Timex Sinclair User Group Newsletter: Ottawa Chapter v3 n2
Date: February 1986
Volume: 3
Issue: 2
See all issues of Timex Sinclair User Group Newsletter: Ottawa Chapter
Articles
| Title | Description | Computers |
|---|---|---|
| Fade Away | Machine code screen-saver type-in program originally published in the April issue of Your Sinclair. After a user-set delay of 1 second to 20 minutes the display blacks out to prevent TV screen burn-in; pressing any key restores the image. Includes machine code DATA statements and instructions for setting delay time. | Timex/Sinclair 2068, Type-in program |
| Faster Cassette Saving for the ZX | Technical article presenting Z80 machine code routines that double the ZX81/TS1000’s tape save/load speed from 300 to approximately 600 baud. Includes BASIC poke-loader listings for embedding the routines in a REM statement, plus instructions for relocating the code above RAMTOP and saving arbitrary memory blocks rather than entire programs. | Timex/Sinclair 1000, Type-in program |
| Four Way Scroll | Relocatable machine code type-in program for the ZX81/TS1000 that allows scrolling the screen contents in any of four directions without wraparound. Before running, the user must lower RAMTOP to 38000 via three POKE commands; scroll directions (down, left, right) are accessed via RAND USR calls to addresses 30000, 30019, and 30039. | Timex/Sinclair 1000, Type-in program |
| From the Editor | Editor Alan Moore discusses the newsletter’s new look following his purchase of a C.ITOH Prowriter dot-matrix printer and a Tasman parallel interface. He appeals to members to submit articles and programs rather than waiting for meetings, noting the challenge of filling each issue and praising consistent contributors. | |
| News: Super Spectrum Announced | Brief news item reporting that the new owners of Sinclair are proceeding with a ‘Super Spectrum’ computer developed before the takeover. The machine is described as backward-compatible with all Spectrum software, using a Z-80H processor running at twice the clock speed of the Z-80A, with 128K RAM and a built-in cassette deck, initially priced at | Sinclair ZX Spectrum |
| Ottawa Timex-Sinclair Users Group Library | Standing column dated February 27, 1986, cataloging programs held in the OHTSUG tape library. Sections cover TS1000/ZX81 programs (40 entries with cassette numbers), TS2000/Spectrum programs (2 entries), and TS2068 programs (19 entries including biorhythm, blackjack, astronomy, and cryptography programs). Includes a note about a Vu-File data tape for 2068 owners. | Timex/Sinclair 1000, Timex/Sinclair 2068 |
| Programming Tips and Topics | Bill Harmer argues that the ZX81/TS1000 can match much more expensive computers through smart programming. Practical tips cover maximizing memory via FAST/SLOW mode optimization, the difference between usable and nominal memory compared to other platforms, using sequential program modules, and two BASIC programming pitfalls: GOSUB nesting and PRINT AT screen-blanking. | Timex/Sinclair 1000 |
| Review: C.ITOH Prowriter Printer and Tasman Centronics Interface | Editor Alan Moore reviews the C.ITOH Prowriter dot-matrix printer and the Tasman Centronics parallel interface. Both units are praised for clear documentation; the Prowriter’s multiple print modes and improved output quality are credited with the newsletter’s new look. | Timex/Sinclair 2068 |