Q & A - Nov.87 - Aug.88
From: Atari SIG (xx004)
Date: 02/26/90-04:01:46 PM Z
From: xx004 (Atari SIG)
Subject: Q & A - Nov.87 - Aug.88
Date: Mon Feb 26 16:01:46 1990
Question Subjects Date Posted
----------------- -----------
XM301 sending Nov.19,1987
Parallel Bus Dec.06,1987
Names & Sizes of networks Dec.14,1987
Atari ST applications Dec.06,1987
1030 Modem software Dec.06,1987
320XE Dec.06,1987
1050 pin Dec.06,1987
1050 Power/Supply Dec.14,1987
Rambo XL Dec.28,1987
Whatta think (Amiga vs. ST) May.14,1988
Printer Support May.15,1988
800 Upgrade May.14,1988
Questions on hard drives May.14,1988
PASCAL Jan.25,1988
(More) Write DIR to disk Jan.25,1988
Questions May.14,1988
Line Feeds May.14,1988
Letter Quality Printer May.14,1988
Handlers May.14,1988
Copying a BASIC cart. May.14,1988
Terminally ill May.15,1988
Modems/software May.14,1988
HP Laser Jet series II May.14,1988
320K 65XE May.15,1988
Word processing FreeNet D/L May.14,1988
1200XL Translator Aug.27,1988
Atari XF551 Aug.27,1988
-From:ae501:qa:564273673:566865673:aa271
HI JOHN, IT'S RYAN WILKINS
I WAS THE ONE WHO HAD ASKED ABOUT HOW TO SEND TO THE XM301!!!
WELL I FOUND OUT AND I'L TELL YA.
FIRST YOU NEED TO OPEN THE HANDLER (NATURALY)
SECOND YOU NEED TO "POKE 7,27"
THIRD YOU NEED TO "PRINT #x;"ESCAPE G"(PRESS THE ESC KEY TWICE
THEN TYPE G).
FOURTH YOU NEED TO "POKE 7,0"
THEN YOUR ALL SET AND READY TO GO.
JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW IN CASE SOMEONE ELSE ASKED YOU.
LATER,
RYAN WILKINS (WIZKID)
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Thu Nov 19 02:14:20 1987 **
Thanks for the tip.
-From:ae302:qa:564994082:567586082:PARALLEL BUS
NEED HELP WITH INTERFACING TO MY 130XE.
I HAVE BEEN READING MAPPING THE ATARIAND HAVE COME UPON
REFERENCES TO A POLLING OF THE PARALLEL BUS BY THE OS AT COLD
START. WHAT IS THE POLL LOOKING FOR? A HIGH AT PIN 1(EXSEL)?
ALSO; IT MENTIONS THAT IT PLACES A HANDLER IN THE DEVICE
HANDLER TABLES, WHAT IS THE DEVICE SPECIFICATION(I.E.; D:,R:...)?
LAST ON THIS: WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFO ON THE BUS?
MAPPING THE ATARI MENTIONS A 4 PART SERIES ON THIS IN ANTIC:THESE I
HAVE READ, BUT WANT MORE SPECIFIC INFO FOR THE 130XE.
ALSO INDIRECTLY RELATED QUESTION:
HAS THE OS FOR THE XE MACHINES BEEN RELEASED IN PRINT?
I HAVE THE OLD OS LISTING,(800 VERSION), BUT IT IS NOT
REAL USEFULL FOR THE XE'S.
THANKS
PETE HALLER ae302
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Dec 6 14:17:25 1987 **
You don't say what you want to
do with the parallel port. So I will
answer first your stated question as
well as I can, then what I hope is
your actual need.
When first turned on, the 8-bit
Atari computer checks several things,
in order:
the function keys (START, SELECT,
and OPTION)
the SIO port for DOS
the SIO port for an R: handler
(if no DOS), and
the parallel port.
I believe that all it does for the
parallel port is try to talk to it
by turning on parallel port access
(see D100-D1FF and D800-DFFF) to see
if there is anything there to be used.
Any device that uses the parallel
port must include a custom handler
and may use any NON-STANDARD label.
The exception to this is ICD's MULTI
I/O Board which loads in a Dn:
handler to mimick a disk drive. The
point is, if you want to create a
parallel port device, you have to
write your own handler.
As to the XL/XE OS (Operating
System, for those who don't know), it
has not been directly released. Bits
and pieces are available in "Mapping
the Atari", the magazines, etc. You
could also try your only gueranteed
complete resource: Dis-assemble the
OS--IN YOUR OWN COMPUTER! Both
user groups have dis-assemblers for
members' use. The best is probably
Ian Carlstrom's Turbo Dis-assembler
(CACE).
Now, let me speculate that what
you really want is some way to either
control something with your computer
or to sense real-world information.
Several people have written articles
on how to do this using the joystick
port(s). It is also possible to
simply reserve one or more memory
locations, "steal" them from memory,
then just read and/or write to those
locations without worrying about all
the fancy handlers and other
considerations. It just happens that
I wrote an article on this for the
December issue of the CACE newsletter.
Good luck on your project.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:565016101:567608101:NAMES & SIZES OF NETWORKS
First, I understand that there are
networks of bulletin board systems such
as FidoNet, PunterNet and RapNet. Are
these the only networks or are there
others? If others exist, what are
their names?
Secondly, how many bulletin boards are
members of each network?
Finally, can you provide the name and
data telephone number, of the local
contact, for each network?
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Mon Dec 14 11:51:03 1987 **
I know of one for sure:
Railnet--883-6298
but have not researched its size.
Also, from its title,
ST Guild--267-5022
may be a network. Good luck finding
more. (Maybe the above will have
referrals.)
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
I have called Railnet since the
last answer and discovered:
1) Railnet accepts messages related
to railroading, only, but
2) has a list of local boards under
Options/Features that includes
network affiliations.
3) There are many local Fidonet
BBS's, of which one is 942-3389
4) There is a "Collie" (?) (946-2980
among others) affiliation.
5) Other affiliations are listed
that I didn't catch.
Again, good luck with your networking!
15 December 87
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:ae962:qa:565036380:567628380:Atari ST applications
(This is not a question, but it may be useful to struggling
Atari ST programmers.)
For those of us who are not computer engineers or computer
science gurus, creating ST applications can be very difficult.
Until recently, bookstores sold nothing detailed about the ST
with the exception of simple BASIC programming techniques.
"Atari ST Internals" and related books required
much experience and knowledge unknown to beginners.
There is a book I recently purchased that starts from the
beginning and works its way up to simple applications, then
more complicated applications, titled:
Atari ST Application Programming
by Lawrence J. Pollack and Eric J.T. Weber
by Datatech Publications (Bantam computer books)
The first chapter deals with the very basics of the ST: the TOS,
the GEM desktop, the AES, and relates them to other DOS's, other
BIOS, other XBIOS. Then it moves to simple programs that utilize
this newly gained knowledge so that the programmer is completely
aware of what he is doing. One more thing: the book uses examples
using Megamax C, a very good and popular compiler. Only C
programmers will be able to benefit much from this book.
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Dec 6 10:44:16 1987 **
Thanks for the information.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:ab687:qa:565078079:567670079:1030 MODEM SOFTWARE
HELP!!
I HAVE ACCESS TO A 1030 MODEM THAT
I SCREWED UP THE SOFTWARE DISK FOR.
DOES ANYONE HAVE A SOFTWARE DISK FOR
THIS MODEM I CAN MAKE USE OF??
E-MAIL OR CALL BILL SMITH
H-531-6133
W+522-5828
THANKS..
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Dec 6 10:25:47 1987 **
Q & A is no place for "Does
anyone know . . . "!
However, both Atari user groups
have disk libraries and a lot of
members willing to help you. In
particular, both libraries include:
1030 EXPRESS
TERM1030
AMODEM in 1030 format.
These are all Public Domain programs,
so any charge to you would cover
reproduction costs. (TAP makes you
copy it yourself, CACE charges you $3
to $5 for a "utility disk".) Come to
the meetings this week and see for
yourself.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
P.S.: The B & G bulletin board (228-
7335) has at least 1030 EXPRESS--my
personal favorite--available for down-
loading.
Thanks for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:565429147:568021147:320xe
Well a friend of mine tried to up/date his 130xe and it doesn't see the up/date
he gets a 000 free sec on sparta DOS nowand we can't see the
problem if we put back his 64k chips but leave the up/grade we
get somefree but not all and the rest is garbage
you can't see any of the garbage but its there in the dir.
but with the 256k chips you see nothing but 000 free sec.
can you give any help?????
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Dec 6 10:19:35 1987 **
Come to either the TAP or the
CACE meeting this week. You don't have
to be a member, and there are several
of us at each meeting who might be able
to help.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
P. S. If you bring your computer with
you, it could speed things up.
Thanks for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:565805961:568397961:1050 pin
How can I or someone else fix
a loose pin on the I/O jack on the back
of my drive?
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Sun Dec 6 14:19:42 1987 **
Often, the simplest fix is to
pull your drive apart and solder the
connector back together. If it is
beyond hope, try B & G Electronics--the
only known complete and honest Atari
resource in the Cleveland Area as of
December, 1987. The user groups may
also be of help.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:visitor:qa:566462776:569054776:1050 POWER/SUPPLY
What is the best way to open up the power/supply for the 1050 drive I have a blo
fuse and there has to be a easy way other than cutting it open
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Mon Dec 14 11:45:40 1987 **
Try prying one of the little
rubber feet off the bottom. If there
is a screw under it, do the same with
the other four feet, and getting in is
easy.
If there is no screw (or worse,
no feet), you have to pry it apart
along the glue seam. Start at the
opening where the wires come out.
Good luck.
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
-From:visitor:qa:567491222:570083222:RAMBO XL
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS HAD SUCCESS WITH RAMBO XL.
WHICH IS THE BETTER BUY; RAMBO XL OR SWITCH TO AN 130XE?
I AM AWARE OF THE COST DIFFERENCE. I AM INTERESTED IN THE BETTER
VALUE. I AM INTERESTED IN MORE THAN ONE RESPONSE.
-** Answered by JOHN SUCHY (aa271) on Mon Dec 28 09:27:20 1987 **
My own personal value judgement
is that you should get the 130XE, then
check with either of the listed user
groups for my write-ups on expanding
ITS memory. Approximate cost is $100
for the installed upgrade at B & G.
What you get is 320K of RAM which can
be used (with Sparta DOS) as a 2042
sector RAM disk.
The ONLY reason I would considerusing the XL is that the keyboard will
survive longer. The XE problems can be
cured by obtaining the pink replacement
keyboard insert from B & G or Best
Electronics in California. (If you do
one of these, don't replace it until
one of the keys on your computer has
actually died.)
To get more responses, put your
question on the message base. Only one
"sys-op" will be able to answer you in
the Q & A section, here.
Good luck with your upgrade!
Your Co-sysop
John E. Suchy
aa271
Thanks for asking.
-From:ae586:qa:568686692:571278692:Whatta think?
I was wondering. What do you think
in your opinion. I was thinking about
selling this St and getting a Amiga
2000. Most everyone I talked to
agree that the Amiga is a much better
computer. The software is reallly
starting to roll out for it
too. Personally, I had a choice
a while back to get a 64 and should
have. Even though not quite as
good in some respects, I believe
it to be a much better computer.
I think your insight would be well
apppreciated.
RJS
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:52:52 1988 **
My opinion? A foolish move.
Why would anyone with the
availability of software for 4 to 5
diffrent types of computer ditch it
for one. The ST is able to use
IBM, Amiga, CP/M software among
others. Why change computer? If
you are unhappy with your present
software change it not your
computer. The software for the ST
that is comming our is amazing.
Look at the CAD Series or all the
midi software. That's another
advantage. Midi. A midi interface
by itself runs around $200. The ST
has a biuldt-in MIDI interface
allowing it to control your Casio
or Yamaha keyboard. You get alot
for your money with Atari. It's
beyond me why anyone with one would
give it up.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:af704:qa:569173590:571765590:C PRINTER SUPPORT
I HAVE BEEN LEARNING C, AND HAVE NO TROUBLE WITH THE LANGUAGE,
BUT MY ONLY MANUAL IS A MICROSOFT C FOR IBM MANUAL. FOR THE ST, I
USE A PUBLIC DOMAIN COMPILER WHICH IS FINE FOR ME AS A BEGINNER.
WHAT I NEED TO KNOW IS HOW TO DIRECT A LINE OF OUTPUT TO THE
PRINTER. MICROSOFT LETS YOU WRITE TO THE FILE STDPRN; IS THERE
ANY SUCH THING IN GEM, OR DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS?
CARL KASHUK
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sun May 15 02:53:34 1988 **
Your question is being researched.
We will post the answer as soon as
we have one. If anyone has any
suggestions Please send them to me
Jim Haynes AA268
and I will move it to this area.
-From:ac964:qa:569176115:571768115:800 upgrade
I have an (old) Atari 800 and want to
know if it is possible to expand its
memory beyond 48K to at least 64K or
possibly beyond?
This would be for two reasons:
-so that I could have bigger
spreadsheet and word processing
files.
-to take advantage of a couple of
programs that are better with
64K (FS II and Microleague Base-
ball.)
If it matters, I have an open slot in
the RAM section. Also, what does it
cost? In other words, is it cheaper
than buying a 130XE?
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:46:04 1988 **
Although there are still a
few upgrades for the Atari 800,
They are hard to find. Some Mail
order places carry them. Our best
advice would be to get the Atari
130xe with it's 128k capasity. This
will give you the added pleasure of
a ram disk which comes in quite
handy. This computer is also
expandable to 320k. Thanks for
your question.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:aa338:qa:569619925:572211925:Questions on hard drives
Just a couple questions on something that's greek to me...hard drives.
Can any hard drive controller
work with the Atari 8 bit and MIO?
If not, where can I obtain a
controller? What should
I look for in purchansing a hard drive
for the Atari 8 bit?
Thanks for your help! Please answer this
ASAP for I just might have a great
deal on one!
Thanks!
-Ml
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:48:10 1988 **
Thanks for your question.
We are currently researching the
answer and will post it as soon as
we have an answer. Until then, We
have put it here and welcome any
suggestions from our users. Please
send all replys to me and I will
move them to this area.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:visitor:qa:569884016:572476016:PASCAL
Is it possible to buy PASCAL for the Atari 800.(The one that uses
cartridges) If so, where can I purchase it and do you know what
it costs? THANK YOU
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Mon Jan 25 02:21:22 1988 **
Yes, PASCAL is available. Most Retailers
can get it for you. I would suggest
B & G Electronics Not that they are
better than any other dealer. I just
buy from there myself and so know that
they will do their best to get it for
you. I don't like to put phone #s up
here, so please check your telephone
book. Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:ae633:qa:569906091:572498091:(MORE) WRITE DIR TO DISK
I posted the question regarding writing
the disk directory to a disk file, but
neglected to mention the system involved.
Computer is an Atari 130XE with 1050
drive. I would like to read the DIR
from D1: and write it on D8:. I have
a nice CP/M program to do this on
another machine, but don't know how
on the Atari. Any ideas? Thanks!
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Mon Jan 25 02:08:28 1988 **
To Write the DIR of one disk to a
file on the other is realy a matter
of what DOS you are using. Assuming you
are using DOS 2.0s or 2.5, do the
following.
Go to DOS.
Type <A> for a directory.
When asked for the drive # and destina
tion. Type: Dx:,Dx:filename.ext
The Directory should now be on your
disk as a text file under the name you
gave it.
If using Sparta-DOS type:
PRINT at the D: prompt.
OOoops! scratch that.
Type: PRINT Dx:filename.ext
Now everything that gos to your screen
will be printed to the file as well.
Next Do a DIR of what ever Drive you
want the same as you always do.
When you are done, Type PRINT to turn
off this redirection.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:ae302:qa:572205439:574797439:QUESTIONS
NEED SOME HELP WITH A FEW THINGS:
AM HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH DL INTERUPTS.
1: IT SEEMS THAT SOME TIMES THE INTERUPTS
CHANGE WHERE THEY OCCUR AT IN THE DL LIST. NOT ALWAYS BUT
SOMETIME. EXAMPLE: DURING KEY BOARD GET; DISK I/O.
2: HOW CAN I BE SURE THAT THE INTERUPT WILL OCCUR WHEN I WANT?
(AM WORKING IN ASSEMBLER)
SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT SPARTA DOS:
1:HOW DOES SPARTA DOS TEST IF A DISK ISATARI TYPE
FORMAT OR SPARTA DOS?
MORE ON THE INTERUPTS:
MY DL HAS MORE THAN ONE INTERUPT, IF THAT IS ANY HELP.
THANKS
PETE AE302
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:42:05 1988 **
Thanks for your question.
We are currently researching the
answer and will post it as soon as
we have an answer. Until then, We
have put it here and welcome any
suggestions from our users. Please
send all replys to me and I will
move them to this area.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:ab445:qa:572220501:574812501:LINE FEEDS
We're having difficulty using an Atari 1200 XL to send electronic
mail. The problem, when we're on line and reach the 65
character limit in a line the "enter" key does not take the
curser to the next line ---it just keeps typing over the 65th
space.
The modem is not at this location so I'll need to guess, but I
think its something like a 1040 -- whatever the number, it's
probably the low end of the Atari line, assuming they make more
than one model.
Any thoughts and/or suggestions?
Thanks...
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:39:25 1988 **
Thanks for your question.
We are currently researching the
answer and will post it as soon as
we have an answer. Until then, We
have put it here and welcome any
suggestions from our users. Please
send all replys to me and I will
move them to this area.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:af902:qa:572727523:575319523:Letter quality printer
Would like to get a better letter quality printer for my 800XL
than our 1027. My wife likes Atariwriter software and is
interested in a Panasonic T-30 word processor/typewriter which
has a computer interface capability.
Is it possible to use this Panasonic with our current system?
If so, what else would we need?
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:36:04 1988 **
Most word processors,
including Atari Writer come with a
handlers for commonly used
printers. Most also provide a
utility to allow you to make one if
your printer is not supported. So
the answer to your question is a
qualified yes. As for what it will
take to connect your printer? You
will probably need an PR: or other
interface. These run between $50
and $100. If you are on an ST, you
may not need anything but a cable.
Check the manual that came with
your Printer.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:visitor:qa:574320300:576912300:Handlers
If I wanted to write a handler for a serial device I made to be
used with Kermit or some other such program, what must the
handler's status routine do to make it work with the program?
In other words, what does a handler need to be a handler?
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:33:27 1988 **
Thanks for your question.
We are currently researching the
answer and will post it as soon as
we have an answer. Until then, We
have put it here and welcome any
suggestions from our users. Please
send all replys to me and I will
move them to this area.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:af623:qa:574664637:577256637:Copying a BASIC cart.
I recently typed in a program from a
computer book only to find that it only
works with revision A BASIC. Rather
than spend money buying a rev.A, is
there any way to copy it with any
Atari DOS?
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:30:53 1988 **
To the best of our knowledge
there is nothing you can do in this
case. Your DOS has mothing to do
with your problem. You could copy
until the cows come home but it
won't help. If anyone else has an
answer please send it to me and I
will move it to this area.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:af623:qa:575438558:578030558:Terminally ill
I'm trying to write a terminal
program for an XM301 modem. I've
figured most of the task out except 2
things:
1.) What is the procedure for
sending and receiving Xmodem?
2.) If the modem's buffer is full
and the application doesn't
handle the incoming data fast
enough, will the Xmodem tranfer
pause long enough to clear up
the buffer?
Thanks for your help.
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sun May 15 02:50:04 1988 **
This question is beyond the
scope of our staff. We are sorry.
We have posted the question in hopes
that one of our users may be of some
help. If you have an answer to this
question Please send it to......
Jim Haynes
AA268
and I will move it to this area.
-From:ag124:qa:577384719:579976719:modems/software
I am looking for a modem (used or new) for an Atari 800. Any
recommendations for a suitable unit (prefer 1200 baud), which
would be used to access the Free-Net, GEnie, as well as a DEC
Micro-VAX Computer would be appreciated.
By the way, is there a market for the ATARI 1027 printer, and
cassete tape drive?
I think that I will need an interface to accomodate the modem.
Any comments/help would be appreciated.
Thanx!
** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:18:30 1988 **
Our best suggestion would be
the Atari SX212 Hayes compatible
modem. It's got the right kind of
price tag at under $100. The SX212
has been tested with the most
popular software for Atari and
works quite well. It also is a
direct connect modem through the
SIO or you can connect it as a
serial device. I am currently
using The 212 and give it my
highest rating. The modem is
300/1200 baud. Thanks for your
question. I hope we have been of
some help.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:ad537:qa:577878658:580470658:HP LASERJET SERIES II
I HAVE THE HP LASERJET SERIES II PRINTER IS THERE ANYWAY A
PRINTER DRIVER CAN BE MADE FOR THIS PRINTER SO I CAN USE IT FOR
THE FOLLOWING PROGRAMS.
1) FIRST WORD
2) D.E.G.A.S ELITE
3) CAD 3-D VERSION 2.01
I HAVE CHECKED ALL BULLITEN BOARDS AS WELL AS GENIE AND
COMP-U-SERVE , PLUS I CALLED CALIFORNIA TO START MAGIZINE IF THEY
WERE AWARE OF ANY ,THERE REPLY WAS " CHECK DIFFERANT BULLITEN
BOARDS.
IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO CAN HELP ME ON THIS PROBLEM PLEASE LEAVE
E-MAIL , BETTER YET HERE IS MY PHONE NUMBER 476-3522 ASK
FOR BILL.
AD537
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:14:47 1988 **
Thanks for your question.
We are currently researching the
answer and will post it as soon as
we have an answer. Until then, We
have put it here and welcome any
suggestions from our users. Please
send all replys to me and I will
move them to this area.
-From:ae501:qa:577907102:580499102:320k 65xe
I have a 320k 65xe computer.When i try to get a 256k ramdisk
i cant...it will only give me a 64k ramdisk...this is in spartados
3.2d
i need help...i also runa bbs and need 256k of ramdisk space
hope you can help
thanks
ae501 (ryan wilkins)
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sun May 15 02:56:46 1988 **
Thanks for your question.
Sparta DOS supports 3 or four kinds
of ramdisk. Perhaps you are using the
wrong one for your system. Try the
others, is the only suggestion we
have at this time. wWe will continue
to look into the matter and see if
we can find an better answer for ya.
** If anyone has any other ideas
Please send them to Jim Haynes
aa268 and I will move them to
this area as well.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:ae962:qa:577961139:580553139:Word processing FreeNet downloads
Here's some helpful comments programmers may want to know
regarding word processors for the Atari ST (WordWriter ST, 1st
Word) and probably others:
I just found out a few codes my word processors use to store
extra information in documents. Why ASCII files from FreeNet when
loaded cannot be paragraph formatted or right justified was always
a mystery to me. But after some work, I found out that to convert
an ASCII file to a word-processorable document file, the user must
simply:
1. Replace all ASCII 32's (spaces) with ASCII 30's.
2. Put an extra ASCII 30 at the end of every line that is not the
end of a paragraph.
Having done this minimum conversion with a program, you can
use every function the word processor has when editing. If you
short-cut step 2 and place ASCII 30 at the end of EVERY line,
which is what I do, you have to carefully remove the extra spaces
from the end of the paragraphs immediately upon editing so
reformatting won't turn the document into one huge paragraph!
I suppose you could get it to remove FreeNet prompts, and
figure out when paragraphs end in the absence of a blank line
between paragraphs, but this makes the program longer and harder
to write. It's not worth it for the length of most things here.
-** Answered by JIM HAYNES (aa268) on Sat May 14 06:06:58 1988 **
Thanks for the info. Max. I am sure
our users will find it useful.
Jim Haynes
AA268
-From:aa325:qa:581622549:584214549:1200XL Translator
The 1200XL is, and has always been, the odd computer out in the
Atari series because its operating system differs slightly from
other members of the XL series.
Do you know of any translator which will allow the 64K 1200XL
to emulate the 600XL, the 800XL, or the XEs so that it can run
software programs designed for these machines.
Obviously Translators A&B will not work because they are designed
to emulate a 48K operating system.
Any solution to my problem?
-** Answered by DOUG WOKOUN (aa384) on Sat Aug 27 14:08:38 1988 **
I really doubt that Atari would release a translator specifically for
the 1200XL because of the limited success of the machine. I would
suggest FixXL for emulating the 400/800. If you know something about
machine language, you could save the OS from an 800xl after turning
of burst I/O by:
xxxx: LDA #0
xxxx: STA 2606
but you would have to write a routine to disable the OS using the
register in PORT-B and load it in. This would require machine language
and the locations from 65530-65535 are very tricky because they have
a lot do with interrupt and the keyboard.
You would have to load the OS into a different part of memory so you
would have the SIO routines available to load the file. Havine
CIO around would help a lot too, not to mention DOS. If you find a copy
of FIXXL, you might be able to get someone to modify it, but I
don't know if that would work. Sorry that I can't be of more help.
If anybody has any suggestions/ideas/solutions send them to me.
Doug Wokoun
Atari Sysop
-From:ae826:qa:582706114:585298114:Atari XF551
Hey, anybody out there know how to
modify the Atari XF551 drive to read
and write and etc. a 3.5 inch disk?
-** Answered by DOUG WOKOUN (aa384) on Sat Aug 27 17:19:09 1988 **
As far as I know, there is no way to
do that. The chips and mechanisms
are so different that you would do
better trying to get your 8-bit
to run ST software. Why not just buy
a 3.5" drive and see if it'll work
with a Percom controller?
Doug Wokoun
Atari SysOp
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