Conclusion
Famous Z88 Users
Douglas Adams – Writer of the famous “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” books. He mentions the Z88 in his book “Last Change to See.”
Teller of the magic troupe Penn & Teller (serial # 034862).
Marvin Minsky – Creator of Artificial Intelligence and LISP.
Jerry Pournelle – Science Fiction writer and columnist for Byte magazine.
Mel Torme – Jazz Singer.
Stan Veit – Senior Editor Emeritus of Computer Shopper Magazine and owner of one of the first computer stores in NY.
Z88 Rumors
Rumor has it that the Z88 sparked the Apple Newton. The rumor says that a number of Apple execs were in a meeting when they all noticed that they were using Z88s. They wondered why they were not building something like it. This rumor may have some truth, since the Z88 was fairly popular with Mac users. They did not care that it was not PC (MS-DOS) compatible and they were used to high prices. (The Z88 was not real affordable when it first came out.)
Rumor has it that a Z88 was seen on the NBC TV show “Night Court” being used by Judge Stone ( Harry Anderson). The person that saw the episode remembers seeing a sleek black little laptop on the judge’s bench.
Z88 Emulator For MS-DOS
A Z88 emulator for MS-DOS is being worked on. I have received a copy of version 0.2. I have tried it out and it seems to work fairly well. There are still a few bugs in the system. It is not what I would call fully working. Once you leave the editor, all files stored in the emulator are lost. There is not way to save files to disk. When you start up the emulator, it does a hard reset. The author is working on this problem along with many more. You can contact the author at [e-mail address omitted]. A copy of the current version of the emulator is included on the disks.
Z88 PRODUCTS
This section is an attempt at a comprehensive list of products that are/were available for the Z88. Those listed with a * are known to be available from one of the above dealers.
Z88 Development Kit
[the following section is taken verbatim from Gunther Strube]
Since day one of the Z88, good developers software have been missing. However, a handful of software companies still managed to produce software; Wordmongers, Rakewell, Ranger Computers, Computer Concepts and a few others. They all probably had to use cross assemblers (either programmed by them selves or ubiquitous versions of old CP/M Z80 assemblers). Further, to blow the software on EPROM’s, they were probably using a PC with EPROM programming hardware and a special Z88 EPROM card adapter. All in all a very difficult task which only professional companies could afford to obtain. Programmers with good application ideas but no cash have always been left in the cold by Cambridge Computer.
The only development environment was the limited inline assembler of the BBC BASIC standard application on the Z88.
Cambridge Computer never produced any high level language compilers, nor Z80 assemblers, only notes about the operating system. In fact these notes were in the first year only available to third party dealers who had to sign a non-disclosure agreement before getting a copy. In ’91, four years after the birth of Z88, Cambridge Computer released the V2.0 of the Developers’ Notes, a slightly improved version of the bug intensive first release 0.93. With a promising detail – they were going to supply a cross assembler with source files examples and modified RAM cards to produce applications. But shortly after this release, Cambridge decided to stop everything about Z88.
The Developers project was dumped. Mathew Soar, the person responsible for the software, stopped working for Cambridge just before their move to Scotland. He managed to send the very first internal release of the “Z88 application Cook book” documentation to Vic Gerhardi of Rakewell Ltd. before leaving the company. Vic lent me the copy recently (mid ’95) – and sad to say the documentation referred to a cross assembler available through another company – if you could pay 100 pounds! The booklet only explained briefly how to compile Z88 software with a few examples and a reference of macros to 10ease programming. Nobody at the time would have paid that price anyway.
All in all there has never been any software for developers, except documentation of how to write programs for the operating system. I think this is the main reason for the very quick death of the computer. A computer with no new interesting software is an almost obsolete computer. I began my own developers project in ’91 due to the frustration of not having any developers software for the Z88. I believed that to prolong the life of the Z88 it was necessary to have a set of software tool for programming application for the Z88. At the time the Z88 User’s Club still were running successfully and it seemed to have an interest in keeping the Z88 alive. I believed in that and began the work. The basic idea of my software was to develop everything on the Z88 itself, with an additional 10help of a cross assembler on a stationary computer.
My story
I have become a programmer with an interest for operating systems and nice programming languages and algorithms. As with many others, my interest began with ZX80 in primary school. Since then the ZX81 and Spectrum. With the introduction of the QL I was bitten by the elegant design of the operating system and beautiful visual design of the computer. QL is still my main machine (ported on the ATARI range of computers using the wonderful port by Tony Tebby, the designer of the original QL operating system QDOS).
I was lucky to get a job on the basis of my QL experience at Dansoft, the Danish QL agent. Imagine that – your hobby has become your professional life!
At Dansoft we were working on the first QL clone – the CST THOR PC. We managed to develop a genius piece of software for the THOR to receive and manage news from the Danish news agency Ritzaus Bureau. It was the first news program ever maid on a personal computer. Even the ministry of state became our customer!
In ’88 I was part of the team which made a Danish version of the Z88 computer. In our collaboration with Cambridge Computer we managed to get one of the best versions of the operating system for our Danish issue. The filing system even allowed ISO characters in filenames and we had a PipeDream application which could sort our Danish characters in the correct order. No other foreign Z88 version were able to do that. I also translated the English manual with extensive additions. The Z88 became my favorite (portable) computer.
Since then I have been using the Z88. At the time we were extremely frustrated over Cambridge Computer’s bad marketing strategy with no dealer support at all. I believe the Z88 could have been a much better and more popular machine if Cambridge would have investigated into further improvements of hardware and software of the Z88.
Due to the lack of developers software for the Z88 I have since ’91 been working on my own developers project in spare time. Many months have gone by without any work on it. However, the software is now completed (late ’95). However, time and mass market Z88 users have more or less gone with a good number of dedicated users spread around the world.
The good news
All is not lost, though. The last stock of Z88’s (about 4000 new computers and peripherals) are now being sold through Rakewell Ltd. and Bill Richardson of EEC Ltd. at very cheap prices. 99 pounds for a brand new Z88 and 120 pounds for a 1MB RAM Card! Many new users have already bought it…
I believe it to be the last opportunity for a new market of software development for the Z88. I hope my software can contribute to a better software base for this nice little computer.
The Z88 Assembler Workbench
This is the complete developing, testing and production software package for Z88 EPROM applications. You only need a Z88 to get started. Price of software: 150 DKK (about 15 pounds).
To obtain the software, a 128K EPROM must be sent to me. Application software will be blown to EPROM and returned to you.
You also get 720K discs containing:
- Z88 Assembler Workbench documentation in PipeDream file format,
- Source files comprising native Z88 assembler application,
- FFRREE executable Z80 cross assembler with ANSI C source files,
- FFRREE standard routine library with corresponding source files,
- FFRREE Z88 operating system manifest header files,
- FFRREE Z88 Developers’ Notes V3.
- FFRREE OZ call definitions as on-line help for QD editor users (QL only)
PLEASE SPECIFY EITHER IBM OR QDOS DISC FORMAT.
Further, as an available option, we produce a write-protected RAM card (emulated EPROM) for easy software development. The price is 150DKK. Please refer to (4). You have to send one of your own RAM cards.
I accept cash payment or check drawn on a Danish bank.
Send order with EPROM/RAM Cards to:
Gunther Strube
Gl. Kongevej 37, 2.th.
DK-1610 Kobenhavn V
Denmark
If you have any questions, just mail me on [e-mail address omitted]
The Z88 assembler workbench EPROM executable applications with pipedream documentation are copyright interlogic 1995. All other free items are public domain (interlogic still holds the intellectual copyright).
The nitty gritty details of the package:
<1> Module Assembler, native executable application on Z88 with integrated on-line help. Contains all the functions of the cross platform versions.
<1.a> Executable Z80 cross assembler on Intel PC, QL computers. The object file output of the assemblers is inter-platform compatible. The object file format is defined in the documentation. The Z80 cross assembler is supplied with free source files (written in the ANSI C language). The cross assembler is currently ported to MSDOS, LINUX and QDOS/SMSQ operating systems.
Z80 machine code source files to be compiled by the assemblers may be written in any editor on any computer. All line feed standards are supported on the Z88 native application assembler (CR, CRLF or LF). Cross assemblers convey to platform line feed standards. The assemblers support modular file design with compilation of only updated source modules. All necessary identifier scoping rules have been applied. Linking object modules and code generation is an integrated part of the assemblers. Symbol-, Map- and Listing file output generation. Optional relocatable code generation (relocation program header and patch table added to code). Fast compilation: 28000 lines pr. minute on 386 40Mhz Intel hardware.
The assemblers also support library file generation and library module inclusion into application code. A standard library file is included with the assemblers. The assemblers also support the famous non-documented Z80 instruction mnemonics.
<2> Debugger. Runs Z80 code both in RAM and EPROM!
The debugger is supplied in four versions:
<2.a> Segment 0 file version (addressed for $2000). This version enables you to single step in the Z88 operating system!
<2.b> Segment 1 file version (addressed for $4000).
<2.c> Segment 2 file version (addressed for $8000).
<2.d> Z88 debugger application version with 40K runtime application memory (equivalent to extended BBC BASIC application memory) and integrated on- line help. You can load machine code files into this application memory and issue all the necessary debugging. 2.a to 2.c are made for inclusion on EPROM application cards. You simply allocate a bank for the debugger in your application system data structure header and call the debugger from the application code. The Z88 operating system automatically manages both the debugger code and application code (as any other external ordinary application EPROM).
When the debugger is called it takes over control over the application and is still pre-emptable towards the rest of the Z88 operating system. The Z88 doesn’t see this and just executes the debugger (and indirectly application) code. When necessary, the debugger may be released from monitoring. The application will then be executed at full speed. The debugger contains all necessary features: single stepping, register dump, memory dump, disassembly, break points, keyboard break and much more. A special feature is to manipulate 256 individual CLI log files (screen output to file memory). The average debugger speed of executing Z80 instructions is about 11 times slower then the native Z80 processor.
<3> EPROM programming software to produce application cards, using slot 3 hardware on the Z88. Includes also commands to edit/view memory and EPROM card banks. Integrated on-line help for all commands and related topics. Special features are implemented to support loading of software into the modified RAM card. Even includes commands to clone application cards.
<4> A modified RAM card (implemented with read-switch) with magnet to emulate EPROM. The test software is dumped into the RAM card (write-enabled with magnet) and then write-protected (magnet removed for write-protection). Thereby you avoid tedious EPROM blowing and erasing during software development.
<4.a> In order to get a modified RAM you have to send us one of your own cards. All sizes may be used (32K, 128K, 512K and 1024K). I use a professional electronics engineer to make the modifications. A magnet is supplied as well. The price to do the work is 150DKK inclusive magnet. Please note that you cannot use it as a conventional RAM card afterwards, unless the magnet is mounted all the time! The write-protected RAM card is not necessarily needed to develop EPROM application software, it just makes it much, much easier.
<5> File transfer software. PC-LINK II compatible, but capable of double speed transfer and on-line ASCII translation. Client program for PC or QL is part of the file transfer software package. File transfer also supports multiple files in multiple directories, in both directions.
<6> FFRREE Developers’ Notes V3 in PipeDream files (550K). Many improvements, e.g. new documented low-level calls not previously available. Better cross referencing, V2.0 text improved. Organized for easy downloading on Z88 for on-line documentation during software development.
<6.1> FFRREE Z88 operating system manifest header files. All definitions contained in the Developers’ Notes V3 are stored as text files, ready to be included by your assembler source files for compilation.
<7> About 80 or more useful library routines for application development. You will find routine for managing dynamic data structures (balanced binary trees), easy memory management (allocation/de-allocation), complete set of PipeDream map graphics functions to plot & draw lines, scroll areas and move sprite objects.
All supplied as commented source files, ready for compilation in application projects. All library modules are compiled into supplied standard library file.
<8> The complete source files of the Z88 native module assembler (400K). This illustrates many good programming techniques on how to code applications for the Z88. Further, it illustrates heavy usage of the supplied standard library routines and how to build Z88 EPROM applications.
These files are only supplied with the Z88 Assembler Workbench EPROM, and are not for free distribution. Use them for learning not copying to others!
<9> All Z88 Assembler Workbench software documentation is supplied as PipeDream files. This is mainly to avoid additional costs (printing paper issues and expensive snail mailing).
However, this makes piracy easy. I hope you acknowledge this with honesty.
<10> QL users only: FFRREE OZ call definitions as on-line help files in Jochen Merz’s QD editor. With this system you have all Z88 operating system calls as on-line reference. A wonderful feature when you need a quick look at parameter details for OZ system calls during programming in QD.
New game for the Z88
During the time of developing a graphics library for the Z88 PipeDream map I couldn’t resist to produce a game that used the graphics.
After a completed graphics library, I began the work of ZetriZ – yes a Tetris version on the Z88 that exploits the full potential of the graphics area.
To play it, the Z88 must be turned 90 degrees anti-clockwise. All standard game features are implemented, plus shared high score file (among several ZetriZ applications), extended game bricks and configurable game parameters.
I’m working on an idea for a two-player version, which connects two Z88 with a serial 9-pin cable.
If you would like the game, send me a 32K EPROM and 50DKK.
Multiple Diary applications
One thing that has bothered me since I began using the Z88, was the annoying feature of having only a single Diary application. This implied many problems if you wanted to keep separate diary files (e.g. private and business diaries and other topics).
A simple modification of the 128K operating system EPROM makes it possible to create multiple Diary applications.
If you would like to have that, open your Z88, remove 128K EPROM and send it to my address (defined elsewhere in this document). Remember to include return postage. I have EPROM programming facilities to make a new modified EPROM.
When you receive the new EPROM, please remember to remove all power source (batteries and power supply) before inserting the EPROM. Even let the computer be left for 15 minutes to discharge the capacitor (which normally keeps limited power while changing batteries). Please remember to insert the EPROM with the small notch pointing towards the screen.
Mini-Reviews of Selected Products
ZN-DOS
ZN-DOS is a disk operating system that allows the Z88 to use a modified Tandy TDD2 disk drive. The Tandy TDD2 is a portable, 3 ½ inch, battery-operated, serial based disk drive designed for the Tandy Model 100 and 102 laptops. ZN-DOS comes with an EPROM, cable, and disk drive. ZN-DOS can be purchased without the disk drive if you already have one. The drive will need to be modified.
ZN-DOS has the following menu items:
Bank: Switches between two available “banks” on the TDD2 disk drive. Each bank can hold up to 40 files, with a total of 80 files per disk. Total disk storage is roughly 200K. The largest file size is 64K.
Directory: Provides a directory of Bank 0 or Bank 1.
Format: Formats a disk.
Kill: Delete a file.
Load: Move a file to the Z88.
Quit: Exit ZN-DOS.
Rename: Rename a file.
Save: Move a file to disk.
Rangerdisk Disk Drive
The Rangerdisk is a 3.5″ battery powered disk system. It formats a disk in 720K MS-DOS 2.1 format. Z88 files can easily be copied to a MS-DOS system. It’s size is 18cm x 14cm by 67 mm. It comes with a cable to hook to the Z88, an AC adapter, and a 32K EPROM with the disk OS software. Performance of the disk drive is limited to 9600 baud transfer from the Z88 to the disk drive. The software is easy to use and allows selection of files the same as the Z88’s Filer. The Rangerdisk commands are:
Catalogue Disk <>DD Catalogue Z88 <>CF Select Z88 Device <>SV Select Z88 Directory <>SI Save to Disk <>DS Fetch from Disk <>DF Change Disk <>DC Erase Disk File <>DE Rename a Disk File <>DR Format Disk <>FM View Disk File <>DV
Hardware
Extra Memory: 32K, 128K, 256K, 512K, 1Meg*
EPROMS: 32K, 128K, 256K, 512K*
Portable Disk Drive w/ ZN-DOS*
(This is a Tandy Model 102 Disk Drive with software to make the Z88 work with it)
SuperTwistalite by Aware Tech
(Add-on light to illuminate the Z88 screen in the dark)
Topper: Plastic to cover top of Z88.*
RangerDisk: 3.5″ 720K drive in MS-DOS 2.1 format.*
Battery Pack: External battery pack.
ADAM, Ranger Computers Ltd: AD Acq. Module.
Disc-88, XOB: Disk Drive System
Z88 Barcode Reader, Ranger Computers Ltd.
Miracle Systems Z88 v23 Modem
Books:
“Z88 Computing” by Ian Sinclair
“Using Your Z88” by Patrick Hall
“Z88 Developers’ Guide”
“Z88 Practical Applications Book”
“BBC Basic Reference Manual (Z88)” by M-Tec
“Z88 Dabhand Guide” by “authors of Z88 OS”
“Z88 Magi”c by Gerhardi, Gerhardi & Barry
“Z88 Real Power Computing” by F. R. Flaig
“Z88: A Dabhand Guide” by John Allen
“Z88 Portable Computing” by Dave Osborne
Software:
AccountZ, S&S Computer Advice: Bank Account handling.
BackupZ, S&S Computer Advice: Dump Z88 to Spectrum tape or microdrive.
CNC Link, Ranger Computers Ltd: Link to CNC Machine Tools.
CountZ, S&S Computer Advice: Typing Test.
DataOrganizer, Harvest Info. Systems: Database
DreamWord: Z88 to Tasword 3 on Spectrum.
Event Control System, Front Line Computers: Time swimming, skiers, runners.
EZ-Money, WordMongers: ZBase Application.
FingerOrganizer, Harvest Info. Systems: Typing Tutor.
Form7 Administrator, S&S Computer Advice: School Admin, zBase App.
G-Term, WordMongers: Terminal for Telecom Gold.
Golf, WordMongers: Golf game.
Guardian, DanSoft: Password protection.
Harvester Word Chip, Harvester Info. Systems: Spell Checker.
IMPEXP80, C-Port: Transfer to different computer systems.
LexLink, Ranger Computers Ltd: Link to PCs with Lex Word Processor.
M-Term, WordMongers: Terminal for Mercury 7500 E-Mail Systems.
MileZ, S&S Computer Advice: Car milage allowance claims.
Old Scores, Simon Rockman: Text Adventure.
Pilots Companion, Aviation Software Tools: Flight Planner.
Phone Post System, WordMongers: PC-hosted e-mail system that allows Z88’s to link in using P-Term.
PhoneZ, S&S Computer Advice: Phone call logger.
QZ, Sector Software: Transfer program to QL.
Scazble, WordMongers: Arcade game Scrammble.
School Administrator, S&S Computer Advice: Smaller version of Form 7 Admin.
SpellMaster, Aware Technology: QuickEdit editor + WordFinder spelling checker.*
Squeez88, Rakewell: Compression program.
Stop Watches, Racing Car Computers: 14 Stopwatches.
T-Touch, S&S Computer Advice: Typing tutor.
TX, WordMongers: File transfer system to different computers.
Withered Toad, WordMongers: Text Adventure.
Vision 100, Ranger Computers Ltd: VT-100 terminal.
Z88-Amiga Link, Music Suite: Z88 to Amiga transfer program.
Z88-ST Link, Music Suite: Z88 to Atari ST transfer program.
Z88 Travel Base, Minerva Systems: Database Program.
zBase, WordMongers: Database program similar to dBase II.
zTape, WordMongers: Load and save to a tape recorder.
zTerm: Xmodem plus Terminal.
PCLink, Cambridge: PC to Z88 software & cable.*
MacLink, Cambridge: Mac to Z88 software & cable.*
QLink, Cambridge: QL to Z88 software & cable.*
BBC Link, Camgridge: Link to BBC Micro.
NON-Z88 PRODUCTS THAT CAN BE USED WITH THE Z88
There are a number of different products that can be used with the Z88, even though they were not designed to.
Laptop Light
The “Notebook Computer Light” is a light designed to be used on non-backlit laptops and claims to be useable on all laptops. Essentially the unit is a battery pack and a light that peeps over your laptop screen and casts down it’s light. It attaches above the laptop screen like a C-clamp. The light bulb is an “Ektron” bulb and looks to be the same bulb used in the ever-popular “Itty Bitty Book Light.” In other words, It’s a small high intensity bulb. The unit weights just 7.8 oz. It comes with rechargeable AA NiCads, an AC Adapter/Charger, and a travel case (6″ x 2.5″ x 7/8″). It costs $39.95 (plus $3 USA shipping) and is available from ASF Assoc, Ltd, Box 625, Merrick, NY, 11566, 1-800-771-3600, and Fax 1-516-868-6897. I’m tempted to get one of these, but I don’t have a pressing need for it.
Laptop Cases
A bunch of laptop cases are available through all sorts of sources. Most of these cases were designed for PC or Mac laptops, but can easily be used for the Z88. A number of them have some nice features. They have places to put disks, cables, printer paper, paper files, etc. Some are designed to be portable offices with storage space for pens, pencils, tape, small staplers, etc. Be careful of the prices. They can cost anywhere from $30 to $100. Other soft cases designed for other uses can be made to fit for the Z88. A creative use of rubber foam can create a custom fitted case.
Laptop Magazines
There are a number of laptop magazines available at your local magazine rack. They sometimes carry some general laptop articles that can be applied to the Z88. They carry a number of laptop products that can be used with the Z88 ( printers, modems, etc.). I found the above mentioned laptop light in one such magazine.
You may not find enough good information in each issue to warrant getting a subscription, but you may find one or more of these magazines at your local library.
INCLUDED UTILITIES AND FILES
The following files come with the Z88 Source Book:
z88pd_zip - Original files from the 1st edition z88pd2_zip - Additional general Z88 files z88ql_zip - QL Specific Z88 files devnotes_zip - Z88 Developers' Notes version 3 ozdefc_zip - OZ definitions qlz80asm_zip - Z80 Cross Assembler for QL pcz80asm_zip - Z80 Cross Assembler for MS-DOS z80lib_zip - Z80 Library for Cross Assembler z80src_zip - Source Code for Cross Assembler z88em_zip - Z88 Emulator for MS-DOS version 0.2
QL users get some additional Z88 User Group files. These files would not zip and the file names are not MS-DOS compatible. MS-DOS users will get some MS-DOS Z88 User Group files. There may be some duplication of files between some of the ZIP files. Since they came from different sources, I did not have a chance to go through every file.
Original Files
There are a number of Z88 utilities that have become classics over the years and are almost standard for most Z88 Users. Below is a description of these important utilities.
Z88COMM – As mentioned above Z88COMM is the standard communications program for the Z88. Like the built in VT52 program, Z88 provides the ability to log onto BBSs but it also supports ASCII and XMODEM file transfer. Since Z88COMM is written partially in Machine Code, there is a slight risk of Z88COMM crashing the Z88. Run your version without any important file, just in case. (I found this out the hard way.)
ZFU – This is an archive, compression, and backup utility, very similar to PKZIP. ZFU allows you to do full, different ional, or incremental backups. Multiple files are compressed and stored in a single file, making it easier to transfer the file out of the Z88.
ZCP – This is another Z88 communications program. It supports ASCII and XMODEM file transfer. Since it has no documentation, I have to guess that some of the commands are for transferring files between Z88s. Not having a second Z88 I have not tried this. It looks as though you can control one Z88 from the other (for file transfers only).
PAT2PCW – This BBC BASIC utility provides many important add-on’s to BASIC on the Z88. New commands deal with graphics, allow line editing, text and graphics windows. For advanced BASIC programming, this utility is a must.
ROMDMP – ROMDMP (ROM Dump) is a utility that allows you to do a HEX and ASCII dump of the Z88’s ROM. The included text file shows a sample dump of the BBC BASIC area.
ZRLE – This program allows the decoding, displaying, and printing of RLE files. An RLE file is a graphic file stored in a Run Length Encoded file. RLE files can be displayed on a number of computers. PAT2PCW is needed for this program to run.
Z88TOOLS – This is a sample BBC BASIC program that shows some of the features of the VDU command. It shows how to have bold text, underlines text, flashing text, etc. Shows you how to “pretty up” your BASIC programs. Many of the BASIC programs on the disk utilize the same features demonstrated in Z88TOOLS.
Other Utilities
Below is a list of the files that are included on the disk that comes with the book. All BBC Basic files have been converted to plain text CLI files ( at least those that I could convert). These files can be converted to tokenized BBC Basic on the Z88. Documentation files are in plain text. All files can be sent to the Z88, from the QL, with the utilities included. PCs will need a copy of a communications package like ProComm.
ADDLF.CLI Add LineFeeds to each line to make it compatible with MS-DOS. ANIMAL.CLI AI Animal query/learning game. BOMBER.CLI Video game. Bomb buildings before hitting them. CAMEL.CLI Desert trekking with a Camel game. CATERPIL.CLI Video game. Eat fruits but don't eat the mushrooms. CODEBRK.CLI A version of the game Mastermind. CRDFIL.CLI Card File Utility. CRDFIL.TXT Document file for CRDFIL. CRDFIL.INF CRLF.CLI Like ADDLF.CLI with modifications. DICONIX.PE Printer file for Diconix printer. EPCAT.CLI Catalog EPROMs. EPCHK.CLI Check ERPOMs for total erasure. EPCHK.TXT Doc file for EPCHK. EPLOAD.CLI Load file from EPROM. EPSON.PE Printer file for Epson printer. FINANCE.CLI Financial Calculations. GLISSADE.CLI Sample sound program. GRAPH2.TXT Describes GRAPHALL.CLI. GRAPHALL.CLI Graph PipeDream spreadsheets and printer them out. HOUSE.CLI Draws a house. HX.CLI Hex Import. HX.TXT HX.CLI document file. KINGDOM.CLI Rule a kingdom type game. LABEL.CLI Make mailing labels. LABEL.DAT Data file. LINK.CLI BBS like program to hook to a host computer. LINK.TXT Documentation. PAT2PCW.CLI Patch II. PATCH.TXT Documentation for Patch. PATCH2.TXT Documentation for Patch II. PATCHDEM.CLI Patch demo. PHONE.LOG Log file for Z88COM. PRTCONV.ZFU ROMDMP.CLI ROM Dump program. ROMDMP.TXT Documentation. ROMDP2.CLI ROM Dump version 2. SOUND.TXT Documentation SOUND2.CLI Sound demo program. STAR.CLI Draws a star. WCHILL.CLI Calculates wind chill factor. WIZARD.CLI Game. Z88COM.CLI Communications program. Z88COM.TXT Documentation Z88PDRL.ZFU Z88TOOLS.CLI Program shows some neat features of BBC BASIC. ZCP.CLI Z88 communications program. ZFU202.CLI Archive program (like PKZIP). ZFU202.TXT Documentation. ZRLE.CLI RLE file decoder, displayer, and printer. ZRLE.TXT Documentation.
Z88 User Group Files
Although the Z88 User Group is officially defunct, Ian Braby, the software librarian has not officially released the whole Z88 User Group library. Copies of the library have been available through various sources (other Z88 users, the Internet), but Ian has only approved a select few to be distributed with the Z88 Source Book.
Below are some instructions on how to transfer Z88 User Group files to the Z88. These instructions are PC specific, but the read should be able to adjust them to almost any platform. I have not tested these instructions, so I provide them with no warranty.
How to Transfer Z88 User Group Files
At the MS-DOS prompt, type MODE COM1:96,n,8,1. This sets the serial port to 9600 baud with the correct parity. The Z88 should be similarly set from the SETUP Panel to 9600 baud and XOn/XOff set to “YES” Create the subdirectory LIBRARY on the Z88, into which the unpacked files will be sent, unless you have any of the following programs:
File Directory Name Z079 STATS Z081 Z081 Z109 Z109 Z150 Z150 ZB01 STOCK ZB02 FRONTEND ZB03 BOXCHARS ZB04 ZBASE/CARD2 ZB05 ZB05 CLIBRARY CLIBRARY X022 X022
Connect the two computers and enter Imp-Export on the Z88 and press “B” for batch receive. On the PC type, for example:
COPY Z007 COM1
The Z88 should show that it is receiving at this point. When the list file is received, press ESCape on the Z88 and all’s done.
QL Specific Files
Z041 MORPH.BAS - Metamorphose one shape into another. Z042 PLOTFX.BAS - General function plotter. Z043 COMPARE.BAS - Compares two files byte by byte. Z044 HEXDUMP.BAS - Dumps a file to the screen in ASCII and HEX. Z045 FNBASES.BAS - Converts numbers between bases. Z046 FNINTEGRAL.BAS - Calculate functions of X. Z049 LISTER.BAS - Prints out BASIC files in structured format. Z050 EPLOAD.BAS Z051 Z88COMM.BAS Z052 FADDER & DTAB - Add LF and Tab remover. Z054 EPCAT.BAS Z055 FILDMP.BAS Z056 DISZ88 - Z88 Disassembler. Z057 DECIDE.BAS - Decision making program. Z058 FINANCE.BAS - Financial analysis program. Z059 MAXIT.BAS - A "screen-oriented" game. Z060 WIZARD.BAS - An adventure game. Z110 Z88-IMPEXP - Binary file for Spectrum to transfer files to/from the Z88. Z111 COPYFILE - Copies files from device to device. Z112 LABEL PRINTER - Prints labels. Z113 XEROX 4045 Laser Printer Driver. Z118 STARTREK.BAS - Classic game. Z120 YAHTZEE.BAS Z133 SPECTRUM-LINK - Another Spectrum program to transfer files to/from the Z88. Z157 FCOMPARE.BAS - Compares updated files to each other. Z158 EPROMCAT.BAS Z159 ROMDMP6.BAS Z175 OTL - Outliner program. Z176 ZBSCR - zBase screen generator. Z177 ZBOPT - zBase program optimizer. Z178 ZBASOPT - Optimises BASIC program by removing REMs. Z179 PRTCONV - Converts PipeDream to pure ASCII. Z180 UNITS - Convert between lots of units. Z181 SOUND - Sound Designer program. Z182 CARDS - Toolkit to generate suits and backs of cards. Z183 CAMELS - game. Z215 EPCHK - Checks EPROMS to see if they have been completely erased. Z216 ZRLE ZS03 ZFU v. 2.02 X010 BOOT.CLI X011 DELETE.RAM.- - Erases files lurking in RAM. X025 CLIs - A collection of useful CLIs. ZB01 STOCK - Demo database for zBase. ZB02 FRONTEND - Front end to zBase. ZB03 BOXCHARS - Allows lines and boxes to zBase. ZB05 ADDRESS - Address book database for zBase.
PC Specific Files
Z213 HX - Allows you burn EPROMS and run them as if they were ROMs. Z214 CARDFILE - Card file database.