KNo. D.71604 agtait US $2.00/Con 82.25/F F8.80/LIRE 1700/DM 3.80/F L 4.00/B F r 59 DKr 10.75/SKr 9.10/NKr 10.50/A Sch28/S Fr 3.50/Pis 135 World NOVEMBER 1980 60p ET_e-Tlifrummimi 3LI, :Z8] *1i CIZ[elL COMPUTERTOWN UK! Bring computer literacy to your community
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KNo. D.71604
agtait
US $2.00/Con 82.25/F F8.80/LIRE 1700/DM 3.80/F L 4.00/B F r 59DKr 10.75/SKr 9.10/NKr 10.50/A Sch28/S Fr 3.50/Pis 135 World NOVEMBER 1980 60p
ET_e-Tlifrummimi3LI, :Z8] *1i CIZ[elL
COMPUTERTOWN UK!Bring computer literacy to your community
The best computers PLUS the best serviceAt MicroCentre, we're concentrating our
resources on what we genuinely believeare the very best computers availabletoday. . . . Cromemco computers, naturally.This way we can offer you the best dealpossible.
What we don't doWhat we don't do is spread our
expertise thinly amongst umpteen differentsystems, or try to stock every S100 producton the market. We don't claim to offer"impartial advice on the best buy. And wedon't sell from price lists or catalogues.
The MicroCentreapproachSome micro -computer suppliers work
like that, but we don't. Because we realisethat when you're buying a computer youwant more than the "brochures and boxes"approach. You want to see computersrunning: to try them out with differentsoftware products: to study thedocumentation: above all, you want expertanswers to your most searching questions.
Cromemco specialistsThat's why we've specialised in
Cromemco systems. Not simply becausewe think Cromemco systems are the bestserious computers available at the price.
Cromemco Model Z -2HZ-80 computer and 64K
But because by doinour time, energy anyou the highest ssupport possible.
hard discmemory. M
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MicroCentre's Cromemco demonstration room, with the full range of Cromemcocomputers, peripherals, operating systems and software products on permanentexhibition. Why not pay us a visit? We're only an hour's Shuttle flight from Heathrow!
oppy discs,
ion: expect the full range ofo peripherals: single -user and
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SoftwareExpect a choice of operating systems
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ExpertiseExpect to find in-depth professional
expertise at MicroCentre, the kind that isonly acquired by installing Cromemcosystems all over Britain. Expect a thoroughappreciation of how Cromemco systemscan be applied . . . in business, scientificresearch. industrial engineering, medicineand education.
SupportExpect to get frank, accurate answers to
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MicroCentreComplete Micro Systems Ltd., 30 Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6JN
CONTENTSVolume 3 No 11 November 1980
FounderAngelo Zgorelec
EditorDavid Tebbutt
Deputy EditorPeter Rodwell
Sub EditorJon Wall
Executive EditorBruce Sawford
Editorial Office14 Rathbone PlaceLondon W1P 1DE
01-637 7991
Advertisement ManagerStephen England
01-636 4461or 01-631 1786
Advertisement ExecutivePatrick Dolan01-631 178G
MicromartJacquie Hancock
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Production ManagerDick Pountain
Art DirectorPaul Carpenter
Art EditorJulia Hunt
Art AssistantsShelley GraySarah Castell
TypesetterJane Hamnell
Published by SportscenePublishers (PCW) Ltd., 14Rathbone Place, LondonW1P 1DE, England. Tel:01-637 7991/2/3. Telex:8954139 A/B 'Bunch' G
London
Copyright noticePersonal Computer World is
published by Sportscene Pub-lishers (PCW) Ltd. © 1980
Felden Productions. Nomaterial may be reproduced
in whole or part withoutwritten consent fron the
copyright holders.
Printed by Riverside PressWhitstable
402aNEWSPRINT: GuyJVP' Kewney's usualidiosyncratic compilation.
442YANKEE,JDOODLES: Tom
Williams with details ofthe new Tandys.
44COMMUNICA-TioNs: Our
readers in their ownwrite.
4&BENCHTEST:"101Another PCW
exclusive - the SBS-8000.
53BOOKFARE:Malcolm Peltu
reviews the latestprinted words.
vCOMPUTERTOWNliPUK!: Announcing a
major computer literacymovement.
COLOUR INSIGHT:WHINBrighten up yourApple/ITT 2020 displays.
69GATEWAYS TOLOGIC: Derrick
Dairies continues hisseries on teaching micro -computing.
7e FACE-TO-FACE:The man -machine
interface, analysed byDavid Hebditch.
7m FEATURE INDEX:0Find out what
you've missed.
8nREADER SURVEY:O/Wm yourself aSharp MZ-80K!
0 01 YOUNG COMPU-OJTER WORLD:For the next generationof computerists.
COMPUTERGAMES: David
Levy continues hisdefinitive series.
91 PCW SUB SET:Assembler
language subroutines,compiled by Alan Tootill.
Cover illustration Christopher Brown
9i, MICRO CHESS:.01Kevin O'Connell
describes the firstWorld MicrocomputerChess Championship.
9 6MAKING ANIMPACT: Hard
copy at a reasonableprice.
99CALCULATORCORNER: Quirksand packing for pro-grammable fans.
11ft NEWCMERS.00 STARTO HERE:
Our quick intro to theworld of microcompu-ting.
105FUTUREPERFECT? AlanGreen shows you how toforecast.
100PC W SHOW: A0 pictorial round-
up plus a view from twoyoungsters - and detailsof our West Coast trip.
110COAN
MPUTERSWERS:
Sheridan and his teamanswer your queries.
113SECRETS OFSYSTEMS
ANALYSIS: Lyn Antillcontinues her series forthe would-be microuser.
116DIRECTACCESS: Inclu-ding PACKAGES,TRANSACTION FILE,the full USER GROUPSINDEX and DIARYDATA.
III& PROGRAMS:&MCP More listings to
keep you busy.
132LEISURELINES:JJ Clessa
with more problems.
4 4241 BLUNDERS:AAA& We confess!
Jr's/CHIP CHAT:Europe's lead-
ing microgossip page.
PCW I
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CASH AND CARRYSUPERDEALS
SUPERBRAIN 64K £1499QUAD DENSITY SUPERBRAIN £1950
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DEALERS: BEST DISCOUNTSTelephone 01-840 1926
CAMBRIDGE LEARNING SELF -INSTRUCTION COURSES
ELECTRONICS £7.00This course is designed as anintroduction to digital electronics andis written at a pace that suits the rawbeginner. No mathematicalknowledge is assumed other than theuse of simple arithmetic and decimalsand no electronic knowledge isexpected at all. The course movespainstakingly through all the basicconcepts of digital electronics in asimple and concise fashion: questionsand answers on every page make surethat the points are understood.Everyone can learn from it - students, engineers, hobbyists,housewives, scientists. Its four A4 voluMes consist of:Book 1 Binary, octal and decimal number systems; conversion between number systems.conversion of fractions; octal -decimal conversion tables.Book 2 AND. OR gates; inverters. NOR and NANO gates, truth tables, introduction toBoolean algebra.Book 3 Positive ECL; De Morgans Laws; designing logic circuits using NOR gates, dual -inputgatesBook 4 Introduction to pulse driven circuits, R S and J -K flip flops, binary counters, shiftregisters, half -adders.
It's faster and more thorough -than classroom learning: youyou go. This gives rare satisfaction- you know that you areself -instruction course, you become your own best teacher.
Understand Digital ElectronicsIn the years ahead digital electronics will play 'an increasing part inyour life. Calculators and digital watches mushroomed in the 1970's-soon we will have digital car' instrumentation, cash cards, TVmessages from friends and electronic mail.After completing these books.yotr will' have broadened your careerprospects and increased your knowledge of the fast -changing worldaround you.
DIGITAL COMPUTER LOGIC ANDDioktt"S'
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DESIGN OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS £12.50This course takes the reader to realproficiency. Written in a similarquestion and answer style to DigitalComputer Logic and Electronics, thiscourse moves at a much faster paceand goes into the subject in greaterdepth. Ideally suited for scientists orengineers wanting to know moreabout digital electronics, its six A4volumes lead step by step throughnumber systems and Boolean algebrato memories, counters and arithmeticcircuits and finally to anunderstanding of calculator andcomputer design.Book 1 Octal, hexadecimal and binary number systems; .conversion between numbersystems; representation of negative numbers; complementarysystems. binary multiplicationand division.Book 2 OR and AND functions, logic gates; NOT, exclusiVe-OR, NAND, NOR and exclusive'NOR functions; multiple input gates; truth tables; De Morgans Laws; canonical forms, logicconventions; karnaugh mapping; three state and wired logic..Book 3 Half adders and full adders; subtractors; serial and parallel adders; processors andarithmetic logic units IALUsl; multiplication and division systems.Book 4 Flip flops; shift registers; asynchronous and synchronous counters; ring, Johnsonand exclusive- OR feedback counters; random access memories IRAMs) and read onlymemories (ROMs).Book 5 Structure of calculators; keyboard encoding, decoding display data, registersystems; control unit; program ROM; address decoding; instruction sets, instructiondecoding; control programme structure.Book 6 Central processing unit ICPUI; memory organization; character representation -program storage; address modes; input/output systems;'program interrupts, interruptpriorities; programming; assemblers; computers; executive programs, operating systems andtime sharing.
Digital Systems
Flow Charts and Algorithmsare the essential logical procedures used in all computer programmingand mastering them is the key to success here, as well as being apriceless tool in all administrative areas -presenting safety regulations,government legislation, office procedures etc.
THE ALGORITHM WRITER'S GUIDE £4.00explains how to define questions, put them in the best order and drawthe flow chart, with numerous examples.
GUARANTEE No risk to you.If you are 'not completely satisfied, your money will be refunded uponreturn of the books in good condition.CAMBRIDGE LEARNING LIMITED, UNIT 96RIVERMILL SITE, FREEPOST, ST. IVES, HUNTINGDON,CAMBS., PE17 4BR, ENGLAND.TELEPHONE: ST. IVES (0480) 67446
All prices include worldwide postage (airmail is extra - please ask forprepayment invoice).Please allow 28 days for delivery in U.K.
pace yourself and answer questions on each new aspect aseally learning and without mindless drudgery. With a good
Microcomputers are coming- - ridethe wave! Learn to program.Millions of jobs are threatened butmillions more will be created. LearnBASIC - the language of the smallcomputer and the most easy -to -learncomputer language in widespreaduse. Teach yourself with a coursewhich takes yciu from completeignorance step-by-step to realproficiency with a' unique style ofgraded hints. In 60 straightforwardlessons you will learn the fiveessentials of programming; problemdefinition, flowcharting, coding theprogram, debugging, cleardocumentation. Harder problems areprovided with a series of hints so younever sit glassy -eyed with your mind a blank. You soon learn to tackle-eally tough tasks such as programs for graphs, cost estimates,compound interest and computer games.
COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IN BASIC£9.00
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THE BASIC HANDBOOK £11.50This best-selling American title usefully supplements our BASICcourse with an alphabetical guide to the many variations that occur inBASIC terminology. The dozens of BASIC 'dialects' in use todaymean programmers often need to translate instructions so that theycan be RUN on their system. The BASIC Handbook is clear, easy touse and should save hours of your time and computer time. A mustfor all users of BASIC throughout the world.
A.N.S. COBOL £4.40The indispensable guide to the world's No. 1 business language. After25 hours with this course, one beginner took a consulting job,documenting oil company programs and did invaluable work from thefirst day. Need we say more?
ORDER FORMPlease send me the following books: -
Digital Computer Logic Er Electronics @ £7.00Design of Digital Systems @ £12.50Algorithm Writer's Guide @ £4.00Computer Programming in BASIC @ £9.00BASIC Handbook @ £11.50ANS COBOL @ £4.40Your Bookfist (Free)
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PCW 3
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HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES!They used to work 80 hours per week .... sometimes more! Just trying to keep in control of theirbusiness. They now work about 30 hours per week, have immediate access to information and I am toldthat they are beginning to enjoy runningtheir businesses!
HOW DID THEY DO IT?They talked to me at our City -based management consultancy offices. We procured a multi -terminal,hard disk business microcomputer with magnetic tape, business software and all the support required tot,less than £20,000.
THEY WANTED TO TALK TO THEIR COMPUTERS AT HOME!We saw no problem here, as we recognise that it is quite easy to stay in touch with your computer 24hours a day wherever you may be - provided thqt you have access to a telephone. We can make yourmicrocomputers talk to each other or to most other computers.
COMPLETE PRACTICAL BUSINESS SOLUTIONSBecause we are businessmen, we have probably encountered your problems. If so we have a solutionwhich is flexible, cost-effective and capable of growth just like your business. We arrange a completepackage for yourself which you can choose to purchase or lease.
OUR BUSINESS IS BUSINESS; OUR PRODUCT IS COMPUTING.
Please contact:K.J. Salmon on 01-588-0041 Ext. 62. or see us atCompec stand 8175Contour Computer Services Ltd.,Boston House,63/64 New Broad Street,London EC2M 1JJ.
4 PCW
AUGHTON MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED(Member of the Aughton Automation Group)
INTRODUCTION: Basic Programming Courses 1980/81Brief outline of how Computers work.First steps and familiarisation with computer. Physical components.What is a program. Using the keyboard. Definitions of Terms used and how they are applied.
Second Stage BasicFor those with some programming knowledge and who are familiar with the basic language and syntax. Thecourse aims to teach students more sophisticated ways of applying their knowledge in order to write andlay out better programs. Floppy disks are used to give training on disk file handling. This is a 2 day course.
Management AppreciationThe course is aimed at giving management a basic working appreciation of the microprocessor andcomputers in industry. The discussion sessions will include:An introduction to microprocessorsApplication of microprocessorsHow to use a microprocessor and its benefits
Course Fees: Basic ProgrammingSecond Stage BasicManagement Appreciation
Management and the microprocessorMicroprocessors systemsGovernment assistanceCase studies of successfully completed projects
£150 Fees include Lunch, Evening Buffer and mid -session coffee.£100 + VAT Courses are, of necessity. intens,ve and involve evening work.£100
CourseNo.
BasicProgramming
CourseNo.
Second StageBasic
CourseNo.
ManagementAppreciation
13 July 21, 22 & 23 14 July 24 & 25 14A July 24 & 25
15 Aug 18, 19 & 20 16 Aug 21 & 22 16A Aug 21 & 22
17 Sept 15, 16 & 17 18 Sept 18 & 19 18A Sept 18 & 191980
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21 Nov 17, 18 & 19 22 Nov 20 & 21 22A Nov 20 & 21
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3 Feb 16, 17 & 18 4 Feb 19 & 20 4A Feb 19 & 20
5 Mar 16, 17 & 18 6 Mar 19 & 20 6A Mar 19 & 201981
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11 June 15, 16 & 17 12 June 18 & 19 12A June 18 & 19
BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES TO: AUGHTON MICRO SYSTEMS,Woodward RoadKirkby Industrial Estate,Merseyside, L33 7U2 Tel: 051-548 7788 Telex: 628681
PCW 5
KGBMICROS LIMITEDTHE PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATION OFFERING
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SOFTWARE SUPPORT* KGB offer a wide range of standard software - FORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC, PASCAL.* KGB will customise our software packages to meet your unique requirements - Invoicing £95,
Sales Ledger £235, Purchase Ledger £235, Nominal Ledger £235, Payroll £335.* KGB will design and implement software to suit your business needs.
KGB Micros Ltd., 88 High Street, Slough, Berkshire.Tel: Slough 38581/38319
Superbraln Is the registered trademark of Intertec Data Systems. Prices exc. VAT.
PC W 6
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Key Facts Intelligent Daisywheel Printer 32 cps average printing speed
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Four selectable spacings -three constant, one proportional
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Millbank Computers are proud to announce their appointment as an official UK distributorof the Olivetti DY 311 Daisywheel Printer and also the Olivetti TH 240 high-speed Thermal printer
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EAGLE COMPUTERSVISICALC"'
VISICALC AND A PERSONAL COMPUTER DO TO THE CALCULATOR, PAPERAND PEN WHAT WORD PROCESSING HAS DONE TO THE TYPEWRITER ANDPAPER. REVOLUTIONIZE IT.
Take virtually any problem you would explore using calculator, pen, and paper,working in rows and columns. Apply VisiCalc and you'll see why every reviewer of thisproduct has said the same thing: VisiCalc is the most useful, most important programyet developed for personal computing.
With VisiCalc, you work with an electronic worksheet of up to 63 columns and264 rows. At the juncture of any column and row you can type in words or numbers.To put VisiCalc to work, you first create any format or form you need by typing inwords - just like writing column headings across the top of a piece of paper and itemsdown the left side. Then, where you want the worksheet to perform a calculation, youtype a formula. VisiCalc automatically performs all arithmatic functions, net presentvalue, and transcendental functions. Instantly - and we mean instantly - VisiCalcdisplays the results. And if you change any of the numerical data, the electronic work-sheet instantly displays a new result. Automatically. You can play "what if" as often asyou wish to solve thousands of different problems. When finished, you can get a hardcopy of all the information on your worksheet from your computer printer.
Absolutely no programming is necessary. VisiCalc does all the work. Now, isn'tTHAT magic?
CCA DATA MANAGEMENT SYSTEMTM
The CCA/DMS stores and retrieves information. It is very simpleto learn and use, and at the same time provides real data processingcapabilities for you and your APPLE II.
You can computerize most, if not all of your record keeping.DMS will give you control over any type of information which lendsitself to "row and column" storage, retrieval and analysis.
If you are familiar with the concept of a computer "data base"the power and flexibility of the DMS will amaze you. If you are notfamiliar with "data base" operation, don't worry. It is logical and
CCA/DMS FEATURES:Fields may be alphanumeric, numeric, integer, floating point, orfixed decimal with commas.Fields may be COMPUTED FIELDS.
- Fields may be alphanumeric, numeric, integer, floating point, orfixed decimal with commas.Fields may be COMPUTED FIELDS. DMS will compute anyfield within a record, using constants or other fields in the samerecord. Functions include add, substract, multiply, divide andraise exponential powers.
- Records are easily located, using the scan feature. Scan for recordswith a field over, below, or between a range of values.Records are easily added and updated. DMS "prompts" you withquestions.
DESKTOP PLAN - A Programming Language for AnalysisDesktop plan is the software tool that makes it practical to develop
your own customized....Strategic plan analysisBudget planning systemCapital budget planningCashflow planningProduct pricing analysisJob development estimatingJob cost estimating
Profit & loss projectionsManpower requirement planningSalary/labor cost planningBalance sheet projectionsFinancial report preparationMake/buy analysisSales forecasting
WITHOUT PROGRAMMING AT A LOW ONE-TIME COST
Apple FORTRAN... offers enhanced features and capabilities because it supports thenewest computer industry standard, ANSI X3.9.1976. provides a comprehensive software design environment includingan editor linker, file handler, assembler. Apple Pascal compiler, andsystem library, operating in the Apple Language System eliminates the need to recompile or reassemble existing code fileswhen incorporating them into FORTRAN programs. compiled ',codeand assembled machine code can be combined with a FORTRAN P.code file through the Apple Language System s linker facilities allows you to lake lull advantage of Apple's Hires graphics capa-bilities by interfacing to graphics routines in the system library... glues programmers access to large libraries of material, sinceFORTRAN IS a familiar, well -established language .
provides access to special Apple leatures.such as sound gener-ation and control paddles.through its system library routines... permits you to combine several source files in a single compilationthrough compiler directives in the source code.
First, Some Word. About FORTRAN 77FORTRAN 77 contains significant additions and enhancements to theprevious 1966 standard. For example rnrxed-mode arithmeticexpressions are allowed Structured programming is supportedthrough expanded IF statement constructs Logical IF. Block IF. ELSEIF. ELSE and END IF statements provide a vastly improved methodof clearly and accurately specifying the flow of program controlCHARACTER data type replaces Hollerith. alphanumeric data canbe represented as strings rather than array elements
Some Specifics About Apple FORTRANApple FORTRAN is the ANSI Standard Subset FORTRAN 77 It alsosupports enhancements and facilities from the full FORTRAN 77mildnage bi particular Subscript expressions may include array elements and !unctionCalls DO statement limits may be defined by expression, rather than lustsingle variables
I/O units may be specified by expressions rather than test:onstants or simple variablesI The 110 list of a WRITE statement may include expressions
All combinations of FORMATTED/UNFORMATTED and SEOUEN-TIALDIRECT Ides are allowed. with the following restrictions--BACKSPACE is supported only tor tiles connecieci to the blockedievices it is not supported for UNFORMAT TED SEQUENTIAL Ides.
OIRECT Nes must be connected to block devicesApple FORTRAN contains a number of enhancements beyond the lullFORTRAN 77 specifications In particular Compiler directives may be included in the source code Forinstance. the SINCLUDE directive allows you to insert previouslydeveloped code into your program without having to repeat the codeThis is uselul. lor example. when you are writing many subroutineswhich use the same COMMON block You can Wile the COMMONblock lust once, and SINCLUDE it in every subroutine An additional parameter to the OPEN statement allows you tospecify whether the file is blOCked or unblocked
ANYONE WHO WORKS WITH NUMBERSUSES VISICALC:Managers and Management consultants:plan budgets, compare actual results tobudgeted forecasts, and modify project-ions faster than ever before. VisiCalc is themost powerful and easy -to -use projectiontool ever developed.Financial Analysts:quickly determine rate -of -return undervarying assuptions using the built in netpresent value functions. VisiCalc will alsocompute financial ratios, and project taxconsequences.Accountants:develop financial statements and "proformes", making changes and comparisonseasily with VisiCalc's ultimate "what if"recalculation feature.Tax Accountants:compute the tax effects of many alternatives, and print out all thedifferent scenarios for client discussion and documentation.Engineers and Scientists: appreciate VisiCalc's transcendentalfunctions, scientific notation, and features like eleven -digit precisionin numeric calculations.Marketing Managers: find VisiCalc is the answer to every forecastingand budgeting need. They refine assumptions -commission rates.sales costs, advertising expenditures, leads, sales closing percentage -and watch the effect on the button line.
simple. You'll find it easy to store thesystem, sort, update and print all kinds offiles. Files for your mailing list, accountsreceivable or payable, customer list, expensereporting, budget analysis, or any reportyou need. The 130 page manual has fullinstructions plus samples for a mailing listand inventory application.
A MUST FOR EVERY APPLE IIIN BUSINESS
For Apple II
£85.00+ VAT
For PET
£150.00+ VAT
For Apple II
£80.00+ VAT
Multi -diskette capabilities for larger files -up to 85,000 charactersper file!Sort the records into almost any order, using up to 10 fields as"keys". So you can sort for customer numbers; within zip code,for instance.Delete records, "compact" files, and backup files on data disketteseasily.Print reports with records in any order.Select fields to be printed.Print mailing labels.Numeric totals and subtotals can be specified when a value in anunrelated field in the same record changes. For example, sort,subtotal, and print according to department, or month, orcustomer number, or model number.
£80.00+ VAT
FORTRAN FOR YOUR APPLE
£110.00+ VAT
FORTRAN is a powerful programming language, especially suitablefor work in mathematics, engineering and the sciences. AppleFORTRAN. usable with the Apple Language System, is the ANSIStandard Subset of the recently -defined FORTRAN 77 standard. inseveral areas, Apple FORTRAN contains enhanced features andcapabilities.Apple is providing FORTRAN for use by technical professionalsand educators who am both familiar with the FOR IRAN language
and ere using packages written in FORTRAN. Because FORTRAN isa well -established language, large libraries of FORTRAN programsare already in existence. particularly for engineering and scientificapplications. Apple FORTRAN provides the sophisticated FORTRANuser with the capability to develop new and modify existingFORTRAN programs on an Apple Apple does not recommendFORTRAN for the individual new to programming
There are Iwo minor differences between the ANSI Standard SubsetFORTRAN 77 and Apple FORTRAN They are Subprogram names cannot be passed as parameters INTEGER and REAL data types have ditterent storage require-ments-- two bytes for INTEGER, four bytes for REAL
Apple FORTRAN is written in Pascal and produces P -Code which runsthe Apple Pascal Operating System
Diskettes: 16 sector formalTo we Apple FORTRAN. you will need: Apple II or Apple II Plus each with the Apple Language System Apple Disk II drive with controller vaie0 re0Oei101 PI television
"Whtle a single (ewe system is adequate for very small programs. twodroves are strongly ceCOrnfriended Ion ease 01 operation and moreserious program development
1111 8 PCW E. C. Information: 01-351 1134
EAGLE COMPUTERS
TRANSFERRING STANDARD CP/MAPPLICATION PACKAGES TO APPLECP/MLiterally thousands of CP/M based applicat-ions can be easily transferred to run on theApple. It is simply a matter of convertingprograms from standard 5" and 8" CP/Mdisk format into CP/M disk format. This isdone by transferring CP/M files from aCP/M machine to the Apple via a serialI/O port. You'll need an Apple High SpeedSerial interface or an Apple Communicat-ions interface; a connecting cable; and, ofcourse, a CP/M machine from which totransfer. Utilities that make this processeasy are supplied with the Z-80 SoftCard.
USING PERIPHERAL WITH THE Z-80SOFTCARDA Z.80 SoftCard system will run with allstandard Apple peripheral I/O cards andmost independent peripherals including anyprinter that is supported by Apple printerinterface cards. Since CP/M provides thesame I/O environment as Apple Pascal,a good rule of thumb is that the SoftCardwill interface with any peripheral thatcurrently works with Apple Pascal.
The 2-80 SoftCard will support up tosix disk drives. 24 x 80 column videocards such as the Videx and Sup -R -Termare supported as are most popular 80column terminals such as those fromHazeltine and Soroc.
In addition, user I/O drivers can be easilyadded to CP/M.
CP/M FOR YOUR APPLE !!THE MICROSOFT Z80 SOFTCARD
-A LITTLE STROKE OF GENIUS FOR YOUR APPLE II.WHY CP/M?Next to the SoftCard itself, CP/M is themost important key to allowing a widevariety of Z-80 software to run on theApple including version 2.2 of the CP/Moperating system in the SoftCard package.
More soft -ware choices for the user. Youhave your choice of many sophisticatedsystem, word processing, accounting,
.business end professional software packageswhen you have CP/M.
Unlike standard Apple DOS, CP/Msupports many languages in addition toBASIC. These include FORTRAN, COBOL,BASIC Compiler.
And CP/M has many conveniencesnot found in Apple 008. Such as easyinterface to machine language programs;faster disk 1/0 simple file transfer; and wildcard file -nerving conventions that allow youto refer to multiple files with one name.
Included as standard with CP/M 2.2 isa complete set of system utilities that giveyou complete control of the CP/M operatingenvironment. These include PIP, a generalpurpose file transfer utility and STAT, aprogram that lets you keep track of import-ant system information such as disk spaceand file size. SUBMIT and XSUB allow youto execute batch processing jobs. And apowerful text editor, assembler, andsophisticated assembly lahguage debugger,are also included.
The Z-80 SoftCard is not an emulator.It is an actual Z-80 chip plus interfacingcircuitry on a circuit board that plugs direct-ly into any of the slots on your Apple(except slot 0).
The Z-80 does not replace your 6502; itadds to it. You use Z-80 mode when youwant to run Z-80 software. Switching backand forth is simple:
When you are in Z-80 mode, the Z-80assumes all the processing tasks, but the6502 continues to handle I/O. Thus, youcan still use most Apple peripherals whenyou are in Z-80 mode.
MEMORY REQUIREMENTSTo run the Z-80 SoftCard requires a disk -based Apple II or disk -based Apple II Pluscomputer with at least 48K RAM memory.If used with a Language Card, 12Kadditional RAM can be utilized.
Whether you have a 48K system or a60K system with Language Card. 4K ofRAM is required to handle the Apple screenand CP/M sector read and write routines.
CP/M occupies 7K of RAM, 2K of whichcan be used by other programs, such asBASIC. The standard versions of MicrosoftBASIC, which supports all Applesoftextensions except high -resolution graphics,requires slightly more than 24K RAM.So BASIC and CP/M together occupy justover 29K RAM.
The version of BASIC that supports high -resolution graphics is somewhat largebecause 8K of screen memory is necessaryfor high -resolution graphics. It occupies justover 33K, making a total of slightly morethan 38K for both CP/M and the high -resolution version of BASIC.
BEYOND MICROSOFT BASICMicrosoft 5.0 BASIC is provided with theZ-80 SoftCard. Microsoft FORTRAN,COBOL, BASIC Compiler, and AssemblyLanguage Development System will beavailable and sold separately to Z-80 Soft -Card users.
Just imagine the power of your AppleComputer when it has one of the following:Microsoft FORTRAN-80.Comparable to theFORTRAN compilers used on large main-frames and mini -computers. Microsoft'sFORTRAN -80 brings the world's mostpopular science and engineering programm-ing language to the Apple. Compilation isvery fast (up to several hundred statementsper minute) and less than 25K bytes ofmemory are needed to compile mostprograms. All of ANSI FORTRAN X3.9-1966 is included except the COMPLEX datatype. Therefore, you may take advantage of
£260.00+ VAT
the many application programs alreadywritten in FORTRAN,Microsoft COBOL -80. The most widely
Microsoft COBOL -80. The most widelyused language for business applications,COBOL is excellent for inventory, personnel,payroll, order entry, accounting and fore-casting applications. Powerful use of diskfiles, CRT screen handling, easy -to -usesyntax and readable programs giveprogrammers the took they need to meetthe rising challenge of data processing.Microsoft's COBOL -80 is an ANSI standardCOBOL with many enhancements.
Z-80 SOFTCARD PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
nzT:z.r-
7',
111111.1.
OKi MICRO LINE 80
FOR APPLE IIOKiu80 + Parallel interface+ Graphics (see below)£525.00
Parallel printer interfacefor APPLE:£110.00(wire included)
40, 80, 132 columsn (compressed and doubledcharacters)80 characters per second96 characters ASCII and semi -graphic 7 x 96 or 8 lines an inch
- Original + 2 copies- End of copy detector
Parallel interface
OPTIONS: - Adjustable tractor : 90.-- Serial Interface RS232c/v 24 : 80.-
£400.00+ VAT
HARD COPY HIRES PAGESFOR OKi MICROLINE 80 AND APPLE
This was obtained with the Eagle ComputerHard copy, Microline 80 and APPLE. £50.00
+ VATHardware &
MICROCOMPUTERSAPPLE 16 K16 K ADDPET 2001-8PET 3008PET 3016PET PRINTER 3022 (tractor feed)
665.-60 -
425 -489.-620.-450. -
Mail order only - All prices include postage in U.K. - VAT notincluded and are correct at time of going to press.
NAME
ADDRESS
QUANTITY
Tel
ITEM ITEMPRICE
TOTALS
I enclose cheque/P.O. for £made payable to: EAGLE COMPUTERS
Third FloorAirwork House35 PiccadillyLONDON W1V 9PB
SUB-TOTAL
+15% VAT
TOTAL
- All items guaranteed 12 months- Some Items not exotock. All orders will be acknowledged, If
. bl orde ma be ran . lied nd m. ne will.E. C. Information: 01-351 1134 PCW 9
£2650.00
Configuration shown is for word processing including WORDSTAR £5450* Full Business Systems available
* 64K 4MUZ Memory* Rack Mounting available
SIGMATECH LTD.ELECTRONICS
* Interface to most VDUS and printers
* Wide range of high levelLanguages available
* Fastest CPM Machine* 6 slot S100 mother board* 2 or 4MBYTE Disc Storage
For further information: -Tel: (0734) 58700022, Portman Road, Battle Farm Estate, Reading, Berks.
;aculab]Connects directly to TRS-80 Level 2 Keyboard. Operating andfile handling software in ROM. 8 commands add 12 powerfulfunctions to Level 2 BASIC. No buttons, switches or volumecontrols. Full control of all functions from Keyboard orprogram. Daisy chain multiple drives. Certified digital tape inendless loop cartridges. Reads and writes in FM format at 9000Baud. Soft sectored with parity and checksum error detectionfor highly reliable operation-just like discs. Maintainsdirectory with up to 32 files on each tape, tapes may be write -protected. Supports Basic and machine -language program files,memory image and random access data files. 12 characterfilespecs "FILENAME/EXT:d" Id is drive no. 0-71.Automatic keyboard debounce. Full manual with programmingexamples and useful file:handling routines.
COMMANDS (usually followed with a filespec and possibleparameter list/.@SAVE, @LOAD, @RUN -for BASIC programs, machinelanguage programs and memory image files. @GET, @PUT-moves a 256 -byte record between a random access file andBASIC's data buffer. @KILL -removes a file from thedirectory and releases tape sectors for immediate re -use. @LIST -displays file directory along with sectorallocation and free sectors. @NEW -formats tape and creates a blank directory.
floppy tapeThe tape that behaves like a disc,For TRS-80 LEVEL II.
Master drive with PSU, Manual and a selection of tapes.£167-00 +£2-00 pp+vat.
Slave drives with PSU £122-00 +£2-00 pp+vat.(Export orders pp charged at cost)
For furtherinformation,Telephone0525 371393
aculab Ltd.24 Heath Road,Leighton Buzzard,Beds. LU7 8AB
PCW
Hewlett-Packard's 4414/4**
personal computer. 4ttifSIt works like a big computer,only it's yours.
Ask your nearest dealer for an HP -85 demonstration!Aberdeen: Tyseal Typewriter Services. Belfast: Cardiac Services. Birmingham: Angl °American Computing; TaylorWil son Systems.Bournemouth:South Coast Business Machines. Brighton:Office Machinery Engineering. Bristol:Decimal Business Machines.Cambridge: Cambridge Computer Store. Chelmsford: Automatic & Electronic Calculators. Dublin: Abacus Systems.Edinburgh: Business & Electronic Machines; Hol d en e Ltd. Glasgow: Robox Ltd. Leeds: Hold ene Ltd. Leicester: Sumlock Services.Liverpool: Rockliff Brothers. London: Automatic & Electronic Calculators; Eu ro-Calc; Sumlock-Bondain.Manchester:Automated Business Equipment; Holdene Ltd. Reading: CSE Computers. Southampton. South Coast Business Machines.Wallineord:Midas Advisory Services. Watford: Automatic & Electronic Calculators. Woking:Petalect Electronics Services.Worthing:Office Machinery Engineering.
Hewlett-Packard's HP -85personal computer puts full,professional computing powerwherever you need it. On yourdesk. In the lab. At home.Anywhere. With all theconveniences of an easy -to -use,all -in -one computer system.It's everything you'd expectfrom Hewlett-Packard.
Built into a single packageabout the size of an electrictypewriter are a video display,high-speed printer, magnetic tapeunit, operating system andkeyboard. What's more, whenslipped into its carrying case, theHP -85 is about as easy to carry asyour attaché case.
nastscaNtsaints.t>,,,..
oft W.* faP".
I".rmr".
A complete, compact system ...that's yours.
In fact, it's downright friendly.And exceptionally versatile, too.With a large selection of availableperipherals and software.
The HP -85. Hewlett-Packard's personal computer.
Designed for the needs ofengineering, scientific andfinancial professionals.
Stop press. New plug-in HP-IBinterface module now available (toIEEE Standard 488-1978) plusthree plug-in ROMs for input/output, plotter/printer control,and matrix maths.
IcaHEWLETTPACKARD
I.
GW Computers Ltd89 Bedford Court Mansions, Bedford Avenue, London W.C.1.
call only by appointment
SUPERBRAI N "Intelligent Video Terminal Systems
350K or 700K of Disk StorageSuperBra in's CP/M operating systemboasts an overwhelming amount ofavailable software in BASIC,FORTRAN, COBOL, and APL. What-ever your application ... GeneralLedger, Accounts Receivable, Payroll,Inventory or Word Processing,SuperBrain is tops in its class. And theSuperBrain CID boasts the samepowerful performance but alsofeatures a double -sided drive system torender more than 700K bytes of diskstorage and a full 64K of RAM. Allstandard!
COMPUSTARTmMULTI-USER TERMINAL SYSTEM
CompuStar user stations can be configured in a countless number ofways. A series of three intelligent -type terminals are offered. Each isa perfect cosmetic and electrical match to the system. TheCompuStar 10-a 32K programmable RAM -based terminal(expandable to 64K) is just right if your requirement is a dataentry or inquiry/response application. And, if your terminal headsare more sophisticated, select either our CompuStar 20 orCompuStar 40 as user stations. Both units offer dual disk storage inaddition to the disk system in the CompuStar. The Model 20features 32K of RAM (expandable to 64K) and 350K of diskstorage. The Model 40 comes equipped with 64K of RAM and over700K of disk storage. But, most importantly, no matter what yourinvestment in hardware, the possibility of obsolence or incompati-bility is completely eliminated since user stations can be configuredin any fashion you like - whenever you want - at amazingly lowcost!
DISK SIORAGEOptions for the Superbrain andCompustar Video Terminal"Backup" for the 20 megabyte CenturyData drive is provided via the dual disksystem housed in the CompuStar orthe SuperBrain. The Control DataCMD Drive features a removable, front-;n-sertable top loading cartridge of 16megabyte capacity plus a fixed diskcapacity of either 16 or 80megabytes.Each drive is shipped equipped with anEIA standard 19" rack mounting systemand heavy duty chassis slide mechanismsto permit easy accessability for fast andefficient servicing.
WIDELY USED IN UK AND USA ****..** TESTED AND PROVEN ****..** POWER AT YOUR FINGERTIPS **it***** JUST COMPARE THIS LIST ****
No other program in the world combines these feature in one.Many other programs, less integrated, do not provide even some ofthose features to be found on our 'bus'.1 = Total integration of sales 'purchase 'nominal 'stock 'addresses etc2 = Full random access enables retrieval of any record in a second3 = Flexibles prompts enables word change even to foreign language.4 = Files may be named and set to drive default, maximising storage.5 = Easy to use, menu driven, no serious need of manual.6 = Tested and debugged in many installations world wide.7 = Priced less than the acquisition of a library of programs.8 = The program is *** totally *** in core, maximising disk space.9 = Core program means that disks may be interchanged during use.
10 = Core program means your main drive is *** free *** for data11 = Numerous reports may be generated (eg: sale ledgers up to 30).12 = Invoice produces immediate stock update + double journal entry.13 = Reference on invoices enable cost centre build-up on ledgers.14 = Stock valuations and re -order reports easily generated.15 = Bank balance and reports plus standard mailing facilities.16 = Customer statements and invoices printed on plain paper
Also at: Gamma Data Systems, Dollard House, Wellington Quay,Dublin 2. Tel Dublin 711877
*** MAIN MENU DISPLAY ***New! Produced in U.K. and widely used in England and the U.S.A.
Complete Business PackageINCLUDES EVERYTHING FROM INVENTORY TO SALES SUMMARY
PROMPTS USER AND VALIDATES ENTRIES. MENU DRIVENBUS VER 3.00 TO ver 9.00 PET AND CP/M
APPROXIMATELY 60-100 ENTRIES/INPUTS REQUIRE 2-4 HOURS WEEKLYAND ENTIRE BUSINESS IS UNDER CONTROL
" PROGRAMS ARE INTEGRATED .. SELECT FUNCTION BY NUMBER .
01=*ENTER NAMES & ADDRESSES 13=*PRINT CUSTOMERS STATEMENTS02="ENTER/PRINT INCOICES 14 --*PRINT SUPPLIER STATEMENTS03=*ENTER PURCHASES 15=*PRINT AGENT STATEMENTS . . .
04=*ENTER A'C RECEIVABLES 16=*PRINT TAX STATEMENTS05=*ENTER A'C PAYABLES 17=GENERAL HELP06=*ENTER'UPDATE INVENTORY 18=ALTER VOCABULARIES07=*ENTER'UPDATE ORDERS 19=PRINT YEAR AUDIT08=*ENTER'UPDATE BANKS 20=PRINT PROFIT'LOSS A'C09=*REPORT SALES LEDGER 21=RECALL INVOICE10=*REPORT PURCHASE LEDGER 22=PRINT CASHFLOW FORECAST11=*INCOMPLETE RECORDS 23 -ENTER PAYROLL (NO RELEASE)12 --*USER DBMS AREA 24=EXIT SYSTEM
ENTER WHICH ONE ?DATABASE MANAGEMENT INCLUDES
*** FILE CREATE'DELETE'SEARCH *** RECORD CREATE'DELETE'SEARCH'4 OPTION PRINT *** RECORDSORT ANY FIELD ALPHA OR NUMERIC *** INDEX SEARCH OR GENERAL SCAN'PR INT IN ANY FIELD (EGTOWN OR NAME) *** 4 ARITHMETIC FUNCTIONS TO USE AS CALCULATOR ON LAST 4 FIELDS *"* AUTOCHECK TO PREVENT DOUBLE ENTRY TO FILE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, DYNAMICALLY ALLOCATINGINFORMATION TO MINIMISE DISK SPACE CONSUMPTION
VERY FLEXIBLE, EASY TO USEG.W. COMPUTERS U.K. ARE THE PRODUCERS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL PACKAGE
VER 3.00 (EXC PROG 19,20,22,23)=475.00, VER 4.00 INCLUDES AUTO STOCK-UPDATE=575.00, VER 5.00INCLUDES AUTO BANK UPDATE=675.00, VER 6.00 IN CORE=875.00, VER 7.00 (INC 19,20,22,23) NOT YETRELEASED=975.00, VER 8.00 RANDOM ACCESS=1000.00, VER 9.00 TRANSLATEABLE=1075.00 +++EACH
LEVEL OVERRIDES LOWER ONE
WE EXPORT TO ALL COUNTRIES CALLERS ONLY BY APPOINTMENTCONTACT TONY WINTER ON 01-636 8210
89 BEDFORD COURT MANSIONS, BEDFORD AVENUE, LONDON W.C.!.NOTE!!! All versions, especially 9.00 use broad financial principles and 9.00 is
one 16K core program releasing both disk drives for data storage, as well asbeing translateable into any foreign language
IMPORTANT!!! We also sell the hardware for the above tasks to enable the purchase from one source.Note that A*** complete *** CBM system with Bus Ver 3 is 2215 pounds and A *** complete ***
superbrain system with bus ver 3 and dec printer is 3345 pounds.
PET + PET + PET + PET + SOFTWARE + SOFTWARE + SUPERBRAIN + SUPERBRAINCBM 3032 32K 595.00 BUS VER 3.00 PET 475.00 SUPERBRAIN 320K 1795.00CBM 3040 DISKS 595.00 BUS VER 4.00 PET 575.00 TWIN Z80 64K+CRTCBM 3022 PRINTER 425.00 BUS VER 5.00 PET 675.00 +2 D'D-D'S DRIVECBM 8032 32K 875.00 BUS VER 6.00 CP'M 875.00 SUPERBRAIN 800K 2195.00CBM 8050 1MEG DISKS 875.00 BUS VER 7.00 CP'M 975.00 TWIN Z80 64K+CRTCBM EPSON PRINTER 395.00 BUS VER 8.00 CP'M 1000.00 +2 D'D-D'S DRIVECBM MULTI USER 650.00 BUS VER 9.00 CP'M 1075.00 SUPERBRAIN 2MEG 2795.00CBM 3032 + EPSON + CBM WORDPRO II 75.00 COMPUSTAR 10 1595.00CBM 3040 + BUS V3 2215.00 CBM WORDPRO III 150.00 COMPUSTAR 15 1495.00
CPM* WORD -STAR 195.00 COMPUSTAR 20 2295.00PRINTERS + PRINTERS + PRIN CPM* MBASIC 80 150.00 COMPUSTAR 30 2495.00
CPM* COBOL 80 320.00 COMPUSTAR 40 2795.00DIABLO 630 40CPS 1550.00 CPM* PASCAL MT 150.00 INTERTUBE III 495.00DOLPHIN BD80 125CPS 495.00 CPM* FORTRAN 80 200.00 EMULATOR 495.00NEC 5510 PRINTER CPM* DATASTAR 175.00 10 MEG H'DISK 2950.00COBRA BD136 240CPS 1095.00 CPM* PASCAL -M 250.00 16 MEG (8'8) 3950.00TELETYPE 43SR 30CPS 875.00 CPM* BYSTAM S'BRAIN 75.00 96 MEG (4DISK) 7950.00DEC.LA34 TRACT 30CP 875.00 CPM* SUPERSORT 120.00 ADDRESS/MAI L DE R 95.00
NEC5530 PRINTER 1595.00 CPM* BASIC COMPILER 190.00 STOCK CONTROL 95.00QUME DAISY SPRINTS 1950.00 CPM* DESPOOL 30.00 DBMS DATABASE 195.00
TEXAS 810 150CPS 1390.00 CPM* BYSTAM IMS'N-STAR 75.00 IEEE/P/LLEL INFC 55.00CPM* TEXTWRITER 75.00 IEEE'RS232 INFC 195.00
SPECIALS + SPECIALS + SPECI CPM* POSTMASTER 75.00 5" DISKS *10 28.50CPM* SELECTOR 3 180.00 S'HAND SWTP TERM 100.00
N'STAR QUAD .7 MEG 1500.00 CPM* CBASIC 75.00 WARRANTIMS 5000 48K D'D 1500.00 CPM* MACRO 80 75.00 6 MONTH FULL REPAIR***COMPUTHINK " 800K * 795.00 GPM* W'STAR M'MERGE 310.002 WAY CRDLESS PHONE 135.00 *CPM is the registered T.M.TELEPHONE ANSWERSHUGART SA400 5" DR
230.00135.00
BUS MANUAL ..***SUPERBRAIN 320K
9.001695.00 of Digital Research
SHUGART SA400 DRIVE 5Y."135.00 TWIN Z80 32K+CRTVER 3.00 +2 D'D-S'S DRIVE
SPECIAL INSTITUTION AND UNIVERSITY DISCOUNTSSTOCK AND COMING ROUND. (BARCLAYCARD WELCOME OTHERWISE
CHEQUE WITH ORDER)CONTACT TONY WINTER 01-636 8210
89 BEDFORD CT MANS. BEDFORD AVE W.0 1.
PCW 13
WE CAN HELPYOU MTH;
HARDWARECommodore Business SystemsI ntertec Superbrainplus a wide range of printers
incl;NECQUMEDECWR ITER etc.
All at Competitive prices.
SOFTWAREIncomplete RecordsSales LedgerPurchase LedgerNominal LedgerStock ControlPayrollWord Processing Etc.OR any program writtento your own specification.
PHONE, CALL IN OR WRITE FOR COMPLETE PRICE LIST OR DEMONSTRATION
COIT1pUiEF Sales Et SOfiliJOIE Centre Ltd. r.Bi- 554- 3314E1190-192 CRANBROOK ROAD, ILFORD, ESSEX.
SEE IT... PROGRAMME IT...SuperBrain users get exceptional perform-ance for just a fraction of what they'd expectto pay. Standard SuperBrain featuresinclude: two double density mini -floppies
with 350K bytes of disk storage, 32K of rammemory (expandable to 64K) to handle eventhe most sophisticated programs, a CP/MRDisk Operating System with a high powered
text editor, assembler, debugger and a diskformator. And, with SuperBrain's 5-100 busadaptor, you can add all the programmingpower you will ever need...almost any typeof S-100 compatible bus accessory.
',1"11`1'11"1"1 1.1- --Truly incredible performance. All in a single,smart looking, self-contained desktop unit.
SUPERBRAIN BELIEVE IT !!Intelligent Video Terminal Systems
£1595 -E2250 +vat
inc M basic &CP/M0 PERSONAL SERVICE
0 AFTER SALES SERVICE
0 EXPERIENCED PROGRAMMERS
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS on SUPERBRAIN Equipment From £155pa.
S. M.G. MICROCOMPUTERS39 Windmill St. Gravesend, Kent. Tel: 0474 55813
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HP -41C HP's unique expandable calculatingsystem Advanced 130 -1 -Unction programmablecalculator. Full alphanumeric liquid crystaldisplay. Up to 319 registers for data or programs.Add-on extras include Magnetic Card Readerand Printer.
HP -92 Financial calcu-lator with built-in printer.Compound interest calcula-tions. Print-out of loanamortisation schedules anddepreciation tables.Bondand note calculation.Handles up to 30 unevencash flows. 38 addressablestorage registers.
Sumlock Bondain introducesHewlett-Packard'sPersonal Computer
At &unlock Bondain's,we'd like to show you howHewlett-Packard's HP -85personal computer can put full,professional computing powerwherever you need it. On yourdesk. In the lab. At home.Anywhere.
It's everything you'dexpect from Hewlett-Packard.
Built into a single package
about the size of an electrictypewriter are a video display,high-speed printer, magnetictape unit, operating system andkeyboard. What's more, theHP -85 is about as easy tocarry as your attache case.
The HP -85. Hewlett-Packard's personal computerdesigned for the needs ofengineering, scientific andfinancial professionals.
HEWLETTPACKARD
SUMLOCK BONDAIN LTD.263-269 City Road, London EC1V 1JX. Tel: 01-250 0505 Telex: 299844
Barclaycard & Access accepted by phone
No Hidden Extras!Every Hewlett Packard calculatorcomes complete with 230V ACadapter/recharger and zip uppouch, practical manuals andapplication books.
Decisions are easier withthese prices:HP32E Advanced Scientific £ 38.76HP33E ProgrammableScientific £49.83HP33C As HP33E but withContinuous Memory £59.50HP34C AdvancedProgrammable Scientificwith Continuous Memory £79.50HP37E Financial £41.78HP38E ProgrammableFinancial £66.45HP38C As HP38E but withContinuous Memory £79.50HP41C FullyProgrammable withContinuous Memory -Alpha -numeric £168.04HP82104A Card Reader forHP41C £122.76HP82143A Printer forHP41C £219.89HP67A FullyProgrammable £196.87HP97A FullyProgrammable PortablePrinter £406.88Prices include postage, packing &VAT
PCW 16
What will you do with12-year-old programmers
when they reach 16?Any microcomputer is a major
investment for an educational establish-ment. Many potential users feel that aBASIC only computer is ample for theirneeds. That may be fine today, but withcomputer education starting so early youmay in a surprisingly short time find youwant more than current implementationsofBASIC.
The 380Z is a computer that cangrow to match your needs.
In the design ofthe 380Z ourtarget user is the graduate researchscientist. This ensures that the expand-ability and versatility needed tomorrowhas been provided for in the computeryou buy now.
Might you want to add discstorage in the next few years?
Ifvou do:Given good hardware, software
availability completely determines theflexibility and usefulness ofyour system.There is absolutely no question that aZ80 based micro -computer which usesthe industry -standard C,P/M* diskoperating system has several times moresoftware on the market available to itthan non CP/M computers.
Today you can purchase a matureCP/M BASIC, FORTRAN, COBOL orText Processor for the 380Z. Soon therewill be CP/M Pascal and DatabaseManagement systems.
CP/M software is several yearsahead of software available for nonCP/M family machines.
flyou don't:Remember that professionals
writing packages for your cassettesystem will themselves often use a disk380Z, and the power of their tools willinfluence what they produce.
For many people a disk machineis too expensive -but at least the 380Z
approach will allow your students toadvance.
380Z BASIC is not frozen in ROM.An enhanced BASIC could be loaded inmid 1980 and a BASIC with structuredfeatures sometime later.
On the 380Z the memory used bya BASIC interpreter can also be used forother software.
Does our research -orienteddesign pay off in classroom hardware?
Our scientific graphics wasproduced for the professional user.Interest in it for classroom use has beensurprising.
The 380Z has the best graphicsnow available on a microcomputer,
allowing multiple resolutions, multiplepaging, fading and accurate control overcolour. All these features help bringexcitement to efforts in computerassisted learning.
Our standard machine comeswith low resolution graphics and supportfor this from BASIC allows you to plot apoint directly with a plot command -useful for training and teaching.
$tgno, ,Ana,
I I I j I 4-5 I. I
PML 41..f*S4,1,1,0, grW
It is worth remembering too thatneither our low resolution graphics norour optional scientific (high resolution)graphics has any limiting effect on yourmemory usage, and in both you can
RML A1001with high resolut.on graPh,5
freely mix upper and lower case text anddiagrams.
'Mains noise can cause systemcrashes which result in loss of programsand data. All current 380Zs include amains filter which significantly reducesthe chances of this happening.
Don't buy a 380Z on patrioticgrounds.
Please only buy it if you wouldhave bought it anyway. But remember,because it is designed and manufacturedhere you are bound to have better accessto us for influence and help than ifwewere on the other side ofan ocean.
Prices range from a 16K cassette380Z @£897 to a 56K Dual Full FloppyDisk 380Z @£3322.
RESEARCH MACHINESRESEARCH MACHINES Ltd,P.O. Box 75, Mill Street, Oxford, England.Telephone: Oxford (0865) 49791/2/3.Please send for full sales information.Prices do not include shipping costs orVAT @15%: Trademark. Digital Research.
PCW 17
VIDEO VECTOR DYNAMICS39 Hope St,Glasgow G2 6AE Te1.041-226-3481/2WE SELL SOLUTIONS. Have you discovered thatyour problems really begin after you've bought the hard-ware? Either you've bought the wrong hardware or no soft-ware exists to make it work properly. We specialise inproviding total solutions to problems and professional after -sales support of hardware and software. We have theresources successfully to implement commercial, scientificand instrumentation/control projects.
COMMERCIAL Typical of our recent projects in thisarea was the connection of 12 remote stations to a centralunit. This was achieved by using Commodore Pets as theremote stations allowing a degree of local processing linkedvia modems to a central 5100 microcomputer withsubstantial disk storage capacity. This type of configurationis ideal where a limited amount of local accounting isrequired at each site but with a central collation of informa-tion on stock, payroll, etc.
SCIENTIFIC. Our scientific packages are currently inuse by a number of major multi -national companies. Typicalof these packages is our Chemical Graphics System used bypharmaceutical companies in drug design. This is designed torun on PDP-11 configuration but a subset of the facilities isavailable on microcomputer.
INSTRUMENTATION CONTROL. We cansupply a complete range of hardware and software packagescovering analog, digital and graphical input/output and loggingusing fast microprocessor -based systems.
COST. Due to our familiarity with a wide range of hardware we can supply systems either optimised for minimumprice or maximum performance - you decide on the price/performance mix.
In addition to consultancy and turnkey packages we offerthe following proprietary products.
FASTLIB. This package is based on the AMD 9511arithmetic chip and is a complete hardware/software system.Use of FASTLIB is completely transparent to the user ofMicrosoft FORTRAN and BASIC. The software is totallyintegrated with the FORTRAN/BASIC compiler and simplyby replacing the Microsoft -supplied library by FASTLIBexisting programs can run 5 - 20 times faster without anymodification. The hardware requires a single S100 slot.In addition to enhancing the speed of execution of theexisting FORTRAN/BASIC functions and operations, addi-tional functions have been implemented - NINT, TAN,ASIN, ACOS, SINH, COSH, THAN, & RAN (a pseudo-random number generator).
GLIB. A graphics library enabling complex pictures tobe produced from a series of simple subroutines calls such as:VECTOR (draws a line between any two (x,y) points):CIRCLE (draws a circle of any radius centered on any (x,y)point); TEXT (plots a 64 -character ASCIlset); STEXT (plotsGreek and Mathematical symbols); etc. Plots can be saved onor retrieved from disk by single subroutine calls. Thestandard package used the Vector Graphic High -ResolutionGraphics board but the software can be configurated for anygraphics board or device. Microsoft FORTRAN, MACRO orBASIC is also required.
PRICE LIST
HARDWARENorth Star Horizon 64K, 2 Quad CapacitydrivesTVI-912C VDUAnadex DP8000 PrinterAnadex DP9500 PrinterNEC Spinwriter daisywheel printer (RO)
SOFTWAREAll Digital Research, Microsoft, MicroPro etcsoftware supplied - call for prices.
PACKAGESFASTLIB/mSP9500GLIB
£2360£595£525£895
£1775
£495£500
SPECIAL OFFERSWord processor -64K, Quad capacity drives Horizon with TVI-912Cand NEC Spinwriter complete with CP/M2and MicroPro Wordstar
ONLY £4950
* Mem Tech APU boards - limited numbers availablegoing cheap.* BITSTREAMER 11/0 card one only* SD Starter kits
STOP PRESS: Our own 48K dynamic RAM boardwill be available soon at a price of £300. Full IEEES-100, Z-80 refreshed, bank selectable, 200ns accesstime (equiv. to 5 MHz) - designed and manufacturedin the U.K.
ARRAY Processing from Silicon Glen on theWest Coast of Scotland
VIDEO VECTOR DYNAMICS Ltd. announces what will be one of the most significant innovations in microcomputingduring the 1980s - the VP -9500 vector processor. The VP -9500 is a British -designed and manufactured vector processorconsisting of a two to 16 long vector of pipe -lined floating point processors with individual data stacks, optimised tooperate on arrays of floating point numbers of up to 16,834 elements. The VP -9500 provides floating point processing atup to 200 times faster than ordinary 4 MHz Z -80A microcomputers and 20-30 times faster than a PDP-11/34. The bench-marks on which these figures are based may be obtained on request.
The VP -9500 is constructed on one (up to 8 elements) or two (9 to 16 elements) glass fibre PCBs with full soldermasking and silk-screened component locations. The precision board lay -out was generated on a CAD facility and etchingwas performed for us by the U.K.'s leading PCB manufacturers. The VP -9500 has its own on -board crystal clock and DIPswitches allow it to be placed anywhere in the I/O space of any S-100 microcomputer running at any clock speed.
Every VP -9500 comes complete with VPLIB, our library of Micrsoft FORTRAN -callable array processing routines.Typical cals to VPLIB are CALL VSQRT (A, C, NI where the square roots of all of the N floating point numbers in arrayA are calculated and placed in array C; and CALL VMUL (A, 13, C, N) where the N elements of array A are multiplied bythe corresponding elements of array B and the results stored in array C. VPLIB contains over 100 such routines.
The VP -9500 is designed for those high-speed, computationally -intensive tasks such as real-time collection/processingof video data, finite element analysis, crystallography, molecular modelling, graphics, signal processing and large-scalescientific/ -engineering calculations which are beyond the capabilities of conventional micro and minicomputers.
All VP -9500s are field-upgradeable to the top -of -the -range VP -9500, an S-100 EPROM card containing completediagnostic software, a scalar FORTRAN library FASTLIB which replaces microsoft's FOR LIB by calls to the VP -9500in addition to providing extra FORTRAN functions (TAN, ASIN, ACOS, SINH, COSH, NINT & RAN), custom additionsto VPLIB and full maintenance contracts.
And the cost? From approximately £1,600 for a VP -9500/2, through £3,400 for the VP -9500/8 and up to £5,800 forthe top -of -the -range VP -9500/16. Complete microcomputer systems in our MVP range include the MVP -9500/16 basedon a 64KB, hard disc, Z -80A microcomputer with VDU and software for around £11,000. This is £5,000 cheaper thanPDP-11/34 system (20-30 times slower than MVP -9500/16/.
CENTRALEX-LONDON LTD8-12 Lee High Rd, London SE13
centralem Tel: 01-318 4213/4/5/6/79.30 am -5 pm Mon to Fri -Evenings and weekends byappointment
A comprehensive range of Microcomputers Equipment, Peripherals, Software andServices for those who value Professional Standards, Guidance and ContinuingSupport for Hardware and Software.
APPLE PET ITT 2020 EXIVY HORIZONTEXAS OHIO SCIENTIFIC CROMEMCO MICROSTAR SHUGARTMICROPOLIS CENTRONICS ANADEX INTEGRAL TELETYPEDIABLO QUME DEC DATA GENERAL EPSONMICROLINE HITACHI LEXICON ETC. ETC.
INFORMEX-80 Printer
Special offer - for a limited period
For PET, APPLE, EXIDY, TRS80, ETCA high quality, high speed printer(125 cps) Upper and lower case lettersplus graphics as standardInterface and cable for TRS80, PET,APPLE or RS 232 £69 + VATTractor feed option only £39
ALSO Training, Consultancy, Systems Design,Programming and Software
PAYROLL - INVOICING - STOCK CONTROL -SALES/PURCHASE LEDGER - VAT - MEDICALRECORDS - EDUCATIONAL & ENGINEERINGPROGRAMMES - HOTEL RESERVATION - ESTATEAGENTS - BUILDING MAINTENANCE - COBOL -FORTRAN - ETC.
Maintenance Contracts including stand-by equipment during repairperiods - Free Delivery Nationwide - Terms arranged - Credit Cards andofficial orders accepted.
MULTI-USER,MULTI-TASKINGMICRO SYSTEMSFROM £5000
For business,education and scientific use. Cartridge storage 10MB to 1200MB. Comprehensive utilities. Word processing. Multi -language (languages supported
include Basic,Cobol,Fortran,API,,Pascal etc.
OEM and Dealer enquiries invited.
EQUINOXCOMPUTER SYSTEMS LIMITEDKleeman House,16 Anning Street,New Inn Yard,London EC2A 3HB.Tel:01-739 2387 & 01-729 4460
PCW 19
What every OEMwill want to know
about DELTA DP/NET:the small business
system that's the startof something big.
in turn can be expanded to 700k bytesof local floppy disc storage. And ofcourse, each intelligent terminal has
First you'll have to debug your the S100 bus.mind of the limitations you've been The system can start with a 5"
minifloppy 32k terminal. Moreterminals and more storage cansimply be added on. And you can go ondoing this as required with up to 16intelligent and semi -intelligentterminals connected to one hostcomputer and sharing the same data-base. Host computers can be linkedand slave computers added to meetever-increasing work loads.
-tvit what sortof cost?
conditioned to accepting aboutmicros -because with DELTADP/NET there aren't any!
"So what's so different
about DELTA DIVNET?"
It's a totally new systemsconcept using the new CP/NET*operating system resulting in theworld's most powerful microcomputernetwork. DELTA DP/NET gives anew dimension to distributedprocessing and configurability.
"But flexibilityis
what I'm looking for..:'
Then you've found it. DELTADP/NET has a CPU which uses theS-100 bus system -more flexible,more serviceable and potentially morepowerful than computers without abus. There's 64k bytes of RAM in thehost computer as standard -expand-able to 256k bytes; and 1-4 Mb offloppy disc storage with hard discexpansion capability to 165Mb. Eachintelligent terminal in the networkhas up to 64k bytes of memory, which
Hardware costs are extremelycompetitive -and the hardware istotally cost effective since a customernever has to buy more computingpower than he actually needs.
"What sort of
configurabilityare
you Mlking about?"
You name it -DELTA DP/NETwill supply it. Any compatiblecombination of hosts, slaves, storagedevices, peripherals and communi-cation links - and we mean any!
Terodec (Microsystems) Ltd.Unit 58, Sutton's Park Avenue,
TERODEC T 0 6 3 4Eearl:ley73R4ead64in3g4, Berks/ RG6 lAZ
"But surelyall thtois
expansionis going
bog
the systemdown:'
Not at all. The DP/NET modeof operation is so entirely differentfrom other micro systems that it justdoesn't happen.
"Whatsort o
ftwareback -
fpu
provided?"
Standard application packagesthat can be supplied include WordProcessing, General Ledger Account-ing, Order Entry and Invoicing,Payroll, Company Purchases System(Accounts Payable), Company SalesSystem (Accounts Receivable), StockControl for Distributors or Manufac-turers, Estate Agents, EmploymentAgents and Agriculture.
A range of compilers andinterpreters can be supplied includingFORTRAN, COBOL, BASIC,C BASIC, PL1, PASCAL andASSEMBLER.
dowhere I 9wok
Jufrom here:
Straight on to Terodec-the soleU.K. distributors of the world's mostpowerful microcomputer system,DELTA DP/NET.
"Trademark. Digital Research
17 The GallopYateley, Camberley, Surrey GU17 7SGTel: 0252 874790
PCW 20
eirR-,,, SORCERERirow: For the serious user:
BusinessEducationAmateur
Video or UHFPIO + RS232/20ma serial 0/PDual 1200 baud cassette 0/P
SORCERER16-48K internal RAMZ80 CPU, 4K monitor
6 slot S100 expansion(not illustrated)
ROMPAC
CP/RemS100Z80
Memory mapped30 lines x 64 charactersupper/lower case + 128programmable graphics
Micropolis 630K dual diskCP/M or Micropolis MDOS
STANDARD SORCERER4ig. Displays 30 lines of 64 characters - more than any other personal
computer. 79 key stepped typewriter -style keyboard with separatenumeric pad for fast data entry.
* Plug in ROMPAC cartridges for programming languages, specialapplications (e.g. word processing) or creating a user's dedicatedsystem. Sorcerer is supplied with 8K Microsoft BASIC ROMPAC
4IF. Composite video output for video monitor or UHF output for use with anunmodified TV set at nominal extra charge.
* Z80 CPU with up to 48K RAM on -board.
44K power -on monitor in ROM allowing machine code programming, batchprocessing, memory transfers and copying, alteration of memorylocations, use of cassette files.
* Dual 300 or 1200 baud cassette ports with motor control
4 Parallel I/O port and serial RS232 port for direct connection toprinters or use as a terminal to a larger computer - no expensive'extra' communications interfaces
* Full upper/lower case ASCII characters plus 128 user programmablegraphics (64 default to standard graphics symbols if undefined).Default graphics above ordinary characters on keytops.
16K £749.00 32K £799.00 48K £849.00
Expansion Capabilities6 slot S100 expansion for memory up to 56K RAM, disc drives (Si"or 8") etc. Standard bus means that you are not dependent onequipment from a single manufacturer £240.00
* Micropolis double density 5 5," drives with MDOS and Disc BASIC:First drive (incl. controller card) single 315K £690.00Additional drives (max 4 drives/controller) 315K £390.00
* FDM 180 Disk Unit: Micropolis Disk Drive, plugs directly intoSorcerer, does not require 5100 Unit:Single 315K Disk Drive (c/w CP /M and Microsoft BASIC) £599.00Single 315K Add-on Disk Drive. £450.00
* CP/M industry standard disk operating system £75.00
* Development ROMPAC - Z80 assembler, loader, editor, debugger £70.00
* EPROM PAC for loading dedicated software up to 16K £35.00
* Configuring prograMs allow Sorcerer to be used as a 'dumb' terminal or,with CP/M, as an intelligent terminal.
Programming LanguagesThe following programming languages are available for CP/M:
Microsoft Disk BASIC interpreter (BASIC 80 - compatible compiler),CBASIC2 (compiled BASIC), FORTRAN 80 and COBOL -80,ALGOL 60 - A Z80 system with graphics, string handling and random-access filehandling.
All Exidy products are covered by 12 months warranty.CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research.All prices exclusive of VAT
THE WORDPROCESSING WIZARD!Sorcerer's upper/lower case typewriter keyboard and unusually largedisplay (30 lines of text; approximately equivalent to one double-spaced typed page) makes it ideal for word processing applications.The Exidy word processor PAC is a sophisticated screen editor and textformatter with automatic text wrap -around, left and right justification,proportional letter spacing (on disk only with Spinwriter) and manyother formatting facilities. It can also search for and replacestrings, move and merge blocks of text and a macro facility allowsspecification of tasks such as mail -merge letter typing.Letters and texts can be stored on cassette or disks (one disk willstore approximately 300,000 characters and costs less than five pounds.32K or 48K RAM is recommended.
Word Processor PAC £120.00 Disk Version: £118.75
C.Itoh 8300 dot matrix printer -40, 80 and 120 characters per line on91/2'. wide paper, 125 characters/second, upper/lower case, tractor feed,forms positioning £499.00
NEC Spinwriter solid font printer -variable horizontal and verticalspacing, proportional spacing, interchangeable fonts, carbon or fabricribbon, 55 characters/second, paper up to 16. wide £1,900.00
Example system: 32K Sorcerer, video monitor, FDM 180 Disk Unit withCP/M and Microsoft BASIC, C.Itoh 8300 printer, Word Processor on diskand CP/M. £2,225.00
Business SoftwareBesides its word processing capabilities, Sdrcerer can run a wide rangeof business software thanks to the widely used CP/M disk operatingsystem available for the Micropolis disk drives. Programs availableinclude:
Payroll: (requires CP/M and CBASIC2) £250.00General Ledger, Job Costing, Accounts Receivable, £335.00 eachAccounts Payable: (all require CP/M and CBASIC2)
For further information and list of dealers,please contact the sole U.K. distributors.GEOFF WILKINSON, Dept. PCW .1
LIVEPORTDD DATA PRODUCTS MWMI,M1
The Ivory Works, St. Ives, Cornwall TR26 2HFTelephone: (0736) 798157
ip NE Es Ns IN I. I. .1 in I.si PLEASE SEND DETAILS OF THE EXIDY RANGE/WORD PROCESSOR
1
U
NAME
ADDRESS
PCW/3
PCW 21
paHEWLETT PACKARDHPB5
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALERAnglo-American Computing9 Coventry RoadColeshillWarks0675 65396
Automated Business EquipmentMersey HouseHeaton Mersey Industrial EstateBattersea RoadHeaton MerseyStockportManchester (061 432) 0708
Business & Electronic Machines7 Castle StreetEdinburghEdinburgh (031 226) 4294
Central Southern Calculators12 Wokingham RoadReadingBerksReading (0734) 61492
Decimac Business MachinesDecimal HouseThomas LaneBristolBristol (0272) 294591
Euro-Calc Ltd128-132 Curtain RoadLondon EC201-729 4555
Holdene Ltd10 Blenheim TerraceLeedsLeeds (0532) 459459
Office Machinery Engineering73 London RoadBrightonE. SussexBrighton (0273) 689682
Rockliff BrothersSystems Centre2 Rumford StreetLiverpool (051 521) 5830
Robox LimitedUnit 4Anderston Shopping CentreGlasgowGlasgow (041 221) 5401
Sumlock Bondain Ltd15 Clerkenwel I CloseLondon EC101-250 0505
Sumlock ServicesEpic HouseCharles StreetLeicesterLeicester (0533) 29673
Taylor Wilson LtdOakfield HouseStation RoadDorridgeSolihullW. MidlandsKnowle (056 45) 6192
This is a list of dealers participating inAssociated Advertising and not a fulllist.
PCW 22
Se eusatCOMM'BO
stand6181OlympiaNov4-6
Almarc+VectorGraphicThe complete partnershipin Micro computers
.:* OOOOOOOO
OOOOOOO
DATA SYSTEMS LTD906 Woodborough Road, Nottingham NG3 5QS.
Tel: (0602) 625035
System 2800.* S-100 bus.* Switch -selectable asynchronous baud ratesbetween 110 and 96(X) bits/second.* Vector -3 console chassis with 12 -inch CRT(18"W x 12'2"H x 21"D).* Capacitance Keyboard 6 slot motherboard,and power supply.* Z-80 based single board computer with 1 serialport, 3 8 BIT parallel ports, 3 PROM slots, and
1K RAM. Flashwriter II. Video board, 64Kdynamic memory board and disc controller.DUALSTOR enclosure with two 8 -inch doubledensity disc drives, total disc storage capacity2.4 m bytes.* Version 4 extended systems monitor on PROM,Vector CP/M 2.2, SCOPE. Screen OrientedProgram Editor, full screen dynamic simulatingdebugger, ZSM Z-80 assembler, Microsoft.BASIC -80 Release 5.
System 3030.* Vector -3 console chassis with 12 -inch CRT(18"\N x 12'6"H x 21"D), capacitance keyboard,6 -slot 5100 motherboard, and power supply.* ZCB Z-80 based single board computer with1 serial port, 3 parallel ports, 3 PROM slots,and 1K RAM. Flashwriter II Video board, 64Kdynamic memory board, floppy disc controllerboard, Winchester disc interface board, Megastorenclosure with 8 -inch Winchester 3 -platterhard disc drive, and
2 Micropolis Mod II quad density mini -floppydisc drives (20 /."W x 7 / "H x 16,4"D).* Capacity Hard Disc 32 M bytes.* 2 5144" MICROP DISC DRIVES giving 630Kbytes, Storage Capacity.* Version 4 extended systems monitor onPROM, Vector CP/ M 2.2, SCOPE. ScreenOriented Program Editor, full screen dynamicsimulating debugger, ZSM Z-80 assembler,
Microsoft BASIC -80Release 5.
System 'B'* 64K Bank Selectable Ram(56K available to user).* 3 Serial Ports, 2 Parallel Ports.* Twin Disc Drives, 630K Capacity.* Z-80 CPU, with Fast 4MHZ Clock.* Interrupt Handling on 1 /0 Board.
* 18 Slot Motherboard.* Vector Mindless Terminal.* Flashwriter II Video Board (24 x 80).* CP/M 2.2 Operating System.Plus Microsoft Version 5 BASIC SCOPE.Screen Oriented Program Editor, Full screendynamic simulating debugger, ZSM Z-80Assembler.
At Al mart Data Systems,when you buy Vector GraphicMicro -Computers, you areassured of Al mart's experienceof over 350 systems installedthroughout the U.K. - plus theirback-up of full service facilitiescarried out by experienced staff.
Almarc are Specialists inVector Graphic equipmentwhich includes Micro -Computers for research,laboratory work, word
processing, business systems,schools, colleges, universitiesand industry. Plus an evergrowing list of compatiblesoftware including Pascal,Fortran, Cobol, APL, Algol,Basic Compiler and others.
We will be pleased todemonstrate how Almarc +Vector Graphic Systemsequates to The CompletePartnership in Micro -Computers.
PCW 23
SOFTWARE DIRECT FROM WRITERSQUALITY AT THE RIGHT PRICE !PETSSETTE
20 PET PROGRAMS £20 PAYROLL SNOOKER MAILING LIST ASTRONOMY BANK ACCOUNT STARTREK*LIBRARY INDEX JET FLIGHTSTOCK CONTROL HANGMAN*CASH REGISTER SPACE ATTACK*LUNAR LANDER KLINGON
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All for £20inc. Cassette & postage
PETMERGENOW YOU CAN SAVE LOTS OFTIME BY JOINING USEFULGOSUBS TOGETHER- USINGYOUR CBM DISK, AND OURLONG AWAITED MERGERPROGRAM.
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Your computer? Please tick the boxesApple II CI ITT2o2oE PETE]
CBM DISKNameAddress
Postcode
BUSINESS -PACK ClBUSYLINK
PETSSETTE PETMERGE
MAILER / LETTER 0WORD PROCESSOR 0
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PCW 24
The ALTOS ACS 8000 range of business/scientific micro computers creates a newstandard in quality and realiability in hightechnology micro computers.
Hard Disk/Multi User SystemsThe Winchester hard disk/multi user systemsare now available supporting up to 4simultaneous users and providing a maximumof 58 Megabytes of hard disk data storage.
The systems are truly flexible and allowexpansion of the ALTOS floppy disk system tokeep pace with the users requirements.
Still single board. features include a high speed I /0 section with up to six serialports and one 8 bit Parallel port up to 208K of on board R.A.M. High speed (4 MHz.) D.M.A. control asstandard.
Yes, mini power and at micro cost too.
Hard Disk Security Back-upThe 17.5 Megabyte funnel tape unit permitsselective dumping from the Winchester at arate of 1 Megabyte per minute.
Built-in ReliabilityThe ACS 8000 range are true single board microcomputers making them extremely reliable andmaintainable. All electronics are socketed forquick replacement. Complete diagnostic utilitysoftware for drives and memory is provided.
The board and Shugart floppy disk drivesare easily accessible and can be removed in lessthan ten minutes.
Quality SoftwareUnlimited versatility. The ACS 8000 rangesupport the widely accepted CP/M and MP/Moperating systems plus basic (Microsoft andCBasic), Cobol, Pascal. and Fortran IV. Allavailable now.
Logitek in conjunction with its ownmicrosoftware house, Interface Software Ltd.of Camberley are able to supply a wide rangeof proven 'off -the -shelf business softwareincluding general accounting. word processing.stock control. mailing list etc.
There are already over 1000 microcomputer installations using this software. Atrack record which we consider speaks foritself. Why 're -invent the wheel' when there isstandard software of this quality availablenow?
Communication SoftwareTwo new custom software packages are nowavailable for the Altos Computer Systemoperating with CP/M to enable it tocommunicate with remote machines overordinary telephone lines. ASYNC is anasynchronous package that operates withalmost any remote machine. SYNCH is asynchronous package for use with the IBM3780 protocols.
Custom Graphics & ScientificSoftwareA full graphics and scientific package is nowavailable for use for the Altos with FPP.
GRAFLIB is a custom Altos softwarepackage containing a complete range ofFORTRAN-callable graphics subroutines. It isdesigned with DRE RG-512 board, or aTektronix 4000 series graphics terminal.Several multi -colour X -Y plotters are supportedallowing hard copy in addition to screengraphics.
After Sales SupportLogitek are supported by DDT Maintenance Ltd.who provide a nationwide field maintenanceservice for Altos products and offer the optionof maintenance contracts.
AvailabilityLogitek carry deep shelf stocks of Altoshardware and compatible peripherals.
COMPELSee an on Stand 71.
LOGITEK, E.I.C. Electronics Ltd.All enquiries to
8-10 Fazakerley St., Chorley,Lancs. Tel: 02572 67615/70206also at
30 Kelvin Ave.,Hillington Industrial Estate,Glasgow G52 4LH
Logitek are now the exclusive distributors ofAltos Computer Products for the U.K. and Eire
XITAN SYSTEMS LTDThe South's CROMEMCO experts
Need a Hard Disk System with FAST RELIABLEBackup?Xitan now have the answer with the Z -2H plus DC300Tape cartridge BACKUP system (S100 controller, drive,psu & software).The Cartridge BACKUP system is available separately forexisting Z -2H users (13.4 Megabyte capacity - 1Megabyte per 5 minutes).
Z -2Heomptaer6stetn._,
A
C Cromemeo
Utilities/Software for CROMEMCO Systems.Tired of XFER - Use FCOPY or DFCOPY. Single sided 8" copy in 54 seconds, Double sided 8" copy
seconds, £50.00 ea. Need to build Assembler libraries - try LIBR at £50.00.
CP/M 2.2 and MP/M 1.1 available for System 3 and Z -2H systems.
in 104
EASYFOR M. For creation/editing of forms on the 3102 VDU vvith structured Basic. Forms useable from Cobol,Fortran etc. £160.00.
BUSINESS SOFTWARECROMEMCO systems - a complete Business system based on the system 3 from CAP-CPP. Phone for an appointment
to see it running.
For the smaller customer, we have an integrated Sales, Purchase and Nominal system for the North Star Horizon.Nothing fancy - but installed and running for over 7 months. IT WORKS!
WHATIF! Cash Flow, Accounts budgetting utility. Just released. Incredible value at £95.00.Also available an Incomplete Records system for the Horizon.
SPECIALS.Real Time Clock -- S100 - 100 microseconds up to99,999 days £155.00. Hi -Tech 5100 PAL colour card,24 x 40 Prestel format £295.00. Video Vector Fastlib£495.00. Dual Tandon Double/sided 40 track mini -floppy sybsytsem £625.00.
INTEGRATED SPECIALIST SYSTEMS.MEDIDATA 32,000 patient Doctors' system. Installed &running. Prices from £7500.00.RETURNED ALE. Run a brewery? Keep track ofreturned ale and reclaim Excise Duty. Track downproduction & storage problems. Copes with 10,000 +barrels. Prices from £8500.00.
Xitan Systems also supplies and stocks vdus, printers, NORTH STAR HORIZON computers, Commodore Business Machines PETs, S100boards, and books. We are here to demonstrate the range of quality microcomputer systems available for use today. Ring up for anappointment now! You'll not be disappointed. We have Osborne's Sales Ledger and Payable Ledger in source form for use on CromemcoSystem 3 with CBASIC2, and we can offer a customising service on these programs. Additional software includes Microsoft BasicInterpreter and Compilers, Cbasic, Macro80, and CP/ M for the North Star Horizon.
Xitan Systems Ltd., 23 Cumberland Place, Southampton SO1 2BB.Tel: (0703) 38740 Hours Tue-Sat 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
PCW 26
111Z- YE ItNBMZ8OK MONITOR LISTING £15.00NBMZ80K BASIC LISTING £30.00NBMZ80K ZEN EDITOR/ASSEMBLER TAPE &MANUAL £19.50MZ80K MACHINE CODE TAPE & MANUAL £22.50MZ8OK ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE TAPE &MANUAL £45.00NBMZ8OK V24/RS232 PRINTER INTERFACE £49.50
DISKS & PRINTER NOW AVAILABLEA COMPLETE BUSINESS SYSTEM FOR
LESS THAN £2000.
MICROCOMPUTING LC.'S
MC6800 £6.75MC6802 £10.50MC6809 £17.75MC6810AP £3.61MC6821 £4.63MC6840 £10.50MC6850 £4.99MC6852 £4.75MC8062P 2 88MC14536P £2.50MC3459 £2.43Z8001 £142.50Z80 CPU 2.5 Mhz £8.99Z80 CTC 2.5 Mhz £7.99Z80 P10 2.5 Mhz £7.99Z80 S10 £25.57Z80A CPU 4 Mhz £10.50Z80A P10 4 Mhz £10.00Z80A CTC 4 Mhz £10.00SC/MP 11 (INS8060N) £11.30INS8154N £8.186502 £8.996522 VIA £8.146532 £9.756545 CRT CONTROLLER £18.506551 ACIA £9.998080A £5.508224 £2.958228 £3.00DM 8835N £1.358212 £2.258216 £2.50
pccIp@ 816PROFESSIONAL PROM PROGRAMMER
NEWLOWPRICES!"'apple computer
NORTH STAR * HORIZON
SHARP
8300 RM PRINTER
80/132 CH PER LINE (SWITCHABLE); 125 C.P.S: 2KBUFFER; V24 RS 232/ CURRENT LOOP INTERFACE;SPEED SWITCHABLE BETWEEN 110.9600 BAUD;VARIABLE WIDTH CHAR AVAILABLE UNDER SOFT-WARE CONTROL: SPROCKET FEED; 4 x 9 DOTMATRIC; PAPER WIDTH 4.5" TO 9.5"
PRICE £499.00
SPECTRONICS U.V. EPROM - ERASING LAMPS
PE 14 ERASES UP TO 6 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX.19 MINS. £45.00
PE 14T ERASES UP TO 6 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 19 MINS £59.95
PE 24T ERASES UP TO 9 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 15 MINS £87.00PR 12ST ERASES UP TO 16 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 7 MINS £186.24PR 320T ERASES UP TO 36 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 7 MINS £302.00
U.V. EPROM ERASING CABINET
PC 1100 ERASES UP TO 72 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 7 MINS £693.00PC 2200 ERASES UP TO 144 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 7 MINS £1142.00PC 3300 ERASES UP TO 216 CHIPS,TAKES APPROX. 7 MINS £1595.00PC 4400 ERASES UP TO 288 CHIPS, TAKES APPROX. 7 MINS £2047.00
FOR 2708/2716/2532
iftleat g cioss
PRICES FROM £565.00
Calumuftimmice _/ /
SEND FOR FULL SPECIFICATION
ewBearfor the widest selection of computing booksNEW BOOK LIST
MEMORIES
4116 (16K DYNAMIC) £4.502716 (INTEL + 5V TYPE) - £12.502708 £4.50
NEWBEAR COMPUTING STORE LTD. (HEAD OFFICE) 40 BARTHOLOMEW STREET. NEWBURY, BERKSTELEX 848507 NCS (MAIL ORDER) TEL. (0635) 30505FIRS! FLOOR OFFICES. TIVOLI CENTRE, COVENTRY ROAD, BIRMINGHAM.
220-222 STOCKPORT ROAD. CHEADLE HEATH, STOCKPORT.
PLEASE ADD V.A.T. TO ALL PRICES.
TEL. 021 707 7170
TEL. 061-4912290
PCW 27
zni >J r
TRS-80 SOFTWAREFROM THE PROFESSIONALS
ANY DIRECTORYou are in charge of an Electronics Company able to produce digital watches, colour TVs and other products.You must cope with sales, production, research and development, industrial disputes with your labour force- you name it If you make the right decisions then the company will flourish, make them wrong and youwill be out of business. This is a game which may be played by one to three players. Each player has hisown company to manipulate. You will have the option of bidding for export orders (with a big penalty fornon -delivery) and every month you will be given a Profit & Loss Account, a Balance Sheet and 3 graphs tohelp you decide on the next month's decisions. A gripping game which allows you to make or lose a fortunewithout leaving your chair TRS-80 Level II 16K or Disk and the Video Genie. Supplied on cassette.
£14.95 Plus VAT @ 15% = £17.19.Postage & Packing 75 p.
Send large SAE (38p) for our current Catalogue of TRS-80 software. Add £1.85 for a binder.
4128 COLLINGTON AVENUE,BEXHILL-ON-SEA, E SUSSEX. TEL: (0424) 220391 VISA
TELEX 86736 SOTEX G FOR A. j. HARDING
A.J.HARDING CNIOLIMERX3MOLIMERX LTD. BARCLAYCARD
PCW 28
FOR THE SINCLAIR ZX-80
This unique book contains 30 programs all designed to fit in the Basic 1kversion of the SINCLAIR ZX-80!! With this book you will realise that theZX-80 is more powerful than you ever imagined!112 pages packed with solid information!BLACKJACK - actually contains a full pack of cards, shuffles them,keeps track of the dealer and players card totals, and the money bet, allwithin 1k.
MEMORY LEFT - an incredible routine especially useful as it enablesyou to know exactly how much memory is left, even during the running of aprogram. This also illustrates USR routines.
DR. ZX-80 - A conversational program with the computer as analystwhich uses an ingenious method of storage.
GOMOKU - the computer challenges you to this complex Japanese game,Incredibly this program including display of the 7 x 7 board fits into 1k - itonly does so because it uses the display as memory!Other programs included are HORSE RACE, LUNAR LANDER (with movingspaceship), NOUGHTS AND CROSSES, NIM, SIMPLE SIMON, HANGMAN,LIFE, MASTERMIND, PINCH and seventeen others.As well as the programs, the book illustrates programming techniques you canuse in your own programs - space compression, PEEKs and POKEs, USRsand so on.
MELBOURNE HOUSE Orders to: 131 Trafalgar Road, London SE10PUBLISHERS Correspondence: Glebe Cottage, Glebe House,. Station Road,
Cheddington, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.
Please send me copies of 30 programs for the Sinclair ZX-80 1k
NAME
ADDRESS
le 6.95 ( plus 50P p&p)
availableby mailorder only
Please enclose cheque or P.0, for £7.45 per copy.Orders outside the UK £7.95
IFyou want the best service
you need professional adviceyears of experience impress you
you are trying to find the best computer equipmentas well as the finest software
killeitOSOLVIis the Company to contact
MICROSOLVE COMPUTER SERVICES LTD3rd Floor (rear),
MIDDLESEX HOUSE,29-45 High Street,
EDGWARE,Middlesex.
(exit 4 M1/20 mins. West End).(prices ex. VAT)
01-951 0218/9/0
We cover a full range of equipment includingthe APPLE II (from £695/16K); the
MICROSTAR multi-user system (from £4,950)and the powerful ALPHA MICRO which will
run 1 to 22 terminals - the most costeffective system available today.
WE OFFER A COMPLETE SERVICE whichencompasses advice, systems design, sale
and installatior of computer and peripherals, aswell as tailor-made software, where necessary.There are fully documented ACCOUNTING
and WORD PROCESSING PACKAGES etc., forAccountants, Solicitors, Manufacturers,
Retailers, Medical Practitioners in fact allbusiness applications.
ALSO in stock are PRINTERS, VDUs,CONTINUOUS STATIONERY, DISKETTES,
DISK BOXES, all from the best namesin the computer world - TEXAS, LEAR
SEIGLER, TALLY, QUME, PAPER TIGER etc.
So if you either wish to buy a computer toprogram yourself or take advantage of our serviceTELEPHONE NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
PCW 29
Csss....
I 0.'0 0-0- 0- o 0 0 0 I 0 i 0 0 I 0 * I r P Ii.40. I
WE HAVE ALL THE NEW ATARI®VIDEO GAME PROGRAM'CARTRIDGES.
0 0
0
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0
0
0
e 0 I I 41, I I OS
IP CO 040
ATARI BOG VT
0 S.0 040410 0 II IP 10 0 I III
II
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s55ssssirs:555555 0 I I 0.11.110,11.11.lie111.111.
ELECTRONIC GAMES
SPACEINVADERS
,T1MIAMRIR APiPit.i
RRRR Se SI*,.
A A A
HAND MELDS* CARTRIDGESATARI ACETRONICPRINZT RON IC
RADOFIN DATABASE etc.
We keep a full range!Send for cartridge lists stating whichmachine you own.
COMPUTER
INTELLIVISION MATTEL
£173.87 + VAT
Available August 1980This is the most advanced TVgame in the world.Expandablenext year into a fullmicrocomputer.COLOUR CATALOGUEAVAILABLE WITHDETAILS ON ALL THECARTRIDGES
BRIDGECOMPUTER
* Plays 1/2/3 or 4 Hands* Problem Mode* Audio Feedback* Instant Response* Auto scorekeeping
DRAUGHTS' 00 ....-trirscsocr-isalr ' _. * Solves Problemsems .X it _rr * Rejects illegal movesSi le rrrr2 level machineX £43 + VAT
4 level machine£77.78+ VAT
MAIL ORDER SERVICE - Free postage & PackingTELEPHONE & MAIL ORDERS - accepted on:Access * Barclaycard * American Express * Diners ClubCALLERS WELCOME - at our shop in Welling - Demonstrations dailyOpen from 9am-5pm Mon -Sat (9am-1pm Wed)GUARANTEE - Full 12 months + After Sales Support!We have comprehensive brochures on all products. Please let us know what you are interested in and we will send you detailed brochures AND our own32 page catalogue covering most games on the market.
CHESS
Send for further details.
COMPUTERS
NEW RANGEAVAILABLEAUGUST 1980We specialise incomputer chessmachines & stock
.over 13 differentmodels from£20 to £300
BACKGAMMONOMAR 1OMAR 2CHALLENGERGAMMONMASTER
From £38 to £108. Send for further details.
LEISURE*CHEAP TV GAMES*TELEPHONE ANSWERING MACHINES*AUTO DIALLERS*CALCULATORS* DIGITAL WATCHES*PRESTEL* HAND HELD GAMES
TELETEXT131,3111213m
.="",..
RADOFINTELETEXTAdd on Adaptor
£199 + VAT
27 TUNEDOORBELL£17.13
+ VAT
SILICA SHOP LTD., Dept.102 Bellegrove RoadWelling, Kent DA16 TIFTel: 01-301 1111
PCW 9b
FREECATALOGUE,00r._,o,,
Fora free copy
I our 32 Page
Silica ShopL
°caoatira2TIPeglseutp:hrn' oPn et°.
PCW 30
TOMORROW TODAYat
Birmingham Computer Centr
Commodore official distributors
Newlow
rice
3016, 3032, 3008 PETsThe reliable value for money systemwith after sales support, instruction
and training facilities and a widerange of programmes.
im.=3
WWI
48KDisk
drive withcontrollerf1,044+ VAT
Apple authorised distributorsThe sophisticated quality system witha reputation for advanced design and
innovation.SHARPZ8OK
The incredible computer system.Now available ex -stock including the
new dual drive duble sidedfloppy disk.
THE ULTIMATE IN DAISYWHEEL PRINTERSRICOH RP 1600
a
THE BEST WORLD PROCESSORPRINTER AVAILABLE
DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
STANDSee us at the 200
ExhibitionNational
Cello< 10Birmingham25-28 NoYember 198o
Camden Electronics, First Floor,462 Coventry Road, Small Heath,
Birmingham B10 OUG.Telephone 021 773 8240
Open Mon. -Sat. 9.30-6.00 p.m.A MEMBER OE THE COMPUTER RETAILERS AScx,IATION
TheIntelligentterminal.The Z19 'intelligent' Video Terminal, from Zenith
Data Systems, is ideal for a wide variety of high-speeddata handling tasks.
Compatible for use with EIA RS -232 or 20mAcurrent loop, it has all the capabilities and features you'dexpect from a top -of -the -line peripheral.
Z80 Microprocessor based electronics Special deflection system for sharp resolution Full editing functions, plus user -definable keys Reverse video by character 24 lines of 80 characters plus 25th user status line 5 x 7 Dot matrix (upper case)
5 x 9 Dot matrix (lower case) 128 characters (95 ASCII and 33 Graphic) ANSII and DEC VT 52 compatibleAnd there's one feature of the Z19 you wouldn't
expect. The price. Just £735, exclusive of VAT anddelivery charges.
discounts are available. ZenithGenerous OEM
datarEATkLum s tems
For full details about the Z19, complete this coupon andreturn it to:
Zenith Data Systems Division, Heath Electronics (UK) Ltd.,Dept. ( PCW ii ), Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL2 6EE.
Name
Company
Address
Z19
PCW 31
TNTERPRISESL. P. ENTERPRISES
Room PCW8 Cambridge House
Cambridge Road, BarkingEssex 1G11 8NT, England
Tel: 01-591 6511Telex: 892395
Byrom Software
Computer Plus
Computer Services
CP/M User Library
Creative Computing
Digital Research
Information Unlimited
KLH Systems
L.P. Enterprises
MICAH Inc.
Microsoft Inc.
Michael Shrayer Inc.
Microfocus Ltd.
Micropro Inc.
MT Microsystems
Nnrtheharia
Software & Manual/Manual Only
BSTAM-Utility to link one microcomputer toanother also using BSTAM £70/5
FMS 80 (File Management System) Demo Pack(includes manual and disc) £35Complete System £395/25
Bidirectional driver fOr Diablo Hytype printers foruse on CPM & CDOS systems £65/10
42 Volumes on 8" disc42 Volumes on 5" disc
£4£8
For CP/MCS -9001 BASIC Games 1CS -9002 BASIC Games 2CS -9000 BASIC Games 1 and 2CS -9003 ADVENTURE I.O.CS -9004 BILINGUAL Original AdventureCS -9005 BASIC Games 3CS -9006 BASIC Games 4CS -9007 BASIC Games 3 and 4CS -9008 BASIC Games 1, 2, 3 and 4
£12£12£22£12£12£12£12£22£40
(Most formats now available)MPM 1.1CP/M 1.4CP/M 2.2SIDZSIDMACTEXDESPOOLPL/1
£175/18£65/1800/18£45/12£55/12£55/12£45/12
£30/5£POA/25
WHATSIT (Database Management System)on North Staron CP/Mon APPLE 2:48k (requires int Basic)On APPLE 2:32k (requires int Basic)on ITT 2020 (see Apple)
£59£75£72£59
Spooler for CPM systems £65/5
Diablo driver runs 110 to 9600 baud with autoloadfor CP/M or CDOS £30/5OMNIX-UNIX like multiuser, multitaskingoperating system for Z80 i.e. IMS, Cromemco,Horizon £250/30Multiforth £65/20
CP,'M for CDOS Users:Program to Expand CP/M system to be compatablewith Cromemco CDOS software £59/5Disc Utilities:Pack one of CDOS users includes: Fast disc copy,Track test, Disc test, Compare files and others £30/5Pack two for CP/M users includessame as pack one £30/5Pack three for Cromemco users includes same aspack one and spool and print £65/5
BASIC -80 £175/17BASIC Compiler 5.2 £195/17FORTRAN -80 £220/17COBOL -80 4.0 £355/17EDIT -80 £45/11MACRO -80 £80/11MICROSEED £TBA/20MULISP £TBA/20MUMATH £TBA/20
Electric Pencil Word Processor £100SSII for tty etc £100DSII for Diablo £105TRS-80 Cassette/disc £50
CIS COBOL version 4.2 £425/25FORMS 2 £100/10,
WORD -MASTER 1.7 £70/20TEX-WRITER 2.6 £35/15WORD -STAR 2.1 £240/25SUPER -SORT: Version 1 £120/20
Version 2 £100/20Version 3 £75/20
WORD -STAR with MAIL -MERGE 2.1 £310/25MAIL -MERGE 2.1 £70/10DATASTAR 1.07 £165/20
Pascal MT £125/12
Mi ilti.i scar cictiarn fnr Hnri7nn I Icor. f
SOFTWARE
Osborne & Associates
Compiler Systems
Structured Systemsall Converted toUK Standard
TDL Software(Technical DesignLabs)
Tiny -C Associates
Supersoft Inc
Software Works
Software & Manual/Manual Only
Accounts Payable &Accounts Receivable (disc only) £50General Ledger (disc only) £50Payroll with Cost Accounting (disc only) £50
CBASIC v2.06 £65/15
Sales Ledger £275/15Purchase Ledger £275/15NOminal Ledger £325/15Stock Control £275/15Letteright £95/10Analyst (File management Reporting System) £115/10NAD (Name and Address selection system) £50/10OSORT £50/10
Business BasicZTEL (Text Editing Lang.)MACRO II (Z80 Macro Assembler)LINKERDEBUG II (for 8080/Z80)
£80£35£35£35£45
Tiny -C language for 8080, 8085, 280 systems £50/35
DIAGNOSTICS 1TERM
£35/5£65/5
Northstar Format onlyInventory -1 (Stock Control)Inventory -2 with order entry, invoicingMailroomHousekeeper (Utilities, sorts)Preventative MaintenanceHousekeeper -2 (Coming Soon)
£50/10£130/15£50/15
£35/10£75/15
£TBA
ORDER INFORMATIONSoftware prices reflect distribution on 8" single density discs.If a format is requested which requires additional discs asurcharge of £4 per additional disc will be added.Please add VAT and £2.50 for first class postage, packing andinsurance.If required, DATAPOST D service is available for an extracharge of £7.50.All software on this Advertisement is available from stockand a 24 -hour return service is thereby offered on all prepaidorders. When ordering CP/M software please specify theformat you require otherwise software will be dispatched onan 8" single density disc.For more information on any of these items, please phone,write or visit. (We are open during office hours).All publications are published in the U.S.A. and are stocked inBritain by L.P. Enterprises.We aim to keep all of these books in stock and as a result ofthis most mail orders are despatched by return of post.
OEM terms available
MAIL ORDER TELEPHONE ORDER VISITSend Cash, Cheque, Credit Card No., Postal Order, IMO to L.P.Enterprises, Room PCW, 8 Cambridge House, CambridgeRoad, Barking, Essex 1G11 8NT.
All Payment must be in sterling and drawn against a UK bank.Subscriptions are processed to start with the next currentissue, after the date of order.These details are all current as of August 1980.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to fluctuationin the dollar rate.
lost . +
...when you need a dependable supplier, an authoriseddistributor with a comprehensive range of products at keenprices, backed by large stocks for fast delivery, with fullafter -sales support. We promise you a rapid response.
ANADEX DP8000Exceptional value and high reliability.84 lines per minute, 112 cps. Parallel andserial interfaces as standard. 96 ASCI set,9 x 7 font. Variable tractor. Formshandling facilities, 1K buffer store. Optionsinclude 2K extra store IEEE interface.
om £494LEAR SIEGLER ADM -3AThe most pinpular visual display in theworld. 1920 character screen capacity.Cursor addressing' Dual interface. Auxiliaryport Wide range of speed and wordformats. Options include Tektronix 4010compatible graphics.
from only £545LEAR SIEGLER ADM -31Low cost VDU with two pegs display endfull editing features. Dual interface, 50-9600 baud data rates. Upper/ lower casecharacter sat. Cursor addressing, editing,protected fields, dual intensity. Optionalpolling and addressing, printer port.
from only £795LEAR SIEGLER ADM -42Serra -intelligent VDU with up to 8 pagesof display. Full editing features, blinking,blanking, cursor addressing, formattransmission, protected fields, dualintensity, separate function keys, statusdisplay. Optional alternative character set,programmable function keys, synchronousinterface, line drawing set. £1049'rnm only
TYPEWRITER TERMINALTwo machines for the price of one. Type-writer style friction feed for singledocuments, letters etc. Pin feed for contin-uous business stationery. Electric typewriterkeyboard layout and touch. Lett and righthand margin setting. Crisp, high qualityprintout.
T 745Portable 30 cps terminal including acousticcoupler weighing only 13 lb. Thermal 5 x 7dot matrix, 80 coloumn print line, frictionfeed, 8 Yt' wide paper. Options:El A/ Auxiliary coupler kit, Answerbackmemory, Full ASC 11 keyboard, DualAPL Full ASC 11 keyboard.
from only £1250
from Only £799
For a limitedperiod only
Compact 150 cps 132.columnprinter/Optimised bi-directionalprinting/Adjustable tractor feeds, 3-15 inches/9x7 dot.
matrix/RS232 interface/Forms control optionsY0ther serialand paraHel interface options/Compressed print option.
PERIPHERAL HARDWARE LIMITEDArmfield Close West Molesey Surrey Telex 922175
SOUTH NORTH IRELAND
Altogetherabetter
computer.All the power and built-in peripherals for business
and educational computing in one compact, desk top unit.
The Z89 Series Microcomputer.
Designed and built to the highest specification, theZ89 combines reliability and efficiency with ease ofoperation. And -is backed, of course, by our excellentafter sales service.
Features include: Z80 CPU Built-in floppy Disc with optional dual external
drives Built-in Z1 VDU Up to 65K RAM Three serial RS -232 I/O Operating systems C/PM & H.DOS. Languages: M -Basic, C -Basic, Fortran, Pascal, etc.And with generous OEM discounts available you can
see why the Z89 is abetter computer. Zenith
datasystems
For full details about the Z89, complete this coupon andreturn it to:
Zenith Data Systems Division, Heath Electronics (UK) Ltd..Dept. ( pcw 11 ), Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL2 6EE.
Name
Company_
Address__
Z8901 941 4806 Harrogate 501263/4 Dublin 952316
PCW 33
Apple and AnadexAnadex's new 9500/1 printers might have been designedspecifically to match the Apple in power, features andextreme flexibility. We've designed a special interface totake advantage of the unique capabilities of this printer.
High quality dot matrix print. 96 characterASCII set with full descenders on lower case.sign. 120-200 c.o.s. print Heavy duty 650 million char life print head. Tractor feed with stopper motor for accuratepositioning. Normal, condensed and expanded print. Variable form length. width. T.O.F. control.Programmable Tabs. 600 character buffer. True inderline capability. Original plus 5 copies. Dot addressable graphics mode at 60 x 72(9500) or 72 x 75 (9501) dots per inch.
With our interface card the Apple user gains 2K of powerful printer firmware on 2716EPROM
Dot for dot reproduction of Apple highresolution graphics in a wide variety of formats.Page 1 or 2. Inverse or normal, expanded ornon -expanded one needle or six etc. Screen print routines emulates a C.R.T. copier Fully Basic, DOS, and Pascal compatible. Control characters provide easy selection ofline width. Video enable. Syntax identical withApple Centronics Card.
Anadex DP -9500
Anadex DP -9501
Anadex printer card
Nett VAT
895.00 134.25
995.00 149.25
150.00 22.50
Total
1029.25
1144.25
172.50
Dabble with DappleDapple is a four channel. 8 bit digital to analogue converter for the Apple computer.
Four channels, uni-polor operation0 to 10V. Parallel latched outputs. 8 bit resolution. 3 microsecondssettling time. Based on the 6522 VIA.
Please add our name to your mailing list
toSTACK -APPLE, 290-298 Derby Road, Bootle,Liverpool. Telephone 051-933 5511.
Easily controlled from assembler,BASIC, Pascal, Fortran. High quality double -sided, throughhole plated, silk screened P.C.B. Designed, manufactured andsupported by Stack.
Dapple is easily the most powerful,flexible D/A converter available forthe technical Apple user.
PCW 34
Ccommodorer PET PACKsoftware
DIRECT FROM110
v.1(WE MANUFACTURE THEM)
The Commodore range of Petpack Software is big andgetting bigger! At the moment there are over 60 Petpacksand new programs are being added all the time. Here atAudiogenic we hold stocks of every Petpack and GDseries disc. ready for immediate despatch.
For the Businessman we have programs for StockControl. Filing, Accounts. Payroll. a very powerful WordProcessor, and more!
For Educational applications we have programs to aid inthe tuition of Languages. Physics. Maths, English. PetProgramming. Statistics. etc. For the Scientist or Engineerwe have programs on Mechanics of Materials. HarmonicAnalysis. Circuit Design. DraWing Load and Die Design,Statistical Analysis. Geometry and Algebra, to mention buta few. Then for the Programmer, there is a selection ofProgramming Aids on cassette and disc. And. of course.there are the Games Petpacks! Fun for all the Family!There are at present 12 cassettes in the Treasure Troveseries. with over 40 different games in all. The Arcadeseries has 6 games which will be familiar to those of youwho frequent pubs. clubs or amusement arcades. Thegames are PET versions of those popular pastimes likethe addictive 'Space Invaders' or the universe -encompassing 3D Startrek.
Get out catalogue forthe exciting details.LATEST NEWS ORACLE PAGE 451NEW RELEASESPascal (32k Pets Onlyl £138.00 Galaxy One -Combination ofTreasure Troves 1 to 6 on Disk £46.00 Arcade Games -Breakthrough. Night Driver and Car Race £7.00 each 2more Treasure Troves including Drive Bomber Dominos, LGame and Tower of Hanoi £10.00 eachWordpro 1 (Old Rom Only) Cassette forerunner board pro 3:£25.00Vegetable planner - Computing your garden £10.007 additions to our educational PETPACKS inc pilot and cesil@ £10.00 each
BOOKSAs well as PET releases and the 6500 hardware andProgramming Manuals, we can offer from Osborne McGraw-
"PETCBM Personal Computer Guide" £9.95Everything you wanted to know about your "PET" - from"on" switch to the assembly language sub -routine
"Some common basic programmes PETEditor" £8.70
A collection of 76 practical BASIC programmes that addresspersonal finance, with full PET listings, mathematical,statistical and general interest problems
"PET and the IEEE 488BUS (GPIB)" £9.95This is the only complete guide available on interfacing PETto GPIB
"6502 Assembly Language Programming"£8.70
For the advanced programmer:- increase the capabilitiesand performance of PET
ACCESSORIES"PETSET' to get you out of crashed conditions. VerbatimDisk £3 each 10 for £25.00 & Minkassette Disk HoldersBlank Cassettes C10 5 for £2.75 and Printers Ribbons.Complete Range of Bib Cassette Accessories inc HeadDemagnetiser @ £8.24Post and Package 25p - Thereafter 10p for any additionalitems.
P.O. Box 88 Reading, Berkshire,Tel: (0734) 595269 24 Hour.
HEATH71e ---r"
WH14.
First in line.If you're looking for an above average line
printer at a lower than average price then the WH14from Zenith Data Systems is your first choice.
Microprocessor controlled, this compact table-top unit can be used with most computers through astandard serial interface. It provides hard -copy outputof your programmes as you execute them, plus handycopies of address lines, lists and other programmingdata for educational or business applications.
Features include: 5 x 7 Dot matrix printing Clear easy -to -read images Upper and lower case characters Operator/software selectable line width:
132, 96 and 80 characters per line. Sprocket paper feed with adjustable spacing Stepper motor feeds allows 6 or 8 lines per
inch vertical. Form feed operator/computer control Microprocessor based electronicsAnd at £510, exclusive of VAT and delivery
charges, the WH14 puts economy first in line too.Generous OEM
discounts are available.
dataZenithsystems
For full details of the WH14, completethis coupon andreturn it to:
Zenith Data Systems Division, Heath Electronics (UK) Ltd.,Dept. ( PCW I I ), Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL2 6EE.
Name
Company
Address
WH14
PCW 35
NEWSPRINTGuy Kewney, Editor of Datalink, brings his usual enjoyable
assortment of news, rumours and gossip from the microworld.
Why are we waitingLoyalty to one's employer isadmirable'but I should liketo take this opportunity ofpointing out to Kit Spencerof Commodore that loyaltycan also get your companyinto trouble.
At the time of writing, 90days plus ten haveelapsed from the date when Ilast spoke to Kit. An odd wayof measuring time, you maythink. It is not my choice, Iwould reply - it is thelovable Kit's. On thatoccasion I recall asking him,very politely, if he could letthe world know whenCommodore's new disk,number 8050 (pronouncedAT50) would actually beavailable to buy, in shops.
It was an importantquestion. Many people whowrite programs for the newSuperPET, wanted to sellthese programs to users. Tosell them, they had to preparesimple production plans: wewill launch, they might say,in September, and we willmake 1000 copies on the old
disk and 2000 on theCompuThink drive, andmaybe 500 on the new 8050.So they really need to knowwhen the 8050 will beavailable.
Kit Spencer's first lovableresponse was that the 8050"was announced already,"which wasn't quite what Iwas trying to find out. It hadbeen officially announced acouple of weeks before, atthe PET Show, but manypeople there had whisperedanxiously of rumours that itwould be delayed because of"problems".
I mentioned these rumoursto Kit who told me: "Thereis no delay, it is on 90 daysdelivery, which means we'llbe shipping them in the firstweek of September."
To cut a long story downto bearable length, I didn'tbelieve him, and I believedthe people who said "all theparts have been cancelleduntil Commodore irons out abug in the drive," and whovindictively recalled previous
BUFFERS
32 X 64STORAGEARRAY
Truly permanent memory is a drag. No sooner has the chipfactory produced the 28,000th copy of a memory containingyour clever code than the users all start finding bugs in it.Hence the well-known trick of using eraseable permanentmemory (EPROM) until everyone is happy.
Put your hand on an EPROM chip while it's working andyou will notice that it's not the sort of thing you want toconnect to your average HP9 battery. It gets hot - it willdrain the battery of power in no time flat (if I may use theword).
So that's why it is very clever of RCA to make a CMOSEPROM circuit, which uses very, very little power indeed.The RCA chip offers a measly 2 kbits, usable as 256 bytes,so don't try and load it with a Basic program. And it doescost £22 per chip (if you buy 100 or more). But it will fitin a battery powered system, which means a portable systemso I predict RCA will sell a lot..
Commodore delays onmachines, software and peri-pherals. And I printed mymisgivings here in PCW withan offer to withdraw themunconditionally as soon as Iheard evidence that the bugswere indeed ironed out, thatthe parts were indeedordered, and that productionhad started.
So, 90 days and ten dayslater, I have to report noevidence. Dealers both hereand in America report thatthey are still being promised90 day delivery on the 8050.And an inside source says hegathers that CBM ironed outthe bug, or at least says itnow knows how to fix it.
It seems such a smallpoint. Yet, if Commodorecould only concede suchsmall points when they arise,all it would lose would besome small market advantagein the disk drive segment.Other people (like the hatedCompuThink) could gear upfor larger runs and supplydrives (with a whole differentset of bugs, of course) beforeCommodore, perhaps. On theother hand, if Kit Spencercould say, "Yes, we are bitlate, but we'll give you all thewarning we can," or even,"Sorry, I'm a marketing guyand I don't know what theproduction problems are,buddy," then softwaresuppliers would not be leftwondering what the hell todo over their launch plans.Instead, loyalty says: "Thecompany is right."
Going up andcoming downThe silliest thing the microbusiness can possibly do is togo 'up market.' Tempting,rewarding and apparentlylucrative though it may be,the people who today areinvesting in teak -toppeddesks, matt finish ironware,and 'quality business soft-ware' are the ones to avoid.They're all doing it becausethe computer industry wantsit Lut they're mad. Toillustrate how pernicious thedangers are,I'm going toquote from a well knownscapegoat of the orthodoxcomputer industry,International Computers Ltd,
or ICL.This company normally
makes gigantic mainframemachines which have too fewusers to get the operatingsystem sorted out in less thanten years. It has learned fromits mistakes, up to a point, bylaunching a much smallermachine, called a 2903, nowobsolete, and by replacing itwith a still cheaper (butbigger) machine called theME29.
In launching this machine,ICL has been very aggressive,and has informed its salesmenthat it is better than theopposition -a tacticdenounced as questionable bypeople in the orthodoxcomputer business, who areobviously short of an excitingheadline. It has also beendenounced for including thefollowing advice: "Do notoffer software tailored to thecustomer's problem, but sell aready -wrapped, slicedpackage."
The first temptation in thepath of the micro retailerwho is moving up market isto say grandly to hiscustomer: "It can do exactlywhat you want. You don'thave to buy one of thosedirty little £20 packages,instead you can havecustomised software atupwards of £500 a shot -and if it isn't quite right, oneof our professional" (andhere you can hear theswelling chest, the modestpolishing of fingernails on thelapel "software programmerswill write some special codefor you."
On a cheap machine, youcan spend your £500 buyingsoftware if you must, but ifyou must spend £500, do itby buying ten £50 packagesand choosing the best. Getyour own special programand all you have guaranteedare your own, special bugs. Inoffering its customerspackages, ICL is doing them abig favour, as scarred veteransof the small businesscomputer boom of the earlyseventies will remember withcold shivers. ICL can affordto develop packages for theME29 because it is bigenough to make and sell 5000of the beast over the nextthree years and because thepackages are grotesquely over-priced by our standards - buttheir customers have yet to
36 PCW
NEWSPRINTcatch up with the 20thcentury. UpMarket Micros,however, cannot.
So I'm very pleased to seethat the National ComputingCentre is offering guidancefor small businesses who areplanning to computerise. Itmay be able to stop somesmall businessmen investingin a 'prestige' computerwhich will convey about asmuch prestige as a Rolls-Royce radiator on a Mini.
Basic startTeach yourself Basic by allmeans - but don't imaginethat you will become a cleveruser of Beginners' All-purposeSymbolic Instruction Codewithout being taught a few ofthe tricks. A flying start isoffered by Agar ComputerServices in London, in theshape of a £57, two-daycourse. It aims to teachpeople with a desire to know"what a computer is, andhow to program one." Detailson 01-328 9232.
PET aidA really good programmerought to be able to write aprogram good enough toreplace him and sell thatprogram for more than theprograms he would other-wise have written. On PETcomputers an attempt toreplace - or at least 'de -skill'- the programmer has beenmade by Stage OneComputers in Bournemouth.
It has launched a productcalled Petaid, which doesuseful program -buildingoperations such as creatingfiles, manipulating them anddisplaying reports derivedfrom them. Stage One quotesfigures to claim that the useof this sort of programbuilding aid can reduce thetime needed to develop anapplication program by 70%,"or in specific applicationareas by 90%."
All screen handling, diskhandling, error control andso on "is already built intothis package in subroutines,"says Stage One. "Petaid alsouses standard variables toease program modificationand enhancement." Existingusers have found considerabletime savings, the companysays.
"And obviously, thecommon structure betweenall suites of programs andsites on which the system(the combination of hard-ware and software) is to beused, is of considerableadvantage for support andsubsequent maintenance andmodification." Details onBournemouth 23570.
Micro/terminalThe price of a microsystemwhich is 'only' a personalcomputer can be raised quitea bit if it can be sold to dataprocessing managers in large
Millbank's new micro -see 'Micro/terminal'.computer installations as a`mainframe preprocessingterminal".
A "brand new micro-computer from MillbankComputers, which will bevery good value at just under£3000," according to itssupplier is obviously tradingon this. It is a microsystem,all right, with such obviousfeatures as the microoperating system CP/M and,like competing systems(the SuperBrain, forexample), it comes off theshelf with a full memorybank of 64 kbytes, and anunusually large 700 kbytes ofdisk storage built into thebox with the video screen.
That said, it costs roughlytwice as much as theSuperBrain and the priceseems to buy a whole set of"computer room options".
These include interfaceswhich would allow the userto attach printer, modem,networks - and mainframecomputers.
Nice features of themachine appear to include acalculator keyboard on oneside of the typewriter keys- but for the programmerwriting in Basic it would bemuch more useful to includethe function keys foraddition, subtraction divisionand multiplication and so on- like Hewlett Packard hasdone on the HP85.
Another useful option isan HPIB interface, which iswhat the PET uses to drivethings like disks andinstruments. But it's only anoption, as is the high speedarithmetic processor, and itcosts extra. Details on 01-7991083.
Anybodylistening?If someone has laid out themoney needed for a modem,which allows his or hercomputer to transmit down aphone line to anothercomputer, one would expectthat person to want a widerange of other people to getin touch with.
So far, the most promisingidea along these lines in thiscountry is still PCN (PersonalComputer Network) beingestablished by DavidHebditch on behalf of a mere200 or so potential clubusers. His idea is to enablethem (as we've mentionedbefore) to dial up a centralcomputer, which would be asort of noticeboard plusexchange, and find out whoelse is available forconversation.
But no central computerservice company withadequate telephone lines hasyet been found to providethis noticeboard service. Themost promising steps includetwo orthodox computerbureaux, which normally selltime on their machines toremote users with dumbterminals.
The latest to offer thisidea as a way of filling in theslack hours after normal
office nine to five isSystemshare, the Edinburgh -based bureau which isoffering an after-hourscutprice Microlink service ona Honeywell Level 66
computer, at 5p per minute.It's a nice move, but
Systemshare needs to offermicroprocessor software(assemblers, editors,emulators and so on) andlibraries of t.Petapple..r-lysoftware before we get reallyworked up about it all.Details on 031-552 7601.Alternatively, maybe some-body would like to give us amachine .
Calculator newsFollowing in Sharp's foot-steps, National Panasonichas announced a pocketcomputer, using Basic, and ofsimilar layout to the SharpPC -1211.
Unlike Sharp, however, itappears that Panasonic in-tends to launch theRL-H1000 as a system,with plug-in modules forboth ROM and RAM expan-sion, video interface, acousticcoupler and a printer. Themachine should be availablethis autumn in the USA butno decision has been taken onUK sale and no prices areavailable.
And on the subject ofSharp, rumour has it that aprinter will be available"soon" for the PC -1211.
Another contender in thepocket computer stakes isthe Nixdorf LK-3000. Thismachine started life as atranslator under the name ofLexicon (tested in PCW Dec1979). Nixdorf is now offer-ing the machine with modulesother than translation modu-les. Those which may interestreaders of this column area calculator module, a "filingsystem" and an "electronicnotepad" or "personal pro-gram" module, comprising1k of CMOS RAM with itsown processor and operatingsystem enabling the storage
The reason the man in the picture looks so French is thathe's using a French personal computer, made by Logabax.
That configuration costs around £3500 and includes 64kbytes of memory, 384 kbyte disk storage, separate videoterminal and printer -a price which gives mostpetappletandy type systems a good run for their money.The video displays 2000 characters, for example. This is themodel LX 500, now with more storage capacity, and billedas "the best selling personal computer in France, and selectedby the French Government for its schools project, which willinstall one of the systems in every school in that country."Details 01-965 0061.
PCW 37
NEWSPRINT
If you have pneumatic leads, then a pneumatic lead cutter,from Weluiyn Tool, is just what you need for cutting them.
I think you blow like mad down the tube, and the cutterstrim your pneumatics. Is that right? Have I missed the point?Why won't someone tell me what's going on? Details onWelwyn Garden 29121.
and retrieval of names files.In addition, an acousticcoupler and RS232C inter-face are available to allow themachine to be used as a port-able terminal. The modulesavailable, except for the"personal program", are all inROM, and it does not appearat present that any facilityexists for user -written pro-grams. The basic machine ispriced at £115.
Finally, some sort of prizefor timeliness to TexasInstruments for announcingtheir newest Solid StateSoftware module for theTI 58/59. This is a PoolWater Analysis Module whichperforms the calculationsnecessary for regulating thechlorine, etc, in your swim-ming pool. Those readers whoare still employed and dissatis-fied with the composition oftheir pool water will flockto buy.
Dick Pountain
Doctors' systemWhen doctors aren't beingpestered by malingererssuch as you or I, they spenda lot of time working outhow much money they'reowed by the DHSS. Not forthem a regular paycheckat the end of each monthbut a hard slog workingwith a complexity of para-meters which include howmany patients they've goton their books and whatthey've done to themrecently.
An obvious task for corn-puterisation, you mightthink, and you wouldn't bealone in thinking that, forABIES Informatics haslaunched a microcomputersystem designed specificallyfor GPs, which "will revo-lutionise surgeries around thecountry, dramatically im-proving both business andclinical efficiency..."
It's based around anSWTP/09 system and costsfrom between £6000 and
£9500 depending on whetheryou have floppy or harddisks; as well as doing theaccounts and maintainingpatient records - passwordprotected, of course - it hasa word processor which canprint out specimen labels andprescriptions as well ascirculars reminding patientsthat they need routine in-oculations or tests. A nd, as anoption, the system cansupport MICKIE, the medicalinterviewing packagedeveloped at the NationalPhysical Laboratory. Detailsfrom ABIES on 01-491 7507.
Big spenderThe man who will spend theGovernment's £9 million oneducation has been named.The name is Fothergill.
He has been appointed asdirector of the nationaldevelopment programme ofmicroelectronics in schoolsand colleges, by the educa-tion departments of England,Wales and Northern Ireland(Scotland has its own ideas).
Now the interesting thingabout Fothergill, apart fromthe fact that he is "wellknown in the field of educa-tional technology," is thefact that is he currently headof Petras at Newcastle. Thisinformation comes to youfrom the Council for Educa-tional Technology for theUnited Kingdom, whodon't seem to think we oughtto know what Petras is (are).Rather than spoil the illusion,I shall leave it like that:faintly mysterious, ratherwonderful, and ever so signi-ficant. Don't you think?
Anadex cureA couple of months ago Imoaned in these pages abouta fault in the new AnadexDP -9500 series printers athigh printing speeds charac-ters tended to get 'lost'.
The people at Anadexweren't too happy when
they read it, not becausethey're ultra -touchy orbecause they'd been tryingto cover it up, but becausein the interval between mywriting that piece and theappearance of the magazine,they'd found a way to fix it- by modifying the soft-ware contained in the printer.
So, machines with serialnumbers from D006670onwards (for the DP -9500)and D003311 (for theDP -9501) have been modi-fied. And if you've an earliermachine which loses charac-ters at high speeds, contactyour supplier and he'll fita modified EPROM at nocharge, says Anadex.
If you're thinking ofbuying a DP -9500 but youdon't need its full 132 -column printing width,you'll be interested to hearthat Anadex is about tolaunch a series of 80 -column dot matrix printers(designated the DP -9000series) with high -densitygraphics, alphanumericswith descenders and under-lining, and condensed anddouble -width printing. Iassume they've beenthoroughly tested at fullspeed.. .
Wizard utilitiesIn much the same way asPenguin paperbacks areboxed thematically, Liveporthas packaged £370 worth ofsoftware for the Sorcerer.
The software is the sort ofuseful backgroundprogramming that makesloading and running ofprograms easy: it includes theuniversal CP/M disk operatingsystem for getting data andprograms on and off floppies,plus two programs tointerpret your own Basiccode - versions 4.5 and 5.0of Microsoft's interpreter -and assembler software toenable you to write indetailed machine level code.Then there is also a set of
routines to let you copy disksand to load differentprograms and link themtogether, plus 'utilityprograms' enabling the userto convert cassette files intodisk files, so that they can beused with the above software.
According to Liveport, ofIvory Works, St IvesCornwall TR26 2HF?, this allcosts £220. Details on 0736798157.
PET pepAssuming you have one ofthe mee, old PET disks, youcan now go out and buysomething to speed up yourprogram writing power.
The idea on which thissoftware product is basedcomes from traditional main-frame programming. Not allideas derived from mainframeprogramming are useless -the mainframe programmermay be blinkered intothinking that his screen mustbe a ten characters per secondteleprinter, or that otherusers sharing the computermay get in the way - but hehas learned several tricks ofwriting his creepy programsand the basic one is:plagiarise.
They all keep libraries offrequently -used routines inreserve, and whenever theyneed to do something they'vedone before, just call it up asa routine from the library.
`Linker' is now availableon the PET to merge yourcommonly used routines intoBasic programs. Things likerandom file accessing, sorting,report printing, matrixinversion, accountinterrogation and so on, canbe pulled into your programwithout serious effort. Ofcourse, it won't help untilyou've written all thoseroutines . .. or borrowedthem. Details from DovetailComputer Systems on (0254)665867.
It takes a good deal of nerve to submit a photograph of aPET saying "Hytruss".
It is apparently symbolic of the fact that Hydro -Air,which has "65 trussed rafter fabricating companies in Britainand Ireland," is using a PET to calculate the designs of itsroof trusses. It provides the PET -based calculations to thesecompanies. It is, in fact, a software announcement.
38 PCW
and you could be onUnless it's a Commodore PET
maCommodore produce Britain's
number one microcomputer. But wedon't stop there. We also insist onproviding comprehensive supportthroughout our national dealernetwork.
Our dealers can examine yourneeds and demonstrate whichhardware and software will suit youbest. Their trained engineers arealways at hand and a 24 -hourmaintenance service is available.Your local dealer can tell you moreabout the following CommodoreServices.
Cr The Commodore PETThe Commodore PET computer
range covers everything from theself-contained unit at under £500 tocomplete business systems at under£2,500.
ctCommodore BusinessSoftware and Petpacks
Our software range covershundreds of applications. Businesssoftware includes Sales andPurchase Ledgers, Accounting,Stock Control, Payroll, WordProcessing and more. In additionover 50 Petpacks are availablecovering such titles as StrathclydeBasic Tutorial, AssemblerDevelopment System, Statistics,plus our Treasure Trove and Arcadeseries of games.
CCCommodore ApprovedProducts
Compatible products of othermanufacturers with Commodore'smark of approval are also available.
Or Commodore CoursesCommodore offer a range of
residential training courses and oneday seminars. An excellent start.And when you have installed yoursystem the PET User's ClubNewsletter can keep you informed ofnew ideas and latest developments.
LONDON AREAAdda Computers Ltd,W5. 01-579 5845
Advanced Management Systems,EC2. 01-638 9319
Byteshop Computerland.Wl. 01-636 0647
C.S.S. (Business Equipment) Ltd,E8. 01-254 9293
Cr.% CAn7p4e1Systems.
Centralex-London Ltd,SE13. 01-318 4213
Cream Microcomputer Shop,HARROW, 01-863 0833
Da Vinci Computer Shop.EDG WARE. 01.952 0526
L & J Computers,NW9. 01-204 7525
Home and Business Computers,E12. 01-472 5107
Merchant Systems Limited,EC4. 01-353 1464
Metyclean Ltd,SW1. 01-828 2511
Micro Computation,514.01-882 5104
Micro Computer Centre,SW14. 01-878 3206
Sumlock Bondain Ltd,EC1. 01-2500505
Sumlock Bondain Ltd,EC4. 01-626 0487
T.L.C. World Trading Ltd,WC2 01-839 3894
TOPS TV LTD,SW1. 01-730 1795
HOME COUNTIESG. M. Marketing.
ANDOVER, 790922HSV Microcomputers.
BASINGSTOKE, 62444MMS Ltd,
BEDFORD, 40601Elex Systems Ltd,
BRACKNELL, 52929DDM Direct Data Marketing Ltd.
BRENTWOOD, 229379Amplicon Micro Systems Ltd,
BRIGHTON, 562163RUF Computers (UK) Ltd,
BURGESS HILL, 45211T & V Johnson (Microcomputers
Etc) Ltd, CAMBERLEy 20446Cambridge Computer Store,
CAMBRIDGE, 65334Wego Computers Ltd.
CATERHAM, 49235Dataview Ltd,COLCHESTER, 78811
South East Computers Ltd.HASTINGS, 426844
Alpha Business Systems.HERTFORD, 57423
Brent Computer Systems.KINGS LANGLEY, 65056
Isher-Woods Business Systems,LUTON, 416202
South East Computers Ltd.MAIDSTONE, 681263
Micro Facilities Ltd,MIDDLESEX, 01-9794546
J. R. Ward Computers Ltd,MILTON KEYNES 562850
Sumlock Bondain (East Anglia) Ltd,NORWICH, 26259
T & V Johnson (MicrocomputersEtc) Ltd, OXFORD, 721461
H.S.V. Microcomputers.SOUTHAMPTON, 22131
Super -Vision,SOUTHAMPTON, 774023
Xitan Systems Ltd,SOUTHAMPTON. 38740
Stuartean Ltd,SOUTHEND-ON-SEA, 62707
Tt,=111)ua Nita 41645Orchard Electronics,
WALLINGFORD 35529
I-
Petalect Ltd,WOKING, 63901
Oxford Computer Systems,WOODSTOCK. 811976
MIDLANDS ANDSOUTH HUMBERSIDEByteshop Computerland,
BIRMINGHAM, 622 7149CPS (Data Systems) Ltd,
BIRMINGHAM, 707 3866Camden Electronics,
BIRMINGHAM, 773 8240Computer Services Midlands Ltd.
BIRMINGHAM. 382 4171Catlands (Computers) Ltd,
BURTON -ON -TRENT 812380Ibek Systems,
COVENTRY, 86449Jondane Associates Ltd,
COVENTRY 664400Davidson -Richards Ltd.
DERBY 366803Caddis Computer Systems Ltd,
HINCKLEY, 613544H.B. Computers,
KETTERING, 83922Taylor -Wilson Systems Ltd.
KNOWLE, 6192Machsize Ltd.
LEAMINGTON SPA, 312542Office Computer Techniques Ltd,
LEICESTER, 28631Lowe Electronics.
MATLOCK, 2817Betos (Systems) Ltd,
NOTTINGHAM, 48108Byteshop Computerland,
NOTTINGHAM, 40576Keen Computers Ltd.
NOTTINGHAM. 583254Tekdata Computing,
STOKE-ON-TRENT, 813631Systems Micros,
TELFORD, 460214McDowell Knagg & Associates,WORCESTER. 427077
YORKSHIRE ANDNORTH HUMBERSIDEAckroyd Typewriter & Adding
Machine Co. Ltd, BRADFORD, 31835Allen Computers,
GRIMSBY. 40568Microware Computers Ltd.
HULL, 562107Microprocessor Services,
HULL, 23146Holdene Ltd,
LEEDS. 459459
South Midlands Communications LtdLEEDS. 782326
Yorkshire Electronics Services Ltd.MORLEY, 522181
Computer Centre (Sheffield) Ltd.SHEFFIELD, 53519
Electronic Services,SHEFFIELD, 668767
Hallam Computer Systems Ltd,SHEFFIELD. 663125
NORTH EASTDyson Instruments,
DURHAM, 66937Currie & Maughan,
GATESHEAD. 774540Wards (Office Supplies) Group,
GATESHEAD, 605915Elfton Ltd,
HARTLEPOOL, 61770Fiddes Marketing Limited,
NEWCASTLE, 81517Newcastle Computer Services,
NEWCASTLE, 615325Format Micro Centre,
NEWCASTLE. 21093Tripont Associated Systems
Consultants Ltd,SUNDERLAND. 73310
SOUTH WALES ANDWEST COUNTRYRadan Computational Ltd,
BATH, 318483Computer Corner,
BAYSTON HILL, 4250Bristol Computer Centre,
BRISTOL, 23430C.S.S. (Bristol) Ltd.
BRISTOL, 779452T & V Johnson (Microcomputers
Etc) Ltd, BRISTOL, 422061Sumlock Tabdown Ltd,
BRISTOL, 26685Sigma Systems.
CARDIFF, 34869Office and Business Equipment
(Chester) Ltd, DEESIDE. 817277A.C. Systems,
EXETER, 71718Micro Media Systems,
NEWPORT 59276J.M. Computer Services Ltd,
NEWQUAY. 2863Devon Computers.
PAIGNTON. 526303J.A.D. Integrated Services.
PLYMOUTH 62616Business Electronics,
SOUTHAMPTON, 738248Computer Supplies (Swansea),
SWANSEA, 290047
NORTH WEST ANDNORTH WALESTharstern Ltd.
BURNLEY, 38481B + B (Computers) Ltd,
BOLTON, 26644Preston Computer Centre,
PRESTON. 57684Catlands (Computers) Ltd,
WILMSLOW, 527166
LIVERPOOLAughton Microsystems Ltd.
LIVERPOOL, 548 7788B.E.C. Computers.
LIVERPOOL, 263 5738Rockcliff Brothers Ltd,
LIVERPOOL, 521 5830
MANCHESTER AREAByteshop Computerland.
MANCHESTER, 236 4737Compute store Ltd,
MANCHESTER, 832 4761Cytek {U.K.) Ltd,
MANCHESTER, 872 4682Executive Reprographic Ltd,
MANCHESTER, 228 1637N.S.C. Computer Shops Ltd,
MANCHESTER, 832 2269Sumlock Electronic Services
(Manchester) Ltd,MANCHESTER. 834 4233
Professional Computer Services Ltd,OLDHAM, 624 4065
D. Kipping Ltd,SALFORD, 834 6367
Automated Business Equipment Ltd,STOCKPORT 061.432 0708
SCOTLANDHoldene Microsystems Ltd,
EDINBURGH, 668 2727Microcentre,
EDINBURGH, 556 7354Aethotrol Consultancy Services,
GLASGOW. 641 7758Byteshop Computerland.
GLASGOW, 221 7409Robox Ltd,
GLASGOW, 221 5401Mac Micro,
INVERNESS, 712203Thistle Computers.
KIRKWALL, 3140
IRELANDSoftech Ltd,
DUBLIN, 784739Medical & Scientific Computer
Services Ltd. LISBURN. 77533
To: Commodore Information Centre,360 Euston Road, London W1 3BL. 01-388 5702
Please send me further information about the Commodore PET.
PCW D5
NamePositionAddress
Intended applicationDo you own a PET? YES NOD
commodoreL -JThis list covers dealers participating in our advertising.
PCW 39
NEWSPRINTSoftwarecomparisonsEvaluating software pack-ages is no easy task - itrequires plenty of staff orlots of time, and there'salways the chance that,unless you produce yourreport very quickly, thepackage will have beenaltered in some way or havebecome obsolete altogether.But the Small SystemsGroup, headed by LarryPress and based in SantaMonica, has embarked onthis onerous task and hasjust announced its firstreport, an evaluation of wordprocessing systems. Thereport looks at Auto Scribe,Electric Pencil, Magic Wandand Wordstar, and costs$12 from SSG at Box 5429,Santa Monica, CA90405.
MilSpec fromZilogIf you're building your owncruise missile in your garagebut you're stuck for a suit-able CPU with which to con-trol it, then cheer up --Captain Zilog has come to therescue with military specifica-tion versions of the Z80and its supporting chippery.Now you can develop thatintelligent guidance softwarein the comfort of your livingroom, using your TRS-80or Nascom, knowing that itwill transfer directly to themissile's CPU. And for youreally advanced constructors,there are also war -goingversions of the Z8001 andZ8002 16 -bit processors.
If you haven't a suitablesoftware development sys-tem, then Zilog can helpwith that too, for it has justknocked between 10 and15% off its MCZ-1 micro -
Okay, I give up. I'm not even going to attempt to write afunny caption for this photo, which shows a person play-ing with a Nixdorf calculator/translator thing. If anyonecares to send in a suitable caption (in no more than tenparagraphs), I'm sure the Editor will think of a suitableprize for the wittiest - anyone sending in "I'm only herefor the beer" will be shot.computers; end -user pricesnow start at under £3000for the floppy disk systemand at under £9000 for harddisk systems. Details on0628 36131.
Soft musicOne of the better -soundingcomputer music systems isthe alphaSyntauri computer -controlled digital synthesiser.It's a keyboard -plus -electron-ics unit which plugs into a48k Apple equipped withsuitable tone generators, andits manufacturer, Syntauri,of Palo Alto, recentlyannounced an expandedversion.
The latest alphaSyntauriallows the musician to choosebetween an eight -voice wave-form controllable synthesiserusing Mountain ComputerMusic System hardware anda three to 15 -voice poly-phonic instrument based on
Nice, aren't they? These are two new microprocessor control-led terminals from Data Type (the company which recentlyacquired Abacus), the DT2 and DT22. For alphanumericdisplays, the terminals offer 12 x 10 character resolution on24 lines by 80 columns and display the full 96 ASCII charac-ters; there's a full qwerty keyboard with a 14 -key numericpad and the DT22 has a further 11 programmable specialfunction keys plus six editing keys. With the graphics option- shown on the left here - you get 512 x 250 dot matrixplotting resolution; the display on the right shows theterminals' forms capability. Including the factory -fittedgraphics option, the terminals start at £1300. Details on 06333 69162.
ALF oscillators.Syntauri vice president
Scott Gibbs calls it "thesoft instrument" because it"means flexibility and con-trol for both accomplishedmusicians and beginners.Software and hardware areindependent. . . you candefine your own sounds, yourown instruments and repro-duce them accurately."
The player can digitallyrecord live from the 61 -notekeyboard (which can betuned for "velocity sensitivi-ty") and play the recordingsback. Details on 0101 (415)494-1017.
APL on Z plusUsers of the rather swishMicromation Z Plus systemsold by Rostronics now havea new language in which towrite programs. It is AProgramming Language orAPL.
Recently, a puzzledbystander asked (under-standably) which program-ming language. Any Program-ming Language? It is, in fact,a very nice language to usebut not to see for the firsttime.
Its strength is that insteadof long words like INPUTand PRINT USING, as pro-vided by Basic, APL hasinstructions that are one odd -looking character long. Itmakes for opaque, esotericlooking programs which willscare off any casual onlooker,but then so will the bodytext of most Basic programsand you have to hit the keysa lot more often to type outPRINT USING or whatever,and it takes a lot morememory and it is also a lotless clever.
Details of this one (pricesstart at £3750) fromMicroAPL Ltd of 19 Cather-ine Place, London SW1,tel: 01-834 2687. Rentalcosts about £280 per month.
A mixed upBunchNow here's a really earth -shattering fact: the com-pany which publishes,PCW also publishes, amongother things, a motorcyclingmagazine called Which Bike?
"So what?" I hear youchorus. Well, this wouldnormally never get a men-tion on these pages, as thelink between the two maga-zines usually goes little fur-ther than the Deputy Editor'sfutile attempts to scroungefree accessories for hisHonda from his Which -Biking colleagues. But forTempleman Software Ser-vices of Stratford-upon-Avon(vendors of, among otherthings, 8inch floppy disk drivesfor the Apple/ITT 2020)the connection became alittle more solid in theiradvert in last month's PCW;instead of inviting clientsto meet them at the WhichComputer? Show, the adread: "See us at theWhich Bike Computer Show".
Sorry! And yes, we'vecorrected it this month.
Confusing stateMichigan State University isnot often found in Sidcup,Kent. The fact that it was,running a seminar on com-puter programming andeducation, is almost morestunning then the news thatTandy supplied 23 TRS-80micros for the course.
The seminar was held inLoring Hall at the Gold-smiths College under thetuition of Dr Norman T Bell,an educational psycholo-gist and professor in thecollege of education atMichigan State. He said:"Though it is possible toteach an entire course aboutcomputers without usingmachines, this course inclu-ded continual use of compu-ters, either large computersvia terminals, or micros."
More importantly, 16 ofthe 23 TRS-80s were linkedtogether under Tandy's newnetwork system. That worksvery like the Ring that Acornhas announced on the newAtom - which is now past itsfirst 1000 users after a longdelay in getting deliveriesgoing, by the way.
GINO on amicroThe GINO graphics familywill soon be available on amicrocomputer - theResearch Machines 380Zfor the first time. All facilitiesof GINO-F, GINO-2D andGINOGRAF will be includedin the first release of thepackage which will be readylater this year.
Research Machines Ltd ofOxford is negotiating a licen-sing agreement with the CAD
PCW 40
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PCW 41
NEWSPRINTCentre in Cambridge. TheCAD Centre implementedGINO on the 380Z using theFortran IV Compiler alreadyavailable on the system.Various peripherals will besupported. The system priceof a Research Machines380Z, including 1 Mbyte offloppy disk storage, tosupport GINO is about£4000. The GINO packagewill sell for £350. Details on0865 49791.
Lost and foundTwo hardware items werestolen from a car belongingto a director of MicrotrendLtd while it was parkedoutside the Cunard Interna-tional Hotel during the PCWshow in September. Theywere a Commodore 3040dual disk drive unit,serial number 608041, and aHazeltine 1520 VDU, serialnumber 300596-022. So ifanyone offers you either ofthese items, or if they'rebrought into your shop forrepair, contact either JillHebditch on 0423 711878or DS Ball of HammersmithCID on 01-741 6071.
And if anyone lost acomputer at the show, theyshould contact the PCWoffice with details of itsmake, model number andserial number.
EducationalstartersIt is now possible to buy anawful lot of software for thePET but not, according to theBritish Computer Society atleast, good educational soft-ware. "While this situationwill no doubt improve infuture," writes Trevor Lustyof the BSC SchoolsCommittee, "the presentproblem still exists - someimmediate aid is required."
Lusty's aid comes in theform of 'Starter Tapes',initially for the PET, but with
software for other machinesplanned soon. The first tapecontains "a number of gamesand educational programsfrom various areas. It isintended to help teacherswho are new to computingto explore the capabilitiesof their machines."
Teachers may obtain acopy of this tape by sendinga strong brown SAE with acheque for £2 to BCS,c/o The Upper School,Stirchley, Stirchley DistrictCentre, Telford, Shropshire.Cheque payable to TheUpper School, Stirchley.
"Many teachers are alsounaware that they may seekassistance from their localBCS Schools Liaison Officer,"Lusty adds. You can get thename of the local person bywriting to the BCS at 13Mansfield Street, LondonW1M OBP. D W Harding issecretary general.
All or someA new software booklet hasbeen announced by Appledistributor Microsense which"now lists all programs forApple." This somewhat extra-vagant claim is toned down to"lists some of the many"when you read the smallprint. It is in fact Apple'sanswer to the CommodoreBook of Approval, listingmany UK sources of manyprograms. It doesn't provideprices, which is an error Ihope will be corrected on oneof the "regular updates"promised. Details on 044248151.
Cheap EPROMboardIt is possible to expand aNascom microcomputer withadditional memory by buyinga memory board from severalsuppliers. The latest is some-thing special -a permanentmemory board, built by abunch of Merseyside users.
The Merseyside Nascom
This is the new LRC M410 dot matrix printer mechanismfrom lmpectron, which will print 40 columns at up to 120characters a second bidirectionally onto single or multi -plyrolls of ordinary paper. Details on 0403 50111.
Elbit has entered the micro market with this new Z80 -basedsystem called the Micropact. It is designed to "span thecomplete range of distributive processing," which means it'savailable in configurations ranging from an intelligenttransaction -processing terminal to a multi-user interactivehard disk system. Prices range from £1000 to £8000. Detailson 0753 26713.
Zaerix Electronics has announced this British -made miniaturesoldering iron, rated at 16-18 W. The copper bit totallyenclose the heating element for better heat transfer andthere's a range of six bits, including a desoldering bit. Thereare three models, for 220/240 V, 100/110 V and 11/12 V.More on 01-727 5641.Users Group has produced asmall board for 8 kbytes oferaseable 2708 memorychippery at the small cost of£40 assembled. You have tosupply the EPROMs. Forusers of the Nascom 1, thisboard will allow them to plugin the Microsoft Basic whichcomes as standard on theNascom 2.
The 8 kbytes can be set upto appear at any 4 kbyteboundary throughout thememory map - even in thevideo, if that's what youreally want. Details fromGraham Myers on Pickmere(056 58913328.
New factoryAs Derek Rowe promisedwhen his company, Abacus,merged with Data TypeTerminals, a new factoryhas been set up to build a
new range of micro -basedterminals. The factory is inCwmbran, and the terminalsuse the powerful 6809microprocessor to drive them.Details from Gerry Tuffs on063 33 69162.
DMS forSuperPetCompsoft's Data Manage-ment System is now availableto run on the CBM 8000series -- the 'SuperPET'. DMS"allows users to store anyinformation they requirein a format they specifythemselves. These records canthen be selected, using up tofour search criteria, andeither displayed on screen orprinted." Calculations canalso be performed on numeri-cal data stored with DMS.Details on 0483 39665.
42 PCW
Tandy's newrangeRadio Shack (better knownas Tandy in the UK) hasfinally released the long-awaited information on itsnew computer line - threenew products in all. The onethat will probably do the bestin the marketplace is theTRS-80 Model III. Rumourhad it that the Model IIIwould be a colour unit, butRadio Shack has reserved asurprise on that point - ithas introduced a separatecolour computer as well as avery interesting hand-heldunit.
The TRS-80 Model III isessentially a TRS-80 in asingle cabinet, except that thedisks it uses are double den-sity and it has a built-inRS232 communications inter-face, which is optional -onthe Model I. Two 178-kbytedisk drives can be mountedin the cabinet (a configura-tion is available withoutdisks) and two more drivescan be added externally for atotal disk capacity of 670kbytes.
Radio Shack says thatModel III Basic has manymore features than Level IIBasic. These include a realtime clock, expanded specialcharacter set and 500 or1500 baud cassette opera-tion. There's also provisionfor keyboard -controlledscreen printing and printer/video routing. Model IIITRSDOS additionallyallows the creation of macrosand has routines to operatethe communications andclock features.
A 'bare bones' version ofthe Model III with 4k RAMand level I Basic is pricedat $699; a 48k Model IIIwith two built-in disks is$2495. It isn't difficult topredict that the TRS-80Model III will be a realmarket force during the nextcouple of years.
At first impression, theTRS-80 Color computerappears disappointing. It'san obvious outgrowth of theTRS-80 Videotex terminalto which Radio Shack hasadded RAM and a Basiclanguage which supportscolour. It has a 53 -key key-board which is not nearlythe same quality as those onthe other TRS-80 models.
The 'Extended ColorBasic' resides in 16k ofROM, and there will appa-rently be 'Program Pak'ROM cartridges availablefor instantly loading gamesand other types of programs.There don't appear to beany provisions for disks orprinters, but there's a cassette
YANKEE DOODLESTom Williams reports from California on Tandy's new machines and on other
new hardware developments.
Tandy's new TRS-80 Model IIIinterface and connectors fortwo joysticks. The computerconnects to the 300 ohmantenna terminals of a colourTV set.
The display is limited to16 lines of 32 upper casecharacters, but the colourgraphics resolution rangesfrom eight colours at32 x 64 to one colour at196 x 256. Some machinelanguage programs can give ahigher resolution. There'salso an optional RS232 portand the unit can be used inconjunction with Videotexsoftware for network com-munication.
Radio Shack's thirdentry is a handheld computerwhich runs Basic and bears astriking resemblance to apocket computer made bySharp in Japan which wassecretly displayed at thelast West Coast ComputerFaire in March of this year.In fact, it is made by Sharp.The TRS-80 pocket compu-ter has a 24 character liquidcrystal display and containstwo 4 -bit CMOS processors.One processor is dedicatedto arithmetic operationswhile the other handles theBasic interpreter and key-board I/O.
The operating softwareresides in llk of ROM - 7kfor the Basic and 4k for themonitor. There is an addi-tional 2k of CMOS RAM foruser programs. An optionalcassette interface is availablefor storing programs anddata; this is a somewhat lar-ger unit that the computernestles into and requires itsown battery power supply.
It will be interesting tosee how these new productsfare, since they have all beenintroduced at the same time.It's my prediction that thehandheld and colour unitswill do poorly because theyappear to be rather inconve-
nient, but that the Model IIIwill take off in fine style -check back in a year andwe'll see.
TheWinchestersare comingCertain breakthroughsappear to be hastening theadvent of low cost Winchesterdisk technology in relativelysmall and inexpensive compu-ter systems. Some of the fac-tors that have inhibited thewidespread use of the Win-chester drives had been theproblems of backup andthe cost of the controller. Inthe past, controllers haveliterally been more expen-sive to build than theWinchester drives themselves.
This is partly because suchcontrollers should includefeatures found on large sys-tems such as error checkingand correction and diagnos-tics. One solution to thisdilemma has been found byMicrocomputer SystemsCorporation of Santa Clara.It has developed a controllermodule for Winchester drivesthat can be adapted to almostall the 8 and 5'/cinch drivesnow available.
The module contains amicroprocessor, logic andsome ROM that is adaptedto the given drive. Then inter-face logic can be built upfrom readily available LSIchips to mate the controllerto the drive on one side andthe host computer bus on theother. Using this approach,MSC has put together a con-troller that will run the new5'/flinch Shugart TechnologyWinchester on a Hewlett-Packard HP -85. This resultsin a system with close to sixmegabytes of disk storage forless than $7000 and which
fits on a desktop.Other drive manufacturers
are jumping on the band-wagon. Memorex and MSChave sponsored joint OEMworkshops with computermanufactuers to assist themin using the MSC controllermodule to adapt MemorexWinchester drives to a widerange of processors and buses.This trend will no doubtresult in massive hard disksystems in places where itwould not have been think-able a short time ago - evenin homes!
Local networksexpandingNestar Systems, of Palo AltoCalifornia, makes a productcalled Cluster/One, whichallows up to 64 Apples toshare hard disk resources anddo local processing. Thecomputers are linked to themaster unit with its disk stor-age by means of a high speedcommunications bus.
Recently, Nestar enteredinto an agreement withZynar Limited under whichZynar will introduce Nestar'sproducts in Britain and 16western European nations.The two companies will alsowork together to develophardware and software forfurther advanced systemsusing VLSI technology.
Nestar has alreadydeveloped and is testing in-house a local network com-munications package whichallows individual stations tocommunicate directly withone another over thesystems bus. This allows thesending and filing of inter-office memos, conversationsbetween groups or 'rings'of persons in an organiza-tion and routing messagesto busy people who tend tobe away from their desks alot.
PCW 43
COMMUNICATIONSPCW welcomes correspondence from its readers but we must warn that it tends to be one way!
Please be as brief as possible and add "not for publication" if your letter is to be kept private. Pleasenote that we are unable to give advice about the purchase of computers or other
hardware/software - these questions must be addressed to Sheridan Williams (see 'Computer Answers'page). Address letters to: 'Communications', Personal Computer World, 14 Rathbone Place,
London W1P 1DE.
Nascom cureI believe I have found a curefor the string manipulationfault present on NascomBasic 4 MHz with waitstates reads strings wronglyand returns either part ornone of the string. My cure isas follows - connect betweentheNIREQoutput on theedge connector socket (pin27) and Ground (pins 1 to 4)a 47 pF capacitor. Thisworks for my NASCOM and Ican now run programs thatbefore would churn out non-sense (Buzzwords, Anagrams).
I discovered this cure byaccident. After extending theconnector socket with ribboncable, I had a screen full ofblack glitches which dis-appeared either when Itouched the MREQ pin, orwhen the program wasrunning (and printing). Thecapacitor solved this and thestring problem.Steven Weller, Southampton
BASFbenchtestWe should like to take theopportunity of commentingabout the review on our7120 micro -system in theSeptember issue of PersonalComputer World.
Needless to say, the con-fusion between our last pageand the last page of the`SuperPET' deserves a bigstick; conversely we felt thatMike Dennis wrote a very fairand well constructed review.
We are pleased to reportthat we are now operatingRelease 9.2. This release hasimproved disk processingtime by 30% and makesavailable some new utilities,eg `Menuform' createsparameter driven menus and`COMPACT' compressesBasic statements.
The other points raised arein hand and will be resolvedas soon as possible.P Raggett, BASF UK Ltd
Name droppingI don't really see how theperson who writes the 'ChipChat' feature in your maga-zine can go on about theunlikeliness of the names`Diego Rincon' and `Halinadi-Lallo' (who are bothmeant to work for Com-putnig Toady) when thefounder of PCW is calledAngelo Zgorelec!Jonathan J Dick, Bristol
Neither can we, Mr. . . er. . .
Dick - Ed.
What a cardI am writing to offer you mylong overdue congratulationson the consistently highstandards achieved by yourpublication. The mixture oftopics covered is not onlywell balanced, but makesyour magazine the most in-formative, as well as the mostinteresting, on the market.
One additional thing Iwould like to see, however,are pull-out fact sheets. Thesecould be on thin card andwould contain facts on adifferent theme each month:summaries of Benchmarktests, Hex/Decimal conver-sion tables, ASCII/BCD/EBCDIC tables, summariesof the facilities offered by thevarious machines, instructionsets...
Most of these areas havebeen covered by you at onetime or another, but it can bevery difficult to find the in-formation when you want it.Pull-out reference sheetswould therefore be ofimmense value and I am suremany people would welcomethem.I L Fraser, Warrington
We'll try the idea out on ourproduction manager - Ed.
New clubMay I, through your maga-
zine, inform readers that acomputer club is beingformed in the Worcester areawith emphasis on personaland hobby computing?
Anyone who is interestedis invited to phone Worcs22704 after 8pm for furtherinformation. Beginners willbe especially welcome. Keepup the good work with oneof the best value magsaround.D J Stanton, Worcester
Sharp repliesI have been using a 24k RAMSharp MZ-80K for sevenmonths now and have beenexperiencing some difficultywith the LIMIT MAX com-mand. On three occasionsthis command issued in im-mediate mode and followingtape SAVE and VERIFYoperations has crashed themachine for no apparentreason. On other occasions,under nearly identical cir-cumstances, the commandhas worked perfectly. Iwould be interested to hear ifother readers, who use similarmachines, have experiencedsuch difficulties.R L Tucker, Manchester
Sharp tells us that someMZ-80Ks are known to pro-duce this problem. Its adviceis to use BYE to get into theMonitor and then to typeGOTO 1200. After a shortpause, while a 'cold start'takes place, control returns toBasic just as if the LIMITMAX had been executedsuccessfully -Ed.
16 -bitefficiencyGuy Kewney repeats a redherring about 16 -bit proces-sors. They do not need twicethe memory size of that usedby the eight -bit kind. In factaveraged over real programsthey are likely to use lessmemory to complete a given
task as each instruction ismore efficient. The Z8000uses only two bytes for thoseinstructions likely to be usedmost. Typical eight -bit pro-grams use around 1.8 bytesper instruction and more ofthem.
The S100 bus uses amemory technique that per-mits both 8 and 16 bit pro-cessors to use the samememory in a multiple pro-cessor system. The methodcould easily include 32 bitprocessors and so permit thesame system to run programswritten for all popular pro-cessors. The E78 bus has asimilar facility.R G Silson, Tring
Algolfollow upFollowing the recent letter inPCW on the subject of Algol68 for microcomputers, Ihave been contacted byseveral people who wereinterested in my proposal foran Algol 68S implementation.
I would like to publicisethe work presently beingdone in the hope of generatinguseful ideas and receivingadvice from anybody doingsomething similar.
The implementation groupcurrently consists of JohnFairbairn, Stuart Wray andmyself, all keen Algol 68users. We have obtained anAlgol 68S parse table (a set ofrules for parsing the input)and we now have a workinglexical analyser and most of aparser.
The compiler will producea simple but compact inter-mediate code which could beinterpreted, although a trans-lator will be written for eitherthe 6809, Z80 or GEC4000for first implementations.
The compiler is single passand will be overlaid by thetranslator to save space. It iswritten in the common subsetof Algol 68S and Algol 68C,which basically means thatthere is little use of STRINGS.
44 PCW
COMMUNICATIONSThis choice was made becauseI have written a translator toallow cross -compilation ofAlgol 68C from a larger hostmachine to the Z80 and givesome idea of the final size ofthe implementation. Also, thecompiler must be able tocompile itself.
Incidentally, the numerousZ80s on the CambridgeUniversity Ring are nowmostly being programmed inAlgol 68C because of itssuitability for both low levelsystems work and descriptionof complex algorithms.
I believe that the extraeffort involved in implement-ing Algol 68S compared tothat for a simpler language(eg Pascal) is worthwhile,considering the gains thatresult for the user.Raymond Anderson,Dunstable
Languagelessons
I am another Algol 68 fanatic!But it will do no good arguingabout why it's so good untilpeople know about it andargue back.
Today software is themost expensive part of a com-mercial computer system.Fortran, 20 years old, is nowused for problems that itwasn't designed for, likeLibrary Cataloguing pack-ages. Isn't it time morepeople were informed aboutlater and better languages sothat, even if they don'tchange to them, they mightconsider new concepts andapproaches that could onlymake them better at pro-gramming?
I suggest that PCW shouldbe a channel for informationon languages and the con-cepts and data types thatdistinguish them. It couldgive reviews on languages thatreaders may one day use, justas `Benchtese reviewsmachines. Instead ofreflecting ideas it could givethem.
It is only then that I couldproperly argue why Algol 68is the best language to date,but then I wouldn't have toargue since we'd all knowanyway!
It might also turn out thenthat "possession of this sur-name," Anderson, is not "aprerequisite for entering thecorrespondence." I'm asbaffled as you are on this.. .Alexander Anderson, London
This is an extract from MrAnderson's long andinteresting letter - Ed.
ZX80 tipIf Richard King (PCW,September) cares to insertthe following line after hisprogram:9999 PRINT PEEK (16392)+ PEEK (16393)4'256 -16461entering RUN 9999 will thendisplay the number of bytesoccupied by the program.The figure given excludes thespace taken by line 9999itself, which can then bedeleted.
Perhaps Richard mightconsider joining the NationalZX80 Users Club where hewould be able to exchangehints & info on the ZX80.The address to write to theclub is 44-46 Earls CourtRoad, London W8 6EJ.John Bloxham, Stratford -on -Avon
ACC ownup pleaI am the 'operator/program-mer' at the EMBL Outstationhere in Hamburg, and have asmy home computer a 44kNewbear 77/68 with mainlyTSC software. I am of coursea regular reader of PCW andlook forward to getting itevery month. (What aboutPCW? - Ed.)
As a computer hobbyist, Imiss most of the clubatmosphere and groupactivity that I had in England.For a long time I used to getthe Amateur Computer Clubnews and I used to sendthem extracts from varioustrade and technical papersthat appeared in Germanyand hardware and softwareideas that I had incorporatedin my system. Then MikeLord left.
I suppose I sent about tenmore articles to ACC varyingfrom 40 words to two pages.They were not acknowledged(I heard that the editorchanged three times in sixmonths) and then I stoppedhearing from them. The ACC
Newsletter got less frequent,and stopped altogether. Myrequest (with IRC) to knowwhere I must pay my subswas not answered. Now thereare four letters outstanding.As there were supposed to beabout 200 members theremust be something happening.No AGM has been announced.
I would be grateful if youcould publish a request fromme, to ACC asking if theyexist. Perhaps if you knowthe current leadership youwould be so kind as to askthem direct? I would in allhonesty like to continue as amember, but if they don'texist...Peter Bendall, Hamburg
A questionof accuracyI'm sorry to say Mike Dennisis in error in his review of theBASF 7120. He stated thatthe 12 -figure accuracy moderevealed a more accurateresult for SIN (0.785398163)than the 30 -figure option.Unfortunately the argumentof the function has beenrounded to nine places (it's0.7853981634 to ten placesby my SR56) and as ithappens the 12 place optionreveals an answer nearer tothe expected 1/12. However,the 30 -figure option has inmy mind produced thecorrect answer, to 30 placesof course.
Please remember that com-puters can only do what theyare told to do so if you inputto nine figures you can onlyexpect eight figure accuracyresults and both options give0.70710678 to eight places. Isuggest if you wish to do thistest try using 45 7/180 togenerate the radian. Please tryto remember this point infuture as it makes a mockeryof the use of high accuracydevices, be they calculators,computers or whatever. Soplease, don't use a yardstick(metre) to measure to the
nearest inch (25.4mm to onedecimal place).
PS What's my prize? (Nowitty retorts please.)D W Ainslie, Farnborough,HantsNo prizes given - not evenwhen letters are grovelling,sycophantic, fawning andpraising PCW to death.Sorry - Ed.
Cheap printoutIn reply to the letter fromH P Stern which appeared inthe June issue of PCW, anarticle titled 'Interface YourComputer to a PrintingCalculator' appeared in theDecember 1978 issue ofByte. This concerned theTexas Instruments 5050Mprinting calculator and the8080 processor but I amsure a similar approach couldbe used for KIM.John H Fyfe, Northwood
You may be interested tohear that next month webegin a four-part series onhow to interface calculatorprinters to your micro - Ed.
Best of PCWIn view of the difficulty ofgetting back numbers of PCWwould you not publish themas a book, or series of books,called, perhaps, The Best ofPCW Vol 1?
Are there any people whoare interested in philately aswell as computing?Neil Stokes (16), Gateshead,Tyne & Wear
Thank you Neil for the firstsuggestion - if CreativeComputing and Byte can doit then why indeed shouldn'tPCW? We don't know theanswer to your secondquestion but maybe somecomputer philatelists mightcare to contact us and tell uswhat they're up to - Ed.
"No sir, it's called a 'home computer' because it costs the same as a two bedroom semi"
PCW 45
BENCHTEST
SIBS 8000We've all been waiting for the Japanese to do with personal computers what they've
already done with hi-fi and TV sets. Does this latest machine to arrive on our shores from Japanherald the start? Peter Calver and David Tebbutt investigate.
Manhattan Skyline is responsible forbringing this latest Japanese machine toBritain. Conceived primarily as a smallbusiness/education computer, theSBS-8000 offers much of interest toboth groups.
At first glance you could be forgivenfor thinking that you'd lost all senseof perspective because the monitortapers inwards towards the front quiteunlike most other machines. This,coupled with the fact that the lines arevery square, makes the SBS-8000look just a little ugly. As if to compen-sate for this the colour combination oforange, cream, rust and green is quitepleasant.
The TEAC disk drive looks very rug-ged and gives the impression of beingsolid and reliable. The printer is a fairlystandard 80 -column dot-matrix, builtinto a very smart case. It is also reason-ably quiet, especially if mounted on afirm surface. Unusually, these days, thepaper is pin fed instead of the morecommon tractor or friction feed.
One of the nicest aspects of thismachine is the ease with which it canbe set up. It shouldn't take a noviceany more than about 15 minutes to get`on the air'. The most difficult part isthe connection of the disk and printersignal cables to the controller cards'edge connectors. They were somewhatfiddly and also seem a little flimsy,although we must have connected anddisconnected them five or six timeswithout breaking anything.
All in all, the machine presents aquietly pleasing package providedyou're not averse to sharp corners.
HardwareThe black and white screen comprises16 lines of 64 characters, a lot moreuseful than the 40 -column screenswhich currently abound. The displayalso has a graphics mode which gives aresolution of 128 x 96, reasonableenough for business purposes and manyeducational tasks. Mixing text andgraphics is possible but one should bewary of scrolling the screen as this canreally mess things up. A plastic coverover the monitor may be removed togive a grey and white screen. We prefer-
red black and white.The keyboard is pleasant to use,
especially for someone used to typingfor a living. Several keys are providedin addition to the normal qwertyarrangement and numeric keypad - theESC key enables program freezing,for example; the CONTROL key allowsseveral keys to be used for special pur-poses. Eight keys can have functionsassigned to them using the FKEYcommand and when used with the con-trol key this gives a total of 16 specialfunctions.
Inside, the machine is almost asnovel as the outside - the memory maybe divided into as many as 16 partitions,each capable of holding a separate pro-gram. The partition space is allocateddynamically, according to the size ofthe program being loaded. You maynow realise the possible significance ofthe 16 special function keys - one perprogram perhaps? With a 32k memory
(about 21.5k net when the DOS is load-ed) we think the chance of all 16 parti-tions being used for separate programsis quite slim - unless we're talkingabout things like statistical functions. Amore likely use would be to hold com-monly -used subroutines in them so thatthey can be called from any partitionwhich needs them. As only one parti-tion can be in operation at a time thereis no risk of multiple accesses and sub-sequent corruption. It will be interest-ing to see whether a multiple accesssystem appears - in conjunction withmultiple terminals perhaps? We knowthat the idea is being actively consideredbut no-one can say whether or not itwill happen. If it does then it wouldcertainly increase the educational appealof the machine.
The processor in the SBS-8000 isa 2 MHz D780 which is entirely com-patible with the Z80. Apart from theusual keyboard bits and pieces and a
46 PCW
video monitor the SBS-8000 has anumber of card slots designed to allowexpansion. Not surprisingly the printerand disk drive occupy one slot each,leaving three spare for add-ons such asan RS -232C and 20 mA current loopinterface, an S100 bus interface, anIEEE -488 interface, cassette, sound andD/A and A/D converters and a few morebesides. In fact one add-on looks parti-cularly interesting - called the 'RealLife Controller', it allows control of upto six 220 VAC and six 12 VDC devices.Manhattan Skyline is already committedto 8inch floppies and 10/20 Mbhard disks as well as a Z8000 mother-board and assorted character sets.With any luck one of these sets will con-tain true descenders!
In case you think the five -slot systemis a limitation, you will be pleased tohear that a seven -card expansion cage isalso available.
Up to two twin disk drives may beattached to the SBS-8000, giving the5'/cinch drives a gross capacity of some736 kbytes and the 8inch drives 4Mbytes. With the hard disks due inJanuary it doesn't look as if disk storagewill ever be a problem on this machine.Quite a reasonable disk operating sys-tem is provided and CP/M is also avail-able should you require it. More aboutthe software later.
The 80 -column bidirectional printeris adequate, although not stunning. Itcan print double width characters butnot graphics. The fact that it is bidirec-tional means it runs at a fairly constantspeed (84 lines per minute) regardlessof the number of characters in a line.
Overall, our impression was of a well -conceived machine which, with itsexpansion capabilities, would satisfymost people's hardware requirements.
SoftwareThe SBS-8000 has 24k of ROM contain-ing the operating system, and whatManhattan Skyline describes as 'SuperBasic'. To make use of the floppy diskunit the 'File Control Processor' (FCP)must be loaded from the system diskprovided. This occupies about 8.5kof user RAM, reducing the avail-able memory from 30k to just 21.5k.
This 'Super Basic' includes most ofthe functions available on other micros,with some rather neat additional fea-tures. It must be said, however, thatthere are two notable omissions -neither LEFTS or RIGHT$ is availablefor string manipulation. Nevertheless,MID$ may be used on either side of anassignment statement, and this must gosome way towards redressing thebalance. On the whole, the Basic dialectis reminiscent of Tandy's Model I DiskBasic - though the disk commandsthemselves are very different.
Two interesting additions are theMCOND statement which enables aseries of conditional tests to be contain-ed on one line and KILL which deletesan array, enabling it to be redimension-ed. Even more exciting is the 'page'structure of memory which allows upto 16 programs to co -exist without anyunwanted interaction. The SETPGinstruction transfers control simplybetween pages and it is possible toCALL routines headed with a PROCstatement whenever they are stored inmemory. One obvious applicationwould be to build a library of routines
A peek inside the printer housing.
which can be called by a number ofprograms without actually beingincluded in any of them. The FUNCstatement allows parameters to bepassed to and returned from a routine- in fact it's a multi -line function.
EXEC used in direct mode or as aprogram statement transfers control toa specified page and runs the programthat it finds there. Unfortunately, vari-ables are not preserved as they are whenCALL is used, so it seems likely thatEXEC will be used mainly in directmode as a fast way to run a programin another page.
Variables in different pages may usethe same names without interference.If parameters are to be passed, then thiscan be achieved by using the FUNCmulti -line function call, or by writingthe variables to a disk file which maythen be read by a second program.
The NEW command may be usedwith a page number as a parameterwhereas the CLEAR command zerosall variables, irrespective of the pagewhich has generated them.
Program modification is possibleonly through the EDIT command andits parameters specifying one or a rangeof line numbers. Each line is displayedin full on the screen with the flashingcursor over the first digit of the linenumber; then, using the left andright keys to position the cursorthe line is edited by overstriking andusing the insert and delete keys. Bythe way, the delete key is strangelydifficult to use, because it deletes thecharacter under the cursor, instead ofthe one to its left. Hitting ENTER putsthe edited line into memory, replacingthe existing line - although it is possibleto alter the line number, in which casethe original line would remain.
Perhaps the biggest drawback of theBasic is the complicated syntax, whichmust cause problems for programmersused to PETs and Tandys. In many cir-cumstances spaces are essential. Some-thing that the documentation provideddoes not always make clear. It may bethat this over -complexity is a side -effectof long variable names (up to 253characters are allowed), but it certainlytakes some getting used to.
Error trapping is made simple with
an ON ERROR GOTO statement whichcan be used to pass control to a suitableerror handling routine. The ERR func-tion returns the error code of the latesterror, while ERL gives the line numberat which an error occured. RESUMEcan be used to continue executionfrom the point at which an erroroccurred, from the next line, or froma specified line number.
Debugging is aided by the TRACEfacility - line numbers are displayedon the screen as they are executed.The speed of execution can be con-trolled using PAUSE - a delay ofbetween half a second and ten secondsmay be introduced between lines.
The 16 function keys can each beassigned a data string that is sent to thecomputer as if it had come from thekeyboard. For example, function key 1could be assigned the string "EXEC 2"+CHR$(13). Then, whenever the keymarked Fl was pressed "EXEC 2" wouldbe displayed and the program in page 2executed. One obvious use would be todisplay the disk directories usingQUERY"*.F0" or QUERY"*.F1". Theabsence of a LINE INPUT instructionmay cause programmers some unneces-sary trouble. Typing a comma in res-ponse to an input gives an EXTRAIGNORED message - and it meanswhat it says! Not too bad perhaps wheninputting from the keyboard but if astring containing commas is writtenonto an ASCII data file the part afterthe comma is irretrievable. There's noway of inputting a single character froma file, which is the only way that theproblem might be overcome; obviouslycharacter strings can be checked forcommas before writing to disk - butwith all the advanced features in SuperBasic it's strange that such an essentialfunction should have been omitted.
At first sight the disk commandsare familiar enough but appearances canbe deceptive. If there is any similaritywith another micro then it is probablythe PET! Five types of disk file may becreated: Basic intermediate (tokenised);Basic source (ASCII); Hex object code;ASCII data and binary data. File spaceis pre -allocated at the time of creation,whatever the file type. DLOAD andDSAVE will function without
PCW 47
DATRON of SHEFFIELDfor
Cromemco the ultimate name in microsDATRON import direct from Cromemco, California.DATRON can supply Nationwide.DATRON can provide maintenance nationallyDATRON can give you the realistic prices.DATRON have in stock: -
SYSTEM 2 64 K £ 2095SYSTEM 3 64 K £ 3746
Z- 2H HARD DISC 10 M £ 5373DATRON can supply Systems 2 and 3 withMulti -Tasking facilities.DATRON easily accessible - in the centre of
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Write or telephone for FREE colour brochure on System 3 or Z -2H.
We use Cromemco for our own business,why not call in for a demonstration.
Demonstrations. 9am-5pm Monday -Saturday.
BOOKS from DATRONall books in stock at press dateThe BASIC HandbookIllustrating BASICBasic BASICThe Little Book of BASIC StyleSome Common Basic Programs
32 BASIC Programs for the PET
A guide to BASIC ProgrammingA guide to PL/M Programming
PASCAL An Intro to Methodical ProgIntroduction to PASCALProgramming in PASCALPrimer on PASCALStruct. Prog B Problem Solving with
PASCAL
Problem Solving using PASCAL
All Introduction to Programming andProblem Solving with Pascal
COBOL for Business ApplicationsCOBOL with StyleLearning COBOL Fast
FORTRAN Techniques
FORTRAN FundamentalsProblem Solving & Struct. Rog. in FORTRAN
An Intro to Rog. & Applications withFORTRAN
Z80 Micro Handbook
Z80 Programming for Logic DesignZ80 Micro Prog B Interlacing Bk 1
Z80 Micro Prog & Interfacing Bk. 2
Z80 Instant ProgramsZ80 Programs (cassette)
780 Assembly language Rog
ZBO Programming for Logic Design.Programming the 230Mostek Z80 Micro Software
Programming Guide
6502 Assembly language Prog6502 Applications Book
David LenDonald AlcockDonald M MunroNevison
Osborne
Rugg & Feldman
Spencer
McCracken
Findlay B WanWelsh & EiderGrogonoConway et al
KeburtzBowles
Schneider
PhilippakisOhmura & Ledgardde Rossi
A Colin DayJ StaingraberFriedman &Koffman
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Programming the 6502Programming a Micro (6502)
PET Work Books Vol. 1-6
0502 Assembly Language Programming.The Best of Micro. Vol. 1
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The PET Revealed
Intro to Personal B Business Computing
Peanut Butter Fr Jelly Guide to Micros
A Career in ComputingPhilips Guide to Bus. Computers B the
Electronic Office
Computer Games
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Game Flaying with BASIC
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.18 PC\b
previously opening the file concerned,otherwise all files must be openedbefore they can be used, even withSSAVE and SLOAD. SLOAD is used toload a Basic source program and it isworth mentioning that this is mergedwith any program that happens to be inthe loading partition at the time.Program files are automatically closedfollowing a successful load or saveinstruction whereas all data files mustbe explicitly closed - the END state-ment doesn't close them for you.
The capacity of each diskette is 180kbytes, though only 157.5k are avail-able to the user. The disk has 40tracks, each containing 18 256 bytesectors. Only binary files are assigned arecord length which, according to themanual, must be between 4 and 256bytes, though we found that 255 byteswas the maximum that the operatingsystem would allow. Logical recordscannot span sector boundaries so theremay be some wasted space in each sec-tor, depending on the record size.Direct access to a particular recordin a data file is gained through theINDEX command, though if used withASCII files (which have variable lengthrecords) it entails a sequential read, andcould thus prove quite tedious. Data arewritten to ASCII files with PRINT*, andread back with INPUT*. The systemautomatically terminates each recordwith a carriage return and line feed.Data in binary files are written seqtfen-tially within a record using PUT, andread with GET. It isn't possible toaccess a field within a record directly -it is therefore necessary for the programto unravel the record contents to getat the appropriate field. Numericvariables are written to binary files inthe form in which they are stored inmemory, with integers occupying twobytes, single -precision variables fourbytes, and double precision eight. Anextra character is inserted by the sys-tem before each field to identify itstype and thus its length. A stringvariable requires an additional byte toindicate its length. Although, in theory,it would be possible to reduce the over-head by converting numeric variablesto strings and then concatenating theindividual fields of a record to form onelarge string, in practice this could bequite difficult as there are no functionsto convert numbers to strings or viceversa other than STR$ and VAL. (InMicrosoft Basic the functions MKIS,MKS$ and MKD$ represent a number asa string - this being an image of thevariable as it is stored in memory andis thus two, four or eight bytes long.CVI, CVS and CVD perform the oppo-site function, converting strings backinto numbers.)
Although we found that the INDEXstatement usually functioned correctly,locating a specific record in a data file,we sometimes encountered problemswhen attempting to access records indescending order. We got an END OFDATA error when there should havebeen no error at all.
No doubt Manhattan Skyline will berevising its operating system in duecourse, but it does seem that at presentrandom access is a little more randomthan it should be.
Potential useOne thing is fairly certain and that isthat Manhattan Skyline is aiming the Inside the SBS-8000 and a close-up of the keyboard.
SBS at the right markets - businessand education. It is unlikely that manypeople would buy one for home use.The graphics are quite nice, better thanmost in fact, but definitely not highresolution. They would be suitable forbusiness use and much of the lessmathematical school work. The pros-pect of a multi-user system must appealto the education authorities, althoughit is by no means certain whether SBSwill definitely go ahead with thisdevelopment. The Basic is pretty goodand the strict syntax could well be re-garded by teachers as sound preparationfor the 'real world' of ICLs and IBMs,etc. Businessmen need software farmore than they need a particularmachine so they will have to look at thepackages when they arrive towards theend of the year. Payroll, Ledgers andProduction packages are among thoseexpected to be ready in December andJanuary.
The fact that CP/M is available means
Bench marksBenchmark Timings (in seconds)BM1 1.8BM2 9.4BM3 29.0BM4 29.0BM5 31.6BM6 44.0BM7 82.5BM8 11.2
Disk Timings (in seconds)D1 5.3D2 25.2D3 40.6D4 44.0D5 40.0
that a wide range of packages comewithin the SBS owner's grasp but thecost of installing CP/M may diminishtheir attraction.
DocumentationTwo manuals were supplied with themachine - a hardware manual and aSuper Basic Language user's manual.Both were fairly comprehensive in thatthere was little that we couldn't learnfrom reading them. I'm sure that thehardware manual will not be supplied topotential buyers because it is primarilya guide for the engineer.
Not being engineers we aren't reallyqualified to comment, except to saythat it is clearly written and easy tofollow with only one or two transla-tions getting messed up.
The user's guide is something weare qualified to comment on - first ofall it must be said that a raw beginnerwould be in terrible trouble if this is allthat's supplied with the machine. Anoperator's/beginner's guide is definitelyneeded - Manhattan please note. Peoplewith experience of programming shouldfind few difficulties with the bookalthough there are a fair number of mis-prints in it. Syntax rules on the SBS-8000 are pretty strict although not toodifficult to follow. Unfortunately, themanual doesn't always get the syntaxright itself which would cause problemsfor those new to computing.
Something which really ought to bein the manual is a full description ofmemory locations and their uses. This isabsolutely essential when things gowrong and you're ferreting around tofind out what's going on. We'resure that there are also a lot of jollyuseful POKE locations tucked away thatwould prove most interesting. Error
PCW 49
Adda make it their business to get in firston all that's best and new in PET hardware andsoftware... and in finding out how to make thelatest advances work more profitably for you.
All the advice, assistance and arrangementof demonstrations you could ask for are therefor the taking. And that's just for starters.Long term Adda look after your future require-ments with software, full engineering supportand maintenance contracts that can includemachine loan.
In addition to the 16k PET 3016 and32k PET 3032, Adda offer you the new 32k PET8032-with 80 columns, 12 -inch screen and akeyboard that really gets down to business.Recent advances make possible some excitingapplications for these mighty micros.
Link the 32k PET up to theWordcraft word processing program andyou have a very sophisticated wordprocessing system for less than £4000.It's a word processor and more-becauseit can also be used as a small businessmachine.
The Wordcraft program comes on a minifloppy disc ready for use on a Commodore 3040diskette drive. The whole system gives you wordprocessing to standards achieved by expensive
purpose-built machines; and you can use a largeselection of output printers including dot matrix,golfball and daisy wheel. So much for words-now for some action: phone 01-579 5845.
If you're looking for mainframeaccess, the Communicator 1 mainframe -PET link enables file transfer to be madein both directions...with a PETCommunicator system configured witheither dual floppy disc or cassette tapedrive and a printer.
Files transferred from mainframe to PETcan be manipulated locally and data transfermonitored on the PET screen. It's a fast way ofcutting costs on bureau time share-and it alsodoubles up as a fast normal terminal. TheCommunicator 1 mainframe -PET link paves theway to big cost savings. Your first step is digitalinput to 01-579 5845.
More cost savings can be realisedwhen you link up three to eight PETs toone Commodore disc drive and a printerusing Mupet (Multi -User PET)-and youdon't have to make any program changes.As a Mupet dealer, Adda can put youfully in the picture. Just phone 01-5795845 for a demonstration of Mupetbeing put through its paces.
rrrrrrAdda Computers14 BroadwayWest EalingLondon W13 OSREntrance inKirchen Road
we add up to a great deal.
. PCW 50
recovery is something which needsexplaining - from time to time we gotinto a nasty situation (usually withdisks) from which we could notextricate ourselves except by shuttingdown the system and powering up fromscratch. The fact that we were then ableto carry on working with the disksshows that the FCS software or a poin-ter somewhere was at fault. The relevant
Memory map-FFFF
-F800
-F000
-D000
-0000
-6A00
Memory Mapped I/O
Video RAM
Super Basic (II)
User's fixed memory.Optional ROM/RAM board
Machine Language program
Stack
Free memory
Program text.
FCP (File Control Processor)
- 4800System memory (RAM)
-4000Super Basic (I)
- 0000
Technical Data
explanation would help. Now don't getus wrong - the manual is, on the whole,pretty good but it has been spoilt byone or two smallish errors and omissions.
Prices(All prices exclude VAT and carriage)Full computer £1449Dual minifloppy £79580 -col printer £525136 -col printer £945Printer control card £64Printer cable £34Floppy control card £237Cable (2 drives) £37Cable (4 drives) £598" dual -drive floppy (2 Mbyte) £19008" control card £380RS232C interface £133Complete system:Computer, dual mini floppy,80 -col printer, all necessarycontrol cards & cables £2950
This combined price represents a savingof £191 over the cost of buying all thebits and pieces individually. ManhattanSkyline expects to be able to deliverSBS-8000s within 48 hours of order.
ConclusionsThe SBS-8000 is a well -made machinewhich boasts a fairly powerful Basiclanguage. The disk and printer alsoseem pretty robust although the diskhandling software did hiccup occasion-ally. The system is unusual in thatmemory can be partitioned enablingseveral programs or routines to be heldindependently of each other and with afairly simple method of passing controlbetween them. It isn't possible to havemore than one of these partitionsactive at any time but it does seem to bea step towards a multi-user system, an
CPU:
Keyboard:
Screen:
Cassette:Disk Drives:
Printer:
Bus:Ports:System Software:Languages:
16k, 32k or 36k RAM, (System uses 2k of RAM. FCP uses8.5k), 24k ROM (Super Basic), 2k video RAM, 2k memory -mapped I/O.50 -key ASCII; 17 control/edit keys; 2 blank keys; 11 numericpad keys; auto repeat, upper/lower case with lock.16 lines x 64 chars (5x7 dot matrix); 96x128 resolutiongraphics; double size character/graphics.Could he produced if demand high enough.Up to 4 drives (2 units); 157.5 kbytes per disk; single -sided,double -density; 630 kbytes max (4 drives); 8" and hard disksplanned.80 column, pin feed, Dot matrix; double -width chars option;84 1pm, Bidirectional printing.Optional cards for S100 or IEEE -488.Optional cards for serial, parallel, RS232C, 20ma current loop.Own file control system; CP/M available.Super Basic, Pascal, Fortran, C -Basic, Cobol
Basic reserved words
interesting development that ManhattanSkyline is actively considering. Onelimiting factor to this system's poten-tial is the fact that by the time a diskoperating system is loaded, togetherwith some rather natty error reportingroutines, the available RAM is down toless than 20k - not really enough toexploit the clever features to the full.Still, it's the only machine we knowthat has taken this approach and it willbe interesting to see how things develop.
To sell to the businessman it isabsolutely essential to have good pack-ages. These are being developed at themoment and should be ready by thenew year; until then it is difficult toassess truly the business potential ofthis machine, except to say that itperformed very well throughout thereview and that it should have no pro-blems running business packages.
At almost £3000 the system is a littlemore expensive than its more obviouscompetitors such as the Tandy ModelII and the Commodore 8000 series butif the (few) problems are solved and thebusiness software made available then ithas enough merits of its own to give theothers a fair run for their money.
At a glanceFIRST IMPRESSIONSLooksSetting upEase of useHIGH LEVEL LANGUAGESBasicCobolFortranPascalCBasicSystem Software
***n/an/an/an/a**
PACKAGES n/aPERFORMANCEProcessorDisksCassettePeripherals
*****n/a
****
EXPANSIONMemoryCassetteDiskBus
COMPATIBILITYHardwareSoftwareDOCUMENTATION ***
VALUE FOR MONEY **
***** excellent, **** V. good, *** good,** fair, * poor.
OR NOT<> <=
AND>= AUTO CLEAR
CONT DEL EDIT EXEC FKEY LIST NEW PAUSEREN RUN SETPG TRACE CALL CLS DATA DEFDBLDEFINT DEFSNG DEFSTR DIM ERL ERR ENDFOR...TO...STEP NEXT FUNC RETURN GOSUBGOTO IF...THEN...ELSE INP INPUT KILLLET ON ERROR.. .GOTO ON. . .GOSUB ON.. .GOTOOUT PEEK POINT(XOUT PEEK POINT POKE PROC RESUME RESUME NEXTRETURN RETURN exp RND SET STOPTAB TIME TIMES PRINT LPRINT USING ABSATN CDBL CINT COS S CSNG EXP FIXINT LOG SGN SIN SQR TAN ERLERR MCOND MEM PAGE POS USR ASCCHR$ INKEY$ INSTR LEN M1D$ STR$ VALLCTLC I,CTLP LCTLS LLIST LPRINT DSAVECLOSE COND CLEAR CREATE DELETE DLOAD QUERYGET INDEX INPUT OPEN PRINT PUTRENAME SLOAD SSAVE SYSTEM
PCW 51
PET SOFTWAREa guide
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All about the PET Computer
AT LAST:
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ProgrammingTechniques
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1980 95pPRINTOUT - the independant magazine that's all about the CBM/PET computer.
Ten times a year PRINTOUT brings you the latest newsabout PET peripherals and software, conducts extensiveand unbiased reviews, and tells you how to get the best outof your computer. In it you will find programming hintsand listings - a complete Mailing List program free ofcharge in the latest issue - plus several fascinating pages ofreaders letters. There is even a gossip column!If you are interested in PET, you must read PRINTOUTThese are some of the features from the October issue:
:: Profiles of Superchip and the Petaid database program:: 'What's wrong with WORDPRO', an evaluation of
Commodore's word processor - and a guide to its use::'Memory from the Buffers' - How to get more memory::'Style & Technique' - How to write better PET programs::'Personal Electronic Transactions' by Gregory Yob::Tommy's Tips - programming problems solved here::'Pets & Pieces' - our irrepressible columnist Gavin Sandersplus News, Software Reviews, Letters , Gossip and Listings
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BOOKFAREThis month Malcolm looks at software design followed by a brief excursion
into, wait for it, the micro revolution. A common theme is 'structure' - or lackof it, in the case of book three.
It's not just funA perennial topic of debate inthe computer world is theargument over whether com-puting is a science or an art.The rise of personal com-puting has added a new twistto this saga - is computingfun or is it serious?
Before personal computing,computers cost so much thatthey just had to be takenseriously. They were allowned by large commercial,governmental or academicinstitutions and there waslittle opportunity to usecomputers for fun (officially).I can remember, however,that one of my first ex-periences of a computer wasin about 1966 when I heard avery old ICL computerplaying A Taste Of Honeyon its console. And drawingby computer has been an artform for decades.
The cheapness and friend-liness of personal computershave brought computerpower into the mainstreamof daily life. The ease of Basicprogramming has cutthrough the mystique thatyou had to `know aboutmaths' and be 'clever' inorder to program. Mostimportantly, there are peoplewho own computers forpleasure rather than business.
However, the fact thatcomputers can be used forpersonal fun and gamesshould not be allowed toobscure the serious bodyof theoretical researchwhich underpins computing.The happy-go-lucky, un-structured, ill -disciplined,bug -ridden approach toprogramming that has beenprevalent in all forms ofcomputing does not suggestthat there is no sciencebehind the artful facade.
A significant new bookhas been published whichshould re-emphasise theimportance of computingas a major science of the20th century. Called WhatCan Be Automated?, it isessentially an encyclopaediaof modern (mainly American)research in computer sciencesand is the result of a five-yearstudy funded by theAmerican National ScienceFoundation, known as theComputer Science andEngineering Research Study(COSERS).
The aim of this report is
to describe to the `technicallayman' what has beenaccomplished under theheadings of 'computer science'and `computer engineering'research. It is not exactly alight read - over 900 pages -and cheap it isn't at £18.60.Some of it is also prettyheavy going - full ofequations and things whichrequire some mathematicalor computing background.Yet, like any good encyclo-paedia, it has a wealth ofknowledge which can bedipped into and savouredwhen required.
Although computerscience courses have becomea part of the educationalscene for many years, there isstill much argument aboutprecisely what activities itshould cover - and evenwhether computing should beregarded as a branch ofengineering rather than ascience. The book's editor,Bruce Arden of PrincetonUniversity, faces this argu-ment head-on in his intro-duction. He admits that thereis unlikely to be any argu-ment on a simple, succinctdefinition of computerscience.
He suggests a definition ofcomputer science as "thestudy of the design, analysisand execution of algorithmsin order to better understandand extend the applicabilityof computer systems." But heaccepts that this opens upmore questions than itanswers and that the only realway of describing this`science' or 'engineering'discipline is via an operationaldefinition of the researchwork that has been done inrecent years under theumbrella of some form ofcomputing.
To the personal computer-ist, all this might seem to bean obscure academicexercise with little relevanceto the real world of SpaceInvaders and micro account-ing programs. Personal com-puting seems to be all aboutdoing rather than philoso-phising, programming ratherthan engineering, fun ratherthan science, business ratherthan mathematics.
However, without therigorous and systematicresearch which has under-pinned computing develop-ments, the widespreadgrowth of computing would
be threatened and thepersonal computer revolutionwill dribble off into irrelevantgames and sideshows. It isone thing to write a simpleprogram to be used forpersonal fun or to solve awell understood and self-contained business task. Butas soon as the task beingtackled has any real com-plexity - in other words,most of the most interestingcomputing tasks -a morethoughtful and disciplinedapproach should be taken.
The importance of using amathematically coherentdiscipline in programming ishighlighted in one of themost interesting sections ofthe book, on software engin-eering, which is of directrelevance to personal com-puter 'amateurs', who pro-gram for pleasure, as well as`professionals' who do itfor money.
The panel of academicswho produced the softwaremethodology chaptersummarise the current stateof software play: "The dataprocessing industry is oneof the most spectacularbyproducts of science inthe history of mankind. Butits practice leaves much tobe desired; it has the growingpains of a new industry thathas had no time to developand select sound industrialpractices. It is a mixture ofgreat wisdoms and foolishfolklore. It needs help fromscience and engineering . . .
but the help it needs is noteasy to provide."
The key software problemthey identify is complexity.In the early days of com-puting, they point out, hard-ware started out expensive,limited in power andunreliable. The shortcomingswere soon overcome, thanksto hardware research anddevelopment carried out bymathematicians, electronicsand physics specialists withinreasonably well-definedengineering and scientificdisciplines. Meanwhile, the"debugging, patching andworking to 2 am" whichcharacterised early software"seemed natural and wasenthusiastically accepted."
Here begins the deja vu,because this `programmingethos' of the forties andfifties is still alive and wellin the personal computingworld, except that Basic has
replaced machine languageas the lingua franca.
"The programmer's task(in the early days) was to`code' simple, small algor-ithms - by today's standards- in the machine language ofa particular computer, usingas many clever tricks andtechniques as possible toovercome restrictions onmemory and speed," say theCOSERS software engineer-ing panel. "Programming wasfun, just like solving a puzzle;but was not considereddifficult if you were the rightsort of clever person."So what's new?
High level languages, ofcourse, were new. Althoughthey made programmingeasier, they also madeprogramming even moresloppy. "Little attention wasgiven to readability, adapta-bility or even correctness; themain problem was thought tobe coding for the computerand understanding its ownnotation. And a program wasa personal communicationbetween one particularcomputer and the program-mer, rarely to be read byothers." That soundsfamiliar, too, as do their nextobservations, which get to thecrux of the software problem:
"As computers becamemore powerful and flexible,as the cost of hardware de-creased, as the problems givento programmers becamelarger and more complex andas programmers discoveredthat clever tricks used earlierwere not enough, emphasisslowly changed from hard-ware to software. Systemswhich people felt would beeasy, but tedious, to build -the command control system,the information managementsystem, the airline reservationssystem, the operating system,the world champion chessplayer - turned out to beextremely difficult or evenimpossible. Major under-takings often took two toten times their expectedeffort, or had to be aban-doned . . .
"What happened? Thecomputers still had the samekind of instruction sets, theprogrammers still knewexactly how the machinesworked and the designersstill knew how to lay out asystem and its developmentin a modular fashion. Whathappened was complexity
PCW 53
BOOKFAREgrowing out of scale." (Myitalics.) - .
They identify fourparticular reasons for theworsening of the softwareproblems; generally ill -educated (in softwareengineering terms) personneldeveloping and managingsoftware; the lack of aware-ness of the underlyingdifficulty of programmingcomplex tasks; continuinggrowth in the size and com-plexity of problems tackled;and rapid hardware develop-ments which failed to givepriority to producing hard-ware that makes softwarewriting easier, rather thanjust improving hardwarecharacteristics such as speed,reliability and cost.
A consistent themeemerges from the discussionof software engineering whichencapsulates the three often -contradictory forces whichcontinue to shape computingdevelopments. Firstly, therehave been the over-ridingdemands of the computerindustry to sell more systems,which led to computersbeing sold to solve problemsbefore systems developershad adequately analysed andresolved the underlyingprinciples which could beused to build correct, reliableand efficient systems. Theover -selling of computerscreated a sudden demandfor software personnel,which led to the employmentof staff and managers withinadequate training forcarrying out the responsiblejobs they were given.
As the COSERS panelsays: "The industry has seenmanagers with no knowledgeof the programming processmanage large projects andprogrammers maintainingcomplex programs with onlythree weeks training." Couldyou imagine that happeningin a branch of traditionalengineering, like bridgebuilding? Would you fly in anaeroplane designed and con-structed in the way softwarehas generally been developed?The commercial requirementsof the computer industryto make profits (ie sell moresystems) and to "maximiseinvestment in the existingcustomer base" (ie to stickwith poorly designed com-puter architectures because somany users have investedmoney in developing softwareto make the best out of badProducts) has also led to .astress on improving hardwarein ways that give straightprice/performance benefits,rather than radically alteringbasic structures which wouldassist better software tech-niques.
The second main force hasbeen the development of highlevel languages, like Basic,which has made programmingeasier and led to the beliefthat it was unnecessary touse any kind of mathematicalor scientific discipline to con-struct software. Of course,there is nothing wrong with
writing programs for personaluse in the sloppyist way,provided the programmeets a personal need. Therecan be little excuse, however,for having the same ill-considered, techniques whendeveloping syltems for use byothers; systems which mustbe maintained and changedover a long period; systemswhich are complex; systemswhich must be understoodby people other than pro-grammers.
Some high level languages,like Pascal, were designed topromote good softwareengineering techniques(structured programming,modular design, readability,etc). Other languages, such asBasic, Fortran and Cobol,gave little attention to soft-ware engineering needs. Asthe COSERS panel explains:"The simplicity and easewith which one could betaught to understand a small,simple program led to theidea that one did not need tohave a scientific, math-ematical background in orderto be a professional program-mer. Moreover, how couldscience be helpful to theaverage programmer whenthe applicat; 3n upon whichhe usually worked was notscientific but industrial,financial or administrative?This lack of understanding ofthe need for a scientificbasis and discipline for pro-gramming, this miscon-ception that programming iseasy, has led to the sloppyand wasteful practices thatone finds in the data pro-cessing industry today."
Hold on! do I hear theschoolkid Basic -freak saying?Programming is easy. What isall this guff from crabby oldprofessors?
The COSERS commentseems wrong only because ofthe confusion about what ismeant by 'professional'.COSERS regards professionalprogramming as a funda-mentally different activityfrom personal 'amateur' pro-gramming, which is what theschoolkid is doing. And theyare stressing the importanceof a third computing forcewhich, unfortunately, hastrailed rather than led thegrowth of commercial com-puting and of non-professionalprogramming.
This third force is thebody of work described inWhat Can be Automated? -the mathematical, scientificand engineering research intothe theory and practice ofcomputing. The book doesnot claim to be comprehen-sive but it does indicate thetypes 'of problems that arebeing tackled, the solutionsthat are being broughttogether as a coherentscience and the areas stillto be solved. Although thebook's price may put it outof the reach of many indi-viduals, copies should beavailable in any educationalestablishment teachingcomputers and it should, at
54 PCW
BOOKFAREleast, be scanned by everypersonal computerprogrammer.
The range of topicscovered indicate the broadscope of what can be called`computer science': numericalcomputation, logic, artificialintelligence, hardware, com-putational linguistics, oper-ating systems, programminglanguages, database manage-ment and software method-ology. There are alsoexamples of some advancedapplications.
It is interesting to notethat COSERS (and Americansin general) accept artificialintelligence as an intrinsicpart of computer science. Atan artificial intelligence con-ference at Newcastle Uni-versity a few months ago,there was still considerabledoubt about whether arti-ficial intelligence had any-thing to offer to computersciences and whether arti-ficial intelligence shouldeven be regarded as a subjectin its own right.
Given the continuingdebate about the nature andvalue of computer scienceitself, those reactionarycomputer scientists who arestill throwing rotten academiceggs at the artificial intelli-gentsia should remove theirblinkers and look to sortingout their own rickety housebefore bitching again.
Pascal inwonderland"Contrariwise," continuedTweedledee, "if it was so, itmight be; and if it were so, itwould be: but as it isn't, itain't. That's logic." And thatis one of the delightfullywitty and relevant comments- many from Lewis Carroll -which are used to introducethe chapters of an excellentbook on Pascal and good pro-gramming practices whichtakes up all the importantsoftware principles identifiedby the COSERS study (seeabove review).
Foundations of Program-ming With Pascal by LawrieMoore, head of computingservices at Birkbeck College,brings to life the academicprinciples of software engin-eering without pontificatingor being abstruse. Not only isthe text lucid and easy tofollow but it is writtenwith a lightness of style rarein books which aim topromote strict theoreticaldisciplines, although it iscommon in many US -basedpersonal computingpublications which have lessregard to the scientificapproach.
Moore provides his ownapt summary of his book:"This book is about pro-gramming. The fact that itintroduces the programminglanguage Pascal is less im-portant than what it has tosay about programming itself.It is only natural, in a bookintended for beginners, to
choose Pascal as the pro-gramming language to teach,because Pascal is, without anydoubt, the language whichhas won first place as theintroductory teachinglanguage of computer science.This is because it provides themeans of expressing in simpleand lucid terms all the moreimportant constructionswhich, in any otherlanguages, can be expressedonly clumsily, inelegantly, orin a way which is difficult tounderstand."
Like Pascal, Moore's styleis elegant and easy to under-stand, which makes it idealnot only as a text book inuniversities, polys, schools,etc, but also for self -study oreven just as an enjoyableread to refresh jaded com-puting palates. The tone ofthe book is set by a quotefrom Jacob Bronowski whichprecedes the Preface: "It isimportant that studentsbring a certain ragamuffin,barefoot irreverance totheir studies; they are herenot to worship what is knownbut to question it."
The use of quotations atthe start of chapters is afrequently used gimmick inbooks but I have seldom seenthem used as aptly as Mooredoes. The Tweedledee quoteabout logic appears at thestart of the chapter on logicoperators, of course. AnotherLewis Carroll quote illumin-ates the rather heavy -sounding chapter onadvanced use of parameters:" 'That's a great deal tomake one word mean,' Alicesaid in a thoughtful tone.`When I make a word do a lotof work like that,' saidHumpty Dumpty, 'I alwayspay it extra.' "
Moore also enlivens thetext with anecdotes and arelaxed enthusiasm and en-joyment of the subject.
For example, did youknow where the word `algorithm' came from? Mooreexplains: it "derives from thename of the ninth -centuryPersian mathematician AbuJa'far Mohammed ibn Musaal-Kuwarizmi which means`father of Ja'far, Mohammed,son of Moses, native ofKuwarizmi', and has comedown to us through centuriesof western culture as Al-Kuwarizmi and thence viaAlgorithmus to Algorithm."
Having colourfully placedthe concept into its historicalmathematical context andprovided an interestingdiversion, Moore thenproceeds to explain programalgorithms by comparingthem to mathematicalequations.
In explaining the trickyconcept of recursion, Mooreagain lightens the prospect,this time by his obvious senseof enthusiasm: "A recursivedefinition is fun, just likethe merry-go-round at a fun-fair. It allows us to indulgein that 'awful sin' we weretaught to avoid by ourEnglish teachers at school,
the definition that goes roundin a circle and comes back toitself."
He is not afraid to tackleapparently 'difficult' con-cepts such as set theory andformal program languagesyntax. He manages to do thiswithout inflicting painbecause the explanations arecarried out within thisfriendly context so that theideas are explained almostbefore the reader is awarethat he or she is being madeto eat up all their 'nastyspinach'.
The last chapter summar-ises good programmingpractices, such as documen-tation and testing procedures.This is useful but it wouldhave been more powerful if ithad been inserted earlier inthe book rather than as anafterthought, although themain principles of goodpractical program pro-ductions are instilled through-out the book. Moore's majorcontribution is to show thatit is possible to teach pro-gramming in a way that isenjoyable and easy but whichdoes not violate the disciplinesof software engineering whichhave been developed in theapparently inaccessiblecitadels of computer science.
Too muchNot another book on themicroelectronics revolution,I thought, receiving yetanother book called TheMicroelectronics Revo-lution. This time it turnedout to be more than just abook on the dreaded Micro -Shock but a collection ofarticles, lectures, chaptersfrom other books and even aTV script.
It could have been called"All You Wanted to KnowAbout The MicroelectronicsRevolution But Were AfraidTo Ask - In Case You HaveTo Read Over 500 Pages ToFind A Muddled, Contra-dictory Answer". Althoughthe book's editor, freelancejournalist Tom Forester, hasprovided a running com-mentary to link the articlestogether, his selectionsinclude so much materialthat is repeated - in variousforms - that it turns outindigestible if read in largechunks.
However, because it con-tains a wide summary of thethinking of the late seventieson the impact of informationtechnology it could bevaluable as a teaching aid.Hours of educational timecould be taken up, forexample, in studying thecontributions in the book todetermine precisely whatrevolution is being talkedabout and the nature of thetechnology.
Some authors refer to themicroelectronics revolution,others to an 'informationrevolution', the second in-dustrial revolution, the thirdindustrial revolution, a com-munications revolution, etc.
The technology that is totrigger the revolution is alsodescribed, inconsistently, asmicroelectronics, informationtechnology, telecommuni-cations, computers, et al.
Because little editing seemseems to have been carriedout on the original articles,introductions to the tech-nology are unnecessarilyrepeated ad nauseam as wellas reiteration of the basicthrust of microelectronicstowards reduced costs,increased complexity,improved performance,smaller size, etc. The bookcontains very little new butthen its appeal is that likecheapo record collections, itprovides a collection ofgolden oldies and good fillersas well as some dross, allpackaged at a lower cost thanthe originals.
In terms of authority andcoherence, Forester'sselection is nowhere near asgood as the MIT publicationThe Computer Age: ATwenty -Year View which Ireviewed in an earlier Book -fare. In fact, some of the bestpieces chosen by Forestercome from The ComputerAge, such as Daniel Bell onthe 'postindustrial inform-ation society' and JosephWeizenbaum's trenchantcriticisms of the inhumandirection that seems to bebeing followed by somecomputing enthusiasts.
Forester would haveperformed a far more valu-able task if he had beenstricter in selecting hismaterial - more does notmean better - and if he hadtried to rationalise thethreads of the various ar-guments into digestible andcoherent introductions toeach chapter rather thansuperficial one paragraphlinks.
For example, just onetechnical introduction shouldhave been given, with allothers removed from indi-vidual essays. Too many ofthe articles relating toemployment rehash the by -now well-known numbersgame debate of how manypeople will/will not beemployed/unemployedbecause of the technology. Inthe section on industrialrelations, instead of a hardlook at questions such aschanging skills requirements,technology agreements,impact on personnel andcareer policies, etc, Foresteroffers some well -aired generalpoints made by trade union-ists such as ASTMS researchdirector Barrie Shermanand an articleby Michael J Earlreprinted from ManagementToday which is typical of the`top -of -the -head' superficial-ity disgorged by the microdebate and unworthy ofreprinting here.
As an educational aid, thebook's failure to provide amore coherent and informedframework means that itsvalue will depend a lot on the
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58 PCW
BOOKFAREteacher/lecturer's under-standing of the subject.
For example, Forester'sintroduction describes Prestelas a teletext system. It isn't -it's a videotext (viewdata)system. This may seem asmall criticism but it is in-dicative of the sloppythinking which permeates thebook's organisation and someof its contributions. Afterreading the 500 -plus pages,more rather than less con-fusion is likely to prevail,unless the reader can discussthe issues raised with aninformed person.
Despite my misgivings,however, I believe that thelow price of the paperbackversion makes it good valuefor money and a reasonablestarting point for somebodywho wants to mug up quicklyon this subject or who wishesto use it as the basis for acourse on the implications ofthe 'new' technology. But itis a pity it is not half the size,minus the garbage whileretaining the gems, wrappedin an informed summary ofthe story so far.
In Bookfare this month thefollowing were reviewed:What Can Be Automated?(COSERS) edited by BruceArden (Massachussets Instituteof Technology Press, £18.60);Foundations of Programmingwith Pascal by Lawrie Moore(Ellis Horwood/John Wiley,£14.50);The Microelectronics Revo-lution edited by Tom For-ester (Basil Blackwell Pub-lisher, £4.95 paperback,£16.00 hardback).
RECORD REVIEWby David Tebbutt
What's a record review doingin PCW? Well, ever mindful ofwidening your horizons,we've dug out a recording ofthe First Philadelphia Com-puter Music Festival - anhistoric occasion and some-thing I wish we'd thought offirst.
The participating machinescame in all shapes and sizes -in fact some didn't come atall but sent their recordingson an audio tape. Briefly,some eight computersentered:a 4k RCA Cosmac with atwo -channel Super Soundboard, programmed in PIN(Play It Now) -8; a 16kS100 system driving up toeight ALF boards; Solid StateMusic's 32k 5100 systemdriving five SB-1 synthesisercards and programmed via .aMUS-X1 interpreter; anAmbilog mini (yes mini!)programmed in Notran (NOteTRANslation) - the fact it isa mini is forgivable becausethe recording was made in1970; Software Technology'sthree -voice board pluggedinto a good old SOL-20 andprogrammed in MUSIC;Schertz's 20k 5100 homebrewmade of assorted kits andsurplus parts; Newtech'sS100 system using Basic toproduce the music tables and
machine language to inter-pret these into three voices;and finally, from 1962, BellLaboratories' version ofspeech, music and song prod-uced by a large, unspecifiedmachine using a blend ofpunched cards, tape decksand three programs toproduce an audio tape.
Now to the record itself.First, it must be said that thetrue value of this record liesin its ability to inspire awewhen one considers themillions of numbers thathad to be crunched to prod-uce each piece of music. Infact one track stopped sosuddenly it was as if the prog-rammer just couldn't face thefinal few cadences - did hego mad?
Another reason for buyingit is to own a record showingthe development and varietyof computer music over theyears. You certainly wouldn'tbuy it for relaxation- sometracks are very pleasant butthey are definitely in theminority and, anyway who'dwant to listen to the likes ofYankee Doodle Dandy or theMexican Hat Dance after ahard day at work?
My major criterion forquality will be "is it pleasantto listen to?" So here goes.
The first track on side oneis very good; it's Mexican HatDance programmed by MelRichman and performed onthe Cosmac. Another goodone on the same side isYankee Doodle Dandy, againon the Cosmac but this timeprogrammed by AndrewModia - in fact this was theone that stopped suddenly.Are you okay now, Andrew?Still on the same side is aPachelbel's Canon in DMajor programmed by JohnRidges and played on ALF,which gets very close to apiano sound. There's a`triangle' and several otherunidentifiable instrumentsthough the only slightlyjarring notes come from whatsounds like a flute -a bittoo tinny for my liking. Thiswas a problem on manytracks, especially when highnotes were attempted. Infact the other six tracks onside one were a little harshby comparison with thosealready mentioned.
Then came side two,which began with a very goodstereo recording of Flight ofthe Bumble Bee containing avariety of instruments. Evenbetter was track two - thesame music played backwards- one of the neat little trickswhich the Solid State Musicsystem can perform. Prog-rammers on both these trackswere Malcolm Wright andSteve North. They also didthe next track, It's A SmallWorld - only 47 secondslong but very sweet. Thehigh-pitched notes on theSSM have "whistly" over-tones.
The Notran system prog-rammed by Hal Chamberlin(now a director of MTU) isworthy of mention because
a) it was recorded in 1970and b) Hal was responsiblefor it. It sounds a bit like anelectronic organ and it tooksome 15 million 12 -digitnumbers to produce justeight minutes of sound. Thecomputer took three -and -a -half hours to produce thetape of numbers which thenhad to be read in at 8000numbers per second for out-put to a digital -to -analogconverter. Since 32,000 num-bers are needed for eachsecond of sound, the record-ing of the output had to bespeeded up by a factor offour to achieve the resultsheard on this record.
Bell Labs' offering has tobe heard to be believed - it'shorrible! But then we'retalking about 1962' and musicor speech on a computer wasalmost unheard (sic) of then.Can you imagine a computersinging - yes singing thewords to Daisy, Daisy whileplaying an accompaniment onits electronic version of apiano. It's very, very weirdbut full marks to Bell Labsand D H Van Lenten, theprogrammer, for this remark-able effort.
Finally a brief mention ofthe other tracks on this side.David Ahl, the'publisher ofCreative Computing, managedto find his way onto therecord with a rendering ofYankee Doodle Dandy(again) which sounded like afairground organ playing inone of the Cheddar caves.One Donald Schertz playingChattaway & Mills' Redwingsounded more as if his home-brew was operating in a dust-bin (or maybe it was a trashcan). The nicest one of all isJohann Wanhal's Rondo fromSonata in B flat for Clarinetand Piano. This was prog-rammed by Dorothy Siegelon the Newtech and sheaccompanied the computeron her own (real) clarinet -very good.
And that's about it. It's asuper record if you're fascin-ated by computer music. It'snot the sort of thing you'dbuy your Mum for Christmas,though.
It will cost you £3.50;contact Creative Computingat 27 Andrew Close, Nun-eaton CV13 6EL.
TECHNICAL REVIEWby Peter Rodwell
Z80 Microcomputer DesignProjects, William Barden Jr,(Howard W Sams.)
Here's a handy bookwhich could earn itself aplace in any school wantingto teach microcomputingbasics in a useful, practicalway. Electronics enthusiasts,too, will find the bookinteresting as an introduc-tion to the subject.
The book tells you howto build program and usea basic Z80 -based micro-computer system called theEZ-80 (say it with anAmerican accent -"Easy -80") and an EPROM
programmer with which toburn in systems softwarefor the EZ-80.
The book is divided intothree sections - theory,construction and applica-tions. The theory is dealtwith reasonably well in thatall the basic information isthere but obviously some,detail is rushed or avoided,inevitable when trying tocram it into one third of thebook's 208 almost -A4 pages.But this section does contriveto cover the EZ-80 systemcomponents, CPU signals,memory, I/O (the EZ-80 hasa four -digit LED display anda 12 -key numeric pad), theZ80 instruction set and itsaddressing modes and assem-bler language formats.
The constructional sectiondetails the building of theEZ-80 system itself, usingwire -wrapping, and theEPROM programmer, whichcan be used with either2758 or 2716 EPROMs;I'd hate to have to use it toburn in a 2716 as theprogrammer is entirelymanual - you have to set upthe address and data for eachlocation on a row of switchesand press a pulse button toburn it in, a laborious anderror -prone process.
The final chapter in thissection details a diagnosticsprogram which will checkout the EZ-80 system, inclu-ding the memory, clock fre-quency and I/O.
The book really gets downto the nitty-gritty in the thirdsection, however, withthe projects you can carryout using the EZ-80 as a basis.These include a "micro-computer educator", whichallows you to enter, checkand run machine codeprograms, and the usual sortof projects which you findin this sort of book: a com-bination lock, a burglaralarm, a Morse code genera-tor and sender, a telephonedialler (which British Tele-com wouldn't like), a fre-quency counter/tachometer,a programmable timer and asimple music synthesiser.
The final chapter in thebook is headed "Blue SkyProjects" and gives a fewideas for further projectsusing the EZ-80. Theseinclude D/A and A/D con-version, intelligent controllerapplications, and, interest-ingly, parallel processingusing several EZ-80s sharinga common bus.
The book ends with anAppendix containing binary -decimal -hex conversiontables and a summary of theZ80 instruction set.
The book has plenty ofexplicit illustrations through-out and full assembler listingsfor all programs, making itquite easily -comprehend -able for the novice. AndI've a feeling that one or twodesign engineers might findthe EZ-80 a handy device forprototype testing, etc. ..
PCW 59
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The Revolution has happened. Like itor not, we're now committed to thetechnological bandwagon and there'sno easy way to get off.
There's been a lot of talk recentlyabout what may happen to our societyas a result of adopting the latestadvances in technology - computersin particular. Different theoriesabound and, while they all seem todiffer in their conclusions, they allagree that the changes to our society,whatever these may be, will be bigones.
We're not going to discuss thedifferent theories here, becausewe have something much moreimportant to talk about, somethingin which you personally can becomedirectly involved, something we feelis of urgent importance.
Whether the introduction of micro-processor technology causes massiveunemployment or whether it willrequire ultra -large-scale retraining,there's potential trouble ahead - theprobability of widespread socialunrest, to put it mildly.
Yet these changes are inevitable.It's too late now for us to forget abouttechnology, to hide our heads in thebushy by-products of a dreamyagrarian economy, unless we want togo back to the Stone Age.
This is particularly ironic when weconsider that it was this country,through the Industrial Revolution,which started the rest of the world onthe technology bandwagon. Now therest of the world - or at least the`developed' parts of it - is well aheadof us and we'll have our work cut outto catch up - a difficult enough taskwithout having to cope with socialdisorder as well.
For example, the Japanese areflooding our markets with goodquality, low cost products - the resultof their investment in automation.This is just one illustration of how weare allowing ourselves to become un-competitive. These days we must com-pete or find unique products in orderto survive.
Nobody likes change, especiallywhen the new order is somethingunknown and unpredictable. Fear ofthe unknown is the greatest barrier tochange and it can only be overcome bymaking the unknown into the familiar.As a country, we're remarkably ill-informed about modern technology;worse, many people are either hostileor utterly apathetic towards it -
COMPUTER TOWNUK!
Our future survival as a nation will depend on widespreadcomouter literacy. In what is probably the most significant article ever
published in PCW, Peter Rodwell and David Tebbutt explainhow you can play a major part in taking computers to the people.
especially towards computers.As a matter of interest, we've made
large social changes in the past - froma nomadic to an agricultural societyand from an agricultural to anindustrial society. We're going tochange again - very soon - so we'dbetter get used to the idea and preparefor it.
Computers in this country have apoor public image. We all know themyths and misconceptions: that youneed to be an Einstein to even touch acomputer; that computers are`cleverer' than people; that sooncomputers will be running the world.We've all heard the horror storiesabout pensioners receiving milliongas bills or the apparently Byzantinecock -ups perpetrated by the DVLCcomputer at Swansea. There's littlepoint in trying to explain away thesephenomena, or in trying to differ-entiate between mainframes, minis,microcomputers and microprocessors.Even the control chip in a washingmachine is a computer, but to thelayman, they're all the same andthey're 'nasty'.
If that's what it's like now, what'sgoing to happen when we'resurrounded by 'computers', albeit in
near -invisible micro form? We believethat, unless something is done on avery wide scale to introduce the publicto some basic truisms of computers,this country is in for a rough time.
We're concerned not only withspreading the microword among theadult population, however, but tochildren as well. Currently, computereducation in this country is a dismalmess. Some schools are making brave,pioneering efforts against quiteamazing odds and even a few LocalEducation Authorities are waking upto the subject but it's all pitifully littlecompared to what needs to be done.
There are two problems - shortageof money, and lack of centraliseddecision -making. Neither of these arelikely to change in the near future asthey depend, firstly, on national andinternational economic conditions,and secondly, on a deeply ingrainedsystem which has evolved over along time period. We're not in thefortunate position of the French, forexample, where the decision has beentaken by central government thatevery school shall have a micro-computer, and that that particularmake will be used throughout thecountry.
The young are important becausethey're the ones who'll have to liveand work in the new technology-
60 PCW
based society which will evolve beforelong. They must have a goodgrounding in technology to enablethem to become useful citizens with areal contribution to make to thecountry. Let's face it, they're going tobe our leaders one day. The very leastwe should do is to prepare them forthe world they're going to live in.Among other things, they'll be able tohelp create the new industry that thiscountry requires, one based onbrainpower instead of on materialproducts. We lead the world insoftware development and we'll haveto work hard to keep that lead.
So, if there's no money in the kitty,a lack of a suitable, formalised centraleducational organisation, and a largelyapathetic or hostile public, what canbe done to overcome the problems wehave described? The answer, we'reconvinced, can only be a voluntaryorganisation, manned by computerenthusiasts, who are prepared to spenda little time spreading computerliteracy within their own communities.We're setting up this organisation andit's called ComputerTown UK!
HowCTUK! will work by 'subversion', or,rather, creative anarchy. One of itsmain obstacles is public apathy -go to Hyde Park Corner, stand on yoursoapbox, and see how many peoplefall asleep as you deliver your lectureon "The True Nature of Computersand their Role in Society"; the adultpopulation just isn't very interested.
But children are, and Computer -Town UK! is all about children.
Children are free from the hangupswhich we adults carry around in ourheads. Sit a child in front of a com-puter and s/he immediately uses it,relates to it, plays with it, laughs andcries over it, learns from it. When, andif, an adult layman approaches a com-puter, it's with an air of suspicion,hostility and often fear. Childrenrepresent the weak point in society'santi -technology mental block andCTUK! is designed to take advantageof this.
It works like this. Microcomputersare made available free of charge to anychild who wants to come along and dosomething with them. At first nearlyall the children will need someminimal introduction to the com-puters - how to switch them on, howto load a program from a cassette,that sort of thing - but they'llcatch on very quickly. Some of thekids will learn more quickly thanothers and these will be encouraged toact as instructors for the slowerlearners. The children become well andtruly hooked, and they then go homeor to school and start baffling theirparents or teachers with all this com-puter enthusiasm. Parents and teachersmay at first dismiss it as some childishfantasy or a passing craze, buteventually many of them will want tofind out what's happening for them-selves so they, too, come along to theCTUK! centre.
Instead of being given a formalcourse or lecture on computers, theadults find themselves sitting infront of a machine, being given thesame introductory talk (probably by a
0011111111GOO
child) and being encouraged to learnfor themselves with direct hands-onexperience. Later, if there's sufficientdemand from adults, some courses canbe arranged for them to explain notonly the more advanced aspectsof programming, but to discuss someof the wider implications of micro-computer technology. If there'ssufficient demand from adults, theremight even be a whip-round at theend of each class to boost thecentre's kitty. Just as the kids willhave spread the word among theirschool friends, so the adults will talkto their adult friends, thus spreadingthe word about CTUK! and spreadingcomputer literacy within the com-munity.
It's important to realise that theaim of spreading computer literacy iscertainly not to turn the wholepopulation into programmers but tospread awareness.
Children take to programming veryquickly, as do many adults oncethey've overcome their hangups, whichisn't easy for many. So a certain pro-portion of both kids and adults willbecome quite proficient programmersand will probably want to buy theirown machines to play with at home.
Likewise, there'll always be a pro-portion who never grasp the funda-mentals of programming but whoderive enormous satisfaction fromplaying packaged games or usingteaching programs. And there'll alwaysbe a few - from both age groups --who will never visit the centre at all.
This is why we describe CTUK! asa subversive organisation. We'rebringing computer awareness to thecommunity at 'grass roots' level,something almost heretical by tra-dition computer industry andteaching standards. And, even moreheretically, we're doing it with theemphasis on fun, because we feel thatpeople should know for themselvesthat computers can be fun.
In the StatesJust in case you're thinking that allthis theory is rather fanciful, let'slook at the States, where Computer -Town USA! is alive and well in MenloPark, California. Over a year ago BobAlbrecht and Ramon Zamora tooktheir personal computers into localplaces such as pizza parlours and
PCW 61
bookshops and simply made themavailable to anyone who was interested.Soon, so many were interested thatthey had to set up a permanentlocation in their local library whereparents could bring their children (andchildren could bring their parents!)and get to know about computers.Within weeks hundreds of children hadjoined in. One -hour briefings on thebasics of using computers were held;each child completing the briefingreceived a "My computer likes me"badge and certificate and was thenallowed to explore the possibilities ofcomputing.
Throughout, the emphasis ofCTUSA! is on self-help; librarians areencourged not to help kids solve theirproblems - the kids are told to getother kids to help them.
CTUSA! has broadened its activitiesconsiderably from just introducingkids to computers. Adults, too, canenrol for classes, at which the teachersare often children who are paid fortheir work out of the proceeds fromthe classes. There's a Rent -a -Computerscheme which allows you to hire acomputer to use in your own home fora week and there's even a Rent -a -Kidprogramme under which you can hirea "certified" kid to come to yourhome and teach you about yourcomputer.
So far over a thousand children andadults have received their groundingin computer literacy from the MenloPark ComputerTown USA! and thegroup is constantly expanding itsactivities.,
How CTUK! worksComputerTown UK! is a strictly non-profit organisation (full charity statuswill be applied for). 'Organisation' isperhaps the wrong word, for we'redetermined not to let it become aformal, rigidly -structured outfit. Theemphasis is on learning and fun and,while we may have to put up withcertain formalities to satisfy theCharity Commissioners, these will bekept to the absolute minimum.
' Although CTUK! has a national co-ordination centre (more on this later),its most important aspect is at locallevel - the ComputerTown UK!s set
up all over the country. Set up bywhom? Well, why not by you? That'sright - anyone interested in spreadingcomputer literacy in his/her com-munity can set up a CTUK! centre -all you have to do is go out and do it!
To set up a CTUK! centre, you'llneed at least one computer, somepeople to help you run it, and lots ofenthusiasm!
Getting a computer is probably theeasiest part - use your own to startwith. If you're a member of acomputer club, why not get togetherwith one or two similarly -mindedmembers to set up a CTUK! sub -groupand pool both your machines andenthusiasm? That way you'll be ableto handle a larger group of kids and,if you've a range of differentmachines, the children can gain awider experience.
Some words of warning here:children can give computers a heavytime so you should use only com-mercially -built machines for yourCTUK! group - don't let them looseon that cherished homebrew whichtook you a year to build! You reallyneed to provide something like a PET,Atari or Tandy, something self -contain-
,
ed, cased and without a spaghetti oftrailing wires. The machine must havea 'grown-up' Basic and have a usefulamount of RAM left over - say 16k -with which to play. You'll also need acassette player so that kids can bringalong their own cassettes to save theprograms they've written. We wouldn'tadvise disks for all the obvious reasons.
If neither you nor your friendsown a suitable computer, tryapproaching your local computerdealers. They'll probably have readthis article already - if not, waveit under their noses - so they shouldhave some idea of what CTUK! is allabout. Indeed, we're hoping that localdealers will themselves take theinitiative in some areas - there'll beinevitable publicity and sales spin-offsfrom their involvement - but we muststress that hard selling is totally out ofplace in a CTUK! centre. If you shouldrun into this problem just tell us andwe'll help you sort it out.
We strongly recommend you tostart your centre in a quiet waydon't go overboard and take on morethan you and your colleagues can copewith. We'd suggest you start off withone evening a fortnight and as itspopularity grows you can open moreoften. Once you've actually startedyou'll find plenty of committed,willing volunteers to help you, notleast from among the children them-selves! Remember that the centre willbe even more popular at weekends andduring school holidays. Getting extravolunteers to help is easy - word ofmouth, notices pinned in your locallibrary, community centre ornewsagent's window, or even a smallad in your local newspaper will bring agood response.
At first glance you may think youneed special premises but in everycommunity there are places which canbe used, such as church halls, com-munity centres, bookshops or club-rooms. Try to avoid schools or collegesas they shut at weekends and duringthe holidays. Of course, wherever youset up your CTUK! centre, you'llneed a power supply! If your localdealer is involved, he may be willing tolet you use his shop, either perman-ently or until you outgrow it and find
co
FinancePremises
I
PubliCity
larger premises.You may be able to use the meeting
room at your local library, along thelines of CTUSA!; if the locallibrarian isn't too enthusiastic aboutletting you have the room for free,get onto the chairman of the librarycommittee - your local council willgive you his phone number. If you'restuck for premises, you could alwaysstart off in your own home or garage,possibly rotating locations with othervolunteers while you search for asuitable place.
Once you've conquered these chal-lenges and you're ready to go, you'llneed some way of attracting the punt-ers. Word of mouth is excellent -putting notices in schools isn't so goodat first as you'll probably be overwhel-med, and calling in the local press topublicise your CTUK! centre shoulddefinitely be left until it's runningand you can cope with a lot morechildren and adults. Once you'reready to 'go public', contact us andwe'll send you an information sheeton publicity.
Remember, your local CTUK!centre is autonomous - it's up to youto get things going in your com-munity. Once you're established, withpermanent premises, we may be ableto help out further, depending on thecentral resources we have available -but you've got to get things movingfirst!
If your local dealer can't help withmachines and premises, he may bewilling to help with some of yourcosts. You should approach you localcouncil as there are all sorts of ways inwhich they may be able to help, evenin these times of austerity. Find out
VolunteersFinancePremises
LocalCTUK!centres
FinancePremises
Usefulcitizens
Members
Nationalcommunity
Finance
'_mance
Information central News
-L ----- -Computers__
- SoftwareStaff &
customers
ComputersVolunteersPremises
who your councillor is and ask for hishelp - that's what he's there for. Andthere is an amazing number of smalllocal charities with money to hand out,provided you can locate them (startwith the library) and convince themthat you're a deserving cause. Someof these charities may also be able tohelp with premises.
As the central co-ordinators ofComputerTown UK!, we're probablybest placed to approach computermanufacturers, major software housesand national sources of finance fortheir help. You, however, are farbetter placed to investigate sources ofhelp within your own community.
We've printed here the nearest thingwe'll ever have to an organisationchart, just to show you how we see itall fitting together and how the variouselements interact.
You'll see that the local CTUK!centres form the most important part- we're here simply to act as aninformation clearing centre, to publi-cise CTUK! to the national media andin a regular CTUK! `noticeboard' inPCW, and to wield the begging bowl ata national level. The rest hingesentirely around you, the local CTUK!groups.
One of your main challenges will beto convince others that teachingmicrocomputing is actually a usefulthing to do - certainly it doesn't fallinto most people's definition of acharitable activity, but this is possiblydue to the lack of technological aware-ness or interest in this country whichwe described earlier. Probably the bestway to convince anybody (apart fromshowing them a copy of this article) isto sit them down in front of a
ComputersSoftware
Computer manufacturers/Importers/largesoftware houses
computer and let them have a gothemselves! If you can 'hook' thechairman of your council's financecommittee then you'll have made areally useful friend.
Whatever you're after - premises,machines or money - the possibledonor will want to know how hisinvolvement will benefit the com-munity. We've marked this on thechart too: computer clubs stand togain more members; dealers stand -indirectly - to gain publicity andpossible future sales; the communitystands to gain more useful, awarecitizens who will be able to copemore effectively with a technology -based society. The country as a wholestands to gain much, for similarreasons. And the computer industrywill gain a badly -needed source of newstaff from among those children andadults who decide to become seriouslyinvolved in computing.
And what do you stand to gainfrom all this? Involvement, thesatisfaction of knowing that you'remaking a real contribution to oursociety, and a hell of a lot of fun!
If you want to write to us at CTUK!,please send an SAE for a reply. Writeto: ComputerTown UK!, 14 RathbonePlace, London W1P 1DE. As we'rerunning CTUK! entirely in our sparetime, please don't telephone the PCWoffices.
Permission to reprint this article willbe given free of charge to any organ-isation or publication willing tofurther the interests of Computer -Town UK! Please contact the Editorof PCW.
PCW 63
The high resolution graphics system ofthe ITT 2020, like that of the Apple,allows plotting in four different colours,plus black and white. Because of itssimplicity, the system suffers fromcertain limitations, which, if improperlyunderstood, can lead to disappointingresults.
The inclusion of plotting, linedrawing and shape manipulation com-mands in Palsoft Basic makes it easy touse the high resolution graphics but theuse of colour is often neglected becauseof the potentially unpredictable results.An area of the screen can successfullybe filled with a single colour butanomalies arise when single points orlines are plotted. Attempts to plot asingle point in colour may result in itsnon-appearance or, if it does appear, itscolour may not be as expected. A singlepoint, plotted with the colour set towhite, will in fact appear as a colouredpoint. A vertical line, intended to becoloured, may also fail to appear or, ifintended to be white, may appear aseither blue or red. All of these problemscan be overcome to some extent if theway that the system works is under-stood.
In computing, as in most other things,an advantage is seldom gained withouta corresponding disadvantage being in-curred. In this case the price paid is thehalving of horizontal and verticalresolutions (to 180 x 96 instead of thenormal 360 x 192). In many appli-cations, such as graph plotting, this isbetter than having some points notappear at all. There is an additionaladvantage in that 12 different coloursplus black and white are available. On amonochrome display, black, white andthree different half -tones are available.
To show just why the colour prob-lems mentioned above should occur,let's look briefly at the ITT coloursystem. In the high resolution graphicsmode the screen normally comprises360 x 192 individually addressablepoints. Each of these points can eitherbe off (black) or be lit in a singlecolour. For example, point 0,0 can beeither off or yellow, point 1,0 caneither be off or blue. No point can belit in more than one colour. The pointsare arranged in groups of four - yellow,blue, magenta and green - as shown inFigure 1. Note that any two horizon-tally adjacent points are of comple-mentary colours and if displayedtogether will appear white.
When the HCOLOR command is
COLOUR%,t
Ever had trouble with colour on your ITT 2020? In this article Malcolm Banthorpe reveals the secretsof successful colour plotting.
used in Palsoft Basic to set a plottingcolour, certain of the points are enabledto be lit, if subsequently addressed byan HPLOT command. So if HCOLOR isset to 1, then all the blue and magentapoints are enabled and will appear ifaddressed. Yellow and green points willfail to appear if addressed. Similarly,HCOLOH = 2 enables all yellow andgreen points, HCOLOR = 5 blue andgreen points and HCOLOR = 6 magentaand yellow points. HCOLOR = 3 or 7enables all points and allows plotting inwhite. HCOLOR = 0 or 4 disables allpoints and allows plotting in black (inthis condition, any point which isalready lit and is addressed to be plottedwill be extinguished).
The system works well in practice,where areas are to be coloured and theresolution is sufficiently high to makethe areas appear of uniform colourrather than dots of two differentcolours. Problems occur when singlepoints are to be plotted. For example, ifyou attempt to plot the point 0,0 (ayellow point) when HCOLOR is set to 1(blue and magenta points enabled) thennothing will appear.
Similar problems occur with verticallines. Either they may fail to appear atall or if, for example, HCOLOR is set to3 (all points enabled) and the line passesthrough a yellow and magenta point(see Figure 1 again) then the line willappear just as if HCOLOR had been setto 6.
By now you're probably wonderingwhy such a strange system should everhave been implemented in the first case.The most probable reason is one ofmemory economy. The system uses onebit for each addressable point. If it wereto be made possible for any point toappear in any of the four colours, thenan additional two bits would be neededto specify its colour. This means that24k, instead of 8k, would be requiredfor the screen buffer.
In the method given here for over-coming some of the system's limitations,the screen is divided into 180 x 96pixels. Each pixel will contain one pointeach of yellow, blue, green and magenta.As each point can be either lit or off,there are 15 possible combinations ofpoints which can make up a pixel.These combinations are shown in Figure2. Number 15 will, of course, appearwhite. Numbers 5 and 7 will also appearwhite but of lower intensity since onlyhalf the points are lit and so are effec-tively grey. The other 12 pixels will
each yield a different colour. In practice,perhaps not surprisingly, the coloursexhibited by the 15 pixels are verysimilar to the 15 colours available inthe low resolution graphics mode of theITT 2020. If any single pixel is plottedon the screen, its appearance is guaran-teed and its colour will be entirelypredictable.
These pixels are easily achieved byusing the Palsoft 'shape table' facilityto define 15 very simple shapes. Todraw any of the pixels anywhere on thescreen, all that's required is a DRAW NAT X,Y command, where N is thenumber of the pixel and X and Y are itscoordinates. The required shape table isshown in Figure 3. The addresses shownare for a machine with 48k RAM. For a32k machine, the table should start at7FADH and fot a 16k machine at1FADH. Once the table has beenentered into the computer, its startaddress must be placed in locationsE8H and E9H:*E8: AD BF; or *E8: AD 7F; or*E8: AD 1F
depending on RAM size. At this stage,it's a good idea to save the table on tapefor future use. First store the tablelength in locations OOH and 01H:*00: 52 00
then:*0.1W BFAX.BFFFW;or *0.1W 7FAD.7FFFW; or *0.1W 1FADAFFFW
depending on RAM size, will save thetable on tape. Once saved, 'it can infuture be loaded from Basic by meansof a SHLOAD command. This willautomatically load the table at the topof available RAM and set HIMEN belowthe start of the table so that it cannotbe corrupted by a Basic program or itsvariables On a 16k machine, set HIMENto 8191 before loading the shape tablefrom tape.
As mentioned previously, to plot asingle point (pixel) in this system, aDRAW N AT X,Y command is required.To achieve consistent colour, X and Ymust both be even numbers and so itmay be more convenient to consider Xand Y as coordinates in the range0-178 and 0-95 respectively and thenDRAW N AT 2*X, 2*Y. A few trialswill show which shape numbers cor-respond to which colours. Be sure to setHCOLOR=3, SCALE=1 and ROT=0before starting.
The normal Basic line drawingcommand (HPLOT X1,Y1 TO X2,Y2)cannot be used with this pixel systembut a simple Basic subroutine may be
64 PCW
In0120120000011000000000120013001NOMERIE10CREINC3INKIRIMIKRICIKIRICIIKRICIIKINCIRICMK11111261200000EI000000000090000000001:10012DClKINCINCACIEKKINCINC1RIMICIEMOKINCJEICKEIINE12E000000000000000000000130130130131213ClIKIREINCINCIIKIN0©IK0GI0CIIKIRElff1[2001011:112112E00000000I:10000130130EI00000DODUDEE10121ClOCINCHEINEIRIMCIRICIRICHKIKINCINUMMINCILICIll1200000000E0E0000E00EI0D00000001301300CINEDIKINCIRIONCINCIPORICIPTIK1REIREIRORICHKIN011iINEIOCIVIONEMICIOniaDOEMOODMICIENENJOINDEMODCIIKINCHKRIC1RICIPORICKURICJIMIRIMRICIIKKIECOM000LI0NID0CIVIOUGULI3D0D0O0D0D0D0DEI6E113GlIKIROMIROMIKIIIIC12©12G11301K1NORICIEUE:100R1Y = YELLOW, B = BLUE M = MAGENTA, G = GREEN
ig 1T e ITT 2020 co
13
shaped shape#2 shapei3 shappl4 shapeB5
arran ement.
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Mshapel6 shapeR7 shapeBB shape#9 shapelle
M
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shapeR11 shapeR12 shape1l3 shapeR14 shapeOIS
ig 2 The colour
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BFAD- OF 08 20BFBO- 00 22 00 25 00 28 00 2BBFB8- 00 2E 00 31 00 35 00 38BFCO- 00 3B 00 3F 00 42 88 46BFC8- 00 4A 00 4E 00 45 00 31BFD0- 00 00 11 D7 00 22 00 00BFD8- 35 80 00 31 C7 00 11 27BFE0- 00 00 22 45 00 15 D7 00BFE8- 31 23 00 00 35 C7 00 31BFF0- 27 00 00 11 27 45 00 DIBFF8- 2C 86 00 35 27 00 00 00
Fig 3 The shape table.
used instead. Xl and X2 are integers inthe range 0-178: Y1 and Y2 are integersin the range 0-95.
100 HCOLOR = 3: SCALE = 1: ROT = 01010 DX = X2 - Xl: DY = Y2 - Y11020 IF ABS(DY) > ABS(DX) THEN 10801030 IY = DY / DX: Y = Y11040 FOR X = Xl TO X2 STEP SGN(DX)1050 DRAW N AT 2 * INT(X),2 * INT(Y)1060 Y = Y + IY * SGN(DX)1070 NEXT: RETURN1080 IX = DX / DY: X = Xl1090 FOR Y = Y1 TO Y2 STEP SGN(DY)1100 DRAW N AT 2 * INT(X),2 * INT(Y)1110 X = X + IX * SGN(DY)1120 NEXT: RETURN
This subroutine can be called when -aver it is required to plot a line betweentwo points, X1,Y1 and X2,Y2. Thecolour of the line will be determined bythe value of N, which specifies which ofthe 15 pixels will be used. N must there -
A selection of displays produced by modifying line 50 in thefinal program below.
fore lie within the range 1-15. To plotin black, set HCOLOR to 0 or 4 and setN to 15.
Finally, here's a way of using thispixel system to plot in three dimen-sions, using colour as the third dimen-sion. The idea is to make the colour ofeach pixel a function of its X and Ycoordinates. Even in black and white,this form of plotting can be effectivebecause the pixels have four differenteffective levels of brightness (depend-ing on whether one, two, three or fourpoints are lit). Additional contoursare visible in black and white becauseof discontinuities in the dot patternat the boundaries of different colourswhose pixels have the same brightnessvalues.
A suitable program to achieve thistype of plot is as follows:10 HGR2: HCOLOR = 3: SCALE =1:
ROT = 020 FOR X = 0 TO 178 STEP 230 FOR Y = 0 TO 95 STEP 240 A = 180 + X: B = 96 + Y45 C = 180 - X: D = 96 -Y50 N = ABS(SIN(X/ 30) + SIN(Y/15))
* 7.570 IF N<1 THEN 10080 DRAW N AT A,B: DRAW N AT C,D90 DRAWN AT A,D: DRAW N AT C ,B100 NEXT: NEXTThe function to be plotted is written asline 50. The function must be arrangedso that N will be evaluated in the range1-15. Line 70 ensures that black is plot-ted when N is less than 1.
To achieve a symmetrical plot and tospeed up plotting time, the function isplotted as if the point 0,0 were in thecentre of the screen. The program canbe easily modified if a more conven-tional plot is required.
PCW 65
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Derrick Daines continues his series on teaching others the basics of microcomputing.
CHAPTER 5, PART 1: THE TRANSISTOR ASA SWITCHAround this time, students begin towonder how the computer does it. Ifit's supposed to be a wonder -worker,how, in fact, does the silicon chip workits wonders? What's all the fuss about?
To answer the question 'how?' wemust return our work on gates, sincethe most elaborate and powerful com-puters are at heart nothing but a bunchof gates. They're fast, of course -frighteningly so; indeed one sometimeswonders if the fear and awe of elec-tronic gadgetry would disappear werethey a little slower.
There's a student's binary addingmachine commercially available underthe name of Bobcat (see Appendix)which relies not on electronics but onrolled steel balls to knock plastic gatesthis way and that. The idea has muchto commend it: students can watch thesteady trundling of the steel balls in away that they cannot watch electronsflowing down a wire.
A set of water -driven plastic gatesused to be available (the gates don'tactually move, but the water does). Itwas found many years ago thatdifferently -shaped bowls producechanges in the flow of water that wasanalogous to binary operation; thus,this combination of bowl shapes andplastic tubing produces a simple logicmachine. All you do is hook up yourcomputer to the nearest watertap and, by manipulating tiny stopcocks here and there, binary outputs areproduced according to the logicmodel. Water flowing in a tuberepresents binary 1, while no flowrepresents binary 0.
Such models of computer operationare, of course, severely limited but theyhave their place in aiding the student'sunderstanding. It doesn't do much goodfor him to open up a computer andstare uncomprehendingly at hundredsof motionless bits and pieces but adevice that moves is another thingaltogether.
Electric gatesA good halfway stage betweenmechanics and electronics is thecommon -or -garden switch. Anenormous variety is available: those soldby Woolworth are as good as any forour purposes. They can be screwed ontoa flat board without the need to makeany holes, are cheap and will takesufficient current to drive torch bulbs(Figure 1).
Any handiman can wire up the ANDgate of Figure 2. The symbol is shownin Figure 3 and it's recommended thatthe circuitry be not shown to students- to prevent confusion with the gate,from which it differs on a couple ofimportant points.
You'll note that the lamp will notlight until both switch A AND switch Bare on. Let the students play with it fora while before introducing a disciplinedstudy. With two switches and only twopositions possible for each switch, thereis a total of four possible corn -
Fig 2
Battery
Sw A Sw B LAMP
binations. Draw up the truth table ofFigure 4 and ask the students todiscover if there are any other possi-bilities not listed. Alternatively,have them copy the first two columnsof the table and discover the third for
Fig 1 Suitable switches and layout
themselves. Of course, 0 represents aswitch up or off, or a lamp unlit.
A duplicate set of switches and lampshould be prepared that appears to beidentical in every way, but has a dif-ference under the switch covers - theswitches are wired as in Figure 5. Thiswill be recognised as the Inclusive --ORgate and the lamp will light if either orboth of the switches is on. This time thegadget is introduced to the pupils with-out explanation and with instructionsto construct a truth table for them-selves; from that, have them decide onthe correct name for the device. Thesymbol for the Inclusive-OR gate isgiven in Figure 6, where the '1' indicatesthat any 1 input produces an output.The truth table is given in Figure 7.
These examples represent what isprobably the practical limit of usefulgates that can be demonstrated in thisway. To proceed further we need tolook a little into electronics.
PCW 69
A
Fig 3 More inputs are allowed
AB
Stripping a TVPulling a TV to pieces is an excellentway of removing some of the mystiqueof electronics. Old television sets areoften available just for the asking andthe carting.
Depending upon the age of hisstudents, the teacher may like to do alittle preparatory dismantling himself.Screwdrivers of different sizes will beneeded, one or two small spanners anda pair of wire cutters. If the dismantlingprocess is to proceed a long way, smallpliers, side- or end -cutters and eventweezers will be handy in the laterstages.
A B OUT0 0 00 1 01 0 01 1 1
Fig 4 'AND'
First stages comprise dismantlingthe TV into its major componentassemblies - case, tube, power pack andone or more printed circuit boards.Some sets will also have valves.
Two words of warning are in orderhere. One - on no account allow thetube to be roughly handled. It'ssurprisingly robust, but nevertheless it ismade of glass and if it receives a hardblow, the resulting implosion couldresult in considerable injury to thosenearby. It's probably btst, in fact, if theteacher handles the tube himself. Two -stress earnestly that this is to be adismantling operation, not a display ofof demolition. Much of the value of theoperation will be lost if indiscriminatedestruction is allowed.
Snap off wires close to componentsand, where possible, snip off componentleads close to the printed circuit boards.Carefully retain everything - it'simportant that students realise. thatthere is no 'magic ingredient' being keptfrom them. Eventually a small mountainof bits and pieces will have beencollected to be sorted and examinedclosely; the components themselves maybe dismantled too.
There are two main types of resistors.One is made of black graphite similar topencil lead; the other is a coil of wirehard -baked onto a ceramic mounting.Capacitors come in a variety of shapes,sizes and materials. Disc and bead types
cannot be dismantled, but the variabletypes enthrall students since they areusually beautifully -engineered sets ofsmooth plates sliding past each other,often on a ball bearing. Electrolyticcapacitors are tubular and, if opened byturning up the sealing flange, thecontents may be withdrawn. They arerevealed to be nothing but a strip ofpaper with some (slightly poisonous)`gooey stuff' on it, rolled up tightly witha strip of aluminium foil. Transformersmay be unwound and even the coredismantled into a heap of thin metalplates. Sooner or later the teacher willfeel that it's time to pose the question,"Where's the magic?"
AA+B
Fig 6
The teacher should select variousexamples of each type of com-ponent for display and turn the restover for inspection. The case (possibly)and certainly the tube should, however,be witheld - the former for otherpurposes and the latter for safe disposal.
Space-age artThe average TV set will yield enoughbits and pieces for everyone, enablingeach child to make pictures, designs ormodels with his share of the spoils.The shapes of the pieces themselvesoften suggest ideas and sometimes Ifind groups pooling their resources inorder to make something moreelaborate - a space station, robot orwhat -have -you.
A B OUT0 0 0o 1 11 0 11 1 1
Fig 7 'INCLUSIVE -OR'
Pictures and other two-dimensionalworks are best made of very small orvery thin pieces carefully cleaned andpolished before being stuck down withCopydex or Uhu onto a matt blacksheet of card. Some of the moreawkward items may be stitched intoplace with short lengths of thin wire.
Such pictures can look very fine whenthe outline is surrounded by brightcopper wire from transformer windings- or thicker wire that's been strippedof its insulation.
Three-dimensional models oftenrequire a base and this is perhaps bestmade from a piece of hardboard onwhich has been applied a rough coatingof Soffenbak or papier mache, suitablypainted. The model itself can be eitherleft as it is, or finished off with enamelpaints to hide globs of glue and theover -size lettering on some components.Other models may be free-standing,while yet others look particularly finewhen hung from the ceiling.
Not all models need glue. Sometimesvarious bits can be bent so as to gripeach other while others will slottogether - or can be bound by lengthsof wire. As a very last resort the teachermay at his discretion use solder orSuperglue, although, needless to say,such materials are not to be left in thehands of children.
Make no mistake - there is a lot ofwork in this project for a schoolteacher, but it does fulfil a vital role,especially I believe for the girls. It seemsthat boys quite frequently get theirhands on radio bits and pull them apart.Girls, however, rarely do and they needthe familiarity that such activity bringsif they are not to be handicapped intheir understanding of the wonderfulworld of tomorrow.
MiniaturisationThe teacher can now assemble aselection of pieces out of which he isable to make another very importantpoint. The items he needs are: one TVtube, one valve, one transistor and oneintegrated circuit.
Using these he can indicate the TVtube as being just a little larger than thefirst valves made in the early part of thiscentury (valves of this size are still inuse in radio transmitting stations). Nexthe can show the gradual reduction invalve size - down to the humble audio12AU7 that's still found in domesticappliances; on to the enormous sizereductions with the invention of thetransistor; and finally, the breathtakingpacking of first hundreds and thenthousands of transistors into theintegrated circuit (see Figure 8). Thestudent is therefore rapidly able tounlearn an earlier concept - thatbigger means more. The integrated
1950s miniature valve. Logic elements = 1
19708 integrated circuit. Logic elements = 100
1960s transistor. Logic elements = 1
Pre-war valve. Logic elements = 1
o's
1978 MOSFET IC. Logic elements = 10,000
Fig 5 Fig 8 (Scale roughly accurate)
70 PCW
circuit can do far, far more work (interms of operations completed) than thevalve. Moreover, it can do it morereliably and without the need for alarge and dangerous power -pack. Thevalve needs high voltages for theanode, intermediate voltage or voltagesfor the grid(s) and a 6.5 volt alternatingcurrent for the heaters; the integratedcircuit will operate on just one 5 voltsupply. Even without other far-reaching innovations, this one alonewould have been enough to transformthe world of science and com-munications.
The reducation in bulk is evengreater than it appears. If you destroy atransistor by crushing it as gently aspossible, you'll find that 95% of itsbulk is just its black plastic body.Embedded within it is the workingpart - no bigger than a pin head -where the three wires meet. Similarly,with the latest integrated circuits, theworking part of the microprocessor isabout the size of a melon seed; theencapsulation has to be much largerto allow room for the mounting legsand connecting wires.
Strangely, the price for each itemshown in Figure 8 (when new) remainedapproximately the same in real terms.Before the war, valves cost, around7/6d each (371/2p), when the averagewage was- about £3 a week. Thus, tobuy a valve one could expect to payabout 12.5% of the weekly wage. Whentransistors first appeared on themarket, I remember buying one for25/- (E1.25) 'and the average wage wasabout £25. The current price of a micro-processor is between £9 and £16, with
Cost
Year -15,- Fig 9
the average wage £85; that makes thecost still between 10.5% and 18% ofthe weekly wage. (Other integratedcircuits can be bought for aslittle as 20p!)
Taken in terms of logic units bought,however, it's clear that the price perlogic element has plummeted (Figure9). It's this fact that's brought thepossibility of a computer in everyhome, just as in 1920 the thermionicvalve allowed the introduction of asuperheterodyne radio set intoevery home.
Transistor as a switchIt's perhaps difficult for newcomers toelectronics to accept that the transistorworks as a very good switch. Theubiquitous portable `tranny' makes usall familiar with the idea of thetransistor as an amplifier but somehowthe idea of it 'switching seems a littlealien. Nevertheless it is very good at it.There are no moving parts, it's light-ning fast, silent and creates no sparkhazard. The only point of caution is
that the stated maximum electriccurrent mustn't be exceeded or it willbe destroyed. It may still look alright,but its usefulness will be at an end.
Now I do not wish to go over groundthat's adequately covered elsewhere,nor do I particularly wish to makeelectronics constructors of my readers.However, the use of the transistor as aswitch is so fundamental to the newtechnology that I cannot avoid thesubject altogether. Only rarely is thisaspect dealt with in such literature andit's rarer still for it to be treated simply,so I must include it here.
Luckily, soldering is not necessaryand there are various kits available (seeAppendix) that the reader maypurchase. Some are better than othersand they also have a habit of appearingand disappearing off the market. All,however, utilise some spring -clipmethod of connection and nearly alladvertise (rightly) that one can under-take various projects with them and thatthey teach the fundamentals ofelectronics (not nearly so often right).Value for money varies of course but,unless the reader contemplates doingmore work on electronics than iscovered by this series, the purchase ofany kit is not recommended. Thecomplete list of components required tocomplete all vital experiments anddemonstrations is contained in theAppendix and the reader will find thatthe total cost is less than £2.
The only equipment needed is a pairof nimble fingers, a few paper fastenersand a piece of thick card or perforatedhardboard. The wires to be connectedand gripped between the legs of a
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bifurcated paper fastener which ispushed through a hole in the perforatedhardboard; the legs are then bent over(Figure 10). This form of constructionis perfectly adequate for the demon-strations to follow, and students willmanage it quite easily.
Fig 10
Ct*C=0
Ct.
Paperfastener
If something a little better is requiredI recommend an 'insertion block', whichis a block of plastic some 5 inches by 3inches by about 3/4 inches thick.Embedded in the plastic is a series oftiny spring clips that match a matrix ofholes above; all one does is to push awire or component lead vertically down-wards through the hole, where it isgripped by the spring clip (Figure 11).The clips are connected to each other inrows so that any wire in a hole isconnected electrically to every otherwire in the same row. Various types areavailable, including some designedespecially for integrated circuits (seeAppendix).
Of course, those of my readers whoare adept with a soldering iron will beable to make a more permanent job byusing a strip of Veroboard (Figure 12).
Examination of a transistor willreveal three wires sticking out of it -afact that strikes many as very odd. Afterall, they say, a switch has only twowires, so why the third? They forget- the switch may have only twowires, but there is a third 'terminal':the lever or toggle that is controlled byhand. So with the transistor, the thirdterminal controls the switch. There is,however, one major difference . . . thetransistor can be switched by anothercircuit and it in turn may control yetmore.
Believe it or not, right there you havethe entire mystery and gee -whizz of themodern technology. It's worthrepeating! The transistor can beswitched by other transistors and it, inturn, can switch yet more; and that's it.Quite obviously, something as funda-mental and simple as this can andshould be realised by every child leaving
Electronicsschool today but I doubt if it is.
-st, course include manyother inte,L.,°!_ course -,--Ating little
' Includes many
72 PC hl
gadgets but even the microprocessoris, at heart, nothing but a mass of logicgates, each gate comprising one or moretransistor switches.
Back now with our single transistor;of the three legs sticking out, the centralone is usually (but not always, so ask atthe shop where you bought it) the base- or in our terminology, the controllingterminal. This is indicated by a small 'b'in the diagrams to follow. The othertwo are termed collector and emitterand to distinguish them the collector isusually marked with a small dot (seeFigure 13). On my diagrams I haveindicated which is which by the use ofa small 'c' and `e'. One other distinguish-ing feature often employed is to havethe collector positioned a little furtheraway from the base than is the emitter.
One other interesting device that weneed to complete our demonstrationsis the light -emitting diode (LED). It hastwo interesting properties: (1) it allowscurrent to flow through it in onedirection only and (2) it shines whilethat current is flowing (Figure 13).
Note break incopper strip
Fig 12 Veroboard undersideMake up the circuit of Figure 14 and
when the battery is connected the lampshould glow. If it does not, check thetransistor terminals or turn the dioderound. If that doesn't work, either thebattery supply is flat or one of thecomponents is unserviceable. The wirefrom the 10k resistor, by the way,should be quite long and easy to trans-fer from point to point.
If the 10k base lead is removed fromthe positive rail the lamp goes out.Touch the earth (negative) rail -nothing happens. Touch the positiverail and the light comes on again. (Note- the LED won't give out much light;view it from the end and keep othervery bright lights away.) At first sight,the phenonemon seems very odd. Onewould have thought that the electriccurrent would flow through the 10kresistor to the base of the transistorand then, following the arrow, completeits path to earth. There's nothing in thecircuit diagram to tell us why extra
Fig 11 Insertion block
Red
Black
Negativelong
Dot markscollectorwire
LED TRANSISTORFig 13
current is drawn through the LED inorder to make it glow and this is not theplace to go into great detail about it.Very briefly, however, what happens isthat the flow of current through the10k to earth 'pulls' other currentthrough the emitter. Technically, thetransistor is being switched on by thebase current. The current through the10k resistor must, of course, be verymuch smaller than the current throughthe 1k resistor, so a small current at thebase of the transistor has controlled alarge current from the emitter to thecollector. Students interested in moredetails can be referred to a multiplicityof books on the subject - ones thatcover much greater detail than we haveneed of here. Particularly recommended
+5 to 15 V
TR-NPN type2N2926, etc.
Fig 14is G H Olsen's Electronics -A GeneralIntroduction for the Non -Specialist,published by Butterworth & Co, 1968.
The transistor in Figure 14 is termedan NPN type. It's just as easy for amanufacturer to make a transistor thatworks the other way round - a PNP(the circuit is shown in Figure 15).Notice that the arrow inside thetransistor symbol is reversed and thatthe diode has also been turned round.
Fig 15
NEG.
TR-PNP type0071, etc.
Again the lamp will glow when the baseis connected through the 10k resistor tothe top rail, but wait - the polarity ofthe supply has also been changed. Thismeans that the lamp lights when thebase goes negative -- a completelyopposite effect to the circuit shown inFigure 14.
1
2
1 2 OUT0 0 10 1 11 0 11 1 0
Fig 16 NAND
A one -transistor gate wired as wehave seen is termed a NOT gate and isused for that purpose - since theoutput is opposite from that expected.
1
2
1 2 OUT0 0 10 1 01 0 01 1 0
Fig 17 NORA similar effect is obtained frommounting a toggle switch upside down;the lamp goes on when we expect it to
go off and vice -versa.If we follow an AND gate with a
NOT, we have a configuration known asa NAND... one of the most useful of alllogic gates. The symbol and truth tableare given in Figure 16. Another duplexconfiguration is the NOR, a com-bination of OR and NOT. Symbol andtruth table are given in Figure 17. It'smost important students remember thatNAND and NOR are duplex and that,when they are sorting through the logic,they should first work out the AND andOR, as the case may be, before invertingit for the NOT part.
At this point general students havebeen given enough insight into gatingtechniques. Certainly they've not beenshown an electronic AND gate - just amechanical or electric one - and thesame goes for the OR gate; however it'smy experience that this is sufficient.Given this much, other gating tech-niques may be taken as read. For therecord, though - and you may well beasked to demonstrate it - Figure 18shows the circuit of an electronic ANDgate. Two transistors are needed andsince they are in series, turning just oneon will have no affect on the output. Ithas to be both and hence it operates inthe AND mode.
Figure 19 gives the very simplecircuit for an OR gate (this is inclusive- OR, by the way). The diodes placedat each input perform a specialfunction. You may remember that adiode allows current to flow in onedirection only; these diodes prevent anyvoltage rise that might otherwise becaused by one input ebbing back upanother input, and perhaps adversely
Fig 18 ANDaffect other circuitry.
You'll find other gates describedelsewhere (for instance in the book byOlsen that's already been mentioned).
Fig 19 ORAppendixThe Bobcat is available from the OpenUniversity. Components list: four 1hresistors; two 10h resistors; two LEDs;three small signal diodes; two transistors(ie, 2N296, 0071, BC108 or BC109,etc). All capacitors are 0.2 F tantalumor polystyrene.
GND
GND
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PCW 73
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PC Vy, 74
FACE TO FACE
FORMATTEDDIALOGUES
PART 2
David Hebditch continues his discussion of the man/machine interface.
The 'form -filling' style of dialogue isbased upon restricting the user's entryof data to certain designated areas ofhis screen. So, for example, if a pro-duct code is always six characters long,space for those six is reserved on thescreen and when the last key is pres-sed the cursor is automatically movedto the first position of the next inputfield.
Clearly this will not work when wecannot pre -determine the length ofthe input. Alphanumeric text such asnames and addresses have, in mostcontemporary DP systems, to belimited to some length, eg 30 charac-ters. If the input field on the displayallows for a maximum of 30 charactersbut (as will generally be the case) theactual input is less than 30, then theuser will need to indicate to the systemthat the end of the name (or whatever)has been reached. This may be doneby pressing the TAB, RETURN orENTER key, thus forcing the skip tothe next field.
On interactive display terminalsattached to minicomputers or main-frames, this level of control over for-matting and input is implementedthrough the functionality of the termi-nal itself. In other words, there arecontrol characters which, when trans-mitted to the terminal at an appropriatepoint, will cause input or protectedfields to be started or ended. In the case
of microcomputers with separate VDUs(North Star, Cromemco, Rair, etc) it is,of course, quite feasible to use thesebuilt-in facilities. However, because theimplementations vary so much, commit-ment to a specific display can seriouslyand adversly affect the portability ofthe software in question to other con-figurations. Of course, this can be over-come through some facility to 'patch'the program with the parameters of theVDU to be used.
But whatever approach is adopted, itseems clear that the best approachwould be to maximise what is done insoftware and minimise what is perfor-med by the display hardware. In thecase of microcomputers which employ`memory mapped' displays (such asPET, Apple, TRS-80, Superbrain) youprobably do not have much choice.Such systems are usually designed onthe assumption that the software willperform most, if not all, of the detailedcontrol of the display.
So how do we go about implemen-ting formatted display dialogues with ahigh degree of control over the userinput on microcomputers? Well, stepone is to forget all about the INPUTstatement. From this point onwards,assume that it does not exist! Whatwe need is a statement which enablesthe program to take each individualcharacter from the keyboard and pro-cess it specifically within the context
of that item in the dialogue.This is achieved in many micro Basics
through the use of the GET statement.This applies to the PET, Apple andTRS-80. However, 'standard' MicrosoftBasic (MBasic) uses the INPUT$ func-tion. The implementations obviouslyvary and we should be aware of thesebefore we get into examples.
On the PET, the following statementis typical:100 GET C$:IF C$= "" THEN 100The GET obtains the next characterfrom the keyboard buffer and places itin the string variable C$. If thekeyboard buffer is empty, the nextstatement will be executed. In otherwords, there is no implied wait forthe next keyboard character. If wecannot proceed further until the userpresses some key or other then wehave to put our own 'wait' into theprogram. This is achieved by checkingto see if the C$ variable is still nulland, if so, looping back to the GET,a standard technique on CBM machines.
By way of contrast, the Appledoes have an in-built wait and thefollowing statement:100 GET C$stays in effect until a key is pressed. InMBasic, the same objective is achievedwith100 C$ =INPUT$(1)where the '1' indicates the number ofcharacters to be accepted from the
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PCW 76
FACE TO FACE
keyboard.Now there are two important things
to note at this stage: 1. The characterkeyed has not appeared on the dis-play and will not do so until we make itwith a PRINT statement. 2. Althoughthe input character is in the form of astring, that is not necessarily the bestformat for checking purposes. Try, forexample, to see if it contains aRETURN or ENTER character!
At this point the ASC functioncomes into play. For example:100 C=ASC(C$)causes the ASCII number of the firstcharacter of C$ to be placed (as adecimal) in the integer variable C.So if the user did press RETURN thenthe following routine will trap it andtransfer control to statement 200:100 C$=INPUT$(1)110 C=ASC(C$)120 IF C=13 THEN 200
We will employ this technique later as ameans of verifying complete inputitems. However, at some stage we aregoing to have to assemble our individualinput characters into a self-containeditem of information for final checking.Two techniques can be employed forthis; one is suitable for numeric itemsand the other for both numeric andalphanumeric.
If the user is inputting a numericvalue which then needs to bechecked for range (eg it must liebetween 0 and 1000) then we need tohave that value in a suitable numericform. The following routine does this(ignore the detail of statement 120for the time being):
90 C=0100 CV-INPUT$(1)110 C=ASC(C$)120 IF THEN 300:REM NOT 0-9130 N=VAL(C$)140 A=(A*10)+N150 GOTO 100
If C$ is not a digit in the range 0through 9 then control goes to state-ment 300 for further analysis. At state-ment 130 the VAL function is used toconvert the string to a numeric form sothat it can be 'accumulated' in A. Twothings to note: firstly, A must be set tozero before we start getting the inputdigits and, secondly, we must check thatC$ is in the range 0-9 before we use theVAL function. The result of puttinganything else in the VAL could varybetween getting zero out (by default)and the program crashing. Both of theseare clearly undesirable and should beavoided by good programming.
The other technique we can employis based on the concatenation of charac-ter strings:
90 M$="" :REM NULL INPUT ITEM100 C$=INPUT$(1)110 C=ASC(CS)120 IF THEN 300:REM NOT
VALID INPUT130 M$=M$+C$140 GOTO 100
In this case each valid input characteris concatenated onto the end of theprevious ones in variable M$.
Before we go into further detail,let us just break off for a moment toconsider another important aspect ofachieving formatted dialogues throughprogram control of the keyboard anddisplay. This concerns cursor control.Once more, implementations vary. Onthe PET, positioning of the cursordepends on the program PRINTingcursor movement characters on thescreen. These are HOME, CURSORLEFT, RIGHT, UP and DOWN. If youare not absolutely sure where the cursoris at a particular point in the dialogue,to reposition it precisely to a specificlocation requires that you performsomething equivalent to the following:-- HOME the cursor.- CURSOR DOWN repeated until youget to the required line- CURSOR RIGHT repeated until youget to the required position on thatline.
Indeed, it is a good idea to write asubroutine which, given the X, Y co-ordinates of where you want the cursorto be, will do the job for you once andfor all.
On the Apple, the solution is moreelegant. Applesoft Basic is equippedwith HTAB and VTAB statements sothat:100 VTAB 10:HTAB 20will put the cursor at line 10, position20 directly.
In the case of micros controllingVDUs, it is necessary to know thecontrol characters for cursor movementand employ a PET -like approach or, ifcursor X, Y addressing is available, togenerate the character strings for that.In either case, the procedure should bein a subroutine to aid portability andmaintainability.
Once the cursor is in position, thenwe can, of course, use the PRINT state-ment to get the character on the screen.But watch out for the semicolon( ;)at the end of the statement if you wantto keep the cursor within the currentfield!
The simple example shown in Figure1 enables an alphanumeric field to beentered. All control characters are
ignored except for RETURN. The .entry of a question mark clears thewhole field and the backspace functionis supported. Note particularly how the`comma problem' associated with usingINPUT has now disappeared. Be careful,though, because commas can also causeproblems on disk files! The example iswritten in Applesoft.
Now you have this level of controlover the interaction, all kinds of thingsbecome possible. For example, codescan easily be expanded:100 C$=INPUT$(1)110 IF C$<>"1" AND C$<>"2"
AND C$<>"3" THEN 100120 IF C$="1" THEN PRINT "RED ";130 IF C$="2" THEN PRINT
"YELLOW ";140 IF C$="3" THEN PRINT "BLUE";
The user merely presses the number andthe relevant word appears on the screen.
Similar interesting things are possiblewith numeric input. The entry of anumber which appears on the screen,character -by -character, right justified(like on your electronic calculator) isalso a nice facility.
By exploring the dialogue aspectsof each new application you should beable to find all kinds of possibilities foran inventive approach. Consider particu-larly how you can make use of the dataavailable on disk files which relate tothe interaction taking place. For examp-le, instead of bothering with self -checking account numbers (modulus11 and so on) why not always displaythe customer name and address (orproduct description or whatever) backto the user as a standard response to anyinput of an account number or productcode. This is merely a logical extensionof the colour -code example shownabove. Make sure, however, that readingthe file record does not take too long;if it is more than a second or two thenthe interruption could disturb thesmooth flow of the user's input.
Other possibilities include the abilityto handle single -character errors incodes but we will discuss that in theforthcoming article on coding infor-mation.
In next month's 'Face -to -Face' wewill look at the formatting of screensand related topics.
999 REM * ****** ***** ***** *****************************************K****1000 REM SUBROUTINE TO ACCEPT ALPHANUMERIC INPUT1010 REM CP=STARTING POINT OF ITEM ON SCREEN1020 REM IL.MAX INPUT LENGTH1030 REM Cf.SINGLE INPUT CHARCTERS1040 REM If..FINAL ITEM STRING1045 Sf =- ": REM STRING OF SPACES1047 HTAB CP: REM START OF INPUT FIELD1050 PRINT LEFTS (SftIL)):If = "": REM CLEAR ITEM1060 HTAB CP: REM CURSOR BACK TO START OF FIELD1070 GET Cf: REM GET SINGLE CHARACTER FROM KEYBOARD1075 IF ASC (CS> = 8 AND LEN (If) ) 0 THEN 1300: REM BACK -SPACE?1080 IF ASC (CS) < 32 OR ASC (Cf) > 122 THEN 1200: REM NOT ALPHA1085 IF CS = "7" THEN GOTO 1045: REM 7 ENTERED - CLEAR AND RESTART1090 PRINT Cf:: REM DISPLAY INPUT CHARACTER1100 1$ = IS 4 CS: REM FORM COMPLETE ITEM1110 IF LEN (IS) = IL THEN 1210: REM INPUT FIELD FULL?1120 GOTO 10701200 IF ASC (Cf) ( ) 13 THEN 1070: REM IGNORE CHARACTER IF NOT RETURN1210 RETURN1300 REM BACKSPACE CHARACTER1310 HTAB CP 4. LEN (If> - 1
1320 PRINT " "): REM DELETE LAST CHARACTER1330 HTAB CP LEN (If) - 1
1335 IF LEN (If) = 1 THEN If = GOTO 13501340 1$ = LEFTS (If: LEN (If) - 1): REM CHOP LAST CHAR1350 GOTO 1070: REM GET NEXT CHARACTER Figl1360 REM ******************************* ******* ************* ***** *******
PCW 77
ComterWorld
FEATURE INDEXIndex to current volume,
HardwareProjects
up to, and including, last month. (Previous volumes were indexed in March and April 1980 issues)
Z80 HomebreW 3-1Selective PROM copier 3-3TV to Monitor
conversion 3-3MK -14 Expansion 3-4Teleprinter conversion 3-5Adding a Z80 to a
6800 system 3-7VCR to PET interface 3-8MK14 large LEDs 3-9Sound Advice 3-10
BenchtestLuxor ABC 80WH 89ACT System 800Panasonic JD 700USinclair ZX-80Challenger C2 4PTexas TI 99/4Altos ACS 8000-2Hewlett Packard HP -85Benchmark Timings
summaryTRS-80 Model IISintrom Periflex 630/48Acorn AtomDDE SPC/1SuperBrainBASF 7120CBM 8032DAI Personal ComputerAtari 400 & 800Benchmarks explained
Series
3-13-23-23-33-43-43-53-53-5
3-53-63-63-73-73-83-93-9
3-103-103-10
PASCAL 3-1,2,3,4,5David Levy's Gaines 3-1,2,3
4,5,6,78, 9, 10
On the line 3-1,2,3Viewdata 3-4,5,6Pascal Part 10
Concluded 3-6IEEE interface - Part 2 3-6Chess 3-7, 8, 9, 10Gateways to Logic 3-7, 8, 9
10Face to Face -
the man/machineinterface 3-7, 8, 9, 10
Network Notes 3-7, 9Secrets of Systems
Analysis 3-9, 10PCW Sub Set 3-9, 10
Fact Sheets6800 opcodes 3-16502 opcodes 3-2
PersonalOpinionThe end of work? Lord
Avebury 3-1Protest against technological
determinism 3-3Who needs the CRA? 3-4Schools computing -
David Firnberg 3-4Stating the obvious 3-5Micros in big businesses 3-5Animistics -a look
at 'friendly'computers 3-7
Computer/Informationtechnology & the law 3-8
Evaluations(Checkout)Video Genie 3-2Vector Graphic
Flashwriter II 3-2Apple II Symtec light pen 3-3Microdata UV8
EPROM eraser 3-5Softy intelligent EPROM
programmer 3-6Exatron stringy floppy 3-6380Z High
Resolution Graphics 3-7ROMPLUS+ forApple II 3-8Hi -Tech VDU board 3-9
CalculatorCornerTI 58/9 Pseudo opcodesCasio Fx 502P BragCasio Fx 501/2P Master
PackTI 58/9 Economics
Simulations.. . . .
Program' ,ing efficiencyCasio ranuom number
generatorHP 41C reviewArtificial IntelligenceAccounts on TI -59Data PackingSharp PC1211
evaluationPentathlon programAid for the blind
3-13-1
3-2
3-23-3
3-33-43-53-53-6
3-73-83-9
Godel, Escher, Bach 3-10
IndexesBack Issues 1-1 to 2-4 3-2,3Back Issues 2-5 to 2-8 3-4
SpecialFeaturesComputer Retailers'
Association 3-1Christopher Evans tribute 3-1Show chess results 3 1The British Computer
Society 3-2Astrology - case study 3-2IEEE -488 bus explained 3-2Economic simulation 3-3Modem evaluations 3-55th West Coast Faire
report 3-5Wave Synthesis on
Nascom 1 3-5Overcoming PET printer
problems 3-5Random numbers 3-5Sound to colour
conversion 3-3American report 3-3Simple approach to
programming 3-3Communication aid for
disabled 3-4Imphex - intelligent
game PET 3-4House of Commons
report 3-4, 9Interrupt handling 3-6Case Study - Compucolor
installation 3-6Poem 3-6Power supplies
explained 3-6Power supply design 3-6Program structuring
in Basic 3-6Sandbach school system 3-6M68000 preview 3-7Case Study -
Apple Installation 3-73-D Plotting 3-7Cassette files 3-8Printer survey 3-8Basic Basic 3-9World Micromcomputer
Chess Championship 3-9Portable Basic 3-9Parkinson's Pep -up 3-10Bare Bones of Robotics 3-10Helping the Handicapped3-10Another Dimension 3-10
PackageevaluationsSales Ledger 3-1,8Purchase Ledger 3-2Payroll 3-3Word Processing 3-4Information retrieval &
databases 3-5Integrated accounts
packages 3-6Stock Control 3-7
ProgramsBASIC Star Wars 3-1PET Shen Attack 3-1Revas (conclusion) Reverse
assembler for Z80 3-1Planet name generator
- 6800 3-1MK -14 scrolled messages 3-36800 Keyword retrieval
system 3-3PET Kaleidoscope 3-3Efficient character storage
Z80 Assembler 3-3UK101 Dodgems 3-4TRS-80 Fox and hounds 3-4MZ 80K Sine wave
addition 3-4PET Backgammon 3-5UK101 Nedge 3-6PET Horse race 3-6BASIC Renumber 3-6Naming Nascom files 3-2380Z Pictures 3-2Fuel tank calculations -
PET 3-2PET large numeral
generator 3-2PET tank battle 3-2BASIC string handling
routines 3-2UK101 Dogfight 3-6MK14 Frequency
counter 3-6North Star Maths
test 3-6PET Sweeper 3-6PET Delete/Renumber 3-6PET Cat and Mouse 3-7UK 101 Graph
PlotterUK 101 Black BoxTRS-80 GraphicsPET Robot NimPET GolfPET Nightmare ParkPET Dots & boxesPET BloobersPET Demolition 3-9Apple Showpiece .3-9PEEK & POKE for Apple
Pascal 3-9PET Giant Slalom 3-9Speed & Accelleration 3-9PET Racer 3-10PET Fighter Pilot 3-10UK101 Graphics 3-10Apple Plotting 3-10UK101 Gunfight 3-10PET Algebraic
evaluation 3-10ZX80 Breakout 3-10
3-73-73-73-73-73-83-93-9
78 PCW
BACK NUMBERSVolume 1 No. 1 May 1978Nascom 1/77-68: The MightyMicromite/A charity system
Volume 1 No. 2 June 1978Research Machines 380Z/Computer in the classroom/The Europa Bus.
Volume 1 No. 3 July 1978Buzzwords -A to Z ofcomputer terms/Pattern re-cognition/Micro music
Volume 1 No. 8 December1978 Computers and Art/3-DNoughts and Crosses/Mickie- the interviewing micro.
Volume 2 No. 1 May 1979Small computers for smallorganisations/Sorcerer graph-ics/Chess Programming Hints/Parkinsons Revas.
Volume 2 No. 2 June 1979MSI 6800/Witbit - disassem-ble your programs/The Multi-lingual Machine/PolytechnicalProcessing.
Volume 2 No. 3 July 1979Vision link: Interfacing andSoftware for the SuperscampVDU/Pet Preening/Extendedcursor graphics for the TRS-80.Volume 2 No. 4 August 1979The North Star Horizon/HighSpeed Cassette Interface forthe SWTP 6800/Garage Acco-unting program/Apple Medi-cal Application.Volume 2 No. 7 November1979 PCW Show issue/6800Bug/Hard disc security/Detecting literary forgeries/Benchtest - the ChallengerC3
-4
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FOLLOWINGISSUES ARE SOLD OUT
VOLUME 1 Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 9,10,11, 12VOLUME 2 Nos. 5, 6, 8
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PCW 79
WIN A COMPUTER INOUR 1980 SURVEYWin a computer in this year's readersurvey! Yes, once again we have aSharp MZ-80K to give away to thefirst name out of the hat. You don'teven have to say nice things aboutPCW - simply fill in the questionnaireon the next two pages, pop it into a(stamped) envelope and send it alongto our office.
Apart from the star prize, we shallbe giving away annual subscriptions tothe next 25 names out of the hat.Don't worry - if you already have asubscription we'll simply continuesupplying PCWs for a year from the
expiry of your current one.Perhaps we should explain why we
have these surveys each year - it is theonly systematic way we have ofgetting your reactions to the magazine.We obviously meet readers and receiveletters from you throughout the yearbut we shouldn't really form judge-ments on these necessarily briefencounters. By analysing a survey weare much better able to plan thecontents of PCW to reflect your realneeds and tastes.
Another aspect of the surveyconcerns itself with the type of person
that reads PCW. This is also quitenecessary because it helps ouradvertising department describe ouraudience to potential advertisers, with-out whom there could be no PCW --unless we could persuade around50,000 of you to part with a couple ofpounds per issue!
So there you have it -- in order togive you the best possible service andto give you a special opportunity toinfluence PCW's direction, we ask youto fill in the questionnaire withoutdelay. The Grand Draw will take placein mid -December, just in time for thelucky winner to take the Sharp MZ-80K home for Christmas.
In case anyone doubts that theseprizes really do exist, we asked lastyear's winner, Terry Rigby, to tell uswhat has happened in the ten monthsor so since he won his machine in ourlast reader survey. His story follows.
Once again, our thanks to Sharp fordonating the machine and our thanksto you for completing the question-naire.
I never won nuffin' before...by Terry Rigby, winner of the Sharp MZ-80K in last year's PCW survey.
With about ten minutes to spare to getto an appointment some five milesaway (London miles), the phone rang."Should I ignore it? - can't be im-portant," I thought, "must be a wrongnumber." "Yes, speaking," I replied tothe stranger on the other end. The restof the dialogue, concerning my winningthe Sharp MZ-80K offered by PCW,left me speechless - and late. As I droveI considered all the possibilities nowopen to me: graphics, Z80 machinecode, 14k of Basic, music function,FOR. . . NEXT, divorce. Yes, thataspect would need careful attention.
The presentation of the machine wasaccomplished in a whirl of C60 cassettes,focal plane shutters, and red (or white)wine - many bottles of it. They tookme to lunch as well - didn't they knowI wanted to get home and play with mynew toy (sorry, computer)?
Eventually I did get home, staggeringunder the sheer size of the carton sur-rounding the MZ-80K, not to mentionthe not inconsiderable weight of thething itself. It fired up immediately,and, armed with the excellent hand-book and the applications tape, I beganmy first faltering steps in personal com-puting. Oh! I almost forgot: my wifewas happy for me, and happy with themachine (it does look very smart) andjust to prove it, we're expecting ourfirst child in January.
The mathematicians among you maydeduce that it took just four months forme to get fed up with computing, orthat my wife's ultimatum took fourmonths to mature. Not so - my interestin both remains high.
As time went on I began to discussmachines and techniques with colleagueswho had various machines - Triton,PET, TRS80, Apple - and it soon be-came obvious to me that not only had Ia machine that was as good as any butwas better in nearly every respect. Iwon't bore you with details; if youdon't believe me, try one for yourself.
Two criticisms: 1) keyboard not
staggered or ramped; 2) variable dimen-sioning to a depth of two-ply only. Thelatter is a problem in the language andnot the machine, as the Basic is cassette -based and could be changed in the nextlanguage issue. Don't groan aboutcassette -based Basic -- it takes one -and -a -half minutes to load 14k, and if you'renot using. Basic you can use all thatspace for something else. Try that on aPET/Tandy/Apple/etc. I have used allthe machines mentioned and have foundall lack one or more facilities offered bythe MZ-80K.
I wonder how many people like mehave a computer but don't have a realapplication. Thank God for problempages in magazines, typing errors in pro-gram listings and friends who think theycan stump you by giving you a bizarreproblem to sort out.
I took the machine to work once,just to show the lads. They clusteredaround watching Enterprise warp acrossthe screen while listening to photon tor-pedoes howling past. A passing col-league was heard to remark, "I saw oneof those offered in some computingmagazine as a prize, huh, as if theywould!" I had to explain - you shouldhave seen his face. He inspired thefollowing:10 FOR A = 1 TO 10020 PRINT "I MUST NOT SCOFF"30 NEXT A40 PRINT50 PRINT "PCW RULES - OK?"60 END
It's interesting to see the reaction oftypists when they start playing. The factthat the screen stays still while the print`head' moves confuses them no end."New line?" they inquire. "Carriagereturn," I reply. " 'Syntax Error' - whowrote that?" they cry. However, anydoubts about the machine's capabilitiesas a typewriter are soon forgotten whenthey see its processing and printingspeed.
A 'girlfriend (of my wife) refused tohave anything to do with it after one
occasion when running my directoryprogram. What she didn't know was thatjust before she arrived I had entered in-formation (birthdate, telephone number,etc) concerning her latest boyfriend.Pretending not to know even his name, Iinvited her to interrogate the computerto see if there was any data on her latestconquest.. .
Another program that caused muchinterest was a simple game of NIM,written to trap all the silly things peopleenter in an attempt to cheat. Decimalquantities of matches are answered by"I've thrown the broken one away".Setting up a silly game of three matcheswith a maximum of two to be taken isanswered by, "And you go first Isuppose. . . no way!" I think I'vethought of everything to the extent ofabout 5k of error messages with 1/2k ofprocessing! You should see the concen-tration in an attempt to beat (or cheat)it. Incidentally, I've found the best wayto debug a program is to let the wifetry and crash it. She usually does!
In the ten months or so of owningthe Sharp MZ-80K I must admit to be-coming almost totally engrossed in themanipulation of Basic, while ignoringmachine code. However, I'm slowlyputting that right. I'm very impressedby the speed of machine code com-pared to Basic, but rather than writeprograms totally in machine code, I useit for repetitive routines, while theprinting and general formatting ofinformation on a screen are betterhandled in Basic. Anybody got anyZ80 programs using relative addressesonly? I look forward to the day when Ican both justify and afford Sharp'sfloppies or until some nice magazineoffers them as a prize for a question-naire or something. But still, PCW isagain offering an MZ-80K, courtesy ofSharp. I know at least one colleague ofmine who will send in his entry doublequick.
80 PCW
CraiterREADER SURVEY
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Personal Computer World 01 0 2 OiPractical Computing 0 i 0 2 02Computing Today 01 0 2 03Educational Computing Oi 02 04Computer Age 01 02 05Business Computing Di 02 06Printout 0 I 02 07Which Computer? 01 02 08Computing 01 02Computer Weekly 01 0 2Datalink Oi 02Computer Talk 01 02Infomatics Oi 02Computerworld UK 01 02
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PCW 81
I
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11 What topics would you like to see deleted?
12 Are there any other comments you would like to make about PCW?
13 Do you use a programmable calculator? Yes I No 2
14 If your answer to 13 was no, GOTO question 16; otherwise please state which make of calculator
you own and state the main application for
which you use it15 Do you use a programmable calculator:
- because it suits your application better than a micro i- or because you can't afford a micro even though you might prefer one 2
16 Do you own a microcomputer?Yes Di No 2 If yes, which make?
17 Do you own disk drive(s)?Yes i No 2 If yes, which make?
18 Do you own a printer?Yes I No 2 If yes, which make?
19 Do you intend buying a microcomputer during 1981?Yes Di No 02 If yes, which make?
20 Do you intend buying disk drive(s) during 1981?1 Yes i No 2 If yes, which make?
21 Do you intend buying a printer during 1981?Yes Di No 2 If yes, which make?
22 What is your intended total budget for the above purchases?up to £499 "i £5004999 2 £100041999 3 £2000-X2999 04 £3000-X3999 05Z4000-£4999 6 £5000410,000 7 over £10,000 8
23 Do you intend to buy software during 1981?Yes i No 2
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25 Do you intend to buy blank cassettes during 1981?1
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Regularly i Occasionally 2 None 329 What do you use your micro for (please tick the main use only)?
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Thank you for taking part in our survey. The draw will take place in mid -December and the winners will beannounced in our February edition. Please cut out this page and send it to: Readers' Survey, PCW,14 Rathbone Place, London W1P 1DE
82 PCW
Right at last?Could it really be that the mandarins ofWhitehall have got something right atlast? It makes a very pleasant changeto report that, yes, I think they have!
A cheering item of news reached meduring our long wet summer, to theeffect that the Government is to makea grant of roughly £30,000 available toMUSE out of the £9 million allocatedfor the development of computereducation.
In case you don't know, MUSE isan acronym for Minicomputer Usersin Secondary Education, and theyintend to use the money to provide acentral information service - withfull-time expert staffing - secretarialassistance and research into softwaretransfer between machines.
Loud and prolonged cheers allround! This cash is going where it willdo the most good. If the Governmentintends to spend the rest of the £9million as wisely, then we will certain-ly get our money's worth.
Incidentally, membership of MUSEcosts £6 a year, which entitles you tonewsletters and access to a good soft-ware library, among other things.Interested parties should write toMUSE, Freepost, Bromsgrove, WorcsB61 7BR.
A second cheering item appearedtucked away in the educational press.Apparently, the Government has, withmuch reluctance, finally announcedthe names of the committee advising iton educational computing matters and- lo and behold - one of the nameswas that of this column's originalwriter, John Coll! He has been goinggreat guns at Oundle School for years,long before it was fashionable to teachyoungsters with - or about - compu-ters.
John was also a founder member ofMUSE and is still its Chairman. I mightbe doing the rest of the AdvisoryCommittee an injustice but I can't helpthinking that with John sitting on it,they were bound to get their prioritiesright - and MUSE was bound to get itsgrant!
Why was the Government so coyabout publishing the names, though?
Talking of names, I wonder if thismight not be a good time for MUSEto change its name slightly? As I said,it was started long before educationalcomputing became fashionable (or evenfeasible, unless you were an electronicswhizz kid) but now anyone can own acomputer or three. As a result, compu-ters are becoming increasingly widelyused in primary schools, too, and itseems to me that they will be reluctantto join an organisation with 'secondary'in its title, let alone infant schools,which are also beginning to take aninterest.
Of course, there is no reason whyprimary teachers should not form their
Compiled by Derrick Baines
own MUPE, and infant teachers theirMUIE, but (a) there is a danger thatsuch organisations would be the poorrelations, and (b) there would be muchduplication of effort, not to mentionthat bugbear of education - differentstandards and aims between the variouslevels. No - much better to cater for alllevels under the same umbrella.
What would it be called? Ah -there's the rub. MUSE has a happy ringto it and I for one would be reluctant tochange it. MUE? No - too much likeMOO. Besides, it's too sweeping inscope. MUED? Perhaps. If MUSE waskept, changing the 'secondary' to`state', that would cut out a lot ofprivate schools that are doing greatwork - Sevenoaks, for example, orJohn Coll's own school at Oundle. So,I dunno. I do, however, believe that justas the universities and colleges had toaccept the fact of secondary computing,now it is the turn of the secondaryschools to accept the fact of primaryand even infant computing.
StandardsA chap in the Home Counties who doesnot want us to publish his name (but Ican tell you he has a string of lettersafter it) tells me that his LEA has direc-ted that schools may purchase only PETcomputers. He says that this is a rathershort-sighted decision: "If my depart-ment purchased only one make of carfor its apprentices to work on," hewrites, "the local Advisory Committeewould soon be asking questions."
I can see his point, I think. If aCollege of FE is turning out electronicsor computer engineers, then obviouslythe wider the range of machines to workon the better. Of that there can be nodoubt and I would exclude all suchcourses from my standardisation plea.In other cases, I'm not so sure.
If a College of FE is providing a secre-tarial course, does it have to provideumpteen models of word processor?Perhaps it ought to - but where doesthe expenditure stop?
What interests me is that the LEA inquestion has decreed that only one typeof machine may be bought. What I haveappealed for is one type of machine ineach price range - quite a differentthing, and one that may satisfy mycorrespondent. Above all, I appeal forstandardisation in software - which iswhere MUSE comes in.
A self-confessed computer nut, ColinHigham of Macclesfield, writes incomplaining that once a school has amicrocomputer, nobody thinks aboutoffering them a second. There'll be fainthoots of derision about that from allthose schools without any computer
(the vast majority) but Colin's case isthat in order to do CSE, etc, onecomputer per school is grossly inade-quate.
He is, of course, quite right. Anyschool wishing to do justice to itsFifth and Sixth formers requires at leasta dozen - and even then the lowerforms will hardly get a look -in!
It doesn't stop there, of course. If weprovide a school with an adequatenumber of computers to teach the kidsabout computers, what about thatsmall but ever-growing number of teach-ers who wish to teach all sorts ofsubjects with computers - as, for exam-ple, the secretarial course mentionedabove? We're back on a favouritehobby -horse of mine; the only satisfac-tory end is a computer for every pupil.I don't think I'll live long enough to seethe day, but I hope, mates, I hope!
Cash benefitsM B Mathison of King's Langley, Herts,asked for advice on gaining cash benefitfrom programs that he had written. Thisis a perennial question and one that willbe of interest to others, so I'll answer ithere.
The first point is that the programmust work. No, I'm not kidding, itreally must be faultless. A good test isto give it to someone else to play with;preferably someone who knows nothingabout computers. Sit back with note-book and pencil and don't say anything!!You'll be amazed at the kerfuffle theyget themselves into. The point is, if yourprogram passes that test, it can be saidto be foolproof and is ready for market-ing.
The next point is that it must not betoo much like other programs. Yourprogram will sell better if it is totallyunique or is better than anything elseof the same kind. Besides, you willavoid a charge or lawsuit about plagiari-sm (copying) if you are successfulin selling it. So - if it's another MathsDrill Test, Moon Lander or shootinggame - forget the whole thing, unlessit has something to lift it head andshoulders above all others.
There are several ways you can goabout getting a cash return. Which oneyou choose depends upon you and yourassessment of the worth and uses of theprogram:1. You can send it to PCW; we're alwaysglad to get new material to publish.You can expect from £5 upwards,depending on length, novelty, etc.Payment is one-off. That is to say,copyright usually passes to the maga-zine and if you wished to publish ormarket it later, you would have to get
Ski Jump by Alec Moss50 PRINT " SRI JUMP SIMULATION"
60 PRINT "70 PRINT LIN\(2)80 PRINT "UE ARE AT THE TOP OF THE SLOPE."
90 PRINT "THE HIGHEST GATE IS 120 METRES."100 PRINT "NOBODY OVER 120 KG IS FIT ENOUGH TO JUMP
110 LET S=INT(61*RND)*100120 PRINT "THE MAXIMUM SAFE JUMP IS";S;" METRES"
PCW 83
THE SHARPMZ-80 COMPUTER SYSTEM
The Sharp MZ-80 System is a new approach to understood and better used by those theycomputer applications and their efficient use. Our aim are designed to serve. Take a look at the Sharp range -
is to make computers relatively simple and therefore better it will change the way you think about computers.
Business & Electronic Machines7 Castle StreetEdinburghScotlandEdinburgh (031-226) 5454
Central Calculators Ltd86-90 Paul StreetLondon ,EC201-729 5588
Crystal Electronics Ltd40 Magdalane RoadTorquayDevonTorquay (0803) 22699
Digital Design & Development43 Grafton WayLondon W101 387 7388
Electronic Business Systems Ltd54 Clement StreetBirmingham 1West MidlandsBirmingham (021-233) 3045
Fortronic LtdHolden WayDonibristle Industrial EstateDunfermlineFifeDunfermline (0383) 823121
Gilbert ComputersOld Hall LaneLubenhamLeicestershireLubenham (0858) 65894
H B Computers Ltd22 Newland StreetKetteringNorthantsKettering (0536) 83922
Howes ElectMicrocomputer CentreNewton StLincoln 0522 32379/791088
A & G Knight108 Rosemount PlaceAberdeenAB2 4YNAberdeen (0224) 630526
Kratos-Instem LtdWalton Industrial EstateStoneStaffordshireStone (0785) 812131
Lion Computer Shops LtdLion House227 Tottenham Court RoadLondon W101-637 1601
Newbear Computing40 Bartholomew StreetNewburyBerksBerks (0635) 30505
Personal Computers Ltd194/200 BishopsgateLondon EC2M 4NR01-626 81 21
Peter Scott (Exeter) Ltd76 South StreetExeterDevonExeter (0392) 73309
ScopeStone HouseHoundsditch Entrance128/140 BishopsgateLondon EC2M 4HX01-247 8506
Sumlock Bondain LtdSumlock Anita House15 Clerkenwell CloseLondon EC1R OAA01-250 0505
Sumlock Bondain (East Anglia) Ltd.32 Prince of Wales RoadNorwichNorfolkNorwich (0603) 26259
Tomorrows World LtdGrafton ArcadeGrafton St.,Dublin 2IrelandTel 776861 ext 226Telex 24495 BTCO
This is a list of dealers participating inassociated advertising and not a full list.
COMPUTERs"'APPLICATIONS
84 PCW
Business Systerris, Audio, Video, Calculators, Cash RegistersCopiers, Microwave Ovens.
YOUNG COMPUTER WORLDpermission.2. You can send it to one of the soft-ware houses. PET, Tandy and Apple,
0 130 PRINT "WHAT HEIGHT GATE WILL YOU USE ?'';140 INPUT H
0
for example, market programs mainly 150 PRINT "WHAT IS YOUR WEIGHT (KG) ?";
- or exclusively - for their machines, 160 INPUT W
but others are catered for. Find out 170 LET V=INT( (H*W/98.1)41000)/3600
which machines the software house is 180 PRINT LIN\(2)interested in before you submit your 190 PRINT "THERE HE GOES "
program. Your program will be thorou- 200 PRINT "YOUR SPEED IN METRES/SECOND IS";Vghly tested and evaluated. If approved, 210 LET D=INT (10-(H t (1/V ) ) )*( INT (11*RND)+15 )you may be offered a one-off sum for 220 IF D>0 THEN 250them to purchase the program outright,or you may be offered a commission 230 PRINT "**** YOU'VE CRASHED ON TAKE OFF *44.4"
240 GOTO 680on sales. That is to say, they will pro-duce, advertise and market theprogram and give you a percentage of
250 FOR A=1 TO 3260 LET R=INT ( 4*RND )
all sales. Copyright remains yours. 270 IF R=0 THEN 310 03. You can market the program 280 PRINT "IT'S LOOKING GOOD
yourself. Many people do this. Themethod is to put a small standing adver-
290 NEXT A300 GOTO 360
tisement in one of the magazines - 310 PRINT "YOU'RE OVERBALANCING "
and wait. You will tape your own 320 LET O=INT(4*RND)copies, mail them, deal with complaints, 330 IF 0=0 THEN 670everything, including duplicated instruc- 340 LET F=F+INT((INT(21*RND)+INT(21*RND))/2)tion sheets, etc. 350 GOTO 290
There are other methods, but these 360 IF 11<=S THEN 390are the main ones. Of the three, thelast is best in terms of cash inflow, butgreatest in terms of continuing effort.On the other hand, it may blossom
370 PRINT "YOU'RE GOING INTO THE CROWD."
380 GOTO 670
390 LET L=INT(7*RND) 0into a regular business. The second 400 IF L.>0 THEN 430
method produces a small flow of cashover a long period, while the first produ-
410 PRINT "***t YOU'VE CRASHED ON LANDING ****"
420 GOTO 680
ces the least cash but fairly quickly. 430 PRINT "YOU'RE DOWN SAFELY!"
One word of warning - no matter 440 IF D<(S-15) THEN 460
which of the above three you choose, 450 PRINT "WHAT A JUMP! ! I"the Inland Revenue are going to take 460 LET J1=INT(.5*((INT(51*RND))+(INT(51*RND))))an interest - in more ways than one! 470 LET J2=INT(.5*( (INT(51*RND) )+(INT(51*RND)))) 0It is earned income, you see, and as 480 LET J=(J1+J2)-Fsuch is taxable. This requires a special 490 IF J<70 THEN 510income tax return and you would be 500 PRINT "WHAT STYLE! ! !"
wise to keep a special account of expen-ses in connection with the income -
510 PRINT LIN\(2)
520 PRINT " SCOREBOARD"retaining all bills and receipts - becausethese can be set against the moneyreceived. Postage, paper, travelling, heat-ing and lighting, etc, can be estimated.
530 PRINT " ----- "
540 PRINT550 PRINT "MAXIMUM JUMP..." ;S
"DISTANCEIf it all sounds like a bit of a drag, 560 PRINT (M)...";D
that's because I find it a hell of a drag, 570 PRINT "JUDGE 1 ";J1
but that's the way the country is run. 580 PRINT "JUDGE 2 ";J2
You earn it - they want some of it. 590 PRINT "FAULTS ";F
For this reason - if no other - I usually 600 PRINT " "
recommend most folks to sell their 610 PRINT "TOTAL POINTS"programs to a magazine or do a quick 620 PRINT "OUT OF 200 ....";J+INT((D/S)*100)sale and forget it. It's a one-off andHMG is not going to hound you to
630 PRINT " .,
640 PRINTdeath.
Programs650 PRINT "CONGRATULATIONS ! !"
660 GOTO790received 670 PRINT "**** YOU'VE CRASHED ****"
Asteroid Field, by Stewart Sargaison 680 'PRINT
(14) of London; Fighter Attack, by Guy 1699 PRINT "THE DOCTOR SAYS YOU'VE BROKEN YOUR;"Whitby (12) of Wallasey; Boolean 700 PRINTAlgebra, by Ian Toyn of Lincoln 710 FOR 1=1 TO 9(appropriately!); Ambush & Torpedo 720 LET B=INT(2*RND)Run, by Martin Veasey (16), of 730 READ K\Leicester; Zombies, Moon Landing,Ski Jump, Chessboard, Date, by Alec
740 IF B=0 THEN 760750 PRINT " ";K\
Moss (15) of Norwich (he's been busy!); 760 NEXT IMorse Code Tutor, by R Garland (13),of Sale, Cheshire; Wave Form Additionby Graham Kirby of Pitlochry; Bridge
770 PRINT " PRIDE"
780 PRINT
the Humber, by Andrew Roberts (13),of Lincoln; Simon, by Jonathan Dick
0 790 RESTORE800 LET F=0
(15), of Bristol; Sentence Writer by S Q 810 PRINT "WANT ANOTHER JUMP, ( YES/NO)" ;
Griffiths (16), of Canterbury; Snakes 820 INPUT A\
and Ladders by Mark Allan (9), of 830 PRINT LIN\ (2)Stockport; Worms, by Daniel Brown 840 IF A\="YES" THEN 110(13), of London. 0 850 DATA "R.LEG","L.LEG"."R.ARM","L.ARM","RIBS"
Honestly, my postman's started 860 DATA "BACK" ,"NECK" ,"SKULL" , "SKIS"complaining since I took over thispage! But don't worry folks - I'm de-lighted. More! More! Gimme more!
870 END
PCW 85
COMPUTERGAMES
This month David Levy continues his look at computer chess by examining some of the games played in thefirst World Microcomputer Chess Championship.
My two previous articles have discussedthe most important milestones in com-puter chess since the time ClaudeShannon's famous paper was first pub-lished in 1950. This month I shallsurvey the current state of the art inmicrocomputer chess programming, astypified by the play in the first WorldMicroprocessor Chess Championshipwhich was held as part of the 3rdPersonal Computer World Show inLondon, in September of this year.
We shall be examining some of thecritical moments of the games, and Ishall give a deep analysis of a keygame between Boris Experimental andChess Challenger. I hope that from theseepisodes the reader will learn of anumber of important pitfalls thatshould be avoided in writing chess pro-grams. Remember - it is not necessaryto be a strong chess player yourself, butyou should get some advice from some-one who is at least club strength.
Checkmate!We all know that the object of the gameof chess is to checkmate your oppo-nent's king, that is to say attack it insuch a way that it cannot avoid captureon the next move. One might thinkthat it is a trivial matter to avoid beingcheckmated (provided that some
method of escape exists), but in factmany programs are susceptible to asnap mate. Why can this be?
Auto Response Board v Princhess
In this position it is Black to move. It isthreatened with mate at h7, which canbe prevented in a number of ways( . . .g7-g6, ...h5-g6 are the best). Butinstead Princhess played 22 ...Ra8-b8,allowing 23 Qf5-h7 mate.
There are two possible explanationsfor this oversight, apart from a simpleprogramming bug. Those who read myprevious article will recall the Tech-nology chess program, which performed
only one ply of strategic evaluation. Letus suppose that Black evaluates all thepositions at one ply, then performs onemore ply of full width search followedby captures at deeper levels. It con-siders the move 22 ...Ra8-b8 and putsit high on the list because it adds anattacker to the White pawn on b2, andputs the rook on a half -open file. Theprogram then considers all second plymoves, and notices the White reply23 Qf5-h7. From now on the programonly examines captures, and since themove 23 ...Kg8-h7 is an illegal captureit rejects it, but it does not realise thatsomething must be done about thecheck. Since Kg8-h7 is rejected, theprogram does not realise that its kingmust be captured on the next movebecause the next move (Qh7-g8) is notconsidered. Thus the program com-pletely ignores the mate and looks onlyat third ply moves that are legalcaptures.
Another possible explanation is thatthe Black program 'saw' the followingpossibility: 23 . . . Ra8-b8 24 Qf5-h7Bf6-b2 25 Qh7-g8 (capturing theBlack king) 25 . . .Bb2-cl (capturingthe White king). Now Black has won aking and a pawn in return for a king,and is therefore a pawn up. Further-more, should the program continue itsanalysis it will discover that its oppo-
86 PCW
nent's queen and rook are simul-taneously attacked, so if the Whitequeen moves, Black will play 26 . . .
Bc1-d2, capturing the rook, while ifthe rook moves from d2, Black willcapture the White queen. Thus the pro-gram can come to the conclusion thatthis variation wins material for Black,overlooking the small technical detail ofthe illegality of Black's 24th move.
The moral of this story is that yourprogram must always have some meansof detecting checkmate. One way is toterminate a search with any move thatcaptures a king, and then look to see ifthe king capture was inevitable in theprevious position. An alternativemethod is to test every move in the treeto see whether it attacks the enemyking, in which case the program knowsthat it should only consider moveswhich are captures of the checkingpiece, king moves or interposing moves.
The endgameIt has long been recognized that theendgame is the phase which sorts outthe Grandmasters from the patzers (themen from the boys). In the science ofcomputer chess programming, too, theendgame has always been the one areawhere very little progress has been madetowards an intelligent player. Therehave been programs written to playcertain basic endings perfectly, in-cluding king and queen v king androok, and queen, king and g -pawn (orb -pawn) v king and queen. But verylittle has been accomplished in the wayof general principles for programmingendgames, with the result that programsfrequently miss good moves that can bespotted by human players whose overallability at the game is far fromastounding.
Modular Game System 2.5 v Mike III
Mike III had played very well to reach anending in which a win is very easy forBlack to force. Black's advantage maybe illustrated by the simple variation76 . . .Qd6-c7 77 Kb7-c7 g4-g3followed by . . .g3-g2 and . . .g2-gl,promoting to a new queen. Black thenhas king and queen v king, for a simplewin.
The game continued:Qd6-b4+Qb4-c4+Qc4-d5+Qd5-e5+Qe5-d4+Qd4-c4+Qc4-d5+
7677787980818283
K:7-c6Kc6-d7Kd7-e7Ke7-d7Kd7-c6Kc6-d7Kd7-e7
The second time that this positionhas been reached. Black has a quick winwith 83 . . . Qd5-f7+ 84 Ke7-d8 (if84 Ke7-d6 Qf7-e8, then 85 . . .Qe8-c8 and White can never advance thepawn) 84 . . .Kg6-f6 85 Kd8-c8 (or85 c7-c8 when Black mates by 85...Qf7-e7) 85 ...g4-g3, etc.83 ... Qd5-e5+84 Ke7-d7 Qe5-d4+85 Kd7-c6 Qd4-c4+
This last move produces a positionwhich has now occurred three times.Under the rules of chess the game isdrawn under such circumstances.
Drawing by threefold repetition inthis way is a frequently overlookedproblem in microcomputer chess pro-grams. In order to detect a repetition itis necessary for the program to store themove sequence going back as far as thelast pawn move or the last capture, andso a 50 move, or 100 ply sequence mustbe allowed for. (Another rule is that agame is drawn if 50 moves are played byeach side without a pawn being movedor a piece being captured.) The programmay then compare the move selected bythe tree search (or any move within thetree search) to see if it produces aposition that has already occurred. Ifso, the value of this move is set to adraw, and the move is only made ifthere is no alternative move which keepsthe advantage. Here the program wouldreject the draw because it would event-ually give up its queen for the Whitepawn, leaving itself with an extra pawn.
Another method for avoiding thisproblem in the game given above is tohave a simple routine which measureswhether or not a passed pawn can becaught by the enemy king, before itreaches the promotion square. If it cannot be caught, and if there is nothingelse on the board except the kings, theprogram can set the value of this pawnto the value of a queen. In the finalposition Black has the advantage ofqueen and pawn v pawn, or ten pawnsto one (for a difference of nine), but ifBlack gives up its queen for the c -pawnit will be left with an effective advan-tage of a queen for nothing - still anine -pawn difference but 9-0 is betterthan 10-1. Simple ideas like this canoften make the difference between awin and a draw.
MobilityAs every chess programmer knows,mobility is the second most importantfeature in the game, after material. Thusall programs try to maximise themobility of their pieces. Unfortunatelythis heuristic can lead to problems ifmeasures are not taken to prevent thequeen from being developed too early inthe game. The following miniature is asuitable illustration.
WHITE: PRINCHESSBLACK: K CHESS IV1 e2-e4 c7-c62 d2-d4 e7-e63 Nbl-c3 Qd8-h4
Black makes the move that maxi-mizes the mobility of his pieces. Fromh4 his queen attacks most squares inthe enemy half of the board. But it isalso vulnerable to attack.4 Ng1-f3 Qh4-h5Maintaining a mobile stance.5 Bc1-g5 d7-d5
6 Bfl-d3 e6-e57 d4-e5 d5-d48 Nc3-e2 c6-c5
Up to now Black has moved nothingbut his queen and some pawns, and al-though his queen at first looked mobile,it is suddenly left without a safe move.9 Net-f4 Qh5-g5This move might look like an elemen-tary blunder, but in fact the Blackqueen is lost. If 9 . . .Qh5-g4, Whitetakes away the flight square d7 by10 e5-e6, and then wins the queenwith 11 h2-h3.10 Nf3-g5 and White soon won.
The moral here is, "Do not bring outyour queen too early in the game, unlessthere is a very good reason for doing so."I would advise a penalty of at least halfa pawn for exposing the queen to attackbefore castling.
The state of the artHow strong or weak are microprocessorchess programs at the present time? Thisquestion may best be answered bytaking a look at a game played betweenthe programs that finished first andsecond in the World Championship. Thefollowing game was not actually playedas part of the tournament, but tookplace on the final day of the main eventas part of a match being played for astake of £2,500 per side. The readershould be aware that Chess Challenger,which won the tournament, is notcommercially available at the currenttime - it is a development program. Fora fuller explanation please read KevinO'Connell's report on the tournamentin 'Micro Chess' this month.WHITE: Chess ChallengerBLACK: Boris Experimental
French Defence1 e2-e4 e7-e62 d2-d4 d7-d53 Nbl-c3 Bf8-b44 e4-e5
This move came out of White'sopening book but Black's book appearedto end here. How many moves onestores in one's openings library isobviously a matter of availability ofmemory. In a dedicated unit intendedfor consumers, memory prices play animportant part in such decisions, butwhen writing a chess program for yourown machine you will usually havemore memory and consequently youcan store more moves. Some peopleprefer to store openings by keeping anumber of variations and branching outat random. Others store the actualboard positions, so that their programcan transpose into or back to anyvariation in the book. Which you do islargely a matter of taste - the trade offbetween more moves (when storingmoves rather than positions) and theability to transpose (when storingpositions) is not crucial.4 ... Nb8-c6The normal move is 4 . . .c7-c5, toattack White's pawn centre.5 Qd 1-g4 g7-g66 Ngl-f3 f7-f5Although this move looks unnatural, itis quite good in this type of positionwhich often arises in the FrenchDefence.7 Qg4-g5 Bb4-c3+
I have noticed that micro programshave a greater tendency to exchangepieces than humans, or even stronger
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mainframe computer programs. Thereasons may vary, but a common one isthat the program calculates strategicscores only at the first ply. This leads itto believe that any capture is strategic-ally strong because it deprives the cap-tured piece of its strategic value. At thesecond ply, when the capturing piece isrecaptured (ie 8 b2-c3) the programknows that it has lost back an equalamount of material but it does notknow that it has also lost some strategicvalue. It only updates the change inmaterial.
I doubt that this is the reason for theunnecessary exchange of Black's bishopfor White's knight in this instance, but itis something to bear in mind whenwriting a technology type program.8 b2-c3
89 Qg5-h6!A strong move, preventing Black fromcastling, but I would have been temptedto play a quiet, developing move such as9 Bfl-d3, and wait for the reply9 . . .Ke8-g8 which loses at once to10 Qg5-h6 followed by 11 Nf3-g5.Black must then give up material toavoid being mated.9 Ke8-f7!Black realises that it is in a bind andthat it must do something about thethreat of 10 Qh6-g7 followed by 11Nf3-g5, attacking the pawn at h7 andsimultaneously threatening to forkBlack's rook and queen with 12 Ng5-f7.10 Bc1-g5!An aggressive move, threatening 11Bg5-f6, attacking the rook, and if11 . ..Rh8-g8 12 Qh6-h7+, winning atleast a pawn.10 .. . Qd8-f8!Again Black spots the threat. NowWhite must retreat or exchange hisqueen.11 Qh6-f8+ Rh8-f812 Bfl-d3 Bc8-d713 Ke1-gl
Everyone knows that it is importantto castle in chess, so as to unite therooks and get the king into safety, butin some positions it is much better notto castle, so that the king will be nearerthe centre of the board in readiness forthe endgame. This is often true whenqueens have already been exchanged, asin the present position, but few (ifany) chess programs utilize thisheuristic.13 ... Ra8-d814 Ra1-b1 Bd7-c815 Bg5-h6 Rf8-e816 Rfl-el Ne7-g8A passive and unnecessary move, eventhough it drives away the bishop (which
Ng8-e7
was no longer doing anything useful onh6). I noticed more than once at theWorld Championships that when pro-grams get into a passive position they donot understand how to play to improvethe freedom of their pieces. Here, forexample, Black should try for counter -play on the queen side by means of. . .Nc6-a5, . . .b7-b6 and . . .c7-c5.17 Nf3-g5+ Kf7-e718 Bh6-g7Threatening the pawn on h7.18 .. . h7-h619 Ng5-h7?!A highly dubious plan which deservesto lose material. If Black played care-fully it could probably trap one of theWhite pieces (the knight at h7 or thebishop at g7).
'7 A
19 . Ke7-f7!A good move, but Black misses themain point of the idea.20 Bg7-f6 Ng8-f6??A blunder. After 20 . ..Rd8-d7, Whitewould have to go through great contor-tions even to try to save his knight frompermanent incarceration. The imme-diate threat would be 21 ...g6-g5, fol-lowed by 22 . .Kf7-g6. If Whiteplayed 20 h2-h4, to prevent theadvance of the Black g -pawn, Blackcould respond 20 . . .b7-b6, followedby . . .Bc8-b7, . . .Re8-c8 and. . . Kf7-e8, leaving the knight withno place to go. Such plans are notdifficult for human players, who rea-lize that entombed pieces are liableto be trapped, but planning is one ofthe most difficult aspects of computerchess.21 Nh7-f6 Re8-e722 h2-h4 b7-b623 h4-h5 g6-g524 g2-g3 a7-a6
Although White's knight still cannotget out of the Black camp, it will neverbe in any danger so long as White canmaintain a pawn on e5. For this reason,among others, Black should still bestriving to play . . .c7-c5, with the ideaof undermining White's pawn structure.But again this plan is far too long termfor an innocent computer program.25 f2-f3 Nc6-a5!At last. Black begins to do somethingpositive.26 g3-g4!But it is too late. White crashes in onthe king side. If now 26 . . .f5-f4, 27Bd3-g6+ Kf7-g7, and White will soonextricate its knight via e8, once Blackmoves one of his rooks away from itsdefence of that square.26 .. . b6-b527 Kg 1-g2 Na5-c4?Not understanding the position, Black
makes an obvious looking move which isstrategically wrong. In positions of thistype . . .c7-c5 is just about the onlyway to create satisfactory counterplay.28 Bd3-c4 d5-c428 . . .b5-c4 was best, hoping to keepthe position closed.29 g4-f5 e6-f530 d4-d5!Natural and strong. White dominates thecentre.Eli' r tir/AA r/,rtA, zr
,i A A
j30 ... Bc8-b7!The best way to achieve counterplay.Black attacks the centre.31 Rbl-dl Bbl-c8?After its previous fine move, this is in-explicable. More logical would havebeen 31 . . .Kf7-g7, defending the h -pawn, so that Black could continuewith 32 . . .g5-g4, opening up the kingside in the hope of creating counter -play. If White's knight moves off f6 thepawn on d5 can be captured.32 Kg2-f2 a6-a533 Rdl-blWith the Black bishop on b7 this wouldnot have been possible because 33 . . .
b5-b4 34 c3-b4 a5-b4 35 Rbl-b4Bb7-d5 is probably satisfactory forBlack.33 .. . c7-c6!34 d5-c6 Rd8-d2+35 Kf2-gl Bc8-a6Black's 33rd move might also be jus-tified by 35 . . .Rd2-c2 36 Rbl-b5Rc2-c3, when Black has a passed pawn.36 Nf6-d7 Rd2-c237 e5-e6+! Kf7-e8Not 37 . . .R,e7-e6 38 Rel-e6 Kf7-e639 Nd7-c5+ winning the bishop on a6(another good reason for preferring35 ...Rd2-c2).38 Nd7-f6+ Ke8-f839 Nf6-d5Now Black is helpless.39 ... Re7-a740 e6-e7+ Kf8-e841 Nd5-f6+ Ke8-f742 e7-e8(Q)+ Kf7-g742 . . .Kf7-f6 is answered by 43 Qe8-g6 mate.43 Qe8-g6+ Kg7-f844 Rel-e8 mate
This game gives a good idea of thestandard of play that your programs willneed to reach if they are to have anychance in next year's tournament. Iwould be happy to hear from any readerwho has his own microcomputer chessprogram, if the program contains anyoriginal ideas or if it plays particularlywell.
Readers should write directly to DavidLevy, 104 Hamilton Terrace, LondonNW8 9UP, England, and not to PCW.
PCW 89
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PC1NSUBSETContinuing PCW's unique series of useful subroutines for the serious assembler language programmer,
Alan Tootill describes more examples sent in by readers. If you have asubroutine for Sub Set, send it to: Alan Tootill, PCW, 14 Rath bone Place, London W1P 1DE
You might have noticed that I tend towrite as 'we' in this feature; this is notthe royal plural. Since my letter propos-ing the feature was printed in May, Ihave been corresponding with a fewreaders in this country who firstresponded and offered to help. They areRoger Hargrave of Crawley, Jim Chanceof Birmingham University and DavidYeomans of Halifax.
Roger and Jim you already met inthe September feature; David is busilychurning out machine code for themicrocomputer he hadn't finished build-ing when last I heard. All I can say is,watch out when he has a machine.
How small?Are very small routines worth makinginto Datasheets? Yes, if you are goingto call them often enough. With onlyfour bytes of working code in a routineplus three bytes to store and restore aregister and return and three morebytes for the call, you have brokeneven when you have called it seventimes. With eight bytes of working codeand the same overheads you are win-ing on the third call.
In this month's BFSN and ASCNO,I have lumped in BFSN2, BFSN3,NUMCH and CMPL simply to savespace. You, I hope, like me, will even-tually file them or their equivalents asseparate datasheets.
Zero suppressTo be recognised as such, a goodprogram idea must have visually attrac-tive output. The mania to save the oddbyte or two has spoilt the look ofmany a good result by a mess of leadingzeros on the screen. So keep zero sup-pression in mind as an output feature,as we do in our first Datasheet thismonth. In September we asked for aconverse routine to SBNF in the fewestpossible bytes. Here is a hybrid effort,part from one reader and part fromanother, in 43 bytes.
Negative overflowMany binary conversion and calculationroutines have been published and it isamazing how many do not cater fornegative numbers and overflow. Canyou imagine life where nobody goesinto the red? Jim Chance gives the con-version routine, ASCNO, in our seconddatasheet, that caters for both. With16 -bit registers, 16 -bit conversions, evengood ones, are not too difficult. Wewould like to see some 32 -bit conver-sions on the same lines.
DocumentationInstead of SUBr DEPENDENCIES, JimChance used SUBr DEPENDENCE. Itsounds better and makes more sense, so
;/
;I
;/
;I
;/;/;/
;/
;/
;/
;/
it will be SUBr DEPENDENCE fromnow on.
I am getting a bit tired of writing"8080 COMPATIBLE: No", so fromnow on it will be "PROCESSOR:",which can be Z80 or 8080, or Z80 and8080, or 6502, or 6800 or... whateveryou send in that we can check out.
WantedThe shortest solution to: HL = HL/2,where HL contains four BCD digits.
If you are following this series, thereare two things you can do to push italong so that it will still be there for you
Datasheet
to follow in the months ahead. You cantry out, understand and improve theroutines printed and send your improve-ments in. Improvements can be to thecode or to the way it is documentedand explained. It is just as importantfor the routines to be clearly visible asit is for them to be good. You can alsocontribute your own useful routinesfor others to have a go at.
This is our series; PCW has givenus the space, its skills in presentation(you should see the difference betweenthese pages and the sheets I send in)and the circulation, so let's make themost of it.
;= BFSN Packed BCD/ASCII;/ "BFSN" - level 0, class 2;/ - level 1, class 1 if BFSN1 & BFSN2 are separate routines;/ in the library;/ TIME CRITICAL?: No;/ Converts packed BCD to ASCII, with leading zeros, but not the;/ least significant of an all zero field, suppressed.
ACTION: high nibble A4 -3H
when A = zeroreturn with space in A,if byte below that pointedto by DE holds a space
(DE) 4-ADE4-DE + 1
A [1:14](HL)HL'-HL + 1B k-B -- 1
repeated from start until B = 0when last ASCII = space
;/ make it zero;/ INPUT: DE holds address of most significant byte of destination;/ (DE -1) must be space;/ HL holds address of most significant BCD byte;/ B holds number of BCD bytes;/ OUTPUT:The destination holds ASCII code representing the;/ BCD bytes;/ REGs USED: A, B, DE & HL;/ STACK USE: 4;/ LENGTH: 43 (22, 12 & 9);/ SUBr DEPENDENCIES: None or;/ BFSN1 & BFSN2 when they are separate;/ routines in the library;/ INTERFACES: None;/ 8080 COMPATIBLE: NoBFSN: LD A,30HBFSN1: CALL BFSN2
CALL BFSN2RLDINC HLDJNZ BFSN1
DEC DELD A,(DE)CP 20HRET NZLD A.30H
initialise Aprocess 1st digit of byteprocess 2nd digitrestore (HL)point next BCD bytedecrement counter &loop until finishedpoint to last destinationget characterif not spacereturnelse make last
twice
3E 30CD YY YYCD YY YYED 6F2310 F5
1B1AFE 20CO3E 30
GOTO page 125
PCW 91
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MICRO CHESS
WORLD itiROCiliVIPUTERCHESS CHAMPIONSHIP
Kevin O'Connell describes the battle for the big title.The first World MicrocomputerChampionship was treated with the fullrespect it deserved, being held under theauspices not only of the ICCA (Inter-national Computer Chess Association)but also under those of FIDE (FederationInternationale des Echecs) -- the WorldChess Federation. Held in London, aspart of the Personal Computer WorldShow (4-6 September), it was certainlya prestigious event, which thecommercial entries, seeking publicityfrom the World Champion title for theirprogram, proved by sending topexecutives to oversee the operation oftheir machines.
There were 14 competitors - therecould have been more but quite a fewenquiries arrived too late: a very strongAmerican program arrived two days afterthe tournament ended! Originally sentin June with a 15 cent stamp, it hadbeen returned to sender because ofinsufficient postage, was put back in themail bearing a second 15 cent stamp(just one cent short of the airmail tariff)and so travelled by sea, no doubt leavingthe programmer feeling rather sick.
Once all the entries were in and theChampionship ready to start, DavidLevy and myself handed over responsi-bility for the event to Michael Clarkeand Peter Morrish who were, respective-ly, Tournament Arbiter and TournamentDirector.
The first round results would havecompletely justified the seeding had notSargon 2.0 lost on time when it wasmore than a queen ahead on material.K. Chess IV also had an unfortunateexperience - the draw gave it the whitepieces but it could only play with black!K. Chess IV lost that game by default,but some hurried modifications enabledit to complete the course.
Round two put a check to theaspirations of Mike Johnson, winner ofthe 1978 PCW tournament, and DavidBroughton, winner of last year's non-commercial prize. David Broughton'sVega went down to Sargon 2.0 whileMike 3.0, the only program running onspecial chess hardware, drew byrepetition against the Modular GameSystem 2.5 despite being a queen up.
The two programs that had nowemerged as favourites met in the thirdround. You will find this game, betweenChess Challenger and BorisExperimental, later in my article. Thedestiny of the non-commercial firstprize seemed almost sure to go to MikeJohnson and Dave Wilson when Mike3.Q won while Vega lost again.
In round five, Chess Challengerplayed its most convincing game of theChampionship, beating the ModularGame System 2.5. Since Challenger'sother nearest rival at the start of thisround, Mike 3.0, also lost, Challenger's
lead, with just one round to go, extend-ed to a full point.
In the last round attention wasfocused on the games Sargon 2.0 vChess Challenger and Rook 4.0 v Mike3.0, with a weather eye cast on develop-ments in Boris Experimental's game. IfSargon 2.0 could beat Challenger andBoris Experimental could defeat itsopponent (which it did), there would bea tie for first place and the excitementof a play-off match. As you will seefrom the position below, Sargon 2.0 hadits chance but missed it and was thenrelentlessly ground down, so Challengerfinished with a clean score. The game
Table of results
between Rook and Mike woulddetermine the winner for the top non-commercial prize. In the event thesetwo programs drew and there couldhave been a tie for all three non-commercial prizes had Vega been ableto win, but it was having an uphillstruggle to draw with the Auto ResponseBoard 2.5.
Mike 3.0 and Rook 4.0 shared £750for the top two non-commercial entries,the other prize of £100 going to Vega1.7.Chess Challenger took the handsometrophy and the glory of being the firstprogram to bear the illustrious title ofWorld Microcomputer Chess Champion.
PROGRAM (* commercial entry) RI R2 R3 R4 R5 Tot. S/ded
1 CHESS CHALLENGER * (USA)(Dan & Kathe Spracklen, RonNelson, Frank Duason & EdEnglish)(6502 - Assembler) 20 k
W12 W10 W2 W7 W5 5 5
2 BORIS EXPERIMENTAL* (USA)(programmers not named butbased on Boris 2.5 by Dan &Kathe Spracklen)(6502 - Assembler) 8 k
W14 W8 LI W3 W7 4 6
3 MIKE 3.0 (UK)Mike Johnson & Dave Wilson(6502 & chess hardware - Assembler) 48 k
W10 D7 W11 L2 D4 3 3
4 ROOK 4.0 (Sweden)Lars Kalsson(Z8000 - Assembler) 16 k
L9 D12 W10 W6 D3 3 9
5 SARGON 2.0* (USA)Dan & Kathe Spracklen(6502 - Machine Language) 24 k
L11 W9 W13 W12 LI 3 7
6 GAMBIET* (Netherlands)Wim Rens(Z80 - Assembler) 10k
L7 W11 W8 L4 W12 3 11
7 MODULAR GAME SYSTEM 2.5* (USA)Dan & Kathe Spracklen(6502 - Assembler) 8k
W6 D3 W9 LI L2 21/2 4
8 AUTO RESPONSE BOARD 2.5* (USA)Dan & Kathe Spracklen(6502 - Machine Language) 8k
W13 L2 L6 W 11 D9 21/2 1
9 VEGA 1.7 (UK)David Broughton(Z80 - Assembler) 12k
W4 L5 L7 W13 D8 21/2 2
10 VIKTOR (Switzerland)Herbert Bruderer(8085 - Assembler) 8k
L3 Ll L4 W14 W13 2 10
11 ALBATROSS (UK)Michael Parker(Z80 - Assembler) 18 k
W5 L6 L3 L8 W14 2 14
12 FAFNER 2 (UK)Guy Burkill & Alex Kidson(6502 - Pascal & Assembler) 16k
LI D4 W14 D5 D6 11/2 12
13 PRINCHESS 1.0 (Sweden)Ulf Rathsman(6502 - Assembler) 12k
L8 W14 L5 L9 L10 1 8
14 K. CHESS IV (UK)Andrew Thomason(Z80 - Machine Language) 2.2 k
L2 L13 L12 L10 L11 0 13
PCW 93
MICRO CH SSLooking through the final score -table itseems almost to be a match tournamentDan and Kathe Spracklen against therest of the world, an event they lost bythe narrowest of margins; the fiveprograms written by them (entirely orin large part) scored 17 out of the totalavailable 35 points.
Fidelity Electronics' representativeswere rather coy about the Spracklens'involvement with the Chess Challengerprogram. However, there were threemajor give-aways: Fidelity's entry forthe World Computer Championshipin Linz listed the five programmers whoI have listed in brackets on the resultstable, the program's playing style borean uncanny resemblance to Sargon 3.0which, in the Auto Response Board,won last year's PCW tournament, andthe third point seems a clincher. Allprevious Challenger programs, includingthe brand new Sensory Voice, haveused a Z80 or Z80A processor while theChampionship winning program,although playing in a Sensory Voicehousing used a 6502 processor, just likeall the Spracklen's other recent chessprograms.
By all means rush out to your neareststore and buy a Sensory Voice Challeng-er, but don't expect it to play anythinglike as well as the program that won theChampionship. No doubt, though, theChampion program will be marketedsometime next year.
The games and positions that followwere the most interesting played in theChampionship. Readers wishing toobtain a copy of the tournamentbulletin, containing the moves ofall the games played, should send a largestamped addressed envelope and £1.50to PCW (Chess Games), 14 RathbonePlace, London W1P 19E.
The GamesEn route to victory, Chess Challengerhad quite a lot of good fortune, beinghopelessly lost in no less than threegames. Before looking in detail at theimportant game against the BorisExperimental, here is an episode fromChallenger's second round game.White: ViktorBlack: Chess Challengerr IN KAF vofifiN. A
/4 L W --A ArA ,r r
A AA
r26 Qf5-f4+, which gets at least a
draw, would have been interesting,eg, 26 . Kd6-d5 27 Qf4-f5+ Kd5xd428 Rfl-cli+ Kd4-c4 29 Ral-cl+ Kc4-b330 Qf5-d3+ with a quick mate, or 26. . . Kf6-e7 27 Rf1-el+ Ba5xe1 28Raixel+ Nd7-e5 29 Ng3-h5! with a
tremendous attack.Instead Viktor played 26 Rai -di
and the game continued 26 . . . Re8-f827 Ng3-e4+ Kd6-e7 28 Qf5-g3+ Ke7-f729 Qg5-f5+ Kf7-g7 30 Qf5-g4+ Kg7-h631 Qh4-h3+ Kh6-g6. Now Viktor'spower supply became disconnected. Thegame got under way again with 32d4 -d5! c6 -c5, reaching the position ofthe next diagram.
.c.//
A / X
// . //4//4.... A /A,
v v AA, A -L--1 v
, A A ,v Y r7
A-"\- x q ,Now, instead of 33 Rd1-cl as played,
White could have won with 33 Kgl-hl!for then there is nothing Black can doabout thethreat of Rfl-g1+, for example:(A) 33. . .Kg6-f7 34 Qh3-e6+ Kf7-g735 Rfi-gl+ Kg7-h7 (35. . .Kg7-h836 Qe6-h6 mate) 36 Qe6-g6+ and matenext move.(B) 33. . .Nd7-f6 34 Rfl-gl+35 Qh3-e6 mate.
Then, in the final round, Challengerneeded only a draw to be assured ofoutright victory in the Championship.However, a loss would give BorisExperimental a chance to tie and forcea play-off match.White: Sargon 2.0Black: Chess Challenger.
A
I
, AA jj
r/ AAA
Sargon 2.0 now played 24 Bd2-h6+??Any strong human (or program for thatmatter, for it is not a terribly deepcombination) would have playedinstantly 24 Qf3xf6! If 24. . . Qc4xe2then 25 Bd2-h6+ Kf8-g8 26 Qf6-g7mate. Other defensive tries also fail:24 . . . Re8-e7 allows 25 Qf6-h8 matewhile 24 . . .Re8-e6 simply permits25 Qf6xd8+ and White wins a wholerook.
However, Challenger got away witheverything and made a clean score,but there is so much that a simple
table of results does not reveal. Let usnow look in detail at the crucial thirdround meeting between the twoprograms that were to finish first andsecond.White: Chess ChallengerBlack: Boris Experimental
12345
e2 -e4Ng1-f3Bfl-b5Bb5-a4Ba4 -b 3
6 c2 -c37 d2 -d48 e4 -e59 c3xd4
10 Kel-fl?A very bad move, losing the right tocastle. 10 Nbl-c3 was best - if 10 . . .
d7 -d6 then 11 0-0 Kel-gl when acapture search reveals that Whiteloses the pawn on e5 (11 . . .d6xe5 12d4xe5 Nc6xe5 13 Nf3xe5 Qe7xe5)but fails to produce the killer move14 Rf1-el.10 Nf6-g811 Bc1-f4 Nc6-a5?Obviously Boris has a strong preferencefor bishops over knights, otherwise itwould get on with the main task in hand- developing some pieces and gettingthe king safely castled.12 a2 -a3 Na5xb313 Qd1xb3 Bb4-a514 Nbl-c3 Bc8-b715 d4 -d5An interesting move. This reducesWhite's mobility in the crudest sensebut is good by human standards becauseit frees the d4 square for use by theknight on f3 and there are possibilitiesof a later d5 -d6.15 0-0-0?Horrible. Castling (0-0-0 = Ke8-c8)into the path of the attack - Whitecan pile up pressure along the c -file(the white bishop is also trained onc7) and there are too many weaknessesin front of the black king.16 f7 -f617 e5xf6 Ng8xf618 d5 -d6!If 18. . .c7xd6 then 19 Nc3-d5+(discovered check from the rook on cl)wins the black queen.18 Qe7-e619 Qb3xe6 d7xe620 d6xc7 Rd8-d7If 20 . . . Ba5xc7 then 21 Nc3xb5a6xb5 22 Rclxc7+ Kc8-b8 23 Rc7xg7+Kb8-a8 24 Kfl-e2 leaves White comfort-ably two pawns ahead.21 Nf3-g5 Rh8-e822 Rcl-el h7=h6
Ay A7 y, 4 Ar v
A .,r4_
j.7 wp
e7 -e5Nb8-c6
a7 -a6b7 -b5
Bf8-c5Ng8-f6e5xd4
Qd8-e7Bc5-b4+
94 PCW
MICRO CHESS23 Ng5xe6?It is obvious (to a human) that this losesmaterial, It might also have beenobvious to Challenger but for theavailability of b2 -b4, attacking a pieceand pushing the loss of the knight one6 over the horizon.
23 Rd7-e724 b2 -b4 Ba5-b625 a3 -a4 Re7xe6Did Boris know that White was notthreatening to capture twice on b5 ordid it know that the knight on e6is going nowhere?!26 Relxe6 Re8xe627 a4xb5 a6xb528 Bf4-e3Certainly not 28 Nc3xb5 because of28 ...Bb7-a6.28 Bb6xc7Black now has a substantial materialadvantage (knight for pawn) and shouldwin easily, but the story has only justbegun.29 Bbl -c630 Bc7-d631 Bc6-d532 Bd5-c4+33 Bd6xb434
Be3-d4f2 -f3
Nc3-a2Na2-c3Kfl-f2
Rh1-b1So far so good (for Black). Havingincreased its material advantage, Boriscould now have exchanged on c3, butprograms do not seem to realise thatwhen ahead you should exchange piecesnot pawns.34 Bb4-d6?Black is still winning but the easiestroute to victory (pushing the b -pawnto the queening square) now disappears.With all the pawns on one side of theboard (and only two of them) thedanger of a draw increases greatly.35 Nc3xb5 Bd6xh236 Nb5-c3Of course Challenger spots the threat of36 . . . Re6-e2+ 37 Kf2-fl Re2-b2+ endof game.36 Bh2-d637 g2 -g3 Kc8-d 738 f3 -f4 g7 -g639 Kf2-f3 Nf6-d540 Nc3-e4 Bd6-e7Either 40 . . .Bc4-d3 or 40. . .Bd4-e2+(41 Kf3xe2 Re6xe4+) would exchangeoff some pieces.41 Rbl-b7+ Kd7-c642 Rb7-b2 h6 -h5Now 42. ..Nd5-f6, exchanging off somepieces, or 42. . .Nd5-b4, in each casehoping to follow up with Bc4-d5,would be better, but of course Blackis still winning.
43444546474849
Rb2-c2Rc2-b2+
Bd4-e5Ne4-d6+Rb2-b3
Nd6-b7+Rb3-b2
Kc6-b5Be7-b4Bc4-d3Kb5-c5Bd3-c2Kc5-b6Re6-c6
It would be so much simpler to exchangesome pieces with 49 . . .Kb6xb7.Now life starts to get rather complicated.50 Nb7-d6 Bc2-d 1+51 Kf3-e4 Kb6-c552 f4 -f5 f4 -f5 Nd5-c3+53 Ke4-d3 g6xf5
Only one pawn left now.54 Nd6xf555 Be5-d4+56 Bd4-e557 Be5-d4+
Nc3-d5Kc5-b5Kb5-c5Kc5-b5
58 Bd4-e5 Kb5-a4Boris knows it's winning and so avoidsthe draw by repetition.
59 Rb2-a2+60 Kd3-d4Avoiding the knight fork on b4.60616263646566
Ra2-alKd4-e3Ke3-f4Kf4-g5Kg5-f6Kf6-g5
67 Kg5-f668 Ral-hlIf White wins Black's last pawn thegame is likely to be drawn, but . . .
68 Bc2xf569 Kf6xf5 Nb5-d6+70 Kf5-e6 Rg4-g6+71 Ke6-d5 Nd6-c472 Be5-f4White also seems to think that bishopsare more valuable than knights and sodeclines to go in for the variation72 Rhlxh5 Nc4xe5 73 Rh5xe5 Rg6xg3although that would be an almostcertain draw.72 Rg6-b673 Kd5-e4Now if 73 Rhlxh5 Rb6-b5+ wins therook.
Bb4-a3
737475767778
Rdl-elRef -b1+Rb1-el
Rel-bl+
Nd5-c3Nc3-b5+
Bdl-c2Rc6-c4+Rc4-g4+
Rg4-c4Rc4-g4+
Ka4-b 3
Rb6-b5Ba3-b2Bb2-e5Be5-b2Bb2-e5
4 Ts= / abx
A A A/ r.//4,
78 Kb3-a4?The time to avoid.the draw by repetitionwas last move by playing somethingother than Bb2-e5. But Boris stillknows it is winning, so it avoids therepetition at the last possible moment,playing a move which will draw, atbest, and which also gives B lack excellentlosing chances!79 Rblxb5 Be5xf480 Rb5-c5 Ka4-b480... Bf4xg3 would draw very comfort-ably, but that would mean giving upmaterial, so ...81 Rc5xc4+ Kb4xc482 Ke4xf4 Kc4-d583 Kf4-g5 Kd5-e484 Kg5xh5 Ke4-f585 g3 -g4+ Kf5-e4
Ke6-f6g6 -g7 Kf6-f7
Kh6-h7 Kf7-e6g7-g8Q+ Ke6-e5
Kh7-g6 Ke5-e4Qg8-c4+ Ke4-e5
Kg6-g5 Ke5-d6Kg5-f6 Kd6-d7Qc4-c5 Kd7-d8Kf6-e6 Kd8-e8
98 Qc4-e7 CheckmateA mammoth tussle!After the World Championship was
over a challenge match was held betweenthe new champion, Challenger, and therunner-up, Boris Experimental. TerryKnight of Competence, the UK dis-tributors of Boris units, staked £2500on the Boris Experimental winning abest of three game match. ChessChallenger had a great advantage becauseit was decided to count the Champion-ship game, which Challenger had won,as the first game of the match. Thesecond game of the match was mostexciting:White: Boris ExperimentalBlack: Chess Challenger1 d2 -d4 d7 -d5 2 c2 -c4 e7 -e6 3 Nbl-c3Ng8-f6 4 Ngl-f3 Bf8-e7 5 Bc1-g50-0 (Ke8-g8) 6 e2 -e3 Nb8-d7 7 Bfl-e2Nd7-b6 8 c4 -c5 Nb6-c4 9 Be2xc4d5xc4 10 Qdl-a4 Bc8-d7 11 Qa4xc4Bd7-c6 12 0-0-0- (Kel-cl) Bc6xf313 g2xf3 h7 -h6 14 Bg5-f4 Nf6-d515 Nc3xd5 e6xd5 16 Qc4-b4 b7 -b617 Rhl-gl g7 -g5 18 Qb4-c3 Kg8-h819 Bf4-g3 c7 -c6 20 c5xb6 Qd8xb621 Bg3-e5+ f7 -f6 22 Be5-g3 Ra8-c823 Kcl-bl Rf8-d8 24 e3 -e4 Be7-b425 Qc3-e3 c6 -c5 26 d4xc5 Bb4xc527 Qe3-e2 d5 -d4 28 f3 -f4 Bc5-d629 e4 -e5 g5xf4 30 Bg3xf4 f6xe5 31Bf4xe5+ Bd6xe5 32 Qe2xe5+ Qb6-f633 Qe5xf6+ Kh8-h7 34 Qf6-g7checkmate.
Challenger won the third gameto take the match 2-1.
Oh dear, those central square weightingsagain! The best move here is 85 . . .
Kf5-f6. That certainly would haveprovided a test of Challenger's endgameability (86 Kh5-h6 would win, othermoves would only draw - against bestplay that is!).86 g4 -g5 Ke4-f587 g5 -g6 Kf5-e688 Kh5-h6Assuming there will be no problemsin winning the queen ending, then thiswas the last hurdle. 88 g6 -g7 wouldonly draw (88. . .Ke6-f7 89 Kh5-h6Kf7-g8 90 Kh6-g6 is stalemate).88899091929394959697
PCW 95
MAKING ANPACT
The Nciscom IMP is one of the cheapest matrix printers around. As such it's ideal for the hobbyistand Ian Sinclair found a neat way to interface it to his TRS-80.
The IMP is a very compact little printerwhich looks mechanically sound, is wellconstructed, and which works very wellindeed. It has the usual full range ofASCII characters, upper and lower case,but with the English pound (£) signreplacing the hash -mark (4). This isvery convenient for accounts work butI would have preferred the £ to replacethe dollar so that I could make use ofthe TRS-80's PRINT USING command.It's a fine argument, though, and dollarsare useful to have.
The machine was exceptionally wellpacked and came (in my case) with amains plug and a 25 -pin Cannon connec-tor.
The input to the printer is RS232serial, with a wide selection of baud ratesfrom 75 to 12,000 available by changingthe wiring of an internal DIL plug.Another internal DIL plug allows you toselect options such as line feed aftercarriage return or not, 7- or 8 -bit words,one or two stop bits, etc. As it comes,the printer is set for 300 baud, no linefeed after carriage return, 8 -bit wordand two stop bits.
After the unpacking and gloating stagewas over, I had to get down to the jobof interfacing. Eventually, I intend toexpand my TRS-80 to its full 48kLevel II by using a $79 PCB availablein the USA, so I didn't want to builda full high speed interface because theexpansion board (not a Radio Shackproduct) comes with a serial interface.I knew of the Small Systems Hardwareinterface in the USA and had -seen asimple circuit published by the TRS-80users' group which looked similar. Thesecircuits make use of the cassette outputport, using a short machine -languageprogram to convert data into serial format the correct rate and feed it out. Thisalso raises the possibility of recordingthese signals instead of printing them,so that the printer can be operateddirectly from cassette later, but somesignal processing would probably beneeded.
The simple circuit didn't work,mainly because the signal was invertedand should not have been, so I re-designed it. The problem is that thesignal out from the cassette port of theTRS-80 has a DC bias on it and thismeant that DC amplification was needed.It's not difficult to get this without
phase reversal using a 741 but the prob-lem was keeping the bias right. I hadprinted several sheets of gibberish andwas about to give up, when I got acomplete error -free listing with no traceof a red light (the IMP has an error -sensing circuit which displays ared warning light after an error, andthe error is marked on the paper by ablack square; until then the printoutshad been mainly black squares )
This looked encouraging but provedto be luck; the bias setting was simplytoo touchy to be useful. A lot of timewas wasted on it with no fruitful res-ults and in frustration I ordered acommercial interface which I had seenworking between a TRS-80 and aTeletype, reckoning that another £40might be well spent if I could just getgoing. This commecial interface isprobably similar to the Small SystemHardware type. The cassette jack of the
TRS-80 is plugged into the interfaceand the power DIN plug from the TRS-80 transformer supply also plugs into it,with an extension then going to thepower input of the TRS-80. The mainsnag with this is that you have toremember to swop the jack plug betweeninterface and cassette recorder if youare alternately listing and recording orusing data tapes. There was anothersnag on mine - it didn't work! Everynow and then it would print a goodlisting but mostly it either did nothingor printed gibberish. Something obvi-ously had to be done.
The next obvious step was to findout just how much the voltage swing atthe cassette port of my TRS-80 was.According to the circuit diagram in thetechnical manual, I should have had avoltage of 0.85 V on standby, changingto 0.0 when the logic voltage changed.Mine actually showed the voltage swing-
10 OUT 255, 0: FOR N=1 to 1500: NEXT N: OUT 255, 1: FOR N=1 TO1500: NEXT N: GOTO 10
Fig 1 Basic program for determining the size of the signal at the cassette outputport; a voltmeter is placed across the output pins and this program RUN.
DO
DI
D2
D3
From controlgates (addressdecoding)
Fig 2 The circuit of the unmodified TRS-80 cassette output latch. The cassettesignal is synthesised by mixing the outputs from two sections of the latch.
Q2Q3
CLK Z53
R54
R55
GND
RS3
R56
sets cassette motorunusedunusedsets display lettering size
Voltage measuredhere
Pin 5 ofcassette sckt
+5 V
9 6 PCW
ing between 0.46 V and 0.48 V whenthe short program of Figure 1 is used.This explained all the problems - tomake the interface work I would needto bias to 0.47 V, and a charge of aslittle as 0.01V would upset the inter-face action completely. I thoughtat first that this was a TRS-80 fault butthen dimly remembered a reason. Ididn't buy my '80 as a completekeyboard -monitor -casette -player unitbut as a keyboard alone from CompShop of Barnet. What suddenlyfiltered back in my memory was aremark they made about havingmodified the cassette output resistorsso I could use any cassette recorderwith less risk of distortion due tooverloading. Since my TRS-80 hasno cassette -loading problems andoperates perfectly with a wide rangeof recorders, I'm not inclined tochange the circuit. The alternative,which became apparent after study-ing the circuit for a while, was to changethe software and this should interestthose who have had similar problems.
The normal software action is towrite 1 and 0 alternately to the cassetteport, which is at address 255 decimal.The circuit (courtesy of Tandy Ltd) isshown in Figure 2. It comprises a four -bit latch of which two bits affect thecassette output signal, When a cassettedump takes place, signals appear onboth the DO and Dl lines, so that theoutput voltage swings from 0.46 to 0.86and down to zero, giving a waveformbalanced about 0.46 V, which is easierto record than a simple set of pulses.The manual describes the arrangementas a sine -wave synthesiser.
Now the software for using a cassette -port interface used the DO line only,and in this state, with line D1 at 0,the output Q1 will be set high. Thiswas part of my problem - the logic 1voltage at 01 caused the output at thecassette DIN socket to stay at around0.47 V whether QO was high or low. Ifthe circuit in the technical manual iscorrect, I should get a full 0.86 V whenQO goes high, but I didn't. The immed-iate solution was to make 01 go lowwhen QO went low, which meansmaking Q1 go high when QO goes low.
The Basic command which corres-ponds to the output is OUT 255,1 tomake QO go high, and OUT 255,0 tomake it go low. To control Ql, we needto use the next bit along, so if we usethe command OUT, 255,2 instead ofOUT 255,0 then Q1 will go high (so01 goes low) when QO goes low (Figure3).
I tried the modified program, usingfirst of all the Basic program of Figure 3having the 0 changed to 2. It produceda voltage swing of nearly 0.5 V, a greatimprovement. Changing the 0 to 2 inthe printer software had the effect ofmaking the commercial interface work.What's better, my own interface workedand since it was so much simpler andconvenient to use, I have settled on it,having suitably changed my own soft-ware.
The circuit of my interface is shownin Figure 4. It was the usual 741, withpower supplies derived from the lowvoltage AC inputs to the TRS-80. Thein -phase input on pin 2 is from thecassette port, with a current -limitingresistor, and the inverting input is usedfor bias and feedback.
The bias is obtained from the voltage
10 OUT 255, 2: FOR N=1 TO 1500: NEXT N: OUT 255, 1: FOR N=1 TO1500: NEXT N: GOTO 10
Fig 3 The Basic program of Fig 1 modified so as to provide a larger output.
across a silicon diode, so giving somestabilisation against voltage surges inthe supply. The feedback resistor, Rfis chosen so that the gain is high enoughto send the ouput swinging approx-imately between the +9 V and -9 Vlimits when the printer waveform isoutput from the cassette port. Theoutput at pin 6 of the 741 is taken tothe printer through ordinary two corecable. I haven't used a Cannon plug -it's expensive and unnecessary for a twowire signal.
The mechanical construction is moreimportant. The unit was built in aBIM box measuring about 70mm x110mm x 30mm. Two DIN socketswere mounted' on one long side, and5 -core cables connected through thebox to corresponding pairs of DIN plugs.This arrangement allows the interface tobe connected between the TRS-80 key-board and its power supply and cassettecables. Two of the DIN plugs which
O
gzn4 L0
normally go into the TRS-80 areplugged instead into the interface andthe plugs on the interface are thenconnected to the TRS-80, so that noconnections need to be changed whenthe printer is used.
The power supply for the interface istaken by feeding the rectified bridgefrom two of the AC input lines, pins 1and 3 on the power DIN plug. This isabout as much extra load as the trans-former could cope with; don't attemptto run any more elaborate circuitry inthis way. The other DIN socket suppliesthe signal which is delivered from thecassette output port. Keep the cassetteleads screened as far as possible to avoidhum pickup. The output for the printercan be taken through ordinary twincable, with the brown lead connectedto the output from the 741 and the bluelead to earth. At the printer end, earthis pin 7 of the 25 -way plug and the
GOTO page 123
)
)
)
25 V1 A bridge
III1000pF 25V
MI
10k NNn
1 330
Am Kill
-<1., 1g
(
(
rx
SIG E
E.4.
G NDF
Fig 4 The TRS-80 to serial -printer interface. The cassette recorder can beoperated with this interface in place and the current drain on the TRS-80 PSUis negligible. Provided the baud rate does not exceed 300, this simple schemeworks with complete reliability.
PCW 97
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PCW 98
CALCULATOR CORNER
CASIO QUIRKOur resident expert Dick Pountain
brings you more calculator thoughts andprograms.
One disappointing feature of the other-wise excellent Casio Fx-502p has beenthat, unlike the TI and HP machines, itappeared to have no chinks in itsarmour; that's to say that there are nofirmware glitches which allow themeddling user to see into its innerworkings - as the TI pseudo -operationsdo, for instance.
In fact, of course, this is a testamentto the thoroughness of Casio's designengineers, but it is frustrating for thecurious, destructive and malevolent usersuch as myself who likes to beat thesystem.
Now, I am happy to report, thispristine purity is besmirched. Over thepast few months my own researches andseveral readers' letters have confirmedthat havoc may indeed be wrought anda certain limited peep into the operatingsystem may be gained.
The way in is to place in a memoryregister the address of a non-existentmemory register (eg 23), clear thedisplay, and then to indirectly recallit, ie 23 Min 1 AC INV IND MR1.
This will give an unusual display:_oo o But performing various arith-metic operations on this number iswhere the fun starts. A large variety ofcurious quantities containing mixednumeric and alpha characters togetherwith non -allowed exponents in excess of99 may be produced. For example,taking the reciprocal of -0" gives1 -3P -3P -313118. One can play formany hours once this basic trick is dis-covered, without unfortunately gleaningmuch systematic idea of what is goingon. Obviously some forbidden region ofmemory containing, among otherthings, the alpha characters is beingaccessed. The only discovery of signi-ficance that I have made is that thisregion is used by the random numbergenerator. If you generate a randomnumber and then perform the 'garbageroutine' thus:INV RAN INV IND MR1a 10 -digit fraction is displayed, the lastthree digits of which are invariablythose of the previously displayedrandom number.
If any readers can find any usefulapplications by exploring this route, ordeduce anything of significance aboutthe internal architecture, then I shall beinterested to hear it.
Right - now I'm going to hand overto reader N Horwood who has sent in auseful routine for squeezing morememory space into the TI59. (He's thechap who wrote about accountancy inour May 'Calculator Corner'.)
More miles perTexan stetsonFor most arithmetic or scientific app-lications the memory capacity of theTexas TI 59 is quite adequate. How-ever, when the printer is used to anyextent, especially in a commercial orindustrial context where prompts andannotation are the order of the day,the memory is soon used up with printcodes, and any means of increasing theeffectiveness of the limited memorycapacity must be explored.
One of the characteristics of the TI59 is the provision of so called 'guard'digits located on the end of each groupof the displayed value. There are threeof these, and their normal function is toensure the accuracy of the displayedvalue to the tenth decimal or signif-icant place. They do not appear when aregister is full with ten data digits onthe command RCL or when a listing iscalled up, and they are completelyrejected by the Op 1 to Op 4 printregister loading operations which effec-tively INT any value presented forprint formatting. However, the guarddigits are saved when data is recordedonto the magnetic cards, and can there-fore be relied upon to be available forrepeat usage once recorded. They maytherefore be used to augment thenumerical data stored so that, undercertain circumstances, not only may a
numerical value of some magnitude -up to seven digits - be stored in a dataregister, but also, in the same register,the coding for up to three alpha char-acters - six numerical digits. For ex-ample, if it is anticipated that theresult of some computation will notexceed 9999.999999999 and an answercorrect to the second place of decimalsis sufficient, then the data register canbe split into two sectors. The first sec-tor containing the numerical result inseven digits, and the second sector ofsix digits containing the alpha code forthree letters which can be used as des-criptive annotation for the value in thefirst sector. There is nothing to preventthese three characters being used forany other purpose, leaving the numer-ical value intact in the first sector tobe accessed as required.
The example illustrated shows theresult of inputting the values 9999.995;9999.99 ; 0.005 ; and 0.004. At theend of each run the visible contents ofthe data memory are shown, and it canbe seen that the alpha data in no wayreacts with the numerical results.Taking the program listing, the first sevensteps is a subroutine to save space whenmultiplying or dividing by 1000. LabelA starts the run having entered a numberin the acceptable range via the key-board or from some computationwithin the previous program. Steps tenand 28 are making use of the HIR
GOTO page 126
000001002003004005006007008009010011012013014015016017018019020021022023024025026027
76190100000054927611820473002259651922596519651969045802
LBL'
1000
RTNLBLA
HIR04
RC*00
INVINTX
D'INVINT
XD'OPD'OP
04FIX
02
028 82029 14030 69031 06032 22033 58034 65035 19036 59037 55038 19039 85040 53041 53042 73043 00044 65045 19046 22047 59048 55049 19050 54051 54052 72053 00054 73055 00056 99057 91
HIR14
006INVFIX
XD'INT
D'
RC*00X
D'INVINT
D'
ST*00
RC*00
PRTR/S
9999.995
10000.00 /FT9999.995632
9999.99
9999.999999.990632
/FT
0.0050.01 /FT
0.005632137
0.0040.00
0.004632137
PCW 99
NEWCOMERS -START HEREThis is our unique quick -reference guide, reprinted every month to help our new readers
pick their way through the most important pieces of (necessary) jargon found in PCW. While it's in noway totally comprehensive, we trust you'll find it a useful introduction. Happy microcomputing!
Welcome to the confusingworld of the microcomputer.First of all don't be fooled;there's nothing complicatedabout this business, it's justthat we're surrounded by animmense amount of necessaryjargon. Imagine if we had tocontinually say "numberingsystem with a radix of sixteenin which the letters A to Frepresent the values 10 to15" when instead we cansimply say "hex". No doubtsoon many of the words andphrases we are about toexplain will eventually fallinto common English usage.Until that time, PCW will bepublishing this guide - everymonth.We'll start by considering amicrocomputer's functionsand then examine thephysical components neces-sary to implement thesefunctions.
The microcomputer is cap-able of receiving information,processing it, storing theresults or sending them some-where else. All this informa-tion is called data and itcomprises numbers, lettersand special symbols whichcan be read by humans.Although the data are (yes,it's plural) accepted and out-put by the computer in`human' form, inside it's adifferent story - they must beheld in the form of anelectronic code. This codeis called binary -a system ofnumbering which uses only Osand ls. Thus in most microseach character, number orsymbol is represented byeight binary digits or bits asthey are called, ranging from00000000 to 11111111.
To simplify communica-tion between computers,several standard coding sys-tems exist, the most commonbeing ASCII (American Stan-dard Code for InformationInterchange). As an exampleof this standard, the numberfive is represented as00110101 - complicated forhumans, but easy for thecomputer! This collection ofeight bits is called a byte andcomputer freaks who spend alot of time messing aroundwith bits and bytes use a half-way human representationcalled hex. The hex equiva-lent of a byte is obtained bygiving each half a singlecharacter code (0-9,A-F):0=0000, 1=0001, 2=0010,3=0011, 4=0100, 5=0101
E=1110 and F=1111.Our example of 5 is therefore35 in hex. This makes iteasier for humans to handlecomplicated collections of Osand ls. The machine detectsthese Os and is by recognis-ing different voltage levels.
The computer processesdata by reshuffling, per-
forming arithmetic on, orby comparing them with otherdata. It's the latter functionthat gives a computer itsapparent 'intelligence' - theability to make decisions andto act upon them. It has tobe given a set of rules inorder to do this and, onceagain, these rules are storedin memory as bytes. The rulesare called programs andwhile they can be input inbinary or hex (machine codeprogramming), the usualmethod is to have a specialprogram which translatesEnglish or near -English intomachine code. This speedsprogramming considerably;the nearer the programminglanguage is to English, thefaster the programming time.On the other hand, programexecution speed tends to beslower.
The most common micro-computer language is Basic.Program instructions aretyped in at the keyboard, tobe coded and stored in thecomputer's memory. To runsuch a program the computeruses an interpreter whichpicks up each English -typeinstruction, translates it intomachine code and then feedsit into the processor forexecution. It has to do thiseach time the same instruc-tion has to be executed.
Two strange words youwill hear in connection withBasic are PEEK and POKE.They give the programmeraccess to the memory ofthe machine. It's possible toread (PEEK) the contents ofa byte in the computer andto modify a byte (POKE).
Moving on to hardware,this means the physical com-ponents of a computer sys-tem as opposed to software -the programs needed to makethe system work.
At the heart of a micro-computer system is thecentral processing unit (CPU),a single microprocessor chipwith supporting devices suchas buffers, which 'amplify'the CPU's signals for use byother components in thesystem. The packaged chipsare either soldered directly toa printed circuit board (PCB)or are mounted in sockets.
In some microcomputers,the entire system is mountedon a single, large, PCB; inothers a bus system is used,comprising a long PCB hold-ing a number of interconnec-ted sockets. Plugged intothese are several smallerPCBs, each with a specificfunction - for instance, onecard would hold the CPU andits support chips. The mostwidely -used bus system iscalled the S100.
The CPU needs memoryin which to keep programs
and data. Microcomputersgenerally have two types ofmemory, RAM (RandomAccess Memory) and ROM(Read Only Memory). TheCPU can read informationstored in RAM - and alsoput information into RAM.Two types of RAM exist -static and dynamic; all youreally need know is thatdynamic RAM uses lesspower and is less expensivethan static, but it requiresadditional, complex, circuityto make it work. Both typesof RAM lose their contentswhen power is switched off,whereas ROM retains its con-tents permanently. Not sur-prisingly, manufacturersoften store interpreters andthe like in ROM. The CPUcan only read the ROM'scontents and cannot alterthem in any way. You canbuy special ROMs calledPROMs (ProgrammableROMs) and EPROMs (Erase -able PROMs) which can beprogrammed using a specialdevice; EPROMs can beerased using ultra -violet light.
Because RAM loses itscontents when power isswitched off, cassettes andfloppy disks are used to saveprograms and data for lateruse. Audio -type tape recor-ders are often used by con-verting data to a series ofaudio tones and recordingthem; later the computer canlisten to these same tones andre -convert them into data.Various methods are used forthis, so a cassette recordedby one make of computerwon't necessarily work onanother make. It takes a longtime to record and play backinformation and it's difficultto locate one specific itemamong a whole mass of infor-mation on a cassette; there-fore, to overcome these pro-blems, floppy disks are usedon more sophisticatedsystems.
A floppy disk is made ofthin plastic, coated with amagnetic recording surfacerather like that used on tape.The disk, in its protectiveenvelope, is placed in a diskdrive which rotates it andmoves a read/write headacross the disk's surface. Thedisk is divided into concen-tric rings called tracks, eachof which is in turn subdivi-ded into sectors. Using a pro-gram called a disk operatingsystem, the computer keepstrack of exactly where infor-mation is on the disk and itcan get to any item of databy moving the head to theappropriate track and thenwaiting for the right sectorto come round. Two methodsare used to tell the computerwhere on a track eachsector starts: soft sectoring
where special signals are re-corded on the surface andhard sectoring where holesare punched through thedisk around the central hole,one per sector.
Half -way betweencassettes and disks is thestringy floppy -a miniaturecontinuous loop tapecartridge, faster than acassette but cheaper than adisk system. Hard disk systemsare also available for micro-computers; they store moreinformation than floppydisks, are more reliable andinformation can be transfer-red to and from them muchmore quickly.
You, the user, must beable to communicate with thecomputer and the generallyaccepted minimum for this isthe visual display unit (VDU),which looks like a TV screenwith a typewriter -style key-board ; sometimes these arebuilt into the system, some-times they're separate. If youwant a written record (hardcopy) of the computer'soutput, you'll need a printer.
The computer can sendout and receive informationin two forms - parallel andserial. Parallel input/output(I/O) requires a series ofwires to connect the compu-ter to another device, such asa printer, and it sends outdata a byte at a time, with aseparate wire carrying eachbit. Serial I/O involvessending data one bit at a timealong a single piece of wire,with extra bits added to tellthe receiving device when abyte is about to start andwhen it has finished. Thespeed that data is transmittedis referred to as the baud rateand, very roughly, the baudrate divided by 10 equals thenumber of bytes being sentper second.
To ensure that bothreceiver and transmitter linkup without any electricalhorrors, standards exist forserial interfaces; the mostcommon is RS232 (or V24)while, for parallel interfacesto printers, the Centronicsstandard is popular.
Finally, a modem connectsa computer, via a serial inter-face, to the telephone systemallowing two computers withmodems to exchangeinformation. A modem mustbe wired into the telephonesystem and you needBritish Telecom's permission;instead you could use anacoustic coupler, which hastwo obscene -looking rubbercups into which the handsetfits, and which has no elec-trical connection with thephone system - BritishTelecom isn't so uppityabout the use of these.
100 PCW
0
0
a
G'04r:0
P/-4dO..-_-50
10.0..00
r
four raw1
At any given time, your hardware is only as useful asthe software you run in it. Our programs let yourealise the full potential of your hardware
Graham -Dorian provides highly detailed and welldocumented programs. All pretested on the job. Each socomprehensive that it takes little time to learn to run aprogram - even for someone who's never operateda computer before.
Graham -Dorian programs are on-line now workingfor us and others around the world. They are readyto go to work immediately or to be tailored for yourmore specific needs. Each package contains a softwareprogram in BAS and INT film form plus a user's manualand hard copy SOURCE LISTING.
Programs are compatible with most major computersusing CP/M disk operating systems, and come instandard 8" or on various mini -floppy disks.
Graham -Dorian stand behind dealers with technicaladvice.
Yes, there's a world of difference in business soft-ware. Graham -Dorian has more per -package capabilitiesand more packages (with new ones added every fewmonths).Distributors for Micropro:- Wordstar, Datastar &Mailmerge. CP/M for Tandy Model I & II
ViTiLafee.appnignutianiLUaKndDaepaplelirscaaVnEs tiknrvoipteer
'CBASIC-2 is a trade mark (copyright 1980) ofCompiler Systems, Inc. GDSS are theEuropean Distributor for CBASIC-2.
9 0
0 P ;at
Nominal Ledger
Purchase LedgerSales LedgerJob CostingOrder Entry &InvoicingPayrollManufacturingInventory
ManufacturingJob CostingWholesaler InventoryRetailer InventoryCash RegisterApartment
SurveyingDental
CBASIC-2*
Ask your dealer for a demonstration soon.
''40110irrjGraham -Dorian Software Systems
A division of Graham -Dorian Enterprises& Terodec (Micro Systems) Ltd.
Unit 58, Suttons Park Avenue, EarleyReading, Berks RG6 lAZ
Tel (0734) 664345/6 GDSS
.
Britain's first cowcomputer kit.
The Sinclair 1X80.
£7 95Price breakdownZX80 and manual: £69.52VAT: £10.43Post and Packing FREE
Please note: many kit makers quote VAT -exclusive prices.
You've seen the reviews...you've heard the excitement...now make the kit!
This is the ZX80. 'Personal Computer World' gave it 5stars for 'excellent value.' Benchmark tests say it'sfaster than all previous personal computers. And theresponse from kit enthusiasts has been tremendous.
To help you appreciate its value, the price isshown above with and without VAT. This is so youcan compare the ZX80 with competitive kits thatdon't appear with inclusive prices.
`Excellent value' indeed!For just £79.95 (including VAT and p&p) you
get everything you need to build a personalcomputer at home... PCB, with IC sockets forall !Cs; case; leads for direct connection to acassette recorder and television (black andwhite or colour); everything!
Yet the ZX80 really is a complete, powerful,full -facility computer, matching or surpassingother personal computers at several timesthe price.
The ZX80 is programmed in BASIC, theworld's most popular computer language forbeginners and experts alike.
The ZX80 is pleasantly straightforward toassemble, using a fine -tipped soldering iron.It immediately proves what a good job you'vedone: connect it to your TV...link it to anappropriate power source ...and you'reready to go.
Your ZX80 kit contains... Printed circuit board, with IC sockets for
all ICs.Complete components set, including all
ICs -all manufactured by selected world -leading suppliers.
New rugged Sinclair keyboard, touch -sensitive, wipe -clean.
Ready -moulded case. Leads and plugs for connection to
domestic TV and cassette recorder.(Programs can be SAVEd and LOADedon to a portable cassette recorder.)
FREE course in BASIC programming anduser manual.
Optional extras Mains adaptor of 600 mA at 9 V DC
nominal unregulated (availableseparately -see coupon).
Additional memory expansion boardsallowing up to 16K bytes -RAM. (ExtraRAM chips also available -see coupon).
*Use a 600 mA at 9 V DC nominal unregulated mainsadaptor. Available from Smclaaddesired (see coupon).
The unique andvaluable components of theSinclair ZX80.
The Sinclair ZX80 is not just anotherpersonal computer. Quite apart from itsexceptionally low price, the ZX80 has twouniquely advanced components: the SinclairBASIC interpreter; and the Sinclair teach -yourself BASIC manual.
The unique Sinclair BASIC interpreter offersremarkable programming advantages: Unique 'one -touch' key word entry: the
ZX80 eliminates a great deal of tiresometyping. Key words (RUN, PRINT, LIST, etc.)have their own single -key entry.
Unique syntax check. Only lines with correctsyntax are accepted into programs. A cursoridentifies errors immediately. This preventsentry of long and complicated programs withfaults only discovered when you try torun them.
Excellent string -handling capability - takesup to 26 string variables of any length. Allstrings can undergo all relational tests (e.g.comparison). The ZX80 also has string input -to request a line of text when necessary.Strings do not need to be dimensioned.
Up to 26 single dimension arrays. FOR/NEXT loops nested up to 26. Variable names of any length. BASIC language also handles full Boolean
arithmetic, conditional expressions, etc. Exceptionally powerful edit facilities, allows
modification of existing program lines. Randomise function, useful for games and
secret codes, as well as more seriousapplications.
Timer under program control. PEEK and POKE enable entry of machine
code instructions, USR causes jump to auser's machine language sub -routine.
High -resolution graphics with 22standardgraphic symbols.
All characters printable in reverse underprogram control.
Lines of unlimited length.
Fewer chips, compactdesign, volume production -more power per pound!
The ZX80 owes its remarkable low price toits remarkable design: the whole system ispacked on to fewer, newer, more powerfuland advanced LSI chips. A single SUPER ROM,for instance, contains the BASIC interpreter,the character set, operating system, andmonitor. And the ZX80's 1K byte RAM isroughly equivalent to 4K bytes in a conven-tional computer -typically storing 100 lines ofBASIC. (Key words occupy only a single byte.)
The display shows 32 characters by 24 lines.And Benchmark tests show that the ZX80
is faster than all other personal computers.No other personal computer offers this
unique combination of high capability andlow price,
Z80 A microprocessor - new.faster version of the famousZ-80 microprocessor chip,widely recognised as the bestever made.
UHF TVmodulator.
RAM chips.
if ...t1
2 3 4 5
G 0
Sockets for TV,cassette recorder,power supply.
SUPER ROM.Clock.
Rugged,flush,Sinclairkeyboard.
Ode
The Sinclair teach -yourselfBASIC manual.
If the features of the Sinclair interpretermean little to you -don't worry. They're allexplained in the specially -written 128 -pagebook free with every kit! The book makeslearning easy, exciting and enjoyable, andrepresents a complete course in BASICprogramming -from first principles to complexprograms. (Available separately -purchaseprice refunded if you buy a ZX80 later.)A hardware manual is also included withevery kit.
The Sinclair ZX80. Kit: £79.95.Assembled: £99.95. Complete!
The ZX80 kit costs a mere £79.95. Can'twait to have a ZX80 up and running? Noproblem! It's also available, ready assembledand complete with mains adaptor, foronly £99.95.
Demand for the ZX80 is very high: use thecoupon to order today for the earliest possibledelivery. All orders will be despatched in strictrotation. We'll acknowledge each order byreturn, and tell you exactly when your ZX80will be delivered. If you choose not to wait, youcan cancel your order immediately, and yourmoney will be refunded at once. Again, ofcourse, you may return your ZX80 as receivedwithin 14 days for a full refund. We want you tobe satisfied beyond all doubt -and we haveno doubt that you will be.
MC80Science of Cambridge Ltd
ORDER To: Science of Cambridge Ltd, 6 Kings Parade, Cambridge, Cambs., CB21SN.Remember: all prices shown include VAT, postage and packing. No hidden extras.
FORM Please send me:
1Quantity Item Item price
£Total
£Sinclair ZX80 Personal Computer kit(s). Price includesZX80 BASIC manual, excludes mains adaptor. £79.95Ready -assembled Sinclair ZX80 Personal Computer(s).Price includes ZX80 BASIC manual and mainsadaptor. £99.95Mains Adaptor(s) (600 mA at 9 V DC nominal unregulated). 8.95Memory Expansion Board(s) (each one takes up to3K bytes). 12.00RAM Memory chips -standard 1K bytes capacity. 16.00Sinclair ZX80 Manual(s) (manual free with every ZX80 kitor ready-made computer). 5.00
N. Your Sinclair ZX80 may qualify as a business expense. TOTAL £
I enclose a cheque/postal order payable to Science of Cambridge Ltd for £Please printName: Mr/Mrs/Miss
Address
6 Kings Parade, Cambridge, Cambs., CB21SN LTel: 0223 311488.
Canyour business,research project orteaching laboratory be mademore efficient? Yes. Today's usersdemand complete, high performance microcomputer systems. Expandable to meet futureneeds and with software capable of immediateapplication.
The North Star Horizon is the answer. Acleverly balanced configuration: Z80Aprocessor with 12 slot S100 chassis, oneparallel and two serial interface ports. Nowwith double or quad capacity too.
The compact design gives you value formoney and economy of space. The Horizonwill not break your bank or your desk top.
Quick delivery and nationwide service areonly part of the attraction. Add to this thewealth of software available, including the wellknown CP/M, and you can see why theHorizon has already sold in thousands.
The reason for its success is simple.The North Star Horizon reflects your needs.
For technical specification and details ofyour nearest dealer contact Britain's leadingNorth Star Supplier.
PO Box 2, St. Neots, Cambridgeshire.Tel: (0480) 215005 .Telex: 32514,COMART G.
North Star Horizonreflects a new ante in compul
FUTURE PERFECT?We'd all like to know what the future holds, wouldn't we. Unfortunately there's no way you can
interface a crystal ball to your micro, but Alan Green describes how you can forecast future trends witha little maths and some quick programming.
Forecasting future events requires ablend of the statistical analysis of his-torical data and an intuitive feel forwhat might happen. Any formalisedsystem of prediction must allow forboth these elements if worthwhile andrealistic predictions are to be made. But,because the intuitive element is essen-tially subjective, little can be com-puterised other than perhaps a fewdecision rules and logic statementswhich are appropriate to the particularproblem in hand. The statistical analysisof historical data can be computerisedbut it is open to many approaches andcontains many problems. This is whatwe look at in this article.
Problems of analysisThe problems involved in statisticalanalysis include the following:- Using historical information ob-viously involves the storage of pastdata and the longer the time scale, themore data to be stored. The more datastored, the bigger computer memoryyou need.- A forecasting system must be acombination of sensitivity andstability. Sensitive in the sense that itwill respond to movements in the data,yet stable in the sense that it will not
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react wildly to 'hiccups'. It is fairlyobvious that these two qualities arecontradictory - the ideal forecastingsystem allows for the correct blend ofsensitivity and stability.- Using only recent data will yield avery sensitive forecast, yet any methodbased on taking averages of past resultswill give equal weight to all those pastfigures. Thus, it seems only sensible togive more weight to what has happenedin the recent past than to the remotepast.- Any system using past data must in-evitably lag behind what is actuallyhappening. The further back in time onelooks, the greater the time lag in theforecast. The best systems are thosewhich minimise this time lag. Toeliminate it completely is impossibleunless one has access to a reliablecrystal ball.
Many forecasting systems existwhich, in various ways, overcome someof these problems to some degree butfew actually help in solving all theproblems. What follows is an explanationof what is probably the most adaptive,easy to use, individually tailored andeconomical way of forecasting anycontinuous process such as sales demandor football results. It goes under the
zz
zz/
delightful name of exponentialsmoothing. Although what follows mayappear complicated, it is in fact fairlysimple to understand and certainly verysimple to operate.
Theoryof exponentialsmoothingFo = forecast to be made for the next
periodF1 = forecast made for the period just
finishedF2 = forecast made for two periods ago
etcR1 = result of period just finishedR2 = result of two periods ago... etc.
We could use the most recent result(R1) as our forecast for next time,ie Fo = R1, but if used continuallythis would yield a very sensitive andwildly fluctuating forecast. We couldalternatively use the forecast for theperiod just finished (F1) as our forecastfor next time, ie Fo = F1. Clearly thiswould lead to our continually repeatingthe same forecast. Stable but useless.
A compromise would be to take therecent forecast plus some of thedifference between forecast and result,
Response of exponential smoothing to constanttrend between constant plateaux of demand
2 4 6
Actual demand
cc = 0.1 No trend correction
8 10 12 14 16 18 20Period number
cc = 0.3 No trend correction
cc = 0.1 B= 0.1
PCW 105
obviously adding none of the differencewould amount to using only the lastforecast, whereas using all the differencewould amount to using the last result.Thus Fo = F1 + cc(R - F1), wherecc is between 0 and 1; if cc = 0 thenF'0 = F1; if cc = 1 then Fo = R1
Re -arranging this formula yields:Fo = ccRi + (1- cc)F1 (1)
However, the F1 in formula (1)was arrived at by the same approachbut using the data from two periodsago, ie:F1 = crR2 + (1- c()F2 (2)
If formula (2) is substituted forF1 in formula (1) the result is:Fo = ccR + (1- cc) (crR2 + (1- cc)F2)
and this expands to:Fo = (xIti + cc(1- cc)R2 + (1- CC)2 F2 .(3)
By similar logic,F2 = CCR3 + (1- a)F3
and by adding this to (3) andexpanding, the result isFo = ccRi + a(1- cc)R2 + cc(1- cc)2R3+ (1- oz)3 F3 (4)
Clearly this procedure could becontinued to no advantage ad nauseum.
What we have demonstrated is that,by using only the result and the forecastfor the period just finished (R1 andF1), we have in fact incorporatedinto the forecast all previous results(R1, R2, R3, . . ). We have then aforecast for next period based on allpast results. However, a look at thecoefficients in front of the results informula (4) yields an interesting fact.Remember that cc is some value between0 and 1. If we assume that cc is 0.2 thenthe coefficients are as follows:ccRi =0.2R1cc(1- cc)R2 = 0.16R2
cc 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4
cc R1cc(1 - CC) R2cc (1 - a)2 R3cc (1 - CC)! R4cc (1 - a)4 R5
etc
0.1000.0900.0810.0730.066
0.2000.1600.1280.1020.082
0.3000.2100.1470.1030.072
0.4000.2400.1440.0860.052
Table 1
041 CC)2 R3 = 0.128R3all - cc)3 R4 = 0.102R4, etc.
The coefficients, then, are theweightings given to previous results andit can be seen that more weight is givento the most recent result with progress-ively less weighting to earlier results. Infact the weights reduce exponentially,hence the technique's name. Theweights for other values of cc are givenin Table 1.
So far we have overcome the firstthree problems mentioned earlier. Weneed only store the results and forecastfor the previous period. We can balancesensitivity and stability by our choice ofthe value for cc, the lower the value thehigher the stability. It has been foundby experience that cc values in excessof 0.3 usually result in a forecastingsystem which is too sensitive. Finally wehave achieved a weighting system whichgives greatest emphasis to most recentevents.
To give a concrete example, let'simagine we are forecasting rainfall.Our forecast for October's rainfallwas 3.2 inches. In fact the Octoberrainfall was 3.5 inches.
Choosing an a of 0.1 and insertingthese figures into formula (1) we have:
Fo = 0.1 x 3.5 + 0.9 x 3.2 = 3.23So our prediciton for November's
rainfall will be 3.23 inches. And so on.If results are not fluctuating too
wildly, or if no definite trends areevident, then the system can be usedas detailed above. However, if trendsexist or are likely -say, sales may rise orfall or a football team may hit a winningor losing sequence - then the fourthproblem of time lag becomes one ofmajor importance. To deal with this itis necessary to use double exponentialsmoothing.
Double exponentialsmoothing
When a trend occurs in a set offigures it does, by definition, continuefor a number of periods. If it did not,it would not be a trend but merely arandom movement. The problem creat-ed by such a trend is that because of thetime lag in the forecasting system, thetrend in results will have operated overa number of periods before the forecastresponds. Consequently the forecast willseriously over- or under -estimate. Inorder to compensate for this problem,two additional pieces of information
Study the in Cambridge
For centuries now Cambridge has attracted studentsfor learning and research. Following in the tradition,
Cambridge Computer Store - the most activeTandy franchise dealer in the U.K. - offers you the
opportunity to study in depth the full range of TRS-80hardware and software. On demonstration in the Store are the
top -selling Model 1 and the new, exciting Model II plus a widerange of peripherals: from a minimal system (at only £251) to
fully expanded configurations - all immediately available.
Visit us in Cambridge and study the T RS -80. With our help you're sure tograduate with honours!
Cambridge Computer Store1 Emmanuel Street Cambridge CB1 1NETelephone: (0223) 65334/68155Apple Crornemco Hewlett Packard Horizon Pet Acorn Compukit Sinclair . Houston Infoton : Centronics Qume Word Star
PCW 106
need to be computed -- the system'stime lag and the nature of the trend.With this additional information, anallowance can be made for the risingor falling figures.
The time lag of the system is afunction of the chosen value of cc
as follows:Time lag = (tc - 1)
2This if ' = 0.1, the time lag is 10.5
periods; with cc of 0.2 or 0.3 the lag is5.5 or 3.8 periods respectively.
When considering the trend, thesame approach should be adopted aswas used when handling the originalresult figures. That is, the most recenttrend is more significant than earliertrends. It is therefore logical to expon-entially smooth the trend as well asthe basic result figures. However, ithas been empirically found that cc
values are usually too large and there-fore a factor 3 with a value of between0 and 0.1 should be used. As before,a forecast trend for the previous periodis used in conjunction with the actualtrend exhibited, the actual trend beingtaken as the absolute differencebetween the two most recently availableresults. Therefore the forecast trend is:Forecast trend = g(Actual trend) +(1 -() Previous trend forecast)= 13(R - R2) + (1 - 0) (previous trendforecast)
As before, this will contain exponen-tially weighted trends from all earlierperiods. This forecast is of the latesttrend per period but as the system has atime lag of x periods then the forecasttrend must be multiplied by x and thenadded to the basic result forecast toform the revised and final forecast forthe next period. Normally such a systemis only used for predicting one periodahead but, should longer term forecastsbe required, then it is simply a matter ofadding additional units of the forecasttrend.
The programThe listing is for a demonstrationprogram forecasting sales demand; thesection performing the calculations isfrom line 100 to line 180. REMarklines have been included for ease ofunderstanding. As listed, the programperforms double exponential smooth-ing but if single only is required, thetrend analysis can be by-passed byadding:115 GOTO 170
For demonstration purposes theprogram forecasts demand for thefollowing six periods; if the forecast isonly required for one period ahead thenthe loop in lines 220 and 230 can beremoved.
A program for practical use wouldobviously need the addition of a smallroutine to file and recall the threevariables:FO Latest ForecastD Latest Result(Demand)T1 Latest Trend Forecast
The theory and program detailedabove are immediately usable for fore-casting sales demand, stock usage, etc,but if it is intended to use the systemfor forecasting football results, forexample, where the result can onlywin, draw or lose and the points scoredper match can only be 0, 1 or 2, thencertain precautions must be taken.Details of its use for this purpose arecontained in next month's article onfootball result forecasting.
10 PRINT'n 1DOUBLE EXPONENTIAL SMOOTHING"40 IHPUT"XatI4 'aiALUE OF ALPHA! (0=(A=.(1) ";A45 IFA<OORA)1THENPRINT".IIIII1":uuT04050 INPUT " Ny FLUE OF BETA!! - 0=--(B=.(1) " ; B
55 IFB<OORB)1THENPRINT"=":GOT05060 INPUT"Veade :PERIOD 1 FORECAST! ";FO70 INPUT"OA :PERIOD 1 DEMAND! ";DO80 N=1:H0=(2/A)-1:TLF((NO-1)/2)+1 D=DO.:F1=F0:00SUB2000100 REM .BASIC FORECAST110 F1=f:.A#D0)+(1-A)+FO120 REM TREND ALLOWANCE130 T1=B*(D0-D)+(1-B)*T1140 REM TOTAL TREND CORRECTION150 TR=TL+T1160 REM REVISED FORECAST170 F=F1+TR.180 F0i-F1:F1=F:D=D0190 PRINTTAB(3);H+1;200 PRINTTAB(13);INT(F+100+.5)/100220 FORJ=1T05:PRINTTAB(3);N+1+J;230 PRINTTAB(13);INT((F+(T1*J))+100+.5)/100:NEXTJ250 INPUTIIIPPOPMDONOPPOOPOMMPIMMIMMIIIIIrr;DO:N=N+12:30 FORJ=1T05 PR INTTFiB( 10) ; ":NEXTJ:PRINT".IIIIIr:GOT01002000 PRINT"OaTILPHAM";A;" aBETAII";B;" aTIME LAG1W';2015 PRINTINT(TL+100+.5)/1002030 PRINT"XPERIOD FORECAST DEMAND"2040 PRINT" ------2055 PRINTTAB(3);N;TAB(13);FO;TAB(28);DO:RETURN
PCW 107
This year'sshow proved an
unqualified success for visitorsand exhibitors alike. Here's just a brief
selection of photos taken during a hectic three days.
Clockwise (from top left): totally absorbed on the Houghton County Primary stand; "Where'sall this data they keep talking about?"; a tense moment during the World MicrocomputerChess Championship; a busy day on the Tandy stand.
6TWW°11:ellIgtGit4108 PCW
By twins Joanne and Sarah Walton(aged 10)
We arrived in London on 4 Septemberto go to the Personal Computer WorldShow at the Cunard International Hotel.We were going to help on our school'scomputer stand. We had planned toarrive there at 8.00 am but arrived at9.45 am. We met Derek, David,Timothy and Oriel. Timothy was run-ning around looking harassed with acigarette in his hand. There was a manwith a very posh suit on and there wasa carpenter having trouble with somevery large signs. It was held in a verylarge room and it got very hot at times.A man from London Radio kept sayingPersonal Computer Show instead ofPersonal Computer World Show, sowhen he started again he emphasised
the word 'World' with his mouth stuckout.
A foreign interviewer came just asmy Dad was eating a boiled sweet andhe found difficulty in understandinghim. Dad dangled Richard Baldry'sboiled sweet in front of him so hecould understand why he wasn'tspeaking properly. Hint: boiled sweetsare not advisable in this kind of event.
We liked the badge 'I'm a computerkid'. There were lots of great games.I liked 'Haunt'. You had to travelaround a house moving North,South, East or West. It tells you whereyou are and it also tells if there is acoffin, tins or cupboards you can open.It might then say (if you have openedthe box) "there is a large key in there,do you want it?" Then you either say"yes" or "no". But it might say insteadyou need a hat -pin to get in, in which
case you cannot get in the box. In theend the computer adds up your scoreand you get some money. Once Iopened the coffin and got eaten by askull.
On the Intex Datalog Stand theirgames programs were great fun. I likedBreakout and Acrobat best. Acrobatwas very good. First of all a man on asee -saw came up on the screen and sodid two boards (lines) on the side. Somecircles (balloons) came up on the top ofthe screen and then the game began.The object of the game was to burstas many balloons as possible in fivegoes. If you do not catch the little manhe dies. Then the computer plays adeath march and an ambulance comesto take him away. The empty circlesscore 3 and the full circles score 5.
At the end of the show we all agreedit had been fab!
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cdoplinOPILTIMEt"kitI Copkrence & Exposition
O.rite11 igertt Mach
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Etiami zbess, .51L Intch41JEW Meridian
Spring in San Francisco from £440Enjoy a two -centre holiday in sunny California, 1 -9 April, 1981
just in time for the 6th West Coast Computer Faire.
Lounge on Santa Monica beach, visit the first evercomputer store or maybe even take a peek at Hollywood.Follow this with a few days in San Francisco visitingthe Computer Faire and possibly pop down El CaminoReal to Silicon Valley.
All this, and much more can be yours if you takeadvantage of Meridian Tours' special offer to PCWreaders, details of which are now being finalised.
Three holidays are planned, each of which ensuresthat you are in San Francisco for the duration of theFaire, which must be the biggest micro -dedicated showin the world. The first holiday comprises one night inLos Angeles at the first-class Sheraton Miramar atSanta Monica Beach followed by six nights in SanFrancisco at the Civic Centre Holiday Inn, just roundthe corner from the Faire. The second holiday providesthe chance to spend three nights in Los Angeles andfour in San Francisco while the third allows you to `doyour own thing' for a week following one of the aboveholidays, simply returning to base for the journey home.
The holiday price includes all flights, hotelarrommodation, supervised transfers between airportsand hotels, entrance to the Faire, a copy of theconference proceedings and compulsory insurance.The cost does not include transport to and fromGatwick, meals abroad or additional accommodationfor those wishing to stay an extra week.
Car hire can be arranged at special rates by Meridianbefore departure and special excursions may be bookedwith their local representatives while abroad.
Having said all that, this promises to become quite anevent in the PCW year; it's bound to be fun -even forthose who aren't too interested in computers. Theycan make the most of San Francisco with its GoldenGate Bridge, cable cars, Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf-not to mention a more recent phenomenon, lobbywatching in the Hyatt Regency.For further information and a booking form write toWest Coast Trip, PCW, 14 Rathbone Place,London W1P IDE.
This holiday is being organised by Meridian Tours Midlands Ltd who are bonded tour operators(Air Tour Operator's Licence No. 700B)
PCW 109
COMPUTER ANSWERSI need consultants to answer question on the TRS-80 and Compucolor, with thorough experience of
machine code programming, the disk operating systems and the hardware of these machines. Pleasewrite to me, Sheridan Williams, at 35 St. Julian's Road, St. Albans, Herts, stating your experience.
A reminder to readers that personal replies can only be given to Computer Answers if an SAEis enclosed. Send your questions to me at the above address.
Which single?I would be grateful if youcould tell me which singleboard computers are mostsuitable for scientific andmathematical calculations.R J Hercock, Brentwood,Essex
When computers were firstdesigned during the secondworld war, they performedscientific calculationssuch as code -breaking andplotting missile trajectories.Since then the emphasishas shifted so that the majo-rity of computers now per-form data processing. Butthat said, I doubt very muchif any of the single boardcomputers are used for dataprocessing; most must beused for game playing, learn-ing about computers, andscientific and control uses.The answer to your ques-tion depends upon the sys-tems software available. Forexample there's the questionof whether they support afloating point Basic - if theanswer is yes, then they areokay for scientific purposes.It's also worthwhile checkingthat they have a cassettefiling system, to enable thestoring of numerical data onfile. With the informationgiven there are far too manysystems to recommend onein particular, but if you canproduce a more detailed listof requirements, then I'll try.SW
Present orfuture?I'm thinking about getting acomputer, but don't knowwhether to spend all mymoney on one like the PET,Apple, TRS-80, etc, or get asmaller model like theUK101, Nascom 2, etc. Iwould use the computermainly for games and laterfor business.
I would be grateful foryour advice on this decision,or perhaps you think it mightbe better to wait a year ortwo for the arrival of one ofthe super computers that weare all hearing about. I'dalso like fo know if Appleswork from cassettes and, ifso, how much this would costcost.D N Hardwick, Stourbridge.
It's important, when decidingon a computer, to keep clear-ly in mind the purpose forwhich it is needed.. .different machines are design-ed for different uses. Theytend to fall into fairly broadclasses such as: instructional/hobbyist; personal/games;educational; business; scien-tific; word processing.
So the first thing is foryou to decide whether youare able to see clearly yourlong-term needs - and there-fore can go for a computerthat will cover all these - orWhether it makes better senseto aim for something simplerfor the present, with thethought that you couldalways sell it in due course,as and when needs change. Isay this because, if you wanta computer for serious busi-ness use, then I think that atthe very least, you need one51/4 -inch floppy disk drive -preferably two. Even better,of course, would be two 8 -inchdrives. This would, in itself,rule out some of the machin-es you mention.
So if your real use is forbusiness and you're not readyfor it yet - then, as you say,it could be well worthwhilewaiting until you are, as newmachines are appearing allthe time. In fact, there areso many appearing at themoment that it's difficultto advise about choice,especially as it's not yetpossible to try out some ofthe more interesting machin-es that have been announced.
If your main use is reallyfor games, or if you want tolearn about computing andprogramming this way (andit's a good way to learn),then by all means take theplunge now. The computersthat will be appearing in thenext two years or so will pro-bably be aimed mostly at thebusiness, educational, andscientific end of the market.If, as seems likely, second-hand prices continue to holdup well, you could alwayschange.
For games you'll want amachine with either a videoscreen or at least the abilityto work through your TVand preferably with at leasta rudimentary high levellanguage, such as 'TinyBasic'; a larger Basic, espe-cially one with graphicsfacilities, would be evenbetter. As always, the moreyou want, the more it'slikely to cost, so whilecolour, for example, hasmany advantages for games,the extra cost must beborne in mind. Any of themachines you mentionshould be suitable for games.and as they all use either the
Z80, or 6502 microprocessors- and popular versions ofBasic - there should also bea wide range of publishedgames programs needinglittle, if any, alteration foryou to use.
If you don't mind writingyour own programs, alteringpublished ones (or waitingfor appropriate ones to bepublished) then you couldalso think about the newSinclair ZX80, which atabout £109 ready assembled(and including mains adap-tor) would be appreciablycheaper than the £270-2350that most single board com-puters cost on the samebasis - VAT included.
Alternatively, if you'resure about the eventualbusiness use, and want toget going now, without hav-ing to change your computerlater, you could think aboutbuying a Level 1, 4k TandyTRS-80, or a 8k PET, andupgrading these in due course.Starting prices would beabout £500 for the PET,and £420 for the Tandy.Extra memory, and evendisks, could be added toboth in due course. Anotherapproach would be to pur-chase a 16k Level II TRS-80without screen or cassetteunit for some £460. Thiswould cover the simpler bus-iness applications on its own.
Yet another machinewhich you could think aboutis the Video Genie. At £425(all the prices I'm giving hereinclude VAT) this offerscompatibility with TRS-80programs 16k of memory,built in TV interface, andcassette unit; it's also claim-ed that it loads fromcassette rather more reliably.
As regards the Apple, thisis another expandablemachine which can takedisks and be used for businessprograms; in its basic formit uses cassettes. The snagsare that data files cannot beused without disks, andthe minimum price is £800.
To sum up, for businessuse you should aim to havedisk capability while forgames you need only a simpleBasic computer and a TVscreen, the addition ofgraphics being highly desir-able. If you can only afford,say, about £300 now, thenyou can either wait a year orso, or get a computer suitablefor games, with a view toselling it in due course inorder to get a bigger one. Ifyou can manage £450 now,you can get a machine whichwill do games very well, andcan later be expanded forbusiness use.P Mcllmoyle
ProfessionalofI am a professional program.mer and wish to buy a per-sonal computer for homeuse. I have access to somegood HP desk -top computersand so know the importanceof good systems features.The PET with Toolkit hasgood features but limitedgraphics, and can only beextended to 32k; the Appleis more expensive than aPET, needs a separate moni-tor and lacks the cassetteoperating system of thePET (I won't be able toexpand to disks for quite awhile). Would you answerthe following questions:1. Can ROMs similar to thePET's Toolkit be added tothe Apple and if so, forhow much?2. Is there any facility underApplesoft Basic for format-ting numeric output?3. I've heard that the Z80CPU is superior to the 6502CPU. What's your opinion ofthe Exidy Sorcerer and TRS-80 (which both use the Z80),and is the Z80 superior?4. Is the Apple worth theextra cost over the PET, andif so, why?Edward Bradford, London
1. The only ROM I know ofis the 'Programmers Aid' butas far as I can remember theonly program manipulationfeature is renumber, and thatin Integer Basic. Since it takesup one of the spare ROMspaces it can't be used withApplesoft in ROM. There areseveral programs both inBasic and in machine codethat offer extra features al-though I find that with on-screen editing, cursor andrepeat keys I can do withoutthem.2. I think you are referring toa PRINT USING or similarcommand, and the answer isno. This can be got round bya subroutine. The directcursor commands and pro-tected fields capability morethan make up for this lack.In fact, some of the PRINTUSING commands aretedious to use.3. If the Z80 is superior tothe 6502 then why do PET.Apple, Ohio Superboard, etcuse the 6502? In my opinionthe Z80 is easier than the6502 to learn machine codeprogramming on because ithas more registers andalthough the Z80 has fewerindexed modes of addressingthan the 6502 it's easier andsimpler to use and under-stand. As it appears thatExidy has pulled out of the
110 PCW
COMPUTER ANSWERSmarket, I'm not sure if itwould make a practical pro-position - although theExidy does have some nicefeatures such as program-mable graphics. Exidy andPET machine code monitorsare extremely poor; theApple is far better in thisrespect though some of thepage zero locations areshared by too many routinesto make single -steppingalways viable. What aboutthe Nascom 2 - that hasBasic and a very goodmachine code monitor?4. Yes certainly!!! How about48k of RAM and sevenexpansion slots to begin with.The people at Apple certainlygot the whole design conceptright the first time round andalthough they left out a fewthings - such as renumbering- it's still amazing how manygood points they got in (andall this quite some time ago).The Apple really is quite apotent machine.
I don't like the attitudeof Commodore to its cus-tomers. Right back to whenthe PET was launched it'sbeen "pay us your moneyfirst, and when PET comeswe'll let you have it." When itfinally did come it had severalbad design features, some ofwhich were put right on latermodels. Commodore's atti-tude still seems wrong - forexample using two rows of`funny' 8k dynamics in their16k machines so that youhave to buy a complete set of32k RAM when you want toupgrade, the others being use-less. Commodore is nowapparently drilling out thespare holes in the 16kmachines as, I guess, it ranout of 'funny' 8k RAMs.Commodore is also unhappywith other manufacturerssupplying add-ons - such asthe Computhink disk drives -and is trying to take steps tomake this sort of thing asdifficult as possible.Frequently these add-ons arebetter than Commodore'sown. If you are still in doubt,then I suggest you hire a PETand Apple for a few days.Mike Dennis
Although I agree totally withthe remarks on Commodore'sattitude, I disagree slightly onsome other points - for in-stance, I feel that the absenceof a PRINT USING is anoversight. I feel you shouldalso look for 80 -columnscreens and in this instanceboth PET and Apple havethese available. The lack ofcassette files on the Applehasn't been mentioned, andin this area the PET certainlywins. Finally I would say thatI need to know more aboutMr Bradford's requirementsbefore recommending anymachine; plenty moresystems could be mentioned- for example, what aboutlease -purchase of a NorthStar Horizon, or the newTandy? The list goes on andon.. .SW
ZX80 part 1I am considering buying aSinclair ZX80. Can you playgood chess on the lk machine?Are continuous graphicspossible? How can the I/Obus be extended to run lightsand heating? How can Imodify the system with aquartz timer? Should I buy aZX80 or an Acorn Atom?Ian Maw, Southsea
Until someone writes a chessprogram for the ZX80, youwon't be able to play chesswith it at all and there's littlechance that a good chess pro-gram will fit within 1k. It'shard enough to fit a decent`Noughts and Crosses' into1k. The PET `Microchess'program needs 8k, so if andwhen a chess program iswritten for the ZX80, you'llprobably need at least thatmuch memory.
It's impossible to have truemoving graphics, because thescreen is not memory -mapped.You can POKE directly ontothe screen, but no matterwhat you do, it's inevitablethe screen display will flashoff while the processor isworking.
You need a hardwaremodification to run thingslike lights and heating, andsuch a device is sold by Time -data Ltd, 57 Swallowdale,Basildon, Essex. Although Iknow the ceramic filter timerhas been criticised, youwould gain nothing - even ifit could be done easily - bymodifying a limited capa-bility computer such as theZX80.
It's impossible to answer aquestion like "Should I buy aWhizbang Fortran or a Force-fed Slowbed IV?" withoutknowing things like thefollowing: (a) How muchmoney you are prepared tospend; (b) How much ex-perience you have with com-puters; (c) Whether you wantto write your own programs,or buy off -the -shelf software;(d) What you want to do withthe computer; and (e) Whatsort of peripherals you wouldlike to add on.
However, as a generalguide, the ZX80 is an ideal
`first system'. The Basic iseasy to learn and manipulateand the screen display, al-though limited, is adequatefor most purposes. Thememory, once you expandabove the 1k supplied withthe machine, is surprisinglyefficient. Against this: theAcorn Atom has movinggraphics and, if you're willingto forgo 6k RAM, can pro-duce high -resolution, colour(after a fashion) graphics.The Acorn Atom also has abuilt-in sound box andgoodies like a floating-pointROM and a Viewdata inter-face are available - or will beshortly. The big drawback ofthe Acorn Atom is, in myopinion, the convoluted, un-necessarily non-standardBasic. If you're just startingout: get a ZX80 and thendecide in a year or so whereyou wish to go from there.Tim Hartnell. National ZX80Users' Club
ZX8Opart 2The ZX80 screen is notmemory -mapped. Does thismean you cannot POKE ontoit? Is it true the screen blanksout whenever executing aFOR... NEXT loop? Canyou print cursor up, down,left and right as on the PET?When will the new ROM beout?(Name and address supplied)
A big problem with POKEingdirectly onto the ZX80screen is that the part of thememory that holds the dis-play 'floats' on top of theprogram, so changing onebyte of the program in turnchanges every POKE address.However, it is possible to doit with a fairly modest sub-routine.
The screen does blank outwhen executing a FOR...NEXT loop and when doinganything else at all. Sinclairhas kept the price of theZX80 down by using theprocessor to drive the display,and it cannot do two thingsat once. Either the machineis 'thinking' and the screenis blank, or the display isthere. You cannot get the
"He creates them in his own image"
ZX80 to do anything whilethere is a display visible,except time the duration ofthe screen display.It's always difficult to get
difficult to get precise datesfrom Science of Cambridgebut at the PCW Show UncleClive was heard to promisedeliveries of two new option-al items -a plug in ROMand a 16k memory expansion- in mid to late October.
You don't have cursormovement on the ZX80 asyou do on the PET.
Tim Hartnell, National ZX80Users' Club
High resfor PETHaving just read your reviewof the Research Machines380Z high resolution graphicsboard, I wondered if therewas anything similar availablefor the Commodore PET?I Ballarini, London
Yes, there is a very similarsystem for the PET, and foraround the same price. It'savailable from I J J Design,London Road, Marlborough,Wiltshire (0672 53153) andthe price is about £320. Thisincludes all the necessarysystems software for addingsix keywords to Basic - in-cluding SET, SETLINE,DOTLINE and TEXT -making graphics plotting veryeasy. The resolution is 320x 200 points and the screenacts like a flattened spherebecause points plotted offany edge of the screen appearon the opposite side.
The high resolutiongraphics board occupies 8kand resides from 40k - 48k. Itcan be bought as either aninternal or external fitting -I strongly recommend thatyou buy the former as theexternal fitting is far fromportable and is very difficultto transfer between machines.
I believe that Corn-puterama of Bath also has anHRG board for the PET, butI'm afraid I know nothingabout it.SW
PCW 111
go
Take a step up to your next Computer!THE CONCEPT
How many ways are there to build an S100 system? Notmany, and all expensive.TUSCAN changes all that.
Five S100 boards on one single board-just forstarters. Plus five extra slots for future expansion.
What a combination! Z80 and 5100 with theTRANSAM total package of system and applicationssoftware.
How do we do it? Our prices start at £195 and youcan build up in easy stages to a fully CP/M compatibledisc based system. Something to think about!
THE HARDWAREThe first Z80 single board computer with integral 5100expansion. British designed to the new IEEE (8 BIT)S100 specification, the TUSCAN offers total systemflexibility. A flexibility available now.
The board holds the equivalent of a Z80 cpu card,8k ram, 8k rom video and I/O cards with 5 spareS100 expansion slots and offers a price/performanceratio which is hard to beat.
Just compare our price with a commercial S100 tenslot motherboard with this specification.
THE SOFTWARETUSCAN offers the user the choice of system monitor,editor, resident 8k basic, resident Pascal compiler or fullCP/M disk operating system. All options are upwards
compatible and fully supported with applicationssoftware. Both 51/4" and 8" drives are supported indouble density.
THE PACKAGETUSCAN is available in kit form or assembled. Withseveral hardware and software options to suit yourrequirements and budget. Attractive desk top case alsoavailable holds 2 x 51/4" Drives.
TRAINAAANOBODY DOES IT BETTER!
Send to Transom Components Ltd., 59/61 Theobald's Road, London WC1.
I am interested in the TUSCAN Z80 based single board computerwith 5100 expansion and enclose a S.A.E. for further details.
Name
Address
Telephone
L
1
PCW 112
TRANSAM COMPONENTS LTD., 59/61 THEOBALD'S ROAD, LONDON WC1. TEL: 01-405 5240/2113
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Lynn Antill continues her series aimed at bridging the gulf between the would-bemicro user and the microcomputer specialist.
PART3: Why befonnal?Last month I suggested ways in whicha potential user can go about thebusiness of deciding what he wants hissystem to do. This is a very individualjob. No-one can tell you how to havegood ideas, but there are fairly welldefined ways of communicating theseideas to a computer professional. TheNCC has devised a whole series of formswhich demand answers to all the ques-tions that need to be asked about acomputer system. Many of these are forspecifying the detailed requirementsfor a computer program, and I will belooking at some of these in Parts sevenand eight. Others relate to the design ofthe system. Although intended for main-frames, and thus smacking somewhat ofthe 'sledgehammer and nut' syndrome,some of these forms are still very usefulto the micro user.
I know everyone groans at the word`forms', but they do have their advan-tages. .. supposing of course that you'veunderstood the questions! A welldesigned form asks every question thatneeds to be answered; anything left outof the specification will therefore showup as a gap on the form. Also a formshould be clearer to understand and lessambiguous than narrative.
The micro user is fortunate as com-pared with his mainframe equivalent inthat the line of communication betweenuser and machine is very short, withonly a salesman (and perhaps a program-mer) coming in between: thereforethere's less opportunity for a customer'srequirements to be misunderstood alongthe way. Even so, communication is notso straightforward that it can be donewell without at least some formality.
I've made the mistake in the past of pro-gramming to a verbal specification.Because of all the changes I had to maketo get it to do what the user actuallywanted, rather than what I had thoughthe wanted, the program took twice aslong to get working as it should havedone, and had much messier code. Thiscan be a particularly tricky problemwhere the programmer is being paid bythe day, or where a customer is buyinga program without having the chance oftrying it out first. With no proof of theoriginal brief there's little comeback ifthe result turns out not to be what wasexpected.
There isn't room here for a crashcourse on the whole NCC manual, so I'llhave to restrict myself to suggesting afew simple ways in which you can makeyour requirements clear - without
PCW 113
INPUT PROCESSING
1. Orders 1. Check stocks available
2. Payments 2. Process order
3. Returned goods notes 3. Process payments
4. Create delivery notes& invoices
5. Update stocks file
6. Process creditsSTORAGE A
1. Customer detailsOUTPUT
2. Customer transactions1. Invoices
3. Amounts outstanding2. Delivery notes
4. Stock details & levels3. Credit notes
4. Receipts
Fig 1 Systems Outline Chart for 'Customer Orders'.For this system we will need another chart for 'Stock Control'.jumping to any conclusions about theactual solution to adopt.
NarrativeEven if you try to write down what youwant, a written explanation can have itslimitations; it can be misunderstood, orit may be incomplete or not logicallyordered. A specification should beaccurate, unambiguous, well -orderedand complete. As an example of thedisadvantages of narrative, look nofurther than the article you arereading! I believe that everything I'vewritten is accurate, and I certainly domy best to make the meaning unambi-guous. However, the hardest to achieveis a logical presentation of the subject.I can see the logic of the series as itunfolds but, more importantly, can you?In the case of a magazine series this isonly important insofar as it influencesyour willingness to go o1 reading. You'llmake your own decisions about whetheror not the series is logical. The program-mer, on the other hand, must follow theuser's logic.
The final thing about a specificationis its completeness and this is somethingto which I can make no pretence(although in the final article I shall begiving a list of references for furtherreading). All this series can do is to givea feeling for systems analysis, andexplain some of the techniquesinvolved. For this task it's clear thatnarrative is well suited. A specification,however, cannot leave questionsu nansw ere d.
The place of narrative in a specifica-tion is to serve as an introduction - andto provide additional explanations - sothat the programmer gains a real feelingfor the job in hand.
IPSO Systemsoutline chartI've already talked about Input, Proces-sing, Storage and Output. The NCC hasproduced what is definitely my favour-ite form on which to specify these.It's called a Systems Outline Chart,
which is rather unfortunate because ittends to get confused with an outlineflow chart - which in turn gets con-fused with the NCC Systems FlowChart, which is a different thing again.
The Systems Outline Chart consistsof four boxes into which you writedown the major categories of input,processing, storage and output. TheNCC talks about files rather thanstorage but this is jumping the gun alittle because you may not want touse what, in computer jargon, is strictlydescribed as a file. The chart is extreme-ly easy to use as it enables you just tojot down items as they cross yourmind. Figure 1 gives an example.There's only room for broad categories- eg 'Payments' rather than details ofall the various fields which go to makeup the different types of payment;these will have to be looked up else-where. It really is important to get the`Outline' right before filling in thedetails.
Systems flowchartIt's very important to realise that asystems flowchart won't look anything
like a programming flowchart - for thevery good reason that it shows the flowof a piece of information from oneprocess (or person) to another, ratherthan the flow of control between theprogram instructions. The differentdepartments/people/processes throughwhich the information passes are repre-sented by vertical columns. Theinformation and its direction of travelare shown by boxes and arrows respec-tively.
Figure 2 gives an example of aSystems Flowchart. It's only worthusing one of these on a large system(by micro standards) where informationreally does have to travel around outsidethe computer.
Samples andexamplesYou can save yourself a lot of time -and give the programmer a much betteridea of the requirements - by showingsamples of all the forms and documentsthat you use for input, or produce asoutput. Make sure they display realisticdetail so as to convey in the clearestpossible way the information that isreally needed. (You may know thatcertain boxes are never filled in and thatextra information often has to bewritten across the top, but that doesn'tshow up on a blank form). Pick out allthe forms, even the ones that are onlyused at Christmas; it's often the excep-tional things that are the determiningfactor in choosing between possiblesolutions.
If you decide you want displays orprintouts which are different from any-thing you have at present, then sketchthem out. But only do this if theircontent or format is genuinely impor-tant, because as soon as you specifydetails you limit your choice of pack-age, or commit your programmer to asolution which may not be the bestone overall.
The major use of these samplesis to show what individual piecesof information are collected/requiredand how they are grouped together inpractice.
Also included in this part of thespecification are examples of anycalculations that are required - theway you work out your VAT returns,discounts, trends, etc. Even where the
CUSTOMER
CLERK WAREHOUSE COMPUTER
order order orderprocessing10'
delivery van deliverynotedelivery
note4
mailinvoice invoice
mail ,payment paymentnote
paymentprocessing
F
receipt receipt4 4
Fig 2 Systems flowchart for 'Customer Orders'.This is just the flow of information. . . we don't follow the progress of the goodsor money.
114 PCW
calculation is a prescribed one, such asVAT, it's surprising the number ofdifferent ways there are of coming tothe same answer from the same rawdata. It's also surprising how manypeople there are who don't know howto do the calculations that you take forgranted. Where the calculation is foryour own benefit, your method of per-forming it is probably unique. Be pre-pared to go through it step by step,explaining where all the figures comefrom, and what you're going to do withthe answers.
By the time you've collected all thesesamples and examples, you've probablycreated an untidy looking heap, sofasten them all together with somethinglike a treasury tag, give each one aunique reference number or name, andrefer explicity to them whenever theyare quoted in other parts of the specifi-cation.
File specsFiles are undoubtedly the most difficultpart of a computer system specificationfor the non -programmer to come toterms with. Indeed, it's perfectlyfeasible to leave the design of filesentirely to the discretion of theprogrammer. If all the inputs to andoutputs from the system have beenproperly defined, then the programmershould be able to design files to handleall the storage. In this case you areasking the programmer to do some ofthe analysis as well, and many of thepeople working with micros quite right-ly describe themselves as 'analyst/programmers'.
Most users, though, will either wantor need to have some say in the wayin which files are organised. Although Ishall be discussing this in more detailin Part 7 (as part of a program specifi-cation) it would be worth having a lookat the sort of things which need to beconsidered, and also introducing anyof you who are not familiar with it to thejargon.A FIELD is any single item - eg aname, a date, an amount, a description.A RECORD is a number of fields group-ed naturally together - eg for one cus-tomer you may have Account number,Name, Address, Credit Rating, etc.A FILE is a group of related records -eg the records of all the customers.Usually there is a KEY field in eachrecord which uniquely identifies thatrecord within the file. Account numbersand the like make very good keysbecause the machine can easily recog-nise them. Names don't because there'sno easy way that a computer can tellthat SMITH W F is the same as WALLYSMITH. You could make a double keyout of the surname and the initials,treating them as separate fields, but it'srather an irritating constraint on youroperators to have to stick to just one ofthe several acceptable formats fornames. People are in the habit of beingmuch more precise about accountnumbers and it helps to build your sys-tem on that. So the qu6stions you mustanswer are:1. What fields appear in input and out-put, and how are they naturally groupedtogether? This should show up in thesamples and examples.2. What different types of records arethere to constitute the different files?3. How are the records normally acces-
sed? Is there a key field? Are recordscalled up at random, or can you sortthe input before you start processingit, and take the records in key order?4. What cross-referencing is therebetween records from different files?
Checks andsafeguardsWhat sort of mistakes or failures wouldreally put you up a gum tree? The newsystem is unlikely to work in detail inthe same way as the old, so don't writedown a whole collection of detailedchecking requirements. Concentrateinstead on listing those items whichmust be right, those where errors aremost likely to be introduced fromoutside, and those where computerrecords are to be checked againstreality (eg at stock taking).
If you are keeping accounts ofmoney (other than your own) youmust include in your specification any-thing that your auditor needs toknow, and any checks he wants made.
VolumesNot only is 'what is to be stored andprocessed' to be specified. . . it's alsoimportant to record just how much ofit there is. Two people may be doingwhat is functionally the same job. One,however, may be handling ten times thevolume of the other; he will need abigger, faster machine, and may alsoneed a more complicated system just tokeep track of where records are stored.With small volumes, you can often takeadvantage of short cuts (eg storingseveral files on one floppy disk) whichare ruled out when the files reach acritical size. (You may have to do somefiddly arithmetic to find out whetheryour files will actually reach that criti-cal size for a given package, but more ofthat anon.)
There are two aspects to the volumequestion - how much information mustyou store, and how much do you processon any given day? You may need to askthis question about several differenttypes of record; for instance, you maykeep information about customers andabout stock.
Also there's the possibility thatvolumes will expand. Any figure forthis likely rate of increase may well bebased on hope rather than fact, but it'sstilt worth making some sort of esti-mate.
ConstraintsYou will already have thought aboutsome of the constraints that are goingto be imposed on the system - finan-cial, physical and operational. Theseshould be listed, and some sort of prio-rity put on them. It's a good idea, too,to give a description of the underlyingproblem that is imposing the constraint,as there may be another way round it.
Some of the constraints may belegally imposed - company law, tradesdescriptions, Customs & Excise,Inland Revenue and so on. If a packagehas been produced by a young compu-ter science graduate with no businessexperience, or if it has been importedfrom the States where regulations aredifferent, there's a distinct chance thatit won't match up to UK requirements.
So, for example, if you know that youhave to present certain figures to theInland Revenue, don't forget toinclude that in your specification. Ifyou are in doubt, it's worth payingyour accountant for his opinion, ratherthan buy something which will not serveyour purposes.
The completespecificationThis will consist of:1. An introduction: a page or so ofnarrative giving the background tothe system - the sort of thing thatyou would say to the computer sales-man if he was listening attentivelyenough.2. Samples and examples of all yourinput, output and processing.3. Systems outline chart - one foreach major function you want per-formed (many micro applications willonly have the one).4. Systems flowchart - but only for thelargest applications; usually it will notbe required.5. Explanations - of anything whichmay be difficult or unusual.6. Constraints - a straightforward (andpreferably short) list.7. Ideas about files; don't impose them- rather they should be used as a basisfor considering the programs you areoffered.8. The index: perhaps I should have putthis in large letters at the beginning andcalled it a table of contents - thenthere's no excuse for anyone not tohave read all of it.
Next month`Towards a Computerised Solution.'How to work out exactly one's needs...type and size of computer, what peri-pherals and programs and what extras.
CUSTOMER DATA
FIELDS NameAddressTelephone noAccount noCredit ratingAmount outstandingDate of last paymentHistory of orders andpayments
VOLUME 500 regular customers25-60 orders in any oneday0-200 payments receivedin any one day (mostly atmonth end).
EXPECTED Possibly up to 750 regularGROWTH customers and 100 orders
per day.
ACCESS Usually by name or accountnumber. Occasional reportsby credit rating or amountoutstanding.
Data Collected from new customerdetails, and orders and payments.
Data used for orders, invoices, mail shots,debtors, reports.Fig 3 Broad requirements for a filefor 'Customer Orders'.
PCW 115
-if -GsessS PACKAGESp.0000;...---_-_----- Mary Knight of Mike Rose Micros presents our guide to widely -available software packages. This
appears bimonthly alternating with our In Store hardware guide.
ARDEN DATA B+B COMPUTERS LTD BEAM BUSINESS CENTRE BENCHMARKPROCESSING 0204 26644 01.636 1392 COMPUTER0533 22255 SYSTEMS
0726 61000
PET Apple PET/CBM Altos(CP/M MP/M)
PCC 2000 PET AppleSimpelecTriton 3
North StarHorizon
Stock Control/Recording 15 P.O.R. 300 300 350 450Sales Ledger 300 350 250Purchase Ledger 300 350 250General Ledger/NL 300 350 250Integrated Accts 300 300 950Word Processing 75Mailing List 300 75 75Invoicing 25-50 100Database Management/ 150 75 250Information RetrievalPayroll P.O.R. 350Incomplete RecordsPersonnel RecordsEstate Agent 850 350Time/Cost Recording 300 350 250Job CostingMail Shot 450Credit ControlCash FlowProduction Analysis 300
Disk Operating Standard PETSystem 150 + Apple Packages
BENCHMARK BRISTOL CAP-CPP COMMODORE COMP- COMPUTASTORECOMPUTER SOFTWARE MICRO 01-388 5702 SOFT LTDSYSTEMS FACTORY PROD- 0483 061-832 47610726 61000 0272 23430 UCTS LTD 39665
01-4040911
Cmmenico PET PET/CBM 8000 T Vector PETSeries
Stock Control/Recording 450 300 150Sales Ledger 250 300 800 200 250 400Purchase Ledger 250 300 200 250 4001000General Ledger/NL 250 200 400Integrated Accts 950 (50) P.O.R. 1000Word Processing 75/150 250 400 325Mailing ListInvoicing 100 400Database Management/ 250 P.O.R. 50/150 P.O.R. 170Information RetrievalPayroll 350 P.O.R. 150 250 200/350Incomplete RecordsPersonnel RecordsEstate AgentTime/Cost Recording 250Job CostingMail ShotCredit Control 650Cash FlowProduction Analysis
Revolving AssemblerCredit 4004 Dev 50Hire Pur- LISP 75chase 400+ Pascal 120Leasing400+
116 ?LW
COMPUTECH01-794 0202
Apple II ITT 2020Stock Control/RecordingSales Ledger 295 295
DATA BANK 0509 217671
PET ITT 2020 Apple II10
GRAFFCOMSYSTEMS LTD01-734 8862
CP/M10 10 350
450Purchase Ledger 295 295 450General Ledger/NL 295 295Integrated AcctsWord Processing
4001100
40 40 40 400Mailing List 50 50 50 250InvoicingDatabase Management/Information RetrievalPayroll 375 375 10 10 10Incomplete RecordsPersonnel RecordsEstate AgentTime/Cost RecordingJob CostingMail ShotCredit ControlCash FlowProduction Analysis
Stock Control/RecordingSales LedgerPurchase LedgerGeneral Ledger/NLIntegrated AectsWord ProcessingMailing List
500
400
Utilities Utilities Bank Bank Bank20 20 Account 10 Account 10 Account 10
Salesman Salesman Salesman10 10 10Cash Regis- Cash Regis- Cash Regis-ter 10 ter 10 ter 10N.B. Discounts on multiple sales
EquipmentLease/Rent/HP400FinancialModelling 400Order entry/invoicing 350
GRAMA GREAT NORTHERN A J HARDING HARTFORD H,B(WINTER) 0532 450667 0424 SOFTWARE COMPUTERSLTD 220391 0606 76265 0536 8392201-6368210
PET/CBM 8080Iz 0 Apple TRS 80 PET
150 275
CBM
150 200 35/25275 225 350275275
650 99575/150
225 350225 200
15 85/65/40/20 3525/38/55 45 35
Invoicing 25Database Management/Information RetrievalPayroll
150 32.50
150 275Incomplete Records 40
200 10
Personnel RecordsEstate AgentTime/Cost RecordingJob CostingMail ShotCredit ControlCash FlowProduction Analysis
8530
Job OrderControl 275Prof Appts.groups 275Prof Apptsindivid. 220Prof Client.Billing 330
Video mes- VAT Regis- Lotteries Utilitysage 200 ter 15 45 set 78Statistics Membership VAT150 Accting 85 Master 25
T.A.P. Business Bureau deSystem 125 Change 8
PriceLister 12
PCW 117
Stock Control/RecordingSales LedgerPurchase LedgerGeneral Ledger/NLIntegrated AcctsWord ProcessingMailing ListInvoicingDatabase Management/Information RetrievalPayrollIncomplete RecordsPersonnel RecordsEstate AgentTime/Cost RecordingJob CostingMail ShotCredit ControlCash FlowProduction Analysis
HIPPOSOFT0332 23127
INTEREUROPESOFTWAREDESIGN0734-786644
INTEXDATALOGLTD 0642781193
T V JOHNSON0276 62506
KATANNAMANAGE-MENTSERVICES0245 76127
PET ACT800
MCZ Zilog PET PET/CBM TRS 80 Apple II TRS 801
195 150 115 200P.O.R. 225P.O.R. 225
325650 75
375 375 500+ 75/150 45/95 75 70
P.O.R. 75
225 225 150 150
21850/195 150
500+
200
ScreenGenerator 75+
Petsoftprograms 160
Individualdesignedprograms100 up
ConferenceOrganiser 500+BudgetingPackage 500+
KAT-ANNA(cont'd)
KEEN LIFEBOATCOMPUTERS ASSOCIATES0602 583254 01.836 4663
LIVEPORT(EXIDYSORCERERFIRMWARE)0736 798157
MICROCOMPUTERAPPLICATIONSLTD0734 470425
PADMEDECOMPUTERSERVICES025671 2434
Apple II ITT2020
CP/M Apple
P.O.R.
CP/M 8080/Z80 Sorcerer TandyModel I
TandyModel II
Stock Control/Recording 500 325 325 30-50 300 300 300Sales Ledger 500 300 425 425 90 90 300 300Purchase Ledger 500 300 425 425 90 90 300 300General Ledger/NL 500 300 375 375 90 90Integrated Accts 950 950 35Q* 350* 450 450Word Processing 500 7.5 50/75 175-240Mailing List 300 40 75Invoicing 500 325 325 90 90 300 300Database Management/Information Retrieval
150 25-80
Payroll 500 P.O.R. 475 475 250 249Incomplete Records P.O.R. 40Personnel RecordsEstate Agent 850Time/Cost Recording P.O.R. P.O.R. 300 300Job Costing P.O.R. P.O.R. 300 300Mail Shot 75Credit ControlCash FlowProduction Analysis
Order processing550
+ range of Life -boat progs.
CP/M &utilities150CBasic70
* includes invoicing
PERSONALCOMPUTERS LTD01-626 8121
ACT/PETSOFT021-454 5348
SMG THE STAGE ONEMICRO SOFTWAREHOUSE SOFTWARECOMPUTERS 01-637 2108 0202-235700474 55813
Apple II Z-SOK PET PET*/8022 A TRS-80 Commodore/Computhink
Stock Control/Recording 35/98 150 12/25/350 395 80 48 100/250Sales Ledger 295 95/350 395 P.O.R.Purchase Ledger 295 95/120/350 395 P.O.R.General Ledger/NL 295 P.O.R.Integrated Accts 340 150 P.O.R.Word Processing 150-300 25/325 '60 30/60/90 120Mailing List 40 15 75/150 50-150 50-150 100Invoicing 125 350 in stock control 295
60-140P.O.R.
60 45-250Database Management/Information Retrieval
98 325
Payroll 200 50/25/195 200Incomplete Records 125 250 750Personnel Records 98Estate Agent 175 25 250Time/Cost Recording 125 450 P.O.R.Job Costing 125Mail Shot 225 14 125Credit Control 98Cash Flow 75 8Production Analysis 75
Pad toplottersystem250
VAT17.50
VetPackageP.O.R. record
Solicitor'scomplete
3000
Statistics Petaid report45 generator 125Investment PR/AdvertisingPortfolio 20 Package 1000Solicitor's accounting
package 750Statistics100-195
Bonds/PensionQuotations 100Planning/
maintenance595
PostalAdvertisingResponse
Program-ming Aids40
Printers JobControl 250
Warehousing PackageP.O.R. 350*ComputhinkDisks
Bank Accounts100AppointmentPlanner 100
SYSTEMATICSINTER-NATIONAL0268 284601
SUMLOCK TRIDATABONDAIN MICROS01-250 LTD0505 021-622
1754
VLASAKELECTRONICSLTD062-84 74789
A20
TRS1101 TR.S Sett Apple II
Stock Control/Recording 500 P.O.R. 200 375 285Sales Ledger 250P 300 225 375 315Purchase Ledger 250P 300 225 375 315General Ledger/NL 250P 300 225/325 425 225Integrated Accts 855Word Processing 180/95 75 120Mailing List 100 300Invoicing 75 125 140Database Management/Information Retrieval
100 150
Payroll 250P P.O.R. 218 375 375Incomplete Records-Personnel RecordsEstate Agent 750 850Time/Cost RecordingJob CostingMail ShotCredit ControlCash Flow 80Production Analysis
Text FileLibrarian125
Letterwriter 80
Key: POR Price on request( ) Program used to link accounts packages.P = program written in Pascal
FinancialPlanning250OfficeAdmin 100
PCW 119
For sale
TRANSACTION FILE
T159... PC100C, ML10 (Math/utilities) & all supporting doc,offers around £220 or will split.D Stringer, 16 Hall Drive, Crop -well Bishop, Notts. Tel: 0602892191.T159... with PC100B printerplus structural engineering &maths/utilities modules, cost over£400 accept £230. Tel D Nunn,01-878 3457 day, 01-870 6017eves.UK101... 8k RAM, new moni-tor, cased with several gamescassettes inc Master Pack, £260(£250 if you collect). CasioFX502P with FA1 cassette int &Master Pack program cassette,£55. Tel: V Day Malvern, 068452733 day, 06845 4930 eves.PET 8k... small keyboard plussound box, books, mags, gamesprogs inc Invaders, Startrek,Microchess & Life, £400. Tel:01-534 1114.Nascom 2... 32k, Naspen, PSU,graphics ROM cased, full doc,hardly used. Unfortunate disa-greement with solicitor forcessale, may deliver if local. Tel:Erith 32835.PDP8-L... 4k minicomputerwith TTY int and full diagnos-tics software, £200 ono. Tel:0705 385589.T159/PC100C.. . with statsmaths/utilities modules, soft-ware, blank mag cards, printerpaper, full doc, all in perfectcond, bargain at £250. Stock,Hodge Howe Lane, Windemere,Tel: Windemere 2044.MK14.. . new monitor, RAM,I/0,.sockets on all but 1 chip,original doc, buyer collects,£20. Tel Sedgley 76319 eves.S100. .. static RAM boards, 16k,£165, 8k, £150; SSM VBI VDUcard, £85. Tel: Ware (0920)67519 after 5.TRS-80 L2... 16k, little used,with cassette recorder, manuals,some games, exc cond, £350. Tel:St Albans 54042 eves.
Nanocomputer.. . with PSU,unused, £240 ono. Tel: JohnReid, Aylesbury 86500 day.
SWTP SS50 Bus... system up-date forces sale, all items withdoc: R033 Teletype, PSU,£100; 8 -hole optical paper tapereader, £25; 8k RAM boards,£95; I/O port cards, £10; 6800CPU board, £25; motherboard,£10; Smokesignal BFD-68 dualdisk system, controller card, soft-ware, £450; 12k random Basic,£25. Tel: 0937 72855 eves.6809 SSC... 5100 processorwith 1k RAM, 1k ROM, spacefor 10k, 2400 baud cassette int,keyboard port, with full doc &12k Basic on cassette, £175. Orcomplete system with 24k RAM,VDU board, 11 -slot motherboard,keyboard, in Vector case +extras, £800. Tel: Aaron, 01-9594851.8k Nascom Basic... ROM £20,PSU (+5, -5, +12, - 12 10 amp),£30. Tel: Kings Lynn (0553)672825.Nascom 2... fully assembled &tested by Comp, 16k RAM,PSU, cased in a Microcase, fulldoc & some games cassettes,£320 ono or swap for PET,TRS-80 etc. Tel: 031-331 3651.Sinclair Microvision.. . as new,with earphone, viewing hood,carrying case, mains adaptor, carbait connector, still underguarantee, £45. Tel: Earleswood2143 after 6.
PET 2001... 8k, old ROMs, calckeyboard, full working order withnew cassette head, £375. Tel: 01-582 7766.ZX80... beat the waiting list,ready assembled PSU, inc all leadleads, tape with many usefulprogs, manual + extra notesfrom Science of Cambridge, £90.Tel: Chichester 527461.Eight MK4108.. . DRAM chips,used in PET for a year then re-moved as it was expanded, chipswere in sockets & therefore un-soldered. £10. Tel: Bristol (0272)684688.Triton L5.1... full 4k on -boardRAM, tiny Basic, 8080 monitor& listings, documentation, gamescassettes, £200. Tel: 0502 2166.ZX80... adaptor & leads, £70.3k extra RAM, £35. Both for£100. Tel: Potters Bar 50369eves or w/ends.
PET 8k... old RO.M exc. cond,manuals, documentation, muchsoftware on cassette (Microchess,etc), £400 ono. P Irwin, 1 Gine-bank Close, Stockwood BristolBS14 8HT, tel: Bristol 835139.Superboard. .. extensions, almostnew, prof. built, 16k RAM &ROM, £135 ono; I/O board, 2PIAs, one configured for LED/relay, switch, DAC with motor/lamp control & sound roomfor extension, other PIA uncon-figured, £35. B Mistry, 75 StMargarets Road, Bradford BD72BY.TRS-80... software & hardwareinc RS232 printer int, sound box,editor/assembler, m/1 monitor,many tapes, cost over £350,accept £150. Tel: Asthall Leigh(099387) 241.PET 2001.. . 8k, green screen,old keyboard, hardly used, goodcond, £400 ono. Tel: Doncaster851269.Phillips... 67000 videopac gamescomputer & 17 cartridges, £190or swap for UK101. Tel: b1-5934287.Nascom 1... B Bug extendedmonitor, 1k user RAM, full doc,some games, cased, prof builtwith 10 amp PSU, good cond,can be seen working, £200 ono.Tel: Bob, 01-778 8798 workinghours.PET... 8k, small keyboard,£400. 24k extra memory, £200.Tel: 0304 617209 eves.HP9100B... prog calculator(desktop), exc cond, cost £3500in 1972, will sell for £500 withprog library, manual, 21 magcards, 49 used cards, info &peripherals inc. Tel: Medway403530 eves.Memory chips... 34 Fujitsu200 ns 16k x 1 dynamic RAMs,type MB8116/E, new & unused,sell at £3.70 each, £27.50 for 8.Also 2 brand new TMS1600 16 -bit microprocessor chips (3 MHzclock) at £25 each. AlastairKnights, 28 Cotswold Road,Westcliffe-on-Sea, Essex. Tel:Southend (0702) 41658.Fast printer.. 170 1pm, 80 col,V24 int, suits listing & word proc,3 line/second throughput, £300inc paper stock. Tel: Tring 4797or St Albans 64077 anytime.
USER GROUPS INDEX
TRS-80 ET etc.. . Centronicsprinter 101A, 165 cps, 132 col,working order, needs to be wiredup, suit electronics hobbyistwith above computers, £450.Tel: Mr Lewis on 01-229 8749or 01-727 5722.UK101... built & cased, 6kRAM, separate PSU, inc unfini-shed EPROM programmer & some6502 books + some tapes, £235ono. Tel: Bourne End (06285)23454.Teletype... 33 with paper tapepunch/reader, working withslightly soiled case, £60 ono.Tel: Esher 66453 or writeJ Rudge, Brendon Cottage,Riverside Drive, Esher, Surrey.
WantedKeen novice... Nascom 2 ownerseeks fellow Nascom owneraround London N13 area toanswer odd questions & helplift the haze. Tel: 01-882 5727.Large keyboard... 8k PET withcass deck, reasonable condplease. Tel: (0705) 596318.Teenagers... are there anyteenagers interested in writing& exchanging listings withanother young computer freak?Machine irrelevant (ours is aSharp) Write Phil, 25 Broad-clyst Gdns Thorpe Bay, EssexSS1 3QP. All letters answered.PCW... Vol 1 Nos 6 & 7 wantedto complete a set. Tel: 01-6700547.Triton owner.. with 1.5.1monitor would like to contactanyone with the L7.1 or L7.2s2y7site5m. . Tel: Ross -on -Wye (0989)
Nascom 1... buffer board &mini ROM graphics board (goodcond). Contact Robin, Coventry(0203) 411628 eves.Bridge and chess. .. progs forNascom 1. Alternatively, wouldconsider 2nd hand gamesmachines. Details to Crawford,13 Church St., Broadway, Worcs.Anyone got.. . a spare Apple/ITTfloppy drive & controller? Some-body with a Corvus mini-winniemust have one to spare. RingPete, Hornchurch 42291 (willcollect).
As promised, here is a complete printout of our User Group Index. If we have failed to include YOUR group, thenplease address the relevant information to PCW (User Group Index), 14 Rath bone Place, London W1P 1DE. Notificationof changes will also be appreciated. The next full listing will appear in PCW's February edition. In the meantime we shall
of course continue to publish User Group Index update information - as and when it reaches us.
INTERNATIONALTangerine Users Group (Interna-tional). Recently formed forusers of the Microtan 65, theTUG will act as a central infor-mation clearing house, includingexchange of programs etc. Annualmembership is £5.00. Detailsfrom TUG at 3/22 DonoughmoreRoad, Boscombe, Bournemouth,Dorset, UK.
USCD System User Society. Setup in San Diego in June forusers of USCD Pascal, the societyaims to establish a softwarelibrary, promote regional andspecial interest group activitiesand liase with USCD systemdistributer Softech on futuredevelopment plans. Existingspecial interest groups includeindustrial application, word pro-cessing, real time, business appli-cations and forward planning.UK contact: John Ash, DicollData Systems Ltd., Bond Close,Kingsland Estate Basingstoke,Hants RG24 OQB.
Microcomputer Users Club:recently established for programwriting and exchange, emphasison 6502/Z80 users. Contactc/o Synthetronics MicrocomputersP.O. Box 151, 1322 Hoevik,Norway.
NATIONAL
lls Users Group. A sort of helpservice only. No meetings nonewsletter. Contact: Pete Harris,119 Carpenter Way, Potters Bar,Herts, EN6 5QB. Tel: 070752091 or 01-248 8000 Ext. 7065.The 6502 Users Club. Hopingsoon to hold regional and nationalmeetings, they offer "support,encouragement and fellowship".Contact: Walter Wallenborn, 21Argyll Ave., Luton, Beds L031 E G.
77/68 Users Group. QuarterlyNewsletter. Free membership for1st year if you buy the 77/68instruction manual, £1.50thereafter. Contact; NewburyComputing Store, 40Bartholomew St., Newbury,Berkshire.
9900 Users Group TIMUG.Contact: Chris Cadogan, 21Thistle Downs, Northway Farm,Tewkesbury, Glos.
Amateur Computer Club - 2650Library. No meetings, nonewsletters, the library serves toact as a help point fordisseminating 2650 related dataon demand. Contact: Roger A.Munt, 51 Beechwood Drive.
Feniscowles, Blackburn, LancsBB2 5AT (0254 22341).Minicomputer Users in SecondaryEducation (MUSE). MUSE is thenational organisation forcoordinating activity in schools,teacher training institutions,colleges of technology and so on.Meetings are held on both aregional and national basis. Forfull details on MUSE's range ofactivities, contact the Treasurer,R. Trigger, 48 Chadcote Way,Catshill, Bromsgrove,Worcestershire.UK Intel MDS Users Group.Contact: Lewis Hard, 29 ChaucerRd., Bedford.
Ithaca Audio S100 bus UK UserGroup. Contact: Dave Wester, 16Etive Place, Cumbernauld,Glasgow 067 4JE. Phone 0286736570.
MK14 Club. Bi-monthly magazinecalled "Complement and Add".Contact: Geoff Phillips, 8Podsford Rd., London NW9 6HP.Independent PET users Group.Contact: IPUG, 57 Clough HallRoad, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent,Staffs.
Research Machines Ltd. NationalUser Group. Contact: M.D.
Fischer, PO Box 75, Oxford, OX41EY, for a registration form,UK Apple Users Group, Contact:(Keen Computers)5 The Poultry, Nottingham.Tel: 0602 583254/5/6.Central Program Exchange. Fullmembership (£25 Europe, £40overseas) provides 30 freeprograms p.a. Small User ServiceMO Europe, £20 overseas)provides 10 free programs p.a.Contact: Mrs Judith Brown, ThePolytechnic, Wilfruma St.,Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY.
Cosmac Users Coub (Proposed)For people using the RCA 1802,Cosmac ELF, ELFII, Super ELF'etc. Those interested contactJame* Cunningham at 7 HarrowdenCourt, Harrowden Road, LutonLU2 OSR (enclosed sae, please).
TRS-80 Users Group. Contact:Brian Pain, 40a High St., StonyStratford, Bucks.ZX80 Users Club. The group'saim is to create and share soft-ware which will fit within themachine's 1K RAM. Membershipis free and first move will be todistribute a newsletter. Addressto write is: c/o Tim Hartnell,93 Coningham Road, LondonW12.
120 PCW
Ohio Scientific UK User Group.Independent of OSI, an impor-tant role will be the disentang-ling of poor documentation.There will be regular newslettersand membership is at present£5 per year. The group willinitially be concerned with thepractical aspects and applica-tions of OSI systems - ratherthan with games. Contact TomGraves at: 19a West End, Somer-set, BA16 OLQ.
Medical Mibro Users Group. Setup to enable medical micro usersto locate programs alreadywritten in their field by othermedics. Newsletters and meetingin the pipeline - contact P.J.V.Dixon, c/o MEDICOM, 1-2Hanover Street, London Wl.
UK Pet Users Club. Contact:Commodore Systems Division,360 Euston Road, London NW13BL.
British TI Users' Club. A looseassociation of owners and users ofTexas Instruments programmablecalcs, the club exists for thepurposes of information andprogram exchange (and is in noway sponsored by TI). The mainactivity is production of a(roughly) monthly newsletter andmembership costs £5.50. Detailsfrom 2 Woodside Crescent,Clayton, Newcastle-under-Lyme,Staffs ST5 4BW.
ZX80 Users Club. Si -monthlynewsletter. Low cost software.Technical support. Subscription£6 (UK), £10 (overseas). Contact:D. Blagden, PO Box 159,
Surrey,KT2
upon Thames, urrey,KT2 5UQ. (s.a.e. for furtherinformation).
COMP 80 Users Group. Monthlynewsletter. Annual subscription£5. Contact: Philip L. Probetts,50, Cromwell Road, Wimbledon,London, SW19 8LZ.
National Personal Computer UsersAssociation. Full membershipnow costs £8.00, but you'llreceive a free datasheet of specialroutines for the UK101 /Super -board on enrolment (routinesinclude a fast Basic line renumber-er only four lines long). For detaildetails send an SAE to: TheSecretary, NPCUA, 11 SpratlingStreet, Manston, Ramsgate,Kent.
Powertran Users Club. Annualsubscription £5.00, which inclu-des a monthly newsletter. ContactMr P L Probetts, 50 CromwellRoad, Wimbledon, London SW198LZ.
Acorn Atom User Group. Setup for interchange of software& hardware tips. Membershipcosts £4 pa inc. access to programlibrary & free newsletter. Groupsupported by but independentof Acorn Computers. Contact:T G Meredith, "Sheerwater",Yealm View Rd, Newton Ferrers,S. Devon.National T158/59 Club: bi-monthly newsletter, programexchange etc. Annual sub £5.50or, if you include a program withyour cheque then it's £3.50.Contact: R M Murphy, Dept.of Electronic Engineenng,University College Swansea,S. Wales.
Sharp User Group: Sub £3.p.a., inc newsletter and freeSpace Invaders cassette forMZ-80K. Contact: KnightsTV & Computers, 108Rosemount Place, Aberdeen.Tel 0224 630526.Sorcerer Program ExchangeClub; Contact Colin Morle, 32Watchyard Lane Formby, Nr.Liverpool L37 3JU, Tel070 48 72137.
SOUTHSouthern Users of PETs Associat-ion. Free membership, meet firstWed, each month. 21.50 for
USER GROUPS INDEX IRECTccess
monthly newsletter. Contact:42 Compton Road, BrightonBN1 SAN.
NORTHWEST
Amateur Computer Club - Northwest group. Meetings 1st and 3rdThursdays monthly at St. Peter'sChaplaincy, Precinct Centre,Oxford Rd., Manchester. Contact:Jane Lomas, 9 Crescent Court,Alderfield Rd.,Chorlton,Manchester, M21 1JX. Tel: 061881 1933.
TRS 80 - North West Group.Subscription £5. Newsletter £3(for 6 issues). Meetings lastWednesday monthly (not Dec) atthe Stag Hotel, Carswood, Nr.Wigan. Contact: Melvyn D.Franklin, 40 Cowlees,Westhoughton, Bolton, BL5 3EG.Tel: 0942 812843.
Northwest Computer Club.Fortnightly meetings. 25pattendance fee. No subscriptions.Contact: John Lightfoot, 135,Ashton Drive, Frodsham,Warrington. Cheshire, WA6 7PU.Tel: 092841519.
IRELAND
Computer Education Society ofIreland. A voluntary organisationthat consists of a national bodyand an expanding number of localbranches. Their brief is tomonitor computer education inIreland.National CESI (£3 p.a.) -Dairmuid McCarthy, 7 St. Kevin'sPark, Kilmacud, Blackrock, Co.Dublin. Cork branch (£1 extra) -Michael Moynihan, Colaiste anSpioraid Naomh, Bishopstown,Cork. Dublin branch (£1.50extra) - Jim Walsh, C.B.S. Naas,Co. Kildare. Limerick branch (£1extra) - Sr. Lourda Keane,Convent F.C.J., Laurel Hill,Limerick. Waterford branch (£1extra) - Mr. Hugh Dobbs,Newtown School, Waterford.Kilkenny branch (£1 extra) Sr.Helen Lenehan, PresentationSecondary School, Kilkenny.WALES
Gwent Amateur Computer Club.Covering the Gwent and Cardiffareas, the club has its owncomputer room and technicallibrary. Meetings are held once aweek on Wednesdays at 10 ParkPlace, Newport. Contact IanHazell on 0633 277711 (officehours).
SCOTLAND
The Grampian Amateur ComputerSociety. They meet every 2ndMonday of the month at theHoliday Inn, Bucksburn,Aberdeen and there's a monthlynewsletter. For more details,contact M. Basil, Orton Cottage,Burnside, Lumphanan, Kincardine-shire, Grampian Region (033 983284).
Scottish Amateur ComputerSociety. Meets first Wed. eachmonth in the Claremont Hotel,Claremont Crescent, Edinburgh,at about 7.30 pm. Contact:Alastair MacPherson (Secretary),6 Curriehill Castle Drive, Salerno,Edinburgh 14.
AVON
Bristol Computing Club, £3.00p.a. Meetings 3rd Wednesday,monthly. Contact: Leo Wallis, 6Kilbirnie Rd., Bridge FarmEstate, Bristol, BS14 OHY. Tel:Bristol 832453.Brunel Technical CollegeComputing Club. The club dividesinto two sections... the "skilled"and the "not skilled". They sharealternate Wednesdays at theCollege. Contact: S.W. Rabona at18 Castle Road, Worle, Weston-Super-Mare, Avon, BS22 9JW(0934 513068).Compukit User Club. Details,contact P. Crabb Esq., 21 JonesClose, Yatton, Avon (0934834808).
BERKSHIRE
The Thames Valley AmateurComputer Club. Meetings are onthe first Thursday of every monthand from November on, that willbe at "The Southcote", SouthcoteLane, off the Bath Road,Reading, Berks. Starting time,7.00pm. Contact: Brian Quarm(Camberley 22186) OR BrianSteer (Slough 20034).
BUCKS
Would anyone interested insetting up an Apple Users Groupin the Bucks/Berks area contact:Steve Proffitt, Tel: 01-759 5511ext 7298 (day), or Marlow73074 eves or w/ends.
CLEVELAND
Cleveland Micro Computer UsersGroup. Adult Meetings 3rdTuesday monthly, under 18s -2nd ,Tuesday, Yearly subscription£2 ((18), £3 (18-21), £5 (21+),Journal. Contact: J. Telford,13, Weston Crescent, Norton,Cleveland.
CORNWALL
Anyone interested in forming acomputer club in Cornwallcatering mainly for PET, ZX80and UK 101 computers shouldcontact: M F Grove, 35 CausewayHead, Penzance, Cornwall.
DEVONSHIRE
Exeter and District AmateurComputer Club. General meetings2nd Tuesday monthly, specialistmeetings 3rd or 4th Tuesday.£5.00 p.a. Contact: Doug Bates, 3Station Road, Pinhoe, Exeter,Devon.
Plymouth and District AmateurComputing Club. Subscription£5.00 p.a. Meetings lastWednesday monthly. Contact:Keith Gould, c/o JAD Ltd., 21Market Ave., Plymouth 62616 or2 Brook Rd., Ivybridge 2399.
COUNTY DURHAM
Computer Club. Business &Word Processor section meetsFridays 7.30, Scientific &Recreational Saturdays 10.00.Contact: L. Boxell, 8 VaneTerrace, Darlington. Tel: 032567766.Northeast PETS. Contact: JimCocallis, 20 Worcester Road,Newton Hall Estate, Durham.They meet the 2nd Monday ofeach month for software tuitionand the 3rd Monday for hardwaretuition (both in addition tonormal activities). They start at7.00pm and meet in the PET Lab,Newcastle Polytechnic, EllisonBuilding, Newcastle upon Tyne.
EAST ANGLIAAnglia Computer User Group.Contact Jan Reizl, 128Templemere, Sprowston Road,Norwich NR3 4EQ.
EAST MIDLANDSEast Midlands TRS-80 Indep-endent User Group. Free news-letter from Mike Costello, 17Langbank Avenue, Rise Park,Nottingham NG5 5BU.
ESSEX
TRS80 User Club (Chelmsford).Now part of the National TRS80User Club. Contact: MichaelDean, 22 Roughtons, Galleywood,Chelmsford, Essex.
The Colchester MicroprocessorGroup. Meetings held at theUniversity of Essex on the secondand fourth Wednesdays of eachmonth - 7.30 pm start.Membership is open to all, onPayments of £5 annual sub (£1 forfull-time students). Contact: theInformation Centre at theUniversity on the evening of themeeting.
Compukit User Club. Details,contact Adrian Waters, 117Haynes Road, Hornchurch, EssexRM11 2HX (Hornchurch 40490).
Springfield Computer Club.Special interest in Sorcerer butbeginners and others welcome.Meetings 1st Friday monthly.Contact: Stephen Cousins, 1,Aldeburgh Way, Springfield,Chelmsford, Essex CM1 5P8.Tel: 0245 50155.
South East Essex ComputerSociety. Meets monthly at theSouthend-on-Sea College of Tech-nology, has access to the college'smicros. and is open to anyoneover 14. Contact: R Knight,128 Lt. Wakering Road, Lt.Wakering Southend-on-Sea,Essex. Tel: Southend 218456.
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Cheltenham Amateur ComputerClub. Meetings, 4th Wednesdaymonthly, 7.30pm start.Contact: Mr, M. Pullin, 45 Mere -stones Drive The Park, Chelten-ham, GL50 2SU (Cheltenham25617).
HAMPSHIRE
Southampton Amateur ComputerClub. Meets 8 pm 2nd Wed eachmonth (not July - Sept) atMedical Science Building, BassettCres. East, Southampton. £3 pa,OAP, & students £2. Newsletter& special int. groups; 2 yrs old,80 members soon setting upanother club in Portsmouth area.Contact: P G Dorey, DeptPhysiology, The University,Southampton S09 3TU or AndyLow, Tel: (0703) 555 605 ext 34.
HERTFORDSHIREHarpenden Microprocessor Group.They hold meetings everyfortnight, cover a wide range ofinterests and attract membersfrom the area around Luton, St.Albans and Welwyn. Contact:David James, 5 Ox Lane,Harpenden, Herts AL5 4HH(05827 5366).
ISLE OF WIGHT
IoW TRS-80 Users Club: Meetseach Friday at 8 pm at 72 UnionStreet, Ryde. Contact: Mr M RCollins, 3 Altofts Gardens,Ventnor, IoW.
KENT
MACRO (Medway AmateurComputer & Robotics Organisat-ion). Meets monthly, sub £3.Contact: Mrs Christine Webster,13 Ladywood Road, Cuxton,Rochester, Kent Tel: 0634 78517
North Kent Amateur ComputerClub. Meetings, the secondTuesday of each month - usuallyat the Charles Darwin School, JailLane, Biggin Hill, Kent. The sub is£2.50 per annum (El forstudents). More members areneeded..* contact: Barry Biddiesat 3 Acer Road, Biggin Hill, Kent(09594 71742).LANCASHIRE
Merseyside Microcomputer Group.Several sub -groups including:380Z User's Group (Alan Pope on051-924 2470); ComputerEducation Society (Mr M. Trotteron 051-652 1596); SC/MP SpecialInterest Group (Bob Perrieo on051-677 6716); PET Specialinterest Group; 6800 and 77/68Special Interest Group; AppleSpecial Interest Group. TheSecretary is John Stout of theDept. of Architecture, LiverpoolPolytechnic, 53 Victoria Street,Liverpool Ll 6EY (051-2360598).North Lancs User Group. ContactJohn Robinson, 12 Harold Ave.,Blackpool, Lancashire.
PCW 121
USER GROUPS INDEXLEICESTERSHIREThe Leicestershire PersonalComputer Club. Meetings held the2nd Monday in each month, atLeicester University andLoughborough Universityalternately. They start 7pm.Membership is £2 per annum (£1for under 16s). Contact: MissJill Olorenshaw (Club Secretary)c/o Arden Data Processing,Municipal Buildings, CharlesStreet, Leicester (0533 22255)OR Mr Dick Foden (ClubChairman) at 11 Gaddesby Lane,Rearsby, Leicester.LINCOLNSHIRE
Lincolnshire MicroprocessorSociety. Various meeting places.For up-to-date information,contact the Hon Sec, Mr EricBooth, Senior Common Room,Bishop Grosseteste College,Newport. Lincoln.LONDONWest London Personal ComputerClub. Meets first Tues. eachmonth at Willesden TechnicalCollege. Also visits, special int.groups, demos, problem surgeries.Contact: Graham Brain, 81 RydalCres, Perivale Middx, Tel:01-997 8986Southgate Computer Club. Theclub recently held its AGMand adopted a formal constitu-tion. Annual subscription willbe £2.50 from January 1981,including a club newsletter;full-time students under 18pay half -cost. The club now has83 members. Contact: PanosKoumi, Southgate ComputerClub, 33 Chandos Avenue,London N14.East London Amateur ComputerClub. Meetings 3rd Tuesdaymonthly. £2.50 p.a. (V.:price toschool students). Contact: Dr.Graham Crisp, 45 Leadale Ave,Chingford, London E4 8AX.Tel: 01-520 6010.The North London HobbyComputer Club General meetingsheld on a Wednesday evening,once a month - specialised topicson three evenings each week.Location: The Polytechnic ofNorth London. Contact: RobinBradbeer (Chairman) at the Dept,of Electronic and Communica-tions Engineering, Polytechnic ofN. London, Holloway, N7 8DB(01-607 2789).
SELMIC (South East LondonMicrocomputer Club). £5subscription. Meetings fortnightlyat Thames Polytechnic. Contact:John Williamson, 129 GreenvaleRd., Eltham Park, London SE91PG Tel: 01-850 4195
Croydon micro/small computergroup. Contact Vernon Gifford,111 Selhurst Road, London SE256LH.
LONDON & SOUTH EAST
Sharp MZ-80K User Group.Contact: Joe L.P. Seet, 16,Elmhurst Drive, Hornchurch,Essex, RM11 1PE. Tel: 0402442905.
MIDDLESEX
Sunbury Amateur ComputerClub. Membership free. ContactMr S N Taylor, 8 Priory Close,Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex.TW16 5AB. Tel: Sunbury 86649.
Harrow Computing Group. Meet-ings on alternate Wednesdays at7pm in room G43 of HarrowCollege of Higher Education.They welcome anyone with aninterest in computers - with orwithout a machine. Membershipis free. For further informationcontact Bazyle Butcher, 16 St.Peter's Close Bushey Heath,Herts WD2 3'LG (01-950 7068).
IPUG setting up in Teddington.Interested? Contact: G. Squibb,108, Teddington Park Road,Teddington, Middlesex.
NORTHANTS
Anybody interested in forming amicrocomputer users club inthe Towcester (S. Northants)area, please contact R J Wellsted,20 Hampton Court Close, AbbeyChase, Towcester, Tel:Towcester 51354 eves.
OXFORDSHIRE
Oxfordshire MicrocomputerClub. £5.00 p.a. Contact: S. C.Bird, 139 The Moors, Kidlington,Oxford OX5 2AF Tel: Kidlington(08675) 6703.
Microsoc the Oxford Universitymicro group holds sharedmeetings with the OxfordMicrocomputer Club. Contact:M. Bourla, St. John's College,Oxford.
SURREY
Richmond Computer Club. Heldthe second Monday of eachmonth at the RichmondCommunity Centre (20p permeeting), members have the useof a good range of equipment.Contact: Robert Forster,18a The Barons, St. Margarets,Twickenham, Middx (01-8921873).Surrey Microprocessor Society.(SUMPS) Covering Surrey plusbits of South London and otheradjacent counties. Anyoneinterested in joining, call Mike on01-642 8362.
SUSSEX
A Crawley computer club hasrecently been formed, open toanyone interested in personalcomputing, with or withoutcomputing facilities. The inten-tion is to hold meetings weekly,and publish a monthly or bi-monthly newsletter. Details,contact either Mr J. Fieldhouse,18 Seaford Road, Broadfield,Crawley, West Sussex (Crawley542509) - or - Mr J. M.Clarke, 31 Hyde Heath Court,Pound Hill, Crawley, WestSussex (Crawley 884207)
TYNE AND WEAR
Newcastle-upon-Tyne PersonalComputer Society: meets firstTues each month in Room D103,Newcastle Poly technic. Over 60members sub £5.00. Several sub-groups inc. PET, TRS-80 andS100 (last one meets weekly).Contact Pete 0632 573905 orJohn on 0632 579887.
WARWICKSHIRE
ACC (Midland) Group. They meetevery 3rd Saturday in room P109at Lanchester College, Coventry
. no sub, no magazine. Contact:Roy Diamond (Chairman), 27Loweswater Road, Coventry,Warks (0203 454061).
WEST MIDLANDSResearch Machines 380Z. WestMidlands User Group. Furtherdetails from: Peter Smith,Birmingham EducationalComputing Centre, Camp HillTeachers Centre, Stratford Road,Birmingham, B11 lAR. Tel: 021772 6534.
West Midlands AmateurComputer Club. Meets the 2nd &4th Tuesday of each month,usually at Elmfield School, LoveLane, Stourbridge, West Midlands.Annual sub is £3 (£2 if full timestudent)... visitors welcomedwithout obligation. For moreinformation contact John Traceyof 100 Booth Close, Kingswinford,West Mids (0384 70097).
Compukit User Club. Details,contact S.H. Grisvenor Esq., 11Bernard Road, Oldbury, Warley,West Midlands (021-422 3298).YORKSHIREShipley College Computer Group(Sorcerer/6800). They meetTuesdays (software) andWednesdays (hardware/advanced)between 7.00 & 9.00 pm. ContactPaul Channell on Shipley 595731.West Yorkshire MicrocomputerGroup. Formed following aninaugural meeting on October23rd, a varied diary of events hasbeen drawn up. For detailscontact the Chairman, PhillipClark, Care Computer Services, 15Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL(0532 450667) OR the Secretary,Keith Knaggs, Price Waterhouse& Co., Leeds (0532 448741).
South Yorkshire Personal Compu-ting Group. Meetings are on thesecond Wednesday of each monthin Room F135, St. Georges Build-ing, Sheffield University. Expertsand beginners welcomed alike,contact Paul Sanderson (Secre-tary), 8 Vernon Road, Totley,Sheffield S17 3QE (0742)351895.
Penine & District Computer Club.Open at both 26 and 51 Mill Hey,Haworth, W. Yorks. each Sat &Sun 10am to 10pm. Systems,books, magazines, members'shop. Contact: club at w /endson Haworth 43007 or chairman,Douglas Bryant, on Bradford569660.
DIARY DATA
Bradford, England (Norfolk Gardens Hotel) Business Efficiency Exhibition. ContactGwen Shillaber Design, 0272 312850
Oct 21 - Oct 23
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Int Exhib. of Consumer Electronic ApparatusContact: Interfama, 177 Brighton Rd, S. Croydon CR2 5EG
Oct 21 - Oct 25
Manchester, England (Forum) BIZTRONIC. Mini/Micro Computers, Word Processors andBusiness Machines Exhibition. Contact Groundrule Exhibition Co.,061-928 0406
Oct 21 - Oct 26
Essen, W. Germany Int Computer - aided Production Exhib.Contact: TMA Technische Messen & Ausstellungen AG,Delsbergerallee 38, CH -4018 Basle, Switzerland.
Oct 28 - Nov 1
London, England (West Centre Hotel) Professional Viewdata Exhibition. Contact IPCExhibitions Ltd., 01-837 3636 Oct 29 - Oct 31
London, England (Olympia) COMPEC. Computer Peripheral & Small Computer Systems Nov 4 - Nov 6Exhibition and Conference. Contact IPC Exhibitions Ltd., 01-837 3636.
Cardiff, England (Sophia Gardens) BEX. Business Equipment Exhibition. Contact Douglas Nov 5 - Nov 6Temple Studios Ltd., 0202 20533
London, England (Wembley Conf. Centre) Video Tradex Int. ExhibContact: Link House Magazines, Link House,Dingwall Ave, Croydon
Nov 18 - Nov 21
Birmingham, England (NEC) Which Computer? Show. Contact Clapp & PoliakEurope Ltd., 01-995 4806
Nov 25 - Nov 28
Brighton, England (Metropole Exhib. Hall) Semiconductor Int. ExhibContact: Kiver Communications SA,171/185 Ewell Rd, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 6AX
Nov 25 - Nov 27
London, England (Royal Hort. Hall) BreadboardContact: Modmags Ltd, 145 Charing Cross Road,London WC2H OEE
Nov 26 - Nov 31
122 PCW
MAKING ANIMPAContinued from page 97
signal connection is to pin 3.This arrangement is satisfactory at
baud rates up to 300, because 300 baudis not a particularly high frequencysignal. For higher speeds quite differentarrangements are needed because thesimple interface makes no provision for`handshake' signals. The printer uses abuffer into which signals are fed fromthe computer and from which the printertakes bytes in sequence until the bufferis empty. At 300 baud you'll never over-load the buffer but at higher speedsthere's a risk of pushing data in fasterthan it can be taken out. A signal fromthe printer (buffer full) can be used tohalt the computer temporarily untilthere is buffer space; this needs an extralead. As it happens, this would not bedifficult to implement on the TRS-80,since the control signals are available atthe expansion interface output but Ihaven't tried this...yet. The main diffi-culty is the silly one of trying to gethold of a suitable edge connector,since I have a horror of wires held onby paper-clips and Blutak! LocalTandy stores never seem to have anyconnectors to fit!
A short program for operating theprinter at 300 baud is shown in Figure5. This is a strictly utilitarian program
with no provision for trimmings likedumping whatever appears on thescreen to the printer. Since I muchprefer to use one cassette load perprogram, I always transform machine -code programs into Basic ones, using alittle program (available from AJ Hard-ing, Molimerx) which converts themachine code bytes into a Basic DATAline. The POKE instructions then placethe bytes into the correct part of mem-ory, and place this address into the sec-tion of RAM which is used to contain theaddresses of the printer, screen and key-board routines. The Basic routine can bemade to delete itself after poking themachine -code in place and can beincorporated into any other program,provided that the appropriate lines areleft for it. An alternative, which doesnot require MEMORY SIZE to be set,is shown in the latest editions of theTRS-80 Level II manuals.
The TRS-80 and the IMP are nowdoing what they ought to, apart fromthe curious appearance of a 'line -shift'.The IMP prints bi-directionally exceptwhen the lines are very long. On a longprint session, such as when I disassembledthe ROM, the lines which were printedright -to -left started to slip leftwards.After 200 lines, the slip was one -chara-cter, but when the slip got to fivecharacters, I turned it off becauseaddresses were disappearing off theedge of the paper. As the printer neverdoes this until it has been running forsome time, it looks very much like anover -heating problem somewhere ratherthan any constructional or electronicfault; a few air vents over the two 10 Wresistors might help.
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71:794
7 Fr .;.7
210 CC1:12:102
Li
C A LI.
So OF C, 01.1-1
2 :1.11
ELCO MPBooks
and
4K
PET. TRS
Care and Feeding of the Commodore PET
Eight chapters exploring PET hardware. Includes repairformation Programming tricks and schematicsOrder No. 150
8K Microsoft BASIC Reference ManualAuthoritative reference manual for the original Microsoftdeveloped for Altair and later computers includingOSI owners please take note'Order No. 151
Expansion Handbook for 6502 and 6802
interfacing in
$11.00
and 8K BASIC80. and OSI
S 9.95
(544 Card Manual) Describes all of the 4 5 x 6 5 44 pin S 44 cards inclRAM, ROM. dig I/0. MUX/A to D. EPROM Frog etc With schematics aridfunct descriptions A must for every KIM. SYM and AIM ownerOrder No. 152 S 9.95
Microcomputer Application NotesReprint of Intels most important application notes. including 2708. 8085.8255. 8251 chips. Very necessary for the hardware buffOrder No. 153 S 9.95
Complex Sound GenerationNew. revised applications manual for the Texas Instruments SN 76477Complex Sound Generator Circuit board available ($8 95)Order No. 154 S 6.95Small Business ProgramsComplete programs for the business user Mailing List. Inventory. InvoiceWriting and much more Introduction into Business Applicatrons Manylistings
Order No. 156 , $14.90
The First Book of Ohio Scientific, Vol. IContains an introduction to personal computers and describes the OhioScientific Line Contains explanatory diagrams block. hook up. expansion. tricks. hints and many interesting ',stings Hardware and software information not previously available in one compact source 192 pagesOrder No. 157 S 7.95The First Book of Ohio Scientific, Vol. IIVol II contains very valuable information about Ohio Scientific mrcrocompuler systems Introduction to OS 65D and OS65 U. networking and distabuted processing. systems specifications. business applications.. hardand software hints and tipsOrder No. 158 S 7.95Mailing List Program for Challenger CI /C2 8KOrder No. 2004 Personal Version S 9.95Order No. 2005 . Business Version S 9.95Ohio Scientific Expansion InformationConversion of CIP (Cassette) to 52.26 display Detailed step by step instruchons for doubling the CIP speed and display sthe'Order No. 1105 $12.00Important Software for CBM 166/326Most powerful Editor/Assembler for Commodore CAM 1632K on cassetteVery last-- Editor divides screen into 3 parts. Scrolling text window. 24direct commands 19 serial commands. status and error messages Assembler can be started directly from the editor or from the I IM monitorTranslates in three passes If an error is encountered, automatic return tothe editor Cassette with DEMOOrder No. 3276 $69.00ATTENTION APPLE USERS
Same as above for Apple II or Apple II plusOrder No. 3500 $89.00
MONIANAil makes Machine Language Programming easy!In every Commodore CBM there is a spare ROM socket waiting for itsMONIANA' 1 The new MONIANA1 Machine language Monitor in ROMoffers more user guidance and debugging aids than any other monitoravailable today It is indispensable for anyone intending to take lull advantage of the computers features Trace link disassemble dump relocute line assemble and much more Every command function has demand printout option Price includes extensive manualOrder No. 2001 598.00NINA -Monitor on cassette for the PETSimilar to MONTANA I very powerfulOrder No. 2002 529.00
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PCW 123
MICROMARTTRS-80, NASCOM, OTHER Z80
SYSTEMSRS232C SERIAL INTERFACE - crys-tal controlled, baud rates up to 19200,bi-directional, full handshake, etc. Suit.able for connecting to modern, serialprinter (4 additional signals available;CSR, DSR, CD, RI), other computers.Port addresses selectable, TRS-80. Ex-pansion Interface NOT required. Corn-plete kit E68, including cable and plusfor keyboard unit and upper/lower casevideo modification details.
PRINTER INTERFACE BOARD- runthe Nascom Micro Imp printer from theTRS-80 (Expansion Interface not neces-sary). Handshake capability, run up to9600 baud. The cheapest dot matrix,plain paper, 80 col. printer for theTRS-80. Interface board ready built £30,including cable and plus for keyboardunit and upper/lower case video moddetails.
LOGIC PROBE - build yourself a reallyoogd logic probe. Complete kit E12.
For further details of the above, send alarge stamped addressed envelope to:SCALE ENGINEERING, 6 GOSSBARTON, MAILSEA, AVON BS19 2XC
N.2. Prices include VAT & postage
BUILDING RAMS?
Why waste time hand -wiring RAMS?This 5.3x2.5 inch professional platedthru PCB mounts on your prototypingboard, looking like an 8K byte TTLcompatible static RAM. 13 address lines,8 data I/O, write enable, 2 ",n ""u 1positive card selects.
Assembled with sockets, pins and caps,just plug in 16 2114's and 1 74LS138£21. Bare board £15, no VAT,postpaid.P. G. HINCH,56H NORRIS HILL DRIVE,HEATON NORRIS, STOCKPORT,CHESHIRE/
CHEAP PRINTPrinter, interface, software (output routines),even paper. All you need for print from your
NASCOM or TRITONThese are surplus printers, completely rebuiltto like new by the GPO factory, with all partssubject to wear replaced with new, fitted withinterface, tested and guaranteed. Character set-
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXY Z1234567890-'?..,`Y,.
Impact print with proper tYpe, not dot matrix.Accepts typing paper or 8 V: inch rolls.
Sarnple letter SAE, or send a cheque to -lobo Davidson
Littlefield HawlingCheltenham Gloucestershire GL54 5SZ
State computer and monitor used (any NASCOM or Triton),
£58.50Plus carriage, (USUALLY £9 in South and Midlands),
SUPERBOARD IISTILL the best value in Home Compu-ters. Just compare the features:
* 8K floating point BASIC in ROM* Full ASCII keyboard* Standard cassette/TV interface* RS232 printer interface* 4K user RAM* Expandable to 32K and dual mini -
floppy* pull range of OHIO Computers
carried.AVAILABLE NOW FROM:C.T.S,31/33 Church StreetLittleboroughLancs OL15 8DA
PLEASE RING OR WRITE FORLATEST PRICES.
TEL: LITTLEBOROUGH (0706) 74342or 79332 ANYTIME
33 7F9A 21DE00 LD HLyOODEH34 7F9D 213 DLY1g DEC HL35 7F9E ;C. LD AyH36 7F9F B5 OR L
37 7FA0 20FB JR NZyDLY138 7FA2 Fl ROUND: POP AF39 7FA3 1F RRA40 7FA4 F5 PUSH AF41 7FA5 300F JR NCyOUT142 7FA7 2102FC LD HLy0FCO2H43 /FAA 180F JR OUT244 7FAC 0E03 LNEDg LD Cy03H45 7FAE AF CRTNg XOR A46 7FAF OD DEC C
47 7FB0 2302 JR ZyZERO48 7FB2 lam JR AGAIN49 7FB4 132D ZERO: JR OUT450 7FB6 C600 OUT1g ADD Ay0OH51 /FB8 2101FC LD HLy0FC01H52 7FBB CD2102 OUT2g CALL 0221H53 7FBE 21DE00 LD HLyOODEH54 7FC1 2B DLY2g DEC HL55 7FC2 7C LD AyH56 7FC3 B5 OR L
57 7FC4 20FB JR NZyDLY258 7FC6 10DA DJN2 ROUND
S 59 7FC0 11DE00 LD BEyOODEHe 60 7FCB CB4A BIT lyD
61 7FCD 230B JR zyOUT362 71 -CF 2102FC LD HLy0FCO2H63 7FD2 CD2102 CALL 0221H64 7FD5 18 DLY3g DEC DE65 7FD6 7A LD AyD66 7FD7 B3 OR E
67 7FDS 20FB JR NZyDLY368 7FDA Fl OUT3g POP AF69 7FDB Fl POP AF70 7FDC FEOD CP ODH71 7FDE 28CC JR ZyLNFD72 7FE0 B7 OR A
73 7FE1 28CB JR ZyCRTN74 /FL.3 Cl OUT4g POP BC75 7FE4 212940 LD HLy4029H76 7FE7 35 DEC (HL)77 7FE8 2006 JR NZ, OUT576 7FEA El POP HL79 7FEB Fl POP AF80 /Tu. 3L0D LD AyODH31 7FEE 1895 JR RELOAD02 7FF0 El OUT5g POP HL33 7FF1 Fl POP AF04 7FF2 C9 RET35 ORG 7FF3H06 7FF3 CDE303 CALL 03E3H27 7FF6 67 L8 H,A80 7FF7 015000 LD BCy0050H39 7FFA CD6000 CALL 0060H90 7FFD 7C LD AyH91 7FFE C9 RET92 END
Fig 5 Assembler listing of the print driver software. The section from 7F64H to7F79H initialises the driver addresses (a keyboard delay is incorporated in theprogram). The print routine is from 7F7AH to 7FF2H and the section from7FF3H onwards is the keyboard delay for key debouncing and slowing down thescrolling speed.
I 2,1 l'ClV
2 FOR 1.32634 TO 22766 : READ ,1 : POKE: 1 r J ;NEXT : POKE 1:>422 r 122 : P01 -.J; 1642:3,12 :FOR N=16480 TO 164E2 :READJ :POKEN r J : NEXT :POKE: 1f.,52.6 r 96 : POKE:16527 ,64:FRI NT USF( 0 )3 CLS:PRINT0225 r "PLEASE ENTER CHAR:ACTER2/LINE ( UP TO 00 )" ; : INPUT C: POKE::
32629 r C: POKE 32650 r C: PR INT TATA 13 )"PLEASE ENTER DELAY ( 0 TO 255 )" ; : INPI..1T C:POKE 32761pG5 REM NEW PROGRAM STARTS HERE5000 DATA243,121r254,13,40,5,254r32,211,r24,7,229,33,41,64,54172,225r:745v 229,197,6,9,55,245,2.45 r 33,1,252,205,33,2,33,222, Or 43,124r 181,32,251r 241931,545,48,15r 33 r2,252r 24,15,14,3,175,13,40,2,24,219,24,45,190, 0 r::::21 e w252,205 r 33,2,33,222r0r 43,1245001 DATA101 t32r 251,16 r 218,17r 222,0,203,74,40 r lir 33,2,252 r 205 v 33,2,27.122 v 179 r 32r251,241r 241 r 254r 13,40,204 v 112r 40 r 20.3 r 192 r:33r 41 r 64154 22r 6,225r_41 r 62,13r 249149,225.2.41,201,205,227r 3r103,1,80r0r 205r 96 v 0,124,201,229r.,3r-43e1.7,34,22,64,225,201
Fig 6 The serial printer and delay routine in Basic. The conversion from machinecode to the DATA lines was done using a short program from A J Harding.
PCW SubSet, continued from page 91
LD (DE),A ; character zero 12RET ; and return C9
BFSN2: RLD ; get high nibble (HL) in A ED 6FCP 30H ; check if zero FE 30CALL Z,BFSN3 ; if so check last ASCII CC YY YYLD (DE),A ; store ASCII 12INC DE ; point to next destination 13SET 4,A ; restore high nibble of A CB E7RET ; and return C9
BFSN3: DEC DE ; point to previous ASCII 1BLD A, (DE) ; get it in A lACP 20H ; check if space FE20INC DE ; point to current destination 13RET Z ; return if space C8LD A,30H ; else put zero in A 3E 30RET ; and return
Datasheet;= ASCNO - ASCII to 16 -bit binary conversion;/ "ASCNO" - level 0, class 2;/ - level 1, class 1 if NUMCH and CMPL are separate;/ routines in the library;/ TIME CRITICAL?: No;/ Converts a string of ASCII characters, in the range +32767;/ to -32767, into a 2s complement binary number. The string;/ may be preceded by a + or --- sign and is terminated by any;/ character outside the range 30H to 39H. If there is no sign,;/ a positive number is assumed.;/ ACTION: HL zero;/ A (DE) repeated;/ HL 10*HL +A until A;/ DE DE + 1 non -numeric;/ INPUT: DE points to the first character of an ASCII string;/ OUTPUT: If the ASCII string is valid, the 2s complement;/ equivalent is in HL and the carry is set.;/ If the first character of the ASCII string (after;/ any sign) is not numeric HL = 1 and the carry is set.;/ If overflow occurs, there is a jump to an error;/ routine (not provided).;/ REGs USED: AF, DE, BC and HL;/ STACK USE: 4;/ LENGTH: 61;/ SUBr DEPENDENCE: None ord NUMCH, CMPL and ERR1 when they are separate;/ routines in the library;/ INTERFACES: None;/ 8080 COMPATIBLE? NoASCNO: LD A, (DE) ; get first character 1A
CP "+ FE 2BJR Z,AN1 28 08CP FE 2DJR NZ,AN2 20 05LD HL,CMPL ; if -ye no. 21 YY YYPUSH HL ; return through CMPL E5
AN1: INC DE 13AN2: LD HL,1 ; default = 1 21 01 00
CALL NUMCH CD YY YYRET C ; if not number D8LD L,H ; HL = 0 6C
AN3: CALL NUMCH CD YY YYRET C D8
MICROIVILAITT-
The programplay -backdemonstrationfor connectingamplifier/below.
Min. 16KNas-sys/2graphics.,....OnlyNow youNASCOM.allows youhave funoctave rangetempos.rhythm
Comprehensiveamend notes.backwardswithin declared
VI
ct
Tune in toir NASCOM
with"MUSIC BOX"
.1 d iiincludes tape generating &
routines & is supplied with 2melodies & instructionsyour Nascom to an
speaker such as our unit drequired - please state 14 oror 4MHz/with or without
E13.95can make music witn
Easy to follow programto key in old favourites or
composing your own tunes, 7with staccato option. 9
Set note duration or tap inas required.
editing. Delete, insert orSingle-step forwards &
through tune. Add new linesarray size.
AUDIO INTERFACE BOARD & SPEA-KER - Compact & ready assembled, Send Chq/PO 45p/order P&P
or SAE for program catalog,suitable for ose with 'MUSIC BOX' & Tel. (05321 683186 trother 'sound effects' programs. 3 simpleconnechons. Complete with instructions PROGRAM POWERon programming for sounds.....E9.75 5 VVensley Road,
Leeds LS7 2LX
ENHANCED SUPERBOARD48x32 Display @ 2MHz(very fast basic) £225Standard Superboard(25x25) @ 1MHz £184Superboard UPGRADINGSERVICE £42OR KIT and FULL Instructions £27UK101/S'board METAL CASE £28Electrostatic paint finish andfittings.Quality software incs. SPACEINVADERS £4
NORTHERN PRICES INCMICRO ALL CHARGES29 Moorcroft Pk, TEL: HolmfirthNew Mill 1048489) 2062HUDDERSFIELD ANYTIMEF_ID7 7NH i
8141 Surplus toIndustrial Distributor's
requirementsCASH WITH ORDER - FIRST COME. FIRST SERVED.
Systems EquipmentINTEL INTELEC 4/40 (New) £450CDB150 Cassette Interface Controllers (New) £30Shuggart Disk Drive SA400 (New) £100115V (230V) Teletype 33 (Reconditioned) £150Components1/4 watt Carbon Film Resistors £2.40
various values per thousand0.33MF Polyester Caps (Siemens) £3.00
per hundredContact Mrs. R. Stephens on Sunbury 89241.Cramer Components.
NEW MICROSHOP. NOW OPEN
COMMODORE PETSuperpet, Printers, VVordpro, Compu-think, Mupet, Petsoft.
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COMPUTER SUPPLIES82 GOWER RD, SKETTYTEL: SWANSEA 290047
PCW 125
AAICROMARTPETS - We Sell Them
As authorised Commodore Dealers we stockand supply all PET Hardware., Computhink
Discs, Oki Microine 80 Decwriter LA34,Texas 810, Qume Sprint 5 - all at com-
petitive pricesPETS - We Buy Them
Part Exchange is very welcome, we alsobuy for cash.
PETS - We Hire ThemOur specialist hire service, with main-
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From 1 day upwards, all units available.Delivery by arrangement, anywhere in UK.
PETS - SoftwareWe are fully authorised BUSINESS SOFT-WARE DEALERS for Commodore Soft-
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MAIL - ORDERAll Hardware and Software can be boughtby Mail Order Delivery by Securicor, or
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127 High Street, Hampton Hill, Middlesex,TW12 1NJ 01-979 4546 or 01-941 1197
SHARP MZ-80K softwareSUPERB RANGE OF PROGRAMS INCLUDING
£5 MOON LANDER - Real time lunarlender. 5 sill levels. Superlative graphics/sound. (Complex program - requires10K available R AM.)
£4 COMPOSER - Play tunes via the key-board. See the notes you play. Replayyour compositions. Print music stringsfor future use.
£4 FOX & GEESE - Try to trap the com-puters fox with your geese - if youcan! 3 skill levels.
£4 MASTERMIND -- 3 skill levels. Soresconventionally. One or two players.
£4 BANK ACCOUNT - Input your regularincome/outgoings. See your cash flowover the next year in monthly state-ments.
£4 AUTOCROSS - Race your car home inreal time without crashing. 9 speeds. Riskthe shorter routes if you dare!Cash with order. All prices include P&P.Catalogues available.
" Vinyl dust covers for Sharp MZ-80K £5
tlIGHLIGEIT SOFTWARE76 St. Cyrus Road, Colchester C04 4LR
Telephone (0206)64437
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INC DE 13ADD HL,HL 29ADD A,L, 85LD C,A 4FLD A,H 7CADC A,0 CE 00LD B,A ; BC = 2*HL + number 47ADD HL,HL 29OR H B4ADD HL,HL ; 8*HL 29OR H B4ADD HL,BC ; 10*HL + number 09OR H ; bit 7, A=1=overflow B4JP M,ERR1 FA YY YYJR AN3 18 E9
;NUMCH CHAR IN (DE) TO NUM IN A,CY=NONENUMCH: LD A,(DE) 1A
SUB 30H ; <'0'? D6 30RET C ; if yes D8CP OAH ; >'9'? FE OACCF ; set CY if not numeric 3FRET C9
;CMPL 2s COMPLEMENTS HLCMPL: LD A,L 7D
CPL 2FLD L,A 6FLD A,H 7CCPL 2FLD H,A 67INC HL 23RET C9
;ERR1 YOUR OWN OVERFLOW ROUTINE, eg:ERR1: RST 28H ; to Nascom monitor to EF
DEFM /Overflow/ ; output message 4F 76 65 7266 6C 6F 77
DEFB OOH 00RET ; and return
Calculator Corner -continued frompage 99.
pseudo Op code in order to save mem- annotate a printed result with up toory usage, as these instructions (entered four alpha characters following thein Learn mode only by - RCL 82; printed value. In this case I have chosenRCL 04 (or 14) then deleting both the to print the value to the second place ofRCL Ops) put the value in the display decimals, and this restricts the annot-register into, or extract it from, one or ation to three letters. For convenience Iother of the eight pending operation have included the INV FIX instructionstack registers, first ensuring that some to return the calculator to standardother arithmetic function is not already mode. The next series of steps reformsthere! The number entered is therefore the numerical value to three places ofstored temporarily in stack register decimals and combines it with the printNo 4. Before starting, of course, the code before replacing the whole bag ofdata register to be used in this sequence tricks back in the selected data register.must have been loaded into data I have also printed out the final con -register No 00, and the three letter tents of the data register and it can besequence, in this case /FT with code seen that, depending on the number of632137 , and this is entered before- digits in the numerical part, all or somehand as .000632137 and stored in the of the alpha coding is visible. At anyData register whose number has been time the coding may be made visibleplaced in register No 00. by using the INV Int instruction.
Program steps 012 to 023 pull out Where memory capacity is underthe contents of this register and split off pressure the small additional programthe alpha coding making it an integral overhead of some 40 steps can be ben -value using the subroutine D'. Steps 024 eficial.to 031 use the Machine's facility to
PROGRAMS.
PET SKIby Jeff Aughton
We suggest that some PETs will need a K to 151.change in line 155. Change the value of
100 REM SKI - BY J. HUGHTON105 REM110 REM IN THE PRINT STATEMENT IN LINE115 REM 330 THE 3RD: 4TH, 9TH.. 10TH
126 PCW
PROGRAMS120 REM CHARACTERS MUST BE SHIFTED125 REM SPACES130 REM1:-...5 REM FOR A SLIGHTLY HARDER COURSE:
-
REM IN=.05:u2=b.2:LJ=4.4:u4=5.6145 REM REST STAY THE SAME150 REM155 GN=17:R=15:IN=.09:K=515:CR=88160 INPUT":WANT THE RULESONWOW;A$170 IFLEFTVAS,1)="Y"THENGOSUB640leo PRINT"ARATE YOURSELF AS A SKIER190 PRINT"O=DUMMY....10=KLAMMER11200 INPUT"YOUR RATING";SK210 IFSKCOTHENSK=0220 IFSK)10THENSK=10230 SK=(SK+1)/20240 C1=14.5:C2=6.3:C3=5.1:C4=1.9250 NO=ON±I'5P=40X=0:P=32788
140
e
260 H=0:G=0:Z=0270 PRINT"nON YOUR MARKS";280 TS=TI+1030-320*SK290 T=TI300 Y=INT(C1+C2+SIN(X)+C3*SIN(C4C4))310 Z=Z+1:IF2CRTHEN340320 Z=0:NG=NG-1:IFNG=0THEN500330 PRINTTAB(Y)".. I -1 ..":GOT0850340 PRINTTAB(Y)".. ..350 IFFEEK(P)).50THENG=G+1360 IFPEEK(P)=46THEN450370 POKEP,8:SP=SP-SK380 IFFEEK(K)=42THEND=-1:13070420390 I FPEEK ( K ) =41 THEND=1 : 0010420400 IFTI-T<SPTHENS80410 X=X+IN:00T0290420 POKEP,32:P=P+D430 IFPEEK(P)=46THEN450440 POKEP,8,GOT0400450 POKEP,42:H=H+1:SP=40460 GOSUB950470 D=-5:IFPEEK(R+10)=46THEND=5480 IFNGTHEN42U490 GOT0610.500 PRINTTAB(Y)"N FINISH510 T=TI TOKEP,32:P=P+40520 IFPEEK(P)=46THEN450530 IFFEEK(P)).120THEN960540 IFPEEK(P)>50THENG=G+1550 POKEP,8:SP=SP-SK560 PRINT"OS ";.1#INT<(TI-TS)/6)570 IFPEEK(K)=42THEND=-1:00T0610580 IFPEEK(K)=41THEND=+1:00T0610590 IFTI-T<SPTHEN560
e 600 GOT0510610 POKEP,82:P=P+D620 IFPEEK(P)=46THEN450
' 630 POKEP,8:001.0590640 PRINT"M"TAB(13)"OLYMPIC SKI PUNKA650 PRINT"YOU ARE THE H AT THE 0660 PRINT"TOP OF THE SCREEN.X670 PRINT"YOU SKI DOWN THE COURSE680 PRINT"USING THE KEYS: -X690 PRINT" 4 TO MOVE LEFTON700 PRINT" 6 TO MOVE RIGHT:AIN710 PRINT"HOLD THE KEY DOWN FOR";720 PRINT" GREATER MO'. EMENT.V730 PRINT"OTHER KEYS HAVE NO EFFECT740 GOSUB920750 PRINT"aTHERE ARE";GN:"GATES ALO";760 PRINT"NG THE COURSE AND YOU MU";770 PRINT"ST PASS BETWEEN THE FLAGS";780 PRINT" WITHOUT TOUCHING THEM.)790 PRINT"MISSING A GATE OR HITTING";800 PRINT" A FLAG INCURSM A 5-SECON",310 PRINT"D PENALTY WHICH IS ADDED";820 PRINT" TO AMOUR FINAL TIME.A830 GOSUB920840 PRINT"MS YOU MOVE DOWN THE COU"850 PRINT"RSE YOU WILL APCCELERA";360 PRINT"TE . HOWEVER,IF YOU CRASH";870 PRINT" YOU AINCUR A SMALL TIM";$80 PRINT"E PENALTY N AND @ YOU
0 890 PRINT"MESTART FROM THE MIDDLE ";900 PRINT"OF THE COURSE ATM SLOWER"910 FEINT" SEEED.91":RETURN920 PRINT"MFRESS SPACE TO CONTINUE930 GETAS:IFF0." "THEN930940 RETURN950 FORJ=0T01500:NEXT:RETURN960 T=.1*INT((TI-TS)/6)+54iG970 GOSUB950:PRINT"a4COURSE COMPLETEA980 PRINT"YOU CRASHED";H:"TIME/SA990 PRINT"YOU MISSED ";i3;"GATEISA1000 PRINT"YOUR FINAL TIME WAS":7
MICROMART
8K largeTractor Printer,
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16K from £475,
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PETSouthampton
keyboard
low
FloppyAll prices
hire
SUPER-VISION
HIRE
Weekly charges:£23, 32K £30,
Floppy Disk £30, Manuals,Games included.Commodore prices:
32K from £565, Printer £425,Disk £695include VAT
machines availableCommodore Dealer
13,St. James
TelephoneAfter
viotiRoad, Shirley,Southampton.
(0703) 774023Hours (0703) 554488
pHex
426Dual
416
480AllpowerThebuttonProgramSoftware8080,
PIO,Available
PricesSAE
UNION
PROGRAMMERS2508/2708/2758/2516/2716
and
2704/2708/2716
2704/2708
programmerssupplies.
426selection.
6800
PIA
inoludefor
MICROHEXSTREET,
EPROM
Single supply Eproms. £95
Dual on1y.E65
Kit £35. Built £40.
require only standard
& 416 are cased and have push-
any length block into the Eprom.included. Range covers Z80,and 6500. State machine.
INTERFACE MODULESfor 280/8080 and 6800/6500.
carriage. Please add VATfurther product information.
COMPUTERSTROWBRIDGE, WILTS..
NOW YOUR PET CAN DOALGEBRA and CALCULUS
as well as Arithmetic with newinteractiveALGULUS
Professionally developed byUniversity Lecturer and available
directly from him.E xample
DIST = 4 - 3.5 X + Xt3Differentiation:-
VEL -=- d DIST / dXPRINT 0.5*VEL*VEL
6.125 - 10.5 Xt2 + 4.5 Xt4 (output)Integration of VEL from 1 to X andfactorization: -
FACT 3X12 - 5X - 4V EL - 2$(1 ;X)VEL dX(9+2X) (1-X) (1+X) (output)The polynomial based system featuresaddition subtraction, multiplication, dif-ferentiation, integration (definate andindefinate), substitution of numericalvalues and factorization.
For further details send s.a.e.For cassette send £15 cheque payable to
D. J. Wright to: Dr 0 J Wright,Operational Research, Sussex University,
Brighton BN1 9R F, U.K.
PCW 127
MICROMART
EPROMPT ERASER
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A I C IV UT IE IFPHONE CHRIS ROBINSON ON
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0 MICROTYPE
READY .T CASE FOR SUPERBOARD8101 BASCOM I
IALSO AVAILABLE WITH BLANK KEYBOARDFOR HOINEBREW NASCONI T ETC I
PRODUCED IN BLACK ABS PLASTIC, COMPL FTE WITH SCREWS AND INSTRUCTIONSSPACE FOR EXPANSION FORCE FEED FAN NUMERIC PAO AND ADDITIONAL KEYSONLY E24 50 . f 1 50 P&P .VAT.SEND CHEQUES OR PO S FOR [29 90 TOMICROTYPE P.O.BOX 104 off HEMPSTEAD HERTS HP2 7O2SAE FOR DETAILS DEALER & nEm ENOUIRIES WELCOME
GAMES FORTRS80 LEVEL II
FIVE GAMES - £51. HANGMAN2. MINDMASTER3. ROCK ETCHASE4. 3-D NOUGHTS & CROSSES5. REACTION!ALL FIVE ORIGINAL GAMES FOR£5 INC P&P. SEND CHEQUE TO:
GREENASH SOFTWARE5 SEARLE WAY
EIGHT ASH GREEN,COLCHESTER, ESSEX
PET SOFTWARE SALE!
Fast machine code sort. . . £2.50VAT system £3.00Linear equations £3.00All games only £2.50
Just a few of our well tried, reliable programs!All prices include VAT, but add 20p for postand packing.Programming and'consultancy servicesavailableSend sae for full list of programs and prices.
PI-LOK SYSTEMS LTD.313 Bury & Rochdale Old Road, HeywoodLANCS. OLIO 4BG
PROGRAMS
0
1010 POKE525,0:IFT>CRTHEN10401020 PRINT"AP NEW COURSE RECORD!!!1030 CR=T:OOT010501040 PRINT"XCOURSE RECORD STILL";CR1050 INPUT " VAFIGAIminim" .; PS1060 IFLEFT4(A47,1)="Y"THEN180-,-10(U PRINT"OYE-EE"
0
MZ-80K Bouncing ballby Norman Webster
This is an infuritating program which the screen. Each hole has a number cor-involves catching balls as they are fired responding to the key to be pressed infrom a series of holes at the bottom of order to catch the ball.
10 REM Bouricis Ball Gaffte20 PRINT"E22222"30 RPINTTHB(10);"********************"40 PRINTTAB10);"* *"50 PRINTTAB(10);"* Bouriciro Ball 4"60 PRINTTAB(10);"* 4,,
70 PRINTTAB(10);"********************"80 PRINT"" HI SCORE ";T85 FOR I=1T02500:HEXT90 GO' UB 3000100 PRINT"ECEWheri ready to start pre......"110 PRINTTABK12);"2the S key"150 GET A$:IF A$="" THEN 150150 IF A$="3" THEN USR(6.2):GOTO 200170 GOTO 150200 PRINT"E""""""""220 PRIM -TAB( 5):1 !Mimi l"230 PRINTTAB(5);11441111tItEMEEEMVITMEM"240 PRINT TP8(5); 14444434444444443344WIIIM1k:U"250 PRINT TAB(5);" 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 9 0"900 T=01000 FOR L=1 Ti: 201010 PRINT"M""""SCORE ":T,"HI SCORE ":TH1020 I=INT(RNV1)*100/10)1030 ON I GOTO 1040,1045,10511,1055,1060,1065,1070,1075,10R01035 C=33: GOTO 11301044 U=6:30TU 11301045 C=9: GOTO 11301050 C=12: GC 1130 01055 C=15: GOTO 11301060 C=18:GOTO 11301065 C=21: GOTO 11301070 C=24: GOTO 11301075 C=27:601-0 11301000 C=30:GOTO 11301095 C=21:GOTO 11301130 D$=5TR$(1)1200 PRINT"M"""BuEUXUBLI":TAG(C);"*":1210 FOR K=4 Ti 1 STEP -1
1220 FOR J=S TO 1 STEP -11230 GET C$1240 IF 0$=D$ THEN T=T+K*J:USR(62):GOT01280o 1250 NEXT J1260 IF K<3 THEN PRINT"3 2,3 "::GOTO 12701261 PRINT"U 23*":1270 NEXT K1230 PRINT"3 "
1290 NEXT L1.300 IF THIT THEN TH=T1400 PRINT"E"""222BE":TAB(13):"GAME 00ER"1500 PRINT"2222":TAB1::5):"SCORE ":1 -,"HI SCORE ":TH1600 PRINT'1nnnnnnnnnDo YOU. want another 9aNe ?"1700 PRINT"""'"""'2"Key V for 'YES , N for NO":1800 GET E$:IF E$=AA THEN 18001900 IF E$="Y" THEN GOTO 201950 IF E$="N" THEN GOTO 20001955 GOTO 1300
A 2000 PRINT"GEEEBE"^"2""'"'"'""'""'r-IODBYE- 2020 PRINT"""""E222"
2030 ':,TOP: END3000 PRINT"ESEE Degree of DifficultY"3001 PRINT"3002 PRINT""""rn'The object of the ..3ame is to"3003 PRINT"BECEcatch the ball whilst itis still"3004 PRINT"SEECin the air."3005 PRINT"BECEThere are three levels of difficult '"3006 PRINT" 1. Most difficult7007 PRINT" 2. A1.1era3e"
3008 PRINT=2E2E CCCC Z3. Ea...ie=A"
3,009 PPINT"UBEOCEnter your selection now"3010 GET S$:IF S$="" THEN 30103015 ON OAL(S$) GOTO 3020,3030,3040
128 PCW
PROGRAMS3020 S=VPL(S$)*5 :GOTO 30503030 S=UAL(53)*5 :GOTA 30507040 S=VPL(C4)*5 :GOTO 30503050 PRINT"G3060 RETURN
Superboard/UK101 Bug bypassby Roger Derry
Officially, to associate a character string secret lies in the fact that locations 143with a number, it is necessary to set up and 144 contain the address of the nexta string array and fill it via the usual DATA statement. It becomes a simpleREAD and DATA statements. The dis- matter to READ through the DATAadvantages of this approach are list loading some or all of the DATAtwofold: first, the text appears twice in addresses into numeric variables. Ifmemory, and second, there is a bug in these are subscripted then the addressesthe garbage collection routine which may be manipulated just like stringcauses these machines to hang up very variables but slower and using lesseasily when string arrays are used, memory. By POKEing 143 and 144
This program demonstrates a way of with the appropriate values DATAaccessing the individual DATA state- can be READ in any sequence, evenments without using string arrays. The backwards.
100 REM PROGRAMMABLE RESTORE DEMO. PROGRAM110 REM ROGER DERRY120 REM JULY 1980125 :
: 126
127 REM INITIALIZE NUMERIC ARRAYS0 128 :
130 DIM D(7,1),M(12,1)136 :
137 REM 11-= DAYS OF WEEK M. MONTHS OF YEAR138 :
140 FOR X=1 TO 7150 D(X,0)=REEK(143):D(X,1)=PEEK(114)160 READ As170 NEXT175 :
180 FOR X=1 TO 12190 MIX,0)=PEEK(143):MIX,1)=PEEK(144)200 READ Al:NEXT201 :
205 PRINT"ENTER 0 TO PRINT MONTHS BACKWAHOS OR210 INPUT "ENTER DAY (1-7) ":El215 IF J'O THEN 2000220 IF D(1 OR P)7 THEN 210272225 INPUT "ENTER MONTH (1-12)":M230 IF M(1 OR M)12 THEN 5._-235 :
0 240 POKE 143,D(D,0):POKE 144,0(0,1)250 READ D$
0260 POKE 143,M(M,0):POKE 144,M(M,1)270 READ MS
0 275 :
280 PRINT:PRINT:PRINTD$M$290 PRINT:PRINT:GOTO 210300301 :
1000 DATA SUNDAY,MONDAY,TUESDAY,WEDNESDAY,THURDAY,FRIDAY,SATURDAY1010 DATA JANUARY,FEBRUARY,MARCH,APRIL,MAY,JUNE
0 1020 DATAJULY:AUGUST,SEPTEMHER:OCTOUER:NOVEMPR:DECEMBLR1500 :
1501 :
0 2000 PRINT:PRINT:REM PRINT MONTHS BACKWARDS! 02005 POKE 16,30:REM !;ET WIDTH FOR COMMA SPACING2010 FOR X=12 TO 1 STEP -12020 POKE 143,M(X,0):POKE 144,M(X,1)
02030 READ M$:PRINTM$,2040 NEXT2050 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT2060 GOTO 210
PET Replaceby Trevor Lusty
Do you like those multiplication puzzles love this program - it generates suchin which each digit is replaced by a puzzles till the cows come home.letter of the alphabet? If you do you'll
IP l000 pEm" ,.10213 REM"A R
0 1040 REM"A "REPLACE" A
1060 REM" RI-
R
1080 FEW`?'. TREVCIR LUSTY 25/6i1980 A 01100 PEM"4
1120 REM"A A MULTIPLICATION GAME 4
1140 REM"4 WHERE ALL THE DIGITS ARE 4
MICR®MART
MICRO MAFIA?An unnamed gentleman on the
telephone has threatened to get oursupplies cut off if we continue to
sell our genuinePROGRAMMERS TOOLKITS
FOR PETbelow the 'official' price of £55 + VAT.
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16/32K ROM ONLY£40 + VAT
MICROCASE "turns a boardinto a real computer"
NASCOM 1 & 2COMPUK IT
SUPERBOARDUNCUT FOR OEM USEDirect from us or from your
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About £30
SIMPLE SOFTWARE LTD15 HAVELOCK ROADBRIGHTON SUSSEX 8,n(i.lh4w...
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11K101 NASCOM 1 & 2
ADD-ONCOLOUR
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DAllLING COLOUR GRAPHICS FOR UK101 & NASCOM
Professional bit -addressable -pixel' system3072 colour cell definition8 Colours foreground + 8 backgroundFREE SOFTWARE, Plot. Line, Circle (Basic +Z80)Animated Demonstration ProgramModulator included for use with normal TV
KIT: only £45 Built & Tested: only £60Also available separately:
COLOUR MODULATOR
R G B inputs. PALJUHF output L
Unlimited colour combinations TTL etc interface details supplied
1000's already in use!
KIT: only £12 Built & Tested: only £18
- please add VAT at 15% to all prices- Barclay/Access orders accepted by telephone
WILLIAM R"u9F030Hower e, 14
STUART Essen C:1'3 3SD ' --SySTErviS Ltd Telephone. Brentwood 10277: 817274
PCW 129
UK101 AND SUPERBOARDSOFTWARE FROM THE GUY WHOWROTE "LE PASSETEMPS".C1 Le Passe -Temps, Hangman, Dambus-ters, Battleships.C2 Awari, Solitaire, Codebreaker, ArmlessBandit.C3 Blackjack, Nim, Hexapawn, Noughtsand Crosses.C4 Sweeper, Bomb Run, Piranha, Wall -Ball.C5 Lunar Lander, King Albert (Patience),Roulette, Number games.C6 Stockmarket, Steeplechase.C7 Stud Poker, Galactic HitchhikerAdventureC8 Startrek (real time, super graphics)C9 Basic tutor (1 to 4)C10 Basic tutor (5 to 8)Cassettes 1 to 4 available for UK101 orSuperboard (please state), others UK 101only. "Breakout" can be substitutedfor any program you already have. C4 isan all -graphics pack. C6/7/8 comprise 8Kprograms.Prices £5 each all incl. from Mr A Knight28 Simonside Walk, Ormesby, Cleveland,Tel (06421 321266.
TOPMARKComputers
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PROGRAMS1160 REM"M REPLACED BY.LETTERS.1180 REM"N
'
1200 REM"
1220 GOSUB 2540,GOSUB,27001240 LI=0,71=0,POKE 59468,121260 PRINT "M HOLD IT! --- PROBLEM SETTING."1280 FOR 1=0 TO 10:ES(I)="":K$(1)."":0$(1)."":K(I)=-1:KI(I)=-1NEXT I
1300 OZ=0,W=0,FW ",C$="ABCDEFGHIP:FOP." 1234567890"1320 R=INT(LEN(C$)*RND(1)+1),N$=MID$(CCR.1):F$=F$+N$,T$=""
1340 IF R51 THEN T$=LEFTS(C$,R-1),GOTO 1360
1360 C$=T$+MID$(C$,R+1):IF LEN(CS)>0 THEN 13201380 REM *** WORK OUT THE SUM ***1400 N(0)=100+INT<900*RND(1))
1420 IF N(0)r'IO=INT(N(0)/10) THEN 1400
1440 N(1).10+INT(90*RND(1)1460 IF N(I)/10=INT(N(1)/10) THEN 1440
1480 N(2)=N(0)*(N(1)-104EINT(N(1)/10))
1500 N(3)=N(0)*INT(N(I)/10)1520 N(4)=N[0)*N<l)
1540 REM *** REPLACE WITH LETTERS ***1560 FOR X=0 TO 4:14=0,E0$<X)="",E$(X)="":FOR Y=1 TO 5
1580 A=INT(N(X)/INT(10V5-Y)+,5)):C=A-10*B:B=A1600 ES(X)=ENCX>+MID$(FCC+1.1)
1620 E0$(X)=E0$(X)+MIDS(FQ$,C+1.1)
1640 NEXT Y:NEXT X:E$(3)=RIGHT$<E$(3),4)+" "
1660 E0$(3)=RIGHT$CE0$(3).4)+" "
1680 REM *** SORT OUT THE ZERO'S ***1700 FOR X=0 TO 4:FL=0
1720 FOR Y=1 TO LENSES(X)>1740 IF MID$<E$(X),Y,1><>" " THEN FL=1
1760 IF FL=0 OR MIDCES(X),Y,1)<>" " THEN 18201780 ES(X)=LEFTS(ES(X),Y-1)+RIGHTS(F$.1)+RIGHT$(E$<X),5-Y)1800 EQ$(X).LEFTS(EQ$(X).Y-1)+RIGHTS(FO$.1)+RIGHT$CEC4(X),5-Y)
1820 NEXT Y:NEXT X
1840 REM *** PRINT THE PROBLEM AND ***
1860 REM *** INPUT THE NEXT GUESS. ***
1880 GOSUB 3880
1900 GOSUB 3300 IF F THEN PRINT PRINT "MSQUITE ":GOSUB 4000: END
1920 GZ=GZ+1 IF GZ>31 THEN GZ=0
1940 Z=ASC(Z$)-64,IF N<>K1(2) THEN 19801960 M$="YOU ALREADY KNOW THAT" GOSUB 3760,00TO 1900
1980 IF N<>K(N) THEN 2020
2000 MS=MIDCF$.14+1.1)+" ... "+RIGHTCSTR$04),1)+", STWERPE":00SUB 3760 GOTO 1900NI.
2020 IF Z$<>K$(Z) THEN 2060
2040 M$=Z$4-. . "+RIGHT$(STR$CKI(Z)),1)+", STWERPE" GOSUB 3760,GOTO 1900
2060 IF 2$=0$(N) THEN M$="YOU GUESSED THAT BEFORE" GOSUB 3760 GOTO 1900
2080 IF Z$=MID$CF$J4+1,1) THEN 21802100 W=W+1,M$="QQ0 WRONG 000 THAT'S"+STR$(14)+" MISSES" GOSUB 3760 GOSUB 3880
2120 0$(N)=2$,GOTO 19002140 REM *** INSERT DIGIT AND ***
2160 REM *** CHECK FOR END. ***
2180 N1=50:FOF X=0 TO 4:FOR Y=I TO 5
2200 TS.MIDS(ES(X),Y.1):M=ASC(1.$):M1..M-64
2220 IF T$=" " THEN 2320
2240 IF T$<>Z3 THEN 2300
2260 Ei(X)=LEFT$(ES(X),Y-1)+RIGNMSTR$EN).1)+RIGHTS(ES(X),5-Y)2280 K(N)..N:KS(M1)=Z$,KI(M1),.N:M=0
2300 IF M>N1 THEN NI=M2320 NEXT Y:NEXT X
2340 IF N1<61 THEN 23802360 PRINT:00TO 1880
2380 GOSUB 3880 PRINT "g -TELL DONE --- YCH_I GOT IT"2400 PRINT "A MISSES =":14
2420 TI=T1+14:11=U+1
2440 PRINT " AVERAGE=";TI/U .
2460 PRINT "A ANOTHER GAME ? ";:GOSUB 3120
2480 IF HWY" THEN 12602500 PRINT PRINT "gISBYE-BYE HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT! .
2520 PRINT "A '':END
2540 REM *** TITLE PAGE ***
2566 POKE 59468,14:PRINT "MA801888111"
2580 PRINT TAB(12);"8 A.
2600 PRINT TAB(12);"8 REPLACE U"
2620 PRINT TAB(12);"8 U"
2640 PRINT "1WA";TAB<I6);"BY"
2660 PRINT "A";TAB(11);"TREVOR LUSTY"2680 RETURN
2700 REM *** INSTRUCTIONS ***
"ANNA ";2720 PRINT MDO YOU WANT INSTRUCTIONS! ?
2740 GOSUB 3120 IF A$<>"Y" THEN RETURN
2760 PRINT "0. REPLACE WILL PRESENT YOU WITH A"
2780 PRINT "MULTIPLICATION PROBLEM WHICH HAS DIGITS"
2600 PRINT "REPLACED BY LETTERS."0
2820 PRINT "8 FOR EXAMPLE ,-M"2840 PRINT " D F B 4 6 2"2860 PRINT " X 0 I X 7 9"2880 PRINT "
2900 PRINT " D A E H 4 1 5 8"
...
130 PCW
PROGRAMS2920 PRINT
2940 PRINT
2960 PRINT
2980 PRINT
3000 PRINT
3020 PRINT
3040 PRINT
3060 PRINT
3080 PRINT
3100 GOSUB
3120 REM
" CBCDJ 3 2 3 4 0""
" ' CFDIH 3 6 4 9 8"
"
"V HERE THE LETTER A IS 1, B IS 2 ETC."
"KO TO ENTER A GUESS JUST TYPE A LETTER""NUMBER PAIR IN ANY COMBINATION, IE. C3"
"AND 3C WILL BOTH WORK. ENTER '8' TO"
"QUIT, AND THE SOLUTION WILL APPEAR."
3260 POKE 59468,12 RETURN'
*** GET A CHARACTER *4*3140 PRINT "S 11"; FOR I=1 TO 200 NEXT I
3160 PRINT "LI II"; FOR I=1 TO 200:NEXT I3180 GET WIF A$="" OR A$=CHRI(13) THEN 31403200 IF A$="1" OR A$="03" THEN 31403220 IF Fl$="1" OR A$="A" THEN
3240 RETURN
3260 PRINT "KM SPRESS A KEY TO CONTINUER";3280 GOSUB 3120:RETURN
3300 REM *** ACCEPT GUESS ***3320 REM *** 2 CHARACTERS ***
3340 F=0,2$="0",N=-13360 PRINT "YOUR GUESS, HIIN"
3380 FOR K=1 TO 2
3400 GOSUE 3120 PRINT AC'
3420 IF Al="0" THEN F=1 RETURN
3440 REM *** SORT 2$ AND N ***
3460 IFA$>"9" THEN 2$=A$,GOTO 35003480 N=ASC(A$)-48
3500 NEXT K
3520 REM *** CHECK VALIDITY ***
3540 IF NCO OR N>9 THEN 3680
3560 IF N=0 THEN N=103580 IF Z$"A" OR Zi>"J".THEN 3680
3600 PRINT:PRINT LEFTW14141601$1481$1$101011",7+INT(GZ/8))
3620 NZ=N:IF NZ=10 THEN NZ=0
3640 PRINT TAB(INT<32*(GZ/8-INT(SZ/8)?+1.5));NZ;" INOMMOBI" 2
3660 PRINT LEFTW.IIIIIIIIIII$11 .9+INT(02/8)),RETURN3680 PRINT PRINT "1 BAD LETTER OR NUMBER"
3700 FOR J=1 TO 500 NEXT J3720 PRINT "1
3740 PRINT "'1"; GOTO 3340
3760 REM *** MESSAGE DISPLAY ROUTINE 40
3780 PRINT "MM";M$
3800 FOR J=1 TO 2000 NEXT J
3820 PRINT "1 ,
3840 PRINT "711111"RETURN
3860 REM *4* DISPLAY PROBLEM *44
3880 PRINT "410101$1PDMIGIVIVROVIVV9 YOUR PREVIOUS GUESSES ARE GIVEN BELOW"
3900 PRINT "MS REPLACE M MISSES = IONSIONOW W;"VM"3920 FOR X=0 TO 4:FOR Y=1 TO 5
3940 PRINT MIME$(X),Y.1' ,NEXT Y,PRINT"3960 IF X=1 OR X=3 OR X=4 THEN PRINT
X:PRINT,RETURN3980 NEXT
4000 REM *4* DISPLAY SOLUTION Of*
4020 PRINT "00 REPLACE I 018"
4040 FOR X=0 TO 4,PRINT TRE(20);,FOR Y=1 TO 5
4060 PRINT MIDVEOS(X),Y,1);" ";,NEXT Y:PRINT4080 IF X=1 OR X=3 OR X=4 THEN PRINT TAB(20)j"
XTRINT,RETURN4100 NEXT
"Honestly it's different with you Norman, I've had other programmers who'dfeed me anything just to get the right answer"
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PCW 131
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EXPANSION8K to 16K f758K to 32K £14016K to 32K £14032K PET little used £575
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Please ring Jacquie Hancockon 01-631 1682
Thanksline,Puzzlethereproblem,thesolutions:1.2.3.Themethods,(the
LEISURE LINESby J J Clessa
possibly to the extended dead- Prize puzzleover 100 entries were received for12 and, embarrassingly, it seems This one will get your micros ticking.
is more than one solution to the Starting at the square marked 'Start'as we hadn't considered using (logically), and moving either east,
1/2p coin. So, here are the three northeast or southeast each move(assume north is to the top of the grid),
£1.20, £1.25, £1.50, £3.16 make 12 moves and reach the square£1.121/2, £1.28, £1.58, £3.121/2 marked 'Finish'.£1.181/2, £1.20, £1.60, £3.121/2 Add up the numbers in the 11 squares
winner, chosen by Tebbutt random traversed to give a total, A. Then repeatwas Mr G Erskine of Perth the performance, without entering any
Scottish one), with solution 3. square used in the first move (exceptThose binders will be with you soon, Start and Finish, of course), and addMr Erskine. up the squares again to give total B.
The object is to find two routeswhich give the greatest difference in
Quickie values between A and B. I want detailsof the two routes (eg Start -2-14-3-18
Some ducks are marching across a path. . . . etc), the two totals A and B andThere's a duck in front of two ducks, a their overall difference, on a postcardduck behind two ducks, and a duck in (no letters, please) to: Puzzle 15, PCW,the middle of two ducks. What's the 14 Rathbone Place, London W1P 11)L,minimum number of ducks which could no later than 30 November.have been involved? As usual, noanswers required and no prizes.
10
14 5 3
18 15 3 9 5
1 13 19 7 2 18 9
18 9 15 13 11 5 2 11 1
8 2 3 3 7 18 12 16 1 17 8
START 2 14 3 18 7 5 14 6 4 9 17 FINISH
2 9 8 2 19 14 18 2 18 15 1
18 18 5 7 9 19 16 10 8
1 14 2 2 16 2 5
2 13 17 13 13
6 2 9
13
Prize of the monthStill boring, I'm afraid - it's a booktoken.
BLUDNERSOnly a couple this month, as far as 40 should have read `-1.-'. And the Micro -
we're aware. In the Computer Answer type model 3 case pictured in thatheaded 'Routine Suggestion' in Septem- month's 'Newsprint' is for the Nascomber, the first `+' in both lines 30 and 2, not 1.
132 PCW
All we discount is the price!
ComputersPet, 40 col, new ROMS
-I_BK £399 Isoneall11111
green screen, large keyboard 16K £499 AREBIBIS011
32K £599 10.101.100.00.01../
Pet, 80 col, new DOS32K
64K
£840
POA 10111*TRS-80 system, includes VDU,
cassette recorder & P.S.U.
16KLI
16KLII
£420
£475
TRS-80 CPU, includes UHF
TV modulator & P.S.U.
16KLI
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£349
16 KL II with numeric keypad£379
TRS-B0 expansion interface32K £275
- 16K £599Apple II includes BASIC interpreter
32K £625and UHF colour TV cards
48K £649
Video Genie includes on -board
cassette recorder, output to VDU -
or UHF TV (TRS-80 BASIC)
16K
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£299
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Video Genie expansion bus box S100 £245
PrintersElectrosensitive Type
Quick Printer 11 133 col)
ITRS-80, serial Er parallel inputs)
Thermal TypePhantom 400140 col)
(with dot graphics) 800(80 col)
Impact Dot -MatrixCommodore Tractor 80 col
(for Pet) all Pet graphics
Epson Tractor 80 col
for Pet) most Pet graphics
Epson Tractor 80 col
(for Pet) plus dot -graphics
Anadex DP8000
Anadex DP9500
Dolphin BDP 80
Paper Tiger with 5 char.
sizes and dot -graphics
Monitors12"
12" (green screen)
CablesPet/IEEE
IEEEIIEEE
RS232 Plug to socket
RS232 Plug to plug
For others please ring
f20£25
£25
£25
£69
£79
}}
£125
£225
£299
£395
£299
£355
£399
£795
£495
} £495
C12
Blank
Cassettes10 for
100 for £35
PaperElectrosensitive for C1P11 E3.50 per 2 roll pack
Thermal for Phantom 400, TCM 100 £3.50 per 2 roll pack
Phantom 800, TCM 200 E2.65 per roll
Impact, single part sprocket punched
91/2.11 for Commodore, Epson, Anadex
Dolphin Er Paper Tiger, fanfold
strippable£9.50 per box 2000 sheets
List of programmesavailable on request.
7>ecr,s-- 44374:10e80:-..Our computer products are the best possiblevalue for money. The price you pay is lowbecause we import direct, and sell direct, thuscutting out the retailer. We look after you, ourcustomer with a full year guarantee and
after -guarantee servicing. We can give youunbiased advice and take orders with most creditcards over the telephone for despatch the sameday. We also do personal financing and companyleasing or lease -purchase. If you represent apublic body or company we can also grant you a30 -day account. You can't get a better dealelsewhere-scanthe pages of this magazine andsee. Why not order from us now-you'll be gladyou did, I promise you. -n/ak 'Z'frav-4
og(are.,coneyDisc drivesPet compatible
Commodore Dual
Computhink 400K
Dual 800K
1.6Mb
f199£375
£725
£295
£560
£1095
Shugart SA 400 Single f195
Apple II compatible add-on single drive £199
Diskettes 5%" double sided double density £30 for 10BY,"
£35 for 10
£595
£595
£695
£1195
IRS -80 compatible, all with case Er P.S.U.Teac 40 -track single
Dual
Quad
77 -track single
Dual
Quad
InterfacesPet to UHF TV
Pet RS232 output
in/out
decoded output
decoded inloutPet multiplexer for networking up to 20 Pets £350Pet/S100, 4 slot
£112Pet/Centronics
£45decoded
£69
f25£65
£90
£150
£175
16K RAM 14116) Apple, Pet, TRS-80, Sorcerer U7Memory4K Static RAM 12114) UK101, OSI
TE L.:BATH(0225)
333232O Personal credit 'same dayjO Company creditO Full year guaranteeO After -sales serviceO Mail orderO Export 'most countries]
COMPUTERS- FRAGILE
Please add £10 Securicor deliveryon computers etc.,
Plus 15. VAT on all prices.
Computerama Ltd.5 Cleveland Place East,London Road, Bath, BAI 501
PCW 133
PETE & PAM COMPUTERS(PeteMailorderfair
MICROSOFTZ-80RunsAPPLE.
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TECHNOLOGYBASE MANAGEMENT
elsewhereown system
of data.
by theCashier"
onbuying a
MASTERaccessory
immensefiles;
new values,
SOFTWARE- 75.00
winning
DATA BASEand retrieves
PLANbusiness
your own
Disk2.0
Partner
GAMES!
- 13.95arcade
cars running
- 15.95BUDGE'S
want to beyou want- give us(24 hours)
LONDON,
- 175.00written for Z-80 based systems on
and Microsoft 5.0 Basic.
- 8.95your APPLE! 16k tape.
- 15.95the original, uncut ADVENTUREon a personal computer, 32k Disk
- 265_00of any musical instrument - realsynthesiser with SIXTEEN voices,
Graphical input using light penor Keyboard. Includes membership
- 195.00column video cards! 80 x 24 lines, shiftU & L case 5 x 8 dot ASCII char.
SYSTEM - 49.95in this mag for 100! Helps you design
for manipulation and format of largeGenerates reports to your design.
MASTER - 73.95author of "DBMS" and the author of(tm). Data base system that performsdata as you enter it into a field. It'scomputer just for this!
-49.95to "DBMS" and "Infro Master",
versatility to both! Re -define, mergere -arrange, combine, add, delete files;
change print format. NEW!
(PET version - 96.95)program. Save 20.00, buy from us!
(latest version) - 49.95information. 130 page manual.
- 49.95planning and development system,business model. Extensive manual.
- 13.95, Tape - 9.95- Checker King - Gammon Gambler -- Stimulating Simulation (tape).
PACIFIC COMPUTERS- all on disk
game from Japan - this one with tworound a track. Great fun!
BASE - 13.95
SPACE ALBUM - 20.95
your mailorder supplier. If you know- and don't want to pay an inflateda call. We'll try our best! Tel. 01-677-
Seven days a week. 98 MOYSERSW16 6SH.
CRYSTAL ELECTRONICSCC ELECTRONICS
SHARP MZ8OKFor the latest competitive
PRICEContact us
Before you accept discounts elsewhere.GIVE US A TRY
CRYSTAL ELECTRONICS is the home of XTAL BASICACCLAIMED BY MANY
We KNOW the SHARP computers, we BACK the SHARP computersWhat we give FREE is worth more than money,
MZBOK owners-are you XTAL followers?NO! Then please read on.XTAL BASIC (SHARP)
Takes 5K less memory, has all the features of SHARP BASICPLUS Multi dim strings, error trapping, logical operators,machine code monitor, more flexible peripheral handling,improved screen control, increased list control, auto run, If..then.. else-and it doesn't stop there-it grows. You canextend the commands and functions at will -10K, 12K, 16K,BASIC?.
SHARP to XTAL BASIC conversion program is included.£40 plus VAT (Disc version on its way)
DESIGNERS OF MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEMS + XTAL BASICIS WORTH CONSIDERING ON COST ALONE.
Members of Computer Retailers Association & Apple Dealers Association
Shop open 0930-1730 except Saturday & Sunday40 Magdalene Road, Torquay, Devon, England Tel 0803 22699Telex 42507 XTAL G
and Barclaycard welcome. Moi! O COMPUTERSAND
COMPONENTS O
ResearchResources Ltd
SWTP and GIMIXRRL specialises in the EDUCATIONAL and SCIENTIFICapplications,Small systems from 32k with 5" disk drives upwards.PASCAL, FORTRAN, PILOT, BASIC, Compiler, LAB -BASIC, Statistical Analysis etc.D -A, A -D converters and special interfaces to solve yourproblem.
UNIX on a MICROThe new standard DEC/PDP operating system is nowavailable on 6809 micros.UNIFLEX is a MULTI-USER/MULTI-TASKING systemfor up to 12 users.RRL provide the complete system with from 128k to768k RAM.2.5 Megabyte floppy disk drives and 16 Megabyte fixeddisks.Full range of VDU's, terminals, printers, inter -faces etc.
RESEARCH RESOURCES LTD, P.O. Box 160Welwyn Garden City, Herts. EnglandTel: (07073) 26633
134 PCW
Wego Computers Ltd
Ct CBM approved£59.55 + VAT
Wego SequentialSwitching Unit
Allows up to 5 devices to beconnected to the mains, and withone switching operation power upand down all the devices, in thecorrect sequence.
£89.50 + VAT
Numeric Key Padfor the Apple.
A 13 digit Key pad (0-9, -,ENTER) to run in parallel with thenumeric section of the APPLEKeyboard. Supplied with connectingcable, plugs and sockets.
..u.:106010c
Cr CBM approvedPrices from £620 + VAT
Mark SenseCard Reader
"A pencil, a card, and this low-cost reader... it's the new,fast way toenter data into your microcomputer."Versions available able to commun-icate with PET, APPLE, TRS-80, orany S100 or RS232 bus. Ideal forbusiness and education applications.
California Computer SystemsCards for the Apple.
Synch Serial Card £119.97+VATAsynch Serial Card £106.37+VATParallel Card 79.97+VATArithmetic Proc. Unite 265.97+VATProgrammable Timer £106.37+VATIEEE GPIB £199.50+VATA/D Converter £ 99.72+VAT
Sole UK Distributors Clockn()M
/PCRarOdM Module £ 70.89+VAT83.33+VAT
Centronics Card 79.97+VAT
Available from your local dealers, or direct from Wego Computers Ltd., 22A, High Street, Caterham,Surrey CR3 5UA. Tel: (0883) 49235 Telex: 8813791
Authorised COMMODORE & APPLE Dealers
74LS SERIES
74 LSOO74 LS0174 LSO274 LSO374 LSO474 LSO574 LSO874 LSO974 LS1074LS1174LS1274 LS1374 LS1474 LS1574 LS2074 LS2174 LS2274 LS2674 LS2774 LS2874 LS3074 LS3274 LS3374 LS3774 LS3874 LS4074 LS4274 LS4774 LS4874 LS4974 LS5474 LS5574 LS6374 LS7374 LS7474 LS7574 LS7674 LS7874 LS83A74 LS8574LS 8674 LS9074 LS9174 LS9274 LS93A74 LS95A74 LS9674 LS10774 LS10974 LS66874 LS670
18181818.2222
.2022182222.40702220.22.22.22.2222.20.2628
.26
.26
.22658585
1 00.20.20
1.503535.42.35.35.85
1.0035.58.9990.65
1.001 .25
3535
1.9595
AGTININICSMAGTRONICS LTD
3 GCLDHUST TERRACELONDON
N.W.6.LTD. TELE. 01-624-9847
74 LS112 .35 74 LS221 1.20 DISKETTES74 LS113 74 LS240 2.1074 LS114
.40
.35 74 LS241 1.90 UNCONDITIONAL GUARANTEE74 LS122 .70 74 LS242 1.9074 LS12374 LS124
.751.40
74 LS24374 LS244
1.902.10 5.25" MINI-DISKETT S SINGLE SIDED MEMORIES
74 LS12574 LS12674 LS13274 LS13374 LS136
.40
.40
.6540
.40
74 LS24574 LS24774 LS24874LS24974 LS251
2.501.201.801.251.10
1 SECTOR PER £10 £24.00(SOFT) C.P.U.s
5.25" MINI -DISKETTE SINGLE SIDED10 SECTOR PER 10 £24.00 SUPPORT DEVICES
74LS13874 LS13974LS14574 LS14874 LS15174 LS15374 LS154
.70
.701.101.70
.85
.551.40
74 LS25374 LS25774 LS25874 LS25974 LS26074 LS26174 LS266
1.101.100.951.65
.303.50
.40
5.25" MINI -DISKETTE SINGLE SIDED C.M.O.s16 SECTOR PER 10 £24.00
8" SINGLE SIDED SINGLE DENSITY TRANSISTORS26 SECTOR PER 10 £25.80
8" SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY DIODES74 LS15574 LS156
.75 74 LS27374 LS279
1.75.65
26 SECTOR PER 10 £32.00 ALL STOCKED74 LS15774 LS158
.75
.60
.6574 LS28074 LS283
1.751.00
8" DOUBLE SIDED SINGLE DENSITY26 SECTOR PER 10 £38.20 PHONE FOR
74 LS16074LS16174 LS162
1.10.80
1.1C
74 LS29074 LS29374 LS295A
0.950.951.45
8" DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY26 SECTOR PER 10 £40.00 QUOTATION
74 LS163 .80 74 LS298 1.4074 LS16474 LS165
1.1080
74 LS32474 LS325
1.802.55 All orders under £50 add 50 p P&P. Add 15% VAT to total
74 LS166 1.70 74 LS326 2.5574 LS168 1.70 741_3327 2.5574 LS169 1.70 74 LS352 1.3574 LS170 1.70 74 LS353 1.3574 LS173 1.10 74 LS365 .60 Many other types of hard and soft sector diskettes74 LS17474 LS175
.95
.9574 LS36674LS367
.60.60 available. Phone for quotation.
74 LS18174 LS190
2.751.20
74 LS36874 LS373
.601.75 Magnetic cards, data cartridges, digital cassettes
74 LS19174 LS192
1.201.10
74 LS37474 LS375
1.75.75 are also stocked.
74L3193 1.10 74 LS377 1.7574 LS194A 1.00 74 LS378 1.3074 LS195A .90 74 LS379 1.4074 LS196 .95 74 LS381 3.6574 LS19674LS197
95.95
74 LS38674 LS390
.601.75 Official orders from schools, colleges, universities and
74 LS42474 LS445
4.501.25
74 LS39374LS395
1.501.80 Govt. Bodies accepted.
74 LS447 1.25 74 LS396 1.7074 LS490 1.95 74 LS398 2.7074 LS669 95 74 LS399 1.60
PCW 135
KNIGHT'S TAL&COMPUTERS108 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen.Tel: (0224) 630526.Telex: 739169.
Free Toolkit fromSharp's big dealer
Dear Microfans,Since our last letter we have been very busy sellinglots of Sharp products but we took time off to appearon Radio l's Newsbeat discussing CB Radio (we nowhave a CB Primer for the MZ-80K) and have beenmaking representations at the Home Office aboutlinking computers via CB radio. The toolkit weannounced last month has been widely acclaimed --it gives 10 extra commands like TRACE,APPEND,RENUMBER, AUTO LINE NUMBER,BLOCKDELETE,PRINT SCREEN to printeretc and takes no extra memory and runs on any MZ-80K. Ourtoolkit costs £25 if you bought your MZ.
As you can see from the photograph we sell more Sharp products than any other computer onlydealer and offer a complete package deal on the MZ-80K which is unbeatable. The 24K model costs£439, the 36K is £469, and the full 48K model is £499. These prices exclude VAT but include free nextday Red Star delivery, 50 free programs, our exclusive Toolkit, one years complete guarantee includingtwo way carriage charges, membership of the International Sharp User Group (£3 if you bought yourMZ-80K elsewhere), and personal service from a firm who have been giving personal service for 40 years.
Happy ComputingGraham Knight
P.S. We have now added Backgammon, Cribbage, sales and purcahse ledger, stock control for 4,000items, and a super fast mailing list/data file to our software list - write for details.P.P.S. We will be selling Sharp CB radios at special prices to our micro customers.
THE SHARP MZ-80COMPUTER SYSTEM
As one of Sharp's largestsystems dealers we supply complete MZ-80systems including FLOPPY DISCS and PRINTERS.
We have considerable experience inimplementing SALES, PURCHASE and NOMINALLEDGERS, PAYROLL, STOCK CONTROL,FOREIGN EXCHANGE and FINANCIALPROGRAMMES.
Contact us now for details on 01-2478506.
Stone House, Houndsditch Entrance128-140 BishopsgateLondon EC 2M 4HX
SHARP
MONITORSB & W - GREEN - COLOUR
9" Green (Ideal Apple/ITT) £1559" B & VV £13612" B & W £17514" B & W £18917" B & W £225
Top quality, high resolutionmonitors guaranteed 12 months.Carriage/V.A.T. extra. Full range
of B & W and colour receiverMonitors available, P.O.A.
Fit U14,1.440040, Nowak t
4E14
Par ;431'
Dealer Enquiries Welcome
HAMM & GIBSONMONITOR & VIDEO SPECIALISTS43 MALDEN WAY, NEW MALDEN,
SURREY KT3 6EA 01-942-9635
136 PCW
NORTH STAR BUSINESS SYSTEMWORD-PROCESSINGSTOCK CONTROLINVOICINGSALES & PURCHASE LEDGERETC. ETC.
C
,
B A
EX -STOCK PROVEN RELIABILITY1 YEAR GUARANTEE
SAMPLE RECOMMENDED SYSTEM (AS ABOVE):-A Horizon Computer (64K Ram 2 D/D Drives) £2080.00B TVI-912C VDU, numerous features £595.00C NEC RO Spinwriter (RS232) + tractors £1775.00COMPLETE SYSTEM PRICE (Includes cables) £4450.00ABOVE SYSTEM WITH DOUBLE -SIDED DRIVES £4730.00FREE ! ! WORDSTAR plus CP/M with above system.
INVENTORY Package - With Sales & Purchase Management System £295.00KDS Development System for North Star BASIC £50.00KDS Disk Despooler - North Star DOS despooler £50.00CP/M V2.2 - supports double -sided drives £95.00WORDSTAR V2.1 - Superb word processing package £235.00MAIL -MERGE - Adds form letter generation to WORDSTAR £75.00DATASTAR - CP/M compatible Database Management System £195.00North Star UCSD PASCAL-D/Q System £105.00Microsoft BASIC interpreter V5.1 £155.00Microsoft BASIC compiler V5.1 £195.00Microsoft FO RT R AN -80 £205.00Econoram I la - 8K Static Memory £100.00Econoram XX - 32K Static Memory with bank switching £355.00DMB-6400 - 64K Dynamic RAM with bank switching £545.00Godbout Interfacer 1 - 2 full RS232 serial I/O card £135.00Switchboard -2 Serial, 4 parallel I/O card £155.00OKI Microline-80 Printer - Lightweight, 80 cps, Graphics £425.00Paper Tiger Printer - 2K buffer, full graphics, form -feed £595.00Anadex DP9500 Printer - Fast, bi-directional, logic -seeking £895.00Morrow 26Mb Hard Disk Sys. + Timeshaver CP/M-North Star DOS £3495.00Morrow 26Mb Hard Disk - Add on hard disk £2495.00
PLEASE WRITE OR PHONE FOR LATEST PRODUCT CATALOGUE
PHONE US OR CONTACTYOUR NEAREST DEALER
CODAS LTDPontypridd Wales Tel: 0443-406450CONQUEST COMPUTER SALES LTDBenfleet Essex Tel: 03745-59861DIGITAL DEVICES LTDSouthborough Kent Tel: 0892-37977/9FYLDE MICROCOMPUTER SERVICESBlackpool Lancs. Tel: 0253-692954THE HARDCORE SOFTWARE CO.London NW3 Tel: 01-722 6436HOTEL MICROSYSTEMS LTDMiddlesex Tel: 01-890 9696JAD INTEGRATED SERVICESPlymouth Devon Tel: 0752-626164KBS COMPUTER SERVICESLiverpool Tel: 051-236 8333KBS COMPUTER SERVICESCardiff Wales Tel: 0222-394313KBS COMPUTER SERVICESCoventry Warwicks. Tel: 0203-27266LOVEDEN COMPUTER SERVICES LTDGrantham Lincs. Tel: 0476-72000MICRO FACILITIES LTDHampton Hill Middx. Tel: 01-979 4546MICROSYS LTDPrescot Merseyside Tel: 051-426 7271MICROTECH COMPUTER SERVICESLiverpool Tel: 051-236 2208/9SAPPHIRE SYSTEMSBillericay Essex Tel: 02774-57743SPOT COMPUTER SYSTEMS LTDDoncaster Yorks Tel: 0302 50833S. SYSTEMSCrawley Sussex Tel: 0293-515201STAG TERMINALS LTDTeddington Middx. Tel: 01-943 0777SUMLOCK-BONDAIN LTDLondon EC1 Tel: 01-250 0505VIDEO VECTOR DYNAMICS LTDGlasgow Scotland Tel: 041-226 3481/2
jilliNTERAMUK Distributor:INTERAM Computer Systems Ltd.59 Moreton Street,Victoria, London SW1V 2NYTel: 01-834 0261/2733Telex: 925859
1110EPE110EI1T COMPUTER E116111EERIFIO LSO
CROMEMCO Systems & Software
10 Megabyte Cartridge Disk(5 Megabyte fixed 5 removable)and controller for the S100 Bus
£3,950 including installation(London area)
We supply computer solutions to businessproblems* Software packages* Hardware maintenance* Hardware configuration and design
We also have an "Aladin's Cave" of computerspares, power supplies, boards, chips, etc, etc.
For further details and information, pleasecontact:Independent Computer Engineering Limited,16/18 Littleton Road, Ashford, Middlesex.Tel: Ashford (0784) 47171/2Telex: 8952042 (DPCUST G)
EPSON - MX80 DOT MATRIX PRINTER
The printer you have been waiting for* 9x9 matrix (true descenders in lower case)* 80cps bidirectional printing with logical seeking print
head (maximises throughput)* 96 ASCII character set, plus 64 graphics incorporating
4 switch selectable European language options.* Programmable forms handling* 12 different print modes, up to 132 characters per line* Operator controls and indicators, including self test
feature.* £395 - with standard parallel interface (interface
options - RS232, Pet, TRS80, MZ80)
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT
Write better programs foryour pet using
THE PET SUBROUTINEPNLIBRARY aCall
Containing a collection of useful subroutines, some in machine code, for readers to incorporateinto their own programs.Input/output routines incorporating error checking and validation - high density graphs and barplots- date input and validation - high speed machine code array sort (100 element array of any variablename sorted in a few seconds) - search routines - linked lists - utility programs - check digits -double density graphics - random access files - large sequential file sort - disk file access by machinecode - program chaining and menus - disk file utilities and displays - plus many others.
Price book only £10.00 orBook plus 3040 format diskette of all subroutines £20.00
THE PET REVEALED te,"iz%t
ciAmky.000RO
Best selling reference book for the PET. Price £10.00
Cheques payable to Computabits Ltd
COMPUTABITS LTD,P.O. BOX 13, YEOVIL, SOMERSET. Tel Yeovil 26522
138 PCW
What's so special about thePR1001Thermal Printer?
Well With input from video, 8 bit parallel, serial TTL and 20mA loop ; output at40 chars, per line, graphics. or video hard copy,9 6 ascii chars.,doublewidth 20 ch.pl or standard width 40 ch. p I at 80c.p.s. and 40 c.o.s.respectively; with positive or negative image in graphics or video mode,self-test routine and half and full size video copy, all packed into234 x95 x 321mm and weighing 4.5Kg, 230 V input and all for £295(oneoff) -i-V.A.T -if that isn't good enough for you,you'd better tell us and we'lloffer you alternatives to suit almost any need.
PR1001One of the Roxburgh family.Roxburgh Printers Ltd.,22,Winchelsea Road,Rye, E. Sussex.Rye (07973)3777
PCW 139
* RAM AND EPROM STAR OFFERS *2716 Single 5v rail EPROMS £10.252716 Three rail EPROMS £ 8.502708 EPROMS £ 4.954116 16k x 1 200 n s RAMS 8 for £28.50
TELETYPE ASR33I/O TERMINALS
+E2AR + VAT
""'""
Fully fledged industry standard ASR33 data ter-minal. Many features including: ASCII keyboardand printer for data I/O, auto data detect circuitry,RS232 serial interface, 110 baud, 8 bit paper tape
, punch and reader for off line data preparation andridiculously cheap and reliable data storage. Sup-plied in good condition and in working order.Options: Floor stand £12.50 + VAT
Sound proof enclosure E25.00 + VAT
THE CHIPS ARE DOWN
MOSTEK, INTEL, NEC, MOTOROLA
I.C. PRICES SLASHED!
A massive purchase of brand new "state of the art'data processing equipment enables us to offer thefollowing chips at never, and we mean never to be
repeated prices.8085A Central Processor £11.998155C 256 x 8 Static Ram 18.958253C Programmable Interval Timer £8.958255A Programmable Peripheral Interface 09.958259A Programmable Interrupt Control £2.508755A 2 Kx8 Eprom 16 1/0 Lines £34.50MC6850P ACAI £3.752652 MPCC Comms. Controller £24.002102 1K Static 650 ns Rams 8 for £5.251702 256x8 Eprom £3.755101 L-1 256x4 Static Ram 450ns 14.95
And Remember All Chip Prices Include V.A.T.All above I.Cs are brand new or removed from new unusedsocketed P.C.B.'s Eproms supplied washed.
All full ec. and uaranteed
BRAND NEWGREEN SCREEN 15 VIDEO MONITORS
Brand new and bored all solid state BRITISH made 15 high definitionvideo monitors, superb construction by MELFORD electronics the!0011 type DU1-15 features a green screen with a composite videoinput and a quoted bandwidth of 20 mhz, the D.C. supply even has aLT transformer built in for long reliable service. Supplied completewith circuit diagrams and at an original cost of over 0350. Displaymake these a snip at only 1149 £14 CARR Er INS + VATchassis dimensions 14"x 16"x 11E".
SEMICONDUCTOR'GRAB BAGS'
Amazing value mixed semiconductors, includetransistors, digital, linear I.C.'s, triacs, diodes, bridgerecs. etc. etc. All devices guaranteed brand new, fullspec. with manufacturers markings, fully guaranteed.
50 + BAG £2.95 100 + BAGS C5.15
ICL TERMIPRINTER300 BAUD TERMINALS
£325
Made under licence from the world famous GE Co.The ICL Termiprinter is a small attractive unit withso many features it is impossible to list them in thespace available! Brief spec. as follows; RS232serial interface, switchable baud rates ;110, 150,300, 130 cps), upper and lower case correspond-ence type face, standard paper, almost silent run-ning, form feed, electronic tab settings, suited forword processor applications plus many morefeatures. Supplied in good condition and in work-ing order. Limited quantity.
NOW OPENMONDAY -SATURDAY
9.30-5.30n s oc now test equipment, microprocessor's to
,
transformers, power supplies, scopes, sig. gen's motors,
equipment, I.C.'s, tools, components, variacs, keyboards,
transistors, microswitches,V.D.U's sub -assemblies + thousands of
other stock lines. Just a mere fraction of our vast range, is
displayed below: 100's of bargains foreallers.
MAKE YOUR COMPUTER TALK!!!
VIA OUR EX -GPO MODEM UNITS
Well, not exactly talk, but communicate Over astandard dial -up G.P.O. line with any othermodem. The modem unit 2A is housed in -anattractive fibre glass case measuring only 15"w x13"d x 5"h, inside are the electronics and mainspower supply which enable serial duplex datacommunication between terminallcomputer etc.at any speed up to and in excess of 250 baud1300 at a push). Made to the most stringent,exacting specification for the G.P.U. These unitsfeature Modular plug in P.C.B.'s, internal testpoints, Standard tone frequencies, Configureableto terminal or computer end, Auto unattendedanswer, RS232IV24 interface on standard 25way '0' socket, etc. etc., supplied complete withdiags., at a fraction of £55 00"their original cost at only . CARR.
NOTE. Units believed working, but untested, unguian-teed. Permission may be required for connection toG.P.O. lines.
LED DIGITAL ALARM CLOCK MODULE*12 HOUR * 50/60 HZ * LARGE DISPLAY *100's OF USESThe same module, NATIONAL MA1012,used in most alarm clock/radios on themarket today, the only difference is ourprice! GIANT 4" LED characters giveextremely clear viewing and readability.All electronics are self-contained on a
P.C.B. measuring only 3"x 1i". Byaddition of a few switches and 5/16 volts A.G. you have a multi-function alarm clock at a mere fraction of cost. Dozens of functionsinclude snooze timer, am -pm, alarm set, power fail indicators, flashingseconds cursor, modulated alarm output, dimmer control, etc, etc,Supplied brand new with full data at only rcsuitable transformer for mains operation 01 75 "40
EX STOCK
SOFTYSOFTWARE DEVELOPMENTSYSTEM, INVALUABLETOOL FOR DESIGNERS,HOBBYISTS ETC.Enables "open heart surgery"on 2708, 2716, etc, Blows,Copies, Reads EPROMS oremulates EPROM /ROM IN -SITU whilst displaying con-tents off ROM/RAM on adomestic TV receiver. A hostof other features.Write or phone for more details.
£115 + VAT Et CARRYou'll never regret buying aSOFTY!
BRAND NEW8" FLOPPY DISK DRIVES
SHUGART SA800 £225.00 + carr + VATSHUGART SA801 1245.00 + carr + VAT
MUFFIN FANSKeep your equipment Cool and Reliable with air tested ea equipment'Muffin Fans' almost silent running and easily mounted. Available intwo voltages 110 V.A.C. 05.05 a pp 65p OR 240e A.C. 16.15 a ppSOp DIMENSIONS 41-4 x 11".
ELECTRONICCOMPONENTS& EQUIPMENT 66%
DISCOUNTDue to our massive bulk purchasing programmewhich enables us to bring you the best possiblebargains, we have thousands of I. C.'s, Transistors,Relays, Cap's., P.C.B.'s, Sub -assemblies, Switches,etc. etc. surplus to our requirements. Because wedon't have sufficient stocks of any one item toinclude in our ads., we are packing all these itemsinto the "BARGAIN PARCEL OF A LIFETIME"Thousands of components at giveaway prices!Guaranteed to be worth at least 3 times what youpay plus we always include something from our ads.for unbeatable value!! Sold by weight
2.5kIs f 4.75+pp ELM %NE 6.75+pp f1.8010Ids £11.75+pp 02.25 20Ids f19.99+ pp 04.75
DISPLAY l'e AB GAINSBADRGAINS
IN"Ev ER CHEAPERAll I.C.'s and Transistors by
well known manufacturers and fullyguaranteed. No fall outs. Comprehensivedata on I. C.'s 15p per type.2N4351 N channel MOS FET.2N4352 P channel MOS FET.60p each 11.00 per pair.HIGH VOLTAGE NPN POWERSWITCHING transistors BVcbo 600vBVceo 500v BVebo 15v 1c 5 ampsPc 125 watts HFE 60 eyes ft 2.5 mhzideal invenors, etc 103 El .60 each4 for E5.40.8E258 NPN 250v @ 200ma 45p each3 for El .08.I.R. 85801 2.5 amp 100v bridge roc.P.C. mount long leads 35p each 4 forEl .08.IN4998 4 amp 100v P.C. mount diodeslong leads 14p each 10 for f 1 .10.LM309K +5v 1.2 amp regulator El 10each 6 for 15.35.AGFAC10computergradecassenescom-pletewithlibrarycases68peach,10forC5.50IN4004 SD4 1 amp 400v diodes 7peach 18 for 11.00.I.R. 12 amp BRIDGE RECS. 400 volt01 .25 each.
POWER DARLINGTON SCOOP!M.11000 NPN E0v 90w B amps 103 95p each258305 NPN 00v 100w 10 amps 103 f I.25 eachN34030 NPN 604 IhOw lb 10.137 25 each
2813001 30,, 350 ma 101S13 .01 7's2RPeach 6 for £1.002105061 60v BOOma T018 77p each 4 for f1.00
210441 50e 8 amps 10220 45p each 10 for 04.00C10601 400v 5 amps 10202 55p each 10 for 05.00
TRIACSG.E. 11 amp 600i, T022048 95p each 10 lot E8.75
A.E.I. 10 amp 400v ready mounted on 24" a 23"heatsink f 1.00 each 4 for 03.75
LOW PROFILE I.C. SOCKETS8 an. 10p each 12 for E1.00
14 D.I.I. 14p each 8 for 01.0016 D.I.I. Gold Plated mil. grade 22p each 6 for fl22 D LT 27p each 5 for f 1.D02401 l 35p each 3 lot 11 0040 OIL Dip each 2 for DA
OTHER GOODIES2N3065 IRC.A.1 65p each21151143 R.F. output 40 volts I wan up to 1000M1111.0,5 550 each 111 for MO254304 WNINIF E T transisto, 37p each 3101.01.00
INLI40N/SL6051 14 01.1. 2 watt A.F.amp 80peach 8 for 16 00CA302111 Of 120 MHZ differentiacascode ampFIN each 3 for 02.50CA3011 10 MHZ wideband amp 1099 case 65peach 1 for f 1 00TMS3114 DUAL MOS 128 bit static shin mg. OC25 MHZ 01 50 each 4 for 14 25NE555 27p each. 10 for 02.50GE424 mil] voltage switch, mac SCR relay drive,105 can El 10 each 7 lot 06.50
LM384 5 Watt audio I.C.s £1.50 each 10 for f11.00
FP 037154 NPN Sits 500ma iransisio, in lepack /Op each ; to! 11 00
BARGAINS GALORE!In our walk round Warehouse
NOW open Monday to Saturday 9.30-5-30
ELECTRONICSDept P.C.W. 64-66 Melton Rd., Thornton Heath, MAIL ORDERCroydon, Surrey. TeL 01-609 7702 ce 01-609 6800 INFORMATIONUnless otherwise stated all prices inclusive of V.A.T. Cash with order. Minimumorder value E2.00. Prices and Postage quoted for UK only. Where post andpacking not indicated please add 50p per order. Bona Fida account ordersminimum £10.00. Export and trade enquiries welcome. Orders despatchedsame day where possible. Access and Barclaycard Visa welcome.
"no time to test"price of only
5v D.C. POWER SUPPLIESFollowing the recent "SELL OUT" demand for our 5v3 amp P.S.U. we have managed to secure a large quan-tity of ex -computer systems P.S.U.'s with the followingspec.; 240 or 1113v A.C. input. Outputs of 5v @ 3-4amps, 7.2v @ 3 amps and 6.5v @ 1 amp. The 5v and7.2v outputs are fully regulated and adjustable withvariable current limiting on the 5v supply. Unit is selfcontained on a P.C.B. measuring only 12' x 5" x 3".The 7.2v output is ideal for feeding "on board" regu-lators or a further 3 amp LM323K regulator to give aneffective 5v @ 7 amp supply.Supplied complete with circuit at only 010.95 +E1.75pp.Believed working but untested, unguaranteed.
KEYBOAR* LOW PRICE CHASS IS
DS*
111A special bulk purchase enables us to otter the above keyboard al a
lowest ever price. 49 coded keys encoded into a direct TTL compatible7 bit output. Features such as delayed strobe, 5 volt D.C. single railoperation and rollover protection make this an absolt le must for theMPG constructor, Supplied complete with connection diagram and edgeconnector, al a secondhand
E20.00 + P.P. £1.60
SUPER CASED VERSION Same as above spec. but housed in attractivetwo tone moulded, free standing case Unit also includes an all TTL parallelto serial convertor Inn details) etc.
£27.5° + P.P. f1 .85
telaelle7,141i1J.101.1101,
PR 740v pr. sec 15 0 15 @ 2 amps dimensions 3 s 23TM 240v,110v an sec 150 15 BvA dimensions 23 a 1
All voltages m d off load.
MERS
Fa 95.p p 99pf 1 95.p p 30p
Plugs, Sockets Et Connectors Cannon 'D' Range
Ways9
15253750
Plugf 1 .0311.17E1.7292.3502.90
25 way ex -equip. plug or socket £1
Socket£1.26£2.01£2.58E4.14£5.46
.25e...------ Edge connectors, gold plated
0.1"DS 40 way 92.450.1" DS 85 way C3.990 .15"DS 56 way £3.250.156DS 36 way E2.00
All connectors easily cut to size1000's of other connectors ex stock
PCW 140
141: COMPLETE COMPUTER SYSTEMS 4111:*
BUY FROM CCS Microsales
SOFTWARE FOR APPLE/ PETNOW you can WRITE PROGRAMS FAST for theApple II/PET. Using our modular data handlingapproach, many tasks are reduced to your calculations- plus simple calls to our routines to handle all thedisk input/output - screen editing and input of data -report production.At a cost of £40 for the main 4 modules (DefineDESCRIPTION - READ file DESCRIPTION -FETCH - STORE) its going to pay for itself veryquickly. Also available are: AMEND - MOVE - MOVECOMPUTED - PRINTER (PRINTER requires MOVEand MOVE COMPUTED).ALL 8 MODULES for £64 - with more modules tofollow.
COMMODOREWHY PAY MORE? SAVE £200
3032 PET - 3040 Disc - 3022 Tractor Printer -c2NCassette -2 Cables - Pet Revealed. Our price £1722(ex. VAT). Save £50 on most units.Full range of Commodore programs available plusprogramming and extended maintenance.
APPLE The Apple is great in a business environment, withour commercial systems software.
An Apple based Word Processing System is availablefor only £1990, including software.File management/database systems available.
For the technically minded there are CCS boards,including Arithmetic Processor, ROM, IEEEinterface, Synchronous -and Asynchronous SerialInterface, and an A -D converter.
* 18 months guarantee included
HIRE FROM CCS Microhire The leading microcomputer hire company. Available are: Apple, PET, Exidy Socerer, Seed
System One/ MSI 6800, NASCOM/MICROS, andthe Tandy TRS 80.
Peripherals also available, and software! New monthly rates - £79 to £99 per month (8K to48K).
CCS Microsalesend
CCS Microhire
WE HAVE RELOCATED! Visit or contact us at our new showroom
7 The ArcadeLetchworthHerts
Tel No. (04626)-73301Telex 261507 (Ref 3244)
PCW 141
COMPUTECH for ikapplaCOMPUTECH for ITT
Well proven software (several hundred packages already licensed) for businessapplications on the ITT 2020 and Apple microcomputers.
Prices excluding V.A. T for cash with order. F.O.B London NW3
PAYROLL (300+ Employees, 100 Departments,hourly, weekly, monthly. Very powerfulbut easy to use).
£375
SALES LEDGER (500+ Accounts, 100 Departments). £295
PURCHASES LEDGER (500+ Accounts, 100 Departments). £295
GENERAL (OR NOMINAL) (1000 Accounts, 100 Analyses, multi- £295LEDGER purpose package).
UTILITIES DISK 1 (Diskette patch, slot to slot copy, £20zap etc).
APPLEWRITER
VISICALC
(Word Processing)
(Financial Modelling, Costing,Analysis)
£42
£95
AND NOW HARDWARE! MI*COMPUTECH DIPLOMAT H/S SERIAL INTERFACE £80
This card has been designed and built to the same professional standards that have resultedin the success of our software. The DIPLOMAT observes the proper "handshaking" protocol sothat you can drive fast printers and send and receive data from other peripherals at high speedswithout loss of data. Switch (& software) selectable baud rates to 19200 and many other options.Plug compatible with 'terminal' or 'modem' wired peripherals. Guaranteed.
MICROLINE M80 PRINTER £450
This neat, reliable machine prints at 10 characters per inch, 80 characters on an 8 inch line, or 40expanded characters, or 132 very readable characters, upper and lower case and graphics, 9 x 7dot matrix, 6 or 8 lines per inch. Parallel interface is standard, serial optional. Both friction andsprocket feed are standard, tractor optional. We can also supply the parallel interface card forApple System computers for £80 and a driver to enable both text and graphics to be used.Optional custom colour matching for Apple or ITT
THE FABULOUS MICROMUX 8000 from £800
This is a brand new product, an asynchronous serial multiplexor with up to 16 ports, any one ofwhich, may communicate with any other independently, like a 'telephone exchange' for data!Built in test function. Firmware may be customised for special ,applications. Available in multiplesOf 4 ports up to 16.
COMPUTECH SYSTEMS188, Finchley Road, London NVV3 BHP. Tel: 01-794 0202
AGENTS THROUGHOUT THE UK ANC) OVE ,AL;
PCW 142
APPLell DISK DRIVESDUAL DISK UNIT £498DISK CONTROLLER CARD £ 4E3
" Two Disks in one CabinetHas its own Power Supply UnitConnects to standard Apple Disk Controller CardRuns all Apple Software including Pascal
" Japanese quality and reliabilityAPPLE DEALERS:- Write or phone direct to Cumana andspecifications plus dealer discounts will be mailed to you.
TRS-110901SK DRIVESDUAL DISK UNIT
2 x 40 Track Drives £4402 x 77 Track Drives £645
SINGLE DISK UNIT1 x 40 Track Drive £2361 x 77 Track Drive £345
TRS 80 DISK CABLES2 Drive Cable £204 Drive Cable £ 32.50
TRS-80 DEALERS:- Write or phone direct to Cumana andspecifications plus dealer discounts will be mailed to you.
MAIL ORDER MINI FLOPPY DISK DRIVESOw Price Each
TEAC FD -50A 40 TRACK 514 inch 1-5 £155DOUBLE/SINGLE DENSITY DRIVES 6-12 £145PRICE INCLUDES WARRANTY, 13-25 £135SPECIFICATION MANUAL ANDMAINTENANCE MANUAL
Call your nearest dealer for a demonstration:RADIO SHACK LTD.,188 Broadhurst Gardens,LONDON NW6Tel 01 -624-7 174
LONDON COMPUTERCENTRE, 43 Grafton Way,LONDON W1.Tel 01-388-5721
MICRO CONTROL LTD.,224 Edgeware Road,LONDON W2Tel 01-402 8842
TRANSAM COMPONENTSLTD., 59-61 Theobalds Road,LONDON WC1Tel 01-405-5240
N.I.C., 61 Broad Lane,Tottenham, LONDON N15Tel 01-808-0377
EWL COMPUTERS LTD.,8 Royal Crescent, GLASGOWTel 041-332.7642
KATANNA MANAGEMENTSERVICES, 22 Roughtons,Galleywood, CHELMSFORD,Tel 0245-76127
ENSIGN, 13-19 Milford Street,SWINDON, Wilts.Tel 0793-42615
SEVET TRADING,14 St, Pawls Street,BRISTOL 2.Tel 0272-697757
HEWART MICRO-ELECTRONICS,95 Blakelow Road,MACCLESF IE LD.Tel 0625-22030
PORTABLE MICRO-SYSTEMS, 18 Market Place.BRACKLEY, Northants.Tel. 0280-702017
CAMBRIDGE COMPUTERSTORE, 1 Emmanue' Street,CAMBRIDGETel: 0223-65334
HARDEN MICROSYSTEMS,28-30 Back Lord Street,BLACKPOOLTel. 0253-27590
LC. ELECTRONICSFlagstones, Stede QuarterBIDDENDEN, KentTel 0580 791816
pArovcsr LTD.,58 Market Place,CH IPPE NHAMTei 0249.2131
COMPUTERAMA LTD.,5 Cleveland Place East,London Road, BATHTel 0225-333232
COMPSHOP LTD.,14 Station Road,NEW BARNET, Herts.Tel 01-441 2922
CUMANA LTD 35 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4UN.Telephone: (0483) 503121. Telex: 859680 (Input G).
Please add VAT to all prices.
Delivery at cost will be advisedat tune of order.
PCW 143
Greenbank!,embank Electronics
(Dept WI ICI 92 New Chester Road. New FerryWirral, Merseyside 162 SAG
(Tel 051-645 3391)
TERMS. NAT. CWO. Cheques etc payable to Greenbank Electronics and crossedAdd VAT to all prices al except where staled olhandise Post etc 1011 351 1111115.1.1-1+5p VAT = 4091 per order Export NO VAT but add 35p [Eire'. 759 !Europe] and siwciarcraioE2 50 elsewhere Access. Barclaycard. Visa 161690086d orders acceptedjPolys. universilies pool depts. etc can telephode their orders for immediate 11:despatch on account
QUARTZ I
UV EPROM ERASERS cm°siUV 140, UV 141
914 Two easy to use units designed for both the professional andamateur UV -prom user
Femmes Can erase up to 1 4 proms Special short wave ultraviolet tube Erase time variable between 5 and 50 minutes in 5 minute steps
(preventing over exposure which may shorten prom life) Sliding tray carries proms on conductive foam Safety interlock switch prevents the timing circuit from operating
and switching on the tube with the tray openMains On and Tube On indicators
Smart textured case Complete instructions supplied
Supplied complete with mains plug and flex
Model UV141. Price E77.70Also available swItianat timer as
Model UV140: Price £61.20
Tex Microsystems"EPROMPT" UV ERASER
III
A low cost alternative to the above erasers (UV140,141) claimed by the manufacturer to eraseup to 32 chips in 15-30 mins This is the cheapesteraser we have seen The unit has no timer, power,witch or safety interlock switch The user placesup to 32 chips into loose conducting foam in theerasure tray (16 along the base. 8 on each side)The chips are held in place by the UV tube whichsits in the tray (Unlike the UV 140 141. nospecial precautions have been taken to prevent theseepage of UV light but the manufacturers statethat Incident light from this device is quite safe atdistances above 12 inches )
(Dimensions - 325 x 64 v 38mml
EPROMPT ERASER: Price £33.56
These cut proms Pot Amateur Users and Export. Mole industrial users - quantityplus asaaage Mostly Motorola RCA
4000 189 1042 801, 0195 El 97 4410 E.15 4531 E1.45
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4008 80p 4047 E1.71 10100 11.12 4433 C12.30 4538 E1.20
4009 409 4045 77p 40101 LIMP 4139/ 15.40 4539 97p
1010 50p 4049 40102 L.3.67 1450 1.3.111 1541 E1 19
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4012 lap 4031 Epp 10104 E1.115 4461 03.93 4549 E4 38
4013 50, 4852 110p 40105 EI.15 4462 14.41 4552 141.65
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MODULATORS'
041111 E 36 11111 16 36 at
110 Modulator £2.50001231 UHF 06 36 VisionModulator wide handwidthRot <anteaters tic 10.70UMi763 FM Sound Sub
carnet feoeulatot [2.50 11V--AC 52215 54 10A (69.90AC 912210 1211,14 -129 IA -54
5420 IA
106.00I050 20 E119.20
IL 94215 54 104 128121,'-42012A.-41
5V 0 IA 020.50
SWITCHMODE PSUs
32 7614,10(M101
60 KM100.0 UVMD 0 KIP204 I KR//62 144 KWmr21012312 5 Klt7455 0 Mr
000 066=WO210 WU81011432 WO00006097152 WO4576 Mt51:018056250 MD
3.0003 2760 WO3.51%45 Pt393216 Nat
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4800 Mg4 9152 11/05 CPO Pt5 068111012
5 170 lit5 165 leg6 003 Pit6 114 Mt6 403 WO6.55360 eV7 000 Mt7 168 Pt7 680 Mg7 /6402 NW8 Ma es8.318000 NW8 867137 MP9 375 IN9 MOM0.000 INS0.245 NKr0 PA 1000 12 66
1 000 662 000 ION4.0604 31818 Pk6 MO WU8 000 WM,8132 Pt
20000 WO20 1134 Ng26 690 IMO37 0 Pt27 145 1410
27 641 *138 6666 %V40 000 066100000 1012116 KO Pt
1.3231.956.262£10263.92E3.921.92L.I.9264.95E3.621.3.321.02LC%E3.62E3.621.2303.62UFOL162(3.621.23El.%13.92E.2.1111
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6150004000.1" Pitch tooth copper
stripsT. r",, 1" Ouch P 51 7492',' V." 51p
62px 17" [1 86
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SOLDERCON PINS100 510 Imo E3.95
OIL SOCKETSI 0 16 pin
10,12, 13pIs 20 22 pe
10P,21110'nd24128146 pm
30p 4103,50p21 po losioN low typoSara esanms 1st. Ea.%
EDGE CONNECTORS43 way 01" pick me*rirap Warmed siel pe 3751011 4411 g x 421E3.11W ON ailed 12 x42IE4.10
TIMM ICs5E555/556 29p /4p
01-11111P5YAM Mini dips!
CA 3130E 649CA 3140E 35pUA 741 1Te1041 22
D16111E13 DISPLAYliluiliyares comm .catholic prime imality
000 WI 10 51 15.75
LED DISPLAYS01 7044 99p01 727E 7210 C2.043
01 717E 75/3E 11.001110 500 ISDO C1.20
LIQUID CRYSTALDISPLAY
4 40 5" 00411540 plit oA19.95
CLOCK CHIPSAY 51210 E2.00MK 50253 C5.50MK 50366 C6.50
SIX DECADECOUNTERS
MK 50395 6.7 19.9010 50398 9 (7.50
5204 2708 PROGRAMMING SERVICE [7.50each prom (Price does not include prom weaccept handwritten typed source code - must behexadecimal)
PROM WASHING SERVICE 50p each prom
NEW COMPUTER BOARDSThe following computer boards have been added tothe range for use with the Z80 (1 1 4 x 203mmfibreglass with gold plated edge connector)IP2 8 line opto isolated input board £9.40OP2 8 line relay output board £9.40SIO RS232 serial interface board £9.40MXD2 16K dynamic ram board £9.40
MICROPROCESSORS ICOMPUTER BOARDS
114 r 203 mm hlreglasspalel hood edge cospclorOultered SC MP CPU 19.40Sc MP Prolobaarl 19.40780141/ 343 19.40403 is 11.90VDU 0 ' et 18.90YOU 6 I throe E940EPROM Agrees,1270001 19.4044 PROM W4,11520441
E9.443
Alt MOM Mora 1270811E9.40
18 RAM 1210241 1624 19.40
RAM 1211441 III
C9 40Tau Menne 1.90Keyttewil lolirlace ft 901.511 5. .12v -12r award
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home EII sa13"x 14," appro. Elmr,Glass tinned
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CMOSGOSIdeiC CD/ 114:120 ELIOCOSSAC a, 1862E E1005CP 1864 1725
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DYNAMICSRIK 4116 100 250n2 LI 95NY 4816 ?K r 8 C30.52
UV ERASABLES52041512,61 01 1 502706 IK a 8 E6.7527157516 2K 8 single 5r
017 951532 Mt 01541 [47.00
PROMMASHING each Prom
50p 10304,-6471
UV PROM ERASER116 140 161 20UV141 177 70
INTERFACE811595 6 7
75491 LEO Wirer75191211425
8126 81281174
1 40Sop
92pE3 95E2 64
48p
CRT Controller. tiarasThompson CU Sf 1%3642E11 50AY 5-1013 LIMIT TR 1602 0.00AY 5-1013A C4.70Ara -10144 £5.60AY 21015 £5.60
CHAR. 610. 6(000080ENCODER
016 66760 1975tall 23112 £15.29RD 3-251315x Uppercase) 16.00UM 0670 EU Oulf 114 27ar 5 2376 E9 75
FIRMWAREMON 101 10011 1 raq 04.95TR Toy BASIC 1in 280 (2 27081
C19.95Oe MR Ira SC 14. 27041
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DATAI
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SPECIAL OFFER(Subject to stocks)
No monthly accounts for these priceseach
2114 (450nS) - 1K x 4 £2.992708 (450nS) - 1K x 8 £5.252516 2716 (450nS) - 2K x 8 single 5v
£10.504116 (250nS) - 16K xl Dynamic
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144 PCW
PRINTER SUPERMARKET COMPLETE SYSTEMS
60 CHARACTERS PER SECONDRICOH RP -1600 THE FASTEST DAISYWHEEL PRINTER. £1320FAST, heavy duty commercial DAISY WHEEL printer, withhigh quality printout, coupled with.low noise necessary foroffice environment, Nationwide service by NEXOS. 90 daywarranty provided at your premises.124 char: upper/lower case. 10/12 chars: per inch giving 126or 163 columns. 15 inch wide frintion platen. /reverseTop of the form, BOLDING, underline, and host of otherfeatures. Centronics type parallel interface as standard.options: serial interface 60 PET interface 65 APPLE interface75
OKI MICROLINE 80/132. THE QUIETPRINTER YOU CAN LIVE WITH£449THE QUITIEST DOT MATRIX AVAILABLE. 40, 80, OR 132COLS PER LINE EXCELLENT PRINT QUALITY 3 WAYPAPER HANDLING. LETTERHEADS, FANFOLD, OR PAPERROLLS GRAPHICS IDEAL FOR SOFTWARE WRITTENFOR LARGE 132 COL PRINTERS CONTINUOUS RATINGPRINTING DAY IN AND DAY OUT CENTRONICSPARALLEL STANDARD. OPTIONS: RS -232, PET, APPLE.DEALER ENQUIRIES INVITED
NEW MAXI ANADEX WITH GRAPHICS £895Takes up to 13.5 inch widepaper Upper/lower case withdecenders * £ sign 132 or 175chrs/line with double widthprinting Fast 150 CPS bi-directional logic seeking printing Heavy duty print head giving650 million chrs print life serial, Parallel and Current Loopinterfaces built in Host of otherfeatures found on printers costingtwice as much.
EPSON TX -80 £325 DOT-MATRIX PRINTER PETGRAPHICS.PRINTS 80 COLUMNS ON PLAINRAPER AT 90 CHARACTERS/SECOND. ADJUSTABLETRACTOR UPPER/LOWERCASE DOUBLE WIDTHPRINTING,. MICROCONTROLLED SELF TEST HEAVY DUTY PRINT HEADUSING JEWELL BEARINGS FORLONG LIFE MADE BYSHINSHU SEIKI AN AFFILIATEOF SEIKO WATCH CO OFJAPAN. INTERFACE:CENTRONICS PARALLEL,OPTIONS: PET, APPLE, ANDSERIAL.
NEW TRS-80 MODEL 1 48K SYSTEMWITH DUAL DISC DRIVES. it1175NEW GREENSCREEN VDU, WITH ROCK STEADY DISPLAY,REDESIGNED 32K EXPANSION INTRFACE WITH TROUBLEFREE DISC OPERATION, TWO 40 TRACK TEAC DISCDRIVES, COMPLETE WITH CABLES.TRIDATA SALES, PURCHASE, INVOICING, PAYROLLPACKAGES AVAILABLE.
WITH DESK AND EPSON PRINTER £1750
NEW SUPER BRAIN DUEL DENSITY £1595 /QUADDENSITY £1995
NOW WITH CP/M 2.2, &INCREASED DISC STORAGE.TWIN Z80 -A 1MHZ 2 DISCDRIVES, DUAL DENSITY 320 KQUAD DENSITY 700 K STORAGE* 64 K RAM HIGH RESOLUTION12 INCH CRT. 80 x 24 LINESUPPER/LOWER CASE * 2 RS -232PRINTER PORTS CPM 2.2OPERATING SYSTEM * MBASIC,COBOL, FORTRAN, PASCAL,WORD PROCESSING & ACCOUNTSPACKAGES AVAILABLE.DEALER ENQUIRIES INVITED
TRS-80 MODEL £1999
ANADEX DP -8000 NEW LOW PRICE £475FAST 112 CHARACTERS PER SECOND BOTH RS -232, ANDCENTRONICS PARALLEL INTERFACES BUILT IN *UPPER/LOWER CASE WITH £ SIGN
STATE OF THE ART SECONDGENERATION COMPUTER.OVER 10,000 ALREADY SOLDIN USA, 8 SLOT BUS ENSURESEXPANSION OF HARD DISCS& OTHER PERIPHERALS., 76Key professional keyboard, selftest on POWER UP. TRSDOS &LEVEL III BASIC STANDARD.CP/M AVAILABLE AS OPTION,making a wide range of accounting,educational, scientific & wordprocessing packages instantlyusable.NATIONWIDE SERVICETHROUGH 180 TANDY STORES& COMPUTER CENTRES.
LOW COST WORD PROCESSOR IBASED ON TRS-80 LEVEL 2 16K, CASSETTE RECORDER,ELECTRIC PENCIL SOFTWARE, UPPER/LOWER CASEMOD, PRINTER INTERFACE AND OKI DOT MATRIXPRINTER. COMPLETE READY TO GO £985. FREEMAILING LIST PROGRAM,WORD PROCESSOR IISAME AS ABOVE BUT WITH 48K, 2 DISC DRIVESAND RICOH DAISY WHEEL PRINTER C2690
WORD PROCESSOR IIIBASED ON SUPERBRAIN COMPUTER SHOWN ABOVE.WITH RICOH PRINTER & "MAGIC WAND" THE ULTIMATEIN WORD PROCESSING. LETTERS AUTOMATICALLYFORMATTED WITH ADDRESSES FETCHED FROMSEPARATE FILE. COMPLETE SYSTEM 3590INVOICING, STOCKCONTROL, SALES LEDGER, PURCHASELEDGER, PAYROLL AVAILABLE FOR ABOVE COMPUTERS.FROM £250 PER PACKAGE.
PRICES QUOTED ABOVE DO NOT INCLUDE VAT. PHONE OR CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS OR DEMONSTRATIONS.
LONDON COMPUTER CENTRE LIMITED43, GRAFTON. WAY, OFF TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD, LONDON W1
TEL: 01-388 5721 OPENING HRS: 11-7 MON-FRI, 12-4 SATS.
PromGlowLid
MON-SUNINCLUDING "EVENINGS" "01-368 9002"
INTERTEC SUPERBRAIN
32K/64K and more with S100expansion industry standardCP/M system, two Z80operations. Two QUASdensity or dble. density drivesnicely put togheter withscreen.PCM PASCALAPL FORTRANASM COBOLMicro -custom design require-ments: Let us implementyour ideas in all areas aspectof communications Mapconregistered consultants.
MICROLEASE
Take advantage of leasingEXAMPLE: Apple 48+Disk drive£E40/month for 3years
Lu
< MICROHIREvat Apple, Horizon, Sorceror,Pet
TRS-80, Superbrain, Somecn below 2/week. NO DELI V.2 Collect charges in London.CILwH BARGAIN CORNER
Slightly used Micro -computers,1-1-I Apple, ITT 2020, Sorceror,< Pet,TRS80; From around £300-E600LLO
GUARANTEEMicro-sales,Lease, hire, Microsbought- we have the best inMicros - all supplied with oneyear guarantee.
NEWDue to expansion we will soonbe able to supply some of themost exciting Soft and Firm-ware that is availiable.
APPLEWORLD
Turns your Apple into asophisticated graphics systemcapable of creating animated3-D colour images, projectingthem, move closer, furtheraway, etc.Sketch your dream houseview it from above then godown and enter via the frontdoor. Move from room toroom,observing interiordecor. You could even viewthe garden from the livingroom window.
VERSAWRITER
Cheaper than the graphicstablet, but also allows you tosketch (direct to memory)any shape, any colour - nomore "HPLOT" all hiresdrawings can be stored on diskand retrieved to be used inany programme. Ideal foranimation.
HIGHER TEXT
Define your own fonts.Many similar features asRomplus + but only soft-ware and therefore considere-ably cheaper. Comes withmanual and demo. Use oldEnglish text or many forms ofupper and lower case.
ZORK ADVENTURE GAMESS -C ASSEMBLER II FOR6502 2
ASTEROIDS IN SPACE(.7
First time available in Britain. 0ILo_
Ir
We also stock Apple II. Plus w- colour cards - with other e_
cards for hobbyist, educe- CL_.,
tionalist, business, profession-als, 64k Pascal, Fortran, Apple -0Forth and much more.
Uocc
AND MUCH MORE!!!!
O SOOON MOVING TO SHOPPING PR ECINTNORTH LONDON, INOODGREEN
.7(-1
Master YourMicro WO with...Little Genius floppy diskettebased courses will teach you,how to use your system and howto realise the full potential of the"Mighty Micro". These fullyinteractive computer lessons willguide you quickly to a high levelof understanding and confidencein your ability to make the most ofyour microcomputer system.Courses now available- Applesoft BASIC Palsolt BASIC- Advanced - Advanced Palsolt
Applesolt BASIC BASICUsing your Apple - Using your 2020PET BASICAdvanced PETBASIC
Little GeniusEach course, comprising a floppy diskette, and starting
instructions, costs only E40.00 plus VAT.SPECIAL"3 in one" OFFER for 3 courses covering the same
system only £99.00 plus VAT.Little Genius courses are available from most computer retail
outlets, or direct mail order ,-rom:LITTLE GENIUS
Suite 504, Albany House, 324 Regent Street, London W1 R 5AA.Telephone: 01-580 6361
Happy Memories4116 200ns £3.75 4116 15Ons £4.952114 450ns £2.95 2114 200ns £3.952708 450ns £4.95 2716 5V £9.95
Memorex soft -sectored mini -discs with freeplastic library case £19.95 per 10.
Low profile I.C. sockets:Pins: 8 14 16 18 20 22 24 28 40Pence: 10 11 12 16 17 19 21 27 37
Euroconnectors:64/96 Male (right angled) £2.39 64/96 Female£3.52RS232 connectors (solder):Male 25 way: £1.86 Female 25 way: £2.13Hoods: 66p
ALL PRICES VAT INCLUSIVEPlease add 30p postage to orders under £10.Government + Educational orders welcome
£10 minimum
Happy MemoriesGladestryKington
HerefordshireHR5 3NY
Tel: (054 422) 618
MANCLIWCAND
VISA
weirrrne Ammo.
MICROSOFT CONSUMER PRODUCTS
146 PCW
RAMDynamic RAM 16K - 64K from £205Static RAM 8K - 64K from £95Memory Manager £52
I/02S/4P prov 4K RAM/4K ROM £1692S/2P or 2S/4P or3P/1S or 4S/2P from £135Analogue 8 or 12 bit from £287Optically isolated I/O £114IEEE 488 Interface £350
MISCELLANEOUSReal Time ClockHigh Dens Graph/8K RAMHi -Tech ColourMotherboards - various fromExtender Board/logic probeMaths Board AMD 9511
SIRTON COMPUTERS76 Godstone Road, Kenley (Nr Croydon)
Surrey CR2 5AATel: 01-668 0761/2
MIDAS S100 SYSTEMS
MIDAS 1 : From £750
MIDAS 2 : From £1580
MIDAS 3 : From £2150
MIDAS 4 : From £5900
ITHACA-DPS 1 : From £1075
Our versatile Z80 Microcomputers are available as standard units or custom configured to your exactspecification from a comprehensive range of stocked S100 boards.
Disc storage capacity of the MIDAS 3 can be 2M Bytes, expandable to over 20M Bytes with aWinchester Hard Disc Unit in our MIDAS 4 range.
MIDAS runs CP/M and MP/M is also available. Other Software includes M -BASIC, C -BASIC,FORTRAN, COBOL, C I S-COBO L, PASCAL and Word Processing.
A MIDAS 3, with 64K RAM and 2M Bytes storage on two 8" drives with two Serial I/O Ports andCP/M 2 only £2600.
Printers, VDUs and other peripherals stocked to give complete package systems at keen prices. Business Packages include Accounts, Stock Control, Purchase Ledger etc etc.
Boards stocked from Ithaca, Godbout, SSM, S D Systems, Vector, Micromation Mullen, Mountain Hardware, Hi -Tech,Video Vector, Pickles & Trout, Central Data, Cromemco, Thinker Toys - Send for full Price List k many available inkit form).
PROCESSORZ80 Starter KitSBC100SBC200Z80 CPU's4 MHz
EPROM2708 EPROM (16K)2708/2716 Programmers from
VIDEO16 lines, 32/64 ch24 Lines, 84 ch
DISC CONTROLLERSVersafloppy S/DDoubler D/D
SOFTWARECP/M 1 & 2, MP/M, PL/1, C -BASIC 2, M -BASIC V5, XYBASIC, FORTRAN 80, COBOL 80, CIS-COBAL, PASCAL/Z,PASCAL (UCSD), PASCAL M/T, Forth, MAC, ZSID, Disassembler, Wordstar, Datastar, Magic Wand,Word master, Supersort etc etc.
WE ARE THE SOLE U.K. DISTRIBUTORS FOR INTEGRAND S100 MAINFRAMEDISC ENCLOSURES ETC.
£188£208£237
from £130
£60£134
from £104from £265
£198£280
£180£333£295
£34£39
£330
PCW 147
DISCOUNT PETSNOW . . SUPERPETS(MMEDIATE DELIVERY)
8032 WET £8008000 DISK £825
ALSO.. .. STANDARD PETS8K £425, 16K £480, 32K £580
C2N £50, DISK £620, TOOLKIT £40
INEXPENSIVE PRINTERSEPSON TX8OB (WITH PET GRAPHICS) £375
BASE 2 M800 STM(FRICTION & TRACTOR) £390
TI 99/4 HOME COMPUTERWITH MODIFIED SKANTIC 14"TV £750
32K 320 DISC£1450
TECHNICAL BACKUP FROM MAPCONENGINEERS
PRICES ARE EXCLUDING VAT
SUPERBRAINWITH INTEGRAL DISK + VDU
CP/M 22 X80 4 MH232KRAM 320K DISK £150064KRAM 320K DISK £1750
Cambridge Road, Orwell, Royston, Herts.Telephone: Arrington 689
INTERACTIVEInteractive Data Systems
14 Buckman Close Greenleys Milton Keynes Mt(12 64BTelephune 102081 313997
DATA PROCESSING SYSTEMS -- INCUSTPdAL CONTROL SYSTEMS
Sales Design Manufacture
THE BRITISH S100.Mt last you can buy a range of 5100 boards manufacturedto the highest standards in the U.K., compatible with thenew I.E.E.E. S100 specification and competitive in pricewith anything the Americans can throw at usZ80 CPU. A basic 4MHz CPU board with all the logic
and buffers required to drive the 5100 bus.Kit £84 A & T £105
SBMC A 4MHz Z80 single board microcomputerfeaturing 2 RS232 ports (or 20mA1 withfull handshaking, 1K of scratchpadmemory, up to 16K of EPROM and a 4channel counter/timer/vector interupt.
Kit £178 A & T £2358KS RAM This is an 8K static memory board utilising
the industry standard 2114 memory chip.Kit £98 A& T £114
16K SRAM This is a 16K static memory board utilisingthe industry standard 2114 memory chip.
Kit £174 A & T £198FDC Any combination of 8" and 5", single or
double sided floppy disk drives can behandled in single or double density withthis board.
Kit £177 A & T £198TERM 40 Active termination board for reduction of
crosstalk and ringing in the bus.A & T £32-50
Process Control Interface, 8 channels relayisolated output, 8 channels opto-isolatedinput, 8 bit TTL I/O, 4 x 8 bit D/A, 8 x 8bit A/D.
Kit £195 A & T £223
PCI
Details from the Distributors:-MENDIP COMPUTERS57 Bath Road, Wells, Somerset, BA5 3HS.Telephone: (0749) 75249
INTERTRONIX83 West Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7EN.Telephone: (0252) 722011
6,WSMALL COMPANY
ACCOUNTSSOFTWARE FOR NORTH STAR HORIZON
COMBINED CASH/DA YBOOK TRANSACTIONFILE + ACCOUNT NAMES
COMBINED SALES/PURCHASE LEDGER INTERACTIVE - TOLERANT NAME
MATCHING, ERROR CHECKING ETC. COST AREA ANALYSIS AGED DEBT ANALYSIS, STATEMENTS AUDIT TRAIL AUTO BANK BALANCE MANAGEMENT REPORTS - PROFIT/LOSS,
ASSET RATIOS, ETC.*APPROVED VAT METHODFAST, FREE MAINTENANCE LOCKED BASIC WITH 3 -LEVEL PASSWORD
SYSTEM NO SPECIAL STATIONARY REQUIRED TAILORING SERVICE.£520 + VAT COMPLETE SYSTEMS WITH HARDWARE
FROM £3300
INTELLIGENT ARTEFACTS LTDCambridge Road, Orwell, Royston, Herts.
Telephone: Arrington 689
ConquertheComputerLearn to really understandthe Computer. How itworks and operates.Its 'language'.How to program it andmake full use of its capabilities.
No previous knowledge necessary. Special educational Mini -Computer
supplied ready for use. Complete home study library. Self -test program exercises. Complete programming instructions
using computer. Services of skilled tutor available.
Please send details without obligation to: --
NameAddress
PCW/11/814 BLOCK CAPS PLEASE
BRITISH NATIONALIRADIOI& ELECTRONICS SCHOOL4 Cleveland Road, St.Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.
148 PCW
CPINI COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE I' 1 SUPERSOFTSYSTEM MAINTENANCE
CP/M COMPATIBLE SOFTWARE FROM SUPERSOFT.System maintenanceDiagnostics 1 - easily the most comprehensive set of CP/M. compatible systemcheck-out programs ever assembled. Finds hardware errors in your system, confirmssuspicions or gives the green light.Tests: MEMORY * CPU (8080/8085/Z80)
DISK PRINTER TERMINAL
The CPU test is the first of its kind to our knowledge. It pays to find problems beforethey become serious. Minimal requirements 24k CP/M. Supplied complete with UserManual £39.95, manual alone £9.95.
SOFTWARE SECURITYEncode/Decode is a complete software security system for CP/M, a sophisticatedcoding program package which transforms data stored on disk into completely un-recognisable coded text. Encode/Decode supports multiple security levels and pass-words, and a user defined combination (from the billion possible) is used to code anddecode a file. Uses are unlimited, and DATA BASES, PAYROLL FILES,PROGRAMS, GENERAL LEDGER, CORRESPONDENCE, TAX RECORDS,INVENTORY, ACCOUNTS PA Y/REC and MAILING LISTS are just a few of theapplications possible. Encode/Decode I provides a level of security for normal use.£39.95 complete with User Manual. Manual alone £9.95
Encode/Decode II provides enhanced security for the most demanding needs. £79.95complete with User Manual. Manual alone £9.95.Both versions come supplied on discette.
BOOKSPlease order books by reference no. and title, and add 50p post & packingfor each book ordered.
21168 Active Filter Cookbook21440 Aviation Electronics 3rd Ed.21558 Audio IC Op Amp Applications 2nd Ed.21586 Basic Programming Primer21554 Boolean Algebra for Computer Logic21447 The 8080A Bugbook-Microcomputer
Interfacing & Programming21465 Building & Installing Electronic
Intrusion Alarms21524 The Cheap Video Cookbook21398 CMOS Cookbook21652 Computer Dictionary 3rd Ed.21650 Computer Graphics Primer NEW!21693 Computers & Programming Guides for
Scientists & Engineers 3rd Ed. NEW!21697 8085A Cookbook NEW!21539 Design of Active Filters with Experiments21536 DBUG: An 8080 Interpretive Debugger21537 Design of Op Amp Circuits with Experiments21545 The Design of Phased -Locked Loop Circuits
with Experiments21686 Design of VMOS Circuits with Experiments NEW!21618 Electronic Telephone Projects21351 How to Buy and Use Minicomputers and Microcomputers21684 How to Program and Interface the 6800 NEW!21459 How to Program Microcomputers21127 How to Read Schematic Diagrams 3rd Ed.21613 How to Use Integrated Circuits Logic Elements 3rd Ed.21634 HWS Crash Course in Microcomputers NEW!21527 IC Converter Cookbook21695 IC Op Amp Cookbook 2nd Ed.21416 IC Timer Cookbook21546 Interfacing & Scientific Data
Communications and Ex per i ments21550 Introductory Experiments in Digital Electronics
and 8080A Microcomputer Programming andInterfacing, Book 1
21551 Introductory Experiments in Digital Electronicsand 8080A Microcomputer Programming andInterfacing, Book 2
21601 Instrumentation: Transducers and Applications21452 Learn Electronics Thru Troubleshooting 2nd Ed.21694 LC Circuits21542 Logic and Memory Experiments Using TTL Integrated
Circuits - Book 1
£10.95£ 6.75£ 5.95£ 6.50£ 4.50
£ 7.75
£ 3.95£ 4.50£ 7.75£ 8.95£ 7.50
£11.95£ 7.50£ 5.95£ 3.75£ 5.95
£ 6.75£ 5.95£ 4.95£ 7.50£10.50£ 6.75£ 4.25£ 4.50£13.25£10.50£11.25£ 850
£ 4.50
£ 9.95
£ 8.25£ 8.95£ 8.25£ 4.46
£ 7.50
21543 Logic and Memory Experiments Using TTL IntegratedCircuits - Book 2
21568 Linear IC Principles, Experiments and Projects 2nd Ed.21540 Microcomputer - Analog Converter Software and
Hardware Interfacing21583 Microcomputer for Business Applications21614 Microcomputer Interfacing with the 8255 PPI Chip21653 Microcomputer Primer 2nd Ed.21612 Oscilloscope. Applications & Experiments21635 99 Practical Electronics Projects 2nd Ed.21599 Practical Low -Cost IC Projects 2nd Ed.21557 Practical RF Communication Data for Engineers
and Technicians21651 Programming and Interfacing the 650221482 Regulated Power Supplies 2nd Ed.21419 Security Electronics 2nd Ed.21541 8080/8085 Software Design21615 8080/8085 Software Design - Book 221656 6502 Software Design21621 Solar Heating21587 The S-100 and Other Microbuses21628 TEA: An 8080/8085 Co -Resident Editor/Assembler21538 The 555 Timer Applications Source -Book
with Experiments21633 TRS-80 Interfacing21035 TTL Cookbook21103 Troubleshooting with the Oscilloscope 3rd Ed.21313 TV Typewriter Cookbook21339 Video Security Systems21521 Video Tape Recorders21682 Z80 Microcomputer Design Projects21609 Z80 Microprocessor Programming and Interfacing -
Book 121610 Z80 Microprocessor Programming and Interfacing -
Book 2
£ 7.50£ 7.50
£ 7.25£ 6.75£ 6.75£ 8.95£ 6.75£ 3.75£ 3.50
£ 6.75£10.50£ 7.50£ 4.50£ 7.25£ 7.50£ 7.50£ 5.25£ 4.50£ 6.75
£ 4.5u£ 6.75£ 7.25£ 4.50£ 7.50£ 5.25£ 7.50£ 9.75
£ 8.25
£ 9.75
MICROCHIPS AT MICRO PRICESOIL SWITCHES4 pole 99p6 pole 115p8 pole 140p10 pole 115p
STEREO!S100 SOUND COMPUTER BOARD!At last, an S-100 Board that unleashes the full powerof two unbelievable General Instruments AY -3-8910NMOS Computer sound IC's. Allows you under totalcomputer control to generate an infinite number ofspecial sound effects for games or any other program.Sounds can be called in BASIC, ASSEMBLYLANGUAGE etc.
KIT FEATURES* Two GI Sound computer IC's (AY -3-8910)
Four parallel I/0 ports on BoardUses on Board audio Amps or your STEROOn Board proto typing area
* All sockets, parts and hardware are included" PC Board is soldermasked, silk screened with gold
contacts* Easy, quick and fun to build, with full instructions
Uses programmed I/O for maximum systemflexibilityBoth BASIC and ASSEMBLY languageprogramming examples are included
COMPLETE KIT ...ONLY £59.95 includes 60 pagedata ManualBARE BOARD ....ONLY £25.00 includes 60 pagedata ManualAY -3-8910 chip special price with purchase of BAREBOARD (2 chips) £15.
SO FTW4R ESCL is now available! Our Sound Command Languagemakes writing Sound Effects programs a SNAP! SCLalso includes routines for Register -Examine -Modify,Memory -Examine -Modify and Play -Memory. SCL isavailable on CP/M compatible diskette or 2708/2716.Diskette - £19.95, 2708 - £14.95 2716 - £24.95.Diskette includes the source. EPROM'S are ORG atE000H.
INTERFACELINEAR
MC1488 90pMC1489 90pDM8123 125p75150 125p75154 125p75182 195p753222500 250p75324 325p75325 325p75361 350e75365 295p75451 50p75491/2 75p8T26 175p8T28175p 175p8795 175p8797 175p
UARTS
AY.5-101 3A 325pAY.3.1015D 3989I M6402 IPL 425p
MEMORIES2114 300 NS 275p4116 900 NS 300p4116 150 NS 395p4315 14k x 11 CMOS RAM
450 NS 995p6514 Ilk x41 CMOS RAM
450 NS 695p
CHARACTERGENERATOR
RO-3-2513 UC 450p
BIPOLAR PROMS
93448 512 x 8 40 NS93453 1k x 4 40 NS93451 1k x 8 45 NS93511 2k x 8 50 NS P.O.a.
EPROMS1702A 450p2708 450 NS 425e2716 5V 450 NS 700p2532 37K 450 NS 2995p
74LS0074LS0174LSO474LSO874LSIO74LS1174LS1274LS14741_51574LS2074LS3074LS3274LS40
18p12p15p20p19p30p30p60p38p19p19p25p26p
74LS4274LS4774LS4874LS4974LS7374LS7474LS7574LS8674 LS9074LS10774LS12374L012574L0132
SUPPORT DEVICES
6920652265326551681068206821685068528212821482168224822882518253825582578259MC 144 12VLZ80 P10Z80 CTCZ80A P10280A CTCZ80 DMAZ80A DMAZ80 010/1Z80A 010/0Z80 510/1Z8OA 510/1Z80 010/2Z80A S10/2
CPU'S
65026504650568006802808A8085AZ80Z80 AZ800178002WI)90013
795p795p795p695p995p525p
1095p795p995p
12500p9500p
19900p
495p795p895p
1095p375p425P425p425p425p395p450p395p395p395p495p
1125p495p
1050p1325p797p595p595p695p695p
1995p2495p2995p3495p2995p3495p2995p3495p
LOW PROFILE SOCKETS BY TEXAS
8 pin ip is pin 15p14 pin 9p 20 pin 18p16 pin 10p 22 pin 22P
SALE
24 pin 22p26 pin 25p40 pm 280
56p 74LS138 69p 74LS245 325978p 751_0151 75p 74LS251 120985p 74LS153 75p 74LS257 110p99p 74LS155 65P 74LS290 95p30p 74LS161 78p 74L0293 120p30p 74LS163 90p 74 LS366 57p39p 74LS164 90p 74LS373 170p39p 74L5168 190p 74LS374 170p40p 74LS174 99p 74LS375 140p409 74LS175 99p 741_5377 188P69p 741.5195 87p 74L5393 135950p 74LS221 110p 74LS490 140p79p 74 LS244 175p 74LS670 260p
KEYBOARD ENCODER DEVELOPMENT MODULE
AY.5-2376 795P 2800 DM E1099
FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLERS
FD1771 8-01 S/D Inverted Bus 2995pFD1791 801 D/D Inverted Bus 4995pF01792E101 S/D Inverted Bus 3495pF0179313-01 D/D True Bus 5495FD1794 E1.01 S/D True Bus 3496pF01795 B D/D Inverted Bus, side select 5995pFD1797 13 DM True Bus, side select 5995p
New! AY -3-8910 Bang ZAP clang Tweet
THE NEW CI COMPUTER SOUND CHIP
The amazing AY -3-8910 is a fantastically powerful sound andmusic generator, perfect for use with any 8 -bit micro processor.Contains 3 tone channels, noise generator, 3 channels of amplitudecontrols, 16 -bit envelope period control, 2 parallel I/O, 3D/Aconverters plus much more. All in 40 pin DIP. Super easy to interfaceto the S-100 or other Busses.ONLY £8.50+ VAT, including FREE reprint of BYTE '79 article!Also, add £2.25 for 60 -page data manual."Perhaps the next famous composer will not direct a 150 -pieceorchestra but, rather, a trio of microcomputers controlling a bank ofAY -3-8910s."BYTE July '79.
Ordering information. Unless otherwise stated,for orders under E50 add 50p p&p. Add 15%VAT to total Inc VAT on books). All devicesare brand new, factory prime and full spec andsubject to prior sales and availability. Prices sub.ject to change without notice. Minimum telephoneorder using ACCESS is E10. If ordering by postwith ACCESS, include name, address and card no,written dearly. Please allow 4/6 weeks deliveryon books.
Dept. PCW3 Unit 9-10, 1st Floor, E Block,36 Mount Pleasant, London WC1X.OAP,
Telephone: 01-278 7369/01-837 1165 ,Telex: 895 3084
PCW 149
Minimaigital Cassette RecorderAn alternative to disc for program & data storage
FEATURES,
* The Philips MDCR 220 mechanism ofproven reliability
13, ,
* Holds up to 120k Bytes/Cassette withfast data transfer
* Extra memory board with RAM and
,
ROM to hold operating software 0
* Will read & write (in blocks from 256bytes to 60k Bytes), backspace & searchfor end of data on tape
'
* Compatible with 6502 based systemsie PET, AIM65, OHIO, KIM, COMPUKIT
4 4 ETC.
PRICES (INCLUDING MANUAL)MINI RECORDER
MEMORYINTERFACINGBOARD
MECHANISMBARDO
(WITH ROMS(TYPEA)FOR 6502)
£95.00£42.50£55.00CURRAH
CASSETTES (BOX OF6) £15.90
COMPUTER COMPONENTS MANUALS (SEPARATE) £10.00CARRIAGE £2.25
Unit 7 Hartlepool Workshops, Sandgate Industrial Est. PRICES EXCLUSIVE OF VAT @ 15%Hartlepool, Cleveland
BRING NEW LIFE TO YOUR NASCOM
We offer a new 3K monitor, NASMON, for bothNASCOM 1 and NASCOM 2 systems which gives youmore power and flexibility than ever before:
text editor built in.'front panel' display of registers, flags etc.this must be seen.
- blocked, buffered tape routines.- powerful low-level 'search' and single step
commands.a total of 34 commands available through thekeyboard.
PASCAL IN UNDER 6K.NASPAS runs under NASMON or NASSYS andoffers:
- all major PASCAL statements.- INTEGER, CHAR, BOOLEAN andEnumerated TYPEs.
- fully recursive Procedures and Functions withvalue parameters.
- many pre -defined functions e.g. SUCC, PRED,(DIPEEK, (DIPOKE etc.
AT LAST, A 12K BASIC
Running under NASMON, this extended BASICgives you all the features of an 8K BASIC plus.- 11 significant figure arithemetic.
IF ... THEN ... ELSE.PRINT USING.Multi -line, recursive function calls (usingDEF).line or screen editing.excellent printer support.
- Renumber and Automatic line numbering.and .... more!
PRICES
NASMONBAS12KNASPASNASPAS
(in 3 EPROMS) £25(on tape) £25Ion tape under NASMON) £25(on tape under NASSYS) £30
NEW 2K DISASSEMBLER flOBUY NASMON NOW and get a FREE Chess program- NASCHKALL ENQUIRIES TO:HISOFT 60, Hallam Moor, LIDEN, SWINDON,Wiltshire.
IN= 171PC5COMPUTER PRODUCTS LTD4 Westgate, Wetherby, West Yorks. LS22 4LL
Telephone (0937) 63744
flarcomPROGRAMMERS AID
SUPPLI IN ROMS FOR NASCOM ROM BASICAUTO APND
NU
ELE
IND
ELP
TEP
HEX
DUMP
OFF
INKEY
KEY OAR RPEAT Only E42.00,NCLUDNG VAT.
PRINTER HANDSHAKE
150 PCW
1id o electtunics56 FORTIS GREEN ROAD MUSWELL HILL LONDON N10 3HNTELEPHONE 01-883 3705 01-883 2289
your soundest connection in the world of components
PETS8N (8K RAM)
39916N (16K RAM) £49932N (32K RAM) £ 599
ALL WITH NEW KEYBOARD ANDGREEN SCREEN.PERIPHERALSService & Assistance available
Interfaces available are:X -Y plotters, analogue to digitalconverter, 16 channel interfaces,
bi-directional interfaces, etc.EXTERNAL CASSETTE DECK SUITABLE FOR ALL PETS £55
MEMORY8 x 2114£22.50
UK101£179 in kit form£229 ready built & tested£249 complete in case
NO EXTRAS REQUIRED* FREE SAMPLER TAPE* FULL QWERTY KEYBOARD* 8K BASIC* RAM EXPANDABLE TO 8K ON BOARD (4K INC1* KANSAS CITY TAPE INTERFACE
* New monitor allows full editing & cursor control. £22* NEW PARALLEL PERIPHERAL INTERFACE £29.95
INVADERTAPE£5.00
ASSEMBLEREDITOR
TAPE£14.95
LATEST STOP PRESS AND PRICE LISTSEND SAE OR PHONE
CASESAvailable for UK101,
Superboard, NASCOM.Approx. dim. 17" x 15"
435mm x 384mmPrice £24.50
Post and packing £1.50
FOR UP TO DATE PRICES OF ALL OUR RANGE OF ITEMS STOCKED
PRINTERS
TAPESUnique stackable tape
storage unit. Interlockingdrawers each
containing 2 C12 tapes.10 drawers £9.50 p&p £1.505 drawers £5.25 p&p £1.00
Single drawer £1.10
£375
Dot-matrix printer withPet graphics Interface:Centronics parallel,options: PET, Apple andserial.
MIKLATUND
MEMORY EXPANSION KIT -Suitable for UK101, Superboard
expansion using 2114's. Eachboard has 16K RAM capacity.
Kit contains:
* On board power supply* 4K EPROM expansion* Fully buffered for easy expansion
via 40 pin socket* 40 pin header plug & cable
8K KIT £99.95
16K KIT £139.90
-MEMORY-!). RAMS p.4027 2.754050 (35ONS) 2.354060 (300NSI 2.394116 4.35S. RAMS2102A 1.092102A-2 1.092112A 2.2521L02 982114-4045 2.954035 1.074044-5257 6.93BULK PURCHASE8x2114 22.508x4116 29.958x21L02 7.00BULK PURCHASE16x2114 39.9516x21L02 13.0032x 21 LO2 25.0064x21 L02 45.00
EPROM'S2708 4.952716 (50 13.952532 39.95
ROM'S2513(UC) 5.952513ILCI 5.95
CPU'S6502 9.508080 4.759900 25.956800 5.90Z80 8.95
BUFFERS81LS95 1.2581LS96 1.2581LS97 1.25811S98 1.25SN74365 52SN74366 52SN74367 52SN74368 528T26 1.75
81-28 1.75
8795 1.578T96 1.578797 1.508T98 1.57
[BAUD RATE GENSMC14411 8.751MM5307 8.75
UARTSAY -5-1013 3.45AY -5 1015 3.98MM5503 4.756011 3.55
PLEASE ADD VAT 15% TO ALL PRICES. POSTAGE ON COMPUTERS, PRINTERS &CASSETTE DECKS CHARGED AT COST. ALL OTHER ITEMS P&P 30p. PLACE YOUR
ORDER USING YOUR ACCESS OR BARCLAYCARD (Mtn. Tel. order £5.00).TRADE & EXPORT ENQUIRIES WELCOME, CREDIT FACILITIES ARRANGED.
PCW 151
New and exciting Applesoft programs
Ni thecorresp nuentRIIIIMS Vapors
by R. WagnerTHE CORRESPONDENT is sure to be one of themost versatile programs in your library! It can beused as:A Text Processor: Upper/lower case, 1-80 cols.(4 -way scrolling). Text move/copy/insert/delete,tabbing, justify text, auto -centering and more!A Database (with or without printer!) Extremelyfast find routine and easy editing make it a naturalfor free -form data files. Create and fill out forms,access phone lists or index your magazines.A Programming Utility: (printer or not).Examine, edit, transfer random or sequential textfiles. Create versatile exec. files. Even put bi-directional scrolling in your own programs!
Apple disk £29.95 + VAT
Roger's Easelby R. WagnerAt last a program which allows you to draw colourpictures in lo-res graphics, and then permanentlylink them to your own Integer or Applesoftprograms. Linked pictures can be displayed oneither text/graphics page. (Integer basic).
Apple disk £14.95 + VAT
Apple- DocBy Roger WagnerAn Aid to the Development andDocumentation of Applesoft Programs
This 3 program set is a must to anyone writing or using programs in Applesoft! It not onlyprovides valuable info. on each of your programs, but allows you to change any elementthroughout the listing almost as easily as you would change a single line!!
With Apple -Doc you can produce a list of every variable in your program and the lineseach is used on, each line called by a GOTO, GOSUB, etc., in fact, every occurance ofalmost anything! You can rename variables, change constants and referenced line numbersor do local or global replacement editing on your listing.
Apple -Doc is a must for the serious Applesoft programmer.Diskette complete with full documentation £24.95 + VAT
An exciting new addition to your Pascal library - enablesyou to create 3D graphics, viewable from any angle anddistance. As easy to use as Turtlegraphics.
Procedures include Ortho, Perspec, Rotate, View, Move to -3, View -from.Complete with comprehensive instructions £49.95 + VAT
Apple World STOP PRESSis here. The fast 3D gra'phics package that
!
runs on your Apple II plus. Zoom, pan, tilt and scale your own designson the Apple screen, at only .£24.95 + VAT
Plus a complete range of "off theshelf' programs for finance,commercial, scientific and education.Keep yourself up to date, send for our "Fact Sheets"giving full program details
piC7("L--flr Ericr Er)) r
computer centre limited109 QUEENS ROAD LEICESTER LE2 117
z. Tel: 0533 709841
and Se'rviceompubir
The AIRAMCO Mikro 1000-The Scottish Solution.
machine, and may be
The Mikro 1000 is a Scottish built micro -computer which combinesState of Art technolo.gv with simplicity and durability to give apowerful small business system at a very competitive. price.
Driven by a 2.5 MHz or 4 MHz Z80 processing unit constructedaround Industry Standard S100 Bus, the Mikro 1000 is designed
to provide the ease of expansion necessary in a moderngrowing business or industry - memory is expandable
from 32K to 256K, with up to 4 Megabytes of on-linedisk storage.
The integral VDU has an 80 cols. x 24 lines screen, andincorporates a green phosphor CRT, while the 117 key
keyboard can be used remotely from the main body of theprogrammed -for user functions such as word processing commands.
As well as supporting all CP/M based languages, the Mikro 1000 has a full range of business software, including Sales,Purchase and Nominal Ledger, Inventory Control, and Payroll, as well as Word Processing (which is available at evenlower cost as a separate system on the Mikro 1000 WP).
For further information on either Mikro 1000 system, please contact:
U
airamc:.)AIRAMCO LIMITED
Unit A2, Longford Avenue, Kilwinning Ind. Est.,Kilwinning, Ayrshire, KA22 8NP.
Tel: 0294 57755 Telex: 779808
153 P('W
It's been calleda technical mast
Well show you hoin halfan hour.
The Sharp MZ-80K is the perfect beginner's computer for smallbusiness, educational or personal use.
Maybe you've always wanted to find out more about computers, butwere a little confused, even frightened by them.
Well at Petalect, you'll find the Sharp MZ-80K is simple to operateand uses a standard cassette for programming. It will make
education more fun and your business more efficient.Call in, or send for full details now. I
Electronic Services Ltd I
Distributors for ACT 800. Dealers for CBM Commodore and Sharp MZ-80KDept. PESL 33/35 Portugal Road, Woking, Surrey GU21 5JE
Telephone (04862121776/63901
Erase Epromsin 8 minutes
for under £100£97 delivered in U.K.
+ V.A.T.
The high speed, high capacity model UV8 sets new performance andprice standards.
Cuts typical erasure times by a factor of 58 MINUTE SOLID STATE TIMERCapacity up to 14 EPRZYTAS2708 type erased in 4 to 7 minutesHigh intensity 254 NM UV sourceSafety interlock automatically starts timing sequenceAudio tone signals erasure cycle completeInternal switch to extend erase time.
MICRODATA Computers Ltd, Belvedere Works, Bilton Way,Pump Lane Industrial Estate, Hayes Middlesex.
Flease send full details of your specialist services andcomputer systems.
Name
PCVV
Company
Position
Address
11.871
Tel. No
You stand out in a crowdYour business is not exactly the same as any other andneither are itsproblems. Any solutions are probably
unique and must be tailored exactly for you.
You know your business better than anyone else and anysystem designed should use your knowledge. The
micro -computer specialist should show you how to usethe computer to meet your business requirements.
You should be able to get the micro -computer whichbest suits your business. It should be chosen after your
requirements are specified.
You and your staff have a right to know all aboutYOUR system, including helping to program it if you
want to. Training is your right - not an additional service.
If microcomputers cannot satisfy your business needs,you want to know - you don't want false promises.
67 Nova Road, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2TN.Telephone: 01-688 6013
...
Telephone (011848 9871 (6 lines) Telex 934110 .............. . . ....... ....... .......
PC'W 15:3
ELECTRONIC BROKERS LTD °HATTEREDVDU PRICES %II/
E199'111111111.0
HAZELTINE 1000The low, low priced teletypewriter - compatiblevideo display terminal with 12" screen (12 x 80164 ASCII alphanumerics and symbols.Full/ Half Duplex.RS -232
ALL EQUIPMENT RECONDITIONEDUNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
HAZELTINE 2000.4""""e"""""""4,44ftThe world's largest -selling teletypewriter --compatible video display terminal.Features include: 12" screen (74 x 27) 64alphanumerics and symbols. 32 ASCII control codes.Switch -selectable transmission rates to 9600 baud.Three switch -selectable operating modes full -duplex,half -duplex or batch. Direct cursor addressability.Dual -intensity video. Tabulation. Powerful editingcapability. Remote keyboard. Selective orautomatic roll -up. RS -232
MODULARONEBASIC12" screen 124 x 801. XY cursor addressing, 64 ASCIIalphanumerics Er symbols. Dual intensity detachablekeyboard. Choice of 8 transmission rates up to 9600baud. RS232. Range of options including lower case1135.001, Printer port 1E70.00).
MODULAR ONE EDITAll the above plus full edit capability, tabulation, 8special function keys many other features.£695.00.POLLING MODELS also available - P.D.A.
SPECIAL LOW COST PRINTER NEW LOW-COST ASCII KEYBOARDS
4i.OFFERThe famous Teletype33 printer mechanism 1-..! -
including case but nokeyboard orelectronics. 64 uppercase ASCII, PrintSpeed 10cps. Pinfeedplaten.ONLY f85.00 +VAT (personal callers)or £115.00 (mail order total)
* 4 4
TTL compatible, ROM -encoded Full128 ASCII character set Range ofspares and accessories Prices from145.00 Send for full leaflet/pricelist.
Also available - attractive keyboardenclosures in heavy-duty mouldedplastic - manufacturer's surplusDimensions 17'/" wide, 8" deep, 1%." - 4" high.ONLY £6.00 (mail order total 18.631.
WE HAVE MOVED -TO
EXTENSIVE NEW PREMISES
Digitronics 35cps Paper Tape PunchSolenoid - actuated unit capable ofpunching 5 to 8 channel tapesasynchronously. Basic punch contains 8data, 1 sprocket and 2 transportsolenoids plus end of tape switch. Pulseamplitude 27VDC. Very compact unitmeasuring only 6 Yt x 8 x 51", weight 9 Vslbs. Price £95.00(mail order total £115.00).
. Electronic Brokers Ltd., 61165 Kings Cross Road,
London WC1X 91N.Te1:01-2783461.Telex 298694
INTEGRATEDSMALL BUSINESS
SOFTWAREISBS
Professional Business Packages for Microcomputersystems include:
PAYROLLSTOCK CONTROLORDER ENTRY & INVOICINGCOMPANY SALESCOMPANY PURCHASESGENERAL ACCOUNTINGNAME & ADDRESS SYSTEM
Available as individual modules or complete system torun on RAIR BLACK BOX, NORTHSTAR, HEATH,CROMEMCO, DYNABYTE, IMS 5000/8000, ALTOS,ALTAIR, SUPERBRAIN, MICROMATION and mostother 8080 based systems.
Contact Lifeboat Associates, 32 Neal Street, LondonWC2 or your nearest dealer.
amommeem 52 SHAFTESBURY AVENUESYSTEMS GROUP LONDON W1 01-734 8862
OHIO SCIENTIFICSUPERBOARD 2
50ZH BLACK AND WHITE VERSION£159 + 15% VAT POST FREE50HZ COLOUR VERSION £215 + 15% VAT
THIS UNIQUE SPECIAL OFFERIf bought with superboard or colour -board these items are at the reducedprices shown first. Also sold separatelyat the bracketed prices. Add 15%VAT. Modulator and power supplykit £7.951£111. 4K extra ram £2011241. Display expansion kit approx30 lines x 54 characters £1511201.Case 12311261. Colour conversionboard fully assembled [55(1551.Cassette recorder £1311151. Extend-ed monitor £2011201. Assembler/Editor £2511251. 610 Expansion
SHARP MZ-80K
The brilliant new Japanesecomputer which is beating thehell out of PET. 20K ram ex-pandable to 48K. Built in VDUscreen, music function andcassette. Displays 40 charac-ters x 25 lines and 80 x 50 ongraphics. [458+15% VAT.MZ80P3 Printer £515+15%VAT. MZ8OFD Floppy disc[772+15% VAT. MZ80 I/OInterface f96+15% VAT
SUPER PRINT 800MST
The ideal impact matrix printerfor Superboard, UK101, pet,apple, trs80, mz-80k. 60 lines/minute. 72,80,96,120, and 132chr/line. Tractor and frictionfeed. Graphics and user definablechr sets. RS232, 20ma, I EEE488and centronics I/O. SPECIALOFFER:- Supplied with freeword processor program andinterface components f35915% VAT.
PCW 154
SWANLEY ELECTONICSDept. PCW, 32 Goldsel Rd., Swanley, Xent BR8 8EZ.Phone Swanley 64851Please add 35p postage. Prices include VAT unless stated. Lists 27ppost free. Oversees customers deduct 13%. Official credit orderswelcome.
OWE MICROSYSTEMS LIMITED
Scotland's Complete Microcomputer Servicenow supply and support:
HARDWARE:Apple II Systems and Peripherals
Commodore Business SystemsA wide range of VDUs, printers, etc.
SOFTWARE:Incomplete Records Accounting
Sales LedgerPurchase LedgerNominal LedgerStock Control
PayrollWord Processing
Database
Software can be tailored to your requirements or written completelyto your specifications.
Our service is comprehensive, ranging from advice on system selection throughinstallation and implementation, to operator training and comprehensive
Hardware and Software maintenance.You don't have to take our word for it.
Call us and arrange a demonstration. GATE MICROSYSTEMS LTD.,THE NETHERGATE CENTRE,66 NETHERGATE,DUNDEE.TEL: (0382) 28194.
Buying Computers?607£
ITT n
-00plus VAT
£3950. 8481 dual00 plusVAT
ACTncdisk drive
Well give you more than a good dealUnder one roof in London's West Endyou can find:HARDWARE:A comprehensive range of hardwareto meet most applications - andbudgets, with terms to suit you.
SOFTWARE:Probably the widest range of off -the -shelf software in the UK. Try out thepackages and choose the one thatsuits you.
CONSULTANCY SERVICES:To apply micro computer systems tobusiness, education or the home,make an appointment with our trainedprofessionals for f riendly advice basedon extensive experience of discussingproblems with many others like you.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR CLUB:that guarantees microcomputer usersminimum downtime at very attractivepremiums.
LION MICRO -COMPUTERSSmall Computers - to make your business biggerLion Computer Shops Ltd., Lion House, 227 Tottenham Court RoadLondon W1 (First Floor) Telephone 01-637 1601
Telex 28394 Lion G.Open 9 to 6, Monday to Saturday (Thursday to 7)
REFERENCE MATERIAL:A library of publications covering allaspects of the microcomputer world,including back issues of this and otherimportant periodicals.
DEMONSTRATIONS:Regular, free demonstrations of busi-ness software - phone for details,times etc.
LION MICROCOMPUTER CENTREis the single source to meet all yoUrrequirements.The above prices do not apply toaccount sales.
PCW 155
Color -at Black -and -White Prices LeveltpmentS
The Priory - Great Milton - Oxon - OX 9 7PB -Tel (08446)729
DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOMED
COMPUCOLOR II8 :DIOUF MOD: TOR for iCLitli ,RAFF.Ics e si.1: in MINIFLOPPY DRIVE 51.2K per sideir 7ne sive MENDED BASIC on 16K ROM
.3F. Rx5OLUTIO11 GRAPHICS 1 2(3x1 2P
052320 oar, simplifies PRINTER or MODEM e iii, .
IISYSTEMS/UTILITY
ASSD4BLEIR (16K) E15.00TEXT EDITOR (160) £15.00PERSONAL DATA RASE (16K) £25.00MONITOR (16K) C12.50SCREEN EDITOR (161, 117KYBD) £20.00F01314lITER £20.00DEBUGGER (16K) £20.00PILOT (16K) E30.00FORTRAN (32K) £40.00ALGAE (320) £25.00
EDUCATIONAL
BASIC WT/DACE VOL. 1MATH TUTORHANGMAN
MIG10EERING
STATISTICS 1 161C
STATISTICS 2 161LTATISTICS 3 16K
E15.00£12.50£12.50
£15.00£20.00£20.00
Tr endspot ter - The Trendspotter software package is a "state -Of - the-ar to" management information system which fully utilizes ourproducts colorgraph is capabi 1 ities. Data is entered and stored on filescreated by the user. Trend potter wi 11 automatically scale the data tofit within the graphic display. The display can be labeled according tothe users needs and the vs files.plotted in any of the eightforeground or background colors
ariufor comparative analysis. Four graphic
modes ar e ailable and data can be manipulated to account for lag andlead times,av trend forecasting, exponential smoothing, simple linearregressions, moving averages, compound growth calculations, Inflation anddeflation compensation, detrending of data, and "tr igi,er point" functions.
Campo col or C7a'nfli the ISt 387.".'111. 'ape's kaea gseig'iret.dudescif foal inYeefor theesa rykeyboard conversions, documentation, and software to turn your computerinto a powerful test editing machine. Cameiri ter incorporates the bestfeatures of the leading word-processing systems including single keycatuand entry, full screen editing and print formatting on ths screen.
CANES
Formatted Twin PackSamplerOthelloChessStar TripBlackjackCuo: c Tic TacSharksAir RaidStar TraderwarmsBounceShootLunar LanderSolitaireMaze Master
The Color Advantage I
coded displays lead to easier data recognition thusminimizing search time and perrimeng faster operatorresponse Cokx dramatically reduces operator fatigueand can cur costly afro, byes much as 80°,
Research eludes chronicled In such professionalpudic -Mons as the kourna/ 0/ Aohked Psychology andthe Journal of Expenmerrtal Psychology' as mil as extensive on -the -lob expenence have proven repeatedlythat cola' displays convey Inform.. more gook), andmore efieclively than any other visual melt.] Color -
%VW in the
Intecolor 8000 Series Desktop Computers
CP/MCompatibleDesktopComputers
Theseinieddlorde5Mupsartidesgnediegvesmall businesses the advantages of both colorgraphics and an abundant selection of readily -avail-able software. There are CP'M programsforvirtuallyany business application. which minimizes the need100 specially -prepared software
Intecolor CIlleM compatible desktops are availablein the 13"contemporaryraselmode483631. IT con-tempotarycaselniodel 09631 and 19" standard caseimodel8063)
CP/M Operating SystemThe CIPitia operating system is the latest version
of CR M. and is stored on Sol -Disk" When loaded.it allows the user to run any CP'M program with-out mockliceton. whether Its in BASIC. COBOL.FORTRAN IV or any other programming language
ColorComniunicatesBetter
.P11:=111:;7nre''' *'nesx tivit56'5,6'..."'
£2995.00 earl VATmigcoton .053
LanguagesA Sot -Disk containing ISC s color version of
Microsoft. Business BASIC is also included It pro-vides 19 commands 29 program statements. ISinput statements 26 arithmetic functions. 15 stonerurictions and 9 input output functions In addrIonMicrosoft COBOL and FORTRAN IV ate availableas options
Memory and Mass StorageCP/M compatible deskt0p5 are equipped wan
326 of user RAM (expandable to 4136). and 81C of ROMTwo disk dnves are avertable the 591K dual 8' floppydisk dine and the 1182K double -headed dove
CCEXPUCOIOR II
MODEL 3, 8K RAMMODEL 4,16X RAMMODEL 5,32K RAMCCN 101 KEYBOARDCCEF 117 KEYBOARDMODEL 9, "711T0R",COMPUCOLOR "EXECUTIVE" MODEL
prices most VA1
£ 995.00£1o78.00£1198.00
80.00L 120.00£1580.00
All eyisteme Include en Inetuction Manuel,Progmaing ILinuel, Sampler sof-idle° Demo'program and six months free subscriptionof Col orcue User. Newsletter.
MISGELLANEOCE HARDWARE
RS232 ADAPTOR CABLELOWER CASE CHARACTERSADS -OR HAM, 16KADD -OR PROM BOARDSOUNIMAREKEYBOARD UPGRADE 72-101KEYBOARD UPGRADE 72-117KEYBOARD UPGRADE 101-117
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
£ 25.0005.00
£195.0145.0030.00
£ 95.00£135.00
55.0025.00
Now available fromUK stocks
The microcomputer which out-sells all others in Scandinavia.
Write: Datormark Ltd. . / Fox Oak / Seven Hills Road / Walton -on -Thames / Surrey kt 124 dg
If so, quite often the cause of irregularperformance or breakdown is very simple.
It's probably a high voltage spike in theelectricity supply, called a transient, affectingthe performance. Heavy electrical loads in thevicinity of your microcomputer (from domesticelectrical appliances to office photo -copiers)can often cause voltage transients, which inturn, play havoc with both hardware andsoftware.
The Reguvolt 'P' Model Constant VoltageTransformer provides the answer to a verysimple yet aggravating problem, offering thefollowing benefits to safeguard your supplysensitive computer and equipment.
Transient suppression - gives softwareand hardware protection. Brownout protection - prevents microinterruptions and system crashes. Isolated secondary circuitry - givescomplete electrical isolation between mainsand computer. Fast voltage stabilisation - prevents VDUscreen drift and complete system failure.
Automatic overload current limited -protects equipment against damage during afault condition. Low frequency mains harmonics removed,preventing VDU flicker and circuit overload.
The complete range of Reguvolt 'P' models,from 1/2 to 2 amp ratings (ie. 120VA to 500VA)are available from stock.
Should you require further details, please fillin the coupon, or, if you prefer, give us a call,
Cetronic LimitedHoddesdon Road. Stanstead Anbons.Ware. Hens SG12 8EJ England
Tel Ware 109201871077 Telex 817293
I ntexECIMPUTEFiS
micleoAr.2ao5he complet&Payroll gystem
rPlease send me further information on your
I range of Reguvolt 'P' Model Constant VoltageTransformers.
I
Name
Company
Address
Telephone
DATALOG LTD
Micropay-200 is a complete payrollSystem designed to run on a COM-MODORE 32K PET microcomputer,interfaced to dual floppy disk drivesand a printer.
The System provides:1. Weekly/monthly payslips2. Summary page of all payments and
deductions that month3. Summary page of all payments and
deductions for the tax year to date4. Weekly/monthly cash analysis slip for all
cash payments made5. Monthly summary of all payments and
deductions6. Year end summary of all payments and
deductions
The System copes with:
1. Up to 200 current employees, plus endof the year details of up to a further 400ex -employees who have left during theyear
2. Suffix L,H,P,V and T cumulative andWeek 1 Codes
3. Prefix D and prefix F, BR and NT codes4. All necessary alterations concerned with
changes in income tax rates, band widthsand personal allowances
II II II II 11111 Cri II II III_i_11L1_1_1_1_1_1_1_1 I 1. .1 Li
1-1-1-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1-1-1-1 1-1 1-1 1 1 1-1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 j_
5. National Insurance Contributions atrates A, B and C for contracted outemployees and at rates D and E for non -contracted out employees
6. All necessary alterations concerned withchanges in N.I. contribution rates andearnings limits
7. Up to 5 user -definable wage rates foreach employee, plus the normal hourly
rate8. Holiday pay - including a check on the
amount of holiday taken in the year9. Up to a total of 5 user -definable
additions/additions/deductions to thebefore/after tax pay
10. Changing an employee from one N.I.rate to another and backdating such achange
11. Job costing and analysis
For Full Specification write to:-Intex Datalog Limited,Department PCW-0980,Eaglescliffe Industrial Estate,Eaglescliffe,Cleveland, TS16 OPN.TelephoneEaglescliffe (0642) 781193Telex: 58252
PCW 157
AS RECOMMENDED BY COMPUTING TODAY - THE CENTRONICS 'MICRO -PRINTER'Ask most people what they would like as their first peripheral and the chances are they will say "Printer". Here is anattractive electrostatic printer from the famous firm of Centronics. Capable of printing in three sizes of typeface it iseasily attached to your machine by way of the parallel interface. The logic is fully TTL compatible and STROBE,Acknowledge and Busy lines are provided to make life easy."Cost of this wonderful peripheral is a mere £195.00 + VAT The printer comes complete with documentation,connector and cleaning paper as well as a roll of the printing paper." (extract from COMPUTING TODAY).
Ex -STOCK from HENRY'SIdeal for PETS-TANDY-NASCOM'sSpecification 150 lines per minute Selectable 20 40 80 columns 120 m/m aluminium - Finish paper unaffected
by Heat, Light or Humidity. Full character ASC II set. Paper Feed, 220-240AC mains. On -Off Print Select.Paper Advance - Empty Controls.Size x 13 x 41" Weight 101bs
Ideal for Home or Small Business use.
LIMITED QUANTITY DON'T DELAY
Brand new boxed fullyguaranteed list price ofthis machine. £459.95 inc.VAT.
OUR PRICE
POST PAID
Complete with Full documentationconnector & Printing Paper -
HALF PRICE OFFER
Just Plug in and it's ready to go!AS RECOMMENDED BY "COMPUTING TODAY" MARCH/MAY 1980
Your London & National Nascom Distributor.Export Orders deduct VAT, but add 5% carriageOfficial Export & Educational Orders welcomeOur Telex 262284 Mono Ref. 1400 Transonics
COMPUTER SENDBROCHURE 15pFREE STAMP
CENTRONICSQUICK PRINTER
'! liemey'sComputer Kit Division
404 Edgware Road, London, W2, England01-402 6822
WEST MIDLANDSIf you want a computer
for business useconsult the experts!
PAYROLLSTOCK CONTROLPURCHASE/SALESSTOCK/INVOICINGINSURANCE BROKERSVISICALCWORD PROCESSINGMAILING LISTetc.
apple II SALES AND LEASING
LEASE AN APPLE II 48K SYSTEM INCL.TWIN DISK DRIVES, MONITOR AND PRINTER
From £11.50 per week!
MICRO 131J5111ESS CEOTRE LTDCastle Bridge House, Lichfield Road
Wednesfield, WolverhamptonTel: 0902 725687 for Sales and Service
Rilaih EDIT1PLITER CEFITHE
MICROCOMPUTERS FOR BUSINESS,EDUCATION AND HOME
FOR ALL YOUR BUSINESS, EDUCATION & LEISURg.COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS!!!
APPLE IITRS-80SHARPNORTH STARHORIZONTANGERINEU.K. 101NASCOM
Cromer King's Lynn
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+PRINTERS ANDOTHER PERIPHERALS
BOOKS** St. EdmundsSOFTWARE*MAGAZINES**STATIONERY**
BUSINESS +INDUSTRIALCONTROL
WE ARE HERE!!!
88 St. Benedict's StreetNORWICH NR2 4AB
Tel. (0603) 2965224hr. Answering Service.
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158 PCW
creative computingBasic Computer GamesEdited by David Ahl, this book con-
tains 101 imaginative and challenginggames for one, two, or more players -Basketball, Craps, Gomoko, Blackjack,Even Wins, Super Star Trek, BombsAway, Horserace. Simulate lunar land-ings. Play the stock market. Write poetry.Draw pictures.
All programs are complete with listingin Microsoft Basic, sample run anddescription. Basic conversion table in-cluded. 125,000 copies in print. 192 pagessoftbound. [6C]f 4.25
More BasicComputer Games
Contains 84 fascinating and enter-taining games for solo and group play -evade a man-eating rabbit, crack a safe,tame a wild horse, become a millionaire,race your Ferrari, joust with a knight, trekacross the desert on your camel, navic atein deep space.
All games come complete with pro-gram listing in Microsoft Basic, samplerun and description. 192 pages soft -bound. [6C2]£4.25
WWWWWWWWWWWWW
(.iNirsta ti vitt4::utapati tag
The Best ofCreative Computing
The !first three years of creativeComputing magazine have beer editedinto three huge 324 -page books full ofprograms, tutorials, programming tech-niques, reviews of books and equipment,articles, fiction, games, puzzles andproblems and much more. The materialin these volumes has been carefullyselected to be useful for years to come.Volumes 1,2 and 3-each volume £ 4 .95 .
4
Creative ComputingMagazine
Creative Computing has long beenNumber 1 in applications and software formicros, minis, and time-sharing systemsfor homes, schools and small busi-nesses. Loads of applications everyissue: text editing, graphics, communi-cations, artificial intelligence, simula-tions, data base and file systems, musicsynthesis, analog control. Complete pro-grams with sample runs. Programmingtechniques: sort algorithms, file struc-tures, shuffling, etc. Coverage of elec-tronic and video games and other relatedconsumer electronics products, too.
Just getting started? Then turn to ourtechnology tutorials, learning activities,short programs, and problem solvingpages. No-nonsense book reviews, too.Even some fiction and foolishness.
MO_
Computer Coin GamesComputer Coin Games by Joe We i-
becker aids newcomers to the field Jfcomputers by simplifying the concepts ofcomputer circuitry through games whichcan be played with a few pennies and fullsized playing boards in the book.Enhanced by outrageous cartoons,teachers, students and self -learners of allages will enjoy this 96 page softboundbook. [10f:1]E1.95
creativecomputing
The Best of ByteThis is a blockbuster of a book
containing the majority of material fromthe first 12 issues of Byte magazine. The146 pages devoted to hardware arecrammed full of how-to articles oneverything from TV displays to joysticksto cassette interfaces and computer kits.But hardware without software might aswell be a boat anchor, so there are 125pages of software and applicationsranging from on-line debuggers to gamesto a complete small business accountingsystem. A section on theory examinesthe how and why behind the circuits andprograms, and "opinion" looks at wherethis explosive new hobby is heading. 386pp softbound.£ 5.95 [6F]
0000000000000000 000 000 00C®0*
f /dna op1&171/21dalL/
Skbild
14111.111111(11I11111111111.1IMAA
Computer MusicRecord
A recording was made of the FirstPhiladelphia Music Festival which is nowavailable on a 12" LP record. It featureseight different computer music synthe-sizers programmed to play the music ofJ.S. Bach, J. Pachelbel, Rimsky-Kor-sakov, Scott Joplin, Neil Diamond,Lennon & McCartney and seven others.The music ranges from baroque to rock,traditional to rag and even includes anhistoric 1963 computerized singing dem-onstration by Bell Labs.E3.50 [CR101].
To OrderMany, but not all, of these items are
stocked by Creative Computing inBritain. Those in stock will be sentimmediately; other items will be ac-knowledged and then shipped directlyfrom the U.S.A.
To make payment send cash, postalorder or cheque (in sterling drawn againsta U.K. bank) plus £ 2.00 per ordershipping and handling on books andrecords to Creative Computing, 27Andrew Close, Stoke Golding, NuneatonCV13 6EL.
PCW 159
TEMPLEMAN SOFTWARE LIMITED25-26 Greenhill Street, Stratford Upon Avon
Warwickshire CV37 8LRTelephone: Stratford Upon Avon (0789) 66237
"DON'T BOTHER ME NOW, CAN'TYOU SEE I'M WORRIED!"
8" FLOPPY DISC DRIVES £1500(exc VAT )
SALES LEDGER, STOCKCONTROL, INVOICING,
PURCHASE LEDGER, NOMINALLEDGER. ALL THESE PROGRAMSSHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM
YOUR LOCAL ITT/APPLE DEALER.
or visit us at theWHICH COMPUTER SHOW
STAND No. 521 25th -28th NOVEMBERNEC BIRMINGHAM
Please phone for complimentary tickets
SOFTWARE IS OUR MIDDLENAME
CompUT,,opipt30 Lake Street,Tel: (0525)
L_IMITEvi
376600Leighton
24Buzzard, Bedfordshire
hour Answering Service
APPLE II Choice of 16K, 32K, 48Kuser RAM
authorised dealers , Huge range of software
---_------
from already available.---,. £695 * Simply plugs into video
4IIIINP + monitor or UHF TV.
' VAT High resolution graphics15400 point array/Eight Accessory expansionslots for disks, printer etc.
r commodoreChoice of 8K, 16K, 32Kuser RAMHuge range of softwarealready availableSelf-contained monitorNumeric keypad on key-board.Full expansion capabilityfor cassette, disks andprinter.
authorised dealers
ET1fromP £445
+ VATI, V
\aVair \-- i
PET 2001
* 16k User RAM plus 12kMicrosoft BASIC in ROM" Fully TRS 80 level II soft-ware compatible* Huge range of softwarealready available" Self contained, cassette,PSU & UHF modulatora Simply plugs into videomonitor or UHF TV* Full expansion capabilityfor disks & printer
THE VIDEO GENIESYSTEM EG 3003
£330 + VA T
i -....- -i - -
ii
i ia 6 tijii - - -
PERIPHERALSPRINTERSTexas Instruments Omni
810 Printer E1450.00Paper Tiger Printerwith Graphics E 598.00
MONITORSVM 129 Hitachi 12" B&WVideo Monitor E 187.00
VM910 9" B&WVideo Monitor E 127.00
£395 + VAT completewith interface forAPPLE, PET orVIDEO GENIE
THE MICROSOFT Z80 SOFTCARD OPENS UP INHORIZONS FOR YOUR APPLE IIPlug the new Microsoft Z80 SoftCard into your APPLE II andstart using all of the system and application software written forZ80 based computers.Included with the board is the versatile CP/M; the most widelyused microcomputer operating system, and Microsoft's 5.0BASIC, the most powerful version to date of Microsoft's famousBASIC Interpreter. £275.VAT Dealer enquiries welcome.
WATCH YOUR APPLE GROW TO TWICE ITS SIZE!!Add a twin 8" disk and give yourself up to 1.6 million charactersof storage on line. £17504 -VAT Dealer enquiries welcome.
Illustrating Basic AlcockBasic Handbook Lien 11.30Computer Programs that Work Lee/Beech/Lee 4.00Basic Computer Games Ahl 5.90More Computer Games Ahl 5.90C207 Microprocessor Interfacing Lesea/
Techniques Zaks 9.506502 Assembly Language Programming Leventhal 8.90C202 Programming the 6502 Zaks 8.20G402 6502 Games Book Zaks 8.20The Pet Revealed Hampshire 10.00Z80 Assembly Language Programming Leventhal 8.60Z80 Microcomputer Handbook Barden 6.80Introduction to Microcomputers Vol 0 Osborne 5.00Introduction to Microcomputers Vol 1 Osborne 7.50The Personal Computer Book Bradbeer 5.30
Please phone or write for complete book list and prices. Pricesinclude P & P within the U.K.Please send cheque or P.O., or if phoning your order, stateBarclaycard number.
160 PCW
MICROLINKThe flexible interfacingsystem for your CommodorePET or HP 85.
The Microlink interface makes it easy to use yourMicro for tasks such as:* Replacing chart recordings by computer analysis* Automating experiments * Adding dataprocessing capability to monitoring instruments.
The MICROLINK interface consists of amainframe incorporating a power supply, an IEEE488 interface and a cabinet holding up to 10modules - this construction means that an interfacecan be configured to your precise requirements.Modules available include: * Analogue to digitalconverters * Digital to analogue converters* Analogue X -Y plotter driver * Analogue inputconditioning modules *Relay outputs * BCDcharacter inputs * Signal conditioning inputs* High speed clock and multiplexer.
Write or telephone with details of yourapplication, and we will quote you for aconfiguration to meet your needs.
For full information contact:Biodata Ltd., 6 Lower Ormond St., Manchester M1 SQF. Tel:061-236 1283
IEI
SS50 6800-9 SYSTEMSWE HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE AND GROWING RANGE OF
SS50 BOARDS AND BUILT SYSTEMS PARTICULARLYSUITED TO EDUCATION, CONTROL SYSTEMS AND
SOFTWARE DEVELPMENT.AVAILABLE: Processor Card £80, Memory Mapped VDU withU/L Case and Graphics £80, 16-32K RAM Card £130, InterfaceCard with Timer and Real Time Clock, Disc Card, Extra Thick
Mother Board.
As an example of a built system, the illustration showsTrainer 2, a single disc teaching unit with cassette, TV, keyboardand interface + switchbox to give a compact teaching station for
machine control using basic or assemble. Price £1130.00
WE ARE OFFICIAL APPLE DEALERS.16K Apple now only £695 All prices exclude VAT
HEWART MICROELECTRONICS95 Blakelow Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire
Tel: 0625 22030
A Matrix Printerdesigned for
reliability, loadedwith innovations
from only£390
Three Print Smes 9 x 7 Dot Matrix 80 column 7 x 7 Dot Matrix 132 column
Matrix 40 column
MICROTEKOUTPERFORMS THEM ALL!125 Characters per second,70 lines per minutebi-directional throughput.
Complete 96 CharactersASCII Set (upper and lowercase) in three software ORhardware selectable fonts.Pin feed paper handlingsystem.Sophisticated vertical formatunit.
Forms width continuouslyadjustable from 4.5 inches to9.5 inches.
fanGsTonCOMPUTERS LIMITEDElectricity Buildings,Filet', Yorkshire Y014 9PJ.Telephone: (0723) 514141.
To order just telephone or fill in the coupon below
Paper entry through bottomor rear
Highly reliable printmechanism.Prints original plus threecarbons.1K to 4K data buffer optionavailable.
Two popular interfacesavailable parallel and serial.
MT80P-Parallel Interface £390MT80S-Serial Interface £410
GUARANTEEIncluding Kingston's own full one yearservice and support guarantee.
CO Cheque or D Charge mymoney order enclosed Barclaycard
Name
I A -
Telephone NIIIrbe'
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F
Card HoldersSyrIalure
1P7 Butldregs F9ey. Yorkshire Y014 9PJ
PCW 161
FERGUSSONCOMPUTER SERVICES
For All Your
apple & ITT 2020SALES AND SERVICE
Contract Maintenance:-* On -site repair contracts* Total system or only items required* 24hrs response to calls* Very competitive rates
Ad -hoc Repair Service:-* Ring for repair quotation* Same day service* Collection from Red Star if required
Hardware and Software Sales:-* 32K RAM free with each system purchased
with this advertisement* Totally Integrated Ledger system complete
for £3262.00
For further information ringByfleet (09323) 45330
Fergusson Computer Services"Sharberry", Maitland Close, West Byfleet, Surrey
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Enter the Computer Agevideo genie fyftem
12K MICROSOFT BASIC16K RAM, UHF MODULATORINTERNAL CASSETTESECOND CASSETTE INTERFACE
£330PLUS VAT
100's OF PROGRAMS AVAILABLETRS-80 LEVEL II SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE
Dealer List
3 Line ComputingABC Supplies
Advance TVServices
Allen TV Services
Amateur RadioShop
Anglia ComputerCentre
Arden DataProcessing
Beaver Computers
BlandfordComputers
Briers Bookshop Middlesborough242017
Buss Stop Watford 40698Newport Pagnell610625
Cambridge Micro- Cambridge 314666computers
Catr onics Wallington 01-6696700/1
Cavern Electronics Milton Keynes314925
Computer Business Lytham 730033Systems
Computer and St Andrews 72569Chips
ComputeramaComputopia
Hull 445496Levenshulme061-431-9265Shipley 585333
Stoke on Trent616929Huddersfield 20774
Norwich 29652
D B Micro-computers
Derwent RadioEiron Computers
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Eley Electronics
Peterboro' 49577Leicester 222 55Littlehampton22461Blandford 53737
Bath 333232Leighton Buzzard376600Limerick 42733
Scarborough 65996Dublin 808575/805045Dublin 808575/805045Leicester 871522
80 COLUMNS70 LINES PER MINUTEGRAPH ICS CHARACTERSINTERFACES TO MOST MACHINES
£395PLUS VAT
East Midlands Nottingham 267079Computer Services
Emprise Ltd Colchester 865773G B Organs & TV St Saviour Jersey
26788Gemsoft Woking 22881Kansas City Chesterfield 850357
SystemsKays Electronics Chesterfield 31696Leisuronics Blackpool 27091Marton Micro- Northampton
computer Services 890661Melton Mowbray812888Stoke on Trent541743
Matrix Computer Beckenham 01-658Systems 7508/7551
Midland Micro- Nottingham 298281computers
Microdigital Liverpool 227-2535Mighty Micro Basingstoke 56417Mighty Micro Burnley 32209/
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MRS Cardiff 616396/7Communications
Optelco Rayleigh 774089C Owens Peterlee 865871Q Tek Systems Stevenage 65385Radio Shack Ltd London NW6
01-624 7174Rebvale Computers Garboldisham 316
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SMG Micro- Gravesend 55813Tryfan Computers Bangor 52042University Radio Nottingham 45466Stores
Ward Electronics Birmingham 021-554-0708
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LOWE ELECTRONICSBENTLEY BRIDLALHESTERFIETO Rd
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it
PCW 162
Mendip ComputersWe at Mendip Computers would like to thank al of youwho visited us on the INTERACTIVE stand, at therecent (at time of writing) 3rd Personal Computer WorldShow and made it all worthwhile. It was great to meet somany of our existing customers - all of whom praisedour products -- and also to make so many new friends.
In particular, thank you:-
-- The gentleman who said "I had to come back to haveanother look at your boards, I couldn't believe that theywere as'good as I remembered them to be, but theyareare!",
- The man from Newcastle who was kicking himself forhaving just sent £800 to America,
The M.D. of one of Interactive's biggest competitorswho gave unqualified praise to the quality of the boards,
- The employee from one of our competitors whobought from our stand for his own personal computer,
-- And many, many others.
See you all next year if not before,
Best Wishes,
IDS SFDC
...British S100 BOARDS ... wills(MANUFACTURED IN THE U.K. TO IEEE BY
INTERACTIVE DATA SYSTEMS)IDS SBMC Single Board Micro -computer, Z80A
CPU, 4MHz operation (can bejumpered to operate at '2MHz ifrequired), 1K RAM, sockets for up to32K EPROM, TWO SERIAL PORTS.
IDS 16K SRAM 4MHz Static RAM using low power2114 chips.
IDS 8K SRAM 4MHz Static RAM using low power2114 chips
IDS DFDC Double/single density, double/singlesided Floppy Disc Controller, up to4 drives. D iscontinuedAs DFDC but single density only
IDS PCI 10 Parallel Contrdl Interface with:-.8 channels relay -isolated output,8 channels opto-isolated input,four 8 bit D/A converters,Eight 8 bit analogue inputs,8 bits input, 8 bits output at TTL
IDS Z80 CPU Z80A CPU board, 4 MHz operation
IDS TERM 40 Active Termination Board
IDS 7M.BD
IDS 15M.BD
S100 CONN
DP 8000
CATALOGUE
7 slot Mother Board, includingpower connector. (Excludes S100connectors)As 7M.BD but 15 slot.
S100 edge connectorsAnadex dot matrix printer,RS232 interface.
More details of the above productsand others.
KIT £178A&T £235
KIT £174A&T £198
KIT 98A&T £114
KIT £177A&T £198
KIT £109A&T £140
KIT £195A&T £223
KIT 84A&T £105
KIT £ 25A&T £32.50
Each £16
Each 24
Each £2.90Each £495
FREE
Please add 15% VAT to all prices. MAIL ORDER ONLY
Mendip Computers..67 BATH ROAD. WELLS, SOMERSET, BA5 3HS. TEL' WELLS 10749/ 75249
SPIDER SOFTWARECUSTOMISED SOFTWARE
Apple II/ITT 2020 softwarewritten to your own specifications. Many of ourpackages already in use. The largest user of postal services in the world uses aSpider Software bespoke mailing -list. Firm quotations given on receipt of program'requirements. Please write or phone for details,
PACKAGED SOFTWAREWrite or phone for a copy of -our free cataloge of Apple/ITT software. Includes:
GRAND .SLAMHi-res version of Breakout Little Brickout. 20 -previous highest scores held on diskfile. includes hi-res character set, full sound, 480 bricks and amateur/professiOnallevels of difficulty.£9.96 on disk only. Apple 'and ITT versions supplied, Requires 48K,
TOXOPHOLY ''Brand new, very difficult, giant adventure. 150 word vocabulary. Text only. Splitscreen display. Gives nice intelligent responses.£9.95 on disk only. Requires 48K
MINEFIELDA hi-res game with a novel twist which makes it both compelling and challenging.Winning at a high level of difficult requires a bit of luck and a great deal of skill.£9.95 on disk only. Apple and ITT versions supplied. Requires 48K. +100 othergames, business, science and utilities packages.
Ten 5%" blank diskettes. Guaranteed 100% error free. £23.9516K memory upgrade for Apple/ITT. Guaranteed 3 months. Only £49.95
DISCOUNT PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATORS
Casio FX501P £51.95 T157 £ 26.95 HP41C £ 184.95Casio FX502P 69.95 T158 63.95 HP41C Printer 224.95Casio FA1 adaptor 19.95 T158C 74.95 HP41C Card Reader 129.95Sharp PC1211 99.95 T159 199.95 HP67 209.95Sharp CE121 14.95 HP34C 89.95 HP97 429.95
Prices are inclusive but add 50p P+P for orders under £30:00 totally.(Mail order only)
SPIDER SOFTWARE98 AVONDALE ROAD, COYDON, SURREY
Tel: 01-661 2365
if YOU nEED \\ sounD 'EPPECTS
FOR PET, SUPERBOARD,UKI01, NASCQM.A startling addition to games & other:programs. Capable of up to 3 simultaneous outputs.
EXAMPLES: Lasers. explosions; whistling bombs, telephone tones, racing cars, sirens, musical ins uments:drums,cymbals almost any conceivable sound!!!!!
'Entirely under program control, this polyphonic synthesizer unit adds a new dimension to games & other programs.
Stereo output, doppler sweep & amplitudes control give a truly dynamic depth to the sound.
Sinme commands in Basic or Machine Code allow programs to continue normally during effects.
Also includes two 9 bit 1/0 ports that can be used for control and/or monitoring of various devices switches, lamps,cassette motor T.T.L. compatible, can scan 64 key keyboard very simply.
Complete butt and tested unit with 5 pin DIN stereo output and 8 ohms speaker output, dome program and fullinstructions.Built in connector - simply plug Mg Nescom on 77 way Nasbus. Compukit and Superboard with 40 pin plug. Pettits ROM socket - 24 way plug.
ACCESSORIES T.V. SOUND modulator + data E3.758T28 Buffers if needed with Sound Rox r3.50 for two.
Reeve you buy a cheap Sound Box send for our free information sheets for 'phone.,
ALL INC£45 EX STOC
SOON
PHONE ,WRITE FOR DETAILS.
Low cost expansion memoryAVAILABLE!! board for Superboard UKKM
PERIPHERAL BOARD WITH 151 INPUT AND OUTPUT LINES, RELAvDRIVERS, etc., etc. FOR SUPERBOARD/UK101
SUPERBOARD Et 50Hz -0 £183.50 ALLINC.
ACCESSORIES:- Microcases also for Nascom I & II or uncut. ivory/brown or red/black..E29.902114L RAM 4K£32.00Power supply kit (not cheap- robust) £17.2510 high quality data cassettes + labels + cases £5.50Video modulators super.quelity high band width £4.80
SOFTWARE FOR PET, SUPERBOARD , UK 101 , NASCOM.EXAMPLES
iarI",a'",, 44/441, ..0140.Zunc NM '4*rt ewers IonsaNyon request Good reashussen mei err roma roverYsene
Callers by appointment. Telephone orders welcome. 57 PARANA COURTTrade enquiries welcome. SPROWSTON
NORWICH
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Get., - we wrote eewee we cant beat .1 A mean tome written by a noel*ere bel 'nives ear El 6,01,
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PCW 163
MORE FROM THE KANSAS COLLECTION
EDITOR, ASSEMBLER AND DEBUGGERA full facility editor assembler, plus the extra facilities of a debugger. As it does not
utilise the right arrow key, unlike the Tandy editor assembler it can be used on the VideoGenie as well as the TRS-80. £19.50
SYSTEM MASTER MONITORAn extremely versatile monitor, and the ideal introduction to the mysteries of
machine language, as well as an extremely useful tool for machine language manipulation.£19.50
GRAPHICS ASSEMBLERAllows you to pack over 30 graphic symbols in super fast machine language into one
line of Basic! Any number of such lines can be included, and all contained in your Basicprogram. £8.25
PLUS SOUNDSimilar in format to the last program, but with lines of sound which is variable in
numerous ways. It's in Basic so does not need a machine language routine loading everytime. £8.25
All programs are guaranteed to run on the TRS-80 and the Video Genie. Despatched byfirst class return post.
Full details of all our software in 'The Kansas collection'.
citnsasBARCLAYCARDMEM
VISA
Kansas City Systems,Unit 3, Sutton Springs Wood, Chesterfield, DerbyTel 0246 850357
BUBBLE MEMORY and
REAL TIME CLOCK for NASCOM
THE 8423 IS FULLY ASSEMBLED, BURNT IN ANDPLUGS INTO THE 77 WAY NASBUS.
" ADD A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY TO YOUR NASCOM I or II* MONITOR TRANSPARENT - USE IT WITH NAS-SYS, T2,
T4 or B -BUG* UNAFFECTED BY DUST OR VIBRATION* 92,304 BIT CAPACITY ORGANISED AS 144 MINOR LOOPS
OF 641 BITS* BATTERY SUPPORTED CHOS CLOCK GENERATES
PERPETUAL DAY, DATE, TIME" DEALERS ENQUIRIES WELCOMED
Microdata Computers LtdBELVEDERE WORKS, BILTON WAY,
PUMP LANE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, HAYES,MIDDLESEX. UB3 3ND.
TELEPHONE (01) 848 9871 (6 LINES) TELEX 934110
..24 hours a day!Yes that's right, we are at your service 24 hours a day offering a complete OHIOSCIENTIFIC service, giving technical imformation, advice on hardware expansionand satisfying your requirements in any of the following:OSI SYSTEMS -including the popular SUPERBOARD II and CHALLENGER 4P aseither cassette or disk based systems.OSI SOFTWARE -cassette and disk based software covering a broad spectrum ofuses. Some of the cassette based software can be run on the UK101.BEAVER SOFTWARE -business, educational and entertainment software -prof-essional programs with full listings and documentation. Also available for otherprograms especially the UK101.BEAVER PROGRAMMING AIDS -including video workpads, BASIC workpads,machine code workpads, cassette index cards, labels and blank cassettes, allavailable for OSI UK101 and TRS-80.In addition to the above, we also have available cases for the SU PERBOARD II (andothers).Demonstrations of all the systems and software available can be arranged in yourown home or business premises (within a 50 mile radius of Oxford).
NOWAVAILABLE
NEWMONITOR FOR
SUPERBOARDUK 101
£29.50 +VAT
4-ra-dd-A40SYSTEMS
Norlett House, Dormer Road, Thame, Oxon OX9 3UCTelephone Thame (084421) 5020 (24hr)
16 I P('
NORTHAMPTON
co4
Wide range of systems, software and
peripherals for
Accountancy
Payroll
Word Processing
Financial Modelling
Education
Kitchen Design
Graphic Design & Hard Copy
allapple computerSoles and Service
for East Midlands
14eNtni:
Co -compute Ltd49-53 Hazelwood RoadNorthampton NN1 1LGTelephone : (0604) 33767
Enter the Computer Agevideo genie fyftem
80 COLUMNS70 LINES PER MINUTEGRAPHICS CHARACTERSINTERFACES TO MOST MACHINES
video geniefyitemeremiscawre.reetsP11°°
""'irit."1
-00101
owe
12K MICROSOFT BASIC16K RAM, UHF MODULATORINTERNAL CASSETTESECOND CASSETTE INTERFACE
100's OF PROGRAMS AVAILABLETRS-80 LEVEL II SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE
EIRONEiron House, Park Rd, Dun Laoghaire,
County Dublin, Ireland
Software Development System -1,t9SOFTY AND EPROM PROGRAMMER04.
MICROSYSTEMDEVELOPMENT USINGSOFTY
SOFTY is intended for the development of programs which will eventually becomesoftware residing in ROM and forming part of a microsystem. During thedevelopment stage of a microsystem, SOFTY will be connected in place of thefirmware ROM via a ribbon cable, terminated in a 24 pin OIL plug.Data may be entered into the SOFTY RAM via the serial port, parallel port,direct memory access, or the keypad, and manipulated using the assemblerkey -functions. When the program has been entered, and the internal micro-processor can be 'turned off', and the external microsystem and it's residentmicroprocessor allowed to access and run the program in SOFTY's RAM and orprogramming socket. In this way, modification can be made until the requiredprogram is complete - the contents of the RAM being clearly visible as a 'page'on TV or monitor. 4 pages are available, 2 of the Data RAM and 2 of theprogramming socket.In the end, when the program is complete and working, the DIL plus is removedand replaced by an EPROM device programmed by SOFTY. SOFTY is able toprogram the 27041270812716 family which have 3 voltage rails -To help in the process of program development SOFTY has various assemblerkey -functions, which include block shift without overwriting, block store,cursor control, match byte and displacement calculations for jumps etc).A high speed cassette interface is also provided for storing working programsand useful subroutines.SOFTY Kit -of -parts: (including zero insertion force socket for EPROM programmerlPrice £115 (inc VAT, p&p). SOFTY built and tested - [138:00 linc VAT, p&pl.Built SOFTY power supply - E23:00 (inc VAT, p&pl.Write or telephone for full details.
NE'
SOFTY CONVERSION CARD - EX -STOCKEnables SOFTY to program the single rail EPROMs 2508, 2758, 2516, (INTEL27161,2532.Selection of device type and 1K block are by 4 way pcb slide switches.Programming socket is zero insertion force. Supplied ready built & tested withDip jumper for connection to SOFTY. £46:00 (inc VAT, p&pl.
14t SOFTY PRINTER CARD - 40 column electrosensitive printer 5 x 7 dot matrix software selection of characters per line 11 to 16 bytes) push button printing of EPROM / RAM/ Intercursor contents Connects to SOFTY card edge Well documented Supplied ready built &tested, including power supply, edge connector & paper roll for £166:75 link, VAT,p&p) Spare paper rolls 128-30metres/roll). Four rolls for £8.00 line VAT, p&pl.
EX -STOCK
MODEL 14 EPROM ERASERS
Oe
MODEL UV 141 EPROM ERASER Fast erase times (typically 20 minutes for 2708 EPROM) 14 EPROM capacity Built-in 5 to 20 minute timer to cater for all EPROMs Safety interlocked to prevent eye and skin damage Convenient slide -tray loading of devices 'MAINS' and 'ERASE' indicators Rugged construction Priced at only £89.70 (inc VAT, p&p)
MODEL UV 140 EPROM ERASERSimilar to Model UV141 but without timerLow price at onlyi70,73 (inc VAT, p&plWRITE OR TELEPHONE FOR FULL DETAILS OR SEND CHEQUES OFFICIAL
COMPANY ORDERS TO:
GP Industrial Electronics LimitedSkardon Works, Skardon Place, North Hill, Plymouth
PL4 8HA. Telephone: Plymouth 10752128627TRADE AND EXPORT ENQUIRIES WELCOME
W 165
Karadawn Ltd.Micro Computer Systems & Software
2 Forrest Way, Gatewarth Industrial Estate, Warrington, Cheshire.Tel: 0925-572668. Telex: 628269
Business Systems Word Processor SystemsTHE INCREDIBLE ROSTRONICS Z PLUS 2 MEGABYTE CAPACITY Z80 CPU 64K RAM ELBIT 1920-x TERMINAL WITH 15" SCREEN FULLY HOUSED IN CUSTOM BUILT WORKSTATION DELIVERED + INSTALLED AT ONLY £4500.00
Printers for the above from £925 -- £2,500 by Teletype, Diablo,Qume, Centronics, Texas Instruments.10 Megabyte Hard Disk system £7,950.
THE ULTIMATE PERSONAL/SMALL BUSINESS MICRO
Superbrain by Intertec 320K Dual Double Density Floppies CP/m Op System
64K TWIN Z80 A MICROPROCESSORS
DELIVERED + INSTALLED AT ONLY £1,950.00
* 2 MEG Z Plus system * Diablo Heavy Duty Daisywheel* "Wordstar" Word Processor Pack *
DELIVERED + INSTALLED FROM £6,950.00
FOR THE PERSONAL COMPUTER
PRINTERS Centronics 730 C80/132 Character Mode,Roll/Sheet/Sprocket £525.00. Paper Feed,
110 C.P.5, 6 International CH R sets,TEAC Disc Drives. Smooth as Silk.
Single Drives £250 Inc Cable, Double Drives.£450. Inc Cable.
Floppies FREE plastic library case withevery 10 disks 5%" verbatim £33.00
814" Double sided, double density £45.00
ALL SYSTEMS CAN BE SUPPLIED WITH INDIVIDUALLY WRITTEN SOFTWARETAILORED TO YOUR EXACT SPECIFICATIONS BY OUR OWN PROGRAMMERS.
ALL OUR SOFTWARE IS FULLY SUPPORTED.
OUR NEW ILLUSTRATEDINFORMATIVE
CATALOGUE IS NOWAVAILABLE
£1
(FULLY REFUNDABLEAGAINST FIRST
PURCHASE)
146 Oxford Street, London, W1.
Dealer Enquiries welcomed:Telephone 01-637 2108
a different kind of printer
r104,1 rt,,4:)rni r
the complete pre-print service for computer people,handling everything from writing, photographyand illustration, through typesetting and artwork,to the final printed product.
Adverts, brochures;catalogues, handbooks, manuals;complete program or product documentation.
Specialist typesetting facilities for computer -relatedneeds such as program listings and graphics characters.
Software and hardware designfor computer -typesetter interfaces.
wordsmith graphicswordsmith text services
in association with NWT Editorial Services
the computer people's printers
Telephone: Street (0458) 4535919a West End, Street, Somerset BA16 OLQ
PCW 166
ADVERTISERS INDEX
AJD Direct SuppliesAcorn ComputersAculabAddaAiramcoAlmarc Data Systems
30671050
15223
Creative Computing 159Crystal 134Cumana 143Currah 150Data Bank 24Datormark 156
Intex DatalogKansas CityKaradawnKingston ComputersKnights
157164166161135
PetsoftPlus Business SystemsPrintoutProfessional SoftwareProgram PowerPromglow
986
5256/57
71146
Anadex 92 Datron Microcentre 48 L & J Computers 73 Rabbit Software 58Anglia Comp Centre 158 Davinci Comp Ltd 162 L P Enterprises 32 Research Machines 17Audiogenic 35 Display Electronics 140 Leicester Comp Centre 152 Research Resources 134Aughton Micro Systems 5 Dyad 156 Little Genuis 146 Roxburgh Elec 139BNR & ES 148 Eagle Comps 8&9 Liveport Data Products 21 S.M.G. Microcomps 14Beaver Systems 164 Easi Comp 163 Lion House 155 Science of CambridgeBiodata 161 Eiron Comps 165 Logitek 25 Cambridge 102/103Bits & PC'S 150 Electronics Brokers 154 London Computer Scope 135Byte Shop 74 Equinox 2/19 Store 145 Sharp Co-op 84CCS Microhire 141 Gate Microsystems 155 Lowe Electronics 162 Sigmatek 10CSSC 14 GP Industrial 165 Magtronics 136 Sirton 147Cambridge Comp Store 107 Graffcom 154 Melbourne House Stack 34Cambridge Learning Graham Dorian 101 Publishers 29 St. CommercialEnterprise 3 G W Computers 12/13 Mendip Computers 163 Systems 2Camden Electronics 31 Greenbank Electronics 144 Microbusines Centre 158 Software House 166Centralex 19 Ferguson Computers 162 Microbyte 149 Spider Software 163Centronics 157 Happy Memories 146 Micro Centre IFC Swanley Electronics 154Chromasonic 151 A J Harding 28 Microdata Comps 153/164 Sumlock Bondain 16Co -Compute 165 Ham & Gibson 135 Micro Sense 90 TVJ Micro Computers 15Comart 104 Heath 31/33/35 Microsolve 29 Templeman Software 160Commodore 39 Henry's 158 Mighty Micro 76 Terodec 20Comp Shop 168/IBC Hewart Microelectrics 161 Mike Rose Micros 153 Transam 112Computech 142 Hewlett Packard 11/22 Millbank 7/71 Video Vector Dynamics 18Computerama 133 Hisfot 60/150 Mitrad 41 Vlasak 68Computerbits 138 Intelligent Artefacts 148 New Bear Computing 27 Wego 136Computerclub 66 Interactive Data Systems 148 PHL 33 Weyfringe 94Computopia 160 Interam Computer Personal Computers OBC Xitan Systems 26Contour Computers 4 Systems 137 Petalect 153Cream Microcomputer Independent Comp. Pete & PamShop 74 Engineering 138 Computers 134, ,
//1 mil lin
Well, we had a great time atthe PCW Show - and in facteveryone else seemed toenjoy it too. Comp Shopgot off to a good start bysecretly putting an advertis-ing brochure into every singlecopy of PCW on our standwhile our backs were turned.Unfortunately the brochureswere slightly oversize and wenoticed them sticking out. ..`Bumper' Harris disgracedhimself by spending all threedays in the bar; he was lastseen dancing on Hammer-smith flyover with 'Legless'. . . Graham Clifton ofTransam brightened hisstand by wearing eccentricblue spectacles and promptlyearned himself the nickname`Elton'. . . But it was CompShop (again) who providedthe last straw. With the showover and the hall cleared,organiser Tim Collins ofMontbuild was relaxing inthe bar when in rushed adistraught hotel manager,who dragged `Timbo' back tothe hall. In the centre of thehall, neatly parked on thecarpet, was Comp Shop's van- our thanks to Angie forfailing to deny this story.. .Coming soon, a micro systemfrom Philips, to be marketedthrough its video division...Weekly rag Datalink hasdecided that PCW staff aren't
All 11111
involved in the computerindustry and has purged usfrom its circulation list.Could this have anything todo with the recent appoint-ment of 'Wise Guy' Kewneyto Datalink's editorial chair?He seems very reluctant toput us back on the mailinglist. . . 'Squire' Allason hasrecently lived up to his ruralimage by having his phoneploughed up. The 'Squire'was so upset at not beingable to talk to anyone that heflew off to the States in ahuff (or was it a 747?).. .Overheard recently in aTandy shop, an enthusiasticsalesmen trying to convincea punter that the RS inRS232 stands for 'RadioShack'. . . Derek Hacker ofCream complains that wehaven't mentioned him.Well there you are, Derek -you've been mentioned.Happy now? (Actually it wasDerek who mended the CBM8032 which we recentlyBenchtested, after it arriveddead). .. Would DerekChown please write to us andlet us know where we cancontact him - he'll learnsomething to his advantage.. .Our thanks to Rodnay Zaksfor reducing our workload- instead of sending us acopy of his recent tome onZ8000 programming he's
sent us a review; surprising-ly, it's quite favourable.. .Thanks also to the lovelybut unpronouncable IlonaUhl, Commodore's PRperson, for her recent letteroffering us a SuperPET toBenchtest. Commodore,meanwhile, persists ininvoicing us for the SuperPETwe had two months ago forthis purpose, and which wereturned within a fortnight
. Margaret McLean ofComputer Bookshop came tous with a great story for`Chip Chat' but unfortunatelyshe referred to this column as`Tits and Bits'; the story waslost in gales of hystericallaughter from the Editor.. .We recently met Prestel'sRichard Hooper, who imme-diately wanted to know why
all personal computeristsweren't using Prestel. Weexplained that British Tele-com is scarcely helpful tothose wishing to connectup their micros to thesystem; his instant replywas that anybody who runsinto red tape problemsshould ring him personally.So get dialling. ..Finally,our congratulations to EditorTebbutt and his wife Sylvieon the recent birth of theirson Daniel John, their thirdchild. David had time tonotice that pre -delivery moni-toring was done by anHP8030A with thermalprinter and digital readouts.The young Daniel's Bench -test of the machine willappear next month.
Sharp has recently announced a new range of 'soft' peri-pherals for the MZ-80K. Pictured here is ore Daniel Streeterdemonstrating the twin teddies and RS232 fluffy duckinterface.
Coming soon an on-line nappy changer with automaticgarbage collection firmware.
PCW 167
SPECIAL -ONCE IN A LIFETIME OFFER!
RRP £740
48K £499
EXIDYSORCERER
For Personal or Business Use.32K or 48K memory. 8K Microsoft Basic in ROM. DualCassette I/O, RS232 I/O. Parallel I/O (Centronics).Expansion available through optional extra S100
Motherboard. 69 Key keyboard including 16 keynumeric pad.
only £349,vAr
TRS80LEVEL 2 16K
Fully converted to UK T V Standard Curries ,.ornplete witheasy TO follow manwis UK Power Supply - Cassette Leads
Sample tapes Special box to enable you to plug into yourown TV Recommended for first time buyers Just plug inand go Full Range of Software AvailableInterface to Centronics Parallel for TRS80 £75.00 + VAT
only £295 VAI TRS80Expand your T RS80 1, AL EXPANSION32K32K Memory on board 1 INTERFACECentronics parallel -poetDisk controller card Realtime clock RequiresII Basic Interface forcassette decks 0051TTI,
woh power supply
YOU NEED NEVER MISS ANIMPORTANT CALL AGAIN
TWO CORDLESS TELEPHONESYSTEMS - DIRECT FROM USA
THE ALCOM only £147 VAT
Base station connects to your telephone line. Remotehandset clips to your belt and gives you push-button dialling- Bleeps when call arriving - Nicad rechargeable batteries.Charger in base. unit.
LOW COST TELEPHONE only
.95ANSWERING MACHINE £99, VAT
Microprocessor controlled answering machine. Plug intoyour phone'line. Records any phone call messages. Remotebleeper enables you to listen to your messages fromanywhere 'in the world. Uses standard cassettes. Comescomplete with mains adaptor, microphone, remote bleeper,base unit, cassette with 30 sample pre-recorded messages.
BITS & BYTES8MHz Super Quality Modulators E4.90
6MHz Standard Modulators £2.90
C12 Computer Grade Cassettes 10 for E4.00
Anadex Printer Paper - 2000 sheets £29.00
Floppy Discs 5'3" Hard and Soft Sectored £3.50
Floppy Disc Library Case 5r%'t £3.50
Verocases for Nascom 1 & 2 etc. E24.90
Keyboard Cases E9.90
EXATRONSTRINGYFLOPPY
FOR TRS80(Expansion interface not needed)
only £169 + VAT
High Speed storage medium that is cheap and reliable.Includes 20 wafers - M/C monitor - BUS EXPN cable. ENE
video 10012" BLACK & WHITELOW COST VIDEO
MONITOR
only£79 . VAT
Ideal for home, personal and business computer systems 12" diagonal video monitor Composite video input Composite video input Compatible with many com-puter systems Solid-state circuitry for a stable & sharppicture Video bandwidth - 12MHz + 3DB Input im-pedance -75 Ohms Resolution - 650 lines Minimum InCentral 80% of CRT; 550 Lines Minimum beyond central80%.
NEW REDUCEDPRICES
8K £39916K £49932K £599RRP £795 for 32K
The PEDIGREE PETSVery popular forhome Ea business
use 8K Microsoft Basic in ROM 8K Pet 32K b 16K withnew improved keyboard All with green sewer)Cassette Deck E55 extra Full range of software available
Interface PET IEEE - Centronics ParallelNot decoded E49.00 + VAT Decoded E77.00 + VAT
NOW IN STOCKSUPER 80 COLUMN PET
only £825 VAT
Le- 00TGE
PRINTER FORN- T YOURSELF A
SC YOUR PET AND SAVEA FORTUNE
only £349 + VATFull Pet Graphics includingcables. Ready to go.
EX -STOCK.
yrs
MEMORY UPGRADES16K (8 x 4116) £29.90 VAT
4K Compukit (8 x 2114) £29.90 VAT
We now have in stock demonstration models of theAtari 800 and Texas 99/4. Come and see them
EUROPE'S FASTEST SELLING ONE BOARD COMPUTER
UK101* 6502 based system - best value for money on the market. * Povverful 8K
Basic - Fastest around * Full Qwerty Keyboard * 4K RAM Expandable to 8Kon board. * Power supply and RF Modulator on board. * No Extras needed -Plug-in and go. * Kansas City Tape Interface on board. * Free Sampler Tapeincluding powerful Dissassembler and Monitor with each Kit. * If you want to
learn about Micros, but didn't know which machine to buy then this is themachine for you.
40 pin Expansion Jumper Cable for Compukit expansion E8.50 + VAT
Build, Understand and Program your ownComputer for only a small outlay.
KIT ONLY £179 , VATNO EXTRAS NEEDED
Available ready assembled, tested & ready to go £229 + VAT
NEW MONITOR FOR COMPUKIT.UK101 In 2K Eprom 2716 Allows screen editing Saves data on tape Flashing cursor Text scrolls down E22.00 + VAT
FOR THE COMPUKIT
Assembler /Editor
Game Packs
£14.90 1. Four Games
Screen Editor Tape
Super Space Invaders 18K1
Space Invaders
£8.50
E5.00
£5.00 Chequers
E5.90 2. Four Games
All Prices exclusive VAT
E3.00
£5.00 Real Time Clock
3. Three Games 8K only
HITACHIPROFESSIONAL
MONITORS9" - £99.9512" - f. -1-9g £149
Reliability Solid state circuitry using an IC and silicontransistors ensures high reliability. 500 lines horizontalresolution Horizontal resolution in excess of 500 lines isachieved in picture center. Stable picture Even playedback pictures of VTR can be displayed without jittering. Looping video input Video input can be looped throughwith built-in termination switch. External sync opera-tion (available as option for 'U and C types) Compactconstruction Two monitors are mountable side by side in a
standard 19 -inch rack.
004 TV GAME BREAK OUTHas got to be one of the world's greatest TV games. You reallyget hooked. As featured in ETI. Has also 4 other pinball gamesand lots of options. Good kit for up -grading old amusementgames.MINI KIT - PCB, sound & vision modulator, memory chipand de -code chip. Very simple to construct. E14.90 + VAT
'OR PCB E2.90 MAIN LSI E8.50 Both plus VAT
1113311111111k
E3.00
£5.00 Case for Compukit
Add a powerful, doubledensity, mini floppy disc to
your Nascom system. Disc Controller Card (includesNasbus 6 S100 interface Will control 4 Drives. CPM operating system. Extended Disc BasicCompiler. Power supply includedOne Disc System - E499 + VATAdditional Disc Unit - E299 + VAT
SPECIAL OFFERWe will part exchange
your Sinclair ZX80 forany of our products.
Refurbished ZX80's-fully guaranteed E69.90T(Supply dependant upon stocks). +
E29.50
We have one of the largest collections of Computer Books under one roof, along withracks of software for the PET and TRS80.
Come and see for yoUrself.
6rCOMP PRO MIXERProfessional audio mixer that you
can build yourself and save over £100.into 2 with full equalization and echo, cve and pan controls.
All you need for your own recording studio is a stereo 41,44I III 41111411,41, fit.t4 -lb
tape or cassetterecorder.
i This superb mixer kithas slider faders, levelmeters and additional
auxiliary inputs.
II
Only
£99.90plus VAT forcomplete kit.
Plus FREEpower supply
valued at£25.00
Ideal forDISCOS STAGE MIXING
HOME STUDIOS AND MANYOTHER APPLICATIONS
FULL RANGE OFACCESSIT AUDIO ADD-ONS
RRP£540 only
£399AT
ANADEXDP8000
Super Quality - Low cost printer, Tractor Feed with full 96ASCII character set. Accepts RS232C at band rates between
100 and 9600 and Parallel Bit data.Attaches either directly or through interfaces to Pet, Apple,
TRS80, Sorcerer, Nascom, Compukit etc.
NECSPIN WRITER
only£1490
+ VAT
NEC's high quality printer uses a print "thimble" that hasless diameter and inertia than a daisy wheel, giving a quieter,faster, more reliable printer that can cope with plotting andprinting 1128 ASCII characters) with up to five copies, trio -bon or tractor fed. The ribbon and thimble can be changed inseconds. 55 characters per second bidirectional printing -with red/black, bold, subscript, superscript, proportionalspacing, tabbing, and much, much more.
NASCOM 2 GAMES TAPEfeaturing Space Invaders and Android Nim, Re -numbering
program and other goodies!
£7.50 +VAT
THE NEW ANADEXDP9501
A PROFESSIONAL PRINTER Bi-directional printing Up to 220 chars/linewith 4 print densities 500 char buffer
RS232C and CentronicsParallel interface built in
Full software control of matrixneedles allowing graphics capability
200 chars/sec Adjustable width tractor feed.
All this for only £895 + VAT.
HE ATARI VIDEO COMPUTERGAMES SYSTEM o°
Atari's Video Computer System tP`''';,now offers morethan 1300 different gamevariations and options in twentyGame ProgramT M cartridges!Most Cartridges only E13.90 + VAT
Prices may vary with specialeditions Basic Maths, AirseaBattle, Black Jack, Breakout,Surround, Spacewar. Video
Jlympics, Outlaw, Basketball,Hunt & Score', Space War,Sky Diver, Air Sea Battle,
Codebreakee, Miniature Golf.Extra Paddle Controllers 'Keyboard Controllers
- £14.90 + VAT - E16.90 + VATSPACE INVADERS NOW IN STOCK £25
LEPROM 2716 £12.50 + VAT
ootitiNt&soomegaite
Hard Ds'
OUR
DOS
MACHINEIN:WE USE THIS
1 DISKEXPANSIONRoom for 3
500K per Drive givestotal of 1.5M Byte - 1 Drive
plus Cabinet £799 +VAT
WE AREAPPLE II EUROPLUS AT
REDUCED PRICES16K £59932K £649 }48K £690
VAT
Getting Started APPLE II is faster, smaller, and morepowerful than its predecessors. And it's more fun to use toobecause of built-in features like: BASIC - The Language that Makes Programming Fun. High -Resolution Graphics lin a 54,000 -Point Array) forFinely -Detailed Displays. Sound Capability that BringsPrograms to Life. Hand Controls for Games and OtherHuman -Input Applications. Internal Memory Capacity of48K Bytes of RAM, 12K Bytes of ROM; for Big -System Per-formance in a Small Package. Eight Accessory ExpansionSlots to let the System Grow With Your Needs.
You don't need to be an expert to enjoy APPLE II. It is acomplete, ready -to -run computer. Just connect it to a videodisplay and start using programs (or writing your own) thefirst day. You'll find that its tutorial manuals help you make ityour own personal problem solver.
COMMERCIAL EXPANDABLE COMPLETETRS 80 MODEL II
This new unit from the world's most successful micro company isnow available immediately with software.The basic unit comes complete with 64 thousand characters(bytes) of Memory. The built in 8" Floppy disc adds another 1/2million extra characters including the disc operating system.More disc expansion is now available.The Model II is a complete unit with a full keyboard including anumeric pad and 12" screen which gives 24 lines of 80characters. The computer is supplied with both the discoperating system and the Level III Basic.A full self test routine is written into the power up procedure toeliminate incorrect operation. Both serial and parallel expansionsockets are standard. A printer is a plug-in operation.Both hardware and software necessary to talk to a mainframe areincluded. Terminal usage is very possible. With the addition ofCPM2 you can operate with COBOL, FORTRAN, MBASIC,CBASIC in which languages are many other applicationspackages i.e. accounting, payroll stock etc.
64K 1 -Disk Model II £1995.00 VAT
RRP £2250.00CP/M2 £95.00 C BASIC £75.00 FORTRAN £220.00CIS COBOL £400.00 M BASIC £155.00 WORDSTAR £255.00
OUR NEWSHOWROOM Et
SALES CENTRE AT311 Edgware Road,
London W2.
Telephone: 01-262 0387
COMPUTER/SALESENGINEERSREQUIRED
Contact Bill Wood(Chief Engineer)
"Europes Largest DiscountPersonal Computer Stores"
We give a full one yearwarranty on all our products.
ENGLISH COLOUR TV/AMERICAN NTSC
COLOUR MONITORSuitable for Apple, Atari and Texas 99/4
£295 VAT
TEACDISK
DRIVES
TEAC FD -50A has 40 tracks giving 125K Bytesunformatted single density capacity.The FD -50A can be used in double density recordingmode.The FD -50A is Shugart SA400 interface compatible.Directly compatible with Tandy TRS80 expansioninterface.Also interfaces with Video Genie, SWTP, Heathkit,North Star Horizon, Superbrain, Nascom, etc, etc.Address selection for Daisy chaining up to 4 Disks.Disks plus power supply housed in an attractive greycase.
nSingle £225+ VAT Double o + VATDisk Drive Disk Drive
Please add VAT to all prices - including delivery. Please make cheques and postal orders payable to COMPSHOP LTD., orphone your order quoting BARCLAYCARD, ACCESS, DINERS CLUB or AMERICAN EXPRESS number.
CREDIT FACILITIES ARRANGED - send S.A.E. for application form.MAIL ORDER AND SHOP:14 Station Road, New Barnet, Hertfordshire, EN5 10W (Close to New Barnet BR Station - Moorgate Line).Telephone: 01-441 2922 (Sales) 01-449 6596 Telex: 298755 TELCOM G
NEW WEST END SHOWROOM:311 Edgware Road, London W2. Telephone: 01-262 0387
OPEN - 10am - 7pm - Monday to Saturday* IRELAND: 80 Marlborough Street, Dublin 1. Telephone: Dublin 749933* COMPSHOP USA, 1348 East Edinger, Santa Ana, California, Zip Code 92705.
Telephone: 0101 714 5472526
INICUNCA110
COMPCOMPUTERCOMPONENTS
(Part of the Compshop Ltd. Group)
Ar-!L.411
We are now entering our fourth financial year of dealing solely inthe personal computer market - in fact, we started it! Over thisperiod, Personal Computers Limited have formed a group of grad-uate specialists who will help you in the fields of word processing,financial planning, statistics, economic modelling, forecasting,accounting systems, foreign exchange, banking and oil exploration.We also do rather well with computer graphics and highly recom-mend the graphics tablets and our plotter for Apple.We can also offer two excellent items of software - Format 40and Visicalc - at a combined price of ONLY £189, and the SuperSound Generator for only £90! (excl. V.A.T.)
8" Disk Drive (above left)Our 8" disks are still as popular as ever -2 drives give you 1.2MB with allthe reliable security of Shugart Technology. Easily interfaced to Apple,uses the same D.O.S.
A.I.O.Serial and Parallel Card (above centre)Three hand -shake lines (R.T.S., C.T.S. and D.C.D.). Firmware for serialinterfaces on -board, software for parallel printer available, 2 bi-directional8 bit parallel ports, plus 4 additional interrupt and hand -shaking lines.
Light Pen (above right)A much sought after product which we introduced to the U.K.
194-200 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4NR Te1.01626 8121
80 Character Card (below left).. opens up the real commercial world for all Apple owners.
Paper Tiger (Below centre)132 character line, plus graphics, 8 character sizes, ordinary paper, mutliplecopy, upper and lower case 96 character, parallel/serial, form control.
Centronics 730 (Below right)A substantial, robust printer from a major manufacturer. 3 way paperhandling system, 100 character per second. Special low-cost includinginterface. 96 characters.
Items picturedSharp MZ - 80KA new generation of personal computer, self contained, versatile andstarting at only £570 (excl. VAT). Explore the Zilog Z80 now the easyway. Disks and printer available shortly.Numeric Keypad... with 8 function keys is a must in all financial applications.TCM 100 & TCM 200
. both now have graphics as well as their own power supply, essentialwith this type of printer.Qume Sprint 5The quality word processing printer. Clean, clear executive reports the wayyou want them. Can print up to 5760 points per square inch -- or evenprint in 2 colours.
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