Computer Advertising Network...................................

150 Pages·2015·16.9 MB·English

No. 62 JULY 1983
International Edition: $3.00
_________ Advancing Computer Knowledge
S u y e t e C tu iA e,
A Low-Cost Computer
Comparison
i Apple II + , He
^ Atari 400, 800,
— 1200XL
4> VIC-20, C64,
w PET 4032
® Tl 99/4A
TRS-80C
Easy-to-read chart compares
graphics, keyboard, display,
memory, sound, and more...
£
£ 5
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X>(c0I. si i °*3 v 1 353o i®n
»- 00 —— CO >
6
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M CO *
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ilsi £ e<rao: 2 8 T£>0
System Comparison Pascal Solitaire Word Detective Apple Joystick
In this month’s Learning Center:
Is- ~ =
^ Atari Nine-Color Painting Program
Low-Res Animation for the Apple
(If you want it to)
Imagine a system thatwoutd record all MAGIC MEMORY™ is built for the com­
the wonderous, valuable information puter rookie Everyone can relate to
you have assimilated onto a single tiny MAGIC MEMORY™ because its form is
disk (No more scattered bits of paper familiar. It looks like an address book
business cards, etc.) Imagine the same but its not. Its more. Like the address
system giving you a typed sheet you book, MAGIC MEMORY1* presents an
could put into a notebook or print out A thru Z index tabulation on the right
for a party and instantly change, or add edge of the video display. The user
to, at a moments notice. Imagine cross- simply selects a tab and the book is
referencing to suit both your business opened to the proper page(s). A second
needs and personal desires so that all set of tabs are available that can be
your data was organized into one little labeled by the user (i.e.: companies one
black book! On top of all this — imagine deals with, birthdays, lists, wines,
having fun putting it together. shops, etc.) Yet MAGIC MEMORY™ is
or any of its special sections.
MAGIC MEMORY'S data presentation
screen will instancy adapt to any type
of information you may want to store.
It is only limited to your imagination and
your needs.
MAGIC MEMORY™ is designed to
operate on an APPLE lie and still re­
main totally compatible with APPLE II.
The system will operate in 40 columns
or 80 columns. You may also use the
70-column display that requires no ad­
ditional hardware.
MAGIC MEMORY™ retails for $99.95,
much more versatile than the old paper
Call 213/985-5763. Use your imagina­
address book. This system can instantly
tion to outwit your organizational woes.
“Imagine” no more. ARTSCI, INC. add or delete information, sort
proudly announces MAGIC MEMORY™, alphabetically, and transfer data to
the complete advanced database other locations in the book. MAGIC MEMORr- e a trademark of ABTSCJ, INC
system. MAGIC MEMORY is made to
simplify the information storage
process.
The typical first-time computer user has
no human experience that will help him
to relate to a computer's methods of
handling information. Therefore, his
learning ability is hampered and re­
mains so for many hours of use,
UNLESS the computer has been
designed to run simply.
One of the features in the print section
213/985-6763
of MAGIC MEMORY™ is the ability to 5547 Satsuma Avenue
print out any or all of the address book, Hollywood, Ca 91601
Cuclc No. I
NIBBLE EXPRESS III
YOUR APPLE* WILL LOVE IT!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Turtle Graphics ..............................
Applesoft Line Cruncher ............. i 4 - - '
TRAC Income System ......... 1 9 -
MAMA .................7........................ m A i i i ' ‘ ■ r 25 ‘ %
Amper Free Space Catalog.........
Machine Language Editor............. NIBBLE EXPRESS .................. 27 '
Apple CALENDAR ........................
Peaceful Coexistence .................. ...............43
Apple Slugger ...................................
Reverse Key ..................................... 4 5
Amper Find ....................................... NIBBLE EXPRESS III ............................. 4 5
Bond Manager .................................
DOS 3 + 2 ........................................
Amper Speed ................................ . if you have all 8 issues of NIBBLE in 1982
Apple Darts ....................................... want the Express to have updated progran .................. 61
MicroCalc .......................................... ;s in one convenient package1 Its a MUST
Variable Cruncher .................... ur Library1
Life .......................................................
Apple Flash ....................................... ......................... 8 0 !
Checker ............................................ 8 1
GO- Greeting Program ............
Quicksort .................................... )UR APPLE WILL L< 8 6 .
Applesoft Line Editor ................. ................... 9 0
Othello ............................................... 9 6 \
SPRINT .............................................. ...................... 9 9 ' \
Disk Dump ........................................ NIBBLE " " ; ' " 1 0 2 c : i
P.O. Box 325
Hi-Res Colors ...................................
I Lincoln, MA 01773
Apple Record Command System
Yes! I want to reserve NIBBLE EXPRESS Vol. Ill for my *-u4 »
Apple Art Gallery..............................
Library! Here's my □ Check □ Money Order for $17.95
Game I/O Expmt ............................. I plus $1.75 postage/handling. (Outside U.S. add $2.75for * . . 1
Super Keypad ................................. postage/handling).
Disk Commander ........................... □ Also send me NIBBLE EXPRESS Vol. I at $12.95 Plus 1 2 5 . " i
I
postage/handling (see above).
Compare Applesoft . . .
Amp-L-Soft ....................................... □ Send me NIBBLE EXPRESS VOL. II at $14.95 plus . ,
I postage/handling (see above).
Electronic Message Center .........
The Shape ........................................ Master Card & Visa Accepted
I
Disk Map ............................................ Card #. _________________Expires: ”" J -lSQit.-'*- 1
Apple Bowl Football........................ Signature:__
I
Apple Scroller ................................... Telephone:__ r j6 7 ;t -. ']
..................168 ■ • ' !
Lower Case Letters ......................
I
Recipe Box........................................ Please Print Clearly M K H B flB H B M B i
Disk Doctor ....................................... ...........................1 7 8 i
I Name:__
Quasar H ............................................ ...................... 1 8 2 7 ■
Address:.
DOS Command Entry .................. 1 8 9
I City____ . State _ .Zip.
MLEDriver ......................................... 1 8 9
I Your check or money order must accompany your order to qualify.
Outside U.S.: Checks must be drawn on a U.S. Bank.
'Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
'ACE is a trademark of Franklin Computer Co. J Circle Nu. 2
No 62 - July 1983 MICRO
/AICRO
Highlights
Do not panic at the words "Hard­ joystick for the Apple II at a savings of
ware Feature.” You need not be over 50%. Read "An Inexpensive
totally hardware-oriented to enjoy the Joystick for the Apple II” (pg. 48):
July issue of MICRO. Our lead article Jerry D. Brinson gives you direc­
entitled "Low-Cost System Com­ tions for constructing an EPROM Pro­
parison" (pg. 26), by Phil Daley and grammer. Included in his article "PET
Loren Wright, is a descriptive com­ Goes ROM” (pg. 50) is software
parison of some of the more popular necessary to drive the Programmer on a
low-cost systems available. Then Commodore PET 2001 computer. And
Charles Putney describes a simple in "Automatic Head-Load Control for
modification and interrupt-driven pro­ OS-65D" (pg. 54] Peter Kleijnjan ex­
gram to allow use of 1 / 60-second inter­ plains how a few bytes of patch code
rupts on the Apple. See "A Clock Inter­ added to the operating system can give
rupt for Your Apple” (pg. 36). the minifloppy system user a head that
About the Cover
The joystick is a popular hardware is loaded only during disk activity.
item to modify. We have two articles Our final article in the feature sec­ The graphic in our
that will improve your joystick tion is for the experienced hardware en­ screen was created with
capabilities. For the Color Computer, thusiast. "Disk Interface for Single Paul Swanson’s Atari
painting program (page
John Steiner shows you how to use Board 6502's” (pg. 56) by Jack Brindle
66).
Atari joysticks on your machine (pg. is complete with hardware diagrams and
42). For the Apple, Dan Weston ex­ sample software drives that interface a
plains how you can construct your own floppy disk to a 6502-based system.
JMCRO
YOUR COLOR COMPUTER JUST EARNED A MATH DEGREE!
FEATURING:
• 3D SURFACE PLOTTING — Plots a user defined equation on an
X,Y,Z coordinate system in the High-Res graphics mode. Planes,
surfaces of revolution, statistical surfaces, etc. can be easily plotted.
Surfaces may be saved to disk or tape. We believe this is the only program
of its kind commercially available for the Color Computer.
PLUS:
• Complete MATRIX Operations 2D Function Plotting
(up to 8 x 8) Rectangular to Polar Conversions
• Complete VECTOR Operations Base Conversions
• Numerical Differentiation Large Number Addition and
• Numerical Integration Multiplication
MATHMENU • Least Squares Curve Fitting Reverse Polish Logic Calculator
• Binomial Expansion with Hexadecimal
Developed by an engineer, Mathmenu is a • Prime Number Verification Quadratic Equation Roots
powerful menu-driven system to turn your • Main Menu with Single-key Selection and Return (Disk Only)
Color Computer into an intelligent, flexible
tool for mathematics and engineering. Complete documentation of all functions is included.
Mathmenu takes the tedium out of math, For 32K Disk..................... $49.95
leaving your full brain power to attack the For 16K Cassette............... $44.95 Plotting Requires Extended BASIC
“meat” of your problems. By rapidly mani­ Documentation only........... $5.00 (refundable with purchase)
pulating matrices and vectors, performing
Or write for free brochure.
integration and differentiation, solving H
quadratic equations, plotting user defined
functions and much more, Mathmenu can Inter <^J>eviction
help simplify the most complex problems.
Whether you are a student or a professional,
if you use math, you need Mathmenu. 113 Ward Street • Dept. MI • New Haven, CT 06519 • [phone]
2 MICRO No. 62 - July 1983
+
DISCSAVERS
VINYL PROTECTIVE DISK SLEEVES
D*SCS^^
0,scS»'®s
oiscS«®,s
COLOR CODED: Multi-color DiscSavers fare designed DURABLE: Rigid vinyl construction protects against
for easy recognition of individual disks with your own constant handling to ensure long wear and tear.
color-keyed filing system. Ideal for office or home use.
PORTABLE: DiscSavers are the only portable vinyl
PROTECTIVE: Custom grain vinyl provides added disk sleeves for use with a single diskette that bear the
protection for magnetic disks by guarding against RockRoy mark of quality.
common handling hazards.
Contact your Dealer or Distributor
ATTRACTIVE: DiscSavers provide a handsome and .ii- i '""'"y i 7721 E. Gray Road
professional method of single disk storage and 1 ^ 1 *1 ^ U g l * Scottsdale. Arizona 85260
enhance the look of your hardware while protecting [phone]
your valuable software. Computer Products Division Toll-Free 800-528-2361
DiscSavers is a trademark of RockRoy lac. .
/ A I C r O
Advancing Computer Knowledge
MICRO
P.O. Box 6502,
Amherst, NH 03031 Hardware Feature
[phone]
Managing Editor
Marjorie Morse
Technical Editors 26 Buyer’s Guide: A 48 An Inexpensive
Phil Daley
Low-Cost System Joystick for the
Loren Wright
Assistant Editor Comparison Apple II
Emmalyn H. Bentley
Phil Daley and Dan Wesfon
Office MgrJEditorial Assistant Phil Daley and Loren Wright
Maureen: Dube Construct your own joystick
Programming — inexpensively
John Hedderman
Contributing Editors
Cornells Bongers
Dave Malmberg
John Steiner
Jim Strasma
Paul Swanson
Richard Vile
Art Director/Production
Helen Bergeron
Typesetter A look at the features
Lynda Fedas offered by the most popular
Advertising low-cost microcomputers
Sates Manager—Bob Mackintosh
Admin. Assist.—Dawn Blute
Dealer Sales 36 A Clock Interrupt for
Sales Manager— Kathie Maloof 50 PET Goes ROM
Linda Hensdill Your Apple
Circulation Jerry D. Brinson
Charles H. Putney
Carol A. Stark A 2532 EPROM programmer
Cindy Schalk
for the PET
Accounting
Donna M. Tripp
President/Edltor-in-Chief
Robert M. Tripp
Publisher
54 Automatic Head Load
John G. Grow
Associate Publisher* Control
Circulation Manager
Nancy Lapointe Peter Kleijnjan
A hardware modification and Add just a few bytes of
program that uses the patch code to the operating
MICRO is published monthly by: MICRO,
Amherst, NH 03031. Second Class postage Apple’s 1/60-second system
paid at: Amherst, NH 03031 and additional interrupts
mailing offices. USPS Publication Number:
483470, ISSN: .0271-9002. Send subscrip­
tions, change of address, USPS Form 3579,
requests for back issues and all other fulfill­
42 Using Atari Joysticks 56 Disk Interface for
ment questions to MICRO, 10 Northern
Blvd., P.O. Box 6502, Amherst, NH 03031, on the Color Single Board 6502s
or call [phone], Telex: 955329 TLX
SRVC, 800-227-1617. Subscription rates Computer Jack Brindle
(pel yeai): U.S. $24.00, $42.00 / 2 yr.
John Steiner Diagrams and sample
Foreign surface mail $27.00. Air mail:
Europe $42.00; Mexico, Central America, Hook up an Atari switch software drivers demonstrate
Middle East, North Africa, Central Africa this interface
joystick to the Coco
$48.00; South America, South Africa, Far
East, Australasia, New Zealand $72.00.
Copyright © 1983 by MICRO.
All Rights Reserved.
4 MICRO No. 62 - July 1983
No. 62 - July 1983 MICRO 5
Apple*, Commodore*,
The idea of getting your own computer
sounded wonderful. But now that you hove it
you're o little scored ... you think it sounds so
Tim ex/Sinclair*. . .
technical. Well, take heart. Relax. Help is here.
William D. Sanders has written individual books
about the Apple, the Commodore 64, and the
Timex/Sinclair computers. When you select the
one which matches your computer you con
by William B. Sanders
breathe easy because it'll be like having your
all-time favorite teacher at your side... gently
guiding you, explaining, and showing.
THE ELEMENTARY series sweeps away the
confusion and explains your
Apple, Commodore 64 or
Timex/Sinclair in down to
earth terms, coupled with
enjoyable cartoons. It
s shows you how to hook it
up, how to use the key­
board and work on
the screen—all the
unique things your
We make - Computer con do so you
- "can make use of it right away! And
it also answers those questions you'll
them
hove about how to write your own simple pro­
grams, about graphics, utility programs, and
various hardware options.
You'll see your ELEMENTARY book contains a
M DATAMOST lot of information. And, you'll also see that not
one paragraph or chapter is dull or difficult to
8943 Fullbright Ave., Chatsworth, Co. 91311. [phone].
follow. Prove ityouryourself. Visityour computer
store. Open the book. Read a page of the
VISA/MASTERCHARGE accepted. $2.00 shipping/handling charge.
(California residents add 6%% sales tax) introduction, then flip to any page and read a
•Apple, Commodore 64, and Timex/Sinclair are trademarks paragraph or so. You'll find it's os understand­
respectively of Apple Computer, Inc., Commodore Business
Machines, Inc. and Timex Computer Corp. Copyright 1983 Datamost Inc. able, as helpful and as marvelous as we say.
Circle No. 5
/AlCftO
l | ^
Editorial
The Peanut Butter Test
I recently had the opportunity to at­ The point is, now many microcom­
tend a symposium entitled "The Small puters are not only priced for mass
Systems Economy: Crisis and Oppor­ consumption, they are more easily
tunity.” Several speakers offered valid available. Instead of being marketed in
and interesting comments on the computer stores or electronics centers,
microcomputer industry, but one par­ they are being sold in department Attache-style cases for carrying and pro­
ticular topic — covered by former presi­ stores by clerks who know very little tecting your complete computer set-up.
Accommodates equipment in a fully oper­
dent of Commodore, H. E. James Finke about them — to customers who know ational configuration. Never a need to
— caught my attention. even less. These systems are bound to remove equipment from case. Simply
Mr. Finke pointed out that the encounter a lot more rough treatment remove lid, connect power, and operate.
curve of technology versus price had than ever before. This brings us to the AP101 Apple II with Single Drive $109
converged on a figure of about $200.00, second problem: proper training for AP102 Apple II with Two Disk
Drives 119
a sum the consumer seems willing to sales people selling micros. AP103 Apple II, 9 Inch Monitor &
pay for a microcomputer. Of course, we I would like to suggest that it is Two Drives 129
know that considerable discounts are time for manufacturers to provide AP104 Apple III, TWo Drives &
Silentype Printer 139
offered on many systems; e.g., you can serious training support for their AP105 13” Monitor with
buy a VIC-20 for $88.00 in some depart­ distributors. Some manufacturers are Accessories 99
ment stores. In any case, the new low working closely with dealers in com­ AP106 AMDEK Color Monitor 119
prices mean that more people are able puter stores, providing instruction for RS201 TRS-80 Model I, Expansion
Unit & Drives 109
to buy computers — including those the store sales staff. But what about the RS204 TRS-80 Model III 129
who know nothing about them. clerks in the general department stores? AT301 ATARI Computers with
As you can see, at least two prob­ Not only do most of these sales clerks Peripherals 109
P402 Centronics 730/737 &
lems could arise from the low price and lack sufficient knowledge to effectively Radio Shack Printer 89
new forms of distribution. First let's sell a VIC-20, TI-99/4A, or Atari, but P403 Epson MX70/80 or
address the aspect of new users. Most quite often there isn't enough instruc­ Microline 82A 89
of these customer's have probably tional material at the store for an ade­ P404 Epson MX100 Printer 99
P405 IDS 560 or Prism
never seen, much less used, a computer quate demonstration. If customers are 132 Printer 109
before. They won't know that their going to purchase a microcomputer P406 Starwriter/Printmaster
machine needs a little more care and that they know little about operating, F-10 Printer 119
P407 Okidata Microline
consideration than, say, their TV or they certainly won't know its phys­ 83A or 84 Printer 99
toaster oven. And chances are they ical limitations. P408 Prowriter 2 Printer 99
won't be as careful with equipment It seems to be up to the manufac­ P409 Prowriter (Apple Dot Matrix)
that cost $88.00 as with a $1000.00 turers to provide both the training for Printer 89
IB501 IBM Personal Computer 129
system. Hence, we come to what Finke the distributors and literature for the IB502 IBM Monitor 99
terms the "peanut butter test.” public. Meanwhile, in lieu of actual HP601 HP41 with Accessories 99
Should manufacturers produce hardware modifications that offer more CM703 Commodore Model 64
computers that will hold up to the durability for a system, perhaps flyers with Drives 119
CM704 Commodore Model 64
abuse of sticky fingers, spilled milk, could be passed out with each com­ with Dataset 109
and cookie crumbs? Since the lower puter explaining care and maintenance NS010 North Star Advantage 139
prices are attracting more people and a dos and don'ts. For instance, "Do not CC80 Matching Attache Case (5”) 85
CC90 Matching Attache Case (3") 75
new market |a market most microcom­ leave drinks on or near the machine.
CC91 Matching Accessory Case 95
puter manufacturers are trying very Disks should not be put on the stove. CC92 5.25" Diskette Case 49
hard to capture), perhaps the com­ The keyboard will not operate properly
compmer case company
puters should be especially durable. when caked with peanut butter.........”
How about crumb trays underneath the
5650 Indian Mound Court
keyboard? Or a waterproof casing?
Columbus, Ohio 43213
Maybe an attachment to hold drink [phone]
glasses would be convenient (you
CALL TOLL FREE
know, the kind you put your coffee in
800-848-7548
while you commute to work).
Of course these suggestions may
sound outrageous, but there are, no Marjorie Morse
doubt, more reasonable alternatives. Managing Editor
Circle No. 6
No. 62 - July 1983 MICRO 7
/MCRO
RS232C
PaperTape
Letterbox
Transmitter
Opinions on APL Programming in APL, Winthrop
Publishers, Cambridge MA, 1976).
Dear Editor: Readability, on the other hand, is
I was pleased to notice Terry Peter­ enhanceable by such techniques as
son's article on APL in MICRO #57. careful choice of names, use of modular
Mr. Petersen might have found code, and adherence to a set of simple
that, in the comparison of APL with programming standards. Good APL code
BASIC he ran on his SuperPET, APL can be very readable indeed!
would fare even better had he used the It is probably the case that, as Mr.
Computer entry, numerical simplest possible APL command to Peterson discovered, the documenta­
control and data trans­ generate an array containing the first tion supplied with a microcomputer
mission. Includes X-on, 1000 integers (namely A-«-il000|. On implementation of APL will not
X-off and parallel output, the other hand, APL would probably generally suffice to teach the idea of the
current loop optional. have demonstrated less of a timing ad­ language. Even though new users of the
Desk top or rack mount.
vantage in generating an array consisting language will find that they can im­
OEM model and spooler
of the first 1000 EVEN integers (A-«-2x mediately perform simple but signifi­
also available.
ilOOO), although the advantages of com­ cant computations in APL, they will
pactness and clarity are still present. need to consult further articles and
ADDMASTER
texts and spend a lot of time at the
The issues of structure and reada­
C O R P O R A T IO N bility raised in the article are certainly keyboard in order to command the real
416 Junipero Serra Drive power of the language (a worthy goal,
very live concerns in the world of APL
San Gabriel, California 91776
however!). As yet there do not seem to
[phone] programming, but are essentially
be any texts available on the general
distinct. Briefly, program structure is
marketplace that teach APL in the con­
Circle No. 7 largely irrelevant in small and medium­
text of the microcomputer, but there
sized APL applications because a
are numerous good mainframe-oriented
straightforward non-branching ap­
CARD “?” CARD/PRINT books available to the novice.
proach is almost always best. Structur­
$76.00
ing techniques can certainly be applied R.W.W. Taylor
Universal Centronics Parallel Printer when needed, however (see Geller, 967 Meigs St.
Interface for the VIC-20® or CBM-64.
Use any parallel printer with your D.P. and Freedman, D.P., Structured Rochester, NY 14620
VIC-20® or CBM-64.
CARDBOARD 3
$35.95 Here is Mr. Peterson ’s response:
Economy expansion interface for the 1. Regarding the need to print APL debug and maintain (i.e., modify). As I
VIC-20® characters I offer a solution in an tried to indicate in my article, the 1 cor­
CARDBOARD 6
article, accepted for publication in rect' APL approach to most problems
$87.50
MICRO, that tells how to print APL text involves fewer loops and branches than
An expansion interface for the VIC-20®.
on an Epson MX-80 with Graphtrax. would arise in other languages.
Allows expansion to 40 K or accepts
up to six games. May be daisy chained 2. On my interpreter speed com­ However, the proper APL solution to
for more versatility. parison Mr. Taylor is obviously right: even medium-sized problems may re­
CARDETTE
You don't need to 'reshape' a quire more RAM than is available in
$30.95
1000-element vector into a 1000- the SuperPET. In these cases, the non­
Use any standard cassette player/re­
element vector. (The blundering of a branching APL solution to a program­
corder with your VIC-20® or CBM-64
LIGHT PEN beginner!) Using his suggestion cuts ming problem is unworkable and the
$29.95 the APL benchmark run time by about lack of more modem branch state­
A light pen with programs to use with 10%. He is also correct about the even- ments is sorely felt. I remain unper­
your VIC-20® or CBM-64 integer assignment, which takes about suaded that APL can be ‘structured’ by
three times (!) as long as the simple in­ merely pointing out topological
"■■■■eoflpu SenSei:." teger assignment on the SuperPET. equivalences to other languages, fust
because I might be able to construct in
3. On the issue of structure and
old-fashioned BASIC an 'IF x THEN
TO ORDER: readability I strongly disagree with Mr.
P.O. BOX 768 1234' code sequence that is 'just like'
WICHITA, KS 67201 Taylor's remark that structure is essen­
[phone] tially distinct from readability. As far (i.e., equivalent in program flow to)
Pascal's if x then ... else ...' structure
Handling charges $3.00 as I can see the principal advantages
C.O.D. (Add $2.00) usually claimed structured program­ doesn't make such code as readable as
Personal checks allow 3 week delivery
VIC-20r® is a registered trademark of Commodore ming boil down to generating more Pascal! Futhermore, I assert it is not
Prices subject to change meaningfully 'structured'. The proper
Circle No. 8 readable code. Such code is easier to
(Continued on page 10)
MICRO No. 62 - July 1983