Q & A - Dec.86 - Apr.87
From: Len Stys (aa399)
Date: 01/23/90-04:04:53 PM Z
From: aa399 (Len Stys)
Subject: Q & A - Dec.86 - Apr.87
Date: Tue Jan 23 16:04:53 1990
Time Capsule - Q & A - Dec.86 - Apr.87
--------------------------------------
Question Subjects Date Posted
----------------- -----------
ST/8-bit Questions Dec.26,1986
Displays Dec.28,1986
Modem & Printer Use Jan.01,1987
Software Jan.00,1987
LPrint Statements Jan.10,1987
Codes Jan.15,1987
Cassette boot Jan.19,1987
Booting from MIO Ramdisk Mar.14,1987
XM301 & Printer problems Feb.17,1987
Monochrome games Jan.25,1987
GEMDOS calls Mar.27,1987
Password access to a disk Feb.17,1987
Books Feb.17,1987
Percom drive Mar.22,1987
MPP Express Feb.27,1987
RAM Disk Feb.17,1987
Screen editor handlers Feb.17,1987
DOS Versions Jan.31,1987
800 RAM Feb.17,1987
RAM Disks Feb.27,1987
ST base Feb.27,1987
Print Codes Apr.05,1987
1020 Printer/Plotter Feb.27,1987
Data transfer via modem Feb.27,1987
Emulators Mar.22,1987
Conversion Programs Mar.19,1987
Fast file reading Mar.14,1987
Computer modems Mar.14,1987
VBlanks Mar.19,1987
MPPExpress Mar.19,1987
Password Access:AtariWriter Mar.19,1987
Star Printer Mar.25,1987
MPPExpress Problems Mar.22,1987
-From:aa268:qa:535967509:538559509:ST/8-bit Questions
Can I ask both ST and 8-bit questions
here or do I have to direct them to
a certian sysop?
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Fri Dec 26 02:56:35 1986 **
I know it was kinda dumb to ask myself
a question, but I needed to test this
section, and It is a good question.
Yes, You may leave a Question about
either the ST or the 8-Bits here.
Although We do not have a ST co-sysop
at this time, I do have a resorce for
any info on the ST. So feel free and
have fun Cleveland.
Your Sysop,
Jim Haynes
aa268
-From:ac365:qa:536010859:538602859:Displays
Is there a way to stop the Atari 800
from changing colors after 5 minutes
or so?
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sun Dec 28 18:03:30 1986 **
Yes Todd,
To keep the screen from chang-
ing color after a few minutes you have
to reset location 77 by pokeing a
0 in. This is what happens when ever a
key is press on the Atari keyboard.
To force atract mode poke in a value
of 254.
The atact mode is uses to keep
the screen from having a ghost burned
into it. It will occur after a 9 min.
wait. You may have to re-set 77 after
some statments like print so write
your program to loop through the
setting or to go back after any print
statment.
Thanks for the question.
Your Sysop,
Jim Haynes
aa268
-From:ab044:qa:536347302:538939302:MODEM & PRINTER USE
I have a 130xe (upgraded to 320k) two
1050 drives a Star SG-10 printer and
an xm301 modem.......my problem is that
there is no way to use my modem and
printer at the same time as I have an
Apeface interface. Is there any other
way besides an A/B switch?
Would an A/B switch work?
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Thu Jan 1 21:01:15 1987 **
The best solution to the problem
would be one of the many interfaces on
the market that allow a user to pulg
in more that one device. The one that
comes to mind is the 850 interface
but as I am sure you know these are
hard to find to say the least.
As for the A/B switch idea
most of the ones I have seen on the
market are for VCRs and are only setup
for the coax cable (2 wire). So, No
one of these would not work.
If anyone has more info on the matter,
Please leave me a msg. so I can post
that info here as well.
Thanks for the
Question,
Your Sysop,
Jim Haynes
aa268
2-27-87
A much less expensive alternative
is to make one 4-ended cable out of the
two 2-ended standard SIO cables (Atari
peripheral cables). To do this, first
determine where the two cables should be joined. Second, remove about 2" of
insulation from each cable, being very
careful not to nick the wires inside or
their insulation.
The third step is to examine the
wires in each cable. There should be
13 in each. One in each should be bare
and the others should have the same
color coding. If not, stop right there
and take the cables to someone who
knows enough electronics to connect the
proper wires together.
If the wires do match, take a wire
from one cable and the matching wire
from the other, strip about 1/8" of
insulation off both wires, twist them
together AND SOLDER THEM, then tape
them thoroughly. Repeat this for each
pair of wires.
When finished, you can plug one
end into each drive and one into your
computer, leaving the second socket on
each drive free for other peripherals.
There will also be a free end for other
Atari equipment (1027 printer?).
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
P.S. See other printer/modem questions
for comments on your next likely
problem.
-From:visitor:qa:536556999:539148999:SOFTWARE
MY QUESTION IS:DO YOU KNOW ANYWHERE IN THE 612 AREA CODE AREA,IF THERE IS A DEAL
THERE IS A DEALER WHO SELLS AN XEP80 MONITER ATTACHMENT?
<<RONNIE[VISOTER]>>
-From:ab714:qa:537070804:539662804:LPRINT STATEMENTS
Can someone tell me why, In a basic program, when I have a line
that is an LPRINT statement and it ends with a semicolon, and
the next line is an LPRINT statement, the two lines will not
print out together on the same line, when I run the program.
EXAMPLE:
10 LPRINT "This line will not";
20 LPRINT "be printed on the same line, as this line.
"
I believe the semicolon is supposed to cause these 2 lines to
print out together on the same line. This will work if you r
emove the -L- from the LPRINTs and just say PRINT. The above two
lines will print out on the screen all in one line.
EXAMPLE:
(This line will not be printed on the same line, as th
is line.)
Why does it work on the screen but not on the printer? How can I
get this to work on my printer. I am using a STAR NX-10 p
rinter and a 130XE computer, using standard ATARI basic and
a P.R. CONNECTION interface.
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat Jan 10 02:29:04 1987 **
The LPRINT statement is used in Atari
basic to print one line of text. It
will end each LPRINT with an
EOL (End Of Line) character. This is
in essence a carrage return. So your
Printer will go to the next line.
An alturnative is to open a channel
to the printer and use the Print #
statement. This will give you full
control of the EOL and let you
concatinate your strings.
This is all explained in "YOUR ATARI
COMPUTER" by Lon Poole. (also known as
the ATARI BIBLE)
Thanks for the question and
I hope that helps. For More info.
feel free to leave me e-mail.
ATARI SYSOP,
Jim Haynes
aa268
-From:aa275:qa:537299432:539891432:codes
Does anyone know what the ASCII code
for the bell is, yes the ASCII not
ATASCII. This is the bell ^G^G.
Todd
aa275
Paine Dealer
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Thu Jan 15 03:27:28 1987 **
Well Todd,
That's a good question. To
answer it shortly, There is none, or
there are many. Each type of computer
has it's own codes to carry out
certian functions, like cursor control,
bells and clear screens. So you see
what's one mans bell is another mans
whistle.
ATARI SYSOP,
Jim Haynes
aa268
-From:visitor:qa:537665715:540257715:cassette boot
How can I do a cassette boot and use a translator. I have an old
version of Shamus that has not been used since I had my 400.
Thank You. John c. Bassett
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Mon Jan 19 23:50:26 1987 **
GET IN TOUCH WITH THE USER GROUP IN LAKEWOOD BY CALLING B & G
ELECTRONICS AT 521-2855. SOME OF THE OLDER ATARI MAGAZINES
HAD A METHOD OF TRANSFERRING CASSETTE PROGRAMS TO DISK FOR
USE WITH TRANSLATORS, ETC.
-From:ab261:qa:537996205:540588205:BOOTING FROM THE MIO RMDSK
IS THERE ANYWAY TO BOOT AN 8-BIT SYSTEM FROM THE ICD MIO RAMDISK?
AND/OR ARE THERE ANY PROBLEMS WITH LEAVING BOTHE THE MIO AND
(130XE) CONNECTED AND TURNED ON FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME?
MY 130XE "SPAZZED" OUT AFTER I LEFT IT AND THE MIO CONNECTED AND
TURNED ON FOR A FEW DAYS, SO I HAVE BEEN TURNING OFF THE 130XE,
BUT LEAVING THE MIO ON WHEN LEAVING THE SYSTEM FOR AN EXTENDED
PERIOD OF TIME ==> REBOOTING FROM DISK ALL OF THE TIME...
THANKS,
BTB
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sat Mar 14 10:53:43 1987 **
Check your manual. You can
configure the RAMdisk as drive 1. This
should work most of the time. Just be sure to back up your system often so you
don't loose anything if you have a
power glitch. You will have to start
from scratch with real disk drives each
time that happens. The good news is
that, for most of N.E. Ohio that doesn'thappen often.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
Thanks for asking.
-From:ab066:qa:537999989:540591989:XM301 & PRINTER PROBLEMS
HAS ANYONE EXPERIENCED ANY PRINTER
PROBLEMS WHEN THE XM301 MODEM IS ON THE
SERIAL BUS?
I HAVE A CONNECTOR BLOCK CONSISTING OF
4 ATARI CONNECTORS CONNECTED WITH ALL THE
LIKE PINS IN PARALLEL ( 1 TO 1, 2 TO 2,
ETC. ). THIS ALLOWS ME TO CONNECT BOTH
MY APE FACE PRINTER INTERFACE AND XM301
AT THE SAME TIME.
THE PROBLEM IS THAT ALTHOUGH EVERYTHING
ELSE WORKS FINE, THE PRINTER WILL
OCCASIONALLY PRINT GARBAGE OR REPEAT A
STRING OF TEXT AND LOOSE TRACK OF MARGINS.
THIS PROBLEM WAS ALSO MENTIONED IN THE
FEBRUARY ISSUE OF ANTIC (SEE "GARBAGE" ON PAGE 8). THAT INSTANCE INVOLVED A
UPRINT INTERFACE WHICH DOES HAVE ITS
OWN BUS CONNECTOR.
TOM PRASEK, WHO ALSO ASKED REGARDING THIS
PROBLEM HAS A SIMILAR CONNECTOR TO WHAT
I USE AND IT BEHAVES THE SAME.
UNPLUGING THE XM301 SOLVES THE PROBLEM!
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Tue Feb 17 00:36:54 1987 **
I HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM WHEN I ADDED
EXTRA KEYPADS TO MY 320XE. IT TURNED
OUT THAT THE POWER PACK DOES NOT HAVE
MUCH MORE POWER CAPABILITY THAN IT
NEEDS TO DRIVE THE COMPUTER. WHEN BOTH
PERIPHERALS ARE CONNECTED TO THE 5 VOLT
SUPPLY AT THE SAME TIME, THEY MAY BE
PULLING THE SUPPLY LOW ENOUGH TO ENTER
THE REGEON OF "UNPREDICTABLE RESULTS."
THE SOLUTIONS ARE TO EITHER BUY A 3
AMP 5 VOLT POWER SOURCE AND ADAPT IT TO ATARI OR BREAK INTO YOUR ATARI SUPPLY
AND REPLACE THE REGULATOR WITH A 3 AMP
KIND. (THE TRANSFORMER AND DIODES WILL
TAKE IT: ONLY THEIR REGULATOR LIMITS
THE CURRENT TO ABOUT 1-1/2 AMPS.)
YOUR CO-SYSOP
JOHN E. SUCHY
aa271
thanks for asking.
-From:ac264:qa:538023063:540615063:ST Monochrome games
Ok, Jim, here's a question for ya.
Do you know of any games for a Monochrome 1040ST computer?
Or do you know why manufacturers don't write the games for
both color and monochrome monitor owners.
hope to here from you soon.
bye Rick Snevel ac264
ps. I have one game-Starglider and its great, but i would
like something else.
** Answered by JAMES CLASPILL (aa274) on Sun Jan 25 22:31:25 1987 **
WELL JIM,I KNOW THAT PAWN,MIDEGA
AND MONKEY SS ARE MONO.I WILL HECK FOR OTHERS
AND LET YOU KNOW.
JIM CLASPILL AA274
CO-SYOP
-From:ab597:qa:538034402:540626402:GEMDOS calls
Has anyone used the Xbios(?) #8 floppy read call? the St internals
book definitely has some error in this section.......
John Washell
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Fri Mar 27 23:24:16 1987 **
Well John,
Your question is completely
over my head. So I posted it here.
Perhaps someone who can offer an answer
will be kind enough to send it to me
so I can post it here.
ATARI SYSOP,
Jim Haynes
aa268
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Fri Mar 27 23:29:28 1987 **
-From:ab597:qa:538034402:540626402:GEMDOS calls
Has anyone used the Xbios(?) #8 floppy read call? the St internals
book definitely has some error in this section.......
John Washell
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Fri Mar 27 23:24:16 1987 **
Well John,
Your question is completely
over my head. So I posted it here.
Perhaps someone who can offer an answer
will be kind enough to send it to me
so I can post it here.
ATARI SYSOP,
Jim Haynes
aa268
-From:ab551:qa:538375541:540967541:PASSWORD ACCESS TO A DISK
IAM LOOKING FOR A WAY TO PROTECT A TEXT DISK FOR ATARIWRITER
FROM PRYING EYES. MY DAUGHTER WANTS A COMPUTER DIARY THAT HER
SISTER CAN'T SPY ON!!
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Tue Feb 17 16:55:00 1987 **
I know of no way to "protect" an
Atariwriter data disk. It may be possible
to write your own protected word
processor for your daughter, but that
is probably down the road a ways,
sometime when you know a lot more about
programming and protection techniques.
A more pracitcal solution might be
to give your daughter her own disk or
box of disks, and provide a way for her
to physically secure the disks when not in use.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thank you for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:538794316:541386316:BOOKS
ARE THERE ANY GOOD ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE BOOKS OUT FOR THE ATARI 8
BIT COMPUTERS? I HAVE "THE ATARI ASSEMBLER" BY THE INMANS, BUT
IT IS NOT THAT GREAT. THANK YOU. JOHN BASSETT
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Tue Feb 17 00:55:14 1987 **
I like to recommend Compute's
Machine Language for Beginners. It
covers Commodore and Apple in addition
to Atari, but is an excellent primer.
Once you've mastered the language, the
Atari-specific books make more sense.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:ab224:qa:538867223:541459223:PERCOM DRIVE
WHY DOES FLIGHT SEMI. II BOMB OUT ON
MY PECOM DRIVE???
PERCOM
??????????????????????????????????????????
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Mar 22 00:42:35 1987 **
There is something about the
internal operating system of the Percom
drives that interferes with many
programs. I and my "expert advisors"
at B & G know of no way to correct the
problem. You might have to switch to a
1050 for Flight Simulator.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:ab714:qa:538891774:541483774:MPP EXPRESS
Can anyone tell why I cant get the option Shift/Control/P to
work. Im talking about using MPP EXPRESS tele.comm. program on my SUPRA 300AT mo
modem. I have a STAR NX printer with a P:R: interface. This option
is supposed to be able to print an image of the current screen
to my printer. But all I get is about 5 or 6 characters and
then the everything seems to just lock up. Sometimes if I take the
printer off line I can get the program working again with the BBS
I was communicating with. The only way I have any success using my printer i
s to copy a screen to my buffer and then capture it to a file
Then after I log off, I reload the buffer and take option "Z" which
then prints the contents of the buffer.This isnt to bad, but sometimes I forget
to dump the buffer to my disk before I log off. If I forget
to do this, I loose everthing that was in the buffer, plus
the program locks up, and I have to reboot it. What am I doing wrong.
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Fri Feb 27 08:16:14 1987 **
YOU PROBABLY AREN'T DOING ANYTHING WRONG. OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING TROUBLE
USING MODEMS AND PRINTERS AT THE SAME TIME. USUALLY THAT'S AN XM301 AND ANY
PRINTER THAT IS USED WITH AN INTERFACE
THAT DOESN'T HAVE A SEPARATE POWER
SUPPLY (APE FACE, U-PRINT-A, ZETEK, ETC
.). MY BEST GUESS IS THAT THE 5VOLT
POWER SUPPLY SUPPLIED WITH THE ATARI
COMPUTERS IS NOT STRONG ENOUGH TO
PROPERLY HANDLE THE EXTRA LOAD.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:ac720:qa:538895794:541487794:RAM DISK
Greetings,
I just upgraded my 800XL to 256K. I'm interested in taking full
advantage of the memory. Can you recommend a RAM DISK that will
be compatable with "Paper Clip" from Batteries Included?
Being a novice I'll need documentation in "rock form".
I don't do any programing but do use the word processor, SYNFILE,
HOME ACCOUNTANT, & HOMEPACK a lot. Any help would be much ap-
preciated.
Is there a Newsleter I can subscribe to relating to an Atari SIG?
Thanks.
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Tue Feb 17 17:05:05 1987 **
Let me start by saying that I don't
believe in RAMdisks for large data files
such as those from word processors or
data bases. The purpose of the "Save it often" attitude is to prevent time and
data lost should something unexpected happen. A power failure, computer failure
or a cat or kid unplugging the computer
loses everything you have in main memory
AND IN RAMDISK.
With that out of the way, many of the expansions to the 800XL are fully
compatible with most of the commercial
software available for the 130XE. This
includes the 130XE versions of Paper
Clip, Synfile, and Syncalc. Should you start using these, you will find that lo
long files overwrite the first quarter
of the normal ramdisks.
I have heard that there is a RAMdisk program available on compuserve that
allows you to set up 2 separate RAMdisks
If you saved data only into the higher
"disk", you might be able to use it with the 130XE programs.
I will try to obtain more specific information for you.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:538968504:541560504:INFO ABOUT SCREEN EDITOR HANDLERS
DOES ANYBODY HAVE INFO ABOUT HOW TO PROGRAM AN 80 COLUMN SCREEN
EDITOR HANDLER?
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Tue Feb 17 17:30:27 1987 **
It's been done. The program is
available from the various user-group
disk libraries around. try CACE or TAP
listed elsewhere in this SIG.
-From:ab873:qa:539024032:541616032:DOS Versions
I Sometimes have difficulty runing downloaded programs from
local BBS. Could this problem be associated with DOS versions
being used. For exaple the downloaded program was on 2.0 DOS
in single density and was saved on a enhanced density disk
with DOS 2..
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat Jan 31 00:16:37 1987 **
Sometimes a program is not compatable
with other DOS than the one it is
written with, this is true. however,
I know of none of these problems
between 2.0s and 2.5 versions.
Another concideration is the computer
the program is written on many programs
that will run on an 800 for example
will only run on a xl/xe if a translateris used and there are
some that just plain won't run at all
on an xl/xe. So, try a translater,
or a diffrent DOS. If this doesn't work
then try to d/l it again or check
with the sysop and other users of that
board to see if anyone else is having
problems with that program.
Handlers are often nessasary to run
some programs. Check to see if a
handler of a simular name is in the
d/l section of the board as well.
Thanks for your question, I hope we havehelped.
ATARI SYSOP,
Jim Haynes
aa268
-From:ac262:qa:539219172:541811172:800 RAM
CAN YOU TELL B_ME IF TH_____W_IF IT _IS POSSIBLE TP_O
EXPAND THE RAM OF AN ATARI 800._ _TO
MORE TH___THAM_M_N THE STANDARD F_48K. ALSO,
ARE THERE PROGRAMS TOS_ TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THIS EXPANDED RAM. SUCH AS SYNCALC?
AC262
TOM WOLFE
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Tue Feb 17 01:04:18 1987 **
Yes, there are RAM expansions available.
If nothing else, I have seen up to 1M
advertised in Analog as plugging into
the cartridge port.
Software availability is another matter.
Most current software is set up to use
the 130XE system -- which many upgrades don't
conform to. Whoever supplies you with
the hardware, however, usually at least
sends along some "RAM-Disk" utilities.
My best recommendations are to get
the details of any possible upgrade,
first, then make the best choice you can.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking
-From:ac720:qa:539544804:542136804:RAM DISKS
I just had a 256K upgrade installed in my 800XL. What is the
best ram disk software available to take full advantage of the
upgrade. I would like to use the added RAM with "Paper Clip,
"Synfile +", "Syncalc", and etc.
thanks for your assistance.
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Fri Feb 27 00:52:42 1987 **
Paper Clip, Synfile, Syncalc,
Typesetter, and so on use the first 64K
of your new memory automatically if you have the latest versions. The Sparta-
Dos construction set is supposed to be
excellent, but there is also a down-
load file on Compuserve that should
allow the use of a RAMdisk with these
programs.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:ac264:qa:539843039:542435039:ST base
Sysop, is there any way to start an Atari ST base.
I see commodore's started a Amiga base.
I think the ST deserves its own section.
bye rick snevel
ac2634
ac 264(i goofed on the last number)
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Fri Feb 27 08:30:27 1987 **
Find us a sysop and a co-sysop who
will reliably handle the "new" sig and
leave a message for Tom Grunder. As
top SYSOP he only requires support and
reasonable integrity.
Your Co-sysop John Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
>From:visitor:qa:540852097:543444097:PRINTER CODES
I HAVE AN ATARI 1200XL (I KNOW, THE FIRST MISTAKE) AND A 1025
PRINTER. I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE PRINTER TO PRINT CONDENSED OR
ELONGATED TEXT FROM
BASIC OR FROM TEXTPRO AND SPEEDSCRIPT WORD PROCESSORS. I WOULD
APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME ON THIS AS IT IS DRIVING
ME NUTS! THANX
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Apr 5 14:09:31 1987 **
Let's start with BASIC. Are
you trying to test your 1025 with LPRINT statements? If so, you need to know that this command closes
and re-opens the printer channel with
each LPRINT statement, making it impossible to set up printing with one LPRINT
command, then print with the next.
Instead, use:
10 OPEN #2,8,0,"P:"
j PRINT #2;CHR$(27);CHR$(code)
j+10 PRINT #2;"your test text"
k CLOSE #2
As for textpro and speedscript,
have you followed the instructions on
how to install your own printer-driver?
That can be important even though the
documentation may not stress the fact.
Your Co-Sysop
John E. Suchhy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:ad037:qa:541045524:543637524:1020 Printer/Plotter
Hi. I have some questions about the
1020 Atari Printer/Ploter.
The price is right on this thing,
but is it really useful for plotting
and printing in your opinion?
How flong do the pens last?
And, does it connect directly to
the joystick ports or do you need a
interface?
Any information would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Alan Wilczynski.
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Fri Feb 27 00:24:49 1987 **
I'll answer your last question
first: the 1020 plotter is an Atari
device that connects directly to the
Atari disk drive cable chain. The cable comes with the 1020.
How the pens last depends on usage and luck. My wife goes through four
pens a week on a light work load, while
another friend has never changed pens
while printing "tons of stuff all the
time".
Uses for the 1020 are somewhat
limited as it uses roll paper about
4-1/2" wide. Business or school use is
highly unlikely. On the other hand,
if you mainly need something for your
own hard copy files or if size is not
a problem, then the 1020 is a very good
deal.
Incidentally, the CACE user group
(Cleveland Atari Computer Enthusiasts),
listed in the news column, sells a disk
of 1020 utilities to their members that
includes a disk directory program and
several multi-color picture dumps.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:ac483:qa:541365771:543957771:Data tranfer via modem
Help....
I have left a message for help on the bulletin board ref:
I have approx. 200 pages of data from an Atari 800 word
processor that I would like to transfer over to my Mac Plus
format. The word processor stores the files so that they are not
readable by a normal Disk Directory command. Is there a way to
make these files visible (and save me a lot of typing) I can
then send them 9600 baud direct or over the modem.The word
processor for the Atari is by LJK (Letter Perfect)
Thanks for any help
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Fri Feb 27 00:44:27 1987 **
My first attempt would be to print
the file to disk. That is start the
printing command normally, then when
you get the P: prompt, change it to
Dx:filename.ext. If this doesn't work,
get back to me at aa271 and I'll get
ahold of the CACE LJK expert.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:ab873:qa:541487045:544079045:EMULATORS
Is there a CP/M or MS-DOS emulator available for Atari 800XL?
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Mar 22 00:49:28 1987 **
The Atari 8-bit computers (400,
800, 1200XL, 600XL, 800XL, 65XE, &
130XE) do not have enough memory "left
over" to hold an emulator and any of theprograms that would make emulation
worth the bother. So, while probably
possible, nobody has written one, yet.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:aa275:qa:541627182:544219182:Conversion Programs
My word processor is written by LJK, it
is Letter Perfect. I prefer using it
for writing file, but the files are
not saves/loaded by normal DOS2.0S,
there for the files can not be used by
my modem for transmission. Is there a
way to convert the files so that they
can be used by DOS2.0S?
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Thu Mar 19 00:37:38 1987 **
LJK uses primarily a "hidden
directory" approach to copy protection.
This interferes with data transfers to
other programs. However, LJK also makesa program that does the translating you
need.
If you don't feel you can affordthe official version, there are also
some Public Domain programs that do LJK
conversions. Four of them should soon
be available on the TAP BBS (228-7335).
They are:
LPERFDOS
DPERFDOS
DP2DOS &
DP2DIF .
ONLY THE FIRST OF THESE IS A DIRECT
CONVERSION FROM Letter PERFect. Good
luck.
John E. Suchy
Your Co-sysop
aa271
-From:ad299:qa:541993466:544585466:FAST FILE READING
Does anybody out there have a short
BASIC program that quickly reads other
files? I'm working on a copy utility
and I think the normal INPUT # and
GET # routines are just too slowlow. Can
anyone help?
Chris Needs(ad299)
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sat Mar 14 11:10:16 1987 **
If you want to write another
copy utility, try contacting the CACE
users' group listed in "news": there
are a few people there experienced in such things. On the other hand, there
are already a lot of very good copy
programs already available, many of
them in the public domain.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
Thanks for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:542598473:545190473:COMPUTER MODEMS
HOW DOES ONE INTERLOCK HIS COMPUTER MODEM TO A LARGER AND MORE COMPLEX SYSTEM?
THANK YOU!
ANSWER
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sat Mar 14 11:19:04 1987 **
The rate of data transfer is
called "baud rate". If the larger
system is set up to receive modem calls
and your modem's baud rate is the same
as the rate on the larger system's
modem, they automatically work with
each other.
To talk with a friend by modem,
one of you has to have a terminal
program which includes an "answer mode".Leave us another question if you are
interested in this technique.
As a third possibility, if you are considering setting up a "larger
system" and want other people to call
you, your best bet is to buy a
Bulletin Board program. As of this
time most people I know like BBS Expressfor the Atari XL/XE line.
Your Co-sysop,
John E. Suchy
Thanks for asking.
-From:ab170:qa:542929473:545521473:VBLANK
Do you by any chance know the Verticle BLANK (VVBLKD) register?
"Mapping the Atari" says that the registers are 548 & 549, but
this isn't so.
Tom Lekan (ab170)
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Thu Mar 19 00:53:10 1987 **
Please reread the section around548 in Mapping The Atari. VVBLKD at
548,549 is a DEFERRED vector register.
The immediate VBLANK vector resides at
VVBLKI (546,547).
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:ab714:qa:542941629:545533629:MPP EXPRESS
In Your answer to my previous question, you mentioned that I
probably have an inadequate power supply to run my STAR NX10
printer, while on line and using MPP EXPRESS with my SUPRA 300AT
modem. My computor is a Std. ATARI 130XE, w/ a P.R. Connection
for interfacing the printer to the computer. How would I get a
larger or more powerful one to allow me to print while being "ON
LINE", or can you suggest a different way around this problem
which would allow me to print while on line.
Also is there a way to "LIST" or "COPY" a basic program to
my printer when the program contains lines that have inverse
characters? Apparently my printer does not recognize these
letters when they are received so the printer just locks up.
What I've been trying to do, is print a copy of AMODEM 7.2 to
compare it to another version of AMODEM 7.2 which at one time I
modified but can't remember what I changed.
Hope you can help.
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Thu Mar 19 00:59:48 1987 **
In answer to the first part of your question, first check with Supra.
I have recently learned that some of
the modem/printer problems were due to
defective modems. After that has been
ruled out, either replace your main 5V
Atari power supply with one able to giveyou at least 2-1/2 Amps, replace the
1-1/2 Amp regulator in the Atari supply
with a 3 Amp version, or add a 1 Amp supply between the ground and +5V leads of
the Atari std. I/O chain.
Your second question has an easier answer. Most printers, being set up
for ASCII transfer rather than ATASCII,
can't recognise inverse or graphic
characters. The solution is to translate each character in turn to a printable
graphic pattern. Fortunately, YOU need
not do it yourself; there are several
commercial programs that do it for you.
MAGNIPRINT from Alpha Systems and
LISTER PLUS from Antic's Catalog are just two such.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
PS. Take this answer to a good Atari
service center if you need help with
the power supply hardware.
-From:visitor:qa:543012441:545604441:PASSWORD ACCESS:ATARI WRITER
IN RESPONSE TO THE QUESTION CONCERNING A PASSWORD:
TO HELP YOUR DAUGHTER HIDE HER DIARY, YOU CAN CREATE A DOS THAT
READS ITS DIRECTORY FROM ANOTHER SECTOR THAN THE NORMAL ONE.
TO DO THIS:
1. BOOT DOS AND GOTO BASIC
2. POKE 4299,MSB OF NEW DIRECTORY
3. POKE 4226,LSB OF NEW DIRECTORY
4. POKE 4264,LSB OF NEW VTOC
5. POKE 4266,MSB OF NEW VTOC
6. 2 SHOULD BE 4229
7. THE MSB, AND LSB NUMBERS ARE THE HIGH/LOW BYTES OF THE
SCETOR ON THE DISK.
8. GOBACK TO DOS MENU
9. CHOOSE OPTION H.WRITE DOS FILES
10. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE A FORMATED BLANK DISK IN THE DRIVE
11. THE NEW DOS WILL NOW READ THE CONTENTS FROM THE NEW RELOCATED
SECTOR
**WARNING** ONLY THE NEWLY CREATED DOS WIL BE ABLE TO READ THE
NEW CONFIGURATION!!!!! MAKE A BACKUP!
THIS NEW DOS DISK CAN NOW BE GIVEN TO YOUR DAUGHTER.
SHE SHOULD USE THIS WHEN BOOTING ATARI WRITER.
I HOPE THIS HELPS!
PETER HALLER
A VISITOR
LONG LIVE ATART
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Thu Mar 19 01:20:28 1987 **
This is a neat idea to prevent
the children from copying data from the
"secure" disk to a more standard one,
but it does NOT preclude a nosy sister
from booting Atariwriter from the
modified disk. I still prefer physical
security in this case.
Your Co-Sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for your suggestion.
-From:ad520:qa:543092608:545684608:STAR SG-10 PRINTER
WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH UPGRADING MY SG-10 TO A 6K INTERNAL BUFFER?.
THE MANUAL INDICATES THAT ONE OF THE DIP SWITCH WILL "tell"
THE PRINTER THAT THE UPGRADE EXISTS. IS THE UPGRADE A BOARD, OR
JUST AN ADDITIONAL CHIP, OR A REPLACEMENT CHIP?
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Wed Mar 25 00:24:45 1987 **
THE 16K UPGRADE IS AVAILABLE
FROM STAR AND, ACCORDING TO THE MANUAL,
IS A PC BOARD. IF YOU ARE ELECTRONIC-
ALLY INCLINED, YOU MIGHT BE ABLE TO
MAKE YOUR OWN BOARD USING THE SAM'S
PHOTOFACTS FOLDER THAT IS NOW AVAILABLE
FOR THE SG-10.
YOUR CO-SYSOP
JOHN E. SUCHY
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:ad024:qa:543203059:545795059:MPPEXPR PROBLEMS
In response to Bob Pearl's MPP
problems I would like to mention my
own experience.
I own an Atari 130XE, AVATEX
1200 HC modem, Star NX10 printer, and
run 850 EXPRESS software.
I am also using PR INTERFACE.
With the exception of the modems
and the software (and 850 EXPRESS) looks
very similar to MPPEXPRESS our two
systems are the same. I have no
difficulties at all with this set up.
Therefore, I don't think that your
problem lies in your power supply.
My suggestion, (and I have no
desire to contradict the sysop) is
that either one of your cables is
defective, or there is aa problem with
your modem.
I had an MPP1000E
modem that I was running "SMART
TERMINAL" software on. Although it ran
fairly well, I did find that the 300
baud rate was very suseptable to
static on the phone line, as most
long duration downloads were totally
unuseable.
I recommend, and I know that they
cost, is a 1200baud modem (Hayes
compatable is nice). I would, however,
check my cables before I did anything
else. Look for shorts and OPENS.
Bob Walch
ad024
** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Mar 22 01:15:27 1987 **
Far be it from me to hide an
alternate viewpiont, especially if it
could be right!
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for your help.
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(C.A.I.N.)
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