Issue 7 Volume 2, Number 2 $4.95 U.S.
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10 Game Grab Bag $9.95 Plundered Hearts $12.97 1750 Super Clone $99.95 Geos 128 v2 $44.97 Defender of the Crown $9.97 Pool of Radiance 14.97 Basic Compiler 64 $12.97 Graphic Label Wizard $14.97 | Destroyer $9.97 Portal $14.97 Big Blue Reader $29.97 Graphics Basic $9.97 | Double Dragon 2 $9.97 Questron 2 $9.97 B/W Prog Tools $14.97 Home Designer 128 $24.97 Heavy Metal $12.97 Rampage $7.97 Bob's Term Pro 64 $12.97 Mach 128 Cart $24.97 Heros of the Lance $14.97 Realms of Darkness $12.97 B/W Power C $9.97 Manager, The $12.97 Impossible Mission 2 $9.97 Roadwars $7.97 B/W Turbo Cartridge $14.97 Maverick v5 $24.95 Keys to Maramon $9.97 Sidearms $7.97 C128 Graphics Bundle $29.97 Model Diet $9.97 Mean Streets $9.97 Steel Thunder $9.97 Christmas Model Kit $9.97 Movie Maker $9.97 Monopoly $9.97 Strip Poker $14.97 Creative Writer $12.97 Newsroom $14.97 Ms Pacman $9.97 Trump Castle Casino $12.97 CSM Protection Man 1 $14.97 On Line Help $9.97 Ogre $9.97 Wheel Fortune 1-2-3 $9.97 CSM Protection Man 2 $19.97 Outrageous Pages $14.97 Pacman $9.97 Zork 1-2-3 $9.97 Data Manager 2 $14.97 Paperclip 3 64/128 $19.97 Designer's Pencil $9.97 PFS File & Report $19.97
Desk Manager $9.97 Postcards $14.97
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4th & Inches $7.97 Sporting News Baseball $9.97 Fast Load Cart $19.97 Superscript 64/128 $14.97 America’s Cup Sailing $7.97 Star Rank Boxing $7.97 Fleet System 3 (128) $14.97 Swiftcalc w/Sideways $14.97 Champshp Baseball $7.97 Tenth Frame $9.97 Geos 64 v2 $39.97 Term Paper Writer 128 $12.97
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1581 Drive w/Toolkit $79.95 Com Modem Adapter $15.95 C-128RGB Cable == $17.95 | Floppy Disk Notcher $6.95
Items Listed Above Do Not Include Shipping, U.S 48 States - Add $5.50
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C QO N T
ISSUE 7
COMMODORE
WORL
THE NEWS MAGAZINE FOR COMMODORE 64 & 128 USERS
GENERAL MANAGER Charles R. Christianson Sf Epiror Doug Cotton 5 TECHNICAL Epitor Mark Fellows 5 ADVERTISING SALES Charles A. Christianson 413-525-0023 © PHOTOGRAPHY Wayne Wrubel 5 Grapnic Arts Doug Cotton 5 Etectronic Pre-Press & PRINTING Mansir/Holden, Inc. Sd Cover Design by Doug Cotton
Commodore World is in no way affiliated with Commodore Business Machines, Inc. Commodore World is published 8 times annually by Creative Micro Designs, Inc., 15 Benton Drive, East Longmeadow MA 01028-0646. Second-Class Postage Paid at East Longmeadow MA. Annual subscription tate is US$29.95 for U.S. addresses, USS35.95 for Canada or Mexico, US$45.95 for all EC Countries, and US$57.95 to all other addresses worldwide, All subscription payments must bo providedin U.S. Dollars. Mail subscriptions to CW Subscriptions, c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc., P.O, Box 646, East Longmeadow MA 01028-0646,
Entire contents copyright © 1995 by Creative Micro Designs, Inc., unless otherwise noted. No part of this publication may be printed or otherwise reproduced by any means without prior written consent from the publisher. All programs published in this publication are for the personal use of the reader, and may not be copied or in any way distributed Allrights reserved, Programming examples and routines in this issue which are presented for educational purposes may be used in the creation of programs by the purchaser of this of this magazine, provided credit for the routines is clearly presented in either the program documentation, or the program itself Creative Micro Designs, Inc., assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in editorial, program listings or advertising content. Creative Micro Designs, Inc., does not assume any liability for advertisers’ claims.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CW Address Changes, c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc., P.O. Box 646, East Longmeadow MA 01028-0646,
N oT
VOLUME 2 °
FEATURES
20 Survivin THE 90's by Charles A. Christianson Keep your Commodore useful for years to come. 30 Bonus Review: A Tate of Two PRINTERS by Ron Hackley
That FGM guy recounts his experiences of buying a new inkjet printer.
REVIEWS
34 Sortware: Two Tax PACKAGES by Steve Vander Ark Don't let the IRS tax your mind as well as your income. 36 Ganes: MINIVIEWS by Sherry Freedline Mean Streets, Questron I, Stickybear Math and Memory Manor. 38 Haroware: Cartrioce Port ExpaNpeRs by Jim Brain Find out what CMD's EX3 and EX2+1 are, and what they can do for you.
39 Harpoware: CMD’s GamePad by Sherry Freedline Your games may take on a new life using this sega-style controller.
COLUMNS
16 Just For STARTERS by Steve Vander Ark
Steve eases new users into peeks, pokes, and disk commands. 18 Foreign EXCHANGE by Joseph Gaudl
Take a closer look at Scanntronik, Gernany's video hardware source. 40 GRAPHIC INTERPRETATION by Steve Vander Ark
Taking advantage of geoWrite is just a matter of using the right tools! 42 GEOPROGRAMMIST by Maurice Randall
Introductory steps to building a dialog box in GEOS.
44 Basic INSTINCTS by Gene Barker Replace those INPUT commands with clean input soubroutines.
48 SCSI Macic by Doug Cotton
Add removable media SCSI drives to your CMD HD system.
49 Haro Tips: Vinco Castes by Mark Fellows Build the right cable for your computer and monitor combination.
50 PERIPHERAL VISION by Jim Butterfield Ease your disk operations with a DOS Wedge.
52 Carrier Detect by Gaelyne Moranec
Take some ‘netiquette’ lessons from our telecommunications expert. t
55 Over THe EnGe by Harold Stevens Getting your spouse involved with computing may not be the right thing to do,
DEPARTMENTS 2 From THE Epitor 26 Commopvore Ustr Groups 4 BackTALK 32 Commopore Trivia 8 ON THe Horizon 56 Cuassiriep Aps 12 THe CONNECTION 56 Apvertiser’s INDEX 14 Top Tips
See Our CHK-LIST
Utility On Page 47
NUMBER 2
From THe Epiror
COMMODORE WORLD
you missed my last
editorial, | urged
programmers to write programs that push our capabilities a little farther.
This time, I'd like to mention that there are some programmers out there doing exactly that. Folks like Rod Gasson, Maurice Randall, Nick Rossi, David Schmoll, Gene Barker, Brian Bell and others are providing some of the best software our computers have seen in a long time. This, then, is my opportunity to say thanks to those programmers for their efforts, and to urge you to support them.
How? It’'snothard. Some ofthese programmers offer their software as shareware, and others as commercial products. Ifa program suits your needs, buy it, orsend in the shareware fee. I'm not
IF A
PROGRAM SUITS YOUR NEEDS;.b.UN, IT, OR SEND
By the way, while you're out looking for some good programs, be sure to take a look at Loadstar, Fender Tucker and Jeff Jones never fail to amaze me with the sheer quantity of quality software they pack into every issue of Loadstar and the Loadstar 128 Quarterly. Softdisk, the company that publishes Loadstar, offers subscription options that will fit anyone’s budget. They've even gone so far as to provide a ‘pay-by-the- issue’ plan to assure users they'll get every issue that they pay for! Again, yoursubscription does good things for the future of the C-64 and 128; it keeps Loadstar
actively providing us with more software, which in turn keeps programmers in the market,
There are other ways that you can extend both the life and usefulness of yourcomputer. But since that’s what our feature story in this issue is about, I'll let you check there for the details.
Before! close, though, let draw your attention tosomething
you'll notice in this issue:
me
IN THE saying you should go out and we've dropped Advanced ying) dg SHAREWARE eee buy software you'll never use; but rechniques to make room for FEE.
don't put offspendinga little money on software or shareware that you do find useful. Many users today are finding out the hard way that specific programs eventually become difficult to find. The program you put off buying today may be gone next month, next year, or perhaps next week! There's just no telling. Shareware? Okay, you've already got it, or you can easily download it from any ofa number of sources. So what's to worry about? How about keeping the author interested in providing us with software? For every programmer we lose, we also lose an unknown number of future applications, updates, and someone whose advice can help others to create even more software. That's a lot at stake in exchange for the modest fees most shareware programmers request.
the extensive feature story. That may become a permanent situation since we're starting a machine language column. I'm sure the Techniques column will be back from time to time, but it’s the most likely candidate to be displaced when we need room, Other changes are in the works as well, but we'll chat more about those as the details firm up.
Doug Cotton Editor
Issue 7
3 4 4 4 | j 4 2p
Info 610-586-5701 Tech 610-586-5704 FAX 610-666-5706
11541 -2 Drives
These are completely NEW & boxed by Commodore from their latest production run. Includes all Cabling, Manuals, and Disks. Hurry as supplies are limited.
$89.95 CBM Test Kit
$24,95 29.95
128 Diagnostic Cart. w/Manual 64 Dead Test Cart, w/Manual
Last Chance Parts
We have just acquired the last batch of Commodore factory repair parts and assemblies. All parts have a 60 Day Warranty through Software Hut. Hurry as supplies are limited.
CBM Partt Description Price 1540002-01 1541 Internal P.S. $12.95 1540048-01 1541 PCBAssmALPS 19.95 1540048-03 1541 PCBAssmNEWT 19.95 250448-01 PCB Assm 1541B 19.95 250471-01 PCB Assm 1581 22.95 250735-02 Keyboard 1280 22.95 250772-01 Power Supply 1571 18.95 251053-10 Power Supply 64/640 = 22.95 310379-02 PCB Assm 128 80.00 310420-01 PCB Assm 1571 22.95
318264-01 Commodore Joystick 5.95 326166-04 Keyboard 64 14.95
390205-01 Heavy Duty 64/64C P.S. 32.95 516402-02 64 Computer, ReCon. 109.95 601210-66 MPS 1200 Printhead 24.95 128 Motherboard - Complete $64.95 128D Motherboard - Complete 64,95 64C Motherboard - Complete 54.95 C128 Power Supply - External 39.95 C128D Power Supply - Internal 24.95 1541-2 or 1581 Power Supply 19.95
Commodore Manuals User Manual 128 Computer $9.9
User Manual 1700/1750 RAM 6. ra User Manual 1351 Mouse 5.95 User Manual 1764 RAM 6.95 Service Manual 1581 Drive 19.95 Service Manual MPS 1000 Printer 19.95 User Manual 1802 Monitor 5.95 User Manual MPS 1250 Printer 7.95 Intro Manual 1280 4.95 User Manual 2002 Monitor 7.95 User Manual 64C 6.95 User Manual 801 Printer 7.95 User Manual 802 Printer 7.95 User Manual 1702 Monitor 7.95
Volume 2, Number 2
dod cone Ab natin? Paci atin
Games & Closeouts
Airborne Ranger 0.00 Bad Blood er Below the Root 10.00 Big Boggle 14.00 Blackjack Academy 12.95 Chomp 12.95 Deja Vu 9.00 Demolition Mission - Space Racer 6.00 Dolphin's Rune 5.00 Felony! 9.00 Gateway to the Savage Frontier 14.00 Impossible Mission 2 8.95 Jack Attack cartridge 5.00 Jeopardy 1, 2, Jr, Sports (Specity) 10.00 Learning Bridge Made Easy 9.00 Moonmist 12.00 Navy Seals 12.95 PathWords 9.00 Plundered Hearts 12.00 President Is Missing 9.95 Rambo 2 6.00 Risk 17.00 Secrets of the Silver Blades 14.00 Shoot'em Up Construction Kit 12.00 Stationfall 12.00 Swiss Family Robinson 10.00 Tass Times in Tone Town 9.00 Test Pilot Bundle (ATF, Crazy Cars,
Tomahawk, Harrier, Intittrator 2) 15.00 Three Stooges 12.95 Tony LaRussa Baseball 12,00 Tony LaRussa Teams (Specify) 7.00 View to a Kill 9.00 Weird Oreams 11.00
Wheel of Fortune 1,2,Gold,Jr (Specify) 10.00
Where (Specity) is Carmen S. 0.7 27.00 Who Framed Roger Rabbit 22.00 World Games 12.00 Wrath of the Demon 22.00
errr
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1670 Modem - 1200 Baud, New, Boxed. Super Special Price, while supplies last - $19.95
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CBM parallel printers, supports graphics $49.95
Suncom Icontroller - Limited supply of this joystick/mouse classic - $29.95
5 or 8 pin Composite Cable $14.95 C128 to Magnavox/1084 (Specity) 14,95 Computer/Disk Drive Cable-6 ft. 12.95 Surge Protector w/EMI (6 Outlet ) 14.00 1084S Monitor Call 1802 Monitor by Commodore 149.95
We stock Printer Ribbons for: MPS 801, 802, 803,1525, 1526, 1000, 1200, 1250 - $7.00 each Specify your printer when ordering
313 Henderson Dr
Orders 800- 932- 6442
2) ° SPECIAL OFFER ° Receive either Master Type Typing cartridge or Jack Attack #, cartridge for only $2.00 additional with any order - Originally valued at $49.00
C64 Trade-In Program
Is your C64 or 64C broken?
Can't find any place to repair it? We have, refurbished by Commodore, C64 and 64C computers available. They include a Full New 90 Day Warranty. Simply send us your computer (no power supply or cabling needed) with a Check, Money Order, or your Credit Card number for $69.00, plus $10.00 Shipping, and we will send you a newly refurbished computer upon recelval of your broken unit.
1571 Orives are totally NEW units, with all cabling, a comprehensive manual, and a full 90 Day Warranty. Bulk packed in plain boxes. Perfect for your 128 or 1280 computer. Limited supply!
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Commodore 1802 Monitor
We have just received a small batch of this Color-Composite monitor for C64 users. Complete with cable. Limited supply!
$139.95 Productivity Bank Street Writer $28.00 Big Blue Reader 4 35.00 Oata Manager 2 (64) 22.95 Dome Home Accounting 64.95 GEOS 64 v2.0 42.95 GEOS 128 v2.0 45.00 Geo File 64 or Geo Calc 64 (Specity) 45.00
Geo File 128 or Geo Calc 128 (Specity)52.95
Geo Programmer Call Geo Publish 64 45,00 Jane 128 44.95 Master Type 8.00 Merlin 128 45.00
News Maker 128 10,00 Personal Choice Coll. (Write File Plan) 29,95 PrintShop 36,95
SwiftCalc (64) 22.95 Super 81 Utilities 64-128 (Specity) 14.00 Superbase 64 v3.01 26.95 WordWriter 6 34,95
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
Commodore
Software Hut ize
Folcroft East Business Park
Sat 10 to 4 - Eastern
Software Hut 1581Drive EXCLUSIVE
A BRAND NEW production run of 1581s, by Commodore, has been made available to Software Hut EXCLUSIVELY! These drives come with Commodore's full 90 Day Warranty, The drives are complete with all Cabling & Software, & bulk-packed in plain boxes. Call for special quantity pricing for Dealers and Users Groups, We offer these drives al a SUPER Low Price of:
These are the last batch left from CBM. Refurbished & with a 90
day Warranty. With Keyboard & Power Cable. Manuals not included. Perfect as a second unit.
$179.95
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| Our Policies
No waiting for your orders to ship. Orders in by 2PM go out the same day. Second Day & Overnight shipping is available. International orders are shipped by Air Parcel Post, UPS or DHL. Domestic orders are shipped UPS. + All orders are subject to credit card verification « + All prices subject to change «
aa = 6 ca
Supplies are limited and on a first-come first-serve basis. We accept Visa, Master Card, and Discover, We also ship COD, accepting Cash, Certified Check, or Money Order, Software and accessories shipping Is $6.00. Hardware shipping is $6.00 for small items. Call for larger items (le. Computers). COD add $5.00. Minimum COD order Is $50.00. Canadian, APO, & International orders are welcome, We will bill only for actual shipping charges & insurance at time of order. 15% re-stocking fee on all returns not exchanged, Shipping is NOT refundable.
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COMMODORE WORLD
ACKTALK
LETTERS AND QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS
Of Mice, Printers and Inventory Ihave three problems that | hope you can solve or atleast point mein the right direction ofa solution. I bought a C-64 second hand... | took a course in BASIC but found it to be of little use on the Commodore. I bought GEOS 2.0 and now Tam able function enough to get by. My questions noware: 1. Howto printin color(My color printer will only print in black)? 2. How to get my SmartMouse working (It will move the cursor vertically but not horizontally)? 3. [sit possible to get an inventory tracking program for GEOS?
- Jean
Your first question left us with a few questions of our own, Without know anything about your printer, we cannot give you a specific answer but a few general suggestions do apply. It is important that you realize that GEOS will only support color printing from within geoPaint, all other original GEOS applications are black only, Secondly, be sure that youhaveselected acolor printer driver which supports your printer, If you have difficulty locating a driver on the original GEOS disks, many additional drivers are available in the PD and through CMD, Also, check to be sureyou havea color ribbon in the printer, Many color printers use separate ribbons for color and black.
Your second question could have several different solutions. Besure the mouse is attached properly and that the joystick port is actually functioning. Many times a bad port can cause this, A second possibility could be to reinstall the SmartMouse driver in GEOS as a corrupt file may cause a problem. Finally, it is possible that there is a problem with the mouse, this
can be ruled out by trying it on another computer. If
not contact CMD for assistance. ‘our final question, although abbreviated for publication is a good one. | am not aware of any
Commodore World reserves the right to edit letters published in this column for length, spelling, and clarity. If you have questions
or comments, write to: CW Backtalk, c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc., P.O. Box 646, East Longmeadow MA 01028.
COMMODORE WORLD
inventory control application for GEOS, However, it is entirely possible to use geoCale (Spreadsheet) to keep track of your supplies (Both incoming and outgoing) and labor costs. From a spreadsheet, you could easily track your inventory and maintain an accurate accounting of your labor costs, Beyond this, Treally cannot recommend a GEOS oriented solution,
For additional information about all three questions, please feel free to contact CMD's technical
support staff at 413-525-0023 between the hours of
1 PM and 5:30 PM EST.
Top Tips Correction Your tip#17 [Top Tips, Issue #6] about turning off the jiffy clock should have said POKE 788,52 to point the CINV vector to $EA34, skipping the JSR at SEA31—but how many readers will lock their machines up by sending interrupts to $3531? Also, tip #85 about omitting the “0:” from disk commands does these things:
1. Without drive designation, DOS automatically allocates a buffer for drive 1 that never gets deallocated, reducing the number of files that may be open at one time.
2. Without “0:” DOS will not accept 42, 44 or 63 as record lengths when opening a new RELATIVE file; and
3. Omitting “0:” from “@O0:[filename]” enables the ‘save-with-replace’ bug.
[Also,] an article discussing the current spectrum of Commodore-oriented support in the U.S. could be interesting.
- Dave Shiloh
Thanks for pointing out the error in tip #17. You're indeed correct, and hopefully far fewer readers will have a problem now that you've brought it to our attention.
Regarding the suggestion to skip the drive designation, I tend to agree that it isn't one of the better things to do just to gain a little speed. We've cooked up a tip of our own for speeding up disk access which we think will gain programmers quite a bit more in speed. See the Top Tips column in this issue
4
for more on that. And for more on current support
available to users, see our cover story in this issue,
More Info on Using Partitions Enhancing upon Dr. Linfield’s C128 Tricks, (Issue 6), it is also possible to access CMD device partitions direct. Merely predefine their assignments within the Pocket Writer 3 “CONFIGURE’ file. As an example, drives can be defined as follows:
Assign0=0,8 Assign1=0,9 Assign2=RAM Assign3=0,10 Assign4=0,11 Assign5=0,12 Assign6=0,16 Assign7=3,16 Assign8=4,16 Assign9=5,16
Therefore pressing ‘Comkey + 8' displays a directory of RAMLink’s partition 4 on drive 16. This will probably work with other programs as well. It works with Chris Smeets’ CS/COS, for direct device calls, such as directories, etc. Part of a CS/DOS autoexec file might look like:
assign b 9,0
assign c 10,0
assign d 11,0
assign e 12,0
assign i 16,0
assign j 16,6
assign k 16,9 run’settimeday”,ul6
(The last line calls a Basic routine to set the CS/DOS time and date, using RAMLink’s Real Time Clock. This short Basic program can be found on GEnie and CompuServe). The time and date are also available for viewing while working within Pocket Writer 3, and other Digital Solution programs. Using Command Channel Access (Comkey + c) and entering a t-ra and following
Issue 7
The return of the HD-20 was so successful that we’ve sold out...
A lot of Commodore users saw the value in our HD-20 offer, and they jumped on it. We're willing to bet that right about now, they're happy they did. Butif you’re one of the users who missed that great deal, we've put
together another
outstanding HD
bargain that
you won't
want to miss. You still get the speed, the convenience, the compatibility, and the power. And you get the same reliability and support that all those new HD-20 owners got. But you get even more than that—20 Megabytes more as a matter of fact. Because now you can buy a CMD HD-40 for only $30 more. That's right. Twice the capacity for only 10 percent more. But you'd better hurry—this deal can’t last forever!
The Power of a CMD HD-40.
$329
To Order Yours, Call 1-800-638-3263.
Chad See full CMD advertisement elsewhere in this issue for shipping prices. Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
FOR THE BEST SELECTION OF NEW AND REFURBISHED COMMODORE EQUIPMENT CALL 1-800-638-3263
JiffyDOS pre-installed on every computer & — disk drivel
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C64 or C64c (refurbished) C128 (refurbished) C128-D (refurbished) MONITORS
1802 (refurbished) 80-column monitors DISK DRIVES
1541 (NEW)
1541 (refurbished)
°89.00 5149.00 $239.00
°129.00 CALL
°119.00 °75.00
90 DAY WARRANTY
on new items, 30 days on used
1541-Il (refurbished) 1571 (refurbished)
*109.00 *139.00
COMPLETE SYSTEMS
C64/1541 (refurbished) C64/1541/1802 (refurbished)
5149.00 269.00
Prices do notinclude shipping charges, and are subject to change without notice. All items subject to availability, call before ordering.
Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
Volume 2, Number 2
COMMODORE WORLD
that, a second access of the Command Channel, with a <CR> will display the current date and time. I use this all the time as a clock to tell the time. A Pocket Writer 3 macro performs the few key entries.
In addition, a short Basic routine reads the Real Time Clock, so that today’s date is automatically entered into all my Pocket Writer 3 letters, memos, and templates. More on this, at a later time, however.
And, ofcourse, enteringa‘ed//directoryname’ (do not use the quotes) within the Command Channel ofany program will change tothe named subdirectory, within the partition.
All of these CMD enhancements are probably accessible with most commercial programs, in one form or another, and only depend upon the key stroke sequence of the program. They work with Dialogue 128 and Bob's Term Pro. Give them a try with your favorite software.
- Howard Herman
A Word on Word Tools
Good article in#6 about word processors. It gives a useful summary of what you can do with these programs,
By the way, Superscript 64 has better drive access than was shown in your overview. It will switch between Drives 8 and 9, as well as 0 and 1 ona dual drive. (See utility menu: Unit for Device Number, and Drive for Dual Drive numbers.)
Also, the manual is spiral bound (at least mine is). More: about the integration with Superbase: Thisis one-way (from Superbase to Superscript). The Write Stuff gives you two-way integration with Superbase so that you can make changes in a database export file in your word processor, then import the file back into a Superbase file.
My regular word processors are Superscript and The Write Stuff: Each has features (and faults) that the other doesn’t.
Commodore World is a fine Magazine.
- Joost Vas Dias
Thank you for your kind words, We hope that Commodore World continues to meet your expectation, We appreciate your taking the time to write to use with your comments and are quite sure that many of our readers will find them helpful.
Die Harder
| have enjoyed my last six issues very much. It seems to be a top-notch publication, every bit as good as Compute’s Gazette and RUN in their hey-day. Makes me wish that Commodore World had been around at the turn of the decade. May
COMMODORE WORLD
your enterprise flourish for a long time to come!
I note that Diehard still advertises in C.W. The last issue of that magazine I received was in October ‘94. I had just renewed but heard no more from them. Written inquiries go unanswered so | can’t help wondering if they have ceased publication and disappeared with my renewal money. If that is the case, some kind of consumer alert should be published.
Looking forward to the next issue of
Commodore World. - Donald A, Weaver
Thanks for the vote of confidence for Commodore World. Your comments about Diehard are all too familiar to us and quite honestly, we share in your concern, Please note that Diehard’s ad does not appear in this issue, However, we did allow them to provide us witha statement regarding the delinquency of their publication.
As fora “consumer alert’, we haven't gone that far yet. Wetake our obligation toour readers very seriously and have not permitted several companies to run ads with us for various reasons. In the case of Diehard, we have been in contact with their editor, Brian Croswaithe on several occasions, usually just prior to press. On each occasion, we were assured that the issue was being readied for the printer and would be goingout shortly. Needless to say, this did not happen for whatever reason and their ad continued to run. 1 personally do not believe that they have gone south on their subscribers but do believe that they could have and should have done more to maintain a regular schedule, For more information on this subject refer to the statement which we have published in ‘On the Horizon’.
European Invasion?
I really appreciate all of the information that you supply to us. With more and more Commodore suppliers going out of business, it’s hard to find anything. I'm not holding my breath waiting for my next issue of dieHard!
I have been hearing rumors from several user groups here in California that a European company has been buying up all of the Commodore 64 & 128 parts and accessories that they can get their hands on. They have supposedly even been going to flea markets and buying any used stuffthat they can getata low price. This was reported to be happening all up and down the west coast,
Have you heard of anything like this going on across the country? What will we do ifwe can no longer get parts to repair or replace our old 64’s and 128’s? Is this company trying to puta choke hold on us to jack up prices or render the final
6
demise of the Commodore 64? Please pass on any information that you have about this activity to us, the frantic 64 users on the west coast.
- Jeff Colwell
I think we'll have to chalk this one up to rumor and speculation, Jeff. We haven't heard of this occurring, nor have we been contacted by any European companies with unusual requests for parts or supplies, As for what to do to keep your 64 and/or 128 going into the future, see our coverstory in this issue, Itoffers a wide range of options and provides a long list of sources to help you in your efforts to keep going.
A British Welcome
I am writing to you to thank you for allowing Electric Boys Entertainment Software UK (EBES to their friends) to import your Commodore World magazine. It is the best Commodore 64 magazine | have seen in a long time, and is far better than any magazine in the UK at the moment.
Commodore Format is the UK’s only surviving Commodore magazine, it’s 24 Ad pages, semi- colour, with a cover tape for £2.95 (about $3.501 think). It looks, feels and even reads like a 25p comic, and to be quite honest, I'd prefer to buy a comic of equal size, rather than that pathetic excuse of a magazine.
Your magazine, however, costs a mere £3.50, with 58 A5 pages, It is far superior in quality and is far more interesting to read. From issue 6 (the issue I'm waiting for), EBES will be putting their own cover disk with the magazine for a mere £3.95! That's one pound more for quality. What a bargain!
I wish youluck with any future plans, and hope you live long and prosper. Again, my writers and | enjoy your magazine very much. I will forward you a copy of issues 2, 3 and 4 of my own Sixty Four fanzine.
- L. S. Bebbington and S. Harris Sixty Four Fanzine
We're as pleased as you that Russ Michaels at EBES has decided to distribute Commodore World in England, and applaud his decision to provide a reasonably priced cover disk.
We won't fault Commodore Format for their game coverage—certainly they seem to do that quite well. But we'resure there aresome serious users in England looking for information on something besides the latest games, So, while Commodore World isn’t as colorful (colourful? Nah!] as some rags—past and present—we feel the informational content ts far more important.
.)
,
Issue 7
UPGRADE YOUR COMMODORE!
Refurbished Hardware New Hardware pre OTE Monitors Drives Other New APROTEK Accessories FOR ALL YOUR 1701 $169.95 1541/C $99.95 C64- $99.95 C24-2400 Baud (64/128) $118.95 1702 $169.95 41 wiDips $114.95 64C- $119.95 User Switch $44.95 TORADDOR COMMODORE 1802 $189.95 1541-ll $129.95 128- $179.95 Convert-A-Com $46.95 COMPUTING 1802D $209.95 1571 $169.95 1280 $32995 New CMD/LMS Accessories G E E NEEDS 1902 $229.95 1581 $179.95 SX-64 $359.95 JittyDOS C64/SX64 ‘System’ $69.95 ——— > an ean =» eum» an a 1902A $259.95 MSO-2 $149.95 1660 $24.95 JitlyDOS 128/128D ‘System’ $79.95 ————— eee NEWS .PROGRANS 1084 $299.95 1001SFO $129.95 1670 $39.95 jog Kemal $59.95 64 Kornal $49.95 : 1084S $339.95 8.1. Buscard-II $59.95 additional JitfyYOOS Drive ROM —_$39,95 TIPS UPGRADES Mono’s $49,95+ 1530 Datasette $39.95 RAMLink Bs. $239.95 cwO0MB $289.95
Miscellaneous sini ciw1MB $319.95 c/w 4MB tip P.0.80% pdeli§ SUCCESSOR TO CEE-64 ALIVE! Books$10-$15 Printer Interfaces 49.95+ Real Time Clock (Optional) Add 29.95 Prog’s $5-$20 Epyx Fastload Cartridge $34.95 FD-2000 $249.95 FD-4000 $349.95 SACRAMENTO 4] 5823 ure | paMmurene COMMODORE Repairs SASK — Super Snapshot v4 $49.95 NEW Super Snapshot v5,22 $89.95 } 2 Manuals $7 Super Grafix Jr. $199.95 1750 Supercione REU 512K $199.95 Ask For Anything! We May Have It! ARTICLES ANO REVIEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD J.P, PBM Products By Mail Send CDN Funds/15% USA Exchange Box# 60515, N. Sheridan Mall P.O, 15 day Warranty On Refurbished Hdwr 6 ISSUES Downsview, Ont, Canada M3L 1B0 Allow 4-6 weeks for dolivery eoeea 18 DISKS Tax-Canada + 7%GST, Ontario +8% PST 1995 Catalogue Disk (64 Format) — $2
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AUTHORIZED COMMODORE REPAIR CENTER 66 Double-Sided GEOS Picture Disks ................... $66.00 50 Double-Sided Stereo SID Disks ..............0000:008 $50.00 44 Double-Sided Jim Green C64 PD Disks............ $44.00 27 Double-Sided Earlware C128 PD Disks ............ $27.00
COMMODORE NETWORK
NORTH AMERICAN EDITION PRINTEO IN THE U.S. FROM MASTERS SENT FROM AUSTRALIA
VOLUME 471995... 948 % ois
AUSTRALIA’S #1 COMMODORE MAGAZINE FORHE PAST 3 YEARS. DISKS WILL BE MAILED TWice VEARLY OR MORE WHEN RECEIVED FROM AUSTRALIA.
DEMO ISSUES: COMMODORE ee 33 COMMODORE METWORK $4
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WHO WE ARE WHAT WE OFFER HOW TO JOIN Kat Tate/Mystique - Dir. Online Operations | * $4.50/hour No monthly fee Glen Doty/Phoenix1 - Chief Engineer (Non-Primetime rates 6pm-7am) Al Mohring/Alinmin - Comptroller ¢ Visa & Mastercard Accepted OUR GOAL * Separate Adult & Family Areas To provide a place where ALL computer Positive Proof of age required IMPORTANT users canmeetinacongenialatmosphere, | * FREE Internet Access NOTICE play games, share information, and gener- ¢ Shareware/Freeware Libraries for: ally have fun. Commodore, Amiga, PC, Mac . OUR POLICY * BEST Live Action Trivia Games Around There have been substantial So long as we have a single user of ANY | ° Over 100 Special Interest Forum Areas CHANG OS tO WO Ey TIAWRICH type of computer online, we will provide | ° Ask about creating a Forum Area for your Phoenix Network is accessed. that user with all the support and informa- own group! Please call the following phone
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Volume 2, Number 2 7 COMMODORE WORLD
News from dieHard. We recently spoke with the owners of dieHard, and they faxed us the following statement for immediate release:
dieHard Lives!!!
If it's not one thing, it’s another! We were late with the Nov/Dec issue and the Oct Spinner hadn't gone out because of the schedule. We had 4 of our copy drives go out at once!
Atour year-end planning meeting, we decided that there were just not enough hours in the day to keep us on top of our ten issue per year schedule, [have been working 100-hour weeks, with only one break in almost 3 years! Mia was having problems with our pregnancy and was forced to reduce her hours and her stress level, so | took on alot of the administrative things along with my regular dieHard stuff. I am also the Managing Editor of The Sewing Room, a father, and was care giver for my wife.
As you can see, things were getting a little out of hand. Top this off with slowed marketing, rotations in staff, a tight budget, and no time...
Natasha Crosthwaite was born December 20—the Nov/Dec issue was still at the printers. By the time I got back to work, we were late for our new bi-monthly schedule. The Nov/Decissue went from being the Holiday issue to becoming the Holiday/Winter issue.
‘To make an already-too-long story short, this is our new schedule:
Holiday/Winter 94/95 - Out around mid-April Spring 95 - mid-May
Summer 95 - July
Dog Daze 95 - September
Autumn 95 - November
Holiday 95 - January
Winter 96 - March
Subscription rates are as follows: One Year (6 issues) - $16.97 One Year (6 issues) With the Spinner companion disk - $55.97 Two Years (12 issues) - $29.97 ‘Two Years (12 issues) with the Spinner companion disk - $99.97
Those readers who had subscriptions in 94 that were for 10 issues will have their expiration dates corrected to cover those missing issues, However, since there will not be (hopefully) any missing in 95, all new and renewal subscriptions will be for 6 issues. This keeps the Flyer's size up and price down,
Disk prices, too, have gone up. Single Spinners are $7.95 and back issues are up also. We have managed to at least hold our current costs by contracting the copy work out of house. Also, the quality of the disks should be more consistent.
COMMODORE WORLD
The October Spinner was mailed in early March. | want to thank everyone for their patience over the past few months. I'd also like to thank our writers. We've had to pipeline payments out through the tight budget. The mess in our filing system is still being worked out. Jon and | are on the case.
dieHard, 816 West Bannock Street, Suite 502, Boise, Idaho, 83701-5850. (208) 383-0300, Fax (208) 383-0151.
Commodore Liquidation Update: Movement At Last? On February 9th, lawyers representing former Commodore executives Irving Gould and Medhi Ali were to file papers with the Bahamian Supreme Court challenging a settlement that the liquidators had reached with Commodore's creditors to have at least part of the case held before the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. It is assumed that the reason for the settlement was to allow U.S. courts to look into alleged misconduct by Commodore Management for the twelve month period preceding the announcement of voluntary liquidation by Commodore. Bahamian law allows for such investigations to go back only three months. This settlement would have cleared the way for the sale of the company to the highest bidder, since any other legal and financial remedies beyond the sale of Commodore's immediate assets would be handled separately.
Is there good reason for the creditors to request such an agreement? Possibly. On February 10, Philadelphia Inquirer staff writer Dan Stets reported that Commodore's directors paid $2.6 million to extend their liability insurance for three years—less than a week before beginning the liquidation of the company last May. The chief beneficiaries named in this policy are Irving Gould and Mehdi R. Ali, whose personal assets are protected from negative legal judgments by the policy. Since the policy premium came out of company assets, it is money denied Commodore creditorsand stockholders, This also shows that Commodore Management was making moves to protect themselves, an action which would lead one to wonder what actions they may have taken to need such protection.
The Bahamian Supreme Court failed to convene that day, however, due to an emergency leave requested by one of the judges. The court was set to reconvene about two weeks later to rule on the Gould/Ali objections. As yet, Commodore World has been unable toascertain whether theagreement was upheld or revoked, but indications are that it was upheld. Further legal investigations and judgements concerning this matter will be conducted separately from the sale of Commodore's assets.
Despite the postponement, two parties other than Commodore UK and CEI showed up that day to enter the bidding; Escom, AG., reputed to be the second-largest computer company in Germany; and one Louis Ulysses of Seattle, who stated he was there to represent an un-named major technology company. Many have speculated that Mr. Ulysses may be representing Microsoft, who is rumored to be interested in the rights to certain parts of the Amiga’s graphical interface.
Issue 7
Escom is no newcomer to these proceedings; rather they're returning after apparently losing interest. Last September, Escom was reportedly willing to pay $12 million for Commodore. Ina surprising move, liquidators of Commodore's German subsidiary sold Escom the rights to the Commodore trade name and logo in Germany for $1.4 million on February 16, despite learning one day prior that a temporary restraining order against such a sale was being issued by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New York. Liquidators of the parent company, Commodore Electronics, LTD., learned of the sale March 1, while meeting with Escom representatives about the sale of all of Commodore's assets.
Trustee Bernard Hembach of Frankfurt, who sold the Commodore logo to Escom, defended the sale claiming that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court had no jurisdiction over the matter, and that the trade name and logo belonged tothe German subsidiary. Franklin Wilson, one oftwo Bahamian liquidators responsible for selling the assets of Commodore's parent company, maintained that all trademarks are the property of the parent company, and feared that the German sale might make it impossible to sell the company’s technology to another buyer. These fears were apparently well-founded, as the Commodore UK group threatened to pull out of the bidding if the trademarks could not be guaranteed.
Almost immediately thereafter, what appears to be a compromise with Escom was reached: The liquidators announced that Escom’s bid had been selectedas the basis for the final auction of Commodore's assets, and Escom promised to turn over the German trade name rights to the winner ofa final bidding auction to be held at a later date.
Escom’s offer includes $3.5 million for Commodore's core assets, an additional $1 million for its German assets, $500,000 for the Dutch assets and $1 million for manufacturing inventory located in the Philippines. Escom has agreed to pay $4.5 million to the Bahamian liquidators unconditionally, but will pay the remaining $1.5 million only if the liquidators can deliver the Dutch and Philippine assets.
The final bidding auction is the last stage of the bidding process for Commodore's assets. Having now selected a bid with terms that are agreeable, the liquidators will give all other bidding parties a chance to outbid Escom in a one-day final bidding round. The winner of the auction would have to agree to pay Escom for the rights to the Commodore trade name in Germany. This auction is supposed to take place April 20th, to be Floor, New York, New York 10103.
It’s common speculation that Escom’s bid is very low, and was picked only because the terms of the bid were more agreeable to the liquidators than those of the other bidding parties. Escom is reportedly only interested in using the Commodore trade name and logo for products it sells through its European distribution chain. This means that chances are good that either Commodore UK or CEI will end up with Commodore's assets. Both of these parties have expressed plans to put Commodore's Amiga product line back into production within a few months of obtaining the assets.
Phoenix Net Changes
As of March 1, 1995, the Phoenix Network can be accessed only by direct dialing. Due to financial considerations, the SprintNet lines and the 800 support number were discontinued.
Manager Glen Doty stated that charges are currently set for credit card billing of $20.00 a month for unlimited usage for that month, If you don’t sign on during a specific month, you will not be charged for that month; however, this may change depending on input from Phoenix Network's users. All Internet features and addresses remain fully operational.
Volume 2, Number 2
Ina message to users, Doty said, “We've come to know and love almost everyone that has signed on and stayed with us. We consider you as a part of our family. Hopefully some of you will stay with us during this time of trouble. Our Internet service will still continue so that you can still use us as a post office or at least drop us the occasional line. Our Trade Wars game will continue for those of you who started empires. Our libraries will still be maintained so you can still upload or download.”
The new phone numbers are:
1-612-537-5077 1-612-537-5147 (9600 bps) 1-612-537-0199 (2400 bps).
Voice: Modem:
Loadstar News: The Compleat Programmer, The Loadstar BBS, and Pay-by-the-Issue Plan
In an obvious attempt to further inundate the market with products containing the obscure spelling of the word ‘complete’, Loadstar is set to release The Compleat Programmer, an extensive collection of programming utilities and tools, Loadstarite Jeff(Compleat) Jones tells us that the collection willinclude editors for sprites, fonts, and text; assemblers; basic extensions; machine language tutorials, and more. Price was expected to be around $20.00, though the release date is being withheld until the product is compleatly ready for shipment.
Loadstar... The BBS adds support to Loadstar the disk magazine. Software and magazine specials are announced on the BBS’s news system, which is run using Image v1.2 BBS software. The BBS offers local messages on a variety of topics and is networked mail with other U.B.A.N. (United BBS Alliance Network) systems. Loadstar disk samplers and other files are available in the download areas, The phone number is: 1-318-425-4382, 300-2400 baud. Commodore Color Graphics, ANSI, ASCII may be used.
Loadstar recently announced new pricing plans, including an option aimed at those wary of the disappearing magazine syndrome. This latter plan allows subscribers to pay for each issue as it is shipped. Contact Loadstar for more details.
CMD News: HD-20 Sells Out, HD-40 Price Reduced, New Games Released
CMD recently announced that supplies of their HD-20 have been depleted. The HD-20, long-ago discontinued due to a lack of 20 MB SCSI drive mechanismsin the distribution channel, had been putback into production temporarily when CMD was able to purchase a limited quantity of new 20 MB drives originally manufactured for Apple's Macintosh laptop computers. Re-released at an all-time low price of $299.00, the drives sold quickly, depleting CMD’'s stock in just a few weeks.
Ina move to maintain a reasonable low-end offering in their hard drive line, CMD has now announced a limited-time price reduction on their HD-40 hard drives, with the price dropping from $375.00 down to $329.00, Again, these prices have been based on a special purchase of drive mechanisms, so CMD warns that quantities are limited at this price.
Two new games, both imported from Electric Boys Entertainment Software in England, are now available for shipment from CMD. The new titles are Heavenbound, reported on in the last issue of Commodore World; and Lions of the Universe, aspace-based shoot-em-up. CMD has announced that they will retail these titles at $19.95 each.
In other news from CMD, production of SmartMouse and SmartTrack has been temporarily halted due to supply problems with the custom
COMMODORE WORLD
Commodore mouse chip. CMD is having more of these chips produced, so both products should be readily available again in the second quarter of this year.
Modems for geoFAX
As of this writing, Maurice Randall is still working on getting his geoFAX software, initially due for release in late January. Maurice apparently ran into some unforeseen problems, but appears to be making solid headway on the program. Hopefully it won't be delayed much longer, and we expect it should certainly make it to market before Microsoft's Windows ‘95 does. The announcement of that upcoming geoFAX software a few weeks ago sent users scurrying for Group 3, Class 2 compatible faxmodems. We picked up on the following list of these modems compiled by Raymond Day. Models marked with an asterisk (*) are those which did not suffer problems when tested for impaired line transmission, a sign of better noise immunity and transmission reliability. Also, while it didn’t appear in this list, the Boca 28.8K External BocaModem is also Class 2 compatible.
Model
Smart One 1442FX
*M144EW External BocaModem Datasystem 1414XE
Discovery 9632AX
14400V32bis
X14400 EXT. Fax
Action Fax 1445-FXD
Manufacturer
Best Data Products Boca Research Cambridge Telecom Cambridge Telecom Cambridge Telecom CMS Enhancements CXR Telcom
GVC Technologies, Inc. FM144/144V Multi-Tech Systems MT1432BA Multi-Tech Systems *MT932BA Penril DataCom Networks *DX144
PM14400FXMT PM14400FXSA PM9600FXMT
*Supra Fax Modem V.32 9.6 Supra Fax Modem V.32 14.4
Practical Peripherals Practical Peripherals Practical Peripherals Supra Corp. Supra Corp.
Telebit Corp. T3000
The Complete PC *Turbo Modem Plus Twincom 14.4/DF USRobotics Sportster 28,800 Fax Ven-Tel EC144Fax
Western Datacom WorldCom V.32bis Zoom Telephonics *VFXV32
Zoom Telephonics VEXV32bis
The Golden Spectro Programming Challenge GEnie and the Motorcycling RoundTable are the official online service of Spectro Oils of America, a division of Intercontinental Lubricants Corp. Spectro Oilis America’s#1 high performance motorcycle lubricant. Spectro also manufactures a complete line of lubricants for snowmobiles, ATV's and other recreational vehicles. Spectro supports a worldwide distribution network from their U.S. headquarters, located in Brookfield, CT.
One of the most frequently asked questions of Spectro is “what is the ratio of fuel to oil that I should use in my two-stroke motor?”
Answer that question by designing a program that will calculate oil mixture ratios by solving for the unknown variable and you can win one of these great prizes!
COMMODORE WORLD
10
Grand Prize: Spectro Pro Racing Jacket ($100 retail value), a case of Spectro oil of the winner's choice ($100 retail value) and $100 in GEnie online time.
Best in Class Winners: Spectro 1994 US Superbike Championship T-shirt, ball cap anda 4-pack of Spectro oil of the winner's choice ($50 retail value) and $50 in GEnie online time.
Entry classifications are: Amiga, Apple, Commodore, DOS/IBM- Compatible, Macintosh, OS/2, Windows, Other.
Contest entries must be received no later than May 15, 1995. Complete details and rules ofthis contest can be found in the Commodore RoundTable Bulletin Board on GEnie. For information about signing on to GEnie, see CW Issue 4, or contact GEnie Client Services at 1-800-638-9636.
Lottoman Has Your Number
There's a new sophisticated database and analyzer system available to help lotto players with choosing numbers by using a logical and realistic approach.
LOTTOMAN V2.0 aids the lotto player in tracking the history and trends of the lotto game by providing valuable information through reports and graphs and statistical analysis. A color rating system gives a good visual representation of each number making it easier to detect patterns.
LOTTOMAN II provides further analysis and an advanced wheeling system which generates all possible number combinations from parameters defined by the lotto player.
Each program is $19.95, plus $3.00 s/h. To order or request further information, write to LOTTOMAN, P.O. Box 44, New Millport, PA 16861.
New Dialogue 128 Extension Programs
Henry Sopko has created three new extension programs for Dialogue 128. The first, “BLANK-ITSL.EXT” isa screen blanker, similar tothe his original “BLANK-IT.EXT”, but with changes for SwiftLink users to handle the VDC screen better at higher baud rates. “SLIDER.EXT” is a “put the numbers in order” game which can be played while transferring files or while waiting to get online a BBS during autodialing. The display can be made inactive and recalled without losing the current game from memory. “SLIDER SL.EXT” is the same game, but for those who use the SwiftLink version of Dialogue 128.
Desmond Takes it Back
Desterm 128 users have been waiting for RTS/CTS flow control to use high speed modems to their maximum potential, waiting for the “new” programmer, Steve Cuthbert to add this and make other changes to the term program. When this didn’t happen, Matthew Desmond took back his program and has said he will begin working on making the needed changes.
Shareware Aid for QWKRR Users
Announcing a new Commodore 128 - 80 column program for all C-128 QWERR users. Now available, “The Interface!” by Lee Cooper is a utility program to interface QWKRR for fully automated transitions between QWK message packets.
Features: - Auto-execution of first entry option! Run scripts from EZ-LOADER then
Interface! and your mail will be waiting for you! (Registered Versions)
Issue 7
- 10 definable BBS packet names with full CMD drive and path support
- Each packet selectable from “The Menu”
- One copy of this program placed in any partition and/or drive, and you are set—it is not location dependent!
Define default Tagline file, Intro/Salutations, Macro File, Import/Export filename and character set for each packet
- Automatic setting of QWKRR drive defaults for each packet—no more looking at QWKRR’s drive selection screen
- Supports multiple QWKRR file names for alias use in same partition or on same disk! Eliminates the need for multiple QWKRR support files!
- Comes with “The Xtractor!”, which eliminates the need for multiple copies of QPE or QPX!
- Xtractor! auto-senses PKZIP 2.04g compression format! (Sorry still unable to dissolve these files at this time, but the program is ready to accept it!)
- RAMLink, HD, and CBM drives supported (sorry, no 1581 partitions)
- There are 2 ways to use Interface!: with or without the Xtractor!
- With the Xtractor!, you simply select with one key stroke the packet you want dissolved, and you don’t touch the computer again until QWKRR is ready for you to read!
- Allows you to go back and finish reading an already dissolved packet!
- Allows you to automatically index a packet that has been dissolved on another platform, and defaults for QWKRR are set for you in the process for each individual packet!
- Comescomplete with QWKRR v4.33 patch! This program was developed with cooperation from Rod Gasson for maximum compatibility with QWERR!
The program is shareware, $10.00 (US). Unregistered versions are slower than registered versions and the auto-exec feature is disabled. All other features are enabled. Ifyour local BBS doesn’t have the program, download “linterf.sfx” and “2interf.sfx” from 221B Baker St. BBS, (904) 862-8643.
C*Base 64 BBS Software Under New Ownership
Jerome P. Yoner has become the new owner of C*Base 64 BBS. Currently, he is updating the BBS’s network module to reduce long distance costs for C*Base Sysops. Yoner has stated that a re-registration fee will not be required for those who have PURCHASED C*Base v3.x, and will give full support for the BBS. The BBS package includes the BBS, Tech Guide, Network module, a special compiler, and On-Line Games for $65.00 US. Jerome P. Yoner, #4-361 Maryland Ave., Brandon MB R7A 6R6, Canada.
Amigaworld Ceases Publication
Following in the footsteps ofits sister publication, RUN, IDG's Amigaworld magazine for Amiga users has ceased publication. The decision to make the April 1995 issue their last apparently came as a surprise not only to users, but to the employees as well. Clearly, the decision was based on declining subscriptions, loss of advertisers, and the overall grim outlook that has taken hold in the Amiga market since Commodore went into liquidation nearlya year ago. IDG, alarge publisher of periodicals both in and out ofthe computer field, is expected to substitute other Amiga-related publications or refunds to complete their obligations to subscribers.
§)
Money Is Short Times Are Hard bere Js My Cheap Commodore Madre
Christmas
Volume 2, Number 2
11
Christmas Caro! Mlevvy Christmas
hi
32
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« PSE + on amr 3 SE Che Packard Family
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COMMODORE WORLD
FOADSTAR
FEAR You type a fifteen-page report, then forget to save it. You quit the program. It asks “Are you sure? Y/N.” You tell it yes. You lose your work because you've already exited the program. Whose fault is it? Yours or the computer's? A lot of IBM users talkabout “wipingout” theirhard drives accidentally, and blame it on Windows. Well I’ve used Windows, and I can’t believe that it would let anyone do that without user verification — possible double verification. What is it about computers that scares people so much? The other day | was at a pharmacy, filling my wife's prescription, | had ten minutes to do it because I had to pick up my daughter fromschool, which was right next door to the pharmacy. Well my daughter ended up waiting for me in the office while the pharmacist cursed hiscomputers — and I cursed his fear of them. My wife has an insurance card with a zillion-digit number on it. With this card, we never pay more than nine dollars for any prescription. This would be great
ifnot for the pharmacist’s fear of
computers. He couldn't find my wife’s name online, and kept asking me if my wife was the card holder because certainly it couldn't have been HIS mistake.
COMMODORE WORLD
THE CONNECTION
NeEws FROM COMMODORE-RELATED VENDORS AND PUBLISHERS
I watched him cautiously type in every letter, every number, his hands literally shaking, as if any wrong keystroke move would cause disaster. He came back to me three times, “Is your wife the card holder? Is this insurance cancelled?”
“Yes!” I told him. I wanted to add, “Maybe you should start again by re-keying that zillion- digit number.
“These derned computers!” he complained, “I wish we didn’t have to have them, but they make us verify the insurance.”
I watched the pharmacists confer over this monumental problem while my watch ticked on past 3:00. Never hadit entered their minds that perhaps they keyed in the wrong number. By 3:09, | knew my daughter was walking back inside the school to call home. Just when I was about to offer to pay the full $50.00 for the medicine, the female pharmacist suggested that he hit 5 all the way back and key it over.”
Beep! “Oh! There is Rhonda Jones’ account! These finicky computers! Sometimes you gotta key in these things twice.”
Inoddedand scribbled out my $9.00 check.
Whenever I hear the words “computer error” on the news, | wonder if it was truly the computer that made the error. Like that businessman who was arrested when he refused to return $900,000 when a 1994 “computer error” —_ had
$1,000,000 transferred into his accountinstead of $100,000. The way I see it, a clerk typed one too many zeroes. That's a typo, not “computer error.” Sure, the businessman was a jerk, but the computer wasn't.
Then there was that radiation therapy device thatadministered too much radiation and killed people when the operator “typed too fast.” [think that the reporter I heard on the news should have said that the device obeys commands explicitly, and if the operator makes a typo, he could expose the patient to many times the radiation intended. If this device had knobs and dials instead of a keyboard, the story wouldn't have been about the machine, but the faulty operator.
I'm glad that computers can't think, and can’t take over the world. If they could think they might be offended that we humans make mistakes and then blame them. We advertise items on store shelves as being on sale, then forget to re-program the price into the computer. When a customer sees the price come up higher than advertised, we pass the blame on to the computer, manually punch in the correct price, and become the heroes. Let’s face it. Computers do what we tell them, andlittle else. When they begin doing other than what we tell them, they're usually crashing, and soon do nothing. When a computer crashes, it usually doesn’t replace one hundred thousand with one
12
million. It replaces one hundred thousand with “sg*&&#%)(%)9” and usually it’s another computer that catches the mistake instantly, Weare the worst kinds of taskmasters when we blame a functioning computer for our own mistakes.
- Jeff Jones
Associate Editor, LoadStar
the Underground
LOOKING UNDER
What's this? A new column for your perusal, that’s what! Yep, the folks at Commodore World have given us our Own space to spout off—be afraid, be very afraid!
For those uninformed readers out there, the Underground is a small format Commodore magazine created using 8-bit equipment and geoPublish. We do our best to bring you new and interesting angles on how to exploit your computers to their fullest. The size ofour readership may not compare to the magazine you now hold, but we enjoy a loyal following, and word is spreading...
We have articles on GEOS, telecommunicating, programming, reviews, hardware projects, commentary and other interesting stuff. For subscribing information, see our wee ad in the Commodore World classifieds.
Issue 7
One feature people really like is the compilation of all PD, Shareware, and BASIC listings mentioned in each issue. Just send us a disk in a mailer with return postage, and we copy the programs fortheissue(s)thatyou request. This we call Underware!, and is available to subscribers only, of course.
The Underground _ is produced on the latest and best stuff for our Commodores. Articles are usually imported or created in The Write Stuff 128, and converted to geoWrite format with Wrong Is Write. These are then poured into geoPublish templates for layout. All this resides on a 4
MB RAMLink plugged into a C128 with 64K video RAM. The output then travels through a geoCable intoa TI microWriter PS23 laser printer for output. Just recently, we've added a Super Snapshot v5 for screen shots, and a HandyScanner to add more eye-pleasing elements to our pages.
I really like using my Commodore. It’sa great tool. We can do just about everything anyone else can do on any other platform, plus stuff they can’t. Okay, sowe can’t design a Boeing 777, or figure pi tothe 400th place in one second, but who cares? | can access the Internet, use a Postscript laser printer, store
programs in Non-Volatile RAM, and layout a magazine!
It’s funny, but people at work have been coming to me lately with their computer questions. Me, the Commodore guy. It’s kind of empowering.
Let it be known that I have nothing against other platforms. I think computers in any form are great. | am just as enamored with computers now as I was when names such as Timex/ Sinclair, Atari, TI-99/4, and VIC-20 were the big buzzwords. Different computers are always different, of course, each displaying strengths and weaknesses. It's no mystery that I'm partial to Commodore 8-bits.
One thing I like best about our humble computers, is the ability to use various hardware not meant for it. Most modems, printers, and even SCSI hard drive mechanisms can be used by a Commodore. This increases the usefulness of a wonderful machine, as well as cause delightful bewilderment from other computer owners.
Anyway, Iam grateful to Doug for giving this space to the Underground, and hope that its contents won't ever make him regret it. Until next time, see you outside of the mainstream!
- Scott Eggleston Editor, the Underground %)
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COMMODORE WORLD
Top Tips
EVERYBODY CAN ALWAYS USE A FEW MORE TIPS
GET a Little Quicker
Using the GET? function in BASIC to get individual bytes from a disk file can be very slow. Weall know that using INPUT#is a lot faster, but there are many cases where it simply cannot be used. We can, however, fool the 64 into making an open file the default, and thus use GET instead of GET#. This speeds up getting the bytes since BASIC no longer has to switch the default input between the keyboard and your disk file. Here’s how it’s done:
- Open the file you want to read from
- Poke the filenumber into location 781
- Perform a SYS to 65478 (CHKIN)
- Use GET to read in the bytes you want to read
After you're done reading from the file:
- Perform a SYS to 65484 (CLRCHN) - Close the file
Here's an example of reading the error channel using this method:
10 OPEN15,8,15 POKE781,15
6@ IF 710 8@ CLOSE15
SYS65484
To adapt the above routine to the 128, delete line 20, and change line 30 to read:
In either case (64 or 128) you'll cut about a third of the time off of your disk file reading!
Kick It Into 2 MHz
Ifyou write 64 programs which run ona 128in 64 mode, youcan speedup calculations dramatically by shifting the computerinto 2 MHzmode. While this speedsup calculations, there is one side effect: the VIC chip can’t update the screen properly in
COMMODORE WORLD
this mode, so you'll see some garbage on the screen while running this way. Ifyou think the display detracts from your program, youcan easily blank the screen while running in 2 MHz mode. Here’s a quick example of how to accomplish this:
10@ REM SPEED TEST
110 T=1
120 POKE53265, PEEK (53265) AND23 9:REM SCREEN OFF
@ POKES3296,1:REM 2 ® TIS="©00000"
@ FORI=1TO10@000:NEXT
MLIG MAL
POKE53296,@:REM MHZ POKE53265, PEEK (53265)OR16: SCREEN ON
PRINTT
TIS="@@O00O" FORI=1TO1000@: NEXT
pop Taret
This example program also serves asa test for the fast and slow modes. It will print two numbers indicating how many 60ths ofa second it takes to execute the FOR/NEXT loops in lines 150 and 210. Remarks in the program point out the important POKE statements needed to change the processor speed and screen blanking.
One important note: Make sure you're in the standard 1 MHz mode for I/O functions like disk access—these won't work at 2 MHz!
14
To DO or Not to DO... Wesuggest NOT! The BASIC 7.0 version supplied in the Commodore 128 has a lot of high-powered commands that are lacking in the Commodore 64's BASIC 2.0. Many of these commands, however, are far slower at accomplishing tasks that can be done with BASIC 2.0. It’s not all that surprising, really—the more powerful the command, the more likely it is to have a lot of overhead.
The example I've picked on here is usinga DO/ WHILE/LOOP construct to replace a FOR/NEXT loop. Here's the test program:
10® 110 120
REM T=] TIS="O@O0O000"
DOWHILEI<10000: I
DO LOOP SPEED TEST
T+1:LOOP
MTSU HAMAADA" TIS="@0OOO?
1 ) 17 FORI=1TO10@0@: NEXT 180 T=TI
PRINTT
The test takes a couple of minutes to run, but the
results will show that using a FOR/NEXT loop is better than seven times faster than the DO/ WHILE/LOOP construct! You'll get slightly better—though similar—results using the DO/ UNTIL/LOOP construct; you can test this by changing line 130 in the example to read:
13@ DOUNTILI=1000@: I=I+1: LOOP
9)
We Need Your Top Tips!
Each issue we'll print the very best tips we receive from our readers. Send your tips on using and programming your Commodore 64 or 128 to:
CW Top Tips
c/o Creative Micro Designs, Inc.
P.O. Box 646
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Issue 7
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Volume 2, Number 2
15 COMMODORE WORLD
Just For Starters
by Stove Vander Arh
MORE COMMODORE BASICS FOR THE BEGINNER
This is the seventh installment of this column. Since Commodore World comes out about every other month, that means I've been writing this for a year now. So now it’s time for an official “YearIn Review” column. Well, piece ofacolumn, anyway.
There's a good reason for doing this, actually. Every issue, this column continues the discussions from the column before it, and the whole year's worth of columns has (hopefully) a certain continuity to it. So ifyou haven't been along from the beginning, you might find yourself a bit confused. A brief rundown of where we've been will help you catch up.
This column started off a year ago with a discussion ofhowa computer communicates with its own hardware and with the user. I spent some time talking about some of the most often used hardware and software for the Commodore. | had just spent a column talking about the disk drive when | took something of a detour and started a series of columns about the BASIC programming language. We began writing a small program which placed some text on the screen. We experimented with the screen editor and learned how to save a program we'd written. | also promised to talk about some other BASIC commands you can use to order your disk drive around,
Not all beginning Commodore users want to be BASIC programmers, however; so in this issue I'll start something new. The column itself is going to get bigger and split into two sections, one to talk about elementary programming in BASIC and the other to talk about non- programming matters. This way I can keep both discussions going and hopefully provide even more information you need and want. As always,
COMMODORE WORLD
| invite your comments and questions. The best way to contact me is by email. My Internet address is S. VANDERARK@GENIE.GEIS.COM. If you have an account on GEnie, you can email directly by using my screen name: S.VANDERARK. Lalso have an account on America OnLine, where my screen name is SteveV Ark.
Alright, let’s get down to business.
Basic BASIC
Learning to program in BASIC is really not that hard. Once you catch on to the general process— typing commands with a line number in front, then typing the command RUN without a line number to see what happens—you can pretty much doanythingatall. The computer is yours to control. You can tell it to place words on the screen and then change the colors of those words and the background. You can use those “quote mode” cursor commands | showed you last time to make those words appear anywhere you like. There are BASIC commands for all these things. You won't be creating some big, powerful word processor program with those commands, but
16
you can certainly have some fun experimenting. Let's try outa few ofthese commands in 64 mode. (If you have a 128, type GO64 and press return, then answer Y to the prompt).
The colors of the screen, of the border around the outside of the screen, and of the text are stored in certain places in the memory of the computer, These locations are fixed, by which | mean that ifyou look at any time you will find the color listed there. Locations within the memory of the computer are identified by number, so we can affect those colors if we just know where to look (and then know how to mess with what you find there.) The colors themselves are identified by numbers as well. So essentially we need to change thenumberstoredinanumbered location in memory in order to change the color.
BASIC includes a command designed to allow programmers to look at any given memory location. That command is quaintly called PEEK, since you use it to PEEK into memory. The command PEEK requires a parameter (which as you recall is some bit of additional information a command needs to do its job). We'll tell it the number of the location of the text color, for example, and we should be able to find out what color number is stored there. The way that works is like this: PEEK (646). The (646) is a parameter telling the PEEK command where to look.
Well, that’s all well and good, but ifthat was all we typed, the computer would be baffled. Go ahead and try it; you'll see “SYNTAX ERROR" appear, which as you may recall is the computer's way of saying" What's THAT supposed to mean?!" The problemis that, while we did tell the computer where to look, we never told it what it was supposed to do with the number it found there. That may seem kind of dim, but computers are
Issue 7
dim, frankly. We have to specify everything. In this case, let’s tell the computer to remember the number it finds in location 646 so we can print it out later. We'll assign that number, whatever it is, a temporary name so both we and the computer can keep track of it. We'll refer to that number as “X” for now,
So, here's what we'll tell our computer: “Look at memory location 646 and remember the number you find there by calling it X." In BASIC, that sentence looks like this:
10 X=PEEK (646)
Now we can do anything we want with X and the computer will know that we mean the number we assigned to X with our PEEK command. But what good is that, you might say? What can we ever do with a number being called bya letter? Quite a bit, actually. The letter name we give to a number is called a variable, and it is a very powerful tool in programming. For now, we'll use that variable, X, to print out the color number of our text on the screen. We know how to put things on the screen—the PRINT command— so let’s add a line to our program to do that;
1@ X=PEEK(646) — (Assigns the number we find in 646, the color number of our text, to a variable called X)
(Tells the computer to print whatever X is, on the screen.)
Ifyou type thisin and runit, you will see a number appear. Ona 64 with that initial blue screen showing, you'll see the number 14, which stands for light blue. The text on your screen, as you can clearly see, is light blue, so the color number in 646 says so.
But who cares? Soit’s 14. Now you know; why type in the program? Now if it were possible to change that color number, then we'd have something. Well, you can. There's another BASIC command that let’s you place a new number in a memory location, and if you do that to the text color location, 646, you will change the color of the text on the screen. That command is even more quaintly named than PEEK. Here's the way it works:
10 POKE 646,0 That command told the computer to put (“poke”) a number into memory location 646. The memory location came first, then aftera comma came the number I wanted to put there. The number 0 is the number code name for the color black. Ifwe type in that command, any text that comes up on the screen afterwards will be black, not light blue. Go ahead, try it.
You can do that as many times as you like. The numbers run from 0 (black) through 15, After that, the colors just repeat; 16 is the same as 0, in other words, [won't list all the colors here, I'll let you discover them on your own. Remember, when you POKE the color number of the background into 646, the text becomes invisible. After you POKE a new number in, try that PEEK program again and see if the number you POKEd is now assigned to X. It should be. That's one of the nice things about variables like that; they can change in value and you don’t have to retype the program, since the computer just assigns the new number to the letter,
Next issue we'll put some of this together into a short program which will let a user enter a number and then tell the computer to change to that color immediately. We'll talk about how to take input froma userand putit to use within a program. The power of variables will become even more obvious then.
Volume 2, Number 2
17
More about disk drives
A few issues back, I described some of the different types of software you might use with your Commodore. At that time, I mentioned that if you use productivity tools likea word processor or spreadsheet, you will be creating files, or sets of data, which in many cases you will want to save. I suggested organizing a set of disks to hold those files, for example one for correspondence, one for spreadsheets, and so on. At that time, however, | didn’t really give you any clue about how to do that. [mean, how do you see what's ona disk? How do you copy a file from one disk onto another? There must be a way.
There are actually several ways. One is to use BASIC commands. If you are working with a 128 that isn’t too bad, since the 128’s version of BASIC has some relatively simple commands for that kind of thing. If you use the 64, however, you might want to look for an easier route. The 64 commands are not exactly user-friendly. They involve a lot of typing of complicated letters and numbers, all requiring very exact punctuation and spacings. | was going to include some here, but | can’t find my disk drive manual and without that I will never get it right. In order to include the two commands you see at the end of this column, I had to log on to GEnie and ask around,
‘There is a much better alternative, one which requires very little typing atall. Thedisk that came with your disk drive has several excellent programs onit, including a copy program to copy files and a very useful utility called “C-64 WEDGE.” Once “WEDGE is installed, you can load programs from a disk very easily and also call up a list of the files on a disk. This file list is called the disk’s directory. Instructions for using the wedge program are found in the manual. JiffyDOS from CMD provides a built-in DOS wedge, and I highly recommend it—and that’s not just because they pay me.
Before you can use these programs to fill your disks full of files, however, you will need to get the disks themselves ready for use by your Commodore equipment. It’s necessary for a disk to be formatted before you use it. Formattingisa process by which your disk drive maps out the storage space of a disk in a particular arrangement used exclusively by Commodore equipment. Your drive actually writes information onto the disk, setting aside space for it to keep track of what's on that disk, identifying each separate section of the whole disk. This process gets your disk ready to use; along the way, it completely erases whatever may have been on that disk before. That's good reason to be extra careful with formatting.
In order to formata disk, type in one of these two commands. Make sure the disk you have in your drive is one that you want to be completely erased. Also, be sure to type carefully; every little comma and quotation mark is essential. On the 64, you'll type this convoluted mess:
OPEN 15,8,15,"N@:mydisk,id":CLOSE 15
Where you see “mydisk,” type the name you want to give your disk. Where you see “id,” type a two-character identification code. This code can be anything, really, although most people say you should come up with a unique one for every disk. The “8” toward the beginning specifies that you are using drive 8.
On the 128, youcan save some wear and tear on your fingers by using this command:
HEADER “mydisk", id,Udrived
The “mydisk” and “id” are the same as for the 64 version, and Udrive# means you type a letter U followed by the number of the disk drive you're using for
the format. If you have only one drive, it will be number 8. %)
COMMODORE WORLD
Korein Exchange
By Joseph Gaudl
VIDEO PERFECTION FROM SCANNTRONIK
If there is one thing I have definitely learned in dealing with German C-64 hardware and software specialists over the last ten years it is this: They can and will solve a seemingly impossible task. Thilo Hermann solved the problem of the poor GEOS printout quality with his Perfect Print program and the FLASH 8 from Rofmiiller transformed the C64 into a speed demon. Just when you thought there were nonew Commodore challenges to take on, someone draws another line in the sand and waits for someone else to cross it. Take for instance the mixing and synchronizing of two completely different signal sources; that of the C64 and that of any normal video picture. On paper, this task sounds relatively easy. In reality, however, we're dealing witha real hardware battle. The C64’s video signal doesn’t have the same amount of lines as a television or video camera. The key is to digitize the entire video signal of the C64 and save it in a buffer. Each point of the video source can then be read out and connected with the analogue point of the C64 picture and shown on the screen. The source signals are then tricked into synchronization. Sounds easy, right? Well it is, if you own the Digital Genlock from the Munich based hardware specialist Scanntronik. This very professional German computer company has been developing excellent hardware (Printfox, Handyscanner to name a few) for the C64/128 since 1983 and the Digital Genlock is the first in a line of video peripherals for the Commodore user.
Here's a quick look at the unit. The Genlock itselfis black anda bit on the large size. This is due to the two separate circuit boards inside. The top board is the digital part of Genlock. Here the computer picture is frozen and then logged into the video picture where the colors are mixed. On
COMMODORE WORLD
the bottom board we find the analogue part of Genlock where the digital picture signal is transformed into an analogue video signal. The unit is very easy to install and attaches to both a video camera or recorder and your computer ina few simple steps. Additional jacks on the rear panel are for other Scanntronik cartridges that can be used in connection with the Genlock as wellasforthenormalinput/output devices. There are all kinds of knobs and LED's on the front panel which control the input and output signals and color.
Four full tone colors are offered for the title or scroll text as well as a transparent black and their intensity is adjustable to approximately 184 different tones. A mix mode allows you to create spectacular effects by castinga kind of transparent veiloverthe entire video picture. For videoexperts who enjoy experimentation, the sky is the limit!
The Scanntronik company is not one to “rest onit’s laurels”. Firm president, Hubert Mugrauer knows how to capitalize on a good thing. There was bound to be additional hardware which wouldenhance the Genlockand similar hardware for those whose knowledge of working with video islimited. During the summer of 94, Scanntronik introduced Genbox, Videoprofi and Videofox 2. Genbox is kind of like Genlock’s little brother. It can also mix the two different signals, generate titles etc. but does not have Genlock’s
18
expandability and is recommended for the advanced user. Videoprofi is a cartridge which can generate letters and does color scrolling or horizontal running text by itself or in connection with Genlock and is basically a no frills attached tool producing excellent results. Videofox 2 is a simple software package which combines text and graphics to produce stunning blending and scrolling text effects. If] were to list the products in order of their price, ease of use and function I would start with the Videofox 2, then move to the Videoprofi, then to the Genbox and finally reach the professional's choice, the Genlock. In October 1994 I was able to see a demonstration ofall these products. I was very impressed as I saw myself on the screen and watched as my name, rank and serial number scrolled across my chest!
Beware, however, as these babies are not cheap! Europeans have to fork out about $550.00 for the Genlock. Genbox will set you back about $350.00, the Videoprofi about $160.00 and Videofox 2 runs at $86. Those video freaks out there will have to wait a bit before you see most of these products on the US market. Scanntronik is looking into the cost and effort of adapting the units to the US NTSC television system. They currently only run with the European PALsystem and special SCART/RGB television jacks. Mr. Mugrauer knows that the US market would embrace such a tool and is working with CMD as a potential distributor in the US and Canada. Commodore World will most definitely inform it’s readers of the availability and price of Scanntronik’s products as soon as we can, so stay tuned and continue to watch this column for fast breaking news concerning European developments for the Commodore user!
$)
Issue 7
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PREHISTORIC MAN
catth your hast, Salsbury Smythe, of Public Hetwork Teleulslon COMMODORE 64/128 IN 64 MODE
CW1-1 Issue 1, Volume 1, Number 1 CW1-4 Issue 4, Volume 1, Number 4 CW1-2 Issue 2, Volume 1, Number 2 CW1-5 Issue 5, Volume 1, Number 5 CW1-3 Issue 3, Volume 1, Number 3 CW2-1 Issue 6, Volume 2, Number 1 Shipping: U.S, and Canada $2.00 for first issue, plus $1,00 per additional issues.; Foreign $5.00 per issue.
TO ORDER CALL 1-800-638-3263
(reative Pluels Ltd. Presents A) Hiltyfilms Ltd. Production
ONGS*OF
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Commodore 64/128
A new Public Network Television documentary describes a typical day in the life of a prehistoric man! Collect bones, save your mate, dodge dinos, and find diamonds as you spend your day as a caveman!
Odysseus had been kidnapped and placcd under a spell by aN cull and powerful wizard. In order to save Odysseus, Ure wos Vansformed Into Pegasus, the slylog horse! THK WINGS OF CIRCE Is o new actlon/aduenture game sor the Commodore 64. The game features bitmapped graphics and anlmated storytelling. Batlle dragons, Hawkmen, and skeletons as you attempt to rescue Odysseus from bis powedul captor Karn the sevets of Pegasus and Medusa!
ATION HND ADVENTORE!
Send check or money order
for $19.95 to: Send check or money Fig of - CREATIVE PIXELS order for $19.95 f0 mMagaeine P.O. Box 592
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(C}Copyright 1994 JC Hilty Productions
Volume 2, Number 2 19 COMMODORE WORLD
fter eight years in the Commodore
business, I've been asked just about every
question imaginable. However, there are a couple of questions that I hear more often than most: “Should I keep my C-64 ?” and “What type of support can I expect in the future?”
If we're to maintain the viability of the Commodore C-64 and C-128 computer, there are some important factors that must be addressed. The first that comes to mind is communication; it’s imperative that Commodore users stay in touch with what's happening in the market place andother Commodore users, Anotherimportant aspect of keeping your C-64 or C-128 going through the 1990's is hardware and software suppliers. Users are concerned about the availability of additional products for their computer, and rightly so; we'll show you what's available—and where to go to get it. We also need to maintain our equipment; what you can do yourself, and where to send it for service should that become necessary. It's my intention
VORLD
ae
pone tind dt nh Mire << ee ee mee
by, Charles A. Christianson
to give you enough information to guide you in
your quest to prolong the existence and success of
this computer platform and to offer some insight into the things that youasan individual can do to see this market thrive.
Communication
One ofthe most important factorsin maintaining the viability ofthe Commodore C-64 and C-128is communication. As we move into a period where we can no longer expect support from Commodore, it’s critical that Commodore users make special efforts to help each other. The rewardsin helpingothers are numerous—it helps
keep both you and those you help excited about what you can do with your system, and keeps users from falling out of touch with the market.
Far too many users have been lost to isolation and indifference. There's strength in numbers, and it’s ourresponsibility to keep those numbers from shrinking further. As active members of the Commodore community, we must seek out other users that are less “in tune” and show them the resources that are still available.
Next point: don’t let your computer die with you. I don’t mean that literally, but if you're moving on to another platform, pass your Commodore on to a new user and provide them with as much current information as possible, Urge other users you know to do the same, Put every working C-64 and 128 in the hands of someone who'll use it. Again, this helps to maintaina stable base, and you're bound to make somebody real happy to boot!
Communication resellers and manufacturers takes place
between users, at several levels: user groups, on-line services, direct mail and publications are among the common ways that users, vendors and other
supporters can communicate with each other. Let's explore these methods ina little more detail to see how effect us and our future.
User Groups
User Groups have long since been the backbone ofthe Commodore community, and they provide vital services to their members. These groups bring together diverse groups of people with one common bond: a passion for learning about and using their Commodore computers.
I've visited many groups over the years, and have always been amazed by the diversity: doctors, lawyers, factory workers, students, public servants, disabled persons, housewives and retirees all meeting to share what they know.
Every member of a group offers something
unique and contributes to the overall success of
the group. Individual abilities vary from basic use to complex programming. There are those who have owned their Commodore for many years and thoroughly understand its operation; those who thrive on writing their own software and/or customizing existing software to suit specific needs; hardware experts, applications specialists, casual users, and beginners. It’s this diversity that makes belonging to a group interesting.
Typical group meetings often cover a wide variety of topics: group business, demonstrations, open discussion, disks from the club library, and refreshments (this has always been my personal favorite). Meetings give members an opportunity to see what's new, exchange ideas, help others with problems they may be having with a particular piece of hardware or software. Sometimes it's nice just to take time out to chat with a friend who shares common interests.
Out of all of the group meetings I've had the pleasure ofattending, I have never gone an entire evening without picking up at least one new piece ofinformation—and I believe that thisis probably true for most members of a group.
User groups go along way toward maintaining the cohesiveness of our market, and fill an important role in the distribution of knowledge. Ifyou currently belong to a club, make an extra effort to recruit new members; if you're not yet involved witha group—join one! We've provided a list of the groups currently registered with Commodore World at the end of this article; ifyour group isn’t listed, or if our information on your clubisincorrect, please be sure tosendus updated information.
On-line Services & BBS’s
Another form of communication which has become increasingly important to Commodore users is telecommunications. Through the use of
Volume 2, Number 2
The 128-D keyboard ca extended with a sta female cable. Sim plug it into one en
You can hook up
amodem, you can stay in contact with hundreds of other users each day without ever leaving the comfort of your own home. This method of communication is more important now than ever before. Why, youask? Because usersare scattered allover the country and need some way of staying in touch with other users. It isn’t practical to think that there is a user group within driving distance of every Commodore user. Plus with support being scattered all over the country, people need a way that they can keep in touch whenever possible.
Electronic Bulletin Board Services and commercial on-line services are generally accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. That means you can leave messages and retrieve answers at your convenience. Many companies offer support through on-line services. CMD offers on-line support via GEnie, Internet and Fidonet; LoadStar recently started their own support BBS; and Commodore CEE (formerly
Adapting
Standard Components
carey em - 80 Column Monitors
i run a A little know fact is that 1, ber ae standard CGA monitor on a :
GB output and hook up directly to YOUN © Pid expect
ame quality yO ee rae vy CBM monitor. These ellen le inexpensive and can os eeacily from second hand sources.
r Switch Box , All you need to do is buy cena centronics A/B switch. mae available through ee al eel resellers including your
k. You wi he sown Seman! a serial to parallel printe
AJB Printe
ere oes ii ee pies Alved ne bate runninga support board to Vite aie ere t for quite some time. Utilizing these forms of cn spade wen - vie communication, you can get timely help directly op bles a’
: : ook up your cal ie ne hoe ais is one drawback,
in pri : whee pate to using this configuration: . must have printers that ace ek with centronics ports—it will n
with ‘Commodore-ready’ printers.
The Information Superhighway has become a buzzword in nearly every corner ofthe computing world over the past few months, With the Internet currently assuming that role, computer users all over the world are rushing out to buy telecommunications equipment so that they can get connected. The Internet is an expansive network of computer systems which connect millions of computer users around the world (See CW Issue 6 for more info on the Internet -Ed.).
Commodore users can find a plethora of information on the Internet; the comp.sys.cbm newsgroup, file transfer (ftp) sites, World-Wide Web pages, mailing lists, Internet mail, and a lot more are all easily available to anyone with Internet access.
xtension ble is easily ndard male to DB-25 ply unplug the keyboard, d of the cable and plug
the cable into the computer.
428-D Keyboard E
to a standard Hayes-compatible gop with any © noel beeen MD’s aaa Aprotek’s Com-Modem anne c = the Hatronics Hart nist “e 43 commercial interfaces suite ae purpose (see Commodore bic issue 4 for more info on — doe can also find plans for bul . a aa ces pad aeperge es for mp (you'll fl pen an bas many online services and BBS's) oF the plan i oordore Worl Issue 4). sia with the advent of geoFAX ae soon from Click Here So : me GEOS users with a SwiftLin pd Group 3/Class 2 euler able to send and receive faxes-
While the vast resources available on the Internet appeals to many users, some will find the structure of commercial on-line services a little easier to handle. Most of these services provide Internet mail access in addition toa host of professional services such as airline, hotel and rental car reservations, news wires, sport scores, technical support areas, chat rooms, guest speakers and a full schedule of conferences covering various topics. On-line services usually offer a more structured environment and charge a base monthly fee fora specific number of hours and an hourly fee after that. Most have local access numbers that you call so that you need not make a long distance call to log-on. A list of popular services that provide Commodore support appears in the On-Line Services sidebar.
21 COMMODORE WORLD
Anothercommon form oftelecommunications is the local BBS, or electronic ‘Bulletin Board Systems’. Atone time, such systems operating on Commodores numbered in the thousands; these were often small systems, running ona C-64 with as little as one or two 1541 disk drives. Though fewerin number, Commodore BBS systems today are much more sophisticated, using disk speed enhancements, accelerators, high speed modems, high capacity 3.5 inch disk drives, hard drives, and RAM devices such as RAMDrive and RAMLink. AnumberofCommodore BBS systems exist today with more that 2 Gigabytes of hard disk storage and/or 16 MB of RAM disk space. It’s also quite common for BBS's operating on
other types of computers to provide support for Commodore users.
BBS systems offer somewhat different services than commercial on-line services. These local systems are often free, and operated by someone who has a deep interest in the Commodore or telecommunicating. They offer a convenient way to trade information locally and to get help with questions you may have. Many user groups runa BBS asa service for their members to provide easy access to the club's software library and as a convenient method for members to communicate with each other between meetings.
Overall, telecommunications is probably the most convenient way to maintain contact with
other individuals sharing similar interests. And although it’s ideal for sharing information about the Commodore, it’salso well suited for discussing most any topic, ranging from current events to swapping recipes.
Direct Mail
This method of communication is generally reserved for the various vendors who continue to support the Commodore market. It’s equally as important for the companies offering services to stay in touch with you as it is for you to stay in touch with them, Obviously, they wish to sell you aproduct or service whichis necessary to maintain the usefulness of your computer. Most companies
Commodore Vendors & Resources
64 Disk Connection, 4291 Holland Rd., Suite 562, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. [PD,CW]
ACS Computer and Video, Inc., 5344 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093, (800) 962-4489. [H,S]
Andor House/Don Radler, 3907 Southeast 2nd Ave., Cape Coral, FL 33904. [S]
Angelo Pasquella - DMBBS, P.O. Box 71, Beachwood, NJ 08722-0071, (908) 349-9187. [B]
Antigrav Toolkit, P.O. Box 1074, Cambridge, MA 02142. [H]
Aprotek, 9323 W. Evans Creek Rd., Rogue River, OR 97537, (503) 582-2120. [H]
ArcTech Soft, P.O. Box 56911, North Pole, AK 99705-1911. [S]
Bare Bones Software, 940 4th Avenua., Suite #222, Huntington, WV 25701, (800) 638-1123. [S,U]
Brown Boxes, Inc.,26 Concord Rd., Bedford, MA 01730, (617) 275-0090. [H]
Bruno’s Computer Warehouse, 510 Andover Park West, Tukwila, WA 98188, (206) 575-8737. [S]
Busy Bee Software, P.O. Box 206, St. David, AZ 85630, (520) 720-4103. [S]
Caloke Industries, P.O. Box 18477, Raytown, MO 64133. [PD,CW]
Centsible Software, P.O. Box 930, St. Joseph, MI 49085, (616) 428-9096. [S,CW]
Click Here Software, P.O. Box 606, Charlotte, MI 48813. [GE,U]
CMD Direkt (CMD Europe), Postfach 58, Telfs, Austria A-6410, 43-5262-66080. [H,S,GE]
Commodore CEE, P.O. Box 232115, Sacremento,CA 95823. [P,S,CW]
Commodore Connection, 127 North Sante Fe Ave. #C, Vista, CA 92804-5401, (619) 945-8777. [S,H]
Commodore Country, 1420 Country Rd. 914, Burleson, TX 76028, (800) 676-6447. [H,S,GE,G,R]
COMMODORE WORLD
Compsult Software, P.O.Box5160,San Luis Obispo, CA 93403, (805) 544-6616. [S] Compuquick Media Center, 3758 Town & Country Rd., Columbus, Ohio,
(614) 235-1180. [H,R]
Compustuff, 2759 Medina Rd., Medina, OH 44256, (216) 725-7729. [S}
Computer Bargain Store, 3366 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, (801) 466-8084, [H,CW]
CPl-Keystone Software, P.O. Box 8369, Pittsburgh, PA. 15218, (412) 243-1049. [S,U]
Creative Micro Designs, Inc., P.O. Box 646, E. Longmeadow, MA _ 01028, (413) 525-0023. (H,S,G,GE,R,P,U,CW]
Creative Pixels, Ltd., P.O. Box 592, Library, PA 15129. [S,G,CW]
Cyberteck Software, 928 East BRd.way, Suite #317, Missoula, MT 59802-4303. [PD]
D-mail U.S.A., 91 Market St., Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, (914) 297-4800. [H]
Dick Estel, 3487 East Terrace, Fresno, CA, 93703. [GE,S]
Digi-Key, P.O. Box 677, Thief River Falls, MN 56701-0677, (800) 344-4539. [H]
Discount Computers and Software, 641 Southwest152nd St., Seattle, WA 98166, (206) 431-0180. [S]
Disks O'Plenty Software, 8362 Pines Blvd. Suite 270, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024, (305) 963-7750. [PD]
Electric Boys Entertainment, 917B Brighton Rd., Purley, Surrey CR8 2BP, England, 44-81-668-7595. [H,S,G,GE,P]
EMS Computer Service, 4355 Kinney Rd., Ludington, MI 49431, (616) 845-1540. [S]
Epyx Incorporated, 1979 Palomar Oaks Way, Carlsbad, CA 92009, (619) 431-9888. [S]
Family Computers & Video Games, 510 South First St., Mount Vernon, WA 98273, (206) 336-3586. [S]
22
Fred Ogle - Color 64 BBS, P.O. Box 35427, Dundalk, MD 21222-7427. [B,CW]
Harv Harris, 981 BrownThrush, Wichita, KS 67212. [S]
Harvey & Assoc., 1409 Mill St., Laramie, WY 82070, (307) 742-3275. [H,S,R,CW]
Henry Sopko, 2705 King St. East Apt #212, Hamilton, Ontario, CANADA, L8K1Y4. [U]
Herb’s Discount Software, 4406 A Enterprise Place, Fremont, CA 94538, (510) 490-6335. [S]
Home-Spun Software, P.O. Box 1064DH, Estero, FL 33928. [S,U,CW]
Horse Feathers Graphics, N. 27310 Short Rd., Deer Park, WA 99006-9712. [S]
J.P. PBM Products By Mail, N. Sheridan Mall P.O. Box #60515, Downsview, Ontario M3L 1BO, Canada. [H,CW]
Jameco Electronics, 1355 Shoreway Rd., Belmont, CA 94002, (415) 592-8097. [H,PT]
Jason-Ranhem Co., 3105 Gayle Ln., Auburn, CA 95602, (800) 421-7731. [H]
John Green, 365 Smith St., Freeport, NY 11520. [G]
KFPDS Software, P.O. Box 470464, Los Angeles, CA 90047-0464. [S]
Lance Haffner Games, P.O. Box 100594, Nashville, TN37224, (615) 242-2617.[G,S]
Living Proof, Ltd., P.O. Box 80714, Minneapolis, MN 55408-8714. [S,CW]
Lyben, P.O. Box 130, Sterling Heights, MI 48311-0130, (810) 268-8100. [D]
LynnCarthy Industries, P.O. Box 392, Boise, ID 83701-0392, (208) 383-0300. [P,H]
Mad Man Software, 1400 E. College Dr., Cheyenne,WY82007-3298,(307) 632-1178. [S,CW]
Marshview Software Limited, P.O. Box 1212, Sackville, NB, Canada EOA3CO, (506) 364-0110. [S,G]
Master Software, 6 Hillery Court, Randallstown, MD 21133, (410) 922-2962. [S,H,CW]
Issue 7
attempt to distribute a full catalog on a regular basis which is much more costly than customers would guess. To give you an idea of the cost of printing and mailing a catalog, I've put together some loose numbers from a previous mailing of 15,000 CMD catalogs. Printing costs for a news print catalog were approximately $1,150.00; bulk mail costs were approximately $3,390.00; labelling and preparation cost approximately $150.00. The total cost (not including costs to layout the catalog) was approximately $6,690.00 to print and mail 15,000 catalogs. The point of the matter is, direct mail costs a lot of money. In other markets, this is just built into a company’s overhead, and returns of two or three percent are
Mega-Disk Software, P.O. Box 1554, Ellensburg, WA 98926-1554. [PD]
MEI/Micro Center, 1100 Steelwood Rd., Columbus, OH 43212, (800) 634-3478. [PR,MS]
Michael Bendure-CNET64/Network, 92Lee Ave Apt N3, Newark, Ohio 43055, (614) 522-1302. [B]
Micro Applications and Appliances, 6417 Hawthorne St., Landover, MD 20785-1711. [S,G,U]
Micro R&D, 721 “O” St., Loup City, NE 68853, (800) 527-8797. [H]
Midwest Micro-Peripherals, 6910 US Route 36, East Fletcher, OH 45326, (800) 522-8080. [H]
Midwestern Diskette, 509 West Taylor, Creston, IA 50801, (800) 221-6332. (PR,MS]
Music Software Exchange, P.O. Box 533334, Orlando, FL 32853-3334. [S]
Nathan Fiedler, 5711 Mount Pleasant Rd., Bernville, PA 19506. [GE,S]
Novastar Game Company, P.O. Box 1813, Rocklin, CA 95677, (916) 624-7113. [G] Novo Computers, P.O. Box 237, Mayfield, NSW 2304, Australia, 61-49-602-082.
[H,S,GE]
Omni128 BBS, 4135 N. 36th St., Tacoma, WA 98407. [B]
Parsec, P.O. Box 111, Salem, MA 01970. [P,S,GE,U}
Performance Peripherals, Inc., 5 Upper Loudon Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211, (518) 436-0485. [H]
PHD Software Systems, P.O. Box 23, Moville, IA 51039-0023, (712) 873-3463.
[S] Plus Electronics, Postfach 100 263, D-30198, Seelze, Germany,
49-5137-50477. [H,S,GE] Quincy Softworks, 9479 E. Whitmore Ave., Hughson, CA 95326-9745. [GE,S]
Volume 2, Number 2
expected. I am the first to agree that it’s a cost of
doing business. However, companies that remain in the Commodore market must be very cost conscious in order to remain profitable. After all, businesses are not charities—they need to make a profit in order to survive. Companies that use direct mail in the Commodore market need even higher returns than two or three percent due to the lower volume of customers, and it’s you, the customer, who dictates a company’s profitability.
As a customer, there are some things you can do to help the remaining companies maximize their efforts to provide you with the best service. First, make sure you notify companies of an address change as soon as possible, so as to
R. and D. Enterprises, R.R. #5 Green Lane, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y7V1, Canada. (905) 853-5869. [S,H]
Reliance Forms & Supplies Inc., 23920 Freeway Park Dr., Farmington Hills, Ml 48334, (810) 478-6620. [MS]
Russian Wyatt, 8614 Bramble Ln. #203, Randallstown, MD 21133. [S,G]
Sandinges Importand Data, Norsbergvagen 8-B, S-302 30, Halmstad, Sweden, 46-351-22164. [H,S,P]
Skyles Electric Works, P.O. Box 1984, Cupertino,CA95015-1984, (408) 737-1632. (H,S,U]
Softdisk Publishing, Box 30008, Shreveport, LA 71130-0008, (800) 594-3370. [P,SCW]
Softside Supply, 1002 E. Main St., Apt. 3, New Albany, IN 47151. [GE]
Software Clearance Center, 2025 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77098, (800) 825-1990. [S]
Software Hut, 313 Hendersen, Sharon Hill, PA 19079, (800) 932-6442. [H,S,GE,G,R, CW)
Software Support International, 2700 N.E. Andresen Rd. Suite A-10, Vancouver, WA 98661, (800)356-1179. [H,S,GE,BO,G,CW]
SOGWAP Software, 115 Bellmont Rd., Decatur, IN 46733, (219) 724-3900. [S]
Spheretron(Schnedler Systems), P.O. Box 5964, Asheville, NC 28813, (704) 274-4646. [H]
Surplus Computer Software, 3301 South Harbor Blvd., Santa Anna, CA 92704, (714) 751-2667. [S]
Suzart, 1529 Longmont Ave., Boise, ID 83706-3731. [GE]
Tech Star Computer Center, 7036 188th South, Kent, WA 98032, (206) 251-9040. [H,S]
Terrapin Software, 400 Riverside St., Portland, ME 04103-1068, (800)972-8200. [S,G,U]
23
minimize any losses resulting from undeliverable mail. Secondly, if you don't see a new catalog for a period of time, get in touch with the company and request one. Vendors like to know that you are still out there interested in what they have to offer. Ifyou notice that you are receiving multiple copies of a catalogue with slightly different address labels, let them know so as to eliminate the duplication. Your help in keeping a mailing list clean is extremely helpful and can save companies hundreds of dollars over the years.
Publications Those of you who have been using Commodore computers fora few years are bound toremember
The FGM Connection, P.O. Box 2206, Roseburg, OR 97470, (503) 673-2234. [S,CW]
The Soft Group, P.O. Box 111, Montgomery, IL 60538, (708) 851-6667. [UK]
Threshold Productions, 17730 15th Ave., NE Suite #229, Seattle, WA 98155, (206) 361-1332. [S]
Titus Software, 20432 Corisco St., Chatsworth, CA 91311, (818) 709-3692. [S,G]
US Commodore Support, 1192S. Nome St. Suite B, Aurora, CO 80012, (303) 751-3247. [H,S]
User's Corner, 1110 East Jackson, Medford, OR 97504, (503) 773-8868. [S]
Virginia Micro Systems, 13646 Jeff Davis Highway, Woodridge, VA 22191, (703) 491-6502. [H,S]
West River Computer Center, 1212 Ordegon, Rapid City, SD 57701-2006, (605) 348-3389. [S]
Yanney Software, P.O. Box 224, Lebanon, PA 17042. [S,CW]
VENDOR SERVICE CODES
BBS Software
Books
See Advertisement in this issue
Disks and Supplies
Games
GEOS
Hardware
Publication
Public Domain Software Repair
Software
Utilities
“UO 70 <L oO
CMD
COMMODORE WORLD
the many publications that were available such as RUN, Compute’s Gazette, Commodore, INFO,
Transactor, Ahoy, and GEOWORLD. Some of
these magazines had in excess of 100,000 subscribers, and could be found on virtually every newsstand in the country. For those of you who haven't been around quite so long, do yourself a favor and get your hands on some of these old magazines; they're loaded with valuable information and programs.
In more recent times, a whole new breed of publishers have materialized to fill the void which left by the exodus of their predecessors. These publishers offer a wide variety of formats and styles sure to suit most any taste. Today, publications are being produced by people who havea dedication to this platform—more so than the large publishing corporations who were more concerned with their bottom line and dropped out when subscription numbers dipped.
Current publications can be split into three
categories; Magazines, Periodicals and Newsletters. A list of some of the larger
publications appears in the Publications for Commodore Enthusiasts sidebar.
Publications provide users with important information about current market conditions, new products, reviews, programming and application tips, and serve as a source for finding products and services through their advertisers. Publications provide information onaone to one basis with the reader instead of requiring some method of group participation.
All forms of communication are extremely important to every Commodore user and it’s important for Commodore enthusiasts to make use of the various lines of communication. It is, after all, the participation of users that will ultimately make or break this market. So please, go out of your way to play an active role, make
Publications for Commodore Enthusiasts
Ca
Commodore World Magazine P.O. Box 646
E. Longmeadow, MA 01028 (800) 638-3263
Loadstar 64
Loadstar 128
Soft Disk Publishing
P.O. Box 30008 Shreveport, LA 71130-0008 (318) 221-8718
Diehard Magazine Diehard Spinner Disk Lynn Carthy Industries P.O. Box 392
Boise, ID 83701-0392 (208) 383-0300
The Underground Scott Eggleston
4574 Via Santa Maria Santa Maria, CA 93455
Twin Cities 128/64 Parsec
P.O. Box 111
Salem, MA 01970-0111
Commodore Cee P.O. Box 232115 Sacremento, CA 95823
Commodore Network P.O. Box 232115 Sacremento, CA 95823
64'er Magazine
Magna Media
Postfach 1304
D-85531, Haar bei Munich Germany
5.25/3.5 §.25/3.5
arn Other:
LS64 US: Other:
$89.95 $109.95 LS128 US: $39.95 Other: $49.95 LS64&128 US: $119.95 Other: $149.95
Magazine only: $16.97 w/Spinner: $55.97
US: Canada: Other:
US, Can., Mex.: for 6 issues.
Others:
(Disk included)
$24.00
$36.00
Germany: DM 105.00 US: DM 129.00 (Disk included)
*Disk optional. Note: All prices given in U.S. Dollars except for 64’er, given in Deutch Marks (current rate of exchange approx. DM 1.40 = US $1.00). Information for Commodore Format (England) not given (currently not accepting new subscriptions),
COMMODORE WORLD
24
contact with fellow users that have fallen out of touch with the market, and get abandoned machines that are stored away into the hands of anactive user. Aboveall, support those companies and individuals that are continuing to keep the lines of communication open.
Hardware and Software Sources Every Commodore user knows how frustrating it can be to find hardware, software, services and supplies for the C-64 or C-128, especially when you don't know where to go. However, once contact is made with the right companies and individuals, finding product is not very difficult. In the past few years distribution channels have shifted from local retailers and mass merchants to mail order firms. This shift has brought both positive and negative results. Some of the positive results include lower prices and access to a larger variety of products, On the negative side, this eliminates the instant gratification you get when you walk into a local store and purchase something. You also lose the local contact for support. Often times, Commodore users are lost to other platforms when they no longer have the ability to buy products locally and are not aware of other options.
Believe it or not, there are tremendous supplies of Commodore hardware and software in the distribution channels. This | know first hand. CMD has been in contact with a number of liquidators and resellers who have warehouses stocked with original C-64/128 hardware and software. We're finding new sources for product every week. And I'm sure that we're not the only ones out there looking. Many companies, most of whom advertise in Commodore World, have been very successful at finding product and making it available tothe user. A prime exampleis Software Support International, who specializes in a wide array of software, During arecent discussion with the company's owner, Les Lawrence, I was told that he has a tremendous supply of Commodore software and that he had just acquired the balance of Tenex’s Commodore inventory.
One important note with regards to new hardware and software... buy while you can! In many cases, these products are a nonrenewable resource; their availability is limited to what has already been produced, and what we as retailers can purchase at liquidations and closeouts. So don't procrastinate or wait until there’s a fire sale—supplies may not last long.
Even though some Commodore-ready hardware is still available, it makes more sense in many cases to buy something that is PC compatible and adapt it for use on the C-64 or C-128. Printers are a prime example of this.
Issue 7
Today's printers are far superior to those of yesteryear, and supplies for them (like ribbons) are readily available. Through the use ofa printer interface you can use most any modern printer. The cost is generally a little more, but you'll end up with a printer that is usable on most any platform and is capable of giving you far better quality when used with software capable of taking advantage of it. This same example applies to a host of products ranging from Hayes compatible modems to 80 column monitors. See the sidebar Adapting Standard Components for more information on this subject.
Original CBM equipment is not the only new equipment to be had. There are numerous companies producing new hardware ranging from hard disk drives to utility cartridges. In most cases, these manufacturers are producing high quality devices that outperform their predecessors. It’s important that Commodore users, as a group, support such companies, as they are the lifeblood of the market. Without the infusions of new technology these companies bring, the market will further stagnate and eventually die. The more support that is offered to these companies, the more likely they will be able to produce new products for your computer in the future.
In addition to new product, there is a great supply ofused products which may be right under your nose. Garage sales, flea markets, auctions and the classified ads are a great source for used Commodore equipment. In many cases people are just about giving the stuff away to interested parties. Granted, buying through these channels holds more risk than buying from a reputable company—but the payoffs can sometimes be
On-Line Services
Providing Access For Commodore Users
CompuServe P.O. Box 20212 Columbus, OH 43220 1-800-848-8990
Delphi 1030 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02138 1-800-695-4005
GEnie 401 N. Washington St. Rockville, MD 20850 1-800-638-9636
Volume 2, Number 2
worth it. | spoke with a gentleman just today who found a 128-D and 1902 monitor in nearly new condition at his local Goodwill store for just $35.00. Unbelievable!
Once again, everything goes back to communication. If you take the time to remain active within the Commodore community, you will surely find plenty of sources for hardware and software.
Service and Maintenance
Ata time when some items are becoming hard to replace, we all need to take steps to maintain the equipment we have. First, and foremost, we should follow some simple guidelines to protecting our equipment and perform some very routine preventative maintenance. Between service calls, there are many steps that can be taken to insure the proper performance of your equipment.
* Place quality surge protectors on all power sources and telephone lines that are connected to your computer or modem. Most people neglect the surge protection on the phone line which can just as easily introduce serious damage to computers and drives during electrical storms. * Avoid zapping your computer and drives with static electricity. Most people don't realize that you can hold up to 30,000 volts in your finger tip from a simple walk across the carpet. The best way to prevent static discharge is a small grounding tab or maton or under your keyboard. By touching the grounded surface before you touch your computer or monitor, you eliminate the potential for a disastrous static discharge. Conductive mats and ground straps are available at any Radio Shack and other electronics shops. Another preventative measure is to use Static Guard on carpets and furnishings that are around your system. These measures can go a long way toward eliminating sources of static, and save you a lot of expensive repairs later on.
¢ Avoid plugging in or unplugging peripherals while your equipment is powered up. It’s very easy tocause damage when attaching or detaching components from the various ports.
* Keepyour keyboard clean. You'd be amazed at the number of repairs that are required asa result of your favorite beverage being spilled onto the keyboard. Dust and debris can also shorten the life of your equipment. Using dust covers and keeping your equipment in a friendly environment will greatly enhance its life expectancy. Keep the cat away, too.
* Keep all components and power supplies well ventilated. Avoid stacking drives too close together and don't lay stacks of paper and junk ontop, alongside, or next to the vents in the case.
25
Those vents are there for a good reason and do perform a vital role in cooling the device. Heat is a leading killer of Commodore equipment, especially 1541 drives and power supplies. * Turn off your equipment when it’s not in use. It isn’t good to let computer equipment run idle ortoleavean image on thescreen forlong periods of time, and results in unnecessary wear. * Avoid crimping and stretching cables. All too often cables are stuffed into small spaces at sharp angles. This can cause damage to the cables and ultimately result in the need to replace it. Cables stretched to their limit can also become damaged, or worse yet, the connector they plug into may become damaged through stress. ¢ Purchase and use a good 5.25" or 3.5" head cleaner ona regular basis. Any standard 5.25" or 3.5" disk cleaner kit will do. This helps remove excess residue that can damage the heads as well as your disks. ¢ Don't use old disks. Disks that are in poor condition or are very old can damage the heads in your drive. For this reason, it’s important to use good quality disks and to maintain backup copies of irreplaceable programs. ¢ Make backups ofall of your original software. As disks get old, they begin to deteriorate from use. The term ‘bit rot’ is commonly used to describe this condition. There are a lot of older programs that cannot be replaced when the disk goes bad, so it’s crucial to maintain working backup disks. To aid in the copying process, use freeze cartridges such as Action Replay and Super Snapshot, or a parameter copier like Maverick. Thesearejusta few suggestions for maintaining your system. The best preventative maintenance isjust good common sense. Ifyou have additional suggestions, please drop us a letter—we'll be happy to pass them on to our other readers,
The Road Ahead In closing, I'd like to emphasize importance of your role in the future of this market. It’s very important to everyone—users and vendors alike—to do everything possible to promote the use of the C-64 and C-128 and to help maintain open lines of communication between those who remain in our market. So long as we can maintain theinstalled base and distribute the vast amounts of information which surrounds this market, there’s no reason that we shouldn't be able to look forward to getting several more years of use from our systems, Go out and join a user group, get on-line, request catalogs from dealers, tell your friends about some method of keeping in touch with the market.. but above all, remain active and make sure people know you are!
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COMMODORE WORLD
Commodore
User Groups
Anchorage Commodore User's Group, PO Box 104615, Anchorage, AK, 99510-4615
90806-4616
C-128 West User's Group, 17047 Devanah St., Covina, CA 91722
Southeast San Diego C-64 User's Group, 258 Euclid Ave #B, San Diego, CA 92114-3640
Club 64, P.O. Box 514, Patton, CA 92369
Orange County Commodore Club, c/o 439-102 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Commodore Technical User’s Group, 2231 E. Trenton Ave., Orange, CA 92667
Central Coast Commodore User's Group, 3896 Berwyn Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93455
The Fresno Sixty-Fourum, PO Box 16098, Fresno, CA 93755
Diablo Valley Commodore User's Group, 1896-D Lynnwood Rd., Concord, CA 94520
Commodore Hayward User Group, c/o Vernon Viani, 4586 Glenn St., Freemont, CA 94536
CA 95813-3393
Hub Area Commodore Club, 7127 Arrowhead Trail, Browns Valley, C, 95918-9630
FC C3, 1713 Valley Forge Ave., Ft. Collins, CO, 80526
Front Range Commodore Club, PO Box 272, Niwot, CO, 80544-0272
Fairfield County C.U.G., P.O. Box 212, Danbury, CT 06813
Delaware
First State Commodore Club, PO Box 1313, Dover, DE 19903
Commodore Computer Club of Jacksonville, 141 Mango Court, Middleburg, FL, 32068
COMMODORE WORLD
26
Tampa Commodore User's Group, PO Box 27141, Tampa, FL 33688 Comm. U. G. of South West Florida, PO Box 7692, Ft. Myers, FL 33911 Manasota Commodore User's Group, PO Box 698, Oneco, FL 34264-6618 Commodore User's Group of Venice, POBox 3325, Venice, FL 34293 Sun Coast Commodore Club, c/o 7034 Mayfield Drive, Port Richey, FL 34668 Lake/Sumter C.U.G., P.O. Box 490416, Leesburg, FL 34748 Hawaii Commodore Hawaii User's Group, c/o M.N. Daniels, 46-329 Kumoo Loop, Kaneohe, HI 96744-3532
S.W.R.A.P. User's Group, PO Box 342, Bedford Park, IL 60499-0342 Fox Valley 64 User’s Group, PO Box 28, North Aurora, IL 60542 Sandwich Computer User Group, PO Box 23, Sandwich, IL 60548-0023 Blooming-Normal CUG, PO Box 1058, Bloomington, IL 61702-1058 Champaign-Urbana C.U.G., 2010 W. William, Champaign, IL 61821
East Side Computer Club, P.O. Box 276, Godfrey, IL 62035-0276
Midwest Computer Users Group, P.O. Box 9311, Highland, IN 46322
Commodore User's Group, Ames Region, PO Box 2302, Ames, IA 50010-2302
Commo-Hawk Commodore User’s Group, PO Box 2724, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-2724
Gold City Computer Users Group, P.O. Box 257, Fort Knox, KY, 40121 Louisville Users of Commodore of Kentucky, PO Box 9551, Louisville, KY 40209-0551
Louisiana New Orleans Commodore Klub-64/128, P.O. Box 1997, Metaire, LA 70004-1997 Acadiana Commodore Computer Club, 416 Dale Street, Lafeyette, LA 70501
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A.C.U.G., PO Box 3358, Annapolis, MD 21403 Massachusetts Pioneer Valley Commodore Club, 6 Laure! Terrace, Westfield, MA 01085 Commodore Computer Club Of The Berkshires, 38 Walden Lane, Pittsfield, MA 01201 Boston Computer Society Commodore SIG, 101 First Ave., Suite 2, Waltham, MA 02154
Michigan Michigan Commodore User's Group, 800 Lloyd, Madison Heights, MI 48071-1915 Down River Commodore Group, PO Box 1277, Southgate, MI, 48195 Computer Users of Lexington, P.O. Box 482, Lexington, Ml 48450-0482 Saginaw Area C.U.G., P.O. Box 2393, Sagnaw, MI 48605-2393
Issue 7
Lansing Area Commodore Club, PO Box 1065, E. Lansing, MI 48826 Muskegon Area C.U.G., P.O. Box 4496, Muskegon Hts., MI 49444 Missouri
CUGSL, P.O. Box 837, Bridgeton, MO, 63044
MDC/RCC - Commodore SIG, P.O. Box 34088, St. Louis, MO 63134
Commodore User's Group of Kansas City, PO Box 36034, Kansas City, MO 64111
Computers North Users Group, P.O. Box 34534, North Kansas City, MO 64116-0934
Nebraska Greater Omaha C.U.G., P.O. Box 241155, Omaha, NE 68124-1155 New Jersey Info 64 Users Group, c/o 186 Delmar Avenue, Glen Rock, NJ 07452 Rancocas Valley Users Group, 806 Windsor Drive, Cinnaminson, NJ 08077-3717
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Bronx User's Group, PO Box 523, Bronx, NY 10475
Queens Commodore User's Group, P.O. Box 129, Queens, NY 11417
Brentwood Commodore Computer Club, c/o Public Library, 2nd&4th St., Brentwood, NY 11711
Northern NY Commodore Home Users Group, c/o 6 Garden St., Pottsdam NY 13662
Central Ohio C.U.G., P.O. Box 28229, Columbus, OH 43228-0229
Ashtabula County Commodore User’s Group, c/o 1034 Michigan Ave., Ashtabula, OH 44004 Basic Bits Commodore Group, PO Box 81886, Cleveland, OH 44181-0886
OH 45150 Oklahoma Commodore User's Group of Lawton, PO Box 3392, Lawton, OK 73502 Commodore Users of Bartlesville, 1920 Santa Fe, Bartlesville, OK 74003 Tulsa Area Commodore User's Group, PO Box 52473, Tulsa, OK 74152-0473
Oregon
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Pennsylvania Pittsburgh Commodore Group, PO Box 16126, Pittsburgh, PA 15242 Harrisburg Area Computer Club, 721 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, PA 17111 Philadelphia Area Computer Society, c/o LaSalle University, Philadelphia, PA 19141 Main Line Commodore User's Group, 1046 General Allen Ln., West Chester, PA 19382 Lehigh Valley C.U.G., 931 Lawrence Drive, Emmaus, PA 18049 Scranton Commodore User's Group, PO Box 244, Scranton, PA 18501 South Carolina River Rats User Group, P.O. Box 1036, Bath, SC 29816-6610
Volume 2, Number 2
South Dakota Sioux Empire Commodore Club, 1932 S. Menlo Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57105-2717 Tennesee Memphis Commodore User Club, PO Box 34095, Memphis, TN 38134 Texas
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77244-1252 Commodore Users of San Antonio Texas, PO Box 380732, San Antonio, TX 78280
Champlain Valley Commodore User's Group, 6 Mayfair St., S. Burlington, VT 05043
Washington Area Commodore User's Group, 7728 Viceroy St., Springfield, VA 22151
Fredericksburg Commodore Club, 6803 Teal Court, Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Peninsula Commodore User's Group, c/o W.L. Philips, P.O. Box 11293, Newport News, VA 23601-9293
Washington University of Washington CCUG, P.O. Box 25878, Seattle, WA 98125 Commodore Users Of Puget Sound, P.O. Box 1806, Silverdale, WA
98383-1806 Tri-City Commodore Computer Club, P.O. Box 224, Richland, WA 99352 West Virginia
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Cheyenne Assoc, of Computer Enthusiasts, P.O. Box 1733, Cheyenne, WY 82003-1733
Canada
Ottawa Home Computer Club, 1743 Caminiti Cresent, Orleans, Ontario, Canada, K4A-1M2
Hamilton Commodore Users Group, Upper James P.O Box 20202 , Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L9C-7M5
Calgary Commodore User Group, c/o 427 5th Ave., SE, High River, AB, Canada, T1V 1H9
Commodore Users of Edmonton, 9550-83 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6C-3A1
England ICPUG, c/o Tim Arnot, 17 Colne Drive, Didcot, Oxon OX11 7JZ, England geoClub, 55 High Bank Road, Droysiden, Manchester M35 6FS, England
Germany GEOS User Club, Xantener Str. 40, D-46286 Dorsten, Germany
New Zealand Kapiti Commodore Users’ Group, 23 Weggery Dr., Waikanae, New Zealand
Mail Groups Meeting 64/128 Users Through the Mail, Route 7, Box 7614, Palestine, TX 75801
COMMODORE WORLD
RAMLink Base Mode! (OMB, No RAMCard) ..... RAMLink w/t MB RAMCard (Limited Time) ...... $199, 00 RAMLink w/4 MB RAMCard —— er . $339.00 RAMCard RTC Option/Kit ... . $10,00/$19,00 RAMLink Battery Back-up (Optional) . seerasseereeners $24.95
Parallel Cable (RAMLink ROSEN sscirsposarssecninierretet $14.95
HD-40, 42 2 MB (Limited Supply) ... HD-100, 170 MB (Special Edition) . HD-200, 270 MB (Special Edition) .... HD-500, 540 MB (Special Edition) ..... HD-1000, 1 GB (Special Edition)
Increase Speed Up to 1500% while retaining 100% compatibility
* Speeds up Loading, Saving, Verifying, Formatting and Reading/ Writing of Program, Sequential, User and Relative files unlike
FD-2000 (800K and 1.6 MB) ..
FD-4000 (800K, 1.6 MB and 3 is Digimaster i i i i FO Real-Time-Ciock Option Kit Es casessseienas $20.00/$29.00 SID Symphony Stereo Cartridge canniges MEIER OGY RE BRS UR moaEnng an naving a i age Box of 10, High Density Disks (1.6MB) ... $14.95 Sonus 64 Sequencer, MIDI Interface, Cables ..... * Built-in DOS Wedge plus 17 additional features including file
Box of 10, Enhanced Density Disks (3.2 MB) ...... $29.00 Sonus 128 eat resale Interface, Cables copier, text dump, printer toggle, and redefinable function keys
make using your computer easier and more convenient
’ BASIC 64 Compiler abecs) dena teoed vw $17.00 (Specity computer serial number and drive model) * ROMupgrade installs easily into most computers and disk drives. BASIC 128 Compiler (Abacus) ....... : uo» $25.00 ‘iyDOS cae a someone $48.95 Buta G4 Compilar (Skyl0s) Supports C-64, 64C, SX-64, C-128, 128-D, 1541, 1541C, 1541- Additional Drive ROM's. | ooS25.95 Blitz! 128 Compiler (Skyles) $30.00 11,1571, 1581 and more. ' ay 5 RRR RET . Buddy 64/128 ASSOMDIEF .......:s:ccsseeneseeseenenecene $39.00
Cobo! 64 (Abacus) .... 80-column Montiors (Refurb) ... Fortran 64 (Abacus) Aprotek 3-Way User Port Expander ... Aprotek User Port Extension Cable ... C-64/64-C Computers (Refurb, w/JD) ‘ C-64, C-64C Power Supply i adie
.. $17.00 " ou FDSeries 3.2 and 1.6 MB 3.5" Floppy Drives
Cadpak 64 (Abacus) | The FD-2000 and FD-4000 disk drives utilize
C-128 Power Supply (Repairable) .. $49.00 ‘ : ri Cannon BU-2000x Bubble Jet Printer "$289.00 py Be vaso ; today's latest 3.5 inch disk drive technology. Cannon BJC-4000 Color Bubble Jot Printer... $399.00 Chartpak 64 (Abacus) .. FD-2000's support 800K (1581 style) and
Chartpak 128 (Abacus) ........... es $2: : : : Commodore 1541 Disk Drivos (NEW, wiJO) .... $119.00 Fpartys 5 a8, baci VOC) (Livng Prost)... $39.00 1-6 MB (High Density) formats, while the
Commodore 1541 Disk Drives (Refurb, w/JD) ..... $75.00 - in BE ff i Commodore 1844-ll Disk Drive (Refurs, wid) $109.00 PO v1.54 (128, o-eot, ¢4K VDC) (Ling Proof $29.00 FD-4000 also offers support for the 3.2 MB (Enhanced Density)
Commodore 1802 40-column Monitor (Refurb) $139.00 purgens Fesene (panavios Included) .. ontre ripe disk format. Fast and reliable, they support 1541, 1571 and z vit CMD EX2+1 3-Port Cartridge Port Expander ... $39.95 personai Portolio Manager (Abacus) ........... $16.00 style partitions, Native Mode partitioning and can actually read an
CMD EXS 3-Port Cartridge Port Expander ....... $34.95 pocket Writer 2 (64) (Digital Sol.) .. “g65.00 Write 1581 disks. FD's feature built-in JiffyOOS, SWAP button and ene pease she Senthil a «$24.95 pocket Writer 3 (64 or 128) (Digital Sol. optional Real Time Clock. High capacity, speed and compatibility
., : ssn $29.00/$34.00 : Ass spree Aa : CMD SmartMouse (1351 Compatible Mouse) ..... $49.95 Pocket Planner 2 or Pocket Filer 2(Digital Sol.) ... saa make the FD right for every application, including GEOS.
PowerPlan 64 (Abacus) ...
CMD SmartTrack (1351 Compatible Trackball) ... $69.95 Run Productivity Pak I, I ‘be mT (Specify).
Monitor Cables . »CALL RUN Super Starter Pak 1541 or 1581 Power-Backed Expandable REU The fastest possible form of storage,
Mouse Pad . RUN WOKS y.eseossssccsseses
MW-350 Printer Intertace (OK/8K Butter) $49.00/$60.00 sec Check Register 128 .......
Samsung SP-0912 9-pin Epson-comp. Printer ..... $139.00 SuperScript 64 (Precision)
Samsung SP-2412 24-pin Epson-comp, Printer... $179.00 SuperScript 128 (Precision) ...........
Samsung SP2a17. 24. “pin Color Printer 4... $279.00 Suberbase 64 Version 3.01 (Precision) ....c.c.00
he RAMLIink provides instant access to files
and retains data while your computer is turned off. Easy to use and expandable up
to 16 MB, RAMLink utilizes the same powerful operating system
found in CMD Hard Drives. Unlike Commodore REU's which are
' Superbase 128 Version 3.01 (Precision) . SwiftCalc 64 (TIM@WOFKS) .....c cee Tax Perfect 64 (Free ‘94 Upgrade) Tax Perfect 128 (Free '94 Upgrade) . TWS 64 w/Speller (Busy Bee) ... TWS 128 w/Spellor (Busy Bee) ........ TWS Modules (HO/ALiustrator)
Big Blue Reader V4. 10 (SOGWAP)... Buddy 64/128 Assembler , CMD Utilities oo... JiffyMON-64 (ML. Monitor) .. The Compression Kit ‘94 (Mad Man) G6 Ss
3 ome . = compatible with less than 1% of commercial software, RAMLink Colette Utilities (Handy Geos unites). ee ‘Su . supports more than 80% of the commercial titles. RAMLink also Desk Pack Plus .. Hs painoee Minilodem C- bash ee capa $69 m offers built-in JiffyYOOS Kernal, SWAP feature, reset button, enable/ Dweezils Greatest Hits (NowT : Line ~~ disable switch, pass-thru port and RAM port for REU/GEORAM use. FONTPACK PI Aprotek Modem adapter (C= to Ext. PC Modem) $20.00 - ' : nt US! ne BOCA 2400 Baud Modem .......ses:ssesssesrsssrereseeee $69.00 RAMLink offers maximum speed, expandability and compatibilit gateWay 64 or 128 (Specity Version) . A : y geoBASIC BOCA 2400 w/SwiftLink and Cable . - $99.00 with all types of software and hardware including GEOS. le 64/128 age pasty “* BOCA 14,4K bps FaxModem .... . $129.00 ae ~~ $40.00 BOCA 14.4K w/SwiftLink & Cabl "$159.00 rie cien mewn $29.00 BOCA V.34 28.8K bps FaxModem ... = $259.00 HD Series gooMakeBoot (Makes Bootable copies) Seiad $12.95 Psion tie. — . — mapas nis te - i es snl . nae SpeedTerm (Abacus) s2500 SCSI Hard Drive for the C-64/128 geose4vwon ves rem GOD Some Uuscae Gartcge (Up 1 38 4K baud) . $39.8 HD Series Hard Drives are available in GEOS 128.V2,0...ssssessssssescrcurserrsseenterssensssnseness .. $49.00 : Scans: |e capacities up to 1 GB, are fully partitionable, QOOSHELL V2.2 (CU 1Of CEOS) nstesitrnscntncs SON85 a - and can emulate 1541, 1571, & 1581 disks
International FONTPACK Perfect Print LQ for GEOS (Laser-like output) ...
RUN GEOS Companion ie RUN GEOS Power Pak | or Il (Specify) .
while Native partitions utilize MSDOS-style subdirectories. HD's connect easily to the serial bus or parallel via RAMLIink. Includes built-in JiffyDOS, SWAP feature and RTC. HD's Z | Senter isin offer superior compatibility with most commercial software including Anatomy of the 1541... F-15 Striko Eagle BBS, Productivity and GEOS. And with new pricing, HD Series drives
Basle Compilor Design for the +64 cscs. $12.00 HeavOnbOUNd surcccccocccccconccccccmece $19.95 Offer the lowest cost per megabyte of any C64/128 storage device. C-64 Science & Engineering Laser Squad
Ballistix .. Blood Money aii Chomp!
C128 Computer Aided Design , ae sod ea ae Last Ninja I... * . ‘ C128 BASIC Training Guide ... one olthe On Shipping and Handling Charges Cassette Book tor C-64 and Vic 20.,......... Maintrame ccc scecens Use the chart below to match your order subtotal with your shipping zone and method Caner La eh Tips - ; Menace .... ; Continental United States rogrammers Reference uide Navy Seal ........ intinen ited Sta Graphics Book for the C-64 , Rings of Medusa ... ors AE BEWE: Hitchhikers Guide to GEOS .... RUN C128 Funpak . os cron wt [can ronan
ideas for Use on Yur C64 FUN G64 Gamepak foor-siom | wo] soon [ reo] sizoo| sooo | si5m]
Pinar Book for ho Cs. Skato oF Dio « watt ’ fseocoecson | soo] som] seco] siamo] am | e000] lapping . The Amazing Spider- Man : icetanensstttidinyseriy) TOGO: oocoeene Simple Intemot .. The President Is Missing} ..... easieavesndeeesssiseye POO ee |_ 8200 | $1000 | #2000 | s1500 | s000 | $2600, Superbase - The a takasea THO THEO StOOGES .....cscsesccrsssecsiesvesrssiesayeiveesss 91Q,00 |s60.00-614999 | sao | $1200 | $23.00 | $19.00 | $35.00 Pag SEANNIng & Video | Te Broak Tenn ccs $4600 sisocosaomen | sr00o | st400 | $2700 | so100 | soo | ss000| _— otal Eclipse . Handyscanner *s $249.00 tine Vn 847.00 Pagetox....... eeenncesenesegne $139.00 Wizardry 5: Heart of the Maelstom voc... serves $24,00 akc Tyan dees [ol ee a
UPS C.0.D. add $5.00 (U.S/PR only)
Creative Micro Designs, Inc. Payment and Delivery: CMD accepts MC, Visa, Money Ordors, COD and Personal Sg NS a aaa aaa a FETT TE PET Checks. Personal Checks are hold for up to 3 weeks. Most items are stock, contact CMD P.O. Box 646 Info: (413) 525-0023 for current delivery schedules. Returns for merchandise credit only within 30 days with
East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Fax: (413) 525-0147 prior authorizations. All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice
COMMODORE WORLD 28 Issue 7
Need Input? It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This...
For years, Commodore set the standard with the 1351 Mouse. Sure, it was vastly superior to using the old digital input devices like the 1350 mouse, joysticks or imitation trackballs. But everything can be improved. Guaranteed 100% 1351-compatible, SmartMouse and SmartTrack do everything the C-1351 does and more! These highly intelligent, three-button input devices include a built-in battery-backed Real-Time Clock, along with double-click and Turbo features for GEOS. Plus, they come with acomplete set of utilities for using the clock in GEOS and BASIC applications. Modern ergonomic designs make these devices smooth operators that are a pleasure to use. So, if you're tired of the slow, erratic movement of your current input device, make the intelligent choice and pick up a SmartMouse or SmartTrack today!
SmartMouse and SmartTrack... the Best C-64/128 Input Devices Ever!
* Three buttons means convenience! If you're a GEOS user, the left « button is configured as single click, the right as a handy double click and the center button is the TURBO button. When depressed, it doubles the speed at which the pointer moves across the screen. , Additionally, programmers can assign their own functions to all
three of the buttons.
¢ Unlike other third party mice or trackballs, the CMD SmartMouse and SmartTrack trackball use the same custom gate array chipas , the Commodore C-1351 mouse. This guarantees 100% compatibility.
* Switches easily into joystick emulation mode on power-up by
holding down the right button.
- LOADED WITH SPECIAL FEATURES
¢ Freeze Feature Lets you save most programs to disk without Copy protection ¢ Centronics Interface Use a fast GEOCABLE to print with most software ¢ Built-in Copier Make fast disk and file copies ¢ Sprite Editor Create and edit sprites * ML Monitor Examine all memory including stack, I/O, & registers ¢ Blow-up Make any portion of a picture up to the full size of the screen * Message Maker Turn any captured screen or graphic into a scrolling message with music PLUS...
* Infinite Lives Generator * Screen Editor
* Printer Dump
¢ Slide Show Maker
... AND MORE!
Volume 2, Number 2
SmartMouse/SmartTrack utilize the same advanced technology used in today's powerful 486 and Pentium PC's, providing you with unparalleled accuracy and smoothness.
Built-in battery-backed Real-Time Clock automatically sets the GEOS clock, displays time and can be used in your own programs.
¢ Includes utilities disk and detailed manual explaining the utilities and programming information.
Attention Lefties! SmartMouse can be alterred for left handed use.
* Don't be fooled by the old style digital “trackballs". These only perform as well as a joystick. SmartTrack uses analog inputs for greater accuracy.
Tired of Fighting with Copy Protection? Having Trouble Booting Software from a CMD Device? Need a Back-up of Your Hard-to-Find Software?
Then It's Time To Take ACTION!
THE ‘ULTIMA ri CARTRIDGE a? COMES OF : AGE! :
THE MOST POWERFUL,
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29 COMMODORE WORLD
A TALE OF
I had been considering purchase of an ink-jet printer for awhile. Jeff Jones at LOADSTAR aroused my interest in ink-jets with an article he wrote, and the LS newsletter was a shining example of what they could do. My ten year old Panasonic 9-pin printer is still working well, but Ineeded something fasterand with higher quality text.
Peter Roffey of UWCUG loaned me his Canon BJ-200 Bubble Jet printer fora weekend. The first thing that impressed me was the text; it was excellent! Then I tried it with FGM to check out its graphics. undoubtedly the best graphics output I'd ever seen from FGM. | was pretty much sold.
Then along came a very good printer article in Commodore World \ssue 1. The article stated that ink-jet printers are slow (30-100 cps) and costly to run (8.9 cents/page for the BJ-200). Also that they were prone to smudging and “satellites” (a satellite isa small spot ofink that lands somewhere on the paper other than whereit was supposed to, caused by the thermally created ink bubble not bursting evenly). More on these items later. The article said that the EPSON STYLUS-800 appeared to have less problems with satellites.
Next came an article in issue #35 of TWIN CITIES 64/128 (which itself was quite a surprise to receive). The author wrote extensively of his search for an ink jet printer. He did a lot more research than I cared to do, and finally settled on the EPSON STYLUS-800. The main reason he settled on the STYLUS-800 was that it uses a piezoelectric method to “shoot” the ink from the head to the paper. This method is said to produce fewer satellites than the thermal method used by most ink jet printers. Other reasons he settled on the STYLUS-800 included scalable fonts, and the capability of refilling the ink cartridge, which cuts the per-page cost considerably (not recommended by the manufacturer, of course).
The article swayed me towards the Epson STYLUS-800, which | ordered from Office Depot in Salem (OR). They sounded surprised that Roseburg even had electricity, not to mention computers, but they processed the order anyway (plastic works wonders:). The printer arrived by UPS the next day.
After some foreplay (enjoying every moment ofanew computer toy) I set the printer up, Under my magnifying glass the text quality looked as
Even more impressive—
COMMODORE WORLD
by Ron Hachley
good as the Canon BJ-200. | didn’t try out the scalable fonts; those take either WINDOWS or an advanced engineering degree to figure out how to access. Next I tried a graphics printout. My high was abruptly crashed; undoubtedly the WORST graphics printout I'd ever seen, Even worse than a weak-ribboned MPS-801! I used double print with the STYLUS-800 to try and darken it up, but even then it was very light..
I tried every 8-pin emulation graphics capability the STYLUS-800 had, and the only thing that came even close tothe Canon’s (or even my old Panasonic's) quality was a twelve-pass NLQ driver that I'm working on for FGM. I did the same printout tests using an Epson 24-pin impact printer, and those results were also considerably better than the STYLUS-800,
Time to call Epson. After convincing the tech that | was not using WINDOWS, we got down to business. He did a printout using WINDOWS, but at the 8-pin emulation densities most common to Commodore programs. The results were as bad as I got. He finally admitted that Epson’s 8-pin emulation left a lot to be desired, That's an understatement—it’s useless.
The STYLUS-800's 80 dpi emulation is the worst ofall its 8-pin emulations. The dots are not evenly spaced and this gives vertical banding in the printouts, The TC-64/128 article stated that the graphics output of the STYLUS-800 was extremely poor, but italsostated that this was the fault of the software drivers, not the printer. Not quite true. GEOS has drivers available that use the 24-pin mode, and 24-pin mode should give better output than eight-pin emulation. But... most graphics programs for the Commodore are going to want to use 8-pin emulation, which the STYLUS-800 is not good at.
Another important point; the STYLUS-800 doesn't have IBM PROPRINTER emulation, which means that the vertical density ofall 8-pin emulations will be 60 dpi. This is worse than a
Ne il Aly «ih a
‘a ap ty |
1)
30
nine-pin printer, and causes printouts to be 17% taller. With printers that have IBM PROPRINTER emulation you can get 72 dpi vertical, which matches the vertical density of nine-pin printers.
I figured a company with Epson’s reputation would've done better than they did, but maybe they weren't thinking of anyone actually using their 8-pin emulation (then why did they include it?). Anyway, thanks to Office Depot's excellent customer satisfaction guarantee, I packed the STYLUS-800 back up and they sent the Pony Express back down to pick it up.
Since I'd been impressed by the B]-200, | contacted Canon to inquire about the differences between the BJ-200 and the newer BJ-200e. The tech there told me that they were essentially the same, but the BJ-200e had more fonts, enhanced gray scale capability, a reduction mode, and was bi-directional with graphics (which I highly doubted). The cost of the BJ]-200e was about thirty dollars more than the BJ-200, I decided to go for the BJ-200e, thinking that the extra fonts would be nice to have. [Note: The B/-200e has now been replaced by the B]-200ex. -Ed.|
The rest of this article will deal with the Canon Bubble Jet Printer. First, the differences between the BJ-200 and the BJ-200e:
1. The BJ-200e does indeed come with more fonts... on disk and meant for use by WINDOWS or WORD PERFECT. Ifyou aren't using the printer with WINDOWS or WP then you can forget about the extra fonts.
2. The BJ-200e lacks the “Super High Quality” mode that the BJ-200 has (also billed as “Quiet Mode” because it’s a whole 2db quieter). | think the SHQ mode was overkill though; it REALLY lays the ink on thick.
3. The BJ-200e has logic seeking. This means the printhead won't go all the way to the left or
Issue 7
right side of the paper ifit has nothing to print there, and is a big plus. The BJ-200 did not appear to have logic seeking.
4. The BJ-200e has 50% and 66%reduction modes, which are surprisingly handy. These are set from the panel, so no control codes to mess with.
5. As for bi-directional graphics printing, the manual says no, yet the box and customer service say yes, but no-one can tell me how to access it.
NOTE: The user manual for the BJ-200e has NO control codes; it expects you to hook the printer upto WINDOWS or WPandlet their installation program do the work. Canon does provide a toll-free fax-back line where you can get an abbreviated summary of the control codes for free if you have a fax, but what you get is barely useful. A programmers reference manual is available for $20.00 (plus $8.00 s&h), and it’s a must ifyou want to get the most out of the printer (to order call 1-800-671-1090). Insist on the one for the BJ-200e; it is NOT the same as the BJ-200,
The ink cartridge seems to last quite a while, and is easily refillable; pull a plastic plug out and squirt some ink in. V-Tech (1-215-822-2989) is one source for bubble jet ink; 4.5 oz. for $7.90 (plus s&h), Each refill takes about 3/4 ounce, so you'll getat least five refills for about twelve dollars (V-Tech suggests nine refills; either way it’s a lot cheaper than anew cartridge). I’mintomy second refilling and the only problem was when I tried to get away with overfilling. All was fine for about two days, then all I got was either blank paper or huge smears of ink. The ink was puddling on the head so it couldn't be sprayed. | sucked out the excess with a syringe, rinsed the head in warm water, and all has been fine since.
You probably won't be able to refill the cartridge indefinitely; apparently the heating elements in the jets finally fail. V-Tech suggests about five refills, Ifyou refill before the cartridge runs out of ink it will probably last longer; the ink seems to provide a cooling effect for the heating elements. When youreplace the cartridge youare
Volume 2, Number 2
actually replacing the printhead as well, hence if
“inferior ink” should clog the printhead, no real loss or harm to the printer. Since the printhead is the most likely thing to go bad, [like the idea of it being easily and rather cheaply replaceable.
The price of the ink cartridge determines the per-page cost of using the printer (yes, plus paper). The manual says the ink cartridge lasts 400-500 full pages (700,000 characters) in High Quality (HQ) mode, and twice as many pages in High Speed (HS) mode. HS mode is “draft” mode, and output in that mode is quite acceptable. The list price for the cartridge is $27.50, so a worst-case scenario of 400 pages would run 6.9 cents/page. By refilling the cartridge the cost drops to a half- cent per page (worst case). If you factor in having to replace the cartridge every five refills then the cost goes up to about two cents per page (again, worst case). One very nice point is that the print quality will remain fairly consistent, unlike a ribbon,
As for being slow, the BJ-200¢e is rated at 248 cps in HS mode (10 cpi), and 173/cps in HQ mode. That's lightning-fast compared to my Panasonic 9-pin. The HQ mode is nine times faster than my Panasonic's NLQmode, and there's no comparison in quality. However, when enhancements are encountered (i.e.: outline, shadow, double height, etc.) the printer slows considerably.
Smudging and satellites: I've experienced no problems with either, although the ink is prone to smudging if you get it wet. Even quick swipes with a highlighter usually don’t smudge the ink. As for the horrible satellites, I've printed a few thousand pages of text and graphics and have yet to spot any extraneous ink.
Banding appears to be non-existent. Banding refers to those streaks you see across a page with an impact printer, between each pass of the printhead, Particularly bad with a weak ribbon, Additionally, you don’t see the individual dots in solid areas; the BJ-200e does an excellent job of filling them in. It does this by increasing the size of the dots as the density gets lower. This is an outstanding feature, and Canon is to be commended for not forgetting about those of us who need 8-pin emulation for graphics,
The printer has two basic modes, BJ-10 (IBM PROPRINTER), and EPSON LQ. The manual states that the BJ-10 mode gives the fullest range of features. This is only partly true. The BJ-10 mode has the fewest built-in features (i.e.:
31
fewer fonts, very few text enhancements), but it does allow more direct control by mega- programs in mega-computers. This mode allows directly accessing 48 of the printer's 64 jets (the BJ-200¢ is a 64 “pin” printer).
In BJ-L0 mode, IBM PROPRINTER with AGM (off) is available. This allows true 72 dpi vertical with 8-pin emulation for graphics, although it has fewer densities available (60, 120, 240). Ifyou need 80 dpi, have your program send triplewidth and print at 240 dpi. True 24-pin output is available for programs that support it, although the BJ-10's 24-pin output offers no advantages over the EPSON LQ mode, and uses uncommon codes.
The EPSON/LQ mode definitely has more built-in features, For graphics output each mode has its advantages. The EPSON mode gives the widest range of densities for 8-pin emulation (60, 80, 90, 120, 240), although vertical density is only 60 dpi, same as most 24-pin printers in 8-pin emulation.
The control codes seem to be quite compatible with most Commodore text and graphics programs. Many additional features are available such as eight different typefaces, double height and width, and all can be done in OUTLINE, SHADOW, or BOTH TOGETHER. Also, pitches of 5, 6, 7.5, 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 are available. The paper handling is excellent (sheet feed only), and the printer has a very small footprint. The DIP switches are easily accessible, not that you'll needtochange thema lot. With the printermacros available in TWS-128 you can go nuts with this printer.
Minuses? The biggest annoyance is not haying aknob to physically adjust the paper with. When the printer loads the paper it advances it a small amount, so you can't print at the very top. The advance is .12" in BJ mode and .33" in LQ mode (to keep Epson compatibility!), Also, you can’t print real close to the bottom; the paper will be ejected and the next sheet loaded. When Ihave to work real close to the top or bottom I use 14" paper, then trim it down.
For those who need negative linefeed, the printer doesn't seem to have it (Canon says the mechanism is incapable of negative linefeeds, although I've watched it do them on its own).
In spite of the above, I’m very happy with this printer. Although it works great with FGM, you can bet that additional features will be added to FGM because of this printer. This printer will make output from any Commodore graphics program look far better than it would on any impact printer. It will even improve emulated 7-pin CBM output, ifyou must.
$)
COMMODORE WORLD
dy jim Brain
These trivia questions are my gift to the Commodore Community atlarge; while other parts ofthis magazine may not be reproduced without the consent of Creative Micro Designs, Inc., these questionsare public¢domain, laskonly that thearticle remains intact and unchanged, and that my information appears somewhere so users
can contact me. These questions form a contest that I run on the Internet, so you may feel free to contact me for all the relevant information, Ifyou do use them, | always welcome a postcard detailing where they were used. Ifyou havea question, please sendit (with answer) as well, Enjoy!
OMMODORE TRIVIA
Jim Brain (Internet: brain@mail.msen.com) Brain Innovations, Inc.
2306B Hartland Road
Hartland, MI 48353
COMMODORE TRIVIA #6 QUESTIONS
S050 TheCommodore 1551 Disk Drive isa parallel device. How diditconnect $059 Who (what person) invented the Sound Interface Device (SID) chip?
to the Commodore Plus/4 and C16?
$051 How many could you attach?
generator can reach?
PET computer sold?
on screen at one time?
055 Theboxthat the C64 comesin has some propaganda on the side describing the unit. In the specifications section, it claims how many sprites can be
ISA Theill-fated UltiMax (later called the MAX Machine) contained a number of Commodore 64 features, However, it did not share the 64's feature of
64KB RAM. How much RAM did the MAX have?
052 What were the addresses they used? (Not device numbers) ; $05B What famous person was featured in U.S. television advertising for the >3. What is the maximum number of sound octaves the VIC-20 sound VIC-20?
S05C What company designed the first ViCModem?
4 Who wrote the reference guide that was distributed with almost every . 5D Everyone has seen or heard of BYTE Magazine. Known for technical articles in the 80's, and coverage of PC products in the 90's, BYTE was founded by Wayne Green. What Commodore computer magazine did Wayne Green later publish?
S05E (Threepart question) Whatare the official names of the colors used on the
$056 TheCommodore Plus/4 computer contained the first integrated software VIC-20; package to be placed in a personal computer, What was the name of the a) case?
software package?
b) regular typewriter keys?
c) function keys?
$057 What popular computer software did the software package parody?
did SX really stand for?
One familiar Commodore portable computer was called the SX-64. What
SOSF Commodore is set up asa missing country .
COMMODORE TRIVIA #5 ANSWERS
Son Of God With All Power. They also market the Bible on diskettes.
$041 The 8280 has version 3.0, Many have not ever seen this IEEE-488 compatible drive used on some PET’. It has the same DOS version that is inthe D9OXX hard drives, and could read 250kB and 500kBIBM formatted disks, as well as some CP/M formats. Note that although this version number is used on the 1570/71 disk drives, the code is different.
cases, $0 off-white is the correct answer,
S043 Well, you cannot do so with the CPU directly, since it resolves these locations into internal addresses. However, the VIC II can see these addresses as external memory. So, just make one spritexs with the first bit in the sprite set, and move it over the first two bytes, pretending they are part ofa bitmap. By checking the sprite-to- background collision register, you can tell if the bit in the byte is set. Email me for a more complete
deser iption,
Some early versions of the Commodore 64 were housed in VIC-20 color $045 This is the sound made by sending square out of the 6522 IC on some Commodore computers. Itis called ’CB2’, since that isthe name of the pin
on the 6522 that outputs the waveform, I won't go into a complete description, except to say that most models of the PET had the capability,
and most PET owners used it as the ONLY sound source, since the PETs
did not have a sound chip. Although the VIC did have some sound capabilities, by that time Commodore had realized its widespread use
and included some information on it in the Commodore VIC-20 Programmer's Reference Guide. For more info, reach for your nearest
last read of written by the VIC chip. Thus, by programming the VIC chip to read data from some known location, and by placing relevant data in that location, a write to location $00 or $01 will place the data from that last read VIC location into $00 or $01. This is usually accomplished by placing the data to be written out into location $3iff, which the VIC fetches during the time the border is being displayed. By triggering a routine when the raster hits the bottom border, you can copy location $3fF to $00 or $01.
VIC PRG and look at page 232,
$044 — Itseems the 6510 generates a valid R/W signalany time it does an internal
read or write. This is to be expected, since the 6510 internal registers were = $O46 — “Herbie”. Jim Butterfield supplied me with this one. grafted onto a 6502 core processor. Howevere, the address lines are also
valid during any internal read or write, since failure todoso may writethe $047 — Jack Tramiel decreed that Commodore had a surplus of 1K chips, so he data on the data bus to some invalid address. The data on the bus, didn’t care how much memory it had, as long as the designers used 1K
however, comes not from the CPU, but from residual effects of the data SRAMs.
COMMODORE WORLD
32
Issue 7
chartered company. Name the
$048 ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release. These are the four
values specified to define a SID waveform envelope. $049 a) 170. (Yep, this was prior to 0!) b) 100. (The PET 64 uses this value to adjust the startup logoaccordingly.) $044 John Feagan. He had intended it to provide upward compatibility for future computer systems. Unfortunately, the kernal was modified enough with each new computer system, that the idea of compatibility never really surfaced. Still, it was a nice try. ; $O4B Thereare two answers to this question, At the time, the VIC had no name and was called the MicroPET or No Name Computer. Jack Tramiel wanted to show some prototypes of the VIC at the 1980 Comsumer Electronics Show (CES). The funny thingis, he got not one prototype, but TWO. Bob Yannes, working against time, had hacked together a minimal working prototype using spare PET/CBM parts. Another prototype, brought to the show by Bill Seiler and John Feagans, had been put together after some preliminary discussions with Yannes, $04C Trick Question, Thetwo 1525 printers | have show that the 1525 printhead has but one pin. The seven dots are created by a revolving 7-sided star- wheel for the platen, which presses the paper against the printhead in the ! seven different dot locations. It's Cool CKit 94 is a powerful collection of backup utilities designed to take advantage of the expanded Commodore systems of the 90's. In fact the CKit is so advanced, we recommend it only for certain
$04D PET means “FART” there.
048 A6520. Itis appropriately called a PIA (Peripheral Interface Adapter).
Commodore systems.
SO4F Jim Butterfield supplied me with this one. As you know, the first Commodore computers used the IEEE bus to connect to peripherals such as disk and printer. [understand that these were available only from one source: Belden cables. A couple of years into Commodore's computer career, Belden went out of stock on such cables (military contract? who knows?).Inany case, Commodore were in quitea fix: they made computers and disk drives, but couldn't hook ‘em together! So Tramiel issued the order: “On our next computer, get off that bus. Make ita cable anyone can manufacture”, And so, starting with the VIC-20 the serial bus was born, It was intended to be just as fast as the IEEE-488 it replaced. And it would have been, except for one small glitch, But that is another trivia question, CKit 94 can view, select, and copy over 1,000 files! It can also copy
%) entire 41/71/81 disks in ONE pass. It can even make the next copy directly from RAM. With the CKit you can squeeze over 700 files into an archive. Even more, you can squeeze your 41/71/81 disks and CMD partitions into backup files. All of this power is at your command through an easy to use menu driven interface.
File Utilities Filemaster file copier and the Archiver file squeezer Disk Utilities Procopy disk copier and the 41/71/81/Native Boa disk squeezers BBS Utilities
New Dissolver SDA maker and fast PD Decompers
It's Better CKit 94 has 2 X faster and tighter compression than in previous versions. All of the utilities have been enhanced for power and speed. Plus, it has three new powerful utilities. And it takes full advantage of Commodore 128's and REU's. Wow!
Check Out The Support J Commodore 1541/1571/1581 Drives J CMD Hard Drives/Floppy Drives/RAMLinks Jv PPI RAMDrives J Commodore 128 VDC RAM Support (16K and 64K) J/ Commodore 128 2MHz Enhanced Mode Support J Commodore 17XX REU Support (up to 16Meg) J RAMLink and RAMDrive DACC Support (up to 16Meg)
Get Your Copy Now! CKit 94 is available at fine Commodore mail order outlets such as Creative Micro Designs. You may also order directly from us.
If You Have One Of These Commodore 64, 64C, 128, or 128D And One Of These CMD RAMLink, PP] RAMDrive, or a 17XX REU with JiffyDOS And At Least One Of These Commodore 1541/1571/1581 or any CMD Storage Device @ YOU NEED THE CKIT 94! ©
It's Mean
1 ‘the MOST POWER for the BUCK’ I p ¢ | | N t . power that only AMIGA ownere have enjoyed until now" <2 m + pushes the C-128 to the EDGE of the graphice covery I= Interlacel a eyory sascuas tanpather popu soled I= Incredible! :
Unique Interlace color blending and casy-to-use Palette allow HOUSANDS of APPARENT COLORS!
Many powerful tools and features which CANNOT BE DUPLICATED by any other software!
‘The most dazzling and isticat: ics tool for the C128!
sophisticated Supports 24 pin, COLOR, & LASER Printers, & RAM Expansion!
I Port’ inporvespon Sow More Powertt [Paint 1.5 39.95 ™ Manager
IPorti.5 29.95 cee ate: ’ sg tet = eer pie Sk i SAVE! both 59.95, Bri t the BEST i i st of other computers! 1000's of Gh images. created oa TC's, Macs, Amig 3, even SATE e§.. | Living Proof, Lid await you on BBS's everywhere. Customize the IFF & GIF conversion palettes os pshta near
Import GEOS, Basic8, Doodle, Koala, & Print Shop eh nT eats Improve on your best from other rams! Custom Doodle & Geos palettes. pis.
Export 1 Paint to GIF — show'em all what your 128 can do! CEE: Coen we (I Port 1.2 owners: upgrade for just $10 with return of your 1,2 disk) 1 Paint. 1381 ¢
Prices for U.S.A. Check or money order only. MN res, add 6-1/2% sales tax. Allow 2 - 4 weeks for delivery.
Bounce around mazes fixing bricks and gathering bonuses while avoiding obstacles in Pogo Stick, a multi-level arcade style game for the 64. Fix all the bricks before the hour glass empties to go to the next level.
ability to use even more)
© More obstacles & bonuses
© Ability to Save and Load games to disk
Enclose Check or Money Order for: Mad Man Software, Inc.
only $11.95 order (in US funds) to: Yanney Software P.O. Box 224 PA 17042-0224 op’ a Free shipping in US and Canada, other countries please add $3.00 to order.
Both games for $19.95
Volume 2, Number 2
33
1400 East College Drive Cheyenne, WY 82007 (307) 632-1178 Information
CKit 94 $39.95 (Update $9.95) plus Shipping $5 US and Canada ($10 Foreign) Update uses Key from earlier version
COMMODORE WORLD
Death and taxes. Those are the two
unavoidable, inevitable, and particularly nasty aspects of life that we try like anything to avoid. I have always made it my personal policy not to get overly involved in either one.
Of course, my personal policy doesn’t mean squat when April comes around.
You know, we could add another
item to that list. Around this time of
year, another inevitable thing is that slew of articles in computer magazines about tax programs. There are several very good reasons for this, the most important being that magazine editors love to tie into some aspect of what's actually going on in the world at large; it indicates that their magazine is on the ball and up to the minute and all that. It also indicates that the editor is in fact aware of where he is in the year and that he is, therefore, caught up and on schedule. As a result, Christmas time brings Christmas computer articles (“Twelve Neato Christmas gifts for the Twelve Days
COMMODORE WORLD
of Christmas!”), September brings educational articles (“Take Your Commodore To School! Here's How!”),and April brings, yesindeed, articles about tax programs.
Now I have written Christmas articles and Valentine's Day articles and Back-To-School articles. But | never thought I would ever pull the Tax Time assignment. lam, you see, financially-impaired, My wife will gladly attest to this, | may as well try to write about subatomic particles orcounted cross-stitch. Apparently, the editor of this magazine, in trying
to look “caught up and on top of
things,” missed the brutally obvious fact that | am a tax moron. We may both be in trouble.
But actually, I don't know if he really made all that bad of a choice for this assignment. After all, | suspect that quitea few of you would have to admit to being financially- challenged as well. Be that as it may, you will soon be asked to figure out exactly how much of your hard- earned money Uncle Sam gets to keep. Like me, you are sure that so
matter how careful you try to be and
no matter how many cans of
Mountain Dew you drink, you will
either accidentally steal gobs of
money and end up in jail when they audit you, or miss all the really good
deductions and give some bunch of
IRS goons a hearty laugh of triumph as they look over your return.
Death and taxes. Two of a kind and both nasty. Maybe there's another reason why computer magazines publish articles about tax programs. The personal computer seems like it would really be helpful when it comes to taxes, It seems like it should be able to, well, figure things out for you. Maybe you even bought your computerinitially with the vague idea that it would be “good for doing my finances on.” So when April comes around, you dust offall those hopes and dreams and read computer magazines, looking for the answer.
So, here itis, this year’s proof that Commodore World is right in there and looking good, helping regular
34
Two Cool Tools tor
TAMING YOUR TAXES
people with their computer needsin atimely fashion. [have written about two tax programs which just might help you survive this most unpleasant chore. Idon'twriteabout them from the point of view of a tax expert, but from the point of view of just some guy with April 15 looming closer by the minute. If one of these programs can help you out, great. And if along the way you finally realize your dream of “putting that computer to productive use,” well, that’s a bonus,
TaxPerfect 64 and 128 Financial — Services Marketing Corporation, 500 North Dallas Bank Tower, 12900 Preston Road, Dallas TX 75230; orders: 1-800-525-5611. Also available from CMD: $69 (64 version), $79 (128 version).
TaxPerfect is a serious package for serious people. Of course, the closer it gets to April 15, the more serious | get about this sort of thing, so that’s actually saying something good. The manualisvery complete and written
Issue 7
in no-nonsense — fashion— no-nonsense to the point of being stuffy at times. Neither the program nor the manual is designed to make tax time fun. They do give the impression, though, that they know what they're talking about, and | suppose I'll trade witty repartee for the assurance that TaxPerfect won't rip me off.
What this program is designed for is to give you solid tools to fill out pretty much all the forms you will need for doing your taxes. The program presents you with each line from each form, in order, which you fill out with the required information. Essentially, that’s all any tax program does for you, with the added bonuses of not having to enter the same information twice (you don’t have to type your name over and over onto every form, for example), or having to do any math. TaxPerfect lets youjump toany form youmight need, whenever youthink you need it; the values calculated then fillin automatically on the 1040. This process works very smoothly. As you move through it, you'll find the forms you need waiting for you along the way. (The 128 version includes extra forms, but both cover the ones you're most likely to need.)
TaxPerfect goes out of its way to help you trudge through all this. While detailed help is not included, such as descriptions ofjust what the hecksome of those blanks are asking for, basic tables and lists of codes are printed in the manual. As you work, you can refer to this along with the more complete instructions which your 1040 provides. It’sreallya good idea, though, to gather and write down all your information before you start, so all you have to do at the computer is enter the data. To make this easier, TaxPerfect will print out “input sheets,” worksheets where you can jot down your information ahead of time. You can even “turn off those blanks which the computer will calculate for you later anyway, so all your input sheets ask for is the stuff you actually do have tofind out for yourself. This is a very helpful feature.
Volume 2, Number 2
TaxPerfect has a lot of other helpful features. There is, for example, a built-in calculator in any line which might require it. As you navigate through forms, TaxPerfect will try to match your moves to the next logical form and even the next logical section of that form. Another nice feature is that you can use TaxPerfect to work on more than one person’s tax returns, which means that if you really get good at this you can do it for money. The 128 version of the program will even remember your information as an official preparer and slap it on the bottom of each 1040 you prepare. (1 see a new career ahead of me, once the editor of this magazine discovers how I've been talking about him in the introduction to this article and fires me.)
One of the best features is called Datachek. When you activate this (using one of the function keys, which are all put to excellent use in this program), it scans your forms for any possible discrepancies or potential trouble spots. Datachek warned me, for example, when I had entereda particularly large value for
child care deductions. This kind of
double-checking makes _ this program more than just a fancy calculator with a few forms in its head. TaxPerfect is a powerful tool to help you through one of life's big hassles. And when you're ready to print out the final copy, you can slip your 1040 into your printer (there are some handy alignment tools included to help you ensure that things print in the right places) and watch the blanks fill up. If you'd rather, you can just print out the data and write it onto your form yourself,
Tax Master Master Software; $32.00; 6 Hillery Court, Randallstown, MD 2133-4306; (410) 922-2962.
‘Tax Master doesn’t give you quite as many frills as TaxPerfect. On the other hand, it costs half as much. Themanualisa scant fourteen pages long (where the TaxPerfect manual
is bound in a small 3-ring notebook and runs to 49 pages even before you hit the appendices!) You won't find quite as many forms supported with Tax Master, either, although it does cover the needs of just about any regular user,
On the other hand, ‘Tax Master will do a bang-up job of helping you do your taxes. It’s main menu is nicely and intuitively designed, listing all the forms in the order you will most likely want to fill them out. As you work along, the data you enter and the calculations of the program will be available for the following forms. You don’t have to fill out the forms in any particular order, of course, but it makes sense to do it in the order they suggest. The data from each form can then be saved to disk where it will be available for the next form you work on. This happen automatically, like it does with TaxPerfect, but the processis simple and easy to do. The manual, while granted not as exhaustive as TaxPerfect’s, is clear and concise, taking you through the necessary steps very smoothly. You do have to be careful to follow” those instructions, however, so no data is lost.
Tax Master has it’s share of nifty features. The calculator is a full- fledged desk accessory, popping up when youcall forit. Besides the usual adding and subtracting, this calculator includes a memory function and a pseudo-paper tape. Ofcourse, it’s no problem to exit the calculator carrying with you the calculations, ready to be pluggedinto your forms. You can use the Tax
doesn't
Master program to prepare tax forms for more than one person, too. You simply save each person's data using a different set of initials and code numbers.
There is no way to print directly into your IRS forms with Tax Master. Instead, the program prints out your data for you to copy over by hand. But hey, that’s the easy part; by the time you get tothis point, Tax Master will have done most of the hard stuff for you already.
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Both Tax Master and Tax Perfect are excellent programs. They will each make a lot less frustrating that tedious job of wading through tax forms and figuring out what to write on them. Both programs provide you with the forms you will most likely need, and both print out your data ready to enter into your official IRS forms. No matter which one you choose, you will be glad you turned over a large part of the drudgery to your Commodore.
For the extra money, TaxPerfect includes more forms and quite a few more features. The whole process is somewhat more integrated. The function keys are put to excellent use in TaxPerfect, fromjumping quickly arounda form to overriding some of the automatic calculations. The manual is much more exhaustive. A supporting depreciation calculation program is also included, TaxPerfect will print directly onto your forms. The 128 version works in 80 columns.
Tax Master costs a lot less and therefore, as you might expect, doesn’t have all the features of ‘TaxPerfect. The manual, although small, is very well written and helpful. The program is easy to use and very efficient. The built- in calculator is particularly useful. While Tax Master doesn’t let you print directly onto your forms, it does provide you with all that you need to quickly and correctly fill out the forms yourself, There is only a 64 version available, but it will cheerfully run an a 128 in 64 mode.
I guess that’s the bottom line, then. There are two great programs available, ready to take you kicking and screaming up to midnight on the 15th of April. But hey, itdoesn't even have to be that bad! Go ahead. Prove to your spouse that your Commodore is really worth the space it takes up, that you can do more than just blast alien spaceships with it. Pop open a Mountain Dew and conquer a few tax forms.
- Steve Vander Ark
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Mean Streets Broderbund Available from SSI
Mean Streets is a mystery lover's delight which challenges players to solve the Linsky/Golden Gate case. Conquering this case requires logic, intelligence, precision, and a tough- guy attitude,
Mean Streets places the player in the shoes of Private Investigator, Tex Murphy. Tex has been hired by the sultry Sylvia Linsky to investigate thedeath ofher father, Eight months prior Mr. Linsky’s death, he requested a leave of absence from his professorship at the University in order to work on an independent consulting contract. He refused to disclose the employer to anyone, even his daughter. His demise resulted froma plunge offthe Golden Gate Bridge. Due to facts obtained from a witness, the San Francisco Police Department ruled his death a suicide. The police were unable to gather any evidence to indicate foul play was involved.
However, Ms. Linsky is convinced her father would never jump from a bridge. He had a fear of water resulting from a nearly fatal swimming accident. Sylvia is sure
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her father was murdered and is willing to spend her life savings of $10,000 to prove it.
When the game opens, you'll find yourself inside a Lotus Speeder, a 21st century “flying car”. The speeder is used to travel along the west coast of California. It can be driven manually or with the aid of an Auto Pilot. You may prefer to use the Auto Pilot for awhile until you get used to the controls, Manually flying the speeder isn’t very difficult thanks to the in-depth directions contained in the manual. Each location you'll want to visit has it’s own Navigation Code. Simply enter the Navigation Code into the Navigation Computer and you'll be on your way.
Onceyoulandin your destination, you'll want to search everything that can possibly be searched and thoroughly question each person youencounter, The manual provides quite a few hints to lead you in the right direction.
Game play is pretty addicting. There are even a few toys to play with inside the speeder such as a video phone and fax machine. The video phone is used to keep in touch with your secretary Vanessa and your favorite informant, Lee Chin. Keepa paper and pencil by your side for jotting down any clues you find along the way or use the Detective Information Charts provided with the game.
A large portion of Mean Streets consists oftext. But the graphics and sound you find on your travels are nicely presented. The characters
look as if they are digitized along with some of the sound effects.
Now, I have to be honest, I'm not much ofa detective game player, but once | sat down and started playing this game it was very hard to quit. Mean Streets is definitely a futuristic version of “The Streets of San Francisco”. Andifyou're wondering who killed Carl Linsky, there’s only one way to find out: play the game— you'll certainly have fun in the process!
- Sherry Freedline
Teepe ingert iam disk.
Caln Rieds
Questron II Origin Systems, Inc. Available from SSI
Questron II continues the Questron role-playing adventure with 3-D
graphics and a whole new host of
monsters daring to be defeated.
In Questron I, your mission was to rescue the land from a Maniacal Magician andhis Evil Book of Magic. Unfortunately, your successful completion of the mission did not
result in the destruction of either of
these sinister existences.
Questron II requests your help in destroying the Evil Book of Magic. However easy it may sound, it’s a task requiring extraordinary skill,
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power, and magic only you are capable of possessing.
The second adventure requires you to travel back in time before the creation of “The Book”. By travelling back in time you can destroy the book before it’s completed saving future civilizations from doom and corruption.
The action takes place in a place known as Landor where over 60 creatures await your arrival. Your adventure will require you to visit various towns, cathedrals, castles, tombs, and dungeons. The towns are places providing rest, gambling, goods to buy, stores to rob, and civilizations to enjoy. Various traps, rewards, and secrets important to completing the game can be found in the cathedrals. Castles are the center of Landor government. It is here that you'll meet some very important people possessing vital information and helpful items. Winding passages known as tombs are full of danger, treasures, and magic. The dungeons, the most dangerous of all the locations in Landor, are evil areas filled with the most powerful creatures. But, the more dangerous the creature, the greater the rewards, The rewards of defeating these powerful creatures are hidden throughout the dungeons in chests, vases, coffins, and other magical devices.
Questron’s graphics are better than in Questron I because of the addition of the 3-D labyrinths in the dungeons. The game requires a joystick to select items from a menu and for movement, Documentation
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GAMES - MINIVIEWS - GAMES - MINIVIEWS - GAMES
consists of The History, Tales, and Monsters of Questron II and a Questron II Command Card. The History of Questron contains vital background information which sets the scene for the game. It is here that you'll find detailed information regarding each ofthe monsters you'll inevitably confront.
The Command Card is a handy easy touse reference card explaining the available commands, combat, magic, attributes, and inventory involved in the game.
If you've played Questron I, your character can easily be transferred for use in Questron II, The game takes quite awhile to complete as do most Role-Playing games, so, of course, it can be saved to either the game disk or a blank disk.
Besides the 3-D graphics in the dungeons, this game is very similar to most of the other role-playing games on the market today. But, if youlove the role-playing games, you will still enjoy completing Questron’s second adventure game.
- Sherry Freedline
Stickybear Math First Star Software Available from SST
Stickybear Math isa program I have been eyeing up for my daughter for quite some time now. Needless to say, I was very happy to review this program from Weekly Reader Family Software.
Stickybear Math is a fun yet educational program which drills children from 6 to 9 with math exercises containing addition and subtraction problems. By providing all new adventuresat the end ofeach
Volume 2, Number 2
level the program entices children to continue to practice. Stickybear featuresa variety of colorful cartoon- type characters complete with musical sound effects. This alone is enough to attract any child to the program.
There were a fewitems I needed to configure before I could hand the keyboard over to my daughter. At Stickybear’s Welcome page parents may access one of two Parent Options by pressing a combination ofkeys. The fact that this can only be accessed by pressing two keys together is a great feature because it prevents little fingers from making unwanted adjustments to the difficulty of the program.
The first Parent Option allows the parent or teacher to configure the program foreach child. The program can contain settings for up to 24 different participants. Configuration consists of replying to eight questions regarding a difficulty level from 1 to 20, how many tries will be allowed before the correctanswer appears, whether the problems should consist ofaddition, subtraction, or both, missing addends, column addition, column subtraction, and multiple addends. At the end of these questions an opportunity is provided to review the answers and make changes if needed,
The second Parent Option allows the mentor to view a report card screen for the desired student. The report card indicates the number of questions answered in the last session, thenumber ofrightanswers, the percentage rate, and the child’s current skill level.
How much fun is the program? Well, after finished configuring the software, my daughter promptly took over the computer chair and gave it a whirl. This is the same daughter that I have to tie down toa chair to get her to practice her weekly spelling words. We've had the program for approximately a month now and she’s played 5 different
sessions in that time period. I can see soon I'll be adding settings for her friends. I often find them huddled around as my daughter proudly demonstrates her new game. She now knows how to load the program all by herselfso she can play whenever the mood strikes her. The only tough part about the program is the participant must remember to press the CONTROL and Z key when they are finished with theirsession. This must be done in order for the results to be saved to disk. But even this fact worried Mom more than it should have. I now feel quite comfortable allowing my daughter to play the game without my supervision, Periodically, I load the program to view her progress. The best part of the program is even though it is an educational program, your child will consider it a game! - Sherry Freedline
Memory Manner Fisher Price Available from SSI
Memory Manor is a fantastic first program for children four to eight years old. The memory skills built by this program are vital to the later development of reading, writing, and math skills.
The game is contained on a cartridge making it very simple to use. Just plug it into the proper slot, turn on the computer, and it’s ready to go! This leaves very little time for your youngster to escape unlike disk programs which can take awhile to load. A joystick in port 2 is also required.
Memory Manor contains three
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skill levels. As your child’s skills and abilities increase these levels will provide him/her with an ongoing challenge.
The game screen consists of two adjacent buildings full of windows. Some of the windows contain prizes such as birds, cats, and flowers. Several other windows contain frowning faces. As the levelsincrease in difficulty more prizes and frowning faces will be distributed among the windows.
When the game begins, your child uses a helicopter to fill six buckets with window washing fluid. Thistask allows your child to plan a bit of a strategy by perhaps leaving buckets closest to the frowning faces empty as a marker. Once the buckets are filled, Wee Willie will be ready to go to work as a window washer. Pick him up in the helicopter and drop him offany place on one of the two buildings. As soon as he's deposited a sudden cloud burst appears and dirties all the windows.
The object of the game is to wash only the windows containing prizes and avoid those containing the frowning faces. This must be done before the window washing fluid runs out and before the sun sets for the day.
The bright and cheerful graphics are dazzle your child’s eyes. The addition of musical sound effects easily inform your child of his or her'ssuccesses and failures. The only downfall to this game is the appearance ofthe game screen rarely changes. For this reason the game doesn't hold a child's attention for very long. Though my daughter doesn't play this game for long extended periods of time, she does play this game pretty often due to the fact it is so easy to start. This is one program she is old enough to start up and play all by herself. And as long as she continues to go back for more, that keeps me happy!
- Sherry Freedline
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COMMODORE WORLD
CARTRIDGE PORT EXPANDERS: CMD’S EX3 & EX2+1
3-slot Cartridge Port Expander; $34.95 (EX2+1 with two vertical and one horizontal; $39.95); Creative Micro Designs, Inc., P.O. Box 646, East Longmeadow, MA 01028-0646; (800)638-3263 (orders); (413) 525-0023 (info); (413) 525-0147 (fax).
There you are with your computer and a mess of cartridges, a RAM expansion unit, and possibly a SwiftLink or Hart RS-232 cartridge. You'd love to use the REU with the SwiftLink, but you can’t fit two cartridges into one expansion port slot. What do you do? This has been a problem for C-64 and C-128 owners foryears, so hardware called cartridge port expansion units were developed to remedy this. The latest offerings in cartridge port expanders are Creative Micro Designs’ EX3 and EX2+1. While I had only the EX3 for this review, the only difference on the EX2+1 is orientation of the third port— horizontal on the EX2+1, as opposed to vertical on the EX3. Having no case, one can immediately see the simplicity ofthe
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EX3’s design. The circuit board has a total of 17 components, including 3 expansion port connectors, 3 sets of DIP switches, a reset switch, and 2 sets of 1/O jumpers. The plastic legs attached to the board makes the EX3 the correct height to plug right into aC-64 or 128. One end of the circuit board plugs into the expansion port of the C-64/128 computer, and cartridges are plugged into the 3 connectors on top of the EX3.
As | said, there's no case; I'm sure adding one would have increased the cost. Not to worry—a fully utilized EX3 is practically hidden from view underneath the cartridges plugged into it. From the looks of the cases on some other expanders, not having one looks better to me. One might even argue that the lack of a case makes it easier to vacuum up the cheesy curls that inevitably fall down into cases—but none of us eat while computing, do we?
I'm not sure it’s worth quoting the exact time it took to install the EX3—my watch simply doesn'thave enough precision. With your computer off, unplugany cartridges, plug the EX3 in and plug the cartridge into the EX3 cartridge slot #1, which is nearest the computer. That's it. Turn the computer on and verify that nothing has changed. Yourcomputer shouldn't notice any difference with the EX3 installed.
Now, the power of the EX3 comes from allowing multiple cartridges to share the expansion port. However, achieving this expansion
port utopia is a skill that will take timeand some understanding of the Commodore expansion port. So, be prepared to try out some different configurations in your quest. CMD supplies a small pamphlet with the EX3 that describes the different switches and jumpers, but it doesn’t go into great detail on how to set up
the EX3, since there are hundreds of
possibilities. | suggest finding each cartridges manual, and dusting offa book that describes the Commodore expansion port pins.
On the EX3, each expansion port connector hasa set of 8 DIP switches that control it. The switches are labeled as follows:
When a switch is ON, it makes that pin active to the cartridge plugged into the connector. A switch in the
OFF position makes the corresponding expansion port pin inactive.
In addition, the middle connector (connector #2) allows the user to flip the meaning of 1/O1 and 1/02. This means that, when flipped, a cartridge designed to activate on 1/02 will activate on I/O1. Typical examples of
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cartridges that utilize 1/O1 or 1/02 are the SID Symphony, SwiftLink cartridge, and Commodore's RAM Expansion Units (REU’s), However, inorder for this flipping to work, your software must be able to work with the cartridge whether it is activated via 1/O1 or 1/02.
There isn’t much to dislike about the EX3. It tackles a simple job, and does it about as well as can be done. It won't fix all the problems, but it tries. After I put the unit through its paces with some of the cartridges and I/O units I had, I discovered the following:
1. The EX3 is a great addition for people who