Z*Magazine: 5-Jan-92 #200
From: Atari SIG (xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 10/09/93-04:20:22 PM Z
From: xx004@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Atari SIG)
Subject: Z*Magazine: 5-Jan-92 #200
Date: Sat Oct 9 16:20:22 1993
=======================================================================
Z*NET ATARI 8-BIT ONLINE MAGAZINE
"Z*Magazine" - The Original Atari Online Magazine
=======================================================================
Issue #200
January 5, 1992
=======================================================================
Publisher/Editor : Ron Kovacs
Assistant Editor : Stan Lowell
Contributing Editor: Bob Smith
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
CompuServe: 75300,1642 GEnie: Z-NET
Z*NET BBS: (908) 968-8148 BLANK PAGE BBS: (908) 805-3967
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc.
CONTENTS
* The Editors Desk...............................Ron Kovacs
* Rumbles, Rambles, Rumors......................Stan Lowell
* The 8-Bit State............................Chuck Steinman
* Carolyn's Corner...........................Carolyn Hoglin
* FCC Allocation Listing...................................
* Structured Programming......................Michael Stomp
=======================================================================
* THE EDITORS DESK by Ron Kovacs
=======================================================================
Here it is 1992 and Issue #200 of Z*Magazine. A milestone in itself
because we have returned after an extended vacation and head in 7 years
of publishing for the Atari community.
Z*Magazine was officially started in 1985 by Bruce Kennedy. My
involvement started in 1986 and the rest is history. However, without
the assistance of Stan Lowell, Z*Mag would probably never have been
exposed and passed along to me. Clinton Smith was also helpful in the
early days. I do not want to once again go through it all since there
are older issues available that pretty much explain it all.
Speaking of older issues, you cannot get them on GEnie. Darlah Potechin
the head SysOp on GEnie responded to this in email by stating that all
of the non-accessed files are automatically removed. I suppose since
the older versions haven't seen a download in years, they have been
removed. However, I recently made a check on CompuServe and pleased to
report that all of the original Z*Mag issues are still available in the
Atari8 Forum.
We are now officially bi-weekly! The next edition appears in two weeks!
=======================================================================
* RUMBLES...RAMBLES...RUMORS... by Stan Lowell
=======================================================================
Well, the Chicago show is over. Looks like everyone made out OK. The
'bad' news is that Atari sent two trucks there loaded with what was left
of Atari 8-bit hardware in their warehouse(sigh). For those who could
make it to the show, there were some good buys.
This makes it all the more important that you *DO* support those who
still support our computer. BUY what you use, *DON'T* pirate it!
In coming issues, I hope to have reviews of the MUX from a SysOp's point
of view. One thing that readers have mentioned they would like to see
here are reviews of the various BBS programs for the Atari 8-bit.
Got something you would like to contribute to ZMag? I have set up a
password for ZMag submissions. Although it is 'limited access, it will
allow you to upload(free time), give you download access to the current
ZNet publications on my system, as well as let you leave me E-Mail with
a 'regular password request'(containing your name, telephone number,
password, and age. The 'ZMag Uploader' password on *MY* system is:
PW: ZMAG
Last four of phone number: 1234
Blank Page BBS @ 908-805-3967 300/1200/2400 - PCP-NJNBR
- Starlink Node 3319
Coming soon: I will be networking a "ZNet Pubs" message base with other
FoReM-XEP boards. Your comments, etc. will be welcome in the base.
Details are being worked out, but it may have started by the time you
read this article! All FoReM-XEP boards will also be networking all of
the ZNet publications (ZMag, ZNET, & ZNetPC). Hopefully, both of these
will happen by the beginning of the new year! My next article will
include a list of FoReM-XEP Bulletin Boards carrying the ZMag/ZNet echo.
BrickBats
---------
I found Andy Eddy's 'review' of online magazines which appeared in ZMag
199 to be "curious."
While Mister Eddy commented (in his apraisal of 'PSAN') and "lamented"
on the "lack of information" for and about the Atari 8-bits, ZMagaazine
was NOT reviewed. It only received a passing mention (due to the fact
that ZMagazine may have been indirectly instrumental in launching
several Atari online publications), and on his comments about ZNET and
STZMag (the predecessor to today's ZNet for the ST) and ZNETPC (for the
PC).
For those of you who may not be aware, it was ZMagazine that started Ron
on the road to becoming one of the "czars" of online computer
publications.
While it is true that the road has at times been pretty rocky and
sporadic for ZMag the past few years, we are 'still around'. Even if we
weren't, the old issues still contain much valuable information in them,
and can serve as a good resource for Atari 8-bitters!.
As I stated last month, new owners of the Atari 8 may have never heard
of ZMagazine. Indeed, some long-time owners don't know about us!
An "honorable mention" would have been nice. In my humble opinion, it
should 'should have' been given.
New Stuff
---------
The Black Box's add-on floppy controller board was reportedly sold in
limited quantities at the Chicago Show!
The board will fit atop your Black Box, plug into the 20 pin connector
and into one of the sockets. The board will mount upside-down (chips on
BB facing chips on floppy board). It will cover a good portion of the
Black Box.
Two versions will be available. One version will do 360k/720k drives,
while a "deluxe" version will have 360/720/1.2/1.44 drives. This makes
the Black Box/Floppy Board the *ONLY* system available that can do high
density drives. There will also be an added "bonus" with the deluxe
version (hmm, what could that be?).
"Some" Black Boxes may require slight modifications for the floppy board
to fit properly. This is due to various manufacturing techniques used
during the Black Box's life. The board will not need its own power
supply, but some of the earlier Black Boxes may require different power
supplies.
Price will likely be in the $100-150 range, but has not been finalized.
The board will be capable of reading, writing, and formating Atari ST
and PC floppy disks. It will also work with the MUX from CSS, and
presumably work with the Black Box upgrade chip also. What I need to
find out is if it will work with HD Backup Pro! If it does, THAT
combination will be TOP NOTCH! By January, they SHOULD be available in
large quantity.
If you have a large hard drive hooked to your system, HD Backup Pro is
the FASTEST backup program that I have seen. If you have a BB, operate
from multiple platforms and tire of 'floppy-swap elbow' you owe it to
yourself to get this combo! Imagine porting files between platforms by
moving a floppy back and forth! Heaven mustbe here and NOW! Especially
for BBS SysOps!
Also, CSS has a NEW catalog. If you have ordered from them in the last
four months, you will get one automatically. If not, then you can
contact and request that one be sent to you CSS at:
Bob Puff 04/27/90
Suite 222
2117 Buffalo Rd
Rochester, NY 14624
CompuServe Mail: 76702,1076
GEnie Mail: BOB.PUFF
Or you can call their BBS and leave Feedback requesting one with your
name and address.
Computer Software Services(CSS) has moved since Bob Puff acquired sole
ownership. The NEW voice phone number is: (716) 429-5639. Their BBS
number is still the same: 716-247-7157.
Color Bobterm??
---------------
The prolific and creative Tom Hunt, a long-time Atari8-bit supporter has
something new again! Here are the docs for one of his latest creations:
Documentation for the CGS viewing system. CGS stands for the Color
Graphics System for Atari XL/E computers. Color Graphics System (C)
1991,1992 By Tom Hunt
-------------------------------------
The CGS viewing system allows you to view online color graphics, when
connected to host systems that support CGS.
-------------------------------------
REQUIREMENTS:
DOS
Sparta Dos 3.2d, or
Sparta Dos X.
SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS
Black Box, or MIO, or P:R: Connection, or SX-212 modem connected
via SIO.
TERMINAL PROGRAM
BobTerm 1.21
(Others MIGHT work)
-------------------------------------
There are three .COM files contained in this ARC, as follows -
CGSVLO COM 2273 12-01-91 11:18a
CGSVMED COM 2286 12-01-91 11:19a
CGSVHI COM 2315 12-01-91 11:20a
Each one does exactly the same thing, but was assembled for one of three
setups.
SETTING UP FOR SDX
The CGSVLO.COM program is for use with SDX. It was assembled at $1300.
Your AUTOEXEC.BAT file should look something like this -
CGSVLO
LOAD COMMAND.COM
X BOBTERM
If you are using the SX-212 modem (hooked up via SIO), and SDX, your
AUTOEXEC.BAT file shoule look something like this.
PAUSE
CGSVLO
LOAD COMMAND.COM
SX
X BOBTERM
If you are using any other kind of modem/interface combination that
requires the use of some kind of external R: handler, just substitute
the filename of your R: handler in place of the "SX" above.
In both of the above examples, no CONFIG.SYS file was used. The
defaults of the SDX cartridge were used.
SETTING UP FOR 3.2D
The CGSVMED.COM file was assembled for use with 3.2d. It was assembled
at $1F00. It MUST be the 1st file loaded after DOS initializes. If you
are using the SX-212 modem, your STARTUP.BAT file should look something
like this -
KEY OFF
CGSVMED
SX
BOBTERM
If you are using any other kind of modem/interface combination that
requires the use of some kind of external R: handler, just substitute
the filename of your R: handler in place of the "SX" above.
THE CGSVHI PROGRAM
This program was assembled at $2300, and is for special curcumstances
where you want some kind of resident utility in lower memory. Like
Snapshot HD 3.0D. If this is what you need, your STARTUP.BAT file
should look something like this -
KEY OFF
SNAPSHOT
PSIRD D5: /X=1111 /F
CGSVHI
HOW TO OPERATE THE CGS
After booting your system with the correct method, as outlined above,
set BobTerm's colors for white text on a black background. Do this by
pressing "J", then choose "1". Then use the cursor keys to adjust your
colors. When done, press ESCape, and "3" to save the configureation.
Now you are ready to call up a bbs that supports CGS. Be sure to set
your terminal program for ATASCII mode. To switch in CGS, have a
joystick plugged into the second joystick port, and push the stick away
from you. To deactivate CGS, pull the stick toward you.
THE FUTURE
At the time of this writing, CGS is in it's infancy. Plans are to
expand it to allow online joystick-controlled games, etc.
As the CGS development system matures, you may see CGS graphics
appearing on many different types of bulletin boards.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CGS, OR THE CGS DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
Call The Closer To Home BBS, at 419-368-4413, Conference #0. Leave
email to Tom Hunt. Be sure to read the CGS convo in the message base
for the latest news of developments.
BOARDS THAT SUPPORT CGS
Closer To Home BBS
419-368-4413
Conference #0
300/1200/2400 baud 24 hours/7 days
Shareware
---------
From the Pacific comes a different way to display your SpartaDos X and
SpartaDos 3.2 directories:
***********************************************
DOCUMENTATION FOR WDIR.COM v.1.0 by Jon Melbo
***********************************************
INTRODUCTION:
Hello and welcome to my first release of 'WDIR.COM'. Just what is WDIR
anyway you ask? Well basicly it is an Atari8 implimentation of the WDIR
command available on (heaven forbid) MSDOS machines. It stands for Wide
DIRectory, and that is pretty much what it does. It is meant to be used
under SpartaDOS_X or 3.2x. Instead of providing the detailed (often
un-necessary AND space hogging) file information that the standard DIR
command gives, it just provides the filename, extension, and size. It
does this in an organized columnar format which fits many more files on
the screen at once. This format often comes in more handy.
HOW TO USE WDIR:
It is fairly simple to effectively use WDIR. On the CL, simply type the
command WDIR, followed by an optional parameter. The parameter is the
drive, pathname, and file match specification. For this version, only
SDX users my exclude the parameter. SD32.x users must include a valid
parameter to make use of the external command. Example follows:
VALID USAGE
-------------------------------
WDIR D8:*.*
WDIR D:>DVLP>*.M65
WDIR D2:>UNFNSHED>*.ACT
WDIR D:*.*
INVALID USAGE
-------------------------------
WDIR *.*
WDIR >DVLP>*.M65
WDIR D2:>UNFNSHED>
WDIR D:
SDX users who do not include a parameter will get a directory of all
files in the current working directory of the current default drive.
Very convenient.
TECHNICAL INFO:
I wrote WDIR using a combination of Action! and assembly language.
Although the program does not take up much memory, it requires that you
have at least a 48K machine. This is due to over paranoia on my part of
memory conflict. I plan to pull the two main segments of the code
closer together in a later version. WDIR uses memory from $2551 through
$2F07, and $6000 through $607F. In order to use the 6502's inderect Y
indexed addressing, I found it necessary to use two adjacent page zero
locations as a pointer. The locations are $CB and $CC. Use of thses
locations may interfere with some applications, particularly with
programming languages. These locations are safe with both Action! and
BasicXL, and maybe others. I do know that their use is not okay with
MAC/65. The best policy is not to use the command while a language is
currently active. WDIR will work fine, but depending on how or if the
application saves or preserves its page zero locations, you could
possibly tweak something with the application. For those of you
wondering about using WDIR with no parameter, WDIR simply provides a
"D:*.*" in the open directory code.
Thus, SD32.x users will get a listing for drive 1, regardless of what
the default drive is should they choose not to use a paramter.
FINAL WORDS:
WDIR is NOT in the PUBLIC DOMAIN, but is rather 'shareware'. In order
to encourage me to enhance this program, and even write new ones, I ask
for a small contribution for my efforts should you find it useful to you
in some way. A contribution of $8.00 (I like the number 8) is
requested. You may freely distribute this software as long as doing so
meets the following criteria:
a) This DOC file with this message is included in the ARC file along
with the WDIR.COM program itself.
b) No form of payment is collected as a result of distributing this
software.
Please support Atari8 shareware software authors, they are all we Atari8
users have left. Don't cheat them. User groups may pay a registration
fee of $25.00 and allow all current paying (at time of registration)
members to use the software without the need for individual
registration. Please send registration fee to the following address,
along with your name, mailing address, phone number, and brief
description of system hardware to:
Jon D. Melbo
PSC #2 Box 2288
Hickam AFB, HI 96853
GEnie J.MELBO1
Until next time! If you would like to submit a review, article, or a
rebuttal (ANYTHING is welcomed!), feel free to upload to myself or Z-NET
Online BBS. I can be reached on my BBS (908-805-3967), GEnie(S.LOWELL),
and on Z*Net Online BBS(908-968-8148, Forem ST Node 593). Both of us
are PCP node: NJNBR Starlink node: 3319
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL USER GROUP!
SUPPORT ShareWare Authors and others who write for the Atari 8-bit!
Support Z*Magazine!
Support THOSE who support YOU!
=======================================================================
* ATARIUSER MAGAZINE - 8-BIT UPDATE
=======================================================================
The following article is reprinted by permission of AtariUser magazine
and Quill Publishing. It MAY NOT be further reprinted without specific
permission of Quill. AtariUser is a monthly Atari magazine, available
by subscription for $18 a year. For more information on AtariUser, call
800-333-3567.
8-BIT ALERT
Wanted: 8-bit Atari's! Dr. James Hooper is Director of Medical Services
for an Alabama hospital for mentally ill offenders. He's given his own
800XL to the hospital, and patients are eagerly lining up to learn
reading, typing, and computer literacy. Funds are not available for
buying more, and Dr. Hooper asked AtariUser to solicit tax-deductible
donations of 8-bit equipment to expand his program. Individuals or
vendors: contact Dr. Hooper at Taylor Hardin Secure Medical Facility,
1301 River Road Northeast, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404, 205-556-7060
(NOTE: THIS NUMBER WAS PRINTED WRONG IN THE OCTOBER ATARIUSER).
Good news for GEnie users! The hardcopy magazine LiveWire which is
mailed to GEnie subscribers bimonthly, has decided to continue coverage
of the 8-bit Atari systems. This can partially be attributed to many
8-bit subscribers taking the time to voice their opinion to GEnie,
showing that LiveWire editors do listen to subscriber feedback.
THE 8-BIT STATE
Big Business on the Little System.
BIG is better, right? Well, as an Atari Classic user, you know that's
not always true. And business is just another area where the 8-bit
Atari can and does make itself at home--if we let it.
Famous books and screenplays have been written entirely on an Atari 800.
An attorney friend of mine used his XL and an Atari 1027 printer for
over a year as his exclusive system for preparation of Court filings and
briefs. And countless small and home businesses use 8-bit systems to
easily and cheaply generate labels for mass mailings every month.
Now, it's just as true that fewer people are using the small systems and
more are using ST's and PC's to do these things, but that is, in some
cases, simply because they have a different machine now and not because
of some inherent weakness of the 800/XL/XE system. For those of us on
budgets or just those of us who know what we really need, the 8-bit
systems remain a perfect answer.
While the classic Atari 8-bit computer systems are written off by many
as 'game machines', there are quite a few professional quality business
applications available for the machines.
One of the most popular applications for the Atari 8-bit is
telecommunication. Shareware and PD files can be downloaded from
bulletin boards and commercial services such as GEnie, Delphi, and
Compuserve by using a terminal program and modem. Two of the most
popular shareware terminal programs for the 8-bit are BOBTERM by BOB
PUFF, and Express by KEITH LEDBETTER. (Telecommunication was featured
in the July '91 issue of AtariUser.)
A BBS system is not typically thought of as a business application--but
it can be an effective one. Especially if you run a computer-related
business, having an online information exchange system can be a huge
asset for your customers. An online catalog and ordering system can as
easily originate from an 8-bit Atari as a more expensive unit, and the
results are identical.
Custom applications to aid a business venture are simple to program on
the Atari 8-bit computers using the built-in BASIC programming language.
Many owners have found it easy, educational, and fun to create a several
-line program that creates a printed form or takes in customer data.
The Atari, with it's huge range of color and graphic modes, is often
used to generate advertising TV screens for in-store demos ("SALE: ONLY
$29.99 TODAY!"). Similarly, in-house cable TV systems in apartment
complexes or motels can use the easy and cheap 8-bit computers to
present fixed or scrolling information screens for the resident's
convenience.
Another popular use for the 8-bit has been database management. A
program called MICROFILER by BLACK MOON SYSTEMS ($22.50) allows you to
not only store and retrieve data, but also search and sort the
information in various records. Information in the database can be
printed in any format, including mailing labels. A similar program
available from ROYAL SOFTWARE ($35.95) is called SUPER MAILER PLUS.
It's menu driven, has help screens, and can support up to four single or
double density disk drives.
Any classic user with a printer can use a word processor. Whether it is
sending a letter to your state representatives, or a note to a friend,
doing it on a computer will allow professional looking results every
time. Being able to correct typos and move text within a document is
so easy you will wonder why it was done any other way. In fact, word
processing may now be the #1 use of personal computers in or out of the
workplace. While the 8-bit Atari has some limits on display (the 40
column screen makes it more work to visualize the finished wide
product), many quality word processors for the 8-bit Atari do feature
work-arounds to preview the actual document. My favorite word processor
is the cartridge based ATARIWRITER from ATARI, which sells for $39.95.
An outstanding shareware word processor is TEXTPRO.
For complex mathematical calculations of many variables, a spreadsheet
is the answer, and the 8-bit Atari has several to choose from.
Spreadsheets allow you to make calculations on tables of data, and
easily change the formulas, data, and the way that data is presented.
The original spreadsheet was VISICALC from VISICORP and was introduced
on the Apple ][, and later ported to the Atari and IBM systems.
VISICALC is available for under $25.00 from several sources. TURBOCALC
from DATAQUE priced at $20.00 is a similar program, except it is on
cartridge and will work with any DOS and disk drive system. SPEEDCALC
is available in the public domain and is adequate for many spreadsheet
uses.
Many of us also use spreadsheets just to easily make tables--the
adjustable grid makes it simple to make tabular lists, and to move and
add data as it changes. Used this way, it is also possible to make a
spreadsheet solve some simple database needs as well.
The BOOKKEEPER from ATARI is a general ledger program including modules
for Income, Expenses, Invoices, and a general Journal. This package
also includes a numeric keypad to simplify entry of numbers. For small
business management, this is an excellent system at a cost of under $20!
Most of the programs listed above are available from B&C
ComputerVisions, 3257 Kifer Rd, Santa Clara CA 95051. They accept
personal checks, MC, VISA, and offer COD shipments. Their phone number
is (408) 749-1003.
TurboCalc is available from DataQue Software, P.O.Box 134, Ontario OH
44862 for $20.00 and $4.00 for postage and handling. DataQue accepts
personal checks, and money orders.
- Chuck Steinman
BIO: Chuck Steinman is one of the more verbal promoters of the 8-bit
cause. In addition to writing for several Atari related magazines, he
also helps SysOp the 8-bit section on GEnie, and develops products sold
by DataQue. He can be contacted on GEnie and Delphi at username
DATAQUE, or Compuserve PPN: 71777,3223.
=======================================================================
* CAROLYN'S CORNER by Carolyn Hoglin
=======================================================================
Orlando, Florida
(This has been reprinted from the Mid-Florida Atari Computer Club
Newsletter of August, 1991.)
There has been some discussion on the BBS 8-bit C-nets about generating
custom fonts and characters for printers with the ability to download
them. Since that's a special interest of mine as well, I decided to
write about my experiences with the Star NX-1000 Rainbow.
The NX-1000 series printers have the ability to print both draft
characters and NLQ (Near-Letter Quality) characters. In addition, you
can create new characters and symbols which can be downloaded and
printed interchangeably with the built-in fonts.
Designing the dot data for new characters with paper and pencil is very
tedious and time-consuming. One could use graph paper (or draw the
required matrix of squares), pencil in the required dots, translate this
into binary data, and finally send the data for each character to the
printer, using the correct preliminary codes. But who would want to?
Appendix C of the NX-1000 manual lists an MS-BASIC program to enable you
to do your designing on the computer screen, and then automatically
download the resultant characters. It also enables you to maintain disk
files of character data for future use.
Unfortunately, this program does not translate readily into Atari BASIC.
As written, it also requires more memory than is available for a BASIC
program with an 8-bit Atari (any model). Despite the huge amount of
memory required, the program also lacks many desirable features of a
full-fledged font-generating program.
Even with all these problems, I was determined to design a script font
for my NX-1000. Loading up my BASIC XE cartridge, including the
BASIC.OSS file, and using EXTENDed mode, I set my sights on writing a
new character generator for use with the 8-bit Atari. Some of the MS-
BASIC seemed very similar to BASIC XE, but I soon found that the IBM
computer's X and Y coordinates are the reverse of the Atari's, not to
mention that the 80-column screen of the PC displays more than twice the
number of characters than are shown on our 40-column screens.
Many hours (read "weeks") later, after typing up what I thought might
sorta kinda run on my 130XE, I was devastated to find that all 128K was
used up even before the dimensioning of the essential arrays was
completed, never mind actually RUNning the program! After much trial
and error, I finally succeeded in streamlining the code to fit the
available memory, worked out the bugs, and eventually even added many
extra features.
The resultant program, together with my script font (which took about as
long to design as it did to write the program), is now in MFACC's
library. The ARCed program and font (NXCHRGEN.ARC) is also available
from the ATARIAN DOMAIN BBS in Orlando. Documentation is included.
Requirements for the program are a minimum of 128K memory and the BASIC
XE language cartridge. (I would have written the program in the public-
domain Turbo-BASIC, except for the memory requirement.)
If you lack these prerequisites, you can still use my script font with
an NX-1000. I have incorporated into the program a "printing to disk"
feature that results in a file (NLQSCRPT.PRN) that can be copied from
DOS directly to the printer (P:). The printer will then print all text
in the new font until it is turned off. Sending the code ESC % 0 (no
spaces) will switch to the built-in ROM font, and ESC % 1 will switch
back to the downloaded font.
If you check the lights on your printer panel, you will note that this
file automatically sets Italics, so if you change to the ROM font, you
will probably want to switch that off as well. You can either use the
code ESC 5 or use the printer's pushbuttons. If you resume the script
font and want to reinstate Italics, the code is ESC 4.
An alternative to copying the PRN file from DOS is even more convenient.
From AtariWriter Plus, LOAD the file NLQSCRPT.PRN. Then while still on
the menu screen, hit [CTRL]-S. When you are prompted for a file, type
"P:" (without the quotes). When asked, "Replace existing file?",
answer "Y". Leave the printer on while you LOAD or CREATE your
document. When you PRINT your document, the downloaded font will be
used. To change to the ROM font from within the document, type [CTRL]-O
27 % 0 (no spaces). Use [CTRL]-O 27 [CTRL]-O 53 to cancel the Italics.
To change back to the downloaded font, type [CTRL]-O 27 % 1 and use
[CTRL]-O 27 [CTRL]-O 52 to reinstate Italics.
If you have already LOADed or CREATEd your document and then want to
print it with a downloaded font, just SAVE the text file, follow the
above instructions for sending the new font to the printer, then reLOAD
the document and PRINT it.
You may find that sometimes you only want an extra character or two, not
an entire new font. If you are lucky enough to own BASIC XE, this is
no problem, because the character generator program copies the resident
font into RAM and only replaces the characters for which you have
designed a new shape. For instance, you might replace the back slash
with a copyright symbol. Do you need a check mark or a degrees symbol?
Design these to replace other little-used characters.
Have fun, and please let me know whether my program is useful to you.
And I would love to see your new masterpiece character sets!
=======================================================================
* FCC ALLOCATION LISTING
=======================================================================
(This text reprint from the Mid-Florida Atari Computer Club Newsletter.)
Frequency Detail
(MHz)
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
.535 - 1.705 LOCAL BROADCAST - STANDARD NORTH AMERICA, AM BAND
1.427 - 1.429 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
1.705 - 1.800 FIXED SERVICE - LAND/MOBILE/MARINE
1.800 - 2.000 HAM, AMATEUR - 160 METERS
2.000 - 2.107 MARITIME MOBILE
2.000 - 2.500 MARINE, COASTWISE
2.107 - 2.170 FIXED SERVICE - LAND/MOBILE/MARINE
2.170 - 2.194 LAND MOBILE SERVICE
2.194 - 2.300 FIXED SERVICE
2.200 - 2.300 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
2.300 - 2.495 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 120 METERS
2.495 - 2.505 TIME STANDARD
2.505 - 2.850 FIXED SERVICE - LAND/MOBILE/MARINE
2.850 - 3.155 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
3.155 - 3.200 FIXED SERVICE
3.200 - 3.400 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 90 METERS
3.400 - 3.500 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
3.500 - 3.750 CW, AMATEUR - 80 METERS, CW, EXTRA
3.500 - 4.000 HAM, AMATEUR - 80/75 METERS
3.525 - 3.750 CW, AMATEUR - 80 METERS, CW, ADVANCED, GENERAL
3.700 - 3.750 CW, AMATEUR - 80 METERS, CW, NOVICE, TECHNICIAN
3.750 - 4.000 PHONE, AMATEUR - 75 METERS, PHONE, EXTRA
3.775 - 4.000 PHONE, AMATEUR - 75 METERS, PHONE, ADVANCED
3.850 - 4.000 PHONE, AMATEUR - 75 METERS, PHONE, GENERAL
3.900 - 4.000 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 75 METERS
4.000 - 4.000 TIME STANDARD - NEW WARC ALLOCATION REGION 3
4.000 - 4.063 FIXED SERVICE
4.000 - 9.000 MARINE, HIGH SEAS AND INLAND WATERWAYS
4.063 - 4.438 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
4.438 - 4.650 FIXED SERVICE
4.650 - 4.750 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
4.750 - 5.060 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 60 METERS
5.000 - 5.000 TIME STANDARD - WWV
5.005 - 5.450 FIXED SERVICE
5.450 - 5.730 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
5.730 - 5.950 FIXED SERVICE
5.950 - 6.200 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 49 METERS
6.200 - 6.525 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
6.525 - 6.765 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
6.765 - 7.000 FIXED SERVICE
7.000 - 7.150 CW, AMATEUR - 40 METERS, CW, EXTRA
7.000 - 7.300 HAM, AMATEUR - 40 METERS
7.025 - 7.150 CW, AMATEUR - 40 METERS, CW, ADVANCED, GENERAL
7.100 - 7.150 CW, AMATEUR - 40 METERS, CW, NOVICE, TECHNICIAN
7.100 - 7.300 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 41 METERS
7.150 - 7.300 PHONE, AMATEUR - 40 METERS, PHONE, EXTRA, ADVANCED
7.225 - 7.300 PHONE, AMATEUR - 40 METERS, PHONE, GENERAL
7.300 - 8.195 FIXED SERVICE
7.335 - 7.335 TIME STANDARD - CHU CANADA
8.000 - 8.000 TIME STANDARD - NEW WARC ALLOCATION REGION 3
8.195 - 8.815 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
8.400 - 8.500 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
8.815 - 9.040 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
9.040 - 9.500 FIXED SERVICE
9.500 - 9.900 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 31 METERS
9.775 - 9.995 FIXED SERVICE
10.000 - 10.000 TIME STANDARD - WWV
10.003 - 10.005 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
10.005 - 10.100 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
10.100 - 10.150 HAM, AMATEUR - 30 METERS, CW ONLY
10.100 - 11.175 FIXED SERVICE
11.175 - 11.400 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
11.400 - 11.650 FIXED SERVICE
11.650 - 12.050 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 25 METERS
12.000 - 22.000 MARINE, HIGH SEAS
12.050 - 12.330 FIXED SERVICE
12.330 - 13.200 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
13.200 - 13.360 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
13.360 - 13.600 FIXED SERVICE
13.600 - 13.800 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - NEW WARC ALLOCATION
13.800 - 14.000 FIXED SERVICE
14.000 - 14.150 CW, AMATEUR - 20 METERS, EXTRA
14.000 - 14.300 AMATEUR - 20 METERS
14.000 - 14.350 HAM, AMATEUR - 20 METERS
14.025 - 14.150 CW, AMATEUR - 20 METERS, ADVANCED, GENERAL
14.150 - 14.350 PHONE, AMATEUR - 20 METERS, EXTRA
14.175 - 14.350 PHONE, AMATEUR - 20 METERS, ADVANCED
14.225 - 14.350 PHONE, AMATEUR - 20 METERS, GENERAL
14.350 - 14.995 FIXED SERVICE
14.800 - 15.350 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
15.000 - 15.000 TIME STANDARD - WWV
15.010 - 15.100 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
15.100 - 15.600 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 19 METERS
15.600 - 16.460 FIXED SERVICE
16.460 - 17.360 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
17.360 - 17.550 FIXED SERVICE
17.550 - 17.900 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 16 METERS
17.900 - 18.030 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE - TRANSOCEANIC FLIGHTS
18.030 - 18.780 FIXED SERVICE
18.068 - 18.168 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
18.780 - 18.900 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
18.900 - 19.680 FIXED SERVICE
19.680 - 19.800 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
19.800 - 21.000 FIXED SERVICE
19.995 - 20.010 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
21.000 - 21.200 CW, AMATEUR - 15 METERS, EXTRA
21.000 - 21.450 HAM, AMATEUR - 15 METERS
21.025 - 21.200 CW, AMATEUR - 15 METERS, ADVANCED, GENERAL
21.100 - 21.200 CW, AMATEUR - 15 METERS, NOVICE, TECHNICIAN
21.100 - 21.400 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
21.200 - 21.450 PHONE, AMATEUR - 15 METERS, EXTRA
21.225 - 21.450 PHONE, AMATEUR - 15 METERS, ADVANCED
21.300 - 21.450 PHONE, AMATEUR - 15 METERS, GENERAL
21.450 - 21.850 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 13 METERS
21.850 - 22.000 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
22.000 - 22.720 MARITIME MOBILE - SHIP/SHORE
22.210 - 22.500 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
22.720 - 23.200 FIXED SERVICE
23.200 - 23.350 AERONAUTICAL MOBILE
23.350 - 24.990 FIXED SERVICE
24.890 - 24.930 CW, AMATEUR - 12 METERS, EXTRA, ADVANCED, GENERAL
24.890 - 24.990 HAM, AMATEUR - 12 METERS
24.930 - 24.990 PHONE, ANATEUR - 12 METERS, EXTRA, ADVANCE, GENERAL
25.000 - 25.000 TIME STANDARD
25.005 - 25.010 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
25.010 - 25.330 PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
25.330 - 25.600 GOVERNMENT FREQUENCY
25.600 - 26.100 SHORTWAVE BROADCAST - 11 METERS
26.100 - 26.480 LAND MOBILE SERVICE
26.480 - 26.950 GOVERNMENT
26.950 - 26.960 INTERNATIONAL FIXED SERVICE
26.960 - 27.410 CITIZEN'S BAND - 11 METERS
27.410 - 27.540 LAND MOBILE SERVICE
27.540 - 28.000 GOVERNMENT
28.000 - 28.300 CW, AMATEUR - 10 METERS, EXTRA, ADVANCED, GENERAL
28.000 - 29.700 HAM, AMATEUR - 10 METERS
28.100 - 28.200 CW, AMATEUR - 10 METERS, NOVICE, TECHNICIAN
28.300 - 28.500 PHONE, AMATEUR - 10 METERS, NOVICE, TECHNICIAN
28.300 - 29.700 PHONE, AMATEUR - 10 METERS, EXTRA, ADVANCE, GENERAL
29.700 - 29.800 FORESTRY SERVICE
29.800 - 29.890 FIXED SERVICE
29.890 - 29.910 GOVERNMENT
29.910 - 30.000 FIXED SERVICE
30.000 - 46.610 BUSINESS BAND, GOVERNMENT
30.005 - 30.010 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
34.200 - 34.700 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
36.000 - 37.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
39.986 - 40.020 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
40.980 - 41.015 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALOCATIONS
46.610 - 47.000 PORTABLE PHONES/BASE
47.000 - 49.670 BUSINESS BAND
49.670 - 49.970 PORTABLE PHONES/HANDSET
49.830 - 49.890 BABY MONITORS
50.000 - 54.000 AMATEUR RADIO - 6 METERS
50.200 - 50.400 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
54.000 - 72.000 VHF TELEVISION (CH 2 - 4)
54.200 - 58.200 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
72.000 - 76.000 MODEL RADIO CONTROL, AVIATION AND INDUSTRY
76.000 - 88.000 VHF TELEVISION (CH 5 - 6)
88.000 - 108.000 LOCAL BROADCAST - STANDARD NORTH AMERICA, FM BAND
108.000 - 117.950 AVIATION NAVIGATION (TERMINAL VOR, ILS)
116.000 - 126.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
118.000 - 136.000 AVIATION COMMUNICATION
136.000 - 138.000 WEATHER SATELLITE, GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS
137.000 - 144.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
138.000 - 144.000 GOVERNMENT (MILITARY BASES)
144.000 - 148.000 AMATEUR RADIO - 2 METERS
148.000 - 151.000 GOVERNMENT
150.000 - 151.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
151.000 - 156.250 BUSINESS BAND (POLICE, FIRE)
156.000 - 162.000 MARINE, INLAND
156.250 - 157.425 MARINE BAND
157.450 - 160.200 BUSINESS BAND (POLICE, FIRE)
160.200 - 161.600 RAILROAD (161.600 IS MARINE BAND)
161.605 - 161.795 BUSINESS BAND (RADIO AND TV REMOTES)
161.800 - 162.000 MARINE BAND (TELEPHONE)
162.000 - 174.000 GOVERNMENT, SOME BUSINESS (RADIO AND TV REMOTES)
162.400 - 162.550 NOAA WEATHER
174.000 - 216.000 VHF TELEVISION (CH 7 - 13)
174.500 - 176.500 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
200.000 - 202.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
216.000 - 220.000 MARITIME MOBILE
220.000 - 222.000 LAND MOBILE RADIO
220.000 - 225.000 AMATEUR - 3/4 METERS
225.000 - 329.000 GOVERNMENT (MILITARY AVIATION)
225.000 - 400.000 BOTH CIVILIAN AND GOVERNMENT.
235.000 - 238.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
272.000 - 273.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
329.000 - 335.000 GOVERNMENT (AIRPORT GLIDE SLOPE NAVIGATION)
335.000 - 400.000 GOVERNMENT (MILITARY AVIATION)
400.000 - 420.000 GOVERNMENT (BASE WALKIE/TALKIES, PAGERS, ETC)
400.100 - 402.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
403.000 - 406.000 SPACE RESEARCH FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
420.000 - 450.000 AMATEUR RADIO - 70 CENTIMETERS
450.000 - 470.000 BUSINESS BAND (POLICE, FIRE, RADIO AND TV REMOTES)
470.000 - 890.000 UHF TELEVISION (CH 14 - 83)
806.000 - 810.000 BUSINESS BAND (CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS, MOBILE INPUT)
810.000 - 816.000 PUBLIC SAFETY (SLOW GROWTH SYSTEMS, MOBILE INPUT)
816.000 - 821.000 BUSINESS BAND (TRUNKED SYSTEMS, MOBILE INPUT)
821.000 - 825.000 LAND MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE (MOBILE INPUT)
825.000 - 835.000 CELLULAR TELEPHONE NON-WIRELINE (MOBILE INPUT)
835.000 - 845.000 CELLULAR TELEPHONE WIRELINE (MOBILE INPUT)
845.000 - 850.000 CELLULAR TELEPHONE (EXPANSION, MOBILE INPUT)
851.000 - 855.000 BUSINESS BAND (CONVENTIONAL SYSTEMS, BASE OUTPUT)
855.000 - 861.000 PUBLIC SAFETY (SLOW GROWTH SYSTEMS, BASE OUTPUT)
861.000 - 866.000 BUSINESS BAND (TRUNKED SYSTEMS, BASE OUTPUT)
866.000 - 870.000 LAND MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE (SATELLITE OUTPUT)
870.000 - 880.000 CELLULAR TELEPHONE NON-WIRELINE (BASE OUTPUT)
880.000 - 890.000 CELLULAR TELEPHONE WIRELINE (BASE OUTPUT)
890.000 - 895.000 CELLULAR TELEPHONE (EXPANSION, BASE OUTPUT)
895.000 - 902.000 LAND MOBILE RADIO (MOBILE INPUT)
902.000 - 928.000 AMATEUR RADIO SERVICE RESERVE
928.000 - 930.000 MULTI-ADDRESS PAGING
930.000 - 931.000 ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY PAGING
931.000 932.000 COMMON CARRIER PAGING
932.000 - 935.000 GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE SHARED
935.000 - 941.000 LAND MOBILE RADIO (BASE OUTPUT)
941.000 - 944.000 GOVERNMENT/PRIVATE SHARED
944.000 - 947.000 BROADCAST STUDIO TO TRANSMITTER LINK
947.000 - 952.000 BROADCAST RADIO SERVICES
952.000 - 960.000 MICROWAVE RELAY AND PAGING
956.262 - 956.437 PRIVATE FIXED SERVICE - SIGNALLING AND CONTROL
959.862 - 959.987 COMMON CARRIER RADIO SERVICE - WIDE AREA PAGING
960.000 - GHZ1215 AVIATION SERVICES - NAVAIDS DME
GHZ1215 - GHZ1240 GOVERNMENT
GHZ1240 - GHZ1300 AMATEUR RADIO, GOVERNMENT
=======================================================================
* ADVENTURES IN STRUCTURED PROGRAMMING - Part 2 by Michael Stomp
=======================================================================
II. TOP-DOWN DESIGN
In top-down design, one does not start with the details of coding the
program -- HOW things are done -- but with the over-all flow of the
program -- WHAT is done in each module. When, in the process of
breaking the complete program down into modules, you reach the stage
where each module performs rather simple tasks it becomes time to
consider the HOW, the detailed instructions needed to flesh out each
module. Structured languages make this process very natural, and makes
programming easier in four ways: simplification, clarity, modification,
and portability.
To illustrate, let us consider a specific example: a menu-driven
program, in which the user has a choice of three operations to be
selected from a menu. You've probably used many programs structured
this way. In TURBO BASIC XL, the main program loop would be:
DO
EXEC MENU
GET KEY: KEY=KEY-48
IF KEY=0 THEN EXIT
ON KEY EXEC PROC1, PROC2, PROC3
LOOP
END
(Of course, you will need line numbers, but they can be anything. And
this code fragment would be preceded by statements to initialize,
DIMension strings and arrarys, etc.)
The procedure MENU would simply print the menu choices on the screen and
prompt the user to select one. The choice numbered '0' is to quit the
program; '1' is to choose whatever is done by PROC1, and so forth. (Not
good choices for procedure names, but in a real program one would pick
more descriptive names.) The 'ON...EXEC' statement is what is called a
'switch' statement, which switches control to the corresponding
procedure. Error handling is achieved automatically, ince anything but
a 'legal' keypress is just ignored. Many types of programs could be run
by this loop.
The simplification is obtained by the fact that we have gone from the
task of writing one large program to that of writing four smaller,
simpler programs; MENU, PROC1, etc., each of which would be broken down
further.
Clarity is obtained because each module is separate (although they can
all use the common, or global, variables) and performs a single task
which has been separated from the program logic. Some say that, if a
module is too long to be printed on one page it should be broken down
further, but that is not a hard-and-fast rule. But it is certainly
easier to follow what a program is doing if one does not have to jump
all over the listing, following a bunch of GOTOs.
Modification is made easier because the processes have been separated
from the program logic, and it is easy to see where to insert a change.
For example; suppose we decided to add a fourth operation to the
program. All we would have to do is:
1) Write the procedure for the new operation and add it to the end of
the program,
2) change MENU to print the new choice on the menu screen, and
3) add the procedure name, PROC4 say, to the ON...EXEC statement.
Easily done, even if done months or years after writing the original
program.
To illustrate portability, let us consider how one would translate the
very same program into another structured language, in this case ACTION!
DO
MENU()
K=GETD(7)
KEY==-48
IF KEY=0 THEN EXIT
ELSEIF KEY=1 THEN PROC1()
ELSEIF KEY=2 THEN PROC2()
ELSEIF KEY=3 THEN PROC3()
FI
OD
RETURN
Looks very similiar, doesn't it? Besides the changes in syntax, most of
which could be changed in a text editor using its 'global search and
replace' function, the only major change required is due to the fact
that ACTION! doesn't have a 'switch' statement. However, the same thing
is accomplished by the IF...ELSEIF...FI statements. (C, on the other
hand, DOES have a 'switch' statement, called 'switch'. The same program
in C would also be very similiar.)
Portability is an important concern to the Atari 8-bit programmer these
days, following the demise of almost all our 8-bit magazines. One must
rely for information on algorithms upon magazines and books written for
the general computer user, and such algorithms are usually printed in a
structured language, such as Pascal, C, or a C-like pseudo-code. It is
a great help if one is able to translate these algorithms into our own
language.
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Z*NET: Atari Online Magazine
Z*Magazine Issue #200
Copyright (c)1992, Rovac Industries, Inc...
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