October 1989
Minnesota Atari ST
SPA CE / MAS T New slet ter Octo ber 1989 SPAC E meeti ngs comin g up: Frida y. Octob er 13th
Frida y, Novem ber 10th -- electi ons MAST meeti ngs comin g up:
Frida y, Octob er 20th -- ST enhan ceme nt progr ams Friday , Novem ber l 7th -- ST emula tors, BBS demo , electi ons, swap meet
SPAC E/ MAST regul ar meeti ngs are at the Falco n Heigh s Comm Cente r, 2077 Larpe nteur Avenu e West, St. Paul. Meeti ngs start atunity 7:30 pm. MAST + Progr amme rs / MIDI meeti ng (First Minn esota Bank buildi ng on
Lexin gton Avenu e near Larpe nteur Avenu e. Meeti ng starts at 7:30 pm) Tuesd ay, Octob er 24th -- 30 minu te .. decisi on" meeti ng for the
MIDI group ...
Page number 2
SPACE/ MAST• October 1989
From the editor
last month, this month, and the future as well as miscellaneous comments along the way.
It's October ... time to bring the plants in off the front porch, make sure the woodshed is well stocked for the coming winter, and prepare for the fun and frolic of Halloween.
A number of MAST Items were brought up last week al a meeting of the MAST executive board. Many things have been happening, and decisions needed to reached to proceed. The agenda included over 20 topics involving MAST and Its future. Some of these will be discussed here by me, others by Dave, and still others will appear in the months to come. MAST is currently at a turning point and a concerted effort is needed to make sure the tum is in the upward movement. I think the overriding consensus was that more volunteers are needed in this upward movement. The three of us cannot do all of the work, even with the help of a couple of others.
We look a little slim this month because our copy of z·Net did not arrive. I hope to get this straightened out in time for the November issue, since we have heard many positive responses from MAST members about the additional material. From talks with various people related to SPACE, it looks as though they may no longer want to publish their own monthly newsletter. Rather, they may begin using Atari Interface Magazine as their •newsletter·. If such is the case, this may be the last issue of the SPACE / MAST joint newsletter. I would appreciate It if someone from SPACE would take the time to confirm or deny the many rumors which have been coming my way on this issue. My name has changed, as many of you may begin to notice! I was married on the 15th of September, and we took our mothers' maiden names to make up our new name. Rest assured that David Meile has not been replaced, only moved on in another direction. Our masthead has one other change •· the old MAST BBS is gone, but there is a new MAST BBS run by Tom Cook at 472-6582. It is a STadel bulletin board, and I hope that I can get a tutorial on using the BBS together for next issue. Don't hesitate to give the new BBS a call, though. There are some very interesting topics and files. -- David Paschall-Zimbel
Special offer to SPACE members Nathan Block The October meeting of SPACE meets one day after my birthday, and what better way to celebrate than to have a giant SPACE meeting! If you come to the October SPACE meeting on October 13th, I will give you one free double sided disk filled with public domain programs! Not strings attached! Come to the meeting to get your free disk.
News from the Pres By Jim Schulz Well, October is here, and the fall weather has already come -- with the cold winter weather not too far away. But don't be let out in the cold on the latest Atari news during the coming months. A number of exciting things are happening in the world of Atari. Each month, we will try to keep you updated, both here and at the MAST meeting. First up, some MAST business, then
Aim magazine/newsletter... Last month al the
MAST meeting, SPACE proposed replacing the current newsletter with the AIM magazine from Michigan. The AIM magazine is available monthly at a cost of $0.50 per issue plus a one page user group insert. At the meeting, the opinions that I received are that the newsletter is great the way it is, so why stop? This is the opinion of the MAST board as well. There are a number of other concerns about the AIM magazine as well, such as the bulk rate mailing and the deadline for submitting for the next month preceding the current month's meeting. But, AIM also has another offer. If members of MAST want to use AIM as a secondary newsletter, this is also possible. So this is what MAST is proposing. tt ten members would like to subscribe for $6.00 a year, we will join the AIM magazine group. We will have sample issues at the next meeting for your review, as well as a disk of articles from the last three or four issues for $1.00 for your reading pleasure at home. We ask that the $6.00 be paid in advance. If we don't join, your money will be refunded. If the AIM magazine folds before your one year is up, we will also refund your money. Either way you don't lose. The magazine looks very professional, and where else can you get an ST magazine for $6.00 a yearlll I am planning on signing up tt we get ten people. Z'Net insert... This has gone back and forth from month to month. Last month's section was very informative and one of the best yet for both ST and 8 bit owners. Our problem seems to involve Dave's PO Box. It seems that z•Net is mailed to Dave's PO Box with the name 'SPACE/MAST' and some months the post office returns the package to sender and other months they will deliver it. I am in the process of gelling z•Net mailed to the SPACE/MAST PO Box. This might cause more wo,k from me to get the Z'Net stuff to Dave, but we will have z•Net each month and the pluses outweigh the minuses. It looks like right now that there is no Z' Net this month, but this should be resolved next month. The topic of Z' Net was brought up, and our participation. Everyone is very positive about keeping it and it greatly enhances our
monthly newsletter. Ads for the newsletter.... We have tried a number of times to get both Computer Fitness and Water Music to advertise in our newsletter. We have heard a number of reasons why induding too much 8 bit stuff and even not professional enough. After the October meeting, we will be soliciting each one more time with a mailing of some sample issues and advertising rates. We really have a good opportunity to get some more funds to pay for the newsletter and make the newsletter better yet. In addition to Z' Net, we will soon be adding Bix/Byte Atari news as well. We are currently printing extra issues to distribute in each of the stores and we are very willing to cooperate with them. What do we need??? We need one or two yotunteers to drop off newsletter, membership forms, and miscellaneous flyers and pick up a monthly ad. I have been doing this with Wizard's Works for the last two years -· that is one of the reasons why we have their ad in the newsletter each month. Yes, I know that nasty word again, volunteer.....
HAMFEST Show.... The HAMFEST and Computer Expo is coming again in October. This time, it is taking place on Saturday, October 28th from 7:30am to 3:00pm at the Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park. attended this show last year with Kent Schumacher, Bill LeDuc, and John Stanley and soon found out that there was computer stuff on sale in addition to the ham radio stuff. Our current plans are to share a booth with the SPACE group for the day. This is our chance to show oft our club and show others that Atari still exists and is more than a game company. The club's computer will be there as well·as any other member computers. But to make this a success, we need your help. Both AHan and I will help out, but I might be stuck some of the day providing phone support for my work for a major CAD/CAM show in Detroit the next week. All you have to do is sit and tell others about the ST and MAST user group. In the past, we had the Magic Sac and PC Ditto on display, a Cyber animation demo showing as well as a little MidiMaze as well. All who work in the booth will also get free admission to the show. If you are interested, please contact me before the meeting or at the meeting. Again, we need your support. BBS.... The old MAST BBS is now down. Steve called me last Monday and said that he had sold his PC and the board would be down the next day. I did get a capture of the complete user log for future reference. But the new MAST BBS is up now!!!!! The new number is 472-6582 and it is run by Tom Cook, our new sysop, using the STadel BBS software. Al Iverson provided a nice descriptive handout of how to get on at the last meeting. Next month, Tom will demo the BBS and answer questions at the meeting. Tom is also working on a tutorial series of articles for the newsletter. A number of questions have been raised by members on how hard is it to use
SPACE/ MAST• October 1989 the new BBS software. Tom is willing to make the BBS as user friendly as possible. And your help would be greatly appreciated in this effort. If you have any questions or comments on the BBS, please feel free to call Tom and discuss your concerns. Blank disks.... MAST has been selling blank disks over the past three years at each meeting. I usually look for a good price and order up enough for a couple months of selling. But lately, the prices of disks have been dropping and with the price drop, the qualtty of the disks have also dropped. I have changed disk companies, but the disks are still not up to par. The disks returned do have a guarantee, but since I have purchased them from two companies and some quite a few months ago, it is somewhat difficult to return disks. So here is our solution. First, I will test format all disks double-sided with a test pattern disk. If they pass this test, we will then permanently mark each disk on the side for ease of identification for return. These two steps should help increase the quality of the disks. I will initially test format disks, but in the Mure, this will be passed off to another volunteer. Yesterday, I received this month's order of disks of 400 double-sided disks which just so happen to also be Sonys. Sonys are some of the best of the disks around, so I am not expecting as many problems. These will be on sale for the same price of $0.80 each as well as the 3.5" over-thetop labels for 100 for $2.00. We do listen to you. I hope this solves the disk problem to everyone's satisfaction. Elections ..... Yes, this time of the year is again here. All of our current officers, Dave, Allan, and myself have agreed to run for another year. But we do need a nomination committee of two people to take nominations for the three elected offices. We are also looking for a new secretary to provide minutes of the meetings in the newsletter each month. Elections will be held at the November meeting. Yes, that nasty word, volunteer again. Other items... MAST will be sending our ST membership list to ANTIC for $1.00 per name with some guarantees. MAST now owns a Video Key for review for the newsletter. If you are interested, please see me at the meeting. Starting next month, the treasurer's report will be published monthly in the newsletter, including total figures and figures without the membership newsletter escrow amount. We will also start welcoming new members and renewals. The long-awaited magazine checkout library is now in Allan's capable hands. It was ready for last month's meeting, but I just forgot it at home in the shuffle. Allan has it now so it will be at the next meeting.
In conclusion, you can see a lot is going on at MAST. We are not a stagnant group. There is more going on today than at any time in last four years which I have been running this group. But to keep it going and growing, we need your
help. If you are willing to help, see Dave, Allan or myself at the next meeting and I am sure that we can find something for you to do. Now on to last month ..... Last month, we had another interesting meeting. As well as it being a beautiful night outside, Dave, our always busy VP and newsletter editor, was getting married {ed. there was a full moon - and the Northern Lights came out around 11 :30 pmJ At the meeting, we discussed the AIM magazine, talked DOMs, news and rumors, and I demoed TOS 1.4. Demoing an operating system isn1 all that easy. Elsewhere in this month's issue is a listing from Atari of some of the features of TOS 1.4. The crowd is not what I would have expected for a September night, with Dave's wedding and the nice weather, but we still had a good group.
Now on to this month ..... This month, I am currently planning on bringing some of the best ST enhancer programs like Neodesk, Turbo ST, Universal Item Selector, Multidesk, and Hotwire. If the Ditto II shows or the GCR arrives, I have been told by a number of members that they want to see these now and not wait so things might change a bit. The Ditto II has not shipped, but the GCR are now shipping so this might be available. In addition to all of this, we will have the latest news from the Washington, D.C./Current Notes Atari Show and what's up with TOS 1.4, TT, the new STE, and the Stacy. Lots of news coming out so don't miss out. We will also have a goodly number of DOMs as well. It should be a good meeting for all!!!! The future .... For November, plans includes the emulator meeting with the GCR, MAC emulator, PC Ditto 11, the PC/XT emulator, and ST Xformer 11, the 8 bit Atari emulator. In addition, a swap meet is planned to find that perfect present for ST for Christmas. Elections will also be held. In December, we will hold our third annual pre-Christmas MidiMaze tournament to see who can kill the happy face before Christmas. As well as some Christmas suggestions for your ST as well. Other meetings are in the works as well ...... Speaking of meetings, also don't forget the MAST+ programmers meeting and the new MIDI meeting which is just starting. Last month, no one showed up for the MIDI meeting, so if you want a MIDI group we will need involvement. Last month, we again talked about the UUCP project and some new utilities by Steve Yelvington and John Stanley. If you are interested in programming the ST, check out this month's MAST programmers group. Well, that's it for October. If this month's newsletter is a little late, you can more than likely blame yours truly. I have been on baby watch for the last few weeks. On Tuesday of this week, I became the uncle to a beautiful ltttle 7 lbs. 14 oz. girl named Christine, who is my sister's first. My evenings have been tied up quite a bit making trips to the hospital to see mother, father, and baby girl. The envelope
Pa~e number 3 was also watching for babies and not software so look out next month ....... So that's about it!!!!! I hope to see you all at the October MAST meeting and al the MAST SIGs the following Tuesday.
SPACE 8 BIT SOFTWARE LIBRARY NEWS October, 1989 by Joe Danko, Disk Librarian Here goes another Disk Of The Month. For October you get 2 sides. Side one has a mishmash of software. Side two is all checkbook programs. A new user joined last meeting and she was looking for checkbook accounting software because the commercial program she had purchased was complex beyond belief. If you have a need for some special application, just ask and the LIBRARY can probably deliver. SIDE ONE: DOS DUP >SPACE_DOM< >10 89 1< AUfORUN MENU JUMBLES JUMBLES RATEDIT RATLIST ALCRAFT DOGGIE HOMESTAT HOTEL JACKDIG
SYS SYS SYS BAS DOC BAS BAS BAS BAS BAS BAS BAS
037 042 001 001 001 035 028 017 131 053 039 056 036 065 147
JUMBLES.BAS JUMBLES.DOC An interesting but slow program to display every permutation of 2 to 6 letter words for help in solving word puzzles. The initialization phase takes a long time. RATEDIT.BAS A 40 column text editor in BASIC. RA TLIST .BAS A custom printing program in BASIC. ALCRAFT.BAS Simple BASIC shooting game using joystick or keyboard. DOGGIE.BAS There are two groups of different color dogs with a gap between. Move the bone to select a dog and then move it again to tell him where to go until the two groups are reversed. Use BASIC and a joystick. HOMESTAT.BAS If anyone can figure out what this does please let me know.
Page number 4
SPACE/ MAST• October 1989
HOTEL.BAS Locate the fire extinguisher
MAST Disks of the Month By Jim Schulz
JACKDIG.BAS It looks like this is a clone of OILSWELL. Use a joystick to guide the drill and eat the dots and creatures. Hit the FIRE button to retract. If anything hits your pipe you lose. SIDE TWO: DOS DUP >SPACE_DOM< >10 89 2< AUTORUN MENU CHECKREC CHECKBOO CHECK26 PRINTER CHECK26 CX85 AUTORUN RUNTIME CHECK
SYS SYS SYS BAS BAS CTB SET DOC OBJ CTB COM OTA
037 042 001 001 001 035 015 087 082 001 064 003 003 088 001
CHECKREC.BAS Simple BASIC program to reconcile your checks. CHECKBOO.BAS BASIC checkbook register program. This one has a database. CHECK26.CTB CHECK26.DOC (compiled TURBO-BASIC requires XL/XE) Checkbook accounting program that builds a database of checks and deposits and keeps a current total. It has a search function and can generate printed reports. CX85.OBJ AUTORUN.CTB Keypad driver for use with CHECK26. and a loader. RUNTIME.COM TURBO-BASIC runtime file for use with compiled TURBOBASIC programs. You can rename this to AUTORUN.SYS or just boot with OPTION down and Load RUNTIME.COM. In the September article I promised a BEST-OF disk of old software from 1982. h may or may not be ready for the meeting. I have had a series of personal problems and It is going real slow. It will be ready in November for sure. I have recently received the complete library listing from the disk librarian of a user group in the Phoenix, Arizona area. As soon as I can get our LIBRARY cataloged up to date we will trade some software.
Well, tt's DOM time again. This month, I will start wtth a run down last month's lineup of MAST DOMs, followed by some MAST disk news, and finally what's in store for the month of October. This month's article will again be a little short so I can get this to Dave tonight by car. So here goes ..... For the month of September, we had three normal DOMS, three special disks, six update disks, and two ST magazine disks. #196 - MicroEmacs V3.10 Disk #1 (Edttor, command files and docs) #197 - MicroEmacs V3.10 Disk #2 (Support files and source) #198 - Micro Emacs V3.1 0 Disk #3 (Source code) #235 - Sheet V2.5 (Latest version of the public domain spreadsheet) #290 - Sheet Support Disk (Documentation and examples for Sheet V2.5) #376 - Opus V2.20 (Latest version of spreadsheet and graphing program) #414 - MAST DOM #1 (September's Utiltties Disk) #415 - MAST DOM #2 (September's Applications Disk) #416 - MAST DOM #3 (September's Games Disk) #417 - Aegis Animator V2.07 (Classic animation program now shareware) #412 -ANALOG Disk #32 (Programs from ST-Log Issue #35) #413 -ANALOG Disk #33 (Programs from ST-Log Issue #35) #1 - ST Reports from the month of September #2 - ST ZMAGs from the month of September So that's a wrapup of last month, the MAST utilities disks and applications disk, and the three disk MicroEmacs set has sold out twice already. Now the news...... First up, the new docs disks are done. One set of two disks is currently in Australia. So they are available. Currently all disks are scanned and the first two hundred disks are also documented. The two disk doc set will sell for $2 Next, better disk documentation. Starting last month, I am now printing up the READ.ME files from each disk are printed and placed in a binder with a directory listing from each disk. There will be two binders for the current month and the previous month. There will be one binder for two months back and special disks. This new documentation was available at the programmer's meeting and it went over real well. I even had a couple of people who wanted to take the binders home. Next, more docs coming ... In the works, right now, is another set of doc disks using the READ.ME files. These
oo.
disks will use the READ.ME files with a demo version of Tempus for viewing. Next, missed disks last month.... Last month, two disks were missed. BSTAT was missed because I just ran out of time and NETHACK got bumped when I compared this version with the last version and found that they were the same. Finally, there will be a special AIM disk this month for $1.00. This will include articles from the last three or four months. This is your opportuntty to check the magazine before you subscribe. But even for $6.00 a year, this is a good deal. Now on to this month's selection of goodies ..... Wtth an extra week, this month, the stuff keeps on coming..... Here is a quick selection of some of the stuff for this month. More is coming in daily so this is no where near complete ..... This month's updates start with a new version of BSTAT, the business statistics program, then we have a true new version of NETHACK, the character graphics dungeon game and finally the final version of the ST Xformer, Atari 8 bit emulator. I also have a couple of new 8 bit emulator disks of software coming this month and next. Next for demo lovers and Batman lovers, we have the Batdance/Micromix demo with Prince's Batdance and a llttle bit more. Next for game lovers, we have at least two new versions of Tetris, a 15-square puzzle game and a Vegas dice game as well. And the games keep rolling in with a new game from England that never got sold called Ecology, which looks a lot like a Starglider vector graphics game. Next we have an update to the Bloodwych, Dungeonmaster-like game, now with help files, floor maps and more to help you better learn this new game. Next we have a new cataloging program for IMG files called IMGCAT. Finally, it's utility time again with a new version of DCOPY, now supporting the squash format, and new versions of Pinhead, Lgselect, and DeskManager from Charles Johnson. We also have the full featured formatting program called Floormat as well. As well as all of these, we will also have a new ANALOG disk, new magazine disks, and the special AIM magazine disk as well for $1.00. Well, this is a sample of what's in store for this month. My hard drive keeps filling up slowly each day with the new selection. Check out the new MAST BBS for updates on this month's sect of disks. If you can1 make the meeting and would still like to get a hold of the DOM or would like to get ahold of the DOC disk, my new address is 5900 65th Avenue North #204 Brooklyn Park, MN 55429 That's It for October. We have a number of new programs this month and some are just too hard to explain. Come see the programs for yourself, check out the new descriptions and decide for yourself what is the best of the month. I hope to see you all at the meeting and on the MAST BBS!!!!
SPACE / MAST • October 1989 MIDI groupanyone interested? by David Paschall-Zimbel At the outset, I should say that there have been several people who've taken the time to show up on a Tuesday evening to share information about what they're doing with music and the Atari ST. There was some initial enthusiasm in the idea of a MIDI-oriented group, but it has not developed into a core group to plan meetings and topics. I'm not sure where people want to go with a MIDI group. Would it be sufficient to have a special demo area on the evening of the MAST meeting? Are people interested in sharing patches and sequences they've developed using music software for the Atari ST? These questions (and they are big ones where a new special interest group is concerned), need to be addressed.
If you are interested in MIDI or music programs on the Atari ST ... if you know someone who is interested ... if you have public domain demos of librarians programs, sequencers, etc.... please share them with the rest of us! I propose that interested persons meet on the 24th of this month for about 30 minutes in order to discuss the matter (date and time on front cover of this newsletter) .. If you cannot make It at that time, ~ try to contact me to talk about what you'd like to see in a MIDI special interest group -- especially what would make you want to attend such meetings. I can be reached at 823-1276.
ST Xtra (with comments by Jim Schulz) The following is this month's edition of ST Xtra, with the Xtra information that you need to know. This month, we look at Rainbow TOS. First, we have Atari's official announcement that TOS 1.4 is now available. This is followed by a list of features that Atari provided about six to nine months ago of what is fixed or new in TOS 1.4. For more information on availability, please check with your local dealer. See you next time.
To All Atari Owners: Rainbow TOS The Operating System Upgrade from Atari Atari is proud to introduce Rainbow TOS, a new version of the ST/MEGA operating system. During the early stages of the development of Rainbow TOS, we actively gathered suggestions from our customers and incorporated many of these suggestions. We have made many enhancements, including an easier to use GEM Desktop. Here are a few of the changes:
Pa~e number 5 - Faster disk access. - IBM compatible disk format from Desktop. - Compatible with high resolution monitors. - Automatically run GEM appliccations on boot-up! - Soft-Reset available from keyboard. - Revised File Selector. - GEM Desktop supports 'moving' of files. - Folder renaming ability! - Better memory management. - Archive bit handling for Hard Drive backup.
And many more! We consider Rainbow TOS to
be a major enhancement to ST and MEGA computers and recommend that every one of our customers upgrade. Rainbow TOS is available now through your local Atari dealer. For additional information on Rainbow TOS please call our Technical Support Department at (408) 745-2004. Rainbow TOS is available from, and only installable by, your local Atari Dealer! Suggested Retail Price $99.95 (parts only) Call (408) 745-2367 to locate an Atari Dealer near you. Augie Liguori V.P. and General Manager Atari Corporation A summary of the major improvements to TOS follows: - Floppy formatting is 'more compatible' with IBM-PC format - A file may be moved (i.e. copy/delete) in one operation - File Copy/Delete/Move can be interrupted with 'undo' - GEM programs can be autobooted from disk - If a name conflict occurs during a file copy, Copy/Skip/Quit are allowed - A folder may be renamed via 'Show Info' - The static file allocation limit of 400 is removed; limited now by free memory - 'Show/Print File' are completely rewritten - File copying on a single floppy system uses all available memory for buffers - 'wind_update(FALSE)' is set when recovering from an application crash - All date separators are now•; - File Selector has had major rework: 16 drive buttons
Application can send a 'title' string to FSEL FSEL now takes first <RETURN> on pathname edit as end-of-edit FSEL remembers where It was in a file list Static file allocation of 100 files is removed Long pathnames and 'ABORT/CONTINUE" now handled correctly Preserves current OTA buffer addresses, clip rectangles and default directories New bindings available - 'appl_inlt' returns version 0130 in global(0) - Edltable fields may now be followed by non-editable characters in dialog boxes - 'wind_get()' with field parameter WF SCREEN returns address/length of AES menu/alert buffer - 'Ptsin' (VOi) allows 512 vertices (true since 4/22/87) - 'vqt_extent': Pixel errors on some 270 degree rotations are fixed - 'vq_mouse' reliability enhanced - 40-folder bug alleviated to the point of improbability. A folder only takes up space when 'active'. Limited now by depth of folders and the accumulated depth of open files. FOLDRxxx still available. - 'Malice' restriction of 20 blocks/process lifted. - FAT searching code for floppy and harddisk is MUCH faster - Sector buffering greatly improved, and 'CACHExxx' allows expansion - 'Frename' can now rename a folder - Archive bit (0x20) fully supported - Time stamps for'.' and ' ..' are now correct - 'Fsettime/Fsetdate' match BIOS and GEMDOS values - 'Fdatime· input value byteswap fixed - Major improvements to 'Ccon*' and redirection in general - OS Pool reduced to same size as 11 /20/85 ROMs (pre Mega). This may allow some programs which fail on Mega ROMs to work again. - Soft Reset available from Keyboard if using standard keyboard handler: Soft reset by CTRL/ALT/DEL Cold Boot clears all available memory (CTRL/ALT/right SHFT/DEL) - 'Rsconf(-2,-1,-1,-1,-1,-1) returns last baud rate value set by Rsconf - Structure of the reserved part of OTA has changed, and remains reserved - Improvements made to detection of media change THE ABOVE IS A SUBSET OF THE ENHANCEMENTS MADE. THERE ARE MANY MORE, FULLY DOCUMENTED IN THE RELEASE NOTES SENT TO EACH SUBSIDIARY.
SPACE/ MAST• October 1989
P8'e number 6
ATARIWRITER PLUS -RESET TO DOSMODIFICATION by Jim Johnson Craig S. Thom of ICD wrote a patch to AtariWriter Plus (AW+) to remove copy protection and allow tt to run under SpartaDOS X (SOX) version 4.20 or later. I happily installed the 130XE version on my hard drive.
; copy with append to the end of AP.COM ;' EQUATES
tt). DOSINI = $DC WARMSV= $E474 AWPINI = $2800 ;' hide the code at the stack bollom ; ii can be overwrillen after AW+ ; is initialized
While AW+ does not support SpartaDOS subdirectory functions, the most annoying limitation is the inability to return to DOS. AW+ traps the Reset key, so the only way to get out of the program is a cold boot via the power switch.
I have dissected the ICD patched 130XE version of AW+ and come up with a usable, if imperfect, additional patch to allow a reset to DOS. All the editor functions work perfectly. Mail Merge is also unaffected by my patch. The Spell Checker also works fine, but will lock up the computer when you allempl to return to the editor. Be sure to save your file before going to the Spell Checker and save the file again before leaving the Spell Checker, and your document will be safe. Please note that my patch only applies to the 130XE version of AW+, after !CD's patch has been applied. While I suspect my patch would work on all versions of AW+, I have not investigated to see if this is true. You will need a disk sector editor, preferably one that can perform hex string searches. I have found none beller than !CD's DiskRx.COM from the SpartaDOS Tool Kit. You will also need an assembler to create a short machine language module. The Atari Assembler/Editor or MAC/65 carts would be fine. The Atari Macro Assembler would be okay too, but you will have to compile under disk based SpartaDOS or DOS 2.x as the assembler hangs under SOX. Three changes have to be made to the AP.COM program, and a module has to be appended to the file. Using your sector editor there are two locations where DOSINI ($DC $OD) is changed from SDX's vector to $2800 within AW+. Use a hex search to find A900850CA928850D. Change the bytes A9 to AS, the 00 to OC, and the 28 to OD. This prevents the reset trap from being set. Next use a hex search to find 4C74E4. This is a jump to the warm boot routine. Change 74E4 to 0F01 to point to my AW+ initialization module. Use your assembler to create the machine language module below. After you create the file, append it to the end of AP.COM. ; AW+ INITIALIZATION CODE
- Loss could be for ANY reason - including accidental damage by myself (i.e. I drop the monitor on the floor and break
·= $100 LOA OLDOS STA DOSINI LOA OLDOS+1 STA DOSINl+1 JMP AWPINI ;' two byte buffer for DOS init vector
- You have REPLACEMENT coverage - up to the limn of the policy you purchase. I.e. I would get sufficient money to purchase a new MEGA II computer if the one I have now was stolen. - The coverage is blanket - they do NOT require serial numbers. Whal you have to do is provide proof of purchase: Sales receipts, warranty registration, etc. This part is an absolute. No proof of purchase, no money. This proof of purchase includes software as well. - Items not covered: Rented equipment, equipment you have for the purpose of selling it for someone else. - There is a $50.00 deductible per claim. According to the flyer I have here, the costs of the insurance and limits are as follows:
' OLDOS .BYTE 0,0
$ COVERED
;' AW+ depends on a warm boot to ; relocate screen memory
' NEWTRAP LOA DOSINI STA OLDOS LOA DOSINI+ 1 STA OLDOS+1 LOA #0 STA DOSINI LOA #1 STA DOSINI+1 JMP WARMSV
;save the DOS ;init vector ;setup my trap ;at the stack ;bollom
Computer Insurance by David Paschall-Zimbel
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SAFEWARE - THE INSURANCE AGENCY, INC 2929 N. HIGH STREET, P.O. BOX 02211, COLUMBUS, OH 43202 1-800-848-3469
1-614-262-0559
Classified ads Atari XMM801 printer with loads of software (AtariWrtter +, Print Power and much much more!) Worth over $400, sell for $250. Call Nathan at 612-922-8012.
When should you consider computer insurance? If you use your microcomputer al home for some business purposes, or if you have lots of software which it would be hard to replace, you might want to consider purchasing insurance for your computer. Many home and renters policies do not provide for the full-replacement value of your hardware. Almost none of the policies provide anything for your software, manuals or books. When I owned an Apple lie, I had my machine insured by a company called Safeware. For a relatively low annual insurance fee, I could insure my system, software and manuals, with a $50 deductible. In ST Report #104, Neil Bradley talks briefly about Safeware. Here's the info he included: - All your computer equipment/software is covered.
Atari 520ST computer, SF354 ss disc drive, SC1224 color monitor, Canon PW-1080A printer, Avatex 1200 modem, original owner wp and spreadsheet software with manuals, extra disks, books. manuals. $750/B.O .. 588-4107 Two Atari SF354 single sided disc drives for sale. $50 each. Talk with Allan al the MAST meeting if interested.
Newsletter articles due by 30 October!
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SPACE / MAST NEWSLETTER
ST. PAUL ATARI COMPUTER ENTHUSIASTS & MINNESOTA ATARI ST
DISCLAIMER
Published by the St. Paul ATARI Computer Enthusiasts (SPACE), and Minnesota Atari ST {MAST) group, an independent organization with no business affiliation with ATARI Corporation. Permission is granted to any similar organization with which SPACE/MAST exchanges newsletters to reprint material from this newsletter. We do, however, ask that credit beg iven to the authors and to SPACE/MAST. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SPACE/MAST, club officers, club members or ATARI Corporation.
SPACE/MAST BULLETIN BOARDS SPACE/MAST East (XE) - BBS Phone: (612)-784-9667
Sysop: Carl Towberman. SPACE/MAST West (ST) - BBS Phone: (612)-472-6582
Sysop: Tom Cook
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October • 1989
Sof>ofa\oCo[E
President Greg Howell Vice President Dave Cole Secretary Larry Vanden Plas Disk Librarian Joe Danko Paper librarian Jim Scheib Membership Coordinator Bob Siede SPACE/MAST Treasurer Allan Frink
776-8395 636-2415 777-9500 721-4185 489-3982 482-7911
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[Mofa\0$01'
President J im Schulz 533-4193 Vice President Dave Paschall-Zim bel 823-1276 Secretary Steve Pauley 560-2917 Disk Librarian 533-4193 Jim Schulz Paper Librarian Neil Palosaari 646-1272 Membership Chair Allan Frink 482-7911 SPACE/MAST Newsletter Editor Dave Paschall-Zimbel 823-1276
SPACE and MAST are independent user groups of owners of ATARI Home Computers. It has been organized by local owners of ATARI computers for the purpose of mutual self assistance and sharing of information. It is open to all interested computer enthusiasts. Benefits of memberships in the groups include monthly newsletter mailed to your home, BBS access, software demonstrations, group purchases, public domain disk(s) of the month software at low prices, reference book library, educational software library (8-bit only) with over 20 titles, personal oontacts/learning, greater information and awareness on the world of ATARI, software at disoounted prices from dealers, question and answer session, etc. Come to a meeting to find out more. SPACE • 8Blt Group The SPACE meetings are devoted primarily to the 8-bit ATARI computers such as the 400,800, 600XL, 800XL, 65XE and 130XE. There is other ATARI related news and some 16-bit news at the SPACE meetings, as well. The SPACE group meets on the second Friday of each month at the Falcon Heights Community Center, 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue, at 7:30pm. Doors open at about 7:10pm. MAST · ST Group The MAST meetings are devoted primarily towards the ATARI 520ST, 1040ST & MEGA computers. There will be ATARI related news items covered, but not 8-bit news. The MAST group meets on the third Friday of each month at the Falcon Heights Community Center, 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue, at 7:30pm. Doors open at about 7:10pm. MAST+ • Programming Language User Sig MAST also has a programmer's group meeting. This group has a more technical discussion regarding programming the ST computers in a variety of languages. The group meets on the Monday following the MAST meeting at the First Minnesota bank on Lexington Avenue near Larpenteur Avenue. Meeting time is 7:30, with doors opening at about 7:20pm. The entrance is in the back of the building and leads to a stairway to the second floor.
For more information, or to confirm a meeting time and location, call Greg Howell (SPACE) or Jim Schulz (MAST) 533-4193
SPACE/MAST Membership Application
-------------------------Name._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Date_ _ _ _ _ _ __
Address_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _State_ _ _Zip._ _ _ _ _ __ Phone_ _ _ _ _ _ Equipment/System Used._ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ __ Area of Interest Check one or both: SPACE_ _ MAST_ _
NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES: 1/2 page - 5 1/8" vertically x 8" horizontally·$ 15/mo., $140/yr. Full page - 10 1/4" vertically X 8" horizontally - $25/mo., $240/yr. Club members classified - 50rt per 40 characters, $2.50 minimum per ad. Send to : SPACE/ MAST, P.O. Box 12016, New Brighton, MN 551 12
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Renewal?_ _ Address Change?_ _ Membership Card Given?_ _ Dues: $15.00 per year - Please enclose with Application. Mail to: SPACE/MAST, P.O. Box 12016, New Brighton, MN 55112
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Kensington Control Center
NOW IN STOCK!
Signalman Express
Universal SuTJlC Protector, N'.>ise Fdll!t; and Power Organiur
External Modem
Migraph Hand Scanner with Touch Up
Comrols power for up to four peripherals and brings all of their on/off switches "up front." The Control Center features surge protection with a response time of less than I nanosecond, as weU as the added security of a 10 amp circuit breaker.
300/1200 BPS Auto Dial/Auto Answer Hayes Compatible Special!
Suggeslod retail $99.95· Now only
$55.00
$35.00
$499.00
SPECIAL SAVIN(JS Special valid while supplies last!
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MASTER Double Sided 720K Disk Drive
$169.95
Flight Simulator II Essex Balance of Power World Games Boulder Dash Const. Set Championship Wrestling Deja Vu
The prices in this ad reflect the users group discamt Wiz.ard's Work offers to members of SPACE and MAST. New produci. arrive continually. If you doo't sec what you're looking for, call! Wizard's Work is a full service Atari ST dealer.
Championship Baseball Business Card Maker Music Construction Set Championship Basketball Pinball Wizard Winter Games Quizaml
$19.97 $29.97 $11.97 $19.97 $24.47 $13.97 $20.97
Wizard's Work Alari Busines.~ CnmpullT Center Aulhori:i:cd Atari Sales and Service
Road Construction Got You Down?
Four Seasons Mall County Road 9 and Highway 169 4124 North Lancaster Lane. Plymouth, MN 55441
We would be happy to ship any merchandise UPS ground, blue, or red label. We acccpl money orders, personal cbccl:.s, VISA, Master Card, and Discover. Please call for more information and shipping charges. I L__
C..::,ootoo w..-i c,un.L oo ro Alai SI. Prntoo en r~ St.M!Ot laset" ornla.
$19.98 $26.97 $24.98 $11.97 $10.00 $9.98 $29.97
612-559-4690 Alacxi.£15 Sll>JX;ltow~atv. Prusswec-1 loctul)e