25. VE1BRA says that since he put his ZX81 in a Hammond cabinet, there was no more use for the old chassis. He peeled off the keyboard and cut out the logos and glued them over the keycaps. The functions had to be cut out separately and glued on the front side of the Keycaps;…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
First, here is a long overdue review of Fred Nachbaur’s SyncWare News. (See his previous contributions to QZX.) Since he isn’t a ham, we gave him a call of **** and he was grateful. Anyhow, in April ’83 he began Syncware News, and sent out a lot of complimentary copies. His publication is slanted toward…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
First, I want to apologize for the late issue. I do have several legitimate ‘excuses’, but the predominant one being an urgent desire to ‘take a short breather’ after getting an already late issue out. In an attempt to get caught up, Alex and I are already putting the November issue together and hope to…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
HAWG WILD Software, Box 7668, Little Rock, AR 72217, announces a new series of programs for radio amateurs. They say that their present offerings are the direct result of an ongoing author search. T-S Horizons is a new magazine for the Timex-Sinclair user. It is small, inexpensive, and has a number of interesting articles hardware…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
KA2LHO has been working on an index of articles and programs the “new” QZX since it started in again. It has now been up completed through the October issue by the use of the TIMEX software package “VU- FILE“. He says that he will make the index available on tape to any QZX subscriber who…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here’s four short, useful routines from Marty. One allows multiple numeric inputs at one time, the next allows multiple string inputs, the next allows deletion of a group of BASIC lines (by putting code in front and code behind), and the last allows deletion of a group of BASIC lines by entering first and last…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
I read with interest the mods that Rob Suggs suggested in the May issue of QZX and finally got two mods that I have been using documented. The modification to ZXDB will enable a screen copy and I will leave that for last. The mod to ZXAS will be covered next.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This is not intended to be a “review”, will leave that exact detail to your fine reporting. I do want to offer encouragement to those who may be a little reluctant to try the “EPROM version.” Believe me, it’s the only way to go.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here’s another contest dupe program, useful for eliminating duplicate contest contacts. It requires 16K duplicate and holds 1600 calls. The band variable (B$) should be two characters. The program prints the calls by call areas for each band, but does not sort the calls. Hank used a modified version of KQ2F’s Roster Program (Apr QZX)…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Jon took his ZX & CWSS to OE2-land and had to make a few mods to get them working. He says 20wpm came out at 30 over there. By clipping resistor R30 he corrected the TV scan rate and he wrote the following program to convert the CWSS speeds for overseas use.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
For all you antenna buffs, here is a menu driven program to design a log-yagi antenna. The only data needed is the bandwidth (lower and upper freq.). Any band or bands can be used from 3.5mhz to 148mhz.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Well, Bo put out some issues while I spent most of good the summer in Bangladesh. It was an interesting summer but l was glad to get back. I was serving as an advisor to their Atomic Energy Commission. Although they were installing one of the biggest IBM computers the floor above my office, the…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Well, here’s a review of a neat add-on that I purchased recently. I was also able to talk the supplier into advertising in QZX, so look for their ad in an upcoming issue. I had been considering the Hunter Battery-Backup Memory Board for some time, and the July 83 Radio-Electronics Magazine construction article sold me.…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
What a relief! After putting the July/Aug QZX together I was able to take a week off, as far as QZX goes that is. First, for you fledglings still new to computers, that was NOT an aerial map in QZX (note no swimming pools, crooked roads, etc). It was a much magnified photo of a…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here’s the documentation and typical print outs for this program which appeared in the last issue.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
With the trusty ZX81/TS1000 destined for a place in a dusty closet, here’s a way to put it to use in the event you need a video output from a device having a RS232 serial port. Two examples are the HP41C calculator/computer and Tandy’s new Model 100 portable computer. First, to give credit; Charlie Welch,…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
I know we have printed other QSL printing programs, but this one from Bob looked a little fancier than most, so here it is. He sent it ‘camera ready’ using his TYPE program and said he was out of ideas for articles! So, send him some inspirations, he writes nice articles!
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Reprint of review of the newsletter that appeared in 73 Magazine. A newsletter? How do you review a newsletter for 73? It doesn’t beep, light up, plug in, or charge your batteries. But QZX, the newsletter for hams who own Sinclair/Timex computers. does transmit. It transmits a lot of very good information, and we thought…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Don’t forget to send in corrections, deletions, etc.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here’s your chance to let your ambitions and accomplishments be known. Feel free to let us know what you are up to, and to contact those ‘doing your thing’. W5Q0U – Jack is a new TS180 owner, one of the local gang, determined to learn about (or use) computers at the ripe age of 76.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
The first review is on Scientific Software’s TS100/ZX81 Assembler Debugger (ZXAD) (See the unclassified ads for ordering info) While I have used, both for enjoyment and on engineering jobs, many assemblers, debuggers, and monitors; I have only tried two on my Sinclair. Note my comments in an early issue on the serious shortcomings of the…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Well, was the June issue worth waiting for? I ventured over to a professional print shop, had 500 copies made and not only was pleased with the price, the quality was EXCELLENT! So, keep our subscriber list above 500 and we have it made. I am still experimenting with print styles and sizes and hope…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
These programs might be of interest too some of the QZX subscribers. The program labeled “PI” draws a PI network and labels each component. It then instructs you as inputs to make. The end result is of course the value of the L and C in uH and pf. The program labeled “L Network” does…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This program, named TSMUF-4, is enhanced version of Bob’s previous program TSMUP-2 and details on upgrading, as well as the program description follows the program listing. Bob notes that this program is not to be used for commercial purposes!
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This is an all-around ham operator assistance program originally written for the TRS-80 by Jack Martin (W6XW) and published in the Dec. 1982 issue of 73 Magazine. It can be an extremely versatile program for the ham shack with areas of operation being repeater directory, contest duping, third-party treaty directory, Q-signal directory and frequency allocation.…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Wavelength to frequency conversion.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This one prints ‘Time to I.D.’ in BIG letters when time expires. It is accurate over a ten minute period, not quite as good as a stopwatch. Now everyone will need 3 ZX’s: one for timekeeping. one for RTTY/CW use, and one for logging!
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Program provides assistance for half-wave dipole, 3 element Yagi, inverted vee, full wave loop, vertical, quad, and delta loop antenna designs.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This slight rewrite of the usual direction finding program provides antenna pointing information for locations having a known long/lat. It also tells sailors which way to ‘set sail’ and how far they gotta float to reach far away places.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here is a compact QSL printing program which may be handy in the ham-shack. It is suitable for any situation where the users call is five characters or less. Long calls such as mine will not work (which is why I had to borrow the call of our publisher for the sample).
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This 16K program, written in Timex/Sinclair BASIC, provides a convenient way to store data related to the ARRL Worked All States awards. It is self prompting and should be easy to use no matter how long since the last update. It tracks contacts, QSLs sent and QSLs received for the 50 states for SSB, CW…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Program for calculating the loading coil value required for dipole antennas.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Having several large programs requiring 16K or more of RAM, I was very interested in the Z-XLR8 fast LOAD/SAVE program advertised in QZX. I sent Advanced Interface Designs a check and promptly received the cassette version.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here is a ‘term paper’ written by one of my students who tackled the job of interfacing the Votrax SC-01A chip to his TS1000. He is presently working on a nice ‘menu driven’ program, similar to that described for the Parrot, which will give him a lot more versatility.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Following are some some ‘camera ready’ comments from John, KB4XH, with underlining emphasis supplied by your editor. The good words on QZX, and about XLR8 are appreciated. Evidently I wasn’t off base with my hasty opinion/recommendation of XLR8.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
This column will try to track and document the quirks, fixes, and unique modifications done to the Sinclair computers. Let’s hear from you. Here’s what we have this month: 23. Old 35 mm film cans are just the right size for storing printer tapes from the Mindware 16 column printer. 24. KAØOOQ has reported that…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here’s your chance to let your ambitions and accomplishments be known. Feel free to let us know what you are up to, and to contact those ‘doing your thing’.
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
The first review is from Russ, W9CQD. It is on the Byte Back Co. ‘s Telephone Modem ($119.95 kit). After waiting 5 weeks due to an ‘outage’ of circuit boards, I received my modem kit. The boards are a very good quality with silk screened parts locations. There are two boards plus the small extender’…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Well, we made it both ways without a hitch. Even the weather cooperated, keeping the humidity & mosquitos to a minimum. I did get my annual exercise of the car’s windshield wipers though. Returning to good ol’ New Mexico, I found the mailbox full of new subscribers and lots of good articles. I don’t know…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Based on the information on the recorder to computer interface for the ZX81 which appeared in the Jan 8 3 issue of QZX, I have experimentally devised the following simple matching network for my machine. It consists of only two parts aside from the connectors and enclosure – a 0.1 or 0.2 uF capacitor and…
article, orig pub: 01.15.26, updated: 01.15.26
Here’s a video reverse/clean-up mod that started as W4MHQ’s “Direct Video Output” in QZX VOL.1 NO. 2. Like W4MHQ’s, this circuit uses a 75451 to do the output switching. The values of the resistors that define the pedestal and P-P video levels of the output were changed to very nearly duplicate the video signal at…
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
This neat program lets you design active bandpass filters (for CW, RTTY, etc) and actually draws a schematic of the results. Load time is about 3min l0 sec. When it is loaded, you will be presented with a menu that gives nine options.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
MEMOTEXT is a word processing program by MEMOTECH written especially to run on the ZX-81, TIMEX/SINCLAIR 1000 computers. The program comes hardcoded on a ROM in a standard MEMOTECH module that plugs onto the expansion interface, so the program is instantly available with power on. There is a toggle switch on the module to switch…
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
This column will try to track and document the quirks, fixes, and unique modifications done to the Sinclair computers. Let’s hear from you.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
Taking a gamble that everyone shifted one hour as a result of Daylight Savings Time, I moved the net times one hour. Hope its ok.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
Here’s your chance to let your ambitions and accomplishments be known. Feel free to let us know what you are up to, and to contact while ‘doing your thing’.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
The first review was to be on the Z-XLR8. The wife’s packing our bags, I gotta get QZX mailed! I tried Z-XLR8 twice and LOVE it! If you are having reliable, but slow loads/saves, it is well worth the money. The 7 minute Gazeeteer program loads/saves in 56 seconds without fail! I promise to ‘do…
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
If you are into feedhorn design here’s a nice program (with screen dump) .
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
Here’s a neat program that takes the work out of matching a transmitter to an antenna! Included is a ‘screen dump’ of the results.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
The AMSAT AMS-81 TRACKING SYSTEM (software version) is ready for distribution. AMS-81 provides accurate access schedule and tracking information for satellites in PHASE II and PHASE Ill type orbits. Hardware requirements include only the SINCLAIR ZX-81 or TIMEX/SINCLAIR TS-1000 with 16K RAM, video display and cassette recorder.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
I did finally find time to get a hard copy of working versions of my 3 sort routines. I haven’t had time to work on them lately and hope to do so while ‘vacationing’ in N.C; Perhaps some of you ‘novices’ (beginners) want to tackle them try to improve their size or speed.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
Following is a ‘term paper’ written by one of my students who tackled the job of interfacing the National Digitalker chip set to his TSI000. It really sounded nice. I hope the article is easily readable, the original was pretty faint. (I gave him an A for the project anyway.)
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
The BUG-BYTE ZXAS assembler and ZXDB disassembler/debugger comprise a fairly powerful machine level programming package. In this article I will describe a few simple modifications to the BASIC portion of each program which will make them all little more convenient to use. I will also describe memory usage of the two packages and show you…
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
Here’s another nice program from Bob, and is a ‘must’ for those of you needing a ‘word processor’ on a shoestring budget. The program was used to create the article, so you can actually see what it does.
article, orig pub: 01.14.26, updated: 01.14.26
This column will and try to track document the quirks, fixes, and unique modifications done to the Sinclair computers. We finally received a suggested name for this column from Vollie Miller, WB4TDB to whom we are grateful. Let’s hear from you.
article, orig pub: 01.13.26, updated: 01.13.26
Here’s your chance to let your ambitions and accomplishments be known. Feel free to let us know what you are up to, and to contact those ‘doing your thing’.
article, orig pub: 01.13.26, updated: 01.13.26
Tired of issues looking thru back for net times and frequencies? Maybe this new format will help. Watch out for the Zulu – wrong night confusion. suppose they will all shift one hour when DST starts.
article, orig pub: 01.13.26, updated: 01.13.26
This column will provide reviews of hardware ‘add-ons’ software, and books that are available for the Sinclair computers. Again, we will do reviews as our budget allows, or as they are loaned/donated by vendors for review. Reviews done by our subscribers will also be welcomed. The first review i s about a Parrot. Not the…
article, orig pub: 01.13.26, updated: 01.13.26
Here’s a mish-mash (is that spelled rite?) of what I have been doing in between the sessions spent оп my TRS80 preparing this newsletter. 1. The Votrax speech synthesizer circuit for the ZX/TS was completed and software development is underway. It uses the phoneme approach, having 61 and 3 pauses. Additional features include an adjustable…
article, orig pub: 01.13.26, updated: 01.13.26
Here’s an updated and readable version of the program that appeared in the February 1983 issue.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here is a nice RTTY transmit and receive program with the required hardware interface.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Following is a ZX81 adaptation of the maximum usable frequency (MUF) program from Dec QST. Instructions: Enter CLEAR before saving a copy to tape, this saves loading time. Save program by GOTO 9990. It will then run automatically when loaded. See the QST article for details.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
This simple RTTY terminal unit provides a TTL output that can be connected directly to the ZX81. Shown is a two position switch to allow for “inversion”. but an additional position is recommended to keep it from messing up tape loading. The LED is used as a tuning indicator and works reasonably well on 170…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Enclosed are two prograns for satellite orbits. One is for 1K and the other requires more than that, but it gives more specific information. I work as a power plant operator (hydroelectric type). I have the ZK81 with 16K and ak looking forward to the T52000. I use mostly ICOM gear, 720A, 2KL, AT500. &…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Roster-6 allows you to create a list of callsigns and names which are automatically alphabetized according to callsign.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
This program, useful for keeping track of your DXCC countries worked, was submitted in such an excellent form that all we had to do is ‘shrink it and shoot it’. It starts on the next convenient page. For you ‘non-hams’ it could be easily modified for other uses.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Correction: Jan issue, logkeeper program, by WA6DLI, change line 56 to read 56 Print “Enter S for search menu” to make it self explanatory when using. Only enter by GOTO 53, never RUN or you will lose your data. To save typing, the program is available for a 16k ZX81 on cassette for $8 PP…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
I know they are out there, but I am not copying them regularly in the Midwest. The propagation on twenty is taking its toll here. I hear it has been averaging twenty or so check-ins per session, with response as far away as Hawaii. It has good coverage not only in participation, but also in…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here’s your chance to let your ambitions and accomplishments be known. Feel free to let us know what you are up to, and to contact those ‘doing your thing’.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
This column will provide reviews of hardware ‘ add-ons’, software, and books that are available for the Sinclair computers. Again, we will do reviews as our budget allows, or as they are loaned/donated by vendors review. Reviews done by for our subscribers will also be welcomed.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here’s a neat RTTY program receives that RTTY for you. The author interfaced his ZX-81 directly to his home made TU. (I’m assuming TTL signals). He connected his TU to pin 20 of IC1 in the ZX81. It is for a 16K machine. This short RTTY receive program overcomes some of the like timing problems…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here’s mish-mash (is that spelled rite?) of what I have been doing in between the sessions spent on my TRS80 preparing this newsletter. 1… The M-64 64K memory board was completed without hitch. (see review) 2… My ZX81 was “modified” for direct video output. I thought it took more than just a wire, judging from…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here is a simple sketch on how you can provide battery backup for your computer. Cost of parts is small, the 2N5193 can be replaced by almost any 3 to 4 amp PNP transistor. Also included is a short routine illustrating the usefullness of the CODE function in devising a “goof-proof” data entry method. As…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Back issues of the original QZX are available from K2MI. See info in the unclassified ads (Jan 83 issue). When he runs out, we will probably collect these issues in a book: but do not hold your breath waiting for us. Order from Marty before he runs out (and to help him run out). We…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
4K ROM users: instead of building our Cassette Eavesdropper (Dec. 80) to reduce loading noise, try a dual mini-plug from Radio Shack.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Improvements to READ-DATA-RESTORE, Flower Plot, Income Tax program.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Use a full-length string of characters to print a bar graph instead of plotting each section.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
This program renumbers the line numbers in any other program in memory.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Subroutine determines the exact number of bytes used for each line of program instruction as well as an entire program.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Letters about issues assembling MicroAce; tv/cassette player placement; adapting programs; reverse video; cassette eavesdropper; amateur radio operators.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Letters with improvements programs; corrections; math error in 8K ROM; converting 4K ROM programs to 8K ROM; ZX80 users online.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Program scans the ROM up to 7679, building a stack of CALLED and CALLING addresses. Then it sorts and displays them.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Use logic probe to record state of ICs in the computer.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
Licensed hams using the Sinclair ZX80 or Microace now have a user net on single sideband. Contact Marty Irons, K2MI, 46 Magic Circle Drive, Goshen, NY 10924.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
History of the ham radio focused computing magazine founded by Martin Irons.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
QZX newsletter serves amateur radio operators who own ZX80s, published by Martin Irons.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.12.26
This is the third installment of a ‘column’ in which I had hoped to enlist some (LOTS) of participation. We have not received any feedback on either program to date! To compound my problem of limited spare time, accidently erased the program tape! I hope to have it re-entered soon! Never, never forget to label…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here’s a nice program to keep track of your contest contacts to avoid contacts with dopes, or is it dupes? It’s complete with comments and note the neat credit line at the end.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
I have mentioned MemoCalc before in ZXzine, but with the focus of this newsletter being applications that are still usable today, I needed to bring up MemoCalc. In the early days of computers, word processors, spreadsheets and databases were the three main applications that all computers had. Sinclair released Vu-Calc from PSION. It was a…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Another use for the ZX81 is computation, or in other words, number crunching. Despite being a slower computer even when it was new, the ZX81 is still far faster and more capable than a calculator. Given the ease of use of BASIC, the ZX81 is a fairly accessible computer for uniting mathematical code. Given its…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
These days most program development on the ZX81 happens using tools on other operating systems and running the program on the ZX81. Basic tools like zxtext2p or the C compiler Z88DK, or a cross assembler like PASMO are examples. It is still possible to do development only on the ZX81. With Basic, there is the…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
The default music device on the ZK81 is the Zon X-81. It was an add-on that came with an AY chhip and built-in speaker. Many emulators and ZXpand emulate the Zon X-81. To create music, Andy Rea has created ZXbeta, a music tracker program for the ZX81. It can be used to create your own…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
I recently started working on some assembly code that I had not touched in a long time. The assembled code (.p file) was working. I relooked at the code, re-assembled it and it failed to work. A cursory look at the code does not show the problem. As fast and small as assembly is, it…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Although ZX-91 used Word Sinc II, the program has issues on emulators. I needed a word processor that could same files on modern systems. I realised that I have reviewed such a word processor in issue 7, called Zeditor. Looking at my original article, I did not test out Zeditor very well, especially doing more…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
In 1991, Andre Baune of Quebec, Canada, published a newsletter called “ZX-91: 10 Years Later.” It was a newsletter for the ZX81, created solely on the ZX81, with 16k and a TS 2040 printer. Andre used Word Sinc Il as the wordprocessor and it was able to do lower case letters on the TS 2040…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Fix to accommodate STROBE line requirement of Star NX-1000 printer.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
The government power company in the province of Mendoza, Argentina (EMSS) had a big problem. They had to develope a remote and automatic system for the management of power transformer stations in remote areas outside urban sites in places which were difficult to access. The system which was developed is based on TS1000 boards with…
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Here is a circuit diagram which can be used as the basis for a 512K RAM expansion for the QL. There is no printed circuit board pattern but it can be wired up rather easily on a wirewrap board.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
This month concludes the series with a discussion of some of the parameters used by the SCL and a few notes on the timing of some of the signals.
article, orig pub: 01.12.26, updated: 01.12.26
Well, the printer did it again. I got yet another price for doing the June issue. (That sentence sure looks familiar.) I also got all the QZX money back after the savings and loan organization it was in collapsed. After it was closed, it was announced that people could start getting their money back at…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.12.26
Well, the printer did it again. I got yet another price for doing the May issue. (That sentance sure looks familiar) Furthermore they mispaged it, but they ran it again at no charge. I am not really complaining because their cost is significantly less than any alternative. This month starts an active summer for me.…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.11.26
This article is a continuation of the series which began in the October 1989 issue of QZX. The purpose is to explain the function of the SCL logic chip in the ZX and TS1000 series of Sinclair computers. This chip is a custom chip designed particularly for our computers. The previous articles gave some background…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.11.26
This article is a continuation of the series which began in the October 1989 issue of QZX. The purpose is to explain the function of the SCL logic chip in the ZX and TS1000 series of Sinclair computers. This chip is a custom chip designed particularly for our computers. The previous articles gave some background…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.11.26
The letter from KQ2F, printed on the previous page, sums up the feelings and actions of many QZX readers. As Bob mentions, he has been a QZX reader from the start. Most of our readers have been with us for four or more years, and many of them have bought computers with other operating systems.…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.11.26
Dear Alex, I could not allow my subscription to expire without first writing to you to express my thanks for a job well done. I have every issue of QZX ever published, including copies of all of K2MI Marty Irons’ original efforts. I’ve learned a lot with the Sinclair/Timex, and running the 40 meter QZX…
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.11.26
article, orig pub: 01.11.26, updated: 01.11.26
It’s alive and well and is now being sold by E-Z KEY and other distributors. This product allows the Timex computer to enter the new era of TELECOMMUNICATIONS. It is simple to install and use. Just unplug your phone jack from the phone outlet, plug this cable into the modem, and connect the modem phone…
article, orig pub: 01.03.26, updated: 01.10.26
The scene shows a small room filled with computer equipment. An. unattended computer is shown dialing all telephone numbers in a California exchange. Those numbers which are answered by a computer carrier signal are noted by the computer for review by its human user at a future time. A high school age young, man, trying…
article, orig pub: 01.03.26, updated: 01.10.26
Dust off the modem, in just a few short weeks as the temperature cools, telecomputing activity zooms to new heights. Each year fall and winter months set new precedents in telecommunicating as the leaves change and a young mans fancy turns to (indoor sports). Interestingly enough, new and exciting TS BBSs, and BBSs with TS…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
This month we will look at a series of programs for the T/S 2068 and Spectrum computers published by Novelsoft of Toronto, Canada. They were mentioned a few months ago in our report on the Sinclair Fest in Indianapolis, and this time we will take a look at the programs themselves. In order of their…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
The mailman made his final approach to my front porch laden down with this months software and hardware packages, flashing his famous, “I really need this” smile generally found on all night restaurant hostesses. As he dropped the second of two particularly large boxes, he lit up a cigarette, leaned against the porch and said,…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
Last month we had a look at a few programs from Novelsoft of Toronto, Canada. As promised, this month we examine their remaining offerings for the T/S 2068 (and Spectrum) computer. One program which I have heard quite a bit about from many of you readers is Timachine, a BASIC compiler for the T/S 2068…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
What is it about computers in general, and Sinclair computers in particular, that draws many of us so strongly to sit in front of a TV or monitor screen for hours at a time? The answer to that would have to be as varied as the people who own them, and it is in that…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
As readers of this column are aware, Computer Shopper has long been one of the biggest supporters of the Sinclair computer community. This section in the magazine is just one of the ways in which we have assisted, now there is another. Delphi is an on-line service available to the computing public by modem and,…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
As we end our third year of this column, we go back to our roots and have a look at some news concerning the ZX-81 (T/S 1000) computer, the place where many of us started. While most of the market is concerning itself with either the T/S 2068 or the QL, there still is one…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
Hard to believe, but this month marks the beginning of our fourth year together here in Computer Shopper. Back in June 1984 when we were just getting used to the fact that Timex had withdrawn from the home computer retail market, this column first appeared on these pages. A lot has happened to this line…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.10.26
Happy Birthday to us… Happy Birthday to us! This column marks the first anniversary of the Survival Column here in Computer Shopper. Twelve months ago we were just getting over the shock of Timex’s shattering announcement, SYNC and Timex Sinclair User ceasing publication, and many of our favorite support companies giving up on the Sinclair…
article, orig pub: 01.10.26, updated: 01.10.26
When the QL first appeared, Sinclair Research promised to support it with some sophisticated software in keeping with its intended position as a business computer. In addition to the suite of four programs which came (and still come) with the QL, Sinclair initially licensed a number of packages to be published under the Sinclair label.…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.09.26
Twas the Night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a Sinclair was blinking, not even a “mouse.” The stockings were hung by the PC with care, in hopes of an upgrade-some hard or software. The children were nestled all snug in their beds, while visions of QLs danced in their heads. And mamma…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.09.26
Well, here we go again. This is our fourth annual year end wrap up. Although there is no major company support for the Sinclair Computers, they are still viable computers with their own network of small companies and individual developers who still are coming up with new products for our favorite computers. Not least of…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.09.26
Not too long ago, (give or take a few years), I came home to a strange sight. Piled before the desk I used as my computer station was a foot deep mound of thermal printer paper. On the desk, my TS2040 printer was happily “Whiirrr- CHUCKing” to itself. It was trying in vain to spew…
article, orig pub: 02.07.22, updated: 01.09.26
It has been a while since we looked at games for the Timex/Sinclair computers. Since games are almost a universal pastime among computer owners, this month we will look at a few games available for your computer. Arcade games are the oldest form of games available for the micro-computer. The T/S 1000/1500 leaves a lot…
article, orig pub: 02.07.22, updated: 01.08.26
Without the intricate thread of newsletters, BBS SIGs and users groups that tie us together, the destiny of our computers would have long been decided. It is precisely this elaborate network that weaves us all together. This month I would like to focus on the emergence of SNUG (Sinclair North American Users Group). From as…
article, orig pub: 02.07.22, updated: 01.08.26
Before you get the idea that we have abandoned the T/S 1000/1500 and T/S 2068 computers in favor of the QL, let me reassure you. As long as there are new products and developments concerning these micros you can count on Computer Shopper to bring you the news. When Timex originally announced its second computer,…
article, orig pub: 01.08.26, updated: 01.08.26
My list of New Years resolutions looks like the confessions of a choir boy. Quit smoking (in front of anyone who has read this list). Be a kinder, more sensitive and forgiving human being (is there software for that??), and limit my software purchases to only those that I can cover with my thumb while…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.08.26
Cambridge Computer Ltd. announced its new Z88 at COMDEX. The new laptop computer features an end-user price of approximately $400, dimensions of 11½” x 84″ x 7/8″ and built-in user-friendly software. Utilizing a Z80 processor with a unique operating system called OZ, the Z88 addresses up to 4 Mbytes of memory. Approximately 20K of RAM…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.08.26
After a few modifications, you can run most ZX81 BASIC programs on our IBM PC or clone. This article will discuss one setup of hardware, software, and “sweatware,” which will do the job. To begin with, of course, your program must be written only in BASIC. Machine code subroutines, e.g., those buried in REMs, will…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.08.26
Continuing on our recent theme of telecommunications for the Sinclair computers (necessary for you to join us in C*SIX, the Computer Shopper Information Exchange, on DELPHI), this month we take a look at another new terminal program for the QL. Q_Link is published by Meta Media Productions (726 West 17th; Vancouver, BC V5Z IT9; CANADA)…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.08.26
In the last few articles we started looking at some of the features of the QL’s built-in programming language, SuperBASIC. So far, we have examined some of the most rudimentary capabilities of inputting data (and accessing that data), and printing information to the screen. However, those capabilities by themselves cannot create a useful program. This…
article, orig pub: 01.07.26, updated: 01.07.26
During the last two months, I have gone through more changes than Sherlock Holmes. Mostly “time changes,” but these wandering feet are happy to be back on American soil. Anyway, back from Europe and ready to dance through this month’s article with all the charm of a late night 1-900 number. I arrived home to…
article, orig pub: 01.07.26, updated: 01.07.26
One of the features included on the T/S 2068 which is very rarely, if ever, fully utilized is the ability to produce a wide range of sounds. These sounds can range from simple audio prompts through three part harmony. In fact, there are two different commands on the T/S 2068 to utilize the sound making…
article, orig pub: 01.07.26, updated: 01.07.26
The SOUND command on the T/S 2068 is probably the most neglected of the new commands because of the complexity involved to utilize it. In addition, there is very little actually written about it, relegating SOUND to the powerful but unused category. Let’s have a look at it now. The T/S 2068 is capable of…
article, orig pub: 01.06.26, updated: 01.06.26
Revel Without A Cause Not one to get easily excited over new developments, there have been some fairly significant gains made in hardware/software product developments. Particularly for the TS/1000, Sinclair and Amstrad computers. Although things are beginning to change, most of these developments continue to come from abroad; primarily Europe. And again I will mention,…
article, orig pub: 01.06.26, updated: 01.06.26
When the QL first appeared, a few books were written in England on its use. These books, available in this coun- try for a while, were written based upon UK ROM versions. For the most part this was no problem, but there were a few points (such as display data) which did not hold true…
article, orig pub: 01.06.26, updated: 01.06.26
In a classic scene from a popular Star Trek episode, Dr. “Bones” McCoy looks down at a crumpled mass of organic matter, which is really an alien life-form, momentarily stunned by a phaser pistol. After scanning the alien body, McCoy realizes that it’s still fully alive—even though it should have been killed instantly by the…
article, orig pub: 01.06.26, updated: 01.06.26
Believe it or not, this month’s column marks the start of the third year here in Computer Shopper. Yet, unlike when it started, coverage includes an actively produced computer–the Sinclair (not Timex) QL. But all of those other models have not disappeared by any means, and so to start our third year together, let’s look…
article, orig pub: 01.05.26, updated: 01.06.26
A new computer owner sitting down at the keyboard, and trying to write a program for the first time may find little confusion in simple concepts such as PRINT statements, and simple math functions, but soon will find that these alone will not go very far. A single concept which is not hard to master,…
article, orig pub: 01.05.26, updated: 01.05.26
In the past year we have mentioned SuperBASIC which is the language which comes built-in on the Sinclair QL. Starting this month we will si\tart looking at this programming language and how it is an improvement over BASIC as we have come to know it. Upon powerup of the QL, you have three active windows.…
article, orig pub: 01.05.26, updated: 01.05.26
Using Thomas Woods 2068 Profile has proven to be the most convenient data base for our supplier and media contacts. (I’ve found it even better than Microsoft’s FILE for the Macintosh…a $200 fiasco software package.) Using it with our 2068 Mikrodrive (same as A & J Mikrodrive), has further enhanced it’s utility with extra speed…
article, orig pub: 01.05.26, updated: 01.05.26
As we know, the Sinclair community in this country never obtained the status of a Commodore, for instance, and the “professional” software which is abundant for other micros is not as available for us. However, the situation today is not quite what it was when the Sinclair computer first made its debut. At that time…
article, orig pub: 01.05.26, updated: 01.05.26
As Sinclair owners, we start 1985 in quite a different position than we were in at the beginning of 1984. At that time, Timex had just made the T/S 2068 available, and was promising to support it to the hilt. We were all looking forward to Timex’s modem, 80 column printer, solid state software, and,…
article, orig pub: 02.08.22, updated: 01.05.26
A while ago I received a call from a fellow who is known on-line as Phoenix Pete. He explained that he and another Sinclair computerist were putting together a booklet that would cover the Sinclair online community. This booklet, Pete explained to me, was to list as many local bulletin boards as possible which contained-at…
article, orig pub: 01.05.26, updated: 01.05.26
This month marks the second anniversary of the Timex decision to exit the home computer market. Many of us thought that it would all end then, but, happily, we are still here and stronger than ever. When Timex was still around, there was very little third party development going on, but now it is these…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.05.26
At the beginning of 1980 Clive Sinclair started selling his first computer, the ZX80. The initial purpose was to take the technology of the day and make it affordable to everyone. By pushing that technology to it’s limits, the ZX80 exploded the limits of price/performance — a full powered computer that sold for less than…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.05.26
Well, here we are again at the end of another year and we still haven’t given up on our computers. In fact, more has happened in the Sinclair world this year than has happened in any single year since this column began. Therefore, before we say Hello to 1987 lets have a look back at…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.04.26
At long last I have a new Sinclair QL (for Quantum Leap) in front of me. In fact, this column is being written on it using the bundled word processing software. Available for a little more than a year in the United Kingdom, QLs are just now becoming readily available here in the United States.…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.04.26
The Timex Sinclair Amateur Radio Users Group is made up of computer users who are interested in putting their Timex or Sinclair computers to use in amateur radio operations. Most of the members are not computer experts, but they do have good technical backgrounds in electronics. So they learn quickly about their computers. Most members…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.04.26
Time to crank up this old bucket of bytes for another fascinating month, as my fingers gingerly dance across the chicklet keys of my trusty 2068. You’ll be interested to know, upon reviewing your mail over the past six months, here are some interesting results. 99% of you had very kind words (thank you)! Half…
article, orig pub: 02.07.22, updated: 01.04.26
ZX-81/TS-1000 Add-Ons Timex-Sinclair computer users get a boost from Bob Howard WADLI of West Covina, California. He tells us that he was anxious to mention that in the September issue of 73’s RTTY Loop, the answer to VEGY’s question about the TS-1000 was right there, under the ZX-81 banner. “You see, Timex manufactured the ZX-81…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.04.26
Last month I wrote a bit about a new toy here at WAJAJR, a TRS-80C Color Computer. Based on the most powerful eight-bit microprocessor around, the Motorola 6809, this is a fascinating computer which gives huge potential at a bargain price. Well, I have had a chance to take a quick look at one piece…
article, orig pub: 01.04.26, updated: 01.04.26
Probably the most useful type of computer program is the data base since almost anyone can find a need for it and because it can be effectively 3 used without a printer. For Timex computers, Tom Woods has twice provided high quality programs in this field with ZX PRO/FILE for the TS 1000 and then…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.01.26
The Sinclair ZX80 costs only $200, yet it has the performance of units two or three times as expensive, the maker claims. A reduced number of parts and simplified construction help keep the price down, Sinclair says. One big cost cutter is a touch-sensitive keyboard. The standard alphanumeric layout provides single-stroke entry of 22 commands…
article, orig pub: 01.01.26, updated: 01.01.26
Don’t let the small size fool you. At just six by 6.5 by 1.5 inches, Sinclair’s ZX81 is a complete desk-top computer. Attached to your TV set, the unit can create graphics-computer pictures- or solve problems with programs you have written using its built-in BASIC language. In some ways, the ZX81 is a step down…
article, orig pub: 01.01.26, updated: 01.01.26
Low cost and wide distribution may make this system the cornerstone of the long-awaited computer revolution.
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.01.26
The Rompak cartridge system is an excellent low cost accessory for any ZX/TS user. The cartridge is a plugin EPROM read board with an expansion port for your RAM pack or peripherals. It also sports a neat ZIF socket. The documentation is adequate although no schematic is supplied. The board is simple (about three parts)…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.01.26
In SYNC 3:1 James Cripps found Thomas B. Woods’ ZX Data Finder to be “the most economical program dedicated to the task of data handling” that he had seen. While ZX Data-Finder is admittedly an outstanding program, it is surpassed by the ZX Pro/File. This new program has all the outstanding features of the earlier…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 01.01.26
Now that disk drives are available for the ZX/TS computers (see SYNC 3:6 for my review of the Aerco Disk System, software in disk format is sure to follow. Go-fer is the first we have seen. The tape version of Go-Fer can be directly transferred to disk. So you do not lose any data entry…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
The Challenge Donald D. Spencer concludes his Game Playing with Basic with a chapter of programming challenges. Among the old favorites he describes is Boule, the casino game popular in Europe and the Caribbean. This article is my response to his challenge. The Game The game centers on a wheel like roulette, but, unlike roulette,…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
Do any of the following software “dilemmas” seem familiar? Jerry wants to write games programs which perform faster than his Basic versions, but he cannot quite get the hang of calling and using extensive machine code subroutines. He has heard, however, that he can get a tape-loading compiler-based high-level programming language which runs extremely rapidly……
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
The Unused 1K-2K Space So, do those of you who have upgraded your ZX81/TS1000 to 16K ever feel sorry for that unused 1K-2K RAM, sitting unloved and unneeded inside your computer? Why not put it to work for you by wiring together this little circuit? It will convert your on-board RAM into a handy little…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
ROM/RAM Immaterial As a result of my article “Your Timex-Sinclair Can Become a Remote Terminal” (Sync 2:6) a number of readers raised questions concerning the peculiarities resulting from attempting to use memory-mapped I/O devices mapped to addresses not affected by the use of a RAM pack. I have seen many references to the strange effects…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
In SYNC (3:4) I reviewed the Votem—a device which converts continuously changing voltages from sensing transducers, such as a temperature probe or photocell, into digital information which the computer can understand. The limitation of the Votem which I noted then was that, though it could monitor an outside event very accurately, the Votem by itself…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
Of all the problems with machine code programming, there is one that really stands out: it is too simple! Oh, sometimes it can be pretty hard to figure out how to make your program do what you want. But that is because the Z80 microprocessor—the “brain” inside your ZX/TS computer—is really rather simple-minded. It can…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
Although the TS2068 users manual does an outstanding job in acquainting the user with the computer, obviously it cannot include everything. Articles in SYNC will help you increase your ability to use this new machine. Let’s begin by looking at a few tips and techniques to add to your repertoire. Variable Names When it comes…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.31.25
Among the extended capabilities of the TS2068 are its high resolution graphics and user defined graphics characters (UDG). Since the definition of each character requires 64 binary inputs, these entries can be made much more easily if we set up a little more elaborate input routine than the one given in the manual. We will…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.29.25
The weekly meeting of our Central PA Times/Sinclair Users Group was coming up quickly, and I had promised a demonstration of my new TS2068 computer. I needed a special program fast to show off some of its new features. As I slipped the TS2068 from the box, I wondered if it was free of defects…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.29.25
The Problem You are piloting a spaceship when suddenly appears an onslaught of meteorites which must be avoided at any cost. Your warp system is malfunctioning and can be used, but its duration varies. The situation seems hopeless! Sound challenging? How would you like to try to save the ship on the unexpanded ZX81? It…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.29.25
The Knight’s Tour Puzzle The “Knight’s Tour” is a familiar chess puzzle. The object is to move a knight according to chess rules around the board in such a way that each square is visited only once. The puzzle may be solved by using a trial and error process that systematically explores all of the…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.29.25
This is a somewhat roundabout story, but bear with us. Lotus, that outstanding manufacturer of winning race cars as well as the Lotus Elite and Elan, has been in serious financial difficulties lately. These troubles have been magnified by the death of Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, and by the DeLorean affair. The only…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.29.25
Crazybugs is a Pac-Man type game, but with enough differences to make to make another enjoyable game. You are in a subterranean maze and are being chased by beetles. As the beetles lay eggs, one at a time, you must go, fetch, and lock up the egg in a flashing box. After locking up four…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.29.25
An array is just another kind of variable, right? Well, yes and no: an array is another kind of variable, but it is not just another variable. There are arrays to store numbers, there are arrays to hold strings, and there are lots of things you can do with arrays that you cannot do with…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.28.25
When you must order and retrieve information, you can recall data in minimal time if the data has an orderly placement. In a program to store names and telephone numbers consider how you would locate someone if the data are in random order, e.g., Jones, Smith, Allen, Zimmerman, Travis. Location of a specific name could…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.28.25
Here are two programs that give a moving graphics representation of the holiday spirit. The first version is for the 1000 series of computers and the second is for the TS-2068. In the 2068 version, the graphics characters are entered in the following manner – press SHIFT “9” to get into the graphics mode (remember…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.26.25
First, a word or two concerning joysticks for the budget-minded. One of the following reviews is of a product which requires a joystick in the left port of the 2068. I obtained excellent results in reviewing that program by “borrowing” a joystick from a seldom-used ODYSSEY 2 video game which had been languishing in the…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.24.25
One of the fun things about using the TS2068 is the ability to PEEK and POKE in amongst the machine code and particularly when using TIMACHINE. This is the first in a series of articles I’ll write for TS2068 Up-Date on this subject. Bouquets or brick-bats are welcome! For starters, let’s look at a scenario…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.23.25
I have been working on using my Timex/Sinclair 2068 to control a 3-axis drilling/routing machine using stepper motors. To make the machine move in arcs and circles I needed to use the sine and cosine functions in the Timex/Sinclair 2068 ROM. After trying some BASIC and machine language — using the floating point interpreter –…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.23.25
From its animated title screen to its ability to locate compiled code anywhere in memory, TIMACHINE is just what every BASIC programmer who lacks extensive assembly language fluency has been dreaming of. You should see the wonderful things it does to graphics programs written in BASIC. Compiling any BASIC program is as easy as adding…
article, orig pub: 06.13.22, updated: 12.23.25
Let’s face it, fellow members, all T/S buffs are NOT equal. As the famous author, George Orwell wrote in “1984, ” some are more equal than others. To be specific, some are proficient in machine code and I am not. “Timachine” by Novelsoft is a compiler program. It takes your Basic program and converts it…
article, orig pub: 10.07.22, updated: 12.23.25
The purpose of this write-up is to explain what was done and why to enable large printer printing of the LIST report after compiling a program with TIMACHINE. The first obstacle was getting the large printer to print anything. PRINT after opening #3 to “Ip” only gave a dot and two dashes on the screen…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.23.25
One of the fun things about using the T52068 is the ability to PEEK and POKE about in amongst the machine code and particularly when using the BASIC compiler “Timachine“. Recently, I had compiled (for the nth time) the Indexer program which I use to keep track of all the programs on my disks. In…
article, orig pub: 09.13.22, updated: 12.20.25
Several years ago Cameron Hayne was a member of our club. Recently, I wrote to ask him what he was up to these days. Here is his reply. Cameron Hayne is the author of the well-known program, TIMACHINE, which many of us are familiar with. I thought there was sufficient interest in the letter to…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.20.25
Deja vu! That was my first thought upon opening the large envelope from editor Tim Woods. Let’s take a trip via H.G. Well’s time machine by setting the controls to travel back in time one year. Exactly one year ago, I was asked to review a BASIC compiler for the T/S 2068 called ZIP (Sept/Oct…
article, orig pub: 10.27.20, updated: 12.20.25
Over the years, to keep various e-mails and newsgroup postings, I’ve printed them out and kept them at home. I’ve thought about storing them as files on disk, but finding the information I need would not be too easy. I was looking for a utility that would search the files on disk, find files with…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
BetterBasic and CrossRef are two SuperBasic programming utilities written by Chas Dillon (of THE EDITOR fame). Chas has released these two programs into the Public Domain. He has released the source code but not any executables. I decided to take the two programs, see what changes they needed to be compiled with the new TURBO,…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
To assist in the support of TURBO, I’ve created a TURBO Support Page on my web page. The page will list the various reported bugs to both TURBO and TURBO Toolkit. Each bug will list what it is, what platform the bug has been seen on (QDOS, SMSQ/E, etc), and the status of work on…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
Another zip file contains a number of other TURBO utilites: LIBRARY MANAGER, DATASPACE and Utility_Task. The zip file does not come with documentation, and briefly explains the programs: LIBRARY MANAGER – pulls out procedures from large SuperBasic programs. DATASPACE – used to ajust the data space requirements in programs already compiled. Utility_task – Neat little…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
Task Commander is a utility that will convert a TURBO compiled program into a resident extension or Toolkit, that can be RESPRed and seen as a new keyword in SuperBasic. Task Commander will produce a keyword that will produce the same effect as EXEC or EX. Task Commander is not designed for creating library extension…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
TURBO is not compatible with all SuperBasic extensions, esp. those with array paramaters or return values through parameters. QPTR is one such set of extensions. So, to create Pointer Environment programs using TURBO, George Gwilt has written TurboPTR, which is a freeware replacement to QPTR. TurboPTR is comprised of the following elements: TPTR – a…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
TURBO does not support standard Qjump Config Blocks. George Gwilt has created TURBO Config, a tool that allows Config blocks to be added to TURBO compiled programs. After creating some data statements that get merged with the source code, another tool takes the Config block information and adds it to the compiled program. T_CONFIG_DATA is…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
TURBO, the SuperBasic compiler, has been updated and released for almost a year. Simon Goodwin is the original author with a few others contributing to the final released product, by Digital Precision. George Gwilt has taken the source code and updated the program to work on the newer QDOS and SMSQ/E systems. TURBO comes in…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
For the second time in the life of the QHJ, I have allowed a whole year to go between issues. When I started the QHJ 10 years ago, I knew something like this might happen, therefore I made the QHJ a free publication. This has kept any off any outside pressure to get the next…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
MicroEmacs is becoming my favorite editor, esp. now that I have a Q40. As MicroEmacs becomes more powerful, it needs some more horsepower to run quickly. On the Q40, speed is not an issue at all. There are some new features to MicroEmacs that impact the programmer. They are: CSM is an easy way for…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
LibXmenu is a C68 library, written by Jerome Grimbert, to help write menu-based programs. When I first heard of it I was thinking that it was a library that converted X-windows routines to PE routines, but this is not what it does. Jerome described Xmenu as a collection of C routines that he wrote to…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
Recently a number of commercial programming tools have been released as freeware. They are ProWesS, DJToolKit, MasterBasic, and the TurboToolkit. Of the four packages, ProWesS is the biggest and most surprising to be released as freeware. It is a major piece of work, fairly complicated, and gives a lot a capability to the user (and…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
In the May/June 2000 issue of QL Today, George Gwilt mentions that he has updated Turbo to work under SMSQ/E. He also mentions creating TurboPE, a Pointer Environment interface for Turbo. He does not go into any details nor give any code examples, so I can’t say how easy TurboPE will be to use over…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
I don’t know if I’m old enough to claim that old age is to blame for why I’m not able to get as many QHJ issues out in a year as I would like. Maybe I can blame my other distractions, such as family, house, work, and my other hobbies. I’ve also been a little…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25
“a perl of great precise(sic)” , but limited accuracy. “Optimized for text” they say of perl, that wonderful Swiss-army chainsaw programming language. But I’ve had great fun with numbers, discovering the mathematical abilities of perl for the QL, version 4.036 as ported over by Jonathan Hudson. We get answers to math problems in double precision,…
article, orig pub: 12.18.25, updated: 12.18.25