News - Sep.89 - Sep.89
From: Len Stys (aa399)
Date: 02/27/90-11:30:09 AM Z
From: aa399 (Len Stys)
Subject: News - Sep.89 - Sep.89
Date: Tue Feb 27 11:30:09 1990
Time Capsule - News - September 1989
------------------------------------
News Subject Title Date Posted
------------------ -----------
Atari TT - some details Sep.05,1989
Atari STE - some details Sep.05,1989
Atari purchase Conner HDs Sep.11,1989
Atari Profit Loss Sep.11,1989
Rainbow TOS 1.4 Sep.14,1989
More on the TT Sep.25,1989
An alternate to PC Ditto Sep.25,1989
--------------------------------------
-Article #155 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa399 (Len Stys)
-Subject: Atari TT - some details
-Date: Tue, 5 Sep 89 19:26:02 EDT
Some details about the TT:
>From Usernet:
Article 19028
of 19030, Wed 21:19.
Subject: Re: Duesseldorf: personal impression of the TT(T)
>From: apratt@atari.UUCP (Allan Pratt @ Atari Corp., Sunnyvale CA)
To: cmcmanis%pepper@Sun.COM (Chuck McManis) writes:
>Hmmm, the whole graphics capability question is really foggy so far. Here's
some really straight scoop about the TT from inside Atari:
The video palette has *4* bits per gun for color values. That is, you have a
total of 4096 colors: 16 levels each of red, green, and blue. (The ST has a
palette of 512 colors: 8 levels for each gun.) Another "color" mode
provides 256 levels of grey (actually green), for really fine reproduction of
a black-and-white image. This is independent of the resolution: if
you're in a 16-color mode, you can pick any 16 levels from the spectrum of 256.
(We call this hyper-monochrome: one color, but a lot of it!)
There are *6* video modes: the three ST modes (totally compatible), plus
640x480 16-color, plus 320x480 *256* color, plus 1280x960 monochrome. ALL
of these modes except the last can be shown on a single monitor. That
monitor need not be multisync. It can be a slightly modified VGA monitor, or
(of course) the monitor which Atari will sell for the TT. The last mode
needs a Viking monitor or something similar.
ST high rez (640 x 400 x 2 colors) is not limited to black and white: you can
choose any two colors.
>Does this mean it has a "DMA" port like the 520/1040/MegaX ? Does it have
a "real" SCSI port as well? What kind of through put can be expected from
the hard disk interfaces? Can it do DMA and access 4Meg ?
Yes, there is a DMA port like on the ST and Mega. Your hard disk will plug
right in. You can connect a bootable SH204 and it will boot! There is also
an external SCSI port. The SCSI port can access the full 32-bit address
space; the ACSI port is limited to 24-bit addresses. The internal hard
drive is connected to the SCSI bus.
>Is the VME slot the _only_ way to expand it, or does it have a Mega
compatible expansion connector as well?
There are a number of ways to expand the TT: you can add 2MB of dual-purpose
(video and CPU) RAM, or 10MB when 4Mbit chips are available. You can add 4MB
of REALLY FAST 32-bit nybble-mode RAM (not video-capable), and there's the
VME bus. The number 2MHz that's been bandied about needs some explanation:
The CPU and memory clock speed is 16MHz. There are four clocks in a bus
cycle. For dual-purpose RAM, around half the bus cycles go to the video or
refresh. Therefore, the CPU gets around two million MEMORY ACCESSES per
second, or 2MHz. There are other architectural details which make it a
little faster than that. And remember, each access gets you 32 bits, not 16 as
on the ST. Also, since the CPU is allocated half the bus cycles, it isn't
ALWAYS postponed by video or refresh: it might try to access the bus just as
its turn comes up, and not wait at all. Therefore dual-purpose memory accesses
run at MORE THAN 2MHz. "Fast" RAM does not have video taking up any of the
cycles, so you don't have to wait for that. It takes 4 or 5 clocks (I think)
to set up a fast-RAM access, but "nybble mode" means that the CPU fills
its cache in "burst mode" at one cycle per subsequent access. The VME logic
introduces one wait state, so a VMEbus access takes 5 clocks. (Your mileage
may vary: VME cards vary widely in response time.) But, again, you won't
be held off the bus by video. VME in the TT shown in Germany is A24/D16 (24
bits of addess, 16 bits of data).
>[programs can load in fast RAM or dual-purpose RAM] by a "loader option"
the original poster means "load program off disk" not "load .o files into a
.prg file." This is correct: there are flags in the PRG header which control
the behavior of Pexec and Malloc. Most program can run in fast RAM -- programs
which change the screen base pointer and some other things can't, though.
>[RAM on the VME bus]
You *can* put memory on the VME bus. The performance penalty is not
bad. TOS will recognize that memory and use it for programs if you set
it up right.
>Does it have a Blitter ?
No need for one. The reason for the Blitter is to remove instruction-
fetch overhead from memory operations, and with the 68030 on-chip
cache, the TT does just fine without it.
>It is the cheapest workstation of that power around (about 1/2 the
price of comparable competitors here in Germany).
You can say that again. Please, people, remember that when you compare
the TT with a Next machine, for instance, you're talking about roughly
4x the price! JT's motto is Power Without the Price, and we think we're
giving you just that.
============================================
Opinions expressed above do not necessarily -- Allan Pratt, Atari
(HCorp.
reflect those of Atari Corp. or anyone else. ...ames!atari!apratt
-Article #156 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa399 (Len Stys)
-Subject: Atari STE - some details
-Date: Tue, 5 Sep 89 19:26:53 EDT
Some details about the STE:
>From ST FORMAT magazine (U.K):
"A new super ST is set to upset the 16-bit applecart before Christmas by
offering superb graphics and sound at the regular ST's price. The STE, as
the machine will be called, will challengee the Amiga head on, matching
it in specification and undercutting it in price. Senior sources at Atari claim
the new micro will offer 256 colours on screen, four-channel stereo sound and
hardware scrolling. The lack of these features has always been the main
criticism of the ST. The STE will be fully compatible with current ST
software, and will be bundled with the present Power Pack of games software.
The STE at 399 pounds with the Power Pack will put Atari in an extremely
powerful position in the Christmas market."
ST games players have long been waiting for Atari to produce a machine
capable of giving the Amiga a run for its money. It seems an ST compatible
computer capable of fulfilling gamers' dreams is just round the corner. The
notion of a Super ST,ST Plus, Enhanced ST - call it what you like - has been
floated for some time. However, here are the specifications straight from
Atari UK's headquarters:
* 4,096 - colour palette with one mode being able to display 256 colours and
not hog the processor(which the Amiga's HAM mode is keen on doing).
* Four voice stereo sound with frequency and amplitude modulation.
* Extremely rapid multi-directional hardware scrolling.
In all other aspects the STE, as it is to be called, will be identical to
the ST. A double-sided floppy will be provided as standard and the processor
will be the same 8MHZ-rated 68000 affair that graces all current STs.
Silverthorn-from Megavision BBS
-Article #157 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa400 (Phillip Chow)
-Subject: Atari To Purchase Conner HDs
-Date: Mon, 11 Sep 89 17:27:44 EDT
Atari to purchase Conner hard
disk drives for the STacy
---------------------------------------
SAN JOSE, CA - Conner Peripherals,
Inc. announced that is has complete an
OEM purchase agreement with Atari
Corporation calling for its low profile
20 and 40 megabyte 3.5-inch hard disk
drives to be integrated into the new
Atari STacy laptop portable computer
system.
Conner Peripherals designs,
manufactures and markets world-wide,
high-performance 3.5-inch Winchester
hard disk drives for the generation of
desktop, portable and laptop
microcomputers and workstations. These
systems are based on 32-bit and 16-bit
microprocessors and reqiire greater
storage capacity, faster access time,
lower power comsumption and smaller
size than previous disk drive products.
Reprint from ST Informer September 1989
Reprinted here with permission
-Article #158 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa400 (Phillip Chow)
-Subject: Atari Profit Loss
-Date: Mon, 11 Sep 89 17:29:16 EDT
Atari's profit declines 94%
Stock price rises in value
after announcement made
by: Martha Yungk
---------------------------------------
On the even of August 15, 1989, Atari
Corp. released its second quarter
eranings. My first reaction was
"Thank goodness they waited until
after the close of the market to
release this." I had not expected a
great report, but I was hoping for
better then I saw. Figure 1 shows what
was released.
Figure 1 (in 80 columns)
_________________________________________________________________________
1989 1988*
2nd qtr July 1:
sales.........................$82,740,000 $102,518,000
profit............................327,000 7,866,000
loss............................--------- 2,295,000
net income........................327,000 5,571,000
net share earnings.............. .01 .10
6 months:
sales........................$171,516,000 $200,839,000
profit..........................3,615,000 22,940,000
loss............................--------- 11,695,000
net income......................3,615,000 11,245,000
net share earnings.............. .06 .19
* Restated to reflect discontinued Federated Group Operations.
____________________________________________________________________________
The reason for this decline was
explained by Sam Tramiel, president and
chief executive officer of Atari Corp,
who said "The decline in revenue and
profits compared to last year can be
attributed to two principal factors,
exchange rate fluctuation and depressed
video game sales in the U.S. Computer
sales in Europe continued to grow
during the quarter despite a 10 percent
price erosion due to adverse currency
fluctuations. Video game sales,
primarily in the U.S. market, remained
depressed as a result of the alleged
unfair monopolistic practices of an
international competitor, which are now
the subject of litigations."
Tramiel furthur stated "Since the end
of the second quarter, the comapny
shipped several thousand units of the
Atari Portfolio, the new hand-held
MS-DOS compatible personal computer.
Initial feedback from the market place
has been very encouraging. Production
of Portfolio is ramping up in the third
quarter and will be at targeted
production levels in the fourth
quarter.
The company also stated that the
recently announced Lynx' the new
hand-held color LCD game system, will
begin to ship in volume during the
fourth quarter of this year.
On Tuesday, August 15, the day after
this report, Atari stock closed up a
quarter point, at $9.625. On the next
day, Wednesday, the stock closed up
another eigth ($9.75), just an eigth
short of its high for the past 52
weeks. For both of those days, Atari
was listed in the top ten most actively
traded stocks on the American Stock
Exchange.
Wall Street had already expected
earnings statement of this sort, and
perhaps it wasn't as bad as had been
expected. Investors were gald to see
Atari returning to what they are best
known for, video games. With the Lynx
shipping in time for Christmas and the
Portfolio being so well recieved in the
market place, there is ample reason to
believe that Atari's fourth quarter
earnings should be excellent.
MS-DOS is more and more becoming the
"standard of the industry," and with
Atari joining that market with its
Portfolio and clones, it would cerainly
appear to investors that Atari may be
on the right track toward profitability
again. My prediction is, if Atari
keeps to its deadlines, the stock could
easily reach between $12 and $15 by
Christmas.
On the other hand what does this mean
for the ST? Will anyone ever recognize
what a great machine it can be? Why,
with just a little help from PC Ditto
II and Spectre 128 it can run MS-DOS
and Mac software, besides its own.
What other machine can do that for as
little cost? Atari can survice and
become a very profitable company with
the right leadership and decisions.
--
Reprint from ST Informer September 1989
Reprinted here with permission
-Article #160 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa268 (Jim Haynes)
-Subject: Rainbow TOS 1.4 Release
-Date: Thu, 14 Sep 89 20:02:26 EDT
Title: TOS 1.4 Release Posted: On 9/12/89
Rainbow TOS
The Operating System Upgrade from Atari
Atari is proud to introduce Rainbow TOS, a new version of the ST/MEGA
operating system. During the early stages of the development of Rainbow
TOS, we actively gathered suggestions from our customers and incorporated
many of these suggestions.
We have made many enhancements, including an easier to use GEM Desktop.
Here are a few of the changes:
- Faster disk access.
- IBM compatible disk format from Desktop.
- Compatible with high resolution monitors.
- Automatically run GEM applications on boot-up!
- Soft-Reset available from keyboard.
- Revised File Selector.
- GEM Desktop supports "moving" of files.
- Folder renaming ability!
- Better memory management.
- Archive bit handling for Hard Drive backup.
And many more! We consider Rainbow TOS to be a major enhancement to ST
and MEGA computers and recommend that every one of our customers upgrade.
Rainbow TOS is available now through your local Atari dealer.
For additional information on Rainbow TOS
please call our Technical Support Department at (408) 745-2004.
Rainbow TOS is available from, and only installable by,
your local Atari Dealer!
Suggested Retail Price $99.95 (parts only)
If there is not an Atari Dealer near you,
please call us at (408) 745-2367
Augie Liguori
V.P. and General Manager
Atari Corp.
--
-Article #163 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa268 (Jim Haynes)
-Subject: More on the TT
-Date: Mon, 25 Sep 89 12:41:29 EDT
The Power of a Workstation
The New Atari TT Computer
Premiering at the Dusseldorf Atari Fair, the TT, with the Motorola
MC68030 processor, moves the ST family into the 32 bit realm, achieving a
significant increase in computing power with full TOS compatibility. Our
goal for the TT was to design an expandable computer that would combine ST
compatibility with superior resolution, more computing power, and improved
sound generating abilities.
The 68030 CPU
At the heart of the TT is a 16 MHz MC68030 processor, which allows a
high degree of 68000 compatibility, while operating at a higher clock
speed and providing streamlined internal operations which make it even
faster. The 68030 has built in 256 byte instruction and data caches, and
an internal Memory Management Unit. Next to it on the board is a socket
for an optional math coprocessor (MC68881/MC68882). Memory in the TT is a
full thirty-two bits wide, both the ST RAM which is shared by the video
logic, and TT RAM which is not shared. These factors combine to result in
a memory bandwidth that is four times greater and program execution speeds
up to 17 times faster than on the ST.
ST Compatible
In both hardware and software, the TT is compatible with the ST. All
hardware registers are in the same locations as they are in the ST. The
ST video modes work the same way on both TT and ST, because they are
organized in memory the same way on both machines. Most important for ST
compatibility is the operating system in the TT: TOS. With TOS as the TT
operating system, existing programs can automatically use the improved
resolutions of the new video modes, as well as the larger color palette,
without any change to the software. All this ST compatibility has the
obvious benefit of allowing TT owners to take advantage of the large and
growing base of ST software.
Graphics
In addition to the three ST video modes, the TT has two new color
video modes available on its VGA monitor: 640 horizontal by 480 vertical
resolution with 16 colors, 320 horizontal by 480 vertical resolution with
256 colors. With a high resolution monochrome monitor, a 1280 by 960
resolution monochrome mode is available. All the color modes use a new,
expanded 4096 color palette which is also available in the ST modes. Even
ST monochrome (640x400) is actually a two color mode on TT; we call it
"duochrome."
Sound
The improved sound system uses stereo 8-bit PCM (Pulse Code
Modulation). This allows the TT to function as a digital tape player.
The hardware also includes an automatic variable low pass filter, a stereo
balance control and bass and treble tone controls. This sound is mixed
through the internal speaker as well as being output via two RCA phono
jacks located on the back of the machine. These features, combined with
the high power computing capabilities of the 16 MHz 68030, allow the TT to
produce a wide range of high quality sounds.
Interfaces
In keeping with the design goal of expandability, the TT has all of
the ports familiar from the ST: MIDI, parallel, serial, and the Atari ACSI
DMA port (for Atari hard disks, laser printers, or CD-ROM). The TT also
includes a 25 pin SCSI port. One of the four TT serial ports can be
configured as an industry-standard medium-speed SDLC network port. Of
course, the machine also provides an internal speaker, a clock with
battery backup, and a Mega ST compatible keyboard with ports for mouse and
joystick.
Expandable
In addition to the expansion capabilities provided by the TT's
external interfaces, the TT is expandable internally as well. The housing
can hold an internal hard disk and add-in memory cards. These memory
cards allow the standard 2 megabyte TT to be expanded to 8 megabytes, or
as much as 26 megabytes when 4Mbit DRAM chips become available.
Another example of internal expandability is the slot for a single
standard "Eurocard" style VME card. This slot allows use of any of the
large number of existing VME expansion cards. Some of the VME expansion
options currently available include memory expansion, Ethernet and other
network boards, coprocessors, graphics boards, and data acquisition (A/D
and D/A converters). Already planned for TT VME expansion are an Ethernet
board for networking, I/O port expansion, and graphics extensions.
UNIX Option
The workstation-like capabilities of the TT will be complemented by an
optional industry standard operating system. UNIX System V is being
ported for the TT. Also available will be X windows as well as an X
windows based graphic user interface, giving TT owners all the benefits of
UNIX without all of the difficulties usually encountered.
TT at a Glance
--------------
- ST compatible operating system, giving TT an extensive software
library
- ST compatible hardware, including all the ST interface ports
- Three new graphics modes:
1280 x 960 pixels high resolution monochrome
640 x 480 pixels with 16 colors
320 x 480 pixels with 256 colors
- All color graphics modes use an expanded 4096 color palette
- 16 Mhz Motorola MC68030 processor
- Socket for optional MC68881/MC68882 math coprocessor
- DMA with built in SCSI and ACSI ports
- Two serial ports, expandable to four ports.
- Parallel interface
- Detachable keyboard
- Internal "Eurocard" VME socket (A24/D16)
- Internal hard disk option
- 8 bit stereo PCM sound
- 2 Mbytes RAM, expandable to 8 Mbytes (26 Mbytes with 4 Mb DRAM)
- Real time clock with battery backup
- Network capable hardware
The Atari TT continues the Atari tradition of delivering Power Without The
Price!
We reserve the right to change technical specifications without notice.
UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T.
August, 1989
Atari Corporation
1196 Borregas Ave.
Sunnydale Ca.
-Article #164 (208 is last):
-Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
-From: aa268 (Jim Haynes)
-Subject: analternate to PC Ditto
-Date: Mon, 25 Sep 89 19:00:27 EDT
PC Speed
Run programs written for the IBM PC on your Atari ST at the speed they
were intended!
Almost everyone knows of the ST's ability to imitate other computers
like the Macintosh and IBM PC's, but the common complaint has been the
grindingly slow speed of software emulation.
Well, wait no more!
PC Speed gives every ST the ability to emulate an IBM PC through
hardware, not software, offering a fantastic increase in speed!
PC Speed runs with a Norton factor of 4, which is 33% faster than the
advertised Norton factor of 3 of PC Ditto II. In the real world, this
means that PC Speed is nearly 3 times faster than an IBM XT,
comparable to an IBM AT.
Best of all, we are ready to ship to you now!
The affordable cost will amaze you. You can have two computers, an
Atari ST and an IBM PC Compatible computer, for slightly more than the
cost of your ST. Convert your 520, 1040, Mega 2 or Mega 4 computer
into a state of the art multi-processor computer.
PC Speed runs on a monochrome monitor, imitating Hercules graphics, or
use your color monitor to imitate a CGA system.
Since PC Speed is hardware, it requires some installation. While the
installation is not difficult, the ST must be opened and some
soldering is required. A person with some knowledge of the internal
environment of the ST could install PC Speed in about 10-15 minutes.
It simply "piggy-backs" onto the ST's 68000 microprocessor.
Technical Specifications
PC Speed:
uses the NEC V30, 8 Mhz Microprocessor, Zero Wait State
runs at a Norton SI Rating of 4.0
supports Monochrome and Color Monitors with IBM Hercules and
CGA graphic emulation.
can be used with any ST (520, 1040, Mega 2 or Mega 4).
supports all Hard Disks that use the ST's DMA Port and the
Atari Hard Disk Driver.
supports external drives (both 3 1/2 and 5 1/4 inch).
supports the Serial Port at upto 2400 Baud.
fully supports the Parallel Port.
allows access of up to 704K of RAM.
Memory Location:
0h-3FFFFh for a 520ST (256K of DOS memory)
0h-AFFFFh for a 1040 ST or Mega (704K of DOS memory)
B0000h-BFFFFh CGA-HGC Screen Memory
C0000h-CFFFFh 64K of free memory for machines with one
megabyte (or more) memory.
PC Speed runs as fast as an IBM AT, and four times faster than an IBM
XT (running at 4.77 Mhz). This means you have an Atari ST and a very
fast IBM compatible computer, capable of running MS-DOS Software at
the speed it was intended to run.
The MS-DOS system can be saved on a Hard disk partion, and PC Speed
can be booted from this partion.
The following floppy disk formats are supported:
180KB 40 Tracks Single-Sided
360KB 40 Tracks Double-Sided
360KB 80 Tracks Single-Sided
720KB 80 Tracks Double-Sided
Software Updates:
Periodically, software updates will become available. The following
improvements are being developed and will be released in the near
future:
EGA Monochrome Emulation
Atari SLM 804 Laserprinter support
Support of the Midi Port
Extended Memory Driver for Mega computers
Connection of an External PC keyboard via the Midi Port
8087 emulation with the 68881 Math Co-processor
Fast CPM 8080 Emulation
PC Speed
Available now for only $399.95!!
See your local Dealer or call us for more details today!
Call MichTron at (313) 334-5700 to place your order using Mastercard
or Visa. Prepaid orders filled first.
____-______-______-______-______-______
This Time Capsule file was produced by
Len Stys. It may only be reposted with
the following information included:
REPOSTED FROM: The Cleveland Free-Net
Atari-SIG
(216)/368-3888
type 'Go Atari' at
any menu
(C.A.I.N.)
____-______-______-______-______-______
--
-----------------------------------------
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