The Timex/Sinclair Online User Group had its second-to-last meeting of 2024 on December 2nd, and as always, it was an engaging discussion filled with updates, projects, and a few nostalgic moments. This meeting featured a variety of topics, ranging from programming languages to hardware improvements, showcasing the diverse interests of our members.
Programming with Boreal ZX Basic
Tim Swenson kicked off the technical discussions with an update on his work with Boreal ZX Basic, an enhanced version of Spectrum Basic. This toolset, written in Python, allows users to compile BASIC code into machine code, enabling programming across different platforms like Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Tim shared his journey of replacing Spectrum ROM calls with 2068 ROM calls in the Boreal compiler. He faced a few challenges, particularly with the string functions and memory reclaiming processes, which led to some interesting discoveries. For instance, he found that the reclaim function in the Spectrum and 2068 behaved differently, necessitating a workaround to ensure proper memory management.
After some trial and error, including local implementations of certain ROM calls, Tim successfully ported some programs and noted that math operations still lagged in performance due to the existing floating-point calculator. However, games and non-math intensive programs ran smoothly, showcasing the potential of Boreal ZX Basic.
Structure and Features of Boreal ZX Basic
Boreal ZX Basic is a superset of Spectrum Basic, introducing structured programming features, nested loops, and improved control structures. Tim highlighted the ease of transitioning from Spectrum Basic to Boreal ZX Basic, particularly for those familiar with structured programming languages like Pascal or C.
One of the key features of Boreal ZX Basic is its requirement for variable declaration, similar to Quick Basic. This helps prevent errors caused by the compiler making incorrect assumptions about variable types—something Tim encountered during his programming efforts.
Hardware Improvements for the Timex 1510 Cartridge System
Carl presented his recent enhancements to the Timex 1510 cartridge system, designed to work with the TS-1000, TS-1500, and ZX81 computers. His redesign of the cartridge and interface boards addressed several issues, such as increasing program capacity to 16K and adding new features like a rotary switch and LED display.
The new interface allows users to select from up to 32 programs stored on a single cartridge, significantly enhancing the usability of the Timex 1510. Carl also discussed his work on an external ROM replacement cartridge, aimed at enabling users to boot different ROM versions without modifying their ZX81 units.
Collaborative Development
Ryan contributed to the discussion by sharing his program converter utilities available on GitHub. These tools allow users to convert programs to the 1510 cartridge format, offering various loading methods to improve accessibility and functionality.
The collaborative spirit of the group was evident as members exchanged ideas and resources to improve their projects. This teamwork is at the heart of the Timex/Sinclair Online User Group, fostering a community of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving and enhancing vintage computing experiences.
Member Spotlight: Tim’s Early Computing Experiences
New member Tim shared his journey into the world of computing, starting with a ZX81 and evolving through various systems like the S100 and Vic-20. His story resonated with many in the group, highlighting the shared experiences of learning to program and exploring the capabilities of early home computers.
Tim shared a fascinating tale about a weather station connected to a TS-2068, which was utilized by the National Weather Service. This story sparked memories among members, with David recalling a similar anecdote from a CATS newsletter.
Mowgli recounted his experience at the Vintage Computer Fest in Berlin, where he encountered a diverse range of computers and met fellow enthusiasts from various countries. He expressed his intention to create a webpage featuring pictures from the event, further illustrating the vibrant community surrounding vintage computing.
Looking Ahead
As the meeting wrapped up, David announced that a guest would join the next meeting to discuss the use of the ZX81 for computer art projects in college. This upcoming discussion promises to offer insights into the creative applications of vintage technology, bridging the gap between art and computing.