ST Report: 14-Jun-91 #724
From: Bruce D. Nelson (aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)
Date: 06/16/91-10:35:57 PM Z
From: aj434@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Bruce D. Nelson)
Subject: ST Report: 14-Jun-91 #724
Date: Sun Jun 16 22:35:57 1991
*---== ST REPORT INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE ==---*
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June 14, 1991 No.7.24
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> 06/14/91: STReport #7.24 The Original 16/32 bit Online Magazine!
-------------------------
- The Editor's Desk - CPU REPORT - MAC REPORT
- IBM & MAC - MS DOS 5.0 - 4MB FLOPPY!
- QUICK ST 3 - 1.44MB FLOP RSN - WUZTEK UPDATES
- WAACE/'91 - BLUE RIDGE FEST - LOYALTY????
-* INTERLINK FOR TT *-
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> The Editor's Podium
Last week, we published a piece to "set the record straight" about the
beginnings of a representation group for developers. Never, in a million
years did we expect the emotional 'over-reaction' from the ever present
"crew" that everyone saw along with the very sad exploitation of the mat-
ter by other, "Oh so interested" parties. However we thank them all for
coming forward to verify and confirm our information. Unfortunately,
there were some strange, but expected, casualties. It seems two "highly
informed professionals" came forward and tried to state that the press,
(STReport's R. Mariano), was asked to leave his own hotel room during the
meeting! (Both were very much in character). The item in last week's is-
sue was a _minor_ correction as we stated and, in our opinion, is still
just that. In any case, thanks for the verification folks.
Elsewhere in this issue, the Crystal Ball is detailed. As we stated
last week, the information we presented was verified by four different
folks who had access to the information, they all corroborated each
other's story. To find "responsible" leaders in the industry attempting
to "sidetrack or de-rail" the issues by clowning around only amplified the
serious, deep reaching effect and validity of the information. Believe
me, if the rumors presented had been totally wrong, it would have been
vociferously pointed out. One point must be made, nowhere in the "Crystal
Ball" article was it ever said that the rumored incidents were "cast in
stone". I wouldn't be surprised if, because of the special "Crystal Ball"
article, they 're-thought' the entire situation to one degree or another.
Oh well, another week's worth of paychecks for the workers out there.
As has always been our policy, STReport's first responsibility is str-
ictly to our readers, not the politics, cliques, "special interests" or
some bizarre concept of loyalty. STReport has always felt the readers,
unlike some out there who seem to march to a different drummer, have a
very high degree of intelligence and when presented with information, can
and do readily make up their own minds. Besides it is they who really
have the "serious money" invested, in their ST computer systems, out of
tight budgets.
It becomes necessary to point out that STReport was "threatened",
"counseled", "informed", and to top it all off, "given a full lesson"
about the "OSBOURNE SYNDROME". (Discussing new products whilst there is
still the current product available for sale) For the Osbourne Syndrome
to have any real effect, you first must be shipping an appreciable quan-
tity of the product in question. Else, no syndrome!
How odd indeed, that so much fuss should be made over "false rumors".
Once again STReport must reiterate that until a full denial of ALL the
information in our CRYSTAL BALL SERIES comes forth, we must categorically
state; Atari has neither denied nor confirmed the existence of any item,
situation or plan discussed in our Crystal Ball Series. The series was
designed to give the users an idea of what's in store in the future, un-
fortunately, it was not a picture of roses and ice cream.
As we have stated before, our first allegiance is to the readers.
Those folks who are the users, they are the bill payers. The top BRASS at
Atari still HAS NOT learned this. My guess is they never will. The cus-
tomers/users out there are the ones who are paying Atari's bills and
keeping this company afloat! Just ask others, who thought they KNEW IT
ALL and used to be in the business about who pays the bills. STReport
will always be user oriented as we too, are users and fully understand
what it means to be involved in this unique love/hate relationship that
can only be reality with Atari..... <sigh>
To those of you who strongly support us, thank you very much!
Ralph......
ps; we still use Atari Computers to do STReport. Not some "stiiiinking
pee cee"!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
TODAY'S NEWS ..TODAY!
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> STReport's Staff The regulars and this week's contributors!
================
Publisher - Editor
------------------
Ralph F. Mariano
Staff Editors:
--------------
Michael Arthur Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr. Dana P. Jacobson
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Walter Daniel
Oscar Steele Robert Allbritton John Szczepanik
Dan Stidham
Contributing Correspondants:
----------------------------
Michael Lee Richard Covert Roger Stevens
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Ed Krimen
Tim Holt Andrew Learner Norman Boucher
Ben Hamilton Doyle Helms S. Micheal Hallack
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (June 14)
FINDING FILES FAST!
During June, explore the many programs and files available in
CompuServe's Atari ST Forums with File Finder -- now reduced to $6 per
hour for all baud rates, including 9600. The Atari File Finder includes
all files within the Atari Arts Forum, Atari Productivity Forum, and Atari
Vendor Forum. Type GO ATARIFF to access this service.
WAACE ATARIFEST INFO
Information update for the WAACE 1991 Atarifest is now available in
LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS). Don't miss out on the
largest Atarifest on the east coast!
MANAGING FILES MADE EASY!
Direct-Drive makes managing the files on your floppy and hard disks
simple, quick and painless. With a mouse click you can get a list of
every file on a disk that can be saved, searched, sorted and printed. You
can also print disk labels, format disks and much more! If you often
waste time looking for files or thought you'd never get your disks
organized, we think you'll find Direct-Drive indispensable!
Download file DIRDRV.ARC from LIBRARY 1 ("New Uploads") of the Atari
Productivity Forum (GO ATARIPRO) for your copy of Direct-Drive. Available
EXCLUSIVELY for download from the Atari Forums on CompuServe!
NEW VERSION OF DC TOPPER FROM DOUBLE CLICK!
DC Topper v1.2 automatically tops the window under the mouse. This new
version works _much_ better in programs and will not 'click' a menu entry
or file selector when over a non-active window. Works with NeoDesk 3,
too! Download file DCTOP2.ARC from LIBRARY 13 of the Atari Vendors Forum
(GO ATARIVEN).
NEW IN ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
Custom Base, a program to turn your Portfolio into a data collection
device, is now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO
APORTFOLIO).
A copy of the File Manager program, distributed by Atari Corp. with all
new Portfolios is now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Portfolio Forum
(GO APORTFOLIO) for those who purchased their units before the FM card was
included. File provided courtesy of Atari Corp., all rights reserved.
A new version of Don Messerli's PGSHOW and Judy Hamner's STReport Forum
Notes are now available in LIBRARY 1 of the Atari Portfolio Forum (GO
APORTFOLIO).
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
=================
Issue #25
---------
Compiled by: Lloyd E. Pulley, Sr.
- Redmond Washington MICROSOFT INTROS DOS 5.0
------------------
Microsoft has rolled out the latest version of its MS-DOS operating
system. MS-DOS 5 makes more memory available for DOS applications and
data files, including those running under the Microsoft Windows environ-
ment, offers a new shell, online help, a task swapper that is similar in
appearance to multitasking, and an undelete utility. DOS 5 is an upgrade
and will install on machines that have DOS 2.11 or higher. The cost is
$100.
The product is already in some 7,000 stores and is available through the
retail channel for the first time. This is the first upgrade on this
widely used operating system since 1988.
- New York, New York APPLE-IBM CHIP DISCUSSIONS ACCORDING
------------------ TO REPORT FROM NY TIMES
According to a New York Times report of June 10th by Andrew Pollack, IBM
and Apple are engaged in talks concerning "a far-ranging technology al-
liance that could have a major impact on the computer industry." The ar-
ticle states that Apple executives are meeting with IBM counterparts at
IBM's Armonk headquarters.
The New York Times article comes three days after a Wall Street Journal
story which said that Apple was considering licensing IBM's RISC-based
processor for use in a new line of microcomputers.
While neither company has any official comment, an IBM executive who
preferred to remain anonymous stated, "Such an arrangement would make
sense. The licensing of our RISC technology is part of our overall stra-
tegy to better utilize our production capability. The recent agreement
with Hitachi that allows them to put their label on our 3090 mainframes
is another indication of this strategy."
Speaking to the part of the story that has IBM interested in Apple
software technology, he said, "It is no secret that our relationship
with Microsoft is a marriage of convenience and that we are interested
in lessening our dependance on Microsoft." He added that he has not been
a party to any discussions with Apple that "may or may not be going on"
but that such discussions routinely go on within the industry.
The report in the Times broadens the supposed scope of the discussions,
saying that IBM may "even help develop basic software for a new line of
Apple computers that will be a successor to its Macintosh family."
One rationale given for the talks is the firms' supposed common desire
to reduce the role of Microsoft as the dominant firm in determining the
industry's direction. Microsoft is the leading provider of word
processing and spreadsheet software for the Macintosh and is the sole
source for the MS & PC-DOS, OS/2 and Windows operating systems and
environments for IBM personal computers.
- White Plains, New York IBM OFFERS TRADE IN AND TOUCH SCREEN
----------------------
IBM has introduced a family of 386SX PS/2 personal computers. Addition-
ally, IBM announced a trade-in program for owners of earlier systems.
The trade-in program, announced as running through the end of the year,
will allow customers with older IBM personal computers as well as cer-
tain models of computers from Apple Computer Corp. and Compaq Computer
Corp to receive rebates toward purchases of IBM PS/2 systems.
Also introduced was the PS/2 8516 Touch Display, a 14-inch color display
that provides touch-sensitive response directly on the screen with the
touch of a finger, the point of a pencil or any other touch medium.
IBM's announcement positioned this device as an "ideal tool for product
merchandising, interactive training and business transactions."
- Santa Monica, California UNIX SYSTEM V RELEASE 4 SHIPPING
------------------------ FROM INTERACTIVE
Interactive Systems announced that it has begun shipping Unix System V
Release 4 for the Intel i386/i486 platforms. The i386/i486 are the chips
used in the top-of-the-line IBM personal computers and compatibles.
- Cupertino, California APPLE-ONLY STORES, MASS MERCHANTS
--------------------- APPLE'S NEW STRATEGY
Apple Computer has changed tack on its distribution strategy and signed
up with discount superstore CompUSA and Dallas-based reseller CompuCom
Systems. Additionally, the company has allowed its Apple-only
distributors to open stores in Europe in an attempt to boost sales
there, particularly of its low-end Macintosh Classic.
The low-end Macintosh Classic and color Macintosh LC were introduced
late in 1991 in an effort to increase market share in the face of
heavier competition from IBM and compatible DOS-based microcomputers.
The current agreements are seen as an extension of the policy and a
further attempt to penetrate the low-end market.
- West Chester, Pennslvania COMMODORE ANNOUNCES NEW CDTV FEATURES
-------------------------
Commodore International has announced new features for its CDTV
multimedia computer that improve the device's video capabilities.
One new feature, CDXL, will let developers display video images from a
CD-ROM disk on screen. CDXL can display about 12 frames per second, or
half what is normally used for full-motion video. No additional hardware
or software is needed to use CDXL, software developers simply need spec-
ifications from Commodore to know how it works.
- New York, New York VERBATIM SHIPS 3.5-INCH OPTICAL DISCS
Verbatim is the first company to announce that it is shipping both read-
only and rewritable versions of the new ISO 3.5-inch optical media. The
new IBM 3.5-inch drive discs are designated O-ROM to distinguish them
from the larger CD-ROM read-only discs because the CD-ROM standard
includes a specific size.
- Deerfield, Illinois TOSHIBA PREDICTS IBM TO SPUR
------------------- 4MB DRIVE DEMAND
Toshiba is predicting that sales of the four megabyte (MB) "superfloppy"
disks will increase from $20 to $300 million in the next 4 years. This
prediction is based on IBM's inclusion of the 4MB (2.88MB after format-
ting) 3.5" floppy disk drives in its new Personal System/2 (PS/2).
The new 4MB 3.5-inch drive is downwardly compatible, which means the
drive can read and format 2MB disks (1.44 MB formatted) and 1MB disks
(720MB after formatting). It also "senses" the type of disk and formats
or reads accordingly, without the parameter passing in the formatting
commands that is required now.
With the availability of DOS 5.0, which can recognize the 4MB drives,
and the fact that IBM sets the industry standards, it is expected that
other compatible manufacturers will follow also include the 4MB drives
in their systems.
The new drive does require a new controller card, a newer Basic Input/
Output System (BIOS) and DOS 5.0, so the expectation is consumers will
purchase new, more powerful computers, rather than add the drive to an
older computer.
- Detroit Michigan MOTOROLA REPLACES INTEL AS FORD'S
---------------- CHIP SUPPLIER
Ford Motor Company has announced that it is replacing Intel Corp. with
Motorola as the supplier for computer chips that control car engines and
transmissions.
Intel has been supplying the custom designed chips since 1983, and Ford
is the company's largest automotive customer. The change will be on a
phaseout basis, with Motorola chips replacing Intel's by the year 2000.
Ford and Motorola will jointly design a RISC (reduced instruction set
computer) based microcontroller.
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IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
As a reader of STReport International Online Magazine, you are entitled to
take advantage of a special DELPHI membership offer. For only $29.95 ($20
off the standard membership price!), you will receive a lifetime subscrip-
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NOTE: Special offers can be found in your favorite Atari magazines:
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
--------------------
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hours online via direct dial into one of DELPHI's two direct-access lines,
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Other telecom services may have additional charges. Canadian Tymnet users
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tions may apply. But this is still an amazing deal!
For more information please contact:
DELPHI at 1-800-544-4005 and ask for Member Services.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
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> The Flip Side STR Feature "...a different viewpoint"
=========================
A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT
==================================
by Michael Lee
Do you remember my discussion a couple of weeks ago about CIS and how it
handles topics, how the 'threads' come unraveled sometimes? This week I
have included a prime example of how the threads can change directions.
It is a nice discussion from CIS about 1.44 meg disks, drives, and the
TT. I found the discussion very entertaining and in-formative, I hope
you will also.
This will be my last article for a few weeks. It's summer time and my
family and myself will be out of town quite a bit for a while. So,
until I see you again...
Goin' fishin', instead of just a wishin'
----------------
More on the new version of STeno and STalker - From RMORROW on Delphi...
I called Gribnif today to find out the details on STeno 2 for pre-
viously registered owners of STeno 1.03, the last release. They will
support up-grades and should have a price available by the end of the
week. STeno 2 and STalker 3 (when it's released late July or so) will
not be sold to-gether as in years past. However, registered owners of
the combined STalker/STeno package will be able to upgrade to both.
Basically, I took that to mean that we'll be upgrading twice off of
the same registration card they have now.
----------------
From Jim Allen (FAST Tech) about his new '030 boards - from the ST
Roundtable on Genie...
...I will introduce the TinyTurbo030 and Turbo030 later this month...
both have a 68000 to run old SW. It's doubtful that ANY up-grade will
be usable inside the MSTE unless its guts are moved into another case.
There is just no room, especially around the 68000 chip.
...the Turobo030...basically uses multiple mechanisms to achieve
speed. It has a cache like the T20, only using 20ns rams instead of
100ns ones, and it also optionally has 4/16 Meg of 32bit ram. The ram
is optional because the cache alone gives the system a healthy boost,
and when the 32bit ram is installed the cache is there to speedup
video accesses...ST or video card.
The 32bit ram is real "page mode" in that we really use the page mode
operation, a page is 128 longwords in length, so when the 030 is
hanging around "on page" the rams run almost like static rams. We use
1Megx4 static column rams just like the Amiga3000, for maximum speed,
and low power usage. It's a very sophisticated ram design with 030
burst cycles as quick as 325ns, which compares to 4000ns on a stock ST
to move the same amount of data. The Turbo030 is 40Mhz, and we will
only be making it at that speed.
That's mighty quick, but the 030 price is still reasonable thanks to
the MacIIfx and Apple's volume buying. The floating point performance
of the Turbo030 is 78% the speed of the MacIIfx...a cache card later
will even up the score. I am planning on a 32bit cache card for the
T030 that also fits the TT, killing two birds with one stone. You will
be amazed how much quicker a TT is with a cache card, the TT video
memory is only twice as fast as the ST...same speed, twice as wide...
the cache card will spiff it right up. Hope that wets your lips.
I don't know what will be required to get Spectre to deal with the
ram, the TURBO030 is an ST accelerator.
As of September this year we will be able to provide 16Megs of 32bit
ram, which is in addition to the 4Meg in your Mega....using only 8
static column drams...I'll have one 16Meg machine for Dusseldorf and
WAACE show demos. The chips will be on sale in Sept. Only engineering
samples are available now.
Pricing will be introduced later in the month....
---------------
Question about the STacy from Michael D. Mortilla on CIS...
...Does anyone else have a STacy with a blinking drive A light? My
STacy drive A light *always* has a very slight blink happening! All
help is greatly appreciated.
Reply from John Davis (Sysop) on CIS...
My STacy winks at me a lot too! Sometimes, the 2nd light will flicker,
and I hear a hard disk access. I've checked for virus', loose plugs,
etc, but haven't found anything wrong. I guess it's normal - I don't
worry about it anymore.
Reply from Bob Retelle (Sysop) on CIS...
...your blinking drive light could possibly be just a somewhat more
visible example of the normal polling of the disk drives that the ST
does. On a regular ST, you can sometimes detect the drive activity
lights flashing very briefly as the ST stays in contact with its
drives. Maybe the STacy has more sensitive LEDs? If that's all it is,
it shouldn't be a problem, it's normal.
Reply from Tom Schwarz on CIS...
...all the 1040's here at work have "blinking" A drive lights. You
cannot see it unless you open the case and look straight on the LED
that is inside. It's nothing to worry about.
Reply from Gordon Meyer on CIS...
...It sounds like the normal polling of the disk drives that all ST's
do. If you turn out the lights in a room, and watch the drive lights
on your 1040ST you'll see the same thing happening.
Reply from Bill Rayle (Atari Interface Magazine) on CIS...
...it's not only Stacy that this happens on. Our Mega STE's floppy
LEDs have a constant, faint flicker as well...
----------------
About the newest version of Quick ST - From Darek Mihocka (Branch Always
Software) on Delphi...
....Quick ST 3.0 is going to start shipping in a few days to people
who are upgrading or have pre-ordered it. It will start shipping to
dealers in July. In a nutshell, the upgrade from 2 to 3 costs $15.
This includes the upgrade to 3.0 as well as another upgrade some time
after that. You do not need to send your Quick ST 2 disk back.
All registered Quick ST 2 users will be receiving their summer BraSoft
Newsletter in a few weeks giving more details about it as well as in-
formation about the GEMULATOR. Unregistered users can also receive the
newsletter by sending a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) to:
Branch Always Software
14150 N.E. 20th St.
Suite 302
Bellevue, WA 98007
Make sure we have your CURRENT mailing address by about July 15th if
you want to receive the newsletter.
----------------
An interesting discussion about HD floppy drives (1.44 meg) and their
disks from CIS...
Question from Peter J. Joseph...
Since HD [High Density] disks cost about twice as much as regular 720k
disks, what is the advantage of a 1.44m floppy other than not having
to swap disks as much. Dollar for storage there's really no
difference, right?
Answer from Bob Retelle (Sysop)...
...half as many disks for the equivalent storage is an incredible
advantage.
...it lets you pack more large files onto a disk, with fewer "wasted"
holes, or empty spaces. Fewer disk swaps is very nice too.
...Another advantage is being able to keep programs and their data
files all on one disk, like a word processor and the text files you're
working on. Makes it nice and neat without cluttering up a hard drive.
You can always punch DD disks and pretend they're HD, just like
formatting SS as DS, or "flipping" a SS 5.25" disk. You weren't
supposed to do those kinds of things, but they worked. So does this.
Comments from Randy Walters...
Punching the hole in a DSDD disk to allow the drive to format it is
not always a good idea...If the coating on the DSDD disk is not the
same as the HD (cobalt coating) you are asking for trouble.
The 1.44M mode formats at twice the magnetic strength of the 720K
mode. This causes bleed-over between tracks on a 720K coating, which
is why you may see fewer good sectors when formatting for 1.44M. Even
if it formatted OK, I wouldn't leave valuable info on those disks for
long. After a period of time the disks may suddenly start losing info
due to the coating not being able to maintain track separation.
This is all based on the disk manufacturer. If they use the same
coating, but only have a difference in the case GO FOR IT and save
some $$$$.
Comments from John Davis (Sysop)...
I've had exactly the same problem, only backwards - I've tried using
1.4 disks on 720K Atari, and they seem to format and copy fine.
However, I can come back a few days later, put the copy in the drive,
and 'The Disk in Drive A May Be Damaged...' The same disks worked
fine, as long as I only used them in a 1.4 meg drive.
Reply from Gary Gray...
Don't use high density diskettes in the Atari ST. You are absolutely
asking for trouble. Most STs can't format or even read a HD at 720k. I
am a dealer and have seen this problem often.
Reply from Jeff (INTERSECT Software)...
It's similar to using "metal tape" on a tape player without that
ability. It will usually play OK but you can't record on it properly.
The bias is different! Metal tape doesn't require bias. HD disks also
use the same type of media. Once written on by a 1.44 meg in 720k mode
the ST can read it but you can't properly write to it with a ST (too
much bias).
1.44 meg drives in PC's do two things when you install a disk in them.
The notch tells the computer that it has a 1.4 meg disk in it and the
drive uses a different bias when recording to the disk. The second
thing is related to the format size you require: when formatting 1.44
meg the disk drive slows down.
Comments by Willie Pelzer...
...I thought the 1.4 meg drives used a stronger mag field to punch
thru on the HD disks? Maybe the ST drive doesn't have the strength to
write to a HD disk?
Reply to Willie from Randy Walters...
The 1.44M drives do use twice the magnetic strength when writing in
1.44M mode. But they use the standard magnetic force when they write
in 720K mode. That is why most drives (except IBM PS2 drives) have the
hole sensor built into the drive. The sensor automatically adjusts the
drive to the correct write current for the disk that it sees. That is
why you shouldn't punch out the extra hole in a 720K disk to try to
format it to a higher capacity (Unless of course you are absolutely
sure that the disk manufacturer puts 1.44M coatings [usually cobalt]
on their 720K disks.)
Another reply to Willie, from Bob Brodie (Atari User Group Coordinator)
That has nothing to do with using a high density floppy. The *only*
consideration is the disk controller chip...
...The 1772 in use at present in TTs is the same chip that we've used
all along in the ST, STE, Mega STE. It has not changed. In order to
get to 1.44 meg floppyies (or higher) we need a chip that can handle
the higher bus speeds that computers like the TT030 have. So, we
are/have reverse engineered the 1772 to handle high density floppy
drives and higher bus speeds. That chip, when available, will be pin
compatible with the existing 1772s. All present TTs and Mega STEs are
being sold with the 1772 socketed, for easy removal and replacement
when the new chip becomes available...We could have abandoned the WD
1772, and with it, a heck of a lot of the software that runs on the ST
*and* the TT.
Since the chip is pin compatible, it should work in all existing mac-
hines. Then all you will have to do is go out and get the best deal
you can on a 1.44 meg floppy mechanism.
Question for Bob Brodie from Bob Retelle (Sysop)...
...is the reason a lot of ST software wouldn't work if Atari went with
a different floppy controller (for high density drives) because of
copy protection relying on quirks of the Western Digital controller
chip?
I think I recall something about some protection schemes using illegal
calls to the controller chip, or formats that the controller couldn't
duplicate.
Reply from Bob Brodie (Atari User Group Coordinator)...
I was told that the reason was that we are closely tied to that chip
on the bios level. To change from that chip would screw up lots of
stuff.
At this level, it's appropriate to say that I'm at the limit of my
expertise on this particular topic. If you want/need more information,
I'll be happy to get it for you. I'm not that techie, I'm just telling
you what I was told.
----------------
About DEKA Upgrades from Paul Wu (WuzTEK/OMNIMON Peripherals) - from the
ST Roundtable on Genie...
***** DEKA UPDATES *****
DEKA Firmware version 530 is now available to those who have phantom
mouse click problems. This update adds a delay when DEKA sends data to
the ST and has apparently eliminated any problems associated with the
mouse. If you do not experience mysterious mouse clicks, you do not
need this new chip. Version 426 was our previous release version and
worked rather well with most system and programs...We are asking $19
for the upgrade to cover the cost of the micro-processor.
About OMNIMON Rainbow monitor from Paul Wu (WuzTEK/OMNIMON Peripherals)
- from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
The specs for the OMNIMON Rainbow monitors:
Physical : 14" CRT, 0.28mm dot-pitch, non-glare tube
Resolution : Maximum 800x600 non-interlaced
1024x768 interlaced
Video Bandwidth : 35Mhz
Scanning Freq. : Horizontal 15-36 Khz
Vertical 45-90 Hz
Compatibility : Atari STs (via supplied OMNIX2 video controller)
TT (via optional TT cable)
PC CGA/EGA/VGA (via optional EGA or VGA cable)
Macintosh (via optional Mac cable)
Spec on OMNIX 2 video controller:
size : 2" x 3.5" x 1"
control : 2 button wired remote control
audio : miniature phone jack
*OMNIMON Rainbow monitor comes complete with the OMNIX2 video con-
troller and a 1 year warranty. Regular price is $599. Mention GEnie
Atari RT to receive $50 discount.
OMNIMON Peripherals Inc. (formerly WuzTEK)
1 Technology Drive, E-301
Irvine, Ca 92718
Tel: 1-800-429-OMNI (in California)
1-714-753-9253
Fax: 1-714-753-9255
----------------
Question from Timothy Tech - From CIS...
I am interested in any users out there with Calamus and an Hewlett
Packard LaserJet IIp. How is the speed and quality?
Answer from Bill Rayl (Atari Interface Magazine) - from CIS...
While I don't own a LaserJet IIp, I do use a LaserJet II and Calamus,
as well as PageStream and a PacificPage Postscript cartridge. The
output on any LaserJet with Calamus is very good. In fact, it's as
good as Postscript output from PageStream. Comparing HP laser output
from Calamus and PageStream, Calamus is the winner every time....for
text and graphics.
Almost forgot...you asked about output speed for Calamus. Calamus is
impressively fast when outputting pages on our HP LaserJet. To really
see Calamus fly, you should see it print to an Atari laser! Talk about
zippy!
----------------
Information about the new UIS 3.3 from Bill Aycock (Sysop) - from CIS...
...Universal Item Selector 3.3 has been released now (I just got my
disk in the mail today). This version is supposed to be compatible
with Mega STe and TT computers, though I can't test either claim.
For those who haven't heard of UIS: it's a replacement for the Atari
item selector, very nicely done. Besides the usual item selector
enhancements (like drive buttons, selectable extensions, saved paths
and keyboard navigation), UIS also lets you copy, move, rename,
delete, view, print, or change the attributes of files, or format
floppies, any time you see the item selector.
This version has a number of nice enhancements. My favorite: you can
now re-size the UIS window by dragging the lower right corner of the
box; this lets you fit a couple extra filenames in the UIS display.
Also, UIS's 'quick extension' buttons have a new feature. You still
have the four extension buttons always available, but in addition, if
you right-left click on the left '*' button, up pops a menu of your
favorite 24 extensions.
There's one new feature that will take getting used to. In previous
versions, you moved (or copied, or whatever) a group of files by first
selecting the group, then dragging the group to one of the action
buttons. That's not necessary any longer - once you select the files
you want, simply click on one of the buttons to perform the desired
action. (Lucky for me, the old way still works! :-)
There are also scads of keyboard commands which may be handy.
To upgrade, send in your original disk and $10, and they'll send the
upgrade.
For more info, you can contact:
Application & Design Software
280 Peach St.
Merlin, Oregon 97532
(503)476-0071
----------------
About Masterblazer, a game like the 8-bit classic, Ballblazer - From
E.BAIZ - Cat. 9, Topic 6, Message 1 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
I just got this game and I must say I love it. It was everything I
hoped it would be. The graphics are smooth & FAST and the sound is
great. But I will admit the sound when playing the game is better on
the 8-bit. I do like the feature that lets 8 people play in the
tournament. Great game and a must for every gamer.
About Speedball II, the sequel to Speedball - From E.BAIZ - Cat. 9,
Topic 7, Message 1 - from the ST Roundtable on Genie...
This one is great. The gameplay is fast and furious. The sound is just
what you would expect from the Bitmap Brothers. There have been some
new twists to the scoring (you do not have to score goals to win). The
playing field has been tripled from the original game. This adds to
the excitement. I just wish there was music playing while the game was
going on like in the first one. But anyway, a great job again by the
bitmaps.
----------------
Until next week.....
______________________________________________________________
> MAINLINES STR Spotlight "straight from the horses' mouth"
=======================
STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSES' MOUTH
===============================
Issue #2
By Lloyd Pulley
Well, I'm back...with some more information "straight from the horses'
mouth".
Recently there's been some rumors floating around the ST RoundTable on
Genie about Interlink, Masterlink and refunds. With all of the conf-
licting information, I decided to call Jeff Rigby at Intersect Software
Corp. and get the 'straight scoop'.
Intersect IS offering a refund to the Interlink owners who upgraded to
Masterlink. If you are one of the 400 Masterlink owners, just send back
your original Masterlink disk and you will receive a $20 refund. Make
sure that you include your name and current address (you'd be amazed at
the number of people who forget). There's a small catch. There is only
$6,000 in the refund account and $7,000 worth of Masterlink's upgrades
were sold. When the refund account is empty, there will be no more
refunds.
According to Jeff Rigby of Intersect, the reason we have not heard much
from Intersect recently was the result of several factors. He admitted
that Intersect 'bit off more than it could chew' with Masterlink. After
several months of fighting to get it working smoothly, they gave up. You
might say they suffered 'burnout'. About the same time, Randy (the main
Interlink programmer) moved to Texas. To 'add insult to injury', soft-
ware sales picked that time 'to fall through the floor'. Sales went from
$60,000 the year before, down to $18,000 last year.
Now for some exciting information. To paraphrase Mark Twain, "the rumors
of Interlink's death have been greatly exaggerated". Future upgrades of
Interlink are in the planning stages. BUT don't start calling them to
find out when they'll be available. They'll be upgrading Interlink for
_their_ use and will pass these upgrades along to us. As Jeff said,
"the upgrades will not be driven by the market, but by what _we_ want.
Like many people, we're hooked on Telecommunications." He added, "there
is just not enough market to warrant the cost of normal upgrades."
One of the first things they will be working on is a TT compatible ver-
sion of Interlink - all resolutions except ST LOW RES will be supported
(It works now in 'legal ST modes' but because of the ON-LINE screen the
new TT modes crash). Text and background colors for the on-line screen
and Buffer editor will be selectable.
Another new feature being considered is a new script language for Inter-
link by writing hooks for use by a compiled basic language. This would
require a small library of Telecommunication specific basic subroutines,
probably written in HiSoft or GFA basic. There's a ZModem protocol also
in the works. Again, none of these ideas are 'set in concrete' and there
is no definite date on their completion.
Jeff gave me a hint to make Interlink load even faster if you have TOS
1.4 or above. Just set the FASTBIT on your .EMU or .TXF files. By doing
this, you can shave 2-3 seconds when you execute Interlink. There are
several programs available that will handle this. Both MAKEFAST and
PRGFLAGS (from Atari) work very well. Just rename your .EMU or .TXF to
.PRG and run MAKEFAST or PRGFLAGS. When you're finished, restore the
original extensions back to what they were. Maxifile from the Codeheads
is even easier to use. With it, you don't even have to change the file
names.
All copies of Interlink that have shipped after 6/5/91 all have had the
program and loadable protocol directory bits set for FASTLOAD. Also, the
disks have an auto folder which includes a demo version of QUICKST 1.7
and the TOS 1.4 patches that are required to fix memory management,
necessary if you are loading and unloading protocols, and the CTS/RTS
patch, which is necessary for MNP and v.42 modems to work properly.
The DESKTOP.INF is set to AUTOLOAD Interlink when booting from the
floppy disk (TOS 1.4 or higher) and a recording loads a tutorial into
the editor window to help the beginner get started.
Intersect Software
3949 Sawyer Rd.
Sarasota, Florida 34233
Work: 813-923-8774
BBS: 813-924-4590
***********************************************************************
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
To sign up for GEnie service: Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
**** SIGN UP FEE WAIVED ****
The system will now prompt you for your information.
-> NOW! GENIE STAR SERVICE IS IN EFFECT!! <-
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
***********************************************************************
> BLUE RIDGE FEST!! STR SHOW NEWS Big doings in ASHVILLE!
===============================
The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) invite you
to our 2nd Annual Blue Ridge AtariFest.
THE BIGGEST LITTLE ATARIFEST IN THE SOUTHEAST
Confirmed exhibitors:
Atari Corp. (Mgr of User Group Services) ..... Bob Brodie
Compuserve Atari Forem Sysop ................. Bill Aycock
Double Click Software ........................ Mike Vederman
Dragon Studio - MIDI demo .................... Mike Cloninger
GEnie ST Roundtable SysOp .................... Darlah Pine
Goldleaf Publishing ..........................
ICD Inc ...................................... Jeffrey Williams
ISD Marketing (Calumus, DynaCADD, etc.)
and Pres. of the IAAD ......... Nathan Potechin
KAUG; MIDI demo .............................. Eric White
KAUG ......................................... Mary Pinckard
kidprgs ...................................... D.A. Brumleve
K5/K5M voice librarian demo .................. Dr. Timothy Brumleve
ST-Report .................................... Ralph Mariano
Step Ahead Software (Tracker ST) ............ Nevin Shalit
Willard Productions (DeskTop Video) .......... Clifton Willard
Tentative exhibitors:
JMG Software (HyperLINK)...................... George Geczy
Seminars:
Bob Brodie ........ Atari Corp
D.A. Brumleve ..... "Empowering Young Learners Through Technology"
Dragon Studio ..... MIDI demo/performance by Mike Cloninger
Goldleaf Publishing .
Tim Brumleve ........ K5/K5M Voice librarian Demo MIDI
STReport ............ Ralph Mariano
Step Ahead Software . Nevin Shalit
We would like for anyone interested to add his or her name to
the list above in putting on a demo of what you do best with
the Atari computer. (Word processing, Desktop publishing,
games, graphics, etc.). Developers, individuals and user groups
are welcome to reserve a booth space -- cost is FREE!
Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C.
Take any major highway into Asheville (US 19-23, US 26 or
I-40) to the I-240 loop, then take the "Westgate/Hilton Inn
Drive exit" into the Westgate Shopping Center parking lot.
When: 20 July 1991
Time: 12:00 to 6:00+
Points of contact:
Van Estes, BRACE Pres. Clifford E. Allen, V.Pres.
704-685-8358 GEnie: C.Allen17
INTERNET: callen@UNCA.EDU
704-258-3758
Sheldon Winick
GEnie: S.WINICK
Computer STudio
704-251-0201
Come for the day or come for the weekend
But please, do come and enjoy yourself.
_____________________________________________________________
> SYS 7 GOOD? STR FOCUS "...is a backward step"
=====================
THE CHICKEN OR THE EGG?
=======================
by S. Michael Hallack
One of the enhancements of Apple's new System 7 is not an enhancement
at all; it is a backward step implemented to keep its GUI unique compared
to Atari's.
This new feature removes one of the original innovative functions of
the Mac: the control panel document as an extension of a desk accessory.
In Apple's new system, control panels may no longer be used through a desk
accessory. In System 7, control panels are changed by actually going into
the system folder, finding the folder which contains the control panel
devices (CDEVs), and then double clicking on each separately. Previously,
all that was needed to change a user preference was to pull down a desk
accessory named "control panel" and pick from the list of CDEVs. Atari
evidently admired this innovation and coded its own version of the control
panel desk accessory and its control panel extensions (CPXs) for use with
its own line of computers, earlier this year.
Apple has also made it possible to drag any document or application
into the DA folder in order to add it as a desk accessory. Why would Ap-
ple, in the midst of simplifying and expanding the desk accessory system
decide to drop one of its key elements? It would seem that Atari's ac-
ceptance of this concept could possibly be the only reason.
________________________________________________________________
> MISSIONWARE STR InfoFile "...a brand new company"
========================
WELCOME TO MISSIONWARE SOFTWARE!
================================
Missionware Software is a brand new company that will be focusing
it's development efforts for the Atari ST/STE/TT line of machines. We
herald from Palatine, Illinois, and plan to be around a long time, depen-
ding of course on your support for our products.
About The Company and it's Founder...
-------------------------------------
The President of Missionware Software is John Trautschold. John
has been programming computers of all types for over 15 years. His first
computer was the veritable Altair 8800 (which still runs by the way!)
Later, he moved on to MSDOS machines, and of course, the Atari ST line.
His experience ranges from assembler through C.
Through the present, John has worked in television and radio
broadcasting as an engineer, both hardware and software. In between the
time he spends programming the ST, he works for CBS Television in Chicago
(WBBM TV) as an engineer doing maintenance on high-end video tape and
graphics systems. Additionally, he's developed a number of hardware &
software microcontrollers for use at CBS. When John isn't programming a
68000 in the ST, he's programming and designing around the 68HC11
microcontroller.
About Our Products...
---------------------
Missionware Software begins its existence with two packages.
lottODDS
The first is called "lottODDS" and is a lottery number generation
program. If you enjoy playing your state or local lottery, then this
program will make that much easier and more fun to boot! lottODDS
(pronounced "lotto odds") will help you maintain a database of numbers
chosen over the years, which can then be used either for generating num-
bers to play (using 7 statistical and proprietary methods developed in
house by Missionware) or for your own statistical analysis.
lottODDS picks numbers using a "least" or "most" algorithm, statis-
tical averaging, "hot" numbers, and statistical "between", "consecutive"
and "pairs" match ups.
But lottODDS does much more than that! We've designed a special
wheeling method that distributes the numbers picked more evenly and over a
greater and more flexible range than any wheeling system yet developed.
You have total control over how your numbers will be distributed. But
that's not all! The program also permits you to enter your own numbers
(if you wish to play birthdays, special dates, or any special numbers you
wish). It will also generate random numbers (our own version of quick
picks) and then permit you to wheel them for best distribution.
Once the numbers to play have been chosen, by whatever method you
decide to use, you can now print them out for transfer to your lottery
playing tickets, or you can use the handy on-screen dialog to scroll
through the chosen number.
If you play a lot of games each week, lottODDS will also keep track
of the numbers you've played. When the actual numbers have been picked by
the lottery agency, all you have to do is enter those. lottODDS will then
do a comparison between those numbers and the ones it (or you) picked and
display the games that have matching numbers in them.
lottODDS permits you to play in lotteries that pick between 3 and 10
numbers out of a field of 99 numbers. And that covers any known lottery
currently in existence. You can also use the program to play multiple
lottery games...just load in the file for the game you wish to play, and
you're off! Everything is handled through the easy to control GEM inter-
face.
lottODDS is not copy protected (although you must "register" your
software before it can be used) and is usable on either a color or
monochrome system. It's also installable on your hard disk. The program
lists for $34.95 and can be purchased directly from Missionware Software.
Dealer distribution is also being setup, and for now you can also purchase
directly from Pacific Software Supply.
Printer Initializer
The second program available from Missionware Software is called the
"Printer Initializer". This is an ultra-handy utility program that's ac-
tually two programs in one!
But first, just what is "Printer Initializer" and what can it do
for you? The programs (installation and desk accessory) give you
something you've *never* had before...quick, total, and *easy* control
over your printer's control functions. Now we know that most programs,
such as word processors and database programs, have printer configuration
menus. But for the most part, they're a pain to use and setup, and when
you need to make a quick change in font style, line spacing, etc. not only
do you need to remember how to do it within that program, but you probably
have to dig out the printer operations manual to look up the codes. That
all takes time, and time is what Printer Initializer gives back to you.
It's there, waiting for you at the click of the mouse. Want to change tab
spacing to 4 from within your spreadsheet? Good luck! With Printer
Initializer, it's easy!
So, what are the two programs you receive and how do they work? The
first is called "Printer Install" or "pinstall.prg". This is the program
you use to generate your own printer drivers. You can generate as many
drivers as you wish, although you'll be permitted to use only six later in
the desk accessory. You can generate multiple drivers for one printer or
for multiple printers. As you generate the drivers, you can easily test
the functions too...just to make sure that what you've created really
works! The printers can be used from either the parallel or serial port.
If you have multiple printers online (one to each port or through a selec-
tor switch) the program will automatically set internal printer output
redirection so that your GEM host program knows where to send it's printer
output.
The other part of the program is a desk accessory called, strangely
enough, "Printer Initializer", or "prt_init.acc". This is the program
you'd normally use on a day-to-day. The desk accessory is usable within
any GEM based program that permits the use of DA's When activated, you'll
see the same dialog screen that you saw when you initially configured your
drivers, but now, instead of doing the configuration, you'll be activating
the functions in your printer. that includes the output redirection bet-
ween serial and parallel ports discussed earlier.
The distribution disk includes two ready-made drivers, one for the
Epson FX80 series of printers, the other for those cute Kodak Diconix 150
portable printers.
The programs started out as an in-house utility for us at Mission-
ware, but quickly became so useful, we decided to polish it up and offer
it for sale. We think you'll quickly find the program indispensable too,
and at only $24.95, it's truly a bargain. As do all of Missionware
Software's products, these programs run in both monochrome and color.
Although not copy protected, you must "register" the program before you
can run it (a very simple software procedure!) and once registered, you
can can use the programs on either a floppy or hard drive based system.
You can order this directly from Missionware Software, or through the
distribution network described earlier.
Demonstration Programs Available...
-----------------------------------
Demos are available of both of these programs. The demo itself
(based on Atari's DemoPlay program) will run in medium res color only,
although the programs themselves will run in either color or monochrome.
In both cases, the demo programs are fully functional except for being
able to save a file. You can find the lottODDS program uploaded as "lot-
tODDS.arc" and Printer Initializer uploaded as "prt_init.arc". Demos are
also available free of charge directly from Missionware Software. Just
send us a blank, formatted disk with a self-addressed stamped return
mailer and we'll get the demos out to you ASAP.
Our address is:
Missionware Software
354 N. Winston Drive
Palatine, IL 60067-4132
Thank you in advance for your support. We promise to support you as
well on most of the major online services. We're currently working on
setting up support on BIX, CompuServe and GEnie. See you there!
Telephone support is coming as well... Thank you, and we hope you enjoy
Missionware Software products.
Missionware Software is always looking for products to sell and
support...if you have a product you'd like to have us consider publishing
for you, please contact us either online or via our address above.
Thanks!
___________________________________________________________
> UPGRADE OR NOT? STR FOCUS An overview of cost effectiveness.
=========================
UPGRADE THAT FAITHFUL MEGAST?
=============================
by Hugh Akston
Okay, you've been hearing a lot about the new Atari TT030, and you
figure that the TT might just be the ticket to increased productivity in
your business, so you open up the latest Atari magazine to check out the
prices. YIKES! A TT030/8 with an 80 meg Hard Drive and a Atari PTC1426
color monitor would be around $3800! There must be a cheaper way to
upgrade your Mega to make it a "baby TT".
Let's examine the costs involved in upgrading a Mega ST to make it
just like a TT030. First of all, a TT has a 32 mHz 68030 CPU with a 68882
coprocessor. To bring your Mega up to that level, you need a 68030 add-on
board. That will set you back $599. That is just for the board. To get
a 33mHz 68030 and a 68882 coprocessor (and 4 megs memory to bring us up to
TT030/8 level), you must shell out another $800 for a total of $1399.
Wait! you're not done yet. A TT030 has a LocalTalk port. To add this to
your Mega, add another $300 which brings us up to $1699, but that's not
all.
Everyone who has used the TT030 is impressed with the keyboard. It
has an excellent feel, and is much better than the Mega keyboard. You can
add an excellent IBM compatible to your Mega though. The adapter is
around $100 and the IBM keyboard is around another $100. This brings our
total up to $1899 and we still don't have the equivalent of a TT on our
desk.
The PTC1426 is a 14" .29 dot pitch color monitor which allows the
TT030 to run in all ST resolutions, and also allows two of the three TT
resolutions (TT Low with 256 colors and TT Med with 640/480/16 colors).
Even though we've added a 68030 board to our Mega, we still only get 4
colors in ST med resolution, to get anything better we have to add a video
board to our Mega. None have been released yet, so you'll have to guess
at a price, but, for the sake of argument, we'll say that a video board
for our "baby TT" will run about $300. We also need a new monitor to let
our Mega match the TT030/PTC1426 combo and that will run about $450. We
are now up to $2649!
Oops! Almost forgot. The TT030/8 has an 80 meg hard drive. Tack on
another $625 which brings us up to $3274.
Gee, I'm getting forgetful. I forgot to mention that adding all those
boards to your Mega will be too much for the Power Supply. A new one will
run about $100. While we're at it, all that stuff has to be installed so
let's figure another $100. This brings us to a GRAND TOTAL of $3474. We
now have a "baby TT", right? Wrong.
The TT030 uses TOS 3.05 which allows for all kinds of neat window,
color and sound options. Our "baby TT" has TOS 2.05 which assumes that we
are using a Mega STe and so, we don't have those options available to us.
Not too bad, but we still came in a little over $300 less than buying a
TT030/8 with an 80 meg HD and a PTC1426 color monitor.
Think about this though. If you sold your Mega and your monitor, you
could probably get at least $500 for it. Buy a TT030, sell your Mega and
you come out $200 ahead! What a deal. You also get the advantage of the
industry standard VME bus on the TT030.
The bottom line is: Check it out before you spend a lot of money
trying to save a few bucks. You might be surprised at what you find.
__________________________________________________________________
> NEW WARES! STR InfoFile GREAT NEW WARES FOR THE ST
=======================
STEALTH
=======
Stealth, a revolutionary modem telecommunications terminal for the
Atari ST, has been released. A major new stand-alone terminal has not
been released for years and people have been out of touch with the latest
technological enhancements.
Stealth is perfect for new and experienced users alike. But most in-
teresting is the concept of Stealth's emulation of other terminals such as
Flash or Interlink. Users of these old and outdated terminals can easily
start using Stealth right away!Stealth will convert data files from these
terminal programs and will actually emulate them. Yes, that's right. We
had to use Flash for years and it'd be tough to learn new menu bar slots
and keyboard shortcuts. It's just like using one of your under-the-sink
cabinet doors to hold the trash can for the past number of years. If the
can gets placed in another door, you'll be opening the old door a couple
of dozen times. The same goes for using a program. Not only that, but a
construction-kit will be included in the near future. It will allow
users to setup commands how they want them to be set up. What a simple
yet revolutionary concept.
But that's only the beginning. Stealth includes a built-in GEM based
word processor that functions as its capture buffer (in fact, two capture
buffers are offered). And it's just a click or keypress away. The
Stealth interface is designed with somewhat of a concept of letting the
user decide the best method of interfacing whether it be via keyboard, the
menu bar, or icons.
Stealth supports all major transfer protocols including X, Y, and
Zmodem (as well as several variations such as Ymodem G). Stealth has a
powerful script language with over 90 commands. It blows away Flash's .
DO file system. Enclosed is ST Whiz, a GEM Desktop replacement program;
and it's free (it normally sells for $15). Also free is a GEnie sign on
pack. GEnie is the official support network of Atari and is very active.
PDC will be offering tech support directly via GEnie. There's much more;
Stealth is "one helluva program."
Stealth retails for $39. 95 with shipping/handling an additional $4.
MONSTER STEREO CARTRIDGE
========================
The ST's sound capability is just now being tapped with TCB Tracker
and amazing game programs being released with sounds that blow you away.
The only problem is that it's hard to be blown away by the ST's puny
monitor speaker. And it is very puny, ja? It needs to be pumped up.
That's where the Monster comes in. The Monster Stereo Cartridge (MSC)
that is. MSC allows users to pump the ST's sound through a stereo, boom-
box, or mini-speakers. There have been others, but nothing like the
Monster. Tweetyboard required extensive installation. MSC is a simple
plug in device, no soldering! Playback from MichTron is not only more ex-
pensive, but it also ties up the cartridge port, and that's a major pain.
MSC plugs into the printer port, and is easy to unplug without damaging
the delicate cartridge port.
What does it do? Specifically, it channels all ST sound through the
MSC into any sound equipment (via RCA jacks). It utilizes newly written
stereo software (such as TCB Tracker) to play in true stereo. Now your
ST can have the power of an STe!
TCB Tracker and many other programs have been updated to support the MSC.
The Monster Stereo Cartridge retails for $69.95 + $4 shipping/handling.
XTRA-RAM/XTRA-RAM STE/FORGET-ME-CLOCK II
========================================
PDC proudly announces that PDC is now the exclusive supplier of Fron-
tier Software products in the USA. Frontier offers the best in quality
RAM upgrades for the ST and STe line of computers. The Xtra-RAM upgrade
for ST computers comes in three formats: Unpopulated, .5 MB (which upgr-
ades a 1/2 meg ST to 1 MB), and 2.5 MB (which upgrades Mega 2 ST's to 4 MB
and other STs to 2.5 MB). The Xtra-RAM STE upgrades STE's to 2 MB to 2
Xtra-RAM STE's will upgrade the STE to 4 megabytes). All upgrades are
solderless and very easy to install. They are totally compatible with all
software. Each Xtra-RAM upgrade is supplied with free RAM-testing, RAM
disk, and printer spooler software.
Also available is the Forget-Me-Clock II, which is a clock cartridge
that doesn't tie up the cartridge port. Other cartridges can plug into it
while the Forget-Me-Clock II remains totally invisible to them. The
package also is supplied with time/date setting software, as well as with
an auto-run program that automatically sets the clock. Built-in setting
software offers the ability to stop the Forget-Me-Clock II to save its
battery life when it is not being used.
All products include professional and colorful packaging, as well as
complete documentation. But what's especially amazing is that PDC offers
a 10 day money back guarantee. If the user is dissatisfied for any
reason, he or she may return it for a full refund within 10 days of pur-
chase! No other RAM upgrade house offers that! But the support doesn't
stop there! All RAM upgrades carry a full twelve month guarantee. And
the Forget-Me-Clock II carries a two year guarantee. The RAM upgrades are
guaranteed to use new memory chips to make sure that the upgrade boards
are the most reliable anywhere!
PDC is introducing these products at a special introductory price.
Prices are as follows:
Standard Retail Special Price
Xtra-RAM Unpopulated $129.95 $ 99.95
Xtra-RAM .5 MB $179.95 $139.95
Xtra-RAM 2.5 MB $299.95 $199.95
Xtra-RAM STe 2 MB $149.95 $129.95
Forget-Me-Clock II $ 69.95 $ 49.95
Shipping is $6 per order.
PDC will have a representative at the Vancouver Atari Show demoing all of
our products, as well as selling them at massive discounts. Be there!
________________________________________________________
> STALKER 3.0!!!! STR InfoFile UPGRADING STALKER & STENO
============================
Gribnif Software Press Release June 12, 1991
For Info Contact: Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 350
Hadley, MA 01035
Tel: (413) 584-7887
Fax: (413) 584-2565
GRIBNIF SOFTWARE ANNOUNCES
UPGRADE PROGRAM FOR PREVIOUS OWNERS
OF STENO(TM) AND STALKER(TM)
HADLEY, MA -- Gribnif Software announced today its upgrade plans for the
STeno(TM) and STalker(TM) programs, recently acquired from Strata Softw-
are.
Since the new STeno 2.0 and STalker 3 packages are being released
independently, the legitimate owners of previous versions of these prog-
rams have two different upgrade plans available:
1. Upgrade to STeno 2.0 (available immediately) for $15.00. Upgrade
includes the new 2.0 version of the program, a 40 page illustrated
manual, and free technical support from Gribnif Software.
2. Upgrade to STalker 3 (available July 31st, 1991) for $20.00. Upgrade
includes the new version 3.0 of this amazing terminal program
(including the new BackTALKTM script language, GDOS support, and
more), a complete illustrated manual (still being written), and free
technical support from Gribnif Software.
If you upgrade to both now (for only $35.00), you will receive the new
STeno 2.0 package first. The STalker 3 package will be shipped as soon as
it is released (July 31st, 1991). Or, if you want, just upgrade one now
and later on upgrade the other. To get the upgrades, follow these easy
steps:
1. Mail us your original STeno/STalker disk.
2. Include a note with your name, address, and daytime phone number (in
case we have some questions about the order).
3. Enclose a US Bank Check, US Money Order, or Credit Card for the cor-
rect upgrade fee (see above) and the additional shipping and handling
charge:
Shipping charges are $2 for U.S. orders, $3 for Canadian
orders, and $5 for all other Foreign orders.
Note: If ordering by credit card, it must be a MasterCard,
EuroCard, or Visa. With the order you should include:
1) Credit card number.
2) Expiration date.
3) Name as it appears on the card.
4) Cardholder's signature.
4. Wait between 3-4 weeks. The orders will be processed and sent out on
a "first come / first serve" basis.
If you have any questions regarding the STeno and STalker software pack-
ages, please feel free to give us a call at (413) 584-7887.
STeno and STalker are trademarks of Strata Software. Exclusive world wide
marketing and distribution by Gribnif Software.
_________________________________________________________
> ATARI PLATFORM? STR FOCUS TO BE A "LEMMING" OR FREE THINKER!
=========================
AT WHAT PRICE? -> LOYALTY
=========================
"Are you FOR or AGAINST the Atari platform"
by Ralph F. Mariano
In most every situation in today's fast moving world, there must be
decisions to either support, quietly not support or vocally oppose the
ideals or policies of others. Especially when it directly effects you or
your circumstances. Its usually these times that try, to the very limits,
the patience of friends and acquaintances alike. A time such as this is
upon us now and its a dilly. Just last week, I was asked .. "Are you FOR
or AGAINST the Atari platform". The answer to such a question is intri-
cate and really, to be replied to properly, would take the writing of a
book. Neither I nor you have the time to invest. But.. I will try to
answer this question briefly.
At first glance, I felt utter revulsion at being hit with such a
loaded question that was obviously aimed at drawing out an emotional
reply. Thankfully I waited and after having read and re-read the passage
in which it appeared, things began to fall into place. What is this ques-
tion really asking? I said to myself a number of times. Finally, it came
together... It was asking if I cared to follow the 'faithful few' with an
unquestioning loyalty. Honestly speaking, I am not and will not.
Politicians utilize 'platforms' all the time. Certainly you have
heard of the "party platform" and the "platform" the candidate is running
on. This platform business is, when boiled down to its simplest terms,
nothing more than one person's opinion that some followers have agreed to
support. Nothing more and nothing less.
In the business world, "platforms" per se, have absolutely no realis-
tic justification. Why? Because the bottom line in business is profit
and growth. Not ideals and/or surrealistic beliefs. To this end, I must
say I hold positively no feelings pro or con to any so-called platform.
If however, one were to ask.. do I recommend the Atari hardware
(computers, etc.) there is an "emphatic" YES. Do I support the company?
Again YES. Do I embrace all of the company's policies and decisions? No
way, in fact I would be the first to say I disagree with many of the
decisions made in the last few years. From mid 1989 'till now it has been
a steady, progressive comedy of errors. Of course to go back and list
them all is redundant as most of us are very well aware of the "litany of
errors".
I am FOR the success of the hardware and the company and I am AGAINST
the continued blunders and permissiveness of allowing "special interest
types" to assert themselves upon Atari. This vertical market business is
the latest that needs addressing. Last year the expression; "the tail
wagging the dog" appeared to be an appropriate phrase to describe the good
the vertical market was doing in bringing the Atari computer into the
light of positive notoriety. How very true. The DTP "spoke" in the big
wheel of the Atari marketing scheme of things does indeed highly
compliment the computer and its potential. Whatever became of the highly
publicized Midi market, the Hotz Box, Application and accounting and last,
but certainly not least, the Entertainment markets?
Once most folks got past the tail of the dog, they'd find the dog
really had NO TEETH. Where are the substantive application programs for
the Atari computer. When was the last time we saw a major NEW application
released for the Atari Computer. And why hasn't there been? And whose
responsibility is that? The developers? The users? Atari itself? The
major portion of the responsibility is Atari's. The USA marketplace
demands a definite set of marketing and sales rules that simply put, must
be followed. They NEVER have been even closely adhered to.
In a nutshell;
- ADVERTISE THE PRODUCTS
- PRODUCE THE PRODUCTS TO MEET THE GENERATED DEMAND
- SELL AND SHIP THE PRODUCTS
This is the time proven formula prescribed universally to achieve a
sales and marketing success. Its no secret. Really it isn't.
On the other hand, Atari's people have been the most responsive they
have been in quite some time. The users, developers, dealers and other
interests have all expressed great pleasure in their ability to reach
someone at Atari and be heard. The credit for this belongs to Bill Reh-
bock, Bob Brodie, Don Thomas and the others who have realized that Atari
desperately needs their input to help formulate plans for the future.
These folks are doing a great job for Atari and deserve both our support
and thanks.
____________________________________________________________
> USERGROUP IV STR Feature The Organization of a Usergroup
========================
SO YOU WANT TO START A USER GROUP?
==================================
Part IV
A primer for starting your own user group
by Tim Holt
ACCEPT of El Paso
Hello, meet Uncle Sig...
Hello again! Last time out, we looked at some ways to keep your members
interested and coming back for more. Hopefully, you saw that using
"non-traditional" topics is a good way to keep then coming back. Today, we
will look at special interest areas within your group, pros and cons of
multiple platforms, and some common problems faced by user groups all over
the place.
Each user group has a variety of people in them, unless you only have two
people in your group, that can serve as "experts" in a particular area.
Why did you buy your computer? Chances are, the guy that is vice president
of your club has a very different reason, and that little kid in the back
has another reason as well. Music, games, word processing, data bases,
video production, animation, all are very well served by the Atari plat-
form. The larger your group, the greater the chances of fragmentation.
This is where the idea of SIG's, or Special Interest Groups comes in.
Becuase of time limitations, chances are, you cannot cover everything you
want to in your regular club meetings. But, who ever said that you were
set to just the "official meeting" time and places?
When your club gets enough people, it is time to start thinking about
SIGs. A sig group can meet at the same time as the regular meeting, a sort
of "meeting within a meeting", or you can even schedule them at different
times, when it is convenient for those that are interested to get
together. The sig can meet at a membrs house, and can be quite informal.
Whenever there is a special interest, there can be a sig meeting. Let me
give you some examples:
Say Paul and Pete and Suzy all use WordPerfect at work. Well, Paul knows
all the tricks of WordPerfect, Suzy knows a few less, and Pete just got it
slapped on the computer and he stares blindly at the screen at work. This
is a great time to start a sig. Meet a Paul's house, have a few refresh-
ments, and review, and enjoy the single topic of WordPerfect. The entire
club doesn't have to show up, only those that are interested in learning
WordPerfect. The pace is relaxed, and they don't have to talk over the din
of the rest of the meeting. However, it is important that ALL members of
the club are aware of this sig meeting, and that they are all welcome if
they choose. you don't want to start little groups within your group that
feels superior to everyone else.(And we all know how those WordPerfect
people feel superior to us peons...evil grin) Always make the sigs open to
everyone.
Okay, so you have a WordPerfect sig. Do you see how ANY program that
people express an interest in can work here? Let's take another example:
Falcon is (or was) a very popular game for the ST. It is REALLY neat if
you hook your Falcon game up to another ST through a null modem cable. I
can easily imagine a sig for just Falcon players. They have Falcon tour-
naments, and have a Falcon Championship. Again, everyone in the club
should feel welcome to the tourney, but if they do not want to show up,
fine. There are several games that allow hookup through null-modem cables,
like Falcon. Midi Maze comes to mind immediately.
Just as you can have unlimited types of demos (see last column) you can
also have unlimited types of Sigs. A Mac sig, an IBM sig, etc. The limit
again, is your imagination. However, some warnings about sigs: You do not
ever want the sigs to become more important than the club itself. If that
happens, the people in the sig will be reluctant to renew the membership
for next year. This is a reason many clubs have sig meetings inside a
club's regular meeting.
Multiple Platforms:
There is a serious question for you to consider when you are starting your
club: Do you wish to limit it to JUST the Atari platform? There are good
arguments on both sides. I will try to give you both:
If you decide to go with multiple platforms, you have to decide which
platforms you want to go with. Just Macintosh? Just MS Dos? Or both? well,
let me tell you what our club has done:
We sat down one afternoon, and talked about the future of Atari computers.
Perhaps it was a after a bad week for Atari, or maybe Pete's stock dipped
into the $1.00 range. Whatever the reason, we decided that Atari was not
going to be around in the computer arena for as long as Macintosh, or MS
Dos. Maybe it will be around for as long as our club is in existence,
maybe not. We were losing members, many of which were not quitting because
they disliked the club, but because they had sold their Atari's and had
bought another type of platform. We wanted to keep members, but we are
wise enough to know that folks are not as impressed with their systems as
they once were. We changed then and there. Atari Computer Club of El Paso
Texas (ACCEPT) became Advanced Computer Club of El Paso Texas (ACCEPT).
Any type of computer platform that the Atari ST could emulate was now wel-
come to join our club. Has this helped? Yes and no. Yes, now the other
members are not afraid to admit that they use IBM's at work, and now we
have a real Mac expert at each meeting. No, we haven't gotten many more
non Atari members, but we really haven't tried.
To the minus side of this is that you do not want the Atari members, your
bread and butter, to be alienated by the new group. Everyone should be
equal. You do not want the famous "My computer is better than your
computer" argument to rise up. In this case, and really in all cases,
anybodies cmputer is just as good as anyone else's. be on the lookout for
these types of problems.
Problems problems everywhere...
Eventually, you will run into problems. As sure as the sun rises, your
club will face the following: No money, apathy, losing members, low tur-
nouts, and bad demos. Let's look at all of these:
No money: Okay, even though you have 200,000 members and each has paid
their membership fee, you find that the costs of newsletters, and other
fees has drained the treasure chest. How do you raise money? Well, one of
the best ways our club has found was to have auctions. These work by mem-
bers bringing used original computer goods, and trying to auction them
off. In our club, we charge a 10% fee to the SELLER of the final auction
price and let the seller get 90%. You would be surprised how many people
have relatively new programs and equipment that they just do not use.
Suppose you sell WordPerfect at auction for $75. Well, the club would get
$7.50, and you would make $67.50. Not bad, especially if the program is
just sitting on the shelf collecting dust. I have a rule when deciding
what to sell: If I haven't used it in 1 year, then it goes to auction!
Please make sure, however,that everything that is sold is original!
Another nice way of getting money is to have doorprizes, and raffle them
off. 50 cents a ticket for the doorprize. You won't get a lot of money on
doorprizes, but it is money, and could pay for this month's issue of AIM.
You can also have special raffles, at Christmas, like raffling off a LYNX
like our club did. However, you want to make sure that the prize is not
more than the amount of money you will get in the raffle. Raffle off a
Spectre GCR, or even a 1040 ST if you wish!
A membership drive is another way to get new money. have a contest. The
member that gets the most new members to join wins a prize. If each member
gets one new member, then you double your membership! Pretty good!
Apathy is the scourge of all clubs. I don't know about you, but when I am
asking folks to help, and only one person out of 20 says boo, then I get
pretty upset. You can plead, you can beg, you can cry, and they still sit
there and look like a bunch of stumps. I have found that the only way to
get people to get off their duffs is to just ASSIGN someone to do
something. Bob, would you do this for me and have it done by Friday? Pete,
could you please scan this for me? I really need it. Just ask, it might
surprise you how many actually do what you want. many club members are
like lost sheep, and really are pretty impressed when the President asks
them to do something. You could go the old threat route, "I won;t show up
until you guys get to work", but that rarely works. If you do it enough,
the club realizes that you are crying wolf, and won't do anything for you.
Low turnout at meetings is seasonal. Christmas and summer are the worst.
The best way to get folks to show up is to have the best meetings at those
times. Have the auctions in July, and December. Also, have someone in the
club call all the members before each meeting, reminding them about the
meeting. Please make sure however, that you get someone reliable. The kid
that plays games all day probably won't want to spend two hours on the
phone calling people he doesn't know. Don't get discouraged if the
meetings don't set attendance records every time. You are going to have
low turnouts, you are going to have times when everyone forget there is a
meeting! Our club meets the second Saturday of each month. When the Satur-
day is on the 8th, members tend to think that is the first Saturday of the
month. Once, we had 2 members show up at the regular meeting, but 22
showed up the next week, a week late! get that caller calling!
And speaking of meetings, sometimes, an expected demo just will not work.
No matter what you do, that scanner won't scan, the hard drive won't boot,
etc. Always have a "plan B". This could be a pd program that hasn't been
demoed, like ArcShell or Vanterm, or something like that. It WILL happen,
and it will be embarrassing. However, if the members see that the leaders
are on top of things, they will get a warm fuzzsy feeling inside and elect
you president again next year!
Next time, where to turn to for help, and how to keep those pirates out of
the club...
____________________________________________________________
> STR Portfolio News & Information Keeping up to date...
================================
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM
=========================
On CompuServe
by Judith Hamner 72257,271
A new upload by B. J. Gleason, DRYACT.ZIP, will convert .dry files for
use with the ACT contact manager software. Another new upload, HP9114.THD,
captures the thread on the Interloop HP9114 disk drive.
On the hardware front, Craig Davis reports his experience with the
Megabyte 512K upgrade. Sysop Marty Mankins has posted the commands needed
to use the Practical Peripherals Pocket Modem with the Portfolio.
The latest word in software is that Power Basic should be ready to ship
soon. Watch for an official announcement. Jim Straus reports that he is
re-coding his outliner in assembly for speed and compactness.
_________________________________________________________________
> WAACE/'91 STR SHOW NEWS "The Premier East Coast Show!"
=======================
WAACE/'91 ATARIFEST UPDATE
==========================
This posting is an attempt to answer some questions that have been
posed in recent weeks. Hardcopy vendor packets will be sent out around
the 15th of June.
WAACE, Inc. AtariFest '91 Dates:
--------------------------------
The Fest is scheduled for 12 and 13 October '91. The show hours are
from 10 to 5 both days. We also expect to sponsor some special events on
Friday evening.
The show will feature a full round of seminars and demonstrations.
There will also be a swap meet. There will be a cocktail party and a ban-
quet on Saturday evening.
Location:
---------
The Fest will be held at the Sheraton Reston Hotel in Reston, VA,
which is within 20 minutes of downtown Washington, DC and within 5 minutes
of Dulles International Airport.
This is the same location we used last year. For those who did not
make the '90 event let us simply say that this is a pleasant, spacious
conference facility located in a parklike suburban setting with plenty of
free parking.
Hotel Rates:
------------
Hotel rates are $59 per night for single or double occupancy, $66 for
triple and quad. These rates are valid from October 10th through the
13th. Virginia hotel tax (4.5%) must be added to the above prices. In or-
der to obtain these rates you must mention WAACE AtariFest '91 when making
your reservations.
Admission Prices:
-----------------
The admission price has not been determined yet except to say that
show visitors who are guests of the hotel will receive a free ticket for
each night that they book (limited to two tickets per room per day).
Registered show workers will also receive free two-day passes.
Members of non-WAACE Atari User groups may register as show workers
and receive a free two-day pass. Please contact the WAACE representitives
below for details on registering as show workers.
Vendor Information:
-------------------
The basic rate for a single booth will be $500. There is a 30% dis-
count for vendors who reserve their booth space before 31 July (by includ-
ing a 50% deposit with their reservation).
The booth payment is for a single 8 x 8 ft booth. Pipe and drape
decoration, electrical outlets, tables, and chairs are provided. Prices
for multiple booths are as follows: 2 - $850, 3 - $1100, 4 - $1350.
A one half page ad in the WAACE Atarifest '91 Program is included in
the single booth price. Vendors may upgrade the half page ad to a full
page for $75. Standard full page ads may be purchased for $125.
Note:
Small vendors that wish to pool their resources and share a booth
space may do so, but must elect a single point of contact with WAACE for
vendor business transactions.
Misc. Information:
------------------
In addition to participating as a vendor at the AtariFest, WAACE prov-
ides additional areas for Atari developers and User Groups to participate:
Seminars : One hour long presentations of topics of interest to the
Atari community. Interested seminar presentors should contact the General
Chairman below to reserve a seminar slot. Please indicate the topic of
discussion as well as a preferred time slot.
Demo Rooms: On going demonstrations of special interest topics (i.e.
MIDI, DTP, Games, MAC & IBM Emulation, Productivity, Swap Room). Any Atari
User Group or individuals interested in helping out in a demo room should
also contact the General Chariman.
Demo rooms also feature periodic demonstrations by Atari Developers of
the latest hardware and software.
Fest Program: Features articles written by many popular magazine
authors in the Atari community. Interested authors should include a brief
summary of their article to the General Chariman.
Further Information:
--------------------
For additional Information please contact either of the following:
General Chairman Vendor Coordinator
Charles S. Smeton John D. Barnes
P.O. Box 0122 7710 Chatham Rd
Columbia, MD 21045-0122 Chevy Chase, MD 20815
GEMail: C.S.SMETON GEMail: J.D.Barnes
CIS: 73047,2565 DELPHI: JDBARNES
FNET: Charles Smeton Internet: JOHNBARNES@ENH.NIST.GOV
Node 500
WAACE Inc. 1991 AtariFest Vendor Price List
-------------------------------------------
Booths Ad Pages Standard Price Discount Price **
------------------------------------------------------------
0 1/2 $ 75 $ 53
1 1/2 $ 500 $ 350
2 1/2 $ 850 $ 595
3 1/2 $1100 $ 770
4 1/2 $1350 $ 945
0 1 $ 125 $ 88
1 1 $ 575 $ 403
2 1 $ 925 $ 648
3 1 $1175 $ 823
4 1 $1425 $ 998
** To qualify for the discount price a 50% downpayment must be received
with the reservation by July 31, 1991.
Payment may be in the form of check or money order for all payments made
by September 12, 1991. Payment after this date must be in the form of
money order, travelers check or cash (sorry, no exceptions).
_____________________________________________________________
> FAST TECH'S T-20! STR InfoFile
"...sweet and to the point"
==============================
THE GREAT T-20
from
FAST TECHNOLOGY
by Doyle Helms
"But officer, I was only doing 20...
Sonny, couldn't you see that the Chip is posted at 16?"
T-20. FaST. 'Nuff said!
The following will be short, sweet and to the point. I have
attempted to capture some of the "real world" times (or benchmarks) for
some of the most common programs.
For safety sake, let me first list the results of some of the
benchmarks programs available for those of you who hold great faith in
them (grin).
Quick Index 2.1
Auto programs: NONE
Accessories: NONE
Monochrome 8Mhz 20Mhz
Function B.off B.on B.off B.on
--------------------------------------------
CPU memory 100 100 197 197
CPU register 100 100 254 254
CPU divide 100 100 254 254
CPU shifts 100 100 259 259
TOS text 100 110 202 196
TOS string 100 106 189 187
TOS scroll 100 132 115 141
GEM dialog 100 133 195 239
--------------------------------------------
Now let's load the system down (or up) some.
Auto programs: TurboMono 1.84, G+Plus, LGSelect, Hotwire 3.0,
DCshowit, DCmshift, Codekeys
Acc.'s: G+Plus (mini), Hotsaver, Multidesk, Codekeys
Monochrome 8Mhz 20Mhz
Function B.off B.on B.off B.on
--------------------------------------------
CPU memory 91 91 189 189
CPU register 91 91 244 244
CPU divide 91 91 244 244
CPU shifts 91 91 248 248
TOS text 172 172 406 406
TOS string 1161 1168 2558 2558
TOS scroll 124 127 139 139
GEM dialog 232 245 448 473
--------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------
Now for one more benchmark program from Jim Ness(NBM 0.7)
| 8Mhz | 20 Mhz
Function | B. off B. on | B. off B. on
--------------------------------------------------------
Math test(cache) 16.55 18.07 7.51 7.86
Memory fetch/store 16.23 17.71 8.88 9.37
Dialog box draw 22.84 16.14 13.40 9.43
Floppy read/write 59.35 38.98 59.35 38.38
--------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Now to the "Real World BenchMarks"(or what the mind perceives
as real).
I will be running the RWBM's with the system "loaded" as
shown above in Quick Index 2.1 (BM #2).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Test 1: CALAMUS
Calamus load and display a full page DOC file of 127K
(390 frames):
8Mhz= 49.9 secs 20Mhz= 23.3 secs
Change view and redraw from FULL page to ZOOM setting:
8Mhz= 7.8 20Mhz= 3.8
From ZOOM to FULL view:
8Mhz= 12.3 20Mhz= 6.4
Print file in Landscape Mode(180x180 Epson LQ510 24 pinner):
8Mhz= 4min 56 secs 20Mhz= 4min 15secs
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TEST 2: PageStream 1.8
Load and display DOC file(306492bytes)
8Mhz= 12 secs 20Mhz= 6.3
Change view from NORMAL to FULL:
8Mhz= 6.14 20Mhz= 2.52
Change view from FULL to 200%:
8Mhz= 16.3 20Mhz= 6.3
Change from 200% to NORMAL:
8Mhz= 7.3 20Mhz= 3.1
Print file 180x180 dpi on Epson LQ-510 (24 pin)
8Mhz= 5min 35 secs 20Mhz= 3min 41secs
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Now for a couple of the commonly used program among
computerists.
TEST 3: UNLZH172.PRG
UnLZH of a file (1029532compressed/2196729uncomp.)
Total files in LZH is 10 (219672 bytes average size)
8Mhz= 3min 31 secs 20Mhz= 1min 26 secs
TEST 3b:LHarc 1.1319 (Quester)
Move 10 files (219672 average size) into Archive.
8Mhz= 16minutes 20Mhz= 6min 47 secs(wow!)
UnLZH (Extract) same file w/ Quester 1.1319
8Mhz= 4min 41 secs 20Mhz= 2minutes
TEST 3c:ARC 6.02
Move same 10 files into archive using 6.02:
8Mhz= 13min 37 secs 20Mhz= 5min 43 secs (oh yea!)
UnARC (Extract) same w/ 6.02
8Mhz= 5min 4 secs 20Mhz= 2min 13 secs
TEST 3d:Dcopy 3.6
Move same 10 files into archive using Dcopy 3.6:
8Mhz= 6min 6 secs 20Mhz= 2min 41 secs
UnARC (Extract) same w/Dcopy 3.6
8Mhz= 4min 3 secs 20Mhz= 1min 50 secs
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Now for something completely different...
These two tests will consist of using some of the functions (options)
in Touch-Up and MVG. This will also include load times for compressed IMG
files.
TEST 4: TOUCH-UP & MVG
Program load:
TOUCH-UP
8Mhz= 7.7secs 20Mhz= 4.3secs
MVG
8Mhz= 2.4 20Mhz= 1.9
Load IMG file: TOUCH-UP MVG
Filename size sec(8Mhz) sec(20Mhz) sec(8Mhz) sec(20Mhz)
1.IMG 85658 59 24 5.2 2.5
2.IMG 54922 68 27 4.3 2.3
3.IMG 79614 58 23 4.6 2.5
4.IMG 109771 70 28 6.2 3.0
5.IMG 67487 64 25 4.4 2.4
6.IMG 19932 13 5.7 1.4 0.9
7.IMG 114377 69 28 6.2 3.2
8.IMG 45431 28 11 2.8 1.5
9.IMG 42818 31 13 2.8 1.5
10.IMG 41376 31 13 2.8 1.5
----------------------------------------------------------------
22avg. 49avg. 4.06avg. 2.13avg.
TEST 4a: TOUCH-UP function times:
10.IMG file used for below tests.
*Clean up(Both):
8Mhz= 22secs 20Mhz= 10.8secs
*Bold(horz&vert):
8Mhz= 15.6secs 20Mhz= 7.9secs
*Outline:
8Mhz= 25.9 20Mhz= 9.9
TEST 4b: MVG function times:
7.IMG file used for below tests.
*Rotate 90:
8Mhz= 20.7secs 20Mhz= 8secs
*Dither(option 1 Lighten & Darken):
8Mhz= 21.8secs 20Mhz= 8.5secs
*Flip Horz:
8Mhz= 7.5secs 20Mhz= 3.4secs
*Flip Vert:
8Mhz= 1.2secs 20Mhz= .9sec
*Resize:
(75%)
8Mhz= 23.2secs 20Mhz= 8.8secs
(50%)
8Mhz= 12.7secs 20Mhz= 5.0secs
(25%)
8Mhz= 5.1secs 20Mhz= 2.1secs
*Shrink (Darkest & Lightest):
8Mhz= 14.8secs 20Mhz= 5.6
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TEST 5: Word Writer
(Search for xxxyyyzzz & Replace with aaaaaaaa)
Test file STR 720(xxxyyyzzz planted at end of file)
STR 720 Load:
8Mhz= 28.1 20Mhz= 13.4
Search & replace:
8Mhz= 27.5 20Mhz= 14.1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Conclusion:
After using this board for only a few days I have found it VERY dif-
ficult to return to 8Mhz mode! The speed increase is EXTREMELY nice and
the "wait states" are almost none existent!
I cannot say enough good stuff about this high quality product, so I
will just let the above stated numbers do the talking(they can be much
more eloquent). Customer service at FaST Tech is above reproach. I had
some slight trouble with MY Mega and not T-20 and Jim Allen helped me to
rectify it when he was under NO obligation to do so! Thanx Jim!!!
Hopefully the above information will help in your decision to
purchase the new T-20(Turbo 20) accelerator board from:
FaST Technology
14 Lovejoy Rd.
Andover MA. 01810
(508) 475-3810).
Any questions concerning the T-20 test results should be directed to me at
D.HELMS(GEnie) or STARTWO (Delphi-The ST Advantage!)
________________________________________________________________
> STR Crystal Ball THE DETAILS.......
----------------
As promised, the details of last week's revelations.
RE-ALIGNMENT - LAYOFFS - BELT TIGHTENING
CONSOLIDATION
"THE IDES OF MARCH IN JUNE?!?"
Not really, the Ides belong in March not now! The moves being done or
contemplated are hoped to do the right thing by helping to provide Atari
added strength, cash and perhaps, an ability to grow and prosper.
The CRYSTAL BALL is glowing WHITE HOT! Could it be true?
Sure its true, the Crystal Ball IS glowing WHITE HOT. How do you think I
am keeping my coffee hot? I know, bad joke. Truth is its still glowing
white hot and will for some time to come.
Is there going to be anywhere between a 30-50% layoff?
More than likely, if at all, it'll be considerably less -> 1/5 - 1/3.
IS... "HE BACK IN CHARGE?"
HE...Jack, has always been there. Lately he's made his presence a little
more obvious. What? Did you really expect that he'd sidetrack all three
and run the whole thing himself? Get Real. I'd like to see that but it
will never happen.
Is there really going to be a consolidation of subsidiaries?
Atari Canada and Mexico have already "trimmed the fat" and there is a pos-
sibility of the operations being "centralized" in Sunnyvale.
Are there to be DEMOTIONS, TITLE CHANGES, MORE WORK-NO RAISES?
As stated last week, these contemplated actions were verified. Whether or
not they actually occur is of course, another story. After all, its mere-
ly good business sense to do so with a tight economy at hand.
No "TAMALES OR MAPLE LEAVES" just one big bag of tricks?
Tamales refers to Atari Mexico and of course, the maple leaves refers to
Atari Canada. The bag of tricks refers to the whole thing being put under
a common umbrella.
"DOWN UNDER" being throttled back?
Down Under refers to Atari Australia and its exercise in "trimming fat".
What do you mean; YOU DON'T LIKE RIDDLES!
Only those who fantasize old Batman scenarios do! And that's strictly
kidstuff, what's happening at Atari is for real and NO laughing matter.
How about; "TV STARS FINISH LAST!"
Refers to a TV interview conducted at Atari with Gregg Pratt as the
center of attraction. G. Pratt was the person being interviewed when the
discontinued Panther and its alleged CD-ROM Drive was inadvertently shown
repeatedly as they panned the Atari lab as part of the interview. Pratt
has his own problems now, (Mercury News, San Jose, CA. (06-12-91). The
incident in the San Jose Mercury News is SAD! And may drag Atari into
even more mud.
Yo Adrian! We ain't talkin' about the Johnny Carson show!
How very true... Jay Lenno IS!
For the whole story ..... stay tuned!!
Now, how about all the hack 'n' slashers who immediately cried impen-
ding doom? Here's the real scoop, four independant sources from around
the country verified the information presented above and last week. In
any case, if anyone were to stop and THINK for a moment or two, the moves
described are the moves a company would most definitely make only if they
were "hell bent" on succeeding. Certainly, if Atari were in the midst of
doing anything but, the least expensive way would be to simply shut the
doors.
I, like most of you have always admired the business prowess of Jack
Tramiel. And, I might add this is not the first time its been rumored
that "he is back" it was done last year by another publication. You see,
Jack is a very positive symbol of success to most all of us. That image
will never change. He is "good medicine".
Marken Communications, a Public Relations firm, is no longer under
contract to Atari. The contract has been terminated. That too, has hap-
pened before. It appears "in-house folks" at Atari will be assuming
Marken's duties.
But the big picture here is very informative. Atari seems to be trim-
ming away expenses, consolidating its power and reserves to ensure the
smooth flow of product to its markets.
Personally, I find all the moves Atari has made or is about to make to
be quite positive and for the ultimate good of both the company and its
future. This does not by any stretch of the imagination mean I am now
"blinded by the light". There are policies at Atari I still disagree with
and I am sure there will be more in the future.
_____________________________________________________
> STR Mail Call "...a place for the readers to be heard"
=============
STReport's MailBag
==================
In response to STReport's request for reader opinions on the future of
Atari and ideas that may help......
from GEnie
Category 26, Topic 14
Message 74 Sat Jun 08, 1991
R.WATSON15 [Wayne Watson] at 12:20 EDT
First, let me say that I have been a LONG time user of Atari products.
I first bought the Atari 400 then moved up to the 800, 65XL, 130XE and
then finally the 1040ST. I love the Atari ST and would not trade it for
anything. I have supported Atari from the day I started user their
computers and will probably continue to use Atari computers. But...
Atari's future in my opinion does not look good. I don't think that the
ones in charge want the Atari ST/STE/TT to really succeed here in the US.
They act like they are trying to mess things up so that the other stock
holders will pull out and leave them with the full ownership of the com-
pany again. I feel like the crap that goes on at Atari is done on purpose.
Maybe those that saw the revolving door knew too much and they were can-
ned.
Atari in my opinion is constantly screwing things up in a computer
that could blow the doors off of the other computers. First, they fixed it
so that you could not upgrade the 520STFM to 1 meg by redesigning the
board. The same goes for the Mega ST 2. Now comes the TT and they say,
"Yeah, you can expand the memory but, you have to pay dearly for it". From
my understanding, in order to upgrade the memory in the TT (TT Ram), you
have to purchase a daughterboard from Atari. What a crock! Look at the
price difference between a TT030/2 and a TT030/4 or a TT030/4 and a
TT030/8. They have got to be crazy. I can purchase 1 MEG 80 ns SIMMs for
$50 dollars on the market now.
Why does Atari continually limit their computers. They should have pl-
aced a 6U VME bus in the TT instead of crippling it with the 3U. Whoever
makes these stupid decisions at Atari needs to see the revolving door.
Until Atari gets their heads screwed on straight and act like they
want their computers to succeed, they will not have a future. It is the
same old story all over again. When Warner owned Atari, they did minor
enhancements to the computer just to keep others happy so that they could
use Atari for a tax write off. I do not believe Atari wants to succeed.
Jack should sell the company to someone who wants ATari to succeed and
truly produce a computer that will make others stand up and listen. Atari
by now should have been in the position that when someone says 'Atari",
they listen. Jack and his sons have made Atari a laughing stock of the
computer world. Just mention Atari and watch people laugh and say, "You
program on a game machine" and you sit there while they walk off laughing
so hard that tears come to their eyes.
I say it is time for Jack and company to either get off their lazy,
greedy butts and make the Atari computer a computer that people will beg
to get their hands on or sell it to someone who will. They have screwed up
the company and the computer long enough.
I will still keep my ST as long as I can. I will by an SST board and
upgrade my ST before I purchase a TT though.
*** NOTE ***
This message may be re-printed with minor changes to correct spelling,
etc. The context should remain though. I am not that good at writing so
please, bear with me.
""""
In STReport 7.23, Ed Krimen presented an essay about Atari... Here is a
comment about that article....
Category 26, Topic 9
Message 228 Thu Jun 13, 1991
S.WINICK at 07:04 EDT
As you know, I periodically wander over here and share some opinions
and ideas. Generally, it seems my disagreements with Ralph and his wri-
ters get more attention than anything else. Ralph an I actually get along
quite well, although we obviously don't agree all the time. But that's
what makes life interesting, isn't it? ;-).
But we do agree on enough things about the Atari platform that he's
not only coming up to Asheville for next month's Blue Ridge AtariFest, but
he'll also be participating by conducting a seminar session during the
afternoon.
But to get back to my real reason for this post. There has been some
discussion in other categories about the general negativeness of this
week's issue of ST-Report, including the essay by Ed Krimen. So I decided
to read it carefully myself.
I've corresponded with Ed previously on the national ST-Echo (before
our local access BBS went down), and he and I have not always agreed on
everything there either. But after carefully reading his essay in
ST-Report, I'd like to compliment him on a fine piece of work. He offered
an excellent analysis of the Atari marketplace, his own feelings and
opinions, and most importantly, constructive criticism and suggestions for
improvement. Ed's essay conveys his knowledge about the Atari marketplace
through years of experience, as well as his knowledge of the principles of
successful merchandising in general.
Lets hope that his offering isn't misinterpreted as an excuse for another
round of emotional bantering, but is instead analyzed carefully by our
friends at Atari as the feelings of a devoted Atarian seriously concerned
about the current state of affairs in the American marketplace. Thanks,
Ed, for sharing with us your observations and recommendations.
Sheldon Winick (Computer STudio/IADA)
""""
Here we present a selection of the replies from our recent request, as-
king for our reader's opinions pertaining to Atari's future.
from CIS
Date: 09-Jun-91 23:11 EDT
From: bill devonshire [73707,1656]
Subj: Atari Live/Die
The Future of Atari
-------------------
I can't help but think that I am a fortune teller or sooth-sayer as I
sit to type out my impressions as to the future of Atari. Usually, as I
tend to predict the future of anything, I look to the past to see what has
happened. The history of any Company is the stockmans key to the future.
We too are alot like investors, wondering what Computer will be the best
investment for the future. Track record plays a big part. When you have
an ocean of preference staring you in the face against a tablespoon of
water, it is hard to say, "I'll go with the tablespoon thank you very
much". In bold print PC/MAC/AMIGA far outweighs ATARI, and support for it
dwindles with every passing day. I live in a small town, and felt the
dread of death when the Towns name was removed from the local maps. So
too I have felt this dread when I no longer saw new software listings for
the ST in Compuserve monthly, and the same when Atari appeared under the
old "Other" computer category. At work we wade through volumes of uploads
to the PC forums weekly, while I can wait a week to get a smattering of
uploads for the ST. I see magazines dropping the line, developers
switching enmass to PC's and software companies discontinuing support. My
closest Atari dealers are an hours drive away, so I rely on mail order
quite a bit. The dealers I do confer with seem lacking in knowledge and
drive to actually sell the Computers that gather dust beside the PC's in
their show rooms. This is not a good sign for the future!
On the up side, the developers that are in the game are very keen and
are struggling hard to make their products known and available. Atari has
upgraded the ST line and produced some very nice new computers,
completely upward compatible with the existing line. VME, UNIX and upward
compatibility will help Atari to maintain its existing base while
attempting to open up new areas, and new user bases for its higher end
machines. This new influx of equipment cannot overcome the existing PC
user base and its massive influence on the future of hardware and software
development for the Computer community at large. To stay alive and kick-
ing, even Atari has been forced to enter the DOS market. There is a lot
of potential in the ST/TT line, but it is being eclipsed by the present
state of the art, and very little is being done to promote this potential.
The one thing that I do not see is dealer participation and drive. There
must be at least 20 Computer shows a year in my area, and not one is fre-
quented by Atari. Instead, all I find is a terrain of PC's smattered with
MACs. Maybe the Atari dealers are there, but they are pushing PC's!! How
is the public going to know that Atari even exists if no one ever brings
it out of the closet and shows it off. The Industry is only now beginning
to reach the system enhancements that we have been living and working with
for years, and even then, the others are making a botch of attempting to
copy the interfaces.
The best I can say is that the Atari line of computers has great
potential. Some of its power has been tapped by a few developers over the
years, and they have produced some very dynamic software packages (ahead
of their time). Without the drive and determination to show off the
prowess and potentials of this true "family of Computers" and to get this
message out to people enmass, the ST/TT line will fade into the history of
the computer revolution. Atari will, however, survive!
Bill Devonshire
Compuserve: 73707,1656
""""
Date: 04-Jun-91 03:29 EDT
From: Name withheld at request of sender..
Subj: STR Feedback
To: 70007,4454
You requested feedback in ST Report - here's my 2 cents worth:
All I know is what I read about STEs and TTs not being available in
the US. It seems rediculous that nobody can buy one, as I'm sure they
could be put to good use. I would like to have a 1040 STE, if just for
the expanded colors and stereo sound. They say the Atari software market
is drying up as a result of Atari abandoning the US market. Well, I have
trouble keeping up with the many recent upgrades of the ST software I use
- mainly MIDI, other commercial software like Codehead, and programs writ-
ten by people on CIS and uploaded there. Since using my ST is strictly my
favorite hobby, I can take my time learning how these many programs work,
and believe it or not, there's still a lot I'm fascinated with in Degas
Elite and learning how to use GDOS fonts. I guess I'm way behind, but
there just seems to be enough ST software to keep me busy for a very long
time (not to mention the hundreds of games I haven't tried yet).
It is heartbreaking how Atari has such loyal users in the US but they
have been abandoned. But if Atari won't do anything to fix this, I don't
see what the users can or should do. Surely they're aware of all of us.
Meanwhile the upgrades from software companies keep coming faster than I
can absorb them.
There's a psychological angle that I can't ignore. In a way, I like
my ST being a well-kept secret. Mine can do tricks that other computers
can't easily do, and I don't feel like I have to blow my horn about this
to the world. Part of this is fear, I admit, that people will challenge
me with the "game machine" rap and put me on the defensive (very uncomfor-
table.) In another way, I do want to show it off and be able to brag about
the great Atari support for my baby, but then I realize it's my ego wan-
ting a few strokes. So, if I'm ranting and raving about how Atari is
dragging it's feet, I just have to ask myself why. It's OK to be that way
- we are human after all, kind of like feeling proud of a new sports car.
But what it comes down to is how I use my computer and if I enjoy it.
Even if Atari went under, I get this feeling that the userbase would sur-
vive. And if some users move on to other brands, so what? It doesn't
change it's usefulness to me.
When I first got an Atari 400, then an ST, it WAS because of the games
at first, then I began to learn on my own about other programs (midi,
First Word, Degas, etc.) I always felt like I was in elementary school,
though, because I knew NOONE ELSE who had an ST. Seriously, I got
depressed over feeling like I wasn't getting anywhere, and being looked
down on from the Mac and IBM users. But then...THEN somehow I decided to
get a modem and everything changed when I got on CIS a few years ago. It
was like night and day - these new people were ^[very supportive and
knowlegable, and yes, numerous (compared to what I had before.) All of a
sudden I could do what I had been wanting to do - use my ST productively.
Next thing I know, everybody's bashing Atari and predicting certain doom,
while I'm sitting in this huge pile of new software surrounded by knowlege
and inspired ideas, and I'm going "Huh? I don't know what Atari's up to or
not up to, and I'm sure I don't have any control over it, and it doesn't
seem to be real anyway because look at all of this!"
""""
from the FNET
Conf : ST Report
Msg# : 12778 Lines: Extended Read: 1
Sent : Jun 2, 1991 at 5:32 PM
Recv : Jun 4, 1991
To : Ralph Mariano
From : Gaius Salvius Liberalis at ///Turbo Board Support BBS
Subj : Re: <12729> The "NEW" Atari?????
The incompetent Tramiels are still heading Atari, and Atari still
isn't doing much in the way of marketing -- Atari Canada does place ads,
but not nearly as many as they should. To top it off, Atari is losing
market share in Europe, and from reports in this very base, Atari UK is
screwing its customers, developers and dealers.
What would I like to see Atari do? Aside from doing some serious
marketing, I think what they should do is improve their OS. GEM and TOS
are nice, but one can't deny the fact that they're limited. GEM still
can't multitask, and there is no inter-application communication whatso-
ever (If you count Atari's clipboard, there is, but only three programs
use it. Atari needs to completely re-do it, and support it.)
Yesterday, I was watching the show "Tomorrow Today", a technology show,
on Newsworld (Canada's 24-hour News channel), and they had a segment on
System 7.0. They showed shots of it in use, and it looked even more
impressive than it sounds in print. Now why can't Atari do something like
that? One could reply that Atari doesn't have the time, but Atari doesn't
have anything that comes even *REMOTELY* close.
Atari makes FSM/GDOS (admittedly, it sounds nice), but it is non-standard.
To top it off, they want $100 for it. That's too much, if you ask me.
I'd imagine that most people wouldn't want to pay that much, either.
""""
Conf : Atari 16/32 Bit
Msg# : 18476 Lines: Extended Read: 1
Sent : Jun 1, 1991 at 9:29 AM
To : NINJA
From : Electron Beam at Bloom County #75 Mtn. View, CA
Subj : Re: <18437> MegaSTE
In reply to:
- As for the Tramiels and Atari, when I do see something wrong I don't
- hesitate to point it out. In fact, sometimes I go overboard and really
- insult Atari. You try to see things clearly I understand. But in the
- process of bashing the Tramiels, you end up damaging the ST's reputation
- and help drive away potential ST users.
Ninja, I saw your message the other day appropriately laying the blame for
the Word Perfect Fiasco at the feet of the Tramiels. Now, I thought that
was the first time I ever saw you do this. If you say it has happened
before, I'll believe you. But, I did almost have a heart attack when I
saw that... 8-)
I would like to point out one thing to you and all others afraid that
criticizing Atari will sink the machine. Not criticizing them is FAR
WORSE!! US car manufacturers did not start listening to the public and
start making better cars because they felt like it. They were responding
to huge sales losses and incredible pressure from the buying public.
The Tramiels will never start behaving like responsible corporate
managers unless they are subjected to enough pressure to make them
respond. As long as enough people excuse their endless mistakes they will
continue to be the incompetents they are... Think about it... Atari is
already all but doomed...no matter how rosey the glasses are you are
wearing.
If the Tramiels don't get their act together soon, Atari is history.
And I don't consider hollow lies from Sam Tramiel to constitute getting
one's act together...
So far, STReport has received well over 50 responses to our "open
opinion poll and suggestion campaign. We will continue to present a
cross section of those responses here. We will send all the responses
received to Atari at the completion of this campaign. Of course, we will
remove all names and IDs of those so requesting. STReport can sympathize
with those who do not want to leave themselves open to retaliation from
certain people at Atari. Temper tantrums and revenge seem the "norm" at
the "kinder and gentler" Atari.
____________________________________________________________
> Hard Disks STR InfoFile ***** ABCO PRICE CHANGES! *****
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> A "Quotable Quote"
====================
"WAY TO GO, GREGG!"
Alfred E. Krebbs
(Why worry?)
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STReport International Online Magazine?
Available through more than 10,000 Private BBS systems WorldWide!
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STReport? "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" June 14, 1991
16/32bit Magazine copyright = 1987-91 No.7.24
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Views, Opinions and Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of
the editors, staff, STReport? CPU/MAC/STR? or ST Report?. Permission to
reprint articles is hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Each reprint
must include the name of the publication, date, issue # and the author's
name. The entire publication and/or portions therein may not be edited in
any way without prior written permission. The entire contents, at the
time of publication, are believed to be reasonably accurate. The editors,
contributors and/or staff are not responsible for either the use/misuse of
information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
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