MicroPeripheral Corp. will introduce a modem for ZX80 and MicroAce machines by 1 January 1981, enabling you to connect to other computers by telephone. The computer turns its electrical signals into tones which are carried through the phone lines.
Unlike most modems, this one will plug right into the telephone jack, so it needs no acoustic coupler. Direct connection gives you clearer signal reception and transmission.
Acoustic couplers attach to the telephone handset and transmit sound. Unfortunately, the modem will transmit any sound it hears, including background noise.
MicroPeripheral’s modem works at 300 baud (30 characters per second) in both answer and originate modes. An interface decodes the bus on the chassis rear, eliminating the need for an RS232 adapter.
Perhaps the most exciting use for this new accessory, according to Don Stoner of MicroPeripheral, is becoming part of the giant nation-wide computer networks such as The SOURCE or Micronet. You can access government data bases like the National Health Library in Bethesda, or free public bulletin boards. These systems are compatible between several kinds of computers, so you can communicate with a vast number of people and machines. For a list of regional systems, write to:
Donald Stoner
Customer Service
MicroPeripheral Corp.
Box 529
Mercer Island, WA 98040
(More information about The SOURCE and Micronet in a later issue.)
At press time, Sinclair has 16K RAMs in production, available in January after FCC approval.