News - Oct.93 - Dec.93
From: Atari SIG (xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 02/23/95-01:11:50 PM Z
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
Subject: News - Oct.93 - Dec.93
Date: Thu Feb 23 13:11:50 1995
Time Capsule - News - Oct.93 - Dec.93
-------------------------------------
News Subject Title Date Posted
------------------ -----------
DGS MAGAZINE - FULL DETAILS Oct.04,1993
ChildsPlay SoftWare Services Dec.04,1993
New from DGS: 17-Nov-93 Dec.04,1993
DGS Clearance Bundles Dec.11,1993
8-Bit Gold Announced Dec.11,1993
8-Bit Gold Update Dec.11,1993
The Atari Classic Programmer's Club Dec.14,1993
8-Bit Gold Product Catalogue Dec.15,1993
--------------------------------------
Article 360 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: DGS MAGAZINE - FULL DETAILS
Date: 4 Oct 1993 20:09:57 GMT
THE NEW D.G.S MAGAZINE - FULL DETAILS
=====================================
You should all have read on the net that we here at DGS are turning the
News-Disk into a new printed magazine. Last time I didn't have many details
to give you all, but pretty much everything is sorted out now.
Name
----
The magazine is going to be called "The Atari 8-bit News-Paper". We have
decided to try and keep the name as similar to "News-Disk" as possible so
people will know what it is! We have changed "Disk" to "Paper" because it
is now on paper and not disk!
Issues per year
---------------
We feel that we should be able to produce 6 issues of the magazine per year.
We will try and keep to issue deadlines, but there is only me and a couple
of guys who help out now and again so the magazine takes a lot of work to put
together.
Content & Style
---------------
The content and style of the magazine will be exactly like the News-Disks.
It will be "light" in style and easy to read. It will cover lots of different
areas including games, hardware, software/hardware reviews, hints, tips,
hardware modifications, new product information, and more! It will also carry
adverts from both UK and US companies. These ads are going to be given free
in the first issue. The magazine is in a very relaxed style and should
hopefully appeal to a wide section of the Atari community. If you have read
and enjoyed the News-Disks then you will like the new magazine!
Subscription Rates
------------------
We have kept costs down to a bare minimum in order to bring you the magazine
at a reasonable price. The first issues are going to be printed in A5 format
in order to keep start-up costs as low as possible. Here are the subscription
rates. We are initially offering subscriptions on a 4 issues basis (as we did
with the News-Disks):
U.K ------------- 6 pounds / 4 issues
Europe ---------- 8 pounds / 4 issues
U.S.A. ---------- 10.50 pounds ($21) / 4 issues
Far East
& Rest Of World - 13 pounds / 4 issues
We are able to accept payment in UK Pounds or US$. The price to the USA is
quoted in both pounds and dollars. If you are in the UK then payment should
be made by cheque or Postal Order. If you are in Europe or the rest of the
world then you should pay in UK Pounds by IMO/Bank Draft or other suitable
method (no credit cards - sorry!). If you are in the USA then the easiest
way to pay is in US$ in cash. We accept payment in US$, but only if paid in
cash. If you wish to pay by IMO instead, the cost in pounds is also given
above.
All prices shown INCLUDE shipping by Air Mail.
Issue date
----------
The first issue of the magazine is reaching the end of its production stage.
The articles have been collected and edited, and final prints have been done.
We now need to finish the cover and drop in the adverts, get the copies down
to the printers, and pray! We are hoping to release the issue at AMS 7 in
just 6 weeks time! That means that the copies have to be with the printers
in err well last week really, but I begged them to hold on for them! If we
get them back before the show then you should expect to get the first issue
around mid-November time.
We need your help!
------------------
In order to make the magazine work properly, we need a minimum of 100
subscribers. We currently have around 30 in the UK, but only 2 in the US. The
printers will not consider doing a run of less than 100, so at the moment we
are having to do far more than we need to and swallow the cost. All I can do
is BEG you to subscribe. $21 isn't too much to pay! Also, please tell all the
Atari people you know about the News-Paper, and get them to subscribe also.
Help spread the word - upload this posting to as many BBSs as you can. Tell
people we exist, get them to subscribe!!
Our details
-----------
Please send your name and address with your subscription directly to:
DGS (SUBS.)
62 THOMSON AVE
BALBY
DONCASTER
DN4 0NU
ENGLAND
Thank you!
Dean Garraghty.
02 October 1993.
--
Michael Current, Cleveland Free-Net 8-bit Atari SIGOp / Iowa City, IA, USA
Internet: mcurrent@carleton.edu / Cleveland Free-Net: aa700
Article 361 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: ChildsPlay SoftWare Services
Date: 4 Dec 1993 21:13:47 GMT
Posted by Michael Current, aa700.
17-Nov-93
CHILDSPLAY SOFTWARE SERVICES
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATARI DEALERS ATARI DEALERS ATARI DEALERS
Send your software catalog (to prove you're a dealership) to ChildsPlay SoftWare
and receive free samples of new software upon release. Attempting to provide,
NEW and affordable software for the ATARI 8-bit computers, you won't want to
miss this opportunity to be included on the mailing list of this software power
house! ChildsPlay SoftWare has been developing ATARI software for over ten
years, most programs given out to BBS's or as shareware releases. Now the
wiser, new software is being marketed to dealerships only. One title is ready
to ship TODAY, more are waiting for packaging, still others under development.
The game disks come in a plastic disk blister (clam-shell) with a colorful
insert to attract on-site buyers. A picture of the game is displayed on the
insert to easily identify what is being purchased.
To receive your sample. and be included on the proprietary (not resold) mailing
list, send you software catalog to the address below. Hurry! A limited
quantity of samples will be shipped to key areas in late 1993 for this first
release, sone sample per dealership.
ATARI USERS ATARI USERS ATARI USERS
Chances are, you the reader are a user, instead of a dealer. You might know of
a dealer in your area that retails ATARI software. By bringing in this add to
the attention of your nearest dealer, you might earn yourself a free Mah Jong
game disk from ChildsPlay SoftWare. Mah Jong is a one player, low stress,
strategy game for the ATARI computer. 100 tiles are placed on a pile, your task
is to remove the pile by selecting matching pairs. 5 levels go from super easy
to quite difficult, some thinking before playing is required. 130 colorful
tiles and random playment make every level different each time you play.
To qualify for a free sample, bring a copy of this ad (or facsimle) to your
nearest ATARI dealer/retailer. Ask the manager to include your name in his
sample request. All dealers who respond to this ad, postmarked before December
31, 1993, and include the name of the person who contacted them with this ad,
WILL RECEIVE TWO SAMPLES and a note to release one sample to you for word of
mouth advertising. This offer is good everywhere permitted by law, and will
expire January 31, 1994.
ChildsPlay SoftWare Services
6812 Hill Place
Crystal, Minnesota 55427-2259
(No phone inquiries please!)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 362 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: New from DGS: 17-Nov-93
Date: 4 Dec 1993 21:15:42 GMT
Posted by Michael Current, aa700.
MORE NEW PRODUCTS FROM D.G.S
============================
As I've said many times before, here at DGS we don't hang around when there
are new products to be found! We have two new pieces of software available,
a new piece of hardware, and then there's our new magazine!
New Software:
BOMBI - A new game from Power Per Post sold by DGS in the UK, Eire, and
Australia only. Great 3D platform game. Disarm the bombs without getting
killed! Great graphics and digitized sounds. UK Price: 4.95 pounds.
ALIEN BLAST - This new game is especially for light gun users! This is
a version of the classic game Space Invaders, but you shoot the aliens
with a light gun! Great graphics, and digitized speech (for 130XE and
upgraded 800XL users). Runs on any XL/XE with 64K RAM or more. Light gun
required. UK Price: 4.95 pounds. US price: $15 (including Air Mail sipping).
US users pay in cash in US$. Price to Europe: 8 pounds.
New hardware:
DGS are pleased to announce that we now have stocks of the Rambit turbo load
data recorder upgrade kit.
This piece of hardware will bring new life to your data recorder! It comes
as a kit which you install in your 1010, XC12, or XC11 data recorder.
Installation is very simple. Basically you solder 3 wires from the Rambit onto
the data recorder's PCB, cut one track on the PCB, and solder 1 new capacitor
to the PCB. Full fitting instructions are supplied (with diagrams).
The Rambit turbo load system allows you to load specially converted tapes
at up to 3500 baud! Software (on turbo load tape) is included with the kit.
This software will allow you to convert many tapes (including multi-stage load
tapes) to turbo load format. This software has many advanced features, which
also allows you to examine and change memory after loading tapes. This can
help in converting tapes with non-standard loaders. However, many pre-done
turbo format tapes are available (including 3 from DGS). Many of these games
have not been available on disk, so having them on turbo load format is the
next best thing!
The Rambit turbo load system is a MUST for people with no disk drive, or for
those people who want to have fast access to tape-only software.
UK price: 13 pounds inc. P&P. US price: $30 including shipping. (US users
pay in cash in US$).
New Magazine:
The first issue of our new magazine is finally back from the printers and is
available now. For your copy of this first issue send US$5 in cash. A 4
issue subscription costs US$21.
Our Details:
DGS also sells a wide range of software, both commercial and PD. Our new
full 25 page catalogue is available for just US$3 (NEW LOW PRICE!), or get a
free copy when You buy any of our products! All US$ payments should be made in
cash (or by I.M.O drawn in UK pounds. Calculate pounds price by US$ price
divided by 2. E.g. $15 is 7.50pounds). USERS IN OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD
CONTACT US FOR PRICES AND PAYMENT DETAILS.
Send orders direct to:
DGS
62 THOMSON AVE
BALBY
DONCASTER
DN4 0NU
ENGLAND
E-Mail: djg0@aber.ac.uk
Dean Garraghty.
Article 363 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: DGS Clearance Bundles
Date: 11 Dec 1993 14:35:52 GMT
DGS Clearance bundles
=====================
We are having a clearout at DGS HQ, and HAVE to get some stuff out of the way
because we keep tripping over it! In order to get the stuff out of the way as
fast as possible, we have decided to sell it in bundles and as cheap as
possible. We now have *2* of the following bundles to dispose of:
*****************************************************************************
ATARI MACRO ASSEMBLER, EASY PROGRAMMING FOR THE ATARI MICRO BOOK, DIGI-STUDIO
(OLD PACKAGES 1&1.5. ALL SOFTWARE EXCEPT THE NEW LIDS SYSTEM - 2 DS/SD DISKS
AND 2 MANUALS), ONE BACK ISSUE OF EITHER PAGE 6 MAGAZINE OR ATARI USER (THE
BRITISH MAG.) OF OUR CHOICE.
All the software is BRAND NEW, except the mags which are used.
PRICE: JUST $20 PER BUNDLE
===
THIS PRICE INCLUDES SURFACE MAIL SHIPPING FROM THE UK! (THE PARCELS WEIGH
IN AT 1.2 KILOS SO AIR MAIL IS NOT REALLY A VIABLE OPTION. IF YOU WANT YOUR
BUNDLE SENT BY AIR MAIL THEN ADD $15 TO THE PRICE).
****************************************************************************
Ordering info:
First reserve a bundle by email: dx107@cleveland.freenet.edu. I only read
and send messages from here once a week at weekends. I'm not ignoring
you if I don't reply straight away!
Then send US$20 in cash direct to us at DGS. Paying in cash is the easiest way
to pay. You can pay by IMO if you prefer but these cost a fortune to arrange.
If paying by IMO, then make it payable for 10 UK pounds.
Our address is:
DGS
62 THOMSON AVE
BALBY
DONCASTER
DN4 0NU
ENGLAND
Note: It is important that you send your $20 as soon as we confirm that a
bundle is still in stock. We need a rapid turn-around on this stock. Only
reserve one if you REALLY want one. We have had problems in the past
with people reserving stock and then never paying for it.
Note 2: please note our address now. We won't give it again when we confirm
your reservation by email.
We will put your bundle in the post the same day your $20 arrives. Delivery
by surface mail should take about 6 weeks to the US. Delivery by air mail
takes about 1 week. We will also throw in a copy of the latest DGS catalogue
of PD and commercial software.
Dean Garraghty.
5 December 1993.
--
Michael Current, Cleveland Free-Net 8-bit Atari SIGOp / Iowa City, IA, USA
Internet: mcurrent@carleton.edu / Cleveland Free-Net: aa700
Article 364 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: 8-Bit Gold Announced
Date: 11 Dec 1993 14:36:14 GMT
I would like to announce a new part time company called 8-BIT GOLD, being
launched today dedicated to bringing you the Atari 8-bit enthusiasts
products that have long since disappeared and even some new products that
are still in the making.
So far there is only one product available but within the next week or so
there will be two re-releases of some classic games.
The product already available is the Yorky 256k plug in upgrade for the
Atari 800/600XL computers. This memory upgrade simply plugs into the PBI
and gives you 256k of bank switched XE compatible memory.
Current price is #50 (UK pounds) plus shipping.
We are currently working on several additions to the standard Yorky unit,
these include
i) Battery backup facility
ii) XE compatibilty (which it doesn't have at the moment)
iii) In built printer interface
iv) PBI feed through port for addition of other PBI peripherals
You will be advised if/when any/all of these addons become available.
The two games shortly to be re-released are:
1) JAWBREAKER inlcuding a second maze which has never been commercially
available.
2) MOUSEKATTACK the original version with no updates! Sorry!
Both of the games will be available on disk initially priced at #4.95 plus
shipping, and may become available on tape (both standard & RAMBIT turbo
formats).
We also have several more games in the pipeline - more details will be released
when we are closer to their completion.
If there are any software authors out there with products finished or nearly
finished we would be very happy to consider marketing them. This applies
to new software and old games so long as you have the rights to them.
For more details write to:
8-BIT GOLD, 79 SPROTBROUGH ROAD, SPROTBROUGH, DONCASTER, DN5 8BW, ENGLAND
or e-mail RG9@UK.AC.YORK.VAX or RG9@UK.AC.YORK.TOWER
(for those outside the UK you may have to invert the uk.ac.york.xxxx)
(part to xxxx.york.ac.uk )
Telephone enquiries can also be accepted over the weekend period from
7pm on friday evening to 4pm on sunday afternoon.
In the UK phone (0302) 784642, outside the UK refer to your phone book
on how to dial internationally!
Richard Gore (Manager and owner of 8-BIT GOLD)
--
Michael Current, Cleveland Free-Net 8-bit Atari SIGOp / Iowa City, IA, USA
Internet: mcurrent@carleton.edu / Cleveland Free-Net: aa700
Article 365 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: 8-Bit Gold Update
Date: 11 Dec 1993 14:36:40 GMT
Well 8-BIT GOLD got off too a great start yesterday, the only reply I had
was from the programmer of the two games pointing out a couple of errors in
my post. So I will now correct these;
1) The two mazes on Jawbreaker have been available before however they were
sold as separate packages and shipped at different times, now you get both
mazes on one disk as well as a bonus!!
2) Mousekattack and Jawbreaker both have improved joystick controls and so
are easier to control than the first versions.
3) Jawbreaker now has a pause command.
I hope that clears up any confusion!
Now payment details, I will accept payment in US dollars or UK pounds, in all
future postings prices will be quoted in both US dollars and UK pounds with
shipping charges also detailed. I am quite happy to ship to any country in the
world by airmail (so long as they are not on the United Nations embargo list!).
Prices for the games are #4.95 in the UK (shipping included)
or for outside the UK #8.00 or $13.00 (shipping included).
If you have e-mail it might be possible for me to e-mail you the software at
a reduced price and it is then your responsibility to get it from your host
machine onto an 8-bit disk. Of course the software is still copyrighted and
may not be passed on to other people. If you are interested in such a system
please let me know and I'll see what can be arranged.
E-mail RG9@UK.AC.YORK.VAX or RG9@UK.AC.YORK.TOWER
(outside the UK reverse the uk.ac.york.xxxx to xxxx.york.ac.uk)
or write to:
8-BIT GOLD, 79 SPROTBROUGH ROAD, SPROTBROUGH, DONCASTER, DN5 8BW, ENGLAND
8-BIT GOLD
Where Classic Atari Products Come To Life!
--
Michael Current, Cleveland Free-Net 8-bit Atari SIGOp / Iowa City, IA, USA
Internet: mcurrent@carleton.edu / Cleveland Free-Net: aa700
Article 366 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: David Davies <mbitdc9306@newi.ac.uk>
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: The Atari Classic Programmer's Club
Date: 14 Dec 1993 18:07:56 GMT
PRESS RELEASE ...
THE ATARI CLASSIC PROGRAMMER'S CLUB
Pen-Tyddyn
Capel Coch
LLangefni
Anglesey
Gwynedd LL77 7UR
Wales
E-mail: MBITDC9306@newi.ac.uk
This is a user group dedicated to programmers of the Atari Classic. We have
several services for members including creating sound, music, graphics, PMGs andUDGs. We have several products currently under development including:
The Sound Converter
-------------------
The big thing at the moment appears to be stereo sound boards. However, to make
use of these boards, you need to acquire software that has been written to
support them. There are now several special versions of products that have been
rewritten to make use of stereo boards, but if you've already got the standard
games then you're unlikely to fork out for the new versions.
The Stereo Converter (sorry, there's a mistake in the title above) will convert
your existing disk games to work in Stereo sound! The PD version will be
available within two to three weeks. This will be limited in features, but a
better commercial version will be available in January 1994 for #3.95 on disk.
Menu Print Elite
----------------
Got a disk collection, but don't know what's on them? Menu Print Elite will
find out for you. Menu Print Elite is an extremely advanced disk cataloguing
and contents printing system that will read a large number of DOS and Menu
systems, including Rob C, Multiboot, SpartaDOS, All Atari DOS disks, Transdisk
and others. Boot disks also supported by means of library system.
Price: #9.95 Disk only
Release: TBA
Bomb Blaster
------------
Up to four players can play in this manic game based on a very popular arcade
machine. The object is very simple ... guide your man around the arena dropping
bombs along the way in the hope of destroying your opponents. Very simple, very
addictive.
Price: #6.95 Disk, #4.95 Cassette
Release: TBA
Helter Skelter
--------------
Official conversion of a game originally released on the ST a few years ago. In
it, you must guide a bouncing ball around the screen, squashing monsters in the
right order. Not as easy as it sounds.
Includes levels designer.
Price: #9.95 Disk, #7.95 Cassette
Loopz
-----
Another official conversion of an ST game. This time, your task is to construct
complete loopz on a grid out of random shapes that appear on the screen. The ST
game was great, the 8-bit version promises to be just as good.
Price: #9.95, #7.95 Cassette
NOTE: Both Helter Skelter and Loops are Release TBA.
Also, a couple of hardware items being designed. More info when ready.
CURRENT RELEASE
---------------
Swift Spreadsheet is probably the most powerful Atari 8-bit spreadsheet program
ever written, and is very easy to use. We have a limited quantity of this program in original packaging. Swift is currently a disk only package, but we hope to
have completed a Cassette conversion soon.
Swift Spreadsheet is available for #9.95 inc. UK postage. Club members can receive it for just #7.99 inc. UK postage.
If you require more information on The Atari Classic Programmers Club and any ofour products, then please E-mail or write to me at the address above.
David Wyn Davies
Article 367 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: 8-Bit Gold Product Catalogue
Date: 15 Dec 1993 21:22:59 GMT
8-BIT GOLD PRODUCT CATALOGUE.
HARDWARE.
--------
The Yorky 256k plug in memory upgrade for the Atari 800/600XL computers.
This memory upgrade simply plugs into the PBI port on the back of your XL
and gives you 256k of bank switched XE compatible memory. It is supplied with
a printed manual and a disk of support software.
Current price is #50 (UK pounds) plus #2 shipping.
#5 shipping if outside UK
(Current price in US dollars including worldwide shipping = $85)
We are currently working on several additions to the standard Yorky unit,
these include
i) Battery backup facility
ii) Ability to be connected to an XE computer
iii) In built printer interface
iv) PBI feed through port for addition of other PBI peripherals
You will be advised if/when any/all of these add-ons become available.
SOFTWARE
--------
The two games available now are:
1) JAWBREAKER inlcuding both mazes originally shipped as separate packages
and including a pause key.
2) MOUSEKATTACK the original version but with improved joystick controls.
Both of the games are available on disk now, but hopefully soon they will also
be available on standard tape and RAMBIT Turbo tape.
PRICES: UK (inluding p&p) #4.95 each
Worldwide (including shipping) #7.00 or $10.00 per game
We also hope to start an e-mail software service. What will happen (hopefully)
is you will order your software and pay in advance, upon receipt of your
payment I will then e-mail you your chosen software and documentation. It will
then be upto you to uudecode it and transfer it onto an Atari 8-bit disk and
finally unDiskcomm it. This of course requires less work and materials on my
part and so the prices will be reduced provisionally to #3 ($5) per game title.
It is hoped this service will start after Christmas.
We also have several more games in the pipeline - more details will be released
when we are closer to their completion.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If there are any software authors out there with products finished or nearly
finished we would be very happy to consider marketing them. This applies
to new software and old games so long as you have the rights to them.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For more details or to order write to:
8-BIT GOLD, 79 SPROTBROUGH ROAD, SPROTBROUGH, DONCASTER, DN5 8BW, ENGLAND
or e-mail RG9@UK.AC.YORK.VAX or RG9@UK.AC.YORK.TOWER
(for those outside the UK you may have to invert the uk.ac.york.xxxx)
(part to xxxx.york.ac.uk )
Telephone enquiries can also be accepted over the weekend period from
7pm on friday evening to 4pm on sunday afternoon.
In the UK phone (0302) 784642, outside the UK refer to your phone book
on how to dial internationally, and ask for Richard.
Richard Gore (Manager and owner of 8-BIT GOLD)
8-BIT GOLD
Where Classic Atari Products Come To Life!
--
Michael Current, Cleveland Free-Net 8-bit Atari SIGOp / Iowa City, IA, USA
Internet: mcurrent@carleton.edu / Cleveland Free-Net: aa700
(Projects Co-ordinator & Founder)
17 November 1993.
-----------------------------------------
Return to message index
