CLEVATARI - March 1990
From: Atari SIG (xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 03/01/94-04:39:37 PM Z
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
Subject: CLEVATARI - March 1990
Date: Tue Mar 1 16:39:37 1994
EDITORS NOTES:
author Randy Hahn
(CLEVATARI NEWSLETTER, Issue #101, March 1990)
This month has been a trying one for Atari Owners. We
still haven't seen any STe's or TT's except in magazine articles.
It's even hard to find 1040's or 520's execpt on the used market
and an Atari monochrome monitor is one of the scarcest hardware
devices in the U.S.
We band together like revolutionaries and try to change the
world into believing what we already know to be true -- namely
that Atari computers are best.
Unfortunately, we sometimes are frustrated and bewildered by
the failures of developers who don't deliver as fast or as
perfectly as some would want. I hear so many shallow views of
one developer right now...Avante-Garde. These views come from so
many "experts" who apparently know how it is to develop in a
world of unknowns. Well, I would like to set a different tone
for a moment. That is to congratulate Avante-Garde for being
persistent, innovative and patient with the very public which
they have so richly supported for so long. Maybe we have
forgotten about Avant-Garde in their success of PC-Ditto, the
almost unbelievable hardware free IBM emulator an honor they
granted to our favorite computer!!
If we were to believe the opinions of the most frustrated
we would never have gotten to where we are today with respect to
computers. Progress would be at a standstill, and computers
would be a thing of the future not the present. No one would
ever dare to try anything innovative as Avante-Garde has tried
in the past and the present. OK, it isn't running yet, but that
doesn't mean that we should give up on them.
Nothing is perfect, including the very computer that we own
-- how quickly we forget. Atari doesn't even appear to support
their computer as well as Avante-Garde has supported real clients
(not just bystanders). You might remember Page Stream had a
similar problem when they first introduced the bug riddled
version of their product. With all the owners they have today,
you may easily forget all of the negative feelings, ridiculous
accusations and bad remarks we heard about Soft Logic just 6
months ago!! We forget all of that as we run out to purchase
what could be the best desktop publisher for the Atari ST. So
why are all of these negative feelings amassed over Avant-Garde?
They are standing behind their product and working long and hard
to correct the problems which have been identified with their
product. They aren't giving up like some of the Atari supporters
of the past!!!
I am proud of the fact that I purchased an advance copy
of PC-Ditto II. I still have no doubt that Avant-Garde will
make good on PC-Ditto II because they can see beyond the
exaggerations and frustrations portrayed by some of the public
which is turning on them now. I only hope they keep the faith
with those of us who look to the future and don't stoop to the
ridiculous opinions heard (some of which come from
non-purchasers). I have called Avante-Garde three times and
have had them answer all three times to be treated with respect,
and courtesy all three times. They have encouraged me that they
are earnestly interested in any problems and are working very
hard to reconcile those problems. Avante-Garde has offered to
return my money twice and as far as interest lost in the bank so
far I have lost $3.50 (which I really can't get that upset over -
could you?). I hope you can believe that over any third and
fourth party opinions which are filtering to the public in
written articles based on sketchy information or hype.
If you truly believe in Atari computers please support and
encourage (not discourage ) anyone who supports the Atari with
developement. For without your encouragement, there may not be
much of a furture for our enjoyment and livelihood.
Support the REVOLUTION!
(tm)
ST DISK CATALOG
CLEVELAND ATARI COMPUTER ENTHUSIASTS
ST ATARI NORTH COAST ENTHUSIASTS
by Joe Adato (CLEVATARI NEWSLETTER, Issue #101, March 1990)
This is the current ST Disk Catalog available to the user group
members in the Cleveland area. The disks are available at B & G
Electronics and may be borrowed without cost by members for two
days. At the meetings disks will be available for $2.00 each.
In addition programs are sold individually, so that you may put
as many programs as will fit on each disk and only pay a per disk
price of $4.00. Questions should be addressed to the current ST
Librarian. On disks for sale all files are ARCed unless
otherwise indicated in the catalog. The size of the ARCed file
is listed in parenthesis.
DISK 3:
This disk contains seven (7) ARCed files. A brief description
follows below.
ACC5.ARC (99,584): There are five desktop accessories in this
file: Bigmouth (it will tell you jokes), Fortune (get your
fortune told), New Word (Complete with documentation, this is a
desktop word processor), Notepad (write and save notes), and
Diskman (one of my favorite disk utilities).
ARKSHELL.ARC (17,434): This is the shell program to use with
ARC.TTP. It is one of the better shells for this program.
CHECKERS.ARC (24,068): This is the popular checkers game.
However, the graphics are nonexistent and the program is not too
flexible.
CIRCLE2.ARC (20,991): The program works with Fractals and is
a good demo.
MICROCHK.ARC (81,280); Microcheck was my favorite check
processing program on the 8-bit. This is the ST version, which
has several additional options for sorting and maintaining more
than one account.
MONOPOLY.ARC (71,609): This, the popular board game Monopoly,
is not quite finished. Anyone with programming skills is welcome
to work on it. Please note that the computer cheats!
READER22.ARC (42,877): This is a very useful program which
allow you to view text, on the screen, as if it were a printed
page. you can move forward, back or proceed to a desired page.
It is even possible to print particular phrases of portions of
the text. This program is shareware and comes with complete
documentation.
DISK 4:
There are fifteen (15) ARCed files on this disk.
AGGRIV.ARC (50,842): This is a version of the game
Aggravation. It needs low resolution.
CALC.ARC (12,259): The file contains a program to create a
very simple calculator (+.-.x.:). There are many better
calculators and most are accessories.
CHKDSK.ARC (19,205): The program is supposed to check your
drive. It is a TTP program with no documentation and I could not
figure out how to use it.
DISKZA.ARC (4,546): All I got were two bombs. Any
suggestions?
GRAPH_3D.ARC (52,525): This is a demo of a 3 dimensional
graphing program.MISCTOS.ARC (29,608): The file contains three
totally unrelated programs, but useful.
MILESTON.ARC (73,522): This is the ARChed file to the popular
game of the same name. First run GRABASRO.BAS, then choose the
appropriate program. The game runs in Low Rez.
MISCTOS.ARC (29,608): The file contains three totally
unrelated programs, but useful. MAZMAKER.TOS will draw a maze to
a printer or to the screen. SEEKTEST.TOS is a disk drive
diagnostic, set the rates and run; the program prompts you.
XREF.TOS will print a cross-reference of a Basic program.
MOUSEICN.ARC (8,771): Two programs are in this file. One
demonstrates the various forms the mouse pointer can take, the
other makes Mickey Mouse the pointer.
RAMDISK.ARC (3,456): The programs included will set up a ram
disk between 64 and 768K. Documentation is included. The ram
disk is supposed to survive resets and changes in resolution.
RD1040.ARC (4,865): Another ram disk, this one is an
Accessory with documentation. It only works with 1 meg or larger
machines.
SPELLPLS.ARC (25,795): A spelling checker program that works
with 1st Word, this files contains documentation and instructions
for setting up your own dictionary.
STSCOPE.ARC (15,407): This is an ST Scope Memory Utility; it
will display the contents of memory and allow you to change it.
Once run, press 'HELP' for a list of commands. You should know
what you are doing before you use this utility!
UE.ARC (20,612): This is the famous MicroEmacs Editor, a text
editor for programmers. No documentation is included.
VOLUME.ARC (1.920): This program should change the volume
name on a disk. It doesn't seem to work, however.
WRDCOUNT.ARC (11,114): A desk accessory that will count and
list the number of words in any text file.
(Note: Two or three disk listings will be included in each issue
as room permits)
GRAPHICS and DESKTOP PUBLISHING - Part II
author Randy Hahn
(CLEVATARI NEWSLETTER, Issue #101, March 1990)
As discussed in the previous issue, there are two basic types of
graphics forms which currently exist for use namely "line
drawing" or "bit-mapped". We described the basic differences
and the ways in which the graphics were both represented. Now,
on to a discussion of where and when to use them. Unfortunately,
it really isn't a matter of which kind of graphics type to use
but rather when each type could "best" be used to represent the
picture or graphics in a particular application.
As described last time, the bit-mapped type of graphics uses a
pixel by pixel representation of the art work. It is therefore
capable of very nicely creating art work with subtle shading,
fine lines or irregular shapes. Image scanners often are used to
save this type of image, because they can distinguish the subtle
shades of gray in a photograph or other art work when used at the
higher "dots-per-inch" settings. Unfortunately there are a
couple of drawbacks when dealing with bit-mapped images. First
of all, since bit-mapped images are representing a piece of art
work by defining each and every pixel, they routinely takes much
more memory to save on disk and also take up more memory in the
computer as they are being used. This is why one of the options
of most desk-top publishing packages is the ability to show the
outline of a picture but to turn-off the actual picture from
being shown on the screen. Turning off pictures can greatly
speed up the whole operation of desk-top publishing when the
screen is re-sized and scrolling takes place. Otherwise,
bit-mapped images greatly slow down the process of desk top
publishing because of the memory use. Secondly, a bit-mapped
image doesn't fare as well with a massive reshaping and/or
re-sizing of a piece of art work. It will usually represent a
picture quite well when it is used at exactly the same size
in which it was scanned, but, bit-mapped images which are
re-sized have to make many decisions about how to represent each
pixel when it is split or combined with other pixels around it.
Since a computer cannot base its decision on "how it looks", but
on shear programming algorithms, the decision and the outcome of
a re-sized bit-mapped image usually leaves something to be
desired (especially in massive scale changes).
As was stated last time, line-drawn (or vector-oriented) graphics
use mathematical descriptions to represent images. They are most
often used in graphs (line, bar or pie shaped), flow charts and
schematic type drawings since they are made up of mathematical
shapes already. The ease of duplication, movement (plus
subsequent repainting on a screen) and re-sizing are all
advantages of the line-drawn images. This is the most typical
type of graphics used with Computer Aided Design (CAD) because of
the ease of setting up a symbol library for component type
drawings. Re-sizing of this type of graphics faithfully retains
the proportions of the original, and thus is most useful when one
is trying to reduce or enlarge a drawing from its original size
particularly when trying to "cram" a full page image into 1/4
page of a desk top published newsletter (or vice verse). The
biggest drawback of line drawn images are that subtle shades and
hues are virtually impossible to represent mathematically.
Therefore, "true art" or photographs cannot be used efficiently
with line-drawn graphics packages.
In summary, to insure the best possible results, each image must
be evaluated for the best compatibility with other graphics
packages and translated if necessary to allow the best possible
use. One must also consider the original size versus the final
size of the art work as well as the shades and hues of the art
when first scanning or creating the image. Much of the time,
original art work can be scanned in one type of image and
translated into other types when transferred to a "paint" package
or other graphics art packages. The art work can be touched-up
and also saved in other common formats for better manipulation of
the art work in desk top publishing. Of course, all of this can
take time, effort and patience when utilizing all of the packages
together. If nothing else, it sure gives one a greater
appreciation for graphics as they are used today in desk top
publishing.
IT'S ON THERE
by George
author George Neff, Sr.
(CLEVEATARI NEWSLETTER, Issue #101, March 1990)
Each month a file from the "TCP" BBS will be highlighted.
These programs can be yours free just for calling and registering
to use the bulletin board. The modem number is (216)-228-7335.
The times listed are for 1200 baud so if you are using 300
baud the time will be about four times longer and if you are
using 2400 baud they will be one-half as long to download.
These programs might not have been checked yet so if you
have any trouble with the file let me know and I will try it. If
I can not get it to work I will get a hold of the one who up
loaded it and either find out what is wrong or get a working copy
loaded to replace it.
To conserve space on the board most files have been arced in
one form or another, if you have problems extracting them see
some one at the meeting and they should be able to help you or
get someone who does know how.
In the ST download-sig section [2] ST GAMES: again, is a
ShareWare program called WHEEL2_0.ARC. This is a GFA Basic game
that is fashoned after the tv program as the name implies. It is
well done and worth the asking. There are editor programs to
make your own puzzles included in the arc file. There are 839
blocks and will take 15 min. to download.
Remember the REVOLUTION (tm)
MULTISYNCH MONITORS
COLOR AND HIGH RESOLUTION MONOCHROME
DISPLAY FOR THE ATARI STs
author Wm. H. Price
(Originally downloaded from GEnie)
(Printed CLEVATARI NEWSLETTER Mar & Apr 1990 in
a two part series)
COLOR BETTERS THE ST'S SC1224
Most multisynch monitors, but not all, will work with the
ST's RGB output and vertical refresh rate. Advantages are
operation in high resolution monochrome and both low and medium
color using a single monitor. An additional advantage is the
better color rendition with more differentiation in tonalities.
Subtle shades are better represented than on the ST. With Sony
color monitors, the colors are Kodachrome in quality -- rich
and saturated. On the negative side, none of these color
monitors will match the sharpness of the Atari SM124 monochrome
monitor. This monitor, as with other monochromes, uses single
pells or pixels to represent screen images. Color monitors
must use three (Red, Green, and Blue) to form the same point on
a screen. As a consequence, they cannot give the crispness and
detail.
THE CRITICAL TEST -- MONOCHROME SHARPNESS
If you use monochrome most of the time, as many do with
Spectre Macintosh emulation, the major question is whether or
not a softer and coarser monochrome display on a color monitor
is acceptable for continuous use. It doesn't make sense or
cents to buy one of the lower priced multisynch monitors as an
economy measure just to obviate the need for two monitors where
high resolution monochrome is important. And the purchase of a
higher quality and higher priced monitor in the $600 to $650
range -- such as the Sony 1304 HG or NEC 3D may not make much
economical sense either. However there are those who continue
to have the desire for these types of monitors --
unfortunately, I am one.
MONITOR SWITCH BOX -- ROLL YOUR OWN
The following pages give pinouts and wiring diagrams for
construction of a Monitor Switch Box so that a multisynch can
be used in both color and monochrome with the ST's monitor
output. The box is needed to ground the Monochrome Detect line
from the ST and force it to boot in high resolution monochrome.
It also switches from the ST's RGB color output to Monochrome
Intensity output to drive the monitor. The pinouts for all
three Sony monitors (1302, 1303, and 1304) are the same. NEC
monitors such as the Multisynch and Multisynch II use the same
pinouts. Where Sony and earlier NECs use DB-9 inputs, the new
NEC 3D uses a DB-15 connector. The NEC pinouts shown are still
valid for the 3D. A converter cable -- DB-9 to DB-15 supplied
by NEC -- will give the proper interface. This converter is
also availabe commercially as a one piece plug unit. Other
monitors, such as the Mitsubishi Diamondscan, use different
plugs. The Mitsubishi uses a DB-25 which is the same in pins
and shell as an RS-232. The ST's output can be routed to these
monitors with the proper pinouts and plug.
The Monitor Switch Box can be wired for any monitor output
configuration. If another monitor is used, a simple conversion
plug is comercially available to reconfigure outputs if both
monitors use DB-9 plugs. If plugs are different for two
monitors, then wire a cable with the two different
terminations. The least effort and highest cost approach is to
buy a cable with one of the plugs already made up. If you are
good with a soldering iron, then buy the connectors and makeup
your own cables. The ST 13-pin DIN plug is not that easy to
work with. The solder or rear side has pins just like the
front, and soldering wires to these contacts is not a snap. ST
monitor cables, with a DIN 13 male on one end and unterminated
on the other, are available from two or three sources. Try
Best Electronics or Practical Solutions. A 4-pole, double
throw switch (On-On) will be required for the Box. Also fit
the Box with an RCA jack if you want sound routed to a stereo
or self amplified speaker like those available from Radio
Shack. If you have Tweety Board, this will not be needed.
MARKET FAILURE OF SWITCH BOXES
There have been several attempts to market these monitor
switch boxes, and all but the most recent have not met with
success. The first reason is high price. The first box
produced was overpriced in the $200 range. The second reason
is differences in pinouts and plug configurations for the
variety of monitor inputs. There is no standard. The third
reason for lack of success is the small ST market for
alternative multisynch monitors.
Making your own box for $35 or less in parts will give you
an opportunity to try out several monitors at a dealer and
select the one that is most acceptable for high resolution
monochrome display. But a problem is that most dealers don't
have the more expensive monitors broken out for display, and
you may not be able to give one a try. Be persistant. Ask the
dealer if he can recommend a customer that has a monitor you
are interested in. But by all means, try before you buy to
insure that the display meets with your satisfaction. Don't
take the word of others because each has different levels of
acceptability.
MULTISYNCH MONITOR PERFORMANCE
I have tried the homebrew Monitor Switch Box with the Sony
1303 and the NEC Multisync and Multisync II. The 1303 is not
the quality of the 1302 which has a finer dot pitch. However,
the color was excellent but the monochrome display was soft.
The Sony 1302 has a .26mm dot pitch. This is a measure of the
center-to-center distance between dots and is also an indicator
of dot or pixel size. Until recently, the 1302 had the finest
dot pitch of any color monitor on the market. And dot pitch is
a better indicator of sharpeness than horizontal and vertical
lines of resolution. The lines are also a function of screen
display size; so don't be mislead by more lines resolution. It
simply might correspond to a larger monitor display size. And
as the monitor size
increases, the dots are made larger and render a less sharp
display.
But Sony is less than forthcoming in its specifications for
the 1302. While touting the .26mm dot pitch, they don't
publish the fact that this applies to horizontal spacing only.
The vertical spacing is different, perhaps .32mm which is
nothing to shout about. As a consequence, you may see black
horizontal lines that separate the color display lines. They
are not dramatically obtrusive, but they are there. On the
plus side, the Sony's have that superb Kodachrome color that is
richly saturated. The blacks are black, and the background in
monochrome is absolutely paper white. The 1302 is satisfactory
for ST monochrome use.
This model is being superseded by the new 1304 HG that has
a .25mm dot pitch. The specifications on this new monitor
closely match those of the Apple Color Monitor for the Mac II.
This monitor is made by Sony to Apple's specifications, but it
is not multisynch. I use one on a Mac II and it is excellent
in both monochrome and color. Because of the closeness in
specifications -- the only two monitors available with a .25mm
dot pitch -- I strongly suspicion that they are the same. Sony
has simply adapted the Apple version for multisynch use. And
if I were to place my money on a monitor that would be highly
acceptable for monochrome display with the ST (sight unseen in
an actual test), it would be the Sony 1304 HG. When viewed in
color on an IBM PC, the dots appeared extremely fine and it
appears that the .25 pitch holds true for both vertical and
horizontal.
The 1303 is not as good as the 1302 or 1304. However it
did give a good monochrome display that was similar in size to
the ST's color display in medium resolution. Although good, it
does not come close to matching quality of the SM124. Since I
spend at least 60 percent or more of my time in
Spectre/Macintosh operation, I felt that this was not
acceptable for my requirements. When switching from color to
monochrome, the screen picture sizes must be readjusted. When
the color picture fills out the screen, the monochrome picture
will be half screen size until it is adjusted. The Sony
controls are in the rear, making them very inconvenient for
this operation. The NEC and NEC II have their controls on the
front. When making adjustments, insure that horizontal
positioning is correct. When first tested, the NEC seemed to
have ghosting with the character display. However this was
because the screen had wrapped around and required proper
positioning. The NEC display was also good. But it was not
the equal of Sony in color -- more pastel and less saturated.
Both the Sony 1304 and NEC 3D now have automatic screen
sizing when displays are changed; so this should eliminate
annoying adjustments. Additionally, both are improved over
earlier models. Both would perhaps make acceptable choices for
monochrome use on the ST. But I would still think that the
Sony 1304 would win by more than a hair if it is anything like
the Apple Macintosh monitor. Perhaps a dealer will break one
out for testing when they become more plentiful and prices
drop.
Sony 1304s are discounted for around $645, and 1302s for
$575. NEC 3Ds are lower priced at $585. The Mitsubishi
Diamond scan can be found at $499 and sometimes lower. If the
16" Nano FlexScan is a true multisynch, those who want
everything can get it for just under $900.
The following should get you started on a switch box so
that you can perform your own acceptance testing. I have not
tried a Princeton Graphics or Mitsubishi Diamondscan since I
felt that their displays with the IBM PC were not the match of
the Sony or NEC. It wasn't worth the money or effort for such
a change, and a promise was made a long time ago not to
compromise and throw money at something you wouldn't be
satisfied with. Climbing out of that hole is too costly, and I
have paid this price in both camera and stereo equipment -- but
never again.
GEnie Mail: WM.H.PRICE
Bill Price
126 Casmar St. SE
Vienna, VA 22180
(703) 560-2684
Read Current Notes for the latest information in the ST world.
PINOUTS FOR:
ATARI ST MONITOR DIN 13
SONY DB-9
NEC DB-9
FUNCTION ST SONY NEC
--------------------- -- ------------ ------------
Audio Out 1 NU NU
RF 2 NU NU
TTL 3 NU NU
Monochrome Detect (Switched)4
COLOR NU NU
MONOCHROME 1 6, 7, 8, 9
Audio In 5 NU NU
GREEN (Switched) 6
COLOR 4 2
MONOCHROME NU NU
RED (Switched) 7
COLOR 3 1
MONOCHROME NU NU
Ground NU 8 NU NU
Horizontal Synch 9 8 4
BLUE (Switched) 10
COLOR 5 3
MONOCHROME NU NU
Monochrome Intensity (Sw) 11
COLOR NU NU
MONOCHROME (RGB Inputs) 3, 4, 5 1, 2, 3
Vertical Synch 12 9 5
Ground 13 1 6, 7, 8, 9
NOTES: Sony 1302, 1303, and 1304 use the same pinouts.
The above can be used for the NEC 3D with a DB-9 to DB-15
conversion cable supplied as standard with the 3D.
ST 13-pin DIN cables with male DIN and unterminated at the other
end and DB-9 plug/unterminated are commercially available.
The NEC DB-9 to DB-15 converter can also be purchased seperately.
If problems are encountered with the NEC 3D, try disconnecting
some of the grounds on pins 6, 7, 8, and 9.
ST MONITOR 13-PIN DIN CABLE MALE FACE
-------------------------------------
Audio Out NU TTL Mono Detect
1 2 3 4
Audio In GREEN RED Ground
5 6 7 8
Horiz Syn BLUE Mono Vert Syn
Intens
9 10 11 12
Ground
13
SONY DB-9 PLUG TO MONITOR - MALE FACE
-------------------------------------
Ground NU RED GREEN BLUE (COLOR)
and and and and
MonoDet MonInt MonInt MonInt (MONOCHROME)
1 2 3 4 5
NU NU Horiz Vert
6 7 8 9
DB-9 CONVERSION PLUG FOR SONY TO NEC
SONY NEC
---- ---
Ground 1 6, 7, 8, 9
Mono Detect
NU 2 NU
RED 3 1
Mono Intensity
GREEN 4 2
Mono Intensity
BLUE 5 3
Mono Intensity
NU 6 NU
NU 7 NU
Horiz Synch 8 4
Vert Synch 9 5
This plug is available in most electronic supply stores.
One end is DB-9 Female for connecting to the box's
output cable, and the other end is DB-9 Male that plugs
into the Monitor or the DB-9 to DB-15 cable for the
NEC 3D. The converter has a small printed circuit
board with jumper wires to make the proper input/output
configuration. The pinouts shown above are for a switch
box wired for Sony output and their conversion to output
configuration for a NEC monitor.
MULTISYNCH SWITCH WIRING ST DIN 13 OUT TO SONY DB-9
4-POLE DOUBLE THROW ON-ON
68 Ohm
____________VVVVV_______________________________
| | | |
| 100 Ohm | | |
| ________________VVVVV___| | |
| | | | | |
| | .....|..........|........|........|.....
| | : | | | | :
| | : GROUND MONO MONO MONO : <-- SWITCH
| | : | INTEN INTEN INTEN :
| | : | IN IN IN :
| | : |____________________________________________
| | : _______________________________ |
| | : | ___________________ | |
| | : | | : | | |
| | : | | ______ | | |
| | : | | | :| | | |
| | ______MONO RED GREEN BLUE :| | | |
| | | : DETECT OUT OUT OUT :| | | |
| | | : :| | | |
| | | : :| | | |
| | | : RED GREEN BLUE :| | | |
| | | : IN IN IN :| | | |
| | | : | | | :| | | |
| | | :...............|........|........|....:| | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | > > > | | | |
| | | 68 Ohm > > > | | | |
| | | > > > | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
..................................................... ...............
: | | | | | | : : | | | | :
: 11 13 4 7 6 10 : : 5 4 3 1 :
: : : :
: ST OUTPUT PINS : : DB-9 INPUT :
: : : :
: HORIZONTAL SYNCH 9---------:-:--8 HORIZ :
: : : :
: VERTICAL SYNCH 12---------:-:--9 VERT :
:...................................................: :.............:
Center poles of switch (labeled as RED, GREEN, and BLUE OUT)
are common output to the Sony monitor through the DB-9
connector. When switch is thrown to COLOR side (lower contacts),
the ST's RGB output is fed to the common output center poles.
Monochrome Detect has no output in COLOR. With the switch thrown
to MONOCHROME (upper contacts), Monochrome Detect is grounded and
Monochrome Intensity is fed to the three RGB outputs. Horizontal
and Vertical Synchs are fed straight through from the ST to DB-9
connector. Thanks to Mike Odegard for the original circuit in
file #5617 uploaded in January 1988. It works much better than
my circuit that didn't use resistance.
MULTISYNCH MONITIOR SPECIFICATIONS
DOT BAND SCAN RATE
DIAG PITCH PIXLES LPI WIDTH
MONITOR SIZE mm HxV HxV MHz HORIZ VERT
----------- ---- ----- ------- ------ ----- ------ -----
Atari Color
Medium Res 12 640x200
128K
Low Res 320x200
64K
Atari
Monochrome 12 640x400
256K
Sony
CPD-1302 13 .26 900x560 30 50-100 15-34
504K
NEC Plus 13.5 .33 960x720 94x94 55 56-80 22-45
691K
NEC II 13 .31 800x560 81x79 30 50-80 15-35
448K
NEC 2A Won't Synch with ST
NEC 3D 13 .28 640x480 45 50-90 16-38
Princeton
Ultrasynch 11.5 .28 800x600 30 45-120 15-35
480K
Mitsubishi
Diamondscan 13 .31 800x600 30 45-90 15-36
480K
Apple Mac 13 .25 640x480 23
Sony
1304HG 13 .25 1024x768 28-50 15-38
NOTE: Although the NEC 3D will display 1024x768 resolution, it
must be driven by an IBM 8514/A card for interlaced input.
Supposedly the Sony 1304 will display the above resolutions in
multisynch mode. The Macintosh resolutions are for non-interlaced
display. Call Sony on 1 800 222-0878 for more information
and specifications.
ATARI PLANETARIUM - A NIGHT WITH THE STARS
author Randy Hahn
(CLEVATARI NEWSLETTER, Issue #101, March 1990)
About two years ago, I remember a demonstration of the Atari
Planetarium at the Natural History Museum by Bruce Frumker. It
was demonstrated on an Atari 8-Bit machine. Since that time,
Atari Planetarium was translated to ST format by Atari so
anything you see in the demo can equally apply both to the 8-Bit
and the ST world alike.
At the time, it seemed like a nice program, but I thought that
you would have to be a fanatic about stars to really use the
program. Was I wrong! This program is something which can
enlighten both young and old alike and is really an educational
tool in which to learn about the solar system. I had the pleasure
of demonstrating the program to an elementary school class (who
subsequently went to the Cleveland Planetarium at the Natural
History Museum) and they were intrigued by the what the program
could show them. The program could even do things which the real
Planetarium couldn't. Yet I felt like I only touched the "tip
of the iceberg" with the demonstration.
Atari Planetarium shows the computed positions of over 3500
stars, all 88 constellations all the planets in our solar system
as well as more than 300 deep sky objects such as other galaxies,
Haley's Comet and other star clusters. It also has a special
information function built in which identifies verbally the
objects as you point at them.
The program allows you to travel in time approximately 10,000
years forward or back as well as witness any event both past and
future from almost any latitude or longitude on the earth's
surface. The program is so easy to use that a novice can learn
it in one sitting and an expert can be enthralled by the
versatility and vastness of the programs abilities. Having been
a navigator in the Navy, where I used the stars to navigate
across the ocean, I had a special appreciation for what the
program is actually doing in all of its data manipulation and
calculations behind the scenes. I only wish I had such a tool
when I was aboard ship in the navy. There is a tremendous find
function which can instantaneously find any of the constellations
or planets. All of the functions are mouse accessible from a
group of pull-down menus. Many of the functions can also be
accessed by some keyboard key combination. Any sky image can be
printed or saved at will. You can also speed up or slow down the
clock which animates the various celestial events as they occur.
The documentation is a book of over 150 pages which contains
examples, historical events and an overall primer on the stars.
It alone is worth the money I paid. I was especially enlightened
by the discussions on Chronology, History and Archeology as they
pertained to the stars and navigation. The "Guided Tour of the
Universe"is extremely interesting and helpful in the learning
process. The book also contained discussions on the Star of
Bethlehem, Haley's Comet, the stars and how they were used by the
Romans, Greeks and Egyptians and even a discussion of the
possibility of extraterrestrial life. The discussions in the
book are so well written that they stimulate the thought process
as well as provide an interesting gateway to the stars. At the
end of the book are tables, technical notes, future celestial
events (including times and places), mathematical conversions, a
glossary of terms and an index to help you find your way. This
along with the bibliography of 59 entries has to give you some
idea of the research that went into this baby.
One of the real beauty's of the program is being able to explore
the sky even on cloudy and overcast or stormy nights from the
confines of my computer terminal. The program is designed for
anyone who looks at the sky and wonders what a particular object
might be. You definitely don't have to be an astronomer to enjoy
it.
The REVOLUTION (tm) - The Calendar Continued
by Atisian Software
(Reprinted in CLEVATARI NEWSLETTER, Issue #101, March 1990)
WEEK 10
March 4 through March 10, 1990
NATIONAL ATARI IN SCHOOLS WEEK
Continuing an effort to get Atari Computers in schools, write a
letter to the largest school in your area and tell them that you
would prefer that they use Atari computers for education. List
25 reasons why in your letter. Ask your family to send similar
letters under separate cover. Invite the school to contact your
local dealer for information. Include your dealer's phone
number.
Week 11
March 11 through March 17, 1990
NATIONAL ST. PATRICK'S BALLOON LAUNCH WEEK
In advance, locate a store in your area that sells helium filled
balloons. Look for a green, non-metallic one. User's groups may
wish to obtain a tank or two of helium from a local supplier.
Listings are easily found in most phone books. Write a note
stating: "SAVIN' O' THE GREEN...use Atari Computers" and sign it:
"The REVOLUTION".
Tie the note to a string attached to the balloon you purchase in
a timely fashion to be launched on Saturday March 17 at Noon in
your time zone.
You may singly launch the balloon from your back yard or organize
a full blown event with your users' group. PLEASE NO NOT
LAUNCH BALLOONS IN AIR TRAFFIC AREAS OR IN A MANNER
WHICH MAY CAUSE HARM TO LIFE OR PROPERTY. IF LAUNCHING
IN A GROUP, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE FOR ADVISE AS TO
BEST LOCATION TO CONDUCT THE LAUNCH. THIS PROJECT MAY BE
SUBJECT TO LOCAL LAWS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT
PARTICIPATION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND ARTISAN SOFTWARE
ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE CAUSED TO
ANYONE BY YOUR ACT OF RELEASING A BALLOON. A SIMPLE
PHONE CALL TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ADVANCE WILL ASSURE YOUR
SAFE PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROJECT. Larger groups should contact
the local newspapers in advance for coverage.
WEEK 12
March 18 through March 24, 1990
NATIONAL "BACK TO BIG TIME PUBLICITY" WEEK
"The pen is mightier than the sword" and we're going to prove it again. Let's target David Horowitz this time. Write a letter to:
David Horowitz
c/o NBC TV
3000 Alameda
Burbank, California 91523
Tell him that your are member of "The REVOLUTION" and wish to have a show which demonstrates the value of Atari computers.
WEEK 13
March 25 through March 31, 1990
NATIONAL BOOK STORE WEEK
Write letters to the three following Booksellers:
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55435
WALDENBOOKS, INC.
201 High Ridge
Stamford, CT 06904
CROWN BOOKS
3300 75th Avenue
Landover, MD 20785
Tell them you are frustrated with the lack of Atari book support in their stores and you would like them to look at that issue earnestly. Tell them you are a member of "The REVOLUTION" and would like to see a special, hily
which demonstrates the value of Atari computers.
WEEK 13
March 25 through March 31, 1990
NATIONAL BOOK STORE WEEK
Write letters to the three following Booksellers:
B. DALTON BOOKSELLER
7505 Metro Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55435
WALDENBOOKS, INC.
201 High Ridge
Stamford, CT 06904
CROWN BOOKS
3300 75th Avenue
Landover, MD 20785
Tell them you are frustrated with the lack of Atari book support in their stores and you would like them to look at that issue earnestly. Tell them you are a member of "The REVOLUTION" and would like to see a special, highly visible asselage of Atari
books in front of their stores.
WEEK 14
April 1 through April 7, 1990
NATIONAL FOLLOW UP WEEK
Call, call the following networks:
ABC NY (212) 887-7777
ABC CA (213) 557-7777
CBS NY (212) 975-4321
NBC CA (818) 840-4444
Ask to speak to the producer or a representative of the shows mentioned in previous weeks assignments. Ask them, if you do not know, if they have plans to follow up in response to the letter writing campaign. If they have done so already, congratulate
them and tell them you hope to see more of them in the future.
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