News - Jan.94 - Mar.94
From: Atari SIG (xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 02/05/96-06:27:22 PM Z
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
Subject: News - Jan.94 - Mar.94
Date: Mon Feb 5 18:27:22 1996
Time Capsule - News - Jan.94 - Mar.94
-------------------------------------
News Subject Title Date Posted
------------------ -----------
new bundles from DGS! Jan.29,1994
Typos In The December AC Jan.29,1994
More Support for your 8-Bit from Richard Gore
Jan.29,1994
AC Renewals Jan.29,1994
More bundles at DGS! Jan.29,1994
AC Versus The Deep Freeze of '94 Jan.29,1994
Pandora/Medusa T40 / Lexicor Feb.17,1994
Crossword Creator II / Missionware/Fair Dinkum
Feb.17,1994
8-Bit Support from Richard Gore Feb.17,1994
RAMBIT - More 8-bit support. Mar.03,1994
PC Xformer (Atari 8-bit emulator for DOS)
Mar.03,1994
Support for your Atari 8-bit. Mar.03,1994
Atari Announces Total of 86 Jaguar Developers
Mar.10,1994
ICD's Cat Box -- Press Release Mar.21,1994
Printer Interfaces from Rambit. Mar.24,1994
Nintendo settles suit, Warner to buy more stock
Mar.26,1994
AEO #3 Newsbrief Deleted Mar.30,1994
--------------------------------------
Article 368 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: new bundles from DGS!
Date: 29 Jan 1994 14:25:48 GMT
DGS Clearance bundles and special offer 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 *3* of the following bundles to dispose of (we found
some more of them - it's amazing what turns up when you have a clear out!):
BUNDLE #1 (3 AVAILABLE):
*****************************************************************************
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).
****************************************************************************
BUNDLE #2 (1 AVAILABLE):
****************************************************************************
AS ABOVE BUT WITH "ATARI 600XL PROGRAM BOOK" IN PLACE OF THE EASY
PROGRAMMING BOOK.
PRICE: JUST $20 PER BUNDLE
===
SHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS AS FOR BUNDLE #1
****************************************************************************
BUNDLE #3 (1 AVAILABLE):
****************************************************************************
DIGI-STUDIO (OLD PACKAGES 1&1.5 - ALL SOFTWARE EXCEPT THE NEW LIDS SYSTEM.
2 DISKS AND 2 MANUALS), ATARI 600XL PROGRAM BOOK, A BACK ISSUE OF PAGE 6
MAGAZINE.
PRICE: JUST $15 PER BUNDLE
===
SHIPPING ARRANGMENTS AS BUNDLE #1, EXCEPT ADD $10 FOR AIR MAIL.
***************************************************************************
BUNDLE #4 (10 AVAILABLE):
***************************************************************************
THIS BUNDLE WILL GET YOU SOME CURRENT DGS PRODUCTS AT BARGAIN PRICES!
THIS BUNDLE WILL GET YOU THE FOLLOWING:
* A COMPLETE SET OF NEWS-DISK BACK ISSUES (1-14) ON 7 DOUBLE SIDED DISKS!
* THE RAMBIT/DGS PRODUCT "PRINT-FILER"
* THE "DEMO MAKER" SOFTWARE (COMPLETE WITH 14 PAGE MANUAL)
* THE RAMBIT/DGS PRODUCT "TASKMASTER" (TAPE TO DISK UTILITY)
* THE FULL CURRENT VERSION OF DIGI-STUDIO, WITH 2 DS/SD DISKS AND A 44 PAGE
MANUAL. COMPLETE VERSION 1.2 LIDS SOFTWARE.
THE USUAL COMPLETE SELLING PRICE FOR ALL THIS SOFTWARE IS $75, BUT AS A
SPECIAL OFFER YOU CAN GET ALL THE SOFTWARE LISTED ABOVE FOR JUST
$55 INCLUDING *AIR MAIL* SHIPPING!
===
(THAT'S A SAVING OF $20 ON THE USUAL SELLING PRICES!)
NOTE: WE WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU SEND THE CASH BY REGISTERED MAIL, OR BY
USING AN I.M.O (FOR 30 UK POUNDS).
NOTE 2: THERE'S NO NEED TO RESERVE ONE OF THESE BUNDLES. JUST SEND THE CASH
OR IMO WITH YOUR NAME&ADDRESS (AND E-MAIL ADDRESS) STRAIGHT TO US.
****************************************************************************
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 the 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 in UK pounds, for half the dollar
price (slightly different arrangement for bundle #4 - see the bundle 4 info).
Our address is:
DGS
62 THOMSON AVE
BALBY
DONCASTER
DN4 0NU
ENGLAND
Note: It is important that you send your money 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 money 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.
19 December 1993.
Article 369 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Typos In The December AC
Date: 29 Jan 1994 14:26:15 GMT
[from Ben Poehland]
A few minor typographic errors in the hardware construction projects presented
in the December issue of ATARI CLASSICS have been brought to my attention. A
full errata will be published in the forthcoming February issue now in
production. The errors are minor in nature & should not seriously affect
anyone's ability to perform the video upgrade modifications. The typos
appeared in "Super Video 2.1XL" & in "Super Video For The 130XE", as follows:
1.) Page 9, Step 3: the text should read R52, not R53.
2.) Page 23, Step 5: the text should read Q2, not Q3.
With such an enormous amount of technical detail presented in one issue, I
suppose it was inevitable a few bloopers would sneak in. I will be most
grateful if anyone out there finds additional errors, please report them to me
so we can get the info out to the community as fast as possible.
Please note that, due to a large shortfall in subscription renewals, I was
forced to order a cutback in our December press run.
The special video issue is now in short supply & will not be included in
subscription renewals that failed to reach my hands as of Dec. 5, 1993.
Further, due to the extra length of the special December issue, the price
for a back issue of the December AC has been raised to $5.00 postpaid.
Finally, i regert to announce that beginning in 1994 ALL back issues of AC will
be priced at $5.00 each for mag or disk, inside or outside the USA. It would
appear a number of individuals have taken adfvantage of the former low $3 price
for back issues & have not subscribed but only bought individual back issues at
the low price, thereby saving money over the normal $25 subscription price. I
suppose I could have tolerated this, but at least one of these people went
bragging about it to his friends & made them feel like chumps for paying the
full subscription price. I guess this riled me a little. With the increase
in back issue prices it will now be cheaper to subscribe than to just buy back
issues. Sorry, folks, as usual the many suffer for the sins of a few.
- Ben Poehland
Managing Editor
ATARI CLASSICS Magazine
poehland@sb.com or poehland%phvax.dnet@sb.com
*******************************************************************************
Article 370 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: More Support for your 8-Bit from Richard Gore
Date: 29 Jan 1994 14:26:49 GMT
From: RG9@VAX.YORK.AC.UK
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR 8-BIT FROM RICHARD GORE
---------------------------------------------
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 Guide a pair of chomping teeth around a maze eating as much
candy as you can, but don't forget that important dental
hygiene. This package includes two separate mazes originally
sold as individual games as well as a pause function.
2) MOUSEKATTACK Plumb all the levels of Rat Alley but watch out for those
giant rats. Classic arcade action for one ot two players
(on screen at once) with improved joystick control and a
pause function.
Both of the games are available NOW on disk, tape or Rambit Turbo tape!
PRICES: UK (inluding p&p) #4.50 each
Worldwide (including shipping) #6.50 or $9.00 per game
SPECIAL JANUARY OFFER
Buy both Jawbreaker and Mousekattack for only #6.95 in the UK,
or #10, $15 overseas.
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 late in January.
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:
Richard Gore, 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.
Article 371 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: AC Renewals
Date: 29 Jan 1994 14:27:14 GMT
From: poehland%phvax.dnet@sb.com
There seems confusion over renewal dates for charter subscribers to AC. The
Premier Issue (December 1992) was distributed for free as a result of the
promise made by the Mail Campaign Committee in 1992 to give people who
participated in the Campaign a chance to "sample the goods" before they plunked
down their money for a sub. The mass mailing of the Premier Issue in November
of 1992 went out to about 700 people who were Campaign Respondents & who were
informed about what to expect.
My Editorial in the December 1992 issue explained the context of the Premier
Issue relative to subscriptions. Those of you in doubt should pull out that
issue & read my editorial. In addition, the subscription form printed in
the December 1992 issue clearly states that the Premier Issue is the first
issue of your subscription.
Free magazines were also distributed to an additional 1100 people who may, or
may not, have been informed as to the status of that issue relative to a
subscription. However, no one can plead ignorance, as they should have both the
subscription. However, no one can plead ignorance, as they should have read
both the subscription form & my Editorial before they subscribed.
Subscribers in effect subsidized the deadbeats who took the free issue but who
subsequently failed to subscribe. I recently conducted a rough stat check
of the Mail Campaign data compared to AC's active October subscriber list.
What I discovered was that 60% of the people who signed Campaign pledge cards
never ultimately subscribed in 1993. The additonal 200-odd people who signed up
for AC during our early days came from the additional 1100 distributions that
were made above & beyond the Campaign respondents. An extraordinary effort, for
rather poor response.
I apologize for failing to include a cutoff date in the notices. The notices
were prepared last July, & I regret to say I simply could not see this far
ahead. Too many people are taking AC for granted, as a kind of institution.
It isn't; it's an experiment conducted entirely by amateurs. The failure of the
community to keep that in constantly in mind is destabilizing the publication.
I recommend people should re-read my articles in the April, June, and August
issues of AC to reacquaint themselves with the true nature of this enterprise
& to recall details pertaining to subscription policies. This ground has
been covered previously.
- Ben Poehland
Circulation Editor
ATARI CLASSICS Magazine
*******************************************************************************
Article 372 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: More bundles at DGS!
Date: 29 Jan 1994 14:27:46 GMT
From: dx107@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Dean Garraghty)
DGS Clearance bundles and special offer 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 (we found
some more of them - it's amazing what turns up when you have a clear out!):
BUNDLE #1 (2 AVAILABLE):
*****************************************************************************
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).
****************************************************************************
BUNDLE #2 (1 AVAILABLE):
****************************************************************************
AS ABOVE BUT WITH "ATARI 600XL PROGRAM BOOK" IN PLACE OF THE EASY
PROGRAMMING BOOK.
PRICE: JUST $20 PER BUNDLE
===
SHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS AS FOR BUNDLE #1
****************************************************************************
BUNDLE #3 (1 AVAILABLE):
****************************************************************************
DIGI-STUDIO (OLD PACKAGES 1&1.5 - ALL SOFTWARE EXCEPT THE NEW LIDS SYSTEM.
2 DISKS AND 2 MANUALS), ATARI 600XL PROGRAM BOOK, A BACK ISSUE OF PAGE 6
MAGAZINE.
PRICE: JUST $15 PER BUNDLE
===
SHIPPING ARRANGMENTS AS BUNDLE #1, EXCEPT ADD $10 FOR AIR MAIL.
***************************************************************************
BUNDLE #4 (10 AVAILABLE):
***************************************************************************
THIS BUNDLE WILL GET YOU SOME CURRENT DGS PRODUCTS AT BARGAIN PRICES!
THIS BUNDLE WILL GET YOU THE FOLLOWING:
* A COMPLETE SET OF NEWS-DISK BACK ISSUES (1-14) ON 7 DOUBLE SIDED DISKS!
* THE RAMBIT/DGS PRODUCT "PRINT-FILER"
* THE "DEMO MAKER" SOFTWARE (COMPLETE WITH 14 PAGE MANUAL)
* THE RAMBIT/DGS PRODUCT "TASKMASTER" (TAPE TO DISK UTILITY)
* THE FULL CURRENT VERSION OF DIGI-STUDIO, WITH 2 DS/SD DISKS AND A 44 PAGE
MANUAL. COMPLETE VERSION 1.2 LIDS SOFTWARE.
THE USUAL COMPLETE SELLING PRICE FOR ALL THIS SOFTWARE IS $75, BUT AS A
SPECIAL OFFER YOU CAN GET ALL THE SOFTWARE LISTED ABOVE FOR JUST
$55 INCLUDING *AIR MAIL* SHIPPING!
===
(THAT'S A SAVING OF $20 ON THE USUAL SELLING PRICES!)
NOTE: WE WOULD RECOMMEND THAT YOU SEND THE CASH BY REGISTERED MAIL, OR BY
USING AN I.M.O (FOR 30 UK POUNDS).
NOTE 2: THERE'S NO NEED TO RESERVE ONE OF THESE BUNDLES. JUST SEND THE CASH
OR IMO WITH YOUR NAME&ADDRESS (AND E-MAIL ADDRESS) STRAIGHT TO US.
****************************************************************************
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 the 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 in UK pounds, for half the dollar
price (slightly different arrangement for bundle #4 - see the bundle 4 info).
Our address is:
DGS
62 THOMSON AVE
BALBY
DONCASTER
DN4 0NU
ENGLAND
Note: It is important that you send your money 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 money 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.
08 January 1994.
(23 JAN. 1994)
--
Dean Garraghty Software (D.G.S.) - dx107@cleveland.freenet.edu
D.G.S., 62 Thomson Ave, Balby, Doncaster, DN4 0NU, ENGLAND.
Phone (in UK): (0302) 855026 / International: +44-302-855-026
D.G.S -- Supporting the Atari 8-bit!!
Article 373 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: AC Versus The Deep Freeze of '94
Date: 29 Jan 1994 14:28:19 GMT
From: poehland%phvax.dnet@sb.com
ATTENTION: please download this message & re-post freely to all networks &
BBS systems. Thanks!
AC Versus The Winter of '94 (sheesh!)
Hello Peoples,
Today is the first time since last Tuesday I am able to once again send
outgoing email coms without them bouncing back to me. Just a small measure
of what's been going on here the past couple weeks.
I reserved the period of Jan. 3-10 to put together the February issue of AC
& to edit material for the February AC Software Disk. On January 7 we had a
nasty ice storm here in southeastern Pennsylvania that wiped out power to over
a million homes. Although power to most people was restored within 2 days,
I didn't get back my power until late in the evening of January 11. As of
Jan. 7 when the outage began, production on the Feb. AC was half-completed
& on schedule. I'm sorry to say I've made essentially no progress on the
magazine since then.
Living for the better part of a week with no heat/lights/electricity in the
middle of the most severe Pennsylvania winter this century was not fun. I
didn't shave, wash, or change my clothes for 5 days. I moved into the den
& camped out in front of the fireplace, & slept with my shoes on. Precious
editing time (part of which was also vacation time from my job) got spent
hauling firewood & on long searches for lamp oil, wood & kerosene which were
in short supply since I had to compete with a million other people in the same
situation as me. I thought I was prepared as I had half a cord of seasoned
hardwood on hand, but on the 3rd day the wood ran out (it goes up like tinder
in an open fireplace), & panic set in. I got thru the final 36 hours with the
help of a friend who gave me some old ratty wood & loaned me a kerosene
heater. Were it not for that, my plumbing would have froze & I would have been
forced to abandon my home & go to one of the emergency shelters that were
hastily set up by the local municipal authorities. I've been living here 13
years & never saw anything like this.
After the power was finally restored (it took until the 12th for the house to
warm up agan, my bathroom fell to 35 degrees & the toothpaste froze in the
tube), it took me another 3 days to clean up all the mess & begin to resume
work on the February AC.
On the evening of January 15, as I was reviewing material for the AC February
Disk, an earthquake trashed my office (24 hours before the Big One hit L.A.).
I don't know if the Pennsylvania quake made the national news, but I can tell
you it scared the dickens outta me. It was only a 4.6 quake, small potatoes
by California standards, but with the floor rolling under my feet, windows
rattling, & papers fluttering down all over the place it was plenty scary.
I had a whole bunch of manuscripts, subscription forms, advertising copy,
checks, disks, notes, computer manuals,& a ton of other paraphernalia related
to the magazine spread out all over as I usually do; it all ended up in
jumbled heaps on the floor. A freakin' mess! I again gave up work on the
magazine to pick up stuff & restore some order, it took several days. A few
items seem to have gotten lost in the shuffle of papers. * sigh *
While I was preoccupied with the 2nd cleanup we got hit with the Deep Freeze
& another ice storm. Temperature on my back porch: -9 degrees F. Wind chill:
-40. On the 16th there was a sound like a cannon shot from my neighbor's yard.
Incredible, the trunk of a huge tree in his yard had "exploded"; the sap froze
& expanded and blew up the wood. Since then I've been nervously keeping
watch on the 40-odd trees growing on my property. I already have quite a bit
of minor storm damage accumulating on my property: tree branches down every-
where, damage to the doors & roof of my toolshed, & a 24-foot section of 6-foot
high fence that went down in the 'quake.
The Deep Freeze has persisted for the past week, resulting in a big drain
of electrical power on the entire Eastern Power Grid. Southeast Pennsylvania,
being densely populated, was among the hardest hit. On the 17th the power
companies here commenced a series of "rolling blackouts", a phenomenon new to
my experience, in an effort to prevent total collapse of the Eastern Pennsylv-
ania Grid. I pushed ahead with work on the Febrauary AC, figuring they
wouldn't dare black out my area since we'd suffered so badly during the outage
of the previous week. It was sorta like playing Russian Roulette with the
power company.
Well, I lost the game. Big-time. On Jan. 18 I was smack in the middle of
an editing session & got hit by a rolling blackout. It only lasted 90
minutes, but I lost all the work I'd managed to do since Jan. 7. I'll leave
to your imagination what expletives I emitted when the lights went out for
the 2nd time in as many weeks.
In the meanatime the 2nd ice storm coupled with the record-low temperatures
& a shortage of road salt turned all the roads around here into automobile
skating rinks. It's aparadise for car thieves, there are wrecked &
abandoned cars everywhere. It also turned my usual 25-minute commute into
2 hours each way. Result: instead of getting home from work at a decent hour
& resuming work on the magazine, for the past week I get home late/exhausted/
half-frozen due to sitting in monster traffic jams for several hours watching
people slide sideways & backwards down overpasses & stuff. The whole past week
has been like this, I've made no progress on the magazine at all, I'm still
stuck where I was on Jan. 7.
On January 19 the Governor of Pennsylvania declared a state of emergency due
to the power crisis & also major problems with broken water mains (due to the
combination of severe cold plus the earthquake), in consequence of which all
commercial operations curtailed their business activities to reduce power
consumption. For me, this caused disruptions in computer systems & tele-
communications. As most of you know, the AC Staff relies heavily on these
systems for its existence, as we are scattered all over the North American
continent. I've been unable to send messages to GEnie or Internet since the
19th, today is the first day I've been able to get messages through.
This past weekend I've once again resumed work on the February AC, but I've
given up all hope of adhering to any sort of schedule. I'm just going to plow
along until it's done, however long that takes. The February issue will
almost certainly be late. How late, I don't know. I can't afford to take any
more vacation time from work for awhile, so I'm pretty well confined to whatever
I can accomplish on weeknights when the roads aren't clogged (yeah, right) &
weekends. I still have at least four full days of work to do on the mag,
which means probably 2 more weeks before I'll have it ready to send to our
Publisher for typesetting & proofs.
Assuming the weather doesn't get any worse.
And also assuming our Publisher isn't having the same sort of problems I am.
Please bear with me, everyone, the temperature got up to 36F today & I feel
confident enough to guarantee the Feb. AC will get mailed out before July :).
- Ben Poehland
Managing Editor
ATARI CLASSICS Magazine
PS: Postal mail deliveries have been very erratic the past 2 weeks. Yesterday
I noticed several mail items frozen in the ice around the base of my mailbox
(the mailman couldn't get the door closed & the wind blew the mail out).
If I take a pickaxe to the ice these mail items will get wrecked. I've
decided to let them remain there until we get enough of a thaw so I can
retrieve them without damage. One item is a Letter To The Editor, I could
read the address through the ice. The ice is over 3 inches thick.
Article 374 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Pandora/Medusa T40 / Lexicor
Date: 17 Feb 1994 20:39:00 GMT
From: craig@yonder.equinox.gen.nz (Craig Shore)
<====================>
PANDORA/MEDUSA T40
===============================
The first 68040 Based Atari Clone, now available at LEXICOR SOFTWARE CORP.
PANDORA/MEDUSA T40
MC 68040 at 64 Mhz
Internal FPU and PMMU
Performance is around 26 MIPS, 4.5 MFLOPS
Main bus is:
32 Bit Data, 32 Bit Address
Bus Clocked at 32 Mhz
Full Bus snooping read and write
Atari bus is:
16 bit Data, 24 bit Address
Bus snooping, write
Own ACSI Address for full 32 Bit Address
Fast RAM
Can hold 8-128 Megabtes on board
Write 73 Mbyte/sec
Read 85 Mbyte/sec
EPROM is
2 MByte on board
32 Bit Wide
TOS 3.06 modified slightly
- ST I/O Board
-DMA
-MIDI
-SERIAL
-PRINTER
-KEYBOARD
-FLOPPY DD, HD, ED
-2 SERIAL PORTS (like TT Modem) (upto 115KBaud)
-IDE Bus (12 Mb/sec)
-ISA Bus (for own custom Graphics Board)
(This ISA Bus will work with any ET-4000 Based Graphics Board on PC Platfor
with the NVDI ET-4000, however NVDI ET-4000 only supports upto max. 32,000
colors as of this date)
Additionally you can get:
-VME Bus
VME Bus 16bit
Laser Printer Port (?)
ROM-Port
Mega Bus
-SCSI Board
TT SCSI
SCSI II
TT Lan
-DSP Board
DSP96002
and an MC68060 Board is sceduled for the year 1994
LEXICOR SOFTWARE CORPORATION
(510) 848-7621 - (510) 848-7613
Here's a Price Breakdown in United States Dollars, users in North America
will have the main parts assembled in the U.S.A. as parts are a lot cheaper
here.
The MEDUSA T40 is ideal for the high-end Atari User. Based around TOS 3.06
is very compatible. Following this message will be a short list of working
programs.
- Basic Motherboard 68040/64
- Tower Housing
- ST Input/Output Board
Cost is: 2,490 U$D (Cost can vary depending on the exchange rate)
Availability: NOW, Transport time should take no longer than 2 Weeks!
Additionally you may purchase an ET-4000 Graphics Board 15/16bit Color
onboard for about another 100 U$D + NVDI ET-4000.
A VME Bus Multiple Bus Board (see description above) for another 400 U$D
8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 Megabytes on board, price depending on SIMMS, current
price is around 40 U$D per megabyte.
IDE Internal Drive will cost depending on drive size. Internal IDE, no
external casing required.
NOVA VME 16M Graphics Board when purchased with VME Bus (for 24bit Color)
costs 489 U$D.
All prices given are Recommended Retail, shipping not included!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Article 375 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Crossword Creator II / Missionware/Fair Dinkum
Date: 17 Feb 1994 20:39:27 GMT
From: hutch@bellman.lanl.gov (John Hutchinson)
=============
PRESS RELEASE
=============
Missionware Software and Fair Dinkum Technologies are pleased to announce
the immediate availability of a significant upgrade to the popular Atari
utility, 'Crossword Creator II' (aka, CWCII).
Among other enhancements, Release 1.73 includes the following new features:
*** Selectable fill patterns for unused puzzle squares in both
draft and final quality print modes (save on ink and toner!).
*** Selectable puzzle border widths.
*** Editable credits text (e.g., "Puzzle designed by John Doe").
*** The Print Word List option now prints alphabetized listings
of both used and unused words.
*** User defined minimum acceptable word fit percentage feature.
*** Add words from a Word List to an existing puzzle.
*** Duplicate used or unused words are now caught and eliminated.
*** Enhanced final quality print modes for Epson FX, HP LaserJet,
and HP DeskJet compatible printers.
*** Improved performance on TT and Falcon030 computers.
*** International Mode may be toggled on and off with a keypress.
*** Delete all unused words with a single keypress.
*** Plus other minor enhancements and improvements.
'Crossword Creator II', the easiest-to-use and most capable crossword
puzzle generation utility for all Atari ST/STe/TT/Falcon (mono or color)
computers, is now even better with the availability of Release 1.73.
CWCII is still just $34.95 + $3 shipping & handling (foreign orders extra).
Available directly from the exclusive distributor:
Missionware Software, 354 N. Winston Dr, Palatine, IL 60067
(24 hour order line 708-359-9565 or on GEnie: J.TRAUTSCHOL)
Upgrades (for registered CWCII owners only!) may be ordered directly from:
Fair Dinkum Technologies, P.O. Box 2, Los Alamos, NM 87544
(24 hour order line 505-662-7236 or on GEnie: HUTCH)
For more information contact:
___________________________ John "HUTCH" Hutchinson _________________________
_________________ Fair Dinkum Technologies Member - IAAD _______________
________________ "No worries, mate... it's from Fair Dinkum!" _______________
_____________ email: hutch@ilmen.lanl.gov or GEnie: HUTCH ______________
Article 376 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: 8-Bit Support from Richard Gore
Date: 17 Feb 1994 20:42:43 GMT
From: RG9@VAX.YORK.AC.UK
MORE SUPPORT FOR YOUR 8-BIT FROM RICHARD GORE
---------------------------------------------
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)
A PBI feedthrough port is completed, we have tested it on the Rambit PPP
printer interface and all works well - now all that remains is for testing on
a Black box. Once testing is complete I will announce the availability and
new price structure.
Rambit (a company run by a friend of mine) have available a printer
interface that plugs into the PBI port and also the knowledge and schematics
for interconnecting two computers via the PBI. I will post more details as a
service for Rambit when I have them.
SOFTWARE
--------
Due to a really pathetic level of support from the community (ie zero sales)
we have decided to create a double pack called 'Maze Mania' featuring two
games (details below) and offer them at a give away price. The two games are:
1) JAWBREAKER Guide a pair of chomping teeth around a maze eating as much
candy as you can, but don't forget that important dental
hygiene. This package includes two separate mazes originally
sold as individual games as well as a pause function.
2) MOUSEKATTACK Plumb all the levels of Rat Alley but watch out for those
giant rats. Classic arcade action for one ot two players
(on screen at once) with improved joystick control and a
pause function.
This double pack is available NOW on disk, tape or Rambit Turbo tape!
PRICES: UK (inluding p&p) #6.95 per pack.
Worldwide (including shipping) #10 or $18 per pack.
** REMEMBER YOU CAN NOW GET TWO CLASSIC GAMES FOR ONLY #6.95 **
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:
Richard Gore, 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.
Article 377 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: RAMBIT - More 8-bit support.
Date: 3 Mar 1994 01:52:45 GMT
RAMBIT - More 8-bit support.
We are pleased to send you details of our PARALLEL PRINTER PORT for the Atari
XL/XE computers, connecting to the parallel bus interface (XL) or enhanced
cartridge port (XE). The P.P.P. is designed to enable you to connect EPSON
compatible printers such as Panasonic KX-P1081, OKI-82, MP-165 etc. and print
at their designed speeds, ie not slowed to serial speed.
The P.P.P consists of a compact unit which plugs directly into your computer
port and outputs through a standard female 36way centronics socket connected to
the printer using the lead supplied with the printer (possibly!).
The software necessary to drive the unit is best incorporated into your OS on
EPROM so accessed by normal legal IO calls. Your system is so adapted as to
allow use of your utilities (provided they only make stnadard use of the OS,
99% do) whether cartridge, disk or tape without any alteration of them.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
Power for the unit can be taken from the printer on pin 18 of the connector,
or from the computer as desired. Should your printer be non-standard parallel,
quite possibly we can advise on tailoring to its specification!
Alteration of your cable, ir change of plug or reposition of individual wires,
willonly be necessary if it has no male 36way centronics plug on its computer
end and/or full 36 wires present.
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS.
PRINTER:- does it output +5volt on pin 18 to the cable? If not check pin 47 of
your XL pbi, wiring of this may be necessary.
:-printer signals as follows, SELECT and BUSY both active high,
ACKNOWLEDGE and STROBE active low; differences will require tailoring at
no extra cost!
CABLE:-fitted with male standard 36way parallel (centronics) plug at computer
end.
COMPUTER:- for supply of EPROM driver details of your existing OS will be
required and may involve fitting of a DIL socket to hold it. Kit also
lends itself to being fitted inside your computer or having printer lead
soldered too it.
Prices all inclusive, Overseas +10%. Sterling only, cheques or postal orders
made payable to Rambit.
KIT WITH EPROM for XL or XE ....#20
prices for ready assembled by negotiation.
We aim to satisfy and consequently will do our best to give technical support,
answer genuine queries and will be pleased to accept your comments. We will also
update/re-record on receipt of out original disk/tape with return postage.
Address: RAMBIT, 16 THE GREEN, THURLBY, BOURNE, LINCS., PE10 OHB, ENGLAND
telephone (in UK): 0778 424450
Article 378 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: PC Xformer (Atari 8-bit emulator for DOS)
Date: 3 Mar 1994 01:59:39 GMT
From: darekm@microsoft.com (Darek Mihocka)
I've seen various posts recently talking about an
8-bit emulator for the PC and where to get it.
The one I'm working on, PC Xformer (an MS-DOS
port of ST Xformer) is not in beta testing
or yet available anywhere, so claims about
it sightings should be taken with a grain of
salt. It read one post about an emulator
that requires SuperVGA 640x480x256 mode.
That is not PC Xformer. So let's lay some
rumors to rest.
I did show an early version of PC Xformer about
2 years ago at the Chicago Atarifest and I will
be showing a more complete version of it next
month at the Sacramento Atarifest and passing
out some information about it. Since most people
would never be caught dead in Sacramento,
MAIL me (not email) your name and mailing
address and I'll send you that info:
Darek Mihocka
14150 N.E. 20th St. #302
Bellevue, WA 98007
Here is a quick summary of what PC Xformer
does and major changes from ST Xformer:
- runs on any 286/386/486/Pentium or
non-Intel processor that emulates at
least a 286.
- full speed emulation on roughly a 386/20.
286s will run slower. A 486/66 emulates 8 times
faster than normal. Fast enough? <grin>
An option allows you to slow down to roughly
normal speed.
- requires a VGA card only, not a SuperVGA,
since it uses 320x200x256 mode. Overscanned
programs don't go beyond 320x200.
- GTIA, DLIs, and PM/G are supported.
(unlike ST Xformer which didn't support any
of those graphics features due to the slow
speed of emulation and crippled graphics of an ST)
- at the moment, no support for using the
Xformer Cable. Transfer your 8-bit files to
the ST using the Xformer Cable and then use
those files on the PC, or use SIO2PC.
Other info (such as a compatibility list,
beta testing info, etc) will be mailed out
later on, so send in your mailing addresses.
I don't read this newsgroup on a regular basis
so please send questions by mail.
- Darek
--
/--------------------------------------\
| Darek Mihocka. net: darekm@microsoft |
| Views expressed are always my own. |
\--------------------------------------/
Article 379 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Support for your Atari 8-bit.
Date: 3 Mar 1994 02:00:43 GMT
From: RG9@VAX.YORK.AC.UK
SUPPORT FOR YOUR ATARI 8-BIT FROM RICHARD GORE.
----------------------------------------------
YORKY 256K Memory upgrade:
-------------------------
Yes, its still available but in dwindling quantities. The Yorky 256k
memory upgrade simply plugs into the PBI port of your 800XL or a 64k internally
upgraded 600XL and gives you 256k of XE type compatible bank switched memory.
You don't have to open your machine or do any soldering, its supplied ready
to be plugged in and used. An A4 manual and a double sided disk of support
software are included in the price.
Price: #50 plus #2 p&p (UK), #3.50 (EC), #5 (worldwide).
(also for US customers $90 fully inclusive).
I also hope to have ready very soon, a new version of the Yorky with a PBI
feedthrough to allow the connection of another PBI device like the Black Box.
More details will be supplied when everything is finally sorted out.
SOFTWARE:
--------
JAWBREAKER - The classic Pac-man style game originally sold by Sierra-On-Line.
This version includes two mazes which were originally sold as
separate games as well as a new pause function and improved
joystick control.
MOUSEKATTACK - Another classic game from Sierra-On-Line. This game has you
trying to plumb the levels of Rat Alley. A very addictive game
featuring a one or two player (simultaneously on screen) mode,
new pause feature and improved joystick control.
Both games are available on disk, tape or Rambit Turbo tape (state which)
and are supplied with a printed manual.
Prices: #4.50 each or #6.95 for BOTH (UK p&p included)
(overseas please add #2 for airmail shipping)
(US dollar prices $10 each or $18 for both fully inclusive)
For further details or to order contact:
RICHARD GORE, 79 SPROTBROUGH ROAD, SPROTBROUGH, DONCASTER, DN5 8BW, ENGLAND
Telephone: (0302) 784642 weekends only please.
E-mail: RG9@UK.AC.YORK.TOWER or RG9@UK.AC.YORK.VAX
(Non-JANET users invert UK.AC.YORK.xxx to xxx.YORK.AC.UK)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SOFTWARE Authors, have you written any games or utilities for the Atari 8-bits,
new or old? If you have and you have the rights contact me now and we can
hopefully arrange to get them (re-)marketed!
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Article 380 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Atari Announces Total of 86 Jaguar Developers
Date: 10 Mar 1994 01:28:55 GMT
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright 1994 PR Newswire Association, Inc.
PR Newswire
March 7, 1994, Monday - 06:31 Eastern Time
SECTION: Financial News
DISTRIBUTION: TO BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY EDITORS
LENGTH: 1315 words
HEADLINE: ATARI ANNOUNCES TOTAL OF 86 DEVELOPERS, PUBLISHERS AND LICENSEES
FOR JAGUAR
DATELINE: SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 7
BODY:
Atari Corp. (AMEX: ATC) announced today that its award-winning Jaguar
64-bit game system has attracted 86 top developers, publishers and licensees
since its introduction in November 1993.
Among the 48 new partners announced today are ReadySoft Inc., publisher of
"Dragon's Lair," "Dragon's Lair II" and "Space Ace"; Bullfrog Productions Ltd.,
developer of "Populous" and "Powermonger"; Imagineer, publisher of "Wolfenstein
3D (SNES)"; Jaleco, a leading manufacturer of arcade games and home video games
including "Super Bases Loaded" and "Pro-Sport Hockey"; and Sculptured Software,
developer of "Mortal Kombat" for Acclaim.
"The innovative technology unleashed by Jaguar challenges us to change our
approach to developing software," said Glen Williams, technical director,
Williams Brothers Development, one of the newly signed software developers.
"With Jaguar, game developing is no longer a matter of working within the
machine's capabilities, but of living up to them."
Since Jan. 1, 1994, Atari has signed 48 new partners. These are:
Accent Media Productions
Anthill Industries
(ASG) All Systems Go
Argonaut Software Ltd.
Audio Visual Magic
Bethesda Softworks
Bjorn Joos/Kris Van Lier
Black Scorpion Software
Borta & Associates
Bullfrog Productions Ltd.
Clearwater Software
Computer Music Consulting
Cybervision
CyberWare
Delta Music Systems Inc.
Domark Group Ltd.
DTMC
Duncan Brown
Elite
E-On
EZ Score Software Inc.
GameTek Inc.
Genus Microprogramming Inc.
H2O Design Corp.
HiSoft
ICD Inc.
Imagineer Co. Ltd.
Jaleco
Limelight Media Inc.
Manley & Associates Inc.
NMS Software Ltd.
Photosurealism
PIXIS Interactive
ReadySoft Inc.
Rest Energy
Sculptured Software Inc.
Software Creations
Team Infinity
Team 17 Software Ltd.
Technation Digital World
Techtonics
Teque London Ltd.
Thrustmaster
V-Reel
Virtual Xperience
Visual Concepts
Williams Brothers
WMS Industries
"We are pleased the industry's most innovative, successful software
companies continues to join the Jaguar team," said Sam Tramiel,
president of Atari. "Jaguar is the world's most powerful multimedia
video game system. Consequently, this platform offers leading
developers and publishers unprecedented creative and commercial
opportunities."
" Atari has used cutting-edge technology to push Jaguar's system
architecture beyond the industry's next natural stage and leaped ahead
of its competitors in the process," said Lou Viveros, president of
V-Reel and Viveros and Associates, a leading video game consulting firm.
"Our games will require creativity and flexibility in the development
process and outstanding system performance during game play.
Consequently, the decision to develop for Jaguar was an easy one."
V-Reel will develop and market Arena Football exclusively for
Jaguar. This represents the first license of the Arena Football League
for home video game systems. V-Reel also plans to develop Horrorscope,
a Jaguar fighting game based on the 12 characters of the Zodiac.
Atari Jaguar is the world's first 64-bit interactive multimedia home
entertainment system and is the only video game system manufactured in
the United States. Jaguar was recently named the industry's "Best New
Game System" (VideoGames Magazine), "Best New Hardware System" (Game
Informer) and "1993 Technical Achievement of the Year" (DieHard
GameFan). Atari expects to deliver its Jaguar CD-peripheral mid-year at
a suggested retail price of $200.
Atari Corp., based in Sunnyvale, manufactures and markets 64-bit
interactive multimedia entertainment systems, video games and personal
computers for the home, office and educational marketplaces.
NOTE: All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: Terry Valeski of Atari, 408-745-2000; or Lynn Thompson
of Cunningham Communication, 408-764-0740, for Atari
Article 382 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: ICD's Cat Box -- Press Release
Date: 21 Mar 1994 20:41:25 GMT
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
//// ICD Announces First Jaguar Hardware Add-On - PR
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Rockford, Illinois, March 7, 1994 -- Black Cat Design, a designer of
computer peripherals and accessories, and ICD, today announced Cat
Box, the complete interface adapter for the Atari Jaguar 64-bit game
system.
Cat Box plugs directly into the AV/DSP ports on the back of the
Jaguar. Its custom case measures just 6 x 1.5 x 1 inches and
perfectly accents the sleek Jaguar design. Cat Box provides all of the standard
connections that Jaguar customers desire. Standard ports include: S-Video,
Composite Video, Left & Right Audio Out, Dual
Stereo Headphones, Analog RGB Video, RS-232, ComLynx, and DSP. All connectors
are "industry standard".
Standards are a big part of Cat Box and connectivity is the key. The
RS-232 port will connect to standard modems. The ComLynx port will
join other Jaguar and Lynx game systems for multi-player games and
other networking ideas. Black Cat Design is actively working with game
developers to ensure support for these ports.
An imaginative, well thought out design includes flexibility for the
future. Internal expansion connectors for future add-in cards ensure
that Cat Box will be as useful then as it is now. Future products
under consideration include a MIDI interface and an internal modem.
ICD has licensed Cat Box from Black Cat Design for exclusive
world-wide distribution.
Thomas Harker, president of ICD, explained, "This product is an
unbelievable value. I wouldn't be surprised if all Jaguar owners buy a Cat Box.
My family is really thankful for the headphone jacks when our twin boys are
playing Raiden. Finally, peace and quiet again in the game room. The boys can't
wait for the next generation of multi-player games to arrive. Imagine, dual
Jaguars head to head. Cat Box will help make this possible. It makes so much
sense, I don't know why it wasn't done before."
The Cat Box will begin shipping early next quarter at an MSRP of
$49.95. ICD is taking orders now with shipments expected in May.
For further information, contact ICD Public Relations in the United
States by phone (815) 968-2228 extension 222 or fax (815) 968-6888.
Cat Box is a trademark of Black Cat Design. Other trademarks are
those of their respective holders.
Article 383 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa700@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Michael Current)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Printer Interfaces from Rambit.
Date: 24 Mar 1994 00:45:51 GMT
From: RG9@VAX.YORK.AC.UK
Date: 14 Mar 1994 07:11:23 -0600
This posting is being done as a service by Richard Gore on behalf of RAMBIT.
All replies should be sent to the address given at the end of the posting.
We are pleased to send you details of our PARALLEL PRINTER PORT for the Atari
XL/XE computers, connecting to the parallel bus interface (XL) or enhanced
cartridge port (XE). The P.P.P. is designed to enable you to connect EPSON
compatible printers such as Panasonic KX-P1081, OKI-82, MP-165 etc. and print
at their designed speeds, ie not slowed to serial speed.
The P.P.P consists of a compact unit which plugs directly into your computer
port and outputs through a standard female 36way centronics socket connected to
the printer using the lead supplied with the printer (possibly!).
The software necessary to drive the unit is best incorporated into your OS on
EPROM so accessed by normal legal IO calls. Your system is so adapted as to
allow use of your utilities (provided they only make stnadard use of the OS,
99% do) whether cartridge, disk or tape without any alteration of them.
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
Power for the unit can be taken from the printer on pin 18 of the connector,
or from the computer as desired. Should your printer be non-standard parallel,
quite possibly we can advise on tailoring to its specification!
Alteration of your cable, ir change of plug or reposition of individual wires,
willonly be necessary if it has no male 36way centronics plug on its computer
end and/or full 36 wires present.
SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS.
PRINTER:- does it output +5volt on pin 18 to the cable? If not check pin 47 of
your XL pbi, wiring of this may be necessary.
:-printer signals as follows, SELECT and BUSY both active high,
ACKNOWLEDGE and STROBE active low; differences will require tailoring at
no extra cost!
CABLE:-fitted with male standard 36way parallel (centronics) plug at computer
end.
COMPUTER:- for supply of EPROM driver details of your existing OS will be
required and may involve fitting of a DIL socket to hold it. Kit also
lends itself to being fitted inside your computer or having printer lead
soldered too it.
Prices all inclusive, Overseas +10%. Sterling only, cheques or postal orders
made payable to Rambit.
KIT WITH EPROM for XL or XE ....#20
prices for ready assembled by negotiation.
We aim to satisfy and consequently will do our best to give technical support,
answer genuine queries and will be pleased to accept your comments. We will also
update/re-record on receipt of out original disk/tape with return postage.
Address: RAMBIT, 16 THE GREEN, THURLBY, BOURNE, LINCS., PE10 OHB, ENGLAND
telephone (in UK): 0778 424450
Additional comments by Richard GORE:
Dave Richardson the man behind Rambit is very technical and I'm sure he won't
mind me saying has difficulty in writing using non-technical jargon. The above
posting sounds pretty complex but what he is saying is he has available a
printer interface that plugs into a PBI on the XL or XE and can be tailored
for non-standard printers.
I also know he has experimented with using these kits to get two computers
interconnected and I think has created an RS 232 interface.
If you are at all interested in such projects I suggest you write to him at the
address given above to find out more.
Article 384 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: aa399@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Len Stys)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: Nintendo settles suit, Warner to buy more stock
Date: 26 Mar 1994 02:44:27 GMT
Subject: Re: Atari up $1, what's up?
Date: 25 Mar 1994 12:14:49 -0600
Organization: The second InterAccess INN server
Lines: 23
Message-ID: <paulc.764618954@interaccess.com>
References: <2mv26d$1au@Tut.MsState.Edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: home.interaccess.com
>CNBC just reported (10:45 EST) that Atari stock was up $1, pushing
>it over $7 and making it one of the most active stocks. No mention
>was made about what might be the cause, so I figured I would ask
>the experts that read this newsgroup... ;-)
Atari Corp settled a lawsuit against Nintendo concerning a patent that
Atari held/holds on a specific method of "horizontal scrolling" or something
to that effect, the news release simply states that Nintendo paid Atari
an undisclosed amount for use of the patent. It also noted that a similar
suit against Sega involving this patent (along with 2 others) should now be
settled similarly in the near future.
A second news story states that Time Warner is boosting their stake in Atari.
With the stock trading (right now) 7.25 bid, offered at 7.375, TW is paying
$8.50 per share, for another 1.5 million shares, raising TW's stake in Atari
to about 27%, from about 25%. TW's move appears to bolster Atari's claim
that the Jaguar is "...inches from taking off like a rocket". Atari
states that the extra cash infusion will be used specifically for US sales
and advertising, with the idea to flood the market with Jags nationwide.
Article 386 of freenet.sci.comp.atari.news:
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
>Newsgroups: freenet.sci.comp.atari.news
Subject: AEO #3 Newsbrief Deleted
Date: 30 Mar 1994 08:22:58 GMT
AEO's #3 Newsbrief was deleted due to the fact that it included information
on Nintendo paying a sum of money to Atari for using Atari's patented
technology. Nintendo is denying this. AEO contacted the Atari SIG and
informed us to delete the newsbrief. More information will be posted on this
situation when it becomes available.
Len Stys
-----------------------------------------
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