8905

Date/TimeFromToReply ToNumberSee AlsoSubject
01 May 89 00:19:4Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts-2528spelling
01 May 89 00:22:5Curtis ClaarSysop-26-cable
01 May 89 21:23:2SysopVictor Roberts2528-Spell Checker
02 May 89 01:09:5Mike NugentBruce Durocher-29-Drives for Z88
02 May 89 16:41:4Victor RobertsAll-30-Spelling Checker
02 May 89 22:34:4Curtis ClaarPhil Wheeler-3134BBC BASIC
03 May 89 01:16:3Curtis ClaarPhil Wheeler-32-BBC BASIC
03 May 89 04:33:3Richard HawAll-3341z88 applications
03 May 89 06:19:4SysopCurtis Claar313436BBC Basic and PROC
03 May 89 17:50:2SysopAll-35-April Messages
03 May 89 19:45:4Curtis ClaarSysop3436-BASIC
03 May 89 20:34:0Paul BinghamAll-37-Z88
04 May 89 06:43:5Bruce DurocherMike Nugent-38-Z88 drives
05 May 89 00:23:2Curtis ClaarPhil Wheeler-3940click
05 May 89 14:23:2SysopCurtis Claar394042Click
05 May 89 16:54:2Victor RobertsRichard Haw3341-Spell Master
06 May 89 00:10:3Curtis ClaarSysop404245click
06 May 89 15:27:1SysopVictor Roberts-44-SpellMaster
06 May 89 15:32:3SysopCurtis Claar4245-Click
07 May 89 04:26:5Curtis ClaarPhil Wheeler-4647poorly written mesg.
07 May 89 06:41:0SysopCurtis Claar4647-Door Beep
08 May 89 17:39:3Phill JacksonPhil Wheeler-4851Z88 source
08 May 89 19:15:5Chris FennAll-4952Across the Pond
09 May 89 19:54:1Ed GreySysop-5053Sinclair ECHO
10 May 89 12:11:2SysopPhill Jackson485154Z88 Source
10 May 89 12:16:1SysopChris Fenn4952-Across the Pond
10 May 89 12:19:3SysopEd Grey505363Fido Linkup
10 May 89 15:36:1Phill JacksonSysop515461Z88
10 May 89 18:27:0Dave BennettAll-5556Z88 Talk
10 May 89 21:15:0Curtis ClaarDave Bennett5556-nigel bumping
10 May 89 21:15:5Curtis ClaarAll-57-Par. I/F
10 May 89 21:27:4Curtis ClaarAll-5867Imp/Exp
10 May 89 21:27:4Curtis ClaarAll-5867Imp/Exp
10 May 89 22:46:0Curtis ClaarAll-59-Imp/Exp OOOOOPPPS
10 May 89 22:56:0Curtis ClaarAll-6062DC adaptor
11 May 89 06:35:5SysopPhill Jackson5461-Cambridge
11 May 89 06:38:5SysopCurtis Claar606264AC Adapter
11 May 89 17:36:0George BondSysop5363-Fido link
11 May 89 17:40:3George BondCurtis Claar626466no bombing
11 May 89 18:13:1SysopAll-65-SpellMaster
12 May 89 16:02:0Victor RobertsCurtis Claar586779CTL-C
13 May 89 07:30:4SysopAll-68-PC-Link Comments
13 May 89 15:44:1Richard HawAll-6980spell and other
14 May 89 08:25:2Chris FennAll-7071Flint's new mag.
14 May 89 08:45:1SysopChris Fenn707181Flint's Reviw
14 May 89 14:16:3George BondCurtis Claar6672-ac/dc adapter
14 May 89 14:46:4SysopAll-73-BBC Basic Loop Problems
15 May 89 21:08:3Harvey MichelsSysop & Phil-7577vt100 emulation and mnp software
15 May 89 21:41:0John GaudreaultPhil-7678BASIC FILES
16 May 89 20:45:3SysopHarvey Michels757790VT100/MNP
16 May 89 20:47:3SysopJohn Gaudreault7678-BASIC -- CLI's
17 May 89 01:17:4Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts6779-CTL-C
17 May 89 01:24:5Curtis ClaarChris Fenn718188PC LAPTOPS
17 May 89 04:11:1SysopCurtis Claar8384-Upload
18 May 89 20:08:5SysopAll-85-Yahtzee for Z88
19 May 89 14:06:2George BondSysop-8687spellmaster
19 May 89 18:16:1SysopGeorge Bond8687-Spellmaster
19 May 89 20:22:4Chris FennCurtis Claar8188-PC LAPTOPS etc.
20 May 89 06:32:2Victor RobertsHarvey Michels779095VT100
20 May 89 09:12:1SysopAll-92-Area 2 Messages
20 May 89 15:58:2Paul BinghamAll-93-Latest News
20 May 89 18:38:3Richard HawCurtis Claar809496beep
20 May 89 18:40:5Richard HawVictor Roberts909598vt52
20 May 89 19:28:5Curtis ClaarAll-97-index/*NAME
20 May 89 19:43:0Victor RobertsRichard Haw9598108VT52 on VAX
20 May 89 19:57:1Victor RobertsCurtis Claar-99109Imp/Exp
20 May 89 20:02:1Victor RobertsSysop-100-Spellmaster & ZN-DOS
20 May 89 20:30:2Victor RobertsSysop-101151MOre ZN-DOS stuff
20 May 89 22:47:4Chris FennVictor Roberts-102-Cold Fusion
20 May 89 23:23:1Chris FennAll-103104Wish list etc.
21 May 89 06:39:1SysopChris Fenn103104110Wish List
21 May 89 14:58:5SysopAll-105-New Program from Richard Haw
21 May 89 15:19:5Dave BennettCurtis Claar-106111QL
21 May 89 15:42:2SysopAll-107-UNITS.BAS
22 May 89 00:28:2Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts98108113mainframes 'n Z88's
22 May 89 00:33:5Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts99109118Imp/Exp
22 May 89 00:42:3Curtis ClaarChris Fenn104110-Calcilators
22 May 89 00:51:0Curtis ClaarAll-112-playboy
22 May 89 04:17:5Richard HawVictor Roberts108113117vt52
22 May 89 06:22:4SysopHarry Chesley-116-BBS ->MAC -> Z88
22 May 89 18:01:4Victor RobertsCurtis Claar113117119Connection to mainframes
22 May 89 18:09:5Victor RobertsCurtis Claar109118121Imp/Exp
22 May 89 18:11:5Victor RobertsRichard Haw117119120VT52
22 May 89 22:23:3Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts119120123ONE
22 May 89 22:26:2Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts118121-failing
22 May 89 22:30:5Curtis ClaarAll-122-Fast VDU graphics
23 May 89 04:01:4Richard HawVictor Roberts120123130editors
23 May 89 06:29:4SysopAll-125-New Stuff
23 May 89 09:51:0George BondAll-126127Pournelle/Z88
23 May 89 14:38:0SysopGeorge Bond126127-Pournelle
23 May 89 17:30:0Curtis ClaarDave Bennett-128-QL Cable
23 May 89 23:04:2Curtis ClaarAll-129132Laplink
24 May 89 18:08:2Victor RobertsCurtis Claar123130131ONE
24 May 89 18:12:4Victor RobertsRichard Haw130131143VT100 emulator
24 May 89 20:08:5SysopCurtis Claar129132145Laplink
24 May 89 20:10:3SysopRichard Haw-133-Z88TRAN.C
24 May 89 20:30:1SysopAll-134-Z88TRAN.C
24 May 89 22:29:2Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts131143144ONE
4 May 89 22:31:06Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts143144156EMACS
24 May 89 22:32:3Curtis ClaarSysop132145-LAPLINK
26 May 89 23:10:2Curtis ClaarAll-147149summer?
28 May 89 01:04:1SysopCurtis Claar147149175Summmer?
28 May 89 07:29:1Mike NugentVictor Roberts101151157ZN-DOS
28 May 89 08:19:0Chris FennAll-152154Pipedream Lotus Etc.
28 May 89 08:20:4Chris FennCurtis Claar-153176QL-Archive-Z88
28 May 89 13:50:1SysopChris Fenn152154155Misc
28 May 89 15:21:1George BondChris Fenn154155161BYTE delivery
28 May 89 18:29:0Victor RobertsCurtis Claar144156-Emacs
28 May 89 18:32:5Victor RobertsMike Nugent151157-ZN-DOS
28 May 89 18:39:4Victor RobertsAll-158-Using the Emacs Editor on UNix Systems with the Z88
28 May 89 18:48:0Victor RobertsSysop-159160Quickedit
28 May 89 21:04:1SysopVictor Roberts159160-QuickEdit
28 May 89 21:28:5Chris FennSysop155161162Misc etc.
28 May 89 21:29:5Chris FennGeorge Bond161162163Empty mailbox
29 May 89 08:09:0SysopGeorge Bond162163-Byte
29 May 89 19:40:1Chris FennAll-164165BYTE
30 May 89 05:52:3SysopChris Fenn164165168Byte
30 May 89 19:34:0Steven ZinkAll-166169modem
0 May 89 19:36:47Steven ZinkAll-167171ram storage
0 May 89 20:08:43Chris FennSysop165168-GROK etc.
0 May 89 20:10:16Chris FennSteven Zink166169170Modem
0 May 89 20:15:49SysopSteven Zink169170172Modem
0 May 89 20:19:23SysopSteven Zink167171-RAM
0 May 89 20:25:06SysopSteven Zink170172177Modem
0 May 89 21:54:59Jack KruegerAll-173178Z88 Print Drivers
1 May 89 06:54:36SysopAll-174-Z88 Print Drivers
1 May 89 22:20:34Curtis ClaarChris Fenn153176-archive
1 May 89 22:41:39Curtis ClaarJack Krueger173178-image writer

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- MAY 1989
---------------------------------

#25 37 01 May 89 00:19:42 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
SEE ALSO #28
Subj: spelling

Okay, I'll reply this time. I don't know of one, but when you find one let us
know. This reply didn't help you any, but at least now you're sure there is
somebody reading your messages.

Curtis




 #26 35 01 May 89 00:22:59 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
Subj: cable

I built a cable as described in #2:SERIAL.INF and called the same as the
PCLINK cable. It works fine with FLTIBM (as it should since the real PCLINK
cable does, too). the way I further understand is that if you then connect a
NULL modem cable, the effect will be opposite what NULL modem usually is: ie.
a modem cable. But I'm not too worried about a modem cable yet, so I'll just
enjoy my "PCLINK" cable for now.

Curtis





 #28 33 01 May 89 21:23:20 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #25
Subj: Spell Checker

Not any I know of, Vic. Shouldn't be to big a deal for someone to replace the
U.K. dictionary in one with an American dictionary -- but some vendor will
have to see a market.

Phil




 #29 33 02 May 89 01:09:56 (RECV'D)
From: Mike Nugent
To: Bruce Durocher
Subj: Drives for Z88

Bruce, the suggested retail for the complete package (PDD, cable, & ZN-DOS) is
$375. As you may have noticed, Mark from Sharp's already answered the question,
at least in part. Although we will sell direct, his price is better than what
we offer, so that's definitely the way to go. And the package is available now.

The normal PDD as it comes from Tandy will not work with the Z88; it must be
modified. Therefore, we sell the entire package, rather than a stand-alone
DOS. Since the necessary drive modifications are considered proprietary info,
we wouldn't be able to tell you how to modify your own drive, unless Terry
Kepner is willing to release the info to you under a nondisclosure agreement.
You can call us at 603-924-9455 and ask him. I'm not sure what he'll say, but
it can't hurt.

Thanks for your interest, and I'm sure you'll like the PDD/ZN-DOS!

-- Nuge --




 #30 31 02 May 89 16:41:46
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: Spelling Checker

Well folks, thanks for all the kind replys. I was in Baltimore
last night, writing a 3 page report on the APS Cold Fusion Seminar
at 2:00am in the morning (using my Z88, of course!) My need for a spelling
checker was never more apparent. I have decided to get SPELL MASTER, U.K.
dictionary and all. It must be better than nothing! The review in Vol 1, No 1
of PipeLine isn't too bad. I'll give you my opinion on this as soon as it
arrives.
Vic




 #31 32 02 May 89 22:34:42
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phil Wheeler
SEE ALSO #34
Subj: BBC BASIC

Am I doing something wrong or why doesn't this work:
10 TESTING
20 DEFPROC TESTING
30 PRINT CHR$(7);
40 ENDDEF
50 TESTING

Am I missing some important but minor detail. Why doesn't this beep twice? Or
even once for that matter?

Curtis




 #32 32 03 May 89 01:16:36
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phil Wheeler
Subj: BBC BASIC

Ah ha! I looked just a little bit closer at the models I was trying to sample
after and realized I left the PROC_ off of the call to the procedure. NOW I
can hopefully get to writing some Z88 programs. (FINALLY!) (But what will I
write? My first project was going to be the one of writing a BASIC xmodem prog
for the Z88, but you took care of that -- and went MAAANNNNY steps beyond
that! Oh well, I'll come up with something)

Do you think there IS a way SOMEHOW to call a procedure without the use of
PROC_? I know, it's real easy to type PROC_ and all, but I'm just wondering.

Thanks.
Curtis




 #33 34 03 May 89 04:33:39
From: Richard Haw
To: All
SEE ALSO #41
Subj: z88 applications

To anyone out there, as I have been using my little Z88 it has occured to me
that one of the nicest features is the user interface, and the capability of
running programs from ROM. Since it was nice enough to come with an eprom
burner installed, it would be nice if there was a way to easily write or
install applications into an eprom, putting multiple applications into one
chip. To that end it would be nice to have some sort of ascii file format for
assembled code, which would of course have a DOR header indicating offsets and
such. Then all you would need for a loader is a little burner program which
would take a list of hex files, set up the brother/parent links in the dors
and burn the eprom. Is there anyone working on this out there, it seems to me
to be a logical capability to have, one which would greatly enhance the end
user capabilities of the machine. Any ideas, suggestions, or comments are
welcome. Leave a message to me here, (checked infrequently), or on Genie
(R.Haw1), or BITNET to HAW@MSUEGR. As an aside on the subject of spelling
checkers, I thought I saw a message here saying something about "spellmaster"
whatever that is, I am also looking for a spelling checker, is there one for
the Z88. (I don't really want to write one). Richard Haw




 #34 35 03 May 89 06:19:42 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #31 SEE ALSO #36
Subj: BBC Basic and PROC

There are a couple of syntax errors and a structural error. Try this:

10 PROC_TESTING
20 PROC_TESTING
30 END
40 DEF PROC_TESTING
50 PRINT CHR$(7);
60 ENDPROC

There must be no space between PROC and its name; I use _ to set the two off,
but you could as well do DEFPROCTESTING or DEF PROCTESTING. And it's ENDPROC
not ENDDEF. Finally, you need a full stop in the program (a RETURN or GOTO or
END or such) prior to a DEF PROC -- else the main progrfam can run through
them. Best is to stack them up at the end of a program.

Best bet is to take a look at some of my longer programs -- or get the BBC
BASIC Manual to get the syntax right.

Phil



 #35 30 03 May 89 17:50:29
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: April Messages

Messages from April are now available for downloading in File Area 5 as
AREA1MSG.489. Note that the volume (file size) is down by a factor of three
from March!! This reflects more activity downloading files, but much less in
the message board. Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Phil




 #36 32 03 May 89 19:45:49 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #34
Subj: BASIC

Thanks for the help!




 #37 33 03 May 89 20:34:06
From: Paul Bingham
To: All
Subj: Z88

PIPELINE #2 is out and it is 24 pages of the latest on our favorite computer.
Tim Woods (the publisher) will have them at the CapitolFest this weekend.
Paul




 #38 29 04 May 89 06:43:58 (RECV'D)
From: Bruce Durocher
To: Mike Nugent
Subj: Z88 drives

Thankfor the info. I guess that I'll have to wait on the disk drive until
I finish getting the hardware for my BBS out of the way. I could have gotten
a TDD from a friend... I may try for the non-disclosure agreement.




 #39 28 05 May 89 00:23:27
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phil Wheeler
SEE ALSO #40
Subj: click

Okay Phil. When you hit a key on the keyboard, and the click is turned on, it
clicks. Have you come up with a way to force the same saoound with software
yet?




 #40 28 05 May 89 14:23:25 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #39 SEE ALSO #42
Subj: Click

Actually, there is a way. But I haven't done it -- happy with beep!
And I think it may be accessible only with M/L code.

Will look at manual and see what I cme up with.

Phil




 #41 27 05 May 89 16:54:26 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Richard Haw
REPLY TO #33
Subj: Spell Master

Richard,
Spell Master is a ROM-based spelling checker for the Z88. It was written by
Computer Concepts Ltd. in Britain. My current Sharp's catalog has it listed
for $119.95
There is a good review of Spell Master in Vol. 1, Issue 1 of Pipe Line. The
review was writtn by Tim Woods, who I believe is a contributor to this board.
In summary, the review says Spell Master does work, but is not as
convenient as we would like, since Pipedream files must first be saved to the
FILER and then loaded into a simple editor provided with Spell Master for
checking. (Not a big problem for me, since I always save copies of all my work
as I go, and the multitasking feature of the Z88 means the separate Spell
Master editor can be run without shutting down Pipe Dream.) The main drawback
to Spell Master is that it uses British spelling of words, like "colour". Tim
ends with a final comment "I consider Spell master to be as valuable as any on
the built-in Z88 applications."
I have ordered a copy of Spell Master, and will provide my opinions as
soon as it arrives.
Vic Roberts





 #42 29 06 May 89 00:10:38 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #40 SEE ALSO #45
Subj: click

Greta thanks! I am working on a program that it will be very suitable for. I
really am going to buy a couple of books -- as soon as I figure out which 2
(or 3) I want and when I get some free money.

Also, is there a way so softwarely force |he beep that you get when you open
the front door?

Thanks.
Curtis




 #44 27 06 May 89 15:27:10 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
Subj: SpellMaster

Vic, I've been thinking about buying SpellMaster for some time. So I'm quite
anxious to hear what you think.

Of particular interest will be a description of just how the editor part of it
works. I understand that hitting RETURN actually inserts a line. How
civilized! But what else will it do? Will it let you move a block or mark a
block and delete it? And can a block be just a word or two (vs. the "whole
line" set-up with PipeDream)?

I don't need much capability in the Z88, since I pipe everything off to a PC
for final editing, spellchecking (now!) and printing in most cases. But I am
not a real enthusiastic PD user -- so, what has SpellMaster to offer in terms
of editing capability?

Phil




 #45 27 06 May 89 15:32:35 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #42
Subj: Click

Curtis, I did not get the meaning ofyour question in the refenced msg.
Clarify?

Phil




 #46 26 07 May 89 04:26:51
From: Curtis Claar
To: Phil Wheeler
SEE ALSO #47
Subj: poorly written mesg.

In message 86, I was just continuing my questions...
Is there a way to softwarely force the beep you get when you open the door to
the expansion ports? I think it's a different sound from the CHR$(7) sound.
I think that's all I meant in my message.

Thanks.
Curtis




 #47 28 07 May 89 06:41:05 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #46
Subj: Door Beep

Yes, I'm sure there is. Perhaps (likely!) not from Basic, tho. I've
never done much with Beep alternatives (I pretty much like quiet pgms anyway).
Seems like Nuge has done some alternate sounds in his ZN-DOS for the Z88 +
TDD.

Phil




 #48 25 08 May 89 17:39:38
From: Phill Jackson
To: Phil Wheeler
SEE ALSO #51
Subj: Z88 source

Phil,
What is the best local (LA Area) source for the Z88?. I want the machine,
128K chip and the z88 to Mac adapter. I like to buy local when I can so I
have a shoulder to cry on when things go wrong.
Price matters too. What is the local price, ?
Phill




 #49 28 08 May 89 19:15:58
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #52
Subj: Across the Pond


Phil;
I just got a letter from a chap in the UK (Terence C.Filby) that was a
direct response from your "CARE PACKAGE" eprom exchange a while back.
He certainly enjoyed the benefits from the exchange. He wrote to me C/O
the TSUG users group I belong to here; as the address was included in
Wizard. He was also very curious to any hardware and publications we
may have here in the states that may not be over there yet. Mike
Nugent's Portable Disk Drive & PIPE*LINE were the two that came to
mind. Anyway I enjoyed getting a note from "across the pond".
Chris





 #50 26 09 May 89 19:54:10 (RECV'D)
From: Ed Grey
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #53
Subj: Sinclair ECHO

FYI, the Bull Pen BBS in Portland OR has succeeded in getting a Sinclair ECHO
on the Fido backbone (to begin in about a week). Do you have any plans to add
messages from your excellent BBS to that ECHO. It might make your discussions
available to more people nationwide and therefore in the end assist all Z88
users. I didn't see it mentioned in the message base, so I just wanted to let
you know. Take care.
Ed Grey, Sysop of Grey Matter BBS (213-971-6260)




 #51 23 10 May 89 12:11:20 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #48 SEE ALSO #54
Subj: Z88 Source

Phil, sorry but I'm not real up-to-date on local vendors. I got mine at TAM's,
the stationary chain, but I haven't seen one there for a while -- so they may
not be selling them. Bets bet would be to call CAmbridge NA and see who the
local dealers are, and go from there. I'll see if I can find the 800 number
(at home) and leave another message on this. Or maybe someone else will
volunteer it.

Phil




 #52 24 10 May 89 12:16:12 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #49
Subj: Across the Pond

Definitely interesting. I'm glad to see the software is haveing an impact.
By the way, that suggests Z88 EPROM newsletter that we haven't seen yet --
since the latest one here says nothing about the files I sent over, and that
seems to be the main info source -- tho maybe they DO talk to one another!!

Phil




 #53 25 10 May 89 12:19:30
From: Sysop
To: Ed Grey
REPLY TO #50 SEE ALSO #63
Subj: Fido Linkup

Ed, my understanding is that the linking of Fidos ("Fido backbone"?) is
basically a private mail thing, where each individual who wants to send a
message long distance gets charged by the "system" for the LD phone charges.
What you are sugesting is that ALL messages in the message base would be sent.

Assuming my understanding is correct, the best way to get more exposure would
be to upload my area1msg.* files to other systems. Problem is, which ones?
Very few Sinclair-oriented systems seem to support the Z88, so I could spend a
few bucks and not get to anyone who is interested.

Anyway, tell me what you mean by "Fido backbone", and if it is different than
my understanding.

Phil




 #54 25 10 May 89 15:36:14 (RECV'D)
From: Phill Jackson
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #51 SEE ALSO #61
Subj: Z88

Phil,
Thanks. I will look around locally. Is Cambridge the only distributor?
For a while it seemed that there were two companies with the same name and not
very good communications between them.
Phill




 #55 25 10 May 89 18:27:03
From: Dave Bennett
To: All
SEE ALSO #56
Subj: Z88 Talk

Well I gave my presentation of the Z88 at the Capital Fest. I basically just
covered the hardware, operating system and built in software. The talk was
originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon. But some of the earlier talks ran
over. They wanted to get the main speaker, Nigel Searle in before the show was
closed for the day. My talk was rescheduled for Sunday morning. There was a
previously scheduled break period which was used. This did not really give me
enough time to give my talk as planned. I had to cut out some planned
demonstrations. My comments on several topics were briefer than I would have
wanted. There were only about five people attending the talk. The Z88 is just
not that popular among users of previous Sinclair machines. Maybe because
those machines sold for much less money. One of the attendees bought a Z88
after hearing my talk. So in that sense the talk was a success!



#56 22 10 May 89 21:15:04
From: Curtis Claar
To: Dave Bennett
REPLY TO #55
Subj: nigel bumping

Boy. To be bumped by Nigel Searle.




 #57 25 10 May 89 21:15:56
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: Par. I/F

I've been playing around with and building various cables for my Z88 this last
week. And for all you QL users out there: the VERY SAME Par. I/F that works
with QL ser1 works with the Z88's ser port. Now I don't know if there are some
incompatibilities or not (I haven't used it extensively), but it SEEMS to work
perfectly. From the pinouts, it's logical that either the QL's ser1 or ser2
should be the same as the Z88 port -- and it seems as though ser1 is.

And about QL's Modapter Plus. If you take a PC-Link cable from the Z88 and
hook it into a gender changer and then into the Modaptter Plus, you can send
ASCII (at least) to the Z88. BUT I can very seldomly (once, and I forgot how)
receive data from the Z88. Therefore, protocol transfers (ie. checksum,
back-and-forth, you know) do not work.
(Why anyone besides me would want to hook up to their Modapter, I don't know,
I probably would just suggest a QL-to-Z88 cable)

Bored yet?
Curtis




 #58 26 10 May 89 21:27:45
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #67
Subj: Imp/Exp

Regarding the Imp/Exp protocol discussed on page 190, is this how you would
send a CTL-C in BASIC (or similar):
CHR$(27);"B";chr$(3);

I've tried that and it seems to work, but I'm doing SOMETHING wrong I think.
Any ideas. (I nedd to do this until I get or build a cable to properly
implement xmodem).

Curtis




 #58 27 10 May 89 21:27:45
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #67
Subj: Imp/Exp

Regarding the Imp/Exp protocol discussed on page 190, is this how you would
send a CTL-C in BASIC (or similar):
CHR$(27);"B";chr$(3);

I've tried that and it seems to work, but I'm doing SOMETHING wrong I think.
Any ideas. (I nedd to do this until I get or build a cable to properly
implement xmodem).

Curtis




 #59 24 10 May 89 22:46:00
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: Imp/Exp OOOOOPPPS

What I really tried was:

CHR$(27);"B";"0";"3";

I'll keep experimenting, but any help is welcome.

BTW: I found out the interesting way that you DO NOT <>EX BASIC programs. I
accidentally did that when I meant to execute the CLI. Boy oh boy, was it fun
to watch.




 #60 23 10 May 89 22:56:09
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #62
Subj: DC adaptor

6 volt DC is 6 volt DC, right? As long as the center is positive, "any" 6v DC
power source will owrk with the Z88, right? I bought a Radio Shack variable
polarity, multi-end power adaptor to use if it will work. I'm not going to
blow anything up am I?




 #61 22 11 May 89 06:35:51
From: Sysop
To: Phill Jackson
REPLY TO #54
Subj: Cambridge

As I understand it, Cambridge N.A. is the distributer while Cambridge Direct
sells direct by mail order to consumers. Don't know if they are two parts of
the same organization (what I suspect) or not.

Phil




 #62 22 11 May 89 06:38:56 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #60 SEE ALSO #64
Subj: AC Adapter

Well, I use a Radio Shack Model 100 adapter, with the polarity reversed to get
what the Z88 needs. But some adapters do have some electronics in them (I
think the M100 one does, which may be why it sells for $15).
So it may be that not just any old 6 volt adapter would be as safe (re line
surges and the like).

Phil




 #63 21 11 May 89 17:36:09 (RECV'D)
From: George Bond
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #53
Subj: Fido link

>> if this is too much like an ad, yank it
We're having Fido compatibility software written for BIX which
will allow BIX to look like a node on the Fido net. If you want,
I could pull your monthly archive of messages and distribute it
through BIX/Fido.




 #64 23 11 May 89 17:40:39 (RECV'D)
From: George Bond
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #62 SEE ALSO #66
Subj: no bombing

I've been using the same adapter for a month or so and no problems have
cropped up to date.




 #65 23 11 May 89 18:13:17
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: SpellMaster

SpellMaster is an Editor with Integrated Spellchecker, distributed on ROM. I
just bought it and highly recommend it to any Z88 writers. A mini-review is
now available in File area 2 (SPELMSTR.REV).

Phil




 #67 28 12 May 89 16:02:03 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #58 SEE ALSO #79
Subj: CTL-C

I may not understand your message, but Control-C is just CHR$(3).
CHR$(27) is ESC, which is needed for some things, but not for CTL-C.

Vic




 #68 24 13 May 89 07:30:47
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: PC-Link Comments

STAND-ALONE USE OF PC-LINK CONVERSION FILES
-------------------------------------------

My experience is that PC-Link is a very slow way to transfer files from
the Z88 to the PC; I suspect that this is equally true for the Mac
version. Moreover, the PC-Link ROM takes up a slot that I'd rather use
for something else.

As a result, I use Z88COM, interfacing through a serial cable (null
modem) with a comm program (PROCOMM) on my PC, to do file transfers.
With the baud rate set to 9600, this is much faster than PC-Link.

And the conversion programs on the PC can still be used. For example,
to convert from PipeDream to Lotus, just type PTL OLDFILE NEWFILE ,
where the file names can include extensions.

Which is the point of this message: You need not use the main PC-Link
programs to use its file conversion utilities.

Phil




 #69 23 13 May 89 15:44:13
From: Richard Haw
To: All
SEE ALSO #80
Subj: spell and other

To any who are interested, I got spellmaster the other day, and highly
suggest it to anyone using this little guy for writing. The dictionary
is very good for its size. There was also a question about beeps from
BASIC, try VDU 1,52,33,32+r,32+s,32+m where r is the number of beeps
of s*10 msec duration and s*10 msec between beeps. Richard Haw




 #70 22 14 May 89 08:25:22
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #71
Subj: Flint's new mag.


I read the mention of the Z88 in Larry Flint's new PC LAPTOPS magazine.
It appears that they didn't care much for the Z88 because; It does not
run MS-DOS programs (how utterly unthinkable),the batteries only last 5
hours,and they could not figure out how to make it print out with the
parallel cable. I'm surprised they figured out how to turn it on!
They could probably conquer the world with a handfull of "ALKALINES"
and a "PROPER BAUD RATE".
Ho hum,
Chris







 #71 25 14 May 89 08:45:11 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #70 SEE ALSO #81
Subj: Flint's Reviw

Probably the biggest problem was the screen; can't handle enuff lines
for his special art form -- ala Hustler.

Alas -- many "reviewers" seem to think they can do their job without knowing
anything. Naturally, if owning a PC lapper makes you an "expert", you will
have very negative views of Z88's, Mac's and anything else which is non-PC.
Personally, I think PC laptops are fine computers; but there's lots of room
for others. Not all who want true portability can afford the $3000 NEC
Ultralite (or tolerate the two hour battery life between charges). And not
everyone needs to run Lotus nd Wordperfect while on the road. Read somewhere
that the Execs of Lotus all have Ultralites -- and they mostly use them to
manage their calenders! Bit of an overkill, that!

Phil




 #72 23 14 May 89 14:16:30 (RECV'D)
From: George Bond
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #66
Subj: ac/dc adapter

Correct. #273-1650.




 #73 24 14 May 89 14:46:43
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: BBC Basic Loop Problems

One of the "oddities" of Z88 BBC Basic imposes definite limits on
program structure. A single stack is used for all looping and nesting
operations: REPEAT...UNTIL, GOSUB...RETURN, FOR...NEXT & FN/PROC
operations. This leads to some real hazards if structure is not
carefully watched. For example, a structure with a conditional exit
from a FOR..NEXT loop can result in a stack problem. Most commonly, on
of these errors will give a No GOSUB message somewhere along the line,
or maybe a No PROC message.

In attempting to convert THINK.IT from Model 100 Basic to Z88 basic,
this is one of the major problems I'm finding. The Model 100 version
uses several "re-entrant" tricks that just don't make it in Z88 BBC
Basic. Ugghh!

Anyway, if in your programming you get these "odd" messages, look to
your loops.

By the way, this information is from the "BBC BASIC Reference Manual for the
Z88", Section 2.5.

Phil




 #75 25 15 May 89 21:08:39
From: Harvey Michels
To: Sysop & Phil
SEE ALSO #77
Subj: vt100 emulation and mnp software

Does anyone know the status of the vt100 project? I understand that
someone is writing an emulator that will be put on an EPROM. Also, does anyone
know if MNP software is available for the Z88? It is available for MS-DOS
based machines.
harvey michels



 #76 25 15 May 89 21:41:04
From: John Gaudreault
To: Phil
SEE ALSO #78
Subj: BASIC FILES

Dear Phil, I am having difficulty with loading BASIC files into basic. I was
not able to get a file downloadded as a text file into Basic on the Z88. I
always get a "bad program" error message. I removed what I thought was
garbage. Could you let me know the step by step process for loading a program
in text format into Basic? Thanks
John J. Gaudreault 72067,3046




 #77 22 16 May 89 20:45:39
From: Sysop
To: Harvey Michels
REPLY TO #75 SEE ALSO #90
Subj: VT100/MNP

I know nothing of the status of any VT100 project -- just that some folks are
interested. To my knowledge, xmodem/chksum is the ONLY protocol available in
the Z88.

Phil




 #78 24 16 May 89 20:47:34 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #76
Subj: BASIC -- CLI's

Basic text files must be executed as CLI files -- and must begin with the
following lines:
#B
.J
NEW

Once you have it on the menu, go to the filer select the Execute option at the
Filere menu (or do <>EX), and give the text file menu. It will take you to
BAsic and load the file. When done, do SAVE "FILE" where file can include an
extension or not. That puts a Basic program on the menu which you can run
from then on by doing RUN "FILE" in Basic.

Phil




 #79 23 17 May 89 01:17:49 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #67
Subj: CTL-C

CTL-C was a character I pulled out of the hat as being one under $1F as
described on page 190 of the users manual. I've written a program that should
transfer in this protocol, but it doesn't yet, but hten it's not ooo important
now either.

Curtis




 #81 27 17 May 89 01:24:54 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #71 SEE ALSO #88
Subj: PC LAPTOPS

Yes, I saw that not so friendly (informed, intelligent, I don't know) article
too. For some reason, I don't think a Pournelle-type of letter drive would
prove anything with these folks.

Curtis




 #84 29 17 May 89 04:11:10 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #83
Subj: Upload

Thanks for the upload, Curtis. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get for it
for a couple of days -- because I'm leaving on a plane in a couple of hours.
Should be able to deal with it by the weekend, tho.

Phil




 #85 19 18 May 89 20:08:51
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Yahtzee for Z88

Curtis Claar has given us a nice new game for the Z88, with real nice
programming (his script signature on screen, etc.). It's also a nice lesson
in structuring Basic programs in the Z88. Give it a try!

Phil




 #86 21 19 May 89 14:06:28 (RECV'D)
From: George Bond
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #87
Subj: spellmaster

Phil, Your mini-review says spellmaster will move parts of a line or *2* lines
(my emphasis). Does this mean there is a 2-line cap on block
manipulations, or can any size block be dealt with? George




 #87 22 19 May 89 18:16:11 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: George Bond
REPLY TO #86
Subj: Spellmaster

Sorry for the confusion, George. So far as I can tell, there is no limit on
the size of a block.

Phil




 #88 22 19 May 89 20:22:42 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #81
Subj: PC LAPTOPS etc.

I hope I don't come off as a DOS basher for being so critcal of some
mostly DOS oriented mags. I use a DOS machine every day for my database
needs and for this application it's my machine of choice. I also use a
MAC every day for graphic applications and I think it's the best tool
for that. All too often they just make it up as they go, and they don't
find it too important to even try to learn the machine to any extent.
Several months back (or longer) I had sent a check to renew my sub.
to PICO magazine. Well.. I got a letter from Portable Computer Review
saying that PICO was now out of biz but they would step in and fulfill
the remainder of my brand new subscription. Hmmmm... I rec' one issue
quite a while back, and today I get a notice that my subscription is
running out (after one issue). It's just as well (I don't even own a
parrot,Ha!).
Chris
PS I really like the way you did YAHT-Z88, it plays very nicely.




 #90 20 20 May 89 06:32:20
From: Victor Roberts
To: Harvey Michels
REPLY TO #77 SEE ALSO #95
Subj: VT100

Last December I was trying to find a VT100 emulator and had contacted
Cambridge, along with others. I even sent Cambridge a long letter with
detailed specs on the emulator I would like.

This "need" has since disappeared. The Z88 has a fine VT52 emulator, and all
the systems I link to (VAXs and SUNs) can deal with the VT52 screen just as
well as with a VT100 screen. I have written a profile for the full screen
editor on our VAX which uses the Z88 8-line screen very well. Even does
windows. I am planning to do the same for the SUN.

However, the main reason why I no longer need the VT100 emulator is due to the
great job Phil did with Z88COM! In the early days, I was using ZTERM, which
hid the built-in VT52 emulator and substituted a TTY type terminal which did
not emulate anything. At that time I had the option of either using xmodem OR
VT52 but not both. Then Phil came along with Z88COM and fixed all that. His
program works WITH the built-in VT52 emulator, instead of replacing it with
something worthless. (As far as I can tell, Phil STILL does not appreciate the
value of this aspect of his own Z88COM.)

After all this, I must say I have no info on the status of the VT100 project,
which was supposed to be going on in England. If you can get your host systems
to drive a VT52, I would recommend that route.

Vic




 #92 22 20 May 89 09:12:13
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Area 2 Messages

Lots of folks leave questions for me in Area 2 at log-off, but few go back to
read the replies.

If you think your quesitons are being ignored, go to Area 2 and check your
mail.

Phil




 #93 21 20 May 89 15:58:28
From: Paul Bingham
To: All
Subj: Latest News

Hi!
You no doubt have all been reading issue #2 of PIPELINE and as I'm now puting
issue #3 together, I thought you might like a peek at what's cooking!
We'll have a hands-on review of the new Z88 disk drive and ZN-DOS as well as
the z-Tape cassette storage link from Wordmongers. James Hunkins has emerged
from the depths of the 128K ROM with some Hi-Res graphics revelations. We'll
have highlights of the CapitolFest, all the latest news, dealer's lists,
ads and offers. Don't miss it!
If any would like to join Club Z88 and start receiving PIPELINE just write to
Club Z88, 29722 Hult Road, lton, OR 97017 or call the order line at (503)
824-2658. (Both Visa and M.C. are accepted.)
Paul




 #94 20 20 May 89 18:38:38 (RECV'D)
From: Richard Haw
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #80 SEE ALSO #96
Subj: beep

form is vdu 1,52,33,32+r,32+s,32+m, s is space and m is duration,
both in milliseconds.
Richard




 #95 20 20 May 89 18:40:57 (RECV'D)
From: Richard Haw
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #90 SEE ALSO #98
Subj: vt52

What are you using on the VAX which works well with the VT52 emulator,
I use DEC systems, with EDT, and the screen scrolls dont work with
the Z88, confuse it terribly. What sort of profile are you using???
Richard




 #97 21 20 May 89 19:28:57
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: index/*NAME

Is there a relatively easy way to make the *NAME of a BASIC program show up as
bold or anything fancy in the index?

Curtis




 #98 22 20 May 89 19:43:09 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Richard Haw
REPLY TO #95 SEE ALSO #108
Subj: VT52 on VAX

A good question. I am using an editor called ined from Interactive
Syetems. This is part of a larger package which adds unix-like commands
on top of the VMS commands. After I posted the message, I realized that many
VAX users would not have this editor, so I should take a look at the normal
VMS editors.

There are some normal VMS things that I know DO work. For example if you issue
the command:
set terminal/page=8
the VAX knows that your terminal has only eight lines and things like
MAIL work great! Of course, you should first issue:

set terminal/device_type=vt52

to let the VAX know you have a VT52 terminal. Since MAIL works, I would think
that other VMS stuff would also work. The main problem remaining is that a
real vt52 has function keys that the Z88 does not have. In my use of the ined
editor, I was able to re-map the usual function key sequences to control key
pairs, such as ^D to insert a line and ^F to delete a line. With a built in
editor like EDT, I don't know how to do this yet.

One option would be to use emacs, which is public domain and very popular on a
number of systems. Emacs can be reconfigured any way you want, but the default
settings don't use any function keys at all. I am planning to write an emacs
profile for my SUN, which does not have ined available. Now I have added
incentive to get this done.

I believe this bbs could be a valuable forum on how to use the Z88 with
various host systems. I am somewhat surprised that discussions like this have
not taken place before. There must be people out there trying to get their Z88
to talk to all sorts of "mainframes". Where are you?

Vic




 #99 21 20 May 89 19:57:19 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
SEE ALSO #109
Subj: Imp/Exp

I re-read your original message asking how Import/Export would
send/receive a ^C. The sequence you used CHR$(27);"B";"0";"3"
certainly seems correct. I am somewhat confused though. The Z88 will
automatically make this conversion, so I assume the BASIC program you are
referring to will be running on the "other" computer, i.e. the computer
talking to the Z88.

I don't know if this is an issue for you any more. It would be helpful to have
more information about what you are trying to do.

Vic




 #100 20 20 May 89 20:02:14 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
Subj: Spellmaster & ZN-DOS

My Spellmaster and ZN-DOS finally arrived. The gears of "corporate"
purchasing departments grind very slowly.

I think Spellmaster is Great! However, I do not share you view about the
editor. The real TAB is great and the <>I screen is very useful, but I am a
regular Wordstar user, and I miss the Wordstar-like commands in Pipedream that
are missing from Quickedit. Commands like ^T to delete word, ^Y to delete line,
and ^G to delete character have become second nature to me. While RETURN in
Wordstar does add a new line when you are in the insert mode, the ^N code used
by Pipedream is the Wordstar way to add a line when working in the "over type"
mode. Since thes same commands work in the Sidekick note pad and the various
Borland Turbo language editors, I miss them in Quickedit.

However, there is a more important problem with Quickedit. Most of the things
I write on the road are uploaded to a VAX (with your Z88COM). To do this the
files must be in plain text mode with a CR-LF at the end of each line. As far
as I can tell, the only two ways to save files in Quickedit are: as Pipedream
files or as plain text files with a single CR at the end of each paragraph.
These files would have to be loaded into Pipedream anyway to get a CR at the
end of each line, before I could run them through FADDER to add the LFs.

I will try QuickEdit some more, and may change my mind, but these are my
initial impressions.

Now on to ZN-DOS. I have run across a serious problem with ZN-DOS. I would
like your confirmation that my problem is not unique. If I VIEW a file with
ZN-DOS, and use ESC to abort the listing, as the screen tells me I can do, my
Z88 hangs up about 50% of the time. This requires a SOFT RESET to clear. (I
did 5 of them tonight, as I workied through this problem. ) If I first stop
the listing with SPACE, then ESC will abort without locking up the machine. If
this problem is confirmed by others (not like cold fusion) it must be
fixed!!!! Soft Resets are a real pain in the ***. Some other observations on
ZN-DOS. The drive is only slightly slower than the Tandy PDD 2, even though
the baud rate has been cut in half. a 9800 byte file which took 31 sec to
transfer with my MOdel 102, took 42 seconds with the Z88 and ZN-DOS. Also, the
disk format is ALMOST the same as the Model 102 format. If I take the ZN-DOS
drive, and connect it to my PC and run LAP LINK, it correctly senses that the
drive is running at 9600 baud, and reads the directory with the correct file
sizes. However, if I try to VIEW or COPY a file, it comes up empty. So close,
yet not close enough. It sure would be nice to be able to use LAP LINK on my
PC to read ZN-DOS disks.

Other ZN-DOS observations. I appreciate that the ZN-DOS code was made


#101 22 20 May 89 20:30:23 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #151
Subj: MOre ZN-DOS stuff

The last message was cut off at 45 lines by your system. Just a few more
observations.

I appreciate that the ZN-DOS code was made as compact as possible as a service
to those with unexpanded Z88s. Howevere, many of us DO have lots of memory,
and some additional error messages and such would be helpful. Perhaps two
versions of ZN-DOS could be shipped on the ROM. A bare bones version for those
with limited memory, and an expanded version for those who do have extra
memory.

Finally. The PDD 2 seemed big, even when I used it with my Model 102. Now,
with the much smaller Z88, the drive seems huge. I recently saw a new Sony
Walkman that was almost as thin as a tape cassette. The motor is a thin
pancake. I can't wait until that technology is applied to portable disk drives
for all portable computers.

Please understand that in spite of my comments, I think the ZN-DOS is great
and appreciate having it.

Vic




 #102 19 20 May 89 22:47:40 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Victor Roberts
Subj: Cold Fusion

Hey Vic,
Isn't cold fusion the process that keeps sliced bananas suspended in
Jello? (Bill Cosby will neither confirm nor deny)
Chris




 #103 21 20 May 89 23:23:11
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #104
Subj: Wish list etc.


Here's a couple items I've added to my Z88 wish list:
1.) An archiver would be nice to fit more goodies on EPROM.
2.) I think a no BS scientific calculator would be okey-doke.

Has anyone else had any success channeling data to the Calculater via
CLI? I've tried to BATCH stuff to the Calculator without much success.
I think it streams in too fast, but delays don't seem to help much.
(I guess thats why they invented spreadsheets.)
Chris





 #104 21 21 May 89 06:39:16 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #103 SEE ALSO #110
Subj: Wish List

WEll, at the top of my list is a good quality outliner. I've struck out in my
efforts to convert the Model 100 one. Archiver WOULD be nice,too -- or maybe
just a squeezer would do.

Phil




 #105 16 21 May 89 14:58:56
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Program from Richard Haw

A new development from Richard Haw has been added to File Area 1. It is
UNITS.BAS (a binary file). Get also UNITS.DAT & UNITSDOC.PD.

Thanks, Richard!

Phil




 #106 17 21 May 89 15:19:51 (RECV'D)
From: Dave Bennett
To: Curtis Claar
SEE ALSO #111
Subj: QL

Curtis, I use a QL with my Z88 as well. I have not had any problems with
using the QL serial to parallel cable. I also use the RS model # 273-1650. I
do worry about accidently having the adapter on too high a voltage. I made up
a Z88 to QL cable. I can transfer ascii both ways using Import/Export and
Q_Link on the QL. But xmodem only works from the Z88 to the QL and not the
other way around. I need to archive Z88 basic programs on the QL. Converting
them to CLI files is too much trouble. Well I broke down and bought the Z88 to
QL transfer package. I heard that the latest version is much improved over the
earlier one. And I heard that it can transfer basic programs. I wonder if the
cable supplied will work sending xmodem from the QL to the Z88. Using Z88COM
and xmodem would be much nicer than Import/Export. Dave




#107 17 21 May 89 15:42:29
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: UNITS.BAS

I'm having some problems getting this one to run (EOF IN LINE 430 on loading,
if you are reading this, Richard), so I've removed it from view for the time
being.

Phil




 #108 16 22 May 89 00:28:22 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #98 SEE ALSO #113
Subj: mainframes 'n Z88's

Yes, I am trying to connect into the mainframe at work, although I haven't
gotten past the point of talking my computer-scared boss into it yet --
actually I have just barley gotten past that point, but no further. It's a ONE
System if that means anything to you. It's at a newspaper and basically it's
what the AP wires feed into, terminals (with what seems at first glance to be
weird protocols) all over the building feed into and off of, and the
typesetters feed from. I originally was going to hook straight into the
typesetter, but then suddenly I realized how much (feasibly) easier it would
be to just emulate one of those terminals.

Like I said, I haven't started anythin yet, though.

Curtis




 #109 16 22 May 89 00:33:53 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #99 SEE ALSO #118
Subj: Imp/Exp

I was simply trying to write a BASIC transfer program on my Sinclair QL that
would be fully compatible with the Imp/Exp on the Z88 (ie. ASCII 0-255).
That's all. I'm still trying to do it and then the next thing in my mind is a
fully automatic transfer program for the QL (the way I understand it the
QL-Link that is available still forces you to play with both keyboards, unlike
the Maclink).

Anyway, that's all I was doing with the arbitrarily chosen CTRL-C.
BTW: My program works just fine so far except on those pre-ASCII-32 characters
(the ones the ESC B sequence is for)

Curtis




 #110 19 22 May 89 00:42:33 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #104
Subj: Calcilators

What do you mean by a no-BS scientific calculator? And I haven't TRIED to send
stuff to the calculator, but before I knew Shift-ESC was the way out of CLI's
and I accidently EXecuted a BASIC program or two, it invariably ended up in
the calculator and things seemed just fine (considering). I'll play around
with it on the intentional level and see what happens.

Curtis




 #112 17 22 May 89 00:51:09
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: playboy

A while back, in the list of biggies entering the Z88 world, was a lady TV
reporter in Phoenix...

Could that be the same female TV reporter from Phoenix who posed nude for
Playboy? And do you think she posed with her new toy (THE Z88)?

Curtis




 #113 15 22 May 89 04:17:57 (RECV'D)
From: Richard Haw
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #108 SEE ALSO #117
Subj: vt52

Actually, most of my work is not on a VAX, but on an 11/73 running
RSX11M+, which is sorta like VMS, only much simpler, the editor is
very close to EDT (basic functonality is the same). Still trying to
figure out how to get it to work well, will post a file here once I
do (should apply to VMS EDT also).




 #116 18 22 May 89 06:22:41 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Harry Chesley
Subj: BBS ->MAC -> Z88

You say that downloading to Mac and then xfer to Z88 of BAS files is giving
you "Bad Program" message. That error means the Basic program is not all
there or has an internal error. If this happens repeatedly, some part of the
trnasfer process is at fault.

Unfortunately, I have no MAC. So I cannot do much to help. I am leaving this
as a public message (which is what you should have done) so that you will get
a broader base of possible advice. Since the Z88 plus Z88COM does work fine
downloading BAS files from here, this sounds more like a Mac issue than a Z88
problem -- or a Mac-to-Z88 interface issue.

As a general comment to all who read this: If you are having a technical
problem, leave the question as a public message here in Area 1. Log off
messages to Sysop are only visible to me; and withall the Mac action here,
there are a lot of things/problems I cannot help with.

Phil




 #117 16 22 May 89 18:01:47 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #113 SEE ALSO #119
Subj: Connection to mainframes

You say a ONE system. This doesn't mean much to me unless it is an
IBM System ONE. In that case, you may have a serious problem, since real IBM
terminals are very different from anything else in the world. They don't even
use the ASCII character set. For example, CHR$(65) is not "A" in the IBM
world. Some IBM systems, however, have an ASCII converter hung on the front
end so some people with "normal" terminals can still talk to the machine. We
have an IBM system 36xx with such an ASCII converter attached. It is the one
system we have which I have never attempted to use the Z88 with.

Try to find out if your "ONE" is an IBM System ONE. If so, we can try to work
from that. Also, what kind of terminals are attached?

Vic




 #118 16 22 May 89 18:09:50 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #109 SEE ALSO #121
Subj: Imp/Exp

Does it fail both ways QL to Z88 and Z88 to QL with pre-ASCII-32 characters,
or only in one direction?
Vic




 #119 16 22 May 89 18:11:58 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Richard Haw
REPLY TO #117 SEE ALSO #120
Subj: VT52

Prodded by your message, I finally got an EDT manual today and started to see
how it works. I haven't gotten very far yet, but did discover one disturbing
fact. I was trying EDT from my PC in the vt100 mode.
I used the:
set terminal/page=8
command which works so well in MAIL, yet when I started EDT and switched it to
the full screen mode, it used all 25 (24?) lines on my screen. So, we know
that EDT does not read the "terminal" profile as MAIL does. Now, I have to see
if there is another way to tell EDT that my terminal has only 8 lines.

More later.

Vic





 #120 15 22 May 89 22:23:37 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #119 SEE ALSO #123
Subj: ONE

Nope, it's not an IBM System 1, it's a product of ONE Systems, Inc. That's all
I really know at this point except that the terminals run at 9600 and are
connected through 2,3 and a shield ground (or whatever they're called when you
hook it to the plug casing).

I still don't know much and rumor is that we're upgrading to Sun sometime this
summer.

Curtis




 #121 16 22 May 89 22:26:23 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #118
Subj: failing

I KNOW it fails QL to Z88 (pre-ASCII-32) and beuse I am using my Modapter
cable (weird, I know... I'm planning to build a QL-to-Z88 cable today or
tomorrow) it fails in ALL respects from Z88 to QL. In fact, I've only
established a successful two-way linkup once and I forgot all the weird
settigs I had to make.

I'll let you know how it works after I build the right kind of cable. Or I
could modem my program to Dave Bennett and let him test it.

I just wasn't fully sure I had interpreted page 90 correctly.

Curtis




 #122 16 22 May 89 22:30:56
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: Fast VDU graphics

Here's something I discovered by accident (and ervyone probably already
knows): two make something you've VDU-defined change, you don't have to
VDU-define a character, VDU-define another one, print tab at a certain place,
VDU-display the first one, print tab to the beginning point, VDU-display the
second one.

All you do is define one, print tab, VDU-display it, then REDEFINE IT. EVERY
instance of that user-defined character on the screen at that time will
change. I know there is some good application for it, but I haven't com up
with it yet.

To see just how fast it is, try this:
10 define a character of your choice (ie. VDU 1,138,ASC"=",ASC"A",5,5,5,5,5,5,
5,5
20 PRINT TAB (0,0)
30 FOR I=1 TO 720:VDU1,ASC"2",ASC"?",ASC"A":NEXT I
40 VDU 1,138,ASC"=",ASC"A", differnet values than above
50 FOR I= 1 TO 500:NEXT I: REM YOU'LL NEED THIS DELAY TO SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO
SEE
60 VDU 1,138,ASC"2",ASC"?",ASC"A", same values you use in line 10
70 FOR I=1 TO 500:NEXT I
80 GOTO 40

This should take about five or ten seconds to fill the screen with your first
character and then flash instantaneously back and forth between the first and
second characters.

I hope everyone doesn't already know this and this isn't old hat for everyone.
And I also hope someone will make good use of it in Z88 flauntware.

Curtis




 #123 16 23 May 89 04:01:40 (RECV'D)
From: Richard Haw
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #120 SEE ALSO #130
Subj: editors

well, EDT just doesn't seem to work that well in full screen (keypad) mode,
mainly because there doesn't seem to be any way to get it to not expect the
screen to scroll. The best you can do seems to be putting the following in an
edit startup command file : set term vt52, set lines 8, set cursor 3:5. It can
of course be used in line mode, which
is what I have been doing with the Z88, but a full screen mode would
be nice. What would be really nice is if someone would convert Kermit with a
vt100 emulator for the z88. Richard.




 #125 16 23 May 89 06:29:42
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: New Stuff

New files!

From Richard Haw a 'C' source for a transportable desktop program to interface
with Inp/Exp in the Z88. Not executable, but use with your favorite 'C'
compiler. Now if someone will compile it on the MAC and uplaod that, I will
see about processing a PC version. Z88TRAN.C in Area 1.

From Curtis Claar a nifty utility for designing sound makers for BAsic.
SOUND2.BAS/CLI etc in File Area 1

And In Area 2 Z88TAPE.TXT. How to design an Amp to use zTape with a portable
tape recorder (from Ricahrd).

Thanks guys!

Phil




 #126 14 23 May 89 09:51:01
From: George Bond
To: All
SEE ALSO #127
Subj: Pournelle/Z88

Jerry has a new review of the Z88 in the June issue of BYTE. Much kinder and
much more informed.




 #127 15 23 May 89 14:38:01 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: George Bond
REPLY TO #126
Subj: Pournelle

Great! I can't wait to see what he has to say. Hmmmm...maybe my copy is
waiting at home.

Phil




 #128 15 23 May 89 17:30:03
From: Curtis Claar
To: Dave Bennett
Subj: QL Cable

Dave, what wiring scheme did you use on your QL cable?

Curtis




 #129 15 23 May 89 23:04:24
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #132
Subj: Laplink

Will somebody fill me in on the general workings of Laplink and the workings
(if any) with the Z88...?

Curtis




 #130 17 24 May 89 18:08:20 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #123 SEE ALSO #131
Subj: ONE

Never heard of ONE systems. If you do upgrade to SUNs, anything I learn
about hooking my Z88 to my SUN should be useful to you. By the way,
do the ONE System computers use any operating system we would recognize?

Vic




 #131 17 24 May 89 18:12:48
From: Victor Roberts
To: Richard Haw
REPLY TO #130 SEE ALSO #143
Subj: VT100 emulator

When I first got my Z88, I thought a VT100 emulator would be perfect.
It would have to have a 24-line buffer and some way move the Z88 screen
through that buffer as an 8-line window.

However, now that I have modified the ined editor on our VAX so that it drives
the 8-line Z88 screen directly, I do not want an emulator which gives me an
8-line window into a 24-line buffer. I want all editors to understand the
8-line screen.

I must admit that so far I also have been unable to get EDT behave like I want
it to, but it is, after all designed by DEC just for VT-52 and VT100
terminals. DEC didn't give us options to configure EDT for non-DEC terminals.
However, emacs should be another matter. It is designed for all types of
terminals, so we should be able to configure it to run the Z88. It runs on
lots of operating systems, including MS-DOS, VMS and UNIX, and it is FREE. I
am hoping to have emacs configured for my Z88 by the end of this weekend. I
will keep you posted.

Vic




 #132 15 24 May 89 20:08:53 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #129 SEE ALSO #145
Subj: Laplink

LL is PC-to-PC, period. Has no applicability to a Z88 or Model 100 or
anything but a PC-type lapper.

Phil




 #133 16 24 May 89 20:10:38
From: Sysop
To: Richard Haw
Subj: Z88TRAN.C

Gee, Richard, the program is tantalizing. But there is enough missing that it
is a little hard to know how to proceed. But then I'm not a 'C' programmer by
nature (tho I have hacked around a bit). I guess what I/we need is a complete
program (including z88tran.h plus all the routines and constants called out to
be diefined) for a particular machine. Otherwise, for routines and the
include file, it's a bit hard to know how to proceed. Help!!

Phil




 #134 16 24 May 89 20:30:19
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88TRAN.C

In a just-received message, Richard Haw says he will add a bit to the program
and add an executable version. Neat! When available, I will put it in Area 1.

Phil




 #143 17 24 May 89 22:29:25 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #131 SEE ALSO #144
Subj: ONE

I'm not sure about the operating system yet, I'm still checking. I'll let you
know when I find out.

Curtis




 #144 4 24 May 89 22:31:06 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #143 SEE ALSO #156
Subj: EMACS

I've seen emacs around quite a bit (the word anyway) and I have no idea what
it is. WHAT IS IT? And it's free? And it's configurable to Z88? What exactly
is this beasty?

Curtis




 #145 20 24 May 89 22:32:35 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #132
Subj: LAPLINK

THANKS for the LL info!




 #147 14 26 May 89 23:10:26
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #149
Subj: summer?

Hey everyone, I know it's summer and all, but two nights in a row with no
messages to read? What a bummer!

Curtis




 #149 12 28 May 89 01:04:12 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #147 SEE ALSO #175
Subj: Summmer?

Well -- it may be less that it's summer and more that folks are off traveling
for the 3-day weekend. But don't forget to look in Area 3 for messages too;
some general interest ones DO show up there from time to time. And be sure to
check the buletin coming in for new files (I sometimes neglect to leave a
message!).

Phil




 #151 14 28 May 89 07:29:17 (RECV'D)
From: Mike Nugent
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #101 SEE ALSO #157
Subj: ZN-DOS

Victor, I just saw your message and wanted to let you know that I'm now aware
of the problem you're having. I haven't seen it myself, but I will beat the
living daylights out of that routine to see if I can make it fail here, too.
And I'll issue a fix as soon as possible, if there is an error.

Also, the lack of error messages will be corrected in the next version, which
will be released soon (barring any weird developments). Moreover, the size of
the program should not increase much, if at all, as I've managed to squish
another 190 bytes out of the existing version. That should leave room for the
messages! One of the main reasons for the intial lack of error messages was to
get the product out to those who had been eagerly awaiting its release. I
didn't want to lag far behind the promised release date.

My plan is to send a disk of the revised version to all registered owners as
soon as it's available. If possible, the upgrade will be sent at no charge, as
I see no reason to penalize early purchasers. On the contrary, I'm grateful!
(So if you 're not registered yet, please do so, or we won't be able to find
you!)

Meantime, just avoid the ESC key unless you've stopped the VIEW scrolling.
(Doctor, it hurts when I do this....). The fix should be along soon.

As for the Lap-Link (and similarly, LapDOS), the problem lies in the different
filename lengths used by M100's and Z88's, for one thing. And another is that
Tandy files can be classified by extensions as to their type. Not so with the
Z88, which could lead to problems if files are swapped directly between
machines. (I'm sure you would be careful, but my experience with the "General
Public" suggests that I'd be getting lots of emergency phone calls, and my DOS
would be blamed for not being very "friendly.") Perhaps later I can find an
elegant, safe solution that would allow use of the Traveling Software programs.

In the meantime, we are developing software to let the PC's and Mac's access
the PDD directly. And maybe later, we'll include a direct Z88 to PC/Mac file
transfer utility built into the DOS. Have to wait and see how the DOS is
accepted first.

If you have further problems, ideas, whatever, feel free to call us at the
PCIC number displayed on the bottom of the ZN-DOS main screen. Thanks for your
input!

-- Nuge --




 #152 12 28 May 89 08:19:02
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #154
Subj: Pipedream Lotus Etc.

Am I the last kid on the block without my BYTE magazine? It sure is
slow this month,but always worth the wait.
I'm setting up a job scheduler in Pipedream to track in-coming and in
process art jobs that will extend the due dates on new jobs if the over
all work load is beyond a predetermined point. Eventually I will
convert it to Lotus 123 for our IBM and or to our MACs. While I was
tinkering with 123 I found the date functions something less usable
than in Pipedream. Someone correct me if I've overlooked something in
using 123, and I am NOT AT ALL saying that Pipedream is a better
spreadsheet but so far it seems that Pipedream handles date functions
a wee bit better. Both of them allow you to perform calculations using
the dates but Pipedream lets you view the dates as is, and the best I
can get out of 123 is a whole number representing the date (am I doing
somthin' wrong?).

Also I ran into another in my conversion attempt. This formula in
a Pipedream slot is perfectly OK : if(H3>=F3,H3-F3,"ACTIVE")
123 expects a numeric response if the statement is false and it will
not display a string like Pipedream will (at least I can't get it to).

Perhaps I'll let IMPEX88 do the conversion and see what it comes up
with .




 #153 11 28 May 89 08:20:48 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Curtis Claar
SEE ALSO #176
Subj: QL-Archive-Z88

Curtis,do you use Archive much with your QL? I liked it so much on the
QL that we bought the DOS vers.and use it at work. I hold all of our
job info in it and process all work orders through it.
Anyway if you have any DBF files and info that has a pertaining date
field I've written a little proc that will export the data in a form
that DIARY can use. All the data will fall into it's correct date slot,
but you'd have to customise it to suit your specific need.
Chris




 #154 12 28 May 89 13:50:12 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #152 SEE ALSO #155
Subj: Misc

Wel, Chris -- I have yet to get my BYTE or see one on a newstand. Someone(?)
left a message re Jerry's improved view of the Z88, but that's all I know --
tho in the May issue he did have a one-liner sying he was liking it better.

I am a modest 1-2-3 user (i.e., use it a lot, but not many of the features).
So I'm afraid I cannot help a whole lot.

Have you tried Richard's new UNITS program? Pretty nifty -- tho I'd like to
be able to add to the data base.

Phil




 #155 12 28 May 89 15:21:12 (RECV'D)
From: George Bond
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #154 SEE ALSO #161
Subj: BYTE delivery

No, it's not you. I work for BYTE and get copies by overnight express as soon
as they are published. The Post Office generally begins getting them to
subscribers about now. I know the first ones hit about 5/25 -- we began
getting BIX registrations using a new keyword in that issue.




 #156 11 28 May 89 18:29:04 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #144
Subj: Emacs

Emacs is a full-screen editor which can be configured for many systems.
It is available for Unix and VMS minis and for the PC. I don't like it much,
but I have gotten it to work with the Z88. See later message and file
emacs.inf in Area 2 (assuming I can upload it after I read this mail.)
Vic




 #157 11 28 May 89 18:32:58
From: Victor Roberts
To: Mike Nugent
REPLY TO #151
Subj: ZN-DOS

Thanks for the response! I will be looking forward to the new and improved
version. Until then, the version I already have is just great.

Vic




 #158 11 28 May 89 18:39:43
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: Using the Emacs Editor on UNix Systems with the Z88

Emacs is a full screen editor which is available for Unix and VMS
systems and also for MS-DOS machines. It is FREE and available to anyone. I
have configured the version of Emacs running on our SUN 3/60 Unix machine to
operate with the 8-line screen on the Z88. It does real full-screen editing,
including at least two windows! (Note..Emacs runs on the SUN and the Z88 is
used as a remote terminal for the SUN.)

This info should be of value to anyone with a Unix box that they want to talk
to with their Z88.

The full information was too long for a message (over 42 lines) so I uploaded
it as a file in Area 2. The name is Emacs.inf.

Vic




 #159 11 28 May 89 18:48:09 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #160
Subj: Quickedit

Phil,

I wish to retract an earlier opinion. After using Quickedit a few times, I
have decided its advantages far outweigh its disadvantages. It will replace
Pipedream as my regular Z88 editor. Unfortunately, I will still have to load
the text into Pipedream and save a plain text before
sending to our VAX or SUN, but that is a small price to pay. I guess I could
format it into lines after uploading it. I will hav to try this.

Vic




 #160 11 28 May 89 21:04:17 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #159
Subj: QuickEdit

Yup -- I really like QE. Feels nice and natural, and the speller is nifty
too. I generally upload to a PC and format there, but PD will do so as well.
Shoulda bought it sooner, but I was put off by the "English" dictionary --
which seems to be hardly noticable!

Phil




 #161 11 28 May 89 21:28:58 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #155 SEE ALSO #162
Subj: Misc etc.

My spreadsheet needs are usually pretty light too. I seldom need more
than a handful of functions. Yep, Richard's UNITS.BAS works great (made
me give up my UNITS.PD, Ha!) ,it would be neet to add some new ones to
it. I also think it's great these guys are able to connect up to their
BIG machines. The more the merrier!




 #162 11 28 May 89 21:29:59
From: Chris Fenn
To: George Bond
REPLY TO #161 SEE ALSO #163
Subj: Empty mailbox

Thanks George. The two magazines I really look for are my BYTE & my
Computer Shopper. My shopper always shows up by the 16th so I guess
everything else seems slow. Now I know when to start leaving skid marks
at the mail box (ha!).
Chris




 #163 11 29 May 89 08:09:07
From: Sysop
To: George Bond
REPLY TO #162
Subj: Byte

Thaks for the clarification, George; I was wondering if somehow my
subscription had lapsed -- and so making trips to the mag shops to buy one
(didn't see one there, either!). Of course, no0w you've got us all
anticipating the issue: Hmmm...did the boss put you up to doing that?? joke, George!!>.

Byte is one of the few PC mags I subscribe to -- the others being Portable 100
(a carryover from my days of heavy Model 100 usage and program development --
over 400 of the files in the Compuserve Model 100 forum are mine), PC Magazine
(since I use IBM compatibles most of the time in my work, and do some
programming there too), and InfoWorld (usually the first to press with new
stuff). Byte is a real good publication, and has shown good consistency over
the years -- and excellent breadthj of coverage.

Phil




 #164 10 29 May 89 19:40:16
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
SEE ALSO #165
Subj: BYTE


I got a sneak preview of the new BYTE at my local coomputer shoppe.
Jerry Pournelle indeed has plenty of good to say about the Z88 this
time around, and yes, better informed. I won't spill the beans though.
I find it very refreshing that he went back and made good effort to
grok the machine.
Chris
...ok just one quote: "performed heroiclly"





 #165 12 30 May 89 05:52:37 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #164 SEE ALSO #168
Subj: Byte

Glad to hear that, Chris. I've always thought of Jerry as a class act, and
one who tries hard to be informed. Of course, with all the new systems out
there (and Z88 is like NOTHING else) it must be hard to always be on top of it
all.

By the way, what does "grok the machine" mean???

Phil




 #166 10 30 May 89 19:34:09
From: Steven Zink
To: All
SEE ALSO #169
Subj: modem

I am in the market for a basic modem for the Z88. Basic should be interpreted
as being the best possible combination of inexpensive and easy to use. I
would think it would be pocket modem of some sort. Does anyone have a
pleasant experience to share or recommendations? Thanks.




 #167 9 30 May 89 19:36:47
From: Steven Zink
To: All
SEE ALSO #171
Subj: ram storage

I would like to thank several of you for your suggestions as to why I don't
seem to be able to squeeze all 128 RAM out of my cartridge. I followed all
suggestions and still believe I am being short-changed some ram. Thanks anyway




 #168 5 30 May 89 20:08:43 (RECV'D)
From: Chris Fenn
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #165
Subj: GROK etc.


You're right Phil there's not been another machine like the Z88, and I
guess it's hard to learn a machine without using alot of preconcieved
notions. Grok? oh ya!... a term I picked up out of a Sci-Fi novel
classic "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert Hinelein. To GROK is to
reach a new plateau of understanding (or something similar). A Sci-Fi
term just seemed fitting (Ha!). I've enjoyed plenty of Jerry
Pournelle's fiction too, especially when paired with my all time fav.
Larry Niven. I wonder if the Z88 were really designed by Motties?
...oops thats another story.
Chris





 #169 6 30 May 89 20:10:16
From: Chris Fenn
To: Steven Zink
REPLY TO #166 SEE ALSO #170
Subj: Modem

I've had real good luck with the Avatex 1200P pocket modem (after Phil & the
group straightened me out on the cable) and you can find them for under $100.
The built in rechargable lasts me a week at a time & the charger is included.
Only 2 LED's & no speaker but very light & reliable. Good luck.
Chris




 #170 6 30 May 89 20:15:49
From: Sysop
To: Steven Zink
REPLY TO #169 SEE ALSO #172
Subj: Modem

IN my mind, all modems should have autodial and be Hayes compatible --
that gives you maximum software compatibility. In this context, I'm very
partial to the Worldport 1200; not the cheapest, to be sure, but a very nice
modem -- which even supports the non-Bell CCITT tones (it's what I use when I
call systems in the U.K.). And it's very portable -- on the order of a
cigaette pack.

Phil




 #171 6 30 May 89 20:19:23
From: Sysop
To: Steven Zink
REPLY TO #167
Subj: RAM

The only way to be sure is to zap everything in your machine, Steve (e.g.,
leave the batteries out for about 10 minutes). Then start it up and go into
PipeDream. See how much free memory is reported with <>O command. Should be
on the order of 140K (20K from :RAM.0 and 128K from :RAM.1).

Once you've done anything, it's hard to tell what should be left. Supended
applications take something. If you edit a file, you have two copies (one on
the menu, one being edited). If you have Basic active, that consumes about
40K. It all adds up.

Phil




 #172 6 30 May 89 20:25:06
From: Sysop
To: Steven Zink
REPLY TO #170 SEE ALSO #177
Subj: Modem

The Avatex recommeded by Chris sounds like a good one, too. And he does use
it with Z88COM, whjich must say it's Hayes compatible. The rechargable
batteries sound like a plus, too (Worldport has a 9 volt disposable).

Phil




 #173 6 30 May 89 21:54:59
From: Jack Krueger
To: All
SEE ALSO #178
Subj: Z88 Print Drivers

Has anyone used the Z88 and the Apple Image Writer 2 and gotten good print
quality. How? Also, has anyone used a Canon s-16 type writer that emulates
from a computer with the Z88? Would appreciate any assist with these 2
printers and the Z88. Thanks, JAK




 #174 6 31 May 89 06:54:36
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Z88 Print Drivers

I'd like to add to Jack's message my request that any special printer drivers
(e.g., like for the printers he mentioned) be uploaded to File Area 3 -- along
with any special tips for using Image Writers, Laser Writers, etc.

Phil




 #176 4 31 May 89 22:20:34
From: Curtis Claar
To: Chris Fenn
REPLY TO #153
Subj: archive

Boy, I had to think for five minutes what archive you meant. I have the
ARC/UnARC utilities for the QL and I have PKZIP and PKARC and all that
stuff... and THEN finally I realized which Archive you meant. YES, I do use
Archive a lot. I find myself using it for things it wasn't meant for. Things I
could just as easily, or maybe more easily, do in SuperBASIC. I have figured
out it isn't too good at accessing random records (BTW). Yes, I do use Archive
a lot. I was ging to talk them into getting it at work, too, because then I
could pogram it any way htey wanted, but then I figured dBase also allows
that... it does doesn't it? It is just as good (or better, isn't it?...|I mean
it's a heck of a lot more bucks). Anyway, yes, I use it, and would even be
interested in swapping Archive procs and/or Archive-to-Z88 procs.

BTW: Do you realize the difference between _prg and _pro files is only ONE
BYTE and can be easily made with no harm done?

Later
Curtis




 #178 4 31 May 89 22:41:39
From: Curtis Claar
To: Jack Krueger
REPLY TO #173
Subj: image writer

I haven't tried it with an Image Writer, because I don't have a cable and
don't know the pinouts. I wanted to a couple of times though. If you could
give me the pinouts, I'll make a cable and try it and maybe come up with a
driver of some sort. I like doing weird stuff like that with my time. DWould
this be helpful to you? A cable pinout would be helpful to me.

Curtis