ur keyboard
T/ie new SABA colour TV that
doubles up as a colour computer monitor
(or is it the other way around?).
Scientific House.
Bndge Street. Sandiacre
Nottingham NG105BA
Telephone (0602) 394000
ft
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ROM SOFTWARE INC VAT
Wordwtse 39.95
View 59.00
Prmtmaster 32.95
Caretaker 32.95
Disc Doctor 32.95
Termi (terminal emulator) 32.95
Graphics Extension 32,95
DFS^ The Upgrade 27 95
Acorn Speech System Upgrade 55 00
HCCS Forth 39 95
HCCS Logo Forth 67 85
HCCS Pascal 57.00
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The Best! 43 70
BOOKS NO VAT
BBC Micro Disc Companion 7.95
Creative Graphics 7 50
Graphs & Charts 7.50
Lisp Manual 7.50
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BCPL Manual 15 00
Discovering BBC Micro
Machine Code 6 95
BBC Micro Disk Manual 1 95
Disk Systems For
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Killer Gorilla 7.95
Cybertron Mission 7.95
Cosmic Combat 7.95
Chess B 7 95
Danger UXB 7.95
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Felix in Factory 7.95
Felix & Fruit Monsters 7,95
Nemesis 7.95
Bumble Bee 7.95
Wizards Challenge 7.95
Jet Power Jack 7.95
Positron 7 95
Demon Decorator 6.85
Alien Swirl 7.95
Alien Destroyers 7.95
Space Jailer 7.95
Ghouls 7.95
Moon Raider 7 95
The Mine 7.95
Hpll Driver 7 95
Labyrinths of
LaCoshe 7.95
Zarm 7.95
Blockbuster 7.95
Rubble Trouble 7.95
Frenzy 7.95
Stock Car 7.95
SUPERIOR
SOFTWARE INC VAT
Hunchback 7 95
Overdrive 7 95
Battletank 7.95
Cosmic Kidnap 7.95
Star Battle 7.95
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Rocky 7 95
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Crazy Painter 7.95
Road Racer 7 95
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Dogfight 8.95
BUG-BYTE INC VAT
Twin Kingdom Valley 9 95
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Pool 7.95
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Business Games 9 95
Castle of Riddles 9.95
Creative Graphics 9 95
Countdown to Doom 9.95
Forth 1 6.85
Graphs E t Charts 9.95
Hopper 995
Lisp 16.85
BCPL (Rom + Disc) 99.95
Missile Base 9 95
Meteors 9 95
Kingdom Of Hamil 9 55
Monsters 9.95
Planetoid 9-95
Rocket Raid 9.95
Snooker 9 95
Sphinx Adventure 9.95
Starship Command 9 95
Tree of Knowledge 9.95
Snapper 9,95
Shirley Conran s Magic Garden 9 95
Personal Money Management 9 95
Draughts and Reversi 9.95
Aviator C/D 14.95/17.25
J C B Digger 9.95
Free c all 9 95
Carousel I 9.95
ACORNSOFT EDUCATIONAL
SOFTWARE NOW AVAILABLE
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Tax Calc 1 7.25
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VISIONS
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Pengi
PSION
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EsSS«
CIATE
RAPID-FIRE tea^ c e ontro , te yo. bbc
ONLY
TORCH Z80
DISC PACK
WITH OVER
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jr* ™ sc*
• ’60cp* 11 . 9m.tr,,
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I Soliwere includes
I # PtfU-tCT WRIII H • PERFt: '
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■ PEBft L tp , . • t ORCH Nil
I The TORCH Z80 DISC PACK is Uw
I mos’ ixuvn'ln' BBC M , ... diw
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AO)RN ELECTRON
BBC Micro Model B
BBC Micro Model B + Double
density DOS
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Pace DFS
DISC DRIVES IN
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HOBBIT FLOPPY DRIVES
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Microvitec 14' Colour
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Cassette leads • all types
Computerama Joystick interface
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BBC MICRO)
Printer Cable (Parallel) 1.2 m
BBC Micro Deluxe Cover
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Data Cassettes 5 x C20/C15
The Plug Power Filter
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ORDERS
Full sidewise Rom
• fcW° n to 16 Roms
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Plug-m-and-go
construction _ Mounts
. !Kc!o v ms,de the 08( ^
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Drobtam. da ' a bus
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fn ih PU L ous crashes d V ue
RRr M known fault or
BBC Micro Existing
Sfe S A°llp 88C M,cr ° are
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•re accessible without
removing sidew.se
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7 95
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INC VAT
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795
795
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795
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1495
14.95
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Send large SAE tor further details of
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CARRIAGE
Micro's. Monitors. Disc Drives,
Printers £8 00. Books £1 00 each
Cassette Decks £2 00 Leads and
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my
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worth of
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MICROBYTE
3D Space Ranger
Pinball
CLARES
B- Base
Replica II (Disc Only)
Graph Disc
The Key (Disc Only)
Shadow/Inspector
State 40/80T for Discs
DR SOFT
747 Flight Simulator
Gorph
AMCOM
Fortress (C/D)
Space Highway
GEMINI
Business Combination Packs
1. 2. 3. 4
Data Base
SOFTWARE FOR ALL
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Invoicing/Statements
Sales/ Purchases (C/D)
ADVENTURE
INTERNATIONAL
The Hulk
Adventureland
Voodoo Castle
Secret Mission
Pirate Adventure
SOFTSPOT
Transistors Revenge
Heist
H. SOFT (WATFORD)
Penguin
ALLIGATA
Spitfire
Neanderthal Man
Blagger
HEWSON
Heathrow Air Traffic Control
CRL
Test Match
A&F
Chuckie Egg
Cylon Attack
iBO ' Darts
AARDVARK
Zataga
Frak”
ADDICTIVE
Football Manager
MIRRORSOFT
First Steps With
The Mr Men
MICRO USER
Micro Olympics
MICRODEAL
Air Traffic Control
Space Shuttle f C/0)
MRM SOFTWARE
Q-Man
Q-Man $ Brother
Diamond Mine
Guy In The Hat
3D Munchy
Castle Assault
Darts
INC VAT
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7.95
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25.00
12.00
12.95
12.95
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7.95
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7 95/11.95
7.95
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P.OA
19 95
INC VAT
19.95/29 95
19.95/29.95
1 9.95/29.95
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9.95
995
9.95
9.95
9.95
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6.95
6.95
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795
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7 95
7.95
795
INC VAT
7.95
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7.95
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7.90
7.90
7.90
INC VAT
6.90
6.90
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6.90
INC VAT
995
INC VAT
690
INC VAT
995
795/9.95
INC VAT
5 70
5 70
5.70
5 70
5 70
570
570
SOFTWARE PROJECTS INC VAT
Legion
MOSAIC
My Secret File
OCEAN
Mr Wimpey
695
INC VAT
995
INC VAT
690
svk-
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
THE ONE AND ONLY BBC, ELECTRON AND ATOM MAGAZINE
August 1984 No 25
Cover photography by John Barlow, make-up by Paula Owen;
clothes from Benetton and Brown’s
Editor Tony Quinn
Production editor Keith Parish
Technical editors Alex van Someren,
Bruce Smith
Editorial assistant Kitty Milne
Art editor Nigel Wingrove
Art assistant Frances King
Publishing director Michael Potter
Editorial director Christopher Ward
Editorial
Redwood Publishing,
68 Long Acre, London
WC2E 9JH. Tel: 01-836 2441
Advertising
Computer Marketplace Ltd, 20
Orange St, London WC2H 7ED.
Tel: 01-930 1612
Subscriptions
Jan Potter, Subscriptions manager.
Tel: Nutfield Ridge (073782) 2957.
Correspondence: Redwood Pub-
lishing, 68 Long Acre, London
WC2E 9JH.
Annual subscription rates:
UK £15
Europe £18
Middle East £20
The Americas and Africa £22
Rest of the World £24
Prices include p&p for 12 issues
Acorn User welcomes submissions from readers
Articles should be typed, double-spaced text, with dia-
grams on separate sheets Please enclose programs on
disc or cassette, with a listing if possible Photos should
be 35mm, or larger, transparencies, or 5in by 7in black
and white prints Ensure your name is on everything.
Please include a suitable stamped, addressed envelope
for return. Articles are acknowledged on receipt
Typeset and printed in Great Britain by Wat-
moughs Ltd, Bradford. Print production by
Aquarius Print and Oesign, London. Distributed
to the news trade by Comag, Tavistock Rd, West
Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE. Tel: (0895) 44405.
© Redwood Publishing 1984
All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reproduced without prior written per-
mission of the publisher. The publisher cannot
accept any responsibility for claims or errors in
articles, programs or advertisements pub-
lished. The opinions expressed on the pages of
this magazine are those of the authors and do
not necessarily represent those of the pub-
lisher, Acorn Computers Ltd, or Aeornsoft Ltd.
Acorn, Aeornsoft, and the Acorn symbol are the
registered trademarks of Acorn Computers Ltd
and Aeornsoft Ltd.
New Users
First Byte 33
Confused by the keyboard?
Bamboozled by listings? Turned off by
envelopes? First Byte aims to solve
these problems
First, Tessie Revivis explains how to
get your fingers tapping, and produces
a program to write programs
Next, Martin Phillips tests you on how
well you can find and correct faults on
listings- with simple, step-by-step
examples
Then, we’ve got three tunes from Gary
Pesticcio and Darran Bristow which
shows what can be done with a bit of
sound and data
Hints & Tips 50
Queries from readers answered by
Martin Phillips include: adding a
second disc drive; using Wordwise
with Epson printers; changing colours;
using the cursor- and avoiding
memory problems when running tape
programs on disc machines
Letters 59
Second processors and ROMs,
GOSUBs versus procedures, bugs in
July’s Inspect program, serial printers
and the Atom, Electrons in Australia,
6502 op codes and high scores for
games all demand our readers’
attention in this month’s postbag
Dear Kitty ... 63
What do people actually do with
computers? Are computers a passing
fad? Do users know what they’re
talking about? Kitty answers the
questions that aren’t as simple as they
might sound
Business
Plan for business 89
John Vaux introduces the Plan series
of packages with Acorn’s Z80 second
processor: a spreadsheet for financial
calculations; wordprocessor; and a
‘card index’ database
Education
Teaching toddlers 104
Joe Telford takes his Jottings home to
explain how even two-year-olds can
use the micro - with the help of
parents and overlays
Zoo-time for micros 112
Susan Kingsbury builds a simple
activity board to entertain, educate
and delight children. She uses it to
take children to the zoo, but the
applications are endless
Atom
Atom Forum 121
Teletext displays, op codes, disc
drives, Wordpack on the Epson, and
Barry Pickles is in charge
Avoiding errors 1 27
Vincent Fojut explains how left
justification helps you cope with typing
mistakes
Reviews
Books 139
Hardware guide from Wise Owl, BBC
in education by Eric Deeson, assembly
language by John Ferguson and Tony
Shaw, databases in schools by Derrick
Daines
Yellow listing pages
An extra 16-page section devoted
solely to the major program listings
in this issue
Easy listening i
Two musical programs
Beeb Forum ii
Utilities from readers
First Byte iii
Correcting errors in listings
Beeb Forum vii
How it works ix
Random numbers in action
Teaching toddlers xi
Five programs in one
Zoo-time for micros xv
Utility board program
Atom xvi
A voiding errors
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
CONTENTS
Educational software
143
Slickirom BP Educational software,
and The Examinerirom Acornsoft are
put to the test by Geoff Nairn
Micronet software
145
Bill Penfold gives his views on a
software enhancement for Micronet
Picture makers 147
Three drawing and painting packages
from Acornsoft, Beebsoft and Goldstar
are compared by Dee Vince
Games
153
Stock Car from Micropower, Airline
from CES, Hopper from Acornsoft,
Frenzy from Micropower
Versatile interface
157
Paul Beverley finds so many
applications for MCP
Microdevelopment’s Interbeeb that he
doesn’t know where to begin . . .
Torch Unicomm 161_
Modem and software for BBC
machines with the Torch Z80 second
processor put under the spotlight by
Alex van Someren
Regulars
65
The News
Concern over Acorn's role in
education, The Times set to launch
schools database, BBC micros in
India, Acorn User exhibition
Beeb Forum
Bruce Smith presents your most
pertinent ideas - plus 6502 second
processor and Tube tips from Robin
Newman
How it works 78
Random numbers and how to make
them better by Paul Beverley
Competition 87
Solve the message from Mad Alex and
you could win a Torch Unicomm worth
£180
Top 20 software 137
The ups and downs among the games
sellers, plus our Soft Options round-up
of new releases
Acorn Abuser’s Diary 176
Find out who wants to sue us this
month . . . could it be the Someday
Times ' ?
IN THIS ISSUE
MICROTOTS
I Teaching toddlers 104
We introduce keyboard
overlays to enable young
children to use micros with
the aid of their parents. If
you can’t type in the listings,
remember you can send off
for our program cassette
(page 81)
II Zoo time 112
Build a simple activity board
which uses a moving figure
to trigger messages on your
BBC micro
;A1I:I.LITE PICIURI <h.r,Fur«inq*r *✓««>
MTER DA IE IM 1 HE F OKU dd , , *•*> > B4
tttfuSS?*" ikies i stsusfisr
corrected eight colour picture
' BLUe ‘ evBM
sr Soutfc is §s?iK f«{£8 \
To start PRESS 'SPRCE'
To restart picture HOLD DOWN 'SPACE'
To escape PRESS 'ESCAPE'
MHIH PICTURE
fiV fcim
i.t: it
Downloading the weather 27
Michael Furminger links his BBC to
satellites and displays weather
pictures. Robin Mudge explains
how it’s done
Readers’ pictures 165
Can you rival Malcolm
Banthorpe’s Coke can? If so,
there’s a spot for you in Micro
Gallery where readers
display their art-and win
software prizes
PLUS: Three picture-drawing
programs reviewed. See page
147
NEXT MONTH. . .
Muscle in on the airwaves
Tune in to RTTY and the dots, dashes
and bleeps of short wave radio
Super plotting
The Parfitt plotter is soon to have a
scriber, opto sensor (which digitised the
image here), drill and special software
added. We take a sneak preview
Unicorn review
Torch offers a 10Mb hard disc, floppy
disc and Unix on the 68000 chip in its
top-of-the-range Unicorn. We take a
critical look
PLUS - May competition results
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Elect ronequip
(Authorised BBC Dealer, and service centre)
BCADFOOT
BCAFBOUN
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BBC Cassette Software
Addictive Football Managei
Exc VAT
587
Inc VAT
675
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BBC Cassette Software
BES Woidhang IXBE02)
Exc VAT
663
Inc VAT
7 62
BCMSQUIC
BBC Cassette Software Exc VAT
Mirrorsoft Quick Thinkmq (B) 5 13
Inc VAT
5 90
A & F Software Bouncer
5 92
6 80
BCBEWORW
BES World Wise (XBE01 )
6 63
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BCOCMRWI
Ocean Mr Wimpy
5 10
587
A & F Software Chuckie Egg
5 84
6 72
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BBCsoft Beyond Basic Cassette (B)
850
9 78
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Pace Software Fortress
6 61
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A & F Software Cylon Attack
584
672
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BBCsolt Canyon (B)
7 39
850
BCPPAOVE
Program Power Adventure IB)
587
675
A& F Software Frogger
592
6 80
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BBCsoft Drawing
7 40
850
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Program Power Alien Destroyers (Invader)
591
6 79
A & F Software Horror Castle
5 92
680
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BBCsoft Di Who The First Adventure (B)
739
850
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Program Power Alien Swirl
5 13
590
A & F Software Howszat
5 10
587
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BBCsoft Early Learning
740
850
BCPPASTE
Program Power Asteroid Storm (B)
587
6 75
A & F Software Painter
592
680
BCBSFUNG
BBCsoft Fun Games
7 40
8 50
BCPPASTR
Program Power Astro Navigator
421
4 84
A & F Software Pharaohs Tomb
592
6 80
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BBCsoft Games ol Strategy
740
850
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Program Power Bandits at 3 o clock
5 14
591
A& F Software Planes
592
680
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BBCsofi Home Finance
7 40
8 50
BCPPBARR
Program Power Barrage for BBC
5 13
5 90
A & F Software Shrinking Professor
592
6 80
BCBSMAKM
Making the most of your Micro (Inc book)
957
1101
BCPPBEEB
Program Power Beeb Tote IBI
4 40
5 06
Adventure International Adventureland
7 35
846
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BBCsoft Motorists Log
740
850
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Program Power Bumble Bee (B)
5 87
675
Adventure International Pirate Adventure
7 35
846
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BBCsoft Music
7 40
8 50
BCPPCAVA
Program Power Caveman Adventure
506
582
Adventure International Secret Mission
7 35
846
BCBSPAIN
BBCsoft Painting
7 40
850
BCPPCH16
Program Power BBC Chess ( 1 6K )
3.66
420
Adventure International Voodoo Castle
7 35
846
BCBSPR01
BBCsofi Piograms Voll
740
850
BCPPCHEM
Program Power Chemistry
5 13
5 90
ASK Children from Space (XBE1 6)
7 35
846
BCBSPR02
BBCsofi Programs Vol 2
7 40
850
BCPPCHES
Program Power Chess
587
6 75
ASK Cranky IXBE 17)
7 35
8 46
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BBCsofi Record Keeper (B)
1020
11 73
BCPPCONS
Program Power Constellation
587
675
ASK Facemaker (XBE10)
7 35
8 46
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BBCsoft Taxcalc (B)
8 16
938
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Program Power Cosmic Combat (B)
5 14
591
ASK Hide & Seek (XBE11)
7 35
846
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BBCsoft Tool Box (B)
15 52
17 85
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Program Power Cowboy Shoot out
506
582
ASK Let s Count IXBE 12)
7 35
846
BCBSVUTY
BBCsoft VU Type (Typing Tutor) (B)
11 90
13 69
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Program Power Croaker
587
6 75
ASK Number Chaser (XBE1 5)
7 35
8 46
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BBCsolt White Knight Mark Eleven (B)
850
9 78
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Program Power Cybertron Mission (B)
587
675
ASK Number Gulper (XBR 1 3)
5 82
6 70
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Bug Byte Twin Kingdom Valley
7 02
807
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Program Power Danger' UXB
587
675
ASK Number Puzzler (XBE14)
7 35
8 46
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Computer Concepts Android Attack
661
7 60
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Program Powei Demon Decorator (Painter)
506
5 82
ASK Table Adventures 1 XBE 1 8)
735
846
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Computer Concepts Asteroid belt
5.87
675
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Program Power BBC Disassembler
506
582
ASK Words. Words. Words (XBE 19)
7 35
8 46
BCCCCHES
Computer Concepts Chess
661
760
BCPPELOO
Program Power Eldorado Gold (Adventure)
5 06
5 82
Alligata Software ABM (Laser Command)
4 39
505
BCCCGAME
Computer Concepts Games Galore 1
661
760
BCPPESCA
Program Power Escape from M base Alpha
587
6 75
Alligata Software Blagger
661
760
BCCCHITC
Computer Concepts Hitch Hiker
4.93
567
BCPPFFAC
Program Power Felix m the Factory
587
675
Alligata Software Bug Blaster
5 88
676
BCCCLOGO
Computer Concepts Logo II
8 50
978
BCPPFFRU
Program Power Felix & the Fruit Monsters
587
675
Alligata Software Cosmic Asteroids
4 39
505
BCCCSNAK
Computer Concepts Snake
587
675
BCPPFOOT
Program Power Footer
587
6 75
Alligata Software Dambusters
5 87
6 75
BCCCSPAC
Computer Concepts Spacehawks
5.87
675
BCPPGALA
Program Power Galactic Commander
587
675
Alligata Software Eagle Empire
587
6 75
BCCCSWAR
Computer Concepts Swarm
661
760
BCPPGHOU
Program Power Ghouls
587
6 75
Alligata Software Fruit Machine (B006)
4 39
505
BCDASUPE
DACC Super 7 (Arcade games compend )
661
760
BCPPHELL
Program Power Hell Driver (B )
587
675
Alligata Software Lunar Rescue (B007)
587
6 75
BCDS747
Ooctor Soft 747
5 87
675
BCPPINTE
Program Power Intergalactic Trader IBI
661
760
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Algebra 0 level
5 13
590
BCFBSPAD
First Byte Space Adventure One
587
6 75
BCPPJETP
Program Power Jet Power Jack
5 87
675
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Arithmetic 0 level
5 13
590
BCFBSTFO
First Byte Star Force Lander
5.14
5 91
8CPPKILL
Program Powei Killer Gorilla
587
675
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Calculus 0 level
5 13
590
BCFBSTTR
First Byte Star Trader
587
675
6CPPLABC
Program Power Labyrinths of la Coshe
587
675
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Construction '0
5 13
590
BCFBVAPH
First Byte Valley of the Pharoahs
587
675
BCPPLASE
Progiam Power Laser Command
587
6 75
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Graphs 0 level
5 13
5 90
BCGACHEE
Garland Software Chemical Equatons
9 57
11.01
BCPPMART
Program Power Martian Attack (B)
587
675
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Maths 0 level 1
11 05
12 71
BCGACHEI
Garland S ware Chemistry Inorganic Ana
9.57
11.01
BCPPMASM
Program Power Mastermind for BBC
3 36
3 86
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Maths O ' level 2
11 05
12 71
BCGACHES
Garland S ware Chemistry Symbol/ForA/a
957
1101
BCPPMAZE
Program Power Maze Invaders (B)
4 40
5 06
Ampalsoft Cheshire Cat Trigonometry "O'
5 13
590
BCGAHUMA
Garland S ware Human Body Heart & Kid
957
11 01
BCPPMINE
Piogram Power Mine ( B)
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft 1 00 Programs for BBC Micro
8 50
9 78
BCGAPHYC
Garland S ware Physics Cathode Ray Osc
9 57
1101
BCPPMOON
Program Powei Moon Raider
5 87
675
Acornsoft Arcade Action (SBG06)
880
1012
BCGEBEEB
Gemini Beebcalc (Spreadsheet)
14 75
1696
BCPPNEME
Progiam Power Nemesis (B)
587
675
Acornsoft Arcadians (SBG 14)
7 35
8 46
BCGEBEEP
Gemini Beebplot (Graph Plot)
14.75
16 96
BCPPPOKE
Program Power Poker Dice (B)
440
506
Acornsoft Aviator flight simulator SBG02
11 05
12 71
BCGECASB
Gemini Cash Book Accounts
44 31
5096
BCPPPOSI
Program Power Positron (B!
5 14
591
Acornsoft Business Games ISBE03)
7 35
846
BCGECATE
Gemini Caterpillar
7 35
846
BCPPREV2
Progiam Power Reversi I32KI
4 21
4 84
Acornsoft Carousel (SBG24)
7 35
8 46
BCGEDATA
Gemini Database
14 75
1696
BCPPROUL
Program Power Roulette tor BBC
421
4 84
Acornsoft Castle of Riddles (SBG 1 7 )
7 35
8 46
BCGEEASI
Gemini East Ledger
1475
1696
BCPPSFEK
Program Power Seek
5 06
5B2
Acornsoft Chemical Analysis (SBE1 2)
1020
1173
BCGEFINA
Gemini Final Accounts
44 31
50 96
BCPPSPAC
Program Power Space Jailer IB)
5 14
591
Acornsoft Chess (SBG10)
735
846
BCGEHOMA
Gemini Home Accounts
14 75
16 96
BCPPSTAR
Program Power Startrek
421
4 84
Acornsoft Chemical Simulations (SBE 13)
1020
11 73
BCGEINVS
Gemini Invstat (Invoices & Statements)
14 75
1696
BCPPSWOO
Program Power Swoop
587
6 75
Acornsoft Chemical Structures (SBE 14)
10 20
1173
BCGELIBE
Gemini Liberator
7 35
8 46
BCPPTIMT
Program Power Timetrek (Startrek Plus)
5 87
675
Acornsoft/ICL Collectors Cat SBX05
7 35
846
BCGEMAIL
Gemini Mail List
1475
1696
BCPPWALL
Program Power Wall (B)
4 40
5 06
Acornsoft Countdown to Doom (SBG1 9)
7 35
846
BCGEMISS
Gemini Missile Control
735
8 46
BCPPWHER
Program Power Where IB)
5 14
591
Acornsoft Crazy Tracer (SBG26) (B)
7 35
846
BCGEPAYR
Gemini Payroll
29 53
3396
BCPPWHIC
Progiam Powei Wich Salt 7
5 14
5.91
Acornsoft Creative Graphics (SBX01 )
7 35
8 46
BCGESLEI
Gemini Sleighbells
7 35
8 46
BCPPWORL
Program Power World Geography IB)
5 14
591
Acornsoft Desk Diary (SBB01 )
735
8 46
BCGESTOC
Gemini Stock Control (ICS)
14 75
16 96
BCPPZARM
Program Power Zarm (B)
587
675
Acornsoft Draughts & Reversi 18) (SBG20)
735
846
BCGETRAD
Gemini Traditional Games (B) (E)
11 05
1271
BCPSSALO
Psion Saloon Sally
4 39
5 05
Acornsoft Examiner Cassette (SBE 17 MB)
735
846
BCGFWORD
Gemini Word Processor
14 75
16 96
BCPSVUCA
Psion VU Calc
11 05
12 71
Acornsoft Foiecast (SBB02)
8 80
10 12
BCGGFAIR
GnHm & George Fairshare
7 35
8 46
BSQSBEEB
Quicksilva Beeb Art (B)
11 05
12 71
Acornsoft Forth Cassette (SBL01 )
1245
1432
BCGGGETS
Griffin & George Getset
7 35
846
BCQSGENE
Quicksilva Generator (B)
5 13
5 90
Acornsoft Free Fall
7 35
846
BCGGNUMB
Griffin & George Numberfun
7 35
8 46
BCQSMUSI
Quicksilva Music Processor (B)
11 05
1271
Acornsoft French (Linkword) (SBX13)
11 05
12 71
BCGGTABl
Griffin & George Tablesums
7 35
8 46
BCRHGALA
RH Software Galactic Wipeout (RHS001C)
661
7 60
Acornsoft German (Linkword) (SBX16)
11 05
1271
BCGGWORG
Griffin & George Wordgames
7 35
846
BCRHSKIS
RH Software Ski Slalom (RHS002C)
661
7 60
Acornsoft Graphics on the BBC
8 50
978
BCGGWORS
Griffin & George Wordspell
7.35
846
BCSHGBLT
Simon W Hessel G6 Ltd
513
590
Acornsoft Graphs & Chans (SBX02)
7 35
8 46
BCGHTALP
Good Houseke g Mr T's Alphabet
957
11 01
BCSHINHE
Simon W Hessel Intentance
4 39
505
A'soft/ICL Hooked on Numbers (SBX08)
735
846
BCGHTMEA
Good Houseke'g Mr T's Measuring Games
957
11 01
BCSHTRAV
Simon W Hessel Travel Game
4 39
505
Acornsoft Hopper (SBG23)
735
846
BCGHTMON
Good Houseke g Mr T's Money Box
• 957
11.01
BCSI3DB0
Software Invasion 3D Bomb Alley
587
6 75
Acornsoft Italian (Linkword) (SBX14)
11 05
1271
BCGHTNUM
Good Houseke g Mr T's Number Games
9 57
11 01
BCSIATTA
Software Invasion Attack on Alphacenturi
5 87
675
Acornsoft Jars (SBE 15)
883
10 16
BCGHTSHA
Good Houseke g Mr T's Shape Game
9 57
1 101
BCSIEAGL
Software Invasion Eagles Wing (B)
587
6 75
Acornsoft JCB Digger (SBG09)
735
846
BCGHTTEL
Good Houseke g Mr T Tells the Time
9 57
11 01
BCSIGUNS
Software Invasion Gunsmoke
587
6 75
Acornsoft Lisp Demo Progs SBL09
735
8 46
BCGRMINE
Graphic Research Minefield
5 13
5 90
BCSISPOO
Software Invasion Spooks & Spiders (B)
587
6 75
Acornsoft Lisp Cassette (SBL02)
1245
1432
BCGRORBI
Graphic Research Orbit 0
7 35
8 46
BCSIVORT
Software Invasion Vortex
587
6 75
Acornsoft Magic Garden (B) (SBX04)
7 35
846
BCHOAOVB
Honeyfold Advanced Basic course
12 10
12 71
BCSMOIS
Simonsoft Disassembler
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft/ICL M ship Manager (SBX06)
7 35
8 46
BCHOBEGA
Honeyfold Beginners Assembly Language
12 10
1271
BCSS2002
Superior Software 2002
587
675
Acornsoft Meteors (SBG 13)
7 35
846
BCHOBEGB
Honeyfold Beginners Basic course
12 10
12 71
BCSSALID
Superior Software Alien Dropout
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft Microtext (SBL04)
36 85
42 37
BCHSPENG
H Soft Penguin
6 59
7 58
BCSSBATT
Superior Software Battle Tank
5 87
6 75
Acornsoh Missile Base (SBG1 8)
735
846
BCIBCRIM
Ivan Berg Crime & Detection Quiz (XBX02)
935
1075
BCSSCENT
Superior Software Centipede
587
6 75
Acornsoft Missing Signs (SBE09)
883
1016
BCIBOATI
Ivan Berg Dating Game IXBX08)
9.35
1075
BCSSCOLD
Superior Software Colditz Adventure
553
635
Acornsoft Monsters (SBG03)
7 35
846
BCIBHIST
Ivan Berg History Quiz (XBX04)
9 35
10 75
BCSSCRAZ
Superior Software Crazy Painter
587
6 75
Acornsoft Number Balance (SBE08)
8 83
10 16
BCIBIDO
Ivan Berg 1 Do IXBX07)
935
1075
BCSSCRIB
Superior Software Cribbage
5 13
5 90
Acornsoft/ICL One to Nine (SBX07 )
7 35
8 46
BCIBMUSI
Ivan Berg Music Quiz
935
1075
BCSSFAIR
Superior Software Fairground
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft Peeko Computer Pack (SBE02)
7 35
8 46
BCIBROYA
Ivan Berg Royalty Quiz (XBX06)
9 35
10 75
BCSSFROG
Superior Software Frogger
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft Personal Money M'ment SBB5
8 80
1012
BCIBSCIE
Ivan Berg Science Fiction Quiz IXBX05)
9 35
10 75
BCSSFRUI
Superior Software Fruit Machine
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft Philosophers Quest (SBG01 )
7 35
846
BCIBTHER
Ivan Berg Theatre Quiz IXBXO 1 )
9 35
1075
BCSSGALA
Superior Software Galaxians
587
675
Acornsoft Picture Maker (SBX03)
7 35
846
BCIJ3DMA
UK 3D Maze tor BBC (7)
3 32
382
BCSSHUNC
Superior Software Hunchback
5 87
675
Acornsoft Planetoid (Defender) (SBG 1 5)
7 35
8 46
BCIJFLAG
UK Flags for BBC (12)
332
3 82
BCSSINVA
Superior Software Invaders
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft Rocket Raid (SBG05)
7 35
846
BCIJHYPE
UK Hyperdrive for BBC ( 1 3 1
4 80
552
BCSSOVER
Superior Software Overdrive
5 87
6 75
Acornsoft Sentence Sequencing (SBE07)
8 83
10 16
BCIJINVA
UK Invaders for BBC (9)
5 54
637
BCSSPONT
Superior Software Pontoon
5 13
590
Acornsoft Super Invaders ISBG1 6)
7 35
846
BCIJSTRA
UK Stratobombei for BBC 1 1 4)
5 54
637
BCSSQBER
Superior Software QBert
587
675
Acornsoft Sliding block puzzles (SBG1 2)
735
846
BCJOYSTI
Joystick Utility program for BBC
5 06
582
BCSSROAD
Superior Software Road Runner
587
6 75
Acornsoft Snapper (SBG04)
7 35
846
BCKAGALA
Kansas Galactic Firebird
7 01
8 06
BCSSSPAF
Superior Software Space Fighter
587
6 75
Acornsoft Snooker (SBG21 1
7 35
846
BCKAPINB
Kansas Pinball Arcade
701
806
BCSUBEEB
Sulis Software Beebeater
7 35
846
Acornsoft Spanish (Linkword) (SBX1 5)
11 05
1271
BCKDPASS
Kay Dee Software Pass Go
723
831
BCSUBESI
Suits Software Besieged
7 35
8 46
Acornsoft S Pascal (SBL08)
1245
1432
BCKOFREA
Kosmos Software French Misiress A
7 35
8 46
BCSUGRAN
Suits Software Grammar Tree Nouns
7 35
8 46
Acornsoft Sphinx Adventure ISBGO 7)
7.35
846
BCKOFREB
Kosmos Software French Mistress B
7 35
8 46
BCSUGRAS
Suits Software Grammar T ree Sentences
7 35
846
Acornsoft Starship Command (SBG22)
735
8 46
BCKOGERA
Kosmos Software German Master A
7 35
8 46
BCSUGRAV
Suits Software Grammar Tree Verbs
7 35
846
Acornsoft T ree of Knowledge ! SBE04 )
735
846
BCKOGERB
Kosmos Software German Master B
7 35
8 46
BCSUJUNW
Sulis Software Junior Wordsplits
7 35
8 46
Acornsoft Word Hunt (SBE05)
8 83
10.16
BCKOSPAA
Kosmos Software Spanish Tutor A
7 35
8 46
BCSUJUST
Sulis Software Just a Mot
7 35
846
Acornsoft Word Sequencing (SBE06)
883
1016
BCKOSPAB
Kosmos Software Spanish Tutor B
7 35
8 46
BCSUOPEN
Sulis Software Open Sesame
7 35
8 46
BES Animal Vegetable Mineral (XBE03)
663
762
BCL9C0L0
Level 9 Colossal Adventure (B)
732
8 42
BCSUSTAW
Suits Software Starter Wordsplits
7 35
8 46
BES Happy Letters (XBE07)
663
762
BCL9DUNG
Level 9 Dungeons IB)
7 32
842
BCSUTENF
Suits Software Tense French
7 35
8 46
BES Happy Numbers (XBE 04)
663
762
BCL9LORO
Level 9 Lords of Time (b)
7 32
842
BCSUTIME
Suits Software Time Traveller
7 35
8 46
BES Map Rally (XBE08)
663
762
BCL9SN0W
Level 9 Snowball (B)
732
8 42
BCSUWORD
Suits Software Wordpower
7 35
8 46
BES Timeman One (XBE05)
663
7.62
BCMHHOBB
Melbourne House Hobbit
11 05
1271
BCVISNOO
Visions Snookei
6 61
7 60
BES Timeman Two (XBE06)
6 63
762
BCMSFIRS
Mirrorsoft First Steps with the Mr Men
661
7 60
BCVMDELT
Voltmace Oelta Driver Cassette
4 39
505
W«CORN
<X>M
/
PUTER
Electronequip
36-38 West Street, Fareham, Hants
4
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Electronequip
(Authorised BBC Dealer, and service centre)
* SPECIAL OFFERS
Mail order only
* EPSON
RX-80FTE225.25 + VAT
FX-80 £320.88 + VAT
Printer price includes cable for BBC and screen
dump rom is available for £11.50
SIDEWISE
SIDEWISE FITTED
“SIDEWAYS” rom board for BBC Micro.
No soldering required £38.00 + VAT
VOLTMACE JOYSTICKS
*10% off list prices
Discounted price
JSV0LT14 Voltmace Delta 14B Joysticks 13 46
JSVOLTAD Voltmace 1 4B/1 Adaptor Bo* 13.36
JSV0LT3B Voltmace Delta 3B Twin Joysticks 18.09
Prices subject to variation without prior notification
TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME
Access & Barclaycard Accepted
Large Stocks - 24 Hour Despatch
Carriage 46p
CORN
COMPUTER
k
5 FREE ACORNSOFT
GAMES & CASSETTE
RECORDER WITH EVERY
BBC SOLD
\
/
Electronequip is an authorised Acorn service centre
and has been an Acorn dealer since the introduction
of the Atom. Our demonstration facilities include 20
station Econet and Torchnet systems.
Ref.
BBC Micros
Ex VAT
Inc VAT
ANB01
BBC Model B Micro Computer
348 26
399 00
ANB02
BBC Model B with Econet Interface
389.14
446 00
ANB03
BBC Model B with Disc Interface
409.14
469.00
ANB04
BBC Model B with Disc & Econet Interface
450.01
516.00
3" Micro Disc £129.95
(inc. VAT)
Disc Interface &
Drive
£198.95 (inc. VAT)
Micro Disc Drive for the BBC Micro
The Micro disc drive offers a method of low cost quick access to
programs. The drive is essentially a small version of a 5^" disc
drive and offers similar features to the larger drive.
The data is stored on a 3" disc, this is enclosed in a protective
hard plastic cassette which features a write protect switch.
The micro drive requires the standard Acorn disc interface, but a
new disc filing system rom. Acorn DFS may be exchanged for the
micro DFS for Cl 2.00. The new micro disc filing system can read
and write to Acorn DFS discs.
Thus if a 5} inch and a micro floppy were connected on the same
cable files could be transferred between them.
Capacity: 80.64 K bytes Transfer Rate: 125k bit/s.
BRANCHES
FAREHAM: 59 WEST STREET (0329) 230670
KINGS LYNN: 17 TENNYSON AVE. (0553) 3782
MAIL ORDER: 36-38 WEST STREET
FAREHAM, HANTS. (0329) 230670
Electronequip
36-38 West Street, Fareham, Hants (0329) 230670
BBC
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
5
ELECTRON JOYSTICK INTERFACE /
Electron users! This is the add on everyone wants, id! t% new
Electron switched joystick interface from First Byte • available now
with free conversion tape that vastly extends your game range right away.
The interface operates with all ‘Atari-style' 9-pin joysticks, and its many
advanced design features put it way out in front for quality and reliability.
That’s why, to date 15 major software houses are already bringing out
games that work directly with the First Byte Electron Joystick Interface •
and many more are sure to follow.
Look at these
Works with all ‘Atari-
style' 9-pin joysticks
and utilises rapid-fire
mode on
Quickshot 2.
advanced
design features.
Only 2 chips for ultra-
reliability and low
power consumption
ensuring safe
operation with
the Electron.
Custom-built,
colour-
co-ordinated case
in high-impact plastic.
Special fitments ensure
that when the joystick is
plugged in, the case takes
strain, not the soldered joints
Gold-plated
connectors ensure a
perfect contact.
Metal polarising key
and nylon end caps
ensure positive locking
FREE conversion tape • play all these to p g ames ri g ht now
Every Electron Joystick Interface comes with a free conversion tape
so you can use some of the most popular games around right now:
• Killer Gorilla
• Moonraider
• Positron
• Croaker
• Swoop
• Bandits at 3 o'clock
• Escape from
Moonbase Alpha
• Cybertron Mission
• Cylon Attack
• Kamakazi • Lunar Rescue
• Chuckie Egg • Bugblaster
• Atom Smasher • filagger
• Alien Break In • Bed Bugs
• Birds of Prey • Alien Dropout
• Galaxy Wars • Daredevil Dennis
• City Defence • Snooker
• Monsters • Diamond Mine
• Pool • Vortex
• Pengwyn
The conversion tape also allows you to configure most other games for
joystick control.
Games specially for the First Byte Interface
All these major software houses are bringing out games that work
with the First Byte Electron Interface, with no conversion tape needed.
• Alligata
• Romik
• Aardvark
• Software Invasion
• A & F
• Bug-Byte
• Visions
• Optima
• MRM
• Program Power
• Postern
• Beebug-soft
• Superior
• Virgin
• Phoenix
The First Byte Electron Joystick Interface • available now from all
good dealers and W. H. Smith.
A GENUINE FIRST BYTE
ADD-ON
First Byte Computers,
10, Castlefields,
Main Centre, Derby.
DEI 2PE
Tel: Derby (0332) 365280
L
NEWS
Concern over
CES move to
Acomsoft HQ
ACORN is to re-organise its
educational arm CES -but
managing director Chris
Curry has set out to re-
assure the educational
establishment about the
future of the group.
CES (Computer Education
Service) was taken over from
ICL by Acorn last October
and now the group is to move
from Maidenhead to come
under Acornsoft’s wing.
The five programming staff
have been asked to move to
Cambridge, some having the
option of jobs in Acorn Inter-
national and staying in
Maidenhead. The infor-
mation officer has, however,
been made redundant as her
role is to be taken over by
staff already in Cambridge.
Closer
Chris Curry explained:
Educational software will
continue to be the responsi-
bility of CES, but the group
will come under the aegis of
Acomsoft management.
We are going to increase
the scale of CES operations
and put more people and
money into CES. It must be
closer to the body of the
company to prevent duplica-
tion.’
Reputation
CES has gained a good
reputation and established a
close liaison with many
schools, including providing
people to help with courses.
Howard Curtis, chief
examiner of ‘O’ level com-
puter studies for the Joint
Metriculation Board, told
Acorn User ‘CES has my full
support and I think it is a pity
the changes have been
made without consultation -
and that they’re losing
a dedicated information
officer.
‘Schools and advisers are
crying out for help and CES
is one of the bodies they look
to. CES gives Acorn a frien-
dlier face than exists within
the rest of the company.’
Colin Monson, adviser for
more than 400 schools in
Berkshire, also expressed
concern: 'Our contact with
Acorn is through CES, as we
have found it difficult to go to
Acorn, and the dealers know
little more than we do.’
Acorn focuses
on video discs
ACORN is to set up a special
group to develop its inter-
active video disc technology
and keep the company’s lead
over Japanese competition.
An interface will be
launched before the end of the
year to enable the BBC micro
to control video discs running
on the Pioneer system. And in
the spring a special unit will be
released combining the BBC’s
intelligence with the interface
and software.
Acorn MD Chris Curry told
Acorn User The interactive
video centre will be run from
the HQ of Acorn International
in Maidenhead. It will concen-
trate on further development.
There will be a promotional
force to sell equipment and
generate links with industry
for training. Another team will
create course material.
‘We have a good start in the
field, but the Japanese are
snapping at our heels.'
At present video discs can
Curry: ‘Japanese at our heels’
only have information read
from them, although Acorn’s
recent deal with BSR in Hong
Kong aims to develop read-
write laser discs. The great
advantage of video over floppy
and hard Winchester discs is
their storage capacity.
Curry sees a big market for
the present technology with
interactive video, programs
and data mixed on one disc.
Acorn first demonstrated a
BBC micro controlling video
18 months ago at the BBC's
exhibition in January 1983.
The system controlled film of
birds in flight and then asked
questions which were
answered on the Beeb’s key-
board.
The BBC is already con-
sidering doing material for
schools to back up TV series.
Peter Bratt, producer of the
Science Topics series said:
The BBC is very interested in
the possibilities of interactive
video and the Acorn interface
will makeour life easier.
‘One of the Science Topics
programmes is being con-
sidered at the moment as a
high priority to base an inter-
active disc around. However
it's not something we would
rush at.
‘If we did go ahead it would
be an important step and we
want to get it right -not just
illustrated CAL. We would
want to take full advantage of
interactive video.’
Professionals
on-line to DB
News for schools
database service
by Geoff Nairn
NEWS International, owner of
The Times , looks set to launch
a dial-up' information service
for schools.
A variety of educational
news and information will be
put on a large database which
could then be accessed using
atelephone and modem.
A trial service has been
running using a closed data-
base on Telecom Gold (British
Telecom’s electronic mail net-
work), to send the information
around the country.
If the scheme is given the
go-ahead, a much-reduced
subscription charge will have
to be negotiated with BT to run
on Gold, for the standard sub-
scriber has to pay £100 to join
and then a minimum of £10 per
month -plus phone bills. The
other option would be for News
International to set up its own
computers to run the data-
base.
The trials has been running
in several schools for six
months- although no-one will
say where. In fact News Inter-
national has refused to
discuss the project at all. A
final decision has yet to be
taken on the format and extent
of the scheme, but it would
obviously be of immense
benefit to schools and infor-
mation technology in general.
Micronet stars
STAR NET is a space war
game now on Micronet- with
up to 1000 players at a time.
Each move costs 1 0p, but there
is a prize for the first emperor
of the 3000-star universe.
SPECIALISED ‘dial-up’ data-
base services already exist in
this country, but they are
expensive to use. Eurolex
caters for the legal profession,
and enables lawyers to study
the latest cases and access a
library of more than 44,000
reports. In total, 300 million
words of legal information
reside in the computer data
files. It can be accessed using
Telecom Gold, or indeed by
dialling an ordinary phone
number; but at £75 an hour few
amateurs would want to use it.
The British Library runs
Blaise, which enables provin-
cial libraries to see what books
are held at headquarters. The
Polis database is a computer-
ised version of Hansard, the
House of Commons’ journal.
British and American news
services have been using
computers for some time.
Reuters has a very successful
database service for financial
news and its reporters send in
copy from portable computers.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
THREE NEW PROGRAMS FROM MICROTEST
DAIRYFILE FOR
DAIRY FARMERS
Keep on that economic line between over and
underfeeding!
Save time recording milk yield and calculating
feed amounts!
Quickly decide feeding policy with the
'Monthly Calving Group' Performance Graph!
Print out a recording sheet with cows in
numerical order. Print out graphs or tables of
individual cows or Monthly Groups showing
serving and pregnancy details, illness record.
Calving Index, weekly and running total
Margin over Concentrate. See at a glance cows
due for serving, pregnancy diagnosis and
drying off Keep track of weekly total feed cost
and milk sale price.
All this and more with DAIRYFILE.
Predict cow or Monthly Group total lactation
yield Compare with Standard Lactation
Curves. All old data preserved -compare
Monthly Groups over the years Which is the
most profitable month?
Find out with DAIRYFILE -- for up to 200 lac*
tating cows.
£69.00 inc. VAT (disc only) + p&p 50p
2 x 40 Track Drives Required or 1 or more 80
Track Drives Please state which when ordering.
SATAN'S CHALLENGE
or (Nevil Rides Out)
MICROTEST FONT ROM.
A Black Magic Adventure
Dare you take up the challenge laid down by the most
evil and sinister of all beings . . . the devil himself
If you do you will find yourself alone and at the mercy
of the twisted fancies and whims of a cold and calcu-
lating mind
Occult forces are threatening the lives of those near
and dear to you Their only salvation rests in your
hands but in accepting the challenge your own exist
ence is put in severe peril.
In taking up the challenge you have to find The
TALISMAN and locate a pentagram which then has to
be prepared for the final rite In the meantime dark
forces will be opposing you making a difficult task
almost impossible
Do not allow yourself to be lulled into a sense of
security for it will be short lived
Many have gone before only to swell the ranks of the
damned
This is the latest adventure from the stables of Micro
test and has been written with the acclaimed features
of other adventures in mind eg save facility, quick re
sponse. simple but extensive commands, a mixture of
logical and friendish problems to solve
Be warned this is an easy adventure to get into
but devilishly difficult to end.
Cassette £7.95 inc. VAT Disc £9.45 inc. VAT
- p&p 50p Disc 40 or 80 T rack
This exciting new ROM from Microtest will
enable you to get all sorts of new characters
and fonts from your BBC Computer. Once you
have produced your masterpiece on the screen,
all you have to do is use the inbuilt screen-
dump utility to produce a hard copy on to
paper.
Typing *HELP FONTS' gives a list of available
fonts and the blocks of characters which they
replace.
Available fonts are
Accents
Accents and miscellaneous.
Block
Small capitals.
Data
Like the bottoms of
cheques.
Greek
It's all Greek to me too!
Joined
Standard capitals with
joined up lowercase.
Maths
A mix of until now unob-
tainable Mathematical sym-
bols.
Miscellaneous A few oddities which often
are very necessary.
Thick
Thick text (for MODEs
0&3) to enhance 80
column mode
Thin
Thin text (for MODEs 2&5)
which makes modes 2 & 5
much more readable or per-
haps ‘READABLE".
Vertical
For labelling graphs.
The ROM has a dump facility which will pro-
duce a screen dump of any MODE for 0 to 6
on an Epson. Star printer. CTI CP80 or MT80
The ROM uses absolutely NO user memory
and can be used with word processors etc. as
well as normal BASIC programs.
£17.50 inc. VAT
+ p&p 50p
Microtest Starstick ROM & Joystick Package
Now available the Starstick ROM and Joystick. This comes in three forms:
(A) The Starstick ROM and Quickshot I Joystick
Price 17.95 + VAT = 19.84
(B) The Starstick ROM and Quickshot II Joystick
Price 19.25 + VAT = 22. 14
(C) The Starstick ROM and patch lead, choose
your own Spectrum/Atari style joystick
Price 15.25 + VAT = 17.54
Post and Packing €1 .00 inc. VAT per item
This enables you to plug the Rapid action self centring joysticks until now
only available for the Spectrum/Atari/CBM machines into the user port of
the BBC. Model A users please note NO ANALOGUE INTERFACE
REQUIRED
Disc Users Note- pressing BREAK. SHIFT-BREAK or CONTROL BREAK
does not modify or destroy the STARSTICK software so Disc Users
please feel free to Boot!
The software patch provided in the ROM is interrupt driven and adds the
following commands to your computer
Enables you to use our
joysticks even on programs
that do not offer joystick
capability.
★ STICK turn on the STARSTICK ROM
★ NSTICK turn off the STARSTICK ROM
★ SETSTICK set up joystick to users spec
★ SAVE NAME 140 160 saves your user-key protocols
★ ADVAL emulate standard analogue joysticks
★ PAUSE define key to Freeze game
★ NPAUSE turn off ability to freeze game
★ NAME predefined key protocols set up for software
houses programs
★ HELP KEYS displays currently selected key protocols
★ REPEAT enables auto-repeat fire
★ NREPEAT disables auto repeat fire
DEALER ENQUIRIES
and
EXPORT ORDERS
WELCOME
available from
MICROTEST LTD
18 Normandy Way, Bodmin, Cornwall PL31 1 EX
Telephone: 0208 3812
OR ANY GOOD DEALER
Large picture shows BBC Computer System and a Quickshot II Joystick. Small inset just a few of the
joysticks that will work with the patch lead. Screenshot by kind permission of SUPERIOR SOFTWARE
I
NEWS
Super Champ
enters UK ring
THE Super Champ, claimed to
be the top-selling joystick in
the US for the last two years, is
now available in the UK.
Its distributor, Dean Elec-
tronics of Ascot, says it has
several features so far not
available to UK games
players: 10 feet of retractable
cable; a contoured handle to
suit both left and right-hand
players; and a swivel base
with suction cups for single-
handed control.
It is compatible with the
Electron and BBC B through
an interface and costs £12.95
through high street stores
or direct (£1 for p&p) from
Dean Electronics, Glendale
Park, Fernbank Road, Ascot,
Berks.
The end for 'A'
THE BBC model A micro will
no longer be sold from
September 1984. This is, says
Acorn, because it accounts for
only a small percentage of
BBC microcomputer sales.
Orders for the model A will
be honoured up to August 31 .
Sales of both models A and
B since the launch of the BBC
micro in 1982 now exceed
300,000 units worldwide.
Budget monitor
OPUS has launched a high res-
olution monitor that it claims
costs about £100 less than its
rivals.
It is a 14in RGB monitor
manufactured by JVC and
costs £279.39, including VAT,
cable, delivery, manual and a
year’s guarantee.
Resolution is 580 x 470 and
display 80x25.
Opus also markets a
medium resolution monitor
(370 x 470) at £221 .89. Both are
available from Opus dealers.
Indian schools to take
Beeb micros in bulk?
INDIA could soon become
Acorn’s biggest overseas
market -the jewel in the com-
puter company’s export crown.
Information Technology
Minister Kenneth Baker has
already held out the prospect
to Parliament, predicting that
the BBC micro is set to become
thestandard educational micro
in Indian schools.
But what the Minister failed
to mention was that the super-
salesman whose efforts
helped pull off the coup was
. . . Her Majesty the Queen.
For it was her gift of half-a-
dozen Econet systems to the
Indian President Zail Singh
during the Royal tour last year
that helped lay the foundations
of this potentially huge export
market.
A joint working party has
already been set up between
the Department of Trade and
Industry and the Indian govern-
ment to examine the long-term
provision of British micros.
The Beeb, though, is
already doing very well in the
Indian market- based on its
success in providing the over-
whelming majority of micros in
the British government’s
schools scheme.
The growing overseas pros-
pects are not confined to India
however. More than 30
countries have sent edu-
cational teams to the United
Kingdom to study how Britain
has established its computer
education programme.
The result, according to Mr
Baker, is that Acorn and other
companies involved in the
schools scheme are now sell-
ing abroad ‘in substantial
quantities.’
The current Micro-
computers in Schools scheme
Kenneth Baker: boasts success
is due to end in December.
The Minister told MPs: The
scheme has undoubtedly been
a success and we can rightly
boast that we are, in terms of
education, the most advanced
in the use of computers.’
Now Department of Trade
and Industry officials are look-
ing at whether further support
schemes are necessary.
Switch on to
amateur TV
DESPITE the range of broad-
cast and cable TV services
now available, it seems that
some people are still not satis-
fied. Amateur TV, using the
Slow Scan TV system, is
becoming increasingly popu-
lar- especially among the
amateur radio brigade.
One such ‘ham’, John
Melvin, has developed an add-
on for the Beeb which enables
you to receive SSTV trans-
missions and display the pic-
tures on the monitor screen.
The unit plugs into the
Beeb’s I/O port and comes
complete with software and
demonstration TV pictures.
Previously, the reception of
SSTV required expensive
equipment. At £93- or £17.50
for just the construction
details -John Melvin's sol-
ution is considerably cheaper.
For further information con-
tact John Melvin at 2 Salters
Court. Gosforth, Newcastle, or
if you are a ham give him a
call - his shortwave callsign is
G3LIV.
# r 7 (?T h i s short section of text illustrates some ot the
facilities available when typesetting with $i t 0TypeWi se#ro0
and the fif^Anvil System #ro0.
#bo0Typef aces #ro(?
The new Wordwise print control codes IT (italic) and BO (bold-
face) are used for f0i ta l i csjroO and $bo@bo Idfrotf
respectively; 1 and / followed by “ or V produce
# * ‘tfsuper scri pt # ' vC and #, v()subs c r i p t #, '0 in the same way
as Wordwise does using its 0C codes on a full-function printer.
The codes T(no.) and H(no.) are used to change text and heading
styles, which may be any or all of type-size, type-face, line-
advance, linelength, indents and justification.
Your text typeset
Typewise example
WORDWISE users can now
have their text professionally
typeset. The service, which
lets you have direct control of
such things as type font, type
size and headings, is provided
by Somerset company Word-
smiths.
With its Typewise system,
the user has, in addition to the
normal Wordwise embedded
commands which set such
things as margins and tab
stops, extra ‘typestyle’ com-
mands embedded in the text.
These are ignored by Word-
wise, but if a text file using
these additional commands is
sent to Wordsmiths, it will be
typeset on their computerised
Anvil system. The cost works
out at about 75p per ‘k’ of text.
A program called Read is
available at £25 to comple-
ment the service. This will dis-
play your files on the screen
with all the control codes high-
lighted. This gives you some
idea of how the text is going to
appear in print.
Wordsmiths has run the
Anvil service for Wordstar
users for about two years, and
several computing books for
the Beeb and Electron have
been produced using it, includ-
ing Beyond Basic. But this is
the first typesetting service for
a cheap wordprocessing pack-
age on a Beeb.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
NEWS!
Powertran robots, from left to right: Genesis P101 at £1700, Micro Grasp at £312, Hebot at £115, and Genesis P102 at £1200
Z80 gift' in
Torch package
CALIing all
educationalists
THE use of computers is one
of the most debated subjects
in education, with little sign
of a consistent policy in
schools. CAL 85 is a sym-
posium which hopes to alle-
viate the confusion.
CAL, computer-aided
learning, means learning
with, rather than about, com-
puters. The meeting will take
place from April 10-13 next
year and will include work-
shops, lectures, exhibitions
and demonstrations.
The organisers are keen to
attract delegates from all
levels of education and
emphasise the desire to see
participation from primary
and secondary schools.
Readers who would like to
give papers or have ideas for
workshops should contact
Richard Phillips at the Shell
Centre, University of Nott-
ingham NG7 2RD.
STORY is an educational pro-
gram for children which
enables them to write their
own illustrated stories. As the
text develops, certain key-
words trigger off pictures dis-
played on the screen.
There are 64 pre-pro-
GCC is set to follow up its Star-
base database software with a
set of CP/M financial packages
to run on the Torch Z80 second
processor.
First is the Sage integrated
accounts program which
comes with the Z80 thrown in
at £431. Next is a spreadsheet
called Cracker , designed to
work with 80-track, double-
sided disc drives.
GCC has exclusive rights to
implement Sage on the BBC
micro, with customers getting
a free Z80 for the price nor-
mally charged for the software
alone.
Cracker was described by
Barry Billingham at GCC as
very friendly and more power-
grammed pictures in the soft-
ware, up to seven of which can
be used in each composition.
Once the story has been com-
pleted, it can be saved and
printed out.
Story costs £7.50 from H&H
Software on cassette. Disc ver-
ful than Perfectcalc. It will take
DBase II files and should come
in at under £200.
At the end of July an update
to Starbase on disc will enable
it to work with Computer Con-
cepts’ Wordwise word pro-
cessing chip.
Later in the year, a memory
board will be released which
will hold up to four 8k RAMs
and 16 ROMs.
The Z80 second processor
supplied with Sage comes in a
wedge-shaped box which is
smaller than a standard discc
drive. Included with it is aside-
ways ROM and the Torch CP/N
operating system on disc. It
connects by a single cable to
the BBC’sTube interface.
sions are also available. The
program comes with a 16-page
booklet.
Readers with Concept key-
pads can help children
develop shape and letter skills
with two programs from LTS of
Studley, Warwicks at £9.95 each.
Four ways to
make a robot
connection
FOUR robots from Powertran
Cybernetics can all be con-
nected to the BBC micro,
although you’ll need to be able
to assemble them and write
the software yourself.
Top of the range is the Gene-
sis P102, which has a built-in
microprocessor, memory and
control box. It costs about
£1700. A simpler version, the
P102, is £500 cheaper. Both
come with RS232 connections,
but they are capable of being
used on their own.
Micro Grasp is an electri-
cally powered arm costing
£312, and Hebot is a turtle at
about £115. These prices
include a special interface
board which is configured for a
Sinclair, but can be adapted
for the BBC. These two plug
into the user port.
The turtle includes collision
detectors, retractable pen,
flashing eyes and a horn! It
also features two-wheel drive.
The Powertran robot kits are
designed mainly for computer
studies courses and as exten-
sions of control studies.
Assembly instructions and tips
on programming the devices
are included in the price.
Details • from Powertran
Cybernetics, Portway Indus-
trial Estate, Andover, Hants
SP10 3AA.
Adventurous line in learning
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Original
M icrocomputer
Software
The BASIC utility WM
tor the BBC micro
Available from all good BBC Computer Dealers.
Available by Mail Order from Computer Concepts, 16 Wayside, Chipperfield, Herts WD4 95J
Or by 'phoning with your credit card number on (09277) 69727.
'mmrWTn
TFCHNOM A TIC BBC Computer & Econet Referral Centre
x x IV, 01-4521500 01-4509764 01-4506597 Telex 922800
TORCH GNICORN
Designed with a total expansion capability
The Torch upgrade will give you a sophisticted business/profes-
sional system. However it doesn't stop there — it gives you the
potential to expand — an expansion that no other current system
can offer. Today, (not promises of ‘one day’!), we are able to offer
Hard Disc capability, networking of up to 254 machines, right up
to the extra processing power of a 68000 32bit processor with
256K RAM, and optional UNIX operating system. The potential is
here! The TORCHNET system, (software is included with all
systems!), is a cost-effective method of linking office computing
equipment in a simple and expandable fashion. TORCH means
communication, whether it is inter-room communication,
automatic ‘home-to-office’ communication, or electronic mail
allowing a Torch user to initiate telex transfers, send tele-
messages, use Electronic Mail (e.g. Telecom Gold), and talk to
large mainframes. — The potential is here! Hardware is of no use
without a suitable range of software, and the Torch can choose
from a massive range of business, financial, application and
language software. (Did you know that the Torch system has five
times more software available for it than the IBM PC!) Why not
contact us for your requirements?
TORCH BBC ADD-ON PRODUCTS
TORCH Z80 DISC PACK
The proven upgrade for the BBC Micro. Comprising 2x400K disc
drive, Z80 processor with 64K of memory, and a CP/M compatible
operating system. The system is supplied complete with the
PERFECT software range including PERFECT WRITER, PERFECT
SPELLER, PERFECT CALC, and PERFECT FILE. Full TORCHNET
ACORN COMPUTER SYSTEMS
BBC Model B £348.00a
BBC Model B + Econet £389.00a
BBC Model B + DFS £429.00a
BBC Model B + DFS + Econet £470.00a
6502 2nd Processor £1 75.00b
Acorn Z80 2nd Processor £263.00a
Acorn Electron £ 169.00b
BBC Teletext Receiver £i95.00a
BBC Dust Cover £4.00d
Pair of Joysticks £11 70c
Acorn Bit Stick £3.28b
TORCH Z80 SYSTEM
TORCH Z80 Disc pack £699.00a
TORCH Z80 2nd Processor Card £299.00a
TORCH ZHD240 20Mb £1995a
UPGRADE KITS
A to B Upgrade Kit £75.00d
DFS Kit £95.00d Installation £15.00
Econet Kit £55.00d Installation £25.00
Speech Kit £47.00d Intallation £10.00
ECONET ACCESSORIES
Printer Server Rom .£41 00b
File Server level i £86.00b
File Server Level 2 £2i6.00b
Clock + 2 Terminators £92.00b
Econet User Guide £i0.00d
BBC FIRMWARE
1.2 Operating System £7.50d
Basic II Rom £32.00d
View Word Processor Rom £52.00c
Wordwise W/P Rom £34 00c
BCPL ROM + Disc £87 00b
Disc Doctor Utility Rom £28.00d
Termi Emulator Rom £28.00d
ULTRACALC Rom iBBC Publications) £65.00c
Gremlin debug rom £28.00d
Computer Concepts Graphics Rom £28.000
EXMON £20.00d
TOOL KIT £20.00d
Prmtmaster Rom (FX80) £28.00d
Communicator Rom £59.00c
BBC ANCILLARY HARDWARE
EPROM Programmer £89.00b
Smartmouth Speech Synthesiser £37 00b
RH Light Pen £39.50b
"Time-Warp" Real-Time
Clock/Calendar £29.00b
ACORN IEEE interface AN KOI £282.00c
Buzzbox Modem £69.00b
PRINTERS & PLOTTERS
EPSON FX-80 £325.00a
EPSON RX-80 FT £250.00a
EPSON FX-100 £480.00a
EPSON DX-100 £375.00a
Printer Share ♦ Cable SEt £88.00c
JUKI 6 100 Daisy wheel £350 00a
MCP40 Col. Printer/Plotter £110 00a
Accessories.
Parallel Printer Lead £l0.00d
Serial Printer Lead £8.00(1
Epson Serial Interface 2K 8148 £50.00c
Epson Serial Interface 8143 £35 00c
FX80 Dust Cover £4 00d
Epson Paper Roll Holder £1 7.00c
FX-80 Tractor Attachment £37.00c
PAPER Fanfold 2000 sheets £1 3.50b
Ribbon MX80/RX80/FX80 £6 50c
Ribbon MX/RX/FX100 £ 12.50c
Gemini Delta 10 £300.00a
Grafpad Graphics Tablet £i25.00c
Graphics Plotter/Workstation £490.00a
Basic Plotter £270.00a
PSU12 £45.00 PSU24 £79.00
Power Adaptor Cable £4.50
Software on disc £3.50
Dnller/Rooter £79.00
Opto Sensor £72.00
COLOUR/GREEN MONITORS (leads incld)
Microvitec 1431 14‘ RGB Std Res £l79.00a
Microvitec 1431 14" RGB/PAL + Sound . ..£225.00a
Microvitec 1451 14" RGB Med Res £295.00a
Microvitec 1441 14" RGB Hi Res £420 00a
Microvitec 2031 14" RGB Std Res £287 00a
KAGA Vision Ex 12 ' RGB £l95.00a
KAGA Vision II Hi Res £26C 00a
KAGA Vision III 12" RGB Super Hi Res £358.00a
KAGA 12" Green H: Res £i 06.00a
SANYO DM81 12CX 12” Green Hi Res £99.00a
- KAGA RGB Lead £6 50d
BNC Green Screen Monitor Lead £3.00d
BBC COMPATIBLES 5.25" DISC DRIVES:
(All include cables, manual + format disc)
100K (40 Track Teac £120 00a
100K (40 Track) with psu Tec £145 00a
200K (40/80 Track) Teac £175 00a
200K (80 Track) with psu Tec £190 00a
400K (80 Track DS) with psu £ 185.00a
400K (80TDS) with psu Mitsubishi £225.00a
2 x 100K (40 Track) with psu Teac £300 00a
2 x 200K (40/80 Track) with psu Teac £400.00a
2 x 400 (80 Track DS) with psu £420.00a
3“ Hitachi 100K Drive £l50.00c
ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT. Please add carriage 50 p
software is also supplied allowing sophisticated networking between
other units.
GRAFPAD
NEW TORCH Z80 PACK PRICE E699.
SOFTWARE PACKAGE INCLUDES Z80 BASIC
The TORCH Z80 SECOND PROCESSOR CARD — for those who
already have suitable disc drives. The card is supplied with all the free
perfect software and Z80 basic, as detailed above, presenting a very
attractive package. £299.
VIDEO DIGITISER
Supplied complete with integral power supply, and ROM based soft-
ware, it interfaces with the computer via the 1 Mhz bus. A signal sup-
plied from any standard video camera/recorder will supply a high
quality picture, with eight different grey scale levels. The friendly yet
sophisticated menu-driven software comes complete with an Epson
printer dump. £250(a)
MICROTEXT
Developed by the National Physical Laboratory, is a programming
system designed to simplify the production of a wide range of man-
computer dialogues. Using MICROTEXT, an expert in any field can
construct their own complete courses of computer-based instruc-
tional material. Applications include interviewing systems, teaching
packages, training courses and interactive demonstrations and
simulation. Cassette £43.35(c) Disc £52(c).
A low cost graphic-tablet offering the performance and durability required for the
business, industrial and educational user. It is small, accurate & reliable. Working
area: 240 x 192mm + Menu area. £125 plus CAD program £125(b).
MONITORS
MICROVITEC— a range of British Made DTI/ACORN
Approved Std/Med/Hi-resolution RGB colour monitors
that have a consistent, reliable performance. Also available in RGB/PAUSOUND
versions. The KAGA range provides a similar performance in 12" screen format.
Our Japanese manufactured Hi-Res green screen SANYO is an ideal solution for
high clarity 80 column text display. The KAGA green screen, with its ‘chemically et-
ched’ anti-glare screen for the discerning user. All monitors are supplied with
suitable leads at no extra charge.
GRAPHICS PLOTTER/WORKSTATION
Equally at home in the artists studio, hobbyists workshop, science laboratory,
classroom, and production floor, this system has something to offer everyone. The
3-colour graphics plotter provides both precision and versatility. The carriage can
be moved with an acuracy of 0.025 cm. over an A4 area — the plotter being able to
accept paper and far thicker materials at sizes of up to A3. The basic colour plotter
carries three colour pens each of which is software selectable.
Various add-ons greatly increase the versatility of the unit, while still retaining the
unit’s accuracy. The servo controlled drill/router, and a scriber enables drilling, cut-
ting and scribing in various materials. A unique Opto Sensor (using a Hewlett
Packard Device) turns the plotter into a high resolution scanning digitiser to read
and store whole diagrams, for example, for use in map work. This unique versatile
Workstation is supplied complete at £490. Basic Plotter £270.
Technomatic
Our in depth slocks allow us lo offer immediate deliveries on most items and our aim is to proside the best available
products at compclilisc prices. In addition to the items listed abuse ssc earn extensive slocks of: connectors, connec-
tor assemblies, components including TTI.s, CMOS, RAMS, EPROMs and CPI's. Spares for the BBC computers
are normulls asailuhlc from stock. Orders from go\ eminent departments, public bodies, hospitals, schools, colleges,
tmisersilies and recognised PECs welcome. We specialise in world wide exports. No VAT on exports. Our special!)
negotiated freight charges lo man) countries ensure the customer considerable sas ings on charges.
12
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Everything you need for your BBC Computer
Plus friendly service and professional advice
Accessories:
Single Disc Cable « £6.00d
Double Disc Cable £8.50d
3M DISCS with Lifetime Warranty
40T SSi'SD Pkt of 10 £16.00c
40 DS/DD Pkt of 10 £22 00c
80T SS/DD Pkt Of 10 £26.00c
SOT DS'DD Pkt of 10 £30.00c
3" Double Sided Disc Each £4 50c
FLOPPICLENE Drive Head Cleaning Kit £14.50c
Disc Library Case £1-90d
Disc File Case 30/40 £8.00c
Disc Lockable Case 30/40 £1 5.00c
Disc Lockable Case 60/70 £27 00b
EPROMS:
Please phone for availability
SOFTWARE:
ACORN/MERLE BUSINESS SOFTWARE
Invoicing. Stock Control. Accounts Payable.
Accounts Receivable. Order Processing
Mailing System . Each £22.65d
GEMINI Business-Full Range
ACORNSOFTFull Range
ACORN LANGUAGES including BCL, LISP
S.Pascal Disc £l7.30d
BCPL Calculations Disc .. £17.30d
FORTH with Manuals
BBCSOFT-Full Range
PROGRAM POWER Full Range
BEEBUGSOFT Full Range
Wordwise Spellcheck Disc £16.50d
Design £l6.50d
Superplot £i6.50d
Masterfile (Database) £l6.50d
Teletext Pack (Mode 7 Grahics) £16.50d
CASSETTE RECORDERS:
SANYO DR 10 1 Data Recorder £30.00b
Datex Slim Line £20.00c
BBC Tape Recorder £28.50b
Cassette Lead £3.00d
Computer Grade 012 cassette £0.45d
Computer Grade Cassette 10 off £4.00c
Phillips Mim-data cassette £3.00d
BOOKS (NO VAT) p&p E1.50/book
Let Your BBC Teach U to Program £3.50
BBC Micro Revealed £3.00
100 Programs for the BBC £6.95
30 Hour Basic £5-95
35 Educational Progs £6.95
6502 Applications £9.75
6502 Assembly Lang Programming £12.95
6502 M/Code for Beginners £5.95
6809 Assembly Lang Programming ..
Advanced Prog Tech for BBC
Advanced 6502 „
Advanced User Guide
Assembly Lang Pro on the BBC
Assembly Lang for the BBC
Assembly Lang Prog for Electron ...
Assembly Lang Prog for Electron
Assembly Lang Programming
Basic Prog on the BBC
BBC Basic
BBC Basic for Beginners
BBC Micro for Beginners
BBC Micro Compendium
BBC Micro Disk Companion
BBC Micro Expert Guide
BBC Micro Graphics & Sound
BBC Micro in Education
BBC Micro Revealed
BCPL User Manual
Beyond Basic
Creating Adventure Progs
Creative Graphics
DIY Robotics & Sensors
Discovering BBC M/Code
Forth
Friendly Computer Book
Graphics on the BBC Micro
Graphs & Charts
Interfacing the 6502
Intro BBC Micro
LISP .
..£13.95
£7.95
...£10.25
£12.50
£7,95
£795
£7.95
£7.95
£8.95
£5.95
£5.95
MANY MORE
BOOKS IN
STOCK
...£6.95
£6.95
....£14.95
£6.95
£6.95
£6.95
£6.50
£5.00
...£15,00
£7.25
£6.95
£7.50
£6.95
£6.95
£7.50
£6.95
...£6.95
...£7.50
Making Music on the BBC Compi
Micro Basic Sound Graphics .
MOS Memory Data Book
Prog the BBC Micro
Programming the 6502
Programming the 6809
...£10.95
£5.95
... £750
£5.95
...£7.95
...£3.95
...£6.50
Programming the 8086/8088
Programming the BBC
Programming the Z80 .....
Start Prog with Electron
Structured Programming
The Electron Book
TORCH Z80 Disc Pack Guide
TTL Data Book Vol-1
TTL Data Book Vol-2
BBC User Guide
Using BBC Basic
Using Floppy Disks
Using the 6502 Assembly Lang
Z80 Applications Book
£9.95
...£11.35
...£10.95
£6.50
£9.95
£6.95
£6.50
£795
...£ 10.00
£9.00
£8.50
£15.00
£ 10.00
£6.95
£14.50
£10.95
unless indicated as follows: (a) £8 (b)£2.50 (c)£1.50 (d)£1.00
PRINTERS
We have a range of printers that will
eet most requirements.
EPSON— the high quality dot-matrix
printers that set the standard in the
industry— versatile printers that provide
the optimum in performance & reliability.
The RX80/FT provides all standard
printing & graphic functions, (single
sheets & perforated paper), with the de-luxe FX80
giving in addition proportional printing, italics,
programmable characters etc. The FXIOO also
allows the use of 15" wide paper.
Epson DX100— a new daisy wheel has the
hallmark of Epson's quality performance and
reliability. The JUKI and BROTHER daisywheels provide
a quality normally found in printers costing
far more. Printer cables, interfaces, ribbons, paper
etc. are all normally available from stock.
BUZZBOX
This is a full specification, direct connect modem, with both Originate &
Answer modes, allowing acces to the many databases, bulletin boards, as
well as inter-computer communications. The modem conforms to the
international CCITT V21 300/300 Baud standard. (NOTE: Not suitable for
PRESTEL). Having full BT Approval, it connects directly to the telephone line,
for optimum performance. Being battery powered, it is totally portable
(optional power supply available). £69. BBC Lead £3.50. External PSU £8.00
MAILORDER TO: 17Burnle> Road, London WVIO 1ED
(Tel: 01-452 1500, 01-4506597 Telex 9228(H))
SHOPS AT: NW London: 15 Burnle> Road, London M\ 10 1LI)
(Dollis Hill 0- 2 mins walk, ample car parking space)
Wcsl London: 305 Ldgware Road. London \V2. Tel: 01-723 0233
(Near Ldg\*arc Road 0 )
ULTRACALC
advanced features, such as:*Handling of labels as
well as numbers, as values, allowing the search of a list by a
meaningful name, instead of just a number. ‘Efficient memory usage
allowing large spreadsheets to be constructed. ‘Variable width
columns. Facilities include SUM. Replicate & most mathematical
functions. It helps you to create and manipulate ‘Budgets ‘Cash-Flow
forecasts ‘Price Lists ‘Balance Sheets ‘Time Sheets ‘Order Entry
‘Small Databases ‘Scientific Calculations etc. £65.
DISC DRIVES:
A full range of disc drives fitted with quality Japanese slimline
mechanisms, (such as TEAC, MITSUBISHI etc.) are supplied ready to
connect to your BBC, and come complete with necessary cables, for-
matting disc, manual etc. TEAC & MITSUBISHI mechanisms can
operate in single and double density modes. The switchable disc drives
give the user flexibility, by allowing access to both 40 & 80 Track discs.
We have a full range of diskettes, variety of disc storage cases, disc-
drive cables. The Floppiclene head cleaning kit is the
ideal way to ensure optimum performance of your drives. The use of
disposable cleaning discs eliminate the risk of recontamination and
abrasion, and ensure continuous data capture and transmission.
SCOTCH 3M FLOPPY DISCS
We now stock the high performance yet economical 3M range. Due to
advanced production techniques, a higher standard has now been
reached, enabling Scotch to guarantee error free performance for life.
3" HITACHI DISC DRIVES
The latest in miniature data-storage technology. Totally hardware &
software compatable with 5J " drives (can be used together!). Supplied
complete with format disc, manual, cables etc. £1 50(b).
ACORN IEEE INTERFACE
A full implementation of the IEEE-488 standard, providing computer
control of compatible scientific & technical equipment, at a lower price
than other systems. Typical applications are in experimental work in
academic and industrial laboratories. The interface can support a net-
work of up to 14 other compatible devices, and would typically link
several items of test equipment allowing them to run with the optimum
of efficiency. The IEEE Filing System ROM is supplied. £282.
TELETEXT
Converts your BBC into a fully fledged Teletext Terminal. In addition to
normal reception of Teletext pages, it is able to download’ software as
well as saving standard pages on any of the four TV channels. £196.
Continued on page . . .
INSTITUTIONS & EDUCATIONAL
ESTABLISHMENTS
r Our bulk purchasing power enables us to provide very competitive
quotations, as well as being able to supply in quantity, a very wide range
of equipment, accessories and spare parts from stock.
Technomatic Ltd.
All prices exclude carriage & V A I . Please add carriage as indicated and
add 15° b VAT to (he total order \alue. I or Iasi deli\er> telephone your
order quoting \ ISA or Access card or official order number
Minimum telephone order £5).
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
13
Tl T HNOIVT iT ir BBC Computer & Econet Referral Centre
01-4521500 01-4509764 01-4506597 Tclex922800
EPROMER II
Our current version of the highly popular Eprom pro-
grammer is now being enhanced to provide more and
better facilities for easy programming by the user. The
software will maintain its superiority over all currently
available similar programmers. The range of eproms
handled has been widened, to include
the eproms with lower programming voltage and
eproms which can be programmed using algorithm.
Control of all operations has been moved to the
keyboard. The screen display has been improved to
give more information. The screen editing facilities
have also been modified to simplify the data entry.
Preliminary Information
The new Eprom Programmer will now program 2516. 2532, 2564, 271 6, 2732,
2764, 27128 and 27256 + 5v eproms, and all but the 27256 in a single pass.
The programmer will be supplied with integral power supply, and interfaces
with the BBC via the 1MHz bus. It is fully buffered and complies with Acorn
protocols. There is no power drain from the computer.
No knobs or switches to fiddle with — total control from the keyboard
Fully software driven with easy to understand instructions displayed on the
screen.
Eprom type selectable from the keyboard
Selectable programming voltage 25/21/12. 5V
Defaults to normal programming with high speed algorithmic programm-
ing selectable, for a device with suitable capability.
Continuous screen display of eprom type, option and address range
selected.
Full screen editor with HEX or ASCII input. Constant display of logical
eprom adress and the actual ram address.
Can read, blank check, program and verify at any address/addresses on the
eprom.
Full Tape/Disc filing facility.
Several basic programs can be entered on a single eprom and called up
with individual name.
EPROM ERASERS
UV1T Eraser with built-in timer
and mains indicator. Built-in safety
interlock to avoid accidental
exposure to the harmful UV rays.
It can handle up to 5 eproms at a time
with an average erasing time of about
20 mins. £59 + £2p&p.
UV1 as above but without the timer.
£47 + £2p&p.
TIME-WARP’
REAL-TIME-CLOCK/CALENDAR
A low cost unit that opens up the total range of Real-Time
applications. With its full battery backup, possibilities
include an Electronic Diary, continuous display of
‘on-screen’ time and date information automatic
document dating, precise timing & control in scientific
applications, recreational
use in games etc — its
uses are endless and are x
simply limited by one’s im-
agination. Simply plugs in-
to the user port — no
specialist installation
required — No ROMS.
Supplied with extensive
applications software.
Please phone for details.
£29.00 + £2.50 carriage.
SMARTMOUTH
The original ‘infinite speech’.
Still the best.
A ready built totally self contained speech synthesiser unit, attractively
packaged with built-in speaker, AUX output socket etc. — no installation
problems! It allows the creation of any English word, with both ease
an d simplicity, while, at the same time being
very economical in memory usage. You
BEEBGGSOFT
A professional range of Firmware/
Software to suit both the advanced
programmer and the user. From the
well known ‘EXMON' and TOOLKIT’
to the WORDWISE SPELLCHECK.
can easily
programs
vocabulary,
whole
applications
commercial,
recreational etc
no need
plugs into
due to the
add speech to most existing
Due to its remarkable infinite
its uses spread throughout the
spectrum of computer
— these include industrial.
educational, scientific,
No specialist installation —
to open your computer, simply
the the user port — and
simple software, no ROMS are needed.
SMARTMOUTH is supplied with demo and development programs on
cassette, and full software instructions. £37 + £2.50 carriage.
MAILORDERS TO: l7Burnlex Road. I on don NW 10 IH)
( Id: 01-452 1500.01-4506507 Idex 922HOO)
SHOPS VI : NW London: 15 Burn Iin Road. London NW 10 I Kl)
(Dollis Hill & 2 mins walk, ample car parking space)
West I ondon: 305 Ldgware Road. I ondon \\ 2. Id: 01-723 0233
(Near Ldgware Road ^ l
T ECHNOMATIC L TD.
Ml prices exclude carriage & VAT. Please add carriage as indicated and
add 15°.. VAT to the total order *alue. For fast delivers telephone your
order quoting VISA or Access card or official order number.
(Minimum telephone order £5).
14
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
| NEWS
Action in Olympia
THIS year’s Acorn User Exhibi-
tion, to be held at Olympia on
August 16-19, looks set to
easily top last year’s show,
with 35,000 people expected to
pass through the doors.
About 140 exhibitors have
booked stands, so there
should be something for
everyone. As you might
expect. Acorn Computers will
be there in force, as will your’s
truly Acorn User with a prob-
lem clinic for readers.
The education sector will be
well represented with many
familiar names -and quite a
few new ones. ASK, Golem,
Edsoft and Softcentre will rep-
resent the educational cot-
tage industry’, with MUSE and
MEP as the Government-
backed ‘heavyweights’.
In among the usual plethora
of peripheral suppliers are
to be found several new
products. Microware will be
showing a new range of Epson
5^in disc drives; and Silicon
Disk, the RAM alternative to
disc drives, will be available at
adiscountfrom Solidisk.
Two new modems will be
putting in an appearance at the
show. The first, the Night-
ingale, runs at 300, 1200 or
1200/75baud and so can
access bulletin boards, Pres-
tel and Telecom Gold. It is
being marketed by Pace.
Even more interesting is the
Loco Systems SCM 100
modem. SCM stands for Soft-
ware Controlled Modem -in
other words, a ROM chip that
plugs into your Beeb to control
the modem directly. The
beauty of this is that there are
no controls on the modem it-
self -the software automati-
cally selects such things as
baud rate and protocols
depending on the service
you’ve dialled. As they say,
‘Approval is being sought’ for
both these modems.
With the arrival of Acorn’s
Geoff Nairn reports on the big stories to emerge -so
far -from the Acorn User Exhibition: amazing modems,
spritely advances and software that exploits the 6502
second processor.
Plenty of peripherals and the programs to put them into
action will be receiving their first public showing.
Arm-in-arm
with a robot
R2D2-that lovable
whistling dustbin from
the film Star Wars -is
rumoured to have his
heart set on going to
the Acorn User show.
Tony Dyson, the
robot’s maker, runs a
company called Droid
Factory which, from
making promotional
robots, has now gone
down-market with a
£400 robot arm for the
Beeb. (Unfortunately
R2D2 will not be for
sale.)
As well as R2D2,
Tony was also respon-
sible for the robot seen show-
ing John Cleese a thing or two
in the recent Sony adverts on
television.
The robot arm is based on
an industrial version and is
claimed to consume very little
power as it uses servo motors
rather than stepper motors. It
also has inter-changeable
fingers which, although
embarrassing to humans, is a
plus point for robots.
R2D2, when asked to com-
ment on Tony’s latest protege,
could only whistle ‘ ! !*??!’.
Ultra the android is the
Droid Factory’s latest offering
at Unit 14, 70 Wooton Rd,
Abingdon, Oxfordshire.
6502 second processor for the
Beeb, the race was on to see
who would be first to produce
software which properly
exploited it.
Well, Cardiff Micro Software
has come up with a disc-based
database program called
Datafile which uses the second
processor to store up to 3000
records on a double-sided, 80-
track disc. Unusually, there is
also a version which runs on
Econet.
Simonsoft is using the Exhi-
bition to launch its new series
of Beeb games. They concern
Oz the caveman. Simonsoft
also will be demonstrating
Sprites Version 2 -an anima-
tion package which can pro-
duce an 18-fold increase in
speed over normal Basic.
The Educational Software
Micropower packs 'em onto disc
MICROPOWER is to make disc versions of its
best-selling games available for the first time at
the Acorn User Exhibition.
The top 11 will be on 5}in discs at £9.95 each
that run on 40 or 80-track drives. For those who
have the games on cassette, there will be an ex-
change service. The company will swap a
cassette for a disc for £4.95.
The games are: Killer Gorilla, Rouble
Trouble, Stock Car, Frenzy, Block Buster, Gouts,
Jet-Power Jack, Felix in the Factory, The Mine,
Cybertron Mission- and one other to be
launched at the show.
These discs and the rest of the range will be
available only on mail order after the show
(postage 55p extra).
AMS lets
mouse loose
ADVANCED Memory Sys-
tems is set to let loose a pet
mouse at the Acorn User
Show. But before the Olym-
pia officials call in a pest con-
trol officer, we should say
that this mouse is of the non-
furry variety.
AMS, who were first with
the 3in disc drive, have now
pulled off a similar coup with
the first ‘mouse’ for a home
computer. A mouse is a
small hand-held box which,
as you move it around the
desk top, moves a pointer on
the screen. Up to now only
business machines such as
Apple’s Lisa have used mice;
now the Beeb gets its own
mechanical rodent.
AMS claims any program
can be converted for use with
the £70 mouse, in much the
same way as a joystick. Four
main uses are envisaged:
word-processing; on-screen
editing of programs; games;
and graphics.
Company has some new pro-
grams for the Robin Lightpen,
which talks as well as draws.
The show runs from August
17-19, 10am to 6pm (5pm on
last day). On Thursday 16th,
times are 10am to 7pm, with
the morning reserved for the
trade. Tickets cost £2, or £1 for
under 16s.
For details of bulk
discount tickets and the
Exhibition, contact:
Computer Marketplace
Exhibitions, 20 Orange St,
London WC2H 7ED.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
DAISYWHEEL PRINTERS
BROTHER HR 15 13 cps
STAR POWERTYPE 18 cps
EPSON DX 100 18 cps
DOT MATRIX PRINTERS
EPSON RX 80 100 cps
EPSON RX 80 F/T 100 cps
EPSON RX 100 100 cps
EPSON FX 80 160 cps
STAR GEMINI-10X 120 cps
STAR DELTA 10 160 cps
STAR RADIX 10 200 cps
THERMAL MATRIX PRINTERS
STAR STX 80 60 cps
BROTHER HR 5 30 cps
BROTHER EP 44 16 cps
£349.95
+
VAT
=
£402.44
£328.95
+
VAT
=
£378.29
£369.95
+
VAT
=
£425.44
£198.95
+
VAT
=
£228.79
£228.95
+
VAT
=
£263.29
£384.95
+
VAT
=
£442.69
£340.95
+
VAT
=
£392.09
£189.95
+
VAT
=
£218.44
£319.95
+
VAT
=
£367.94
£498.95
+
VAT
=
£573.79
£129.95
+
VAT
—
£149.44
£129.95
+
VAT
=
£149.44
£216.95
+
V AT
=
£249.49
SiW
GEMINI 10X
£189.95
+ VAT = £218.44
*
AFTERSALES SERVICE
12 MONTH GUARANTEE
•X:
BBC LEAD S £9.95 4- VAT
*
DELIVERY £10 + VAT
PAPER — RIBBONS — SHEET FEEDERS — TRACTOR FEEDS
INTERFACES — CALL FOR BEST PRICES
Access
DATASTAR SYSTEMS UK
UNICOM HOUSE 182 ROYAL COLLEGE STREET LONDON NW1 9NN
01-482 1711 * * TELEX 295931 UNICOM G
TAX-FREE EXPORT & DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
m lir\o
rau,
■ "■*>
ADD 40 COMMANDS TO
BBC BASIC WITH ONE ROM
0 SCALE is a powerful and totally flexible statement that
allows the user to take control of the scaling of the
B screen. Integers, real numbers and variables can be used.
ROTATE is used to ’rotate' the axes about a point and by
A an an 9 le >»oth defined by the ROTATE statement on a scaled
^ screen.
^ C 1 RC1 E and ELL 1 F*SK allow a multitude of shapes to be drawn
H using a single statement, including!— any regular jolygon,
circles, arcs, solid sectors, triangles, squares, etc.
I FILL is used to 'fill' a previously drawn area, with CF ILL
setting the colour/pattern/shade within pre-drawn bounds.
^ TRANS i-s used to translate the scaled area across the screen
by the use of cartesian co-ordinates, subsequent graphics
commands making use of the now displaced scaled area.
Plus: SMOVE, SDR AW, SPLOT and UNSCALE.
4
IV
1
LL1ST can be programmed, unlike LIST, and under the User's
control, multiple statement lines can be split up into their
component parts allowing for greater ease of reading.
LGOTP is similar to the GOTO statement but more powerful in
that it enables the user to jump to 'labelled lines' allowing
for neater and more readable programmes.
SORT allows the user to sort all or part of a string array
into alphabetical order using a single statement. Invaluable
for data processing.
SETW1N and WIN allow the user to define, using SETW1N, and
display, using WIN up to seven complete windows on the screen,
The user being able to select and return to previously de-
selected windows at will, the cursor maintaining it's last
used position within that window.
G
E
V
B
R
A
L
Plus* OFT, MOPFOR , R0P3OS, POPREP and ADDCOMM.
Compatible with* Acorn DFS,
Amcolft( Pace) DFS, Watford DFS,
Wordwise, Disc Doctor.
Model B, BASIC 1 or 2, OS 1.20
ADDCOMM
Plus* *HELP displays the
full syntax of al 1 commands.
Price includes a detailed
ring-bound User Gui-de.
L
0
G
0
LMOVE is used to position the LOGO cursor, usually used
prior to further LOGO statements.
ANGLE is used to set the intended direction of the LOGO
cursor, the angle being described in degrees.
ADVANCE is used to Inove the cursor in the direction as set
by ANGl E by the distance described in the ADVANCE statement.
TLRN gives the cursor a new direction by turning it a certain
number of degrees anti-clockwi se from its previous direction.
PEN defines the kind of trail left by the lOGO turtle using
the internal plot codes.
LCIRCLE and LELL 1 PSE are the LOGO equivalents of the similar
enhanced graphics commands, the shape centre beiVig the
current LOGO cursor position.
LPDS is used to return the position of the LOGO cursor from
a SCALEd screen.
£28
inc 1 udes
V.A.T.
post and
pack i ng .
These commands are unlike those on any other ROM,
since they are used in exactly the same way as the
standard BASIC commands - i.e. any numeric/string
expression, multi-line statements, access to any
variable, and, of course no stars!
NOW
AVAILABLE
FOR
BLECTROH
WITH ROM BOARD
CHAR is a simplified 'character' designing facility using an
enlarged grid that enables the user to quickly and easily
construct or alter graphic and pseudo-alphanumeric characters.
COMPACI is used to reduce the si*e of all or part of an exist-
ing program by intelligently appending lines together.
K1NL) is used to search all or part of a program to find any
desired character or set of characters.
C.REn and SRE1*L are two related commands that enable the user
to replace a character or group of characters with any other
character or group of characters, under total control of user.
LVAR is used to list all, or alphabetically selected, variable
names currently within memory.
VERIFY is a simple command to confirm that a copy to tape or
is exactly the same as the original program in memory.
1‘lus : MEM, GOOD PROG, KILLREM and FKEYS.
T
0
0
L
K
I
I
VINE MICROS. M ARSHBOROUGH.
SANDWICH. KENT CT13 OPG
(Or send stamp for Brochure.)
16
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
THE GREAT SUMMER SALE
100K (w) 200K (=) BBC DRIVE
ONLY £110+VAT=£1 26.50 c*.—.
ftccess
^ELCOWt
* EDUCATIONAL ORDERS
WELCOME!
* DEALER AND EXPORT
ENQUIRIES INVITED
Slimline, half height, top quality disk drive from CHINON, Japan featuring full microp-
rocessor control (no LSI gimmick!), quietest operation and lowest power requirement in the
industry (+5V @ 450 mA and +12V @ 190 mA).
Beautifully boxed in metal case and in matching BBC colour and supplied complete with:
★ Disk Drive Cable and Power Lead
★ Formatter Disk
★ DFS Manual
TELEPHONE FOR INCREDIBLE PRICES ON FULL RANGE OF BBC DRIVES!
iGl
micronix computers Ltd
Suite 2, 26 Charing Cross Road, London WC2. Tel. 01-240 0213/0217. Telex. 295173 VILORD G
<8
FlTOmiC
ACIHintCODC
A book containing 23 fully explained machine
code programmes for the Atom.
DATA SORTS • MODE 4 CHARACTERS#
GAMES • POOLS PREDICTION • TOOL KIT#
Over 50K of programmes in 1 book for £5.75 inc.
Book and Cassette (source code) £15.50.
Book and Cassette (ready to run) £15.50.
Cassette only £11.50.
8 $ TOOLKIT
J 20 useful programmes for the BBC on one cassette.
BAD PROGRAMME LIST • BAD
PROGRAMME FIX • FIND PROCS#
FIND DEFPROCS
BIGLETTERS • FIND BYTE • FIND
VARIABLE • AND MANY OTHERS.#
£3.95 inc.
ECCE Productions, 3/73 Station Road,
Sidcup, Kent. DA15 7DR.
Tel: 01-302 1667. (Mail order only)
EPROM PROGRAMMER
FOR THE BBC
A very high quality product direct from
the manufacturers, contained in attrac-
tive sloping box with low insertion force
socket and neon indicator for program-
ming fitted as standard, the software
adopts the high efficiency method for
programming 2764 and 27128. This
allows up to 100% faster programming,
software in machine code, supplied on
cassette and can be placed in eprom. Very
easy to use, menu driven with easy to use
instructions. This unit is completely self
contained with its own power supply and
plugs into the user port.
THIS PROFESSIONAL UNIT ALLOWS:
1. Will program: 2716, 2732, 2532, 2764 and 27128 eproms.
2. Copy eprom into memory and compute checksum.
3. Blank check eprom.
4. Program eprom from memory.
5. Verify byte by byte and compute checksum.
6. allow buffer start area to be changed.
7. All operating system calls may be used when in menu mode.
8 . Semi-intelligent programming. Typical time to program a 2764 8k device is approx.
50 sec. depending on the data to be programmed.
9. Additional software supplied to enable your own program (basic or machine code) to
be put into eprom with the necessary leader information to allow calling with a
* command. Downshift routine to enable basic programs to be run is also supplied.
COST £46.50 please add 1 5% VAT £1 .00 post and package
ALSO AVAILABLE RAM/ROM CARD
ORDERS TO: (Details on Request)
H.C.R. ELECTRONICS, Industrial Unit
Parker Road, Chelmsford, Essex CM2 OES
Access Orders Phone:
Chelmsford (0245) 3501 88 24 hours
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
17
NEWS J
18
Scientific suites
Beeb in GLC
competition
A BBC micro game has taken
joint first place in a Greater
London Council competition.
The idea was to design a video
game which would success-
fully get across the GLC’s anti-
racist message.
Competitors had a free hand
over the type of game -but it
had to include an anti-racist
quiz consisting of 12 ques-
tions -for example, ‘How
many black people live in
London’ - before the game it-
self could be completed.
Ian Lambert’s entry for the
Beeb featured that familiar
sight around London, the red
double decker bus.
Ian is pictured receiving his
cheque from GLC Leader Ken
Livingstone.
Also in the picture are his
son Ivan, Paul Boateng, vice-
chairman of the Ethnic Minori-
ties Committee, and John
Carr, chairman of the Staff
committee.
TWO companies have set out
to provide software for scien-
tists and engineers on the BBC
micro.
Crecy Computer Systems is
aiming a suite of programs at
energy engineers and
managers. The initial package
has five parts, concerned with
fuel, boilers, steam and steam
turbines. A second uniton heat
recovery is under way.
The pack is designed for
people who have no experi-
ence of using computers and
will run on a model B. It costs
£45 on disc, including manual,
from Crecy at 148 Liverpool
Road, Penwortham, Preston.
Finersoft has released
Bstat, which, as the name sug-
gests, deals with statistical
analysis.
Bstat costs £15 from Finer-
soft at 30 Edna Street, London
SW11 3DP.
It's official -a
Prestel adaptor
A VIEWDATA interface that
links the BBC micro to Prestel
and the electronic mail
services has been launched by
Acorn.
The Prestel Adaptor con-
nects the Beeb directly to the
telephone network, turning it
into a powerful two-way com-
puter terminal. The system
can then automatically dial-up
and access remote computers,
including the Prestel and Tele-
com Gold facilities (if you’ve
got the software).
It plugs into the RS423 port
on the micro and the modern
Type 600 BT telephone socket.
The unit operates in full duplex
mode, baud rate 1200/75.
The adaptor costs £113.85
(inc. VAT), and comes com-
plete with a viewdata tele-
comms ROM and user guide. It
is available only by mail order
from Vector Marketing,
London Road, Denington
Estate, Wellingborough, North
Hants NN8 2RL.
StarBASE...
a new database
StarBASE...
for theBBC
StarBASE meets and even exceeds professional standards found on large
installations. It is unique in speed, flexibility and ease of use.
Price? Only £69.00 inc VAT (plus £1.50 p & p).
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
Z 80 second
processor for
BBC
Microcomputer with
SAGE
integrated accounts
program
£375
4- VAT
STOCK SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE
Local authority enquiries welcome
Prices correct at time of going to press
GCC (Cambridge) Limited
66 High Street Sawston, Cambridge CB2 4BG
Telephone: Cambridge (0223) 835330/834641
Telex: 8 1594 SAWCOM
BARCLAYCARO
VISA
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Print from Japan
Disk Drives
from Cumana
Like the beautiful prints from Japan, Cumana disk drives
represent the very highest standards in design and
production. Also like the prints, Cumana disk drives
represent the highest state of the art; and they not only look
beautiful, they perform beautifully as well.
Cumana disk drives for the BBC Microcomputer
are available in slimline single, dual and dual switchable
versions. They have 12 months warranty, are fully
assembled and tested before packaging, and are available
— at unbeatable value for money prices — from W. H. Smitl
The John Lewis Partnership. Greens Leisure, Laskys,
Spectrum (JK. area distributors (see below) and Cumana's
national dealer network.
Look out for the distinctive Cumana packaging in your high
street, today!
Area distributors :
HCCS Associates (Gateshead) 0632-82 1 924. Eltec (Bradford) 0274-722512, Basic
Business Systems (Nottingham) 0602-8 19713, Walters Computer Systems
(Stourbridge) 03843-7081 1, Microage Distribution (North London) 01-205 7688.
J. S. Simnett Computers (South London) 01-390 6161. Ferranti & Craig
(Basingstoke) 0256-69966. Gwent Computers (Wales) 0633-2 15008. National
Micro Centre (Stockport) 061-456 9548. Microworld (Edinburgh) 031-228 1111.
Microtest (Cornwall) 0208-3171. DRG Business Machines (Weston-Super-Mare)
0934-415398. Kingdom Design (Belfast) 0232-643720. Hugh Symonds
(Bournemouth) 0202-26535, Audio & Computer Centre (Jersey) 0534-74000.
The Highest State
of the Art
For further information
about Cumana disk
drives for the BBC
Micro, please complete
and return this coupon.
Interests:
Home Use [_
Education Q
Address
|
J
j
Dealer |
1
Business
Tel Mo
AU8/84
Note: If dealer, please attach this form to your letterheading.
The best name in memory
Cumana Limited.
Pines Trading Estate, Broad Street,
Guildford, Surrey, GU3 3BH.
Telephone: Guildford (0483)503121.
Telex: 859380.
Introducing BEEBUGSOFT
Until recently a very special range of applications and utility packages for
the BBC micro has been unavailable to the general public.
q*auxT
This software has been produced by the BBC user group BEE BUG for its
members. BEE BUG members tend to be a
demanding and discerning group of
individuals; and the range of software
produced has been kept to a
consistently high standard through
their constant vigilance.
As a result, BEE BUG software is
highly acclaimed amongst BEEBUG's
25,000 members. Independent
reviews from the major computing
magazines seem to take a similar
view of the software, as you can
see from their comments.
SPELLCHECK
The disc based spelling
checker for text created on
Wordwise or View
* invaluable . . • ^ asf c
reliable ... a worthwl
investment
PCN February 1984
SPELLCHECK from BEEBUGSOFT
arcu-w - i
0 dictionary mi
*** tml yORftllSE
YOUR OPTIONS ARE:-
A . Spelling check
B - Dictionary utilities!
C - Continue check
0 - Select Drive
£ m End Program
L m Load Text
s - Save Text
SELECT your option _
97 TOOLKIT
, new commands in eprom
to speed up Basic program I
development and debugging.
' BDurii^ pensible aid "
EDUCATIONAL COMPUTING
March 1984
worth every penny . . .
^commended '
COMPUTING TODAY June 1984
* ' its ran 9e of utilities is
excellent "
MICRONETMoy 1984
| rrr>>zs r ' o, * c *
4 Li*. *°° '“Kdon.
ESCAPE to
^•rch st ring : Xk
'*-a«nd, T ** -t~,X :rK ^ tvltvst
Knt#r option: _
A game writers utility pack
enabling high speed arcade
games to be quickly written
in Basic.
definitely recommended
excellent
ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTING
May 1984
*. . Sprite Utilities wins
through”
ACORN USER May 1984
mmm
mmm
mmm
mmm
mmm
mmm
mmm
mmm
Rii
mmm
SEST
wssssssis
>' 221 22 £ w
55 ST ST 2F I
8 §»K»»fl
m $5 M m Se S
>•>■* w w w u<
5E 55 55 95 SS
2 fi£ “1 *
55 32 SE 55 55 ££i
PAINTBOX
Probably the ultimate joystick
drawing package on the BBC
Micro, great fun and highly
educational.
• . amazingly versatile . . .
easy to use.. . (one of the
most feature laden picture
creating programs around)
• . . tremendous potential *
EDUCATIONAL COMPUTING Jon 1984
'■ • ° ver Y sophisticated and
versatile utility *
ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTING
May 1984
S3
oerxNCB
ghost
-nWOO«»
iter Aided Design
,o o«ov/ screens to
|y created for
demonstration,
is etc.
; t rate screen
immense 1
If you would like to know more
about BEEBUGSOFT products,
see the advertisers' index of
this magazine, or telephone us for
a full software brochure.
BEEBUGSOFT
products may
now be
obtained from
major dealers
including
selected
branches of W.H. Smith, iffl
Alternatively all products
are available from us on mail order
from our despatch department in
High Wycombe.
BEEBUGSOFT dept 13 PO BOX 109
HIGH WYCOMBE BUCKS HP 10 8HQ
TEL: ST. ALBANS (0727) 60263
« x V e D p“\i2J ED, i*
O© O© OO FF 30 S 9 ^ Sooo
h SEse 61 —"
e Edit <ESC »nd*,
* ASCII b * ck)
i biock *
LSrST.TT' 1
• S»t PC
Y lit 5
? S' ps£^ ** r
2 ?rS. »• »•"*
5 Sf.?r , ; kpo10 *
- Si:t‘: srr* 1 *^* 0 ’
» ft*? SSSS^
ff m 65 "» O wW,T
fSSSL 9hU
I ** »Pe< Cs ^o COAl p Ur(NG
exmon
An extremely powerful
machine code monitor on
cassette or eprom, offering
35 new commands for
debugging machine-code.
* • exceptionally
comprehensive . . . would be
hard to improve upon *
YOUR COMPUTER August 1983
/ • usin 9 EXMON is a deliahr
MICRONET May 1984 9
JS
/
can
JO-
C
r dk>cujJ K J®\ fdMMiUdM vwm. ho*, ^
^ ^ °* oUaoja UXS^l n&dut^'
uJuino^vu^iv^^ JL.tDaVtifl
cfaoun et (UK
. SQCmiato.
THE FIRST CHOICE FOR THE B.B.C. MICRO
THE UNIT Precision engineered by
Hitachi using tomorrow’s technology
today. Housed in a High Stability
aluminium one piece casing for
durability and smooth function. The
case is finished in a tough epoxy
coating which complements the BBC
micro and other quality equipment.
COMPLETE PACKAGE Supplied
with data and power cables, utility
disc, and instruction manual. Ready
to plug in and use. Compatible with all
known disc interfaces for the BBC
micro. Powered by the BBC micro -
no extra power supply required. 12
month parts and labour guarantee.
THE MEDIA The disc is encased in
rigid plastic and the disc surfaces are
protected by a stainless steel shutter
which is automatically opened and
closed by the disc drive.
SPECIFICATIONS Track to track
access time is 3 ms. Data transfer
rate 125 Kbs — ’. Dual double sided
Disc drives give 1 Megabyte of on-
line storage.
TERMINOLOGY GUIDE
A single sided drive accesses one side of
a disc at a time
Dual single sided drives access two sides
at a time
EE1
A double sided drive accesses both sides
of a disc at a time
] Dual double sided drives access all four
] sides at a time No need to turn discs over
in double sided drives
Unformatted capacity of one disc is 500K
(double density), 250K (single density)
Storage density is dependant on interface
used
22
Please send me:
□ Single Disc Drive Double Sided Pack (a £21 9.99.
□ Double Disc Drive Double Sided Pack (a £399.99.
□ Single Disc Drive Single Sided Pack ( a £1 79.99.
□ Double Disc Drive Single Sided Pack (a £339.99.
] Pack of 5 3" Discs - uncased <?/* £22.50.
□ Pack of 1 0 3" Discs - uncased @ £41 .00.
□ Pack of 5 3" Discs - CASED (a £24.00.
□ Pack of 1 0 3" Discs - CASED (a £44.50.
□ Double Density Disc Interface @ £109.95.
All prices include VAT, post and packing. Generous Dealer Terms Available.
Name _
Address
SPIDER SYSTEMS Web House. 29 Elmfield Road. Stockport SK8 8SE. Telephone: 061-483 7692.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Word-processing:
a complete range of
packages starting at
£899 -including VAT
READY TO USE!
Package comprises: BBC Model B
Microcomputer • 100K Disk drive
• 80 column printer and free
delivery in the UK! • Optional disk
drives and printers • Wordwise.
Computers
BBC B’
£399.00
Acorn Electron
£199.00
BBC B' + DFS
Delivery £10.00
£469.00
Monitors
Sanyo 14" Green
£86.31
Philips 12" Green
£80.00
Philips 12" Amber
£72.50
GM1211 12" Green
£101.00
Sanyo 14" Colour
£245.00
Nordemende TV/Monitor
Delivery £10.00 per item
£249.00
Books
BBC
Advanced User Guide
(hardback)
£16.95
Advanced User Guide
(paperback)
£12.95
30-hour Basic
£6.95
. . . and many other books on BBC,
Electron, Sinclair and Commodore.
Delivery £1.00
Cassette Recorders
Sanyo
£28.00
Benkson/Team
£19.00
Sanyo DR101
Delivery £3.00 per item
£33.95
Joysticks
Super Champ
£16.95
Mini Champ
£14.00
Quickshot II
£11.95
Kempston Joystick Interface
£15.00
BBC Joysticks
Emax Professional Joystick
£28.00
Micro Aids Joystick (pair)
£15.00
Zip Stick
Delivery £2.00 per item
£15.00
namal
products
Printers
One of the newest printers on the market,
the KAI dot-matrix printer has both parallel
(Centronics) and serial (RS-232C)
interfaces and is thus compatible with all
the major systems, including the IBM PC.
An impressive list of features includes a
print speed of 100 characters/sec and high
through-put with bi-directional logic
seeking, 66 LPM
Excellent value at £210.00
KAI-100EX £210.00
Epson FX80 £395.00
Epson RX80FT £315.00
Epson RX80T £275.00
Seikosha GP100A £200.00
Juki 6100 £395.00
Mannesman Tally £225.00
MCP40 £129.95
Delivery £ 10.00 per item
TEAC Slimline
Disk Drives
Single Disk Drives
100K (40TPI) £120.00
200K (40/80TPI) Switchable £140.00
400K (40/80TPI) Switchable £180.00
All drives fully cased with cables and
format disk: ready to use.
Disk with power supply extra £30.00
Dual Disk Drives
200K (2 X 100K) £295.00
400K (2 X 200K) £325.00
800K (2 X 400K) £450.00
Dual drives include a power supply
Delivery £6.00 per item
ALL PRICES
INCLUDE VAT
Credit terms available
for orders of £500 or over.
Access, Barclaycard, American
Express and Diners Club welcome.
Type and Talk
Speech Computer RS232 Interface.
Can convert text into speech quickly.
Easily programmed. Only £171.35
Delivery £5.00
BBC ROMs
Wordwise
£46.00
Disk Doctor
£33.35
View
£59.80
Graphics Rom
£32.90
Printmaster
£33.35
Gremlin Rom
£33.35
Delivery £1.00
Diskettes
per 10
3M
744 S/S D/D 48TPI
£20.68
745 D/S D/D 48TPI
£28.00
746 S/S D/D 96TPI
£32.00
747 D/S D/D 96TPI
£37.00
Verbatim
S/S D/D 48TPI
£20.00
S/S D/D 96TPI
£29.50
Xidex
S/S D/D 48TPI
£27.50
S/S D/D 96TPI
£39.40
Delivery £1.00 per item
NOW AVAILABLE:
ACORNSOFT
GAMES/LANGUAGES/
BUSINESS.
We stock a large range of software:
• Games • Educational
• Business
Call for software list and catalogue
Cambridge
Alicrocomputer
Centre
The Peripheral Centre of East Anglia
153-4 East Road. Cambridge CBl 1DD
Telephone (0223) 355404 Telex 817445
Cambridge Microcomputer Centre 'S a wholly owned subsidiary ot Namai Assoc. ates Limited
Ordering is easy: Telephone Hotline (0223) 355404.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
23
Amazing how played out some things
> become.
Will you think the same of your
micro in 6 months’ time?
Remember the clays when every
record player was gifted with a needle
instead ot a stylus. 45’s were “ini' 78’s
were “out”
daily with the very latest computer news
and reviews. Paging a special Bulletin
Board. Feasting from "Prestel’s vast menu.
Even downloading a choice of software
Making the most of your micro.
Before the (lavs ot hi-fi and laserdiscs.
When a graphic equaliser was a break-
through on the football pitch instead of
in music technology.
Look at a record player now and it’s
a museum piece.
It’s like that with micros too.
The machine you thought would give
endless hours of tun and interest often
becomes a five minute wonder. Played
out within months. Or so you thought.
But imagine communicating with
other micro users on a nationwide
mainframe system. Updating yourself
absolutely free.
In fact, imagine 30,000 pages at vour
fingertips and vou’ve imagined what it’s
like to he on line with the Micronet 800
system.
For Just LI 3 a quarter (and, for most
of vou, a local telephone call when-
ever vou want to connect up) you could
subscribe to the Micronet system.
The only extra you need to connect
up is a modem unit. Which is a small
enough outlay for what it buys.
Micronet’s features are almost limit-
less and constantly updating so why not
see it in action at John Lewis stores,
selected W. 1 1. Smith shops and Spectrum
UK dealers.
Or till in the coupon for our brochure.
You’ll find vou won’t want to play on
anything else.
Please send me the lull lasts about Micronet 800. I
Name
Make Mode) »l MU m
Address .
Telephone
MIC ROM I HIM). Durrani House, s Herbal Ihll.
AU8/84 I
10 INI I Mill. m Mouse .S ||, ,k,l llill.l oihImii It IH .1 ]
left photic lH- ’7s tpi
‘Trcsiel and lln I’n si, I s,„)Ud .,„ i rad, marks Itruoli 1, l> i omi„iii,ii> aiinnV
BBC MICRO IN MANCHESTER
PRICES...
All our prices are
constantly moving, so
please ring us to check
the latest price.
FREE DELIVERY TODAY
(Orders over £90)
If you are in Greater Manchester,
Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside,
West Yorkshire or South Yorkshire,
if you ring us now we can send
one of our highly trained staff to
install your computer equipment
Today. ( Now for Business software too!)
WE WILL
INSTALL
IT
TEAC 55SRS2
£157.95 inc VAT
The latest 55 series from TEAC is
now available from us. These disk
drives are the new LSI low power
consumption high performance
version of the famous 55 series.
1 00K version (40 tk, 200K with LDOS)
at £157.95 inc VAT-55A2
400K version (40/80 tk, 800K with
LDOS) at £227.95 inc VAT - 55F2
100K Chinon (40 tk, 200K with LDOS)
At £1 35. 00 inc VAT
Dual 1 00K Chinon at £229
ACORN ADD-ONS
6502 Processor £199 inc VAT
Z80 Processor (includes all software)
£299 inc VAT
Bitstick System £385 + VAT
BUSINESS SOFTWARE
All Acornsoft Business software
£24.95 inc VAT per module
Payroll, Mai/merge, Integrated
Accounts , Databases, Word
Processing
- WE WILL DELIVER AND INSTALL!
CANON
£299
The CANON is a Centronics, 16x16
Dot Matrix head. It prints at 160 cps,
is bidirectional and logic seeking.
Buffer is 8K. Prints 1 7 to 5 characters
per inch. Prints 136 to 40 columns.
Multiple character sets including
down-loadable and italics. Epson
compatible. But the best thing of all is
that the CANON also prints in
letter-quality mode - which is near to
a daisywheel print face.
Incredible value for money!
SPECIALOFFER
BBC B' + LDOS + 200 K DISK DRIVE
£599 inc VAT
EX STOCK- WE CAN DELIVER IT NOW!
C Yr TECH
COMPUTERS
1 84 Market Street,
Hyde, Cheshire
SK14 1 EX
061-366 7794
061-366 8223
BBC MICRO HARDWARE (inc VAT)
BBC Model B £399 Disk Interface £89
Disk Interface with double
capacity option £89
BBC Model A + 32K £339 Speech Synthesiser £59
ELECTRON (should now be available) £ 1 99
BBC Model A £299
FLOPPY DISKS
Double Sided - Double Density
£1.50 inc VAT
Box of Ten £14.50 inc VAT
MONITORS
COLOUR
Microvitec £219 + VAT
Sanyo Normal £209 + VAT
Ferguson TV/Monitor £214.95 + VAT
GREEN
Sanyo Normal £79 + VAT
Sanyo Hi-Res £109 + VAT
Philips Hi-Res £79 inc VAT
PERIPHERALS
MODEMS
OEL200 £73 + VAT
Prestel Terminal
£17.39 + VAT
PRINTERS
Teletext
£195.65 + VAT
Joysticks
£14.95 inc VAT
DAISYWHEELS
QUME Data
Brother HR1 5
Brother Sheet Feeder
DOTMATRIX
Epson FX80
Epson RX80
Epson RX80 F/T
£299 + VAT
£329 + VAT
£199 + VAT
£399 + VAT
£249 + VAT
£279 + VAT
AS USUAL LOADS OF SOFTWARE AVAILABLE Tel: 061-366 8223
I COMMUNICATIONS
DOWNLOADING
jj|W3ATH3R
H The outlook is bright for Beeb users to
receive satellite pictures, says Robin Mudge
S WITCH on the TV in the early
evening and you are bound to see
one of those magnificent satellite
pictures the weather men are so fond
of. They are taken by satellites contin-
uously orbiting the earth to help
meteorologists study the world’s
climate, and predict our weather. The
equipment they use is exorbitant, but
now, using the BBC micro and a few
peripherals.youcanreceiveanddisplay
pictures broadcast by the American
NOAAand Russian Meteor satellites.
Their orbits almost pass over the
North and South poles and they take
about 102 minutes for each revolution,
during which time the earth turns about
25.5 degrees so each time the satellite
goes round it looks at a different part of
the globe. In this way a complete pic-
ture of the earth is built up in strips,
each one slightly overlapping the last
(figures 1 and 2).
The satellite takes two pictures side
by side, one with visible light and the
other with infra-red, as shown on page
29. The satellite spins rapidly and
special equipment on board scans the
earth’s surface and sends a TV picture
at 120 lines a minute, ie one line in half
a second. This is a slow scan picture,
when you consider that a domestic TV
scans 625 lines in 1/25th of a second.
Each scanned line is split into two, one
part representing the infra-red and the
other the visible light pictures and an
FM radio signal is transmitted from the
satellite on 137.5 MHz or 137.62 MHz.
Receiving the satellite signal is
reasonably straightforward using pro-
fessional receivers, or amateur ver-
sions costing far less: a suitable kit can
cost as little as £50. Basically the
receiver is little more than a modified
domestic FM radio. A suitable crossed
dipole aerial can also be bought, or
Figure 1. Consecutive orbits
made from an old BBC1 TV aerial.
The picture information is carried by
a 2.4kHz audible tone which changes
with the brightness of the image: louder
for the bright parts. This tone is used to
MICHAEL Furminger uses the BBC micro at
Nene College in Northampton to download
weather satellite information for his courses. It
all started as part of a combined studies
degree which covered metrology.
Michael explained: ‘I picked the idea up and
then along came the BBC micro with its inter-
faces and graphics. We then built a fast A/D
converter, wrote the software and away we
went.’
The weather pictures are used to give a day-
to-day illustration of current weather patterns,
and hence simple short-term forecasting. Over
a longer period, the pictures saved build into
an information base for further analysis. One
of the major advantages is that the infra-red
scale gives a very clear indication of weather
patterns, as the hot and cold fronts show up
very well.
And the idea has caught on: ‘It has been
taken up by many colleges and universities
who have all built working models. I even had
a call from Jodrell Bank!’
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
THIS IS
THE BIG ONE!
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA AUGUST 1984
Thursday 16th - 10am to 7pm
Friday 1 7th - 10am to 6pm
Saturday 1 8th - 1 0am to 6pm
Sunday 19th - 10am to 5pm
* Please note 10am to 2pm on Thursday 16th
is Trade Morning - By invitation only.
BIG VALUE
The success story of Acorn Computers, the BBC Micro and Electron is mirrored by suppliers who have produced
more and more hardware, software, supplies and services. And they'll all be at the exhibition - disk drives, plotters,
printers, monitors, joysticks, robots, books and magazines, all kinds of software - everything for the Acorn owner.
And of course Acorn will be there in force with all their latest developments and software.
There'll be special offers, competitions, advice centres and special events as well.
And all this for only £3.00 at the door, under sixteens £2.00. (Use the coupon to beat the queues and save £1 .00].
BIG VENUE
Olympia 2 is the brand new exhibition centre next to the old Olympia. It's got everything, wide gangways, lots of
space to sit down and rest, plenty of catering areas.
Getting there is easy too, its got its own tube station, bus routes 9, 27, 28, 33, 49, 73 and 91 go right pass the door,
and there's car parking too!
BIG SUPPORT
Remember this is the Official Acorn User Show, it's the most informative prestigious and influential user show in the
country. Whether you're a businessman, serious user or games enthusiast there's something for you.
For details of exhibition stands and advance ticket sales contact the organisers.
Computer Marketplace (Exhibitions) Ltd. A Rushworth Dales Group Company, 20 Orange Street, London.
WC2H7ED Tel: 01-9301612
BEAT THE QUEUES! SAVE MONEY! ORDER YOUR TICKET IN ADVANCE.
Buy your ticket now and save queing. There will be special entrances for advance ticket holders.
Please send me (qty) tickets at £2.00 and (qty) under sixteen tickets at £1.00. 1 enclose my cheque/PO
to the value of £ or debit my Access card. No
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POSTCODE
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To: Computer Marketplace (Exhibitions) Ltd. A Rushworth Dales Company, 20 Orange Street, London WC2H 7ED.
28
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Certain Advertising Ltd 01-930 1612
J COMMUNICATIONS
drive a facsimile (facs) recorder. In
these machines a piece of light or heat
sensitive paper is wrapped around a
rotating drum and an image is exposed
or burnt onto it by a scanning light or
heating diode.
The transmission of facsimile pic-
tures itself isn’t new because the BBC
used to transmit them in 1934 but the
facs kits were expensive even then.
Today a facs recorder can cost many
thousands of pounds and this is where
the BBC micro comes in, as with suit-
able software it can display a very good
picture.
Michael Furminger from Nene Col-
lege in Northampton has designed an
excellent system which uses the BBC
micro to display satellite pictures
instead of an expensive facs recorder.
He supplies the circuit diagrams and
software for the project for only £5. His
project breaks down into three parts:
an accurate clock; a fast analogue to
digital converter; and suitable software
forthe BBC micro.
The first two are construction pro-
jects. The clock is needed to synchron-
ise the start of each picture line. Look-
ing at the diagram of the received satel-
lite waveform you will see two large
pulses, one at the beginning and the
other separating the two pictures
(figure 3). These are synchronising
pulses. The software has to accurately
line all of these pulses one under each
other to produce a square picture. If
this is not done properly the picture can
skew to left or right causing distortion.
The clock is crystal controlled and pro-
duces accurate 2Hz pulses which the
software uses to synchronise the lines.
It is much easier to record the satellite
signals on a stereo cassette or reel to
reel tape recorder with the clock pulses
on another track so they can be passed
through the BBC micro at a much more
leisurely rate after the satellite has
passed.
1
The satellite takes two pictures side by side
Before the computer can display a
picture the 2.4kHz analogue signal has
to be turned into a digital one. Each line
takes just half a second, which is too
fast for the BBC’s internal A to D con-
verter (ADC). An external ADC with a
very fast conversion
time is needed and
the signal is passed
on to the Beeb’s user
port along with the
2Hz pulses from the
other tape track.
The software pro-
duces a picture in
either mode 1 or 2. In
mode 1 a picture with
resolution 320 by 256
pixels and four
colours is produced,
and in mode 2, 160 by
256 and eight colours.
The software pre-
sents you with a
menu allowing you to
select a screen mode
that displays a good
black and white
image, or a colour
range designed to
show different tem-
perature bands on
the infra-red picture.
A picture is slowly
built up on the screen as data is con-
verted from the tape recorder. The
image-producing routines run in
machine code as Basic is not fast
enough to process the data from the
high speed ADC. Of course the soft-
ware does a lot more than this as it
corrects the geometric distortion found
in the raw unprocessed pictures, which
look like tall thin strips with all the land
features highly squashed. Other pro-
grams in the package allow you to store
Figure 2. During the 102-minute orbit the
earth turns about 25.5 degrees
Figure 3. Received satellite waveform,
showing synchronising pulses
Picture transmitted by the American polar-orbiting weather satellite Tiros-N
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Reproduced by kind permission of the University of Dundee
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I COMMUNICATIONS
pictures and view them at will and there
is also a prediction program that helps
tell you when the satellite is going to be
overhead within receiving range -
usually just two or three different times
each day. Proper prediction tables can
be purchased from the NASA Infor-
mation Bureau.
The only disadvantage of Michael’s
package is the fact that the construc-
tional details for the clock and high
speed analogue to digital converter are
limited to a schematic circuit diagram.
You will have to make a hard-wired ver-
sion or design an appropriate circuit
board, but what can you expect for £5?
David Duff also has written software
to turn the BBC micro into a weather
picture display using the Unilab com-
puter interface which has a built-in,
high speed A to D converter.
Whichever system you choose to use
you must get a letter of permission to
receive weather satellite pictures from
the Radio Regulatory Department of
the Home Office. If you don’t fancy the
construction work and haven’t got any
friends who know which end of a sol-
dering iron is hot, then you can buy a
complete system for receiving weather
satellites for about £2,100.
Hardware contacts
Receivers
Ambit International,
Parks Lane,
Broxbourne,
Essex.
Supply a kit to make a satellite receiver
at about £50.
Microwave Modules,
Brookfield Drive,
Aintree,
Liverpool L9 7AN.
Supply a ready-built satellite receiver
for £345 and also make a converter that
changes the 137MHz to 30MHz which
could be received by a modified CB
radio.
Feedback Instruments,
Park Road,
Crowborough,
East Sussex TN6 2QR.
Make an entire receiving system
including display for £2,100.
Aerials
Jaybeams,
Kettering Road North,
Northampton NN3 1EZ.
Supply a full range of aerials including
one suitable for satellite reception.
Software contacts
Michael Furminger,
Nene College,
St George’s Avenue,
Northampton.
Michael supplies a complete set of
instructions to build the hardware, and
the software necessary to receive
satellite pictures for £5.
A copy of David Duff’s listing to receive
satellite pictures with the Unilab com-
puter interface is available for 50p and
a stamped, addressed envelope from
Acorn User, 68 Long Acre, London
WC2E9JH.
References
‘BBC weather satellite display’, by M
Furminger, Electronics and Comput-
ing, July 1983
Reception and processing of Tiros-N
weather satellite telemetry by J Gilbert
andTTerrell
‘Meteosat high resolution images’, by
M Christieson, Wireless World , August
1982
NOAA Handbook, available from the
US Dept of Commerce, National Earth
Satellite Service, Washington DC 20233
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Multi-Forth 83 sits in the sideways ROM area of the BBC along
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With this Forth, David Husband has provided the BBC Micro with
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SOFTWARE
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
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I FIRST BYTE
KEYBOARD 1
BASICS
The keyboard can be a greal
obstacle to learning about your
micro.
Tessie Revivis’ p
jrogram
will set your fingers tappin
g
A PART from the actual process of
learning to program, the key-
board can be one of the biggest
obstacles to using your computer. If
you’ve ever used a normal typewriter,
you should have few problems,
because there are few differences. On
the other hand, if you have never used
one then you must endeavour to learn
your way around the keys. This takes
time, and can be frustrating as no doubt
you’ll be in a hurry to get a program
running. However, speed, two, three
and even four fingers will come,
eventually!
The keyboard on your Electron or
BBC is often referred to as a QWERTY’
keyboard. This isn’t a fancy abbrevi-
ation, but simply denotes the fact that
these are the first six letter keys (see
photograph).
The major difference on the Elk’s
keyboard to a typewriter is that it
doesn’t have a return lever to take the
typing carriage back to its start position
on reaching the end of a line. Being
more like an electric typewriter, the
computer has a special key to do this,
called the RETURN key. This is at the
far right of the keyboard. Try pressing
this a few times and you should see it
perform a carriage return which scrolls
(moves) the screen and any text on it up
by one line, with any text at the top of
the screen moving off of it and a new
blank line replacing it at the bottom. T ry it!
Now type some of the letter keys, try
QWERTY for example. This will appear
on the screen as the letters Q,W,E,R,T
and Y. These are all capitals, or upper
case’. However, just like a normal type-
writer, it is possible to type each letter
as a lower-case character. To do this
you need to tell the Elk by pressing two
keys at the same time. The keys are
those marked SHIFT and CAPS LK and
you’ll find these on the extreme left. If
you do this correctly the small yellow
light next to the CAPS LK key will be
extinguished. Try typing QWERTY
again, this time it will appear as
q,w,e,r,t and y! To get back to upper-
case, press the same two keys together
again, now the small yellow light will
come on again. In most instances, a
computer program must be written in
upper-case characters as this is how
the Elk recognizes program com-
mands. If you only wish to type in a
single lower-case character without
leaving the upper-case mode, you can
do this simply by holding the SHIFT key
down and pressing the key you require
in lowercase.
The number keys all have a black
symbol above them. For example,
above the 1 key there is an exclamation
mark (!). These are the characters that
can be printed using the SHIFT-CAPS
LK sequence first of all. Try printing a
few, then come back to the normal un-
shifted mode. If at anytime you can’t get
back to normal capitals, then remem-
ber you can always reset the Elk by
pressing the BREAK key.
On the front of most keys you will
probably have noticed the red coloured
printing. On the letter keys these are in
the form of words which relate to Basic
commands, the instructions used by
the Elk. Not every single command is
available on the keys, there are too
many and not enough keys, so only the
more frequently-used ones are found
10 REM *** RANDOM PROGRAM GENERATOR ***
20 REM *** FOR ELK AND BBC MICROS ***
30 MODE 6
40 VDU 1 9 , O , 4 ; O ; O ;
50 PRINTSPC (6) ; “RANDOM PROGRAM GENERATOR"
60 PRINT 'SF'C <4) ;" <c) Acorn User August 1904"
70 PRINT '' "Save this program on tape first"''
80 PR I NT "Now type NEW < RETURN >"
90 PRINTSPC (8) ; "and then AUTO< RETURN >" ' '
100 PR I NT "Now hit function key fO and then"
110 PRINT"hi t the other function keys, fl to f9"
120 PR I NT "as often as you like!"'
130 PR I NT "When you get. fed up press ESCAPE"
140 PR I NT" and then RUN the program"
150 PR I NT "to see your master creation!"
160 *KEYO MODE SIM
1 70 *KEY 1 SOUND 1,-15, END ( 200 ) , RND ( 20 ) I M
1 80 *KEY2 MOVE RND ( 1 000 ) , RND ( 1 000 ) I M
1 90 *KEY3 PLOT 85 , RND ( 1 000 ) , RND ( 1 000 ) I M
200 *KEY4 GCOL 1 , 2 I M
2 1 0 *KEY5 DRAW RND < 1 000 ) , RND ( 1 000 ) I M
220 *KEY6 GCOL 2 , 3 ! M
230 *KEY7 COLOUR RND ( 4 ) s PR I NT " HELLO " I M
240 *KEY8 GCOL 2 , 2 I M
250 *KEY9 SOUND 1,-15, RND ( 1 00 ) , 1 O I M
Listing 1. Just type in and RUN this program to create other programs!
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
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YOU’VE READ THE MAGAZINES
YOU’VE PLAYED THE GAMES
NOW FIND OUT WHAT
YOU CAN REALLY DO!
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Six issues only £4.50 inclusive.
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Contributions and user-queries always welcome.
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34
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
FIRST BYTE
The Electron keyboard, though smaller, is more complicated than the BBC micro’s, because many keys have more than one role
here. By holding down the key marked
FUNC (it shares’ the CAPS LK key) and
pressing the key with the command you
want, the entire command will be
printed onto the screen, giving you
single-key, command entry. You can
type in a command word normally, it
just takes longer. To illustrate the point
we can write a very short program to
make the Electron beep!
First, press the BREAK key to ‘clear’
the computer of any rubbish on the
screen. Now type in the numbers 1 and
0, in other words the number 10. This is
called the line number and is used by
the computer to keep the program lines
in order, so that line number 10 will
come before line 20 which in turn will
come before 30 and so forth. The fact
that I’ve just gone in steps of ten has no
relevance except that computer pro-
grams normally do: it means you can
have extra lines without renumbering.
Now hold the FUNC key down and press
the V key. The letters VDU should have
appeared on the screen. Release the
FUNC key and now press key number 7;
finally, perform a carriage return by
pressing the RETURN key The final
resultshould look like this:
10VDU7
To run the program hold FUNC down
and press the RUN key which shares
the R key. The result should be a short
beep.
If you look at the number keys you
will see that the secondary FUNCtion of
these is given as fl, f2 etc. These are
the function keys which are somewhat
unique to the Electron and BBC micros.
They are in effect programmable keys,
which means you can insert a com-
mand or a series of commands into
them. Pressing FUNC and the parti-
cular key will cause the items
programmed into that key to be printed.
For example, the command CLS is
used frequently within programs but
does not appear as a pre-programmed
key. We could program the fl key to
produce PRINT by entering the follow-
ing line (remembering to press
RETURN after):
‘KEY1CLS
This has entered the command CLS
into function key 1. To prove this, hold
the FUNC key down and press the 1 key;
the letters CLS should appear on the
screen. Other function keys can be pro-
grammed in a similar manner using the
‘KEY command which should be fol-
lowed by the key number.
To end this month’s section of First
Byte, we present a program that will
write other programs! Enter listing 1,
which programs the function keys to
perform certain tasks. Once you have
entered it type RUN (remember to hit
the RETURN key at the end) to define
the function keys. If you wish, save the
program to tape at this point. You will
see from the listing that the definitions
contain a ‘I’ symbol followed by a capi-
tal letter M. This sequence is used to
tell the Electron to perform a return
after printing the key definition. To
obtain the sign you’ll need to type
SHIFT and the ‘S' key which can be
found to the left of the BREAK key.
Now type AUTO (and then RETURN);
this command provides an AUTOmatic
line numbering service, first throwing
up line 10 and then line numbers in in-
crements of 10 every time the RETURN
key is pressed. As each line number is
presented press a function key (ie
FUNC and the particular numeric key)
to enter a line of text. Press the function
keys randomly and when you get fed
up, hit the key marked ESCAPE. To run
your random creation, press FUNC and
R together and admire the results.
When you want another program hit the
ESCAPE key and repeat the sequence.
There’s no need to re-enter the key
definition program as it will stay in the
micro’s memory.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
FIRST BYTE
HOW TO CORRECT PROGRAM
- i 1 LISTINGS
L ISTINGS typed in from magazines
often won’t work: sometimes the
program is wrong, but often typing
mistakes are the cause and it can be
difficult to know where to start looking
for faults. It is a tedious task to find all
the mistakes, and, as Schmendrick’s
law explains, no matter how carefully
you check a listing and no matter how
many mistakes you find, there is
always one more!
Correcting listings is a matter of
practice and experience that is slowly
and painfully acquired, so this month I
present a program that is guaranteed
notto run (how many other magazines
offer such service?). The idea is to spot
as many faults in the listing as possible.
To make the task a little easier, a cor-
rected copy is included. However,
those brave or skilled enough can try to
find all the mistakes (there are 50) with-
out looking at the corrected version.
Some will only be found when the pro-
gram is typed in and run, and there is
quite a collection of different error
messages that will appear. If all else
fails, a third version has every mistake
indicated.
After all that effort, the program has
to do something. This particular one
can be used to find out about those
mysterious hexadecimal (hex)
numbers and how they relate to our
normal counting system which uses
base 10. It shows graphically and
numerically the relationship between
base 10 numbers (denary) and base 16
(hex) numbers. It will work equally well
on the Electron or on the BBC. The pro-
gram steps through the first 255 hexa-
decimal numbers showing how they
are converted to base 10. Pressing the
escape key at any time allows a denary
Martin Phillips
offers his advice
number to be entered and the conver-
sion is displayed on the screen. The
hexadecimal numbers are shown in
black, and the denary numbers in red.
Table 1 gives a description of the pro-
gram and what the various parts do.
20 REM Uncorrected version
30 MODE 1
40 PROCi ni ti al i se
50 PROCclock.
60 ON ERROR GOTO 80
70 PROCrun
80 REPEAT
90 PROC INPUT
100 UNTIL0
110 END
120 s
130 DEFPOCi ni t i al i se
20 REM Correct version
30 MODE 1
40 PROCi ni t i al l se
50 PROCclocks
60 ON ERROR GOTO 80
70 PROCrun
80 REPEAT
90 PROCi nput
100 UNTIL0
110 END
120 :
130 DEFPROCi ni t i al i se
20 REM Uncorrected version
30 MODE 1
40 PROCi ni t i al i se
50 PROCclock
60 ON ERROR GOTO 80
70 PROCrun
80 REPEAT
90 PROCINPUT
100 UNTIL0
110 END
120 :
130 DEFPOCi ni tial i se
Samples of Martin Phillips' three
programs. They can be found in full on
pages iii to vi
40 PROCinitialise. This procedure
initialises the screen colours, some of
the variables and an array.
50 PROCclocks. Draws the two hexa-
decimal clocks on the screen.
60 This line takes the user into the
second part of the program if the
escape key is pressed.
70 PROCrun is the first part of the pro-
gram where each number is con-
verted from hexadecimal into denary
in turn.
80-100 The run loop for the second
part of the program. This is an infinite
loop, and will repeat until escape or
break is pressed.
140 Switch off key auto-repeat.
150 Set print field width to 0. This
ensures that when numbers are
printed out no gap will be left between
them.
160 Dimension B and oldB will be
used to store the Values of the hexa-
decimal numbers. The array hex$
contains the hexadecimal symbol for
the appropriate hex number.
170 Switch off the cursor.
180 Change the background colour to
blue.
190 Change colour yellow to be black.
200 Define graphics window.
210-230 Routine to store the basic
hexadecimal symbols 0-9 and A-F in
the array hex$.
240 Clear screen, defined by the
graphics window, and colour it red.
260 Define a text window in the bottom
part of the screen.
300 Join text and graphics cursors.
310-330 Print title at top of screen in
colour 2.
340-500 First print two sets of hexade-
cimal numbers in two circles, and
then draw the circles. To simplify the
program, the graphics origin is
moved to the centre of each circle as it
is drawn.
550-570 Cycle through the first 255
hexadecimal numbers. PROCdisplay
will show the numbers numerically
and graphically.
600-710 This procedure takes a
number, converts it to two hexadeci-
mal digits, B(0) and B(1). Then it
undraws the clock hands and redraws
them in the new positions. PROCprint
handles the numeric printing in the
bottom half of the screen. The pro-
gram then halts until a key is pressed
before ending the procedure.
730-960 This is a long, drawn out rou-
tine to print the numeric information
on the screen. It could have been
shortened had it not been necessary
to use several colours for clarity of
display.
980-1040 This procedure draws (or
undraws) the clock hands for either
clock. If Z = 5 the procedure will draw
a line, if Z = 7 it will undraw the line.
1060-1120 This routine forms part of
the second half of the program, and
repeats until a number in the range 0
to 255 is input. It then calls up the dis-
play routine before returning to the
main part of the program.
Table 1. Demonstrates the relationship between denary and hex numbers
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
cs
Dept. BBC, CARDIFF ROAD, WATFORD, HERTS. ENGLAND.
Tel: Watford (0923) 40588/37774 Telex: 8956095 WAELEC
ACCESS ORDERS Tel: (0923) 50234
BBC MICRO
Model B £346
★ ★ ★ ★
•SPECIAL OFFER*
For every purchase of B BC Micro
during July 1984, we will supply
a Data Recorder worth £24
absolutely FREE. (At Watford we
give you a great deal for your
money).
ELECTRON MICRO
£199
Dust Cover for BBC Micro
Protects your expensive Micro from foreign
bodies.
SEIKOSHA GP100A
PRINTER
10" Tractor Feed, 80 columns, 50CPS.
Normal & Oouble width Char, Dot res
graphics. Parallel Interface standard.
SPECIAL OFFER Only: £144 £7 carr.)
FRICTION FEED
Attachment for GP100A or 250X Printers
£28
G P-700 Colour Printer Screen-dump routine
in ROM FOR BBC Micro
£12
EPSON
RX80
1 00 CPS, 9x9 matrix, dot addressable
graphics, condensed and double width printing.
Normal. Italic and Elite Graphics. Tractor feed.
10" max width, bi-directional, logic seeking.
Centronics Interface standard
ONLY £229 (£7 carr.)
EPSON RX80 F/T PRINTER
| As above but has both Friction and Tractor
£245.00 (€7 carr. Securicor)
Feed.
PRINTER INTERFACE BUFFER
Neatly packaged self contained box,
supplied complete with all leads,
manual and detachable power supply.
£115
£149
Price: 16K Unit
Price: 48K Unit
Epson FX80 Printer
160 CPS. 11x9 matrix, proportional spacing,
superscripts, subscripts, dot addressable graphics
Normal. Italic and Elite characters. Up to 256
user definable characters Down loadable
character set Condensed and double width
printing. Full proportional spacing. Four user
defined margin positions Tractor and Friction
feed 10" maximum width Bi-directional, logic
seeking Centronics interface standard.
ONLY £319 (£7 carr.)
Epson FX100 Printer
Same as FX80 but has a 1 5" wide Carriage
£495
£3.50 RX & FX PRINTER INTERFACES
Type
MX80FT
MX100/FX100
FX80
RX80
GP80
GP100
GP250
GP700
KAGAKP810
Ribbons
Dust Covers
£4.75
£4.50
£10.00
£5.25
£4.75
£4 95
£4.75
£4.50
£4.50
—
£4.95
£3.95
£5.95
£3.95
£18.50
—
£5.95
-
RS232
IEEE 488
RS232 + 2K Buffer £59
2K Parallel £58
BROTHER HR-15
DAISY-WHEEL PRINTER
An exceptionally high quality daisy wheel printer
at the price of a dot matrix printer. 18CPS;
bi-directional. 3K of buffer; has clear buffer
facility, carriage skip movement, proportional
spacing, underlining; bold print and shadow print
Prints in two colours; super and subscript facility.
Impact control facility to vary pressure on paper
for making carbon copies. Has Centronics parallel
or RS-232 interface. Connects directly to BBC
Micro. A ribbon cassette plus a separate red
ribbon. Optional extras, single sheet feeder takes
up to 1 50 A4 sheets; a keyboard that transforms
HR 15 into a sophisticated electronics typewriter.
Attractively finished in beige.
ONLY £349
Single Sheet Feeder
Keyboard
RIBBONS: Carbon £3; Fabric £3;
Multistrike £6
£199
£150
LISTING PAPER (Plain)
1 .000 Sheets 9^" Fanfold Paper
2.000 Sheets 9^" Fanfold Paper
1 .000 Sheets 1 5" Fanfold Paper
Teleprinter Roll (Econo paper)
PRINTER LABELS
(continuous stationery)
1,000 90 x 36mm
1 ,000 90 x 49mm
1,000 102 x 36mm
£5.50
£7.75
£6.25
Carriage on Printer Paper or Labels Cl. 50
BBC Micro
WORD-PROCESSING
PACKAGE
A complete word processing package consisting
of: BBC Model B. Zenith 12" Green or Amber
Monitor. Twin 200K highly reliable (1 year
warranty) Teac Disc Drives in matching beige
colour, the popular WORDWISE word processor,
Watford s own highly sophisticated 62 File DFS
interface fitted, world renowned Brother
HR 15 Daisy Wheel Printer. Gemini's
BEEBCALC Spreadsheet Analysis. MAILING
LIST and DATABASE Softwares on Disc. 10
blank 3M Discs (Lifetime warranty). A 4 way
mains distribution socket.
10 blank diskettes, 500 sheets of fan-fold paper
Manuals and all the leads To enable you to carry
your Micro around, we shall pack it in our
Antique Brown leatherette Attache carrying case
ONLY £1,249 (carr. £15)
(P S. We will alter the package to suit your
requirement. Call in for a demonstration).
A
KAGA KP810
This new JAPANESE printer has EPSON FX/RX
compatible commands 140 CPS Dot matrix
Printer, offers NEAR LETTER QUALITY print
in a 23 x 18 dot matrix in addition to the
standard Epson style type-faces on the 11x9
matrix. Friction feed. Adjustable tractor feed.
Single sheet feed and built-in Paper Roll Holder
Normal, Italic, Enlarged, Condensed. Super and
Subscript Dot addressable graphics (8. 9 and 16
pin modes). Proportional spacing. (Optional extra
Down loadable character set in 8K ROM or
RAM). NEAR LETTER QUALITY print, selectable
at switch on. 10' maximum width, bi-directional
logic seeking. 3K Buffer. Half speed quiet mode
Convenient Paper-out sensor switch Centronics
Interface standard. All this plus our no quibble
12 months warranty
Special Introductory Offer: ONLY £269
RS232 Interface + 2K Buffer £89
KAGA KP910 PRINTER
Similar features as the above KP8 1 0 printer but
has extra wide carriage Will accept upto 1 7"
maximum width paper 1 56 column normal and
265 column condensed
ONLY: £349
PRINTER LEAD 36"
Ready made printer lead to interface BBC Micro
to EPSON. SEIKOSHA. NEC. STAR. JUKI.
BROTHER. SHINWA. etc.. Printers
Special Extra long 5 feet Cable
ONLY £7
£10
38
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
EPROM PROGRAMMER
At last! - the EPROM Programmer for BBC
Micro Computer from WATFORD
ELECTRONICS
that will suit both your pocket and all your
requirements Programs all popular types of
EPROMS from 2K bytes up to 16K bytes -
2716 — 2516 — 2532 — 2564 — 2764 —
27128. Our Programmer has been designed to
make sure the EPROMs are neither programmed
too fast nor too slow; just at the right speed as
recommended by the manufacturers of the
EPROMs (any deviation in timings can burn their
brains out).
This extremely powerful system is designed for
your needs of TODAY & TOMORROW! - BBC
Basic programs can be copied into EPROM and
subsequently re loaded faster than from a disc!
Suitable for both hobbyist and professional
users'
Just took at these features:
• COMPLETELY SELF CONTAINED -
Housed in its own sturdy case - Uses its own
power supply - connects directly to the 1MHz
Bus - Simple and Safe!
• FULL SOFTWARE SUPPORT - Comes
complete with simple to use fully machine
code ROM based software and easy to
understand manual. Facilities include
Varification, Reading, Virgin Testing, Writing.
Editing, Saving. Loading and more! NOTE!! -
This software does not simply comprise hastily
prepared routines to get you going, but is a
professional, purpose designed applications
package.
• ACORN BUS COMPATIBLE - Use of the
1MHz connection complies with all Acorn
addressing recommendations - That means you
can still add-on such things as the TELETEXT,
IEEE 488 TUBE and PRESTEL
• Allows more than one program to reside in
an EPROM using the ROM Filing System.
ONLY £89 incl. Manual (£3 carr.)
TEX EPROM ERASERS
EPROMs need careful treatment to survive their
expected lifetime Rushing it could burn their
brains out. So cop-out of this helter-skelter
world; take it easy the TEX way and give your
chips a well earned break. Cool, gentle and
affordable. EPROM PT does it properly.
Two versions available:
• EPROMPT EB - The standard version.
Erases up to 16 chips. £28.00
• EPROMPT GT - Erases up to 28 chips. Has
an incorporated safety switch which
automatically switches off the UV lamp when the
Eraser is opened £30.00
Spare UV Lamp bulbs. £9
PLASTIC LIBRARY CASES
for Disc Storage 5 }' (holds 1 0) £2
MONITORS
• MICROVITEC 1431
14" Colour Monitor. RGB
Input (as used in BBC
programmes) FREE Interface
Lead. Special Offer £1 74
• MICROVITEC 1451 Hires
14" Monitor incl. lead
• MICROVITEC 1441 Super Hi res
14" Colour Monitor
£295
£389
• KAGA RGB 12" Medium
Resolution Colour £195
• KAGA RGB 1 2" High Resolution Colour £259
• KAGA 12" Standard resolution colour
MONITOR/COMPOSITE VIDEO ONLY £195
• BNC Connecting Lead £3
• RGB Connecting Lead £5
• ZENITH 12" High resolution, jitter free
picture, Amber or Green £75
Carriage on Monitors £7 (Securicor)
5^" DISKETTES
(Lifetime warranty)
Why settle for less. Buy the best.
• 1 0 Verbatim or 3M Diskettes S/S D/D £17
• 10 Verbatim or 3M Diskettes D/S D/D £28
DISC DRIVES CASED WITH
CABLES (less PSU)
(All Drives are NEW SLIM LINE Type)
NEW LOW PRICES
CLS 100 Single, TEC Single sided 40 track
100K. 5j" Disc Drive £119
CLS400 Single. Mitsubishi Double sided 80
track 400K, 5|" Disc Drive £179
CLS400S Single. Mitsubishi Double sided
40/80 track Switchable. 400K, 5^" Disc Drive
£215
CLD200 TEC Single sided 40 track 200K,
twin 5^" Drives £245
CLD800 Mitsubishi Double sided 80 track
800K, 5*" TWIN Drives £359
CLD800S Mitsubishi Double sided 40/80
track switchable, 800K, Drives £399
(CUMANA) DRIVES CASED
WITH PSU & CABLES
DISC ALBUMS
Attractively finished in beige
leatherlook vinyl. Stores, protects and
displays 20 discs in double-sided
clear view pockets. ONLY £ 4.95
LOCKABLE STORAGE UNITS
Attractively finished, strong beige plastic base
fitted with dividers. Smoke acrylic top. Supplied
with adhesive title strips for ease of filing
• M-35 Holds upton 35 mini discs £14
• M-85 Holds upto 85 mini discs £18
FLOPPY HEAD CLEANER KIT
Unless your Office/Home is dust free, you should
clean floppy-heads at least once a week to avoid
the risk of cross contamination. Very simple to use
Only £14
• CS100 TEC Single sided 40 track 100K 5J"
Single Disc Drive £139
• CS200 TEC Single sided 80 track 200K 5J"
Single Disc Drive £205
• CS400 Mitsubishi Double sided 80 track
400K 5}" Single Drive £225
• CS400S Mitsubishi Double sided 40/80 track
400K 5^" Single Drive £340
• CD200 TEC Single sided 40 track 200K 5|"
TWIN Disc Drives £245
• CD400 TEC Single sided 40 track 200K 5}"
TWIN Disc Drives £365
• CD800 Mitsubishi Double sided 80 track
800 K 5|" TWIN Drives £425
• CD800S Mitsubishi Double sided 40/80 track
Switchable 800K TWIN Drives £465
• SPARE DRIVE CABLES. SINGLE £6; DUAL £8
• DFS Manual (comprehensive) £7.50 (No VAT)
MONITOR CRT SCREEN
CLEANING KIT
The anti-static spray controls dangerous static
charges on the screen surface and ensures its
optical clarity. £12
PS.
1. You do not require Formatting Discs when
using our DFS as the formatting program is in
the ROM. nor do you require expensive 40/80
track switchable drives as with our DFS you can
read and write both 40 and 80 track discs in an 80
track drive (software switchable).
KEYBOARD CLEANING KIT
£16
PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD CLEANING
& LUBRICATION KIT
£14
2. Our MITSUBISHI Slimline Disc Drives are
Double Sided, Double Density, 1 Megabyte. Track
density 96 TPI, track to track access time 3mSec.
They are fast, efficient and highly reliable.
L 1
i
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
39
BUFFER & BACKUP ROM
WONDERFUL
WA TFORD
TWO DATABASE SOFTWARE
for BBC MICRO
a
BBS
ju_ -
DISCDATA
At last for BBC Micro Disc users. Watford
Electronics have produced DISCDATA which
must be the most versatile general database at
the price on the market. The length of your files
is restricted only by the space on your disc. You
can have upto 20 fields with page length
records of upto 254 characters. The program is
completely menu driven obviating reference to a
manual although written guidance is given with
the program Add and delete records, amend
title, field names and records, sort on any field
and search for any record or group of records in
any field You do not need to abandon or rewrite
your files if you wish to add additional fields or
extend the length of any field, the program will
rewrite the files for you Your files can be in any
drive Output can be in 40. 80 or 132 character
width with Printer routines. Two forms of output
are provided for horizontal for label type output
and a tabulated output with title and headings
What is more, the selected fields can be placed
in any order on the screen In the horizontal
mode you can scan backwards or forwards with
wrap around effect. Output tan be started or
stopped anywhere in the file. There is automatic
totalling on decimal fields and an automatic
count of the number of records output
Now with extra 3 features: Allows string search;
Calculations can be done on numeric fields;
Create Sub-Files from the main File.
On disc at Only £15
It has to be the best value.
FILE-PLUS
Now even more powerful with the added facility
of a SHELL SORT on any field This must make
DATA-PLUS the most powerful and versatile
Database to be found on BBC Micro
A 1 6K ROM containing the most flexible and
easy to use disk based Database system on the
market. A database may occupy your total
on-line storage capacity. You may design any
number of data entry forms using a paint" on
screen technique. Forms may be upto 3 screens
in size. A form may be used to Add !
Delete. Update. Print and Spool records from
your Database. Quick search facility on any text
field. A query language provides full maths
support (-. + ./. V +— 9999999999.9999) and
compare facilities (=. >, <>. <= &. I) when
used with the keywords - Assign, Compare.
Display, End, Goto, Iff, Ift, Print. Read, Search,
Spool and Update. Full printed output control via
embeded commands. Supplied with 70 page
manual and fitting instructions.
Only £43
A very versatile firmware. An ideal ROM for
engineers, programmers, teachers, students, etc.
★ Converts your Sideways RAM to a 4K or 16K
BUFFER for a parallel printer. (Uses * FX5.3).
(You no longer require to purchase expensive
(£100 + ) Printer Buffers.)
★ Dumps selection of Disc files to Tape.
★ Makes backup copies of tapes onto Tape.
Disc and Hobbit.
★ Displays contents of a chosen paged ROM on
screen.
★ Menu display on shift-break using ROM
Filing System.
★ Comprehensive Manual
Simply a give away at £18
GEMINI'S BUSINESS SOFTWARE
Cashbook Accounts £52
Final Accounts £52
Invoices & Statements £ 1 7.25
Commercial Accounts £17 25
Mailing List £17.25
Database £17 25
Stock Control £17 25
Home Accounts £17.25
Beebcalc Spreadsheet Analysts £ 1 7 25
Beebplot £17.25
Payroll £39
N B All the above Gemtnt software is on tape
For Disc Based (40/80 track) please add £3
VERSATILE LIGHT PEN
SOFTWARE
Enjoy. Explore. Educate!
Pixil. Line. Character Definition
Free hand drawing
All Colours MANY Special Effects
Fill, Refill and Stripes
User defined Brushed Strokes ' plus
Character definer
Grid, Scale. Perspective aids
2 TO 200 Points palletable in one Design
with Circles and "RUBBER BANDING"
Move design/character to any screen position
Save and Load screens, User defined Graphics
and line drawings for video titles. Own
programmes, etc
Many Educational uses
Instruction booklet included
Full software support for "CUSTOM USE
Works with Watford RH, Acorn User DIY,
and many other LIGHT PENS
Available on DISC or TAPE
Price: Tape £10; Disc £11
DISC EXECUTOR
Disc Executor is a highly sophisticated disc utility
which allows you to transfer all tape based
software that we know of onto disc. You no
longer have to throw away any of your cassette
based software on acquiring a disc drive It
handles locked' programs and allows you to load
full length adventure type programs (i.e up to &
6E blocks) and programs that load below &E00
It is very simple to operate (full instructions
supplied). It saves you your valuable time and
money too. Our Disc executor is not a Replica
its the Real Thing .
Available in both 40 and 80 track discs Please
specify when ordering.
Price: £10
This unique piece of firmware has been designed
to allow the USER to access the BBC Micro's
Sideways Rom Paging facility to the full. The 18
Commands our ROM MANAGER adds to your
computer are concerned with 3 aspects of ROM
use:
1. ROM CONTROL Ability to activate at
random any of the ROMs present in the Micro
2. BBC MICRO'S STATUS e g. Checksum on
any ROM. and the Filing system currently active
3. ROM DEVELOPMENT Allows main memory
to be used like Sideways RAM
The Commands available are
•CHECKSUM generates a CRC for the
specified ROM
•DIRECT allows you to pass a particular
command to the specified ROM
•EXAMINE allows examination of the named
ROM
•EXPLAIN - gives detailed description of the first
22 FX codes
•FILE passes the command directly to the
currently selected filing system
•FUNCTION displays the string currently
programmed onto the function keys
•INCLUDE - allows he main memory to be used
for developing ROM software without need to
purchase expensive sideways RAM
•MODIFY any location in memory is displayed
and can be modified with this command
•NAMES displays the names of any resident
ROMs
•RAM allows the command to be passed
directly to the RAM based ROM
•REMOVE - turns off the RAM based ROM
option
•SPECIFY and -DEFAULT specifies the default
ROM and passes the named command to the
default ROM specified
•STOP and -START - allows the named ROM to
be disabled or enabled, preventing clashes
between ROMs
•STATUS - provides information about the
ROMs inside the BBC micro including the socket
number, the name of the ROM its length
whether or not it is enabled and supports
language or service entry points
•VALUES outputs information concerning the
status of ROM MANAGER e g the socket
number it occupies the number of active ROMs
with a higher priority than itself the current filing
system
•VECTOR the same function as *DIRECT but
provided in case ’DIRECT clashes with other
ROMs
In our opinion this ROM is one of the most
useful utility ROMs available on the market, and
is a must for anyone using ROM based software
Introductory Price: Only £1 9
ADE
The complete program development package on
16K ROM A must for all the Assembly
Language Programmers.
Introductory price: Only : £52
ACCESS HOTLINE
Tel: 0923 50234
40
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
COMPUTER CONCEPT'S ROMS
GRAPH PAD
Graphics ROM
£28
Basic Utility ROM
£28
DISC DOCTOR
A sophisticated Disc Utility ROM with many useful
commands (For detail description please refer to
Computer Concept's advert in this magazine )
Watford's own Machine code Monitor ROM
written by Andrew Bray (Cambridge), co-author
of the BBC Micro Advance User Guide.
The most powerful and versatile machine code
monitor ROM yet written for BBC Micro. It has
all the normal memory editing, moving and
relocating facilities, plus all editing is with a full
screen editor allowing scrolling up and down
memory, entering in Hex, ASCII or standard
assembler mnemonics.
In use as a debugging tool, you run code under
a total emulation system. Everfelt a desperate
urge to set a break point in ROM? No problem
- you can even have breakpoint on reading or
writing locations in memory and on register
contents The system fully supports debugging
of sideways ROMs e.g. BASIC can fully and
easily be run from within Beebmon and from
there DFS and other sideways ROMs can be
used in total emulation mode
Beebmon can even run itself In so doing you
can nest Beebmon up to a level limited only by
the memory size Beebmon uses 256 bytes of
workspace, located anywhere in memory, even
on the 1MHz Bus. Beebmon effectively uses no
zero page workspace, so your program (e g.
BASIC) can use any or all of the base page
How does it achieve this? By provtding a 6502
interpreter all programs running under it exist
in a vertual BBC, so special memory locations
like the ROM latch are not actually accessed
by your programs, instead they alter a location
in Beebmon s workspace. Emulation also
allows immediate return to Beebmon command
level by ctrl-escape no matter what code is
being excuted at the time. All this exceptional
power and flexibility is complemented by a
clear and detailed manual included in a value
for money price of:
£22
£27
Wordwise
Without doubt a very sophisticated piece of
software for the BBC Micro It has all the
features of a professional word processor yet is
easy to use
SPECIALOFFERTHIS MONTH: £32
THE
INVESTIGATOR
Now you can make up back up copies of all your
Discs Put the precious originals away in the safe
and use your duplicates
See what your 8271 can do 1 With Watford s
Investigator you can find out about track
formatting, sector length, etc Investigate your
disc and then make up your back up copy
Disc based software includes a comprehensive
manual
Price : £ 1 5
(Please specify 40 or 80 track when ordering)
CRAWLER
A new challenge for your reflexes, exercise for
your fingers Crawler is the best yet BBC version
of the popular arcade game "CENTIPEDE Blast
the voracious catei pillar before it eats you Avoid
the wandering spiders Shoot the scorpions
before they poison the mushrooms Kill the
descending fleas as they cause massive
mushroom growth This game is a delight to
play The controls are responsive and fast yet
precise.
Discover the hidden secrets of BASIC and the
OPERATING SYSTEM with this easy to use
programmers tool.
A ROM based machine code Disassembler for
the BBC micro. It enables machine code
programs to be listed in BASIC/DUMP format
and thus is the perfect complement to the built
in assembler It allows Sideways ROMs files on
disk or tape to be listed, and also has a
comprehensive editor, allowing mnemonics to be
altered directly, as well as HEX DECIMAL, ASCII
and BINARY memory editing There is also a full
set of labelling facilities available (up to 3.200
labels), with the major locations and routines
already labelled.
Thus DIS-ASM enables any monitor program,
such as BEEBMON to be used to much greater
effect as it is not necessary to disassemble
memory each time the display is altered
ONLY £16
(Price includes a comprehensive manual and
fitting instructions.)
LIGHT PEN
A Light Pen for BBC Micro including our highly
sophisticated Pen-Pal software on tape
Only: £1 8
(Please add €2 for software on disc)
vVATFORD — Alway*
a step ahead
With this popular British Micro's Graph-pad, you
can add new dimension to your computer
enjoyment. It helps you to create your own
application programs by the simple use of the
Graphpad. Ideal for Educational use Supplied
complete with Cables. Manual and a two
program cassette
Price: £125
GAMES SOFTWARE
CHESS
£ 6.95
CROACKER
£ 6.95
Escape from MOONBASE ALPHA
£ 6.95
CHUCKIE EGG
£ 7.90
FELIX in the FACTORY
£ 6.95
GALACTIC COMMANDER
£ 6.95
KILLER GORILLA
£ 6.95
MUNCHYMAN
£ 5.95
MOONRAIDER
£6 95
MUSIC SYNTHESISER
£ 8.25
PENGO (Watford)
£ 7.75
SWOOP
£6 95
Twin Kmqdom Valley
£ 8.25
747 FLIGHTSIMULATOR
£7 75
LEVEL9 ADVENTURE GAMES
COLOSSAL ADVENTURE The classical
mainframe game Adventure with all the
original puzzles plus 70 extra rooms.
£ 8.65
ADVENTURE QUEST Through forest,
mountains, desert, caves, water, fire, moorland
and swamp on an epic quest vs tyranny.
£ 8.50
DUNGEON ADVENTURE. Over 100 puzzles in
the Demon Lord s dungeons
£ 8.50
SNOWBALL Save a 7000 location colony
starship in 2302 AD
£ 8.50
SURGE PROTECTOR Plug
Safely eliminates dangerous voltage surges.
During a thunderstorm, a nearby lightning
strike can induce high voltage spikes in the
voltage supply or fluctuating loads can also
result in transient overvoltages which if
unchecked, lead to expensive data
corruption/loss. Our surge protection plug will
provide the necessary surge protection. Simply
replace your standard 13Amp mains plug with
the surge protection plug (which is almost the
same size). Ideal for computers, Hi-Fi systems,
precision instruments, fridge freezers, etc. Max
surge current 2KAmp; Max. Voltage 250 Volts.
A must for all serious computer users
Price: £ 8.95
WATFORD
ELECTRONICS
Continued ■■
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
41
IVIK 2 13 ROM SOCKET
EXPANSION BOARD
Now all lines fully buffered - On board
battery back-up facility — will now accept
EPROMS 2716, 2732, 2764 & 27128 and
ROMs 6116 & 6264.
Simply plugs into one of the four ROM sockets
currently available in BBC Micro. There are only
5 solder connections to be made. Full
instructions are supplied. This board has been
ergonomically designed to enable the user, easy
further expansion inside the Micro, e.g. Double
Density Board. Torch Board, etc. (At Watford, we
think ahead.)
Our Mk2 13 ROM Socket Board enables the
User to increase the sideways ROM capacity
from the basic 4 sockets upto full 1 6 capable of
being supported by current operating systems. In
addition the board is designed with the facility to
hold upto 16K RAM, which when switched into
operation is automatically selected by any WRITE
signal to the Sideways ROM area. This gives the
User the ability to write a utility or language and
upon pressing break have the utility or language
up and running (new ROM software can be
developed and tested in situ.)
The Board gives the User, plenty of freedom to
explore the possibilities of the new paged ROMs
due in the coming months and offers them the
chance to develop their own.
All lines are fully buffered and the Board meets
or exceeds all timings for operation in the BBC
Microcomputer. When fully populated, the ROM
Board consumes less than half the recommended
maximum current limit.
Supplied ready-built and tested complete with
fitting instructions
ONLY £32.50 (carr.EI)
Versatile BEEB SPEECH
SYNTHESISER Unit
| SIMPLY the best! - An unlimited speech
synthesis system. Complete with
easy-to-follow manual Controlling software
is in ROM so no Cassette Loading
problems!
PHONEMES for word synthesis - That means
unlimited vocabulary! No extra speech
, dictionary chips to buy!
BUILT-in Library of approximately 500 words to
get you started.
ENGLISH accent - Utilises inflexion techniques
to produce highly comprehensible speech.
EASY to use system - Just plug the software
ROM into a socket, the Speech unit into
the User Port, and away you go! No
■ specialised dealer upgrade" required!
COMPACT unit - The whole system is built into
a small case - easily tucked behind the
computer. Auxiliary output socket provided
for direct connection to an external
amplifier.
HOURS of fun! - Suitable for any application -
Games, Educational Programs, Specialised
Packages.
We know this all seems to good to be true but
DON'T BE LEFT SPEECHLESS! Order your
Versatile Speech Unit now!
Only £44
THE ULTIMATE DFS
FOR BBC MICRO
HI
by
Watford Electronics
Highly acclaimed at The ACORN and BBC
MICRO USER Shows. What do the independent
press say?
Good value for money - Beebug Aug. '83
A very worthwhile package - The Micro User
You'll be buying a very powerful package -
Personal Computer News
Superior DFS; Excellent disc sector editor -
Computer Answers
Without a doubt, the most sophisticated DFS
Software yet written for BBC Micro Computer.
This powerful new DFS is fully compatible with
ACORN DFS yet has much increased power due
to additions, carefully designed to make life
easier in normal use. It consists of over 14K of
efficiently written machine code. It is entirely self
contained and so does not require a utilities disc
to function.
PRICES:
DFS (Disc Filing System) ROM
£29
Complete Disc Interface Kit including
DFS ROM & Fitting instructions £99
Disc Filing System Manual. Comprehensive and
clearly written C7. 50 (no VAT)
P S. We will exchange your existing ACORN DFS
or PACE (AMCOM) DFS for Watford's highly
sophisticated 1 6 K DFS ROM for £25
Watford’s DFS is exclusively available from
Watford Electronics We do NOT retail through any
dealers. Every ROM carries a label with our LOGO
and a serial number.
EPROMs & CMOS
RAMs
2764 250nS(8K ROM)
£5.95
27 1 28-250nS ( 1 6 K ROM)
£24.00
61 1 6- 1 50nS (2K RAM)
£6.00
6264- 1 50nS ( 8 K RAM)
£32.00
BEEBFONT ROM
BEEBFONT is a remarkable new concept in BBC
software, exclusively available from Watford.
Once fitted, the 16K ROM will enable you to
produce attractive text displays in following
different styles:
ABCDEFGHI JKLHNOP
abcdef ^hijklmnop
abctfHfl!) t jblmnop
ABCDEFGH I JKLMNOP
abcdef ghijklmn op
ABCDEFGH I JKLMA'OP
ABCDEFGH I JKLMNOP
ibcdefShi jklunop
ABCDEFGH I JKLMNOP
★ It works in modes 0, 1,2, 4, using full
colour.
★ Simply use Ctrl-V to select the font and all
further screen output will be in a new style.
★ Even the ordinary Beeb character set can be
enhanced by doubling height or width and
emphasising to give bold print.
★ A comprehensive editor is included which
enables the user to design his own characters.
★ A spooling program is provided, which
enables pre formatted text files to be displayed
on an EPSON FX RX. and NEC Printers, using
the full range of character styles. (Please specify
printer type when ordering). Can be used with
WORDWISE
★ This really must be one of the most original
and exciting products of the year.
★ A twenty page manual is provided and the
demo/editor software comes on disc or cassette
(please specify when ordering). Q |\j |_y £39
SPECIAL DISC DRIVE OFFER
NEWSLIMLINE, 5^", CASED WITH CABLES
CLS100 TEC. Single 100K. 40 track. Single Sided £115
CLS400 Mitsubishi, Single 400K, 80 track. Double Sided £165
CLD200 TEC, Twin 200K, 40 track, Single Sided £225
CLD800 Mitsubishi. Twin 800K. 80 track, Double Sided £325
( Carriage £5 securicor, insured)
42
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
WATFORD’S
BEEB PRINTER ROM
Are you fed up with not being able to unravel your
printer manual and use all those features you paid
for? Need sensible paging for use in the creation of
booklets 7 Then you certainly need our Beeb Printer
ROM.
A machine code printer utility in ROM.
• Sinqle' key operations replace control code
sequences for underline, font and size selection,
paper movement, etc. Up to 30 come pre defined,
without effecting normal fn key usage.
• This rom allows easy control of your
printer from 'Within' WORDWISE text.
Instead of long escape sequences, you just
OC a single number to Select, Underline,
Print Styles, etc.
• Automatic fanfold page margins Puts gaps in
listings PRINTed text etc to skip the folds The gap
size alternates to minimise paper wastage when
using binders.
• Form feed and related commands, made
available on ALL printers. Can also provide a left
margin.
• User defined characters embedded within text
are printed as on VDU.
• ★Commands select option for GP100. STAR
NEC MX/FX, LP VI I/DM P 1 00. DMP200.
Operates with Parallel and Serial Printers
• Fully functional with the popular WORDWISE
wordprocessor.
Supplied complete with a comprehensive 50 page
manual.
Price: £24
(When ordering please specify printer type)
DUMPOUT 3
A highly sophisticated machine code ROM
providing screen to printer dumps in any mode
plus window setting utilities and two new
OSWORD calls that allow you to use the Beeb
graphic coordinate system for plotting or testing
mode 7 pixels
•GIMAGE Ultra sophisticated dump of any
graphic screen using up to 8 tones.
Handles FULL MODE 7 text, graphics
double height and colour and mode 8 14
optional parameters using prefixing so that you
only need specify the ones that you want. The
parameters include
• V' scale FK scale These are both 2 byte
numbers giving you very fine control over the
dump size from minute to enormous. Unlike
other dump Roms scale does not vary with
screen mode
• R ''.0-3. ' Dump rotation 0 90 180 270
degrees
• K indent - Set gap from left edge of paper
• X min - max V min max The area
of the screen dumped is that in the graphics
window alternatively these parameters may be
given
• P Physical colour values used for dumping
(Otherwise use a negative scale i e white prints
darkest )
• T Two tone dumps for higher resolution
• M mask 8 bits controlling colour masking
• E Contrast expansion Makes mode 7 text
characters and separated graphics stand out
more clearly from the background
• C All mode 7 graphics printed as reduced size
dumps
• ‘GWINDOW Draws graphic window on
screen its size and position can then be altered
using the cursor keys
• ‘TIMAGE ‘ indent > Does a fast text only
dump of the text window in any mode
• ‘TWINDOW As GWINDOW but for text
DUMP OUT 3 gives you ALL of the GIMAGE
facilities listed above and GWINDOW in mode 7
as well not just hi-res modes
Ideal for CP80 GP80 DP100, GP250 STAR
KAGATAXAN NEC SHINWA CP80 GEMINI.
EPSON MX RX FX LPVII
DMP100 120 200 400 Printers
Comprehensive Manual included Only : £19
WATFORD JOINS THE
COMMUNICATION REVOLUTION
MODEM 84
With the launch of Watford's MODEM 84
you can now hook into PRESTEL,
MICRONET, HOMELINK, TELECOM GOLD
etc., for about th^cost of a good tape
recorder. Prestel gives you access to an
incomparable database covering almost
every subject under the Sun There is
Micronet with lots of free programs that
you can download and run Details of Clubs
and User groups, a diary of meetings and
exhibitions, news and reviews, technical
information, etc. There is Homelink with
On-line banking And there is armchair
shopping, travel information, Entertainment,
World News, Sports News, Business News,
Weather information, Electronic mail and
lots more. The basic Prestel subscription is
only E5 per quarter for domestic user and
at off-peak times there is no charge for
access time. Can you afford not to be part
of this revolution?
Now using the latest techniques and the
new generation of Modem chips, Watford
have developed a Modem that is newer,
better and yet cheaper than any on the
market.
Compare the Specifications:
MODEM
• Direct connect Modem using BT approved
isolation components
• Full Duplex V23 operation for Prestel and
TELECOM GOLD operation (1200/75 Baud)
• User to User half duplex 1200/1200 Baud
operation with AUTOMATIC SEND/RECEIVE
switch (BEWARE most MODEMS switch
manually between send and receive which
precludes the use of intelligent user to-user
software)
• Simple single button operation and
comprehensive LED status display
• Attractively finished Sized to sit on the Disc
drive
FX80 PRINTER
DRIVER for VIEW
Do you want to use Italics or Enlarged
Characters with View? French or German
Characters? These and other FONTS from FX80
character sets can be accessed using our Printer
Driver with VIEW. The disc contains an example
as well shows how to use Available on 40 or 80
track Disc ONLY: £7. 50
EPSON DUMP ROM
A specially designed Dump ROM for EPSON RX
FX and the new Kaga KP810 Printers. Will
accurately DUMP all Screen modes including
TELETEXT GRAPHICS and DOUBLE HEIGHT
MULTITONE DUMPS are also supported Simple
single command (*SCDUMP) operation
Only: £1 6
NEW SUPER PRESTEL
INTERFACE ROM
Fully compatible with Watford s MODEM 84 as
well as with PRISM and most other Modems
• Supports full Prestel Colour Alpha and
Graphic Characters including Double Height,
Flashing. Conceal/Reveal
• Called by simple ‘PRESTEL command Disc
and Tape configurations fully supported.
• Telesoftware downloader included.
• Comprehensive MAILBOX facilities including
offline editor.
• Auto Logon sequence, can be burnt into ROM
if desired.
• Unique "TAG facility allows tagging and
recall of interesting pages - avoids the common
and annoying NOW WHERE WAS THAT PAGE
problem.
• Page load and save to tape or disc Pages are
automatically saved under Page Number
reference in a FRAME directory.
• Print page options are ASCII only (i.e with
supression of Graphics) - fast and works with
any printer - as well as a full graphics dump for
the popular Epson printer
• USER function call built into interface with
specialist add-on routines (your own as well as
ours)
• All the above facilities available from Function
Keys An overlay is provided giving simple yet
comprehensive guidance to the key functions.
• Comprehensive instruction manual supplied
PRICES:
SOFTWARE ROM incl. Comprehensive
Manual €20
MODEM 84 (without software) £62
MODEM 84, SOFTWARE ROM and Operating I
Manuals ONLY: £75 (f 2 carr ) |
(Please allow up to 28 days for delivery )
Please write to Watford Electronics for full
details, Order and Application Forms
TINY PASCALfor BBC Micro £59
VIEW
Wordprocessor (New version)
£52
FORTH ROM for BBC
This superb (FIG FORTH) compiling language
now available in ROM Simply plugs into one
of the ROM Sockets Manual included £33
WATFORD
ELECTRONICS
Continued
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
43
BOOKS (No VAT on Books)
30 Programs- BBC Micro £3.25
30 Hour BASIC (BBC Micro) £6.95
35 Education Programs for BBC £6.95
36 Challenging Games for BBC £5.95
40 Educational Programs for BBC £5.95
100 Programs for BBC Micro £6.95
Cassette version of above £ 1 0.00
6502 Application Book £ 1 1 .95
6502 Assembly Language Program .. £ 1 3.95
6502 Assembly Language
Subroutines £14.25
6502 Machine Code for Beginners £5.95
6502 Software Design £10.50
A young persons guide to BBC Basic ... £4.50
Advanced Machine Code Technique
for BBC £7.95
Advanced User Guide for
BBC Micro £12.50
Advanced Graphics with BBC £9.95
Advanced 6502 Interfacing £10.95
Advanced 6502 Programming £12.45
Assembly Language Programming on
BBC Micro £7.95
Advanced Programming Techniques
for the BBC Micro £7.95
BBC Basic £7.95
Assembly Lang. Prog, on BBC £7.40
BBC BASIC £5.95
BBC Basic for Beginners £6.95
BBC DIY Robotics & Sensors £6.95
BBC Forth £7.50
BBC Lisp £7.50
BBC Micro An Expert Guide £6.95
BBC Micro Book BASIC Sound &
Graphics £7.95
BBC Micro Graphics and Sound £6.95
BBC Micro Programs in Basic £5.95
BBC Micro ROM PAGING System
Explained £2.95
BBC Micro Revealed £6.95
BBC Micro Assembly Lang. Prog £7.95
BBC Micro Disc Companion £7.95
BBC Micro in Education £6.50
Basic Programming on BBC Micro £5.95
Best of PCW Software (BBC) £5.95
CP/M Users Guide £13.95
Creating Adventure Programs on
BBC Micros £6.95
Creative Graphics Cassette (Acornsoft).
Has 36 graphics programs £8.95
Creative graphics on BBC Micro £7.50
Complete Programmer for BBC £5.95
DISC FILING SYSTEM (DFS)
Operating Manual for BBC £7.50
Discover BBC Machine Code £6.95
Discover FORTH £13.95
DIY Robotics & Sensors with BBC £6.95
Further Prog, for BBC Micro £5.95
FORTH Programming £14.40
Functional Forth for the BBC Micro £5.95
Gameson your BBC Micro £2.95
Games BBC Computer Can Play £6.95
Graphs & Charts on BBC Micro £7.50
Graphic Art for BBC Computer £5.95
Graphs and Charts (Cassette) £7.50
Graphics on BBC Micro £6.95
Hobbit (Book and Cassette) £14.95
Introducing the BBC Micro £5.95
Introduction to FORTH £9.30
Intro to Micro Beginners Book
(3 Ed.) £9.90
Let your BBC teach u to program £6.45
LISP £9.25
Logo Programming £8.95
Mastering VISICALC £12.45
Mastering CP/M £13.65
.Micros in the Classroom £4.90
Programming the 6502 £11.95
Programming & Interfacing 6502 .... £16.00
’ Programming the BBC Micro £6.95
PASCAL £9.25
Programming for Education on BBC ... £5.95
Structured Prog, with BBC BASIC £6.50
The Complete FORTH £6.95
The BBC Micro Book. BASIC, SOUND
& GRAPHICS £7.40
Using Floppy Discs with BBC Micro £5.95
Using BBC Basic £6.95
Using 6502 Ass Language £14 50
Wordstar & CP/M made easy £6 95
DOUBLE DENSITY BOARD
FOR BBC
We are proud to announce the launch of our
Double Density Board for the BBC Micro. The
DDFS software that we supply is a version of
our highly acclaimed standard 16K DFS for the
BBC Micro. It will automatically tell whether a
single or double density disc is being accessed,
as well as allowing the option of reading 40
track disc on an 80 track drive Now on your 80
track Double Sided Drive you will have 720K
storage instead of the usual 400K and with
higher speed than ever before (of course this is a
BONUS at NO EXTRA COST)
Complete Double Density Upgrade Unit will cost
same as single density Kit
Delivery 8 weeks (approx)
DATA RECORDER &
ACCESSORIES
Top quality Slimline, portable Data Recorder for
computer use. Mains/Battery, operated with
counter £24.00
DATA RECORDER CABLE
For our Data Recorderto BBC Micro £2.50
DATA CASSETTES Top grade Cl 2 Data
Cassettes in library cases. 36p
ATTACHE CARRYING
CASE for BBC Micro
These Attache Carrying cases are attractively
finished in mottled antique brown leatherette An
ideal and very safe way to carry your BBC
Microcomputer. Price: £1 2 (£2 carr.)
PLINTH FOR BBC MICRO
This space reserved
for our
'Launch of the Year'
Hard ware v . ulM%
-to be unveiled at
the Electron & BBC
Micro User Show.
Alexandra Palace -
July 19-22.
BBC MICRO
**n dr • \ < l /
0 *77. W xi
VOLTMACE'S DELTA 14
Hand-set
Price Delta 1 4 Hand set
ADAPTOR MODULE
TRANSFER PROGRAM
£12 50
£12.55
Tape £5.10
Disc £7.95
JOYSTICKS for BEEB
Two versions available
SINGLE: Player type
TWO Players type
£7.00 each
£12.00 per pair
Protect your micro from the weight of the heavy
TV/Monitor This sturdy plinth is attractively
finished in BBC colour. Air vent slots have been
provided to allow maximum air circulation. It can
be used to support a monitor or a printer The
micro slides underneath comfortably. A must for
every BBC Micro owner, specially for those who
have to move/open their computer frequently.
Single Decker £11 (carr £1 50)
Double Decker £20 (carr. £2.00)
PLINTH FOR PRINTERS
Keeps your desk tidy Place the printer on the
plinth and the paper underneath Finished in
BBC colour
flO (carr £ 1 50)
4 WAY MAINS
DISTRIBUTION SOCKET
A highly versatile space saving solution when
multi-power outlets are required. Can be wall or
floor mounted Ideal for Micro Computer and
peripherals application. Prevents you getting a
dangerous tangle of plugs and adapters.
Only: £ 9.50
READY-MADE LEADS
CASSETTE LEADS 7 pin DIN Plug
to 5 pm DIN Plug + 1 Jack Plug * £2.00
to 3 pin DIN Plug * 1 Jack Plug £2.00
to 7 pin DIN Plug £2.50
to 3 Jack Plugs £2.00
6 pm DIN to 6 pin DIN Plug (RGB) £2 50
Monitor Lead BNC to PHONO £3.00
Disc Drive to BBC Micro Power Lead
Single £3.00 Dual £3.75
MISCELLANEOUS
CONNECTORS
Plugs
Sockets
RGB (6 PIN DIN)
30p
45p
RS423 (5 pin Domino)
40p
50p
Cassette (7 pin DIN)
25p
65p
ECONET (5 pin DIN)
20p
30p
Paddles )1 5 pin D )
110p
21 5p
BBC Power Plug 6 way
80p
-
Disc Drive Plug 4 way
75p
-
Prices subject to change without notice and availability.
MAIL ORDER AND RETAIL SHOP TRADE AND EXPORT INQUIRIES WELCOME
GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS OFFICIAL OROERS ACCEPTED
CARRIAGE: Unless stated otherwise, please add 75p to all cash orders.
VAT: UK customers please add 15% VAT to the total cost incl. Carnage
SHOP HOURS 9.00am to 6 00pm Monday to Saturday. (Ample Free Car Parking Spaces)
ACCESS ORD ERS: Simply phone: Watford (0923) 50234.(24 Hours)
sill
I (JJLJJ 1 1
Watford Electronics
Dept. BBC, Cardiff Road, Watford, Herts, England.
Telephone: 0923 40588/37774. Telex: 8956095
44
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SYSTEMS
ADVANCE 86
IBM compatible. 128K RAM,'
2 x 320K Drives. Price includes:
Perfect Writer, Perfect Speller.
Perfect Filer and Perfect Calc,
plus 12 months on site warranty
( monitor available at extra cost).
SANYO 555
80% IBM compatible. 128K RAM.
2 x 160K Drives. Price includes: Wordstar.
Mailmerge. Info-Star and Calc-Star.
Limited number of SAGE Accounts still
available.
(Monitor available at extra cost)
ELECTRON <£199
Includes free software tape
BBC-B £399
Includes free tape recorder. Full range of
Software and Disk Drives available.
PRINTERS
Brother Printer HR 15
Juki Daisywheel 6100
Daisvstep
EPSON RX80 FT
EPSON FX80
Including lead for BBC.
£399
£389
£295
£299
£389
DISKETTES
Memorex, in packs of 10
SS40tk. £18.00
DS 40tk. £23.00
SS80tk. £26.00
DS 80tk. £29.00
Including VAT. p&p.
tuned to
Microware for
vther discounts
£1437 EPSON DISK DRIVES
200K-400K-800K
plus new W range
(including manual 8 formatter)
1 00k single unit
£139
1 00k dual unit
£229
200k single unit
£195
200k dual unit
£325
400k single unit
£225
400k dual unit
£349
Switchable
£375
UDM DDFS
£95
MONITORS
Microvitec colour
Normal res. £199
Medium res. £299
High res. £399
Sanyo/ BMC 12" C £110
Call for our full price list.
Disk storage boxes
£17.00 (takes 35)
Disk storage boxes
£25.00 (takes 80)
Prices include VAT, p&p.
ACCESSORIES
BBC Stands £15.00
Dust covers £5.60
(for BBC,
Drives and
Printers)
ORDER FORM 1
Product
Price
Qty.
Tbtal
£
AliCROMHRE I
M SEE US AT I
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User i
Exhibifion I
14 Charles Street Hanley Stoke-on-Tfent
(0782) 269 883
67 Westow St. Upper Norwood London SE19
01-771 5123 ^
637 Holloway Road London N19 5SS , A 9Jr ampuct
01-272 6398 16 ‘ 19 1 $^ UST
I enclose my order for the above products.
Name
send details on.
T< >TAI. SI M ENCljt )SED (Cheque i >r credit card n< U £_
AI .1. PROI MATS ARE BRAN I > NEW; B( )X El ) .AND OFFERED WITH FULL
man i facti rf.rs warranty. All prices include VAT & delivery
Address.
Signed—
ioborlPloirc
* FOR BBC MICRO MODEL B CASSETTE OR DISC
* ENABLES PICTURES TO BE DRAWN OR TRACED
* WORKS IN ANY GRAPHICS MODE - COLOUR SELECTABLE
* DESIGNED BY A TEACHER FOR EDUCATIONAL USES BY
STAFF AND PUPILS
* TRANSPARENT TABLET ALLOWS DIAGRAMS AND MAPS,
ETC. TO BE COPIED
* ROUTINE INCLUDED TO SAVE QUICKLY TO DISC OR
CASSETTE
* SCREEN DUMPS FOR EPSON AND SEIKOSHA PRINTERS
* TRIED AND TESTED - DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER
LINES
CIRCLES
RECTANGLES
INFILLING
COPY AND MOVE
PRINT AT
AS WELL AS TRACE MODE
Please send me
I enclose Cheque/P 0 for
Name
Address Code .
GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
OFFICIAL ORDERS WELCOME
COMPUTER
DEVELOPMENTS LIMITED
NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
BONTOFT AVENUE, HULL HU5 4HF
TEL: (0482) 448562.
More than just a joystick
- a system
Complete control
at your fingertips
COMMANDS FOR:
A Nylon encased —Steel shafted joystick
with ball and socket joint.
A Fast sprung return to centre.
A Graphite wiper linear potentiometers.
A 12 Months Guarantee.
A 7 day Money back Guarantee (on Hardware).
DELTA 14b HANDSET £14.95
DELTA 14b/1 A/D/USER PORT INTERFACE £14.85
DELTA DRIVER CASSETTE £5.95 or DISC £9.95
Prices include VAT and P&P. SAE for more detailed information.
VOLTMACE LTD
PARK DRIVE
BALDOCK
HERTS
SG7 6EZ
Tel: (0462) 894410
Numerous stockists
nationwide or direct
from us.
Callers welcome at the
factory — Monday to Friday.
A superb joystick and a keypad for the price
of either one. Plus the software to integrate
it into the computer’s system.
One handset will work on it’s own in the A/D port as a
joystick and two fire buttons. Joystick is immediately
compatible with ACORNSOFT and similar software.
The interface joins together the analogue and the user ports
to use the full keypads giving a total of 24 user definable keys.
The interface can also be used as a splitter for the A/D port to
take two items at the same time, e.g. joystick and lightpen.
DELTA DRIVER on cassette or disc: Two programs on each cassette or disc One converts
machine code programs from the keyboard to the joystick or keypad, with adjustable
sensitivity on the joystick and will run on any O S The second program (needs O S 10 or
later and an interface) duplicates any keyboard keys on the keypads, in the operating
system, so that it can become a numeric keypad or will take on the function keys
46
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOUNDS
INVITING
T HIS month’s musical interlude is
provided by Welsh wizzards Gary
Pesticcio and Darran Bristow. The
Brook , Riding and On the Lake were
written for the BBC micro (model A or
B), but both will run on the Electron,
though they will not sound as good
because of the limited sound capability
on the Elk.
For readers who aren’t familiar with
music, we’ve annotated the listing, and
two more tunes are given on yellow list-
ing page i. Just type them in and RUN.
Lines 1 0 to 90—
Program details. Title, date, authors
and micro notes.
Lines 100 to 110
Select screen mode and choose blue
background with white letters.
Lines 1 20 to 1 40
Printfive carriage returns and print title
and copyright message on the screen.
Lines 150 to 160-
Set number of data items to read with
FOR . . . NEXT loop, then read three at a
time into the variables A, B, and C.
Lines 1 70 to 1 90
Define envelope and sound para-
meters. The envelope ‘shapes' the
sound, while the SOUND command dic-
tates how it is played.
Lines 200 to 340
150 data items to be read into the vari-
ables A, B and C. These are used as
arguments to the SOUND pitch and
duration parameters.
Take care when entering data state-
ments, as many are decimal values
less than 1. These are entered in the
listing as point values only, with the
leading 0 omitted: thus the value 0.5
has been entered as .5. If, on running,
an Out of DATA’ error message is
generated you have almost certainly
missed some items out of the data
lines.
A way to help check your listing is to
first set the column width to 40 before
LISTing it using
WIDTH 40
This will now produce the same listing
width as used in our printed version.
The erronous line can normally be
found quickly by comparing the edges
of your listing (printed or on the screen)
with ours.
10 REM **** THE BROOK ****
20 REM ** (C) Acorn User **
30 REM *** August 1984 ***
40 REM * by Gary Pesticcio *
50 REM * & Darran Bristow *
60 REM *** for BBC Micro ***
70 REM ** will run on Elk **
80 REM ** but won't sound **
90 REM ** as good ! **
100 MODE 6
110 VDU 19,0,4;0;0;
120 PRINT
130 PRINT SPC (12) "THE BROOK"'*
140 PRINT SPC(IO)" <c> Acorn User"
150 FOR N=1 TO 151
160 READ A, B, C
170 ENVELOPE 1 ,8, 0,0, 0,0, 0,0, 121 ,-10, -5
,- 2 , 120,120
180 SOUND 1,1, A— 1 2 , C* 1 O
190 S0UND2 , 1 , B- 12, C* 1 0
200 NEXT N
210 s
220 REM *•* sound data **
230 DATA129, 129, 1 ,149,117,-5,149,101,.
5.149.117, -5,149,101,-5,129,117,-5,129,1
01.. 5. 129. 117.. 5. 129. 101.. 5. 137. 121.. 5.1
29. 101 . . 5. 137. 121 . .5. 149. 101 ..5. 129. 117,
-5,129,101,-5,129,117,-5, 129,101,-5
240 DATA137, 121 ,-5,137, 101,-5, 137,121 ,
.5,137,101 ,-5,145,109,-5,145, 101,-5,145,
109,-5,145,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101,-5,
149.117, -5,149,101,-5,129,117,-5,129,101
,.5,129,117,-5,129,101,-5,149,117,-5,149
, 101 , .5, 149, 1 17, .5, 149, 101 , .5, 129, 117, .5
250 DATA129, 101 ,-5,129,117,-5,129,101,
. 5
260 DATA137, 121 ,-5,129,101,-5,137,121,
-5,149,101,-5,129,117,-5, 129,101 ,.5,129,
1 17. . 5. 129. 101 . .5. 137. 121 . .5. 137. 101 . .5,
137.121, -5,137,101,-5,145,109,-5,145,101
,-5,145,109,-5,145,101,-5,149,117,-5,149
,101,. 5, 149, 11 7,. 5, 149, 101,. 5, 149, 11 7,. 5
270 DATA149, 149, 1 .5
280 DATA 145, 109,-5,145,101,-5,157,121,
.5,157,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101,-5,149,
117,-5,149,101,-5, 145,109,-5,145,101 , .5,
157.121 , -5,157,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101
,-5,149,117,-5,149,101,-5, 137,109,-5,129
,109,-5,137,109,-5,145,109,-5
290 DATA137, 109, .5, 145, 109,-5,149,109,
-5,137,109,-5
300 DATA149, 129, -5, 149,129,-5,145,129,
.5,145,121,-5,129,117,-5,129,109,-5,149,
117,-5,149,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101,-5,
129.117, -5,129,101,-5,129,117,-5,129,101
,.5,137,121,-5,129,101,-5,137,109,-5,149
,101, .5, 129, 117, .5, 129, 101, .5, 129, 117, .5
310 DATA129, 101 , .5
320 DATA137, 121 ,-5,137,101,-5, 137,121 ,
-5,137,101,-5,145,109,-5,145,101,-5,145,
109,-5,145,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101,-5,
149.117, -5,149,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101
,.5,129,117,-5,129,101,-5,137,121,-5,149
, 101 , .5,137, 121 , -5, 149,101,-5, 145,109,. 5
330 DATA 145, 101 ,-5,145,109,-5,145,101,
. 5
340 DATA149, 117,-5,149,101,-5,149,117,
.5,149,101,-5,149,117,-5,149,101,-5,129,
1 17. . 5. 129. 101 . .5. 137. 121 . .5. 149. 101 . .5,
137.121, -5,149,101,-5,145,121,-5,149,121
,-5,157,121,-5,145,121,-5,157,121,3,149,
117,2
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Serious Software from Beebugsoft
IKIRMiiiiNIR
« a a a a a a a a a a a
mmmmmmr
S £££££!
IRRttMlI
AAA AAAI
A A A AAAI
A A A A A A j
DESIGN is a screen processor which allows
information to be displayed in a format suitable
for demonstrations, slide projections, handouts or
presentations.
Graphs, Pie Charts and Bar Charts are quickly
produced on automatically drawn and scaled axes.
Text may be written anywhere on the screen
and may be displayed normally, enlarged, under-
lined or sideways.
TWenty user-defined characters and four large
macro characters are supplied, and may be placed
anywhere on the screen or redefined as required.
Machine code screen dumps are included for
Epson, Seikosha, Shinwa and Star printers and
details on how to load dumps for other printers are
also included.
Screens may also be saved and reloaded to
cassette or disc.
Extensive use of the function keys is made for
all the major commands on DESIGN, and a key
strip is provided.
DISC
£ 19.00
CASSETTE
£ 10.00
“A first rate screen processor . . .
immense value to schools and
colleges . . . ideal tool for pre-
paring display material . .
Educational Computing
April 1984
rNTtn Mip-u
A A AAA A
A A A A A Ai
A A AAA A
CaCLCNW t unno Saftltuc QiQUIl
I J J
SPRITE UTILITIES A game writer’s utility
pack which allows high speed arcade games to be
written in Basic.
This is achieved by using the set of supplied
machine code sprite routines to move multi-
coloured characters (sprites), of your own design,
around the screen at high speed.
Control of the sprites’ movements is by user
written Basic program. Specific commands to the
sprites are very simple.
Sprites are generated in mode 2 on a 8 x 16 grid
and may include any of the available 16 colours.
Up to seven sprites may be displayed and con-
trolled on the screen at any one time. A special
super sprite facility enables clones of each sprite
to be created, to provide animation.
. . . Definitely recommended"
Electronics & Computing May 1984
“. . . For my money Sprite Utilities wins
through . . .” Acom User May 1984
DISC
£ 12.00
CASSETTE
£ 10.00
BEEBUGSOFT. PO BOX 109, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS. HP10 8HQ
BEEBUGSOFT products are available from major dealers including selected branches of W. H. Smiths
You may also order direct from Beebugsoft.
Please send me Design Discs @ £19.00..
Please send me Sprites Discs @ £12.00..
Name
..Design Cassettes @ £10.00
..Sprites Cassettes @ £10.00
Address
Send Cheque/Postal Orders to BEEBUGSOFT. PO BOX 109, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS. HP10 8 HP
(Distribution agents JorBeebug Publications Ltd.)
SEE ALSO BEEBUGSOFT DOUBLE COLOUR ADVERT IN THIS ISSUE
48
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
TOOLKIT ROM from
BEEBUGSOFT
BASIC Programmer's Aid for
the BBC micro
• 27 new commands to make life easier
• Saves hours in program development and debugging
• Supports both cassette and disc systems
• No command name conflict with other Roms
SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE
SCREEN EDITOR An extremely
powerful editor, allowing the use of
cursor keys to list a program line-by-
line in either direction and move to
any part of a program to overtype
or insert new code and corrections.
• Ideal for expert and novice alike
• Fitting instructions and a 32 page manual supplied
• You'll wonder how you ever managed without it
ERROR DETECTION Powerful
facility to trap an error in a Basic
program as it runs. It will then auto-
matically enter the Screen Editor
display the line in error and position
the cursor close to the statement at
fault.
"TOOLKIT is an essential utility
for all Basic programmers using
the BBC Micro. . . . The range is
enormous. . . . an indispensable aid
packed full of powerful utilities."
EDUCATIONAL COMPUTING MARCH 1984
. . highly recommended."
PCN MARCH 17 1984
"The Beebugsoft Toolkit costs
£27 and in my opinion is worth
every penny. Since it has been
installed in my BBC it has been
used extensively and I can find no
fault with it. Highly recommended
to lazy programmers!"
COMPUTING TODAY JUNE 1984
COMMANDS
•CHECK
Verify a program or data in memory with disc/cassette.
•CLEAR
Clear all variables including integers.
•EDIT
Enter full screen editor.
•FREE
Display free memory and pseudo variables.
•HELP INFO
Display a screenful of useful system information.
•MEMORY
Display memory contents.
•MERGE
Merge a program in memory with one on disc/cassette.
•MOVE
Move program to run at specified address.
•NEW
As NEW, but can be issued from within a program.
•OFF
Cancel enhanced error handling.
•OLD
As OLD, but can be issued from within a program.
•ON
Auto error handling — enters editor at line in error.
•PACK
Efficient program compactor.
•RECOVER
Intelligently recover bad programs.
•RENUMBER
Allow partial renumbering.
•REPORT
Extended error reporting facility.
•SCREEN
Screen dump to cassette or disc.
•UTIL
Display utilities menu.
•UTIL 1
String search.
•UTIL 2
String search and replace.
•UTIL 3
Move Basic program lines.
•UTIL 4
List procedures and functions.
•UTIL 5
List values of A% to Z%.
•UTIL 6
List numeric variables.
•UTIL 7
List string variables.
•UTIL 8
List names of arrays.
•UTIL 9
Set up range for utilities 1 and 2.
BEEBUGSOFT, PO BOX 109, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS HP10 8HQ
Please send me Toolkit(s) at £27.00 each
Name
Address
Send Cheque/Postal Order to BEEBUGSOFT,
DEPT 13 , PO BOX 109, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS HP10 8HQ
(Distribution agents for BEEBUG Publications Ltd.)
Available from your dealer
and selected branches of
W.H. Smiths
Including
VAT & P&P
SEE ALSO BEEBUGSOFT DOUBLE COLOUR ADVERT IN THIS ISSUE.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
49
HINTS &TIPS
□ Martin Phillips offers his advice
„ j'Jp&lgii □ on second disc drives, lists
mBSSm s
fallp commands for Epson printers
disc drive
B UYING a second disc drive was
the subject of a letter from Mr N
Smith from Stoke-on-Trent which
wins him £5. He asked if it was possible
to add a second drive to his single 40-
track, single-sided drive (5^in discs).
The answer is yes, it is easy to do. The
connections are straightforward, and
only some links on the disc drive circuit
board need changing for both drives to
be accessed.
The major problem is one of power,
unless both drives have their own
supply. If the single drive runs from the
BBC’s power supply, then a second
drive can be run from that too, but be
warned, this is getting near the limit of
the capabilities of the system. The easy
answer is to buy a second drive with its
own powersupply.
The other alternative is to look at the
adverts for suppliers of a single drive
with power supply in a case designed to
take two drives. Here readers should
be aware of sizes. There are two 5^in
drive sizes, full-height and half-height,
and you can do this only with the half-
height drives. These are about 4-5cm
high, not including the case. I, in fact,
bought a single drive in a double case,
then bought a second drive when funds
permitted.
The second drive can be 40 or 80-
track, single or double sided and may
not even be the same make, although
this is advisable.
Once the power supply has been
sorted out, the ribbon cable from the
BBC’s disc port to the drive needs to be
altered to take the second drive. A
second ribbon cable can be fitted on the
first without breaking the connections
using a Scotchflex 3365/34 or Amp 1-
585717-5 connector. This can be fitted
anywhere on the ribbon cable, but work
out the best place for yourself before
you actually do it. The new connector Is
put over the first cable, the top is put on
and an answer to error messages
First disc drive
To second
disc drive
Adding cable for second drive
Links to be set
on second drive
Circuit board
Power cable
Cable to BBC micro
Inside a disc drive
IF YOU have a technical hitch or a programming problem let Martin Phillips give his
diagnosis. We’ll pay £5 if you raise a really interesting point. Please give full details
of the system you’re using and include a listing where appropriate, making your ques-
tion as specific as possible. WRITE TO: Hints & Tips, Acorn User, Redwood Publishing
68 Long Acre, London WC2E 9JH.
I HINTS &TIPS
and the assembly squeezed together in
a vice. If you have first disconnected
the second cable from its drive plug it
back into the edge connector on the
disc drive circuit board. The colour
marker on the cable should be to the
right looking from the front of the drive
when fitted, but check which way round
the cable is in the original drive. As an
alternative, a cable can be purchased
with two connectors to suit a double
drive.
Next, the links need to be set on the
second drive s circuit board. These are
sometimes in the form of a row of
switches, or else a series of small links
similar to those on the BBC circuit
board. The common types of drive
available are Mitsubishi, Tec, Teac and
Canon, although more makes are
coming onto the market.
There are two sets of links on the Mit-
subishi board. Looking from the front of
the unit, they are both situated at the far
right-hand side near the edge connec-
tor. They are a series of pins with
coloured jumper clips across pairs of
terminals, and can be removed by lift-
ing the clips off the pins.
The link set nearest the edge connec-
tor and at right-angles to
connected as follows:
it should be
Bottom drive
Topdrive
DSO
link
n/c
DS1
n/c
link
DS2
n/c
n/c
DS3
n/c
n/c
MX
n/c
n/c
HS
link
link
HM
n/c
n/c
DSO-4 are the drive selects. These can
be changed, but the two drives must
have different numbers. It is usual to
only use 0 and 1, as the reverse side of
double-sided discs use 2 and 3 without
any further selection. HM and HS stand
for head-to-motor and head-to-select.
Either could be selected, but the
normal one is HS. In other words the
read/write head will only engage the
floppy disc when that head is required
to communicate with the computer.
This is noisier and slower, but reduces
wear on the disc and head. Also, it is not
so likely to corrupt a disc if the unit is
switched off with the disc still in place.
The Tec drive does not have a head
load solenoid, and so these links are
not present. MX is the multiplexing link
and should normally be unconnected.
MX should always be left unconnected
on the half-height drives but on the full
height Teac drives this link is the
wrong way round, and needs to be
made. The half-height Teac drives have
come into line with the other drives and
do not require the link to be made.
The other set of links are the resistor
terminator set. All floppy disc drives
need to have the drive cable termi-
nated by a resistor. If a second drive is
being installed these resistors should
be removed. On the Mitsubishi, they
are a series of eight links in a row, near
the other links, but on the Teac these
resistors are in an IC-type package in
AT THE request of Dear Kitty I include a
list of printer commands for Epson
printers being used with Wordwise
(table 1). The printer manuals have to
be written for a variety of computers,
and as such need some translation for
the BBC micro. Readers with other
printers will no doubt find the codes
very similar as there is quite good stan-
dardisation here.
white labelled BECKMAN. This pack-
age should be removed from its socket.
On the Tec this resistor is also mounted
in an IC-type package and can be re-
moved from its socket. As most of the
ICs are soldered directly to the board
and not socketed, these resistor net-
works are quite easy to identify. They
are very near to the edge connector.
If using the older Epson printers it
might be necessary to include a 1
before each command (eg OCI.27,1,
69). This will be necessary if using
these commands with VDU statements
for inclusion in programs (eg VDU1,27,
1,69). The commands listed here are
the ones I use most frequently. This list
pinned up near the computer saves
much time and effort.
□Cl 4
OC20
Double width (one line only)
Cancel double width (one line only)
□C27 , 87 , 1
□C27 , 87 , 0
Double width
Cancel double width
0C27 , 52
0C27 , 53
Ital i cs
Cancel italics
0C27 ,51 , 72
0C27 , 50
Double line spacing
Normal line spacing
0C15
OC 1 8
Condensed mode
Cancel condensed mode
0C27 , 80
0C27 , 77
Pica mode
Elite mode
0C27 , 82 , X
Alternate character set
(Engl i sh. . X=3, Amer i can . . X-0)
0C27 , 69
0C27 , 70
Emphasised printing
Cancel emphasised printing
0C27 *71
OC27 , 72
Double-strike mode setting
Cancel double-strike mode
0C27,78,n
0C27 , 79
Skip-over perforation setting
Cancel skip-over
0C27 , 45 , 1
0027,45,0
Underline mode
Cancel underline
□C27 , 83 , 0
0C27 , 84
Superscript on
Superscript off
0C27 , 83 , 1
0C27 , 84
Subscript on
Subscript off
0C27 , 64
Initialise printer, (reset)
Table 1. Translation commands. A list kept to hand saves time and effort
Translating printer commands
for Epson with Wordwise
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
HIGH QUALITY DRIVES
AT EVEN LOWER PRICES.
Opus disc drives are the best buys
on the market.
We have reduced our prices, but the
quality still remains as high as ever.
All our 5 Vf drives have been tested
to their limits, running for 8,000 hours -
that’s a year of constant use.
And when you look at our prices,
you’ll find that VAT, all necessary leads
and carriage are included along with a
two year guarantee - a year more than
any other company can offer.
You can order by posting the coupon
below or calling at our showroom.
V MICRODRIVE.
• Twice the capacity on
line of other available
drives.
• 200K Single Density -
400K Double Deasity.
• Easy to connect to the BBC Micro. • 3ms. Access time.
• Low power consumption - direct drive.
• Manual and free disc cartridge provided.
Double sided 40 Track Drive Single drive £>229.95
Dual drive £>459.95
DOUBLE DENSITY
DISC INTERFACE.
The ultimate Acorn
compatible disc inter
face for your BBC Micro
and 6502 2nd Processor.
• Utilities on ROM including: Format and verify, tape to
disc transfer, automatic 40/80 Track selection, auto-
matic density selection, unique mass copy routine,
powerful machine code operating system giving up to
248 files, 80% faster than single density. Easy to install.
Free user manual supplied £>129.95
5 Mi" SINGLE DISC
DRIVES.
• All !/> height.
• Low power
consumption.
• Comprehensive manual. • Free utilities disc.
• Direct drive mechanism . • Fast access time.
5400 100K Single sided 40 Track £>129.95
540 1 1 00K Single sided 40 Track £>149.95
5402 200K Double sided 40 Track £>169.95
5802 400K Double sided hardware switchable
80/40 Track £,199.95
5V4" DUAL DISC
DRIVES.
• Metal cased and
necessary leads.
• Separate power supply.
• Utilities disc and manual.
540 ID 200K/400K on line S/sided 40 Track £>349.95
5402D 400K/800K on line D/sided 40 Track_£>399.95
5802D 800K/1.6 Megabyte on line D/sided
hardware switchable 80/40 Track £,499.95
FLOPPY DISCS.
3" cartridge £,5.7 5 each or £>25.95 for 5.
5 'A" Discs - with full 5 year warranty and free library
case. S/SS/D £,17.95 for 10.
S/SD/D £,19-95 for 10.
D/SD/D £,21.95 for 10.
S/S 80 Track £,25.95 for 10.
D/S 80 Track £,27.95 for 10.
GENEROUS EDUCATION AND DEALER DISCOUNTS
GIVEN. ALL ITEMS ARE GUARANTEED FOR TWO YEARS
AND ARE SUITABLE FOR USE WITH THE BBC MICRO.
OPUS SUPPLIES LTD.
158 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EE.
Opening hours: 9 00-6.00 Monday ^3=5^ 01-701 8668
Friday, 900- 1.30pm Saturday. 01-7036155
OPUS PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM W.H. SMITHS,
BOOTS, SPECTRUM, JOHN MENZIES, ALLDERS AND
OTHER GOOD COMPUTER STORES NATIONWIDE.
| To: Opus Supplies Ltd., 158 Camberwell Road, London SE5 0EE Please
rush me the following: (ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT & CARRIAGE.)
Quantity
Description
Price
I enclose a cheque for £• TOTAL
Or please debit my credit card account with
the amount oL£
My Acccss/Barclaycard (please tick) No. is
Name-
Address-
-A £24
Telephc
Opus
.A. Opus Suppl ies Ltd
LI
I HINTS &TIPS
A brighter way
of changing
background colour
ANDY HOLLIS from Exeter has sent in a
simple tip to change the background
colour when listing programs. There
are several ways this can be done, but
the way suggested is particularly neat
and quick.
Keep the CTRL key pressed and
press the keys:
V6SBA000.
This will get mode 6, and turn the
background colour to red. Then the
printing on the screen will appear in
white with black between each line of
print. This makes it easier to debug
listings. Other background colours
(including the flashing colours) can be
obtained by changing the ‘A’. For
instance, ‘D’ will give a blue back-
ground.
This method of changing the back-
ground colour and mode cannot be
used in programs, and the programmer
will need to use the VDU statements in
their more normal form.
Two techniques
for turning
the cursor off
SOME months ago, one of my more
learned friends peered over my
shoulder at a program I was writing,
and exclaimed You’re not still switch-
ing the cursor off like that! Haven’t you
seen the new command?’ I almost gave
up programming on the spot. However,
I have since found that the old’ method
of switching the cursor off can some-
times be used to advantage over the
newer method.
There are two ways of turning the
cursor off with the BBC, and although
one is not in the Electron manual, both
work just as well on the Elk.
Diagnosing listings
Martin Phillips goes through some
useful techniques to use when you
find a program you’ve typed in
doesn’t work.
Turn to First Byte on page 33.
The one given in both user guides is:
Cursor off: VDU23, 1,0; 0; 0; 0;
Cursor on: VDU23.1, 1; 0; 0; 0;
The BBC guide also says the cursor can
be switched off another way:
Cursor off: VDU23;8202;0;0;0;
This latter method produces an
interesting character on the screen. It
turns the character to be copied the
inverse of itself. However, it does have
more uses and is more robust. The for-
WHY should programs that would run
on cassette start giving error mess-
ages like No room’ or ‘Bad mode’ on a
disc system? asks Mr Winterton. Some
programs seem to ‘stick’ when they get
to the menu page and go no further.
The reason is that when a disc filing
system (DFS) chip is fitted to a BBC
computer it needs some memory of its
own to store information. This work-
space is just under 3k long, and it is
taken from the memory normally used
for programs. When the computer is
switched on or break is pressed, the
DFS grabs its workspace and moves
PAGE, the position at which the user’s
program is loaded. On a cassette
machine, PAGE is set to &E00, but on a
disc machine this is moved to &1900.
(Econet and teletext similarly grab
some of the memory for their work-
space if fitted.)
The problem experienced by Mr Win-
terton usually occurs in programs that
use graphics and it is when a mode
change occurs that the program now
finds that it has not enough memory
left, hence the Bad mode’ error.
Sometimes a program has an error
routine that sends the program back to
the menu or title page if an error
occurs.
In this case, the program will appear
mer command can be switched on
again using VDU4 as well as the com-
mand given above. The only way to
switch the VDU23;8202 back on is to
change mode.
If you are writing a program that
requires the text and graphics cursors
to be joined and separated repeatedly
(VDU5 and VDU4), then the latter
method for switching the cursor off
using VDU23;8202isthe better oneto use
as it needs to be used only once in the
program (unless the mode is changed).
to cease functioning and remain at the
menu or title page with the only option
being to press the break key. If one then
removes the error routine, the program
will usually respond with the Bad
mode' orsimilar error.
What can be done? Provided that
there is enough memory space to load
the program in from disc, then once
loaded the program can be moved
down in memory to start at &E00. Once
this has been done the computer will
think it is a tape machine, and so will be
unable to then load a data file from disc.
Also, pressing break will give a ‘bad
program’ message, and the program
will have to be reloaded from disc.
A short routine is shown in listing 1
which will move the program down in
memory and then re-run it. This listing
can be *SPOOLed and then added to
the program in question by using
*EXEC with the program loaded in the
machine. Then the program must be re-
saved on disc before it is run. Do check
that the program does not use lines
above 30000 or uses line 0. If it does,
renumber it first. The routine uses line
0 to test if the program is loaded above
&E00, and only relocates it if it is. Line 0
is used, as it is rare for a program to
start here and so it is unlikely to over-
write any original program lines.
0 IF PAGE >&E00 GOTO 32000
32000 *TAPE
32010 FOR I7.=0 TO TOP-PAGE STEP4
32020 17. !&E00=I7.! PAGE: NEXT
32030 ?&13=?&13— (PAGE-&E00) DI V256
32040 PAGE=&E00: RUN
Listing 1. Shifts program down in memory
How to avoid memory problems
when switching from cassette to disc
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
e BBC Computer
• Totally unlimited vocabulary is now possible
with the revolutionary “SWEET TALKER” Speech
Synthesizer for the B.B.C. A or B Microcomputer,
any series.
• The CHEETAH "SWEET TALKER” simply plugs
into speech socket IC99 within the computer.
No soldering, no cutting of tracks, no headaches.
• Based on an allophone system you can easily
program any word, sentence or phrase and
incorporate speech into your software games.
• Fully tested and guaranteed. Complete with
demonstration cassette and full instructions.
Price includes V A
Postage and Pacing
Delivery normally 14 days
Export orders at no extra cost
enquiries welcome
cheque/PO now to
Cheetah, products available from branches ol
WH SMITH $ ^ Rumbelows
Cheetah Marketing Ltd, Dept, a/u 24 Ray Street,
London EC1R 3DJ. Tel:01 833 4909.
Telex: 8954958.
54
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
'The TPata Jitcne
6 CHATTERTON ROAD
BROMLEY
KENT
for th e BBC MICR O
OFFI CIAL ACO RN DE ALERS
WIDE SELECTION OF SOFTWARE
AND PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT
INCLUDING
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
55
4
/
ACORN/BBC
AT LION HOUSE
Lion House, in the centre of Tottenham Court Road, is now the
Largest Acorn Centre in Europe.
Here you will find the best and most up to date selection of Acorn
based disk drives, printers, monitors, second processors,
plotters, ROM, cassette, and disk based software, books, stationery
and supplies.
You’ll get helpful advice from knowledgeable assistants and the
lowest possible prices. If you’re into Acorn products then call into
Lion House.
JUST ARRIVED ACORN Z 80 SECOND PROCESSOR
Turns the BBC Computer into a business system. The Z80 will run CP/M, which
has become the standard operating system for running business programs.
Z80 2nd Processor comes complete with free software programs:
Word processing, filing, financial modelling and three programming
languages: BBC, Mallard Basic, CIS Cobol.
Complete Package:
£ 299.00
+ E3.50p.p.
MICROS
BBC MODEL A - 16K RAM
£299 00 (a)
BBC MODEL B-32K RAM
£399.00 (a)
BBC MODEL BD - 32K RAM,
ACORN DISK INTERFACE
£469.00 (a)
ACORN ELECTRON
£199.00 (a)
We also stock a large range
of Electron software and
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midroriet
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Enter the exciting world of electronic mail,
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Prestel's huge database of information.
Also see Micronet s new STARNET game
for 1000 simultaneous players 1
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ADD-ONS
A-B UPGRADE KIT
£9200
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£265,00 (a)
DOUBLE 800K DRIVE
£803.85 (a)
TELETEXT RECEIVER
£225.00 (b)
CASSETTE RECORDER
£29.50 (b)
EC0NET INTERFACE
£70.00 (c)
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£103 50(d)
SPEECH INTERFACE
£55.00 (c)
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£13.00
6502 2ND PROCESSOR
£199 00(b)
Z80 2ND PROCESSOR
£295.00 (b)
BIT STICK
£375.00 (b)
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W k.
£325.00 (b)
yjfi
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per this leaflet. Offer closes 31 st July 1984.
Lion Micro Computers
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BBC COMPATIBLE 5±" DISK
DRIVES AT LION HOUSE
PACE
MICROWARE
PSD1 SS 40T SINGLE 100K £174 15(a)
PSD2 DS 40T SINGLE 200K £428.07 (a)
PSD3 DS 40/80T SINGLE 200/400K £289 1 5 (a)
PSD4 DS 80T SINGLE 400K £257.93 (a)
PDD1 SS 40 DUAL 200K £345.00 (a)
PDD2 DS 40 DUAL 400K £483 00 (a)
PDD3 DS 40/80T DUAL 400K £573.36 (a)
PDD4 DS 80 DUAL 800K £479 71 (a)
PDD5 SS 40/80T DUAL 20Q/400K £501 07 (a)
ZL241 BH 40T DS SINGLE 200K £241 50 (a)
ZL242BH 40T DS DUAL 400K £438.64 (a)
ZL281 BH 80T DS SINGLE 400K £279.29 (a)
ZL282BH 80T DS DUAL 800K £51 7 50 (a)
ZL281 BHX 40/80T SINGLE 400K £299 00 (a)
ZL282BHX 40/80T DUAL 800K £537 00 (a)
ZL282BHXX 40/80T EACH DRIVE DUAL 800K
£556 93(a)
CUMANA
CS100 SS40T SINGLE POWER SUPPLY 100K
£199.00 (a)
TORCH
TORCH Z80A DISK PACK
TORCH Z80A CELL PROCESSOR
BBC COMPATIBLE PRINTERS AT LION HOUSE
EPSON
RX80 DOT MATRIX
£309.00 (a)
RX80FT DOT MATRIX
£329.00 (a)
FX80FT DOT MATRIX
£439.00 (a)
SERIAL BOARD
£39.95(c)
FX80 TRACTOR UNIT
£42.17(0
JUKI
JUKI 6100 DAISYWHEEL
£429.00 (a)
JUKI TRACTOR UNIT
£117.00(b)
JUKI SERIAL INTERFACE
£71.00(b)
BBC COMPATIBLE
MONITORS AT LION HOUSE
BBC BUSINESS PACKAGES
A large selection of business packages, available on disk, each package can be linked to
provide a full integrated business system. Modules comprise invoicing, order processing,
stock control, accounts, purchasing, mailing, word-processing (on ROM), spreadsheets etc.
Come in and speak to our experts regarding your needs.
ROM BASED SOFTWARE
CARETAKER - BASIC UTILITY ROM £33.35
COMMUNICATOR - COMMUNICATIONS ROM
£69 00
COMMSTAR - COMMUNICATIONS ROM C34.00
DISK DOCTOR - DISK UTILITIES ROM £33.35
GRAPHICS ROM - UTILITY ROM £33.35
(OVER 28 GRAPHIC COMMANDS)
GREMLIN - MACHINE LANGUAGE MONITOR
ROM £33.35
PRINTMASTER - EPSON PRINTER UTILITIES
ROM £3335
TOOLSTAR - PROGRAMME DEBUGGING ROM
£34 00
TERMI - TERMINAL/MODEM UTILITY ROM
£33.35
VIEW - ACORN WORD PROCESSING PACKAGE
£59.80
VIEWSHEET- ACORN SPREADSHEET PACKAGE
£5980
WORDWISE- WORD PROCESSING PACKAGE
£46 00
ULTRACALC - SPREADSHEET PACKAGE £65 00
ACORN BUSINESS SOFTWARE
£24 95 ACCOUNTS PAYABLE £24.95
£24 95 STOCK CONTROL £24 95
£24 95 PURCHASING £24.95
MAILING £24.95
WE ALSO STOCK A FULL RANGE OF OTHER BUSINESS AND GAMES PACKAGES
INVOICING
ORDER PROCESSING
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
AND OF COURSE A COMPLETE RANGE OF GAMES
Lion Micro Computers
BROTHER
EP44 DOT MATRIX
£245.00 (a)
HR1 DAISYWHEEL
£688.85 (a)
HR5 DOT MATRIX
£182.85 (a)
HR1 5 DAISYWHEEL
£455.00 (a)
HR25 DAISYWHEEL
£750.00(a)
HR1 5 TRACTOR UNIT
£109.25 (a)
HR15 SHEET FEEDER
£253.00(0
HR1 5 KEYBOARD
£172.50(0
MONITORS
HANTEREX 9" GREEN AMBER £1 10.00 (a)
HANTEREX 12" GREEN/AMBER £11 7 00 (a)
HANTEREX 14" RGB COLOUR MONITOR
£199 50(a)
(SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER)
KAGA-TAXAN 12" GREEN £125 00 (a)
KAGA-TAXAN 1 EX 1 2" RGB COLOUR (MED RES)
£268.00 (a)
KAGA VISION 1112" RGB COLOUR (HIGH RES)
£322.00 (a)
KAGA VISION III 1 2 " RGB COLOUR (SUPER HIGH
RES) £458 85 (a)
MICROVITEC 1431 14" RGB Standard RES
£228 85 0)
MICROVITEC 1451 14" RGB (HIGH RES)
£385.25 (a)
OTHERS
SANPLE DAISY STEP 2000 £343.95 (a)
SHINWA CP-80 £259.95 (a)
BBC CENTRONICS PRINTER CABLE £16 95 (d)
BBC SERIAL PRINTER CABLE £1 2.95 (d)
DISKS AT
LION HOUSE
SCOTCH/
CONTROL DATA/
DENNISON
(BOX OF lO)
SS DD 40T
DS DD 40T
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DS DD 80T
DATALIFE
MD525 SS DD 40T
MD550 DS DD 40T
MD577 SS DD 80T
MD557 DS DD 80T
(TWIN PACK)
MD525
MD550
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10 CLEANING DISKS
£ 6 03
£11.54
Lion House. 227 Tottenham Court Road.
London W1P OHX. 01 580 7383
BOOKS AT LION HOUSE
1 ADVANCED GRAPHICS FOR BBC
2 ADVANCED PROG TECHNIQUES BBC
3 ADVANCED USER GUIDE BBC
4 ALP FOR THE BBC MICRO 'MACMILLAN;
6 BASIC PROG BBC MICRO
7 BBC BASIC
8 BBC BASIC IFOR BEGINNERS
9 BBC DISK COMPANION
10 BBC GRAPHICS AND SOUND
11 BBC IN EDUCATION
12 BBC MICROS EXPERT GUIDE
13 BBC MICRO ASSEMBLY LANG
14 BBC MICRO BOOK SOUND GRAPHICS
15 BBC MICRO FOR BEGINNERS
16 BBC REVEALED
17 BEST OF PCW SOFTWARE BBC
18 BRAIN TEASERS FOR THE BBC'ELECT
19 CREATING ADVENTURE PROGS. BBC
20 DlY ROBOT-CS AND SENSORS
21 DISCOVERING BBC MACHINE CODE
22 DISK SYSTEMS TOR THE BBC
23 EASY PROGRAMMING FOR YOUR BBC
24 FUNCTIONAL FORTH BBC
25 FURTHER PROGRAMMING FOR THE BBC
26 GAMES BBC COMPUTERS PL AY
27 GAMES FOR YOtJR BBC
28 GRAPHIC ART FOR BBC
29 GRAPHICS ON THE BBC MICRO
30 HOBBIT (BOOK AND CASSETTE i
£9 95
3»
£8 95
32
£U 95
33
£8 95
34
EY'
35
£7 95
36
£6 95
37
£5 95
38
£6 95
39
£7 95
40
£6 95
41
£6 50
42
£6 95
43
£7 95
44
£7 95
45
£6 95
46
£7 95
47
£5 95
48
£5 95
49
£6 95
50
£6 95
51
£6 95
£6 95
52
£5 95
53
£5 95
54
£5 95
55
£6 95
56
£2 95
57
£5 95
58
£6 95
59
£14 95
60
PROGS FOP BBC ACORN ATOM
100 PROGS FOR THE BBC
START PROG WITH El ECTRON
£5 95
61
£6 45
62
£5 95
63
£5 95
64
£5 95
65
£6 95
66
£4 95
£6 50
67
£6 95
68
£9 95
69
£5 95
70
£6 95
71
£3 25
72
£6 95
73
£5 95
74
£5 95
75
£6 95
£7 95
76
£7 95
77
1 1> a
78
:ro
79
£1095
80
£7 95
81
£8 95
82
£12 95
83
£6 95
84
£6 95
85
£695
86
£5 95
87
£6 45
88
£5 95
89
iREP PROG K>R EDUCATION ,BBC
E6 95
£6 95
£5 95
£6 95
£5 95
£5 95
£5 95
£6 95
£6 95
£6 95
£ 7 50
£7 50
£7 50
C7 50
ACCESSORIES AT LION HOUSE
BBC ACCESSOBIES
PRISM MODEM 1000
£ 69.95(b)
PRISM COMMUNICATION ROM
£ 19 95
PRISM COMMUNICATION TAPE
£ 1495
GRAFPAD
£143 75(b)
RH LIGHTPEN
£ 45.95
VIDEO DIGITISER
£250 00(b)
DUST COVER
£ 4.50
BBC MONITOR/PRINTER STAND
£ 16 95(c)
BBC TORCH/MONITOR STAND
£ 24 95(C)
BANDRIDGE BBC JOYSTICK INTERFACE
£ 1195
LEADS
BBC CASSETTE BACLE
£ 3 95
PARALLEL PRINTER CABLE
£16 95(d)
RS432 - RS232 SERIAL CABLE
£12.95 (d)
VIDEO MONITOR CABLES
£ 5 95
7-PIN 7-PIN DIN
£ 3 95
L FREE! A data recorder and
live assorted Acornsoft
cassettes or 8 Acornsolt
cassettes with every BBC
‘B’ purchased.
A/S J
SPEECH UNITS
ACORN SPEECH SYNTHESISER
CHEETAH SPEECH BOX
£55 00 (c)
£24 95(0
STORAGE BOXES
M35 LOCKABLE 40 DISC STORAGE
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M85 LOCKABLE 90 DISC STORAGE
£24.95 (d)
ACCO LOCKABLE 50 DISC STORAGE
£24 75(d)
FLIP N FILE 15 DISC STORAGE
£ 8 25(d)
PRINTER PAPER
% x 11 1000 SHEETS
£ 9 00 (Cl
9; x 11 2000 SHEETS
El 5 00(0
14’ x 11 2000 SHEETS
£1980(0
TORCH Z80 DISK PACK
Acorn approved CP/M compatible business add-
on package, comprismg of 2 x 400K disk drives,
Z80 processor with 64K memory, complete with
"perfect" software, perfect writer, perfect
speller, perfect calc, and perfect file £835
CLEANING
AIDS
AF 5 25 CLEANING KIT
£14 95(d)
AM KEYBOARD CLEANING KIT
£ 4 31 (d)
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£ 4 31 (d)
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£ 5 85(d)
To: Lion House Retail Limited, Lion House, 227 Tottenham Count Road, London W1P OHX.
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Name
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Address
Postcode
Overwhelmed
with software
Sir, Having read the review of
Acorns Z80 second pro-
cessor, I wonder whether
Acorn has scoured the world’
for a ‘rag bag’ of software that
will leave most serious users
thinking where do they go
next.
Acorn’s marketing strategy
seems to be to overwhelm
potential customers with the
sheer weight of software.
Indeed one suspects that there
is more paper in the package
than electronic circuitry -so
much for the paperless office!
One cannot help but think
from the size of the software
bundle, with its 11 separate
items and high valuation of
£3,000, that there is some des-
peration on the part of the soft-
ware houses to sell their
products, hence the enormous
giveaway. It is interesting to
note that not many of the more
widely known products are
being offered in the package,
although some are mentioned
as being suitable in your Q/A
session.
Your brief description of the
software seems to raise more
questions than it answers.
Nucleus looks very flexible,
but why the need for FilePlan
and does the latter then
require the purchase of Mail -
Plan? MemoPlan would seem
to be a comprehensive word
processor, although there is
again the suggestion that a
further package will be
required to make the best use
of it.
However, alongside it,
GraphPlan looks positively
crude, despite its colour
graphics. With 50 x 20 cells, the
latter is smaller than the
cassette-based Beebcalc from
Gemini. It has no split screen
facility and does not appear to
cater for linked worksheets
such as those provided by
Multi Plan from Microsoft.
Finally, what use is a graphics
package that is not actually
used by any of the bundled
software?
I would have preferred a
fully integrated suite of pro-
grams offered, which seems to
have been the Torch and
Sinclair approach, or, better
still, a choice of suites for say
small business applications,
financial analysts, the serious
programmer or scientific and
technical applications.
Perhaps when you do a full
review of Acorn’s Z80 soft-
ware, you could also do a com-
parison with the offering from
Torch.
One question for Torch -is
CP/N really fully compatible
with CP/M and, if so, why
needlessly confuse the poten-
tial customer with different ter-
minology?
Robin A Richmond
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire
Second processor
problems
Sir, Having just purchased the
6502 second processor I find
that none of my paged ROMs
will work with it switched on,
eg I am totally unable to use:
Wordwise, Graphics, Exmon,
Micronet, Commstar, Toolkit
unless I have the second pro-
cessor switched off!
It seems that Acorn has
‘conned’ me into believing the
second processor is the best
thing since sliced bread.
Maybe it is, but having it is
proving to be totally useless
when one considers the use-
fulness of the above ROMs.
I suppose the suppliers of
these ROMs may decide to re-
write them for the likes of me. I
only hope they will take the
existing ROMs in exchange,
because having spent £200 on
the second processor I’m not
willing to spend around a
further £150 to upgrade all the
ROMs.
Also, when operating in
Mode 7, why have I not got 71k
of memory available? (26k
from the existing BBC B' plus
45k from the second pro-
cessor).
Will someone please explain
why, with the second pro-
cessor (operating in Hi-Basic)
I have only gained 19k (45k—
26k) and not a full extra 45k as
mentioned in the second User
Guide?
If, on switch-on, the original
BBC ‘B’ Basic ROM is copied
into the second processor,
what’s happened to the orig-
inal 26k that I was able to use?
The second Guide, chapter 9,
Distinguishing between Mem-
ories’ is no help in saying ‘sup-
pose you run a machine code
program . . .’ Suppose you
don’t How do I recover the
original BBC B’ 26k of
memory?
Anyone want to buy a brand
new 6502 second processor?
I Crawford
Banbury
Difficult times
Down Under
Sir, As tales of would-be Elec-
tron owners lining up on cold
December mornings to pur-
chase their very own 'Cam-
bridge Cabbage Patch Dolls’
reach us in Australia (yes, the
computer magazines are that
far behind), I would like to tell
the story of my own little
Acorn, and maybe cheer up
those who thought they were
badly done by.
Firstly, no Aussie computer
magazine mentioned the
arrival of the Electron in this
country. Everyone here buys
either Commodores or Apple
lookalikes. The Beeb has been
available for some time, but its
price has kept its numbers
down. (The current Australian
price is equal to just over
£ 1 , 000 .)
I’d read about the Electron
in some English journals, and
was on the verge of ordering
one from England when I
noticed that a Sydney Com-
puter shop had them in stock.
Expecting a rush, I hurried
over. -
Not only were there some
left, none were yet sold. In fact
the dealer said he was having
a hard time getting people to
look at them, let alone sell any.
So I bought one.
Now I have no gripes about
the machine itself. I have no
need to sing its praises in your
magazine Even the interfac-
ing (or the lack of it) has posed
no problems. But don’t talk
about support . . .
Despite searching some six
Acorn dealers (one of whom
didn’t know it was even though
the distributor gave me its
name and address), no Elec-
tron sofware was available. In
fact this is still the situation
some two months after buying
the machine. The dealers told
me to contact the distributors
who said that they didn’t have
any and to contact the dealers.
The results was that the
Acorn Electron must be the
only computer on the Austra-
lian market with no software
support, and considering the
number of Asian imports we
get, that’s not a bad effort. The
available BBC programs are
very limited, and not always
compatible.
So I am left with a superb
machine, an introductory
cassette, and a pile of Pommy
magazines with BBC and Elec-
tron listings.
I would like my full name
and address to be printed so
that any enterprising UK com-
panies might like to let me
know what they have for the
Electron. And when I order
software, don’t bother with
copy protection, because
there’s nobody else Down
Under to even give the stuff to!
Earl White
5 Leopold St
Croydon Park 2133
Sydney, NSW
Australia
Second success
with Ultracalc
Sir, On page 84 of your May
issue, Clive Williamson says
that our spreadsheet ‘Ultra-
calc’ does not work with the
second processor. It does! I
have had it running on the
other side of the Tube where
about 5k extra memory is
gained on a disc system.
David Atherton
BBC Publications
London W1
Serial printers
and the Atom
Sir, Way back in January '81, I
purchased an Acorn Atom.
Since then I have expanded it
to 96K (at present) of which
42K is ROM; incidentally, I
have been using ‘sideways'
principle since 1982; during
this time I have discarded the
original case, and changed the
keyboard in favour of what was
once an old Univac keyboard,
so now I don’t need to press
shift to get punctuation.
Also, the old PCB did not
lend itself to much modifica-
tion so I rebuilt the circuit on
plain RBP and used verowire.
I have rewritten the original
ROM to give me 15 ports (inc
ROM/RAM switching) between
•*B040 and 4B3FF and a text
start at #0C00 plus a few other
uses.
The whole shebang is
housed in a metal cabinet
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
COURSES FOR THE
BBC & ELECTRON
£ 9-95
BASIC Adventures In Space (age 7 upwards)
This is for the more junior reader and is written as a
three part adventure story which teaches the
language BASIC. Part 1 is available for the BBC
computer now, and an ELECTRON version will be
out shortly.
The first half of the book included in the course is
the adventure story, in which heroes are
accidentally teleported onto a derelict spaceship.
They must learn how to operate the spaceship s
computer if they are to escape.
The second half of the book is a special easy
reference' section. Each BASIC command
covered in the story is given a separate, careful
explanation, complete with at least one example in
each case.
The book is complemented by full software
provided on tape. This includes the programs
which are on the spaceship's computer, and four
Computer Aided Learning’ programs. These
teach the major BASIC commands, and demons-
trate a complete program, explaining it as it runs.
The full 6502 instruction set is covered in detail,
and each command is demonstrated with short
example programs.
The courses include full software on tape:
Disassembler - this disassembles code any-
where in memory.
Search Utility - searches for a number or string
anywhere in memory.
Binary/BCD/Hexadecimal tutor - this Compu-
ter Aided Learning’ tutor teaches the various
mathematical notations used in machine-code
programming.
BASIC Courses
These project based courses guide you step-by-
step through BASIC, developing games and
utilities using progressively more complex com-
mands and structures. All the software developed
is provided on tape so you can get a taste of the
programs first and then dissect and understand
them whilst working along with the detailed
explanations given in the book.
£ 12 * 5 °
Assembly Language Courses For The BBC
And Electron
These courses use the well proved Dr Watson
formula that has been described by critics as
"worth its weight in gold”. No prior knowledge of
assembly language or machine-code is assumed,
and the aim is to ensure that every reader really
suceeds.
Tested on beginners, these courses will have
readers running their first assembly language
program within ten minutes of opening the book.
HONEYFOLD SOFTWARE LTD
Standfast House
Bath Place
High Street, Barnet
London EN51ED
Tel: 01-441 4130
Beginners BASIC For The BBC
Starting from first principles and avoiding
technical language, the reader is shown how to
develop and write eight major programs. Starting
with a simple number guessing game, then a
hangman’ game, a simple video squash' game,
all the way up to a fully-fledged draughts-like
board game, ‘diamonds of time’.
Advanced BASIC For The BBC
Programs developed and explained include a
general-purpose bar graph plotter; a space-
invaders type video game; a "tune plot’ program
that allows the user to create tunes without having
to know any music; an envelope shaping utility to
aid development of complex sounds; and a data
filing program which will allow a 100K disc to hold
at least 250 records with 20 fields in each record.
( soon to be available for the Electron)
COURSES AVAILABLE FROM:
W.H. Smiths, BOOTS, SPECTRUM
stores and all good computer
shops and many bookshops.
60
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
10 TIME-0: FOR 11=1 TO 1000:G0SUB 10000:N£*T
15 PRINT TIME/ 100: STOP
100
101
102
Variable nuaber of lines containing one space
10000 RETURN
20000 DEFPROCAiENDPROC
Nuaber of lines
60SUB
PROCedures
1
0.46
0.69
5
0.52
0.69
10
0.60
0.69
50
1.18
0.69
100
1.92
0.70
500
7.0
0.70
1000
15.16
0.70
10 INPUT 'NUMBER OF LINES'
20 PA6E=PA6E+M00
,NL
30 FOR NX=100 TO NL+99
40 ! I =H000000+ ( NXR0D256) H 1 0000+ (NXDI V256) «H00+13
:1?4=J2: 1=1+5
60 NEXT NX
70 !I=lFF0D
Figure 1. Robert Tidey’s program (top) for testing execution of
GOSUB calls. To test PROCedures replace GOSUB 1000 with
PROCA. The results for different numbers of program lines are
shown. The other program was the one used to create the dummy
lines in the test program
once used as a compressor
housing, together with an
automatic battery back-up
supply to alleviate mains
power cuts.
As a little diversion, may I
point out that on page 121 of
your June issue Vincent Fojut
is totally wrong as to using a
serial printer on an Atom; I am
currently using an ITT Envoy
printer, and have used Creed
7B teletypes, both of which are
serial formats.
Anyway my question is one
of name. Is my machine an
Acorn Atom or not?
NJTubb
Crawley
Sussex
PS. If you are wondering about
the FP using #2800, I’ve also
rewritten that to use ^OBOO
instead.
Vincent Fojut replies; I actually
said that ‘a serial printer can-
not be used directly with the
Atom.’ That is, unlike the
Beeb, you cannot plug a serial
printer straight into a stan-
dard, unmodified Atom, and
expect it to work.
This is not to say that it’s im-
possible to drive a serial
printer from the Atom - but you
must develop (or purchase)
additional software and/or
hardware to make things work,
as you will undoubtedly know
from your own experience.
Other readers, who don’t
want to do the work them-
selves, may like to know of the
Disatom utility ROM by Pro-
cyon. Amongst other things,
this enables you to use the
Atom’s cassette port as an out-
put driver for serial devices.
Contact: Focusplan, 57 West-
gate, Cleckheaton, W Yorks
BD195HH.
Misleading
test programs
Sir, I would like to correct a
misunderstanding about the
relative speed of using
GOSUB or PROC on the BBC
computer and Electron in Gary
Smallridge’s article ‘Basic in-
crease in speed and space’
[Acorn User June). In this Mr
Smallridge states that using
GOSUBs is faster than using
procedures, contrary to the
statement in the User Guide
(page 195). He gives a pro-
gram that proves this.
Unfortunately, this type of
test program is misleading
because of the different way
the interpreter handles the two
types of routine call. For
GOSUB the interpreter
searches through the program
from the start until the desti-
nation line number is found.
The time taken depends on the
position of the routine in the
program. For a short program
like the test the GOSUB call
can be quite fast, but as the
program becomes longer the
speed deteriorates rapidly. In
contrast, after the first refer-
ence to a procedure the inter-
preter ‘knows’ the location of
the procedure definition and
can call it directly without
having to search. This means
that in practice procedures will
be much faster.
A more realistic test pro-
gram that demonstrates this is
given in figure 1, with results
for varying program lengths.
For programs where the
subroutines are beyond the fif-
teenth line procedures are
faster and for longer programs
the difference becomes sub-
stantial. The speed of a pro-
cedure call is essentially
independent of the size of the
program.
Robert Tidey
Middlesex
Undocumented
op codes
Sir, The suggestion that
certain undocumented 6502 op
codes are ‘newly discovered’
(Atom Forum, June) is some-
what wide of the mark.
Several articles have
appeared on this subject, the
earliest I can find being in Byte
as far back as December 1977!
However, full marks to Barry
Pickles for resurrecting the
subject and for producing a
very useful table.
It should be noted that the
65C02 (plug compatible with
the 6502) does use some of
these, including all the x7 and
xF codes.
Finally, has anyone
installed a 65C02 in one of the
Acorn machines?
Geoff Smith
Worcester Park
Surrey
When experts
are in error
Sir, I am saddened to see an
otherwise excellent magazine
spoilt by the inclusion of
articles which contain state-
ments that are inaccurate and
in some cases simply incor-
rect, particularly when these
articles are written by pro-
fessional programmers to help
the 'less adept’ amateur. In
particular, Gary Smallridge’s
article in the June issue con-
tains several such errors.
In section 7 he advises users
not to ‘start variable names or
procedure names with the
same letter’. While this is
excellent advice for variable
names, it will have no effect on
procedure or user-defined
function names. This is
because of the way these are
stored in memory. The Basic
interpreter has 28 linked lists
for accessing these names,
one for variables starting with
each letter of the alphabet, one
for procedures and one for
user defined functions. It is
faster to spread the variables
between these lists but as pro-
cedures and functions have
their own lists no gain is
obtained with this technique.
In the section on saving
memory he states that in BBC
Basic a real number will use
five bytes of memory whereas
integers (eg, 1%, FRED%) will
use only four.’ In fact there are
three types of numeric scalar
variables (ie single numbers,
excluding arrays). These are
the resident integer variables,
normal integer variables and
real variables. The resident
integer variables, as he points
out earlier in the article,
require no additional memory
as they are already declared
in reserved locations. Normal !
integer variables require the >
length of the name, including
the *%’ plus six additional I
bytes, four to store the value
and two to store the pointer to
the next variable starting with
the same letter.
Although the first letter of
the name is not stored but
implied from the linked list in
which the variable occurs, an
additional zero byte is
required as the terminator for
the variable name. As such the
variable FRED% would
require a total of 11 bytes of
memory. A real variable, as he
suggests, does require an
additional byte to store the
value giving a total of the
length of the name plus seven
additional bytes. However, as
there is no terminator on real
variables, this saves one byte,
giving the same amount of
memory required for variables
with the same name. A real
variable FRED would still
require 11 bytes of storage.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Sinsriu Software
PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE FOR THE BBC MICRO
EASIPLOT
EASIPLOT is a sophisticated AND user friendly graph package for the
BBC Micro, placed 14th in the top 20 Educational packages by the.
leading Educational Computing Magazine. EASIPLOT has also come to
be regarded as an 'outstanding business package' and 'excellent value
for money'.
Note:- EASIPLOT 3 comes complete with the number charting
program DATA PLOTTER with graph magnification, colour and
moving average facilities. SUPERB VALUE AT £22.95.
I9H? SHI t S
=3 Dish w.isher s
■ M i - F •
1111 Cookers
Cl Hots un its
Hi* i t em >>eil breakdown of output
of Stoi e B . .
prepared by J Fdwards Ijn^SJ
■■■■■■
EASIPLOT FACIUTES
Line, Bar and Pie Charts
Auto & Manual Scaling
Grid & Scatter Options
No of simultaneous graphs
Overwrite memory
Screensave facility
Screendump facility
Fixed description per graph (char's)
Full plot and axis editing
Save, Load & *CAT facilities
Single file selection
Operating Manual (pages)
DISK CASSETTE
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
5
3
YES
NO
YES
YES
YES
YES
up to 200
100
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
NO
52
52
All our programs will produce hard copy on the following printers:-
EPSON (entire range), Shinwa CP80, Star DP 510, Seikosha (GP80A &
GP100A). Share Analyser will produce reports on any BBC compatible
printer.
PLEASE NOTE:- Our programs CANNOT BE OBTAINED FROM YOUR
LOCAL DEALER so send for details NOW.
PROGRAM PRICE
Data Plotter (cassette) . . Model B & Electron £7.00
Data Plotter (disk) . . Model B £8.00
Easiplot 1 (cassette) . . Model B & Electron £15.95
Easiplot 2 (disk only) . . Model B £19.95
Easiplot 3 (including Data Plotter-disk only) £22.95
Share Analyser (cassette) . . Model B & Electron £14.95
Share Analyser (disk only) . . Model B £19.95
Disk orders. . please state 40 or 80 track (add £1 for 80 track and £1.50 for
overseas orders). We will upgrade Easiplot 1 to Easiplot 2 for £7 (£10 to
Easiplot 3) .
Write for full details of all our programs or leave your name and
address with our Answerphone service (Luton 33858).
All programs are normally despatched within 24 hours.
Send cheque/ P.O. etc to
Synergy Software, 7 St Andrews Close. Slip End, Luton, LU I 4DE.
62
SHARE ANALYSER
SHARE ANALYSER is a sophisticated portfolio reporting and share
analysis package designed for the small investor. The disk version has
a capacity of 20,000 SHARE PRICES and up to 320 buy/ sell deals
covering 20 share names. Share Analyser has facilities for profit
flexing and multiple merging of graphs and a variety of selectable
indicators SHARE ANALYSER IS A MUST FOR THE INVESTOR
AT A BARGAIN PRICE.
PROFIT STATEMENT
NAME BRITISH PETROLEUM
Bought
DEALINGS
Av Price
Cost
600
338
2028
Sold
Av Price
Income
300
426
1278
Held
Curr Price
Mkt Vain
300
438
1314
Gross Profit
564
Income
257
Expenses
101
Net Profit
720
% Gain = 36
SHARE ANALYSER FACILITIES
DISK CASSETTE
No of prices stored
20,000
Appx 1700
Max no' of Holdings
20
20
Transactions per holding
16
16
Range adjuster
YES
NO
File Manager
YES
NO
Printer Manager
YES
NO
REPORTS PRODUCED:-
Portfolio Valuation
YES
YES
Portfolio Profit Analysis
YES
YES
Share Profit Analysis
YES
YES
Share Movement Analysis
YES
YES
Transaction Record Report
YES
NO
File Status Report
YES
NO
GRAPHICS FACILITIES:-
Magnification option
YES
YES
Grid
YES
YES
Autoscale
YES
YES
Screenwrite
YES
YES
Screendump
YES
YES
SELECTABLE GRAPHICAL INDICATORS:-
Lagged Moving Average
YES
YES
Centred Moving Average
YES
YES
Rise and fall indicator
YES
YES
Weekly/ Daily Low indicator
YES
YES
Superimpose Facility
YES
YES
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
There is only a saving in
memory made when integer
arrays are used instead of real
arrays. In this case one byte is
saved for every element in the
array, less the extra byte
required in the name.
Although I understand it is
difficult to check the accuracy
of the information in every
article, I would like to state that
this quality of writing tends to
reinforce the opinion held by
many people that so-called
‘computer experts’ have little
more ability in the field than
most people who have just
bought a home micro but have
not yet learnt the jargon.
Mark Simms
Bristol
Desk design
Sir, As a part of my ‘A’ level
design course I am designing
a computer desk/work unit
with the home user in mind. At
the moment I am investigating
what form one of these units
should adopt, whether it be an
expandable system or a solid
single unit.
As I will be designing,
making and possibly selling
the design of this desk, I would
be very grateful for any ideas.
S Plenderleith
Kirkbie Kendal School
Lound Road
Kendal LA9 7EQ
Inspect bags
Sir, Unfortunately in editing
my program, Inspect , which
appeared in your July issue, a
couple of bugs have crept in.
Line310should read:
310 LDX 48
and line 640 should be:
640 LDA 48
To save a usable version,
enter these changes and type
‘SAVE INSPECT 8D0 9FF
and you should find that all will
be OK.
M Clayden
Merseyside
Tape loader
Sir, The listings for ‘Tape
Loader’ in Acorn User, June
are not the final versions of the
program. They contain at least
one error and if the main pro-
gram is ‘pruned’ as suggested
in the accompanying article it
may subsequently crash. The
changes given in figure 2
should make the program run
correctly and more smoothly.
John Bexon
Kent
LISTING 1.
50 LOMEM=TOP+*<80:
TP*/.=TOP-l
80 *KEY10 OLD!
MEND ! MRUN ! M
320 R7.=FNC(TPV.)
630 RESTORE 1002s CT*/.=-l
sCLSsPRINT' ’ "Programs
on this tape are:
• :L*/.«FNC(TPy.)
In line 750 instead oi
KEY -fO use BREAK
Listing 2.
80 *KEY10 ?&218*S<DC;
7S.2 1 9=8<D: *?*,20A»&D6 * '
>&20B-fcD* OLD I MEND I
MRUN ! M
Figure 2
High rollers
Sir, I have an idea to improve
your magazine, that is if you
can improve on perfection
(creep, creep). It came to me
(the idea that is), while reading
B Nesbit’s letter in your June
issue. How about keeping a list
of the highest scores achieved
by readers at various popular
games?
Mark Coles
Birmingham
A number of readers have
written in to boast of their per-
formance in various games.
We list the high scores below
to get the ball rolling. Record-
breakers please write in.
Mark Coles
Rocket Raid
Snapper (keyboard)
Danger UXB
Overdrive
39,780
131,810
320,750
55,210
Meteors
ChuckieEgg
Pengo
Crazy Painter
22,980
1,048,820
35,790
55,240
Stephen Green
Android Attack
Starship Command
602,590
2,059
Arcadians
Zalaga
27,300
111,930
RobetHirskyj
Planetoids
346,775
ASK a silly question, pass a fair comment, stage an angry
protest -we don’t mind what you write to us about (or about
usl). Keep ’em short, keep ’em sweet, but keep ’em coming!
The address is: Letters, Acorn User, Redwood Publishing,
68 Long Acre, London WC2E 9JH.
Kitty answers
the simple
questions that
confuse many
Since we got our BBC
micro, my husband
never takes his hands
off it from the time he
gets home. I don’t mind this, in
fact it’s nice to see him take
such an interest in something.
However, when I ask him what
he’s doing till the small hours,
his answers are incomprehen-
sible -I’m not even sure he
knows what he’s talking about.
Rosie Reynolds
Cornwall
0 When I first got my
BBC I also found
myself absolutely en-
grossed -I had to put
an alarm clock on top of the TV
to remind me of just how much
time was passing! The main
thing about getting to grips
with a micro is the splendid
sense of achievement when
you set yourself a problem and
then manage to solve it in a
logical way. Writing your first
program which actually works
is just like passing a driving
test!
Most of my friends at
work have got com-
puters and seem to talk
about nothing else.
What use are home micros?
When I ask what use they are,
all I get are evasive replies -
as if none of my friends want to
admit that they are of no use at
all. Can this be true?
Nicholas Spencer
London
0 lt all depends on what
you mean by useful. As
an aid to logical
thought, yes, they are
useful. However, a Beeb on its
own (with no add-ons) is use-
less for so-called usefulness -
it won’t run the central heating
or manage your household
budget. That said, a lone Beeb
is useful in that it gives you an
interest and stops you watch-
ing so much TV; if you get
involved in graphics it will
brush up your geometry- it’s
alsojustplainfun.
If, though, you have some
add-ons (printer or discs) then
it can become a wordproces-
sor-and you’ll never want to
touch a typewriter again! It’s
also very handy for mailing
lists and other time-consum-
ing repetitive tasks.
Going one stage further, a
Z80 second processor will turn
your Beeb into a proper
business system - accounts,
stock control- virtually every-
thing a small business could
need.
Some of the articles in this
issue may set you thinking
about education, and teaching
your children, which is some-
thing else a micro can do.
But remember, a computer
for most people becomes an
end in itself: it just replaces
watching TV, or tinkering with
cars, or doing crosswords.
| Having saved up
nearly five hundred
pounds to buy a BBC
I micro and the bits to
make it work, I was expecting
not to have to spend any more.
Little did I know that it would
continue to be a drain on our
holiday money. It seems my
family will never stop wanting
more software and add-ons!
What I want to know is whether
the micro is going to be a pass-
ing fad like skateboards or
roller-skates?
Michael Fernandez
Dorset
□ I just wish someone
did know the final
answer to this ques-
tion! A home computer
is certainly different from other
toys; it doesn’t have to be used
just as a toy and there are
plenty of useful things it can
do.
Second, a computer is more
like Lego or Meccano than a
pair of roller-skates. You can
build many different things
around it and it is only really
limited by the imagination of
the user.
For the home computer to
die out a better toy must come
along: it’s difficult to imagine a
more versatile one.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
iture (
The company which brought you the first self-build Arcade game and the first Adventure
with sound, just had to be the one to give you the very first QUEST for the Beeb!
toorte anti Sorter?
a netw t\x:pe turner ...
QUEST programs originated on the American mainframe computers, and were converted to micros, though requiring so much
full feature
memory could only be made to work on expanded Apple micros and the like. Now, Kansas have crammed a
Quest into 32K, giving every BBC Micro owner the opportunity to play and experience these unique games
•-4
So what is a Quest? Think of an Adventure, then think of very much more. A Ouest is operated similar to an Adventure,
hut no longer are you alone, starting with three helpers. As you progress you will encounter many other characters, but
unlike an Adventure program were all characters are passive, these can be either hostile, friendly or indifferent. If hostile
you have to Tight, and quickly; if friendly they may join your team bringing more strength, magical ability and carrying
capability; if indifferent you could perhaps try a brine (but beware if you offer too little) or you could sell an object and ,
l raise yourself more cash as well as lessening your load. ***^r*» m
But most of the effort is your own, with treasure ? money, magic and strength all having a bearing on your progress. At
1 times it will pay to be vicious and abandon your friends as they become weaker, or even go in fighting before characters
J show their true colours, the element of surprise using less strength.
Lj
As can be expected in Swords and Sorcery there is a story:
Once upon a time in a far away land called Iriuma a magical Princess cast a spell of banishment on the wicked
Sorcerer Brogfelt. However, just before the spell took effect, Brogfelt threw his arms into the shape of changing and
cast a return spell, changing princess Illear into a diamond. Taking the diamond with him, Brogfelt took sanctuary in
the Dungeons of Terror amongst the various monsters and demi humans. Here he split the diamond into four parts and
changed each part into a different crystal. Brogfelt then hid each crystal in the dungeons never to be found again.
. When the king neard of this he summoned all his faithful Knights to him and offered half his lands for the four crystals. .
I Sadly they all perished in the Dungeons of Terror attempting it. Now the king has offered anyone his other daughter's
( hand together with half his lands. Hearing this, you set off to the king’s palace to offer your services. The king is
astounded but nevertheless offers you a party of three prisoners from his jail, promising them a full pardon if they will
go and aid you. As you leave the king stops you and thrusts a scrap of paper into your hand explaining that it contains
the location of each part of the crystal from the entrance of the dungeons. It was written very shakily and stained
in blood. The king says: “Let me introduce you to the three prisoners that I have volunteered to go along with you...”
r The characters you meet include a Troll, Ore, Thief, Dwarf, Goblin, Madman, Witch, Hobgoblin, Mad MonlTand of course «
the wicked wizard himself, all in fact you would expect in a magical Swords and Sorcery... JTffo
All the objects have a use, but be careful, for nicking the Dragons Tooth could be fatal; though if you find the Mali ot
Healing trv and get it; an Idol of a forgotten Goa should be left well alone: the Ring may help you; the Magic Axe certainly
will; the Old Bwk will give some clues; rub the Glass Ball; used properly the Magic Carpet will get you out of trouble;
the Rolled Scroll too is useful; but not so the Fools Gold; be careful with the Bottle ot' Liquid; but drink the Magic Potion;
treat the Golden Orb with care; but of course the Sword is the greatest help of all. And so it goes on, and on and on... ]
Unlike an Adventure
generates
right through
its end. It is so different from an Adventure, that it actually has nine-yes nine- levels of play, with the ninth having
so many locations and of such complexity, that we would be amazed if anybixly ever solved it!
iving
If you are an Adventure addict, this will really S|xiiTyou! If you do not care for Adventures the activity
game will suit you as well. It is one of those you just will not be able to leave alone...
Though there are many Adventure games using the word Quest in their title, these are not Quests in this,
sense ct the word, but are just ordinary Adventures.
FEATURES a Map routine showing exactly where you are and where you have explored.
FEATURES colour denoting the different aspects of the game.
FEATURES sound on or sound off facility.
FEATURES entirely different scenerio for every game and all totally logical
FEATURES nine levels of difficuly from fairly easy to impossible.
FEATURES game saving routine to be able to replay the same scenerio.
Only available from Kansas at £10.35 Vat and post paid.
Our normal return first class post service applies, with
same day postage if ordered on Access or Barclaycard.
This program carries our famed lifetime guarantee.
Available on cassette only for BBC model B.
in this unique
the true
Kansas City Systems, Unit 3, Sutton Springs Wood, Chesterfield, S44 5XF.
Tel. 0246 850357
64
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BEEB FORUM
Bruce Smith is in charge as
readers chip in on legitimate
access, printer toggling, file
sizing, plus tips on Wordwise
t-
Access information
without peeking
or pokeing
THERE are three items, says Ellis
Thomas, in January’s Beeb Forum
which, though apparently uncon-
nected, have an underlying factor: the
ability to access information legitima-
tely without peeking or pokeing.
First, the cursor problem in 'Less
Peeking’. The Advanced User Guide
tells us (page 15) the codes placed in
the input buffer for the soft keys, so the
cursor keys can be driven from running
programs by placing the relevant code
in the input buffer to be acted upon,
using *FX138,0,N (cursor editing must
be enabled, of course, see *FX4). The
relevant codes are:
&8F143 T
&8E142 i
&8D141 -►
&8C 140 «-
&8B 139 COPY
So we can not only position the cursor,
but also do the copy from the running
program, leaving the characters in the
input buffer as if we had used cursor
and copy keys from the keyboard. The
only problem is that the starting point
for cursor movement is that defined at
the time of input (INPUT or GETS), not
that at the time the codes are placed in
the buffer. The example given can thus
be replaced by listing 1. The prompt @?
is followed by the copied string, await-
ing modification by using delete, or
addition of characters prior to input by
pressing return.
1090REM by Ellis Thomas
1 lOODEFPROCCat
111 OLOCAL C7.t C*/.=0
1 120Name*=" "
1 130*FX15, 1
1 140*FX4,0
1 150*FX 138,0, 143
1 1 60REPEAT
1 1 70Name$~Name$ + FNCopy <" ">
1 180C*/.=CV.+ 1
1190UNTIL C’/.>=10
1200Rest$=" "
1210REPEAT
1 220Rest $=Rest.$ + FNCopy (CHR$- 1 )
1230C’/.=C’/.+ l
1240UNTIL C*/.> s =39
1 250ENDPR0C
1 SOODEFFNCopy ( Omi t * )
131 OLOCAL C$
1 320*F X 1 38 , 0 , 1 39
1330C*=GET$
1340 IF C$=Omit* THEN =
1350=C*
Listing 2.
This brings us to ‘Cassette space’.
The table of addresses in memory page
3 is given in the Advanced User Guide
(page 279). Here we see that we can
use OSBYTE &A0 to access these
values, which presumably makes us
Tube compatible, and safe from this
10 REM Copy -from running program
20 REM by Ellis Thomas
30 CLS: F'RINTTAB (1,2) "ABCDEFG"
40 FOR X*/.=5 TO 3 STEP-1
50 REM Up cursor
60 *FX138, 0,143
70 NEXT
80 REM Left
90 *FX 138,0, 140
100 FOR X’/.= l TO 7
110 REM Copy
120 *FX138, 0,139
130 NEXT
140 1 NPUT T AB (0,5) "fi", A*
150 PRINT TAB <0, 10) "Input
was" " " ; A$; "
160 END
Listing 1.
Beeb Forum is a platform for ideas, tips and applications relating to the BBC micro and the
Electron, intended for experienced programmers to share their thoughts. For every reader’s
tip published we pay £5 -or more for something special. Contributions should be typed or
printed, with substantial listings on cassette. WRITE TO Beeb Forum, Acorn User, Redwood
Publishing, London WC2E 9JH.
data being moved to another page in a
new operating system. However, we
are left with the problem of reliance on
the layout within the page. An alterna-
tive approach is to read the file details
from the screen using cursor and copy
keys. Changes to the screen layout will
at least be obvious to see in a new OS.
Listing 2 gives an idea of how to read
the file name and so on from the screen
immediately following reading the file
with ‘LOAD, using *0PT1,2. A call to
PROCCat yields the name in Name$,
and the addresses in Rest$:
Block No - MID$(Rest$,2,2)
Length - MID$(Rest$,5,4)
Load add- MID$(Rest$,13,8)
Exec add - MID$(Rest$,22,8)
The FNCopy enables us to omit a nomi-
nated character so that the trailing
spaces on the filename can be easily
avoided; use of GETS avoids the copied
characters being printed. Using these
procedures, a utility to copy a cassette
file automatically for back-up has been
readily constructed.
Finally, ‘Locked for program protec-
tion’ had a problem placing the token
for OLD in the input buffer. The reason
for this is that the OLD token is &CB
(203). When an attempt is made to place
it in the input buffer, this behaves as
&8B (139) which is copy, so no charac-
ter is actually placed in the input buffer,
the same as when copy is pressed with-
out having pressed a cursor key. The
set of codes appears to be repeated
every 16 up to &FB - &FF.
Printer on,
printer off
C BINSTEAD of Andover wins himself
£10 for this useful machine code utility.
We’ll let him explain . . .
The interrupt routine in listing 3
(yellow page ii) will possibly be of more
use to disc users than readers with
cassette-based systems, although the
latter may find use for it. PTRTGLR was
originally written for use with the
‘DUMP statement to enable printer
dumping of selected sections of the
output. page 70 ►
65
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BEEB FORUM J
SECONDS O
H AVING recently acquired a 6502
second processor, I have been
finding out the hard way the val-
idity of the warnings given by Acorn
concerning the use of direct memory
addressing in programs, which can
make them unusable in a second pro-
cessor. The problem occurs in any
program which tries to do one of the fol-
lowing:
• Directly 'poke' or ‘peek’ the screen.
This is now in the BBC machine (the
input/output (I/O) machine) memory
map, whereas the Basic program will
be running in the 2P (short for second
processor). You will be peeking or
poking 2P memory with unpredictable
results.
• Directly accessing the user VIA
addresses. These are also now in the
'wrong' processor memory map.
• Using unofficial pointers like &F4
which contains the currently selected
ROM identity. Note that using Basic
pointers like &18 for PAGE and &12.&13
for TOP still appears to be OK (though
undesirable?) as Basic maintains its
pointers in the 2P memory map.
• Using programs which maintain data
areas at &A00 or &C00. As the default
value of PAGE is &800 in the 2P, this will
cause these safe data areas to appear
on top of the program, thus destroying
it! Note that user-defined characters
are still stored in the I/O memory map,
as are function key definitions, so
neither can be accessed by direct
peeking using the ? operator.
What then can be done about these
problems? Most are easily avoidable,
albeit at the expense of slightly more
involved programming. It is possible to
directly peek or poke a memory
location if you use the legal method.
This uses OSWORD with A% = 5 for
peeking and A% = 6 for poking.
Examples are given in the 2P hand-
book, and these calls are also detailed
in the User Guide (p460) and the
Advanced User Guide (p249). To
access the user VIA, or other devices in
the FRED, JIM, and SHEILA pages of
the I/O memory map, OSBYTE calls
with A%= 146 to 151 can be used (UG
p436, AL/Gp170).
Having converted one or two of my
own programs to work with the 2P, I
turned my attention to the commercial
sideways ROMs which I had access to.
Sadly many of these would not work.
(The Acornsoft ones like View and
BCPL did!). Often the problem
appeared to be trivial Directly poking a
help or menu page to the screen, for
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
example. However, many of the moni-
tor-type ROMs which incorporate a
facility to dump or disassemble other
sideways ROMs would not perform this
task correctly. The reason is not hard to
see. Sideways ROMs are selected by
writing their slot number to location
&FE30 in the I/O memory map, which
contains a write-only switch. A record
of the state of this switch is maintained
in location &F4. The monitor ROM
copies a routine into RAM which then
switches these locations to the ROM
you desire to inspect, and then
accesses it usually using indirect-
indexed addressing, before switching
back to the monitor ROM. However,
when such a sideways language ROM
is selected with a 2P installed, it is
copied across to the 2P automatically,
and then executed in the 2P memory
space. Thus the switch at &FE30 and
the copy at &F4 are not available, as
they are in the wrong memory map!
Thus to use this facility from the 2P, it
is necessary to access &FE30 and &F4
in the I/O memory map, and to read the
required ROM data, again in the I/O
map, before sending the resulting in-
formation back to the 2P. This requires
a certain amount of machine code to be
resident in the I/O memory map to
carry out the task. There are two prob-
lems. First how do you get the code
there, and second, how do you execute
it? There are two solutions to the first
problem. The code can be loaded
directly from tape/disc/net into the I/O
processor rather than the 2P by using
an eight-digit load address with the first
four digits set to &FF. Thus if the code
should reside at &1500 in the I/O map,
then type ‘LOAD progname FFFF1500.
(To load it into the 2P set the first four
digits to 0-‘LOAD progname 1500 or
‘LOAD progname 00001500). The
second method is to prepare the code
in the 2P and then use OSWORD 6 to
copy it across byte by byte.
The second problem, how to execute
the code in the I/O processor, is solved
as follows. The beginning of page &200
in both processors memory maps hold
a series of vectors through which vari-
ous operating system calls are indir-
ected. The particular one of interest is
the USERV vector located at &200 in the
I/O memory. This is used by the com-
mands ‘CODE and ‘LINE, which have
been discussed before in Acorn User
(November 1983 pp 51-53). Alterna-
tively, OSBYTE 136 can be used to
access this vector. The vector contents
in the I/O memory map are altered
Robin Newman
finds a way
around trouble
with the Tube
(using OSWORD 6) to point to the code
which has been poked across into the
I/O memory. The code can then be exe-
cuted by calling OSBYTE 136 in the 2P.
The example program (yellow page
vii) uses this technique to allow you
dump the first ‘page’ of a sideways
ROM onto the screen.
PROCwrite(data.addr) writes the
byte ‘data’ to the I/O memory address
‘addr’. FNread(addr) reads the con-
tents of the byte at 'addr' in the I/O
memory. PROCstarcode performs a
‘CODE command, using OSBYTE 136.
This calls the machine code routine
which has been placed in the I/O
memory by PROCover. The code con-
sists of the following instructions:
JSR&FFB9
STA&F6
RTS
The routine &FFB9 (OSRDRM) is con-
tained in the 1.2 OS ROM. It is docu-
mented in the AUG on page 106. On
entry the Y register contains the ROM
number to be accessed, and the routine
returns with the byte whose address is
contained in &F6 and &F7 in the
accumulator. For those who dislike
using this unofficial OS routine, it
essentially contains the following code
given in figure 1 (yellow page vii). If
desired, this can be substituted into the
data statement at line 510, provided the
count in line 460 is changed accord-
ingly. Thus lines 460 and 510 would be
changed, as in figure 2 (yellow page
vii).
Finally, for those who do not have a
2P, program (yellow listing page vii)
will run on a stand-alone BBC machine
without modification, provided it has
OS 1.2. The code which is accessed by
the USERV is located at &2200 on-
wards, which is clear of the top location
used by the program, even if PAGE is
&1B00 (for a disc + Econet machine). It
is also clear of the highest location
used by the 2P. This uses an extra &600
above the default page value, as the
character font is automatically fully
exploded, (equivalent to a ‘FX20, 6 com-
mand) allowing any ASCII character to
be redefined. (Note: If you have a side-
ways ROM board fitted, you can change
the range of R% in lines 50 and 60 to 0-
15.)
si* s* 1 ':
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FX80 is pin fed and friction fed and can feed
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SHINWA
CP 80
80 column, friction
and adjustable tractor
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seeking HI-RES graphics and'
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BROTHER HR15
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power supply. Professionally-styled Metal-
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TV/MONITOR
£249
14 TV/MONITOR
This TV Monitor is not a modified television as many IV
Monitors are. hut a 14" TV/Monitor which has been
designed to perform both functions. It has ROB and
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supplied as standard. With Remote Control.
MICROVITKC 14 Colour Monitors
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DISK DRIVES
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TEAC55A S/S 401 RACK
1 00K Single £140.00
200K Dual £280.00
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200K Single £100.00
400 Dual £380.00
TKAC55F D/S 80 TRACK
400K Single £220.00
800K Dual £440.00
Power Supply Unit (Optional) £20.00
40/80 Switch £8.00
ACORN SPEECH SYSTEM
I lie sxstem contains .1 Speech Processor and a
special chip called .1 Phrase Read < >nl\ Memory
(PIIROM)
Nic Speech Processor contains a digital filter
\\ Inch is rather like a computer version ol the
human \ocal tract. It relies on being fed to a large
number ol parameters to produce the neccssar\
sounds for making speech.
£55.00
DAISYWHEELS
£
£379
JUKI 6100
20 CPS max
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Shannon text)
10. 12. 16 CPI
and proportional spacing up to 220 characters
per line, diablo protocol. Bold, shadow printing
and underlining.
WORD PROCESSING
PACKAGE
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BBC Model B plus Disc Interface fitted view.
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Dual Disk Drives and manual and formatting disk.
Only €1,260 (inc. all cables)
f SEE US AT
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i The 2nd
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1 Exhibifion
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
J
V,
HOWTOOMt*
You may purchase any of the items listed by
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BEEB FORUM I
NEW CHP WITH TUBE
W hat follows will, initially, only be
of interest to those who have
acquired a DNFS ROM as part of
the 6502 second processor package.
However, as this chip is being
‘rommed’ it seems likely that it will
supersede the DFS 0.9 and NFS 3.34
chips which have to date been supplied
with disc and Econet interfaces, and
thus become of wider interest.
The DNFS chip supplied with 6502
second processors can in two senses
be described as three in one. First, it
contains three separate sections of
code. A disk filing system, a network
filing system, and code to set up the
Tube interface to the second pro-
cessor. This latter section of code
(some &400 bytes long) is automati-
cally copied down to pages &400 to
&700 of the input/output processor (the
original BBC computer) if the Tube
hardware is detected on power-up (or
CTRL-BREAK). The first 8k of the 16k
DNFS ROM also contains the Net filing
system, while the disk filing system
software largely resides in the second
8k of the ROM
Because two filing systems are in the
same ROM, provision has to be made
to disable each one separately, as the
combined ROM may be used in
machines which have only one (or even
neither) of the two associated hard-
ware interfaces fitted. A software
switch has been incorporated in the
ROM to do this.
During the power-up sequence the
ROM receives two service calls to allo-
cate the memory required by the filing
systems it supports. It is these which
cause (among other things) the default
value of page to be adjusted to &1200
(NFS only supported), &1900 (DFS
only), or &1B00-both NFS and DFS
supported. (This assumes the second
processor is not connected, although
such memory allocations still take
place in the I/O memory map if it is,
although they remain hidden from the
user in that case.)
The service entry at &8003 points to
&80F7. Inspection of the code from that
address onwards finds the service call
(code 1) for allocating memory to the
NFS at &8105. Initially this tests for the
presence of the 68B54 Advanced Data
Link Controller chip which is the heart
of the Network hardware interface. If
the test fails, the most significant bit of
the byte allocated to the ROM in the
workspace table from &DFO to &DFF is
set. This is tested on subsequent calls
to the NFS and if set it causes all such
calls to be ignored: ie the NFS does not
DNFS chip
reviewed by
Robin Newman
appear to be present in the ROM. Thus
if the user sets this bit directly, the NFS
can be effectively switched off, and will
remain so until the machine is switched
off again (or the bit is directly reset).
A similar test is made at the start of
the code servicing the DFS (from &B494
onwards). In this case the status regis-
ter of the 8271 (at &FE80) is read.
According to the 8271 data sheet, this
will always return 0 in bits 0 and 1 . How-
ever, if the 8271 is not fitted the data
lines will be pulled high and these bits
will both be a 1. In this case the code
ignores calls to the DFS. However, it
appears that a software switch is also
provided to cause DFS calls to be
ignored. Code at &B49C tests bit 6 of
the same byte that contains the NFS
ignore flag, if bit 6 is set, the DFS call is
ignored. I have not yet found where this
is used in the ROM, but the user can
take advantage of this facility directly to
disable the DFS if required.
So much for the background, but of
what use is this all, and how in practice
is the disabling/re-enabling carried
out? The advantage of the disabling is
that it is possible with a simple software
poke’ to change the configuration of
your machine so that it behaves as: a
machine fitted with only a DFS; a
machine fitted with only an NFS; or as
a machine fitted with no additional
filing system, ie a standard tape
machine, (with sideways ROM sup-
port). In each case, the default value of
page (the system OSHWM) will take up
the value it would have for the particu-
lar system concerned, thus releasing
valuable memory space for the user.
The only way to do this with the old dis-
crete DFS and NFS is to physically
remove some chips, as it is no good
using the dodge of putting a 0 in the
relevant position in the ROM type table
at &2A1-&2B0, as this will be reset
when the break key is pressed, and so
you could not push break to reset page
and the default filing system. Thus the
second claim for this DNFS ROM as
being three in one becomes apparent.
With its help and a simple software
command, your machine can be
quickly turned from a simple tape
machine to a disc-only or network-only
machine, or to a full-blown disc plus net
machine (assuming the machine has
the relevant hardware interfaces). One
example is when using a tape -based
program from disc. After loading, the
DFS is disabled, and the program re-
located to &E00. It can now be RUN in
the correct environment, and (unless it
is protected) will survive break
Now for the how'. First, a word of
warning, particularly to games addicts.
The process can happen inadvertently
if you use a program which uses page
&D00. The disabling flag is contained in
a byte between &DF0 and &DFF
(dependant upon the positon of the
DNFS ROM sideways ‘slot’). If the game
or other software corrupts this byte,
you may find when you push break or
CTRL-BREAK at the end of the game,
that your DFS or NFS has totally dis-
appeared, and that you can only get it
back by switching the machine off and
on again! (in fact it is possible to
retrieve the situation with a memory
poke’.) The first thing to ascertain is
the position of the DNFS ROM in the
available sideways ROM slots. Mine is
situated next to the Basic ROM in the
slot second from the right-hand edge of
the circuit board. This is slot 13 or &E,
and in this case the relevant byte in the
workspace table is &DF0 + &E which
gives &DFE. This location will be used
in the following description, but change
it to your DNFS slot.
To disable NFS. This requires the
msb of &DFE to be set. The nicest’ way
to do this is to type:
?DFE = ?DFE OR &80 < return >
Alternatively, look at the contents of
&DFE (using P. ^&DFE < return >),
which in my case gives &17, although
this may differ depending upon your
machine configuration, and then add
&80 to this value, giving &97, before
page 70 ►
I WOULD like to acknowledge the help I have received from three sources. First
Acorn (yes they do answer the telephone and are helpful with technical enquir-
ies), second, Chris Dawkins of Felsted School, and third, but by no means least,
the Advanced User Guide , pp 246 (*FX255 details), 273 (paged ROM type table),
281 (paged ROM workspace table), and 320-321 (service calls types 1 and 2).
RN
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Twillstar Computers
INGENUITY, DURABILITY, COMPATABILITY . . .
This is the Twillstar (TCL) Panasonic 3" Disk Drive which features the
ingenious dual-sided cartridge protected disk, 200K (100K per side).
Ideal for use in education and other environments where rough use is
envisaged.
Compatible with all disk interfaces, comprehensive manual and utilities
on either disk or EPROM.
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This 3" Disk Drive is totally housed in a high stability aluminium two piece
casing, with a light plastic face, and a unique automatic steel shutter
which protects the disk surface. A highly sensitive injection key allows
easy insertion and extraction of your diskette. The case is finished in a
tough coating of beige to match the colour of your BBC.
The size is a compact 160mm length x 90mm wide x 55mm deep.
FEATURES, CAPACITY, USAGE . . .
This 3" Disk Drive uses 3" diskettes which are handled like a cassette,
100K each side of the diskette, giving you 200K. It can be purchased with
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BEEB FORUM |
◄ page 65
As the routine (listing 3) was written
for a disc system, it is located at &A00
although you may wish to move it to suit
your own purposes. This can be
achieved simply by changing the con-
tents of the vector contained in lines
190 and 200. When activated by press-
ing the escape key, the routine investi-
gates the contents of location &70. If it
contains 0, a VDU 2 is issued (line 80)
and a 1 stored at &70. When this
location contains 1 , a VDU 3 is sent (line
110). The two linefeeds that are sent
after turning the printer off (lines 130
and 140) are there to tidy up the output,
as it is unlikely that printing will be
halted exactly at the end of a I ine.
Line 50 performs a *FX126,0 to
acknowledge the pressing of escape,
line 210 sets the initial contents of &70
so that the first interrupt will turn the
printer from off to on and line 220
enables the ‘escape pressed’ event.
While the routine is in action the escape
key will only perform the action of
switching the printer on and off. To
return the key to normal usage, turn off
the interrupt by typing *FX13,6.
ns/
How big is
my file?
OFTEN it is useful, says Mr Davies from
Horley, to determine a file’s size (or
whether it exists or not!). This is nor-
mally quite difficult to achieve within a
Basic program, but the function in list-
ing 4 (page ii) will return the filesize
including zero if the file does not exist.
This function may be used as follows:
My File Size% = FNsize(‘‘My
File”)
Now the question is, can anyone
adapt this to intelligently read the
disc’s catalogue and return the length
of each file on it? £10 awaits the best
solution!
Reading Wordwise
into Basic programs
THREE more useful utilities have come
in from Mr Davies. The first is on read-
ing Wordwise files into Basic pro-
grams. Now, BBC Basic stores string
information in the form:
‘00’:string-length:sdrawkcabgnirts:
(ie:string backwards:)
Wordwise and other wordprocessing
programs store strings as:
:string characters &0D:
In other words, a sequence of charac-
ters followed by carriage return. To
read this into a Basic file requires the
following simple function definition
given as listing 5. The file to be read
should be opened using fi% = OPENIN
(“filename”). Strings may be read
simply by the use of this function as in
the simple program given in listing 6.
An obvious extension to the above
function is a procedure that writes files
that can be read by Wordwise. Such a
procedure is given as listing 7. The file
to be written to should be opened using
fi% = OPENOUT(“filename”).
Listing 5.
lOOO DEF FNread(fiX)
1010 LOCAL a*: a* = " "
1020 REPEAT
1030 a* = a* + CHR*(BGET£fi7.)
1040 UNTIL (RIGHT* < a*) = CHR*fcOD> OR (EOF £f i7.)
1050 = a*
Listing 6.
100 f i % = OPENIN ("filename")
110 REPEAT
120 data* ••= FNread (f 1 7.)
130 PRINT data*;
140 UNTIL EOF £fi7.
Listing 7.
2000 DEF PRQCwr i te (f i 7. ? a*)
2010 LOCAL 17., c7.
2020 FOR 17. = 1 TO LEN (a*)
2030 c7. = ASC<MID*(a*, i7., 1) )
2040 BPUT £fi7.,c7.
2050 NEXT
2060 IF RIGHT* (a* , 1 ) <> CHR*13 THEN BPUT £fi7.,13
2070 ENDPROC
< page 68
poking it back with ?&DFE = &97
< return >. To complete the change,
push BREAK to reset page and to select
the newdefaultfiling system.
To disable DFS. This requires bit 6 of
&DFE to be set. Type:
?DFE = ?DFE OR &40 < return >
Alternatively, as above, you could add
&40 to the contents of &DFE and type
?&DFE = &57 < return >. Push break
as above.
To disable both NFS and DFS. Now
both bits 6 and 7 must be set. Type:
?DFE = ?DFE OR &CO < return >
Alternatively, using the value obtained
in &DFE + &CO type ?&DFE = &D7
< return > . Push break as above.
To restore the original setup, you
merely have to restore the original
value to &DFE. The nice’ way is:
7&DFE = 7&DFE AND &3F < return > .
Alternatively, using the example value
from above, enter ?&DFE = &17. Finally
push break to reselect the default filing
system, and reset page.
Finally, two notes to augment the
details provided in the second pro-
cessor handbook, concerning the
DNFS ROM. First, it states on page 47
(correctly) that the DFS has priority
over the NFS-ie the computer will
power up in DFS rather than NFS if left
to its own devices. However, what is not
mentioned is that you can use the left-
hand one of the eight links on the front
right of the keyboard to alter this. If this
link is made, the priority is reversed.
This can also be done to a lesser
degree with an FX call, namely *FX
255,0,127 which will reverse the priority
following the next break, and will
remain in force until the next CTRL-
BREAK. Alternatively # FX 255,128,127
will turn it back.
Second, on page 49, a list is given of
the changes made to the Econet filing
system. One omission, which we dis-
covered the hard way at Oundle, is that
the protocol for the broadcast facility,
which allows eight-data bytes to be
sent to any machine on the network, is
implemented in a different manner. In
version 3.34 (the first release version)
the eight bytes received are trans-
ferred to the receive control block in the
eight spaces normally used by pointers
to the start and end of the receive
buffer. In the DNFS (net version 3.60)
this has been changed to the ‘normal’
receive procedure. Thus the eight
bytes are transferred to a receive buf-
fer pointed to by entries in the receive
control block as described on page 77
of the Econet system guide. This is a
fairly esoteric change, but it has forced
us to accommodate, both protocols!
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
DUCKWORTH
HOME COMPUTING
EXPLORING ADVENTURES ON THE BBC MODEL B
by Peter Gerrard £6.95
This is a complete look at the fabulous world of Adventure Games for the BBC
Computer. Starting with an introduction to adventures, and their early history,
it takes you gently through the basic programming necessary on the BBC
before you can start writing your own games.
Inputting information, room mapping, movement, vocabulary - everything
required to write an adventure game is explored in detail. There follow a
number of adventure scenarios, just to get you started, and finally three
complete listings written specially for the BBC, which will send you off into
wonderful worlds where almost anything can happen.
The three games listed in this book are available on one cassette.
BBC PROGRAMS 1
Edited by Nick Hampshire
This book provides you with a range of useful and exciting programs for the
BBC Micro. Games, utilities, graphics and functional programs are covered.
The games include an exciting version of Star Trek, a full length adventure
game. Space Invaders, Battleships, Space Blaster, Brick Basher, and many
others. Among the functional programs is a personal information retrieval
package which enables you to create and manipulate up to 365 records. This
is a basic book for every user of the BBC Micro.
Written by Carl Graham and edited by Nick Hampshire, publisher of
Commodore Computing International. £6. 95
Write in for a catalogue.
DUCKWORTH
The Old Piano Factory, 43 Gloucester Crescent, London NW1 7DY
Tel: 01-485 3484
2 NEW BUSINESS
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS
FOR THE BBC MICRO
HUGE STORAGE CAPACITY
UP TO 1600/3200 FULL ENTRIES
■
FAST WRITE AND READ CAPABILITY
■
EASY UPDATES AND AMENDMENTS
WITH COMPREHENSIVE MENU
■
FULLY AUTOMATIC ALPHA-SORTING
■
VERY USER FRIENDLY
■
FULL COLOUR GRAPHICS UTILISED
■
EASY TO FOLLOW USER GUIDE MANUAL
DISK 0NLYO PRICES INCLUOE VAT & DELIVERY BY REGISTERED MAIL WITHIN 10DAYS
EITHER PROGRAM £49950 BOTH TOGETHER £900 STATE SINGLE OR DOUBLE DRIVE. 40. 80 TRACK
CHEQUE/ PO PAYABLE TO MLC COMPUTERS LTDO FULLY GUARANTEED
MLC
DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
PEAR TREE MEADOW© ELLINGTON THORPE© HUNTINGDON © CAMBS 2T0A80-891141 811573
Canon Mil
Wire Dot Printer
A Printer with Flexibility and
Real Impact...
TwrifiM con jp uterI
Offer INCLUSIVE! ^
. . . If you are looking for high-speed, high quality printing in one
compact unit, then this Canon PW-1 080A unit is for you . Couple
that with the special fully inclusive Twillstar offer price of £289, and
you have a really exceptional bargain!
The features include:
❖High speed (Tinting: 160
characters per second
❖Bi-directional, logical
seeking
❖Quiet operation: less than
60dB
❖High-resolution graphic
printing: N x 16 dot matrix
❖Down loading lor user-
optional characters
❖4 character styles
printable on the same line
❖Superscript and subscript
available
❖International character
sets selectable
❖Selectable line feeding: V
and programmable
❖Handies; roll paper, fanfold,
single sheet and multipart
copy paper
HOW TO ORDER
To purchase the Canon PW-1080A printer, simply write your
name and address on a piece of paper, and post to the
address below, enclosing your cheque/P.O. made payable to
Twillstar Computers Ltd.
If you are a Credit Card Holder, simply use the telephone to
place your order. /
V*
Twillstar
Computers Limited
17 REGINA ROAD, SOUTHALL, MIDDLESEX UB2 5PL. TEL: (01 ) 574 5271
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
71
• ■■ ■■■■■ ■■■ ■■■« ■! ■ ■■■ I
THE PRINTFp WORD
<}«rn ini iOK
=■“ eVOOj
TOP SERVICE
/ L-
iOX /
V-
JUKI 6100
One Year Warranty
20 CPS : BiDirectional & Logic Seeking
10, 12, 15 & Proportional Spacing
Wordstar Compatible
2K Buffer : 1 3 Inch Platen
Underline Backspace + Lots more
Centronics Interface Standard
RS 232 Interface £54.00 + VAT Extra
Tractor Feed £99 00 + VAT Extra
Single Sheet Feeder £238.00 + VAT Extra
JUKI 6100 £347.83 + VAT = £400.00
BBC/ORIC or DRAGON Package
JUKI 6100 f CJE PRINTER PACKAGE
£420.00 Inc. VAT
CANON PW-1080A
Near letter Quality Printer
NLQ Mode 23 x 1 8 Matrix 27 cps
Draft Mode 11x9 Matrix 160cps
Full range of Epson FX 80 Print Codes
Friction & Tractor Feed
Centronics Interface Standard
CANON PW-1 1 56A (Accepts 1 5” Paper) Available
CANON PW-1 080 A £295.65 4- VAT £340.00
CANON PW-1156A £391.30 4- VAT = £450.00
PACKAGE PRICE for BBC MICRO/DR AGO N/ORIC
CANON PW-1080A C.J.E. PRINTER PACKAGE £365.00lnc. VAT
CANON PW-1 1 56A C.J.E. PRINTER PACKAGE £470.00 Inc. VAT
Special RS 232 Printer Bargain
STAR DP8480 (8” Printing) £197 00 Inc. VAT
Ideal for BBC/Newtxain/HX20 & Spectrum Int. 1
Phone for full specification
C.J.E. Micro s BBC Printer Packs
For Star, Canon & Juki Printers include:
1 The Printer
2. Delivery by Securicor
3 Cable to the BBC 1 .3 Metres
4. Screen Dump Progam (M/C Source)
5. Text Dump Program
6. Function Key set up Program For use with WORDWISE
7. Function Key Label Printing Program. For use with above
8. VIEW Printer Driver
9 1 00 Sheets of Paper
1 0. Mains Plug with 3 Amp Fuse
1 1 Booklet giving details of using the printer with a B8C
1 2. Character Defining Program for Downloadable-character-set
CJE. Printer Packs for other micro’s include -
Printer. Cable. Paper. Mains Plug & Delivery
STAR GEMIN1 1 0X
One Year Warranty
True Descenders 9x9 Matrix
1 20 CPS Bidirectional & Logic Seeking
40. 48. 68. 80. 96. 136 cpI
Italics. Emphasized. Double strike.
Super & Sub Scripts
Downloadable Character Set
Hi-Resolution & Block Graphics
Friction or Tractor Feed
10 X 10” Carriage, 15X15” Carriage
Centronics Interface Standard
RS232 Int. £52 00 + VAT Extra
Gemini 10X £235.00 Inc VAT
Package for BBC/DRAGON/OR 1C
GEMINI 10X + CJE Printer Pack £255 Inc. VAT
Star Gemini 1 5X £390 Inc. VAT
STAR DELTA 10
SPEC. AS FOR 10X PLUS:-
160CPS: 8K BUFFER
CENTRONICS + RS232 INT’S STD
£320 + VAT - £368.00
BBC MICROMODEL £399.00
Electron £199.00
BBC Micro Model B with Disc Int. C469.00
Large Range of Accessories including Disc
Dnves. Printers Monitors always in stock
Printer Cables
BBC to 36 Way Centronics Type Connector £i 5 00
Dragon to 36 Way Centronics T ype Connector £ 1 5 00
One to 36 Way Centronics T ype Connector £ 1 5 00
T orch to 36 Way Centronics T ype Connector £20 00
Serial Printer Cables
BBC to 25 way D type £9 50
EPSON HX20 to 25 way D type £9 50
NEWBRAIN to 25 Way D Type £12 00
25 way D type to 25 way D type £15 00
Blank Cl 5/C30 Cassettes Ten for £4 50 ANY MIX
Send SAE for Full Price List
VAT INCLUDED WHERE APPLICABLE
PHONE/CREDIT CARD ORDERS WELCOME
Postage 50p per order or as stated
24 Hr Securicor Delivery
for Printers/Disk Drives £8.00
(SHOP/WORKSHOP CLOSED MONDAYS)
C.J.E. Microcomputers
Dept (PuW), 78 bngnton Road. Worthing
W Sussex BN1 1 2EN (0903) 213900
EXPORT ORDERS WELCOME
RING FOR SAMPLE PRINTOUT, FULL SPECIFICATIONS & LATEST PRICES
BEST PRICES & BACKUP ON THE STAR JUKI & CANON PRINTERS
A J SOFTWARE
for BBC
The Record Changer'
32K £19.96 Cass. £24.95 Disc.
for indexing, membership lists,
budgeting, etc, etc.
don't buy a database in the dark-
check the spec!
The Wordsmith' 32K for Centronics 737/739
AND NOW FOR EPSON FX80:
£19.95 Cass. £24.95 Disc.
Options Timetable 32K
£14.95 Cass. £19.95 Disc.
Simple Word Processor 32K
£9.95 Cass. £14.95 Disc.
Picture Maths
£9.95 Cass. £12.95 Disc.
An arithmetic practice program for primary schools.
Character Definer £9.95 Cass.
Enlarge, reduce, etc, etc.
Tape Catalogue £5.95 Cass.
Catalogue all your tapes using this program and never lose
one again
Copy Disc £9.95
Copy disc to tape, tape to disc, M/C, Data or Basic.
ROM Read
£8.95 Cass. £11 95 Disc.
A machine code program to read the contents of any ROM
socket and copy to RAM, tape or disc. Not to be used for
illegal copying.
Machine code Disassembler
£5 95 Cass. £7.95 Disc.
Open Evening Timetable 32K
£14 95 Cass. £19.95 Disc.
Utility Eprom £19.95
for basic programmers
Mitsubishi Disc Drives
Dual 80 Track 800K £380 + VAT
Single Track Drives
Dual Sided 200K £199 + VAT
Double Density Disc Interface £80 + VAT
The best there is.
Epson Printers
FX80 £370 + VAT
RX80 £270 + VAT
BBC Epson Cable £15 + VAT
£8.00 Carr
Normende
Not only the cheapest, but the best
Switchable 14" RGB Monitor/ Colour TV £250 inc. VAT and
cable, £8.00 carr.
Royalties for quality software
All prices VAT inclusive except where shown
AJ Vision Service Ltd, 61 Jeddo Road
London W12 9ED
Better by
definition
Phillips V7001 12"Tube
High Resolution Computer Monitor
Tvitiistaf Compute”
Offer £75—
— HflB WRB
O A C mm v lAAmm Hanth w 'JnOmrt hui/tht I
345mm width x 300mm depth x 302mm height!
This special V7001 Phillips monochrome computer monitor comes direct to you
from Twillstar Computers Ltd at the exceptional price of £75 inclusive of VAT.
TWillstar Computers Ltd have negotiated with Phillips to bring you this 12" Tube high
resolution monitor which has been specially designed to display alphanumerical
and graphic information, generated by home and personal computers.
It offers compatibility with various types of computers, it accepts composite video
signals (CVBS) as well as RGB, synchronisation and sound signals!
The monitor provides a clearly legible display with a maximum of 80 characters per
line and 25 lines per display. The display format is full screen 250 x 200mm.
To reduce eye fatigue the picture tube has undergone a special anti-glare treatment.
The monitor also features a two position, adjustable stand.
Just look at the features/
1 . 12 high resolution picture tube.
2. TWo position adjustable stand.
8. Anti-glare treated screen.
4. P31 green phosphor.
5. CVBS Input connections.
6. RGB and synchronisation and
sound Input connection.
7. Sound input 0.3 watts.
8. 18MHz Bandwidth.
9. 2000 character display control.
10. Compatible with home and
personal computers.
11. Precision deflection unit for
low geometric distortion.
And of course, exterior controls allow you to switch on/off volume, brightness,
contrast, vertical size, vertical hold and horizontal size.
This unique specially designed monitor measures 345mm width x 300mm depth x
302mm high. Order now while stocks last!
HOW TO ORDER
All you have to do is fill in your requirements on a piece of
paper with your name and address enclosing your cheque/
P.O. made payable to TWILLSTAR COMPUTERS LTD. If you
are a Barclaycard or Access card holder, please use coupon
and post to address below. M
Please allow 14 to 28 days for delivery.
w
Twillstar
Computers Limited
17 REGINA ROAD, SOUTHALL, MIDDLESEX UB2 5PLTEL: (01 ) 574 5271
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
73
A little bit of magic 'gpbfrom
MERLIN COMPUTER PRODUCTS
AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION ! A WORD PROCESSOR
AND DATABASE WHICH CAN BE INTEGRATED.
MERLIN SCRIBE
The first professions
word
processor
for the
BBC disc
system
Among the many features available are:
• Create up to 2 55 pages in a single document.
• Screen user selectable 40 or 80 column with choice of
background and text colours.
• Insert text at any page on the document whether
currently in memory or not.
• Powerful editing commands:
Move, copy and delete with affected text displayed in
reverse video. Will move or copy within a page or to any
other page in the document.
• Word search and replace — item by item or globally
throughout the document.
• ' Go to page' ' — next and previous using up and down
cursor keys or go directly to page numbers
• On screen underlining.
• Format line controls document width and allows setting
of right and left margins.
• Tabs set on format line as required.
• Automatic centre and decimal tab.
• Text reformatting.
• Split page and dynamic page break display.
• Word count and display of cursor position by column & line
number.
• Will use disc surfaces 0 to 3 as allowed by the BBC system.
• All disc filing operations menu driven, eg. re-name, copy,
delete document, compact and catalogue disc, etc. No
knowledge of the disc system required.
• Exec document — allows conversion of BASIC programs
for editing byword processor and then re-conversion back to
either text or program files.
• File merge — one or more documents or other text files
may be merged in sequence from any disc drive between 0
and 3.
• Automatic page numbering with page number insertion
at any point on the page.
• Headers and footers.
• Total facility print module including selection of serial or
parallel output, global printer control codes, page numbering
offset, print from page to page, repeat print, etc.
• Selection of up to nine user definable keys for insertion of
printer control codes Into text, with up to five codes
allocated to each key.
• Control number of page display lines for scroll speed
Increase.
The program comes attractively packaged in a simulated
leather grain wallet which contains the manual, disc, chip &
function key legend strip.
MERLIN DfiTfiBfiSE
Merlin Database Is a database system designed
exclusively for the BBC disc based computer. It provides
for the structural input of text and numerical data
which is stored permanently as a record on the
computer. A group of records constitutes a
database. Any number of databases may be
created using Merlin Database.
Once created there are sophisticated facilities
available for searching , selecting and drawing off
information from the database by means of defining
the search characteristics. This information can then
be formatted for producing printed reports, lists etc.
Performance
• Maximum records per database 4000 • Maximum
record size 1 800 characters • Maximum no. of fields 32
• Maximum no. of characters for any single field 900
• Find any record in 2 seconds via key field access
• Search every character in a 1 00 kb database in 29 secs
Field Types
• Numeric — up to 9 digits • Date
• Sub fields for economic disc usage i.e. specify average
& maximum field size
Data Search
Search results directory held with database on disc
Data can be passed to mail merge and report writer
1 6 level conditional search
Search conditions include not', >,<, = .
Wildcard
Database automatically sorted by key field
Databasse can be set to re-sort to any alternative set of
key fields
Report Writing
• Database will Integrate with Merlin Scribe word
processor
• Format printer output with simple forms editor
• High powered forms layout & editing using Scribe (alls. rt.
justify)
• Arithmetic calculations & accumulators
• Conditional report writing
• Semi programming facility for forms & report generation
Other Facilities
• Mail merge using Scribe • Conditional mall merge
• Automatic reformating of lines • Capable of conditional
transfer of information between databases.
Database comes In chip with manual, simple fitting
instructions & systems disc. Also planned Is the production of
Database integrated with the Merlin Scribe word processor in
a single chip although the database is designed to Integrate
easily with Scribe In a separate chip.
MERLIN DATABASE £49.00
MERLIN SCRIBE £59.95
MERLIN SCRIBE/DATABASE £95.00
Prices include VAT. Price and specification subject to change
without prior notice.
Credit card orders accepted. Special discounts for
educational establishments and dealers.
MERLIN COMPUTER PRODUCTS (BUCON LTD)
35/36 SINGLETON STREET, SWANSEA SA1 30 N
Tel: (0792) 467980 (3 lines)
74
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
INCREDIBLE ANIMATION BROUGHT TO YOUR BASIC PROGRAMS
for the BBC 32K and Electron
Available at
£8.95 cassette
£8.95 cassette for
transferral to disc
£11. 95 on 40/80
track disc
FEATURES
• An ASTOUNDING FOURTEEN (14) FOLD INCREASE
over the speed of ordinary Basic
• GENERATOR PROGRAMS with which you design
MULTI-COLOURED SPRITE CHARACTERS
• SUPERSPRITES of up to 24 x 24 pixels
• 48 SPRITES made up of 12 separate designs each with
3 clones
• INSTANT ANIMATION with two images per sprite that
switch automatically
• ENLARGEMENT FACILITY of x 2, x 3, x 4, x 5 sprite
size
• BUILT IN COLLISION DETECTOR
• FLIGHT PATHS that sprites can follow automatically
• SPRITE LIBRARY of ready to use character designs
• 30 PROGRAMS-choose the routine with the features
best suited to your own program. Hidden under your
Basic program the routine need take as little as 1 5K
memory
• SAVE/LOAD your program and sprites AS A WHOLE
• COMPREHENSIVE COLOUR MANUAL
• INTRODUCTION PROGRAM and DEMONSTRATION
GAMES
As used in programs on the market now
We claim no royalties on programs you produce using sprites
0G THE CAVEMAN
BBC 32K and Electron £7.95 cassette £9.95 disc
SAVE £4
NOW ONLY £8.95
WHILE STOCKS LAST
OG is in a calamity. His territory has been taken over by dinosaurs
that lay eggs at a really hectic rate. Og must crush the brood before
they hatch by jumping on to each and every egg. Og's problems are
compounded by a pack of slavering dinosaurs hungry for his
blood -and on higher levels by grand old Ma dinosaur herself. Og
can use his magic staff to set a trap, but time is precious as Og
knows all too well. Big bonuses can be scored for jumping on fruit,
and an even bigger bonus for snatching a kiss from his waiting
cavewife.
To order send cheque/P.O. to:
SIMONSOFT, 25 TATHAM ROAD
ABINGDON, OXON 0X14 1QB
TEL: 0235 24140
PROGRAMMERS - WE PAY 30% ROYALTIES FOR
EXCELLENT PROGRAMS
DAISY STEP
2000 DaisyWheel
Printer
TwTllrtar"C° m P uters
Offer £259«m*_
*FREE CABLE
♦FREE PAPER
... At the special price ot £259 inclusive of VAT and Post, Packing
and Insurance, this is indeed a unique opportunity to own an
amazing flexible Daisy Wheel Printer!
Just look at the features!
1.18 CPS
2. Bidirectional
3. Logic seeking
4. Proportional tracing
5. Wordstar compatible
6.13 platen -12 Printline
7. Auto underscore
8. Bold and shadow printing
9.Sub&superscripts
10. QUME compatible ribbons
11. QUME compatible daisywheels
12. 4 level impression control
13. Prints original + 4 copies
14. Low noise
This extremely attractive printer comes complete with free printer
cable and 500 sheets of test run paper- just to make sure you get
everything running smoothly!
HOW TO ORDER
To purchase this Daisy Step 2000 Daisy Wheel Printer, simply write
your name and address on a piece oi paper, and post to us enclosing
your cheque or P.0 made payable to Twillstar Computers Ltd.
If you are an Access/Barclaycard holder, simply use the telephone to
place your order.
lWillstar »
Computers Limited
17 Regina Road, Southall, MIDDLESEX, UB2 5PL. TEL: (01) 574 5271
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
75
DRAGON 32/64
DRAGON TREK
Excellent version of this classic game
WIZARD WAR
Strategy game of magical combat
VULCAN NOUGHTS 6 CROSSES
3-D Tic-tac-toe
GAMES COMPENDIUM D1
Six games for all the family
GOLF
Almost as good as the real thing!
GRAND PRIX
Eight circuits from around the world
STARJAMMER
3-D space game
SALAMANDER GRAPHICS SYSTEM
Advanced picture drawing system
SUPER SKILL HANGMAN
Over 1 000 word vocabulary
NIGHT FLIGHT
Single engine light aircraft simulator
GRIDRUNNER
Classic arcade game
FRANKLIN'S TOMB
First of the Dan Diamond Adventures
LOST IN SPACE
The Dan Diamond Adventure continues . . .
FISHY BUSINESS
Conclusion of the first Dan Diamond Trilogy
EVEREST
Strategic simulation
LASER ZONE
Awesome shoot 'em up stuffl
D.R.S.
Powerful Date Retrieval System
TURTLE GRAPHICS
Fun & Educational implementation of LOGO
14.95
9.95
r n e
PRICE
BBC MODEL B
DRAGON RIDER
PRICE
9.95
Flaming steeds and alien wyrms
TANKSI
7.95
9.95
Armoured warfare for two
GAMES COMPENDIUM B1
7.95
7.95
Four games for the kids
GAMES COMPENDIUM B3
5.95
7.95
Three action games for the kids
EDG GRAPHICS PACKAGE (tape)
5.95
7.95
Sophisticated picture drawing
EDG GRAPHICS PACKAGE (disc)
19.95
7.95
Extended version of EDG tape
ULULfTlES PACKAGE
24.95
7.95
Four essential programming aids
TURBO COMPILER*
9.95
9.95
Less than 2K machine code BASIC compiler
737 FLIGHT SIMULATOR*
9.95
7.95
Professional standard
FRENCH TUTOR**
9.95
7.95
Up to and beyond O' level
GRAPHS **
9.95
7.95
Five programs up to A' level standard
VECTORS **
9.95
9.95
Fourteen programs up to A level standard
FRANKLIN'S TOMB
14.95
9.95
First of the Dan Diamond Adventures
LOST IN SPACE
9.95
9.95
The Dan Diamond Adventure continues . .
FISHY BUSINESS
9.95
7.95
Conclusion of the first Dan Diamond Trilogy
EAGLE
9.95
7.95
Original machine code arcade game
7.95
• DISC VERSIONS ALSO SUPPLIED
** MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO DISC
f p£TE THEHATJ
THE CRICKLEWOOD INCIDENT
ORIC 1 /ATMOS
PRICE
Truly weird and wonderful adventure
7.95
ORIC TREK
WINGS OF WAR
Excellent version of this classic game
9.95
World War Two Adventure
7.95
GAMES COMPENDIUM 01
RED MEANIES
Four exciting games
7.95
Machine code 3-D maze game
7.95
FRANKLIN'S TOMB
First of the Dan Diamond Adventures
LOST IN SPACE
9.95
ACORN ELECTRON
737 FLIGHT SIMULATOR
PRICE
The Dan Diamond Adventure continues . .
FISHY BUSINESS
9.95
Professional standard
ELECTRON GRAPHICS SYSTEM
9.95
Conclusion of the first Dan Diamond Trilogy
CLASSIC RACING
9.95
Advanced picture drawing system
GRAPHS
9.95
A season 's training, betting and racing
7.95
Five programs up to 'A' level standard
VECTORS
9.95
48K SPECTRUM
MATRIX
PRICE
Fourteen programs up to A' level standard
TURBO COMPILER
14.95
Action-packed droid-blasting
METAGALACTIC LLAMAS
6.95
Less than 2K machine code BASIC compiler
9.95
All-out arachnid annihilation
6.95
HM
'THE*
PURVEYORS OF FINE QUALITY SOFTWARE TO THE ££#7X7 SINCE jm~(9dZ
SAVE £1
If you return this voucher and order form you
will be entitled to a £ I discount on the order.
Only one discount per order. This offer applies
only to products ordered by mail direct from
Salamander Software 1 7 NORFOLK ROAD,
BRIGHTON. EAST SUSSEX. BN 1 3AA
TELEPHONE BRIGHTON (0273) 771942.
Name
Address
Post Code
PLEASE MAKE CHEQUES/POSTAL ORDERS PAYABLE TO
SALAMANDER SOFTWARE
Please rush me the following titles:
TITLE MACHINE PRICE
* P
Less discount ....
TOTAL ....
76
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
CABLE TIES ■ PVC INS TAPE ■ BBC-CASS LEAD
BZYV88 Senes
NAT S./LOCKING
CV5V1-C9V1
7p
L.3.6"W.r
3p
0A90/91
7p-
P CLIPS WH.NYL
1N4002
4p.
3/16" Dia.
3p.
1N4004
4 5p.
1/4" Dia.
3p
IN4148
2.5p.
1/2" Dia.
4p.
1N4150
7p
3/4" Dia.
5p
20M.x12mm wide
All Cols. 39p.
■BBBH
4-Way Blk. 5.79
4- Way White 6.24
TRANSISTORS ■ LACING CORD
BC184B
BC184L
BF259
BD131
2N2646
2N3053
2N3773
TIP1 10
T05 PADS
Blk Ny
9p
9p
30p
50p
85p.
55p.
1.95
59p.
1.2p.
50V CAPACITORS
DISC CERAMICS
O.OImfd 6p.
O.lmfd 9p.
CARBON FILM
25W.5%H.S.
10R-10M 2p.
1W40C 5%H.S.
10R1M 6p.
RAINBOW per M.
10 WAV 75p.
20 WAY 145
FLAT WAXED NAT
1.2mm x ,18mm ThK
per reel 71 p
UNINSULATED
.51 5mm wire
EYELETS
2,4. 6BA 1.2p.
BUTTS 2p
LOCKING SPADE
.3 1.4mm wire
4BA 6p
1.5-2. 5 wire
4BA 5jr
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
77
HARDWARE |
Paul Beverley explains how the
Beeb’s random number generator
works, and suggests a DIY system
for greater randomness and speed
RANDOM"
THOUGHTS
T HE random number generator is
our subject this month: how it
works, whether it can be im-
proved, and how to use it in machine
code programs. Although random
numbers are produced by software, the
algorithm used, a 33-bit binary
sequence generator, is based on an
electronic circuit referred to as a ‘ring-
counter’ or 'chain-code generator’.
Before we look at the software, let’s see
how the circuit works. Figure 1 shows a
simple four-bit ring counter which con-
sists of a shift register made up of four
bistables which are basically one bit
memory cells. Every time the register
receives a clock pulse, each bit shifts
one place to the right and the first bit
(QO) takes on the value of the data
input. This input is produced by feeding
back the outputs of two stages of the
register through an exclusive -OR
(EOR) gate.
This circuit consists of four bits, so
there are 2 A 4 (ie, 16) possible combi-
nations of outputs; but if the register is
set to zero initially, the value will
always stay at zero. This is because 0
EOR 0 = 0, which means the data input
to the register is always zero. However,
if you start with any other number, this
ring counter will go in a particular
sequence through all the remaining 15
possible combinations. The sequence
produced depends on which of the lines
are fed back, and only certain combi-
nations of lines will give the maximum
length sequence. In the case of a four-
bit counter we have to use either Q3
and Q2, or Q3 and QO. Using Q3 with Q1
will cause this counter to go into a loop
consisting of fewer than the maximum
15 states.
With a longer shift register, certain
lengths of register have no combi-
nation of two feedback lines that will
produce the maximum possible cycle
length of (2 A N-1) states. In those
cases, three feedback lines will still not
produce the full cycle length, and four
lines have to be used. Table 1 shows
the numbers of lines needed for vari-
ous lengths of register.
A very long ring-counter can be used
as a means of generating a pseudo-
random number. We call it ‘pseudo-
random’ since it is not based on a truly
random phenomenon, but provided
you use a long enough cycle length it is
adequate for most purposes. The gen-
erator used on the BBC micro consists
of a 33-bit ring counter, which gives a
cycle length of 2 A 33 - 1 which works out
at 8,589,934,591' Before I discovered
>Q3
Clock input
Figure 1. Circuit diagram of a 4-bit ring counter
AF87-
A0
20
LDY
#&20
\
Count 32 shifts.
AF89-
A5
0F
LDA
&0F
\
Move bit 3
AFBB-
4A
LSR
A
\
of &0F into
AF8C-
4A
LSR
A
\
LSB of the
AFBD-
4A
LSR
A
\
accumul ator .
AF8E-
45
11
EOR
&1 1
\
EOR it with bit 33
AF90-
6A
ROR
A
\
Put LSB into Carry flag.
AF91-
26
0D
ROL
&0D
\
Shift along
AF93-
26
0E
ROL
Sr0E
\
all four
AF95-
26
0F
ROL
8<0F
\
bytes, and
AF97-
26
10
ROL
fc 10
\
finally the carry
AF99-
26
11
ROL
Sell
\
into LSB of Sell.
AF9B-
88
DEY
\
Count down to zero.
AF9C-
D0
EB
BNE
&AF89
\
Do it again.
AF9E-
60
RTS
Figure 2. Section or machine code from the Basic II ROM -shifts the pseudo-random
number generator 32 places. The same routine in Basic I starts at &AFB6
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
HARDWARE
Set up before call
Code being
timed
Time
(MS)
Number
range
Comments
_
R% = RND
1160
-2A31/+2 A 31
G% = &AF87:D% = &0D
CALL G%:R% = !D%
1700
— 2 A 31/+2 A 31
Slower!
1% = 256
R% = RND(I%)
3680
1-256
G% = &AF89:
Y% = 8:D% = &0D
CALL G % : R % = ?D %
1130
0-255
8 bit shift
G% = &AF87:D% = &0D
C ALL G % : R % = ?D %
1680
0-255
32 bit shift
1% = 8
R% = RND(I%)
3650
1-8
1% =7
R% = RND AND 1%
1460
0-7
1% could be 3,
15,31,63 etc
H% = &7FFFFFFF
R = RND(1)
1560
0-1
G% = &AF87:D% = &0D
CALL
G%:R = !D%/H%
3830
0-1
Slower!
Table 2. Timings of various random number generator calls (calls for BASIC I are &AFB6
what the algorithm was, I wrote the
fastest Basic program I could to see if I
could find out when the sequence of
numbers produced by the RND com-
mand repeated itself. I gave up after
three days -a good job, for to find the
repeat would have taken almost six
months’ continuous processing!
The reason for using 33 bits is that we
need to produce four-byte random
numbers but, as shown in table 1, the
number of feedback lines needed for
maximum cycle length on a 32-bit
counter is four. Thus it is easier to use
one bit of a fifth byte to make it up to 33
bits, and then you have only to exclu-
sive-OR two lines.
Number of
Number of
stages
feedback lines
3
2
4
2
5
2
6
2
7
2
8
4
9
2
10
2
11
2
12
4
13
4
14
4
15
2
16
4
17
2
23
2
24
4
25
2
31
2
32
4
33
2
Table 1. The number of feedback lines
needed to produce a maximum length
cycle on an N bit ring counter
Figure 2 shows a disassembled list-
ing of the code, and figure 3 shows it
schematically. The comments on the
listing and the diagram should explain
what is going on. The idea is that it does
32 shifts each time a new random
number is wanted. Then if you have
asked for RND(1), Basic has to do
further manipulation to make it into a
floating point number between 0 and 1.
and &AFB8)
For RND(N%), where N% > 1, it takes
a number between 0 and 1, multiplies it
by N% and rounds it up to the nearest
whole number to give a number
between 1 and N%.
As you can see from table 2, it takes
between just over a millisecond (ms)
and about 3.6ms to produce' these
numbers. This may not seem a long
time, but for some simulations or
machine code games it would be good
to have some means of speeding things
up. There are three possible
approaches; the first is to try to speed
up the use of the generator in the Basic
ROM, the second is to write a faster
simulation, and the third, for the fastest
speed, is to make up the generator in
the form of an electronic circuit, and
read it using some sort of interface.
Even when working in Basic it is
possible to speed things up in certain
cases, as shown in table 2. If you need
a four-byte number as produced by
RND then it is no quicker to CALL the
routine, but if you want only a single-
byte random number it is an advantage
to CALL the routine. The results show
that RND (256) is much slower than
CALLing the routine and picking off the
byte using byte indirection, even if you
shift it by 32 bits instead of eight.
The other way to improve the speed
is to use a number range which is a
power of two. This is done by using
RND and doing a logical AND on it with
3, 7, 15, 31 , 63, etc. This effectively picks
off a number of bits from the bottom of
the four-byte number. You have to
remember, though, that RND AND 7, for
example, produces a number between
0 and 7, and the nearest equivalent is
RND(8), which produces a number
between 1 and 8.
When writing machine code pro-
grams, it is possible to use the random
number generator in the Basic ROM,
provided of course you don't want to
put your code in sideways ROM. Even
so, it is simplicity itself to copy the code
shown in figure 2 into your own pro-
gram.
For example, all you have to do if you
want an eight-bit random number is to
shift the generator eight times and read
off one of the bytes.
Thus:
LDY #8
JSR &AFB8 (or &AF89 for Basic II)
LDA &OD
would return the random number in the
accumulator.
When it comes to writing a new
random number routine, the problem is
that reducing the length of the counter
Figure 3. The 33-bit ring counter simulated by program 1
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
HARDWARE |
shortens the cycle time and therefore
reduces the randomness. The tech-
nique I have used is to shorten the
length to two bytes and use only 15 of
the 16 bits for feedback purposes to
simplify the exclusive-OR process
(table 1). To regain some of the lost ran-
domness I have used an interrupt rou-
tine which increments a counter. While
shifting the two bytes, this counter is
exclusive-ORed with the other feed-
backlines.
All this is illustrated in program 1
(yellow page ix). This includes two
methods of testing the randomness of
the generator and also allows you to
apply the tests to the existing generator
for comparison. The first test is a bit-
map which puts dots on the screen
whose co-ordinates are selected by the
generator. This will soon reveal any
patterns in the cycling. The second is a
frequency graph or histogram which
plots a graph of the number of times (Y-
axis) each of the numbers 0 to 255 (X-
axis)are selected.
I am not convinced as to how effec-
tive these routines are at testing the
randomness of the generators, but I
have tried in vain to find a better way.
The impressive looking equations in
learned papers about random number
generators were totally incomprehen-
sible to me. Is there a statistician out
there who knows how to test random
number generators?
Nevertheless, the results of these
tests seem to show that the new gener-
ator gives roughly the same degree of
randomness as the original one, even
though it takes only 14.5 microseconds
(ps) per shift (116 ps per eight-bit
number) compared with the 22 ps per
shift (176 ps per eight-bit number) that
the Basic generator takes. The new
generator, however, needs an interrupt
routine as well which will slow down
the overall speed of the program
slightly. However, the routine adds only
4ps to each interrupt routine, and inter-
rupts occur only every 5ms, so that is
less than 0.1% reduction in speed.
The parts of the program relating to
producing the new random number are
line 720, which picks up the present
value of the interrupt vector, lines 850
and 860, which make up the interrupt
routine, lines 900-960, which change
the interrupt vector, lines 1000-1060,
which restore the original interrupt
vector to disable our additional routine,
and lines 1160-1250, which contain the
shifting algorithm itself.
Now for a challenge. If you want to
write your own random number rou-
tine, you can put it in place of the
‘newRND’ routine and test it out. If it
either shows better randomness on
each of the two tests than either of the
routines given, or it's faster than 14.5ps
per shift, let us know, and we ll publish
it. However, if you really want a good-
quality, high speed random number
generator you’ll have to wait for next
month.
Next month A random number gener-
ator made from components costing
less than £4 which attaches to the user
port. It can produce eight-bit numbers
at a maximum rate of one every 20ps,
and reading the number takes only 6ps,
which gives you 14ps to do something
with it before the next one is ready.
PUBLISHER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
ACORN USER
SUBSCRIPTIONS
We apologise to readers who have suffered
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publisher.
All records have now been transferred to a
new computer system, but there is still a
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numbers.
A 24-hour answering service on all
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Nutfield Ridge (073782) 2957.
Correspondence will be dealt with faster if
you send or quote the new Redwood 7-digit
code from your current wrapper or renewal
notice. (This is especially important if the
subscription is paid for by someone other
than yourself.)
Do not write in about the same problem
twice - please be patient, you should still
find that your copies arrive.
ACORN USER
PAPER QUALITY
A combination of exceptional demand from
the USA and industrial action affecting
paper mills has caused a severe shortage of
the coated paper on which we usually print
Acorn User. As a result, the cost of this
paper has risen by 30% in ten months.
As most readers would prefer us to keep the
cover and subscription price at current
levels, we have switched the non-colour
sections of Acorn User to the sort of paper
used in the magazine supplements of
Sunday newspapers.
We hope this will not interfere with your
enjoyment of the content which, of course,
we continually strive to improve. Issue sizes
have doubled since last year, with no
increase in cover price, so we are sure you
will find Acorn User still delivers great value
for money.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I
FIRST BYTE
16 PAGES OF FUN AND LEARNING
THE 16 yellow pages in this
First Byte: ’Sounds inviting’ (page 47)
i
section contain all the major pro-
Beeb Forum: utilities (page 65)
ii
grams in this issue. We’ve separ-
First Byte: ‘How to correct program listings’ (page 37)
iii-vi
ated the listings from the articles
Beeb Forum: ‘Seconds out’ (page 66)
vii
to make them easier for you to
Beeb Forum: ‘New chip with Tube’ (page 68)
viii
type in and find -or even cut out
Hardware: ‘Random numbers’ (page 78)
ix
and keep separately under topics
Education: Teaching toddlers’
xi
such as graphics, sound, utilities,
Education: ‘Zootime for micros’
XV
etc.
Atom: ‘Avoiding errors . .
xvi
•
•
See ‘ Sounds inviting \ page 47
•
•
•
10 REM *** ON THE LAKE ***
10 REM **** RIDING ****
•
• 20 REM **(c) Acorn User **
20 REM ** (C) Acorn User **
•
# 30 MODE 6
30 MODE 6
•
9 40 VDU19,0, 4; 0;
40 VDU19 ,0, 4; 0;
• 50 PRINT
50 PRINT
•
60 PRINT SPC(IO)" ON THE LAKE"
60 PRINT SPC (7) "A TUNE CALLED RIDING"
• 70 PRINT SPC (9) " (c ) Acorn User"
70 PRINT SPC ( 9 ) " < c ) Acorn User"
•
m 80 0=0
80 0=24
9 90 D=0
90 FOR NNN= 1 TO 2
• 100 D=D+1
100 FOR NN= 1 TO 2
•
110 RESTORE 220
110 RESTORE 210
• 120 FOR N=1 TO 44
120 FOR N= 1 TO 42
•
m 130 READ A, B, C
130 READ A, B, C
m
9 140 SOUND 1 ,-15,A+0,C
140 SOUND 1 ,—15, A— 0 , C*8
w
0 141 SOUND 2,-15,B+0,C
150 S0UND2 , — 15 , B-0 , C*8
•
150 NEXT N
160 NEXT N
• 160 ON D G0T0170, 180, 190,210,210
170 0=0-12
•
m 170 0=-24 : GOTO 100
180 NEXT NN
A
• 180 0=0 : GOTO 100
190 0=24
w
^ 190 0=-l 2 : G0T0100
200 NEXT NNN
•
200 0=— 24 : GOTO 100
210 DATA 165, 101 ,1,169,101,1,165,101,1,
• 210 END
177,117,1, 169,117,1 ,165,117,1,157,129,1,
•
220 DATA165, 101 ,5, 157, 101 ,5, 149, 101 ,5,
165,129,1,157,129,1, 169,129,1 , 165, 129,1,
A
• 177,97,5,177,89,5,177,81,5,165,101,5, 157
157,129,1,149,117,1,157,117,1,149,117,1
W
0 ,101,5,149,101,5,177,97,5,177,89,5,177,8
220 DATA165 , 101 , 1 , 157,101 , 1 , 149, 101 , 1 ,
•
1,5,165, 101,5,157,101,5, 149,101 ,5
157,129,3,157, 121,3,165,117,1 ,169,117,1,
• 230 DATA169, 109,5, 165, 109,5, 169, 101 ,5,
165,117,1,177,101,1,169,101,1,165,101,1,
•
177,97,5,169,97,5,165, 101,5,157,81,5, 157
157,121,1, 165, 121,1, 157,121 , 1
a
• ,89,5,97,97,5,165,101,5,157,101,5,149,10
230 DATA169, 109, 1 , 165, 109,1 , 157,109,1 ,
•
^ 1,5,177,97,5,177,89,5,177,81,5
165,129,1,169,129,1,165,129,1,157,121,1,
•
240 DATA 165, 101,5,157,101,5,149,101,5,
165,121,1,157,121,1,149,117,1,149,129,1,
• 177,97,5,177,89,5, 177,81,5,165,101,5,169
,101,5,165,101,5,157,89,5,165,89,5,157,8
# 9,5
149,117,1,149,101,3
•
•
£ 250 DATA149, 101 , 15, 149, 101 , 10
•
•
•
•
• Listing 1
Listing 2
•
•
SPECIAL MONTHLY LISTINGS CASSETTE
FOR readers who have trouble
typing in listings, or just don’t have
the time and patience, ACORN
USER has made a special cassette
available containing all the major
programs in this issue. It costs just
£3.75, which includes postage and
packing. Turn to page 81, which is
immediately after this yellow pages
section, for details.
The order form is at the bottom of
page 82.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BEEB FORUM J
See pages 65 and 70
•
•
Listing 3. Printer toggler interrupt routine by C Binstead
•
•
•
i
REM
PTRTGLR - PRINTER TOGGLER INTERRUPT ROUTINE
•
•
REM
w
2
a “Y
10
FOR I’/.=0 TO 2 STEP 2
w
m
• 20
P7.=&A00
W
A 30
COPT 17.
•
40
PHP 3 PHA s TXA s
PHA 8 TYA s PHA
/Save Registers
• 50
LDA #126 s LDX #0
s JSR &FFF4
/Acknowledge ESCAPE pressed
•
m 60
LDA&70 s CMP#0
/Check 'Toggle' byte
•
70
BNE PTROFF
/If 1 turn printer off
• 80
. PTRON s LDA#2 s JSR StFFEE
/VDU 2 - Turn printer on
•
• 90
LDA#1 s STA&70
/Invert 'Toggle' byte
0
100
JMP PIF
/Interrupt finished
• 110
.PTROFF s LDA#3 s
JSR &FFEE
/VDU 3 - Turn printer off
•
120
LDA#0 s STA&70
/Invert 'Toggle' byte
A
• 130
LDA#1 s JSR &FFEE
s LDA# 13 ! JSR &FFEE
/VDU 1,13 — Send CR to printer
W
# 140
LDA# 1 s JSR ScFFEE
s LDA# 13 : JSR &FFEE
/VDU 1,13 - Send CR to printer
•
150
.PIF
• 160
PLA s TAY s PLA s
TAX s PLA : PLP
/Restore registers
•
# 170
RTSs 3 REM
Return from interrupt routine
•
180
NEXT 17.
® 190
?&220=Sc0 s REM
Low byte of interrupt address
•
# 200
?Sc221=S(A s REM
High byte of interrupt address
0
210
?8t70=0 s REM
Start condition 'Printer off-on
• 220
•
•
*FX14,6 s REM
Enable 'ESCAPE PRESSED' event
•
•
•
•
•
Listing 4. Function to return the filesize, by Mr Davies of Horley
•
•
•
3000
DEF FNsize (f i lename$)
•
A
•
30 1 0
REM
w
•
3020
REM **
De-fine osfile.
•
•
3030
LOCAL
osfile: osf i 1 e= 2<FFDD
•
•
3040
REM
•
A
3050
REM **
Set. up osfile workspace in zero page.
•
w
3060
LOCAL
m"/.s m"/.= 2<70: mV. ! 8<A= 0
•
3070
REM
•
•
3080
REM **
Store filename^ in a temporary memory area.
•
•
3090
LOCAL
n7„: n7.= &100: $ n 7. = filename^
•
•
3100
REM
•
3110
REM **
Point osfile workspace to filename^
A
•
3 1 20
rn7.?0=n7. MOD &100: m7.?l=n7. DIV ?<100
•
•
3130
REM
•
•
3140
REM **
Now set X7. and Y7. to point to workspace
•
•
3150
REM **
and set A7. to 5. This requests the files
•
•
3 1 60
REM **
attributes from the disc catalogue.
•
w
3 1 70
XV.— mV. :
YY.—mY. DIV &100: A7.=5: CALL osfile
A
•
3180
REM
•
•
3190
REM *,*
Finally, extract the size from the workspace.
•
•
•
•
3180
-mV. ! ?<A
•
•
•
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
See ' How to correct listings \ page 37
10 REM listing 1
20 REM Uncorrected version
30 MODE 1
40 PROCi ni ti al i se
50 PROCclock
60 ON ERROR GOTO 80
70 PROCrun
80 REPEAT
90 PROC INPUT
100 UNTIL0
110 END
120 :
130 DEFPOCi ni t i al i se
140 *FX111,0
150 @=0
160 DIM B(l) ,hex*(15) ,oldBl>
170 VDU 23; 8202; 0; 0; 0
180 VDU 19,0,4,0,0
190 VDU 19,2,0,0,0
200 VDU 24,0,352; 1279; 1023;
210 FOR N-0 TO 15
220 hex*(n)=CHR*
(N-48* (N< 10) -55* (N>9) )
230 NEXT N
240 GCOL0 , 1 29
250 CLG
260 VDU, 28, 0,31 ,39,21
270 END
280 s
290 DEFPROCcl ocks
300 VDU5
310 GCOL0 , 2
320 MOVE320 ,110
330 PRINT"Hexadeci mal numbers
340 r ad=250
350 FOR N-0 TO 1
360 FOR T=0 TO 51
370 VDU29 , (300+600*N) ; 700;
380 MOVE (rad*SIN (T*PI /8) ) ,
<rad*C0S(T*Pl/8) )
390 PRINT hex* (T)
400 NEXT N
410 NEXT T
420 GCOL0 , 3
430 r ad=280
440 FOR N = 0 TO 1
450 VDU29, (312+600*N; 685;
460 MOVE0 , rad
470 FOR T=0 TO 2*PI STEP P 1/12
480 DRAW (rad*SIN (T) ) , (rad*C0S (T) )
490 NEXT T
500 NEXT N
510 VDU4
520 ENDPROC
530 ;
540 PROCrun
550 FOR T=1 TO 255
560 PROCdi spl ay ( t )
570 NEXT T
580 ENDPROC
590 s
600 DEFPROCdi spl ay (number )
610 oldb(0)=B(0)
620 ol dB ( 1 ) =B ( 1 )
630 B ( 0) “number MOD 16
640 B ( 1 ) =number D1V 16
650 FOR N=0 TO 1
660 PROCi ncrement (7 , ol dB (N)
670 PROCi ncrement (5 B(N))
680 NEXT N
690 PROCprint
700 X-GET
710 ENDPROC
720 s
730 DEFPROCpi nt
740 CLS
750 COLOUR 2
760 PRINTTAB (1,2) "8<"; hex (B(l) ) ; "0";
770 COLOUR 3
780 PRINT = 16 x "B(l)" = " ;
790 C0LOUR 1
800 PRIN T ( 1 ) *16
810 COLOUR 2
820 PRINTTAB (25,2) ; hex* (B (0) ) ;
830 COLOUR 3
840 PRINT** = **
850 COLOUR 1
860 PRINT B (0)
870 COLOUR 2
8B0 PRINTTAB (9,9) "St";
hex* (B ( 1 ) ) , hex* (B (0) ) ;
890 COLOUR
900 PRINT" = ";
910 COLOUR 1
920 PRINTnumber
930 COLOUR 2
940 PRINT" in BASE 10"
950 PRINTTAB (12,9) "Press spice bar"
960 ENDPROC
970 s
980 DEFPROCi ncrement ( Z , val ue)
990 VDU29 , (918— 600*N) ; 685
1000 r ad—200
1010 ang-val ue*PI /8
1020 MOVE0 , 0
1030 PLOT Z , rad*SIN (angl e) , r ad s COS (angl e)
1040 ENDPROC
1050 8
1060 DEFPROCi nput
1070 repeat
1080 CLG
1090 INPUTTAB (5,5) "Enter a number
in base 10 "number
1100 UNTIL (number'/. > =1)
AND (number'/. < 256)
1110 PROCdi spl ay (number'/.)
1120 ENDPROC
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
FIRST BYTE
1
See ‘How to correct listings page 37
10
REM listing 2
620
20
REM Correct version
630
30
MODE 1
640
40
PROCinitialise
650
50
PROCcl ocks
660
60
ON ERROR GOTO 80
670
70
PROCrun
680
80
REPEAT
690
90
PROCi nput
700
100
UNTIL0
710
110
END
720
120
■
730
130
DEFPROCini ti al i se
740
140
*FX 11,0
750
150
@7.-0
760
160
DIM B(l) , hex $(15) , ol dB ( 1 )
770
170
VDU 23;8202;0;0;0;
780
180
VDU 19,0,4,0,0,0
790
190
VDU 19,2,0,0,0,0
800
200
VDU 24,0; 352; 1279; 1023;
810
210
FOR N-0 TO 15
820
220
hex$(N)-CHR*
830
(N-48* (N< 10) -55* (N>9) )
840
230
NEXT N
850
240
GCOL0 , 129
860
250
CLG
870
260
VDU 28,0,31,39,21
880
270
ENDPROC
890
280
:
900
290
DEFPROCcl ocks
910
300
VDU5
920
310
GCOL0 , 2
930
320
MOVE320 ,1010
940
330
PRINT"Hexadeci mal numbers"
950
340
rad=250
960
350
FOR N=0 TO 1
970
360
FOR T=0 TO 15
980
370
VDU29 , (300+600*N) ; 700;
990
380
MOVE (rad*SIN (T*PI /8) ) ,
1000
(rad*C0S(T*PI/8) )
1010
390
PRINT hex$(T)
1020
400
NEXT T
1030
410
NEXT N
1040
420
GCOL0 , 3
1050
430
rad-280
1060
440
FOR N - 0 TO 1
1070
450
VDU29 , (312+600*N) ;685;
1080
460
MOVE0 , rad
1090
470
FOR T-0 TO 2*PI STEP PI/ 12
480
DRAW (rad*SIN (T) ) , (rad*COS(T) )
1100
490
NEXT T
1110
500
NEXT N
1120
510
VDU4
520
ENDPROC
530
:
540
DEFPROCrun
550
FOR T-l TO 255
560
PROCdi spl ay (T)
570
NEXT T
580
ENDPROC
590
:
600
DEFPROCdi spl ay (number )
610
ol dB (0) -B (0)
oldB(l)»B(l>
B (0) "number MOD 16
B ( 1 ) ■numbtr DIV 16
FOR N-0 TO 1
PROCincrement (7,oldB (N) )
PROCincrement <5,B(N) )
NEXT N
PROCprint
X=GET
ENDPROC
■
•
DEFPROCpr i nt
CLS
COLOUR 2
PRINTTAB (1,2) "8<" ; hex* (B ( 1 ) ) ; "B")
COLOUR 3
PRINT" = 16 x "B<1) " = ";
COLOUR 1
PRINTB ( 1 ) *16
COLOUR 2
PRINTTAB (25 ,2) "Sc" ; hex* (B (0) ) ;
COLOUR 3
PRINT" - "5
COLOUR 1
PRINT B (0)
COLOUR 2
PRINTTAB (9 ,6) "8<" ; hex* (B < 1 ) > ,hex*(B<0) ) ;
COLOUR 3
PRINT" =
COLOUR 1
PRINTnumber ;
C0L0UR3
PRINT" in BASE 10"
PRINTTAB (12,9) "Press space bar"
ENDPROC
:
DEFPROCi ncrement (Z, value)
VDU29, (91B-600*N) ;685;
rad-200
angl e=val ufe*PI /8
MOVE0 , 0
PLOT Z , rad*SIN (angle) , r ad*COS (angl e)
ENDPROC
:
DEFPROCi nput
REPEAT
CLS
INPUTTAB<5,5) "Enter a number in
base 10 "number'/.
UNTIL (number’/. > -1) AND (number’/. < 256)
PROCdi spl ay (number’/.)
ENDPROC
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
| FIRST BYTE
See 'Ho w to correct listings page 37
(<N>8 S) ^uowajDuiDoad
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
vo
FIRST BYTE I
See ‘How to correct listings page 37
•
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I BEEB FORUM
See Beeb Forum page 65
•
A6 F4
LDX
&F4
\
save old rom id
•
84 F4
STY
ScF4
\
insert new rom id 0
8C 30 FE
STY
&FE30
\
switch to new rom
•
AO 00
LDY
£&00
\
use indirect indexed addressing 0
Bl F6
LDA
(&F6),Y
\
to read byte pointed to by &F6,&F7
•
86 F4
STX
8tF4
\
restore old rom id #
8E 30 FE
STX
!cFE30
\
switch back to old rom
•
•
60
RTS
\
return W
•
Figure 1. Routine called
from OS ROM
460 FOR Z"/.=0 TO 18
and line 510:-
510 DATA &A6, &F4, &84, &F4, &8C, &30, &FE, &A0, &00, &B1 , &F6, Sc86, 2*F4,
&8E , 2c30 , &FE , &85 , &F6 , &60
Figure 2. Changes to
program 1 if OS routine
inserted
0 REM ROM-DUMP (C) R. Newman, Oundle School, May 1934
10 DIM buf 715, bl kVA
20 osbyte=&FFF4: osword=ScFFFl
30 M0DE3
40 PR I NTT AB (30, 1 ) "ROM-DUMP"
50 INPUTTAB (25, 3) "Which ROM" 7 (12-15) "P.7.
60 IF R7.C12 OR R7.>15 THEN PRINTTAB (44, 3) ;9PC(10) :G0T050
70 PR I NT ,
BO AT7.=S)7.:a7.=&00020003:REM adjust print field
90 PROCover: REM "poke" code to 10 memory
100 PROCwr i t e ( &80 , &F7 ) : REM &F6,8cF7 points to page ScBOOO
110 PROCwr ite (0,8.200): REM point USERV (&200, 8(201 ) to code at &2200
120 PROCwr i t e ( &22 , &20 1 )
130 FOR Z7.=0 TO 255 STEP 16
140 PRINT" (&8000+Z7.);" - ";
150 FOR J7.=0 TO 15
160 PR0Cwrite(Z7.+J7.,&F6):REM set low byte of &F6,8cF7 pointer
170 PROCstarcode: REM call USERV code to get ROM byte
180 buf7.?J7.=FNread(&F6):PRINT"buf7.?J7.;:
REM transfer ROM byte & print it
190 NEXTJ7.
200 PRINT" : ";
210 FOR J7.=0 TO 15:REM print ascii interpretation
220 IF buf7.?J7.<32 OR buf 7.7J7.M27 THEN PRINT".";
ELSE PRINTCHR$(buf7.?J7.);
230 NEXTJ7.
240 PRINT
250 NEXTZ7.
260 S>7.=AT7.:REM reset print field
270 END
280 DEF PROCwr i te (data, addr )
290 LOCAL A7.,X7.,Y7.
300 ! bl k%=addr : bl k7?4=data
310 A7.=6:X7.=blk7.:Y7.=X7. DIV256
320 CALL osword
330 ENDPROC
340 DEF FNread(addr)
350 LOCAL A7.,X7.,Y7.
360 1 bl k7.=addr
370 A7.=5:X7.=blk7.:Y7.=X7. DIV256
380 CALL osword
390 =blk7.?4
400 DEF PROCstarcode
410 LOCAL A7.,X7.,Y7.
420 A7.= 136:X7.=0:Y7.=R7.:CALL osbyte
430 ENDPROC
440 DEF PROCover
450 LOCAL Z7.
460 F0RZ7.=0T05
470 READ data
480 PROCwr i te (data, &2200+Z7)
490 NEXT
500 ENDPROC
510 DATA &20, SdB9, &FF, &85, &F6, &60 : REM JSR &FFB9: ST A &F6: RTS
Program 1. Displays the
first page sideways ROM
on a standard BBC micro
BEEB FORUM
See ' New chip with Tube ' on page 68
Code from DNFS ROM to illustrate software disable flags
80F7-
2C
8F
02
BIT
&028F
\Service entry
BOFA-
08
PHP
\Test keyboard links
80FB-
10
03
BPL
&8 1 00
\Branch i-f NFS has priority
80FD-
20
9D
9F
JSR
2(9F9D
\Disk service calls
8100-
48
PHA
B101-
C9
01
CMP
£&01
\NFS service call 1
8103-
DO
15
BNE
&B1 1 A
8105-
AD
AO
FE
LDA
8<FEA0
\Check 68B54 Status Reg. 1
8 1 OS-
29
ED
AND
£8<ED
81 0A-
DO
07
BNE
&81 13
\Branch i-f check fails
B10C-
AD
A1
FE
LDA
8<FEA1
\Check 68B54 Status reg. 2
810F-
29
DB
AND
£8cDB
8111-
FO
07
BED
8<B1 1A
\Branch if check is OK
8113-
3E
FO
OD
ROL
&ODFO, X
\Set ignore NFS flag
8116-
38
SEC
\by shifting msb to carry
8117-
7E
FO
OD
ROR
&ODFO, X
\setting it and shifting back
811A-
BD
FO
OD
LDA
8<0DF0, X
811D-
OA
ASL
NGet ignore flag bit
811E-
68
PLA
81 IF—
30
02
BMI
8(8123
\A holds Tube service code so branch
8121-
BO
6E
BCS
8(8191
\Branch if ignore flag set
8123-
C9
FE
CMP
£&FE
8125-
90
5C
BCC
8(8183
8127-
DO
IB
BNE
8(8144
\If not eq. A=8(FF (tube init. call)
8129-
CO
00
CPY
£8(00
812B-
FO
56
BED
8(8183
812D-
A2
06
LDX
£8(06
\Tube present, so
812F-
A9
14
LDA
£8(14
\explode character set (IFX20,6)
8131-
20
F4
FF
JSR
8(FFF4
8134-
2C
EO
FE
BIT
8(FEE0
8137-
10
FB
BPL
8(8134
8139-
AD
El
FE
LDA
8(FEE1
8 ISC-
FO
43
BED
8(8181
SI 3E-
20
EE
FF
JSR
8(FFEE
8141-
4C
34
81
JMP
8(8134
8144-
A9
AD
LDA
£8(AD
\Set up tube code in I/O processor
8146-
8D
20
02
STA
8(0220
8149-
A9
06
LDA
£8(06
814B-
8D
21
00
STA
8(0221
814E-
A9
16
LDA
£8(16
81 Sa-
8D
02
02
STA
8(0202
fi 153-
A9
00
LDA
£8(00
8155-
8D
03
02
STA
8(0203
* * * #
\code continues
8191-
BO
1C
BCS
8(8 1AF
\Branch again!
• • • •
\code continues
81 AF-
28
PLP
\Restore info from keyboard links
BIBO-
30
37
PM I
8(8 1E9
\Branch to RTS if Disk had priority
31B2-
4C
9D
9F
JMF
8(9F9D
\Jump to disk service calls
9F9D-
4C
74
E4
JMP
8.B494
B4°4-
48
PHA
\Disk service calls
9495-
AD
80
FE
LDA
8<FEB0
\Check for presence of 8271 chip
B498-
29
03
AND
£8(03
\check bits 0,1 of status reg.
P49A-
DO
4D
BNE
8(B4E9
\If not 0 branch and skip disk calls
B49C-
BD
FO
OD
LDA
ScODFO, X
\Check DFS ignore flag (bit 6) by
949F-
OA
ASL
\shiftmg left and seeing if "new"
B4A0-
30
47
BMI
8(B4E9
\bit 7 is set. If so branch.
....
\Disk service calls in here
B4E9-
63
PLA
\Branch to here
B4EA-
60
RTS
The above code is copyright (C) Acorn Computers.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I HARDWARE
See Random numbers page 78
10 PROCini tial ise
20 MODE 0
Program 1. Demonstrates and tests a new random
number generator and compares it with the current
version in the Basic ROM
30 REPEAT
40 PROCmenu
50 UNTIL INKEY (0) >0
60 END
70
80 DEF PROCmenu
90 REM ********
100 CLS
110 PR I NT "Old or new generator? (0 or 1) M
120 INPUT" (-1 to END). Your choice", new
130 IF new = -1 THEN END
140 IF new rndGEN = newRND ELSE rndGEN = basRND
150 PRGCassembl e_tests
160 IF new CALL int__on
170 INPUT "Hi s tog ram or map? (0 or 1)", map
180 IF map PROCdrawmap ELSE PROChist
190 ENDPROC
200
210 DEF PROCdrawmap
220 REM ***********
230 CLS
240 PRINT TAB (65) ; "
250 IF new PRINT"NEW" ; ELSE PR I NT " BAS I C " ;
260 CAL.L RNDmap
270 CALL i nt_of f
280 ENDPROC
290
300 DEF PROChist
310 REM ********
320 INPUT "How many sets o-f values", A7.
330 Q7. = A7.
340 FOR M7. = 0TO255
350 NX (117.) = 0
360 NEXT
370 REPEAT
380 CALL RNDhist
390 max 7. = 0:min7. = &FFFF: tot 7. = 0
400 FOR M7. = 0TO255
410 N7.(M7.) = N7. ( M7. ) +? ( B7.+M7. ) +? < C7.+M7. ) *256
420 tot7. = tot7.+N7. <M7.)
430 IF N7.CM7.) >max7. max7. = N7.(M7.)
440 IF N7. (M7.Xmin7. min7. = N7.(M7.)
450 NEXT
460 CLS
470 PRINT"max ";max7.;" min ";min7.;
480 PRINT" ave M ; totX/256; “ n ;
490 R7. = (max "/.-min"/.) /tot7.*12800
500 PRINT" range +/- ";R7.;"7.
510 IF new PRINT"NEW" ELSE PRINT"BASIC
520 MOVE 0,N7. (0)*4/Q7.
530 FOR M7. = 1T0255
540 DRAWM7.*4 ,N7. (M7.) *4/07.
550 NEXT
560 07. = Q7.+A7.
570 UNTIL INKEY (0) >0
580 CALL i nt _oT f
590 ENDPROC
600
610 DEF PROCerr _handl e
620 REM **************
630 CALL i nt_o-f i
640 REPORT
650 PRINT" at "ERL
660 ENDPROC
670
680 DEF PROCi ni ti al i se
690 REM **************
700 DIM B7. 256, C7. 256, N7.<255)
710 ON ERROR PROCerr _handl e: END
720 oldIRO = ! &204 AND &FFFF
730 bas = &AF89
740 REM bas = &AFB8 Tor BASIC I
750 PROCassemb 1 e_gener ator s
760 ENDPROC
770
7B0 DEF PROCassembl e_gener ators
790 REM ***********************
800 P7. = &C00
810 COPT 2
B20
830 .IRO
840 \***
850 INC &10
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
HARDWARE ■
See Random numbers page 78
860
870
880
890
900
910
920
930
940
950
960
970
980
990
JMP ol d IRQ
. int_on
\******
SEI
LDA # IRQ MOD 256
STA Sr204
LDA #IRQ DIV 256
STA Sr205
CL I
RTS
. i nt_of f
\*******
1000
SEI
1010
LDA #ol d IRQ MOD 256
1020
STA St204
1030
LDA #ol d IRQ DIV 256
1040
STA St205
1050
CLI
1420
LDY #8
1060
RTS
1430
JSR rndGEN
1070
1440
JSR SrFFEE
1080
. basRND
1450
LDY #2
1090
\******
1460
JSR rndGEN
1 100
JSR bas
1470
AND #3
1110
LDA &0D
1480
JSR SrFFEE
1120
RTS
1490
LDY #8
1 130
1500
JSR rndGEN
1140
- newRND
1510
JSR SrFFEE
1150
\ ******
1520
LDY #2
1160
LDA &0E
1530
JSR rndGEN
1170
EOR Sr0D
1540
AND #3
1 180
EOR Sr 1 0
1550
JSR SrFFEE
1190
ROR A
1560
LDA #Sr81
1200
STA 8r0E
1570
LDX #0
1210
ROR Sr0D
1580
LDY #0
1220
ROR Sr0E
1590
JSR 8rFFF4
1230
DEY
1600
BCS RNDmap
1240
BNE newRND
1610
RTS
1250
RTS
1620
1260
1630
- RNDhi st
1270
1
1640
\*******
1280
testcodeX~PX
1650
LDA #0
1290
ENDPROC
1660
TAX
1300
DEF PROCassembl e_tests
1670
- wi pe
1310
REM ******************
1680
STA BX , X
1320
FOR optX = 0 TO 2 STEP 2
1690
STA CX,X
1330
PX = testcodeX
1700
INX
1340
COPT optX
1710
BNE wipe
1350
1720
1360
. RNDmap
1730
- sample
1370
\******
1740
LDY #8
1380
LDA #25
1750
JSR rndGEN
1390
JSR SrFFEE
1760
TAX
1400
LDA #69
1770
INC BX,X
1410
JSR SrFFEE
1780
BNE sample
1790
INC CX,X
1800
LDA S<404
1810
CMP CX,X
1820
BNE sample
1830
RTS
1840
1850
1
1860
NEXT
1870
ENDPROC
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
EDUCATION
See ‘Teaching toddlers’ page 104
Listing 1. Introducing children to micros
10 REM Youngest Users Micro Activity Pack-
20 REM (c) Joe Telford
30 W7.=5
40 K7.=-1:*KEY 10 OLD ! MG0T050 I M
50 REM THIS LINE IS IMPORTANT
60 ON ERROR M0DE6: PROCerror
70 M0DE6: PROCsetup
80 IF K7.=-l choi ce=FNmenu ELSE choice=0
90 IF choi ce=0 choice=KX
100 K7.=choice
1 1 0 CLS : MODES : CLS : VDU 1 9 , 0 , 4 , 0 ; 0 ;
120 PROCxcrsr (0)
130 IF choice=l PROCpattern
140 IF choi ce=2 PROCshape
150 IF choice=3 PROCshapegame
160 IF choice=4 PROCdr awsound
170 IF choice=5 PROCsketch
180 IF choice=6 M0DE7: CLS: PROCend
190 END
200 DEFPROCend
210 PRINT* * "Bye. " : *FX220 f 27
220 *FX4,0
230 END
240 DEFPROCerror
250 IF ERR= 17 RUN
260 CLS: REPORT: PRINT" & " ; ERL
270 PROCend
280 DEFPROCsketch
290 GCOLO ,129: CLG : GCOLO , 2 : PROCr ec t < 0 , 992 , 1 280 ,32,1)
300 sx=640: sy=512
310 REPEAT
320 PROCcrsr ( sx , sy )
330 k=FNkey
340 PROCcrsr (sx ,sy)
350 IFk=0 sy=sy+16 ELSEIFk=l sy=sy-16 ELSEIFk=2 sx=sx-16 ELSEIFk=3 sx=sx+16 EL
SE I Fk=4 col = < col + 1 > M0D4 : GCOLO , col : PROCr ect ( 0 , 992 , 1 280 ,32,1): MOVEsx , sy
360 IFsx >1279 sx =sx - 1 6 : VDU7
370 I Fsx < 1 sx =sx + 16: VDU7
380 IFsy >992 sy=sy— 1 6 : VDU7
390 IFsy< 1 sy=sy+16: VDU7
400 DRAW sx,sy
410 UNTIL FALSE
420 ENDPROC
430 DEFPROCcrsr (x ,y> : GC0L4,0: MOVEx ,y: MOVEx+B,y: DRAWx -8 , y : MOVEx ,y+B: DRAWx ,y-B: M
OVEx ,y: GCOLO, (col MOD 4): ENDPROC
440 DEFPROCshape: GCOLO, col :PROCrect (0,992,1280,32,1 )
450 REPEAT
460 sx= RND< 1280) :sy=RND( 1024)
470 REPEAT PROCr ect (O , 992 , 1 280 , 32 , 1 )
480 PROCcrsr (sx , sy) : VDU7
490 del ay= T IME+W7.*100: *FX21 ,0
500 REPEAT k=FNkey: UNTIL k>-l OR TIME>delay
510 PROCcrsr ( sx , sy )
520 r=RND(250)+50
530 IF k=0 PROCcircle (sx ,sy ,r ,r , 1 ) : UNTIL O
540 IF k=l PROCrect (sx ,sy ,r ,r , 1 ) : UNTILO
Continued ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
EDUCATION ■
See ‘Teaching toddlers’ page 104
◄ Continued
550 IF k=2 PROCrect (sx , sy , 2*r , r , 1 ) : UNTILO
560 IF k=3 PROCtri (r*COS (RAD (90) ) ,r*SIN (RAD (90) ) ,r*COS (RAD (210) ) , r*SIN (RAD (210
) ) , r *COS ( RAD ( 330 ) ) ,r*SIN (RAD (330) ) , 1) sUNTILO
570 IF k=4 col=(col+l) MOD 4 : GCOLO , col : PROCrect ( 0 , 992 , 1 280 , 32 , 1 )
580 UNTIL TRUE: UNTIL FALSE
590 ENDPROC
600 DEF PRQCpattern: CLS: PR I NTSTR I NG$ ( 20 , CHR$ 1 55 ) ; : VDU28,0,31 ,19,1
610 CLS:char=65
620 REPEAT: *FX21 ,0
630 REPEAT k=FNkey: UNTIL k>-l
640 IF k=4 col =col +1 : IF (col MOD 4)=0 col=col+l
650 COLOUR col : VDU26 : PR I NTSTR I NG$ ( 20 , CHR$ 1 55 ) ; : VDU28 ,0,31,19,1
660 IF k=0 char= char+1
670 IF k=l char= char-1
680 IF k=2 char= RND (127) +32
690 IF k=3 char= char
700 IF char = 1 55 char =33
710 IF char =32 char = 1 54
720 FOR IX® 1 TO 600: VDUchar : NEXT
730 UNTILFALSE
740 ENDPROC
750 DEFPROCdr awsound : GCOLO, 128: CLG: xpos=50
760 note=6: REPEAT: *FX21,0
770 REPEAT k=FNkey : UNT I L k>-l
780 IF k=0 note= note+1
790 IF k=l note= note-1
800 IF k=2 note= RND(14)-1
810 IF k=3 not e= note
820 IF note=14 note=0
830 IF not e=— 1 not e= 1 3
840 GCOL O, col : PROCpl aynote (note)
850 UNTILFALSE
860 DEFPROCpl aynote (n )
870 IF xpos>l 200 xpos=50: GCOLO, 128: CLG
880 SOUND 1 , -15,n*4+52,8
890 GCOLO, RND (3)
900 PROCrect (xpos,n*70+20, 100,70,1)
910 xpo5=xpos+100
920 FOR wt7-= 1 TO 300: NEXT
930 ENDPROC
940 DEFPROCshapegame
950 sx=640:sy=512
960 VDU 19,0, 5, 0;0;
970 REPEAT: GCOLO, 128: CLG: GCOLO, RND (3)
980 shape= RND ( 4 ) -1 : r=RND (300) +50: r l=r *2
990 IF shape=0 PROCcircle (640, 512, r ,r , 1 >
1 OOO IF shape=l PROCrect (640-r /2,512-r/2,r ,r , 1 )
1010 IF shape=2 PROCrect (640-r 1 /2 , 512-r /2 , r 1 , r , 1 )
1020 IF shape=3 PROCtri <r*COS (RAD (90) ) ,r*SIN (RAD (90) ) ,r*COS (RAD (210) ) ,r*SIN (RAD
(210) ) , r *COS ( RAD ( 330) ) , r *SIN (RAD (330) ) , 1)
1030 REPEAT: REPEAT: *FX21 ,0
1040 FOR wt7.= O TO 300: NEXT
1050 k=FNkey: UNTIL k>-l
1060 IFkOshape SOUND 0,-15,5,10
1070 UNTIL k=shape
1080 SOUND 0,-15,0,10
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I EDUCATION
See ‘Teaching toddlers' page 104
•
•
•
•
1090
UNTIL FALSE
•
•
•
•
•
1 100
DEFPROCsetup
•
1 1 10
DIMkey$<3>
•
1 120
key* (0) = " 123 ! " " £q weasz x QWE ASZ X ” +CHR* 9+CHR* 27+CHRS 1 +CHR* 1 9+CHR* 1 7
•
1130
*KEYO 2
•
1140
♦KEY 1 3
•
1150
*KEY2 4
a
•
1 160
key* ( 1 >= , •4567RTYUDFGHCVBN*7.S<'rtyudfghcvbn' ,
•
•
1170
*KEY3 5
•
1180
*KEY4 6
•
1190
*KEY5 7
•
1200
*KEY6 8
•
1210
*KEY7 9
•
1220
k ey * ( 2 ) = " 890= < > - i op @ I OP J KL j k 1 + ; Mm< , > . ? / "
a
•
1230
*KEY8 0
9
A
1240
*KEY9 =
a
9
1250
key $ ( 3 > = " ^ ! \ C C * _ * s > 3 " +CHR* 1 35+CHR* 1 36+CHR* 1 37+CHR* 1 38+CHR* 1 39+CHR* 1 3+CHR*
9
•
127
m
1260
VDU 19,0, 4, 0;0;
•
1270
col =2: *FX4 , 1
•
1280
*FX220,0
•
1290
VDU23 , 128,0,0,0,0, 255 ,0,0,0
•
A
1300
VDU23, 12?,255, 129, 129, 129,129, 129,129,255
a
1310
VDU23, 130,32,32,32,32,32,32,32,32
w
1320
VDU23, 131,1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128
•
1330
VDU23, 132,128,64,32,16,8,4,2,1
•
1340
VDU23 , 133,0,255,0,255,0,255,0,255
•
1350
VDU23, 134, 170, 170,170, 170,170,170, 170,170
•
1360
VDU23, 135, *<1 1 , *<22 , &44 , &B8 , 8< 1 1 ,S<22,S<44,S<88
•
a
1370
VDU23, 136,&88,8<44,8<22,«<11 ,&88,&44,8<22,8<1 1
A
9
1380
VDU23, 137,255,129,189,165, 165,189,129,255
9
1390
VDU23, 138,60,66, 129, 129, 129,129,60,66
m
1400
VDU23, 139,0,255, 129,129,129,129,255,0
•
1410
VDU23, 140,0, 126,66,66,66,66, 126,0
•
1420
VDU23, 141,0,24,36,66,66,36,24,0
•
1430
VDU23, 142,0,24,24,24,60,60, 126,24
•
1440
VDU23 , 143,0,36,126,126,126,126,60,24
a
1450
0DU23, 144,0,6,6,8, 16,96,96,0
9
1460
VDU23, 145,0,96,96, 16,8,6,6,0
1470
VDU23, 146,0, 102,102,24,24, 102,102,0
•
1480
VDU23, 147,0, 126,68,72,80,96,64,0
•
1490
VDU23, 146,0,2,6,10, 18,34,126,0
•
1500
VDU23, 148, 1 ,3,7, 15,31,63,127,255
•
a
1510
VDU23, 149,255, 127,63,31 ,15,7,3,1
A
9
1520
VDU23, 150,255,254,252,248,240,224, 192, 128
1530
VDU23, 151 , 128,192,224,240,248,252,254,255
1540
VDU23, 152,0, 16,56,84,254,84, 16,56
9
1550
VDU23, 153,0,56,56, 16,254,16,40,68,68
•
1560
VDU23, 154,0,56,56, 16,254, 16,56,124,68
9
1565
VDU23 ,155, 255 , 255 , 255 , 255 , 255 , 255 , 255 , 255
•
1570
ENDPROC
9
1580
DEF FNkey : LOCALA*
9
a
1590
A*=INKEY*<0) : IF A*= M " =-l
w
1600
IF A*= " ” THEN =4
•
1610
IF ( INSTR (key* (0) , A*) ) >0 THEN =0
•
•
•
•
•
1620
IF < INSTR ( key* ( 1 ) , A* ) ) >0 THEN =1
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Continued ►
•
•
•
•
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
EDUCATION J
See 'Teaching toddlers' page 104
< Continued
1630 IF < INSTR(key*<2) ,AS> ) >0 THEN =2
1640 IF ( I NSTR ( key $ ( 3 ) , A$ ) ) >0 THEN =3
1650 =-l
1660 DEF FNmenu
1670 CLS:K7.=0
1680 PRINT'" Youngest Users Micro-Activity Pack"
1690 PRINT
1700 sp*=STRING*<5," ">
1710 PRINT sp$; "Please choose from:-"
1720 PRINT ' 5p$; "Character patterns 1"
1730 PRINT ' sp$"Dr aw Shapes 2"
1740 PRINT sp*; "Shape game 3"
1750 PRINT ' sp-^"Dr aw Sound... 4"
1760 PRINT ' sp$ "Sketch pad 5"
1770 PRINT 'sp$" END 6"
1780 PRINT 'sp$" Which? ";
1790 REPEAT A*=GET*s UNTIL A$>"0" AND A*<"7" :PRINTA*
1800 IF A$="6" =VALA*
1810 IF A$="2" PRINT ' CHR^ 134; sp$"Del ay? (1-9 secs) REPEAT B$=GET $ : UNT I L B*>"
0" AND A$<="9" :PRINTB$: W7.=VALB*
1820 PRINT''" FIT OVERLAY. THEN PRESS ANY SECTION"
1830 *FX21,0
1840 REPEAT UNTIL FNkey >-l
1850 =VALAS
1860 DEFPROCci rcl e (x , y , r 1 , r2 , f )
1870 LOCAL z ,x7.,y7.
1880 MDVEx+rl ,y: MOVEx +rl ,y
1890 F0Rz=0T0 6.4STEP.2
1900 x"/.=x+r l*C0Sz:y"/.=r2*SINz
1910 IFfOl DRAWx7.,y+y7. ELSE PL0T85 , x7. , y+y7.: PL0T85 , x7. , y-y7.
1920 IFf = 1 ANDz >3. 2 z=6.4
1930 NEXT: ENDPROC
1940 DEFPROCr ect <x,y,l,w,f)
1950 MOVEx ,y: DRAWx +1 ,y
1960 IFf =0 DRAWx + 1 , y+w ELSEPL0T85 , x , y+w
1970 IFf =0 DRAWx , y+w ELSEPL0T85 , x +1 , y+w
1980 MOVEx ,y+w: IF-f=0 DRAWx, y ELSEMOVEx , y
1990 ENDPROC
2000 DEFPROCtr i (x 1 , y 1 ,x2,y2, x3,y3 ,f )
2010 VDU29, sx ; sy ;
2020 MOVE x 1 , y 1
2030 IF-f =0 DRAWx 2 , y2 ELSE MOVE x2,y2
2040 IFf =0 DRAWx3,y3: DRAWx 1 ,yl ELSE PL0T85 , x3, y3: MOVEx 1 ,yl
2050 VDU29 , 0; 0;
2060 ENDPROC
2070 DEFPROCxcrsr (x ) : IFx=0 THEN VDU23; 8202; O; O; O; s ELSE VDU23; 29194; 0; O; O;
2080 ENDPROC
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I EDUCATION
See ' Zoo time for micros ' page 1 12
•
10
REM ***********************
•
•
20
REM *** ACTIVITY BOARD ***
•
30
REM *** SUSAN KINGSBURY ***
a
•
40
REM *** BBC MODEL B ***
•
A
50
REM *** AUGUST 1984 ***
A
w
60
REM ***********************
9
A
70
DIM B*(8)
•
w
BO
DIM D*(100)
•
90
READ A*
100
FOR 1=1 TO 8
•
110
READ B$(I)
•
120
NEXT I
•
130
RESTORE
•
140
D=0
•
150
CLS SPRINT "NOTES FOR TEACHER"
•
160
PRINT
•
170
PR I NT "FRED IS VISITING THE " ; A#
•
180
PR I NT "AT EACH PLACE HE VISITS, A SENTENCE"
•
190
PRINT" WILL APPEAR ON THE SCREEN."
#
200
PRINT
•
210
PRINT" WHEN HIS VISIT IS COMPLETE, PRESS P"
•
220
PRINT" AND THE STORY OF HIS VISIT WILL BE"
•
230
PR I NT " PR I NTED ON THE SCREEN AND, IF REQUIRED,"
•
A
240
PR I NT "ALSO ON THE PRINTER."
A
•
250
PRINT
W
A
260
PR I NT "DO YOU WISH TO USE THE PRINTER?"
ft
w
270
INPUT P*
%
280
PRINT
290
PR I NT "PRESS SPACE BAR TO CONTINUE"
9
300
Z$=GET$:IF Z$<>" "THEN 300
•
310
CLS: PRINT T AB (16, 12) ; CHR$ (141) ; A$:PRINT TAB(16,
•
13) ;CHR* ( 141 > ; A*
•
320
IF 765120=255 THEN 320
•
330
CLS
•
340
L=500
•
350
X$=INKEY*(0> : IF X*="P"THEN 560
•
360
C= (765120)
#
370
G=255-C
•
380
IF L=G THEN 350
•
390
IF G>0 THEN GOSUB 410
•
A
400
GOTO 350
A
•
410
CLS: L=G
w
A
420
IF G= 1 THEN J=1
ft
V
430
IF G=2 THEN J=2
w
a
440
IF G=4 THEN J=3
9
V
450
IF G=B THEN J=4
•
460
IF G= 1 6 THEN J=5
ft
470
IF G=32 THEN J=6
0
480
IF G=64 THEN J=7
•
490
IF G= 1 28 THEN J=8
•
500
CLS
•
510
PRINT CHR$ (141) ; B$ ( J ) : PR I NT CHR* ( 141 ) ; BS ( J )
•
520
D=D+ 1
•
530
D$ (D)=B* (J)
•
540
XS=INKEYS(120) : IF X*="P"THEN 560
•
550
RETURN
•
560
CLS
•
570
FOR K=1 TO D
•
580
PRINT CHR$ (141) ; D$ ( K )
•
590
PRINT CHR$ (141) ; D$ ( K )
a
•
600
NEXT K
9
a
610
IF P$< > " YES " THEN END
a
•
620
VDU 2,21
9
A
630
PRINT A$
9
V
640
PRINT
^F
•
650
FOR K=1 TO D
•
w
660
PRINT D$(K)
#
670
NEXT K
•
680
VDU6
•
690
PRINT CHR*(3>
•
700
END
•
710
DATA ZOO
•
720
DATA Fred is buying a ticket to the zoo.
•
730
DATA These camels have two humps'
•
740
DATA Fred is -frightened of the gorillas.
•
750
DATA Here is a brown bear and a polar bear.
•
760
DATA The keeper is feeding the sea lions.
Listing 1. Fostering creativity in the
•
770
DATA Fred is laughing at the funny monkeys.
classroom
•
780
DATA What a big ice cream Fred is eating.
A
•
•
790
DATA Fred is looking at the lions.
W
•
XV
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
ATOM I
See Avoiding invalid data entry’, page 127.
•
•
• 109 REM LEFT-JUSTIFIER FOR
•
•
•
# 110 REM ATOM BASIC STRINGS.
120 REM POINTER TO STRING TO
• 130 REM BE ANALYSED IS PASSED
•
• 140 REM IN BASIC VARIABLE "X".
•
• 150.!
160 DIM LL<4>,L< 1 >
• 170 FOR N-0 TO 4;. LL< H >=-l NEXT
•
• 180 S=#80.; REM POINTER FOR STRING
•
# 190 X=#339.i REM LEAST SI GIF I CANT BYTE
200 REM OF BASIC VARIABLE "X"
• 210 INPUT "ASSEMBLE FROM <#)" H
•
• 220 INPUT" LIST ASSEMBLY <Y/N)"*L
•
• 230 IF $L="N" P. $21
240 FOR N=1 TO 2.i P=H
• 250;
•
• 260 REM ON ENTRY, THE X REGISTER
•
# £70 REM HOLDS THE LG-BYTE VALUE OF
. 280 REM THE POINTER TO THE STRING
• a>
•
• 290 REM TO BE LEFT-JUSTIFIED.
m
A
• 300 REM < PASSED VIA 'LINK' COMMAND )
1000 REM ATOM BASIC STRING
• 310C
• 1010 REM LEFT-JUSTIFIER ROUTINES. •
320 : LL0 STX S \set uP Pointer
• 1020 REM USE BASIC VARIABLE X TO •
• 330 LDA X+27 \< 2nd byte of BASIC
. 1030 REM INDICATE STRING TO BE
• 340 ST A S+l War i able 'X' )
1040 REM
EXAMINED.
• 350 LDY 8#FF \Y=-1 for Preincrement
• 1050 REM
•
355\
• 1068 j IF ?X< >32 RETURN •
360 : LL1 I NY \9et next char
# 1070 2-0
A
• 370 LDA <S),Y \in strir,9
1080 DO
W
• 380 CMP S#20 '''-continue until non-
• 1090 Z=Z+1
•
390 BED LL1 xsPace char found.
• 1100 UNTIL X?Z< >32 •
400 TYA \if no leading
9 1110 *x**x+z
• 410 BEQ LL4 \sPaces, exit.
1120 RETURN
w
• 415\
•
•
q 420 LDX 50 \9et non-sPace
•
•
430 : LL2 LDA <S),Y vchars in string
• 440 STA <S,X) vand Put at start.
w
• 450 INC S . xpoint to next
• 1 000 ,i Z=- 1 • D0Z=Z+ 1 .! U . X?Z< >32 ; •
# 460 BNE LL3 \char.
• $X= s: $X+2.«R.
•
470 INC S+l
•
• 480 ’ LL3 CMP 8#0D \check if end
c>
W
• 490 BNE LL2 \of string moved.
•
•
9 495v
• 1000J IF?X=32 DO$X=$X+ 1 U. ?X< >32 •
500 : LL4 RTS \exit
9 1010R.
•
• 5103
• 520 NEXT
Program 1 . Three Basic variations
# 530 P.$6
for left-justification
540 8=1
•
• 550 P SAVE "" LEFT JUST 8.H , " " , &P '
•
• 560 END
•
•
•
Program 2. Machine-code version of string left-justifier
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
ACORN USER
SOFTWARE
FOR THE BBC MICRO AND ELECTRON
ON DISC AND CASSETTE
Two quality, full colour games to test your skill,
nerve and cunning.
Each £7.95 per cassette or £10.95 per disc (40/80 track)
Price includes VAT and postage.
Both games need OS1 .0, or later, and 32k.
Developed, produced and tested by Micrograf.
PI | |Q
rLUO
ARTICLE LISTINGS
ON CASSETTE
Yes, at last, the tape you’ve been
crying out for! Save the wear on your
fingers by sending for one of our
cassettes giving all the major listings
in this issue.
Each cassette costs £3.75 (inclusive)
for the Electron and BBC micro. This
includes a menu and disc transfer
routine to help you find your way
around - and use on your own
programs.
The tapes come with BBC programs
on one side and Electron programs
as the other, so it shouldn’t be
possible to mix the two.
Order form overleaf.
SWORD MASTER is one of the few
two-player games around, and is
designed for joystick or keyboard.
Sword Master by Ken Worrall is
based on the fencing rules written in
1190 by Herman von Salza for the
Deutscritter Order of Teutonic
Knights. It features full-colour ma-
chine code animation of a sword
duel between the players shown on
screen as knights.
Full instructions, music, sound
effects, player rankings (from Green-
horn to Swordmaster) and a roll of
honour (which can be saved) are all
included. The game also closely
reflects the rules, style and dress of
the Deutscritter Order.
TREK was the first game to take
advantage of voice synthesis on
the BBC micro - and uses joystick
or keyboard.
Trek puts you in charge of a
Starship with the task of wiping out
an alien fleet. It’s an excellent adap-
tation of the classic game with 7
screen displays, 3 on-board com-
puters and 2 weapon systems.
Versions have been written for
BBC micro and Electron to use both
machines to their full. The BBC tape
uses voice synthesis (if the chips are
fitted).
The game has been extensively
developed from Tim Heaton’s
famous Trek III. It barely fits into 32k.
Save yourself
the time and
bother of typing
in Acorn User
listings
DISC UPGRADE SERVICE
Return your cassette of Trek or Swordmaster, and we will exchange it
for a disc (which will run on 40 or 80-track drives) for just £3.50. Please
specify Amcom, Watford or Acorn DFS.
ORDER
FORM
OVERLEAF
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8
ACORN USER
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ACORN USER
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SPECIAL OFFERS ON SWEAT SHIRTS
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ACORN USER
DISC EXCHANGE SERVICE
Send in your copy of Trek or Sword Master
with a cheque for £3.50 and we will
exchange it for a disc. (Which runs on
40 or 80 tracks).
Tape(s) in exchange for disc
@£3.50 each
SOFTWARE
MONTHLY PROGRAM LISTING
CASSETTES
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(August issue) as advertised on page 91
@£3.75 £
Total £ .
Please send me:
Copies of Sword
Master for BBC
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for Electron
Copies of Trek
for BBC
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I BACK ISSUES
f BACK ISSUES £1 .254
6. January 1983 MEP school launch
*FX commands for sound. Second BBC
TV series. Machine code 3 -two pass
assembly. Disc drives for the Beeb.
Programming forum Program protec-
tion. Micros in schools -new series.
Commodore Pet printer used with
Beeb BBC programs written on an
Atom. Extra Atom memory
7. February 1 MHz bus examined. 3D
Atom graphics. Atom BBC Board
reviewed Machine code 4 -memory.
BBC Computer Literacy update Atom
error handling. Micros in schools 2-
getting organised. Hints and Tips.
Beeb Forum Reviews of Wordwise
and the Amber printer.
8. March Chess on the BBC micro.
Sound on the Beeb. Printers for begin-
ners Atom analogue converter
Schools 3 -micros and maths.
Machine code 5- indirect addressing.
DIY lightpen MEP's Microprimer re-
view. Atom Ross toolkit review Beeb
Forum. Assembly language and Pascal
book reviews
9. April Hexangle game listing. Bach
on the Beeb Hints & Tips on disc
drives. Machine code 6 -the CALL
statement. Interfacing the 1 MHz bus
Schools 4 - young children and micros
Graphics listings. Printers for begin-
ners 2. Reviews fo BCPL. educational
software and Atom software.
10. May Review of Basic II Graphics
listings New *FX calls in OS1.2. Colour
mixing on the Beeb Jazz, blues and
folk on the BBC. Schools 5- language
development. DIY Beeb interface box
Atom sound board. A to Z of printing:
how to get going. Hints and Tips
PROCs. discs and FNs Printer, soft-
ware and book reviews.
11. June Techniques series -sorting
Hints and Tips: 50p network. Drawing
techniques and CAD. Machine code
interrupts Schools 6- information
technology Atom Forum. Beeb Forum.
Printers- write your own graphics
dumps. Comparitive review of View
and Wordwise Three graphics pack-
ages reviewed Test of Acorn User's
interface box.
12. July Techniques- hash tables.
Hints and Tips: logic made easy.
Recursion and graphics. Handling
strings. Two ideas for passing vari-
ables. Beeb aids the blind DIY second
keyboard Beeb Forum. Sounds on the
Atom Hardware, firmware, software
and book reviews Atom Forum
13. August Printer graphics and
dumps Techniques -Tree structures
and sorting All the fun of the fair 40/80
disc copier. Colour painting. Basic II:
random access files. Screen dumps for
Olivetti. Centronics and Seikosha.
Atom strings Reviews of Tandy
CGP115 printer, five educational
packs. A to D converter.
14. September Techniques - ink-blots
and mazes. Painting by lightpen. DFS
space explored. Beeb Forum. Mega
Monsters game listing. Machine code
graphics dumps. Atom Forum. Atom
cassette recorder check. Reviews of
Atom RAM boards. Cumana disc
manual. Logo for schools, Hobbit
floppy tape and books.
15. October Women and computing
Techniques -random numbers. Re-
view of Computer Concepts' Beebcalc.
Fractal graphics 57 files on 40 & 80
track discs. Vampire game listing.
Beeb Forum. Assembly code controls
tab key Osfile merging. Atom future.
Atom verify routine. Reviews of Vu-
Type. Procyon Atom book. Epson FX80.
Teletext adapter, disc drive, software.
16. November Techniques - imposs-
ible problems. Contour graphics. Con-
necting two Beebs together. XREF:
sorts & lists variable, function and pro-
cedure names. Assembler utilities in
Basic II. OS. VDU. *FX. OSBYTE calls -
pull-out poster. Disc overlays Adding
extra Atom commands. Reviews of 7
educational packs. Atom ROM, books,
games.
M( micro, tfodraa md tom mayoim m; 0
HI NTS l TIPS; new urfum
BEEBTALK: for l w» micros
XREf name warch utility *
ATOM: tooibex routines
DISCS: memory overlays
17. December Random graphics. Ani-
mated graphics in colour. Tech-
niques - graphs Hints & Tips. Univer-
sal printer dump. 6522 connected to
the Electron Saving machine code
Beeb Forum. Graphics pull-out poster
Index: July 82-July 83. Forum Extra:
EQUS. BBC helps the disabled
Schools -data processing. Transfer-
ring data between Beebs, Atoms ... or
Pets Atom block demolition utility
Atom disassembler program Reviews
of software, books, educational pro-
grams from Chalksoft.
18. January 1984: Games special issue
Techniques - graphs part 2. Stacks and
queues, Basic and languages Hints &
Tips. Voice chip revealed. How to write
games Electron interfacing. Beeb
Forum. Life graphics routines.
Defencecom game listing. The Train
Game listing. Machine code graphics.
Where to put machine code. Schools -
handling data. Juki daisywheel printer
examined Atom Forum and adventure.
Reviews of ultilities, software, Beeline
wordprocessor. educational packages,
two chess programs.
19. February: Adventures special issue
Techniques -efficient sorts. PROC for
a numeric keypad on the Beeb key-
board 12 graphics listings. Random
access filing on disc Locking files.
MCP40 printer/plotter looked at. Hints
& Tips. Beeb Forum Make discs read-
able on 40 and 80 track drives Screen
memory organisation. Hints on adven-
ture design Adventure action Adven-
ture ideas in computer language Text
compression Word-crunching. VIA
chip on Electron to drive a parallel
printer. Atom Forum. Schools-simu-
lation packages Reviews: Disc Doctor,
Leasalink's DFS upgrade, Hitachi’s
microdrive system, Solidisk’s sideway
RAM board, software.
20. March Utility: timing routine. Frac-
tals. Teletext and mode 7 dump ROMs
reviewed. Hints & Tips. Beeb Forum.
Add sounds to your games. Learn Lisp
1 Cube graphics. Printer driver for
View Basic II from Basic I Beeb s ADC
chip Atom Forum. Listing formatter for
the Atom. Atom bytes free’ routine.
Schools - test of Factfile. Keyboard
skills Amcom DFS v Acorn DFS Re-
views Beebpen wordprocessor. Atom
expansion system, software, books.
21. April Beeb graphics on TV 6845
chip explored Advanced filing
systems Lisp 2. Hints & Tips. Beeb
Forum. Choose disc tracks to copy.
Function key editing. Teletext dumps
CES scrutinised. Passing variables.
Computer Concepts’ graphics ROM
Schools -simulations. Calculating
Easter dates. Better programming
Atom Forum Atom ROM routines Con-
verting BBC to Atom Basic. Three
printers compared. Reviews software,
Aries B20 RAM board, Toolkit, Moni-
tors.
22. May Bitstik graphics system Hints
& Tips. 6502 second processor exa-
mined Lisp 3. Beeb Forum Disc utility
to keep track of available space Stat-
istics. Pattern graphics. OSWORD
explained. 4 colour graphics listings
Second-hand disc drives. Education -
do girls get a fair deal? Atom Forum
BBC to Atom Basic 2. Reviews British
Micro's Grafpad, Edword wordproces-
sor. 4 sprite generators, Opus micro-
drive, Beasty, software
23. June Acorn Z80 second processor
Forth Graphics to brighten up your
games. Soft Pottery graphics. Go faster
and save memory space. Rapid search
and load routine for tapes How the
Beeb and Electron work 1. Business:
reviews and how to gently enter office
computerisation. Education - adult lit-
eracy. Dumping Atom programs on the
BBC. Atom Forum. Software copyright
laws. Hints & Tips. Techniques - B-
Trees. Beeb Forum. Reviews of moni-
tors. printers, books, software, adven-
tures, EPROM programmer
Sold-out copies
Four issues of Acorn User are not available -July 1982,
February, March and April 1983. Copies of articles are
available at 18p a page (minimum charge 50p, inclusive
of postage). Orders should be addressed to Kate Evans,
Redwood Publishing, 68 Long Acre, London WC2E 9JH.
How to order
Fill in the order form opposite and send with your
cheque or postal order (made payable to Redwood
Publishing) to Acorn User Services, PHS Mailing Ltd,
PO Box 14, Horley, Surrey.
83
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
What can we say about our new disk drive? It's got everything except an expensive price tag.
Whether you're a first time buyer or looking to upgrade your system, this is the drive for you.
The XULBS Drive (Fully BBC micro compatible}
Single sided drive 1129.85 +m
Double sided drive £144.85 +um
Complete with cable and manual —
just plug it in and drive it away.
We can offer the drive at this low price because we buy in bulk from an international
manufacturer, test and brand the equipment in our London laboratory.
We've been supplying disks and drives to OEMs and institutions for four years and only now
have we decided to sell direct to the consumer and pass on the savings.
Access cards (24 hours) 01 -930 1612
Personal callers welcome.
Disco Technology Ltd., 20 Orange Street, London WC2H 7ED
Please rush me (qty) BBC compatible XLTRON Drives □ single sided at £1 50 each □ double sided £169 each (inc. VAT and p+p)
TO: Disco Technology Ltd. , 20 Orange Street, London WC2H 7ED I enclose my cheque for £
or debit my Access card
No Signature
Name
Address
Postcode
Free Utilities Disk Please send details of XLTRON Diskettes □
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
Certain Advertising Ltd 01-930 1612
plus VAT and P + P
50 d/s d/d disks + box - £75
plus VAT and P + P
25 s/s d/d disks + box - £29
plus VAT and P + P
25 d/s d/d disks + box - £39
a °«. •aywi,
We ran the advertisement opposite to move some stock left from a
cancelled order. And move them it certainly did. We’re still selling around
30 boxes a day, that’s over 30,000 disks a month. So we bought some more,
and are going to continue selling at the same price.
We also got a lot of people on the phone asking if we could supply slightly
fewer disks, and as you see, we’re now offering boxes in 25’s as well.
Every order of 25 or 50 comes packed in the same rigid plastic storage box
with four dividers, we’ve kept the same high specification and all disks
carry our five year guarantee.
To order, just clip the coupon below.
We accept orders from all government bodies, schools, universities, libraries, armed forces
etc. We despatch on receipt of an official purchase order.
If you can’t raise a cheque without an invoice please post or telephone your order and we’ll
send you a proforma by return.
Disco Technology Limited, 20 Orange Street, London WC2H 7ED.
Telephone 01-930 1612
Please rush me
(qty) storage box(es) filled with 50 s/sided disks at £59.50 each.
(qty) storage box(es) filled with 50 d/sided disks at £87.25 each.
(qty) storage box(es) filled with 25 s/sided disks at £33.65 each.
(qty) storage box(es) filled with 25 d/sided disks at £47.15 each.
(qty) empty storage box(es) at £1 1 .
Prices include VAT and P + P. I enclose cheque for
or debit my Access card no.
Name Signature
Address
plus VAT and P + P
v.,
N
• V,
Postcode
Telephone
nm
To Disco-Technology Ltd, 20 Orange Street, London WC2H 7ED
After evaluating many makes of disc drive,
Cambridge University computer laboratory chose
Opus.
They were selected because of their
competitive prices, reliability and quality of after
sales service.
Their range of disc drives have been tested
to the limit -running for 8,000 hours.
That is a year of constant use without
failure.
And they can be bought as single or dual
drive and vary from 100K to 1.6 Megabyte,
catering for the beginner to a tutor requiring a
system for the largest of classroom networks.
All this is backed up by a two year guarantee
on every drive -that’s a year more than any other
company can offer.
3' MICRO DRIVE. (ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT & CARRIAGE.)
Double sided 40 Track Drive Single drive ,£229.95
I )ual drive £459-95
5V4" SINGLE DISC DRIVES.
54(H) 100K Single sided 40 Track £129.95
5401 100K Single sided 40 Track £149.95
5402 200K Double sided 40 Track £169.95
5802 400K Double sided hardware switchable 80 40 Track £199.95
5 ! /4" DUAL DISC DRIVES.
540 ID 200K/400K on line Single sided 40 Track £349.95
5402 D 400K/800K on line Double sided 40 Track £399.95
5802D 800K/1 .6 Megabyte on line Double sided hardware
switchable 80/40 Track £499-95
Opus products are available from WH.Sniith,
Spectrum, John Menzies, Allders, Boots and other
good computer stores
nationwide.
158 Camberwell Road. London SE5 0EE.
01-701 8668 or 01 703 6155.
Alternatively, yoi
can find your nearest
stockist by contacting i
at the address opposite
I
COMPETITION
RECENTLY we received a communi-
cation from our old friend Mad Alex
saying that his very own competition
would shortly be on its way to us. Since
Mad Alex was then messing around
with the laws of time we had in fact
received it three days earlier.
A close examination revealed that he
had sent it from Ambridge up to a pass-
ing asteroid which had deflected the
signal onto a satellite. The message
was then bounced off the moon into a
NASA computer in Houston and a car-
rier pigeon brought the printout across
the Atlantic to our offices in Long Acre.
Unfortunately, Alex seems to have
got his ASCII in a twist so we're not
quite sure what the competition is.
However, Torch Unicomm packages
comprising modem and three software
packs await the first five people out of
our sack who have deciphered the
message and solved its contents. The
answer should be in the form of 12
phrases. Answers on a postcard please
to August Competition, Acorn User , 68
Long Acre, London WC2E 9JH, to arrive
not later than September 3, 1984.
Simon Dally
S, TORCH
UNICOMM
PACKAGES
MUS T BE WON
EACH PI OH
WORTH I, |Qv
COMPETITION RULES
THE names of the winners of this competition will be printed in the
November issue, and they will be notified by post before then. Please
note that we cannot accept any phone calls or correspondence on the
competition. Also, we cannot return entries.
Having said that little lot, good luck!
Turn to page 161 for an exclusive
review of the Unicomm system
J ^os EG 2"
0 Message fro/n
' prSsK-
eko »
L u °^%^ K er> c
WO Yn- K H Q D C
Eu 0 QEU nu°Q KX S
Bw A Ck,1 **
£ U0 OHn° KX “ " *
fiuovxo J 8° S HQ a Hn
a / rj
■ sge
V4V
OPENUP YOUR
COMPUTERS
POTENTIAL
WITH BEL BASE AND MAILSHOT
FROM BEL TECH
FLEXIBLE, POWERFUL, COMPREHENSIVE YET MENU DRIVEN
AND EASY TO USE and INCREDIBLE VALUE FOR MONEY ! ! !
* Up to 20 FIELDS and 150 CHARACTERS PER RECORD
* 600 RECORDS or 90K Characters per File with truely RANDOM ACCESS Disc Version (15K Characters
per File on Tape)
* DEFAULT Values can be set
* SELECT Disc Drives (0 to 3)
* CALCULATION Options. Calculate a Field from the value of others, enter Functions etc. — and
change them!
* AMEND the Name, Type, Default Value of any Field
* SEARCH and REPLACE on all Fields, all Records
* SELECTIVE and GLOBAL EDITING of Records
* INSERT Records, DELETE a Field or Record
* BROWSE Option
* FIND (Search on any Field) Print Screen if required
* DISPLAY or PRINT Reports (max. 38/1 37 characters across)
* PRINT all Records (2 Fields) or all Data
* FORMAT OWN REPORTS (Heading, up to 20 Fields, select, sort etc.)
* SORT on any Field (Ascending/Descending) whether Printed or not
* SET CONDITIONS (<,>, < >, =, >=, <=) on any Field, printed or not
* SAVE Report Formats to a File
* SUM Numeric Fields
* SEND Printer Control Characters
* COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED
MAILSHOT IS INCLUDED IN PRICE OF
BEL BASE AS A BARGAIN PACKAGE! !
PERSONAL USE, BUSINESS, ACCOUNTS, EDUCATION, CLUBS,
SOCIETIES, FUNCTION, GENERA TION
- JUST KEEP THINKING OF NEW APPLICA TIONS!
AND 'MAILSHOT' SEPARATELY:-
* USE AS MINI DATA BASE
* Field, Record Size, Amend, Edit, Search, Insert,
Replace, Drive Selection, Browse, Find, Sort,
Conditions, Printer Control as BEL BASE above.
+ * LABEL Printing (Std., non std, 1, 2, 3, across)
+ * PRINT any 6 Fields Across
+ * PR INT any 6 Fields Down
X
FILES ARE COMPATABLE WITH BEL GRAPH
TAPE
DISC
TOTAL
16.00
Qjy
18.00
QTY
BEL BASE
BEL GRAPH
15.00
17.00
BEL CHEM
Chemistry 1
9.50
11.50
—
Chemistry 2
9.50
11.50
BEL GEN
Geneology
12.50
14.50
MAIL SHOT
9.50
11.50
TOTAL inc. P. A P. £
ADDRESS .
COMPUTER TYPE .
-MODEL _
DISC (if apeXic )
CREDIT CARD No PAYMENT BY CHEQUE PO VISA ACCESS
Please Complete & Return to:*
BEL TECH Limited. Slanmore Industrial Estate Bndgnorth
Shropshire WV15 5HP or
Telephone: 07462 5420 (24 Hrs.)
John Vaux takes a look at the wordprocessor,
card index and spreadsheet with Acorn’s Z80
T HE BUNDLED software that Acorn
is supplying with its Z80 second
processor was summarised in an
outline review in the June issue of
Acorn User, and last month we looked
more closely at the Accountant pack-
age from Compact Software Inter-
national. Now it’s the turn of a set of
three programs written by Chang
Laboratories, the Plan series. This set
consists of a wordprocessing package
called MemoPlan, a card index type
system called FUePlan, and a spread-
sheet program with graphics output
called GraphPlan.
MemoPlan
MemoPlan is an interesting-looking
wordprocessing program with some
nice features not found in comparable
programs. In addition to most of the
facilities of other packages it will let
you work on more than one document
at a time, switching between them on a
function key.
You may also have two documents
on the screen together and hop from
one to the other. Another unusual
feature is that documents are automati-
cally written to disc at regular intervals
while you work on them.
Most commands are provided on the
function keys, either alone or in with
Shiftor Control.
As is usual, typing is done contin-
uously, new lines being started auto-
matically. Pressing RETURN is not
required unless you want to start a new
line or new paragraph. New pages are
started based on the prespecified
number of lines per page. A new page
may be forced using a strange combi-
nation of keys (no function key for this
one) and there’s an indicator in your
text that this has been done.
The only special printer attribute
supported is underlining and portions
of text may be underlined using a
special function key, although there is
no on-screen indication that text has
been underlined. Operations provided
on function keys include delete word/
line/paragraph, full cursor control on
the arrow keys, insert, overwrite and
right justification modes.
Line length setting, indentation and
tab positions are provided for. These
are easily changed using the format
command. Text can be reformatted one
paragraph at a time using the reformat
key.
A word, line or paragraph may be
moved by deleting it, moving the cursor
to its new location and pressing the re-
store key.
The text remains available until the
next delete so it can be restored to
several places. You may also move
blocks of text by putting the cursor at
the start, pressing the mark key,
moving the cursor to the end of the
block, pressing the lift key, moving the
cursor to the new position and pressing
the restore key -easier to do than
describe! Again, text may be duplicated
by restoring several times.
All the usual search and replace faci-
lities are provided, including search
only, automatic find and replace and
selective search and replace, in which
you are prompted before each replace
operation. A sensible precaution, as
it’s easy to make changes you didn’t
intend. You may order matching on
capitals and non-capitals or on capital
first letter only.
Now we come to one of the especially
attractive features of the program. By
default five document areas are pro-
vided. This may be changed (but only if
there is no data currently stored) to any
number of areas from 1 to 7. Total
space reserved for these documents
may be set in multiples of 8k from 16k to
160k. This is only the working document
area within MemoPlan ; you may also
save documents to disc in the normal
way.
You can switch between these docu-
ments on a function key. As it brings the
document onto the screen it positions
the cursor at exactly the point it occu-
pied when you left it.
There’s more! You can display two
documents at the same time, one
above the other, and hop from one to
the other. You can scroll them indepen-
dently, change the number of lines
occupied by each (yes, variable-sized
windows) and move text from one to the
other. This is a powerful feature and I
was impressed to find it in this ‘free’
program.
Two types of printer are supported -
Epson or equivalent and Acorn/Olivetti
ink-jet. For any other types you are
advised to consultyour dealer.
Printing is pretty straightforward,
without a lot of the extra features of, for
example, Wordstar. You can ask for
Several copies, specify page number-
ing, page headings, and there are other
options. These features should be ade-
quate for most purposes.
It’s quite easy to set up a mail-merge,
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
2().00()K Winchester Disc
for your BBC Micro
INTEC MAKES THE BBC REALLY COMPETE WITH
SYSTEMS COSTING 2X AS MUCH !
Supports BBC and Acorn DFS.
Full file handling and diagnostic software utilities.
Data capacity from 5 Mb upwards.
High speed accessing.
UK manufactured.
The INTEC 5o5 gives all these benefits PLUS the
removable hard disc cartridge providing a compact,
secure and usable back-up or cartridge per application
approach. Why pay more for less?
For full details on the INTEC range of hard discs for the
BBC Micro, complete and post the tear-off slip or
phone INTEC now - 01-761 5999.
INTEC
41A-45 Knights Hill
West Norwood, London SE27 OHS
Telex 8813271 GECOMS G
NTEC
SEE US AT
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
I
using the wordprocessor in conjunc-
tion with FilePlan , even though the pro-
cedure is split across two manuals.
A minor problem of MemoPlan is that
function key 9 is used, and this is adjac-
ent to the break key. Hitting the break
key aborts the program, but all is not
lost, thanks to the automatic back-up of
documents. You restart the program
and it tells you to run the
recover program, which
restores you to where you
were last time the auto
back-up was done, so you
should lose little.
This excellent word-
processor is worth most
of the price of the second
processor alone. I was
brought up on Wordstar ,
which is the one the rest are
judged by, and I have no
hesitation in comparing this one
favourably with it. There are pros
and cons, of course, but I used
MemoPlan\o prepare this article
and was very happy with it. The
documentation is very good and in
the same style as that for the rest of
the software provided.
FilePlan
In this computerised filing system
records may be updated, sorted, selec-
ted and displayed or printed. As noted,
FilePlan can also be used in conjunc-
tion with MemoPlan to give a mail-
merge facility to print address labels
and/or customised letters.
The records are processed on the
screen in a form of worksheet, a textual
version of the more familiar spread-
sheet for manipulation of numeric data.
The whole worksheet is a file, each row
is a data record and each vertical field
within a record (ie a cell) is an item of
data.
Records may be sorted on a field or a
number of fields to give a sorted list, or
selected on specified criteria to give
other lists. Any worksheet or list may
be displayed or printed.
Default record size is 100 characters
and this may be increased to about 800.
Before using a worksheet for the first
time it must be named and each field
specified as to its name, length and
type, etc. A useful facility here is that
you may specify your own prompt
message to appear when a field is to be
filled in on data entry. You can also pro-
vide a list of valid codes to be used to
check input data and which expand
valid data, for example, M = male, F =
female. Range checks may also be
made.
Full use is made of the function keys
for data entry. The cursor up, down, left
and right keys, together with Control
and Shift, are used to move around
your worksheet, which appears like a
spreadsheet on the screen with the cur-
rent cell or field highlighted. At each
cell the relevant prompt message
appears and data is entered or
changed. The manual does not
say how
Original worksheets or lists may be
printed. You can specify a heading, a
date, single/double spacing or sub-
totalling on numeric fields. Over-wide
prints can be truncated or continued on
the next line. Label prints prompt for
full details to ensure correct alignment.
A single record can be displayed
field by field vertically- useful for
large records that don’t fit on a
single-line display.
Worksheets may be copied, with
the option to expand the space
allowed for each record.
FilePlan is another profession-
ally presented package with
good, well-produced documen-
tation. It performs its task of
implementing a simple
indexed data storage and re-
trieval system adequately,
without pretending to be a full
database system.
GraphPlan
The third package in this
group is a traditional
spreadsheet application
with the addition of use-
ful graphics options.
For anyone who still
doesn’t know, a
spreadsheet is a
large grid of rows and
columns in which you
can enter and mani-
pulate numeric data
(usually financial).
The display screen
serves as a movable window on
this data, showing at any time a whole
screenful of data. Facilities are pro-
vided for rapid recalculation of the
data, allowing ‘what-if’ changes to
selected parts of the data to be per-
formed. GraphPlan allows arrays of up
to 1 ,000 elements or ‘cells’ - on the low
side compared with other products.
The screen display consists of three
lines at the top for messages, prompts
and data entry, and down the right side
the current level of menu options, the
rest of the screen being occupied by the
spreadsheet itself. This has row and
column headings and the current cell is
indicated in inverse video. With default
field sizes this allows a 17 row by 5
column window on the data.
Working effectively with a spread-
sheet is a creative activity so it is advis-
able to plan what is required in
advance (a good example is presented
in the very helpful manual). Having
done this, making and using the
spreadsheet is pretty straightforward.
A minor quibble here is that the com-
mands are numbered from 1 to 144
(with a few gaps), which makes it diffi-
cult to remember them. Some of the
more common ones are mentioned on
MemoPlan: compares
favourably with Wordstar
to delete a record -I presume this is
done by deleting the data in all fields.
New records are added at the end of the
worksheet.
Lists may be generated either by
selection or sorting or both. Selection
is done by specifying a field, an option
(eg, equal, less than, between) and a
value (or a pair of values if the option is
‘between’). Lists may be merged,
either by making an additional selec-
tion or by merging existing lists.
Sorting may be performed on the
original worksheet or on a list gener-
ated from it, and it can be done on any
number of fields in a record. Sorting is
done in ascending sequence- there is
no facility to sort in descending order.
You can also select for one record on
the worksheet. Your worksheet is dis-
played starting at the selected record, if
found.
You can print out a dictionary giving
full details of every worksheet and list.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
ACORN ELECTRON -£199 BBC MODEL ff- £299
BBC MOD EL B - £399
Disk Drives by: TEAC,
MITSUBISHI. AMS, CUMANA.
KORMANDI. TORCH and
others from £169.00
Monitors by: NOVEX, PHILIPS,
MICROVITEC, FIDELITY from
£79.95
Printers from EPSON. STAR, BIT.
SHINWAH. BROTHER, JUKI,
UCHIDA etc, etc from £89.95
Accessories: Lightpens. Dust
.Covers, Joysticks, Monitor Stands,
Cases. Leads, Floppy Discs and
much much more
SOFTWARE: GAMES. BUSINESS
& EDUCATIONAL plus
PROGRAMMING AIDS on
Cassette. Disk or Rom.
UPGRADES. ROM FITTING.
REPAIRS, TESTING etc, etc
VICTOR
MORRIS
Glasgow
Authorised
acorn A dealer
B.B.C. B & acorn
electron
Special Word Processing, Business
and Programming starter Kits
offered to meet your requirements
at good savings.
WE WILL BETTER ANY 6ENUINE OFFER IF THE PRICE IS LOWER THAN OURS
SCREENS MICROCOMPUTERS
(A Division of Mayfair Computer Services Limited)
6 MAIN AVENUE. MOOR PARK, NORTHWOOD. MIDDLESEX. ENGLAND.
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PUTER
Disk Drives, Printers, Joysticks,
Acornsoft, Data Recorders, Monitors,
Adds ons by Pace, Torch etc.
Group Dealer
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340 Argyle Street
B«twt«n Central Station and Andtrstonlus Station
Glasgow G2
Tel: 041-221 8958
DATAFILE
CARDIFF
A-# : •••• ••• •••%
• •••• •• .
• • • • • • • ,
• • • • ••• • •••
SOFTWARE
48 Charles Street,
Cardiff,
South Glamorgan.
CF1 4EE
Access card holders can ring (0222) 373976
The ultimate database
for the BBC micro £49.50
CHECK THE SPEC! ' nC ' ^T
• User definable screen and print formats • Up to 700
records on 100K • Up to 15 fields per record • Up to 100
fields per record using 6502 2nd Processor • Up to 111
characters per field • Index or sequential search and sort
• 5 second retrieval of any record using index search
• Simple to add, delete or alter records • Function key I
operation • Choice of label formats • 40 or 80 track
• Runs on 2nd Processor with no changes
USE IT FOR }
• mailing lists • customer records • subscriptions 1
• personnel records • club memberships* despatch |
systems • library catalogues • etc. 5
• 48 Charles Street, Cardiff, South Glamorgan. CF1 4EE
• Please send me (qty) Datafiles at £49.50
inc. p+pand VAT.
• I enclose my cheque to the value of £ or debit my
access card No
• Signature
• Name
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Order on Prestel ★60043748#
92
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
the function key overlay card but no use
is made of the function keys them-
selves. They all appear in the list on the
screen but I prefer alphabetic mnemo-
nic codes.
Space does not permit me to go into
all the options, but virtually all the faci-
lities you’d expect of a good spread-
sheet program are there somewhere.
For instance, in data entry, you c^n
enter actual values and extend them by
row or column by a percentage growth
rate or an incremental value (linear
growth). Extensive mathematical and
statistical operations are also pro-
vided, and these include growth rates,
moving average, standard deviation
and variance.
At first I had problems persuading
graphs to appear on a monochrome
monitor. Turning up brightness and
contrast full gave a dim graph. A call to
Acornsoft produced the answer: you
have to specify ‘no colour’ when setting
up the graph attributes. Once I’d done
that some fine graphs were produced.
Indeed, the graphics available are
very impressive. Three types of graphi-
cal output are provided: line graphs,
bar charts and pie charts. The first two
can be mixed on one display and bar
charts can be adjacent or stacked,
whichever suits the data being shown.
Output can be to screen, a printer with
dot graphic capabilities, or a plotter. If
colour output is available up to three
colours can be specified - green, red or
blue. Up to six types of shading can be
specified for bar or pie charts. Portions
of a bar chart may be ‘exploded’ to
stand out from the circle. The options
provided are comprehensive.
GraphPlan stands comparison with
any of the similar packages available at
around the £200 mark, apart from the
maximum size of the array. It is fast at
recalculation and the graphics are
excellent.
Summary
This trio of Chang packages shows a
consistent professionalism in im-
plementation and documentation.
MemoPlan is a capable wordprocessor
with impressive features: GraphPlan is
a good spreadsheet program with
excellent graphics: and FilePlan , while
not as outstanding as the others, is a
perfectly adequate contender in its
field.
If you upgrade your BBC micro into a
business machine by adding the Z80
second processor, you'll be pleasantly
surprised when you start using your
‘free’ software. It is of a quality you’d
have been happy to pay for.
Next month: The Nucleus program gen-
erator and the program languages that
are bundled with the Z80.
FilePlan: a database written in the form of a card-index system: GraphPlan provides three types
of graphics
Diagram reproduced from the MemoPlan manual showing the function key strip booklet
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
T
fun sm
/ \
The complete program development package for assembly language programmers. ADE is the de
facto industry standard for professional software writers using the BBC microcomputer. The 16k
ROM contains a full 6502 MACRO assembler a dynamic text editor a front panel debugging
monitor and disassembler. ADE comes complete with a 160 page comprehensive reference
manual and a utility/macro library disc. ADE can also be used with tape based machines.
The ASSEMBLER features macros with library facilities; nestable conditional assembly; flexible
listing options (with or without macro expansion); hex, decimal, binary and ASCII data formats;
dummy section; full range of arithmetic and logical operators; symbol table sort and dump; file
chaining and 29 powerful pseudo ops. Source and object files are kept on disc so there is no limit
on program size or location.
The EDITOR is designed with the programmer in mind for writing both programs and
documentation. The editor includes a very powerful command language (including macros) that
enables much editing to be done on a semi-automatic basis. It features full screen editing and
deferred edit modes; no limit to document size; edit with backup facilities and a versatile text
formatter.
The DEBUGGER is instantly accessible for inspecting, modifying and disassembling machine code
programs. Features include full 64 byte display in hex, ASCII and disassembled format registers;
stack; single step; breakpoints; memory search and much more.
Price £60 inc vat. Please specify 40 or 80T utility disc.
ASM provides all the superb features of the ADE macro assembler on its own ROM.
The program source file may be written using any editor(even Wordwise or View!). Complete with
reference manual and utility/macro library disc. Use the assembler that professional software
writers use.
Price £35 inc vat. Please specify 40 or 80T utility disc.
SPV2 is a front panel debugging monitor, disassembler and disc utility ROM. SPV2 is instantly
accessible to the programmer for inspecting, modifying, debugging and disassembling machine
code programs. SPV2 also features a relocator and program trace facilities. SPY2 will access any
ROM either in the sideways ROM sockets or on an extension board. ROM memory may be
displayed, single-stepped through or disassembled.
SPY2 includes a set of powerful disc recovery commands for interrogating, editing and retrieving
data stored on a floppy disc. SPY2 also includes a disc formatter as well as a non-destructive single
track reformatter.
In all SPY2 has a comprehensive set of 23 utility commands. These are supported by an excellent
Reference Manual.
The SPY2 front panel encompasses all the superb, easy-to-use facilities of the renowned SPY
debugging monitor PLUS additional commands for toggling and finding breakpoints; relocating
machine code programs; single stepping through subroutines in one go and facilities for accessing
the front panel from programs in RAM or ROM with breakpoints, OSBYTE or CTR-F.
SPY2 features a versatile disassembler with hex dump, full and intelligent disassembly. This
identifies data areas in the program; these being displayed as a hex/ASCII dump. Operating system
calls are labelled creating very readable code. The powerful trace facilities enable program
instructions and register contents to be traced to printer whilst the program is running.
Indispensable for graphics programs as they can be stepped through whilst observing the effects
on the screen.
SPY2 features a disc sector editor displaying the contents of a whole sector; disc search facilities
for finding byte patterns or strings and free disc space. Files may be recovered by creating a
directory entry with all the data concerning the deleted file. Directory entries can be easily
amended using the ‘AMEND command. The ‘FORMAT command formats discs with any number
of tracks. A verify command checks discs. The ‘REFORMAT command is extremely useful for
recovering information from a bad track, reformatting it and restoring the data. Commands are
included for loading files at Erl 900 and automatically downloading (and running) them.
The most comprehensive of all debugging/disc utility ROMs.
Price £30 inc vat.
Dept A 12 Collegiate Crescent Sheffield S10 2BA
94
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
ot^ ot
top ounuTv soFTiunnc
FOR TH€ ACORN CLCCTRON
IKORN
CICCTRON
£7.91
The best version ovoiloble for the electron
micro. Percy is trapped in an ice maze which is
populated by the deadly Snobees. His only
hope of survival is to squash them by hurling
ice cubes ot them. Unfortunately, whenever it
seems that he has won, a deadlier breed
appears. Hi-score. rankings, excellent
graphics and sound.
N6JU R€l€RS€
MA.IIII2 £7.99
from the author of Percy Penguin, Mr UUiz is a
fast-action multi-scene game. Guide Mr. UUiz
around the gorden to eat the cherries whilst
avoiding the evil gremlins. The gremlins can
be killed by dropping apples on them or by
throwing the crystal ball Cxtra points can be
gained by eating the magic mushroom, but
beware , this is the home of the gremlins and
makes them permanently furious! Sound
effects and tunes, hi-score, rankings. Superb
arcade-style oction.
N€UU R€l6flS€
£7.99
A highly versatile implementation of Chess.
Play black or white ogainst the computer or a
human opponent. The skill level of the
computer' s ploy can be varied widely, and
moves ore entered either by co-ordinates,
cursor control, or joystick control. Moves can be
taken back If an error has been made, and the
board can be modified at any time. Games
con be "saved" or "looded", and the lost game
can be replayed The computer will, if
requested, suggest your moves
N€UJ R€L€RS€
flL. I E H OROROUT
688 Ml «*»-*» ■■PVK 20 e e
- 4 k a K « K 4 h 4
CCNTWU6 £7.99
The centibug descends from the top of the
screen weaving mtimidatingly between the
mushrooms. Vour objective is to shoot all the
segments of the centibug before it reaches
the bottom of the screen
Features include: spiders, snails, flies, 6 skill
levels, hi-score. rankings, and increasing
difficulty.
£7.99
A novel and unusual program Rrcode-oction
with this exciting multi-stage shooting game.
The objective of the gome is to shoot the
aliens out of their boxes" before the "boxes"
fill up. Once full, the aliens fly down
relentlessly, exploding as they hit the ground.
The gome features include: 6 skill levels,
rankings, hi-score, increasing difficulty.
£7.99
Rn advencure game using hi-resolution full-
colour groph i cs Vou are stranded on a strange
planet, ond your mission is to return to
civilisation and home. Many of the locations
are shown graphically, including the
spaceship, the diffs. the mountains, and (if
you succeed) your home. Vou must carefully
explore your environment searching for
hidden clues to help you in your quest
New RaeRse
£7.99
This program covers 1 66 countries which are
divided into 8 categories of difficulty. €ach
country is pinpointed on an accurate hi-
resolution screen map of the world, and the
user is asked the capital and or population. Rt
the end of the test, the percentage of correct
answers is given, so that the student con
monitor his geographical knowledge.
NISO AVRILRBLC:
INVAD6RS £7.95
FRUIT MRCHIN6 £7.95
CONST6LLRTION £7.95
DISRSS€MBL€R
DRAUGHTS
R6V6RSI
DCftlCAS - Our software is now ovoiloble ot oil good dealers induding:
selected brooches of UU. H. Smith ond Boots; oil major computer dealers
- Microstore, Clectronequip, 3D Computers, Computerama, GTM
Computers, etc.; and our software is also available through all the major
distributors, and directly from us.
UK PAY UPTO 20% ROYALTICSFOR HIGH QUALITY RIK MICRO AND CLCCTRON PROGRAMS.
SUPERIOR SOHUIRRC LTD.
Dept. RU8, Regent House,
Skinner Lone, Leeds 7
Tel: 0532 459453
OUR GUAAANTCC
(1 ) All our software is available before we advertise.
(2) AH our software is despatched within 48 hours by first-class post.
(3) In the unlikely event that any of our software fails to load, return your
cassette to us and we will immediately send a replacement.
(X
Whether its your first computer or whether you’re already an
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HCORN
£399
£446
£469
£516
JOYSTICKS
• 12 months guarantee
• Fully compatible with the BBC
model ‘B’ or ‘A’ fitted with an
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• Nylon encased-steel shafted
joysticks with ball and socket
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• Fast spring return to centre
• Graphite wiper linear
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Model B
£343.85
The new personal computer from Acorn Computers. An ideal
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Seikosha GP100A
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£288.77
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—
Model B with ECONET
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C-TECH SOFTWARE
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051 342 7516
m R TICKS’ ■
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ACL
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COMPUTERTOWN (UK) LTD.
230. Derby Rd.
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MILTON KEYNES
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OF
suPEfyoRnY
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suit all your desires. To
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please telephone your
local stockist for a full
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k price list.
The items featured represent a very small selection from our vast
product range, and at the time of going to press were all available from
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However, not all dealers carry every advertised item, please telephone
before making your journey.
For further details, and full product literature pack call or telephone your
nearest LVL Computertown Dealer.
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041 226 4878
Serious Decisions
NeedTI-e Support
OfOur8o Columns
Most serious users of
micro computers require
the facility to display in 80
columns, especially for word
processing. Try this on most
monitors and the result will
be a frustratingly fuzzy image.
The Microvitec CUB 653
gives the user not only
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653 pixels wide by 585 high,
plus a selective transmission
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contrast. These features
make this model from the
CUB range of monitors
the perfect partner for
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generated by BBC B,
SINCLAIR O.L., I.B.M.,
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ELECTRON, ORIC, APPLE II
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So if you wish to sharpen
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Call at your local dealer
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Microvitec PLC Futures Way. Bolling Road. Bradford. West Yorkshire, BD4 7TU. England Tel: (02741 300011 Telex: 517717
Microvitec Monitors are available from your specialist local computer dealer, selected branches of W H Smith
lohn Lewis Partnership, Lasky s. |ohn Menzies. Greens at Debenhams and other leading retailers
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We ve played hundreds of BBC progams to try and choose the best (like the ones on this page ) Details are in out catalogue - free with your order It s the ON LY
catalogue to list the best, omit the rest and quote all the reviews All programs for 32K BBC. OS 1 2
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WHEEL OF FORTUNE best adventure I
have seen for the BBC Micro... the advances in programming that have been
made are amazing., this has to be THE ADVENTURE OF 1984 ” (Micronet 800).
. ■ ! hi,::;- EVERY f )NE WITH HALF SCREEN GRAPHICS’ Commands o! up to 254
, r.- ; : acters’ Moving cast with varying mooods' Save your position to tape or disc' Very last
(Epic) £9.95
nv A ppnn
DLrtUULn r I: iv M*N*' M'N'F . ' iallv Be.:..\hil
graphics the screen is alive with movement as you try to collect keys to the safes Each of the
20 screens is a different puzzle with a different solution Will your burglar make iO You 11
i . ' , ::i ir.' him v : : week. \ .C IX (Alligata) £7.95
JA w JW A m ¥J “ Must be the most accurate and complete flight
A V 1A X V# X* simulator yet produced for the BBC ...the graphics
are superb” (MicroUser). ” Handling is excellent ... one of the best flight
simulators I've seen. " (C& VG)
doing virtually any aerobatics the real aircraft can Then there's a whole 3D world to
explore too (map provided) as you Oy between skyscrapers and under bridges Rave reviews
tmd STIX UK (Acomsoft) £14.95
p ^X TX IW1 1J 1J 1 CJ CJ “ An absolutely magnificent piece of
r t\ X XlLllJlJ programming. In many respects , the feel of the
game is even better than that of ‘ ZAXXON '. " (PCGames) ” The game is thrilling,
the diagonally scrolling graphics superb and the sound effects excellent. ..in a
class of its own. " (Micro User) ” Deserves a place in any self-respecting software
collection.” (C&VG)
(Pace) £8.95
^X f Trip TX WJ ¥ V F1J 1 " Tbe best race simulation I've seen on this
v V LjX\UX\1 V Hi machine, it's excellent value for money. ”
(PCN)
night snow desert riverside To qualify for the next stage you must finish m the first 12 On-
screen score time speed and bonus You can actually feel how fast you re going and the
/ .m.- m.-ut' NO STD (Superior) £7.95
PETTIGREWS DIARY of the most original
adventures on the market.. .will give your grey matter a thorough workout "
( YrComp ) ”1 have nothing but praise for this unorthodox adventure” (Micro
Adventure).
countries to unravel the secrets of the diary You must complete each part to reach the next
(Shards) £7.95
ATTA pir ‘SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR
V/ XLUil ri 1 lnV/ll GAMES ON THE BBC.the sense
of realism is impressive” (PCN) “I HA VE NEVER SEEN A BETTER THOUGHT-
OUT AND EXECUTED GAME ” (HomeCompWkly). ” STANDS HEAD AND
SHOULDERS ABOVE THE REST”. (AcomUser) \ will i<viliy believe y i ire launching
from and docking with a mother ship you will see and feel you are refuelling 50-PLACE HI
(A & F) £7.90
1 7 A MDID E 1 r 1 A CTI 17 " A 9 em oia text ad venture
V /llVIXr lXVEl ViAM X LiEj ...the sound effects and
occasional graphics enhance the fun... DEFINITELY ONE TO GO BATS ABOUT”.
(PCN)
(Micrograf) £7.95
DTliTD A f I ADP A 1^17 “ As professional a piece of
A 1 ill DrlLlLl ilA v/1UL software as you are likely
to find.. .the graphics are exceptionally good” (C&VG) “An excellent new game "
(Beebug).
(Kansas) £10.00
fjri A m ¥J ¥J ^X TAJ “You can expect some highly absorbing
XI U n X XI X\ \ J V V and extremely challenging times with this
very well-implemented program " (WhatMicro) "The satisfaction you 'U get from
mastering this game is worth every effort” (PCN) LET AN AIR TRAFFIC
CONTROLLER TEACH YOU HIS JOB! i a:- n charge 1 the me ming pumes at
Heathrow Can you land 10 aircraft in 30 minutes 7 7 skill levels 15 minute demo NO STIX
(Hewson) £7.95
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
99
PRICES SENSATION ^
Canon 110: Case/Cables all INCL £99
Canon 220: 400K (40/80 switching)
Case/Cables all INCL £169
N.B. These are state of the Art Disc Drives; Direct Drive
40 track 6mms Access/80 track 3ms Access.
SLIM CANON DISC DRIVES:
MODEL: SPECIFICATION OF EACH DRIVE
110 S/SIDED 40 TRACK 100K
210 D/SIDED 40 TRACK 200K
220 D/SIDED 80 TRACK 400K
(40/80 TRACK SWITCHING)
All CANON 40/80 switchable disc drives feature an on-board dual-colour
LED on the front panel to show track mode selected. This is coupled with our
own unique two-stage illumination, to give a clear operating status, as follows:
40 TRACK MODE: LED GREEN
80 TRACK MODE: LED RED
POWER ON: HALF-ILLUMINATION (GREEN OR RED)
DRIVE SELECTED FULL-ILLUMINATION (GREEN OR RED)
Super-slim CANON drives, models 21 1 and 221 and the SANYO model 548S,
are available with their own custom-built secondary switching power supply.
This is safe, low in heat generation and excellent value for money.
The SANYO disc drive is our latest acquisition in quality Japanese products.
This is a "half-height" unit of standard dimensions.
All inclusive price list:
This means: disc drive + case + all power & data cables + U.K. carriage + utilities disc & manual + VA.T
CANON
SANYO
MODEL:
110
210
220
211
221
548S
Formatted Capacity
per drive on BBC Micro:
100k
200k
400k
200k
400k
100k
Single Drive & Case:
£99
£139
£169
£179
£236
£154
Single Drive
& Case/P. Supply:
£124
£164
£194
£209
£266
£184
Dual Drive & Case:
£204
£274
£314
£329
£437
£284
Dual Drive
& Case/R Supply:
£229
£299
£339
£359
£467
£314
Support:
Warranty: All disc drives sold by Chase Data Ltd. come
with a full one-year warranty on parts & labour
Non-warranty service: As THE experts in ourfield we
can offer service on most makes of floppy disc drive.
Recalibration & Alignment ... £25 per unit inc. VAT
(parts extra). Phone tor details: (Tel: 0784 38487)
Payment H
By Post: Send your remittance (cheques only please)
with your order to:
CHASE DATA LTD
RO. Box 6, Woking, Surrey, GU21 4PB.
By Phone: (Tel: 0784 38487).
Draw with the BBC micro
and show the true potential of your machine
Fill shapes in one of 23 colours (Mode I)
Draw points, lines, rectangles ellipses and circles
Smooth curves
Wire frame diagrams
Hidden line removal
Draw in perspective
Measure scaled distances
Ekta sketch lines Half tone facility
Mirror images
Repeat images SS, enlarged, reduced, stretched
Actual colour displayed
Store up to 10 ellipses or circles in memory
Redraw any one of these at cursor position
Change any actual colour for one of 8 others
Clear screen, load screen, save screen
Pnnt characters or numbers at any pixel point
Error messages for incorrect input
Fully comprehensive manual
This programme has been purpose designed by professional Graphic Designers
O for simplicity and ease of use, and is undoubtedly the most versatile drawing
programme on the market at this time. There is no need to input any numerical
data, as all judgements are made visually. The BBC Micro is the finest drawing
designs machine in its price range. Find out what it can do.
The A B. Designs drawing programme costs only £36 for over 70 functions {model B). New AB2 Program, available on disc (price £61) and cassette
(price £51). When ordering send Cheque/PO and VAT at 15%. Please include phone no. with all correspondence. For further information send
SAE and phone no. to A B Designs. 81 Sutton Common Road, Sutton, Surrey. 01 .644 6643 (closed all day Thursday).
HARRIS McCUTCHEON SYSTEMS
_ _ _ _ _ _ are pleased to release
HMS HOME ACCOUNTS
HMS VAT TRADER'S LEDGER
HMS BASIC ENVIRONMENT
£28.75
£21.50
£14.50
to BBC Microcomputer users with a minimum configuration of 1 '40 track single sided disc and an 8” 1 32 column (condensed mode) printer, to a maximum configuration
of 2 • 80 1 rack double sided disc and a 1 5 printer The programs allow user allocation of each file between * DRIVE0, 1 , 2 or 3, thus making full use of the disc space available.
H MS HOME ACCOUN TS allows all financial transactions within a defined environment to be recorded, printed and analysed Accounts may be reconciled with statements
or passbooks, uncleared entries being highlighted Depending on the analysis structure you choose, the system can keep track of anything from answering 'how much is
in the piggybank >' to independent tracking of multiple bank accounts, credit cards, building society accountsand cash in hand Theonly reason for keeping home accounts
in any form is to have your current financial state apparent on demand and reconcile statements received in order to find out where the money goes This program is designed
expressly for these requirements. Y ou wouldn’t keep them if these areas were of no concern, and being of concern you want to keep them thoroughly and effectively HMS
HOME ACCOUNTS allows this
HMS VAT TRADER'S LEDGER, on theother hand, fulfills a different requirement. Instead of emphasizing analysis, the VAT trader wants to record all his invoices and bills
in the least time possible consistent with making out the quarterly VAT return and getting a well presented ledger listing on demand Varying and multiple VA T rates are of
course catered for Add thefacility tomaintain period totalson user defined bases other than VATquarters I such as weekly, monthly and to theendof each trading account),
and HMS VAT TRADER'S LEDGER should be a boon to you as a sole trader through to the low transaction company
Both systems allow for 1 000 to 1 0000 records per file depending on configuration and use, and initialise on shift BREAK without user OS intervention. Fully documented
source listings and optional user modifiable VIEW text operating documentation are included on the master disc, and hard copy manuals are provided
HMS BASIC ENVIRONMENT is specifically an aid to BASIC program development designed to encourage the creation of well structured readable code in circumstances
where memory becomesa constraint. Procedures to handlescreen I 0, cursor switching. CLI invocation and keyboard validation areprovided withalinkmgBASlCsource
file compressor which includes variable name compression to two bytes. The ability to link as many BASIC source modules as desired into a single condensed running version
resolves the coder's conflict between space and intelligibility; 60% compression is eflected on our sources for the above accounts packages
T he disc manual and information contained are sold under license subject to the condition that they are for single user single site application by or on behalf of the purchaser
are not for resale in whole or in pan either as originals or copies, and may not be supplied to a third party as pan of a package or used as pan of a package supplied by a third
pany to the purch iser, without the written consent of the copyright holders. Damages will be claimed where this occurs, with revocation of license. Purchase indicates
acceptance of license terms
I enclose f for the following products (tick and delete where appropriate
HMS HOME ACCOUNTS (£28 75)
HMS VAT TRADER'S LEDGER (£21 50)
HMS BASIC ENVIRONMENT (£14.50)
Please supply on 40 80 track disc I have VIEW WORDWISE; OS 1 .0 1 2. BASIC I II
Name
Address
VAT, disc, manual, post
and packing inclusive
The credit card companies
4% take precludes our
offering their service.
Telephone
Date
Postcode
Please send with cheque or postal order to Harris McCutcheon Systems. 40 Huntingdon Street, London N1 1 HM (01 609 3207)
102
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
TOOLSfc
TOOLSf^
A revolutionary new approach to program development aids.
Toolstar is a powerful new utility Rom that will open up a whole new world lor BBC micro users
Tooislar adopts a revolutionary new approach to program development aids It has been
designed specifically to assist both Basic and Machine code programmers by providing an
integrated set ol powerful building blocks which rapidly become an indispensable complement to
the built in facilities of your BBC micro
This package contains the Toolstar firmware in Eprom and a very comprehensive manual (over
1 50 pages), containing many examples and illustrations to help you make the best use of
Tooislar s exciting capabilities
Toolstar sheds new light on your BBC micro
Tooislar being Eprom-based will be permanently resident in your computer allowing all of its
commands to be immediately available It is transparent to both the user and the operating
system , once a command has been executed control is returned to Basic or whichever ROM
had control prior to the command
Full error handling has been incorporated and for new users there are full help menus describing
each command and its syntax
Powerful building blocks for Basic programmers?
Within Toolstar there are 22 commands 8 ot which operate between PAGE and TOP le on the
current Basic program or Basic programming environment These commands obey standard
Basic command syntax rules
Reveal the deepest secrets of your discs
Toolstar allows the operations of Formatting. Verifying, reading or wntmg a disc sector to be
carried out very simply from Basic i e all the necessary building blocks required to develop a
comprehensive set of disc utilities, simply and effectively
Lost your memory? — No more amnesia with T oolstar! •
in addition to the commands described above there are 9 commands which operate on the whole
of the BBC s memory and are designed to complement the BBC s built-in assembler These
include a full tealure disassembler and memory dump each with forward and reverse scrolling
If this is not enough Toolstar can be Extended!
There are three help menus on Toolstar which may be obtained by typing HELP TOOLS. ‘HELP
MCODE or ‘HELP EXTEND The third option menu will mtially display the following
‘HELP EXTEND
EXTEND RAM adds
i e typing 'EXTEND • address > will allow the user to extend the facilities ot Toolstar with
routines which are supplied by himsell The manual describes fully how this operation is earned
out and illustrates it with several examples
In the future such utilities will be made available on disc and cassette from Pace, thus allowing a
comprehensive library of utility programs to be built-up
£34.00 Inc. VAT & Carriage.
Access and Barclaycard
Dealer Enquiries welcome
Send for more information to:
92, New Cross Street,
Bradford BD5 8BS.
Telephone: 0274 729306
Telex: 51 564
PRESTEL, MICRONET, BBC to BBC file transfer, Terminal Emulation.
Commstar is unique and complete a total solution
Imagine a single Eprom based package of sophisticated communications software that caters
tor aH your requirements
Imagine Commstar
Take tor example British Telecom s Prestei service offenng access to a multitude ot up-to-the
minute information pages, world news or weather and much more Instant access to Micronet
800 with many Iree programs that can be downloaded in seconds, tree advice and news Expand
your horizons and find out )ust how versatile our computer can really be'
How many times have you wanted to get a copy ol a program to a fnend or a business colleague
quickly' 7 With Commstar you can transfer a tile of ANY type between two BBC s (which may be
ttiou sands of miles apan ) m the space of a phone call
It really is that simple 1
Commstar is intelligent It offers many advanced features to ensure simple and effective
communication with the remote system
Consider the following features
Prestei Mode
Prestei mode features full colour Prestei graphics including double height and flashing characters
Full Telesoftware capability is offered allowing the many free programs offered by Micronet 800
to be downloaded into your computer Pages ot particular interest may be marked for later
retrieval and display Page images may be copied and saved to a tile on the current filing system
Terminal Mode
In terminal mode all input may be copied into a buffer in memory or spooled directly on to disc Full
control over buffered data is provided allowing it to be listed to screen or printer sent to the
RS423 saved to or loaded from the current filing system (including TAPE)
Commstar allows full configuration and easy control over the protocols used Send and receive
baud rales word length, parity and number ol slop bits are selected from a simple table of
options
When m chat mode (80 or 40 column), characters transmitted by the host will be displayed on the
BBC screen and characters typed on the BBC will be sent to the host
Commstar allows ANY type of file (not |ust ASCII) to be transferred safely using XMODEM
protocols In fact lour individual methods of transmission are provided for within Commstar
giving great flexibility
Using a disk based emulation tile Commstar can be configured to emulate virtually any terminal
type including VT 1 00 within the capabilities of the BBC
In addition to the above most MOS commands can be executed from within Commstar errors
are trapped by Commstar s own error handling routines and an optional elapsed time clock may
tie displayed Data filter Local Echo. Auto line feed, printer on off and XON XOFF protocols may
be toggled in or out by a single key press extensive use being made of the function keys
F mally Commstar may be titled into any of the sideways ROM sockets and is provided with a
comprehensive manual
£34 inc. VAT & Carriage.
EDUCATION
TEACHING
TODDLERS
Fun and learning for children as young as two with
programs and micro overlays from Joe Telford
T HE ideas and programs in this
month's Jottings form an activity
pack aimed at the youngest users.
Toddlers, children in nursery or early
primary classes should all be
entranced, and six-year-olds too might
find it interesting though many will
already have keyboard skills in excess
of this pack. The programs aim to get
young infants playing with the com-
puter, and give parents or teachers the
chance to introduce and talk about the
computer and related activities.
Children will be introduced to basic
concepts in shape, sound, pattern and
colour, which, combined with dis-
cussion and guidance from adults, help
develop reasoning skills.
The ideal way to use the pack is to
allow children to work in small groups,
and explore each application —
far better than a silent single child
sitting in front of a computer. If a
one-to-one situation does occur,
the parent or teacher should spend
time with the child, talking with and
listening to that child’s ideas and
thoughts. This is where the value of
this activity pack lies.
The programs are based around a
number of activities, forming a larger
program called Yumap (youngest
user’s micro activity pack). Although
each section can be used by children,
selection is best done by an adult, as
an amount of reading is required. On
chaining Yumap a menu page is shown
which offers the choices:
1. Character patterns
2. Drawing shapes
3. Shape game
4 . Drawing sound
5. Sketchpad
6. End program
Each section is described on pages 107
and 108, while the overlays for each are
printed opposite arid overleaf. The list-
ings are on yellow pages xi-xiv, and on
our listings cassette (see page 82).
Keys and colour
Whenever the break key is pressed the
program ends, restarts, finds the
correct section and returns to it. All that
appears to have happened is that the
screen has cleared. You might like to
use this ‘clear screen* facility by mark-
ing where the break key is found on
each overlay.
The escape key has been reconfi-
gured to act only when CTRL and @ are
pressed together. This returns the pro-
gram to the selection menu, and is suf-
ficiently well hidden to prevent children
from accidentally causing such an
event.
In the three section*
coloured
crayon symbols, the
current colour is indicated by a band at
the top of the screen. If this band is not
visible (in choices 2 and 5), the colour
used is the background colour and rub-
bing out will take place.
Fitting the overlays
Each overlay can be coloured and
laminated or covered with transparent
adhesive plastic to make it last. Before
fitting an overlay, make a firm crease
along the dotted line so that a strip of
about one inch of overlay is folded
downwards. Next fit the top strip of the
overlay (containing its title) under the
clear plastic function key holding band
and adjust it to cover most of the key-
board. The part of the overlay already
folded will now fall close to the front
casing of the micro. Fit a large elastic
band around the micro and trap this
flap under it. The overlay should now
be secure and ready for use.
Although any area of any panel can
be used, it is best to actually press a
figure as these are generally most
central. An adult may need only one
finger but small hands can also do the
job.
Inside the program
Figure 1 shows the main sec-tions of
the program, and the table of fre-
quently used pro-cedures shows
these are split into two. The first
group con-sists of graphics pro-
cedures for drawing triangles,
rec-tangles and circles (see past
Jottings). The second group
includes two utilities, one for
drawing a cross in the inverse
screen colour and the second to
make the areas of the keyboard
match the areas of the overlays.
In the PROCsetup pro-cedure one
task is to allocate characters to a
string array. Whenever the key-
board is pressed a character will be
generated and placed into A$ at line
1590. A$ is then compared using
INSTR$ to each of the items in the string
array *Key$(’ and, depending on where
it is found, a number is returned to the
calling routine. T his number is 0 if a key
below the leftmost panel is pressed, 1
is generated by the next panel, 2 by the
next, 3 by the rightmost panel and 4 by
the space bar (colour panel), page 108>
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Cut out this full-size keyboard overlay and use as guide tor other shown reduced overleaf
DRAW SOUND - NOTE PLAYER
EDUCATION I
t CHARACTER PATTERNS
Stick to front of micro
Covers space bar
Fold over front edge of micro
Main area fits over keys
Slip under BBC's plastic strip or stick to Electron
Overleaf is a full-size overlay to use as a
guide to making up the other four on this
page: a great chance to get the felt pens out!
Your child might like to use pictures of her-
self/himself on the overlays
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
| EDUCATION
1 Character patterns
On typing the number 1, a message
appears which instructs the adult to
attach a keyboard overlay to the com-
puter (see instructions at the end of
this article). In this case, the overlay
to use is the one marked Character
patterns , which contains pictures of
four children in panels, plus drawings
of three coloured pencils. Once fitted,
a panel of the overlay can be pressed
to start the character pattern section.
The screen now obeys the instruc-
tions given by pressing any of the
panels. When the panel of the child
walking upstairs is pressed, the pat-
tern on the screen will move forward
through a pattern sequence. This
sequence used consists of 123 items,
including upper and lower case
alphabets, numbers and graphic
characters. After the last character
the sequence will restart.
If the ‘child walking downstairs’ is
pressed the characters will be dis-
played in reverse sequence. If the
‘jumping child’ is pressed, characters
are displayed in random order, while
the ‘standing child’ maintains the cur-
rently displayed character. At the
beginning, the first character dis-
played (by pressing ‘child standing')
will be 'A'.
The colour of the characters is
yellow at first, but pressing the fifth
panel showing the coloured pencils
steps through yellow, white and red,
then back to yellow.
The children can use this section to
explore the relations between pat-
terns, and parts of patterns, and to
stimulate discussion about their find-
ings. They will see discrete shapes,
patterns formed by repetition of these
shapes, and patterns which seem to
merge together. Talk to them about
heart or rocket shapes, stripey pat-
terns and rows, lines or boxes.
Children can then move on to practi-
cal pattern activities such as drawing,
colouring, painting, sticking, mosaic-
work or even potato printing.
2 Drawing shapes
On typing the number 2 at the menu, a
message appears which asks the
user to enter a delay time (between
one and nine seconds) for the
children using the program. To start,
set it to nine seconds, then reduce it
as the children get quicker. Next, a
message instructs the adult to attach
the overlay marked Drawing shapes
which has four shapes in panels, plus
four coloured pencils.
The start screen is blue and then a
small cross appears, to the sound of a
beep. This will move every nine
seconds (or as per your setting),
beeping as it does so. Children will
need to follow the cross, because
that’s where all the action occurs.
Pressing any panel produces a shape
of random size in the current crayon
colour, and its position will be indi-
cated by the cross on the screen. The
four shapes are circle, square, oblong
and triangle. The initial shape colour
is yellow, but pressing the crayon
panel steps the colours through
yellow, white, blue (which rubs out)
and red, then back to yellow. Shapes
may be drawn on top of each other in
any colour, though the cross and
shape size move at random.
The shapes panel lets children
investigate and explore positioning
and overlaying shapes, as well as the
shapes themselves. Language is
developed as the children describe
what they have done and what they
are about to do. Problems can be set,
ranging from a simple ‘Can you show
me a circle?’ to a more complex ‘Can
you put a red triangle between those
two circles?’ Matching exercises can
also be performed, such as 1 have put
three red circles on the screen. Can
you show me the same number of
yellow circles?’ Children can develop
other shape ideas, with or without the
micro, using cut-outs and cards.
3 Shape game
Typing the number 3 at the menu
results in a message to attach the key-
board overlay marked Shape game.
Pressing any of the four shapes in
panels starts the game. The screen
clears to a purple background with a
shape in the centre. This shape will
have a random size, and the aim of
the game is to make it vanish. This
can only be done by the child recog-
nising the shape and pressing the
matching shape on the keyboard
overlay. If the wrong one is pressed, a
hissing noise is heard, while a correct
match gives a buzzing sound and the
shape vanishes. Another shape takes
its place and the game continues.
In this section variation in size adds
to the interest, because the children
have to realise (for example) that a
square is a square no matter what
size it takes. The random colour of
any shape emphasises the fact that
colour is not an attribute of any one
shape. Children might learn to recog-
nise the simple shapes using this sec-
tion, but without discussion and
further practical work they will be
learning without understanding.
Follow-on work is closely related to
that from the last section, though it
would be particularly useful to allow
the children to experiment: Can you
make that oblong stand on end? It
didn’t when we used the computer. Is
it still an oblong?’
4 Draw sound
Menu option 4 asks for the overlay
marked Draw sound -note player.
This has four human figures in panels,
pressing any one starts the section
and the screen turns blue and rec-
tangles can be painted on the screen,
each given a random colour. The
height position of each rectangle on
the screen indicates its pitch in a
range of just over one octave. Adjac-
ent rectangles are a semitone apart.
Control over the sounds generated is
by pressing a panel. The first panel
shows a man walking upstairs and
pressing this makes the note played
go one semitone higher. After the
highest note the sequence will restart
from the lowest note. The ‘Man walk-
ing downstairs’ plays the note one
semitone lower. After the lowest note
the sequence will restart from the
highest note, if you press the jumping
man, notes will play at random, and
the man standing repeats the note
played at the same pitch.
Whenever the screen is filled, it will
automatically clear and the next note
played will be displayed at the left of
the screen, at the selected pitch.
The children can use this section to
investigate informally the relation-
ships between musical sounds. Much
adult input is needed because words
like Up and Down, High and Low,
Same or Different may all be intro-
duced. Children can be set musical
tasks, or be asked to set each other
simple problems. For example ‘Can
you make the man walk upstairs?’ or
‘Can you make the sound go up three
stairs then down 4?’ or 'Can you make
the sound of a police car?’ Conven-
tional musical instruments such as
xylophones can take the explorations
further, eg, Can you find that note on
the xylophone?’ Parents will soon find
that many young infants do not find
such tasks easy.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
EDUCATION J
108
5 Sketch
On typing the number 5, a message
appears which instructs the adult to
attach the overlay marked Sketch
which shows four pencils in different
orientations, each in a single panel,
and four crayons together in one
panel. Press any panel to start and the
screen clears to red with a cross in the
centre. This cross can be moved up,
down, left and right by pressing the
appropriate pencil. As the cross
moves it leaves a line behind it in the
current crayon colour. Pressing the
colour panel changes the initial
yellow through white, blue, red (for
rubbing out) and back to yellow. This
section has an auto-repeat that allows
the pencil to draw as long as a panel
is held down.
The sketch routine gives children the
chance to draw perfectly straight lines,
and to build up shapes. Children can
be asked to make bricks, boxes, nets,
mazes and many other objects.
<page 104
If none of these panels is pressed
- 1 is returned.
The aim of PROCerror is to display
any error in program execution. If the
relocated escape key is pressed this
procedure forces a reRUN.
PROCsetup does several house-
keeping tasks. It sets up the function
keys, the sections of the keyboard, the
cursor keys, the initial ‘crayon’ colour,
the relocation of the escape key, and a
number of defined graphics used in
PROCpattern.
The function FNmenu handles selec-
tion of any one of the five different sec-
tions available. It prints a menu, asks
for input, then returns to the main body
of the program with the number of the
routine to call. PROCcrsr turns the text
cursor on and off. PROCend resets the
cursor keys, and ends. After using this
option to exit, function keys, etc, can be
cleared by pressing the CTRL and
BREAK keys together (CTRL-BREAK).
PROCpattern exists between lines
600 and 740. Input from the keyboard in-
crements, decrements or randomises a
pointer which indicates the ASCII value
of current character to be displayed.
The pattern is displayed by line 720.
Once entered the procedure repeats
until ESCAPE or CTRL-BREAK is hit.
PROCshape is found between lines
440 and 590. It draws a cross on the
screen by referencing PROCcrsr, then
examines the keyboard for characters
pressed. If none is pressed in the time
limit set at line 490, the cross is moved
at random and the process repeats. If,
however, a panel is pressed, action is
taken by calling one of the graphics
procedures, or by incrementing the
drawing colour.
In line 980 of PROCshapegame, a
shape is chosen at random and the
choice routine from line 990 to 1020
draws the shape which mates the
random number chosen. The pro-
cedure then loops until a keyboard
panel is pressed at line 1050 and either
hisses if the shape is incorrect (line
1060) or exits the loop (line 1070),
buzzes and restarts the procedure
(lines 1080, 1090).
PROCdrawsound is simiiar to PROC
pattern in that an index (the variable
‘note’) to a particular note is incre-
mented, decremented or randomised,
then that note is played using the index
as the basis of a simple formula (line
880). In line 900 another formula uses
this index to position a rectangle on the
screen to match the pitch of the note.
PROCsketch is found between lines
280 and 410. PROCcrsr is continually
called upon to draw a cross on the
screen. If any of the overlay panels are
pressed, this is detected by FNkey and
the IF . . . THEN statements between
lines 350 and 390 take appropriate
action. This procedure is in effect an
infinite loop, from which return is only
via the CTRL-@ relocated escape key.
Difficulties brought about by tiny
fingers locating the break key can
cause concern at first, but provided (as
in this application) the stage of the sec-
tion in use is not important, the problem
is reduced to simply working out which
section to restart. The approach taken
here would not be able to maintain vari-
ables, or other data, and hence is only
one step better than the well-known
‘KEY10 OLDIMRUNIM technique. Line
40 contains the key to the solution. If the
program is run, as it will be at first, K%
is set at — 1 and the break is set as:
with apologies to purists for the GOTO
(I haven’t had a good GOTO in ages).
This means that when BREAK is
pressed the program restarts from line
50, hence W% and K% are not initia-
lised. W% is simply the delay in
seconds used in the drawshapes pro-
cedure, K%, however, is a pointer to
the section of the program currently in
use. If it is set to - 1 the menu is
accessed (line 80), otherwise the con-
tents of K% are used to set the variable
‘choice’ which then selects the section
to be executed. When a menu is called,
the fact that ‘choice’ contains some-
thing other than 0 indicates that K%
must be set to this value, and this is
done at line 100. The result is simply
that on running or using escape (CTRL-
@) to rerun, the menu is invoked.
Pressing the break key causes the pro-
gram to skip the menu and use the sec-
tion indicated by K%. The effect, to the
user, is simply of the screen clearing.
‘KEY 10 OLD I MGOTO50 i M
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
®CD!©®(o)G0E)GO®CD©®©Q00GG
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Acorn Electron + Cassette Recorder OR
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PRINTERS
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MONITORS
Kaga 12" Green Screen 123.05
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DISK DRIVES
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ALL PRICES INCLUSIVE OF V.A.T.
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ACCESSORIES
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(Free 1.2 if required) 55.00
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Wordwise wordprocessor 45.42
Auto Prommers Eprom Programmer 138.00
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□0000(2)® ©CD® O0O0O©® ©0® 00000(0)® @QD®
B-BASE: £25—8 Great Features
SYSTEM FEATURES
REPLICA II: £12.00.
WHAT IS A DATABASE?
It is a FILE which contains RECORDS.
Records consist of a number of FIELDS
containing the information— an analogy can
be drawn with a card index in which a box of
cards is the file. Each card is a record and
each line on the card is a field.
SPECIFICATION
1) Random Access— disc based, single or
dual drives
2) File Size— 99K (40 track), 199K (80 track)
—65,000+ records
3) Record Size— up to 2048 characters and
200 fields
4) Field Size— up to 254 characters with
complete line scanning
5) Access any record using Primary Key in
2 seconds
6) Holds- 1200 NAMES AND ADDRESS
records on lOOKdisk
7) Search— 500 records on 5 fields in
60 seconds
8) Sort— 500 records on 3 fields in
60 seconds
SEARCH PARAMETERS = ,<> f >=<=<\
INSTR * ' v
CALCULATE — Global or local totals and
functions using any valid BBC expression
POWERFUL PRINTOUT OPTION—
Eliminates need for separate mailing
program, Parallel/Serial Printout allows
setting of printer control codes, line spacing,
tabulation, Headings etc, plus label printing
with horizontal and vertical tab control.
REDEFINE — Titles, field widths, number of
fields etc.
TRANSFER— Records from one file to
another
SEARCH LISTS— Allow creation of sub-
Databases within main Database but
without having to save data again.
DATE FORMATS— 6 formats for printout
All timings and sizes are relative to ACORN
DFS. Compatible with ACORN DFS,
WATFORD 1 .3 and latest AMCOM DFS.
All Disc Software now
available on 3” disc-
add £3 to printed prices
Send S.A.E. for detailed data sheet
The original REPLICA set a very high
standard so the specification we set our
chief programmer included some impossible
features. In fact ACORN state that some of
the things that we have done are impossible,
it just took us longer that’s all. REPLICA II
transfers most cassette based programs to
disk, even more than REPLICA. When you
buy disk drives you do not have to throw
away expensive cassette based programs.
REPLICA II transfers ‘LOCKED’ programs,
programs loading as files, programs that
load below &EOO, those with up to 6
sections and those up to &6E in length eg
adventure programs. No waiting for 6
minutes whilst adventure programs load.
REPLICA II is very easy to use. The user
enters a name, how many sections and
whether CHAINfRUN or*LOAD to load the
first section. Press play and let the program
do the rest, even a menu.
Think how much it will cost you to buy just 1
disk version of your favourite program—
REPLICA II which will hold up to 16
programs, limited only by the disc capacity.
CLARESN01
iNumirescmiAEE!
BEEBSYNTH: disk £11.00
cassette £8.00
A very powerful, easy to use sound
generating program for expert and novice.
Up to 16 envelopes can be defined and
saved. The envelope definer is easy to use,
control is through the cursor keys and the
effects of changes can be heard
immediately. When you have defined your
envelopes press ‘K’ for Keyboard and the
keyboard is transformed into a musical
instrument, but you control which
instrument. Plays chords, not just single
notes, change pitch and duration etc.
A superb program that you can use
immediately. Unlimited sounds at your
disposal. Recommended by MICRO USER,
PCN.HCW etc.
GRAFKEY/GRAFDISK: disk £12.95
cassette £9.00
The ‘GRAF’ series of programs are, to our
knowledge, the cheapest entry to the CAD
(Computer Aided Design) field on the BBC
micro. Input is either joystick or keyboard.
All graphics modes can be used and altered
whilst running, the functions provided are:
Line, rectangle, triangle, circle, text (upper
and lower case), paint and colour pallet (8
colours and flashing). Drawing aids include:
Alignment grid, circle copy, delete, free
memory, purge memory, variable cursor
speed, clear screen and redraw. Save
drawings to tape in about 20 seconds or to
disk in about 2 seconds.
Rubber Band is a very flexible line drawing
facility. Pictures can be saved and included
in your own programs, very easily.
GRAFDISK also provides a screen save
facility. Recommended by BBC MICRO
USER, PCN, ELECTRONICS & COMPUTING,
LASERBUG etc, used by universities,
colleges and business, as well as the
enthusiast.
SINGLE KEY: (requires 1.2 0.S) £5.00
SINGLE KEY ENTRY provides the user with
single key entry of all 66 keywords on the
BBC micro. Speeds up your program input,
it’s just like having 66 function keys and it
only occupies 256 bytes. Compatible with
BASIC 1 & Basic 2.
VIEWpoint: £12.1
VIEW PRINTER DRIVER FOR EPSON FX80
Multi-page drive with print menu allowing the
setting of global (document wide) printer
functions at printer initialisation.
1) Multiple choice of highlight options
including underline, italics, bold, enlarged,
proportional, condensed, superscript,
subscript.
2) Choice of any one of the nine language
character sets held in the printer ROM.
3) Choice of PICA or ELITE type face.
4) Print intensity: normal or dark.
5) Single sheet or continuous printing.
6) Slow (accurate line feed) or fast print
speed.
7) Choice of "PAD character. Selection of “ ”
as the PAD character switches off the
backslash trap to allow full implementation
of the foreign language character sets.
User Defined Character Definition
The print menu program also contains a
sophisticated character generator which
allows the construction of 95 user defined
characters which are then accessible from
VIEW via a highlight option.
The characters are displayed in an 8x 11 grid
and can be printed (singly or as a set), stored,
examined or changed at will.
Supplied on disc with comprehensive user
manual.
All prices inclusive of VAT & Carriage—
NO EXTRAS!
I Cl. UUUO ‘♦OJ I I
MICRO SUPPLIES Open 9 — 5pm Monday — Friday
EDUCATION I
TIME FOR MICROS
Susan Kingsbury’s activity board
project brings day-trip fun
to using the computer in class
P ARENTS and teachers who have
recently gained access to a BBC
micro will no doubt be looking for
imaginative ideas for its use. Acorn
User's DIY activity board is a simple but
effective device which, in conjunction
with the computer, can be used in a var-
iety of ways to foster both creativity and
learning. Ideas for its use can come as
readily from the children as from the
teacher.
This article presents a program (list-
ing 1, page XV) to operate with the
board that, after typing into the com-
puter and saving on tape, can be
adapted by changing the data lines at
the end.
The activity board can be built for a
mere £12 or so. It is a simple structure
consisting of a sheet of perspex (or,
cheaper, hardboard or plywood) sup-
ported on four cottonreels. Underneath
are switches wired to the BBC micro
and these are activated individually by
moving a magnetised object across the
board. This simple arrangement is the
f — =
V
)
Figure 1. Dry-reed relay switch
stage on which a variety of scenes can
be enacted, with questions and
prompts being chanelled through the
micro and displayed on its screen.
Imagine, for example, that on top of
the board is placed a sheet of paper
showing a groundplan of a zoo (see
page 1 14). Mapped out are eight attrac-
tions such as a bear pit, a lion's cage
and so on for which toy animals are
used. A small wooden toy, which we’ll
call Fred, with a magnet set into his
underside, is moved around the zoo,
stopping at places that take his interest.
Each time he stops, an appropriate
sentence, in double-height letters,
appears on the screen. When Fred has
seen all he wants to see, the pupil types
P on the computer and the whole story
of Fred’s day at the zoo is displayed on
the screen. If you have a printer, the
story may be printed out at this stage
too.
Fred is taken on his tour by a child,
who is encouraged to read each new
sentence as it appears. By the end the
pupil will have written a story just by
moving Fred around. In this way, the
board could help to teach reading or
provide incentive for slow readers.
Once everyone in the class is fam-
iliar with the idea, the pupils could
devise their own scenario, such as a
moon-landing or a race-track, draw the
groundplan, make models for the stop-
ping places and change the data lines
at the end of the program to give appro-
priate sentences. Thus they could all be
involved over a period of time.
In more detail, this is how the board
functions. On the underside there’s a
reed switch (figure 1) at each stopping
place. The reed becomes magnetised
when Fred’s magnet is positioned
above it, the two halves of the reed
attracting each other and the switch
closing. When Fred moves away, the
springiness of the reed opens the
switch (figure 2).
Soldered to the ends of the reed
switches are wires which make up a
cable connected to the BBC machine’s
user port. When a switch closes, a
signal is sent along the cable to the
computer and, under the control of the
program, the appropriate sentence
appears on its screen.
Making the board
You’ll need eight dry-reed relay
switches (see panel). Look at one of
them from the side so that you can see
the gap between the halves of the reed.
Bring a magnet near to the switch and
watch it close. You will hear a click as it
does so, and another as it opens when
the magnet is moved away.
Taking care not to break the glass at
the ends of the switch, bend the wire at
its ends to form legs at right angles to
the switch (figure 3). Repeat this for all
switches, then space them out on the
underside of the board and tape them
in position with the legs sticking out.
You can glue them later.
Figure 2. The magnet closes the switch as
it passes overhead
The board is linked to the micro via a
user port connector and a yard of
ribbon cable (see panel). Bring the free
end of the cable onto the underside of
the board at one of the long edges (the
board should measure 30 * 40 cm, the
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
size of an A3 sheet). Take enough cable
to reach the furthest reed switch and
separate the wires back to this point
(we are not going to use all the wires
and the first four, counting the red edge
wire as number 1, can be kept together
and taped out of the way). Secure the
cable to the underside of the board
near the long edge using Sellotape or
insulating tape (see page 114).
Take wires 5 and 6 and trim them to a
length that easily reaches your first
switch. Strip about 2 cm of plastic from
the ends of the wires. Wind the end of
wire 5 around one leg of the switch and
wire 6 round the other leg. Solder firmly
in place. Label this switch 1 .
Taking the rest of the wires in pairs -
7 and 8, 9 and 10 and so on -solder
them to each of the reed switches, num-
bering the switches as you go, up to
switch 8. The position of the switches is
not important -the numbering merely
enables you to relate each switch to its
appropriate sentence. Tape any loose
wires firmly to the board and make sure
the cable is secured near the edge.
You’ll find it helpful to stick a small
label on the upper side of the board
above each switch to mark its position,
which you can check by moving Fred
around and listening for the click of the
switches closing. Stick four cotton reels
on the corners to support the board,
turn it the right way up -and away we
go!
To check that all is working, plug the
connector into the user port on the
underside of the BBC machine, type in
this little program:
10 PRINT 255-(?65120)
20 GOTO 10
and run it. At first you’ll see a column of
Odds and ends
4 cotton reels
Toy animals or models made by
pupils
Coloured sticky paper
Sheets of A3 paper
Clips for corners
Insulating tape or Sellotape
Tools
Soldering iron and solder
Wire-cutters and strippers
Addresses
Radio Spares Components Ltd
PO Box 427
13-17 Epworth Street
London EC2P2HA
Midwich Computer Company Ltd
Rickinghall House
Hinderclay Road
Rickinghall
Suffolk IP221HH
I EDUCATION
zeros on the screen. Move Fred over
switch 1 and the zeros should change to
ones. Test all switches 1 to 8 and you
should seethe numbers 1,2, 4, 8, 16, 32,
64 and 128. If necessary, adjust the
positons of the switches to make sure
they close when Fred is above them,
and check your soldering.
Draw your zoo plan with the stopping
places corresponding exactly to your
switch positions. Add your toy animals,
type in the Zoo program and Fred is
ready to make his visit.
The program
The program begins with a note for the
teacher and asks whether you wish to
use the printer. Type Yes or No and
press the space bar to continue. As
Fred is moved around the zoo the sen-
tence on the screen should correspond
with the place he is visiting. Type P to
Figure 3. Reed switch with wire bent at
angles
see your story on the screen and, if
required, to have it printed out.
Listing 2 shows the notes for the
teacher as they appear on the screen at
the beginning of the program and list-
ing 3 is the printout of Fred’s visit to the
zoo. He can, of course, pass the stop-
ping places in any order.
To change the sentences to fit a new
situation, change the data lines 690 to
770. Type your new title on line 690,
followed by your eight new sentences.
One important point- because of the
double-height letters, the sentence
must not be longer than one line. If you
want single-height letters type line 500
as follows:
500 PRINT BS(J)
and line 560 as follows:
560 PRINT DS(K)
and leave out line 570.
Parts list for Acorn User activity board
1 piece of perspex 30 x 40cm
£4.50
from local signwriter
(or use plywood or hardboard)
8 dry-reed relay switches @40p each
£3.20
from Radio Spares Components Ltd
Form A, type 7-RSR-A, stock no 338-147
1 User Port connector and 36in cable
£2.46
from Midwich Computer Company Ltd
BBC22
1 wooden animal with magnet attached
£0.35
from local toyshop
Grand total £10.51
' t — — i
PROGRAM ANALYSIS
70,80
Dimension arrays -B$
(number of sentences in
data): D$ (possible number
of sentences in whole story)
90
Reads title from data
100-120
Reads sentences from data
130
Sets number of places
visited to zero
140-280
Prints notes for adult on
screen, and registers
whether printer is required
290
Waits for space bar to be
pressed before continuing
300
Clears screen and prints
title in double-height letters
310
Checks whether Fred has
set off
320
Clears screen
330-500
Scans user port to see
whether Fred has arrived at
a new place. If so, prints
appropriate sentence on
screen. L checks that he has
left his previous stopping
place and is not just moving
about near it
340
Checks whether P has been
typed on completion of visit.
If so, program jumps to line
540 to display story
510
Adds 1 to number of places
visited
520
Stores sentences in array
for final display of whole
story
530
Returns from sentence
subroutine begun at line 400
to check for next place
visited
540-580
Prints whole story on screen
590
If print-out not required pro-
gram ends
600-680
Writes story to printer then
program ends
690-770
Data
113
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
EDUCATION I
BUILDING
THE BOARD
ABOVE: The utility board set up as a
zoo with a magnetised figure ‘Fred’ at
the entrance. The order and position of
the animals can be changed by varying
the order of DATA statements in the
listing. Obviously the overlays can be
as simple or complicated as you want.
All sorts of activities could be devel-
oped-theatres, museums, mazes,
adventures etc, and the DATA can even
include pictures.
LEFT: Constructing the board. The reed
switches are taped to the perspex, as
are the wires. Note the cotton reels
used as legs! In this picture one of the
wires to the user port is being soldered
onto a reed switch. Wires 1 to 4 have
been trimmed back and are covered by
the tape.
BELOW: The underside of the com-
pleted board. Note the position of the
user port cable.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
For little Acorns SHARDS
Mighty SHARDS Grow
If you want well written and presented software for your Acorn computer then take a look at Shards.
Shards can offer you entertainment and educational software that really is a cut above the rest.
Take a look at Shards.
Adventure and Strategy Games
Pettigrews Diary £7.95 (BBC & Electron)
A massive 90K graphic/text adventure with a difference. Gan you solve it?
Empire £6.95 (BBC & Electron)
A superb graphic strategy game against the computer. 8 levels of difficulty . Played on a world map. \\ in at
level 7 or 8 and you deserve a pat on the back!
Mystery of the Java Star £7.95 (BBC & electron)
A graphic adventure for all the family. I tilises I00K of memory . Gripping stuff!
Educational
Fun to l.earn. the definitive educational series - written by teachers and used in schools nationwide. Ml programs are
menu based and make superb use of graphics. 100 "o user friendly and error trapped.
w This is how educational software should he written .. Home Tom/nitiii" W eekl\
Fun to Learn £6.95 (BBC)
A comprehensive program for 6-12 year olds.
Monster Maths £6.95 (BBC)
Helps develop basic maths and logical skills for 6-14 year olds.
Laser Letters £6.95 (BBC)
Lducational word games for 6 vear olds to teenagers. Three separate 500 word vocabularies.
Frac Attack £6.95 (BBC)
Fun with fractions for 8-14 vear olds.
Science 1 £6.95 (BBC & electron)
Science education for 11-16 year olds. Covers the use of lenses, meters, thermometers and balances. .Super graphics.
Selected titles available at larger branches of Boots and . H. Smith and all good stockists or by sending a clieque/Pd I.
direct to us at:- Suite (». Royeraft House. Linton Road. Barking. F.ssex. Tel:- 01-591 7666 (4 lines)
Please send me a copy of:- (please tick)
Pettigrews Diary □ Fun to Learn
Empire □ Monster Maths
Mystery of Java Star □ Laser Letters
Science 1 □ Frac Attack
□
□
□
□
Please indicate which version required:-
BBC B □ Acorn Electron □
To (Name) .
(Address)
Please debit my Access/Visa account.
A/C No
I enclose a cheque/P. O. remittance for £
(Signed)
All cheques/P. O. to be made payable to
Shards Software
★ All orders despatched within 24 hours of receipt.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
115
CLEARLY HE HAD ONLY ONE
KEYBOARD IN MIND WHEN HE
DESIGNED THE HUMAN HAND
i
IMAGINE A KEYBOARD
... so simple to use that in under an hour
you’re touch typing the entire alphabet,
numbers and punctuation.
... so effortless it needs only one hand, your
eyes never leaving the screen or the document
you’re copying.
A keyboard you can hold in your palm, and
yet, so powerful, it can replace every input,
command and function key of your BBC
computer . . .
Just think how effortless it would be if you
could touch type your programs, data and text.
How you could lean back and relax; be faster
and more accurate; your mind free to think, and
your eyes to read.
IT’S CALLED Qwnkey
And for £49.95 you’ll get everything you
need — hardware and software — to use
Quinkey with your BBC computer.
HOW CAN 6 KEYS DO THE WORK OF
72?
You simply press the keys in different
combinations. Each combination represents a
character.
Quinkey has 5 keys plus a Control key, each
finger belonging to its own key — so there’s no
need to hunt and peck . . . BUT . . .
...HERE’S THE MAGIC!
Look at these diagrams:
See how the lines joining the key
combinations form the characters? For each
letter there’s an instantly recognised and easily
memorised visual clue.
That’s the trick — and it works!
YOU CAN TRY IT NOW!
Rest the fingers of your right hand on a table top.
Imagine the keys.
To write an “I” you press vour Thumb and Index finger
down at the same time.
For an “L”you press your Thumb, Index and Little
fingers.
To write “ Y” you use your Thumb, Middle and Ring
fingers... and so on.
That’s all there is to it.
Here’s what users are saying about the keyboard:
- PETER RODWELL (as Editor of ‘Personal Computer
World’) “took me half an hour to learn the alphabet . . .far
easier than learning to type. It’s an addictive device, and I’m
starting to wonder how I ever managed without one.”
-PETER WHEELER (in the Times Educational
Supplement’) “a new user can start to touch type after one
hour’s usage.”
-FRANK DALE (BBC Producer- writing in ‘Electronic
Times’) “no other machine is so easy to use, so easy to learn ,
so generally useful ...”
NO RISK, MONEY BACK GUARANTEE.
If you’re unhappy with your Quinkey just return it
within two weeks for a full and courteous refund.
ONLY £49.95 (including VAT and postage & packing).
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET.
★ One Quinkey keyboard.
★ Breakthrough multi-channel interface for up to four
keyboards (plug into analogue port).
★ Two new powerful software packages, PROG & WP
(described below).
★ Comprehensive Quinkey manual.
“PROG” and “WP” (free with the Quinkey package) are
utility programs written specially for the BBC.
“PROG” enables your BBC to recognise and interpret
the signals from the Quinkey keyboard. It combines easily
with your application programs enabling you to use
Quinkey as a comprehensive alternative keyboard.
“ WP” optimises Quinkey to work with word-
processing packages “Wordwise” “View” and “Edword”-
a perfect text-writing combination.
KEYBOARD RANGE.
All BBC“B” keyboard inputs generate from the
Quin key, except the hard-wire key, “Break.”
TECHNICAL DATA:
Loading length: &605. Running length: &300.
No zero-page locations, all ADC channels.
I n term pt service vector I RQ2 V. correct ly cha i ned.
TESTED COMPATIBILITY
BBC Model ”B”
OS 1.2
BASIC l or BASIC II (unless using
INKEY with negative argument)
DFS0.90
View A 1.4
Word wise 1.17
Ed word
Acorn
Acorn
Acorn
Acornsoft
Computer Concepts
Clwyd Technics
QUINKEY IN THE CLASSROOM.
Quinkey keyboards allow up to four children to use one
BBC computer at the same time. “QUAD” soft ware
supplied with the Educational Pack enables children to
write simultaneously on a split screen and print out their
work separately.
(Send the coupon if you would like more information
about the remarkable results that children of all ages and
abi 1 i t ies are ha vi ng w i t h Qu i n key. )
Order from your nearest BBC Acorn dealer or by
sending in the coupon below, now.
□□□
microwriter
D An associate company of the Hambro Life Group of Companies
31 Southampton Row, London WClB 5HJ
Fro : Vector Marketing Ltd., Denington Estate, Wellingborough,
Northants. NN8 2RL.
PLEASE SEND:
001 Quinkey pack(s) fa £49.95 £
002 _
003 _
_Extra keyboard(s) fa £29.95
-Educational Pack(s)fa £148.80
(Quinkey pack plus 3 extra keyboards
and additional “QUAD” software)
postage and packing
£ 2.50
1 realise that I can return the pack(s) undamaged within two weeks of
receipt of order, if I am not fully satisfied, fora complete refund.
Send more information about Quinkey in the classroom. □
I enclose a cheque made payable to:
Vector Marketing “Micro writer Ltd” for £
Or debit my Visa/Access credit card No
SIGNED: :
NAME:
ADDRESS:
MU 7/84 |
I Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Reg. no. 1374069 I
I __ microwriter |
| QUjNKEY |
QHEJESTJDEA _SINCE THEHUMAN HANDj
JjA'" A©C CBM64 SPECTRUM 0RIC1 LYNX
Trapped in a fiendish Level 9 Adventure?
Your lamp burning low? Every exit guarded?
You need escape plans! Send for one of Level 9’s great
new clue sheets for help. The clue sheets are free and
each answers hundreds of questions: follow the
instructions supplied with your adventure to get one.
(Don’t forget to send a stamped self-addressed
envelope and tell us which game you have.)
NEW REVIEWS: “Level 9 are fast establishing a name for
themselves among computer adventurers as the Number 1
producers of quality adventure software. All their adventures are
text only, but because of a special coding they have developed,
the amount of description and the number of locations packed in
32K in truly amazing.”
-Midweek, 10 May 84
“Quicksilva call themselves the ‘Game Lords*. That
might be open to argument. But there can be no i
doubt that Pete Austin and the team at Level 9 are ^
the ‘Lords of Adventure*. A
— Central Press Features, April 84 j (j
“Play Lords of Time and get nine times the pleasure!” f I
— Your Computer, May 84 I'tM
AVAILABLE FROM: WH Smith and good computer |/ffl
shops nationwide. IK
If your local dealer doesn’t stock Level 9 111
adventures yet, ask him to contact us or: Im.W
Centresoft, Drake Distribution, Ferranti & Craig,
Hi-Tech, Lime Tree, Microdeal, R&R or
Wonderbridge.
Level 9 Computing
Colossal Adventure: the original mainframe
adventure with 70 extra locations
Adventure Quest: an epic journey across the
weird landscape of Middle Earth
Dungeon Adventure: a truly massive game
which completes the Middle Earth Trilogy □
Snowball: could this be the biggest SF
adventure in the world?
Lords of Time: an imaginative romp through
World History □
I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE/PO FOR £9.90
EACH
My name:
My address:
i My micro is a:
i (one of those listed on the arch above,
with at least 32K of memory).
Contact:
LEVEL 9 COMPUTING
Dept. A, 229, Hughenden Road
High Wycombe, Bucks. HP13 5PG
Telephone: (0494) 26871
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BBC/ELECTRON PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE
Our educational software is used in thousands of schools and homes
throughout Great Britain.
KON-TIKI by J Amos BBC Tape € 12.95 Disc £14. 95
Simulation program based on Thor Heyerdahl's KON-TIKI expedition. Enjoy a journey on the Kon-Tiki recording
on a map the raft's position and entering notes in the logbook on creatures found, unusual events etc. Inclusive
of booklet, background information, maps and fully supportive illustrated data sheets
EDUCATIONAL 1 BBC/ELECTRON Tape f 800 Disc £ woo
Hours of fun and learning for children aged five to nine years Animated graphics will encourage children to
enjoy counting, maths, spelling, and telling the time The tape includes six programs: MATH1 . MATH2.
CUBECOUNT. SHAPES. SPELL and CLOCK
An excellent mixture of games' . . Personal Software Autumn 1983
EDUCATIONAL 2 BBC /ELECTRON Tape £8.00 Disc £10.00
Although similar to Educational 1 this tape is more advanced and aimed at seven to 1 2 year olds The tape
includes MATH1 . MATH2. AREA. MEMORY. CUBECOUNT and SPELL.
FUN WITH NUMBERS BBC/ELECTRON Tape £8.00 Disc £1000
These programs will teach and test basic counting, addition and subtraction to four to seven year olds The
tape includes COUNTING. ADDING and an arcade type game to exercise addition and subtraction. With sound
and visual effects
FUN WITH WORDS BBC/ELECTRON Tape £ 8 . 00 Disco OOO
Start your fun with alphabet puzzle. continue your play with VOWELS, learn the difference between THERE and
THEIR, have games with SUFFIXES and reward yourself with a game of HANGMAN
Very good indeed' A&B Computing Jan/ Feb 1984
JIGSAW AND
SLIDING PUZZLES BBC/ELECTRON Tape fT 95 Disc f 9 95
There are two jigsaw and four sliding puzzles on a 3 x 3 and 4 x 4 grid Each program starts off at an easy level
to ensure initial success but gradually becomes harder It helps children to develop spatial imagination and in
solving problems The tape includes: OBLONG. JIGSAW, HOUSE. NUMBERS. CLOWN and LETTERS!
GAMES & UTILITIES
GAMESOF LOGIC BBC Tape £4 95 Disc £6. 95
For children and adults alike The tape includes AUCTION. FLIP. REVERSE. TELEPATHY and HEXA 15
. 'This package is good value ' Acorn User Novi 983
SUPERLIFE BBC/ EL ECTRON Tape £4 95 Disc £6. 95
Fast (machine code) version of a popular GAME OF LIFE' in a large universe
KATAKOMBS BBC Tape £5. 95 Disc £7. 95
The ultimate adventure game
UTILITIES BBC/ ELECTRON Tape £5 95 Disc £7 95
An assortment of useful procedures and functions which can save you hours/days of programming effort: date
conversion, input and validation routine, graphic routines, sort, search and many more
★ ★ SPECIAL OFFER* if
Buy three titles and deduct £ 400
Add 50p p&p per order Please state BBC or Electron Cheque/ PO
G olem Ltd, Dept A. 77 Qualitas. Bracknell. BerksRG124QG. Tel: 034450720.
EXPANDABLE CONSOLE FOR BBC MICRO
As supplied to Universities, Colleges, Schools,
business & home users
A professional console to house
disc drives/2nd processor/Torch
dual drives/teletext, etc. All untidy
wiring out of sight in the strong
aluminium console in a matching
textured colour. AVAILABLE NOW
a bolt on extra module for extra
expansions.
Also available a matching printer
stand, yes stack your paper under
the printer.
ALSO VDU STANDS AVAILABLE
Torch version available
ELECTRON CONSOLES
The console houses the electron
and will safely support the expan-
sion interfaces which plug into the
rear of the micro, supports the
VDU and tidies up all wiring, allows
expansion to disc at a later date.
PRICES
Special Torch Version £46.99 + £4 p/p
BBC Console £44.99 -F £4 p/p
Bolt on expansion £14.99 + £2 p/p
VDU/Printer Stand £14.99 + £2 p/p
Electron Console £34.99 + £4 p/p
Please add VAT @ 15%to all prices
For further information enclose sae or send cheque to,
Mail Order /7#/ . 27 Wycombe Rd
°my Clien t 01 801 3014 London N17
24 hour
ansaphone
Please allow 28 days for delivery
Viewing by CO;
arrangement
purges
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EX VAT
INC VAT
BROTHER HR 15
329 00
379.65
TRACTOR
62.00
71.30
SHEETFEEDER
185.00
212.75
KEYBOARD
135.00
155.25
EPSON RX80T
195.00
224.25
EPSON RX80F/T
220.00
253 00
EPSON FX80P/T
32400
372.60
EPSON RX100F/T
350 00
402 50
EPSON FX100F/T
430 00
494 50
FX80 TRACTOR
30.00
34.50
JUKI 6100
325.00
373.75
MANNESMANN TALLY MT 80
199 00
228.85
NEC 2050 (IBM PC)
725.00
833.75
OKI MICROLINE 82A
25500
293.25
OKI MICROLINE 83A
395.00
45425
OKI MICROLINE 92P
379.00
435.85
SEIKOSHA GP 100 A
165.00
189.75
SHINWA CP80
175.00
201.25
STAR GEMINI 10X
199.00
228.85
STAR DELTA 10
329 00
378.35
COMPUTERS
COMMODORE 64
152.17
17499
COMMODORE 1541 DISK
165.21
189.99
COMMODORE C2N CASSETTE
32.00
36 80
INTFACE 64-PAREL
59.50
68 43
APRICOT 2 x DISK + MONITOR
1425.00
1638.75
APRICOT 10 MB + MONITOR
2295.00
2639.00
SANYO MBC555
795.00
914.25
EPSON QX10
1600.00
1840.00
MAYFAIR MICROS
BLENHEIM HOUSE, PODMORE ROAD, LONDON SW18 1 AJ
01-870 3255
UK's LOWEST PRINTER PRICES ! cm,
kii) t
KS|
ORDERED TODAY- DELIVERED TOMORROW
DOT-MATRIX
EPSON RX 80
£189.95
EPSON RX 80 F/T
£214.00
EPSON RX100
£329.00
EPSON FX 80
£317.00
EPSON FX100
£425.00
DOT MATRIX PLUS NEAR-LETTER QUALITY
CANON PW1080A
£275.
m
DAISY-WHEEL
JUKI 6100
£345.
•a
EPSON DX100
£356.
Bl
ACCESSORIES
WORDWISE
£32.00
PAPER (2000 Sheets)
£12.00
BBC/PRINTER CABLE
£10.95
COPYALL DISK
• Copies ALL protected disks inc. tape to disk utilities.
• Best on the market
• Copies from original to your blank disk £1 0.25
Educational, G'ment plus O'seas Orders Welcome
Please add 1 5% VAT Delivery Printers £1 0.00 Paper £3.00 Other 50p
Printerland, Unit 27. Estate Buildings, Railway St.. Huddersfield HD1 1 JP
TEL HUDDERSFIELD (0484) 514105
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
119
DOT MATRIX PRINTERS
ALL PRINTERS HAVE CENTRONIC PARALLEL INTERFACE UNLESS
OTHERWISE STATED ALL PRINTERS HAVE HI RES. DOT
ADDRESSABLE GRAPHIC MODE. PLEASE SENO SAE FOR
FULL DETAILS
£344 • V AT £395
£431 • VAT £495
£261 • VAT £299
£234 • VAT £269
FX 100 160 CPS 15" wide trie I . .
RX80F/T 100 CPS 10" wide* Irtcl ft tract leed
RX80T 100 CPS 10r wide Iracloi Iced
LO1S00 200 CPS leller quality pooler
8143 RS 23 Interlace lo* FX and RX printers
8148 RS23? Interlace with 2K butler non.xoM
Ribbon Cartridge for RX80 FXBO & MXflO
Ribbon Cartridge lor FX100 & MX100
STAR
Gemini 10X 120CPS ID wide Inc & tract leed
Gemini 15X 120 CPS 15' wide Irtcl ft tract
Delta 10 160 CPS ID' wide Incl ft tract Iced
Della IS 160 CPS 15" wide Incl ft tract leed
Radii 10 200 CPS NLO 16K Bullet Par ft
serial interlace downloadable characters
incredible value at
Radi*- 15 15” wide version ol Radii- 10
GP100VC 30CPS lO wide VIC20A64.r
GP500A 50 CPS 10 wide tractor leed
GP550A 50 CPS 10 wide Inclion ft tract
correspondence quality
GP100AS Serial interlace ideal lor Spectrum
with microdnve
£29 • VAT £33
£60 • VAT £69
£7 • VAT £7
£12 • VAT £13
£200 •
£295 •
£327 <
£414 •
£156 •
£196-
£174 •
£187 •
VAT £229
VAT £339
VAT £375
V AT £475
VAT £179
VAT £225
VAT £199
VAT £215
CP80 80 CPS 10 wide Inclion ft tract leed
Spare ribbon cartridge lor CP80
PWI080A 160 CPS lO' wide 27 CPS NLO
24 x 16 matm
PW1156A 160 CPS 15" wide 27 CPS NLO
24 i 16 matrix
COLOUR PRINTERS
Setkosha GP700A 7 colour 50 CPS printer
Canon PJ1080A 7 colour 40 CPS ink yet printer
CPP40 40 column 4 colour battery operated
ALL OUR PRINTERS HAVE 1 YEAR WARRANTY
£234 • VAT £269
£174 • VAT £199
£200 • VAT £229
£283 • VAT £325
£347 • VAT £399
347 • VAT £399
£391 • VAT £449
£118 • VAT £135
DAISYWHEEL PRINTERS
JUKI 6100
20 CPS Bi-Directional Logic seeking 10 12 15 CPI •
Spacing 2K butter bes selling Daisywheel
Singer sheet leeder unit
Tractor Unit
RS 232 Interlace
Spare Daisywheel
BROTHER HR-15
13 CPS Bi directional 10 1? 15 CPl • PS
Keyboard Unil
Single Sheet Feeder Unit
Tractor Unit
£349 * V AT £395
£217 • VAT £249
£95 • VAT £109
£52 VAT £59
£17 • VAT £19
£344 • VAT £395
£139 • VAT £159
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£95 • VAT £109
£260 • VAT £299
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PROFESSIONAL
MONITORS
‘SANYO
MICROVITEC
FIDELITY
'PHOENIX
SANYO
DM81 12 12" Green screen 18 MHZ Mi-Res
DM211? 12" Green screen 15 MHZ Monitor
C03125 14" RGB Normal Res Colour Monitor
CD31 17 14' RGB Medium Res Colour Monitor
CD31 15 14' RGB High Res Colour Monitor
MICORVITEC CUB
1431 MS 14" RGB Normal Res Colour Monitor
1451 MS 14" RGB Medium Res Colour Monitor
1441 MS 14" RGB High Ftes Colour Monitor
PHOENIX
Phoenix High Res 12 Green Monitoi
Phoenix High Res 17" Amber Monitor
£86 • VAT £99
£66 • VAT £75
£173 • VAT £199
£286 • VAT £329
£391 • VAT £449
£173 • VAT £199
£321 • VAT £369
£417 • VAT £479
£187 • V AT £215
BBC MICROCOMPUTER SYSTEM
WE ARE AN OFFICIAL BBC
COMPUTER DISTRIBUTOR
DEALER ENQUIRIES ARE WELCOMED
INC
VAT
Acorn Electron £199
WE SUPPLY FREE 30 HOUR BASIC BOOK AND A DUST COVER
WITH EACH BBC COMPUTER
BBC is the best microcomputer currently on the market 32K RAM.
32K ROM. 8 modes ol operation, full colour, fu# size keyboard, internal
expansions such as disc interface, speech synthesizer, Econet interlace -
In short it is a personal computer capable of expanding into a small
business sys
BBC Multicomputer Model B
BBC Mod B disk interlace
BBC Mod B - Econet interface
BBC Mod B disk and Econet interlaces
BBC tOOK disk drive
BBC dual BOOK disk drive
Torch Z80 disk pack including Z80 2nd
processor 64K RAM and GPN operating
system • Free Perfect Software
BBC Teletext receiver (Aug)
B8C cassette recorder ana lead
Fitting charge fr
16K memory upgrade Kit
Games paddles
12“ Monochrome monitor incl cable
t4" Colour monitor mcl cable
User guide
Econel interface (bee fitting)
Speech interface (tree fitting)
BBC disk manual lormaimg disk
Parallel printer cable
BBC word processor (view)
BBC Fourth language cassette
BBC Lisp language cassette
APPROVED ECONET SERVICE CENTRE
WE STOCK A LARGF RANGE OF SOFTWARE FOR BBC MICRO
INCLUDING ACORNSOFT BBC SOFTWARE LONGMANS SOFTWARE
PLEASE SEND LARGE STAMPED AOORESSED ENVELOPE
FOR FULL DETAILS
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L409 VAT £469
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£47 • VAT £54
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£52 • VAT £59
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TORCH Z80 2nd PROCESSOR
For only £347 + VAT
Torch 2nd Processor Z80 is supplied with perfect writer (a powerful Word
Processor! per led speller (spelling checking proqram - 1 should have used
one for making this advert') Perfect Filer (A Database Program) Perfeci
Calc (Spread Sheet) it includes 64K memory (Almost 60K available to user)
Fits inside BBC Computer
£347 • VAT £399
£695 • VAT £799
Z80 2nd Process • Perfect Software
Z80 Processoi • Perfect Software • Dual 800K
Disk Drives
GUARANTEED LOWEST PRICES
100% BBC COMPATIBLE MITSUBISHI
AND TEAC SLIMLINE DISK DRIVES
These drives are supplied ready cased with all the necesary cables
lormaimg program and User Guide
There are some very useful utilities included on formating disc e g
• DISASSEMBLER Thw is 6502 machine code disassembler
' DUP To copy and rename a file on disc
' FORMAT Formating program lor 40 ft 80 tracks
' FREE This utility provides a disk usage analysis
' SDUMP Screen dump lor E
'VERIFY Verities every sector on a disk
* MENU A flexible menu program
Single drive 100K 40 Irks single Sided
Dual drive 200K 40 Irks single sided
Single drive 200K 40 Irks double sided
Dual drive 4O0K 40 Irks double sided
Single drive 400K 80 Irks double sided
£147 • VAT £169
£286 • V AT £329
£173 • VAT £199
£330 • VAT £379
£199 -VAT £229
£217 • VAT £249
£38? • V AT £439
£408 * VAT £469
power supply is designed to drive two low power drive (IT IS NOT
DESIGNED TO DRIVE INTERNAL ROM BOARD)
40 Track SS DD disketts (tO/Box)
40 Track DS DD disketts (10 Box I
80 Track SS 'DD disketts (1 0/Box)
80 Track DS DD disketts 1 1
ALL ABOVE DISKETT ARE
£18 ♦ VAT £20
C23 • VAT £26
£28 • VAT £32
£30 • VAT £34
BUSINESS SYSTEMS
APRICOT — SIRIUS — SANYO
IBM — TEXAS — TORCH
APRICOT Portable Executive Computer 16 Bit Micro, 256K RAM up lo
1 44 megabytes floppy disk storage 3 V/' Sony daks Portable bnel case
styling Modem with auto dialler (optional) hard disk optional Vast software
library (compatible with Sinus 1)
Apricot with Single Drive and Motitoi £1690 • VAT
Apricot with Double Drive and Monitor and
Free Pnnler or 2nd Monitor £1890 ♦ VAT
SANYO PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER
16 84 Micro 1 28K RAM expandable to 2S6K. Single Of Double Disk Drive
txnft in full colour graphics (640 x 200pxe)s in 8 colours) IBM compatible
Free software. Sanyo MBC 550128K RAM single drive and tree software
Including Wofdstir rind Calcstar l-'49 • VAT
Sanyo MBC 555 1 28K double drive and tree software including Wordstar.
Catcstar. Inforstar Datastar etc L 999 + VAT
:P'M86 MS DOS and
Microsofl Basic
Sirius 1 Computer with 256K RAM and 2 4 megabyte Floppy disk storj
forage
• VAT
LUMHi I CM Wiin coiuur momiur inum ' wm-*uur\ uisxa iutl
Operating System free perfeci software (perlect writer perfect spelle
perfect calc period filer) Torcbmail Plus (Electronic Mad) Torch Ma
[Financial modelling with graphics) Torchlel (Viewdata Access System 1
Executive Aid (Menu System)
Date! 600 (Link lo outside mamframe services 1 e
Telecom Gold) £2950 < VAT
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER
Tl 502 Dual 320KB Drives 2S6K RAM Up to 10 megabyte on board storage
possible Tl speech command hardware option brings a new level ol user
friendliness lo computing Allows voice operated keyboard control
(Optional) Price £2650 • VAT
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS ARE AVAILABLE.
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From £695 + VAT
SYSTEM 1BBC Micro model B Wordwise Phoenix monitor Smith Corona
TP1 Daisywheel Printer Cassell Recorder • all the necessary cables and
documentation £696 * VAT £799.25
SYSTEM 2. BBC Micro model B • Disk Interlace Phoenix Monitor 1Q0K
Single Disk Drive. Wordwise. Smith Corona Daisywheel Printer
r an the necessary cables and documentation
Price only £895 • VAT £1029.25
SYSTEM 3. BBC Micro model B * Disk Interlace F»hoenix Monitor Dual
Disk Drives 200K Wordwise Smith Corona Daisywheel Printer • all the
c „ uts
SYSTEM 4. BBC Micro model B » Disk Interface Sanyo High-Res Green
Monitor Wordwise (or view), Juki 6100 Daisywheel Printer. Single 400K
Disk Drive ♦ all the necessary cables and documentation
£1049 • VAT £1206.35
Mondot Wordwise (or view) Juki 6100 Daisywheel Printer Dual Disk
Dnve BOOK • all I he necessary cables and documentation
Price £1 195 • VAT £1374.25
SYSTEM 8. Sanyo 16 B4IMB pc Compatible Micro. 1 28K RAM. Single Dsk
Drive 160K. Wordstar. Cate Star. Sanyo High Res Green Monitor. Juki 6100
Daisywheel Punter t an cable and documentation
PnceOnfy £1145 f- VAT £1316.75
necessary cables and documentation
SYSTEM 8. An the components ol System 6 but with Sanyo High Res Colour
Monitor and Wordstar with Colour Facilities.
Price £1445 + VAT £1661.75
SYSTEM 9. AM the components of System 7 but with Sanyo High Res Colour
Monitor and Wordstar with Colour Facilities
Price £1695 + VAT - £1949.25
WE CAN ALSO SUPPLY PACKAGES WITH COMPONENTS OF YOUR
OWN CHOICE PLEASE PHONE IT —
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Prices Correct at the time of thia advertisement going to press.
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Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16 19 AUGUST
1984
OPENING HOURS: MON-FRI 9am-6.30pm, SAT 10am-5pm
We welcome callers, no parking problems.
I ATOM FORUM
This month Barry Pickles turns
his attention to teletext-style
displays, extra codes for Epson
printers and two screen dumps
5REM: teletext
470
F . N= #8000 TO #8200 S.4
6REM : by Barry Pickles
480
!E=!N;E=E+4;N.
7 REM : ( c ) ACORN USER 1984
490
G.a
10DIMLL2:P=#2800:S=1
500
REM: ROTATING DISPLAY
15F
-0;@=2;P.$21;Z=#B001; [
510
P. $12; IN. "SCREENS 1 TO"Q
20:
LL1 JSR#FFE3 ; RTS
520cM=M+l ;IFM=100;G.a
30:
LL2 JSR#FFF4
530
IFM>Q; M=1
40:
LL0 JSR#FFE3 ; CMP@27
540
E= #8000+ ( 51 2*M )
50
BEQ LLl ; CMP013
550
F. N= #8000 TO #8200 S.4
60
BNE LL2; J SR#FFED
560
!N= ! E ; E=E+4 ; N . N
70
J MP LL0: 1 : P. $6
570
F . D=1 TO 1000; WAIT
80aGOS.d ; R=100*C; G . R
580
IF ?Z & #40=0; D=1 201 ; M=99
100
REM : LOAD TEXT
590
N. D;G .c
110
*LOAD" SCREENS"
600
REM: END
120
G.a
610
F=l;G.e
200eREM : SAVE TEXT
700dREM : MENU
210
E=#8200+( 51 2* S)
710
P . $ 1 2 menu" 1 '
220
*SAVE " SCREENS" 8200 E
720
P." 1 - LOAD TAPE FILE"'
230
IFF; @=8 ; END
730
P." 2 - SAVE TAPE FILE"'
240
G • a
740
P." 3 - CREATE SCREEN "'
300
REM: CREATE SCREEN
750
P." 4 - EDIT SCREEN"'
310
P. $12/ S
760
P." 5 - DISPLAY"'
320
LI . LL0; GOS. b
770
P. " 6 - QUIT" ' '
330
S=S+1;IFS>10; F=l;G.e
780
IN. "SELECT OPTION " C
340
G • a
790
IFC< 1 ORC>6;G.d
400
REM: EDIT SCREEN
795
M=0 ; R .
410
IN . "SCREEN NO. "Q
800bREM : STORE SCREEN
420
E= #8000+ ( 51 2*Q )
810
C=?#DF*256+?#DE+?#E0
430
F . N= #8000 TO #8200 S.4
820
?C=32;E=#8000+(512*S)
440
!N= ! E ; E=E+4 ; N . ;LI.LL0
830
?#8001=32;? #8002=32
450
C=? #DF*256+? #DE+? #E0
840
F . N= #8000 TO #8200 S.4
460
?C=32; E=#8000+ ( 512*Q )
850
!E=!N;E=E+4;N.
860
R.
Listing 1 . Requires 1 ,5k text memory and at least 1 k screen RAM
A modular
program for
teletext display
LISTING 1 lets you create teletext-style
displays on the Atom. The functions are
set out in a menu and the program has
been written in a modular style, so you
can add to it. On selecting the CREATE
option, you are presented with a blank
screen - the screen number appears in
the top left. You may move anywhere
on the screen, using the cursor controls
and return, and type your text wher-
ever. The delete key functions as
normal.
Once you are satisfied with the
screen, press ESC, followed by any
other key, to store the screen. Before
storing, the cursor and the first two
cells on the screen (where the screen
number is) are deleted and they will not
appear on the final display. Screens
are stored sequentially from #8200 on-
wards, up to a maximum of ten.
CREATE keeps track of the current
screen number and attempting to
create an eleventh screen will auto-
matically route to the SAVE routine. In
EDIT mode, the appropriate screen is
displayed and you write/edit it just as
you did in creating a screen, pressing
ESC and another key to store it back in
the correct place in memory. One dif-
ference is that the cursor will leave a
mark at its initial position - this must be
deleted by overwriting it with a space.
The DISPLAY option automatically
rotates the selected number of screens
and will continue until you press the
CTRL key, to return you to the menu.
The delay between screens can be
altered and is on line 570.
You may save the screens created so
far at any time, returning to the menu
afterwards, but selecting the QUIT
option automatically saves the screens
(for safety) before ending.
The machine-code does the work of
creating the screen, testing first for
ESC (line 40), RETURN (line 50) and, if
neither of these are found, jumping to
LL2 which echoes the keypress to the
screen. The action of removing the
cursor and screen number is in lines
810-830.
Code comments
FOLLOWING the list of undocumented
6502 op-codes in the June issue,
several useful comments have been
received. The first, from M Niman of
Manchester points out that the code
#9C performs the action: STZ absolute,
X and not as stated in the article. Quite
right, Mr Niman, I stand corrected! Mr
Niman also asks me to point out that
there are several versions of the 6502
and the undocumented codes are not
necessarily compatible between each
version. This may indeed be so and the
same warning applies to all undocu-
mented code. However, the codes were
tested on the Rockwell and Synertek
versions and found compatible.
It should be noted that the codes are
not compatible with the extended
instruction set of the new CMOS 65C02
(the full instruction set details of this
chip can be found in the October 1983
issue of Elektor). Finally, Mr Niman
mentions the new chip from Western
Digital, the 65SC816. This is the 8/16 bit
version of the 6502 and is said to be
fully pin-compatible.
Geoff Smith of Worcester Park sug-
gests that op-code #AB loads the same
immediate operand into A and X, set-
ting bit 4 to 0. I’ve tested this a number
of times, and the arithmetic results are
not consistent. However, bit 4 is always
set to 0, so perhaps someone will have
a use for this code.
Invented a routine or discovered a
hardware modification for the Atom?
Here’s a chance to show your orig-
inality and win some cash. Send your
idea to: Atom Forum, Acorn User, Red-
wood Publishing, 68 Long Acre,
London WC2 9JH.
121
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
r DISC DRIVE AT A
SINGULAR PRICE.
THE OPUS
SUPER 3 MICRODRIVE
£ 229-95
(INC.
VAT)
FOR USE WITH YOUR BBC MICRO.
For only ±229 95 (and that includes VAT,
and all the necessary leads) you can have an
OPUS 500k double-sided disc drive. And
remember 3" disc drives are fast becoming
the standard for home and business use.
This is an even bigger bargain than it
sounds. For you’re getting a double sided
drive at the price that other company’s sell
single sided drives for. It reads and writes to
the disc cartridge from both sides, giving you
twice the on-line capability of other 3" drives.
And there’s no need to flip the disc over!
STATE OF THE ART TECHNOLOGY FEATURING:
• Easy to connect to the BBC Micro • Double sided
• Compatible with most other makes • One touch cartridge load
• Comprehensive manual • 3 ms access time
• Free disc cartridge • Portable, compact and reliable
• Format, verify and other utilities • Two years full guarantee
provided • Totally compatible with SV« 'drives
• Direct Drive
TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE.
Single Density
Double Density
Capacity
250K Bytes
500K Bytes
Recording density
4,915 BP 1
9.830 BP 1
Track density
I00TP1
100 TP 1
Total number of tracks
40 (each side)
40 (each side)
Recording method
FM
MFM
Rotational speed
300 RPM
300 RPM
Transfer rate
125K Bits/ Sec
250K Bits/Sec
Access time track to track
3 ms
3 ms
Access time settling
20 ms
20 ms
Motor start time
0.5. sec
0.5 sec
The Opus Super 3 Micrtxlrivc is now available from
WH. Smith John Menzies and leading specialist shops.
Dual disc drives are also available for £460.
OPUS SUPPLIES LTD.
158 Camberwell Road, London SE5 OEF.
Opening hours: 9 00*6.00 Mondav-Fridav. 01*701 8668
9.00-1. 30p.m. Saturday. (M) 01-7036155
To: Opus Supplies Ltd.. 158 Camberwell Hoad, London SE5 GEE. Please
rash me the following: (ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT & CARRIAGE. )
Quantity
Description
Price
Single dri ve( s ) at £229.95 ea.
\
Dual drive( s ) at £4 5995 ea
TOTAL
1 enclose a cheque for £
Or please debit my credit card account with
the amount of £
My Access/Barclaycard ( please tick ) No. is
Name __
Address.
Telephone
AC22
Opus.
Opus Supplies Ltd *
122
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I ATOM FORUM
10 REM PRINTER CODES
20 740900=0
30 IN. "STORE CODE AT "Q
40 DIM LL6; F. Z=0 TO 6; LLZ=£2000; N. Z ; F. Z=0T01 ; P=Q
50 P.%21
60C
70 LDA@ LL07256; STA£208; LDA@ (LLO/256) ; STA£209
80 LDX@£60;STX£E7; JSR£AC4B
90 LDA@£20;STA£21C;LDA@£7F
1 00 STA£2 1 D ; LDA@£ AC ; STA£2 1 E ; LDA@£A2 ; STA£2 1 F ; LDA@£4 ; STA£220
110 LDA@£20;STA£2215LDA@£83
120 STA£2225 LDA@£FB; STA£223; LDA@£60; STA£224
130 JMP£A03C
140: LLO CMF’@£2; BEQP+5; JMF*£ACCE
150 LDA@LL17.256; STA£208; LDA@LL0/256; STA£209; LDA@2; JMP£ACCE
160: LL1 CMP@£3; BNEP+£1 1
170 LDA@LL07.256; ST A£208*, LDA@LL0/256; STA£209; LDA@3; JMP£ACCE
180 CMP@£7E
190 BEQP+5; JMP£ACCE
200 LDA@(LL27.256) ; STA£208; LDA@ (LL2/256) ;STA£209;RTS
210: LL2 STXLL3+86; LDX@£FF
220 INX ; CMPLL3, X ; BNEP-4
230 LDALL3+16,X;TAX?DEX
240 INX ; LDALL3+32, X ; BMIP+8
250 JSR£FEFB
260 JMPP-£9
270 LDA@(LL 17.256) ; STA£208; LDA@ (LL1 /256) ; STAC209
280 LDXLL3+86; RTS; :LL3; D
290 N.Z
300 A=LL3; ! A=£6463626l;A=A+4; ' A=£68676665; A=A+4 ; ' A=£6C6B6A69
310 A=A+4; ! A=£706F6E6D
320A=LL3+1 6; ! A=£0C080400; A=A+4; ! A=£19161310; A=A+4
330 ! A=£25221F1C? A=A+4; ! A=£322F2B28
340 A=LL 3+32; ! A=£80012D1B; A=A+4; !A=£80002D1B
350 A=A+4; ! A=£800 1 53 IB; A=A+4 ; ! A=£8000531 B; A=A+4
360 ' A=£1B80541B; A=A+4; ! A=£461B8045; A=A+4
370 ! A=£80471B80; A=A+4; ! A=£l B80481B; A=A+4 ; 'A=£141B800E
380 A=A+4; ! A=£800F1B80; A=A+4; ! A=£1B80121B; A=A+4
390 1 A=£ 1 B80 1 24 1 ; A=A+4 ; ! A=£401 B8032; A=A+4 ; ?A=£80
400 P. $6
410 ?£20A=£1C;?£20B=£02
415 LINK Q
420 E.
Listing 2. P McArdle’s Wordpack patch
&
Wordpack patching to provide
extra codes for Epson printers
Searching for
compatible drive
MR A SULEIMAN of Wolverhampton
asks which drives are compatible with
the Atom. Well, the standard Atom DOS
is configured for the Olivetti/Shugart-
type drive, but it can, on request, be
customised for the Tandon drives. I’m
not sure about the new 3in drives, but I
suspect they are also compatible, since
they work on the Beeb.
You will need the Atom DOS and
some extra memory, and the complete
interface (needing only a drive unit) is
available from Control Universal in
Cambridge. However, I hear on the
grapevine that CU is scrapping the
original interface in favour of a double-
density version, so have a word with
them before buying a drive.
Finding the
interpreter
RICHARD GATES of East Dereham
wrote to tell me of a strange result
obtained when he accidentally typed in
P.CHRS(O) in direct mode. What he got
was 94, which was the number of last
error he produced.
After some experimenting, he found
that P.CHA was equivalent to P.?A.
However, he admitted defeat when try-
ing P.CHA$(0)?l.
What Mr Gates discovered is the way
that the interpreter works. The manual,
you remember, tells you that, for most
cases, spaces and brackets are not sig-
nificant.
The interpreter works along a line
from the left, until it encounters either
an error or something it can interpret.
As soon as it finds something meaning-
ful, it stops, stores its position, and
interprets the command/function, then
carries on from where it left off. Now,
you recall that a letter can be a variable
or a pointer to an address, so, in the
case of P.CHRS(O), the interpreter cor-
rectly interprets P., then moves on. The
next thing it finds is CHR, which is a
valid function, meaning the first
character of SR. Now it comes to $(0).
There was no comma separating the
two, but the interpreter doesn’t need
one and $(0) is again a valid function.
Since location 0 holds the last error
number, that is what is printed out. In
the latter case, the interpreter reads
thefunction as: P.CHA;P.$(0?l).
So there you are, Mr Gates. No bugs,
just the interpreter not giving up unless
it has to.
LISTING 2 comes from P McArdle of
Galway and is a patch for Wordpack
users, giving extra codes for Epson
printer functions. Unlike other Word-
pack codes, these may be used any-
where in a line, but they will be counted
as characters for justification pur-
poses. The codes are held in a look-up
table, beginning on line 300 and they
may be altered to suit other printers.
Used with Wordpack , you will need
extra RAM to store the assembled
code. The listing assumes RAM from
#2000 and the vector set at the end of
line 100 and the start of line 110 should
point to Q + 4. Those who use the new
Bearsoft Editor may assemble the code
at #2800 and must also alter the JMP on
line 130 to #A01B.
The codes are each output using two
characters. The only special character
which may not be used for any other
purpose in the text is ~ [shift *]. This
character is followed by a code letter :
a underline
"b cancel underline
c subscript
”d superscript
e cancel super/sub-script
1 emphasised print
"g cancel emphasised print
Ti double print
1 cancel double print
~j big print return cancels
*k cancel big print
1 small print
“m cancel small print
~n double line spacing
o normal line spacing
~p initialise printer
The program has the following proper-
ties. The code it compiles occupies less
than 256 bytes. This is placed at the
address requested at the start of the
program. If RAM is available below
#2800 then use it; it not, be careful not to
overwrite it. Line 20 is a ROM switch
command: if you need one put it here.
The program debounces the Atom’s
keyboard. If you do not want this, delete
lines 90 to 120 and line 410.
123
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
TECHNICAL EDITOR
£8000 to £14000
BEEBUG Publications Ltd. require a Technical Editor to take an important
and responsible role in a team producing two computer magazines, for the
Acorn Electron and BBC microcomputers. Previous experience with either of
these machines is highly desirable together with the ability to write in a
clear and interesting style.
The successful candidate will probably have a number of years experience
either in microcomputing or in journalism. If you think that you have the
right skills and experience to undertake this demanding and interesting job
then write to:
BEEBUG Publications Ltd., Personnel Department, P.0. BOX 50, St. Albans, Herts,
enclosing a curriculm vitae, and samples of your own work.
Datapen ] BBC Lightpen Programs ^ Datapen
BEEBPEN DRAWING PROGRAM
A comprehensive Mode 2 colour drawing program
allowing plot commands, painting circles, text,
character defining, saving and loading to tape or disc,
all to be selected and used with the lightpen
PRICE £11.95 Introductory Offer £9.95
TELETEXT DISPLAY CREATOR EDITOR
Allows the busy programmer to quickly create Mode 7
colour graphics and test screens for combination into
his or her own programs. Movable on screen menu
allows use of complete screen for graphics. Full
instructions and a discussion on teletext features are
provided PRICE £9.95 Introductory Offer £7.95
BRITAIN
The first in a series of educational Geography and
Geology programs. Britain comes complete with three
sets of tests, and these may be very easily changed by
adding DATA statements in the Basic program. Full
instructions and grid map supplied.
PRICE £6.95 Introductory Offer £5.95
The Datapen Lightpen itself comes complete
with handbook, software on tape including two
drawing programs and a printed listing
showing useful routines.
PRICE £25.00
Two drawing programs. SKETCH and SHAPE*
CREATE are included with the lightpen and the
programs shown above may be ordered
additionally, or separately as required
All prices above include VAT, postage and
packing.
Please send your cheque P.O. to:-
Dept. AU2, Datapen Microtechnology Ltd.,
Kingsclere Road, Overton,
Hants. RG25 3JB
SUPERIOR
PERFORMANCE
• Insensitive to ambient
lighting
• Responds to different colours
• Program accessible LED
lamp readout
• Switch for program control
SUPERIOR PROGRAMS
• Tape storage of your work
• Good documentation
• User routines provided
on tape and
on printout
124
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
M ATOM FORUM
Star modifications for screen dump
A SCREEN dump for the Epson MX80 by
Chris Shepherd of London is given in
listing 3. It is enabled by LINK #xxxx,
where xxxx is the start of the machine-
code. It can be modified for the Star
Listing 4. Curing an almost universal problem
range of printers by deleting line 570,
then rewriting the following lines:
310 LDA@76; JSR#FEFB
610 LDA@140: JSR#FEFB
Programming
NEXT is a short routine (listing 4) from
Abe Ellis of Chelmsford. This solves the
almost universal complaint that
printers insist on printing a ff sign,
instead of the £ sign. The program is
quite simple and the listing to assemble
the code into spare space at #3D0 is
shown. Before use it is necessary to
change the vector as fol lows:
?#209 = 3;?#208 = #D0
The keyboard backslash’ (ff 5C) is used
for the £ sign, but this can be any key-
board character.
So the printer can accept an eight-bit
word, bit 7 must be connected to the
Atom printer plug, pin 9. This is done
using port B, bit 0 of the 6522. Accord-
ingly, pin 10 of IC1 is wired to PL5 pin 9.
Line 110 of the program initialises
port B of the 6522. Line 120 looks for the
If 5C code and changes it to If B9, which
is the code used by the AP100A for ’£’.
Line 130 checks if the msb of the
character is a ‘V which includes all
other special characters in the AP100A.
Line 140 sets port B, bit 0 to a ‘O' or a T
as required.
The Basic print statement can now
be used normally. The symbol which
appears on the screen is a graphics
symbol but this need not concern us. It
must be remembered that if break is
pressed the 4208///209 vector must be
re-entered as #3D0.
Unfortunately, when the Acornsoft
Wordprocessor ROM is entered, the
printer vector is re-initialised and there
is no way of breaking into the program
to correct this. However, I have over-
come this as follows.
Assemble the program normally,
then enter the wordprocessor and
complete all editing. To print out the
text it is necessary to enter Basic using
‘Q’. Now the vector can be corrected to
#3D0as before, followed by LINK#ACF7
when the printer will print the text.
Problems with
the Daisystep
LISTING 5 provides screen dump pro-
grams for the Daisystep 2000 printer.
Next month's Atom Forum will contain
screen dumps for the Seikosha and the
Centronics 737/739. This should now
cover all the popular makes.
100 REM GRAPHICS DUMP
480AND #8B
110 REM C. A. SHEPHERD
490AND #8A
120 REM
500 JSR #FF10
130 P.S125DIMLL10
510 DEY
140 P.’ "ASSEMBLE TO"’;
520BNE LL4
IN. H (E. G. #3B00> H Q
530 I NC#89
150 P. ’"LIST" ’|IN."
540LDY#89
(1-YES, 0=NO> “L
550CPY632
160F. I»0TO105LLI»Q5N.
560BNE LL2
170P.S21
570LDA6#FFJSTA #8B
180F. I-0TO1
580LDA6275 JSR#FEFB
190P s =Q
590LDA6745 JSR#FEFB
200 C
600LDA6205 JSR#FEFB
210s LL0 LDA 62
610LDA0224
220 J SR#FEFB
620CLC
230LDA@#FF; ST A #8 A
630ADC #80 ; ST A#80 5 LDA60
240LDA0#7F; ST A #81
640ADC #81; ST A #81
250LDA0#E0» ST A #80
650INC#8D
260LDA00 » ST A #8D
660LDA#8D
270LDX0#3F ; STX #8B
670CMP027
280 : LL 1 LDY00
680BMI LL6
290STY#89
690BNE LL7
300LDA027 ; JSR #FEFB
700LDA0#70
3 1 0LDA075 ; J SR #FEFB
710STA#8A
320LDA6005 JSR #FEFB
720s LL6 JMP LL1
330LDA6#015 JSR #FEFB
730s LL7 LDA 03; JSR #FEFB
340SLL2 LDX 67
740RTS
350 CLC
7503
360: LL3 LDA <#80>,Y
760IFL P. #6
370STA #81, X
770N.
380TYA
7800=4
390ADC0#20
790P.S6’ "OCCUPIES # H &Q" TO #"S<P'
400TAY
800 E.
410DEX
810 REM
420BNE LL3
820 REM A GRAPHICS DUMP IS
430LDY68
830 REM OBTAINED BY INSERTING
440s LL4 LDX67
840 REM THE COMMAND, LINK#XXXX
450: LL5 ASL #81, X
850 REM WHERE XXXX IS THE
460ROL A
860 REM ASSEMBLED CODE START
470DEX;BNE LL5
870 REM ADDRESS IN HEX.
Listing 3. Chris Shepherd’s program for Epson printers
90REM PROGRAM TO
PRINT THE £ SIGN ON THE RP10OR.
10ODIMLL1 ; F. 1=1 TO
2.: P=#300
1 1 0C PHR ; LDflfi#FF
STfl#6802; L DR# El SOB.; 0RRG2.; STfl#B80B
120PLRJ PHR; CMP®#5
C BNE LL0 ; PLR i LDfl«#B9 ; PHR
130 LL0 RNDS#86.i BEG LLIjLDRSI
1 40 : LL 1 STR#8800 > PLR i JMP#FE52 } 1
150N. 1 J END
995REM: Subroutine for
1069REM : convert x/y to
address
996REM: Daisystep 2000
1070P=X/8+(191-Y)*32+#8000
997REM: screen dump on
1079REM: test point at
x/y
998REM: the Acorn Atom
1080Q=(?P&(V?(X&7) ) <>0)
999REM:©B. Pickles - 1984
10901 FQ ;P.".";G.b;REM:
set
1000dP.$21$2;REM:screen off
HOOP." " ; REM: not set
1009REM: horizontal spacing
1 1 1 0 bN . ; P . ' ; N .
1010P.$27$31: A=4;LI . #FF10
1119REM: back to normal
1019REM: vertical spacing
1020P.$27$30;A=2;LI.#FF10
1030P.$27$78;V=#2800
1039REM: bit mask
1120P.$27$26$73$3$6;R.
1040! V= #10204080; V! 4= #1020408
1050F. Y=191TO0S.-l
1060F.X=OT0255
Listing 5. Daisystep 2000 screen dump
125
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
w
r east» m
for the BBC Micro
BASIC
Utility ROM
»•
easy
to i isa-
Facilities include : quick entry of keywords, merging programs
from file into the program in memory - sorting the line numbers
into order, save and load function key settings, list current
variables with values, move a program to a new position in
memory, compact a program by removing spaces, REMs and
fitting short lines onto long multiple-statement lines - taking
account of line numbers etc., plus much more ...
£33.35 incl.
♦help caretaker
CARETAKER 1 . 00
CURSOR < ON-OFF >
EXCHANGE <old> <n»w> G'S <<length>>
EXPAND <<st«rt>> <<»nd>>
INSERT <f*p> << I in«no>>
KEYLOAD C<fsp>>
KEYSAVE (<fsp>>
LVAR <FXI>CS>CA>CP>
MOVE <*ddr*ss>
MERGE <f*p> <<f*p». . .
NORMALKEY
NOTAB
PARTSAVE <f*p> <<»nd>>
RENUMBER <inc> <end>>
RETRIEVE C<bgt»*>>
SINGLEKEY
SQUASH (SXRXM)
STATUS
TABSTOPS << column* >>
OS 1.20
>
Write or phone for a full specification.
Computer Concepts, 16 Wayside, Chipperfield, HERTS WD4 9JJ (09277) 69727
As from August 1984, our Address will be:
Gaddesden Place, Hemel Hempstead, HERTS HP2 6EX (0442) 63933
Features include :
Definition and fast movement of sprites, LOGO type turtle
graphics using ★ FORWARD, ♦BACWARD, ★LEFT and *RIGHT
commands etc., rotation and scaling of plotting commands, fast
CIRCLE and ARC drawing, multi-sized character printing, and
much more ....
All commands may be included within BASIC programs and
resident integer variables may be used in the commands.
10,000 Graphics Extension ROMs sold - so far ...
£33.35 incl.
T
•PLOT
126
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
ATOM
AVOIDING INVALID
DATA ENTRY.1v
Most coders have their own system for error-trapping.
Vincent Fojut examines a common INPUT problem
which can sometimes trap the unwary user
127
W HEN writing programs, especi-
ally for use by others, it is im-
portant to cater for invalid data
entry, whether deliberate or acciden-
tal. The practice is often referred to,
somewhat unkindly, as ‘idiot-proofing’
or ‘mug-trapping’. Most coders will
have a few routines to detect the more
obvious errors, but it is often difficult to
foresee all possible causes of ‘misin-
terpretation’. A perfect example is that
the operation of AtomBasic’s INPUT
command can itself trap the unwary.
On the Atom, ‘INPUT’ works like
‘INPUT LINE . . on the BBC/Electron.
That is, anything entered in response to
INPUT’S prompt, including leading
spaces, is passed to Basic for evalu-
ation. With numeric data entry this is
not a problem, since Atom’s ex-
pression evaluator will skip leading
spaces until a suitable number, vari-
able or expression is encountered.
However, when inputting strings, con-
fusion can arise.
Try running the following simple pro-
gram on your Atom:
10 R = £3000
20 INPUT “AGAIN (YES/NO )’* $R
30 IF $R - “YES” THEN RUN
40 END
Enter ‘YES’ immediately after the
prompt and the program will run again.
The second time, enter a couple of
spaces before typing in ‘YES’, and see
what happens. On a Beeb or Electron,
the program would continue to run.
However, on the Atom it stops.
In other words, INPUT on the BBC
(without the LINE option) automatically
left-justifies any string entered - that is,
it removes leading spaces. Atom’s
INPUT does not do this, which can be
disconcerting for the inexperienced
user, who may be hard-pressed to see
any fault in the apparently correct data
entered. Fortunately, it is a simple
matter to implement the required left-
justification facility. Both Basic and
machine-code solutions are provided
herewith.
Program 1 shows a few simple Basic
subroutine variations to eliminate lead-
ing spaces. In all cases, variable X
points to the string to be left-justified,
and should be set up before the sub-
routine call.
Version (a), written 'in full’ for clarity,
works in the following way:
If the first character in the string is
not a space, then the string must
already be left-justified, in which case
the routine exits immediately. Other-
wise, each character of the string is
examined in turn, until a non-space
char, is found. Once detected, the
string starting from the first non-space
char, is moved down to the string’s
original starting address. In this way,
unwanted spaces are eradicated.
Version (b) and (c) employ subtly dif-
ferent coding from the original, in an
attempt to make the routine as compact
as possible. Since version (b) does not
use an IF statement, the whole code
can be fitted on one line. The only pro-
cessing overhead is that even if the
string is already left-justified, the
‘string-move’ code is still executed, ie,
it ‘moves’ to where it already is!
In (c), the code drops through to the
second line (a RETURN statement) if
the first character in the string is not a
space. If it is, the whole string (starting
at the original address -FI) is repeat-
edly shunted one byte downwards,
until the first char, is not a space. This is
obviously slower if there are many
leading spaces. For example, 10
spaces means that the entire string is
moved 10 times. On the plus side, this
variant is the shortest of the three, and
uses only one Basic variable, not two.
To see the routines in practice,
modify the earlier program thus:
10 R = £3000
20 INPUT “AGAIN (YES/NO)” $R
30 X- R; REM X POINTS TO STRING
“R“
40 GOSUB J; REM CALL
LEFT-JUSTIFIER
50 IF $R ~ “YES” THEN RUN
60 END
You should now be able to reply to the
prompt either with or without leading
spaces.
Providing the correct response is
entered (ie, ‘YES’) the program will
always re-run.
Program 2 is a functionally similar
program written in machine-code. As
before, the Basic variable X is made to
point to the string to be analysed,
before calling the routine with the LINK
command. To try it out, assemble the
machine-code at, say £2800 and
change line 40 in the previous program
example so that ‘GOSUB j’ becomes
‘LINK £2800’.
The program uses two zero-page
locations as a string pointer, and once
these are set up, the processing is as
perversion (a) of the Basic routines.
It should be noted that these pro-
grams are not limited to use with
Atom’s INPUT routine. They can be
employed in any situation where
strings need left-justifying -for
example, formatting data in tabular
form.
Of course, there’s a good deal more
to error-trapping than one could cover
adequately in an article. But the rou-
tines outlined here go one more step
towards eliminating the unexpected,
and make robust, reliable code a little
more easily attainable. If your strings
no longer match on input, you can rest
assured that it isn’t due to spurious
spaces.
For complete listings see yellow pages,
pagexvi.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
The
only
mm
Cartridge System
that does not
overload your pocket
or your BBC Micro
Why risk damage to your BBC micro
every time you want to change ROM’s?
Instead, store your growing collection
of ROM’s in professionally-made
protective cartridges !
O Insert and remove Wordwise, View,
Disc Doctor etc. at will from your
micro in absolute safety - no wear
or damage to pins to your ROM’s.
O Low, low power consumption
unlike other systems.
Q Saves on memory.
O Price for complete kit including
one cartridge only £ 19.95 inc. VAT.
Q Extra ROM cartridges £27.75
for five, £49.50 for ten cartridges
and single cartridges £6.95 each.
Dealer enquiries welcome.
,V»
✓ A
f x>°‘ <f <*° <S>
✓ <*°V of
Unit 7 Trumpers Way <
Hanwell W7 2QA f
Tel: (01 ) 843 9903 y
4
128
t TEC • Viglen • TEC • Viglen • TEC • Viglei
TEC DRIVE
(As used by Cumana)
Inc VAT ExcIVAT
£129.00 £112.17
Single sided 40 TRACK 100K
5VV'
Single sided 40/80 TRACK 200K
switchable 5Vf £169.00 £146.95
Double sided 40/80 TRACK 400K
switchable 5V 4 " £199.00 £173.04
For Dual TEC drives the price is
double the single drive prices
Integral Power Supply
For single drive £20-00
For dual drive including dual
Case £40*00 £34-78 Unit 7 Trumpers Way
Please add £8 (or carriage 8T38I58& .
All disc drives complete with Professional sit#".
Case — Ribbon Cable to connect to BBC Micro ^
—Power cable to connect to BBC Micro—
Comprehensive Manual — Formatting and
utilities disc. /<&A ^ , ///
£17-39
Vi/deiv
COMPUTER ^SUPPLIES
PHILIPS 14"
COLOUR
(TV only: £ 1 85 inc VAT)
As a company we chose the Philips because we believe it to
have the clearest picture as well as being the best value.
Take our word for it, or come and see for yourself.
EASY ON-THE-SPOT PARKING. AND IT’S FREE!
Plus £8 carriage
and packing
• Easy to carry • Lightweight • Sparkling picture in seconds • Reliability and
Personal Service & Quality coupled with Wholesale Prices, performance excellent • Headphone Socket can also be connected to tape
Tele Von^oTs^S London W7 2QA recorder# Loudspeaker mute switch • Retractable carrying handle
For special attention to your orders or enquiries concerning • Monitor/TV selectedTby switch • Includes RGB lead _ __
monitors, printers, computers, disc drives. connecting direct to your BBC Micro. • Philips Model No. 1 4CT 2006/05T
ring 01-843 9903 NOW or fill in the coupon below
I 1
1 Post to VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES. UNIT 7. TRUMPERS WAY. HANWELL, LONDON W7 2QA.
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VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES or debit my ACCESS/BARCLAYCARD No
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AU 8/3
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
129
THE BBC MICRO SOUND SYSTEM
MICROVOC
As supplied to Schools & Colleges
SYSTEM INCLUDES:
Speakers, Volume control, jack sockets
and all connections (assembled) plus
Buzzgo to eliminate the infernal B.B.C.
buzz.
Easily fitted with no drilling, soldering or
cabinet modifications £23 00 inc VAT and
p & p
MICROVOC WITHOUT SPEAKERS
£15 inclusive
Now in stock — The Synth. This program
allows the mixing and saving of all four
channels, including Channel 0 for cymbals and
drums. Complex melodies can now be entered
in minutes by even a complete novice.
MICROVOC IS IDEAL FOR SPEECH
SYNTHESIS OR COMPUTER PRODUCED
MUSIC
MICRO-ADVENT
Ashlyn House, 113 Writtle Road, Chelmsford, Essex.
Tel: 0245 59708
BBC MICRO REPAIRS
by MICROFIX
ACORN AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRE
"Cumana Disc Drive and Acorn DFS
supplied and fitted at low prices"
We will repair your faulty BBC micro, disc
drive or monitor quickly and at a
reasonable charge. Most repairs cost
between £1 0 and £20.
We can also offer extended warranties on
all your equipment.
Send S.A.E. for full price list.
Phone 01 -968 9214
or call in at
191 Freston Road,
(Latimer Road Tube)
London W10
and ask for
Mark Duffill or Derek Mullings.
MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR
COMPUTER.
Acclaimed books from the
experts . . .
□ Dynamic Games for your Electron
Neal Cavalier-Smith. £4.95
□ 36 Challenging Games for the BBC Micro
Chris Callender and Tim Rogers. £5.95
□ Let Your BBC Micro Teach You to Program
Tim Hartnell. £6.45
□ Putting Your BBC Micro to Work (includes a full
word-processing program, plus 14 others)
Chris Callender. £4.95
□ Creating Adventure Programs on your Computer
Andrew Nelson. £4.95
□ The Easy Way to Program Your New Computer
Tim Hartnell. £3.95
□ Practical Applications for the Microcomputer
in the Home.
David Hole. £4.95
□ The Art of Structured Programming
Peter Juliff. £5.95
These books are available from most book and computer
stores. In case of difficulty, order directly from us.
Interface Publications, Dept. QAU,
9-11 Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP.
“1
Please send me the indicated books. I enclose £
Name
Address
INTERFACE
PUBLICATIONS
Vfe’re the Experts.
(TRADE ONLY: Interface Publications are distributed exclusively in the UK and
Eire by W H S Distributors. Export trade handled by Interface Publications.)
130
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Supplied with 13
utilities including
* formatting
* verifying
* screen dump
* disassembler
* generating 62 files etc
53 Page Manual includes information on How to Transfer successfully from
tape to disc. Packed with facts on hardware and software.
r*
Post to: VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES, UNIT 7, TRUMPERS WAY, HANWELL, LONDON W7 2QA. 01 -843 9903
Please send me (qty) TEAC 3" Disc Drive at £159 each + £8 carriage. I enclose Cheque/P.O. tor £
made out to VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES or debit my ACC ESS/BARCLAYCARD No. .
Name mm Signature
Address.
AU 8/5
UNBEATABLE VALUE! £115
CANON
Model No. MDD110
40 track 100K
★ low power consumption
(unlike full height drives)
All disc drives come complete
with Professional Case-
Ribbon cable to connect to
BBC Micro - Power cable to
connect to BBC Micro -
Comprehensive Manual -
Formatting and utilities disc.
VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES, UNIT 7 TRUMPERS WAV. HANWELL. LONDON W7 28A Telephone 01 -843 9903. Personal Callers Welcome.
1 Post to VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES. UNIT 7, TRUMPERS WAY, HANWELL. LONDON W7 2QA
1 Pleasesendme (qty ) CANNON MDD110 DRIVES at Cl 15 each + £8 carnage I enclose Cheque/P O for E madeoutto 1
VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES or debit my ACCESS/BARCLAYCARD No
Name
Address
phi Signature
AU 8/4 ,
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
131
com -TEC COMPUTER CENTRE LTD
*
DEALER
AND
SERVICE .. ,
CENTRE
DEALER
23 Sheffield Rd
Barnsley
South Yorkshire
Tel: 0226 46972
. - 1
BBC Model B
399.00
BBC Model B + Disk
469.00
Electron (now in stock)
199.00
Disk Interface Kit
101.00
PRINTERS
SeikoshaGP50A
138.00
SeikoshaGP50S
138.00
SeikoshaGP500A
228.85
SeikoshaGP550A
299.00
SeikoshaGP700A
458.00
SeikoshaGP250X
264.00
Friction Feed GP1 00/250
28.00
Epson RX80
310.00
Epson RX80FT
356.00
Epson FX80FT
431.00
Star Gemini 1 0 x
280.00
Star Gemini 1 5 x
400.00
4 Colour Plotter + BBC lead
129.95
RIBBONS
Seikosha 4.99 Epson £5.74
Educational Orders Welcome
Discounts Available on Bulk
Orders
DISCS
ROMS
(Scotch 3m)
744 SS40
19.32
Wordwise
Disc Doctor
45.00
33.00
745 DS40
27.95
Graphics Ext
33.00
746 SS96
34.50
Print Master
33.00
747 DS96
46.25
Caretaker
33.00
7440 Clean kit 19.50
ADE
60.00
Spy 2
30 00
SOFTWARE
Felix in Factory 7.95
Swoop
7.95
Martian Attack
7.95
Carm
7.95
Cybertron Miss 7.95
Chess
7.95
Hell Driver
7.95
Physics
6.95
Moon Raider
7.95
Where
6.95
Alien Swirl
7.95
World Geog
6.95
Laser Cmnd
6.95
Adventure
7.95
Danger UXB
7.95
Caveman Ad
6.95
Escape Mnbs
7.95
Fairground
7.95
Galactic Cmnd
7.95
Crazy Painter
7.95
Labrvn Lacush
7.95
Lost City
7.95
Dambusters
7.95
Monaco
7.95
Lunar Rescue
7.95
Flexibase
9.95
Gideons
Alligatacalc
9.95
Gamble
7.95
Order 1 : deduct £1 .00
Order 2; deduct £3.00
Order 3: deduct £6.00
Order more than 3, deduct £2.00 per game.
CARRIAGE FREE ON ALL ITEMS
Access and Barclaycards accepted
Tel: 0229 46972
BNC Green Screen
Mitrovitec14" Cub
Phoenix Green Screen
BBC Monitor
Amber Screen
113.85
245.00
130.00
99.00
135.00
SD Single Drive DD Dual Dnve
SS Single Sided DS Double Sided
SD SS 40tk 100k 194.00
SD SS 30tk 200k 253.00
SD DS 40tk 200k 228.00
SD SS 80tk 200k 221.00
DD DS 40tk 400k 431.00
DD DS 80tk 800k 511.00
SDDS 40/80 310.00
DDDS 40/80 534.00
All drives include leads, manual and
utility disk
Torch Disk Pack
839.00
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
NOW AVAILABLE
FOR THE
electron
THE SIR COMPUTERS
PRINTER/SWITCHED
JOYSTICK INTERFACE
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
STAND 104
COMPLETE JOYSTICK & PRINTER FEATURES INCLUDE:
JOYSTICK FACILITIES:
★ Provides connections for two standard Atari-type joysticks, allowing the use of two-player games.
★ Immediately compatible with all games offering a joystick option.
★Extra commands allow joysticks to be defined as any combination of keys, allowing all keyboard-
operated games to be used with joysticks.
★Joysticks may be read directly from BASIC using the ADVAL(n) function.
PRINTER FACILITIES:
★ Provides connections for a standard Centronics-type printer.
★Allows use of all BBC Microcomputer printer control commands.
★ Special command enables a graphics screen to be copied to any Epson dot-matrix printer.
ADDITIONAL SPECIFICATIONS:
★Only Acorn-approved memory locations are used, ensuring complete compatibility with any future
devices (sideways ROM/RAM, sound expansion, speech synthesizer, disc system etc.).
★ All operating software is held within a paged ROM and is available for use from the moment the
computer is switched on. THERE IS NO NEED TO LOAD ANY ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE FROM
CASSETTE.
★ Housed in a sturdy plastic case.
★Full twelve month guarantee.
★Available direct from SIR COMPUTERS for only E44.95 (inc. VAT).
Please include El postage and packaging (U.K. only). Please allow 28 days for delivery.
SIR COMPUTERS - 1 st for electron support
All our prices are inclusive of VAT.
Please include El postage and packaging for every item ordered on this page.
We also stock a complete range of printers, monitors, disc drives and software - with many hard-to-
beat prices. Please telephone us for details.
Access/Barclaycard Telephone orders welcome.
SIR COMPUTERS Ltd
91 WHITCHURCH ROAD, CARDIFF CF4 3JP Telephone: CARDIFF (0222) 621813
Also Available for the ELECTRON
the SIR ADC/PRINTER INTERFACE
NOT JUST ANOTHER JOYSTICK PORT -FULL ANALO-
GUE-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER
provides fully proportional control, essential for use with
graphics packages, digitizers, etc; ideal for scientific &
educational applications; usable with a wide variety of
BBC Micro-compatible analogue and switched Joysticks/
Paddles.
CENTRONICS PRINTER INTERFACE -allows use of a wide
variety of parallel printers including entire Epson range;
complete firmware support included.
HIGH-QUALITY MOULDED CASE - attractively styled
plastic unit bolts securely to the back of the computer
EASY TO FIT -no soldering, simply plugs straight into
computer’s rear edge-connector and is held in place by
twin bolts; edge-connector on back of unit provides for
further modular expansion if necessary
THE SIR ELECTRON PRINTER/ADC INTERFACE £65.95
the SIR ROM/RAM EXPANSION BOARD
Provides 12 extra sockets Easy to install -just plugs
which support a variety of
ROM and RAM configur-
ations up to a max of 192K
for ROM and 16K for RAM
ROM and RAM is normally
paged in 16K blocks but is
easily switchable to 2K, 4K
or 8K blocks.
Price: E59.95
Professional styled casing
bolts to rear of computer.
Fully buffered design.
Permits use of most BBC
ROM-based software in-
cluding utility ROMs, word-
processors & languages.
NOW COMBINED BOTH THE ABOVE UNITS (ROM/RAM Expansion
Board & Printer/ADC Interlace) IN ONE CASE! A complete and com-
prehensive Electron expansion- ideal tor wordprocessing appli-
cations amongst many other uses ONLY £99 00!!
132
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Put an end to inefficient, [ slow cassette tape storage
Speed your (data access
withaTEAC) diskdrive
fromyiglen
1
Track
switch
on rear
panel
Replacing your cassette with a disk drive means Data
Access in less than 5 seconds! If you are looking for a
guaranteed disk drive that’s fully compatible, at a price
that includes VAT, Formatting Disk, User Manual, Case
and Leads, then just look at our all-inclusive prices!
TEAC 55 Slimline Drives
When ordering Dual Drives, please
slate which layout you prefer A or B
SINGLE DRIVES
CASED
40 TRACK 100K
40 TRACK 200K
40/80 TRACK
SWITCHABLE 200K
40/80 TRACK
SWITCHABLE 400K
Incl.
VAT
£287.50
£358.00 £311.30
DUAL DRIVES
CASED
Incl. Excl. 40 TRACK 200K
VAT VAT 40/80 TRACK
£143.75 £125.00 SWITCHABLE 400K
£195.00 £169.56 40/80 TRACK
SWITCHABLE 800K £450.00 £391.30
£179.00 £155.65 DFSKIT POA POA
Disc Filing System 100S Acorn Compatible
Integral Power Supply £30.00 £26.09
£225.00 £195.65
All prices correct at tune ol going to press and all offers subject to availability
•Utilities disk includes 13 useful utilities
including: • formatting • verifying • screen dump • disassembler • generating 62
files, etc.
• Orders welcomed from Educational Establishments and Government Departments
How to order
By post! To purchase any of the items simply fill
in the coupon with your requirements.
Enclose your Cheque/ P O. or use your Access/
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VTGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES and -
above address Allow seven days for
delivery and add £8.00 carnage, package
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by telephone. Please give Card
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ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
133
SLOGGER SOFTWARE
MACHINE CODE games for BBC ‘B\ ELECTRON, SPECTRUM 16/48K
A MAZE IN SPACE DOGFIGHT
Use Joysticks or Key-
boards to navigate your
Starship to the planet
surface and then into
the maze below. Having
been told in which
section of the maze
your target is hidden,
your objective is to
seek out and destroy it
to complete a mission.
Beware of the numerous 1
alien defence systems. Two levels of difficulty! Horizontal
and diagonal scrolling I
How many missions can you complete?
Dogfight and A Maze In Space together
Cassette - £14.95 Disc - £16.95
Please state 40 or 80
Track if disc
Still undoubtedly the
most exciting
2-player game available.
The objective is to fire
sufficient shots into
your enemy aircraft to
force it to explode.
Eight levels of difficulty.
Sun, moving cloud,
lightning, ground all
provide real combat
environment.
Can you beat your
friends?
Available now
Cassette
Disc
Available now
Cassette
Disc
BBC 'B'
£9.95
£11.95
BBC 'B'
£9.95
£11.95
Special Offer
Electron
£7.95
n/a
Spectrum
£5.50
n/a
All prices include
VAT and postage
SLOGGER SOFTWARE
215 BEACON ROAD
CHATHAM, KENT
Tel: (0634) 811634
EWI
from
A PRINTER STAND
Vixkrv
COMPUTERiy SUPPLIES
Printer Stand
£ 12 * 95 incuat
Carriage & Packing £3.00
• For dot matrix printers
• Raises printer high enough to put
continuous stationery underneath
• Beautifully finished in clear perspex • Viglen quality every time
• Will accept paper up to 1 2V wide • Non slip rubber pads
Dimensions: 15" (380mm) wide 12V (320mm) deep 4" (90mm) high
COME TQ VIGLEN FOR A FAST, FRIENDLY, PERSONAL SERVICE
DEALER ENQUIRIES WELCOME
Post to: VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES, UNIT 7, TRUMPERS WAY, HANWELL, LONDON W7 2QA.
Please send me (qty) PRINTER STANDS at £15.95 each. I enclose Cheque/P.O. for £
. made out to
VIGLEN COMPUTER SUPPLIES or debit my ACCESS/BARCLAYCARD No. .
Name Signature
Address
AU 8/6
134
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
VKHJsN
branches out
to offer the best value
in monitors printers
Dot Matrix Printers
Epson RX80/FT £275.00
Colour Monitors
Epson FX80 £379.00
Canon PW 1080 A £289.00
160 cps with near letter quality printing
including friction and tractor feed.
Shinwa CP80 £209.00
Microvitec standard 1431 £199.95
Microvitec medium 1451 £315.00
Microvitec high 1441 £442.00
Philips 14" TV/monitor £235.00
(RGB Input)
Monochrome Monitors
Daisywheel Printers
Juki 6100 £375.00
Epson DX 100 £450.00*
SAN PLE 2000 £299.00
* Previously £499.00 Limited Stock
Philips 12" Green V2001 £75.00
ALL prices include VAT and leads for the BBC model B micro.
Please add £8 for carriage.
We also stock other computer peripherals, accessories and w %
complete work processor systems at unbelievable prices. / & J?
STrCP f
Please call for our latest offers.
You may also purchase these items direct by calling at
our factory /showroom in Han well, London.
Prices correct at time of going to press and offers
subject to availability.
J* 6?
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BBC MICRO
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• 10 ISSUES OF BEEBUG MAGAZINE
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136
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOFTWARE
CHART
TITLE
I PUBLISHER
PRICE I
MICRO
1 (9)
Fortress
Amcom
£8.95
B
2 (1)
Snooker
Visions
£8.95
B/E
3 (10)
737 Flight Simulator
Salamander
£9.95
B/E
4 (3)
White Knight II
BBCSoft
£10.00
B
5 (2)
Twin-Kingdom Valley
Bug-Byte
£9.50
B
6 (16)
Daredevil Denis
Visions
£8.95
B
7 (7)
Chukkie Egg
A&F
£7.90
B/E
8 (17)
Lords of Time
Level 9
£9.90
B
9 (18)
Cylon Attack
A&F
£7.90
B/E
10 (6)
The Hobbit
Melbourne
£14.95
B
11 (5)
Hopper
Acornsoft
£9.95
B/E
12 (— )
Battletank
Superior
£7.95
B
13 (8)
Hunchback
Superior
£7.95
(£11.95)
B
14 (— )
Mr Wimpey
Ocean
£6.90
B
15 (14)
Gorph
Dr Soft
£8.95
B
16 (— )
Eagle’s Wing
Software Invasion
£7.95
B
17 (-)
Pengwyn
Postern
£6.95
B/E
18 (20) Transistor’s Revenge
Softspot
£7.95
B
19 (19)
Dodgy Dealer
Ol Consultants
£6.50
B
20 (15)
Snapper
Acornsoft
£9.95
B/E
B= BBC E —
Electron Prices in brackets are for disc
t version
i :
BUBBLING UNDER
1
Confrontation (Lothlorien)
Aviator (Acornsoft)
JCB Digger (Acornsoft)
Cosmic Kidnap (Superior)
Compiled by RAM/Computer
Jet-Power Jack (Program Power)
Chemical Analysis (Acornsoft)
Hulk (Adventure International)
Fruity Fred (Softspot)
THE pace for this month s chart is being set by
Amcom's Fortress which has cannoned Snooker
from Visions into second spot. No new Top Ten
entries again this month though Superior’s Battle
Tank has blasted its way into number 12. Another
new entry is Mr Wimpey from Ocean, while Pen-
gwyn and Eagle's Wing have flown into the number
17 and 16 spots respectively.
Snapper after two years of chart fame is tottering
on the edge of the chart at number 20. Will it stay
or be gobbled up by a new entry?
The highest chart climber this month is Evil
Knievel’s proteg6 Daredevil Denis who rides up ten
places to number 6.
Bubbling under from the last issue still are Avia
tor, Hulk (we still haven’t seen a copy), Jet Power
Jack and Acornsoft’s new earthmover JCB Digger ,
reviewed in July and June respectively.
I
TOP 20
SOFT
OPTIONS
RE-SITTING English literature
O Level again this Christmas?
Then you might be interested
in three new pieces of study
software for the Beeb and Elk:
Shakespeare’s Macbeth,
Romeo and Juliet and The
Merchant of Venice. Each
allows you to follow your own
line of questioning, delving
into the lover’s secrets (is this
Dallas in disguise?) or who
killed who (yes it is!). The pro-
grams prompt you in the
correct line of questioning and
full act and scene references
are provided.
Gsoft is providing Multi-
base, a text editor and a key
definer/character generator
from its 18 Melbourne Road,
London, El 7 address. Multi-
base allows you to use the one
main program to create and
manipulate a variety of multi
files to be used for phone
numbers, indexing etc, which
can be dumped to a printer or
saved on tape or disc. Text
Editor enables you to write text
to the screen which can be
edited and printed as
required. Key Define r sets up
each of the function keys with a
number of useful utilities to
complement your program-
ming techniques. while
Character Definer is another
in the increasingly large range
of VDU23 editors.
For those who can’t spell,
Spellwise is the third checking
programs for use with Com-
puter Concept’s Wordwise.
With 6000 words in its vocabu-
lary it should cover most of
your needs! Contact Data-
ware, Freepost, Swindon SN3
4BR for more details (write
carefully!).
If ypu’ve read all the assem-
bly language books around,
the Complete Machine Code
Tutor from New Generation
Software is a cassette-based
machine code tuition package.
The two cassettes contain 27
lessons aimed at trial and
error learning. New Gener-
ation is at The Bookands, 15
Sunnybank, Lyncombe Vale,
Bath, BA2 4NA.
Apart from all that, things
are fairly quiet on the new soft-
ware front, with many software
houses saving up their fares
for the Acorn User Exhibition.
137
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
®diamond/oft
A better way of computing
SKBffiSKS.
HOME ACCOUNTS
BBC 32K £13.95 (INC)
Complete home finance system packed with sensible facilities to
help you maintain up to date records of your BANK, CREDIT
CARD, LOAN and SAVINGS ACCOUNTS. Keep track of
CHEQUES, RECEIPTS. AUTOMATIC BANKERS ORDERS,
BILLS WAITING PAYMENT and much more
An essential asset for home or club.
BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
BBC 32K £17.95 (INC)
Easy to use with small businesses in mind. Facilities include -
PURCHASES, SALES. CASH. LEDGER and DAY BOOK
LISTINGS, VAT ANALYSIS, CONTROL TOTALS and BANK
RECONCILIATION A simple but effective aid to efficiency.
FLEXIFILE
BBC 32K £13.95 (INC)
A powerful, general purpose, file handling system
Quickly create, maintain, sort, select, save and print your own
data. Develop complex systems with ease. Invaluable for Home,
Club. Schools or Business Records. Offers the use of advanced
software techniques to beginner and expert alike.
Cheques or P.O. to Diamondsoft Ltd . FREEPOST.
Cheadle Hulme. Cheshire, SK8 5YB Tel: 061-485 8705
® diamond/oft
A better way of computing
THE DATABASE SOFTWARE FOR THE BBC
THAT GROWS WITH YOUR NEEDS
File base II
Operates on any format DISC or CASSETTE
Unique TURBOFILE and MAXIFILE options
HIGH CAPACITY files (up to a full disc with the
MAXIFILE option)
Files created to USER DEFINED format
- up to 20 items per record
- each record up to 255 characters
VIEW file by easy use of cursor keys
PRINT files (optional report layouts)
Print LABELS
Powerful SEARCH features
SELECT records to view, print, count, total, change
or write a file
SORT file on any item
Convert TURBOFILE to MAXIFILE (on disc)
Requires BBC 32K (OS 1 .0 or later). Optional disc/
printer. Supplied on cassette - loads to any format
disc.
Can be supplied on 40 track disc (please add £3)
Overseas orders please add £2.50 to cover postage.
Cheques or P.O. to Diamondsoft Ltd., FREEPOST,
Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire SK8 5YB. Tel: 061-485 8705 (24 hrs).
V.
THE ULTIMATE ROM/RAM
EXPANSION SYSTEM FOR THE
BBC MICRO
SIR ROM
EXPANSION BOARD
MODEL TWO
★ 12 extra ROM sockets complement those already provided by the micro to allow up to 256K
ROM space
★Four of these sockets can support either ROM or Static RAM (up to 16K maximum RAM).
★The Model 2 board allows switching between multiples of 2K. 4K. 8K or 16K ROM/RAM.
★Fully compatible with all ROMs, including LDOS, Aries B20. and TORCH Z80 2nd processor card
★NO soldering, plug-in design.
'★Fits easily inside BBC case
★Plugs into CPU socket via short flexible connector
★Improved plug design allows the Model 2 board to connect securely to any type of BBC
CPU socket with no harm to micro or board
★Board is held in place by sturdy supports
★Full instructions provided
★Additional features include the ability to transfer paged firmware
to disc, and then load back into sideways RAM for future use-
giving you no limit to the number of effective ROMs accessible!
SIR BBC MICRO ROM/RAM EXPANSION BOARD (Model 2):
PRICE £49.95
All our prices are inclusive of VAT unless specified otherwise
Postage & Packaging:
Please add £1 for small items (ROM/RAM boards, software, etc).
£2.50 for medium items (disc drives. BBC computers).
£10 for heavy items (printers, monitors, etc)
(Postal rates apply within UK only Please telephone for export rates).
Access/Barclaycard Telephone orders welcome
SIR COMPUTERS Ltd., 91 WHITCHURCH ROAD. CARDIFF CF4 3JP
Telephone: CARDIFF (0222) 621813
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
STAND 104
SIR BUSINESS & COMMUNICATIONS
We announce our appointment as TORCH UNICORN Dealers, at a time
when Acorn & TORCH are joining forces . . .
THE TORCH UNICORN RANGE:
CP/M compatible extensions to the BBC Microcomputer System:
ZEP 100: Z80 2nd processor card; 64K RAM; FREE SOFTWARE (see
below) £299 + VAT.
ZDP 240: Z80 Disc Pack comprising ZEP 100; 2 x 400K floppy disc
drive; FREE SOFTWARE (see below) £799 including VAT.
HDP 240: As ZDP 240 but with one 400K drive replaced by a 20MB Win-
chester Hard Disc unit . around £1,995 + VAT.
HDP 68K: As HDP 240 but with twin (Z80B and 68000) ‘ second" pro-
cessors; provides an extra 256K RAM! . . around £2,495 + VAT.
THE UNICORN: Top of the range. The TORCH UNICORN comprises
HDP 68 K plus FULL UNIX III operating system . . around £2,895 + VAT.
TORCH C500: Complete self-contained unit comprising BBC Micro
system. ZDP, hi-res colour monitor & British Telecom-approved com-
munication card. Price available on application.
FREE SOFTWARE: BBC BASIC (Z80) [allowing almost 48K User
Memory!); Perfect’ Writer (word processor); Perfect’ Calc (spread-
sheet); Perfect’ Filer (database filing system); Complete software
package normally worth about £1 .000!!
BBC MICROCOMPUTER
BBC Model A £299.00
BBC Model B £399.00
BBC Model BD £469.00
DISC DRIVES
Single 100K NOW £149.00
Dual 100K NOW £279.00
Dual 400 K NOW £399.00
Single 40/80 Track
Double-sided Switchable £259.00
PRINTERS
Dot Matrix:
Shinwa CP-80 £219.00
Epson RX-80 F/T £275.00
Epson FX-80 £389.00
Daisywheel:
Daisystep 2000 £299.00
Juki 6100 £389.00
MONITORS
Sanyo B/G £85.00
Microvitec RGB £219.00
SOFTWARE
We have a range of BBC and
Electron titles currently in stock
including ROM based programs
such as VIEW (£59.80), Computer
Concepts’ GRAPHICS ROM
(£32.20), WORDWISE (£39.95)
and DISC DOCTOR (£29.95).
Please telephone for full details
of software range and current
stock.
ACORN BBC SECOND PRO-
CESSORS
6502 2nd Processor £199
Z80 2nd Processor £299
138
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
| BOOK REVIEWS
BBC HARDWARE FACTS
UNDER ONE COVER
‘A Hardware Guide for the BBC Micro-
computer’, Wise-Owl Publications, Hull
Innovation Centre, Guildhall Road, Hull,
HU1 1 HJ, £1 1 .95 (inc VAT) plus £1 .50 p&p
This book has 253 A4 size pages, which
sounds a lot, but you should be aware
that 136 pages are simply re-prints of
manufacturers’ 1C data sheets. The
remaining 117 pages are reproduced
from a computer printout done on a
daisywheel printer, but using a fairly
large text format. This means that there
are about 400-500 words per page. The
following summary gives an idea of the
contents of each chapter, plus some
indication of its length.
Chapter 1 (five pages) is a general
introduction giving an overview of the
BBC microcomputer system as a
whole. The aim of the book, it says, is to
give ‘a detailed understanding of the
internal workings of the BBC micro’.
Chapter 2 (six pages) is entitled ‘Atti-
tudes to work and disciplines required’.
It conveys some general ideas of the
technical skills needed if you want to
start playing with the hardware: how to
handle ICs that might be damaged by
static, and information on how to
solder, de-solder and de-flux PCBs.
Chapter 3 (23 pages), which contains
a ‘complete description of the
circuitry’, is where the real meat of the
book begins. This number of pages
may seem ample space to describe
the circuit, but it is an extremely com-
plex machine, and in places the des-
cription is a little superficial. Also, the
last six pages of the chapter deal with
the use and applications of the 1MHz
bus.
Chapter 4 (21 pages) is a very full
survey of the link selections. The first
four pages explain how to remove the
main PCB and re-assemble it and give
a warning about breaking warranty by
doing soldering on the board. I was
interested to see that the authors have
been unable to find out what link S7
really does. While writing the new
service manual I spent some time
asking engineers at Acorn what it was
for, and no-one there knew either.
(Anyone got any ideas?)
There is one notable omission, pre-
sumably accidental. When talking
about link S23 the reader is referred to
the data sheet for the 88LS120 (RS423
driver 1C), which it says is included in
the book - unfortunately it’s not there.
Chapter 5 contains 34 pages of
detailed information about how to up-
grade the machine from A to B, how to
add the disc, Econet and speech inter-
faces, and some indication about
adding second processors.
An interlude between chapters 5 and
6 consists of four full-page photographs
of the computer indicating the positions
of various ICs, fixing screws and so on.
Chapter 6, ‘Hints, tips and modifica-
tions’ (13 pages) contains many ideas
which, on the authors' own admission,
have been published elsewhere.
Nevertheless, it makes a useful compi-
lation.. The chapter contains a section
about the analogue port which has a
number of mistakes. The pin number-
ing of the plug is incorrect in two of the
diagrams, and it gives a method of sup-
posed over-voltage protection which,
in certain circumstances, would not
only fail to protect the chip but would
blow the protecting devices- LEDs.
This is because they have forgotten to
put current limiting resistors in series
with each input- 1000 ohms would do.
There are one or two other omis-
sions, apart from the lack of the
88LS120 data sheet. The first is that,
except for the cassette interface, no cir-
cuit diagram is provided. This reduces
the value of the circuit description.
Acorn would not give permission for
Wise-Owl Publications to reproduce
the diagram (despite the fact that it had
already been released to the general
public in the Advanced User Guide).
The other omission is that although the
preface refers to ‘system fault-finding’,
there seems to be no more than a pass-
ing reference to this in the text.
There’s quite a lot of useful infor-
mation in this book, and generally
speaking it is of a good technical stan-
dard. It is also helpful to have all the
datasheets in the one document, but
the real question is whether or not it is
worth the money (£13.45 inc p&p).
Owners of the Advanced User Guide
may feel it is not since they already
have a link selection survey and a
limited description of the hardware. In
general though this is a useful text, if a
little over-priced. Paul Beverley
• Wise-Owl has accepted the criti-
cisms in this review and agreed to
correct the various errors which were
pointed outtothem. PB
LITTLE DEPTH
FOR TEACHERS
‘BBC Micro in Education’, Eric Deeson,
Shiva Publishing, £6.50
AS THE BBC is the most important com-
puter in schools, there is a need for a
book written specifically for teachers
detailing some of the possible class-
room applications. Mr Deeson’s book
is not it.
The first chapter asks the inevitable
question ‘What is a computer?’ and in a
couple of pages swiftly disposes of
bytes, CPUs, ROMs, and RAMs-all
never to be mentioned again, so why
bother in the first place? It also features
a feeble drawing of a BBC, monitor and
tape recorder sitting on a desk-top -in
case you didn’t know what such things
looked like.
Next we get a Basic programming
tutorial from first principles and I mean
first principles -for example, ‘Press
RETURN after each line’. Very laud-
able, but a bit out of place in this book.
Then comes a section on applications -
Prestel, wordprocessing and the like,
which again is disposed of very quickly.
And so the book continues, jumping
from one subject to another and not
really covering anything in sufficient
depth. The best chapter is the one on
graphics, nicely combining program
listings with typical applications of
computer graphics - CAD, plotters, etc.
The worst is on flowcharts and 'top-
down programming’.
Throughout the book, Mr Deeson
adopts a rather juvenile style: do
139
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
HIGH QUALITY COMPUTER DESKS
AT HIGHLY COMPETITIVE PRICES.
THE ORGANISER DESK.
• Top shelf for monitor/printer.
• Large desk top area.
• Lower shelf for paper/book storage.
• Teak finish • On castors.
•Self assembly
• Ample room in front of the
shelf for you to sit comfortably
• Assembled Dimensions:
H.3T'W40M"D.26"
Only £ 59 . 95 .
THE APOLLO RANGE OF BUSINESS DESKS.
• 10 models available to suit leading computer
systems. • Immediate delivery
• Sturdy steel underframes.
• Scratch resistant surfaces.
• Lockable castors. • Prices from £ 100 .
All are on display in our showroom and are available from us or dealers throughout
the U.K. All prices include VAT and delivery
For further details contact us at:
158 Camberwell Road, London SE5 OEE. Telephone: 01-701 8668.
( )pus Supplies Ltd
[S#t our programs on MICRONET 8M
140
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BOOK REVIEWS
people actually call the BBC a
‘Beebox’, and do we really need car-
toon drawings of ‘bugs’ in a book aimed
at teachers? In his previous book, Easy
Programming for the BBC Micro , this
device worked well, but here it gets a
bit tiresome. In fact, that was a much
better book for the newcomer to the
BBC, and indeed several chunks from it
have found their way into this new
book.
The book aims to do too much: teach
the novice Basic programming, cover
the many applications of computers,
and act as a resource book for
teachers. In 170 pages it cannot hope to
succeed. Where it would be useful is as
a guide to writing educational pro-
grams - a very specialised field.
The book contains some useful pro-
grams and routines for error-trapping,
‘user-friendliness’ and easy-to-read
instructions, and as such would be
invaluable to a teacher who already
knows BBC Basic and wants to write
his or her own educational software.
Memo to Shiva Publishing: why not
call the book Educational Program-
ming for the BBC Micro and lose a few
of the cartoons? Geoff Nairn
BASIC ASSEMBLER
‘Assembly Language Programming on
the Electron’ by John Ferguson & Tony
Shaw, Addison-Wesley Publishing, 197
pages, £7.95
JOHN FERGUSON and Tony Shaw need
no introduction to Acorn User readers
and this latest book is written in their
usual thorough but easy-going style.
Basically a rewrite of their book for the
Beeb, it is aimed squarely at the new-
comer to machine-code.
The first two chapters explain how
the computer works at machine-level,
and the next three introduce the
assembler at its simplest level, fol-
lowed by a summary. Chapters 6-10 go
on to more complex functions, again
followed by a summary. Chapter 11
brings the whole thing together,
chapter 12 deals with interrupt hand-
ling, and chapter 13 rounds off by show-
ing the stages in developing a complete
program -a text editor, in this case.
The book ends with set of useful appen-
dices and an index. Throughout there
are example programs, diagrams and
cartoons.
The book contains one or two small
mistakes, but nothing worth worrying
about. Two things I would like to have
seen are a note about ‘modulus’
effects, when indexing with the X and Y
registers, and a note about the ‘bug’
common to all 6502 processors, which
can cause indirect jumps to be incor-
rectly handled. These are, however,
minor criticisms and I commend this
book to anyone (not just Electron users)
who wants an easy introduction to
machine code. Barry Pickles
DATABASE GEM
‘Databases in the Classroom’, Derrick
Daines, Castle House Publications, £6.95
A WHOLE book for databases in the
classroom? That might be the first reac-
tion of most teachers to this book’s title,
if not indeed ‘What's a database?’ So
some words of explanation are called
for: Logo, simulation programs and
other educational software are all very
well in the classroom, but it is not how
children will use computers when they
grow up. Boring it may be, but most
computers process data -vast quanti-
ties of it- held in things called data-
bases. So it’s important that to-
morrow’s generation should know
something about how databases work.
The scene is set in the first chapter
for today’s information society and how
it has arisen. As illustration, the story is
told of how IBM, the world’s largest
computer company, grew out of a com-
petition held by the US Government
when it could no longer cope with the
sheer quantity of census data. This
deluge of data doesn’t trouble just
governments; anyone who has got lost
inside the Prestel database will recog-
nise the problem. Today it is no longer
a question of what you know but rather
knowing how to find out. This skill is
something we should all acquire and
the process should begin at school.
This is Derick Daines’ argument and
the basis for his book.
Subsequent chapters cover the tech-
nology of databases and data manage-
ment: storage media, serial and
random access, bubble sorts and the
like. To the novice the jargon can be
daunting, but here the author intro-
duces buzzwords only when needed.
Being aimed at teachers, the book
contains several practical exercises to
work through with schoolchildren,
using both manual and computer
methods. A simple manual system is
described which uses punched cards
and knitting needles to store and
retrieve information on pupils- height,
age, number of sisters and brothers,
etc. As an example of a computerised
system, the database programs in the
Microprimer software pack and their
possible applications are described.
As this software is available free to pri-
mary schools, it makes sense to base
the examples on this rather than on an
expensive machine-specific commer-
cial program.
As if writing a book wasn’t enough,
Mr Daines has also written his own
database program for the BBC micro
and a listing of this appears on the back
pages. Written in Basic, it is neverthe-
less quite sophisticated, allowing up to
1000 records and using both serial and
random access methods. Typing in
long, dense listings is not everyone’s
idea of fun, so the program is broken
down into separate sections, with
accompanying text explaining exactly
how each section works. This means it
can easily be altered to suit your own
needs. At £6.95 the book is worth buy-
ing for the database program alone!
Overall, an excellent book which
covers a subject not normally dealt with
in most schools. If you are a teacher
using a BBC micro and you want to give
your kids a taste of how computers are
used in the real world, this is the book
for you. Geoff Nairn
141
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOLID STATE DESK TOP
SWITCHING DEVICES
THE PRINTERSHARERS
■P> IBP-i HPn
PARALLEL I
26 PIN (AS BBC) 3 MICROS TO I PRINTER
26 PIN (AS BBC) 6 MICROS TO 1 PRINTER
36 PIN (AMPHENOL) 2 MICROS TO 1 PRINTER
36 PIN (AMPHENOL) 3 MICROS TO I PRINTER
£65-
£129
£85-
£105
SAVES TIME & MONEY
* Saves time
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* Connect in multiples
* No limit to sharers
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SOUD STATE SWITCHING
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* Simple installation
THE PRINTERCHANGERS
PARALLEL
26 PIN (AS BBC) I MICRO TO 3 PRINTERS
36 PIN (AMPHENOL) I MICRO TO 2 PRINTERS
36 PIN (AMPHENOL) I MICRO TO 3 PRINTERS
KEYZONE SOUD STATE "PRINTERSHARERS" AND
PRINTERCHANGERS" ARE THE ONLY SWITCHING
DEVICESTO INCORPORATE THE 26 PIN BBC PRfNTER
PORT CONNECTIONS.
OPTIONAL
MPI - DC mains power pack for sharer/changer £6.50
LEADS - PARALLEL
26-26 PIN 2 MTS £9- Each pack of 3 £25-
26-36 PIN I MT £ 1 0- Each Anycab , e c
26- 36 PIN 1.5 MT £12.50 .
26-36 PIN 2 MT £15- be made to oi
SERIAL - RS232
3 way 25 pin Printersharer/Changer
LEADS -SERIAL
25 pin D type plug on each end - 2MT
25 pin D type plug on each end - 5MT
EX VAT
£75-
EACH PACK OF 3
£12- £34-
£14- £39.50
KEYZONE LTD
U 1 4, Regeneration House. School Road, Park Royal, London
NW106TD. Telephone 01-965 1684/1804 Telex 8813271
All products carry a full 1 2 months guarantee
All prices are exclusive of postage & VAT
P&P Switches £ 1 .50 each. MP! & Leads £0.50
All Keyzone products are designed and manufacturered In
the UK and are supplied fuly tested to the highest standards.
Cofr gr iLe
A program designed for serious users
to enable them to maintain backup
copies of most of their disc based
software. Specify 40 or 80 track
versions. Cheques or LEA order to
Ephagy Software Products
BBC Disc version
ONLY £10.95 incp&p
IMPORTANT — For all software producers.
Are you concered about software privacy?
If so, why not make use of our
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h pfTo. q u
For further details contact
Ephagy Software Products
Rear of 125, Corporation Road,
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DN31 1UR
MIDI
ADVICE & DEMONSTRATION CENTRES
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7
T & Or,
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BBC B MIDI
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The exciting new Electro-
music BBC B Midi Inter-
face is now available direct
from City Music at just
£159 Simply connects to
the User Port and 1 MHz
BUS and then via a 5 pm
DIN lead to any MIDI
equipped keyboard Com-
plete with "SOFTMUSIC”
program on Cassette or
Disc for step time compo-
sition of around 7000 notes
on up to six tracks enabling
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ments, drum machines and
sequencers. Phone 01 -863
1841 for full details
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibifion
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
CityMffl
Music
DISCOVER THE REAL
MUSICAL CAPABILITIES
OF YOUR BEEB WITH THE
MIDI INTERFACE
The adoption by several of the world's leading
manufacturers of electronic musical instruments of
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) enables
Keyboards. Drum Machines. Sequencers etc to
communicate with each other and now, via the
MIDI interface with the BBC B micro.
For 25 years, we have specialised in electronic key-
board instruments and are leading main agents for
YAMAHA, ROLAND. SCI, KORG etc. The MIDI
facility enables musicians to easily compose com-
plex and exciting music using the micro’s memory
and programming facilities to simultaneously con-
trol a whole range of instruments Our MIDI Advice
and Demonstration Centres have a complete range
of MIDI instruments on display and demonstration
and will welcome you and assist you to explore this
exciting field.
INKDRTH HARROW: Pinner Rd 01-063 10^1
TOFRQUAY: 65 Market St 0003 25<4SS
TRURO; 16 Ryder St 0072 71350
142
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
‘Slick!’, BP Educational Service (01-920
8985), BBC A or B, tape £18 (education
price £11.95).
WHEN it comes to their public image,
no-one is more sensitive, or tries
harder, than the multi-national oil com-
panies. Tigers, free tumblers and spon-
sored art exhibitions have all been
used to clean up the image of what is
inherently a dirty product. BP bring the
idea bang up to date with Slick!, a 'con-
servation game' for the BBC micro, in
which the object is to minimise the
effects of an oil slick at sea.
You are Mr McTaggart, the local pol-
lution officer for a small Scottish fishing
village, with £5,000 to spend on anti-
pollution methods. On the screen is a
map of the harbour and the surround-
ing area, with the oil slick shown as an
ominous black blob moving inexorably
towards the shore. Also shown are the
shellfish beds, fisheries and beaches -
which, above ah, oil should not reach.
The game has two parts: first you
decide which anti-pollution method to
spend your money on - absorption,
sinking, dispersant or shore-cleaning;
then the action proper starts. After the
oil spill has been announced, the cur-
rent position of the slick is shown as a
map reference, eg, (590,370). You then
have to calculate its next position from
the speed and direction of the prevail-
ing wind. For example, a ‘fresh breeze
from the east’ will blow the slick three
squares to the west. If you guess right,
and within the time limit, you can load
up a tug with your chosen anti-pollution
material and head off for the slick,
SOFTWARE REVIEWS
moving the tug with the arrow keys.
The above process has to be done
in several stages, but once you’ve
reached the slick, you can start unload-
ing the material and so reduce the size
of the slick. In addition, you can position
static booms across sensitive spots
such as the harbour; unfortunately you
can’t see them on the screen -they
appear just as map co-ordinates.
And so the game continues until, in-
evitably, oil reaches the shore. You are
then scored on how successfully you
dealt with the slick: from a base score
of 50, points are added for correctly
predicting the slick’s path and protect-
ing the harbour, but are deducted
according to how much reaches the
shore.
Here one must question BP’s objec-
tivity: for example, letting the oil come
ashore loses points because, as the
guide lets slip, oiled beaches get
reported in the press. Similarly, shell-
fish contaminated with dispersant
chemicals don’t improve BP’s image.
The final section in the user guide,
entitled 'Point of Exercise’, is perhaps
the most telling: 'Nobody wants oil pol-
lution. But we all need oil ... Accidents
will happen’. Oh yes?
Incidentally, with all the current talk
of software pirates bankrupting the
industry and the devious devices
adopted to prevent it, the attitude of BP
in this respect must seem puzzling, if
not embarrassing. Not only are you
encouraged to make back-up copies,
but there is even an option in the main
menu of Slick! that automatically trans-
fers the program to disc for you!
As a piece of educational software
Slick! teaches a variety of skills, from
decision-making to map-reading and
grid references. The danger is in think-
ing that a poor score means that you
’lost’ -it just means that you didn’t
choose the method that BP wanted you
to choose. Perhaps the Friends of the
Earth should bring out an alternative
version of Slick! Geoff Nairn
SCHOOL TESTER
The Examiner’, Acornsoft, Model B, tape
£9.95
ACORNSOFT is not the most imagin-
ative of software houses, and this
especially shows in their range of edu-
cational software: elementary maths
programs, simple science experi-
ments, and now multiple-choice tests.
The Examiner lets a teacher design a
multiple-choice examination ‘paper’, in
which the computer displays the ques-
tions, stores each pupil’s answers and
produces a table of scores for the
whole class.
On first running the program you
enter the date and are then presented
with a menu of commands. Only the
teacher should see this, for one option
displays the answers along with the
questions. Others let you load or save a
set of questions on tape, enter new
questions or run the examination.
If it’s a new examination you select
the 'enter questions’ option and supply
a title for your question paper. Up to 40
questions can be set, each with up to
four possible answers, only one of
which can be correct.
Assuming you have some questions
in memory -a sample data file of
general knowledge questions comes
on the tape -the examination can be
run. Just before this the teacher
chooses how many questions to use,
whether to have time-limits and
whether to use sound effects. The only
purpose the latter serve, being remi-
niscent of a motorboat engine, is to get
the hapless candidate flustered.
The computer is now turned over to
the children and from this point it does
a passable imitation of Fort Knox: no
amount of mischievous key-pressing
will retrieve the menu and the all-im-
portant answers. Pressing BREAK or
The Examiner
for the B8C Microcomputer
ESC has no disastrous effect -it’s just
interpreted as a wrong answer, though
CTRL-BREAK will inevitably lose the
data.
As each pupil finishes the paper his
or her score is stored in memory and
when the whole class has finished the
teacher can, by the use of a password,
see the scores for the whole class. Up
to 40 pupils can be examined this way;
if the class is larger the paper can still
be set, but the scores have to be written
down as each pupil finishes.
Overall, the program works well; a
lot of thought has gone into making it
easy to use, while at the same time
making it tamper-proof. The question
must be asked, however, as to whether
using a computer to set multiple-choice
tests is a suitable use of a scarce re-
source. Geoff Nairn
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
And to the bugs and
the spaghetti!
With Step by Step
BASIC you learn to
write well-
structured
programs from day
1 . Programs that
work and that you
can see will work.
Colour, sound,
graphics, hies,
sorting all included.
Step by Step
BASIC
BBC Micro/E«*ctron edition ■ Richard Freeman
BBC/Electron edition (203 pp) £5.95
BBC/Electron program tape £5.50
ZX Spectrum edition (177 pp) £5.95
ZX Spectrum program tape £5 . 50
LIFELONG LEARNING LTD
Dept AU, 55 MILTON ROAD
CAMBRIDGE CB4 1XA
INTERFACE
SYSTEMS
CLONE
You cant afford to be without CLONE. Sooner or
later your favourite cassette program will refuse to
load due to tape corruption. Act now and create
security backup copies with CLONE. CLONE runs
on all current BBC cassette systems (os 0.1, 1.0, 1.2)
and works with most-all programs, including those
with 300 baud sections. CLONE will even backup
programs recorded as binary data.
CLONE is probably the most powerful tape— tape
backup program available for the BBC-B and is sold
STRICTLY ON CONDITION THAT IT IS NOT
USED FOR TAPE PIRACY!
Cheques or P.O. to Interface Systems Ltd.
554 - 556 Prescot Road, Old Swan
Liverpool L13
Price: - £3.00 + 50p p&p.
0 COMPUTER SYSTEMS E
HACKERS!
HERE, NOW, AN ADVANCED MODEM
ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR YOU AND
THE BBC MICROCOMPUTER.
ONLY THE LOCO SYSTEMS SCM-100
OFFERS ALL THESE ADVANCED
FEATURES:
• MULTI STANDARD- V21, V23; BELL 103,202 -gives access to Bulletin boards
home and abroad and Prestel
• FULL SOFTWARE CONTROL of all modes plus: orig/ans; line seize; carrier
detect etc., using BBC micro user port
• AUTO ANSWER - software monitoring facilities give automatic mode selection
on answer
• OPERATING SOFTWARE in ROM gives 12 new O.S. commands for easy control
• COMPATIBLE WITH standard comms software including TERMI etc.
• EXPANSION PORT in modem allows for future developments. These include
telephone answering capability using BBC speech synthesiser and tone/pulse
dialler
• POWERED FROM BBC MICRO - splitter available for use with discs if required
• B.T. APPROVED ISOLATION COMPONENTS - BABT approval applied for
• INCLUDES ALL CONNECTING LEADS
THERE IS ONLY ONE CHOICE
\m\
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
LOCO SYSTEMS, PO BOX 9 , TWICKENHAM, MIDDX.
Please send me SCM-100 software controlled modems (a
£149.95 each Disc power adaptor (a £5.95 each
I enclose a cheque/PO order for £
payable to Loco Systems
Please send me further details (enclose S. A. E) .
made
Name-
Address.
please allow 28 days for delivery
144
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOFTWARE REVIEW
MAILBOX MODIFICATIONS COME IN
ANSWER TO A JOURNALIST S PRAYER
IF I WAS still saying my prayers at the
foot of my bed it would be only fair to put
in the occasional good word for a pro-
grammer down in Sussex called Alan
Wilmshurst . . . after all, he came up
with the answer to my prayers.
You may recall that last August I was
describing how Prestel’s mailbox
might be the answer for those publi-
cations needing some system for
receiving copy from its journalists but
for whom the expense of a mainframe
computer couldn’t be justified. I was
already filing copy on my Beeb to the
medical magazine Doctor which puts
out its own Prestel magazine. The only
problem was that I was having to com-
pose each mailbox frame on-line.
Those familiar with mailbox will know
that this is both time-consuming, ties up
the telephone (and so is expensive),
and trying to edit mistakes on-line is far
from easy.
Since then I have seen a number of
methods for composing mailbox
frames off-line. The way many BBC
users on Micronet are familiar with is
the Micronet ROM which both does
away with the need to load the terminal
software and enables frames to be
prepared. However I am far from
impressed, either by the ROM or its
mailbox editing facilities. The answer
for my money is a combination of pro-
grams devised by Alan Wilmshurst.
Both of his programs enable up to 20
mailbox frames to be prepared off-line
and held in the computer’s memory or
saved on tape or disc. Pages can be
just normal white type on black back-
grounds or coloured type with
graphics.
The software, called Auto-Message ,
is adapted from Micronet’s version 4.0,
to enable frames to be downloaded one
at a time, plus one or two other neat
refinements which make me prefer
loading his enhanced software to the
instant ROM. But more of the terminal
software shortly. First, let’s look at the
message composer and its features.
When first loaded the program
begins by asking whether you will be
working with old pages (frames stored
either on disc or tape or already in the
computer’s memory). Pressing ‘N’ im-
mediately clears the computer’s
Bill Penfold revels in a
unique combination of
programs for serious
mailbox users
‘Auto-Message’ Micronet enhance-
ment by Alan Wilmshurst, Summerhill,
Coopers Lane, Crowborough, E Sussex
(tel: 0892 662956), tape £6.99
memory. Next, you are asked how many
indents you want at the beginning of the
first line of the frame. Normally I put in
two and for those using the mailbox re-
sponse frame on Prestel page 77 that is
probably the most useful. After that you
are presented with a menu of five choices.
The first is to prepare a frame (I’ll
describe how that works rn a moment).
The second choice is to load pre-
viously-saved frames. If you type *Y’ for
yes at the initial screen you are given
an option to search for a file name.
Once you have completed the frames to
send, the third option allows you to
‘save’ the program. It starts by asking
you how many frames you will be
saving, and after that the file name.
The fourth option is a useful copy
facility. For example, suppose you want
to send out the same message to a
dozen friends with only a slight differ-
ence to each, such as their names, . . .
Dear Tony . . .’ ‘Dear Diana . . .’ etc.
You simply prepare your master frame,
say for instance on page 20, then copy it
onto pages 1, 2, 3 etc, just adding the
alterations to each.
The fifth option simply allows you to
leave the program, after which you
would probably 'load’ the enhanced
Micronet software.
But let's go back to the first option.
You press one and return and on the
screen appears the page on which you
will compose your Mailbox message.
But first you have to input which frame
page you want. The obvious response
is to start at frame one and work your
way through. However, this enables
you to return to a previously completed
frame to check or change it.
Next comes another useful feature of
the program. The cursor first shoots to
the bottom of the page to allow you to
put in the mailbox number. You don’t
have to use this but it can be handy. For
instance, if you are sending a long
message to the same person, say six or
seven frames, you need only type in the
mailbox number on the first frame and
then before typing in your message use
the copy facility on option four, to insert
l
Flashback to the August '83 issue
the number to the next half-dozen
frames. Alternatively you can tempor-
arily leave the program through option
five and set the function keys with the
mailbox number to insert in each re-
sponse frame in the composition.
Now you are ready to start typing in
your message, and this is where any-
one who has tried typing a message
while on-line to a mailbox response
frame will find the editing facilities a
joy. You can delete letters, insert
spaces, delete lines above the cursor,
insert blank lines and generally use a
simple word processor. The delete key
works as normal, but the copy key
deletes the line above the cursor, and
does not close up the text.
I first began using this version of
Alan Wilmshurst’s program about the
beginning of the year and I thought he
had gone about as far as he could go:
but no, a mailbox message arrived with
colour and graphics. The only disad-
vantage to this is that the response
frame is limited to just 12 lines. This can
be changed, but only to 13 lines, and
you then lose the colour and graphics.
Once you have composed your mail-
box messages you don't necessarily
have to save the frames if you are
straightaway going to load the Micro-
net terminal software. However, I in-
variably do ... just in case.
Now for the terminal software. To
enhance the program to send the pre-
prepared messages Alan Wilmshurst
provides three separate sub-programs
which alter Micronet’s 4.0 version. This
page 153 ►
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Designed by Kevin Toms
This outstanding game of skill and strategy is now
widely available and you can join the many
thousands of satisfied customers who have
purchased the game. This is no five minute wonder
- you will be playing this game for hours over
many weeks (we know - our customers tell us!).
Some of the features of the game: -
• Matches in 3D graphics • Transfer market
• Promotion and relegation • F.A. Cup matches
• Injury problems • Full league tables • Four
Divisions • Pick your own team for each match
• As many seasons as you like • Managerial
rating • 7 skill levels • Save game facility
Comments about the game from press and our customers.
“FOOTBALL MANAGER is the best game I have yet
seen on the Spectrum and my personal favourite of all
the games on any micro ... To the ordinary person it is
an excellent view of what can be done in the field of
computer games . . . The crowning glory of this game
is the short set pieces of match highlights which show
little stick men running around a pitch, shooting,
defending and scoring ... It is a compulsive game but
people who cannot take game sessions of 9 hours or
so, which happened on one happy Sunday, will be
grateful to know that there is a ‘save to tape’ option.
FOOTBALL MANAGER has everything it could . The
originator, Addictive Games, certainly deserve the
name.” Rating 19/20 (Practical Computing - August 1983)
To order by mail
(p&p free) send cheques
or postal orders to
Action from the Spectrum version
Prices: BBC Model B £7.95
Commodore 64 £7.95
Spectrum 48K £6.95
ZX81 16K £5.95
(N B 3D GRAPHICS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ZX81
Overseas orders add £ 1 50
Addictive Games
7A RICHMOND HILL.
BOURNEMOUTH BH2 6HE
Dealers! For urgent stocks send your headed
nolepaper direct to our address
Available from computer software stockists nationwide, including 1
I i • ■ l 1 • Case to hold one drive
• Ribbon cable to connect one drive to BBC Micro
> Power cable to power one drive from BBC Micro
• Switch on rear of case to select 40 or 80 TPI operation when
using FD55E or FD55F.
___
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. Single Sided
if SsS&sS**
FD5 5E ™ 80 Tracks
200K N/A
100K 200K
DELIVERY Up to 28 days
WARRANTY 90 days
TERMS : Strictly cheque with order
Send to P 0 Box 1 1 . Stroud Glos UK GL5 1 JN
or phone through your
Access or Barclay Card number
TO ORDER: ADD CARRIAGE/PACKING/INSURANCE AT £10 (COVERS
NEXT DAY SECURIC0R DELIVERY). THEN VAT. AT 1 5% TO TOTAL.
THE ABOVE PRICES ARE VALID UNTIL END OF APRIL 1 984
DIGITAL PERIPHERALS LTD.
BBC COMPATIBLE
FLOPPY DISC SYSTEMS
AND DRIVES
CASE to hold two drives (complete with
blanking panel for use should only one drive
be installed).
• Ribbon cable to connect two drives to
B B C. Micro.
• Integral power supply for two drives.
• Switch on rear of case to select 40 or 80 TPI
operation when using FD55E or FD55F.
THIS CASE CONTAINS ALL HARDWARE NECESSARY FOR TWO DRIVES.
JUST SELECT ONE OR TWO DRIVES FROM THOSE SHOWN BELOW
IF YOU SELECT JUST ONE NOW, THE SECOND CAN JUST PLUG IN LATER.
CASES ONLY SOLD WITH DRIVES.
PRINTER AND
PLOTTER — MCP 40
• 4 colours
• Selectable 40 or 80 characters per line
• Easy to use— simple software commands
• Standard Centronics interface— cables available
for most micros
Uses 4 W' plain paper
• high resolution— over 100 steps/inch
Rodney House. Church Street. Stroud. Glos U K GL5 UN
Tel (04536)71387 Telex 43551
Gristic.
Company
146
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I
SOFTWARE
147
PICTURES
3^ PAGE
Dee Vince reviews three packages
claiming to turn micros into
electronic canvas and digital oils
Sketch Pad, Goldstar, Electron and BBC,
£9.95. Paintbox, Beebugsoft, BBC (joy-
stick only), £10 (disc £12, 3in disc £15).
Picture Maker, Acornsoft, BBC, £9.95
(disc £11.50)
IT IS especially interesting to carry out
a comparative review when the pack-
ages concerned all claim to do exactly
the same job, in this case drawing pic-
tures. Judging such software is difficult
as there are many different criteria, so
I shall try to cover all the various
aspects of these programs. Let’s start
with the loading procedures. Sketch
Pad has to win here for its novel title
page. Part of the screen is drawn with a
laser’ light similar to the opening titles
of ITV’s World of Sport. It’s a simple
idea, but effective. Now, onto the pro-
grams.
All these packages present a blank
drawing screen with a horizontal option
menu. In the case of Paintbox and Pic-
ture Maker\h\s is at the top, with Sketch
Pad at the bottom. Sketch Pad's menu
displays eight colours and an assort-
ment of drawing options, all on the one
menu. Paintbox also has a pallette of
eight colours, but with a secondary
menu to cover its range of drawing
options. Picture Maker gives the ability
of using 15 colours, though when draw-
ing only the colours of modes 4 and 5
are available. That might sound contra-
dictory, but I’ll explain it later. Let’s
look at Picture Maker first as it is the
most difficult of the packages, though
the most comprehensive.
Picture Maker works on two levels: a
catalogue level’ and 'picture level’.
When first entering the drawing pro-
gram the user is taken into catalogue
level. This is a blank screen showing
the number of bytes left in memory and
the names of any units (picture files)
the full range of colours is shown.
This is somewhat unfriendly and per-
haps another method, such as naming
or specifying the number of a colour,
would have led to less confusion. But to
be fair, Picture Maker is a superb pack-
age and is easily the best of the three
reviewed. It is also the most difficult,
but worth the extra effort. Picture
Maker allows the user to merge differ-
ent pictures together, each picture
being a unit, thus the reason for the
catalogue level displaying the different
units in memory. Another extensive
feature is the text mode. Besides
normal size text, a number of special
effects are possible. The text size can
be changed by a ‘transform’ option that
allows the text to be expanded and
rotated. The shape of the text can be
changed by altering the scale of the let-
ters in two directions and text can be
spaced in any direction. All these trans-
formations allow a variety of effects to
be created including special effects
such as mirror images and italic type-
faces.
The transformations mentioned can
also be used while drawing
and allow powerful
manipulation
of a picture
unit.
which are currently in memory. From
this level operating system commands
can be used (as well as all disc system
commands), and the commands which
manage the program’s system for
naming units, saving and loading,
changing screen modes and displaying
the current picture.
The picture level is where the draw-
ing takes place, starting off with a blank
screen and a menu at the top which
says which drawing option is being
used: line, text, triangle, etc. In
common with the other packages the
colours are displayed in a strip, but
here Picture Maker does differ. As
mentioned earlier, 15 colours are avail-
able, but not when drawing. What
happens is that the extra seven are
repeated in the colours of the present
screen mode along the strip of pallette
colours. Confusing? Well, it is! How-
ever, it does actually work as the draw-
ing recorded on file contains the
colours the user specifies,
not those available when
drawing; so whenthe
picture is
redrawn
Example
from
Picture
Maker
A maxim which eloquently describes the Brother
HR-5.
Less than a foot across, it’s nonetheless loaded with
features.
The little printer thafs low on decibels.
There’s one thing the HR-5 won’t give you.
Earache.
For the annoying ‘clickety clack’ many printers
produce is mercifully absent from the HR- 5.
Quietly efficient, it delivers high definition
dot matrix text over 80 columns at 30 characters per
second (maximum).
Text or gra phics with ease.
The HR-5 also has something of an artistic bent
Being capable of producing uni-directional
graphics and chart images together with bi-directional
text What’s more it will hone down characters into
a condensed face, or extend them for added emphasis.
At home with home computers.
Incorporating either a Centronics parallel or
RS-232C interface, the HR-5 is compatible with BBC
Spectrum, Oric, Dragon, Atari and most other home
computers and popular software.
Perfectly portable, the battery or mains operated
HR- 5 weighs less than 4 lbs, and has a starting price
of only £159.95 (inc VAT).
Which is really something to shout about
PLEASE SEND ME MORE DETAILS OF THE REMARKABLE BROTHER
HR-5 PRINTER.
NAME i AU.fi/B4
ADDRESS-
_TEL NO-
AVAIl-ABLE FROM: BOOTS, RYMANS, WILDINGS. SELFRIDGES AND ALL
GOOD COMPUTER EQUIPMENT STOCKISTS.
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TELOfel 330 6531(10 LINES) 061 3300111 (6 LINES) 061 330 3036(4 LINES).TELEX: hb<K)92. BROTHER INDUSTRIES 1 TIT, NAGOYA. JAPAN.
148
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOFTWARE
Another feature allows a shape from a
previously drawn unit to be taken out
and merged into the current picture.
Producing standard shapes is
straightforward and requires only
choosing the appropriate drawing
mode. All three packages have circles,
triangles and lines and involve a few
easy steps. There is much to cover in
Picture Maker and I have only pointed
out a few of its features. The normal
drawing commands are all present and
I’ll return to the rest of the package
shortly. But now to Paintbox.
Paintbox can only be used with joy-
sticks, unlike the other two packages.
Options are chosen from one of two
menus by just touching the appropriate
menu option with a cursor and pressing
the fire button. It is certainly easy and
fixing standard shapes is no problem.
Eight colours are used, though by using
the ‘in-fill’ option a ninth colour, which
is a mixture of two others in a striped
effect, can be created. Paintbox also
has a feature I like that is lacking from
the other packages, namely co-ordi-
Picture Maker
nates of the cursor on the screen. It
does, however, only work in one of the
brush’ sizes. That point neatly raises
the use of different brush sizes, eight in
total, with the option of a ninth variable
size chosen by the user. This is done by
setting the brush size equal to the
length of adrawn line.
The erase option is merely a clear
screen facility and changes the back-
ground screen to the currently-defined
brush colour. This makes erasing part
of the picture difficult and means trying
to erase your mistake by redrawing in
the background colour (though this is
not covered in the manual). Paintbox , in
common with Picture Maker , makes
use of the GCOL command. This gives a
number of effects to choose from and
controls the way in which a colour is
placed on the screen. This means the
plotting of colours can be as specified,
OR-ed, AND-ed, EOR-ed or have the
colour already there inverted.
The secondary menu allows the
choosing of the eight brush sizes and
the size of text relates directly to the
size of the brush. Paintbox doesn't
have the range of commands of Picture
Makerbui is easier than the other pack-
ages initially, although it does require a
joystick.
Finally, Sketch Pad from Goldstar. It
was the cheapest of the packages - and
the most attractive on first sight. Boxed
in a video case, it is well-presented and
is provided with a separate list of com-
mands card and a colourful 21 page
manual. Options are chosen by press-
ing the keys usually in conjunction with
the control button. Out of the three
C p F
\. ' . v-. •.
U V \ >
/ . ■■■ V Ih sit!!::
t
/ ^ ........
Is
Paint box
scope for the added effects of the other
two packages. Text can only be entered
in one size and as with Paintbox there
are eight colours with an extra colour
available, which is a mix of two colours
in one of three effects -chequerboard,
striped, or horizontal stripes.
Sketch Pad provides a potentially
good command not implemented in
either of the other two packages, a
magnification function. This allows the
Paint box
menus I liked this one the most. The
pen up/down indicator for instance is a
picture of a pen nib either in the air or
on the paper. The range of commands
is limited to the standard commands
(line, triangle, circle, etc) with little
Sketch pad
user to enlarge an area four times its
normal size for easier correction.
Although the area is limited, this is a
worthwhile addition.
Having briefly covered the main
aspects I’m now going to turn to the
page 153 ►
Package
Prices
Entry
method
Machines
Summary
Picture Maker
by Acornsoft
£9.95 cassette
£11. 50 disc
Keyboard
Joystick
BBC B
Easily the most
sophisticated, but can
also be complicated
Sketch Pad
by Goldstar
£9.95 cassette
Keyboard
BBC B
Electron
Excellent packaging and
presentation; very
attractive to children
Paintbox
by Beebugsoft
£10 cassette
£12disc
£153indisc
Joystick
BBC B
Easiest to use, but if you
haven’t got joysticks . . .
149
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BBC DUAL DISC PAYROLL PROGRAM
For 150 employees with 100K disc using random access
operation.
Calculates most tax codes and national insurance rates.
Calculates up to 24 fixed deductions per employee includ-
ing employer's and employee's pension contribution and
S.S.P.
Prints payslips, cheques and cheque list.
Has coin and note analysis.
Has a complete end of year routine for tax returns.
BBC B DISC MAIL MERGE PROGRAM
Produces personalised versions of a standard letter by
merging names and addresses held on a data disc with a
standard letter produced on Wordwise or Merlinscribe
word processors.
Prints letters, envelopes, two abreast labels and the com-
plete file including telephone numbers.
Comprehensive facility for selecting and printing using
any user definable criteria.
BBC B DISC MAILING LIST PROGRAM
Stores up to 350 names and addresses per 40 track disc
or 700 per 80 track disc.
Incorporates comprehensive search facilities for selective
printing of labels, envelopes and letter headings.
MICROS
MONITOR
PRINTERS
DISC DRIVE
BBC B £395 + DFS £469
Electron £199
Spectrum £125
Colour/Green Novex 1 41 4
Green Sanyo DM21 1 2
£228
£80
RX-80
RX-80 F/T
Gemini 1 0X
£290
£325
£255
Single 40 track 100K £170
Single 40/80 track 100K £299
Dual 40 track £350
Dual 40/80 track DS £575
- 40 or 80 track £49.95; Torch Z80 £74.95
- 40 or 80 track £39.95; Torch Z80 £69.95
40 or 80 track £1 9.95; Torch Z80 £29.95
SOFTWARE
Payroll
Mail merge
Mailing list
Carriage 50p.
Discs from £19.95, cassettes from £0.55 and joysticks
from £1 7.50, leads from £2.50.
Just arrived hard covers for all micros.
Business systems customised to individual needs such as
word processing, payroll, employment agencies and
chemist.
All prices inc VAT. Postage extra.
SENDORDERSTO
CYB COMPUTERS
9 Crown Parade, Crown Lane, Morden,
Surrey SM4 5DA. 01 542 7662.
WE ARE A FEW YARDS FROM MORDEN UNDERGROUND STATION
nAT A /MINDER
THE DATABASE MAN
MANAGER FOR YOU
Dealer inquiries welcomed.
DATAMINDER is a powerful and flexible truely disk
based database management system. It is designed to
minimise the thought and effort required to set-up, main-
tain, organise and use large collections of data.
Three screen editors are included. The first provides
for easy definition of new files or restructuring of existing
files. The second functions like a worksheet for the wnting
and recall of records. A wide vanety of record display
formats are available some allowing immediate editing
of disk contents. A third screen editor opens-up a wide
vanety of possibilities for producing customised reports
containing information selectively drawn from a file and
mail merged letters or circulars. Reports can be stmctured
in standard essay format with the bulk of the text sand-
wiched between an introduction and conclusion.
For rapid access any or all of the fields can be indexed
with a balanced B-Tree structure ensunng optimal record
searching and retneval times. These are typically 3-4 se-
conds to locate one record from a 1000. Search requests
can be specific and include as many fields as you wish.
Selection can even be made on the results of commands
temporarily manipulating field data.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES INCLUDE
☆ Up to 26600 records m each file, disk capacity and
record size allowing. ☆ Maximum of 150 fields per record,
containing in total a maximum of 1200 bytes of text. ☆ Sup-
port for string, numeric, integer and date fields. ☆ 5 date
formats and strings of up to 150 characters long allowed,
vv Automatic allocation of disk space for files and extension
of this as and when necessary. ☆ Rapid switching between
use of separate files. Batch updating and deleting of
records. ☆ Optional program monitor enabling, among
other things automatic checking to warn you beforehand
of duplicated record entry. ☆ Fields can be inserted,
deleted, moved or renamed, indexed or de-indexed.
☆ Field types and entry lengths are also alterable. ☆ Up
to 10 files each with any or all of the fields redefined in
any of the aoove variety of ways can be processed in a
single batch operation.
The package includes a comprehensive
manual introducing you to the system and furnishing
dedicated users with all detailed information they could
wish for.
ONLY e 29.50 + £ 2 p&p ex.VAT
Send now for our information leaflet, or order
direct by writing to
Access welcome a
COMPUTERWISE
DAMBRUGGESTRAAT 60
2008 ANTWERPEN BELGIUM
or phone (except Sundays.
(010-323) 234.31.54
Access
mr 'v
150
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
A GSL COMPUTING PUBLICATION
See Us on Stand 14
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
ESI Winchester Hard Disk System tar the BBC Micro
NOW INCLUDING REMHIMRIE CARTRIDGE DRIVES
GSL staff are working overtime to
meet the still increasing demand for
their Winchester Systems.
5 MB
10 MB
20 MB
30 MB
40 MB
65 MB
105 MB
140 MB
280 MB
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
Winchester
System
System
System
System
System
System
System
System
System
Price t
1650.00
1950.00
2400.00
2900.00
3400.00
4700.00
5130.00
7000.00
9500.00
As leading suppliers of
Winchester hard disk systems for
the BBC micro, GSL has
consistently improved both the
scope and quality of its products.
Since the introduction of the first
20 MByte, 8" Winchester unit at
the start of 1983, the range has
expanded to include 5.25" drives
from 5 to 116 MByte, tape
streamers, a comprehensive
Winchester Filing System (WFS)
and a flexible networking system.
A new addition to this product list
is a removable cartridge drive. This is
half-height mini-floppy size. The
cartridges themselves are less than 4.5"
square, and contain 5 MBytes of
information. The units are front loading,
cartridge replacement being performed in
a matter of seconds. Cartridge drives may
be used in their own right for stand alone
systems, or can be integrated into a
system with a large, fixed hard disk for
back-up purposes, providing an
economical alternative to a tape streamer.
All Winchester systems are fully cased,
and self contained, the only connection
required, apart from mains, is to the 1 MHz
bus connector of the BBC micro. The WFS or
network (E-Net) firmware is supplied on
The New Streamlined Winchester
System.
Winchester Disc Drives are put
through a 24 hour intensive test
programme prior to despatch to
customers around the world.
Eprom. Fully rack mounted systems may also
be provided, and other facilities available
include a real time clock, and a link board for
connecting two micros to one Winchester
system.
New Winchester Backup Facilities
Backup of the h-Ntl fileserver Winchester has up to now been limited to selective transfer of
user areas to floppv disk In order to augment this, the following facilities are now (or shortlv
will be) available
(a) Backup of user attributes to floppv disk (Available on application)
(b) full backup of the filesaver drive to a second (similar) Winchester unit (This should be
available within few weeks)
(c) F ull backup to removable cartridge drives. At present onlv 5 MByte units have been
evaluated, necessitating the use of two cartridges for backup of a 10 MByte Winchester,
(hvpected availability is I to 2 months)
(d) full backup to tape streamer (20 or 45 MBvtcs). (hvpected availability is 2 months).
Existing single Winchester systems can be upgraded to contain backup units for anv of options
(bl. (c) and (d). additional hardware being accommodated within the current casing. At present
the most cost effective solution for pure backup purposes is likely to be option (b). with (d) the
most costlv. though in the latter case some improvement is hoped for before the end of the
vear. Prices are available on application.
We are an official Acorn Dealer and Service Centre
| Return to GSL COMPUTING . West Portway Industrial Estate
I
Dealer Enquiries Welcome
I am interested in the following:
(please tick)
The GSL Winchester System
5 MB
10 MB □
20 up to 200 MB
The GSL Slim Line Disc Drives
Your full range of Micro Computers [
and computer peripherals
GSL Analogue Signal Display and
Analysis System
GSL Printer Buffer
Andover. Hampshire
SP10 3SG
Name:
Position
Company:
Address: _
Phone:
Send me by return full
technical information
Or phone Jackie Featherstone on Andover (0264) 59633
$
|
ii
GEOPHYSICAL SYSTEMS COMPUTING LTD, West Portway Ind.
Est. Andover, Hants SP10 3SG Tel: (0264) 59633 Telex: 47166
ROBOT ARM
The Beasty arm
mechanism is driven by
the Beasty and three
servos, the result being
a three axis robot arm.
The arm uses a hook to
manipulate objects
although a gripper can
be made by using a
further servo. This
versatile arm has been
designed with
enthusiasts and schools
in mind although where
it will end is anyone’s
guess!
£ 39.95
SEE US AT
THE BEASTY
The popular Beasty
interface connects
directly to the BBC
Microcomputer which
enables the computer to
accurately control up to
four servo motors. The
Beasty comes complete
with all connection
cables, a demonstration
program and
comprehensive
instructions.
£ 29.95
VISION
TheEVl is an electronic
camera that links to
your computer. Using
it’s own optical sensor,
the camera quickly cap-
tures high quality
images tor visual
display, printing and
analysis. The EV1 is
supplied with a high
quality lens, a detailed
handbook together with
comprehensive
software.
£ 129.95
MAINS
CONTROL
The SJR2 Mains
Controller gives you
safe, low-cost control of
two 13amp mains
outlets. Each outlet can
be independently
switched from Basic.
There are lots of
applications from
security to home
appliances, so put your
Micro in control . . .
£ 34.50
CONTROL
ROM
The Control ROM
provides an extension
to the BBC Machine for
control applications. It’s
an essential tool for
anyone teaching
computer control
technics, or who wants
to use the computer in
practical control
applications. The
process of sending
signals to control
devices is very crudely
handled by most micros
and the Control ROM
changes this.
£ 44.85
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Phone for further
details All prices
include VAT
TI©N
241 Green Street
Enfield EN3 7SJ
Tel: 01-804-1378
★ ASTRONOMY ★
‘SKY-BABY’ is a highly sophisticated scientific program running on BBC-B (cassette loading). It
caters for astronomers ranging from complete beginners to advanced amateurs and aspiring
professionals, and for educational institutes.
‘SKY-BABY’ ’s many features include:
★ Colour and brightness coded display of stars, planets, sun and moon in selected area of sky
★ View from any position on earth, any date and time specified by user
★ A library of all stars down to magnitude 4.0 (i.e., 469 stars) including coordinates, magnitudes and
names
★ Orbital parameters of planets: sun and moon positional formulae
★ Star sizes plotted to indicate brightness; sun, moon and planets colour coded
★ Moveable 'space probe’ to identify name and details of any object displayed on screen
★ Details of current position, rising and setting times of any selected object: provision for an additional
user-specified object, e.g., known comet, galaxy, radio source, etc.
★ Detailed User Guide: sections on program use, astronomical nomenclature and positional astronomy,
formulae used, fully annotated expanded program listing, etc., etc.
★ Auxiliary program to analyse and list contents of stellar library
★ Unhindered access to Author by phone most times: callers welcome
‘SKY-BABY’ package, consisting of CIO Cassette containing three files (program itself, stellar library,
auxiliary program), and 35-page User Guide £ 1 2.50 inclusive
NEW: Instructions for disc running, and running on Electron available on request.
payable to:
STELLAR ENTERPRISE, 84 Dudsbury Road, Ferndown, Wimborne, Dorset, BH22 8RG
Phone Bournemouth (0202) 575234
152
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOFTWARE REVIEWS
STOCK CARS
ON THE GRID
Stock Car’, Micro Power, BBC B, £7-95
THE object of this game is to drive a
stock car round a circuit chosen from
six differentcircuits.
The computer controls three other
cars to get in your way or, on an
optional two player game, it controls
two cars, making a total of four cars on
the screen at any one time.
On starting, the computer plays a
short tune, the engines start, and
you’re off! You must change into first
gear from neutral going gradually
through the gears, dodging the com-
puter’s cars, and carefully negotiating
the corners.
The graphics are quite good. The
game draws six circuits, oil slicks, and
the cars, in which your car is detailed,
but the computer's cars are plain. I feel
the cars are a little small. I also found
that if you get stopped on an oil patch it
is hard to see your car, and in which
direction it is pointing. On the whole
though, the graphics are good-
smooth, and withoutflicker.
The sound also is high standard. The
computer plays a short tune before and
after the game, you can hear the
engines starting, cars bumping and the
noise of cars crashing into walls. There
are even two separate noises for
changing up and down the gears.
This game’s flexibility is excellent:
You are offered one or two players, up
to 40 laps to complete, optional oil
slicks, variable skidding, sound on or
off, six different circuits, optional joy-
sticks, and joystick sensitivity select.
On the control side, Stock Car is a
little hard to get the hang of at first, but
it seems simple after playing for a
while. Driving resembles driving a real
car. The keys are very sensitive,
Stock Car: Good graphics and sound
though a little cramped (to allow two
people to play at once), and it is some-
times hard to get going once crashed.
Overall, Stock Car is an exciting,
original, addictive game, with good
sound, good, smooth graphics, and
comes with clear instructions.
Ian Brettell
◄ page 145
includes an altered ‘PTERM’ which
enables you to add a number of useful
features. For a start you can insert your
private Prestel ID number which is sent
by pressing the TAB key. It is also poss-
ible to store three other numbers which
are sent by pressing CTRL and function
keys 6, 7 and 8. It is possible to use
these to automatically call up particular
Prestel pages, or frequently used mail-
box numbers. A third option, although
this would be frowned on by Prestel,
would be to enter your four-character
ID response as well.
As soon as you log on to Prestel you
will notice something different on your
screen -a stop-watch ticking away the
minutes you are on line, and the hours
if you are on long enough. If you want to
see the seconds as well, just press
CTRL f2. After being on line for seven
minutes a short buzzer sounds to warn
you there is just a minute to go before
being charged for the next eight
minutes. The buzzer sounds again after
every eight minutes. For the clock
alone I reckon this enhanced software
beats the pants off the MicronetROM.
The method of downloading is also
fairly straightforward. You go to your
mailbox response frame, say Prestel
page 77 if it’s just an ordinary message
or page 88 if you want to send colour
and graphics. The cursor waits for you
to input the mailbox number. If you've
already put the number into your pre-
prepared page you simply press f6 and
it appears. Then press f7 and the first
frame begins forming, line by line on
the screen. For a full 13-line message it
takes about 80 seconds.
If it is all right, you send the message
in the normal way, then, instead of the
return key to clear the page for the next
message frame, you press SHIFT f2.
Now you can either send the same
frame again, possibly with a different
mailbox number, or you can move on to
the next pre-prepared page by press-
ing SHIFT f7.
One day of course this form of elec-
tronic mail will seem crude and cum-
bersome. But it is cheap, relatively
easy and available.
◄ page 149
remaining parts of the packages. Re-
drawing a picture is often given less
consideration than ft should but not in
the case of Picture Maker. Unlike the
other two packages which allow the
saved picture to be redrawn ( Paintbox
also giving details of the ‘LOAD
address), Picture Maker includes a var-
iety of ways to reshow a picture and
provides much needed information to
the more experienced computer user.
Picture Maker does not come with
one program but five. There is the main
drawing program Drawpic, and Show-
pic for displaying the pictures in any of
five screen modes. Picdata converts
pictures into Basic data statements for
inclusion in a user’s own program in a
‘EXEC file format, and Datapic converts
PICTURES
g^PAGE
this data back into a picture. There is a
section on the picture memory data
structure in the manual though this is
not recommended for beginners!
Finally, there is a screen dump facility.
This, as it is covered only by an insert in
the package, appears to have been an
afterthought, but an excellent one it is.
From either Drawpic or Showpic a pic-
ture can be dumped to disc or tape and
then recreated on screen immediately.
Reloading a screen dump can either be
implemented by the ‘LOAD command
or by using the Restpic program
provided.
The manuals with the packages are
good overall. The Paintbox manual
covers everything, while the Sketch
Pad version is bright, colourful and ex-
tremely friendly. Contrasting with this
is the Picture Maker manual which runs
to 43 pages and is very comprehensive.
The overall impression I gained from
these packages was that the quality
was of a high standard.
However, Picture Maker is without a
doubt the most advanced out of the
three. It’s capabilities far outstretch the
others, but it is also the most compli-
cated and this must be taken into con-
sideration. For completeness, though,
my vote goes to Picture Maker.
Dee Vince
153
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Southfield House, 11 Liverpool Gardens, Worthing, Sussex BN 11 1RY
Telephone: Worthing (0903) 213174
BBC Model B £399.00
BBC Model B Disc Interface £469.00
BBC Model B Econet £446.00
BBC Model B Econet & Disc £516.00
Acorn Electron £199.00
Acorn 6502 2nd Processor £199.00
This allows the BBC Model B to run faster with greatly increased
memory especially in high resolution graphics modes, the package
includes Tube software, the latest version of the DFS & NFS
called DNFS, a Rom containing Hi-Basic and a comprehensive
User Guide.
Acorn Z80 2nd Processor £299.00
If you have wondered how to make the best use of your BBC for
Business, then the Z80 2nd Processor and CP/M must be the
answer. This package comes with a suite of business programs,
including Memoplan, Fileplan, Graphplan, Accountant, BBC Basic
(Z80 Version), Cobal, Neculeus (Programming Aid), Professional
Basic. This software alone is worth hundreds of pounds and with
CP/M you can buy any of the programs written for this
operating system.
Acorn Prestel Adaptor £99.00
Makes the BBC Micro into a Prestel Terminal revealing all the
pages of information and allows you to use British Telecom Gold
for electronic Mail etc.
Acorn Teletext Adaptor £225.00
Allows the downloading, storing and running of programs via
Ceefax, transmitted free of charge, pages can also be saved and
printed from all 4 channels.
Acorn Bitsik £375.00
This superb menu driven graphics package allows high quality
CAD at a modest price. Needs 6502 2nd Processor and dual 80
track dies drives, a must for all design teams.
Acorn IEEE 488 Interface £325.00
Provides computer control of compatible scientific and technical
equipment. Useful in experimental work in industry and education.
Acorn Word Processor View £59.00
This Rom based word processor has many advanced features
including macros, still one of the best available on the market.
Acorn Spreadsheet Viewsheet £59.00
A new spreadsheet from Acornsoft comes in a 16K Rom with a
comprehensive manual, it is compatible with view and the 6502
2nd processor.
Mass Marco Assembler £35.00
A superb machine code assemble in Rom, includes comprehensive
manual where the user is introduced to Mass and given step-by-
step guide to writing source code and assembling it using Mass.
Also includes a ulitity disc with many useful routines.
All prices include VAT and delivery
— BOOKS FOR PERSONAL COMPUTER OWNERS —
Games Programming
ERIC SOLOMON
A lively book that will liberate you from the restrictions of interpreted languages such as BASIC and carry you forward to real
programming. Paperback £7.95 net
Fun Mathematics on Your Microcomputer
CZES KOSNIOWSKI
A whole range of intriguing games all written in BASIC that will painlessly develop your mathematical and computing skills.
Spiral bound £4.95 net
A Child’s Guide to the BBC Micro
JOHN DEWHIRST
A much-praised, highly-illustrated introduction to the BBC Micro’s keyboard, memory, and ability to act as both calculator and
typewriter. Paperback £3.95 net
A Child’s Guide to the ZX Spectrum
JOHN DEWHIRST and ROSEMARY TENNISON
A lively guide containing plenty of project ideas and suggestions for children to develop -draw pictures, tell jokes, play tunes,
even try your hand at running a game park! Paperback £3.95 net
A Child’s Guide to the Electron Micro
JOHN DEWHIRST
Designed for children from seven upwards, the simplicity and straightforwardness of this book make it indispensable as an intro-
duction to programming. Paperback about £3.95 net
Forthcoming
The ZX Programmer’s Companion
JOHN and CATHERINE GRANT
For anyone wondering whether to buy a personal computer, or for those who wish to realise the full potential of the machine they
already own, this book will be an ideal companion. Paperback £6.95 net
CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS
154
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOFTWARE REVIEW
AIRLINE: OUT-LAKER
THE OPPOSITION
‘Airline’, Cases Computer Simulations,
Model A or B, tape £6.95
model A, and one for the B with graphs
of interest charges and ‘chairman’s
statements’ at the end of each year.
Airline features excellent use of
graphics, simple instructions and a fair
degree of financial realism. It is quite
compulsive! Geoff Nairn
FRENZY IN
THE LABORATORY
‘Frenzy’, Micropower, BBC B, £7.95
FROM the cover picture of a Concorde
nose-diving out of the sky, you might be
forgiven for thinking that Airline is the
latest marketing twist - a disaster
movie computer program! Not so. Air-
line is a business game in which, as the
blurb says, the object is to be more suc-
cessful than Sir Freddie Laker.
You are chairman of L-AIR, a small
struggling airline with initial capital of
£3 million. Within seven years -not
real time! -you have to try and in-
crease your net assets to £30 million.
At the beginning of each financial
year you are presented with a graph of
the forecast passenger payloads, from
which you choose the best number of
aircraft to operate. For the first year of
trading you don’t have enough money
to buy an airplane outright- they cost
£10m each - and so you have to charter
the required number, referring to a
graph of charter rates. In more profit-
able years you have to decide whether
it is cheaper to hire or buy aircraft, and
in this case a graph of loan interest
rates can be studied.
In a similar fashion the manning,
maintenance and insurance levels
have to be chosen: too low means some
flights might need to be cancelled, too
high and the cost might be crippling.
At the end of the year the accounts
are closed and a balance sheet gives L-
AIR’s overall performance before you
start a new financial year. If you lose
£10m in one year, as I did, however, the
receivers are called in and the
company is liquidated!
A nice touch in the program is a
ticker tape' which occasionally
crosses the screen with telex mess-
ages -OPEC increase oil prices, for
example. Two versions of the program
are on the tape: the basic version for
FROG ON THE RUN
‘Hopper’, Acornsoft, BBC B and Electron,
£9.95 (disc £1 1 .50, ROM cartridge £20)
HOPPER is one of my all time favourites
having been around in both BBC and
Electron versions since the dawn of
both machines. Perhaps its popularity
has been partly due to the fact that it
was also one of the original arcade
games that everyone used to play in
pubs, clubs and amusement arcades in
those pre-home computer days.
The object of the game is to hop your
frog, coloured green of course, across
a busy motorway onto the riverbank
avoiding the crushing wheels of four
lanes of congested and fast-moving
traffic. Fast-moving logs and turtles’
backs provide the only refuge as you
leap from one to the other in an effort to
jump carefully into one of the five
froggy lairs. Fail at any point and you’re
a gonner! Of course you do have the
three obligatory lives and once you
have successfully transferred five frogs
into their lairs they disappear at two
hundred points a go.
The game restarts at this point but is
of course much more difficult! This time
you must avoid the snake that crawls
along the riverbank, beware of sub-
merging turtles as you leap onto their
backs and look out for a hungry croco-
dile that moves invisibly from lair to
lair!
Too simple? I forgot to tell you there
is a time limit to all this, a clock which
counts rapidly down from 400 in about
15 seconds, if you’re not safely home by
then, well bye bye froggy!
Another nice aspect of Hopper is the
musical accompaniment which sounds
good even on the Elk.
A joystick is best but otherwise four
keys are enough to move froggy left,
right, forwards and backwards, so
there are no problems with knotted
fingers.
As a simple relaxing family game I
reckon you can’t go far wrong with this
one. Bruce Smith
IN THIS game, deadly sub-atomic par-
ticles are loose in a scientific research
centre. These particles are called Lep-
tons. You must manoeuvre a robot-con-
trolled craft around the laboratory, and
trap the Leptons. The craft leaves an
ion trail behind it and the area enclosed
by the trail is filled in. If a Lepton is
enclosed in this area, it is destroyed.
You may also capture a Lepton by fill-
ing in 95 per cent of the screen. You are
pursued by Chasers who follow your
trail, and will kill you if you meetthem.
The graphics are poor. Your craft is a
square, a Lepton is a bouncing line,
and a Chaser is a block. However, the
movement is smooth, and without
flicker.
The game's flexibility is also poor.
The only option you’re given is a sound
on or off option. It would have been nice
to have had a joystick option, and pos-
sibly even a difficulty level.
The sound, though, is the best aspect
of Frenzy. There are effects for starting,
moving around, filling in areas,
bonuses, and being killed.
The control of the program is very
easy. There are five keys to operate,
four for movement, and one to leave a
trail. The keys are well spaced, and
very responsive.
Overall, the graphics aren’t up to the
standard I would expect from a BBC
game, with the BBC’s graphics poten-
tial. Neither is the flexibility of Frenzy,
though the sound is quite impressive,
the controls are easy, and it is supplied
with clear instructions. Frenzy isn’t
really original, in that it reminds me of
Demon Decorator by the same
company. Even though I am not thrilled
with Frenzy , it has something, though I
don’t know what, which makes it quite
an addictive game. In my opinion,
Frenzy r ates 65 per cent. Ian Brettell
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
iuio sensational new releases A AC
from superior software micro
onsfc T *r? oc
,■ aortus
OV6RDRIV6 (32K) £7.^
R highly-addictive multi-stage 3D race game. Vou steer
your car left ond right, accelerate and decelerate as the
opposing cars weave about the road. There are five
different stages including night, snow, desert, and
riverside scenes. To qualify for the next stage, you must
finish in the top twelve. Incredible graphics give the
impression that you really are taking part in the race.
Highly recommended, and destined to become another
top-seller for Superior Software.
"!**>_
BRTT16TRNK (32K) £7.95
Rn excellent game, made possible on the BBC computer only by the unique use of
o dual-screen display and specially written plotting routines. Vou ore a tank
gunner looking out onto a mountain plateau. Vou see the distant mountains and
the pyramid obstacles - and also the enemy tank. Vour task is to shoot it before it
shoots you. R scanner is displayed in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen.
This displays the position of the enemy tank relative to you. Vou con then turn to
get the tank in view. The next stage is to position the tank in the rectangular
viewfinder by fine adjustments of your controls.
(HCVBORRD or JOVSTICKS)
•••/vai/flaeise###
rnx vr IV aw /© nvinmw rvn mwn ^vnuiT itii^iiv
SUrcniOR SOCTUIRRC LTD.
Dept. RU5, Regent House,
Skinner Lone, Leeds 7
Tel: 0532 459453
(1 ) Rll our software is available before we odvertise.
(2) All our software is despatched within 48 hours by first-class post.
(3) In the unlikely event that ony of our software foils to iood, return your
cassette to us and we will immediately send a replacement.
| HARDWARE REVIEW
SPECTRUM OF USES I — 1
I — ‘fob BLACK BOX
Interbeeb with power pack, AD and DAC packs
Interbeeb versatile interface, MCP Micro-
developments, BBC B, £69.95 (basic unit)
DCP Microdevelopments has produced
an interface pack for the BBC micro
which has such a range of applications
that it is difficult to know where to start.
Perhaps the best place is with the little
black box containing all the hardware.
The black box, which measures
120mm x 80mm x 40mm, contains four
switch inputs, four relay outputs, an
eight-bit input port, an eight-bit output
port and a medium speed, eight-chan-
nel analogue to digital converter
(ADC). It also has an expansion bus
which allows the use of add-on units
such as digital to analogue converters
and very fast ADCs.
The Interbeeb is connected to the
BBC micro’s 1MHz bus and is supplied
with cable and a separate nine-volt
power supply. The addresses used for
the interface are those recommended
by Acorn, the eight-bit input and output
port having the same address (&FCC2)!
No confusion occurs though, because if
you write to the address, it outputs the
data to the output port, and if you read
it, you are reading the data on the input
port. The voltage levels for the data are
0V and 5 V, ie TTL levels. The output
port will supply (source) a maximum
current of 2.6mA when the output is at
logic 1, but will sink 24mA when the out-
put is low, ie logic 0.
The switch inputs are all held at a low
voltage level, logic 0, by internal resis-
tors so the user has to connect these
through switches to the +5V line. The
internal 5V line is terminated close to
the switch inputs for easy access.
The four relay outputs are all on-
board with their contacts brought out to
the edge of the board on 2mm sockets.
One line is common to all the relays
which are each capable of switching
voltages up to 12 volts (ac or dc) and
currents up to 1A. The address for the
switch inputs and for the relay outputs
is &FCC1 with an arrangement similar
to the input and output ports, ie writing
to the address sets the required
relay(s) and reading from the address
reads the switch settings. Differenti-
ating between individual relays or
switches is achieved by the ‘value’
assigned to each. For example, the
relays have the values 1, 2, 4 and 8
respectively, so to turn them all on, you
use?&FCC1 = 15; similarly to read the
switch inputs use switch% = 7&FCC1
to store the value in the variable
switch % or PRINT 7&FCC1 to display
the value on the screen. If, for example,
switch% = 6 then switch inputs 2 and 3
are high ( + 5V).
The eight-channel ADC has an eight-
bit resolution and uses address &FCC0.
Conversion is started by writing to this
address with a 7&FCC0 = n instruction,
where n is the channel number
required. The data is then read by an
expression such as ADC% = 7&FCC0
(or PRINT 7&FCC0), ADC% returning
with the conversion value. The manual
quotes the conversion time as being
less than lOOps, and on the unit we had
for review it was faster - 64ps.
Expansion is via the DCP bus’ and
extra units are simply plugged in. Units
available include a very fast analogue
to digital converter (AD-Pack) with a
conversion time of 10ps which makes
real-time processing of audio signals a
possibility, and a digital to analogue
converter (conversion time Ips!). Also
available are a connector pack for ease
of connection to the DCP bus, input and
output ports, and an LED indicator
pack.
DCP Microdevelopments also makes
an Interspec interface unit which is
similar to the Interbeeb but for the
Spectrum. The facilities on the Inter-
spec are identical, and all the expan-
sion units are cross compatible. Thus it
would be possible to develop a project
on the BBC machine using Interbeeb
and, with the necessary modifications
to the Basic program, run it on a Spec-
trum fitted with an Interspec pack, so
you are not tying up an expensive com-
puter for a dedicated task.
The interface is extremely versatile
and sufficiently robust to stand up to the
sort of wear and tear it might receive in
a school laboratory. All in all, a good
investment, and although it may seem
a little expensive, remember that all
peripherals have been affected by the
recent rapid rises in the prices of inte-
grated circuits. Paul Beverley
Prices including VAT (post and packing £1 .95)
Interbeeb with 9V mains power supply
£69.95
Interspec
£49.95
Fast A to D pack
£19.95
D to A pack
£19.95
Connector pack
£2.95
LED pack
£0.99
For information contact: DCP Microdevelopments Ltd, 2 Station Close. Lingwood, Norwich NR13 4AX. Tech-
nical enquiries should be made on Cambridge (0223) 833902 or Hemel
Hempstead (0442) 64225.
Educational enquiries to Griffin & George, who also supply the Interbeeb, Interspec and the expansion
units.
EES
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
A World Of Information
Available to you with Nightingale, the new
multi* function modem from Pace.
r
*
Nightingale is by far the most versatile modem
available, at the price, for either home or
business use. It offers Prestel /Viewdata
baud rates (1200/75 & 75/1200)
alongside 300/300 baud full duplex
for communication between the
BBC and other computers,
including bulletin boards.
minimal support circuitry resulting in low-
power cpnsumption, low cost; high quality
ab ty.
Nightingale being 'hard wired' is not subject to the noise
interference errors common to outdated acoustically coupled
devices. In addition Nightingale features a simple self test facility for
easy installation.
Nightingale utilises a fully buffered RS 423/232 serial interface
and is supplied complete with a lead suitable for connection to the
BBC micro, other leads, are available on request.
However, in order to use such a versatile modem to its fullest
potential, you will require equally sophisticated software. This is
where Pace can offer you a total solution — Commstar,
unquestionably the most comprehensive communica-
tions software available for the BBC. A
Supplied on Eprom, Commstar is instantly accessible,- mKL
simple to use and extremely flexible. Just look at the M/m
possibilities:-- access Pr'estet,. Micronet, Viewfax, .
Homelink and Telecom Gold, summage through bulletin *
boards and chat to literally thousands of other computer ’ ' *
users, but there's more. Commstar can be used to
emulate specific terminal types such as VT 100 by /*;
means of a configuration disc, thus providing the ■Mmjg
opportunity to use the BBC as an inexpensive wort^^pABWO
station for a main frame or mini-computer. ‘.yf
The complete Nightingale/Commstar package for the m fePiB!
BBC micro including the modem, cabling and the
Commstar Eprom and manual is just £139 plus V.A.T.
Nightingale is available separately for the BBC and other K W* J* V
computers at £119 plus V.A.T. and Commstar is I* *
£29.57 plus V.A.T. Further details are available, please ■»f* / ViSri
telephone or write for comprehensive fact sheets. «^ ; .Vk’*4W
PACE SOFTWARE LTD.
92 NEW CROSS STREET,
BRADFORD BD5 8BS.
Tel. (0274) 729306 Telex 51564
This modem nHpjjpo
communication Techi
not yet B.A.B.T, W
ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT ORBIT
Cl Dl I /"* forthe
CLDUU ACORN
ELECTRON
Join the Electron User Group
Members receive 10 copies of the magazine
ELBUG each year. ELBUG is devoted
EXCLUSIVELY to the ELECTRON MICRO It is
packed with News, Reviews, Hints, Tips,
Programming ideas. Major articles, plus Regular
program features including games and useful
utilities.
ELBUG is produced by BEEBUG Publications
Ltd., publishers of BEEBUG, the magazine of the
National User Group for the BBC Micro.
BEEBUG now has some 20,000 members and
has achieved a high reputation both in this
country and abroad.
The formula which makes BEEBUG an
invaluable companion for users of the BBC
micro, has been applied to ELBUG.
no space wasted on programs and articles for
other computers.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
ELBUG MAGAZINE
Ten copies a year mailed free of charge.
DISCOUNT SCHEME
Extensive discount scheme with major retailers.
SOFTWARE LIBRARY
A growing range of software titles at budget
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By subscribing to ELBUG you gain all the
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LOCAL USER GROUPS
Lists of local affiliated user groups.
i,
A
A
i.
SPACE CITY. Defeat the invading Aliens with your laser, and save
the city
3D NOUGHTS AND CROSSES Pit your wits against the
ELECTRON on a 4x4x4 board
RACER. Guide your racing car to victory, avoiding other cars and
obstacles on the track
3D MAZE. In this challenging game, you must escape from the
maze - The screen displays a 3D view from inside the maze
PATCHWORK. A multicoloured display of continuously changing
patterns
KEY SET ROUTINE. A program to set up the user function keys
MEMORY DISPLAY. An efficiently written utility to display the con-
tents of memory (ROM and RAM) »
CHARACTER DEFINER. Define individual graphics characters with
this useful utility for use in your own programs.
SPACE
CITY
RACER
3D MAZE
To subscribe for one year, and get your FREE CASSETTE send £9.90 (payable to Orbit) plus a strong stamped addressed envelope (for the cassette)
SUBSCRIPTIONS TO: ELBUG, DEPT 13, PO BOX 109, HIGH WYCOMBE, BUCKS
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Editorial Address: ORBIT, PO BOX 50, St Albans, Herts.
i ... .. ,, ■ :
ill!
SUMMER MADNESS SALE FROM SCI(UK)
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160
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
TALK WITH TORCH
I
REVIEWS
EXCLUSIVE: Alex van Someren
reports on a communications pack
for the BBC micro developed by Torch
Torch C series computer: first with built-in modem
F OR several years now Torch Com-
puters has been shipping products
based on the BBC micro. The
company’s original machine, known as
the ‘C’ series, is a ruggedised BBC
computer with expanded keyboard,
Torch Z80 second processor and a
sophisticated modem. Fairly soon after
the C series, Torch released the Z80
second processor card in its own right,
and has since shipped more than
10,000 of them to BBC micro owners.
Both the modem and the Z80 card
were major selling points of the C
machine, though its price of over £2,000
prevented it from selling in huge quan-
tities. Only in the last few months has
Acorn managed to get its Z80 card out,
and during this time Torch has been the
only consistent source of CP/M add-
ons for the BBC micro. More import-
antly in this context, the modem was a
tremendous boon to the machine. It is a
Prestel-standard 1200/75 baud device
with the all-important auto-dial and
auto-answer capabilities.
When the C Series was launched
Torch made great noises about the
communications capabilities of the
machine, and produced a piece of soft-
ware called Torch Mail to prove it.
Torch was in fact absolutely right: the
machine is well suited to communi-
cations, and the Torch Mail package
has been reasonably successful des-
pite a lack of publicity. It is primarily the
cost of the machine which I believe has
prevented it from getting a lot of public
attention, but that situation is soon to
change. Torch owners can now use a
major upgrade to the Torch Mail soft-
ware known as, wait for it, Torch Mail
Plus! And exciting stuff it is too.
‘Hmmm . . . !’ I hear readers saying:
This is Acorn User , not Torch User".
True enough, and the important thing is
that Torch has had the brains to offer a
complete package to allow Torch Mail
Plus to run on the BBC micro. What
is more, it gets a new name, and
properly re-written documentation. The
Unicomms package, for that is it, will
The Unicomm package
Communications software (with OEL
Telemod 2 modem) for a BBC micro
fitted with the Torch Z80 pack:
Uniview: viewdata terminal program
Uniterm: electronic mail terminal
program
Unimail: computer to computer pro-
gram
run on a BBC micro with dual drives
and a Torch Z80 second processor (no
Acorn ones I’m afraid). So the Editor
sent me up to darkest Shelford to have
a look at it.
Unicomm
The Unicomms package consists of an
OEL Telemod 2 modem (no auto-dial or
auto-answer, but more on that later), a
lead to connect it to your BBC machine
and three pieces of software with asso-
ciated manuals. As I said above the
manuals are genuine re-writes, rather
than daisy-wheeled versions with
every occurrence of 'Torch' replaced
with BBC micro’, which makes a
pleasant change. The software is
nothing short of gorgeous: just what the
doctor ordered with menu-driven con-
trols, pop-up Help' windows and
screens that change colour to tell you
what’s going on.
Uniview
Uniview is a viewdata terminal pro-
gram (ie Prestel, Micronet, etc) which
does everything possible for you. It
opens up with an 8-column menu of
host computers (by name) and
switches to mode 7 when you go on-
line. While it can remember telephone
numbers for you, it cannot dial them, so
after prompting you with the number of
the selected host it waits for a carrier
tone on the line. After that Uniview will
log you on automatically from a stored
sequence that was entered previously
and which it has saved to disc.
There isn’t much you can say about a
Prestel terminal in terms of how it
looks: pretty standard stuff. Inter-
estingly though, Torch has solved the
flicker problem in mode 7 (Acorn
doesn’t seem to know how) and provide
a control-key toggle to turn it on or off.
There are facilities for page saving to
disc, happily more than one page per
file, and subsequent reviewing is also
implemented. Files which have been
prepared off-line can be sent up to the
host (useful for rude messages to
Micronet) and standard format telesoft-
ware can be downloaded to disc for
future use. The text part of the screen
can be dumped to a printer, but
because of the variety of printers in use
there is no graphics dump.
Both a Quit facility (which just 'hangs
up’ the call) and a Logoff command
(which can be programmed to send a
sequence of characters such as *90£ or
whatever) are there. The Reveal func-
tion is also provided in software.
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
T J.ATEST BARGAIN PRICES
TV/MONITORS
OOT MATRIX
£75
inc VAT
Monochrome
Sanyo DM2112 £75
Sanyo DM81 12CX £103
Teco with Zoom £105
Colour
Microvitec 1431/1431 QL £197
1431 (RGB/PAL/AUDIO) £225
Microvitec 1451/1 453QL £309
Fidelity CM1 4 £209
i
BBC Model B £399
BBC B' with DFS £469
Acorn Z80 Ext. Processor £299
Acorn Electron £199
Torch Unicorn Package P.O.A.
DISK INTERFACES
Kenda Mighty Oak £90
Kenda Professional (double
density) £130
Acorn DFS Kit £97
£145
inc VAT
Single
100K Chinon 40T £145
200K Sankyo 3" 40T £190
400K Cumana 80T £215
400 K Mitsubishi 40/80T £229
Double
400K Sankyo 3" 40T £374
800K Cumana 80T £409
800K Mitsubishi 40/80T £439
Sr
□ □
f
UQ
I 1
I
L J
m
ITT RL2301
£280
inc VAT
£280
Floppy Disks
3"
5i" S/S 40T
5i" D/S 40T
5i" D/S 80T
£4 50
£1 80
£210
£2 90
Torch Ext. Processor
+ Software £299
Torch Ext. Processor
+ software + twin drives
£749
Computer Concepts ROMs
from £32
Acorn Business Software £24
Acorn Data Recorder £32
Also various computer desks
and stacking units available
Star Gemini 10
Star Delta 1 0
KDC FT-5001
Epson RX80
Epson RX80 F/T
Epson FX80
Mannesman MT80
£219
inc VAT
£249
£365
£234
£219
£249
£379
£225
EMEUS' —
ALL PRICES INCLUDE VAT
Prices shown are for cash & carry sales and are correct at
time of printing.
Export price list available
Mail order and credit cards accepted
OPEN 9-6 Monday to Saturday
57 Hoxton Square
London N1
Tel: 01-729 1778
£249
inc VAT
JUKI 6100 £375
Silver Reed EXP500 £315
Daisy Step 2000 £249
Plus
JUKI Sheet Feeder £239
JUKI Tractor Feed £109
Serial Interface Conversions
8143 — Epson £30
8148 — Epson (2k buffer
XON/XOFF protocol) £65
JUKI £55
Plus cables from £12
THE EXPERTS
BUSINESS SYSTEMS
A.C.T. Apricot
Processors and
Business Systems
assembled to your
specification. Price
dependent on
equipment supplied.
Call us to discuss your
requirement.
r
REVIEWS
Uniterm
Uniterm is a terminal emulator for
purely text-oriented systems and works
within the same basic framework of
menus and windows as Uniview.
Several extra features such as baud
rate settings are provided (not to be
tried with the OEL modem though), and
a Conceal key to prevent friends/family
reading your password as you type it in.
Another key allows text from the host
to be spooled to disc, and it appears
highlighted on the screen for as long as
this is happening. Alternatively, the
session can be printed to a parallel
printer (the RS232 serial port is already
in use, remember). Files may be sent
up to the host after off-line preparation,
and Telecom Gold users will probably
understand what a boon this is.
Again, both Quit and Logoff functions
exist, saving time and trouble if your
route to the host is made through more
than one system.
Unimail
Unimail is the real pi&ce de resistance
of this system. It is a highly sophisti-
cated electronic mail package and con-
tains far more functions than we have
time for here.
Torch Mail Plus, on which Unimail is
based, is the result of about three years
of continuous use by Torch and
customers alike. As a result it is both
versatile and easy to use. Messages
and files can be exchanged between
Unimail/Torch Mail/Torch Mail Plus
systems by dialling them up and then
getting the machines to converse in
1200baud blocks of data. The remote
system can allow a variety of kinds of
access to its files by means of a number
of different passwords, everything from
total prohibition of use, to the ability to
copy files in both directions.
While there is a mind-boggling array
of software switches and options, most
of them have sensible default values. It
is usually possible to hit the return key
to set a parameter that you don’t want
to worry about and this makes life that
much more pleasant.
Conclusion
While Uniview and Uniterm provide
fairly standard features, they have
been executed extremely well. Unimail
on the other hand is both absolutely
extraordinary and particularly well
thought out. I was surprised that more
noise has not been made about this
package.lt will cost about £180, and that
can only be a bargain when you con-
sider that the modem costs £85 alone.
This product surely deserves to be a
winner, and I have every confidence
MODEM LOWDOWN
BELOW: behind the modem. The con-
nector from the phone plugs into the
back of the modem. The lead on the
right goes from the modem to the new-
style BT wall socket (right). The DATA
socket in the middle is the RS232 con-
nection which goes into the BBC micro.
To the left of this is the fuse and on the
very left the power plug.
The RS232 connector has to be pur-
chased separately for the BBC. OEL
packages this in with terminal software
for £14.95 (cassette), £18.40 (disc) or
£19.95 (ROM).
Look out for this sticker (right) on any
modem that you buy -it’s the official
BABT-approved sticker, and any
modem without it cannot legally be used
on the telephone system.
LEFT: The OEL modem is fairly typical of
the latest products. The three lights on
the left are: POWER - indicates the
modem is switched on; CARRIER -
lights up when a signal is being sent or
received; LINE -when the switch is
thrown, the modem is ready to receive
or send.
The MODE switch chooses between:
PRESTEL - 1 200/75baud ‘full duplex’
standard for Micronet, etc; Tx/Rx-for
personal micro to micro communi-
cations at half duplex. The only baud
rate the modem allows is 1200/1200 for
this; Rx- Receive only. Also allows the
user to echo messages on the monitor.
APPROVED for use
with telecommunication systems
run by British Telecomm unicat ions
in accordance with thefoconditions
in the instructions for fise.
B.T. Approval No. S/13S9/3/D/021907
163
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BBC
The Broadway Drive,
| y already in use all over the
v world by many leading
Colleges and Universities, is
y now available at more
j competitive prices than ever.
All drives include the Broadway
publication “Making the most of your
BBC Disc System” and accompanying
utilities disc (available separately at
£30. per set), and offer the back-up that
has made Broadway one of the principal
Acorn and BBC dealers.
All 80 track drives are 40/80 compatible, and the
unique Broadway 500 will write 80 to 40 tracks .
Already in use by many leading software houses.
CHOICE OF 5 MODELS \
* 100 K SINGLE 40 TRACK \ |
* 200K DOUBLE 40 TRACK %
*400K SINGLE 40/80 TRACK >
SWITCHABLE X,
* 800K DOUBLE 40/80 TRACK
SWITCHABLE
* NEW 100 K 40 TRACK PLUS 400K
40/80 TRACK SWITCHABLE
Ready to use, includes: Manual, Format Disc
Leads
Broadway
T7IT TinmBATlTTnCi Bw
ELECTRONICS Aston Road, Bedford, Beds MK42 OLcJ. Telephone: (0234) 88303. Part of the Mushroom Computer group of Companies.
164
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
MICRO GALLERY
‘Almost the real thing’ by Malcolm
Banthorpe. Because Malcolm is now a
regular author - and has won a prize in
Micro Gallery before, we’ve had to
exclude his entry. However, we’ve
printed it because it shows what’s
possible if you try.
Malcolm started with a wire-frame
cylinder drawn at a suitable orientation
on his own software. This wire-frame
structure was used as a three-
dimensional grid for superimposing the
lettering and other surface detail with a
Graphpad graphics tablet.
An ellipse-drawing routine was used to
achieve the curves of the lettering.
Highlights and shading were added by
the Graphpad with Gaelsett’s ECFG
program.
READERS’ PICTURES
MICRO GALLERY is an occasional feature showing screenshots of graphics
produced by readers. All entries printed receive software as prizes. There
are few rules, but entries should be provided on cassette or disc with a short
note on how the picture was developed. It also helps us if you can provide
a transparency. Send your entry to: Micro Gallery, Acorn User, Redwood
Publishing, 68 Long Acre, London WC2E9JH. Please enclose a stamped
addressed envelope if you want your entry returned.
1ST. Lion, Train and Cat by Ron Owen
from Middlesex. Congratulations to Ron
on a series of pictures - three of which
are shown here. They were all plotted in
mode 2 using a combination of freehand
drawing, pixel plotting, colour fills and
user designed graphics. Ron wrote the
software to use with Joe Telford’s light-
pen from AU March ’83.
2ND. 3D membrane by Alain Noullez from
Belgium. Pride of place goes to another
sequence, this time showing the results of
stretching a membrane by 3D objects.
Alain wrote the software himself in Basic.
The type and number of objects used and
the membrane can all be altered.
3RD. Goblets by Ranjan Bhattacharya.
This is a shot from an animated program
which draws the goblets one by one and
rotates them about their stems. Ranjan
used a similar technique in his entry
showing a rotating planet.
165
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
SOLIDISK SIDEWAYS RAM: 8,000 UNITS SOLD
HOW ABOUT COMPATIBILITY?
The Sideways RAM is completely compatible with all issues of BBC computers, disks, all
sideways ROMs, second processor, Torch disk pack, Teletext, Econet etc. but NOT with
ROM extension boards, since it can replace them.
Its power consumption is so low that you can use it in conjunction with twin disks.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Occupying the same place as sideways ROMs (such as BASIC, DFS, CPN etc), it is treated
like other Sideways ROMs and therefore can replace them.
The Machine Operating System uses Sideways RAMs as naturally as Basic, without
procedures or programming rules.
Sideways RAM can run any language, any filing system including Hi-Basic and second
processor DFS.
SIDEWAYS RAM POWER IS IN THE SOFTWARE:
Different from Sideways ROMs, Sideways RAM can be written into. This property gives
birth to a NEW GENERATION of software for the BBC computer: SERVICE RAMs and
VIRTUAL MEMORY PROCESSOR.
Each SERVICE RAM has its own commands and code as its counterpart Sideways ROM but
has its own private workspace and storage area thus leaving you with the lowest possible
PAGE value (PAGE =&EOO). On the other hand, the Virtual Memory Processor can run huge
MACRO BASIC programs (Megabytes are not the limit), keep them on disk and uses the
basic 32k of RAM as transient program area. All software for the Sideways RAM system is
free.
FREE SOFTWARE?
Solidisk Sideways RAMs is bundled with lots and lots of software, FREE and we mean FREE,
now and later. It is quite simple: for every Sideways RAM sold, £1 is spent on MORE
software. Sideways RAM users are invited to spot new applications and contributions are
rewarded at the usual rate of £1 for every 4 bytes of machine code.
The result is printed on the opposite page.
UVIPAC EPROM ERASER
HOW ABOUT THE FUTURE?
Solidisk Sideways RAM is also widely used in schools for ECONET stations, by professional
programmers for writing programs, research laboratories for RAM disk data base, at home
for wordprocessing and now even games.
New areas are being developed: Telesoft and Teletext logging, Speech Processor
assembler and Relational Data base to cite a few.
As the price of 16k EPROMs are as high as £20 at the present time, more Sideways ROM
software publishers will be willing to sell their software on disk. Solidisk will mail FREE OF
ANY COST their advertisement to ALL Sideways RAM users providing the price of the Disk
version reflects savings in the cost of the ROMs. Solidisk believes that the majority of BBC
users will have their Sideways RAM fitted before the end of next year.
Also unlike other makes (SIR, APTL, WE Sideways ROM/RAM extension boards and the
Aries B20), Solidisk Sideways RAM is expandable from 16k right to 128k and now to 208K.
As a result of VLSI technology and volume of sales, Solidisk products also have a lower
shop price than any other products.
OTHER PRODUCTS FROM SOLIDISK:
UVIPAC EPROM ERASER:
Uvipac is powered by the mains, simple to operate and can erase 3 Eproms of any type in
just 15 minutes. Uvipac is ideal for home use.
TEAC DISC DRIVES FD55 Series
DETACHABLE KEYBOARD CASE:
Remove the keyboard from the BBC computer and instal it in the new case. Replace the old
3 keyboard tail by the new 24" cable and you can work really in comfort even for very long
hours. The keyboard case is more a productivity tool than just ergonomics.
CPU CASE:
Replace the top of the BBC computer case by this metal CPU case. Sit your monitor on top (it
is tough enough to take even your weight!). The CPU case has 2 compartments for half
height 5.25” disk drives with fixing screws, air vents and provision for a bolt-on fan. At first
sight, there is no trailing wire. Looking inside, there is enough room to accomodate Teletext
Adapter, Second Processor, Solidisk and a fan!
DOUBLE DENSITY DISK INTERFACE:
2 versions of this double density interface will be available: as direct replacement for the
Acorn Disk Interface (Version A) and as a Second Disk Interface (Version B) adding to your
existing interface. They all use the same Western Digital controller chin (WD1770).
Price £39.95 inclusive
DISKDRIVES:
3 models are being offered:
STL55A: 40 tracks single sided, SLT55F: 2 x 80 tracks, double sided and the best of mini
floppy technology STL320: 2 x 160 tracks, double sided.
All disk drives are supplied with cables, formatter disk, head cleaning kit and 2 year
warranto.
WHICH SIDEWAYS RAM DO YOU NEED?
HOW EASY TO INSTALL:
Solidisk Sideways RAM is available in 16 (SWR16), equivalent to 1 sideways ROM, 32k
(SWR32), equivalent to 2 sideways ROMs, 128k (Solidisk), equivalent to 8 sideways ROMs
and the 20 G Solidisk equivalent to 12 Sideways ROMs. You can buy a small Sideways RAM
now and upgrade it later. From the SWR16 to the SWR32 is by straight exchange, from the
SWR32 to the Solidisk is by adding the 96k Solidisk Extension, from 128k to 2 0*2, is by
exchange of the RAM card.
FREE SOLIDISK SOFTWARE:
W0RD64:
WORD 64 is a Service RAM, it uses Solidisk as storage for WORDWISE, up to 64K free
characters for any text.
SILEXICON:
SI LEXICON is a Spelling Checker for Solidisk. SILEX scans texts at more than a 1,000 words
a minute and compares each word against the dictionary, Silexicon marks the mis-spelt
words for either addition to the dictionary or eventual correction.
PRINTER BUFFER:
PRINTER BUFFER is a Service RAM, it increases 500 times the normal 32 bytes printer queue
to 15K bytes, completely transparent to the user. PRINTER BUFFER is as useful for printing a
long document as for a short program listing.
STLEOO:
STLOO is a Service RAM, it is Disk Filing System that leaves PAGE at &EOO, has built-in disk
formatter/verifier and automatic track stepping for 40/80 track disk drives.
STL150:
STL1 50 is a Service RAM to enhance Acorn's .90 DFS to offer up to 1 50 directory entries per
side.
STL-RFS:
STL-RFS (RAMTIOM filing system) is a Service RAM and an innovation in portable
applications. STL RFS saves any program in a Sideways ROM format, it can then be copied
onto EPROM to give instant recall of your programs. Plug this EPROM into any sideways
socket, type *RFS and it runs itself. Compatible with the ELECTRON and BBC, tape and
disks, SWR16, SWR32 and Solidisk.
INDEX:
INDEX is a Service RAM, it stores all the entry points of one or several sequential data files
such as mailing list, stock list, accounts etc, merges, sorts them in alphabetical order and
gives instant access to any record. INDEX can handle 1,100 records of any size, any type, any
number of fields.
MACRO-BASIC:
MACRO-BASIC is a program generator. You use a wordprocessor to create a command file
which is then scanned by MACRO. MACRO uses other programs, subroutine libraries, text
files (actually any or all files on your disks) as source to generate a bug free BASIC program
which can be very large (Megabytes are not the limit).
VIRTUAL MEMORY PROCESSOR.
VIRTUAL MEMORY PROCESSOR (VMP) uses extensively overlay technique and Solidisk as
back store for very large programs that cannot be run otherwise. VMP uses the 32k basic
RAM as transient area: it operates on a Main Program as generated by MACRO-BASIC,
taking different segments from the Solidisk Store, POOL, HOLD, FREE or CLEAR segments
from the transient area. For example: VMP will accept 20 segments of 10k of Basic
assembler and assembles it into 16k of machine code.
MENU:
MENU puts all computer's resources at your fingertips. MENU displays your Sideways
Firmare, Disk Directories, Sideways RAM system, Solidisk System etc.
MORE FREE SIDEWAYS RAM SOFTWARE TO COME.
While others are making promises for software to be written, Solidisk Systems RAM comes
with a complete, novel and powerful software package including compatibility with existing
sideways software.
Each Sideways RAM is accompanied by the Sideways RAM User Manual, full 1 year
warranty, 1 utility disc* and free mailing on all new publications from the Software Support
Service.
•It should be understood that we cannot put as much free software on a 40 track single sided as on 80 tracks. The present
software package require 160 tracks of storage and can be accommodated on ONE 2 X 80 track double sided diskette, only
the most useful programs are supplied on other formats (ie 40 track single sided, 2 X 40 track double sided, 80 track single
sided) Should you require the whole collection of free software, please place an order for extra disks
For the technical minded: the Source Code and Technical Manual (3 floppies and a 300 f page book) price - £10, the
SILEXICON EXTENSION PACKAGE (3 floppies and a 40 page mnual, 30,000 word dictionary: English and French now,
German and Spanish planned) price £9.00 '4S' also publishes regular updated SWR utility discs at £3.00.
Every user can do contract work for the SUPPORT SERVICE and make a lot of money for him/herself!
SEE US AT
The 2nd
Official
Acorn User
Exhibition
OLYMPIA
16-19 AUGUST
1984
Push in the base unit
Connect the control wires
PRICE LIST (including VAT and post & packing)
SIDEWAYS RAM
SWR 16K
SWR 32K
128K SOLIDISK
208K SOLIDISK
£43.65
£59.95
£150.95
£243.00
The following are upgrade prices for existing Sideways Ram owners :
16 - 32 (please return complete item) £18 00
16 - SOLIDISK (please return complete item) £109 00
32 - SOLIDISK (no return necessary) £93 00
128K-208K SOLIDISK £93.00
DISK DRIVES
STL55A (40 track, single sided, cased with cables, diskette, manual
and 2 years warranty) £142 95
STL55F (2 X 80 track, double sided, as above) £232.95
STL320 (2 X 160 tracks, double sided, as above) £499 00
FLOPPY DISKS (DATALIFE Verbatim):
MD525 (SS DD 40 or 80 track) box of 10 £16.00
MD550 (DS DD 40 or 80 track) box of 10 £22 00
MD557 (DSOD98 TPI) box of 10 £27.00
CPU CASE £13.00
DETACHABLE KEYBOARD CASE £27 99
EPROM PROGRAMMER (used with Sideways Ram) £16.00
UVIPAC EPROM ERASER (free standing unit) £20 95
2764 PACK OF 5 ...... £36,00
SOURCE CODE + TECHNICAL MANUAL £10 00
SLEXICON EXTENSION PCKAGE £9.00
WE STOCK A LARGE RANGE OF PRINTERS AND MONITORS CALL
OUR SALES OFFICE FOR IMMEDIATE QUOTATION
HOW TO ORDER?
You can order any item using the coupon. Post and packing is only charged once.
Access and Barclay card holders can place their order by phone.
Educational authorities, Acorn dealers and OEMs can obtain quantity discounts.
Name:
Address:
Credit Card Account:
Total: £
If ordering more than one item, deduct £1 per item as post and packing cost is only charged )
SOLIDISK TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
17 SWEYNE AVE
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA
ESSEX SS2 6JQ
Callers are requested to ring first for appointment.
SOLIDISK'S NEW TELPHONE NUMBER:
SOUTHEND-ON-SEA (0702) 354674
(10 lines with automatic exchange)
HIGH RESOLUTION
THAT GOMES
HIGHY RECOMMENDED.
“There is no doubt that the JVC range of ECM
colour monitors is excellent value for money . . .
there is no loss in quality of picture after long
periods . . . and remember, as more and more
resolution is available with new micros, the need
for a better display will be that much greater.”
High recommendation indeed from Personal
Computer News. Meanwhile Acorn User said:
“It seems that all ‘normal’ and ‘medium’
resolution monitors, including the Sanyo, are
simply inadequate to deal with the Beeb’s graphics
and text output . . . The JVC was excellent, giving
clear, legible results . . . Was the JVC better than the
Microvitec?* Would I buy one? Yes to both
questions.”
Our RGB high resolution colour monitor (580 x
470 pixels) sells for £229 95 (excluding VAT) - that’s a
saving of over £100 compared with other leading monitors
of similar specifications.
The unit has a 14" screen and is suitable for the
BBC Micro, Electron, Sinclair QL, Lynx, Oric, Apple, IBM
and most other leading micros.
MODEL REFERENCE
1302-2 High Resolution
RESOLUTION
580X470 Pixels
CRT.
14"
SUPPLY
22Q/240V. 50/6011/
E.H.T.
Minimum 19.5kv Maximum 22.5kv
VIDEO BAND WIDTH
10MHz.
DISPLAY
80 characters bv 25 lines
SLOT PITCH
0.41mm
INPUT: VIDEO
R.G.B. Analogue/TTL Input
SYNC
Separate Sync on R.G.B. Positive or Negative
EXTERNAL CONTROLS
On/off switch and brightness control
And naturally there’s a year’s full guarantee.
If you order your monitor by post, you'll receive it
within ten days by courier service.
Simply post the coupon below to: Opus Supplies Ltd.,
158 Camberwell Road, London SE5 OEE. Or telephone
01-701 8668 quoting your credit card number. Or, of course,
you can buy at our showroom between 9.00-6.00pm,
Monday-Friday 9.00-1.30pm, Saturday.
* Microvitec Cub 14" monitor
I
1 To: Opus Supplies Ltd., 158 Camberwell Road, London SE5 OEE.
I Please send me:
High Resolution Colour Monitor(s) at
| £229.95 each (ex. VAT).
Medium Resolution Colour Monitor(s) at
£179.95 each (ex. VAT).
I Connection lead (s) at £6.00 each.
I I understand carriage per monitor will cost an extra £7.00.
| (N.B.A High Resolution Monitor including VAT, lead, and carriage
• costs £279 39- A Medium Resolution Monitor including VAT, lead
| and carriage a >sts £221. 89) .
I enclose a cheque for £ Or please debit my credit card
I accou nt with the amou nt of £ My Access/Bardaycard
(please tick) no. is
. Please state the make of your computer
■ Name AC23
Address
Telephone.
J
168
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
We’ve been absolutely innundated with Free ads — something
like four times as many as we can carry. This has led to long
delays in publication and disappointment for readers. The free
ads are carried in the magazine as space permits, so please allow
up to four months for yours to appear.
ACORN User magazines from
issue No. 1 (July 1982) to April
1984. A total of 21 magazines in
excellent condition. Telephone
Gary with your sensible offer.
Copthorne 714678.
HOBBIT floppy tape system for
BBC. Leads, manual. ROM plus
six extra tapes. Cost around £170,
will sell for £90 due to disc up-
grade. Tel: 01-423 0745 (Harrow,
Middlesex).
A BBC model B for sale. Plus over
£400 worth of software, not used
for more than 2 hours. Tell me
your offer price. Write to B.
Manavi, The Hall, Repton, Derby.
BBC B. disc interface, Hitachi 3 in
drive, hi-res monitor as used on
Apricot, Star Gemini 10X printer,
Sanyo DR101 cassette recorder,
Wordwise, Beebcalc, Discdoctor,
Graphics, Gdump ROMs: cost
£1,200, selling for £850. Tel: Nigel
061-485 3506.
THE ATOM magazine, No. 6
wanted. Will pay £2. Ring Andrew
(0474)812704.
BBC model B. Six months old.
Many games and Wordwise.
Basic two, 1.20S manual, good
condition, £390. Tel: Southend
(0702) 64715, evenings.
TRS-80 model l/lll and Genie
Pascal compiler V5.3, £50 ono.
Texas TMS 2564 EPROMs, £4.
Video Genie and expansion. £330
ono. Write for details: Mike Tubby,
75 Oaklands Avenue, Droitwich,
Worcs WR9 7BT.
ATPL sideways ROM expansion
board. Unused, in original pack-
aging. Plus Beebcalc ROM £49.
Phone (0742) 342870 or write to
Mike Robinson. 8 Cyprus Terrace,
Sheffield S6 3QH.
BBC B, 100k disk drive (+ inter-
face) and sideways RAM. Sup-
plied with virtually all the ROMs,
business, educational and games
software on the market. Valued at
well over £3,000, sell for £1,000.
Phone (05827)69152.
8271 disc controller chips for sale.
Any offers over £40 considered.
Ring Tone 0223 277520 after 6pm.
WANTED! Pets -two needed for
school use. Must be fully working,
large keyboard, any capacity. Can
collect if price reasonable. Please
contact Simon Thomas, Sawtry
Village College, Sawtry, Hunt-
ingdon, Cambs. PE17 5TQ.
WATFORD 13-ROM board -per-
fect condition, with instructions.
£25. Send cheque to P. S. Horner,
10 Carrington Avenue, York Y02
4SH. Tel: (0904) 797721.
VOLTMACE joystick and Volt-
mace interface, two weeks old,
£25 or exchange for Wordwise
ROM and manual. Tel: 041-946
9110 or write to Gordon Keenan,
61 Glenfinnan Road, Glasgow G20
8JG.
VECTREX. The complete portable
games system, with built-in VDU,
sound and joysticks. System com-
plete with Minestorm, Hyper-
chase and Cosmic Chasm. A
super bargain at £85, normally
£165. Tel: Stonehenge 43343.
DISC drive 100k Olivetti (as for
Acorn), £125. Includes all leads,
formatting disc, manual plus £50-
worth of software. Ready to plug
in and go. Tel: 01-455 1069, even-
ings.
SHARP MZ80A for sale. Integral
monitor and cassette deck. Orig-
inal guarantee, virtually unused
-(-manual and books, £300 ono.
Tel: (0246) 450735, evenings only.
VIDEO Genie EG3008 (Z80A and
3.5 MH3), expansion interface
EG3014, monitor, manuals, leads,
circuit diagrams, tons of software,
including LDOS 5.12, etc, £330
ono. Mike Tubby, 75 Oaklands
Avenue, Droitwich, Worcs WR9
7BT.
FOR SALE. BBC B (OS1.2), boxed
with lead, manuals, lots of soft-
ware. magazines and books and
dust cover, £395 the lot. Tel: Jason
(0803) 28760, after 5 pm.
ATOM software required. Mine
destroyed. Nick Humphries, 51
Edgeme Moors Road, Scun-
thorpe, South Humberside DN15
8ES.
BBC model B with DFS and Word-
wise. Opus disc drive, with ten
floppy discs. Four months old,
hardly used. Worth £800, sell
£600. Tel: 01-460 2104. Jim Scol-
lay.
WANTED. Acorn Electron and
manual in good condition, will pay
£100. Write to A. Eliott, 59 The
Mayfields, W-ton WV1 2JH or
come round after 6pm.
WANTED. BBC disk drive or Tele-
text adaptor in exchange for Atari
VS plus II cartridges, two joystick
paddles (everything in good con-
dition). Tel: 01-889 9887 after 5pm.
Acorn User has been alerted
to the abuse of the free ad
service and, regrettably, can
no longer accept entries sell-
ing or swapping software.
ZX81 (16k) RAM and programs,
loading aids and manual, PSU,
leads etc. Offers. Oric 1 48k RAM,
programs, leads, manual. Offers.
Big-ears and Chatter Box. with
documentation, leads, etc. Offers
over £80. Tel: (0689) 35353, even-
ings only.
ELECTRON Boxed as new. Six
months guarantee, plus software,
plus back issues of Acorn User
and Elbug Users magazine.
Genuine reason for sale. Will
deliver to London or Medway.
£185 ono. Tel: (0634)814540.
ATOM word processor ROM with
manual. £10. Seikosha GP100 fric-
tion feed attachment, unused, cost
£28- £10. Tel: (0274) 875976, after
6 pm.
BEST offer over £235 within five
days of this advert secures my
Electron, plus W. H. Smith
cassette recorder, including
leads. Money Management,
Chess, software and Elbug maga-
zines. Tel: (0794) 22755.
BBC B 1.20S, Decca colour moni-
tor, BBC cassette recorder. All 7
months old. Leads, plugs, pro-
grams, books, magazines, hardly
used. No time. £500. Hughes, 1
Beechwood House, Bartley, Near
Southampton. Tel: 812107.
ELECTRON books. Assembly
Language Programming on the
Electron, Ferguson & Shaw, £6.
The Electron Book, McGregor &
Watt, £6. Programming the 6502,
Zaks, £8. Also Acornsoft’s Snap-
per for the Electron, £6. Tel: (0792)
202187 (Swansea).
BBC model A, with 32k, VIA, ana-
logue I/O + 1.2 OS plus desk/con-
sule, software and magazines.
Excellent condition, £265. Phone
Wolverhampton (0902) 896335.
ACORN Atom, 12k/12k via. PSU,
FP ROM, Utility ROM, latest key-
board. Boxed incl. manual, books
and programs (Invaders, Cylon
Attack, Snapper, etc), £80 ono.
Tel: (0324) 711867 (Polmont, nr
Grangemouth).
VIEW ROM with manuals in orig-
inal box £40. Telephone Wantage
(02357) 2774 evenings/weekends.
TRS-80 model III micro and
recorder, manuals, cables, books
and software, only £400. Will
separate if necessary. Tel: 570
6393. 81 Broad Walk, Heston,
Middlesex TW5 9AA.
BBC model B, Zenith green
screen monitor, cassette, £60 soft-
ware (Lisp, White Knight, games),
Advanced User Manual, £425 ono
or will split. 0703 617214.
FREE PERSONAL AD SERVICE I
I
I
I
Sell your old hardware or pass on information. Fill in the form below to a maximum
of 32 words (one in each box) and send it to Acorn User Free Ads, 68 Long Acre,
London WC2E 9JH. Use capital letters, and remember your name, address or tele-
phone number. This is a service to readers - no companies please. One entry per
form only, and we cannot guarantee any issue.
I
I
I
I
l
I
I
169
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
Tutorial Software Ltd.
SENIOR SCHOOL
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Developed in schools and now available to interested home
micro users. Research has identified the compulsory exam
topics, and professional programmers have coded these into
exciting educational games which have been proven to
effectively teach and entertain.
Now available for BBC B and ELECTRON. Each pack
contains main program, extra self test program and Core
Facts book for only £11.95 or any two for £19.95.
MATHS 1:
TRY-ANGLES
MATHS 2:
COORDINATES
PHYSICS 1:
OHM RUN
PHYSICS 2:
ISAAC
GEOGRAPHY 1:
MAYDAY
GEOGRAPHY 2:
WEATHER
Draughts style teaches angles
ratios, tan, sin, cos. 25 levels
Battleship style teaches x and y in
four sectors, directed numbers
Baseball style teaches
D.C. Circuits, resistors, cells, V = IR,
Series & Parallel.
Gunnery style teaches mass,
weight Newtons Laws and
projectiles
Orienteering style teaches O.S.
symbols, grid references, bearings
Forecasting style teaches symbols,
pressure systems, synoptic charts
Send your name, address, and cheque/P. O. to DEPT. A.
TUTORIAL SOFTWARE LTD., FREEPOST, WIRRAL, MERSEYSIDE L61 1AB.
Please state BBC B or ELECTRON
GUARDIAN SOFTWARE
presents
for DISK OWNERS
SOURCE LIBRARY MANAGER
(SLM)
A new concept in ROM based software for the BBC MICRO
Features include:
★ Stores and retrieves any amount of BASIC and/or
ASSEMBLER source code, upto the full capacity of a disk
(1 00/200k).
★ Creates a LIBRARY of upto 399 "members" per 80 track
disk or upto 1 99 "members" per 40 track disk.
★ Allows upto 99 versions of a single program or routine.
★ Will simply and easily "construct" programs developed in
a modular fashion.
★ Stores fully documented code which can be "stripped"
when required for execution.
★ Uses 8 char names and a 20 char description for each
"member".
★ Is fully menu-driven (i.e. no messy commands).
★ Includes 15 page Manual (A4 size) and fitting instruc-
tions.
★ Many other features too numerous to list here.
FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH 6502 SECOND PROCESSOR
IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS AND
EXPERIENCED PROGRAMMERS ALIKE
PRICE £36 (incl. p&p) or large SAE for Fact Sheet to:
GUARDIAN SOFTWARE
21 Harvey Road, Walton-on-Thames
Surrey KT12 2PZ
Utility Toolkit in ROM for the
BBC Micro
A BRIEF SPECIFICATION
•FIND — find any strinfl or keyword in a Basic program
•REPLACE — a string or expression with one of ANY length
• LV A R — decimal or hexadecimal variable list
•CRUNCH — compacts program into multi-statement lines
*DEREM — one of three less drastic compactors
•EXPAND — open up a gap in the line numbering
‘LSTERR — automatic error line listing ready for editing
•MERGE — one programe to another, with auto renumbering
•REPAIR — a Bad Program' and list suspect lines in it
•SHIFT — a Basic program up or down to any page
•KEYS — display defined key contents in editable form
‘MEMLOCS — print al pseudo-variables and memory free
•LOCK — make a software protected cassette tape
•PDUMP — a large scale Epson printer dumper with border
•REMOVE — as Basics' delete but done instantly
Plus ten more useful utilities for program development
and debugging. Compare these facilities and our price, then
decide on the Intersoft U— TOOLS system.
Needs OS 1.20 (and a spare ROM socket)
£26.95 (Inclusive of VAT and P&P)
Send cheque or P.0, to INTERSOFT
26, Netherfield Road, Sandiacre, Nottingham. NG 10 5LN
Trade enquiries welcome
\bvsm
The VASM Syst
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*H The VASM System
VASM is a cornolete DISC-BASED Assembler
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With VASM it becomes possible to develop
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Now your BBC Computer can be used to develop any size
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PO Box 256 Watford . HERTS WD1 8HY Tel (0923) 53514
170
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
BBC model B, 1.20S. DFS, fitted
with Wordwise ROM, Sony
cassette recorder, manual, cover,
etc, £420 ono. Tel: Leeds (0532)
585853.
GRAPHICS digitiser by Minor Mir-
acles, mint condition, never used
(unwanted Christmas present),
new £20, will sell for £14 or swap
for Computer Concepts’ Graphics
ROM. Contact Roger, (09363)
3872, after 5 pm.
PHOENIX Amber high resolution
monitor with anti-glare screen,
with cable for BBC micro. Cost
£123, sell £60. Phone Swansea
(0792)208361.
ATOM wanted. Floating point
ROM, Toolkit ROMs, BBC Basic
board, Arcade games. Send
details to Joel Connault, Le Plan,
F38490 La Batie Divisin, France.
Tel: 76 3222 17.
MICROLINE 80 printer, very good
condition. Character ROM altered
to suit BBC character set, £120
ono. Tel: Richard Harris, Sheffield
(0742) 383532.
WORDWISE, Beebcalc, both
boxed as new, £20 each. Kenda
double density DFS complete,
£80. Prism modem plus Micronet
software, £50. Tel: 01-380 5377 or
0621-892732 (ansaphone), Bob
Fuller.
DO YOU wish to sell your BBC
model B for up to £250 cash, any
condition considered? Ring
Michael, Stithians 860580, even-
ings, or write to: M. Griffiths. Little
Menherion, Carnmenews. Red-
ruth, Cornwall.
BBC official 800k drives, £500.
Acornsoft BCPL, £70. Microtext,
£30. View word processor, £40.
Computer Concepts' Discdoctor,
£22. Beebcalc, £22. All items
under 7 months old and in excel-
lent condition. Tel: (0327) 703792.
MAGAZINES Back issues of
Popular Computing Weekly,
Volume 1, all but No. 35. Volume
2, Nos. 1-17. Offers. Tel: Mansfield
(0623)810619.
BBC B 1.20S, 6 months old,
hardly used. Joysticks, books,
magazines and radio cassette
recorder, only £350. Tel: (0783)
362862 (near Newcastle upon
Tyne).
MICRONET/PRESTEL: Prism
acoustic modem for BBC B with
all cables, software, boxed. Only
£40 ono. G. Lock, 34 Quaker Rd,
Ware. Herts. Tel: Ware 66972 after
6pm or weekends.
SHARPSOFT for sale. 5 original
M/C Sharp MZ-80K games includ-
ing Asteroids, Defender, £2.50
each, plus book of games and
MZ80K Basic book. Books £3.50
each or everything £17 ono. Tel:
W-S-M 419765, after 6 pm.
MATTEL Intellivision for sale, with
four boxed cartridges including
Space Battle and Astrosmash.
Only £80 ono. Phone Thatcham
(0635) 67257 after 6pm.
ROM expansion boards, unused.
Watford. £28; SIR. £28. Tel: Mers-
tham, Surrey (07374) 2413.
MICROTAN 65, with Tanex,
Tanram, hi-res, keyboard,
cassette, tapes and manuals,
£225. May split. Tel: Weston-
Super-Mare 413081.
ROM expander board, X13. Switch
ROMs off in pairs if worried about
power. Upgrading to double
density, can’t fit both, £30. Two
minute operation to plug in. Excel-
lent design. Tel: (0476) 66923.
ATOM 64k RAM 16k ROM includ-
ing Ross software utility EPROM
plus FP and PSU and intro
cassette package and other pro-
grams and Atomic Theory and
Getting Acquainted books and
leads. £130 ono (quick sale). Tel:
01-937 0157, after 6 pm.
WATFORD ROM board, hardly
used. Offers around £25. Also
over 300 programs to swap on
disc. Contact Tufail on 01-843 9172
or write to 29 Lancaster Road,
Southall, Middlesex UB1 1NP.
PRINTER. Teletype 33 with RS232
interface, manuals, many spare
parts. 110 baud, will suit many
computers including Spectrum
and BBC. £50 ono. Will deliver
within 50 mile radius, else buyer
collects. Tel: Scunthorpe (0724)
858569.
WANTED: Atom Disc Interface
(Computer Concepts’ preferred).
Paul Compton, 43 Tuffnells Way,
Harpenden, Herts AL5 3HA. Tel:
(05827) 60986.
BBC model B. Many programs,
joysticks and speech synth (not
Acorn). OS1.2 and OS0.1 sup-
plied. £350 ono. M. Malkin, 19
Rhys Avenue, Kinmel Bay, Rhyl,
Clwyd LL18 5NS. All replies
answered.
BBC B 1.20S plus disc interface,
tape recorder, teletext receiver,
Prestel acoustic modem, soft-
ware, leads, books, magazines -
all for £550 ono. Telephone (Hit-
chin) 0462 59335. (Daytime 0462
51114).
HOBBIT Floppy tape system for
BBC with tape operating system,
manual and leads. Practically
new, for only £100. Tel: 01-341
1195, after 5 pm.
BBC B 32k, 1.20S, Basic II, Hobbit
floppy tape system. Also cassette
player, some software books, etc.
All as new. £395, no offers. Tele-
phone Farnham (Surrey), 724754,
anytime.
ATOM 12k -f 16k FP, A + F Utilikit
ROM, Getting Acquainted, magic
books, manuals, software, 5 volt 3
amp, psu £125. Tel: (0294) 67828.
TRS-80 model 1 level 2 16k. Excel-
lent condition with monitor,
cassette recorder, sound ampli-
fier, all manuals and leads,
including £300 software and
magazines, £299. Contact S.
McMath, 20 Lowergate Road,
Huncoat, Accrington, Lancashire.
Tel: (0254) 392316.
ELECTRON (issue two) with re-
liable cassette recorder, both
under guarantee and in good con-
dition, plus many games, utilities.
Only want £220 ono for quick sale.
Phone 01-907 3119 after 6pm.
BYTE, Kilobaud, 80 Micro, 73, etc
available in exchange for your un-
wanted American (only) computer
magazines. Send list. Smith, 84
Edenfield Gardens, Worcester
Park, Surrey. KT4 7DY.
WATFORD Electronics 13 ROM
expansion board for BBC, £20
ono. Tel: St Albans (0727) 53946,
after 5.30 pm.
RH Electronics lightpen, £25.
Acornsoft Forth on disc plus book.
£15. Both excellent condition. Tel:
(0367) 21631, after 6 pm.
WANTED: Atom owners in and
around the Swindon area. Don't
feel neglected by our BBC breth-
ren. Contact Andy, Swindon
(0793) 39736.
PRINTER MX80T-III only 12
months old, hardly used, immacu-
late condition with BBC (Centro-
nics) lead, 2,000 sheets of paper
and tape of screen dumps, only
£270 or offers. Tel: (0509) 506701,
after 6 pm.
BBC model B fitted with Watford
DFS 1.30, Wordwise and complete
with W. H. Smith computer
cassette recorder. All in excellent
condition, £495. Prism acoustic
modem with BBC software. £40
ono. Acorn DFS. £80. Tel: Canter-
bury 750600.
ATOM 12k -F 12k, FP ROM, Pro-
grammers toolbox, PSU. manuals,
magic book, software etc, £80
ono. Tel: Hughes (0707) 42879.
FOR SALE. Quickshot joystick
plus driver program £17. Also
Games BBC Computers Play'
(book) £1.50. Phone Mexborough
582982.
WANTED. BBC micro. Damaged
or faulty considered. London/
Home Counties area. Ring 01 646
0568, ask for Tim Jones, anytime.
BBC micro GCE German revision
programs. 160 nouns. £3. 160
adverbs and adjectives, £3. State
which or both. £5 on cassette.
Contact E. Muir, 189 Lawrie Park
Gardens, London SE26 6XJ.
ATOM 12k + 12k, PSU, FP, tool-
box, VIA + lots of books and
progs. £60. 808-3228 after 4pm
(London).
BBC B 1.20S, Acorn DFS, Word-
wise, software worth £700, 400k
double sided switchable disk
drive, 34 floppies, green screen
monitor. Worth £1,600- the lot
£1,055 ono. Tel: 047 283 378 after
7pm, Kevin Bramhill.
ACORN Atom, 12k RAM, 12k ROM.
FP ROM, toolbox, PSU. all leads,
£100 of software, all original.
Books, manual. Offers around
£100. Selling for financial
reasons. Phone Geoff on Locks
Heath 3889.
ATARI 400, worth £600. includes
joystick, recorder and lots of
games and basic language and
free VCS and 2 cartridges, all
going for £240. A bargain! Tel:
021-556 1566 or 021-502 5917.
CUMANA double disc, single side,
little used, £325 includes postage.
Churcher, 10 Park Avenue, East-
bourne, East Sussex BN22 9RN.
Tel: 53822.
TELETEXT adaptor + TFS +
manual £160. Hardly used. Write
to 1 Japan Street, Cheetham,
Manchester M8 7HF.
ACORNSOFT Meteors, £6, VU-
type, £12 or swap. Ring Jason
(0632) 739558.
HOBBIT Floppy tape system. Zero
memory option. Fourteen tapes.
£100 ono. Tel: Thame 084-421
3956.
EARLY copies of computer maga-
zines for sale in perfect condition.
Some bound. Sae for list. Burton,
37 Green Road, Southsea, Hants.
Tel: (0705) 811760.
SALE HCCS Forth ROM plus
manual, £20. also Spy’ M/C moni-
tor. £10. Willing to sell both for
£28. Tel: T. Cain, Thanet (0843)
582852, after 6 pm.
WANTED: Atom technical manual,
also software and hardware. Any-
thing interesting considered. Tel:
Sandy on Cardiff 619092, after 6
pm on weekdays.
BBC B Acorn DFS. 100k disc
drive. Epson MX100 132 column
printer. EPROM programmer and
eraser. Wordwise. Discs,
manuals, books and software.
Worth £1 ,400 + , sell £850 ono or
split. Tel: Tyneside 284 3677,
evenings.
DUAL disc drive for BBC, 40 track,
hardly used, £270. Also Gemini
Accounts package including Cash
Book. Final Accounts, Mail List
and Easiledger, £70. Tel: Pulbor-
ough (W Sussex) 2596.
WANTED. Any of these ROMs-
View WP. Ultracalc. Printmaster,
Watford DFS. Tel: 0254 47272.
BBC B Cumana 100k drive. BBC
mono monitor, ROM board, light-
pen, joysticks + various books +
software. Offers over £850, will
not split. Also Rega Planar 3 turn-
table, superb, with Goldring G920/
GC cartridge. £150, no offers.
Phone Mike. Liverpool 051-933
8387 after 5pm.
FOR SALE. P8271 disc controller
chip and DFS ROM. Offers on
Preston (Lancs) (0772) 323543.
WANTED. Acorn Electron and
manual in good condition. Will
pay £100. Write to A. Elliott, 59 The
Mayfields. W-ton, WV1 2JH.
MEMO pad program. Includes
diary, address book and tele-
phone numbers. Save your own
files with this. Works only on
cassettes not discs -only £3.50.
Write to A. Dence, 8 Beare Close,
Hooe, Plymouth PL9 9RT.
EPROMs 27 128/ 16k unused, only
£15 each. S. N. Baker, 3 Small-
wood Road, Baglan. Port Talbot,
South Wales SA12 8AP.
BBC B 1.20S plus disc interface,
tape recorder, Teletext receiver,
Prestel acoustic modem, soft-
ware, leads, books, magazines:
all for £550 ono. Tel: 0462-59335
(daytime 0462-51114), Hitchin,
Herts.
171
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
The BBC Micro has now taken a giant
step into the world of business computing.
With the addition of its new Z80
second processor, it is the first computer at
anywhere near its price to become fully
compatible with CP/M software.
As most business computer users can
verify, CP/M is the most widely used form
of software in business today.
For £299 , you're well and trul y
in business.
At £299, the Z80 adds 64K of usable
RAM to the BBC Micro. And it allows you
to use the CP/M 2.2 computer operating
system.
It’s extremely fast.
And besides giving you access to a vast
new area of software, it enables you to use
CSX graphics-based programs, the perfect
complement to the BBC Micro’s own
superb graphics.
Free software and lan g ua ges.
The Z80 second processor comes com-
plete with five CP/M business programs.
To handle your word processing, there’s
MemoPlan. It’s a program with some highly
sophisticated features, such as a safeguard
against data loss through power cuts and
the ability to show two documents simul-
taneously on the screen.
To form your CP/M personal database,
there’s FilePlan. It stores names, addresses,
telephone numbers, stock listings and
more. And if you use it with MemoPlan,
you can generate personalised letters, labels
and mail shots.
To produce forecasts and analyse
groups of figures diagramatically, simply
use the Graph Plan program. This is incredibly
helpful in working out vital business calcu-
lations, converting them into graphs and
charts.
Meanwhile, in the book-keeping de-
partment, there’s the Accountant program.
Use it to enter day-to-day transactions into
the computer. Then, at any time, you can ask
the computer to produce lists, summaries,
reports, audit trails and trial balances. You can
readily expand this package to a fully ledger
based system, complete with payroll and
more.
Finally, to help you to develop your own
programs without having specialised experi-
ence, the Z80 comes with another software
package called Nucleus. It’s a system generator
which asks you
questions
and uses your
answers to enable
the system to write the
program.
You can use Nucleus
directly with the Accountant
program, or for specialised
personal or business activities.
Additionally, the Z80 package enables
you to use three programming languages.
Your BBC Micro instantly becomes
multi-lin g ual.
To simplify writing your own software
with the Z80, there’s BBC BASIC.
For running professionally written busi-
ness programs, there’s Professional BASIC.
And then there’s CIS COBOL, the leading
microcomputer version of COBOL, the
language used in mainframe computer appli-
cations throughout commerce and industry.
With CIS COBOL, the Z80 also gives you
two sophisticated programming aids.
CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research Inc.
The BBC Microcomputer System.
Designed, produced and distributed by Acorn Computers Limited.
Macro.
One is Animator, an award winning de-
bugging tool which enables you to identify
programming errors quickly and easily.
The other is FORMS 2, which helps
you to write your own interactive programs
in COBOL.
With all these sophisticated features,
the Z80 package is exceptional value
for money. Indeed, bought separately
the programs and languages could
cost as much as £3,000.
Sec* the Z80 at work.
The Z80 second processor is de-
signed to be used with the BBC Micro
Model B incorporating a Seriesl.2
Machine Operating System and linked
toadual 80-track disc drive, a printer
and monitor.
Ask your BBC Micro dealer to
show you just how far it can go in the
world of serious business co m p u ting.
For your nearest dealer, ring 01-200 0200.
Technical speei lication.
The Z80 has a 64K Random Access Memory,
running CF/M 2.2 which provides approx-
imately 55 K bytes of RAM for user programs.
It operates at a clock rate of 6MHz.
Power supply is integral. Height,
70mm.Width, 210mm.
Depth, 350mm.
THE
NOUTmCRN computers ITO
DISC
DRIVES
* Northern Computers announce 6 new models of
Micropulse 5.25' ' disc drive, manufactured and
assembled in the North West, for the BBC
computer.
These drives are exactly compatible with the two
Acom/BBC disc formats. They are based on the
highest quality Teac mechanisms with built-in
power supply, as previously supplied by
Cumana Ltd.
Prices from + V.A.T.
Also: High Quality 3 " Compact Disc Drives
Prices from + v.A.T.
Each Micropulse disc drive is supplied with a BBC
cable, formatter utility disc and comprehensive
55page disc filing system manual for the BBC
computer.
For further details send large S.A.E. to :
Northern Computers,
Churchfield Road,
FRODSHAM
Cheshire WA6 6RD
Tel: 0928 35110
THE K
EXTERNAL ROM
BOARDS
For the BBC Computer and the
<► BRITISH MANUFACTURE <»■ ALLOWS 8 ROMS ON LINE
HARDWARE-BASED ROM SELECTION AVOIDS SOFTWARE
INTERACTION BETWEEN UTILITY ROMS
<► SWITCH TO REQUIRED ROM USING MANUAL SWITCH
OUTSIDE THE UNIT
RED LIGHTS INDICATE THE SELECTED ROM
•Q- HIT “BREAK” TO ACCESS ROM, NO NEED TO USE
SOFTWARE COMMAND
■fr INCLUDES ZIF SOCKET, FOR INSTANT CHANGING OF A
SELECTED ROM
■O’ INCLUDES BBC CABLE AND ROM SOCKET CONNECTOR
-0- INCLUDES SIMPLE FITTING INSTRUCTIONS,
JUST PLUG IN AND GO!
please contact: Gareth Littler
Mark Howard or Churchfield Road,
pompute^l ™“ A66RD
Division Tel: 0928 35110
ACORN USER ADVERTISEMENT PAGES - AUGUST ISSUE
AB Designs
102
Acorn
172/173
Acorn User Show
28
Addictive Games
146
Advent
130
AJ Vision
73
Akhter
120
Beebug
20/21/124/136
Beebugsoft
48/49
Bel Tech
88
Broadway
164
Brother Industries
148
C-Tech
26
Cambridge Computer Store
77
Cambridge Microcomputer Centre 23
Cambridge University Press
154
Cardiff
92
Chase Data
100/101
Cheetah Marketing
54
City Music
142
CJE Micros
72
Clares
110/111
Commotion
152
Computer Concepts
11/36/126
Computer Town
96/97
Computerama
1
Compwise
150
Comtec
132
Cumana
19
CYB Design
150
DB Enterprises
16
DN Electronics
77
Datapen
124
Datastore
55
Diamondsoft
138
Discotek
84/85
DPL
146
Duckworth
71
ECCE
17
Elbug
159
Electronequip
4/5
Ephagy Software
142
First Byte
. 6
GCC (Cambridge)
18
Gemini
34
Golem
119
GSL
151
Guardian Software
170
Harris McCutcheon
102
HCR Electronics
17
Honeyfold Software
60
Inmac
30
Intech
90
Interface
130
Interface Systems
142
Intersoft
170
Kansas
64
Keyzone
144
Level 9
118
Lifelong Learning
142
Lion House Micros
56/57/58
Loco Systems
144
LVL
IFC
Mayfair
119
Merlin
74
Micheals Business Systems
34
Micro-Fast
162
Micro-Programmer
34
Micro-Resources
154
Micro-Tek Computer Services
55
Micro-Test
8
Micro- Vi tec
98
Microfix
130
Micronet
24/25
Micronix
17
Micropower
32/109/OBC
Microwriter
116/117
MCL
71
Northern Computers
174
Opus
52/86/122/140/168
Pace
103/158
Printerland
119
Proxima
140
Robot
46
Salamander
76
SCI (UK)
160
Screens
92
Shards
115
Silent Computers
119
Simonsoft
75
SIR
132/138
Skywave
31
Slogger Software
134
Software Supermarket 99
Solidisk
166/167
Spider Systems
22
Stella-Enterprise
152
Superior Software
95/1 56/1 BC
Synergy
62
Systems
94
Technomatic
12/13/14
Three D Computers
55
Tutorial Software
170
Twillstar
67/69/71/73/75/77
Victor-Morris
92
Vida Rebus
170
Viglen
128/129/131/133/135
Vine Micros
16
Vogan Products
34
Voltmace
46
Watford
38/39/40/41/42/43/44
Sorting Program Courtesy of Gemini
174
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
I SMALL ADS
■ BBC B. Store your current
account records with this file.
Handling program disk 40/80 £7
or cassette £5. (0273) 34167. 37
Ravenswood Drive, Wood-
ingdean, Brighton, Sussex.
■ Original BBC software for
sale: Acornsoft. Program
Power, Superior Software etc.
May consider swapping. Tele-
phone Lodge Hill 49249. Ask for
Victor (after 7pm).
■ Small boat skippers. Learn to
recognise navigation lights,
buoys and flags with Navrec.
Eight programs totalling 42k on
a 40 track disc. £10 from R.
Morris, 8 Normanby Drive, Con-
nahs Quay, Clwyd.
■ Extra words for Acorns
speech synthesiser via key-
board socket “Ashtray’’ car-
tridge. Only £10.95. Promit, 456
Clayhall Avenue, Barkingside,
Ilford, Essex. Hurry -only 20
left.
■ Print out listings. Send £1 per
program with your cassette/s or
40 track disc for same day
service. Also wordprocessing.
Send sae for details. Post to: A.
J. Services, 104 Craythorne
Avenue, Birmingham B20 1LN.
■ Programs wanted for new
software company. Good rates
paid for your own original
material. Cottage Software, 3
Conrad Drive. Worcester Park,
Surrey. 01-330-1554.
■ Atom owners! Build a speech
synthesis or colour module. Full
technical details including
demonstration programs, £3
each. Also available as kits or
assembled. K. White, 86 Neal
Road, West Kingsdown, Seven-
oaks. Kent TN15 6DQ.
■ Basicode users. Timer.
Records Chipshop programs
while asleep. Radio cassette
recorder, motor control and
BBC A/B necessary. Send £3. A.
Shirley, P.O. Box 108, High
Wycombe, Bucks HP11 1LA.
■ Tortoisesoft presents: Magic
& Mayhem, an adventure game
for the impatient! Pentoms:
Graphic puzzle, 2339 solutions.
Both programs cassette £7.95.
40 Track disc £9.95. 14a Windsor
Road, London W5. Tel: 840 2120.
■ NEC PC-8023 dot matrix
printer for BBC, in mint con-
dition with user manual, cable
and comprehensive screen-
dump ROM. Only £240. Also
fully expanded Acorn Atom: any
offers? Tel: Marc (01) 954 6367.
■ Three BBC B programs -our
much acclaimed Cricket Simu-
lation, Jewels of Nabooti (an
educational adventure); and
French Tutor. £6.50 tape, £7.95
40-track disc from S. Grist, 127
Waxwell Lane. Pinner, HA5 3EP.
■ 50 high quality, low cost
games including Zaxxon, Dr.
Who, Tron, Tempest, Knight
Rider & more: all on tape @
£6.95 (tape to disc instructions
included). Ranjan, Dept (AU), 3
Wensley Close, Harpenden,
Herts, AL5 1RZ. (48 hr despatch
service).
■ Music. Direct type-a-tune
program for Electron plus
“tunes for typing ”. £1. Qwerto-
mc Press, 71 Elmfield Avenue,
TeddingtonTWII 8BX.
■ Wollensak stereo cassette
copier £900. Hardly used.
Copies over 200 C12s an hour.
Ideal for program producers.
Phone Peter Okell on 061-736
2733 (Manchester).
■ BBC B/Electron. New game,
“The Blob”. Large colour
graphics and sound effects.
Cheque/PO for £3.95 to Andrew
Goble, 18 Buckland Road,
London E10 6QS.
■ Floppy disks 5^"- Lowest
prices cost/disk including VAT
and p&p. SSDD: £1.50 (1-4),
£1.40 (5 or more). DSDD: add
40p/disk. Cheque/PO to: Babel
Ltd, 166 A King Charles Road,
Surbiton, Surrey KT5 9BQ. Tel:
390-2131.
■ Spectrum Analysis. BBC B
program calculates frequency
spectrum of time waveform
input via keyboard or analogue
port. Graphical displays. £5
cassette. D. Bonfield, 4 Mars-
den Way, Orpington BR6 9TX.
■ 20 educational programs in
maths, physics, chemistry &
geography only £8.95 (tape),
£11.95 (disc). Business pack
includes word processor, data-
base, Beebcalc, V AT &
accounts only £11.95 (tape),
£14.95 (disk). Ranjan, Dept (AU),
3 Wensley Close, Harpenden,
Herts AL5 1RZ. (48 hr despatch).
■ Rompull + Tapedump: £5.
Super Diskmenu + EPROM ver-
sion (on tape): £5. Tape2tape +
Tape2disk+ Disk2tape + Disk
2disc + tapedup: £5. R-Soft, 22
Marriotts Close. Felmersham,
Beds MK43 7HD. Tel: 0234-
781730.
■ Egg the upgrade - enhances
Chuckie Egg -8 new boards -
joystick routines -start at any
board -up to 255 lives! £3.50
(inc p&p). Sae details to Crystal-
soft, Dower Cottage, Gold Hill
East, Chalfont St. Peter. Bucks
SL9 9DL.
■ Softspeech BBC/A/B with
your own voice, any vocabulary,
2secs/K, hardware included.
Speech module, demos, assem-
bly listings; link to your Basic
programs. Tape £10. Opensoft,
12 Blyth Place, Russell Street,
Luton. Beds.
■ Personalise your BBC micro.
Personal message on power-
up. Password (optional). On
sideways EPROM. Send £15 (or
£5 + 2764 EPROM), message,
password (8 characters), if
required. I. Whetton, 13 Wood-
leigh, Walton, Brampton, Cum-
bria.
■ Sale: function key definitions,
10 overlays, spiral bound. £1
each or 3 for £2. Funkey Access-
ories, 71 Rhydhelig Avenue,
Cardiff CF4 4DB.
■ Atom 12k RAM fp ROM with
documentation and two power
supplies. NeVer really used.
£50. Also Sony B/W for sale. Tel:
01-870-6664 (Evenings).
■ FX80 owners. Want near-
letter-quality print! Send sae for
sample printout or £4 (inc.) to S.
Linter, 1A Bull Lane. Boughton.
Faversham, Kent, ME13 9AH.
■ ROM Filing System: generate
your own 8-16k RFS files to run
from EPROM/sideway RAM: £5.
R-Soft, 22 Marriotts Close, Fel-
mersham, Beds MK43 7HD. Tel:
0234-781730.
■ BBC “Image ” -ultimate tape
back-up copier. Copies virtually
everything. Send sae for details
of its incredible features. Also
locks and unlocks programs.
100% M/C. £3.80. P. Donn, 33
Little Gaynes Lane, Upminster,
Essex RM14 2JR.
■ Professional programmer
offers Basic and Machine Code
programming service and pri-
vate tuition in programming and
computer literacy. Tel: 01-693-
8434. Micronet 01397653.
■ Ardsoft Educational Software
announce the release of their
new, quality educational soft-
ware. Free catalogue and demo
cassette available on request.
Send 50p (p&p) to Ardsoft Edu-
cational Software, 20 Castle
View, Leeds LS17 5BY.
■ Joysticks - top quality at
amazing low price. Only £9.95 a
pair. Easier to handle and faster
than others costing twice as
much. Cheque/PO to Peritron,
21 Woodhouse Road, London
N129EN.
■ Machine generated tape
copies of your own programs
from 28p including tape. Dis-
count for quantity. Hard copies
(75p) for debugging or backup.
Quotes, ring 0724-734098.
■ Infant/Junior schools. 22
tried and tested programs at
£2.50 each. (Tape or disc).
Large sae for list. 18 Nant Eos,
Holywell, Clwyd CH8 7DA.
£10 SMALL AD SERVICE T
Please include your cheque for CIO made payable to Redwood Publishing. This is U
| the standard fee. Don’t forget your name, address or phone number. Send cheque 1
plus form to Acorn User Small Ads, 68 Long Acre, London WC2E 9JH.
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175
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
DIARY ■
Hermann Hose wheel talks to our man on the Cam Orson Fact
Millionaire etitrepruner Hermann , 34, was born into the aristocratic Hoseivheel family.
Although the family motto is *lch bin nicht ein German ’ the Hosewheels originated in
the Bavarian village of Beebonsberg before moving to Austria and wine-making. He
followed a distinguished career in particle physics, discovering the atom, proton and
electron. He is married to Pamela Rasp, the New Zealand bio-chemist. As yet they
have no children but a very large Econet at their home in Cambridge.
A LIFE
IN THE
DAY OF
A HERMANN
I awaken at
4.30 each
morning and
arise immedi-
ately. Before breakfast every
day I take exercise, it prepares
me for the day ahead. Some
days 1 run only a half-mara-
thon, but usually I run the full
distance. I wave to Clive as I
lap him at Grantchester.
I often fly to San Francisco
for discussions at our research
centre in Palo Alto. I buy Cali-
fornia before returning for
lunch with Chris.
We eat at Kings College
where I did much of my
research. I believe it is very
important to keep up the old
college ties, in fact we are think-
ing of buying Kings to house
our growing R&D division.
Over lunch Chris and I
discuss the next stage of the
master plan. This is to asset-
strip IBM. The two assets of
value to us are their massive
customer base and their
worldwide chain of office
blocks. We intend to strip out
every installed IBM main-
frame and replace it with a
Beeb with Hyper-Tube inter-
face to the Ultimate Machine
(UM) that R&D are building.
■ THE MEP has drawn a blank
with Sinclair in trying to draw
up database guidelines.
Sinclair’s boys are the only
ones to express a wish not to
participate, as virtue is appar-
ently seen in incompatibility.
■ MARKETING man Tom
Handbay has described
reports of his replacement by
a graduate as ‘premature’. He
claims that no-one in Cam-
bridge has yet seen a working
All the parasite terminals will
be replaced with Acorn ter-
minal emulators connected by
our new Psychonet telepathic
interface.
The IBM office blocks will
give us the chance to diversify
our operation into luxury
hotels. By simply replacing the
office furniture with bedroom
furniture and the M in IBM
with an acorn we will create in
one operation the largest chain
of hotels in the world. Hotel
managers will come from the
Product Services division.
After lunch I go to our R&D
labs where I like to spend my
afternoons solving the remain-
ing problems on the AUT
(Acorn Universal Tube). This
is simply a high-frequency
radio IO port which will inter-
face with anything attached to
a UTI (Universal Tube Inter-
face). So on our future
machines we supply just the
AUT instead of the many
interfaces of the BBC micro
and to use, for example, a par-
Graduate and that his recent
plastic surgery in Silicon
Valley worked wonders.
‘I passed my ART (Android’s
Reliability and Training)
examinations first time.'
■ THE Oric Muser has just
announced a policy of not com-
menting on a new product until
they know something about it.
Trouble is, they need to fill
their news pages.
allel printer only a Centronix
UTI would be necessary.
After finishing the AUT we
hold a board meeting and
decide to buy some property
in the City for a new London
headquarters. Because we see
further than the rest we agree
to buy either the Post Office
tower or the Natwest building.
In the evening, Pamela and
I like to have a quiet night in,
watching video repeats of Clive
on Spitting Images . We are
often invited to speak at official
dinners, and I spoke recently
on ‘Acorns in an expanding
universe 5 to the Ecological
Astronomers Association.
Being a bio-chemist Pamela is
a wonderful cook and loves to
make the traditional Austro-
Maori dish Watanabe-schnit-
zel. Eddie the Android clears
up and after playing with the
Econet we retire
to bed to finish the
day as it started.
■ ACE investigative reporter
Orson Fact has compiled the
latest 6502 second processor
league table:
China 2
India 6
Wellingborough 17 * *
Cherry Hinton 293
Soviet Union 1 ,347,513 **
* Still in parts awaiting ship-
ment.
** Courtesy US Department of
Defense.
ACORN
ABUSER'S
OVERHEARD in a Cambridge
tavern: ‘I hear Acorn’s
dropped the 16032 second pro-
cessor.'
‘Really? What are they doing
instead?’
‘Something called the
32016. Apparently the same
architecture as the 16032 but
twice as late.'
■ A RECENT collaborative
venture with Acorn has
enabled Commodore to
release the Plus 4 computer. It
will work as a stand-alone
machine but it was really
designed as a second pro-
cessor for the Electron.
We asked Acorn’s Jean Vin-
cent when we could expect
Acorn to release the Plus 2 and
Plus 3 to interface with the Plus
4: We are working very hard
on them.
‘Currently, with all the add-
on boxes, the machine is so
deep it falls off the back of the
desk.’
■ THIS month’s Barry Wood-
entop Monumental Cockup
award goes to Inferior Soft-
ware for their Spectrum emu-
lator on the Z802P.
MD Kai Gooney commented
‘We’re very excited to have
won this award, proving our
lead in the race to turn the
Beeb into a really serious
machine. Our ZX81 emulator
is far advanced and after that
we'll announce the Oric
Atmost4.8k.'
IN NEXT month’s Acorn User
we ask:
■ ‘Does the Z80 second pro-
cessor work with Disc Doctor
in the IO processor?’
■ Is Chris Curry related to
Gandhi?’
■ Is Hermann really a Ger-
man?’
In the meantime see if you
can guess the answers from
the following anagram: ON
Next week: Christopher Wand
ACORN USER AUGUST 1984
\\\ W
ZSS&
\
TUIO SENSATIONAL NEW AELEASES
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BBC
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OUR GOAAANTCC
(1 ) Rll our software is available before uue advertise.
(2) fill our softujare is despatched ujithin 48 hours by first-class post.
(3) In the unlikely event that any of our softiuare fails to load, return your
cassette to us and uue uuill immediately send a replacement.
STRR STRIK6R (32K) £7.95
R multi-stage arcade-style gome in aihich you take control of
o 3-stage rocket equipped with 4 side losers and a central
loser connon. Not only must you defend the rocket against
the 6 types of circling alien, ond ovoid the asteroids and
fireballs, but you must olso attempt to dock the separate
stages of the rocket together. Stunning graphics, sound
effects, introductory tunes, hi-score ond rankings. Rnother
excellent program from Superior Software.
(K€V0ORRD or JOVSTICKS)
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MR. WIZ (32K). £7.95
From the author of Percy Penguin, Mr. UJiz is a fast-action multi-scene
game. Guide Mr. UUiz around the garden to eat the cherries whilst
avoiding the evil gremlins. The gremlins can be killed by dropping
apples on them or by throuuing the crystal ball. Cxtra points can be
gained by eating the magic mushroom, but beuuare . . . this is the
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Run through the
creepy mansion * 1
to rescue the
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ghouls and bouncing spiders, leap
over poison-smeared spikes,
scamper along moving platforms t
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and use powerful springs to
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