88128902

Date/TimeFromToReply ToNumberSee AlsoSubject
15 Dec 88 22:52:3SysopAll-144New System Goals
16 Dec 88 16:11:3SysopAll-23Z88 Tech Info
18 Dec 88 10:16:4Chris FennSysop23-D-Guide
19 Dec 88 19:27:5Chris FennAll-45NONE
19 Dec 88 20:03:3SysopChris Fenn45-Z88 Users and Newletters
19 Dec 88 20:54:2Curtis ClaarPhil-67Z88 BBS
19 Dec 88 22:47:5SysopCurtis Claar67-Z88 BBS
20 Dec 88 17:47:4SysopAll-8-Z88 Documentation
20 Dec 88 20:34:0Chris FennSysop-910Tech data
20 Dec 88 20:49:5SysopChris Fenn91015Tech data
21 Dec 88 03:06:0Ezra ShapiroAll-1112hello
21 Dec 88 05:14:1SysopEzra Shapiro111219Sharp's etc.
21 Dec 88 05:35:2SysopCurtis Claar-13-Yell/Chat
21 Dec 88 13:03:1SysopCurtis Claar-14-CLI
21 Dec 88 20:00:3Chris FennSysop101516RAM.-
21 Dec 88 22:22:3SysopChris Fenn1516-Bio-Rythm etc.
22 Dec 88 22:54:2Curtis ClaarAll-1721NEC UltrLite "Lightest laptop yet" ... HA
22 Dec 88 23:09:1Curtis ClaarAll-1820Z88... UltraLite continued
22 Dec 88 23:11:2Curtis ClaarEzra Shapiro1219281number
22 Dec 88 23:20:0SysopCurtis Claar1820-Ultralite <> Lightest
23 Dec 88 22:25:4Chris FennCurtis Claar1721-ultraLITE?
24 Dec 88 12:25:1Chris FennSysop-2326FLTIBM
24 Dec 88 18:50:0Chris FennAll-2427Default DIR
24 Dec 88 18:59:1Chris FennAll-25-SANTA
25 Dec 88 21:02:5SysopChris Fenn232628FLTIBM
25 Dec 88 21:08:3SysopChris Fenn2427-Default DIR
26 Dec 88 19:42:4Chris FennSysop2628-FLTIBM
29 Dec 88 07:53:1SysopCurtis Claar2930-Speed on BBS
29 Dec 88 20:13:3Frank GradySysop-3134Z88 to modem
9 Dec 88 20:20:24Frank GradySysop-3235Thanks for BBS
29 Dec 88 21:24:5Scott SchadPhil Wheeler-3336Howdy
29 Dec 88 23:46:1SysopFrank Grady3134-Z88 to Modem
29 Dec 88 23:50:3SysopFrank Grady3235-Z88 Documentation
29 Dec 88 23:53:5SysopScott Schad3336-Howdy
1 Dec 88 01:02:15Curtis ClaarSysop-37-PCP
1 Dec 88 02:08:41Curtis ClaarSysop-38-probs
31 Dec 88 15:37:1SysopAll-39-Z88 Docs
31 Dec 88 20:45:2Richard OlsonAll-4042Z88 as portable data collector.
1 Dec 88 20:51:07Richard OlsonSysop-4143README.Z88
31 Dec 88 21:00:3SysopRichard Olson404255README.Z88
02 Jan 89 12:03:5Scott SchadSysop14445Other laptops/portables
02 Jan 89 18:30:5SysopScott Schad444547Psions Support
2 Jan 89 20:16:01Chris FennSysop4546-PSION
02 Jan 89 22:21:0Curtis ClaarSysop4547-Organiser
03 Jan 89 12:08:4Frank GradySysop-4849WordMongers Modem Pgm
03 Jan 89 15:12:5SysopFrank Grady4849-Wordmongers
03 Jan 89 20:22:1SysopAll-5059Z-Term Upgrade
04 Jan 89 00:00:2Curtis ClaarPhill Wheeler-51-Great
04 Jan 89 05:59:4SysopAll-52-Z88-Modem Connections
04 Jan 89 18:35:4Tom JohnsonSysop-53-Z88
04 Jan 89 22:30:0Curtis ClaarPhil Wheeler-54-Port access
5 Jan 89 10:41:05Tom JohnsonRichard Olson4255-z88
05 Jan 89 16:48:0SysopAll-56-Questions File
05 Jan 89 17:12:4SysopAll-5758Questions from File Area
05 Jan 89 17:19:0SysopAll5758-Answers to Questions File
05 Jan 89 20:53:3Scott SchadSysop5059-Z-Term
08 Jan 89 08:49:1Chris FennSysop-61-MODEM
08 Jan 89 09:01:3Chris FennAll-62-MEMORY
08 Jan 89 10:15:5Chris FennAll-63-SCREEN
08 Jan 89 14:12:0SysopAll-64-Misplaced Msgs
08 Jan 89 17:30:3Mo BudlongSysop-6598Z88 Development System
10 Jan 89 23:58:1Curtis ClaarAll-67-Parking Solution
11 Jan 89 02:24:1Shapiro EzraSysop-6870various stuff
11 Jan 89 14:58:2SysopMo Budlong6669116Z88 Dev
11 Jan 89 15:00:3SysopShapiro Ezra687071BBS Number
11 Jan 89 19:33:1Chris FennShapiro Ezra707172MAC & STUFF
11 Jan 89 23:04:4Shapiro EzraChris Fenn717274eval stuff
12 Jan 89 19:29:4SysopAll-73-New Uploads
12 Jan 89 20:05:0Chris FennShapiro Ezra7274104INFO
13 Jan 89 00:26:5Curtis ClaarShapiro Ezra-7576find out stuff
13 Jan 89 00:55:0Shapiro EzraCurtis Claar757693160 K??
13 Jan 89 17:06:0Victor RobertsSysop-7779Hello
13 Jan 89 17:34:3Victor RobertsAll-78-Serial Port Access from Basic
13 Jan 89 19:56:5SysopVictor Roberts777980Questions
13 Jan 89 20:03:3SysopVictor Roberts798081Free Memory
14 Jan 89 01:05:1Shapiro EzraVictor Roberts8081-vt100
14 Jan 89 03:50:3Victor RobertsSysop-8284z88trm
14 Jan 89 04:04:5Victor RobertsAll-8385EPROM
14 Jan 89 07:15:5SysopVictor Roberts828495Z88TRM.CLI
14 Jan 89 07:30:5SysopVictor Roberts8385115EPROM/Catalogue
14 Jan 89 11:29:3SysopChris Fenn-8690Z88TRM.CLI
14 Jan 89 11:44:5SysopAll-87-Z88TRM
14 Jan 89 12:18:1SysopAll-88-Z88TRM
14 Jan 89 15:42:4Victor RobertsSysop-8991Z88TRM
14 Jan 89 16:35:0Chris FennSysop8690-sounds good
14 Jan 89 18:02:1SysopVictor Roberts8991-Z88TRM
15 Jan 89 01:35:1SysopAll-92131Z88TRM vers. 1.1
15 Jan 89 02:32:3Curtis ClaarShapiro Ezra7693106160K I feel stupid-- like I didn't even add it up
15 Jan 89 02:37:3Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts-94-WELCOME
15 Jan 89 02:42:4Curtis ClaarSysop8495-PD Z88 xmodem
15 Jan 89 10:44:0Victor RobertsSysop-96-z88trm
15 Jan 89 11:05:0Victor RobertsSysop-97-pdemo.bas
15 Jan 89 11:47:5Scott SchadMo Budlong6598107Howdy
15 Jan 89 13:12:5Chris FennSysop-99100Z88TRM
15 Jan 89 13:22:3SysopChris Fenn99100-Z88TRM
15 Jan 89 13:47:4SysopAll-101-Z88TRM Nits
15 Jan 89 17:44:2Victor RobertsSysop-102103UK users group
15 Jan 89 17:50:4SysopVictor Roberts102103108Z88 UG in U.K.
15 Jan 89 18:50:5Frank GradyShapiro Ezra74104109OSCLI in BBC Basic
16 Jan 89 01:49:5Ed GreySysop-105111Glad you are here..
16 Jan 89 03:40:2Shapiro EzraCurtis Claar93106120odd
16 Jan 89 03:43:4Shapiro EzraScott Schad98107112Forth??
16 Jan 89 03:50:2Shapiro EzraSysop103108113UK group prices
16 Jan 89 03:55:2Shapiro EzraFrank Grady104109110OSCLI
16 Jan 89 06:02:5SysopFrank Grady109110-OSCLI
16 Jan 89 06:09:0SysopEd Grey105111121Grey Matter
16 Jan 89 06:12:0SysopShapiro Ezra107112117Forth
16 Jan 89 06:13:3SysopShapiro Ezra108113-UK Group Prices
16 Jan 89 18:43:2SysopAll-114-EPCAT: Catalogue your EPROM
16 Jan 89 19:23:4SysopVictor Roberts85115122EPCAT
16 Jan 89 19:43:1Mo BudlongCurtis Claar69116-Z88
16 Jan 89 19:46:4Mo BudlongScott Schad112117166Forth ROM
16 Jan 89 21:27:3SysopChris Fenn-118-New EPCAT
16 Jan 89 22:09:4SysopChris Fenn-119124EPCAT.CLI
16 Jan 89 23:53:0Curtis ClaarShapiro Ezra106120-oops
16 Jan 89 23:57:4Curtis ClaarSysop111121-yep
17 Jan 89 04:13:1Victor RobertsSysop115122125epcat
17 Jan 89 04:34:0Victor RobertsSysop-123126EPCAT.CLI
17 Jan 89 04:57:0SysopChris Fenn119124-EPCAT & OZ 2.2 v. 3.00
17 Jan 89 05:04:1SysopVictor Roberts122125129EPCAT: ROM vs. EPROM
17 Jan 89 05:08:3SysopVictor Roberts123126-EPCAT and ROM's
17 Jan 89 05:14:5SysopAll-127128Chris Fenn Seniority
17 Jan 89 19:12:3Chris FennSysop127128-OLD Z88 ETC.
17 Jan 89 21:35:0Victor RobertsSysop125129130epcat
18 Jan 89 06:33:0SysopVictor Roberts129130-EPCAT
18 Jan 89 22:07:4Claude SchleyerSysop92131134Z88TRM
18 Jan 89 23:23:1Curtis ClaarSysop-132135Genie
19 Jan 89 07:03:1SysopClaude Schleyer131134139Z88 Comm
19 Jan 89 07:11:2SysopCurtis Claar132135-GEnie
19 Jan 89 17:34:1Bernard GlassmanAll-137138File Transfer Problems
20 Jan 89 14:34:2SysopBernard Glassman137138-Xfer pbms
20 Jan 89 23:29:1Claude SchleyerSysop134139-Z88TRM
21 Jan 89 19:11:0SysopAll-141-Fast Lf Adder
21 Jan 89 21:56:0Phill JacksonPhil Wheeler-142143Z88
21 Jan 89 22:53:2SysopPhill Jackson142143165Z88
21 Jan 89 23:53:1SysopAll-144-Z88TRM Change
22 Jan 89 01:40:1Tim WoodsAll-145-CLUB Z88/PIPE*LINE
22 Jan 89 19:03:1Norm LehfeldtAll-149151BBS
22 Jan 89 20:54:4Norm LehfeldtSysop-150152Z88TRM
22 Jan 89 22:41:5SysopNorm Lehfeldt149151-S.SGN
22 Jan 89 22:43:2SysopNorm Lehfeldt150152-Z88TRM
22 Jan 89 22:44:3SysopAll-153-Z88TRM Mod
23 Jan 89 06:24:0SysopAll-154-New Version (1.2) of Z88TRM
23 Jan 89 20:33:4Chris FennSysop-155157FADDER.CLI
23 Jan 89 21:53:2Claude SchleyerSysop-156158z88TRM
23 Jan 89 22:20:5SysopChris Fenn155157163FADDER
23 Jan 89 22:25:2SysopClaude Schleyer156158-Commstuff
26 Jan 89 05:47:3SysopChris Fenn157163164M/L Z88TRM
26 Jan 89 19:20:3Chris FennSysop163164-OPEN FILES
26 Jan 89 20:19:1Phill JacksonSysop143165-General
26 Jan 89 20:52:3Scott SchadShapiro Ezra117166167FORTH!
26 Jan 89 20:55:4Scott SchadSysop166167168FORTH!
26 Jan 89 20:57:1Scott SchadMo Budlong167168268FORTH!
26 Jan 89 21:09:5Scott SchadSysop-169171Thanks
26 Jan 89 21:40:0Scott SchadSysop-170172WordStar?
27 Jan 89 05:55:5SysopScott Schad169171-Z80 Asm/Z88
27 Jan 89 06:06:3SysopScott Schad170172201WS
27 Jan 89 18:44:0SysopAll-173-Z88COM: Fast Xmodem for Z88
27 Jan 89 19:40:3SysopAll-174202More on Z88COM
28 Jan 89 04:32:0Victor RobertsAll-175177512K RAM
28 Jan 89 04:37:1Victor RobertsAll-176-DISK
28 Jan 89 05:39:2SysopVictor Roberts175177183512K RAM
28 Jan 89 05:43:3SysopAll-178-Z88COM Status
28 Jan 89 09:17:2SysopAll-179-Z88COM Progress
28 Jan 89 09:38:3Chris FennSysop-180-Z88COM
28 Jan 89 17:43:4SysopPeter Karnig-181184Loading Programs
28 Jan 89 18:25:5Phill JacksonPhil Wheeler-182-Modem cable
28 Jan 89 18:43:3Victor RobertsSysop177183203512K RAM
28 Jan 89 18:48:4Victor RobertsSysop181184-Another way to execute *.cli files
28 Jan 89 18:52:0Victor RobertsSysop-185188Tandy Portable Disk Drive II
28 Jan 89 21:16:4Chris FennAll-186189POST MSG.
28 Jan 89 21:19:4Chris FennSysop-187190POMONA MEET
29 Jan 89 07:24:0SysopVictor Roberts185188204TDD and Z88
29 Jan 89 07:32:1SysopChris Fenn186189-Sender.Cli
29 Jan 89 07:33:0SysopChris Fenn187190-Pomona Swap Meet
29 Jan 89 12:57:4Victor RobertsSysop-192193CRC error in Z88COM.ARC
29 Jan 89 14:11:2SysopVictor Roberts192193194CRC Error in Z88COM.ARC
29 Jan 89 15:46:0SysopVictor Roberts193194-Z88COM.ARC
29 Jan 89 16:24:0Victor RobertsSysop-195-Kermit downloads
29 Jan 89 16:27:5Victor RobertsAll-196197Just for fun.
29 Jan 89 20:09:1SysopVictor Roberts196197-ROM contents
29 Jan 89 20:13:1SysopAll-198199New Version of PATCH.BAS
29 Jan 89 20:51:3Victor RobertsSysop198199-ROMDP2
30 Jan 89 22:22:0SysopAll-200-New Z88COM
31 Jan 89 17:24:5Scott SchadSysop172201-word processors
31 Jan 89 17:29:0Scott SchadSysop174202206ARC files
31 Jan 89 17:29:5Scott SchadVictor Roberts183203207512K/battery changing
31 Jan 89 17:34:1Scott SchadSysop188204-TPDD-2
31 Jan 89 21:25:4Phill JacksonAnyone-205208Z88 Source?
31 Jan 89 23:43:3SysopScott Schad202206-EOF
31 Jan 89 23:44:3SysopScott Schad203207209Battery
31 Jan 89 23:45:5SysopPhill Jackson205208210Misc.
01 Feb 89 18:37:2Victor RobertsScott Schad207209-512K/battery changing
01 Feb 89 18:43:3Victor RobertsSysop208210274Sharp's
01 Feb 89 18:49:3Victor RobertsAll-211213Z88 Crash
01 Feb 89 18:53:3Victor RobertsAll-212214Access to system bus
01 Feb 89 23:36:0SysopVictor Roberts211213215PATCH.BAS
01 Feb 89 23:41:2SysopVictor Roberts212214-Bus Access
02 Feb 89 04:37:3Victor RobertsSysop213215-PATCH
02 Feb 89 04:38:4Victor RobertsSysop-216217Jerry Pournelle column in Feb BYTE
02 Feb 89 12:00:4SysopVictor Roberts216217220Pournelle Review
02 Feb 89 18:39:4Victor RobertsSysop-2182218-line mode for this bbs
02 Feb 89 18:42:3Victor RobertsSysop-219222Soft reset with files open in :RAM.-
02 Feb 89 20:09:3Chris FennVictor Roberts217220284Reviews
02 Feb 89 22:49:1SysopVictor Roberts2182212438 Lines
02 Feb 89 22:52:3SysopVictor Roberts219222-Safety first!
02 Feb 89 23:05:4SysopAll-223-New Z88COM with Auto Logon
03 Feb 89 03:13:5SysopAll-224-Z88COM v. 2.2
03 Feb 89 21:09:1Phill JacksonAnyone-225226Where to Buy
04 Feb 89 01:44:5SysopPhill Jackson225226232Prices
04 Feb 89 01:52:2SysopAll-228237Jerry Pournelle BYTE Column
04 Feb 89 02:51:5SysopAll-229-Filter Programs
04 Feb 89 07:07:5SysopAll-230-Files reorganization
04 Feb 89 07:20:4SysopAll-231-Speed of Z88COM Transfers
04 Feb 89 09:07:2SysopPhill Jackson226232233Prices
04 Feb 89 23:01:1Claude SchleyerSysop232233234Z88 to QL Transfer
04 Feb 89 23:51:4SysopClaude Schleyer233234236TRansfers
04 Feb 89 23:55:3SysopChris Fenn-235247Z88 Logon
05 Feb 89 04:36:1Victor RobertsSysop234236238MACLINK price
05 Feb 89 04:59:0Victor RobertsSysop228237239Pournelle letter
05 Feb 89 07:32:2SysopVictor Roberts236238275MacLink Price
05 Feb 89 07:36:5SysopVictor Roberts237239248Pournelle Letter
05 Feb 89 09:02:4SysopAll-242-8 Lines
05 Feb 89 09:09:2SysopVictor Roberts2212432458 Lines
05 Feb 89 12:09:5SysopAll-244246Z88COM with Message Send Capability
05 Feb 89 13:33:4Victor RobertsSysop243245-8 lines
05 Feb 89 13:34:2Victor RobertsSysop244246-z88com23
5 Feb 89 16:35:58Chris FennSysop235247-auto-loggon
05 Feb 89 16:38:5Chris FennVictor Roberts239248249<>FC
05 Feb 89 16:41:4Chris FennSysop248249-Pournell column
05 Feb 89 23:11:0SysopAll-250262New EPROM Utility Available
07 Feb 89 21:50:0Chris FennSysop-251-EPLOAD
07 Feb 89 22:20:5SysopAll-254-Mod to Z88COM
08 Feb 89 11:26:4SysopAll-255-Minor EPLOAD Enhancement
08 Feb 89 19:58:5SysopAll-257-New File Area
09 Feb 89 18:52:5SysopAll-259-Z88 Printer Drivers
09 Feb 89 21:33:5Chris FennSysop-260261PRINTER DRIVER
0 Feb 89 00:21:20Curtis ClaarChris Fenn260261263PC-JR thermal
10 Feb 89 01:16:5Pat McclurgSysop250262264Z88 and the TPDD
10 Feb 89 05:26:5SysopChris Fenn261263267Printer Driver
10 Feb 89 05:27:5SysopPat Mcclurg262264270Z88 and TPDD
10 Feb 89 15:22:3Steve JohnsonSysop-266-Hello
10 Feb 89 19:21:2Chris FennCurtis Claar263267-PC-JR Printer
10 Feb 89 22:31:2Mo BudlongScott Schad168268-Z88-Cross Development
11 Feb 89 10:06:5Chris FennPat Mcclurg264270324Greetings
11 Feb 89 10:09:2Chris FennAll-271-PC-JR PRINTER
13 Feb 89 17:53:3Phill JacksonSysop210274276Prices
13 Feb 89 20:15:1SysopPhill Jackson274276-Third Party EPROM's
13 Feb 89 20:21:2SysopAll-278-New Program
15 Feb 89 06:24:4SysopAll-280282Z88 Disk Drive
15 Feb 89 14:55:4Owen LinderholmEzra Shapiro19281288hi all
15 Feb 89 16:25:1Victor RobertsSysop280282289disk drive
15 Feb 89 19:58:3Jack KruegerSysop-283-Programming Z88
17 Feb 89 07:45:0Bruce DurocherSysop220284-Jerry P./Byte
7 Feb 89 16:23:41Victor RobertsSysop-285-detab.cli
17 Feb 89 16:24:3Victor RobertsSysop-286291512K RAM
17 Feb 89 18:43:3Victor RobertsSysop-287292FLTIBM
17 Feb 89 18:54:2SysopOwen Linderholm281288-Stuff
17 Feb 89 18:57:3SysopVictor Roberts282289-OS
17 Feb 89 19:03:4SysopVictor Roberts286291-BAstteries
17 Feb 89 19:05:1SysopVictor Roberts287292-FLTIBM
17 Feb 89 19:43:1SysopAll-293-DETAB.CLI/BAS
17 Feb 89 20:16:1Victor RobertsAll-294298Battery change time test with 512K RAM
17 Feb 89 20:50:0Chris FennVictor Roberts-295297FLTIBM
17 Feb 89 20:51:3Chris FennAll-296299COMPUTE ARTICLE
18 Feb 89 04:51:0Victor RobertsChris Fenn295297-FLTIBM
18 Feb 89 07:12:4SysopVictor Roberts294298-Battery Change
18 Feb 89 07:14:0SysopChris Fenn296299-COMPUTE
18 Feb 89 12:07:2SysopAll-300-U.K. Contact
18 Feb 89 12:21:3SysopAll-301-FILES.2UK
18 Feb 89 17:00:3Chris FennSysop-302-CABLE
19 Feb 89 08:22:3Stuart LeonardAll-303306QL vs Z88 ?
19 Feb 89 14:06:2SysopAll-304307Telecon with U.K.
19 Feb 89 15:01:1SysopAll-305-WM BBS Call
19 Feb 89 19:57:3Chris FennStuart Leonard303306308QL/Z88
19 Feb 89 19:59:2Chris FennSysop304307309BRIT/INFO.
9 Feb 89 21:27:38Stuart LeonardChris Fenn306308-QL vs. Z88
20 Feb 89 10:28:1Victor RobertsSysop307309311COMM port at 19200 baud
20 Feb 89 10:43:3Victor RobertsSysop-310312FLTIBM
20 Feb 89 16:13:5SysopVictor Roberts309311313M100 at high speeds
20 Feb 89 16:16:0SysopVictor Roberts310312314FLTIBM & AT
20 Feb 89 18:05:2Victor RobertsSysop311313315M100 vs Z88
20 Feb 89 18:08:2Victor RobertsSysop312314320FLTIBM on AT
20 Feb 89 20:44:0SysopVictor Roberts313315-Speed
20 Feb 89 20:45:4SysopAll-316319TDD OS for Z88
20 Feb 89 21:13:3SysopAll-317-Z88 TDD OS
21 Feb 89 17:50:0Victor RobertsSysop316319321OS for TDD2
21 Feb 89 17:51:2Victor RobertsSysop314320322FLTIBM on "AT"
21 Feb 89 19:36:1Chris FennSysop319321323TDD OS
21 Feb 89 21:37:0SysopVictor Roberts320322-Patch to FLTIBM
21 Feb 89 21:39:1SysopChris Fenn321323325TDD
22 Feb 89 05:01:2Pat McclurgChris Fenn270324-Hello again!
22 Feb 89 23:39:3Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts323325332Z88 TDD OS
24 Feb 89 00:27:0Curtis ClaarAll-326-Review Z88
24 Feb 89 11:57:1Michael CostelloAll-327328Macs anyone?
24 Feb 89 17:29:2Victor RobertsMichael Costello327328331Z88 to MAC
24 Feb 89 17:38:1Victor RobertsAll-329334UNTAB.CLI
24 Feb 89 19:12:1Chris FennAll-330-Time Mastadons etc.
24 Feb 89 21:04:4Chris FennMichael Costello328331333Macs here too!
24 Feb 89 21:17:5SysopCurtis Claar325332-Used TDD2's
24 Feb 89 21:20:0SysopMichael Costello331333336Z88 + Mac
24 Feb 89 21:25:3SysopVictor Roberts329334-UNTAB
24 Feb 89 21:27:5SysopAll-335-Outlining with PipeDream
25 Feb 89 00:31:4Curtis ClaarMichael Costello333336339Macs
25 Feb 89 00:40:4Curtis ClaarAll-337338Keyboard Pokes
25 Feb 89 03:55:4Victor RobertsCurtis Claar337338340Keyboard click
25 Feb 89 06:17:2SysopCurtis Claar336339354Mac-Link
25 Feb 89 06:20:3SysopCurtis Claar338340341Kbd Sound
25 Feb 89 06:22:0SysopVictor Roberts340341353Keyclick
26 Feb 89 01:56:3Len RubinAll-344345"Maclink" prices etc.
26 Feb 89 06:01:0SysopLen Rubin344345355Commercials
26 Feb 89 09:31:0Chris FennSysop-346347GAME
26 Feb 89 09:41:4SysopChris Fenn346347349GAME
7 Feb 89 20:01:43SysopAll-351-New File Area
8 Feb 89 00:28:45Curtis ClaarAll-352-version SN
8 Feb 89 00:31:26Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts341353-Click
8 Feb 89 00:33:08Curtis ClaarSysop339354-Not Pricy
8 Feb 89 03:50:09Bernard GlassmanAll-356358Macs etc.
8 Feb 89 03:53:09Bernard GlassmanAll-357-Macs con't
8 Feb 89 05:48:55SysopBernard Glassman356358-Macs etc.

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- DEVEMBER 1988
--------------------------------------

#1 27 15 Dec 88 22:52:37
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #44
Subj: New System Goals

My goal in starting this system is mainly to provide a U.S. forum for the
support of the British Cambridge Z88. But other laptop support will also be
provided.

My own interests are the Z88, Tandy Model 100 family and the Toshiba T-1000.
No CP/M lapper as yet, but maybe someday!

Let me know what YOU would like to see here, and I'll see what I can do! But
this will NOT become just another IBM RBBS; enuff of those already!!

Phil Wheeler, Sysop




 #2 47 16 Dec 88 16:11:33
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #3
Subj: Z88 Tech Info

Talking today to Sharp's (Mark) in VA, I found that there is now a developer's
reference available for the Z88. Word is that it gives lots of important info
about the internal workings.

Not for the non-technical (full of M/L code) and not for the financially
non-adventurous ($160). But I've taken the plunge and should have a copy by
Tues or Wed of next week (12/20 or so). I'll put reports up here when I get to
give it a look. Info looks essential for some of the projects I have in mind.

Also available is something called "Using your Cambridge Z88", or some such;
in the $25 range, I think. I've ordered that, too. Said to have further info
on BBC Basic.

Phil




 #3 40 18 Dec 88 10:16:48 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #2
Subj: D-Guide

Hi Phil, does it sound as though the D-guide is different than the proposed
"Adv. users guide?"
I now realize that I didn't bother to look at the cover of the manual I saw at
COMDEX, so now I'm not sure what I was actually looking at (Ha!)
I should have some goodies to U/L before too long.
Chris




 #4 33 19 Dec 88 19:27:53
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #5
Subj: NONE

Well our local newsletter goes out this week,we exchange about 30
TIMEX/Sinclair/Cambridge oriented newsletters across the country. I've
mentioned this BBS in this issue (with goals etc.) There has to be more than 3
Z88 users out there (Ha!)




 #5 34 19 Dec 88 20:03:37 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #4
Subj: Z88 Users and Newletters

I'm sure there are more users out there, Chris. But not all will be comm
oriented and not all will have modems. But maybe we can get some good PR thru
newletters like yours; and I will be writing a Letter to the Editor of
Portable 100 (who has some passing interest in the Z88).

But it will be slow. the installed base is small, and may stay that way.
Then, too, the Brits don't seem to be using BBS type d]stribution for
software. If I do find out about a BBS there, I will call it and see what
goodies I can find there. But likely we will be on our own, more or less.

Gee, an adventure!!

Phil




 #6 31 19 Dec 88 20:54:22
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phil
SEE ALSO #7
Subj: Z88 BBS

Phil:
You know the Z88 is plenty powerful of a machine to run a BBS with. I know it
sounds stupid, but it would be a neat "gimic".
Most people take there portable to users meetings and call BBS's. You could
take your Z88 to users meetings and arrange for someone else to call you. Neat
uh. Oay, okay. I know it serves no purpose to run a BBS off a
portable/laptop, but oh well.

Now the only problem is finding a functional BBC Basic or Z80 Assembly BBS
program. The program is the hard part isn't it? Just slap in a half meg or
two (or three) or RAM and you've got a lightning fast BBS.

Just a thought for you to toss around.




 #7 34 19 Dec 88 22:47:55 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #6
Subj: Z88 BBS

Curtis,

The hooker is knowing enuff about the ROM calls and port addresses. One of my
goals will be a public domain Xmodem program (in Basic or M/L). But even a
Basic program means you need to access the ports; and M/L means some info on
the ROM calls (equivalent to BIOS or BDOS in a CP/M or MS-DOS machine.

As a matter of fact, my backup for this BBS is a Toshiba T-1000; limited in
disk space, but an effective standin if this computer goes down. And there
are funcitonal BBS's on Model 100's. But it seems a misuse (though a cute
idea!) of the Z88.

BTW -- I've just posted ROMDMP.CLI in Area #1. Comments sort of tell about
it. I still have to write a short doc on how to use it (which needs a few
words re addressing/paging structure of the Z88.

Phil

p.s. -- Thanks for your early support and interest!




 #8 33 20 Dec 88 17:47:41
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 Documentation

I now have in my hands two new publicaions for the Z88. The first is "Using
Your Z88" ($24.95, Sharp's in Mechanicsville, VA). This book looks to be a
good introduction, like the manual should have been. About 3/4 of it is on
Basic programming, focusing on structured programming via PROCedures and such.
While I have by now doped out most of what I see at first glance, to a new
owner (or new programmer) this book is well worthwhile. It seems very well
written, as such books go.

Second thing is the "Z88 Developer's Notes" (Expensive: $160 at Sharp's). But
it is really quite a package, at least what I bargained for when I ordered it.
Runs 307 pages, lots of text and information. It has, in effect, a tutorial
on use of the BBC BASIC assembler, shows (finally!) how to do peeks and pokes,
gives lots of sample M/L sourcees, with comments, tells how to access the
devices from BAS/ASM, and documents the system calls extensivelly. This, too,
is a well-written book. Pricy, but if you want to do M/L programming (or
really understand the Z88), this book is going to be invaluable. Date on the
title page is 10 Sept 1988 -- so this is pretty current stuff.

More later, when I've had a chance to dig!

Phil




 #9 30 20 Dec 88 20:34:02 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #10
Subj: Tech data

Good for you Phil! I still don't know yet which book I have on order.
(I wasn't too specific I just said send it [Ha!])
I've been experimenting with CLI's & I found you can feed them in through
BASIC & use them sequentially by shift esc. I've stacked ten of them and I
think it might take more.
I'll let you know if I find something usefull.
Good to see some new faces(msgs) around here!
Chris




 #10 34 20 Dec 88 20:49:52 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #9 SEE ALSO #15
Subj: Tech data

Good for you! If you find some good approaches, you may want to upload a
CLI.TIP file or some such.

The Developers' Notes are pretty interesting -- also gives all the port
hardware interfaces (like for the expansion port, etc.).

There is not made of a bug in the OS: Do not leave files in :RAM.- (such as
:RAM.-/s.sgn) for any period of time. Apparently a Soft Reset with a file
left in that virtual device can scramble memory -- with a crash some time in
the future. So pull them into a true device (:RAM.1, etc.) and kill the
original, fast! This bit of news is in the middle of page 295!

ALSO: If you have a machine with less than 128K in *Slot 1*, it is unexpanded,
and you have an 8K Basic; an expanded machine has a 40K BAsic. I'm not sure
what this means, exactly -- since I just found it. More later, Chris.

Phil




 #11 35 21 Dec 88 03:06:07
From: Ezra Shapiro
To: All
SEE ALSO #12
Subj: hello

Hi, gang. Just a quick note to say I'm here (and at 2400 baud, too!).

Anyone got the phone number for Sharp's? I gotta get these docs. . . .




 #12 36 21 Dec 88 05:14:14
From: Sysop
To: Ezra Shapiro
REPLY TO #11 SEE ALSO #19
Subj: Sharp's etc.

Great -- and thanks for the 2400 baud validation. I can now remove the
tentative statements re 2400!

Sharp's is at 804-730-9697. For you I'd recommend passing on the "Using YOur
Z88" (it is pretty simple stuff if you've done much programming and played
with the machine as I'm sure you have). The "Developer's Notes" are just the
ticket. There is more in there than I will ever figure out how to use (I'm no
really that nifty an M/L programmer). But in your hands ... . Gives a
program which will burn an EPROM with COM code for example. Explains fully
how to use the screen (the cursor control sequences, box graphics, etc.).

Great to have you here, Ezra

Phil




 #13 34 21 Dec 88 05:35:23 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: Yell/Chat

OK, Curtis. I've now enabled the Yell function for the hours of 0600-2400
PST. All that assumes I'm here and in earshot (which I will be until I shake
this cold/laryngitis, and all or next week). Well, maybe not within earshot!

Phil




 #14 34 21 Dec 88 13:03:17 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: CLI

Means Command Line Interpreter. Allows execution from the Filer menu of what
are essentially batch files. they can be used to redirect I/O -- and the most
valuable use is to load ASCII programs written in Pipedream into BAsic and
then run Basic.

If you look at any of the CLI files in Area 1, the first two lines are CLI
commands -- one (#B) invoking Basic and the other (.J) forcing any subsequent
characters (such as #) to be taken literally, and NOT as part of another CLI
sequence. But there are many more such commands available.

Phil




 #15 37 21 Dec 88 20:00:36 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #10 SEE ALSO #16
Subj: RAM.-

I've been good about deleting *SGN files after use to free up memory.
Now I know it's more than a good idea. Maybe a housecleaning CLI is in order.
I haven't yet figured out how to get a CLI to toggle *SGN files, but I keep
trying. I'll have a BIO-RYTHM program soon(conversion) it sends your chart
strait to the DIARY.
til next,
Chris




 #16 32 21 Dec 88 22:22:35 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #15
Subj: Bio-Rythm etc.

Sounds good, Chris -- all files and programs are surrely welcome (and, as you
know, Ialready have several of your goodies up here)

You will be interested in LINEGRPH.Z88 just put into Area 1. it gives info on
cursor control (up, down, left, right, on/off) and on how to use the Z88's
built-in line graphics symbols -- which are very much like the ones available
in the PC. Includes a very short demo program.

Phil




 #17 29 22 Dec 88 22:54:23
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #21
Subj: NEC UltrLite "Lightest laptop yet" ... HA

Hey Everybody:

Did you see the review of the new NEC UltraLite laptop computer in the January
1989 Popular Science?

It's (erroneously) billed as "the lightest lap-top yet" at "only 4 pounds".

The review says you can store data on a 1 or 2-meg hard silicon disk and
software comes on read-only-memory cards. Kind of similar in principle to the
Z88 except a larger (I don't know HOW MUCH larger), fold-up screen. The screen
and something else important:

The review goes on to say "the price you pay for portability is a short battery
life -- little more than two hours. Full recharging takes seven to eight hours,
and you can't remove the battery to insert a spare."

Boy do I like 16 hours and being able to remove baterries
to insert spares. (It must be rough having what sounds like
from the article to be a 7-hour downtime)

The size...

Well, it fits into a 9x12 manila envelope. About the same size as a Z88 I
guess.
The review says it "has about 90% of the power of the original IBM-AT" -- but
it
doesn't say it's IBM-compatible (and without disks, it wouldn't do any good),
so
why in the heck is it priced at "$2999-and-up sticker"?

All it sounds like to me is a Z88 with HIGH consumption batteries, no way
to change bateries (and keep data), and a big screen. It's twice as heavy,
about
the same size, and SIX TIMES the price of a Z88.

overpriced,




 #18 28 22 Dec 88 23:09:16
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #20
Subj: Z88... UltraLite continued

overpriced,
and 2-hours of battery life is not good. We should explain to them about the
Z88 and hope for a repeal on their claims and a review of the Z88.

Their address is:
Readers Talk Back
Popular Science
380 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10017


Refer to the article "Electronics Newsfront" by Dawn Stover, page 32, January
1989.




 #19 28 22 Dec 88 23:11:27
From: Curtis Claar
To: Ezra Shapiro
REPLY TO #12 SEE ALSO #281
Subj: number

Sharp's: 804-746-1664 9 am to 4 pm EST
804-730-9697 9 pm to 10 pm EST




 #20 28 22 Dec 88 23:20:06 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #18
Subj: Ultralite <> Lightest

It is true the UL is not the lightest one around. In fact, aside from the Z88,
the Tandy 100/102 and some relatives are lighter than the UL. but it is the
smallest/lightest PC compatible lapper, to be sure. Next nearest is the
Toshiba T-1000 at 6.3 lbs.

But the T1000 has some advantages: About $750 street with 512K RAM and a 720K
disk, and around $350 for another 768K. Runs about 4 hrs on a charge. No
thicker than an RS Model 100, etiher. I carry one most places. But I use the
Z88 when I travel, and for meetings and taking class notes and the like:
Unbeatable for that!

Why buy a Ultralite?? Good question! I guess it is for folks who wnat the
very smallest, lightest PC they can get. And anyone who owns a Z88 know the
advantages of SMALL!

But when I could get a Tosh T1200hb (backlit screen like the UltraL, but also
having a 20 meg hard disk) for about $2300, it is a bit hard to see whay I
would consider the UL. And I understand the charger/adapter is not especially
"ultralite".

In fact, when they quote the weights of the PC compatible lappers, they never
include the power supply. Most of them weigh more than the entire Z88. That
has always been a big thing to me: 10-20 hrs of computing with batteries I can
replace at any local store, whereever I happen to be. I can give up a good
bit of convenience in software, etc. for that.

Fortuately, I don't have to choose. I often carry BOTH a T1000 and a Z88 to
work and back, and I use both (frankly PipeDream is dreadfully slow on a large
sheet of the type I often use in the T1000.

So -- looks like there is no SINGLE best computer; it's all in what your
need(s) are.

Phil




 #21 27 23 Dec 88 22:25:48 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #17
Subj: ultraLITE?

Curtis, I had a chance to try the NEC machine out at COMDEX. The keys are nice
(short throw). At 4.4 lbs it is light for a DOS machine, and the screen did
look nice. But I agree with you it is a very pricey machine, and it is quite
an Enigma it begs to be carried with you & then crys to be plugged back in.
Who needs a Porche with a two gallon gas tank? For the total environment I
much prefer OZ to DOS in a LAPTOP.
I wouldn't stick my big databases on my Z88, but then I don't need Word
Perfect to type a simple memo either.




 #23 28 24 Dec 88 12:25:17 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #26
Subj: FLTIBM

Phil, your FLTIBM programs are absolutly great! I have an early version of
PC-LINK which I can get to BATCH save but no BATCH load.
All I do now is save //*.* from IMP-EXP on the Z88 & it saves all on
my current device. (I haven't tried :*//*.* yet) It sure saved me ALOT
of time after my most resent HARD RESET (these things do happen HA!)
Chris




 #24 29 24 Dec 88 18:50:02
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #27
Subj: Default DIR

When I select a DEFAULT Directory from PANEL such as MAIN, open PIPEDREAM go
to FILER (where :RAM.1/MAIN would be pre-selected)
if I want to RENAME a file on this DIR I get an ERROR msg.. It also
won't let me ERASE or COPY (although I can freely LOAD & SAVE the same
files). If I de-SELECT MAIN to get back to the parent DIR & then re-SELECT
MAIN all is cozy. Anybody know why?
(it took me a while to trace it to the selection of a DEFAULT DIR)
Chris




 #25 30 24 Dec 88 18:59:19
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: SANTA

I logged on to the NORTH POLE BBS tonight. MRS. Clause posted a msg. that
Santa is now using a Z88 to keep track of "naughty's" & "nice's",
so he has more room in his sleigh.
Merry Christmas!
Chris




 #26 27 25 Dec 88 21:02:52 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #23 SEE ALSO #28
Subj: FLTIBM

The new version of PC-Link doesn't do batch loads either -- and is very slow.
But it is a lot more user friendly.

I did do one transfer, or maybe two, with FLTIBM which did not go well. Never
did figure out why, and now I've forgotten what it was. I'll have to study it
a bit more.

Maybe I need to produce a custom version for the Z88, with a menu that says
Z88 instead of M100! but I will do a bit of testing and see if all it well.
I know I did think so at one time.

Sure is faster than PC-Link!

And batch is neat.

Phil




 #27 30 25 Dec 88 21:08:34 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #24
Subj: Default DIR

I have not noticed that. Could be a bug, of course. I've noticed a few
oddities like that -- such as trying to kill a file marked in the DIR (didn't
work, but did if I just typed in teh name). May still be some bugs.

Phil




 #28 28 26 Dec 88 19:42:44 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #26
Subj: FLTIBM

No problems for me yet, it sure has made my BACKING-UP alot easier.




 #30 26 29 Dec 88 07:53:18 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #29
Subj: Speed on BBS

That question can be taken two ways. The screen is a very fast screen for an
LCD -- faster than the one in my Toshiba 1000. It definitely will keep up at
1200 baud.

But with 8 lines (vs 24), you definitly need to use ^S to stopp the flow more
often. I find it to be OK, and I believe others do to. Perhaps you will get
some more comments.

One thing worth noting: With my Model 100 I tend to lose characters on PC
RBBS's or Fido's -- apparently due to the limited LCD speed of the 100. Not
so with my Z88. And the 80 column screen is a big help, too.

Phil




 #31 25 29 Dec 88 20:13:31 (RECV'D)
From: Frank Grady
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #34
Subj: Z88 to modem

I'm checking out a Z88 on the trial offer; use an M-100, Epson HX20,
NEC Starlite, Toshiba T-1200, M-200, M-102 also -- plus PCs and Macs.
I manage a Desktop Publishing Center for Blue Cross of Michigan.
Z88's documentation is as bad as you say, or worse. Terminal gets 1 page! I
can't get Z88 to talk to my modem. Have the PC-Link package,
and its cable works fine to connect with my Toshiba T-1200 via Xtalk,
but a SmartCable and all kinds of others plus null plugs etc. (I have
a drawer-full of these necessities) all refuse to respond with the
modem. I mean I can't get the Z88 to respond to the keyboard at ALL --
so can't enter any dialing or configuring AT-commands. I know I can
order Z88's own modem and cable, but I'd rather use what I have. Help!




 #32 2 29 Dec 88 20:20:24
From: Frank Grady
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #35
Subj: Thanks for BBS

Just want to say Thanks for supporting the Z88. The computer world still
needs user-to-user support more than anything else. I'd be lost without
Compuserve, and you're filling that niche for the Z88. The damn little
machine has a lot going for it, but documentation is terrible. (I'm a
writer/publisher; if I wasn't busy it would be fun to tackle the job --
but I know how big a job it would be.) Keep up the good work!




 #33 27 29 Dec 88 21:24:53
From: Scott Schad
To: Phil Wheeler
SEE ALSO #36
Subj: Howdy

I took you up on your offer to look in. I'm close to talking myself into a
Z88, and your info files on the BASIC provided in the Z88 are quite useful.
I'll check back when I've more time.




#34 31 29 Dec 88 23:46:18 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Frank Grady
REPLY TO #31
Subj: Z88 to Modem

Frank, I'll see what I can do to help. I did build my own cable adapter (nine
pin Z88 to nine pin IBM) and it works fine. Also built my oln null modem
adapters (even though I do have the PC-Link cable).

Only problem is that I can't find the diagram I made when I doped out the
connection. When I find it, I will put a DOC file in Area #1 on the topic of
Z88MDM or some such thing. I'll try to do it this weekend, befor next Tuesday,
at least.

Have heart: It can be made to work!

Phil




 #35 33 29 Dec 88 23:50:39 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Frank Grady
REPLY TO #32
Subj: Z88 Documentation

Agree re the docs, Frank. But I understand help IS on the way. There are
several docs in preparation on Using the Z88 and BBC Basic. And we will do
what we can to provide technical support.

I agree that such support is vital to a new and somwhat non-mainstream
computer such as the Z88. That's why I started this BBS: Most other computers
are over-supported; surely the Z88 is not, at least so far!

Phil




 #36 32 29 Dec 88 23:53:58 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #33
Subj: Howdy

Good to see you here, Scott. I am doing some things for the Z88 now -- like
trying to enhance FLTIBM (under a new name) to handle files > 64K and like
building a disassembler; at least those are my "today" projects.

I hope you will get a Z88, and that we see more of you! And let me know when
the 200 book arrives; curious about the speed this time of year!

Phil




 #37 3 31 Dec 88 01:02:15
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
Subj: PCP

Yes, PC Pursuit.
Yes, Xmodem. all the options available in QLINK. The highest I got was to
block 9 I think.

Because of all the going back and forth my keystrokes must do, my typing is
REEEAAALL slow via PCP; and yet simple BBS-to-me transmissions are pretty good.
(When I type, it goes to PCP, to you, to PCP, to me -- whew)

Anyway, I'll get used to it, the $$$$ savings are worth any amount of trouble.

Thanks for the excellent Z88 LCD speed info!!

Later
Curtis




 #38 2 31 Dec 88 02:08:41
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
Subj: probs

Phil:
I know PCP is a lot of the problem, but I experimented and could not D/L with
QLINK but could with QL52. Some of the problem is hterefore in QLINK.




 #39 33 31 Dec 88 15:37:17
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 Docs

I was told a few days ago that the Z88 Developers Notes can be had for around
$50, about $100 less than I paid for them! But if true, it should make Z88
details much more accessible.

Perhaps one of our users will know more and provide more info (source, price,
etc.). Anyone??

Phil




 #40 33 31 Dec 88 20:45:21
From: Richard Olson
To: All
SEE ALSO #42
Subj: Z88 as portable data collector.

See README.Z88 in the fido\general area. A short text file excerpted from the
TSNNMAC2 package, which now supports Z88, M100, DataMyte, and PCs (portable or
desktop). See TSNMDM.ARC on Compuserve Lotusa library, or GEnie IBM RT Demos
and Catalogs library, or send a blank disk to R. Olson, 16 Adam Hill, Windsor,
CT 06095.




 #41 2 31 Dec 88 20:51:07
From: Richard Olson
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #43
Subj: README.Z88

Hello Phill !! Long time-no talk. Heard of your BBS thru M.G. of Cambridge
N.E. who suggested I up/load my demo. Chickened out and only left a short
file and a message due to the L.D. charges. Will send demo disk as per
message to ALL RE: README.Z88, if you like. A pleasure to run into you again.




 #42 35 31 Dec 88 21:00:33
From: Sysop
To: Richard Olson
REPLY TO #40 SEE ALSO #55
Subj: README.Z88

Good to have you aboard, Richard! And thanks for the upload.

Reading README.Z88, I was especially struck by the price quoted there for a
Z88 ($385). Is this a current "open market" (i.e., anyone canb get one) price?

Although I have heard of some special sales, the best I've seen is $479
(Sharp's in VA). Prices here in L.A., at places which usually have good
discounts, are around $499 (with a 32K RAM thrown in in one store). And
Cambridge Direct is advertizing them at $599 (Jan 1989 BYTE magazine).

You may want to sent a bit more info on the Time software. It isn't clear to
me what it is used for, and who would find it of value. May be more interest
if there is more data.

Happy New Year!

Phil
ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- JANUARY 1989
-------------------------------------


 #44 26 02 Jan 89 12:03:56 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #1 SEE ALSO #45
Subj: Other laptops/portables

Have you considered supporting the Psion Organiser? It too is a nifty British
creation, and after 6 months of owning one I don't know how I got along
without it. Want me to send you some info?




#45 24 02 Jan 89 18:30:59
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #44 SEE ALSO #47
Subj: Psions Support

That's definitely an idea worth considering. Of course, not having one, I
would have to rely on you and others for support and software. If you theink
we can populate it, I'll be happy to establish a Psion software area. ...Phil




 #46 3 02 Jan 89 20:16:01
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #45
Subj: PSION

I am familiar with PSION software (the Organiser is pretty nifty too)
I use a group of programs called PC-FOUR from PSION WP,SS,DB & Business
Graphics. I use them on my IBM but these are the same programs that was
bundled with the Sinclair QL. The BG prog is pretty slick, but what I
really like is the fully relational DB prog. "ARCHIVE" included is a full
featured language using procedures (similar to OPL on the Organiser), you can
have many files open at once,and the records only take up space for the data
(no specified field lengths) also it can run on just one floppy drive which
makes it perfect for a laptop.




 #47 31 02 Jan 89 22:21:00 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #45
Subj: Organiser

The latest Misco catalog has a "NEW" product: it is of course thr little
Organiser that isn't so new. I think they're selling it for around $250. So
maybe a few more people out there will find out just what they're missing.

Oh yeah, I don't own one either, but see nothing wrong with supporting it .
I would certainly participate in conversations regarding it.

Curtis




 #48 23 03 Jan 89 12:08:49 (RECV'D)
From: Frank Grady
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #49
Subj: WordMongers Modem Pgm

The file Z88-BB1.TXT (was it on Genie?) mentioned a modem program,
presumably public domain, called "WordMongers" (a Z88 SIG?). How
can this be obtained? Anyone know of other available modem programs?




 #49 29 03 Jan 89 15:12:54 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Frank Grady
REPLY TO #48
Subj: Wordmongers

WM is a company in the U.K. which supports the Z88, among others. Their most
prominent products are Z-Term (xmodem supporting comm program) and Z-Base (a
dBase-like data base program). Both of these Z88 packages are available ONLY
on ROM cartridge.

I know of no public domain comm program for the Z88, although I have given
thought to developing on using Basic.

BTW -- the current version of Z-Term is 2.4; if you do buy one, make sure this
is what you will get, going in.

There is some info on this and othere stuff in the Area #1 file
WM-ONLIN.D30, a transcript of my 12/30/88 call to the Wordmongers BBS
in the U.K. (apparently it runs on a Z88!!).

BTW -- I will attempt to figure out the pinouts of my modem cable tonight.
Watch for a message (actual info will probably be put into a file in Area #1
or #5).

Phil




 #50 32 03 Jan 89 20:22:18
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #59
Subj: Z-Term Upgrade

I have Z-Term, currently version 2.2. But they are now shipping Version 2.4,
which adds separate setups for each phone number, and allows multiple sets of
function key files. Apparently some bugs were swatted -- but this may relate
to functions which support specific U.K. on-line systems.

A message in WM-ONLIN.D30 (Wordmongers BBS) says for upgrade "send them the
ROM and a fiver". Not too practical from here! But they do take plastic --
so you can send them the ROM and a plastic card number (MC and Visa preferred
over American Express).

The guys at WM say the upgrade is definitley worthwhile. So you may want to
go for it. Or, if you are planning to buy Z-Term for the first time, be sure
you ask what version you will be shipped (I believe no 2.4's have been shipped
to U.S. vendors as yet).

Phil




 #51 27 04 Jan 89 00:00:25
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phill Wheeler
Subj: Great

I think it's great 1) that you are constantly improving this board and 2) that
you note it on sign-on.

Keep it all up!

Curtis




 #52 25 04 Jan 89 05:59:40
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88-Modem Connections

The file Z88-MDM.INF (Area #1) now documents the Z88-modem setup recommended
by Wordmongers in the U.K. Original name was Z88-CONN.MDM.

Phil

p.s. -- Has specific info on using the Worldport modem with Z-Term, a product
of Wrodmongers.




 #53 24 04 Jan 89 18:35:46 (RECV'D)
From: Tom Johnson
To: Sysop
Subj: Z88

phil:
i read a file which quoted a pric of 385.00 for the Z88 from cambridge
direct--for that price i called to order one today. the salesman had
no idea what i was talking about--their price is $599.00 which makes them
about the most expensive in the country. if you find out more about the
$385. price, i'd be interested in purchasing one.

thanks
tom




 #54 25 04 Jan 89 22:30:01
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phil Wheeler
Subj: Port access

In your book, have you found a very good way to access the serial port from
basic, via a couple of machine language commands or something?
If/when you do, you might contact Rich Moldovan and ask him if you could post
for D/Ling his Public Domain Xmodem Basic program (modified to work on Z88).
I don't know what you might think, but if I could access the ports, that's
what I would do. If you can tell me how to access the ports, I'll work on it
when I get my Z88. I wish I already had it!!

Later.
Curtis




 #55 8 05 Jan 89 10:41:05
From: Tom Johnson
To: Richard Olson
REPLY TO #42
Subj: z88

richard:
i called cambridge direct after seeing your file which quoted a price of
$385.00--the salesman told me they sold for $599.00 and had no idea where the
$385.00 came from.

any suggestions?

thanks

tom




 #56 30 05 Jan 89 16:48:08
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Questions File

Someone uploaded a file QUESTION to Area #1 (still invisible, by the way).
Two problems: 1) It was uploaded without linefeeds (see UPDOWN.HLP) and
therefore I cannot read it by Typing it on this system; I must get home and
add the linefeeds first. PLEASE add linefeeds to all files uploaded -- UNLESS
they are uploaded with the ASCII option using Z-Term (which will add the
files); 2) As near as I can tell, the file does not identify the uploader.
Likely I will be able to by correlating the directory listing with folks'
log-on times. But all files should ID the uploader in the file somewhere.

Another thing -- the best place to ask questions is heere in the message
system, where most users will see it as they scan the new messages. That way,
there is a much better chance of getting a a solution to any problems.

But I will read the file, try to ascertain who snet it, and answer the
questions if I can.

Phil




 #57 28 05 Jan 89 17:12:41
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #58
Subj: Questions from File Area

These are the questions from the file area. Please add to my answers
(following msg).

Phil--

Some Questions:

1. I cannot find anyone who has any info on local FidoNet BBSs--got any
ideas?

2. When I long on to a BBS, the opening text scrolls down to fast, and
given that I only have a six line screen, I can't read much of it.
Is there a way to slow it down, or review it somehow while still on
the line?

3. Do you know of any command or utility that enables one to check the
amount of memory remaining in an Eprom?

4. Do you know of a way to do a "screen dump", for example, capturing
the directory listing, and printing it out? (I am intersted as a
pathetic strategy for coping with the appearent inability of the Z88
to alloy copying of nested subdirectories into an Eprom. Tree Copy
doesn't seem to work with an Eprom. As I make very heavy use of
Multi-leveled directory structures, the least I can Hope for would
be a sceen dump for purposes of backing up the filing "architecture"
employed!

5. In the scenario proposed by Wordmongers, vis-a-vis Z-Term upgrades,
what would I do while trusting intercontinental logistics to
speedily resupply me? Have you had any experience with turn-around
times & various carriers, methods, etc.?

6. What is the correct protocol for "pasting" an existing spreadsheet
into a text document, without the result being a hideous
"docu-spread" (the text being reformatted--"recalculated", and the
whole being treated as a spreadsheet?!)

==End




 #58 27 05 Jan 89 17:19:08
From: Sysop
To: All
REPLY TO #57
Subj: Answers to Questions File

Answers to Questions:

1. Local I think means Oakland (if this is Len's Question file).
I have no data now, but I will check it out.

2. Use CTRL-Q to stop scroll CTRL-S to start again. Use CTRL-C
to skip the text (e.g., seeing the Bulletin many time can be
annoying.

3. There is a program in the U.K. (Z88 Users' Group) that will do
more sophisticated directory work on an Eprom. I don't have a
copy as yet.

4. Use the screen capture CLI approach. Before doing the CAT
EPROM, hit []+S ([] = SQUARE key). Afterward hit []-S to
close the capture file. Then go to PipeDream and load :RAM.-
/S.SGN (the capture file) as a Text file (Y to botton answer
on loading questions) and you will have it. Then same it as
EPROM.DIR or something. Note that you can capture on-line
stuff or output from BASIC runs or listing of BAS files the
same way!! But ALWAYS deal with the :RAM.-/S.SGN file
immediately and then go to Filer and Kill it. Leftover files
in :RAM.- can cause a mess if you happen to have a soft reset
(known OZ 2.2/3.00 bug).

5. Best upgrade scenario is via the dealer where you bought it.
WM tells me that's how they want to do it, if possible.

6. I've never tried PD spreadsheet pastes. Sorry! But maybe
someone else can help.

Phil




 #59 24 05 Jan 89 20:53:31 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #50
Subj: Z-Term

I just took delivery today of a Z88 from Sharp's, and the Z-Term I received
with it says version 2.4 on the chip. And it does have definable function
keys.




#61 25 08 Jan 89 08:49:17 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
Subj: MODEM

Well I finally have my modem & Z88 working together (AVATEX 1200P)
Using only the VT52 & CLI's it will log me on to GEnie,and I hope to have it
sign on & leave a MSG. all by it's lonely.
Next I have to get it to log me on here (it will dial me here,but I don't have
the timing right yet)
The GEnie CLI or GENIE.LOG goes like this:
#V
.D1500~E
.D1500
|RXTG55555,PASSWORD~E
The ctrl-R will echo back what you type (like you guys showed me)
The timing would have to be adjusted for a given area.
I am using a fairly common Hayes init. string.
Chris




 #62 27 08 Jan 89 09:01:34
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: MEMORY

Hey Phil (and all you with 512K RAM cartridges) it looks like you're going to
have to quit using them as RADIO-ELECTRONICS (FEB 89) reported that you can
only expand a Z88 to 412K.





#63 26 08 Jan 89 10:15:59
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: SCREEN

Oops, they said that you can go all the way up to 416 K, 3 128 K carts. + the
32 K built in.(....oh well!) Also they mentioned a problem with
the Z88 display being slow and that if you type too fast the Z88 will ignore
characters. I have NEVER seen this. Have any of you?
I have even tested usung an 800 line DOC, mind you everything SLOWED to
a crawl, but it did not miss any characters no matter how fast I typed.
Perhaps I'm just not fast enough.
The review is not a Z88 basher, it is just un-imformed. No mention of
macro/batch CLI language,no mention of the WYSIWYG nature of PIPEDREAM
etc.. They also mention that there is a "kludgey" way of downloading
from VT52, I asume they meant []+S,[]-S I thought this is a rather elegant
method showing off the I/O redirection that you can use at ALL
times if you want. (.....oh well)
Chris




 #64 25 08 Jan 89 14:12:03
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Misplaced Msgs

Please see the messages in the ANSWER area re SENDER.CLI and my travel. I
inadvertently put them in the wrong area -- and I don't have time
before flying away to Reno to put them where they belong (here!) -- and (to be
honest!) I don't know how to move messages anyway!

Phil




 #65 25 08 Jan 89 17:30:30 (RECV'D)
From: Mo Budlong
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #98
Subj: Z88 Development System

Hi Phil,
We meet electronically again. I just wanted to leave my name
as Z88 interested. I have been approached by the US Cambridge
people asking me if I can port my Model 100 development systems
(I think they are majorly interested in 'C') over to cross-develop
for the Z-88. I have just rummaged through their recently published
Tech manual, and it looks doable, so I'm ready to start talking
seriously with them. Oddly enough, I have not laid a hand on a Z88
yet, but from the tech manual it is as you say clever in paces and awkward in
places. Anyway I'll drop by from time to time to watch the
news develop.
My phone is 213-661-2063.
Best,
Mo.




 #67 22 10 Jan 89 23:58:15
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: Parking Solution

From the Wall Street Journal
Approx. December 27, 1988.
Page B1


Laptop computers are helping Westport, Conn., solve a parking problem.
City police used to mark the tires of parked cars with chalk, and if the
car was still there after the two-hour limit, they'd issue a ticket. But
drivers found they could erase the chalk by simply moving the car backward
and forward a few times. Now, police log license numbers in a laptop
computer, and if the car overstays its welcome it gets nailed.



When I get my Z88, I may right a program like that for the Z88 and try to
sell my police department. Or if someone else wants to now, that'd be fine
too.

Curtis




 #68 27 11 Jan 89 02:24:15 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #70
Subj: various stuff

I'll be taking the Z88 to Macworld Expo in SF next week, which should
be interesting. When I brought it to the Boston show in August, it got
a lot of interested oohs and aahs. Now that the Mac-Link cartridge is
available, I've noticed a slow festering of interest among Mac folk;
a conversation about the Z88 has appeared in the Mac area on BIX, of
all places. This after a few messages in the laptop conference died
away several months ago. I suspect that quite a few Macintosh faithful
are so hostile to MS-DOS that the Z88 will be quite appealing. After
all, if you're going to have to learn a different OS to run a laptop,
the Z88 is no better or worse than the MSDOS portables, except for
being lighter, cheaper, etc., etc. I'll report on my return.

Speaking of BIX, Phil, do you have any objection to my posting the
BBS number there? A couple of people have expressed serious interest.

Regards. . . .
Ezra
(of MacWeek, Byte, MacUser, Circuit Cellar Ink, and so forth)




 #69 27 11 Jan 89 14:58:29 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Mo Budlong
REPLY TO #66 SEE ALSO #116
Subj: Z88 Dev

Hi, Mo!

A serious development system for this beastie would, indeed, be of interest.
Keep us posted!

Phil




 #70 24 11 Jan 89 15:00:38 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #68 SEE ALSO #71
Subj: BBS Number

By all means, Ezra (and everyone!). The more folks have this number and use
it, the happier I (all of us, I suspect!) will be.

Phil




 #71 22 11 Jan 89 19:33:15 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #70 SEE ALSO #72
Subj: MAC & STUFF

From a flyer from the Consumer Electronics Show here in VEGAS this week
I see they(Cambridge) has a new package out called "MacLite" it cosists of:
Z88,128K RAM cart.,Serial cable,File trsfr. progs (MAC-LINK), &
a program called "HC Organiser"(HYPER-CARD ORGANISER?). Let us know
what you think.(& have some fun!)
Chris




 #72 23 11 Jan 89 23:04:45 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #71 SEE ALSO #74
Subj: eval stuff

I spent an hour last night (3 to 4 am!!) chatting with Tony Kaye
of Wordmongers/UK. Very nice guy; helpful and talkative. He's promised to send
me the latest revs of ZBASE and ZTERM, and even gave me the
name of a good press contact at Cambridge in Northbrook, so I'm hoping to
parlay my press credentials into a chance to look at the latest offerings. I
had originally dealt with one of the Duguerre (??) bros. in Maine early this
summer, and found Cambridge less than enthusiastic about PR and marketing.
Tony's theory is that the enthusiastic reception at COMDEX has really changed
attitudes at Cambridge; they now see some chance of success in the US market.
I think that Sir Clive's earlier experiences here with other machines had made
the company view the US with some skepticism, even fatalism. We shall see.
If I do get a dialogue established, does anyone have any specific
questions they'd like to have answered? I intend to thrash anyone who'll
listen over PipeDream, so that'll be my first line of investigation. Beyond
that, I'm open for suggestions.

--Ezra




 #73 24 12 Jan 89 19:29:48
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Uploads

In addition to the Z-base support files in Area #2, there are some new files
in Area #1 for the Z88. FILCMP.CLI is a program to do a line-by-line
comparison of (ascii) programs; line length < 250, since it uses the Basic
INPUT$ function. FILDMP.CLI lets you look at the detailed contents (Hex and
ASCII) of a text file; useful in program development, etc. Z88-MDM.INF give
info on modem cables; not real conclusive, but interesting. Z88TRM.CLI is a
Z88 comm program to work with Terminal; features autodial with jumpt to Term
on connect (works), xmodem upload (works) and xmodem download (does not yet
work). Z88TRM has some instructive examples re accessing the RS-232 port via
file handles.

Finally, in Area #3, there is FIDO.UG, a User's Guide for this system. Very
longish (80-90K), so have lots of Z88 RAM available -- or download into a
desktop machine and print. Note that it has formfeeds in it, so your printing
setup should take that into account.

Phil




 #74 23 12 Jan 89 20:05:06 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #72 SEE ALSO #104
Subj: INFO

Gee Ezra. I can't think of anything of a specific nature that I would like to
find out(except maybe-what is HCORGANISER). What I would like to know is
non-specific in nature; what are Cambridge's future plans etc.. Will they(if
successful)become a "VISIBLE" computer company instead of "The nearest retail
outlet to you is..."(Ha!) It seems the
only part of Cambridge we see in the states is marketing.(which you absolutly
must have). I would be nice to hear from Cambridge "The little old computer
makers".
Have Fun!
Chris




 #75 21 13 Jan 89 00:26:53 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Shapiro Ezra
SEE ALSO #76
Subj: find out stuff

I read in a recent Mac magazine ad where the Z88 comes with 160K built-in. You
might ask them if they have a newer model than most people, if they're
figuring RAM and ROM together, or if they come with extar cartridges. I guess
that's all I want to know for now (but then I could have asked them that, uh?)

Curtis




 #76 23 13 Jan 89 00:55:02 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #75 SEE ALSO #93
Subj: 160 K??

The number sounds suspiciously like 32 + 128, i.e., the standard minimum RAM
plus ROM. Whose ad was this in?




#77 23 13 Jan 89 17:06:06 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #79
Subj: Hello

Name is Victor Roberts, Burnt Hills, NY. Just started using a Z88.
Have been using M100, then 102 (smaller) and just picked up the
Z88. My main interest now are ways to check free file space in
each device (free memory command shows total space in all devices).
Also interested in some way to check for free space in EPROM.

From your messages I just read, perhaps I can answer some questions.
You can easily access the serial port from basic. The manual shows
that serial port can be treated as a device :COM.0 (I believe).
Have written short basic program to upload files to PC just to test. Also,
peeks and pokes are possible using the c-like pointers in basic.
I have used my pc-link cable with Travelcomm modem by just using normal null
modem cable.

I tried out Wordmongers COMM88 (like Z-TERM). Didn't like the fact that both
programs hide the built-in VT52 emulation I need. I need a kermit or xmodem
program for the z88 which also allows VT52 or VT100 emulation.




#78 24 13 Jan 89 17:34:33
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: Serial Port Access from Basic

Just checked the user guide while downloading some files. The reference to
serial port as comm device is on page 195. The correct name for basic is
:COM.0 as indicated in my first message.




 #79 21 13 Jan 89 19:56:55 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #77 SEE ALSO #80
Subj: Questions

Victor, welcome aboard! I use Z-Term and I like it pretty well, for my needs.

Re the :COM.0 question: Must have been someone else, since I have been using
that sysntax for some time (e.g., SENDER.CLI & Z88TRM.CLI). the latter is an
in-process xmodem support program which links to Terminal (VT-52) for
simplicity. Alas it is a bit slow in xmodem at 1200 baud, as are most Basic
implementations. But Ihope to replace certain parts with M/L subroutines to
improve the speed.

Ssince you are a Model 102 user, you will find one of my M100 comm programs in
Area 3 (XMDPW5, in BA loader format).

Let's see -- what was the other question?? Rats! Can't remember.

Phil




 #80 21 13 Jan 89 20:03:35 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #79 SEE ALSO #81
Subj: Free Memory

Ah, yes -- free memory. I understand that the Z88 User's Group Library in
U.K. has some suchf programs -- so they are doable. but we don't yet have any
here. such programs as we do have are in the File area #1 -- except for the
Z-base stuff (Area 2).

Phil




 #81 21 14 Jan 89 01:05:18 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #80
Subj: vt100

Tony Kaye at Wordmongers says they're working on VT-100 for a future release
of ZTERM, so there will be a commercial emulator eventually. I suspect that
the release of the new docs will result in a whole bunch of PD comm programs;
ports of the various CP/M MODEM xxx programs and Kermit should be doable now
that there's information available on both the hardware and the OS. And I'd
sure like to see some more third-party software. . . .




 #82 20 14 Jan 89 03:50:31 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #84
Subj: z88trm

Phil,
I was looking at your z88trm.cli last night. Very nice. It wound
certainly fit all my needs if the download worked as well as the upload.
Since I don't understand the xmodem protocol well, I thought I would use your
code for some education, and perhaps see if I might find the
download bug you referred to. So far, I have found only one small thing, and
it is in the section that WORKS! Line 30120 is IF.....THEN 30510.
However, I cannot find line 30510. My version jumps from 30500 to
30520. However, this is all in the "send" routine, so I must assume it is
not a big problem. I did run the program with my PC xmodem. In my case, (when
PC is sending) the PC sends the first packet, but the Z88 never acknowledges
it. I believe z88trm computes believes the checksum is wrong, but I have not
figured out yet why it does not ask for a resend.

Yes, your program does show that :COM.0 is now well understood. I had read
through all 90 or so messages prior to sending mine, and saw some questions
about this, so provided some info. I do have a question about
:COM.0 perhaps you could answer. Your program only opens :COM.0 for input, yet
is able to both send and receive through it. Sort of confusing. I do have the
z88 "developers notes", (release v.093).
I guess I have some work to do digging through there.

Now.....if I only knew something about xmodem.....




 #83 22 14 Jan 89 04:04:56
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #85
Subj: EPROM

When I use the FILER to CATALOG EPROM, I see only the file names.
Yet when I perform the same function on RAM files I see the sizes and dates.
The user guide says I shoud see the same display for both types of devices.
Are you guys having the same problems?

Also, in my z88, both file dates displayed with FILER are always the same. I
thought one was supposed to be file creation date, and the second file
modified date. Any suggestions?




 #84 22 14 Jan 89 07:15:57 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #82 SEE ALSO #95
Subj: Z88TRM.CLI

Victor, we passed each other in the night! By the time you sent your most
recent message, I had modified Z88TRM. Now it works in download as well as
upload; but slower in download. And I found an fixed that missing line issue
as well (and renumbered all the lines to heighten the confusion!). As I saay
in new REM lines and the new Z88TRM.DOC, next step will be to build in some
M/L subroutines to take care of slowness. Looking at my modem lights, less
than half of the time is actually spent sending and receiving -- giving lots
of room for speeed up (less than half at 1200 baud, that is -- may be better
at 300 baud).

On the OPENIN: Well manuals are a bit obscure. But I found the clue in the
Users Guide on page 177 in OPENIN paragraph: "Opens a file for reading or
UPDATING and returns the 'channel number' of the file. This number must be
used in subsequent references to the file with BGET#, BPUT#, INPUT#, PRINT#,
EXT#, PTR#, EOF#, or CLOSE#." Clearly a file opened with OPENIN can be for
both input AND output, a nifty finding! And it does work in Z88TRM, where I
do an OPENIN(":COM.0") at the top of the program and then use it for send and
recieve. This is essential with the handshaking needed with xmodem stuff.

By the way, the copyright on the Z88TRM does not restrict its use. I started
doing this because some Klutz recently decided he could sell one of my Model
100 comm programs for profit without asking me first. But feel free to
download it, modify it, use pieces or all for whatever -- except for selling
"as-is" for a profit. Anyway, untill the speed problems get fixed, it will be
"unsellable" When I get some more time (it comes in chunks, and this one is
over) I will work the speed issues go get a really useful Z88TRM.

Phil




 #85 24 14 Jan 89 07:30:58 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #83 SEE ALSO #115
Subj: EPROM/Catalogue

Yeah -- looks like that's the way it is alright! Works the same way with mine,
and I DO have the latest ROM (3.00) < in Z88PATCH.DOC in File Area #1>>. But there are some programs in U.K. (Z88
Users Group Library) which will do Catalog of an EPROM and find free space of
each RAM. But I don't have anyway to get them, short of sending them an EPROM
to burn -- and I'm using my only 128K EPROM for archiving stuff. Someday.....

Phil




 #86 19 14 Jan 89 11:29:31 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
SEE ALSO #90
Subj: Z88TRM.CLI

Well, I just downloaded PATCH.BAS successfuly with Z88TRM. I *think* it is
the same as what is up here now. But change line 240 to increase DLY; say to
10000 or larger.

I'm finding that you can work beyond an EOF character (^Z) in a file as long
as you don't test for it. Now I can use FILDMP to dump a binary BAS file just
fine. If I remove the EOF test, it will stop at the end.

And there is not a EOF test on the received file in Z88TRM!

Let me know if you are able to get PATCH.BAS using Z88TRM.

Phil




 #87 19 14 Jan 89 11:44:50
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88TRM

Slightly modified version uploaded today. It now SEEMS to download BAS files
(such as PATCH.BAS & PATCH2.BA, which are not available in ASCII form) as well
as upload such files.

Still very slow at 1200 baud, but I will work with that.

If you have an older version (yesterdays!), try setting DLY=10000 in line 240.
Better yet: Get the new one!

Let me know of any results, good and bad, so I can react accordingly.

Phil




 #88 20 14 Jan 89 12:18:12
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88TRM

I'm now able to report that binary (BAS) downloads with Z88TRM give identical
files (checksum validation on downloaded file) as the same download with
Z-Term. Since I was aiming for an ascii-only capability, this is gravy!!

Now those of you who do not have Z-Term can get the Basic patch programs
PATCH.BAS & PATCH2.BAS from area #1; I have not been able to "ascii-ize" these
two -- and now it doesn't matter!

Phil




 #89 19 14 Jan 89 15:42:47 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #91
Subj: Z88TRM

Thanks for the new version. I will download it right after completing this
message. My Z88 is a "company" machine. I work at the GE Research and
Development Center in Schenectady, New York. Therefore, I may have the
financial resources to get the files from the U.K. users group. If I am
successful, I will upload them here.

In relation to your program, Z88TRM. In spite of its speed, I feel it is
superior to z-term, not just an P/D clone. As I said earlier, z-term and its
companion, COMM88 hide the built-in VT52 emulation. Your xmodem program lets
the VT52 emulation continue to function. I am coming your way this coming week
on a business trip. I will use Z88TRM for file transfer back and forth from
CAL to NY.




 #90 22 14 Jan 89 16:35:04 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #86
Subj: sounds good

Thanks Phil, I'll give 'er another shot!




 #91 21 14 Jan 89 18:02:13 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #89
Subj: Z88TRM

Glad you like it, Victor. Problem with the files in the Z88 UG is not
financial. They are NOT available for download, but must be obtained by
sending them an EPROM to be burned. I just ahve not gotten around to doing
it. And when you do, you must give themn
the names of the files you want burned. But if you get them, we'd all be very
interested!!!

Phil




 #92 22 15 Jan 89 01:35:17
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #131
Subj: Z88TRM vers. 1.1

I've now added some M/L code to Z88TRM. Whille the speed is still not what
Iwould like it to be, it was a worthwhile effort. Upload times are reduced by
about 35% and downloads are about 30% faster than before. And the program can
now be used to download the binary files in Area #1 (e.g., PATCH.BAS,
PATCH2.BAS and their support files).

Z88TRM.CLI is also an example of embedding assembly language code into a Basic
program in the Z88 Basic -- and also uses the Z88 version of PEEK and POKE to
program-defined addresses (the "indirection operators").

When you read this, the new version will be available in Area #1.

Phil




 #93 23 15 Jan 89 02:32:32 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #76 SEE ALSO #106
Subj: 160K I feel stupid-- like I didn't even add it up

In Cambridge Direct's ad in Mac User (I think -- I keep forgetting to look at
the cover).

Curtis




 #94 22 15 Jan 89 02:37:39 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
Subj: WELCOME

Welcome aboard, as they say!!!!

The Z88 needs more people with your interest and drive.
Keep up the experiments and all.

Curtis




 #95 23 15 Jan 89 02:42:45 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #84
Subj: PD Z88 xmodem

Great job Phil!!
You got the PD xmodem program you wanted to get. Good deal, eh?
About the half speed deal: I know it has to do with the BASICness
but then have you ever looked at the lights when D/Ling from CI$. It figures
about half the time is actually spent xmitting. Then again have you tried your
term prog on CI$? I suppose it cuts down to 1/4 of the time?

Curtis




 #96 21 15 Jan 89 10:44:07 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
Subj: z88trm

Phil,
You are working pretty fast. I was experimenting with the indirect
(vector) operators last night, and decided thet checksums and file
read/writes could be done with 35% less time. Wrote a small program
to time this technique, and was going to upload it. However, I see
you have a new version of z88trm with M/L. Great! I will try if as
soon as I am through here.

By the way, I did find out some more info on why we have both OPENIN and
OPENOUT. (And it is all right there in the manual..p177).
OPENIN can read OR UPDATE a file. Since :COM.0 exists, it can be "updated"
with OPENIN. However, if you want to create a NEW file, you must use OPENOUT
(as far as I can tell.) So, there is some difference,
but not the one I had originally assumed.

Well, off to get your new z88trm. Does this mean I can expect to find an
improved version each morning?
Vic




 #97 21 15 Jan 89 11:05:01 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
Subj: pdemo.bas

Phil,
The stuff I sent is pretty crude. My goal was to compare the time required
to compute checksums with the "asc(mid$(a$,1,1)) method
versus using vectors for the file block and pointers to each element of the
block. Instead of a long block, I just used the short string
"hello world" and computed its checksum. The outer loop, which runs 500 times,
was added to bring the total time up to some measurable value.
The ascii method takes about 20 sec, and the vector/pointer method about 13
sec. I have also used vectots/pointer method to read from files in a simple
upload program. I therefre thought it might be a way to speed up z88trm
without M/L. (or before that approach was available).
All timing is manual. Program could have time calls and such, but I have very
little time right now. Have fun. Your work is great!
Vic




 #98 22 15 Jan 89 11:47:53 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Mo Budlong
REPLY TO #65 SEE ALSO #107
Subj: Howdy

I've recently joined the Z88 world, and can recommend the little machine
highly. Maybe you can drum up a little Z88 Forth rom? Like that Tandy 100
Forth rom you and David Rowell are collaborating on?





 #99 20 15 Jan 89 13:12:55 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #100
Subj: Z88TRM

Have had very GOOD success up/downloading with your latest vers.
It is noticeably faster & had no trouble re-sending blocks (which were
very few anyway) Thanks for the help too!
Chris




 #100 22 15 Jan 89 13:22:32 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #99
Subj: Z88TRM

Glad to hear that, Chris. It's not likely that I will make any major changes
for a while. I may run some tests re whether the ordering of lines makes a
difference or removal of REM's. If so, I will play around with that, and come
up with a compressed, hard to read version -- but only if it promises a
substantial speed improvement.

The next major increment for speed would be in using the OS calls to write and
read the files -- particularly in getting and putting bytes to COmm. But this
may have reached the point where the next significant increment in speed will
take several days of time (vs. the 3 hours I spent adding the stuff last night
that did get over 30% speed up. May be at the point of diminishing return.
And there's always Z-Term for anyone whe NEEDS real speed.

Anyway -- operating a public bulletin board, it seemed a bit obcene to not
have a good comm program available to get the Binary BAS stuff here. Now that
concern has been taken care of.

BTW -- just noticed that the opening menu says S)send instead of S)end. I've
fixed the copy here; you can fix yours be editing that line in Basic with
*EDIT capability of PATCH.BAS (or PATCH2.BAS).

I uploaded the new version to GEnie this AM. but it has only my phone number
and the Compuserve number in it (since I seldom call GEnie with my Z88).
Guess I should have putt in a GEnie directory entry for "show", but I forgot
to!

See ya later!

Phil




 #101 22 15 Jan 89 13:47:40
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88TRM Nits

If you downloaded Z88TRM prior to the time of this message, you may want to
make the following small cosmetic changes:

1) In line 350 replace )send by )end. Main menu did say S)send.

2) In line 440, add :T=0 at the end (to reset Tries number if you suspend
Z88TRM between calls.

These are purely cosmetic changes, and have now been incorpoated into the
Z88TRM.CLI file in Area#1.

Phil




 #102 22 15 Jan 89 17:44:24 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #103
Subj: UK users group

Do you have a name and address for someone in the UK Z88 users group?
I want to try to get some of their files.
Vic




 #103 23 15 Jan 89 17:50:41
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #102 SEE ALSO #108
Subj: Z88 UG in U.K.

The Z88 Users Group in the U.K. publishes a fair (well, the only, so far!) Z88
newsletter, "Z88 EPROM". To get anything from them,
you need to provide a Membership Number and a clean EPROM. To become a club
member, simply subscribe to their newsletter for six issues (one year). For
membership and other info, write to

Z88 USER'S CLUB
68 WELLINGTON ST.
LONG EATON
NOTTINGHAM
NG10 4NG

Cost of membership from U.S. is 14 pounds, and all payments must be in pounds
sterling. Cheques (!) must be drawn on a U.K. bank (e.g., Sterling cheques
from a bureaux de change). Make them out to "Z88 Users' Club".

Note that you can join in this country by going thru Sharp's in Mechanicsville,
VA (call 804-730-9697, 9am to 7pm Eastern). That's how I became a member.

I've seen some listing of their holdings. Most are captured in what we have
here (in fact, the stuff here seems broader in scope in most cases). But
there is one item which intrigues me: #Z026 and #Z027: EPROMRead & EPROMCat.
One gives you filer-like control over EPROM files (max of 30 files) and the
other will cataloge an EPROM and displaythe total space used. My guess is
that these use OS calls with M/L subroutines (I've spent a little time
researching how to implement them, but Z88TRM has taken most of my programming
time since completing the disassembler, DISZ88).

Then there is the issue of whether I can freely post here something I get from
there on an EPROM. Clearly I would need permission, and that might be hard to
get by mail. So I plan to call someone over there and see if I can work a
deal (maybe they would like a disassembler and a comm program!). Still
looking for a phone number, tho!

Phil






 #104 25 15 Jan 89 18:50:55 (RECV'D)
From: Frank Grady
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #74 SEE ALSO #109
Subj: OSCLI in BBC Basic

Can you find out how this command works in BBC Basic? All attempts at
using it like "SHELL" in U.S. Basic have failed me, and it seems like an
essential command, e.g., to even present user with a list of files.
Thanks. -- Frank Grady, Detroit




 #105 23 16 Jan 89 01:49:51 (RECV'D)
From: Ed Grey
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #111
Subj: Glad you are here..

I've spent the last hour or so looking over your BBS and its support for the
Z88 laptop. Keep up the good work. I too would welcome Z88 user on my BBS (I
now support Timex/Sinclair), but none have shown up there (to my knowledge).

I have downloaded the file that you have pertaining to the modem cables for
the Z88 because I sell modems (and other computer products) online.
Thanks for allowing me to visit. Take care.
Ed Grey, Sysop of Grey Matter BBS (213-971-6260)




 #106 21 16 Jan 89 03:40:22 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #93 SEE ALSO #120
Subj: odd

. . . that Cambridge themselves would be so dumb as to call the z88 "a 160 K
computer." Usually it's retailers who make dumb moves like that. Oh well.




 #107 21 16 Jan 89 03:43:46 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #98 SEE ALSO #112
Subj: Forth??

Did someone say FORTH??? Drool, drool, drool!




 #108 21 16 Jan 89 03:50:26 (RECV'D)
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #103 SEE ALSO #113
Subj: UK group prices

I just got a flyer for the Z88 Users' Club in my care package from
Wordmongers. The 14 pounds figure is for "Elsewhere"; it's 12 pounds for
"Africa and America." I dunno what Sharps is quoting, but if you go direct it
should be only 12. Or so it seems. Unfortunately no phone # in the flyer.




 #109 21 16 Jan 89 03:55:23
From: Shapiro Ezra
To: Frank Grady
REPLY TO #104 SEE ALSO #110
Subj: OSCLI

Uh, Frank, I'm not really the person to ask; I'm not much of a programmer. I
suspect you'll get more help from Phil and the other programmers here than
from the marketing/PR types I'll probably be dealing with at Cambridge (if
they ever return my calls).




 #110 20 16 Jan 89 06:02:50
From: Sysop
To: Frank Grady
REPLY TO #109
Subj: OSCLI

Frank,

So far as I can tell, OSCLI & *CLI are both useful. Example: To execute a CLI
file in the Filer menu from BAsic, do

OSCLI("*CLI.*"+FNAME$) where FNAME$ is the file in the menu

For a pretty extesnive CLI example, take a look at FEFETCH.EXE in Area #2.

*CLI is also useful for leaving a BAsic program to go somewhere else. See
very last part of Z88TRM in Area #1.

Chris Fenn seems to be very versed in CLI usage. Maybe he will chime in with
some further thoughts.

Phil




 #111 20 16 Jan 89 06:09:07
From: Sysop
To: Ed Grey
REPLY TO #105 SEE ALSO #121
Subj: Grey Matter

Hi Ed --and you are always welcome. Yes, your BBS is one of many I cruised
looking for Z88 support. In fact I think I left a message ther re this board
(MAYBE with the wrong phone number!)

You are welcome here any time -- and to download from here for your system.

Phil




 #112 20 16 Jan 89 06:12:02 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #107 SEE ALSO #117
Subj: Forth

Scott ALWAYS says Forth. But on this machine, should be very feasible --
assuming enuff motivation.

Phil




 #113 22 16 Jan 89 06:13:30 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #108
Subj: UK Group Prices

Oops -- you are right! I think Sharp's charges $25, a not unreasonable markup.

Biggest problem is that they ship the mags thru Sharps, a delay. But they
aren't that wonderful, anyway.

Besides, I think I know how to do the EPROM directory and space used/available
trick now. And that way I can put it up here with no problem. Now to find
the time!

Phil




 #114 19 16 Jan 89 18:43:22
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: EPCAT: Catalogue your EPROM

EPCAT.CLI is a new Basic program which will Catalog your EPROMS (Slot 3 only).
It tests to see if it IS an EPROM (programs like Z-Term and Z-Base executed
from an EPROM make it a ROM), and how big it is. Then it will tell you what
files are on the EPROM, how long they are, the total number, the total length
and the total space left availabel on the EPROM (approximately).

See coments in REM lines for more info. Note that it does ahave a machine
language element -- the "peeker" use for disassemblies.

Tested with 128K EPROM; no tests with 32K units. If you try it with 32K and
it works (or not!), please let me know.

File should be available after 2000 pst on Mon 1/16/89.

Phil




 #115 21 16 Jan 89 19:23:43 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #85 SEE ALSO #122
Subj: EPCAT

Vic,

Now we have EPCAT to catalog your EPROM in full detail. Not as nice as if
they worked it into the OS, but very servicable. If you have a 32K EPROM, let
me know if it is OK for same.

Phil




 #116 20 16 Jan 89 19:43:16 (RECV'D)
From: Mo Budlong
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #69
Subj: Z88

Curtis,
Thanks for the Gung-Ho enthusiasm. I'm waiting for their
reply to my latest offer so we'll see.
Best,
Mo.




 #117 19 16 Jan 89 19:46:43 (RECV'D)
From: Mo Budlong
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #112 SEE ALSO #166
Subj: Forth ROM

Scott,
The FORTH collaboration ebbs and flows a bit. I'd like to give
you positive news, but so far things are slow. I'm angling with
Cambridge US for a demo Z88 so lets see what happens.
Best, Mo.




 #118 17 16 Jan 89 21:27:38 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
Subj: New EPCAT

Shortly after you downloaded, I put up a slightly different version. Closing
report of file space available is now a bit more accurate. Also I added more
space for file names in printout -- for folks with three level directory trees
(may be some out there).

Actual functionality is the same, so you may not want to take the time to
download it. Sorta FYI!

Phil




 #119 24 16 Jan 89 22:09:48 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
SEE ALSO #124
Subj: EPCAT.CLI

Hmmmm...could be a feature of OZ 3.00 not in your 2.2. First thing to try is
the current version; I've eliminated one part of the test which the Developers
Notes suggests may not be there in 2.2.

Second thing to try (more drastic!) is to go directly from line 220 to line
330. That will bypass the tests and force a 128K Eprom.

Phil




 #120 20 16 Jan 89 23:53:04 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #106
Subj: oops

Keep in mind, though, it's Cambridge Direct, not Cambridge.

The oops is on my part: I saw the ad in MACazine NOT Mac User...
And it's black and white only (NO red like they usually have)




 #121 21 16 Jan 89 23:57:46 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #111
Subj: yep

Yep, Grey Matter is where I got this number if my memory doesn't fail me. And
I still do go there quite often to read up on QL and 2068.




 #122 20 17 Jan 89 04:13:16 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #115 SEE ALSO #125
Subj: epcat

Thanks. Will download and use on my trip today. I have 128K eprom,
so will not be able to test with 32k eprom. However, I do have
PCLINK, which is supplied on a 32k eprom, so I guess I can test.
Vic




 #123 19 17 Jan 89 04:34:00 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #126
Subj: EPCAT.CLI

Phil,
Your EPCAT program works great with my 128K eprom. However, I suspect you
already knew that. I did try it with my PCLINK eprom, but got the "no eprom in
slot three message". I suspect PCLINK is coded with an "OZ"
instead of an "oz" to make it look like a ROM to the operating system.
Is there any reason why EPCAT cannot be used to look at ROMs, by just
changing that line of test code, i.e. accept either "oz" or "OZ" ?
Perhaps I will try today on the plane.
Vic

P.S. Yes, I did move PCLINK to slot 3 before trying to read it.




 #124 21 17 Jan 89 04:57:01 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #119
Subj: EPCAT & OZ 2.2 v. 3.00

With one of the older Z88's around, you may have something in yours not in the
current docs. According to the Developers' Notes, a ROM will have 'OZ' in the
highest two bytes of its last 16K bank, whereas an EPROM has 'oz'. As we
found over the phone last night, tests showed that your EPROM has the 'o' but
a 00h (&00) instead of the 'z'. I have been using the 'oz' vs 'OZ' as a test
for EPROM presence. I've now eliminated the 'z' part of the test! Hopefully
this will provide full compatibility.

Of course, it's always possible that this is a peculiarity of just yur machine
or the EPROM you have. But ether way, it should be covered now.

Let me know if that did it!

Maybe some other OS 2.2 users will "volunteer" as guinea pigs!

Phil




 #125 21 17 Jan 89 05:04:15 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #122 SEE ALSO #129
Subj: EPCAT: ROM vs. EPROM

I'm afraid EPCAT will not work with a ROM -- and an EPROM with an executable
program "blown" into it becomes a ROM. It does not have the directory
structure of an archival EPROM. but you can still use DISZ88 to disassemble
it and ROMDMP/ROMDP2 to examine its contents. The latter two were very
valuable in figuring out how to set up EPCAT by the way -- and in finding out
why the first veresion did not work in Chris' Z88 with OS 2.2.

Phil




 #126 21 17 Jan 89 05:08:33 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #123
Subj: EPCAT and ROM's

A typical ROM will have a single program (vs. the "Superchip" now being
shipped by Wordmongers). So there is no directory pe se.

Evn with the Superchip, the programs look to the machine as though they are on
separate chips. Sicne they cannot be loaded or cataloged, I think EPCAT would
bomb in other ways. But I believe I have added enough traps to avoid any real
consequences (during development, I managed to write 300 bytes into a 50 byte
buffer a couple of times -- Soft Reset time! But in a Model 100, that would
have taken evrything in memory; with the Z88, nothing I've done in two months
(even M/L disasters) has cost me one file in memory, just suspended activities.

The robustness of the Z88 is really a big plus vis-a-vis the Model 100 family.

Phil




 #127 23 17 Jan 89 05:14:50
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #128
Subj: Chris Fenn Seniority

I'm kinda curious: Is Chris Fenn the "oldest" Z88 user/owner here? I noticed
yesterday that he uploaded Z88 files to GEnie about a year ago -- far before
anyone else I know had heard of the Z88. In fact, when I was a Sysop there,
it was his messages that got me interested. Congrats, Chris, on your "Senior
Z88 Citizen" status .

Of course, maybe not all software will be compatible with your "obsolete"
machine (notice the "software developer's caveat")!

Phil




 #128 19 17 Jan 89 19:12:32 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #127
Subj: OLD Z88 ETC.

That was a while ago wasn't it? Thanks to you & other Z88 user's I'm figureing
out how to use mine. I finally got tired of having to put my
"stuff" away so I ordered a 1/2 meg.(more room for stuff)
Out of curiosity; how many BASIC progs. have you 1/2 meg.RAM users kept
SUSPENDED at the same time? & what is the longest anyone has kept a
program live? (me two weeks),and in search of trivial knowledge how about
SERIAL #'s(to maybe see how many are moving).
001696 reporting.




 #129 21 17 Jan 89 21:35:08 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #125 SEE ALSO #130
Subj: epcat

Thanks. I did try it on the plane out today, and iti did not work (That is,
with the PCLINK eprom.)
Vic




 #130 23 18 Jan 89 06:33:03
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #129
Subj: EPCAT

Then it DID work. PCLINK is a ROM, not an EPROM (that's why Filer won't do a
"Catalog EPROM" on it.

I've included tests to identify whether you have an EPROM or a ROM or nothin
in slot 3. Only in the former case will EPCAT continue; otherwise (without the
tests) garbage would result (like a conclusion that the ROM in Slot 3 is
empty).

Phil




 #131 22 18 Jan 89 22:07:46 (RECV'D)
From: Claude Schleyer
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #92 SEE ALSO #134
Subj: Z88TRM

Here I am again. I downloaded Z88TRM and it is full of good information. I
think I know what to do now to send and rceive through the serial port,
almost. I am still having a problem. When using the loops, the program stops
at the commands INPUT#CM%,A$ and A=BGET#CM% as if it is waiting for an input
and does not loop. Is this proper? Or cn you tell me what I am doing wrong. I
still have not ben able to communicate with the data logging interface but I
will keep trying.
Do you know where I can get a book on BBC Basic?
Your help has been great so far. More will certainly be appreciated.




 #132 21 18 Jan 89 23:23:10 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #135
Subj: Genie

Is there a special Z88 SIG on GEnie or what?




 #134 24 19 Jan 89 07:03:13 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Claude Schleyer
REPLY TO #131 SEE ALSO #139
Subj: Z88 Comm

Claude, I'd have to know a bit more about what you are doing. If you use the
explicit code in Z88TRM for something else, it may not work. Example: the
INPUT#CM%,A$ waits for a response from your (Hayes) modem -- either CONNECT or
NO CARRIER. With a modem which gives different (or no or non-verbal)
responses, you will likely hang up at that point. If you put BGET#CM? in a
REPEAT...UNTIL FALSE loop, it will stay there forever -- so you need an
"clause", like UNTIL CHR$(A)<>"" or internally (IF CHR$(A)="NAK" THEN ...).
If you are really getting no character, then it could be a wiring problem (see
Z88-MDM.INF), or ???

If you want to send me the code you are using, and describe your hardware
setup, I will try to help you puzzle it out. YOu can upload your file to Area
1 and it will stay out of sight until I merge it; just leave a private msg
telling me about it (and that it is not to be merged).

Phil




 #135 25 19 Jan 89 07:11:29 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #132
Subj: GEnie

No special area on GEnie. It is a micro-micro piece of the Laptops Roundtable
(Tandy 600 and Others); it is an "other". There are some programs there, most
or all put there by Chris Fenn and myself. They total about 8-10, compared to
80 or so here. So it is hard to conclude that GEnie supports the Z88.

In time, I may make up a disk and send it to the Sysop there, so he can merge
the files without me having to mess with it -- but there are things here,
downloaded from U.K., that I would not put there (my conversations with U.K.
BBS op did not discuss putting any downloads from there in a commercial
service like GEnie).

Phil




 #137 26 19 Jan 89 17:34:13
From: Bernard Glassman
To: All
SEE ALSO #138
Subj: File Transfer Problems

I am tryin to understand why somethin that once worked no longer seems
to. Using the import/export mode, I was able to send text files
directly into Microsoft Works or Red Ryder, as long as I set the
receiving program to 9600 baud. it eliminated the need for Link, which
otherwise requires starting up works and importing the text file.
After several successful transfers, I suddenly began having nothing
show up on my Mac. It was clear that the Z88 was sending something,
and it was clear that the Mac thought it was receiving something, but
nothing showed up on the screen and the captured text file opens as
empty. Any thoughts? For a while it seemed like I had a good deal.
BTW, when I open the same file in Pipedream, it looks just great.




 #138 21 20 Jan 89 14:34:29 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Bernard Glassman
REPLY TO #137
Subj: Xfer pbms

Bernard, the first thing to do is go to the panel ([]S) and make sure that the
comm parameters are what you need; for example, if you used Z88TRM, you set
them to 300 or 1200 baud -- and if not reset afterward, they will not support
9600 baud transfers.

Beyond that, I have no good thoughts. But I am not a MAC user; maybe one of
those will come in and help.

Phil




 #139 23 20 Jan 89 23:29:10 (RECV'D)
From: Claude Schleyer
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #134
Subj: Z88TRM

Thanks for the tips. Will be back in touch with you soon about the latest
developments. I will experiment some more with the QL since I can get it work
on that one and maybe get some clues on what I am doing wrong.




 #141 20 21 Jan 89 19:11:09
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Fast Lf Adder

I've just uplaoded a fast linefeed adder. The application is useful; but the
main purpose was to learn about file handling in machine language -- and to
see the speed impact. It is significant!!

Next step is to incorporate what I've learned here into Z88TRM to get a really
fast xmodem capability. but that may take a bit of time!

Phil




 #142 20 21 Jan 89 21:56:04
From: Phill Jackson
To: Phil Wheeler
SEE ALSO #143
Subj: Z88

Hi Phil
We sound like computing clones. I (had) a M100, and have a T1000 and have
been lent a Z88 to evaluate for my users group. A very nice little machine
and maybe the best travelling writers' machine made. Dollar for pound though,
more expensive then NEXT. Have you used the EPROMS and where/how did you
erase them. Per conversation with Cambridge rep, no specific eraser imported.

I also am a Sysop, on the FrEdMail network (Free Educational Mail) a BBS
system that reaches from San Diego to Argentina. Local number is
213-482-5035. Anyone interested in educational computing is welcome to log
on. Free and all that.
Like to hear from you.
Phill Jackson, Santa Monica




 #143 22 21 Jan 89 22:53:21 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #142 SEE ALSO #165
Subj: Z88

Howdy -- looks like we're neighbors!

I do use EPROMS (which is why I did the Eprom cataloguer (EPCAT.CLI)). I
bought the ones I have from Sharp's in Mechanicsville, VA - because that was
the only source I found that was below list (abt $95-99, I don't remember
exact amount).

I have not erfased one yet, but I do have an EPROM eraser. I suspect that any
one would do just fine for them.

Come on ba ck whenever you want, Phill. I believe this is the only BBS in the
U.S. supporting the Z88 -- and about the only place domestically where there
are active new programs being introduced, including machine language "forays".
Hopefully, the "only" part will change, reflecting a growth in usage.

Phil




 #144 21 21 Jan 89 23:53:18
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88TRM Change

There is a minor goof in any version of Z88TRM downloaded prior to this time
(now fixed).

In line 1190 the ENDPROC should be replaced by GOTO 2080.

Results without this change are not all that bad; but the program should exit
to Terminal if you decide to abort. With ENDPROC you dump out to basic with
an error message.

BTW -- working on a version with extensive M/L code for uplaod and download.
Will a bit slow in loading, but should be very fast for upload and downloads.
And it only loads once, at the start of the session. Watch this space!

Phil




 #145 21 22 Jan 89 01:40:13
From: Tim Woods
To: All
Subj: CLUB Z88/PIPE*LINE

Greetings to all Z88 and PC Users (of various brands). The national Z88 users
group is finally getting underway. Our first issue of PIPE*LINE Magazine will
be shipped this week to all subscribers. HOW DO YOU JOIN "CLUB Z88" and get
PIPE*LINE:
Write to the following for info brochure/application form--
TIME DESIGNS/SINCLAIR PUBLICATIONS
29722 Hult Road, Colton, Oregon, 97017
24 hr. message machine for orders and info request:
(503) 824-2658
Prices---
One year membership to CLUB Z88 (six issues of PIPE*LINE) $24.95
Two year membership (special introductory price)12 issues $39.90
Sample Magazine Issue (Vol.1 No.1) $3.00
Our managing editor, Paul Bingham, has done a very professional job of getting
the first issue out the door, using a Z88, a Mac, and a laser printer. I was
impressed when I saw a copy of it. He is also looking for contributions of
articles, programs, tips, hardware projects, etc.
Write him direct at--PIPE*LINE editor, PO Box 2034, Mesa, AZ 85214.
i
I have great expectations for this club, which I hope will become the national
voice of our Z88 users community. This will only take place with your support
and assistance. Several folks on this board are already involved (like Chris
Fenn). Look forward to hearing from you.
Feel free to post your address for the info pack right here on this excellent
board (thanks Phil). Oh yes, the 24 hr. message line also accepts credit card
orders (VISA/MASTERCARD).
Tim Woods
Director
TIME DESIGNS(publishers of PIPE*LINE)




 #149 21 22 Jan 89 19:03:16
From: Norm Lehfeldt
To: All
SEE ALSO #151
Subj: BBS

I just wanted to take a minute to congratulate Phil and everyone who
has contributed to this board so far. In time I hope to be able to
contribute, too.
Right now I have a problem;
I downloaded Z88TRM to my QL. I can get the QL to send files to the Z88
(modem-to-modem) but the spooling command on page 192 of the Z88 manual
does not seem to work -- no S.SGN file is created. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks to anyone for any help.
Norm




 #150 19 22 Jan 89 20:54:48 (RECV'D)
From: Norm Lehfeldt
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #152
Subj: Z88TRM

Phil,
Just wanted you to know that I have now got Z88TRM ported over to Z88 from QL.
Seems to work, but will let you know for sure after I try downlaoding a file
or two.
Thanks,
Norm




 #151 21 22 Jan 89 22:41:56 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Norm Lehfeldt
REPLY TO #149
Subj: S.SGN

Norm, you need the full name to get at it -- :RAM.-/S.SGN. You will not see
it in your directory unless you log in the :RAM.- device.

Phil




 #152 21 22 Jan 89 22:43:20 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Norm Lehfeldt
REPLY TO #150
Subj: Z88TRM

Minor mod to Z88TRM today; you can make it yourself, or redownload.

See # 153.




 #153 21 22 Jan 89 22:44:37
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88TRM Mod

I have this day made a minor mod to Z88TRM; minor but nice, cuz now it works
with Compuserve.

Current version reflects the change; but you can do it yourself to save a
download:

1) Line 1290 should now read 1290 UNTIL FALSE
2) Line 1350 should now read 1350 UNTIL FALSE.

Problem had to do with CIS not dropping out of CRC, likely because Z88TRM was
falling out of the loop due to error in Line 1290. Now we stay in the loop
until we get a NAK (folling the three C's from CIS). Likely this will make it
more compatible with other systems as well.

Notable fact: Z-Term v. 2.2 ROM will not upload to CIS (for me); same problem?

Phil

p.s. -- Working on a machine language implementation, for same funcitonality
but more speed. Timing will be a week or so (got about half the code written
and entered).




 #154 20 23 Jan 89 06:24:01
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Version (1.2) of Z88TRM

I have fixed and enabled the block # and complement tests in Z88TRM. New
verstion now available supports those standard xmodem protocol test for block
# error and complement error.

Old version works fine, but will miss an occassional error in recieving (or
can, I have never seen it do so).

Phil




 #155 18 23 Jan 89 20:33:46 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #157
Subj: FADDER.CLI

Your new line feed adder (with machine code) is about 975% faster than
the BASIC version. I used a test file of 100 lines(FADDER.CLI itself)
and using TIME=0 and PRINT TIME/100 in the proper places I was able to
time it. About 42 secs. for ADDLF & 4.3 secs. for FADDER (catchy name too!)
Wow I wonder how fast your latest project will be?
See Ya!
Chris




 #156 20 23 Jan 89 21:53:21 (RECV'D)
From: Claude Schleyer
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #158
Subj: z88TRM

It works, thanks to your good advice. I can now successfully use the serial
port to its fullest extent. I can send and receive information to the remote
data loggers to monitor temp., pressure, water levels, etc. It requires using
the commands as in Z88TRM and also in making the wiring connections shown in
Z88-MDM.INF. Specifially, pins 4 & 5, and pins 8 & 9 must be connected
together at the Z88 end with only 3 wires going to the interface (2, 3 & 7).
It works great in both Basic and the Terminal modes. Thanks again. Your advice
has been excellent. This is a great BBS. I'll let you know if I have any other
problems.




 #157 18 23 Jan 89 22:20:52 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #155 SEE ALSO #163
Subj: FADDER

Glad to hear of your test, Chris. One reason I did it was to be convinced
that M/L on this machine is reallysignificantlyu faster than Basic -- before I
put all the work into speeding up Z88TRM.

I'm optimistic that Z88TRM (if I get it to work withM/L code) will be pretty
decent. I now have the first draft of the ocde, and now I will look at a
listing and find as many errors as possible before trying it.

FADDER was fun, instructive and a useful utility (was very nice for new TRM --
since i wanted to up a LF version to another machine for safety before running
it.

Phil




 #158 22 23 Jan 89 22:25:26 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Claude Schleyer
REPLY TO #156
Subj: Commstuff

Glad to hear it, Claude. It may be that you can make all work without using
pin 4, but all else is pretty much what I am now using for mdm. However, your
app may need pin 4. Mainly, if it works, don't fix it!!

I appreciate your comments re BBS and help. That's what it's all about!

Watch for advanced, faster Z88TRM in the next few weeks.

Phil




 #163 21 26 Jan 89 05:47:38 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #157 SEE ALSO #164
Subj: M/L Z88TRM

I'm having lots of problems with this one, Chris -- typical of a machine
language project in new (to me) areas like the Z88 and Z80 ASM.
BUT -- I am happy to report that I just downloaded an entire file from this
system, accurately. There are NO delays; one modem light or the other is
ALWAYS busy.

This will, indeed, be the program I expect it to be.

Lots of LITTLE problems yet. Not getting the end of transmission from the
sending system. Need a better conversion of sector numbers from hex to ascii.
Upload is totally non-functional (could be a very minor thing). Need to lock
out ESC -- because ESC from program will leave files open and you cannot get
rid of them except by a reset (this is just ESC while in the M/L stuff). Etc.
But the status is promising, so long as I don't run out of time before I fix
all the "little" things.

Keep an eye out this weekend.

Phil




 #164 18 26 Jan 89 19:20:30 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #163
Subj: OPEN FILES

I know how pesky those open files can be.(to get rid of)
I'm sure you'll come up with the answers though.
Good Luck!
Chris




 #165 19 26 Jan 89 20:19:15 (RECV'D)
From: Phill Jackson
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #143
Subj: General

Phil, Thanks for the welcome. Phill




 #166 20 26 Jan 89 20:52:31
From: Scott Schad
To: Shapiro Ezra
REPLY TO #117 SEE ALSO #167
Subj: FORTH!

Hark! Another Forther has a Z88? There's hope for us after all. The
Forth thread comes from work Mo Budlong is hopefully doing to put out a
Forth rom for the Tandy model 100 line. Mo is the man behind the recent
C and Basic and Assembler DOS-based development systems for the model
100, and it may be that he will turn his hand to the Z88. Wouldn't a
Forth rom the Z88 be handy? Heck, I'd sell my mother-in-law to get one.





 #167 20 26 Jan 89 20:55:41 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #166 SEE ALSO #168
Subj: FORTH!

I'd object if it weren't true. RPN is in my blood.




#168 21 26 Jan 89 20:57:19 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Mo Budlong
REPLY TO #167 SEE ALSO #268
Subj: FORTH!

The ebb and flow is understandable. Forth can't be one of your pressing
duties at the moment. But how is one to guess at the potential market?
The Z88 is perhaps as good or better a Forth vehicle than the model 100,
and the world-wide sales are good. If you want to really pursue it, I'd
plan on cultivating the overseas markets as heavily as domestic. From my
days marketing HP-71B software, I learned that most of the overseas users are
more intimately familiar with the portables than U.S. slobs who wait until a
few million are sold until they buy one. By then its obsolete and they think
that they've bought a lemon. The overseas buyers I dealt with were to a man
eager to jump on the band wagon for new approaches, and were a pleasure to
correspond with. Now the currency conversion charges were another
matter...




 #169 19 26 Jan 89 21:09:56 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #171
Subj: Thanks

Thanks for providing .ARC format files for downloading. It saves lots
of online time for me (and Oklahoma is a tad too far to call in every
night!) Keep up the good work and tell me the best book to use to learn Z80
assembler on the Z88.




#170 21 26 Jan 89 21:40:06 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #172
Subj: WordStar?

Is there a word processor for the Z88 that permits the use of traditional
Wordstar-type control key commands for moving the cursor? Alternatively, have
you heard any feedback on the version of Pipedream that is supposed to run on
MS-DOS computers? And another question: the Z88 manual mentions a disc
drive...does it exist? I noticed a card edge connector hiding behind a panel
on one side--what is it for?




#171 20 27 Jan 89 05:55:52 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #169
Subj: Z80 Asm/Z88

Hi Scott. Abt the only book for the Z88 itself is the Developers' Notes. I
paid big bucks (>$100) for those, but I think there may be a cheaper source.
I know I have not regretted it, because I could have done very little of the
stuff Iam working on without that book. there is a file in Area 1 re Z88 DOCS
that gives a bit more info.

For general Zilog Z80 Asm, the best bet is a book by (who else?) Levinthal.
My working reference is a short appendix from a book from my Kaypro CP/M days
(used tohave an RCP/M system on this phone line). Book is called "Mastering
CP/M" (sybex).

The file FADDER.CLI gives a pretty good model for a Z88 asm program, with the
needed stack protection, error handling, etc. but you really need the info on
the OS funcitons (wjhich are all RST &20 -- or RST &21 for floating point
stuff). Developers' Notes have all that. There is onlyone other person in
U.s. I know of who is digging into the Z88 -- and I spend a fair amount of
time/$$$ withlong distance calls to New England to compare notes. Sure would
be nice to have more folks working with this "unique" machine.

Phil




 #172 20 27 Jan 89 06:06:34 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #170 SEE ALSO #201
Subj: WS

Scott, there is a ROM in U.K. which has a different editor plus a spell
checker. Unfortunately, it received very poor reviews -- or Iwould have
bought one on spec. AND -- spell checker is in King's English: so all your
"program"'s would become "programme"'s and so on. Not too neat.

The PC version of Pipederam is available, I understand. Price here is likley
to be a bit below $200 (#99 in UK). It looks to have been done with
compatibility to Z88 version in mind (vs. the Lucid vs. Lucid 3D situation
for the 100).

I would not expect a disk drive from U.K. for a long while. In fact, a
message on theWordmongers BBS asks for a show of interest in a tape
interface!! But there are some other possibilities to think about for disk
deive support.

Phil

p.s. -- Should mention that PC pipedream looks lots more capable than this one,
hs built-n Lotus interface,etc. But my big pain is withthe WP/editor.




 #173 17 27 Jan 89 18:44:09
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88COM: Fast Xmodem for Z88

Z88COM is now available for download. It is Z88TRM with two major
enhancements: M/L transfer code for 2-3 times speed increase (saves $$$ and
time); and phone numbers in a separate Text file that you can edit in
Pipedream.

There may still be some bugs in this, and if you have problems I will gladly
refund every penny you paid for it (Oh -- forgot to say, it's free, making my
risk rather small!).

Tell me of all results, good and bad.

Phil




 #174 19 27 Jan 89 19:40:39
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #202
Subj: More on Z88COM

Better and better: Just found out that with Z88COM I can download binary IBM
files (e.g., ARC format) into the Z88 and resend them to the IBM completely
intact.

That suggests that we can perhaps develop an ARC program for the Z88, letting
us download in this efficient format and decompress in the Z88. Would be neat
for communicaitons!

Another point: EOF in the Z88 is NOT a ^Z, even in text files. This why the
binary transfers work.

Phil




 #175 19 28 Jan 89 04:32:01
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #177
Subj: 512K RAM

I am considering the purchase of a 512K RAM pack for my Z88. The manual states
that the time that the internal capacitor can maintain RAM contents during
battery transfer drops quickly as more 128K RAM cards are installed, 4 min for
one, and 1 minute for three.

My problem: is the time dependent upon the number of RAM cards installed,
or just the total amount of RAM? I suspect the latter.
If so, a 512K RAM card will die within one minute during a battery
change. Not a very nice prospect. (Of course, I could use the plug-in power
supply, but I have no desire to take that on trips.

Anyone with info would be appreciated.
Vic




 #176 20 28 Jan 89 04:37:17
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: DISK

I noticed an earlier message with a question about a Z88 disk drive.
I have the Tandy Portable Disk II for my Model 100/102. There is no reason why
it could not be connected to the Z88 (with proper software.) I was considering
taking a look at this. If more people are interested in using the Tandy drive
on the Z88 it would certainly spurr my interest in trying to develop the
software.
Vic




 #177 21 28 Jan 89 05:39:27 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #175 SEE ALSO #183
Subj: 512K RAM

I've had the same concern, Victor. But I've seen no problems of that nature.
Of course, I do changes in well under a minute (that IS a destructive test!).

And it may relate more to number of slots than total RAM.

Moreover -- I generally expect denser chips to take much less power per byte;
progress!

Anyway, let me assure you that you will NEVER regret having the larger RAM
module; it makes it a very different machine when you have lots of available
memory.

Phil




 #178 20 28 Jan 89 05:43:35
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88COM Status

I've added a new file Z88COM.INF which is a running status of the Z88COM
development. Be sure to read it if you are a user.

Currently, uploads look pretty good at error recovery. Downloads will not
resynch properly IF there has been an error (but I see very few errors). I
need to add some download recovery algorithms (once I figure out what they
should be!)

Phil




 #179 19 28 Jan 89 09:17:22
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88COM Progress

I've just added resynchronization code for downloading, and it really seems to
make this a solid xmodem imlpementation! Good error recovery for both
downloads and uploads in this new (0900 pst, 1/28/89) version.

Phil




 #180 19 28 Jan 89 09:38:38 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
Subj: Z88COM

Well now when I U/D load (with Z88COM) I don't always have time for that
next cup of coffee, but at least my phone bill will only be half a
fortune.(Ha!) No problems at all with the old(1day old) version,but
looking forward to teying the new one.
I finally rec'd my 1/2 meg. cartridge & I think it's the single best thing
I've gotten for the Z88. (no memory worries) I even pulled out my
128K cart. to conserve juice but I'll put it back in if I need the extra
memory (not likely so far).
Chris




 #181 20 28 Jan 89 17:43:46
From: Sysop
To: Peter Karnig
SEE ALSO #184
Subj: Loading Programs

Peter, I am making this reply public, because it probably deals with a
question others have -- re what you do with programs in this system once you
have them in your Z88.

Some of the programs here are in BAS format. These are binary and require an
xmodem program (e.g., Z88COM in Area 1) to get; but they do load and run in
Basic. Just go to BAsic and type LOAD"FILE" where FILE is the file name,
including directory and extension (e.g., LOAD"BAS/Z88COM.BAS" is a typical
format).

The CLI are an ascii form for downloading convenience. They are EXecuted from
the filer by using the execute option and specifying the full file name (e.g.,
Z88COM.CLI, not just Z88COM). After this process is complete (it can take a
while) you will be in Basic. Just type SAVE"FILE" to save the new Basic
version of the program. YOu can then RUN the program by typing RUN.

If this is confusing, or you would like some further help, just leave you
phone number and I will call ASAP.

Phil




 #182 20 28 Jan 89 18:25:55
From: Phill Jackson
To: Phil Wheeler
Subj: Modem cable

Phil,
Just to say "Thanks". I logged on via Mac, downloaded the file with the
modem pinouts and here I am, 30 minutes later, telecommunicating via Z88.
Terminal program seems a little wierd though, at first nothing but now
everything echos OK and I just finished sysoping my own system. Now I guess I
gotta check out your terminal program, if I can just figure out how to
download with this thing.

Phill Jackson




 #183 20 28 Jan 89 18:43:37 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #177 SEE ALSO #203
Subj: 512K RAM

Thanks. Yes, I agree that power per byte will go down in larger
chips (make that does go down). I will order the 512K RAM on MOnday,
and perhaps when the chip is empty (and all the :RAM.0 stuff is backed up)
will try to see how long we really do have to change batteries.
Vic




 #184 20 28 Jan 89 18:48:41 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #181
Subj: Another way to execute *.cli files

Just to add to your message. You can save some typing when loading cli files
by going into the filer with []F, putting the cursor over the CLI file you
want to load, hitting to mark the file, then moving the cursor to the
execute option on the menu and hitting again.




 #185 23 28 Jan 89 18:52:03 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #188
Subj: Tandy Portable Disk Drive II

After I left my message this morning, I checked on Compuserve to see what I
could find out about operating the Tandy drive. What I found was that YOU are
the Tandy disk drive expert, judging from the files on the M100 SIG. What do
you think about the possibility of a basic program on the Z88 which can run
the TDD 2?
Vic




 #186 17 28 Jan 89 21:16:42
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #189
Subj: POST MSG.

Has anyone posted a message or u/loaded a msg. using sender?
Maybe I'll give it a try. (Have you tried it Phil?)
Chris




 #187 20 28 Jan 89 21:19:40 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #190
Subj: POMONA MEET

Had some friends of mine out your way today at the POMONA Computer swap
meet is that something I would want to hitch a ride to see? Any laptop
type stuff?
Chris




 #188 18 29 Jan 89 07:24:03 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #185 SEE ALSO #204
Subj: TDD and Z88

That is one of the projects I've given some thought to. I decided that the
Z88COM project was more vital; a BBS and software data base needs a
feely-available comm program fro its users to get software with (nd I could
not get Z-Term to upload to Compuserve).

My experiments with the Model 100 suggest that a TDD OS in Basic would not be
fast enough; M/L is needed. But M/L is surely doable. And if no one esle
gets around to it, I may take a stab at it. But I have a bunch of other stuff
to do in my life that I have sorta let slide, and today (having completed
Z88COM and DISZ88, my two first programming goals for the Z88) I will likley
do much less Z88 programming for a while. Little projects, yes - but an OS is
not such a little project!

And operating this BBS does take some time --- more if the Z88 user base
increases substantially.

Phil




 #189 19 29 Jan 89 07:32:19 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #186
Subj: Sender.Cli

No, never thought of it, Chris! Give it a try and let us know!

Phil




 #190 21 29 Jan 89 07:33:06 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #187
Subj: Pomona Swap Meet

Gee, never been there. I usually go to the TRW Amateur Radio Club swap meet
(being a member). Biggest of its type in the country, and held monthly. I
will check out the Pomona mtg.

Phil




 #192 20 29 Jan 89 12:57:44 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #193
Subj: CRC error in Z88COM.ARC

Phil. I believe there must be a CRC error in the latest version of
Z88COM.ARC. The version I downloaded early 1/28 (dated 1/27 in the file)
unpacked OK with PKXARC and with the ARCE you posted to the board today.
However, the version I downloaded later on 1/28 (dated 1/28 in the file) gives
a CRC error with either PKXARC or ARCE. I downloaded it again to make sure,
and the new copy also indicates a CRC error and according to COMP is identical
to the previous "bad" version. I believe this rules out transmission errors.
The reported error is in the Z88COM.CLI file. The BAS file is OK, so the
program still runs, in spite of this possible error in the ARC file.
Vic




 #193 21 29 Jan 89 14:11:25 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #192 SEE ALSO #194
Subj: CRC Error in Z88COM.ARC

Thanks for the input, Victor. I will give it a try here, and if confirmed
make a new arc. BTW -- expect to see a new Z88COM in a day or two. I plan to
make it resend ACK or NAK up to ten times on timeout in receive mode. That
will make it a lot more bullet proof against corruption of the ACK/NAK -- and
better fro transfers between computers.

BTW -- Z88COM recieves from PROCOMM just fine at 9600 baud, but fails at 19200
baud. Looks like the comm port in the Z88 does not work properly at 19200
baud, whether writing to screen OR file!

Phil



 #194 20 29 Jan 89 15:46:04 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #193
Subj: Z88COM.ARC

New version available, Victor -- although I must tell you that the old one
cracked just fine for me.

Phil




 #195 19 29 Jan 89 16:24:04
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
Subj: Kermit downloads

Phil. The new version of Z88com.arc had the same error when downloaded with
kermit, the program I use for 99% of my file transfers on all boards. However,
I then did another download with xmodem (in PCPLOT) and the arc file was
perfect! This has heppened once or twice before on other boards, always with
arc files. Never any problems with ascii, exe, or the basic files (on your
board). I have no explanation for this.
Sorry for the extra work I created for you making another arc file.
Vic
P.S. All the other stuff I have gotten from your board was downloaded with
Kermit, and had no errors. Still don't understand.




 #196 21 29 Jan 89 16:27:58
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #197
Subj: Just for fun.

Using Phil's EPCAT program I took a look at my version of PCLINK.
I have the EPROM in slot 2, and it is a 32K eprom, so it should
reside in pages 80 and 81 (hex). Well, the code does start at the bottom of
page 80, as expected, and the proper codes are found at the top of page 81 to
indicate an application ROM, but there is a code fragment at the bottom of
page 81. Just a few bytes long. Version 1.5
of something with an incomplete name. (My pclink is version 2.0)
Does anyone else have this strange code.?
Vic




 #197 18 29 Jan 89 20:09:19 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #196
Subj: ROM contents

Victor, good idea -- wrong program!

To look at what is in memory (RAM or ROM) use ROMDMP or ROMDP2. And if you
reallywant to get serious, use DISZ88 to disassemble M/L code.

EPCAT is really indtended to catalog EPROMS, nothing else -- in fact I wonder
if you mispoke when you said you usd EPCAT tolook at ROM contents. Maybe you
used it as the basis of a ROMPDMP type adaptation!

Phil




 #198 21 29 Jan 89 20:13:11
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #199
Subj: New Version of PATCH.BAS

I've customized PATCH.BAS (but not, as yet, PATCH2.BAS). The reasons were
strong ones, but there is a slight amount of risk.

See Area 1, PATPCW.BAS & PATPCW.INF. Latter tells why I did it!

Phil




 #199 22 29 Jan 89 20:51:39 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #198
Subj: ROMDP2

You are right, of course. The program used to explore the PCLINK EPROM was
ROMDP2, not EPCAT. Shows what happens when I let my fingers start working
before my brain is fully engaged. I realized this a couple of hours after my
message was entered. Hope no one went doen the wrong path.
Vic




 #200 26 30 Jan 89 22:22:02
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Z88COM

I've just merged Z88COM21.BAS/CLI/ARC. This new version will resend NAK's up
to 15 times, at two second intervals, until it starts receiving data -- or
times out. Old version sent only one NAK, so if it got lost due to noise or
whatever, a timeout abort was inevitable.

My next thought is to make the dialing routine do autologon from info in the
PHONE.DAT file (new format). I'll keep you posted on progress.

Phil




 #201 19 31 Jan 89 17:24:55
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #172
Subj: word processors

Once I got used to Pipedream as a word processor it wasn't too bad. I
unfortunately own the Spell Master cartridge for my Z88...and it does indeed
use the King's English. The editor is wimpy enough that I prefer Pipedream.
And to spell check one must first save a text file from Pipedream, then load
it into the spell editor, then check from cursor. The speller is fast, but is
one of those that stops on every word. I much prefer the checker in my Tandy
102's Booster Pac, which churns for a while then presents you with a list of
possibles to inspect. After checking, when you load the file back into
Pipedream, there is usually some garbage at the front which needs to be
deleted as well. Looks like the aftermarket is still ripe for a decent
wp/spelling
program.




#202 20 31 Jan 89 17:29:00 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #174 SEE ALSO #206
Subj: ARC files

Great news about the arc file/IBM compatibility. But what does the Z88 use as
an end of file marker?




#203 20 31 Jan 89 17:29:52 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #183 SEE ALSO #207
Subj: 512K/battery changing

I just changed my batteries yesterday, without an AC adapter and with a 512K
ram cartridge installed. I have used the computer for quite some time w/o
noticing the low bat indicator, but chanced it anyway. Total swap time was
around 30 seconds, and I had no trouble retaining files. I could probably
have pushed it at least to 1 minute.




#204 21 31 Jan 89 17:34:10 (RECV'D)
From: Scott Schad
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #188
Subj: TPDD-2

Not to play devil's advocate (after all, I own a TPDD-2 myself), but how much
longer do you think Tandy is going to market the portable disc drive?




#205 18 31 Jan 89 21:25:48
From: Phill Jackson
To: Anyone
SEE ALSO #208
Subj: Z88 Source?

Hi,
I've been using a Z88 lent to me for evaluation and review. I would like
to buy it, but think the listed $595 for the basic model is far too much.
Yesterday I saw one at Tams Stationers for $495. Does anyone know of a less
expensive source?
Also, has anyone figured out a third part part to hold eproms?
Regarding modems. I was trying to make the Cambridge pinout out work and
it just wouldn't. Then I accidently broke the wire to pin 20 and it began
working like a champ. !!
Phill (Jackson)




 #206 20 31 Jan 89 23:43:34
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #202
Subj: EOF

Got me! It may carry a FAT or some such; I will look into it.




 #207 18 31 Jan 89 23:44:36
From: Sysop
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #203 SEE ALSO #209
Subj: Battery

I've gone three plus minutes, with no problems of loss.




 #208 21 31 Jan 89 23:45:51 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #205 SEE ALSO #210
Subj: Misc.

Best price I know of is $497 at Sharp's in Virginia. I prefer to go local, in
case there is a problem -- and TAM's price is not bad (where I got mine!).

No info on EPROM adapter. Why would you want one?

Re mdm cable: I've had good luck with the one in Z88-MDM.INF. But it is a
function of the modem setup and the modem itself.

Phil

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- FEBRUARY 1989
--------------------------------------


 #209 19 01 Feb 89 18:37:20
From: Victor Roberts
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #207
Subj: 512K/battery changing

Thanks for the additional info. Phil has also run a test, using his AC power
supply, but pointed out that the AC supply charges the internal capacitor to a
full 6 volts, while "dead" batteries will have much less juice. My AC adapter
has a voltage switch and when the 512K arrives I will try to run a test with
the adapter set to supply 4.5 volts. When I last changed my batteries I
measured them, and found out they had just over 1 volt each.
Vic




 #210 20 01 Feb 89 18:43:37 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #208 SEE ALSO #274
Subj: Sharp's

Sharp's price in catalog I received yesterday is $479.95. Not much different,
but every bit helps.




 #211 17 01 Feb 89 18:49:30
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #213
Subj: Z88 Crash

It may be of value to someone to know that I crashed my Z88 for the very first
time yesterday. I had "loaded" patch2.bas to try to look at its contents,
instead of just "chaining" it as usual. I then loaded z88com.bas without a NEW
command. When I typed RUN, the machine just hung with nothing working. However,
a "soft reset" (using the reset button with the plastic rom cover closed) got
everything working without any lost files. Phil made the comment a few days
ago that this was much better than the MOdel 100 in similar situations. I
agree.
Vic




 #212 18 01 Feb 89 18:53:38
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #214
Subj: Access to system bus

According to the Z88 documentation, there is an internal system bus which is
accessable on some machines through a removable cover on the right hand side.
My Z88 does not have anything removable in that part of the machine. Was this
on older machines, or only newer ones? Is it possible the access cover is only
on UK machines, and not on those sold in the USA (FCC regs and such.)?? Does
anyone out there have a machine
with the removable cover?
Vic




 #213 19 01 Feb 89 23:36:02 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #211 SEE ALSO #215
Subj: PATCH.BAS

Interesting: I've tried to load it the same way, to list it -- but then I
have run it before loading anything else. If you really want to see what is
in PATCH.BAS, use FILDMP.CLI in area 1. It was built for that purpose, and
does work.

By the way, Victor -- if you haven't noticed it, PATCH.BAS can be a disaster
due to the ":RAM.-" bug. I've modified it to avoid this problem; see
PATPCW.BAS/INF. Note that I have not done the same for PATCH2.BAS -- although
I will, now that I am convinced that my mod is solid.

Phil




 #214 21 01 Feb 89 23:41:27 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #212
Subj: Bus Access

Victor,

Mine does have such a cover, and the bus is accessible. it was purchased in
the U.S in Nov 1988, from a distributor who had just received his first
shipment.

I read somewhere that some do and some don't have access. Seems a bit silly
-- since many do not have it, the bus is unlikely to be used by any
third-party developers.

Phil




 #215 18 02 Feb 89 04:37:38 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #213
Subj: PATCH

Thanks, I did download your new patch last night, but have not yet installed
it.
Vic




 #216 23 02 Feb 89 04:38:46 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #217
Subj: Jerry Pournelle column in Feb BYTE

Phil,
If you have not seen it yet Pournelle "reviews" the Z88 in his BYTE column
in the FEB 89 issue, see p 130. In my opinion the review is very negative.
About the only thing he likes is the small size. Many of his comments are
simply WRONG. For example, he says that suspended applications and their files
"disappear" in a "few minutes" if not saved to RAM. This demands a reply, and
I intend to be one of the many who will write. Since one of Pournelle's
comments is that little software is available, I would like to know if you
would mind if I include info about your bbs in my letter?
Vic




 #217 22 02 Feb 89 12:00:43 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #216 SEE ALSO #220
Subj: Pournelle Review

I'm not surprised at the negative review, although I missed it when scanning
my BYTE last evening; Jerry is pretty much "power machine" in his focus and
personal use. And the Z88 is surely out of the IBM/Mac mainstream. Certainly
in terms of *commercial* software he's right re software availability
(remember, his point of reference is the IMB/Mac and CP/M world -- even the
Model 100, with some 3000 user-supported programs available has "little
software" in that frame of reference!).

BUT -- I do think he needs to be corrected re suspended operations and any
other errors of substance~r}i.

And, by all means, tell him of this BBS; the more exposure the better!

It is worth noting that Ezra Shapiro (sometimes known here as Shapiro Ezra!)
reviewed the Z88 last fall in his BYTE column. Aside from not especially
likeing Pipedream (I know the feeling!), his review was resonably positive --
and certainly was objective and informed. You may want to read his review and
reference it in your letter.
}i

Phil




 #218 20 02 Feb 89 18:39:47 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #221
Subj: 8-line mode for this bbs

Phil,
I am calling from the road with my Z88. Since this is a Z88 bbs, there
should be some way to set the display mode to stop every eight lines, instead
of 24 as is normal for our 'large" PCs.
If this feature is already available on the bbs, please just let me know how
to set it.
Vic




 #219 20 02 Feb 89 18:42:34 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #222
Subj: Soft reset with files open in :RAM.-

Last night I mentioned that I crashed my machine and got it going again with a
soft reset. Well, as you know, I was using the "old" basic patch so that two
files (from the basic line editor) were open in :RAM.-. Have I created a
disaster waiting to happen? Should I back up all my RAM files and do a hard
reset to prevent the "ramdom lockup" referred to in the documentation?
All is well so far, but the warnings indicate that the fail;ure can happen
many days following a soft reset (with open :ram.- files).
Vic




 #220 20 02 Feb 89 20:09:30 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #217 SEE ALSO #284
Subj: Reviews

Victor, I replied to Jerry's column last month(Jan issue?) when he did a
comparison of a few smaller laptops. It seems that most reviewers of the
Z88 don't mind makeing most of it up as they go along. In all of my years
messing around with computers I've never heard such diss-information on any
other machine. It doesn't bother me the least when someone really uses the Z88
and then says; I don't like it because of this or that. But in many cases the
Z88 gets written off for non-existant reasons. It's almost as if they set out
to derail the Z88 from the gate.(I don't know how it became such a threat to
anyone,Ha!)
I do feel that EZRA has given the most realistic review of the Z88. You can
tell he HAS used the machine & knows what it can do. I just wish more people
(when doing reviews) would really get things straight before going to print.
Oh well....
Chris




 #221 20 02 Feb 89 22:49:19 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #218 SEE ALSO #243
Subj: 8 Lines

Victor, there is a way toreduce the number of lines in the message system
(Hmmm... the C)hange funciton at the main menu, I think) -- but only to 16.
Someday I hope to be able to patch this minimum value down to 8 -- but it is
not part of the capability of this software today, and I do not have the
source code.

You can stop scrolling with ^S and restart with ^Q, though.

Phil




 #222 20 02 Feb 89 22:52:39 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #219
Subj: Safety first!

Well, I would. Better safe than sorry. And with the new patch (PATPCW),you
should be reasonably safe from here on out. It is probably worth starting
over, before you fill that 512K!

Phil




 #223 20 02 Feb 89 23:05:47
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Z88COM with Auto Logon

I think Iam about done with this one, folks. Finally have implemented a kind
of logon algorithm. Works with this BBS, CIS and GEnie -- at least.

Get Z88COM.BAS (or CLI), Z88COM.DOC, Z88COM.INF & PHONE.LOG (a new format
phone file, distinct from the PHONE.DAT file of versions 2.1 and before. DOC
file tells how to construct PHONE.LOG for your own needs.
This one is version 2.2.

Let me know how it works for you.

Phil




 #224 21 03 Feb 89 03:13:54
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88COM v. 2.2

Egg on my face. I overlooked manual dialing in my my autolog quest. Of
course the logon code must be bypassed in this case.

Any copies of v. 2.2 downloaded before 0300 pst, 2/3/89 will need
replacement (that's about a 4 hour window).

Best download again, if you have that one (dated 2/2 and labeled v. 2.2).
Sorry about that!

Phil




 #225 18 03 Feb 89 21:09:18
From: Phill Jackson
To: Anyone
SEE ALSO #226
Subj: Where to Buy

Hi,
Does anyone know of a relatively inexpensive source to buy a Z88.
Nationally advertised in Mac magazines at $799,( with Mac link) and for $499
locally at Tams. Anything better going? Like to know.
Phill Jackson




 #226 21 04 Feb 89 01:44:58 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #225 SEE ALSO #232
Subj: Prices

Hmmmm.. the $799 seems extraordinarily high. Highest I've seen advertized is
$599, withno added goodies. I got mine at TAM's and paid $499; they throw in
a 32K RAM cartridge, but you really will want a minimum of 128K -- and I
*love* having the 512K cartridge.

Best price I have seen advertized is Sharps in Virginia -- $479. I have
generally had very good luck dealing with them, and their prices on RAM's,
ROM's, etc. are also discounted -- while TAM's goes full freight on all but
the computer itself.

Hope this helps.

Phil




 #228 21 04 Feb 89 01:52:24
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #237
Subj: Jerry Pournelle BYTE Column

In his Feb BYTE column Jerry Pournelle comments on the Z88 (p. 130). Not
really a review, more of an "impression".

He drew some technical conclusions that are erroneous.

I have written him a letter. It is in File Area #2 as POURNELL.LTR.

Phil




 #229 21 04 Feb 89 02:51:50
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Filter Programs

I have just uploaded two filter programs, FADDER & DETAB, to File Area #1.
Both are in machine language and fast. FADDER adds linefeeds, and is a new
update of an earlier version. DETAB filters TAB's. The file FILTERS.INF
describes them more fully and sicusses why they may be useful to you.

Phil




 #230 20 04 Feb 89 07:07:52
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Files reorganization

I have now completed reorganizing the files system. I moved all z-Base stuff
into the background. Usage seemed low, all material was stuff I downloaded
from U.K., and the one user who I know is interested in Z-base already
received the files in question from Wordmongers on a PC disk -- so the value
of having them here was marginal.

Let me know what you think of the new setup. and if zBase gets "hot", I will
re-establish a section for its support.

Phil




 #231 21 04 Feb 89 07:20:42
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Speed of Z88COM Transfers

I just did a test of Z88COM speed. With this system, at least, transfer time
is slightly below the published (calculated by the system) value. Looks like
it could not go any faster. Since the predecessor program was running about
3X the nominal time, that is good news -- and suggeste that a 2400 baud modem
would result in a proportuanate increase in speed.

Phil




 #232 23 04 Feb 89 09:07:25
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #226 SEE ALSO #233
Subj: Prices

Just saw the add you mentioined, Phill. That $799 price is usorious, in my
unofficial opinion. Sharps' price for the Z88 is $479, and others will come
close to that. Now, what is Mac-Link worth? I have no
data -- but $200 over their own list price of $599 for the Z88 seems just a
bit(!) high. Let me know what Sharps' price is if you know (for the Mac-Link).

Of course, Cambridge Direct is free to charge what they can. But there is a
larger concern, in the high prices shown in their glossy ads in BYTE and the
leading Mac mags: Not seeing any other data, folks will assume that the Z88
truly IS overpriced, and decide to drop it from consideration.

It seems to me that the Cambridge Direct pricing strategy is not only
self-defeating, but may inhibit the future of the Z88 in this country
altogether.

Phil




 #233 21 04 Feb 89 23:01:13 (RECV'D)
From: Claude Schleyer
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #232 SEE ALSO #234
Subj: Z88 to QL Transfer

My data logger is working just fine now but I have run into another problem. I
bought a Z88-QL link that came with software and a cable but it doesn't work.
The vender's advice was to not use the software but I would like to know why
it won't work since it apparently does in England. I had already figured out
how to transfer using terminal programs on both machines but I thought this
link would make it easier. I also bought PCLink but have not had a chance to
use it yet. I presume it will work OK.




 #234 21 04 Feb 89 23:51:44
From: Sysop
To: Claude Schleyer
REPLY TO #233 SEE ALSO #236
Subj: TRansfers

Claude, perhaps you have a defective copy of Z88-QL Link; seems like the
vendor should get you another copy!

PC-Link works well and is very user friendly. But it is Slooowwwww. From the
manual, it appears that each byte sent is verified, which would slow the
transfer rate 3-4 times right there -- and that's about how it is! Uggghh!

Phil




 #235 21 04 Feb 89 23:55:33 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
SEE ALSO #247
Subj: Z88 Logon

Hmmm.. so it is not working for you. Maybe I will give you a call tomorrow.
I assume that the dialing routing has workied in the past (needs verbose
Hayes-type handshaking). If so, all else is just timing things right. YOu
may have to use more delay than I do to come into this system due to having to
deal with LD lines.

Best way to go (assuming you get to the "CONNECT -- Logging on ...." message)
is to increase the delays in the file by a second and try it.

Make sure the file is right; if LOG is wrong, the phone numbers in the dialing
windo will get out of whack.

Phil




 #236 18 05 Feb 89 04:36:18 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #234 SEE ALSO #238
Subj: MACLINK price

Sharps catalog price for MACLINK is $119.95. Still much more expensive
than PCLINK ($69.95). Does anyone have a rational reason for this?
Vic




 #237 18 05 Feb 89 04:59:03 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #228 SEE ALSO #239
Subj: Pournelle letter

Phil,
I like your letter. I also learned something, how to get a full
8 lines in pipedream. However, getting Pipedream to use default file names is
easier than you suggest. If you simply use the <>FC function to "name" the
Pipedream session, then that name appears by default when you save, even the
first time. No need to save and reload.
Also, my machine has been on three business trips and been through the
x-ray machine at least 7 times with NOTHING lost. I don't yet have my 512K RAM,
so I don't know if that is more sensitive, but I will find out. Also, I don't
know if there is some long term exposure problem
with EPROMS. There should be. If you can erase them with UV light, then x-rays
should eventually have the same effect. I will check with some of our solid
state physics types tomorrow.
I intend to write my letter today. I suspect it will not be as friendly as
yours.
Vic




 #238 19 05 Feb 89 07:32:22 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #236 SEE ALSO #275
Subj: MacLink Price

Not really -- may just be a different vendor. The actual ROM cartridge
is the same as that used for PC-Link, I'm told -- so the difference is in the
software on disk. But, of course, if it's the same ROM, must be the same
vendor.

Maybe there is a perception that Mac owners will pay more -- or (likely)
perhaps there is an anticipation of lower volume to spread the fixed costs
across.

Take your pick!

Phil




 #239 20 05 Feb 89 07:36:59 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #237 SEE ALSO #248
Subj: Pournelle Letter

Well, Victor, after writing the letter I concluded that you really only get 7
lines (seems the top line is always taken by the Row-Col indicator); why they
did not put that in the area over by the map or something is beyond me. Still,
the screen still shows about twice as many chars as the Model 100 -- and 80+
characters per lines.

Thanks for the tip on ^FC (or as you say <>FC) -- I like to call it ^ because
it does issue true control codes under most (non-menu) conditions.

I somehow think that Jerry would not have a 512K RAM in an evaluation unit.
In fact, operator error is likely the cause of his data loss -- but I was
trying to be "non-combative". I spent many years being an "enfant terrible";
now I try for a more mellow style .

Anyway, my letter is winging its way to New Hampshire; yours will be a chance
to correct any goofs I've made.

Phil




 #242 20 05 Feb 89 09:02:44
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: 8 Lines

I have been asked how to get 8 lines on this BBS and said it could not be
done. I was reading the docs for a previous version of the software. I was
wrong!!

You can get 8 line operation for your Z88 by going to the main menu (M from
here) and using the change option to: 1) Specify 8 lines and 2) Turn on the
More function. For longer screens, leave the More function Off.

The file 8LINES.HOW in Area 2 gives a step-by-step script of how to do it.

Phil




 #243 21 05 Feb 89 09:09:21 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #221 SEE ALSO #245
Subj: 8 Lines

Victor -- see the message just preceding, and the file 8LINES.HOW in File area
2.

Phil




 #244 21 05 Feb 89 12:09:56
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #246
Subj: Z88COM with Message Send Capability

NEW Z88COM (Version 2.3)

Version 2.3 adds upload of Pipedream files (no linefeeds need be added)
to the message base. Just have them on your Filer menu, saved as plain
text, and send them. Blank lines (as in the second line above) are
padded to avoid premature termination in systems like here wheer a
blank line is taken as the end of the message.

This will let you compose messages off line and upload them -- a
potential time savings.

See Z88COM.DOC for info on customizing line pacing for use with other
systems.

Phil




 #245 23 05 Feb 89 13:33:41 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #243
Subj: 8 lines

Thanks! I will give it a try.




 #246 24 05 Feb 89 13:34:29 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #244
Subj: z88com23

And you told us all that you were done with this! I bet even now you have
more ideas for improvements.
Vic




 #247 4 05 Feb 89 16:35:58
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #235
Subj: auto-loggon

Phil, the dialing routine works just fine perhaps I'll adjust the timing
but I may not be getting the CONNECT string.
Chris




 #248 24 05 Feb 89 16:38:58 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #239 SEE ALSO #249
Subj: <>FC

Thanks Victor, I just learned something. (and I thought I had it all down, Ha!)
Chris




 #249 22 05 Feb 89 16:41:42 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #248
Subj: Pournell column

Jerrys column wasn't as bad as I had antisipated. I will send off my 2 cents
worth too though. I used to dump all memory from my T200 at least
twice a month (some how or another). With the Z88 I've lost VERY little
the entire time I've had it (& then it was me messing around where I
sshouldn't have,Ha!). It was encourageing that Mr. Pournell is taking the Z88
on a field trip. Hopefully Phil's letter (along with ours) will
reach him in time so he can truly make it tic.
Chris




 #250 32 05 Feb 89 23:11:02
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #262
Subj: New EPROM Utility Available

I have just put a new utility in Area #1. EPLOAD.BAS/CLI is a program
to let you page through the contents of an EPROM in Slot 3 and
selectively choose which files to load (or load them all). the main
program is in Basic; but the loading is accomplished with a CLI file
built up in :RAM.0 by the Basic program.

I did it 'cuz I need it. Hopefully, others will find it useful.

EPLOAD will not load old version of duplicate files, only the most
recent version. To see old versions, get EPCAT.CLI.

Phil





 #251 17 07 Feb 89 21:50:05 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
Subj: EPLOAD

Phil, EPLOAD works great for me! I like the way it custom creates the
CLI, and then sends it to :RAM.0 before EXECUTING. I've got CLI's
scattered all over in many diff. directories maybe I should just put
all of them all on :RAM.0 (unless they are directory or device
specific). Chris





 #254 23 07 Feb 89 22:20:52
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Mod to Z88COM

Based on test results and a bug find (could not dial fifth phone number), I
have made minor changes in Z88COM. Major ones are in dialing fifth number: In
lines 710, 730 740 change D (or d) to E (or e), keeping case the same as
original.

Other fix is for 2400 baud logons: In line 840 change the 13 to a 32.
Apparently the space gives a better "pulse" to the host modem for
synchronizing.

All these changes are in the Z88COM files now available -- or you can change
your own if you already have Version 2.3 (but not earlier versions!)

Phil




 #255 20 08 Feb 89 11:26:46
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Minor EPLOAD Enhancement

This evening I will make available a slightly modified EPLOAD. The change is
to let you decide at the end of the file selection process whether to L)oad
the selected files of A)bort without loading them.

No big thing, but gives a bit more control.

BTW -- EPLOAD is a fascinating CLI application. The Basic program builds a
CLI file in :RAM.0 (good use for :RAM.0!) and at the end executes that CLI by
invoking the Filer.

Phil




 #257 25 08 Feb 89 19:58:52
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New File Area

I have combined the PC and M100 file areas, making room for a new Z88 area:
"PipeDream Users' Corner: Hints and Kinks".

This file area (#3) is where to put your favorite hints on how to use
PipeDream -- or maybe a file which is a litany of all your frustrations with
it!

PipeDream IS the primary application in the Z88; so it seems fitting that we
have an area set aside for its better exploitation.

I will be putting some things in Area #3. Please join me! Don't be shy -- the
manual isn't THAT good!

Phil




 #259 24 09 Feb 89 18:52:54
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 Printer Drivers

Printer Drivers Wanted!

In a private message, one user asked me if anyone has uploaded Z88
Printer Drivers for LaserJets or any other printers. Good question!

If you have developed any new ones, or even customized the default
(Epson) driver, please consider uploading them to File Area 3
(PipeDream Users' Corner) -- and I will do the same.

Phil




 #260 24 09 Feb 89 21:33:51 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #261
Subj: PRINTER DRIVER

I've got one for the PC-JR $25 thermal I'll U/L.
Chris
(haven't tried to hook up to the LazerWriter yet)




 #261 6 10 Feb 89 00:21:20
From: Curtis Claar
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #260 SEE ALSO #263
Subj: PC-JR thermal

Chris: How portable is it? does it serve your Z88 needs just fine? Which place
did you get yours from? Is the thermal paper too costly? Is the thermal paper
good enough quality?




 #262 23 10 Feb 89 01:16:57 (RECV'D)
From: Pat Mcclurg
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #250 SEE ALSO #264
Subj: Z88 and the TPDD

I wonder if a company like Traveling Software could develop a disk operating
system for the Z88 that would allow it to use the Tandy Portable Disk Drive
for storage. Is that a possibility or just another pipedream?
Later, Pat




 #263 23 10 Feb 89 05:26:51 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #261 SEE ALSO #267
Subj: Printer Driver

Got it, Chris -- and thanks.




 #264 23 10 Feb 89 05:27:56 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Pat Mcclurg
REPLY TO #262 SEE ALSO #270
Subj: Z88 and TPDD

It is a definite possibility, Pat. Not likely a major company would do it.
but it could be done by a private person; I've thought about doing it myself.

Major rub: TDD likes to work at 19200 baud. All tests to date indicate that
the Z88 will not support that baud rate (which it is supposed to support).
TDD will operated at 9600 baud. But for the new model (only one still on the
market), you need to disassemble the drive and reset some jumpers to get 9600
baud operation.

MOre later on this one.

Phil




 #266 20 10 Feb 89 15:22:35 (RECV'D)
From: Steve Johnson
To: Sysop
Subj: Hello

Thanks much for your work on this board. I haven't yet digested
all the messages I logged today, but will get back after I do
so. Am especially interested in the data loss problem. I
haven't lost anything on my Z-88
but a friend, Richie Holmes, has lost all his files on several
occasions.



 #267 20 10 Feb 89 19:21:25 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #263
Subj: PC-JR Printer

I tell ya Curtis at $29.95 the price was right. I got from BG-MICRO,they
advertise in the computer shopper. The paper used is regular 8.5 " FAX
paper. It weighs about five lbs. & it prints very slow. The unit is very
well made though (as it was MFG by Canon for IBM). I normally use my
Citizen when I need nice copy, but if you have to print out facts & figures
the little thermal is ok. It's not permanent though as the paper will fade
with time,so XEROX the important stuff.
The printer does support U-line, bold & I think expanded.
Chris




 #268 20 10 Feb 89 22:31:23
From: Mo Budlong
To: Scott Schad
REPLY TO #168
Subj: Z88-Cross Development

Scott, Thanks for the encouragement. I am currently waiting for
the word from Cambridge US as to whether work I do here will be
marketed in Europe, and it will probably be the deciding factor
in whether I go ahead.
Best,
Mo.




 #270 19 11 Feb 89 10:06:54 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Pat Mcclurg
REPLY TO #264 SEE ALSO #324
Subj: Greetings

Howdy neighbor!, good to see ya around these parts.
Chris




 #271 22 11 Feb 89 10:09:28
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: PC-JR PRINTER

Oops, I stated earlier that the little PC-JR thermal printer supported
BOLD printing; it does not. Underline,double width & compressed is
about all there is. It does support some form of bit-image graphics but
I don't think I'll look into that can of worms.




 #274 18 13 Feb 89 17:53:39 (RECV'D)
From: Phill Jackson
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #210 SEE ALSO #276
Subj: Prices

Phil
Sorry, I haven't been on for a while. The reason I am interested in
a third party eprom adapter is that I seem to remember that Eproms are
generally much cheaper than those sold by Sinclair. (I could be wrong, haven't
looked lately).
Phill




 #276 18 13 Feb 89 20:15:12
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #274
Subj: Third Party EPROM's

Very true, Phill -- but I suspect the packaging (with the slot connectors,
etc) is the expensive part of the job -- with the EPROM
being less so. And there would be some issue re compatibility, I suppose.
BTW -- a 128K EPROM from Sharp's is a bit under $100 these days.

Phil




 #278 20 13 Feb 89 20:21:29
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Program

LISTER.CLI (File Area 1) will give you a structured listing (to LCD) of a
Basic program in CLI format. It deconcatinates lines with colons (:) and puts
each statement on a separate line. Use []+S/P CLI's to get file or printer
output. Press any key (but ESC) to pause/resume output.

Nifty utility if you are building a complex, compressed program. Not elegant
in some respects (e.g., handling of line wrap), but very servicable.

Phil




 #280 17 15 Feb 89 06:24:42
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #282
Subj: Z88 Disk Drive

I have it on good authority that a disk operating system (well, really a file
manager) has been completed for use of the Tandy portable disk drive with the
Z88. It appears likely that it will be marketed as a package (TDD, cable and
OS).

The TDD is ideally suited for the Z88, because it uses the serial port --
rather than a system bus.

MOre later when I know more.

Phil




 #281 15 15 Feb 89 14:55:42
From: Owen Linderholm
To: Ezra Shapiro
REPLY TO #19 SEE ALSO #288
Subj: hi all

Hi everyone, I'm here too! I have left a message on Genie, but can do a real
one here. I've had my Z88 for some time now but haven't had time to do much.
You all should know that there is a UK Z88 users group based in Hastings
Sussex that produces among other things a whole slew of useful utilities
including some stuff to let you draw graphics!
The problem is that it only works with cewrtain versions of the Z88 ROM I
can't remember which, but a friend sent me a copy and it didn't work on mine.

Also, there are a number of publications in the UK that publish tips and
programs fopr the Z88. I have a few excerpted articles and will try to find
time to post the relevant data here (although with the tech ref manual you
shouldn't need them)




 #282 16 15 Feb 89 16:25:11 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #280 SEE ALSO #289
Subj: disk drive

Do you know if the disk OS will be available without the TDD?
(For those of us who already own the drive, of course.)
Vic




 #283 19 15 Feb 89 19:58:38 (RECV'D)
From: Jack Krueger
To: Sysop
Subj: Programming Z88

Dear Phil, Our main request at the moment is really what we chated
about on THE ELECTRONIC OFFICE /BBS. We want to place a manual in
EPROM so that it can't be tampered with and have the text and data
that is in answer to the questions there get automatically moved to
a standard text file in ram for eventual up load to BBS, and/or to
the users own computer. I've found that after going over the users
manual for the Z88 and the programmers manual, it'll be some time
before I could even qualify as a "hacker". We'll run everything as
an ordinary text file until job of programming is complete and we
would like some results as soon as we can get them. If you think
this kind of task is out of your domain, OK, and from listening to
you talk it seems to be in your power. Any way if you find the
project to tasking another programmer, as you mentioned, would
certainly be welcome in the project alone or in tandem with your
creation. Will check in again here in a couple of days to see what
direction you have. Made this message public, maybe others have
a desire for being involved.
Thanx,
Jack Krueger
THE ELECTRONIC OFFICE/ BBS, 212 529-8789. Posted our board # incase there is
anyone on the east coast who has an interest in our request.




 #284 14 17 Feb 89 07:45:04 (RECV'D)
From: Bruce Durocher
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #220
Subj: Jerry P./Byte

And you should listen to us Amiga owners when he talks about the machine.
AAARGH! I bought my Z88 based on the disparity between what he's said about
the Amiga and what it does...




 #285 2 17 Feb 89 16:23:41
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
Subj: detab.cli

Phil,
Check line 120 of detab.cli. I think you will find the wrong name.
Vic




 #286 16 17 Feb 89 16:24:36 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #291
Subj: 512K RAM

Phil,
My 521K RAM finally arrived. as soon as the system is backed up I will run
my battery change test. I have saved the last set of "worn out"
batteries, so I will be able to time things with minimum voltage
applied. Results tomorrow or later tonight.
Vic




 #287 15 17 Feb 89 18:43:35 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #292
Subj: FLTIBM

Phil,
I am trying to use fltibm to backup my 128K ram before switching to the new
512K. I was able to save thebasic files to one backup set and all the rest of
the files to another backup set. BUT, they will not reload. I get a "send
lockup" error, or "send loop lockup" error from fltibm. I am using the cable
from pclink. Any suggestions. (I DID backup everything with pclink before this
just to make sure. That was a lot of work.)
Now to switch ram and try the battery change time test.
Vic




 #288 17 17 Feb 89 18:54:21
From: Sysop
To: Owen Linderholm
REPLY TO #281
Subj: Stuff

Hi, Owen -- and welcome. If you look in File Area 1, you will find the Basic
patch for graphics -- but we have improved it a bit. And you will also find
some interesting utilities and applications.

I am a member of the U.K. Z88 club, and I plan to send them copies of most of
the software here on EPROM tomorrow.

Sure would like to see any info you have -- don't assume we've already seen it!

Phil




 #289 16 17 Feb 89 18:57:36 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #282
Subj: OS

I suspect it will be -- but then you will be on your own to reset the TDD
speed to 9600 baud (easy with the TDD, not so with the TDD2).




 #291 20 17 Feb 89 19:03:47 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #286
Subj: BAstteries

Should be interesting!




 #292 20 17 Feb 89 19:05:19 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #287
Subj: FLTIBM

The PC-Link cable may not work. The message you got is related to RTS/CTS --
and that cable may force the test to fail.

Or it may be something else. It does work for me, and i think Chris uses it.
But max file size (at the PC end) is 64K.

Phil]




 #293 20 17 Feb 89 19:43:15
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: DETAB.CLI/BAS

new copies of this utility will be availabel shortly. Victor found a boo-boo
in the title line, which I have now fixed.

Program worked fine, but did not know its own name!

Phil




 #294 17 17 Feb 89 20:16:11
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #298
Subj: Battery change time test with 512K RAM

My 512K RAM arrived today, so I got a chance to test time allowed for battery
change before the Z88 dies.

I used an old set of batteries which had flashed the "battery change" sign
last week. However, I suspect they have recovered a bit sitting around.
Voltage was about 1.2 volts each. The timimg test was rather crude, only one
minute intervals were tested. EPROMS in slots 2 & 3 were removed to prevent
damage to files when power runs down (per manual).

Results are that both the 128K RAM and the 512K RAM were maintained
for between 4 and 5 minutes without batteries. That is, with batteries out for
4 minutes, both were OK, while both died if the batteries were out for 5
minutes. (In case it is not clear, I ran one set of tests with the 128K RAM in
slot 1, and a second set of tests with the 512K RAM in slot 1. Slots 2 and 3
were empty for all tests.)

The main thing I learned is that 4 minutes is a VERY long time.
I can not imagine ever needing more than 30 seconds to change batteries.

Vic Roberts




 #295 19 17 Feb 89 20:50:06 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Victor Roberts
SEE ALSO #297
Subj: FLTIBM


Victor,I've had real good luck with FLTIBM. I use it much more
often than PC-LINK (early un-slick version) I've not encountered the
same error though. I did have a little trouble at one time though but I
got it figured out. Occasionally it (Z88) would refuse mid-stream to
accept incoming data & give me the "POOR DATA RECIEVED" message. What I
traced it to was a file over writing another file in RAM of the same.
name. I was redundantly saving some of my files to FLTIBM like;
send BASIC/* which would send all files on my BASIC directory. But
later in the same session I might send a file to FLTIBM with a global
nature such as send :*//*BAS, so when I tried to load in both files
consecutively at a later time it would force the Z88 to overwrite the
previous *.BAS files with the later ones (while transfering) which I
think caused my trouble. No troubles lately though.
I do use my PC-LINK cable with FLTIBM & it works ok. Lately I have to
be more careful about sending a file larger that 64K(now that I have
512K to work with) but that's not too tough.
Chris





 #296 19 17 Feb 89 20:51:35
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #299
Subj: COMPUTE ARTICLE

Although I haven't read it yet, I've been told that the March Compute mag. has
a Z88 review in it. Let me know what it's about.
Chris




 #297 18 18 Feb 89 04:51:03 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #295
Subj: FLTIBM

Thanks. I will have to try again. The file was smaller than 64K. It was
created by using fltibm to dump all basic files to my pc. I think the file was
about 57K. In any casem the error was reported right at the very start, after
only a few characters were transmitted. More experimentation is obviously in
order.
Vic Roberts




 #298 18 18 Feb 89 07:12:46
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #294
Subj: Battery Change

Thanks for the good info, Victor. I will probably turn it into a file on the
subject, along with some of the earlier communiques.

Phil




 #299 19 18 Feb 89 07:14:00 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #296
Subj: COMPUTE

I'll look for it today.




 #300 19 18 Feb 89 12:07:22
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: U.K. Contact

Today I airmailed an EPROM to the Z88 Users Group in the U.K. for inclusion in
their library. Mostly my stuff, but also included Chris Fenn's WIZARD.CLI.

Aside from feeding the Club Library (I'm a member), I'm hoping that they will
reciprocate by filling the EPROM before sending it back -- and by giving me
permission to post the files here. Shoule know in a month or so, I suspect.

I will post in Area 1 a list of the files sent to the U.K. -- maybe as
FILES.2UK or something.

Phil




 #301 21 18 Feb 89 12:21:34
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: FILES.2UK

The file FILES.2UK is a list of the files sent to the U.K. Z88 users' club
today. All are from File Area 1 of this system.

FILES.2UK is in File Area 2.

Phil




 #302 20 18 Feb 89 17:00:34 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
Subj: CABLE


I finally have a "REAL" modem cable made to spec. in Z88-MDM.INF, and
I'm happy to report that all Z88COM log-on procedures work just
wonderful with the AVATEX 1200P.(I just wish they hadn't of made
the cable industrial strength & 6 feet long. Ha!)
Chris




 #303 18 19 Feb 89 08:22:36
From: Stuart Leonard
To: All
SEE ALSO #306
Subj: QL vs Z88 ?

I'm trying to decide between acquiring a QL or Z88. My goal is
to use a light weight system, while traveling for my job, to
perform word processing, database, and C programming. Is the
QL a lower priced alternative to the Z88, or more trouble than
it is worth ?
Thanks in advance for your responses,
Stuart Leonard




 #304 19 19 Feb 89 14:06:22
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #307
Subj: Telecon with U.K.

Earlier today I had a call from Tony Kaye of Wordmongers in the U.K.
His purpose was to provide some info based on a call I had made to him
a couple of weeks ago re: 1) The :RAM.- problem in W. Russell's
original PATCH.BAS; and 2) The apparent comm port problem at 19200
baud.

Tony informed me that William Russell now has a new version of the
patch which makes the same mod I had installed -- writing the CLI files
to :RAM.0 instead of :RAM.-; it is available for download from the WM
BBS in the U.K. (I will get it one of these days) -- and he passed
along Russell's permission to post the patches on this system (so now
we are official, rather that persumptive).

Tony also commented that they have been unable to get the comm port to
operate at 19200. Conversations with Cambridge Computers were not
fruitful; they denied there being a problem but had no effective
solutions. Seems most likely that there IS a problem, since at least
three of us in this country have been unable to make it work at 19200
baud.

Tony told me that they are coming out with SuperChip 3 -- with Z-TERM,
zBase and their tape recorder interface software. Apparently it will
have the capability to load and run binary programs directly from tape.
It isn't clear when SuperChip 3 will be available in the U.S. -- though
I do know that Sharp's in VA was supposed to heve the tape recorder
interface software (standalone version) a couple of weeks ago.
Personally, I'm much more interested in the possibility of a
TDD-compatible operating system, and I don't think it's too far off.

I also thought to tell Tony (finally!) of the problems that Z-Term has
in uploading to Compuserve -- and probably other CRC-priority systems
in this country. Basically, a sender program operating with Checksum
should wait for a NAK from the receiver before sending -- and a
CRC-priority system will send three C's before swithching to Checksum
and sending the first NAK. Z-Term in its present mutation starts
sending immediately, without waiting for a NAK -- a clear violation of
the xmodem protocol. If the receiver is set up in checksum mode (e.g.,
this system when using the X, not XC, mode) all is fine. Otherwise,
the transfer will not succeed. Tony said he would look into it right
away.

It was good for Tony to call -- and I am glad to be able to pass this
info along to the users of this system.

Phil



 #305 20 19 Feb 89 15:01:11
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: WM BBS Call

Well, I jusst called the WM BBS in the U.K., and their copy of the
Basic patch has NOT been updated. Poop!

I will give them a another call in 10 days or so. Tony also told me
that they will soon have an "index card" style of zBase application
available -- something done by a user over there ("CardBase"?). Clive
Salvage 9developer of zBase recommended it to me highly). Anyway, I
want to get that one -- which may make zBase into a very useful tool.

So ... Watch this space!

Phil




 #306 20 19 Feb 89 19:57:33 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Stuart Leonard
REPLY TO #303 SEE ALSO #308
Subj: QL/Z88


Stuart, the QL is a powerful computer in it's own right and the built
in "SUPER BASIC" is as good as you'll find on any micro. The MC68008
built into the QL gives it plenty of muscle for such an inexpensive
system. I think you really have to weigh out your prioritys;
portability Vs. power. The QL is a light enough machine to be labeled
portable but you also have to carry power supply,cables software etc.,
and you're chained to a monitor. The Z88 will let you work anywhere
(light permitting). I find Pipedream OK as a wordprocessor; but then
I'm not a professional writer and I don't need much sophistication.
If you need heavy database use or files of 32K or larger I'd recommend
the QL, as ARCHIVE on the QL is better suited for larger databases.
ZBASE is now available for the Z88 but databases will tie up alot of
RAM. I find PIPEDREAM is a good place for smaller files (with it's
selective saving & printing). I would think that PIPEDREAM would be an
adequate editor for writing C source code but I've not yet heard of a
compiler for the Z88 yet. I'm sure you can find a good one for the QL
at a great price. I have both machines but my Z88 gets alot more action
lately than my QL. Good luck Chris





#307 19 19 Feb 89 19:59:21 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #304 SEE ALSO #309
Subj: BRIT/INFO.


All right Phil!, looks like you are making sure the Z88 users across
the pond are gonna know where we are on the map. huh! I think it's
great that the Wordmongers people are keeping you(and us!)informed.
(You'll let us know when Sir Clive logs on...right?)
Chris





 #308 4 19 Feb 89 21:27:38
From: Stuart Leonard
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #306
Subj: QL vs. Z88

Chris,
Thanks for your well thought out response. What I will most likely do
is acquire a standard QL system (for $127) and give it a try. If I'm
not happy, then put it up for sale and get the Z88. I'll hesitate
before buying any extras for the QL, so as to leave something in
the "bank", just in case. If you have any software or accessories
for the QL, that you might wish to sell or trade, please let me
know.
Thank you . . Stuart Leonard




 #309 16 20 Feb 89 10:28:13 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #307 SEE ALSO #311
Subj: COMM port at 19200 baud

Phil,
I think the issue of whether the comm port "works" at 19200 baud is one that
can have different answers, depending upon what you mean by "work". As you and
I have both found, the comm port DOES send and receive individual characters
correctly when set for 19200 baud, as long as there is sufficient "dead" time
between characters (as there would be when someone was typing.) The problem
occurs when the Z88 is asked to receive a continuous stream of data at 19200
baud with no delay between characters. In that case we have found that the Z88
will lose data. I therefore believe the problem is not in the comm port, but
in the size and speed of the data buffer provided in the Z88.
I agree with you, of course, that the system can not be said to work
completely at 19200 baud unless it can receive a continuous data stream.
However, this view of the problem MAY explain why some peolle feel it does
work, and others feel it does not.
This brings up the interesting question concerning why the Tandy Model
100/102 works fully at 19200 baud, when it is supposed to be a "less powerful"
machine. Perhaps the multitasking aspect of the Z88 consumes system resources,
while the Model 100 can be fully committed to receiving data. (I know the Z88
doesn't REALLY multitask, just keeps things suspended, so I wonder about my
own explanation.) I have another example showing that the Z88 does not handle
data through the comm port as well as the Model 100, even at 1200 baud. When
dumping ASCII data to a VAX with the Z88 I must instruct the VAX to not echo
characters back to the Z88, or it gets all confused, even at 1200 baud.
However, this same operation worked very well with my MOdel 100. More on this
later.
Vic




 #310 18 20 Feb 89 10:43:36 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #312
Subj: FLTIBM

In response to previous comments I have tried FLTIBM again, with unsatisfying
results: sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.
I have used both the PCLINK cable and the modem cable with null modem with
equal results. I can always dump stuff to my PC, but not always
get it back to the Z88. (I am using an 8-MHz AT clone.) The PC-to-Z88 transfer
seems to work more often when I I have not used the serial port for modem
communications since the last warm (or cold) boot. Perhaos my modem programs
set some line which is not reset by FLTIBM.
However, this all taught me that Import/Export can be used as a great
batch-mode backup and restore program, and can actually run with many
communication programs, especially if the baud rate is slowed down. The same
file I was unable to dump back to the Z88 with FLTIBM when back when I used my
comm program (PCPLOT) at 2400 baud. I know this is SLOWWWWWW, but since the
whole operation takes care of itself, I can get it started and go off to do
something else. Not bad. (I also hope to get FLTIBM fully working after some
more experimentation.)

Vic

P.S. My other option, of course is pclink, which is VERY hard to use
and very slow. If anyone is thinking of patching it, I have two main gripes.
First, when getting files from the Z88 pclink always wants to change the
extension to IBM. Is there some way to tell pclink to leave the extension
alone? Second, if pclink would also use wildcard names, it would probably be
functional, since it also could be started and left to work on its own.




 #311 18 20 Feb 89 16:13:53 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #309 SEE ALSO #313
Subj: M100 at high speeds

Well, just try to log on this system with a Model 100. You WILL lose
characters, but not with the Z88. I suspect a bit of a hardware bug -- but
then a really cleaver programmer may be able to sidestep it.




 #312 19 20 Feb 89 16:16:01 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #310 SEE ALSO #314
Subj: FLTIBM & AT

Ah -- well with a really fast computer, it is sometimes necessary to patch an
inernal timing loop in FLTIBM.COM Approach is defined in the DOC. Likely
this IS the problem, because it was for an AT user that I moded the code to
provide more timing flexibiliity via the patch (simple byte change with DEBUG).

Phil




 #313 20 20 Feb 89 18:05:27 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #311 SEE ALSO #315
Subj: M100 vs Z88

I certainly agree with you when the M100 is writing to its screen vs the Z88
writing to ITS screen. The M100 is slower. However, I still believe the M100
can trabsfer data from the comm port to a file faster than the Z88 can. This
calls for a real test. If I have time to run such, I will get back to you.




 #314 20 20 Feb 89 18:08:29 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #312 SEE ALSO #320
Subj: FLTIBM on AT

Thanks! I will read the DOC and give it a try.




#315 19 20 Feb 89 20:44:03 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #313
Subj: Speed

But ya gotta try the Z88 at its max speed (which MAY work). max withthe M100
is 19200 (which does work; I have used it for direct xfers to a CP/M system).

BTW -- see my next msg!

Phil




 #316 23 20 Feb 89 20:45:44
From: Sysop
To: All
SEE ALSO #319
Subj: TDD OS for Z88

Flash!! I now have in my Z88 a prototype (say, pre-beta) TDD OS. It
does work. At this stage it has a few rough edges -- noted by the
author, and being removed. BUT -- it works just fine for me!

Functions include:
o B (change banks)
o D (directory)
o F (format)
o K (kill a disk file)
o L (load from disk)
o S (save to disk)
o Q (quit the program)

Clearly, not super sophisticated at this time -- but (even MORE
clearly) a whole lot better than any tape recorder.

Basic capability (using the Tandy TDD2) is up to about 200K in files,
with two banks (40 files each). Interfaces via the RS-232 port, as
does the modem.

I don't know what the distribution plans are, and maybe could not say
if I did know -- but will provide info as soon as I am able to.

NEATO-KEENO!!!

Phil



 #317 21 20 Feb 89 21:13:34
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 TDD OS

By the way, the developer of the Z88 OS for the TDD is Mike Nugent -- who is
also the technical editor of Portable 100 magazine.




 #319 18 21 Feb 89 17:50:02 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #316 SEE ALSO #321
Subj: OS for TDD2

Sounds great! Can't wait to get a copy.




 #320 16 21 Feb 89 17:51:21 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #314 SEE ALSO #322
Subj: FLTIBM on "AT"

Phil,
Thanks for the help. The patch worked file (I used 20H) and FLTIBM is now
up an running on my Sperry IT.
Vic




 #321 19 21 Feb 89 19:36:19 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #319 SEE ALSO #323
Subj: TDD OS


The article in the March Compute magazine read very positive and
factual. April's Playboy magazine pg. 172 features the Z88 too!
Hmmmmm... I guess Playboy needed a little hardware to display with
their software.

A DOS for the Z88 sounds great to me! I've not had any experience with
the Tandy portable drives,I preffered a casette recorder to using the
DVI with my M200(anyone need one REAL CHEAP?,Ha!),but the portable
unit should suit me just fine. Lets hear it for NUGE!
How are the portables powered? & will they take rechargables?

Chris





 #322 16 21 Feb 89 21:37:05 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #320
Subj: Patch to FLTIBM

Great! It's a funny thing how that is. With my Compaq 286 running at 12MHz,
no patch; likewise with my Z-150 at 4.77MHz with a V-20. But AT's seem to
need it.




 #323 17 21 Feb 89 21:39:10 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #321 SEE ALSO #325
Subj: TDD

Power is either AC (Mod 100 AC adapter will do it) or four AA's. Will run for
a long time off a set of batteries -- and the TDD2 depowers itself after 10
min of inactivity -- or maybe it's five min.

Much, much , much nicer than a Cassette!

Yes -- Nuge uber alles!

Phil




 #324 14 22 Feb 89 05:01:28 (RECV'D)
From: Pat Mcclurg
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #270
Subj: Hello again!

Hi Chris,
I saw that letter of yours that was printed in Portable Computer Review.
There were some interesting points raised, but I don't see the Z88 as a DOS
machine competitor, rather, I think, this computer is a direct competitor of
the Tandy portables. The NEC Ultralite may be a nice machine, but at its
hefty price of around three grand, it's going nowhere as a mass market
computer.

It may run a lot of IBM software, but who cares? Personally, I don't think a
notebook computer has to be IBM compatible; on the other hand, though, it
would be nice to have a built-in modem, which is what the Z88 should have had.
The disk drive you mentioned to me last summer hasn't appeared, either but
maybe it will. Admittedly, I haven't been keeping up on the latest
developments, and our Sysop has advised me to read up on some of the back
messages concerning the drive, which I will.



 #325 17 22 Feb 89 23:39:37
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #323 SEE ALSO #332
Subj: Z88 TDD OS

Yep, a groovy and necessary addition...!!!

About how much are used TDD2's anyone?

Curtis




 #326 13 24 Feb 89 00:27:01
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: Review Z88

I work with an Apple Developer (computer junkie) and I found out that he
received a Z88 to review for three months. I guess he's just supposed to be
testing Mac-to-Z88 transfers, but I don't know who is having him do it or if
it will ever be published (I don't think it will).

Since I don't have my Z88 yet, it was my first chance to hold one and I bet he
thought I was crazy because of how excited I was.

Anyway, if anyone wants me to tell him or give him anything for any reason,
let me know.

Curtis




 #327 17 24 Feb 89 11:57:19
From: Michael Costello
To: All
SEE ALSO #328
Subj: Macs anyone?

Despite all of the marketing hype from Cambridge Direct, I have yet to see a
mention of the Macintosh on this board (maybe I haven't looked, this is my
first call). Does anyone out there have any experience in this area? HOw is
Maclink? Thanks a lot.
Michael E. Costello
Meeting Director
BCS8Mac




 #328 18 24 Feb 89 17:29:27 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Michael Costello
REPLY TO #327 SEE ALSO #331
Subj: Z88 to MAC

One of the guys who works with me bought a Z88 for use with his MAC. He also
purchased maclink. I will check with him to see how things are working.
Vic




 #329 14 24 Feb 89 17:38:17
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #334
Subj: UNTAB.CLI

I have uploaded my first Z88 program, another TAB filter I call
UNTAB. This one is different than DETAB and TABFLT in that it
replaces tabs with the correct number of spaces to position the
first character following the tab to the next "tab stop". I have
chosen the default tab stops at each 8 columns: 9, 17, 25....
since the files I have to deal with are usually created on a VAX
editor which has tab stops set every eight columns. (Note that
each tab is NOT replaced with 8 spaces.) The user has the option
of changing the default tab columns. The name UNTAB was stolen
from the Unix program untab, which performs the same function.

UNTAB is much slower than Phil's DETAB, since my program is all
BASIC, with no M/L. However, it is faster than using DETAB and
then going into Pipedream to manually correct all the column
positions.

Note that like DETAB, UNTAB works only on plain text files.

Vic Roberts




 #330 15 24 Feb 89 19:12:13
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: Time Mastadons etc.

Well don't everyone panick; it seems that you can only set an Alarm up
to 16,264 years in the future on the Z88. Let's see... what am I going
to do for the next Ice Age?




 #331 15 24 Feb 89 21:04:43 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Michael Costello
REPLY TO #328 SEE ALSO #333
Subj: Macs here too!


Michael,I'm afraid I can't quite answer your Mac questions as of yet,
and this is slightly embarassing as I make my living with a Macintosh
(MAC II,Lazerwriter II,Scanner, mainly running Illustrator '88), but I
also run our company's database which runs on the IBM. Since I too have
an IBM at home it became my first choice to connect the Z88 with.
I am relying more & more on the MAC and I am now thinking of purchasing
the MAC-LINK. I did see it at Comdex and I must say it was much nicer
than the early version of PC-LINK that I am now using. Check back in
the near future & hopefully we'll have some MAC-FACTS.
Best regards,
Chris





 #332 15 24 Feb 89 21:17:52 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #325
Subj: Used TDD2's

Very hard to come by, Curtis. In any case, I suspect the OS, drive and cable
will be available as a package deal -- at least that is one option being
discussed. But I have no idea as to the price.

Phil




 #333 15 24 Feb 89 21:20:04 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Michael Costello
REPLY TO #331 SEE ALSO #336
Subj: Z88 + Mac

Cambridge Direct does lots of very visible advertising. But this BBS has
absolutely no connection with them, or an Cambridge distributor or dealer --
except some DO call here and get softwrae and messages.

I believe there are some here with Mac experience, but I am not one of them.

PC-Link works well, and I have every reason to assume that Mac-Link is a good
product. You may want to call Sharp's in Mechanicsville, VA re pricing for
the Z88 and accessories; they have the best prices I've seen so far.

Phil




 #334 15 24 Feb 89 21:25:32 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #329
Subj: UNTAB

Thank youvery much, Victor. Just got in from Cleveland and Chicago -- and I
will make your program available as soon as I get done running thru the
messages.

Phil




 #335 15 24 Feb 89 21:27:50
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Outlining with PipeDream

I just uploaded OUTLINE.PD & TEMPLATE.OTL to File Area 3. Identifies
myapproach to using PipeDream as a crude but useful outliner.

Phil




 #336 15 25 Feb 89 00:31:47 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Michael Costello
REPLY TO #333 SEE ALSO #339
Subj: Macs

The apple developer I work with says Maclink does everything it says it will.
He's a little on the non-talkative side, so that's about all I got out of him.
Personally I feel Maclite is a little highly priced (maybe it isn't though).

Curtis




 #337 14 25 Feb 89 00:40:40
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #338
Subj: Keyboard Pokes

I was talking with a friend of mine abot the ultra-silent keyboard on the Z88.
I personally think it's great, but he needs some sort of click. Is there a
POKE similar to the one the TS-2068 had (you could alter or turn off the
keyboard click)? If not, is it possible to write some sort of background
program that wouldn't slow the input down TOO much?

Curtis




 #338 16 25 Feb 89 03:55:40 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #337 SEE ALSO #340
Subj: Keyboard click

Curtis,
Go into the "setup screen" []S, and you will find an option to turn on an
electronic keyclick.
Vic




 #339 18 25 Feb 89 06:17:23 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #336 SEE ALSO #354
Subj: Mac-Link

Curtis, it may not be that pricy -- if you mean the advertized price. per
Cambridge Direct. I believe their price for a Z88 alone in $599. I paid $499
for mine, and one place I know of sells them for $479. So it may be that
Mac-Link is available at a lower price, too. But I don't think I have ever
see a stand-alone price on it.

Phil




 #340 17 25 Feb 89 06:20:30 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #338 SEE ALSO #341
Subj: Kbd Sound

Go to the panel ([]S). The second option is Keyclick. Toggle it from no to
yes and you are in business.

Phil




 #341 18 25 Feb 89 06:22:06 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #340 SEE ALSO #353
Subj: Keyclick

Ya beat me to it by 2.5 hrs, Victor. Well you are on Eastern time!




 #344 15 26 Feb 89 01:56:33
From: Len Rubin
To: All
SEE ALSO #345
Subj: "Maclink" prices etc.

It feels like it's finally time to for me to climb off my demure perch up here
in the bleachers, and enter the conversation in progress down on the playing
field of this BBS.
Item#1: I have been a dealer for the Z88 and related products for the past 6
months or so. Although my experience with the Z88-to-Mac Linkup program is
largely vicarious (I do not personally own a Mac, and so have had only limited
hands-on experience with the program on my partner's machine), we have sold
numerous Links to our clients, and all have reported very positive results
thus far. It is much slicker than the version of the corresponding PC package
that I have used.
Item#2: "Maclink" is actually the name of an existing popular program for the
Mac--consequently, Cambridge Computers is now calling their program
"Z88-to-Mac Linkup", or a variation thereof. We should follow suit (Excuse the
pun, but it seemed illustrative).
Item#3: We sell the package for $129.00, which includes the menu-driven
software (featuring selectable, automatic format translating) on EPROM & disk,
DB-9 to 8-pin Mac connector (I don't know the correct name of that hardware
standard), and documentation.
Item#4: A plug--We at Time Management Group will continue to make evry effort
to support users of this BBS (and other enthusiasts) by offering to match the
prices of other dealers (within reason) on all of our products, which include
those from Cambridge, Wordmongers, Harvester Software, Psion, Touchbase
Systems (manufacturers of the Worldport modems), Kodak (manufacturers of the
Diconix battery-powered inkjet printers), EZ (manufacturers of custom cables,
adapters, break-out boxes, etc.), to n
to name a few. Those who desire additional information, please drop us a card
at: Time Management Group
325 Park View Terrace #18
Oakland, CA 94610
or phone us at:415-839-7826
In the interest of professionalism and decorum I feel it is inappropriate to
use this board for anything resembling commercial enterprise, but in light of
all the "ink" given to our competitors in VA, I couldn't resist this one plug!
-Yours in enthusiasm and service,
Len Rubin




 #345 13 26 Feb 89 06:01:06 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Len Rubin
REPLY TO #344 SEE ALSO #355
Subj: Commercials

Len, no problem! In fact information on where things are available and at
what prices is very valued; unlike the Model 100, you cannot just wander into
your corner Tandy store and buy a Z88. If I, personaly, mention a particular
dealer (actually I've mentioned three: cAmbridge Direct, Sharp's and TAM's)
it's because I have either seen an ad or dealt with them personally. Oops --
also have mentioned Wordmongers, but I guess they are not really a "dealer".

At one time, Cambridge North America reps said they would like to leave
messages here from time to time re their activities, and I encouraged that.
No messages yet, but that kind of info would be welcome.

I think that one of the services this BBS should provide is information on
what is available, at what prices and the quality of support provided by
various sources. Of course, when they start selling Z88's at the corner
electronics store, it will be less needed. .

So by all means feel free to leave messages re what you have available, prices
(seems to be a swinger!), how to contact you, etc.

And thanks for the very specific info on "Mac-Link" (whoever came up with the
other name needs to learn something re "positioning".

Phil




 #346 12 26 Feb 89 09:31:07 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #347
Subj: GAME

I'll upload a game program that was put on GEnie by Dave Bennett it's called
CAMEL.BAS. It's a nice little adventure type game. To make it official I've
asked Dave's permission to bring his GEnie stuff here.
Chris




 #347 14 26 Feb 89 09:41:44 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #346 SEE ALSO #349
Subj: GAME

Yes, I am glad you asked Dave's permission to put it here -- ah, but what was
his reply? As soon as I get confirmation of a "yes" I will make it available.
And please invite Dave to come here; I don't think he has logged in.

Phil




 #351 8 27 Feb 89 20:01:43
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New File Area

The file system has been slightly reorganized. Area 4 resurrects support for
zBase. Files from Area 4 for other laptops have been moved to ARea 5
(Miscellaneous).

This move further underscores the committment of this system to full support
of the Z88 and its users!!

Phil




 #352 6 28 Feb 89 00:28:45
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: version SN

A while back, somebody mentioned taking a "survey" of what serial numbers and
ROM versions evryone had. I haven't seen much lately, but the Apple developer
I work with has this Z88:
Ser. #014064 with ROM v3.0

Curtis




 #353 6 28 Feb 89 00:31:26
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #341
Subj: Click

I guess that was a pretty dumb question, then? But THANKS!!




 #354 6 28 Feb 89 00:33:08 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #339
Subj: Not Pricy

You're right as is generally the case.
An old price fom Sharp's on Maclink (or at least "Mac to Z88 Linkup" is
$119.95).

Curtis




 #356 5 28 Feb 89 03:50:09
From: Bernard Glassman
To: All
SEE ALSO #358
Subj: Macs etc.

I own a Mac II, a Mac SE2/40 and a wonderful old 512 with an
Imagewriter I, as well as a Datavue Spark, which was
originally purchased for computing on the road (Ten pounds
is not a laptop for long, and it can destroy your day
running through an airport). Since December or early
January, I have been the very happy owner of a Z88 with Z88-
to-Mac.

I would give up one of my other machines before I would give
up the Z88, and I love the Mac enough to have become a part-
time developer--accounting software for architects. My
full-time work requires a great deal of travel and
interviewing, and I find that I can interview people while
unobtrusively taking notes on the Z88, rough-edit the notes
on the plane or train, and finish the job on the Mac. I
take meeting notes on the Z88 and have them in distribution
within an hour of the meeting. I have printed very clean
drafts on the Imagewriter directly from the Z88 by altering
a couple of the codes in PrintEd to get bold and underlines,
and I now frequently send messages from the Z88 to people's
fax machines via MCI Mail or CompuServe. I have done on-
line literature searches in people's offices, sent them to
the Mac for my secretary to clean up, and had the search
results laser-printed and send to the person I did the
search for the same day.

The most innovative use of the Z88 I have tried thus far was
to pass it around the room at a conference to which I was
speaking. I had everyone enter their name and address, just
as if it were the good old sign-in sheet. As soon as the
meeting was over, I was able to use the list to send follow-
up material to the attendees, and merged the list with my
database of contacts.

I have never had a problem translating a file with Z88-Mac,
and I often just use the SEND.CLI utility to transfer text
files. In fact, I did all my tax records on the Z88, saved
them as a text file, transfered them to the Mac with SEND
and made them pretty in Excel. It was flawless.

Here are my only complaints. It seems almost impossible to
keep the Z88's keyboard from looking seedy, which is a
little embarrassing aroundn interviewees, who inevitably
want to handle it. COM88 has an annoying habit of staying
in that faded-out, small-type mode that it uses for
prompting you for a file name when you are saving text,



 #357 3 28 Feb 89 03:53:09
From: Bernard Glassman
To: All
Subj: Macs con't

which gets to be a problem when you are doing extensive searches of large
databases. Nonetheless, I am a great fan, and will have to think long and
hard before buying the portable Mac. I just wish there were a way to hook the
Z88 up to one of those portable LCD devices for overhead projectors. Ah, well.




 #358 6 28 Feb 89 05:48:55
From: Sysop
To: Bernard Glassman
REPLY TO #356
Subj: Macs etc.

Very informative message, Bernard. Thanks!

If you have that PrintEd version for the Imagewriter saved as a menu file, it
would be nice if you uploaded it to File Area 3; others may find it useful --
and I have no ability to provide support of that type to Mac users.

I regularly clean my keyboard with dampened Q-tips (very lightly dampened!).
They are great for getting between the keys -- and mine has looked much nicer
since starting this process. I have the optional carrying case -- and I keep
Q-tips in three of the ROM/RAM pockets inside -- but there are equally good
ways to carry a few Q-tips!

Phil

#358 6 28 Feb 89 12:51:29
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Message Deletion and ARchive

I am in the process of puging messages over one month old and archiving each
month's messages in File area 5. First two are AREA1MSG.D88 and
AREA1MSG.189, soon to be followed by AREA1MSG.289.

This will keep this particular subdirectory from becoming too full (getting
close!) and will make it easier to mass-download messages for those who want
to get them all.

Phil



#359 6 28 Feb 89 17:39:07 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #357 SEE ALSO #361
Subj: ROM/RAM pockets

Well, I do learn something everyday. Does your case really have
ROM/RAM pockets. Mine just has a big pocket on the front. Now, if I
could only find the "version number" of the case....



#360 8 28 Feb 89 17:41:00 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #362
Subj: Missed messages

Phil,
I have noticed that when I sign on and say read new I miss one message. That
is, the system thinks I have read one more message than I actually have. A few
weeks ago you had posted a bulletin to this effect. Perhaps it should be
reposted.
Vic



#361 5 28 Feb 89 21:38:02
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #359
Subj: Case

Yup -- really has those pockets. Got it from (excuse me, Len) Sharps'. Has
six pockets inside, each one just the size to hold a single ROM or RAM
cartridge. Only ID is "Made in China".

Seems like it cost about $20.

Phil


#362 6 28 Feb 89 21:41:10
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #360
Subj: Missed Messages

Yes, that seems to be an artifact of the software -- only if there are new
messages, though. I will add a Bulletin.