90019004

Date/TimeFromToReply ToNumberSee AlsoSubject
01 Jan 90 16:15:2Victor RobertsSysop-510Club Z88/Pipeline magazine
01 Jan 90 21:43:1Howard WeaverMichael Dalessandro-6-Z88 in airport
2 Jan 90 01:11:44David ZundelMichael Dalessandro-819Epson PX-8 Gineva
02 Jan 90 15:15:2Gerry WheelerSysop-922more linking
02 Jan 90 18:11:1SysopVictor Roberts51013Pipeline
03 Jan 90 22:28:0Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts-1221fax news
03 Jan 90 22:31:4Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts1013-pipeline
03 Jan 90 23:04:3Curtis ClaarAll-14-Z88 FAX NEWS
05 Jan 90 03:29:4Bruce DurocherSysop-16-File Import for Amiga
05 Jan 90 18:56:1Michael DalessandroDavid Zundel819-PX-8
05 Jan 90 19:59:4SysopAll-20-December Messages
07 Jan 90 05:45:3Victor RobertsCurtis Claar1221-Fax News
07 Jan 90 06:36:3Victor RobertsGerry Wheeler92224Converting from Pipedream to Wordstar
07 Jan 90 07:03:4Victor RobertsGerry Wheeler-23-Continuation of previous message
07 Jan 90 11:33:0Howard WeaverVictor Roberts222425Quickedit
07 Jan 90 18:25:2SysopHoward Weaver242530QuickEdit
07 Jan 90 22:03:2Curtis ClaarAll-26-z88 fax news
07 Jan 90 22:05:5Curtis ClaarVictor Roberts-2729z88 fax news
07 Jan 90 22:07:3Curtis ClaarHoward Weaver-28-QE
09 Jan 90 16:01:4Victor RobertsCurtis Claar2729-Careers
09 Jan 90 16:04:0Victor RobertsHoward Weaver253074Quickedit
09 Jan 90 22:11:2Dave ArmstrongAll-31-BBS NUMBER
11 Jan 90 06:37:1SysopRon Defore3334-VA BBS
14 Jan 90 21:52:0James HunkinsSysop And All-36-recent move
19 Jan 90 22:01:1Victor RobertsAll-3940Z88 System Crash
19 Jan 90 22:18:0SysopVictor Roberts3940-Problems
20 Jan 90 00:29:4Len RubinAll-41-Well CLI THIS!!
20 Jan 90 02:24:3Len RubinPhil-4353Gauntlet thrown...
20 Jan 90 06:06:1Victor RobertsSysop-4445More on backup with Import/Export
22 Jan 90 20:22:2SysopVictor Roberts4445-Backup
24 Jan 90 01:55:0David ZundelSysop-4647THINKz
24 Jan 90 07:30:4SysopDavid Zundel4647-THINKz
24 Jan 90 09:07:3John GaudreaultSysop-4866EPROMS
24 Jan 90 23:37:1James HunkinsAll-495719200 baud rate problems
25 Jan 90 07:03:2Daniel FeeneyAll-51-CNA NEW ADDRESS
25 Jan 90 07:08:4Daniel FeeneyAll-52-UPDATE
25 Jan 90 07:23:4Daniel FeeneyLen Rubin4353-Bar code reader
26 Jan 90 05:40:2Michael EdidinAll Users Of Z88's On Airplanes-5456X-rays and such
26 Jan 90 11:23:3Daniel FeeneyAll-55-XRAY
27 Jan 90 08:38:5Victor RobertsMichael Edidin5456-Floppy disks in airports
27 Jan 90 08:44:0Victor RobertsJames Hunkins495763Disk drive for Z88
28 Jan 90 00:19:3Len RubinAll-5964stuff
28 Jan 90 14:42:1Glen CopelandDan Feeney-60-HOWDY
28 Jan 90 16:08:0David ZundelSysop-6168File Areas
28 Jan 90 19:17:0John GaudreaultSysop-6269Z88COM
29 Jan 90 07:16:5Daniel FeeneyVictor Roberts576367DISKETTES
29 Jan 90 07:21:5Daniel FeeneyLen Rubin5964-scanners
29 Jan 90 07:27:4Daniel FeeneyAll-65-Messages
29 Jan 90 21:00:2SysopJohn Gaudreault486685Superchip
29 Jan 90 21:02:1SysopJames Hunkins6367-19200 baud
29 Jan 90 21:06:0SysopDavid Zundel6168-Files.bbs
29 Jan 90 21:07:0SysopJohn Gaudreault626986CLI2BAS
01 Feb 90 01:20:2Curtis ClaarAll-71128Z88 Fax News
02 Feb 90 23:18:2James HunkinsAll-73-19200 baud projects etc
03 Feb 90 16:13:3Howard WeaverVictor Roberts3074-Thanks for the info
03 Feb 90 16:38:1Howard WeaverAll-7579Wanted: Spellmaster
03 Feb 90 16:39:3Howard WeaverAll-7680Battery life
03 Feb 90 23:01:3Len RubinHoward Weaver-77-Battery Life
04 Feb 90 04:02:5SysopHoward Weaver757989Spellmaster
04 Feb 90 04:04:3SysopHoward Weaver768083Battery Life
04 Feb 90 04:13:0SysopLen Rubin-81-Messages and STuff
04 Feb 90 05:35:3Victor RobertsHoward Weaver808384Battery Life
04 Feb 90 07:24:3SysopVictor Roberts838498CARDS.TIP
04 Feb 90 10:06:1John GaudreaultSysop668590CHIPS
04 Feb 90 10:11:4John GaudreaultSysop6986-thanks
04 Feb 90 17:01:3Howard WeaverSysop7989-Thx
04 Feb 90 17:49:5SysopJohn Gaudreault8590-THINKz
05 Feb 90 12:38:5Ed HahnLen Rubin-92103Hard Plastic Topper
6 Feb 90 20:58:13Dave ArmstrongSysop-9496LINK.BAS
6 Feb 90 22:05:55SysopGreg Kaminsky9395-New User
10 Feb 90 13:40:2Victor RobertsSysop-97-Battery current data for the Z88
10 Feb 90 16:35:4Len RubinVictor Roberts8498-Yup
10 Feb 90 18:46:5Howard WeaverVictor Roberts-99-Batteries
10 Feb 90 19:36:2Len RubinSysop-100-Link.BBS
10 Feb 90 19:48:0Len RubinSysop-101102Impaired cognition
10 Feb 90 20:27:5SysopLen Rubin101102-Link.bas
11 Feb 90 13:13:3James HunkinsEd Hahn92103-Hard Plastic Topper
11 Feb 90 13:15:1James HunkinsCurtis Claar-104-Bay Area User's Group
11 Feb 90 18:28:5John GaudreaultSysop-106114ZTERM
12 Feb 90 06:40:5Glen CopelandAll-107113AUTO BACK-UP UTIL. (ABU)
12 Feb 90 23:28:3Curtis ClaarGlen Copeland107113115Tuit
13 Feb 90 20:54:3SysopJohn Gaudreault106114117zTerm
15 Feb 90 11:17:0Jim McgivernSysop-116119Logon
16 Feb 90 21:41:1John GaudreaultSysop114117-ZTERM
17 Feb 90 11:50:4Guy SmithAll-118120Diconix 150 with Parallel port.
17 Feb 90 14:24:5SysopJim Mcgivern116119-Logon
17 Feb 90 14:26:2SysopGuy Smith118120-Diconix 150
17 Feb 90 17:55:3James HunkinsNorm Lehfeldt-122-Bay Area Group
17 Feb 90 19:32:1Victor RobertsSysop-124126Toshiba T1000SE
17 Feb 90 21:44:0SysopVictor Roberts124126127T1000SE
18 Feb 90 05:01:5Victor RobertsSysop126127-T1000SE
20 Feb 90 23:07:3SysopAll-131-Stuff 'n things
02 Mar 90 12:00:2Michael DalessandroAll-136139Logo on a Z88?
03 Mar 90 05:26:0Victor RobertsAll-137140ZN-DOS
03 Mar 90 09:08:5Victor RobertsSysop-138141EPCAT
03 Mar 90 16:40:5SysopMichael Dalessandro136139-Logo for Z88
03 Mar 90 16:42:0SysopVictor Roberts137140-ZN-DOS
03 Mar 90 16:44:3SysopVictor Roberts138141142EPCAT
05 Mar 90 03:20:4Victor RobertsSysop141142-EPCAT
06 Mar 90 03:44:4Victor RobertsAll-148-ZN-DOS Version 1.2
07 Mar 90 17:09:1Peter CroninPhil Wheeler-150-Buying Z-88
10 Mar 90 00:26:3Len RubinAll-156-Freedom at last
10 Mar 90 01:01:0Len RubinSysop Victor Roberts Et Al.-157158EPCAT
10 Mar 90 04:59:5Victor RobertsLen Rubin157158-EPCAT
12 Mar 90 07:41:3SysopChip Walter144160-Z88COM
13 Mar 90 07:53:2Idalgo RaimondiSysop1166169z88 *.zfu & z88com.bas
14 Mar 90 17:21:1Victor RobertsSysop-167170Jerry Pournelle
15 Mar 90 06:24:5SysopIdalgo Raimondi166169-Z88COM
15 Mar 90 06:26:4SysopVictor Roberts167170-Pournelle
16 Mar 90 13:13:1Mark WeissAll-173-Z88 SALES REPS
18 Mar 90 07:48:5Victor RobertsAll-180-ZN-DOS Version 1.2
18 Mar 90 14:48:3SysopIdalgo Raimondi178182-ZFU Files
20 Mar 90 16:40:1Norm LehfeldtAll-188-RLE Graphics on the Z88
20 Mar 90 20:45:0Len RubinVic-189-EPCAT (reply to #158)
22 Mar 90 22:12:4Curtis ClaarAll-190191two parametee
28 Mar 90 23:25:1SysopCurtis Claar190191193Two Params
30 Mar 90 11:00:1Mark StueberAll-192-1 MEG RAM CARDS
31 Mar 90 18:03:4Curtis ClaarSysop191193-two params
01 Apr 90 09:09:2Chris FennAll-195-CCCP
03 Apr 90 00:12:0Curtis ClaarAll-197-ZFN
04 Apr 90 08:59:4Stephen FlemingIntroduction-198205Z88 for Macintosh User
05 Apr 90 11:35:1Mark StueberAll-200202RAM PRICES
05 Apr 90 16:27:2Victor RobertsAll-201-Problems with ZN-DOS
05 Apr 90 22:37:2Curtis ClaarMark Stueber200202208ram
06 Apr 90 02:35:5Victor RobertsMark Steuber-203-Internal RAM Upgrade
08 Apr 90 21:30:4Howard WeaverStephen Fleming198205-Macs and Zeds
11 Apr 90 05:35:5Jim RentzAll-206-zterm half-duplex use
12 Apr 90 21:54:2John GaudreaultMark Stueber202208209Internal Ram
17 Apr 90 11:49:4Mark StueberJohn Gaudreault208209210512K RAM
17 Apr 90 11:52:4Mark StueberCurtis Claar209210211INTERNAL 512K
17 Apr 90 21:47:4Curtis ClaarMark Stueber210211-wowie
22 Apr 90 21:25:2James HunkinsCurtis Claar-212-Z88 Fax News

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- JANUARY 1990
-------------------------------------

#5 46 01 Jan 90 16:15:24 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #10
Subj: Club Z88/Pipeline magazine

Phil,

As I was going over my 1989 checks today I was reminded that last July I
sent a check to Time Designs for a Pipeline subscription. Other than the fact
that my check was cashed promptly, and I received a notice that my
subscription had started, these people seem to have disappeared. Do you have
any info on the status of Pipeline or Time Designs/Sinclair Publications?

Vic




 #6 43 01 Jan 90 21:43:19 (RECV'D)
From: Howard Weaver
To: Michael Dalessandro
Subj: Z88 in airport

I have carried the Z88 on board on aircraft all over the world and thru Xrays
including the notorious Soviet detectors and have had no problems. Having it
handy on board is the main reason I wanted the little laptop, so I'm glad it
works that way.




 #8 6 02 Jan 90 01:11:44 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Michael Dalessandro
SEE ALSO #19
Subj: Epson PX-8 Gineva

Michael,
I left you two messages on BIX regarding your query concerning a diskdrive
cable for the Epson PX-8 Gineva. Here is the text of the second message.

Michael,
I didn't have to reverse engineer the cable. Epson
writes a technically complete if not great manual. On page
two of Appendix C in the PX-8 Operations manual is the pin
diagram for cable set 723 to connect the PX-8 to the
diskdrive. If you don't have the manuals I will gladly fax
or mail you a copy of this page or whole section. For
immediate use, here are the pin assignments from the
computer to the disk drive.

E -> E
1 -> 5
2 -> 3
3 -> 1
4 -> none
5 -> none
6 -> 2
7 -> 4
8 -> none

Hope this helps. If you need anything else you know where
to find me.
Dave

The first mesage was just to tell that I'd get back to you with the info.
Dave




 #9 52 02 Jan 90 15:15:22 (RECV'D)
From: Gerry Wheeler
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #22
Subj: more linking

Thanks. I've used the CONVERT program that comes with WP.
That usually converts all my WS files (I'm an old CpM
user) but for some reason doesn't convert the WS files
created in PCLink.
I guess I need to wait 'til somebody tackles the
issue of going directly to WP.
gerry




 #10 49 02 Jan 90 18:11:17 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #5 SEE ALSO #13
Subj: Pipeline

Not really. Had one message from Tim Woods in early November that they were
still around -- then nada. I think they're gone!

Phil




 #12 39 03 Jan 90 22:28:08 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
SEE ALSO #21
Subj: fax news

Yes, I am out for the holidays, hince the message machine. The first issue is
on its way to you. Sorry for the hassle.

[Curtis]




 #13 38 03 Jan 90 22:31:49 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #10
Subj: pipeline

Supposedly issue #3 will be coming out "soon." Also, Tim Woods recently "came
out of hiding and went to a Sinclair users meeting, but that's all I know.
We'll be doing some research on Time Designs and Pipeline for the February Z88
FAX NEWS. Sorry I couldn't help you right now.

[Curtis]





 #14 38 03 Jan 90 23:04:37
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: Z88 FAX NEWS

The first issue of Z88 Fax News has already hit the air, or the fax, or
whatever. You can still get January's and February's FREE! Just give me your
fax number, or the number at work or the number of a fax center, or the number
of a friend's, and I'll take care of the rest.

You can contact me at
Z88 FAX NEWS
2342 Glendale Ave.
Casper WY 82601

Or you can call voice or fax (307) 766-7026 <---- after january 15
or (307) 265-3812 voice only <------------------ before january 15

Give me a shot, I need more subscribers.

[Curtis]





 #16 37 05 Jan 90 03:29:47 (RECV'D)
From: Bruce Durocher
To: Sysop
Subj: File Import for Amiga

A brief question for you--in one of the new British Amiga magazines there
is a brief mention of a package called Z88-Amiga link that allows users to
send info with automatic converson of formats to various popular Amiga
spreadsheets and Word Processors. The company responsible is called The Music
Suite, and is at Cenarth, Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed, Wales SA38 9JN. The price
is supposed to be 19 pounds and ninety-five pence for the software, and 12
pounds and ninety-five pence for a connecting cable. (You can tell that I'm
using the Amiga--I don't have a pound key...) I was wondering if you could
make a suggestion or two of either what the proceedure might be for arranging
to do a mail order on one of these, or who might be importing them here. I
could sell the Z88 *much* more easily if I didn't have to do as much
reformatting in front of customers as I do now... I assume that you've done a
bit of ordering from Europe in the past, and can advise me as to how to get an
International Reply Coupon, and so on...
On another matter--to save myself from a killing long distance bill I've
joined up with Starlink, which should allow me to call more often without
going broke. Can you tell me if any of the following node locations are a
local call to you--El Segundo, Long Beach, or Vernon CA? It'd make tuying in
a bit easier--I had to pick a number at random this time!
And, probably most importantly, congratualations on running an
outstanding BBS for the past two years! I'd have been stuck badly in the past
if it wasn't for the advice you and your users have given me, and it makes
quite a difference knowing that there's a place to go when you've got a
question or problem. Thanks!




 #19 40 05 Jan 90 18:56:14 (RECV'D)
From: Michael Dalessandro
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #8
Subj: PX-8

David - thanks for your messages. My reply to you is on BIX - Michael




 #20 34 05 Jan 90 19:59:49
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: December Messages

December messages are now available in File area #5.

Phil




 #21 39 07 Jan 90 05:45:32 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #12
Subj: Fax News

Thanks...I did receive the first copy last week.

Vic




 #22 40 07 Jan 90 06:36:32 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Gerry Wheeler
REPLY TO #9 SEE ALSO #24
Subj: Converting from Pipedream to Wordstar

I use WS as my main wordprocessor on my PC. I usually compose stuff on my Z88
using Quickedit, and sometimes with Pipedream, send it to the PC with Phil's
Z88COM and then convert to WS format with the PTW utility which came with
PCLINK.

I agree with Phil's comment in an earlier message that PCLINK does not lose
anything during the transfer (and neither does Z88COM). Both make perfect
copies of the files in the Z88 memory. The format problems, if any, come from
minor differences in the way Pipedream and Wordstar deal with some formatting
issues.

I usually do not put any fancy stuff in my Z88 files, just the text, formatted
as I want it in the final letter. However, I just tested some common options
like underline, bold, subscript and superscript. They all get converted
correctly. I have not tested the fancier stuff like character width changes,
alternate fonts, etc., but have noticed one problem which may be the basis of
your original Dec 20 message.

Wordstar distinguishes between "hard" carrage returns, those you add as you
type, and "soft" carrage returns, those it adds to wrap lines. Whe you tell
Wordstar to reformat a document, it moves the "soft" carrage returns as
necessary, but keeps the "hard" carrage returns in place.

Pipedream and Quickedit do not understand hard carrage returns. All carrage
returns are "soft", unless they come right before a blank line. That is, when
you ask Pipedream or Quickedit to reformat a document, it will merge stuff
together until it gets to a blank line, and then decide that the paragraph
must end there.

This problem gets transferred over to the Wordstar file created with PTW. The
"hard" carrage returns I may have entered which were not followed by a blank
line have been turned into Wordstar "soft" carrage returns by PTW. This error
shows up in letter headings, for example.
Mr. John Smith
55 Main Street
Anywhere, USA

Also, if your writing style does not include blank line between paragraphs,
you will also have problems, since YOUR end of paragraph will not be
recognized.

Note that this is NOT a problem with PTW, PCLINK or Z88COM. The source of the
problem is that Pipedream does not include the capability do distinguish
between carrage returns it adds and those you add. I have


#23 36 07 Jan 90 07:03:45 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Gerry Wheeler
Subj: Continuation of previous message

Sorry...ran out of room.

I was going to say that I have no solution for the carrage return problem
discussed. It is no problem for me since the documents arrive correctly
formatted and I just have to change a few soft carrage returns to hard ones
before reformatting the document. In your case, the work around you mentioned
of adding extra CRs seems to be the best approach.

Vic




 #24 45 07 Jan 90 11:33:01 (RECV'D)
From: Howard Weaver
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #22 SEE ALSO #25
Subj: Quickedit

I am looking for an alternative to Pipedream, which I find very clumsy for
long stories or extensive rewriting, moving copy blocks, etc. (I am a
newspaperman). What is the Quickedit you mentioned? Is it a more customaryword
processor (i.e. no slots, etc)? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
Thanks.




 #25 40 07 Jan 90 18:25:25 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #24 SEE ALSO #30
Subj: QuickEdit

QE is the editor which comes with SpellMAster. It does not use a slot
paradigm, but is more what you would expect (ENTER will split lines, BKSP will
join them, etc.). It will let you mark and move a block of characters, not
just lines like PD.

But it is JUST an editor. ONE preset right margin, for example.

On the otherhand, you get SpellMaster with it, a really excellent spell
checker for the Z88, which is also quite fast. I use QE for most of my Z88
writing these days.

Phil




 #26 38 07 Jan 90 22:03:26
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: z88 fax news

It's on the way, Chris. And you got it on the fax number staying off of other
lists.

[Curtis]





 #27 38 07 Jan 90 22:05:50 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Victor Roberts
SEE ALSO #29
Subj: z88 fax news

Your first copy is on its way. Thanks for the interest. What newspaper do you
work for? Have your reporters expressed interest in the Z88?

[Curtis]





 #28 38 07 Jan 90 22:07:34 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Howard Weaver
Subj: QE

Howard, it looks like for newspaper use, QE might be the ticket. I would guess
you just upload to a mainframe or micro to be typeset, so the one preset
margin shouldn't hurt. And the spell checker couldn't hurt.

[Curtis]





 #29 33 09 Jan 90 16:01:47 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #27
Subj: Careers

There is some confusion here. I believe Howard Weaver is the reporter. I am an
EE working for GE.

Vic

P.S. See message #90




 #30 36 09 Jan 90 16:04:03 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #25 SEE ALSO #74
Subj: Quickedit

I agree with Phil and Curtis. QE is great!. I bought it for the spell checker,
and have been using its editor ever since. It is much nicer than Pipedream,
with just a few flaws. The TAB is fixed, at 6 spaces I think. (No... it is set
at 8 spaces - I just checked by Z88.) The right margin is fixed, as Phil said.
And, when you move blocks around it will reformat up to the next blank line.
(I believe you read my previous note about hard and soft carrage returns.)

On the plus side are all the good things Phil mentioned, plus the fact that QE
uses the Pipedream file format as its default. That means you can load stuff
written in QE into Pipedream for further formatting, or use the uitlities
supplied with PCLINK to convert QE files to Wordstar format, and from there to
others. The spelling checker is great. Better than the one that is built into
Wordstar 4 or 5.

Vic

P.S. We all forgot the most important part..to get Quickedit you purchase
Spellmaster, and QE comes along for the ride in the same ROM. They are one
integrated system, but for some reason the marketing types decided to sell the
package with a name which ignors the built-in editor.




 #31 40 09 Jan 90 22:11:29
From: Dave Armstrong
To: All
Subj: BBS NUMBER

READING THROUGH THE MESSAGES, A VIRGINIA BBS WAS MENTIONED SEVERAL TIMES. WHAT
IS THE PHONE NUMBER?




 #34 45 11 Jan 90 06:37:13
From: Sysop
To: Ron Defore
REPLY TO #33
Subj: VA BBS

There is a Z88 BBS, with much the same software that you will find here, in
Virginia. Phone is 703-968-9438.

These are the only two I know of.

Phil




 #36 37 14 Jan 90 21:52:03
From: James Hunkins
To: Sysop And All
Subj: recent move

I recently moved to Santa Clara (the South Bay area in California) and would
like to hear from users in the immediate area. My new address is James D.
Hunkins, 3375 Homestead Rd. #15, Santa Clara, CA 95051. The phone # is (408)
249-1664.
Please also update my record on this BBS.
And congradulations on entering a second year as the Z88 BBS.
jim




 #39 33 19 Jan 90 22:01:10
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #40
Subj: Z88 System Crash

My Z88 crashed today for the first time in 6 months. I learned
some things which may be of use to other people.

When I first got my Z88, I used it as my "traveling" computer;
for e-mail and meeting notes while traveling. However, last July I
decided to try using it for my daily action item list and other day-
to-day activities.

During the next few months my confidence in the machine
continued to increase as it operated longer and longer without a
system crash. I had become so dependent on it lately that I had
started doing regular file backups, using Import/Export to backup
all files automatically to my PC on a weekly basis, and Z88COM to
backup selected critical flies which were updated often on a more
frequent basis.

For these past six months, the Z88 had worked perfectly. This
morning, however, when I got to work all suspended activities and
files were gone! The LOW BATTERY indicator came on when I first
turned on the Z88, but went away almost immediately and did not
return all day, in spite of heavy use as I restored files from the
backup set. I believe there was a bad battery connection, perhaps
a dirty battery terminal. As we all know, the Z88 can only maintain
the memory for a few minutes if the batteries are out.

I did learn two important things: First, a few weeks ago
someone on this bbs had asked if the multi-file backup sets created
with Import/Export could be reloaded "as is" into the Z88, or would
individual files have to be extracted and restored one-by-one. The
answer is that Import works perfectly from files created by Export.
All files were correctly restored automatically. The other thing I
learned is that transferring DIARY files to the Z88 with Z88COM is a
problem. The individual DIARY file on the backup disk was a later
version than the file in the Import/Export backup set, so I restored
it manually after the mass restore with Import. However, the Xmodem
file transfer protocol transfers 128 byte blocks. If the file length
is not an exact multiple of 128, the end of the last block is filed
with dummy characters, in this case ^Z characters. When the file was
loaded into DIARY, the screen turned dark blue and the only way to
recover was to do a Soft Reset! I loaded the file into Quickedit,
deleted the final line of ^Zs, resaved the file, and then loaded it
into DIARY.

Vic




 #40 33 19 Jan 90 22:18:06 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #39
Subj: Problems

Good info, Vic.

Re xmodem: Last block is always padded, with ^Z in most implementations, but
sometimes with ASC(0). I always load into PipeDream to clear the ^Z's.
Interesting (and surprising!) that DIARY does not cope well with such files,
tho.

Phil

p.s. -- Now looking at a Toshiba T1000SE as my new DOS lapper. They DO look
nifty!

Phil




 #41 32 20 Jan 90 00:29:48
From: Len Rubin
To: All
Subj: Well CLI THIS!!

Here's a humility-building exercize:
create the following CLI:

~Af~Csv~C~R~X-~E
~R~E~Cco:ram.1/Messages.new~E~E
~R~E~CER~E~CSV~C~R~X1~E~

then try running it after downloading a month's worth of meassages
using the screen capture facility, with insufficient free memory to
have two copies of the resultant massive file cooexist.

For anyone who doesn't get the joke, after the routine tries to copy
RAM.-/S.sgn to RAM.1/Messages.new and gets the "no room" message, the
son-of-a-bitch plows right ahead and finishes the diabolical business
of erasing the (as yet uncopied) original file, while the twitching
imbecile who smugly created it looks on in a pathetic stupor!

Even at 2400 baud the excersize was a rather disgusting form of
amusement. Ah well...





 #43 33 20 Jan 90 02:24:34
From: Len Rubin
To: Phil
SEE ALSO #53
Subj: Gauntlet thrown...

Well Phil,

I couldn't help but overhear your casual remark to Chris regarding
suggestions for new Z88 projects--judging from your past contributions,
I feel like a machinist at a prototype shop who happens to overhear the
shop owner say to the toolroom man, "Hey Paul, got any ideas for what
kind of powerful and time-saving new tooling I could bring into the
shop for the machinists to continue to improve and enhance their
professional and personal effectiveness, productivity and satisfaction?

Here's a wish list that I've been playing with lately:

1.) Program for managing money--this would allow you to track both
projected and actual expenses and income by categories, manage an
unlimited number of accounts, prompt you for routine disbursements
("telephone bill due tommorrow", "mail rent check today", etc. It
would automatically update your net worth from expenditures and income,
and allow you to record transfers of funds between accounts quickly and
easily--currently I do all of the above manually with spreadsheets on
the Z88. For a good example of features (and how NOT to design a user
interface), see Tobias' "Managing Your Money".

2.) A program that would easily allow one to add foreign characters and
accents in print and, if possible, on the display screen

3.) A program for generating and filling out forms (desparately needed
by salespeople, field service personnel, data collection folks, etc.)

4.) An auto dialer program for use with electronic phonebook and a
modem, and/or small tone-generator box that could interface between Z88
and phone line sound generator--this is the area where the Z88 is weak
compared to most other laptops.

5.) A program that would allow the use of th Worldport 2496 FAX modem
(or equivalent) with the Z88. These little guys are incredible, but
they are set up to work with MS-DOS lappers!

6.) To finish up with a bang--a program to interface with a hand-held
scanner for the ultimate in paperless portable office fantasies...

As, I said, these constitute my wish list, and I sure as hell don't
know how to make any of that come true, but maybe someone out there
listening...

-LBR




 #44 37 20 Jan 90 06:06:15 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #45
Subj: More on backup with Import/Export

I just re-read the original message by Steve Johnson where he
describes using I/E with the wildcard specification to do Z88 file backups.
This is the message which prompted me to switch from individual file backup to
the more efficient I/E way. Steve is the one who said he had never tried to
use the backup sets for a mass restore, and was interested whether or not it
would work.

I did notice one difference in the method Steve describes and the method I
did use successfully. Steve said he had his ASCII file capture program on his
PC set to add linefeeds to the Z88 files. I did not do that, since I wanted
the large backup file to contain exact copies of the files on the Z88. When I
restored the files to the Z88, I of course, had to tell the PC ASCII file
transfer NOT to strip any line feeds it might find. Therefore, exact copies
are returned to the Z88.

One more interesting item which did not fit in the original message.
I/E can transfer binary files! It does this by sending non-printing ASCII
characters as their HEX values with a ESC B prefix. Pretty smart! Therefore
every Z88 file is transferred as printable ASCII characters.
This is the reason why you want to make sure that the file transfer program
running on the PC does not do anything to change the data received from the
Z88. Just store it as it comes in.

Finally, the effective transfer rate is only about 3000 baud. 9600 baud
transfers take only about 25% less time than 2400 baud transfers.

Vic

P.S. BASIC files are examples of files which contain non-printing ASCII
characters. You will not be able to read them on your PC with transferred with
I/O, but they will transfer back correctly.




 #45 33 22 Jan 90 20:22:21 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #44
Subj: Backup

Very interesting stuff, Victor -- especially the part on binary files! That
is very new and good news!

Phil




 #46 32 24 Jan 90 01:55:02 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #47
Subj: THINKz

Phil,
Did you get a chance to upload the THINKz bug list to Wordmongers?
If not, do you know where they hang in the US and is Clive Salvidge still the
man to talk to?
Thanks,
Dave




 #47 32 24 Jan 90 07:30:41 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #46
Subj: THINKz

The last time I looked, the WordMongers BBS did not have a way to allow
uploads, only downloads. Best bet is Clive. YOu might want to write him a
letter or call him on the phone (before 8am PST is when I have talked to him).

I have not chatted with them for a long time, tho.

Phil




 #48 33 24 Jan 90 09:07:34 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #66
Subj: EPROMS

I just got through with a call to Sharps looking for their Superchip #1 and
the fella on the phone told me that they do not have them and they never did?
Do you know od a different, cheeper, source for the "chips" and other
excessories? Also if anyone online has a chip of Think Z or the Term chip that
would want to sell them(or has Superchip#1) please leave me a message and we
can talk. John Gaudreault




 #49 35 24 Jan 90 23:37:18
From: James Hunkins
To: All
SEE ALSO #57
Subj: 19200 baud rate problems

I have been having difficulty matching the Z88 com port with the Tandy
Portable Disk Drive II for Baud rates over 9600 (no parity, hardware
handshaking). The Z88 sends to the drive at 19200 with no problem.
However, the Z88 misses occasional bits when receiving. After testing
the speeds of the Tandy drives, I found that they vary up to 8% while
the Z88 is within 3%. I suspect that the Tandy computer(s) that uses
this drive has a wider window for this timing and therefore has no
problem.

It seems that a disk drive interface from England (they use the same
drive) has found a way around this problem and can use 19200 for a baud
rate. Anyone know how they manage this? Or is there a general trick
with the Z88 in general when it comes to very high speed com rates.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Jim





 #51 38 25 Jan 90 07:03:28
From: Daniel Feeney
To: All
Subj: CNA NEW ADDRESS

Cambridge North America has changit's location. The new address is :

Cambridge North America
4 Milk Street - 3rd Floor
Portland, Maine 04101
1 800-888-3723 FAX 207 879-2217



 #52 37 25 Jan 90 07:08:47
From: Daniel Feeney
To: All
Subj: UPDATE

Hi, thought I would call in now that I have a modem connection at my desk, and
that you know what's up. As I mentioned in a earlier mail memo CNA has change
locations. The best parts of this is : the warehouse, sales, admin and support
depts are all in the same location. So now we should have better communication
between the different depts and a more consistant " FACE " to the public. Also
I have gain 2 BIG pluses, a modem port on my phone so that I don't have to
stand on my head next to the Fax machine when I want to call out and secondly
I have a very nice view overlooking the harbor(that really makes this old
lobsterman's heart sing, being able to watch my friends boats come and go.)
~r~r
CNA has just introduced a new twist with the Z88 we have started marketing a
VT1 It consisZ88, 2400 bp modem andemulation software. all for $1299. Has had
a great reception in the Industrial / Education market.
Well enough for now I should now be able to dial in once a week.
Will keep you posted.... Daniel "Die Hard" Feeney



 #53 36 25 Jan 90 07:23:48 (RECV'D)
From: Daniel Feeney
To: Len Rubin
REPLY TO #43
Subj: Bar code reader

I have some info on barcode readers, program pinouts and etc. Do you want them?




 #54 34 26 Jan 90 05:40:26
From: Michael Edidin
To: All Users Of Z88's On Airplanes
SEE ALSO #56
Subj: X-rays and such

Z88 and I have been travelling and missed the conversation
about X-ray machines and computers. My Z88 has not made
it to Moscow, but has been through a slew of other eastern
european x-ray systems ,as well as lots in this country
and in western europe. There have been no problems, and life is certainly
easier this way, than when you have to open the bag,start the machine and make
it say "I'm a computer". I supposes that the x-rays will have some very
long-term effect on the machine, but then so will ozone, uv and so forth. The
big problem for other computers is the
magnetic field associated with the x-ray machines.
I carry a copy of pclink on disk, and thatisn't passed through the
detector. The disk, plus a ribbon cable version of the serial transfer cable
(made up locally) lets me pass files back and forth with ease when I'm
visiting fellow-biologists in other countries.
Michael Edidin




 #55 31 26 Jan 90 11:23:37
From: Daniel Feeney
To: All
Subj: XRAY

HI, just thought I would put in my two cents worth. I have talked with many a
Airline pilots about xray, metal detectors and flight attendents
effect/affect? on the Z88. The general consensus is that they have
experienced no problems at all.

Now a Thurs. during a lunar eclipse......




 #56 32 27 Jan 90 08:38:55 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Michael Edidin
REPLY TO #54
Subj: Floppy disks in airports

While this has little to do with the Z88, I also usually have a few floppies
in my carry-on bag and they have been going through the x-ray machine for
years with no harm. One of these is the disk I use for daily transfer of
working stuff from my office PC to my home PC, so the SAME disk has been
getting zapped for years with no ill effects.

In spite of all the warnings about magnetic fields, it is a fun experiment to
take a disk with data you do not need, and try messing it up with small
magents. It is harder than you might imagine. The very weak fields in airport
security systems seem to do no harm.

Vic




 #57 37 27 Jan 90 08:44:02 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: James Hunkins
REPLY TO #49 SEE ALSO #63
Subj: Disk drive for Z88

The disk drive used with the Z88 has been patched for 9600 baud. The diagram
in the back of your Tandy PDD2 Operation Manual shows a switch block, SW1,
whose fundction is not discussed the the manual. I don't know if this is the
key, but you might want to give it a try.

Vic




 #59 31 28 Jan 90 00:19:37
From: Len Rubin
To: All
SEE ALSO #64
Subj: stuff

Isn't anyone going to answer my nice messages? O.K., so maybe I was out of
line in my wish list...I'll just stick with the auto dialer...now that's
reasonable, isn't it? By the way--if Chris is out there somewhere listening,
Id like to ask you a few questions--please leave a voice number for me, or
give me a ring...415-839-7826.

As for the person asking for contacts in the Bay Area, feel free to call and
chat or talk Z88 business anytime.

For dan Feeney: when I said "scanner", I was referring to
text/charcter/graphic -type scanners, not bar-code wands, however I am
interested, and I have subsequently come to realize that the former would
require much too much memory, and ain't so hot anyway, according to a friend
who uses one--says it's almost no better than manually typing in documents
often, do to the crudeness, and consequent error rate of the current
equipment/software.

--LBR




 #60 31 28 Jan 90 14:42:12
From: Glen Copeland
To: Dan Feeney
Subj: HOWDY

HEY DAN! HOW'S IT GOING?...I'M AT HOME ON SUNDAY NIGHT AND THOUGHT I'D LEAVE
YOU A MESSAGE! SEE YOU TOMORROW! ---Glen C




 #61 33 28 Jan 90 16:08:08 (RECV'D)
From: David Zundel
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #68
Subj: File Areas

Phil,
What is the name of the file that holds the directory of each file area? I
have forgotten it.
Thanks
Dave




 #62 32 28 Jan 90 19:17:01 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #69
Subj: Z88COM

Phil, quite a number of months ago when I first downloaded Z88COM I had
problems loading it into basic, and you helped me. I was wondering if you
could help me again. I keep getting a "bad program" message when I try to
load the CLI file into basic. Also is there a short tutorial to download
covering the basics of BBC BASIC on the Z88 loading and running? I was a
competent on the M100 but this machine has me confused. I do not want to
write for it but just to load and run programs without problems. Thanks,
John Gaudreault




 #63 30 29 Jan 90 07:16:53 (RECV'D)
From: Daniel Feeney
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #57 SEE ALSO #67
Subj: DISKETTES

6 MOS TO A YEAR AGO ONE OF THE PC MAGS DID AN ARTICLE ON DISKETTES AND HOW
THEY WITH STAND DIFFERENT HARSH ENVIROMENTS. BOTTOM LINE - HEAT MELTED THEM
BUT NOTHING ELSE SEEM TO HAVE ANY EFFECT/AFFECT?.

Sorry for the weirdness of this memo, I am forever gting garbage when I 'wcall
in to this system. Bad lines?, bad modem? unpa telephone bill?

later...........




 #64 31 29 Jan 90 07:21:59 (RECV'D)
From: Daniel Feeney
To: Len Rubin
REPLY TO #59
Subj: scanners

I stand corrected and am sociall embarrised tough word.
I have used scanners on occasion to dump things into Ventura or Pagemaker and
have decided that rekeying is faster. Graphics are ok but text has been great
only 10% of the time. Of course I was using under $1000 models.
I have been researching a text only scanner that like the Smart Wand barcode
reader has all the conversions built in tRom but to no avail.




 #65 28 29 Jan 90 07:27:44
From: Daniel Feeney
To: All
Subj: Messages

I have just re read some of the msgI left god what garbage.
I will ccall back later to sse if the lines have cleaared up.




 #66 31 29 Jan 90 21:00:23 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #48 SEE ALSO #85
Subj: Superchip

Don't recall what SuperChip 1 is. I have #2 and DID get that one from
Sharp's. I also got THINKz from them.

Phil




 #67 33 29 Jan 90 21:02:13 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: James Hunkins
REPLY TO #63
Subj: 19200 baud

Mike Nugent and I discovered the 19200 baud problem with the TDD about a year
ago. It does appear that the U.K guys have a way around it -- possibly by
writing their own (non-ROM) comm driver -- much as ZTerm gets arount the
problems in the resident terminal firmware by writing their own terminal
emulator.

Phil




 #68 34 29 Jan 90 21:06:06 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: David Zundel
REPLY TO #61
Subj: Files.bbs

Download FILES.BBS




 #69 33 29 Jan 90 21:07:03 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #62 SEE ALSO #86
Subj: CLI2BAS

I belieive I did write such a tutorial. Try File area 2 and CLI2BAS.TIP.
Short, but it does give the info.

Phil

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- FEBRUARY 1990
--------------------------------------


 #71 35 01 Feb 90 01:20:21
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #128
Subj: Z88 Fax News

Hey all! The February Z88 Fax News is now out!

And it's not too late to get a free copy of it.

For your sample copy:
Z88 Fax News
2342 Glendale Ave.
Casper WY 82601
(307) 766-7026 Fax or voice

Give me a shot!

[Curtis]





 #73 30 02 Feb 90 23:18:27
From: James Hunkins
To: All
Subj: 19200 baud projects etc

Thanks Vic and Phil for the info on the 19200 baud problem. I have
been working with Mike Nugent. The RAM driver looks like it might be
the only answer to use with the Brother (Radio Shack) disk drive. If I
can find the time I will go after it from that angle. It should only
be necessary to do a read driver as the problem does not occur with
COM port writes.
As I said, time will tell. In the mean time, I need to get back to
my graphics work on the Z88, along with a whole slug of utilities. I
am also considering trying a single stepper for the built in assembler.

To Len Rubin - will give you a call in a couple of weeks when I get
some time off (can always dream). Anyone else in the BAY area using
the Z88? (408) 249-1664 (voice - evenings, weekends)

For now, back to work.

Jim




 #74 30 03 Feb 90 16:13:35 (RECV'D)
From: Howard Weaver
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #30
Subj: Thanks for the info

I appreciate your information on QE, Victor. I will definitely try it; it
sounds like just what I have been looking for.




 #75 30 03 Feb 90 16:38:18
From: Howard Weaver
To: All
SEE ALSO #79
Subj: Wanted: Spellmaster

I want to buy the SPellmaster and QE cartridge. Anybody have a used one with
manuals etc for sale? (907) 257-4310 days = voice or HWeaver on GEnie or a
message here and IUll call you.




 #76 31 03 Feb 90 16:39:31
From: Howard Weaver
To: All
SEE ALSO #80
Subj: Battery life

My battery useage is very erratic -- sometimes not bad, and sometimes
terrible. What are the key variables? Do I need to worry about where I load
which cartridge? And by the way, I can't now find the place that told me how
to get the cartridges out safely and what that constant ringing means. HELP??




 #77 32 03 Feb 90 23:01:38 (RECV'D)
From: Len Rubin
To: Howard Weaver
Subj: Battery Life

I tried to leave you a reply to your message, but I guess it was too long,
because I could not upload it, so I attempted to upload it as a file ("MSG")
in area 1., then area 3> I don't konw if any of this was successful, but
maybe Phil can find out and let you/me know...

-LBR




 #79 32 04 Feb 90 04:02:58 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #75 SEE ALSO #89
Subj: Spellmaster

Is it unavailable from Sharps in VA? Doesn't seem that you would save all
that much by buying a used one. Plus there is now a version with aspecial
American dictionary, definitely a plus; used one would likely not be that
version.

Phil




 #80 32 04 Feb 90 04:04:39 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #76 SEE ALSO #83
Subj: Battery Life

A main factor could be cartriges. RAM packs should never be put in slot 3,
for that reason; use it only for ROMs and EPROMs.

To remove and/or insert a cartridge the machine should be on and in the Index
mode. Otherwise the Z88 will not "learn" what you have done. And it will
beep at you as a warning that you are doing a no-no!

Can't find this info in the manual; but there is a little note in the bottom
of the RAM/EPROM card boxes which lays a bit of this out.

Phil




 #81 32 04 Feb 90 04:13:01 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Len Rubin
Subj: Messages and STuff

Messages cannot be longer that 43 lines, should be plain text, etc. Also
there can be speed issues (not likely with THIS system, tho). And Xon/Xoff
must be disabled.

What you saw on the upload of the file was altogether normal. The "describe"
bit is where the one-liners in the file directories come from.

And when you upload a file it would be a good idea to say where you put it!

Phil




 #83 35 04 Feb 90 05:35:37 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Howard Weaver
REPLY TO #80 SEE ALSO #84
Subj: Battery Life

I would like to add some info to Len Rubin's notes in CARDS.TIP file
in Area 2.

I have been using my Z88 on a daily basis since last July. Under this heavy
usage I get about two weeks of life for each set of batteries. Being an
engineer, I sometimes measure things other people would ignore. One of those
thigs is the voltage of the "dead" batteries I remove from my Z88. I often
find that the batteries do not wear out evenly. For example, yesterday I
removed a set and found that 2 of the 4 read 1.3 volts, while one of the
others was 0.8 volts and the 4th battery had only 0.5 volts left. (these were
Duracells). Obviously, if the batteries wear evenly, you will get more life
from a set than you will if some of them wear out more quickly. This is not
the first time I have seen this problem. It is interesting since all four
batteries came from the same package, and are a major brand. Please note that
in spite of these problems, I have been close to my two week per set average
for the past 7 months.

I want to disagree with Len's comment that additional "files" consume
additional power. The Z88 does use power when "off" to refresh the RAM, but
(to the best of my knowledge) the amount of power is dependent ONLY on the
amount of RAM installed. "Empty" RAM cells still contain "data" as far as the
computer is concerned, and must be maintained. Deleting extra files should not
have any effect on battery life.

One thing that does consume a lot of battery power is burning data into EPROM
in slot 3. Are you using this feature a lot?

Finally, I want to thank Len for teching me how to save and restore the PANEL
settings. THis one tip will save me a lot of time after a soft reset.

Vic




 #84 33 04 Feb 90 07:24:38 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #83 SEE ALSO #98
Subj: CARDS.TIP

Thanks for catching the bit about the amt of files in RAM. I've added a note
on that to the file. And I've added a bit to the bulletin on other things in
the file. Amazing how little of this is in the official docs! (well maybe
not so amazing).

Phil




 #85 37 04 Feb 90 10:06:19 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #66 SEE ALSO #90
Subj: CHIPS

Phil, SUPERCHIP 1 is one they told me about that had THINKz, ZTERM, and ZTAPE,
but now they say they do not have it but check back in 2 weeks?
I would be interested in THINKz if youn are in the mood for selling it what do
you want for it? By the way, in referance to a previous note from me I did
get Z888COM working, it just required a little more reading from me of the Z8
manual, sorry! Thanks, John. P.S. have you heard anything more about
Cambridge's VT100-220,etc. emulation prog-price, features, availablity?




 #86 34 04 Feb 90 10:11:45 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #69
Subj: thanks

THANKS!




 #89 35 04 Feb 90 17:01:30 (RECV'D)
From: Howard Weaver
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #79
Subj: Thx

Thx for the advice, Phil. That sounds like good advice and I will probably
call Sharps and check it out.




 #90 36 04 Feb 90 17:49:56 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #85
Subj: THINKz

Ummm..what made you think I would sell it? I use it all the time.

No nothing re VT emulators; not my bag.

Phil




 #92 38 05 Feb 90 12:38:56 (RECV'D)
From: Ed Hahn
To: Len Rubin
SEE ALSO #103
Subj: Hard Plastic Topper

Where can I get the hard plastic topper mentioned in your CARDS.TIP. I called
Cambridge in Novemeber and they were no help. I constantly run my batteries
down while traveling. Your info was great by the way thanks much. Ed Hahn,
213.316.7176, Box 7000-266, Redondo Beach Ca 90277.




 #94 5 06 Feb 90 20:58:13 (RECV'D)
From: Dave Armstrong
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #96
Subj: LINK.BAS

LINK.BAS is a BBS like program for the z88. When linked to host computer via
a null modem, files can be transfered back and forth using Xmodem utilizing
the host keyboard and ignoring the z88. This program is a modification of your
Z88COM modem program. Program also updates a log file (LINKLOG.DAT) recording
all transfers.
Problems: I could not find a way to execute a CLI file to catalogue show the
z88 directory while 'online' without dropping out of the BASIC program. Hence,
a file called FILES.DAT must be prepared using #F|cf:RAM.*//*-E for the file
command to work.
Also need a way to increase the timeout time within the assembled code.
Any suggestions.--Thanks for dedicating your time and equipment for this BBS.
I have learned much about the Z88 from your BBS.




 #95 3 06 Feb 90 22:05:55
From: Sysop
To: Greg Kaminsky
REPLY TO #93
Subj: New User

Yes, user' guide is not great -- tho is a good reference, once you know the
machine. There are some useful books available, from Sharp's in
Mechanicsville, VA.

Ask all the questions you care/need to. But make them public. I don't spend
much time here myself, just tend to maintain things. But there are very
knowledgable users who do anser questions (I can but lots of other things
claim my time!).

Welcome aboard!

Phil




 #97 34 10 Feb 90 13:40:28 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
Subj: Battery current data for the Z88

Phil,

I have just run some experiments to determine how much current the Z88
draws from the batteries under different conditions. One key bit of info is
that battery current is increased up to 10 times over the normal "off" current
when keys are pressed which are not supposed to turn the Z88 on. This confirms
for me the need for the Topper when traveling with the Z88 stuffed into a
briefcase. The full message was too long for the message area, so I put it
into File Area 2 with the title "Battery.inf".

Vic




 #98 34 10 Feb 90 16:35:49 (RECV'D)
From: Len Rubin
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #84
Subj: Yup

Thanks for setting the record straight. Somehow I confused the
increased memory demand of many suspended activities with increased
power demands. I wasn't thinking!

On the subject of Panel settings, I'm suprised and delighted to be of
any service to you--didn't think you ever missed a trick!

I was overcome with joy when one of my customers showed me late in the
game to jump to the Filer from the "name of file to load" prompt in
Pipedream, move into a subdirectory with Shift + Down Arrow, select the
file, and escape back to the Pipeream dialogue box to merely press
Enter!! That little bit of magic transformed my daily experience of
computing on the Z88, which had been drudgery before, given all the
hierarchy in my filing system, and my ignorance of how to avoid having
to type the entire pathname each time. I've been using the List file
feature more lately, as well; it allows you to circumvent the
cumbersome process of separately loading and switching back and forth
between several related files, as in worksheets of expenses, income,
disbursements, liabilities, etc. If they're all in a Pipedream List
file, then by "loading" the list file and using <>FN (next file in
list) and <>FP (previous file in list), etc. you can navigate quickly,
without having to invoke the INDEX at all. I haven't figured out how
to Print individual files in the List conveniently yet, however. If
you do <>PO, you get a consecutive printing of all the files in the
List file--of course you could specify "Yes" to "wait between pages",
and type "M" (for "miss" a particular page--how British!), or just
"ESC", if you ha dprinted what you wanted, but I suspect there's
another way perhaps.

The more one studies this machine the more mysteries one seems to
uncover!!

-LBR




 #99 31 10 Feb 90 18:46:58 (RECV'D)
From: Howard Weaver
To: Victor Roberts
Subj: Batteries

Sure nice to have an engineer in the group. That test confirms my suspicions
about battery use while in "off" mode. I have ordered the Topper and look
forward to getting some of that lobger battery life that was promised. Thanks!




 #100 33 10 Feb 90 19:36:25 (RECV'D)
From: Len Rubin
To: Sysop
Subj: Link.BBS

Tried to download Link.BBS, but the system kept saying, "no such file".
It's listed, but appearently a mirage! Your too cruel.
-LBR




 #101 33 10 Feb 90 19:48:02 (RECV'D)
From: Len Rubin
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #102
Subj: Impaired cognition

Oh, I get it, I'm a complete idiot! As I reviewed the list of files, I
see I kept typing "Link.BBS"--not "Link.Bas"--maybe I'm just getting
senile. Sorry for the stupid message, or as Gilda Radner/Emily Lattela
used to say, "never mind".

-LBR




 #102 32 10 Feb 90 20:27:55 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Len Rubin
REPLY TO #101
Subj: Link.bas

My fault -- I called it link.bbs in the bulletin. The bulletin file is
bulletin.bbs and I had that extension on the mind when I revised the bulletin.
Sorry abt that!!

Phil




 #103 31 11 Feb 90 13:13:30
From: James Hunkins
To: Ed Hahn
REPLY TO #92
Subj: Hard Plastic Topper

The plastic topper is available from SHARP's at Box 326,
Mechanicsville, VA 23111, (804) 730-9697, FAX (804) 746-1978. It
costs $19.95 plus $5 shipping. They charge a 3% surcharge on credit
cards. A note on the $5 shipping fee. It is a one time charge per
Z88 accessory order so if you need to order more than one item, it
will only cost $5 shipping total.
SHARP's also carries a full line of Z88 accessories and always
ships promptly.





 #104 32 11 Feb 90 13:15:18 (RECV'D)
From: James Hunkins
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: Bay Area User's Group

Thanks for the name, Curtis. I was wondering if there is any
interest in putting together a small informal Bay Area user's group.
Let me know if anyone is interested. And if anyone knows someone in
the Bay Area who uses the Z88 and does not sign on here, please ask
them if they are interested.
Either drop me a line here or call me at (408) 249-1664.





 #106 37 11 Feb 90 18:28:57 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #114
Subj: ZTERM

Phil, is there a review of ZTERM on the board? I have been using your
excellant Z88COM.BAS and I wonder if it has anything that your program does
not? Thanks, John




 #107 39 12 Feb 90 06:40:51
From: Glen Copeland
To: All
SEE ALSO #113
Subj: AUTO BACK-UP UTIL. (ABU)

IT'S HERE! I FINALLY GOT A ROUND TUIT (FROM A FRIEND) AND PUT MY AUTOMATIC
BACK UP UTILITY ON THE BOARD! IT'S A NEAT LITTLE 2 CLI UTILITY THAT SAVES
WHAT YOU ARE DOING EVERY 15 MINUTES WHEN ACTIVE. FOR MORE INFO, CHECK OUT
ABUINSTR.DOC IN FILE AREA 1... YOU MUST HAVE THAT TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK
IT! YOU'LL ALSO NEED STARTABU.CLI AND BU.CLI, THE TWO CLI'S THAT MAKE UP THE
UTILITY. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU TRY IT AND HOW YOU LIKE IT. ESPECIALLY
LET ME KNOW IF THERE IS ANY PROBLEM WITH IT, AS IT IS MY FIRST UPLOAD.
SUMMARY: YOU NEED ABUINSTR.DOC, STARTABU.CLI, AND BU.CLI TO USE IT. ON THE
WAY: BOOT.CLI- A CLI THAT RESETS ALL YOUR PREFERED DEFAULTS (I.E., DATE
FORMAT & DEFAULT DEVICE) IN THE PANEL AND FILER, WHENEVER YOU DO A HARD RESET
OF TWO SUCESSIVE SOFT RESETS. STAY TUNED...




 #113 34 12 Feb 90 23:28:34
From: Curtis Claar
To: Glen Copeland
REPLY TO #107 SEE ALSO #115
Subj: Tuit

I uploaded a stupid program called Tuit on the VA BBS. Did you get that Tuit
or a different one?

[Curtis]

p.s. the auto saver sounds good, I'll try it soon.





 #114 36 13 Feb 90 20:54:39 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #106 SEE ALSO #117
Subj: zTerm

No review here. It does have a different (i.e., built-in) terminal emulator,
which will have some value on different boards. Has a good xmodem capability
-- but has a flaw in the upload in that it will not upload to boards which
default to CRC (my copy will not upload to Compuserve, for example).

All-in-all, I think it is worth having, especially if you call lots of BBS
types.

Phil




 #116 31 15 Feb 90 11:17:03 (RECV'D)
From: Jim Mcgivern
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #119
Subj: Logon

Strange.... couldn't log on at 1200 baud (I have 2400 baud capability). Tried
300 (!) with success but can't recall any modern board that still uses it
exclusively. Please let me know if you accept 12--2400 etc. Will call again
next week. Thanks for the great board.




 #117 28 16 Feb 90 21:41:14 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #114
Subj: ZTERM

Thanks, I will look into it. John




 #118 27 17 Feb 90 11:50:40
From: Guy Smith
To: All
SEE ALSO #120
Subj: Diconix 150 with Parallel port.

I just bought a Diconix 150 printer from a fellow and would like to use it
with my Z88. It has a parallel port and I need info on two things (1)
Will your garden variety serial to parallel port cable work with the Z88 or do
I need a special cable? and (2) Is there a special driver I need to make the
diconix print?
Some company was selling the two as a "system" recently, so I know that they
will work. Any info would be appreciated.
thanks, Guy Smith




 #119 29 17 Feb 90 14:24:58
From: Sysop
To: Jim Mcgivern
REPLY TO #116
Subj: Logon

That was the day my modem when into some far out mode. Never seen it before
and hope to never again. System definitely accepts 300/1200/2400.

Phil




 #120 32 17 Feb 90 14:26:23 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Guy Smith
REPLY TO #118
Subj: Diconix 150

I have one, tho I have never used it with the Z88. It works like an Epson. I
use it with all the Epson codes and a PC and all is fine. And the standard
Z88 parallel cable *should* be fine.

You will want to make some adjustments. The Diconix prints elite, and does 80
or so columns. It also leaves large margins on both sides in this mode. So
you will want to set a left margin which is small when printing (say 0-4
spaces, depending on taste) and format your file in PipeDream with a width
(aka line length) of 76-78 characters. I think it also will space more
closely vertically (don't remember). You may want a page length of 88 rather
than 66.

In any case, it is a GREAT printer; after some experimenting you will like it.

Phil




 #122 33 17 Feb 90 17:55:31 (RECV'D)
From: James Hunkins
To: Norm Lehfeldt
Subj: Bay Area Group

Just a note, Norm, to see if you would be interested in participating
in a Bay Area user's group for the Z88. I envision a monthly or
bi-monthly meeting with discussions on everything from using the
builtin Z88 software for business apps upto technical trouble/trick
discussions on both hardware and software.

Let me know what you think. In addition to here, you can reach me at
3375 Homestead Rd. #15, Santa Clara, CA 95051, (408) 249-1664.




 #124 34 17 Feb 90 19:32:16 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #126
Subj: Toshiba T1000SE

Phil,

I believe in an earlier message you mentioned that you were
using a Toshiba T1000SE for some of your business trips. I have a
question about this machine I hope you can answer.

One of the features of the Z88 I have come to depend on is
the ability to "suspend" all operations by just tapping both
SHIFT keys, and pick up my work exactly where I left off by
tapping them again. This feature prompted me to move my daily "to
do" list from my DOS machines to the Z88. I can add items any
time with no need to boot the machine. As you know, the ability
to suspend operation also greatly increases battery life during
use at meetings, since the machine only needs to be on when
entering notes, and can be shut down at other times.

I cannot see myself ever trading in the Z88 for a DOS
portable that needs to be booted every time I want to add a note
to some file. Most MS-DOS machines also have much shorter battery
life than the Z88 to begin with, and therefore need the ability
to suspend operation even more than does the Z88.

This weekend I borrowed a Compaq LTE to take on a short
trip. This is quite some machine, but the "standby" feature only
reduces battery consumption by about 1/2.

This brings me back to the Toshiba T1000SE. According to the
article in the Dec, 1989, BYTE, the T000SE has an "auto resume"
feature which lets you shut off the computer and have it pick up
where you left off when you turn it back on.

I am curious about the real way the T1000SE operates since
the same BYTE article claims the Compaq LTE is shutdown by use of
the "standby" button, while I now know it is not. Since some
battery power must be used to maintain RAM, how long is the
battery life when the T000SE is shut off with auto resume
enabled? Is battery life any longer if the auto resume is not
enabled?

Thanks.

Vic




 #126 31 17 Feb 90 21:44:05 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #124 SEE ALSO #127
Subj: T1000SE

The T1000SE does have such a mode (that's what I use) and it works well. I
doubt if it takes anymore power in that mode than the reboot mode -- since it
just stores the info in RAM for the resume; does not seem that would be any
more consumptive than the reboot mode (which is a setup option).

T1000SE is short on battery life -- about 2.0-2.5 hours on a battery. Good
new is that they are replaceable and small -- and will recharge on the machine
(if not in use) in about 4 hours. But I really tend to use it as a small
transportable, not off batteries (have not trravelled since I've had it).

It is a dynamite machine. Has double-scan backlit CGA LCD (400 lines). VERY
crisp display! Great keyboard. And with 3 megs of RAM (incl 2 meg slide-in
card) you have 640K working RAM and about 2.4 Meg in a hard RAM disk; I keep
Wordstar 4, PC-Outline, Lucid 3D and Turbo Basic aboard (plus the WS
dictionaries) -- and still have about 600K for files. The 1.44 meg floppy is
nifty and very fast.

BTW -- RAM is NOT CMOS; uses battery backup, and there are three batteries in
the computer -- apparently each one charging the next.

I also have a Toshiba T1000 which I like (mine, SE belongs to company). NIce
thing with the 1000 is that I ahve installed a 2.6 A-H battery pack, and get
about 8 hours on it; takse 16 hrs to fully charge, but it will do real well on
a trip, in meetings, etc. And the T1000 with 768K RAM card (gives 512K
working RAM plus room for WS sans dictionaries, PC-Outline, Laplink, Lucid 3D,
some utilities, and abt 150K for working files) goes for about $850-900
locally -- REALLY a lot of computer for the money.

Phil




 #127 31 18 Feb 90 05:01:55 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #126
Subj: T1000SE

Thanks for the info.

VIc




 #131 36 20 Feb 90 23:07:35
From: Sysop
To: All
Subj: Stuff 'n things

I've been working pretty long hours lately, so no Jan msg file is up yet.
I'll get to it soon (weekend, I hope). I've also redesigned the board so that
their will be separate areas for games, applications and utilities. But it
will take a bit of moving things around to put it all in place; maybe that,
too, will happen on the weekend -- if I can find my notes on what I figured
out!!

Watch this space, and the bulletin!

Phil

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- MARCH 1990
-----------------------------------


 #136 27 02 Mar 90 12:00:23
From: Michael Dalessandro
To: All
SEE ALSO #139
Subj: Logo on a Z88?

Does anyone know of any versions of Logo (or Lisp) for the Z88?

Does anyone know of any versions of Logo (or Lisp) in Z88 Basic that
could be run on a Z88?




 #137 24 03 Mar 90 05:26:03
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
SEE ALSO #140
Subj: ZN-DOS

Does anyone know if there is an upgrade for ZN-DOS available or in progress?
Additional capabilities I would like include: use of wildcard filenames when
saving files to disk; ability to overwrite files on disk, with prompting; some
sort of error recovery when the disk system crashes due to poor connection or
weak batteries (current ZN-DOS requires soft reset of Z88); and a utility to
allow me to connect the disk drive at my PC and read and write files. If all
development activity for ZN-DOS has ended, are the authors willing to make the
code available so that others can make these modifications?

Vic

P.S. If the current version of ZN-DOS already has any of the above "needs" I
identified, I would appreciate learning how to access these functions.




 #138 24 03 Mar 90 09:08:58 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #141
Subj: EPCAT

Phil,

I just ran across a problem with EPCAT.BAS, the EPROM catalog
program you wrote last year. I hope you can suggest a solution.

I have a 128K EPROM in Slot 3 of my Z88. I just loaded WIZARD.BAS onto the
EPROM. The EPROM catalog function of the FILER gives the file size as 20958
bytes. However, when I run EPCAT, the file size comes out as 2.9666316E9 bytes,
and the program gets hung up on line 460, trying to get S down below 16K.

I just checked the files section of your bbs. I have version 1.1 of EPCAT
and that is the latest version posted. Have you run across this problem? Any
suggestions?

Vic




 #139 25 03 Mar 90 16:40:54 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Michael Dalessandro
REPLY TO #136
Subj: Logo for Z88

No Logo's that I'm aware of, Michael. If you have one in a Basic of some sort,
we could probably adapt it to the Z88 dialect.

Phil




 #140 24 03 Mar 90 16:42:04 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #137
Subj: ZN-DOS

It seems to me that there was an upgrade made by Nuge -- not sure that it did
what you suggest (I know it didn't do it ALL!).

It is commercial software, so it is unlikely that Nuge and Terry would make
the code available -- unless they totally gave up on profiting from its sale.

Phil




 #141 26 03 Mar 90 16:44:31 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #138 SEE ALSO #142
Subj: EPCAT

First thing to do is try a new download -- possibly your copy got trashed,
somehow.

I've never seen any such problem in the program. Suspect if it is there it is
a very hard to duplicate phenomenon. Have you tried it on a different EPROM?

Phil




 #142 26 05 Mar 90 03:20:47 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #141
Subj: EPCAT

Phil,

Just burned WIZARD.BAS into a new EPROM and EPCAT does report the correct
size. However, the file is not in the same location in the new EPROM as it was
in the old EPROM, since it is now the only
file. This will require more experimentation. I will get back to you with more
info tonight.

Vic




 #148 29 06 Mar 90 03:44:47
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: ZN-DOS Version 1.2

An upgrade to ZN-DOS version 1.2 is available from Sharps for $5. Just send
them a blank 3 1/2" disk, formatted with ZN-DOS in the PCIC drive, and your
$5. They will return the disk with the DOS upgrade. My upgrade order is going
in the mail today, so I do not yet know what features V1.2 has beyond those in
my current V1.0. Whe the upgrade arrives, I will put a note here.

Vic




 #150 38 07 Mar 90 17:09:15
From: Peter Cronin
To: Phil Wheeler
Subj: Buying Z-88

Phil,
You may remember me from the M-100 SIG (CIS) some years ago.
Tony Anderson tells me you now have this board supporting the C/Z88.
I still spend much time innorthern Italy/Switzerland. The Z-88 is
quite popular there, but I've not bought one because I understood
little or no support (or availability) was the case here in the USA.
As this apparently is NOT the case, may I ask where I get one? I'm
in northeast Bergen County, NJ (near the GW Bridge) so a local or
Manhattan, or better yet, GOOD DISCOUNT mail-order house will do the
job. Suggestions? Ideas? Illuminations?




 #156 31 10 Mar 90 00:26:34
From: Len Rubin
To: All
Subj: Freedom at last

I understand from Mark that at long last 1 Meg RAM cartridges are available!
He expects them to arrive in the next week or two. Finally I'll be able to
carry around my ENTIRE database, instead of just the highlights! Of course,
it's just a matter of time before the first law of gasses and data
demonstrates its inevitability again (gasses and data both have a tendency to
eventually expand to fill all available space...

-LBR




 #157 30 10 Mar 90 01:01:08
From: Len Rubin
To: Sysop Victor Roberts Et Al.
SEE ALSO #158
Subj: EPCAT

I have my own EPCAT story:

Every so often I have a 128K EPROM that EPCAT can't read. The program
will say something like, "No EPROM in slot 3". The interesting aspect
is that the Filer can read these EPROMS, but EPCAT can't. I have
entertained the idea that perhaps the EPROMs in question were not
completely erased, prior to being written to, and that this confuses
EPCAT, but not the Filer, due to some difference in the way that the
two read EPROM headers. These are the wild speculations of a non-
programmer. I would be curious to hear the REAL explanation.

-LBR




 #158 32 10 Mar 90 04:59:53 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Len Rubin
REPLY TO #157
Subj: EPCAT

Usually the No EPROM message comes up when you install a completely erased
EPROM which has not been initialized with the FILER.

EPCAT looks for an "o" (lower case o) at a particular stot in the EPROM to
confirm that it is an EPROM and not a ROM or RAM. When you first erase a EPROM,
this "o" is not there. It is written by the FILER the first time it is asked
to catalog the EPROM (the screen will even flash the first time a newly erased
EPROM is read by the FILER.) So...after installing a newly erased EPROM, first
go to the FILER and Catalog the EPROM, and then run EPCAT.

The unerased bit problem is a real, but different issue. Neither the FILER or
EPCAT check the whole EPROM. Each just looks at the header to check the kind
of card, and then reads the file name and file size data. I wrote a BASIC
program called EPCHK.CLI that reads the whole EPROM to make sure all the bits
have been reset to zero by the UV light. Per the previous discussion, EPCHK
must be used before the newly erased EPROM is Cataloged with FILER, or else it
will find the initialization mark written by the FILER and report that the
EPROM is not empty. EPCHK.CLI and EPCHK.BAS are on this bbs, I believe in Area
1. I must add that except for one test where I used a very marginal erase time,
I have never found any unerased bits with EPCHK. In fact, the real reason I
wrote it was to figure out how much erase time I really need. I usually erase
for about 20 minutes now, but the actual time needed will depend upon the type
of your eraser and the age of the lamp, among other things. Note also that
unerased bits will corrupt your data, turning "0" bits into "1" bits, and will
not be found by either the FILER or EPCAT, unless the unerased bits happen to
be in the spot the FILER is trying to initialize.

Vic




 #160 28 12 Mar 90 07:41:35
From: Sysop
To: Chip Walter
REPLY TO #144
Subj: Z88COM

Most likely the error you are getting is because PHONE.LOG is not in the
default directory when you run Z88COM. Best bet is to make a copy of
Phone.Log in the same directory you are running with and see if that fixes it.

Once you get it running, we can deal with any other questions.

Phil




 #166 32 13 Mar 90 07:53:23 (RECV'D)
From: Idalgo Raimondi
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #1 SEE ALSO #169
Subj: z88 *.zfu & z88com.bas

hi phill I STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED A MESSAGE FROM YOU REGARDING THE Z88COM.BAS
PROGRAM AND THE *.ZFU FILES PLEASE LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR ME OR CALL ME DIRECTLY
AT (519) 453-7441
SINCERELY IDALGO RAIMONDI




 #167 26 14 Mar 90 17:21:10 (RECV'D)
From: Victor Roberts
To: Sysop
SEE ALSO #170
Subj: Jerry Pournelle

Phil,

Did you see Jerry Pournelle's column in the March 5 Infoworld (p56)?
The whole column is devoted to the Z88. Best stuff Jerry has written about the
Z88. He says he doesn't like the operating system, but most of his complaints
are about the poor manual, not the machine. We have lots of good company,
Jerry says Arthur C. Clark has two Z88s.

Vic




 #169 32 15 Mar 90 06:24:51 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Idalgo Raimondi
REPLY TO #166
Subj: Z88COM

Here is the message: PHONE.LOG must be your default directory when running
Z88COM. IF in doubt what directory is the default, copy it to ALL directories.

But that is just a guess at the problem, since I don't know what error message
you are getting.

Phil




 #170 29 15 Mar 90 06:26:48 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Victor Roberts
REPLY TO #167
Subj: Pournelle

Yup, saw it. He sure has come around a long way, hasn't he?

Phil




 #173 35 16 Mar 90 13:13:17
From: Mark Weiss
To: All
Subj: Z88 SALES REPS

WE, AT CAMBRIDGE GROUP, HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE
INTERESTED IN SELLING Z88'S TO YOUR FRIENDS, AND ANYBODY ELSE YOU KNOW. WE
HAVE GREAT SALES MATERIALS, AND GREAT PRICES, AS WELL!!
YOU CAN MAKE ALOT OF MONEY JUST SHOWING YOUR Z88 TO OTHERS. IF YOU WANT TO
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION, JUST CALL TOLL-FREE MONDAY-FRIDAY 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
EST, 800-458-9008.
THANKS, WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.




 #180 25 18 Mar 90 07:48:55
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: ZN-DOS Version 1.2

I received my ZN-DOS upgrade yesterday. As far as I can tell so far
the only difference between Version 1.0 and Version 1.2 is that the latter
displays an error message when you try to overwrite an existing disk file,
while the earlier version just beeped and returned to the
main menu. Unfortunately it is still not possible to overwrite existing files
of the same name, even when you want to, and there is no way
to save files to disk with wildcards. If anyone knows how either of these two
things can be done with ZN-DOS, I would appreciate a note.

Vic




 #182 26 18 Mar 90 14:48:38 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Idalgo Raimondi
REPLY TO #178
Subj: ZFU Files

To use ZFU files you need to get ZFU.BAS and ZFU.DOC (think that's the name)
to extract/decompress. *.ZFU files are archives, compressed and in some cases
multiple files.

Phil




 #188 32 20 Mar 90 16:40:15
From: Norm Lehfeldt
To: All
Subj: RLE Graphics on the Z88

I have uploaded files 'ZRLE.BAS', 'ZRLE.PD', and RLE.ZFU.
The ZFU file contains RLE graphic files that can be displayed (after
un-packingthe Richard Haw's 'ZFU.BAS') by running ZRLE.BAS.
ZRLE.PD is a two-page Pipedream file that gives a brief explanation of RLE
graphics and explains how to use ZRLE.BAS.
I would be interested in your comments about the program. There is still a
little refinement needed.
Norm




 #189 38 20 Mar 90 20:45:01
From: Len Rubin
To: Vic
Subj: EPCAT (reply to #158)

Vic-

Thanks for the response to my msg. I have been using EPCAT, EPLOAD,
and EPCHK since ever since they were first posted. I have found each
to be useful and generally, straight-foreward. I also understand the
mechanics of EPROM protocol, to the extent that you addressed it. The
failure of EPCAT to read EPROMS in certain instances lies outside of
the points covered in your meassage. The EPROMS in question have
always had several files on them! It seems we still have a mystery.

-LBR




 #190 35 22 Mar 90 22:12:45
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
SEE ALSO #191
Subj: two parametee

How does one get the two-parameter option to work on the VDUs to work. I don't
want to toggle the stuff all the time. I tried what the Developers Notes said
with no luck: VDU1,"2","+","B"

Can somebody help me?

[Curtis]





 #191 29 28 Mar 90 23:25:16 (RECV'D)
From: Sysop
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #190 SEE ALSO #193
Subj: Two Params

I was going to talk to you on line just now but you logged off before I could
get to the keyboard.

From the BBS BAsic Book:

VDU1,ASC"2",ASC"+",ASC"R" or VDU1,50,43,82

Will make the screen print in inverse video until repealed. The "2" tells it
that there are two params, and the "+" and "R" are them!

Phil




 #192 28 30 Mar 90 11:00:19
From: Mark Stueber
To: All
Subj: 1 MEG RAM CARDS

Sharp's will have available on April 13th the 1 Meg ram packs for $499.95 + $4
S+H. In 3 weeks the 256K Rams will be available. Prices to follow soon on
them. Sharp's (804) 730-9697.
Mark




 #193 29 31 Mar 90 18:03:43 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Sysop
REPLY TO #191
Subj: two params

Thanks a million! This will make my life easier and my programs more
predicable. THANKS.

[Curtis]

ARCHIVED BBS MESSAGES -- APRIL 1990
-----------------------------------


 #195 30 01 Apr 90 09:09:26
From: Chris Fenn
To: All
Subj: CCCP

Howdy all! Jerry Pournell has mentioned that he's taking Sir Zed with
him on a forthcoming trip to the USSR. Don't know what the trip is
about, but it sure sounds interesting. Gee, it's been too long since
I've made it out of town with mine.

Chris





 #197 26 03 Apr 90 00:12:08
From: Curtis Claar
To: All
Subj: ZFN

If there's anyone out there who hasn't tried Z88 Fax News, you can now get the
April issue at a special discount.

This month's issue is a special "tribute" to April Fool's Day -- it is a
parody issue. If you send a shiny quarter and two pennies, I'll send you
April's ZFN (or I can fax it if you have a fax number).

If you haven't tried it yet, try it!

Z88 Fax News
2342 Glendale Ave
Casper WY 82601


[Curtis]





 #198 27 04 Apr 90 08:59:48
From: Stephen Fleming
To: Introduction
SEE ALSO #205
Subj: Z88 for Macintosh User

I've only seen one of these Z88 beasties... but the owner raved
about it, and Jerry Pournelle said some good things, and I want
something lightweight and silent. So educate me! What configuration
will I be happy with (my Mac IIcx has 5 meg of RAM and I use it all,
so I tend to push systems to their limits), how much support is there
for a Macintosh connection, can I put a 2400 bps modem in one of these
things, and how much will it all cost, full-up, mail ordered? Any
help, suggestions, words of warning will be appreciated.

+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+
| Stephen Fleming | In ten years, computers will just be |
| fleming@cup.portal.com | bumps in cables. --Gordon Bell |
| CI$: 76354,3176 +-------------------------------------------|
| BIX: srfleming | My employers may disagree vehemently. |
+--------------------------+-------------------------------------------+



 #200 40 05 Apr 90 11:35:10
From: Mark Stueber
To: All
SEE ALSO #202
Subj: RAM PRICES

Effective April 13th new prices on ram are:
1 Meg ram $499.95
512K ram $329.95
256K ram $229.95
We can also put internal ram into the Z88 so that none of your slots are taken
up. Prices are:
256K ram upgrade $399
512K ram upgrade$499.
These prices do not include the Z88 or shipping. If interested call Sharp's
(804) 730-9697 9am - 7pm.
Mark




 #201 36 05 Apr 90 16:27:26
From: Victor Roberts
To: All
Subj: Problems with ZN-DOS

A problem with ZN-DOS has just come up tonight. When I format a disk with
Version 1.2 of ZN-DOS, the format seems to go OK, but when it is complete, I
get the following error message in inverse video:
"UNDEFINED ERROR 69H"
The disk seems OK. I can save and load files, all the file sizes are correct
and the empty disk space looks OK. I tried two different disks and received
the same error message. I then tried Version 1.0 of ZN-DOS. I did not get an
error message after the format, but something was not right, as ZN-DOS would
not return to its regular menu. I have had the same error with the disk drive
on batteries and with it operating on the AC adapter. I have never seen this
error before, so I am confused about what has changed. Is my drive bad? It
seems to be the only thing left. Any suggestions?

Vic




 #202 39 05 Apr 90 22:37:23 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Mark Stueber
REPLY TO #200 SEE ALSO #208
Subj: ram

Mark,
Is it technically impossible to put 512K internal and three meg external? This
would bring it to over 3.5 meg, but I don't think it works does it? But the
internal ram sure should be useful for eproms, etc.!

[Curtis]





 #203 36 06 Apr 90 02:35:53
From: Victor Roberts
To: Mark Steuber
Subj: Internal RAM Upgrade

Does the internal RAM become :RAM.0 ?

Vic




 #205 36 08 Apr 90 21:30:44
From: Howard Weaver
To: Stephen Fleming
REPLY TO #198
Subj: Macs and Zeds

I, too, am a confirmed Mac users and I have been packing a Z88 for a little
more than a year now. I don't make extreme demands on either system -- as a
journalist, I mainly need good word processing and telecommunications from the
field, and that plus good databases at home. But I find the z88/mac interface
more than adequate for my needs. The Zed itself is just what I want in the
field with two exceptions: I don't like the built-in word-processor
(Pipedream) and I find it quirky in telecom, at least with the 1200 worldPort
modem I bought. A friend bought the new 2400 and says it is much better. I
recently got the SPellMaster card with Quickedit word editor and I like it a
lot. It makes the Z88 a quick and reliable word processor, which is what I
mainly need. Good luck.




 #206 33 11 Apr 90 05:35:51
From: Jim Rentz
To: All
Subj: zterm half-duplex use

How do you configure ZTERM to work with a system set up for half-duplex? ZTERM
works fine with FULL duplex systems.
I have version 2.4. Is there a way to have the modem echo back the characters?




 #208 39 12 Apr 90 21:54:27 (RECV'D)
From: John Gaudreault
To: Mark Stueber
REPLY TO #202 SEE ALSO #209
Subj: Internal Ram

Mark, those are great prices! About the internal ram...can it be done with my
existing 512k Ram cartridge? Or can it be traded in towards the cost of the
internal upgrade? And finally how does the Zed see this ram, as Ram0 or what?
Thanks, John J. Gaudreault




 #209 26 17 Apr 90 11:49:45 (RECV'D)
From: Mark Stueber
To: John Gaudreault
REPLY TO #208 SEE ALSO #210
Subj: 512K RAM

YOUR 512K RAM CAN NOT BE USED IN THE INTERNAL SLOT. SORRY NO UPGRADES ON THE
RAM CARTRIDGES. THE INTERNAL 512K WOULD BE RAM.0. HOPES THIS ANSWERS YOUR
QUESTIONS.
MARK STUEBER




 #210 31 17 Apr 90 11:52:42 (RECV'D)
From: Mark Stueber
To: Curtis Claar
REPLY TO #209 SEE ALSO #211
Subj: INTERNAL 512K

SORRY TO TELL YOU BUT IT WILL BRING YOUR Z88 TO 3.5 MEG! IT WILL WORK. THE Z88
CAN ADDRESS 4 MEG!
MARK




 #211 33 17 Apr 90 21:47:49 (RECV'D)
From: Curtis Claar
To: Mark Stueber
REPLY TO #210
Subj: wowie

So in the next couple of years there might be a 1 meg internal as well?

[Curtis]





 #212 38 22 Apr 90 21:25:27 (RECV'D)
From: James Hunkins
To: Curtis Claar
Subj: Z88 Fax News

Sorry that I took so long to answer. Yes, I am interested in helping
by writing for the Z88 Fax News. And, at this point in time, a byline
is just fine.

I believe that my best way of contributing would be in answering
technical questions and perhaps in local Bay Area news. I believe that
my time will be abit more 'free' within a week. Let me know what you
need.

Jim