed to put in a wrong number in the part that allocates directory space. Five minutes with DDT fixed things. We phoned the fix up to CompuPro just in time: it was due to begin shipping the next day. No one had tested the new software's ability to use PIP on more than 129 files.

As 1 said, an instructive lesson: if 1 hadn't happened to notice precisely where things Went wrong, we might still be wondering why this particular disk full of software would crash the system. The moral of the story is. if you have a problem, keep a log. Write down every bit of information you can get. What did you do, what error message did you get, what are the symptoms of the problem, what was happening just before the problem manifested itself: everything you can find out. It may seem trivial or irrelevant, but write it down anyway, before you forget. More often than not there's a powerful clue buried in among the details, and if you don't record the details, you may not spot the clue.

It Can Change Your Life

That may have been the last bug in CompuPro-8/16. It does have some annoying "features," nearly all associated with user numbers, but they're endurable: and now I don't understand how I ever got along without 8/16 and a hard disk. I have a larger temporary program area (TPA), floppies work faster than ever before, and I can keep an enormous pile of stuff on the hard disk.

It has made some surprising changes in the way we do things here. When I find a minor problem in a program I've written, instead of logging it, often I fix it on the spot. It's easy, now that I don't have to go find the source, find the disk with the compiler, load the compiler, and load the source, all before I can start. Now I have source, programming editor, and compiler all on the hard disk.

Bookkeeping is easier, too. I keep the journal on the hard disk, and it's very easy to call up the Journal program and enter checks and cash as it happens, rather than save it all up for frantic entry just before April 15.

Hard disks are wonderful.

Hudson's Z-100 Board

One major application for microcomputers is spreadsheets, and the complaint I most often hear about them is that they're too slow. Since spreadsheets are often associated with financial calculations, which demand high accuracy combined with large numbers, it's understandable: floating-point calculations are inherently slow. Fortunately, though, there's a hardware remedy: the 8087 math chip, which does floatingpoint calculations at about 500 times the speed that the 8088 chip can do them.

I've already mentioned lim Hudson's 8087 board for the CompuPro Dual Processor. It's a small board that rides piggyback on the processor board: to install, remove the 8088 chip, insert Hudson's board where the 8088 was, and insert the 8088 into the socket on his board.

It works fine. Of course, if you don't have an 8-MHz 8087 chip-they're still fairly rare and expensive—you have to slow your Dual Processor down. Hudson's board does that automatically, and it has provisions for letting you speed things back up when you get a faster 8087 chip.

The results of using an 8087 are impressive: some 120,000 floating-point math operations take less than 10 seconds. If you're doing much number crunching with an 8086 or 8088, you must get an 8087. The IBM PC has a slot on board for the 8087: just get one and plug it in. Ditto for the Eagle 1600, except that the Eagle needs one of the 8-MHz parts, and that will cost you some change. There's no way—at least none known to me—to slow the Eagle down, and an 8087 won't work in a system in which the microprocessor is running faster than the 8087.

Hudson's 8087 for the CompuPro was so successful that he designed a board for the Z-100. It uses one of the S-100 bus slots and has 256K bytes of RAM in addition.

Before you can make real use of the

memory on Hudson's board, you'll need to fill those empty memory sockets on the Z-100 motherboard with nine 4164 64K-bit dynamic-memory chips. You ought to do that anyway: it's easy enough. You can get the chips from Hudson when you buy his board: he isn't in the chip business, though, so to order separately, go to an outfit like California Digital. (You can also get a "kit" from Zenith, but there's nothing in it but nine chips and some instructions, and Zenith charges a lot.)

Hudson's board comes with programs to test both the memory and the 8087, and Hudson supplies source code to the tests. Installing the Hudson 8087 board in the Z-100 is simple, and it has given us no problems. I'd have been shocked if it had: I've known )im for a couple of years now. He's one of the good guys, a perfectionist who would take it personally if something he supplied didn't work properly.

There's already a lot of support software for the 8087, and more is coming all the time. Borland's Turbo Pascal, for instance, has a Turbo87 version. If there are any spreadsheets that make use of the 8087's great speed, I haven't seen them yet, but it's only a matter of time. Within a couple of years they all will. Anyone developing new software for the IBM PC or Z-100 really ought to get in on the 8087 revolution.

Turbo!

I'm not fond of the name "Turbo," but that's about the only thing in Borland International's Turbo Pascal that I'm not mad about. So are my readers. I have tons of mail praising Turbo—and I have yet to get one complaint.

Borland's coming out with a new version, 2.0, that's a significant improvement over the old. Meanwhile, it has canceled that silly licensing-agreement policy. It's doing everything right and deserves the full support of the micro community.

Meanwhile, Microsoft is selling Potent Pascal. I hate that name. I don't care much for the product, either: it's IBM Pascal, essentially unchanged. The Microsoft ad speaks of a "software development environment." That's true in the same sense that any compiler is a "software development environment," but not otherwise. If you believe "en(text continued on page 394)

392 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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CP/M86is a registered trademark of Digital Research, [nc UCSDp is a registered trademark of Softech Microsystem

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CHAOS MANOR

(text continued from page 390) vironment" implies a compiler integrated with an editor, as with the MT+86 Speed Programming Package or Turbo Pascal's integrated editor. Potent Pascal isn't one. Kaypro's Tyler Sperry, who's here to deliver the 1984 model of the Kaypro IV (faster, new video, built-in modem; it's a real improvement), wonders if the company couldn't call Kaypro's S-BASIC an "environment." It compiles, doesn't it? i remain impressed with Borland.

Hot Tips

As I've said before, I'm in the middle of a storm: Rod Coleman of Sage Computer is certain that the Motorola 68000 chip and its successors are the real future for microcomputers. So, of course, does Apple. My son Alex tends to agree with Rod, and between them they make an awfully good case.

On the other hand. Bill Godbout and his people are just as convinced that the future lies with the Intel 8086 and its successors, and they can point to the success of the IBM PC for confirmation. When Jim Hudson and Bob Greene came down with the new Z-100 board, we spent some time talking about the future of the micro revolution. I didn't come to any conclusions, but I did get some hot tips on using 8088 equipment, particularly the IBM PC.

Oops!

If you have a hard disk in your IBM PC. you can have a real problem when the time comes to format a new floppy disk. If you're logged onto the hard disk and invoke the format program without modifications, you get the message "Ready to format hard disk. Strike any key when ready."

Generally, you didn't want to format the hard disk. Formatting erases everything, permanently and irrevocably. If you don't do just the right thing, though, that's what will happen. Alas, many PC users see that message, panic, and hit either the Escape key or Control-C, both of which usually rescue them—but neither will rescue them this time. Nor will the ersatz "reset" of Ctrl-Alt-Del; that "Strike any key when ready" message really means it.

The only escape is to turn the machine off.

This is obviously an undesirable situa

tion. Bob Greene suggests a permanent solution: on the hard disk, rename "FORMAT" to "DOFORMAT" Now create a batch file named FORMAT.BAT that has one, and only one, line in it:

DOFORMAT A:

The A: disk will be a floppy-disk drive. Incidentally, when making up batch (.BAT) files for the PC, the proper termination for the last entry is not carriage return but Control-Z (Control-Zed, as Greene puts it; he spends too much time in England). If you don't use Control-Z, you get an extraneous carriage return in the command string, which produces an annoying extra prompt.

Youll Be Sorry

One thing that annoys Intel are people who do original research in the 8086 instruction set.

Let me explain.

The 8088 and 8086 chips, like all micro chips, have an "instruction set" of commands to which they'll respond. These are such commands as "Move the contents of the C register to the A register" and "Add with carry": the primitive commands from which assembly-language programs are built. These instructions are built into the chip in micro code and are actually part of the chip's very structure. The instruction set is a key feature of a microprocessor chip, and the manufacturer publishes a list of commands the chip will accept.

However, some "holes" are in the micro code that instructs the chip. Certain instructions, although not documented in the published command list, will in fact work, often to produce useful results, such as to clear a certain register without resetting the carry flag. Some programmers have zealously experimented with the 8086 and 8088 chips, finding a number of these "undocumented features," which they have made use of in programs.

This looks at first like a good idea. Why shouldn't you make use of all the chip features, whether documented or not?

Bob Greene says it's not a good idea at all. Since these features are not supported by Intel, there's no obligation on Intel's part to keep them: subsequent "editions" of the 8086 and 8088 chips may not have those features at all, and there's a good chance that another

manufacturer making the chips under license from Intel won't include them either.

Moreover, one of the strongest features of the 8086 family is that programs written for the 8086 and 8088 will work unchanged on upgrades such as the 80186 and 80286-that is, they'll work unless the program uses "illegal" instructions. Programs that use the undocumented features of the 8086 are guaranteed not to work on the 80186 and above, because all the upgrades check for illegal op codes before executing any instruction.

Intel reserves those unused instructions for new instructions of its own devising; so unless you intend unduly to restrict the portability of your programs, you'd be well advised not to make use of illegal op codes for the 8086 and 8088 chips.

Rana Drives

What do you say about products that quietly work, never giving any trouble?

We recently got an Apple He for Mrs. Pournelle; her school has one, and we thought we might find some good software for it. So far, though, I haven't seen anything very interesting, and neither has Roberta, but that's for another column.

What she got was a plain Apple He with a single Apple drive. Already I can see I'll have to upgrade that. The boys have an old Apple II out in back. Theirs is equipped with a Rana disk controller and drives.

Their machine does disk operations faster and more reliably than Roberta's.

If you're contemplating an Apple, get Rana disk drives. You won't regret it.

Dilogs RAM Disk

Longtime readers of this column know I'm a fan of RAM disks, which fool the computer into thinking that a big chunk of memory is a disk drive. True, once you have a hard disk you may not use the RAM disk so much, but if you're confined to floppy disks, you'd do well to look into getting a RAM disk.

RAM disks make WordStar and other programs that routinely do disk accesses not only endurable, but very nearly a pleasure. They also take a lot of the delay out of games like Star Fleet that have overlays.

(text continued from page 392)

394 BYTE • |UNE 1984

for Performance, Quality and Reliability

Anyone can sell you a box full of hardware. But is it too much computer? Too little? Will it run the appropriate software? What about service? If you need the right answers both before and after the sale, call your nearest Full Service CompuPro System Center. For product information, see pgs 106-7.

ALABAMA

Birmingham

Cost Plus Computers (205) 879-5976

ARIZONA

Scottsdale

S-100

(602) 991-7870

CALIFORNIA

Bakersfield

Creative Computing Serv.

(805)835-1118

Berkeley

American Computers

& Engineers

(415)849-0177

Track Computer Center

(415) 845-6366

Burlingame

Mentzer Computer

Systems

(415) 340-9363

Canyon Country

Creative Computing Serv.

(805) 251-9877

Chats worth

Priority One Electronics

(818) 709-6789

Hayward

Best Computers Hayward

(415) 886-4732

Irvine

Priority One Electronics

(714)660-1411

Los Angeles

American Computers

& Engineers

(213) 477-6751

Gifford Computer

Systems

(213)477-3921

Mountain View

ACC

(415) 969-4969

Oakland

Track Computer Center

(415)444-8725

Pacific Palisades

System Interface

Consultants

(213)454-2100

Pasadena

Omni Unlimited

(818) 795-6664

Petaluma

Advanced Information

Management

(707)763-7283

Pleasanton

Best Computers

Stoneridge

(415)463-2233

Sacramento

Logic Systems

(916)922-3377

San Leandro

Giflord Computer

Systems

(415) 895-0798

San Rafael

Computer House

(415) 453-0865

Santa Barbara

Data Bank

(805) 962-8489

Santa Maria

Data Bank

(805)922-1333

Santa Rosa

Matrix Computers

(707) 542-0571

Sunnyvale

Pragmatic Designs Inc.

(408) 736-8670

COLORADO

Lakewood

Rocky Mountain Microsystems (303) 232-4545

FLORIDA

Gainesville

Online Computing

(904)372-1712

Orlando

Data/Ottice

(305) 629-6776

Satellite Beach

Binary Magic, Inc.

(305)777-7080

Tampa

Micro Computer

Technology

(813) 985-0919

West Palm Beach

Steve's Computer Works

(305) 683-5900

HAWAII

Kahului Maui

Capacity Plus Computers (808) 871-7984

ILLINOIS

Athens

Computers Plus (217) 636-8491 La Grange Park Small Business Systems. Inc. (312)579-3311 Skokie

Lillipute Computer Mart. Inc. (312) 674-1383

INDIANA

Terre Haute

General Software. Inc. (812) 234-9421

KANSAS

Ellinwood

Genesys Systems, Inc. (316) 564-3636

MARYLAND

Bethesda

JR Systems (301) 657-3598

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston

New England Electronic Exch. (617)491-3000

Chestnut Hill

Key Micro Systems (617) 738-7306

MISSISSIPPI

Pascagoula

Automated Accountants (601) 769-2937

MISSOURI

Kansas City

BBRL

(816) 753-5900

NEW YORK

Amherst

Gilford Computer

Systems

(716)833-4758

Deer Park

Datapro Systems. Inc. (516)595-1311

New York

Park Plaza Computer Center, Inc. (212)759-5820 Park Plaza Computer Center, Inc. (212)505-8200 Park Plaza Computer Center, Inc. (212)344-5151 Park Plaza Computer Center, Inc. (212) 595-5353 Staten Island John D. Owens Assoc. (212)448-6283

NORTH CAROLINA

Greensboro

Genera! Semantics Computers (919) 378-1500

OREGON

Portland

Microwest Computer

Products

(503) 238-6274

PENNSYLVANIA

Reading

Fraser Business

Equipment

(215)378-0101

RHODE ISLAND

Coventry

Key Micro Systems (401) 828-7270

TEXAS

Austin

CPA Systems, Inc. (512)458-9281 Inlorma. Inc. (512)459-4216 Omegax Systems (512)476-6069

Dallas

Dator Systems (214)521-0915

Ft. Worth

Dataworth Computer

Systems

(817)877-4041

(orap

uPro,

A GODBOUTCOMPANY

3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545

Houston

Gifford Computer

Systems

(713) 680-1944

Informa. Inc.

(713)861-7612

San Antonio

RFCanon. Inc.

(512)657-0444

Seguin

CPA Systems, Inc.

(512)379-0660

VIRGINIA

Woodbridge

Office Networks Corp. (703)690-3312

WASHINGTON

Bellevue

North Ridge

Computer Systems

(206) 453-0596

Seattle

American Computers &

Engineers

(206) 583-0130

WISCONSIN

Greenfield Byte Shop

of Milwaukee (414) 281-7004

Madison

Beam International (608) 255-2325

AUSTRALIA

Bankstown

Automation Statham Pty., Ltd. (02) 709-4144

CANADA

Coquitlam, B.C.

CSC System Center Ltd (604) 941-0622 Vancouver, B.C. Dynacomp Business Computers Ltd. (604) 872-7737

THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City

Corona International Inc 78-34-71

UNITED KINGDOM

Swansea

Comcen Technology Ltd. (0792)796000

51984 COMPUPRO

PREVENT THE DISASTER

OF HEAD CRASH AND

DROPOUT.

The war against dust and dirt never ends. So before you bootup your equipment, and everytime you replace a cassette, disk or drive filter, be sure to use Dust-Off II; it counteracts dust, gritandlint. Otherwise you're flirting with costly dropouts, head crashes and downtime.

Dust-Off II is most effective when used with Stat-Off II. StatOff II neutralizes dust-holding static electricity while Dust-Off II blasts loose dust away. There's also the Dual Extender and MiniVac for vacuuming dust out of hard-to-reach places.

Photographic professionals have used Dust-Off brand products consistently on their delicate lenses and expensive cameras for over ten years. They know it's the safe, dry, efficient way to contami nant-free cleaning.

System II

Cleaning not provided by liquid cleaners.

Dust-Off II 's remarkable pinpoint accuracy zeros in on the precise area being dusted. And you have total control—everything from a gentle breeze for

Stat-Off II neutralizes dust-holding static electricity from media and | machines.

delicate computer mechanisms to a heavy blast for grimy dirt. Don' t let contamination disrupt your computer operation. Stock upon Dust-Off II—the advanced dry cleaning system, at your local computer or office supply dealer.

Or send $1.00 (for postage and handling) for a 3 oz. trial size and literature today.

Dust-OfFII

The safe dry cleaning system

Falcon Safety Products, Inc., 106b Bristol Road, Mountainside, NJ 07092

CHAOS MANOR

(text continued from page 394)

They have one major drawback, of course: since they're only a kind of memory, whatever you put onto a RAM disk goes away when you turn off the computer. There are some remedies to that, the most obvious being a battery backup; but it takes considerable power to keep memory intact, and most batteries can't do it for long. (There are low-power memory chips on the market but they tend to be pretty expensive.)

An alternative is to give the RAM-disk board its own power supply. That won't do you any good in the event of a power failure, but it will save you if you've accidentally turned off the machine before copying your work to permanent storage. It also saves you the trouble of using PIP to move your editor and files each time you want to use the RAM disk.

The Dilog Model DP-100 Electronic Disk comes with its own power supply but no battery backup. There's also an RS-232C port, called an "Asynchronous Communications Adapter"; it's said to be functionally identical to the IBM Communications Adapter, and I'm willing to believe it, although I've not tested it.

The Dilog DP-100 comes with idiotproof instructions, complete with pictures and diagrams; 1 can't imagine anyone being unable to install the board properly. The manual shows what a jumper plug looks like and tells precisely how to install them, as well as how to set the internal switches on the IBM PC. Dilog has covered every combination of floppy and hard disk, and tells precisely how to address its electronic-disk board for each.

We've had the DP-100 running for a couple of weeks now, and it goes fine. Indeed, it came in while I was out of town, and Peter Flynn installed it; I didn't even know it was aboard for the first week, and it was only by accident that I found out that when you turn off the IBM, the DP-100 RAM disk doesn't lose anything. It's well made, installs in a few minutes, and does everything Dilog says it will.

You still have to worry about power failures, playful kittens, and small children; writers should save early and often.

(text continued on page 398)

396 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 137 on inquiry card.

COHERENT™ IS SUPERIOR TO UNIX*

AND IT'S AVAILABLE TODAY

ON THE IBM PC.

Mark Williams Company hasn't just taken a mini-computer operating system, like UNIX, and ported it to the PC. We wrote COHERENT ourselves. We were able to bring UNIX capability to the PC with the PC in mind, making it the most efficient personal computer work station available at an unbelievable price.

For the first time you get a multi-user, multitasking operating system on your IBM PC. Because COHERENT is UNIXcompatible, UNIX software will run on the PC under COHERENT.

The software system includes a C-compiler and over 100 utilities, all for $500. Similar environments cost thousands more.

COHERENT on the IBM PC requires a hard disk and 256K memory. It's available on the IBM XT, and Tecmar, Davong and Corvus hard disks.

Available now. For additional information, call or write,

Mark Williams Company

1430 West Wrightwood, Chicago, Illinois 60614

312/472-6659

Mark

Williams

Company

COHERENT is a trademark of Mark Williams Company.

*UNIX is as trademark of Bell Laboratories. Circle 355 on inquiry card.

CHAOS MANOR

{text continued from page 396)

Day of the Jackpot

Four long-awaited systems came in today. All come highly recommended. One, the Disk Maker I by New Generation Systems, is supposed to solve all my disk-format problems forever: it has one 5W-inch drive that will do both 48 and 96 tpi (tracks per inch; IBM uses 48, while Eagle does 96) and an ST00 card. I'm to plug the card into Ezekial II, my CompuPro Z80, after which 1 can read all known 514-inch disk formats on the Disk Maker's 514-inch drive and transfer the files to my 8-inch disks. Disk Maker knows both CP/M and PC-DOS, and it will move files back and forth between them. Leor Zolman, the author of BDS C and an always reliable source, swears by it.

Meanwhile, Security Microsystems Consultants has sent a little gizmo, Quickon, that you install in an IBM PC, after which you can disable the mandatory memory test or let it run, as you prefer. I haven't installed mine yet, but lim Baen swears by his. It ought to save considerable time.

I also have a printer buffer at long last. Applied Creative Technology's Printer Optimizer not only contains a box full of memory, but both serial and parallel input and output ports: you can crossconnect as you like. The Printer Optimizer is a handsome little box, and I'm looking forward to using it between The Golem and the NEC 7710; more next month.

As soon as I wrote all that, Daniel Benton brought over the new Helix Laboratories bubble-memory board for the IBM PC. 1 was really impressed with

it at COMDEX; it's in production now.

If that weren't enough, Shirley has yet to be uncrated; the Sage IV, complete with EMACS text editor, LISP, and a bunch of other new software, came in two hours ago; and Tyler Sperry came up from Kaypro with the 1984 model Kaypro 4.

All in all, it looks to be a superbusy month at Chaos Manor. ■

\erry Poumelle welcomes readers comments and opinions. Send a selfaddressed, stamped envelope to \erry Poumelle. do BYTE Publications. POB 372, Hancock. NH 03449. Please put your address on the letter as well as on the envelope. Due to the high volume of letters, jerry cannot guarantee a personal reply.

Items Reviewed

Security Microsystems Consultants

$69.95

16 Flagg Place

CP/M-8/16 and BIOS

..S250

Staten Island, NY 10304

CompuPro

(212) 667-1019

3 506 Breakwater Court

Hayward, CA 94545

Rana Disk Drives Elite I (Apple)

.$379

(415) 786-0909

Rana Systems 21300 Superior St.

Disk Maker I

.SI 500

Chatsworth, CA 91311

96 tpi option

..3385

(213) 709-5484

New Generation

Systems Inc.

.$7300 .

2153 Golf Course Dr.

Sage Computer

Reston, VA 22091

4905 Energy Way

(800) 368-3359

Reno, NV 89502 (702) 322-6868

DP-100 Electronic Disk

.$1295

Dilog PC Products

$49.95

12800 Garden Grove Blvd.

Borland International

Garden Grove, CA 92643

4807 Scotts Valley Dr.

(714) 534-8950

Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (408) 438-8400

Helix PC Bubble Disk

.$1495

Helix Systems

8087 Math Board for Dual...

..$495

11601 Wilshire Blvd...,Suite 720

Processor

Los Angeles, CA 9002 5

8087 Math and Memory

..$595

(818) 710-0300

Board for Z-I00

memory only

..$595

..$499

complete

. $995

Applied Creative Technology Inc.

lames Hudson Associates

2156 West Northwest Hwy., Suite 303

POB 2957

Dallas, TX 77520

Santa Clara. CA 9505 5-2957

(214) 556-2916

(408) 554-1316

Through the Trap Door

Mard 1979— $35

Breaking the Sound Barrier

September1977—$35

BYTE COVERS

The prints shown at left are beautiful Collector Edition Byte Covers, strictly limited to 750 prints each, and signed and numbered by the artist, Robert Tinney. Each print is 18 in. x 22 in., and is accompanied by its own Certificate of Authenticity. To order, use the coupon below. Visa and MasterCard orders may call 1-504-272-7266.

Please send.

Trap Door prints ($35),.

Through the

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prints ($35), or sets of both prints \arne

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Robert Tinney Graphics - 1864 N. Pamela Dr.

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398 BYTE- lUNE 1984

w

ith one line you can draw a thousand

conclusions.

Without a good line, it's difficult-to draw much of anything. And Taxan has an extraordinary line.

It's a dozen computer display monitors (RGB and composite as well as monochrome), one printer buffer, a television conversion tuner, several coaxial cables and a multitude of PC cards long. All segments designed and manufactured to represent the utmost in computer

display technology.

The Taxan product line.

The only one of its kind. Backed by a solid reputation and 15 years in the computer display industry.

So, if you're in the market for a computer monitor or related accessory, just ask one of our dealers to demonstrate our full line.

You can draw your own conclusions.

\y

«n »r» jul oci

The one to watch.

■ W.'l

T&XA1XJ

Taxan Corporation

TAXAN

18005 Cortney Ct. City of Industry, CA 91748

TAXAN

(818) 810-1291

Circle 324 for Dealer inquiries. Circle 325 for End-User inquiries.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 399

CHAOS MANOR MAIL

Mac and (sigh) Valdocs

■ Dear Jerry,

I've seen the Apple Macintosh, and it is exactly what I hoped it would be: a little 68000 monster that takes up as much room as a stack of paper. Mac shows off its speed in MacPaint with good cut, paste, and copy performance. Take a look!

Why do you hate the Epson QX-10 so much? I think it's the best 8-bit computer for the money. If you want more speed, go into Help and turn on Quirks (this works only in the expert or advanced mode). Then turn on the Quick display and turn off the center line. You'll find your screen now looks like a "regular" terminal. All Valdocs attributes are still there when you turn Quick off. Valdocs II exists, but it won't be released till late spring. CP/M 3 or CCP/M could be configured for this computer. TP/M runs CP/M programs right out of Valdocs and will return with your document preserved (assuming you had one). Try it; select Menu; go for applications on the right drive. When Valdocs asks for an application, insert any CP/M disk with a program on it. Press Return twice, then you can use the cursor controls to select a program. When you're done, perform a Control-C and put the data disk back in. This also works with two-drive CP/M stuff. Just put the Valdocs disk back in before you drop out of your program.

As soon as someone optimizes the QX-10's 16-bit screen processor and gets those 8-bit subprocessors marching in step, we will get substantial performance in Valdocs. That may become less important with Epson's little sister Comrex offering an MS-DOS card and a 512Kbyte semidisk. By the way, a Control-Print does a screen dump any time. Now quit being such a brat and get some good laser-cut fanfold paper for that FX-80. Then hook it up to something that will use it (like your Eagle or Sage) in the manner it would grow accustomed to. Frank McConnell Greendale. Wl

You're not the only one who wants me to look at the Mac. As it happens. Dr. Michael Hyson and 1 have Macintoshes on order, and we're assured by Volition Systems that it will have a Modula-2 for the Mac (Mac Modula?) before the end of summer. We may write a book about the Macintosh.

We've had many letters about the Epson QX-10. A lot of readers feel I've been too hard on the machine. Others hate it

For the record: I don't hate the QX-10. It has some of the best hardware I know of. especially the capability for really good graphics. Alas, it seems that Epson just didn't have its act

together when it released the machine.

If a company sends me a test model, hardware or software. I feel no compulsion to publish my opinions; but when the company is selling the product. 1 think I have more obligation to my readers than to any manufacturer or publisher. 1 do not believe customers should unwittingly be made into either venture capitalists or a quality-assurance department.

The first Epsons were shipped with totally unsatisfactory software. As time went by, successive improvements were made to Valdocs. and what Epson is shipping now is enormously better than what I originally reviewed. However. Epson America officials tell me there will be an even bigger improvement (version 2.0) Very Soon Now. and other improvements, including 16-bit capabilities, Real Soon Now. I'm waiting for those before I do another evaluation.

Those in the market for a new machine in the Epson price range would be well advised to look at the QX-10. It has a lot of neat features. Valdocs 1.18 is usable. However, it's slower than I care for. especially if you want to use it as a substitute for a typewriter. It still hasn't a convenient way of dealing with business letters on letterhead. I advise people to see a demonstration before they buy—Jerry

50-Hz Help

Dear Jerry,

Howdy. I've been reading your columns for about three years, and your December 1983 column really hit home. I'm a noncommissioned officer in the Air Force and don't have a lot of money to spend on my computer: a Ferguson Big Board and a pair of Siemens 8-inch drives. I am stationed in Great Britain and am looking for motor-shaft pulleys to convert to 50-Hz operation. The drives are advertised to operate at 50/60 Hz, so the pulleys must be available somewhere. Could you please tell me where? I am thinking of purchasing the following lowcost software: Borland Pascal and Ellis Computing BASIC. I would appreciate any reviews of these products. Do they handle strings and overlays (chaining in BASIC)? I would appreciate any help. Please send addresses and not telephone numbers. Overseas calls cost quite a bit. Thanks.

SSGT Chris Beachy

POB 4645

APO NY 09755

Alas. I haven't any clues about the pulleys; but I expect one or another reader can help you. We don't ordinarily print addresses, but I'll have yours listed.

Borland's Turbo Pascal may be the best soft

ware deal going; while Ellis's Nevada products are certainly good value for the money.

The current version of Turbo Pascal doesn't allow overlays, but I'm told Borland will have a version that will by the time this is in print—Jerry

Disk Doubler

Dear Jerry,

In the February "User's Column," you address the use of the Disk Doubler to enable the use of the back side of disks on single-sided drives. I was happy to see that you recommended against using this tactic, but I feel that you left out the most important reason for not using it.

What was not addressed is that the inside of the disk jacket is lined with a porous material that is designed to both lubricate and clean the disk as it rotates in the jacket. Many small particles are trapped by this material and held out of danger's way so that the disk will not be harmed. However, when the Disk Doubler is used and the disk is inserted in the drive upside down to use the back side, the disk rotates in the reverse direction. Thus, any and all particles that were trapped during the original rotation direction can now be released back onto the disk. Premature failure of the disk, or at least loss of data on the disk, is virtually guaranteed.

I have long recommended to my clients that this is not a worthwhile savings tactic, and the potential of lost data far outweighs the small dollar savings in disks.

Larry C Hansford New Carlisle, OH

It's not a "guaranteed" way to lunch the disk, but spinning them in the wrong direction is a risk I'm not ready to take. The savings just can't be worth it—Jerry

An Understandable Disclaimer

Dear Jerry.

My friend Bill Voglesong has begun to write computer programs and has asked me to edit them. I know nothing about computers, but as an unemployed English teacher, I do know something about grammar and punctuation.

After reading your thoughts in the "User's Column" in the June 1983 BYTE, specifically, "Again, the Piracy Problem," my friend consulted me again. He did not want his disclaimer to read as poorly as did those noted in your article. He wanted a disclaimer written in plain English, not in legalese. I tried. His attorney said [text continued on page 402)

400 BYTE • IUNE 1984

HIGH PERFORMANCE

LONG DISTANCE RACER

You can't win a race when you're not on the road. That's why you need a printer that does more than run fast. You need one that runs long. You need a Datasouth.

MORE CHARACTER

The printhead on a Datasouth printer is rated to live through 500 million characters. Even in the most demanding applications, this means years of service without an overhaul.

HEAVY DUTY CYCLE

fittA

^^H^^ ^^^ For a Datasouth printer,

"100% duty cycle" is something of an understatement. So far, over 35,000 Datasouth printers have hit the hard copy road, and so few have pulled into the garage for repairs, it's hard to say how close to forever any of them will last.

MORE THAN THE HUM OF ITS PARTS [

There's less to go wrong with a Datasouth printer. With sophisticated microprocessor control and unusually

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JUNE 1984 'BYTE 401

CHAOS MANOR MAIL

[text continued from page 400) what I wrote would even protect him legally (and commented that it must have been written by someone not of the legal profession).

I have enclosed a copy of this disclaimer (see table 1) for your consideration. If you could find the time to read it, Mr. Voglesong and I would be very interested in your opinion of it. If not, at least you know that you are being read and studied!

Penny Hetzer Rochester, NY

This program falls under the Federal Copyright Law and may be used only by the purchaser for his own personal use. PSI designed this software for use in the Apple II and the Epson MX series printers using the Graftrax or Graftrax + character set. With proper application, this program will perform as promised in the manual; PSI, however, is responsible for neither the particular application nor any problems resulting from that input.

Updates and corrections will automatically be received by filling out the registration card packed in the manual. We at PSI invite you to contact us with any questions, problems, or suggestions you might have so that later versions may be even more useful in printing with your system. Table I: The PSI software disclaimer.

I think your disclaimer is great. 1 wish all the software outfits would pay attention to this sort of detail—Jerry

Medical Diagnosis

Dear lerry,

I find your monthly columns of great interest. Unfortunately. I don't file them, and therefore I am writing to request information on how to obtain the software Dr. Lawrence Weed has been developing.

As you probably know, his book on the medical record was a seminal contribution to the organization of medical information. Fifteen years ago he set the stage for the possibilities that microcomputer technology now makes available to us.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

Robert L. Cohen. M.D. East Elmhurst, NY

Dr. Lawrence Weed's address is ProblemKnowledge Coupler. PKC Corporation, RR 1. Box 630, Cambridge, VT 05444.

We got more than a hundred letters asking about Dr. Weed's diagnostics programs; the address was listed under Problem-Knowledge Coupler, but I guess I wasn't clear enough in the article that that's what Dr. Weed calls it.-—lerry

Typewriter Replacements

Dear lerry,

If you were starting out today as a fiction writer, what would be your ideal micro? And, considering a writer's need for large memory storage and quick access to a variety of documents for editing, how would micros offering multiple windows fit into your ideal? Steven A. Hardesty Arlington, VA

Given that I have my choice of almost any system available, obviously I prefer the S-100 system I now use. What I have is a CompuPro "boat-anchor" box that houses a Z80 microprocessor, lots of memory drives, and 8-inch floppy-disk drives. It talks to me through a memory-mapped video board that drives a 15inch monitor: I talk to it on an Archive keyboard. As soon as CompuPro releases its upcoming S-100 video board that emulates the IBM PC display (but will put it up on my 15-inch monitor), I'll change over to that.

I solve the problem of large storage and quick _access to a variety of documents by having a separate S-100 8085/8088 System 8/16 with a 40-megabyte hard disk. That system also drives the printer.

You did say "ideal"

You also could build a "dream system" for writers around the Sage IV: we're even looking into the possibility of using a Macintosh as the terminal for the Sage!

Obviously, not everyone has access to so much equipment.

Writing with computers is so much faster, better, and easier than working with typewriters that it hardly matters what you get, so long as you get a reliable full-service computer, not a games-playing toy. I know writers who love: Zenith Z-100: Apple lie: Sage: IBM PC: Eagle: Otrona: Osborne: Kaypro: Corvus: Wang: Altos: North Star: Vector Graphic: Epson QX-10: and one who's devoted to his Exidy Sorcerer—Jerry

Making Eagles Remember More

Dear Jerry,

As an Eagle 1600 user, I read with great interest your section in the lanuary "User's Column" concerning beefing up the Eagle 1600 by the insertion of several 8K-bit memory chips on the motherboard.

I am interested in increasing my 1600s memory in a similar fashion and would be grateful if you could advise me of the chip's specifications and the cost of acquiring such chips. I note that the existing 128K bytes of my computer are made up of Mitsubishi 8K-bit chips, serial no. FMB 8264-20.

Second, should any special handling precautions be taken while inserting the chip, aside from careful use of an IC tool and correct orientation of the chip? Also, are they simply inserted in the IC sockets immediately adjacent to the existing chips? I note that there are 48 sockets. David W. Fullerton St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

My apologies: I should have given those details then.

You want 8K-bit dynamic-memory chips (4164 types): California Digital lists them at $5.95 in quantities of one. For the Eagle, you need them in sets of eight: for the Zenith Z-l 00 or IBM PC, you'll want them in sets of nine (the extra chip is for storage of the parity bits).

You must be careful of static electricity: do not work in a carpeted area, and be certain to ground yourself before removing the chips from the antistatic foam California Digital sends them in.

Eagle sells memory-upgrade kits with full instructions. That might be a good buy, since you'll also need a second memory-refresh chip (an exact duplicate of the 48-pin refresh chip that's already there: it goes in the empty socket.)—Jerry

Ada Subsets

Dear lerry.

I think it was a great mistake when it was decided not to "permit" Ada subsets. The decision did not prevent subsetting; it just ensured there would be no control over subsets. No one has been able to do any Ada programming without spending a lot of time picking out the nonstandard features of one's particular implementation and finding out which parts of the standard were left out.

The proper approach would have been a phased development using compiler subsets, somewhat as the Stoneman document defined subsets for the Ada programming support environment. Phase 1 would be the kernel "Pascal subset," with strong typing the most important feature. It would include all data types except private and task types. The kernel would also include subprograms and high-level I/O.

Phase 2 would introduce packages—the minimal requirement for a language to call itself Ada—and the other aspects of separate compilation, such as private types and the separation of specifications and bodies. The minimum would also need type-checking across module boundaries—otherwise, the purpose of typechecking is subverted. The final element of the minimum would be representation specifications and low-level I/O to allow the machinedependent data definitions required in any programming for embedded systems.

Phase 3 would be full Ada except for tasking, the most important features being generics and overloading—two aspects of the same topic.

Phase 4 (tasking) would be the final layer, adding all aspects of this difficult and controversial feature. (A lot of disagreement has arisen about the desirability of the rendezvous method of tasking specified in the standard. Its primary use is for networks of computers. However, nothing forces a programmer to use Ada's tasking; individual variations can be created, if necessary.)

The kernel and minimal Ada could be implemented on an 8-bit machine. RR Software has demonstrated that with its lanus compiler. Task

402 BYTE' IUNE 1984

CHAOS MANOR MAIL

ing may be possible only on a 16-bit micro with a multitasking operating system, but interpreter/compiler/OS hybrids like FORTH might be able to manage it.

Larry Carroll Pasadena, CA

Agreed: the much vaunted Department of Defense "control" over subsets of Ada may bring about the opposite of what it intended. Your approach would have been better. Alas, it's too late now.

This is probably the right place to mention an excellent new book. Software Engineering with Modula-2 and Ada, by Richard Wiener and Richard Sincovec (Wiley. 1984). They give a good overview of what Ada is supposed to accomplish, as well as compare its approach with that taken by Modula-2—Jerry

Real Soon Now Blues

Dear lerry,

I want to contribute my recent experience with mail order as a warning to other readers.

In the August 1983 BYTE. 1 found a very tempting ad on page 75. A company called XperSystems promised a database system called Base 1 for $19.95. I called the toll-free number, ordered a copy for my 8-inch CP/M system, and charged it to my MasterCard. On August 10, XperSystems debited the $19.95 to my MasterCard account. At the end of October, 1 still had not received the product. 1 called the 800 number again, which turned out to be a secretarial service that just accepted phone orders. I was given the address of XperSystems: POB 22, Drescher, PA 1902 5. 1 sent a letter asking for the software or my money back before the end of November. Nothing happened. In early December. I called the 800 number once more. This time I was given the number of XperSystems: (415) 526-7110. 1 should ask for Karen Hall and request a refund.

Curious: the phone number is in Albany, California. After many unsuccessful tries, a woman finally answered on December 7. I explained my case, and she promised that Karen Hall would call me the next day. She called me two days later with a thousand excuses. The best one: "The boss of XperSystems is a very fast and effective programmer. He thought all other programmers would be that fast. But they were much slower. This is why we miscalculated the needed time to develop the software." Karen promised a letter within the next couple of weeks to all customers of XperSystems explaining the delay and a planned delivery schedule.

Another two months later and nothing has happened. If XperSystems does still exist and should ever advertise any products, remember my experience.

I do not mind waiting some time for software. I do mind, however, if someone takes my money months before sending the merchandise—if it even exists.

Hanns J. Proenen

Culver City. CA

(text continued on page 404)

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JUNE 1984 -BYTE 403

CHAOS MANOR MAIL

[text continued from page 403)

The other problem i find with Eaglewriter is that it doesn't label all the function keys and makes the user pnjjss two keys to use the powerful "indent'' feature. And why Eagle allows the program to read and write files without making keys for the virtual-memory-architecture (g - get and gd - get done) commands, 1 have yet to figure out. Now that you have your Eagle PC, I suggest you get the SpellBinder manual.

Alas, it's a real problem: it will take months to get an advertisement in the pipeline. Surely, we'll have the software developed long before we get any orders, and we'll need the money as soon as we can get it.

Thus it's advertised; orders come; the product still isn't ready, but the programmers say it will be Real Soon Now . . .

1 know. It has happened to me.

The only thing to do under those circumstances is tell the potential customer that the product isn't yet available—Jerry

Software Genealogy

Dear lerry,

In a recent column you mentioned the "undocumented'' features of Eaglewriter. Actually, there are quite a few if you depend on Eagle's

rewrite of the SpellBinder manual. Frankly, I suggest that anyone who gains Eaglewriter with their purchase should write to Lexisoft, the creator of SpellBinder, and buy the SpellBinder manual. It is far clearer, consisting of two volumes: an easy-to-leam manual for the casual user and a more detailed notebook of all the features. It is worth the investment.

The version to get is 5.12, since that is the one used by Eagle. The new version, which I have not seen yet, is said to be far improved and for the first time is generic; instead of having to tell Lexisoft which of the 50 versions you want (because of specific key assignments with each), it allows the user to define all the keys to preference. I haven't heard if Eagle plans to move up to the new version or not, but I am sure Eagle or Lexisoft would be willing to confide in you if you ask.

But this letter is prompted by the comment by Paul Chisholm in your February column. Ye gods, where did he find Word/12 5. 1 saw it on the HP 12 5 a couple of years ago. It was a lousy implementation of the old SpellBinder 5.04, which must be a minimum of three years old.

As you probably know now from your use of Eaglewriter, Mr. Chisholm can delete in either command or edit mode. In edit mode he can select character, word, sentence, paragraph, or mark (a great feature) for mode forward, mode

back, and mode delete. What could be easier? In command mode, if he wants to take out a line he only has to type Id (or how many lines he wants out) and it is done, lust like lp will print one line, etc. 1 suspect that he hasn't seen the manual or he is using Word/12 5 on something other than an HP 12 5.

In sum, perhaps it is about time to tell your readers that many manufacturers use older versions of word-processing software and then tell you it is "really" XYZ-brand. They just don't say why they were able to license it so inexpensively. Or, as in Eagle's case, it has tacked on a front end and done its own key assignments.

Edward F. Sayle Arlington, VA

Sigh.

Paul Chisholm was using a multiuser system at a major university; perhaps they need to be told to update?

Agreed: the latest SpellBinder is better than the older version of Eaglewriter. Eagle, fortunately is doing an update, although I don't have it yet.

Some people love SpellBinder Some just hate it. In my own case, if I had to use just one editor for everything (text creation, letters, documents, programming). SpellBinder would certainly be a major contender—jerry ■

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BYTE WEST COAST

SoftOffice, the

integrated

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almost wasn't

by Ezra Shapiro

Lessons Learned

SoftOffice is an amiable and powerful integrated software package for word processing, spreadsheets, and database management on the IBM PC or XT, IBMcompatible computers, and the PCjr. It uses character graphics to create icons of familiar desktop items that can be manipulated with a mouse (or "pseudomouse," simulated with cursor-control keys). Windows for raw text or referenced data can be opened and closed easily. Designed to be learned quickly by a novice. SoftOffice also offers options for handling data that allow for a wide range of applications within the shell of the program.

The program first presents you with a familiar screen of a stylized desktop. The display contains a selection of icons—a piece of paper for data entry, a filing cabinet for storage, a wastebasket, a supply closet for duplicate icons or ones that you don't need on a regular basis, a clock and a calculator, a printer (when you want to print something, you place its icon "into" the printer icon), and Max, the Office Assistant.

The program uses a limited number of commands, including GRAB, DROP, POINT, MOVE, COPY, and CLOSE. To exercise a command, you can either click the mouse buttons or press one of the remaining keys on the IBM's numeric keypad that do not control the cursor.

Let's run through a simple text-entry process. You would use the command POINT to specify one of the icons (the sheet of paper, say) by placing the cursor on it. To produce a fresh sheet for yourself you'd use the COPY command on the icon. Then you would execute the GRAB command and MOVE the copy to a convenient position on the screen, where you would DROP it. Next, you would OPEN it (create a window) and enter your text by typing it on the keyboard. To finish, you would CLOSE the window. If you decided that you did not like what you had done, you could DELETE your sheet of paper. You can have as many windows open at one time as you want. Simple, isn't it?

The commands are available for several levels of the program. POINT can be used to mark the beginning and end of a section of text that you can then MOVE or COPY within

a document or between documents (of course, you could also DELETE the section). Using the OPEN command on a paragraph instructs the program to display a "dashboard," a short menu of formatting choices that can be used to modify the appearance of the paragraph. (SoftOffice assumes that you will want a basic format that will be changed infrequently. Once you have finished a paragraph with an unusual dashboard, the next paragraph reverts to the original styling guidelines.) Text re-forms with no intervention, and work is saved to disk automatically. (The program uses an algorithm that borrows small fractions of time from periods of keyboard inactivity to take care of maintenance.)

The program can handle two types of data, raw text and "data cells." You toggle between types by pressing the Insert key. Data cells can be indexed to one another and used to construct spreadsheets, databases, and form letters. What is more, data cells linked to other information can be dropped into text; it is possible, for example, to have a data cell in the middle of a paragraph related to spreadsheet data cells located well apart from the text (even in another document). Depending on how the formulas for the data cells are worded, changing the cell in text could cause automatic recalculation of the spreadsheet, or vice versa. The dashboard for data cells lets you enter formulas and references in straightforward, English-like syntax.

Items can be placed "inside" any container that makes sense; that is. you can open the filing cabinet and store a document in it, but you can't store the wastebasket in a document. Likewise, you can enter data in any logical spot—the front of the filing cabinet, a piece of paper, and so on. Max, the Office Assistant, is available for complex tasks; you can call on him to close all documents open on the screen and store them neatly in the filing cabinet. He also appears at appropriate moments to warn you of an impending calamity.

[text continued on page 406)

Ezra Shapiro is a technical editor at BYTE's West Coast bureau. He can be reached at McGraw-Hill, 425 Battery St.. San Francisco. CA 94111.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 405

BYTE WEST COAST

'Venture capitalists turn you down by remaining enthusiastic forever, and that's essentially what happened to us.

{text continued from page 405)

The History

SoftOffice wasn't always the integrated software package that it is now. In fact, the evolution of SoftOffice makes for an interesting case study of how things can change over the course of a softwaredevelopment project. Late in 1982, Bruce Van Natta was introduced to a programmer from Orange County, California, who had an idea for an electronic-mail program that incorporated a fancy text editor with windows. Van Natta, a founder of 1MSAI Corporation and later of MicroPro, had planned to retire but found that he couldn't stand not working. In addition, his complex tax picture required that he invest $100,000 in something—anything. So in early 1983 he assembled a six-person team for the project in his living room. A few days later, the group rented office space (with Van Natta's money) and became the SoftOffice Company.

One of Van Natta's first acts as president of the new firm was to recruit a former associate from MicroPro, Phoebe Williams, who had been instrumental in the design and documentation of Starburst, MicroPro's umbrella program for word and data processing. She was asked to participate in the development of the final specifications for the program and to help draft a business plan. Williams flew in from Oklahoma for what she thought would be a long weekend as a consultant; instead, she stayed on as part of SoftOffice.

Williams recalls, "When I saw what they were doing and talked to them, 1 was convinced that it was a real hit. Plus 1 really wanted to work with Bruce again.

"We set out to follow the classic path of writing a business plan, trying to get around to venture-capital guys and get $1.2 million and have a full-fledged company—develop the product, put a marketing team together, and have the thing introduced at COMDEX '83 in

November. The programmer said that he and perhaps 8 or 10 other guys could make the product in 11 months.

"So we wrote a business plan and had it ready the third week of February, but by this time we had already discovered that part of our team was neither competent nor willing to be part of a venture like this." Two members of the group were fired at the end of February, and a third at the end of March. The team dwindled to Van Natta, Williams, the programmer, and one other staffer handling legal and administrative affairs.

"By now," Williams continues, "Bruce and 1 are trudging out full-time to talk to venture capitalists. Did we talk to them! I'll bet we talked to between 35 and 50 firms. We weren't smart enough to realize that the fact that we talked to that many meant we were already doomed. I mean, within the first half-dozen, somebody had said to somebody else in the finance community. These guys don't have the right stuff.' But it took us six months to figure that out. Somebody early on said that venture capitalists turn you down by remaining enthusiastic forever, and that's essentially what happened to us."

Both Williams and Van Natta attribute their failure to a lack of the "correct" executive background. Van Natta feels that his bid to be president of the firm was the major stumbling block. Though he had played a major role in both the launch of the IMSAI 8080, one of the first business microcomputers, and the WordStar word-processing program, and though he had held high-level positions at MicroPro in operations and corporate planning, he had not had direct profitand-loss responsibility. The venturecapital firms wanted a president with "the right marketing credentials," says Van Natta, "somebody who had marketed this stuff before, successfully."

By June of '83, neither Van Natta nor Williams had been paid for six months, but the firm had spent the initial $100,000 and an additional $20,000 besides. Williams goes on, "So here we are—our furniture is being repossessed, we're sitting in our office at the end of June, there's not a shred of money in the bank, we have no hope of getting money to fund the company, none of us has any personal resources left, and this is the end of it, right? So everyone departs the scene."

That was very nearly the end of SoftOffice, but both Van Natta and Williams had become fascinated with the idea of the editor that was to have been the icing on the cake of a slick electronic-mail system. A week after closing down the office, the two of them decided to move operations to an unused porch at Van Natta's house, borrow money to live on, and try to complete the project.

Very little had been finished—a product description, a few nonfunctional demonstration disks, and a small amount of actual program code. The first real task was defining the philosophy of the new product. Van Natta and Williams had already established several points. SoftOffice was to be a visual editor that used icons, windows, and a mouse, not an electronic-mail system. In Williams's words, "Granted, electronic mail was.real sexy, but first of all, there wasn't a lot of application (there weren't that many networks installed and so forth), and we didn't think that it was a particularly hard thing to do." The editor would use the desktop metaphor, and commands would be derived from what users did in real-life situations rather than from programming convenience. And every command would have an immediate, onscreen effect. If nothing happens that you can't see. Van Natta reasoned, there would be no complex problems for you to untangle.

The basic guideline the two used was that if they experienced difficulty describing what was supposed to happen, the action itself was overly complicated and should be rethought. There were to be no error messages. "Every time you run into something where you have to give the user an error message," says Van Natta, "you have some sort of unnatural limitation. So the solution is not to have pretty, easy-to-understand error messages but to not have limitations that people are going to run into so that you have error messages." Finally, all commands would work the same way on all levels of the program.

"We had some experience with the windowing part of it," Van Natta explains. "In other words, opening and closing windows, making them bigger and smaller—and we knew we could do that with very few commands, in a very natural way. The real open question was whether the same philosophy and the (text continued on page 408)

406 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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(text continued from page 406) same commands and the same simplicity—and it had to be the same commands and the same simplicity and the same metaphors—could go all the way into the editor. So there wouldn't be this shock as you passed from the desk into the editor.. ."

". . . into the windows and doing your actual work," Williams interrupts. "That was the part we were scared about. Then one weekend we talked about it for several hours each day, and we accomplished the design. In two days we realized how to do it, and we saw that we could do it consistently." She adds, "We looked at the kinds of things people put on paper, and we came up with two categories. First, paragraphs, stuff that you were going to type in; it was pretty much just going to sit there—it should re-form, you should be able to format in different ways, set the line spacing on it and stuff like that—but it wasn't going to do anything special.

"Then there was something other than plain old text—something that could be told to behave in special ways, told to recalculate itself, told to go and sit somewhere else in the system. I don't know how to describe it—one thing's sort of vanilla and the other's sort of a traveling medicine show on a real small scale. We decided that the second thing would be called a 'data cell,' for want of a better term, and it would be almost a little island that could hold a text reference, information from somewhere else, a formula, a number, a date, a percentage. It could display itself in about seven or eight different ways. We can fit everything you could possibly write into those two categories."

As Williams worked on refining the design specs for the program, Van Natta began to write the code for it in Pascal. He hadn't done much coding for several years, but after about a month the components of the program began to take shape. Initially, he borrowed routines that

the original programmer had contributed to the first stage of the project. As he went along, however, he found himself rewriting everything in simpler, tighter code. Work progressed, and Williams and Van Natta found two important things happening. First, their rules did work in all areas, and they could resolve any roadblocks by applying the rules carefully. Second, as the functionality of SoftOffice grew more complex, the actual program shrank in size.

"Instead of taking the easy way out and saying, 'Oh well, I guess we'll just have to have this edge be a little rough over here,' we just stayed at it until the problem solved itself inside the design criteria and the philosophies. We were pretty clear on what the philosophies were, which made it relatively easy to do things," says Van Natta.

The issue of error messages was a

good case in point. In keeping with their

general philosophy, there were to be no

(text continued on page 410)

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(tot continued from page 408) error messages because there were to be no obvious limitations on what the user could do. "An example of that is how long the name of a piece of paper can be," Van Natta says. "Well. I think there is some upper limit, something like 32 million characters. Nobody could type in that many. Why do you need that? Sixteen would have been plenty; Visi On gives you 12. The point is that if we don't have to have a limit, you never run into it, 1 don't have to have the code to check it, I don't have to have an error message, and I don't have to document it. The same philosophy is used throughout the entire system. We just don't have error conditions.

"A paragraph can be no longer than 32.000 characters. If somebody actually gets a paragraph longer than 32.000 characters, we're going to be in trouble. 1 don't think a single document can be longer than about 1500 pages. Of course, that would probably take up something like 7 megabytes—it would take a long time to get from one end to the other—but if someone put one in we might run into a bad error condition. It has limits way, way out there like that."

As Williams explains it, "We have what you probably consider 'warning conditions.' For instance, if you're running SoftOffice on a 128K-byte PCjr with a 360Kbyte floppy, you're going to have more than one disk. You may run your office for a month on one disk, and then comes next month—you're full and it's time to move your office to another disk.

"The way the warning will occur is not that the machine will stop working and some error message will come up on the screen; what will happen is that Max will start waving his arms or pop up from beneath something on the screen. He'll have a piece of paper in his hand, and you'll open the paper and it will say, 'Disk is 92 percent full—you'd better do something about it now. Here's what to do—I'll help you.' And he will carry things from your current office disk to the next one."

Van Natta adds, "We wanted the system to be modeless, and we also wanted it never to trap you anyplace. If you're right in the middle of a paragraph doing something, you can move off and do something else and come back and you're right there. One of the problems [text continued on page 412)

410 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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1UNE 1984 'BYTE 411

BYTE WEST COAST

"The delay helped us make a better product because we were forced to think about it'.

[text continued from page 410) with error messages is that, the way that they're normally done, you're trapped at the error message; you must do something to respond to that message before you're allowed to do anything else. When the office assistant jumps up, waves his piece of paper at you, and says, 'Disk is getting full,' you don't have to fix that problem right then. You can finish up what you're doing, and then— at a convenient time for you—solve the problem."

Williams adds, "There's no such thing as getting into the middle of something and not being able to leave it and do something else, which is true in no other program that I can think of. In SoftOffice, you're not required to finish something that you start. And if you leave it in the middle and come back, it'll be in the same state as when you left it."

"Internally, the way the system works is that keystrokes and commands sort of rain down on the objects," Van Natta explains. "The 'manager,' the code inside that manages this thing that you're typing into, every once in a while sees a character come at him and does something. Since he intrinsically doesn't have any sense of time, the fact that you went over and rained characters on another object—or went on vacation for a weekhas no meaning for him.

"Because we've had everything work the same, I started off with 15 managers, and now there are just two—a manager that takes care of paragraphs and data cells, and a manager that takes care of papers, containers, everything elseobjects. When the paper manager is over managing a piece of paper, he's not remembering he was over there and the next thing that needs to be done over there. He's a completely free-form manager, and he comes over here and picks up all the information here so that when this character rains down on this piece of paper, the system says, 'Okay, we're over a piece of paper. Let's call the paper manager and give him the character and tell him we're raining it on this particular object.' And if you move your cursor to another spot and rain over it, the system again just tells the paper manager, 'Here's your character, here's your object, now do it.'"

What started out as a program that required a hard disk and a large amount of RAM (random-access read/write memory) wound up as less than 128K bytes of compiled code that could conceivably (in cartridge form) run on a 64K-byte PCjr with no disk drives at all. Williams and Van Natta are excited about the possibilities of SoftOffice as a program for an environment with a larger computer, say a PC XT, as the mother to a cluster of satellite PCjrs. Because the program works the same way on any computer, they believe operators would experience little or no difficulty moving from one workstation to another. Electronic mail and networking, once the original purpose of the program, will be held back until the second or third version of Soft

Office hits the market—and at that time, they figure, networking with small machines will make SoftOffice a very attractive package.

The Finished Product

The story appears to have a happy ending. In March of this year. Van Natta and Williams were negotiating with a publisher interested in marketing the program and were confident that SoftOffice would appear as a finished product in midsummer, a bit less than two years after the first steps toward it were taken.

Looking back, Williams reflects, "We pretty much took the basic ideas that we'd developed during the first six months of '83 and started to build the design around those. It's now quite different from what the former programmer had originally conceived. But in a way, the delay—or what we think of as a crucial loss of six months' timehelped us to make a better product because we were forced to think about it. I'm sure that the design we had in the fall of '83 was far different from the one we had at the beginning of the year, and a far better one. We were forced into retreating to the basement, and now we're both glad of it and would do it that way again."

Van Natta comments, "If I had to do it over again, I would start off in the basement, with far fewer people. I might have gone to the venture-capital community, but only at the stage where the program was done developing." The lesson, and his advice to anyone with an idea for a program, is simple: "Learn a programming language, code it up, and find someone to publish it." ■

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412 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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THE HP 110

(tot continued from page 1131

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Photo 5: EacA o/ the HP 110 Help categories is supported with a full screen of

information.

(even the Lotus Help screens) exists in electronic memory, movement, recalculation, and graphics are all blindingly fast; in fact, the slowest part of the system is the LCD. Unless you're dealing with an extremely large spreadsheet and very complex formulas, chances are you'll wait longer for a screen update than for number crunching.

The Terminal program can be used for data transfer for all three of the HP 110's output interfaces, RS-232C, auto-dial/ auto-answer modem, and HP1L.

The DOS Commands option lets you dispense with PAM entirely and operate the 110 as you would any standard MSDOS machine.

You can, of course, load other soft

ware into the electronic disk—within reason (a large program that needs full system RAM would be impossible). The HP 110 is essentially a "generic" MSDOS computer; any programs that use only operating-system calls, rather than direct calls to the system ROM BIOS (basic input/output system), and can be configured to use the 110's smaller screen size should run acceptably. Also, any programs that are written for other Hewlett-Packard MS-DOS computers (significantly, the HP 150), that can be configured for the screen, and that use only HP escape sequences should be okay. Thus, the 110 isn't fully compatible with any other machine; it bears a family resemblance to the 150, but it's not an identical twin. Many programs that run on the 150 should run on the 110, but there are no guarantees.

Hewlett-Packard claims to have done more market research on this product than on any other HP device before it; much of that study went into determining the software bundle. The company apparently believes that the current package will best suit the needs of today's portable computer user.

Although the ROM chips that will be distributed in the product will be permanent (unerasable), the ROMs used during prototype production and testing were EPROM (erasable programmable ROM) chips, and the company candidly admits that it is working with potential high-volume customers to help those firms develop customized software packages for their employees. There is no talk at present of optional software configurations for single users, but Hewlett-Packard representatives will not rule out the possibility. It stands to reason that a skilled hardware/software hacker or entrepreneur could implement alternative firmware for the HP 110.

System Peripherals

The 110's HPIL interface enables you to connect the computer to two batterypowered peripherals specifically designed to be part of a component system: the Thinkjet printer (see the April BYTE West Coast, page 82) and the new HP 9114 portable disk drive. Both units weigh about 6 pounds, have the same exterior dimensions, and operate for about eight hours of continuous use [text continued on page 416)

414

1 YT E • IUNE 1984

The Toughest Statistical

Problems Now Have A

Simple Solution.

ABstat.

Introduce yourself to ABstat.

It's the simplest solution to your statistical problems. And for several very good reasons, it may very well be the best statistical data analysis system on the market.

First, ABstat is comprehensive.

Whether your task is simple or complex, ABstat completes it quickly and efficiently. With powerful routines analyzing and manipulating your data. For starters, descriptive statistics for selected variables. Chi-square, analysis of variance, correlations, crosstabulations, multiple regressions, and tests of hypothesis. Just to name a few.

ABstat is also very simple to use. And it's fast. With ABstat, you don't need to enter a lot of commands to perform a function. And that means easier data manipulation, and more control. Plus, you've got a built-in editor that will simplify your data input. Or you can read data directly from your ASCII or dBase II files.

What's more, you don't need previous computer experience. ABstat is command driven. And even if you get stuck on a procedure, all you have to do is enter a "?" for immediate help.

ABstat is very much at home on the IBM PC. As well as many other makes of microcomputers. All you need is a CP/M, CP/M-86, MS-DOS, or PC-DOS operating system. And a reasonable $395. Right now, ABstat is solving problems in manufacturing, marketing, medical research, mining, petroleum, pharmaceuticals, and transportation. In major corporations from Xerox to Quaker Oats and British Petroleum. And in hundreds of small businesses, too. One last bit of information. If you call 1-800-255-5550, ext 310, you'll get a free ABstat brochure and the name of your nearest ABstat dealer. Or write us at P. 0. Box 191, Canon City, CO 81212, (303) 275-1661.

AndersonBell

TURNING INFORMATION INTO INSIGHT

Circle 29 on inquiry card.

dBASE II is a trademark of Ashton-Tate. IBM PC and PC-DOS are trademarks of International Business Machines Corp. CP/M and CP/M-86 are trademarks of Digital Research Corp. MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

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THE HP 110

(6a)

Ml (CD .'f.

ISilesFerscr.

I'Alfr I 1**1 ict

S iHlsi til >

eries <*r >

' it In (SI >

1111 ■ |

tnb.tl

125.«)

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St*va S«ll« Cir«»» Sharl

S*l*«£«f*cr „«,

Photo 6: lotus 1-2-3 on the HP 110 (6a). All Lotus features are fully implemented, Including 1-2-3's Help system, 6b shows the bit-mapped graphics chart produced from the table in 6a.

(text continued from page 414) without recharging. The Thinkjet is a high-speed dot-matrix ink-jet printer that handles 8'/2- by 11-inch single sheets or the equivalent tractor-feed fanfold paper; the 9114 uses one 3S4inch Sony microfloppy-disk drive that stores 71 OK bytes per disk. It's possible to set up the two peripherals and the 110 on a picnic table and run a full computer system without a single wall socket. Hewlett-Packard even sells a vinyl carrying case for all three units that fits under an airline coach seat.

HP is marketing (along with a card that drops into an IBM-PC expansion slot) software on a 5!4-irich PC format disk that enables the 110 to use the IBM's disk drives for mass storage. If the microcomputer industry has surrendered the Fortune 1000 personal computer market to IBM, as many analysts think, Hewlett-Packard is attempting to gain control of the Fortune 1000 portable computer market.

The HPIL can be connected to a wide variety of Hewlett-Packard interface converters, enabling the 110 to talk to the large range of HP peripherals (plotters,

controllers, hard-disk drives, etc.) and devices designed to link to other HP computers. To make things even easier, the 110's Terminal program includes emulation of the HP 2621 terminal. The 110 can be linked to up to eight peripheral drives or devices; one 110 could conceivably use eight others as temporary disk drives.

Conclusions

The HP 110 is a fast little computer, as functional as most desktop units, with a large line of peripherals available. But the portable computer market is mushrooming; new products are multiplying at a tremendous rate. What might very well distinguish the 110 from the rest of the pack is its simple approach to solving the problems of portability.

Software in ROM and disk emulation in RAM are not new ideas. As employed in the 110, though, they free you from both the constant fussing with mass storage and the waiting time associated with disk access.

Can a computer user accept that much freedom? The Hewlett-Packard 110 makes that a good question. ■

CAD SOFTWARE

FOR

ARCHITECTS

Architectural Record, the largest and most influential business-to-business publication in the architectural field, regularly updates its architect and engineer readers on working with computers through features, columns, departments, even special issues.

Many of our readers already know about and use computers for estimating construction costs and time, business management, drafting and storing drawings.

But what they really want to know about is design.

Do you know of any? Can you adapt yours?

And that means any Computer-Aided 1

And that means any Computer-Aided Design systems that

■ are free and flexible enough to allow for true creativity;

■ have database structures broad enough to accept a huge variety of seemingly unrelated facts;

■ integrate graphic and non-graphic data;

■ display perspective and axonometric projections;

■ have wide-ranging color capabilities;

■ are compatible with project management software;

■ don't require a great deal of training.

In others words, Architectural Record readers are very interested in CAD software that was designed specifically for architects, to increase quality and control of design.

What do you have to sell architects —or just tell them about? Send complete details to: James B. Gardner, Architectural Record, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Or, tell us whom to contact for information by returning the postage-paid card.

ARCHITECTURAL RECORD

m

Circle 36 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 417

FASTER FORTH

The kernel of a typical TIL system is relatively small (8K is not unusual).

[text continued from page 129)

2DUP cycles = NEXT + RUN + COLON

+ NEXT + RUN + DUP

+ RETURN + NEXT +

RUN + DUP + RETURN

+ NEXT + RUN + SEMI

= 358 + DUP + DUP

(pointer-threaded)

Although 2DUP could obviously be more efficiently defined as a primitive, the point Jiere is that each secondary call requires a minimum of 3 58 clock cycles beyond that required by the actual machine code for the operation. The DUP instruction takes 32 cycles in

8088 code, so that the 2DUP secondary word takes about five times as long to execute as the equivalent assembly code. This ratio is probably typical for secondary words.

By contrast, subroutine-threaded code is conceptually simple and efficient. The only overhead required for a primitive consists of a CALL instruction and a RET instruction. The CALL instruction replaces the NEXT and RUN routines of the pointer-threaded inner interpreter. The number of processor cycles required to execute a subroutinethreaded primitive is:

primitive cycles = CALL + body + RET = 43 + body (subroutine-threaded)

This overhead is only slightly more than half of that required using the pointerthreaded technique. Moreover, a simple primitive that ordinarily would be extremely inefficient may be invoked as a

I

BASIC Discovers Shorthand.

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macro Doing so would eliminate the execution overhead entirely.

For secondary words there are similar savings. For example, the 2 DUP word considered above would require three CALL/RET pairs for execution:

2DUP cycles

■■ 129 + DUP + DUP (subroutine-threaded)

The overhead here is only about twice the machine code, rather than five times, as before. Furthermore, for timecritical applications, or if sufficient memory is available, the DUP operations could be selected to be macros as mentioned earlier, reducing the overhead to a quite respectable 43 cycles. Note that doing this effectively changes 2 DUP to a primitive, even though it was defined by the user. Thus, in macro/subroutine-threaded code, true primitives can be created within the high-level language: this is not possible with pointerthreaded or pure subroutine-threaded code. These user-created primitives could themselves be treated as macros, although in most cases it would not be practical to do so.

Another advantage of subroutine threading is that it uses fewer dedicated processor registers. As you can see in listing 1, the pointer-threaded language discussed by Loeliger requires four registers beyond the program counter (PC) and stack pointer (SP) for efficient operation. Subroutine-threaded code, on the other hand, needs only one other dedicated register (e.g.. SI) to serve as the data stack pointer.

Macro/subroutine-threaded code is clearly more efficient than pointerthreaded code from the point of view of execution speed and use of processor resources. However, it does use more memory. The primitives in each form of threading use about the same amount of memory, but the secondary words of subroutine-threaded code without macros are about 50 percent larger than the equivalent secondary words of pointer-threaded code because one byte is required for each CALL instruction. The additional memory requirement for subroutinethreaded code may not be a significant problem for three reasons:

I) The kernel of a typical TIL system (text continued on page 420)

418 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 44 on inquiry card.

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FASTER FORTH

(text continued from page 418)

is relatively small (8K is not unusual

for compiler/interpreter, editor, and

assembler).

2) Many newer microcomputers can address much more memory than previously possible.

3) Memory is significantly less expensive now than it was when FORTH was first introduced.

However, if macro capability is included in the subroutine-threaded language, things can quickly get out of hand. Unless you are careful to define as macros only relatively short or infrequently used words, the repetition of machine code as new words are defined can expand the program memory considerably. For this reason a good rule of thumb might be to avoid treating user-defined words as macros.

{text continued on page 422)

Listing 1: A translation of loeliger's generic inner interpreter into 8088 assembly-language code.

;Assignment of Loeliger's generic registers to 8088 registers

I -> DI WA -> BP CA -> CX RS -> SI SP -> SP PC -> PC

Instruction register Word address register Code address register Return stack pointer Data stack pointer Processor program counter

: Loeliger's inner interpreter translated to 8088 code

COLON: ; 39 processor cycles DEC SI DEC SI MOV ISII.DI MOV Dl.BP (MP NEXT

SEMI: : 21 processor cycles DW OFFSET SEMI + 2 MOV DI.ISII INC SI INC SI

NEXT: : 2 1 processor cycles MOV BP.|DI| INC DI INC DI

RUN: : 46 processor cycles MOV CX.DS:|BP| INC BP INC BP CALL CX

RETURN: ; 1 5 processor cycles IMP NEXT

420 BYTE' IUNE 1984

THE 8087IS «V STOCK!

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE 421

FASTER FORTH

[text continued from page 420)

Nevertheless, being able to selectively use macros is such a great advantage that it is probably worth choosing subroutine threading over pointer threading. Add to this the speed advantage and conceptual simplicity of hardware CALL/RET over the software inner interpreter, and a fairly strong case can be made for the choice of subroutine threading.

Comments on the Data Stack

Aside from the overhead of threading, the major limitation to program efficiency is the use of an in-memory stack. Consider, for example, the simple task of taking two numbers from memory, adding them together, and storing the result in memory. For simplicity, I assume that the two numbers and their sum are each 2 bytes long and previously have been given names in a data segment. The 8086/8088 assembly code might be:

MOV AX, NUM1 ADD AX, NUM2

MOV SUM.AX

.LOAD THE 1ST

NUMBER ;ADD THE 2ND

NUMBER TO

THE 1ST ;PUT RESULT

INTO

MEMORY

This requires 53 cycles to execute on an 8088 processor.

Now consider doing the same thing with the intermediate use of the data stack. In FORTH the operation would be:

NUM1 @ NUM2 @ + SUM !

To illustrate the process in assembly language I'll use the mnemonics PUSHD and POPD to indicate pushing to or popping from the data stack. For pointer-threaded code these will be the same as the 8086/8088 PUSH and POP instructions. Listing 2 gives the translation of PUSHD and POPD for subroutine-threaded code. Using the stack for intermediate storage, an assembly-code translation of the above FORTH phrase might resemble listing 3.

This may be an extreme case, but it does illustrate the inefficiency of using the data stack in FORTH when data is frequently pushed to the stack and im

mediately pulled from it to perform an operation. Excluding overhead, 224 machine cycles are necessary for the 8088 processor, primarily because of the many memory references. If the efficiency of a stack-oriented TIL such as

FORTH is to be further improved, it is imperative to speed up the stack operations or eliminate some of them entirely through the use of an optimizing incremental compiler. The latter alter(text continued on page 424)

Listing 2: PUSHD and POPD instructions in 8088 assembly-language subroutine-threaded code. The SI register acts as the data stack pointer.

;PUSHD register to data stack

DEC SI DEC SI MOV |SI|,register

:POPD top of data stack to register

MOV register.|SI| INC SI INC SI

Listing 3:

Assembly language program using PUSHD and POPD mnemonics, il

lustrating use of the stack.

Forth word NUMI

MOV BX,OFFSET NUMI

; GET ADDRESS OF 1ST NUMBER

PUSHD BX

; PUSH ADDRESS TO STACK Forth word @

POPD BX

: GET ADDRESS FROM STACK

PUSHD |BX]

; PUSH 1ST NUMBER TO STACK Forth word NUM2

MOV BX.OFFSET NUM2

; GET ADDRESS OF 2ND NUMBER

PUSHD BX

; PUSH ADDRESS TO STACK Forth word @

POPD BX

: GET ADDRESS FROM STACK

PUSHD |BX|

: PUSH 2ND NUMBER TO STACK Forth word +

POPD AX

: GET NUM2 FROM STACK

POPD BX

; GET NUMI FROM STACK

ADD AX,BX

; ADD NUMI AND NUM2

PUSHD AX

; PUSH RESULT TO STACK Forth word SUM

MOV BX,OFFSET SUM

; GET ADDRESS TO STORE RESULT

PUSHD BX

; PUSH ADDRESS TO STACK Forth word !

POPD BX

; GET ADDRESS OF SUM FROM STACK

POPD AX

; GET NUMI +NUM2 FROM STACK

MOV |BX|,A>

; STORE RESULT

Listing 4: Modified PUSHD and POPD instructions. The data stack is now made up of the SI, BP, CX, and ES registers.

; PUSHD register to data stack

MOV ES.CX MOV CXBP MOV BP.S1 MOV SI, register

POPD top of data stack to register

MOV register.SI MOV SI.BP MOV BP.CX MOV CX.ES

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FASTER FORTH

Subroutine threading can reduce execution overhead and at the same time use fewer processor registers than pointer threading of code. \t can also be adapted to any microprocessor.

(tot continued from page 422)

native is beyond the scope of this

article.

One way to increase the speed of stack operations is to use some of the 8086/8088 registers for the data stack. For example, the registers I have used in my own TIL are SI, BP, CX. and ES. Excluding the program counter and stack pointer, this leaves four generalpurpose registers and three segment registers for coding the primitives of the language. These are sufficient for all but a very few primitive operations. If one or more of the dedicated registers is required for a particular operation, their contents can be temporarily saved on the return stack and recovered before the return to the calling routine. The code for the four-register PUSHD and POPD mnemonics mentioned above is given in listing 4. Using the dedicated registers, pushing data from one of the general-purpose registers to the data stack requires only 8 machine cycles, compared to 22 cycles for the subroutine-threaded PUSHD instruction of listing 2. The comparison for a POPD instruction is very similar.

A four-element data stack is sufficiently large to handle all standard FORTH single-precision primitives as well as the binary double-precision operations. With careful planning it is also large enough for virtually any high-level TIL program. If necessary, the four-register stack can be supplemented by defining two new primitives, < < and > >. The < < word pushes the two lowest elements of the data stack to the return stack for temporary storage. The > > word reverses this by pulling two 16-bit numbers from the return stack and storing them in the two lowest registers of the data stack. The only caution for using them is that < < must be followed by > > before the end of a loop

or end of the definition. This prevents other uses for the return stack, such as holding do-loop indexes, from being adversely affected. If a still faster stack is desired, and double-precision operations are not required, a three-register stack could be used, along with the < < and > > words.

There are two additional advantages of using a register-based, three- or fourelement data stack. First, it discourages the poor programming practice of stringing a lot of words together that push numbers to the stack, followed by a string of operators that act on those numbers. It is much easier to follow the flow of FORTH code in which only a few numbers are on the stack at any given time. The other benefit is that programming errors that overflow the stack do not halt processing, which sometimes occurs with stacks that are not limited in extent.

Evaluation and Conclusions

In order to evaluate the utility of the ideas discussed above, I modified the FORTH version of the Sieve of Eratosthenes program (see reference 2). In the modified program, the data stack contains no more than three numbers at any one time. This program was then run on a version of FORTH that uses macro/subroutine threading and a threeelement data stack. Most of the primitives of the language used in the program were defined as macros. The program requires 21 seconds to execute 10 loops, compared to about 5 5 seconds for PC/FORTH and FORTH Level II (see text box). So far as I am aware, these two execute the FORTH Sieve program on the IBM PC faster than any other commercial versions. The improvement in execution speed by a factor of 2.5 results in a language that compares favorably with most of the C compilers

presently available for the IBM PC (see reference 4). Other benchmark programs produce similar relative comparisons.

It is obvious that the two techniques that I have suggested for improving the execution speed of a TIL are successful. Subroutine threading is probably the more important of the two. It can reduce execution overhead and at the same time use fewer processor registers than pointer threading of code. It can also be adapted to any microprocessor. Programmers interested in designing their own TIL will likely find these techniques easy to work with since the program flow is controlled by hardware subroutine calls rather than an additional layer of software. Moreover, since the implementation is transparent to the user, FORTH can be written to use it without any required change to the language. Finally, a simple extension lets the user choose macro substitution for more rapid execution.

The other suggestion, using three or four registers for the stack, should also be seriously considered. Since it requires some modification of the standard, it may not be suitable for FORTH. It may, however, prove useful to programmers who want to construct their own TIL for a 16-bit, multiregister microcomputer. ■

REFERENCES

1. Brodie, Leo. Starting FORTH. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1981.

2. Giibreath. lira and Gary Gilbreath. "Eratosthenes Revisited: Once More through the Sieve." BYTE, January 1983, page 283.

3. Loeliger. R. G. Threaded Interpretive languages. Peterborough. NH: BYTE Books, 1981.

4. Phraner, Ralph A. "Nine C Compilers for the IBM PC." BYTE, August 1983, page 134.

5. Ritter, Terry, and Gregory Walker. "Varieties of Threaded Code for Language Implementation." BYTE, September 1980. page 206.

6. Scanlon, Leo I. IBM PC Assembly language Programming. Bowie, MD: Robert I. Brady Co., 1983.

FORTH Uvel 11 is available from The Software Worfe. 1032 Elwell Court. Suite 210. Palo Alto. CA 94303.

PC/FORTH is available from laboratory Microsystems Inc., POB 10430, Marina del Rey. CA 90295.

424 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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ADA PRIMER

[text continued from page 134)

new_line; end hello;

This version of the hello program should display the same result as before: Hello, world!

Variables, Assignment, and Output

Variables in Ada may have long names (as long as a line) but must fit on a single line. All variables must be declared explicitly in the declaration part of a program or in a package. Look at the following example.

- vartada

-- Introduce variables

with text io; use texLio;

procedure variable is

- for integer io package integer io is

new text io.integer io(integer);

use integer io;

- declaration for integer variable

- named age

age : integer; - declaration for integer variable named age

begin

age := 40;

put ("This year Sam is ");

put (age,2);

put(" years old.");

new_line; end variable;

This program demonstrates several of Ada's features. First we tell the program we want to input and output integers.

We do this by creating a new package, integer io. based on

the original integer io package, a collection of subprograms

in the package text_io. This original package can input and output data of all the integer data types—yes, there can be more than one integer data type. A statement that creates a package for a specific data type from a general package definition is called a generic package instantiation. The use statement use integer io states that we want to use the new

package.

The third statement in the declaration part of the program (before the begin) declares an integer variable named age. You must use the full name of the data type, not its abbreviation. The name of the variable comes first, then a colon (:), and then its data type. Integer is one of the predefined data types available in Ada as defined in the package standard. Other predefined data types are Boolean, float, character, and string. Package standard is always available to a user even though it is not called for in a with or use statement.

In the executable part of the program, the first statement assigns the integer value 40 to the variable named age. The assignment statement in Ada uses the combination of a : (colon) and an = (equal sign) to represent an assignment operator (e.g., age := 40).

Two forms of the put statement follow the assignment statement. The first form outputs a character string. The other

(text continued on page 430)

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[text continued from page 428)

form, which has two parameters, outputs the value in age in

two columns. The result of executing this program is:

This year Sam is 40 years old.

An Ada program rarely uses the plain integer data type for variables. In most cases, an integer subtype should be used instead to protect the program from erroneous data. When an integer data type is used, the variable can take on a wide range of values (e.g., -20,000,000 to +20,000,000). Such a large range is inappropriate for representing someone's age. A more typical range for this program might be 0 to 99. The following program shows how this is done.

- var2.ada

- Introduce variables and subtypes with text_io; use text_io; procedure variable is

- for integer io

package integer io is

new text_io.integer_io(integer); use integer io;

subtype age_Jype is integer range 0..99;

- declaration for age_type variable age : age_type;

begin

age := 40;

put ("This year Sam is ");

put (age,2);

put(" years old.");

new_line; end variable;

The statement that begins with the declaration subtype defines an integer data type that has a restricted range (or constraint) between 0 and 99. The two periods in a row (..) are used to represent a range, as in Pascal. Because the basic

data type is still integer, integer io can still be used to display

the value of age, which could not be assigned to a negative value or to a value beyond 99.

Looping with while and Incrementing

Here's a small looping program.

- whileLada

- The while construct

with text_io; use text io;

procedure while loop is

- for integer io package integer io is

new text io.integer io(integer);

use integer io;

subtype count_type is integer range 1.5; count: count_type;

begin count := 1;

while count < = 4 loop - A

put (count * 10, 2); - B

[text continued on page 432)

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ADA PRIMER

{text continued from page 430)

new_Line;

count := count + 1; - C

end loop; - D

end while loop;

The loop consists of the statement between loop and end loop (beginning with the end of line A and ending with line D). Line A tests the expression count<4. The loop continues to execute as long as count is less than or equal to 4.

The three statements in the loop display a two-column number, move to the next line, and increment the variable count with an assignment statement. Note that the put subprogram can display an arithmetic expression, in this instance, count * 10 . The asterisk signifies multiplication.

The alignment of end loop with while and indentation of the statements within the loop is a matter of style. For an experiment, remove the statement that sets count to 1 to see how Ada treats an undefined value. You should not end up with a runaway program because the subrange count_type limits count to values between 1 and 5.

The next version of the looping program while2.ada uses the succ operation in line C to increment count. The succ stands for the "successor operation," which takes the next available value for the type named before the prime '. Thus, integer'succ(25) has the value 26. This operation is particularly useful for enumerated types that are not integers.

- while2.ada

- The while construct

with text io; use text_io;

procedure while loop is

- for integer io

package integer io is

new text io.integer io(integer);

use integer io;

subtype count_type is integer range 1..5;

count: count_type;

begin count := 1;

while count < = 4 loop put (count * 10, 2); new_line; count := count_type'succ(count); end loop; end while loop;

■A B

C

D

Looping with for

Ada's for statement has two parts between the for and the loop keywords.

-- fori .ada

- The for construct with text_io; use text_io; procedure for loop is

- for integer io

package integer io is

new text io.integer io(integer);

[text continued on page 434)

432 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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ADA PRIMER

[text continued from page 432)

use integer io;

begin

for count in 1..4 loop

-A

put (count * 10, 2);

-B

new_line;

end loop;

~C

end for loop;

The first statement (line A) names the loop control variable count. Note that count does not appear in the declaration part of the program. It is declared by its appearance in the for statement and cannot be accessed outside the loop. The loop control variable cannot be changed inside the loop. It is automatically incremented by 1 every time through the loop. The range of the loop control variable makes up the second part of the for statement following the keyword in. In this example, the range of count is 1 to 4 as denoted by 1.4. The value of the loop control variable can be used in expressions, as done in this example with the expression count * 10.

The for loop statement is a better looping statement than the while statement: it is not possible to cause a for statement to loop indefinitely since the range is specified, the control variable is protected against inadvertent modification, and the incrementing of the control variable is always done monotonically. You should try to use for statements in preference to while statements wherever possible.

get and put

get and put are two library subprograms that have many uses in Ada. They can be used to input and output a variety of

data types, depending on how the packages in text io are

instantiated. (For variables of the character data type, you need not instantiate get and put because these procedures are already defined in the package text io.)

The procedure get receives a single item, which can be a character from standard input (usually a terminal keyboard); the procedure put sends a single item, which can be a character to standard output (usually a terminal's display).

The following program uses get and put to copy one character at a time from input to output until it finds an end-offile indicator.

- copyLada

- Copy input to output with text_io; use text_io; procedure copy is

c : character; - A

begin

loop - B

get(c); - C

put(c);

if end of line then - D

new_line; end if; end loop;

exception - E

when end_error

{text continued on page 436)

434 B YTE • JUNE 1984

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ADA PRIMER

{text continued from page 434} = > null; end copy;

The end-of-file indicator from a terminal under DEC's VMS operating system is a Control-Z. Thus, to get out of this program, you need only type a Control-Z.

Line A declares c as a character. In line B, a loop starts and will continue forever until an end-of-file marker causes an exception. An exception is something out of the ordinary. A predefined exception named end_error means an end-of-file has been reached. When this happens, the program transfers control to the statements following the exception, executes the statements in the when clause for the exception, and then exits the program. In the loop, line C reads a single character into variable C and line D displays the value of variable c. Because Ada's get does not read the end-of-line character, there is a test for the end-of-line character that uses a builtin function. Also, because Ada does not read end-of-line or end-of-file characters but skips over them until the next character, we need to output the character that causes a new line to start with the built-in function new_line.

A number of useful Boolean functions such as end of file

are already defined in text io. Other useful functions are

end of line and end_of_page. Such functions make a program more readable and have the advantage of being defined for every Ada compiler. Input and output have always made portability of programs difficult. Ada tries to improve this situation by specifying the same syntax for every computer.

It is quite likely that the same semantics will not occur, but at least we are getting one step closer to portability. One problem I have noticed with the NYU Ada/Ed compiler is the difficulty of keeping straight what it is trying to input and output.

In the example that follows, one Control-Z was not enough to cause the program to exit; it took two Control-Zs, and the order of input and output was confused. The program was an attempt to replace the exception with the use of the test for an end-of-file in a while loop. It still copied what was typed to the terminal. In part 2 of the Ada primer, I will discuss other ways to copy input to output to avoid this problem.

-- copy2.ada

- Copy input to output

with text io; use text_io;

procedure copy is

c: character; begin

while not end_of_file loop

if end of line then

new_line;

end if;

get(c); put(c);

if end of line then

new_line; end if; end loop;

(tot continued on page 438)

436 BYTE • IUNE I984

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(text continued from page 436)

end copy;

if AND else AND elsif

Ada's if statement looks much like if statements in other programming languages.

- ifLada

- Illustrate the if

- and else statements

with text io; use text_io;

procedure if statement is

answer: character; begin

put (" Do you like Ada so far? "); - A

new_line;

put (" Type y for yes, or n for no:"); ~ B

new_line;

get (answer);

if answer = 'y' or answer = T then put (" Glad to hear it!");

else put (" Hope it changes.");

end if; end iLstatement;

This example asks a leading question and prints a response depending upon the answer. Note the semicolon that's required after the put statement (just before the else) as a statement terminator. In this example, the equality test operator ( = ) and the logical operator or are used to check if the response is equal to y or Y.

It is possible in Ada to keep the logic of if statements quite clean by avoiding nesting. Although Ada allows nesting of if statements, most nesting constructs can be rewritten to use the elsif construct. The elsif keyword is used to perform an additional test if the test above it is false. An if statement can have several elsif tests, but only one else.

-- elsifl.ada - Illustrate use of if and elsif and else

with texLio; use text io;

package greeting is

procedure greet; end greeting; package body greeting is

procedure greet is

begin put (" Do you like Ada so far?"); new_line; put (" Type y for yes, or n for no: "); new_line;

end greet; end greeting;

with text io, greeting;

use text io, greeting;

procedure elsif_statement is

answer: character; begin

greet; - greet the user

[text continued on page 440)

438 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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ADA PRIMER

(text continued from page 438)

get (answer);

if answer = y or answer = T then

put(" Glad to hear it!"); new_line; elsif answer = 'n' or answer = 'N' then - A

put(" Sorry to hear that. Hope it changes."); new_line; else

put(" I don't understand "); put(answer); put("."); new_line; end if; end elsiLstatement;

Line A shows that if the reply character is not y or Y, the program should check whether the answer was n or N. If this test also fails, it prints an error message that echoes the input character.

In Ada, any number of statements can be placed after an if, elsif, or else keyword. Its keywords are lined up and if statements are not nested.

Listing 1 shows what this example looked like as it was compiled and run under VMS with the NYU Ada/Ed system. The program printed the question by calling the procedure greet and then waited for a reply. In this example, the user responded y so that the first if was satisfied, the appropriate message was printed, and the program ended.

If the response had been n, the first if would have failed, the elsif test would have been satisfied, and the program would have printed a sympathetic message. If the response had been anything other than y. Y, n, or N, the else statement would have taken effect.

The program that follows plays a simple guessing game that tests for the correct response by using an if statement. If the user types the letter e, the program "points" to the reply and prints You guessed it! Congratulations!

- exifl.ada

- Illustrate the if and exit statements

with text io; use text_io;

package greeting is

procedure greet; end greeting; package body greeting is procedure greet is begin put(" If you type a certain letter"); new_line;

put(" I'll congratulate you for guessing it."); new_line;

put(" If you get bored, type control-z twice."); new_line; end greet; end greeting;

with greeting, text io;

use greeting, text_io; procedure exit_statement is

c: character; begin

greet; - display a greeting to the user

while not end_of_file loop get(c);

440 BYTE • IUNE 1984

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ADA PRIMER

if c = 'e' then - A

put("~- You guessed it! Congratulations!"); - B new_line;

exit; - C

end if; end loop; end exit_statement;

The statement on line.A tests if the input character is an e. If the user has typed an e. the program executes the statements following the then keyword; line B prints the congratulatory message and points to the correct letter, e; and then line C causes an early exit from the loop. Some programmers do not think that the use of an exit statement is good programming practice; however, others believe that exit saves time in a loop and is a good statement to use. Ada provides both the exit statement and the exit when statement for loop exits and lets you make your own judgment.

Another version of the main part of this program that does not use the exit statement follows.

- exit2.ada

~ Show how to eliminate an exit statement

with text io; use text io;

package greeting is procedure greet; end greeting; package body greeting is procedure greet is begin put(" If you type a certain letter"); new_line;

put(" I'll congratulate you for guessing it."); new_line;

put(" If you get bored, type control-z twice."); new_line; end greet; end greeting;

with greeting, text io;

use greeting, text io;

procedure no_exit_statement is

c: character := "; - initialize to blank begin greet; - display a greeting to the user

while c /= 'e' and not end of file loop

get(c);

if c = 'e' then - A

put(""~ You guessed it! Congratulations! "); - B new_line; end if; end loop; end no_exit_statement;

The argument in favor of this version is that the conditions for exiting the loop appear in one place: at the start of the loop in the while statement. A programmer testing or modifying this program does not have to search for exit statements. The major argument against this version is that there is an extra test on c every time the loop executes. This test occupies space and takes extra time. Another opposing argument is that the test in the while statement appears backward.

Listing

1: An Ada program run under the VMS operating

system with the NYU AdalEd compiler.

i

2

— elsifl.ada Illustrate use of if and elsif and else

3 4

with text io: use text io;

5

package greeting is

6

procedure greet;

7 8 9

end greeting;

package body greeting is

10

procedure greet is

II

begin

12

put ("Do you like Ada so far?"); new line:

13

put ("Type y for yes, or n for no: "1: new line:

14

end greet;

15

end greeting;

16

17

with text io, greeting; use text io, greeting;

18

procedure elsif statement is

19

20

answer : character:

21

22

begin

23

24

greet; — greet the user

25

get. (answer);

26

27

if answer = 'y' or answer = 'V then

28

put ("Clad to hear it!"); new line:

29

elsif answer = 'n' or answer = 'N' then

— A

30

put ("Sorry to hear that. Hope it changes."!;

new line;

31

else

32

put ("1 don't understand"): putlanswer):

put(" . "

; new line;

33

end if;

34

35

end elsif statement;

No trar

slation errors detected

Translation time: 90 seconds

Binding

time: 2.7 seconds

Begin Ada execution

Do you

like Ada so far?

Type y

for yes, or n for no:

>y

Glad to

lear it!

Execution complete

Execution time: 6 seconds

l-code

statements executed: 41

$

These Ada programs should give you a flavor of Ada program structure. Ada packages, basic input/output, variables and assignment, and control constructs such as while, for, if, elsif, and else. With a command of this much Ada, you can write small, useful programs.

Next month, in part 2 of this Ada primer. I will cover the more advanced topics of types, arrays, and communication between Ada programs, as well as show how a microcomputer subset of Ada performs. ■

1UNE 1984 -BYTE 443

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PRINTER BUFFER

(text continued from page 143)

In addition to normal memory accesses, the RAM must be refreshed. Refreshing consists of sequentially accessing RAM locations to keep the memory cells active. To do this, only the row address and row-address strobe need be provided and only 128 locations need be accessed. The Z80 provides a REFRESH signal that occurs during an instruction decode and therefore is transparent to the software. This signal is combined with a MEMORY REQUEST signal to provide the RAS. The CAS signal that normally goes to the RAM

is inhibited by the NAND gates of IC12 so CAS never goes active. The Z80 has an internal register that is put out on the low-address bus during refresh and is automatically incremented after each refresh cycle; therefore, no refresh counter is needed to provide the sequential addresses to the RAM.

The interfaces to the host computer and printer are designed to be compatible with the Centronics protocol, which consists of the host computer sending the data byte and then the active lowdata strobe. The printer sends back ACK (acknowledge) and BUSY signals.

Photo 1: The inside of the completed printer buffer.

Quantity

Part Number

Description Reference

MC4024

Clock Generator 1C1

Z80

Microprocessor IC2

2716

EPROM IC3

74LS151

Multiplexer IC4

74LS373

Latch IC5

2

74LS367a

3-State Buffer 1C6, ICI4

2

74LS157

Multiplexer IC7, IC8

2

74LS374

8-bit Flip-Flop IC9. IC15

2

74LS74

Dual D Flip-Flop IC10. IC24

2

74LS138

Decoder IC11. IC13

1

74LS00

Quad NAND Gate 1C12

8

4164 .

64K-bit RAM IC16-IC23

1

io.ooo n

Potentiometer

2

10,000 12, % W

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1

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Capacitor

1

68 pF. 15V

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1

0.001 y.?

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1

57-20360

Connector

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liable 1:

This table contains the components for this printer buffer.

IC13 is the decoder that provides the chip selects for the I/O (input/output) circuits. It is enabled whenever the Z80 does an I/O cycle. READ and WRITE signals are not used because separate addresses are used for the different I/O ports. IC9 is the 8-bit input-data latch. The host computer delivers data to the IC9 and then activates the strobe line causing the data to be latched. The strobe input going low also causes the 74LS74 flip-flop to be reset. The NOT Q signal goes back to the host computer as a BUSY signal from the printer buffer. The host computer then knows not to send another character. The BUSY signal can be read by the Z80 through three-state buffer IC14 to determine if a character has been received. When the BUSY signal is high, the Z80 knows that a character has been sent. The Z80 then reads the character by enabling 1C9 to output data onto the data bus. When the character has been read, the IClOb flip-flop is reset. This produces the beginning, or falling, edge of the ACK signal to the host computer. The Z80 delays about 10 microseconds (/ts) and then clocks IClOb, causing the rising edge of the ACK signal. The rising edge clocks IClOa, causing the BUSY signal to go inactive (low). The host computer can send another character at this time.

The output to the printer works in the same manner except that the printer buffer acts as the host instead of the printer. Data is clocked into IC15, which feeds it out to the printer. The Z80 then activates the decoder IC13 to output a data strobe to the printer through its G4 output. The printer's ACK signal clocks the IC24 flip-flop and can be read by the Z80 through the three-state buffer 1C14.

Software Control

The printer buffer, like any microprocessor-based system, could not do anything without a control program. The control software stored in the 2716 EPROM is quite simple. All it has to do is load characters to RAM and send characters to the printer. Pointers to RAM determine where the next charac-l ter will be stored and from where the next character will be fetched. Three conditions must be accounted for: an empty buffer, a full buffer, and reaching the top of RAM. For the last condition, the software must check to see if the {text continued on page 448)

446 B YTE • IUNE 1984

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PRINTER BUFFER

(text continued from page 446) pointer has reached the highest address; if it has, the software must set it to the first RAM location. This is called wraparound.

The methods for checking the first two conditions are shown in figure 4 (page 455). If the pointer to the next characterload position equals the pointer to the next character-print position, then the buffer is considered empty (see figure 4a). There are two cases for a full buffer. The normal case is for the whole buffer to fill, including wraparound, until the next load position (i.e., a full buffer, see figure 4b). The second case occurs when the next print location is at the bottom of RAM and the next load position is at the top of RAM. You can see in figure 4c that by loading one more character, the two pointers would be made equal and thus erroneously signal an empty buffer. This condition is a special case of the buffer-full condition.

When the RAM is full, the input handshake will not take place until a character is printed and another RAM location is made available. The printer buffer will send the ACK. signal when the byte is stored in RAM. The host computer will then put out characters at the same rate as the printer printing them.

Listing 1 (page 453) shows the assembled code. It probably looks different from the way you are used to seeing comments done in assembly language. I used a form of PDL (Program Design Language) to design the program and filled in the code between the commands. This method of program design greatly simplifies code generation and debugging, and I heartily recommend it.

The comments give a sense of pro

gram flow because of the use of the structured construct:

IF (condition is true)

execute this code ENDIF

The code between the IF and ENDIF is not executed if the condition is false. Therefore, to follow program flow when a condition is not met, simply jump to the corresponding ENDIF statement.

The program initialization starts by loading the I register with OFFH so that during refresh the Z80 outputs the con

tents of the I register on the highaddress bus so the EPROM is not selected. Register BC is used to point to the next character to be printed. Register DE points to the position of the next character to be loaded. After the pointers are loaded with their initial values, the program enters an endless loop. The loop consists of only two tasks: get a character and print a character. The get character and the print character sections are totally independent. For inputting characters, the first thing [text continued on page 456)

| PRINTER BUFFER

RANDOMACCESS MEMORY

1'

HOST COMPUTER

INPUT INTERFACE

MICROPROCESSOR

"

l_

OUTPUT INTERFACE

"

PRINTER

Figure 1: A Mock diagram of the data flow from the computer through the buffer to the printer.

CLOCK

RAM CONTROL

'

'

i

1

HOST

COMPUTER

CONNECTOR

LATCH

MICROPROCESSOR

ADDRESS MULTIPLEXER

RANDOMACCESS MEMORY

*i

,*

|

PRINTER CONNECTOR

LATCH

EPROM

Figure 2: This is a block diagram of the printer buffer itself. The microprocessor is a Zilog Z80.

448 BYTE • JUNE 1984

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CAS

+ 5V A

0.001^>F

16

15

10K

J

m

+ 5V

vcxixl vcc

VCM

IC1

MC4024

OUT

GND GND

T'

14

13

12

vCC

ID

12

14

IC4 74LS151

IC6 74LS367A

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10

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10

16

15

14

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Figure 3a: Tfiis section of the printer buffer schematic shows these components of the printer buffer: the clock, the central processing unit, the EPROM, and the multiplexers. This is the control circuitry for the buffer.

450 BYTE • |UNE 1984

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RAS OCAS OR/W C>A7' C>A6' OA5' OA4' H>~ A3' OA2' OAl' C>

15

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CAS

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IC22 4164

MALE

CONNECTOR

57-20360

IC21 4164

IC20 4164

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IC19 4164

14

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4164

IC17 4164

IC16 4164

IC15 74LS3

+ 5V

20

18

14

13

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D7

D6

D5

D4

D3

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Q7 06 05 Q4 03 02 01 00

FEMALE

CONNECTOR

57-10360

19

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15

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I -LT> D3

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13

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Figure 3b: This section details: the decoder, the RAM, the data latches, and the connectors for the buffer's I/O.

452 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 160 on inquiry card.

PRINTER BUFFER

Listing I

: This source

-code listing in Z80 assembly language is the control software

for the printer buf

er. You will need to store the object code

in a 2716 EPROM. (For

more information on programming EPROMs, see "Build ar

intelligent EPROM

Programmer'.'

by Steve Garcia, October 1981 BYTE, page

36.)

LINE ADDR

Bl

B2

B3

B4

1

2 3 4 5 0000

FIFO.SRC

LAST REVISED: 6/23/83

BYTE1N EQU 0

INPUT PORT LOCATION

6 0001

ACKLO EQU 1

BUSY FLIP-FLOP CLEAR

7 0002

STATUS EQU 2

EXTERNAL STATUS SIGNALS

8 0003

BYTOUT EQU 3

OUTPUT PORT LOCATION

9 0004

STB EQU 4

OUTPUT PORT STROBE

10 0005

ACKH1 EQU 5

ACKNOWLEDGE F/F CLOCK

11 0006

PRACK EQU 6

PRINTER S ACKNOWLEDGE F/F

12 0800

M1NRAM EQU 800H

FIRST RAM LOCATION

13 FFFF

MAXRAM EQU OFFFFH

LAST RAM LOCATION

14 0000

15 0000

16 0000

17 0000

3E

FF

LD A.OFFH

1 REG IS ON A8 -Al 5 DURING

18 0002

ED

47

LD I.A

REFRESH,SO AVOID CHIP SELECT

19 0004

20 0004

21

;CLEAR BUSY FLIP-FLOP

22 0004

03

01

OUT (ACKLO).A

23 0006

D3

05

OUT (ACKHI).A

24 0008

25

;RESET PRINTER S ACKNOWLEDGE FLIP-FLOP

26 0008

D3

06

OUT (PRACK).A

27 000 A

28

INITIALIZE POINTERS

29 OOOA

01

00

08

LD BC.MINRAM

:BC HOLDS NEXT PR

30

;NEXT CHAR TO BE PRINTED POS

31 OOOD

11

00

08

LD DE.MINRAM

DE HOLDS NEXT LD

32

:NEXT CHAR TO BE LOADED POS

33 0010

34 0010

35

;DO

36

LOOP

37 0010

38

; IF NEXTLD+1 <> NEXTPR

(IF BUFFER NOT FULL)

39 0010

62

LD H,D

40 001 1

6B

LD L.E

41 0012

23

INC HL

42 0013

37

SCF

43 0014

3F

CCF

44 0015

ED

42

SBC HLBC

45 0017

CA

47

00

|P Z.FULL

46 001A

47

: IF (NEXTLD < > MAXRAM) or NEXTPR < > MINRAMI

48 001A

37

SCF

49 001 B

3F

CCF

50 001C

21

FF

FF

LD HL,MAXRAM

51 001F

ED

52

SBC HL.DE

52 0021

C2

2E

00

IP NZOKAY

53 0024

37

SCF

54 0025

3F

CCF

55 006

21

00

08

LD HL.MINRAM

56 0029

ED

42

SBC HLBC

57 002B

CA

47

00

|P ZFULL

58 002E

[listing continued on page 454)

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Add $2.00 Shipping — To Order Call (313) 569-3218 or Write for our Catalog

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Circle 119 on inquiry card.

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Circle 147 on inquiry card.

PRINTER BUFFER

{listing continued from

page

453)

59

; IF CHARACTER RECEIVED

60

002 E

DB

02

OKAY IN A.(STATUS)

61

0030

E6

01

AND 0IH

62

0032

CA

47

00

JP ZNOCHAR

63

0035

64

; GET CHARACTER

65

0035

DB

00

IN A.(BYTEIN)

66

0037

67

; SEND ACKNOWLEDGE

68

0037

D3

01

OUT (ACKLO).A

69

0039

00

NOP TIMING OF ABOUT 10 /»S

70

003A

00

NOP

71

003 B

D3

05

OUT (ACKHl).A

72

003 D

73

; SAVE CHARACTER IN RAM

74

003 D

12

LD (DE).A

75

003 E

76

INCREMENT NEXTLD POINTER

77

003 E

13

INCDE

78

003 F

79

IF NEXTLD POINTER OVERFLOWED

80

003 F

7A

LD A,D

81

0040

63

OR E

82

0041

02

47

00

IP NZ.ENDIFI

83

0044

84

; NEXTLD = MINRAM

85

0044

11

00

08

LD DE.MINRAM

86

0047

87

ENDIF

88

0047

ENDIF1

89

0047

90

ENDIF

91

ENDIF

92

; ENDIF

93

0047

FULL

94

0047

NOCHAR

95

0047

96

; IF BUFFER NOT EMPTY (NEXTLD < > NEXTPR)

97

0047

62

LD H.D

98

0048

6B

LD L.E

99

0049

37

SCF

100

004A

3F

COF

101

004 B

ED

42

SBC HL.BC

102

004 D

CA

65

00

|P Z.EMPTY

103

0050

104

IF PRINTER READY

105

0050

DB

02

IN A.ISTATUS)

106

0052

E6

04

AND 04H

107

0054

C2

65

00

IP NZ.BUSY

108

0057

109

SEND CHARACTER

110

0057

OA

LD A(BC)

111

0058

D3

03

OUT (BYTOUT).A

112

005A

113

SEND STROBE

114

005A

D3

04

OUT (STBI.A

115

005C

116

INCREMENT NEXTPR POINTER

1 17

005C

03

INC BC

118

005D

119

IF NEXTPR POINTER OVERFLOWED

120

005D

78

LD A.B

121

005E

Bl

ORC

122

005F

C2

65

00

IP NZ, ENDIF2

123

0062

124

NEXTPR = MINRAM

125

0062

01

00

08

LD BCMINRAM

126

0065

127

; ENDIF (listing continued on page 455)

Circle 386 on inquiry card.

PRINTER BUFFER

(listing continued f

*om

page

454)

128

0065

ENDIF2

129

0065

130

; END1F

131

0065

BUSY

132

0065

133

; ENDIF

134

0065

EMPTY

135

0065

136

;ENDDO

137

0065

03

10

00

IP LOOP

138

0068

END

(4a)

| U MINRAM

TO LpAD

r n

.

NEXT CHARACTER TO PRIfilT

MAXRAM

(4b)

NEXT CHARACTER TO LOAD

NEXT CHARACTER TO PRINT

f—f

(4C)

NEXT CHARApTER TO LOAD

NEXT CHARACTER TO PRINT

Figure 4: These diagrams show how the control software determines where to load the next character into RAM. In 4a. bath pointers are equal, which indicates that the buffer is empty. \n 4b. the next load position is one address less than the next print position, which means that the buffer is full. Figure 4c is a special case of the buffer-full condition in which one must compensate for the "wraparound" effect [see text).

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IUNE 1984 -BYTE 455

PRINTER BUFFER

(text continued from page 448) to check is to see if there is room in RAM to store the character. If the buffer is full, then this section of code is skipped. The section will eventually be executed and. from the host computer's point of view, it will look like the buffer is taking a lot of time to respond (the way a printer handshakes). Assuming

the buffer is not full, a check is made to see if a character has been sent. If no character has been loaded, then there is nothing to do but jump to the output section. When a character is in the input latch, it is input, the ACK signal is sent to the host computer, the character is stored in RAM, and the loadposition pointer is incremented. The

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pointer is checked for overflow. Upon overflow the load position is set to the start of RAM at location MINRAM.

When the input section is complete, the output section begins. The output portion only cares about the bufferempty condition. Checks are made for buffer-empty and printer-not-ready conditions. If either condition exists, execution returns to the input routine. If the printer is ready, a character is sent to the output latch. The data strobe is sent to the printer. The next print location pointer is incremented and the overflow check is made as it was on the other pointer. The loop then starts over.

Printer Buffer Performance

This printer buffer has been successfully used on an Apple computer using an Apple interface card connected to an Epson MX-80 printer. It has also been used with my home-built parallel-port card tied to my Okidata Microline 82A printer. Other printers might require some minor handshaking changes but any Centronics-compatible interface should work well.

As for speed, I can't believe I ever lived without it. It is comparable to changing from cassette tape to disk storage. I wrote a BASIC program to fill the buffer, and it took about 2 minutes to execute. When program execution ended, the printer was still on the first page. It is also a joy to use during program debugging when most lines are short and the printer executes carriage returns slowly.

This article is over 15,000 characters long. My computer put it out to the printer buffer in only 17 seconds. My printer, at the relatively fast speed of 120 characters per second, took over 3 minutes to print it out.

Operational Enhancements

Because it is software programmable, this printer buffer can be grealy enhanced. For example, you could add a stop-on-form-feed switch for singlesheet printers. I would like to add a linecounting routine to automatically formfeed the paper so program listings don't come out on page edges. Another option would be to change the interface from parallel to serial for printers requiring that format. This would be fairly easy if the rest of the system remained the same. ■

456 B YTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 388 on inquiry card.

Circle 283 on inquiry card.

SPREADSHEET

(listing continued from page 156)

1850 1851 1852 1860 1861 1862 1870 1894 1895 1896 1897 1898 1899 1900 1920 1950 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000

2020

2040 2095 2096 2097 2098 2100

2120 2495 2496 2497 2498 2499 2500

2520 4995 4996 4997 4998 4999 5000 5020 5040 5095 5096 5097 5098 5099 6000 6015 6016 6017 6018 6019 6020 6040 6060 6080 6100

6200 6218

PRINT FNC$(HP%,VP%)W$(2)">"FNC$(HP% + L%(HZ%)+l,VP%r<"W$(3):RETURN

delete left bracket PRINT FNC$(HP%,VP%)'"

:RETURN

delete right bracket PRINT FNC$(HP% + L%(HZ%I+1.VP%)"' ";:RETURN

##########

print values in bottom lines

########## HZ% = horizontal field number, i.e. # of field where the brackets are positioned (1 to 7) VP%=verticaI position of brackets on CRT screen 12 to 161

IF TP%|HZ%l = 0 THEN PRINT FNC$(22,20) "text " ELSE PRINT FNC$(22.20) "numeric" GOSUB 300:PRINT FNCSI22.2 1)W$(1)FNCS(22.2I)ARRS(P%.HZ%) PRINT FNCS(57,20IHZ% FNC$(71,20)VP%-(OFS%-1):RETURN

########## Calculate percentage

##########

IF TOT# = 0 THEN GOSUB 950:PRINT"Operation not allowed "W$(3);:GOSUB 57000:

RETURN

GOSUB 750:GOSUB 2500:FOR \%= I TO MAX%:IF ARR$(I%.2I = "" " THEN I% = MAX%

ELSE PERC(1%) = VAL(ARR$(I%,NN%))*100/TOT#

NEXT l%:GOSUB 900:RETURN

##########

Display percentage values

########## GOSUB 350:FOR P% = VMIN% TO VMAX%:IF ARRS(P%,2)= " THEN P% = VMAX% ELSE GOSUB 320:PRINT FNCS(PO%(NN%)+1 5,PS%IUSING "##.# ";PERC|P%) NEXT P%:RETURN

########## Calculate total

##########

THEN l% = MAX%

TOT# = 0:FOR 196-1 TO MAX%:IF ARR$(I%,2) = " ELSE TOT# = TOT#+VAL(ARR$(l%.NN%|) NEXT l%:RETURN

##########

Zero array & fill 1st column

##########

GOSUB 750:FOR l%=l TO MAX%:ARRS(I%. 1I = RIGHT$(STR$(I%),LEN(STR$|I%))-I) IF ARRS(I%.J%)< >•" " THEN FOR |% = 2 TO NN%:ARR$(I%.|%) = " :NEXT |% NEXT l%:GOSUB 900:RETURN

########## build/edit estimate

##########

PRINT W$(0):GOSUB 5000: " < zero array

Initialize screen variables :SCR% = screen number D$=scratch string

VMIN% = # of first array line to be printed

HP% = abscissa, i.e. distance from leftmost CRT column

HZ% = field # VP% = current vertical position of secondary cursor VMIN%= 1:HP% = 0:HZ%= l:VP% = OFS%:D$ = " ":SCR% = 0

GOSUB 1400:GOSUB 1800:' < display top & bottom titles

GOSUB l000:GOSUB 1500:' < display array, if existing

GOSUB I850.GOSUB 1900: < print secondary cursor information

PRINT FNC$(22,22)WS(2)STRING$(L%(HZ%),95|W$(3)W$(1)FNC$(22.22)" ";:'

< print dashes for input

GOSUB 730:' < Wait for cursor control code or command

{listing continued on page 458)

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IUNE 1984

iYTE 457

I—

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SPREADSHEET

{listing

6219 6220 6233 6234 6235 6236 6237 6238 6239 6240 6258 6259 6260 6278 6279 6280 6297 6298 6299 6300 6318 6319 6320 6898 6899 6900

6991

6992 7000

7040 7091 7092 7100

7191 7192 7200

7241 7242 7250

7260

7291 7292 7293 7294 7295 7300 7320

7391 7392 7393 7394 7395 7400 7420 7440 7481 7482 7490 7491 7492 7500

continued from page 457)

' a new value has been entered — display It and recalculate If necessary IF (T%=13 AND LEN(D5)>0) THEN GOSUB 1300:D$ = " ":GOTO 6080

##########

2nd cursor routines

##########

a single carriage return has been entered

move brackets right br down depending on status of variable RD% IF (T%= 13 AND D$ = " "I THEN IF RD% THEN 7000 ELSE 6900

move brackets down ("XI or left ("S| or up ("E) IF T% = 24 THEN 7000 ELSE IF T%= 19 THEN 7100 ELSE IF T% = 5 THEN 7200

wait for next command after entering a semicolon or go down to next row (" Zl IF T% = 59 THEN 7400 ELSE IF T% = 4 THEN 6900 ELSE IF T% = 26 THEN 7250

backspace one character if rubout or left arrow has been hit or interpret character as new value and print it IF T%=127 OR T% = 8 THEN GOSUB 400:GOTO 6200 ELSE IF T%>31 THEN 7300

wrong key PRINT BLS::GOTO 6200

move brackets right IF HZ% = NN% THEN 7250 ELSE GOSUB 1860:HZ% = HZ% + 1:HP% = HP% + L%(HZ%- II +1 :GOTO 6080

' move brackets down, displaying next screen if necessary

GOSLtB 300:IF P% = MAX% THEN 7990 ELSE IF P% = VMAX% AND P%<MAX% THEN

VP% = OFS%:GOTO 7500

GOSUB I860:GOSUB I870:VP% = VP%+I :GOTO 6080

move brackets left IFHZ%=1 THEN 7990 ELSE GOSUB 1870:HZ% = HZ%-1 :HP% = HP%-(L%(HZ%|+1): GOTO 6080

' move brackets up, displaying previous screen if necessary

GOSUB 300:IF VP% = OFS% and VMIN%=1 THEN 7990 ELSE IF VP% = OFS% AND

SCR%>0THEN VP% = GAP% + OFS%-l:GOTO 7600

' move brackets to next row, displaying next screen if already at bottom

GOSUB 300:1F P% = MAX% THEN 7990 ELSE GOSUB I860:GOSUB 1870:HZ%= 1:

HP% = 0

IF P% = VMAX% AND P%<MAX% THEN VP% = OFS%:GOTO 7500 ELSE VP% = VP%+1:

GOTO 6080

##########

Build up new value for single cell of array

##########

IF TP%(HZ%IAND(CS<"-'OR C$>"9"OR CS = 'V "ITHEN 7990

D$ = DS + C$:PRINT CS::IF LEN(D$|>L%(HZ%) THEN GOSUB 400:GOTO 7990 ELSE

6200

########## process command

##########

GOSUB 950:PRINT V0S::GOSUB 730:GOSUB 900:IF C$=" " THEN 6i00

T% = INSTR("HNP%YOIDMQ",CS):lFT% = 0THEN 7490 ELSE IFT%=10THEN RETURN

ON T% GOTO 7900.7500,7600,9000,8200,8400,9300,9400,9500

' wrong command PRINT BL$;:GOTO 6100

' N=display next page

IF VMAX%> = MAX% THEN 7490 ELSE GOSUB 250:VMIN% = VMlN% + GAP%:SCR% =

SCR%+ LGOSUB 1000:GOSUB 300:GOTO 6080

SPREADSHEET

7591 7592 7600

7891 7892 7900 7920 7930 7940 7950

7960 7970

7981 7982 7990 8195 8196 8200 8220 8240

8260 8280 8300 8320 8397 8399 8400 8747 8748 8750

8798 8799 8800

8847 8848 8850 8898 8899 8900

8998 8999 9000 9198 9199 9200

9219 9220

9239 9240

9260 9297 9298 9300

9320

9340

9360

P = display previous page IF VMIN%= I THEN 7490 ELSE GOSUB 250:VM1N% = GOSUB !000:GOTO 6080

VMIN%-GAP%:SCR% = SCR%-1:

H = display command menu

PRINT FNCSI0.I8)" cursor movements 1 commands I: followed byl— 'WS(I)

PRINT FNCS|0.I9|W$(2I" "E=up j N = next page P = previous page "W$(lI

PRINT FNC$(0,20|" "S = left ~D=right | %=calc percent Y = print"WS(l|

PRINT FNCS(0,2I|" "X = down | 0=order Q = quit"WS(l)

PRINT FNCSI0.22I" ~Z=next row CR = right/down

I D=delete row l = insert row'WS(I) PRINT FNCS(0,23)" | M = modify paging parameters "WS13I:

GOSUB 590O0.PRINT FNC$(0,23)W$(I);:GOSUB 1800:GOSUB 1 500:GOSUB 1600: GOSUB I900:GOTO 6100

' the screen limits have been reached PRINT BLS;:GOTO 6200

' Y = print estimate on hardcopy device

GOSUB 2000:NOL% = 0:PG%=1:GOSUB 8750:GOSUB 8850

FOR l%=l TO MAX%:IF ARR$(I%.2) = " THEN l% = MAX%:GOTO 8300 ELSE T% = 0

FOR |%=I TO NN%:T% = T% + L%(|%-1)+I:IFTP%()%|THEN LPRINT TAB(T%+ I (USING

MSK$(|%);VALIARRS(I%,J%)|: ELSE LPRINT TAB(T%+IIUSING MSK$(I%);ARR$(I%.J%);

NEXT |%:LPRINT TAB(PO%(7|+I 5}USING"##.# ";PERCII%|

GOSUB 9200:1F QT% THEN l% = MAX%

NEXT l%:IF QT% = 0 THEN GOSUB 8900:GOSUB 9240

GOTO 6080

0 = toggle order (left/right or top/bottom) RD% = NOT RD%:GOSUB 1820:GOTO 6080

check if printer is turned on GOSUB 950:PRINT "Turn printer on 6 hit <space> to continue ::GOSUB 710:IF T%< >32 THEN 8750

& print centered title(s) GOSUB 950:PRINT'Title > " TAB(I80- LEN(C$))/2)C$:NOL9

:GOSUB 700:IF CS = " " THEN RETURN ELSE LPRINT = NOL% + 1 :GOTO 8800

' Print top title

LPRINT T1$:LPRINT T2$:NOL% =

NOL% + 2:RETURN

' Print total

LPRINT TAB(PO%(7||STRlNG$(l 3,45):LPRINT "Total

-> > >TAB(PO%(7))USING

MSKS|7);TOT#:LPRINTTABIPO%(7))STRINGSI13.45):RETURN

% = calculate percentage GOSUB 2000:GOSUB 2100:GOTO 6080

Count # of lines printed on hardcopy device NOL% = NOL%+ 1:IF MXL% = 0 OR NOL%<MXL% THEN RETURN ELSE GOSUB 9220: IF QT% THEN RETURN ELSE GOSUB 8850:RETURN

Print page # LPRINT:LPR!NT:LPRINT TAB(35)'Page # ":PG%:LPRINT:LPRINT:GOSUB 59000:NOL% = 0: PG% = PG% = PG%+1:RETURN ' Print page # on last sheet

IF MXL%>0 OR NOL%<MXL% THEN FOR I%=l TO MXL%-NOL%:LPRlNT:NEXT: GOSUB 9220 RETURN

I = insert new row GOSUB 58000:GOSUB 900:IF QT% = 0 THEN 6080 ELSE GOSUB 300:GOSUB 61900:1F P%>CNT% THEN 7490 ELSE i% = CNT%

WHILE l%> = P%:ARR$(l%+ 1,1) = R1GHTS(STRS(I%+ HI- l|:FOR |% = 2 TO NN%: ARRS(I%+ 1,]%| = ARR$|I%1|%|:NEXT |%:L% = I%- I :WEND ARRS(P%.Il = RIGHTS|STR$(P%),LEN(STR$(P%))-l):FOR |% = 2 to NN%:ARR$(P%.|%) = " ":NEXT |% GOSUB 250:GOSUB 1000:GOTO 6080

{listing continued on page 460)

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Ord*i No 7313

Order No. 7303

OrdetNo. 7213

Ord.' No. 7214 Ordey No. 7215 OhIh and HM ELCOMPPUBLI

S29 95 c»P»bii.tv (32Kand4aKR £39 95 Ordat No 7098

PRINTER INTERFACES

For EPSON ormti Order-No. 7211 P.S232. 300 Baud Order No. 7291

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Circle 125 on inquiry card.

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EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 (InCal call (805) 543-1037)

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

The Statistician

CPM IBM-PC TRS-DOS XENIX

* Multiple Regression

Stepwise

Ridge

All Subsets

Backward Elimination

* Time Series Analysis

* Descriptive Statistics " Transformations

' Survey Research ' Nonparametrics ' X-Y Plots ■ ANOVA

' Random Samples ' Data Base ' Search & sort ' Hypothesis tests

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Charleston. SC 29402

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Circle 277 on inquiry card.

SPREADSHEET

[listing continued from page 459)

9397 '

9398 ' D = delete row

9400 GOSUB 58000:GOSUB 900MF QT% = 0 THEN 6080 ELSE GOSUB 300:GOSUB 6l900:IF

P%>CTN% THEN 7490 9420 I% = P%:TOT# = TOT#-VAL(ARR$(P%,7|) 9440 WHILE l%<=CNT%:FOR |%=l TO NN%:ARRS(l%,)%) = ARRS(l%+ l ,I%|:NEXT |%:l% = l%

+ I :WEND 9460 GOSUB 250:GOSUB 1000:GOSUB I600:GOTO 6080

9497 '

9498 ' M = modify paging parameters

9500 GOSUB 950:PRINT"# of lines per page (0 = no paging):"MXL%,WS|3)FNCS(35,0)" ";:

GOSUB 700.TF C$< >" " THEN MXL% = VALICS) 9520 GOSUB 900:GOTO 6080

14995 '

14996 ' ##########

14997 ' Display main menu

14998 ' **********

14999 '

15000 PRINT FNCSI20,6]"Estimate - (c) 83 - R. Cerati, Arch."

I5020 PRINT FNCS(2.l2)"Main functions"FNC$(30,12)"Disk operations"FNCS(58,!2|"Other"

WS(2)FNCS(2.I3)STRINGS(75.45) I5040 PRINT FNC$(2.l4)"<B>=build new estimate"FNC$(30,l4)"<R> =read file from

disk"FNC$(58.l4)"<L>=load program" I 5060 PRINT FNCS(2.l5)"<E>=edit existing estimate"FNCS{30,l5|"<W>=write file to

disk"FNCS(56.l5)"<eso=exit WS(3):RETURN 56995

56996 ■ **********

56997 Delay routine

56998 ' ********** 56999

57000 FOR l%=l TO DELAY%:NEXT:RETURN 57995 57996 57997 57998 57999

58000 QT% = 0:GOSUB 950:PRINT V$;:GOSUB 7l0:IF CS 58020 RETURN 58995 '

**********

Pause

**********

********** Verify routine

**********

Y" ORC$ = "y" THEN QT% =

58996 58997 58998 58999 59000 GOSUB 950:PRINT"Hit <space> to continue "WS(3);:GOSUB 7l0:lF T% = 27 OR T%

= 21 THEN QT%=-I ELSE IF T%<>32 THEN PRINT BL$.:GOTO 59000 59020 GOSUB 900:RETURN 59991

********** Initialization of terminal dependent attributes : FNCS() = direct cursor addressing via x-y corrdinates W$(0) = clear screen WS(l)=erase to end of line

WS(2) = reduced intensity display W$(3l = normal intensity display **********

59992 59993 59994 59995 59996 59997 59998

60000 WIDTH 255:DEF FNC$(X%.Y%) = CHRS(27) + CHRS(61) + CRH$|Y% + 32) + CHR$(X% + 32) 60020 DIM W$(3):WS(0) = CHRS(27) + CHR$(42|:WS(1) = CHR$|27) + CHR$(84|:WS(2) = CHRS(27) + CHRS(41):W$(3) = CHR$I27) + CHR$(40)

60030 WIDTH LPRINT 132:ON ERROR GOTO 65000:' < setup hardcopy width & error

trap for disk operations 60033

**********

Initialize variables

**********

60034 60035 60036 60037 60038 60039 60040 DELAY% = 2000:BLS = CHRSI7):VOS = "Command:

VIS = W$(2) + "- (~K = menu) +W$(3) 60056 ■

Define commonly used values & prompts

+ WS(3):V$ = "Verify (Y/N): " + WSI3I:

SPREADSHEET

60057 60058 60059 60060

60080 60091 60092 60093 60094 60095 60096 60097 60099 60100 60117 60118 60119 60120 60140 60197 60198 60199 60200 60219 60220 60230 60240 60250 60260 60270 60280 60995 60996 60997 60998 60999 61000 61020 61040 61060 61080 61100 61120 61140 61197 61 198 61 199 61200 61220 61297 61298 61299 61300

61397 61398 61399 61400

' Define max.* of array rows (MAX%), columns (NN%), col. length (L%) ' screen abscissas (PO%l, formatting masks (MSKSI & type of data (TP%)

MAX%=100:NN% = 7:DIM ARRS{MAX%.NN%).PERC(MAX%):' PERC = percentage

values array

DIM L%(NN%|,PO%(NN%).MSK$(NN%),TP%(NN%)

Define initial parameter values :

OFS% = offset to make room for prompts and titles

SCR% = # of screen the cursor is currently at

GAP% = # of displayable lines for each screen

PG% = page # NOL% = # of lines already printed on hardcopy device

MXL% = Max. 0 of printable lines per page

OFSS = 3:SCR% = 0:GAP%=I7-OFS%:NOL% = 0:PG%=1:MXL% = 50

Define title strings

T1S = ' T2$ = '

# Code |ob type u.m. Unit cost Quantity Amount %' 1 1 1 1 1 1 1—

Read screen parameters FOR I%=1 TO NN%:READTP%(l%),L%(l%),PO%(l%l,MSKSII%):NEXT 1%

DATA 1,4.1,"###-":'

DATA 0.5,6."\~ \":'

DATA 0.16,12."\

DATA 0.3.29," \\":'

DATA 1.13.33, "#########, .##":'

DATA 1,12.47. "########, .##":'

DATA I, I 3,60. "#########. .##':'

< Row number parameters

< Code

< Job type

< Unit of measure

< Unit cost

< Quantity

< Amount

##########

Process main menu command

##########

PRINT WS10I

QT% = 0:GOSUB 15000:' < clear screen & print menu

GOSUB 950:PRINT V0S;:GOSUB 710

IF T% = 27 THEN GOSUB 58000:IF QT% THEN PRINT WS(0|:END ELSE 61020

IF C$ = "L" THEN 63000

T% = INSTRC'BERW,C$):IF T% = 0 THEN PRINT BL$;:GOTO 61040

ON T% GOSUB 61200.61 300.61400.61500

GOTO 61000

B = build new array

GOSUB 58000:IF QT% THEN GOSUB 6000 RETURN

' E = edit existing array

PRINT W$|0):IF ARR$(1,2| = " " THEN GOSUB 950:PRINT'Empty array "BLS;:GOSUB 57000:GOTO 61000 ELSE GOSUB 6020:RETURN

R = read values from disk

GOSUB 61800:IF QT% THEN RETURN ELSE GOSUB 5000:OPEN'T\#I ,FIL$:INPUT#1.

CNT%,TOT# 61420 FOR l%=l TO CNT%:FOR |%=1 TO NN%:INPUT#1 ,ARR$|I%,|%|:NEXT ]%.I%:CLOSE

#I:GOSUB6020:RETURN 61497 ■ 61498 61499 61500

W = write values on disk

GOSUB 61800:IF QT% THEN RETURN ELSE GOSUB 750:GOSUB 6l900:OPEN"O".#l, FILS: WRITE* 1 ,CNT% ,TOT# 61520 FOR 1%=I TO CNT%:FOR |%=l TO NN%:WRITE#I ,ARR$(I%,]%):NEXT |%.I%:CLOSE #I:RETURN

{listing continued on page 462)

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Circle 14 on inquiry card

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100 Foothill Blvd San Luis Obispo. CA 93401 (In Cal call (805) 543-1037)

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

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(listing continued from page 461)

61797 61798 61799 61800

61820 61840

61860 61899 61900

61920 61987 62995 62996 62997 62998 62999 63000

63020 63040 63060 63100 64995 64996 64997 64998 64999 65000 65020

select file for read/write operations — it will have .VAL extension

PRINT WS(0|:GOSUB 950:PRINT"File name > "W$(2|" "W$(3|FNC$(I2,0|" ";:

GOSUB 700

IF C$ = " " THEN QT% = -1:RETURN

IF (LEN|C$)>10)OR(|M!D$(CS,2.I| = ":')AND((LEFTS(CS,1|<>"A")AND|LEFTSICS.1|

< >"B "IIITHEN PRINT BL$::GOTO 61800

' Calculate # of valid terms

CNT% = 0:FOR l%= 1 TO MAX%:IF ARR$(I%,2} = " 'AND ARR$(I%,3) = MAX% ELSE CNT% = CNT%+ I NEXT I%:RETURN

THEN l% =

##########

Load external program

##########

PRINT W$|0|:GOSUB 950:PRINT "Filename ? "W$(3|::GOSUB 700:IF C$ = " " THEN

61000

IF(LEN(C$)>l0)OR(MID$(C$.2.1)<> ":"AND LEN(C$1>8)THEN 63100

IFM1DSIC$,2.1|= ": "AND(LEFT$|C$.1|<> "A" OR LEFTSICS.llo "B"| THEN 63100

GOSUB 750:CHAIN CS

GOSUB 950:PR1NT BLS "Invalid file name ;:GOSUB 57000:GOTO 63000

##########

Error checking routine

##########

IF ERR<>53 THEN 65100

IF ERL = 63060 THEN GOSUB 950:PRINT'Program not on disk BL$;:GOSUB 57000:

RESUME 63000 65040 IF ERL = 61400 THEN CLOSE#l :GOSUB 950:PRINT "File not on disk ' BL$::GOSUB

57000:RESUME 61400 65100 ON ERROR GOTO 0

BYTE'S BITS

Display Flicker

Flicker on monitor screens is preventing me from buying a computer! If you aren't bothered by it yourself, you may be able to see the flicker by looking off to one side so that the screen is in your peripheral vision: the corner of the eye seems more sensitive to flicker than the center. I've found, though, that while some people see the flicker peripherally, some still do not. Obviously there's a wide range of sensitivities.

The IBM PC monochrome screen and the PC Portable's amber monitor have enough flicker to make them uncomfortable for me. The Compaq appears to have very little: the Macintosh has a huge amount. This is extremely frustrating to me because I'm ready to buy a Macintosh for use in writing a book: but using MacWrite for 45 minutes left me a little queasy.

How much is due to the flicker of the ubiquitous fluorescent lighting is questionable. I've tried to view the various screens in the daylight from huge storefront windows, but the store lighting still contributes something, of course. Would the problem be less with the incandes

cent lighting at home? In case it's relevant. I am not subject to seizures of any sort.

On another subject, I want a machine that is powerful, user-oriented, and humane, one that doesn't get on my nerves or interfere with my thinking. In this context, 1 welcome the Macintosh. But even Mac has many of the common problems. Those that bother me most are noise, flicker, and keyboard feel. The noise of the Mac itself is commendably low, but like all printers, the Imagewriter is very annoying, not just in the sound level but in the character of the sound, that high-pitched metallic ripping noise. It's impossible to imagine having it near a workstation, unless an enclosure were constructed for it. The keyboard feel is something I'm probably extra-sensitive to, as a professional pianist. My Selectric II typewriter, when properly adjusted—and you almost never find one that is—feels very good. The Macintosh keyboard is much better than some. What they all seem to be missing, though, is a feeling of cushioned motion after the point of electrical contact.

James Boyk

2135 Holmby Ave.

Los Angeles. CA 90025

BOOKS RECEIVED

The Apple He Users Guide. Mark Andrews. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1983; 128 pages, 13.5 by 20.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-02-008680-6, $5.95.

Applying Software Engineering Principles, David Marca. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company, 1984; 288 pages, 18.5 by 24 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0316-54574-0, $14.50.

BASIC For IBM Personal Computers, Harriet Morrill. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company, 1984; 270 pages, 17.8 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0316-58402-9, $14.50.

BASIC Tricks for the Apple. Allen Wyatt. Indianapolis, IN: Howard Sams & Co., 1983; 144 pages, 13.8 by 21.3 cm. Softcover, ISBN 0-672-22208-6, $8.95.

The Best Apple Software, the editors of Consumer Guide and Roe R. Adams III. New York: Beekman House, 1984; 160 pages. 13.5 by 21 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-517-42475-4, $4.98.

The Best Atari Software, the editors of Consumer Guide. New York: Beekman House. 1984; 192 pages, 13.5 by 21 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-517-41474-6, $4.98.

The Best Texas Instruments Software, the editors of Consumer Guide. New York: Beekman House, 1984; 160 pages, 13.5 by 21 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-517-42476-2. $4.98.

The Best VIC/Commodore Software, the editors of Consumer Guide. New York: Beekman House, 1984; 192 pages, 13.5 by 21. cm. softcover, ISBN 0-517- 42473-8, $4.98.

Buying the Right Computer the First Time. Pablo E. Silverio. Miami, FL: Silma Data Research Inc.. 1983; 152 pages. 14 by 21.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0)1 3223-01-8, $9.95.

Color Computer Applications, 'ohn P. Grillo and |. D Robertson. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1983; 160 pages.

17 by 2 5.3 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-471-86922-8, $10.95.

The Commodore 64 Users Guide, Jonathan Sacks with Mark Andrews. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1983: 128 pages, 13.5 by 20.8 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-02-008690-3, $5.95.

Compass Programming, Freeman L. Moore. Dubuque, 1A: Gorsuch Scarisbrick Publishers, 1983: 240 pages, 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 089787-400-5, $16.95.

Computer Algebra. Symbolic and algebraic Computation. 2nd ed. B. Buchberger. G. E. Collins, and R. Loos, eds. New York: Springer-Verlag/Wein, 1983; 294 pages, 17 by 24.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387-81776-X, $24.50.

Computer Buyers Protection Guide, L. I. Kutten. Englewood Cliffs, Nl: Prentice-Hall, 1983; 160 pages, 15.3 by 22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13-164187-5. $12.95.

Computer Game-Playing. M. a. Bramer, ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons. 1983: 306 pages, 15.5 by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-470-27466-2, $59.95.

Computer Power for Your Law Office, Daniel Remer. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1983; 160 pages, 17.8 by 22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-89588-109-8, $19.95.

Computer-Security Technology. lames Arlin Cooper. Lexington, MA: D C Heath and Co., 1984; 192 pages, 17 by 23.5 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-669-064 36-X. $25.

Computers for Business. 2nd ed. Hugh 1. Watson and Archie B. Carroll, eds. Piano. TX: Business Publications Inc.. 1984; 440 pages, 16.5 by 23.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-25603135-5, $15.95.

Controlling Financial Performance for Higher Profits. Dennis P. Curtin and leffrey R. Alves. Somerville, MA: Curtin & London, 1983: 200 pages, 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-930764-73-0. $17.50.

Datapro/McGraw-Hill Guide to Apple Software. New York: Datapro/McGraw-Hill. 1983; 288 pages, 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-07-015403-1, $19.95.

Datapro/McGraw-Hill Guide to CP/M Software. New York: Datapro/McGraw-Hill, 1983; 264 pages. 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-07-015404-X, $19.95.

Datapro/McGraw-Hill Guide to IBM Personal Computer Software. New York: Datapro/ McGraw-Hill, 1983; 216 pages, 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-07-015424-4, $19.95.

Datatran, Harvey 1. Gonzalez and Lois Fein. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984; 400 pages, 22 by 28.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-196493-3, $32.50.

Decision Support Systems, William C House, ed. Princeton, NJ: Petrocelli Books, 1983; 480 pages, 15.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-89433-208-2, $20.

Designing with the 8088 Microprocessor, lohn Zarrella. Fairfield, CA: Microcomputer Applications, 1984; 304 pages, 15.3 by 22.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-935230-07-6, $19.95.

Dictionary of Computers. Data Processing & Telecommunications, Jerry M. Rosenberg. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1984; 630 pages. 18 by 26 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-471-87638-0, $29.95.

THIS IS A LIST of books recently received at BYTE Publications. The list is not meant to be exhaustive, its purpose is to acquaint BYTE readers with current 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.

A Dictionary of Minicomputing and Microcomputing, Philip E. Burton. New York: Garland STPM Press, 1983; 368 pages, 15.3 by 22.8 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-8240-7286-3. $17.95.

Digital Image Processing. Gregory A. Baxes. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984; 192 pages, 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-13-214056-X. $14.95.

Dr. C. Wackos Miracle Guide to Designing and Programming Your Own Atari Computer Arcade Games, David L. Heller, lohn F. Johnson, and Robert Kurcina. Reading, MA: AddisonWesley, 1983; 244 pages, 18.8 by 23.5 cm, spiral-bound, ISBN 0-201-11490-9, $24.95. Includes floppy disk.

Electronic Prototype Construction, Stephen D. Kasten. Indianapolis, IN: Howard W Sams & Co., 1983; 400 pages, 13.5 by 21.3 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-672-21895-X, $17.95.

Elementary Programming for Kids in BASIC. Eugene Galanter. New York: A GD/Perigee Book, 1983; 208 pages, 18 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-39950867-8, $7.95.

Family Computers Under $200. Doug Mosher. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1984; 164 pages, 11 by 18 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-89588149-7, $3.95.

Fuzzy Sets. Natural Language Computations, and Risk Analysis. Kurt I. Schmucker. Rockville, MD: Computer Science Press. 1984; 194 pages, 15.5 by 23.7 cm, hardcover. ISBN 0-914894-83-8. $32.95.

Gosubs, Ewin Gaby and Shirley Gaby. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1984: 176 pages, spiral-bound, ISBN 0-07-022677-6, $9.95.

Graphics for the IBMpc, B. J. Korites. Duxbury, MA: Kern Publications, 1983; 288 pages, 17.8 by 22.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-940-254-31-X. $28.50. Floppy disk available. $21.50.

{text continued on page 464)

)UNE 1984 -BYTE 46*

BOOKS RECEIVED

(tot continued from page 463) Home Applications and Games for the Atari Home Computers. Timothy P. Banse. Boston, MA: Little, Brown and Company, 1983; 144 pages. 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-31608044-6, SI4.50.

IBM BASIC. Donald T. Payne and William R. Beck. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1983: 240 pages, 15.3 by 22.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-13-448688-9, $15.95.

IBM PC BASIC Programming. Richard Haskell and Glenn A. lackson. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984: 190 pages. 21.5 by 27.8 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-13-448424-X, $13.95.

The IBM PC-DOS Handbook, Richard Allen King. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1983: 320 pages, 17.8 by 22.8 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-89588-103-9. $16.95.

Interfacing to the TRS-80 Computer Models I. III. and 4, Jerry R. Lambert. Reston. VA: Reston Publishing Co.. 1984: 222 pages, 15 by 22.5 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-83 59-3115-3. $16.95.

Introduction to the Computer, 2nd ed. leffrey Frates and William Moldrup. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984: 576 pages. 18.3 by 24.3 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-480319-1, $23.95.

Kahn on Codes, David Kahn. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1983: 352 pages, 16.4 by 24 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-02560640-9, $19.95.

The KISS Principle. Ronald B. Smith. Princeton, NJ: Petrocelli Books Inc., 1983: 221 pages, 14.5 by 21.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-89433-198-1, $19.95.

Learning Logo on the Apple II, Anne McDougall, Tony Adams, and Pauline Adams. Englewood Cliffs. NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1982; 264 pages, 17 by 23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-7248-0732-2. $19.95.

Local Area Networks. V. E. Cheong and R. A. Hirschheim. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1983: 208 pages, 15.5 by 23.5 cm. hardcover, ISBN 0-47190134-2, $29.95.

Making Information Systems Work for You, Trevor I. Bentley. Technical revision by Irvine H.

Forkner. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. 1983: 192 pages, 15 by 22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13-547216-4, $8.95.

Mathematics Applied to Electronics, 2nd ed., lames H. Harter and Wallace D. Beitzel. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Co., 1984: 688 pages, 18.3 by 24.3 cm, hardcover, ISBN 083 59-4283-X, $24.95.

Mechanics and Materials for Design, Nathan H. Cook. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1984: 496 pages, 16.8 by 24 cm. hardcover, ISBN 0-07-012486-8. $31.95.

Mechanism Design: Analysis and Synthesis, vol. 1, Arthur G. Erdman and George N. Sandor. Englewood Cliffs. NJ: PrenticeHall, 1984: 544 pages, 18.3 by 24.3 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13572396-5, $39.95.

Micro Cookbook. Machine Language Programming, vol. 2. Don Lancaster. Indianapolis, IN: Howard W. Sams & Co. Inc., 1983: 458 pages, 13.5 by 21.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-672-21829-1. $15 95.

The Microsoft BASIC Idea Book. David H. Ahl. Morris Plains. NJ: Creative Computing Press, 1983: 152 pages, 13.8 by 21.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0916688-67-4, $8.95.

Moonlighting with Your Personal Computer, Robert I. Waxman. New York: World Almanac Publications, 1984; 160 pages. 15.3 by 23.5 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-345-31652-5, $7.95.

Mostly BASIC: Applications for Your Atari. Book 2, Howard Berenbon. Indianapolis, IN: Howard W. Sams & Co. Inc., 1983; 264 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, spiral-bound, ISBN 0-672-22092X, $15.95.

Multiplan Models for Business, Douglas Ford Cobb, Gena Berg Cobb, and Thomas B. Henderson. Indianapolis, IN: Que Corp., 1983; 288 pages, 18.5 by 23.5 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-88022-037-6, $14.95.

The New Alchemists. Dirk Hanson. New York: Avon Books, 1982; 384 pages, 10.5 by 17.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-38065854-2, $4.50.

The Osborne/McGraw-Hill Guide to Your Apple 111. Stanley

M. Miastkowski. Berkeley, CA: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983; 288 pages. 16.3 by 23.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-88134-101-0, $17.95.

Overcoming Computer Fear, Jeff Berner. Berkeley. CA: Sybex, 1984; 114 pages, 11 by 18 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-89588-145-4, $3.95.

A Parents Guide to Personal Comptuers & Software, the editors of Consumer Guide with Danny Goodman. New York: Simon & Schuster. 1983: 64 pages. 21 by 27.3 cm, spiralbound, ISBN 0-671-49173-3. $6.95.

Pascal as a Second Language, Vardell Lines. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984: 208 pages. 17.3 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-13-65292 5-9, $18.95.

PC DOS Users Guide, Chris DeVoney. Indianapolis, IN: Que Corp., 1984; 358 pages, 18.3 by 22.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 088022-040-6, $12.95.

Picture Perfect Programming in Applesoft BASIC. Thomas Mason. Steve Payne, and Barbara Black. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Co.. 1984; 240 pages, 17.8 by 23.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-8359-5549-4, $14.95.

Planning and Budgeting for Higher Profits. leffrey R. Alves and Dennis P. Curtin. Somerville, MA: Curtin & London. 1983; 224 pages, 21.5 by 27.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-930764-74-9, $17.50.

Portable Computers, Sheldon Crop and Doug Mosher. Berkeley. CA: Sybex, 1984; 128 pages, 15 by 22.8 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-89588-144-6, $7.95.

The Power Of: Financial Calculations for Lotus 1-2-3. Robert E. Williams. Portland, OR: Management Information Source Inc., 1983; 176 pages, 21 by 27 cm, softcover, ISBN 0943518-10-5, $14.95.

Power Supplies, leffrey D. Shepard. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Co., 1984; 190 pages. 15.5 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-83 59-5568-0. $21.95.

A Practical Guide to the UNIX System, Mark G Sobell. Menlo Park. CA: The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co., 1984; 448

pages, 15.8 by 23.5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-8053-8910-5, $21.95.

Problem Solving Using PL/I and PL/C, Keith Harrow. Englewood Cliffs. NJ: Prentice-Hall. 1984: 464 pages. 17.3 by 23.3 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-13-711796-5. $19.95.

RS-232 Made Easy, Martin D. Seyer. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1984; 240 pages, 15.3 by 22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13-783472-1, $15.95.

The Satellite TV Handbook. Anthony T Easton. Indianapolis, IN: Howard W. Sams & Co., 1983; 440 pages, 13.8 by 21.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-672-22055-5, $16.95.

Simulation of Waiting-Line Systems, Susan L. Solomon. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: PrenticeHall, 1983; 464 pages, 18 by 24 cm, hardcover. ISBN 0-13810044-6, $27.95.

Straight Forward BASIC. R. Barry Genzlinger, David L. Baker, |ohn A. Devino. David D. Ressler, and Douglas I. Ryan. Burlington. VT Champlain College Press. 1984; 168 pages, 18 by 2 5.5 cm. spiral-bound. ISBN 0-9612704-0-3. $12.95.

SuperCalc Home & Office Companion. Elna Tymes and Peter Antoniak. Berkeley, CA: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1984: 304 pages, 21.3 by 27.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-88134-113-4, $15.95.

Systems Reliability Maintainability Management, Balbir S. Dhillon. Princeton, NJ: Petrocelli Books, 1984; 288 pages, 16 by 24 cm. hardcover, ISBN 0-89433-195-7. $29.95.

Talking Chips: IC Speech Synthesis. Nelson Morgan. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1984; 192 pages, 15.8 by 23.5 cm, hardcover. ISBN 0-07-043107-8. $24.50.

Television Theory and Servicing, Charles G. Buscombe. Reston. VA: Reston Publishing Co., 1984; 848 pages. 18.5 by 24.3 cm. hardcover. ISBN 83597544-4. $34.95.

Things To Do With Your Apple Computer. Jerry Willis. Merl Miller, and Nancy Morrice. New York: The New American Library, 1983: 208 pages. 10.5

464 BYTE ■ IUNE 1984

BOOKS RECEIVED

by 17.8 cm. softcover, ISBN 0451-12848-6, $3.95.

Things To Do With Your Atari Computer, Jerry Willis, Merl Miller, and Nancy Morrice. New York: The New American Library, 1983; 240 pages. 10.5 by 17.8 cm. softcover. ISBN 0451-12850-8, $3.95.

Things To Do With Your Commodore 64 Computer, lerry Willis, Merl Miller, and Deborrah Willis. New York: The New American Library. 1983. 192 pages, 10.5 by 17.8 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-451-12843-5. $3.95.

Things To Do With Your Commodore VIC 20. lerry Willis. Merl Miller, and Deborrah Willis. New York: The New American Library. 1983: 192 pages, 10.5 by 17.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-451-12844-3, $3.95.

Things To Do With Your Osborne Computer, lerry Willis, Merl Miller, and D. LaMont lohnson. New York: The New American Library. 1983; 192 pages, 10.5 by 17.8 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-451-12852-4, $3.95.

Things To Do With Your TI-99/4A Computer. lerry Willis. Merl Miller, and D. LaMont lohnson. New York: The New American Library, 1983; 192 pages, 10.5 by 17.8 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-451-12842-7. $3.95.

Things To Do With Your TRS-80 Color Computer. lerry Willis, Merl Miller, and D. LaMont lohnson. New York: The New American Library, 1983; 224 pages. 10.5 by 17.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-451-12854-0. $3.95.

Things To Do With Your TRS-80 Model 4 Computer, lerry Willis, Merl Miller, and Cleborne D Maddux. New York: The New American Library, 1983; 224 pages, 10.5 by 17.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-451-12845-1, $3.95.

TRS-80 Data File Programming, Leroy Finkel and lerald R. Brown. New York: |ohn Wiley & Sons. 1983; 316 pages, 17 by 2 5.3 cm. softcover, ISBN 0471-88486-3, $14.95.

TRS-80 for Kids From 8 to 80, vol. 2. Michael P. Zabinski.

Indianapolis, IN: Howard W. Sams & Co.. 1983; 208 pages. 21.3 by 28 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-672-22070-9, $9.95.

The TRS-80 Model 100 Portable Computer. David A. Lien. El Cajon, CA: Compusoft Publishing. 1983: 576 pages, 17.8 by 22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-932760-17-1. $19.95.

Turing's Man. I. David Bolter. Chapel Hill, NC: The University of North Carolina Press, 1984; 280 pages, 16 by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-8078-1564-0. $19.95.

The UNIX Book, Mike Banahan and Andy Rutter. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1983; 224 pages, 17 by 2 5 cm. softcover, ISBN 0-471-89676-4, $16.95.

The UNIX Programming Environment, Brian W. Kemighan and Rob Pike. Englewood Cliffs, N|: Prentice-Hall, 1984; 368 pages. 18.5 by 24.3 cm. hardcover. ISBN 0-13937699-2, $26.95.

The UNIX System Guidebook, Peter P. Silvester. New York: Springer-Verlag. 1984: 224 pages, 15.5 by 23.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387-90906-0, $14.50.

The V1C-20 Connection, lames W. Coffron. Berkeley, CA: Sybex, 1983; 296 pages, 17.8 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-89588128-4, $9.95.

WordStar and CP/M Made Easy, lohn D. Lee. New York: lohn Wiley & Sons, 1983: 238 pages. 15 by 23 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-471-90188-1. $17.95.

Your IBM PC. Lyle I. Graham and Tim Field. Berkeley. CA: Osborne/McGraw-Hill. 1984; 608 pages, 16.3 by 23.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-88134-120-7. $17.95.

Your IBM PC Made Easy, Jonathan Sachs. Berkeley, CA: Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1984; 448 pages, 18.5 by 23.3 cm. softcover. ISBN 0-88134-112-6, $12.95.

Your Telephone: Operation, Selection, and Installation, Martin Clifford. Indianapolis, IN: Howard W. Sams & Co., 1983; 336 pages. 13.5 by 21.3 cm, softcover. ISBN 0-672- 22065-2. $13.95. ■

64K S100 STATIC RAM

$19929

NEW!

LOW POWER! RAM OR EPROM!

BLANK PC BOARD WITH DOCUMENTATION $55

SUPPORT ICs + CAPS $17.50

FULL SOCKET SET $14.50

FULLY SUPPORTS THE

NEW IEEE 696 S100

STANDARD

(AS PROPOSED)

FOR 56K KIT $185

ASSEMBLED AND TESTED ADD $50

FEATURES:

• Usss new 2K x 8 (TMM 2016 or HM 6116) RAMI.

• Fully supports IEEE 696 24 BIT Extended Addressing.

• 64K draws only approximately 500 MA.

• 200 NS RAMs are standard. (TOSHIBA makes TMM 2016s as last as 100 NS. FOR YOUR HIGH SPEED APPLICATIONS.)

• SUPPORTS PHANTOM (BOTH LOWER 32K AND ENTIRE BOARD).

• 2716 EPROMs may be Installed In any oltop48K.

• Any ol the top 8K (E0O0 H AND ABOVE) may be disabled to provide windows to eliminate any possible conflicts with your system monitor, disk controller, etc.

• Perfect for small systems since BOTH RAM and EPROM may co-exist on the same board.

• BOARD may be partially populated as 56K.

256K S-100 SOLID STATE DISK SIMULATOR!

WECALL THISBOARD THE "LIGHT-SPEED-100" BECAUSE IT OFFERS AN ASTOUNDING INCREASE IN YOUR COMPUTER'S PERFORMANCE WHEN COMPARED TO A MECHANICAL FLOPPY DISK DRIVE.

FEATURES:

* 2S6K on board, using + 5V 64K DRAMS.

Uses new Intel 8203-1 LSI Memory Controller

Requires only 4 Dip Switch Selectable I/O Ports. Runs on 8080 or Z80 S100 machines. Up to 8 LS-100 boards can be run together for 2 Meg. ol On Line Solid State Disk Storage. Provisions lor Battery back-up. Software to mate the LS-100 to your CP/M* 2.2 DOS is supplied. The LS-100 provides an increase in speed of up to 7 to 10 times on Disk Intensive Software. Compare our price! You could pay up io 3 times as mucn for similar boards.

BLANK PCB

(WITH CP/M* 2.2

PATCHES AND INSTALL

PROGRAM ON DISKETTE)

$69

95

KLS-100

$399

00

(FULL 256K KIT)

ui IV. .-V. .= "%»^'f

THE NEW ZRT-80

CRT TERMINAL BOARD!

A LOW COST Z-80 BASED SINGLE BOARD THAT ONLY NEEDS AN ASCII KEYBOARD, POWER SUPPLY, AND VIDEO MONITOR TO MAKE A COMPLETE CRT TERMINAL. USE AS A COMPUTER CONSOLE, OR WITH A MODEM FOR USE WITH ANY OFTHE PHONE-LINE COMPUTER SERVICES. FEATURES:

* Uses a Z80A and 6845 CRT Controller for powerful video capabilities.

* RS232 at 16 BAUD Rates from 75 to 19.200.

* 24 x 80 standard format (60 Hz).

* Optional formats from 24 x 80 (50 Hz) to 64 lines x 96 characters (60 Hz).

* Higher density formats require up to 3 additional 2K x 8 6116 RAMS.

* Uses N.S. INS 8250 BAUD Rate Gen. and USART combo IC.

* 3 Terminal Emulation Modes which are Dip Switch selectable. These include the LSI-ADM3A, the Heath H 19. and the Beehive.

* Composite or Split Video.

* Any polarity of video or sync.

* Inverse Video Capability.

* Small Size: 6.5 x 9 inches.

* Upper & lower case with descenders.

* 7 x 9 Character Matrix.

* Requires Par. ASCII keyboard.

"Tp A

BLANK PCB WITH 2716 CHAR. ROM, 2732 MON. ROM

$5995

SOURCE DISKETTE - ADD $10

SET OF 2 CRYSTALS - ADD $7.50

WITH 8 IN.

SOURCE DISK!

(CP/M COMPATIBLE)

$-10095

Ia.t7 > ZRT-80

(COMPLETE KIT, 2K VIDEO RAM)

Digital Research Computers

P. O. BOX 461565 • GARLAND, TEXAS 75046 • (214)271-3538

TERMS: Add $3.00 postage. We pay balance. Orders under $15 add 75<t handling. No C.O.D. We accept Visa and MasterCard. Texas Res. add 5% Tax. Foreign orders (except Canada) add 20% P & H. Orders over $50 add 850 for insurance.

]UNE 1984

1YTE 465

Mm

9&

ORYX w- SYSTEMS

QUALITY DISCOUNTS

§3 Check Oryx's

New Ad Listings! §3

r 1

APPLE/

FRANKLIN

■ -■

ASHTONTATE

d-Base II $ Coll

ASPEN/WANG SOFTWARE

Grammatik S 60

BEAGLE BROS.

Apple Mechanic $ 22

DOS Boss 17

Utility City 22

BRODERBUND

Bonk Street Writer ... $ 45

CDEX

All Training Prog $ 45

CENTRAL POINT

Copy II + $ 34

CONTINENTAL SOFTWARE

Home Accountant .... $ 49

DIGITAL RESEARCH

Excellent selection on

current and the exciting

new products $ Call

DOW JONES

Market Analyzer $ 245

Market Manager 219

Spreadsheet Link $ 199

LIVING VIDEOTEXT

Think Tank $ 99

C LOGO CORNER ]

Krell Logo $ 75

Terrapin S 99

MICROPRO

Wordstar (Special

w/ CP/M Cord,

70 col. & 64K) $ 329

Infostar (Includes CP/M, 70 col., 64K) . . $ 329

Pro Pak

(WS/MM/SS/lndex) . . 399

MICROSOFT

Cobol-80 $ 499

Fortran-80 145

TASC Compiler 119

A.L.D.S 79

Multiplan (DOS) 139

OMEGA

Locksmith S 79

PEACHTREE $ Call

PROMETHEUS

Applesurance S 99

PENGUIN SOFTWARE

Complete Graphics... $ 50

Graphics Magician ... 39

Complete Graphics/

Apple Tablet 86

PROMETHEUS

Applesurance S 99

SIERRA ON-LINE

Homeword $ Call

SOFTECH

Basic Compilers Runtime •. . . $ 169

Softeoch 94

UCSD P-system Set . . . 469 SOFTWARE PUBLISHING

PFS: File, Gr, Rep .ea.$ 79 SYSTEMS PLUS

Landlord $ 375

VISICORP

Visicalc (II or HE) $ 165

Visischedule 195

SS VisiOn Series $ Call

CP/M SOFTWARE

FORMATS AVAILABLE

All prices below are for 8" standard. Other formats are available. Some formats subect to "Download" fee and require minimum 2 weeks for delivery. Please inquire.

ATI

ffl'AII Training Prog . ea. S 60

COMPUVIEW

•V-Edit 8080 Z80,

IBM/PC $ 130

-V-Edit CP/M 86 $ 160

Systran 99

DIGITAL RESEARCH

•Pascal MT + w/SPP . . . $ 389

DR Assembler & Tools . 149

CP/M 2.2 125

C Basic 2 95

PL/1-80 375

Personal Basic 120

CP/M Plus 3.0 262

CP/M Gold Card $ Call

Access or Display Mgr 299

C Languaqe/compiler 260

Concurrent CP/M 2.0 . Call All 8" - 86 Version

of Above $ Call

INFOCOM

•Deadline $ 49

"Starcross 39

"Suspended 39

•Zork, I, II, III ea. 39

STAR SOFTWARE SYSTEMS ACCOUNTING PARTNER

Easy to use menu-driven programs for the beginner that can be linked with a sophisticated system as needed.

Your "Partner" includes: general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable ond payroll. Also included for a nominal fee is an "800" number for access to the Sfar Question Center Back-Up Support Unit.

ORYX PRICE $ 269

466 BYTE- JUNE 1984

EDUCATIONAL AIDS

for the 1984-85 School Year

ADMINISTRATIVE BPI Systems Bertamax, Inc. Charles Mann Com Press (Div. of

Science Books Iht'l) Xerox

Personal Software (Visicorp) IMS - Int'l Micro Systems

CURRICULUM Beagle Bros. Bertamax, inc. (includes

Skills for Handicapped) EdWare Services Career Publishing CBS

George Earl Krell Muse

Reader's Digest Services Micro Power & Light Co. Plato

Scarborough Xerox

PLUS MANY MORE FOR INFORMATION $ Call

r>

PEACHTREE CORNER

PeachPok 4

(GL, AR AR) S

Series 8 (GL, AR AR, Sales Inv., Inv., Control, Job Cost, Client Post. & Acct . . each mod. $

MARK OF THE UNICORN

•Final Word S 199

MICROPRO

•WordStar J Call

•InfoStar $ Call

•Pro-Pack

(WS/MM/SS Index) . . $ Call

All others $ Call

MICROSOFT

Basic 80 $ 239

Basic Compiler 249

Fortran 80 330

Cobol 80 449

Macro 80 130

MuMath/MuSimp 179

•Multiplan 139

MICROSTUF

•Crosstalk $ 109

NORTHWEST ANALYTICAL

•Statpak $ 365

OASIS

The Word Plus $ 120

Punctuation and Style $ 99

SORCIM

•Supercalc II $ 169

Superwriter

(w/Speller & Mailer) . $ 169

SELECT

Select Word

Processor $ 209

SUPERSOFT

•Diagnostic II I 89

Disk Doctor 74

•Fortran 4 299

Basic 8086 225

C Cross Assembler . . , 400

•Scratchpad 187

T MAKER III $ 195

IBM PC

Please see CP/M listing. All products with an * in front are also made for PC/DOS and are priced the same unless otherwise specified.

ALPHA SOFTWARE

Data Base Mgr. II .... $ 179

Executive Pkg 105

Apple-IBM Connection $ 169

AMERICAN

INT'L COMMUNICATIONS

Tlx-A.Syst $ 199

Gram-A-Syst 199

AUTODESK Autocad $ Call

B&L

Multi-Job (runs nine programs at once). . . $ 145

BULLISH INVESTMENT Net Worth J Call

CENTRAL POINT

Copy II PC $ 34

CONTINENTAL

Home Accountant .... $ 89

CTek

PC Calculator $ 29

Prog. PC Calculator . . 49

Prog. PC Calculatoi

w/ Fin. Mod 55

DIGITAL RESEARCH Concurrent CP/M 86. .$ Coll Pascal MT + 86

CP/M 86 w/SPP 375

Pascal MT+ (PC/DOS) 385 DR Logo $ Call

DOW JONES

Market Analyzer $ 245

Market Manager 219

Connector 39

ECO-SOFT

Microstat $ Call

ENERTRONICS

Energraphics S Call

FINANCIER

Tax Series 105

Financier II S 119

FOX & GELLER

Grafox I 199

SB Quick Codes 175

$ D Util 58

FYI

Superfile $ 139

FYI 3000 287

GRAPHIC/MOSAIC SOFTWARE

Super Chortman II .... $ 299

Super Chortman IV . . . 199

SS Combo II 4 IV 350

£3 Integrated 6 369

LIFETREE

Volkswrlter Deluxe ... $ 199 LIGHTHOUSE SOFTWARE g Key II (Data Mgmt 123) $ Call LIVING VIDEOTEXT

Think Tank (256K) . . . . $ 139 MICROPRO

Starburst $ Call

MICRORIM

R-bose $ Call

NORELL DATA SYSTEMS

Systems Backup S 42

PEACHTREE

See CP/M listing.

PeachText 5000 $ 225

ROSESOFT

SS ProKey 3.0 $ 99

SATELLITE SOFTWARE

Word Perfect w/ Sp .. $ 299 SORCIM

Supercalc III S 239

SPI

Open Access $ 399

STAR SOFTWARE SYSTEMS

"Legal Time, Billing

Property Mgmt

SUPERSOFT

C Compiler - 8086 . . .

Basic Compiler

8087 Support

SYSTEMS PLUS

Landlord (prop mgmt)

Runtime Basic (req d for above) VISICORP

VisiOn Line

. .. and many morel

787 787

$ 350 225

40

$ 375 45

$ Call

f d-BASE II

CORNER

Anderson-Bell

Abstat $

329

Ashton-Tate

dBase II J

389

FPL

410

Friday

179

Fox & Gelier

Quick Code J

175

D Util

58

Human Soft

d-Base Plus I

90

Sensible Desigr

D-Programmer . . . $

S

249

Software Banc

^Advanced d-Base

Users Guide $

Call

^Report Writer w/

dBase II purchase $

10

Tylog Systems

dBase Window .. $

179

d-Base Door $

109

'All above available

{ on PC-DOS

APPLE/

FRANKLIN

BOARDS

ALSCP/MCard $ 299

ALS Smorterm II 145

ALSZCardll 120

ABT Keypad 99

Axlon Ramd.sk 128K . . 309

Bit 3 Dual Comm-plus . 209

CCS 7710 Asynch Serial 119 East Side

W,ld Card II $ 117

Microsoft 16K Romcard 69

Microsoft Softcard ... . 219

Microsoft Softcard + 419 Microsoft Premium

Softcard IIIE) $ 335

Microtek Printer l/F ... 75

Microtek Dumpling 16K. 169

Microtek Dumpling-GX 89

Mountain AD/DA ... $ Call Mountain

fe Music System S 299

PCP 4 MHZ

Appli-Card + 88 Curd $ Call PCP 88 Card

16 Bit + 64K $ 425

Prometheus Versacard 159 SSM ASIO Serial l/F

w/cable J 129

SSM AIO-2 Serial/

Parallel $ 179

Tymac Parallel l/F

w/cable $ 79

Videx Display

Enhancer $ 99

Videx Display

Enhancer II $ 99

Videx Func. Strip 35

Videx Videoterm

VT-600 J 179

Videx Ultraterm 249

IBM/PC BOARDS

AST RESEARCH

ffiSix Pak Plus 64K (exp 384K - Ser, Par, Clk) ... $ 279

MegaPlus 64K, (Cl/Col, Ser Port, 512K capacity w/ Megapak) $ 269

©Monograph Plus $ Call

PC Net II Bus Sys S Call

Extra ports available

for Megaplus and I/O

Plus II (Game, P/S) $ 40

AST RESEARCH (Cont'd)

Megapak 256K upgrade

for Megaplus $ Call

I/O Plus II Cl/Cal

and Ser Port $ 115

MA SYSTEMS

5) PC Peacock Or Bd ... $ 325

MAYNARD ELECTRONICS

Floppy Drive Cntrlr ... $ 160

w/ Par Port 209

w/ Ser Port 219

Sandstar Floppy Drive Cntrlr $ 194

Sandstar Mem Card - 3 modules cap. ... $ 145

Sandstar Multifunction Card-6 modules cap. $ 71

Sandstar Modules .... $ Call

DISPLAY CARDS CORNER

Hercules Gr Bd ... Plarttronics

Colorplus

Parad.se/USI

Display Card (color

$

$

/

$ .$

359 Call

399

Amdek MAI Card.

420

Tecmor

Graphic Master . .

.$

499

OUADRAM

Quadboard 64K, (exp 384K Clk/Cal, Ser S. Par

Ports, Software) $ 279

85 Quadboard 384 (OK) . 212 Microfazer Stack Printer

► Par/Par 8K (exp 512K) $ 132

► Ser/Par 8K

(exp64K) $ 156

► Ser/Ser 8K

(exp64K) $ 156

Quadlink 64K Mem (allows Apple SW to

run on IBM/PC) $ 469

Other Quadram Prods $ Call

TECMAR Products . . . . S Call

XEDEX/MICROLOG

Baby Blue $ 325

Baby Blue II $ 525

MONITORS

Amdek 300A Am $ 149

Amdek Color II + 425

NEC JB1201 - 12" Gr ..$ Call NEC JB1260- 12" Gr ..$ 119 NECJC1216RGB 435

Below are several of the terminals available at ORYX.

Adds - Qume - Televideo - Liberty - Teletex - Wyse

For technical assistance call (715) 848 1374 To order, use our toll free line.

Panasonic CT160

10" comp $ Call

PGS HX12 RGB Or . .. .$ Call

PGS MAX 12 $ 199

Quadram

Quadchrome $ Call

Sanyo 8112 12 HR Gr S Call

Taxan

KG12N-UY 12" HR Am $ 139 KG12N 12" HR Gr,... 132 RGB Vision-1

12" LR Or $ 323

RGB Vision-3

12" HROr $ 459

USI 1200A 12" HR Am . S 159

MODEMS

Hayes 300 . . $ Call

Hayes 1200 I Call

Hayes 1200B (Inl) $ 449

Hayes Chronograph .. 189

Novation

Apple-Cat II $ 259

PC Cat w/ Crosstalk

/a/so known as

Access 123 1200B) ...$ Call Orchid Technology f Orchid Blossom (64K) .$ Call

PC Net Daughterboard

(add on to Blossom) . . $ Call Prometheus

Promodem $ 449

US Robotics

Auto-Dial 300/1200.. .$ 459

S-100 Modem 339

Password 325

Zoom Telephonies

Networker $ 109

PC NETWORKING by SANTA CLARA

Starter Kit —

Special Price $1,245

Add I Adapter Cards & Cabling Available. For Pricing $ Call

DISK DRIVES

CDC 1800 S 229

Corona 5 MB Hard w/cntrlr. ..$1,395 10 MB Hard w/cntrlr. . 1,795

Corvus $ Call

Davong 10/15/20 MB. . $ Call

Santa Clara $ Call

Tandon TM-1002 $ 219

Vista 83 Dynaframe Systems w/ 5 to 40 MB Primary Disk Drive $ Call

HALF HIGHS

Matsushita $ 199

Panasonic 199

Shugart . . 225

SuperS (Apple) $ Call

Teac w/brackets $ 210

PRINTERS

Anadex $ Call

Diablo 630 ECS $ Call

Diablo 630 API S Call

Epson $ Call

IDS/Data Products

Prism 80 w/4 options . . $1,399 Prism 132 w/4 options . $1,547

Micropnsm $ Call

Mannesman Tally

MT180L $ 810

MT160L 595

Spirit $ 330

NEC 3550 $1,745

Okidata82 93 $ Call

Quadram Quadiet ... $ Call Siemens

Ink Jet Printer PT88 ... $ 749 Silver-Reed

Daisy Wheel $ Call

Star Micronics $ Call

Teletex T1014 $ 499

Transtar

T 130 PSS $ 665

T 315 P-Dot Matrix . . 489

T-120P&S 475

... and much more.

DISKETTES

(OBASF w/ library case .. $ 28 3M 5 DS, DD, Box . . $ 40

CDC $ 28

Maxell 5 DS, DD,

MD2, Box $ 40

Verbatim 5

DS, DD, Box $ 35

Ultra Magnetics 5

DS, DD, Bonus Box

(12 Diskettes) $ 35

(3 Boxes Diskettes Minimum)

PLOTTERS

Enter P100 Sweet P

Apple/Franklin,

IBM/PC $ 545

Enter's 6 Shooter $ Call

Strobe M100 Plotter

w/ l/F Apple/Franklin $ 499 Strobe M100 Plotter

(RS 232) $ 499

Panasonic

VP6801P Plotter $1,375

MISC.

Alpho-Delta MACC Surge Protector $ 69

Chalkboard $ Call

Curtis PC Products .... $ Call

Electronic

Protection Devices Surge Protectors $ Call

Hauppage

888087 Math Pkg $ 195

s87Chip 169

SsOthers $ Call

Keytronic

Keyboard 5150 $ 175

WP KB5151 $ 219

WP KB5151 Dvorak ... $ Call

Koala Technologies Graphic Tablet $ Call

Orange Micro

Grappler Plus $ 117

Grappler Plus w/Buffer $ 175

Street Electronics Echo Speech Synth IBM $ 179 Echo II Speech Synth . . 129 Echo Word S Call

TG

Joystick IBM/PC $ 49

Joystick Apple/FRK ... 46

Wico

Analog Joystick $ 39

Apple Adapter 18

IBM/PC l/F Card $ Call

Versa Computing VersaWnter $ 239

SDI, Inc.

STOPLOCK

Completely STOPS computer in boot mode - LOCKS IT UP INTERNALLY. OPENS only to valid user with I.D. code. (Check money-back guarantee by SDI, Inc.) $ Call

We offer the following complete systems w/ full support on our technical line*

Franklin 1000 & 2000 NEC APC & 8800

Corona Columbia

Televideo Hyperion

Please:

Wisconsin residents add 5% for sales tax. Add $3.50 for shipping per software and light items. For multiple and other items, call. Foreign — add 15% handling & shipping for prepayment. (Int'l money order.) Prices are subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability.

ORYX SYSTEMS, INC.

CRAFTSMEN OF THE HEW TECHHOLOGY

425 First Street e PO. Box 1961 Wausau, Wisconsin 54401

*For technical assistance, order status and in Wisconsin: 715-848-1374

Int'l Telex: 260181

ORYX SYS WAU

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► COD (Add $2.00 per shipment. Cash or certified check required.)

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If at first you don't succeed In finding products that you need. Use our phone line... it's toll tree For great prices aeaiiabitity!

@£k

6^

Mat"

Circle 247 on inquiry card.

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 467

WHAT'S NEW

NEW SYSTEMS

Z80 and 80186 Built into Poly

A multiuser, dual-processor S-100 computer, the Poly 8/16 from PolyMorphic Systems is built with Z80 and 80186 microprocessors. A two-board set. the Poly 8/I6's master board carries the 8-bit Z80 processor. 64K bytes of RAM, and the PC-DOScompatible CP/M-80 operating system. The slave board uses the 8-MHz 16-bit Intel 80186 processor, provides 256K bytes of RAM (expandable to I megabyte), and runs under Concurrent CP/M-86. The Poly 8/16 supports up to

four users, each running 80186 slaves. Each additional 80186 slave card has 2 56K bytes of RAM, two serial ports, and a parallel port. (The 80186 singleboard computers can be added to PolyMorphic computers installed since 1977.1 Options include floppy-disk drives, printers, plotters, a CAD/CAM color terminal, UNIX, and halfor full-sized fixed-disk or removable-cartridge Winchester drives with storage capacities from 5 to 80 megabytes. The basic Poly 8/16 comes

with master and slave cards on a 5-siot motherboard, a halfheight 800K-byte floppy-disk drive, four RS-232C/RS-422 serial ports, two parallel ports, a detached keyboard, and a serial terminal with a 14-inch monochrome display. Supplied software includes Digital Research's GSX graphics extension. CP/M-80. and CP/M-86. Prices start at S4495. Contact PolyMorphic Systems, 5330 Debbie Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, (805) 967-0468. Circle 750 on inquiry card.

Portable Has Hard and Floppy Drives

The C2600 portable computer from lonos International comes with a 10-megabyte 3'/2-inch hard-disk drive and a 322K-byte

3!^-inch floppy-disk drive. The C2600, which is designed around the 8-bit Z80B microprocessor, features 128K bytes of

RAM, a 9-inch high-resolution display, and CP/M 3.0 Plus. Its I/O capabilities are made up of two serial RS-232C ports, a single parallel printer interface, and a composite-video jack. The C2600's detachable IBM Selectric-type keyboard is augmented with 10 function keys and a 10-key numeric pad. Its dimensions are \TA by 1314 by 7!4 inches. It weighs 27 pounds.

For expansion, the C2600 has three STD bus slots. Currently the manufacturer offers controllers, graphics, modem, and memory cards. The list price is $5695. Contact lonos International Inc.. 183 5 Dawns Way, Fullerton, CA 92631. (714) 999-6661. Circle 751 on inquiry card.

Dual Processors Standard with Eve

Featuring Z80A and 6502 microprocessors, the $2195 Eve II Personal Computer comes with a monitor, a dot-matrix printer, a floppy-disk drive, and a bundle of software. Eve II, a 64Kbyte system, runs under CP/M while offering AppleDOS compatibility. Its 12-inch orange monitor can produce 40- or 80-column by 24-line displays and generate 16 colors. The bidirectional printer operates at 80 cps and handles both fan

fold and single-sheet paper through tractor- and frictionfeed mechanisms.

Eve II has a standard QWERTY keyboard, eight programmable function keys, a self-test key, and separate numeric pad and cursor controls. Mass storage is provided by a 163K-byte single-sided, double-density floppy-disk drive. Additional hardware features include a digital clock and eight Apple-compatible expansion

slots.

Word-processor, file-manager, financial-planning, and budgeting packages from Sam's Software are supplied.

Up to 2 56K bytes of RAM and a variety of peripherals and applications programs are optional. Contact Computer Technology International Inc., 200 Murray Hill Parkway, East Rutherford, N| 07073, (201) 935-9300. Circle 752 on inquiry card.

6-MHz Z80B at Heart of Computer

The Servo 8's Z80B runs at 6 MHz. It has 64K bytes of 150-nanosecond dynamic RAM and 2K. bytes of monitor/debugger EPROM on board. A selfadjusting disk controller can handle four VA- and four 8-inch drives simultaneously. A parallel printer port, SASI bus, two serial ports with softwareselectable data rates, and a 50-pin Servo expansion bus are provided. Either CP/M or OASIS serves as its operating system. Power requirements are 5 V at 1400 mA.

Options include 10- and 20-megabyte drives, two serial ports, a real-time clock/calendar, and a memory board with two 64K-byte banks of RAM. The single-unit price is $495. Contact Servo Computer Corp.. 360B North Ellensburg St., POB 566, Gold Beach, OR 97444, (503) 247-2021. Circle 754 on inquiry card.

16032 Multibus Computer

The GVC-16 Multibus computer is a 32-bit demand-paged, virtual-memory system using National Semiconductor's 10-MHz NS16032 microprocessor. This single-board computer combines the NS16000 chip set with up to 2 megabytes of RAM and a Winchester hard-disk interface. Its key specifications are 512K bytes of dual-ported RAM with parity, a 16081 floating-point unit, twin sockets for up to 32K bytes of EPROM, time-of-day clock with battery backup, 4 serial I/O ports, 16 vectored interrupts. 4 user-definable DIP switches, and an EPROM-based integer BASIC interpreter. A system monitor resides in ROM. The basic configuration, which comes with 512K bytes of memory and an interrupt-control unit, costs $3295. Contact GVC Inc.. 222 Third St.. Cambridge, MA 02142, (617) 576-1804. Circle 753 on inquiry card.

468 BYTE • IUNE 1984

WHAT'S NEW

PERIPHERALS

Video-Capture System for IBM

A video-capture system for the IBM PC is available from Chorus Data Systems. The PC-Eye Series 1000 interface board seizes images from a video camera or recorder at speeds of up to eight frames per second. Images can be digitized with 1 or 2 bits of intensity for use with the IBM high-resolution graphics adapter, or they can be digitized with 4 bits (i.e.. 640- by 400-pixel resolution) for use with PC-compatible graphics adapter boards. The standard resolution at 2 bits is 320 by 200 pixels, while at I bit it's 640 by 200 pixels. Other resolutions and partial image transfers can be achieved under program control.

The Series 1000 transfers images under DMA control directly to the PC's main memory at rates approaching 1 megabyte per second. Successive frames can be captured and stored for off-line comparison or postprocessing. Both noninterlaced and interlaced scanning are supported. A crystal-controlled clock and a

digital driver ensure accurate timing and stable synchronization. Software support for hardcopy outputs, annotation, storage, comparison, compression, and transmission of video information is offered.

The PC-Eye Series 1000 requires PC-DOS 2.0, a single PC or PC XT expansion slot, and a camera or recorder with an EIA RS-170 or NTSC inter

face. Copy stands, graphics adapters, cameras, lenses, and applications software are optional. PC-Eye is $495, which includes the interface card, utility software, and documentation. Address inquiries to Chorus Data Systems Inc., POB 810. Hollis, NH 03049. (603) 465-2290.

Circle 755 on inquiry card.

New Low-End Terminal Boasts High-End Features

The Freedom 110 video display terminal from Liberty Electronics is an ergonomically styled unit with a 12-inch green or amber tilt/swivel monitor and a detached DIN-standard keyboard. The nonglare CRT displays 96 ASCII characters. 32 control characters, and 15 linegraphics characters in a 7- by 9dot matrix format in a 9 by 12 field. Eight foreign-language character sets are also available.

Display size is 24 lines by 80 columns, with a twenty-fifth status line. A screen-saver feature will shut off power to the CRT, without loss of data, if fifteen minutes have elapsed with no activity. The keyboard has 94 keys, including a QWERTY layout, numeric keypad, 4 cursor movement keys. 6 editing keys, 8 command keys, and 10 nonvolatile programmable function keys that can be used in conjunction with the Shift key to produce 20 userdefined sequences totaling up to 2 56 bytes.

The unit has two independently configured RS-232C ports and supports both XON/XOFF and DTR handshaking at rates up to 19.2K bps. The Freedom 110 can be set up to emulate the

TeleVideo 910, the Lear Siegler ADM-3A/5, the Hazeltine 1420. the ADDS Regent 2 5, and Liberty's higher-priced model, the Freedom 100. Nonvolatile setup parameters can be input from the keyboard using either a full-screen menu or the status line, or downloaded from the host computer. There is room in the base of the monitor for an additional printed-circuit board of about 7 by 11 inches that could be used for a singleboard computer or other device. The Freedom 110 lists at $595 for the green-phosphor model; the amber display costs an additional $2 5. Further information is available from Liberty Electronics, 62 5 Third St.. San Francisco, CA 94107, (415) 543-7000. Circle 756 on inquiry card.

Voice/Data Storage and Retrieval Line Unveiled

Dialogic Corporation recently unveiled a series of real-time voice and/or data storage and retrieval I/O boards for the IBM PC Designed for voice-annotation of text, digital voice transmission, remote messaging and data entry, and computer/ human interface applications, the Dialog family comes in three implementations: basic voice I/O. a version with autoanswer/auto-dial firmware, and a model with a 300-bps modem and digital-transmission firmware. Each board comes with a set of software drivers that digitize, store, and recreate sounds. Only one PC expansion slot is used.

Three data-sampling rates—4, 6. or 8 kHz—are standard. At 4 kHz. the maximum data storage requirement per second is 2K bytes, 1.5K bytes is typical, and 3 bytes is minimum. Polled or interrupt-driven handshake modes. 32-sample buffer, and eight selectable I/O addresses (two used) make up the Dialogto-IBM interface.

Dialogic boards will accept, compress, and store on disk any sound that can be recorded on tape. Inputs are entered from a microphone, a telephone, or a local-network interface. Outputs can be directed to your PC's speaker, an external speaker, or earphones. Sounds are recreated in real time.

Demonstration programs and PC-DOS drivers for BASIC, Pascal, and C are supplied with each board. The basic system, Dialog/1, is $295. With a telephone interface and autoanswer/auto-dial capabilities, Dialog/2 is priced at $495. The fully configured Dialog/3 is $595. Further information can be obtained by contacting Dialogic Corp.. 164 McKinley Ave. East Hanover, N) 07936, (800) 221-0393; in New Jersey, (201) 386-0202. Circle 757 on inquiry card.

[text continued on page 470)

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 469

WHAT'S NEW

Internal Modem for Portable PC

A D D - I N S

PC Color Graphics Adapter

The PC Modem Half Card from Ven-Tel provides the IBM Portable PC with a very important accessory—an internal 300/1200 bps auto-dial/auto-answer modem that fits into one of the computer's half-length expansion slots. The product accepts the widely used Hayes Smartmodem control codes and is distributed with Crosstalk-XVI telecommunications software

from Microstuf Inc. Buyers should note that this is not the same product as Ven-Tel's earlier PC Modem Half Card for the IBM PC XT (which has a similar card bus)—the two modems are not interchangeable. Retail price is $549. For more information, contact Ven-Tel Inc.. 2342 Walsh Ave.. Santa Clara, CA 95051. (408) 727-5721. Circle 758 on inquiry card.

Combo S-100 Board

Has Z80 and 286 Processors

Macrotech International has announced the MI-286, a dualprocessor S-100 CPU board with both a Zilog Z80B and an Intel iAPX 80286. The board is designed as a replacement for earlier multitasking and multiuser dual-processor CPU boards running under the MP/M-8/16 operating system, such as the CompuPro CPU 8085/8088. Because of the increased addressing capability of the MI-286, the new board can sup

port up to 16 megabytes of random-access memory. Singleunit price of the MI-286 is SI395; an optional upgrade including the 80287 math coprocessor and related PAL (programmed array logic) is available for $650. More information can be obtained from Macrotech International Corp.. 9551 Irondale Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311, (818) 700-1501. Circle 759 on inquiry card.

Persyst has announced BoB (Best of Both), a color-display adapter board for the IBM PC and PC XT. A single-board adapter compatible with the IBM color-display adapter's features, BoB supports either a standard color mode with 16 colors or a black-and-white mode with 16 levels of gray. It produces an 8- by 12-dot character in a 10- by 16-dot grid. Two graphics screen modes are standard: 320- by 200-pixel medium resolution with four colors and 640- by 200-pixel high resolution with one color. For higher resolutions, it supports a 24.83-kHz horizontal rate that sustains 400 verticalscan lines. DMA operations and

access to display memory in any mode are permitted.

BoB has direct-drive intensity RGB and composite-video outputs, a light-pen interface, and provisions for up to 32K bytes of display memory. It supports the PC's user-selectable character attributes and the 2 56character IBM set. Optionally, 320- by 400-pixel mediumresolution with four colors and 640- by 400-pixel high-resolution single-color graphics modes are available.

Prices begin at $42 5. Contact Personal Systems Technology Inc.. Persyst Products, Suite A, 15801 Rockfield Blvd., Irvine, CA 92714. (714) 859-8871. Circle 760 on inquiry card.

Linear Programming for the PC

SOFTWARE-IBM PC

A Little Blues for the PC

LP88 is a general-purpose system for solving linear programs with up to 255 constraints and 22 5 5 variables (including slacks). You can input linear programs as they are formulated without converting to a standard form. Both maximization and minimization problems are accepted, and LP88 accepts any combination of < =. > =, or - constraint relations. Applications include production, mixing, scheduling, inventories, cash management, transportation, and network problems. LP88 uses the Revised Simplex algorithm. It computes and stores the inverse of the matrix of basis columns as the linear program is solved.

LP88 can be configured at run time. Operator controls are ex

ercised by means of function keys, and four menus provide options for input, solution, output, and interrupting execution. A display editor uses spreadsheet-like inputs and permits editing and modification of a problem's features. The Simplex algorithm can be interrupted during program execution.

Minimum requirements are a display, a single disk drive, a printer, DOS 1,1 or 2,0, and a 128K-byte IBM PC or PC XT. For large problems, 192K bytes and a RAM disk or hard disk are recommended. It costs $88. A version that supports the Intel 8087 costs $ 11 more. Contact Eastern Software Products Inc., 4804 Tarpon Lane, Alexandria. VA 22309. (703) 360-6942. Circle 761 on inquiry card.

The SongWright Music Processor for the IBM PC lets you compose, save, edit, transpose, play back, and print out music. It also aligns lyrics and chord notations with notes. SongWright features a twooctave range, seven key signatures, multiple time

Talking PC Program

signatures, and chordal harmony. DOS 1.1 or 2.0 and an IBM or Epson graphics printer are required. The suggested price is $24.95. Contact SongWright, 928 Fillmore St.. Denver. CO 80206, (303) 321-0481. Circle 762 on inquiry card.

The PC Talking Program is a machine-language program that modifies the IBM PC so that it becomes a fully functional talking computer. The Talking Program lets you choose total or spelled speech, and it can identify uppercase and lowercase characters as well as line and column numbers. It can read or

spell out an entire page, current line, or the character under the cursor. All its major functions are controlled by 10 function keys, and no hardware modifications are required.

To use the Talking Program, you need a 64K-byte IBM PC. an asynchronous RS-232C communications adapter, a speaker

470 B YTE • IUNE 1984

WHAT'S NEW

or headphones, a specially configured RS-232C cable, and a Votrax Type N Talk, Echo PC, or other voice synthesizer. The talking program uses only about 2K bytes of memory. Also available is a version of the Talking Program that works with IDEAssociates IDEAComm 3278 board, which permits the talking IBM PC to emulate an IBM 3278. A Talking Proofreader can be obtained. The Talking Program can be obtained for Radio Shack computers and the Lobo MAX-80. Write Computer Conversations, 2350 North 4th St.. Columbus, OH 43202, or call (614) 263-4324 after 6 p.m. Circle 763 on inquiry card.

Building Blocks for Numeric Control

Novum Organum's C Building Blocks are a set of functions and subsystems suitable for such applications as numeric control and telecommunications. They interface with PC-DOS and provide access to all the features and peripherals on the IBM PC.

C Building Blocks 1 provides access to all system services and DOS features and control over peripherals. The database version handles keyed access to variable-length records, while the mathematics version gives you the most commonly used arithmetic functions. Communications Building Blocks allows data transfers with interrupt-driven ports control and protocol file transfer. Advanced Building Blocks extends Building Blocks I by allowing filed input, Julian dates, and data compression.

C Building Blocks are delivered on MS-DOS-compatible 5!4-inch floppy disks with comprehensive manuals. The source code is provided or available. Mathematics and Advanced Building Blocks cost $99 each. The others are SI49. Add $4.50 for shipping ($6.50 for UPS air delivery). Contact Novum Organum, 29 Egerton Rd„ Arlington. MA 02174. (617) 641-1650. Circle 764 on inquiry card.

SOFTWARE'lfeMPC NAPLPS Software Word Processor Merges Lists, Defines Keyboard

TVOntario's NAPLPS page/frame creation software, Createx-C, runs on the. IBM PC This program is said to generate graphics at high speed, make database storage more economical, and reduce transmission costs. Createx-C can scan a page to produce a shorter byte length while retaining the essential content suitable for both on-line and broadcast transmission. It can define up to 262,000 colors, limited only by the terminal. Because it uses NAPLPS blinks and colormapping codes. Createx-C is suitable for animation. Other features include single-keystroke editing, access to NAPLPS text features, and full user control over character path, character rotation, and text size.

Createx-C requires a NAPLPS decoder and color monitor. It costs $1450 for the first license. Contact TVOntario, POB 200, Station Q, Toronto, Ontario M4T 2T1, Canada, (416) 484-2606. Circle 765 on inquiry card.

The XyWrite Il-plus word processor lets you merge mailing lists and define the IBM PCs keyboard. With its mail-merge feature, you can integrate names, addresses, and data fields. The keyboard definition function proffers single-keystroke command-and-text combinations. XyWrite Il-plus has horizontal and vertical split-screen displays, simultaneous multiplefile access, and horizontal scrolling. Editing functions include column moves, indexing, superscripts, subscripts, footnotes, endnotes, foreign-language and mathematics characters; pagination, and automatic word wrap. Background printing, directory call-up, and on-line help are provided.

For forms generation, XyWrite Il-plus will protect fields. Preprinted forms and documents can be filled out. On-screen page and line indicators, pagebreak indicator, tab ruler and column indicator, micro-justification, underlining, and what-you

see-is-what-you-get printing are other highlights.

XyWrite Il-plus runs under PC-DOS versions 1.0, 1,1, 2.0, and 2.1. It's compatible with text files from assembly languages, BASIC, Lotus 1-2-3, Pascal, VisiCalc, and FORTRAN. It costs $295, plus $5 shipping, and is available from XyQuest Inc., POB 372, Bedford, MA (617) 275-4439. Circle 766 on inquiry card.

WmtSMtmammM software- ibm p c > r ^^f^.f^^^J^.^i?!^!? Speaking Software

Alpha Software's Electric Desk, an integrated, multitasking software package with windows for the IBM PCjr, combines word processing, spreadsheet analysis, database management, and communications functions in a single package. Several functions can be operated simultaneously, and switching from one task to another or dividing the display screen into a pair of windows can be accomplished with two or three keystrokes.

An integral macro language lets you program frequently needed functions, such as a repetitive series of calculations, into two-keystroke commands. Data can be transferred to and from functions; disk-switching is not necessary.

Electric Desk's word processor

provides the features available on most stand-alone word processing programs, while the 2 5 5-row by 2 55-column spreadsheet is said to match any electronic spreadsheet for the IBM PC. The database manager gives you extensive indexing and can accommodate up to 65,000 records. In addition to electronic mail and commercial database-access capabilities, the communications option lets you automatically dial telephone numbers stored in the database.

Electric Desk requires 128K bytes of RAM and a disk drive. Most of its code is on ROM cartridge. The list price is $295. Contact Alpha Software Corp., 30 B St.. Burlington. MA 01803, (617) 229-2924, Circle 767 on inquiry card.

PC Speak jr. provides an audio display screen replacement. When coupled with the IBM PCjr and a speech synthesizer. such as the Votrax Type N Talk, PC Speak jr. will vocalize word processors, applications packages, games, and programming languages. It can say what is on the screen or be used to review the display. Individual lines or words can be selected, and it can echo data as it is input.

PC Speak jr. requires a disk drive, the PCjr's serial adapter, PC-DOS, and a voice synthesizer. An optional parallel printer adapter can be used. It costs $149. Contact Solutions By Example, POB 307, New Town Branch, Boston, MA 022 58, (617) 244-5880. Circle 768 on inquiry card.

(text continued on page 472)

IUNE 1984

IYTE 471

WHAT'S NEW

SOFTWARE-IBM PCjr Program-Chaining Pascal Compiler for Jr

Monitor for PCjr

Exec implements program chaining using the PC-DOS loader. It permits programs in one language to effectively chain programs written in another language or DOS batch file. A common data area of the size necessary to transfer data structures between programs can be specified, although only one program is memory resident at a time.

Exec requires less than 9K bytes and runs on the IBM PCjr and other MS-DOS 2.0-based computers. The list price is $95. Contact Blaise Computing Inc.. 2034 Blake St.. Berkeley, CA 94704, (415) 540-5441. Circle 769 on inquiry card.

SOFTWARE • APPLE Apple in Print Shop PractiCalc Spreadsheet

A Pascal language compiler for the IBM PCjr, Turbo Pascal is available from Borland International. This high-level language features a single-pass nativecode compiler, bit/byte manipulation, direct access to the central processor's memory, dynamic strings, include files, and random-access files. It can compile more than 2000 lines of code per minute. Turbo Pascal's combination compiler/ editor occupies 33K bytes of the PCjrs memory.

The list price for Turbo Pascal for the PCjr is $49.95. Contact Borland International, 4113 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley, CA 95066, (408) 438-8400. Circle 770 on inquiry card.

SOFTWARE-OTHER COMPUTERS Word Processor Links Rainbows to PDP

CT*OS/86 is a word processor that lets you transfer wordprocessor files from DEC VAX and PDP-11 host computers to the Rainbow. When in its imagetransfer mode. CT*OS/86 maintains full document and message-format compatibility between computers running any member of the CT*OS family. This menu-driven system provides global search and replace.

Keyed Files for Rainbow

cut and paste, list processing, a spelling corrector, ASCII file handling, 132-column document width, stored text libraries, rightjustified margins, scientific character set, and user-defined function keys.

A single-user license is S950. Contact Compu-Tome Inc., 234 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101, (2131 796-9371. Circle 775 on inquiry card.

Applications BASIC gives the DEC Rainbow keyed-file access, which facilitates the preparation of business applications programs. This utility provides fileand data-handling functions, programming aids, and debugging tools. Its file-handling feature has dynamically allocated files that can be accessed by a 1- to 58-character alphanumeric keyword. The filehandling capabilities support ISAM; random and serial files with automatic field separation to accommodate up to 65,535 records per file; more than

32,760 characters per record; and over 32,760 fields per record. Up to 63 files can be simultaneously open.

Its data-handling abilities include automatic variable passing to other program segments, automatic decimal rounding, 32,767 character-string lengths, and numeric-to-string conversion.

Applications BASIC is S395. Contact Soft Gold Inc.. POB 2718, Newport Beach, CA 92663. (714) 476-3004.

Circle 776 on inquiry card.

The Print Shop from Broderbund Software lets you write, design, and print your own greeting cards, stationery, letterhead, signs, and banners with your Apple 11+ or lie. It offers eight different type styles in two sizes and in solid, outline, and three-dimensjonal formats. The Print Shop has nine border designs, 10 abstract patterns, and more than a dozen pictures and symbols with which to work. A built-in graphics editor lets you create your own symbols and modify the supplied ones. You can print illustrations generated with other programs.

The Print Shop will produce a greeting that has messages both inside and outside and full-page signs. Its text-editing features include automatic centering, left and right justification, and proportional spacing.

This program comes with an assortment of pin-feed paper and matching envelopes. It requires 48K bytes of memory and a printer. It costs $49.95. Contact Broderbund Software, 17 Paul Dr., San Rafael, CA 94903, (415) 479-1170. Circle 771 on inquiry card.

MasterFORTH on Your Apple

MasterFORTH for the Apple II series meets all the provisions of the FORTH-83 International Standard. It comes with a builtin macro assembler with local labels, a screen editor, and a string-handling package. Its I/O streams are fully redirectable. Floating-point and highresolution are options.

MasterFORTH costs $100 to $160, depending on options. It's supplied with a FORTH textbook, reference manual, and a full listing of the MasterFORTH nucleus. Contact MicroMotion. Suite 506, 12077 Wilshire Blvd.. Los Angeles, CA 9002 5. (213) 821-4340. Circle 772 on inquiry card.

for Apple II

PractiCalc II is a spreadsheet program for 48K-byte Apple 11 + and lie computers. In addition to traditional spreadsheet functions. PractiCalc has wordprocessing capabilities, advanced editing functions, variable column widths in all columns, automatic and manual recalculation, the ability to do long labels, and an on-screen default menu. When running on the Apple lie, it has 80-column. uppercase and lowercase dataentry, and printing capabilities. Other features include alpha and numeric sorting and search, prompts for entry during calculation, and printing of list formulas.

PractiCalc II costs $69.95. Contact Micro Software International, The Silk Mill, 44 Oak St., Newton Upper Falls, MA 02164, (617) 527-7510. Circle 773 on inquiry card.

CAD Program for Apple

Cascade I is a CAD system for Apple computers. It features a 0 to 2 55 "level'' range that allows you to place up to 2 56 different overlays on the system and display each one separately. It has the ability to group objects into a conglomerate, move objects as a group, add or delete objects to or from the group, and perform other tasks. Pan and zoom capabilities are provided.

Drawings can incorporate aligned, directional, and multidirectional text. Its drafting/ graphics menu has more than 20 items, each with multiple options. It has six ways to input arcs; full, quarter, or half eclipses; four ways to input circles; and three line configurations.

Cascade I is £656. It runs on the Apple 11+ and lie. Contact Cascade Graphics Development Ltd., 185 Lower Richmond Rd., Richmond, Surrey TW9 4LT, England; tel: (01) 878-7661; Telex; 929964. Circle 774 on inquiry card.

472 BYTE • IUNE 1984

WHAT'S NEW

E-COM Interface for Tandy 2000

Flash-COM interfaces your Tandy 2000 to the U.S. Post Office's E-COM electronic mail service. It comes with such modules as word/text-processing, forms/screen file management, mailing-list manager, and communications. Also provided are more than a dozen standard business letters and forms. Flash-COM works with applications written in a variety of productivity tools, including Lotus 1-2-3, dBASE II, WordStar, Volkswriter, and Perfect Writer.

Flash-COM is S299, which includes a tutorial for first-time users. It's also available for the Apple II/II + , IBM PC and PCjr, Sanyo MBC550. and CP/M-80 systems. Contact Omni Computer Systems Inc., POB 162, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167, (617) 82 5-6700. Circle 777 on inquiry card.

Reference List Program

Bib/Rite helps you prepare reference lists quickly and accurately. With Bib/Rite, you can enter citations randomly and later sort them by author or category. You can add. delete, and merge citations as well as edit individual citations. Bib/Rite also provides automatic paging and margins, menus and prompts, and semiautomatic entry of frequently cited journals or magazines. Its capacity is 100 to 150 citations. Bib/Rite requires a printer and a minimum of 32K bytes of memory. Versions of Bib/Rite will be available for the following computers: Radio Shack TRS-80 Models I, III, and 4, Apple, IBM PC, and CP/M systems. It's offered on disk or tape for the TRS-80. The singleuser price is $45.95. plus S2.50 for handling. For multiple users, it's $150. The manual is $3.50. plus $1 for handling. Order directly from Robert Litke, 432 Cottage Ave., Vermillion, SD 57069, (605) 624-2948. Circle 778 on inquiry card.

DY / RADIO SHACK Mail-List Manager for TRS-80

The Mail Pro program is designed for small businesses or clubs that maintain their mailing lists on a Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I or III. It's particularly suited for those lists that exceed a single disk because its report- or label-printing abilities can span records on more than one drive. Mail Pro can read identical filenames on different disk drives and multiple names on the same drive. It can sort

Super-Bug for CoCo

and print a master list or set of labels from nine different lists on up to four drives. Userdefined sorts can be on any field or within a defined range. The multiple-access sort creates its own file while maintaining the individual file's integrity. Once a sort is completed, subsequent printings do not require a new sort, except if new information is added. Mail Pro features five- and

nine-digit ZIP codes and Canadian codes, batch addition mode, a repeat key, global search and replace, machine sort for individual files, two remark code fields, and a B-Tree file structure. The capacity is 1400 names per 40-track double-density disk. The list price is $39.95. Contact Cushman Publishers, 7720 Brandeis Way, Springfield, VA 22153. Circle 779 on inquiry card.

Super-Bug is a relocatable machine-code generator for the Radio Shack Color Computer. Suitable for novices and experts glike. Super-Bug features hexadecimal and alphanumeric memory display and modify;

character string search; a memory-test facility; a mini object-code disassembler; and a 64K-byte mode setup.

Super-Bug is available on cassette and floppy disk for $29.95 and $32.95, respectively.

Documentation is supplied. A 16K-byte or larger system is required. Contact Mark Data Products, 24001 Alicia Parkway #207, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, (714) 768-1551. Circle 780 on inquiry card.

S O F T W A R E • C P / M MC68000 Cross-Assembler Package

/ M S

A68K, a cross assembler for the Motorola 68000 series, comprises an assembler, linker, and library utility. The assembler and linker are source- and object-compatible with the VERSAdos assembler and linker used in Motorola's development systems. A68K accepts all the op codes and extensions as defined in the MC68000 users manual, and it supports nested macros, nested conditional assembly, nested structured programming constructs, absolute and relocatable code generation, and a nested include facility. The size of source files is hot limited because the symbol table overflows to disk when the main memory capacity is exceeded.

A disk-resident macro library (not supported by Motorola assemblers) can be created with the library utility. The library provides for the interactive editing of macro or object libraries. Any number and size of macros can be used in a

single assembly, permitting the assembly of arbitrarily large files on small machines.

The linker accepts a control file that determines how the load file is to be constructed. Its commands determine which object files are to be included and what areas of memory are to be assigned to relocatable sections of code. Any number of object-library files created by the library utility can be used in a single link. The linker produces Motorola S records, Intel Hex records, or a binary format. A memory map and the version and modification levels from 1DNT directives in the sourceassembly modules are produced. On CP/M-86 and PC-DOS systems, the time and date of assembly is listed.

A68K comes on 5M- or 8-inch disks for CP/M-80. CP/M-86, and IBM PC-DOS. The CP/M-80 version is $200; the others are $250. Contact Farbware. 1329 Gregory, Wilmette. IL 60091. Circle 782 on inquiry card.

Dos WMIIilliiilMffli Scientific Subprograms

Three ANSI-standard FORTRAN subprograms for scientific applications are available: Linear Least Squares (LLSQ), LargeInteger Programming (LIPS), and Linear Programming (LPSUBS).

LLSQ provides routines for singular-value decompositions, banded or constrained leastsquares problems, and Householder's method for linear least squares. For applications that must arithmetically manipulate integers with many digits, LIPS has routines to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, modular exponentiation, and order relations. LPSUBS lets you use the mathematical methods in the interactive LP-2000 Linear Programming System in your own applications.

MS-DOS is required. LPSUBS is $99; the others are $80. Contact Software Designs 2000. Mathematical Products Division, POB 13238. Albuquerque, NM 87192, (505) 294-2165. Circle 781 on inquiry card.

[text continued on page 474) IUNE 1984 -BYTE 473

WHAT'S NEW

PUBLICATIONS

UNIX Software Directory

\

Onager Publishing has announced the availability of the second edition of the UNIX Applications Software Directory. This edition lists more than 400 packages in 27 categories. Information on the cost, hardware requirements, and the name, address, and telephone number of the suppliers for each package is provided. Other pertinent details necessary to obtain the package are given. The directory also includes a cross-reference matrix where software is listed by function and application. Among the categories are DOSes, diagnostic tools, graphics, word/text processors, network handlers, database managers, spreadsheets, and BASIC, C. COBOL, and Pascal compilers.

The UNIX Applications Software Directory, second edition, is $50. Contact Onager Publishing, 6451 Standridge Court, San lose, CA 95123, (408) 225-3541. Circle 783 on inquiry card.

UNIX and C Journal from Down Under

An Australian UNIX and C journal, /USER includes a regular section on medical informatics on systems running UNIX. Annual overseas subscriptions are $30. Australian subscriptions are $24. Contact Structured Language Resources, 121 Borg St., Scoresby 3179. Victoria, Australia. Circle 785 on inquiry card.

Indicator/Lamp Catalog

A full-color, short-form catalog covering a complete range of miniature lamps and indicators for printed-circuit boards, instrument panels, push-button switches, legend illumination, telephones, switchboards, control panels, and industrial controls is available free of charge. Contact Ledtronics Inc., 4009 Pacific Coast Highway, Torrance, CA 90505. (213) 373-5437. Circle 786 on inquiry card.

Guide Lists Nearly 24,000 ICs

Apple Software Book for 1984

The Book of Apple Software, 1984 edition, is available from The Book Company. This reference and review guide describes, evaluates, and rates more than 100 programs for the Apple II and He. It has reports on recently introduced programs as well as updated reviews on the latest versions of previously announced packages. Programs are graded in such areas as ease of use, documentation, value for the money, and vendor support. In addition, overall grades are assigned to each program. Evaluations and ratings are performed by independent reviewers, each purported to be an expert in her or his field. Also included is a list of software vendors and ad'ice on obtaining maximum use f your Apple. The Book of Apple Software is

available at bookstores and computer retailers. The suggested price is $19.95. Other publications offered by The Book Company cover Atari and IBM PC software and Commodore 64 color graphics. For further information, contact The Book Co., 11223 South Hindry Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (213) 410-9466. Circle 784 on inquiry card.

Nearly 24.000 different integrated circuits are profiled and cross-indexed in the I. C functional Equivalence Guide from D.A.T.A. Inc. Chips are grouped on the basis of a pin-for-pin equivalence, which simplifies selection, substitution, and purchasing. The primary specifications for each device are listed, and devices with the same technologies and electrical characteristics are batched together. Categories include gates,

latches, flip-flops, counters, RAMs, ROMs, shift registers, interfaces, memory/clock drivers, logical buffers/drivers, and digital multiplexers.

A one-year, two-edition subscription costs $95. Contact DATA. Inc., POB 26875, San Diego, CA 92126, (800) 8547030; in California, (619) 5787600. In Canada, call (800) 268-7742, operator 83. Circle 787 on inquiry card.

Power Conditioners Described in Catalog

Oneac Corporation has produced a 16-page catalog that discusses power-supply problems and provides detailed descriptions of its power conditioners. This two-color catalog presents product specifications in easy-to-read charts illustrated by photographs. A chart of applications and detailed information on sizing conditioners for different applications are supplied. Illustrations showing plugs

and receptacles serve as an aid to finding a power conditioner compatible with your system.

The conditioners outlined in the catalog, Oneac's Condition One and Conpact, are said to be suitable for all computers and computerized telecommunications and test equipment. Contact Oneac Corp.. 2207 Lakeside Dr., Bannockburn, IL 60015, (312) 295-2800. Circle 788 on inquiry card.

MISCELLANEOUS Premium Quality "Universal" Disks

Platinum Series disks from Capitol Data Systems, a division of Capitol Records Inc., run on any 5!/4-inch disk drive. Both sides of all disks are certified error-free across the full surface of the recording medium. This means that they can be used in

; WHERE DO NEW PRODUCT ITEMS COME FROM? j

; The new products listed in this section of BYTE are culled from the ■ : thousands of press releases, letters, and telephone calls we receive : '• each month from manufacturers and distributors. The basic criteria • ; for selection for publication are a) does a product match our readers' ; ; interests, and b) is it new or simply a "reintroduction" of an old item. ; : If you want your product to be considered for publication (at no : • charge), send full information about it. including its price and an ad- C ; dress and telephone number where a reader can get more informa- • : tion. Send this to the New Products Editor. BYTE, POB 372, Han- j : cock, NH 03449. :

single- and double-sided configurations at single, double, or quad density. The disks are manufactured with two index holes and write-protect notches cut into both edges of the jacket, so that they can be flipped over for doubled capacity on single-sided systems. Capitol is manufacturing the Platinum Series to exceed ANSI standards and warrants them "forever, if maintained properly." Suggested price for a box of 10 disks is $55. For more information, contact Capitol Data Systems, 1750 North Vine St., Los Angeles. CA 90028, (213) 462-62 52; in California, (800) 821-7140. Circle 789 on inquiry card.

BYTE • JUNE 1984

NEED A BREAK ^

Come on dovraito^pteCwmtry!

We make it our business

to offer ROCK BOTTOM PRICES on quality computers and programs.

We invite you to join our high volume of satisfied users.

CHECK US OUT TODAY-CALL 1-800-222-2602

MONITORS

AMDEK COLOR I PLUS 309.95

AMDEK COLOR II PLUS 454.95

AMDEK COLOR IV 819.95

AMDEK VIDEO 300 (GREEN) 139.95

AMDEK VIDEO 300 (AMBER) 154.95

AMDEK VIDEO 310 (AMBER) 174.95

BMC 12" GREEN 89.95

BMC 13" COLOR 249.95

BMC 13" RGB AP2 COLOR 379.95

BMC 13" RGB IBM 449.95

COMREX 9" HI-RES AMBER 119.95

COMREX 13" COLOR W/SOUND 289.95

COMREX 12" HI-RES AMBER 139.95

COMREX 12" HI-RES GREEN 134.95

COMREX 13" RGB COLOR 274.95

GORILLA 12" AMBER 99.95

GORILLA 12" GREEN 89.95

NEC 12" HI-RES GREEN 154.95

NEC 12" ECONO GREEN 109.95

NEC 12" LO-RES COLOR 294.95

NEC 12" AMBER SCREEN 164.95

NEC 12" COLOR - IBM 439.95

PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX-12 519.95

SAKATA 13" COLOR 294.95

SAKATA 13" RGB COLOR 549.95

SAKATA SUPER RGB 749.95

SAKATA 12" GREEN 119.95

SANYO CTR-70 HIRES COLOR 629.95

TAXAN 12" GREEN 129.95

TAXAN 12" AMBER 139.95

TAXAN RGB VISION I 329.95

TAXAN RGB VISION III 464.95

TAXAN RGB 420 IBM 549.95

ZENITH 12" AMBER 119.95

ZENITH 12" GREEN 99.95

ZENITH RGB ZVM-135 COLOR 524.95

USI 9" AMBER PI-4 129.95

USI 9" GREEN PI-1 119.95

USI 12" AMBER PI-3 144.95

USI 12" GREEN PI-2 129.95

USI 14" LO-RES COLOR 309.95

MODEMS

ANCHOR MARK I (RS-232) 84.95

ANCHOR MARK II (ATARI) 84.95

ANCHOR MARK VII (RS-232) 119.95

ANCHOR MARK XII (RS-232) 289.95

ANCHOR VOLKSMODEM 64.95

NOVATION J-CAT 119.95

NOVATION 212 AUTO CAT 624.95

RIXON R212A 1200 BAUD 429.95

SMARTCAT 103/212 429.95

SMARTCAT 103 199.95

SMARTMODEM 300 BAUD 219.95

SMARTMODEM 1200 BAUD 484.95

SMARTMODEM 1200B - IBM 419.95

US ROBOTICS AUTODIAL 212 499.95

US ROBOTICS PASSWORD 379.95

DISKETTES

SS/SD ELEPHANT 16.95 OPUS 17.95 SS/DD ELEPHANT 19.95 OPUS 20.95 DS/DD ELEPHANT 25.95 OPUS 26.95

PRINTERS

ANADEX DP-9501B 1099.95

ANADEX DP-9625B 1299.95

ANADEX DP-9620B 1179.95

ANADEX WP-6000 2299.95

ANADEX DP-6500TR 500CPS 2529.95 ANADEX 9725B COLOR 1394.95 C.ITOH A10 DAISY WHEEL 569.95 C.ITOH 8510SP 499.95

C.ITOH 8600BP 849.95

C.ITOH 8510 SCP COLOR 579.95 COMREX CR-II DAISY WHEEL 499.95 DAISYWRITER 2000 48K 1129.95 DELTA-10 429.95

DELTA-15 624.95

EPSON FX-80 W/TRACTOR 529.95 EPSON FX-100 F/T 719.95

EPSON MX-100 F/T 449.95

EPSON RX-80 284.95

EPSON RX-80 F/T 339.95

EPSON RX-100 719.95

EPSON LQ-1500 1189.95

GEMINI 10X 284.95

GEMINI 15X 409.95

GORILLA BANANNA 189.95

IDS MICROPRISM 480 429.95 IDS PRISM 132 1459.95

JUKI 6100 PRINTER (P) 464.95 MANNESMANN TALLY MT160L 639.95 MANNESMANN TALLY MT180L 879.95 MANNESMANN TALLY SPIRIT 349.95 NEC 3550 SPINWRITER-IBM 1999.95 OKIDATA MICROLINE 80 279.95 OKIDATA PACEMARK 2350S 2329.95 OKIDATA PACEMARK 2410P 2569.95 OKIDATA PACEMARK 2410S 2639.95 OKIDATA 82A W/OKIGRAPH 379.95 OKIDATA 83A W/OKIGRAPH 664.95 OKIDATA 84P 1099.95

OKIDATA 84S 1199.95

OKIDATA 92P 484.95

OKIDATA 93P 799.95

OKIDATA 93S 894.95

PANASONIC P1090 334.95

PANASONIC P1091 394.95

PRINTMASTER (DAISY) 1439.95 PROWRITER I (8510P) 354.95 PROWRITER II (1550P) 569.95 QUME SPRINT 11/40+ 1439.95 SANYO PR5500 DAISY WHEEL 719.95 STAR POWER-TYPE DAISY 409.95 STARWRITER DAISY WHEEL 1139.95 TOSHIBA P-1351 LP 1719.95 TRANSTAR 315 COLOR 499.95 TRANSTAR 120P 14CPS 464.95 TRANSTAR 13OP 18CPS 679.95 TRANSTAR MOP 40CPS 1329.95 MICROBUFFERIEPSON RS232) 129.95 GRAFITTI CARD (APPLE) 89.95 GRAPPLER + (APPLE) 119.95 MICROBUFFERII 16KIAPPLE) 154.95 PKASO PRINTER I/F(APPLE) 139.95 WIZARD BPO 16K (APPLE) 139.95 WIZARD SOB 16K (APPLE) 199.95

OTHER PRINTERS AVAILABLE

COMPUTERS

APPLE lie STARTER SYSTEM LOW!! APPLE MACINTOSH COMPUTER LOW!!

ATARI 600XL COMPUTER 199.95 ATARI 800XL COMPUTER 309.95 ATARI 850 INTERFACE 199.95 ATARI 1027 PRINTER 289.95 COMMODORE 64 COMPUTER LOW!! COMMODORE 1541 DISK DRIVE LOW!!

EAGLE PC PLUS-2 SYSTEM 3399.95 128K, 2-DS/DD DRIVES, MONITOR, EAGLEWRITER, MS-DOS, EAGLECALC, & CP/M-86 EAGLE SPIRIT-II 2559.95

EAGLE SPIRIT-XL 3959.95

PORTABLE 128K EXPANDABLE TO 640K ON BOARD, 1 320K FLOPPY,

10 MEGABYTE HARD DISK, IBM

COMPATABLE KEYBOARD, 2 SERIAL

1 PARALLEL PORT, MS-DOS 2.0,

MONOCHROME MONITOR, CP/M 86

NEC APC-H01 2239.95

NEC APC-H02 2799.95

NEC 8201 COMPUTER 649.95

SANYO 550-1 1SS/DD DRIVE 819.95

SANYO 555-1 2SS/DD DRVE 1124.95

SANYO 550-2 1DS/DD DRIVE 999.95

SANYO 555-2 2DS/DD DRVE 1429.95

APPLE HARDWARE S SOFTWARE

ZENITH IBM COMPATABLE ZENITH W/10 MEG DSK

2649.95 3999.95

WILDCAT STARTER SYSTEM 1329.95

APPLE II COMPATABLE SYSTEM

64K, DETACHABLE KEYBOARD,

2 APPLE COMPATABLE DISK DRIVES,

HI-RES 12" AMBER MONITOR,

RBG & COMPOSITE COLOR OUTPUT,

2 CPU'S (Z-80 A s 6502),

80-COLUMN CARD & JOYSTICK

TAVA PC -IBM COMPATIBLE 1999.95

128K-RAM, 2 SERIAL PORTS,

1 PARALLEL PORT, 2 DS/DD DRIVES,

COLOR GRAPHICS CARD, & MORE.

WALNUT PC - IBM PC COMPATIBLE

SPECIAL $1799.95 128K RAM, 2 DS/DD DRIVES,SERIAL, PARALLEL, COLOR CARD & SOFTWARE.

IQ TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

SMART CABLES

INSTANT RS-232 CONNECTIONS

#817 (WORKHORSE) 79.95 #821 DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES 164.95

* ONE CABLE FITS ALL *

4TH DIMENSION DRIVE-ONLY 4TH DIMENSION DRIVE+CTRL ALS CP/M CARD APPLE-CAT II MODEM BANK STREET WRITER BUFFERED GRAPPLER+ d-BASE II (REQ Z-80) HAYES MICROMODEM He MACH II JOYSTICK He MACH III JOYSTICK He MASTERTYPE

MICROBUFFER 11+ 16K (P) PFS:FILE

PKASO/U PRINTER I/F PREMIUM SOFTCARD He QUADRAM 64K80COL CRD He VIDEX VIDEOTERM W/SFTSW VIDEX ULTRATERM

IBM

HERCULES GRAPHICS CARD KOALA PAD TOUCH TABLET KRAFT JOYSTICK MICROPRO PRO PACK MICROSOFT SYSTEMCRD 256K MICROSOFT MOUSE MOUSE SYSTEMS PC MOUSE QUADCHROME MONITOR QUADLINK APPLE EMULATOR QUADRAM QUADBOARD I 64K QUADRAM QUADCOLOR I RANA DS/DD DISK DRIVE STB SUPER I/O MULTIFUNCT TG JOYSTICK W/TOGGLE TRANSEND P.C. MODEM 1200 VERSAWRITER GRAPH TABLET WIZARD SPOOLER P/S 16K

COMMODORE 64

CARDBOARD/5 5 SLOT EXPAN. 64

CARD? GRAPHICS INTERFACE 69. DATA20 Z-80 VIDEOPAK 229. DELPHI'S ORACLE DATA BASE 89

DISKEY 34.

DONKEY KONG 34

EASY SCRIPT64 34

EASY SPELL 64 34

FLIGHT SIMULATOR II 39

HOME ACCOUNTANT 54.

HOMEWORD WORD PROCESSOR 49.

JOUST 35.

KOALA PAD TOUCH TABLET 79.

MERLIN 64 ASSEMBLER 35, MSD-SD1 DISK DRIVE 399,

MULTIPLAN 74,

OMNI-CALC 34,

PAPER CLIP W/P 64.

PAC-MAN 37,

POPEYE 39,

ROBOTRON 37.

S.A.M. 44.

SARGON II 27.

VOICE BOX 84.

199.95

299.95

299.95

284.95

49.95

199.95

499.95

234.95

34.95

41.95

29.95

199.95

89.95

139.95

384.95

124.95

239.95

294.95

389 119,

49, 419, 479, 139, 219, 589. 519, 299, 229. 274, 184,

44, 439, 249, 249.

We will try to meet or beat any advertised price! ...WE CAN HELP 1-800 222-2602

For technical assistance, order status and California calls (619) 765-0239 Apple Country, Ltd.,

P.O. Box 1099,2602 Washington St., Julian, Calif. 92036 c

We accept AmEx. Prices reflect 2% discount for V1SA/MC cash & check (2 weeks to clear). S&H in continental US 5%($5 min) Monitors $10min. APO/FPO & others call. Calif add 6% tax. P.O. must include check. No COD. All orders prepaid. All items are new with Mfgr's warranty. Prices, products & terms subject to change without notice. All sales final. Returns require RMA#. No returns on software. Volume discounts available.

Apple Country, Ltd. is a DISCOUNT MAIL ORDER HOUSE for the micro computer industry and is a California corporation not affiliated with Apple Computer Inc. Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

Circle 32 on Inquiry card.

UNE I984 - BYTE 475

Circle 63 on inquiry card.

(TlEEfl-BVTES FDR mtCRD-BUOGETS

enpand your system... shrink your cost.

Why pay more for top quality peripherals and accessories when our prices are consistently among the lowest anywhere?

We invite you to compare prices, then call us.

MICROSOFT. SALE PRICE

MULTIPLAN $176.00

MULTIWORD WITH MOUSE 339.63

MULTITOOL FINANCIAL STATEMENT 70.49

MULTITOOL BUDGET 104.96

SOFTCARD SYSTEM CARDS CALL

VIDEX SALE PRICE

UL-00 ULTRATERM $270.00

VT-600 VIDEOTERM 60 Hz 197.50

VT-601 VIDEOTERM 60 Hz SOFTSWITCH 218.71

VT-602 VIDEOTERM 60 Hz SOFTSWITCH INVER 225.80

PS-000 PSIO 162-10

ENH-FS-001 ENHANCER II, FUNCTION STRIP 726.70

MISC. ITEMS PRICE

92P OKIDATA PRINTER .. $485.10 NEC JB1260 MONITOR .... 7/2.50 FX 80 EPSON PRINTER ... .535.00 SHARP PC-5000 CALL

MISC. ITEMS PRICE

93P OKIDATA PRINTER ... .372.70 NEC JB1205 MONITOR .... 777.50 FX 100 EPSON PRINTER .. .689.00 PENCEPT INC PENPAD 320.. 850.00

AMDEK COLOR II MONITOR 466.50

HAYES SMARTMODEM 1200B (IBM PC) 425.00

HAYES SMARTMODEM 1200 (RS-232) 499.00

IBM PC 256K, 2 FLOPPY DRIVES CALL

BAUSCH & LOMB DMP-29 PLOTTER 1,885.00

$CALL

LEADING EDGE Personal Computer

• 50% Faster than IBM PC! -2S6K • Clock

• 2 Floppy Disk Drives • 12' Hi-resolution Monitor

• DOS, BASIC and Word Processing Software Included!

DYSAN DISKETTES (Boxes of 10 each) SALE PRICE

104/1 B'/i" SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY $37.20

104/1D m" SINGLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 32.98

104/2D 5V4" DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 38.99

3740/1 8" SINGLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY 32.39

3740/1D 8" SINGLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 40. 79

3740/2 8" DOUBLE SIDE, SINGLE DENSITY 40.19

3740/2D 8" DOUBLE SIDE, DOUBLE DENSITY 46.89

GREAT LAKES (PEGASUS) HARD DISK SYSTEMS SALE PRICE

10 MEGABYTE INTERNAL $1149.00

10 MEGABYTE EXTERNAL 1295.00

23 MEGABYTE EXTERNAL 7395.00

40 MEGABYTE EXTERNAL 2449.00

65 MEGABYTE EXTERNAL 3249.00

140 MEGABYTE EXTERNAL 4995.00

TAPE DRIVE 23 MEGABYTE INTERNAL 950.00

TAPE DRIVE 23 MEGABYTE STAND ALONE 1249.00

ORDERS ONL Y 800-858-4810 IN CALIF. 800-821-6662

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS

2858 S. ROBERTSON BLVD., LOS ANGELES, CA 90034

INFORMATION 1213) 559-0596

Phone orders accepted on Visa and Mastercard only. California residents add 6.5% sales tax. No C.O.D. Actual shipping and handling charge added to all orders. Prepaid orders as follows: Money orders or cashier's check-merchandise shipped upon receipt. Personal checks must clear before shipping. 20% restocking fee.

Prices and availability subject to change. $100 minimum order.

SUNNY LOW LOW COST

POWER SUPPLIES

(LINEAR & SWITCHING) FOR S-100, DISK DRIVES

S-100 & DISK POWER SUPPLIES

ITEM +5V OVP

12 SLOT & 2 FLOPPY

5A

NO. 806 & NO. 516 Mainframes Kit 1, 2 & 3 for S-100 R2,nV°r 2 Drives(Floppy&Hard)

OPEN FRAME, ASSY. & TESTED, 6 OUTPUTS, ADJU. & FUSES PROTECT. 5V (or -12V) +24V(OR 4 12V) +8V ±16V SIZE W x D x H PRICE

1A

5-7A PEAK

13A

3A

10" x 6" x 5"

5" x 4%"

105.95 95.95

(1 Floppy & 1 Hard Disk) S4 6 SLOT & 2 FLOPPY 4A 1A 4-5A PEAK 8A 3A

DISK POWER SUPPLIES: open frame, assy. & tested, regulated, adjustable & fuses protect.

+ 5VOVP -5V (or - 12V) +24V(or + 12V) 18VUnreg. ±12V SIZEWxDxH PRICE

ITEM

IDEAL FOR

1A 1A 1A

2.5A - 5A Peak 3A - 5A Peak 6A - 8A Peak 6A - 8A Peak

2A

1A

R0 2x8" SLIMLINE 2.5A

R, 2 x 8" or 2 x 5'A" DISK 4A

Ro r3x8"(or5V4")FLOPPY] 6A

R3 [or 1x Floppy & 1x HardJ 6A

AC & DC POWER CABLES WITH CONNECTOR FOR 2 DRIVES

S-100 POWER SUPPLY KITS (open frame with base plate, 3 hrs. assy, time)

|TEM (IDEAL FOR) +8V -8V I 16V 16V +28V SIZE: WxDxH PRICE

5" x 4" x 4"

8" x 4" x 3%"

10" x 4%" x 3%"

9" x 6V4" x 4%"

51.95 56.95 71.95 98.95

S3 S4forS-100&2Drives

8.00

SHIPPING FOR EA. PWR SUPPLY: $5.50 IN CALIF.; $8 00 IN OTHER STATES;$18.00 IN CANADA. FOR EA. TRANSFORMER: $5.00 IN ALL STATES

KIT 1 KIT 2 KIT 3

15 CARDS

20 CARDS

DISK SYSTEM

15A 25A 15A

1A

2.5A 3A 3A

2.5A 3A 3A

5A

12" x 5" x 4%"

12"x5"x4%"

13V2" x5"x47/a"

54.95 61.95 69.95

6 SLOT MAINFRAME assy & tested only $399t9S $299.95 ♦ shipping $ia oo

EACH MAINFRAME (ITEM NO 806 OR 516) CONTAINS: EMI FILTER • FUSE HOLDER • AC POWER CORD • POWER SWITCH & INDICATOR;• RESET SwiTCH .4V COOLING FAN . S-100 BUS 6 SLOT CARD CAGE . (110/220 VAC. 50/60 HZ.) POWER SUPPLY FOR D^K DRIVES & S-100 SI OTS .2 EA DC POWER CABLES WITH CONNECTOR AND MOUNTING HARDWARE FOR DISK DRIVES . 9 EA. CUT-OUTS; 7 FOR DB25 CONNECTOR 1 FOR 50 PIN CONNECTOR 8, 1 FOR CENTRONICS • CUSTOM FINISH 8 LOGO-LESS • COMPACT SIZE • LIGHTWEIGHT. 28 LBS. ITEM#8b6IFOR 2 EA 8 THINLINE FLOPPY (TANDON TMB48-1 & 848-2 OR EOUIV.). OR ONE HARD DISK. POWER SUPPLY: + 8V/8A, 116V/3A. - 5V/5A OVP. 5V/1A » 24V/5A SIZE: 12 (W) X 19.5"(D) X 9 8"(H). No.

$12.00 IN CANADA. CALIF.

DEALER

INQUIRIES

INVITED

RESIDENTS ADD 6.5% SALES TAX.

806

^

Mainframe

MAILING ADDRESS: [nam]0 p.o. BOX 4296

" ij TORRANCE, CA 90510

TELEX:182558

476 B YTE • IUNE 1984

SUNNY INTERNATIONAL

(TRANSFORMERS MANUFACTURER)

(213) 328-2425 MON-SAT 9-6

SHIPPING ADDRESS: 22129V2 S. VERMONT AVE [ TORRANCE, CA 90502 [

Circle 310 on inquiry card.

COMPUTER DISCOUNT PRODUCTS

HUGE Inventories of APPLE & IBM Products IN STOCK • ASK ABOUT OUR FAIR PRICE POLICY - /F5 GUARANTEED!*

CDP SPECIALS

16K UPGRADE 4116 200 NS (Set/8) 9.99

64K UPGRADE 4164 200 NS (Set/9) 79.99

APPLE FAN w/Surge, 2 Outlets 39.99

PAR PRINTER CARD & CABLE 39.99

16K RAM CARD 39.99

POWER STRIP w/Surge 17.99

VCR TRAINING TAPES SCALL I

DISKETTES

DY3AN 5" SS/DD (10)

31.99

DYSAN 5" DS/DD (10)

38.99

MAXELL 5" SS/DD (10)

27.99

MAXELL 5" DS/DD (10)

37.99

VERBATIM 5'SS/DD (10)

24.99

VERBATIM 5-DS/DD (10)

3S.99

EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE SPECIAL

10% OFF CASE QUANTITIES

Additional 10% OFF your order of any 5 educational programs from DLM, EDUWARE LEARNING COMPANY or SPINNAKER.

MIX OR MATCH

SP//Y/YME0 =

ALPHABET ZOO DELTA DRAWING FACEMAKER FRACTION FEVER HEY DIDDLE KINDERCOMP MOST AMAZING THING RHYME & RIDDLE SNOOPER TROOPS I S II STORY MACHINE

19.99 32.99 21.99 21.99 19.99 19.99 26.99 19.99 27.99 21.99

^Continental

1 APPLE GRAPHICS BOOK

14.99 1

1 CPA (GL, AP, AR, PAY) ea149.99 1 1 FCM/FL 1st CLASS MAIL (AP) 59.99 1 1 FCM/FL 1st CLASS MAIL (IBM) 71.99 1 1 HOME ACCOUNTANT* (IBM) 84.99 1 1 HOMEACCNT. + (KAYPRO. OSB) 59.99 1 1 HOME ACCNT. + (Tl PRO) 119.99 1 1 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 295.99 1 1 TAX ADVANTAGE (Ap) 39.99 1

1 ULTRAFILE (IBM) 155.99 I 1 HOME ACCNT (AP) 44.99

.KENSINGTON 'MICROWARE

SYSTEM SAVER

• Surge Suppression

• Fits Apple Stand

• Dual Outlet />p

• U.L. Listed $ DO

^APPLE ^SOFTWARE

ACCESSORIES

ReagjeBreC

BPI (GL, AP, AR, PAY. INV) ea2B9.99

BRODERBUND Arcade Machine 39.99

Bank Street Writer 44.99

Drol, Loderunner ea24.99

CENTRAL POINT Copy II + 25.99

DATAMOST Aztec 26.99

DATASOFT Zaxxon 24.99

DLM Alien Addition Sch • 37.99, H - 27.99

Alligator Mix Sch ■ 37.99, H ■ 27.99

Demolition Division Sch - 37.99, H ■ 27.99

Dragon Mix Sch • 37.99, H - 27.99

Meteor Multiplication Sch • 37,99, H ■ 27.99

Minus Mission Sch - 37.99, H • 27.99

Verb Viper/Word Invasion ea37.99

Word Man/Word Master ea37.99

Word Radar/Spelling Wiz ea37.99

EDUWARE Algebra l-lll 31.99

Counting Bee 23.99

Decimals/Fractions 3 0 ea39.99

Hands on Basic 61.99

PSAT Word Attack 39.99

SAT Word Attack 39.99

FLIGHT SIMULATOR II 37.99

HAYDEN Piewnter 94.99

Sargon II 24.99

Sargon III 34.99

JACK REPORT 74.99

KENSINGTON Format II 119.99

LEARNING CO Bumble Games 26.99

Bumble Plot'Magic Spell e«26.99

Gertrudes Puzzle/Secret M29.99

Juggles Rainbow 19.99

Moplown Parade/Hotel ea26.99

Rocky's Boots 34.99

MASTERTYPE 29.99

MICROLAB Miner 20-49er 27.99

MICROSOFT Mutiplan 165.99

ODESTA Chess 45.99

Odin 37.99

iriFoconx

DEADLINE (Ap/IBM) ENCHANTER (Ap/IBM) PLANETFALL (Ap/IBM) SUSPENDED (Ap/IBM) WITNESS (Ap/IBM)

STARCROSSorZORKI, II, I

32.99 32.99 32.99 32.99 32.99

FLIP'N FILE (original) FLIP'N FILE w/Locktray (25) FLIP'N FILE w/Locklray (50) HAYES 300 Baud Smartmodem

1200 Baud Smartmodem LIBRARY CASE KENSINGTON PC Savet PRINTERS C-ITOH

Epson FX80

Epson RXB0

Okidata 82-93 PRINTER STAND Sm. (plxgls) PRINTER STAND Lg, (plxgls) RIBBONS-Brolher

MX S FX 80

MX & FX 100

OKI 82, 83. 92, 93 5 Gemini

17.99

17.99

27.99

199.99

474.99

1.99

29.99

379.99

549.99

349.99

SCALL

24.99

29.99

SCall

4.9

7.9

34.99

FINGERPRINT: Epson Upgrade RX, FX, MX 44.99

-£. APPLE

— HARDWARE

19.99 SCALL 25.99 19.99 65.99 219.99 SCALL 85.99 44.99 31.99 359.99 209.99 159.99 114.99 119.99 179.99 24.99 379.99 444.99 199.99 119.99

AUTO REPEAT KEY

BASIS 106

DAN PAYMAR Lower Case 1 (rev U

Lower Case 2 (rev 7) DARK STAR Snapshot II FOURTH DIMENSION Drive HAYES Micromodem lie KOALA PAD KRAFT Joystick

Paddles LEGEND 128K Ram MICR0-SC A-2 Drive MOUNTAIN Ramplus + 32K ORANGE MICRO Grappler t

Bufferboard

Buffered Grappler + PADDLE ADAPPLE SATURN 128K Ram

Accelerator II

Neptune 64K WILDCARD II

Vz Height DS/DD Drive ALPHA Typefaces ASHTON TATE dBase II

Friday

Encyclopedia AST Combo Plus

Six Pack Plus BRODERBUND Serpentine

Lode Runner CAl Masters

Subjects CENTRAL POINT Copy EDUWARE Algebra I HAYDEN Piewnter HAYES I200B Modem KRAFT Joystick LIFETREE Volkswriter MASTERTYPE LOTUS 1-2-3

MICROLAB Miner 20-49er MICROSOFT Mouse

Multiplan NORTON Utilities PC CRAYON

Tutor PFS Write

File

Report

Graph POOL 15

SIERRA ON-LINE Frogger SIR-TECH Wizardry SUBLOGIC Pinball TG Joystick TITAN 64K BOARD VISICORP. Visicalc

Schedule

PC

239.99 79.99 399.99 184.99 59.99 299.99 279.99 26.99 24.99 C331.99 ea16.99 25.99 29.99 129.99 439.99 44.99 119.99 26.99 329.99 27.99 129.99 165.99 55.99 49.99 47.99 109.99 109.99 109.99 109.99 27.99 26.99 44.99 29.99 44.99 499.99 164.99 oa199.99

PLANTRONICS ColorPlus 375.99

ALS CP/M 3.0 259.99

Scevta ON-LINE INC

21.99 46.99 49.99 61.99 36.99 HEW! NEW!

FROGGER (Ap) GENERAL MANAGER HOME WORD SCREENWRITER II ULTIMA II

BC QUEST FOR TIRES OILS WELL

ALPHA PLOT 24.99

APPLE MECH„ FLEX TEXT M19.99

BEAGLE BASIC 24.99

DOS BOSS 15.99

DOUBLE TAKE 24.99

FRAME-UP 16.99

PRONTO DOS 19.99

TIP DISK #1 14.99

TYPEFACES 14.99

UTILITY CITY 19.99

QUADRAMt

APIC (APPLE III PARALLEL) 129.99

eRAM 80 column 64K HE SCALL

MICROFAZER 8K Parallel 139.99

MICROFAZER 8K Serial 159.99

OUADBOARD I or II (64K) 269.99

QUADCOLORI 219.99

QUADCOLORII 209.99

QUAD 512+ (64K) 219.99

eFAZER SCALL

I ENHANCER II

99.99 1

1 FUNCTION STRIP

34.99 1

1 HARDSWITCH

16.99 1

■ MICROMODEM CHIP

24.99 1

I PSI0

169.99 1

■ PRE-BOOTS Apple Writer

14.99 1

i; Apple Writer for Ultralerm

23.99 1

J Visicalc

39.99 1

1 Visicalc/Memory Expansion

71.99 1

i Visicalc for Ultralerm

54.99 1

i SOFTSWITCH

25.99 1

1 ULTRAPLAN

SCALL 1

1 ULTRATERM

249.99 1

IVIDEOTERM w/SS + INV

219,99 |

MicroPro

MAILMERGE 139.99

SPELLSTAR 139.99

WORDSTAR PRO 389.99

INFOSTAR& WORDSTAR ea. 259.99

MONITORS

PRINCETON RGB HX-12 TAXAN 420 RGB USI Pi 1 9 ' Green 20 mh USIPi2 12"Green20mh USI Pi 3 12" Amber 20 mh USI Pi 4 9- Amber 20 mh USI 1400C Color Composite

119.99 129.99 109.99 279.99

Novation

103 Smart Cat

103/212 Auto Cat

J Cat

Access 123 (IBM)

Applecat II

Applecat Upgrade 1200 Baud

Cat Modem

Expansion Module

249.99 309.00 135.99 29.99

MAIL & PHONE ORDER DESKS:

Open At 6AM (PST)

860 S. Winchester Blvd.

San Jose, CA 95128

(408) 985-0400

COMPUTER DISCOUNT PRODUCTS

SAN JOSE

860 S. Winchester Blvd. San Uose, CA 95128

SAN MATEO

4228 Olympic Ave. San Mateo, CA 94403

SAN FRANCISCO

1230 Market St. San Francisco, CA 94102

(408)241-2300 (415)571-1658 (415)626-2244

San Jose Store Open Daily At 8AM • Call for All Stores' Convenient Shopping Hours

No Charge For Credit Cards Prices Subject To Change Software Sales Are Final International Orders Welcome Min. UPS Chg. $4 + Ins. Min. US Postal Chg. $10 P.O's Welcome-Call First

Our specialty: 68000, DEC, graphic, database, communication, export

Come visit us in our New York City Showroom *IBM COMPATIBLE

PRINTER MICRO- 110 cps, 84 x 84, graphic. . 379

PRISM RS-232/parallel, pin & friction

EPSON FX-80, FX-100 CALL

BANANA 50 cps , . 195

OKIDATA Full Line , . CALL

PRISM 132 200 cps, 132 col 1,100

TOSHIBA 160 cps 24-wire 1,425

DEC LA50 599

GEMINI Delta 10 525

DIABLO P11 100 cps, 80 col 488

P38 400 cps, 132 col. . .1,795

M.T. Spirit 80 cps 350

•Letter Quality* NEC 2050 20 cps for IBM 965

3550 35 cps for IBM ... . 1,775

7710 55 cps for serial. . .2,150 DYNAX HR25 23 cps parallel 799

DX15 13 cps 475

COMREX Comwriter II 475

C.ITOH F-10 40 cps Excellent 930

A-10 18 cps 530

DIABLO 630 API w/interface.... 1,735

QUME 11+ 40 cps 1,350

50 cps 1,550

STAR 18 cps 399

TRANSTAR 315 graphic 479

MODEMS HAYES Smartmodem 300/1200 bps 499

Micromodem II w/software . . 270 NOVATION Smartmodem 300/1200 bps 415

PC cat 300/1200 bps 450

LEXICON 300 bps acoustic coupler. .125 USR Password 1 200/300 339

KEYBOARD WITH MODEM Zenith ZT-1, ZT-11 CALL

COMPUTER

ZENITH Z-150-PC IBM Best computer

Compatible 128K RAM, two floppy

LEADING 128K RAM, two drives

EDGE software

COLUMBIA ' 128K RAM, two floppies,

monitor keyboard, softwares EAGLE • 128K RAM, two floppies,

software monitor SANYO MBC 550, 555

TELEVIDEO 1605 256K RAM CORONA • 128K RAM, two drives, EPSON 256K RAM, monitor,

QX-10 keyboard, two floppies

(Local) printer, CP/M, Valdocs

NEW IBM compatible option

AST, PERSYST, PLANTRONIC TECMAR, QUADRAM, HERCULES

Cromemco* C 10 64K RAM, monitor, Z-80

CPU keyboard, software DEC 64K RAM, Z-80 & 8088 CPU,

RAINBOW monitor, CP/M keyboard NEC APC Color APC 128K RAM Dual 8" drives ALTOS, NORTHSTAR, OSM

POWERFUL 68000 CPU Cromemco 68000/Z80 CPU,

option Fast Floating Point Processor DUAL 68000 CPU, 80MB SMD

hard disk, intelligent I/O, UNIX, Database WICAT 1 to 12 users, 68000 CPU,

256K to 4.5MB RAM, 10MB to 474MB hard disk, graphic

PLOTTER/DIGITIZER HOUSTON INSTRUMENT DMP 29 CALL

DMP 40 795

DMP 41, DMP 42 CALL

HIPAD digitizer 725

AMDEK XY plotter 1 pen 665

6 pens 1,095

MT PLOTTER PIXY-3 3 pens 650

TERMINAL/MONITOR ZENITH 2-29 smart terminal. BEST PRICE

ZVM 135 *RGB color/green monitor. . .475 ZVM 123 "green monitor. .. ........ .87

124 22 MHZ, for IBM . . CALL

Amber Monitor: Panasonic, Comrex HAZELTINE Esprit II 540

Esprit III 625

WYSE 50 545

VISUAL 55 725

VT-100/VT-102 compatible . . 895

QUME 102 548

103 132 col 835

PORTABLE ON-THE-GO

Columbia, Corona, Eagle Televideo (8-bit, 16 bill NEC PC 8021, ZENITH

Prices subject to change. American Express, Visa/ Mastercard add 3%. F.O.B. point of shipment. 20% restocking fee for returned merchandise. Personal checks take 3 weeks to clear. COD on certified check only. N.Y. residents add sales tax. Manufacturers' warranty only. International customers, please confirm price before order. Accept P.O. from Fortune 500, schools and gov't.

Computer Channel TELEX:

21-55 44th Road 429418

Long Island City, NY 11101 CSTNY

For information CALL (212) 937-6363 To order CALL 1-800-331-3343

CHECK SUNTRONICS NEW LOW PRICES

IBM Compatible Products Apple Compatible Products General Products- cont.

j

QUADRAM-2 (21 Ser. Ports w/64K. $355.00 QUADBOARD (1 ealPar Ser. w/64K..355.00

QUAD 512+ w 64K 305.00

QUAD 512+ W/512K 665.00

CLOCK/CALENDAR BOARD 105.00

MODEM Signalman Mark 5 215.00

ADD-ON Hard Disk Drive System 6Mb w Power Supply & Cabinet .1799.00 Controller for above Hard Drive.. .279.00

MICROLOG BABY BLUE II

Z80B Coprocessor

Multifunction Board

Runs CP/M 80 Software M99

MSI DUAL I/O (2 ea) Ser/Par. 8. Clk . 175.00

MSI 256K RAM Board

256K RAM Board with 64K 199.00

256K RAM Board with 256K Call

MSI 256K w/Parallel or Serial Port

256K w Parallel Port and 64K 259.00

256K w/Parallel Port and 256K Call

256K w/Serial Port and 64K 259.00

256K w/Serial Port and 256K Call

VISTA DISKMASTER DMA Diskmaster interfaces Sub 4", 5V4", 8" & V1200 6Mb Hard Disk 225.00

IBM TEAC Disk Drive DSDD, 40 Track Slimline 215.00

APPRATE IBM PROM Blaster 129.00

CABLE Serial or Parallel for IBM, Eagle & Columbia 29.95

IBM Prototype Board-SUN-208 double sided glass with gold plated terminals ... 29.50

AFDC-1 Floppy Disk Drive $CC95

Controller 3il

Runs DOS 3.3 with any standard Shugart compatible 5W' disk drive. (2 drives each card). Does not read Vi track.

Apprate PROM Blaster 119.00

"ALS" 80 Column Card 159.00

"ALS" Z-CARD (Z80 CPU) 149.00

API Apple Parallel Printer Interface card.

Centronics Compatible $39.00

Apple Compatible Drives (40

Track, 163K Slim Linel 195.00

SUN-Z-80 CARD (Softcard

Compatible) 55.00

SUN-80 COLUMN CARD 97.00

POWER SUPPLY (5 amp) 59.95

COOLING FAN 42.00

Software

Formats for Software Include:

IBM, MS DOS, Apple CPM, 8" CPM 2.2 WORD PROCESSOR (Benchmark! . S299.00

MAILING LIST (Benchmark) 140.00

VISICALC CALL

TELECOM (Benchmark) 85.00

WORDSTAR CALL

PEARL Data Manager. See reveiws. . .

Easy-To-Use . . . Powerful 199.00

General Products

5V<" Diskettes

SS/DD (100% certified)

DS/DD (100% certified)

10 up 100 up 1.75 1.55

2.50 2.30

MODEM Novation 103 Smart-Cat. .$210.00 MODEM Signalman Mark 7 (RS232). 115.00

NEW MODEL SAMWOO DISPLAY

HI-RESOLUTION

VIDEO MONITORS

Features: 'Ami glare screen 'Attractive case • Std composite video input, also output for second monitor • 22 MHz video bandwidth -High resolution; 1,000 lines or 132 characters across • Adjustable contrast, brightness, V/H-hold, V-size, H-center • Input impedance: high or 75 ohm • Passes FCC test for computer equipment * UL approved Compatible With: IBM, IBM PCjr, Apple II, Apple Me, Commodore, Columbia MPC, Eagte, Radio Shack, Sinclair/Timex, and more.

Each 3-up

DM-216 12" Green $135.00 Call

DM-216 12" Orange $139.00 Call

DEALER INQUIRY INVITED

MX COMPATIBLE PRINTER

SX-80 dot matrix printer 259.00

RAM & ROM IN STOCK .... Call Mother Boards & Card Cages

SLOTS Bare Bd KIT A & T w/CAGE

6 $19.00 $44.00 $59.00 $84.00 8 24.00 56.00 81.00 116.00

12 29.00 75.00 110.00 150.00

10MHz, No termination. Includes power indicator and wiring for muffin fan. Uses OK connector for solderless installation and removal of power & reset lines.

,, 1-800-421-5775

rs and all mm c.n 213-644-1149

S-100 Products

S1CC00 64KSM A&T without RAM... 199

64KSM A&T w/64k RAM (32-6116's).339.00 S-100 Board Uses 6MHz OHO's. "lAmp max. power. Bank Select plus Extended Addressing allows for multi-memory board set-up. 4 independant 16K Blocks make easy use with multi-user systems. Any 2K RAM may be replaced by a 2716 EPROM.

SBC-880 Z80A CPU, A&T $149.00

SBC-880 Z80A CPU, Kit 129.00

4MHz Z80A CPU boards with RAM, ROM & Serial/Parallel Ports.

UFDC-1 Floppy Controller, A&T 245.00

UFDC-1 Floppy Controller, Kit 225.00

The UFDC-1 Floppy Controller uses the

WD1795 chip which runs either

and/or 8"/5W Disk Drives.

CLOCK CALENDAR A&T 115.00

CLOCK CALENDAR Kit 95.00

This S-100 Clock Calendar Board has 4 interrupts. Time, Day of Week

and Battery Backup. Call for S-100 Quantity Discounts

Special Sale Items

SUN-721 S-100 Prototype Board 9.95

SUN-722 Apple Prototype Board 5.95

See our January 1984 BYTE Ad for above item descriptions. Quantities are limited.

S SUNTRONICS CO., inc.

^P^ 12621 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250

STORE HOURS: MON.-FRI. 9:00am to 6:00pm SATURDAY 10:00am to 5:00pm

r—Min. Order $10. Visa or MasterCard (please include expiration date). Add $2.00 {shipping and handling) for

jnds plus .50 for each additional pound to your order. CA residents add Calif, sales tax.

478 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 311 on inquiry card.

Corporate & Institutional Buyers Welcome

We accept purt

ell qualified corporations & institutions. Place us on your bid list. Call tor our Buyer's Guide

SERVICE • SELECTION • SATISFACTION • SAVINGS

Those are four very important words. To >ou as a customer and to us as a business. If you're just shopping price you'll find dozens of outlets to buy from. But if you're shopping value you'll search for a supplier with those four words to offer, not just one! We've been in business longer than W'o of our competition. Wonder why? We practice those four worth; we offer a wider more popular collection of hardware and software, we have one of the best satisfaction guarantees, and of course our prices are very competitive. Go ahead . . . shop around. When you want more than just a price, shop with us.

TOLL-FREE FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS Only

If you have a major credit card, call our Credit Card Order Department, Toll-Free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the hours of 7:30 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. PST (Mon-Fri) an operator will take your order; other hours, just give your order to our automatic ordering service. In most cases, we'll process and ship that same day. This Toll-Free number connects to the order desk only. For other business, inquiries, or technical information please call our Customer Service Department, weekdays, 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. PST: (619) 460-6502.

800-854-6654

IN CALIFORNIA, ALASKA & HAWAII

call 619-460-6502

Circle 1 on inquiry card.

IBM ADDONS

AST Research

All AST Boards come with SuperDnve. SuperSpool. and one year warranty

SixPakPlus 64K upgradable to 384K. with clock calendar serial and parallel ports (game port optional) 265

MegaPlus II 64K upgradable to 256K (or more with MegaPak) with clock calendar and serial port (parallel game, or second serial port optional) 265 MegaPak I28K (not upgradable) 225

MegaPak256K , , . 275

I/O Plus II with clock calendar and serial Dort (parallel, game, or second serial port optional) 115 Parallel. Game, or second Serial Port for any AST boardf specify board) 40ea

64K Memory upgrade increments for any AST boatti(that is upgradable) 60ea

Connectall connector bracket

15

459

175 229

389

389

Amdek

MAI Board

Hercules Computer Hercules Graphics Card

(with parallel port)

Graph-X Software

Keytronics

Typewriter style keyboard(KB5150)

Deluxe keyboard

Koala Touch Tablet w/software

(Connects to game port)

Maynard Electronics

Floppy Disk Controller .

Floppy Disk Controller

(with parallel port)

Paradise Systems

MuitiDisplay Card (color &mono)

Persyst

Color Graphics Board

SB64 64K Multifunction Card

Plantronics/Frederick

C0L0RPI.US (with Color Magic)

Quadram

We are a full line Quadram Dealer

New Expanded Ouadboard 64K

expandable to 384K. with clock calendar, parallel.

serial & game port, 1/0 bracket, and Quadmaster

software 259

64K Memory upqrade increments for Quadram

boards and buffers 60ea

Microfazer Printer Buffer (par ) w/copy MP 64 (64K)

upgradable I0 5I2K 229

Quadcolor I color graphics card 210

Quadcolor II (add-on to Quadcolor 1) 205

Ouadlmk—Newest Version (allows your IBM-PC to run most Apple II programs) 489

Quadisk (various size to 72 meg) call

STB

RiOPlus 64K (upgradable to 384k) with PC accelerator, clock calendar, serial and parallel port and "Connectall" type bracket (game cable optional) 259

Graphix Plus (color & monochrome) 349

Call tor prices on other STB products Tec mar Graphics Master 539

SK DISKETTES Lifetime Warr

/DS'DD

SURGE PROTECTORS

Lemon wail unit with 6 receptacles 45

Lime power cord with 6 receptacles 59

Peach wall unit, line filter & 3 receptacles 69

Orange power cord, line filter & 6 receptacles 99

PRINTERS

Unless otherwise noted all ot the printers listed have parallel interfaces

Dot Matrix

C. Hon

8510P120cps10"

1550P 120cps 15" erg

Epson

All Epson printers include GRAFTRAX-PLUS RX-80 100 cps 10" erg RX-80F/T 100 cps 10" erg

FX-80 160cps10"crg

FX-100160cps 15" erg

Tractor lor FX-80

Epson to IBM Parallel Cable . .

Okidata

Microline 82A 120 cps 10" erg

Microline 92 160cps 10"

Microline83A 120cps 15" erg

Microline 93 160 cps 15" erg

Microline 84AP 200 cps 15" erg

Quadram

Qoad|et40cps8 5" erg color

Star Micronics

Gemini 10X 120 cps 10" erg

Gemini 15X 120cps 15" erg

Delta 10 160 cps 10" erg

Delta 15 160 cps 15" erg

Toshiba

1340P 160 cps 10 erg

1351P160cps 15" erg

Transtar

315 color 50 cps 10 erg SPECIAL

We also carry Mannesman Tally and NEC.

Letter Quality

C Itoh

Starwriter 40 cps 15" erg

Printmaster 55cps 15" erg

Oaisywriter 2000 40 cps 16

Dynax

HR-15 13cps 13 erg

HR-2523cps 16" erg

Juki6100 18cps13"crg

Silver Reed

EXP 500 16 cps 10"

EXP 550 20 cps 17"

NEC

2050 llor IBM)

3550 (for IBM)

We also carry Diablo A Transtar.

erg

erg ' erg

369 639

call call 30 30

call call call call call

280 379 419 589

769 1529

999 1245 995

435 699 435

429 500

830

1605

MONITORS

Notations suggesting monitors for IBM are compatible with IBM PC compatible systems

Amdek

300G 12 Green monochrome 149

300A 12" Amber monochrome 159

310A 12" Amber or green mono (IBM) 169

Color 1 Plus 12" composite color 299

Color II Plus 12" RGB 419

Com rex

5600 12" Amber or green mono (IBM) 149

Princeton Graphics

HX-1212"RGB(690x?40; 469

SR-12 12" mB(690x480) call

MAX-12 12" Amber monochrome (tor IBM) 189

Quadram Quadchrome RGB (690 x 240) call

USI

Pl-3 12" Amber or green mono (IBM) 155

Taxan

12" Amber or green monochrome 135

Vision III 12" hi-'res RGB 449

RGB 420 Super hi-resolution RGB 479

We also carry NEC. BMC. and ZENITH.

COMPUTERS

IBM

PCwi1h256KorXT

Columbia

1600-1 or 1600-4 lOmP w/sollware Columbia VP complete portable Compaq or Compag plus portable

Eagle

PC-2. PC+ 8.PC+w/10mb Franklin Apple compatible systems

NEC

APC color & monochrome systems NEC 8201 portable computer Tava PC compatible system

IBM SOFTWARE

call call

call 599

American Training Intl

Applications software training

application

Alpha Software

Database Manager II

Apple-IBM Connection

Ashton Tate

dBase II

Friday1

BPI Personal Accounting

Continental

Home Accountant Plus .

FCM (First Class Mai!)

UltraFile (file/report /graph)

The Tax Advantage

Lotus 1-2-3

MicroPro International

WordSfar Professional

WordStar

InfoStar

Microhm R: Base 4000

Microsoft

Multi-tool Word with Mouse

Multi-tool Word . .

Microstuf Crosstalk

Norton Utilities

Prokey by Rosesoft

Software Products Intl

Open Access

Software Publishing

pfs. Write

pfs File

pfs: Report

pfs: Graph

Peachtree Peachtext 5000

We have many more software

the IBM PC- Send lor our 19l

packages specify the each only 55

199 144

385 199 139

109 99

129 49

319

369

... 259

259 329

319 .... 249

139 59 59

..... 389

99 99 99 99 239 packages available for 14 Buyer's Guide.

ALS

Dispatcher serial RS-232 card

CP/M Card Plus (/-Card w/ CP/M 3 Oi

Z-Cardll

Darkstar Snapshot II copy card

Microsoft

Softcardw/ CP/M

Sottcard Plus w/80 cot card, w/o 16K

Premium System w/80 col card & 16K

Orange Micro

Grappler Plus

Buffered Grappler

Buffer Board lor use with Grappler

Videx

Videoterm 80 column w/snlt switch

Ultraterm "\32 column card

We also carry many popular software packages lor

the Apple.

MODEMS

Anchor Automation

dark Vll 300 baud

115

dark XI11200 baud

Ers

Hayes

Smartmodem 300

210

Smartmodem 1200

479

Smartmodem 1200B (IBM internal model

with

Smartcom II software)

419

Smartcom II software

lb

Smartmodem to IBM cable

25

vlicromodem He

235

Novation

Access 1-2-3 (IBM internal model with Crosstalk

software)

395

Smartcat 103 300 baud

175

Smartcat 103/212 1200 baud

415

Appiecat II ....

249

Prometheus

Promodem 1200

3b9

SSM

Transmodem 1200

499

DISK DRIVES

CDC 9409 (IBM)

239

TandonTM100-2|IBM)

219

CDC 94281V; heightlllBM)

229

TeacFD55B('ft height) (IBM)

189

LMSSA-390 (Apple)

194

10 meg Hard Disk with controller

Internal or External (IBM)

1249

INFORMATION

FREE! Buyer's Guide

Our Buyer's Guide has all of our current products and all of our loo low to advertise prices and some handy comparison charts. To receive your free copy, please write us with your name, address and type of computer you own or plan to buy, or call (619) 460-6502. NOTE: Operators cannot accept requests for the Buyer's Guide on our toll-free order line. Thank You.

SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

', We guarantee every item in this i advertisement for 30 days. If, for ' i any reason whatsoever, you are not satisfied with any merchandise purchased from us, we want ', you to return it to us. We will exchange it for exactly what you want, or will refund your money. Defective software may only be , exchanged for replacement due to . copyright laws. For a full ■ disclosure of our policies and ; terms of sales please write or call ', '"19) 460-6502.

TERMS- All prices listed reflect a 5% cash discount for pre-paid (non-credit related) cash orders. For fastest service, send a money order, cashiers or certified check. Personal checks allow 3 weeks to clear We accept VISA MasterCard, American Express, Diner's Club and Carte Blanche (add 3%). Purchase orders from well qualified corporations and institutions are accepted; if not pre-paid with PO add 5% to ad prices, terms are 2% 10, Net 30. Shipping, handling & insurance charges add 3% of merchandise total (min. $5.00). California destinations add 6% sales tax Foreign customers please call or write. Returns must include all original materials and be in new and resaleable condition for full refund. All equipment is new, complete, and warranted by the manufacturer. Prices and availability subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors or omr >

NATIONAL COMPUTER PRODUCTS

A division of Synectics Corporation 8338 Center Drive • La Mesa, CA 92041-3791 (619) 460-6502

i m .

Circle 73 on inquiry card.

DISPLAY MONITORS

usi

PI2(12"Green) $ 125

PI3(12" Amber) 129

GORILLA

Hi-Res. 12" Green $ 85

Hi-Res. 12" Amber 95

AMDEK

V300G $ 135

V300A 145

V310AforlBMPC 165

Colon, 13"ColorComposite 289

Color II, RGB 399

BMC

12UW(12"Green) $ 89

9191 Color Composite 229

NEC

JB1201M.80COI $ 155

JB 1205M(A) w/audio 165

JC1203Hi-ResColorlBMcomp. . . . 465

TAXAN

12N(12" Green) $ 109

12NUY (12" Amber) 119

PRINCETON GRAPHICS

HX12, RGB for IBM $ 479

PRICES SLASHED BELOW ALL COMPETITORS!!

PERSONAL SYSTEMS DISK DRIVES

FRANKLIN

Ace lOOOw/color Ace 1200 w/drive

IBM

IBMPC64K. 1 D'lve IBMPC64K. 2 Drives

SANYO

MBC550w/1dnve8so

TAVA

1 Par & 2 Ser Color Card 8 C

SIEMENS

FD 100-8

TANDON

Drives For Apple & Franklin MICRO-SCI

A2 J <>0<

QUENTIN RESEARCH

Apple Male $ iyi

IBM/APPLE ACCESS.

AST RESEARCH

SixPakPlus $ 269

Mega Plus II 279

Combo Plus 269

64K MEMORY UPGRADE

64K,9chips $ 55

MICROMAX

Viewmax 80E, 128K 80 col. card

lorApplellE $ 129

forApplell&ll+ 139

PC PEACOCK

Color Graphics Card w/Printer Port .$ 269 PLANTRONICS

Color + Board $ 379

MODEMS

HAYES MICRO

1200 Baud Smart Modem $ 499

1200BforlBMPC 409

Micro Modem HE w/Term. pkg 259

RANA SYSTEMS

PRINTER ACCESSORIES

ORANGE MICRO

Grappler + $ 119

Buttered Grappler + , 16K exp. 64K . 169

FOURTH DIMENSION

Par. Card & Cable tor Apple $ 49

TRACTORS

Okidatafor82A&92 $ 49

Juki Bi-Directional 129

Toshiba Bi-Directional 199

MICROTEK

Dumpling GX Graphic Interface.... $ 99

Dumpling GXW/16K 149

Additional Buffering, 16K 16

PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS

Mic/BufllP, 16K $ 145

Mic/BufllS, 16K 149

CABLES

Any Computer to Parallel Printer . . .$ 29

PRINTERS

OKIDATA

ML82A, 10" carriage $ 299

ML83A, 15" carriage 559

ML92P, 160 ops 429

ML93P, 160cps 699

C. ITOH

Prowriter8510AP,120cps $ 329

ProwriterlM550AP, 15"120cps ... 545

StarwrlterF10-40PU,40cps 989

PrintmasterF10-55PU,55cps 1299

EPSON

RX80FT, 120cps $ 389

FX80,10" 160cps 520

FX100,15"160cps 699

JUKI

6100 LQ15", 1B cps w/propor. spac.. $ 449

TOSHIBA

P1350(1) Dot Matrix, L.Q., graphics . $1495

MANNESMANN TALLY

160L, 160cps $ 575

180L,180cps 795

IF YOU SEE IT ADVERTISED

FOR LESS, CALL US FIRST

FOR LOWEST QUOTE!

MAIL ORDER;

12841 S. Hawthorne Blvd.. No. 585

Hawthorne, California 90250

BORDER DESK:4^

vffi- [213] 514-9019 ^HP

Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We accept VISA, MaatarCard, COD (w/dapowt).

Certified Cheche or Wire Trmtdn. Shipping minimum B4.00. Soma items eubiect to back order. CA Ree. add 6%% Tax. Price* eubjact to changa.

xi\«9

DO IT YOURSELF!

An IBM® PC/XT Compatible

To start, you need a high-quality Switching Power Supply and a heavy to cabinet your Cpu Board, Power Supply, Cards, Drives,

Ml

duty Mainframe etc.

#HSC 1 30-40 $189.00/ea. 130 WATT.

Switching Power Supply

—•aTaVtaCdaat m|h

• + 5V/15A, +12V/4.2A,

•Built-in Fan

•Power Switch

•Cables w/Connectors for Cpu Board

•2 Switched AC Outlets for Printer &

•One Full Year Warranty

12V/0.25A, -5V/0.3A

and 4 Disk Drives Monitor

Cabinet only

$119.00/ea.

•Heavy duty welded steel •2 Full or 4 Half Height

Disk Drives allowed •IBM® Look-alike

DEALER & OEM's INQUIRY INVITED

FORTRON CORP.

4447 ENTERPRISE ST. FREMONT, CA 94538

Dealer & OEM End User Foreign TLX

415-490-8403

415-490-8171

415-490-3265

176632

64K D-RAM

150ns 84/TI

$49.00/9 pes

8088 Family

74LS xx

TMS 9980 $19.00/ea

Terms: Shipping immediately from stock usually, or within 4 weeks if run out of inventory. Minimum $5.00 shipping + handling. Personal check requires 2 weeks clearance before shipping. 6.5% sales TAX required for CA. residents.

480 B YTE • |UNE 1984

Circle 381 for Dealer inquiries. Circle 382 for End-User inquiries.

74LS00

74LS00

.60

74LS166

2.50

74LS01

60

74LS168

1 35

74LS02

60

74LS169

1 35

74LS03

60

74LS170

2 50

74LS04

75

74LS173

1 50

74LS05

75

74LS174

1 50

74LS08

75

74LS175

1 50

74LS09

75

74LS181

250

74LS10

65

74LS190

1 45

74LS11

75

74LS191

1 45

74LS12

75

74LS192

1 35

74LS13

95

74LS193

1 35

74LS14

1 25

74LS194

1.45

74LS15

75

74LS195

1 35

74LS20

60

74LS196

1 35

74LS21

75

74LS197

1 35

74LS22

75

74LS221

1 35

74LS26

75

74LS240

1 85

74LS27

75

74LS242

1.85

74LS28

75

74LS243

1.85

74LS40

75

74LS244

225

74LS42

95

74LS245

395

74LS48

95

74LS247

1 65

74LS51

60

74LS248

1 65

74LS54

60

74LS249

1 65

74LS55

60

74LS251

1 75

74LS73

95

74LS253

1.75

74LS74

1 42

74LS258

1 50

74LS75

95

74LS259

295

74LS76

95

74LS260

1 15

74LS78

95

74LS261

3.75

74LS83A

1 15

74LS266

1 35

74LS85

1 25

74LS273

1 75

74LS86

75

74LS275

4 95

74LS90

95

74LS279

95

74LS92

95

74LS283

1 25

74LS93

95

74LS290

1 25

74LS95

95

74LS293

1 25

74LS96

1 25

74LS295

1 65

74LS107

75

74LS298

1 65

74LS109

75

74LS323

4.95

74LS113

95

74LS324

2 15

74LS114

95 1 05

74LS347

255

74LS123

1 35

74LS352

1 65

74LS124

1 35

74LS353

1 95

74LS125

95

74LS363

1 95

74LS126

95

74LS365

1 25

74LS132

1 35

74LS366

1 25

74LS133

95

74LS367

95

74LS136

95

74LS368

95

74LS138

1 10

74LS373

2 50

74LS139

1 10

74LS374

4.95

74LS145

1 75

74LS375

1.25

74LS148

1 75

74LS377

1 95

74LS151

1 25

74LS378

255

74LS153

1 25

74LS385

1 95

74LS154

1 70

74LS379

255

74LS15S

1 25

74LS386

1 25

74LS156

1 35

74LS381

3.95

74LS157

1 25

74LS390

255

74LS158

1.26

74LS393

2.55

74LS160

1 25

74LS395

255

74LS161

1 25

74LS424

3.95

74LS162

1 25

74LS640

3.95

74LS163

1 25

74LS668

2.75

74LS164

1 65

74LS645

4.95

74LS165

1 25

74LS670

2.50

74LS690

250

74S00

74SOO

74S02

74S03

74S04

74S05

74S08

74S09

74S10

74S11

74S15

74S20

74S22

74S30

74S32

74S38

74S40

74S51

74S64

74S65

74S74

74S86

74S112

74S113

74S114

74S124

74S133

74S134

74S135

74S136

74S138

74S139

74S140

74S151

74S153

74S157

74S158

74S160

74S161

74S163

74S174

74S175

74S18

74S194

74S195

74S196

74S225

74S240

74S241

74S242

74S243

74S251

74S253

74S257

74S258

74S260

74S280

74S283

74S287

74S288

74S289

74S373

74S374

74S387

74S471

74S472

74S473

74S474

74S475

75

75

75

75

75

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

95

1.95

95

95

95

95

ISO

1 25

1.25

1 25

1 25

365

95

1.25

1.65

2.25

1.95

1.95

1 25

1 95

1.95

1.95

1.95

2.95

3 95

395

225

2.25

3.55

255

2.55

2.55

7.75

2.95

295

3.95

395

2.25

225

1.95

1.95

1 25

2.95

3.95

3.95

3!

4.95

395

3.95

3 95

7.95

795

7.95

995

9 95

GENERAL PURPOSE BOARDS BLANK BOARD — HOLES ON 100" GRID, No ETCHED CIRCUIT EXCEPT CONTACT FINGER

No Contacts

Size

Contact Centers

Price

P 441-1 P 442-1 P 721-1 P 722-1

22.44 22/44 36/72 36 72

4 5" x 6" 4 5' X 9" 4 5 x 6" 4 5 x 9

156" 156" 100" 100

9 95

10 95 9 95 10 95

D- SUBMINIATURE CONNECTORS

Solder Cup

DXXP

2 05 205

2 50 4 75

600

DXXS

2.65 3.60

3 25 7 10

925

Right Angle PC Mounting

3 90

3 70

4 50 940

Socket

RDXXS

3.20

5 40 480 10.95

Grey

1 55 1 55

1 55

2 95

3 50

MODEMS

MARK I MARK VI

ADAPTER

RS 232C. 300 BAUD DIR CONN IBM COMPATIBLE 300 BAUD DIR CONN . AUTO ANS.DIAL RS 232C, 300 BAUD, DIR CONN AUTO ANS/DIAL RS 232C. 300 1200 BAUD DIR CONN AUTO ANS.DIAL 115VAC to 9V DC

IBM PC SMARTMODEM t200B Plug-in SMARTCOM II COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE SMARTMODEM 300 AUTO ANS/DIAL 300 BAUD, RS232 SMARTMODEM 1200 AUTO ANS'DIAL. 1200 BAUD, RS232 SMARTMODEL lie 300 BAUD. AUTO ANS'DIAL. Plug-in SMARTCOM I COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE

89 00 199 00

9 00

449 00 99 00 199 00 475 00 279 00 79 00

BARE BOARDS

P 25 x 45 P 45 x 65 P 45 x 85 P 45 x 170 P 85 x 1 70

PIN PIN PIN PIN

EDGE CARD CONNECTORS

WW ST WW ST

4.95 2.95 595 6 95

WIRE WRAP WIRE

WIRE KIT »1 $9 95

200/3". 250/3 5". 100/4" 4 5". 5". 6" WIRE KIT »2 $24 95

250/2 5". 4 5". 5". 500/3". 3 5", 4"

100/5 5". 6", 6 5". 7"

SPOOLS AVAILABLE IN RED. BLUE. VELLOW AND BLACK

50' 100' 250' 500 1000'

3.29 4 30 7 25 13 25 21 95

IC SOCKETS

WIRE WRAP 1 - 99

WW

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

55

65

65

89

1 00

1 15

1 19

1 45

1 89

LP = LOW PROFILE

6 PIN LP 8 PIN LP 14 PIN LP 16 PIN LP 18 PIN LP 20 PIN LP 22 PIN LP 24 PIN LP 28 PIN LP 40 PIN LP 64 PIN LP

.10 12

28 28

30

45 55 55

1 09 1 35 1 69

09 10 12 14 16 26 24 26 32 38

Tel: 1-(800)-821-3628

SUBMINIATURE CONNECTOR JUMPERS

Single Male Single Female Male to Male Male to Male Female to Female Female to Female Mate 1o Female Male to Female

1200 12 80

18 95

19 95

18 95

19 95

18 95

19 95

FOR APPLE II & He

16K RAM CARD

Compatible with DOS 3 3 CP.'M Visicalc. PASCAL 1YR WARRANTY

S39.'

Apple ll/lle Compatible Disk Drive

5175.°°

CONTROLLER CARD $49.*

Speedy EPROM

Programmer

for Apple II

$149.00

Programming 2716. 2732.

2732A. 2764. 27128.

2516. 2532. 2564

in 30 seconds, software

control programming.

no additional

hardware required.

U/V EPROM ERASER

General Industries

$37.50

SUPER COOLING

FANS For APPLE

WITH SURG

S39.

FOR IBM P/C

MULTIFUNCTION BOARD WITH

128K. 2 Serial Port

1 Parallel Port

Real Time Clock

S399.00

Color Graphic Display Card

S270.00

64K MEMORY

EXPANSION KIT

for IBM/PC

S52.95

Joy Stick for IBM P/C

S35.00

8087

MATHEMATICS CO-PROCESSOR

$199."°

TERMS For shipping include S2 00 tor UPS Ground or S3 00 lor UPS Blue Label Air Items over 4 lbs require additional shipping charges $10.00 minimum order.

IBM is a trade mark ot International Business Machines Corporation Apple is a trade mark ot Apple Computer

Price is sub|ect to change

iZS Hand well

4962 EL CAMINO REAL • LOS ALTOS CA 94022 • (415) 962-9265

thout notice 1-(800) 821-3628

corp

TXL 171947 HANDWELL LTOS I

Circle 151 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 481

SPECIALS on INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

6502 @ 4.90 6520 @ 4.00 6522 @ 5.00 4116 9 1.85 2532 @ 5.90 2716 ft 4.45 6116 @ 6.45 4164 @

Anchor Automation Signalman MODEMS

FREE SOURCE MEMBERSHIP WITH SIGNALMAN

All Signalman Modems are Direct Connect, and provide the

best price-performance values. Oeiler and OEM inquiries

invited

Volksmodem with computer cable 68

Mark VII Auto Dial/Auto Answer 99

Mark XII Smart Model 1200/300 279

DC HAYES Smarimodem

DC Hayes Smartmodem 1200/300

219

519

PROM QUEEN for C64 or VIC 130

SM-KIT 64 program & disk utilities 45

STAT Statistics Package for C64 95

Solid Oak 2 Level Stand for C64 or VIC 29

C64/VIC Switch (networking) 129

BACKUP V1.0 tape copier for C64 or VIC 20

CARDBOARD/6 Motherboard - VIC 64

CARDBOARD/5 Motherboard - C64 56

CARD PRINT G Printer Int. with Graphics 79

CARD PRINT B Printer Interface—C64/VIC 48

CARDBOARD/3S Motherboard - VIC 22

CARDCO C64/VIC Calculator Keypad 32

CARDRAM/16 RAM Expansion • VIC 49 Complete CARDCO Line in stock CIE and VIE IEEE Interfaces in stock

MSD Dual SuperDisk for C64 or IEEE 570

MAE Assembler for C64 50

Koala Pad Touch Tablet—C64 or VIC 75

CBC 4/12 Analog to Digital 4 chan/12 bit 179

MULTIPLAN for C64 79

Dust Cover for C64 or VIC 6

Grand Master Chess for C64 19

COMAL Language for C64 14

with sprites, color graphics, sound, turtle graphics.

BusCard II from Batteries Included 159

ULTRA BASIC - 64 with Turtle Graphics 37

Super Disk Utility - C64 - includes backup 19

MicroChess - C64 - 8 levels of play 17

HES MODEM with software for C64 45

Commodore 64 Programmers Reference Guide 16

WordPro 3+/64 with Spellright 85

VIController (also C64) - BSR Controller 50

COM VOICE Synthesizer for C64 or VIC 139 VIC products in stock - call for extra discounts. Victory Software for VIC and C64 in stock.

FRANKLIN—complete line in stock

QUENTIN Drives for Apple/Franklin 189

Swapper Stopper 26

automatic switch between paddles and joystick

KRAFT Apple Joystick 40

Kraft Apple Paddle Pair 30

Koala Pad Touch Tablet-Apple/Franklin 90 SPINNAKER Software in stock Broderbund Software in stock

16K RAM Card for Apple 59

Multiplan— Microsoft 179

Solid Oak 2 Level Stand for Apple 29

Serial Card for Apple 89

MPC RAM/80 column card for lie (AP/TXT) 139

Z80 Softcard and CP/M (Microsoft) 235

AB 80 Column Card with Softswitch 95

Parallel Printer Interface/Cable 69 Microtek and MFC Interfaces in stock

Grappler + Interface 135

DC Hayes Micromodem II, lie with Smartcom 245

PFS: File or PFS: Report or PFS: Graph 95

Videx 80 Column Card 209

Apple Blue Book 19

H commodore

See os for Personal, Business, and Educational requirements. Educational Discounts available.

PETSCAN I $245 base price

Allows you to connect up to 30 CBM/PET Computers to shared disk drives and printers. Completely transparent to the user. Perfect for schools or multiple word processing configurations. Base configuration supports 2 computers. Additional computer hookups $100 each.

COMPACK/STCP

$115

Intelligent Terminal Package for PET, CBM, C64

Includes ACIA Hardware / STCP Software

MSD Dual Super Disk for IEEE or C64 570

replaces 4040 drive

SCREENMAKER 80 Column Adapter for C64 139

Provide big screen capability for business applications.

Copy-Writer Word Processor for C64 49

Full-featured package with 800 lines of text in memory. Includes double column printing, graphic capability, full printer support.

Special Screenmaker/Copy- Writer Combo 179

VICTORY Software for VIC and C64

Metamorphosis 16 Creator's Revenge 16

Labyrinth of Creator 16 Galactic Conquest 16

Kongo Kong 16 Annihilator 16

Chomper Man 16 Grave Robbers 13

Bounty Hunter 16 Adventure Pack I or II 16

PAPER CLIP Word Processor- CBM/C64 60

ORACLE Data Base from Batteries Included 89 SPINNAKER Software C64, Apple. IBM. Atari

Computers First Book of PET/CBM 11

POWER ROM Utilities for PET/CBM 78

WordPro 4+ - 8032, disk, printer 285

VISICALC for PET, ATARI, or Apple 189

Compute's First Book of 64 Sound & Graphics 11

SM-KIT enhanced PET/CBM ROM Utilities 40

PET Spacemaker II ROM Switch 36

Compute's First Book of Games 11

Dust Cover for PET, CBM, 4040, or 8050 8 CmC Interfaces (ADA 1800, ADA)450, SADI in stock)

Computers Reference Guide to 64 Graphics 11

Computers Machine Language for Beginners 11 HES Software and Hardware in stock

FlexFile for PET/CBM/C64 $59

DataBase, Report Writer with calculations, Mailing Lists. Easy to use, and can be modified.

FORTH for PET/C64 full FIG model - Cargile/Riley 50 includes all FORTH 79 Standard extensions, structured 6502 assembler with nested decision macros, standard 16x64 screens, ability to read/write BASIC sequential files, sample programs, introductory + reference manual. Metacompiler for FORTH for independent object code 30 Floating Point for FORTH 20

KMMM PASCAL » tor PET/C8M/C64 99

Virtually full Jensen-Wirth implementation is now suitable for

advanced placement courses.

EARL for PET/CBM/C64 disk-based ASSEMBLER 59

SuperGraphics - BASIC Language Extensions 45

Fast graphics, sound, turtle graphics routines for PET/CBM.

RAM/ROM for PET/CBM " 4K $75" ~8K $90

14

10 75

COMAL Language for C64. CBM, PET Smart Terminal Software for C64/VIC CBM Public Domain Software - C64 27 disks

STAT for PET/CBM/C64 and Apple 95

Comprehensive Statistical Analysis Routines

Includes complete file handling capabilities, summary statistics, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, exponential mean tests, multiple and power series regression, analysis of variance, histograms, and non-parametric tests.

PageMate 60 Command Word Processor 20

Full-featured package for all Commodore computers. Full screen editing, and supports disk, tape, and all printers.

DISK SPECIALS

Scotch (3M) 5" ss/dd Scotch (3M) 5" ds/dd Scotch (3M) 8" ss/sd Scotch (3M) 8" ss/dd

10/2.10 50/1.90 100/1.86

10/2.65 50/2.45 100/2.40

10/2.20 50/2.00 100/1.98

10/2.80 50/2.50 100/2.47

We stock VERBATIM DISKS

Write for Dealer and OEM prices.

Sentinal 5" ss/dd Sentinal 5" ds/dd

10/1.80 50/1.75 100/1.65 10/2.40 50/2.35 100/2.25

We stock Dysan disks

Wabash 5" ss/sd Wabash 5" ss/dd Wabash 5" ds/dd

10/1.45 50/1.40 100/1.35 10/1.60 50/1.55 100/1.50 10/1.95 50/1.90 100/1.80

We stock MAXELL DISKS

Write for dealer and OEM prices.

Disk Storage Pages 10 for $4 Hub Rings 50 for $6 Disk Library Cases 8"—3.00 5"—2.25 Head Disk Cleaning Kits 12 AMARAY Disk Storage Systems in stock. Innovative Concepts FLIP 'N' FILES in stock.

CASSETTE TAPES—AGFA PE-611 PREMIUM

C-10 10/.61 50/58 100/.50

C-30 10/.85 50/ M 100/.70

TfNirH I data

I systems

ZVM-122A 99 ZVM-123G 89

ZVM-131 300 ZVM-135 490

Z100 16-bit/8-bit System CALL

Z29 Terminal (DEC and ADM compatible) 680

Z-150 IBM PC COMPATIBLE CALL

Z-l 60 PORTABLE PC CALL

We stock entire Zenith line.

USI Video Monitors - Green or AMBER 20 MHz hi-res Dealer and OEM inquiries Invited

WRITE FOR IBM PC COMPATIBLE PRICES

MultiPlan—IBM or Apple 179

Quadboard for IBM available

KOALA PAD Touch Tablets—Apple, Atari, IBM, CBM

Peachtext 5000 Software Package 199

PFS Software for IBM and Apple in stock

SPINNAKER Software C64/VIC, Apple, IBM. Atari

VOTRAX Personal Speech System 269

BMC 9191 Color Monitor 229

BMC 12A 12" Green Monitor 79

Dynax (Brother) OX-15 Daisy Wheel Printer 459

Brother HR-25 Daisy Wheel Printer (25 cps) 749

Itoh Prowriter Parallel Printer 379

Panasonic 1090 Printer with Correspondence Mode 279

Gemini 10X 289

EPSON, Okidata. Star Micronics printers in stock

USI CompuMOD 4 R F Modulator 29

We Stock AMDEK Monitors

A P Products 15% OFF

COMPUTER COVERUPS IN STOCK

BROOKS 6 Outlet Surge Suppressor/Noise Filter 54

Surge Suppressor-6 outlet 29

Electrohome 1302-2 13" Hi-res RGB Monitor 335

Panasonic 12" Monitor (20 MHz) with audio 137

Synertek SYM-1 Microcomputer 189

Hewlett Packard

Write or call for prices.

\Sk

DATASHIELD BACKUP POWER SOURCE $265

Battery back up Uninterruptible Power Supply with surge and noise filtering. The answer to your power problems.

ATARI - WE STOCK ENTIRE LINE

SPINNAKER and Broderbund Software in stock.

215-822-7727

252 Bethlehem Pike Colmar, PA 18915

A B Computers

WRITE FOR CATALOG. Add $1 50 per order for United Parcel. We pay balance of UPS surface shipping charges on all prepaid orders (add extra for mail, APO/FPO, air). Prices include cash discount Regular prices slightly higher Prices sub|ect to change

482 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 10 on inquiry card.

ITM

THE PC SYSTEM SPECIALIST

PRICES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

SPECIAL OF THE MONTH!

w

TAVAPC

A Superior quality IBM PC Compatible Personal Computer. Runs DOS 1.1, 2.0, 2.1, CP/M86? UCSD p-System? Runs Lotus 1-2-3? Multiplan? Word Star? PFS? dBASEll? and many more! Hardware includes 128K CPU, Floppy Controller, Two DS/DD Disk Drives, Video Monitor, Video Adaptor, Parallel & Serial Ports.

CALL FOR LOW PRICE

Suggested List $2395.00

PERSONAL COMPUTER

Special of the Month!

IBM PC'COMPLETE LINE

COMPLETE SYSTEM VERY SPECIAL PRICE

64K, Two Disk Drives, Floppy Disk Controller, Video Card and High Res Monitor

$2590

256KRAM, 360KB Disk Drive,

FDC, Video Monitor & Adaptor 10MB

Hard Disk Sub-System. C3QQO

HARD DISKS FOR IBM PC®

10 MB Hard Disk Sub-System by TAVA CORP. includes Software, Cables, etc. Internal. $1295

SLIMLINE DISK DRIVE FOR IBM PC

DS/DD 320KB By tava corp $190

ADD-ON Disk Drive for IBM PCjr® .... CALL

MEMORY BOARDS

CONOGRAPHIC

High Res. Color Graphics Card $995

QUADRAM

Quad Card. Fully pop. 2S6K S450

QUADLINK CALL

AST SIXPAK 384K CALL

HERCULES Graphics Card $490

APPLE He

Computer System, Controller, Two Disk Drives,

Monitor

S1590

DISK DRIVE TOR APPLE

Slimline, or Standard $190

NEC TANDON TAVA IBM APPLE QCS MAYNARD

PRINTERS

DAISYWRITER 2000 CALL

OKIDATA

82A

83A

93A

$425 $650

84A

92A

BROTHER

HR-2S

DX-15

$975 $525 $850

$795 $450

MONITORS

AMDEK

300A

300G

310A

$190.00 $160.00 $190.00

/..

II . III.

PRINCETON GRAPHICS SYSTEMS

Hi-Res Color

$340.00 $690.00 $390.00

$490

LNW ROMAR TOSHIBA PRODUCTS AVAILABLE

■viawim'

631 E. first St., Tustin, CA 92680

(714)838-9100

*1BM PC is a registered trademark of IBM Corp

*dBASE II is a registered trademark of ASHTON-TATE, Inc.

LOTUS 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development

Wordstar, Spellstar, Mailmerge are registered trademarks of Micropro International

Visicalc is a registered trademark of Visicorp

Multiplan :s a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. PFS is a registered trademark of Software Publishing Co. CP/M86 is a registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc MS-DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. UCSDp is a registered trademark of Softech Microsystems

Circle 222 on inquiry card.

IUNE !984 • BYTE 483

0 &rai

SUPER XT/SUPER PC

FEATURES:

*8088 16 Bit Micro Processor W/8087 Co-processor

*256K on board dynamic RAM with parity

*4 CHANNEL DMA

*8 CHANNEL INTERRUPT

*8 I/O SLOT FOR SUPER XT 5(7) I/O SLOT FOR SUPER PC

*Same power connector as IBM PC™

SUPER PC/SUPER XT BARE BOARD W/ MANUAL

LOADED BOARD W/1 28K RAM W/O ROM

EASY BOARD

MANUAL ONLY

8K BIOS

LIMITED TIME OFFER COMPLETE SYSTEM:

2-360K DRIVE W/ COLOR BOARD AND DYNAX

MONITOR

$100.00 $526.00 $225.00 $ 25.00 $ 25.00

$1995.00

SUPER XT/SUPER PC COMPUTER CASE (METAL) $150.00

IBM™ COMPATIBLE 83key Keyboard $200.00

COMPATIBLE TO IBM PC/XT POWER SUPPLY 65 W POWER SUPPLY $170.00 100W POWER SUPPLY $200.00 130W POWER SUPPLY $220.00

♦PCjr™ JOYSTICK $35.00 GAME CARTRIDGE

BARE PCB $8.00

GAME CARTRIDGE

BOX $8.00

ATTENTION: SOFTWARE HOUSE, CARTRIDGE PRODUCTION AND MASK ROM SERVICE AVAILABLE

IBM PC/XT, SUPER XT/PC COMPATIBLE ADD ON

•DISK PLUS I/O: DISK CONTROLLER W/SERIAL &

PARALLEL •MONOCHROME GRAPHIC BOARD: HI-RES.

MONOCHROME W/720x348 GRAPHICS &

PRINTER PORT

$60.00 $295.00

$60.00

$399.00

•SUPER COLOR I: COLOR GRAPHICS BOARD

$75.00

$240.00

•ASYNC & BLASTER PROGRAM UP TO 128K

$70.00

$245.00

EPROMS

•PARALLEL PRINTER BOARD

$40.00

$100.00

•EXTENSION BOARD

$25.00

$ 35.00

•PROTO-TYPE BOARD

$25.00

eusus

•INTERNAL HARD DISK 10MB W/PS

$1395.00

•EXTERNAL WINCHESTER 10MB W/PS

$1495.00

•MOUSE SYSTEM W/SOFTWARE

$ 249.00

•HAYES 1200B MODEM

$ 429.00

•QUADLINK-RUN APPLE PROGRAM1

$ 449.00

•AST 6 PACK PLUS W/64K

$ 299.00

"TEAC SLIM DRIVE 360K

$ 225.00

•PANASONIC 320K SLIM DRIVE

$ 199.00

*MPI 320K FULL SIZE

$ 199.00

•AMDEK310A

$ 179.00

•PRINCETON PGS RGB

$ 499.00

•NEC RGB 1216

$ 499.00

•62 PIN CONNECTOR

$ 4.00

•QUAD RAM COLOR BOARD

$ 240.00

•QUAD BOARD W/O

$ 249.00

•QUAD DENSITY 14 HEIGH DRIVE FOR IBM PC$ 299.00

SEND $2.00 FOR FULL PRODUCTS CATALOG

SUPER COMPUTER, INC.

1101 S. GRAND AVE. STE J SANTA ANA CA92705 Dealer & OEM Inquiries Invited: (714) 543-2927

Mail Order: (714) 543-2901 Circle 312 on inquiry card. TERMS: CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ADD 6% TAX ADD $5 FOR PACKING & SHIPPING IN NORTH AMERICA COMPUTER, PRINTER, AND MONITER ADD $5 EXTRA EACH.

IBM & PCjr IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF I.B.M. CPM IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF DIGITAL RESEARCH APPLE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF APPLE COMPUTER

SUPER 2000

FEATURES: *128K RAM ON BOARD *Z-80/6502 DUAL CPU •RGB OUTPUT •DETACKABLE KEYBOARD •CPM/APPLE COMPATIBLE

Diskette Box $23.95

1. 64K RAM COMPUTER $675.00

2. DRIVE SYSTEM I 64K COMPUTER $945.00

3. DRIVES SYSTEM II 64K COMPUTER $1150.00

4. DRIVES SYSTEM III 64K COMPUTER

W/80 COLUMN & MONITOR 64K COMPUTER $1375.00

CAN-80 Z-80 CPU WITH EP EPRON P MANUAL CAN-88 8088 CPL

WWM.MJa»l»»MBH

8 BIT Z-80 CPU MICROPROCESSOR BASE WITH EPROM PROGRAMER $375.00 ADD ON: X-PRINTER CARD $95.00 8K RAM CARD $95.00 SOUND CARD $85.00 MANUAL ONLY $25.00

ifdwuiiimmaau

16 BIT 8088 CPU MICROPROCESSOR BASE $450 •25% OFF FOR STUDENT (WITH PROVE) *40% OFF FOR 10 OR MORE EDUCATIONAL GROUP PURCHASE DISCOUNTS FOR TRAINING KITS ONLY

$249.00

$ 79.00 $ 25.00

$350.00

f

COMPUTER CASE (METAL) $99.00

SUPER 5 35/40T $195.00 Teac Drive 35/40T $225.00

KEYBOARD $150.00

Monitor Stand $32 00

APPLE COMPATIBLE ADD ON

EgraEEPCTIRl

128K RAM CARD

$199.00

16K RAM CARD

$ 39.00

80 Column Card

$ 69.00

Auto Term

$ 99.00

Disk Controller

$ 45.00

Parallel Graphic Card

$ 69.00

Messager (RS-232)

$ 85.00

Z-80 Card

$ 59.00

EPROM Programer

$ 79.00

I.C. TESTER

$1 50.00

IsiiibLH

Joy Stick

$ 29.00

RF Modulator

$ 15.00

Cooling Fan

$ 39.00

Koala Pad

$ 89.00

Power Supply (5A)

$ 69.00

Micromodem lie

$269.00

[>lMI4il;H!ii

Shugart Drive

$185.00

Super 5 35/40T

$199.00

Teac Drive 35/40T

$225.00

LSMjirtay

Dynax Amber

$139.00

Dynax Green

$129.00

BUI,LD YOUR OWN COMPUTER SUPER 2000

Case •Keyboard

•Case/KB *Case/KB/PS

S 99.00 $150.00 $240.00 $309.00

|:M:IJ:hM:10

"128K RAW1 Card $ 25.00 •Mother Board (DUAL CPU)

$ 75.00 'Othei Interface Cards $18.00

Gemini 10X $279.00 Riteman I120CP8I $275 00 EPSON FX-80 $525.00 EPSON FX-100 $750.00 Juki-6100 $499.00 Brother DX-15 $469.00 Brother HR-25 $749.00

mum

Hayes 300 (Baud) $199.00 Haves 1200 (Baud) $499.00 U.S. Pobutic Password (1200)

MKH*WII:ll*i

$399.00

Monitor Stand Diskette Box 50-Pin Connector 40/80 Column Switch

$ 38.00 $ 23.95 $ 2.50 $ 10.00

"FLOPPY IDISK SERVICES

FLOPPY DISK

SKSS nCRHn n LEADERS IN INNOVATIVE

Lawrenceville NJ08648 DISK DRIVE ENCLOSURES!

The FD-PC8™ is a new 8" double-sided disk drive sub-system

IBM PC styling,

The FD-PC8 looks like your other IBM PC components. Same styling. Same color. Same dimensions. It stacks neatly under, on top ot, or next to your IBM PC, and better still, is only one-half the height of standard 8" drives. Matches Z100 & others also.

2 Drive System—$1495 complete with cables.

SPECIFICATIONS

8" drives also oval labte in one drive configuration • Exactly % the height of standard 8" drives.

>>. tisa'.on i'O; ■ ■:|1|||1|||||1

11■ 111 ■.(11 inr|iiiiii/ii.iij i■/.rmiI,i ,r, <:.f,i,i;,VTn.o.intMU'«Vi ; ; j.i.ffiMijjij.. ... uil'i.WU

NEW! FD-PC5™

This versatile new disk drive enclosure comes completely tested and assembled with a 4" cooling fan, and is designed to offer a variety of mounting options, with the power supply rated for any of the following:

• full-size floppy disk drive

• full-size hard disk

• one or two half-height floppy disk drives

• one or two half-height hard disks

• one or two 3.5" drives

Full 1 year warranty—cable choice optional

iii'if —^mmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm^mmmmmmmmmmmmimm^mmm

Standard controller $195.00

Controller w/par port 275.00

Controller w/ser port 285.00

Hard disk module 495.00

Modular board 110.00

Multidisplay (mono & color board) 575.00

PGS. HX-12 RGB color monitor 525.00

Magnolia controller for the H-89 375.00

Data connectors of all types CALL

Power connectors for all drives CALL

We offer a wide assortment of enclosure sizes, styles and systems, Including both 5%" and s;' IBM look-alikes, and more. All are well constructed, attractive and Immediately available at competitive prices. Call tor details and prices.

DISK DRIVES and other Goodies!

Shugart(1 year war.)

sa-860 ds/dd half hgt 8" $505.00 2 @ 495 ea

sa-455ds48tpi vi hgt5.25" 245.002 @ 230ea

sa-465ds96tpi Vj hgt5.25" 295.002 @ 275ea

sa-300 ss 96tpi 3.5 inch 265.00 2 @ 250 ea

sa-851 ds 8" full size 495.00 2 @ 480 ea

W.S.T. (formerly SIEMENS)

FDD-100-5B4 flippy 5.25" 235.00

FDD-211-5DS48tpiforPC 265.00

FDD-221-5 DS96tpi full size 335.00

FDD-100-5C3 (sa-400 compatible) 175.00

Heath H-89TWOETkit...

put 2 half height floppies internal to the H-89 with our exclusive mounting kit, call for details! Maynard Electronics for the IBM-PC

Memory module (bare) 210.00

64K 305.00

128K 410.00

192K 510.00

256K 615.00

With serial port add 100.00

With 2 serial ports 160.00

Controller w/mod ports 265.00

FDC8 8" controller 245.00

IMPORTANT NEWS!

We are moving, please take note of our address. Our new and expanded facilities will permit us to offer a higher level of service than ever before. Our growth is the result of your patronage; we thank you for it sincerely.

TERMS: MO VISA, PREPAID. NO COD'S. PERSONAL CHECKS HELD FOR 10 DAYS. WE ALSO ACCEPT P.O.'S FROM MAJOR BUSINESSES & UNIVERSITIES, CALL FIRST.

Toll Free Order Line 800-223-0306 Ask for our free catalog.

Cirde 139 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 485

More Computer tor Your Calculating Dollar

Try the New

Introductory Offer

(Offer expires May 31,1984)

Standard Features;

•PC-DOS™ Operating System Vers. 2.1

•64K of parity checked RAM, expandable

on-board to 256K •8088 16-bit CPU •5 IBM compatible expansion slots •4 DMA and 3 Timer channels •Up to 32K Of EPROM (supplied with full 8K) •DOS BIOS on EPROM •Full size capacitance touch keyboard with

10 function keys and calculator type

numeric keypad •8087 Math Co-Processor ready

•110-220 VAC, 50-60 Hz

•High resolution, 12" Monitor with Green

Screen and 18MHz bandwidth. •Two Slimline 5% " DS/DD 48 TPI Floppys

@ 360K storage each. •Floppy Disk Controller expansion card,

runs up to four SS or DD Floppys •ALSO supports MS-DOS™ and

CP/M-86® Operating Systems •Power Supply is Hard Disk ready, no need

to add-on additional power •Full One Year Parts and Labor Warranty

on all XOS Manufacturing products'

SYS-8100-00

"Need a 16-bit IBM-PC"1 to process your data?"

The first IBM™ compatible that IS compatible! A complete system including the PC-DOS™ operating system from IBM™. Two thinline doublesided 5% " Disk Drives hold 36OK of formatted storage each, the other drive opening is fitted with a close-out plate. Removal of the plate will allow room for a Winchester Hard Disk. The Power Supply is like that of an IBMPC XT™..Hard Disk ready! How compatible is the XPC-XT? It will run 1-2-3™, Flight Simulator™, dBASE II™, WordStar™, SuperCalc™, VisiCalc® and hundreds of others, The system will also support MSDOS™ 1.1 and 2.1, PC-DOS™ 2.2, CP/M-86™ and Unix Operating Systems. Add-on an additional 192K of RAM for a full 256K of on-board Memory for only $195.00. This computer comes standard with 2 Serial and 1 parallel ports (IBM™ COM1 and COM2). No need to purchase Add-On cards.

BASIC XPC SYSTEM

If that incredibly LOW Total System price doesn't suit

you, try this "Do it Yourself System" and take

your pick of the wide range of options listed below.

The Features: «64K RAM 'Expandable to 256k

•4 DMA channels «5 Expansion Slots

•Runs MS/DOS™ and CP/M-86™ (not included)

•Multi-function keyboard and Cable

•Hard Disk Ready Power Supply

•2 Serial and one Parallel Port

•and MORE! •SYS-8000-00

The following are registered Trademarks and their Companys: 1-2-3-Lotus Development Company; MS-DOS, PC-DOS, Flight Simulator-MicroSoft; dBase ll-Ashton-Tate; WordStar-MicroPro International Corp.; SuperCalcSorcim, Inc.; VisiCalc-VisiCorp, Inc.; CP/M-86-Digital Research Inc.; IBM, IBM-PC, IBM-PC XT-International Business Machines

Only

$895

Call or Write for Nearest Dealer and Full Catalog

FLOPPY INTERFACE

This Is the standard Floppy Interface Card supplied in all systems not using Tape Back-up. It can access up to four drives in 48 or 96 TPI formats. The same high quality data separator as used in IBM™ counterparts, insures data Integrity. BOA-6001-00 $255.00

EXPANSION MEMORY

This super reliable, four layer design Memory Card can be expanded from 64K to 576K in 64K increments (at $75.00 ea.). We've tested them all and can recommend this one with confidence. The price below is with 64K and includes Spooler and RAMDISK software. BOA-8650-00 $255.00

MANUFACTURING

CALENDAR CLOCK

This simple but effective Card should be ordered with every system. Battery Back-up (naturally) keeps your Disk Log right up to date. Saves typing in the date everytime you "boot up" the system. BOA-8700-00..$149.00

I

300/1200 BAUD MODEM

If this is your first computer, you will soon want It to Communicate. CompuServe and The Source are on your screen minutes after you plug-in this Custom Made Unit. Supplied with cable to plug into any wall outlet. Auto-Dial Software "remembers" phone numbers and log-in sequences to ease operation. Software included for each operating system. BOA-8725-00 $295.00

SUPER 12 PAK MULTI-FUNCTION

Now we need a full page to describe this fantastic Card! Since we only have a little room, here are the features: IBM™ compatible Joystick Port (2), Real-Time Chronograph (Battery Back-up), Parallel Port, Serial Port, 64K to 384K of Parity Memory, Print Spooler and RAMDISK software, and supplied with OK of Memory. BOA-8680-00 $345.00

HARD DISK ADD-ON

Complete Packages

Includes BIOS Software, SV4" Winchester Hard Disk, mounting hardware, Interface P.C.B. for expansion slot, and all the necessary power and data cables (the Power Supply in the XPC-XT is Hard Disk ready).

65 Megabyte

$2495

105 Megabyte

$3295

140 Megabyte

$4195

Archive Tape Back-up unit shown above is of 20 and 40 megabyte capacity. Memtek unit will soon be available at 10 megabyte capacity at approximately One-Half the COSt! Circle 360 on inquiry card.

10 Megabyte

$995

20 Megabyte

$1295

40 Megabyte

$1795

MONOCHROME ADAPTOR

If you are impressed with all the rave reviews that the •»- Hercules Graphics Card gets, you will love ours! Made expressly for the XPC-XT by Hercules themselves, it runs everything the Hercules Card does (1-2-3™, dBase II, etc.). BOA-8500-00... $395.00

I

COLOR ADAPTOR

Color and monochrome combinations, can be run simultaneously. Flight Simulator™, 1-2-3™ all perform without modifications. NO FUCKER! Besides performing perfectly, Included are: Light Pen Interface, Print Spooler, and RAM Disk options! BOA-8400-00 $495.00

COLOR

MONOCHROME

MON

500-00 $345.00 MON-1000-00 $125.00

Three models of Color to choose from, each with higher and higher resolution. Price from $345.00 to S7S0.00. Monochrome Unit Is outstandingly clear and easy on the eyes. In Green or Amber screens.

HARD DISK ONLY INTERFACE

A simple, quick solution to adding a Hard Disk to your XPC. All you need is this card, a Cable, and the Drive. Handles from 5 to 140 megabytes with minimum software configuration. Order with your System now or order later. Compatible with all the operating systems. BOA-8050-00 $375.00

H.D./TAPE CONTROLLER

This package consists of a combination Interface Adaptor having SCSI H.D./TAPE Connector as well as the Floppy Controller. Two additional 5" form factor Boards are included and mount over the Tape Drive and Hard Disk. 10, 20, & 40 megabytes of Back-up Is added to your Hard Disk. BOA-8675-00 $750.00

XDS Manufacturing 5791 Machine Drive Huntington Beach, CA 92649 ■ 714/898-0336

Lyco Computer Marketing & Consultants

toll free 800-233-8760

TO ORDER

CALL US

In PA 1 717-327-1824

PRINTER PRINTER PAPER

INTERFACING AVAILABLE

■Available for IBM PC. Appla, Atari, Vic 20 & Vie 64

SAVE =r PRINTERS

EPSON

OKI DATA

LETTER QUALITY

SMITH CORONATP2... $449.00

DIABLO 630 ..$1719.00

ALPAHCOM 42 $89.00

ALPHACOM81 $129.00

NEC 8023 $389.00

NEC 8025 $899.00

NEC PC-8200 COMPUTER $CALL

RX-80 $SAVE$

HX-80FT ON

FX-SO In-Stock

FX-100 EPSON

MX-BOFT PRINTERS

MX-100 $$CALL$$

MANNESMANN TALLY

SPIRIT 80 $CALL

MT1SOL $CALL

80 $SAVE$

82A CALL for

83A LOWEST

84 PRICES

92 on thaaa

93 In-Stock

PACE MARK 2350... PRINTERS

ATARI 850

REPLACEMENTS

IN-STOCK

CITOH

GORILLA GX100 $179.00

PROWRITER 8510 ...$339.00

PROWRITER II $659.00

8600 $1025.00

STARWRITER $1099.00

PRINTMASTER $1499.00

STAR MICRONTICS

GEMINI 10X $269.00

GEMINI 15X SCALL

DELTA 10 $479.00

MODEMS

ANCHOR MARK I

ANCHOR MARK I

HAYES SMART .. | HAYES MICRO II Micro Bit

flPP-IOOO

NOVATION I CAT

D-CAT

J-CAT

1 APPLE CAT II

212 APPLE CAT .

S79.00 I S79.00 .(339.00

S309 00

$129.75

S144 00 $155 00 $1 15.00 $279 00 $589 00

MONITORS

Sakata Color $229.00

Amdek Color I $275.00

Ahndek 300 Green $149.00

Amdek 300 Amber .... $149.00 Gorilla Green $99.00

CARDCO

Cardprinter / L01 $499.00

Cardprint DM1 ji 09.OO

5 Slot Expansion 64 $54.OO

64 Write NOW $39 00

64 Mail NOW $29.00

2 j Write NOW $29.00

64 Keypad $29 00

Universal Cass. Int $29 75

Printer Utility $1975

6 Slot Expansion $79.95

3 Slot Expansion $24 95

PRINTER INTERFACE $39.75

PRINTER INTERFACE with

(ull graphics $65.75

LIGHT PEN $29.75

HES64

Sound Box $9.95

64Forth $55.75

Hesmon $25.75

Turtle Graphics $37.75

Heswrlter $28.75

Grldrunner $19.75

SPINNAKER 64

Kindercomp $21.75

Story Machine $23.75

Face Maker $23.75

Snooper Trooper $29.75

Delta Drawing $34.75

Shamus II c/d $24.95

Pinhead c/d $22.95

DUST COVERS

800 $3.99

400 $3.99

1200 $3.99

410 $3.99

810 $3.99

1050 $5.99

PROWRITER $5.99

GEMINI 10X $5.99

PERCOM DISK $5.99

•appkz

SSI

Battle of Shilo $26.75

Tigers in the Snow $26.75

Cosmic Balance $26.75

APPLE nuMPl INC. GX S99 75

APPLE DUMPLING 64 116 BufteOSI 79 75

INFOCOM

Zork I. II. or III $26.75

Deadline $33.75

SYNAPSE 64

ZEPPELIN C/D $24.75

BLUE MAX C/D $24.75

DIMENSION X C/D ....$24.75 EPYX 64

ASPHI R $28.75

JUMPMAN JR R $28.75

■ PIT STOP R $28.75

commodore

BR00ERBUND64 BANK STREET

WRITER $49.75

CHOPLIFTER $24.75

LODE RUNNER $24.75

DROL $24.75

KOALA TOUCH TABLET... $69.75

ATARI

Computers for people:

O ... ..

Voice Box 2 . $99.75

BLANK DISKETTES ELEPHANT

Single Side SO (10) $17.75

Single Side DD (10) $21.75

Double Side DO (10) $28.75

MAXELL

MDI(10) $28.75

MO 11(10) 838.75

CERTRON CASSETTES

CC-10 12 for 815.80

CC-20 12 lor 817.88

INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS

Olak Storage (hold* 10)... .84 95 Dlak Storage (holds 1 5).... $9.95 Olak Storage (holda 50).... $26.85

600XL ...SCALL

800XL for

1400XL... Lowest 1450 Prices

1050 OISK DRIVE ....$SAVE$ lOipRECORpEP. $74.75

^UCH

BARKER BROTHERS

Tutankham R $33.75

Super Cobra R $33.75

Astro Chase R $33.75

Frogger R $33.75

OBertR $33.75

Popeye R $33.75

Monkey Wrench 2 $52.75|

SPINNAKER Story Machine R ..$26,751

Face Maker R $24.75 I

Kinderomp R $20.75 I

Fraction Fever R..$24.75 Delta Drawing R. ..$26.75 I

TRAK DISK DRIVES

AT-D1 $379.00

AT-D2 $399.00

PRINTER CABLE $22.95

Software for ATD-2 ....$22.95

RANA DISK DRIVE

COMPUTER CARE

BIB

8V> OISK DRIVE

CLEANER $1'2.75

COMPUTER CARE

KIT $19.75

HARD DISK DRIVES for

APPLE IBM-PC

5MEG $1349.00

10MEG ...$1599.00 15MEG ...$1999.00 20MEG ...$2359.00

Allll S Ml !»' '<" ,RS MO I), v.",

TEXAS INSTRUMENT

Disk Drive...$245.00

PEFGOM

FOR ATARI COMPUTERS

AT88S1 .. AT88S2 .. AT"S1 PD RFD40S1. RFD40S2. RFD44S1.

..$299.00 ..$535.00 ..$439.00 ..$399.00 ..$675.00 ..$449.00

AT88 doubler

§Q TO ORDER

CALL TOLL FREE or send order to

800-233-8760 ffi'SSST

[Customer Service 1-717-327-1825 Jersey Shore. PA 1774C

Circle 200 on inquiry card. POLICY

In-stock items shipped within 24 hours of order. Personal checks require four weeks clearance before shipping. No deposit on CO.D. orders. Free shipping on prepaid cash orders within the continental U.S. PA residents add sales tax. All products subject to availability and price change. Advertised prices show 4% discount offered for cash, add 4% for Master Card or Visa. DEAl TR INQUIRIES INVITED.

Circle 407 on inquiry card.

MOTHER BOARD:

• 8088 CPU with socket for co-processor 8087

• 8088 is supported by 8259A interrupt controller and 8237 DMA controller

• 2 (two) 28 pin sockets for ROM

• 8 (eight) expansion slots

• No RAM on board (RAM is on multifunction board)

Bare Board 69.00

Ready Board 199.00

(with IC sockets, resistors, capacitors, connectors, crystals, transistors soldered)

Tested Board (w/o ROM) 399.00

IC kit 199.00

Build Your IBM™ Compatible PC at Competitive Prices

MULTIFUNCTION BOARD

• 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port real time clock, 64k RAM up to 256k RAM 299.00

• Floppy disk drive controller board 189.00

• Hard disk controller board 399.00

• Color graphic board 239.00

• Monochrome + color + graphic board Call

• Panasonics disk drive, 320k, half height 199.00

• Hard disk drive 10 MB 799.00

• 100W power supply with fan 199.00

• Case 169.00

• Manual 25.00

• Keyboard 169.00

• High resolution color RGB monitor 499.00

• High resolution green monitor 129.00

• Monitor stand 39.00

• Hayes 1200B modem 449.00

• Hayes 1200 modem 475.00

IBM is the trademark of International Business Machines. Prices subject to change without notice.

L»l Hand well

4962 El Camino Real • Los Altos, CA 94022

(415) 962-9265 1-(800) 821-3628

TLX: 171947 HAN DWELL LTOS

IBM PC 256K

2X 320 KB DS/DD DISK DRIVES

FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLER, COLOR CARD

ALL FOR $2599

IBM MULTIFUNCTION BOARD

Quadboard 64K $289.00

Expandable to 384K

Parallel, Serial Port

Game Port, I/O Bracket Quadboard II 64K $289.00

Memory expansion

2 Serial ports

Profit Systems $ CALL Run 9 programs simultaneously. Serial, Port Expandable to 512K ALSO AVAILABLE Excellent prices on STB, AST, MAYNARD

MONITORS

Amdek 300G $144.50

Amdek 300A $155.00

Amdek 310A $CALL

Amdek Color II + $385.00

PGS HX-12 $495.00

PGS MAX 12 Amber $179.00

Quadchrome $549.00

ALSO AVAILABLE

w/10 MB INTERNAL HARD DISK

$3,599.00

IBM PORTABLE (Available)

$ CALL

(Call for other configurations)

SPECIAL

*"99 44/100% SYSTEM COMPATIBLE"

P.C. World April 84

TAVA PC

SYSTEM I

SYSTEM II

128K

2 DS/DD Disk Drives Color Graphic Board Printer Port 2 Serial Ports Keyboard Amdek Monitor DOS 2.1

$1,995.00

256 K

1 DS/DD Disk Drive Color Graphic Board Printer Port

2 Serial Ports Keyboard Amdek Monitor DOS 2.1

10 MB HARD DISK $2,995.00

RBASE SCALL

SOFTWARE

I US

MICROPRO

MICROSOFT

CONTINENTAL

PEACHTREE

PERFECT

SORCIM

VISICORP

We carry over 100 different lines of APPLE & IBM Software 10%-45% below retail.

CALIFORNIA

22110 Clarendon Street

Woodland Hills, CA 91367

(818)999-1183

VISA

ALL PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

SUPPORT SELECTION SAVINGS

TO THE MAX...

compumox

MISSISSIPPI

175 East Capitol

Landmark Center

Jackson, MS 39201

(601) 355-8204

488 BYTE • IUNE I984

SEC

NEC Advanced Personal Computer - The APC

Standard Hardware Package includes:

• 8086 16bit CPU • 128K RAM, expandable to 512K

• 640 x 475 pixel CRT • 8" floppies with 1 Mbyte each

• Great keyboard • 48 definable function keys Standard Software Package includes:

• MS-DOS 2.0 • WordStar 3.3

• dBaSEII • MULTIPLAN

NEC APC-1 Drive, Green #H01 $2095

NEC APC- 2 Drive, Green #H02 $2550

NEC APC- 2 Drive, Color #H03 $3150

NEC APC-1 Drive, Color #H04 $2575

NEC 10MByte Winchester #H26 $2176

Limited Time Graphics Specials:

All graphics packages include additional 128K user RAM, and

HIGH PERFORMANCE GRAPHICS VIDEO INTERFACE, WHICH CREATES

1000 x 1000 graphics. The dot matrlx printer, where included, is the #H16, aka PC-8023.

GPKG #1 Graphplan, CP/M-86, Printer

GPKG #3 Videograph, Grapiiwriter, Screenshooter

GPKG #2 Context MBA, Printer

GPKG #4 AirroCAD, CP/M-86

NEC GPKG-XX-MONO $685

NEC GPKG-XX-COLOR $775

IBM PC Systems #1 System: 2-360K Drives, 256K RAM, Graphics

Video Card $2565

#2 System: 2-360K Drives, 256K RAM, Monochrome

Video Card, Amber CRT $2825

IBM PC-XT Systems

#1 System: Standard unit - List $4995 $4400

#2 System: 256K, Graphics Video, Amber CRT $4945

#3 System: 256K, Monochrome Video, Amber CRT .. $5090

Tava PC Systems

All TAVA's include 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port, 2 dsdd thinline drives, a video interface (either graphics or monochrome), 256K RAM, and a 12" monochrome CRT.

Tava #1: Graphics Video $2145

Tava #2: Monochrome Video $2195

Tava PC-XT #1:10 MByte Hard, Graphics Video ... $3295 Tava PC-XT #2:10 MByte Hard, Monochrome Video $3345

^SANYO

SANTO MBC550 Systems

MBC550-STD $745

MBC555-STD $1085

Recommended Options:

128K Extra RAM (256K Total) $100

Teac DSDD Drive, w/DOS patch $245

Serial Port $80

Amber CRT $140

Color RGB CRT $535

DOS Patch $75

►SANYO 550-2 $987

SANYO 555-2 $1325

Tseng Laboratories Ultra-Pak

132 x 44 column video interface with graphics for the IBM Monochrome CRT. Includes parallel port, serial posf, clock. Optional floppy disk controller or 64K-384K RAM Pack. j0^^%. ^»

Ultra-PAK Lbt $680.., $495

Disk-PAK List $220!., $185

Ram-PAK (64K expandable to 3H4K) List $245. .. $205

Profit Systems 1^. .^^

Multigraph (80 x 40 Video w/Graphks k mSSm Printer p4r%. .. r.. Sit.... "» $465

MultiGraph Option Board (132 columns,

16 colors) ■j^'^dBr*-- *185

Multi-User Subsystem: Fob 4 users, hardware & software ... .-.. ." $650

Diskettes

Verbatim Verex SSDD

DATALIFE SSDD

DATALIFE DSDD

Head Cleaner Kit

Flipit (use back side of disks)

Diskette Hamper

Library Case-holds 10 disks .

$

17

$

25

$

33

$

8

$

17

$

24

1

2.25

Modems

Anchor Automation "Signalman"

Mark II (Atari) $ 89

Mark III (TT) $ 110

ifoRK IV (Commodore Pet-CBM) $ 120

Mark V (Osborne) $ 100

MaHi XII (1200 Baud Smartmodem) $ 345

The Networker for Apple w/Software $ 159

The Networker-no Software $ 110

Hayes Smartmodem 300 $ 215

Hayes Smartmodem 1200 $ 505

Hayes Micromodem II-e $ 295

Novation Access 1-2-3 $ 445

"When you know enough to buy mail order,

you're wise enough to buy from an expert."

Circle 132 on inquiry card

Corona Systems

#PC-2: Desktop, 128K, 2 Drives $2350

#PPC-2: Portable, 128K, 2 Drives $2335

#PC-2-XT: Desktop, 10MByte Hard $3595

#PPC-2-XT: Portable, 10MByte Hard $3560

Letter Quality Printers C. ITOHTEC: These daisywheel printers use Diablo wheels,

INK CARTRIDGES, AND SOFTWARE CODES.

F-10-18 18cps $495

F-10-40 40cps ,;;.;.. $950

F-10-55 55CPS .,,.'!; $1275

Abati LQ-20P 20CPS, 132 column $395

Dynax-Brother HR-15 $450

Dynax-Brother HR-25 il ;, $750

JUKI 6100 20ops $466

NEC Spinwritkbs #2050. .: $866

NEC#3550 ...'." $1785

NEC #7730 , .v.... $2100

Silver-Reed Exp500p .............. . T. $475

Silver-Reed Exp550p $555

Pot Matrix Printers BMC CP-80 w/Carboh Ink $265

i80cps-color $575

i80cps-color-wide $795

Epson FX-80 $535

Epson FX-100 $730

Gemini 10-X $279

Gemini 15-X $415

Mannesmann-Tally MT160L $615

MT180L $825

Okidata 92 OKIDATA *435

Okidata 93 ^yr7 $700

Prowriter 120cps, std $345

Prowriter 2 120cps, wide $575

Sakata Monitors

SC-100 Color Composite 13" $275

SC-200 Color RGB for IBM 13" $460

SC-300 Color RGB for IBM 13" $695

SC-1000 Green 12" $125

SC-1000 Amber 12" $135

NEC PC8201 Lap Computer $575

comPAa

Compaq 2 Drive, 256K $2465

MICROSOFT

Microsoft "WORD" w/Mouse $295

Qlbie Modem 1200B Internal. $295

EXPERT Computers

21804 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 18 Canoga Park, CA 91304

(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537

ADD 4* FOR AMERICAN EXPRESS. ADD 2% FOR VISA/MASTERCARD. 20JC PREPAID DEPOSIT REQUIRED ON COD ORDERS. CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ADD SALES TAX. PRICES MAY CHANGE CALL TO VERIFY PRICES AND DELIVERY.

for Less

Byes 5nwthodem 1200

Hayes Micromodei

(619) 579*2730

SAVE MORE

THAN EVER ON

.'/ 3M Scotch <y DISKETTES

LIFETIME WARRANTY!

$-|85"i™$935

Qly. 20

5V4"DSDD ■ ^

(745^ K— Qty 2Q

5V4-SSQD—96TPI(746) 5V.-DSQD—96TPI(747) 8" SSSD (740) 8"SSDD(741) 8" DSDD (743)

oty.:

$2.60 ea $3.25 ea $2.05 ea $2.50 ea $3.10 ea Shipping: 5W DISKETTES—Add $3.00 per 100 or fraction thereof 8" DISKETTES—Add $4.00 per 100 or fraction thereof. OTHER ITEMS: Shipping charges as shown in additkin to diskette shipping charges. Payment: VISA or MasterCard COD orders only, add $3.00 Tmm: Illinois customers, please add 8%.

Hours: 9 AM-5 PM Central Time For fast service call

Nationwide: 1-800-621-6827 In Illinois: 312-944-27S8

DISK WORLD!

Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron street • Chicago. Illinois 60611

Authorized Distributor Information Processing Products

LOW-COST DATA LOGGING FOR APPLE II®

UP TO 128 CHANNELS OF VOLTAGE, CURRENT OR THERMOCOUPLE INPUTS

16-CHANNEL STRIP CHART OR LOG ON PRINTER - FAST DISK STORAGE

INPUTS ARE OVER VOLTAGE-PROTECTED

SAMPLE RATES UP TO 110.000 SAM/SEC

MANY OTHER ADVANCED FEATURES

ALSO: TIMER/CLOCK WITH CALENDAR

1 MILLISECOND RESOLUTION $175

12-BIT A/D 40,000 SAM/SEC $325

8-BIT A/D 110.000 SAM/SEC $165

13-BIT A/D 12 SAM/SEC $175

THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETERS

2 OR 6 CHANNELS $135 or $155

MULTIPLEXERS, OUTPUT CONTROLLERS AND CUSTOM SYSTEMS AVAILABLE

LAWSON LABS, INC.

5700 RAIBE ROAD COLUMBIA FALLS. MT 59912 406-387-5355

Circle 82 on inquiry card.

Circle 111 on inquiry card.

Circle 187 on inquiry card.

:§

•IBM PC Compatible

C3C

%

EPROMS — CALL1 Lowest Prices Anywhere

•4164-150P $530

•4164-200/250 515/469

6116-P3 599

IBM Ex/Color Boards.... CALL IBM PC, XTs ... Below Market/ CALL Disk Drives: ifo.b. Tampa)

•TM-100-2 21924

•Half-Heights-2 21924

•lOmbWin 1,38547

(MS/DOS 2.0/IBM plup in & go)

Add $2.95 shipping to all orders • Prices subject to change • P.O.'s on approval • C.O.D. OK • All new, no surplus, no seconds 4920 Cypress St., Tampa, FL 33607 In FL and for info, call 813-875-0299 FOR ORDERS ONLY, 800-237-8910

8AM-8PMEDT

Circle 252 on inquiry card.

S-IOO EPROM PROGRAMMER

EPROM-32

• Field-proven board meets IEEE-696 standard

• Programs IK through 32K (byte) EPROMs.

• Textool zero-insertion-force programming socket,

• EPROM is programmed through I/O ports and can be verified through 1/0 ports or located in memory space lor verification.

• Programming voltage generated on-board.

• Personality Modules adapt board to EPROMs: PM-1-2508.2758 PM-3-2732.2732A PM-6-68764

2516.2716 PM-4-2564 PM-8-27128

PM-2-2532 PM-5-2764 PM-9-27256

• Feature-packed CP/M-compatible control software includes $269 95*

fast programming algorithm. One year warranty

(A&T)

fHcroPynomtci

Corporation

Suite 245 • 1355 Lynnfield Road • Memphis. TN 38119 (90D-682-4054

* Price includes EPR0M-32. documentation and two Personality Modules (specify). Additional Modules— S7.95. Control software on 8" SSSD diskette—S29.95. UPS ground—$2.00, UPS air—S4.00, COO—$1.65, foreign add $15.00. VISA and MASTERCARD welcome.

BOARD REPAIR

Flat rate repair of Combo cards for IBM-PC

made by AST, Indigo, STB, TecMar, orQuadram

$85

Includes pads & labor (except memory ICs)

OTHER FLAT RATE BOARD REPAIR PRICES:

IBM-PC Motherboard (64-256K) J200

IBM-PC Power Supply (63 watt) $125

IBM-PC Color Graphics Adapter $125

CALL FOR QUOTES ON OTHER MODULES

ALSO TEAC FD55-B

5'A" DSDD disk drive $189 each

pair with stacking kit $365

MC/VISA accepted, add 4%

Corn-Tec Services, Inc.

1110 N. POST OAK ROAD, #340

HOUSTON, TEXAS 77055

(713) 680-3300

Circle 61 on Inquiry card.

XT COMPATIBLE OEM COMPONENT SALE

Computer Case $150.00

Key Board $199.00

Power Supply $225.00

Mother Board-Bare $ 95.00

Mother Board without ICs . . $225.00

Mother Board with ICs $525.00

Dealers/OEM Buyers Quantity Discounts Available.

All items are 100% XT Compatible as

replacement kits. Case with interchangable

rear panel for PC Users. Bare board comes

with complete instruction with part list. 1

year manufactures warranty on most items.

VISA and MasterCard welcome

Price change without notice

IBM is a trademark of

International Business Machine

tS

Hi

HiTech International, Inc. 4966 El Camino Real. Suite 101 Los Altos, CA 94022 (415) 949-0141 TLX 171854 1BC

COBOL CROSS REFERENCE $95

Required:

IBM-PC. DOS-2.0. 128K memory, & one disk drive

Limits:

1,400 data names & 11,000 references.

Prints cross reference and/or source code. Accepts most versions of COBOL as input. This is a stand alone program which will flag duplicate data names and invalid references. Your name will appear in the report heading. Please print your name and address distinctly.

Your Name ^____

Street Address

City, State, Zip

Send a check or money order ($95.00) to:

META SYSTEMS INC. ALASKA 200 W. 24th Ave., Suite 115 Anchorage, AK 99503

Circle 394 on inquiry card.

COMPUTER USERS... i

ADVERTISING NATIONWIDE

When You Subscribe to NETwonx

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

M9.95

1 Full Year- 12 Issues

You can place up to 3 Free Classified Ads (up to 30 words ea.lin every issue of NETwork for the lifetime ol your subscription. NETwork offers you (end users) a Nationwide marketplace to buy and sell your new or used personal computer, Hardware, Software. Peripherals and information. Call now or send $19.95 (or your Visa/Mastercard No. and exp. date) for your 1-year subscription. You'll receive your classified ad forms by return mail.

RISK FREE! SATISFACTION GUARANTEED UET YOUR MONEY BACK

NETWORK

2320 Kansas Ave CALL 'rou- FR

Suite 1106 Topeka, Ks. 66611

1 -800-233-2322 or 913-357-6331

Circle 220 on inquiry card.

Circle 157 on inquiry card.

Circle 239 on inquiry card.

TM

SHOO,

(ompuPro

A GOntlOUT COMPANY SYSTEM 816 A A&T $3,999

SYSTEM 816. B A&T 94.999

SYSTEM 816/C* A&T 86.399

SYSTEM 816/0' A&T (80861 $9,899

SYSTEM 816 E-A&T (68000) $6,399

TO ADD 40Mb H.D. TO ANY SYSTEM 816 $2,475 S-100'i 40Mb HARD DISK SUBSYSTEM

W, DISK 3 & CP M 80 & 86 $2,895

100 HOUR SYSTEM "BURN-IN" ■XEROX ON-SITE SERVICE WHERE AVAILABLE

CPU Z 6MHz A&T $229

CPU 8086/88 A&T $349

CPU 8086 10MHz A&T $569

CPU 86/87 5MHz A&T $739

CPU 68K W/MMU OPTION A&T $629

CPU 68K 10MHz CSC $600

RAM 17 64K STATIC A&T $349

RAM 16 64K STATIC 8& 16 A&T $389

RAM 21 128K STATIC 8&16 A&T $699 RAM 22 256K STATIC 8&16 A&T $1,229

M-DRIVE/H 512K RAM DISK $895

INTERFACER 3-8 SERIAL A&T $489

INTERFACER 4-3 SERIAL/2 PARALLEL $319

SYSTEM SUPPORT 1 A&T S319

DISK 1 A&T $349

DISK 2 A&T 8" H.D. CNTRL $559 DISK 3 6V." H.D. CNTRL W/CP/M80 & 86 $669 6 SLOT MOTHERBOARD W/TERMINATION $99

MORROW

DJ/DMA 6'/4" & 8" FLPY CNTRL/DEC.1 MD2 SYSTEM W/MDT60 TERMINAL

AND TALLY "SPIRIT" PRINTER MD3 AS EQUIP. ABOVE W/PEARL DBMS MD3-MDCP88-266 AS EQUIP. ABOVE W/

8088 CO-PROC. & 266K RAM UPGRD. MDP-3 PORT. SAME AS MD3 EXCEPT 6X7"

SCRN. & INCLD. TALLY "SPIRIT" $1,899

MD11 SYSTEM W/11 Mb H.D.. CP/M 3.0.

128K RAM. MDT60 TERMINAL. EPSON

RX80FT PRT. $2,996

$666

$1,699 $1,999

$2,498

CPZ 48000 CLOSE OUT $639

CPZ 48006 6MHz MASTER $739

256KMB MEMORY BOARD $709

CPS MX 64K RAM SLAVE 4MHz $339

CPS MX 64K RAM SLAVE 6MHz $389

CPS BMX 128K RAM SLAVE 4MHz $496

CPS BMX 128K RAM SLAVE 6MHz $529

• ADVANCED' DIGITAL

corporation ,

SUPER SIX/128 6 MHz $575

SUPER SLAVE/128-6 MHz $519

CP/M 3 0 $350

TURBODOS MULTI USER W SPOOLER $600 DMA MICROMAGNUM 5Mb

5Mb FIXED & 5Mb RMOV CARTG $1,595

HDC 1001 DMA W DRIVERS $429

Litton

ES

JEFFERSONELECTRIC

TRUE SINE WAVE. 100% BATTERY OPER. W/NO SWITCH OVER, BYPASS STATIC SWITCH 760 WATTS <S> 16 MIN #370-811 100 $1,575 1 HR. W AUXILIARY BATTERY $149

s-mo

ESTABLISHED 1977

SALES 800- 528-3138

TECHNICAL 602-991-7870 MODEM ORDERS 602-948-1387 TELEX: 16 5025 FTCC SEC PHX.

IBM-PC W/FLPY CTRL. STB GRAPHICS • CRT CTRL 266K RAM. PC DOS 2.10 2 DSDD DRVS . 12" AMBER MON.

$2,996

JEBSE3 FOR IBM-PC

TIMEMASTER WITH BATTERY BACK-UP $101

DYNAMIC MEMORY 266K $342

1$t MATE 266K. SERIAL. PARA. CLOCK $412

CAPTAIN SAME AS 1 it MATE W/384K $667

GRAPHICS MASTER HI-RES RGB $621

IEEE 488 BOARD W/SOFTWARE $367

6Mb H.D. CARTRIDGE INSTALLS IN PC $1,496 33Mb FIXED H.D. W/6Mb REMOVABLE

CART. IN AN EXPANSION CHASSIS $4,121

LAB MASTER W/MANY OPTIONS AVAIL. $746

EXPANSION CHASSIS W/8 SLOTS $726 BASE BOARD - DO-IT YOURSELF

MULTIFUNCTION $269

BOSUN XT MULTIFUNCTION BD. $149 SCRIBE TENDER W/PRT & SERIAL CABLES $179

jrCAPT. 128K W/TREASURE CHEST $319

jrWAVE 266K $399 jrCADET 384K PIGGY-BACK BD.

ADD-ON FOR jrCAPT. & jrWAVE $479

SUPER "RIO" 266K W/PARA . 2 SERIAL & GAME PORTS. CLOCK CAL/BATT PARA. & SERIAL CABLES $448

PIGGYBACK 612K FOR SUPER "RIO" 266 $671 RIO PLUS W/384K SAME AS SUPER "RIO" EXCEPT ONLY 1 SERIAL AND NO PIGGYBACK BD. $649

SUPER I/O LIKE RIO PLUS WITHOUT

RAM FOR XT $149

I 384 MEMORY EXPANSION BD. $484

GRAPHICS PLUS. RGB OR MONO. PRT

AND LT. PEN PORTS $269

lEIectraloaicsJ

QUASI-DISK 612K RAM-DISK WON BD DRV. STATUS LED'S. WRITE PROTECT. DMA E-Z INSTALL W/SAMPLE CP/M BIOS $896

512K PIGGY-BACK EXPANSION $696

BATTERY BACK-UP W/PWR. SUPPLY $169

64K CMOS RAM OR ROM LOADS OF FEATURES

MFIO ALL-IN-ONE I/O BO.

8 ASYNCH. SERIAL, 2 PARALLEL BAUD RATE GENERATOR. CLOCK-CAL. W/BATT.. PROG. PRIOR. INTERRUPT SERIAL OPTION BD. FOR MFIO CENTRONICS PARALLEL BD. FOR MFIO STD. PARALLEL OPTION BD. FOR MFIO

$409

$469 $26 $39 $26

(55) u

S. ROBOTICS

FREE TELPAC SOFTWARE INCLD.

S 100 BD MODEM 300/1200 $369

PASSWORD 1200 AUTO ANS./DIAL $369

AUTO DIAL 212A (HAYES COMPAT.) $469

printers:

BROTHER HR-16 SERIAL $609

BROTHER HR 26 SERIAL $819

DAISYWRITER 2000 W/48K $998

EPSON MX. RX & FX IN STOCK CALL

OKIDATA 92 $439

OKIDATA 93 $729

TALLY MT160L $696

TALLY MT180L $819

TALLY 'SPIRIT' N.L.Q. @ 80 C.P.S. $299

i terminals! :& monitors:

COMREX CR6600-Y. HI-RES. P-39 $126

FREEDOM 100 TERMINAL CALL FREEDOM 200 TERMINAL

(EMUL TELEVIDEO 960 & ADM 31) CALL

PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX12 HI-RES RGB $496

QUME QVT102A $646

QUME QVT102G $629

TAXAN RGB 420 (IBM LOOK-ALIKE) $496

USI AMBER 12" HI-RES MONITOR (20MHz) $109 WYSE-60 14". 132 COL.. EMUL. TVI 910.

920. 926. ADDS-VP& HAZELTINE 1600 $626

ZENITH Z29 $696

ZENITH ZVM-136. 13 INCH. HI-RES RGB $606

:disk drives:

270 DAY WARRANTY

S-100'$ DMA 6Mb REMOV. CART. W/6Mb

FIXED WINCH. SUBSYSTEM $1,996 S-100'S SUBSYS ■ DUAL DSDD 8" FLOPPY. QUANTUM 40Mb H.D.. DISK 1 & 3. CP/M80 & 86 $3,999 S-100'$ 6V<" 40Mb QUANTUM H.D. SUBSYSTEM W/DISK 3 & CP/MBO & 86 $2,896 MAXTOR XT 1066 6V4" 66Mb H.D. $2,249 MAXTOR XT 1106 6V«" 106Mb H.D $2,996 MAXTOR XT-1140 6V4" 140Mb H.D. $3,749 QUANTUM Q640 6%" 40Mb H.D. $1,896 SEAGATE ST419 6V4" 20Mb H.D. $1 196 SEAGATE ST212 5V4" ViHI 12Mb $679

ZOBEX 6V4" H.D. CNTRL FOR IBM-PC

SUPPORTS ST606 INTERFACE DRIVES $319

ASK ABOUT SUBSYSTEMS FOR IBM or S-100 BUS

I an dan 100-2 5% dsdd $199

Qume

142 DSDD 5VI" V, HI $179

242 DSDD 8 "-Mi HI $395

842 DSDD 8 "STD HI $465

^industrial quality z harinftr

DUAL V4HI HORIZ. 6V." FLPY $76

SINGLE STD HI HORIZ. 6V4" FLPY $69

DUAL V4 HI VERT. 8" FLPY $196

SINGLE STD. HI VERT. 8" FLPY $196

SOFTWARE

ACCOUNTING PEARL FOR IBM-PC $636

ASHTONTATE dBASE-2 CP/M-86 8 INCH $449

BDS "C" COMPILER $99

COMP. INNOVAT. "C" COMPILER $299

COMPUVIEW VEDIT-80 $136

COMPUVIEW VEDIT-86/MS-DOS $186

FOX & GELLER dUTIL $69

FOX & GELLER QUICKCODE $206

KNOWLEDGEMAN 8086 DATA BASE MGR. $346

MICROPRO'S PRO PAK $436

MICROSOFT'S BASIC COMPILER $292

PERSONAL PEARL DATA BASE MGR. $216

SORCIM SUPERCALC-3/IBM-PC $246

SORCIM SUPERCALC CP/M 2.2 8 INCH $121

(1 DIGITAL RESFARCH

MP/M-86

"C" COMPILER IBM PC

DR. LOGO/IBM PC

CBASIC COMPILER 80

PL/1-86

DR ASSEMBLER PLUS TOOLS

PASCAL MT+

DISPLAY MANAGER 80

ACCESS MANAGER 80

PC ACCOUNTING PACK /IBM-PC

SELECT (WORD PROC.) MSDOS

$419

$219

$62

$310 $496 $124 •217 $249 $186 •697 • 307

S-100 DIV./696 CORP.

14425 North 79th Street

Scottsdale, Arizona 85260

FULL DEALER SUPPORT VISIT OUR SHOWROOM Hrs. 8:30 AM-5:00 PM M-F > PACIFIC STANDARD TIME

Circle 289 for Wholesale inquiries. Circle 290 for Retail inquiries.

Subject to Available Quantities

Prices Quoted Include

Cash Discounts

Shipping & Insurance Extra

NOW YOU CAN

Save Up To 50% On

mntnsBm

Ribbon Typ# 3 g 12

C. Itoh Prowriters 5 " ea. 5.™ ea 4." ea.

Epson/IBM FX/RX/MX-80 5" ea 5." ea 4.1* ea

Epson/IBM FX/flX/MX-100 7* ea 6.'6 ea 5." ea

Gemini 10/10X/15/15X 2." ea. SL" ea 2» ea.

Okidata 80/B2/83/92/93 2." ea 2." ea 2.°° ea

Ship & Hand in Cont. U.S 3* Free Free

Others; Diablo, Qume, Nee. Dec, T.I etc CALL

DISKETTES

57." Soft Saclor

OPUS

SS/DD

OPUS

DS/DD

Verbatim

SS/DD

Verbatim

DS/DD

Maxell MDI

SS/DD

Elephant

SS/SD

Elephant

SS/DD

Ship S. Hand.

m Cont. US

27 ,»/10

25.'

22,M/10

21.°

18 iQ/10

17. •

__ Order Toll Free 1-(800) 821-5339

33 or Call 1-(801) 298-0872 WM

or Rush Check or Money Order To:

C. R. E. Wholesale Products

P. O. Box 361 North Salt Lake, Ut. 84054

—MODEMS—

'Signalman MARK XII $259.95

1200/300 Baud Auto Dial/Ans

Hayes™ Compatible

"VOSKMODEM 300 BaudS59.95 Limited Offer/FREE Source Memb.

*The Computer Phone Book$9.95

"The Complete Handbook of Personal Computer Comm.S 12.95

—COMPUTER—

Sanyo MBC-550 S795

Printers & MBC-555 Package Order: (800) 235-6646 OP 555 Calif. (800) 235-6647 OP 555

VISA/MC ACOM Electronics

Add 3% Dept. 120

Shipping 4151 Middlefield Rd.

Add 2% Palo Alto, CA 94303

Circle 12 on inquiry card.

DISK DRIVES

(For PC, Mod I, III & IV)

Qume 142A $209

Teac FD55B $209

Tandon TM100-2 $209

Tandon TM101-4 $315

CDC 9409 $235

Case and PS $ 45

PC EXPANSIONS

Maynard Disk Controller $1 59

Sandstar Series Scall

Internal 10MB HD systems from ,, .$959

Quadboard (64K) $265

Quadcolor I $199

AST SixpackPlus (64K) $265

MegaPlus (64K) $265

I/O Plus $114

2nd SP, PP or Game $ 35

HERCULES graphics board.... $349

HAYES Modems Scall

Set of 9 chips (64K) $ 55

VLM Computer Electronics

10 Park Place i (201) 267-3268

Morrisfown, NJ 07960 MC Check or COD

WordStar with dot matrix printers

More capability than ever before with

WS-PRINT

Italics, Bold, bolder, SUDS, supers_ wide, narrow, index, multiple fonts, characters you design, variable line heights, logos, equations...

$39.95 + $5 P&H. Spec. CP/M, Z- 100 or PC-DOS with Epsons, ProWriter, or Ok ML92. Visa/MC

WHEATLAND

DESIGN LAB

2601 Belle Crest

Lawrence, Kansas 66044

GREAT DISKETTES

Super low prices SYNCOM

he low priced,high quality diskette with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Packed in oiyoags ut 10 with Tyvek envelopes, labels and reinforced hubs. One ot the best buys we've seen.

$-139 <ea5ASSDD $-|85

I 5STJ5 iW DSDD ea. > | gj^

_ rasKggpBBP.

DISKETTE 70—Holds 70 5'/«" diskettes in dust free safety

S3 00 Shpng DISK CADDIES—Flip up style holds 10 5V diskettes $1.65 ea. + 20

Sn™' — I I I —

For the lowest priced, highest quality diskettes, storage cases, printer ribbons and paper products, send tor our catalog. FREE with your order; S1 00 otherwise. BONUS' Every catalog includes $15.00 worth of bonus coupons

Shipping: 5W DISKETTES—Add $3.00 per 100 or fraction thereof. OTHER ITEMS: Shipping charges as shown in addition to diskette shipping charges Payment: VISA or MC COO orders, add $3.00. Taxes: Illinois customers, please add 8%.

Nationwide: 1-800-621-6827 In Illinois: 1-312-944-2788

Minimum Order: $35.00

WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISED PRICE!

DISK WORLD!

Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street ■ Chicago, Illinois 60611

Circle 353 on inquiry card.

Circle 112 on inquiry card.

PRINTER CABLES $30.00

SHIPPING INCLUDED

INTERFACE CABLES

INTERFACE CABLES

Parallel Printer

RS232 Serial

Interface Cable

Interface Cable

Apple

TELEVIDEO

Centronics

Columbia

DB 25

Epson

Male/Female

Eagle

IBM PC

Cable Length

Kaypro

up to 10 feet

NEC

WANG

Zenith

SPECIAL PRICING AVAILABLE TO DEALERS CUSTOM CABLES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

FABRICATION CONCEPTS, INC.

8230 Miralani Drive • San Diego, CA 92126 (619) 271-4522

HALF HEIGHT DRIVES

SHUGART: SA 455

Double Sided, 40 TRK/Side

CDC: 9428

Double Sided, 40 TRK/Side

PANASONIC: 551-2

Double Sided, 40 TRK/Side

• 720 Day Warranty

• Free Shipping

• No Charge For Credit Cards

• Order Toll Free

S189 «195 »179

—

1-800-531-5475 (Outside Of Texas)

(512) 250-1489 (In Texas) Texas Residents Add 5% Sales Tax.

iCompuPdc)

Corp

13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101 Austin, Texas 78750

IC

PROMPT DELIVERY!!!|

S SAME DAY SHIPPING (USUALLY)

DYNAMIC RAM

256K

150 ns

S49.90

64K

200 ns

5.67

64K

150 ns

5.87

64K

120 ns

750

16K

200 ns EPROM

1.21

27128

300 ns

$22.50

2764

250 ns

9.25

2732

450 ns

5.40

2716

450 ns

3.60

2532

450 ns

4.80

STATIC RAM

5565P-15

150 ns

$43.00

6264LP-15

150 ns

45.50

6116P-3

150 ns

6.56

uPo

MasierCa'd VISA or UPS CASH COD

Factory New, Prime Parts JJl'c

MICROPROCESSORS UNLIMITED

24.000 Soulh Peona Ave ,Q1fl, «R7 AQR-t BEGGS OK 74421 l=">) »'-4S01

Circle 136 on inquiry card.

Circle 68 on inquiry card.

Circle 223 on inquiry card.

£6t- 3 1 A 9 • fr86I 3NHI

pjeo Ajinbui uo a\ apJD

«■

WE TURN AROUND FOR YOU'

1 -800-528-8960

(INCLUDING ALASKA AND HAWAII)

CUSTOMER SERVICE (602) 482-0400 • 10439 N. CAVE CREEK RDV #111 • PHOENIX, AZ 85020

All prices are for cash, cashiers check or money order. Allow 3 weeks bank clearance for personal checks. C.O.D.'s, Visa/MC, and P.u.'s accepted at additional charge. Prices subject to change.

Returns must have authorization number (call 602-861-1141), and are subject to a restocking charge.

TERMINALS

Adds

A-1 Green

A-2 Green

Viewpoint 60

Hazeltine

Espirit I

Espirit II

Qume

QVT 102 Green .

QVT 102 Amber

QVT 103 Green .

QVT 103 Amber Televideo

910 +

925

950

970

Wyse

Wyse 100

Wyse 300

Expirit III

Visual

Visual 50 Green .

Visual 55 Green . Zenith

Z-29

$485 .490 .619

485 540

535 550 840 850

549 699 899 975

.680

1020

735

599 720

635

COMPUTERS

Altos

580-10

586-10

586-14

8600-12

Columbia

Eagle

Franklin

Quasar

NEC Portable

Northstar

Advantage

Advantage w/5MB ..

Advantage w/15MB Televideo Systems

802H

803

1603

806/20

800 A (user station)

Teleport

Zenith

3550

6598

7680

8399

. Call

. Call

Call

Call

Call

2160 3345 4315

4210

1815

2150

4775

999

.. Call

.. Call

MONITORS

Amdek

Video 300 GREEN

Video 300 AMBER

Color 1 Plus

Color II Plus

Comrex

9" Green

9" Amber

NEC

JB 1201

JB 1260

Taxan

12" Amber

Zenith

12" Green Screen .

12" Amber Screen

129 145 275 425

.69 .69

155 115

125

.. 95 120

FOR IBM PC

IBM PC Call Save $

AST Research

Six Pak Plus—from $279

Combo Plus II—from 279

Mega Plus—from 309

I/O Plus—from 139

Quad ram

Quadlink 489

Quadboard 289

Quad 512 Plus 249

Quadcolor 229

SOFTWARE

Lotus

1-2-3.

$319

Micropro

WordStar/MailMerge 349

InfoStar 299

SpellStar 159

CalcStar 99

Microstuf Crosstalk 105

Microsoft Multiplan 159

Ashton Tate dBASE II 389

-Friday! 185

Ram Memory 4164-150 59/9 per set

-S99*r

*6300

Transient Protection With A Solid Reputation"

General

Semiconductor ,.^~\^ff

Industries, Inc.

MODEMS

Anchor

Mark I (RS-232)

Mark II (Atari)

Mark III (TI-99)

Mark IV (CBM/PET)

Mark V (Osborne)

Mark VI (IBM-PC)

Mark VII (Auto Ans./Auto Dial) .

Mark XII (1200 Baud)

TRS-80 Color Computer

9 Volt Power Supply

Hayes

Smartmodem 300

Smartmodem 1200

Smartmodem 1200B

Micromodem II

Micromodem II Plus

Micromodem HE

Micromodem 100

Smart Com II

Chronograph

Novation

J-Cat

SmartCat 103

SmartCat 103/212

AutoCat

212 AutoCat

Apple Cat II

212 Apple Cat

Apple Cat 212 Upgrade

Cat

D-Cat

PC-Cat

U.S. Robotics

212A Auto Dial

Password

$ 79

79

... 109 ... 125

95

... 169

... 119

299

. 219 509 459 265 299 269 299

99 179 399 219 549 249 569 309 139 149 339

469 375

ACCESSORIES

3M

51/4" SS/DD .

51/4" DS/DD Verbatim

51/4" SS/DD .

SV DS/DD Elephant

5V4" SS/SD .

5V4" SS/DD .

51/4- DS/DD

51/4" Disk Head Cleaner (2 Disk) 51/4" Disk Head Cleaner (1 Disk) Koala Pad

Atari, Commodore 64

Apple

IBM

Kraft

Joystick

Apple Paddles

IBM Paddles

IBM Joystick

TG

IBM Joystick

Apple Joystick

$26

... 36

DISK DRIVES

CDC

5V4" 9409-DS/DD

Tandon

5V4" TM 100-1-SS/DD 160K ...

5V4" TM 100-2A DS/DD 320K .

TM101-4(96 TPI Quad Den) ...

8" TM848-2(DS/DD) 1.2 MG ... Indus

GT—Apple

GT—Atari

Micro-Set

A-2 (35TR)

A-40 (40TR)

A-70 (Quad)

Rana

Elite I

Elite II

Elite III

1000

150 225 339 400

239 . 349

225 269 329

509 319

"STRONG ENOUGH TO STAND ON"

M LOCKING FILE CASE

Can Stack,

Hang on Wall, and

Has Carrying Handle.

SPECIAL

$1890

PRINTERS

Comrex

ComWriter II Letter Quality

$459

C. Itoh

Pro-writer I

(8510A) Par 319

Pro-writer

(8510A) Serial 419

1550 Parallel 499

1550 BCD SERIAL 549

F-10 40CPS (Letter Qua!) .. 899 F-10 55CPS (LetterQual) . 1179 A-10 20CPS (Letter Qual.) .449

Daisywriter

Daisywriter 2000 999

Daisywriter Cable 40

Datasouth

DS120 595

DS180 1155

DS220 1590

Diablo

620 (25CPS/Serial) 875

630 (40CPS/Multi-F) ... 1710

IDS Save $

Juki

6100-18 439

Mannesman-Tally

160L 589

180L 829

NEC

3550 (For IBM PC) 1499

3510 1219

7710 1649

Qume

1140 W/IBM Interface . 1359 1155 W/IBM Interface . 1489

Riteman

Portable 279

Star Micronics

Gemini 10X Call

Gemini 15X Call

Silver Reed

EXP550P 575

Transtar

120 P 499

315 Color Printer 499

Sheet Feeders & Tractors Call

SPECIAL PRICES

Okidata Save $

Epson Save $

Toshiba (1351) Save $

C SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

MSDOS

FULL C COMPILER PER K&R •Inline 8087 or Assembler

Floating Point •Full 1MB Addressing for Code or

Data •Transcendental Functions

MSDOS 1.1/2.0 LIBRARY

SUPPORT

•Program Chaining Using Exec

•Environment Available to Main

c-window™ C SOURCE CODE DEBUGGER

•Variable Display & Alteration Using C Expression

COMBINED PACKAGE- $ 199

Call

or write: c-systems

P.O. Box 3253 TM c-systems

Fullerton, CA 92634 714-637-5362

wabasK

wabash

wabash

Value Priced Diskettes/

6 Year Warrentyl Hub Rings! 100% Error-Free/

6%" Diskettes Soft or Hard Sector — Boxed

SSSD $1.39 Each*

SSDD $1.89 Each*

DSDD $2.29 Each*

ROD (Flippy] $2.46 Each*

Similar savings on 8", quad density and

special format diskettes.

Bulk Diskettes, with envelopes

deduct 50 per diskette.

*Per Diskette-Quantities of 50 or more.

10% Surcharge for quantities

less than 50 diskettes.

Ml Residents, add 4% Sales Tax.

Shipping & Handling $3.00/50 Diskettes.

TO ORDER: Call or Write...

Precision Data Products

P.O. Box 8332

Grand Rapids, Ml 49508-0332

(616)452-3457

Michigan 1-800-632-2468

Outside Mich. 1-800-258-0028

P

1

J

"TsL

C.O.D.

APPLE COMPATIBLE

Disk Drive Siso.oo ea.

Controller Card $35.00 ea.

Computer Case $55.00 ea.

Keyboard $70.00 ea.

(Numeric and Function Keys) Switching Power Supply. .$49.50 ea. Joystick (Heavy Duty) . . . $17.50 ea. Slim Fan $25.00 ea.

Prices for dealers in quantities of 25 or more. End Users Inquiries welcomed.

ELECTRADE CO. (408) 946-2541

780 Trimble Rd. Suite 605 San Jose, CA 95131

Circle 263 on inquiry card.

Circle 126 on inquiry card.

51/4" DISK DRIVES

TANDON: TM 100-2 „___

Double Sided. 40 TRK/Side »Z09

TANDON: TM 100-1 .,„

Single Sided. 40 TRK *169

CDC: 9409 e0._

Double Sided, 40 TRK/Side »«£l9

• 120 Day Warranty

• Free Shipping

• No Charge For Credit Cards

• Order Toll Free —-

1-800-531-5475 (Outside Of Texas)

(512) 250-1489 (In Texas) Texas Residents Add 5% Sales Tax.

Compufidcl cc

13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101 Austin, Texas 78750

EPROM

PROGRAMMER

,,™- ONLY

$295.95

COMPLETE WITH

PERSONALITY

MODULE

110V AC POWER-RS232 3 WIRE

-6 BAUD RATES

ALLOWS READ, WRITE & VERIFY

Comes complete with BASIC Driver Program Listing for most small micros (or easily adapted)

Full 1 Year Warranty

Programs the following: 5 Volt 24 or 28 pin devices: 2716, 2732, 2732A, 2764, 27128, 27256, 25xx series, 68766 plus others. Specify Personality Module desired with order. Additional Personality Modules only $19.95 ea.

CALL OR WRITE FOR DETAILS

APROPOS TECHNOLOGY

1071-A AVENIDA ACASO Add

CAMARILLO, CA 93010 $4.00 Shipping

(805)4823604 visa o, mc Add 3%

MEMORY MODULES

8Kx8 CMOS RAM

Radio Shack Model 100 NEC PC-8201

* Suggested List 1120.00,

Purple price $Qy 95

' Low power CMOS design. ' Simple installation

' 30 day satisfaction guarantee or your money back. ' 1 Year warranty.

' Next day shipment via UPS included in price.

' Optional Memory Test program $15. (Cassette)

No frills direct connect Modem Cable - $9.95

Shipping: From stock. Free UPS surface Cont. USA-Add $4.00 for UPS 2 day Air-Add $7,00 for Canada-Payment: VISA or UK. Checks held 14 days. -Tax: 6% (Calif, only).

PURPLE COMPUTING 2068 Ventura Blvd. Camarillo, Ca. 93010

CALL NOW

S

(805) 987-4788

Circle 69 on inquiry card

Circle 35 on inquiry card.

Circle 272 on inquiry card.

FLEXIBLE DISCS

WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!! Call Free (800)235-4137

for prices and information. Dealer inquiries invited and C.O.D's accepted.

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd. San Luis Obispo. CA 93401. InCal. call (800)592-5935 or (805)543-1037

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

SAVE ON

DISKETTES

$180 $035

1 0,y2° dsdd Cm °*20

51/.- SSDD-96TPI S2.49 ea &W DSDD-96TPI S3.25 ea

Boxed in 10s with Tyvec sleeves, reinforced hubs and labels.

DISKETTES FOR MACINTOSH & HP-150 AT TERRIFIC SAVINGSI

3V;" Memorex $3.89 ea

See our big ad In this issue tor other groat valoosl Shipping: 5W or 3W DISKETTES—Add $3.00 per 100 or fewer diskettes. Payment: VISA and Mastercard accepted. COD orders only, add $3.00 handling charge. Taxes: Illinois residents, please add 8% sales tax.

WE WILL BEAT ANY NATIONALLY ADVERTISEO PRICE ON THE SAME PRODUCTS AND QUANTITIES!

Nationwide: 1-800-621-6827 Illinois: 1-312-944-2788

Hours: SAM - 5PM Central Time Minimum Order: $35.00

DISK WORLD!, Inc.

Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago, Illinois 60611

Circle 113 on inquiry card.

nam

256K CMOS STATIC RAM LITHIUM BATTERY BACKUP

GUARANTEED IN YOUR SYSTEM CROMIX-D . MPM • CCS • OASIS • AMOS

*£BLU> 8/16 BIT TRANSFERS ■ 24-BIT EX. ADDRESSING 8-12 MHZ • 2K DESELECTS • RAM-EPROM MIX IEEE696/S-100 • LOW POWER • FULLY STATIC

LITHIUM BATTERY BACKUP avoids power failure crashes intelligently. Unique POWER-FAII -SENSE circuit allows processor to save register information and disable board before POWER FAILURE CRASHES memory.

BG BANK 258S $1,499 Battery Backup S99

BG BANK 64S 499 Battery Backup 59

(409) 775-5009

Circle 45 on inquiry card.

MEGd

<»»

Ideal for

• COMPUTERISTS

• OEM MANUFACTURERS

• DEVELOPMENT LABS

• UNIVERSITIES

• INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS

THE ULTIMATE OEM/PC

COMPATIBLE SINGLE

BOARD COMPUTER

FULL IBM - PC" COMPATIBILITY!

DEALERS AND OEM MANUFACTURERS QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

Standard Keyboard Interface

(Full PC compatible)

Eight Compatible I/O Interface Connectors

(Full PC compatible) (compatible with all IBM-PC* plug-in cards)

1

Special J1 Interface

(Allows horizontal mounting of compatible expansion cards for easy bus expansion and custom configuring) (Board has 62 pin gold plated compatible connector)

Extended ROM Capability

(Runs all compatible PC ROMS) (Jumper programmable to accommodate all popular 8K, 16K, 32K and 64K ROM chips and NEW EE ROMS! VPP power pin available for EP ROM burning!) (External VPP voltage required)

Board Size

10.5 inch X 13.5 inch

Full Mega-Byte Ram Capacity! On board!

(With parity)

a 256K Bytes using 64K chips

a 1 Mega Bytes using 256K chips

Hardware Reset

(Overcomes reset flaw in PC)

Power Connector

(Full IBM* pinout compatible)

8088 Processor

(Same as PC)

8087 Numeric Processor

(Same as PC)

Peripheral Support Circuits

(Same as PC)

Configuration Switches

(Same as PC)

Speaker/Audio Port

(Same as PC)

Wire Wrap Area

To facilitate special custom applications!

ORDER NOW!!!

Evaluation Board Kit!

(Blank board with full assembly instructions and parts list.)

Includes highest quality PC board with gold plating, silk screen, solder mask

D MEGA-BOARD™ with full assembly instructions $99.95

D USERS MANUAL with theory of operation,

schematics, block diagram, application notes $19.95

D MEGA-BIOS™ fully compatible MS-DOS/PC-DOS BIOS $29.951

ORDER NOW!!!

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED! [10-day money back guarantee if not completely satisfied.

DISPLAY

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

CORPORATION

4100 SPRING VALLEY ROAD SUITE 400 DALLAS, TX 75234 (214)991-1644

TERMS: Shipment made 2 to 5 weeks from receipt of order. VISA, MC, money order, company check accepted. COD'S require $25 deposit. Balance UPS COD. Please add $2.00 shipping and handling per order.

*IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines Circle 114 on inquiry card.

©1983 Display Telecommunications Corporation

IUNE I984 -BYTE 495

MagiKey^

THE FULL-FEATURED KEYBOARD EXPANDER

Redefine any key to send a string ol characters. MagiKey™ does more...

* automates application software, integrates function or cursor keys

* help" menus displdyed dt dny time

* built-in bdtch processing more powerful thon SUBMIT or XSUB

* strings cdn redefine keys, pause lor fill-thebldnks keyboard input, or contain nested key definitions

* invisible to system and software

* for any 8080-8085-Z80-CP/M 2.2, no system or software modifications

$100

8 SSSD. kaypro 54" - inquire about other SK" formats check, VISA, MC add 6% tax in CA

i f\Cf 1 mieroSystems

'■■':: -■'■''■ .,' 16609 Sagewood Lane Poway. California 92064

CP M (rm) Digital Research (619) 693-1022

CONVERSES COMPUTER

Created at MIT in '966, ELIZA lias become the world s most celebrated artificial intelligence demonstration program ELIZA is a non-direclive psychotherapist who analyzes each statement as you type it in and then responds with her own comment or question-and her remarks are often amazingly appropriate!

Designed to run on a large mainframe. ELIZA has never before been available 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 offered al the introductory price of only $25 And it you want to find out how she does it lor teach her to do more), we wtlt include the complete SOURCE PROGRAM (or only $20 additional.

Order your copy ot 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 do!"

ELIZA IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMATS:

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH GROUP

-^^^^^^-. 921 North La Jolla Avenue. Dept E Los Angeles. CA 90046 (213)656-7368 12131664-22U MC. VISA and checks accepted

V/SA

IBM PC/XT COMPATIBLE

Computer Case $140.00

Keytronic Style Keyboard $160.00

PC 65 Watt Power Supply $150.00

XT 100 Watt Power Supply $190.00

PC/XT Bare Board $ 90.00

Shugart SA455 320KB Floppy Disk ... .$185.00

Shugart SA712 10MB Hard Disk $675.00

Shugart SA606 10MB Hard Disk $475.00

Hard Disk Controller $350.00

Floppy Disk Controller w/Serial,

Parallel, Game Ports $250.00

Color Graphic Card $210.00

Monochrome Card $225.00

OEM/DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME

ELECTRADE CO. (408) 946-2541

780 Trimble Rd., Suite 605

San Jose, CA 95131

Circle 268 on inquiry card.

Circle 37 on inquiry card.

Circle 127 on inquiry card.

12 Bit A/D Convenor

FOR YOUR APPLE"

AD1GB 16 CHANNEL $29995

* IRQ OR NMI INTERRUPT

* EXTERNAL START CONVERT

* HIGH SPEED - 25.000 CONV./SEC

* 7 VOLTAGE RANGES

* PRECISION SAMPLE & HOLD

Bolt On Signal Conditioning

FTTS INSIDE APPLE"

A16G S7995

* 16 OP AMPS- EACH WITH SEPARATE GAIN & FILTERING

A8D from $14995

* TRUE DIFFERENTIAL INPUTS

* 2 to 8 CHANNELS

* SEPARATE GAIN EACH CHANNEL

Hollywood Hardware 1818)989-1204 6842 Valjean Ave. -apple is a registered

Van Nuys, CA 91406

trademark of APPLE Computers, Inc.

!M/A§iI Software, Inc.

Software tools for Architects and Consulting Engineers

Structural Analysis

finite element w/plates, frames, & out of core solver

Concrete Steel Design

columns, beams, & slabs

Project Scheduling (PERT Method)

w/ cost analysis

2-D Drafting System (high performance)

Coded Pressure Vessel Design

Commercial Air Conditioning

Piping Design

(EA&9 Software, Inc.

2B9 I LIVONIA CENTER ROAD

LIMA, NEWYDRK 14485

17 16) 346-2022

PAL, EPR0M

& UV ERASERS from $49.95

LOGICAL DEVICES INC.

%/kete, ReUcJtMf, arul GuAtomeA, £upfu>4t

SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 26

Q00OS0Q

ORDER TOLL FREE

1-800-EE1-PROM

(1-800-331-7766)

Circle 159 on inquiry card.

Circle 121 on inquiry card.

Circle 193 on inquiry card.

wabash

Flexible Diskettes

6 Year Warranty- 100% Certified

DELIVERED PRICES

51/4" $160

single side * | eacl

1LE OENSir TP1 W/HUB R

51A" $189

5""G„LE sioe .„ T I each

51/4"

DOUBLE SIDE OOUBLE OENSH 18 TPIlrV/HUBRIHG Packed W per S

S5?2U ■ each

BULK

SSDD | each

" I each

BULK DSDD

each

Free shipping in continental USA Call for

quantity discounts. We accept money orders,

certified checks, VISA and MasterCard. Personal

checks accepted, but lake two weeks to clear

bank N.D. add4%.

Software Services'"

1326- 25th St. S., Suite H Fargo, ND 58103

1-800-634-2248

INDUSTRIAL CONTROL MICROCOMPUTERS

We have six single board computers, two video boards and 20 other control products. You can use our products for security systems, heat control, light control, automated slide show, traffic lights, irrigation systems, home computer systems, automated process control, and robot control just to name a few. OEM prices available. For catalog call or write to:

JOHN BELL ENGINEERING, INC.

1014 CENTER STREET

SAN CARLOS, CA. 94070

(415)592-8411

&TDK

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 (InCal call (805) 543-1037)

Circle 304 on inquiry card.

Circle 43 on inquiry card.

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

TOLL-FREE

ORDERING:

800-222-8686

FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT/

SERVICE / IN ARIZONA:

602-282-6299

CCT

CUSTOM COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY

1 CRAFTSMAN COURT - BOX 4160 - SEDONA, ARIZONA 86340

Purchase your Hardware and Software directly from an OEM / Systems Integrator. Take advantage of our buying power! We stock a full line of Board Level Components, Software and Peripherals. Call for your needs. We'll give you the Lowest Prices, and the Technical Support and Know-How we are quickly becoming well-known for Satisfied Customers Nationwide. The Nation's Custom Systems House for Business, Education and Science. Call for a system quote.

FOREMOST QUALITY • ADVANCED SUPPORT • REASONABLE COST

■pa

LIBERAL DEALER PRICING ON ALL CCT PRODUCTS.

CCT

l CompuP

THE CCT EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY

With any system we build, we provide, in writing, an unconditional 12 month direct warranty on the entire system, including mainframe, boards, drives, power supplies, cabling and peripherals! We offer guaranteed 24-hour in-house repair and/or replacement with just a tech-line phone call. We can offer this, since we are so sure of our level of quality and reliability. It's greatto know that in the event of a problem, you're not out of business waiting on service turnaround. We deliver!

Our various OEM contracts with all the manufacturers of the components we integrate, allow us this unprecedented flexibility. No factory OK.'s necessary—just get it running - NOW!

• 8" CP/M SOFTWARE SPECIALS •

dBASE II - Latest Version 2.4 $349

Supercalc86-forCP/M86&MP/M $ 99

Wordstar $299 Pro-Pak $429

Microsoft BASIC . $299 Compiler . $339 Supersoft FOFfTRAN IV $339CComp $399 Peachtree Series 8 Modules .... each $599

• TOP SELLING PERIPHERALS • CCT-90K Parallel S-100

Amber Screen - 90K Baud $749

Wyse 100-14" Green $699

Wordstar Prom Option $ 75

Wyse 50 $529 75 $609

200/300 $1069

Visual 50 ... $599 Televideo 925 .. $749

950 $950 970 $1099

Liberty Freedom 100 - $479 200 - $679 Okidata82-$349 83—$619 84—$1029

92 $459 93 $779

NEC 7710 $2150 7730 $2150

Diablo 620 $969 630 $1899

INDUSTRIAL GRADE SUPERIOR QUALITY

CCT DISK DRIVE SYSTEMS

S-100 HARD DISK SUBSYSTEMS

ROLLS ROYCES OF THE INDUSTRY

Professionally engineered ST-506 type systems for the business market S-100 Computer user. Includes industry top quality drives, CompuPro Disk 3 DMA controller, all cabling, A&T, formatted, burned-in. Provisions for up to two hard disks in each system. We include operating system update. CP/M 80, CP/M 86, CP/M 8-16, MP/M 8-16, CP/M 68K. Soon to be supported - MS-DOS. (/1 Systems are CCT innovated hard/floppy combinations, with Mitsubishi DSDD 8" drive.)

CCT-10(11 + MEG) $2349 CCT-10/1 $2849

CCT-20(22+ MEG) $2749 CCT-20/1 $3249

CCT-40(36+ MEG) $3349 CCT-40/1 $3849

Drive capacities shown are after formatting! We are working on tape cartridge back-up units.

n„o. n ,B„n*nn FLOPPY SYSTEMS CCT-2.4 • Dual 8" DSDD

Mitusbishi 2.4 Megabyte in Extra Heavy horizontal enclosure,

removeable filter air system. all cabling, A&T, Burned in. The

fastest system available: $1199

with (2) half-height - CCT-2.4S $1229

Special configurations available — Call!

CCT-5 • 5V4" DSDD

IBM Compatible Tandon 320K. Extra Heavy Cabinet accommodates two drives, hard or floppy. All cabling, A&T,

Burned-in. Perfect for our MS-DOS Package $369

with Hard Disk Power Supply $389

Two Drive Unit (720K) CCT-5/2 $649

• SUPER PRICES • COMPUPRO COMPONENTS * IN STOCK •

SYSTEM SPECIAL-ALL CCT A&T, BURNED IN: 816A-$4299 816B - $4999 816C $6499

CCT-2-$6799 • CCT-3-$6699 • Disk 1 w/CP/M - $469 • CPU 8086/87 - $819 • M-Drive/H - $1099

CPU 8085/88 - $329 • CPU 8086 - $559/10Mhz - $599 • CPU 68K - $519/10Mhz - $639

CPU-Z-$249 • Disk 1-$369 • Disk 2-$579 • Disk 3-$539 • RAM 16 (12Mhz) - $369 • RAM 21 (128K) - $779

RAM22(256K)-$1359 • Interfacer 3 - $459 • Interfacer 4 - $349 Enclosure 2 Desk-$599/Rack-$649 • CP/M 80 (CCTHMX) - $125 CP/M 8-16 (CCTTMX) - $199 • MP/M 8-16 (CCTSX)-$499

System Support 1 - $329 CP/M 86 (CCTTMX)-$175 CP/M 68K(CCTCX)- $279

CP/M 86 Upgrade Kit: CP/M 86, RAM 16, Sys. Supt. 1, Cable - $829 Call for CSC Boards — New Releases — CCT Mods Updates - S30/O.S.

CCT-1 - ENTRY LEVEL S-100 BUSINESS SYSTEM

• Enclosure 2-Desk-20 Slot Mainframe ' ■ CPU 8085/88 - 6Mhz 8085/8Mhz 8088 ■

• Disk 1 - DMA Floppy Disk Controller •

• RAM 16 - 64K Static RAM - 12Mhz •

• Interfacer 4 - 3 Serial/2 Parallel I/O •

• CCT-2.4-Dual 8" Mitsubishi DSDD Drive System - 2.4 Megabytes •

• CP/M 80-2.2 HMX - CCT Modified •

• All Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly, Testing, and Minimum 20 Hour Burn-in •

SPECIAL PRICE

$3,449

RUNS ALL STANDARD 8" CP/M SOFTWARE - INCLUDES OUR EXCLUSIVE 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY

OPERATING SYSTEM NOTE: Latest CP/M, CP/M86, MP/M 8-16, CP/M 68K, have each been restructured and optimized by CCT, for utmost flexibility, power and speed.

MS-DOS FOR COMPUPRO - IBM COMPATIBLE CCT MODIFIED SYSTEM

For any CP/M 86 CompuPro System - Includes MS-DOS Version 2.0 and 5Vt" DMA Disk Controller, All Manuals - $699

Prices & availability subject to change. All products new, and carry full manufacturer's warranties. Call for catalog. Free technical help to anyone. All products we well are CCT individually tested and set up for your system - Plug-In & Go! Arizona residents add sales tax CCT© Trademark — Custom Computer Technology; MS-DOS© Trademark — Microsoft; IBM© Trademark — International Business Machines; CompuPro© Trademark — W.J. Godbout; CP/M© MP/M© Trademarks — Digital Research

Circle 93 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984

IYIE 497

Scotch

DISKETTES

Call ToU-Free 1-800-328-3472 for prices and information. Dealer inquiries invited. C.O.D. and charge cards accepted. All order* shipped from stock, within 24 hours. Call toll FREE

m

North Hills Corporation

3564 Rolling View Dr.

White Bear Lake. MN 55110

1-800-328-3472

MNCall Collect 1-612-770-0485

8051-Based Single-Board Computer with Monitor/Debugger

I 4 28-pin byte-wide sockets: monitor will program EEPR0MS. ■ Perfect for System Development and Educational Applications

I*

J'J.. '

Binary Technology

PO BOX A-59 • HANOVEH NH 03755 • 603 643-2881

MEMOREX

FLEXIBLE DISCS

WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!! Call Free (800)235-4137

for prices and information. Dealer inquiries invited and C.O.D's accepted

VISA

PACIFIC EXCHANGES

100 Foothill Blvd San Luis Obispo. CA 93401. InCal. call (800)592-5935 or i805)543-1037

Circle 47 on inquiry card.

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

DATA ACQUISITION

and control for ANY computer

The Model 8232 communicates via RS-232, and has 8 analog inputs (0-5 VDC; 8 bits), 8 digital inputs and outputs, and a 2000 point buffer. Suitable for field data logging or lab use, the 8232 costs only $540. Direct bus-connect unit for TRS80/111 & 4 is $295. Detailed manual, $6. Phone our applications engineer or write:

+ i STARBUCK + +

« « DATA COMPANY « W

PO Box 24, Newton, MA 02162 (617)237-7695

SMAL/80

| SMAL/80

Assenhlpr •

; HL=M(PTR);

LHLD PTR •

DE=9;

LXI D,9 •

• HL=HL+DE;

DAD D

• IF A-L EQUAL

CMP L

THEN

jnz li :

I A=A-14

sui 14 :

: ELSE

JMP L2 :

I A=L;

L1:M0V A,L '.

; M(BC)=A;

L2:STAX B J

New! Z-80 version (runs on 8O80's): $175. 8080 version only: $150. Macroprocessor only: $75. Available on CP/M disks. Add $4 for shipping. Complete tutorial text: "Structured Microprocessor Programming" (Publ; Yourdon Press) $20 plus $2 shipping. Send for ycur free button and literature or try the Ultimate Demo: SMAL/80 is Guaranteed!

Chromod Associates,

1030 Park Ave., Hoboken, N. J. 07030 Telephone: (201) 653-7615

Circle 308 on inquiry card.

Circle 230 on inquiry card.

Circle 58 on inquiry card.

W Dysan

^CORPORATION

SPECIAL DISKETTE OFFER

I The Dysan quality difference is yours to try with advanced production techniques that assure every diskette to be 100% error-free. PLUSI if you call, write, or utilize reader service in response to this ad—we'll send you our full-range catalog of computer supplies with Special Offers good for further savings on Dysan diskettes and many other quality products.

LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS

1250-E Rankin Dr., Troy, Ml 48083 Phone: 1313) 589-3440

Simply #1 in Service & Reliability

DISCOVER THE DYSAN DIFFERENCE

Circle 199 on inquiry card.

Apple ll/lle®

Robotic Development Package |«

A

u

2 Axis

Stepper Motor System

. A6 T/D Plug-In Interlace Sftxfl

• R2 D23 Dual Axis Driver «

. (2) Size 23 Motors <35 oz in■>

• Positioning Command with Ramping from Applesoft's BASIC

Also Available with:

(2) Size 34 Motors (220 oz in.) & &CQA R2 D34 Dual Axis Driver VOOt

ROGERS LABS (714)751-0442

2710 S. Croddy Way, Santa Ana, CA 92704

/&p$&j%awi\

Best Prices On TRS-80 Computers

Our 7th year of discounts

Ed or Joe McManus

Fgt. Prepaid. Save Tax.

Toll Free 800-231-3680

Marymac Industries, Inc.

22511 Kary Fwy., Katy

(Houston) Tx 77450

1-713-392-0747

Telex 774132

See us in the Wall Street Journal every Tues. and Thurs.

Circle 287 on inquiry card.

Circle 206 on inquiry card.

SPECIAL PRICES FOR THE SUMMER SHOPPER

we will Beat All Competitors Prices!

TAVA PC

• 16 Bit CPU, Exp. t0 256K

• Two 320K Slimlines

• Parallel & Serial Ports

• PC Compatible

Quadram

• Quad Board I

• 64K Exp. to 384K • Parallel, Serial & Clock

Hayes Microcomputer

• Micro Modem HE • Software

$1779

$249

$239

Microtek

• Dumpling CX

• Crappler Compatible

• Full Graphics for Apple

• 2 Year warranty

Keytronics Keyboard

• For your Apple or IBM

Apple $249

pc $199

IBM PC System

• PCW/64K

• Two 360K Drives

• Hi-Res. Amber Monitor

• color interface Card

c. itoh

• 8510AP

• 120 CPS

• Friction & Tractor Feed

$339

$2400

Taxan Monitor

• Model NO. 420

• 640 X 262

• Hi-Res. RGB

$469

Co Processor

• 8087 • The Arithmetic Chip

$179

Okidata

• OKI 92A

• 160 cps

• Correspondence Quality

$429

Bonanza ^Specials*

8" Disk Drives

OUANTITY

1 2 10 Siemens

FDD-100-8 5150 5110 5130

FDO-200-8 300 290 280

Shugart

801R,Sgl./Dbl 5360 5350 5340

851R, Dbl./Dbl 470 460 450

Tandon

TM848-1,Sgl./Dbl.V2Ht $350 S340 5330

TM848-2, Dbl./Dbl. V4Ht 400 390 380

Mitsubishi

M2894-63, Dbl./Dbl S420 5410 5400

M2896-63,Dbl./Dbl.1/2Ht 420 410 400

Oume

DT8, Datatrak8 5450 S440 5430

51/4" Disk Drives

OUANTITY

1 2 10 Teac

FD55A, 160K S160 5150 5140

FD55B, 360K 180 170 160

FD55F, Quad Density 200 190 180

All Teacs are Half Heights

Tandon

TM100-1,160K S200 S190 S180

TM10O-2,360K 220 210 200

TMioi-4,Quad Density 280 270 260

TM55-2,360K1/! Height 220 210 200

MPI

B-52,360KPCCompatible 5200 5190 5180

Shugart

SA400,160K 5200 5190 5180

SA455.360K1/! Height 220 210 200

SA465, Quad Den. vi Height .... 230 220 210

Mitsubishi

4851,1/2Height 5250 5240 S230

4853, Quad Den. 1/2 Height 320 310 300

Control Data Corp.

CDC9409,360K S230 S220 5210

CDC9409T, Quad Density 300 250 200

Panasonic

JA-155 S175 5165 S155

Chinon

FD55A(sameasTeac)160K 5150 5140 5130

Apple Compatible Drives

OUANTITY

1 2 10 Micro Sci

A-2,35Track S200 5190 S180

Controller 80 70 65

Ouentin Research

AppleMate S195 S185 S175

Controller 65 55 45

Rana Systems

Elitel S240 S235 5225

Elitell, Dbl. Head 35 345 335

Elite III, Quad Density 455 445 435

Controller Controls 4 Drives 90 80 75

Half Height

FD525AFullyApplecom 5150 S140 S130

51/4" & 8" Power supply & cabinets

OUANTITY

1 2 10 PC Products 5%"

SingleCabinetw/pwr S 70 S 60 S 50

Dual Thinline Cab w/pwr 80 70 60

Dual Cabinet* Power 80 70 60

All have 6 month Warranty

PC Products 8"

Sgl.Cabinetw/pwr&fan S220 S210 S2O0

Dualw/pwrfor2thinlines 220 210 200

Dual w/pwr & fan 270 260 250

Computer Components

A California Corporation

800-847-1718

OUTSIDE CALIFORNIA

RETAIL STORE:

11976 Aviation Blvd. inglewood, CA 90304

MAIL ORDER:

P.O. Box 1936 Hawthorne, CA 90250

Circle 65 on inquiry card.

This Ad Supersedes All Others ,^.■1 (213)643-5188 r~]

All merchandise new we accept MC, Visa, Wire Transfer, COD Call, Certified Check, PO.s from qualified firms, APO accepted Shipping Minimum 54 50 first 5 pounds Tax: California Res Only add 6' 2% sales tax

Prices Subject to Change

Mon.—Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

COMPUTER COMPONENTS MONTH ONLY FREE SHIPPING

MONITORS

Amdek

colon + Composite video S 289

Colorll + RGBVideo 419

300G, 12" Green 139

300A, 12" Amber 149

310A, Monochrome Amber 179

BMC

12AUW,80COlumn S 79

l2EUNHi-ResCreen 109

9191 Color New Version 239

IBM

Monochrome Hi Res Green S 319

RGBColOr 699

Princton Graphics

PGSHX12.IBMCOPV S 469

PGSSR-12, Hi-Res Color 649

PGSMAX-l2,l2"Monochrome 199

USI

PM,9"JGreen, Hi Res, 20MHz S 100

Pl2,i2"Green,HiRes,20MHz 100

PI3,12" Amber, Hi Res, 20MHz 100

PI4,9" Amber, Hi Rex, 20MHz 100

zenith

ZVM122, Hi-Res Green S 109

ZVM123, Hi-ResAmber 109

Dynax

DX15, LetterQuality S 449

DX25 729

Epson

RX-80I120CPS) S 319

RX-80FT(l20cps)Friction&Tractor . 419

FX-80(160cps) 519

FX-100(160cps) 15" carriage 729

NEC

8023A-C New version (120 cps) S 399

8025 (15" Carriage) 699

Okidata

82A (120 cps) Par SSer inter S 299

83A(15" Carriage) 569

84P (200 cps) Frictions Tractor .... 999

New Series Okidata

92PI160CPS) S 429

93P (15" Carriage) 739

Star Micronics

Gemini 10X(120cps) S 279

Geminil5X(i20cps)l5"Carriage. . 399 Powertyped8cps)Ltr.qual 479

5VV DISKETTES

COMPUTER SYSTEMS

Apple

HE Starter System $1326

CPU Only 999

Mcintosh 2295

Portable 1150

Compaq

Portable (PC Compatible) $1995

Franklin

Ace 1000,64K $ 789

Ace1200OMS 1589

Kaypro

Kayproll $1149

Kaypro4+ 1695

KayprolO 2495

IBM

PC64K, 2-Drives $2150

XT Hard Disk Drive, 128K 4595

PCPortable Call

SANYO

MBC-550PCCompatible $ 789

MBC-555 2-Drives, more software .. 1199

ecu

Sgl/Dbl reinforced hub $17

100 for 150

Dbl/Dbl reinforced hub 22

100 for 200 Not Bulk Packed

Dysan

Sgl/Dbl $33

100 for 300

Dbl/Dbl 39

100 for 370

Maxell

MD1 Sgl/Dbl : .$25

100 for 235

MD2Dbl/Dbl 38

100 for 360

Memorex

Sgl/Dbl $26

100 for 230

Dbl/Dbl 35

100 for 320

verbatim

Sgl/Dbl $26

100 for 240

Dbl/Dbl 36

100 for 340

8" DISKETTES

Dysan

Sgl/Sgl $34

100 for 320

Dbl/Dbl 53

100 for 480

Maxell

Sgl/Dbl $44

100 for 380

Dbl/Dbl 50

100 for 469

Memorex

sgi/sgi $27

100 for 250

Dbl/Dbl 38

100 for 350

verbatim

sgl/sgl $30

100 for 280

Dbl/Dbl 40

100 for 360

Wabash

sgl/sgl $24

100 for 220

Dbl/Dbl 34

100 for 320

Verbatim

8" or 51/i" Head Cleaning Kit $ 9

Flip Tub

5V4" HoldsSOdisks, plexiglass 17

5%"Holds70disks, plexiglass.. 21

Apple

DiSk2 $ 299

Disk2controllerw/DOS3.3 89

Micro Sci

A-2Fullvcompatible S 199

Controller w/diagnostics 80

Quentin Research

Applemate S 189

Controller 65

Rana Systems

Elite I $ 240

Elite n Dbi sided 355

Elite ill Quad Density 455

Controller, controls4 90

ecu 1/2 Height

Slimline $ 189

Controller 75

DISK ACCESSORIES

APPLE DRIVES

FOR YOUR LARGEST SINGLE COMPUTER OUTLET

and the LOWEST PRICES in this Magazine S CALL 800-847-1718 H

UNLIMITED IS OFFERING THIS FOR ALL ORDERS OVER $1000!

DISK DRIVE CABINETS

5Y4" cabinets

Single Cab. w/power supply S 70

DualCab.w/powersupply 80

DualThinlineCab.w/pwr.sup 80

8" Cabinets

SingleCab.w/fan&powersupply $ 220 DualCab.w/fan&powersupply ... 270

Federal Express Shipping Available!

5%" DISK DRIVES

CDC

9409dbl/dbl S 230

Panasonic

Slimline 320K PC comp S 175

Tandon

TM10O-1.160K S 200

TM100-2.320K 220

TM101-4 Quad Density 220

Mitsubishi

2894Dbl/Dbl S 420

Qume

DT8Dbl/Dbl S 450

Shugart

801RSgl/Dbl S 360

851RDbl/Dbl 470

Siemans

FDD 100-8Sgl/Dbl S 150

Tandon

TM848-lSgl/DblThinline S 350

TM848-2Dbl/DblTbinline 400

PRINTER INTERFACES

Cables

IBM to Printer S 29

Kaypro to Printer 29

RS232Cables 29

Fourth Dimension

Card&Cable S 49

Microtek

Dumpling CX(CrapplerCompatible) S 89

Dumpling GXexpto64K 149

DumplingGXl6Kw/i6Kexpto64K 169 foreachadditional 16K 15

Okidata Options

Tractorfor82&92 S 59

Serial interface 99

Orange Micro

Crappler + S 114

Crappler + W/16K 179

Star or Epson

Epson Serial Interface S 119

StarSerial interface 59

wesper Micro

wizard Full Graphics interface S 89

Egg.'

MODEMS

Anchor

Mark vii 300 Baud S 119

Markxil, l200Baud 279

Hayes Micro Computer

Smart Modem 300 Baud S 199

Smart Modem 1200 Baud 489

Smart Modem 1200B for PC 389

Micro Modem HE 239

Novation

J-Cat $ 119

AppleCatn 259

V^'V^I I 1^ Valval Circle 66 on inquin

Components Unlimited

A California Corporation

RETAIL STORE:

11976 Aviation Blvd.

Circle 66 on inquiry card. IngleWOOd, CA 90304

■ MAIL ORDER:

^^r>tC P.O. BOX 1936

IO Hawthorne, CA 90250

APPLE ADD ON'S

ALS

zcard S 119

CPM3.0Card 269

Apple

Diskll S 299

Monitorli 99

Attar

RFModulator S 15

Fanw/Surge 29

Kensington

SystemSaver S 69

Koala

Graphics Tablet S 89

Kraft

Joystick S 49

Micro Max

Viewmax80,80col.card S 139

Viewmax80E(FforllE)64K 129

Micro Soft

l6KCard S 69

Premium SoftCard HE 369

Multiplan 189

SoftCard(Z80) 239

Micro Tek

Bam 16,16K Memory S 59

Serial Interface 89

TC

Joystick S 44

Select-A-Port 31

Paddles 34

Ast Research

SixPack+ S 274

Mega+ 274

IBM

Monochrome Adapter S 319

ColorCard 245

Plantronics

PC+ w/Software S 389

Ouadram

QuadColorCard S 219

Quad Link 479

64K upgrade

64K of Memory S 49

usi Research

ParadiseSystemsmulti-displaycard S 399

Mon.—Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This Ad Supersedes All Others no Surcharge for Credit Cards

Sales Desk

(800)847-1718 (213)643-5188

Outside California Inside California

Customer Service & Technical

(213)643-5191

All mercnandise new. we accept MC, visa. Wire Transfer, COD Call, Certified Check, p.o.'s from qualified firms, apo accepted, snipping: Minimum Si.50 first 5 pounds. Tax: California Res Only add 6vs% sales tax.

Hi

Specials of the Month

.;,,..'

V;;;

*

EPD

Surge ES

Protectors ;%^*

• Dealer Inquiries Welcomed •

The Lemon or EC-1 Regular $ 59.95 Now $ 44.95 The Lime or EC-11 Regular $ 89.50 Now $ 74.50 The Peach or EG1V Regular $ 97.50 Now $ 82.50 The Orange or EC-V Regular $139.95 Now $124.95 The Ground Hog Regular $ 89.95 Now $ 74.50 Static Dissipative Mat

1-(817)-284-2190

■ Unique Supplies s, A ccessories

2690GRAVEL FORT WORTH.TEXAS 76118

Circle 341 on inquiry card.

***NEW LOW PRICES***

fgif MEDIA

i*5r CONVERSION

We Put Your Data Where

YOU Want It!

Your data can be copied from and/or

to any of the following: '/?" mag tape,

8" Diskette, S%" Diskette.

• 'A Inch Magnetic Reel Tape: 800 / 1600 B.P.I.

ASCII / EBCDIC

• 8 Inch Diskette:

CP/M, IBM 3740, DEC RT-11

• 5% Inch Diskette:

Apple II —DOX, CP/M, Pascal

IBM PC/XT — MS-DOS, CP/M

***PLUS***

Virtually ALL Soft-sectored Formats

PROFESSIONAL DATA SERVICES

385 Woodley Road

Santa Barbara, CA 93108

805/969-6993 9:00-5:30 PST

***NEW FORMATS AVAILABLE***

O TeleVideo USERS

RETAIL

• Fast Dump/Restore CP/M, TurboDOS

over 600k per disk $90.00

New! • Basic/Z with Graph/Z $345.00

■ TurboDOS lor Mirk from $300.00

• LYNC Communications Package $195.00

• 8" Disk Drive for 802 and 800A

Drive, board and software $1200.00

• RM/COBOL Systems from $250.00

New! • DataFlex 2.0 from $750.00

New! • 803, 803H, TPC-1 and MOUSE programs:

Draw! $90.00

GamesPakl $34.95

• 816 and 806C Tape Backup from $175.00

• Satt Standby Power Systems: 200VA/400VA/800VA from $550.00

New! • Anti-Static Products from $39.95

• RM/COBOL trademark of Ryan-McFarland Co.

• CP/M trademark of Digital Research

• TurboDOS trademark of Software 2000

• LYNC trademark of Norton-Lambert

• DataFlex trademark of Data Access

PLUS OTHER GOOD TELEVIDEO STUFF!

COGITATE, INC.

SPECIALISTS IN UNIQUE TELEVIDEO SOFTWARE

24000 Telegraph Road, Southfield, Ml 48034

(313t352-2345

VISA/MASTERCARD Accepted

Circle 60 on inquiry card.

Serial 4 ■ ■''''" ■ ► Parallel

Convert What You Have To What You Want!

* RS232 Serial

* 8 Baud Rates

' Latched Outputs

' Centronics Parallel * Handshake Signals ■ Compact 3>; X 454 x

No longer will your peripheral choices be limited by the type of port you have available! Our new High Performance 700 Series Converters provide the missing link. Based on the latest In CMOS technology, these units feature full baud rate selection to 19.2K. with handshake signals to maximize transfer efficiency. Detailed documentation allows simplified installation. Order the Model 770 (Ser/Par) or Model 775 (Par/Ser) Today!

i'mErTranics

only'89.95

€&

CALL (805) 487-1665 or 487-1666 For FAST Delivery ,

ATTENTION

OSBORNE COMPUTER

OWNERS!

REPLACEMENT KEYBOARD

FOR

OSBORNE 1

AND

EXECUTIVE MODELS

IDENTICAL TO ORIGINAL KEYBOARDS

Send Check

Or Money Order

$79.oo

Includes Shipping nois Residents Add 6V<i% Sales Tax

HASCO, INC.

6916 Huntley Road

Crystal Lake, Illinois 60014

Phone (815) 459-3626

Circle 152 on inquiry card.

Let your fingers do the shopping in the

"Electronic Mall"

For all of your Radio Shack

and TRS-80™ Needs

Save Time ■ Save Money!

GO PE-1

Now on CompuServe

Pan American Electronics

(800) 531-7466/(512) 581-2766

Telex 767339

1117 Conway Ave.

Mission, Texas 78572

Circle 269 on inquiry card.

Circle 129 on inquiry card.

Circle 249 on inquiry card.

TRS 80/MODEL II 64K w/3 DRIVES

1995°

PeachText 5000 reg 425»° 23500 complete line of ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE

plus other major brands •Terms: Visa, M.C. or C.O.D. •Dealer Inquiries Invited COMPU-MEDIA SUPPLIES, INC. 159 Main St. S.I.N.Y. 10307 CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-248-2418 •"• in N.Y. State 212-967-1700

AUTHORIZED DISTRIBUTOR

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 Cal. call (800) 592-5935 or (805)543-1037.

1

Circle 358 on inquiry card.

Circle 248 on inquiry card.

APPLE 11+ and Me* USERS:

Easy-To-Use Software with Upper and Lower Case Capability DOS 3.3 and printer. 11+ requires Videx**Videoterm Card for lower case capability.

ONLY $24.95

To order phone our Order Desk at (217) 359-5888 and use your Mastercard or Visa or send check or money-order for $24.95 (IL Residents add 6% tax) plus $2.50 for postage and handling to: Advanced Analytics Technology Corp. Business and Technology Center 701 Devonshire Dr. C-30 Champaign, Illinois 61820 'Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. •'Registered trademark of Videx, Inc.

Circle 393 on inquiry card.

U.S. MANUFACTURER ONE YEAR WARRANTY!

10 MEGABYTE HARD DISK FOR IBM PC!

00

10 MEGABYTE HARD DISK FOR IBM PC

Plug-n-Run, ready to go • complete with controller card, data cable, and mounting hardware • totally PC/XT compatible • faster than XT • handles 4 different operating systems • streamer tape back-up available

10 mbyte internal 10 mbyte external 15 mbyte internal 15 mbyte external 26 mbyte internal . 26 mbyte external

List $1795 $2095 $1995 $2295 $2495 $2795

Your Price $995.00 $1195.00 $1395.00 $1595.00 $1995.00 $2249.00

Tape Back-up option CALL FOR BEST PRICE

HI-RES MONITORS

AMOEK 310A

AMDEK300G

AMDEK 300A

AMDEK COLOR I . AMDEK COLOR II . AMDEK COLOR IV

PGS MAX-12

PGS HX-12

PGS SR-12

OUADCHROME _ COMREX CR6800

$230 $179 $199 $379 $559 $995 $269 $699 $799 $795 $649

$169.95 $129.95 $149.95 $259.95 $419.95 $774.95 $199.95 $469.95 $649.95 $499.95 $499.95

KEYTRONICS KEYBOARDS

5150 5151

$269 $189.95 $299 $239.95

STB BOARDS FOR IBM PC

RIO PLUS 64K _ GRAPHICS PLUS RIO PLUS 128K _ RIO PLUS 256K _ RIO PLUS 384K _ SUPER RIO 64K _ SUPER RIO 128K . SUPER RIO 256K . SUPER 10

List

$395

$495

$495

$595

$795

$419

$519

$619

$229

Your Price $329.95 $379.95 $349.95 $449.95 $549.95 $329.95 $379.95 $479.95 $179.95

SOFTWARE FOR IBM PC

List Your Price

LOTUS 1 2 3 SYMPHONY _

dBASE II

R:BASE 4000 SMART KEY MOVE-IT —

MULTIPLAN

ACCOUNTING PARTNER CROSSTALK _____ PROKEY

MULTIMATE _ SUPERCALC III TRANSEND PC

. $495 . .$695 . $700 . $495 . $89 . $125 $250 . $395

$795

$75

$495

$395

$789

$329.95

$549.95

$429.95

$319.95

$69.95

$89.95

$169.95

$249.95

$129.95

$54.95

$299.95

$249.95

$139.95

MICROSOFT FOR IBM PC

MOUSE

SYSTEM CARD 64K SYSTEM CARD 2S6K

Ltst Your Price

$799 $129.95

$395 $279.95

$625 $429.95

320K DISK DRIVES

DOUBLE-SIDED, DOUBLE-DENSITY FOR IBM PC

$19995

CHOICE OF

Tandon Tec

Teac Epson

Panasonic Shugart

DISKETTES For IBM PC

High quality double-sided, double-density diskettes, certified to be absolutely error free. Box of ten, warranteed for one year Box of 10 w/FREE plastic case _ $39 $19.95

HIGH SPEED 8087 APU

Math co-processor chip

List Price $295 SALE PRICE $199.95

PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE

Continental USA (800)421-5500

Inside California (800)262-1710

AST FOR IBM PC

SIX PAK PLUS 64K _ SIX PAK PLUS 256K SIX PAK PLUS 384K

MEGA PLUS 64K _ MEGA PLUS 256K MEGA PLUS 512K

List \ Your Price

$395 $269.95 $695 $489.95 $945 $569.95

I/O PLUS

MP64K _ MP 128K . MP 192K . MP256K .

_ $395 $269.95

; $665 $429.95

$7095 $799.95

_ $765 $119.95

_ $295 _ $395 _ $495 _ $595

$199.95 $249.95 $299.95 $349.95

IBM VIDEO BOARDS

List Your Price

HERCULES GRAPHIC

PLANTRONICS COLOR+

STB GRAPHICS+

OUADCOLORI

AMDEK MAI

AST MONOGRAPH+.

$499 $549 $495 $295 $649 $595

$339.95 $379.95 $379.95 $209.95 $495.95 $449.95

64K RAM UPGRADE FOR IBM PC

High speed RAM upgrade kit with FREE! parity (error detection) and one year warranty

List Your Price

64K KIT For IBM PC _ 128K KIT For IBM PC 192KKITForlBMPC. 256K KIT For IBM PC 384K KIT For IBM PC

QUADRAM FOR IBM PC

$90 $49.95

$780 $95.95

_ $270 $143.95

__ $360 $199.95

_ $540 $289.95

List Your Price

QUADBOARD No RAM OUADBOARD64K _

QUADBOARD 128K

QUADBOARD 256K

QUADBOARD 384K

OUADLINK

QUAD 512 PLUS 64K _ QUAD 512 PLUS 256K QUAD 512 PLUS 512K

QUAD COLOR I — .

QUAD COLOR II

AST MONOGRAPH+ _ QUAD VIEW

$295 $395 $495 $595 $795 $680 $325 $550 $895 $295 $275 $595 $345

$214.95 $275.95 $339.95 $399.95 $595.95 $449.95 $219.95 $389.95 $549.95 $209.95 $199.95 $449.95 $259.95

Los Angeles Area (213)973-7707

We accept cash, checks, credit cards, or purchase orders from qualified firms and institutions. Minimum prepaid order $15.00 California residents add 6y2% tax. Export customers outside the US or Canada please add 10% to all prices. Prices and availibility subject to change without notice. Shipping and handling charges via UPS Ground 50C/lb. UPS Air $1.007lb. minimum charge $3.00 Prices quoted are for pre-paid orders only

Circle 173 on inquiry card.

JUNE 1984 -BYTE 503

kpp*-e

'_*e»^,!__o«w*

«*•• IM | |l'

Computer Products

*°8 „u*Pw* "_7v&*'

SMARTMODEM Hayes

$299 tjgjft $249 V>D59.95

„_$lf «S*£

' $169 S^.gS

- «"„ S139.96 $219 *„9.95 $199 ^.gS

;$99 $,*

„$125 S*19.95

$175C W95

sup^oiS

_•*•_

Y lit' _ ^35«^'5tt ■* inch P»SK DRIVES

^^;;^

$34

Bo*

oO°'

THE BUS PROBE

Best selling analyzer

inexpensive S-100 diagnostic

Sophisticated direct-connect auto-answer/auto dial modem, touch tone or pulse dialing. RS232C interface programmable

:•: Lis!

Smartmodem 1200 »»

1200B tor IBM PC _____ $J>W

Smartmodem 300 __ — ***

Hayes Cronograph ———— W*»

Mlcromodem 100 _ — g*

Micromodem He ,, *<=aa

Bare board

Kit ., A&T ___

List Your Price

__ $89 $59.95

__ $249 $179.95

__ $299 $199.95

Vour Price $475.00 $399.95 $199.00 $199.95 $299.95 $239.95

EXPANPORAM III

High density memory board, 64K, «J«

«*_ • $475 $398.95

,-n,f"~~~~ S595 $464.95

iI?K " $709 $524.95

256K $825 $589.95

■1.CAT MODEM 64 STATIC RAM-Jade

1/5 the size of ordinary modems, Bell 103, manual or, auto-answer. Automatic answer/ originate, direct connect, bu.lt-m self-test two LEDs and audio beeps provide status information Vou( Prtce

Novation J-Cat S149 $114.95

ULTRA-VIOLET EPROM ERASERS

Uses new 2K x 8 static RAMs, fully supports IEEE 696 m

Bare board ____—— &®

Kit less RAM _____ — $"<*

32K kit ___ _____ «229

56K kit _____ — &™

64K kit

Your Price $49.95 $89.95 $169.95 $225.95 $265.95

Assembled » Tested

$50 add $30.00

a—

Inexpensive erasers for industry or home

List YourPrice

Spectronicsw/o timer __ m $6995

Spectronics with timer $139 $94.95

Logical Devices ______ *89 *49S0

ISOBAR

The ISOBAR looks like a standard multi outlet power strip but contains surge suppression circuitry and built-in noise filters, plus 15amp circuit breaker Ust Your Price

. _i« _____ $89 $59.95

PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE!

Continental USA Inside California Jos Anj£^ Aij»

(800)421-5500 (800)262-1710 (213)973-7707

Complete Computer $400.00!

THE

LITTLE BOARD with FREE! CP/M 2.2

Minature single board CP/M compute 'design* to mount directly on top of a 5% floppy disk drive (7.75" X 5.75"). Conta.nsZ 80A CPU.64K RAM Boot Eprom, terminal port, modem port parallel printer port, floppy disk controller, and CP/M 2.2 included FREE! Little Board with CP/M $400 $348.95

iu^apbr_!____=== ffi fts

Serial Cable * $,, „

Diskless Monitor Eprom _

TANDON TM 100-1 SS/DD 48 TPI

Us, $349 $225.00 ea 2 for $195.00 ea

SHUGART SA400L SS/DD 48 TPI

List $299 ____ $209.00 ea 2 for $199.95 ea

TANDON TM 100-2 DS/DD 48 TPI

List $399 — $219.00 ea 2 for $199.95 ea

5V Cabine>t»/Pow*>r Supply

Single cab w/power supply __ W #*■**

Dual cab w/power supply _— $'29 *■»•««

8 inch DISK DRIVES

SIEMENS FDD 100-8 SS/DD

5ff M9ST_ $179.00 ea 2 for $175.00 ea

SHUGARTSA801R SS/DD

L,sf $502 _____ $355.00 ea 2 for $349.00 ea

SHUGARTSA-851R DS/DD .„E „„ .

list $605 $459.00 ea 2 for $455.00 ea

TANDON TM 848-1 SS/DD thin-line

Li "$499 __— $369.00 ea 2 for $359.00 ea

TANDON TM 848-2 DS/DD thin-line

List $599 ___ $439.00 ea 2 for $435.00 ea

NEC FD1165 DS DD thin-line

List $599 ____ $450.00 ea 2 for $440.00 ea

DISK SUB-SYSTEMS

Handsome metal cabinet with proportionally balanced air flow system, rugged dual drive power supply, cable kit, power switch, line cord, fuse holder, cooling fan, nevermar rubber feet. All necessary hardware to mount two 8" disk drives, power supply, and fan. Does not include signal cable V* YourPrice

Dual 8" Sup-Assemb/y Cabinet

Bare cabinet —$7S

Cabinet kit ________ $299

A&T _= ijw

$49.95 $199.95 $249.95

fl" Sub-System—Single sided. Double density Kit w/2 Siemens FDIOO-BDs _ $950 $579.00 A & T w/2 Siemens FD100-8DS $995 $595.00 Kit w/2 Shugart SA-801RS __ $1195 $939.00 A & T w/2 Shugart SA-801RS $7295 $969.00 S" Sub-Systems-Double sided. Double density

Kit w/2 Shugart SA-851RS _ St 495 $119900 A & T w/2 Shugart SA-851RS $1595 $1219.00

DUAL SLIMLINE SUB-SYSTEMS

List $75 $249

Dual 8" Slimline Cabinet

Bare cabinet ~_

A&T w/o drives —

Dual 8" Slimline Sub-Systems

Kit w/2 DS/DD drives $7395

A & T w/2 DS/DD drives — $7495

Your Price

$59.95 $164.95

$1060.00 $1099.00

Circle 174 on inquiry card.

SUPER PRICES ON PRINTERS!

High Performance, New Lower Price! DTC-380Z

True letter quality Daisywheel printer up to 32 CPS, with a built-in 48K buffer. The 380Z comes with RS232 serial, parallel Centronics, and IEEE-488 interfaces built-in Full one-year factory warranty! ust Your Price

DTC-380Z $1495 $999.95

Sheet feeder $895 $579.95

Forms Tractor $795 $129.95

Cable (specify) $85 $49.95

EPSON CALL US FOR OUR BEST PRICE!

EPSON RX-80 100 CPS w/tractor, graphics CALL FOR OUR BEST PRICE EPSON RX-80FT 100 CPS w/FREE! graphics Friction & tractor feed ___SAVE $150.00 EPSON MX-80FT 80 CPS w/FREE graphics

Friction & tractor feed SAVE $150.00

EPSON FX-80 160 CPS w/FREE graphics

Friction & tractor feed _ SAVE $50.00

EPSON FX-100 160 CPS 15" platten

Friction & tractor feed _____ SAVE $150.00

OKIDATA

PRICES SLASHED!!

160 CPS, true correspondence quality printing, full graphics, IBM PC compatible (optional), handles single sheet as well as fan-fold paper, professional design construction and quality

Okl 92 parallel $599 $429.95

Okl 93 parallel $995 $699.95

2K serial board $120 $99.95

IBM PC ROMs for 92 .;.' $59 $49.95

IBM PC ROMs for 93 $59 $59.95

Extra Ribbon (2) ______$79 $9.95

Tractor for Oki 92 _$89 $54.95

MICROLINE 82, 83, 84

120 CPS (82, 83) 200 CPS (84), industry standard printers, serial and parallel interfaces, true lower case descenders, handles singlesheet as well as fan fold

Oki 82

$499 Now on SALE for $349.95

Oki 83 w/FREE tractor Okl 84 parallel

Oki 84 serial _____ 2K serial board

Extra Ribbons 82/92, 83/93

Tractor for Oki 82

Ribbons for 84

-$775

$1395

$1495

_$750

_$79

_$79

IBM PC ROMs for 82 or 83

IBM PC for 84

Commodore interface & Cable

$569.95

$1095.00

$1195.00

$120.00

$9.95

$54.95

$9.95

_ $39.95

_ $89.95

_ $59.95

MANNESMAN-TALLY

Spirit 80 CPS 10 inch 160L 160 CPS 10 inch 180L 760 CPS 15 inch

- $399 $329.95

. $798 $579.95

$1098 $799.95

OPEN SATURDAYS 10:OOam—4:00pm PST

*1999S

OKIDATA PRINTER

(One hundred ninty-nine dollars and ninty-ftve cents)

THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT!

►80 CPS

► Friction & pin feed

►80 or 132 columns

►Block mode graphics

►Full ASCII character set

►Standard Centronics parallel

We bought several truck loads of these printers

at a one time special price. Hurry and place your

order. We've got lots now but the demand will far

exceed the limited supply. Includes full

manufacturer warranty

LETTER QUALITY PRINTERS ON SALE!

Diablo 630 40 CPS

Tractor For 630

Starwriter F-10 40 CPS _ Starwriter F-10 55 CPS _

Tractor For F-10 .

Comrex CR-II 5K parallel. Comrex CR-II 5K serial _ Tractor For CR-II

Keyboard For CR-II

Sheet Feeder For CR-II . Silver Reed 500 14 CPS

Tractor For 500

Silver Reed 550 18 CPS

Tractor For 500

Juki 6100 18 CPS

Tractor For 6100

NEC 3550 33 CPS _ _

Tractor For 3550 ____

List

$2340

_ $250

$7895

$7995

_ $250

_ $599

. $644

- $120

- $199 _ $259 _ $599 _ $149 _ $699 _ $759 _ $599 _ $149

$2250 _ $265

Your Price

$1699.95 $219.95 $999.95

$1299.95 $219.95 $489.95 $589.95 $99.95 $179.95 $199.95 $499.95 $124.95 $599.95 $129.95 $499.95 $124.95

$1699.95 $229.95

CLOSE OUT PRICES!

ON ALL STAR-MICRONICS PRINTERS!

Gemini 10X and 15X Delta 10 and 15

Radix 10 and 15 Power Type LQ

CALL US FOR CHEAP PRICES!

{Only Manufacturer's warranty applies):

A-B PRINTER SWITCH

Allows your computer to run either of two printers. Standard parallel switch box

Printer Switch $749 $99.95

Extra Cable $40 $29.95

PRINTER STANDS WITH PAPER CATCH

List Your Price

Universal 80 Column Stand . $30 $24.95

Paper Tray For Abv. $30 $24.95

Universal 132 Col Stand $35 $29.95

Paper Tray For Abv. $35 $29.95

Okidata 82/92 Stand $25 $19.95

Paper Tray For Abv. $35 $29.95

Okidata 83/84/92 Stand .____ $35 $29.95

Paper Tray For Abv. $40 $34.95

Universal Floor Stand $725 $79.95

SPECIAL SALE PRICE!

EPSON MX-100FT FREE Graftrax-Plus

With FREE! GRAFTRAX-PLUS

1'00 CPS, friction and tractor feed, 15 inch

platten, one year warranty

List Price $749 00 _

SALE PRICED AT

$489

95

MICROFAZERQuadram

The Microfazer stand-alone printer buffers are available in any configuration of serial or parallel input, with serial output. All are expandable up to 64K of memory (about 30 pages of 81/2 x 11 text). The parallel-to-parallel version is expandable to 512K copy and pause feature included Parallel/Parallel List Your Price

8K $769 $139.95

32K $225 $164.95

128K $445 $269.95

Serial/Parallel

8K

32K

Parallel/Serial

8K _____ 32K

Serial/Serial

8K

32K

$799 $169.95

$260 $199.95

$799 $169.95

$260 $199.95

$799 $169.95

$260 $199.95

MICROBUFFER Practical Peripherals

Stand-alone Mlcrobuffers

Parallel, 32K

Parallel, 64K

Serial, 32K

Serial, 64K

64K add-on board

Mlcrobuffers tor Apple II

Parallel, 16K

Parallel, 32K ,

Serial, 16K

Serial, 32K .

List Your Price

$299 $229.95

$349 $269.95

$299 $229.95

$349 $269.95

$779 $149.00

$259 $299 $259 $299

$189.95 $229.95 $189.95 $229.95

Mlcrobuffers for Epson Printers

Parallel, 16K $759 $129.95

Serial, 8K $759 $129.95

Computer Products

4901 West Rosecrans Ave. Hawthorne, California 90250

Circle 174 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 « B Y T E 505

The Source For All IBM Compatible Products

SANYO

UPGRADE

KIT

* One Teac 360K Disk Drive

• Software for 360K Drive

• Twice the Storase Capacity

List $399

$239

IDEA MODEM

• PC Internal 1200 Baud • Hayes Compatible

* Complete w/software

List $495

$349

EPSON PRINTER

* FX80 * 160 cps

List $699

$489

The Source!

APPRICORN PORTS

• Parallel Card or Serial Card

List $149

$89

MAYNARD HARD DISK

• 10 Mes Internal

• Controller

• Software Included

List $1495

$998

IBMPC

SYSTEM

W/10MEG

• 256K, 2-360K Disk Drives

• 10 Mes Hard Disk

• Interface Card & Monitor

Other Conjurations Available List $4795 $3495

COMPAQ SYSTEM

JUKI PRINTER

* Model No. 6100

• Bidirectionally 18 cps

* Proportionally spacing

List $599

$449

• 2 Drives, 360K • 256K of Ram

List $3495

$2395

PC DUST COVERS

• Covers Monitor • Keyboard & Mainframe

List $29

TEAC DISK DRIVE

* FD55B * 360K Slimline • PC Compatible

List $299

$169

64K

MEMORY

EXPANSION

* 1 Year Warranty • 9 to a Set

List $89

$49

* 16bitcpu • 128KRam

• Two 360K Drives

• Mono Monitor

• Parallel & Serial Ports

$2495 $1/89

^^mmMlllE COMPUTERS

• We Accept MC, Visa, Wire Transfers, Certified Checks

• COD's Avialible

• All Prices Reflect a Prepaid Discount

• Shipping Minimum 4.50

• Purchase Orders Accepted

• This Ad Supersedes all Others

Prices Subject to Change

CALL TOLL-FREE (800) 841-0905 ■Egj^owestPrices & past Dgiivo.

IBM COMPATIBLE DISK DRIVES

TANDON

TM-55-2, y2 Heisht (360K). <

TM-100-2(360K) '"';

TEAC

FD55ASgl.Head(160K). $

FD55B Dbl. Head (360K) .' $

PANASONIC - SHUGAR1

SA455-Panasonic 5

CDC

9409 Dbl. Head (360K) $

S 149

S 169

SHUGART

$ 159

PRINTERS

OKIDATA

ML82A(120cps)

ML92A(160cps)

ML 93A (160 cps) 15" carriase .

82 & 92 Tractor Option

92 & 93 Plug* Play

C. ITOH

8510APProwriter

F10-40Starwriter F-10-55Printmaster

JUKI

6100,18cpsltr.qual

Tractor Feed

MODEMS

HAYES MICRO INC.

SmartModem300

Smart Modem 1200

Internal 1200B

ANCHOR

Mark VII300 Baud

Mark XI11200 Baud ...... ['.

PROMETHEUS

ProCom1200

RIXON

PC212A, 1200 Baud Stand Alone P212A, 1200IBMPC

U.S. ROBTICS

Password, 1200 Baud .

Access 123

NOVATION

MONITORS

AMDEK

300G, 12" Green $ 129

300A, 12" Amber 139

310A, 12" Amber Monochrome 169

Color I + Color Composite ... 299

Color II + RGB w/Cable 409

PRINCETON GRAPHICS

HX12, RGB PC Copy $ 479

DISKETTES

PIPELINE

Dbl/Dbl. Reinforced Hub 1 year

warranty $ 19

Flip File Holds 70(smk. plexigiass). 16

IBM & COMPATIBLE COMPUTERS

IBM

PC W/64K, 1 Drive (128K) . <197'

PCw/64K,2Drives .. 219'

PC XT, 128K 10 Meg Disk.. . "449= PCjr

119<;

COMPAQ

Compaq 128K, 1 Drive $i895

Optional Drive 229

EAGLE

PC-2,128K, 2 -320K Drives S2550

PC-9 + J"ou

^ *+ 2250

COLUMBIA

1600-1,2-Drives(360K) ... $2595

1600-4,12MB Hard Disk ^a7s

MPC-XP Portable .'.'.'..'.'. 2395

SANYO

MBC550,1-Drive, software $ 789

MBC 555,2-Drives, more software 1099 MBC550-2 • Z:

MBC555-2 ■' ™5

Optional Serial Port 99

TAVA

2-Drives, 128K, 2 Ser. 1 Par. Port, Color Graphics Card & Hi-Res. Green Monitor S1895

INTERFACE CARDS FOR IBM & COMPATIBLES

AST RESEARCH

SixPac+64K Par. & Ser. Software S 269 Mega + 64K exp. to 512K Ser. Port 269 MegaPack256K option for Mega 279 l/o + Ser. & Optional Par. Game 149

Additional Ports 49

QUADRAM

Colorl S 219

Color II 229

Quadlink " 2o

Quad Board 1 239

Quad Board II 269

HERCULES

Color Graphics Card < q^to

Color +

PLANTRONICS

Dos 1.1 s

Dos 2.1 '' ;

MonochromeMonitororAdaptor 3(

FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLERS

Maynard 5 ...

Maynard w/Ser. Port ...... 25

Maynard w/Par. Port ...... 2g

Sigma Controller 1<;

vista .::::::::::: «

PC PRODUCTS

Rainbow Color Card .... c oA

MAI Card .

AMDEK

DUST COVER

Covers Monitor, Mainframe & Keyboard

MORE ACCESSORIES

Koala Graphics Tablet.

8087 Co-Processor

KraftJoystick .'

Par. Printer Cable . . .

The Source!

Circle 254 on inquiry card.

ORDER DESK: (213)970-0177

MAIL ORDER:

Mon.-Fri. 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m SaturHav o-nn . - —

DoKa

COMPUTER PRODUCTS, Inc.

ORDER TOLL FREE

(800) 538-8800

(CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS)

(800) 848-8008

VISA

[MasterCard]

TERMS: Minimum order $10.00. For shipping and handling, include $2.50 for UPS ground or $3.50 for UPS Blue (air). For each additional air pound, add $1 for UPS Blue shipping and handling. California residents must include 6% sales tax; Bay area and LA residents include 6V2% sales tax. Prices are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to substitute manufacturers. All merchandise subject to prior sale.

HOURS: Mon. - Fri. 7:30 to 5:00 Saturdays 10:00 to 3:00

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE

2100 De La Cruz Blvd.

Santa Clara, CA 95050

(408) 988-0697

ALL MERCHANDISE IS

100% GUARANTEED

DoKa

STATIC RAMS

eioi

256 1 4 1450ml

190

siot

256 1 4 |450ml Icmoil

3 90

J102-1

1024 I 1 14 50ml

.88

2I02L-4

1024 I 1 |450iil ILFI

96

?102L-Z

1024 I 1 |250mlllP|

1 45

2 45

2112

256 i 4 :450m]

2 95

2114

1024 < 4 |450»sl

8/795

2114-25

1024 I 4 |250ml

8/8 95

21141-4

1024 i 4 1450ns] IIP]

8i9 95

21141-3

1024 i 4 1300ml IIP]

6/1095

21141-2

1024 I 4 1200ml IIP

8/1195

2147

4096 1 1 |55ul

4.90

TMS4044-4

4096 i 1 1450ml

3 45

TMS4044-3

4096 i 1 |300ml

3 95

TMS4044-2

4096 ■ 1 1200ml

445

MK4III

1024 i t [250ml

9 90

TMM201G-ZO0

2041 i 0 |200ml

410

TMM20I6-150

2046 i 8 |150m)

4 90

TMM2DI6-I0O

2048 i 6 IIOOnil

610

HM6I16-4

2048 i 8 |200llll [email

470

HMSII6-3

2048 i 8 II50ml Icmoil

490

HM6II6-2

2048 I 8 1120011 Icmoil

8 90

MM61 IBLP-4

2048 i 8 |200ml lcmoilll.PI

5.90

HMSI18LP-3

2046 i 8 |150oi||cmoiMlPl

690

HM61I6LP-2

2048 I B |120«il IcmoilllPI

995

2-6132

4096 I 8 1300m) lOlllll

33 95

IP

= Low Powr Qitlt ■

Quoti-Stlllc

DYNAMIC RAMS

TMS402T

4096 ■ 1 |2S0iil

1.95

UP04I1

4006 i 1 1300ml

295

MM5280

4096 i 1 |300m)

2.95

MM 108

8192 > 1 I200.ll

190

«Nlb298

8192 ■ 1 1250ml

160

4 116-250

16384 I 1 1250ml

49

4116-200

16384 I 1 [200.il

89

4116-160

16384 I 1 |I50»I

1.20

2111

16364 i 1 |l50mll5<

4.90

4164-260

65536 I 1 (250ml

4.45

4164-200

65536 I 1 1200ml |5il

5.45

4164-160

65536 i 1 |150u)|5tl 5« = Sl.olo 5 Volt Supply

EPROMS

645

1702

256 i 8 lloil

445

2701

1024 i 8 (450mi

2.49

2760

1024 i 8 |450ml

249

2761

1024 i 6 1450ml 15.1

5.90

2716

2048 i 8 i450oil |5.l

2.95

2716-1

2048 i 8 1350ml 15.1

590

IMS25I6

2048 i 6 |450ml |5il

5 45

TMS27I6

2048 i 8 [450ml

7.90

TMS2632

4096 i 8 [450«| |5il

5 90

2732

4098 i 8 l450.il (5*1

3 95

2732-250

4096 1 8 1250ml 15.1

8 90

2732-200

4096 i 6 1200ml (5*1

10.95

2764

8192 i 8 |450u|[5i|

5.95

2764-260

8192 i 8 1250.il 15.]

13 95

2764-200

8192 i 1 1200ml 15.1

23.95

IMS2564

9192 i 8 |450mM5.|

16.95

MC68764

8192 ■ 8 1450ml 15.1 |24 pis]

38.95

27121

16384 i 8 Coll

19.95

Si = Sl.gll 5 loll Supply

74LS00

74LS00

.23

74LS92

.54

74LS01

.24

74LS93

.54

74LS02

.24

74LS95

.74

74LS03

.24

74LS96

.88

74LS04

.23

74LS107

.38

74LS05

24

74LS109

.38

74LS08

.27

74LS112

.38

74LS09

.28

74LS113

.38

74LS10

.24

74LS114

.38

74LS11

.34

74LS122

.44

74LS12

.34

74LS123

.78

74LS13

.44

74LS124

2.85

74LS14

.58

74LS125

.48

74LS15

.34

74LS126

.48

74LS20

.24

74LS132

.58

74LS21

.28

74LS133

.58

74LS22

.24

74LS136

.38

74LS26

.28

74LS137

.98

74LS27

.28

74LS13B

.54

74LS28

.34

74LS139

.54

74LS30

.24

74LS145

1.15

74LS32

.28

74LS147

2.45

74LS33

.54

74LS148

1.30

74LS37

.34

74LS151

.54

74LS38

.34

74LS153

.54

74LS40

.24

74LS154

1.85

74LS42

.48

74LS155

.68

74LS47

.74

74LS156

.68

74LS48

.74

74LS157

.64

74LS49

.74

74LS158

.58

74LS51

24

74LS160

.68

74LS54

.28

74LS161

.64

74LSS5

.28

74LS162

.68

74LS63

1 20

74LS163

.64

74LS73

.38

74LS164

.68

74LS74

.34

74LS165

.94

74LS75

.38

74LS166

1.90

74LS76

.38

74L.S168

1.70

74LS78

.48

74LS169

1.70

74LS83

.59

74LS170

1.45

74LS8S

68

74LS173

66

74LS86

38

74LS174

54

74LS90

54

74LS175

.54

74LS91

88

74LS1B1

2.10

74LS189 8.90 74LS363 1.30

74LS190 .88 74LS364 190

74LS191 .88 74LS365 .48

74LS192 78 74LS366 .48

74LS193 .78 74LS367 44

74LS194 .68 74LS368 .44

74LS195 .68 74LS373 1.35

74LS196 .78 74LS374 1.35

74LS197 .78 74LS377 1.35

74LS221 .88 74LS378 1.13

74LS240 .94 74LS379 1.30

74LS241 .98 74LS385 1.85

74LS242 .98 74LS386 .44

74LS243 .98 74LS390 1.15

74LS244 1.25 74LS393 1.15

74LS245 1.45 74LS395 1.15

74LS247 .74 74LS399 1.45

74LS248 .98 74LS424 2.90

74LS249 .98 74LS447 .36

74LS251 .58 74LS490 190

74LS253 .58 74LS624 3.95

74LS257 .58 74LS640 2.15

74LS258 .58 74LS645 2.15

74LS259 2.70 74LS668 1.65

74LS260 .58 74LS669 1.85

74LS266 .54 74LS670 1.45

74LS273 1 45 74LS674 9.60

74LS275 3.30 74LS682 3.15

74LS279 .48 74LS683 3.15

74LS280 1.95 74LS684 3.15

74LS283 68 74LS685 3.15

74LS290 .88 74LS688 2.35

74LS293 .88 74LS689 3.15

74LS295 .98 74LS783 23.95

74LS298 .88 81L.S95 1.45

74LS299 1.70 81LS96 1.45

74LS323 3.45 81LS97 1.45

74LS324 1.70 81LS98 1.45

74LS352 1.25 25LS2521 2.75

74LS353 1.25 25LS2569 4.20

6500

1 MHZ

6502 4.90

6504 6.90

6505 8.90

6507 9.90

6520 4.30

6522 6.90

6532 990

6545 21.50

6551 10.85

2 MHZ

6502A 6.90

6522A 9 90

6532A 10.95

6545A 26.95

6551A 10.95

3 MHZ

6502B 9.90

6800

68000 58.95

6800 3.90

6802 7.90

6808 12.90

6809E 18.95

6809 10.95

6810 2.90

6820 4.30

6821 3.20

6828 13.95

6840 11-95

6843 33.95

6844 24.95

6845 13.95

6847 10.95

6850 3.20

6852 15.70

6860 9.90

6862 10.95

6875 6.90

6880 2.20

6883 21-95

68047 23.95

68488 18.95

6800 1MHZ

68B00 9.95

68B02 21.25

68B09E 28.95

68B09 28.95

68B10 6.90

68B21 6.90

68B45 18.95

68B50 5.90

80 Column Apple 11+ 80 Column Apple HE

760 Apple 11-4

Z80 Apple 11+ Kit ...

Z80 Apple ME

Z80 Apple HE Kit ...

16KCard

16K Bare Board

Cooling Fan

Power Supply

Joyetlck

RF Modulator

Disk Drive

Controller Card

508 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 117 on inquiry card.

BRj|nHnni>ii

:^:^n^HK' 4&jggHMMBHHMHLWSflHMHfil

The Flip Sort PLUS"

The Flip Sort Plus'" adds new dimensions to storage. Designed with similar elegant lines as the original Rip Sort1*, in a transparent smoked acrylic. Holds over 100 diskettes and has all the outstanding features you have come to expect from the Flip Sort Family.

$24.95

The FLIP SORT™

The new Flip Sort-" has all the fine qualities of the original Flip SorT, with some added benefits. Along with a new design, capacity has been increased 50% to hold 75 diskettes and the price is more reasonable than ever - $19.95

Z-80

2.5 MHZ

ZBO-CPU 3.90

ZBO-CTC 3.95

Z80-DART 10.95

Z80-OMA 1 3.95

ZBO-PIO 3.95

Z80-SIO/0 11.95

Z80-SIO/1 1 1.95

Z80-SIO/2 11.95

Z80-SIO/9 11.95

4.0 MHZ

Z80ACPU 4.29

Z80ACTC 4.90

Z80A-DART 9.95

Z80A-DMA 12.95

Z80APIO 4.29

Z80A-SI0/0 1 2.95

Z80ASIO/1 12.95

Z80A SIO/2 12.95

Z80ASIO/9 1 2.95

6.0 MHZ

Z80B-CPU 9.95

Z80BCTC 12.95

Z80B-PIO 12.95

Z80BDART 1 2.95

ZILOG

Z61 32 33.95

Z8671 38.95

DISC CONTROLLERS

1771 15.95

1791 23.95

1793 25.95

1795 48.95

1797 48.95

2791 53.95

2793 53.95

2795 58.95

2797 58.95

6843 33.95

8272 38.95

UP0765 38.95

MB8876 28.95

MB8877 33.95

1691 16.95

2143 17.95

UARTS

AV3-1014 6.90

AY5-1013 3.90

AY3-1015 6.90

PT-1472 9.90

TR1602 3.90

2350 9.90

2651 8.90

TMS6011 5.90

IM6402 7.90

IM6403 8.90

INS8250 9.95

INTERFACE

8T26 1.54

8T28 1.84

8T95 88

8T96 88

8T97 88

8T98 88

DM8131 2.90

DP8304 2.24

DS8835 1.94

DS8836 98

VOLTAGE REGULATORS

7805T

.74

7905T

.84

78M05C

.34

7908T

.84

7808T

.74

7912 T

.84

7812T

.74

7915T

.84

7815T

.74

7924T

.84

7824T

.74

7905K

1.44

7805K

1.34

7912K

1.44

7812K

1.34

7915K

1.44

7815K

1.34

7924K

1.44

7824K

1.34

79L05

.78

78L05

68

79L12

78

78L12

68

79L15

.78

78L15

.68

LM323K

4.90

78H05K

9.90

UA78S40

1.90

78H12K

9.90

C.T - TO-220

K

. TO-3 L .

TO-92

DIP SWITCHES

4 POSITION 84

5 POSITION 89

6 POSITION 89

7 POSITION 94

8 POSITION 94

IC SOCKETS

1-99 100_

8 pin ST " .12 .10

14 pin ST .14 .11

16 pin ST .16 .12

18 pin ST .19 .17

20 pin ST .28 .26

22 pin ST .29 .26

24 pin ST .29 .26

28 pin ST .39 .31

40 pin ST .48 .38

64 pin ST 4.20 call ST = SOLDERTAIL

8 pin WW .58 .48

14 pin WW .68 .51

16 pin WW .68 57

18 pin WW .98 .89

20 pin WW 1.04 97

22 pin WW 1.34 1.23

24 pin WW 1.44 1.30

28 pin WW 1.64 1.44

40pinWW 1.94 175

WW = WIREWRAP

16 pin ZIF 5.90

24 pin ZIP 7.90

28 pin ZIF 8.90

ZIF = TEXTOOL (Zero Insertion Force)

CRYSTALS

32.768khz 1 .69

1.0 mhz 3.69

1.8432 3.69

2.0 2.69

2.0971 52 2.69

2.4576 2.69

3.2768 2.69

3.579535 2.69

4.0 2.69

5.0 2.69

5.0688 2.69

5.185 2.69

5.7143 2.69

6.0 2.69

6.144 2.69

6.5536 2.69

8.0 2.69

1 0.0 2.69

10.738635 2.69

14.31818 2.69

15.0 2.69

16.0 2.69

17.430 2.69

18.0 2.69

18.432 2.69

20.0 2.69

22.1184 2.69

32.0 2.69

RESISTORS

•I. WATT 5% CARBON FILM, ALL STANDARD VALUES FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEO OHM

50 pc» 1.25

100 pes 2.00

1000 pes 15.00

5V»" DISKETTES ATHANA

SSSD 18.95

SSDD 22.95

DSOD 27.95

BULK DISKETTES

5V4" DISKETTES

NO LABEL

SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY (WITH JACKETS AND HUB RING)

Pack of Ten $ 16.95

Pack of 100 $149.00

SPRING SPECIALS

4116 4116

2708 2716 2732 2764 27128

250ns 49C/ea 200ns 890/ea

2.49 2.95 3.95 5.95

128KEPROMS 19.95

8KEPROMS 16KEPROMS 32KEPROMS 64K EPROMS

4164 64K2D5YoNnrc 4.45

4164 4164

2114

64K DYNAMIC 200ns

64K DYNAMIC 150ns

5.45 6.45

450ns

8/7.95

QUV-T8/1 EPROM Eraser

$57.95

QUV-T8/1 Economy Model: This is a low cost EPROM Eraser housed in a plastic enclosure The UV element and components are installed in the top lid and you place the EPROMS in the bottom half No timer or switch option is included

• Erases up to 8 EPROMS in 15 to 20 minutes.

• 12.000 u Watts at 1" distance.

• 90-Day Warranty

DoKa

2100 De La Cruz Blvd. Santa Clara, CA 95050

Circle 117 on inquiry card.

IUNE I984

I Y T E 509

T Z^-COMPUTER ^\/PRODUCTS|

64K RAMS

APPLE COMPATIBLE

DISK CONTROLLER

Set of 9 $50.00

Only

S4Q95

IBM PC MULTICARD

"MULTICARD" multifunction card for the IBM PC & XT expandable to 256K. Thousands of this popular card have already been shipped by ACP.

• 64-256K • Disk Emulator Software Parallel Port • Printer Spooler Software

• Serial Port • Clock/Calendar

• 1 Year Warranty • Clock Software

$22900 w/64K $22900

S-10064KcMosRAMCARD

Unbelievable Price!

299

00

Assembled and Tested

• ACP has sold over 1000 of these IEEE compatible, low-priced, high-reliability 64K Static RAM Cards Single 5-Volt operation.

SIEMEN'S SALE

You can now purchase Shugart compatible 8" Disk Drives below your

existing factory direct pricing; These Prices are the lowest ever published

•Siemens SSOD FDD100-8.. $169.00

Also, with purchase of Disk Drives

you can buy the Vista V-1000 Dual Case

with Power Supply and Cable

for only $375.00 Regular Price $495.00

Offer Limited! Factory Warranty 90 Days! Shipped Immediately from Stock1 'OEM Quantities

DOT MATRIX PRINTER

C0EX 80-FT

v* 9x7 Dot Matrix,80 CPS, Bi-Directional

Printing *■" 2K Buffered Memory

80. 96, 132 Columns. Graphics and

Block Printing v Selectable Char Pitch. Line Spacing

and Feed C0EX Interlace Card to Apple $49.95

!JM»Miil'M<MI»Mifl'MJ

ACP HAS DISK DRIVES

APPLE II COMPATIBLE

Thin APPLE COMPATIBLE

I Mill DISK DRIVES

Line

Drive

$1ggoo

VISTA Soio 5VV Std $199.0

CUMANA 5W Std 219.C

RANA Elite 1 249.C

Elite 2 399.0

Elite 3 499.«

Elite Controller 82.0

SUPER 5 Alps A40 Thineline 199.C

TEAC T40 Thineline 239.C

TEAC T80 Doublesided 329.C

Controller 58.C

TAND0N 100-2

PC Compatible • Double Sided

,4\ $22900

^o'tG.9 TM100-1 $179.00

TOSHIBA Half-High

PC Compatible • Double Sided

$17goo

OTHER DRIVES WE STOCK

E FD55B . ■ SEAGATE 10M

BUSINESS

ACP PRICE

APPLIED SOFTWARE Versaform $299.00

Versaform Hard Disk 399.00

ARTSCI Magic Window II 95.00

Magic Combo 149.00

ASHTON-TATE cJBASE II (CP/M) 385.00

Friday (CP'M) 198.00

BPI (GL. AR. AP, Pay, Inv) «. 299.00

BRODERBUND Bank Street Writer 49.00

BUSINESS SOLUTIONS The Incred Jack 149.00 CONTINENTAL (GL. AR, AP, Pay) ea. 189.00

Home Accountant 49.00

DATAMOST Real Estate inv . 99.00

DOW JONES Market Manager 249.00

Market Analyzer 289.00

Market Microscope 549.00

EAGLE Money Decisions 149.00

FOX & GELLER Qickcode 199.00

d Utility 69.00

d Graph 199.00

HAYDEN Pie Writer 99.00

Compiler Plus 79.00

Basic Compiler 45.95

HOWARDSOFT Tax Preparer 149.00

Real Estate Analyzer 139.00

KENSINGTON Format II 99.00

LIGHTNING Mastertype 35.00

LIVING VIDEOTEXT Think Tank 135.00

MICROPRO Wordstar 249.00

Mailmerge or Spellstar 139.00

Wordstar Prot. 4 Pak 449.00

Into Pak or InloStar Call

MICROSOFT Multiplan 179.00

Multitool Financial 79.00

Multitool Budget 119.00

MEGAHAUS Megawnter 49.00

PEACHTREE Series 40 (GL, AR. AP) 379.00

Series 9 (Text, Spell, Mail) 399.00

PERFECT SOFTWARE Call

QUARK Word Juggler (lie) 199.00

Lexicheck (lie) 99.00

Call for Apple III SIERRA ON-LINE

Screenwriter II 99.00

Screenwriter Professional 149.00

General Manager II 169.00

Dictionary 79.00

SOFTWARE PUBLISHING PFS'File 89.00

PFS'Graph or PFS/Report 89.00

STATE OF THE ART Call

STONEWARE DB Master 4.0 249.00

BB Utility 1 or 2 79.00

SYSTEMS PLUS Acct Plus (GL, AP, AR) Set 599.00

VISICORP Vtsicalc 3.3 179.00

Visicalc Enhanced 199.00

Visifile or Visidex 179.00

HOME & EDUCATION

BRODERBUND Choplifter $28.00

Drol or Loderunner 28.00

Arcade Machine 44.00

Apple Panic 24.00

BUDGECO Raster Blaster 24.00

Pinball Construction Set 29.00

COUNTERPOINT SOFTWARE

Easy Games for Young Children 26.00

DATAMOST Aztec 29.00

Pig Pen or Shark Attack 23.00

DATASOFT Zaxxon 31.00

EDU-WARE Compumath 37.00

Algebra I. II or III 30.00

Compuread or Compuspell 23.00

EINSTEIN Memory Trainer 73.00

ELECT. ARTS Music Construction Call

HARCOURT Computer SAT Call

HAYDEN Sargon II 29.00

INFOCOM Zork I, II or III 29.00

Deadline 36.00

KOALA Modules (8 available) Call

LEARNING COMPANY

Juggles Rainbow 36.00

Bumble Games 48.00

Gertrude's Secrets 59.00

LAS Crossword Magic 41.00

MICROFUN Miner 2049er Call

MICROLAB Call

MICROSOFT Decathlon 25.00

Typing Tutor II 19.00

MONOGRAM Dollars & Sense 74.95

ORIGIN Exodus; Ultima III 41.95

PENGUIN The Quest 16.00

SENSIBLE Sensible Speller 99.00

SIERRA/ON-LINE Frogger 28.00

SIRTECH Legacy of Llylgamya 29.00

Knight of Diamonds 29.00

SOUTHEASTERN Data Capture 4.0 54.95

SPINNAKER Alphabet Zoo 20.00

Delta Drawing ... 35.00

Fraction Fever 23.00

Kindercomp 21.00

Facemaker 28.00

SUBLOGIC Flight Simulator or Pinball 26.00

SUNDEX-No 1 Rated Home Finance

CPA Personal Accountant 74.95

CPA Personal Investor 74.95

Personal Payables 42.95

TERRAPIN Logo $99.00

TRANSEND Transend I 75.00

VIRTUAL Micro Cookbook 29.00

UTILITIES/SYSTEM

BEAGLE Apple Mechanic $23.00

Apple Plot or Pronto DOS 26.00

Beagle Basic 26.00

DOS Boss 17.00

Double Take or Utility City 26.00

CENTRAL POINT Filer 16.00

Copy II Plus 31.00

LOCKSMITH 79.00

MICROSOFT A.L.D.S 85.00

Cobol 80 575.00

Fortran 80 155.00

PENQUIN CGS System 79.00

PHOENIX Zoom Graphix 31.00

SOUTHWEST Merlin 49.95

Send for Complete Catalog of Software

Apple Compatible

Printer Interface $ A Q95

w Apple to Epson Cable 49

Apple He Compatible

80 Column Card W/64K

599

95

ricippkz computer

pw* Authorized Dealer

Complete Apple Support Facility

Complete Apple

Service Center

We service moat ■■ Floppy Disk Drives '^T "" 0 ACP

-■■^■S' PRICE

Apple lie w 128K. 80 columns $1195.00

Apple He Starter System 1395.00

Includes: Apple lie W/64K, 80 Column Card, Monitor It & Disk II w'Controller

Disk II w Controller 399.00

Disk II 329.00

Monitor II Green tilt 179.00

Super Serial Card 189.00

80 Column Text Card w/64K 169.00

Imagewiter Dot Matrix Printer 549.00

"Apple Products Available In-store Only"

le Comoatible Hardware

APPLE COOLING FAN

VISTA "SOLO"

Apple II He Compatible Disk Drive

Totally compatible to Apple Drives.

Only

$19995

Controller $49.95

Just plug in and run.

Apple II16K RAM CARD

Compatible with Z80 Softcard . PASCAL CP/M"

Full 1 year Warranty. Top Quality by COEX

new low %A Q95

ACP PRICE t5l

Also from COEX. NEW EPSON

Parallel Interface for Apple.

With cable $49.95

VISTA A800

8" Disk Controller

for Apple £99

VISTA "DISKMASTER"

IBM Compatible

$16995

3", 5", 8" and V1200 Compatible

MONITORS

•UKXAIM

MODEL ACP PRICE

210 RGB Composite, Sound (Apple) $329.00

400 RGB Vision I Med. res. (Apple, IBM. etc.) 329.00

410 RGB Med res. (Avail. Mar.) 429.00

415 RGB Vision III Hi Res. (Apple W/l/0, IBM) .559.00 420 RGB III Hi Res. (IBM Cabinet) 559.00

121 TTL Green 12" (IBM Cabinet) 179.00

122 TTL Amber 12" (IBM Cabinet) 189.00

100/105 Green/Amber 139.00/149.00

CLEARANCE SALE

(Quantities Limited)

QTY LIST ACP

120 Apple III Switching Power Supplies $59.95

13 Zenith Z89X Computer 2199 1149.00

26 Zenith Z90-0 Computer 2499 1299.00

22 Zenith Z37 Disk Drive 1699 899.00

12 Zenith ZB7 Disk Drive 999 549.00

1 Zenith Z67 Hard Disk 5995 3199.00 •All Zenith New In original boxes with 90 day Factory Warranty from nearest dealer.

2 Tl 84OR0 w'friction 995 579.00

4 Tl 840R0 w/tractor 1045 599.00

2 Tl 840R0 Package Opt'triction 1265 699.00

5 Tl 840R0 Package Opt/tractor 1315 749.00 7 Tl 850 Serial Printer 449.00 7 Tl Professional Multiplan 350 179.00

20 Tl Prof 64K exp to 192K Ramcard 149.00

1 Fortune System 10 7995 2995.00

1 Fortune System 20 10990 3995.00

3 Fortune 256K Ramcard 1095 599.00 35 Olivetti M20 Computer 2495 995.00

200 General Terminals CTC RS232 269.00

40 Zentec 8003/9003 Terminals 249.00

800-854-8230

TWX

910-595-1565

Mail Order: P 0 Bon 17329 Irvine. CA 92713

Retail: 1310B E. Edinger, Santa Ana. CA 92705

(714) 558-8813

542 W. Trimble. San Jose. CA 95131

[4081 946-7010

LIST

ACP

ALS CP/M 3.0 Plus Card

399.00

1299.00

COMPUTER ACCESSORIES

Power Control Center P12

99.00

COEX 16K Ram Card

99 00

49.95

Parallel Printercard wCable 99.00

49.95

Apple II Prototype Card

29.00

20.00

Apple 1 Extender Card

29 00

20.00

64K Extended 80 Column

199.00

99.95

CORVUS Hard Disk Omninet

Call

EASTSIDE Wildcard (11 + w 64)

89.00

Wildcard 2 (lie)

119.00

Wildcard Plus (64K in

10 sec)

149.00

FINGERPRINT Epson Enhancer

49.00

GIBSON Light Pen

249.00

IS PKASO Interface (ll/lle)

199.00

139.00

PKASO Interface (III)

199.00

159.00

KENSINGTON System Saver

8995

69.95

PC Saver

49 95

39.95

KEYTRONICS KB200 II 4 Keytx

298 00

225.00

KOALA Graphics Pad

125.00

95.00

KRAFT Joystick

65.00

48.00

Game Paddles

50.00

39.00

MCT Speed Demon

29500

249.00

MPC 12BK Bubble Memory

875.00

699.00

M&R Sup'r Mod II RF Modulator

69.00

49.00

Sup'r Fan

50.00

38.00

MICROPRO 6MHz Applicard + Word

Call

MICROSOFT Z-80 Softcard

395.00

249.00

Z-80 Softcard Plus

645.00

479.00

Softcard Premium Pak (II + )

695.00

499.00

Softcard Premium Pak (lie)

495.00

395.00

MOUNTAIN COMPUTER

CPS Multifunction

239 00

169.00

Music System

395.00

335.00

A/D Plus D/A

350.00

299.00

MICROTEK Dumpling But W/64K

349.00

265.00

ORANGE MICRO

Grappler Plus

175.00

129.00

16K Bufferboard

175.00

129.00

Grappler Buffered W/16K

24500

199.00

PCPI Applicard W/128K, 6MHz

595.00

499.00

8088 Coprocessor

595.00

499.00

Applicard w128K, 4MHz

495 00

429.00

PERISOFT (All w/1 Year Warranty)

Pnnterlink Intell. Printer I/O

99.00

79.00

Messenger Univ. Serial WO

135.00

109.00

Timelink Realtime Clock

110.00

89.00

Graflink Graphics l/o

175.00

139.00

Buflerlmk W/16K Buffer

169.00

159.00

PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS

Microbuffer 16K (Epson Parallel) 159.00

Call

Microbuffer 32K (Epson Parallel) 199.00

Call

Microbuffer t6K (Epson Serial)

179.00

Call

Microbuffer 32K (Epson Senal)

219.00

Call

Microbuffer In-line 64K (Parallel) 349.00

279.00

Microbuffer In-line 64K (Serial)

349.00

279.00

PROMETHEUS Versacard 4 in 1

199.00

166.00

QUADRAM Quadlink

680.00

499.00

Microfazer 16K (Parallel)

189 00

169.00

Microfazer 16K (Serial)

220.00

195.00

Microfazer 32K (Parallel)

225.00

199.00

SATURN-TITAN

32K Ramcard

219.00

189.00

64K Ramcard

349.00

289.00

128K Ramcard

499 00

399.00

Accelerator II Card

599.00

449.00

Neptune 64K i SO

199.00

Neptune 128K * 80

299.00

Neptune 192K I 80

389.00

STREET Echo II (Apple)

149.00

99.00

Echo II Serial (In-line)

249.00

199.00

SVNETIX Sprite I

149.00

129.00

Sprite II

Z49.00

224.00

Supersprite

395.00

359.00

Rashcard 144K

449 00

389.00

Flashcard 288K

629.00

549.00

TG PRODUCTS

Joystick

59.95

49.95

Select-a-port

59 95

49.95

Trackball

64.95

54.95

Joystick w/Toggle lie

64.95

54.95

VIDEX Videolerm (80)

345.00

199.00

Ultraierm (132)

379.00

2/9.00

Enhancer II

149.00

99.00

VISTA COMPUTER

A800 6" Disk Controller

379.00

299.00

A500 SW Disk Controller

99.00

49.95

VI200 Amlyn 6 2Mb

1549.00

1099.00

VOTRAX Type NTalk

259.00

199.00

Personal System

395.00

329.00

■""■:W:W'«

ANDROBOT

LIST

ACP

Topo w'Speech 1

1595.00

Call

And ro wagon

95.00

Call

Toposoft (II, lie)

100.00

Call

Topoteach (II, lie)

159.00

Call

Topologo

Call

F.R.E.D. (Educational Robot)

349.00

FRED. Soft (II. lie)

79.00

CAM

RB5X

RB5X Robot w/8K

1795.00

Call

16K Memory Add-in

125.00

Call

Robot Arm Option

895 00

Call

Voice Option

195 00

Call

Power Pack

94.00

Call

Robol Control Language (II. lie

395.00

Call

ZENITH HERO I

249500

Call

Apple" Apple Trademark of Apple Computer IBM'" IBM Trademark of International Business Machines

TERMS: We accept VISA. MC. MO. Cashiers and Peroral checks. School and Company POs We do ncrl charge your card until we snip Personal checks require drivers license and credit card # No Surcharge AtkMonWSAMMC CODsowi 1500require20%depositwrenorder Add 3°i shipping and handling tor UPS We offer sameday shipment Pnces subject to change withoul nonce We reserve Ihe right to substitute manufacture' We are not responsible tor typographical errors Retail Sale Prtew Iter Vwr

510 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 15 on inquiry card.

ADlrANCED

~ -COMPUTER

PRODUCTS

Serving Computer Professionals Since 1976

HARDWARE

AST Sixpakplus w OK(SPC) $229-00

Megaplus II wOK(SC) 229.00

I'O Plus II (CS) 115.00

Game/Serial Parallel Options 35.00

64K Memory Upgrade 50.00

CHALKBOARD Call

COEX IBM PC Extender Card 29.00

IBM PC Prototype Card 36.00

DAVONG Hard Disk Drives Call

KENSINGTON PC Saver 39.00

KEYBOARD IBM PC Compatible 149.00

KEYTRONICS WP Keyboard KB5150 199.00

KOALA 99.00

KRAFT or TG

IBM PC Joystick 49.00

Game Paddles 39.00

MICROSOFT Mouse 169.00

M&R PC XT Exp Chassis (6 slots) 439.00

MOUSE SYS Mouse tor PC 239.00

PERSYST Time Spectrum * 64K 269.00

PTI Back-up Power 200400W Call

QUADRAM Quadboard II w OK 229.00

Quadlink (Apple Prog.) 499.00

Quaddisk (up to 72Mb) Call

Microlazer MP64 w 64K .... 199.00

VISTA Turbocard w OK Call

Maxicard W/64K (up to 576K).. .229.00

PC Master (10 I'O) 329.00

Diskmaster (Floppy Com ) 169.00

Dynatrame Hard Disk Call

PC Clock I/O 129.00

\Ji

DISKETTES

I ■ I

DYSAN 5"4- SS DD

10'$55

$36

DYSAN 5/ DS DD

10 65

46

IBM 5".' SS DD

10/60

43

•J

IBM S'V DS DD

10/65

47

II

VERBATIM 525-01 SS DD

10/45

23

VERBATIM 550-01 DS DD

10/55

34

^1

MAXELL MD1 SS DD

10/50

29

MAXELL MD2 DS DD

10/60

39

Flip Storage Box 5W (80 disks)

19

BULK SPECIAL SS

10/25

19

With Sleeve and Box 1

30/195

149

IBM ACCESSORIES

COMPUCABLE

Keyboard'dive dust covers $16.00

Computer keyboard vinyl cover 9.00

CURTIS PC Pedeslal 66.00

PGS Adapter 11.00

Vertical PC Stand 20.00

Mono Extension Cable . . 45.00

Keyboard Ext Cable (3-9) 35.00

EDP PROTECTION DEVICES The Lemon Peach 43.00/68.00

The Orange'Ume 122.00/76.00

GILTRONIX SWITCH BOXES

2 Way 8 Lines 90.00

4 Way 8 Lines 179.00

2 Way Centronics 199.00

RIBBONS Each Dozen

Epson MX-80 5.75 59.00

Epson MX-100 10.95 120.00

Star Gemini 1015 2.50 26.00

Okidata 80/8283 3.95 44.00

Okidata 84'92/93 4.95 55.00

NEC 3550 11.95 135.00

1

MODEMS

SOFTWARE

dBASE II Friday

$389°7$17900

Condor

*38900

SuperCalc III III

s7907$159°7$24900

Multiplan Vers. 1.1

$17900

Microsoft Mouse/Word $35900

PRINTERS/MONITORS

BROTHER HR-25 (23cps daisy)

Call

DYNAX DX-15 (daisy. 2-color) .

. 529.00

DAISYWRITER 2000 (17cps) . .

1049.00

FX-80FX100

.... Call

NEC Spinwnter 3550

1875.00

OKIDATA Model 82 83

Model 84P/84S

919.00/989.00

Model 92P/92S

495.00/595.00

Model 93P93S

769.00899.00

SILVER REED EXP550 (17cps)

649.00

STAR Gemini 10X (120cps)

309.00

Gemini 15X (120cps)

429.00

Delta 10 15 (160cps)

Call

TTX Model 1014 (12cps)

529.00

TRANSTAR 130P (16cps daisy)

699.00

315 Color Printing.

519.00

AMDEK Video 300G.A

145.00/155.00

Video 310A amber (IBM)

159.00

Color I (composite)

299.00

Color I Plus (earphn nonglare

329.00

Color II RGB (IBM) analog .

449.00

Color II Plus

479.00

Color III RGB (IBM) ...

399.00

Color IV RGB (IBM) analog

779.00

ZENITH ZVM-121 12" green ... ZVM-134 12" RGB color

99.00

399.00

Wordstar 3.3

*26900

Micropro Pro Pak

$37900

Rbase II $32900

T. K. Solver!

$31900

PFS File/Graph

$95°7$9500

Context MBA

^CallJ^

Lotus 1-2-3 Vers. 1A

Call!

Copy ll/PC

Sideways

Volkswriter

Home Account

Peachtree

Crosstalk

Digital Research

Send for Free

Catalog

96 Pages of

Selected Values

TOLL

free 800-854-8230

• COLOR SPECIAL •

THE COLOR GRAPHICS CARD

(same designer as Colorplus Card)

SQCQ00 BREAKTHRU! $ORQ00 <-U? 1 year Warranty £. \J <J

MULTICARDH™(S)$199

(INTRODUCTORY OFFER) 1 I

Advanced Computer Product's best selling multifunction card for the IBM PC & XT (plus compatibles) now has been improved with expansion capability to a full 384K and at no charge an additional game port. You also get Print Spooler and Disk Emulation Software plus a full year SWAP-OUT Warranty at no extra charge. Why pay more when you can get the same function and performance as Quadboard 11" and AST Sixpak Plus'" for substantially less money. You compare! Try it at no obligation. 10 day no questions asked return privilege.

100

FUNCTION

Multicard II

Quadboard II

Sixpak Plus

Memory

Parallel/Serial

Clock/Calendar

Game Port

Software

Warranty

0 to 384K Yes

0 to 384 K Yes

0 to 384K Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

1 Year

Yes Yes Yes

Yes

No ($50 list Opt.)

Yes

1 Year

1 Year

ACP Price with OK

199.00

229.00

229.00

EXPANSION MEMORY

• 64K Upgrade (Set of 9 64K rams) .. $5000

• 256K RAM's (256K x 1) ^9^

• 16K RAM's (16K x 1) 107*9"

• 8087 CPU (Arithmetic Processor) $19900

IU/ AI (Serial, Parallel, Clock/Calendar)... s12900

The most popular expansion card for the short slot of your IBM XT. All these functions on one card optimized to fit in one slot. 1 year warranty.

COLOR/GRAPHICS/COLOR/GRAPHICS

Plantronics COLORPLUS'"

142900

• Amdek MAI

•479"

Hercules graphics card

. . . s375°°

• Paradise MULTIDISPLAY ,

i48g«i

Quadrant QUADCOLOR l&ll ...

Call

• C0N0GRAPHIC CARD

'8951"

Scanoptik C0L0RGRAPHICS .

s26go.

• MA Sys PEACOCK

s349"

.. Call $475.00

BIZCOMP Model 2t20 (Internal)

HAYES Smartmodem 1200

Smartmodem 1200B

(w Smarlcom II) 445.00

Smartmodem 300 199/00

Smarlmodem II 99.00

Smartmodem IBM Cable 25.00

S^VATION Access 1 -2-3 Call

*IBM PC Mounting Hardware for Vi highs.. Vista "Diskmaster" 5'/V' & 8" Diskcontroller

16900

Circle 15 on inquiry card

TERMS: We accept VISA, MC. M0. Cashiers and Personal checks, School and Company PCs We do nol charge your card until we ship Personal checks require drivers license and credit card # No Surcharge Added on VISA or MC. COD's over £500 require 20% deposit with order Add 3% shipping and handling for UPS We otter sameday shipment Prices subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to substitute manufacturer We are not responsible for typographical errors Retail Sale Prices May Vary IBM ■ trademark of International Business Machines Quadboard II * trademark of Quadram Corp. Sixpak Plus" trademark of AST Research Inc

MAIL ORDER: P.O. Box 17329 Irvine, CA 92713

Retail: 1310 E. Edinger, Santa Ana, CA 92705 i (714) 558-8813

542 W. Trimble, San Jose, CA 95131 (408) 946-7010

800-854-8230

TWX

910-595-1565

E STOCK CABLES • RIBBONS • DISKETTES • SPARE PARTS

IBM PC COMPATIBLE DISK DRIVES

Tandon TM-100-1 Single Sided (160K) ... 17900

Tandon TM-100-2 Double Sided (320K).... 229°°

Control Data 9409 Double Sided (320K)... 259

TEAC* 55B '/2 high Double Sided (320K) ... 1 99°°

Toshiba' '/, high Double Sided (320K) 1 79

495

LOWER PRICES-BETTER SERVIC

WYSE50

Emulates TeleVideo 910/920/025, ADDS Viewpoint, and Hazeltlne 1300.

• 14" Green Screen

• 132/80 Column Display

• 16 Function Keys (smm.3***)

BFWY850 OUR

List Price: .„,.. $695.00 rlllbt

omouPro I

Dual QUME 6" Floppy

Drive Subsystem With

S-100 DMA Controller

and CP/M 816 MH!

2.4 Mbytes of On-Line Storage!

SALE ^ . ^^_

price $1495

SAVE OVER $1500 !!

BFSPP02 (Shipping weight 55 lbs.)

RSfl

U.S. ROBOTICS >

Aufo Dial/ Answer

g£^ 1200

Doud

Modem

PASSWORD

BFUSRPASSWORD List Price: $449.00

SALE PRICE

(Sh. wt. 3 lbs.)

Buy From The World's Largest Supplier of S-100 Boards!

|qmPuProa| CPU BOARDS HjjM IEEE/696 S-100 PRODUCTS

Part Number

Description

Ult Price OUR PRICE

BF8BT51068 CPU 68K A&T 8MHz $695.00 $488.95

BFGBT51568 CPU 68K CSC 10MHz $850.00 $76S.OO

BFGBT51086 Co-Processor w/8086 only A&T $750.00 $494.95

BFGBT51588 Co-Processor w/8086 only CSC $850.00 $898.95

BFGBT51067 CPU 8086/8087 A&T $1050.00 $ 939.00

BFGBT51567 CPU 8086/8087 CSC $1150.00 $1885.88

BF6BT5108B CPU 8085/88 A&T $ 495.00 $ 348.95

BFGBT515B8 CPU 8085/88 CSC $595.00 $497.87

BFGBT51060 3/6MHz CPU-Z A&T $325.00 $228.95

BFGBT51568 3/6MHz CPU-Z CSC $ 425.00 $ 347.87

DISK CONTROLLER BOARDS

BFPDB171ACPM

BFGBT54018 BFGBT41000

BFGBT41050

BFGBT54025 BFGBT54030

DISK 1 (A&T) w/CP/M® 2.2 When purchased with two 8'

DISK 1 Floppy controller (A&T)

CP/M® 2.2 for Z80/8085

w/manuals & BIOS, 8" S/D Disk

CP/M-86® tor CPU 8085/88

& CPU 8086/87 CPUs

w/manuals, BIOS 8" S/D Disk

DISK 2 8" hard disk controller

w/CP/M® 2.2 (A&T)

DISK 3 ST-506 type 5Va" hard

disk controller w/CP/M-80® &

CP/M-86® (A&T)

I/O BOARDS

$670.00 $489.00 disk drlvaa: $450.00

$495.00

$795.00

$795.00

$425.00 $148.95

$248.00

$558.95 $558.95

BFSDS38895

BFS0S38092

BFSDS38007

BFS0S3808B

BF8DS38089

BFSDS38007

BFS0S38878

BFS0S38882

BFSDS38081

BFSDS38896

BFSDS38883

BFSDS38894

BFSDS38099

BFPDBVF339145*

BFP0BVF339146*

BFPDBVF339147*

BFP0BVF339148*

BFS0S38898

BFPDBVF239141*

BFPDBVF239142*

BFPDBVF239143*

BFPDBVF239144*

SBD-300 4MHz Z80A CPU A&T $741.00 $818.00

SBD-300 6MHz Z80B CPU A&T $ 825.00 $ 889.88

Z80 Starter System A&T (Not IEEE/696) $ 450.00 $ 399.80

ExpandoRAM IV 256K A&T $1145.00 $975.00

ExpandoRAM IV 256K w/EDC A&T $1990.00 $1675.00

ExpandoRAM 111/696 256K $ 825.00 $ 749.00

PROM-100 w/sottware A&T $285.00 $219.00

RAM Disk 256K A&T $ 875.00 S 775.00

ROM Disc 128K A&T $ 350.00 $ 319.00

I/0-8 4-Port Async Ser. A&T $ 600.00 $ 549.00

I/0-8 8-Port Async Ser. A&T $ 695.00 $ 589.80

I/0-8 4 Sync, 4 Async, Serial I/O A&T $ 795.00 S 889.80

Versafloppy III $ 895.00 $ 759.00

w/5'A" unbanked CP/M® 3.0 $1083.00 $888.00

w/8" unbanked CP/M® 3.0 $1083.00 $ 888.00

w/5'/4" banked CP/M® 3.0 $1083.00 $888.00

w/8" banked CP/M® 3.0 $1083.00 $888.00

Versatloppy II/696 (A&T) $ 400.00 $ 344.00

w/5'A" unbanked CP/M® 3.0 $ 588.00 $ 424.00

w/8" unbanked CP/M® 3.0 $ 588.00 S 424.00

w/5%" banked CP/M® 3.0 $ 588.00 $ 424.00

w/8" banked CP/M® 3.0 $ 588.00 $ 424.00

^ ADVANCED DIGITAL

CORPORATION

CP/M-Plus™ (3.0) configured for the SBC-300

Z60 SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS

BFADCSUP8128

$995.00

$849.00

BFGBT56010 System Support 1 Multifunction $450.00

I/O (A&T)

BFGBT58010/56531 SS1 w/8231 Math Chip A&T $645.00

8FGBT56010/58320 SS1 w/8232 Math Chip A&T $645.00

BFGBT53030 Interfacer 3 - 8 port serial (A&T) $699.00

BFBBT53040 Interfacer 4 - 3 Serial, 1 Centron- $450.00

ics Parallel, 1 Parallel (A&T)

$318.95

$578.00 $570.00 $488.95 $318.95

$695.00 $750.00 $750.00

$595.00 $695.00 $895.00

8/16 BIT MEMORY BOARDS

BFGBT52G16 BFGBT52021 BFGBT52022 BFGBT52012

RAM 16 12MHz 32K Static A&T $ 550.00

RAM 21 12 MHz 128K Static A&T $ 995.00

RAM 22 12MHz 256K Static A&T $1750.00

M-Drive/H 512K RAM Disk A&T $1475.00

Monulictured by Vector Electronic Co. under license from CompuPro

P&M

% 458.95 $ 895.00 $1228.95 $ 894.25

Super Six 6MHz 128K Master w/1 ADC

PS1 RS232 Serial Adapter BFABCSPRSLV8128 Super Slave 6MHz 128K BFADCSBC15 Super Quad for 5 V drives BFADCSBC18 Super Quad for 8" drives

Software & I/O Port Adopters For Above CPUs

BFADCPS1 PS/Net1 RS232 Serial Adapter $ 35.08

BFADCCPSP Centronics Parallel Port Adapter $ 35.00

BFADCCPM22*f Advanced Digital CP/M® 2.2 $150.00

BFADCCPM30*t Advanced Digital CP/M Plus" (3.0) $350.00

BFADCTD0S4U*tTurboDos® 1, 2, or 4 Multi-user $550.00 •Replace * with Q to specify Super Quad; S for Super Six

t Replace t with 8 for 8" IBM® 3740 format 48 for 5W 48 TPI format or 96 for 5%" 96 TPI format

HARD DISK CONTROLLER

BFVCT8600GFB Interfacer 1,2-Serial (A&T) $295.00

BFVCT8800GF2B Interfacer 2, 3-Par„ 1-Ser. (A&T) $325.00

BFVCT8800GR17B RAM 17 64K 10MHz $450.00

Static RAM (A&T)

CompuPro is a registered trademark of CompuPro

$219.00 $239.00 $389.00

BFADCH0C10015 BFABCHDC10018 BFABCHDCINSTl

Circle 267 on inquiry card.

ST506 5'A" Winchester Cont 8" Winchester Cont. Install program for use with non-ADC CPU board (Supplied on 8" CP/M® compatible disk)

$500.00 $500.00

$395.00 $395.00 $ 10.00

ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 420-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (616) 709-5111

PRINTERS

§iE@r

*•

■ . nisk for IBM PC

Pirt Number

Description

Ll»t Price Our Pries I

BFSTRGEMIOX 120 cps, 80 col. (20 lbs I $399.00 $289.00

BFSTR6EMT5X 120 Cps, 132 col. (26 lbs.) $649.00 $309.00

BFSTRSEDINTX Serial Interface for 10X and 15X $59.00

BFSTBSF.BINTX4K Same as above with 4K Buffer $119.00

BF8TRDELTA10 160 cps, 80 col. (20 lbs) $649.00 $489.00

BFSTBDELTA15 160 cps, 132 col. (20 lbs.) $799.00 $699.00

BFSTRPOWERTYPE 18 cps Letter Quality (25 lbs.) $449.00

MANNESMAN-TALLY

Letter Quality Dot Matrix Printers

BFTALMT160L 160 cps, 80 col (21 lbs.)

BFTALMT180L 160 cps, 132 col. (28 lbs.)

BFTALMTBIB1B0 Replacement Ribbon lor MT160L

BFTALMTRIB180 Replacement Ribbon for MT180L

$579 $799

$15.75

$17.80

PRINTER CABLES

BFPGC36CP72CP Centronics Male to Male 6' BFP6C25DP72CP IBM PC" to Centronics Parallel 6' BFP6C25IP6P 6' 9 conductor shielded RS-232

mmPRACTiCAL PRINTER ^peripherals DUFFERS

$24.95 934.95 SI 9.95

MICRODUFFER - Stand Alone Duffer

BFPRPMB1SB4 64K Serial $34900 $269.00

BFPBPMB1PB4 64K Parallel $349 00 $289.00

BFPBPMEBI64 64K Expansion Module $179.00 $14500

MICRODUFFER 11+ For Apple ll/lle

16K, Expandable to 64K. Extensive Graphics. Serial & Parallel Ports.

BFPBPMB2PLUS16S w/Serial Cable $25900 $189.00

BFPBPMB2PLUS1BP w/Parallel Cable $25900 $189.00

BFPRPBRAPHICARO Graphics Only Card $ 99 00 $ 85.B0

BFPRPPRINTERFACE Centronics Parallel I/O Card $ 75.00 $ 59.00

DUFFERS FOR EPSON PRINTERS

Compatible with EPSON MX, FX, RX Series' and IBM Printers

BFPRPMB58 BFPRPMBP16

Serial BK buffer Parallel 16K buffer

$159.00 $129.00 $159.00 $129.00

SANYO VIDEO MONITORS

12 "80x24 18MHz

Part Number

Description

List Price Sale Price

BFSY0DM8012CX BFSV0DMB012CX BFSY0DMB112CX

BFSY0DM9112CK BFSYBDM82I2CX BFSY0DM92I2CX

Black & White Display B&W w/Audio Green P31 Display Green P31 w/Audio Amber Display Amber w/Audio

$240.00 $149.00 $26000 $165.00 $240.00 $149.00 $26000 $240.00

$165.0 $149.0 $260.00 $165.00

13" RGD COLOR w/AUDIO

BFSYB0M6500 Medium Res. 350x350 lines $49500 $349.00

BFSY00M7500 High Res H480xU240 dots $725.00 $499.00

BFSY0DM8500 Ultra High H690 x V240 dots $1085.00 $799.00

(Shipping Weights on above monitors: 12": 24 lbs ea /13" color: 30 lbs. ea)

taster than XT )

$1395

EXTERNAL 15M Byte

same.

.jsssssasw-

W::%i

%w^^^M

(JD- MODEMS

1200 Doud, Auto Dial/Auto Answer

Part Number Description

List Price Our Price

BFUSRA0IAL212A 1200 baud with LEDs $599.00 $450.95

BFUSRSI00 1200 Baud S-100 Card $449.00 $395.00

TELPAC COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE

BFUSBTELPAC5A Software on Apple 5'/." Format BFUSRTELPAC8 Software on 8" SSSD CP/M» Disk

D.C HAYES

BF0CH0400P BFDCH0200P BFDCH0100P BFDCH0000P BFDCH1200B

1200 Baud Smartmodem 300 Baud Smartmodem MicroModem 100 MicroModem II IBM-PC" Modem Card with Software included

$695.00 $279.00 $399 00 $379.00 $695.00

$479.95 $229.00 $296.00 $299.00 $479.00

RIXON

1200 Baud Direct Connect w/10 Number Memory

$399.00 $399.00 $ 89.00 $449.00

FLIP N' FILE 50 Capacity

Stores 50 5'A" Diskettes (Sh. Wt 9 lbs.)

BFINC03513139

$29.95 ■

51A" Double Density | Soft Sector, 40 Track

Use with IBM, Sanyo, Apple and Most Personal Computers

PRICE 1 Box 2 or More Boxes

Part Number Manufacturer Sides

BFDLT51401 ULTRA

BFDLT52401 ULTRA

$19.95 $18.95 S32.00 $30.00

BFMLXMB1M MAXELL 1 $26.00 $24.00

BFMLXMB2BM MAXELL 2 $39.00 $37.00

$34.00 $41.00

$32.00 $39.00

BFDSN1041D DYSAN 1

BFDSN1042D DYSAN 2

CALL FOR HARD SECTOR S 77 TRACK DISKS NOT LISTED NERE

8" Double Density, Soft Sector

8FMXLFD112SM1200 MAXELL 1 $44.00 $38.00 BFMXLFD2XDM1200 MAXELL 2 $51.00 $47.00

BFRIXR2I2A 1200 Baud Stand-Alone Unit $495.00

BFBIXPC212A 1200 IBM PC™ Modem(2 lbs.) $495.00

BFBIXPCC0M1 IBM PC" Modem Software (1 lb.)

BFP0BRIXIBM IBM Modem & Software Together (3 lbs.)

MURA

BFMUBMMIB0 300 Baud Modem (2 lbs) $99.95 S79.00 Circle 267 on inquiry card

PRIORITY

9161 Deering Ave ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 423-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (818) 709-5111

Terms. U.S. VISA, MC. BAC, Check Money Order. U.S. Funds Only. CA residents add 6%% Sales Tax. MINIMUM PREPAID WIDER $lf 00. Include MINIMUM SHIPPING & HANDLING of $3.00 for the first 3 lbs plus40t for each additional pound. Orders over 70 lbs sent freight collect. Just in case, include your phone number Prices subject to change without notice We will do our best to maintain prices through June, 1984. Many quantities are limited. Sorry, no rainchecks, no refunds or exchanges on sale merchandise. Credit card orders will be charged appropriate freight. Sale prices for prepaid orders only. We are not responsible for typographical errors.

ELECTRONICS

Chatsworth, CA 91311-5887

ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 423-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (818) 709-5111

MS-DOS™ Computer with Monitor, Printer, and Software

Hardware

SANYO MDC555

• 16 Bit 8088 CPU •

• Socketed for Optional 8087 MPU •

• 128K of RAM expandable to 256K

• Centronics Printer Port

• 2 Single Sided Disk Drives • (160K Bytes Each) •

• 10 Programmable Function Keys •

• Speaker and Joystick Port •

• Video and printer cables included

• AMBER or GREEN Screen Monitor

• GEMINI 10X Dot Matrix Printer

List Price: $2034.00

(Shipping weights on above items: 3 boxes: 30 lbs, 30 lbs., and 20 lbs.)

Software

MS-DOS™ Operating system SANYO BASIC

MicroPro Software:

WordStar* • ReportStar® SpellStar® • InfoStar* CalcStar® • MailMerge® DataStar*

$1495

Runs Many Off-Tho-Sholf Programs for IBM-PC"

BFPDB555SP1 w/Green Screen BFPDB555SP3 w/Amber Screen

RGB Color Monitors and Letter Quality Printers may be substituted at additional cost

S I G *J A

$5

SOLA

Short-Circuit SOLA'S Price

Increase!

WE MAINTAIN OUR LOW PRICES THROUGH SOLA'S PRICE INCREASE!

MINICOMPUTER REGULATORS

• Constant Voltage • EMI/RFI Filtering • Total AC Isolation • Better Than Dedicated AC Power!

UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SYSTEM!

• All The Features as a Minicomputer Regulator! • AC Power Delivered When Power Fails!

Part Numbtr

Shipping Walgnt

It Dating

LIU Price

SALE PRICE

Snipping Wt VA Rating

SALE PRICE

BFSU260050750300 95 lbs. 750VA / 10 min. $1862.00 $1497.00 BFSU2800504B0301 125 lbs. 400VA / 20 min. $1665.00 $1406.00

THE CLEAN POWER SOLUTION!

BFSU63I3070 BFSLA6313114 BFSLA8313125 BFSLA6313150 BFSLA6313175 BFSUB313Z10 BFSU63U220

10 lbs 80 lbs. 31 lbs 47 lbs. 60 lbs 75 lbs 108 lbs

70 VA 140 VA 250 VA 500 VA 750 VA 1000 VA 2000 VA

$ 16940

S 25944

$ 30918

S 428 84

$ 546 08 S 632 56

$ 1075 54

$149.00 $219.00 $261.00 $362.00 $461.00 $534.00 $895.00

NOW! The Affordable UPS For Your Personal Computer!

o ——f $359.00

Drives For Atori & Apple

iNDUS

200 Watts For 5 Minutes of Unlnterruptanle Power With

AC Surge and EMI/RFI Filtering Built-in II Perfect for Morrow Micro Decision, IBM PC7", Apple lie,

and many, many more! BFPTIPC200 (Sh. wt 21 lbs.) $359.00

NOT FOR USE WITH LINEAR POWER SUPPLIES!

Software Included!

• Word Processor • Data Manager • Spreadsheet • DOS

For ATARI For APPLE II & III

Provides 400% Increase Compatible With APPLE II, In Data Transfer Speed! lie, and APPLE III

BFIND6TATARI List Price $449.00 BFINDBTAPPLE List Price: $399 00

(Shipping wt 13 lbs.) (Shipping wt 13 lbs.)

Each INDUS Disk Drive comes with a carrying case that easily converts to a protective case for 80 diskettes, using the provided partitions! circle 267 on inquiry card.

CTCDDCZORlZDE

Apple-Compatible Add-On

• 163K i 40 Tracks • Apple II, II+ and lie compatible

BFCRDC111

List Price: $279.00

Includes One-Year Over-TheCounter Replacement Warranty!

CONCORDE APPLE II COMPATIBLE 51/*" FLOPPY CONTROLLER

$179

• PRO-DOS Compatible

• Controls Up To 4 Drives

• Single or Double-Sided

• Will Support Up To 1.3M Bytes of Storage!

BFCKDC13Q List Price $89.00

Apple II, 11+ & Me compatible

(Shipping weight t lb-)

ORDER TOLL FREE (600) 423-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (816) 709-5111

DRIVES & ENCLOSURES

5V*" FLOPPY DISK DRIVES

IFTXDTM1001

Tandon Full Height SS 48TPI

9179.00

BFraomoot

Tandon full Height DS 48TPI

$219.00

BFTNBTM1014

TanOon Full Height DS 96TPI

(920.00

8

" Floppy Disk Drives

BFJKWOtll

Shugart Full Height SS (18 lbs.)

9340.00

8FSHUS51R

Shugart Full Height DS (18 lbs.)

9470.00

IFtlEFDOIOM

Siemens Full Height SS (18 lbs.)

9120.00

BFQUETBHMi

Qume Full Height DS (18 lbs.)

$400.00

BFWTUIMIII

Mitsubishi Full Height DS (18 lbs.)

$975.00

BF1HDTM4II

Tandon 14-Height SS (9 lbs.)

(325.00

BFTNDTMMU

Tandon 'A-Height DS (9 lbs.)

$300.00

SV*" Disk Drive Cabinets

0FJMBIC5 (FJMR2C5 BFJMUC5C

Single Drive Cabinet (5 lbs)

Dual Drive Cabinet (9 lbs.)

Dual w/lnternal Data Cable (9 lbs.)

$ 79.00 $ 90.00 $115.00

Effl

InlcrmilniiHil

Instrumentation

ImnrfUirulid

Dual 8" Disk Enclosures

All of these rugged enclosures feature forced, filtered air cooling, hefty power supply with the heat producing elements mounted to outside for cool reliable operation The rear panels are punched for the appropriate data cables

F0EQQ2. Economical design for two standard size 8" floppies. Hinged hd for easy drive access Power supply 5V(S4A, -5V@.8A. +24@3A. OTLDOZ. Cabinet for two ''z-height 8" drives or 1 full height 8" floppy or Winchester Includes Shugart type AC power cable.

fart Number

Description

Llit Prlca SALE Price

BFP0BIIITN01 w/2 TNDTM8481 Drives BFPDBIIITND2 w/2 TNOTM8482 Drives

$ 870.0

S1039.C

5V4" Hard Disk

BFTNDTM50I Tandon 6 Mb (9 lbs.) BFTNDTM502 Tandon 12 Mb (9 lbs. 8FTN0TM5Q3 Tandon 19 Mb (9 lbs)

DUAL 5'A" HARD DISK DRIVE CABINET

Ail ol the necessary power for two TANDON TM500 series or equivalent hard disk drives Just imagine, you can have 10OMbytes of storage using two of the Micropolts 5V4" Winchester disk drives and this cabinet' Power supply +5V@6Aand+i2V@6A The rear panel is punched for two20, two 34, and one 50 pin header connector Fan cooled. BFIIIH05002 Dual Hard Disk Enclosure (Sh. Wt 20 lbs) $3B0.00 BFIMHD5001 Single Hard Disk Enclosure (Sh. Wt. 15 lbs.) (240.00

BUY CABINET WITH DRIVES AND SAVE!

0FP0B50IH05 w/2 TM501 Drives $1500.00

6FPDB502H05 w/2 TM502 Drives $1900.00

BFPOI503HD5 w/2 TM5C3 Drives 92149.00

Dill drives will be shipped separately from cabinets Don't forget to Include shipping tor each disk drive cabinet.

BFIIIFDE002 FDE002 Dual Enc 135 lbs I $359 95 9325.00

BFIM0TIOO25HU DTL002 Dual Thin Line (12 lbs I $22500 9176.00 BFIIIDTLMP1KIT MPI Vj-Height OTL adapter kil $ 24.95

BFIIICBLS0N3O4FM Shugart to Qume AC Cable $ 4.05

BUY CABINETS WITH DRIVES AND SAVE! Combinations with FDE002

BFP0BHIFDE2S2 w/2 SHU801F! Drives $ 0B0.00

BFP0BIIIF0t29l2 w/2 MFM289463BS Drives $1040.00

BFPOBIIIFDE202 w/2 0METRAK842 Drives $1180.00

BFPD0IIIFDE2B5I w/2 SHUB51R Drives St239 00

BFFH8IIISIE W/2FDD1008 Drives $ 499.00

Combinations with DTL002

BUY DRIVE AND CABINET TOGETHER AND SAVE!

DUAL SIEMENS

FDD1008'$ with

IIIFDE002 Cabinet

$499.00

SAVE $84.00!!

BFPDBIIISIE

(Drives are shipped separate from cabinet. Package shipped in 3 containers.)

SIEMENS

FDD1008 8" Drive Single Sided Double Density

$129.00

Each

BFSIEFDDI008 (Be sure to include $7.00 per drive for shipping)

ADD-ON DRIVE FOR IBM PC™

landon JR1

TM1002-1 Full

Height 5'A" 40 Track

48 TPI Drive

DOUBLE SIDEDI

$219

BFTNDTM1002

(Sh, wt. 4 lbs.)

5'A" Floppy Cabinet

Holds 2 Half or 1 Full

Height drive with

Power Supply

BFJMR2SV5

(Sh. wt 7 lbs.)

M^U DIGITAL MULTIMETERS

Autotanging

SERIES 70

3% Digit Analog Bar Graph

• Full 3200 count instead ol the

normal 2000 ' ULTRA-Fast analog bar graph i Instant autoranging power-up

self test, and power-down step

mode ' Beeper included in the 75 & 77 i True touch and hold on the 77

BFFLU73 7% accuracy, autoranging DMM (2 lbs.) $85.00 BFFLU75 5% accuracy auto/manual w/beeper (2 lbs.) $99.00 BFFLU77 3% w/touch & Hold and Holster (2 lbs.) $120.00 BFFLUC70 Custom Holster (included W/FLU77) $ 9.00

BFFLUC71 Soft Vinyl Case S 9.00

3 YEAR WARRANTY!

DELAYED SWEEP

w/TRIGGER VIEW

100MHz 60MHz

3rd & 4th TRACE 3rd TRACE

BFHITV1050F DFHITW50F

HITACHI

Hitachi Denshi.Ltd

-'*?&*

'HSU*

NEW! LOW PROFILE

DUAL CHANNEL

40MHz 20MHz

DUAL TRACE DUAL TRACE

$1295 $995 $695 $549

List S1595 00 131 lbs I

PRIORITY

9161 Deering Ave.

Circle 267 on inquiry card.

ELECTRONICS

Chatsworth, CA 91311-5887

CA, AK, HI CALL (618) 709-5111

% Sales Tax MINIMUM PREPAID ORDER$1500 Include MINIMUM SHI

ORDER TOLL FREE (600) 423-5922

Terms. US VISA, MC. SAC. Check. Money Order, US ininds Only. CA residents add 6V PING & HANDLING of $3.00 for the first 3 lbs. plus40e (or each additional pound Orders over 50 lbs. sent freight collect. Just in case, include your phone number Prices subject to change without notice We will do our best tomaintain prices through June, 1984. Credit card orders will be charged appropriate freight. We are not responsible for typographical errors. Sale prices for prepaid orders only.

ORDER TOLL FREE (600) 423-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (616) 709-5111

CaUFornja DiqiTAl

Post Office Box 3097 B • Torrance, California 90503

FREE

Plastic library

case supplied

with all diskettes

purchased from

^California Digital.

DISKETTES * '16.50

FIVE INCH SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY

Tersecio' Each box 10Boxes 100 Boxes

I cap. digital!, E

SCOTCH

VERBATIM

MEMOREX

MAXELL

DYSAN

19.95

MMM-744/l'o 26 50 MMM-744/16 »W»»*w

VRB-525/01 __ __ VRB-525/10 26.50

VRB-525/16 mm " ■ ^

MRX-3481

MRX-34B3

MRX-348S

MXL-HD1 _ _. _rt

MXL-MH1/10 26.50

MXL-MH1M6 ""■»"*

26.50

18.50 24.50 25.25 22.25 24.50 33.00

16.50 21.75 23.50 18.75 23.25 30.50

DYS-105/10

FIVE INCH DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY

MMM.745.Hi VRB-550/01

I CAL digitalis: SCOTCH VERBATIM MEMOREX MAXELL

24.95

VRB-55OM0 3Q QC VRB-550/16 **^"^»*

35.00

MRX3491 MRX-3493 MRX-3495 MXL-MD2

MXL-MD2M6 MXL-MD2/96

| MAXELL/96 Ki 45.00

DYS-104>2D

DYSAN/96

DYS-204/2O N'A

N/A

49.95

22.75 37.95 37.95 31.25 37.95 43.00 40.50 47.95

20.50 31.25 32.75 26.25 34.75 41.25 35.50 45.75

EIGHT INCH SINGLE SIDED SINGLE DENSITY

SCOTCH mmm-740/o 29.50

MEMOREX mrx3062 27.75

VERBATIM vrb 3a/9ooo 31.50

DYSAN DYs-3740/1 35.75

27.50 26.60 29.50 32.75

23.80 22.25 25.60 29.75

EIGHT INCH SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY

SCOTCH MMM- 741/0

MEMOREX MRX-3090 VERBATIM VRB-34/S0O0 DYSAN DYS-3740/1D

MAXELL MXL-FDi

37.75 35.50 35.25 40.75 45.50

EIGHT INCH DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY

SCOTCH MMM 743/0

MEMOREX MRX-3102 VERBATIM VRB-34/4001 DYSAN DYS-3740/2D

MAXELL MXL-FD2

23"

COMPOSITE MONITOR

$159

purchase a 23 high resoluli monitor a I a reasonable price These umis accept slanda composii uiOeo signa'

Telex 753607

MITSUBISHI 96TPU4853

*m

California Digital has purchased over one thousand factory new Mitsubishi M4853 5W' disk drives from the Eagle Computer Company. The drives are half height double sided 96 track per inch. The M4853 interfaces the same as the Shugart SA465. We are currently offering these drives at only $179.00. This is far below distributor cost. Offer is subject to remaining inventory on hand at time of order. MIT-4853

MEMORY. ,

16K DYNAMIC

1.95

4116 150ns.

2764 EPROM

.9i

350ns.

6.95

2732 EPROM

4.95

450ns.

M3b

16K STATIC

4.95

6116 200ns

BLOWOUT

SALE

*129

4164 SUSSS? 150ns

'5.95

DYNAMIC MEMORY

4164 150ns. 64K 12B refresh 41256150ns. 256K OPB409 dynamic controller

2708 450ns. 1K* 8 2716 450ns. 2K * 8 2716TMS 450ns. Tn-voltage 2732 450ns 4K * 8 2732 350ns. 4K « 8 2532 450ns. 4K x 8 2764 350ns. 8K x 8 27128 350ns. 16K xB

ICM- 402 7250

1 99

1.85

1

75

ICH-4116150

1.75

1.65

ICM-4116200

1.75

1.65

1.45

ICM-4164150

5.95

5.85

5.55

1CM-41256150

Available

ICT-8409

3900

3500

29.00

EPROMS

ICE-2708

4.75

4.55

4.50

4.25

i

97

7.95

7.65

25

4.50

3.75

7

55

ICE-2732350

8-50

8.00

1

90

ICE-2532

10.50

9.90

s

50

6.95

6.9S

ICE-27128

18.95

STATIC MEMORY

21L02200OS. IKsISlic ICM-21L02200

21L02 450r>s. IK static ICM-21L0245O

2112 450ns. 2K static ICH-2112450

2114 300ns, 1Kx 4 ICM-2114300

4044TMS 450ns 4K * 1 ICM-4044450

5257 300ns. 4K x 1 ICM-5257300

6116 P4 200ns. 2K X 8 ICM-6116200

6116 P3 150ns. 2K « 8 ICM-6116150 6167/2157 100ns. 16K x 1 (20 pm) ICM-6167100

CONNECTORS

DB25P

MU.

S-100Gold

GOLD 5-100 EDGE CARD CONNECTORS

catalog each 10-99 100+

ImsaiS/t 250 CNE-IMS 295 2.50 2 19

SutUnaHi/Rei cne hioo a 19 3B5 347 S-IOOWireW CNfc W10 395 3 50 3.19 Altair 140 B/l CNE-lfXIA 4 95 4 60 4 19 .156- CENTER EDGE CARD CONNECTORS

22/A4 Eyelet CNE-44E 2.50 2 15 195

J3/?:--M()lo S-1CNF72S 660 6 15 5 75

if.^DGs'l CNE-72S 5.95 5 50 5 19

Other connectors available upon request

RIBBON CONNECTORS

DBJv.Hit.Hlio CND-r25P 5 65 5 35 4 15 DB25Slemale CND-r25S 5 95 5 5f "

i7J036i>"" 57-30360! ma

CNC-r36P 7 95 5 75 !

iCNC-r36S 795 6 75 :

CNI-DE20 A 35 3 30 ;

CNI-OS20 2.75 1 85

CNI DE.'6 4 95 3 50 :

CNI-OS.7b 3 50 2.40 ;

CNIQE34 4 95 4 50 1

CMIDS34 4 50 3 95 :

CNI-DE50 5 95 5 60

CNI-DS50 A 95 4 60 ;

DTYPE raising

DE9Pmale CND-9P

DESS l...male CIMD-9S OE hood CND-9H

DA15Pmale CND 15P 2.35 2 10 DA15Slemale CND 15S 325 3 10 DAl5hood CND-15H 1.60 133 DB25Pmale CND-25P 1.95 1 75 DB25Sr-'irif,le CND-25S 2 95 2 55 DB25hcod CND25H 135 115 DC37P male CND-37P DC3?S female CND-37S DC37 hood CND-37H DD50Pmale CNO-50P DD50hood CND 50H Hardware 2/set CND2HS «9 6y

AMPHENOL / CENTRONICS TYPE 57-30360 36'P CNC-36P 7 95 6 35 3 IEEE4B8 CQorCND-24P 7 95 6 35 5

DISK DRIVE POWER CONNECTORS 8 6pm0C CNP-60C 1 95 1 29 8 3ACSQI/S CNP-3SS 1.69 109 8 3 AC Dbl/S CNP3DS 1.69 109 5*»" JpmDC CNP-4DC 1.79 1 19 3pinDINrecpt CNP-D3P 2 59 199 1

each 10 99 100 +

2 25 2 0

4.20 3 95 3 65

5 95 5 75 5 50

2.25 1 95 1 65

5 50 S 10 4 75

2 60 2 40 2 10

VISA

Shipping: First five pounds $3.00, each additional pound S.50. Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess will be refunded. California residents add 61/A sales tax. • COD s discouraged. Open accounts extended to state supported educational institutions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating. Retail location: 17700 Figueroa Street. Carson CA. 90248.

California Digital has recently participated in-1

Ihe purchase of several thousand Siemens' ______

FDD 100-8 floppy disk drives These unils are electronically and physically similiar to that of the Shugart 801R. All units are new and shipped in factory sealed boxes Manual and power connectors supplied free upon request Your choice 115 Volt 60 Hz. or 230 Volt. 50Hz

NOTE! f-uropean I

Frankloh Germany Arrangements ca

in Frankfort reducing import Outy and km

REMEX

■Wliiji

DOUBLE £

SIDED

m

California Digital has ius! purchased a large quantity of Remex RFD-1000 Eight inch double sided disk drives Remex is the only double sided disk drive that has an double gimbal mounted head assembly that guaranties lower head tracking. This drive is mechanically solid Remex has always been known for producing premiere products for the floppy disk market The Remex company is a subsidiary of the Ex-cello Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company

Eight Inch Single Sided Drives

One Two Ten

SHUGART 801R 385 375 365

SIEMENS FDD 100-8 129 125 119

TANDON 848E-1 Half Height 369 359 349

Eight Inch Double Sided Drives

SHUGART SA851R 0UME842 "QUMETRACK8" TANDON 848E-2 Half Height REMEX RFD-4000 MITSUBISHI M2894-63 MITSUBISHI M2896-63 Half Ht.

495 485 475

459 459 449

459 447 435

219 219 209

447 439 433

459 449 409

Five Inch Single Sided Drives

TEAC FD-55A half height 159 149 139

SHUGART SA400L 199 189 185

SHUGART SA200 % Height 159 149 139

TANDON TM100-1 189 179 175

Five Inch Double Sided Drives

TEAC FD55B half height 179 169 165

CONTROL DATA 9409 IBM/PC 229 219 215

SHUGART SA450 319 309 299

SHUGART SA455 Half Height 259 249 239

PANASONIC JA551/2N (SA455) 169 159 155

SHUGART SA465 Half Ht. 96TPI 289 279 269

TANDON TM50-2 Half Height 215 209 199

TANDON TM55-4 half Ht. 96TPI 329 319 309

TANDON 100-2 279 269 259

TANDON 101-4 96TPI80 Track 369 355 350

MITSUBISHI 4851 Half Height 259 249 245

MITSUBISHI 4853 V* Ht. 96TPI 179 175 169

MITSUBISHI 4854 % Ht., 8" elec. 465 449 439

QUME 142 Half Height 239 229 219

Three Inch Disk Drives SHUGART SA300 with diskette 229 219 209

Five Inch Winchester Hard Disk Drives FUJITSU M2235AS 27 M, Bytes 999 959 889 RODINE RO-208 53M/Byte 158914931427 SHUGART 7ir 13 MByte VzHt 795 765 725 TANDON 503 19M/3yte 715 775 755

Upon request, all drives are supplied with power connectors and manual

ENCLOSURES

California Digital manufactures an asortmeni of slock and custom disk drive enclosures It Ihe volume is justified we will custom design an enclosure for your application The following stock dtsk drive enclosures are available. All include power supplies the 8 enclosures are supplied with exhausl fans.

full

Horizontal mount two 8 height drives S279 00

Vertical mount two full height 8 disk drives S299.00

Horizontal mount one full height or two half height 8 disk drives $239.00

Vertical mount two full height 5' J disk drives $139.00

TOLL FREE ORDER LINE

(800)421-5041

TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA

(213)217-0500

CaUFornja DiqiTAl

Post Office Box 3097 B • Torrance. California 90503

ORAGON

s world famous Dragon computer is now available in the United States- Manufactured by the Tano Corporation under license of the British Broadcasting Company. The Dragon comes complete with 64K Byte of memory, serial modem port along with a Centronics printer interface. This unique microcomputer features Motorola's advanced 6809E microprocessor and comes standard with Microsoft Color Basic, data base manager, and a complete word processing package. The computer outputs color composite video along with R.F. video that allows the unit to be used in conjunction with any color television. The Dragon is fully compatible with the Radio Shack Color Computer. This is the Ideal low cost computer to be used with any dial up information system such as the Source. Western Union's EasyLink or any other time share service.

California Digital has agreed to act as exclusive agent for North America in an effort to assist The Tano Corporation in reducing their overstock. For a limited time California Digital can offer the Dragon computer for only $139.

Your Choice

Second Drive or Monitor.

SANYO'

IBM COMPATIBLE

$

89$

Sanyo Electronics has just released the long awaiteu IBM/PC look-a-like, the MBC-550. This is a complete microcomputer that I includes 128K/byte of memory, a SW 160K/byte disk drive upgradeable to 320K/byte drives. Also includes both color composite and RGB graphics interface, low profile keyboard, and parallel printer port. Extensive software such as Sanyo Basic, disk utilities, Wordstar word processing software, Calcstar spread sheet & Easy Writer I. MS-DOS is supplied with the Sanyo computer. Most programs written for the IBM/PC will operate on the MBC-550. Along with all this California Digital offers "FREE" your choice of either a second disk drive, or a high resolution green or amber screen monitor. All at the super low price of only $895.

PRINTERS

'277

Star Gemini

MATRIX PRINTERS

SlarGemini-10X 120 cl

Star Gemini-i5X, lOOcfiar /sec 15 paper

Star Gemini Delia 10. 160Char'sec

Star Coex SOFT friction & tractor

Toshiba PI 350, 192 char/sec letter quality

Okidata H2A serial & parallel 9'!" paper

Okidala 92A parallel interface. 160 char/sec

Ofciflata 83A & parallel 15 paper

Okidata 84A & parallel 15 paper

Okidata 2350 (new) 350 cnar7sec

Epson RX-8010 120 Chat/sec

Epson FX80. 10" 160 chat/sec with graphtrax

Epson FX 100 15 160 chat /sec with graphtra*

Epson MXIOOwuhgraphlrax. IS" paper

NEC8023A parallel91 i paper, graphics

Anacle« 9!")tl1B high .|i«,l with graphics Annd.i> WiZOB ?<J0 char/sec par'l & serial. Quantei 7030 corespondence qua lily 180 char/sec Prownter 8510parallel9'! papier Prowritee'l. parallel 15 paper.graphics Dataproducts B-600-3, band printer 600 L.PM Pnnlronix P300 high speed pnnler 300 lines per minut Prinironix P600 ultra high speed 600 lines per minute

STBG10X

STH-G15X

STR-DlO

VST CBOFT

TOS-1350

OKI-B2A

OKI-92A

OKI-83A

OKI-B4A

OKI-2350

EPSRX80

EPS-FX80

EPSFX100

EPS-MX100

NEC-8023A

ADX-9501B

ADX-9620B

OTX-7030

PRO-8S10P

PR02P

DPSB600

PTX-P300

PTXP600

WORD PROCESSING PRINTERS

NEC7710 55 char; second, serial interface NGC7730 55char/sec. pari interface NLXi.'.VI popular printer designed lor the IBM/PC NEC205U <1,">ignnd im IRM-'PC 20 char/sec pan Silver Heed EXP500. 14r_-har/sec pari interlace Silver Reed EXPS50 17 Char/sec par i interface Diablo 630 40 char/sec senai

rX-iMu hl'O piopornonal spacing, hrjrr S verl tab 20cr, Juki 6100. t a char /set graphic mode Brother HR1A daisy wheel, parallel interlace Brother HR 1 A serial interface Starwritei F10 serial, 40 Chat/Sec Slarwnter Fio parallel. 40 char'sec ComrexCRI word processing printer serial mlr Comrex CR2. SkbuHvr. inoporiirjii.il spacing, pari

NEC-7710 NEC -7730 NEC-3550 NEC-2050 SROEXP500 SRD EXP5S0 DBL-630 ; DBL 620 JUK-6100 8TH-HR1P BTH-HR1S PRO-FlOS PROF 10P CRX-CRlS CRX-CR2P

279 00 389 00 399 00 195 00 1495 00 34700 427 00 567 00 997 00 1995 00 317 00 529.00 719 00 589 00 389 00 1029 00 1129 00 1539 00

6985 00 4250 00 579500

1979 00 1 799 00 99500 459 00 659 00 1765 00 879 00 495 00 69500 695 00 1125 00 1125 00 729 00 49500

MONITORS

BMC I2A green phosphor 15MH^ composit video BMC-12A 7900

BMC 12' high resolution 20MH* BMC-12EN 134.00

Zenith ZVM122 Amber Phosphor 12 40/80 column switch ZTH-122 99 00

Zenith ZVM123 green phosphor 12 40/80 column switch 2TH-Z123 99 00

NEC JH1201 green phosphor 1BMH* compos! video. NEC-JB1201 16900

NEC: JUVfiu commp-rciLiI cir.sde (...irnposit NEC-JB1260 129.00

USI Amber screen 12 composi! monitor USI-12A 99 00

Molorotfl23 open I r ame blk/while compos it video MOTBW23 15900

Ntototola 12' open Irame requires hon sync and power MOT-BW12 69 00

Conrac 9 open frame requires horz sync & 12v supply CON-BW9 59.00

COLOR

BMC AU9191U Color composit video with sound BMC-9191 249 00

8MC 9191M RGB designedly use with rhe IBM computer BMC 9191M 399 00

NEC JC1203DM. RGB color monitor NEC-1203 699 00

NEC JC1201 color composit NEC-JC1201 339 00

Zeriilh ZVMl 34 RGB color suitable lor IBM PC ZTH-Z134 379 00

Comretr color composi! with sound COM 6500 329 00

Amdek. Color 1, composi! video AMK 100 329 00

MODEMS

DIRECT CONNECT

$75

Hayes Smart Modem 1200 baud, aulo answer, aulodial HYS-212AD

Hj/i", !:->ClOB'o' us.--■/.:"! lh>? IBM PI.:, I 2 00 baud HYS-I200B Hayes Smanmodem. 300 baud only autoanswer autodial HYS-103AD

Hayes Micromodem II 103 Apple direct connect HYS-MM2

Haye-; Micromodem 100 S 100 auto answer, aula dial HYS-100

Hayes Chronograph, time & dale HYS-CHR232

US Robotics 2111 A .IC-0 i;-00l.:,i ,! .-i.j'o.toi/aiiswer USR-212A

U S HoluHir:;- P;i::,:-,w[,rr1 300/1200 baud USR-PW212

Penril 300/1200 auto d1al.aur.olo9 PEN-12AD

Universal Dais 103LP. line power answer & originate UDS-103LP

Universal Da: , 103LPJ Autoanswer UDS-103LPJ

Universal Dala 202 1200baud nail duplex only UDS-202LP

Universal Dala 212LP full 1200 baud duplex line power UDS-212LP

Novation J Cal. direct connect, auto answer NOV-JCAT

Nova'inn C,H rtaiuslir. conned NOV-CAT

Novation Smartest 103 autoanswer autodial NOV-SC103

Novalion SmanCat 1Q3/2I2. 1200 baud aulodial NOV-SC212 Signalman Mark 1. direct connect with terminal cable SGL-MK1

■ ■<-'<.■ uO 169 00 219 00 21900 359 00 115 00 1 59.00 21900 529 00

TERMINALS

California Digital has recently purchased an OEM liquidation, of new Hazeltine 1420 video terminals. These units feature direct cursor addressing, full 62 key keyboard with numeric cluster, RS-232C with baud rates selectable to 9600, Self diagnostics and escape sequences tunc-' tion mode make this terminal an excellent value at only $299.00. HZL-1420

Hazeltine 1420 Video Display Terminal

Freedom 100 split screen, detatchable keyboi

Gume 102 green phosphor terminal

Visual SO Green screen

Ampex Dialogue 125 green screen

Ampex Dialouge t7Samber s<

Wyse50, 14 green phosphor

Wyse 100, horz S vert split screen, metal enclosure

Wyse 300. Eighl color display, split screen

Televideo 910 Plus, block mode

Televideo 925 detatchable keyboard. 22 function keys

Televideo 950. graphic char split screen. 22 lunc

Televideo 970, 14 green screen 132 column. European

Zenith 29 terminal. VT52 compatible detachable keyboard

opage, tunc keys

WYS-SO

WYS-100

WYS-300

TVI-910P

TVI-925

TVI-950

299 00 495.00 539 00

795 00 159 00 575 00 759.00

Apple ll/e, 64K computer only Apple ll/e starter kit, monitor, disk. 80 col. card Advanced Bus tessTech 13KeyPad Calif Compute1 7710AAsync. Serial Interface Calif. Computer 7710B same but for modem Calif Computer 7114A 12K PROM module Calif Computer 7720A parallel interface Calif Computer 7724A Calandar/clock modual Calif. Computer 7729A Centronics interface Calif. Computer 7740A programmable timer California Digital 16K card for standard Apple II Hayes Micromodem II for Apple II Kensington Micro. System saver fan Microsoft Softcard with CP/M; Z-80 Mountain Computer The Clock" Mountain Computer AD/OA 16 input, 8bit Mountain Computer ROM Plus with keybd. filter Mountain Computer ROM writer/socket socket Orange Micro "GRAPPLER" parallel interface Sorrento Valley 8 controller double side D/D TE'AC 5',.r disk drive for Apple II Vista Vision 80; 80 column card for std Apple II Vista 8 disk controller double side D/D

APL-2E

APL-2ESK

ABT-13B

CCS-7710

CCS-7710B

CCS-7114

CCS-7720

CCS-7724

CCS-7729

CCS-7740

CAL-A16

HYS-MM2

KEN-SFl

MSF-SFTCD

MTN-TCLK

MTN-ADDA

MTN-RMF

MTN-ROMW

OMS-G2

SVA223

TEA-A2

VSA-VIS80

VSA-A800

ASCII KEYBOARD

49

Cah'omia Digital has purchased ■ 3000 of these Microswilch

keyboards from the General Dyi

ides 8 function keys and 14 3atonlyS49 MIC-93GD 5

we aiso nave available a matching Genera

Non

keyboard an panel StO 5fl S24 95 Malchmg 15 key

System I includes 64K byte of memory one 320K byte double sided disk drive, and keyboard. Monitor and monitor interface available. System II includes 256K byte of memory two 320K byte disk drives, Sakata color monitor, Peacock color card with printer port all for only $2899.

S-100 BOARDS

16 BIT MICROPROCESSORS

Octagon Dual CPU 8088 ?ao S controller QCT-88Z8U 79S 00

ij.jaBOL:B(J8o'H087!7iiciocomp I6bit liBT-8687 495 00

Godbouf dual processor 8065/8088 6/16 GB1-8588 359 00

SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS

Insight EQ-4 128K 4 serial nolS-100 INS-E04 595 00

Advanced Digital Floppy &64K AMD-Z80 750 00

Teielek System master 765 floppy 64K TEL-SMI 895 00

TeleteW FDC-1 single board no memory TEL-FDC1 675.00

8 BIT MICROPROCESSORS

Goflboutzao ?A Bit extended add GBT-ZSO 250 00

California Computer Z80 microprocessor CC5-2B10 275 00

TarQeli Z80 with two RS232 ports TAH-Z80 339 00

FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLERS

Godrjout Disk 1. double density GBT-DSK1 395 00

California Computer 2422A with CPM CCS-2422 339 00

Morro* Disk Jockey II witn CPM 2 2 MDS-DJ2 350 00

Morrow Disk.jocktv I *Hh CPM sgl Den.MDS-DJl 225 DO

l'.ioel; Ele( tri.;r:i;.-, douDle density TAR-DDC 419 00

'.nri.:-| Uk, I' ^!,.-;-.:i^iedHiisity TAH-SOC 279 00

fulcrum DMA OmniOisk I 0 lo hard disk FCM-001 389 00

CPM OPERATING SYSTEM

Digital Research CP.-M 3 0. 8 sgl den DHC-CpM30 249 00

GoweiitCPMZ 2 tor Disk 1 GBT-CpM22 159.00

|.:,".1D'I.- CPM86 tor 8088 and 8086 GBT -CpMES 2irb Of)

TafbeHE(ectiOHiCsCPM2 2 TAR-CDM22 159 00

HARD DISK CONTROLLERS

Otfasen tutu disk comroiier wufi E/C 0CT-HD1 475 00

6Mtaat0rCfc2,8"&14" Hard disk GB1-DSK2 5B9 00 GodbOutOiSk3. tor 5'«" Winchesters GB1-0SK3

Morrow Designs controller for 5?. Win MDS-W506 495 00

Western Digital new WD-1001 lnolS-1Q0l WDI-1001 495 00

EPROM BOARDS

inner Access tPHUMBrl |imi.|.',rns 27!?3 .AC I1!00 465.00

Digital Research PROM board 32K DGR-P32 1T900

STATIC MEMORY BOARDS

Godbou! Ram 16 64K 16 Oil dala trans GBT-RI6 45<

GodboutRam 17 6-sk B t»n j-J Di:adi1it-ss GBT-R17 35S

GodboulRam21 i;.'3Ki)ytt8-:'tin,mfci GBT-R21 85;

Fulcrum OmniRam 8/16 transfer bank FCM-RB16 39!

California Cbmputer 2116. 8 bit only CCS-2116 24E

DYNAMIC MEMORY BOARDS

California Digital 256K exoand to ! Meg CAL-D2S6 495 00

California Comp. ?066. 64K Dank select CCS-206E 295 00

INTERFACE BOARDS

GodBout Intetfacer I 2senalports GBT-I33A 23!

Godboul Interlacer II 1 serial 3 par I ports GST-150A 26{_.

.. ;::...' ■ Mftaca III wilti 5 serial ports GBT-135A 495.00

Gr'dLivii.: inierau .m:i- i ser„j ; ■ :,h: 1j8A 585 00 ;

Gnilinil .■■ilerf,i,-ei IV .', :,Krial 2 parallel GBT-187A 329.00 I

I ,i.i!i. H.0Tt.n.,.'i :■■,■".'■': -i'-.ty.;i !-., CCi-.""!:'! .'."'i 00

.'■■■■■!■:,. ■i^i-.-r: '.-'"J 1'serial 2 par I CCS-2719 295 00 .:,' ■■::., C.i-lv ■ ■■:.--■:,:■

Calitornia Computer 2830 6 port serial CCS-2S30 42E

Morro* Designs Multiboard 3 S;'?P MDS-MTL1 319 oo |

SPECIAL FUNCTION BOARDS

Hayes S-100 Micromodem 300 baud HYS-M100 325 00 I

QT Computer clock caiendat. battery OTC-CCtOO 139 00 |

Godbou! System support Boarrj 4KEPR0MGBTSVS! 350 00 |

Godbout System support board. 9511 math GBT-S9511 539 00 |

Dii.il iiysicms J clw-i'ir" t;-1 bit D Anviv USC-A0M12 619.01

DualSystem 12 bir resoluiion. 32 ch A/D DSC-AIM12 629 00 I

MuilmsOpto-Isolator controis8ch MUL-ICB10 179 00 |

Mullms eilender board with logic & prooe MUL-TB4 7900 |

10 Technology wite wrap prototype I0T-W100 49 00

Artec Electronics wire wrap proiotype ART-WW100 25.00

Artec Electronics general purpose solder ART-GP100 25.00

MAINFRAMES & MOTHER BOARDS

Eclipse Data stainless 22 slot EDPtOO 695 00 I

Godbout Enclosure2. 20slOts GBT-MF20 675 00 1

California Computer 2200 12 slot CCS-2200 479 00 |

California Digital IB slot mother boatd CAL-MB18 35 00

GodBout 12 slot mother Board assembled GBI-MB12 149.00 [

CP/M SOFTWARE

AdaSofl CP/M

D-Base II

Wordstar

Mailmerge

Spellstar

Multiplan

Macro 80

ADA-445C 39500 ASH-015C 429 00 MPR-187C 309.00 MPR-392C 169.00 MPB-429C 169.00 MSF-483C 189.00 MSF-187C 139.00

Supersofl MAC CP/M 3.0 Despool Pascal Plus CP/M 86 MP/M II

MPR-309C 14900 DGR-401C 85.00 DGR-410C 249 00 DGR-367C 45.00 DGR-004C 429.00 DGR-186C 239.00 DGR-208C 379.00

Additional Software available for Apple, IBM/PC and Atari. Please telephone for price and availability.

Telex 753607

VISA

Shipping: First five pounds $3.00, each additional pound $.50. Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess will be refunded. California residents add 6'/2% sales tax. • COD s discouraged. Open accounts extended to state supported educational institutions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating. Retail location: 17700 Figueroa Street, Carson CA. 90248.

TOLL FREE ORDER LINE

(800)421-5041

TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA

(213)217-0500

8 YEARS (1976)

COMPUTER MAIL

EXPERIENCE IN

ORDER BUSINESS

Six Pak Plus [Senal/Par/CIK/64K

Expands to 384KI 269.00

Six Pak Plus (Senal/Par/CLK/384K) ... 569.00

Meg-A-Plus (Senal/CLK/64K

Expands to 256K) 269.00

Meg A-Pak (Expands Meg-A-Plus

to 512K) 270.00

DC. HAYES

Smartmodem 1200B-Smartcom 2

w'soltware 389.00

Smartcom II 79.00

KEYTRONICS Enhance your PC-with a superior

keyboard 210.00

MAYNARD

Floppy Controller 160.00

Floppy Controller (Serial) 230.00

Floppy Controller (PAR) 210.00

Sandstar MOD-FDC

MODULAR (for 5'. ' or 8'drivesi 205.00

ADD-ONS FOR Parallel MOD 60.00

SANDSTAR Serial MOD 79.00

MOD-FDC Clock Calendar MOD 69.00

Game Adapter MOD 49.00

Sandstar Multi-Function Bd (Holds up to

6 modular add-ons 82.00

NEW 10 MG Hard Disk (Internal)

w Controller 1.195.00

P.C. PRODUCTS CORP

Rainbow Color Card 375.00

• 4 Times Better Than IBM Color

• Expands to 128K RAM • PAR Port

• Serial Port • Game Adapter • Light Pen Intl

• Mono Output • Composite Output

PC Peacock 299.00

PRINCETON GRAPHICS

NEW PGS HX12-Hi-Res Color The Best 469.00

PGS-SR-12 NEW CALL

PGS-MAX 12 NEW CALL

QUADRAM

Ouadhnk—Allows Apple Software to be used in IBM PC HAS 64K Ram-Game Port Display

Gen-Disk Intf w< software 450.00

Quadcolor 219.00

Ouadboard I w/64K CALL

Ouadboard II W/64K CALL

WM~0UJRBEST BUY

IBM UP-GRADE KIT

INCLUDES 9 EA 4164-200NS FOR EXPANSION ON ALL IBM PRODUCTS WITH PARITY

| $48.00 per Set |

IBM COLOR CARDS

QUV-T8/1H (hobby) 49.95

OUV-T8/2 I (Industrial version) 68.9S

OUV-T8/2P (w/timer & safety switch) 97.50

MAIL ORDER TOLL FREE 1-800-545-2633

k

1-801-972-2717

CDC

CDC 5'a 9409 DS/DD 320K Quiest Drive 225.00

OUME

5'/' #142 - (40 TR) 320K '? HGT Belt Drive

w/ Brackets 200.00

PANASONIC — BEST BUY IN '/i HGT

5V JA-155 (40 TR) 320K >j HGT Direct Dirve w/Brackets 199.00 ea.

2 for 385.00 TEAC 5'/' F-55B (40TR) 320K ' i HGT Direct Drive (For Sanyo & IBM) w/Brackets 199.00 ea.

2 for 385.00

SHUGART DISK DRIVES

SA455L-1 '2 HGT 320K DS' DD

w BRACKETS 200.00 ea.

2 for 385.00 TANDON DISK DRIVES

TM 100-2A 320K DS/DD 209.00

TM55-2 1/2 HGT 320K DS/DD 249.00 ea.

w BRACKETS 440.00 for 2

Hayes 300 219.00]

Hayes 1200 499.00 (

OUR BEST BUY

ANCHOR MARK XII

300/1200 Band Auto Answer/ Auto Dial Direct Connect Intelligent Modem w/RS 232 Cable Included 2 Telephone Jacks. Low Power (60 MA) Dial Tone Detect 279.00

DISKETTE

15% Discount for Qty 100

FOR APPLE, ETC.

5V Soft Sector SS/DD 17.00/10

For IBM PC & PARTNERS

5'/4" Soft Sector DS/DD 22.00/10

• Lifetime Warranty

• All have Hub Rings and PLASTIC CASE

OUR BEST BUY

MAXELL

Sgl side/dbl. den 5'/.". 48 TPI 24.00

Dbl side/dbl. den 5VJ", 48 TPI 36.00

Dbl side/quad den 5V4", 96 TPI 45.00

DATA CABLES

8" DSC 88-2SKT-for 2-8" drvs w/skt. conn, 20.00 5%" DSC55-2SKT-for 1-5V." drvs

w/skt. conn 20.00

RS232MM-5' (male to male) 19.00

IBM to PAR or COLUMBIA to PAR 26.00

Osborne to PAR 26.00

Kaypro to PAR 26.00

Many Others Available

AC SURGE ELIMINATORS

Lemon (6AC outlets-3 prong) 44.00

Lime (5'-3 prong pwr cord w/on-off switch) 69.00 Orange-AC surge * EMI filter (6 outlets) . . 95.00

Peach (3 outlets) AC surge/EMI filter 69.00

Grizzly (200W) uninterruptible power system

+ surge protection 799.00

Grizzly (500W) uninterruptible power system

+ surge protection 1850.00

Prices subject to change without notice

CPM 3 0 Card 269.00

Z-Caid II 119.00

Smarterm 2 139.00

COOL TIME

Fan, Surge Protection Real Time Clock 2 Outlets for Printer & Monitor 85.00

GENERIC

16K RAM Add-on 40.00

HAYES JOYSTICKS

Mach II (For II & HE) 33.95

Mach III (with firing button) 42.95

HAYES MODEM

Micro-Model HE w/terminal package . . 279.00 KENSINGTON

System Saver/Fan & Surge Protection , . . 75.00 KOALA

Graphics Tablet 89.00

MICRO-MAX

View Max 80 (80 Col for II <■) 149.00

View Max 80E (80 Col W/64K Memory

Expands lo 128KI 139.00

ORANGE MICRO

Parallel Interlace (No Graphics) 61.00

Grappler * (Graphics Interface) 119.00

Grappler * 16K (Buffer and 5 lo 64K) . . 175.00

Buffer Board 135.00

TG PRODUCTS

Joy Stick—For Apple II • 38.00

Paddles 29.00

Selecta Port 38.00

VIDEX

Ultraterm 279.00

Videterm 179.00

STANDARD SIZE

Micro Sci A-2 (35TR)

OUR BEST BUY

Micro-Sci XL (35TR) ME« 179.00

Same as A-2 Except Plastic Case

</i SIZE

Super 5" "Green" Thmlme 163K 40TR

Belt Drive 189.00

Super 5 "Blue" Thmlme 163K 40TR

Direct Drive 199.00

Super 5 "Red" Thmlme t63K 40TR

Teac Drive 225.00

RANA

RANA 1 245.00

RANA 2 Dbl Sided 359.00

RANA 3 Quad Density 469.00

ALL DRIVES 1 YR. WARRANTY

APPLE DISK CONTROLLERS

Micro-Sci (35TR) 60.00

Generic (35TR) 50.00

Micro-Sci (40TR) 89.00

RANA 85.00

Minimum Shipping $3.00 in the Continental U.S.A.

TERMS Open account to state supported universities & companies with high Dun & Bradstreet rating.

Visa, MC, Check or Money Order U.S. funds only. Minimum order '15.00.

1780 West 2300 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84119

A

518 BYTE • JUNE 1984

Circle 148 on inquiry card.

I •OUU-040-^000

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

(Sometimes much later)

SHUGART

5V<" SA400 (35 TR) 160K 169.00

5V." SA400L (40 TR) 190K 189.00

5'/4" SA455L (40 TR) 320K Vi HGT 200.00

8" SA801R(SS/DD) 600K 355.00

QUME

5%" 142 (40 TR) 320K V, HGT 200.00

8" DT8 (842) 490.00

MITSUBISHI 8" M-2896-63 Thinlme 8" DS/DD 1 2 MG 419.00 8" M-2894-63(110V) Standard 8"

DS/DD 1 2 MG 419.00

CDC

5'/4" 9409-DS/DD 225.00

TANDON

5V." TM100-1 SS/DD 160K 150.00

5'/." TM100-2A DS/DD (320K)

FOR IBM-PC 209.00

TM101 -4 (96 TPI Quad Den) 339.00

8" TM848-2 (DS/DD) 1 2 MG 400.00

TM 100-4 (96 TPI Quad Den) 299.00

NEMAN'S

8" FD100-8 (SS/DD) 110V/ 801 R \ 169.00

8" FD100-8 (SS/DD) 220V\ Compatible ) 199.00

MPI

5'/4" B-51 40TR SS/DD 180K 169.00

5'/4" B-52 40TR DS/DD 320K

(FOR IBM PC) 180.00

8 CABINETS

8" DDC88V28 w/PS vertical for

2-8" drives 269.00

8" DDC88T-1 w/PS vertical-lor 2 or 4-8

thmlme drives 269.00

8" DDC88T-2 w/PS vertical for 2-8"

thmlme drives 155.00

8" DDC8V w/PS vertical lor 1 -8" drive . 249.00 8 DDC88H wPS Horizontal for

2-8" drives 269.00

5V." CABINETS 5"4" DDC5H w/PS honzontal-for

1-5'4" drive 55.00

5'." DDC5V w/PS vertical-lor 1 ea 5V drive

50.00

51 i" DDC55V w; PS vertical-for 2-5' 4" drives (NEW)

85.00

NEW SLIMLINE" DRIVE CABINET 5'." DDC55H'? w/PS horizontal for 2 ea

5'«" drive Specify DRIVE 75.00

All Cabinets Available with Extender Connector Add '10.00 ea

"""" 's.

GREEN

BMC 12AU (15MHZ) 80 Col/12" .. 80 00

USI PI-1 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/9" 11900

USI PI-2 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/12" '. 129.00

AMBER USI PI-4 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/80-Col/9" 125 00

USI PI-3 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/80 Col/12" .. 119.00

COLOR

Amdek 1-12" Composite (For Apple) ' 259.00

Amdek I * Composite w/audio 275.00

Amdek 11-12 -RGB (For IBM-PC) w/audio 419.00

BROTHER

HR-25 25 CPS Daisywheel

HR-1A 17 CPS Daisywheel 3K Buff

DATA-SOUTH

DS 180 180CPS/Serial or Par/Tractor 1 DAISYWRITER

Daisywriter 2000-48K Buffer/20TO40CPS Letter Quality Par or Serial 1

DIABLO

620 (25CPS/Sena

630 (40CPS/Multi-IF) 1

030 ECS/IBM 2

DYNAX Dynax-15 Par-13CPS Daisywheel

2 color PTG-3K buff Dynax 15 Serial-13CPS Daisywheel

EPSON FX80 (160 CPS-Par 10' FX100 (160 CPS-Par 15") ..

C. ITOH

Pro-writer I (8510A) Par 120 CPS

Pro-writer I (8510A) Serial 120 CPS

F-10 40CPS/Diablo/Par or Serial 1

F-10 55CPS/Diablo/Par or Serial 1

F10 Tractor

JUKI 6100-18CPS/Diablo Compatible

Par/Daisywheel

MANNESMAN-TALLY

Spirit 80CPS Par 10"

160L (160CPS-40CPS Letter Quality 10") 180L (160CPS-40CPS Letter Quality 15") NEC

NEC2010 20CPS Senal Daisywheel

NEC2050 20CPS for IBM Daisywheel . 1

NEC3550 35CPS for IBM 1

NEC7710 55CPS Serial Daisywheel ... 1 NEC7715 55CPS Diablo Compatible Daisywheel 1

359.00 529.00 125.00 425.00 469.00

330.00 599.00 839.00

950.00 ,050.00

,85000 ,995.00

OUR BEST BUY

RITEMAN - Briefcase Size - 120 CPS

Par Port - Epson Compatible 289.00

1 Year Warranty

OUR BEST BUY

OUR BEST BUY FOR APPLE SAKATA SC-100 Best Composite Video for Apple According to Creative Computing Analysis 275.00

OUR BEST BUY FOR IBM Princeton HX-12-RGB (For IBM-PC) .... 469 00II

OKI-DATA

Microline 82A (SER & PAR-120CPS 10") Microline 83A (SER & PAR-120CPS 15") Microline 92 (PAR-160CPS-LTR-10") . . Microline 93 (PAR-160CPS-LTR-15") . . Microline 84P (PAR-200CPS-LTR-15") . Microline 84S (SER-200CPS-LTR-15"l .

STAR MICRONICS Gemini 10X NEW VERSION

(PAR-120CPS-10")

Gemini 15X (PAR-120CPS-15")

Gemini Delta 10 (Par-160CPS-10"

8K buffer serial)

Star Radix 10 (Coming Soon)

SILVER REED EXP 550P-17CPS Daisywheel-PAR .... EXP 550S-17CPS Daisywheel-Serial . . .

TOSHIBA P1340 - Smaller version of 1350 / 10 Carr 112 CPS Draff Mode / 54 CPS Ltr Quality (List Price $1395) P-1350 — 192 CPS Draft Mode / 120 CPS

Ltr Quality / Specify Par or Serial

P-1351/1360 — Same as 1350 and has Downloadable Font"

CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL

CALL CALL

CALL CALL

650.00 680.00

age / CALL

CALL CALL

IBM PC-1 — Includes 64K RAM, 1 ea. 320K Disk

Drive 1,995.00

IBM PC-2—Includes 64 RAM, 2 ea. 320K Disk

Drive 2,250.00

IBM PC-3—Includes 256K RAM, 2 ea. 320K Disk Drive, IBM Mono Adapter, IBM Mono

Display 2,999.00

IBM PC-4—Includes 256K RAM, 2 ea, 320K Disk Drive, Peacock Color Card, Princeton HX 12

Display 3,395.00

IBM-XT • 128K RAM • 1 ea 320K F.D. • 1 ea.

10MG Hard Disk 4,695.00

8087 CPU 198.00

Minimum Shipping $3.00 TOLL FREE 1-800-545-2633

in the Continental U.S.A.

PC-2000 — Basic Mainframe 995.00

FEATURES • 5 Slot Mother Bd W/64K (Expands to 256K)

• Power Supply w/Fan

• Lo-Profile Keybd - 96 Key

• 2 ea Serial • 1 ea PAR

• Space for 4 ea. '/; HGT Drives or 2 Full Size.

• Will run PC/DOS or MS/DOS

• Will run all MS/DOS Compatible Software

PC-2001 — Includes 64K RAM, 1 ea.

320K F.D 1,395.00

PC-2002 — Includes 64K RAM, 2 ea.

320K F.D 1,650.00

PC-2003 — Includes 256K RAM, 2 ea. 320K F.D., Video CD. 12" 310A Mono Display .... 1,995.00 PC-2004 — Includes 256K RAM, 2 ea. 320K F.D., Color Cd, Princeton Color Monitor 2,499.00

£*

Apple" Apple Trademark oi Apple Compuler

IBM Trademark of Inicnahonai Busrieis Mac CotipuP'o'' ComouPro Trademark ol Goabout Eie<

Prices subject to change without notice

IT

T

1780 West 2300 South Salt Lake Citv. Utah 84119

Circle 148 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 519

64K DYNAMIC 200 ns

16K DYNAMIC 250 ns

STATIC RAMS

2101

5101

2101-1

2102L-4

2102L-2

2125

2111

2111L , 2112

2114

2114-25

2114L-4

2114L-3

2114L-2 I TC5514

TC5516

2147 I TMS4044-4

TMS4044-3

TMS4044-2

UPD410

MK4118

TMM2016-200

TMM2016-150

TMM2016-100

HM6116-4

HM6116-3

HM6116-2

HM6116LP-4

HM6116LP-3

HM6116LP-2 l TMS4016 | 2-6132

HM6264P-15

HM6264LP-1?

356 X 256 X 1024 x 1024 X 1024 x 1024 x 256 X 256 x 256 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 1024 x 2046 x 4096x 4096 x 4096 x 4096 x 4096 x 1024 x 2048 x 2048 x 2048 X 2048x 2048 x 2048 x 2048 X 2048 X 2048 X 2048 X 4096 X 6192 X 8192 X

LP = Low Power

(450ns) (450ns) (450ns) (450ns) (250ns) ( 45ns) (450ns) (250ns) (450ns) (450ns) (250ns) (450ns) (300ns) (200ns) (650ns) (250ns) ( 55ns) (450ns) (300ns) (200ns) (100ns) (100ns) (200ns) (150ns) (100ns) (200ns) (150ns) (120ns) (200ns) (150ns) (120ns) (200ns) (300ns) (150ns) jlSOns) Ostat =

(LP) (LP)

(LP)

(LP)

(LP)

(LP)

(cmos)

(cmos)

(cmos)

(cmos)

(cmos)

(cmos) (LP)

(cmos) (LP)

(cmos) (LP)

(cmos)

(Ostat)

(cmos)

(cmos)

Quasi-Static

1.95 3.95 .89 .99 1.49 2.95 2.49 ! 2.95 2.99 8/9.95 8/10.95 , 8/12.95 8/13.45 8/13.95 2.49 9.95 4.95 3.49 3.99 4.49 3.95 9.95 4.15 4.95 6.15 4.75 [ 4.95 895 5.95 6.95 10.95 6.95 34.95 39.95 | 49.95

EPROMS

1702

I 2708

12758

I 2716-6 2716 2716-1 TMS2516 TMS2716 TMS2532 2732 2732-250 2732-200

I 2732A-4 2732A

I 2732A-2

12764

I 2764-250

1 2764-200

ITMS2564

1 MCM68764 MCM68766 27128-30 27128

15v Single 5

256x8 1024x8 1024x8 2046 x 8 2048 X 8 2048x8 2048 x 8 2048x8 4096x8 4096x8 4096 x 8 4096 X 8 4096 X 8 4096x8 4096 x 8 8192x8 8192x8 8192x8 8192x8 8192x8 8192x8 16384x8 16384x8 Volt Supply

(1us) (450ns) (450ns) (5v) (650ns) (450ns) (5v) (350ns) (5v) (450ns) (5v) (450ns) (450ns) (5v) (450ns) (5v) (250ns) (5v) (200ns) (5v) (450ns) (5v)(21vPGM) (250ns) (5v)(21vPGM) (200ns) (5v) (21 vPGM) (450ns) (5v) (250ns) (5v) (200ns) (5v) (450ns) (5v) (450ns) (5v) (24pin) (350ns) (5v) (24pin) (300ns) (5v) (250ns) (5v)

21vPGM Program at

4.50

3.95

5.95

2.95

3.95

5.95

5.50

7.95

5.95

4.95

8.95

11.95

6.95

9.95

13.95 |

6.95

7.95

19.95

14.95

39.95

42.95

29.95

34.95

DYNAMIC RAMS

F* • • •HIGH-TECH* • • *1

SSI 263 SPEECH SYNTHESIZER

TMS4027 2107 MM5280 TMS4060 UPD411 TMS4050 MK4108 MM5298 4116-300 I 4116-250 4116-200 4116-150 4116-120 2116 MK4332 4164-200 4164-150 4164-120 MCM6665 TMS4164-15 TMS4416 41256

4096x1 4096x1 4096x1 4096x1 4096x1 4096x1 8192 X 1 8192x1 16384x1 16384x1 16364x1 16364x1 16364x1 16364x1 32766 X1 65536 X1 65536 X1 65536x1 65536 X 1 65536 X 1 16364x4 262144x1

(250ns)

(200ns)

(300ns)

(300ns)

(300ns)

(300ns)

(200ns)

(250ns)

(300ns)

(250ns)

(200ns)

(150ns)

(120ns)

(150ns) (5v)

(200ns)

(200ns) (6v)

(150ns) (5v)

(120ns) (5v)

(200ns) (5v)

(150ns) (5v)

(150ns) (5v)

(200ns) I5v)

5v = Single 5 volt supply

6800

68000

6800

6802

6803

6808

6809E 16809 16810 16820 16821 16626 16840 16843 16844 I 6845

6847

6850

6852

6860

6875

6880

6883

68047 | 66488 6800

49.95 I

2.95 I

7.95 I

19 95 I

13.90 I

14.95

11.95 I

2.95 I

4.35 I

2.95 I

14.95 I

12.95 I

34.95

25.95

14.95 I

11.95

3.25

5.75 1

7.95 1

6.95

2.25 I

22.951

24.95 1

19.95 |

1MHZ

r 6500 ^

1 MHZ

6502

4.95

6504

6.95

6505

8.95

6507

9.95

6520

4.35

6522

6.95

6532

9.95

6545

22.50

6551

11.85

2 MHZ

6502A

6.95

6522A

9.95

6532A

11.95

6545A

27.95

6551A

11.95

3 MHZ

l6502B

9.95^

DISC I CONTROLLERS I

66800

10.95

68B02

22.25

68B09E

29.95

68B09

29.95

68B10

6.95

68B21

6.95

68B40

19.95

68B45

19.95

68B50

5.95

, 68B00

2 MHZ .

1771 1791 1793 1795 1797 2791 2793 2795 2797 6843 8272 UPD765 MB8876 MB8877 1691 12143

16.95 1 24.95 I 26.95 I 29.95 I 49.95 I 54.95 54.95 59,95 I 59.95 1 34.95 I 39.95 I 39.95 I 29.95 I 34.95 I 17.951 18.95J

14

1.95 I

1.95

1.95

1.95

1.(

1.95

1.85

8/11.75

8/7.95

8/12.95

8(14.95

8/29.95

4.95

9.95

5.95

6.95

895

8.95

8.95

9.95

CALL

• MICROPROCESSOR COMPATIBLE | * 5 8-BIT CONTROL REGISTERS * ENHANCE YOUR MOCKINQBOARD OR BUILD STEVE CIARCIA'S SWEET TALKER II QQ ft (BYTE MARCH '84) 0<J-<J

l* • • • SPOTLIGHT • * * *j

* computer managed inventory — uirtuaily no bacH orders!

* very competitive prices!

* Friendly staff!

Fast service — most orders shipped within 24 hours!

r 8000 ^

8035

5.95

8039

5.95

INS 8060

17.95

INS 8073

49.95

8060

3.95

8085

4.95

8085A-2

11.95

8086

24.95

8087

CALL

6088

29.95

8089

69.95

6155

6.95

8155-2

7.95

8156

6.95

8165

29.95

8185-2

39.95

6741

29.95

8748

24.95

18755

24.95

8200

CRT I CONTROLLERS

6845

14.95

68B45

19.95

HD46505SP

15.95

6847

11.95

MC1372

6.95

68047

24.95

8275

29.95

7220

99.95

CRT5027

19.95

CRT5037

24.95

TMS9918A

39.95

.DP8350

49.95.

18202 18203 8205 18212 18214 18216 18224 18226 18228 18237 I 8237-5 18238 18243 18250 18251 18253 I 8253-5 18255 18255-5 18257 18257-5 18259 I 8259-5 18271 18272 18275 18279 18279-5 18282 18283 18284 18286 18287 18288 18289 L8292

24.95

39.95

3.50

1.80

3.85

1.75

2.25

1.80

3.49

19.95

21.95

4.49

4.45

10.95

4.49

6.95

7.95

4.49

5.25

7.95

8.95

6.90

7.50

79.95

39.95

29.95

8.95

10.00

6.50

6.50

5.50

6.50

6.50

25.00

49.95

Z-80

2.5 Mhz

Z80-CPU

Z80-CTC

Z80-DART

Z80-DMA

Z80-PIO

Z80-SIO/0

Z80-SIO/1

Z80-SIO/2

Z60-SIO/9

3.95 I 3.95 I 10.95 I 14.95 I 3.95 I 11.95 I 11.95 1 11.95 I 11.95

4.0 Mhz

zeoA-cpu

4.49

Z80A-CTC

4.95

Z80A-DART

9.95

Z80A-DMA

12.95

Z80A-PIO

4.49

Z80A-SIO/0

12.95

Z80A-SIO/1

12.95

Z80A-SIO/2

12.95

Z80A-SIO/9

12.95

6.0 Mhz

Z80B-CPU

Z80B-CTC

Z80B-PIO

Z80B-DART

Z80B-SIO/2

ZILOG

Z6132 34.95 I

9.95

12.95 12.95 19.95 39.95

CRYSTALS

32.768 khz

1.95

1.0 mhz

3.95

1.8432

3.95

2.0

2.95

2.097152

2.95

2.4576

2.95

3.2768

2.95

3.579545

2.95

4.0

2.95

5.0

2.95

5.0688

2.95

5.185

2.95

5.7143

2.95

6.0

2.95

6.144

2.95

6.5536

2.95

8.0

2.95

10.0

2.95

10.738635

2.95

14.31818

2.95

15.0

2.95

16.0

2.95

17.430

2.95

18.0

2.95

18.432

2.95

20.0

2.95

22.1184

2.95

^2.0

2.95

CMOS

UARTS

IAY5-1013 1AY3-1015 JPT1472 ITR1602 12350 12651 IM6402 IM6403 INS8250

3.95 6.95 9.95 3.95 9.95 8.95 7.95 8.95 10.95

GENERATORS BIT-RATE

11.95 1

11.95

12.95

16.95

10.95

10.95

MC14411 BR1941

14702

ICOM5016 COM8116

1 MM5307

FUNCTION

1 MC4024 3.95 I

LM566 1.49

I XR2206 3.75 I

18038 3.95 J

MISC.

I UPD7201

TMS99532

ULN2003

3242

3341

MC3470

MC3480

11C90

95H90

2513-001 UP L.2513-002 LOW

29.95 I 29.95 I 2.49 I 7.95 I 4.95 I 4.95 1 9.00 I 13.95 I 7.95 I 9.95 I 9.95J

CLOCK CIRCUITS

IMM5314

IMM5369

IMM5369-EST

IMM5375

IMM58167

IMM58174

L.MSM5832

4.95 3.95 4.25 I 4.95 I

12.95 I 11.95 I 3.95 I

14.95AZ8671

KEYBOARD CHIPS

I AY5-2376 11.95 1

AYS-3600 11.951

LaYS-3600 PRO II.95J

4000

.29

4001

.25

4002

.25

4006

.69

4007

.29

4008

.95

4009

.39

4010

.45

4011

.25

4012

.25

4013

.38

4014

.79

4015

.39

4016

.39

4017

.69

4018

.79

4019

.39

4020

.75

4021

.79

4022

.79

4023

.29

4024

.65

4025

.29

4026

1.65

4027

.45

4028

.69

4029

.79

4030

.39

4034

1.95

4035

.85

4040

.75

4041

.75

4042

.69

4043

.85

4044

.79

4046

.85

4047

.95

4049

.35

4050

.35

4051

.79

4053

.79

4060

.89

4066

.39

4068

.39

4069

.29

4070

.35

4071

.29

4072

.29

4073

.29

4075

.29

4076

.79

4078

.29

4081

.29

4082

.29

4085

.95

4086

.95

4093

.49

4098

2.49

4099

1.95

14409

12.95

14410

12.95

14411

11.95

14412

12.95

14419

7.95

14433

14.95

4502

.95

4503

.65

4508

1.95

4510

.85

4511

.85

4512

.85

4514

1.25

4515

1.79

4516

1.55

4518

.89

4519

.39

4520

.79

4522

1.25

4526

1.25

.4527

1.95

4528

4531

4532

4538

4539

4541

4543

4553

4555

4556

4581

4582

4584

4585

4702

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

74C163

74C164

74C165

74C173

74C174

74C175

74C192

74C193

74C195

74C200

74C221

74C244

74C373

74C374

74C901

74C902

74C903

74C905

74C906

74C907

74C908

74C909

74C910

74C911

74C912

74C914

74C915

74C918

74C920

74C921

74C922

74C923

74C925

74C926

74C928

74C929

1.191

.95 I

1.95 I

1.95 I 1.95 I 2.64 I

1.19 I

5.79 I

.95 I

.95 I

1.95 I

1.95 I

.75 I

.75 I

12.95 I

.35 I

.35 I

.35 I

.35 I

.35 I

.59 I

.35 I

35

39

1.29 I

1.99 I

.65 I

.65 I

.80 I

1.95 I

1.95 I

.39 I

4.50 I

1.19 I

1.75 I

.99 I

.89 I

5.75 I

2.25 I

3.25 I

1.75 I

1.19 I

1.19 I

1.19 I

1.19 I

1.39 I

2.00 I

.79 I

1.19 I

1.19

1.49

1.49 I

1.39

5.75 I

1.75 I

2.25

2.45

2.45

.39

.85

.85

10.95 I

.95

1.00 I

2.00 I

2.75 I

9.95

8.95 I

8.95 I

1.95

1.19

2.75

17.95

15.95

4.49

4.95

5.95

7.95

7.95 I

19.95A

Microdevices

i. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) (408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110

© Copyright 1984 JDR Microdevtces

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sa

Sat. 10-3

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING

TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling include S2.50 for UPS Ground and S3.50 for UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please contact our sales department for the amount. CA residents must include 6% sales tax. Bay Area and LA residents include 6' Vo Prices subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale.

520 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 176 on inquiry card.

2764

8Kx8EPROM 450 ns

s695 27128-30

16K x 8 EPROM 300 ns

$2995

BARGAIN HUNTERS CORNER

fc/vtA 350ns

• "A" VERSION PROGRAMS AT 21 VOLTS.

• FAST! 350ns ACCESS TIME

4.95«... 100/4.45

ZIF SOCKETS

*CACH

Z-80 SPECIALS!

Z-80ACPU . . 2.95

Z-80A-CTC 'jjA.k|SV^ 2.95 Z-80A-PI0 f¥fM^\... . 2.95

SPECIALS END 7/31/84

TRANSISTORS ]

2N918

.SO

MPS3706

.15

MPS918

.25

2N3772

1.85

2N2102

.75

2N3903

.25 ]

2N2218

.50

2N3904

.10

2N2218A

.50

2N3906

.10

2N2219

.50

2N4122

.25

2N2219A

.50

2N4123

.25 1

2N2222

.25

2N4249

.25

PN2222

.10

2N4304

.75 I

MPS2369

.25

2N4401

.25 I

2N2484

.25

2N4402

.25 1

2N2905

.50

2N4403

.25

2N2907

.25

2N4857

1.00

PN2907

.125

PN4916

.25 I

2N3055

.79

2N5086

.25

30S5T

.69

PN5129

.25

2N3393

.30

PN5139

.25

2N3414

.25

2N5209

.25

2N3563

.40

2N6028

.35 I

2N3S65

.40

2N6043

1.75

PN3S65

.25

2N604S

1.75 I

MPS3838

.25

MPS-A05

.25

MPS3640

.25

MPS-A06

.25

PN3643

.25

MPS-A55

.25

PN3644

.25

TIP29

.65

MPS3704

.15

TIP31

.75 I

TIP32

.79J

He SOCKETS^

1-99 100

8 pin ST

.13 .11

14 pin ST

.1$ .12

16 pin ST

.17 .13

18 pin ST

.20 .18

20 pin ST

.29 .27

22 pin ST

.30 .27

24 pin ST

.30 .27

28 pin ST

.40 .32

40 pin ST

.49 .39

64 pin ST

4.25 cell

ST ■ SOLDERTAIL

8 pin WW

.59 .49

14 pin WW

.69 .52

16 pin WW

.69 .58

18 pin WW

.99 .90

20 pin WW

1.09 .98

22 pin WW

1.391.28

24 pin WW

1.491.35

I 28 pin WW

1.691.49

40 pin WW

1.991.80

I WW = WIREWRAP

RF mODULATOR

(ASTEC UM1082) QUANTITIES LIMITED

* PRESET TO CHANNEL 3

* USE TO BUILD TV-COMPUTER INTERFACE

* +5 VOLT OPERATION

NOW ONLY

$695

ZIF = Zero

Insertion! Force

[ OPTOISOLATORS ]

4N26

1.00

MCA-7 4.25

4N27

1.10

MCA-255 1.75

4N28

.69

IL-1 1.25

I 4N33

1.75

ILA-30 1.25

I 4N3S

1.25

ILQ-74 2.75

4N37

1.25

H11C5 1.25

MCT-2

1.00

TIL-111 1.00

[MCT6

1.50

TIL-113 1.75 J

RESISTORS

'/4 WATT 5% CARBON FILM

ALL STANDARD VALUES

FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEG OHM

50 PCS. SAME VALUE .03

100 PCS. SAME VALUE .02

1000 PCS. SAME VALUE .01

f BYPASS CAPS 1

.01 UF DISC

100/6.00

.01 UF MONOLITHIC

100/12.00

.1 UF DISC

100/8.00

L.1UF MONOLITHIC

100/15.00J

1N751 1N759 1N4148 1N4004 KBP02 KBP04 . VM48

DIODES

5.1 volt zener 12.0 volt zener (1N914) switching 400PIV rectifier 200PIV1.5amp bridge 400PIV1.5amp bridge Dip-Bridge

f MUFFIN FANS

4.68 "Square

3.125'Square

14.95 14.95

HEAT SINKS

TO-3 style TO-220 style

.95 .35

SWITCHES

SPDT mini-toggle DPDT mini-toggle I SPST mini-pushbutton

1.25

1.50

.39

LED LAMPS

LED DISPLAYS

JUMBO RED JUMBO GREEN JUMBO YELLOW LED MOUNTING .HARDWARE

HP 5082-7760

MAN 72

MAN 74

FND-357 (359)

FND-500 (503) I FND 507(510) lTIL-311 4x7

DIP

SWITCHES

HEX W/LOGIC 9.95 I

4 POSITION

5 POSITION

6 POSITION

7 POSITION

i 8 POSITION

UNIT PRICE 5.95 5.95 7.95 8.95 10.95

CAPACITORS

TANTALUM

6V 10V 15V 20V 25V

35V

.22uf

.40

.27

.40

.33

.40

.47

.35

.50

.68

.45

1.0

.40

.40

.45

.45

1.5

.45

.50

1.8

.75

2.2

.35

.40

.45

.65

2.7

.40

.45

.90

3.3

.45

.50

.55

.60

.65

3.9

.45

4.7

.45

.55

.80

.65

.85

6.8

.70

.75

10

.55

.65

.80

.85

.90

1.00

12

.65

.85

.90

15

.75

.85

.90

18

1.25

22

1.00

1.35

27

2.25

39

1.50

47

1.35

56

1.76

100

3.25

270

3.75

DISC

10pl 50V .05 470 50V .05

22 50V .05 560 50V .05

25 50V .05 660 50V .05

27 50V .05 620 50V .05

33 50V .05 .001 uf 50V .05

47 50V .05 .0015 50V .05

56 50V .05 .0022 50V .05

68 50V .05 .005 50V .05

82 50V .05 .01 50V .07

100 50V .05 .02 50V .07

220 50V .05 .05 50V .07

330 50V .05 .1 12V .10

.1 50V .12

MONOLITHIC

.1uf-mono 50V .18 .47ul-mono 50V .25 .047ul-mono 50V .15 .Olulmono 50V .14

ELECTROLYTIC

RADIAL 50V

14 1uf

25V .14 4.7

35V .15 10

50V .15 10

50V .15 22

35V .18 47

18V .18 100

35V .20 100

25V .30 150

16V .60 220

AXIAL

COMPUTER GRADE

550 1000 1500 44,000ul 30V 3.95 6000

50V .14

16V .14

16V .14

50V .16

16V .14

50V .20

15V .20

35V .25

25V .25

25V .30

16V .40

16V .42

16V :60

16V .70

16V .65

JDR Microdevices

1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128

800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA)

(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110

c Copyright 1984 JDR Microdevices

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE

HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sat.

Sat. 11-3

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING TERMS: For shipping Include $2 tor UPS Ground or $3 for UPS Blue Label Air. Items over 5 pounds require additional shipping charges. Foreign orders, include sufficient amount for shipping. There is a $10 minimum order. Bay Area and Los Angeles Counties add 6Va% Sales Tax. Other California residents add 6% Sales Tax. We reserve the right to substitute manufacturer. Not responsible for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change without notice. We wtll n beat any competitor's price provided It Is not below our cost.

522

IUNE 1984

Circle 177 on inquiry card.

8Kx8EPROM 450 ns 24 PIN

$39" SSI 263

SPEECH SYNTHESIZER

$3995

CABINETS FOR SVa"

DISK DRIVES CABINET #1 s29.95

* Dimensions 8% x 5'Vn x 3'¥n"

* Color matches Apple

* Fits standard 5%"drives, inc. Shugart

* Includes mounting hardware and feet

CABINET #2 $79.00

* Complete with power supply, switch, line cord, fuse & standard power connector

* Dimensions: 11% x 5% x 3'%."

* +5V @ 1 AMP, +12V @ 1.5 AMP

* Please specify gray or tan

NOTE: Please include sufficient amount for shipping on above items.

MICROCOMPUTER HARDWARE HANDBOOK

FROM ELCOMP —$14.95

Over 800 pages of manufacturers data sheets on most commonly used IC's. Includes:

* TTL — 74/74LS and 74F

• CMOS

* Voltage Regulators

* Memory — RAM, ROM, EPROM

• CPU's — 6800, 6500, Z80,8080, 8085, 8086/8

• MPU support & interface — 6800,6500, Z80, 8200, etc.

TRANSFORMERS FRAME STYLE

12.6VAC 12.6VAC CT 12.6VACCT 12.6VACCT 25.2VAC CT

2amp 2amp 4amp 8amp 2amp

4.95 5.95 7.95 10.95 7.95

PLUG CASE STYLE

12VAC 250ma 3.95

12VAC 500ma 4.95

12VAC lamp 5.95

12VAC 2a mp 6.95

DC ADAPTER

6,9,12 VDC selectable with unlveral adapter 8.95

Please include sufficient amount for shipping on above Items.

DISK DRIVES TAN DON

TM100-1 5V'4"(FORIBM)SS/DD 199.00

TM100-25V4"(FORIBM)DS/DD 219.00

MPI

MP-525V4"(FORIBM)DS/DD 249.00

TEAC

FD-55B Vi "HEIGHT DS/DD 189.00

SHUGART

SA400L5V4*(40TRACK)SS/DD 199.95

8 "DISK DRIVE

FD 100-8 BY SIEMENS, SHUGART 801 EQUIV. SS/DD — 10/S149 EA. $169.00

FD 200-8 BY SIEMENS, SHUGART 851 EQUIV. SS/DO — 10/S220 EA. $239.00

TANDON SV4 '

TEAC HALF HEIGHT Please Include sufficient amount for shipping on above Items.

{MasterCard]

ORDER TOLL FREE

800-538-5000

MSMSttEl^

RIBBON CABLE

CONTACTS

(CAIIFORHID RESIDENTS)

CENTRONICS

IDCEN36 Ribbon Cable 36 Pin Male 8.95 I

IDCEN36/F Ribbon Cable 36 Pin Female 8.95

CEN36 Solder Cup 36 Pin Male 7.95 J

10

.50

16

.55

20

.65

25

.75

26

.75

34

.98

40

1.32

50

1.38

SINGLE COLOR

COLOR CODED

BEST SELLING BOOKS

OSBORNE/MC GRAW-HILL

I Apple II User'sGulde ,. 16.95

CRT Controller's Handbook 9.95

68000 Assembly Language

Programming 16.99

I CBASIC UserGuide 15.00

SYBEX

I Z-80 Applications 15.95

IBM PC PRO DOS Handbook 16.95

, Programming the 8086/8088 15.95

The Best of IBM PC Software 16.95

I Microprocessor Interfacing

Techniques 17.95

r EDGECARD

CONNECTORS

S-100ST

3.95

S-100WW

4.95

72 pin ST

6.95

72 pin WW

7.95

50 pin ST

4.95

44 pin ST

2.95

44 pin WW

4.95

DIP CONNECTORS

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

CONTACTS 18 20 22

24 28

HIGH RELIABILITY

TOOLED ST IC

SOCKETS

AUGATxx-ST .99 .99

1.99 2.49 2.99

COMPONENT

CARRIERS (DIP HEADERS)

.65

.75

1.00 1.25 1.25 1.35 1.50 2.10

RIBBON CABLE DIP PLUGS (IDC)

IDPxx

1.45 1.65

2.50

4.15

For order instructions see "IDC Connectors'' below.

D-SUBMINIATURE

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

9

15

CONTACTS 25

37

50

SOLDER CUP

MALE

DPxxP

2.08

2.69

2.50

4.80

6.06

FEMALE

DBxxS

2.66

3.63

3.25

7.11

9.24

RT. ANGLE

MALE

DBxxPR

1.65

2.20

3.00

4.83

—

PC HOLDER

FEMALE

DBxxSR

2.18

3.03

4.42

6.19

—

IDC RIBBON CABLE

MALE

IDBxxP

3.37

4.70

6.23

9.22

—

FEMALE

IDBxxS

3.69

5.13

6.84

10.08

...

HOODS

BLACK

HOOD-B

...

1.25

...

...

GREY

HOOD

1.60

1.60

1.25

2.95

3.50

TZ

wtw ww ww ■wiry i

it

MOUNTING HARDWARE - $1.00

For order instructions see "IDC Connectors" below.

IDC CONNECTORS

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

10

20

CONTACTS 26 34

40

50

SOLDER HEADER

IDHxxS

.82

1.29

1.68

2.20

2.58

3.24

RT. ANGLE SOLDER HEADER

IDHxxSR

.85

1.35

1.76

2.31

2.72

3.39

WW HEADER

IDHxxW

1.86

2.98

3.84

4.50

5.28

6.63

RT. ANGLE WW HEADER

IDHxxWR

2.05

3.28

4.22

4.45

4.80

7.30

RIBBON HEADER SOCKET

IDSxx

1.15

1.86

2.43

3.15

3.73

4.65

RIBBON HEADER

IDMxx

_.

5.50

6.25

7.00

7.50

8.50

RIBBON EDGE CARD

IDExx

2.25

2.36

2.65

3.25

3.80

4.74

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: Insert the number of contacts in the position marked "xx" of the "order by" part ^number listed. Example: A 10 pin right angle holder style header would be IDH10SR.

Copyright 1984 JDR Microde

Circle 177 on inquiry card.

IUNE 1984 -BYTE 523

FOR APPLE COMPUTER USERS

#

JDR Microdevices

JDR 16K RAM CARD FOR APPLE II+

Use

Expand your 48K Apple to 64K Fully compatible with Apple Language System in place of Apple Language card |* Highest quality card features: gold edge connector.

sockets for all IC's. * 2 YEAR WARRANTY

Kit with Instructions $40.95 I

Bare PC Card $14.95

$4495

GET SLIM IN 1984!

JDR HALF-HEIGHT DISK DRIVE

I * 35 Track if used with I Apple Controller I * 40 Track Controller and DOS Available (Call for Price)

$20995

Mfl SVSTCMS

IFD-35DISK DRIVE

FfS"

$199

95

I * Shugart Mechanism —

Made in U.S.A. I * Direct Replacement for

Apple Disk II | * Compatible with Apple

Controller or other Apple |

compatible controllers I * Specially designed

electronics with low power |

consumption I* DOS 3.3 and 3.2 compatible | * One Year Warranty

I CONTROLLER CARD

$69.95

MosterCard,

APPLE COItlPATIBLE POWER SUPPLY

• Use To Power Apple Type Systems

• +5V@4A + 12V@2.5A -5V@.5A -12V@.5A

• Instructions and Apple Power Connector Included.

$7995

BMC BmX-80 PRINTER

80 CPS Dot Matrix Printer Prints Bi-Directional in 40, 80, 71 or 142 Columns in Normal, Double Width or Compressed | Text.

Print Superscript As Well As Superb Graphics in Character| or Bit Image

$279

VIEWMAX-80 NOW ONLY *-\5995\

I* 80 Column Card for Apple ll + |

• Video Soft Switch

• Inverse Video I* 2 Year Warranty

VIEWMAX-80e NEIV$12995

I* 80 Column Card for Apple llel

• 64KRAMExpandableto128K 164K RAM Upgrade $4760

GRAPHMAX $12995|

• Hi Resolution Graphics

• Printer Card

• Centronics Parallel Interface

• Zoom, Rotation and More

Graphmax with Color Option 14995"

NASHUA DISKETTES

5V." WITH HUB RING

I MD1 SOFT SECTOR, SS/SD 19.95 I

I MD1D SOFT SECTOR, SS/DD 26.25

MD2D SOFT SECTOR. DS/DD 30.75

MD2F SOFT SECTOR. DS/QUAD DENSITY 45.00

I MD110 10 SECTOR HARD. SS/SD 19.95

| MD210D 10 SECTOR HARD. DS/DD 30.75 |

8" WITHOUT HUB RING

I FD1 SOFT SECTOR. SS/SD 24.75 I

| FD1D SOFT SECTOR, SS/DD 30.00 I

FD2D SOFT SECTOR. DS/DD 36.75.J

UERBATIM

DATALIFE DISKETTES

SS/DD SOFT SECTOR

$29.95

SS/DD 10 HARD SECTOR

$29.95

\5V*" DISKETTE] FILE

| * ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL | DISK STORAGE SYSTEM

| « 75 DISK STORAGE CAPACITY

| * MOLDED FROM DURABLE | SMOKED PLASTIC WITH FRONT CARRY- e-4 COO I ING HANDLE ID '

OTHER ACCESSORIES FOR APPLE II

ITHUNDERCLOCK $129.95|

l * Real-Time Clock Calendar

Software Included

Mountain Software Compatible I * BSR Control Options Available

[KRAFT JOYSTICK $39.95l

IVI0NIT0RS

BMC MONITOR STAND MODEL PA-900 Your Display Will

Tilt a swivel s29.95

MONOCHROME

|BMCbM12AUWGREEN12" S89.95

BMC BM12EUY18MHZ AMBER S1 39.95

BMC BM12EUN 18 MHZ HIGH RES GREEN S11 5.00 I NEC JB1201M-20MHZGREEN S1 69.00

| ZEN ITHzVM-123-15 MHZ GREEN NEWS105.00|

COLOR

BMC BM-AU9191U COMPOSITE 13 . . . S279.00 |

NO COO. ORDERS PLEASE

JDR Microdevices

S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128 800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA) (408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110

Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Corporation

VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE

=»S: M-VV-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sa

Sat. 10-3

PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING

TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling include $2 50 lor UPS Ground and S3 50 lor UPS Air Orders over 1 lb. and foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — piease contact our sales department tor the amount. CA residents must include 6% sales tai, Bay Area and LA residents include 6'/,%. Prices subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to substitute manufacturer. AM merchandise subject to prior sale. (El Copyright 1984 JDR Microdevices

524 BYTE • IUNE 1984

Circle 178 on inquiry card.

UNCLASSIFIED ADS

BYTE is concerned about software piracy. Unclassified ads proposing exchanges of software must specify that the software was written by the individual or is in the public domain. BYTE reserves the right to reject any unclassified ad that does not meet this criterion.

WANTED: Tax-exempt, nonprofit organization seeks computer, disk drives, printers, or whatever peripherals are available to institute listing and cross-indexing of individuals needing food, clothing, and shelter in their areas References and IRS information available on request, lesse F. Estlock, 132 Franklin St., Tiffin. OH 44883.

WANTED: Nonprofit organization that provides inexpensive, wholesome meals to the elderly and incapacitated in their own homes in the Germantown area of Philadelphia, needs a donation of a small computer to do payroll and inventory control. Help in learning to use it also needed. IRS information and references on request. Meals on Wheels Inc., c/o Margaret Steigner, 32A Brookside Dr., Lansdale. PA 19446. (2151 362-6197.

WANTED: Teacher of 20 educable, mentally disabled students with less than a $200 budget per year, needs a computer to help teach students. George Tassey. Windsor Forest High School. 12419 Largo Dr., Savannah, GA 31499.

WANTED: Tax-exempt, nonprofit Chamber of Commerce seeks tax-deductible donations of computers, modems, printers, and terminals. Certified receipts can be furnished Indianola Chamber of Commerce, 201 West Salem, Indianola, IA 50125, (515) 961-6269. call Alan collect

WANTED: Apple lie or equivalent for church use. Parts or complete system. Receive a tax deduction; we pay shipping Rev. David Massey, First-Meridian Heights Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis, IN 46205

NEEDED: The National Institute for Adult Education in Yucatan, Mexico, will receive any hardware or textbooks in English and Spanish to initiate computer education Alan Handleman. Apartado Postal #422, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

WANTED: An Apple users club in the vicinity of Riverton. Wyoming. 1 cannot connect by modem. Rod Ahlbrandt, 1104 Big Horn. Riverton, WY 82501.

WANTED: Student would greatly appreciate an unwanted, new. or used copy of 6502 Assembly language Programming (L Leventhal) and/or a copy of Beneath Apple DOS (Worth & Lechner). Willing to pay shipping. Michael Whitman, American EmbassyBuenos Aires. APO Miami, FL 34034.

FOR SALE: Wicat 150-3, three-user system, CRT, floppy disk, ^-megabyte memory, graphics board. MCS operating system. 10-megabyte disk, recently upgraded, 90-day factory-warranty intact: 314,100 list, asking $10,000 or best offer. Ed Neugass, Apt. A-1707. 1400 South loyce. Arlington. VA 22202. (703) 892-422 5 evenings.

WANTED: BYTE #4 (December 1975) Gary Case, 585 Big Sky Court, Colorado Springs, CO 80919. (303) 599-0744

WANTED: Nonworking 9-wire printhead for Centronics 737/739 printer, I need the round magnet that rotates under the Hall-effect transistor. Bob Swirsky, POB 122, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 295-4344,

FOR SALE: Z-80 starter kit with manual and expansion bus, very good condition: $200. Would also like to correspond with other 6800 people, Robert Smith, POB 41-10016, Michigan City, IN 46360.

WANTED: Would like to digitize pictures for educational applications. Have Shiba black-and-white video camera (Model AVI 5) and an Apple He. Need to know what hardware we need, and where and how to get it. T Rapp, c/o Summit School Inc.. 611 East Main St., Dundee, IL 60118

FOR SALE: IBM 3101 terminal Two years old, excellent condition: $800. Dr. Neer, Massachusetts General Hospital, Mineral Metabolism Unit. Bulfinch 4, Boston, MA 02114 (617) 726-3288.

WANTED: People to form an international Apple III user group. George H. Buch. c/o Buchan, Ravnsborggade 19, Copenhagen 2200 N. Denmark.

FOR SALE: IBM Selectric typewriter. Model 745 (Redactron), complete with transistor drivers and solenoids. Also includes 10-pitch type element. IBM Selectric I/O typewriter manual, maintenance manual, Redactron interface-building instructions, and Redactron Interface EPROM. Selling for $375 or best offer. Dennis Kamin, 104 Timber Lane, Collinsville, CT 06022, (203) 693-0043 evenings,

FOR SALE: S-100 computer system, CP/M. 5-sIot, SD Systems 3-card set, 64K. dual 8-inch drives, one serial, Centronics parallel with manuals: $1500. Also, 200-LPM-Tally 2200 Line Printers, full 132-column, upper- and lowercase, ASCII, Centronics parallel interface: both for $1500; one in perfect condition, other needs work. Frank Bennett. 5758 East Willowview Dr.. Camarilla CA 93010. (8051 987-9879.

FOR SALE: Three unused Multi-Tech modems, Model 2I2A, 1200/300 switchable data rate, originate, answer, auto-answer, full-duplex, synchronous, or asynchronous. Over $700 each new, will sell for $400 each. George F. Weiss. 127 Michael Dr., Red Bank. NI 07701. (201) 530-9553.

WANTED: APL mathematics public-domain programs that may be in cassettes for a recently acquired IBM 1500 D with 64 K to solve polynomial equations with complex coefficients that will plot simultaneous equations (f(x,y)-0, plot x-f(t). and y=g(t)). Harry D. Ruderman, 2624 Davidson Ave, New York, NY 10468, (212) 933-933-2650.

FOR SALE: Brother EP-20 personal electronic printer (5 by 7 dot matrix, correction, extra ribbons, and protective cover) brand new, barely used: asking $125, negotiable Willing to exchange for Atari equipment especially interface module or other parallel printer interface or Votrax SC-01-based speech-synthesis system. Ravi Subrahmanyan, Electrical Engineering Department. Duke University, Durham, NC 27706

WANTED: High school student wishes to buy new or used Mountain Computer Music Boards for Apple. Price negotiable. Also interested in other computer and electronic music paraphernalia like music boards, keyboards, and synthesizers I pay postage. Eric Rose, 18 Floral Dr., Hastings-on-Hudson. NY 10706, (914) 478-1418 weekdays after 5 p.m.

FOR SALE: TI-99 and TI-99/4A cassette-interface cables: $10. Send check or money order. Tim Anderson. 215 3rd Ave. S., Saint Cloud, MN 56301.

WANTED: Any unwanted computers or peripherals, for Apple lie or a TRS-80 Model III. I will pay for shipping and handling. Christopher C Caron, Stonewall Lane. Madison. CT 06443.

FOR SALE: Seawell maxi-motherboard (hobby version for AIM, SYM, SIM); Seawell 16K RAM board; Seawell floppy-disk controller and Problem Solvers 8K Memory Board Will sell separately or as a package ($600) or will exchange for IBM PC boards. I. Hofstee. Box 108, Windmill Point. Cornwall. Ontario K6H 4Z1. Canada. (613) 933-6080 ext. 334,

FOR SALE: Back issues of BYTE 1977 through 1983 (volumes 2 through 8) except lanuary and September 1979, and November 1982, All in excellent condition: $100 plus shipping. I E. Burchfield. 6 Bonus Hill Dr., Scotch Plains, NI 07076, (201) 757-9441

FOR SALE: LNW computer Model II equivalent, recently factory reconditioned. Two 5!/«-inch drives (40t Lobo, 80t Tandon), dual Shugart 8-inch drives, BMC KG-12C monitor, FACIT (Data Royal 9001) printer, 5/8 switch: $3600, Bruce Armstrong, 42 3 South Poplar St.. Centralia, IL 62801. (618) 533-3009.

FOR SALE: TRS-80 Model II with 64K memory and 416K storage, plus Radio Shack Model 500 highspeed printer: $3200 or best offer. Loren Chinea, 313 West 105th St.. New York, NY 10025. (212) 841-2475 days. (212) 866-5404 evenings.

WANTED: Information exchange with users of TRS-80 MC-10 computer |im Robinson. Apt. 220, 2915 Baseline Rd., Boulder. CO 80303. (303) 444-4437 after 2 p.m.

WANTED: High school student would like donated computer equipment, cards, peripherals, and any high-tech electronics. I will pay all postage. Bernard Boivin. 691 Rue des Cormiers, Dolbeau, Quebec G8L 1B4, Canada, (418) 276-2402.

WANTED: WordStar Customization Notes to buy or borrow. Need to patch WordStar for Dvorak keyboard layout—change menus, echos on menu selections, and CTRL key entries. Ben Cohen, Box 1674 Chicago, IL 60690.

FOR SALE: HP 87 personal computer 288K RAM. 5megabyte Winchester disk drive, 514-inch floppy-disk drive, dot-matrix printer, direct-connect modem. RS-2 32C serial interface, plotter, and I/O ROMs Covered by HP services contract. Originally over $10,000. asking $6250. R. G. Adelson. Burlington Woods Dr.. Burlington. MA 0180.3. (617) 229-2440 days.

FOR SALE: Four Tandon TM100-1A disk drives. $88 each, any or all. Qume OVT-102 terminal, green $475. Like new. L. Bassat. 9639 Dorothy Ave., South Gate, CA 90280, (213) 567-8758.

FOR SALE: Optimal Technology EP-2A-88 stand-alone EPROM programmer. Makes up to four copies of a master EPROM. 2732 and 2732A modules included; will program many other types: $400. Martin Kennedy. 309 Rena Dr.. Lafayette. LA 70503. (318) 233-8240 ext 509.

FOR SALE: Back issues of BYTE. 1976 to present: $1 per issue plus postage Available for 50C per issue: interface Age. Kilobaud Microcomputing. QST Ham Radio. and 73. Send SASE. loe Dubner. 865 South Haskett St.. Mountain Home ID 83647, (208) 587-9383,

WANTED: College student seeks computer and peripherals. Will pay shipping charges. Ed Crowley. 602 College Ave. Columbia, MO 65201, (314) 875-9061.

WANTED: Would like to trade noncopyrighted software for the TRS-80 Model 100 or Model III. Mark Deavult, Box 105, Churchview, VA 23032, (804) 758-2865.

FOR SALE: Heath H-27 floppy-disk subsystem: dual 8-inch drives, cabinet, power supply, controller, interface board for DEC LSI-11, cable: $200 freight collect. Paul Abrahams. 214 River Rd.. Deerfield, MA 01342. (413) 774-5500.

FOR SALE: Apple II + , 48K, 16K (4116s) RAM card, Apple drive with controller, DOS 3.3, manuals: $950 or will sell separately. Also, modified MEK 6800D2 kit, with 6802 MPU, 1-MHz crystal, 2716 EPROM programmer, employing a 6846 counter-timer—I/O and Z-l-F socket, fully buffered MPU board fully socketed, fully documented revisions: $3 50. Nate Wright, 3244 Blaisdell Ave S #202. Minneapolis, MN 55408, (612) 827-3314,

FOR SALE: Paper Tiger 440 dot-matrix printer plus Apple II parallel-interface card. Includes printer ribbons, cables, and all documentation: $300 or best offer. Also, Trendcom 100 thermal printer plus Apple II interface card and cable: $100 or best offer Art Mena, 10414 Rutgers Court. Cypress, CA 90630, (714) 761-2585.

FOR SALE: Apple Extended 80-column cards for Apple He: $99 each. 16K RAM cards with cable: $49 each. Dynamic RAMs 4164-200ns: $4.50 each 4116-200ns: $1 each. IC sockets 16-pin high-quality solder-tail: 100/$ 10. All items are new and are in original packages Ersin Caner, 2330 North Oliver #516, Wichita, KS 67220, (316) 683-2619.

UNCLASSIFIED POLICY: Vteaders who have computer equipment to buy. sell, or trade or who are requesting or giving advice may send a notice to BYTE for inclusion in the Unclassified Ads section. To be considered for publication, an advertisement must be noncommercial and nonprofit {individuals or bona fide computer clubs), typed double-spaced, contain 60 words or less, and include name and address. This is a free service: notices are printed as space permits. Your confirmation of placement is appearance in an issue of BYTE as we engage in no correspondence. Please allow at least four months for your ad to appear. Send your notices to BYTE. Unclassified Ads. POB 372. Hancock. NH 03449.

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 525

BOMB

BYTE's Ongoing Monitor Box

ARTICLE*

PAGE

1

111

2

115

3

126

4

131

5

136

6

142

7

146

8

154

9

162

10

187

11

215

12

223

13

233

14

243

15

255

16

279

17

287

18

303

19

321

20

327

21

341

22

353

23

367

24

387

25

405

ARTICLE AUTHOR(S)

The HP 110 Shapiro

Trump Card, Part 2: Software Ciarcia

Faster FORTH Greene

An Ada Language Primer, Part 1 Saib

Macintosh Pascal Vose

Build a Printer Buffer Bono

Apple FAX: Weather Maps on a Video Screen Sueker

Spreadsheet in BASIC Cerati

A Computer on Every Desk Osgood

Programming by Rehearsal Finzer.

Gould

Game Sets and Builders Piestrup

Cautions on Computers in Education Chorover

Languages for Students Masterson

Microcomputers in the Field Case

Kermit: A File-Transfer Protocol for

Universities. Part I: Design Considerations

and Specifications da Cruz,

Catchings

San Francisco's Exploratorium Markoff

Designing a Simulated Laboratory Peterson

Another Look at CP/M-80 C Compilers Kern

Archon Williams

The Chameleon Plus Krajewski

The Texas Instruments

Speech Command System Haas

Volition Systems' Modula-2 Eldred

Infoscope Bond

Computing at Chaos Manor:

A Superbusy Month Pournelle

BYTE West Coast: Lessons Learned Shapiro

THE WINS OF MARCH

lerry Poumelle's User's Column (beginning this issue, retitled Computing at Chaos Manor), "New Machines, Networks, and Sundry Software," won top billing in BYTE's March tally. $100 will be delivered to the prolific author. The Circuit Cellar project on how to "Build a ThirdGeneration Phonetic Speech Synthesizer" placed second, providing Steve Ciarcia with the $50 bonus. In third place is Peter R. S0rensen's "Simulating Reality with Computer Graphics." "Computer Simulation: What It Is and How It's Done" by Richard Bronson placed fourth in the March countdown, and in fifth place is Stan Miastkowski's review on "Microsoft Flight Simulator." BYTE congratulates these authors.

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526 BYTE • IUNE 1984

READER SERVICE

Inquiry No.

Page No.

10 12 14 393 15 16 17

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31

32 33 35 36 37

38 39

40

41 42 43 44 45 47 48 49

50 401

54 55 392 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

1st NATIONAL COMPUTER 479

1st PLACE SYSTEMS 62

800 SOFTWARE 69

A.ST. RESEARCH 25

A.T.&T. TECHNOLOGY 227

AT&T. TECHNOLOGY 228

A.T.6T. TECHNOLOGY 229

A.T.&T. TECHNOLOGY 230

AT&T. TECHNOLOGY 231

AT&T TECHNOLOGY 232

AB COMPUTERS 482

ACOM ELECTRONICS 492

ADDMASTER CORP. 461

ADV. ANALYTICS TECH 502

ADV. COMR PROD. 510. 511

ADV. SYS. CONCEPTS 408

ADV. TRANSDUCER DEVICES . . 451

ALF PRODUCTS, INC 40

ALL ELECTRONICS CORP. 430

ALLENBACH INDUSTRIES 27

ALLOY COMPUTER PRODUCTS . 277

ALPHA NUMERIC INTL 322

ALPHA OMEGA COMPUTER ... .66

AMARAY CORP 100

AMDEK CORP. 31

AMER. SQUARE COMR 440

AMPRO COMPUTERS INC 404

ANDERSON IACOBSON 80

ANDERSON-BELL 415

APPARAT INC 348, 349

APPLE COMPUTER INC CII. 1

APPLE COUNTRY LTD. 475

APPLEWARE. INC 454

APROPOS TECHNOLOGY 494

ARCHITECTURAL RECORD .... 417 ARTIFICIAL INTL. RESEARCH . . 496

AT&T LONG LINES 437

AVOCET 205

B & C MICROSYSTEMS 451

B&B ELECTRONICS 314

BASF SYSTEMS 47

BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC 74

BELL. IOHN ENGR 496

BETATOOL SYSTEMS 418

BG COMPUTER APPLICATIONS . 494

BINARY TECHNOLOGY 498

BIZCOMP 310

BORLAND INTL 72, 73

BORLAND INTL 95

BOTTOM LINE. THE 85

BOTTOM LINE. THE 359

BYTE BACK ISSUE 178

BYTE COMPUTER SHOW . . 252, 253 BYTE ADV. MESSAGE. 350, 351, 386

BYTE IBM ISSUE 442

BYTE INTL ADV SECTION 382

BYTE SUBSCRIBER NOTICE .... 390

BYTEK COMR SYS. CORP. 170

BYTEWRITER 226

C WARE 370

C-SYSTEMS 494

C. ITOH 335

C.S.D INC 238

CALIF. DIGITAL 516, 517

CALIF. MICRO COMR 182

CAPITAL EQUIPMENT CORP.. . .260

CDR SYSTEMS 451

CENNA TECHNOLOGY 87

CHROMOD ASSOC 498

CMA MICRO COMR DIV 438

COGITATE, INC 502

COM-TEC SERVICES, INC 490

COMMAND SERVICES CORP. . . 462 COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SYS. . . 476

COMMON LANGUAGE 197

COMR COMPNTS UNLTD 499

COMR COMPNTS. UNLTD. . 500, 501

COMPETITIVE EDGE 102

COMPUADD 492

COMPUADD 494

COMPUMAX 488

Inquiry No.

Page No.

358 70

73

74 75 76 77 78 79

80 81 82 83 386 84 85 86 87 88 89 90

91

92

398

379

93

94

190

95

96

97

98

377

99

365

366

102

368

369

397

104

105

106

107

110 111 112 113 114 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124

COMPU-MEDIA SUPPLIES 502

COMPUPRO 106. 107

COMPUPRO 395

COMPUSERVE 316, 317

COMPUTER CHANNEL 478

COMPUTER CONNECTION INC. . 480 COMPUTER DISCOUNT PROD. . . 477

COMPUTER FRIENDS 259

COMPUTER HUT OF N.E 203

COMPUTER INNOVATION 438

COMPUTER MAIL ORDER . 426, 427

COMPUTER PRICE CLUB 102

COMPUTER WAREHOUSE 195

COMPUTER-MATE, INC 251

COMPUTERS AND MORE 139

COMPUTERS FOR LESS 490

COMPUVIEW PROD. INC 263

COMPUVIEW PROD. INC 455

CONDOR COMR CORP. 135

CONROY-LAPOINTE 212, 213

CONROY-LAPOINTE 212, 213

CONROY-LAPOINTE 212, 213

CONTROL DATA 273

CORONA DATA SYS. 36, 37

COSMOS 81

CRE WHOLESALE PROD 492

CRE WHOLESALE PROD 492

CREATIVITY UNLTD 461

CROMEMCO 5

CUESTA 355

CUMANA LTD 439

CUSTOM COMR TECH 497

DAISY NET INTL 18

DANA COMPUTER DISCOUNT ... 82

DATA ACCESS CORP 447

DATA SPEC 167

DATA SPEC 210

DATA SPEC 210

DATA TRANSLATION 384

DATASHIELD 209

DATASOUTH COMR CORP. 70

DATASOUTH COMR CORP. .... 401

DAVIDGE CORP. 428

DAYFLO SOFTWARE 298

DAYFLO SOFTWARE 299

DEVI COMPUTER 355

DHL WORLDWIDE COURIER ... 389

DIGISOFT COMPUTERS INC 189

DIGITAL LABORATORIES 268

DIGITAL RESEARCH 28. 29

DIGITAL RESEARCH COMR 465

DIRECT SOFTWARE 419

DISKETTE CONNECTION 436

DISKWORLD INC 410

DISKWORLD, INC 490

DISKWORLD INC 492

DISKWORLD. INC 494

DISPLAY TELECOMMNCTNS. . . 495

DMA 222

DOKAY COMR PROD. INC . 508, 509

DOSS INDUSTRIES 262

DWIGHT CO., INC 454

DYNAX. INC 183

EASI SOFTWARE 496

EASTERN ENTERPRISES 403

ECOSOFT 156

EDGE MICRO SYSTEMS 451

Inquiry No.

Page No.

399 EDUCATIONAL MICROSYSTEMS 355

125 ELCOMP 460

126 ELECTRADE CO 494

127 ELECTRADE CO 496

128 ELLIS COMPUTING INC 171

• EMPIRICAL RESRCH GRR 282

131 EPSON AMERICA 324, 325

132 EXPERT COMPUTERS 489

133 EXPOTEK 493

134 EXTENDED PROCESSING 270

135 EXXON OFFICE SYS. 337

136 FABRICATION CONCEPTS INC. . 492

137 FALCON SAFETY PROD. 396

138 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING .... 269

139 FLOPPY DISK SERV. INC 485

381 FORTRON. INC 480

382 FORTRON, INC 480

141 FOX & GELLER INC 261

142 FUMTSU AMERICA 207

143 FUTECH INTL. CORP. 176

144 GENERAL TECHNOLOGY 149

395 GEOTEC 355

146 G&G ENGINEERING 377

146 GIFFORD COMR SYS ■. 377

147 GILTRONIX. INC 454

148 GREAT SALT LAKE COMP . 518, 519

149 GTEK INC 46

• H&E COMPUTRONICS 105

131 HANDWELL CORP. 481

407 HANDWELL CORP. 488

152 HASCO, INC 502

153 HAYES MICROCOMR PROD. .32. 33

• HAYES MICROCOMR PROD. ... 411 155 HEATH COMPANY 206

374 HELIX SYS. & DEVLP. CORP. ... 258

375 HELIX SYS. & DEVLP. CORP. ... 258

157 HITECH INTL. INC 490

158 HOLIDAY INNS. INC 338, 339

159 HOLLYWOOD HARDWARE .... 496

160 HP BOOKS 453

161 HUMAN DESIGNED SYSTEMS . . 315

371 I.B.C 17

372 I.B.C 17

163 IBM INSTRUMENTS 242

164 IBM NDD-SYS. SUPPLIES 302

405 IMAGE CORP. 416

376 INFOCOM 168, 169

• INMAC 97

• INMAC 449

• INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE (INSERT)

320 A-F

165 INTEGRAND 84

• INTEL CORP 20,21

166 INTERACTIVE STRUCT 345

404 INTERBUSINESS CORP. 416

167 INTERFACE INC 250

168 INTERFACE INC 250

169 INTERNATIONAL SOFTWARE . . 283

170 INTERTEC DATA SYS 15

171 IQ TECHNOLOGIES 175

172 IVIE COMPUTER CORP. 408

173 IADE COMP PROD. 503

174 IADE COMP. PROD. 504, 505

175 IAMECO ELECTR 140. 141

176 IDR MICRODEV1CES INC. . . 520. 521

177 IDR MICRODEVICES INC.. . 522. 523

178 |DR MICRODEVICES INC 524

TO GET FURTHER information on the products advertised in BYTE, fill out the reader seryice card with your name and address. Then circle the appropriate numbers for the advertisers you select from the list. Add a 20-cent stamp to the card, then drop it in the mail. Not only do you gain information, but our advertisers are encouraged to use the marketplace provided by BYTE. This helps us bring you a bigger 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.

179 180 181 182 183 184

185 186 187 188 189 383 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 400 387 202 203 205 204 206 207 391 208 209 394 210 211 212 213 380 214 389 215 216 217 218

219 220 222 223

224 225 338 226

227 228 229 230 406 231 232 233 235 236 237 238 378 239 240

IUKI INDUSTRY OF AMERICA . . 352

KAYPRO 363

KERN PUBLICATIONS 270

KEY TRONIC CORP. 48. 49

KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS 211

KOALA TECHNOLOGIES CORP. . 308 KORSMEYER ELECTR. DESIGN . . 34

LABORATORY MICROSYS 219

LANGLEY-ST. CLAIR 248

LAWSON LABS 490

LEADING EDGE PROD CIII

LIBERTY ELECTRONICS 271

LIBERTY GROUP INC 420

LOCKHEED-GETEX 373

LOGICAL DEVICES 26

LOGICAL DEVICES 496

LOGICAL MICROCOMPUTER ... 104

LOGITECH INC 86

LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS 173

LOTUS DEVELOPMENT 254

LYBEN COMP. SYS 430

LYBEN COMP. SYS 498

LYCO COMPUTER 487

MACRCTECH INTL 391

MACROTRON SYS 355

MACROTRON SYS 428

MANDINGO COMPUTER 434

MANX SOFTWARE SYS 23

MARKEL SERVICE. INC 436

MARON ENGINEERING LTD. ... 404

MARYMAC INDUSTRIES 498

MAYNARD ELECTRONICS 103

McGRAW-HILL BOOKSTORE ... 433

MC-P APPLICATIONS 179

MEMOREX MEDIA PROD. . 444, 445

META SYSTEMS 490

MET-CHEM INTL. CORP. 459

MFI ENTERPRISES INC 378

MICRO AGE COMP STORES INC. 366

MICRO CRAFT CORP. 409

MICRO DATA BASE 247

MICRO DESIGN INTL 45

MICRO EQUIPMENT CORP. 210

MICRO FOCUS 185

MICRO MANAGEMENT SYS 432

MICRO MART INC 284, 285

MICRO MINT 286

MICRO RIM 124, 125

MICRO-TAX 235

MICRODYNAM1CS 490

MICROMAIL 483

MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD. . .492

MICROSOFT CORP. 58, 59

MICROSOFT CORP. 240, 241

MICROSOFT CORP. 291

MICROSOFT CORP. 293

MICROSOFT CORP. 295

MICROSTUF, INC 201

MICROTECH EXPORTS 172

MICROTIME 76

MICROWARE 421

MID-AMERICA WHOLESALERS. .451 MID-AMERICA WHOLESALERS . 462 MIDWEST MICRO-PERIPHERALS . 22

MITSUBA 376

MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS 157

MOUSER ELECTRONICS 498

MULTIMATE INTL 220. 221

MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS 383

MUSYSCORR 431

MUSYSCORR 431

NATIONAL COMPUTER LTD. ... 101

NEC HOME ELECTR. USA 307

NEC HOME ELECTR. USA 309

NEC HOME ELECTR USA 311

NEC INFORMATION 425

NETWORK 490

NEW AMERICAN LIBRARY 83

NORTH HILLS CORP. 462

NORTH HILLS CORP. 498

NORTHWEST DIGITAL SYS 181

IUNE 1984 'BYTE 527

READER SERVICE

Inquiry No.

Page No.

242 O HANLON COMR SYS 407

243 OKIDATA 63

244 OKIDATA 265

245 OLYMPIA U.S.A. INC 413

246 OPEN SYSTEMS INC 88. 89

384 OREGON SOFTWARE 123

247 ORYX SYSTEMS 466, 467

248 PACIFIC EXCHANGES .... 451, 458. 459. 460. 461. 494. 496. 498. 502

249 PAN AMERICAN ELEC INC 502

250 PANASONIC SENIOR PARTNER . . 77 252 PC PIPELINE 490

• PERSONALIZED COMR PAPER . . 226

373 PERSYST 144, 145

254 PIPELINE COMPUTER .... 506. 507

255 P.I.S 459

256 PLUM HALL INC 174

257 POLAROID CORP 158, 159

260 PRACTICAL PERIPH 61

261 PRACTICAL PERIPH 249

262 PRACTICAL PERIPH 429

263 PRECISION DATA 494

264 PRENTICE HALL INC 152. 153

265 PRIMAGES INC 93

266 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS 320

267 PRIORITY ONE 512, 513

267 PRIORITY ONE 514, 515

268 PRO MICROSYSTEMS 496

269 PROFESSIONAL DATA SERV.... 502

270 PROMETHEUS PRODUCTS 333

271 PURCHASING AGENT. THE 432

272 PURPLE COMPUTING 494

273 QANTEX DIV. 340

274 QUADRAM CORP. 19

275 QUADRAM CORP. 114

Inquiry No.

Page No.

276

QUADRAM CORP

245

•

277

QUANT SYSTEMS

460

309

278

QUARK INCORPORATED

.57

310

279

QUBIE DISTRIBUTING

. 347

311

280

QUCES

30

312

281

RADIO SHACK

CIV

313

390

RCA

272

457

317

283

RELMS

319

284

RING KING VISIBLES. INC. . . .

64

•

285

RINGER PRODUCTS

92

321

286

RIXON

. 189

322

287

ROGERS LABS

180

323

288

ROLAND CORP.

55

324

289

S-100 DIV. 696 CORP.

.491

325

290

S-100 DIV. 696 CORP.

.491

332

"

SAFEWARE

.219

327

291

SAGE COMP TECH

177

•

292

SAKATA

.130

388

•

SCM CORP.

75

328

•

SCOTTSDALE SYSTEMS

71

329

294

SEEQUA COMP. CORP.

. .7

330

295

SEMIDISK SYSTEMS

.326

•

296

SENTINEL TECHNOLOGIES. . .

423

*

•

SILICON SPECIALTIES

44

*

297

SLR SYSTEMS

458

402

•

SOFTLINE CORP.

208

331

298

SOFTRENT

. 355

129

299

SOFTWARE ARTS

35

•

303

SOFTWARE SERVICES

.451

334

304

SOFTWARE SERVICES

496

335

305

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS INC. .

239

336

306

SORD COMPUTER OF AMERICA . 67

337

•

SPERRY

272

•

•

SRI DATA SYSTEMS

.416

339

308

STARBUCK DATA CO.

498

340

Inquiry No.

Page No.

STARSHINE INC 420

STRICKLY SOFTWARE 372

SUNNY INT'L 476

SUNTRONICS 478

SUPER COMP INC 484

SUPERSOFT 266, 267

SYSGEN INC 361

SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT ASSOC214

SYSTEMS STRATEGIES 440

TALLGRASS TECH 65

TATUM LABS 451

TAVA CORP. 393

TAXAN. CORP. 399

TAXAN. CORP. 399

TDI SYSTEMS 78

TDK ELECTRONICS 380, 381

TEKTRONIX INC 186

TELEBYTE TECH 456

TELETEK ENTERPRISES. INC. ... 39

TELEVIDEO SYSTEMS 98, 99

TERRAPIN INC 458

TEXAS COMP. SYS. 138

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. . . II, 12, 13

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 331

THINKER SOFT 275

THREE M COMPANY 191

T1GERTRONICS 502

TINNEY ROBERT GRAPHICS306, 398

TITAN TECHNOLOGY 379

TOPAZ, INC 193

TOSHIBA AMERICA INC 312

TOSHIBA AMERICA INC . 313

TRANS WORLD AIRLINES . 318. 319

U.S. ROBOTICS 51

UNIPRESS SOFTWARE INC 134

Inquiry No.

Page No.

341 UNIQUE SUPPLIES & ACCESS . 502

342 UNISOURCE 53

343 VEN-TEL INC 237

344 VERTEX SYSTEMS 259

345 VIDEX 4

346 VISUAL AGE 268

347 VISUAL TECH. INC 375

• VLM COMPUTER ELECTR 492

385 VOLITION SYSTEMS 278

349 WADSWORTH PROFSSNL SFTW . 257

370 WANG ELECTRONIC PUB 24

130 WAREHOUSE, THE 96

• WAREHOUSE SOFTWARE 16

350 WASHINGTON COMP. SYS 434

351 WESTERN UNION 435

352 WESTICO INC 68

353 WHEATLAND DESIGN LAB ... . 492

354 WHITESMITHS LTD 90

355 WILLIAMS. MARK CO 397

356 WINTEK CORP 451

357 WOOLF SOFTWARE 101

359 WYSE TECHNOLOGY 199

360 X.D.S 486

362 XEROX CORP (AMERICARE|41, 42, 43

363 XEROX EDUCATION PUBL 297

• Correspond directly with company

INTERNATIONAL ADVERTISING SECTION

600 AMER BUYING & EXPORT. . . 352B

601 SORD COMPUTER CORP. .... 352A

No domestic inauiries. please.

C*gU

QtB^i

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BYTE

528 B YTE • JUNE 1984

- } I

HALF THE SPEED, FOR HALF THE MONEY.

First there was the Starwriter 40 CPS I

Now, there's the Starwriter 18 CPS

The

s per alon

But t the

ig-in

annoui I the

to

y linclud

But thing'

A full-yt And I tti ;

the

l-80( (617) I

HC f DC C

Circle IS8 on inquiry card

The New Tandy 2000

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The beautiful, ergonomic design makes the Tandy TRS-80 Model 2000 a wonder to look at and a breeze to use. And don't forget Radio Shack's extensive service network.

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A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION

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Circle 281 on inquiry card.