FEBRUARY 1984 Vol. 9, No. 2
$3.50 in USA
$3.95 in Canada/£2.10 in U.K.
A McGraw-Hill Publication
0360-5280
BENCHMARKS
Adot
matrix printer
that will
improve your
image.
Meet the Apple" Image-
writer, the newest dot matrix
printer for your Apple Personal
Computer.
And with all that it has
going for it, just maybe the
best dot matrix printer on
the market.
Take legibility, for
instance.
The Imagewriter crams
140 x 160 dots into each
square inch. So you get text
that's highly readable and high
resolution graphics, besides.
And is it Fast.
The Imagewriter cruises
at an unbelievable
120 characters per
second. And that's
just in the text mode.
It's even faster
printing graphics. 180
characters per second,
to be exact.
What's more, the
graphics dump is up to
o0% faster than other
comparably priced dot matrix ' ■
printers. And that makes the
Imagewriter fast enough to
handle the Lisa™
Yet it's just as at home with an
Apple III or Apple He. Thanks to Apple
software experts who designed the
control electronics to give the Image-
writer perfect compatibility. Not to
mention some special capabilities
APPLE PRESENTS TH
EIMA GE WRITER APPLE PR
ESENTS THE IMAGEWRITER APPLE PRESEN1
S THE B1AGEURITER APPLE PRESENTS THE IttACEURITER APM.I
ike superscript and subscript, to
name just two.
Now, with all this high-speed
performance, you'd expect the
Imagewriter to make the Devil's
Own Noise. It doesn't. In fact,
the Imagewriter is specially
constructed — with overlaid
seams and special sound-
deadening materials — to achieve
a remarkable 53 dB. How loud is a
remarkable 53 dB? You'd make
more noise if you read this aloud.
The Imagewriter even has quiet
good looks, since we designed it to
look like the rest of the Apple Family.
Yet even with all
its improvements,
the Imagewriter is a
better deal than any
other dot matrix print-
er with comparable
performance. Aid you can print that.
\
Charge!
Go out there and get the Apple
Personal Computer System you
really want. Now. Without laying out
your extra cash. Without tying up
your other lines of credit. With the
Apple Card. The only consumer credit
card reserved exclusively for the
purchase of Apple Computers, peri-
pherals and software.
Like all our products, it works
simply:
Fill out an application (short, to
the point and annotated in English)
at an authorized Apple dealer
honoring the Card. Your salesperson
will call in the application and in
most cases get an approval for you
right on the spot.
You can then take your Apple
system home. You don't even have to
wait for the Card; we'll mail it out
to you. And by the time you get it,
you'll probably be well into doing
whatever you bought your Apple
system to do.
There is no annual fee for the
Card, although a couple of restric-
tions do apply. The first purchase
must include an Apple Personal
Computer and you have to put 10%
down. And subsequent purchases
need to be at least $100 if made with
the Card. Oh, yes — you'll also have
a credit limit.
When you use the Apple Card to
make additional purchases, all you
have to do is show the Card and sign
the invoice. As long as it's within
your credit limit, or course. Our
dealers get a little nervous when
someone signs for half their inven-
tory. You understand.
You'll also receive monthly
statements that include the latest
purchases, credit available, and the
minimum payment due. You'll also
be happy to know Apple Card credit
terms are affordable and the pay-
ments can be spread out. It's all
spelled out for you
at the time your Card
is approved.
So stop by a participating
authorized Apple dealer and get
an Apple Card! Just think of it as
credit where credit is due.
Giveyour floppy disks the boot.
We call it the "floppy disk
shuffle.' ' It happens when you have
two or more software programs on
floppies and you need to work with
both. What do you do? You put one
disk in, boot it, do your work, take it
out, put the other disk in, boot it,
do your work — you get the idea.
Well, you can stop shuffling any
time now.
Thanks to a unique new soft-
ware program called Catalyst™ from
Quark, Inc. Specially designed for
your Apple III and ProFile™ hard disk.
Catalyst allows you to take a
wide variety of software programs
and store them on your ProFile. Once
they're on your ProFile, you just
select the program you want from the
Catalyst menu that appears on your
monitor — then Catalyst does the
rest. You'll never have to boot those
programs again.
What kinds of programs will
work with ProFile and Catalyst?
Almost anything written for the
Apple III including copy-protected
programs like VisiCalc* Quick File™
and Apple Writer III. Or languages like
Pascal, BASIC, or COBOL.
And once you've loaded these
programs into your ProFile, the only
diskette you may ever need is the
Catalyst.
So if you have an Apple III and a
ProFile and more floppies than you
care to flip through, get yourself a
Catalyst. And boot those disks for good.
■i
Apple Computer Inc., 20525 Alumni Ave.. Cupertino, CA95014. ftr the authorized Apple dealer nearest you. m//(800) 538-9696. In Canada, call (800) 268-7796 or (800) 268-7637. © 1983 Apple Computer Inc.
VisiCalc is a trademark of VisiCorp, Inc. Catahst is a trademark of Quark, Inc. Apple, the Apple logo. Quick Tile and Profile are trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
In The Queue
iVTI
Volume 9, Number 2
Page 30
Cover Story
30 The Apple Macintosh Computer by Gregg Williams / The firm that brought forth
the Lisa now offers mouse-window-desktop technology in an under-S2500 system.
58 An Interview: The Macintosh Design Team by Phil Lemmons / The "wizards"
behind the Macintosh discuss the design goals and philosophy that influenced the develop-
ment of Apple's new computer.
Columns
88 Build the Circuit Cellar Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal, Part 2: Programming
and Use by Steve Ciarcia / The supplied standard control software supports several
character attributes and various configuration options.
113 User's Column: Chaos Manor Gets Its Long-Awalted IBM PC by Jerry
Poumelle / Of mice and men. Eagles, Shirley, the ol' mailbag, and much more.
147 BYTE West Coast: A Business Computer, a Business Program, and More
on Voice Recognition by Ezra Shapiro / Recent developments on the computing scene
raise some questions about perceived industry trends.
Themes
158 Benchmarks and Performance Evaluation by Bruce Roberts / This month's
articles discuss benchmarks, their limitations, and alternative methods of product evaluation.
160 Don't Bench Me In by Jerry Houston / Benchmarks are a popular way to com-
pare both hardware and software. But how meaningful are they?
168 Beyond MIPS: Performance Is Not Quality by John M. Carroll and Mary Beth
Rosson / Two users observe that there's more to overall system quality than speed of
operation.
175 Software Performance Evaluation by Brian Boyle / This article presents some
helpful guidelines borrowed from a successful hardware model.
193 The Art of Benchmarking Printers by Sergio Mello-Qrand / An exhaustive set
of benchmarks helps you determine how fast your printer really is.
218 Benchmarking FORTRAN Compilers by Avram Tetewsky / The author offers
insights into determining which compiler creates the fastest code.
227 Benchmark Confessions by Peter Marvit and Mohandas Nair / Understanding
the background and intentions of benchmarks is the key to interpreting the results.
235 The Word-Processing Maze by Andrea Lewis / How to find your way through
all those "new" features.
243 Evaluating Word-Processing Programs by Arthur Naiman / A 100-point
checklist simplifies the decision-making process.
Reviews
251 Reviewer's Notebook by Rich Malloy / A plotter from Hewlett-Packard, a Man-
nesmann Tally printer, and two software packages for the IBM PC are featured in this
month's notes.
252 ProDOS by Rob Moore / Apple Computer presents a powerful new operating
system for Apple II computers.
267 Knowledgeman by James W. Walker / A new, fully integrated management
system offers full database and spreadsheet capabilities in one package.
278 The IBM CS-9000 Lab Computer by Thomas R. Clune / A closer look at IBM's
"other" microcomputer.
Page 58
BYTE is published monthly by McGraw-Hill Inc.. with offices at 70 Main St., Peterborough. NH 03458. phone
(603) 924-928 1 . Office hours: Mon— Thur 8:30 AM — 4:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM — Noon, Eastern Time. Address
subscriptions to BYTE Subscriptions, POB 590, Martinsville, NJ 08836. Address changes of address, USPS Form
3579, and fulfillment questions to BYTE Subscriptions, POB 596, Martinsville, NJ 08836. Second-class postage
paid at Peterborough, NH 0345B and additional mailing offices. USPS Publication No. 528890 [ISBN 0360-5280).
Postage paid at Winnipeg. Manitoba. Registration number 932 1. Subscriptions are S2I for one year, S38fortwo
years, and S55 for three years in the USA and its possessions. In Canada and Mexico. S23 for one year, S42
February 1984
292 The Rlxon R212A Intelligent Modem by Chuck Weger/This device can
emulate the Hayes Smartmodem and do a few other tricks besides.
303 Savvy by Peter V. Callamaras / This easy-to-use system actually learns from you.
308 The Mlcro-Scl Gameport III for the Apple III by William J. Purpura and Paula
K. Purpura / With this card in place, your Apple III can run most Apple II game software.
310 The Vldex Ultraterm by Peter V. Callamaras / Easy to install and use, the
Ultraterm video-display card enables the Apple II to display up to 160 columns or 48 lines.
318 Apple Disk Emulators: Axlon, Legend, Plon, and Synetlx by Michael W
Gilbert / Four RAM disk emulators for the Apple II allow faster execution times for appli-
cations requiring numerous disk accesses.
Features
84 Apple Announces the Lisa 2 by Gregg Williams / Macintosh compatibility is
a key feature of the new Lisa.
331 IBM/Apple Communication by Robert Jones / Sending text files between Ap-
ples and IBM PCs is easy with these simple programs.
342 A Low-Cost, Low Wrlte-Voltage EEPROM by Joe D. Blagg / Seeq Technology's
S10 EEPROM can be programmed in your computer with simple and inexpensive circuitry.
346 Foot Control by Dennis M. Pfister / Adding a foot-operated Control key to your
keyboard simplifies control sequences.
349 Inside a Compiler: Notes on Optimization and Code Generation by Kaare
Christian / A look at Pascal/MT+86 and Pascal-86 shows you how to evaluate these and
other compilers.
370 Writing Device Drivers for MS-DOS 2.0 Using Tandon TM100-4 Drives by
J. Eric Roskos / The increase in flexibility can be worth the added effort.
383 Deciphering Word Games by Mark C. Worley / Two BASIC programs can help
you solve cryptograms and anagrams.
388 Five Original Graphics by Robert Sussman and Ted Sussman / Improving on
the Spirograph.
395 Bubbles on the S-100 Bus, Part 2: The Software by Louis Wheeler / Making
Micropolis MDOS and CP/M work on a bubble-memory board.
416 Calculating Overhead Costs by Computer by G. Truman Hunter / A simple,
foolproof arithmetic procedure determines the distribution of indirect costs quickly and
accurately.
Books Received
Clubs and Newsletters
BYTE's User to User
Book Review
What's New?
Unclassified Ads
BYTE's Ongoing Monitor
Box, BOMB Results
Reader Service
Nucleus
4 Editorial: The Compatibility
466
Craze
469
7 MICROBYTES
472
12 Letters
478
428 Programming Quickie
481
436 Technical Forum
541
438 Ask BYTE
542
446 Software Received
457 Event Queue
543
Cover photo by Paul Avis
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Page 88
Page 278
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Page 388
E1TE
the small systems j ournal
Editor In Chief: Lawrence J. Curran
Managing Editor: Philip Lemmons
Senior Technical Editors: Gregg Williams,
Richard Malloy, G. Michael Vose
Technical Editors: Richard S. Shuford, Arthur A.
Little, Stanley Wszola, Bruce Roberts, Gene
Smarte, Richard Krajewski, Jane Morrill Tazelaar;
Anthony J. Lockwood, New Products Editor;
Steve Ciarcia, Consulting Editor; Mark Welch,
Staff Writer; Alan Easton, Drafting Editor.
West Coast Editors: Ezra Shapiro, Technical
Editor; Donna Osgood, Assistant Editor. McGraw-
Hill, 425 Battery Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco,
CA 94111, (41 5J 362-4600
Copy Editors: Nancy Hayes, Chief; Warren
Williamson, Elizabeth Kepner, Joan V. Roy,
Dennis E. Barker, Anne L. Fischer, Bud Sadler,
Margaret Cook
Assistants: Faith Kluntz, Beverly Jackson, Lisa Jo
Steiner, Peggy Dunham
Production: David R. Anderson, Assoc. Director;
Virginia Reardon, Production Manager; Jan
Muller, Michael J. Lonsky; Sherry McCarthy, Chief
Typographer; Donna Sweeney, Valerie Horn,
Len Lorette
Advertising: Deborah Porter, Supervisor; Marion
Carlson, Rob Hannings, Cathy A. R. Drew, Lisa
Wozmak, Jeanne Cilley, Jeanna Reenstierna;
Patricia Akerley, Reader Service Coordinator;
Wai Chiu Li, Quality Control Manager; Linda J.
Sweeney, Advertising/Production Coordinator,
Julie Nelson
Advertising Sales: J. Peter Huestis, Sales
Manager; Sandra Foster, Administrative Assistant
Circulation: Gregory Spitzfaden, Director;
Andrew Jackson, Subscriptions Manager; Barbara
Varnum, Asst. Manager; Agnes E. Perry, Louise
Menegus, Jennifer Price, Jane Varnum, Phil
Dechert, Mary Emerson; James Bingham, Single-
Copy Sales Manager; Linda Turner, Asst.
Manager; Carol Aho, Edson Ware
Marketing Communications: Horace T.
Howland, Director; Vicki Reynolds, Coordinator;
Stephanie Warnesky, Graphics Design Manager;
Michele P. Verville, Research Manager
Business Manager: Daniel Rodrigues
Controller's Office: Kenneth A. King, Asst.
Controller, Mary E. Fluhr, Acct. & D/P Mgr.;
Karen Burgess, Linda Short, Vicki Bennett, Vern
Rockwell, Lyda Clark, Janet Pritchard, JoAnn
Walter, Julie Ferry, Patricia Burke
Traffic: N. Scott Gagnon, Manager; Brian
Higgins, Cynthia Damato
Receptionist: Linda Ryan
Personnel/Office Manager: Cheryl A. Hurd
Associate Publisher/Production Director: John
E. Hayes
Publisher: Gene W. Simpson;
Doris R. Gamble, Publisher's Assistant
Editorial and Business Office: 70 Main Street,
Peterborough, New Hampshire 03458,
(603) 924-9281
Officers of McGraw-Hill Publications Company:
President: John G. Wrede; Executive Vice Presidents:
Paul F. McPherson, Operations; Walter D. Serwatka,
Finance & Services. Senior Vice President-Editorial:
Ralph R. Schulz. Senior Vice President Publishers:
Harry L. Brown, David J. McGrath, James R. Pierce,
Gene W. Simpson, John E. Slater. Vice President
Publishers: Charlton H. Calhoun III, Richard H. Larsen,
John W. Patten. Vice Presidents: Kemp Anderson,
Business Systems Development; Shel F. Asen,
Manufacturing; Michael K. Hehir, Controller; Eric B.
Herr, Planning and Development; H. John Sweger,
Jr., Marketing.
Editorial
The Compatibility Craze
American history is dotted with inventors— from Thomas Edison to the
Wright Brothers— who could not have succeeded without substantial innova-
tion. Indeed, the Wrights had to discard most of the recorded experience
of others who had gone before them in nonpowered flight; they truly had
to pioneer in propulsion, aerodynamics, and aircraft piloting.
Drs. Shockley, Brattain, and Bardeen revolutionized the world of electronics
with their invention of the transistor 36 years ago— an invention that spawned
an era of innovative solid-state design in a range of products from radios
to computers. But the world of personal computers doesn't appear to be
characterized by innovation today. Instead, the personal computer market
seems to be shadowed under a cloud of compatibility: the drive to be com-
patible with the IBM Personal Computer family has assumed near-fetish
proportions.
The compatibility craze was evident everywhere at the recent Comdex show
in Las Vegas. Billboards outside the convention center and booth personnel
inside proclaimed how closely the company's products imitated the IBM PC
family. That kind of imitation is inevitable in the light of the phenomenal
market acceptance of the IBM PC.
We devoted the theme section of last November's issue to the IBM PC and
its clones because a growing fraction of our readers own or use such
machines. Unavoidably, we took some heat from some of our more vocal
readers who regret IBM's strong emergence in the PC market. Some of those
readers sounded a concern with which we heartily agree: that IBM's burgeon-
ing influence in the PC community is stifling innovation because so many
other companies are simply mimicking Big Blue.
Innovation usually prospers in companies that respect the role of research
and development and which fund R&D appropriately. Most large com-
panies recognize that R&D eventually leads to innovative products that will
enhance revenues and profits, but large companies also have a built-in iner-
tia that militates against the risk-taking associated with unproven new
products.
Few companies are in a stronger position to foster innovation than is IBM,
which has long recognized and generously sponsored R&D. We urge the
company, therefore, to encourage the migration downward to its personal
computer families of innovative developments that often find their first prac-
tical application in larger computers. Such developments could soon include
flat-screen displays, half-megabit RAMs, and office-by-example (OBE)
software.
We also urge venture-capital organizations to include innovativeness in their
checklist of attributes when they are approached by those with ideas who
need financial backing. Often the people with such ideas have run into the
no-risk inertia of a large corporation, become frustrated with that environ-
ment, and have founded successful new companies with the help of backers
who are willing to take risks.
We believe innovation has kept U. S. industry competitive in world markets
until the recent emergence of keen foreign competition in such basic indus-
tries as steel and autos. And we believe it will be innovation that keeps the
U. S. knowledge-based industry competitive in the years to come.
— Lawrence J. Cunan, Editor in Chief
4 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
How Cromemco plugs
you into the
state of the art.
Cromemco offers you the most
complete line of S-100 boards and
peripherals in the business. These
boards use the new IEEE-696 state-of-
the-art standard. One-stop shopping
can satisfy your design needs the easy
way.
You can build one system, or a
hundred, exactly the way you want,
and upgrade existing systems with a
simple board swap or addition. And
since we design our own boards for
our own systems, we always take
advantage of the latest developments
in IC technology.
68000 microprocessor performance.
Cromemco's Dual Processor Unit
gives you the best of both worlds: the
68000 and the Z-80A microproc-
essors on the same board. It's the
easiest way to move into 68000 per-
formance and still use your existing
8-bit software. Or use Cromemco's
Z-80A CPU board or our Z-80A-based
single board computer.
For selection, Cromemco can't be
matched. From the well-known SDI
High Resolution Color Graphics board
to the new 512MSU, 512K byte RAM
board. From our highly reliable Local
Area Network interface (C-NET) to our
wide variety of general purpose inter-
face boards. And you can put them in
one of our 8-, 12-, or 21-slot card
cages with our 12 amp PS-8 power
supply to get your system into opera-
tion fast.
We have over 30 S-100 boards to
fill your needs. And all are supported
by a broad line of software. Our Board
Products Catalog has the latest in-
formation. Call today for your copy, or
to get the name of our nearest dealer
or distributor. Or, write Cromemco,
Inc., 280 Bernardo Avenue, P.O. Box
7400, Mountain View, CA 94039.
Tel: (415) 964-7400. In Europe:
Cromemco A/S, Vesterbrogade IC,
1620 Copenhagen, Denmark.
In the U.S., contact your local
Hall-Mark or Kierulff distributor.
Cromemco
Circle 97 on inquiry card.
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HOW TO
GETAN
IBM PC
FOR JUST
in
I0U
BUY A CHAMELEON
The Chameleon by Seequa does everyth
PC does. For about $2000 less than an IBM.
The Chameleon lets you run popular IBM software
like Lotus® 1-2-3™ and Wordstar.® It has a full 83 key
keyboard just like an IBM. Disk drives like an IBM. And
a bright 80 x 25 character screen just like an IBM.
But it's not just the Chameleon's similarities to the
IBM that should interest you. Its advantages should, too
The Chameleon also has an 8 bit microprocessor that
> you run any <
thousands of CP/M-80® programs available. It comes
complete with two of the best programs around,
Perfect Writer™ and Perfect Calc™ It's portable. And
you can plug it in and start computing the moment
you unwrap it.
So if you've been interested in an IBM personal
computer, now you know where you can get one for
$1995. Wherever they sell Chameleons.
The Chameleon by
W^ISEEQUA
COMPUTER
CORPORATION
8305 Telegraph Road
Odenton.MD 21113
For the location of the Seequa dealer nearest you,
call (800) 638-6066 or (301) 672-3600.
6 BYTE February 1984
Circle 329 on inquiry card.
MICROBYTE
Staff-written highlights of late developments in the microcomputer industry-
COMMODORE PLANS UNIX-LIKE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR Z8000BASED COMPUTER
Commodore announced that it will include the UNIX-like Coherent operating system in a new series of
Z8000-based computers. Scheduled to be formally announced in May, Commodore's new computer will
be called the Next Generation and will include 256K bytes of RAM and one or two floppy-disk drives at
a price the company says will be much lower than any comparable system.
All of Commodore's previous computers have been based on variations of the 6502 microprocessor
developed by Commodore's MOS Technology division. Commodore has a license to manufacture Zilog's
Z8000 processor.
BOOST IN IBM PRODUCTION COULD SPELL PROBLEMS FOR CLONE MAKERS
In a December speech, IBM senior vice-president Allen Krowe told security analysts that production of
the IBM PC will increase as much in 1984 as it did in 1983. Such a dramatic increase in production of
the PC could create problems for smaller computer companies using the same parts.
Intel Corp., maker of the 8088 central processor used in the IBM PC and most PC-compatibles,
doesn't expect any major problems with that part, although both Intel and Advanced Micro Devices are
pushing back their delivery schedules for companies ordering the 8088 and 8086. Intel was less
positive about production of the 8088-compatible 80186 processor, which runs faster than the 8088
and eliminates the need for several peripheral chips. Many computer makers have chosen to use the
80186 because of its speed and economy, but Intel expects to ship only about a million 80186 chips
this year, although it predicts that demand will be between 3 and 4 million.
Advanced Micro Devices, which has a technology exchange agreement with Intel, will also produce
the 80186 later this year. The company would not predict how many it will ship, though it plans to
double production of the 8088.
DIGITAL RESEARCH, ZILOG, AMI AGREE TO PUT PERSONAL CP/M ROM ON Z80 CHIP
Digital Research's ROM-based Personal CP/M operating system will be included on some versions of
Zilog's Z80 microprocessor, according to an agreement between those two companies and American
Microsystems Inc., which will be the first to make and sell the chip. Although no pricing has been
announced yet, bundling Personal CP/M on a Z80 chip will probably result in less expensive home
computers. Digital Research plans to collect a smaller royalty for CP/M on each chip than it would
otherwise charge, in consideration of the large number it expects will be sold.
SEAGATE AND VERTEX UNVEIL 100-MEGABYTE HARD DISKS
Seagate Technology introduced its first 8-inch Winchester disk drive, with 102.1 megabytes of
storage. Previously, Seagate made only 5% -inch Winchester drives, dominating that product market. In
large quantities, the company's 8-inch drives will cost less than $1500 without a controller.
Vertex Peripherals announced a 100-megabyte 5Vi-inch Winchester disk drive that will sell to
manufacturers for about $1700 in large quantities. Vertex, which also makes 30-, 50-, and
70-megabyte 5 'A -inch Winchesters, plans to announce higher capacity 5% -inch drives this year.
INTEL INTRODUCES 64K-BYTE CMOS RAMS
Intel is beginning full production of 64K-byte CMOS dynamic RAM chips this month. Because the chips
require less power than conventional memory devices, they will probably be used first in battery-
powered portable computers. Intel expects to produce the chips in very large quantities at prices only
slightly higher than conventional NMOS dynamic RAMs.
KEY TRONIC LICENSES NEW MOUSE TECHNOLOGY
Key Tronic Corp. has licensed the solid-state mouse technology developed by Display Interface
Technology. Key Tronic had previously been considering use of the Summagraphics optical mouse but
now says the solid-state mouse is superior. The company will sell two versions of the mouse to both
manufacturers and end users: an RS-232C version will retail for $226, and a version to add to some
Key Tronic keyboards will sell for $184, beginning in April.
i publication!
MICROBYTES
THE MARKETPLACE IS FLOODED WITH NEW PORTABLE COMPUTERS . . .
Several new portable and transportable computers have been introduced recently. Visual Technologies
unveiled the Commuter, which includes a single 5% -inch disk drive, 128K bytes of RAM, and MS-DOS
2,1 for $1995. . . . ACT has brought its British-made Apricot computer to the U.S. The $3100
computer includes 256K bytes of RAM, two 3Vj-inch disk drives, a two-line LCD on the keyboard, and
a 9-inch monitor. . . . CompuSource Inc. introduced the Abacus, a $2045 portable computer that it
says can run most IBM, Apple, and CP/M software. . . . Morrow announced a portable version of its
Micro Decision computer. The Portable MD3 includes 64K, two 5V4-inch floppy-disk drives, and a built
in monitor for $1899. Morrow also introduced an 8088 coprocessor board for the Z80-based Micro
Decision computers. . . . Televideo Systems introduced three new computers that it says are
compatible with the IBM PC. The TPC II, a portable, and the Tele-PC 1605, a desktop computer,
include 1 28K bytes of RAM, two 5Vi-inch floppy-disk drives, and a monitor for $2995. The Tele-XT
1605H replaces one floppy-disk drive with a 10-megabyte hard disk and comes with 256K for $4995.
...AND WITH NEW DESKTOP MACHINES
Televideo Systems also unveiled a Z80-based four-user system that costs $6600. With a 10-megabyte
hard disk and one terminal, the basic TS-804 sells for $4495. . . , Handwell Corp. introduced a
computer that it says is operationally compatible with the IBM PC. With a color display, two serial ports,
one parallel port, and one floppy-disk drive, the Handwell PC will sell for $1995. . . . Logical Business
Machines introduced the L-XT, a $5985 computer that includes a 10-megabyte hard disk, 192K bytes of
RAM, and Logical's Natural Language environment. . . . Computer Designed Systems Inc. unveiled the
Adviser Micro Plus, which includes a built-in dot-matrix printer, one 5 V* -inch floppy-disk drive, and a
Z80 processor for $1995. The computer is also available with 68000 and 8086 processors for
$4995. . . . Kaypro brought out the Robie, a desktop version of its Kaypro 4 portable computer that uses
two Drivetec high-density 5Vi-inch disk drives. With 5.2 megabytes of floppy-disk storage, the Robie
will sell for $22*95.
NANOBYTES
Apple Computer Inc. lost a copyright suit against an Australian computer dealer that sold the Taiwan
made Wombat computer, an Apple-compatible machine reportedly selling for about one-third of the
Apple's price. Apple was told by an Australian federal court that computer ROM programs are not
literary works and couldn't be protected by Australia's copyright laws Digital Equipment Corp. has
unveiled its DECtalk voice synthesis module, a $4000 system that reads standard ASCII text. DECtalk
attaches to an RS-232C port, generates high-quality speech, and includes heuristics that enable it to
guess, for example, whether "St." stands for "Street" or "Saint". . . . Canon U.S.A. has announced an
eight-page-per-minute laser-beam printer. The printer, which will be sold only to other manufacturers, is
expected to retail for about $3000. . . . Bank of America has announced HomeBanking, a service
available to northern California customers using a terminal or home computer, for $8 per
month. . . . American Micro Products has introduced a $99.95 MVP FORTH compiler for the TRS-80
Model 100 portable computer. . . . Gold Hill Computers Inc. introduced GCLISP, a $375 LISP interpreter
for the IBM Personal Computer. . . . Micro Software International's PractiCalc II, a $69 spreadsheet
program with some database-management features, is available for the Apple II. . . . National Microware
has introduced the Personal Planner, a home software package allowing users to write letters and keep
track of appointments, names and addresses, and expense records. For MS-DOS or CP/M, the Personal
Planner will sell for $149. . . . Atari and Activision announced a joint venture to distribute software
electronically to home video-game and computer systems. Following a market test, the service is
scheduled to begin later this year. . . . Nelma Data Corp. introduced Black Magic, a wireless local-area
network that uses UHF FM "radio modems." Up to 256 computers with RS-232C ports can use the
network for about $250 per node. . . . Structured Systems Group Inc. is selling WindowMaster, a $295
multitasking windowing environment that enables CP/M-86 and MS-DOS applications to run
concurrently. WindowPack, which bundles WindowMaster along with SSG's word processor,
spreadsheet, and database manager, sells for $495. . . . Computer Associates International has
introduced integrated windowing software linking IBM Personal Computers to mainframes. CA-Executive
includes database-management, word-processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and other software packages,
some of which correspond to CAI mainframe packages. CA-Executive will sell for $1295.
in Inn
lb*
ii ii y ii- j|-
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CP M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. ■ UNIX is a trademark of Bell Laboratories. ■ uNETix is a registered trademark of Lantech Systems Incorporated.
COPYRIGHT Percom Data Corporation 1983 * All prices, and descriptions subject to change with notice.
Introducing COMPAQ PLUS,
the first high-performance portable
personal computer.
The makers of the COMPAQ™
Portable Computer, the indus-
try standard, announce another
breakthrough-the COMPAQ PLUS™
Portable Personal Computer. No other
personal computer can handle so much
information in so many places.
The new COMPAQ PLUS offers the
power of an integrated ten-megabyte
fixed disk drive in a portable. You get
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personal computer can match.
Plus a bigger payload
How much is ten megabytes?
Enough to tackle jobs that can't be
conveniently handled on most personal
computers.
Information that would
fill your company's ledgers can
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COMPAQ PLUS.
A mailing list of 100,000 names,
addresses, cities, states, and Zip codes.
A full year of daily prices for every
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Inventory records on a quarter mil-
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The entire San Francisco phone
book. And room left over for Peoria.
The fixed disk drive keeps all the
information seconds away, ready to ^
be searched, sorted, retrieved, ana-
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Plus better use of your time
The integrated fixed disk drive will
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payables, receivables, general ledger,
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and a list management program with
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The COMPAQ PLUS is also
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The COMPAQ
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control programs can go with you to
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problems. Why not have more
problem-solving programs to choose
from?
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designed shock
isolation system protects the fixed
disk from jolts.
Plus a traveler's toughness
Life can be tough on the road. A true
portable has got to be tougher. The
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Its integrated fixed disk drive is unique,
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1;,
structure, common in race car
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The outer case is made of LEXAN*,
the same high-impact polycarbonate
plastic used to make bulletproof win-
dows and faceplates for space suit
helmets.
Does a portable personal computer
really have to be this tough? Take
a good look at your briefcase and
then decide.
10 BYTE February 1984
Plus ease of use
The COMPAQ PLUS is big where it
counts.
The display screen is big. Nine inches
diagonally. Big enough to show a full
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COMPAQ PLUS makes a smooth,
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If you're buying your first personal
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Start with the COMPAQ Portable
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ette drives. If you need more capacity
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detail and capability.
Plus a lot more
The COMPAQ PLUS also works with
optional printers, plotters, and com-
munications devices designed for IBM's
personal computer family.
It has two IBM-compatible slots for
adding optional expansion boards.
With companion programs, they'll let
you share information with a network
of personal computers in your office,
communicate with your headquarters
computer files while you're away, or
add memory capacity if your needs
grow.
The COMPAQ Portable, the industry standard
in portable personal computers, w
/
The problem-solving power of a high-
performance desktop personal computer can
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And when you see all that the
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The fact is, it costs hundreds less than
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See the first high-performance porta-
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The new COMPAQ PLUS, the first high-
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COMPAQ PLUS
Specifications
Storage
□ One integrated 10-megabyte fixed
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□ One 360K byte diskette drive.
Software
□ Runs all the popular programs
written for the IBM XT.
Memory
□ 128K bytes RAM, expandable to
640K bytes
Display
D 9-inch diagonal monochrome
screen
□ 25 lines by 80 characters
□ Upper- and lowercase high-
resolution text characters
□ High-resolution graphics
Interfaces
□ Parallel printer interface
□ RGB color monitor interface
□ Composite video monitor
interface
□ RF modulator interface
Expansion board slots
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□ Totally self-contained and
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□ 20"Wx8V2"Hx 16"D
For the name of the
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^Woi COMPAQ Computer Corporation
COMPAQ™ and COMPAQ PLUS™ are trademarks of
COMPAQ Computer Corporation.
IBM® is a registered ttademark oflnternational Business
Machines Corporation.
LEXAN® is a registered trademark of General Electric Company.
, " T - T HT ,
comPAa
BYTE February 1984 11
Letters
More on the Morrow
After reading Tom Wadlow's review of
the Morrow Micro Decision (October,
page 306), I feel that a few points need
additional comment. I own an early
single-drive version MMD that I am not
entirely satisfied with.
Mr. Wadlow states that all versions use
Tandon drives. This is not true. Although
double-sided drives may be supplied by
Tandon, the single-sided %-height drives
are Shugart SA 200s.
Mr. Wadlow stated that the system uses
a single-density format. This is also in-
correct. The format uses 20 sectors with
256 bytes per sector, giving the disk a total
of 204.8K bytes. The usable space per disk
is 186K bytes or 390K bytes for double-
sided drives.
The author also mentions the virtual
drive and menu-driven CP/M features.
These are nice additions to the system;
however, they do not function properly.
The virtual drive will respond with a
prompt to exchange disks, but this
prompt will remain on the screen after
the exchange is complete. This is annoy-
ing, especially when multiple disk ex-
changes are required. With programs
such as Logicalc and Pearl, it makes it
hard to analyze the data that is on the
screen.
The menu-driven front end for CP/M
is equally disappointing. Many of the op-
tional file-manipulation commands such
as PIP and ERA are supported by this
driver. However, these selections will not
work. This doesn't present a problem for
knowledgeable users of CP/M, but for be-
ginners it can present a problem. This ob-
viously makes the entire program useless.
The program could easily be fixed. How-
ever, Morrow neglected to provide any
documentation on its Pilot language.
Mr. Wadlow also mentions that the
system can be used with almost any
popular terminal. Although I have tried
only two terminals, I have found that the
Logicalc program will not adapt to an
ADM-3A. The terminal setup program
provided with the system is also disap-
pointing. To achieve all the features of my
Televideo required setting up Wordstar
and Logicalc with their individual setup
routines. I think Morrow has realized this
problem because it no longer advertises
the system without a terminal.
As for hardware design, the lack of
schematics or cooperation from Morrow
prompted me to analyze the circuits and
draw my own set (a tedious process).
After analyzing the drawings I am total-
ly amazed that the system even works.
This isn't the worst design I have seen,
but it is close.
In conclusion, I can only say that I
wouldn't recommend this machine to
anybody. There are too many bugs in the
system that should have been fixed long
before the machine was marketed. The
problems are obvious and I can't under-
stand how Mr. Wadlow or Morrow could
have missed them. I must also conclude
that the author did a very poor job on this
review.
Don Hair
6208 Adel Cove
Austin, TX 78749
Tom Wadlow responds:
You are right about the Shugart drives. In-
deed, all the Micro Decision drives are manu-
factured by Shugart and not by Tandon, as I
mistakenly claimed in the review. The drives
used in the Morrow Decision 1 are manufac-
tured by Tandon. As for the rest of your
comments:
I believe that if you read the second page
of my review, under the paragraph titled "Disk
Storage," you will see that I did not say that
all Micro Decisions use single-density drives.
The virtual drive feature of the Micro Deci-
sion is implemented in the operating system
and cannot know very much about individual
applications. It would be nice to have the pop-
up display you describe, but let's look at what
would be involved in doing so on the Micro
Decision. To be able to restore the screen to
its previous condition when the message goes
away, you would have to save any text that
might be ovenvritten . Perhaps your terminal
might have a way to do this, probably not.
So you would probably have to cause the ter-
minal to send back the contents of the affected
area over its serial line. This means that the
Micro Decision disk driver zvould require an
intimate knowledge of the terminal (since the
text must be both saved and restored in the
right place), which implies either yet another
configuration program or a hard-wired depen-
dence on only one specific terminal. Both of
these alternatives are poor choices if you want
to make the system reasonably flexible. I see
virtual drives as an operating-system feature
intended to make a bad situation (not enough
disk drives) more tolerable. Most systems don't
even go this far in trying to help.
Your complaints about the menu system and
lack of documentation in both hardware and
software echo what I said in the review. Mor-
row's major failing, with the Micro Decision
as well as its more powerful Decision line, is
its lack of adequate documentation. Unfor-
tunately for us, Morrow is far from alone in
this. And as I said in the review, you really
need to be somewhat familiar with CP/M to
use the Micro Decision. As for Pilot documen-
tation, a call to Morrow Customer Service
yields the neivs that a Pilot manual is now
available. Write or call Morrow for informa-
tion on how to get it.
As for the problem of incompatible ter-
minals, I said that the Micro Decision can be
used with most popular terminals, and I
suspect that statement still holds true. But if
you intend to replace the terminal that Mor-
row has designed the system around, you
should not be surprised at installation dif-
ficulties. Morrow does claim to have success-
fully configured a Micro Decision to run with
an ADM-3A. Incidentally, Morroio is now of-
fering the Micro Decision with a Liberty ter-
minal, which has a much nicer keyboard and
display than the ADM-20 shown in the
review.
I have absolutely no complaints about the
hardware of the Micro Decision, other than
the design omissions (such as separate printer
and modem ports). The disks were fast and
quiet, the system unit was rugged and never
seemed to have power-up problems. Regard-
less of what the schematics (or at least your
version of them) say, a system that performs
as this one does is adequately designed. Mor-
row designed this system for users who are
unlikely to be concerned over the elegance of
a particular part of the disk controller or the
chip count of the RS-232C circuitry. I agree,
however, that such things should be obtainable
from the manufacturer, and, indeed, they are.
The Morrow Micro Decision Service
Manual ($225) provides complete schematics,
test information, and diagnostic software.
Once again, write or call Morrow at 600
McCormick St., San Leandro, CA 94577, or
(800) 521-3493 for more information.
I still stand by my recommendation. The
Micro Decision is not a good system for the
computer hobbyist/experimenter. Nor is it a
good system for the novice user. But it is ser-
viceable for the minimally experienced com-
puter user who wants a small, quiet, fairly
fast desktop system to run a few applications.
As for your final comments: I guess you just
can't please everybody. If my mail on this
review is any guide, however, you are in the
minority.
12 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
GetAHeadStart
OnTheOtherGuys.
HeadStart Features:
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Processors: Z80A (8 bitl and 8086 ( 16 bit).
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Disk Storage: ROOK to 1MB (unformatted) on a 3H'
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Display: 12"(diagonal) P31 phosphor, non-glare screen,
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Keyboard: Detachable with 105 total keys. Also an
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Disk Operating Software: *CP;M 80 for 8 hit
"MS DOS for 16 bit LAN DOS for multi-user 8 or 16
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Networking: Up to 255 HeadStart VPUs ma V be con-
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Interfaces: One KS449/RS232 compatible serial port
One Centronics c< impatible parallel printer post External
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disk I/O interface.
Optional Data Storage Systems: 2 models available. A
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system (25MB fixed, 25MB removable) is expandable
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'CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research.
"MS DOS is a rvfiistered trademark of Microsoft.
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And the most expandable (it's
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Instead of three bulky compo-
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HeadStart's small but powerful
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And HeadStart's small size per-
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HeadStart's RAM Disk, an elec-
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And HeadStart is incredibly power-
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Some Ideas
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Because HeadStart is designed to
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HeadStart is available in three
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So get a HeadStart on the other
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Circle 187 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 13
LOOK NO FURTHER!
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SCOTCH 3M SSDD $23
MAXELL MD2 DSDD 39
PRINTERS
C. ITOH8510P. 120 cps 335
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KRAFT & TG Joystick 45
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CORONA Int. 5MB Hard Disk 1545
Property Management 335
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Volkswriter 119
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change without notice.
Letters.
Ansl, uh, ANSI Standards
I have just spent a frustrating afternoon
trying to install a piece of software into
my computer system. As usual, the prob-
lem is that my terminal is not one of the
ones on the list of choices. What makes
it particularly frustrating is that my ter-
minal conforms to the ANSI "mode" for
terminal.
f would like to plead with software
companies to please include the "stan-
dard" as one of the options, f would also
like to plead with terminal companies to
include the ANSI standard as at least one
of the possible emulations that your new
terminals can produce.
I realize that it is an imperfect world,
but surely one might expect the ANSI
specification to have some merit!
J. A. Koehler
2 Sullivan St.
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Canada S7H 3G8
Software Swap
I read with great interest the letter "In
Praise of Public-Domain Software" in the
November BYTE (page 14). We have a
large program-exchange system for
Timex/Sinclair computers that is similar
to public-domain software. The require-
ments are simple: choose the program
you want from the list of available soft-
ware, then make a copy of a program that
you or friends have written or supervised
and send it in. Your program will be
added to the list of available software. We
will send you the programs you have re-
quested. Everyone wins! For more infor-
mation on this service please contact me.
Billy Casebeer
President, Timex/Sinclair Users Group
POB 372
Oologah, OK 74053
An OS for the M68000 ECB
I enjoyed reading "The M68000 Educa-
tional Computer Board" by Robert Floyd
(October, page 324). While I was a
graduate student in computer science at
the University of South Carolina, I was
involved with a project that developed
software for the Educational Computer
Board (ECB). The professor of the oper-
ating systems course assigned several
groups to develop operating systems for
14 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 16 on inquiry card.
INTRODUCING
»ii mi>y
— — ct n> n> i <^ it
YOU'LL LOVE THE VIEW!
With UltraTerm, the revolutionary new card
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Another breath-taking view of UltraTerm — it
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Circle 374 on inquiry card.
,299 Equipment r
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Photo olactual-size
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UltraTerm. Come on over and enjoy the view.
Suggested retail price: $379
fSm
1
■
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(503) 758-0521
UliraTerm features a built-in soft video switch and has complete
firmware support for BASIC, Pascal and CP/M '*. Use it with the Apple" II,
Apple He. Apple III nnd Franklin.
Apple and the Apple logo are registered trademarks of Apple
Computer, Inc.
CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc.
Create a 3-D object.
Modify it to get the best design.
«M^
YAH W®& At
1H «enu action?
-FORM 2F1LES 3IN
Rotate it to examine it from any angle.
'»■'.'■
Study it in 3 simultaneous orthogonal
views.
ilH nenu action?
-FORM 2FILES 311
■is?
■is;
TRANSMISSION
EllBS!
MAIN Menu action?
3.19 *
liji.:*! r
FORM 2FILES 3 INPUT 40UTPUT 5LABEL
Zoom in on part of it and add details.
*js
vHI
Add dimensions and design notes before
plotter output.
SCREEN YOUR DESIGNS
BEFORE THEY GET ON PAPER.
Turn your microcomputer* into a
3-D CAD system.
Find your best idea,
faster. Now, there's a
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Anyone with even minimal computer
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Let your micro do the busy work. First,
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Then, use Advanced Space Graphics ™ soft-
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your 3-D wireframe model about any axis. Dupli
cate it. Create its mirror image. Section it along
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■ ■ ■ .
circles. Generate surfaces of revolution. You
do the thinking, your computer does the work.
Dimensions are computed
and changed automatically,
,«<w as your model changes.
When you're ready for
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g^ output your finished
'^&' , '""''"""" :1 ' """'. ... design to a plotter
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The advantages of "true" 3-D. Only our
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MICRO CONTROL
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*IBM PC and a variety of work-alikes are supported. A more basic version is avail-
able for tbe Apple 11+ and Apple lie. Support for a variety of plotters and 2-D
graphics tablets available now. The most widely used high-resolution screen dis-
plays will be supported by the beginning of 1984.
I15M PC © International Business Machines Corp. Apple- llr and Apple lie © Apple Computer. Inc.
Circle 237 on inquiry card.
i etters
the ECB. The major goal of each operating
system was to implement concurrency.
The group I was involved with under-
took a major task: to create an operating
system in a short six-week summer school
course. We were successful and imple-
mented an operating system that we
named OX (for Overnite Executive). OX
is approximately 8K bytes long. The oper-
ating system consisted of a kernel, task
manager, resource manager, and a mem-
ory manager. A spooler and several ap-
plications programs to prove concurrency
were also developed. The code was de-
veloped in 68000 assembly language,
Concurrent Euclid, and C, which was
cross-compiled on a Unix system. The
kernel, task manager, and various initial-
ization was written in assembly language
and C, while the larger managers were
developed in Concurrent Euclid. The ob-
ject code was then downloaded to the
ECB in Motorola "S" record through the
ECB serial I/O port.
As I have stated, the operating system
was successful in demonstrating concur-
rency. This was done by allowing resident
tasks to be dispatched in round-robin
GANGPRO-8"
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GANGPRO-8" - allows usei to program up to 8 EE/
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aUV-T8/l (S49.95) Economy model in a molded two
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Circle 216 on inquiry card.
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fashion at specific timer interrupts. A par-
ticularly neat feature of the operating sys-
tem was the memory manager in which
the respective managers and application
programs allocated memory. Many hooks
exist in the implementation to provide for
additional resident tasks such as terminal-
message tasks, and perhaps a memory-
resident disk.
The project provided a hands-on in-
sight into operating systems, and I must
admit I had a great time hacking away.
I have a complete set of documentation
(57 pages) and the entire source-code
listing. 1 would be happy to pass along
this information to any hobbyist or educa-
tional institution. Please mail a stamped,
self-addressed envelope to me and I will
mail the documentation and source code
of OX to you.
Mark Cates
8625 Windjammer Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27609
V/68 OS for All
I greatly enjoyed the October BYTE
with its Unix theme. Although I am in-
volved with the Unix operating system
(porting Unix System V to the Motorola
MC68000, under contract to Western Elec-
tric), I had not heard of Usenet before.
I submit the following comment as a
reader, and not as a representative of
Motorola Inc.
Contrary to the statement in David
Fiedler's article ("The Unix Tutorial, Part
3: Unix in the Microcomputer Market-
place," page 132) that "[Charles River Data
System's] own Universe 68 computer uses
UNOS, as does Motorola on that firm's
Versabus-based system," Motorola offers
the System V/68 operating system. Sys-
tem V/68 is derived from Unix System V,
MC68000 version, a jointly developed
product of Motorola and Western Electric.
System V/68 is available in configurations
for the Exormacs and VME/10 computers,
as well as in a generic form for any
68000-based system.
Prior to fully committing to the "ge-
nuine Bell" Unix (over a year ago),
Motorola had been seriously considering
several Unix look-alikes, including
UNOS. Perhaps Mr. Fiedler's information
was obtained in that time frame.
Fred Christiansen
POB 2953
Phoenix, AZ 85062
Circle 170 on inquiry card. >
yopre still locking for
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■1
Letters.
Supersoft Speaks Up
I am compelled to respond to your
reviews of the Supersoft C compilers for
CP/M-86 and MS-DOS, which ran in the
August BYTE ("Comparing C Compilers
for CP/M-86" by Jerry Houston, Jim
Brodrick, and Les Kent, and "Nine C
Compilers for the IBM Personal Com-
puter" by Ralph Phraner). Both reviews
were outdated, misleading, and con-
tained serious inaccuracies and omis-
sions. They did a disservice to your goal
of giving BYTE readers timely information
about available C compilers.
In 1982, Supersoft released the first C
compiler for CP/M-86 and MS-DOS. This
release was preliminary and temporary;
its purpose was to let customers of Super-
soft's CP/M-80 C compiler be the first to
transport their applications to CP/M-86
and MS-DOS. At that time, we were
using the compilers in house to transport
our own applications to 16-bit systems;
we knew they would be useful to others
for this purpose. We also knew they
would undergo major enhancements,
both in the documentation and the pro-
grams themselves, before being released
as general development compilers under
CP/M-86 and MS-DOS.
In March 1983, after the initial purpose
had been served, our CP/M-86 and MS-
DOS C compilers were withdrawn from
the market for further development. In
August 1983, just as we were about to
release our new and substantially
enhanced versions of these compilers,
two reviews appeared in BYTE magazine
on our preliminary releases. We were sur-
prised to see these reviews in print
because we had not been notified in ad-
vance by BYTE and the products being
reviewed had not been available for five
months.
Though the initial versions of our com-
pilers did have some weaknesses that we
acknowledge, at the time of their release
they served a valuable purpose that easily
outweighed their shortcomings: they
sped C programmers into the rapidly
emerging 16-bit world. This, our main
consideration in releasing the products,
was completely overlooked in the BYTE
reviews. In addition, our new C compiler,
greatly enhanced and uniformly available
under CP/M-86, CP/M-80, and MS-DOS,
has several strong points that make it the
• Full Olivetti
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Complete BYTEWRITER using:
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Olivetti Praxis 35 portable $545
Olivetti Praxis 40 office machine S645
interface only-wired and tested Si 65
The parallel interface mounts entirely internally. Interconnecting
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125 NORTHVIEW RD., ITHACA, N.Y. 14850
(607) 272- 1 132
most attractive C available. We are pro-
viding this new version to all purchasers
of the preliminary CP/M-86 and MS-DOS
C compilers at no charge.
Through our internal experience with
Supersoft C, we consider it to have many
advantages over other C compilers: these
advantages include the widest array of
library functions (all delivered in source
form as well as library form), high
reliability due to extensive testing,
uniform availability under several oper-
ating systems, and close adherence to the
Unix standard syntax. These advantages
and others were largely overlooked by the
BYTE reviewers. In addition, technical in-
accuracies and omissions that appeared
in the reviews actually gave our initial
releases less credit than they were due.
We were disappointed that these un-
timely and misleading reviews should ap-
pear in a typically fine publication like
BYTE. We. hope that this letter and other
follow-up editorial coverage can help
repair some of the damage that has been
done to these excellent products.
Stephen Hagler
Marketing Director
Supersoft Inc.
POB 1628
Champaign, IL 61820
]ernj Houston replies:
I am sorry that Supersoft considers my
review of the CP/M-86 C compiler a disservice
to BYTE readers, because considerable time
and effort went into trying to produce the op-
posite result. If I failed to supply something
useful, 1 apologize to BYTE's readers and to
Supersoft.
A feiv words in defense of my review Super-
soft says that the version of the compiler 1
reviewed was "preliminary and temporary"
and that a greatly improved version was
released in August 1983.
The lead time for submitting articles to
BYTE magazine is months, not weeks, in ad-
vance, and the review in question was sub-
mitted several months before August 1983.
Lack of timeliness is the penalty for long lead
times. The benefit is generally excellent
editorial content.
We purchased our copy of the Supersoft C
compiler COD in 1982 in response to an ad
in BYTE. Nowhere did the ad or the documen-
tation indicate that the product was in any
way temporary or preliminary. In fact, the ad
said of the $500 C compiler: "The optimizer
typically results in 40% code reduction. This
means that compiled object code will run near-
ly as fast as that which was written in
20 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 42 on inquiry card.
Reach out and byte someone!
Your desk-top computer system is only a
beginning — plug a low-cost UDS modem
into the RS-232 port and a whole new world
of communications opens up!
UDS modems add a new dimension to
personal computers. For professional use, a
modem permits two-way, hard-copy communi-
cation between home office and branches or
among the branches themselves. Electronic mail becomes
a reality. Sales, cost and inventory updates can be sent
over ordinary telephone lines at economical, after-hours
rates.
When you use your computer for personal applica-
tions, the modem allows you to access up-to-date market
information, receive news and weather summaries, check
airline schedules or even electronically scan out-of-town
newspapers. Long-distance game playing and computer-
age personal correspondence become instant realities.
The wide range of UDS modems includes one that fits
your requirement perfectly. Top of the line is the micro-
processor-based 212 AID which communicates at 0-300 or
1200 bps, stores and automatically dials up to five 30-digit
numbers and includes a complete prompting menu and full
Created by Dayner/Hall. Inc.. Winler Park. Florida
automatic test capabilities. Yet, with
all these features, it costs only $645.
At the other extreme is the $145
103 LP, offering simultaneous two-way
communications at 0-300 bps without an
AC power cord. This unit siphons operating
energy directly from the telephone line!
In between is a large variety of units — many of them
in the LP no-power-supply design and all fully FCC certified
for direct connection to the telephone system.
Don't be a computer hermit — treat your system to a
UDS modem; then you can reach out and byte someone! For
details, contact your favorite computer dealer or Universal
Data Systems, 5000 Bradford Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805.
Telephone 205/837-8100.
Ui Universal Data Systems
(M) MOTOROLA INC.
Information Systems Group
Circle 369 on inquiry card.
The new 384K Quadboard
by Quadram is the most
comprehensive board you can
buy for the IBM PC or XT. Now
with added hardware features
and advanced software. But
our same low price.
NEW EXPANDED QUADBOARD
Quadboard now delivers 9 of
the most needed PC functions/
features. To let you get the
most out of your Personal
Computer. And help
___ _ _ _ _ __ __ _. .^_ you work better and
THE WORLD'S™*
&
QI7CX C£Y I /A//7 are standard on the
UU^J 1 kJjUJUJLtllllKJ new Quadboard:
MULTIFUNCTION ;JX«r e
nAJinn r*^ a is\wm w 9 et a Parailel P ort - Perfect
BOARD IS NOW a S e ?* 9 -- s~ er5
EVEN BETTER • ^
a Serial Port. too. Fully program-
mable, use it to connect to plotters,
modems, and other serial devices.
Chronograph: And Quadboard's
Chronograph (Real time clock/
calendar) keeps your system's
clock up-to-date.
• Game Port: The new
Quadboard has an IBM
- _ compatible Game Port.
Plug in a joystick or
game paddles, and fire
away.
• I/O Bracket:
Quadboard now
comes with a special
I/O bracket. Use it to
organize your expansion
port connectors. Snaps right
onto the back
of the PC.
Expandable to 384K:
The new Quadboard is expandable
in 64K increments for up to 384K
additional RAM. With full parity
checking standard. With the new
Quadboard and a fully populated
system board, you can take your
PC's memory up to the 640K limit.
• QuadRAM Drive: Plus, with
Quadboard you get advanced
QuadMaster Software. Including
the QuadRAM Drive program.
Use it to set up multiple RAM
Drives in Quadboard memory.
Solid state drives that let
you store and retrieve data
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advantage of QuadMaster disk
caching. To access frequently
used data whenever you need it.
• MasterSpool: QuadMaster
Software also includes
MasterSpool. Use it to set up a
software print buffer quickly and
easily. This advanced spooler lets
you pause at any time, back up or
move forward in a file. Choose
just the amount of buffer space
you need and stop waiting on
your printer.
• Qswap: Another feature of
QuadMaster Software is Qswap.
With Qswap change line printers
1 and 2 back and forth, with just
a few keystrokes, as often as
you like.
QUADBOARD STANDS OUT FROM
THE PACK
Now more than ever Quadboard
is the first and only board your
IBM PC or XT may ever need. No
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Because Quadboard is designed
fnr nprformance. Engineered
for dependability.
And built in the continuing
tradition of Quadram Quality.
— There are many
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Quadboard by
Quadram, the
. leader in micro-
computer
enhancement
products.
QUADRAM QUALITY
Compare. See why more Quadboards are
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Features/
Functions
Quadboard
SixPakPlus |
Memory
Available
0-384K
0-384K
Parallel &
Serial Port
Yes
Yes
Clock/
Calendar
Yes
Yes
1/0 Bracket
Standard
Optional
Game Port
Standard
Optional
Diagnostic
Testing
Yes
Yes
Advanced
Spooler
Yes
No
Simple Menu
Setup
Yes
No
Disk Cache
Yes
No
LIST PRICE
WITH 384K*
$795
$970
' Manufacturers suggested list price for beard with all
available features/functions as shown (options included).
SixPakPlus is a trademark of AST Research Inc.
QUADRAM
CORPORATION
An Intelligent Systems Company
4355 International Blvd./Norcross, Ga. 30093
(404) 923-6666/TWX 810-766-4915 (QUADRAM NCRS)
INTERQUADRAM In Europe
. Interquadram, Ltd.
442 Bath Road/Slough, England
Interquadram GmbH.
FASANENWEG 7/6092 Kelsterbach/West Germany
Interquadram S.A.R.L
41 RueYbry./92522Neuilly/Franoe
Circle 307 on inquiry card.
TM
"=' Copyright 1983 Quadram Corporation
All rights reserved
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
Letters.
assembler." The documentation listed the ver-
sion we received as "Version 1.1."
None of this suggested to us that the com-
piler was preliminary. In January 1983 we
asked a representative of Supersoft whether a
newer, more functional version of its compiler
was coming out, and we were told that
nothing was planned for about six months.
Since our review was due in one month, we
reviewed what existed, not what was planned.
Supersoft also states that, "We are providing
this new version to all purchasers of the
preliminary CP/M-86 and MS-DOS C com-
pilers at no charge." On September 7, 1983,
we phoned Supersoft, gave them our serial
number, and asked what was involved in up-
grading to the latest version of the compiler.
We were informed that we should send our
original disk plus $50. This is a more than
reasonable charge, but $50 is not free.
Supersoft's claim to offer "close adherence
to the Unix standard syntax" is not justified
in the version reviewed. It fails to support
longs, statics, or initializers. This is com-
parable to a version of BASIC that has no FOR
statement.
Supersoft has some excellent products. The
product I reviewed is not one of them. If my
review conveyed that idea, then it was not
"misleading." If my article tended to lead
potential unhappy customers away from the
product under review, then I believe it was a
service both to Supersoft and to BYTE's
readership.
Watch the Fine Print
Recently I decided to abandon my
Apple-based system and buy an IBM PC
XT. It's not that I'm unhappy with my Ap-
ple. On the contrary, it has been a reliable
tool that has paid for itself many times
over during the last four years. However,
the mining industry (for which I write
software) has developed a case of IBM
myopia that requires that I develop pro-
grams for the PC.
My first step in making the IBM transi-
tion involved obtaining information con-
cerning the UCSD p-System (for which
I have developed a large library of soft-
ware). Although the sales representative
was unfamiliar with the concept of an
operating system, he was kind enough to
send me IBM's "Software Fact Sheet" and
a price list. This fact sheet contains some
fine print concerning the p-System that
I would like to bring to the attention of
your readers: "Neither the program nor
its data files can be stored on a fixed disk."
Incredible! Here's a big and powerful cor-
poration with a sense of humor. Imagine
if GM had the guts to include some jokes
of this caliber in its sales literature like
"The optional MZD Turbo engine only
works in the neutral gear." Three cheers
for IBM! Now, I've got to remember
where I stored that literature on the Sage
IV.
James P. Reed
Rockware Inc.
7195 West 30th Ave.
Denver, CO 80215
In Defense of the Model 16
Regarding the letter from Marvin Stone
and Sam Harp (October, page 20) con-
cerning the relative speeds of the
MC68000 and Z80 in the Radio Shack
Model 16 computer: Mr. Hurrell's
response is quite correct about the par-
ticular benchmarks used. The Xenix
MBASIC is very slow for floating-point
AZTEC C — ' C ' PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM
PORTABLE SOFTWARE APPLE CPIM IBM
'&&&&sss&*~
•L'Sd**** .**»£&»
-&%*&*»«*- sS-JgSi
Bass* t
Shipping: COD, 2nd day delivery, or Canada, add $5. Canada 2nd day or US next \f\E c c6& sS Co«**?% O** 1
Haw rtollunru aHH £90 Di itciHo Nnrth Amprira add S?0 and fnr 2nd dav add $75 *J!tt£_ _~tCOf°P
day delivery, add $20- Outside North America, add $20. and lor 2nd day add $75.
g£b-
I
24 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 230 on inquiry card.
ppr- ^-*-
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A*. '
ife-
CPUs nimble and swift — a card sharp's delight.
When CompuPro introduced the first CPU board
with both 8- and 16-bit capabilities, it was like
handing a royal flush to systems integrators. How
could we top that?
You gave us the answer. "Make a CPU that will
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top speed and 16-bit power," you pleaded.
CompuPro responded with CPU 286, the board with
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necessary tools.
So, by giving you flexibility without sacrificing
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They're worth betting on.
CPU 8085/88
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J595 CSC.
CPU 86/87
uses Intel"' 's widely
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you get the broadest
range of time-tested
16-bit software. Includes
sockets for the B087
math co-processor and
80130 firmware chip.
$800 10 MHz, $850 CSC
10 MHz. With 8087 chip,
$1050 5 MHz, $1150 CSC
5 MHz.
CPU 68K
lets you rummage
around In 16 Mbytes of
memory at a time — not
lust the usual 64 Kbytes.
Access huge databases,
invert mammoth
matrices, or turn titanic
tables topsy-turvy.
Includes socket for
memory management
unit. $695 8 MHz, $775
10 MHz, $850 CSC
10 MHz.
CPUZ
brings the Z80
chip's sophisticated
instruction set to bear
on the whole range of
8-bit software at clock
speeds of 6 MHz.
Ideal for multi-user
installations, with 24-bit
addressing that handles
up to 16 Mbytes of
memory. $325,
$425 CSC.
CPU 286
is CompuPro's most far-
sighted processor, It
handles all 8086/8088
software, but many
times faster with the
help of a unique look-
ahead capability. A
memory mangement
unit is built-in. $1595 8
MHz, $1750 CSC 10 MHz.
CPU 16032
features true 32-bit
Internal architecture that
makes your micro byte
off bigger words, like a
mini. Ideal for Unix and
other large operating
systems. Includes
sockets for floating
point unit and memory
management unit.
Handles clock speeds
up to 10 MHz. $695, $845
CSC. MMU available.
SPU-Z
lets multiple users share
expensive resources
such as disk drives,
printers and modems —
not to mention data. Let
our slave processor give
individual attention
where it's needed,
freeing the more
expensive CPU for bus
management. $695,
$795 CSC.
For your business, industrial and scientific computing
solutions, call (415) 786-0909, ext. 206 today for the location of
the Full Service CompuPro System Center nearest you.
CompuPro products are backed by a one-year limited warranty
— two years for boards qualified under the Certified System
Component high-reliability program.
Prices and specifications subject
lo change without notice.
"1983 CompuPro
Circle 66 on inquiry card.
CompuPro,
A GODBOUT COMPANY
3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545
For dealer locations, see page 439.
BYTE February 1984 25
PICK A PEN
HEI has a light
pen with specs to
suit your need,
whether you're do-
ing text editing,
menu selection, or
more complex graph-
ics system work. Each
pen is built with in-
tegral hybrid circuitry.
Each can be made with
custom sensitivity and
field-of-view tolerances.
HEI light pens feature:
Two TTL outputs
100FL ambient light
rejection
• Spot sensitivity of 7FL
• Power input of only
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Adjustable light sensitivity
and coiled cord are standard
on all models. Pens are avail-
able with cable connectors.
HEI light pens are rugged
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Letters — ^___^_.
computation. The increased accuracy is
a blessing or a curse, depending on your
needs.
The screen-updating benchmark timing
cited is an unfortunate side effect of the
hardware. The only way in which the
68000 can get to the screen RAM is via
the Z80, and this added overhead can
only slow down accesses, no matter how
fast the 68000 may be.
As far as the SIN benchmark, perhaps
Mr. Harp or Mr. Stone may want to con-
sider switching to FORTRAN. I ran the
published SIN benchmark (TRSDOS: 43
seconds; Xenix: 132 seconds) on a Model
16 under Trisoft CP/M-68K and ANSI
FORTRAN-77. The time was 5.2 seconds!
James M. Knox
Trisoft
4102 Avenue G
Austin, TX 78751
The interesting thing to me about the
Harp & Stone Benchmark study of the
TRS-Xenix MBASIC was how slow all the
listed processors were. I ran Benchmark
I on the Z8000-based Olivetti M20, using
Microsoft BASIC, in 8.9 seconds. Going
to double precision by inserting "defdbl
A-B, Z" at the beginning lengthened the
time to 9.5 seconds. I believe the running
time is this low because Olivetti MBASIC
performs only trigonometry and ex-
ponential functions in single precision.
Examining Z after running the program
shows a value of 0.998048.
S. Richard Mateosian
Consultant, Computer Systems
2919 Forest Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94705
After reading "TRS-80 Model 16 Prob-
lems" (Letters, October, page 20) and the
response from Radio Shack, it is evident
that a simple fact needs to be straightened
out.
Suppose one used a Z80 to handle the
I/O for a CRAY. Would it output char-
acters any faster than a 68000 making
similar requests?
This elementary consideration shows
the absurdity of the Harp/Stone "bench-
mark." Their negative remarks about the
capabilities of the Model 16 and Xenix are
therefore worthless and should be re-
tracted.
Joel Rice
486 Route 9W
Nyack, NY 10960 ■
26 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 162 on inquiry card.
Rana Systems.
Always A Step Ahead.
«0{*Dwt>!*Sk«m
And it's happening again with our IBM'
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can buy.
At Rana we know the key to our success is
providing the highest technology, on the best
possible products, while filling the most possible
user needs. That is why we spend so much time on
research and development. Our world-renowned
engineers were the first to offer increased capac-
ity. The first to design a write protect feature. The
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access speed. And, the first to bring you all this
performance, quality and dramatic styling.
This is why our Elite One got the #1 rating
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Rana 1000 Slimline has turned a game computer
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So call or write for the nearest Rana retailer
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know that to keep a step ahead, we have to put
you first.
RanaSystems
21300 Superior Slreel. Chatsworth. CA 91311 213-709-5484
Call toll free: 1-800-421-2207. In California only call: 1-800-262-1221
Source Number: TCT-654
'Apple's a registered trademark ol Apple Computer. Inc "Alan is a registered tiademaik ol Alan. Inc ' IBM is a legistered trademark ol Intemanonal Business Machines. Inc
Circle 313 on Inquiry card.
§ -?83 Rana Systems
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1 Word Processing Software ....
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800 KB
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Keys on Keyboard
Expandable Memory
93
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Optional Winchester
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1— Includes CPU, 64K User Memory, Keyboard, Display, Two Disc Drives, and Operating System.
Based on manufacturers' information available August, 1983. VISUAL 1050 includes 128K User Memory standard.
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See for yourself
Visual Technology Incorporated
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Telephone (617) 851-5000. Telex 951-539
Circle 375 on inquiry card.
Product Preview
m imi
i
i ;
J
I
'^ if^ r ^ i ^ M §r Wr
m* yu* yufe f*n fukt pub m* *->
The Apple
Macintosh Computer
Mouse-window-desktop technology arrives for under $2500
by Gregg Williams
Apple established itself as one of
the leading innovators in personal
computing technology a year ago by
introducing the Lisa, a synthesis and
extension of human-interface tech-
nology that has since been widely
imitated. Now the company has
strengthened that reputation with a
new machine, the Macintosh (above).
In terms of technological sophistica-
tion and probable effect on the mar-
ketplace, the Macintosh will outdis-
tance the Lisa as much as the Lisa
has outdistanced its predecessors.
The Macintosh arrives, finally, after
a history of colorful rumors. It will
cost from $1995 to $2495, weighs 22.7
pounds, and improves on the mouse-
window-desktop technology started
by the impressive but expensive Lisa
computer. A system with printer and
30 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
second disk drive costs about $900
more, but even at that price, the
Macintosh is worth waiting for.
The Macintosh at Work
Before we look at the Macintosh (or
Mac) in more detail, let's look at how
it works. When you turn the Mac on,
its screen tells you to insert a 3V2-inch
Sony floppy disk. When you do that,
the Macintosh puts a disk icon on the
screen along with the disk's name. As
with the Lisa computer, you first
select an object, then choose a menu
item that works on the object. Say, for
example, we choose the disk by mov-
ing the cursor to the disk icon and
clicking the mouse button once
(figure la). The disk "opens up,"
showing a window containing icons,
each one of which corresponds to an
item on the disk. To start using the
Mac Paint program, we select the
Mac Paint icon and choose the menu
item "open," as shown in figure lb.
(We also could have opened Mac
Paint by double-clicking on the icon.)
What follows is a brief example of
how the Mac Paint program works.
When we open the program, we get
the screen of figure lc. The large
blank area is a window onto the
drawing area, the boxes on the left
are tools, the boxes on the bottom
row are patterns, and the lines in the
corner are selections for the current
line width. By selecting the "open
oval" tool and the thickest line width,
we can draw empty ovals with thick
borders (figure Id). By selecting the
"paint bucket" tool and the "diagonal
bricks" pattern, we can fill the oval
with that texture (figure le). The
"eraser" tool lets us erase part of the
image (figure If); for finer control, we
can give the FAT BITS command
(figure lg), which allows us to erase
or paint on a pixel-by-pixel basis.
When we are finished with our im-
age and select the QUIT command,
the program displays an alert box that
asks if we want to save our changes
(figure lh).
Foundations of Macintosh Design
The Macintosh computer is built on
three cornerstone ideas: second-gen-
eration Lisa technology, reliability
and low cost through simplicity, and
maximum synergy between hard-
ware and software. Each of these
ideas contributes significantly to the
uniqueness of the Mac's design.
Second-Generation
Lisa Technology
Without question, the strongest in-
fluence on the Mac is that of the
Apple Lisa computer, which proved
the viability of certain concepts in a
commercial product: the graphics^
mouse orientation, the desktop meta-
phor, the data-as-concrete-object
metaphor, and the shared user inter-
face between programs. The Mac has
inherited these concepts; for further
details on them, see my article, "The
Lisa Computer System" (February
1983 BYTE, page 33).
Four differences between the Lisa
and the Mac make the latter a
second-generation computer. First,
the Mac runs at a higher clock speed,
7.83 MHz (compared to the Lisa's 5
MHz). Second, the Mac, which has
a smaller amount of memory to work
with than the Lisa, uses its memory
more efficiently because its programs
and subroutines are coded in 68000
assembly language (as opposed to
the Lisa, which uses less efficient
68000 machine-language programs
that are compiled from high-level
Pascal source code). Third, the
Macintosh eliminates add-on periph-
eral cards and uses instead a high-
speed serial bus that implements
what Apple calls "virtual slots." (I will
talk about this in greater detail
below.)
The final difference is actually an
important limitation of the Macin-
tosh: it allows only one major ap-
plication program to be active at a
time (the Mac BASIC and "desk ac-
Memory
Hardware Options
At a Glance
I28K bytes of RAM, 64K bytes of ROM
Second disk drive, keypad, Imagewriter
Standard Configuration
printer, security kit (for chaining com-
Name
Main unit with 128K bytes of RAM, 64K
puter to table)
Macintosh
bytes of ROM, integral Sony 31/2 -inch
Software Options
disk drive, 9-inch video monitor, two
Mac Paint |drawing program), Mac Write
Manufacturer
serial ports: external mechanical mouse:
(a simple word processor), Mac BASIC,
Apple Computer
external keyboard
Mac Pascal, others (see text)
20525 Mariani Ave.
Mass Storage
Prices
Cupertino. CA 95014
One Sony 3 Vi -inch disk drive: 3'/Hnch
Standard system, S 1995- $2495: Mac Paint
|408) 996-1010
disk holds 400K bytes and is encased in
and Mac Write (together), bundled at no
a rigid plastic housing
charge for the first 100 days, SI95 (for the
Dimensions
Video Display
two) thereafter: Macintosh Pascal, BASIC,
9.75 by 9.75 by 13.5 inches
9-inch monitor, noninterlaced 60.15-Hz
Logo. Terminal, and Assembler/Debugger,
Weight
image. 512- by 342-pixel resolution
S99 each: Mac Draw and Mac Project.
Main unit, keyboard and mouse — 22.7
Pointing Device
$125 each: keypad, S99; second disk
lbs.
Mechanical mouse
drive, $395: Imagewriter printer, S495
Power Requirements
Keyboard
105-130 V AC, 60 Hz [U.S. model):
Detached keyboard: 58 keys [59 in inter-
85-135 V AC, 50/60 Hz (international
national version): autorepeat: two-key
model)
rollover
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 31
Macintosh System Architecture
Inside the Macintosh, hardware and
software work together to provide a system
capable of supporting high-performance
graphics, built-in peripherals, and commu-
nication channels to the outside world.
From the beginning of the Macintosh pro-
ject, the product-design goals of small size,
light weight, and moderate end-user cost
encouraged us to create a low-power, low
component-count design. The large num-
ber of I/O devices that are built into each
unit, combined with our desire for high
performance, caused us to explore many
alternatives for each aspect of the hardware
implementation. A cooperative spirit
among the people working on the in-
dustrial design, analog electronics, digital
electronics, and low-level software resulted
in the synthesis of detailed implementa-
tions that combined strengths from each
group, providing an integrated design solu-
tion for all aspects of the product.
The heart of the Macintosh digital elec-
tronics is the MC68000 processor and its
memory (both RAM and ROM). In the
Macintosh, the data-output lines from the
system RAM drive a data bus separate
from that used by the rest of the machine
(see figure 2). The RAM is triple-ported;
this means that the 68000, screen-display-
ing hardware, and sound-output hardware
have periodic access to the address and data
buses, so that the video, the sound, and
the current 68000 task appear to execute
concurrently.
ROM memory connects directly to the
system data bus and is used by only the
68000. Much of the system's time-critical
code, such as the low-level graphics primi-
tives, operating-system routines, and user-
interface routines, reside in ROM. Macin-
tosh software calls this code through 68000
"line 1010 unimplemented" instructions,
which get one of approximately 480 ad-
dresses from an address table stored in low
memory; this effectively allows the ROM
subroutines to function as extensions of the
68000 instruction set. Since the ROM data
and address buses are used exclusively by
the 68000, ROM is always accessed at the
full processor speed of 7.83 MHz; conse-
quently, the ROM can perform as a read-
only cache memory.
The 512- by 342-pixel video display ap-
by Burrell C. Smith
pears in memory as a linear array of 10,944
16-bit words of data, with the most signifi-
cant bit representing the pixel farthest left.
Each 512-pixel horizontal line consists of
32 words of data, with bits shifted out at
15.67 MHz (322.68 p,s per 512-pixel line)
followed by 12 words of horizontal blank-
ing (taking 12.25 us). The last memory bus
cycle of each horizontal line is reserved for
sound DMA, where a byte of sound data
is fetched from the sound buffer and sent
to the sound PWM (pulse-width modula-
tor) for conversion into an analog level. The
update rate of the sound channel is then
equal to the video horizontal rate, or
22,254.55 Hz. In the vertical direction,
342 active scan lines are followed by a ver-
tical retrace and enough inactive horizontal
The product-design
goals of small size,
light weight, and
moderate end-user cost
encouraged us to
create a low-power,
low component-count
design.
lines to take up the same time as 28 hori-
zontal lines, providing a vertical retrace
time of 1.258 ms. Although screen-
memory accesses may occur at any time,
a vertical retrace interrupt is generated at
the falling edge of the vertical sync pulse
to allow screen animation to occur com-
pletely synchronous to the video beam
movement.
Access to RAM is divided into syn-
chronous time slots, with the 68000 and
video circuits sharing alternate word ac-
cesses during the live portion of the hori-
zontal video-display line and the sound cir-
cuits using the video time slot during the
last memory bus cycle of the horizontal
line. Although the access to RAM is
divided three ways, the 68000's share is
maximized by giving it access to unused
cycles during horizontal and vertical blank-
ing. This way, 68000 access to RAM
averages to a speed of about 6 MHz.
For high-performance sound generation,
a tightly coded routine generates 370
samples of sound data and places them into
the sound buffer just after a vertical retrace
interrupt. The 68000's 32-bit registers are
used to control pitch with 24 bits of preci-
sion, providing each of four possible voices
with 16,777,216 possible frequencies. For
simpler sounds, a timer in the system's
VIA provides a square wave of program-
mable pitch. All sounds pass through a
software-controlled volume adjustment
that creates approximately 20 decibels of
total amplitude variation in eight discrete
steps.
The Macintosh disk controller is a single
LSI (large-scale integration) component
referred to as the IWM ("integrated Woz
machine") chip. The device, a one-chip in-
tegration of the disk controller originally
designed by Steve Wozniak for the Apple
II, handles data at 500 kilobits per second.
To control the disk drive's motor speed, a
pulse-width modulator located on the
digital board allows the disk to move at one
of 400 possible disk motor speeds; the
PWM is driven from a table in memory in
a fashion similar to that of the sound sys-
tem. By varying the motor speed, we
created a more reliable disk drive that puts
significantly more data on the same disk.
The Macintosh communications chip,
the Zilog 8530 SCC (serial communica-
tions controller), provides synchronous and
asynchronous data transmission at up to
230.4K bits per second using a self-
clocking data format and up to 1 megabit
per second using an external clock. The
Macintosh's two serial ports are identical;
each provides single-ended or differential
signaling and multidrop (party-line)
capability.
The 6522 VIA (versatile interface
adapter) rounds out the I/O requirements
of the machine by providing system timers,
support for the mouse and keyboard, and
general-purpose I/O lines for selecting
various system functions such as alternate
screen and sound buffers and for com-
municating with the system's real-time
clock and parameter memory.
Burrell C. Smith is a member of the Apple
Macintosh design team.
32 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Figures la-lh: Working with Mac Paint on the Macintosh computer. See text for details.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 33
cessory" programs are two exceptions
that I'll cover later). This limitation is
largely due to the Mac's small mem-
ory space and the overall design of
the software, which assumes that the
current program has access to all the
machine's memory. This is not as bad
as it sounds; a single application can
use multiple windows, and material
can be cut and pasted from one docu-
ment to another by storing the
material to be pasted on a "clipboard"
before loading in the second docu-
ment (which replaces the first) . Still,
the absence of hardware slots and the
inability to run two applications
simultaneously are two important
ways in which the Macintosh is fun-
damentally different from the Lisa
computer.
Reliability and Low Cost
through Simplicity
Although the Macintosh costs ap-
proximately one-third the price of a
Lisa, the Mac has much more than
one-third of the Lisa's power. The
idea of reliability through simplicity
not only makes the Macintosh pos-
sible at a relatively low price but also
produces a machine that has a reli-
ability normally associated with
much simpler computers.
One component of the Mac's sim-
plicity is its low chip count— it con-
tains about 50 ICs (integrated cir-
cuits), which decreases its physical
size and price and increases its relia-
bility. Mac reduces its chip count by
combining the functions of many
standard chips into eight program-
mable-logic arrays (PALs).
The Macintosh has only two circuit
boards, one that holds all its analog
circuitry and one that holds all its
digital circuitry (see photos 2a and
2b). By partitioning its functions and
reducing the number of connectors
(by decreasing the number of boards
to be connected), the designers have
made the Mac both more reliable and
less expensive. They carried this
philosophy farther by eliminating
hardware slots; you add peripherals
to a Mac through its two high-speed
serial ports.
The Macintosh was designed to
reduce (or, in the case of the digital
board, eliminate) the number of
(2a)
Photo 2: The Macintosh circuit boards. Photo 2a shows the analog board, while photo 2b
shows the digital board. These two boards plus the video display, 3 Vi-inch disk drive, and
housing make up the main unit; only the keyboard and mouse are needed to make a complete
Macintosh system.
places in which hardware must be
fine-tuned during assembly. In some
cases, the designers eliminated the
need for adjustment through clever
circuit design, which also means
there's one less thing to go wrong
with the computer once it is in the
owner's hands. In other cases, Apple
eliminated fine-tuning by requiring a
vendor of externally manufactured
subassemblies to tune the part before
delivery; for example, the video-dis-
play tube and yoke are delivered pre-
adjusted, and the Sony 3V2-inch disk
drive is delivered tested and with
several Apple-specified modifica-
tions.
Maximum Synergy between
Hardware and Software
The Macintosh's hardware and
software were optimized for maxi-
mum performance. This means that
the hardware and software evolved
over a period of time in a process of
mutual give and take. For example,
the pixels displayed on the Mac's
video display are square (not rec-
tangular, as in other computers); this
greatly simplifies the software that
draws squares and circles, scales text
and graphics, and prints screen
images.
Going for the
World Market
Having learned from past experience,
Apple designed the Macintosh so that it
could easily be modified for all markets out-
side the United States. The following ex-
amples shew how pervasive nation- or lan-
guage-specific aspects of a computer design
are and how Apple has minimized the
changes needed.
'Except for the word 'Apple" on the rear
panel, the Macintosh has no English text
34 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
(2b)
Hardware
The main unit of the Macintosh
consists of eight parts: two circuit
boards, a cable to connect them, a
metal chassis, a 3V2-inch disk drive,
a video-display tube with yoke, and
a plastic front bezel and rear housing
(see photos 3a and 3b). An external
mouse and keyboard make for a total
of 10 parts. The main unit takes up
an amazingly small 10-inch by 10-
inch area (it is 13 Vi inches high).
True, the keyboard and mouse take
up more area than that, but the foot-
print of the main unit is considerably
smaller than that of comparable com-
puters. The Mac is also pleasantly
compact and light; an entire Mac sys-
tem in an optional padded satchel
weighs 25.6 pounds (less than many
transportable computers) and can be
carried onto an airplane.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram of
the Macintosh hardware; for more
details, see the "Macintosh System
Architecture" text box. For now, let's
look at the machine's major subas-
semblies:
Processor: The Macintosh uses a
Motorola 68000 processor running at
7.83 MHz.
Video display: The Mac has a
9-inch monitor that displays a non-
interlaced image at 60.15 Hz. The res-
olution of the video image is 80 pixels
per inch, so the overall screen is 512
by 342 pixels.
ROM: The Mac uses two 256K-bit
ROMs configured as 64K bytes of
memory. The ROM (read-only
memory) contains most of the Mac's
operating system and a "toolbox" of
optimized 68000 user interface related
routines (see the text box "The User
Interface Toolbox" for more detail).
The ROM is always accessed at full
speed, 7.83 MHz.
RAM: The Mac has 128K bytes of
memory; at some point (Apple says
by the end of 1984), this will be ex-
pandable to 5T2K bytes (by substi-
tuting 256K-bit dynamic RAM
(random-access read/write memory)
chips for the 64K-bit chips currently
being used). The screen display uses
21,888 bytes and is drawn using this
memory and DMA (direct memory
access) circuitry. Apple has an un-
Text continued on page 39
anywhere on the product or in the ROM.
Each plug is labeled with a picture that
identifies its function.
•The video-display rate of '60.15 Hz is gen-
erated internally instead of being derived
from the line current. This allows the Mac
to be used without modification in coun-
tries that have 50-Hz line current.
•Macintosh software has been designed so
that all text messages, message layouts,
and icons can be stored in a resource file,
separate from the program itself. A de-
signer can use a resource-editor program
to change text (for example, to another lan-
guage), icons, message layout, and the for-
mats of time, dates, numbers, and curren-
cy. With this method, the program itself
does not have to be changed and recompiled
to make these changes.
•The keys on the keyboard are defined by
the software, thus allowing Apple to
change the keyboard easily to accommodate
the special characters needed by some lan-
guages. In addition, Apple has designed
the Mac so that two keyboards (differing
in only one key) can be used for all ver-
sions of the product; Apple customizes a
keyboard for a given language by printing
the necessary legends into the plastic keys.
In addition, any Mac keyboard can produce
the full Macintosh character set; the only
advantage to having the keyboard for a cer-
tain language is that the keyboard layout
will be more appropriate for that language.
With these innovations, the most time-
consuming part of modifying the Macin-
tosh for another country is translating and
printing the documentation. Apple reports
that it will be shipping the Macintosh to
several foreign countries "within several
months of the Mac's introduction." (Com-
panies never seem to meet such deadlines,
so expect foreign versions to be shipped be-
fore the end of 1984.)
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 35
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Figure 2: /I Woc/t diagram of the Macintosh hardware. For more details, see the "Macintosh System Architecture" text box.
36 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
The User-Interface Toolbox
The toolbox (which occupies two-thirds
of the high-speed 64K-byte ROM inside the
Macintosh) includes optimized 68000
machine-language routines that handle all
aspects of the Macintosh user interface-
things like windoivs, text, the mouse, pull-
down menus, desk accessories, dialogue
boxes, and fonts. The figure below shows
the relative relationships among the dif-
ferent units (or packages of routines). Here
is o brief description of each unit, starting
with the lowest-level unit and working up:
•Resource Manager: These routines
coordinate the use of resources, which are
data structures such as text strings,
menus, and icon and font definitions.
These resources are kept separate from the
actual code of an application, which means
that the resources of an application can be
modified without forcing a recompilation
(or modification) of the application pro-
gram. The Resource Manager is usually
called by higher units like the menu and
font managers.
•Font Manager: This unit supports the
use of various text fonts. It calls the
resource manager when it needs to use a
font not already in memory, and it is usual-
ly called by the Quickdraw unit.
•Quickdraw: Quickdraw is a graphics
package that is at the heart of both the Lisa
and Macintosh computers. Bill Atkinson,
its creator, worked for 3% years on the
code, rewriting it many times and reduc-
ing it from a 160K-byte compiled Pascal
program to a 24K-b}/te package of highly
optimized 68000 code. Atkinson, who was
involved in the early design of the Lisa's
user interface, designed and optimized
Quickdraw for the Lisa computer; he later
joined the Macintosh design team. Quick-
draw is very fast— for example, it can print
to the screen more than 7000 characters per
second. Two of its most interesting
capabilities are its ability to fill in any ar-
bitrary shape with a pattern and its abil-
ity to "clip" an image to correspond to the
boundaries of an arbitrary masking shape.
The latter ability is needed to correctly
display window contents when one win-
dow overlaps others. The source code for
Quickdraw is identical in both the Lisa and
the Macintosh.
•Event Manager: All system events (e.g.,
keypresses and mouse button presses) are
received and interpreted through this unit,
which mediates between the application
program and the outside world.
•Toolbox Utilities: These routines han-
dle miscellaneous tasks that include string
operations, fixed-point arithmetic, and bit-
wise logical operations.
•Window Manager: Since all action on
the Macintosh display occurs within win-
dows, this is a very important unit that
is used a lot. The Windoiv Manager allows
the application program to interact with
windows on a high level while it takes care
of the low-level details automatically. It
allows you to create different kinds of boxes
(document, dialogue, and alert boxes, for
example), delete them, move them, change
their size, and make an inactive window
active and vice versa. The Window
Manager ensures that the computer auto-
matically redraws the necessary screen
areas when some aspect of a window is
changed.
•Control Manager: This unit controls
the use of software buttons, check boxes,
and dials, all of which can be called on to
show and alter the status of certain
variables.
•Menu Manager: Given a two-dimen-
sional matrix of menu items (each column
is a menu title followed by its selections),
this unit controls the display and behavior
of that matrix of pull-down menus.
•Text Edit: These routines control ele-
mentary text entry and editing. Text Edit
is designed with lots of software "hooks"
so that you can modify its behavior but still
use it. An external unit called Core Edit,
which must be loaded into RAM, contains
more sophisticated entry and editing
routines; Core Edit can handle different
fonts, sizes, and text styles.
DESK MANAGER
DIALOG MANAGER
TEXT EDIT
CONTROL MANAGER
MENU MANAGER
WINDOW MANAGER
TOOLBOX UTILITIES
QUICKDRAW
EVENT MANAGER
FONT MANAGER
RESOURCE MANAGER
•Dialog Manager: Dialogue boxes are
text boxes with several check boxes; usually,
clicking the mouse button near a box selects
it (and the action or condition associated
with it) and unselects the previously
checked box. An alert box (as in figure lh)
alerts you to a potentially dangerous situa-
tion and forces you to click on one of two
buttons, "Cancel" or "OK." The Dialog
Manager handles the display of and user
response to a dialogue or alert box.
•Desk Manager: This unit allows the
application program to use the desk ac-
cessories, which are resources that are
called in from disk if they are not current-
ly in memory.
Applications can be written in Mac
BASIC, Mac Pascal, or 68000 assembly
language (usually one of the latter two).
Both Mac Pascal and Mac BASIC are
designed so that their keywords directly call
most of the toolbox routines. Most applica-
tions that use the routines are essentially
an endlessly repeating loop that waits for
an event, determines what kind of event
it is, and then processes the event.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 37
Macintosh System Software Overview
by Andy Hertzfeld
The Macintosh is more than a power-
ful, inexpensive 68000-based desktop com-
puter. It comes with a built-in personality
provided by 64K bytes of handcrafted sys-
tem software contained in two ROM chips
on its digital board. Besides performing
traditional operating-system functions such
as memory and file management, the Mac-
intosh ROM includes the revolutionary
Quickdraw package and a User-Interface
Toolbox to help programmers develop ap-
plications that share a consistent, advanced
user interface.
The Macintosh ROM can be thought of
as an extension to the 68000 instruction
set, augmenting its 56 basic instructions
with more than 480 new instructions
designed for implementing fast mouse-
based applications. It is implemented en-
tirely in 68000 assembly-language code
that has been handcrafted and optimized
over a period of almost three years. We
chose assembly language over a higher-
level language because it was very impor-
tant for the system to be small and fast.
The Macintosh is intended to be a very
high-volume product, and we could afford
to lavish time and attention on every rou-
tine, making each one as efficient as pos-
sible, knowing that our efforts would be
multiplied by the millions of units that we
will eventually ship.
It is someivhat risky to put 64K bytes
of intricate system software in ROM on a
disk-based system, but we did it because
we wanted the machine to have a built-in
standard user interface. By using our
ROM-based toolbox, a programmer saves
development time and precious memory
space; this provides a positive incentive for
doing it our way. Also, the price per bit
of ROM is significantly less than that of
RAM, and not having the operating
system load in from disk saves space on
every disk you have. Application programs
never reference the ROM directly; instead,
the\/ use compact "trap" instructions that
are interpreted by the system dispatcher.
This allows us to intercept any routine to
fix the program bugs that will inevitably
arise.
The Mac's system software design phi-
losophy emphasizes simplicity, flexibility,
and high performance. We chose the single-
application-at-a-time philosophy to help
keep things relatively simple. The user-
interface software is designed to be flexible
because we are still learning how to make
systems easier and more fun to use.
Another reason for designing the software
this way is that trying to live for years
with what we thought was best at any
given time would doom us to eventual
failure. High performance is extremely im-
portant in an interactive system; people
won't enjoy using a system unless it is very
responsive.
About one-third of the ROM is devoted
to what we call the Macintosh Operating
System, which contains many components
found in more traditional systems. It in-
cludes the low-level device drivers and in-
terrupt handlers, an asynchronous I/O
system, a memory manager, a simple, fast
file system, a segment loader, and various
utility routines. The I/O system supports
swappable, RAM-based device drivers as
well as its built-in serial, disk, and sound
drivers. Most I/O and file-system calls can
be made asynchronously, which alloivs an
application to overlap I/O tasks with oilier
tasks. The memory manager minimizes the
fragmentation of available memory into
small pieces by supporting relocatable ob-
jects that are always accessed indirectly;
the memory manager also provides an
automatic caching scheme by optionally
(3a)
Photo 3: Inside the Macintosh computer. From the front (photo 3a), you can see the video display and the 3Vi-inch disk drive. From the
rear (photo 3b), you can see the two main circuit boards (right and bottom), the rear of the video-display tube, the 3 l h-u\ch disk drive, and
a row of connectors at the bottom of the unit. The connections go, from left to right, to the mouse, a second disk drive, two peripherals (these
are two serial ports), and an external amplifier (for sound output).
38 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
purging objects as memory grows fuller.
The file system ensures against loss of data
by maintaining tags on every block; these
allow the contents of a disk to be pieced back
together even if the directory is destroyed.
Another third of the ROM is occupied
by Bill Atkinson's Quickdraw graphics
package. Quickdraw, which is the corner-
stone of Apple's "Lisa technology," is
responsible for the Mac's extremely fast
user interaction. It draws practically every-
thing you see on the screen, including text
(in a variety of typefaces and styles) and
both filled and unfilled rectangles, lines,
and ovals. It also is capable of representing
arbitrary areas of the screen called regions
in a very compact data structure. All
Quickdraw calls are clipped to the intersec-
tion of up to three regions, providing the
fundamental capability necessary for over-
lapping windows. Quickdraw also is cap-
able of recording any sequence of procedure
calls and saving them as a picture. Pic-
tures provide an easy, powerful method for
transferring graphics between applications.
The final third of the Macintosh ROM
is occupied by the User-Interface Toolbox,
a collection of various managers and serv-
ices intended to help a programmer develop
applications that conform to the Macintosh
standard user interface. Its principal com-
ponents are resources, windows, menus,
controls, dialogues, and a text-editing
package. The window, menu, and control
managers contain little information on how
individual windows, menus, or controls
look or behave. Instead, this information
is encapsulated in definition functions,
which are kept as resources and swapped
into memory as necessary to implement
messages sent by the various managers.
This provides a very flexible structure
capable of evolving as we learn how to im-
prove the user interface.
Another important goal of the Macin-
tosh system software is to facilitate the
passing of data between applications. A
scrap manager is provided to help ap-
plications share data. It defines two data
types that every application is requested to
support (simple ASCII text and Quickdraw
pictures) and lets applications define their
own custom types. It provides routines for
transferring data in and out of the scrap.
As stated above, Macintosh supports
only one application running at any given
time. This restriction is mainly due to
limited available memory. By making a few
simple calls to the desk manager, an ap-
plication may allow many useful mini-
applications to run concurrently with
itself. These small programs are called
desk accessories and are capable of cut-
ting and pasting data with each other as
well as with the major application. We cur-
rently provide five desk accessories (calcu-
lator, clock, notepad, control panel for
default system parameters, and scrapbook).
By the spring of 1983, it became apparent
that we would not be able to fit all the
routines that we had hoped to into our
64K-byte ROM space. We designed a facil-
ity to allow some system code (in the
system resource file) to be swapped in from
disk to RAM when needed. We now use
five such RAM-based packages, including
a fully IEEE-standard floating-point
numeric package, a standard file dialogue
package, and an international string
package that deals with various formats for
date and time display.
In summary, the 64K bytes of ROM-
based firmware provide Macintosh with a
unique personality and user interface,
forming the foundation for the development
of communicating applications that share
a common user interface. The Macintosh
firmware is very fast and flexible, and it
will be exciting to see all the applications
that develop from it in the years to come.
Andy Hertzfeld is a member of the Apple
Macintosh design team.
Text continued from page 35:
disclosed proprietary technique for
phase-locking the 68000 to less ex-
pensive memory, which lowers the
product cost without sacrificing the
speed of memory access.
When the Mac is drawing a hori-
zontal line of the video display the
68000 and the video DMA circuitry
alternate (interleave) their accesses to
the RAM address and data lines.
Since these two can never access RAM
simultaneously the 68000 can never
produce hashing or other glitches in
the video display by accessing RAM
at the wrong time. Because of this
interleaving, the 68000 accesses RAM
at 3.92 MHz, half of the full 7.83 MHz
rate, during the display of a hori-
zontal line of the screen. This is done
in the following way: the DMA cir-
cuitry puts a word from RAM into
the video shift register; while the
register is sending out those 16 bits
serially to the screen, the 68000 uses
RAM for its own purposes; then the
cycle begins again with the DMA
circuitry.
When the video display is doing a
horizontal or vertical retrace, how-
ever, the 68000 gets exclusive use of
the RAM at its full speed, 7.83 MHz.
This has a significant effect on the
average speed of RAM access. Out of
the 45 ps (microseconds) for each
horizontal display line, over 12 ps
(about 27 percent of the time) are oc-
cupied by horizontal retrace. Of these
12 ps, about 0.5 ps is used to send
data to the sound and disk-speed cir-
cuitry, while the rest is available to
the 68000. Furthermore, out of the
16.626 ms (milliseconds) used to draw
each complete screen, 1.258 ms
(about 7.6 percent of the time) are
devoted to vertical retrace. Of this,
about 14 ps are used for sound and
disk-speed control (representing the
control work done at the end of the
equivalent of 28 unused horizontal
lines of video), leaving more than
1.244 ms for the 68000 to access RAM
at full speed.
To summarize, the ROM is always
accessed at 7.83 MHz, regardless of
screen display. The RAM is accessed
at 3.92 MHz during screen display
and at 7.83 MHz otherwise. The
average speed of the system is
around 6 MHz.
One memory area of interest is the
sound buffer. Along with associated
hardware, this buffer enables you to
create four channels of arbitrary
sound while using no more than 50
percent of the 68000's computing
power. The 68000 performs look-up
operations every 44 ps on up to four
256-byte waveform tables; the result
of these lookups is placed in a
370-byte sound buffer, from which
the sound hardware fetches 1 byte
every 44 ps to deliver to an 8-bit
digital-to-analog circuit (DAC). An in-
ternal VIA (versatile interface
adapter) can also be used to generate
a single square-wave tone while
using an insignificant part of the
68000's computing power.
Mass storage: The Macintosh uses
a custom version of the Sony 3V2-inch
disk and drive (see photo 4). The
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 39
The Macintosh Memory Map
The Macintosh memory map contains
RAM, ROM, and I/O devices that com-
municate with the 68000 through specified
memory locations. When the Macintosh is
turned on (i.e., at boot-up), the 64K-byte
ROM maps into the first page of memory
and is used to get the system started. After
boot-up, the positions of RAM and ROM
are changed so that the 128K-byte block of
RAM occupies the first two pages of
memory (see figure below).
The Phase Read area of memory is used
to determine whether the computer's
timing signals are correctly in phase with
each other; this is usually done by ROM
routines at boot-up.
The VIA (versatile interface adapter)
locations are used by the Macintosh's 6522
VIA. This chip gives the Macintosh
parallel input, output, and interrupt lines,
shift registers, mouse information, and
clocks.
The MM locations are used by the
Macintosh's IWM (integrated Woz ma-
chine), which controls all access to the in-
ternal 3Vi-inch disk drive and the optional
external one.
The SCC Read and SCC Write locations
are used for several purposes. They allow
the SCC (serial communications controller)
chip to handle two serial ports at rates be-
tween 30 and 230,400 bits per second. In
addition, they allow the SCC to detect
mouse motion (in conjunction with the
VIA) and adjust the phase of the Macin-
tosh timing signals.
Most programmers will not need in-
timate knowledge of the Macintosh
memory map. The 64K-byte ROM contains
sophisticated routines that take care of low-
level processes like I/O, memory manage-
ment, video display, and similar tasks. Ap-
ple encourages the use of these routines;
they mean less development time, con-
formity to the standard Macintosh user in-
terface, faster programs (ROM always runs
at full speed), and more memory space for
programs and disks.
ADDRESS (IN
HEXADECIMAL)
PHASE READ
VIA
IWM
SCC WRITE
SCC READ
128 K RAM
DUPLICATE ROM IMAGE
64 K ROM
FF FFFF
F8 OOOO
FO 0000
PHASE READ
E8 0000
VIA
EO 0000
DO 0000
IWM
ADDF
Htx/
CO 0000
SCC WRITE
BO 0000
DISK SPEED AND
SOUND, PACE 1
AO 0000
90 0000
SCC READ
(BOTTOM)
VIDEO SCREEN, PAGE 1
62 0000
(TOP)
60 0000
41 0000
USER SYSTEM
MEMORY (80 K)
40 0000
64 K ROM
02 0000
128 K RAM
01 0000
00 0000
HARDWARE EXCEPTION
VECTORS
01 FFFF
01 FFE3
01 FDOO
01 FC7F
01 A700
00 0100
00 0000
DURING BOOT-UP
AFTER BOOT-UP
40 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Photo 4: The Sony 3V2-inch disk is encased in a rigid plastic housing, and the oval window
through which the magnetic medium is accessed is protected by a metal shutter that slides
out of the way when the disk is inserted in the drive. These factors help protect the disk from
casual use.
drive can store 400K bytes on a
single-sided 3V2-inch disk; the Mac is
designed to be able to use double-
sided drives to get 800K bytes per
disk, an option that Apple may pur-
sue at a later date. The standard Sony
3V2-inch disk (used to date by Hew-
lett-Packard and other vendors) puts
70 tracks of data at 135 tpi (tracks per
inch) onto each disk. At Apple's urg-
ing, Sony now makes the drive in
another model that has 80 tracks of
data at 135 tpi. As a comparison, the
Hewlett-Packard HP 150 uses the
70-track version and conventional
sectoring to get 270K bytes per single-
sided disk.
Sharing Data among Programs
Macintosh programs, if they are de-
signed in accordance with Apple guide-
lines, will he able to trade data among
themselves without one program having
to know anything about the nature of the
others. This is done through use of a
shared memory area called the clipboard
and the standardization of the data that can
be stored in it.
The clipboard is a relocatable piece of
memory that is not erased ivhen a new pro-
gram replaces an older one. It is used as
follows: the first program copies data into
the clipboard, the second program replaces
the first with its own code and data, and
the data in the clipboard is added to the
data now in memory. The clipboard can
contain a variable number of data items,
though every item must be of a different
type. Each data item consists of a four-
character data-type identifier, a 32-bit
length (in bytes), and a stream of bytes that
makes up the actual contents of the data
item.
Programs are free to implement their
own data types. Apple has defined two-
text and Quickdraw pictures — and en-
courages every program to be able to read
both and write at least one of these data
types. Text is a simple ASCII string of
characters without any information on the
size, font, or position of the text. Quick-
draw pictures are defined as a sequence of
commands that can be understood by the
Quickdraw routines. A Quickdraw picture
can contain displayable text (which does
include information on text size, font, and
position on the screen), a sequence of
elementary graphics commands that will
recreate the image, or the image described
as a stream of bits. These two data types
provide a guaranteed means of communica-
tion among Macintosh programs.
In addition to the change to 80 tpi,
Apple contracted Sony to modify the
drive in several other ways. Two
changes allow the Sony drive to
mimic the behavior of the Lisa
"twiggy" drives (which were original-
ly chosen for use in the Mac): disk
ejection under software control and
variable disk-rotation speed. The first
change allows the Mac to ensure that
a disk is correctly updated before it
is surrendered to the user (that is,
you can't take a disk out of the drive
until the Mac software permits it).
The second change enables the Mac
to record onto the disk at a constant
linear density (which means you can
put more data on the outermost
tracks), as opposed to the constant
radial density approach most com-
puters use (which puts the same
amount of data on each track regard-
less of position).
The Macintosh's drive rotates
under software control between 390
and 600 rpm (revolutions per minute)
and transfers data at the rate of
489.6K bits per second (bits as re-
corded on the disk, not decoded data
bits). Most computers use a disk-
controller chip instead of the pro-
cessor to control the drive. The Mac
(like the Apple II) uses its processor
to directly control the drive. Because
the Macintosh can control more disk-
related parameters than the Apple II
(the variable motor speed, for exam-
ple), Macintosh owners will be
treated to an even greater wealth of
copy-protection schemes than Apple
II owners enjoy. Also, the Macintosh
drive uses modified group code record-
ing to encode data onto the disk. This
technique, invented by Steve Woz-
niak for use with the Apple II, en-
codes 6 bits of data into an eight-
transition group that is recorded onto
the disk surface.
Keyboard: The keyboard has 58
keys; the left Shift key is split on the
international version of the Macin-
tosh, giving it a total of 59 keys. The
keyboard includes Return, Caps
Lock, and Shift keys in their usual
places, two Option keys, and a
cloverleaf command key (see photo
5). Combinations of the Shift, Caps
Lock, and Option keys give each key
up to six meanings; the command key
42 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
acts as a modifier and is often used
with a letter key as the keyboard sub-
stitute for a mouse-selected menu
item. The keyboard contains an 8021
microprocessor and is connected to
the main box by a four-wire bidirec-
tional serial connection. The connec-
tions on both ends use the same kind
of square modular plug found in
most telephones.
Mouse: The Mac's one-button
mechanical mouse, about the size of
a pack of cigarettes, is essentially the
same as the Lisa's; it differs only in
the shape of the plastic housing. The
mouse is used to position the cursor
on the screen; when you slide the
mouse over a horizontal surface, the
cursor moves in the same direction
on the screen.
Serial bus: The Macintosh's serial
bus is very important because it is the
way that most future peripherals (ex-
cept the second 3V2-inch disk drive
and the keypad) will connect to the
computer. The bus can run in two
modes: with an external clock, it can
transfer data at up to 1 megabit per
second; with internal clocking (which
embeds clock bits in the data stream
itself), it can transfer data at up to
230.4K bits per second. The latter
scheme will be used to connect most
peripherals, which need only a low
to medium data-transfer rate, to the
Macintosh in a passive daisy-chained
line. This scheme implements what
the Mac's designers call "virtual
slots."
Virtual slots have several advan-
tages over conventional hardware
peripheral slots. They reduce the
potential problems inherent in any
added mechanical connection (a
serial interface connector has fewer
pins than a typical interface board).
They reduce RFI (radio-frequency in-
terference) by keeping the main box
leakproof and allowing easy, inex-
pensive shielding of the serial line.
By deciding that peripherals will
supply their own power, the Macin-
tosh designers were able to stream-
line the power supply of the main
box without worrying about the
power needs of unspecified future
peripherals. Finally, virtual slots
eliminate the need of peripheral
cards to insert themselves some-
where in the computer's memory
map; the unchanging memory map
creates a known, unchanging system
architecture that all software design-
ers can be assured of, regardless of
the peripherals connected.
The virtual-slot scheme is both
practical and elegant; it offers a
simple, standard way to connect un-
specified future peripherals. The
230.4K bit-per-second data-transfer
rate is high enough to meet the needs
of most peripherals— printers,
modems, plotters, music synthe-
sizers, and so on. However, one class
of add-on card will not work using
this scheme: processor cards like the
Microsoft Softcard, which allow a
computer to run another processor's
software. Such cards require full ac-
cess to the data and address lines and
will not work via a serial "virtual
slot." As a result, despite some
rumors to the contrary, the Macin-
tosh will never use IBM PC- or MS-
DOS-based software.
Power supply: Apple designed two
power supplies for the Macintosh.
The first one uses a 60-watt switch-
ing power supply similar to one used
in the Apple II family; it can operate
on 85 to 135 V AC at either 50 or 60
Hz. For technical reasons, use of this
power supply would have delayed
the introduction of the machine, so
Apple designed and produced a
simpler nonswitching power supply
1 J J M M M M>, * a, & * », ■
Photo 5: The Macintosh keyboard.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 43
(105 to 130 V AC, 60 Hz) for initial use
in the first U.S. models of the Macin-
tosh. The first switching power sup-
ply will be used later in the year for
the international model and possibly
for the U.S. model.
The supply was designed to drive
two twiggy disks; when the design
was changed to include two 3V2-inch
disks instead, the supply had a
sizable margin of unused power.
System Software
As stated before, the Macintosh
contains 64K bytes of ROM accessed
at 7.83 MHz. The ROM contains most
of the Mac operating system and a set
of optimized 68000 routines called
the Macintosh User-Interface Tool-
box. The operating-system software
interacts at the lowest level with the
hardware; it includes such things as
device drivers and memory- and file-
management routines. The toolbox
contains various routines that let you
manipulate windows, text, the
mouse, pull-down menus, desk ac-
cessories, dialogue boxes, fonts, and
other aspects of the Mac user inter-
face. These are high-level routines
SEATTLE GIVES YOU
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SYSTEM DESIGNS
You can unlock new system capabilities with high-per-
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Seattle Computer products. For example, with our
8 MHz 8086 CPU, you'll be able to build systems
that run faster and consume less power than before.
Take a closer look:
8086 CPU Set: 8 MHz 8086 CPU • CPU Support
board includes a console serial port, a second seria
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controller, four 16-bit timers and EPROM monitor
for 8086 • MS-DOS 2.0 plus development utilities
• 8087 numeric coprocessor is optional
• Single Qty: $595.00
64k Stafic RAM Fully static design makes inter- '=2sfi
lacing easy • Compatible with a variety of CPU
and DMA devices • High-speed (85 ns) RAMs
operate to 10 MHz with no wait states • 16k , "
32k. and 48k OEM versions are available
•Single Qty: $495.00 (64k)
Disk Master'- Controls as many as four 8"
and four 5.25" floppy disk drives simulta-
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disk controller chip • Can be used with
10 MHz CPUs • Single Qty: $325.00
Multi-Port Serial Card 2- and 4-port ver-
sions are available • These RS-232 ports
operate as either "data sets" or
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• Single Qty: $280.00 (4-port)
$210.00 (2-port)
For the whole story on high-performance
Seattle Computer S-100 boards, call:
1-8UU-426-S9J6 1 j 14 industry Drive
DealerandOEM inquires are invited. Seattle, WA 98188
that perform the details of such com-
plicated operations with minimum
programming on the application de-
signer's part. For example, the
window-management routines take
care of correctly redrawing the dis-
play when a window is moved or
changed. For more details, see the
text box "The User-Interface Toolbox."
The designers intend for you to ac-
cess all ROM routines indirectly via
the 68000 "line 1010 unimplemented"
instructions, which receive their ad-
dresses from a table in RAM; this
table can be changed to point to other
routines, thereby allowing future ver-
sions of Mac software to patch the in-
evitable bugs that will be found in the
Mac ROM. Because the application
drives the ROM routines (instead of
the other way around), the Macin-
tosh is an "open" system whose
behavior is completely determined by
the contents of the disk inserted into
it— that is, software designers can use
the ROM routines to create a "stan-
dard" Macintosh application, or they
can write their own code to create an
application that behaves the way they
want it to.
Although the designers of the
Macintosh have a general philosophy
of allowing only one application pro-
gram to be open at a time, they have
included in the main menu a collec-
tion of short, useful programs that
can run without forcing you to end
your current program. Apple calls
these programs desk accessories. Many
of the accessories are simply con-
veniences—the clock accessory, for
example, shows you the current date
and time— but a very powerful ac-
cessory is called the scrapbook. Or-
dinarily, you can cut and paste data
from one document to another by
cutting the data into the clipboard,
loading in the new document, and
pasting in the data; this process
would be tedious if you had several
items of the same type to cut and
paste. The scrapbook is a sequence
of data items— text or graphics— that
can be stored or recalled together,
thus minimizing the number of
document changes and allowing you
to recall often-used data items easily.
The scrapbook is actually imple-
mented as a disk file; as a result, it
44 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 327 on inquiry card.
KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS INC.
Information Processing Components,
Selected for Performance and Value.
NO SURCHARGE FOR MASTER CARD AND VISA
'REPAID PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING AND INSURANCE, UPS Ground Continental USA only.
SOFTWARE
Ashton Tate
) Base II 389
ridays 184
Software Arts
K Solver 215
iolver Pac 88
Sorcim
luper Calc III 294
Micro Pro
Vordstar 258
Tail Merge 131
pellstar 131
II in one pack 475
MBSI
eal World GL 533
eal World AR 533
American Training
or most Programs Call
Hayes
mart Com 71
Micro Stuff
rosstalk 134
emote 100
Rose Soft
rokey 60
Televideo
10 533
25 753
50 950
Teletex
300 494
Hayes
30 207
200 493
200B 432
licro Modem II w/T 242
US Robotics
assword 340
uto Dial 21 2A 460
Novation
ccess 1-2-3 Call
pple Cat II 282
Promethius Products
200 365
Rixon
12A Call
100 Call
TERMINALS
MODEMS
Shipping extra for outside USA, FPO and
\P0
'lease include an address reachable by
IPS. no P.O. boxes, and your phone
umber where you can be reached during
le day.
Leading Edge
8510A 363
1550 668
F10-40 1079
F10-55 1415
A10-18 625
We Know How to make your
Prowriter IBM Compatible
Okidata
92A 430
93A 770
92IBM 486
IBM Printer ROM 45
2350 2090
2410 2380
Star Micronics
Gemini 10X 300
Gemini 15X 444
Delta 10 494
NEC
3550 1888
7710 2095
Brother
HR1 607
HR25 786
Dynax
15 462
Key Board 149
IDS
Prism 1 32 Color 1 578
Prism 80 Color 1419
Transtar
315 Color 480
Silver Reed
550 599
500 431
Juki
6100 492
Teletex
1014 455
AST Research
6-Pack 64K 269
Combo Plus 64K 269
Mega Plus II 269
Micro Graphics
RGB, Monichrome, Printer 398
Plantronics
Color Plus 375
(213) 344-4455
Knowledge Systems Inc.
19707 Ventura Blvd.
Woodland Hills
CA 91364
SPECIALS
IBM PC ACCESSORIES
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f-
12 Slot Chassis, 125 Watt Power Supply &
IBM Compatible CPU
IMP SYSTEM $1200
The S-100 Concept for
IBM Compatible Systems
TAVA-PC $1995
DISK
DRIVES 51/4 DSDD
TEAC 55B
PANASONIC/SHUGART
TANDON T100-2
$225
$205
. . $238
MONITORS
Amdek
300A 143
300G 133
310A 175
Dynax
12" Green 127
12" Amber 138
Tax an
RGB III 446
RGB 420 Call
Sanyo
8112 Hi/Res 195
USI
PI 2 12" Green 125
PI 3 12" Amber 142
Princeton Graphics
PGS HX 12 485
Sony
RGB Call
NEC
JB 1201 162
JB 1205A 172
JC 1410 817
ORDERING TERMS
Prepaid: Money Orders. Cashier's Checks,
Certified Checks. Bank Wire Transfers.
Master Card, Visa, AM EX (add 3% for
AM EX) and Personal Checks (allow 15
banking days for all personal checks).
Please include Valid Driver's License #
and Major Credit Card for Identification.
Circle 205 on inquiry card.
tends to be rather large.
System software reacts to all pe-
ripherals on an asynchronous basis-
peripherals compete for the attention
of the 68000 by sending it interrupts,
which the 68000 services according to
the level of the interrupt. This keeps
the 68000 from being tied exclusively
to a peripheral— for example, to the
3V2-inch disk drive waiting to get up
to its full speed— when it could be
doing something more useful. The
Mac's designers have managed to do
this even with high-speed periph-
erals that usually require the full at-
tention of a processor. For example,
disk and serial-port routines have
been dovetailed to permit the use of
both peripherals at the same time.
Disk Reliability
Reliability was one of the main
reasons that Apple decided to use
the 3V2-inch Sony disk drive instead
of the 5 ¥4 -inch twiggy drive. (A pro-
jected shortage of twiggy drives was
another reason.) Apple is expecting
the Macintosh to be the first real
consumer-oriented computer, and it
sees the magnetic medium as being
more likely to fail than the elec-
tronics. The Sony 3V2-inch disk is bet-
ter suited to the consumer environ-
ment. The drive can hold an accept-
able amount of storage per disk, and
the small disk, with its rigid shell and
normally closed access window, is
less likely to suffer from bad handling
than a conventional 5V4-inch floppy
disk. In addition, the magnetic
medium is connected to a steel hub
that the drive mates with and rotates.
This is an improvement over 5V4-inch
floppy-disk drives, which clamp the
Mylar edge of the center hole. The
3V2-inch disk hub is needed to get ac-
curate enough disk-head placement
to make a data density of 135 tracks
per inch possible.
The data on the disk is encoded in
a way that enables the Macintosh to
recover from some disk medium or
disk file errors. The file directory is
duplicated in a normal disk file
(which can be used if, for some
reason, the directory is damaged).
Also, each block of data on the disk
includes a 12-byte identifier that gives
the file number, sequence-within-file
number, and date/time stamp for the
data in the rest of that block; this can
be used in many situations to recover
most or all of the data on the disk.
Applications and Languages
Neither application software nor a
language is included in the basic
Macintosh package. However, a two-
program set will be available for $195;
both programs require the recently
introduced Imagewriter printer to
print things out. The first program is
Mac Paint, the drawing program we
looked at earlier. Created in house at
Apple, Mac Paint is limited to draw-
ings that will fit on one 8V2- by
11-inch page. Mac Paint is unlike the
Lisa drawing program (Lisa Draw) in
that it manipulates the drawing on a
bit-by-bit level (a Lisa Draw drawing
is stored as a collection of elementary
objects— circles, text, boxes, etc.). This
representation makes some things,
such as arbitrary erasures, easier on
the Mac and other things, such as de-
leting a single object within the draw-
ing, harder.
GET THE SAME VIDEO TRAINING
THE PEOPLE ATSONY GET.
Now you can be trained by Sony even if you
aren't employed by Sony.
Because we're making our vast library of train-
ing videotapes available to you. The very tapes that
teach our own engineering, service and sales personnel
The tapes cover the products and concepts of
video and its related technologies. You can learn the
basics of video recording. Color systems.
Digital video and electronics. Television
production. And more.
Plus you can learn how to service
cameras.VTR's, and other video products
As professionally as Sony does.
The tapes are pro-
duced entirely by
Sony and contain
up-to-the-minute
information. They
communicate clear-
ly and simply. And
some of them are
even programmed for
interactive learning.
And learning through video can be done at
your own pace, in the convenience of your home,
shop or school. Reviewing is quick and easy. And
the tapes are always available for reference.
Send for your catalog, which lists more than
250 titles. In your choice of 3/4" or 1/2" formats.
Write Sony Video Products Com-
pany, Tape Production Services.
700 W. Artesia Boulevard,
Compton, California 90220.
Or call (213) 537-4300.
Of course, there's no
obligation. Except the
obligation you have to
yourself: to find out
about the best train-
ing available in
one of the country's
fastest-growing,
most lucrative fields.
SONY
Video Communications
Sony is a reg. trademark of Sony Corp.
46 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 340 on inquiry card.
DISCOVER THE DYSAN DIFFERENCE
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Circle 403 on inquiry card.
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Please send me more details on
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« File Edit Search Format Font
To:
From:
Re:
j m_y — rc^; — i VJ i
Robert
Elizabeth
Byt.
Style
^Plain TeHt M?
Bold 3SB
Underline 3§U
EmQOOfflE 360
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g] g)
Here are my comments on your pr q 9 Point
group meeting next week.
14 Point
18 Point
24 Point
36 Point
48 Point
O
.he Finance
...i...i...i...l...j....i...i...l.„i..4...x..4...
...L.....A...L.
..J....1...J...
leems
ms. Let's wait
Moving Date: Discussing
f , t J 72 Point
premature, since there ar u uu, muiij u-nmiu ■
awhile.
Manufacturing Presentation: I'm concerned about John
giving the technical presentation. I really think Frank has
O
Figure 3: The Mac Write word-processing program.
The second program in the set is
Mac Write (figure 3), which was
created out of house for Apple and
can handle documents up to 10
single-spaced or 20 double-spaced
pages. Like Lisa Write, Mac Write can
handle multiple fonts and sizes as
well as variations achieved by adding
any combination of five modifiers-
underline, bold, italic, outline, and
shadow.
Apple Macintosh Pascal, Assem-
bler/Debugger, BASIC, and Logo will
cost $99 each; the first two will be
available during the second quarter
of 1984, and the other two will follow
in the third quarter. The Logo is from
LCSI, which developed Apple II
Logo. Both the BASIC and Pascal
compile on a line-by-line basis into an
intermediate pseudocode, which
gives them the speed of compiled
languages while retaining the interac-
tive nature of interpreted languages.
Both languages use separate win-
dows for program source code and
output, and both can be debugged
on a line-by-line basis. Both have
graphics and mouse commands that
call on the toolbox routines in ROM,
and both use floating-point arith-
metic routines (in RAM) that meet
the IEEE-754 floating-point standard.
Mac Pascal, which was created out
of house, is interesting in that it is the
only Pascal I know of that can be ex-
ecuted interactively. Another nice
feature is its syntax checker, an item
that can be called from its "Run"
menu. This menu item is often
handy for finding those petty syntax
errors to which Pascal code is prone.
Mac BASIC was created in house
by Donn Denman, who worked on
Apple III Business BASIC. An inter-
active, multitasking BASIC, it can ex-
ecute multiple copies of the same
program or multiple programs simul-
taneously; each program and each
running task has its own window.
Other Apple programs announced
for delivery in 1984 include Mac Ter-
minal (which emulates the DEC
VT-52 and VT-100 and Teletype ASR33
terminals— available first quarter,
$99). Also planned are Mac Draw (an
object-oriented drawing program)
and Mac Project (a scheduling and
project-management program).
These are both Macintosh versions of
two Lisa application programs; each
costs $125 and will be available in the
third quarter of 1984.
Third-Party Software
Apple has not spent all its energy
trying to write all the software that
the Macintosh needs. Instead, it has
created two exemplary Macintosh
packages and gone to third-party
software developers to get them to
create the bulk of available Macintosh
software. Apple estimates that by the
time you read this, the Mac will be
in the hands of more than 100 soft-
ware vendors.
At the time this was written, some
software developers had made com-
mitments to market Macintosh soft-
ware. Microsoft Multiplan and
BASIC will be available at the Mac's
48 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 352 on inquiry card.
Bored Waiting?
Here's The Board You Ve
Been Waiting For.
II , II ' J I
i ' f I llillllillllllll
A hard disk and cartridge tape
controller together on one
board? Magic? Not really. It's
Teletek's HD/CTC. The hard disk
and cartridge tape drive control-
ler provide the support necessary
to interface both rigid-disk
drives and a cartridge tape deck
to the S-100 bus.
A Z-80A CPU (optionally Z-80B)
providing intelligent control of
the rigid-disk and cartridge
tape drives.
Support of 5'/4" rigid-disk
drives with transfer rates of
5 megabits per second. Minor
changes of the on-board com-
ponents allow the support of
other drive types/sizes and
transfer rates up to 15 megabits
per second. (Interface to disk
drive is defined by software/
firmware on-board.)
Controller communications
with the host processor via 2K
FIFO at any speed desirable
(limited only by RAM access
time) for a data block transfer.
Thus the controller does not
constrain the host processor in
any manner.
Two 28-pin sockets allowing
the use of up to 16K bytes of
on-board EPROM and up to 8K
bytes of on-board RAM.
• Individual software reset
capability.
• Conforms to the proposed
IEEE-696 S-100 standard.
• Controller can accommodate
two rigid-disk drives and one
cartridge tape drive. Expansion
is made possible with an
external card.
Teletek's HD/CTC Offers A Hard Disk
Controller, Plus Cartridge Tape Controller,
All On One Board.
TELETEK
4600 Pell Drive
1: feletek i')H4
Sacramento, CA 95838 (916) 920-4600 Telex #4991834 Answer back-Teletek
Listing 1: Graphics (listing In) and text (listings lb and lc) as printed by the Macintosh and the lmagewriter printer. The text shown
in listings lb and lc is representative only; some of the fonts shown may not be included with Mac Write or may have different names.
Listing lb is text printed out in high-resolution mode; listing lc shows the same text printed out in medium-resolution mode. These
print samples are reproduced at the same size as the originals.
(la)
iSililSIHllliiuilliiliMs
(lb)
This is 9-poinl Rosemont
This is 12-patnt Dig
This is 12-point Overbrook.
This is 12-point System
This is 12-point Rosemont
This is 12-point Ardmore
This i s 1 2-po i nt tier i on
This is 12-point variants:
— Rosemont bold
—Rosemont italic
-Rosemont underline
--Rosemont outline
--Rosemont in ndo v
--QoggfiHOtutt (DtDtt-
tb©a<fl
These are size variants:
— H-point
— 18-point
— 24-point
-36-pt.
(lc) This ik 9-point Rosetuont
This is 12-potnt City
This is 12-point, Overbrook
This is 12-point System
This is 12-point Rosemont
This is 1 2 -point Ardmore
This i s 1 2-po i nt Her i on
This is 12-point variants:
- Rosemont bold
- -Rosemont italic
- -Rosemont underline
These are size variants:
— 14-point
— 18-point
--24-point
-36-pt.
50 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
By the Way. .
•No, we didn't misspell the name. "Mcin-
tosh" is the apple, but "Macintosh" is the
Apple computer. The product's original
code name was misspelled by its first users,
and Apple decided to stay with that
spelling.
•The Mac Write program was originally
named "Macauthor," and the Mac Draw
program was originally named "Mackel-
angelo." People at Apple decided that the
names were too cute to use; they were
right.
•Apple is one of those exceptional com-
panies that gives its employees credit in-
stead of commanding them to work in ano-
nymity behind the corporate name. The
names of the hundred or so employees who
worked on the Macintosh are molded into
the inside face of the plastic rear housing.
Don't try to look for them, though; the
Mac is not supposed to be opened except
by repair people.
•The Macintosh is not going to be strictly
a "serious" computer. Some of the software
engineers at Apple are very excited about
the great games that could take advantage
of the Mac's computing power and high-
resolution graphics. I saw an incredible
game that has Alice (of Wonderland fame)
dodging animated chess pieces in 3D.
introduction; Microsoft File, Chart,
and Word will be available by mid-
February. Lotus is working on con-
verting its popular 1-2-3 spreadsheet
program. Software Publishing Cor-
poration will have its PFS File and
PFS Report programs available some-
time in April.
Optional Hardware
The Macintosh uses Apple's new
$495 dot-matrix Imagewriter printer,
the only printer that is supported by
the current print driver within the
Macintosh. To get its level of graphics
and text quality (see listings la
through lc), the Imagewriter usually
stays in a graphics mode that prints
a single column of dots for every byte
sent to it by the Mac. However, the
Imagewriter can print text in three
modes: a high-resolution mode
(listing lb), a medium-resolution
mode (listing lc), and a draft mode
that uses the printer's built-in char-
acter set for quick text-only printing.
(I found I prefer the medium- over
the high-resolution text.) Although
the Imagewriter could hardly be
called fast, it is not unacceptably
slow, and it is considerably faster
than the Apple Dot-Matrix Printer
running under the Lisa computer's
parallel port.
Two other pieces of hardware are
an external disk drive (at $395,
available during the first quarter) and
a numeric keypad ($99, at introduc-
tion). The external disk driver con-
nects to the main unit via a dedicated
"second disk" connector in back.
When the keypad is connected, the
keyboard line runs from the Mac,
through the keypad, and into the
keyboard itself. Another product, an-
nounced but not scheduled, is exter-
nal hardware that will give the Mac
IBM 3270 emulation capability.
Documentation and Training
In its ads, Apple is stressing the
necessity of going to a Macintosh
dealer and trying the computer out.
Once you have bought it, though,
you will probably be learning how to
use the Mac on your own. Apple will
help you in this process by providing
you with a cassette/disk combination.
You boot up the 3V2-inch disk tutorial
and listen to the interactive lesson
provided on the cassette. (Of course,
you have to have a cassette player.)
Although I have not seen the cas-
sette/disk tutorial program, I think it
will work well; text-only tutorial pro-
grams are fine, but many buyers of
the Mac will benefit from the warmth
of a human voice teaching them.
I saw final-draft copies of only two
Macintosh product documents. Ex-
plore Mac Paint is a booklet (about 25
pages) that teaches you about Mac
Paint by showing you what it does.
It is very easy to read because it has
more pictures in it than text. Mac
Write is much longer and looks more
like conventional documentation. It
is sensibly divided into three sec-
tions: "Learning Mac Write" (a do-by-
example tutorial that shows you most
of the features of the program),
"Using Mac Write" (a "cookbook"
showing you how to accomplish
many common tasks), and "Refer-
ence." All in all, the documentation
should be quite good.
Service
The Macintosh has no user-service-
able parts. Unlike the Lisa computer,
the Mac is not meant to be opened by
the user; you are expected to return
your Mac to an authorized Apple ser-
vice center for repair. The Mac comes
with Apple's standard 90-day parts-
and-labor warranty. You can also buy
a one-year maintenance contract. Ac-
cording to Apple, other service plans
will be available, including options
for large-volume purchasers of the
Macintosh.
Caveats
I wrote this article after two days of
meetings with various members of
the Macintosh staff, studying pre-
liminary Mac documentation, mak-
ing numerous phone calls to Apple,
and working for several days (over a
period of weeks) with a Macintosh
computer. I used several final-draft
versions of Mac Write and Mac Paint,
though I occasionally found oper-
ating-system features that "crashed"
the system or weren't yet imple-
mented. Apple was still making
minor changes to both software and
pricing when this was written.
Commentary
There is a lot to like about the
Macintosh; it is a superb example of
what American technology can do
when given the chance. The simple,
compact, economical design, the vir-
tual slots, and the enhanced perform-
ance of 128K bytes of memory be-
cause of the 64K-byte ROM code are
all important innovations done well.
I'm glad that Apple decided to go
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 51
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with a Sony 3V2-inch disk (as com-
pared to the Lisa 1, which needs spe-
cial expensive, hard-to-get twiggy
floppy disks). However, I'm disap-
pointed that both Apple and Hew-
lett-Packard have used nonstandard
formats that are incompatible with
each other. It would have been nice
to start the widespread use of the
Sony microfloppy with a standard
disk format, but the incentive to
sacrifice standardization for perform-
ance is one of the drawbacks of a
competitive industry.
I also feel strongly that the basic
Macintosh package should include
two disk drives. With a one-drive sys-
tem, it will take at least eight disk
swaps to back up a 3V2-inch disk.
How many people (especially nov-
ices) will go to this trouble, and how
many will suffer when they don't? (I
am not alone in feeling this way; the
first thing two BYTE editors said
when they first saw the Macintosh
was, "Only one disk drive? You've got
to be kidding!" After numerous disk
swaps when trying to load Mac
Paint from one disk and a drawing
from another, I am convinced that
most users will eventually buy the
second disk drive.)
At the time this was written, Apple
was committed to a totally unbun-
dled pricing of the Macintosh— that
is, the basic Macintosh package (at
$1995 to $2495) includes the main
unit, the keyboard, the mouse,
necessary cables, a tutorial disk, and
a disk containing the operating sys-
tem. Everything else— Mac Write,
Mac Print, all languages, the Image-
writer printer, and the second disk
drive— is priced separately. Since
manufacturers want to claim the
lowest possible price for their prod-
ucts, unbundling is common (IBM,
for example, introduced the IBM PC
with a low-end model, 16K bytes of
memory, and a cassette port for
$1265). True, the low-end Macintosh
is far more complete than most
manufacturers' low-end products,
but Apple has taken unbundling far-
ther than any other microcomputer
vendor— no one has sold a computer
without BASIC (or some other lan-
guage) in years.
A usable Macintosh system with
52 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 302 on inquiry card.
Mac Write, Mac Draw, a program-
ming language, and the Imagewriter
printer costs from $2589 to $3189; a
second disk drive will add another
$395. Apple would be wise to make
this package available at a dis-
counted package price, just as it now
does for the Apple He. Apple con-
tends that the Macintosh will be-
come a home machine because office
users will take it home a few times
and like it enough to buy themselves
one for their personal use. However,
the Mac is still too expensive to
penetrate the home market signi-
ficantly; that will be left to less
expensive machines, such as the
Commodore 64, the IBM PCjr, the
Apple II family, and the Coleco
Adam.
Finally, I have to point out that,
although Apple's advertisements call
the Macintosh a 32-bit system, its
MC68000 processor is generally re-
garded as a 16-bit processor (the
limiting factor is its inability to deal
with multiplicands greater than 16
bits). This is no different from the
vendors of some other 68000-based
microcomputers, but I hate to see
Apple hyping a machine that easily
stands on its own merits.
Conclusions
Exactly a year ago, in a product
description of the Apple Lisa com-
puter, I said, "Technology, while ex-
pensive to create, is much cheaper to
The Macintosh is still
too expensive to
penetrate the home
market significantly;
that will be left to less
expensive machines.
distribute. Apple knows this machine
is expensive and is also not unaware
that most people would be incredibly
interested in a similar but less expen-
sive machine. We'll see what hap-
pens."
Now we have seen what has hap-
pened, and it is rather impressive.
The Lisa computer was important
because it was the first commercial
product to use the mouse-window-
desktop environment. The Macin-
tosh is equally important because it
makes that same environment very
affordable. It is also important
because it is a second-generation
design that, in several areas, im-
proves on the original.
The Macintosh will have three im-
portant effects. First, like the Lisa, it
will be imitated but not copied. In the
year since the Lisa was announced,
dozens of hardware and software
companies have announced products
that duplicate part of the Lisa user
environment— the mouse, the win-
dows, the integrated software. Some,
like Microsoft's mouse-based series of
packages and Visicorp's Visi On, have
tried to mimic that environment on
a smaller, less expensive machine
(the IBM PC) with only partial
success.
In a similar way, companies will be
out to imitate the Macintosh, but
their attempts will be less successful.
Those companies that try to imitate
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February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 53
the Mac on other machines will have
trouble matching its price/perform-
ance combination. So far, attempts to
imitate the Lisa by enhancing an ex-
isting computer (usually an IBM PC)
have been given the benefit of the
doubt because they are less expensive
than the Lisa; attempts to imitate the
Macintosh will now have a harder
time because the Mac with software is
about as cheap as the host hardware
alone.
The only other way to match the
Mac would be to design an entirely
new system that would be compar-
ably priced. This will probably not be
attempted; only a few corporations
have the ability to duplicate Apple's
design and manufacturing effort, and
still fewer will make such a large
financial commitment. (Apple is the
only American company that does
not live under the tyranny of next
quarter's profits; if any company tries
to duplicate Apple's effort, it will
probably be a Japanese one.) Those
that try will find it hard to create
similar technology that competes
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54 February 1984 © BYTE Publications
with the Macintosh in size and price;
Apple is confident that a number of
its components and manufacturing
techniques will be difficult to copy.
Even though Apple has suffered
from carbon-copy Apple II machines,
it does not expect to have the same
thing happen with the Macintosh.
Second, the Macintosh will secure
the place of the Sony 3V2-inch disk as
the magnetic medium of choice for
the next generation of personal com-
puters. I was disappointed when I
first saw that the Mac used the
3V2-inch disk— "Another disk format
to contend with," I thought, "and you
can't use disks from the Lisa." (You
will be able to use Mac disks with the
new Lisa 2; see "Apple Announces
the Lisa 2," on page 84.) Once I had
heard Apple's line of reasoning,
though, I had to agree with its choice.
Hewlett-Packard's HP 150 is the only
other major computer to use the
Sony 3V2-inch disk to date; Apple's
use of it will tip the scales in Sony's
favor, and other manufacturers will
follow.
Third, the Macintosh will increase
Apple's reputation in the market; in
fact, to some people Apple will be as
synonymous with the phrase "per-
sonal computer" as IBM is synony-
mous with "computer." The Mac will
compete with IBM's PC, not its
cheaper sibling, the IBM PCjr. Many
business users will stay with the
"safer" IBM PC. However, people
new to computing and those who are
maverick enough to see the value and
promise of the Mac will favor it. The
Mac will delay IBM's domination of
the personal computer market.
Overall, the Macintosh is a very im-
portant machine that, in my opinion,
replaces the Lisa as the most impor-
tant development in computers in the
last five years. The Macintosh brings
us one step closer to the ideal of com-
puter as appliance. We're not there
yet— at least, not until the next set of
improvements (which, in this in-
dustry, we may see fairly soon). Who
knows who the next innovator will
be?«
Gregg Williams is a senior editor at BYTE. He
can be reached at FOB 372, Hancock, NH 03449.
Inc.
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We were ban
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Day or night.
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Now you're yesterday's conquest,
and things have changed a little.
It's not that you're being totally
ignored — nothing that damning.
But you've discovered that most
of your questions deal with "after prod-
ucts," an area the manufacturer cares
little about.
He's not exactly a storehouse
of knowledge. His inventories are only
so-so. And he's definitely not price
competitive.
What you need is a supply store.
One that's tailored to the computer age.
56 BYTE February 1984
: :zaai.
The quickest way to define
us is as an afterthought. Why? Because
we're all the things you don't think
about until afteryour computer is pur-
chased, installed and on line.
After that, comes the flexible disks,
comes the printer ribbons, comes the
printout labels.
Comes the imprinted forms, comes
the storage binders, comes the com-
puter furniture.
And the cleaning kits and the
expandable racks and the dust
covers and the glare shields and the
outlet strips.
AA
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software has been locked into place,
then comes the hundreds of accessory
products needed to support them.
And that's where the Moore
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Circle 257 on inquiry card.
Left to right: Andy Hertzfeld, Chris Espinosa, Joanna Hoffman, George Crowe, Bill Atkinson, ferry Manock.
An Interview: The Macintosh
Design Team
The making of Macintosh
On October 14, 1983, the design team for Apple Computer Inc.'s new Macintosh computer met with BYTE Managing Editor
Phil Lemmons at the company's Cupertino, California, headquarters. In the dialogue that followed, Bill Atkinson, Steve Jobs,
Andy Hertzfeld, Larry Kenyon, Joanna Hoffman, Burrell Smith, Dave Egner, Chris Espinosa, Steve Capps, Jerry Manock,
Bruce Horn, and George Crowe discussed the evolution of their brainchild.
BYTE: How did the Macintosh pro-
ject begin?
Jobs: What turns on Andy and
Burrell and Chris and Bill and Larry
and everyone else here is building
something really inexpensive so that
everyone can afford it. It's not very
many years ago that most of us in this
room couldn't have afforded a $5000
computer. We realized that we could
build a supercheap computer that
would run Bill Atkinson's amazing
Quickdraw and have a mouse on it—
in essence, build a really cheap im-
plementation of Lisa's technology
that would use some of that software
technology. That's when the Macin-
tosh as we know it was started.
58 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Hertzfeld: That was around January
of 1981.
Smith: We fooled around with some
other ideas for computer design, but
we realized that the 68000 was a chip
that had a future and had. . .
Jobs: Some decent software!
Smith: And had some horsepower
and enough growth potential so we
could build a machine that would live
and that Apple could rally around for
years to come. So we looked at what
the Lisa group was doing and knew
that the designers were onto some
really hot ideas. They have a lot of
very advanced things they want to do
with Lisa. Mac basically does one
thing at a time as opposed to doing
several things simultaneously. The
memory-management unit that's
critical for a Lisa application, for ex-
ample, becomes something we can
do without very nicely. Our real goal
was to design a great system with just
a bit map and based on a 68000 but
also a really cheap system. Could we
write incredibly great software that
wouldn't chew up megabytes of
memory? To do what used to take
megabytes in a very tiny machine?
Atkinson: It's not like we didn't want
a memory manager in it or didn't
want lots of memory or didn't want
hard disks. What we wanted was for
lots of people to be able to own these
things. We saw something beautiful
that we built and we said, "How can
we get this out to a lot of people?"
Espinosa: It doesn't matter how great
the computer is if nobody buys it.
Xerox proved that. The key thing
you've got to remember is that back
then, if you told anybody you could
build a computer using a 68000 with
anything under a hundred integrated
circuits, they would have said you
were crazy.
Kenyon: Most people have twice as
many chips just for central process-
ing unit support on the 68000. So
nobody had ever conceived that you
could build a cheap system. . .an
Apple II chip-count system with a
68000.
Atkinson: We want the most com-
puter that you can get for the least
dollars so that the most people can
have it. . . and then you can concen-
Bill Atkinson.
trate on making the world's best soft-
ware for it.
Espinosa: And you look at this
board, and every chip on there is
pretty expensive. There's not a lot of
jellybean TTL [transistor-transistor
logic] running around, not a lot of
little off-the-shelf chips. Everything
on there costs $4 to $9 apiece, and
that's expensive for a chip. But we've
got so few of them; instead of taking
up board space with a lot of stuff that
you just don't need and making it un-
reliable because you've got to have
connectors and you've got all these
problems with soldering. If you just
carefully pick what chips you want to
use and you've got somebody like
Burrell who's genius enough to put
the right ones together in the right
way and make them do things
they've never done before, then you
can come out with something that's
small and inexpensive and incredibly
powerful.
Smith: What gets me is that a lot of
programmers will have this long
laundry list of things they must have
before they will sit down and allow
fingers to touch the keyboard. I was
really lucky because these guys are
the best programmers I've ever seen
anywhere, not just with Apple. They
walk around between the Apple divi-
sions, contributing this amazing
graphic stuff to Lisa— and then help
out on the Mac, too. Everybody had
this common goal of making the Mac
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 59
Andy Hertzfeld.
flexible and general-purpose because
we didn't know what we might want
to do five years from now. We knew
the kind of direction we were going,
so instead of building in a graphics
controller that takes 25 chips and
then trying to figure out some way
to soup up the architecture so that it
actually would work with it, we
relied a lot on the processor assem-
bly-language code in ROM [read-only
memory]. And it turns out that we
can make the whole system go faster
by eliminating a lot of the bus traffic
that normally slows the machine
down.
Jobs: We learned a lot on Lisa.
Atkinson: We're still learning a lot!
Jobs: If you read the Apple's first
brochure, the headline was "Simpli-
city is the Ultimate Sophistication."
What we meant by that was that
when you first attack a problem it
seems really simple because you
don't understand it. Then when you
start to really understand it, you
come up with these very complicated
solutions because it's really hairy.
Most people stop there. But a few
people keep burning the midnight oil
and finally understand the underly-
ing principles of the problem and
come up with an elegantly simple
solution for it. But very few people
go the distance to get there.
One of the things we really learned
with Lisa and from looking at what
Xerox had done at PARC [Palo Alto
Research Center] was that we could
construct elegant, simple systems
based on just a bit map. . . no char-
acter generators. . .and save tons of
chips if we had software fast enough
to paint characters on the screen,
given the processor. Apple was the
first company to figure out how to do
that with a microprocessor. . .and
really still is the only company that's
doing it with a microprocessor. That's
what Bill figured out how to do with
Quickdraw.
The real reason that we chose
originally to use the 68000 was so we
could pick up Quickdraw. Macintosh
uses the exact same graphic structure
and package, the exact same code, as
Lisa does. So, by paying a little more
for the microprocessor, not only were
we able to give the customer an in-
finitely more powerful chip than, say,
an 8-bit chip or one of Intel's baby
micros, but we were able to pick up
this amazing software, and that
allowed us to throw tons of chips out
of this thing. We didn't have to get
special custom text or graphics chips.
We just simplified the system down
to where it's just a bit map on the
screen, just Bill's amazing software
and Burrell's amazing hardware, then
in between that the other amazing
software that we have. We tried to do
that in every single way, with the disk
and with the I/O . . .rather than slots.
When we first started off with
Apple II, the variability— how you
customize your machine— was with
hardware; you plugged in a card.
And because we didn't have any idea
what these computers were going to
be used for, that variability was very
important. But now we have a much
greater understanding of what people
are using these products for. And the
customization really is mostly soft-
ware now. The way I customize my
machine to do what I want is by stick-
ing in a disk more than anything else.
Atkinson: We've already built in the
hardware that most people want.
Jobs: Right. Most of the options on
other computers are in Mac. So Andy
and Burrell really came up with an
I/O scheme that was serial. We don't
have slots . . . slots cost a lot of money,
they make the box much bigger, and
you need a much bigger power sup-
ply because you never know who's
going to plug in what. Do you realize
that in an IBM PC the video board,
just the black-and-white video plug-
in card, has got way more chips than
the entire Macintosh? Anyway, so the
Mac's got most of the stuff built in.
Rather than putting in serial ports
that operate at 9600 or 92,000 bits per
second, we paid more money and we
put in this super chip. We used the
Zilog SCC chip that Burrell picked
out, and Larry Kenyon and Andy
wrote the software to make this chip
sing. And it goes up to, what, 230
kilobits per second?
Smith: It can go up to a megabit per
second with external clock.
Jobs: And it does all the asyn-
chronous and tons of synchronous
protocols all inside the chip. So we've
got superhigh-horsepowered serial
ports.
Smith: The whole idea is that later on
we'll be able to have logical slots in-
stead of physical slots. We'll be able
to have multiple devices per port;
we'll use a port a lot like the way you
have slots in Apple II. But one of the
other advantages that Steve didn't
60 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
mention is that you don't have to
change the memory map of the com-
puter. Andy and Larry Kenyon
worked on the system and the driver
software and things like that. They
said, well, gee whiz, on the Apple II
you keep having the rug sort of
changed on you; someone plugs in
a new card or, worse yet, on other
micros people are plugging in dif-
ferent software and different hard-
ware, and it's hard to keep track.
Atkinson: You get into incompatible
combinations; you just can't use this
card with that card.
Jobs; The other thing about the hard-
ware is that when Apple II was de-
signed, a microcomputer system cost
a lot of money to build. I mean, to get
a microprocessor and RAM [random-
access read/write memory] and ROM
might have cost $50, $60. You ob-
viously wanted to share that among
the peripherals, which is what the
Apple II did, what any slotted system
generally does. Now you can buy a
microprocessor and RAM and ROM
in a single-chip micro for about $4.
So giving each of the off-board
peripherals its own little micro-
processor system is adding $5
to the cost of the peripheral. And the
cost for providing them with the
bandwidth that's needed for most of
the peripherals that are not on this
board is very low. Add a $5 bill to the
peripheral, put a single-chip micro in
it, and then talk serially, rather than
have every single user pay an extra
few hundred dollars for the price of
the slots that may never get used.
Atkinson: One way to look at the
bandwidth thing is real simple: if
there are 128K bytes, that's an eighth
of a megabyte. There's 1 megabit in
the machine, so the worst transfer
you could think of, transferring the
entire contents of the machine, takes
one second. You transfer the entire
contents of the Mac through that
serial port in one second.
BYTE: What are the serial connec-
tors?
Jobs: There are two connectors,
DB9s...
Atkinson: They're tricky. They can
run anything from 300 baud on up;
you can use them as RS-232C or
RS-422A.
lurrell Smith.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 61
Jem/ Manock.
Jobs: Are you familiar with RS-422A?
BYTE: Just that it's a high-speed
serial standard.
Smith: You can do point-to-point
communications at very high speeds
with Mac without having to add, for
example, a fancy transmitter/receiver
thing. We realize RS-232C is an im-
portant thing. It's sort of the industry
standard, and a lot of stuff talks that
way, but we wanted to allow some-
thing a little more whizzy. It turns
out that RS-232C was created before
the concept of a bidirectional pin was
invented, which hampers it with
things like not knowing the sex of
devices and terminals .... It gets con-
fused as to whether they're com-
puters or not. We wanted Mac to talk
to those devices. We wanted to pro-
vide for the future so that, for exam-
ple, if I ever get a spare moment, I
can go back into the lab and make
video digitizers and hard-disk inter-
faces and things like that. When we
want the bandwidth, it will be there
for the applications that we need to
support.
Jobs: Another thing is that you can
run RS-422A twisted pairs, which
means I can run these things for
several hundred meters. I can string
lines if I have a laboratory and a com-
puter on my desk, do whatever I
want to do. They aren't DB-25s. We've
been living with giant connectors
now for years but using only a few
of the pins. So, again, we tried to save
a little bit of space in the back
because the connector space we have
is limited. We tried to cut down the
cost to the customers again, and so,
for connecting to devices like printers
and modems, which we offer and
which are the most prominent, we
just supply the cables. We also witt
supply cables from one of these
things to a variety of DB-25s ... for
the modem version, the printer
version. . .
Atkinson: Lines 2 and 3 are switched
on a modem versus a printer, so you
just use a modem cable or a printer
cable.
BYTE: From a very early time you
knew that you wanted to take advan-
tage of Lisa's software technology,
and you also had the goal of making
that possible at low cost. When did
you have a consensus on exactly
what this hardware would have to be
to achieve that goal?
Smith: In 1981 we started looking at
the Lisa. I came up with a proposal
that said it ends up costing $14 more
to use a 68000 with 64K bytes of
memory than it does with 6809-based
machines, if you count power supply.
It turns out that it's actually easier to
interface memory to a 68000 than to
a 6809. So in January we started really
looking at the 68000 and the work
that Bill was doing.
In June of 1982 we finally decided
on what we thought was enough
video. It turns out that the original
machine had 384 by 256 pixels. We
chose that because we thought we
had a shot at squeezing the machine
down into 64K bytes, and we didn't
want to throw away a quarter of the
memory just for the screen.
Atkinson: The thing that drove us is
the 80 columns. In a word processor,
we really wanted the lines to break
on the screen at the same place they
break on the printer. There are two
kinds of word processors. There are
the ones where you just have a string
of characters and you see them how-
ever they wrap on the screen. Screen
wrap is a function of the screen, and
how characters wrap on the printer
is the printer's doing. Then there are
word processors where what you see
is what you get. You lay out a line
and you know it's going to break at
the same place on the printer as the
screen, so you can do columns and
tabs and a couple of columns of num-
bers. Then you have to have enough
pixels to generate a full printer line
across. We thought we could do it
62 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
The Wizards behind the Macintosh
Bill Atkinson nearly had his Ph.D. in
neurochemistry before he admitted to
himself that his real love was computers.
He "got a quick E.E." and started his own
company. He was happily minding his
own business when his friend feff Raskin
asked him to come see what was happen-
ing at Apple, which was then six months
old. Bill wasn't really interested, but
airplane tickets showed up in the mail, so
he took a look. What he saw was "several
years reaching into the future" of anything
he could do where he was. He stayed to
write Apple's Pascal and later became Mr.
User Interface for Lisa before he moved over
to the Mac team.
Andy Hertzfeld says, "The Apple II
changed my life." The computer people at
Berkeley were a little narrow-minded about
letting a grad student really get into the
computer as Andy wanted to. So he spent
nearly all the money he had in the world
on an Apple II and had a computer he
could control completely. He decided the
Apple -was more interesting than his classes
and began writing programs for magazines.
When Apple bought one of Andy's pro-
grams, Steve fobs offered him a job, which
he took when he finished school. He
worked on silent-type printers and Apple
III demos until a shake-up in his part of
the company shook him loose. He looked
around and decided to go ivith Mac.
Larry Kenyon arrived at Apple from
Amdahl with a double degree in psychol-
ogy and computer science. He was work-
ing on Apple III Apple III products when
the same shake-up that shook Andy loose
freed him, too. Andy asked Larry to join
the Mac crew because he was one of the
few people who understood the arcane art
of making the Apple II work with printer
peripherals, and anybody who can do that
has to be good. No one in the company
really believed that Mac was a product
when Larry joined the Mac team. It was
just a research effort, and there was some
risk involved— loould you still have your
job in a few months?
Joanna Hoffman is still on leave from
her Ph.D. program in archaeology at the
University of Chicago. She has a back-
ground in anthropology, physics, and
linguistics. She came to Apple because of
Mac. After using her computer skills in the
field of archaeology for so long, she was
tired of looking at the past and turned to
the future. She was Mac's entire marketing
department for more' than a year. She
wants to make Mac a tool that feels natural
for international users by making it speak
their languages.
Burrell Carver Smith encountered the
Homebrew Computer Club in 1975, got
hooked on microprocessors, and moved to
the Bay Area, fust riding around in a bor-
rowed truck one day, he saw Apple and
decided to drop in . The only job Apple had
available ivas in the service department,
repairing Apple lis. He took the job and
fixed at least a thousand Apple II boards
and got involved in other projects before feff
Raskin and Bill Atkinson recruited him for
Mac. He talked the Lisa engineers out of
some chips and stuff and got a prototype
running over Christmas 1979. He ivas the
first full-time Mac person after Jeff Raskin.
Chris Espinosa says, "There was no
life before Apple." At 13 years old he could
be found cruising up and down the bus line
in his home town, spending a few hours
at each Byte Shop on the line until the
owner threw him out. He discovered the
way to keep from getting thrown out was
to write demo programs for the machines,
so he wrote for whatever was lying
around— Al fairs, IMSAls, or this weird
new machine called Apple I. His mom wor-
ried when he was offered a ride to the
Homebreiv Computer Club meeting with
tioo scruffy characters named Jobs and Woz-
niak, but she gave in, and the rest is
history. Chris spent a Christmas vacation
debugging Apple's BASIC in exchange for
a whole row of4K-byte RAM chips, which
he thought ivas a pretty good deal. He
zuorked part-time during college writing
BASIC programs and reference manuals
and signed on fidl-iime when he gradu-
ated. He likes being in on the design
process— 'If the machine is designed right
in the first place, you don't have to write
a lot about it."
Jerrold C. Manock was a freelance
product-design consultant with a Stanford
education who finally joined Apple when
he saw that three-quarters of his billing
was to Apple anyway. He worked on the
Apple 11, the Disk II, the III, and Lisa
before designing Mac. In Macintosh, he
says, "The outside matches the inside in
elegant simplicity."
Bruce Horn grew up at Xerox PARC,
much the same way Chris grew up at
Apple, and later attended Stanford. Bruce
started working at Xerox when he was 14
years old— he was one of the kids Xerox
brought in to test Smalltalk. Turns out he
was brighter than most and became a sys-
tems wizard who actually implemented
Smalltalk on a variety of different pro-
cessors. Bruce is all of 23 years old now,
but he spent seven years at Xerox PARC
and brought Apple that perspective.
George Crowe and David Egner
designed the analog board in the
Macintosh.
Steve Capps assisted Andy Hertzfeld
'with the systems software.
with 384, and we tried it with real live
documents— and we couldn't do it.
You could do it with 512, but you
couldn't do it with 384.
Smith: The diagonal lines look better,
too; the jaggies are removed some-
what, and things like that. So, with
that, we said, OK, what's that going
to mean? And we ended up with
128K and...
Atkinson: 22K bytes on the screen,
and in a 64K-byte machine you
couldn't have afforded it. That drove
us to 16 RAM chips instead of 8.
Hertzfeld: By then, we knew we
were going with 128K bytes anyway,
to run the applications.
Jobs: I just thought I'd show this to
you. This is the IBM video board; it's
only video, nothing else. It's 69 inte-
grated circuits, more chips than an
entire Macintosh, and it basically
does nothing. And it doesn't even do
that very well.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 63
Espinosa: Forty percent more chips
than the Mac.
Jobs: So that sort of gives you a feel-
ing. And again, that just has the
video on it. Macintosh, in addition to
having video that's far higher in res-
olution and far faster, has a 32-bit
microprocessor, 128K bytes of RAM,
64K bytes of ROM, two serial ports,
the mouse, the serial, keyboard, and
mouse interface, the incredible
sound, the clock calendar, the disk
controller. . .
Smith: We rolled the whole disk con-
troller into one chip.
Hertzfeld: And it has Lisa's graphics
and user-interface software built in-
to every board.
Jobs: Andy was sort of the software
technical leader behind the project,
from its inception. As Andy puts it,
software sometimes stands on its
head to get rid of a chip in the hard-
ware. And so, with a system as
powerful as this, we wanted to take
advantage of all the features, for in-
stance, in the serial chip and the disk
and stuff. We really wanted to be able
to have the serial ports reading while
the disk is spinning, while the mouse
is moving, while it's making sound.
You know, all with that single board.
BYTE: What were the roots of that
operating system?
Kenyon: When we started, of course,
we were looking at the work Lisa was
doing, and the Lisa group was rolling
its own operating system, and it just
didn't seem appropriate. We took the
graphics software, which was perfect
for our machine.
Capps: The Lisa's operating system
took a lot of the user interface. For the
window manager, even the memory
manager, we started with what Lisa
had.
Hertzfeld: It turns out that Quick-
draw is built on top of what Lisa
would call the intrasegment memory
manager. You relocate little objects.
We took that because Quickdraw re-
quired that support, and we sort of
turned it into our system-wide mem-
ory manager. Even the Lisa group
uses it only for the intra-application
memory manager. Someone men-
tioned a neat way to do a file system,
and we thought about it and said,
"Gee, that's a good way of doing it,"
and so we did. A lot of it was ex-
perience on the Apple II, knowing
what was sort of bad there— what we
wanted to do great here. That at least
was the conception of the asyn-
chronous I/O. I knew from the Apple
II that when you make a disk request
it waits there for a whole second, a
million microseconds, just waiting for
the disk to come up to speed. We
should be able to do other useful
work while that's happening. On the
Apple II if you want to make a beep,
the whole processor, the entirety of
the machine, is devoted to making a
beep. And when you've got all the
horsepower of the 68000 there, you
don't want to waste it all on making
sounds.
Atkinson: We still make a beep with
the processor.
Hertzfeld: But we time-slice the pro-
cessor such that you can be doing
other things. It happens on the inter-
rupt level instead of being dedicated.
Macintosh uses the processor for
everything, just like the Apple II
does. In terms of the disk, we have
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64 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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the same disk-controller architecture
as the Apple II, but we are just a little
more sophisticated in how we use in-
terrupts. We give the time back to the
applications while the I/O is going
on.
BYTE: Can you say more about the
custom disk controller?
Smith: Sure. A long time ago we sort
of figured that everybody who was
doing designs at Apple with disks
loved what Woz [Steve Wozniak] had
done on the Apple II. I'll never forget,
the first time I looked at the Woz con-
troller I said, "OK. Well, this must be
the interface disk controller. Where's
the disk controller?" I never found
the disk controller. And we've just
been in love with the way that that's
done. It's used to modify group code.
One of the things we knew, though,
was that disks would be going faster
in the future. So we initially designed
this chip so the whole company
would be able to have an ultra-low-
cost way of using Wozniak's disk
technology for every product. But we
knew that we weren't just going to be
going at 4 microseconds per bit, that
twice that would become an industry
standard ... at least an Apple inter-
nal standard. So we built in a mode,
a high-speed mode, so that it can go
twice as fast.
Atkinson: While you're getting input
from the serial port at 19,200 bps, you
can be writing to the disk and not
missing a beat. It's not the buffer
that's doing that. It's Larry Kenyon.
Every 4 nibbles, you look to see if
there's something on the port,
because in one sector's time, 24 bytes
go by.
Jobs: After we reexamined every-
thing, including the disk format, we
said, "Do we want to go to MFM
[modified frequency modulation]?"
And the more we reexamined it,
what became clear was that the
original idea that we had for a disk
in 1978, which we are still using, is
great.
Atkinson: We get 400K bytes on this
thing, while most people get only
270.
Jobs: As an example, our scheme has
twice the margin of MFM. In other
words, when you're shipping a mil-
lion or two million computers a year,
which we intend to do, when people
are buying media from 10 different
sources and they expect to take disks
out that were recorded in Alaska in
really cold weather and stick them in-
to machines in Florida in a heat wave
and have them work, that margin is
really important. If you want to
equate that to reliability, we are
significantly more reliable than any
other disk system on the market,
while having higher capacity. So that
was the key decision, to stick with
the same encoding format and the
same scheme that we've used since
1978. So, while everyone else is run-
ning at roughly the same rates as Ap-
ple II, the IBM PC, and everything
else, we doubled it on Macintosh. We
set a new internal standard with the
3V2-inch disk and this new single-
chip controller. And every new 32-bit
product at Apple will use that new
standard. The media, the sector
format on that media, the disk con-
troller, and the routines and every-
thing to drive them is a new Apple
32-bit standard that you'll see com-
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66 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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ing out in every future product that
we do in that family.
Smith: There were some voices
within the company that said, "Oh,
you guys ought to go with standard
formats and things like that." We
looked at doing that and it turns out
that it takes more chips to interface
to a standard floppy-disk controller,
and we have. . .
Jobs: Well, I can go get the IBM
floppy board. It looks to have about
45 to 50 chips on it . . .
Espinosa: I'll come and help you
carry it.
Jobs: . . . including an LSI [large-scale
integration] disk controller— far less
performance, far less capacity, far
higher cost.
Atkinson: And less reliability.
Jobs: Oh, far less reliability. Larry's
software senses the disk speed, and
Burrell's hardware can adjust to one
of four hundred speeds. So if it's
written on something that's a little
out of whack, we can just adjust right
down to the necessary speed and
read it. Everything on the Macintosh
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timings, the microprocessor timings,
the video timings, the sound tim-
ings—comes from one crystal oscilla-
tor and is synchronized from one
source. And, again, it's better, of
course, technically to do it that way.
Everything works much better, but it
also saves parts, and we can offer this
thing cheaper to customers. And
most of this stuff customers will
never ever realize or care about any-
way. I mean, who cares how many
crystal oscillators you have? But you
do care about how big your computer
is. You do care about how much it
costs, and you do care about how
well it works.
Atkinson: If you ever drop your com-
puter you find out quickly how many
crystal oscillators you have.
BYTE: So with the variable speed in
the disk drives, I guess there's no
problem having two drives that are
3 percent different in speed.
Jobs: We read it and adjust it so that
the speed is accurate relative to that
crystal. That crystal on the board is
superaccurate. We can adjust the disk
drive relative to that superaccuracy.
Atkinson: You force all the disks to
go at exactly the same speed by hav-
ing the software constantly monitor-
ing the speed and saying, "Ah, it's
running a little slow; jack it up a lit-
tle bit," so that each disk doesn't have
to be adjusted at all. You switch disk
drives, and the new one will run at
exactly the same speed because you
force them all to.
Smith: It turns out that the speed
variations occur partly because you
plug in a new cassette that loads the
motor down in a different way and
also because of temperature varia-
tions that cause very long-term drifts
in the disk speed. Using a little bit of
the processor to fix that doesn't cost
us any performance at all on the sys-
tem.
BYTE: What about the display elec-
tronics?
Atkinson: Where is the display con-
troller?
Hertzfeld: It's hidden.
Jobs: If you bite into that IBM display
board, it'll totally flicker if you do it
at the wrong time. You've seen that,
right? Woz just came up with this
really brilliant way to do the Apple
II. He realized that memory was
about twice as fast as the micropro-
cessor needed it and twice as fast as
the video needed it. So he put the
microprocessor over here and he put
in essence the video over here, and
he put some multiplexers in the
middle. He shared the exact same
memory between the two in a way
such that this one thought it had all
the memory all the time and this one
thought it had all the memory all the
time, yet they shared the same mem-
ory! All this thing had to do was
write into certain memory locations
and, magically, it would appear on
the screen. The microprocessor never
even had to think about the screen.
All it did was look at memory loca-
tions.
Atkinson: And there was no way to
glitch the video because accesses
were mutually exclusive.
Jobs: Right. And so it turns out that,
try as we might, we have never been
able to find a better way to do it.
Atkinson: At the same time that the
processors have gotten faster, mem-
ory's gotten faster; the memory is still
twice as fast as the processor.
Jobs: And so, again, it gives you
greater performance, because you
don't have to write only at special
times and slow yourself down. It cuts
the chip count way down because
you don't need two banks of RAMs,
so the customer's not paying for these
extra chips, and it just makes a more
elegant product.
BYTE: How far does the similarity
extend between the Apple II video
and the Mac's video?
Smith: We have a three-part mem-
ory architecture on Mac. We have a
DMA window for sound, video, and
CPU. . . shared by three devices. Also,
what we do that is a little more
sophisticated than Apple II is return
memory cycles to the processor dur-
ing horizontal and vertical retrace.
And with the analog design we're
able to lengthen the horizontal
retrace interval, which gives us more
performance for graphics by making
more time available to the processor
from memory and giving the analog
electronics more time to retrace the
beam. On the Apple II, Woz sort of
designed this logic board and the
power supply was kind of added. On
Mac, we really designed the entire
system as a complete system from the
ground up, so we used different con-
straints. I would say there's not much
similarity. The great thing about Mac
as a product is that it really wasn't
designed as just this piece over there
and this piece over there and this
other piece. . .AH of it was designed
in parallel, everybody knowing what
everyone else's job was.
BYTE: How did you decide on the
appearance of the machine?
Manock: Our goal in the beginning
was portability. We actually had this
cardboard model that looked amaz-
ingly like the Osborne. And that was
way before the Osborne came out. As
I said, portability was primary here,
and this version had an attached
keyboard that had a sort of rubber
boot around it that would fold up
and give you protection over the
screen. Steve really changed the em-
phasis of the product one day when
he said that we didn't want portabil-
ity to be the primary aspect of this,
but we did want it to take minimal
desk space. With that goal in mind,
68 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
3
n
Compact
Floppy Disk Drive
The winning move.
Hitachi's 3" floppy.
It's clear that the 3 " floppy will become the
new standard. Compact, easy to carry and mail,
dust-proof and non-bendable, the 3 " floppy has
the powerful advantages that mean success.
To develop your share of the new 3 " drive
market, Hitachi's drives are the wise choice. Now
double-sided and with LSI's, reduced access time
and low power consumption, Hitachi's drives are
better than ever.
Hitachi's resources and experience are your
guarantee of quality. Over 200,000 drives will be
rolling off our lines in 1983 alone. That's why
choosing Hitachi is a profitable choice. No doubt
about it: the format of the future is yours today
with Hitachi's dependable drives.
Specifications: Storage capacity unformatted: 500 K bytes. Total no. of
tracks: 80. Recording density: 9,830 bpi. Track density: 100 tpi. Transfer rate:
250 K bits/sec. Track-to-track positioning time: 3 ms/track. Dimensions
(Wx H x D) mm: 90 x 40 x 150. Wt.: 550g.
Floppy disk marked jw/" can be used with this (loppy disk drive.
HITACHI
A WORLD LEADER IN TECHNOLOGY
Circle 169 on Inquiry card.
For further information:
Mr. Takao Ichiki, Eastern Regional Oflice, Hitachi Sales Corporation of America, 1290 Wall Street West Lyndhurst, N.J. 07071 Phone: (201) 935-8980 Fax: (201) 935-4869
Mr. T. Kodera, New Jersey Office, Hitachi America, Ltd., 59 Route 17, Allendale, N.J. 07401 Phone: (201) 825-8000 Fax: (201) 825-4781
„*CHA$ING AGENT
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140
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Columbia Sys.. 2-320K
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Corona desktop. 2-320K
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5.650
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2,146
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desktop, hard disk 3.545
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Molecular SM8 10 meg
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Color Graphics
APC-H26. 10 meg
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APC-WPS2
APCWPD4
880 1 A. 64 K
8831A.2 320K
8881A.28"
2.437
3.450
4.699
2.699
3.448
4.648
1.341
1.565
2.319
1.856
2.243
2.441
2,321
2.596
2.786
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2.544
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618
2.172
4,534
5.013
5.622
947
868
1.575
COMPUTERS
Norlhstar Advantage
w/Dual Floppies 2.107
w/5 meg 3.249
w/15meg. 4.315
8/16 upgrade 309
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C5002A. 256K. 14M. 9.022
Pied Piper 995
PMC Mlcromate 101 CALL
Sage IV. Low Profile 3.470
IV. w/06 meg 5.385
IV. w/12meg 6.123
IV. w/18meg 6.275
Sanyo 1250 2.433
4000 2.677
Seattle Gazelle, hard disk 5,970
Televldeo TS802 2.525
TS-803 2.027
Vector 420 3.637
Zenith ZF 100-21 2.245
ZF-1 10-22 2.712
ZF-120-22 2.789
ZW-1 10-32 4,261
ZW- 120-32 4.339
HARD DISKS
Cameo CALL
Chalsworlh4200 3,340
Corvus, 6 meg,, w/o Intl 1,629
Davong. 5meg. Univ 1.395
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Santa Clara Sys. 10 meg 1.970
Tallgrass Technology
6meg. 1,781
6 meg w/tape 2.322
20 meg w/tape 3.097
35 meg w/tape 4.337
70 meg, w/tape 5,112
IBMInlerlace 116
Trantor 10 meg 1.737
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70 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
THE
PURCHASING
AGENT, INC.
574 Weddell Drive, Suite 5
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
(408) 744-0646
Open Monday thru Friday. 8-5 PST
Circle 306 on inquiry card.
we realized that the keyboard didn't
have to be exactly the width of the
computer.
Jobs: To use the earlier design you
had to have some sort of arrange-
ment to tilt it up. And what we
noticed was, well, fine, what if you
just lift the back up here like this?
Then, because you have all this space
underneath, you could put the
floppy disk underneath. So you
make a unit that's more vertical, has
a smaller footprint.
Atkinson: It has to be up enough so
your eyes can see it anyway; you
need the height.
Manock: Steve thought, too, I
think— in a gut reaction sort of way—
that everybody was going low profile
and wide, and we never have wanted
to be a "me, too." I think our vertical
format is correct when you think of
human factors.
Hoffman: Jerry, you might want to
turn the back around. We made it
truly international. I think it's one of
the few products aside from Lisa that
is completely usable anywhere you
care to take it.
Manock: Did you see the icons on
the back?
Hoffman: We started out with the
case and went from the outside in,
trying to make it more and more in-
ternational the more we thought
about it. And Jerry was just great as
soon as he realized that we really did
want to bring it to the whole world.
He had marvelous ideas on how to
eliminate every word of text, take
everything off the package so that we
don't have to be an American product
anywhere that we go.
Jobs: In Mac, there's no English on
the outside of the case. Everything's
iconic. And there 'is absolutely no
English in the ROM. It is universal in
nature. When the thing comes on it
puts a few icons on the screen. If
something goes wrong, it can't boot
or something, it puts a frowning Mac
on. If it's booting it puts a happy Mac
on. It loads all the languages, all the
country-specific stuff, off the disk.
So, because the keyboard is detach-
able and mapped anyway, to localize
Mac all you do is change the key-
board, manuals, and the disks.
Nothing in the box has to change.
A
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Circle 232 on inquiry card,
"IBM Is a trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation.
"COMPAQ la a trademark of the COMPAQ Computer Corporation.
And another real breakthrough is this
thing called Resources that Bruce
Horn invented.
Hertzfeld: The data is factored out
from the code. You know, most pro-
grams are a mixture of control logic
and just raw code.
Atkinson: The virtual-memory archi-
tecture on the data parts of the pro-
gram allows us to factor it out so that,
without rewriting a program at all,
without recompiling or relinking the
program, I can take a copy of Mac
Paint and in 15 minutes make a Ger-
man version.
Hertzfeld: Because all the text is kept
in a well-known, well-defined place.
Horn: Until December, people didn't
really know what the resource
manager was, because they really
hadn't had any contact with it,
besides me. I knew what I wanted
from it because I had to do Finder
and all that other stuff. Andy just
looked at it over time and figured out
what you could do with it. And I was
trying to say, well, this can do this
and this ... It was really Andy having
the biggest view of the system saying
that this could really be a great thing
for a lot of stuff.
Hertzfeld: Another thing to ask
Bruce about is the Finder, which is
our most important application, the
first thing that comes up on the ma-
chine. That's the program with all the
little icons, the desktop manager, I
guess we're calling it. That's Bruce's
conception and communication.
'In Mac, there's no
English on the outside
of the case.
Everything's iconic'
Hoffman: There are numerous
subtleties with this. Picture a
dialogue box, for example. A
dialogue box, when you put English
text in German, starts overflowing its
limits and starts looking very dif-
ferent. You have a button that says,
"Put this away." In German, that
takes a paragraph and overflows the
box .... But Resources lets us change
not only the text but also the physical
look of those dialogue boxes, or any-
thing, through something called
Resource Editors.
Jobs: Otherwise, you'd have to get in-
to the source listing. You'd have to
change not only the languages, as
Joanna said, but also the geometries
of the dialogue boxes and make them
bigger. It would take you awhile; it's
not something that's impossible, but
it's something that never gets done.
And it's certainly something that you
have to be the originator of the pro-
gram to do. What we've done by pull-
ing all the language-specific stuff out,
through this beautiful mechanism
called Resources, is write these other
programs called Resource Editors. By
running a Resource Editor, you
could, if you knew German, simply
run a program on the program, get
in there— literally on the screen— and
just stretch the boxes bigger. You
could select a text and retype it in
German and move things around if
you wanted. You can examine every
icon, every dialogue box, every alert
box, every pull-down menu, every-
thing, without being a programmer,
"PortaPac?"
PLAIN TALK.
Contrary to popular belief, PortaPac™ is not
something you take with you camping. PortaPac
is a portable data container with multiple uses.
Have you ever tried taking 50 pages of notes or
manuscripts with you on the road, on business
calls? Well, that's how much you can put in a
model P2064 PortaPac that measures 4 inches by
9 inches. That's approximately the size of 2 packs
of cigarettes. Except PortaPac is thinner — it's
only 1 inch thick. And what about versatility?
PortaPac uses the industry standard RS232C
communication protocol. No more worries or fuss
about single density, double density, soft sector, 10
hard sector, 16 hard sector, and other mumbo
jumbo disk formats. PortaPac can function as
data terminal equipment, i.e., similar to your ter-
minal, or as data communication equipment, i.e.,
similar to your computer or modem. Or, if you
like, it can be put inline between your terminal
and your computer. Totally transparent. Mainte-
nance? There is virtually none. All you do is
change the battery when the low battery light
comes on — every 1 to 5 years depending on the
model! What's more, your PortaPac automati-
cally retains its contents when power goes out.
What can PortaPac do for you, you ask? How
about transferring information (including pro-
grams) between computer systems? At 19,200 sus-
tained rate! No more staying up all night just to
get your data reliably thru the modem at 1200
baud. How about taking it with you on sales calls?
Display your information on the client's computer
or terminal, turn around and enter orders into
PortaPac for later processing. And what about
your customer engineers? How about putting
your diagnostic program in the PortaPac, and
download it into the computer? The uses just go
on and on . . .
TESTIMONY
Here's how some of our customers are using their
PortaPac. . .
• Transferring manuscripts prepared on Osborne
to IBM and Xerox systems
• As a portable storage device for the Tandy
model 100 computer
• Demonstrate hardware with demonstration
package stored in PortaPac
• Transferring information between NorthStar
Advantage, Morrow Design Micro Decision,
and DEC PDP 1 1 machines
• As a replacement for floppies on machine tools
control computers
• The list just goes on and on . . .
AND HERE'S MORE...
Our model P2064F is a dedicated version of the
model P2064. Once started, it will always retain
the last 64K characters of information passing
thru it. Put it inline between your computer and
terminal. No more cussing because you just lost
the last 4 hours of work doing data entry when the
power went out or the diskette went bad.
AND AN ADDED BONUS . . .
The PortaPac can function as a printer buffer! So
now you can take the PortaPac to a high speed
serial printer and get your reports quick! Again
and again if you wish.
Want to know more? Write or call us and we'll
send you additional information. Pronto!
A\ Cryptronics, Inc.
11711 Coly River Circle, Suite 7
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Phone:(714)540-1174
PortaPac™ is a trademark of Cryptronics, Inc.
72 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 98 on Inquiry card.
A real fish story
by Brett Kirk
Owner
Poseidon Aquatics
:
"Our business is
wholesaling tropical fish to
pet stores. We're not a
large-sized company, but
we have one whopper of an
inventory-control problem.
That's where dBASE II®
comes in."
The one that didn't
get away.
"We needed a fast
program, and dBASE II, the relational
database management system from
Ashton-Tate, gave us the speed we
needed to quickly log in our weekly
live-fish shipment in terms of total
numbers received, the kind and num-
bers of each different type, the cost per
fish— all critical factors in determining
our pricing and being able to pass along
savings to our customers whenever
possible without hanging us out to dry
profitwise.
"We're sure glad we bought
dBASE II when we did. I think our
customers are glad, too."
Once you try dBASE II,
you'll be hooked.
If you're up to your ears with data
Circle 29 on inquiry card.
that has to be managed quickly and
efficiently, dBASE II can really help
you stay afloat.
For all the particulars, contact
Ashton-Tate, 10150 West Jefferson
Boulevard, Culver City, CA 90230.
(800) 437-4329, Ext. 212. In the U.K.,
call (0908) 568866.
ASHTON -WE
Suggested retail price, $700.
dBASE II is a registered trademark of Ashton-Tate.
©Ashton-Tate 1983
BYTE February 1984 73
without getting the source code, and
very quickly, too, using the user in-
terface of the Macintosh.
Atkinson: Anything that XYZ soft-
ware company put together, even
though the company didn't think
about Taiwan, will run in Taiwan.
Jobs: But do we want it to run in
Taiwan?
BYTE: Are you going to market it ag-
gressively in Japan?
Jobs: Yes.
Hertzfeld: My favorite thing about
Resources, being selfish, is that the
same facilities that allow us to trans-
late English into 7, 10, 20, a million
different languages are the same
facilities we use to translate technish
to English in the first place.
Hoffman: The other component of
this is that it allows us to not just in-
troduce products that feel to the
native user like a native machine,
natural to them, but also that we can
start coming very close to making
simultaneous product introductions.
The software that is developed in the
U.S. can fly over there for them, for
the fragmented markets in Europe,
for example. Europe does not allow
for the same kind of development of
software houses as the U.S. because
the markets are all so fragmented you
can't amortize development of the
software over as large a user base. But
given that the Europeans now have
the capability of using a localized,
globalized software, if you will, their
market grows because each in-
dividual software developer in France
now can view the whole world as a
market. We feel that it will give an im-
petus to the development of software
developers, third parties, in Europe,
and in more fragmented markets as
well.
Smith: An international power sup-
ply, too, so the exact same unit basic-
ally can be used anywhere in the
world.
Egner: It doesn't care whether it's
50-Hz input.
Manock: Just one additional thing on
these: the icons on the back are from
the International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC). We didn't invent
all these ourselves. . .wherever pos-
sible we used symbols that already
existed— for example, AC line power
—that are world standards. Where
we didn't have symbols that existed,
we used the IEC's closest symbol as
best we could and then added what
we thought made sense. For example,
we needed a symbol for a modem, so
we started with IEC's telephone sym-
bol. We tested them to make sure
there was good recognition. We'll
submit these new icons to the IEC to
have it suggest that they be the stan-
dards added to its encyclopedia of
symbols.
BYTE: What is this machine going to
make possible that other comparably
priced machines have not made pos-
sible? How will it change the per-
sonal computing scene?
Jobs: Right now, as you know, when
you use a word processor, it will do
two or three things. The first thing
Macintosh will do is make the exist-
ing types of applications an order of
magnitude easier and more ap-
proachable for people. Therefore the
available market for this machine is
going to be giant compared to the
available market for the people who
are willing to invest 40 to 100 hours
learning to use their computers.
That's the first thing.
The second thing is that there are
going to be new types of applications
available that could not be available
on the current generation of personal
computers— it is technically impos-
sible to do. The perfect example is
Paint. Paint is impossible to do on an
Apple II or an IBM PC or any of the
other first-generation products. You
can do a mockery of it, but you can't
really do it. And there are going to
be lots of applications like that.
You've seen Lisa Project. That, of
course, will be running on Mac. And
we don't even know the kinds of ap-
plications that are going to come out
in six months to a year. As an exam-
ple, we'll be able to laser-print output
from this thing by next June, and that
is pretty exciting to us. So, if we sell
these on a university campus, you'll
be able to take your disk into the li-
brary and get output off a laser
printer, which will be approaching
typeset quality. That's the kind of
stuff we're doing; you just can't do
that on a current-generation personal
computer.
And then the third thing is what
Burrell and Larry and Andy and the
other software people have done.
When we shipped the Apple II, we
fundamentally shipped about 2K
bytes of ROM with system code. The
IBM system's got 8K bytes, but it's
really kind of loose as a goose; it's
about 4K bytes by our standards of
code. Mac has 64K bytes of the tight-
est, most elegant code that this com-
pany's ever written. Most of the com-
puters now are basically shipping a
file system and a few drives, but
what's really interesting is that on top
of that, we've layered on memory
management and on top of this is
Quickdraw.
Jobs: Mac's a completely open ma-
chine—we've got a book called Inside
Macintosh that tells all the secrets of
it. But we're going to try to get a lit-
tle uniformity through the carrot
rather than the stick. And the carrot
is that there's a finite amount of RAM
in this machine, and we've done all
these things for you in ROM. Now,
you can do them yourself, there's
nothing that says you can't do them
yourself, but if you do, you've got to
write them, which is going to take
time and means you're going to be
slower to get to market; you've got to
chew up precious RAM space, and
the chances are pretty good that we
did a better job than you'll do. So
we're going to try through the carrot
to get a little bit of uniformity in the
user interface in some of the ways the
things are done.
Hertzfeld: See, we're really a 192K-
byte machine, and if the program-
mers want to throw away 64K, then
they're doing a dumb thing.
Jobs: We're a 192K-byte machine that
deep-freezes 64K.
Hertzfeld: Highly tuned, tested, de-
bugged, highly compact, very fast,
very high-quality consistent code.
BYTE: What are all the factors in this
that make it go so fast?
Hertzfeld: Sweat.
Jobs: Burrell, Andy, Larry, Bill— how
long did you work on Quickdraw?
Atkinson: Four years.
Hertzfeld: All of us care a lot about
performance. Surprisingly, that's
unusual. A lot of people don't care if
their system's. . .
74 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 75
Atkinson: Like Quickdraw. I won't
even count the first runs in Pascal,
but the first runs in assembly lan-
guage were running 160K bytes,
before I added a lot of the new fea-
tures. It's now down to 24K bytes
with lots more stuff in it. Character-
drawing speed is one you look at for
drawing an arbitrary size character,
an arbitrary starting pixel clipped to
an arbitrary area. We were running,
when it was being developed on Lisa,
about 1000 characters per second the
first time. Well, I got that up to 4000.
Mac is running about 7000. That's
seven times 9600 baud. This is typical
of all of our software packages here.
You go through, get the best algo-
rithms first, get the stuff right. Then
crunch it down, make a first pass in
Pascal, get the algorithms right, find
the cleanest algorithms, find all the
corners, and make sure they're
tested. Then I translate it into loose
assembly language to get down into
assembly language and get it work-
ing. Then I'll go through and get all
the bugs out again, and I'll go
through and do fine register alloca-
tion to figure out what's the most im-
portant thing. This little baby, the
68000, has sixteen 32-bit registers sit-
ting there, and the way you get per-
formance out of that is to keep them
full. Keep the registers full of impor-
tant stuff all the time. That's the way
you make this processor sing. So you
go down and you do register alloca-
Optimization without
measuring is wasted
time. Find out where
the application's really
spending time and go
whump on that code/
tion, and then you don't stop. Then
you feed it back, you get your people
to use it.
Quickdraw was designed by "pull"
from applications rather than "push"
from the design team. You provide a
facility, watch the applications group
try to use it, understand where they
misunderstood something— maybe
you've got a bad model, you want to
make it simpler and cleaner— or
where they don't have enough per-
formance. And then you go back and
you measure, measure, measure,
measure. Optimization without mea-
suring is wasted time. Find out
where the application's really spend-
ing time and go whump on that
code. And any other cases they're
very seldom using, squeeze them
down in size, and stretch the other
ones. There's always a trade-off be-
tween size and speed. Stretch out the
common cases, let them be bigger
and much faster, and then keep the
generality by squeezing down the in-
frequent cases. So play your odds.
People draw characters in OR mode
a whole lot, and OR mode is about
twice as fast as the other modes, so
95 percent of all characters are drawn
in OR mode. Statistical measuring of
the use of the thing allows you to get
much more performance on your
average throughput than you can if
you don't go back and measure.
I think we all believe that system
software should be done in assembly
language at this stage of the game
because high-level languages can't
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76 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE: So far, it has seemed that with
all the systems that have mice, all
those that are on the market, you pay
a great price in terms of performance
to get ease of use.
Atkinson: You make a responsive
system; it isn't just draw some char-
acters out there. It's also, remember
where you put them because if the
guy touches on them you want to
light them up. There's a lot more guts
in that application.
Jobs: It's not just systems that have
mice. What's happening is there are
a whole bunch of things that go with
the mouse. It's not just hanging a
mouse on a first-generation personal
computer and using the same old,
fixed-pitch text and things like that,
just replacing four cursor keys. What
we've done here is take a quantum
leap, where, in addition to having the
mouse be the major pointing device,
we've gone to full proportionally
spaced fonts, totally software-painted
on the screen, any size, any shape . . .
totally new architecture for display-
ing things to the user.
Atkinson: But the responsiveness is
where the code goes.
Jobs: The responsiveness and the fact
that there isn't a mouse-based system
out yet that uses a 68000. We're ob-
viously using the power of the 68000
in addition to this code.
Smith: There are some tricks we
played in the hardware, too. For ex-
ample, we knew that the ROMs
would have real important things in
them. So we made the ROMs sort of
read-only cache memory, whereas
the RAM has to contend with video
and sound for access, so we cut that
down to the bare bones, but the code
that's in ROM, like Bill's graphics and
the other stuff, can run as fast as you
can run a 68000.
Jobs: If you look at the really great
applications, even on first-generation
personal computers, most of them
are written in assembly language—
Visicalc, 1-2-3— it's like if you're going
to sell a million of something, it pays
to handcraft it in assembly. If you're
going to sell 10 of something, it prob-
ably doesn't. If we'd written this in
Pascal, we would have been able to
fit a fourth as much code in the ROM
or would have to have four times the
ROM, and you wouldn't have had
the performance. Because we're go-
ing to sell 10 million of these things
in the long run, it pays to super-
handcraft it; we only have to do it
once. Every time these ROMs are
burned, it doesn't cost us any more
engineering. . .it's all been done up
front.
Capps: Because we cared enough to
do it as well as we possibly could.
Jobs: We took a 12K-byte Pascal pro-
gram running on a Lisa and we said
we want to do this in 2K and make
it faster. But we had that extra year
to do that. And we also had the
motivation, of course.
Atkinson: When you're writing as-
sembly, you know each instruction is
going to take 2 microseconds, it's go-
ing to take 4 bytes of memory. In
Pascal, you're removed from that, so
you don't concentrate on perfor-
mance as much. When I'm doing I/O
stuff in assembly language I look at
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78 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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80 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
the theoretical maximum speed you
can run at. Why not do it as fast as
you can possibly do it? Especially
when you're doing disk I/O stuff.
How fast can you get into an inter-
rupt and out?
BYTE: Andy, let's talk about the ear-
ly days, after it had become
Macintosh.
Hertzfeld: I don't know, there's
something that makes a job a little
more fun to work on when the odds
are against you. And that's sort of
how it was in the early days. I was
maybe the fifth or sixth person to
come work on it. Steve took me over
to this little building separate from
everywhere else, where there were
these incredibly great people work-
ing on this little wire-wrap PC board.
All it could do when you turned it on
was write "hello" on the screen about
80 times. And everyone was in-
credibly excited to see it write "hello"
on the screen because it meant that
the central processing unit was there
and all that potential was there to be
mined. I spent my time mining that
potential.
The very first time we got an early
version of Quickdraw running, and
we got the mouse going— that's just
an incredible thrill. Or getting back
the first PC board— we all went out
for pizza on Friday night. We got the
boards in about four o'clock Friday
afternoon, and Steve said, "Well, if
you get these done before midnight,
we'll take you for pizza," and we
stayed there... not because we
wanted the pizza, but because we
wanted to see that board working.
And I think that none of our Mac PC
boards have ever had to have a wire
run to fix something, which is pretty
amazing. That's the attention to detail
that you just can't get people to do
for money. We do it for love . . . this is
the most important thing in our lives
. . .to make that great computer.
It's fun for me because I like oper-
ating on a systems program where I
can operate in an environment where
there's not that much support. In the
early days when I first started here,
the first thing I did was come in and
write all kinds of crazy demos,
stretching things around on the
screen and making balls bounce, and
one reason to do it was that I didn't
want to write the system code until
I was good at writing 68000 pro-
grams. So I just wanted to learn by
having fun, and the other reason is
that it gets people excited about it.
Just this raw hardware sitting there
doesn't do too much, but once you
start making this fun thing happen
and that fun thing happen, the ex-
citement starts getting generated. You
get to attract other good people, and
one by one we picked up on more
and more people. We were very, very
selective; it was very hard to find
people to work on Mac software,
because on one hand we had the
very high goals of doing this re-
search, Xerox PARC-like stuff with
uncommon, high technical stan-
dards. On the other hand, we had a
very inexpensive, limited-memory
machine. So all the Xerox PARC-type
guys who came and interviewed
said, "Oh, you don't have 2 mega-
bytes? Forget it, I don't want to work
on this thing." They're all used to
their Dorados. But gradually we
found great people like Larry and
Bruce who were turned on by the
dream, and they came and joined our
band, and I guess we reached critical
mass.
Atkinson: Most of the early people
were recruited from Apple . . . and we
have a pirate's flag that we sometimes
put on the roof. The idea is we're
pirates and we go around and try to
steal the best we can from anywhere
we can get it, and mostly that's been
from Lisa. A lot of it's been from Lisa,
but it's true in initially putting to-
gether the team, too; we try to get the
best people we can from anywhere in
the company.
Hertzfeld: One of the slogans Steve
came up with when we had a retreat
in January was "Let's be pirates," the
idea being that we were mavericks
out to blow people's minds and over-
turn standards, create new standards,
not do things like everyone else.
Atkinson: There was always the thrill
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Hertzfeld: And the other slogan was
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merely by plugging in the software.
Add to this the incredible power of a
32 bit MC68000 microprocessor with up
to If) megabytes of random access
memory.
Dimension. At about the same price
as the IBM " PC, it's obviously the best
value you can find. For more informa-
tion ask your dealer or call us at (214)
630-2562 for the name of your nearest
dealer.
dimension
68000
A product of
Micro Craft Corporation
4747 Irving Blvd., Suite 241
Dallas, Texas 75247. ©1983
ic; IBM is a registe
il Business Machines Corporation; TRS-80 is a
oratories, inc.; CP/M is a registered trademark of
Digital Research Corporation.
m
m
•*mp
<>
*Z
A fast-action, high-strategy game with full color graphics, exciting animation, and realistic sound effects. Features in
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Action begins with you at the controls of the Defense
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scale nuclear attack. You have 30 seconds before
the first ICBM is launched at your enemy's capital.
Decipher the secret code for aborting missile launch
or prepare to fight World War III.
At launch, you discover the computer has deleted
all targeting data for your weapons. Presented with
NORAD style strategic displays, you watch the
trajectory of the missile track across the globe as you
frantically retarget your weapon systems and prepare
for your enemy's attack. Do you strike before or after
the enemy launches its first wave? Do you target for
military, industrial, or civilian targets? Perhaps
some combination? You watch enemy strikes against
your homeland and the casualties grow to stagger-
ing proportions as you attempt to deter or conquer
the enemy before you are completely destroyed.
The war has begun and your nation's destiny, even
the destiny of the world, is in your hands.
Ask for Global Thermonuclear War"": $34.95 at your local dealer or order direct. Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders, Checks
accepted (Calif, residents please add 6'h°!o sales tax), foreign orders add 15%, U.S. currency only. Dealer inquiries invited.
Global Thermonuclear War'" is available for your IBM PC or XT
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Circle 274 on inquiry card.
WASHINGTON (UPI) — The U.S. Air Force/NASA have
developed an experimental spacecraft given the title XTM. Due
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the press is still in the dark about many aspects of the craft or
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IBM PC mid XT. Apple lh and He, Commodore 64. Atari, ami TRS-80 are registered trademarks of
IBM Corp., Apple Computers Inc., Commodore Business Systems Inc., Atari Inc.. and Tandy Corp. respectively.
The Lisa 2.
Apple Announces
the Lisa 2
by Gregg Williams
When several of us at BYTE saw the
Macintosh, we were seriously con-
cerned about the fate of the Lisa in
the face of the Macintosh, a machine
that is one-third its price and clearly
superior in some areas. Apple has
answered these concerns by announ-
cing two versions of the Lisa 2, along
with the Macintosh, at its annual
stockholders' meeting on January 24.
New Features
The Lisa 2 will use the same modi-
fied Sony 3V2-inch floppy-disk drives
as the Macintosh. It will be sold with
a new, faster operating system, one
3V2-inch floppy disk, and 512K bytes
of memory (the single drive takes the
place of the two 5%-inch drives in the
Lisa 1). The Lisa 2 includes a mouse,
detached keyboard, built-in 12-inch
video display and can be expanded
to 1 megabyte (the memory capacity
of the Lisa 1); it will cost "under
$4000," according to Apple (the exact
price had not been decided when
this was written). The Lisa 2/10 will
add an internal 10-megabyte Win-
chester hard disk and will sell for
"under $5500." All the Lisa applica-
tion programs will be available
separately for $200 to $400 each.
Apple planned to have the Lisa 2
available by January 24.
Software ,
Aside from the availability of a
larger hard disk, the most welcome
feature of the Lisa 2 family is that it
will be able to run all Macintosh soft-
ware as supplied on 3V2-inch disks.
When the Lisa 2 boots a Macintosh
program, the system will look and
behave like a Macintosh, except that
it will automatically take advantage
of all the extra memory in the Lisa 2.
Since literally hundreds of compan-
ies are developing Macintosh soft-
ware, the Lisa 2's ability to run it
greatly increases its software base
and, therefore, its usefulness.
Both the Lisa 2 and the 2/10 come
without an operating system. Lisa 2
owners will need to buy the Macin-
tosh operating system (unpriced at
the time this was written); Lisa 2/10
owners can buy that operating sys-
tem or the multitasking Lisa operat-
ing system (for about $300). With the
Lisa operating system only, you will
be able to have multiple windows,
each of which can contain a separate
application.
Apple is planning two new releases
of Lisa software as well. The first
release, available in late January, has
optimized various parts of the oper-
ating system to make Lisa programs
run faster and use the 10-megabyte
hard disk. This software release will
be free for anyone who bought the
Lisa before September 12, 1983 (when
the price was reduced and the soft-
ware was unbundled), and available
at a nominal fee for buyers of un-
bundled Lisa software.
The second release of Lisa software
will come sometime during the sec-
ond quarter of 1984. This software
will increase the integration among
84 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Lisa products (for the first time, you
will be able to move graphics from
Lisa Draw to a text document in Lisa
Write, data from Lisa Calc to Lisa
List, and data from Lisa Terminal to
Lisa Calc, for example). It will also in-
clude enhancements in many of the
Lisa application programs. For ex-
ample, Lisa Write will include a spell-
ing checker and the ability to process
form letters, Lisa Graph will allow
data to be graphed in new ways, all
programs will support a $5000 laser
printer and a 70-megabyte hard disk
to be introduced by Apple, and Lisa
Draw and Lisa Graph will support
color printing. The second release of
Lisa software will be available to
owners of previous versions for a
nominal fee.
Upgrading
Lisa 1 owners have two upgrading
paths. Apple will let them upgrade
to a Lisa 2 for free or to a Lisa 2/10
for $2500 (both upgrades involve re-
placing parts in the Lisa 1, not swap-
ping the Lisa 1 for a new Lisa 2). In
both cases, Lisa 1 owners will keep
their 5-megabyte Profiles, thus allow-
ing them to transfer all their informa-
tion to the new system (by copying
all such data from 5V4-inch floppy
disks to the Profile before converting
to the Lisa 2).
Conclusions
With the announcement of the Lisa
2 and 2/10, Apple has made the Lisa
computer both more competitive and
part of an innovative, powerful, but
still affordable family of computers.
The reduced price and Macintosh
software compatibility of the Lisa 2
make it far more attractive to poten-
tial buyers than the Lisa 1 was. The
features added to the Lisa application
programs make them even more use-
ful than they currently are. Finally,
Apple's upgrading policy is com-
mendable because it does not leave
behind the Lisa 1 owners who sup-
ported the machine in its early
days.B
Gregg Williams is a senior editor at BYTE. He
can be reached at POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449.
PREVENT THE DISASTER
OF HEAD CRASH AND
DROPOUT.
The war against dust and dirt
never ends. So before you boot
up your equipment, and
everytime you replace a
cassette , disk or drive
filter, be sure to use Dust-Off' II ;
it counteracts dust, grit and lint.
Otherwise you're flirting with
costly dropouts, head crashes
and downtime.
Dust-Off II is most effective
when used with Stat-Off II. Stat-
Off II neutralizes dust-holding
static electricity while Dust-Off II
blasts loose dust away. There's
also the Dual Extender and Mini-
Vac for vacuuming dust out of
hard-to-reach places.
Photographic professionals
have used Dust-Off brand
products consistently on
their delicate lenses and
expensive cameras for
over ten years. They
know it's the safe, dry,
efficient way to contami
nant-free cleaning.
Cleaning not provided by liquid
cleaners.
Dust-Off II 's remarkable
pinpoint accuracy zeros in on the
precise area being dusted. And
you have total control — every-
thing from a gentle breeze for
System II
Stat-Off II neutralizes dust-holding
static electricity from media and
machines.
delicate computer mechanisms
to a heavy blast for grimy dirt.
Don ' t let contamination dis-
rupt your computer operation.
Stock up on Dust-Off II — the ad-
vanced dry cleaning system,
at your local computer or
office supply dealer.
Or send $1.00 (for
postage and handling)
for a 3 oz. trial size and
literature today.
Dust-OffH
The safe dry cleaning system
Falcon Safety Products. Inc . 106b Bristol Road, Mountainside. NJ 07092
Circle 140 on inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 85
Epson.
For those who need it,
simplicity
One computer.
Two points of view
The Epson QX-10 personal computer
To many, the Epson represents the
ultimate in simplicity.
Just press a single key for the func-
tion you require: word processing,
scheduling, business graphics, address
book or file management. One key-
stroke produces your program. There
are no rigamaroles to remember. No
disks to change.
The result: you start to work
immediately. And you start being pro-
ductive, immediately. With step-by-
step prompts. In plain English, not
computerese.
Simplicity itself.
Or is it ?
The plain fact is that the ease of
operation the Epson offers today is
accomplished with a degree of tech-
nological sophistication most other
computers can only promise for tomor-
row—specifically, fully integrated
software, operating in an interactive
environment.
The few other computers offering
such "simplicity" cost $5,000 to $15,000
more. And most other computers can't
offer it at any price. Which makes
one wonder exactly what they do offer,
in terms of either simplicity, or
performance.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU DO
ON THE EPSON? HOW MUCH
ARE YOU READY TO DO?
The Epson's ease of operation
may spoil you, but it certainly won't
limit you.
Case in point: every Epson comes
complete with an integrated soft-
ware system — Valdocs® — to effortlessly
provide the basic functions for which
most people buy computers. But it
is important to note that the Epson also
comes with CP/M®-80 2.2. So you
can choose from hundreds of programs:
dBase II? Wordstar,'" Personal Pearl?
Supercalc,® Microplan,® MBA General
Ledger,® Multiplan,® Peachtext?
Spellwriter® and Datavieuf just to
name a few
86 BYTE February 1984
Or, you can write your own,
utilizing a variety of programming
languages such as COBOL 80,
FORTRAN 80; or Microsoft® BASIC,
which is included, free.
Best of all, you will run the
software of your choice on the
computer of choice. The high-
performance Epson. With 256k
random access memory. 128k dedi-
cated video memory. The
breathtakingly sensible
HASCI® keyboard.
Dual 380k double
density disk
drives.
2+2=
Grapl
capabilities unequalled in
its price range. A high resolution monitor,
640 by 400 pixels, for clarity few com-
puters in any price range can offer. Plus,
an RS-232C interface, a parallel printer
interface, and internal space for up to
five peripheral cards so you can expand
your Epson as your needs require.
One further point: all these features,
and quite a few more, are included
in the Epson's $2,995 price. Some com-
Epson.
For those who can handle it,
performance
puter companies ask you to pay extra
for features like these. Most can not offer
them at any price.
That, too, is performance. The kind
of performance that can make choosing a
personal computer very simple, indeed.
EPSON QUALITY OR, WHY
WONDER WHAT TERRIBLE
KLUDGES LURK IN WHICH
SLEEK BOXES.
If you know computers, you
know Epson.
Epson
printers set
the industry
standard
for quality,
reliability
and value.
Rest assured,
the same
can be said
for the Epson
personal
computer.
The satisfy-
ing silence of
the slim, Epson-
designed disk-
drives is one way
for you to judge or,
for an inside-out
perspective, here is an
excerpt from a review
by Jim Hanson in the
April, 1983 issue of
Microcomputing*
"The Epson QX-10 is soundly designed
and executed. I looked hard and found
no evidence of kludging or shorting out
anything in the name of economy. All
the connectors have gold on them and are
of quality manufacture. The printed
circuit boards are heavy, with soldermarks
on both sides of double-sided boards.
The circuit boards are completely silk-
screened with component labels, and the
layout is as professional and clean as
you will find anywhere."
Isn't this what you expect? After all,
it's an Epson.
A WORD TO THE WISE:
GET YOUR HANDS ON
THE EPSON.
Is the Epson a simple, easy-to-use
computer for beginners? Or a sophisticated
high-performance computer for the
experienced? The answer is "yes." And
when you think about it, aren't those two
computers the one you need now
For technical specifications, and
the complete, 3-part Microcomputing
review, along with the name of
your nearby Epson dealer, call toll-
free (800) 421-5426. California resi-
dents, call (213) 539-9140.
*Excerpt reprinted by permission of Microcomputing Magazine.
All rights reserved
CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc.
Valdocs and HASCI are trademarks of Rising Star Industries.
dBase II is a trademark of AshtonTate,
Wordstar is a trademark of Micropro.
Personal Pearl is a trademark of Pearlsoft.
Spellwriter and Supercalc are trademarks ol'Sorcim,
Microplan is a trademark of Chang Labs.
MBA General Ledger is a trademark of Micro Business
Applications.
COBOL 80, FORTRAN 80, Microsoft, and Multiplan
are trademarks of Microsoft.
Peachte.xt is a trademark of Peachtree Software.
EPSON
STATE-OF-THE-ART. . . SIMPLICITY.
BYTE February 19&4 87
Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar
Build the Circuit Cellar
Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal
Part 2: Programming and Use
The supplied standard control software supports several character
attributes and various configuration options
Last month, in Part 1, 1 introduced
you to the Term-Mite ST intelligent
video-display terminal, shown in
photo 1. It is designed around the
new National Semiconductor NS455
Terminal-Management Processor
(TMP). This self-contained terminal-
controller chip permits the essential
features (see table 1) to be provided
by only 21 integrated circuits.
This month I'd like to pick up the
story beginning with a discussion of
the firmware, that is, the program
logic inscribed in ROM (read-only
memory) inside the NS455A that
runs on the internal microprocessor
to control all the terminal's functions.
We'll look at the functions of the firm-
ware, the configuration-switch set-
tings, the Escape sequences and con-
trol functions, and, finally, demon-
strate putting a few characters on the
screen.
Factory-Supplied Control
Program
The control program has four
main sections: the initialization code,
Copyright © 1984 Steven A. Garcia.
All rights reserved.
by Steve Ciarcia
the main keyboard-scanning and
wait loop, the display-processing
routine, and the interrupt-processing
routines. (Since keyboard scanning
may be a new technique to some of
you, the logic flow of this code sec-
tion will be described in detail.) The
program is constructed in a modular
fashion; a general flowchart is shown
in figure 1, while a memory map is
shown in figure 2.
The initialization routine is ex-
ecuted when the terminal is first
turned on or when it is reset. The
routine first checks all the display
memory and the serial I/O (input/
output) circuits; then it reads the con-
figuration switches and loads the
NS455A's registers with their initial
values. Many values must be loaded
into registers before the terminal can
work: among them are the timing-
chain constants that specify charac-
ter-cell parameters; values for cursor
definition, horizontal, and vertical
timing; values for the character attri-
butes and other display controls;
values to determine character posi-
tions; and values that set the data
rate, parity, full- or half-duplex trans-
mission mode, etc.
After everything has been initial-
ized, the program enters the charac-
ter-processing loop, which is often re-
ferred to as the main wait loop. If a
scanned keyboard is being used,
scanning occurs every 10 millisec-
onds (ms) during this loop. When the
hardware detects a character, a
branching instruction passes control
to the display-processing routine. (A
more definitive explanation of key-
board scanning follows.)
Characters typed on a parallel-
encoded keyboard are handled
somewhat differently, as are charac-
ters received from the host computer
or another terminal. When a charac-
ter arrives from one of these sources,
the hardware of the Term-Mite ST
generates an interrupt, and control
automatically passes into one of the
interrupt-handling routines. In the
case of the parallel keyboard, its data-
strobe signal generates an external in-
terrupt (an interrupt relying on hard-
ware outside the processor); the in-
terrupt handler causes the TMP to
read the typed character from the I/O
port, queue it for display, transmit it
(if necessary), and return to wait for
the next character.
When the hardware receives data
on the serial input line, it generates
88 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
an internal interrupt. Control
branches to several routines that
determine what type of interrupt oc-
curred and take appropriate action.
The first test checks for received char-
acters in the buffer of the UART (uni-
versal asynchronous receiver/trans-
mitter). If a character is found in the
buffer, it is queued for display (i.e.,
placed in the holding area for data to
be shown on the screen). If no char-
acter is found, the register contents
are tested for a match with the special
value that indicates an empty-trans-
mit-buffer condition, in which case
the program tries to fill the transmit
buffer. The final test is for the inter-
nal timer; timer interrupts happen
every 10 ms and are used to trigger
the keyboard scanning. If the Term-
Mite ST is not set up to use a scanned
keyboard, the internal-timer interrupt
produces no activity.
Because of the operating dif-
ferences between scanned and en-
coded keyboards, the control pro-
gram contains two routines for read-
ing a keyboard character. The en-
coded keyboards are handled by the
external-interrupt routine. Very few
processor instructions are required to
fetch the character, since the data
comes in from the I/O port already
encoded as values in the ubiquitous
ASCII (American National Standard
Code for Information Interchange)
character set established by ANSI
(the American National Standards
Institute). In contrast, getting a
character from the scanned keyboard
takes a fairly lengthy subprogram,
which must examine the switch
matrix of the keyboard for closures
and convert that data into a meaning-
ful ASCII character. The two key-
board routines, however, merge at
the point where the character has
been identified; a common section of
code is used to display, transmit, and
queue the character.
The display-processing subroutine
is entered from the main wait loop
when the program finds that the
input-character buffer is not empty.
If the character appearing in the buf-
fer is part of an Escape sequence, the
processing routine decides whether
to wait for additional information
(more characters) or to take immedi-
Photo 1: A prototype of the Term-Mite ST circuit board, measuring only 4 7 A by 6V2 inches.
The design incorporates the National Semiconductor NS455A Terminal Management Processor,
1.24 lines of 80 characters each, uppercase and lowercase
2. supports either scanned or parallel-encoded keyboards
3. selectable data rate, parity, cursor, and display options
4. attributes: reverse-video, half-intensity, double-height, double-width, underlined, blinking
and/or blanked character
5. line (block) graphics
6.21 Escape functions
7. 14 control functions
8. twenty-fifth-line reverse-video status display
9. self-test
10.separated-sync or composite-video output
Table 1: The features of the Term-Mite ST intelligent video-display terminal.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 89
ate action. ASCII control codes are
processed immediately. If the re-
ceived character is an ordinary dis-
playable character, it is simply dis-
played and possibly transmitted
through the serial port.
Keyboard-Scanning Logic
The scanned keyboard is funda-
mentally a set of push-button
switches arranged in a set of rows
and columns and wired together
with diodes. Every 10 milliseconds,
triggered by the internal-timer inter-
rupt, the Term-Mite ST looks at each
row and column in turn to find out
if any of the switches have been
closed.
The basic scanning algorithm is
shown in figure 3. The first thing the
routine does is check to see if the key-
board is currently enabled (it is pos-
sible to turn the keyboard off). The
scanning loop is initialized for 16 col-
umns of key switches. The wire along
the first column is driven to the volt-
age that represents logic 1 while the
row lines are monitored. If the logic-1
voltage appears on the output of any
row, the terminal knows that the key
at the intersection of that row and col-
umn is being pressed. Whenever the
scanning loop detects a hit, program
control momentarily leaves the loop
while the row and column coor-
dinates are used to look up the ap-
propriate ASCII value in a code-
conversion table. The lookup routine
also notes the current status of the
Control, Shift, and Caps-Lock func-
tions.
The key value is compared to the
value found during the last scan; if
they are the same, the routine as-
sumes that the key simply has not yet
been released from the previous
stroke and ignores the key-pressed
condition. (When typing, most peo-
ple hold down each key long enough
for many scans to occur. Except when
the Repeat key is in use, the terminal
assumes that continued closure of
the key switch should not produce
further output.) If the scanning
routine finds that the most recently
read key value is indeed a new char-
acter, it stores the value and resumes
scanning. If two key switches are
found simultaneously closed in one
(la)
/power on\
vor reset j
RUN
SELF-TEST
RESET AND
INITIALIZATION
CODE
MAIN
WAIT LOOP
DISPLAY
PROCESSING
SET ERROR
INDICATION
STOP
-INTERRUPT
QUEUES CHARACTER
(SEE FIGURE lb)
YES /IS\
/ IT A \.
< CONTROL >
\. CHAR^^
NO
| YES
PROCESS
PROCESS
PROCESS
ESCAPE
CONTROL
STANDARD
SEQUENCE
CHARACTER
CHARACTER
»'-
I IS CHARACTER
-I TO BE
DISPLAYED
DISPLAY
CHARACTER
PERFORM
DISPLAY
HOUSEKEEPING
AND MANAGEMENT
Figure 1: A flowchart of the control program supplied standard by National Semiconductor
for the NS455A. The main code is shown in la while the interrupt sections are in lb.
column, the two characters are pro-
cessed in turn before the scan is
restarted.
After all the columns have been
scanned, the routine checks the char-
acter-value storage to see if any keys
were pressed. If the number of "hits"
found is greater than four, it exits
with no output. Valid characters, pro-
duced by one to four key presses per
scan, are queued in the keyboard
buffer for display and output. The
routine also checks the Repeat key;
if it is being held down, the program
initially delays 1 second and then
begins to queue the same character
again at intervals of 0.1 second. If no
keys were detected during the scan,
the program cleans out the key-
board-buffer storage area, resets the
interrupt mask, does some house-
keeping, and returns from the
interrupt.
(Note: The keyboard-scanning rou-
90 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
(lb)
INTERNAL INTERRUPTS
TRANSMIT
CHARACTER
INTERRUPT
RECEIVE
CHARACTER
INTERRUPT
KEYBOARD
SCAN
INTERRUPT
LIGHT-PEN
INTERRUPT
SCAN
KEYBOARD FOR
KEY
SET LP REG
AND
LIGHT-PEN FLAG
^r\ no
-' '
\. KEY j/~
V* p
|YES
QUEUE IT
FOR DISPLAY
,'-
RETURN
FROM
INTERRUPT
EXTERNAL INTERRUPTS (ENCODED KEYBOARD ONLY)
EXTERNAL
INTERRUPT
GET ENCODED
KEYBOARD
CHARACTER
QUEUE IT
FOR
DISPLAY
RETURN
FROM
INTERRUPT
tine is somewhat hardware-
dependent. A numeric keypad and
separate input lines for Control,
Shift, Repeat, and Caps-Lock keys
may not be available or work the
same way in all keyboards. The stan-
dard program is written to operate
with an Oak full-travel membrane
(FTM) keyboard. Other keyboards,
including the one shown in photo 2,
can be made to work with the stan-
dard NS455A, but the Oak keyboard
can be used with a minimum of
trouble.)
Configuring for Use
The biggest annoyance of today's
advanced intelligent terminals is that
they can be complicated to use.
When you unpack a new unit you
can expect to spend at least an hour
trying to set the switches for all the
proper optional modes and func-
tions. At such times I fondly recall
first plugging in my completed TV
Typewriter in late 1973 (see references
2 and 4). There were no confusing
configuration switches or Escape se-
quences. I just typed.
The Term-Mite ST, though small,
was designed to be powerful, so it
has to include some options that you
set before use. I have tried to keep
them as simple as is compatible with
flexibility. These options are both
hardware- and software-configur-
able.
In the Term-Mite ST, three eight-
position DIP (dual-inline pin)
switches let you set up the unit to
assume certain operating conditions
and parameters when you first turn
it on. Once the terminal has been
turned on, most of the switch -preset
parameters can be changed by on-
line commands received either from
the keyboard or through the RS-232C
port. In this same manner, some ad-
ditional parameters that don't have
switches can be set up. The com-
mands are sequences of ASCII char-
acters, either single nonprinting con-
trol codes or ordinary characters pre-
ceded by an Escape character (Escape
sequences).
Control codes, as in most ASCII-
encoded applications, are generated
at the keyboard by simultaneously
holding down the Control key and
one other alphabetic or character key.
The binary value emitted is within
the special low range of ASCII codes
designated for the control of devices.
These codes do not normally cause
any symbol to be printed or dis-
played, so they are referred to as non-
printing. A list of the control codes as
used by the Term-Mite ST (running
with the standard firmware) is shown
in table 2 on page 96. An ASCII con-
trol code is often abbreviated by the
corresponding printing character pre-
ceded by a caret or an up-arrow; thus
"~G" stands for Control-G.
Escape sequences are more complex.
These consist of characters that are
mostly in the range of regular ASCII
values, but the normally printable
codes are transmitted following the
special ASCII Escape character (deci-
mal 27). This Escape character is so
named because the characters that
follow it "escape" from their normal
meanings. (In the context of an
Escape sequence, almost any mean-
ing is possible for any character,
although some Escape sequences are
widely used, and one set has
achieved the status of an ANSI stan-
dard equal to ASCII itself— see
reference 1.) In the Term-Mite ST, an
Escape sequence consists of at least
two keystrokes: the Escape key fol-
lowed by an uppercase letter (in the
set A through Z, with some unused).
The Escape sequences activate vari-
ous functions of the Term-Mite ST.
Only direct cursor addressing and
the set-attribute-value function re-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 91
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1 WHAT 1
■■■m
Keyboard
Enclosure
Model KE1T
.vffC
> Highly styled, durable construction
• Easy to use and mc: fy
. Compatible with nil standard keyboards
. />BS Tiiattrfal rt. is UL 9aV-0 standards
• MoWWMhnxigl • «*»• doesn't show scratches : _
Keyboard . • ; rear tfO panels can be milled, punched, drilled,
or custom molded, arid screened
PACIBTEC
Systems Enclosures\
Family ot andOWWM lo> dcsWtop syfticroa
,:..!■■ ■,'■■■■.
e i n< ■■■-
... , ■;
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Photo 2: The Term-Mite ST can be connected to the stack-pole keyboard shown here, but the NS455A can be used more easily with an Oak
full-travel membrane (FTM) keyboard from Oak Switch Systems Inc., FOB 517, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. An enclosure from Pac Tec (Enterprise
and Executive Aves., Philadelphia, PA 19153) enhances the terminal's appearance.
HEXADECIMAL
LOCATION
HEXADECIMAL
LOCATION
065
14 D
181
209
32A
360
3EA
54C
6E0
INTERRUPT VECTORS AND SELF -TEST CODE
INITIALIZATION
CODE
INTERNAL-INTERRUPT ROUTINES
SCANNED-
KEYBOARD CODE
MISCELLANEOUS SUBROUTINES
EXTERNAL-INTERRUPT ROUTINE
CHARACTER AND DISPLAY PROCESSING
CONTROL-CODE
PROCESSING
ESCAPE-
CODE
PROCESSING
STATUS-LINE
HANDLING
Figure 2: Memory use by the NS455A control program.
92 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
000
100
200
300
500
quire more than one character follow-
ing Escape.
When power to the Term-Mite ST
is first turned on, the three groups of
configuration switches are read and
their values stored in appropriate reg-
isters in the TMP. The switches ap-
pear to the processor as memory-
mapped I/O devices; logic 1 is con-
sidered to be the on or closed posi-
tion. (National Semiconductor's soft-
ware refers to the groups as switches
4, 5, and 6, so I have used the same
designations in the Term-Mite sche-
matic.) Their configurations and vari-
ous settings are shown in tables 4, 5,
and 6 and in figures 4, 5, and 6.
Programming the Term-Mite
Your use of the Term-Mite ST can
be simple or complex, depending on
how you write your host software: to
use the control commands and
Escape sequences extensively or not
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BYTE February 1984 93
What will counteract NDC
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Gary: The pedigrees for next week's
auction are as follows...
Sold 1000 shares at 33 for net profit
of 6000. Richard.
Wouldn't it be great if you could
use your IBM®PC to tap into vast
resource libraries across the country?
To transfer files to your partner,
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It's possible. All you need is a
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to others. Down the hall. Or thou-
sands of miles away.
Hayes Smartmodem. Think of it as
your computer's telephone. Hayes
Smartmodem 300™ and the faster
Smartmodem 1200,™ allow you to com-
municate over ordinary phone lines.
But any modem will send and
receive data. Smartmodems also
dial, answer and disconnect calls.
Automatically. And without going
through the telephone receiver,
making them far superior to acoustic
coupler modems.
Choose your speed; choose your
price. The lower-priced Smartmodem
300 is ideal for local data swaps and
communicates at 300 bps. For longer
distance and larger volumes, Smart-
modem 1200 operates at baud rates
of 300 or 1200, with a built-in selector
that automatically detects transmis-
sion speeds.
Both work with rotary dials,
Touch-Tone® and key-set
systems; connect to most time-
snaring systems; and feature
an audio speaker.
Smartmodem 1200B™ is also avail-
able as a plug-in board. Developed
specifically for the PC, it
comes packaged with Hayes'
own communications soft-
ware, Smartcom II™
Smartcom II. We spent
a lot of time developing it, so
you can spend less time using it
Smartcom II prompts you in the
simple steps required to create,
send, receive, display, list, name and
re-name files. It even receives data
completely unattended— especially
helpful when you're sending work
from home to the office, or vice versa.
If you need it, there's always "help!'
This feature explains prompts, mes-
sages, etc. to make communicating
extra easy.
With Smartcom II, it is. Case in
point: Before you communicate with
another system, you need to "set up"
your computer to match the way the
remote system transmits data. With
Smartcom II, you do this only once.
After that, parameters for 25 dif-
ferent remote systems are stored in
a directory on Smartcom II.
Calling or answering a system listed
in the directory requires just a few
quick keystrokes.
You can store
lengthy log-on
sequences the
same way. Press
one key, and Smartcom II automati-
cally connects you to a utility or infor-
mation service.
(3D Hayes
Smartmodem 300, 1200 and 1200Bare FCC approved in
the U.S. and DOC approved in Canada. All require an
IBM PC with minimum 96K bytes of memory; IBM DOS
1.10 or 1 .00: one disk drive; and 80-column display.
Smartmodem 1200B. (Includes telephone cable. No
serial card or separate power source is needed.)
Smartcom II communications software.
NOTE: Smartmodem 1200B may also be installed in the
IBM Personal Computer XT or the Expansion Unit.
In those units, another board installed in the slot to
the immediate right of the Smartmodem 1200B may not
clear the modem; also, the brackets may not fit properly.
If this occurs, the slot to the right of the modem should
be left empty.
And, in addition to the IBM PC,
Smartcom II is also available for
the DEC Rainbow™ 100, Xerox
820-11™ and Kaypro II™ personal
computers.
Backed by the experience and
reputation of Hayes. A solid
leader in the microcomputer in-
dustry, Hayes provides excellent
documentation for all products. A
limited two-year warranty on all
hardware. And full support from
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So see him today Break out of
isolation. Get a telephone for your
personal computer. From Hayes.
Hayes Microcomputer Products,
Inc., 5923 Peachtree Industrial
Blvd., Norcross, GA 30092.
404/441-1617.
Smartmodem 300. Smartmodem 1200. Smartmodem 1200B
and Smartcom II are trademarks of Hayes Microcomputer
Products. Inc. IBM is a registered trademark of Interna-
tional Business Machines, Corp. Touch-Tone is a
registered service mark of American Telephone and
Telegraph. Rainbow is a trademark of Digital Equipment
Corporation. Xerox 820-11 is a trademark of Xerox
Corporation. Kaypro II is a registered trademark of
Non-Linear Systems. Inc.
©1983 Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc.
Circle 166 on inquiry card.
C KEYSCN J
'"keyboard- ^ no
.ENABLED.
YES
( KEYEXIT j
YES
[^NY I
-| KEY CLOSURES I
DETECTED \
CONVERT SCAN
CODE TO ASCII
EQUIV FROM TABLE
FACTOR IN
SHIFT. CONTROL,
AND CAPS-LOCK
STORE THE
CHARACTER
STORE
THE KEYS
CLEAR KEY
STORAGE
AND FLAGS
( KEYEXIT J
YES
DISPLAY
OR TRANSFORM
IF REQUIRED
Figure 3: A flowchart of the keyboard-scanning routine.
at all. If you just want to write BASIC
programs, you'll probably never have
to do more than use the default
switch settings. If, however, you want
to use the terminal as part of a
screen-template inquiry-transaction
system, you'll want to use all the
character attributes and graphics
options.
Some forms of the Escape se-
quences cannot be generated through
the keyboard (ones with leading-zero
attribute values, for example); these
must be supplied by the host com-
puter. One of the easiest ways to do
this is to use the CHR$ function in
BASIC, giving the decimal values of
the required characters. I used a
Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 port-
able computer to generate the dis-
plays depicted in the accompanying
photos. With these few simple ex-
amples, I'll try to give you a feel for
the use of the control functions. The
communication protocol is peculiar to
the Model 100, but the basic ap-
proach and much of the code can be
used on other machines.
The first example is shown in list-
ing 1 on page 102, a demonstration
of displaying blinking characters,
lines 20 and 25 in this BASIC program
clear the screen with a Control-L, then
position the cursor at the sixteenth
line with a sequence of the type ESC,
M, x, y. An ESC, I, 251 sequence sets
the blinking attribute for the single
word "BLINKING" (attribute bit 2 set
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 95
Control Code
Effect
Control-G
Ring the bell. The ~G code causes a strobe pulse to be sent out bit 5 of the I/O port to trigger a 100-ms one-shot
multivibrator, which can be connected to a piezoelectric transducer.
Control-H
Backspace. The destructive backspace moves the cursor to the left; the new position is blanked. Wrap-around occurs
from line to line, including a screen wrap from the home (upper left) to last position.
Control-I Horizontal tab— fixed every eight locations. The tab function is handled by the Tab key or by the "I code. Each line is
divided up into fixed eight-character tab zones. Each Tab received causes the cursor to jump from its current position
to the start of the next tab zone, proceeding to the right. Screen scrolling occurs at the bottom of the screen.
Control-J Linefeed. "J is the standard ASCII Linefeed character.
Control-K Vertical tab— fixed every eight lines. ~K moves the cursor down the screen eight rows. If the cursor is at the bottom of
the screen, the display scrolls by eight lines. Intervening lines are always blanked. The cursor column position always
remains the same after " K; no carriage return is performed.
Control-L Clear screen and home the cursor.
Control-M Standard ASCII Return character. "M moves the cursor to the leftmost column.
Control-N Cursor up. The cursor is moved up one line by the "N code. The movement is nondestructive, and the cursor will
wrap around the screen from top to bottom when the top line is reached.
Control-0
Table 2: The functions of ASCII control codes in the Term-Mite.
Cursor down. Similarly, the cursor moves down one line, nondestructively, when "0 is detected. Again, wrap-around
from bottom to top occurs.
Escape
Sequence
ESC, A
ESC, B
ESC, C
ESC, D
ESC, E
ESC, F
ESC, G
ESC, H
ESC, I, v
Effect
Auxiliary (printer) port on. An ESC, A sequence will turn on the auxiliary printer port, if it exists (the port hardware is not
implemented in Term-Mite). Everything displayed on the screen will go out the auxiliary port as well. Note that Return
and Linefeed characters are not sent to the display routine unless the terminal is in Control mode. (All control characters
are then put on the display graphically.) The "AUX ON" message is displayed on the status line when this Control mode
is active.
Display switch-register status in status line. An ESC, B causes the UART configuration switch and data-rate code to be
displayed on the status line.
Control mode on. An ESC, C sequence causes the unit to enter the Control mode. This mode of operation permits you
to see all the normally nondisplayable ASCII characters (e.g., Return, Linefeed) on the display screen. The control
characters are displayed as reverse-video, half-intensity uppercase letters. "A" through "Z" plus some punctuation are
used. In addition, the message "CTL MODE" is displayed on the status line.
Toggle on-line/local mode. You can set the terminal to on-line or to local mode from the keyboard using this Escape se-
quence. It is a toggle function; i.e., each use causes the terminal to change from the current state to the other one. The
status line also displays the current state.
Toggle full-lhalf-duplex mode. This is also a toggle function (see ESC, D) except that you can go from full-duplex (FDX)
to half-duplex (HDX) communication and back. The terminal's current state is displayed on the status line.
Control mode off. ESC, F turns the Control mode off. The ASCII control characters now resume their normal operation
and function. The message disappears from the status line.
Set graphics mode on. The ESC, G sequence flips the status line to normal video and enables the graphics attribute for
characters specified in the AL1 register. This is the mode to use when doing forms drawing with the supplied ter-
minal software. This state remains in effect until turned off by another Escape sequence (ESC, H).
Set graphics mode off. To turn off the graphics or line-drawing mode, the ESC, H sequence is used.
Set Attribute Value. You can set attributes to any combination by using the ESC, I, v sequence. If internal attributes are
being used, the contents of AL1 are replaced with the 8-bit binary value v. When using external attributes, the value v
is loaded into the current-attribute-value register. All subsequent characters will have this value loaded into their external
attribute memory unless it is changed by another ESC, I, v. Bits are added together to obtain v for each combination of
attributes as shown below.
Attribute Bit
Attribute
bit 7
graphics
bit 6
blanked
bit 5
underlined
bit 4
double width
bit 3
double height
bit 2
blinking
bit 1
half intensity
bit
reverse video
Table 3: The effects of Escape sequences in the Term-Mite ST.
96 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Control Code
Effect
Control-P
Cursor left. ~P moves the cursor left one column, nondestructively. Screen wrap-around from right to left will cause the
cursor to move up a line each time the wrap-around occurs.
Control-Q
Cursor right. The fourth cursor-movement code is ~Q. The cursor moves right by one column, nondestructively, and
screen wrap-around happens as above. Wrap-around moves down a line until the end of the screen is reached, and
then the cursor moves back to the top of the screen. No scrolling is done.
Control-R
Cursor home. The ~R code moves the cursor to the home (uppermost left) position. Nothing else happens.
Control-S
Send a "break" signal on serial line. ~S generates a "break" signal (300 ms of "spacing" condition) on the RS-232C
line.
Control-T
Change and display data rate. The data rate for the RS-232C lines can be changed via the ~T code. Each time "T is
entered, the data rate is displayed (in 00 to 15 code form) after being bumped to the next higher rate. Both receive
and transmit rates are affected. They are as follows:
00 = 110 bps 08 = 3600 bps
01 = 134.5 bps 09 = 4800 bps
02 = 150 bps 10 = 7200 bps
03 = 300 bps 11= 9600 bps
04 = 600 bps 12 = 19,200 bps
05 = 1200 bps 13 = 19,200 bps
06 = 1800 bps 14 = 19,200 bps
07 = 2400 bps 15 = 4800 bps
Escape
Sequence
ESC, K
ESC, L
ESC, U. x, y
ESC, O
ESC, P
ESC, Q
ESC, R
ESC S
ESC, T
ESC, W
ESC, X
ESC, Y
Effect
A logic in a bit position enables the corresponding attribute.
Keyboard enable (X-on). The keyboard can be selectively enabled or disabled. ESC, K performs the X-on or enable
function.
Return light-pen value. An ESC, L sequence causes the currently latched values in the horizontal light-pen register
(HPEN) and the vertical light-pen register (VPEN) to be transmitted back to the host system via the main RS-232C port.
HPEN is sent (one binary character) followed by VPEN (also one binary character). Term-Mite does not support the
light-pen hardware.
Load cursor position (x,y). The cursor position is dynamically alterable by means of this Escape sequence. The two
parameters following the basic Escape code are used to set the x and y (respectively) positions of the cursor. The x
value is the column position. Up to 79 columns are allowed. The y value specifies the row or line number, through 23
being valid. The origin point is the home position on the screen (upper-left corner) and all the values are calculated as
offsets from that point. The actual parameter values begin with the displayable ASCII character set, that is, blank
through lowercase "o." To specify cursor position (5,6), for example, the parameters would be the two characters "%&"
(hexadecimal 25 and 26). The 80 x values would run from blank (hexadecimal 20) through "o" (6F) and 24 y values
from blank (hexadecimal 20) through "7" (37).
Keyboard disable (X-off). The ESC, O sequence disables the keyboard from further operation. This is essentially an X-off
function. It must be reenabled by an ESC, K sent from the host system or entered from the keyboard itself.
Print screen contents. You can dump the entire displayed contents of the screen to the auxiliary or printer port by typing
the ESC, P key sequence.
Run self-test diagnostic and reset. ESC, Q causes the system to rerun the self-test and initialization routines. All current
machine status conditions will be replaced by the power-on defaults. The current screen contents are lost.
Block send the current row. This is one of the Block Send commands. An ESC, R sequence causes the current line
(from left margin to the cursor position) to be transmitted character by character to the host system. If the cursor is on
the left margin (i.e., there's nothing on the line yet), nothing is transmitted.
Block send the current screen. The other Block Send command is ESC, S. This command transmits the data on the
screen, character by character, from the home position to the current cursor location over the RS-232C link to the host
system.
Erase to end of line. An ESC, T erases the current line from the cursor position to the right margin. It includes the cur-
sor position in the erase operation.
Wipe switch- register status from status line. The switch-register and data-rate information can be wiped from the status
line by entering ESC, W.
Auxiliary port (printer) off. This reverses the effect of ESC, A.
Erase to end of page. You can erase the entire screen from the present cursor location to the end of the screen by typ-
ing ESC, Y. The present cursor location is included in the erase function.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 97
Circle 34 on inauirv card.
SERIAL PORT
BTA's MODEL 524 MULTIPORT
CONTROLLER is a code activated one
to four serial port expander — but that's
not all since it has separate and indepen-
dent UARTS, buffers and handshaking
each port can operate with a different
configuration, i.e. different baud rates,
stop bits, etc. These features also permit
two or more devices to communicate
with the 524 simultaneously.
High speed
y 1 printer
IN. \ / Terminal \
Full duplex with EIA RS-232 protocol
Baud rates up to 19,200
Expansion to 16 ports by cascading
Peripheral ports may be configured
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CPU
One year warranty
•MODEL 524 $249.00
•MODEL 524A $279.00
same as model 524 except has 256 byte
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•MODEL 524 D $269.00
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Other models available — Contact us or
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SWITCH 4
SWITCH POSITIONS
6 5 4 3
T
T
T
T
2 1
1
50/60HZ . LUPMOD , EXTTST CURSOR SELECT , REVVID EXTATT , SLFTST
J_
J L
I
j_
Figure 4: The assignments of the switch positions in configuration switch 4. (Switches 1,
2, and 3 do not exist.)
switch 5
SWITCH POSITIONS
6 5 4 3 2
I I I I I I
AUTLF KEYENC . LINL0C FDXHDX XMTRCV' SPLT BR WRDLEN
I • III I
J L
Figure 5: The assignments of the switch positions in configuration switch 5.
SWITCH 6
SWITCH POSITIONS
6 5 4 3 2
T
T
DATA RATE
PARITY SELECT , PAR ENA . STP BIT
J I I
Figure 6: The assignments of the switch positions in configuration switch 6.
to 0). An ESC, I, 255 restores the nor-
mal character display for the final
word.
Listing 2 functions in a similar
manner to show off the reverse-video
attribute. In this instance, the reverse-
video attribute is activated by an ESC,
I, 254 sequence (attribute bit set to
0). The result is shown in photo 3a
on page 108.
Listing 3 on page 104 combines four
attributes. It starts by clearing the
screen, positioning the cursor at col-
umn 21, row 6 (21,6), and printing
"WE CAN PRINT THE REGULAR
WAY"; next, the cursor is reposi-
tioned to (0,10) and the sequence
ESC, I, 230 is sent. The value of 230
(bits 0, 3, and 4 set to 0) sets the
double-width, double-height, and
reverse-video attributes. Photo 3b on
page 108 shows the appearance of the
screen.
A few peculiarities do apply to the
use of the double-width and double-
height characters. The ASCII value of
any character to be displayed in
either or both of these attributes must
be written in all the character posi-
tions that the expanded character will
occupy. For example, if you wish to
print "TEST" in double width, the
BASIC PRINT statement should ac-
tually send the string "TTEESSTT"
since the wide characters will occupy
two regular character positions. In
double height, the duplicate charac-
ters should be written one above the
other. The other catch to using dou-
ble height is that the second row of
characters must also have the blanked
attribute set. In the example of listing
3, with the attributes set for double
height, double width, reverse video,
and (on the second display line)
blanked, the string "OR THIS WAY
FOR SPECIAL EMPHASIS" is
printed in large letters. After the
pyrotechnics, another Control-I is
used to reset the attributes.
One final demonstration program,
shown in listing 4, shows many of the
characteristics already mentioned
with the addition of line graphics.
98 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Extended ascal for your IBM PC,
APPLE CP/M, MS DOS.CP/M 86, CCP/M
86 or CP/M 80 computer features:
• Full screen interactive editor providing
a complete menu driven program
development environment.
• 11 significant digits in floating point
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• Built-in transcendental functions.
• Dynamic strings with full set of string
handling features.
• Program chaining with common
variables.
• Random access data files.
• Full support of operating system
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• And much more.
ORDER YOUR COPY OF TURBO
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lurbo Pascal
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Execution
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Disk Space 16 bit
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Sand 16 bit
YES
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Generate object
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YES
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One pass native
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Locates RunTime
errors directly in
source code
YES
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Benchmark data based on E
Wlrth. run on an IBM PC.
Turbo Pascal is a trader.
Microsystems. IBM Is a tra
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ark of Borland Int
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Turbo Pascal $49.95 + $5.00
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Check Money Order
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Operating system: CP/M 80
CP/M 86__MS DOS PC DOS.
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B
BORIPHD
INTERNATIONAL
Please be sure model number and format are correct.
NAME:
ADDRESS:
CITY/STATE/ZIP:
TELEPHONE:
Borland International
4807 Scotts Valley Drive
ScoHs Valley, California 95066
California residents add 6VS% sales tax. Outside North America add
$15.00. Checks must be on a U.S. bank, and in U.S. dollars. Sorry, no
C.O.D.
Switched Signal
50/60 Hz
LUPMOD
EXTTST
CURSOR SELECT
REVVID
EXTATT
SLFTST
Effect
Because the NS455A is designed for worldwide distribution, provision has been made for handling operation at either
50 Hz or 60 Hz. A logic 1 specifies 60 Hz, while a logic sets 50-Hz operation.
This bit affects the loop-back mode of the serial I/O line. When it is 0, the serial output line is logically connected to the
serial input line inside the chip. A logic 1 sets the serial line to normal mode.
The external test flag is used to force a jump to external memory located at hexadecimal address 800. This test is only
made if SLFTST is also selected. The author of the self-test code must take care of either returning to the supplied stan-
dard program or handling all processing from that point on.
There are four types of cursors that can be selected on the Term-Mite: a solid underline, a blinking underline, a solid
block, or a blinking block. The binary codes are as follows:
00 = solid underline cursor
01 = blinking underline cursor
10 = solid block cursor
11= blinking block cursor
A logic will cause the display to switch to black characters on a white field. The default value of logic 1 specifies nor-
mal video, white on black.
A in this position lets you use the external attribute memory, bits 8 through 15. A logic 1 sets the system up for inter-
nal attributes.
A logic 1 in this bit causes the self-test routine to be skipped on reset or power up. It must be set to logic in order for
the self-test to be performed. This does not affect the ESC, Q command to execute a self-test.
Table 4: The functions of the switch positions in configuration switch 4.
Switched Signal Effect
AUTLF
KEYENC
LINLOC
FDXHDX
XMTRCV
SPLT BR
WRDLEN
This is the Auto-Linefeed flag. When set to a logic 0, a Linefeed character is sent whenever a Return character is
detected. This operates for both the transmitted data and the displayed information. A logic 1 causes no Linefeed to be
sent.
The encoded keyboard is selected by a logic 0. A logic 1 indicates that the scanned keyboard is to be handled.
This is the Online/Local default. When this flag is set to logic 0, Local mode is chosen, and no data is sent to the host
machine. A logic 1 puts the terminal into Online mode and data is then transmitted.
The full-duplex/half-duplex flag is used to set the communication protocol. When set to logic 0, the communication
through the serial port is half duplex; data is both transmitted to the host and sent to the CRT display. A logic 1 will
select full duplex. Data is then transmitted but not automatically sent to the display.
The split-data-rate function uses this flag to decide whether the transmitter (logic 0) or the receiver (1) is to operate at the
slower data rate.
This field sets the split-data-rate divisor to one of four values. The divisor divides the affected rate by a factor of 1,
or 32. More divisors are allowed, but they are not implemented in the standard program.
16,
00
01
divide by 32
divide by 16
10 = divide by 4
1 1 = divide by 1 (default)
The word-length flag specifies the number of bits in the serial character, either 7 or 8 bits excluding parity. A default of
1 selects 7 bits, and a logic selects 8 bits.
Table 5: The functions of the switch positions in configuration switch 5.
When attribute bit 7 is set to a 0, the
Term-Mite displays certain control
characters as graphic symbols. These
are shown in table 8 on page 108. The
program draws the display shown in
photo 4.
In Conclusion
Since building the Term-Mite ST,
I've been finding all kinds of old and
new uses for it. For instance, it makes
a perfect status and command dis-
play for a Micromint Z8-BASIC Com-
puter/Controller system (see refer-
ence 3). Also, I've been hesitating to
spend $1000 for a regular video ter-
minal that would be dedicated to a
constant display of the time of day
and my appointment schedule, but
100 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Text continued on page 108
VisiCalc® Lotus™ 1-2-3™ and Multiplaif users
endorse Dow Jones Spreadsheet Link™. .
"The analysis I do with
Spreadsheet Link
would be impossible
any other way.
I track more than 200
securities. This soft-
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handle on my invest-
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stock quotes and funda-
mental information
from Dow Jones
News/Retrieval®
directly into my spread-
sheets, and analyze it
using my own formulas."
Ronald Eldredge
Lockhart Financial Services
"The speed of collect-
ing and entering
data is invaluable.
Spreadsheet Link does
exactly what I want it to
do. It's a tremendous
help in manipulating
data. I think anyone
who does spreadsheet
analysis will find this
an important addition
to their software library."
Anne Freilich
Wensley Management
Corporation
"The comprehensive
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from Dow Jones
News/Retrieval
is a real plus.
Without Spreadsheet
Link, I'd have to enter
data keystroke by key-
stroke into my tem-
plates. This software
makes spreadsheet
analysis much easier
and more useful to me.
I'm getting very satis-
factory results, and I'm
still exploring the
possibilities."
Douglas Gill
Grayson Gill, Inc.
Dow Jones Software -
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Compatible with Apple II and IBM personal computers.
For a free brochure, call
1-800-345-8500 ext. 165
(Alaska, Hawaii and foreign call 1-215-789-7008 ext. 165)
Copyright £> Dow Jones & Co., Inc., 1983. All rights reserved.
VitiCak is a registered trademark of VisiCorp.
Lotus and 1-2-3 are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation,
Multiplan is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
Circle 115 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 101
Circle 383 on Inquiry card.
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Communication
Parameter
Explanation
DATA RATE
Four bits select the data rate used by the serial-l/O section. The
available rates are shown below:
position 8765
0000 110 bps
0001 134.5 bps
0010 150 bps
001 1 300 bps
0100 600 bps
0101 1200 bps
0110 1800 bps
0111 2400 bps
position 8765
1000 3600 bps
1001 4800 bps
1010 7200 bps
1 01 1 9600 bps
1100 19,200 bps
1101 19,200 bps
1110 19,200 bps
1111 4800 bps
PARITY SELECT
There are four parity options:
position 43
1 1 = Parity is forced to a space level if enabled.
10 = Parity is forced to a mark level if enabled.
01 = Parity is even if enabled.
00 = Parity is off if enabled.
PARENE
The parity-enable flag is used to enable or disable the parity function.
If the switch is a 0, parity is disabled. A value of 1 enables parity.
STPBIT
This flag specifies the number of stop bits to be sent with each
character. A logic 1 will cause one stop bit to be sent; a will send
two stop bits.
Table 6: The functions of the switch positions in configuration switch 6.
Switch 4
11111100
Switch 5
10100111
Switch 6
00111010
Table 7: For general use, typical settings of all three switches might be as shown here
(most significant bits to the left).
Listing 1: A BASIC program to produce blinking characters on the Term-Mite.
10 OPEN "C0M:38N1D" FOR OUTPUT AS 1
20 PRINT #l f CHR$(12) :REM CLEAR SCREEN
25 PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ;"M0+"
30 PRINT #1,"THIS IS HOW WE PRINT IN ";
40 PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ; "I" ;CHR$ (251) ; i "BLINKING
50 PRINT #1 ,CHR$ (27) ; "I" ;CHR$ (255) ; "CHARACTERS"
100 CLOSE #1
110 STOP
Listing 2: A program to produce reverse-video characters on the Term-Mite.
10
20
25
30
40
50
100
OPEN
PRINT
PRINT
PRINT
PRINT
PRINT
CLOSE
C0M:3 8N1D" FOR OUTPUT AS 1
#1,CHR$(12) :REM CLEAR SCREEN
#1,CHR$(27) ;"M0+"
#1,"THIS IS HOW WE PRINT IN " ;
#1,CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(254) ; "REVERSE VIDEO
#1,CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(255) ; "CHARACTERS"
#1
110 STOP
102 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
■
6ts *fc*
Circle 116 on inquiry card.
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Although the HR-25 has been designed to fulfill the demands of the high
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from the manufacturers of "OFFICIAL TYPEWRITER OF THE LOS ANGELES 1984 OLYMPIC GAMES"
Listing 3: A BASIC program to demonstrate reverse-video, double-height, double-width characters on the Term-Mite.
10
OPEN
20
PRINT
25
PRINT
30
PRINT
40
PRINT
50
PRINT
60
PRINT
70
PRINT
80
PRINT
90
CLOSE
100 STOP
'C0M:38N1D" FOR OUTPUT AS 1
#1,CHR$(12) :REM CLEAR SCREEN
#1,CHR$(27) ;"M5&";
#1,"WE CAN PRINT THE REGULAR WAY"
#1,CHR$(27) ;"M *";CHR$(27) ; "I " ;CHR$ (230 )
#l,"OORR TTHHIISS WWAAYY
#1,CHR$(27) ;"M +";CHR$(27)
#l,"OORR TTHHIISS WWAAYY
#1,CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(255)
#1
FFOORR SSPPEECCIIAALL
"I" ;CHR$(166) ;
FFOORR SSPPEECCIIAALL
EEMMPPHHAASSIISS"
EEMMPPHHAASSI ISS "
Listing 4: A program to demonstrate all internal character attributes and the drawing of borders with line-graphics characters.
10
20
30
35
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
251
252
253
OPEN "C0M:38N1D" FOR OUTPUT AS 1
PRINT #1,CHR$(12)
PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ; "I" ;CHR$ (127)
PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ;"M%#";
PRINT #1,STRING$(70,23)
PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ;"M$*";
PRINT #1,STRING$(71,23)
PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ;"M$-";
PRINT #1,STRING$(71,23)
PRINT #1,CHR$(27) ;"M$5" ;
PRINT #1,STRING$(71,23)
FOR 1% = 3 TO 21
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #1,"J"
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #1,"J"
NEXT 1%
FOR 1% = 10 TO 13
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #1,"J"
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #l f "J"
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #1,"J"
NEXT 1%
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #1,CHR$(27)
PRINT #l f CHR$(27)
"M$";CHR$(32+I%)
"Mk";CHR$(32+I%)
"M5";CHR$(32+I%)
"MG";CHR$(32+I%)
"MY";CHR$(32+I%)
"M$#X";CHR$(27) ;"Mk#L";
"M$5";CHR$(21) ;CHR$(27)
"M$*";CHR$(28)
"Mk5";CHR$(22)
Listing 4 continued on page 106
\
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104 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Circle 266 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 105
Listing 4 continued:
254
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"Mk*";CHR$(29)
255
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"M$-" ;CHR$(28)
256
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"Mk-";CHR$(29)
257
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"M5*" ;CHR$(31) ;CHR$(27) ; "M5-" ;CHR$ (30)
258
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"MG*";CHR$(31) ;CHR$(27) ; "MG-" ;CHR$ (30)
259
PRINT
#1.
CHR$(27) ;"MY*";CHR$(31) ;CHR$(27) ; "MY-" ;CHR$ (30)
260
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(255)
270
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"MF%";
280
PRINT
#1,
"THE"
285
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(231) ;
290
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"M= I ";
295
PRINT
#1,
"TTEERRMM — MMIITTEE SSTT"
300
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(167) ;
305
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"M=(";
310
PRINT
#1,
"TTEERRMM— -MMIITTEE SSTT"
315
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(251) ;
320
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"M*+";
325
PRINT
#1
, "BLINK"
330
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"M(,";
335
PRINT
#1,
"ATTRIBUTE"
340
PRINT
#1.
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(223) ;
345
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"M:+";
350
PRINT
#1
-"UNDERLINE"
355
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"M:, ";
360
PRINT
#1
-"ATTRIBUTE"
365
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(253) ;
370
PRINT
#1.
CHR$(27) ;"MJ+" ;
375
PRINT
#1,
"HALF INTENSITY"
380
PRINT
#1,
CHR$('27) ;"ML,";
385
PRINT
• lj
"ATTRIBUTE"
390
PRINT
#li
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(254) ;
395
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"M";CHR$(92) ;" + " ;
400
PRINT
#1.
"REVERSE VIDEO"
402
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"M";CHR$(92) ; " , " ;
404
PRINT
#li
" ATTRIBUTE "
406
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(255) ;
408
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"M)/" ;
415
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"M00";
425
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(239) ;
430
PRINT
tli
CHR$(27) ;"M'3";
435
PRINT
#1.
"DDOOUUBBLLEE WW I IDDEE , , " ;
440
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(247) ;
445
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"M@2";
450
PRINT
#1,
"DOUBLE HEIGHT, "
455
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(183) ;
460
PRINT
#li
CHR$(27) ;"M§3" ;
465
PRINT
11,
"DOUBLE HEIGHT, "
470
PRINT
11 j
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(255) ;
475
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"M03";
480
PRINT
#1.
"and";
600
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(231) ;
605
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"MS2";
610
PRINT
#1
"DDOOUUBBLLEE SSIIZZEE"
615
PRINT
#1
,CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(167) ;
620
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"MS3";
625
PRINT
#1.
"DDOOUUBBLLEE SSIIZZEE"
630
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(231) ;
650
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"I";CHR$(191) ;
655
PRINT
#1,
CHR$(27) ;"MB";CHR$(34) ; "BLANK FAILURE";
660
PRINT
#1
CHR$(27) ;"MG7";CHR$(27) ; "I " ;CHR$ (255) ;
665
CLOSE
1
670
STOP
106 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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This new rechargeable power system pro-
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Why sine-wave power? Because square-
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■ 11
Photo 3: The Term-Mite can display several character attributes singly or in combination,
such as reverse video (3a) and reverse, double width, double height (3b).
•u L
w -
^ r
1
" 1
~- T
Table 8: In the line-graphics mode, cer-
tain control characters produce visible
displays of corners, lines, and crosses
useful for forming borders on the screen
display (*" is Control-Caret).
Photo 4: The Term-Mite can display certain control characters such as line-graphics symbols
for screen templates and other basic uses. This display was produced by the program of listing 4.
Text continued from page 100:
I can see using the Term-Mite's
graphics and attributes for this and
other applications. (I already have
eight cathode-ray tubes staring at me
in the Circuit Cellar. What's one
more?)
Perhaps by building the Term-Mite
you can put to good use that bargain
keyboard and old monitor you've had
sitting around for years. Be warned,
however, that the unit's 25-line by
80-column display requires too great
a bandwidth for satisfactory connec-
tion to a regular TV set. A 12-MHz
monochrome monitor is the better
choice, as shown in photo 5.
Since the Term-Mite's control soft-
ware is stored in what is actually an
EPROM (an erasable programmable
ROM), it would be possible to add
commands or modify the operation
of its functions. National Semicon-
ductor will eventually have complete
documentation available for the
NS455A TMP, including a listing of
the standard supplied control pro-
gram and the processor's instruction
set. Within the 6K yet-unused bytes
of program address space, some
pretty fancy terminal software could
be written, perhaps even to emulate
the command protocols of various
commercially sold terminals. The only
108 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Photo 5: The Term-Mite ST circuitry described in these articles is used with a separate keyboard and video monitor to form a complete func-
tional terminal. Here a Jameco ]E610 keyboard works with the Term-Mite, a NEC (Nippon Electric Company) green-phosphor monitor, and
the Circuit Cellar MPX-16 computer.
modification would be a simple
EPROM change.
Next Month:
A new chip from Silicon Systems Inc.
has prompted another project on speech
synthesis, m
Editor's Note: Steve often refers to previous
Circuit Cellar articles as reference material for
each month's current article. Most of these
past articles are available in reprint books from
BYTE Books, McGraw-Hill Book Company,
POB 400, Hightstown, NJ 08250.
Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar, Volume I covers
articles that appeared in BYTE from September
1977 through November 1978. Ciarcia's Cir-
cuit Cellar, Volume II contains articles from
December 1978 through June 1980. Ciarcia's
Circuit Cellar, Volume III contains articles
from ]uly 1980 through December 1981. Ciar-
cia's Circuit Cellar, Volume IV, soon to ap-
pear, will contain articles from January 1982
through June 1983.
Special thanks to Bob Harbrecht of National Semi-
conductor Corporation for his help on this project.
Steve Ciarcia (pronounced "see-ARE-see-ah") is
an electronic engineer and computer consultant with
experience in process control, digital design, nuclear
instrumentation, product development, and market-
ing. In addition to writing for BYTE, he has pub-
lished several books. He can be contacted at POB
582, Glastonbury, CT 06033.
References
1 . ANSI X3.64-1979: Additional Controls for Use
with the American National Standard Code
for Information Interchange. New York: Ameri-
can National Standards Institute, 1979.
2. Ciarcia, Steve. "Build the Circuit Cellar Term-
Mite ST Smart Terminal, Part 1: Hardware
Description." BYTE, January 1984, page 37
3. Ciarcia, Steve. "Build a Z8-Based Control
Computer with BASIC." Part 1, BYTE, July
1981, page 38. Part 2, BYTE, August 1981,
page 50.
4. Lancaster, Don. "TV Typewriter." Radio Elec-
tronics. September 1973, page 43.
To receive a complete list of Ciarcia's
Circuit Cellar project kits available from
the Micromint, circle 100 on the reader
service inquiry card at the back of the
magazine.
The following items are available from:
The Micromint Inc.
561 Willow Ave.
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
(800) 645-3479 for orders
(516) 374-6793 for information
1. Complete Term-Mite ST video-display ter-
minal kit including NS455A, printed-circuit
board, IC sockets, DB-25S connector, and
all other components but without keyboard
or CRT monitor. Board size is avvroximate-
ly4V2 inchesby6 l A inches with a 0.156-inch
44-pin edge connector.
Price $239
2. Assembled and tested Term-Mite ST video-
display terminal, without keyboard or CRT
monitor.
Price . . .
$279
Please add $5 for shipping in the continental
United States, $25 elsewhere. New York
residents please include 7 percent sales tax.
Allow 4 to 6 weeks for delivery.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 109
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User's Column
Chaos Manor Gets Its
Long-Awaited IBM PC
Of mice and men, Eagles, Shirley,
the ol' mailbag, and much more
by Jerry Pournelle
Well, the big news is that our IBM
PC arrived two days before Hallo-
ween. We had paid for it in June, and
even after IBM notified us that it had
been shipped to the local Computer-
land there were some, uh, interest-
ing escapades suggesting shuffle and
jive, but we do have it. Alas, within
days we had major problems.
First, the video monitor developed
a high-pitched whine from the fly-
back transformer. That soon became
intolerable. Computerland in Wood-
land Hills gave us no difficulty at all;
we returned the monitor, and they
loaned us a replacement and sent
ours off somewhere to be fixed.
We bought a bare-bones PC, one
disk drive, and 64K bytes of memory.
As soon as we got it, we added mem-
ory chips, bringing the PC's internal
memory up to a full 256K bytes. The
memory chips are available for about
$7 each. It takes 27 of them (in blocks
of nine; eight 1 by 64K bytes for
memory, and one more for parity
checking), so the upgrade will cost
you $189; IBM charges a lot more.
It turns out there's no trick at all to
adding the chips. You have to take
the PC apart, but that's a simple
matter requiring no tools but a
Phillips screwdriver. (Our friend
Noor Singh calls the two kinds of
screwdrivers "plus" and "minus.")
Then you have to adjust a couple of
switches. The IBM system manual—
the one you get whether you want it
or not— not only tells you what
switches to throw, but shows you a
picture. You'd have to be pretty dense
not to understand.
Indeed, there's a good solid feel to
everything about the IBM PC. My ini-
tial impression is that I still prefer the
Eagle 1600, but I must admit: the IBM
screen is rock steady, the character set
is aesthetically pleasing, and the key-
board has a pretty good feel even if
the layout is rotten.
However, a day or so after we
added the memory chips, the PC
stopped working .
The IBM PC does a memory test
whenever you turn it on. If it finds
a memory error, it tells you "PARITY
ERROR 1" and refuses to do anything
else. There are no programs to tell
you which memory chip is defective.
Since we'd added a lot of memory
chips, we figured chances were good
that one of ours wasn't working.
It's a fair amount of work to swap
out chips one at a time until the bad
one is located; it would be much
easier if we could figure out which
bank the bad chip was in. The IBM
manuals carefully explain how to set
the internal switches to tell the
machine how much memory it has
available, which suggested a simple
solution to our problem. We simply
set those switches to indicate there
was no additional memory, in other
words, that the PC had aboard only
the soldered-in 64K bytes that it came
with.
On power-up we got the same
PARITY 1 error. Since we couldn't
possibly swap out the soldered-in
chips, out to Woodland Hills Com-
puterland went our PC.
They had it fixed the next day.
Seems it was one of our chips.
"How can that be?" I asked. "We set
the switches to eliminate that mem-
ory." Woodland Hills Computerland
fixed the machine for us, but they
had no answer.
Time to dig, so I called my sane
friend, the one who's an IBM engi-
neering executive. I explained the
problem.
"It just could be that the new
ROMs don't pay much attention to
those switches," he said with a
chuckle. "When they changed from
16K-byte to 64K-byte memory chips,
they switched motherboards. What
vou have is an XT board in a normal
PC."
Which is another undocumented
feature. I wonder how many more I'll
discover in my long-awaited PC?
Meanwhile, the undocumented
feature brought about another prob-
lem. As- regular readers of this
column must know, I have no great
February 1984 @ BYTE Publications Inc. H3
love for the IBM PC keyboard layout
with its silly " \" key where the Shift
key ought to be and the Return key
way over where I can't reach it. The
IBM Selectric keyboard is the world's
best, bar none; why did they have to
muck up success? But they did.
Fortunately there's a remedy. Jim
Baen's Magic Keyboard program re-
assigns those keys, turning the "\"
into Shift, and the """ (tilde) into
Return and such like. To get the "\"
and the squiggle back, use the Alt
key. The result is that I end up with
a Selectric keyboard layout, which is
what I want. Magic Keyboard is
nearly invisible and can be made to
run on start-up; it takes a lot of the
sting out of the PC.
However, although Magic Key-
board works fine on older IBM PCs,
it wouldn't work with mine!
In a little-publicized move, IBM
stopped putting 16K-byte chips in the
PC and used 64Kers instead, which
is why we could get 256K bytes on
the motherboard. What IBM did was
use a modified PC XT motherboard.
This means that software (like Magic
Keyboard) designed for just the PC
won't work; you must use XT-specific
software (MagicXT). I don't know if
anyone else wrote software that spe-
cific; it was necessary for M.K. The
good news is that MagicXT works
fine, and you get both when you buy
Magic Keyboard from Workman.
Other First Impressions
There are things to recommend the
PC and even MS-DOS. There are ma-
chines that are built as well (Eagle),
machines with better keyboards
(both Eagle and TI PC), and ma-
chines that run faster (Eagle and
Compupro), but no other with those
magic initials.
Screen: the black-and-white screen
is rock steady and the character set
is pleasing.
Expansion: we already have three
boards in our PC, and we haven't
even got started yet. No wonder the
breadbasket boards sell so well.
Getting a 512K-byte board will bring
your memory up to its theoretical
maximum. I don't know if the PC
won't address more, or if the 768K-
byte limit is artificial.
Disk drive: we bought a PC with a
single disk drive. It's built by Control
Data Corporation (CDC) and it's very
quiet and nice. Then we went to
Priority One and bought a Tandon
drive, which plugged in and ran with
no trouble; but it's much more noisy
than the one IBM supplied. I'm told
that IBM is no longer using Tandon
drives. Ours was cheap and works
fine, though.
Software: we bought both DOS 1.1
and 2.0. Everything that runs on 1.1
is supposed to run on 2.0; we'll see
if that's true. You also get a disk of
diagnostic programs with DOS 2.0,
but alas, ours was defective; it
wouldn't copy ("Unrecoverable Read
Errors"), it wouldn't boot, and it
wouldn't run. Fortunately, my IBM
engineer friend was able to supply
me with a copy of his diagnostics
disk.
When I tried to copy my defective
disk, it reported "8 sectors/track," but
when I copied his (known working)
diagnostics disk, it reported "9
sectors/track." However, it boots and
runs. The first time I ran the diag-
nostics, it reported a CRC error on
the main drive and some other error
on the new Tandon drive. The diag-
nostic program has an option to let
it run forever, stopping only for
errors; I set it up to do that, and Lo!,
it ran for hours without errors, except
for one "Error Keyboard 301" that was
never repeated. There were no more
drive errors.
I presume there was something
spurious about those early errors, but
it's one more thing to annoy us.
My son Alex wants to call our PC
Lucy Van Pelt because it's a definite
fussbudget. Two major repairs in a
week! Plus a defective master disk,
spurious errors, and we had to wait
for it for four months after we paid.
Alex's Notes
Alex, a senior in computer science
at UCSD, had a few hours to play
with the IBM PC. Here are his notes.
"There is no honest-to-Krelden
reset switch. You can press three keys
together (Ctrl, Alt, and Del) and
sometimes get out of situations, but
not always, as for instance with that
defective diagnostics disk. Other-
wise, you must turn off the power,
wait 10 to 20 seconds (there's a timer
or something), turn it back on, wait
through the self-check (up to 90 sec-
onds), reload, etc. This can be a com-
prehensive drag on large programs.
"Memory checks are nice, but they
can take a long time. With no Reset
button, some way to defeat the mem-
ory check, or at least a faster memory
check, would be nice. It'll be even
worse when we have 768K."
The Logitech Mouse
We've also fired up Concurrent
CP/M, which works, and connected
the Logitech mouse, which also
works; you just plug it in. Alex's
comment is,
"The Logimouse is neat. I will have
to experiment with it awhile to see
about setting the push keys for dif-
ferent things. You can rerun a
command just by moving the mouse;
through experimentation I discovered
that the arrow keys will do the same
thing, so it must be a MS-DOS func-
tion. Anyway, the mouse currently
writes arrow keys as if the keyboard
did them; this is real nice in Lotus
1-2-3 and such. I'll want to scale the
mouse's movement more since it's too
sensitive."
I'm quite pleased with the Logi-
mouse, although, as Alex says, it's
scaled a little too fast. However,
changing that is no problem at all.
Moreover, the three buttons on the
mouse can be set to make any char-
acters you want, such as carriage
returns or spaces or periods (for
games) or any of the user-defined
functions. You can set them so that
more than one character per key is
sent, too. Even better, the MS-DOS
SUBMIT facility— that is, the ability to
set up a chain of programs that run
automatically with a single com-
mand—is pretty good, so that you
can include a Logimouse redefinition
in it.
A SUBMIT file (named AUTO-
EXEC.BAT, for batch) can be run on
start-up. This means we can have the
machine ask who has turned it on,
and adjust the mouse commands to
suit the user! We can also include
mouse redefinitions in a SUBMIT file
to invoke just about any program,
114 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
■HKJbUBLrHUmHBHWI^ ^"^ ^^" Jg » w ■ »^^» ^^v
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99/4A, an IBM or Apple II, we've got what you've been waiting for!
The biggest arcade hits ever, the classics. DONKEY KONG by Nintendo,
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And the hits will keep on coming. Soon you'll be able to play JOUST,"" JUNGLE
hunt; MOON PATROL; POLE POSITION; MS. PAC-MAN" plus others on your home
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DONKEY KONG and NINTENDO are trademarks and © Niniendo 1981, 1983 DEFENDER 15 a irademark and © Williams 1980, manufactured under license from Williams Electronics. Inc ROBOTRON
2084. MOON PATROL ond JOUST dre Iraderrrarks dnd © of Williams 1982. manufactured under license from willioms Electronics. Inc DIG DUG is created and designed by Ndmco, Ltd. manufactured
under license by Atari, Inc. Trademark and © Namco 1982 PROTECTOR II. SHAMUS and PICNIC PARANOIA are iraderrrarks of Synapse Software Corporation, manufactured under license by Atari,
inc SUPER STORM is engineered dnd designed by Syndpse Software Corporation, manufactured under license by Aldri, Inc JUNGLE HUNT is trademark and © of Tano America Corp 1982. POLE
POSITION is engineered and designed by Namco Lid manufactured under license by Atari. Inc Trademark dnd © Namco STARGATE is a tradenrark and © Willicms 1981, manufactured under
license from Williams Electronics. Inc. MS. PAC-MAN, PAC-MAN and characters dre trademarks of Bally Midwdy Mfg Co. sublicensed to Atari, Inc by Nomco-Amenca. Inc A1ARISOFT'" proaucis are
manufaciured by Atdn. Inc for use on the above referenced nrachmes and are not made, licensed or dpproved by the manufacturers of these machines. COMMODORE 64, VIC 20, TEXAS
INSTRUMENTS 99/4A. IBM. APPLE. COLECOVISION and INTELLIVISION dre respectively tradenrarks of Commodore Electronics Limned, Texas Instruments, international Business Machines Corp, Apple
Computer, Inc , Coleco Industries, Inc and Mallei, Inc A O Warner Communications Company © 1983 Alan, inc All rights reserved.
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such as Lotus 1-2-3, games, or word
processors, making the mouse but-
tons do what you'd want them to do
in that particular context. This
deserves a bit more thought; more
next month. The bottom line is I like
the Logimouse quite a lot.
That's a bit of a surprise, because
I didn't think I'd like mice all that
much. There are two generic prob-
lems with mice: (1) you need a
clean, flat surface near the keyboard,
and (2) you have to take your hands
off the keys to use the mouse.
Number (1) is a problem in Chaos
Manor; there are no clean, flat sur-
faces of any size, near the keyboard
or away from it. It's a law of nature:
a flat surface collects papers. As for
(2), taking your hands off the key-
board can be a nuisance, but not
when you've written the text and
merely want to edit.
I do wonder: why hasn't someone
developed a keyboard with a small
thumb ball along one edge? You
could move your hand to the thumb
ball to drive the cursor; and there
could be two or three buttons, of the
mouse kind, where your fingers
naturally rest when you've put your
hand on the thumb ball. I'd sure like
a keyboard like that. . . .
Coming Attractions
At present our PC is in need of ex-
pansion cards and the like, all of
which we intend to add, after which
comes a full report. I've also had a
call from Steve Ciarcia about his won-
derful new Quicksilver card and pro-
gram; he's sending me one Real Soon
Now, as soon as there's one available.
As I said last month, Steve's card is
the first thing one ought to add to an
IBM PC, and I don't say that because
Steve's a friend and colleague; it's a
brilliant idea that makes your IBM PC
into a new— and much faster— ma-
chine. More on that when I have a
test model.
The Eagle Flies Again
We love our Eagle 1600. We truly
do. It's faster than the IBM PC, and
the keyboard is laid out better. It has
a nice screen. The microprocessor
chip is an 8086, which gets data 16
bits at a time. Compare this to the
116 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 244 on inquiry card.
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IBM PCs 8088, which only gets 8 bits
a shot. When we all go to concurrent
operating systems— as we will— each
of the four tasks and an 8086 system
will run faster than the same job by
itself on the PCs 8088.
The Eagle has on-board sockets for
512K bytes of memory and capabil-
ity for multiple users. It also has eight
expansion slots, same as the IBM PC
XT. There's an optional built-in
10-megabyte hard disk.
It also has the lousiest documenta-
tion this side of the junkyard.
Marty Massoglia is programming
the Inferno game (by Larry Niven
and Jerry Pournelle) in Pascal MT + 86
on PC-DOS. There came time to
bring some of his results home.
The Eagle has one Winchester hard
disk and one floppy disk. As every-
one knows, floppy disks come in a
number of formats and flavors. The
IBM, for example, has floppy disks
with 40 tracks per side. So does the
Zenith Z-100, which is what I in-
tended to test Marty's game software
with. The Eagle's floppy has 80
tracks. Now 80-track disk drives can
read and write to 40-track disks; thus
we formatted a disk in the Z-100 and
copied the files from the Eagle's hard
disk onto the Zenith 40-track disk.
The Zenith couldn't read the files.
It read the directory, all right, and it
read some of the files, but we kept
getting read errors.
Call Eagle. New discovery.
Sengle has the ability to format
40-track disks in its 80-track drives.
You merely use the /i option when
you give it the FORMAT command.
This is known as an undocumented
feature. It's about the tenth undocu-
mented feature we've discovered for
the Eagle. When we let the Eagle for-
mat its own 40-track disks, all worked
fine, and the Zenith and the PC can
read them without difficulty. Sigh.
We're beginning to wonder if
there's anything the Eagle won't do,
if you can just figure out how to do
it. I mean, surely it's obvious that you
use the /i option to format 40-track
disks? Surely there's no need to docu-
ment something so obvious?
Flash: I read the above to Eagle's
Product Manager. The /i stands for
IBM; he discovered it by accident one
day when the engineers were out to
lunch and he wanted to format a disk
to get programs off an IBM PC. It
turns out there are a number of "/"
options in the Eagle. None are docu-
mented.
I like the Eagle a lot, and we are col-
lecting notes for the revised manual;
it's a great machine, but wow! does
it have lousy documents. Fortunate-
ly, Eagle is working hard to remedy
that. Stuart LeVine, senior scientist in
the company's Advanced Technology
Group recently called to say that
Eagle is completely revising its tech-
nical manuals. It also has DOS 2.0,
which we haven't yet tried but we're
getting to now. Its documents expfain
most of the 1600's hidden features.
Pascal Speed
Gene Allen of Newport Beach,
California, offers the following Pascal
MT+ program:
Program WORK;
VAR
N : INTEGER;
BEGIN (*WORK*);
FORN := 1TO 100
DO WRITELN (1.0:3:1);
END (*WORK*)
He says, "When compiled and run
on the Compupro machine under
CP/M-80 it takes about 3 seconds
to run. When compiled for PC-DOS
using the new compiler from Digital
Research it takes over 45 seconds!
"True, the IBM is a slower pro-
cessor, but much of the speed dif-
ference comes from the fact that DR
uses double-precision reals in its PC-
DOS version of MT+86.
"The effect of this is that those of
us who used MT+ now have pro-
grams that run in about 5 minutes
under CP/M and about an hour
under PC-DOS."
He concludes that Pascal MT+ is
portable, but it is not usable.
I sent a copy of his letter to Digital
Research and got a reply from Rick
Rosenbaum, engineering manager,
who says, "The program does indeed
run slower when compiled under
PC-DOS. However, the speed dif-
ference is not due to use of double-
precision reals, as Mr. Allen states,
118 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
When critics rate you tops, what do you do for an encore?
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but is due to real I/O [input/output].
In fact, if the FOR statement is re-
placed by
R: = 1.0;
FORN: = lTO 100 DO
R:=R+1.0;
WRITELN(R:3:1);
the program runs in less than 3
seconds. Since few people need to do
repeated I/O like the example Mr.
Allen gave, we believe the PC-DOS
implementation of Pascal MT + is a
powerful product that allows the
writing of portable programs."
Alex, who's very interested in
Pascal, says they're both right— but
Pascal MT + 86 is notoriously slow in
real I/O, much slower than it ought
to be. Even with our Eagle, which is
much faster than an IBM PC, we see
the poor machine slow down and
strain when an MT + program causes
it to write lots of numbers to the
screen.
DR's Rosenbaum says, "We are
committed to Pascal MT+ and will
continue development work to pro-
duce faster and more powerful re-
leases of the product."
I sure hope so. We're writing our
big Inferno game in Pascal MT +
largely for the portability between
PC-DOS and both 8- and 16-bit CP/M
systems; despite MT + 's problems, it
remains our favorite for big pro-
grams. We intend to convert the pro-
gram to Modula when Modula stabi-
lizes a bit; of course at the moment
there's no Modula for CP/M 2.2 sys-
tems.
Turbo Pascal
There's a new Pascal out that we
haven't had much time with, but
what we have seen, we like.
Turbo Pascal, by Borland Interna-
tional, comes close to what I think
the computer industry is headed for:
well documented, standard, plenty
of good features, and a reasonable
price.
Well, almost reasonable.
That is: Borland advertises Turbo
Pascal for $49.95, and indeed will
send you the compiler and all the
documents for it; but in the fine print
of their license agreement it turns out
you don't really own the compiler,
and you cannot either sell or even
give away programs compiled with it
unless you buy an additional license
from Borland.
My first reaction on reading this
was to ignore the product. What
need have we of a compiler that
you're not only supposed to confine
to a single machine, but whose out-
put programs can be run only on the
original machine? Both Microsoft and
Digital Research tried that nonsense.
Digital gave it up completely, and
Microsoft mostly did. A fine product
Turbo Pascal might be, but using it
would be a solitary vice.
I called Borland's president,
Phillipe Kahn. His story is that Tur-
bo Pascal is the cat's whiskers, best
thing to come down the pike in years,
much better than Pascal MT+ , which
costs $600. Borland is a small com-
pany that needs money and wants to
sell at a low cost, but shouldn't the
company get something for its ef-
forts? Anyway, you can use Turbo
Pascal for yourself for only $49.95, but
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120 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 121
commercial users should pay more.
"How much more?" I asked. I still
wasn't much enthused.
However, it turns out not to be a lot
more. Borland only wants another
$100 for what amounts to an
unlimited license. Thus the true price
of Turbo Pascal (for those who intend
to sell or give away their programs or
to run programs compiled with it on
any machine other than the one they
bought the compiler for) is $149.95.
My first impression of Turbo is that
it's probably worth $149.95. It looks
to do everything MT+ with the Speed
Programming Package does, and maybe
even do it faster and better.
It comes with a built-in editor,
much like the MT+ Speed Package
or UCSD Pascal. There are lots of util-
ities. It generates native code, like
Pascal MT+, not p-code like JRT
Pascal and UCSD Pascal; but unlike
Pascal MT + , there are trace debug-
ger capabilities that let you find the
source code that produced a run-time
error.
The document is a printed book
and is quite complete, much more
than adequate provided that you're
not trying to learn Pascal from it. The
book is certainly no tutorial intro to
the language— although Mr. Kahn
promises a tutorial Real Soon Now.
It hardly matters; at that price you
don't expect a tutorial. Get Alex
Pournelle's Pascal Intro and a couple
of good books, and you'll still be
around $100 for a good learning pack-
age (unless you intend to sell or give
away your programs).
Meanwhile, I find myself impaled
on a real dilemma.
First: I want to encourage outfits
like Borland. I think software is
priced far too high. Heck, I'd con-
sider a good Pascal compiler for $150
to be a step in the right direction.
Why, then, am I upset if Borland of-
fers the exact same compiler for
$49.95 on condition that you don't sell
or give away programs developed
with it?
Because it's a tax on honesty. Sup-
pose I buy Turbo Pascal for $49.95,
like it a lot, and write a good utility
program with it. My friends like my
program and want copies.
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I now have two choices: be a liar,
or pay $100. Maybe I like Turbo Pascal
so much that I'll pay the $100 out of
gratitude; I understand there are
customers who have. On the other
hand, a lot of people are going to say
to hell with it, and how is Borland
going to enforce its "agreement"? I
doubt Borland can, and suspect it
won't try.
Anyway: my original intent was to
see how hard it would be for Marty
Massoglia to translate our Inferno
game from MT+ to Turbo Pascal, but
I was scared off by the licensing
agreement. Now that I know a "no
strings" agreement is only another
$100, I'll reconsider. I'd think that a
fair test of Turbo.
Meanwhile, Phillipe Kahn of Bor-
land promises that upcoming re-
leases of Turbo will include source
code to a bunch of useful programs
including a spreadsheet. Borland in-
tends to get into the Pascal market in
a big way, and I very much like that
attitude. I'd like to see the company
succeed; it's about time compiler
prices came down to something
reasonable.
There's Value for You . . .
I have acquired Evolving Technol-
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which is advertised as "a real money
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What you get for $19.95 is:
1. a one-hole puncher (Wool-
worth's, $0.95)
2. a grease pencil that makes white
marks ($0.95 at most)
3. a heavy plastic template ($0.25)
4. a sheet of instructions ($0.10)
5. a "happy face" slip of cardboard
($0,005)
Total value of materials, certainly
less than $2.50. However, that's not
the real problem with this "money
saver." The real cost will come if you
use it.
So far as I know, all floppy disks
have magnetic media on both sides
122 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 206 on Inquiry card.
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of the disk. Many disk manufacturers
test both sides of every disk. If both
sides pass quality-control inspection,
the disk is sold as "double-sided,"
and the code holes are punched in
the jacket accordingly. If one side fails
the tests, the disk is marketed as
single-sided. If both sides fail, the
disk is either scrapped, or marketed
to a discount disk outfit, which puts
it through less stringent tests.
Consequently, there's no guarantee
at all that the "other" side of your
disk is usable— or worse, that it won't
fail catastrophically. By Murphy's
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tains the only copy of something ex-
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Ezekial, my late friend who hap-
pened to be a Z80 computer, had
only one failure in his first couple of
years. We eventually traced that
failure to cheap disks: one had ac-
tually let media rub off on the disk-
drive head. That crashed the drive,
but not when the el cheapo disk was
in it. Oh, no. It crashed when I was
saving some original text. Even
Tony's bulletproof software couldn't
save that particular chapter. More-
over, it kept crashing, and it took
some severe scrubbing with alcohol
to get the gubbage off and make the
drive reliable again.
Since that time, I've been pretty
careful about what kind of disks go
into my machines. By staying with
high-quality disks like Dysan, I pro-
tect the disk heads from wear. Most
important, though, I protect my data.
All in all, using the back sides of
single-sided disks seems to me a
good way to invite trouble. It might
work, and save a few tens of dollars,
but mark my words, there'll come a
time when you regret it.
Crashing Shirley
One of the hits of the CP/M East
show last month (October, 1983) was
Bill Godbout's (of Compupro) multi-
user machine. It has some kind of of-
ficial name, but I first heard of it
under the code name "Shirley," and
that's what I remember it by.
Shirley is a business machine. It
runs CP/M 8/16; that is, there are both
8-bit and 16-bit processors aboard,
and you don't have to tell the system
whether you want to run CP/M 2.2
or CP/M-86; Shirley's smart enough
to figure it out once you invoke the
program.
Til have more about Shirley after I
get mine; it's more than just possible
that we'll set her up as the master
writing machine here, and no, I
haven't given up my notions about
distributed processing and "one user,
one CPU." Shirley has a separate
microprocessor ("brain") chip for
every user as well as a master brain
to do traffic management and give all
four users access to the hard disk; but
back to my story.
Godbout had Shirley set up for
CP/M East. It was my first chance to
play with it. Godbout didn't have
Write, my favorite text editor, run-
ning yet, but he did have Wordstar,
so that's what I called up to play
with. There was only one trouble:
Wordstar does a lot of disk accesses
(to get all those pesky messages and
translate all those multiple-stroke
commands), and every time there
was a disk access, Shirley crashed.
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124 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Compupro tends to have loyal em-
ployees; I never will forget how the
staff stayed with the booth in the
106 + degree temperature of the out-
side tents of last year's NCC. The
overflow tent area quickly became
known as The Inferno; a lot of ex-
hibits shut down because the ma-
chines couldn't take it. I got consider-
able comfort from it, though, because
a duplicate of my Compupro system
continued to work even though I
measured the input temperature at
105 degrees. The staff was wilting
before the machines were.
Anyway, when I made Shirley crash
for about the third time, one of Com-
pupro's young women came running
over in a state of high dudgeon, and
I abandoned my fun; but it was
annoying. As it happened, I was
scheduled to have dinner with Dr.
Godbout and his crew that night, and
we got to discussing what had hap-
pened, and somewhere just after the
soup it came to Len Ott, Godbout's
software-development manager.
"We mixed up Wordstars," he said.
After that it was easy enough to see
what happened.
Wordstar comes in both 8-bit and
16-bit versions, and Shirley can run
either. Now CP/M 2.2 (8-bit) com-
mand files end with the extension
.COM, while CP/M-86 (16-bit) com-
mand files end with the extension
.CMD, so that's no problem. How-
ever, Wordstar has overlays, lots of
them, that are called in every time
you use one of the multiple-stroke
commands— and the overlays have
exactly the same names and the ex-
tension .OVR whether they're for the
8-bit or the 16-bit version.
Somehow in the mixup of bringing
the exhibits (with new furniture not
tried before), both .COM and .CMD
versions of Wordstar had got onto the
hard disk, with the wrong one first,
so CP/M 8/16 loaded in the 8-bit com-
mand file— which promptly called
the 16-bit overlays.
Needless to say, they had that par-
ticular problem fixed before I arrived
at the show the next morning, and,
in fact, someone was watching for me
to drag me over and show me they
had it working. They'd simply
eliminated all the 8-bit Wordstar parts
126 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 285 on inquiry card.
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from the system, which took care of
the immediate difficulty.
The long-term solution is to patch
16-bit Wordstar so that it wants over-
lays with a .16V extension (or some
such). Micropro doesn't tell you how
to do that, although I gather that
some systems consultants have the
secret. Len Ott is working on the
problem for Compupro; meanwhile,
fair warning to anyone using CP/M
8/16. Don't mix Wordstar overlays.
Much Improved . . .
Another thing I collected at CP/M
East was the new manuals for Word-
star 3.3.
I recall the first time I ever saw
Wordstar. It was at a show in Los
Angeles. MacLean, my late mad
friend, and I had machines with
memory-mapped video because Elec-
tric Pencil wouldn't run with a ter-
minal; indeed, the only full-screen
editor that would work with ter-
minals was Wordmaster, and it didn't
have word-wrap and other features
that I wanted for creative writing.
Micropro, the company that
brought out Wordmaster, introduced
Wordstar. It was selling it from
a small, against-the-wall booth, and
the demonstrator/salesman told
MacLean, "The documents were writ-
ten by the programmer who wrote the
program."
Wordstar will never be
my favorite editor, but
the company has
steadily improved it,
and it's certainly more
than adequate.
Dan thumbed through the big
notebook and said, sadly, "I can very
well believe that."
We stayed with Electric Pencil, part-
ly because Wordstar would work only
with terminals; it certainly couldn't
take advantage of our fast-scrolling
memory-mapped video displays.
Even if we'd been tempted, though,
excel:
ARISr Finally, the reason
to use a computer. And
in one elegant software
system.
EXCEL
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Ask your Dealer to demonstrate the entire EXCEL SYSTEMS line for you.
the first Wordstar documents would
have turned us off.
However, most of the micro com-
munity wasn't willing (or perhaps
able) to put in memory-mapped
video systems, and Wordstar was for
several years the best text editor avail-
able for systems using terminals. The
result was that Wordstar very nearly
became the micro world's standard
text editor. It wasn't necessarily the
favorite editor, but it was a pretty
good second best. Everyone knew it,
and it was available on most systems.
It was smart to learn it, despite the
poor documents.
Over the years Micropro improved
Wordstar and improved the docu-
ments, and I'm pleased to report that
the new documents for Wordstar 3.3
are not bad. The tutorial is still too
terse and far too "busy" for my taste,
but it will serve, and the reference
manual is quite complete. Wordstar
will never be my favorite editor
(they'll never make changes that
drastic!), but over the years the com-
pany has steadily improved it, and
it's certainly more than adequate.
Interestingly enough, the keyboard
pictured in the new Wordstar tutorial
manual is very much like mine, ex-
cept that it's missing most of the
special function keys. Has Wordstar
discovered just how good Archive
keyboards are?
Love That MPI
I've become involved in publishing.
That is, my friend and long-time as-
sociate Jim Baen has talked me into
a line of "Jerry Pournelle Presents"
books. One of the first of these will
be a revised collection of these col-
umns. Others will include books by
Tony Bove and Cheryl Rhodes on
how to use CP/M and word proces-
sors and such, an authoritative guide
to the IBM PC, and a tutorial on
Modula-2.
I'm editor of record, so I contract
for these books, and that's greatly in-
creased the paperwork here at Chaos
Manor. Worse, Jim Baen has his stan-
dard contracts on his IBM PC, and
until a few days ago I didn't have a
PC.
I did have Zorro the Zenith Z-100,
which in many ways is a better
128 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 136 on inquiry card.
"I built this 16-bit computer and
saved money. Learned a lot, too."
Save now by building the Heathkit H-100
yourself. Save later because your computer
investment won't become obsolete for
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Save by building it yourself. You can save hundreds of
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to buy the peripherals and software of your choice.
H-100 SERIES COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS:
USER MEMORY:
128K-768K bytes*
MICROPROCESSORS:
16-bit: 8088
8-bit: 8085
DISK STORAGE:
Built-in standard
5.25 "disk drive,
320K bytes/disk
KEYBOARD:
Typewriter-style,
95 keys, 13
function keys,
18-key numeric pad
GRAPHICS:
Always in graphics mode.
640h/225v resolution;
up to eight colors
are available
COMMUNICATIONS:
Two RS-232C Serial
Interface Ports and
one parallel port
128K bytes standard.
Optional.
DIAGNOSTICS:
Memory self-test
on power-up
AVAILABLE SOFTWARE:
Z-DOS (MS-DOS)
CP/M-85 +
Z-BASIC Language
Microsoft BASIC
Multiplan
SuperCalc
WordStar
MailMerge /, ,-
Data Base
Manager
Most
standard It
8-bit CP/M
Software
The H-100 is easy to build - the step-by-step Heathkit
manual shows you how. And every step of the way, you
have our pledge -"We won't let you fail." Help is as close
as your phone, or the nearest Heathkit Electronic Center.t
And what better way to learn state-of-the-art computing
techniques than to build the world's only 16-bit/8-bit
computer kit? To run today's higher-speed, higher-per-
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Dual microprocessors for power and compatibility. The
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And the industry-standard S-100 card slots support
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High-capacity disk storage, too. The H-100's5.25"floppy
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Winchester disk drive will be available soon.
For more information, circle the reader service number
below. Better yet, visit your Heathkit Electronic Center for
a demonstration!
The H-100 gives me the most
for my computer dollar!
Heathkit
Heathkit Electronic Centers are units of Verltechnology Electronics Corporation.
Heath Company and Veritechnology Electronics Corporation are subsidiaries of Zenith Radio Corporation.
CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research Corporation.
Circle 168 on inquiry card.
ERG/68000
MINI-SYSTEMS
D Full IEEE 696/S100 Compatibility
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machine, and the MPI 150G dot-
matrix printer, which is faster than
the letter-quality Diablo and NEC
printers, and plenty good enough
quality for contracts and business
documents.
We set up Zorro out in the auxiliary
office where the whole staff as well
as the kids can get at him, and de-
mand has picked up a lot— so much
so that people were chafing to get the
printing done so they could get back
to work.
MPI came to the rescue. That's one
great little printer. The MPI ("The
Printer People") troops sent an up-
date board for the T50G. It was sim-
ple to install, and it loads the printer
with 68K bytes of memory. Now
when we want to print a contract, we
do just as we always did, but when
Zorro has sent the entire file over to
the MPI 150G, we can start editing
something else while the printer con-
tinues its work.
The time saved is quite significant.
It's even more significant when we're
printing Write files; it seems that
Wordstar takes quite a long time to go
through the text files and do all the
necessary formatting. The MPI
printer is so fast that it can nearly
keep up with Wordstar! However, for
Write, program listings, and all the
myriad details that one uses a printer
for, having that memory is little short
of wonderful.
I know there are various boxes of
memory that sit between the com-
puter and the printer, and I've always
been tempted to get one, but I never
have. I suppose one reason is that
early on MacLean set me up with a
"spooler," which is something a bit
different; the spooler, or at least the
one I had, is a software timesharing
system that let the computer print
during pauses when nothing else
was happening. It almost drove me
mad.
The printer was in the other room,
but I could hear it. Whenever I'd
pause for thought, the printer would
start; as soon as I hit a key, it would
stop. All pretense of creative thought
went out the window, and I had that
darned spooler erased from all my
disks so I'd never be tempted to use
it again.
That somehow convinced me I
didn't want printing going on when
I was working. Then, later, I got a sec-
ond machine and hooked it to the
printer, and that became the primary
printout system, and I found I could
work while the printer was going in
the other room, so long as it worked
steadily and didn't depend on what
I was doing at the time. It's only been
recently that I find I wish I had ac-
cess to the second machine while it's
printing; and our experience with the
. Z-100 and the MPI's magic memory
has been so pleasant that I guess I'll
start looking for a box to connect be-
tween the Compupro Dual Processor
and the NEC 7710 Spinwriter.
Meanwhile, if you want a good dot-
matrix printer, let me recommend the
MPI. We also have its little brother,
the MPI 99, which is destined to be
attached to the IBM PC as soon as we
get either a parallel-output board for
the PC or the serial-interface adapter
cable for the MPI 99.
The Ultimate Language?
Buz Overbeck of Garland, Texas,
has evidently been following my lan-
guage debate articles and has
decided to solve the problem once
and for all. He sent me the specifica-
tions for the new language DeSade,
which he thinks should come out of
the closet.
According to Overbeck, DeSade "is
perfectly suited for brute-force appli-
cations, slow and dirty program-
ming, the crunching of numbers, and
hacking in general." Some of the pre-
viously defined functions are STRIP
(X$), which removes everything;
FLOG(X), which returns the floating-
point logarithm; SLASH(X), which
returns the integer portion of X;
MAIM(X), which returns nothing;
and SIN(X), which restores X to its
original illegal value. Alas, \ cat\'\.
really do justice to DeSade and its
library function Libertine— at least
not in a family-type magazine like
BYTE. Perhaps that's just as well.
That Won't Work...
No one has yet deciphered my
secret message encrypted in Charlie
Merrit's public-key encryption sys-
tem. I know for a fact that some
130 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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pretty bright people using fairly large
machines took a stab at it; so perhaps
it's reasonable to conclude that Mer-
rit's program works as advertised.
For those who came in late, public-
key encryption systems have two
keys. One is published, and anyone
can use it to encode a message. How-
ever, once the message is encrypted,
it can't be decoded except with the
other, secret key. This means that you
can give your friends the means to
send you secret messages that only
you can read.
About a year ago, I encoded my
Vita (whose plain text is known) and
a "secret" message I made up and
published both messages and the en-
cryption key, with the stipulation that
I'd have a reward for the first person
to send me the plain text of the mes-
sage. I made it available in my files
at MIT MC and advertised my offer
not only in BYTE but on other large
electronic networks. (MIT MC is one
of the larger machines at the
Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. That's where my elec-
tronic mailbox is located.)
No one has it yet. There have been
a couple of noble tries; one chap tried
to disassemble Merrit's program in
hopes of figuring out how Charlie
did it. That didn't work, because the
encryption algorithm is no secret: it
involves factoring very large num-
bers.
Public-key encryption
systems have two keys:
one is published and
anyone can use it, the
other is secret.
Another try is from Mr. Buttery in
Australia, who used psychology: he
figured out that I'd simply encrypted
the original offer of a reward. Alas,
that's not the answer. I've actually
forgotten the plain text of my mes-
sage (I do have it written down). It
breaks into a grammatical but mean-
ingless English sentence; there's no
point in trying psychoanalysis.
I'm beginning to believe Charlie
Merrit has actually produced a near-
ly unbreakable code that we can use
on our micro systems. That has some
interesting implications.
More Mail . . .
Alas, another 21 pounds of mail (as
weighed by UPS) arrived today;
that's a week's supply. It's physically
impossible for me to answer it all; I
do read every bit of it (so far), and
much of it is very informative; it's as
if I had my own intelligence service
out there. Thanks.
One of my most informative corre-
spondents is Paul Chisholm of New
Jersey. He says, "I'm writing this with
Spellbinder, a.k.a. Word/125. Boy, is
this thing modal! I'm used to input
mode and command mode, but this
'edit' vs. command mode stuff is no
fun at all."
Coincidentally, there is a furious
debate going in the "Editor People"
mailing list on one of the nets I fre-
quent. It concerns "modal" versus
"modeless" editors.
All the editors I use have "modes."
Write, for example, has "insert" and
"strikeover" modes; you toggle be-
Volkswagens
Weren't Meant
To Carry
Cows
For years
people have
extended Pascal so they
could pack in more and more
large programs. But that's like
extending a Volkswagen to carry cows.
It might get the job done, but wouldn't
something else work better?
Nicklaus Wirth, the creator of Pascal, has a better
solution. Modula-2. Not another extension, a new lan-
guage. Modula-2 gives you all the simple elegance that
made Pascal the most popular language of the last
decade. Yet with even more power and flexibility. And
it's easy. If you know Pascal, within hours you can be
writing programs in Modula-2.
LOGITECH
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complete implementation of Wirth's Modula-2) translates
directly into high-speed native code for PC-DOS™,
MS-DOS™ and CP/M-86™.
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Move up to Modula-2/86. The professional software
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PC-DOS is a TM ol IBM. MS-DOS is a TM ol Microsoft.
CP/M-86 is a TM ol Digital Research.
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415-326-3885 r™
132 R*ruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 218 on inquiry card.
Your troubles are over!
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tween them with a single keystroke.
I happen to like the strikeover mode
as the normal one; text editors based
on MIT's Emacs tend to use the op-
posite philosophy. The important
thing, though, is to get quickly from
one to the other, and to have a way
to tell which one you're in. (In most
text editors there's a status line that
tells you; in Write the cursor changes
shape.)
Write also has a command mode,
a print mode, and a find/replace
mode. In every case there's a
dramatic on-screen change; you're in
no doubt about which "mode" you're
in. On the other hand, you don't
have to leave the "text" mode for
most text operations, which are ac-
complished with single keystrokes.
Thus, although Write has "modes,"
it tends toward the "modeless" end
of the spectrum. By contrast, con-
sider the simple editor built into most
BASICs. You pretty well have to go to
command mode to accomplish
anything with it. Ed, the text editor
that comes free with CP/M, is
another "mode" editor, as is the
UCSD Pascal source editor; in those
you can't even move the cursor with-
out going into command mode.
What irritates Chisholm about
Spellbinder is that he can't kill lines
without changing modes. With Write
that's a one keystroke command that
can be made when you're in text
mode. Obviously I prefer Write's
method; on the other hand, I do pay
for it. Many editors based on Emacs
keep a big file of every bit of text
you've killed and have the ability to
"yank" back (unkill) that text at will.
Multimode editors tend to have that
feature; nonmoded editors tend not
to. I don't happen to miss "unkill" or
"oops" myself, but then Write won't
let me kill anything larger than a line
without asking me whether I'm
serious.
I wouldn't reject an "unkill" or
"oops" feature in an editor, but I don't
think I'd pay much for it, either.
Anyway, Chisholm says, "Chalk up
a 'nay' vote for Spellbinder." On the
other hand, Marty Massoglia has
been doing our Inferno game- in
Pascal using Eaglewriter, which is
Spellbinder under another name,
and he's not unhappy with it. But
he's writing programs, not text; he
also has the patience of an IBM FOR-
TRAN programmer. . .
More on Editors
Doug Hazen Jr. lives in Gainesville,
Florida, where my mother went to
college many years ago. He started off
asking one or two questions and end-
ed with a nine-page letter of queries,
all sensible; but I'd have to write at
least one book to answer all of them.
One point he makes is that I may
have been unfair to The Final Word.
Why, he asks, can't I simply cus-
tomize its command structure to my
liking? After all, he says, "You didn't
criticize Wordstar's commands, and it
doesn't even pretend to be mnemonic
or logical."
Taking the latter point first, I've
written so often about Wordstar's
multiple-stroke commands that I
guess I assumed everyone knows my
views on the subject. For the record:
I don't care for most of Wordstar's
command structure. The part I do
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Circle 452 for Dealer inquiries. Circle 453 for End-User inquiries.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
135
^H
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All prices and specifications subject to change / Delivery subject (o availability.
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like is the cursor controls, which are
grouped in a logical manner. I find
it much easier to remember that " E,
~S, "D, and "X move the cursor up,
right, left, down, than to remember
the Emacs "philosophy" of 3~F for
forward a letter and Escape-F for for-
ward a word, etc.
Obviously, there's no universal
agreement on this. The Final Word is
based firmly on MIT's Emacs editor,
which was written by my friend
Richard M. Stallman; and a lot of
people are not merely fond of Emacs,
they're fanatic supporters. I use
Emacs when I'm connected to my ac-
count at MIT, and I manage well
enough. It's true that I prefer Write,
on the grounds of transparency, but
recall that I am a creative writer, and
my requirements are much different
from those of a programmer, or even
of a technical writer.
Second question: "One of The
Final Word's most advertised and
(seemingly) important features is the
ability to recover from power loss,
etc., without losing text or even your
place in the text. Can Write do this?"
No.
I don't think I want it to, either. The
Final Word accomplishes this miracle
with a "swap file"; every now and
then it writes off what you've done
to disk without your asking it to. It's
probably pure prejudice on my part,
but I find that distracting. I don't
want my editor doing things I didn't
tell it to.
On the other hand, I've been well
trained to "save early and often,"
which I do. I have fast disks, and I
save my text whenever I finish a unit.
Still, I concede the point to The Final
Word.
Hazen also asks what I think of
"what you see is what you get"
editors.
I couldn't care less about that fea-
ture. Write has a "print to screen"
command that lets me see on screen
precisely what I'd see on paper, and
that's plenty enough for my pur-
poses. On the other hand, the out-
put of my shop is pretty much con-
fined to (1) letters and (2) standard
manuscripts that are formatted as 26
double-spaced lines per page, each
60 characters wide, with page num-
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February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 139
bers and a very short header. I don't
need fancy formatting.
What I do like is automatic on-
screen formatting. That is: Wordstar
and most of the "what you see is
what you get" editors insert various
"invisible" formatting commands into
the text stream. If later you change
anything, such as the length of a
word, you must consciously reformat
the paragraph, otherwise it won't
comgout right.
For example, if you use a good
spelling checker like The Word Plus,
it will tell you that in making correc-
tions it has changed the length of
words and suggest that you REFOR-
MAT your text.
Write, on the other hand, works
from explicit text-formatting com-
mands. They're quite visible because
they start with a dot; for example,
you set the left margin to 10 by do-
ing .lmlO and set the header margin
(space between header and top of
text) by doing .hm3 or whatever.
Having done that, Write does the
rest. When I edit already written text,
Write automatically reformats it on
screen. When I run The Word Plus,
I can immediately print my text with-
out reformatting, regardless of
whether words changed length. And
so forth.
I prefer it this way. If I did a lot of
newsletter publishing or intricate
text layout, I'd probably have a dif-
ferent view. I do know that Write is
good enough to produce important
documents; the report of The
Citizen's Advisory Council on Na-
tional Space Policy was printed here
at Chaos Manor using Write, and it
got a letter of commendation from
the President, so it must have looked
good enough.
Actually, I expect much editor
preference depends on what you're
used to; as long as you have a decent
text editor, these machines are so
much better than what we had before
we got them that we can loudly count
our blessings.
Still, I am making notes about what
I want in my "ideal" editor and, who
knows, maybe 111 use parts of it as an
example when I start writing about
how to program in Modula-2.
results:
ProType! Develop profes-
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Private. Effective. Now.
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Upgrade? That Compupro
I'm writing this on a Compupro
Z80. I want that clearly understood;
maybe I can forestall some of the
angry letters.
Bill Godbout's Compupro com-
pany has sold one whack of a lot of
Z80 microprocessor boards. It still
sells them— but he's trying to retire
them. What Dr. Godbout really and
truly wants you to get is a dual pro-
cessor, 8085/8088 central processing
unit, and while you're at it, get CP/M
8/16 that runs both 8-bit CP/M-80
(2.2x) software and 16-bit CP/M-86
programs.
To encourage this, he's making two
offers:
(1) If you have Compupro CP/M-86,
return the original master (you can
keep a copy) to a Compupro Systems
Center and the company will sell you
a working CP/M 8/16 complete with
BIOS for $100.
(2) If you have a Compupro Z80
microprocessor, talk to your Com-
pupro Systems Center, or even direct
to Compupro; you can arrange to
trade it in and get a Dual Processor
8085/8088 replacement board at half
price.
Now I know that some people
won't consider this an upgrade,
because the Z80 does have some
pretty efficient instructions not pres-
ent in the 8085. Phillipe Kahn of
Borland says the reason the com-
pany's Turbo Pascal is so efficient for
CP/M-80 is that it works only with
Z80 systems and makes maximum
use of the Z80 instruction set.
On the other hand, the micro
world is moving toward 16 bits.
There's more 8-bit than 16-bit soft-
ware right now, and the Z80 will run
more of it than the 8085, so perhaps
this isn't the time to make the change.
Perhaps. I have both systems, and
there's very little I can't run on the
Dual Processor— which also has Jim
Hudson's 8087 piggyback board, thus
enabling me to do even more
wonders.
Anyway, while Dr. Godbout and I
were discussing his trade-in offer, he
said he was contemplating calling
Nieman-Marcus to get into its
Christmas catalog. He could offer a
$100,000 microcomputer.
140 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 137 on inquiry card.
Take one each Shirley machine.
Each of the four users could have his
own CPU and memory. They could
also have their own RAM-disk if
you'd like. You can make the RAM-
disk as large as 4 megabytes and the
individual memory area up to 16
megabytes. This requires the new
256K-byte memory chips, which
aren't cheap.
With two floppy disks, a hard disk,
16 megabytes of main memory, 1
megabyte of RAM-disk, five pro-
cessors, and terminals, you could put
together a Super- Shirley to sell for
$100,000, and he was going to try to
get that in the Nieman-Marcus
catalog.
Of course, Shirley doesn't normal-
ly sell for anything like that; with four
terminals it's still well under $20,000
for a four-user system.
I don't know whether Godbout got
his ad in that catalog, but he does
have a point: it's going to be awhile
before those 256K-byte chips make
any practical difference to the or-
dinary microcomputer user.
Meanwhile, Godbout is developing
a 1-megabyte S-100 static memory
board that will take up only one slot.
You can probably order one now; if
you decide you want one, it will be
about $6000, no small sum. Of
course, that price will fall over the
next year or so; memory prices
always come down.
As to why anyone would want such
an expensive board, it will work at
fantastic speeds, far higher than
where the cheaper dynamic memory
boards can work reliably I already
have a Compupro 8-MHz 8086/8087
microprocessor board— and the com-
pany is trying to increase that one's
speed. Moreover, with a board like
that you're tooling up for the real
thing, when the 16032 boards come
out.
My conversation with Godbout got
me to thinking. People are always
asking me, "What should I buy?"
Short of giving a specific machine for
an answer, what should I say? But I
have thought of something.
Buy yourself a state-of-the-art de-
velopment system— but don't get this
year's model. Get something that be-
tween one and one and a half years
ago was the latest state of the art.
That will be advanced enough for
almost any nondevelopmental pur-
pose. People will be writing software
for it. The bugs will be shaken out
and its servicing quirks will be
known.
Example: I'm writing this on a
Compupro Z80, which was state-of-
the-art three years ago, and I'm about
to check spelling and print it on a
Compupro 8085/8088 Dual Processor,
which was state-of-the-art not more
than two years ago. Both are reliable,
quite sophisticated, and easy to use.
Incidentally, I told Bill Godbout
about a new company that's forming
to challenge his supremacy in the de-
velopment systems market.
He said, "Love competition. I'd like
to have somebody to steal something
from for a change."
Fixing up Adeline
The Otrona company has changed
hands, and no one in it seems ever
to have heard of me. The company
has severed its connection with Fred
Whitney who used to be the local
manufacturer's rep, and the West
Coast sales people I knew are all
gone.
Thus I hear rumors of new boards
and software for the Otrona, but I've
not seen any.
Meanwhile, Adeline, our Otrona,
developed speech problems: that is,
she worked fine, but the communica-
tions port stopped sending, making
it well-nigh impossible to transfer
files out of Adeline and into our main
system. (There's a story that goes
with that, about why my 5-inch disk
systems for the big Compupro Dual
Processor aren't up and running, but
it's for another time.)
We also had a problem with the
handle; not fatal, but annoying.
No one at Otrona returned my
calls, so it took a while to find a local
dealer; but eventually we came up
with Omni Unlimited, of Pasadena.
Alex took Adeline over. Within an
hour, John Erdwell of Omni had
Adeline fixed and running. More-
over, it didn't cost a cent; it seems
Otrona had some problems with
early machines and instructed
success
MNIT Create menus, use
instructions, tutorials,
demos - with winning
results. Instant success.
EXCEL Systems Corporation • 655 Redwood Highway
Suite 311 • Mill Valley • CA 94941
Ask your Dealer to demonstrate the entire EXCEL SYSTEMS line for you.
Circle 137 on Inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 141
authorized repair centers to treat the
machines as if under warranty. I
don't know if the company is still do-
ing that as you read this, but as of
November it is.
We still use the Otrona as the travel
machine. There's a good version of
Write for Adeline, and she fits in an
aircraft overhead rack quite nicely. I
last took her to Austin, Texas, and got
quite a lot of work done in evening
hours. There are said to be better por-
tables, but so far I've not tried one.
Late edition: Otrona has success-
fully reorganized. Ron Lingeman, the
original designer of the machine, has
become the vice-president of R&D
and is happy as a clam with his
return to the laboratories. The new
president is Jim Linder, who enjoys
sales and marketing. I met both at
COMDEX. Communications have
been reestablished and we are getting
a PC-compatible update for Adeline
Real Soon Now.
They also have a very nice large
amber screen add-on. With the big
screen, PC-compatibility in addition
to the original Z80, and lots of bun-
dled software, the Otrona remains
my favorite portable.
Game of the Month
We've got a ton of computer games
around here. My method of deter-
mining which one is most popular is
to watch which ones the kids are
playing when I go back to their end
of the house. It's not quite a random
sampling, but it's reasonable.
This month the favorite seems to be
Avalon Hill's Tactical Armor Com-
mand. I'm glad of that, because I
have a soft spot in my heart for AH;
I've been playing its board games for
at least 25 years, beginning with Tac-
tics II.
The following review is by Alex
Pournelle, with assistance from
Richard (13) and Phillip (15):
Tactical Armor Command (Apple version
tested; no joystick used).
"Dad used to design board war
games. I got interested in them
because of him, but I have had little
spare time and few opponents for a
long time. Because of this, I hoped to
see some good board-type games for
computers, especially from a com-
pany whose games I have admired,
Avalon Hill.
"They have done it. Tactical Armor
Command, or TAC for short, is
definitely an Avalon Hill game right
from its rules through its playability.
It even has the old Avalon Hill rule
gaps— for instance, the game says
"fire suppressed," though the rule
book doesn't mention what that is.
No matter; Avalon Hill gamers would
be suspicious of anything perfect in
its first release.
"There is one perfect thing: the
marriage of computer and board
game. The last two board games I
used to play were Tobruk (AH) and
Air War (SPI). Both dealt with indivi-
dual units, tanks in Tobruk and jet
fighters in Air War. Both were in-
credibly hard to learn and play. Air War
had 100 pages of rules, tables, ex-
amples, and notes; it took a friend of
mine two weeks just to learn to fly
straight and level! The computer can
take care of this detail much better
than you or I; TAC does this for a very
Tobruk-like game.
"You choose American, German,
Russian, or British armor and troops
in World War II. Your opponent, who
can be the computer or another sa-
pient being, chooses one of the
others. You select how many "armor
points" (which buy tanks, artillery, or
troops and APCs) each side gets and
then purchase your instruments of
destruction. Then you each take
turns moving on the board, attemp-
ting to find each other's units, hiding
in forests, laying smoke, and firing
either directly or indirectly. Though
the moves are entered one after the
other, all moves are processed
simultaneously, making the game
more realistic. Combat resolution, if
any, is shown after all moves are
entered. All views of the playing field
are shown in top view, just like any
other tank board game. The hexagon
paper, though, is gone: units can be
anywhere.
"Good points: the game is fun and
refreshingly different. If your coor-
dination isn't up to 4000 aliens a
minute, try a little strategy. You can
give more units to a lesser player or
play the computer if you're alone.
The computer, by the way, is a pretty
good player— the game calls him
"Major AI Logarithm." There is no
time limit during planning stages, so
plan on. Moving units is time-
dependent and you can make
mistakes, but this is so much more
like reality that I am only impressed.
I could wish for optional joystick unit
movement if I were in a wishing
mood.
"Disadvantages: like any other
Avalon Hill game, there are some
endearing foibles as well as just
dumb mistakes. There are not
enough examples in the instructions,
especially of indirect fire, messages
given during combat, how to engage
the enemy, what infantry is good for
(and how to use it), what artillery can
do for you, and what to do with
every tank against every other.
Avalon Hill provides good examples
for its $12 to $20 box games; it certain-
ly ought to for a more expensive com-
puter game. You get to pick the units
for both sides if you play the com-
puter; I would like to see it do its own
choosing. You have to write down
what units you're tracking and where
they are; the computer could do a lot
more note-taking for you. If you try
to point a gun in a direction it won't
go, the computer just asks you again;
there ought to be help on this. Most
of these are minor nits, though: the
game is very playable and takes only
two or three test plays to pick up. I
would like to see Avalon Hill add
more scenarios and variable terrain
so Tactical Armor Command doesn't
become a bookshelf queen."
(Note by JEP: the biggest disap-
pointment to me was that although
the Germans can have towed ar-
tillery, the most famous antitank
weapon of the war, the Flak 88, isn't
in the game! Rommel changed
armored tactics forever by bringing
the 88's forward to fight as integral
units with his tank armies; it would
be interesting to see how that tactic
fares in this game. I wish they'd add
the 88s. . . .)
Coming Attractions
I'm never very good at predicting
what I'll be doing, but next month is
COMDEX. Meanwhile, I've been
142 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Items Reviewed
Dedicate/32
$175
Otrona Attache
$2995
Merrit Software
.
Otrona Corporation
POB 1504
4755 Walnut St.
Fayetteville, AR 72702
Boulder, CO 80301
(501) 442-0914
(303) 940-3445
Disk Doubler
$19.95
Pascal MT + 80
$350
Evolving Technology Corporation
MT + 86
$600
3725 Talbot St., Suite F
Digital Research, Inc.
San Diego, CA 92106
POB 579
(619) 224-3788
Pacific Grove, CA 93950
(800) 227-1617
Eagle 1600 Series
$4495-8995
Eagle Multiuser PC
$1995-4495
Shirley (Multipro MP-10) (hard drive 40-megabyte)
$8490
Spirit Portable
$4795
Compupro Upgrades
—
Eagle Computer Corporation
Compupro
983 University Ave., Building C
3339 Arden Rd.
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Hayward, CA 94545
(408) 395-5005
(415) 786-0909
Final Word
$300
Spellbinder (alias Word/125)
$495
Mark of the Unicorn
Lexisoft
222 Third St.
706 5th St.
Cambridge, MA 02142
Davis, CA 95616
(617) 576-2760
(916) 758-3630
IBM PCs and Other Computers
Tactical Armor Command
$40
Computerland of Woodland Hills
Avalon Hill Game Corporation
28012 Ventura Blvd.
4517 Harford Rd.
Woodland Hills, CA 91367
Baltimore, MD 21214
(818) 716-7714
(301) 254-5300
Logimouse
$203
Turbo Pascal
$49.95
Logitech Inc.
Borland International
165 University Ave., #105
4807 Scotts Valley Dr.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Scotts Valley, CA 95066
(415) 326-3885
(800) 227-2400
Magic Keyboard
$32.50
Wordstar
$495
Write
$239
Micropro International
Dedicate/32
$175
33 San Pablo Ave.
Workman and Associates
San Rafael, CA 94903
112 Marion Ave.
(415) 499-1200
Pasadena, CA 91106
(818) 796-4401
Zenith Z-100 Computer
Zenith Data Systems
$2899
MPI 99
$599
1000 Milwaukee Ave.
MPI 150G
$995-1345
Glenview, IL 60025
Micro Peripherals Inc.
(312) 391-8865
4426 South Century Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT 84107
(801) 263-3081
1
promised the new Eagle Spirit por-
table (which I'll take to COMDEX)
and a number of expansion boards
for our IBM PC, including, I hope,
Ciarcia's Quicksilver.
Also on deck is Sweet Pea's plotter,
Mouse Systems' Mouse compared to
Logitech's, Lotus 1-2-3, concurrent
CP/M with Logitech, DR Logo, and
Lord knows what else.
There are also 21 pounds of mail to
deal with, and the unreviewed soft-
ware pile continues to grow. I love
it.a
]erry Pournelle is a former aerospace engineer and
current science-fiction writer who loves to play with
computers.
ferry Pournelle welcomes readers' com-
ments and opinions. Send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to Jerry Pournelle, do
BYTE Publications, POB 372, Hancock,
NH 03449. Please put your address on the
letter as well as on the envelope. Due to
the high volume of letters, ferry cannot
guarantee a personal reply.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 143
The Texas Instruments
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BYTE West Coast
A Business Computer, A
Business Program, and More
on Voice Recognition
Recent developments raise some questions
about perceived industry trends
North Star Dimension
The announcement this fall, short-
ly before COMDEX, of the multiuser
IBM-compatible North Star Dimen-
sion in many ways validates what in-
dustry observers have been preach-
ing as the formula for survival in a
world increasingly dominated by the
IBM Personal Computer (PC) and its
imitators. The North Star Dimension
is not to be confused with the
Dimension 68000 from Micro Craft
Corporation, a single-user system
that claims compatibility with just
about anything via coprocessor
boards. The new machine is a best-
level PC work-alike (in other words,
it comes as close to being fully com-
patible as anything to date) that was
designed to appeal to a very specific
segment of the microcomputer mar-
ketplace.
The Dimension is a carefully
planned business system consisting
of a central processing unit, a 13-slot
PC-compatible bus, and up to 12
satellite workstations.
The central processing unit is based
around the Intel 80186 microproces-
sor and 256K bytes of RAM (random-
access read/write memory) expand-
able to 512K bytes. In its basic con-
figuration, storage is provided by one
360K-byte floppy-disk drive that can
by Ezra Shapiro
read all IBM 5 V* -inch formats and a
15-megabyte hard disk, although the
system will support the floppy-disk
drive, two 30-megabyte hard-disk
drives, and a 45-megabyte tape back-
up unit. Output is through a Cen-
tronics parallel port, an RS-232C
serial port, and a second serial port
programmable for a variety of proto-
cols, including asynchronous and bi-
synchronous communication with
mainframes.
Each workstation terminal is at-
tached to a card that holds an 8088-2
running at 7 MHz and 128K bytes of
RAM. Expansion boards of either
128K or 384K bytes of RAM are
optional. Workstation cards or,
theoretically, any other PC XT expan-
sion cards, slip into the PC bus with
no hard-wiring. Terminals feature
one serial port for a local printer (or
a mouse), a detachable keyboard,
and a 12-inch green-phosphor tilt-
screen monitor with 640- by 200-pixel
IBM-compatible graphics and a 640-
by 400-pixel high-resolution graphics
mode. North Star currently has no
plans to implement color, deeming it
unnecessary in the business environ-
ment at which the Dimension is
aimed.
In short, each workstation is essen-
tially an independent computer with
no permanent storage. The main
board serves only as a memory man-
ager, handling requests for programs
or data from workstations on a first-
in, first-out basis. The 80186 is pro-
grammed to use its RAM as a mem-
ory cache system, avoiding disk ac-
cess whenever possible. This design
is inherently both faster and safer
than linking a group pf PC XTs in a
local area network because the main
board, the workstation boards, and
all permanent storage media are
located within the same box, and
data transfer occurs as quickly as it
would in any single-user computer of
similar size, with little chance of
signal degradation.
At the time this column was writ-
ten, North Star was still working out
preproduction details but was plan-
ning to ship beta-test systems in
December of 1983 and move to full
production early in the first quarter
of 1984. Management seemed con-
fident that there would be a large
enough supply of 80186s available to
meet their schedule.
However, while the Dimension is
certainly impressive in its own right,
it is perhaps even more significant as
an indication of the current state of
industry thinking. North Star has
been around since 1976 (when it was
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 147
known as Kentucky Fried Com-
puters) and is certainly no Johnny-
come-lately in the microcomputer rat
race. The company was a pioneer in
S-100 system design and has been
noted for the stubbornness with
which it has clung to hard-sectored
5V4-inch floppy-disk drives since it
began using them years ago. Al-
though North Star has been market-
ing 16-bit coprocessor upgrades for
its Advantage and Horizon com-
puters for well over a year now, it has
done so with little of the media
fanfare normally associated with
major product introductions.
Thus, it's worth taking notice when
Dr. Charles Grant, one of the
founders of the company, states flatly
that the IBM PC has become a "stan-
dard" and that the company intends
to "ride the wave" of IBM popularity
to a financially secure future. When
asked why it had taken them so long
to embrace this new standard whole-
heartedly, Grant commented that
North Star had wanted "to do it
right."
North Star's sales goals for the
Dimension seem modest enough;
the company is shooting for 2 to 3
percent of the IBM-compatible mar-
ket and the same share of the overall
multiuser market. Unlike earlier
North Star products, which were
moderate- to high-priced machines,
the Dimension is certainly priced to
compete. The suggested list for the
basic configuration (256K-byte RAM,
floppy-disk drive, 15-megabyte hard
disk, and two workstations with
128K bytes of RAM) is only $7000. Up-
grading the hard disk to 30 mega-
bytes costs an additional $1000, and
extra workstations go for $1500 each.
Add-on RAM boards range from $300
for 128K bytes to $700 for 384K bytes.
The company's advertising materials
highlight graphs that compare sys-
tem costs to networked PC XTs
(North Star claims a 50 percent
savings per user in a five-user sys-
tem), and representatives of the firm
tick off the less obvious advantages:
multiuser software licenses as op-
posed to multiple purchases of the
same products; no need for either
networking hardware or software;
and so on. North Star is developing
an aggressive marketing campaign to
sell the Dimension to Fortune 1000
companies. Gone are the days when
a computer manufacturer could sup-
port itself with a product for scientists
and hackers. With the Dimension,
North Star is attempting to occupy a
niche in the market that, so far, has
been vacant.
One is forced to wonder which
came first, the computer or the
strategy. It's becoming painfully
obvious that the key to survival as a
major manufacturer is acceptance by
the business community. The IBM
PC has unquestionably opened the
door to that market wider than any
personal computer before it, but in so
doing has made compatibility a pri-
mary factor in microcomputer de-
sign, for better or for worse. Recent
announcements by North Star, Tele-
video, and a host of smaller firms
Most thick manuals are
an insult to user
intelligence.
seem to indicate that the 8088/MS-
DOS/IBM-compatible bandwagon is
becoming something much more like
a speeding freight train.
The Integrated Microman
The requirements of the corporate
world have become a driving force in
software design as well, and a great
deal of effort has been devoted to de-
vising software schemes that will
help to shoehorn the computer into
the executive office. The ideal seems
to be a program that eliminates
most— if not all — of the need for
paper, writing implements, and filing
cabinets and is (of course) laughably
easy to learn. Whether such a pro-
gram is practical or even useful (there
has yet to be a reasonable analysis of
the amount of creative thinking that
goes on during the act of shuffling
papers, for example) is the great moot
question, but the new products con-
tinue to multiply. In the attempt to
produce a computer environment
analogous to an executive desktop
and thereby shorten the amount of
time it takes for a novice user to
develop a "feel" for computer
operations, more and more programs
are appearing that make use of
multiple windows, alternative point-
ing devices such as mice, graphic
metaphors, and endless layers of
menus.
But is all this really necessary?
Much of what goes on in most offices
is not particularly well organized or
logical. Computers and computer
programs are by their nature
dependent on structures and priori-
ties. If we assume for a moment that
it will be necessary for a new user to
accept a certain level of organization
in order to make use of a computer,
why not make computer operations
a bit easier to grasp, instead of trying
to replace them with an artificial
desktop?
That's roughly the philosophy be-
hind an integrated software package,
code-named "Microman," from
Noumenon Corporation, which will
be introduced this spring at Softcon.
It's difficult to describe— largely be-
cause the most accurate phrases have
already been commandeered by
copywriters flogging all sorts of
programs, from the truly integrated
packages all the way down to those
that share similar commands but no
common data structures.
Microman uses no icons, no mouse
(although a pointing device could be
added as a substitute for the cursor
keys), no windows, and very few
screens that could be considered
menus. But it is, in fact, an extremely
tightly-knit environment with word-
processing, calculator, spreadsheet,
database, business graphics, and
time-management capabilities. It's
one program, not a linked collection
of programs that can swap data files.
Microman is designed to act as its
own operating system, although it
allows for the transfer of files to and
from the operating system supplied
with the computer.
A large part of the program's power
comes from its strongly hierarchical
file structure. The first thing you see
is a directory, which can either be the
titles of subdirectories or the names
of working files. You choose a file (or
move down the tree to another direc-
tory) with the up and down cursor
keys. If you wish to create a new file,
148 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 149
you merely move the cursor to the
beginning of a line and begin typing.
Because Microman is self-con-
tained, there is no need to use CP/M
or MS-DOS file-naming conventions.
Microman allows you to name files
with descriptive phrases of up to 67
characters, and blanks and punctua-
tion marks are perfectly acceptable.
The loose equivalent of a filetype
specifies not only the nature of the
information contained in the file but
the part of the program used to
manipulate it. For example, a file
named "Potential Clients" with the
filetype "record" would be a mailing
list, and Microman would bring up
the list facility. A filetype of "table"
would invoke the spreadsheet.
Data can be moved from one por-
tion of the program to another with
remarkable fluidity, and in many
cases manipulated interactively. As
an example, let's take the case of the
multiple business mailing. Tradition-
ally, you prepare two files, a mailing
list (database) and a form-letter
matrix with variable names of some
sort to indicate where the database
items should fall. These files are
independent and are brought to-
gether at output when the program
inserts list items into the appropriate
holes and adjusts the copy according-
iy-
With Microman, the letter and the
list are prepared as separate files. You
can tag the two files (with one key-
stroke each) at the directory level and
proceed to output the merged form
letters as previously discussed. How-
ever, if you wish, you can tag the
files, enter the matrix file, view the
list items one at a time in position in
the letter, make changes to the items
(updating the list file concurrently),
and selectively print out single letters
(again with one keystroke). You can
also perform search and sort opera-
tions on the database from within the
matrix.
Most features of Microman have
been chosen for their applicability to
the average business office. The
author, Martel Firing, began working
on it as a personal project because he
couldn't find a commercial offering
that suited his needs. Noumenon
does not claim that Microman has the
best or most powerful features. The
aim was a program that could per-
form most of the tasks an executive
or secretary would require to conduct
day-to-day affairs.
The word processor is a two-part
operation, a text editor and a print-
time formatter, but it is entirely
adequate for the generation of
memos, correspondence, and clean
business reports. A calculator strip
(yes, a "window," if you must) can be
brought up for quick numerical com-
putations and as quickly banished
from the screen.
The spreadsheet is powerful and
efficient and is designed to let you
enter formulas for cells, rows,
columns, or areas in simple English-
based syntax. Procedures for recom-
putation or individual formulas can
be named, so that instead of typing
"Multiply gross sales x 5 % = Ad-
vertising allowance" you can enter
"DO: Ad budget." Multiple proce-
dures can be nested. Notes and free-
form messages can be entered at any
time without having to associate text
with standard spreadsheet units
(e.g., cells).
Database entries can be made
through either user-created input or
output forms (which are all the same
to the program), and file organization
can be changed at will with no
chance of damage to the data. Micro-
man also offers the executive a time-
oriented database system for the
chronological entry and sorting of
data— daily expenses, for example.
All Microman databases are fully
interactive with their report forms, as
in the mailing list example just given.
Databases are not in themselves com-
putational (numerical data can be
shifted to a spreadsheet table
smoothly enough), but again,
Noumenon sees Microman as a
multipurpose office aid, not as a
complex data-retrieval system.
Great care has been taken to make
the program as simple to run as
Noumenon feels is appropriate; func-
tion keys perform equivalent tasks in
all application areas, and on-screen
Help messages are available at all
times. Both Firing and Noumenon
president Mike Mead regard the thick
manuals that accompany most com-
puter products as an insult to the
intelligence of the user and a luxury
for which most executives simply do
not have the time. Microman docu-
mentation is a succinctly worded
booklet of under 30 pages, and sig-
nificant passages are either repro-
duced directly or enhanced as ex-
planation screens.
Both Noumenon officials note that
the computer market has entered a
new phase. In their eyes, the tech-
nically sophisticated hobbyist of five
years ago and the adept enthusiast of
last year will make up at most 20 per-
cent of the eventual market; the re-
maining 80 percent will be composed
of naive business users with neither
the inclination nor the interest to use
computers as much more than tools
and shortcuts. Microman is targeted
at that group. Mead and Firing see
Microman as a program that can re-
main on line in all but the most
specific office situations, and they
plan additional program modules (in
areas like communications) to further
broaden its usefulness.
A brief product description such as
this does not do Microman justice;
explanations are often more confus-
ing than the actual operations. But
Microman accomplishes what it
claims; it's "easy to use," "ready to
run," and "user friendly" without
being either cumbersome or overly
simplistic. Microman is obviously a
neatly tailored program for the intel-
ligent, but busy, adult.
Which brings us back to the
question of the "bells and whistles"
the industry is hurriedly developing.
If Microman can achieve its goals
using only a moderate amount of
video highlighting, a few well-placed
rules, clearly defined function keys,
and a few simple, largely self-
explanatory screens, why are we get-
ting caught up in the notion that in
order to make the user interface of a
program simpler and less hostile we
must make the program itself even
more complex? Perhaps the problem
lies less in the nature of software than
in the nature of software design. It's
worth considering.
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February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 151
Circle 120 on inquiry card.
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152 February 1984 © BVTE Publications Inc.
Circle 323 on inquiry card.
Voice-Recognition Status Report
A recent conference in Santa Bar-
bara provided both mildly encourag-
ing and mildly discouraging news on
the state of the art in voice recogni-
tion. The problem of translating
human speech into acceptable input
for data processing is one of the
stickiest the computer industry is
facing, as discussed in "Speech
Recognition: An Idea Whose Time Is
Coming," by George M. White, Janu-
ary 1984 BYTE, page 213. The con-
ference, called "Towards Robustness
in' Speech Recognition," brought
together most of the country's top
researchers in the field. No revolu-
tionary breakthroughs were an-
nounced, but it was obvious that
progress is being made, and a major-
ity of the participants were enthusi-
astic about the future. As with all
such gatherings, discussions in cor-
ridors and between sessions, the ex-
changing of ideas and contacts, were
probably the most productive
moments of the three-day affair.
However, brief intimations of
gloom managed to creep into the pro-
ceedings every now and then. Wayne
Lea, conference chairman, managed
to cast the first stone in his opening
address. "Speech recognizers," he
charged, "are not robust." And indeed
the cheerfulness of the mood of the
conference could be phrased as
"They've written off voice recognition
as a dead issue, but, see, this event
proves we're alive and well after all."
Speech recognizers of one form or
another have been under develop-
ment for over twenty years. They're
of particular importance to the
military (for obvious reasons— freeing
an extra pair of hands in an emer-
gency can be critically important), so
research and development have been
rather intensive. But the vast amount
of information to be processed by
even a simple speech recognizer has
put a limit on expectations. However,
as the ability of computers to crunch
larger volumes of data at higher
speeds increases, there is every
reason to believe that speech-recog-
nition technology will benefit.
Refinements of technique were re-
ported at all levels. Advances in
acoustics, microphone design, and
Circle 373 on inquiry card. »
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digital encoding have made the initial
identification of speech easier;
spectral analysis of input is achieving
smaller and smaller error rates in
matching input against stored speech
patterns, or templates; and the appli-
cation of probability theory for de-
tecting meaningful words among the
random noise of human speech
(there are over 11,000 discrete
syllables in the English language to
be sorted through) is also improving
recognizer performance.
But the steps forward have been
incremental; even the best recog-
nizers available today ("trained" by
one speaker repeating a small set of
input phrases over and over) are less
accurate than keyboard data entry,
although the gap is dwindling. The
ultimate goal, a speaker-independent
recognizer, capable of understanding
a large vocabulary of nonstop human
speech, is a long way off. Dick Eason,
president of Voice Control Systems,
one of the sponsors of the con-
ference, makes the point by asking,
"What do you do about 'Jeet?' [the
contraction of 'Did you eat?']?"
In his keynote speech, Dennis Klatt
of MIT, observing what he sees as
diminishing returns from all the re-
search, wondered aloud if it might be
time for the industry to begin explor-
ing new directions. Unfortunately,
none of the other speakers addressed
the question that was foremost in the
minds of many in the audience: what
about the correlation between speech
recognition and artificial intelligence?
It may be that in order to perfect a
truly robust recognizer, we may have
to recapitulate the whole process by
which a baby learns to make, and
use, the collection of sounds we call
language.
The outlook? Commercial speech
recognizers, initially speaker-
dependent and with limited vocab-
ularies, will become better, cheaper,
and more commonplace for simple
voice control and data entry. Over the
long haul, developments may not
happen as quickly as we would like
to envision. ■
Ezra Shapiro is a technical editor at BYTE's West
Coast bureau. He can be reached at McGraw-Hill,
425 Battery St., San Francisco, CA 94111.
154 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 293 on Inquiry card.
THE FILE CONNECTION
8" DISKETTE SYSTEM FOR THE IBM PC
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BYTE February 1984 155
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BullererJGrappler I6K S 245 S179
Paymar LowerCaseChipllI ■ | S 50 S 39
♦ PCPI Appli-Card Hlealures 6Mhz S 375 S275
128K Memory Expand Board S 495 S395
RH Electronics Super Fan I! S 75 S 59
♦ SaturnSystems Accelerator II S 599 S449
STCSoftec. The Creator S 200 S139
Transend SSM AIOII Serial Para I F S 225 S169
TG Products Game Paddles III) S 40 $29
Joystick ill- 1 5 60 S 45
Videx PSIO IF Card S 229 S169
BUSINESS
Applied Soft Tech., VersaForm
S 389
S259
ArtsciMagicWindowll NEW
S 150
S 99
MagicCombo(Wind.MailSWords) S 225
S149
♦ AshtonTate dBase II iReq CP/H80)
S 700
$385
Financial Planner (Req CP M 80)
S 700
$395
Friday (Requires CPM 80)
S 295
$199
BPI Systems. GL.AR.AP. PR or INV, each S 395
$295
Broderbund. Bank Slreet Writer
S 70
$47
Continental. GL.AR.APor PR ea
S 250
S165
Home Accountant
S 75
S 49
FCM
S 100
S 69
Dow Jones Market Analyzer
S 350
S275
Market Manager
S 300
S235
Market Microscope
S700
S525
Fox & Geller, Ouickcode (for dBase II)
S 295
$185
dGraph(lordBasell)
S295
St 85
dUlilily (for dBase II)
S 99
S 66
Hayden. Pie Wnler (Specify 80 cot. board)
S 150
S 99
Howard Soft. Real Estate Analy2er It
S 195
S129
Tax Preparer. 1984
S 250
$185
LJK. Letter Perfect w Mail Merge
S 150
S 99
Micro Craft, (requires Z80CP M-Card)
Verdict or Billkeeper
S 995
S469
Micro Lab, Tax Manager
S 180
$119
Micro Pro, (all require Z80-CPMCard)
♦ WordStar w Appltcard 8 CPM SPECIAL S 495
$325
WordStar' • Training Manual SPECIAL S 495
$239
MailMerge'" SPECIAL S 250
$129
SpellSlar" SPECIAL S 250
$129
♦ WordStar Prolessional.4Pak SPECIAL S 895
S429
Microsoft, Mule-Plan (CP M or Appfe DOS)
S 275
$175
Financial, Mutbtool (CPVM a DOS)
S 100
$75
Budget, MurSlooKCPMor DOS)
S 150
$115
♦ Osborne/C.P. Soft, (Disk and Book) (Slat . Bus & Math)
Some Common Basic Programs (75 each)
S 100
S49
Practical Basic Programs (40 each)
S 100
S 49
Peachtree, Requires CP M & MBasic, 641
Series 40 GL 8 AR SAP, all 3
S 395
S239
Series 9 Texl 8 Spell 8 Mail, all 3
$ 395
S239
Perfect. Perfect Writer
S 495
$149
Perfect Speller
S 295
S99
Perfect Writer Speller 2 Pak
S 695
$199
Perfecl Filer
S 595
S259
Peartsoft, Personal Pearl
S 295
$195
Quark, Word Juggler (lie)
S 239
S179
Lexicheck lie (use w/Juggler)
$ 149
S 99
Sensible, Sens Speller, specify 80 Col Brd.
S 125
$85
Sierra/On-Line, ScreenWnterProiessiona
S 200
$135
Screenwriter II
S 130
S 89
The Dictionary NEW! S 100
$69
General Manager 11 NEW
S 230
S155
♦ Silcon Valley . Word Handler
S 60
$39
♦ List Handler
$ 50
$ 35
Software Publishing, PFS: File
$ 125
$ 84
(specify l ore) PFS: Report
S 125
$ 84
PFS: Graph
S 125
S 84
BUSINESS
Stoneware. DB Masler Version 4.0
S 350
S 229
DBUMilylorll
S 99
S 69
System Plus. GLAP.4AR.3Pak
S 995
S555
Videx. Applewnler II preboot disk
S 20
S 15
Visicalc80col preboot disk
S 50
S 39
UltraPlan (specify board))
S 189
S 129
VisiCorp 'Personal Software.
Visicalc 3.3
S 250
S 169
Visicalc Enhanced (lie) NEW 1
S 250
S 179
VisiFile or VisiDex. each
S250
$ 179
UTILITY & SYSTEM
Beagle. Apple Mechanic
S 30
S 22
Double-Take
S 35
S 25
Typefaces (Req. Ap. Mechanic]
S 20
S 15
DOSS Boss or Utility City, each
S 30
$ 22
Tip Disk #1
S 20
$ 15
Pronto DOSS
S 30
$ 20
Alpha Plot
S 40
$ 27
Central Point. Filer. DOS 3.3 and Utility
S 20
S 15
* Copy II Plus (bi! copier)
S 40
S 30
Einstein. Compiler, for Applesoft BASIC
S 725
S 35
Epson, Graphics Dump
S 15
S 9
Hayes, Terminal Program
S 100
S 65
* Insoft, GraFORTH by Paul Lulus
S 75
S 59
Microsoft, AIDS.
S 125
S 75
Coboieo
S 750
$ 559
Fortran 80
S 195
S 149
COMPLETE LINE IN STOCK
♦ Omega, Locksmith(bi1 copier)
S 100
S 75
Penguin, Comp. Grphcs. Sys NEW!
S 70
$ 53
Graphics Magician NEW
$ 60
$ 41
Phoenix.ZoomGralix
S 40
S 34
Quality, BagofTncks NEW
S 40
$ 29
■L.L»lM*«»l"r«**iiWUi
Beagle Bros., Beagle Bag
S 30
S 22
Broderbund. Choplifter
S 35
$ 26
Arcade Machine
S 60
S 40
Lode Runner
S 35
S 25
Apple Panic
S 30
$ 21
BudgeCo. Prnbalt Constr Sel
$ 40
$ 27
♦Continental, Home Accountant
S 75
S 49
Datasoft. Azlec or Zaxxon, each
S 40
$ 27
Edu-Ware. (Large Inventory}
Call
Einstein, Memory Trainer
$ 90
S 70
Hayden, Sargon II (Chess)
$ 35
S 29
Infocom.Zoitt I, II, or III, or Slarcross.each
S 40
S 27
Koala, Full line in slock, CALL
Call
Learning Co.. (Large Inventory)
Call
Lightning, Mastertype
S 40
$ 27
Micro Lab, Miner 2049er
$ 40
$ 27
SierraiOn-Line, Ultima II
$ 60
S 40
Sir-Tech, Wizardry
$ 50
S 39
Spinnaker, Kindercomp
S 30
S 20
Sub Logic. Flight Simulator II
S 50
S 37
Terrapin. Logo
S 150
S 99
OTHER BRANDS AND PROGRAMS IN STOCK. CALL.
8" CP/M-80 SOFTWARE
MUCH MORE IN STOCK
ASHTON-TATE. dBase II
Financial Planning Lang,
Friday
BLUECHIP.Milltonaire
DIGITAL RES.. CBASIC
CBASIC Compiler (CB80)
Pascal MT-
CIS COBOL
PL1
C Compiler
FOX > GELLER, Quick Code
dull,
dGraph
INF0COM.Starcross.Zotkl.il or III, each
Deadlmeor Pianerfall. each
MICROCRAFT. Verdict or Billkeeper. each
MICROPRO WordStar-
MailMerge"
WordStar Prol . 4 Pak (Call)
MICROSOFT, Mulliplan
COBOL-BOCompilerSPECIAL
LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE
S 700
S 700
S 295
S 70
S 150
S 500
S350
S850
S550
S350
S 295
S 99
S 295
S 50
S 60
S 995
S 495
S250
S 895
S 275
S 750
S 385
$ 439
$ 249
S 43
$ 99
$ 339
S 239
S 575
$ 375
S 250
$ 185
S 62
S 185
S 34
S 40
S 495
$ 239
S 129
$429
S 195
$350
PLOTTERS
LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE
BAUSCHiLOMB, HOUSTON
DMP-40.lpenCationdelivety $725
DMP-29,8penCallondelivery. $1695
DMP-tlCallondelivery $2250
AMDEK.DXY-100.10 , x14",Para S 749 $599
Amplotll,lOx14.6color,SP S1299 S 999
rvi
HP!2C.Calcuiator
HPtlC. Calculator
41CX. Calculator
4lC. Calculator
S 120
S 90
S 325
S 195
4lCVCalculator.w2.2KMem S 275
Call on accessories and software.
$ 99
$ 75
$ 275
$ 149
$ 219
A
tor the ATARI
RANA10O0 Drive. 320K
KOALA Padw Micio illustrator
S 449
S 100
S 369
S 75
LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE
S 45 $ 32
S 60 S 45
DISKETTES
BROWN DISC
1 each. Pulse ). DS-DO. 48TPI
lOeach. Pulse II. DSOD.96TPI
CDC 100each. SS SD. 3ST (Apple. Atari) S 450 S 169
lOeach. SS'SD,3ST|Apple. AtariJ S 45 $ 18
100each,SS'DD,40T(Apple,IBM) S 550 $179
10 each, SS DD. 40T (Apple. IBM) S 55 S 19
100each.DSDD,40T,(IBM,HP) S 750 $295
10each.DS'DO.40T(!BM,HP) S 75 $ 35
DVSAN. lOeach. SSSD (Apple, elc) S
i0ea*.DSDD48T|IBM.HPeicl S 89
MAXELL. 10 each. MD1.SSDD S 65
10each.MD2.D5DD S 75 $ 39
MEMOREX
10 each. SSDD. Type A (Apple Alan) S 45 $ 25
10each,DSDD.TypeB|IBM HP) S 60 S 35
VERBATIM 10each.MD525-01. SSSD S 49 $ 25
10each.MD34.DSDD $ B4 $ 45
* GENERIK " DISKETTES - AS LOW AS $1
t00eachSS.SD.35TiackiAppic.Atan] S 415 $130
IOOOoaehSS.S0.35Tr,ick(AppieAlari) S4150 S 995
tOOeagh DS. DD.-10 Track (IBM HP) S 626 $170
1000eachDS.DD40TrackllBM HP1 S6260 S1400
Wjackels noiabes top qua : uy 90 day limited warranty by us
GENERIK™
DISKETTES
Each at 1000 quantity.
SSSD $1.00 Each
DSDD $1.40 Each
CDC
SSSD $1.69 Each
Minimum order quantities apply
■ 1983 by s«e above money back guarantee
COMX Corporator) j s |,y COMX Corporation not us.
MODEMS r
(ACCESSORIES PRICE PRICE
ANCHOR. SgnalmanMK I Modem (RS232] $ 99 $ 75
MarkXIl $ 399 $ 269
HAYES, IBM-PCSmartmodeml200B S 599 $439
IBM-PC Smartcom II Software S 119 $ 89
Slack Chronograph (RS-232) S 249 $ 189
SlarjkSmartmodem300(RS-232) S 289 $ 225
Smartmodem 1200 (RS-232) $699 $535
Micromodem100|S-100bus) S 399 $275
Miaomodemlle(forlheApplelf) S 329 $ 239
IBM-PC lo Modem Cable S 39 S 29
NOVATION
IBM-PC Access 1-2-3 Package S 595 $ 445
ApplecatllModem,300BAUD S 389 S 269
212AppleCat.1200BAUD S 725 S 559
PC-Cal with Crosstalk $ 595 $ 419
Cat S 189 $ 139
J-Cal S 149 $ 104
212AutoCat S 695 $ 579
SmartCall03212 S 595 $415
TRANSENDSSM. Transanal for Appell S 89 S 69
ModemCardlortheApplell S 299 $ 259
Transmodem1200 $695 $559
S OFTWARE. SEE APPLE OR IBM UTILITY SOFTWARE SECTIO i
MONITORS acSe?
♦ AMDEK. 12 Green, #3000 S 200 $ 135
♦ 12" Amber, #300A S 210 $149
♦ 12Amber.310AforlBM.PC S 230 $ 159
♦ 13' Color I. Composite S 379 $289
♦ 13 Color II. RGB, Hi Res S 529 $439
DVM . Color H or 111 to Apple II IF S 199 $ 175
NEC. 12 Green.ModelJBI201M S 249 $159
12Color.CompositcJC1215M S 400 $299
12 Co!or.RGB.IBMModelJC1203 S 699 $569
♦ PRINCETON,RGBHiRes,HX-12 S 795 $499
OUADRAM,Quadchrome12"RGBCo!or S 795 $499
Ouadrscreen 17.968x512 S1996 $1595
SANYO. 12 Green. ModelDM8t12CX S 260 $199
TTX,SmarlTerminal3000 S 599 S 499
ZENITH, 12 Green Model ZVMI23 NEW' S 200 $115
PRINTERS
AND
ACCESSORIES
DOT MATRIX PRINTERS:
LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE
Call
EPSON, FX80
MXIOOFT.BOCPS.w.Grartrax • S 995 $ 639
FX100 Call
Apple II Graphics Dump Program $ 15 $ 9
LEADING EDGE, GorillaBanana S 250 $209
MANNESMAN TALLY, 1 60L, 80 Col. CALL
180L.132COI, CALL
Spirit, 80 CPS CALL
OKIDATA,82A,80col„120cps.Para S 349 Call
83A.132col.120cps.Para $749 Call
92.160CPS,60Col.Para. $599 Call
93,160CPS.136Col„Para. $999 Call
2350P,Pacernaik, 350 cos, Para S2695 Call
2410P,Pacemark, 350 cps. Para S2995 Call
ORANGE MICRO, Grappier f, tor Apr* $165 $119
PRACTlCAL,Mnt*ufferln4jne64K.Para. S 349 $ 259
Mtrobutlerln4jne64KSenal S 349 $ 259
♦ STARMICRO..GemmilO"X,120cps.2.3K S 499 S 289
Gemini 15"X,120cps,2.3K Call Call
IBM-PC to Epson or Star Micronics Cable $ 60 $ 35
Appl e IF and Cable for Epson or Gemini S 95 $ 59
LETTER QUALITY - DAISY WHEEL PRINTERS:
JUKI,6100.17cps.80Col,Parallel S 700 $ 539
SILVERREED,EXP550P.18cps.3piich S 895 S 595
EXP550S,18cps,3pitch S 995 $650
♦TTX.1014.13crjs,ParaSSer.PinSFncljon S 649 $499
SUPPLIES: Tractor Feed Paper, Ribbons. Daisy Wheels
CORVUS
6 Meg S2095 S1695
11 Meg 52750 S2350
Drives Are Without Interlaces 20 Meg S3750 $3250
IBM-PCInlerfaceManual.SW&CableKit S 300 $ 249
*IBM-PCOmniTransporter,4PakSpecial S1895 51495
Apple Interface. Manual. SWSCableKit S 300 $249
Other Interfaces, Omm-Net. Constellation. Mirror. CALL,
• MEANS A BEST BUY
AD #987
— — -.——l.,— . .. _--., ATI/MM AUnTCnilC All Mail: P.O. Box 23068, Portland, OR 97223, Include telephone number and double check your figures lor SI&H.
UHUhHINu INhUHMAIlUN AND I tHMo; All items usuaiiy-msiock C.istiiivs Clit-cks. Money Oitfers.Foini.i(;lO00Cliechs.in[IGi)vorMment Checks, we immediately honor Personal or olher
Company Checks allow 20 days lo clear No C O D Piices reflect a 3%cash discount so ADD 3°r,lo above prices lor VISA or MC For U S Mainland. add3°o(S5m]nimum| lor shipping, insurance and handling (SI&H) by
UPS UPS ground is standard so add 3MS 10 minimumi more lor UPS Blue lor SI&H Add 12°° total tS' 5 minimum] lor SI&H lor US Postal, APOot FPO For Hawaii. Alaska and Canada. UPS is in some areas only, ail
others are Postal so call, wnle, or specily Postal Foreign orders ex cepi Canada lor SI&H add i8 (.or$25minimumlor SI&H excepl lor monitors add 30°° or $50 minimum tor SISH Pncessub]ec!tochange. lypo errors,
and availability so c a II to verily All goods are new include warranty and ate guaranteed to work Due loour low pricesand our .iSsuranctMhat you willgei new unused products. ALL SALES ARE FINAL Call belore return-
ing goods lor repair or replacement Orders received wrth msuHicienl SI&H charges will be refunded ORDER DESK HOURS6 AM 106P M PST. Monday Ihrough Fnday and 10 to J Saturday 6AM hereis9AM m New York
OUR RErCnENCuOi We have been in computers and electronics since 1958 a computer dealer since 1978 and in computer mail older since 1980 Banks 1st Inierstale Bank, (503)643 4678 We belong to
the Chamber ol Commerce (503) 6-14 0123 Belter Business Bureau and Direct Marketing Associaiion. or call Dunn and Bradsueetil you are a subscriber Faslrak " and Genenk " are trademarks ol ComX Corporation.
CASH & CARRY OUTLETS:
Over-the-counter sates only. Open Monday through Saturday
10.00 until 5U0.
PORTLAND, OREGON. 11507-0 S.W Pacilic Hwy, Terrace
Shopping Center. Trgard, On 99W between 217 and 1-5 Call
245-1020.
SEATTLE, WASH., 3540 128th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006,
Tele : 64 1-4736, in Loehmann's Plaza near Faclona Square. SE
ot Hwy. 405 S 90 and at SE 38lh S Richards
156 BYTE February 1984
Formerly
Computer Exchange
LOW PRICES TO PROFESSIONALS WHO KNOW WHA T THEY WANT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT!
THE IBM-PC SUPPLY CENTER
IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation
256K
IBM-PC
System Includes
Two 320K Disk Drives by CDC
90 Day Warranty By Us
Call For Details And
Configurations
'or the
IBM-PC or XT
DRIVES
AND
ACCESSORIES
CONTRPL
DATA OR landon
320K/360K DS DD DISK DRIVES
With Detailed Installation Instructions
60 Day Warranty by Factory Authorized Distributor
Same as now COOQ
installed by IBM. \>L.CV $239 For One,
$199
HALF HEIGHT
MAYNARD ™c T E %k
Floppy Drive Conlrol 8rd. for up to 4 drives S 195 S 165
samewilh Parallel Port S 275 S 205
DAM A 2 5 Meg 5 'Dnve System (Jan) S1550 S1195
nMNM,25Me9HardDiskSyslem Call
QUA13HAM 6 Meg. Removable S2295 S1795
nilAniQK 6Meg,Fi»ed SI995 S1595
Mm™ IOrV '12Meg. Fixed S2250 $1750
AVAILABILITY M [**S»» S2650 S205 °
AVAILADILlir 27M C g,Fi,ed S2895 S2295
72 Meg. Freed S6500 $4950
VISTA. IBM-PC XT 6MBBackup
lotHatdDlsk.V1200 S1549 S1049
LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE
MEMORY CHIP KITS !££&
motherboard tOOMested With 90 cay warranty
♦ 64KKil.200NS.9chips.4164 S50 S 45
16KKil.200NS.9ctiips.4116(forPC-lmo1hertx>ardl S 50 $ 16
AMnPlf 4-IN-1MultipleBoard. Color
«I»IL»CIV Graphics. Mono. I28K S 599 S 519
ComboPlus,64KSPC
S 395
S 279
ComboPlus.256K.SPC
S 695
S 475
MegaPlusll,64K,2-SPC
S495
S 345
MegaPlijsll,256K,2-SPC
S795
$ 495
256K MegaPius II Expander
S 395
$ 295
SixPakPlus.64K.SPC
S395
S 295
SixPakPlus.256K.SPC
S 695
S 495
SixPakPlus.3e4K.SPC
S 895
S 595
IOPIUSII.2SPDG
S 315
S 195
PCner.LANK.il
S1490
S1290
/VC Supervision, monochrome board S 850 S 680
Ul/O Z Pius 64. las! Z80B. 64K para port S 875 $695
* ConnX 256K RAM Ca,tl "* Fasl,ak ' nAM * sk emula ""
and spooler softwa'e.
PI IRTIQ PC Pedestal Mor Display
IsUn I l«.3to9tootkeyboardcable
Vertical CPU'System Stand'
Monochrome Ext. Cable Pair
nEnCULuS.MonochrcmeBoard
KeyTrOniC.KB5t50.Std keyboard
|< n -,|-. Koala Pad"
■ I LI CJId Programmer's Guide
UAVMADn UlilincuiltlCaiiUFC Sll $ 79
MHTIMMnU.Moduleslorabovecard Call
SandSlar.noRAMcard S 199 S 169
SandSlar.256KCard S 499 S 395
S 695 S 256
S 80 S 65
S 50 S 35
S 25 S 19
S 40 S 30
S 499 $349
S 269 S 199
S 150 S 109
S 15 S 12
MIT'WSWT RAMCard256K
MIOKUIXJr I Sy5temCaId256K
SystemCard64K
Mouse
MOUSE SYSTEMS, PC Mousew software
nnpwn remcsurfcrwuii
UnV^niU PC net" Circuil Board Kit
Monochrome Graphcs Card
PLANTRONICS
ColorPlus. 1 6 color brd. w Para Port
QU\DRAM
r Quadlink NEWEST VERSION S
Quadboard, no RAM. expandable to 2S6K
Quadboard 64K, expandable to 256K
r Quadboard 256K, 6 function
Quadboard II . no RAM. expand to 256K
Quadboard II. 64K, expandable to 256K
Quadboard II. 256K. 6 function
Quad512 l .64K plus serial port
Quad512 ■ . 256Kplus serial port
Quad5i2-.512K plus serial port
Quadcrjlor I, board. 1 6colors
Quadcolor II. board, use with Guadcolor 1
Quadctirome. 12'RGBMonilor
Quadscrcen, 17 .968x512Momlor
Microfazer. w Copy. P P. 8K, #MP8 w P.S.
Microfazer, w Copy. P P. 64K. #MP64 w PS
Moolazer.w Copy. P P. 128K. #MP128w P.S.
Microfazer, Snap-on, 8K. PP. Epson -fMEB.wP.S. S 179
Microfazer. Snap-on, 64K, P P. Epson.
#ME64.wP.S. S 319
All Moolazers are expandable, (w copy to 512K) (Snaa-on to 64K]
T*»r*mar 'SIMATE.64K
ICLIIICII istMATE,256K S 589 S 439
Graphics Master
TGPRODUCTS.jo,s,,ck
WICO, IBM-PC Mouse
SOFTWARE for IBM-PC or XT
BUSINESS
ALPHA. Database Managcrll
ASHTON-TATE
* dBasell.requiresPC-DOS8t28K
dBase UUser's Guide ^Bookj
Everyman s DB Primer iBook]
The Financial Planner
Fnday
APPLIED SOFT. TECH. Versalorm
ASK MICRO. GL AR, AP. INVc PR each
BPI.GLAR APorPR
♦ CONTINENTAL. Home Accountant -
FCM {Filing Caiaoging. Mailing)
Property Management
DATAMOST. Write-On IWord Processor)
DOW JONES. Market Analyzer
Markel Manager
Market Microscooe
EAGLE SOFTWARE Monev Decisions
♦ EINSTEIN. Writer NEW 1
Memory Tramei NEW 1
Speier NEW'
Mailer NEW'
LetterScenes NEW'
FOX SGELLER. OuickcooelMSDOS)
dGraphiMSDOS)
dUtiliorlBMPCDOS
HAYDEN. IBM Pie Writer
Pie: Speller
HOWARDSOFT Real Estate Analyzer II
Tax Preparer 1984
lUS.EasyWnterlMWPI
EasySpeilerll
EasyFilerlaDBMS)
BusinessSystem:GL • AR ■ AP
GLAR.AP.PR.OEoilNV.each
* INSOFT Dala Design leasy to use DBMS)
LIFETREE Votkswrilei
♦ LOTUS. 1-2-3
MICROCRAFT Verdict or Billkeeper. each
MICRO LAB. Tax Manager
MICROPRO. WordStar
MaiiMerge
SpeilStar '
* WordStar Professional. 4 Pak
Slarlndex '
InloStar '
Report Star'
StatBurst
LIST
PRICE
S 295
S 700
S 30
S 15
S 700
S 295
S389
S 495
5 595
S 150
5 125
S 495
5 130
S 350
S 300
S 700
S 150
S 300
S 80
S 150
S 80
S 300
5 295
S 295
S 99
S 200
S 100
5 250
S 295
S 350
S 225
S 400
S1495
S 595
S 225
S 285
5 495
S 995
S 250
S 495
S 250
S 250
S 695
S 195
S 495
S 350
S 195
OUR
PRICE
S 195
S385
S 20
$ 12
S 395
S 199
S 265
S 295
S 395
S 89
S 89
S 329
S 89
S 279
S 239
S 525
S 129
S 199
S 55
S 95
S 55
S 195
S 179
S 179
S 59
S 135
S 69
S 189
S 220
S259
S 149
3 299
S995
S 395
S 169
S 195
S 329
S 469
S 169
S 239
S 129
S 129
S 429
S 109
S 259
S 199
S 115
BUSINESS
* MICROSOFT. Multiplan
Word
Word with Mouse
Financial Statement
LIST
PRICE
$ 275
S37S
$475
S 100
$ 150
S 165
$ 250
MONOGRAM, Dollars S Sense
NORTH AMERICAN BUS. The Answer
♦ OSBORNE COMX, (Book 8 Business.
Statistics 8 Math Programs on DS.-DD Disks)
Some Common Basic Prog |70each) S 100
Practical Basic Programs (40 each) S 100
PBLCORPORATtON.Personallnvestorl 1 S 145
PEACHTREE.PeachPak(GL.AR8APl S 395
Peach Texl5000 S 395
PEARLSOrT.PersonalPeartiDBMSSMIS) S 295
k PERFECT. Petted Writer"
Perfect Speller ' or Pertecl Calc '", each
Wrrter ^ Speller. 2 Pak
Perfect Filer -
SOFTWARE ARTS. TKiSolver
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING. PFSFile
PFS Report
PFS Write
PFS:Graph
SORCIM.SuperCalcll
SuperCaiclll
SSI'SATELLITE, WordPerfect
Personal WordPerfect
STC'SOFTEC.TrteCreator
STONEWARE. Advanced D.B. Master
SYNAPSE, File Manager
SYNERGISTIC, Data Repoder
T/MAKER.TiMaketlll
VISICORP,VisiCalc4
VtsiFileorVisiSchedule
S
S
S
S 595
S 299
S 140
S 125
NEWI S 140
NEW! S 140
S295
S 395
S 495
S 195
S 300
$595
$ 100
S 250
$ 275
S 250
S 300
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BYTE February 1984 157
Benchmarks and
Performance Evaluation
The art of benchmarking computer languages, programs, and systems
by timing them with a standard test is a popular, but inexact, science. You
find only what you are looking for— speed — and nothing more. Running a
benchmark program will measure the speed of the system you are testing,
but how do you measure how easy an application is to learn and use, how
consistent its commands are, and how well-integrated the new integrated
software packages are? This month's theme articles attempt to answer some
of these questions by looking at the limitations of benchmarks and con-
sidering what can replace them.
The new levels of sophistication in software and hardware are difficult
to evaluate. The simple benchmarks of the past, such as the Sieve of
Eratosthenes popularized in BYTE, the Whetstone benchmark for FORTRAN,
and millions of instructions per second (MIPS) ratings, no longer offer rele-
vant information about the new generation of computers.
Speed and reliability alone are not the determining factors in the deci-
sion to purchase a particular computer or application. How quickly it can
be learned and put to use effectively are vital factors in the new era of mass-
market consumer computers, although these factors can be difficult to test.
The quality of a system must be considered as well. Evaluating computer
systems as a whole is a new alternative to the traditional practice of measur-
ing a system's speed.
Jerry Houston of Gifford Computer Systems offers a humorous and in-
formative look at the uses and abuses of benchmarks from a user's perspec-
tive and explains why the winners of benchmark tests are not necessarily
the systems of choice. Jack Carroll and Mary Beth Rosson of IBM take an-
other look at speed versus usability, arguing for quality in computer inter-
faces and suggesting tests for system quality.
Performance evaluation is becoming a popular term (especially in the mini-
computer/mainframe world) for analyzing or simulating the performance of
hardware and/or software. Brian Boyle of Gnostic Concepts presents the
variables necessary for an equation to evaluate software performance.
Sergio Mello-Grand offers an exhaustive set of printer benchmarks to help
you find out how fast your printer really is. Avram Tetewsky of Draper Lab-
oratories discusses some of the tests to validate that software works cor-
rectly and reveals the results of some extensive benchmarks for FORTRAN
compilers. Peter Marvit of Yates Ventures and Mohandas Nair of Intel come
clean in the confessions of the misuses of benchmarks.
Finally, Andrea Lewis guides you through the standard features and op-
tions available on the 1984 model word processors, while Arthur Naiman
provides a 100-point checklist for evaluating word-processing programs from
his book, Word Processing Buyer's Guide. —Bruce Roberts
160 Don't Bench Me In by Jerry Houston
168 Beyond MIPS: Performance Is Mot
Quality by John M. Carroll and
Mary Beth Rosson
175 Software Performance Evaluation
by Brian Boyle
1 93 The Art of Benchmarking Printers
by Sergio Mello-Grand
218 Benchmarking FORTRAN Compilers
by Avram Tetewsky
227 Benchmark Confessions by Peter
Marvit and Mohandas Nair
235 The Word-Processing Maze by
Andrea Lewis
243 Evaluating Word-Processing Pro-
grams by Arthur Naiman
Illustration by Robert Tinney
158 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 159
Don't Bench Me In
Benchmarks are a popular way to compare both hardware and
software. But how meaningful are they?
Suppose we're playing a game, and
you can select any athlete in the
world to have on your team. The big
problem is which one to pick. But
before you can make a choice, you
have to know what game we're play-
ing. After all, even Babe Ruth in his
prime would not have fared well in
the pole vault.
The point is, you can't find an
answer until you completely specify
the problem. Yet, people still ask
questions such as "Which is the best
compiler?" without specifying what
they mean by "best."
Asking "Which is the best com-
piler?" is as misguided as asking
"Which is the best tool in the world?"
A tool derives value from a specific
application, and outside the context
of the application, the comparison of
one tool with another is meaningless.
Unfortunately, many people com-
pare programs without taking into
account the application of the pro-
grams. Instead, these people use
benchmarks— programs that test a
computer's speed— to judge the
worth of the software or hardware
under question.
The great lure of benchmarks is
that, in a world of too much choice,
they promise fast, easy answers sup-
ported by hard facts. Clearly, bench-
by Jerry Houston
marks contain no sales hype. They
are impartial. They appear to reduce
volumes of product literature and
manuals to tidy little tables that talk
in numbers, which is very scientific.
They offer to save time, eliminate
error, and take all the risk out of some
of the most important decisions a
business can make. Or do they?
It's dangerous to rely on bench-
marks for help in deciding which
computer, which language, or which
implementation of a language to
select. Many of the critical qualities
that make a product suitable for a
given application are not addressed,
and may not even be addressable, by
conventional benchmarks. Qualities
such as reliability, compatibility,
maintainability, and support are im-
possible to measure with a bench-
mark, but they spell the difference
between a useful tool and a booby
trap. What is the standard unit of
reliability, of compatibility, of sup-
port? How do you look at a table and
determine if a product will be a time
saver or a time vampire?
One of the most popular general-
purpose benchmarks is the Sieve of
Eratosthenes, probably the most
user-unfriendly title in the business.
(I'm not sure how to pronounce
"Sieve," let alone "Eratosthenes.")
Eratosthenes, head of the Alexan-
drian library around 200 B.C., was
the most wide-ranging scholar of his
time. He calculated the circumference
of Earth without using an 8087 math-
ematical coprocessor, and the library
he headed was the very embodiment
of Western civilization. Some
scholars argue that when the library
burned, Western civilization burned
with it. Meanwhile, the gods have
made the fame of Eratosthenes more
enduring than Mylar. His technique
for finding prime numbers has been
adapted to modern computer lan-
guages and is now a classic bench-
mark used to rate languages and
computers.
It seems reasonable to ask just
what prime numbers have to do with
the workaday world where most
computers are used. Accounting
departments tend to be more con-
cerned with the prime rate than with
prime numbers. When your chief
financial officer learns that a software
bug will delay the income statement
the bank had to have yesterday, he
will find little solace in the fact that
your state-of-the-art computer can
quickly generate integers with no
divisors except themselves and 1.
Ironically, the specialists of his day
called Eratosthenes "Beta," or second
160 tebruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
rate, for his alleged superficiality. In
the computer trade, "Beta" has come
to mean "not thoroughly tested," as
in "a Beta copy of a new C compiler."
It would be appropriate if "not
thoroughly tested" were stamped on
hardware and software that has been
subjected to the benchmark named
after our Greek who lived 2200 years
ago.
A Case Study
The dubious utility of general-
purpose benchmarks was brought
home to our company after we con-
ducted an extensive series of bench-
marks on seven C-language com-
pilers compatible with CP/M-86 (see
"Comparing C Compilers for
CP/M-86," August 1983 BYTE, page
82). After it took us almost as much
time to measure performance as it
would have taken us to write our
own C compiler, we were struck by
some curious phenomena. The ap-
parent loser in our time and efficien-
cy benchmarks, Computer Innova-
tions' C86, was the compiler that our
staff programmers regularly used
both before and six months after we
conducted the tests.
I am not a programmer; I'm a
civilian. My job is to whine. So when
I complained to our programmers
that they should think about hopping
on the world the next time it came
around, they all explained that they
had each tried the other compilers
and found lots of good and bad
points. But they felt that for the tasks
they were handling, Computer In-
novations' compiler was best. The
reason they cited most frequently
was something that became evident
while we were conducting the bench-
marks but that was not reflected in
the tabular results. Computer In-
novations' C86 was the only compiler
we tested that ran every benchmark
we tried and gave the expected
results, and we were lifting routines
from articles, books, Unix libraries,
and anywhere else we could find
them.
Our staff had chosen to use a com-
piler whose main benefits were com-
patibility and reliability. It ran rou-
tines taken from a variety of other im-
plementations of C. And it ran them
the first time. These features, not evi-
dent from the benchmark results,
were revealed only by long ex-
perience with the compiler itself.
My faith in general-purpose bench-
marks was undermined further
when I learned that the Mark
DeSmet compiler, which appeared to
have done quite well in the bench-
marks, was considered by our staff to
be a lightweight C compiler. A sim-
ple case of being misled by a bench-
mark? Not quite. It turned out that
our staff had nevertheless been tak-
ing advantage of a powerful feature
of the DeSmet compiler (an advan-
tage which, of course, was not
brought out by the benchmarks) and
had turned a lightweight C compiler
into a novel and extremely productive
programming tool. I call it the anti-
compiler.
Data such as "number
of times per week
documentation is
thrown against wall"
might be useful in
evaluating a product.
Because our programmers primari-
ly do system-level work, as opposed
to applications programming, speed
is very important. Speed to us means
assembly language. The DeSmet C
compiler, it turns out, lets you mix
assembly code with C code. This
means that, in the middle of a C pro-
gram, you can insert #ASM and start
writing in assembly language. This
feature has streamlined the way we
write assembly code.
Before we had the DeSmet com-
piler, we attacked a major assembly
project head-on. We planned a struc-
ture, wrote the program, and re-
signed ourselves to debugging a
maze of assembly code. The DeSmet
compiler enables us to write a pro-
gram initially in C. This process is
fast. The program runs relatively
slowly, but we can make sure that it
does everything we want. Once the
C version of the program works, we
convert one C subroutine into in-line
assembly code, compile the new
hybrid C-and-assembly version,
debug it if necessary, and proceed to
convert the next C subroutine into in-
line assembly language. Eventually,
the entire program is converted to as-
sembly language, piece by piece, pro-
ducing code that is well structured,
well tested, and usually well ahead
of schedule. The benchmarks give no
indication of this capability of the
DeSmet compiler.
We give a C compiler high points
for compatibility with other versions
of C, for reliability, and for ease of as-
sembly-language interface. But we
are relatively indifferent to its speed.
In fact, the more a project calls for
speed, the less we are concerned
with the speed of the compiler
because we know that the critical
routines will have to be written in
assembly language.
None of the qualities that we con-
sider most important for our applica-
tions were addressed in any of our
published benchmarks, and I'm not
sure how to devise a benchmark that
could quantify them. Perhaps data
such as "number of times per week
documentation is thrown against
wall" or "number of support calls
returned per thousand" might be
useful in evaluating a product. In any
case, the point here is not that we
ignored our own benchmarks and
found the C compilers that are really
"the best." We use the compilers that
are most suited for our particular
jobs. For people who want programs
that they will write from scratch, that
will execute quickly, that will require
minimal assembly code, and that will
take up minimal RAM (random-
access read/write memory) space, the
compilers we have been using may
quite possibly be "the worst."
The Ascendancy of Waste
Benchmarks are best at measuring
efficiency and speed. Efficiency, how-
ever, is threatening to become a dead
issue. Efficiency means the amount
of memory required to run a pro-
gram. As technology sprints along,
processors are being produced that
can address huge expanses of mem-
ory. Soon, little children will have to
teach their parents what "gigabyte"
means. Meanwhile, the price of semi-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 161
conductor as well as mass-storage
memory continues to drop. Both
trends drastically reduce the pressure
to produce and use efficient
programs.
One of the most remarkable indi-
cations of computer technology's ad-
vances over the past few years is the
dwindling importance attached to
program size. Not so long ago, pro-
grammers would spend months par-
ing away a few kilobytes from a piece
of code; but now, the programmer's
time is valued much more highly
than those kilobytes. Apple's Lisa is
a monument to the enormous
amount of RAM now routinely sacri-
ficed to make programs more "user
friendly." With this new attitude
toward efficiency, a strong point of
benchmarking has been made trivial.
Speed Thrills
With all the vast changes wrought
by the stampede of technology, one
relationship has remained un-
touched: time is money. This is true
whether it is a programmer's time or
a user's time. Therefore, the faster a
program runs, the more time and
money can be saved. However, there
are limits to the extent that increased
speed can improve a program. For in-
stance, it does no good to have a
word processor wait twice as fast for
you to type your next character. For
many applications, though, faster is
better.
Speed is where benchmarks come
into their own. Measuring overall
speed, however, can be a little tricky.
A compiler may be fast when it runs
tasks out of main memory but slow
when it does file handling. Even in
the unlikely event that all other
factors— compatibility, reliability,
documentation, support— are equal,
you still have to know which opera-
tions you are timing and which ones
must be fast when you use speed
benchmarks.
Job-Specific Benchmarks
Probably the best use of a bench-
mark is to measure the time it takes
a given hardware-software combina-
tion to run a program that will actual-
ly be run in real life and represents
the dominant use of the proposed
system. If, for example, an engineer-
ing firm has an application that in-
volves repeatedly inverting a big
matrix, then the ideal benchmark
would be a matrix inversion with rep-
resentative sample data. This is, of
course, a far cry from finding out
how fast the same system can gener-
ate prime numbers.
The ideal benchmark is not a gen-
eralized exercise that can be pub-
lished in a magazine and distributed
to millions; it's a carefully planned
demonstration in which the specific
application intended for the product
is simulated as closely as possible.
Where I work, it is not unusual to
receive test programs that we are to
run and report on. The Department
of the Army is particularly fond of
this shopping technique. It goes to
the initial trouble of developing a
benchmark that fits its application,
and the rest is up to systems houses.
In effect, the Army is benchmarking
us.
Upon receiving a custom bench-
mark task, a systems house really
begins to earn its living. The bench-
mark is run on equipment that offers
different levels of speed, cost, and
versatility. If the job can be done on
a fast but expensive disk emulator,
we offer that option. Because most of
our systems are based on the
Compupro with a 16-bit, 8-MHz 8088
as well as an 8-bit 8085, we can
sacrifice 8-bit compatibility in order
to increase speed 40 percent by using
a 10-MHz, 16-bit-only 8086 central
processor. Another alternative is run-
ning the benchmark on an expensive
hard disk that has a fast voice-coil-
head actuator rather than a less ex-
pensive one with a slower stepper
motor. We present all these trade-offs
to the customer along with realistic
timing data. The customer still has to
make a choice, and in many cases it
is an extremely difficult one; how-
ever, he doesn't have to choose blind-
ly, guided only by a meaningless off-
the-shelf benchmark.
But, you might say, setting up such
a simulation is hardly a benchmark
at all. It's a demonstration. The whole
beauty of benchmarks is that you
don't have to spend all that time
designing tests and entering repre-
sentative data. Benchmarks are sup-
posed to be fast and decisive. They
shouldn't be a lot of work— they
should give you something for
nothing. Right?
Wrong! That idea went the way of
the free lunch. In most cases, you get
out of a benchmark just what you put
into it. The time spent designing a
job-specific benchmark that suits
your needs is insignificant compared
to the time you will spend using the
tool you eventually select.
Do generalized benchmarks have a
place? Of course they do. Bench-
marking is the great pastime of the
computer world, the great sporting
event for software hackers and hard-
ware nerds. Benchmarks are the
Olympics. You watch, you marvel,
you enjoy. You root for your favorites
and revile the opposition. You argue
that the results were unfair and that
the rules should be changed. You
forget the results and lose bar bets to
obnoxious friends with better mem-
ories. But you don't base major busi-
ness decisions solely on benchmarks.
How to Make a Selection
If you can't rely on generalized
benchmarks, and you don't have the
time or skill to design a job-specific
benchmark, then how do you select
a computer or a program? Unfortu-
nately, it's not easy. You have to
realize that a major software or hard-
ware purchase is like a marriage. It
is a long-term commitment for better
or for worse. Marry in haste, regret
at leisure.
There are three important ways to
research a product, and you should
use all three:
1. Read the trade magazines for
reviews. You can usually judge the
validity of a product review the
same way you judge a movie
review. If it is in-depth and genu-
inely enthusiastic, you probably
have a good product. If it is super-
ficial, full of cliches, and apologetic
(the reviewer says the documenta-
tion looked good but there was not
enough time to open it), then ig-
nore the review, not the product.
Don't confuse the product with
the review.
162 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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2. Talk to friends or colleagues or
fellow members of computer
clubs, and talk a lot. Most people
are reluctant to admit that they
wasted money on a product; it's
stupid to waste money, and peo-
ple usually want you to think that
they're smart. The same rules
apply as when you ask about
someone's vacation. The first
response is always, "We had the
greatest time ever. Absolutely
fabulous." Only if you start trading
travel stories do you find that the
paradise in question is a malarial
swamp, the hotel is a convention
center for cockroaches, and the
airport boasts the world's largest
network of sinkholes. Again, keep
them talking. Value the advice of
a user who was not involved in the
decision to buy (and so whose
pride is not at stake) more than the
advice of someone who actually
selected the product.
3. Find a reputable dealer. Good
dealers are well aware that a ma-
jor purchase is a marriage between
dealer and client. In a good sale,
the client returns and buys more
goods and refers friends who in
turn buy and buy again. This sort
of sale enhances both the self-
esteem and the bank account of
the dealer and generally makes
business fun. Good dealers love it
if they sell you the right product,
and they will often do some home-
work for you to make sure you
make the right choice. They will
certainly do more than look up
some benchmark results. To a
good dealer, selling you the wrong
product is like driving off a cliff:
there are a lot of exciting possibil-
ities, but they're all bad.
These three rules are reliable ways
of selecting software and hardware,
much more reliable than the general
benchmarks you see published so
often. Stay true to these rules, and
you'll be able to look beyond the
numbers and break away from the
bench. ■
Jerry Houston is vice-president of marketing
at Gifford Computer Systems (POB 1917, San
Leandro, CA 94577).
164 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 363 on inquiry card.
THUNDER 186
single ooard computer. THUNDER 186 utilizes a highly integrated
80186 microprocessor from Intel to bring all the features required of
an SI 00 bus computer system together on a single height IEEE-696
board. WyW^fl!^WWijMp[JjB
80186 micro-processor (10 Mhz 8086
-erformance).
Floppy disk controller, controls both 5Vt" and
8" disk drives simultaneously.
-> RS232 serial ports with full handshaking,
parallel printer port.
!r 128K bytes or 256K bytes of no waitstate
mic RAM with parity,
/ull IEEE-696 (SI 00) bus compliance.
JP-™'
* nui^iJR 186 is the only single board 16 bit computer
that requires no additional boards to complete a
functional system. THUNDER 186 is fully supported by
our full line of operating systems: MS-DOS**, CP/M-86*
MP/M-86* and CONCURRENT CP/M-86*, which
are all available immediately. Thunder 186 includes
CONCURRENT CP/M-86 in the low introductory price.
128K Byte version
256K Byte version
$1250.00
$1595.00
LIGHTNING 286
286 replaces the Lightning One as the fastest board on the SI 00
BUS. We have incorporated the Intel 80286 microprocessor on a
CPU board that again brings new levels of performance to micro-
computers. The 80286 is capable of supporting up to 16 megabytes
of physical memory and up to 1 Gigabyte of virtual address space
when utilized in virtual address mode. In real address mode, the
80286 is compatible with the vast library of 8086/88 programs
already written. We have the three major operating systems
available immediately on our Lightning 286, no need to wait for third
party support to take advantage of this exciting new processor.
*CP/M-8B and CONCURRENT CP/M-86 are trademarks o!
Digital Research. **MS-DOS is trademark of Microsoft.
***Lightning One is trademark oILomas Data Products, Inc.
to 64 Kbytes of onboard EPROM
ictored interrupts expandable to 65 levels
compliance with IEEE 696
ti-layer board for low-noise reliable
sration
_.i addition to these features, a high speed
memory bus expansion port has been included
that will allow extension of the memory with a high
speed dynamic memory board. The use of the
companion memory board will allow use of an 8
Mhz 80286 without memory wait states. The board
will contain 1 Mbyte of memory, and will allow
cost efficient expansion of 80286 memory space.
Price $1395.00
Circle 219 on Inquiry card.
If your application requires 1 6-bit computing power and versatility, I
call Lomas Data Products today.
Dealer inquiries invited.
LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS, INC. □ 66 Hopkinton Road, Westboro, MA 01581 □ Tel: (617) 366-6434
BYTE February 1984 16
E
j
TERMINALS
914 $569.00
924 S689.00
925 S739.00
950 S929.00
970 S1039.00
COMPUTERS
Teleport Portable CALL
800A S 1 099 .00
802 S2699.00
803 S1949.00
802H S4695 .00
806/20 S4999.00
816/40 $9199.00
1602 S3399.00
1603 CALL
fcTefcVideo
Spirit XL Portable
IIE-1
IIE-2
IIE-3
IIE-4
PC-E
PC-1
PC-2
PC-XL
1620
1630
1640
Cyma Software . ..
$2* SANYO
MBC-SSD PC . . . CALL
MBC-555 PC . . . CALL
MBC 1100 S1 499.00
FDD 3200-320K Drive S389.00
MBC 1 150 S1 899.00
MBC 1200 S1 849.00
FDD 6400-640K Drive S469.00
MBC 1250 S2099.00
PR 5500 Printer S599.00
MONITORS
AMDEK
300 Green S 1 49.00
300 Amber S1 59.00
310 Amber S1 69.00
Color 1 S279.00
Color 1 Plus S299.00
Color 2 S399.00
Color 2 Plus S41 9.00
Color 3 $349.00
Color 4 S699.00
BMC
12" Green $79.99
12" Green HI-RES $1 19.99
9191-13" Color $249.99
GORILLA
12" Green $88.99
12" Amber $95.99
NEC
JB 1260 Green $109.99
JB 1201 Green $149.99
JB 1205 Amber S159.99
JC 1215 Color $299.99
JC 1216 RGB $429.99
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
HX-12 RGB $519.00
TAXAN
12" Green $119.00
12" Amber $129.00
Taxan 1 RGB $279.00
USI
Pi 1, 9" Green $99.99
PI 2. 12" Green $119.99
Pi 3. 12" Amber $149.99
Pi 4. 9" Amber $139. 99
1 400 Color $269.99
ZENITH
ZVM 122 Amber S109.99
ZVM 123 Green $89.99
ZVM 135 Color/RGB $469 99
$3999.00
$1569.00
.$1899.00
$2399.00
.$3299.00
$1579.00
.$2399.00
$2799.00
.$3599.00
.$3599.00
.$5499.00
.$6499.00
CALL
MODEMS
ANCHOR
Mark I (RS-232) $79.00
Mark II (Atari) $79.00
Mark III (TI-99) $109.00
Mark IVICBM/PET) $125.00
Mark V (Osborne) $95.00
Mark VI (IBM-PC) $169.00
MarkVllfAutoAns/AutoDial) ...51 19.00
Mark XII (1200 Baud) $299.00
TRS-80 Color Computer $99.00
9 Volt Power Supply $9.00
HAYES
Smartmodem 300 $219.00
Smartmodem 1 200 $509.00
Smartmodem 1200B $459.00
Micromodem II $265.00
Micromodem II Plus $299.00
Micromodem ME $269.00
Micromodem 100 $299.00
Smart Com II S89.00
Chronograph $199.00
NOVATION
J -Cat S99.99
SmartCat103 $179.00
SmartCat 103/212 $399.00
AutoCat $219.00
212 AutoCat $549.00
Apple Cat II $249.00
212 Apple Cat $569.00
Apple Cat 212 Upgrade $309.00
Cat $139.99
D-Cat S149.00
PC-Cat S339.00
ZENITH
ZT-1 $309.00
ZT- 1 S339 .00
ZT-1 1 $369.00
APPLE INTERFACE
CAROS S. BUFFERS
Choose from PKASO. Orange Micro.
MPC. MicroMax. Tymac. Quadram &
Practical Peripherals CALL
NEC PRINTERS
NEC 2050 $999.00
NEC 3550 $1699.00
PERCOM/TANOON
ORIVES
S'A" 320K Floppy $229.00
5MegHardw/Controller...$1399.00
1 Meg Hard w/Controller ... $1 699.00
1 5 Meg Hard w/Controller . . . $2095.00
20 Meg Hard w/Controller . . . $2399.00
AMDEK
31 0A Amber Monitor $169.00
DXY 100 Plotter $599.00
Color II $399.00
AST RESEARCH, INC.
Six Pak Plus. ..from S279.00
Combo Plus 1 1... from $279.00
Mega Plus. ..from S309.00
I/O Plus 1 1... from $139.00
QUADRAM
Quadlink $519.00
Quadboard...as low as $289.00
Quad512Plus...aslowas...$249.00
Quad color. ..as low as $2ig.00
Chronograph $89.00
Parallel Interface Board S89.00
64K RAM Chips Kit S59.00
MICRO PRO
WordStar/Mail Merge $349.00
InfoStar $299.00
SpellStar $159.00
CalcStar $99.00
MICROSTUF
Crosstalk $105.00
MICROSOFT
Multiplan $159.00
pf 5
APPLE IBM
Write: 79.00 89.00
Graph: 79.00 89.00
Report: 79.00 79.00
File: 79.00 89.00
Solutions': as lowas 16.00 16.00
•Call On Titles
PRIN
AXIOM
AT- 100 Atari Interface $239.00
CD-1 00 CBM 64/VIC 20 ... . $239'oO
GP-1 00 Parallel Interface .. .$199.00
BMC
401 Letter Quality $589.00
BX-80 Dot Matrix $269.00
CENTRONICS
122 Parallel $399.00
739-1 Parallel $299.00
739-3 Serial $349.00
C.ITOH
Gorilla Banana $209.00
Prownter 8510P $379.00
Pro writer 1 550P $679.00
A10(18 cps) $569.00
F 10-40 $999.00
F1 0-55 $ 1 499.00
COMREX
ComWriterll LetterQuality . . $499.00
OIABLO
620 Letter Quality $949.00
630 Letter Quality $1 749.00
OAISYWRITER
2000 $99g.00
Tractor Feed $109.00
EPSON
MX-80FT. MX-100. RX-80. RX-80FT.
FX-80. FX-1 00 CALL
IOS
Prism 80... For Configurations. . .CALL
Prism 32... For Configurations. ..CALL
MANNESMAN TALLY
160L $589.00
180L $799.00
.$309.00
ASHTON-TATE
dBASE II S389.00
Friday! S185.00
IUS
EasyWriter II $249.00
EasySpeller $1 1 9.00
Easy Filer $229.00
CONTINENTAL SOFTWARE
1st Class Mail/Form Letter ... $79.00
The Home Accountant Plus ...S88.00
SYNAPSE
File Manager $89.00
LOTUS
1-2-3 S319.00
PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE
PC Plus/The Boss $349.00
VISICORP
IBM APPLE
VisiCalc 15900
VisiCalc4 159.00
VisiCalc-Advanced 269.00
VisiWord/Spell 249.00
Visitrend/Plot 199.00 199.00
VisiLink 16900
VisiFile 199.00 169.00
VisiSchedule 199.00 199.00
Visidex 159.00
VisiPlol 135.00
VisiTerm 75.00
Desktop Plan 199.00 169.00
Bus. Forecast Model 75.00 75.00
Stretch Calc 75.00 75.00
VisiTutor Calc 59.00 59.00
VisiTutor-Advanced 75.00 75.00
VisiTutor Word 59.00 59.00
Vision Calc 249.00
Vision Graph 129.00
Vision Mouse 159.00
Vision Host 31 9.00
TERS
NEC
201 0/2030 $899.00
8023 Dot Matrix S379.00
8025 Dot Matrix $669.00
3510 Serial/Letter Quality... $1449. 00
3530 Parallel/ Letter Quality... $1499. 00
77 10/7730 Serial/Parallel.. .$1949. 00
OKIOATA
82.83.84.92.93.2350.2410 ...CALL
SMITH CORONA
TP-2 $439.00
Tractor Feed $11 9.00
SILVER REEO
500 Letter Quality $469.00
550 Letter Quality $699.00
STAR
Gemini 10X $299.00
Gemini P15 S399.00
Delta 10 $559.00
Serial Board $75.00
TOSHIBA CALL
TRANSTAR CALL
PRINTER CABLES
Available for Atari. Commodore. IBM.
Apple. Epson. Kaypro. Televideo. Frank-
lin. Eagle. Sanyo. Osborne. NEC.
Zenith and many others. We supply all
your computer needs!
PAPER SUPPLIES
1 000 shts. 8Vjx1 1 Tractor Paper.. .1 9.9P
1000 shts.14Vjx11Tractor Paper. .$24.99
1 or 2" Address Labels $9.99
%>* m n f% U f*
800»6^8'»55ff SOO-268 ^559 800*255*8950
j In NV call (702)588 5654. Dept. 0201
Order Status Number: 588-5854
P.O. Box 6689. Statelme. NV 89449
>> No risk, no deposit on C.O.D. orders. Pre-i
In Toronto call (416)828-0866. Dept 0201
Order Status Number: 828-0866
2505 Dunwm Drive. Unit 1 B
Mississauga. Ontario. Canada L5L1T1
In PA call (71 7)327-9575. Dept 0201
Order Status Number: 327-9570
Customer Service Number: 327-1450
P.O. Box 6689. Statelme. NV 89449 Mississauga. Ontario. Canada L5L1 T1 477 E. Third St.. wniiamspon. PA 1 7701
^» S M'^ d « P '? S "° nC ' i 3 C o r J? er ! . Pre ' paidorde,sreceive,reeshi PP in 9 vul,hin,heUPS ContinentalUnitedStateswithnowaiting period forcertif.edchecksormonev
°I°.J . a„ , """" mum S5-00 'hipping and handling on all C.O.D. andcreditcard orders. Largershipments nrnit^Mnt^S^M^n^^i^^^SSM
catafoa ^^
P FRANKLIN
ACE 1000 Color Computer CALL
ACE Family Pack System CALL
ACE PRO PLUS System CALL
ACE 1 200 Office Mgmt. System . . . CALL
NOT ME EXPENSIVE
PUTER
APPLE/FRANKLIIM
DISK DRIVES
MICRO-SCI
A2 S219.00
A40 S299.00
A70 S319.00
C2 Controller S79.00
C47 Controller S89.00
RAIMA
Elite 1 S279.00
Elite 2 S389.00
Elite 3 $569.00
APPLE lie STARTER PACK
64 K Apple lie. Disk Drive & Controller.
80 Column Card. Monitor II & DOS 3.3
COMPLETE S1199
f S commodore
..S599.00
S869.00
..S999.00
..S769.00
CBM 64K Memory Board
8032 to 9000 Upgrade
., S269.00
S269.00
.5949.00
,S1 199.00
..S379.00
8023 Printer
S569.00
.51399.00
..S499.00
.5699.00
The Manager
S19900
.5125.00
VisiCalc
..S159.00
ff M-i-i-w.i.i.f.*mi) i-.i I
C 64
139
PROFESSIONAL
SOFTWARE
Word Pro 2 Plus S 159.00
Word Pro 3 Plus S1 89.00
Word Pro 4 Plus/5 Plus... each. ..S279.O0
IntoPro S179.00
Administrator S399.00
Power $79.00
MSP
SD1 Disk Drive S349.00
VIC so CALL.
CBM B032 $599
C1541 Disk Drive S249.00
C1530 Datasette S69.00
C1 520 Color Printer/Plotter... S1 69. 00
M-801 Dot Matrix/Parallel... S2 19. 00
C1526 Dot Matrix/Serial ....$279.00
C1702 Color Monitor S249.00
C1311 Joystick $4.99
C1312 Paddles S1 1 .99
C1 600 VIC Modem $59.00
C1650 Auto Modem $89.00
Logo 64 $49.00
Pilot 64 $39 00
Simon s Basic S 19.00
Word Pro 64 Plus S59.00
Parallel Printer Interface S49.00
Calc Result 64 S 129.00
Codewriter 64 S75.00
Ouick Brown Fox $49.00
Word Pro 64 Plus S59.00
We stock a full inventory of software for Commodore, such as:
Artworx. Broderbund. Commercial Data. Creative Software.
Epyx. HES. MicroSpec. Nufekop. Romox. Sinus. Synapse.
Thorn EMI. Tronix. UWII. Victory. Spinnaker. Rainbow STimeworks!
CALL FOR DETAILS!
HANDHELD COMPUTERS
(VI
41 CX S249.99
41CV $199.99
41C S31 44.9 9
HP 10C S51 .99
HP 11C S69.99
HP 12C S88.99
HP 15C S88.99
HP 16C $88.99
HP 75C S749.99
HPIL Module $98.99
HPIL Cass, or Printer $359.99
Card Reader SI 43. 99
Extended Function Module . . . S63.99
Time Module S63.99
NEC
PC-8201 Personal Computer... S599. 00
PC-8221AThermal Printer. . .S149.00
PC-8281 A Data Recorder S99.00
PC-8201 -06 8K RAM Chips. SI 05.00
PC-8206A 32K RAM Cartridge. ..S329.00
PC-1 500A . . . 931 65.99
pc-i 25da — saa.99
CE-1 25 Printer/Cassette S1 28.99
CE-1 50 Color Printer/Cassette. ..$1 71 .99
CE-1 55 8K RAM S93.99
CE 161 16K RAM SI 34.99
CE 500 ROM Library S29.99
Tl M EX/S I M CLAI R
Timex/Sinclair 1000 S24.99
Timex/Sinclair 2068 CALL
16K Memory S25.00
2040 Printer $99.99
VuCalc S17.99
Mindware Printer S99.99
A
ATARI
HOME COMPUTERS
GQOXL $199
BDOXL $899
1010 Recorder S74.00
1020 Color Printer S249.00
1025 Dot Matrix Printer S449.00
1027 Letter Quality $299.00
1030 Direct Connect Modem... CALL
1050 Disk Drive $379.00
CX30 Paddle $12.00
CX40 Joystick each. ..SB. 00
CX77 Tough Tablet $64.00
CX80 Trak Ball $48.00
CX85 Keypad S 105.00
488 Communicator II $229.00
4003 Assorted Education $47.00
4011 Star Raiders $33.00
4012 Missile Command $29.00
401 3 Asteroids $29.00
5049 VisiCalc $159.00
7097 Logo $79.00
7101 Entertainer $69.00
7102 Arcade Champ $75.00
8026 Dig Dug $33.00
8030 E.T. Phone Home $33.00
8031 Donkey Kong $39.00
8033 Robotron S35.00
8034 Pole Position $39.00
8036 Atari Writer $79.00
8040 Donkey Kong. Jr $39.00
8043 Ms. PacMan $39.00
8044 Joust $39.00
DISKETTES
MAXELL
6VV" MD-1 $29.00
5V«" MD-2 $39.00
8" FD-1 (SS/DD) $39.00
8" FD-2 (DS/DD) ...$49.00
VERBATIM
5V4" SS/DD S26.99
5V." DS/DD S36.99
ELEPHANT
BVi" SS/SD $18.49
5'/«" SS/DD $22.99
5'/«" DS/DD $28.99
HEAD
5'A Disk Head Cleaner $14.99
DISK HOLDERS
INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS
Flip-n-File 10 $3.99
Flip-n-File 50 $17.99
Flip-n-File(40O/800ROM|Horder.. $17.99
LJK ENTERPRISES
Atari Letter Perfect-Disk(40/80) . . . $79.99
Atan Letter Perfect-ROM(40 col). ..$79. 99
Atari Letter Perfect-R0M(80 col)... $79.99
Atari Data Pertect-R0M(80 col) $79.99
Atari Spell Perfect-DISK $59.99
Atari Utility/MailMerge $21.00 '
Apple Letter Perfect $99.00
Apple Data Perfect $75.00
Apple LJK Utility $21 .00
Apple Lower Case Generator . ..$19.00
—- «1. --
IfcsH^jjjjfimttv.
iM^jMOBaacjaHCwai
S&i
gP^S^Ss?^ 1 ^
|H 13
1200XL
1400XL
CALL
CALL
PEfiCCM
AT 88-S1 $329.00
AT 88-A2 $259.00
AT 88-S2 $529.00
AT 88-S1PD $429.00
AT88-DDA $1 19.00
RFD 40-S1 S449.00
RFD 40-A1 S269.00
RFD 40-S2 $699.00
RFD 44-S1 $53900
RFD 44-S2 $869.00'
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
TX 99-S1 S279.00
RAMA
1000 $319.00
TRAK
AT-D2 $389.00
MEMORY BOARDS
Axlon 32K $59.00
Axlon 48K ,$99.00
Axlon 128K ....$299.00
Intec 32K $59.00
Intec 48K $85.00
Intec 64K $99.00
Intec Real Time Clock $29.00
ALIEN VOICE BOX
Atari S119.00
Apple S149.00
KOALA RAO
Atari $75.00
Apple $85.00
IBM $95.00
CBM 64 $75.00
CONTROLLERS &
JOYSTICKS
WICQ
Joystick $21.99
3-way Joystick $22.99
Famous Red Ball S23.99
Power Grip $21.99
BOSS Joystick S17.99
ATARI/VIC Trak Ball $34.99
Apple Trak Ball $54.99
Apple Adapter $15.99
Apple Analog $37.99
KRAFT
Joystick S41.99
Atari Single Fire S12.99
Atari Switch Hitter $15.99
Apple Paddles $34.99
IBM Paddles.... $34.99
IBM Joystick S46.99
AMIGA
3100 Single S13.99
3101 Pair $19.99
Joyboard $37.99
TG
Atari Trak Ball .....$47.99
Apple Joystick $47.99
Apple Trak Ball $47 .99
m n m
800o6*8.55ff 8QG'263'^559
In NV call (702)5885654. Dept 0201
Order Status Number: 588-5654
P.O. Box 6689. Stateline. NV 89449
In Toronto call (41 6)828 0866 Dept 0201
Order Status Number: 8280866
2505 Dunwin Drive. Unit 1 B
Mississauga. Ontario. Canada L5L1T1
800255-8950
In PA call (717)327-9575 Dept 0201
Order Status Number: 3279576
Customer Service Number: 327-1450
477 E. Third St.. Williamsport. PA 17701
CANAOI AN ORDERS: All prices are subject to shipping, tax and currency fluctuations. Call for exact pricing in Canada.
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS: All shipments outside the continental United States must be pre-paid by certified check only. Include 3^ (minimum $5 00) shipping and
handling. EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS: Additional discounts are available to qualified Educational Institutions.
APO & FPO: Add 3% (minimum $5.00) shipping and handling. Circle 76 On. inquiry card
Beyond MIPS*: Performance
Is Not Quality
Two users examine the quantifiable aspects of system quality
by John M. Carroll and Mary Beth Rosson
Performance is the most common
term of measurement used in the
world of computing. Performance
refers to the effective speed of a
device, hardware or software. It refers
to reliability. It refers to so many
things that you could easily come to
regard performance as a synonym for
quality. But there is a danger in
this— quality must not simply be
equated with performance. Perfor-
mance does not take into account
usefulness or usability, which are
critical determinants of the ultimate
quality of a system, particularly a
microcomputer system.
In this article, we consider three
aspects of quality. First, we discuss
the meaning of quality and em-
phasize the contributions of factors
other than system performance as
typically measured. Within this
broader context, we consider how the
quality of a computer interface might
be analyzed. We focus on users'
needs and on how readily those
needs can be accomplished. We
argue that high-quality devices are
those that support the user's fluent
accomplishment of typical tasks.
Finally, we describe how an analysis
of quality might be incorporated into
the design process. Devices can be
designed for high performance; we
* millions of instructions per second
urge that they be designed for high
quality.
What Is Quality?
Usually, when we ask "Does a
device work?" or "How well does it
work?" we intend the industrial-
engineering sense. We presuppose
an ideal operator. It is easy, though,
to imagine examples in which this
assumption is overly generous. A
bicycle with pedals positioned so far
from the seat that a typical rider can-
not reach them may be a high-
performance bike for that ideal
operator, but something is seriously
wrong with it for the typical operator.
Frequently, computer application
systems are like that high-
performance bike: neither usable nor
useful. Imagine a new word pro-
cessor with twice the processing
power of previous systems and a
minuscule probability of hardware
defects. With respect to performance,
it is rated a quality system; but if you
are a novice and want to use the sys-
tem to type and print a one-page let-
ter, you may not agree with this
rating. Very often, there will be no
simple procedure to accomplish your
goal; despite the "quality" of the
parts, the pedals seem to be designed
for people with far longer legs. Thus,
you may need to sort through icons,
negotiating selection and movement,
single and double mouse clicks,
copying dummy documents, and so
forth. Or you may need to traverse a
more rigidly structured, but equally
inscrutable, hierarchy of menus or be
faced with a vacant screen that awaits
commands but gives no hints.
Consider a scene we have observed
often in studying users of commer-
cial word processors. The operator is
presented with a menu of options
immediately prior to seeing the text-
input area. Under the menu is the
following prompt: Type ID code to
select CHOICE; press ENTER. The
user need not in fact select any op-
tional CHOICE to move to text input,
but invariably the user does. Having
done so, the user is once again
prompted: Type ID code to select
CHOICE; press ENTER. Again, the
user selects an option (often reselect-
ing his prior CHOICE). Indeed, this
cycle of redundant selection and
reselection can continue for many
minutes. And unfortunately it ac-
complishes little or nothing. The
default CHOICEs are satisfactory in
most cases; CHOICE-looping only
delays the goal of getting to the typ-
ing display (see references 3, 4, 8).
The issue of quality is not limited
to inexperienced users. For ex-
perienced operators, measures of
performance, such as processing
speed, may indeed become more im-
168 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
portant determinants of quality;
these users may operate in a mode in
which variations in system capacity
are more apparent (see references 6
and 10 for discussions of the effects
of system response time on users'
productivity). However, even for
routine users, other factors are much
more important. Good system per-
formance may make a tedious pro-
cedure more acceptable, but it will
not eliminate the negative impact on
quality. Nor will performance
alleviate the problem of long-term
skill learning— often, experienced
users fail to acquire the most effective
methods for accomplishing their
goals (see reference 9). In a high-
quality system, these problems
would be addressed not by improv-
ing system performance but by mak-
ing the more effective methods trans-
parent to the user and by making rel-
evant procedures easy to learn and
execute.
Even if the usability of a system is
high, its quality might be severely im-
paired by its usefulness to its intend-
ed audience. For example, if a user is
shy when it comes to writing about
sensitive matters, or if a person can-
not type fluently, an electronic mail
system would not be useful. By the
same token, if someone is principally
concerned with filling in forms, then
most word-processing systems would
not be useful. Finally, if someone
works in a highly interactive team en-
vironment, a calendar application
without provisions for sharing data
would be of very limited use.
The term "quality" has meaning
only when considered from the per-
spective of real users performing real
activities on a system. The level of
performance in the context of an ideal
user may contribute to quality con-
sidered from this perspective, but
much more important is the extent to
which the system supports users in
the pursuit of their own goals (both
what they want to do and how they
want to accomplish it). How can
quality, in this sense, be measured?
Measuring Quality
In order to measure the quality of
a system, we need to know (a) who
the intended users will be, (b) what
they will want to use the system for,
and (c) how they will want to achieve
those goals. Such a description
would turn the focus on users and
their needs, which is essential to
evaluating system quality. The
measurement itself is made through
psychological experimentation: em-
pirical studies of representative users
performing representative tasks.
The representativeness of the users
and their tasks is key. The quality of
a system designed to be used by
secretaries cannot be assessed by
having programmers try it out. Pro-
grammers aren't secretaries. The
background knowledge that can be
assumed for one group cannot be
assumed for another. A system that
is just fine for programmers could be
If one system elicits
better performance on
typical tasks by typical
users, then that is the
higher-quality system.
a disaster for secretaries. For example,
it is routine for programmers to in-
voke an application before using its
function. This is not at all obvious to
nonprogrammers. Secretaries with
no computer experience might at-
tempt to type their first word-
processor document on the top-level
control menu. (We have observed
this kind of error with nonprogram-
mers learning to use a variety of
word-processing systems.) Converse-
ly, secretaries routinely specify pitch
and style of type fonts; a system
designed for such users could
address such functions more techni-
cally than could a comparable system
designed for use by programmers.
Just as background knowledge
varies among user groups, so do
their typical goals in using the sys-
tem. Secretaries seldom compose
text. Far more typically, they key in
and revise text that someone else has
composed. This arrangement would
be reversed for typical programmers.
Accordingly, testing the quality of a
word-processing system for secre-
tarial users would place relatively
greater emphasis on keying and revi-
sion tasks than on composition tasks.
And the reverse would be true for a
word-processing system designed for
programmers.
Typical Tasks, Typical Users
Indeed, the characterization of
typical tasks and user groups can and
should be more in-depth than our
simple example. The tasks of legal
secretaries differ from those of cor-
respondence secretaries in many rele-
vant ways. Typical tasks can be
analyzed in greater resolution than
composition versus transcription/
revision: some secretaries may deal
exclusively with one-page memos
and letters; others may often tran-
scribe lengthy technical reports.
Assessing the quality of a system re-
quires us to identify the intended
users and their typical tasks and
measure a representative group of
such users performing such tasks
with the system.
For a system designed for cor-
respondence secretaries who typi-
cally type brief memos, a measure of
quality would be the average time re-
quired to type an average memo. Two
systems, both designed for this user
group (possibly among other
groups), could be compared on this
basis. If one system elicits better per-
formance on typical tasks by typical
users, then that is the higher-quality
system.
Of course, systems often provide a
variety of functions intended for
diverse groups of users. For these
systems, different user groups must
be demographically represented in
any test and asked to perform the
particular tasks typical of their group.
If the principal group is secretaries
and the secondary group is mana-
gers, then both must be proportion-
ally represented in the tested sample
of users. The secretaries might be
asked to transcribe memos and the
managers might be asked to prepare
performance plans.
Our considerations don't stop
there. Users vary not only in their
job-related backgrounds but also in
their computer-related backgrounds.
Systems optimized for cor-
respondence secretaries with no
computer experience might be less
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 169
than optimal for members of the
"same" user group who are ex-
perienced with word processors.
When we begin to imagine the inter-
actions of experience on different
systems, this issue can become quite
complicated. Nevertheless, we must
pay attention to distinctions in
system quality for users of different
experience levels. Thus, one measure
of quality for a word-processing
system intended for secretaries might
be the time required for a secretary
without computer experience to
create and print her first letter;
another measure might be the time
required for an experienced
secretarial user to create a table with
a complex format. In a quality
system, basic functions are learned
easily, which aids the initiation of
novices. But just as important, ad-
vanced functions should be acquired
naturally when appropriate, which
supports productivity and the
development of expertise in the
longer term.
Current system designs in many
cases do try to accommodate distinc-
tions between different experience
and expertise levels (as well as some
of the other distinctions we have
discussed). However, in no case has
the quality of a design been serious-
ly ascertained. The IBM Display-
writer provides a menu interface to
make learning easier and a menu-
bypass facility to support fluent and
productive skilled use. The Apple
Lisa system presents an interface
organized by the desktop metaphor
for ease of learning and Apple-key
commands for the convenience of
more experienced users. We would
argue that although both systems are
addressing the right issues and
adopting reasonable approaches to
these issues, their success is
unknown. The quality of both
systems on these grounds (and
others) must be determined empiri-
cally.
Analyzing Quality
We have argued that system quali-
ty is more than mere performance.
We have tried to show how usability
and usefulness are the final deter-
minants of system quality and how
they can be assessed empirically. But
we can do better: we can try to
understand the components of
usability and usefulness; we can try
to understand what quality is.
Our starting point is how users
want to achieve their goals. We want
to expand the framework presented
in the preceding section to include
consideration of the particular ap-
proaches, methods, and subskills
that are employed when users try to
address a goal (such as typing a buck
slip) with an application system.
Knowing that 90 percent of cor-
respondence secretaries can key in
and print out a one-page memo in
less than 15 minutes provides an
assessment of quality. But knowing
a larger number of more specific facts
(e.g., 85 percent make the mistake of
miscoordinating coded keypress
commands at least once in the course
of requesting a print job to be
queued) provides a more detailed
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assessment of quality.
Breaking down macro-level tasks,
like keying in and printing out a buck
slip, into subtasks, like queuing a
print job, provides an insight into
quality that is deeper than that pro-
vided by simple pass/fail tests. Two
systems might be indistinguishable
with respect to how long comparable
groups of users take to perform com-
parable tasks, but the systems might
differ substantially in where the users'
time went. Queuing a print job might
present the user with a variety of
specific problems in one system:
awkwardly worded prompts, icon-
cluttered displays, inconvenient
defaults, multiple-keystroke com-
mands, etc. In another system, the
problems might pertain to the com-
mand or menu protocol for selecting
the pitch and style of type fonts.
From the macro-level standpoint, the
quality of the two systems is equal;
we have assumed that in both cases
an identical proportion of represen-
tative users can successfully ac-
complish a representative task. But
from the more detailed level of how
the users accomplish particular
subgoals, there is a trade-off in
quality between components of the
macro-level task.
A trade-off is not a choice between
equivalents. The relative usefulness
of the two systems we have imagined
might differ considerably. The system
for which type-font selection was dif-
ficult might still be more useful than
the system for which queuing a print
job was difficult. After all, being
forced to accept default pitch and
style is not as great an obstacle to get-
ting real throughput as is being un-
able to queue a print job. The default
type font may not be exactly right,
but it will always be better than no
printout at all. The relative difficulty
of system subtasks must be collated
against the goals people bring to the
situation in order to assess the use-
fulness of the system (see reference 2).
In the short term, it may be
satisfactory to know that typical users
spend an average of 15 minutes key-
ing in and printing out a buck slip.
After all, if the state of the art is 18
minutes, you might realize a produc-
tivity savings of about 15 percent in
the system of higher quality. But in
the longer term, we need to under-
stand better where the 15 minutes (or
the 18 minutes) is going and how it
affects the usefulness of the system.
Indeed, understanding those details
is the key to improving the quality of
systems.
Designing for Quality
It will probably come as no sur-
prise when we suggest that an un-
derstanding of system quality, along
the lines indicated earlier, might be
incorporated into the design of sys-
tems. After all, if we are not satisfied
with merely benchmarking macro-
level user tasks, why stop with
benchmarking subtasks? If we can
understand the detail of system qual-
ity, then we ought to be able to ex-
ploit this understanding by design-
ing better systems. Addressing the
finer grain of user subtasks affords us
a more analytic measurement of sys-
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tem quality that can contribute di-
rectly to the designing of higher-
quality systems. Although this dis-
cussion has focused on the assess-
ment of completed systems, many of
the measurements we have discussed
could be made on mock-ups of inter-
faces, on simulations of systems, and
on prototypes.
We believe that making such mea-
surements during the early stages of
the system-development process is
the only way to ensure the design of
quality systems (see references 5 and
7). Consider, for example, the imple-
mentation of contextual dependency
in a menu-driven word-processing
system. The notion is that only func-
tions that make sense in a given con-
text are available to the user. The
payoff is obvious: it protects the user
from the often costly errors associ-
ated with inappropriate menu selec-
tions (reference 3).
But the implementation of the prin-
ciple is not so obvious. We could in-
corporate the dependency either in
the display of options or in their selec-
tion . In the first case, the physical ap-
pearance of the menu would vary
from mode to mode and the user
would be faced with possible prob-
lems stemming from a failure to
recognize the mode and its inherent
limitations on functions. In the se-
cond case, the physical appearance of
the menus is constant, but its
response to the user's action varies:
sometimes certain functions are "not
available," leading to possible user
frustration. The choice of a good
solution to this design issue cannot
be known a priori, nor can it be indi-
cated through macro-level usability
benchmarking. The ultimate choice
will be very much a function of the
details of the application, the menu
content, and the instances of contex-
tual dependency most likely to be en-
countered by a typical user.
The computer industry will very
likely continue to focus on the goal
of improving system performance.
And it clearly should; performance
factors like reliability and response
time have a variety of obvious, and
not so obvious, effects on user satis-
faction and productivity. (The exact
nature of these effects is still a mat-
ter of controversy; see references 1,
6, 9.) But increasingly there is an
awareness that mere performance is
not enough, that it is not the same
thing as quality. As computers be-
come tools and toys for everyone,
their ability to adapt to human needs
and propensities becomes the prin-
cipal determinant of real system
quality. We have outlined a simple,
yet systematic, empirical approach to
the measurement, analysis, and de-
sign of system quality. We know of no
scrupulous case studies of this ap-
proach, but the momentum of the
entire industry is overwhelmingly
heading in this direction. In the next
few years, the study of system qual-
ity should be one of the most active
areas in computer science research. ■
John M. Carroll has a Ph.D. in psychology from
Columbia University. Mary Beth Rosson has a
Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Texas
at Austin. Both are members of the Research Staff
at IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center (POB
218, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598).
References
1 . Boies, S. J. "User Behavior on an Interactive
System." IBM Systems Journal, 13, 1974,
pages 1-18.
2. Bullen, C. V, and J. L. Bennett. "Office
Workstation Use by Administrative Managers
and Professionals." IBM Research Report, RJ
3809, 1983.
3. Carroll, J. M., and C. Carrithers. "Blocking
User Error States in a Training System." Sub-
mitted to ACM Communications.
4. Carroll, J. M., and R. L. Mack. "Learning to
Use a Word Processor: by Doing, by Think-
ing, and by Knowing." Human Factors in
Computer Systems, J. Thomas and M.
Schneider, eds. Norwood, NJ: Ablex, 1983.
5. Carroll, J. M., and M. B. Rosson. "Usability
Specifications as a Tool in Iterative Develop-
ment." Advances in Human-Computer In-
teraction, H. R. Hartson, Norwood, NJ:
Ablex, forthcoming.
6. Doherty, W. J., and R. P Kelisky. "Managing
VM/CMS Systems for User Effectiveness."
IBM Systems Journal, 18, 1979, pages
143-163.
7. Gould, J. D., and C. H. Lewis. "Designing for
Usability— Key Principles and What De-
signers Think." Manuscript in preparation.
8. Mack, R. L, C. H. Lewis, and J. M. Carroll.
"Learning to Use Word Processors: Problems
and Prospects." ACM Transactions on Office
Information Systems, 1, 1983, pages 254-271.
9. Rosson, M. B. "Patterns of Experience in Text
Editing." CHI '83 Conference on Human Fac-
tors in Computing Systems, Proceedings.
Boston, December, 1983.
10. Shneiderman, B. "Response Time and
Display Rate in Human Performance with
Computers." To appear in Shneiderman's
Designing Interactive Computer Systems: A
Software Psychology Approach.
172 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Software Performance
Evaluation
Some helpful guidelines borrowed from a successful hardware model
On the grand scale that measures
difficulty, relevance, and necessary
skills, the job of software perform-
ance evaluation falls somewhere
between the role of test pilot and
drama critic. While obviously subjec-
tive, the criteria for evaluation must
be rigorously and narrowly defined:
it is not the reviewer's task to rank the
intrinsic social or intellectual values
of, for example, Lotus 1-2-3 versus
Pac-Man, but rather, to report to pro-
spective consumers the quality of the
rendition of the subject matter.
In this article, I'll try to document
some of the criteria used for software
performance evaluation. Though not
an easy task, there are some straight-
forward approaches. Also included is
a text box that discusses a surprising-
ly accurate means of evaluating a pro-
cessing system's performance. The
knowledge gained in successfully
constructing a hardware performance
measuring tool can be used to guide
reviewers in evaluating software.
The evaluation of software applica-
tion packages is only one of the cate-
gories of analysis performed at
Gnostic Concepts Inc. We regularly
examine computer hardware, operat-
ing systems, and support, training,
and distribution schemes, as well as
market data and projections. At
either end of this spectrum are areas
of interest readily amenable to quan-
titative analysis. At the microcom-
puter end, a system based on an In-
tel 8088 processor running at 4.77
MHz (megahertz) can perform a spe-
by Brian Boyle
cific number of 32-bit ADD instruc-
tions in a given time. A 5V4-inch Win-
chester disk with known rotational
speed, head-movement time, and
transfer rate can access a known
number of fixed-length records in a
certain time. At the market end,
statistical analyses can accurately
determine and predict the number of
dentist's offices in the United States
today and during the next decade.
It would thus be tempting to
assume that a software application
package lying somewhere along this
path from microcomputer to market
can be treated objectively and numer-
ically using the same tools. In a na-
tion of numbers, the ultimate goal of
any evaluation is usually to obtain a
number, set of numbers, or semi-
quantitative indicators.
Quantifying Hardware
Despite the obstacles, there is a
possible software performance-eval-
uation methodology for arriving not
at a single (scalar) value but a char-
acteristic set (vector) of values, based
principally on experience in hard-
ware evaluation. The accompanying
text box depicts the relatively
"simple" methodology for arriving at
a single Figure of Merit (FOM) for a
given hardware configuration. Clear-
ly, a single value is an oversimplifi-
cation that overlooks many specific
advantages and disadvantages of the
system within a particular environ-
ment: a system ideally suited for
video games is different from a sys-
tem optimized for scientific array
computation or business database
processing. Realistically, however, a
CAD (computer-aided design) sys-
tem for integrated circuits, for in-
stance, has many of the requirements
of each, so a single scalar value has
some foundation in reality.
Obviously, quantification of some-
thing as complex and personal as
personal computer application soft-
ware is far more difficult than hard-
ware evaluation, but you have to start
somewhere. Lacking any other scale,
potential users still want to know
"what's hot and what's not," even
when the limitations of such an over-
simplification are spelled out.
Software Evaluation
Of course, there are aspects of soft-
ware performance evaluation that
lend themselves to the same kinds of
quantitative techniques that are used
in the hardware-evaluation approach
discussed in the text box. Like test-
piloting, quantitative limitations are
tested, wherever feasible, both up to
and beyond their stated limits: up to
validates the claim; beyond evaluates
how user friendly, or user hostile, the
system is when pushed over the
edge. Response times under given
loading conditions can be measured
quite accurately: using a personal
computer's RS-232C port allows it to
simulate both a terminal and a tire-
less, methodical user/evaluator on
another system. Not only can much
of the process be automated, but
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 175
thousands of measurements accurate
to the millisecond are possible.
Still, there remains the problem of
assigning interpretation to these
quantitative values. What is an ac-
ceptable response time? To whom?
When? The problem wanders out of
the realm of measurement and into
the twilight zone of experimental or
industrial psychology, management
science, or opinion sampling— all on
the borderline of applied guesswork.
Yet, despite the obvious difficulties
and differences, the hardware per-
formance-evaluation model provides
useful insights into an approach, or
set of approaches, to software perfor-
mance evaluation. At the very least,
there is a suggestion of a divide-and-
conquer approach in which the sep-
arate factors and terms of the soft-
ware are evaluated and weighed in-
dividually before recombination.
Perhaps the most useful concept
transportable from the hardware
model is the suggestion of the units
of measurement. The units in the
hardware FOM are the square root of
the product of the word width (in
bits) and the (practical) memory ad-
dress length (also in bits). All of this
is divided by nanoseconds and mul-
tiplied by a dimensionless value pur-
portedly relating the "value" of bits-
out relative to bits-in.
Intellectual Leverage
The last factor, the "value," or "in-
formation multiplier," characterizing
the intellectual advantage of the ma-
chine, is closely analogous to the
mechanical advantage factor of
simple machines like levers and
pulleys, in which you trade increased
motion for increased force. A good
computer system (hardware plus
software) is expected to give us what
Xerox scientist Lynn Conway called
"intellectual leverage." If the bits/sec-
ond were liters/second or electrons/
second, then information flow, or
throughput, would be fluid flow or
current in amperes. When multiplied
by the knowledge-enhancing "force"
(pressure or voltage), the resultant
value is work/second or power
(equivalent to watts).
Any software performance mea-
surements should be consistent with
176 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
this line of reasoning. Raw perfor-
mance measurement applies it direct-
ly. A typical data-processing program
can be rated by the product of:
1. the number of records processed in
a given time
2. the size of the records in bits (more
often bytes)
3. the complexity of the structures ma-
nipulated, usually the order or
binary logarithm of the number of
branches in the graph of the data
structure represented as a binary
tree
4. the transformation factor or ratio of
the information-theoretic complex-
ity of the records output compared
to those input
The concept of the order of an al-
gorithm is frequently used in theo-
retical analyses that compare differ-
ent sort, search, merge, and trans-
form techniques. A sequential search,
for example, is said to be of order(n)
because its run time increases lin-
early with n, the number of items in
the list. A binary search, in which the
search domain is narrowed by one-
half at each step, is said to be of
order(log(n)) because its run time in-
creases by only one step for each
power of two, or doubling, of the
number of items.
Of course, the complexity (and run
time) of each step is typically greater
for the binary search, so the sequen-
tial search may actually be faster for
short lists, but for a sufficiently large
n we know that the order will domi-
nate algorithmic performance. Simi-
lar theoretical performance estimates
can be made for frequently used fea-
tures within an operating system:
context-switching (between pro-
cesses), interrupt-handling overhead,
and subroutine or procedure calls are
examples that account for a majority
of the instructions executed in typical
general-purpose computer systems.
Theoretical, Experimental, and
Observational Evaluation
When it comes down to it, the
modes of software evaluation are the
same as those of physics. Simple
behavior of small numbers of well-
understood features can be theoreti-
cally modeled and predicted, such as
the reflection of light, the collision of
billiard balls, and the surprisingly in-
dicative hardware FOM. Then there
are the properties that can be mea-
sured experimentally, like the speed
of sound, light, or programs under
specified conditions. Finally, there
are those aspects like astronomy,
cosmology, human psychology, and
other observational sciences, in
which you are unable, or not allowed,
to take apart the mechanism to ex-
periment, and your theories are
never really verifiable. This last aspect
is the most difficult and most chal-
lenging.
Another lesson to be learned from
physics is the uncertainty principle
that says (among other things) that to
some degree the act of measuring a
phenomenon affects the outcome
and changes the result. You can see
this in the case of a program-perfor-
mance monitor running on the same
machine, and competing for the
same resources, as the program it is
attempting to evaluate. Such internal
instrumentation of a program, in
which checkpoint code is inserted in-
to the program source and compiled
with it, can be very revealing, but you
must remember to correct for the ef-
fects of the monitor itself, both in tim-
ing and, even more subtly, in opera-
tion.
An actual relevant side effect of the
uncertainty principle is the unspoken
realization that the whole is greater
than, or sometimes less than, the
sum of its parts. At the trivial end of
the spectrum, a dynamite set of pro-
grams—word processor, spreadsheet,
graphics, database, etc. —is a dud if
the components each use mutually
incompatible formats. A little farther
up the scale, if they communicate
only through disk files or, worse yet,
files and conversion programs, they
may add up, but they certainly don't
multiply or enhance one another. A
major feature of the Unix operating
system from Bell Laboratories is not
so much its multiuser as its multipro-
cessing capabilities; it uses the pipe
mechanism to pass data among con-
currently running programs without
passing through a vastly slower disk
file. Finally, there is semantic incom-
Text continued on page 180
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BYTE February 1984 177
Quantifying Processing System Performance — the MilliYAX
The Figure of Merit
The someivhat formidable Figure of
Merit (FOM) formula in table 1 is based
on some common-sense concepts that
measure "work per time," just like the story
problems of grade-school days: Tom can
chop a cord of wood in three hours, ferry
in four hours, and Bill in two hours. How
long . . . ?
To determine how much wood the wood-
choppers could chop if they chopped
together, our math book said to take the
reciprocal of the sum of their rates in
cords/hour, for a combined time of 12/13
hour per cord. We were also taught to
assume independence and ignore the prac-
tical facts that Tom and ferry can't stand
to work together and that "Wild Bill" is
fast but too dangerous to work with.
The hardware FOM is simply a quanti-
tative measure of how much data (in bits)
can be fetched and stored in a given period
of time (in nanoseconds) multiplied by the
amount of value-added work that can be
performed on that chunk of data to trans-
form it into useful information. The FOM
is a surprisingly accurate approach for
predicting processing-system performance.
For evaluation purposes, the processing
system does not include fetch and write
cycles from mechanically dependent mem-
ory devices such as floppy disks, hard disks,
and tape. Nor does it consider input (e.g.,
keyboard) or output (e.g., printer) interac-
tion times. On-board memory access, in-
cluding any cache memory, is included.
You could arrive at the denominator
(time) using raw MIPS (millions of in-
structions per second) figures, but such
numbers offer a precise yet inaccurate mea-
sure of system performance, as misleading
as Wild Bill's performance as a wood
processor.
A more complex but accurate denomi-
nator for the FOM formula takes into ac-
count the several levels of memory in most
computer systems. The typical processor
clock rate and memory cycle time can be
misleading if used blindly: the memory
may not always be as fast as the processor
or synchronized (in step) with it, resulting
in wait states. Conversely, on many micro-
coded processors, memory fetches are much
faster than typical instruction execution
time.
Using a technique developed in the days
when processors were much faster than
memory, many sophisticated systems em-
ploy a fast auxiliary cache memory between
the processor and main memory. The effec-
FOM*
Where:
K
n P
n c
W eff
Where:
Win,
W ex .
Waddr
Where:
Maddr
Where:
Mmin
Mmax
W insl
Where:
HinQt
Where:
Where:
T, ra
l>reg
Where:
n reg
And:
' amr
Where:
Where:
K x n p % x (1
+ ryVs x W eff x W inst x W add , / T
avg
= a constant to force the "value" of a VAX-11/780 to 1000.0 milliVAX
= the number of main (general-purpose) processors in the system
= the number of special-purpose coprocessors in the system (if any)
= the effective processor word-width (in bits)
= (W inl X W ext )V2
= the internal word-width, usually the register-length
= the external word-width, usually the data-path or bus-width
= the effective processor typical maximum memory address-width (in bits)
= log 2 (M addr )
= the effective useful maximum main memory address
= (Mmin x M max )'/2
= the useful minimum main memory configuration
= the useful maximum main memory configuration
= the effective processor instruction field-width (in bits)
= log 2 (n in8l )
= the effective number of distinct operable instructions
n„
'mod
nnul + n n
the number of separate memory reference operation codes
the number of separate memory address modes
the number of meaningless combinations of op-codes and a-modes
the number of separate nonMRI(memory reference instructions)
the average operation cycle time normally executed by the processor
' ira x ''reg "*" V ' ira + ' amr)
' ira x '"'reg + ' ira "*" ' amr
I ira ' I amr ™" ' amr X n ron
ir) X (1 ~ Rregv
^ reg — ' a
TV
X R r ,
the inter-register ADD time (in nanoseconds)
the register access ratio (what fraction of references are to registers)
1 - Probability that an instruction references memory (not registers)
1 + 2 x Preference is to main memory) - 2 x Preference is to register)
1 + 2 x (1/log 2 (M addr )) - 2 x (1/log 2 (n reg ))
1 + 2/W addr - 2/log 2 (n reg )
the number of general-purpose registers of width W jnl
the average cycle time to reference main or cache memory
the main memory cycle time (in nanoseconds)
the cache memory cycle time (in nanoseconds)
the cache "hit-ratio" (what fraction of memory references are to cache)
1 - cache "miss-ratio" (probability a reference to Main not in cache)
1 + 2 x Preference is to Main Memory) - 2 x Pfsame address in cache)
1 + 2 x (1/log 2 (M addr )) - 2 x (1/log 2 (M cam ))
1 + 2/W addr - 2/log 2 (M cam )
= the cache memory size in Kbytes
"©1983 Gnostic Concepts Inc., A McGraw-Hill Company
Table 1: The processing-system figure of merit (FOM).
tiveness of the cache in minimizing accesses
of a slower main memory depends on the
"hit rate"— the average fraction of memory
references to data or instructions that are
in the cache. The cache's overall utility is
a product of its speed and probable hit rate;
the latter depends on the cache size and
characteristics of the program(s) being run.
Smaller systems generally lack cache
memory but have internal registers with
even faster access times that the FOM
characterizes by the interregister add time.
In assembly-language code and good com-
pilers, these registers are used as a sort of
"minicache" for intermediate results, off-
sets, bases, pointers, counters, and other
frequently used values, so that the number
of such registers and their flexibility
178 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
determine their hit rate.
For simplicity's sake, our FOM does not
include the opposite end of the speed spec-
trum, mass storage— usually disk. Disk
storage is normally the rate-limiting fac-
tor in most small computer systems. This
lowest level of memory is classified as level
5, after registers, cache, main, and optional
level 4 memory (typically bubble memory),
CCD (charge-coupled device), or disk-cache
devices.
The greatly improved throughput of the
hard disk owes less to its greater size than
to its much faster random-access speed.
This is not to be confused with the transfer
rate, the speed of loading data once the
proper track and sector are reached, which
is usually quite fast. Random-access time
is the search-plus-seek time necessary to
reach the data in the first place, usually
measured in tens or hundreds of millisec-
onds. Admittedly, the chunk of data trans-
ferred is usually large, so the vast initial
overhead is spread across the hundreds or
thousands of bytes accessed. Nonetheless,
speed and volume of disk reading and writ-
ing utterly dominate most business appli-
cations.
Work Per Time Still Works Best
As you might expect from a work-per-
time measure, the denominator of the
FOM expression expresses a typical mean
data access time, the average of the access
times for the various memory levels
weighted by their projected, relative fre-
quencies of use. The numerator expresses
"work" and is a function of word size
(width of data manipulated per access) and
memory size (how much data you can stuff
in memory without special addressing
tricks or faulting to the next level of mem-
ory). This raw volume of data is multiplied
by the power of the instruction set, a value
indicating how few instruction cycles are
necessary to accomplish a single high-level
operation.
None of these factors can reasonably be
read directly from a product's specification
sheet. Word length, for example, could be
taken either as the internal register length
or the external data path width, which
may be different. As an empirically vali-
dated compromise, the FOM uses their
geometric mean (the square root of their
product). This yields the expected 8 and
16 for the symmetric 8085 (8 by 8) and
8086 (16 by 16), respectively, but yields a
"word length" of 11.3 for the 8088 because
of its asymmetrical 8-bit external, 16-bit in-
ternal architecture.
The geometric mean is similarly used as
DEC VAX
IBM
Parameter
Description
Units
11/780
PC XT
FOM :
Figure of Merit
mVAX
1000.0
79.2
n p :
Number main processors
1
1
n c :
Number of coprocessors
1
1
We„:
Word width, effective
bits
32
11.3
W int :
Word width, internal
bits
32
16
W ex .:
Word width, external
bits
32
8
W addr :
Width, useful address
bits
21
17.7
M addr :
Memory, useful configuration
Kbyte
2048
202.3
M min :
Memory, useful minimum
Kbyte
512
64
M max ;
Memory, useful maximum
Kbyte
8192
640
W inst :
"Width" instruction set
bits
8.8
7.7
n inst :
Number useful operations
445
210
^mri ■
Number mem-ref operation
96
64
''mod ■
Number addressing modes
16
12
n nul :
Number null combinations
1218
630
■'nmr ■
Number non MRI instructions
•
127
72
' avg •
Time, average operation
nsec
585
1928
' ira ■
Time, inter-register ADD
nsec
515*
1677
R
n reg •
Register "hit-ratio"
(%)
.57
.40
n reg ■
Number full-word GP-registers
14
7
T ■
1 amr ■
Time, average memory-ref
nsec
165
420
' mem ■
Time, memory cycle
nsec
400
420
' cam ■
Time, cache access
nsec
150
00
"cam ■
Cache "hit ratio"
(0/0)
94
00
Mcam :
Cache memory size
Kbyte
8
00
*A combination of integer and long ADD.
Table 2: A sc
mple Figure of Merit computational value for
the VAX 11/780 and the
IBM PC XT.
a normalizing and scaling function to com-
pute a reasonable memory-size parameter
from the minimum and maximum memory
configuration for a system. Taking the
binary logarithm of this number converts
its units back to bits, namely the word
width required to address such a memory
configuration. Experimentally, this turns
out to be a much better measure than the
theoretical maximum address range, which
may go as high as 2 24 or even 2 32 .
The final factor in the formula, the
power of a system, may seem the most
technically obscure, subjective, or simply
arbitrary. All other things being equal, the
processing capability of a system obviously
increases with the size of its instruction set,
but certainly not in direct proportion.
As important to many compiler designers
as an instruction set's size is its orthogo-
nality, the fraction of potential instructions
that are actually meaningful and useful.
Like words in the English language, the
frequency of instruction use follows (ap-
proximately) a logarithmic distribution:
the most common eight instructions (or
words) occur as frequently in common
usage as the remainder of the most com-
mon 64.
This is the rationale for applying the log 2
function to the total number of meaningful
combinations of instructions, address
modes, etc. The binary logarithm of the full
set of combinations captures the log-normal
frequency of instruction use and the advan-
tages of symmetrical architectures such as
the National Semiconductor 16000. Table
2 is an example shoiving the values used
in the FOM computation for two typical
processing systems.
MilliVAX versus the Real World
Does the hardware FOM actually cor-
respond to anything we can relate to in the
real world? In scanning any recent trade
journal it is virtually impossible not to
catch at least a dozen bar charts compar-
ing brand-X supermicrocomputer to the
DEC VAX-11/780, particularly in a Unix
environment. If Helen of Troy possessed
"the face that launched a thousand ships,"
then, to me, a reasonable unit of feminine
beauty would be the milliHelen—the pre-
cise amount of beauty required to launch
one ship. Similarly, the FOM constant,
K, can be adjusted so that the ubiquitous
VAX-11/780 has a figure of merit of pre-
cisely 1000 to create the semiwhimsical
unit called the milliVAX, in which all
Text box continued on page 180
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 179
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Text box continued from page 179:
small systems can be measured.
FOM Agrees with Actual
Performance
Not surprisingly, the computed FOMs
for various microprocessor-based systems
agree with the marketing hype only as to
relative performance, yet even the most ad-
vanced supermicrocomputers reach only a
few hundred milliVAX. A bit more sur-
prisingly, the FOM value seems to predict
rather accurately the number of users that
can be supported concurrently with reason-
able responsiveness. Each user seems to re-
quire about 20 milliVAX as an absolute
minimum, 30 or 40 for comfort, 60 for
high performance, and hundreds for cer-
tain computationally intensive programs.
On this scale, a VAX-11/780 would sup-
port 50 to 64 users minimally, 32 comfort-
ably, and 16 to 20 with high performance.
At the loiv end of the scale a Z80-based per-
sonal microcomputer rated at 30 milliVAX
is acceptable for one undemanding user; for
comparison, a DEC PDP-8 (the first com-
mercially successful minicomputer, with
4096 12-bit words of memory) has a value
of 30 milliVAX and supports one to three
users. The IBM PC provides 80 milliVAX
(actually sufficient for 2 to 3 users, but not
configured as such for marketing reasons).
The Altos 586 enhances this to 130 milli-
VAX and five users by employing the full
16-bit 8086 processor and twice the PC's
typical memory. Finally, most of the
M68000-based, cache-enhanced super-
microcomputers vying with VAXs hit the
charts at 200+ milliVAX, for a realistic 22
to 16 users. The point is that the FOM is
actually a reasonable indicator of system
capabilities.
Text continued from page 176:
patibility, in which the commands/
keystrokes in one program mean dif-
ferent, even conflicting, things in
another.
How do you quantify the benefits
of compatibility? Again, physics has
a model: the RMS (root-mean-
square). A hundred violins sound
only 10 times as loud as one, because
they are not "in step" and (like in-
compatible programs) combine de-
structively nearly as often as con-
structively. Rather than adding end
to end, they add "at right angles,"
since any two vectors are randomly
oriented with respect to each other.
< Circle 81 on inquiry card.
THG MOST IMPORTANT
DATA SAVING D6VICG YOU'LL BUY
It's not a disk drive or a
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could save an entire disk full of
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Because this is the Personal
Conditioner™ from Gould— an
inexpensive version of the
Gould Line Conditioners big
computer systems use.
By now you probably know
that a noisy AC line can make
your computer lose data, drop
entire files, even shut down
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But did you know that
typical line protection devices
just filter out the highest surges
and worst glitches? That means
potentially harmful noise often
passes right through. And none
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So if you're serious about
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Even if your AC power drops as
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You can add a Personal
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For the name of your local
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(619) 291-4211. Gould Inc., Power
Conversion Division.
■> GOULD
Electronics
Circle 155 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 181
The length of the diagonal so formed
is given by the Pythagorean theorem
as the square root of the sum of the
squares, or RMS. The combined
value of cooperating programs is
directly additive, or even multiplica-
tive, when they actually support each
other. Totally random combinations
of mutually incompatible programs
can be summed using the RMS
value.
Software Evaluation Criteria
Once the errors and effects of mea-
surement are taken into account and
methods for rationally combining in-
dividual component values are deter-
mined, the basic components of eval-
uation must be specified. The follow-
ing three Cs should be tested by any
software performance-evaluation
scheme:
1. Correctness of the operation: does
the program (or system) do all that
it is intended or is claimed to do
with no side effects?
2. Completeness of user support: are
the documentation, on-line aids,
tutorials, training, and other
aspects sufficient for operation?
3. Consistency of the package: is
there a uniform conceptual model
and consistency of actions and
commands that minimize
ambiguity?
For correctness, first check all the
specifications you reasonably can to
determine whether the program does
all the things it claims to. Second,
check that the program doesn't do
anything it is not supposed to do
under both ordinary and exceptional
circumstances. Third, check to see
that the program always does the
same things at the same point,
regardless of how that point was
reached. This so-called Markovian
behavior often is the bane of ordinary
testing procedures.
The problem with both the second
and third requirements is that pro-
grams tend to be tested by program-
mers. Programmers do not necessar-
ily think like unskilled users, and
even they gain expertise after some
time.
Short of an endless supply of new
users or an eraser for certain sections
of the brain, the only way to simulate
the bizarre states users may get them-
selves into is by methodically testing
the progression from state to state,
typically using a personal computer-
based user simulator, running a pro-
gram called a finite state machine
(FSM.) Such a program, or checklist
for human use, assigns a state num-
ber to each conceptual state the pro-
gram occupies, as determined by its
previous inputs or conditions. It then
determines experimentally the (pos-
sibly) new state reached for each
possible input. A well-behaved sys-
tem has only as many states as are
conceptually distinct— when a word
processor is in a command mode, for
example, it should not matter
whether the last command was an
ADD or DELETE, unless the differ-
ence is necessary (e.g., for an UNDO
command).
Completeness of the user support
is a frequently overlooked aspect of
the system-evaluation process.
(Shame on those systems analysts
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Level IV— Overseas Tax Package: addresses the unique tax situations
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Levels II, III, and IV have a depreciation module and automatically, com-
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FLEXIBLE DATA ENTRY. With MICRO-TAX* you can organize data entry
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TAX ORGANIZER. Now MICRO-TAX* offers a Tax Organizer. You get botl
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HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY. MICRO-TAX* is compatible with your IBM
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FULL FEDERAL
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1983 FEDERAL FORMS AND SCHEDULES INCLUDED
•J3
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• 25 Integrated state returns available • Orders taken for yearly update packages
• Transparencies: Level I, S150; Levels II, III. IV. $250 each.
'C'PM — :rademark ol Digilal Research.
Inc . DEC Rainbow — trademark ol Digilal
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Inc.: MS DOS — trademark ol Microsoll
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MICRO-TAX* MICROCOMPUTER TAXSYSTEMS, INC.
6203 Variel Avenue, Suite A Woodland Hills, CA 91367, Dept. 1B Phone (213) 704-7800
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Circle 243 on inquiry card.
Circle 130 on inquiry card.
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Cables for Epson
PA10A 10 ft. 36/36 pin
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IB-P10 10 ft. 36/25 pin parallel
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RS1Y RS-232 Y cable for TI-99/4A . . 35.00
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who fail to recognize that the user is
part of the system.) Support may be
categorized as external or internal
and passive or active.
Manuals and other documentation
are external/passive and should
realistically be divided into three
levels for three audiences:
• Level 1 (why) is a managerial over-
view describing the purpose of the
program/system, its capabilities, and
its limitations.
• Level 2 (how) is an operational
guide to the use of the program/sys-
tem, step by step, function by
function.
• Level 3 (what) is the technical ref-
erence manual for the programmer or
experienced user, detailing the in-
tricacies of each function, the func-
tions' idiosyncrasies and implemen-
tations, as needed.
Such manuals and accompanying
materials (such as key caps, tem-
plates, reference cards, etc.) should
meet reasonable standards: Is the text
clear, complete, and readable in nor-
mal English? Are there clear and use-
ful graphics of proper size and color?
Is there a table of contents, an index,
and a glossary of terms?
Training (live, video, or audio) is
external/active and may occur at mul-
tiple levels, depending on user ex-
perience and sophistication:
• Level 1 (novice) explains the rou-
tine capabilities and the handling of
the normally encountered exceptions
in the normal fashion (usually
"manual" rather than "automatic"
mode)— those in which operator
errors are harmless or easily re-
coverable.
• Level 2 (occasional) explains the
time-saving and powerful shortcuts
that bypass much of the novice-level
error checking.
• Level 3 (expert) explains every-
thing else about the system.
Menus and static Help screens are
considered internal/passive because
they provide support for the user
from inside the system but are not
generally context-sensitive— they are
Markovian in that they read the same
regardless of where the user is in the
program's operation or how the
(usually confusing) state was arrived
at.
On-line context-sensitive Help
messages take into account where the
cursor is (what field of what screen
of what program) and possibly how
the user got there. Ideally, when an
input is disallowed by the system,
these Help messages reference the of-
fending portion of the input and ex-
plain what is wrong with it. Better
still, there is user control over the ex-
planatory verboseness versus cryptic
terseness of the system, depending
on the user's current level of ex-
perience (novice, occasional, or
expert).
Such internal/active on-line user
aids (Help messages, menus, and tu-
torials) should comply with certain
behavioral expectations for easy use;
for instance, is the Help or menu
transition-graph a hierarchical tree?
Do the Help and menu structures
have escape mechanisms? Are the
context-sensitive Help messages and
menus accurate?
Consistency, the third C in the
software-evaluation checklist, is the
best predictor of how well the user
will get along with the program/sys-
tem. While, as Emerson said, "a fool-
ish consistency is the hobgoblin of
small minds," a uniform conceptual
model smooths the user's interaction
with the system. Unpredictable be-
havior, whether in a human, a pro-
gram, or a St. Bernard, is an impedi-
ment to understanding.
A good program relates to people
who sometimes do make mistakes
they would like to recover from and
who do not always refer to things in
the same way. An "undo" facility,
where practical, is far better than
merely asking five times whether the
user is absolutely, positively, sure
that all those files should be deleted.
After a while, such redundancies
merely irritate, and the overload of
too many warnings actually reduces
the attention paid to them.
Aliasing, allowing the same com-
mand or option to be expressed in
different ways, is a human touch
with real value to the novice and oc-
casional user. If one form is faster or
184 February 1984 (9 BYTE Publications Inc.
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Current release is 1.05 as of 11/1/83.
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VISA and MasterCard orders may be
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PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
Circle 238 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 185
Circle 235 on inquiry card.
Multi-function
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Multi-function RS-232 transfer switches let you
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Switches 10 lines (2,3,4,5,6,8,11,15,17,20).
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186 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
J
more efficient than others, it doesn't
hurt to have the system remind the
user once in a while of the shortcut;
in fact, it's an ideal and painless way
to learn because it hands the user a
tool at the precise moment needed.
Context dependence or independ-
ence refers to commands meaning
conceptually identical actions in dif-
ferent program contexts. This can be
as simple as having Conrrol-D always
meaning delete in word-processing,
database-management, and spread-
sheet programs. It could mean that
Control-D deletes different things
depending on where the user is in
the program— referring to a directory,
file, page, paragraph, sentence,
word, or character. The point is that
the concept remains consistent with
the specifier (command, option, etc.),
independent of the context in which
it occurs.
The Human Factor
Evaluation criteria for programs to
serve people include:
1. Routine operation: can the pro-
gram accept and handle normal
cases?
2. Exception handling: can the pro-
gram recognize and treat rarer
cases?
3. Basic performance: can the pro-
gram provide its users with ade-
quate power?
4. Basic integrity: does the program
work coherently and predictably?
Routine operation, the way the
program works in normal cases, can
be rated according to a checklist of
pertinent questions:
1. Does the program have appropri-
ate default conditions?
2. Are commands/keys/menus con-
sistent and reasonably mnemonic?
3. Is system optimization for rule-
versus exception-handling appro-
priate for the actual normal/abnor-
mal mix?
4. Can the system adapt to user
needs and preferences and does it
support "scripting" or execution of
stored commands?
Exception handling, the program's
treatment of various levels of less fre-
quent cases, should be geared to the
overall efficiency of the system but
balanced for user comfort. If excep-
tions that occur 1 percent of the time
were to require 10 times the normal
processing in order to save 10 percent
processing on the other 99 percent,
the trade-off would be wise, because
10 times .01 plus .9 times .99 is less
than one. The following useful ques-
tions can be asked to rate exception
handling:
1. Can the user undo errors?
2. Can the user switch between nor-
mal and exception modes of pro-
cessing—for example, between
"command" and "data" modes?
3. Does the program allow a user to
perform all "seemingly unwise,"
but possibly necessary, operations
(with appropriate warnings)?
Evaluation of the package's perfor-
mance examines ease of interaction
(especially for novice users), speed of
interaction (especially for experi-
enced users), and speed of operation
(both measured and predicted). Ease
of interaction may be rated by the
following major points:
1. Is the system command-driven,
menu-driven, or otherwise?
2. Is the level of detail appropriate or
too great for comfort?
3. Do menus have the proper num-
ber of options (five to nine en-
tries)?
4. Do commands have a uniform
syntax and reasonable options?
Speed of interaction is sometimes
at odds with ease of interaction, so
it is valuable to have multiple modes
or levels for the various levels of user
sophistication and experience. Speed
is a phantom quality and should fall
behind ease of use in overall ranking;
a system that cannot be used without
a manual has a speed approaching
zero. Therefore, these questions are
pertinent: Are lengthy commands
and sequences readily avoidable? If
Shift and Control characters are
used, are they used reasonably? Can
prompts, menus, and Help messages
be suppressed or avoided?
ISESACA SOFTOARE
FOR CP/M. TOP QUALITY BOTTOM PRICE.
Nevada makes it easy and economical to get the software you want and need. Need a better BASIC? We've got it. Is BASIC
not solving your business or engineering problems? Nevada COBOL or FORTRAN will. The media praises Nevada, and
it's priced right: just $39.95-about 1/10 what comparable quality costs. For about half the price of one competitive pack-
age, you can own the entire Nevada Software library! So don't wait; order one or two or all of our bargains-today.
©V -.
^P»^J Finally, a better BASIC. This straight-
^j^^ *^Wg|^^^ s forward language lets beginners write
X^^jl^^^*^*^ useful programs without limiting them to
& e simple programs. New Nevada BASIC'S
^ interpreter has Prof. Starkweather's great
jy^ < &° built-in full-screen text editor. You can define
o^'lv^-e^ single- and multi-line functions. Plus there are
*C? -jSP full-matrix operations, Random Access and Sequen-
6 tial files, program execution with a simple command,
BCD Math-no round-off errors. With Nevada BASIC, micros can
run like minis costing thousands more.
Whether you do business computing or
learn computing for business, COBOL is
the language; more business application
software is in COBOL than in all other
languages combined. Based on ANSI-74
standards, Nevada COBOL offers many
advanced features: Random Access
5 ^ 0< and Sequential files, debugging capa-
bility, COPY statement, character string,
16 bit binary and decimal data types. Colleges use
the fine documentation as class room texts. It's field-
proven by 10,000+ worldwide business, government
and education users. Join them.
COBOL Application Package-Book I.
Superior user documentation that saves even
experienced programmers many hours.
"If you want to
learn or teach some-
one FORTRAN,
this is the package
to buy." ACCESS,
v'"<A V March! April 1983. For
^jjV 1 fr e learning and teaching, for sci-
-® ■cv entists and engineers, Nevada
i& is the perfect FORTRAN. Based on
<° ANSI-66 standards (FORTRAN IV), its
advanced features include IF. .THEN. ..ELSE
constructs, COPY statement, CHAINing with
COMMON, TRACE style debugging, and 150 verbal
error messages. And you can intermix in-line
FORTRAN and Assembly Language statements for
special micro needs. Requires 48K RAM. If you're
shopping for FORTRAN, look no further.
Perfect for training, testing, virtually all
programmed instruction, and word puzzles.
s It's the ideal companion language for BASIC,
COBOL, and FORTRAN application packages,
"n'SVno** because it so quickly solves training and
^ <iir documentation problems. Nevada PILOT meets all
<Sr ^° PILOT-73 standards and has many new features includ-
ing a built-in full-screen text editor. Prof. Starkweather's
documentation is exceptional;
the manual comes with 10
free programs. See
MICROCOMPUTING
review, January
1983, and you'll
be convinced.
"A well-thought-out
product with excel-
lent documentation
and an astoundingly
low price." MICRO-
COMPUTING, May 1983.
Now, high-quality text editing
i*«rf
full-screen display editor, Nevada
for micros. A character-oriented
EDIT is great for program editing as it's specifically
designed to create COBOL, BASIC, and FORTRAN
programs. Simple to'configure, you
customize tab stops, default file
type, keyboard layout, and
CRT by menu selection.
Nevada EDIT may pay
off better than
any software
purchase
you've
made.
Send to
ELLIS COMPUTING, INC.
3917 Noriega Street
San Francisco, CA 94122 Phone 415/753-0186
Please send me: Software Packages
D BASIC n COBOL I ! FORTRAN □ PILOT D EDIT
Disk Format
r I 8" SSSD (Standard CP/M IBM 3740)
Money
back guaran-
tee: you must be
completely satisfied,
V" or return the pack-
ages(s)-in good condition
G with the sealed diskette(s)
unopened-within 30 days, and
we'll gladly refund your money.
CPM is a registered trademark ot Digital Research. Inc TRS-80 Is a regis-
tered trademark ot Tandy Corp Apple II is a trademark ol Apple Computer.
Inc Osborne is a registered trademark of Osborne Computer Corp. Xerox
820 is a trademark ol Xerox Corp. Kaypro is a Irademark of Non-linear Sys.
Healh Zenith is a trademark ot Healh Corp, IBM is a trademark of Interna-
tional Business Machines. Corp Nevada BASIC. Nevada COBOL. Nevada
FORTRAN. Nevada PILOT. Nevada EDIT, and Ellis Computing are Irade-
marksot Ellis Computing. Inc c 1983 Ellis Computing. Inc.
Send my order for packages (u $39.95 each Total _
COBOL Application package (« $9.95 each Total .
Sales Tax .
Shipping .
= Sales Tax
(Vector Graphic)
5W Diskette for:
[ ] Access
: Apple CP M
□ DEC VT 180
n Epson QX-10
□ Heath Hard Sector (Z-89)
Q Heath Soft Sector (Z-90)
I l IBM-PC (Baby blue or big blue card)
[ I Kaypro Double Density
i I Micropolis Mod
n NEC PC 8001
D Northstar Double Density
D Northstar Single Density
□ Osborne (Single Density Disk)
□ Sanyo
n Superbrain DD, DOS 3.X (512 byte sec)
□ Televideo
n TRS-80 Model I (Relocated to 4200 hex)
l"l Xerox 820 (Single Density)
California residenls add 6
Outside North America, add $6 per package for shipping,
(Postage paid wilhm Norlh America.) Checks must be
in U.S. dollars and drawn on a U.S. bank.
i 1 Check enclosed D Mastercard Li VISA
Card # Exp. Date.
TOTAL
Signature
Ship to: Name.
Street
City/State/Zip _
The CP/M operating system, an 8080. 8085, or Z-80 microprocessor, and 32K RAM
are required. Note: Double Density drives can read Single Density diskettes.
Circle 131 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 187
Speed of operation has already
been discussed from the system's
point of view, but what happens
"when the ball is in the user's court"?
The very fact that the system typically
waits while the user thinks, and then
rushes to catch up, is a problem with
many interactive programs that can-
not be solved except at the operating-
system level. Ideally in menu and
similar lengthy disk-fetch and screen-
painting sequences, if a 2-second
wait after 10 seconds of deciding is
unacceptable to the user, all (five to
nine) menus possible at the next
lower level can be prefetched in
preparation for the user's choice.
Thus, response can be improved
when the operating system allows
"interrupt" type operation.
The following questions help point
up speed traps in a program:
1. Is inter-key response time accept-
able in all circumstances?
2. Is the command/menu-selection
processor response acceptable?
3. Is the disk-fetch and process-swap
response time acceptable?
Integrity of the package involves
not only function but self-protection.
With this in mind, use the following
checklist:
1. Does the system incorporate rea-
sonable self-protection mecha-
nisms for stored data and for the
program itself?
2. Does data integrity require perfect
hardware operation? Is the pro-
gram tolerant of faults in the pro-
cessor, disk, telecommunication
devices, and operating system?
3. Is "good" data reasonably pro-
tected against corruption by unrea-
sonable data?
4. Can questionable data be entered
but marked as "not passing edits"
or other tests?
Conclusions
One final and valuable lesson from
the physical sciences is a recognition
of the legitimacy of an experiment
that reaches no conclusion, that
proves no cherished theory, that un-
covers no fundamental truth. It may
be unfortunate that no single univer-
sal software evaluation formula, no
more complex version of the hard-
ware FOM, can be found. Then
again, perhaps that is not such a de-
sirable goal after all.
In the end, software performance
evaluation comes back to human
judgment— to the test pilot, the drama
critic, the gourmet, or any individual.
The complexity and variety of soft-
ware packages, the individual tastes
and preferences, and the varying
modes and environments all come
into play to work against easy anwers
to the software-evaluation problem.
As in life itself, software and its users
benefit from the rich diversity, the
complex specialization, the adaptabil-
ity, birth, growth, and death of pro-
grams according to the same rules
that have led to the existence of the
programs' creators. ■
Brian Boyle is managing analyst for the Software
Information Service of Gnostic Concepts Inc. (951
Mariner's Island Blvd., Suite 300, San Mateo, CA
94404).
IBM PC-8087 SUPPORT FROM MICROWARE
87FORTRAN/RTOS™ is a MicroWare
adaptation ot the Intel Fortran-86 compiler a
full ANSI-77 subset with 8087 extensions and
overlays It generates in line 8087 code
allowing use ot all 8087 data types, including
80 bit reals and 64 bit integers The complete
subset I/O is supported including Internal and
External Files and List Directed I/O.
87FORTRAN/RTOS uses the Intel large
memory model, allowing data/code structures
which utilize the full megabyte. The compiler
provides direct access to 8088 ports and
supports logical operations on 8 and 1 6 bit
operands normally treated in assembly
language. It is ideal for large applications which
are number intensive or control hardware.
87PASCAL/RTOS™ is Intel's ISO-
Standard Pascal with 8087-8088 exceptions.
These make it possible to use all the 8087 data
types directly, while generating modules in one
of the three Intel Memory Models
87FORTRAN/RTOS and
87PASCAL/RTOS include RTOS and
support for one year each $1 350
PC TECH JOURNAL REVIEW:
"The MicroWare package is preferable
... it executes the basic operations
more rapidly and MicroWare provides
a free update service."
87 BASIC™ includes patches to the IBM
Basic Compiler and both runtime libraries for
USER TRANSPARENT and COMPLETE 8087
support Provides super fast performance for all
numeric operations including trigonometries,
transcendentals, addition, subtraction,
multiplication, and division $1 50
87 MACRO™ - our complete 8087 software
development package. It contains a "Pre-
processor" which converts 8087 instructions
into 8088 escape codes, source code for a set
of 8087 macros, and an object library of 8087
functions which include transcendentals,
trigonometries, hyperbolics, encoding,
decoding and conversions $1 50
PLM-86 with RTOS $1 1 00
RTOS™ — Real Time Multi-Tasking Operating System
RTOS is a MicroWare configured version of iRMX-86, Intel's legendary operating system. It in-
cludes the Intel Assembler, ASM-86, which supports the 8086, 8087, 8088 and 80186. All mod-
ules produced by the compilers or ASM-86 are combined, loaded and managed with the Utilities
LINK-86, LOC-86 and LIB-86. These products make it possible to load modules anywhere in RAM,
and resolve external references between runtime modules Overlays with a single root job are
supported by the linker. RTOS/ASM-86/LINK-86/LOC-86/LIB-86 $600
iRMX-86, LINK-86, ASM-86, LOC-86 and LIB-86 are trademarks of Intel Corp. IBM PC is a trademark of IBM Corp.
Micro
Ware
P.O. Box 79
Kingston, MA
02364
(617)746-7341
You Can
TalkToUs!
MICROWARE BEST SELLERS!
8087-3 CHIP in stock with 180 HM
day warranty and 8088 exchange !j> 1 y»7
FASTPAK™+8087 includes one runtime
library (87BASIC or87MACRO), the 8087 chip
the 87/88GUIDE, and installation
instructions $375
MATRIXPAK™ manages a MEGABYTE!
Written in assembly language, our runtime
package accurately manipulates large
matrices at very fast speeds. Includes matrix
inversion and the solution of simultaneous
linear equations Callable from MS Fortran
3.1 3, MS Pascal 3.1 3, SSS Fortran, and
MicroWare 87MACRO, 87BASIC, and RTOS
compilers each $1 50
87/88GUIDE - an excellent tutorial on
writing 8087 code and interfacing it with
compilers Full of code that runs! $30
MICROSOFT FORTRAN 3.13
MICROSOFT PASCAL 3.1 3 These
new IEEE compatible compilers support both
double precision and the 8087 each $289
MICROSOFT C COMPILER
includes Lattice C and the MS Librarian. .$399
64K RAM Upgrade $59
SuperSoft Fortran 340
SSS 8087 Support 50
SuperSoft Voice Drive 895
87BASIC+ 75
TRACE86 Utility 1 25
Microsoft Business Basic Compiler 495
Computer Innovations C86 345
STSC APL*PLUS/PC 545
64K QUADRAM 31 9
Sandstar WS2 Hard Disk System 1 355
Novation 21 2 SmartCat 495
HALO Graphics call
Energraphics call
188 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 253 on inquiry card.
Printers
Prowriter
1 20 cps, 4 fonts (includes pro-
portional), 8 sizes, 1 60 x 144 dpi,
Iriction & tractor feed. A worthy
rival of Epson. The BPI is IBM-PC
compatible.
Prowriter $399.88
Prowriter BPI (IBMPC) .... 459.88
Starwriter
40 cps, 1 36 columns 10 4 12
pitch. The Prtntmaster is the 55
cps version. The A1 Starwriter
(18 cps) has the same specs.
A10 Starwriter $609.88
Starwriter 1 21 9.88
Prinlmaster 1569.88
A10/F10 Tractor Feed ...289.88
A1 0/F 1 Sheet Feed 61 9.88
DIABLO
620 $999.88
620 Tractor Feed 1 89.88
630 1979.88
630 Tractor Feed 289.88
620/630 Sheet Feed 61 9.88
EPSON
RX/FXEpsons CALL
IDS/DATAPRODUCTS
P-480 (MicroPrism) $429.88
P-Series 132 1239.88
w/4-color 1 669.88
INFORUNNER
Riteman $349.88
MANNESMAHN TALLY
MT-160 L
Spirit
B*».
The MT-1 60 L ( 1 60 cps) features
8 fonts (including a correspon-
dence font), parallel & RS-232C
interlaces, friction/tractor feed.
The MT-1 80 L is a 136 column
version. The Spirit (80 cps)
features 4 fonts, italics, dot
graphics A friction/tractor feed.
MT-160 L $649.88
MT-180L 849.88
Spirit 329.88
MEMOTECH
DMX-80
Thm DMX-80 printer (80 cps)
features 10, 12 & 17 cpi, sub/
super scripts, underline, friction/
tractor feed & dot graphics. It uses
most Epson code, so it's easily
installed on software. Service
nationally by Panasonic.
DMX-80 $389.88
NEC
201 0/2030 $879.88
2050 999.88
3510 1549.88
3530 1 639.88
3550 1899.88
2000/3500 Tractor 239.88
2000/3500 Sheet Feed ... 61 9.88
7710/7730 2159.88
Roland DG DM-121 Monitors
Superior quality & workmanship
characterizes the Roland DG DM-1 21
series. A composite video output
(NTSC) on a 12" diagonal screen, the
DM-1 21 features 80 columns by 25
lines, 18MHz bandwidth, 640 dots by
200 lines video resolution. Green or
amber screen.
Roland DG DM-1 21 G (12" green)
Roland DG DM-121 A (1 2" amber)
$174.88
$179.88
OKIDATA
Microline Series
The 92/93 printers (1 60 cps) &
the 84 (200 cps) are exceptional.
Tough, reliable, they produce
superior draft quality, correspon-
dence quality & graphics. Features
include 10, 12 & 17 cpi, a
correspondence font, sub/super
scripts, underlining, dot graphics
(120 x 144 dpi) S friction/pin feed
(adjustable tractor is optional on
the 92, standard on the 93).
The PC Plug-n-Play ROMs turn
the 92/93/84 into 1 00% IBM-PC
compatible printers. Our very best
selling printer line.
The 84 Step 2 (200 cps) is a
high-speed matrix printer with 1 0.
12,17 cpi, plus correspondence
modes in all sizes. Dot graphics
are standard ( 1 20 x 1 ' 4 dpi).
Microline Series $CALL
QUADRAM
OuadJet SCALL
SMITH CORONA
Messenger
The Memory Correct III
M.ssenger ( 1 ;' cps) features 10,
1 2 & 1 5 cpi, variable line spacing,
backspece, auto-correction and a
dual parallel/RS-232C interlace.
True daisy wheel printing makes it
an exceptional typewriter &
printer. Ideal for the home or small
office.
Memory Correct III
Messenger 609.88
SILVER REED
EXP 550/500
The EXP-550 ( 1 8 cps) S the EXP-
500 ( 1 2 cps) features 1 0, 1 2 & 1 5
cpi, variable line spacing.
backspace, S Diablo 1610/20
code emulation. Optional tractor
feed.
EXP-550 (Par.) $669.88
EXP-550 (Ser.) 689.88
550 Tractor 139.88
EXP500 (Par.) 439.88
EXP-500 (Ser.) 469.88
500 Tractor 129.88
STAR MICRONICS
Gemini/Delta
Radix Series
Gemini 10X $299.88
W/RS-232C 399.88
Gemini 15X 419.88
Delta 10 529.88
Delta 15 669.88
Radix 10 719.88
Radix 15 839.98
PowerType (18 cps
Letter Quality) 399.98
TOSHIBA
P 1350 $1759.88
CABLES
Parallel cables tor the Columbia
MPC IBM-PC, Osbome-1.TRS-80
(Model I/II/III/IV& 16). Standard
Centronics (Male-to-Male &
Male-to-Female) $39.88
VIC-20/Commodore 64
Parallel Card/Cable 69.88
Apple ll/ll+/lle
Parallel Card/Cable 89.88
QUADRAM
Microfazer
A print buffer with pause, copy &
reset controls. It comes with a 9V
power supply and cable to printer.
There are so many buffer sizes
(from 8K to512K), & so many
configurations (Parallel/Parallel,
Parallel/RS-232C, RS-232C/Par-
allel & RS-232C/RS-232C) that
you should call (800) 3430726
for prices.
Monitors
JB 1205M (amber) $179.88
JB 1 201 M (green) 1 59.88
AMDEK
300A(12' amber) $164.88
300G ( 1 2" green) 1 49.88
31 0A (amber) CALL
QUADRAM
QuadChrome
690 x 240 resolution, 80 columns
x 24 lines, 1 6 colors & exceptional
performance. Cable included.
OuadChrome(RGB) $509.88
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
HX-12
Same spec's & performance as
the QuadChrome.
PGS HX-12 (RGB) $499.88
Modems
US ROBOTICS
Password
PC Modem
0-300/1 200 baud direct-connect
modem with auto-dial/answer, full/
half duplex, voice/data. Uses LSI
technology. Cables & power
supply included {specify type of
computer). The PC Modem has all
of the above, plus a parallel port,
real-time clock & memory to 256K.
Password $379.88
PC Modem $CALL
'Courier 479.88
"Uses Osborne-1 modem port &
includes Telepac communica-
tions software for the Osborne.
DC HAYES
Smartmodem
0-300 or 0-300/1 200 baud direct-
connect modems with auto dial/
answer, full/half duplex, power
supply a modular cable (RS-232C
cable optional). 1 200B is an in-
board modem for the IBM-PC &
includes Smartcom II
The MfcroModem lie is a 300
baud in-board modem for the
Apple II series. Includes
SmartCom I
300 $219.88
1200 539.88
1200B(IBM PC) 459.88
Micromodem lie $259.88
Peripherals
Forthe IBM-PC.
We carry a variety of peripherals
for the IBM-PC, including: Quad-
ramQuadboards, Quad 51 2+,
Quadllnk, QuadDisk, Quad I/O,
QuadJet & single-function boards:
AST products; Tandon's TM-1 00-2
double-sided drives; QCS's 1 2, 20
& 26 MB Hard Disk Subsystems;
a Hard Disk/Tape subsystem;
Tecmars Graphics Master; the
Paradise Multi-Display Card;
Titan MultiFunction Cards; & the
Eagle PC and the Columbia
1600-1 personal computer
systems.
Call (603)881-9855 for
information; call (800) 343-0726
for prices & orders.
Forthe Apple II...
We also carry numerous Apple ll/
ll+/lle peripherals, including: TBL
Products Cooling Fan; the Pkaso
Printer Cards; Microsoft's Z80
Cards, RamCards & Premium
Packs; Videx's Video-
Term, UltraTerm & Enhancer II;
Rana Elite Disk Drives; AMTs
MicroDrive; Saturn Systems
Accelerator II & Memory Boards;
Quadram's eRAM 80 Column
Card; & the Novation Apple Cat II.
We also carry the Franklin Ace
1000 & Ace 1 200 OMS personal
computer systems.
Call (603)881-9855 for
information; call (800) 343-0726
for prices & orders.
Information/Orders:
(603) 881-9855
Orders Only:
(800) 343-0726
No Hidden Charges:
• You get FREE shipping on all
orders within the 48 states.
• We never charge extra for credit
card purchases.
• Credit cards are not charged
until order is shipped.
• We accept CODs up to $1000
(add $10 handling fee per order)
payable with certified check or
money order.
• Easy payment terms: We accept
all major credit cards, certified
checks, money orders, company
checks or personal checks (allow
21 days for personal checks).
• We have a $50 minimum order.
• Company Purchase Orders are
accepted on a limited basis &
upon approval only. Sorry, no APO
or foreign orders accepted.
• All our equipment is shipped
with full manufacturer's warranty.
We are an authorized dealer for
all products we sell to insure full
warranty support, & we're autho-
rized for warranty work on a
number of printers. We also offer
extended warranty plans for many
printers.
• We prepared this ad in January,
& prices do change, so call to
verify them.
• Our Computer Showroom is
now open in Amherst, New
Hampshire, five miles west of
Nashua (one hour from Boston).
• For a catalog, send
$1 with your name,
address & the type of
computer you own.
HIGH TECHNOLOGY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
THE BOTTOM LINE
MILFORD, NH 03055 □ TELEPHONE (603) 881-9855?
Circle 39 on inquiry card.
IB*
0&>
u-d'fc^^ ORYX
^m^SYSTEMS
APPLE/
FRANKLIN
ASHTONTATE
dBase II $ 389
ASPEN SOFTWARE
Grammalik S 60
Proofreader 42
BEAGLE BROS.
Apple Mechanic S 22
DOS Boss 17
Utility City 22
BROOERBUND
Bank Street Writer . . .$ 45
General Ledger w/AP. 305
Payroll 275
CDEX
Vtsicalc Training $ 45
CHARLES MANN
Class Scheduling $ 299
CONTINENTAL SOFTWARE
Home Accountant .... $ 49
DOW JONES
Market Analyzer $ 245
Market Manager 219
Microscope 529
HOWARD SOFTWARE
Tax Preparer 84 $ Call
LINK SYSTEMS
Datafax S Call
Datalink 79
LOGO CORNER
Krell Logo $ 75
MICROPRO
Wordstar (Special)
w/ CP/M Card.
7 col & 64KI
. $ 350
Infostor (Includes
CP/M, 70 col.. 64K) .
350
Pro Pok
(WS/MM/SS/lndex) .
399
MICROSOFT
Cobol-80
. $ 499
Fortran-80
145
TASC Compiler ....
119
A.L.D.S
79
Multiplon(DOS)... .
169
OMEGA
.J 69
PEACHTREE (CP/M)
Peachpak 40 G/L +
A/R + A/P (Special)
.$ 215
Sei.es 40
G/L, A/R, A.'P ea. .
195
Peachcalc
. 279
Telecommunications
279
Complete Graphics/
Apple Tablet 86
SIERRA DESIGN
Homeword $ Call
SOFTECH
Basic Compilers'
Runtime $ 169
Softeach 94
UCSD P-system Set ... 469
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING
PFS: File $ 79
PFS: Graph 79
PFS: Report 79
SUPERSOFT
Basic Tutor $79
Fortran 299
SYSTEMS PLUS
Landlord $ 375
VISICORP
Visicalc (II or HE] $ 165
Visischedule 195
CP/M
SOFTWARE
PENGUIN SOFTWARE
Complete Graphics ... 5 50
Graphics Magician ... 39
COMPUVIEW
•V-Edit 8080 Z80.
IBM/PC $ 130
•V-Edit CP/M 86,
MS DOS 160
DIGITAL RESEARCH
•Pascal MT + W/SPP . . $ 389
MAC-PUG 149
ZSID (Z80) Debugger . 85
CP/M 2.2 125
C Basic 2 95
PL/180 375
C Basic Compiler
(CB-80) 299
Access or Display Mgr. 299
C Language/compiler 260
Concurrent CP/M 2.0 . 225
All 8" - 86 Version
of Above $ Call
INFOCOM
•Deadline $ 49
'Starcross 39
'Suspended 39
•Zork, I. II, III (each) ... 39
Planet Fall 49
LEXISOFT
•Spellbinder $ 239
MARK OF THE UNICORN
•Final Word $ 199
MICROPRO
•WordStar $ Call
•InfoStar $ Call
■Pro-Pack
(WS/MM/SS Index) . $ Coll
All others $ Call
MICROSOFT
Basic 80 $ 239
QUALITY DISCOUNTS
d-BASE II CORNER
Ashton-Tate
d-Base II
$ Call
Bottom Line Strategist
FPL
259
410
189
Human Soft
dBase Plus
$ 95
Fox & Geller
Quick Code
$ 175
DUIil
58
Software Banc
d-Base II Users Guide:
S 15
20
Anderson-Bell
Abstat
$ 349
Tylog Systems
dBase Window
I 199
'All above available on PC-DOS
Basic Compiler 24V
Fortran 80 .
Cobol 80
Macro 80
MuMalh/MuSimp .
MuLisp/MuSlar. . .
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330
449
130
189
155
169
fy
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CP/M for TRS-II $ 1 80
PRO/TEM SOFTWARE
'Footnote S 105
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Z80 Disassembler $ 85
SORCIM
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PEACHTREE CORNER
► PeachPak 4 (GL, AP. AR) $ 215
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The Word Plus S 103
Punctuation and Style 99
ORGANIC SOFTWARE
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■Milestone 229
SELECT
Select Word
Processor S 329
STAR SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
•Legal Time, Billing 845
Property Mgmt 845
'Acc't Partner 299
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•Diagnostic II $ 89
Disk Doctor 74
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"Fortran 4 299
Basic-8086 225
C Cross Assembler . . . 400
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T MAKER III 215
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ALPHA SOFTWARE
Data Base Mgr. II .... $ 179
Mailing List 72
Executive Pkg 105
Type Faces 79
Question 35
Apple-I8M Connection 189
CENTRAL POINT
Copy II PC $ 34
CONDOR III
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CONTINENTAL
Home Accountant .... $ 89
DIGITAL RESEARCH
Concurrent CP/M 86.. $ 225
CP/M-86 39
Cobol 86 499
Pascal MT + 86
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SPP 86 130
C Basic 86 135
Pascal MT+ (PC/DOS) 385
DR Logo 109
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Market Analyzer S 245
Market Manager 219
ECO-SOFT
Microslat $ 230
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Tax Series 99
Financier II S 119
GRAPHIC SOFTWARE
Super Chartman II .... $ 299
Super Chartman IV . . . 199
Both (above) 350
LEXISOFT
SpellB.nder $ 239
LIFETREE
Volkswriter S 135
PEACHTREE
Please see listing
under CP/M
PeochText 5000 $ 215
SORCIM
Supercalc III S Coll
190 BYTE February 1984
SUPERSOFT
C Compiler - 8086 ... $ 350
Star Edit 180
Disk Edit 75
Basic Compiler 225
Fortran IV PC/DOS
or 8086 299
8087 Support 40
Diagnostics II 89
Scratch Pad 187
SYSTEMS PLUS
Landlord (prop mgmt) $ 375
Runtime Basic
(req d for above) .... 45
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ALS CP/MCard $ 299
ALS Smarterm 249
ALSZ-Cardll 142
ABT Keyboard 99
Axlon Ramdisk 128K . . 299
Bit 3 Dual Comm-plus . 209
CCS 7710 Asynch Serial 119
Central Point Alaska . . 119
Eait Side WildCard .. U0
Microioft 16K Romcord 69
Microioft Soflcord . . . . 219
Microsoft Softcard + . . 429
Microioft Premium
Softcard (HE) 335
Microtek Printer \/f ... 75
Microtek Dumpling-16 195
Microtek Dumpling-GX 119
Mountain A-D/D-A ... 279
Mountain Music
System w/Software ... 299
PCP 4 MHZ Appli-
Card + 88 Card 599
PCP 88 Card 16 Bit
+ 64K 475
Prometheus Versacard 159
Prometheus Graphitti
Cord 99
SSM ASIO Serial l/F
w/cable 129
SSM AIO-2 Serial/
Parallel 179
Street Echo II Speech
Synthesizer l/F 129
Tymac Parallel l/F
w/cable 79
Videx Display
Enhancer 99
Videx Display
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Videx Func. Strip 59
Videx Videolerm
VT 600 235
Videx Ullralerm 299
Wetper 16K Rom Cord 69
IBM /PC
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DISK DRIVES
DISKETTES
AST RESEARCH
ComboPlus 64K Clock/
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Parallel, l/F, Expand-
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MegoPlus 64K, Clock/
Calendar, Serial Port,
Expandable to 5I2K
w/Megapak 269
Extra ports available
for Megaplus and I/O
Plus II includes Game,
Parallel 4 Serial 40
Megapak 256K upgrade
for Megaplus $ Call
I/O Plus II Clock/Calen-
dar and Serial Port ... 115
LNW Products $ Call
MAYNARD ELECTRONICS
Floppy Drive
Controller $ 155
Floppy Drive Control-
ler w/Parallel Port ... 209
w/Serial Port 219
Sandstar Mem. Card
— 3 modules cop- . . 194
Sandstar Multifunction
Card - 6 modules cap. 93
Sandstar Modules S Call
QUADRAM
Quodboard 64K, Clock/
Calendar, Serial &
Parallel Ports,
Software S 279
Microfazer Stack Printer
Buffer (expandable to 512K)
► Parallel/Parallel 8K . . 132
► Parallel/Parallel 64K 188
► Serial/Parallel 8K . . . 170
► Serial/Serial 8K 170
Quodlink 64K Memory,
Game Port allows
Apple Software to
to on IBM/PC $ Call
TECMAR Products ....$ Coll
XEDEX/MICROLOG
Baby Blue $ 425
TALL TREE
512K JRAM
Memory Board $ 699
Amdek V.deo 300A
Amber $ 149
Amdek RGB 425
NEC 12" Hi-Res Green. 187
Sanyo 12" Hi-Res
Green 199
USI Hi-Res 12" Amber . 159
NEC JB-1260 Green ... 119
PGS RGB Color $ Call
NEC JC 1216 RGB 475
Panasonic Monitors ... $ Call
Quadram
Quadchrome J Call
Taxan 12" Amber 149
Taxan 12" Green 136
Taxan 12" Med. RGB . . 323
Taxan 12" High RGB .. 512
Taxan RGB
Cable for PC 17
Sony Profeel
12/19/25" $ Call
Teac Half Hgl S 259
Superfive Hall Hgt
(App) 9
Panasonic Hall Hg! ... 205
Tandon TM 55 2 S 255
Tandon TM-100-2 239
Davong D5I 501 Hard S Cull
Davong DSI-512 Hard S Call
Davong DSI-519 Hard S Call
Corona 5MB Hard ... 1.395
Corona 10 MB Hard ,. 1.795
CDC 1800 270
Corvus $ Call
Tall Grass S Call
Vista Solo 143K S 259
Vista Solo S. Controller 329
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORNER
*** SPECIAL ***
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Above w/Smarlmodem 300 399
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MODEMS
PRINTERS
Novation
Apple-Cat II S 259
Hayes Micromodem II . 259
Anchor Mark I 79
Anchor Mark VII 119
Hayes
Smartmodem 300 .... $ 205
Hayes
Smartmodem 1200 ... 495
Hayes Chronograph ,. 189
Novation 212 Auto-Cat 565
US Robotics
Auto-Dial (lull auto
answer 300/1200) 459
US Robotics
Auto-Link (auto
answer 300/1200) 410
US Robotics Password 379
DISPLAY CARD CORNER
Hercules Graphics Board $ 359
Orchid Monochrome Graphic Adapter 360
Plontronics Colorplus 389
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Amdek MAI Card $ Call
Tecmar Graphic Master $ Call
C. Itoh Startwriter F10 . S 1 .149
C. Itoh Prownter 8510 . 379
C. Itoh Prownter 1550 . 689
NEC 3550 S Call
NEC 8023A 475
Okidata Microlme 82A J Call
Okidata Microline 83A S Call
Okidata Microline 92 . S Call
IDS Prism 80
(w/4 options) 1,399
IDS Prism 132
(w/4 options) 1,547
IDS MicroPrism 399
Silver-Reed
Daisy Wheel S Call
Star Micronics
Gemini 10X 319
Star Micronics
Gemini 15X $ Call
GE Printers $ Coll
Epson FX 80 599
Transfer T130-P 699
Transfer T-315P Color . 519
Transfer T 120P 475
Mannesman Tally
MT160I 475
MT160L 585
Spirit $ Call
. . . and much more.
3M 5 DS. DD, Box .
BASF 5 DS, DD, Box
Maxell 5" DS, DD,
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Verbatim 5"
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Ultra Magnetics 5"
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(12 Diskettes)
40
37
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%
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499
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(RS 232)
539
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%
Call
MISC.
Chalk Board S Call
Koala Technologies
Graphic Tablet S 95
Symtec Light Pen
IBM/PC U0
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Apple/Franklin 200
TG Joystick IBM/PC ... 49
TG Joystick
Apple/Franklin 46
Versa VersaWnler
Tablet IBM/PC,
Apple/Franklin 235
Wico Analog Joystick. . 59
Wico Apple Adapter . , 18
Wico IBM/PC l/F Card S Call
Keytronic Keyboard
IBM/PC 209
Keytronic Keyboard
Apple/Franklin 249
Curtis PC Products .,..$ Call
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Series S Call
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BYTE February 1984 191
ADDS VIEWPOINT from your point off view
■ llMr
IF YOUR COMPUTER CAN HANDLE
ANOTHER TERMINAL, HERE'S THE
TERMINAL IT SHOOLD HANDLE.
Now that many desk-top micros are multi-user,
you can add an inexpensive Viewpoint® terminal
to dramatically increase your micro's productivity.
For more powerful computers, the ADDS Viewpoint
puts power on every desk at substantial savings.
Even though the ADDS Viewpoint is very inexpen-
sive, it is still packed with features. The screen tilts
for comfortable viewing. Detachable stepped and
sculptured keyboard. Numeric pad, cursor control
keys and three discrete function keys. Character
highlighting (blinking, underlining, reverse video,
half or zero intensity). Full 24 lines by 80-character
screen with 96 displayable ASCII codes. There
are even optional keycaps for foreign languages.
All this, with EIA RS-232-C or CCITT V.24
communications interfaces.
ADDS has a complete line of Viewpoint terminals,
offering color, IBM compatibility (monochrome or
color) and exceptional intelligence. Ask your
ADDS dealer for details.
Quality, features, functions, competitive price. . .
MILL NHS IIP.
Viewpoint is a registered trademark of Applied Digital Data Systems Inc.
192 BYTE February 1984
Applied Digital Data Systems Inc.
A Subsidiary of NCR Corporation
100 Marcus Blvd.. Hauppauge, NY 1 1788 — (516) 231-5400.
Circle 26 on inquiry card.
The Art of Benchmarking
Printers
New tests of speed are needed for dot-matrix and daisywheel units
Developing good benchmarks for
computer systems is not an easy task,
but benchmarking computer printers
is not much simpler. Even if you limit
the evaluation to units with list prices
under $3000, which excludes the
more expensive "page" and "line"
printers, the task is still complex
because of the great variety of dif-
ferent functions available on today's
printers.
Benchmarking efforts can be divid-
ed into two principal areas because
of the different natures of dot-matrix
and fully formed character printers.
Dot-matrix types are most popular
among personal-computer users and
provide an economical and flexible
output with reasonable quality. Fully
formed character printers, which
generally include the more costly and
slower units, provide excellent letter-
quality output and are popular
among companies and professionals
who require high quality in their
business correspondence. The main
distinction is, however, the printing
technologies employed; two sets of
benchmarks are required.
In this article, I'll document the
development of two sets of bench-
marks, one set applicable to dot-
by Sergio Mello-Grand
matrix printers and the other to fully
formed character (daisywheel) print-
ers. You'll also find a detailed discus-
sion of the rationale behind each ap-
proach and, finally, how several dot-
matrix and daisywheel printers per-
formed when subjected to these tests.
The actual benchmark listings and
test texts are included so you can put
your printer through its paces and
make some comparisons of your
own.
Two sets of
benchmarks are
required: one for dot-
matrix printers and
one for daisy wheel
printers.
Dot-Matrix Printers
Dot-matrix units employ a printing
technique in use for nearly two dec-
ades. The printhead has an array of
small pins that are independently
propelled against an inked ribbon,
transferring dots onto the paper
behind them. Each pin is activated by
an electromagnetic field controlled by
the printhead's control electronics.
Depending on control codes, one or
more pins of the array can be ac-
tivated at the same time, producing
a single dot or a pattern of dots
aligned vertically. By moving the
printhead horizontally, it is then pos-
sible to print a line of characters
formed by a controlled pattern of dots.
The basic technology of creating
characters through dot patterns is
responsible for both the high flexibil-
ity and the limited quality of dot-
matrix printers. The flexibility stems
from the fact that the same array of
pins can be used to print any charac-
ter without waiting for the mechani-
cal rotation of a specific character to
a printing position. The reduction in
printing quality comes from the dis-
crete nature of the dot pattern used
to approximate the shape of each
character.
Flexibility and quality take on dif-
ferent meanings for each dot-matrix
printer. Setting aside each printer's
mechanical tolerances in the print-
head positioning system (the shaft-
to-bearing relation is important
because of potentially disturbing
vibrations during the head motion),
the main element that determines
printer flexibility and quality is the
pin array.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 193
Older or less expensive dot-matrix
printers use a seven-pin, one-line ar-
ray to generate characters from a 5 by
7 dot matrix (each character is a pat-
tern of dots in a cell 5 dots wide and
7 dots high). These units are not very
flexible because the combinations of
dot patterns available in such a small
matrix is very limited. For instance,
a 5 by 7 matrix doesn't provide de-
scenders, forcing lowercase letters
such as g, j, p, q, and y into unnatural
shapes. Almost all modern dot-
matrix printers use a nine-pin in-line
array and form characters from a
minimum 7 by 9 matrix. This pro-
duces true descenders and a closer
approximation of traditional charac-
ters. Print quality is improved by the
denser pattern of dots whose in-
dividual boundaries are less visible
than those from a 5 by 7 matrix.
The introduction of nine-pin in-line
arrays has been a major improvement
in dot-matrix printers and has result-
ed in new capabilities that have great-
ly expanded their flexibility. For in-
stance, selecting an appropriate pat-
tern, in conjunction with appropriate
horizontal stepping, it is now possi-
ble to have compressed or empha-
sized boldface and double-width
characters. In the emphasized mode,
a printer moves in smaller steps,
forming characters out of a horizon-
tally denser matrix (e.g., 18 by 9). In
order to achieve even better print
quality and compete with the more
expensive and slower fully formed
character printers, several modern
dot-matrix printers also use a double-
pass approach or adopt special print-
heads with nine or eighteen "stag-
gered" pins.
The double-pass approach prints a
line in a first pass and, after a tiny
vertical shift, reprints the same
characters over the same line. This
technique provides a near-letter-
quality output at the expense of per-
formance. Double-pass printing
means at least half-speed printing, an
often acceptable compromise when
the basic printing speed is 100 cps
(characters per second) or more, as in
almost every modern dot-matrix
printer. Some units also offer a sort
of combination of emphasized and
double-pass modes that provides a
"correspondence" quality in which
characters are formed from an 18 by
18 or larger matrix.
To achieve both correspondence
quality and high speed, some dot-
matrix printers employ printheads
with staggered pins capable of print-
ing overlapping dots. The final effect
is similar to that achieved with a dou-
ble pass but without any perfor-
mance penalty.
Although 9-pin staggered heads
have been adopted by some printer
manufacturers, better results often
are obtained with 18-pin staggered
heads. These include two 9-pin
arrays located side by side with a
half-dot vertical shift. With these
heads, the second array's pins hit ex-
actly in the boundary position of the
first array's pins. Besides providing
correspondence-quality capabilities
at full speed, 18-pin staggered heads
offer an even higher flexibility in the
patterns used for characters.
This brief discussion on the dif-
ferent printheads shows that a com-
parison among printers based ex-
clusively on speed has limited mean-
ing. To have a more accurate picture
of a particular printer's true capabil-
ities, it is necessary to take into con-
sideration some elements of quality.
Because a low-quality seven-pin
printer has the same speed as a near-
letter-quality 18-pin staggered unit
doesn't mean that the two printers
are comparable from a user's point of
view. The first unit might be used
only for rough-draft printouts and
the second might be used for busi-
ness correspondence, two activities
with very different values for the
user.
In designing these benchmarks, I
have tried to account for this inequal-
ity by including tests for correspon-
dence printouts. You should put
equal care into evaluating the results.
Remember that any benchmark, no
matter how well designed, is only an
approximate quantitative comparison
that does not take into account very
important subjective elements that
can be of much greater importance.
Furthermore, even the quantitative
results are only an approximation,
with several limits imposed by some
technological restraints.
For instance, I had to face the prob-
lem of printers' buffers. Modern
printers have an internal buffer that
accepts a certain amount of data from
the system at high speed, enabling
functions such as bidirectional and
double-pass printing.
A 128-character buffer may be
enough for these functions, but
several printers offer buffers as large
as 48K bytes. Such buffers let a
printer store an entire document in
its memory, leaving the system free
to start a new job while the printer
outputs the previous document from
its own memory. From the system's
point of view, the printer has done its
work once it has acquired the whole
document in its memory. If you write
a benchmarking program using the
system's clock, the result for a 48K-
byte buffered printer might be
astonishing (something in the order
of thousands of characters per sec-
ond).
Without underestimating the im-
portance of huge printer buffers, I
have decided to base my measure-
ments on "physical" printing times
rather than on "logical" printing
times. Such a choice might obviously
underrate the real operating perform-
ance of a highly buffered printer but
is a necessary step in a realistic
printer benchmark. After all, several
operating systems offer spooling cap-
abilities that provide an almost zero
logical printing time, but this doesn't
mean that users have no interest in
physical printing time.
Another major problem I had to
face in these benchmarks is the soft-
ware support for each printer's con-
trol codes. Activating an advanced
functionality in a modern printer re-
quires the transmission of one or
more control codes to tell the printer's
controller that a certain operating
mode is to be used. Control codes are
needed for underlining, for italics,
and for each of the printing modes
selectable (emphasized, double-pass,
enlarged, compressed, etc.).
Unfortunately, no standard has yet
emerged in the chaotic area of dot-
matrix printer controllers; each
manufacturer uses different codes.
With IBM's recent support of certain
control codes, a tentative de facto
194 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Question 45
Typeface 125
ANDERSON — BELL
ABSTAT
ASHTONTATE
395
dBASE II
Financial Planner
Friday
ASPEN SOFTWARE
700
700
295
Grammatik
Proof Reader
A.T.I.
75
50
Training WordStar
Training dBASE II
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CDEX
75
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MYB-Lotus 1-2-3
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70
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Milestone
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Datebook II
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Footnote
129
109
Bibliography
125
109
Notebook
150
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MICROLINK II
89
79
DIGITAL RESEARCH
249
369
94
63
175
175
58
369
89
89
229
179
199
99
129
Concurrent CP/M 86
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FOX & GELLER
350
500
150
75
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GKE
295
295
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WORDSTAR $248 dBase II $389 |
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229
125
319
279
179
248
Spellbinder
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495
Volkswriter
LOTUS
195
1-2-3
METASOFT
495
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499
250
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495
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Softcard
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MICROSTUFF
Crosstalk
195
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The Word Plus
150
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150
PERFECT SOFTWARE
Perfect Writer
489
Perfect Speller
289
Perfect Filer
589
Perfect Writer/Speller
695
PETER NORTON
Norton Utilities
'
SELECT Information Systems
Select Word Processor
495
SORCIM
SuperCalc
SuperCalc II
SuperSpellguard
SuperCalc III
195
295
195
395
TYLOG
dBase Window
249
dBase Door
149
VISICORP
Visicalc
250
Visicalc IV
250
Visicalc Advance
400
WOLF SYSTEMS
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BYTE February 1984 195
standard appeared to be emerging,
but the industry is still plagued by
control-code incompatibilities. From
a user's standpoint, this means that
a certain software package fully sup-
ports some printers and offers only
basic functions on other printers. A
word-processing program, for exam-
ple, might take advantage of the im-
mediate underlining capabilities of a
popular printer (such as the Epson)
and might not take advantage of a
similar capability in a different
printer because its control codes are
incompatible. On the first printer, an
underlined line then might be print-
ed at full speed; on the second
printer, it might require a continuous
output of a character and subsequent
over-strike with the underline
character. If benchmarked in such an
environment, the second printer
might very well show a comparative-
ly poor performance even though its
intrinsic capabilities are equal to the
first one's.
In the absence of a clear industry
standard, I didn't want to penalize
any printer manufacturer choosing a
specific set of control codes, so these
benchmarks had to be executable
with any unit, no matter how exotic
its control codes. As a direct conse-
quence of this choice, I had to give
up my original idea of using a
popular word processor and a pop-
ular spreadsheet for some of the
tests. Depending on the program
chosen, some printers would have
been directly supported and others
would not, which is an unjust and
discriminatory approach to bench-
marking. Word-processing and
spreadsheet printout simulations
therefore have been conducted direct-
ly with some simple BASIC programs
that set the appropriate control
characters and then print a series of
lines of text.
Thanks to the nature of dot-matrix
printing, there is no difference in
printing one certain sequence of
characters and then a different se-
quence of other characters. This fact
lets us use strings of regular charac-
ters without having to select a se-
quence in which the frequency of
each different character approximates
its frequency in typical English. This
is the main issue in benchmarking
fully formed character printers. In
these benchmarks I have chosen the
character A, but any other letter will
provide similar results.
In designing the following 14
benchmarks, I have tried to utilize the
fundamental capabilities of today's
dot-matrix printers to evaluate their
performance. The advertised printing
speeds are generally higher than the
measured ones. This depends on the
different benchmarking procedures
used. Manufacturers measure their
units' performances at full speed,
without taking into account accelera-
tions and decelerations at the begin-
ning and end of a line. I have viewed
performances from the user's per-
spective, which means that accelera-
tions, decelerations, and even car-
riage returns and linefeeds have to be
considered for a more realistic esti-
mate of a printer's performance.
Bench 1
The first test, which stresses the ac-
celeration/deceleration and linefeed
capabilities of a printer, is the output
of a single character at the beginning
of a line and the repetition of the pro-
cess on new lines 50 times. Almost
all units, even if intelligent and
capable of printing in a bidirectional,
optimized way, struggle pretty hard
in order to minimize the delays con-
nected with the repetitive starts,
stops, and linefeeds of this test. This
obviously is unfair when measuring
performance in terms of the rate of
characters per second. Nevertheless,
this test shows immediately some
sharp behavioral differences among
apparently similar printers and can
be useful as a first element of com-
parison.
Bench 2
Extending the Bench 1 test, I print
a string of 10 consecutive As at the
beginning of a line and repeat the
process for 50 lines. In some printers,
the time required to complete this
test is just a little longer than the time
for Bench 1. This shows clearly that,
for short lines, the overhead induced
by accelerations, decelerations, and
linefeeds is much more important
than the theoretical printing speed.
Bench 3
As a further extension of the
previous tests, I print a string of 20
As at the beginning of a line and
repeat the process for 50 lines. This
test, besides providing a logical con-
tinuity with the two previous ones,
is useful in estimating throughput in
applications such as label-printing
with a single-label horizontal format.
BASIC-language listings with short
lines are also approximated by this
test. As the printers work at full
speed in the middle of the string, the
cps rating improves, although it is
still far from the "official" rates.
Comparing the times for Bench 2
and Bench 3, it's interesting to note
that the additional 500 characters in-
volved in the second test require only
a few additional seconds to be
printed. Dividing 500 by the result of
the subtraction between Bench 3's
and Bench 2's times, you can obtain
a first estimate of the "full-speed"
theoretical performance of a printer.
In general, this speed is at least equal
to the advertised one, which means
that the manufacturers are not
"cheating." As I have already said, the
companies are simply measuring the
printing speed in a theoretical way.
Bench 4
I print a string of 40 As and repeat
the process the usual 50 times. This
text can be used as an approximation
for a typical listing. Again, increasing
the number of printed characters per
line, the measured performance
shows a significant improvement,
sometimes reaching 70 percent of the
advertised speed.
Bench 5
By printing a string of 60 As 50
times on consecutive lines, I am able
to approximate a general text print-
out. The measured performance
shows a further increase, with some
printers hitting 75 to 80 percent of the
rated speed.
Bench 6
Going to 80 characters per line, the
maximum line length for the most
popular dot-matrix printers (operat-
ing at the standard 10 pitch), I print
196 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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50 lines of As. Several printers per-
form at 80 to 85 percent of the official
speed, which, after all, is not too bad
when you consider that it includes all
the necessary starts, stops, and line-
feeds. Some printers, though, run at
a lower performance ratio, often be-
cause their paper-advance motor is
not very fast or because they do not
provide bidirectional printing.
By comparing the times for Bench
6 and Bench 3 it's possible to get a
better estimate of the abstract "full
speed" of each unit. This is obtained
by dividing 3000 (the number of
additional characters) by the result of
the subtraction between the times of
Bench 6 and Bench 3. As can be seen
in table 1, this abstract "full speed"
is in most cases even higher than the
one claimed by the manufacturers.
Bench 7
After testing the straight printing
speed with different length lines, it's
interesting to see what happens
when a printer operates on format-
ted text, such as the output of a
word-processing program. To emu-
late this environment, I print 50 times
a string composed of 10 blanks fol-
lowed by 60 As. In this way, I can ap-
proximate typical letter text with two
10-character margins on both sides.
A Guide to Tables 1 and 4
The numbers in parentheses beneath the printer model numbers indicate the
advertised printing speed in characters per second (cps). The numbers in the shaded
columns are the times (minutes-.seconds) it took the printers to complete specific
tests. The numbers in the adjacent, unshaded columns are the approximate print-
ing speeds in characters per second for each test.
Intelligent printers, with logic-
seeking and look-ahead capabilities,
can analyze a buffer's content and op-
timize the printing path by skipping
the leading blanks. Less intelligent
units can't do so and will "print" 10
consecutive spaces at the beginning
of each line, using a significant (10 to
15 percent) overhead.
As shown in table 1, some intelli-
gent units print the 70-character
strings (with 10 leading spaces) of
this Bench 7 in the same amount of
time required to print the 60-charac-
ter strings of Bench 5. This confirms
that those units recognize leading
spaces and optimize their printing
paths accordingly.
Bench 8
Stressing even more the logic-
seeking capabilities of modern dot-
matrix printers, I have designed a
benchmark in which a short string of
Epson MX-80 Epson RX-80 Epson FX-80 Diablo 11 Okidata 82A Okidata 92 IDS 480 Gemini 1 0X
(80) (100) (160) (100) (120) (160) (110) (120)
Bench 1— Print 00:18 2.8 00:17 2.9 00:13 3.8 00:08 6.2 00:11 4.5 00:16 3.1 00:12 4.2 00:13 3.8
A on 50 con-
secutive lines
Bench 2— 00:23 21.8 00:22 22.7 00:16 31.2 00:13 38.4 00:12 41.7 00:12 41.7 00:16 31.2 00:17 29.4
Print a string of
10 As on 50
lines
Bench 3— 00:30 33.3 00:27 37.0 00:21 47.6 00:18 55.6 00:16 62.5 00:15 66.7 00:20 50.0 00:22 45.5
Print a string of
20 As on 50
lines
Bench 4— 00:43 46.6 00:39 51.3 00:29 69.0 00:29 69.0 00:24 83.3 00:21 95.2 00:30 66.7 00:33 60.6
Print a string of
40 As on 50
lines
Bench 5- 00:55 54.5 00:5158.8 00:37 81.1 00:40 75.0 00:32 93.8 00:28 107.1 00:39 76.9 00:42 71.4
Print a string of
60 ,4s on 50
lines
Bench 6— 01:08 58.8 00:62 64.5 00:45 88.9 00:51 78.4 00:40 100.0 00:36 111.1 00:48 83.3 00:52 76.9
Print a string of
80 As on 50
lines
Bench 7— 00:55 63.6 00:5168.6 00:37 94.6 00:41 85.4 00:32 109.4 00:28 125 00:39 89.7 00:43 81.4
Print a string of
10 spaces and
60 As on 50
lines
Table 1:
The results of running the 14 benchmarks for dot-matrix printers on eight members of the dot-matrix family.
198 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
characters (10 As) appears in different
positions on five consecutive lines. In
the first line, the string is printed in
positions 6-15; in the second, in posi-
tions 16-25; this continues until the
fifth line, in which the string is
printed in positions 46-55. In each
line, leading and trailing spaces fill
the "free" areas from positions 1-60.
A loop repeats this sequence 10
times.
A clever unit will print the first
string, stopping at position 15, per-
form a linefeed, and continue print-
ing the second string from positions
16-25. The printer will then perform
a new linefeed and start printing the
third string from position 26. A simi-
lar technique will be used for the
fourth and fifth lines. A not-so-intel-
ligent unit, not recognizing the op-
timized "stair-step" pattern, will in-
stead print some of the blanks. A
printer without any logic-seeking
capability will print all leading and
trailing blanks, with an execution
time similar to that of Bench 5.
Bench 9
Another interesting printing exam-
ple is the simulation of a typical
spreadsheet output with a regular
table of numbers evenly spaced in
rows and columns. To evaluate the
printers' behavior in such a case, the
benchmark prints a string with an
alternate sequence of five spaces and
five 2s 50 times. This process prints
a table of 50 rows and 10 columns,
each column being 10 characters wide
and composed of a five-digit right-
aligned number (11111) preceded by
five spaces. Intelligent printers with
good look-ahead capabilities will
recognize each five-space sequence
and will skip at high speed to the
nearest digit. Intelligent printers
without this capability will optimize
their path more simply, avoiding the
first five spaces of each row. Less in-
telligent units will print each line just
as if it were a regular 80-character
sequence.
Bench 10
All the benchmarks described in
the preceding pages were conceived
for the basic operating mode of 10
characters per inch (cpi) with the
standard character set. So far, no
compressed, double-width, empha-
sized, or double-pass operating
modes have been considered in the
benchmarks. Because they are rele-
vant to some users, I have included
five additional benchmarks dealing
with these advanced capabilities.
Although the modes tested are fair-
ly common, some printers don't sup-
port them. For these units, the table
of results indicates N/A (not avail-
able). In this test, after setting the
Text continued on page 203
Bench 8—
Print 10 times 5
strings of 50
spaces and 1
As with different
displacement
Bench 9—
Print a string of
8 alternate
groups of 5
spaces and 5 7 s
on 50 lines
Bench 10—
Same as Bench
5 but with em-
phasized mode,
i.e., 18 by 9
matrix
Bench 11 —
Same as Bench
5 but in double-
pass mode, i.e.,
9 by 18 matrix
Bench 12—
Same as Bench
5 but in cor-
respondence
mode
Bench 13—
Same as Bench
5 but in com-
pressed mode
Bench 14—
Same as Bench
4 but in double-
width mode
00:32 93.8
00:32 93.7 00:31 96.8 00:21 142.8 00:26 115.4 00:18 166.7 00:32 93.7 00:36 83.3
01:05 61.5
00:60 66.7 00:43 93.0 00:53 75.5 00:39 102.6 00:35 114.3 00:46 87.0 00:51 78.4
01:36 31.2
01:30 33.3 01:01 49.2 N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A 01:09 43.5
02:33 19.6
03:53 12.9
01:04 46.9
01:07 29.9
02:04 24.2 01:47 28.0 N/A
N/A 01:13 41.1 N/A 01:44 28.£
03:28 14.4 02:36 19.2 02:35 19.4 N/A 01:52 26.8 00:52 57.7 02:36 19.2
01:01 49.2 00:44 68.2 00:41 73.2 00:32 93.8 00:29 103.4 00:39 76.9 00:48 62.5
01:02 32.3 00:41 48.8 00:50 40.0 00:41 73.2 00:37 54.1 00:49 40.8 00:57 35.1
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 199
Listing 1: Dot-matrix printer benchmarks 1 through 9 in BASIC. The text discusses benchmarks 10 through 14, which use benchmarks
4 and 5 in emphasized, double-pass, correspondence-quality, compressed, and double-width modes. Results of these benchmarks on three
typical dot-matrix printers are shown in table 1.
10 FOR 1=1 TO 50
20 LPRINT "A"
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1 TO 50
20 LPRINT "AAAAAAAAAA"
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1 TO 50
20 LPRINT "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1 10 50
20 LPRINT "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1 TO 50
20 LPRINT "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA'
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1 TO 50
20 LPRINT "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA"
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1
TO
50
20 LPRINT
1
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAA'
1
30 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1
TO
10
20 LPRINT"
AAAAAAAAAA
30 LPRINT"
AAAAAAAAAA
40 LPRINT"
AAAAAAAAAA
50 LPRINT"
AAAAAAAAAA
60 LPRINT"
AAAAAAAAAA
70 NEXT I
10 FOR 1=1
TO
50
20 LPRINT"
11111 11111 11111 11111 11111 11111
11111
11 111"
30 NEXT I
200 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Text continued from page 199:
printer into emphasized mode, I
printed a string of 60 As on 50 con-
secutive lines, as in Bench 5.
In emphasized mode, the print-
head moves in smaller steps, forming
a character from a horizontally
denser matrix. This produces a
better-quality printout but at the ex-
pense of speed, as is clearly indicated
by the results. This benchmark,
when compared to the similarly
structured benchmarks that follow
for fully formed character printers,
gives you a good idea of the com-
parative performance of a dot-matrix
printer operating in "quality" mode
and a fully formed character printer
operating in its native high-quality
mode.
Bench 11
A popular approach used by dot-
matrix printers in order to obtain a
better output quality is to print a line
and, after a very small vertical shift,
reprint the same characters on top of
it. In this way, characters are printed
from a denser matrix, which provides
a better quality. In order to test the
performance penalty caused by this
operating mode, after setting it, I
once more printed a string of 60 As
on 50 consecutive lines. The bench-
mark's results show clearly that the
throughput is, in general, a little less
than half the standard one.
Bench 12
Some printers let the user select an
operating mode in which empha-
sized and double-pass modes are
combined to obtain an even denser
dot matrix and, consequently, a bet-
ter correspondence quality. After this
mode is set, this benchmark prints
the usual string of 60 As on 50 con-
secutive lines. Suffering from a dou-
ble overhead, the printers that use
this sophisticated operating mode
often perform slowly but sometimes
compensate with outstanding print
quality.
Bench 13
Most printers offer a compressed
operating mode that fits 132 charac-
ters in an 8-inch line. This operating
mode sacrifices part of the quality
available in the standard printing
mode but shouldn't generate any ad-
ditional overhead. Bench 13, based
on the traditional string of 60 As
printed on 50 consecutive lines, con-
firms that the printing time in com-
pressed mode is often roughly equiv-
alent to the printing time in standard
mode.
Bench 14
In order to test the double-width
mode, I first activated it with the ap-
propriate control codes and then
printed a string of 40 As on 50 con-
secutive lines, just as I did in Bench
4. As standard double-width charac-
ters use a horizontally expanded
matrix (double the standard one), 40
characters cover the entire 8-inch
width of the standard European
paper. The benchmark's results
demonstrate that, as expected, the
printers' performance is almost half
the basic one, estimated by Bench 4.
Other Considerations
Although I have examined and
tested several printing possibilities, I
haven't covered the broad spectrum
of possible applications and operat-
ing modes of a modern printer.
Some modes (such as underlining,
italics, slanted, etc.) haven't been con-
sidered because, generally, they do
not involve a performance degrada-
tion of a printer. Their expected per-
formance should be similar to the
performance measured for the stan-
dard operating mode.
Some modes, obtainable through a
combination of basic operating
modes (such as double-width com-
pressed) offer performances that can
be estimated by joining the bench-
marks' results for their basic
elements. Other modes, such as
high-resolution graphics, have not
been considered because only a few
of today's printers provide good
graphics support as standard. Those
that do show a large resolution
variability that might have penalized
the units with densest dot resolution.
Today, quality rather than quantity is
the most relevant factor in graphics
printing. This is probably also true
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for correspondence printing and for
several basic printing applications.
Benchmarking, then, is only a way to
acquire more information, not to
make direct decisions based on quan-
titative estimates.
Fully Formed Character Printers
To analyze fully formed character
printers, I have to take into account
several new factors. These factors are
not relevant to benchmarking dot-
matrix units but are very important
in evaluating the expected through-
put of this group of printers.
Nowadays, the most popular type
of printer with fully formed charac-
ters is the so-called daisywheel
printer. This technology is based
upon a printhead mechanism in
which a small hammer hits a specific
petal of a daisywheel. Each one of a
typical daisywheel's 96 petals carries
a solid font representation of a dif-
ferent character. The character's im-
age is transferred onto the paper after
the petal is hit by the hammer, push-
ing the character outline against the
inked ribbon and onto the paper.
When a character is to be printed, the
daisywheel must be rotated so that
the corresponding petal is positioned
in front of the hammer. Only at this
point can the hammer hit the petal.
Rotation of the daisywheel requires
a certain amount of time, correlated
with the necessary angle of the rota-
tion. When printing a sequence of
the same character (e.g., a sequence
of zeros), after an initial setting no
additional rotational time is needed.
In this case, the printer simply moves
the printhead one position horizon-
tally and prints the character without
having to wait for any daisywheel
rotation. When printing a sequence
of different characters, the printer has
to wait for the positioning of the ap-
propriate petal in front of the ham-
mer, an activity that is responsible for
the slower speed of daisywheel
printers.
The need to rotate a mechanical
printing element in order to select the
character to be printed is common to
all the fully formed character printers
based on different technologies.
These include original teleprinter-
type units, the "ball" printers (IBM
Selectric types), and the "artichoke"
units, like the NEC Spinwriter. Given
the existence and importance of this
"rotational delay" in all the different
types of solid-font printers, the appli-
cation of benchmark patterns origi-
nally developed for matrix printers
makes very little sense. Not even an
unscrupulous manufacturer of fully
formed character printers dares to
rate the speed of its units on the basis
of repetitive, single-character bench-
marks that would dramatically mis-
represent their throughput.
Any benchmark of a fully formed
character printer has to take into ac-
count a pattern of different charac-
ters, conceived, if possible, in such a
way as to be a good approximation
of the real operating environment of
the user. Unfortunately, the defini-
tion of such a benchmark is not a
trivial task. An elementary approach
might be to print the whole charac-
ter set on the daisywheel in order to
exercise all the different rotations. Of
course, the ordering of the characters
in the sequence would deeply influ-
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Micromodem II w/software . . 270
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Password 1200/300 330
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110 cps, 84 x 84, graphic . . . 415
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FX-80, FX-100, RX-80 CALL
50 cps 205
ML 84 parallel 960
92 parallel 450
93 parallel 730
200 cps, 132 col 1,100
160 cps max 24-wire head ....
excellent letter quality . . . 1,550
Delta 10 525
P11 100 cps, 80 col 488
P38 400 cps, 132 col. . .1,795
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2010 20 cps 855
3550 35 cps for IBM ... . 1,835
7710 55 cps for serial. . .2,150
HR25 23 cps parallel 799
DX15 13 cps 475
315 graphic, 7 colors 479
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630 API w/interface 1.785
11 + 40 cps 1,350
50 cps 1.550
Prices subject to change. American Express, Visa/
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For information CALL (212) 937-6363
To order CALL 1-800-331-3343
204 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 70 on inquiry card.
ence the results. To make the test a
little more realistic, you might print
the characters in a sequence created
by a random-number generator with
equal probability of occurrence for
each character. Claude Shannon,
called the father of information
science, has termed this approach
zero-order approximation. In The
Mathematical Theory of Communication,
written with Warren Weaver and first
published in 1949, Shannon used the
problem of approximating English as
an example in his analysis of discrete,
noiseless systems.
The problem of optimizing tele-
graphic transmissions brought Shan-
non to the more general analysis of
statistical properties of English, with
results of great relevance to fully
formed character printers.
In telegraphy, as well as in printing,
the messages to be transmitted or
printed consist of sequences of char-
acters. As Shannon notes, "These se-
quences are not completely random.
In general they form sentences and
have the statistical structure of, say,
English. The letter e occurs more fre-
quently than a and the sequence th
more frequently than xp, etc." The
statistical structure of text has been
used to optimize transmission; short
symbols replace frequently occurring
letters (the letter e is a single dot), and
longer ones replace infrequently oc-
curring letters (q, x, and z are
represented by longer sequences of
dots and dashes).
Similar knowledge of the statistical
properties of English text has been
used with fully formed character
printers to optimize the rotational
delays of daisywheels and other units
with rotating printheads. Because the
character e is used most frequently in
English (after the "space"), it has
been placed in a position to result in,
on the average, the lowest rotational
delay. All other characters have been
arranged according to their frequen-
cy of use, with a few exceptions re-
lated to some physical restraints of
the daisy wheel. (It is sometimes dif-
ficult to fit big characters in adjacent
petals without potential mechanical
interference.)
With all this in mind, it is apparent
that a more realistic test than the
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^^
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Circle 109 on inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 205
Circle 356 on inquiry card.
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zero-order approximation must take
into consideration the relative fre-
quency of each character in the
English language. In the first-order
approximation of English, each
character has its own probability of
occurrence according to the statistical
analysis of average English text. The
random-text generator that creates
the benchmark sample to be printed
takes into account these different pro-
babilities. With this approach, the
benchmark becomes more realistic
and, if the probabilities are really
representative of average English text,
the benchmark can approximate the
real performance of the fully formed
character printer being tested.
Not satisfied with the first-order
approximation obtained with in-
dependent characters "weighted"
with frequencies of appearance in
English text, Shannon decided to
study a second-order approximation
that considers the probabilities of se-
quences of two letters (digrams).
From statistical studies of the lan-
guage, it is known that the digrams
jb or jc never occur in English and
that th and ed occur very frequently;
it is possible to achieve a better
statistical approximation, along with
a potentially better optimization.
In the second-order approximation
of English, the random-text generator
considers not only the different fre-
quencies of each character but also
the probabilities of a character follow-
ing the preceding one. The bench-
mark text will have a digram structure
the same as in English and will be an
even better approximation of real
text. In the case of my benchmark,
the second-order approximation
reflects the correct character se-
quences of the English language and
eliminates unrealistic sequences such
as jb, jc, and the many others that can
be generated by the first-order ap-
proximation random-text generator.
Of course, a similar approach to the
one followed for the second-order ap-
proximation can be adopted for a
third-order approximation, based
upon the frequency of three-charac-
ter sequences (trigrams). Fourth-
order approximations can be ob-
tained for four-character sequences
and so on for fifth- , sixth- , and, gen-
erally, nth-order approximations. In
practice, highly accurate approxima-
tion results are almost impossible to
obtain due to the exponential growth
of the frequency matrixes. A fourth-
order correlation matrix for a 96-char-
acter set would include 96 4
(84,934,656) elements, each a floating-
point number indicating the frequen-
cy of a certain tetragram. Obviously,
then, even a large number-crunching
supercomputer could have trouble
with such a huge matrix. Moreover,
for the purpose of this article, the im-
provement in the benchmark's ap-
proximation of reality obtained by go-
ing to third- and fourth-order approx-
imation would be only minimal.
After all, the main concern here is the
rotational delay from one character to
the following one while maintaining
correct frequencies of character oc-
currence and correct two-character
sequences.
Rather than face the huge complex-
ities of fourth-order approximations,
Shannon decided to adopt a different
approach, leaving the character level
and passing to the word level. In-
stead of approximating an English
text with random sequences of char-
acters, he decided to make an ap-
proximation with random sequences
of English words. Again, you can
follow a zero-order approximation
approach by choosing random words
from a dictionary as if their fre-
quencies were equal. A better ap-
proach, though, is a first-order word
approximation, in which words are
weighed by the random-text genera-
tor according to their frequency of oc-
currence in average English. An even
better approach is a second-order
word approximation that takes into
account the word frequency and the
probability of a word to follow
another word.
As an example of this second-order
approach, Shannon supplies the fol-
lowing nonsense sentence: The head
and in frontal attack on an English
writer that the character of this point
is therefore another method for the
letters that the time of whoever told
the problem for an unexpected.
This sentence, which Shannon
uses as an example of statistical ap-
proximation to ordinary English text,
206 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
(la)
The head and in frontal attack on an english writer that the character of this
point is therefore another method for the letters that the time of who ever told
the problem for an unexpected. The head and in frontal attack on an english writer
that the character of this point is therefore another method for the letters that
the time of who ever told the problem for an unexpected. The head and in frontal
attack on an english writer that the character of this point is therefore another
method for the letters that the time of who ever told the problem for an unexpected.
(lb)
The head and in frontal attack on an english writer that the
character of this point is therefore another method for the
letters that the time of who ever told the problem for an u
nexpected. The head and in frontal attack on an english writ
er that the character of this point is therefore another met
hod for the letters that the time of who ever told the probl
em for an unexpected. The head and in frontal attack on an e
nglish writer that the character of this point is therefore
another method for the letters that the time of who ever tol
d the problem for an unexpected.
Figure 1: The Shannon test (573 characters) at a width of 80 characters in la and 60 characters in lb.
has been adopted by almost all man-
ufacturers of fully formed character
printers for evaluating the perform-
ance of products. Thus, the univer-
sally adopted Shannon test for mea-
suring the expected performance of
a fully formed character printer is not
a test purposefully designed for
benchmarking. It is only an adopted
test, derived from an example in
Shannon's book. When Shannon
wrote his book, he had no intention
of specifying a printer benchmark for
1980s fully formed character printers.
The main problems with the so-
called Shannon average-English test
are the incorrect statistical frequen-
cies of characters with respect to
average American-English text, and
the use of a limited subset of charac-
ters. How much this distorts the eval-
uation of a fully formed character
printer's benchmark is hard to say,
but it is obvious that the Shannon
test is not at all the best possible
benchmark for this type of printer.
Before trying to define a better
benchmark, however, it's interesting
to analyze in more detail the two
main limits of the Shannon test. To
do so, I considered the version of the
test used by Diablo Systems Inc. (see
figure 1). By counting the occurrence
of each alphabetical character (plus
"space") in Shannon's test, I obtained
the data shown in table 2, column 3.
This frequency data then can be com-
pared with several other frequency
data computed by linguistic and be-
havioral researchers.
Among the many efforts to estab-
lish a "definitive" frequency count for
words and characters in English, the
most comprehensive work is the re-
search done at Brown University and
published in 1967 by H. Kucera and
W. H. Francis, Computational Analysis
of Present-Day American English. A
huge amount of English text (approx-
imately 1 million words) from a large
variety of authors and sources
American
First-Order
Fourth-Order
ASCII
Shannon
English
English
Shakespeare
Character
Number
Test
Average
Test
Test
space
32
18.421
17.241
16.500
18.205
a
97
6.316
6.300
5.700
7.712
b
98
0.526
1.279
1.600
2.023
c
99
2.105
2.574
1.600
1.517
d
100
2.632
3.274
4.300
3.793
e
101
12.105
10.444
9.300
9.482
f
102
3.158
1.939
2.000
2.528
g
103
0.526
1.618
1.700
1.264
h
104
7.895
4.560
5.000
3.666
i
105
3.684
6.079
6.600
4.425
i
106
0.000
0.132
0.200
0.253
k
107
0.526
0.540
0.700
0.759
1
108
2.632
3.404
3.900
3.413
m
109
1.579
2.108
1.900
4.425
n
110
5.263
5.889
5.500
5.057
111
6.842
6.331
7.200
6.700
P
112
1.579
1.682
1.600
1.138
q
113
0.000
0.089
0.100
0.000
r
114
6.842
5.097
4.500
4.172
s
115
2.105
5.380
5.900
6.068
1
116
12.631
7.725
8.600
6.827
u
117
0.526
2.256
1.800
3.287
V
118
0.526
0.827
0.800
0.506
w
119
1.053
1.565
0.900
1.138
X
120
0.526
0.163
0.200
0.126
y
121
0.000
1.424
1.900
1.517
z
122
0.000
0.078
0.000
0.000
Table 2: A comparison of character frequencies for the foui
daisywheel-print
ir tests discussed
in the text.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 207
13
12
11
LEGEND:
AMERICAN ENGLISH AVERAGE
SHANNON TEST
12
10
m n o p q
CHARACTER
Figure 2: American English average character frequency compared with the Shannon test.
(literature, newspapers, etc.) was
analyzed and a frequency count
made for each of the approximately
40,000 different words.
In 1976, R. Solo and J. King, from
the University of Idaho and the
University of Chicago, respectively,
published a character-oriented fre-
quency analysis based on the word
list of Kucera and Francis. Here's an
example of the procedure for count-
ing total frequency of characters. The
word note has a frequency of 127 per
million. The frequency totals for the
letters n, o, t, and e are incremented
by 127. This procedure was used for
each word on the Kucera and Francis
list.
Unfortunately, the analysis by Solo
and King on character, digram, and
trigram frequencies, developed to
analyze the structure of words,
doesn't take into account the "space,"
a very important element in a
printer's benchmark. This unfor-
tunate omission can be corrected in
the table for character frequencies by
inserting a mathematically deter-
mined space frequency and by recal-
culating all the other frequencies
accordingly.
A correct space frequency for the
English language can be computed
from the same work by Kucera and
Francis that was used by Solo and
King for their frequency counts.
Dividing the 4,576,585 characters in
the sample by its 953,456 words re-
sults in an average word length of 4.8
characters, which can also be used as
a letter-to-space ratio. Recomputing
the Solo and King frequencies and
including spaces results in the data
shown in column 4 of table 2, which
might be considered the best basic
frequency count for the purposes of
this article. Comparing this data with
that calculated from the Shannon test
(see figure 2), it's evident that Shan-
non's sample is not a particularly
good approximation of character fre-
quencies in average English text.
Since 1948, when Shannon wrote
his book, computers have greatly
simplified the statistical analysis and
simulation of text, and, taking advan-
tage of such resources, it is certainly
possible to define a better bench-
mark. Following the pattern used by
Shannon, it is possible to construct
first- , second- , and third-order char-
acter approximations based on the
work by Solo and King for character,
digram, and trigram frequencies and
first-order word approximations
based on the work on word frequen-
cies by Kucera and Francis.
At this point, with a simple pro-
gram based on a random generator
that considers the different probabil-
ities of each character, it is possible
to create a first-order character ap-
proximation of English text to be used
as an alternative benchmark to Shan-
non's test. The approximate
1000-character text shown in figure 3
is the result of such a weighted ran-
dom-text generation and, although it
is certainly not a piece of fine litera-
ture, it can be used as a first alter-
native benchmark. Analyzing its
character frequencies, reported in col-
umn 5 of table 2 and in figure 4, it is
apparent that this first-order char-
acter text offers a better approxima-
tion of average English character fre-
quencies than Shannon's test text.
As previously discussed, second- ,
third- , and fourth-order character
approximations would provide an
even better sample text. Unfortu-
nately, digram and trigram counts
(tetragrams are not available) from
Solo and King do not include spaces
and, in this instance, there is no way
to recompute relative frequencies as
208 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 197 on inquiry card.
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ei fethtlngiorrn nept ntk aenaovmhot enilegeariontessptawo
orf rairarug ome itmbadtt lhadutjhttssdltlanmaoaldiotorpernhti
o s hiiaossseie ri drcey hidttiedsnerytteli osvioks a eh
peap ogbid iw treaeeis nuc nlgi ntgt oden h oppttnroret n
rlj pylbnbd ifeesnn ka rnlh rteteivyiyint i arolato te e
a morapsrthennr hoai nntte irscnegrndid d ocopse s tbd dho
esua bcii ia talyb seces efe uit ohuorshssosoemlfie msfddco
odtb he sir i tvhihietuihed fx aseer sdec oo nho ulseosotft
avgeybs rt odolif eeuiih o ger kma bhyothat rlrrklersg rasgi
rdtrpis dctt a hnheostsbddalyamtp ntnrn ee hs tnwaed thd 1
u oewgedatelytseh ithhindftex dsss luo pet hal itdhofwabl
uq 1 onraes dt t atlon osasa hmrytndntei gas geciooriiia
koomg fn eoicatiavyeewedry tms nedabeido
Figure 3: American English first-order random approximation (1000 characters).
I did for single-character counts.
Thus, it is not possible to create a
second- or third-order character ap-
proximation based on their extensive
work. Other researchers, working on
smaller samples, have fortunately
considered spaces in their digram,
trigram, and (also) tetragram counts
and have been able to create second- ,
third- , and fourth-order random ap-
proximations of English text. Among
these researchers is W. R. Bennet Jr.,
whose work at Yale University re-
sulted in the 1976 publication of Scien-
tific and Engineering Problem-Solving
with the Computer. In part of this
book, Bennet considers the popular
idea that enough monkeys, given
enough time, could pound away at
typewriters and eventually reproduce
the great works of literature.
Instead of messing with a multi-
tude of monkeys working at type-
writers, Bennet developed a series of
simulation programs to do the same
job in a much faster and neater way.
An early program simulated a mon-
key working on a traditional type-
writer with equal probability for each
character (zero-order approximation).
Of course, even with the fastest com-
puter, Bennet probably would still be
waiting for a barely acceptable piece
of literature resulting from this
program.
A second program introduced a
virtual typewriter with a different
probability for each character. For this
simulation, Bennet used frequencies
from Act III of Shakespeare's Hamlet,
a 35,224-character text. Even with this
approach (as you can imagine look-
ing at our own first-order approxima-
tion text in figure 3), Bennet had lit-
tle hope of obtaining a readable piece
of literature, let alone competing with
Shakespeare. Using more advanced
virtual typewriters, capable of pro-
ducing second- , third- , and fourth-
order approximations, Bennet's
"monkeys" showed significant im-
provements, producing almost intel-
ligible fourth-order text (90 percent of
the words appear in an English dic-
tionary).
Thanks to Bennet's research, it is
possible to use a fourth-order ran-
dom (monkey) approximation of
Shakespeare's Hamlet, which, in
turn, is a good example (especially in
literary terms) of English prose. Such
a simulated text, as published by
Bennet, is shown in figure 5. Com-
paring this text's frequencies with
those of Solo and King (see figure 6)
reveals a closer similarity than in
Shannon's text or in my own first-
12
11
10
to
o 9
CD
3
Z
8
Ul
oc
cc
=> 7
o
8 6
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o 5
3 -
1 -
LEGEND:
AMERICAN ENGLISH AVERAGE
-
FIRST-ORDER ENGLISH APPROXIMATION
i_
A
1 1
rt
*k
-
/
>
n
\
A
,
lf\
1 \
'/ \
//
tT
ft
\
n
it
i
\\
v
tf
1
i\
1
y \
V
i
\v
\/--
'
a s
\ '/
~~
>^— -
»\ //
I
1
i
,
i
1 I 1
i
1
Ay
12
10
abcdefghi jklmnopqr st uvwxyz
CHARACTER
Figure 4: American English average character frequency compared with first-order approximation.
210 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
order approximation. Consequently,
I adopted this text as an additional
benchmark for measuring the perfor-
mance of fully formed character
printers.
So far, I have considered only
lowercase English text with a charac-
ter set limited to the 26 basic charac-
ters of the alphabet plus the space.
But almost any actual text includes
uppercase characters, digits, and
punctuation marks. Periods, com-
mas, and apostrophes generally have
a higher frequency than characters
such as q, j, and x. Moreover, in
almost all business letters and
manuals, for which fully formed
character printers are primarily used,
digits have an appreciable frequency
of appearance.
Unfortunately, even with several
visits to computer science, linguistics,
and English departments at Stanford
and the University of California at
Berkeley, I couldn't find a good
analysis of character frequencies that
included capital letters, punctuation
marks, and digits. A long computer-
ized search through the comprehen-
sive Language and Language Be-
havior Abstracts DataBank didn't
solve the problem either. I also struck
out with direct inquiries to com-
panies such as Diablo, which prob-
ably has this data but considers it
proprietary.
a go this bare and judgement of timedious retch and not lord
whal if the easelves and do and make and base gathem i ay
beatellous we play means holy fool mour work from inmost
bed be confould have may judgement was it massure's to
lady would hat prime that's our thrown and did wife father 'st
livength sleep tith i ambition' to thin him and force and law's
may but smell so and spursely signor gent much chief mixturn
ecstance of the me to like crafts did too my mome fair your do
himself it perce as makes so but our heart ourself and be
armont i does unsee a sent statio hamlet the is tongs musince
hyperationse and hamlet heave madamnable must as frank on
hecat now by and stings he's borruptis free our els the speak
it soul o broad fore you as aught of ment ape a broom modestill
be but is man ef fence are
Figure 5: Fourth-order approximation of Shakespeare's Hamlet (796 characters).
Because I wanted to have at least
one benchmark text with an ex-
tended character set, I decided to cal-
culate my own frequencies through
a computerized analysis of an English
text. For a change, I decided not to
use Shakespeare or other classical
literature but opted for a different
kind of text: the on-line Unix
manuals. This choice means that the
sample benchmark I eventually ob-
tained is not an approximation of
average English but an approxima-
tion of some technical computer
literature; frequencies are skewed
due to computer-jargon characters.
Speaking of Unix, the frequencies of
slashes and backslashes are much
higher than in an average English
text. Nevertheless, because a lot of
fully formed character printers are
used to print computer-related
manuals, reports, and articles, a
benchmark approximating this en-
vironment might be appropriate and
interesting.
In order to build a representative
frequency table for the potential 256
ASCII (American National Standard
Code for Information Interchange)
characters, I have analyzed (using a
PDP-11/70) a sequence of over 1V 2
million characters from the Unix on-
line manuals. The results from this
analysis are shown in table 3, which
lists the frequencies for the 96 ASCII
characters (codes 32 to 127) relevant
for fully formed character printers.
These frequencies have been recal-
culated from the raw Unix analysis
CO
w
o
o
o
o
cr
LU
m
3
Z
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
LEGEND
-
AMCDIP AM CKtm ICLI AWCDAAC
SHAKESPEARE TEST
1
\
\
/"A
7 \
\\
/ y
A
\\
\\
ft
/
It
//
- \t
V A
/
1
\
f s
/
It
It
It
//
1
l
11
\
1
/
1
1
9
1
V*^""
I
\
1 i
11
1
1
1
1
\ r
10
J
I
m
n
p
CHARACTER
t
w
Figure 6: American English average character frequency compared with fourth-order Shakespeare approximation.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 211
Character
ASCII Number Frequency Approximation
Character ASCII Number Frequency
Approximation
space
32 29.694 28.300
P 80
0.313
0.100
!
33 0.011 0.000
Q 81
0.007
0.000
"
34 0.104 0.100
R 82
0.151
0.200
#
35 0.016 0.000
S 83
0.448
0.300
$
36 0.019 0.000
T 84
0.397
1.000
%
37 0.032 0.000
U 85
0.156
0.100
&
38 0.007 0.000
V 86
0.022
0.000
1
39 0.243 0.400
W 87
0.041
0.000
(
40 0.441 0.800
X 88
0.092
0.000
)
41 0.445 0.100
Y 89
0.055
0.000
*
+
42 0.065 0.100
43 0.026 0.000
Z 90
[ 91
0.016
0.073
0.000
0.000
1
44 0.554 0.800
\ 92
0.017
0.000
-
45 0.463 0.500
] 93
0.072
0.000
46 0.975 1.300
94
0.008
0.000
/
47 0.463 0.600
_ 95
2.164
2.200
48 0.191 0.200
96
0.126
0.100
1
49 0.490 0.400
a 97
4.350
4.500
2
50 0.211 0.300
b 98
0.916
0.900
3
51 . 0.082 0.000
c 99
2.067
2.200
4
5
52 0.069 0.100
53 0.092 0.100
d 100
e 101
2.238
7.681
1.800
9.400
6
54 0.038 0.000
f 102
1.587
1.000
7
55 0.048 0.000
g 103
1.061
1.500
8
56 0.109 0.100
h 104
2.198
2.000
9
57 0.027 0.000
i 105
4.251
4.100
58 0.073 0.000
j 106
0.044
0.000
,'
59 0.110 0.100
k 107
0.290
0.200
<
60 0.025 0.000
I 108
2.589
2.800
=
61 0.033 0.000
m 109
1.817
2.000
>
?
62 0.028 0.000
63 0.014 0.100
n 110
o 111
4.153
3.935
4.600
3.200
@
64 0.006 0.000
p 112
1.496
2.200
A
65 0.233 0.300
q 113
0.071
0.000
B
66 0.075 0.000
r 114
4.006
3.700
C
67 0.197 0.100
s 115
4.057
4.300
D
68 0.146 0.100
t 116
5.286
5.700
E
69 0.315 0.000
u 117
1.742
1.100
F
70 0.080 0.100
v 118
0.439
0.300
G
71 0.061 0.200
w 119
0.661
0.800
H
I
72 0.046 0.100
73 0.452 0.500
x 120
y 121
0.272
0.823
0.600
0.900
J
74 0.011 0.000
z 122
0.073
0.100
K
75 0.023 0.000
{ 123
0.009
0.000
L
76 0.127 0.000
| 124
0.024
0.000
M
77 0.199 0.100
} 125
0.009
0.000
N
78 0.284 0.100
126
0.009
0.000
79 0.229 0.100
DEL 127
0.000
0.000
Table 3: The
frequencies and approximations of characters in on-li
ne Unix manuals. Nearly V/i
megabytes were
analyzed to compute
this extended
frequency table that includes numbers, punctuation r
narks, and other symbols.
212 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 213
isno ca tleu-tteeilnia/ nea ndeni b c Gex itPsot._an nkmt e
c eg . ep metgeraa lrta per veglrS A e es_ eDcitl aso c
xr_mfamr? _/_hp lghmlr rTrb Tt lb 1 i fa Hr Thiyits-y
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_e aTscteiadlnoh i*ns gse Ti mugans 4hee_a_ nelht;rons wn
lo n egota If/ esg (ss ec (tseattrr ete ig m e(elslon2fbte
i o aee lrrr,e. oe 'n -w bd tte_(ri .nxst0ee lpudlep ,c
n5 n na e ew soA TRer it iead isas n _i a lnntsiomo.t h
oee nye i ea.lrhg e oheb nt/t.euxeydht e ole Era tl T
fin nrota.hin bn e hhtt- eor iMang d( i lnpl r s ai
Irt de e s ew p, /o R tes lbtlnpappmrlSgeae. fp_(' m
m s aO reo d tucecd,ttdc0 _w pT/n p 2 ni iai tepSlpntas
vlw p os m nee_ U.tdea 1 a,o eg cxntb t oeooee2npa o pae
n(snner ( ss cic,losp ) ey fsn htioh _- cr rhu ." sc e
t mFva. t_eytrlc etcceh _s8w rpr etm nNt c e dt ai_u e
tn e lho Cr s s semi lr r afoyti hsTd a r a. emioddd
eimfa "i _me sd uyG,wA oz sgp h, ' _e 1
Figure 7: First-order Unix on-line manual approximation (1000 characters).
after removing all control characters
and marks below ASCII code 32.
From this new frequency table I im-
plemented a random-text generator
to produce a 1000-character bench-
mark text that is a first-order approx-
imation of the Unix-English language
in the on-line Unix manuals (see
figure 7). The main distortion of the
sample is shown by the very high fre-
quency of spaces, due to the exten-
sive formatting structure used in the
manuals. Except for a few special
Unix characters, the relative frequen-
cies of the other characters are
generally similar to those from the
Solo and King analysis (once the
higher frequency of spaces is ac-
counted for). On the whole, the ap-
proximated Unix-English text, which
includes digits, punctuation marks,
and uppercase characters, is a dif-
ferent and interesting benchmark,
capable of testing the whole rota-
tional spectrum of a fully formed
character printhead.
The final benchmark sample that I
felt should be included in this
analysis is a spreadsheet-like output.
As in the benchmark used for matrix
printers, I have used a table of 20
rows of eight numbers each. Each
row is divided into eight columns of
10 characters each (including spaces).
Each cell of the hypothetical spread-
sheet output includes a randomly
generated integer number in the
0-100,000 range. This benchmark
gives us a good idea of numerical
output performance and of a printer's
space-skipping capabilities. A sample
run is shown in figure 8. Table 4
shows the results of running these
fully formed character printer bench-
marks on two daisywheel printers.
Conclusion
Printer benchmarking first must be
divided according to the printing
technology employed. Then, appro-
priate tests must be developed to
simulate the activities for which the
printer was designed. For dot-matrix
types, printing speed, intelligence,
and printing modes should be ex-
amined. Character sequence has lit-
tle or no effect on speed in this type
of printer. Daisywheel printers need
carefully designed benchmarks that
approximate the occurrence frequen-
cy of native (in this case, English) lan-
guage characters because printwheel
rotation limits performance. ■
Sergio Mello-Grand (1143 Quince Ave. , Sunny-
vale, CA 94087) is the U.S. editor for the Italian
technical magazines Informatica Oggi and Bit.
65186
86886
72976
79885
7370
49031
45452
10725
95051
70387
53186
97116
32093
95613
93451
53494
56442
67122
70257
74077
66688
45394
33414
15685
73627
54288
42597
5545
76827
51354
56405
74106
66186
23145
46426
12856
48497
5532
36300
57126
99011
29015
65778
93911
37997
89034
79789
94676
32307
41284
42499
73174
21938
22025
76374
68251
71593
93397
26246
51668
47245
13732
48370
60907
17698
32866
24490
56984
81152
12449
903
7263
16765
71262
52515
93270
61210
55527
71912
43501
10248
34220
83417
91239
45280
19383
82151
57365
84916
11437
98103
58168
61535
69495
85183
38162
22848
6673
35294
27894
58461
10405
17385
26760
51437
87751
41523
10817
54858
35716
47947
65592
93389
36555
21137
43900
89837
78093
28871
48652
16720
99033
86292
40669
72822
59267
44970
71495
84761
35193
6961
41211
33548
40026
63873
81243
6154
69109
60926
62177
72066
70226
86018
26575
84855
38915
83783
46780
8735
38782
94658
7736
70130
46809
18940
14795
34231
23672
5856
26533
Figure 8: A spreadsheet simulation featuring eight columns of five-digit random numbers with filling blanks (1600 characters).
214 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Diablo 630
(31.8)
NEC 7710
(55)
NEC 3510
(35)
Transtar 140 Brother HR-25 Brother HR-15
(40) (13) (23)
Olivetti
Praxis 41
Shannon Test (80 characters
wide), 573 characters plus
CR/LF
00:15
38.2
00:13
44.1
00:20
28.6
00:17
33.7
00:28
20.5
00:44
13.0
01:24
6.8
Shannon Test (60 characters
wide), 573 characters plus
CR/LF
00:16
35.8
00:13
44.1
00:20
28.6
00:18
31.8
00:29
19.8
00:45
12.7
01:25
6.7
First-Order English Random
Approximation (60 characters
wide), 1000 characters plus
CR/LF
00:28
35.7
00:24
41.7
00:35
28.6
00:31
32.3
00:50
20.0
01:18
12.8
02:30
6-7
Fourth-Order Shakespeare
Random Approximation (60
characters wide), 796
characters plus CR/LF
00:23
34.6
00:19
41.9
00:29
27.4
00:25
31.8
00:41
19.4
01:03
12.6
01:58
6.7
First-Order Unix On-Line
Manual Random Approximation
(60 characters wide), 1000 plus
CR/LF
00:31
32.3
00:24
41.7
00:37
27.0
00:31
32.3
00:52
19.2
01:16
13.2
02:28
6.8
Spreadsheet Simulation (20
rows of eight 10-character col-
umns with five-digit random
numbers and spaces), 1600
characters plus CR/LF
00:29
55.2
00:27
59.3
00:38
42.1
00:39
41.0
01:30
17.8
01:33
17.2
03:22
7.9
Table 4: A comparison of seven d
"carriage return and linefeed."
aisywheel print
ers using the I
enchmark test
; discussed in the text. CR/LF, in the first column, means
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The Digital Research logo and products are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Digital Research Inc. All rights reserved. ©1983 Digital Research Inc.
Benchmarking
FORTRAN Compilers
Insights into comparing FORTRAN compilers
FORTRAN, or FORmula TRANsla-
tion, is a high-level programming lan-
guage. This means it is "easy to use"
or "designed for people," in contrast
with low-level machine language,
which is difficult to use. Unfortunate-
ly, computers don't understand FOR-
TRAN— they understand only ma-
chine language. To convert FOR-
TRAN to machine language, we use
a FORTRAN compiler.
FORTRAN was designed to be
easier to use than machine language,
but it was also designed to make
scientific formulas easy to program.
However, because scientific formulas
can be long, FORTRAN programs
also need to be fast. Otherwise, a
weather-forecasting program might
take 20 hours to come up with a fore-
cast you need in 10 hours.
This is where benchmark testing of
FORTRAN compilers can be useful,
because a benchmark can tell you
which compiler creates the fastest
by Avram Tetewsky
code. In a compiler benchmark test,
you present the same FORTRAN
program— the benchmark— to several
compilers, compile the program, and
run the resulting machine code from
each compiler. The compiler that
generates the fastest-running ma-
chine-code version of the benchmark
is the winner. Some classic bench-
mark programs are the Sieve of
Eratosthenes (a method of finding
prime numbers) and Whetstone (a
mix of different arithmetic computa-
tions originally done in the ALGOL
computer language).
However, these benchmarks have
a shortcoming in that they use only
local data, that is, small amounts of
data located in one area of memory
I believe that, to be fair, a benchmark
should also test how efficiently a
compiled program deals with large
amounts of data located in all areas
of memory. After all, compilers may
have different ways of managing
Compiler
Microsoft FORTRAN and LINK-80
Supersoft FORTRAN -66 and LINK-V2
Microsoft FORTRAN-77 and LINK-V2
DEC FORTRAN-77 for VAX 11/780
IBM VS FORTRAN-77 for MVS 370
operating system and LINKEDIT
"Not including operating-system space; V indicates virtual
Disk
Space
(bytes)
Library Space
on Disk
(bytes)
RAM
Space*
(bytes)
40K
89K
240K
208K
30K
117K
124K
1460K
48K
128K
128K
V500K
818K
924K
V 2048K
Table 1: Disk and RAM requirements for FORTRAN compilers. For the mainframe systems,
specifying RAM size is difficult because of the virtual-memory capabilities of the main-
frame. (Virtual-memory capability allows a computer to run programs larger than its physical
memory can hold.)
large amounts of memory; some
ways may be more efficient than
others. Finding out which way is
better can be very important if you
intend to use your FORTRAN com-
piler on programs that use a lot of
data.
Another shortcoming of the classic
benchmarks is that they do not test
the compile and link times of a com-
piler. In other words, while the
classic benchmarks do tell you how
fast the compiled program runs, they
do not tell you how long it took the
compiler to generate the compiled
program. Without this information,
you may discover that your superfast
code takes a superlong time to
compile.
Finally, the classic benchmarks do
not measure how well compilers
handle I/O (input/output) and array-
subscript operations. If they per-
formed this measurement, you
would know how well a compiler
handles programs that have many
I/O statements and matrix opera-
tions.
To test how well a FORTRAN com-
piler manages large amounts of data
from all over memory (called global
data), how fast it compiles, and how
fast the compiled code runs, I de-
cided to write my own benchmarks,
the results of which are presented in
this article. I would have included the
listings of the benchmark programs,
too, but they are longer than this ar-
ticle and there is no room for them.
Also, I could not benchmark com-
plete I/O and matrix operations
218 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Comments and
Compiler
Setting
Setting Definitions
Microsoft FORTRAN
None
INTEGER*2 defaults
Microsoft FORTRAN-77
Always optimizes
$STORAGE:4
INTEGERM by default
SNODEBUG
No subscript checking
SNOFLOATCALLS
This gives fastest 8087 support
CALL MBPRQQ
Treat R*4 and R*8 as declared
Supersoft FORTRAN-66
Defaults to INTEGER*2
There is no INTEGERM
CALL SUBOF°/o
No subscript checking
DEC VAX FORTRAN-77
FORTRAN/nodebug/
optimize/no check
IBM VS FORTRAN-77
Optimization = 2
Choose this setting for reliability
Table 2: Compiler option
settings.
because of a lack of time.
You'll notice that I benchmarked
mainframe as well as microcomputer
compilers. I did this to give you an
idea of how closely microcomputer-
compiler systems are approaching
mainframe-compiler systems in
terms of execution speed.
Besides benchmarking, another
way to compare compilers is by the
amount of disk and RAM (random-
access read/write memory) space that
they need. For your convenience,
table 1 lists the amount of disk and
RAM storage space that each com-
piler needs. This is essential informa-
tion to have when you read the
benchmarks because you may find
that the compiler that did so well in
the benchmarks won't fit in your
computer.
All the benchmarks in the world
won't mean a thing if your compiler
does not compile standard FOR-
TRAN. The two standard versions
are FORTRAN-66 and FORTRAN-77.
The numbers stand for 1966 and 1977,
the years in which FORTRAN was
standardized by ANSI (American
National Standards Institute). For a
sizable fee, the National Bureau of
Standards Software Test Center (5203
Leesburg Pike, Suite 1100, Falls
Church, VA 22041) will test a com-
piler to ensure that it meets ANSI
specifications. Among microcom-
puter software companies, only
Digital Research has decided to brave
this test; most mainframe compilers
are already certified. If Digital Re-
search's compiler (which is not yet
available) passes the test, it will be a
virtual guarantee that its compiler
will run most existing standard FOR-
TRAN code. None of the microcom-
puter compilers I benchmarked have
been tested by the National Bureau
of Standards, but they have been
tested by the marketplace, so you can
be reasonably sure that they are all
pretty much standard FORTRAN.
To Be Fair . . .
So many variables are in the typical
hardware-compiler system that it's
difficult to make a fair comparison.
For instance, when you compare a
compiler that runs on the IBM Per-
sonal Computer with one that runs
on an Otrona Attache, you are com-
paring more than the compilers— you
are comparing the computers, too. To
be as fair as possible in my bench-
mark comparisons and be sure that
I'm comparing oranges to oranges,
I've tried to set as many variables as
possible the same way from compiler
to compiler. For instance, each com-
piler has a variety of switch settings
that disable or enable options such as
optimization, subscript checking,
and default storage. I used the set-
tings shown in table 2.
When I measured execution times,
I was careful to separate operating-
system and I/O-dependent overhead
from the results. For example, most
mainframe systems are multitasking,
so that the computer sandwiches in
your program with several others. If
you used a stopwatch to measure the
time it took the mainframe computer
to run your program, you would ac-
tually be measuring the time the
computer took to run your program,
several other programs, and the
operating-system program that keeps
the whole mess straight.
To accurately measure the execu-
tion time of my mainframe bench-
marks, I used job-step time, which
includes only a small amount of
operating-system time. In addition, I
performed the tests at 6:00 a.m. to in-
crease the likelihood that no other
tasks would be running on the com-
puter. I also set up the measurements
so that I/O to the terminal was ex-
cluded. For example, it took my DEC
Computation Time in
Microseconds
Type
Type
Microsoft FORTRAN
of
of
4.77 MHz
8.0 MHz
DEC VAX
IBM 3081 D
Data
Computation
8088 & 8087
8086 & 8087
FORTRAN
FORTRAN
local
addition
28.5
17.0
0.3
0.18
global
addition
44.5
26.5
1.3
0.57
local
subtraction
30.2
18.0
0.8
0.26
global
subtraction
45.3
27.0
1.8
0.58
local
multiplication
31.9
19.0
0.5
0.36
global
multiplication
46.1
27.5
2.8
0.66
local
division
53.7
32.0
5.1
0.84
global
division
68.0
40.5
5.9
1.04
local
cosine
721
430.0
96.31
6.51
global
cosine
758
452.0
103.8
6.83
local
arc cosine
551
329.0
94.6
11.01
global
arc cosine
588
351.0
98.31
11.40
local
arc tangent
278
166.5
31.4
4.99
global
arc tangent
317
189.0
33.5
5.48
local
exponential
499
298.0
48.9
8.98
global
exponential
536
320.0
52.9
9.31
local
natural log.
467
279.0
45.7
7.77
global
natural log.
506
302.5
49.4
8.36
local
square root
138
82.5
36.7
6.34
global
square root
176
105.5
49.6
7.09
Table 3:
Single-precision computation speed with local and global data (global
data is labeled
COMMON in FORTRAN).
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 219
Listing 1: The Timer routine for Microsoft FORTRAN version 3.1.
EXTERNAL TICKERS
INTEGER*4 ITIME1 , ITIME2 , CENTI
CALL TICKER (ITIME1)
CALL TICKER (ITIME2)
CENTI = ITIME2 - ITIME1
TICKER BY W. CLAFF FOR MICROSOFT FORTRAN V3
CONTACT THE BOSTON COMPUTER SOCIETY
ONE CENTER PLAZA BOSTON MASS 02108
IBM-SCIENCE SUBGROUP FOR MORE INFORMATION
EXTRACT TIME FROM DOS
CONVERT BCD TIME FROM DOS TO CENTI SECONDS
TICKERS
SEGMENT
' CODE '
PUBLIC
TICKER
TICKER
PROC
FAR
PUSH
BP
MOV
BP,
SP
PUSH
AX
PUSH
BX
PUSH
cx
PUSH
DX
MOV
AH,
2CH
INT
021H
XCHG
CX,
DX
MOV
AL,
CH
MOV
BL,
100
MUL
BL
MOV
CH,
ADD
CX,
AX
MOV
AL,
DH
MOV
BL,
60
MUL
BL
MOV
DH,
ADD
AX,
DX
MOV
DX,
MOV
BX,
6000
MUL
BX
ADD
CX,
AX
ADC
DX,
LES
BX,
DWORD PTR 6[BP]
MOV
ES:
[BX] ,CX
MOV
ES:
[BX+2] ,DX
POP
DX
POP
CX
POP
BX
POP
AX
POP
BP
RET
4
TICKER
ENDP
TICKERS
ENDS
END
(Digital Equipment Corporation) VAX
computer 3 seconds to perform a
benchmark and an additional 3 sec-
onds to update the terminal with the
results. If I hadn't taken steps to
separate the terminal I/O time from
the true results, I would have come
up with a misleading benchmark
time of 6 seconds.
With microcomputer benchmarks,
most of the results can be obtained
with a stopwatch. You can also check
the time automatically with the
Supersoft compiler's timer call if you
are using the Supersoft compiler or
with the Timer routine in listing 1 if
you are using the Microsoft compiler.
(W. Claff , the author of Timer, notes
that some systems are more accurate
than others. For example, an IBM PC
with or without a Quadboard is ac-
curate to only 0.05 second, while a
Seattle Gazelle is accurate to 0.01 sec-
ond.) The only benchmark that is
best timed with a software timer is
the global- versus local-data bench-
mark. This is because of the short
times involved.
I usually did not include the time
to load information from the micro-
computer's disks when I measured
compiling and linking time. Even
when I did include the loading time,
it made little difference because
microcomputer compile and link
times are relatively long compared to
disk-load times. I attempted to have
scratch files on one drive and the
source on the other to minimize disk-
drive head-movement times.
You may notice in the benchmark
results that I mention an 8-MHz 8087
arithmetic processor chip. Although
this item is not yet available, it soon
will be. To calculate the effect of an
arithmetic coprocessor, I took the fac-
tual increase in compiler speeds that
such a coprocessor affords at 4- and
6-MHz clock speeds and extrapolated
the increase to 8 MHz.
Benchmark Results
Tables 3 and 4 show the differences
in computation speed when data is
local or global. To get a good feel for
the difference, I used many different
types of algebraic and trigonometric
computations with both single- and
double-precision numbers.
220 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 221
r
Computation Time in
Microseconds
Type
Type
Microsoft FORTRAN
of
of
4.77 MHz
8.0 MHz
DEC VAX
IBM 3081 D
Data
Computation
8088 & 8087
8086 & 8087
FORTRAN
FORTRAN
local
addition
31.0
18.5
2.4
0.16
global
addition
46.2
27.5
4.7
0.47
local
subtraction
31.9
19.0
2.5
0.28
global
subtraction
46.1
27.5
5.0
0.34
local
multiplication
33.5
20.0
5.5
0.53
global
multiplication
47.8
28.5
6.6
0.70
local
division
55.3
33.0
8.9
1.20
global
division
69.6
41.5
11.3
1.49
local
cosine
736
439
231
9.26
global
cosine
766
457
234
9.90
local
arc cosine
581
347
148
16.90
global
arc cosine
612
365
150
17.37
local
arc tangent
303
181
52.7
5.91
global
arc tangent
332
198
55.7
6.32
local
exponential
525
313
90.9
10.63
global
exponential
555
331
94.1
11.26
local
natural log.
494
295
86.4
11.45
global
natural log.
523
312
98.3
11.90
local
square root
152
91
49.0
8.70
global
square root
183
109
54.0
9.23
average
ncrease
in time due to
use of global data
22.6
13.5
3.7
0.38
Table 4
Double-precision
computation speed
with local anc
global data
Notice that the microcomputer
compiler is much slower than the
mainframe compilers. Also, on all
machines global data does indeed
take longer to process. But the most
important point of this table is how
much longer one compiler takes to
process global data than another
compiler. The average increase in
computing time due to global data is
shown at the bottom of the table.
There, you see that the IBM 3081D
computer and its FORTRAN com-
piler take the least additional time to
handle global data.
Table 5 shows the results of the
compile- and link-timing tests. I also
listed the sizes of the compiled code
for the smallest FORTRAN bench-
mark program that I could write. The
benchmark program I used just adds
two floating-point numbers together
and uses a formatted WRITE state-
ment to send the output to the
screen.
What Your Benchmark Will Never Tell You
You can't depend on benchmarks to make
your mind up for you because some things
can't be benchmarked, such as ease of use
and suitability. During my testing of FOR-
TRAN compilers, I formed some opinions
and made some observations.
Microsoft FORTRAN, Version
3.44 for CP/M-80 Systems
Despite an error in format-repetition fac-
tors, lack of complex variables, and no back-
spacing on sequential data files, this is a
solid product. While it does have INTE-
GERS variables, it does not allow for
INTEGERS do-loop control. In addition,
you must follow a rigid ordering of state-
ments, the worst being that all declarations
must appear before the COMMON state-
ments. Finally, you are limited to 64K bytes
minus the CP/M operating-system data
plus code. Unfortunately, LINK-80 steals
13K bytes of this space.
On the plus side, it has a fast compile
and link time, requires only a small
amount of disk space, and, with the addi-
tion of Phoenix's PLINK-I1, an overlay
linker, you can build some extremely so-
phisticated programs. Alas, Microsoft no
longer updates FORTRAN.
Microsoft FORTRAN-77 ANSI
Subset, Version 3.1 for MS-DOS
This compiler, after several miserable
releases, works well. The manual is of high
quality , the code it produces is very fast,
and the price is right at $350.
The major shortcoming is that this two-
pass compiler produces scratch files that
are about two to three times larger than
the input source file. Besides taking a long
time to compile, dual 350K-byte floppy-disk
drives are inadequate for large programs.
High-performance machines such as the
IBM PC XT, Seattle Gazelle (hard-disk or
8-inch drives), or an Otrona 8:16 with
96-TPI drives might be a better choice. For
PC owners, a 3Z0K-byte drive C: (RAM)
disk would also work (power supply
permitting).
Finally, the restriction that no array can
be larger than 64K bytes, and that multi-
ple large arrays must be in separate labeled
COMMON blocks, still prevents one from
running some mainframe programs.
Microsoft is working on new versions that
will ease this restriction and also support
the COMPLEX variable type.
Supersoft FORTRAN-66, Version
1.07 for MS-DOS
The main virtue of this compiler is that
it can be used on a dual 350K-byte floppy-
disk system. While it has many nice ex-
tensions to the FORTRAN-66 language,
too many of them are nonstandard. Super-
soft has fixed many of the problems in ver-
sion 2.1, now in beta test. In addition, IBM
PC graphics will be supported, and a
rewrite of the manual is promised.
Supersoft FORTRAN limits programs to
64K bytes of data and 64K bytes of code.
Although this compiler has COMPLEX
variables, it lacks INTEGERS variables.
In an attempt to ensure that only the sub-
routines used by a program would be in-
cluded in the executable file, Supersoft
made the poor design decision to automat-
ically break up object modules into separate
files for each subroutine. This creates a
mess at link time.
Digital Research FORTRAN-77,
for CP/M-86 and MS-DOS
This will be available early in 1984.
While I have received the manuals (they
are excellent), I can only relay the company
answers to my questions at this time.
This is a full ANSI-77 FORTRAN with
8087 support. Large memory models are
included. The total number of elements in
any one array can't exceed 64K bytes. In
addition, DR1 claims that the scratch files
are % to Vi of the input source file size,
so a dual 350K-byte system should be ade-
quate. DRI FORTRAN programs can also
call routines written in DRI C or 8086
assembly language.
222 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Source
Pass 1 Rel Pass 2 Object COM/EXE
File
Compile File Compile File Link File
Size
Time Size Time Size Time Size
Compiler (K bytes) (seconds) (K bytes) (seconds) (K bytes) (seconds) (K bytes)
Microsoft FORTRAN
and
Microsoft Linker
for CP/M-80
(with floppy disk) 2*
7 2 - — 13 8
Microsoft FORTRAN-77
and
Microsoft Linker
for MS-DOS
(with hard disk) 0.25
8 1.38 13 0.84" 40 31
Supersoft FORTRAN-66
and
Microsoft Linker
for MS-DOS
(with hard disk) 0.25
5 0.5 5 0.75 43 20
"This size is due to the operating system rather than the compiler
**A 15K-byte scratch file was also used
Table 5: The compile and link times for three compilers, as well as the size of the output
files for the smallest program I could write.
Compiler
Hardware
Execution Time
Microsoft
4-MHz Z80A'
40 min
FORTRAN
4-MHz Z80A with 9511
and 9512 coprocessors
8 min, 38.0 sec
Microsoft
4.7-MHz 8088 without 8087
10 min
FORTRAN-77
4.7-MHz 8086 without 8087
6 min, 44.0 sec
4.7-MHz 8088 with 8087
57.0 sec
4.7-MHz 8086 with 8087
40.7 sec
4.7-MHz 8088 with in-line 8087
33.0 sec
4.7-MHz 8086 with in-line 8087
26.7 sec
8-MHz 8086 without 8087
4 min, 1 .3 sec
8-MHz 8086 with 8087
24.3 sec
8-MHz 8086 with in-line 8087
15.7 sec
Supersoft
4.7-MHz 8088 without 8087
7 min, 40.0 sec
FORTRAN-66
4.7-MHz 8086 without 8087
6 min, 50.0 sec
4.7-MHz 8088 with 8087
2 min, 1.0 sec
4.7-MHz 8086 with 8087
1 min, 32.0 sec
8-MHz 8086 without 8087
3 min, 29.0 sec
8-MHz 8086 with 8087
55.1 sec
Unix FORTRAN-77
10-MHz 68000 software
2 min, 14.0 sec
DEC VAX FORTRAN-77
DEC VAX 11/780 with floating point
3.0 sec
IBM FORTRAN-66
IBM 4341 Model I with floating point
2.3 sec
IBM FORTRAN-77
IBM 3081 D with floating point
0.3 sec
Table 6: Compiled IEEE
program execution times. "In-line 8087"
means that the com-
piler has been set to assume that an 8087 coprocessor is available.
The clear winner in compile and
link time is Microsoft's FORTRAN
compiler for CP/M-80 computers. It
is also a single-pass compiler, which
means it takes less total time to com-
pile code.
Table 6 shows the results of a
traditional execution-speed test. I
used the IEEE (Institute of Electrical
and Electronics Engineers) digital-
signal-processing Remez exchange
program as a representative number-
crunching program rather than one
of the classic benchmark programs.
Because the IEEE program can be run
in 64K bytes, I was able to use the
program on all the computers.
No clear software winner emerges
because the hardware makes so
much of a difference. But, in terms
of FORTRAN execution speed, the
best microcomputer software-and-
hardware combination is Microsoft's
FORTRAN-77 for MS-DOS and the
Otrona Attache or Seattle Gazelle
computers. This combination com-
pleted the IEEE program in 15.66
seconds.
In a final benchmark, I tested
video-screen I/O. The test consisted
of writing 100 lines to the screen.
CP/M-80 version 2.2 scored 5 seconds
on the Otrona Attache 8:16; MS-DOS
version 2.0 scored 17 seconds on the
IBM PC. Both computers used I/O-
mapped video via the operating-
system console calls.
It's important to remember that the
benchmark results are not the only
thing to consider. You also have to
consider price versus performance,
price versus product support, price
versus legacy, and what your applica-
tion of the compiler will be. Perhaps
in your application of the compiler,
fast compile times mean nothing but
price means everything. Remember
to give benchmark results their
proper rank in the hierarchy of com-
piler features that are important to
you.H
Acknowledgments
While I have read a few books on the theory and
design of compilers and operating systems, I could
not write a compiler or operating system. Even
though I feel that I am fully qualified to benchmark
compilers and to contribute suggestions for en-
hancing them, I would like to acknowledge the pro-
gramming effort, R&D funds, marketing expense,
and product support that go into each and every
compiler. Hats off to all.
I would also like to thank J. Pearson of the Boston
Computer Society IBM Science Engineering
Subgroup; B. Roberts and R. Krajewski of BYTE;
W. Clafffor his comments about MS-DOS and the
Seattle Gazelle and for his general expertise; E.
Sabine of the CSDL Computation Support Staff; and
L. Wittwer for his Heath H-89 Z80 measurements
and his general expertise.
The following people and organizations con-
tributed to this article: Bridge Computer, Otrona,
S. Freid, L. Heyl, D. Deno, C Sacco, C. Ogren,
C. Fraiser, R. Russel, P. Matthews Jr., J. Mori, V.
Ivanovic, K. Hvatum, P. Vernam, S. Deutsch, R.
Butler, R. Williams, F. Grant, ]. Veale, and Draper
Laboratories Division 15L management.
All the opinions expressed in this article are mine
alone and not those of Draper Labs.
Avram Tetewsky is an employee of C. S. Draper
Laboratory (555 Technology Square, MS 92, Cam-
bridge, MA 02139). He received the Master of
Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1978. His
hobbies are computers, cats, jogging, and music.
224 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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226 BYTE February 1984
Circle 172 on inquiry card.
Benchmark Confessions
A close look at sometimes subjective tests
by Peter Marvit and Mohandas Nair
Everyone has opinions on three
subjects— sex, religion, and bench-
marks. While the first two are in-
fluenced by cultural and personal
tastes, benchmark results often mas-
querade as objective fact cloaked in
scientific methodology and absolute
numbers. Figures don't lie, but liars
figure, as the saying goes, and bench-
marks are prime targets for selective
interpretation and general confusion.
In presenting our philosophy of
benchmarks in this article, we will
focus on complete computer systems,
but the principles involved are gen-
eral and can be adapted to cover
specific peripherals. We have not
tried to encompass the entire field of
benchmark methodology, but rather,
provide guidelines and considera-
tions for all who read and perform
benchmarks— computer users, sales-
men, and designers. Benchmarking
is, at best, problematic, and at worst,
a gross distortion of reality, but you
can make the best of an impossible
situation if you enter this fray armed
with specific directions.
When we look at the role of bench-
marks we need to ask questions,
such as: What are they? Who uses
them? How are they used? Under-
standing the background and inten-
tions of benchmarks is the key to in-
terpreting the results. How those
results are reported is also crucial.
Complete information must be given
if the results are to be meaningful. We
recommend a point-to-point list of
what may be included in a good
benchmark write-up. The delicate
issue of benchmark design and
validity requires a great deal of
thought. This article skims over
many parts of the problem and
points toward several avenues of
investigation.
The Role of Benchmarks
A benchmark is an objective,
reproducible measure of perform-
ance (e.g., execution-speed compari-
sons, object size, or device interrupt
latency measures). It assists us in
placing system performance within a
continuum, be it a list of times mea-
suring I/O (input/output) perform-
ance, or the like. Thus, from an in-
dividual standpoint, benchmarks are
a means of comparing one system to
others. Benchmarks form a strong
feedback mechanism to manufac-
turers and software designers so that
they can gauge how their creations
will rate in the marketplace. How-
ever, the inherent attractiveness of
using benchmark reports in adver-
tisements demands of the buyer the
skill of differentiating the sales pitch
from the benchmark information.
But even if we have this skill, what's
so important about benchmarks?
A computer purchase is roughly
analogous to buying a car. Obvious-
ly, the decision-making process
varies but very few people only think
about performance and nothing else.
Clearly, many other factors may be
brought into the decision-making
process. Benchmarks are but a part
of the selection, decision, or evalua-
tion process. Some individuals take
benchmarks very seriously while
others are unaffected or not highly
influenced by them. All in all, bench-
marks have a place in the compari-
son/evaluation process.
The Audience
We classify the audiences for
benchmarks into engineers (makers),
marketers (sellers), and users
(buyers). Each has its own needs and
methods of evaluating benchmarks.
The engineer wants to optimize the
system's design. The benchmark is a
test that analyzes parts of a computer
system and displays bottleneck areas
or poorly performing components
that can be improved. By varying
a single element in the system, an
engineer can improve the system per-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 227
formance, using a benchmark pro-
gram as the measuring instrument
to compare one system configuration
against another.
Marketing people want to sell a
product. They would love nothing
better than a single number that
conclusively shows that their com-
puter outperforms the competition.
Benchmarks also provide some in-
dication about who the competition
really is and what market niche the
computer should target. Unfortu-
nately benchmark results serve as lit-
tle more than advertisements.
Finally the user wants objective
comparisons between the different
computer systems he might pur-
chase. Benchmarks appeal to his
need for (theoretically) unbiased re-
porting of a system's performance.
However, each user's needs vary
depending on experience. Of course,
the ideal solution to benchmarking is
to take the final applications that the
users perform and run them on the
various computers. This usually
proves impossible, especially for
complex applications. To further the
problem, future needs can rarely be
anticipated and so any testing will be
speculative. Again, this leaves us
looking at existing benchmarks,
armed with the ability to discern fact
from advertising hype. Hence, let's
consider how benchmarks are mis-
used, in our attempt to isolate a
solution.
Misuses of Benchmarks
In benchmark reporting, we have
discovered a very narrow but distinct
path between truths and lies. Devel-
oping the skill of telling not-really-
the-truth and not-downright-lies is
important for successful benchmark-
ing. Many people look upon bench-
marks as marketing hogwash, only
coincidental with facts.
Ironically, incomplete information
is as dangerous as lying in the bench-
mark world. Consider an article pub-
lished in EDN magazine highlighting
a Unix-based benchmark with perfor-
mance numbers for various com-
petitive systems (see reference 1).
Under the subheading "Test Results
Tell the Story" we read, "System
capabilities are subject to interpreta-
tion, but the results of a simple
benchmark provided by the manu-
facturer tend to support claims of fast
processing."
But results don't tell the story. The
story requires much more informa-
tion such as details of configurations
used, the methodology used in tests,
etc. A comment on performance
serves no purpose to the true bench-
marker, but feeds incomplete infor-
mation to readers who enjoy sweep-
ing, unsupported ideas, even if true.
Ironically, we received a copy of a
benchmark report, generated by Teus
Hagen and Andrew Tenenbaum from
Amsterdam, entitled "Two Programs,
Many Unix Systems" (see reference
4) that highlighted the same pro-
Benchmarks indicate
who the competition
really is and what
market niche a
computer should
target.
cessor-bound benchmark program.
They ran this program on a multitude
of competitive systems. With amaz-
ing coincidence, the results they
derived on the systems were identical
to those published in the EDN arti-
cle. However, Hagen and Tenenbaum
drew the following conclusion:
"None. You should take these mea-
surements with a grain of salt, or bet-
ter yet, an imperial gallon of salt." In
two reports with the same results, we
encounter two different messages.
Such situations are common but this
does not negate their contradicting
effect on a fast-reading, often over-
looking audience. Possibly, further
detailed information could clear up
any confusion about how these con-
clusions were derived.
But the lack of detailed information
is not the only stumbling block in
benchmark reporting. For example,
consider person M who endeavors to
buy a used car. M visits a reputable
dealership, isolates a few choices,
and finally decides on a beautiful car
that has been kept indoors, under
beautiful lighting. The car is dry,
clean, and reasonably priced. M pur-
chases the car, drives it off the lot,
and discovers, on a rainy day, that the
car leaks. Benchmarks can provide a
showroom atmosphere to flawed
products in a similar manner. By
highlighting the good and over-
shadowing flaws, a benchmark re-
port can deceive an audience until
that terrible rainy day.
Picking Valid Benchmark Reports
As we discussed before, bench-
mark reports can deceive more than
inform by giving incomplete data.
However, the effect that benchmarks
have on us can be approached ration-
ally—as rationally as one approaches
any form of advertising without dis-
counting everything. The following
considerations may assist in develop-
ing this rational approach toward
reading and writing benchmarks by
being less caught up in the results
and more involved with how the in-
formation is presented. Look at any
benchmark report and consider the
following:
• Who originated/authored the
report? Obviously a report on the
XYZ computer done by the company
that created the product will show
the XYZ to be successful. Unbiased
reports are hard to obtain but one
technique would be to get bench-
marks from other companies that in-
clude the XYZ computer in their
reports as a competitive measure.
Thus, if you want to benchmark XYZ,
don't obtain benchmark reports from
them, ask other companies for their
reports that involve XYZ. Chances
are they would report on the XYZ
rationally.
• Determine the objective of the
report. Here emerges the need for
abstracts, detailed introductions, and
summaries. Readers usually tend to
read the introduction, the graph, and
run to the conclusions of a bench-
mark report; thus, the need to iden-
tify and establish the message in any
report. If you don't get the message
clearly, drop the report— it will do
more harm than good. Examples of
clearly directed reports/articles are
references 5 and 13.
• Descriptions are needed of the
methodology used. Without a suc-
228 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
cinct description of how the bench-
marks were performed, there is no
use describing the results. The reader
wants to reproduce these results to
completely trust them, and com-
ments on the technique used would
be helpful. Descriptions of the pro-
grams or benchmarks used and fur-
ther descriptions of the environments
where testing took place are crucial
to a successful benchmark report.
• Are source listings provided?
Documented source code or listings
of the actual benchmark program will
give the readers a clearer under-
standing of what was performed.
From this, we can reproduce the
benchmark and criticize or applaud
the technique. There's something
about actual code that makes it all
seem so technical and accurate.
• Detail the systems used in the
benchmark. The report should give
exact detail about the systems on
which the benchmark was run. This
would guard against readers who
assume too much about the results
obtained or the use of systems that
are unmarketed, souped-up versions
used only for the benchmark. Still
sticking to our concern for reproduc-
ibility, we need details of the system
configuration. The system configur-
ation should be included in any
benchmark report.
•Results are never forgotten. Bench-
mark reports always display results,
results, and results. "We beat them by
5X (times) performance difference" is
all we hear. The public seems to crave
a single, definite X value that, to
them, describes complete system
performance in comparison to other
competitive systems. We realize that
an average number like 1.5X or 2X is
nothing but an average estimation of
comparative system performance.
Comparative X values are useless
unless the results are linked with
what is being compared; e.g., 2X
(times) better than system Y in I/O
capability.
Benchmark results are usually rep-
resented graphically as well as in raw
number form. We suggest that results
be displayed in absolute raw num-
bers in combination with either a
relative graph or an absolute graph.
The main aim of benchmark re-
ports is to inform, display results, and
discuss findings. As in any scientific
experiment, raw numbers or graphs
are irrelevant scribblings without
careful analysis and interpretation. In
other words, when you hold a bench-
mark report in your hand next, look
for a position or conclusions taken by
the author. If the author has not
made one, don't make one yourself.
Benchmark Design
Questions about benchmark pro-
grams and their design still remain.
A look at benchmark programs today
is a study in dichotomies: simple
single-task processes vs. complex
multitask global programs. Current
taste favors the former.
If the author of a
benchmark report has
not made a conclusion,
don't make one
yourself.
First and foremost, small single-
task programs are easier to use and
understand. People can usually com-
prehend their purpose and method
without difficulty. They seem to test
a single element in a computer sys-
tem (e.g., processor speed, disk ac-
cess, etc.). Like minimalist art,
streamlined programs have an ele-
gant aesthetic. Because they are (pre-
sumably) easy to run, reproducing
results presents few problems. These
small programs often suffer from
their simplicity, however. As men-
tioned before, the well-placed spot-
light of a single benchmark focuses
attention on one aspect of system
performance, ignoring the rest. The
question of exactly what the one pro-
gram actually measures rears its for-
midable head again.
The gargantuan global benchmarks
provide a stark contrast. Usually
transported via many reels of mag-
netic tape and the child of laborious
years of effort, these complex tasks
require considerable expertise and
time to set up and run. They produce
voluminous statistics on many as-
pects of a system's performance.
Since their design supposedly re-
flects the requirements of typical
computer loads, the results should
predict real-life situations. Unfor-
tunately, the global benchmark de-
sign is frequently not independently
verified and the results are often
cryptic— hardly the stuff for man-
agerial decisions. Completeness can
also be a problem. One missing soft-
ware utility used at the beginning of
the benchmark stymies the rest of the
run since subsequent tests rely on
previous results. To compound the
problem, standardization from sys-
tem to system is difficult due to dif-
ferences in language and operating
system versions, enhancements, and
omissions.
One approach to system bench-
marks is to use the following
paradigm. To admittedly oversim-
plify the matter, a system benchmark
could consist of an I/O loop and a
central processing unit loop. You in-
troduce parameters that determine
how many times the individual loops
are iterated. That way, you can have
a program that is as I/O-bound or
processor-bound as desired. To test
different application conditions, you
merely vary those parameters and
the number of programs running
concurrently. This conceptual model
offers four advantages: (1) basic
modules can be easily coded; (2) each
module can test a discrete function;
(3) individual modules are easily run
and understood; (4) programs can be
combined to produce complex tasks
that simulate real-world appli-
cations.
Many problems and considerations
are inherent in benchmark imple-
mentation. The actual coding is non-
trivial. For example, each language
has certain strengths and weak-
nesses, but a programmer must be
careful that the benchmark measures
system performance and not his or
her own cleverness. Certain languages
(and hardware, for that matter) tempt
the programmer to use tricks that
bias the test. For example, a micro-
processor might decrement faster
than add and so appear faster with
an addition-only program. Code
transportability must be considered.
Benchmark programs should be doc-
Februaiy 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 229
editing
/'listing
/other\
/ USER \
/L^functions\
users \
program a
/ system^-\^
management
/ LOGICAL
/ RECS
'^\"~-\^COMPILING
\ physical
\ file
\ management
\, SORTING
OTHER \ /
UTILITIES \ /
Figure 1: Estimates of the job functions per-
formed by a typical microcomputer system.
umented and conform to commonly
accepted language standards.
Compiler efficiency also has a tre-
mendous impact on system speed.
Assembly-code can circumvent this
problem but introduces computer-
specific dependencies. How a higher-
level language is implemented might
provide hidden optimizations; two
different compilers operating on the
same source code can produce
dramatic differences. In this light,
and considering language structures,
benchmarking using two different lan-
guages is ludicrous.
Determining the importance of
each portion of a benchmark requires
a good understanding of a computer
system's actual use. Many operating
systems can provide empirical data
about what tasks are performed how
often using what resources. Figure 1
shows one possible job mix on a
medium-sized computer.
To design even an individual
benchmark module, you must clear-
ly define its purpose. An ill-con-
ceived program can measure many
aspects of a system— none of them
properly. A well-constructed and tar-
geted program can effectively focus
on a single performance element and
form a valid building block for a
benchmark. For example, an I/O loop
might exercise moving data within
pages in memory, from disk to disk,
from memory to disk, etc. You must
isolate individual performance fac-
tors, without getting caught up in
little details, until you form an ade-
quate model on a computer system.
Benchmark designers and discern-
ing readers must remember that dif-
ferent types of users need different
benchmarks. Special consideration is
necessary to fulfill the needs of office
automation, word processing, scien-
tific, multiuser, or database applica-
tions. Indeed, system performance in
each area depends on the proper
match of hardware and software as
well as basic computing speed. For
example, the public is acutely in-
terested in benchmarking multiuser
environments, although they are
especially difficult to measure ac-
curately. The entire topic of bench-
marking requirements covers a wide
and barely touched area. Given the
confusing variety of factors involved
in benchmarking, it's a wonder that
anyone even attempts such an oner-
ous task.
Conclusion
In this article, we have attempted
to explain a formalism that creates a
framework for credibility in the de-
velopment and reporting of bench-
marks.
There is still much more to in-
vestigate and discuss. We hope that
areas such as detailed benchmark de-
sign for specific applications, actual
mechanics of benchmark execution,
benchmark evaluation, and the pos-
sibility of standardized benchmarks
will be attacked and covered in the
future. Unfortunately, in the bench-
mark world, it's not who knows but
who shows that counts. We have no
lemon laws for benchmarking that
guard against misrepresentation. But
we do have methodologies and gen-
eral techniques that assist us in our
understanding or development of
benchmarks.
The role of reader is seldom con-
fronted but demands mention. The
audience, if polite, will permit mis-
representation in benchmarking and
if aggressively critical, will nurture
clear and honest benchmark report-
ing.
In short, this article is not a
thorough treatment of the deep sub-
ject of benchmarking. Consider this
as a starting point for discussion and
ammunition against credible reports.
We encourage you to read the refer-
ences for more insight. We are also
anxious for your opinions and in-
volvement in this controversial sub-
ject.!
References
1. Legg, G. "Virtual Memory Workstation
Achieves High Graphics Resolution." EDN,
April 14, 1983, pages 67-78.
2. Intel Corp. "The Intel SBC 286/10 Single
Board Computer as a Xenix Engine." Num-
ber 8. May 1983 (order #230676-002).
3. Intel Corp. "Eratosthenes Sieve Prime
Number Benchmark on the SBC 286/10
Board." Number 7. March 1983 (order
#21094-002).
4. Hagen, T. and A. Tenenbaum. "Two Pro-
grams, Many Unix Systems." Unpublished.
5. Grappel, R. Q, J. E. Hemeway. "A Tale of Four
Microprocessors: Benchmarks Quantity Per-
formance." EDN, April 1, 1981, pages
179-185.
6. Gilbreath, J. "A High-Level Language Bench-
mark." BYTE, September 1981, pages
180-198.
7. Curnow, H. J. and B. A. Wichman. "A Syn-
thetic Benchmark." Computer Journal.
Volume 19, number 1. February 1976.
8. Benwell, N. 1975. Benchmarking. Toronto: J.
Wiley & Sons.
9. Spooner, C. R. "Benchmarking Interactive
Systems: Modeling the Application." Proceed-
ings of the 15th meeting of the Computer Per-
formance Evaluation Users Group (CPEUG),
pages 53-63.
10. Davies, D. J. M. "Benchmarking in Selection
of Timesharing Systems." Proceedings of the
14th meeting of the CPEUG, November 1981,
pages 276-36.
11. Cabrera, L. F. "Benchmarking Unix: A Com-
parative Study." In Experimental Computer
Performance Evaluation, eds. D. Ferrari and
M. Spadoni, North-Holland, Amsterdam.
12. Cabrera, L. F. and J. F. Paris. "Comparing
User Response Times on Paged and
Swapped Unix by the Terminal Probe
Method." Proceedings of the 14th meeting of
the CPEUG, November 1981, pages
157-168.
13. Gilbreath, J. and G. Gilbreath. "Eratosthenes
Revisited," BYTE, January 1983, pages
283-326.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Gene Dronak
of AIM Technology, David Billstrom of Oregon
Software, and Madeline for her inspiration and help.
Peter Marvit (4962 El Camino Real, Suite 111,
Los Altos, CA 94022) is a senior analyst at Yates
Ventures. His interests include backpacking, anima-
tion, singing, cooking, and eating.
Mohandas Nair (5200 NE Elam Young Pkwy.,
Hillsboro, OR 97123) is a technical marketing
engineer at Intel Corp. He has aB.S. and an M.S.
in computer and information science. Nair, who is
interested in art and fencing, is also a guitarist and
vocalist.
230 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 231
YOUR PROGRAM HERE
The Chaplin character licensed by Bubbles, Inc., S.A.
232 BYTE February 1984
The best software for
the IBM Personal Computer.
Could it be yours?
Attention, all programmers. Here's a
chance to reach the top.
If you've written software that's completed
and runs on the IBM Personal Computer, we
could be interested in publishing it.
(We also could be interested if it runs
on another computer. If we select your software,
we'll ask you to adapt it to our system.)
But be advised.
Our expectations are great.
Because the software we publish must be
good enough to complement IBM Personal
Computer hardware. In fact, the more you take
advantage of all our hardware capabilities (see
the box at right), the more interested in your
software we become.
Think about incorporating color graphics
into your program, for example.
Use sound. Consider the power of our
keyboard and remember to utilize the ten
programmable function keys.
In all cases, we're interested in "friendly"
software — with emphasis on quality and wide
appeal. Programs with the greatest chance
of being published must be easy to use, offer
a better way to accomplish a task and provide
something special to the user.
What kinds of programs? All kinds.
Education. Entertainment. Personal ^
finance. Data management. Self improvement.*^
Games. Communications. And yes, business.
We select programs that will make the
IBM Personal Computer an even more useful tool
for modern times.
r
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User Memory
Display Screens
Permanent Memory
64K-640K bytes
Color or monochrome
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1 Microprocessor
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Auxiliary Memory
High- resolution
80 characters x 25 lines
Upper and lower case
Color/Graphics '■
71'xt mode: \
16 colors
2 optional internal
Operating Systems
256 characters and |
diskette drives, 5'4"
DOS.UCSDp-Svstem,
symbols in ROM
160KB/180KB or
CP/M-86t
Grciphics mode:
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Languages
4-color resolution: '
per diskette
BASIC, Pascal, FORTRAN,
320h x 200v
Keyboard
MACRO Assembler,
Black & white resolution:
83 keys, 6 ft. cord
COBOL
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attaches to
Printer
Simultaneous graphics &
system unit
All-points-addressable
text capability
10 function keys
graphics capability
Communications
10-key numeric pad
Bidirectional
RS-232-C interface
Diagnostics
80 characters /second
SDLC, Asynchronous,
Power-on self testing
18 character styles
Bisynchronous protocols
Parity checking
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Up to 9600 bits per second |
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So, if you think your software is the best,
consider submitting it. If it's accepted, we'll take
care of the publishing, the marketing and the
distribution. All you have to do is reap the
benefits of our royalty terms. And you're free to
market your program elsewhere at any time
even if you license it to us.
We're offering the ladder. Think about
taking the first step.
For information on how to submit your
program, write: IBM Personal Computer,
External Submissions,
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The IBM Personal Computer
A tool for modern times
For more information on where to buy the IBM Personal Computer, call 800-447-4700. In Alaska or Hawaii, 800-447-0890.
tUCSD p-System is a trademark of the Regents of the University of California. CP/M-86 is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 233
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We're Driving the
Drive Market.
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The Word-Processing Maze
How to find your way through all those "new" features
If you're in the market for a word
processor, you might feel safer buy-
ing some land in Florida. Wild claims
seem more prevalent than usual as
more and more companies square off
on the already-scarred word-process-
ing battlefield. Only certain species
of rabbit are known to produce more
"generations" than the word-process-
ing industry.
If you trust the comparison charts,
you buy the program with the most
red dots next to it. But is it that
simple? What's really going on? What
is a "style sheet"? Do you need hori-
zontal scrolling? Do you need the fea-
tures of a "dedicated" word proces-
sor? What if you're "dedicated" to
your old word processor?
It's true, word-processing software
is getting better all the time. With
16-bit computers and more sophisti-
cated screens to run on, word-pro-
cessing programs are adding fea-
tures, dropping prices, and trying
every gimmick to get attention. This
article describes some new features
you'll be hearing about and will help
you create a mental checklist of what
you want in your next word proces-
sor. (Also see "Evaluating Word-Pro-
cessing Programs" on page 243.)
by Andrea Lewis
If you're in a store where you can
test one of the new dazzlers, start by
typing in some text. This is a little like
kicking tires, but it does tell you some
things. Watch for wordwrap at the
right margin of the line you're typing.
If a word won't fit on the line, it
should automatically move down to
the next one. (Reverse wordwrap-
good buzzword— occurs when you
delete something and words from
below move up.) Not only is this
quick and handy while you're typing,
but it indicates the much broader
design concept of automatic refor-
matting.
Most of your text entry is in insert
mode, but make sure you can switch
to overtype mode— replacing existing
characters as you type. It should be
available as a simple toggle and
comes in handy for some editing
operations.
Be Selective about Selecting
Next, most people try out one of
the Big Three: Delete, Copy, or Move.
To perform one of these operations,
you must first choose the exact text
you want to work on. Stop for a
minute, take your attention away
from the commands themselves, and
consider the process of selecting text.
This single process will, in time,
cause you immeasurable grief if it is
the tiniest bit awkward, slow, or dif-
ficult.
The system should provide many
options for selecting the text you
want. Imagine the agony of selecting
every word character by character or
every sentence one word at a time.
Look for fast, flexible text selection:
by character, word, sentence, and
paragraph— with options to extend to
multiples of each item. The use of a
mouse makes text selection much
easier.
Before you can select text, you must
position the cursor in the right vicin-
ity, involving some combination of
scrolling and cursor movements. A
mouse is handy because you can
scroll by variable amounts using the
scroll bars. If you are going to scroll
with the keyboard, the system
should implement Page-up and Page-
down keys to move you up or down
by one screen. To scroll longer dis-
tances, look for Home and End keys,
a jump to page n command, and the
ability to mark text and jump to
marker x.
Horizontal scrolling is a necessity
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 235
now that most word processors per-
mit very wide documents. Find out
which keys move the document left
and right and in what increments.
No Big Deal
You were about to carry out a com-
mand before text selection, cursor
movement, and scrolling sidetracked
you, so now turn your attention back
to the command interface. You
should be able to see the main com-
mand menu on the screen while you
are entering text. Find out how easy
it is to choose a command, by point-
ing at it (using keys or a mouse) or
by typing its first letter. Look for ease
in moving back and forth between in-
sert mode and the commands; it
shouldn't be a big deal. Try some
simple editing commands like Delete
and Copy to see how easy or difficult
it is to choose commands.
Reserve judgment on the com-
mand interface as a whole until you
look at the more intricate commands,
those with a submenu or more than
one field to fill in. The important
thing here is that, as much as pos-
sible, the commands be task-ori-
ented, so that all the information you
need is in one place. For example, the
Replace command should prompt
you for all the information it needs:
the search text, the replace text, the
direction of the search (forward or
backward), and if it is case-sensitive
and whole-word-sensitive. (Whole-
word-sensitive means don't find oc-
currences of the search word within
other words. Case-sensitive means
search only for text in which the up-
percase and lowercase letters match
the search string. Some new systems
do case-sensitive replacements auto-
matically, that is, if the replacement
word begins a sentence, its first let-
ter is automatically capitalized.) You
should also be able to specify con-
firming or nonconfirming, that is,
whether you want to individually ap-
prove each replacement or globally
replace all occurrences at once.
It is important to notice how
logically and efficiently the command
interface is organized. Check to see
if the command fields are filled in
automatically with defaults or likely
responses. It is desirable to have com-
mands with lots of options, but you
don't want them to obstruct what you
do 99 percent of the time.
The Formatting Jungle
The term "formatting" covers a lot
of ground in word processing. How
do you get from screens full of free-
form text to the printed page with
running headers, page numbers, cen-
tered titles, paragraphs, sections,
tables, footnotes, and bold or italic
characters? And how much of this
can you see on your screen during
editing? Functionally and visually,
formatting features on microcom-
puters are finally meeting— or sur-
passing—those on dedicated word
processors.
You'll keep hearing the phrase
"what you see is what you get." It
means that the word processor auto-
matically reformats all the text while
you are working, so you always see
a reasonable facsimile of the for-
matted document on the screen. If
there really is a next generation on
the way, automatic reformatting is its
single most distinguishing feature.
The screen looks just as it's supposed
to, without gaps after a deletion,
without unjustified margins when
they should be justified, and without
Reformat keys or commands. Instead
of control codes indicating bold or
underlined letters, the letters appear
bold or underlined. Centered text
stays centered, even if you change its
length. You get the idea.
In short, the formatting actions are
not only automatic, but, once as-
signed, they become implied in the
text. Special formatting commands
assign the formatting properties that
are not visible within the text itself.
It's a subtle concept, but one that
judges the effectiveness and elegance
of a system's formatting repertoire.
A few formatting techniques re-
quire special mention:
Formatting tabs: tabular material was
a problem in the past because word
processors simply expanded tabs in-
to spaces. If you changed the number
of characters between tabs, you threw
the alignment off. Today, real tab
stops exist, which are a lifesaver for
anyone working with columns. Look
for a specific tab-setting command
and the ability to see tabs on a ruler
on the screen. Also look for align-
ment selection— left, right, center, or
decimal— for the text at any tab stop.
And, if you're really serious about
tables, look for column operations,
such as deleting an entire column or
adding the figures in a column.
Formatting running headers: usually,
word processors keep text for run-
ning headers in one place and then
print it on each page. Look for the
following options for formatting run-
ning headers: positioning at the top
or bottom, different text for even and
odd page numbers, expanding page
numbers within the headers, and
changing or eliminating the header
on the first page. The package should
allow any number of lines in the run-
ning header.
Formatting footnotes: at last, some
microcomputer word-processing sys-
tems include specific commands for
footnote management. If your work
includes any documents requiring
footnotes, don't settle for a system
that doesn't handle them. Your word
processor should number the foot-
notes and automatically put foot-
notes and their references on the
same page during printing. There
should also be an option to print all
the footnotes at the end, if you prefer.
Since the footnotes are usually stored
at the end of the document during
editing, some systems provide a foot-
note window that you can open to
edit the footnotes without losing
sight of the main text.
Format definitions: the ability to create
format definitions rather than the for-
matting macros of yesteryear is in the
works. Format definitions (or style
sheets) are powerful tools, especial-
ly if you want a standard format for
a certain type of document. The for-
mat definition is an entity, separate
from the text, that the user creates to
describe certain format properties. It
includes such formatting information
as indents, justification, running
headers, font names, double-spacing,
and tabs. If you store the formats
separately and apply them to the
documents later, you can establish
standards for company documents or
for your own use.
236 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Introducing
ER99B9Ufi|ISQI9Qim^|KH
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complicated paths.
A CdS cell at the focus of the
optical scanner gives the
system the ability to recognize
up to 127 different brightnesses
in its environment.
A polished, chrome-plated
parabolic optical antenna
provides the gain necessary to
give the optical scanner its
viable sensitivity.
2 small stepper motors allow
movement of the optical
scanner in horizontal and
vertical modes Instructions
provide the capability of
resetting and moving each
axis and making a scan along
each axis
A 2" diameter speaker, whose
frequency and duration of
tone can be controlled from
the host computer, is provided
at the front. The speaker can
be used to make robot noises,
generate complicated sounds
and play tunes
SCORPION'S 2 eyes can be
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Getting What You Saw
Be sure the word processor you
buy works with your printer and
takes full advantage of it, that is, be
sure it has the correct printer descrip-
tion file. If your printer has propor-
tional fonts, make sure your system
supports them. The word processor
must know the width of every char-
acter in the proportional fonts you
use to calculate line breaks and justify
the text. Find out if the printer
description file has all the informa-
tion you need. To justify with propor-
tional fonts, most systems microspace
between words, making the space be-
tween words on a line equal. Your
output looks even better if the system
microspaces between the letters of
the words.
Other print options to look for in-
clude choice of continuous or sheet-
fed paper, background printing, and
prompts for font (print wheel)
changes during printing. Most new
systems also offer direct print (or hot
print), which lets you type directly
from the keyboard to the printer-
handy for addressing a quick
envelope.
Currently, no microcomputer word
processors display text in two or
more columns on the screen and re-
format them as you type. [Editor's
Note: There is now at least one: Jack II
for the IBM PC from Business Solutions. ]
A few let you enter text as usual (in
a single column) and then specify
more than one column for printing.
The system wraps and justifies the
columns before printing, and you get
multicolumn output. This is a good
feature, especially if you print a
newsletter or brochure with your
word processor.
I Take It All Back
For the "what have I done" and the
"oh no," an Undo command is a
must, and most word processors to-
day implement one. The Undo com-
mand takes back your last action, as
if you never did it. The Undo com-
mand responds in two possible ways
if you execute several in a row. It may
undo only the most recent action
(even if that action was an undo), or
it may work successively backward
through your actions, undoing each
one in turn. Both are useful. You can
experiment with formatting by undo-
ing your most recent action. Change
some formatting, look at it, undo it
to compare it to the original, and so
forth. How much text can the Undo
command handle? The worst errors
are usually the ones involving the
most text, so it defeats the purpose
of this command if there is much of
a limit.
Chunky
All good word processors have a
way to expand user-assigned abbre-
viations into their longer definitions.
A glossary (or boilerplate) is a real
time-saver for anyone doing business
or legal documents. First, you assign
abbreviations to chunks of text, such
as the paragraph that describes your
warranty or a phrase like "the party
of the first part." When it's time to in-
sert the text into the document, you
simply type the abbreviation and ex-
pand it. The important questions are
how many abbreviations can you
have, how long can the chunks be,
and how easy is it to do the expan-
sion? It's supposed to be a time-saver,
so a single keystroke should expand
the abbreviation.
Mouse Pointers
The initial reaction to using a
mouse with a word processor is
usually: "I don't want to keep mov-
ing my hands on and off the key-
board." Well, that's true, you don't.
Depending on how well the program
differentiates between text entry and
editing and formatting, the mouse
can really shine at selecting text and
commands. It allows easy scrolling
and text selection. To carry out a com-
mand on the selected text, point the
mouse at it and push a button. If the
system is designed for this device,
lots of operations can be performed
only with the mouse. Of course, any
system that works with a mouse
should also have a keyboard equiva-
lent for every function.
Window Shopping
A good system allows two, maybe
more, windows open at once. Look
for a Window command with the op-
tion of opening it vertically or hori-
zontally. You want the ability to see
different parts of a document, or dif-
ferent documents, through the win-
dows. It should be easy to cross win-
dow borders and to copy or move text
from one window to another— some-
times called cut and paste. Multiple
windows allow you to see what is
happening when you merge docu-
ments. Make sure you can merge at
any location in a document, not just
at the end.
Spelling and Hyphenation
To cut down on overhead, most
systems don't build in spelling or
hyphenation utilities but rather pro-
vide them as separate utilities.
Hyphenation can exist with varying
degrees of accuracy. Some programs
hyphenate according to a set of rules
about where it is safe to insert a
hyphen (before "ing" or between
double consonants, etc.). If an on-line
dictionary already exists for spelling,
the hyphenator should use it to look
up proper hyphenation. This is
slower but more accurate. Some
spelling checkers also provide minor
syntax checking, such as alerting you
when you type the same word twice
in a row.
Still Waiting
So far, generating an index or a
table of contents automatically is still
the exclusive property of dedicated
word processors or mainframe pro-
grams. Look for these features on
microcomputers 12 to 18 months
from now.
Summary
I hope this list of new word-pro-
cessing features helps you weave
your way through the ads, brochures,
and demonstrations. Plan ahead for
the features you want and need so
your word processor will be viable for
years to come. In addition, don't lose
sight of such design qualities as auto-
matic reformatting, easy text selec-
tion, and a logical command inter-
face. They make a real difference in
efficiency and ease of use in the long
run.B
Andrea Lewis (1034 N.E. 90th St., Seattle, VJA
98115) is a freelance writer.
238 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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EWORLD'S MOST
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Evaluating Word-Processing
Programs
A 100-point checklist simplifies the decision-making process
How to Keep Score
In the case of all yes/no questions,
yes is the answer that earns the
points.
When keystrokes are being
counted, control characters count as
a stroke and a half. So do shifted
characters. Shifted control charac-
ters—or any other combination of
three keys you have to hold down at
once— count as two keystrokes. If a
program can't do the function at all,
it gets a five-keystroke penalty.
Count cursor arrows with auto-
repeat for a minimum of 3 (it takes
a while to get started) and a max-
imum of 10 (to move from the top to
the bottom of the page or from one
end of a line to the other).
If a question asks, "Is there a one-
stroke command to . . . ," count con-
trol characters (but not shifted con-
trol characters or other three-key
commands) as one stroke.
TTiis article is reprinted by permission of McGraw-
Hill Book Company from Word Processing Buyer's
Guide by Arthur Naiman (New York: McGraw-
Hill, 1983).
by Arthur Naiman
Since some microcomputer key-
boards have special function keys like
those on dedicated word processors,
and since certain word-processing
programs have been designed to
work with them, such programs may
get different scores, depending on
the system they're used on. But for
dedicated word processors (which
always use the same hardware), and
for word-processing programs that
can't take advantage of special func-
tion keys, the score won't vary.
If a file name is required, assume
it consists of eight characters. Be sure
to include every keystroke— Return,
Enter, etc. Remember that you can
give partial points (for partial perfor-
mance) on any item.
Since the checklist is so long, I've
boldfaced certain key words through-
out, to help you find particular items
more quickly and easily.
Safety and error handling —
10 points
How hard is it to lose text? (4)
Are there hard-to-avoid fatal error(s)
that are likely to occur:
about 1% of the time? (-25)
about 2% of the time? (-50)
about 3% of the time? (-75)
How well are errors documented? (2)
How clear are the error messages? (1)
Is verification of saves automatic? (1)
Are backup copies automatic? (1)
Can you save to either disk, or switch
disks without exiting the program? (1)
Subtotal for safety and error handling:
Documentation— 18 points
Is the training manual:
well-organized? (3)
readable? (3)
complete? (1)
Is the reference manual:
complete? (3)
well-organized? (2)
understandable? (2)
Is there a good, complete index? (1)
Are the manuals typeset? (1)
If not, is the text proportionally
spaced? (V2)
Is the layout intelligent and the
design graceful? (1)
Are there special kinds of documen-
tation, other than manuals (like a
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 243
reference card, on-screen tutorial,
training tape, etc.), that you find
useful? (1)
Subtotal for documentation:
Ease of use and human engineer-
ing— 18 points
Is the workfile held in memory or
on-and-off disk?
(no score, but an important
consideration)
How many keystrokes does it take to
go through the following sequence of
23 commands?
1) open a new text file (don't count
the characters in the file name itself);
2-4) center, boldface, and underline
a title;
5) skip a line;
6) indent the next line of text 5
spaces;
7) indicate the end of that paragraph;
8) skip a line;
9) indent the next paragraph 5
spaces;
10) put a page break at the bottom of
that paragraph;
11-14) reset the top, bottom, left, and
right margins (just count the com-
mands, not the numerical values);
15) order the file to be double-spaced
(if single-spaced is the default), or
vice versa (again, not counting the
numerical values);
16) save the file;
17*) print it out;
18*) stop in the middle of printing
out;
19) return to the text;
20) delete a word (5 characters and
a space);
21) delete a line (60 characters or
more);
22) save this new version of the file,
keeping the old version for backup;
and
23) begin printing out again at the
top of the page.
[*Systems with virtual representa-
tion can skip these two steps (17-
18), since it's just as likely that a
mistake will get caught on the
screen as in a printout.]
Fewer than 55 strokes— 5 points
56-60 strokes— 4 Vi points
61-65 strokes— 4 points
66-70 strokes— 3V2 points
71-75 strokes— 3 points
76-80 strokes— 2V2 points
81-85 strokes— 2 points
86-90 strokes— IV2 points
91-95 strokes— 1 point
96-100 strokes— V2 point
more than 100 strokes— no points
How easy is it to remember com-
mands (thanks to mnemonics, cursor
diamond, and other logical key place-
ment, menus, logical command
structure, reference card, key tops,
dedicated keys, reconfigurable com-
mands, etc.)? (3)
Is the main editing menu suppress-
ible, or not normally on the screen
with the text? (V 2 )
Is there a way to know:
what page of the printout you're
on? (%)
your location with respect to the
entire file (what percentage of it is
behind you, for example)? (%)
Can you find out the total size of the
file you're editing without exiting the
program? (V2)
Can you do that and return to where
you were in the file in less than 3 key-
strokes (or two control characters)?
(V4 additional)
Can you copy the program as often
as you need to? (2)
Total program size:
Less than 25K? (1) 25-35K? (%)
Or— on dedicated word processors,
and other systems where the soft-
ware and hardware are integrated—
Workspace more than 30K? (1)
Workspace more than 20K? (V2)
Are the editor and formatter loaded
together? (1)
If not, can you keep the workfile in
RAM while switching from the
editor to the formatter? (V2)
How often does the program have to
go to the disk to access overlays?
(never, because whole program
resides in memory— 1; only goes to
overlays occasionally, for special
jobs— V2; overlays are essential part of
program— 0)
Can you:
rename the file you're working on
without abandoning the edit? (V4)
rename a file other than the one
you're working on without leaving
the program? (%)
delete a file other than the one
you're working on without leaving
the program? (%)
Can you get a directory of files on the
disk without exiting the word-
processing program? (—1 if not)
Does this directory also give you
the size of each file? (V2)
Can you ask for just part of the
directory? (%)
Is there a type-ahead buffer (key-
stroke storage)? (1)
Will this program run memory-
mapped? (V2)
Subtotal for ease of use:
Editing power — 25 points
What is the total number of com-
mands this program offers you (for
editing, formatting— everything)?
[Count every possible option.]
more than 170—4 points
150-170-3V2 points
130-149-3 points
110-129—2% points
90-109—2 points
70-89— IV2 points
50-69-1 point
30-49— V2 point
fewer than 30— no points
Is there wordwrap? (1)
Ease and power of basic cursor move-
ment, insertion and deletion com-
mands (6)
[The next 16 questions will give you
a reasonable score for this item for
programs that use conventional
techniques. For other programs,
you have to make this judgment
subjectively]
Is there a one-stroke (or one-control-
character) command to move the
cursor:
right one character? (—1 if not)
left one character? (—1 if not)
up one line? (—1 if not)
down one line? (—1 if not)
(two-stroke or two-control-charac-
ter commands count half for the
next 11 questions)
forward one word? (V2)
backward one word? (V2)
to the end of the line? (V2)
to the beginning of the line? (V2)
to the top of the screen? (V2)
to the bottom of the screen? (V2)
to the beginning of the file? (¥2)
to the end of the file? (V2)
Is there a one-stroke (or one-control-
character) command to:
244 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
m
>
r -
r -
CO
O
ID
co
Version(s)
(of
software)
Operating
system(s)
and/or
machine(s)
Price
Overall
score
Safety
and error
handling
Documentation
Ease
of use
Workfile in
memory or on
and off of disk
Editing
power
Formatting
power
Responsiveness
and
support
CPT 8100
G-2
ded. word proc.
$15,000
94%
9
16%
143/4
M
24
26V4
4
DICTAPHONE DUAL DISP.
D
ded. word proc.
13,500
85V4
7
16%
12
D
183/4
26 3 /4
4
PIE WRITER
(W/ PRO/FORMAT
2.1 (2.2)
Apple II, Flex,
IBM PC, TRS-80
Color Computer
200
84V4
91/2
15
13
M
201/2
221/4
4
A. B. DICK MAGNA SL
7
ded. word proc.
14,500
83
8
I6V2
93/4
D
193/4
25
4
WRITE
1.4
CP/M
400
821/t
10
151/2
163/4
M
19
171/2
31/2
MICOM 2001
5.1 R
ded. word proc.
12,000
821/t
73/4
153/4
103/4
M
201/2
231/2
4
WORD STAR
3.0
CP/M, Apple II,
IBM PC
500
80
71/2
11%
13
D
213/4
22
4
NEW SCRIPT
7.0
TRS-80
Models I & III
125
79V4
8V2
151/2
123/4
M
183/4
193/4
4
WANGWRITER 5503A
3.1
ded. word proc.
6,400
74
8
16
131/2
D
183/4
141/2
31/4
WANG SYSTEM 5, MODEL 3
3.2
ded. word proc.
11,500
70
6
143/4
103/4
D
18
17V4
31/4
MINCE & SCRIBBLE
2.6 + 1.3
CP/M, UNIX,
PDP-11
275
671/4
7
121/4
8
D
181/4
173/4
4
SCRIPSIT
2.0
TRS-80 Model II*
400
61 1/2
2
14V4
73/4
D
18 1/4
16V4
3
MAGIC WAND
1.11
CP/M
400
61 1/4
3V4
123/4
8
M
171/4
20
EASYWRITER
1.0
IBM PC"
175
35
—24
14V4
111/4
M
121/2
163/4
4
'Similar Scripsit program also available for Models I & III
"Very similar program called Easywriter Professional available for the Apple II
Table 1: Composite scores of some word processors.
delete a whole word? (V2)
delete a whole line? (V2)
switch between insert and write-
over mode? (1)
either mode missing (—5)
Is there continuous and unlimited:
forward scrolling? (V2)
backward scrolling? (V2)
Can the scrolling speed be altered?
(%)
Can you call up any page in the text
by number? (IV4)
Can you move the cursor where there
is no text? (V2)
Can you:
copy blocks of text? (%)
move blocks of text? (Vt)
delete blocks of text? (1)
make a new file out of a block of
text without having to stop editing
the file you're working on? (.%)
insert another file into the one
you're editing (V2)
Can you:
find a string anywhere in a file? (1)
replace a string anywhere in a file?
(1)
search backward as well as for-
ward? (Vi)
do many substitutions all at once,
without having to approve each
one? (1)
Can you see each change for ap-
proval if you want? (—2 if not)
In doing finds or substitutions, can
you tell this program to ignore
caps/lowercase? (¥2)
Look for whole words only? (V2)
Can you:
make substitutions that affect more
than one file at a time? (V2)
store stock phrases in memory and
insert them with a coded com-
mand while typing? (%)
Are there other special global capa-
bilities? (%)
Is there a command that moves the
cursor to where it was before the last
command was executed? (Vt)
Is there a split-screen feature? (1)
Can you edit one file while printing
out another? (1)
Are there other special editing fea-
tures that appeal to you? (IV2)
Subtotal for editing power:
Formatting power — 25* points
[*With virtual representation, pos-
sible total of 30]
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 245
Can you vary:
the top and bottom margins? (—1
if you can't)
the side margins? (—1 if you can't)
character spacing? (1)
line spacing? (1)
the tabs? (%)
each tab setting individually? (V2)
Are there decimal tabs? (V2)
Are there automatic indents? (V2)
outdents? (V4)
Automatic page numbering? (1)
Can you choose:
where on the page the page num-
bers go? (V2)
what text (if any) accompanies
them? (%)
Can you get headers and footers
printed automatically on each page?
(1)
Are there special features like hori-
zontal scrolling to help with format-
ting extra-wide text or tables? (V2)
Will the program allow you to bold-
face on printers that are capable of it?
(%)
Is there overstriking? (1)
Are there subscripts? (%) super-
scripts? (V4)
Can you underline continuously, i.e.,
under spaces and punctuation as
well as letters and numbers? (V2) (—1
if program can't underline at all)
Can you automatically center lines?
(%)
Is there automatic two-column print-
out? (V2)
Do you have a choice of single-page
or continuous printout? (1)
Can you link files during printout,
either by embedding a line at the end
of each file or by specifying the files
to be linked when you give the print
command?
Either (1) Both (IV2)
Can you have multiple copies of the
same file printed out with one com-
mand? (V2)
Can you embed a command that
makes the printout stop and wait for
your instructions? (V4)
Can you stop printout from the key-
board? (—2 if you can't)
Can you print from the middle of a
file? (1)
Can you justify the right margin? (1)
Is there true proportional spacing on
printers that allow for it? (2)
Is there on-screen formatting? (2)
(line breaks— ¥2; page breaks— ¥2;
centering— V2; other formatting in-
formation displayed— V2)
[An extra 5 points is given for virtual
representation (which is machine
dependent). To qualify, the screen
must display all of the following (par-
tial points as indicated):
full page (at least 54 lines) of text (1)
underlining (V2)
double underlining (V2)
boldface (1)
justified right margins (1)
proportional spacing (1)]
Is there automatic hyphenation? (1)
If not, are there conditional
hyphens? (V2)
Is there a conditional page break fea-
ture? (1)
Can you ask for a no-break space?
(V4) J
Is there an instant print feature? (¥2)
Are there other special formatting
features that appeal to you? (IV2)
Subtotal for formatting power:
Responsiveness and support —
4 points
(Based on reputation, users' com-
ments, what the vendor says, etc.)
Program Name: Version #:
Operating system(s) it runs under
and/or machine(s) it runs on:
Price: $
Publisher:
Vendor(s):
Overall score:
Scores in specific areas:
Safety and error handling (10):
Documentation (18):
Ease of use (18):
Editing power (25):
Formatting power (25*):
(*With virtual representation, a
total of 30 is possible)
Publisher support (4):
Special notes: ■
Arthur Naiman is the author of several books on
computers and is currently loorking on more. They
include Introduction to WordStar and Computer
Dictionary for Beginners.
EPROM PROGRAMMER & (IV ERASER FOR THE 80'$
SI 5 PROGRAMS OVER 300 DEVICE TYPES
MOS (8K - 256 K, SINGLE & 3 VOLTAGES) BIPOLAR PROMS, 40 PIN MICROS
Stand Alone \
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Integrated keypad
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Fast algorithm [
Power down sockets
Temp compensated
Ref. voltages
1 6 formats & 8 baud rates
Auto-user friendly-mode
BVT6K
COMPUTER SYSTEMS CORP
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S15F $995
OVER 26 FUNCTIONS
Edit n . t
CRC check # ?|'^ e
Block Move * 16 Diagnostic
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BUV-IIA $95.50
• Heavy duty
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BUV-IIB $66.50
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• Safety switch
• UV indicator
OTHER
COMPLETE SYSTEMS
S15R (remote) $695
S15P(4key) $795
S15B (bipolar) $895
S15G(gang) $1095
246 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 41 on inquiry card.
Taxan monito
when precisioi
%
coun
Dedicated i
jAXAN offers a col jilete limRtf
monitors including p een and amber,
onochrome, plus
medium and high resolution RGB monitors.
•& «*>i
TAXAIM
TSK Electronics Corporation
18005 Cortney Court
City of Industry. CA 91748
(213) 810-1291
Circle 364 on inquiry card.
POPCOM Is a trademark ol PRENTICE Corporation.
MHHMM
Automatic or manual dialing and answering for all voice and data calls.
Voice and data transmission during the same call — ends the 3 separate
calls ("I'm going to send," "I'm sending," "Did you get what I sent?")
Smart modem compatible — works with widely available communications
software.
Flexibility — compatible with 103, 113, and 212A dial-up modems; connects
to all standard single and multi-line equipment.
Fast, easy setup — 'tune' tells when the three cables are properly connected.
Adjustment-free operation — no manual switches to contend with. The
X100 automatically takes its instructions from your PC or terminal.
Automatic computer briefing — reports to your PC all call-progress tones ...
dial tone, busy signal, remote ringing, talk, even line disconnect — so your
computer can do more.
"In-Use" light on multi-line phones — protects against inadvertent interrup-
tion.
Smart Interface — automatically adapts itself to various RS232 cables.
Versatile Installation — fits conveniently on wall, desk or floor.
Circle 295 on inquiry card.
See your dealer or write for more information. Make the connection
between yourself and the challenging world of information.
Q Please send me literature on POPCOM products.
□ Please call me immediately.
NAME
TITLE
COMPANY
TEL:
ADDRESS
STATE
ZIP
PRENTICE CORPORATION, 266 Caspian Dr., P.O. Box 3544,
Sunnyvale, CA 94088-3544, (408) 734-9855
0102
With the p-System from
For: IBM PC & XT CORONA COLUMBIA EAGLE COMPAQ COLBY DOT HYPERION
Do you feel stifled by your operating computer to perform other tasks while
system? The p-System from NCI will printing.
release you. It is the complete program This opora tj ng system is stable, friendly
development environment for the IBM ilnd t , asy to ust , Command options are
Personal Computer and compatibles. This presented on a menu requiring only a
is the fast p-System with the special singk , keystroke. The 8087 Numeric
p-machine emulator developed by NCI. Coprocessor Support allows extremely fast
The p-System from NCI gives you floating point calculations and the
everything you need in one system at far asynchronous I/O lets you use serial
less than the cost to add similar utilities printer and communications routines,
to any other OS. It includes a powerful with the p _s ys t om you can choose either
screen editor, a multi-function file UC SD p asca l, Fortran 77 or Basic as your
manager and KAMdisk support for fast programming language. NCI also offers
access to files. Dynamic memory | lari j t ij s k support for the IBM XT,
allocation lets you create programs larger Corona, Columbia, Corvus, Tallgrass,
than (S4K and a print buffer frees vour Davong, Genie 5+5, QCS, Datamac,
SPEED. PORTABILITY. RELIABILITY.
IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT are trade marks of International Business Machines Corporation, Tf
of the Regents of the University of California. OMNINET is a trade mark of Corvus Systems Inc. 5 i 5 is a trade mark of Genie Computi
allocation lets you create programs large
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Microdisk and Santa Clara. Corvus
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as well as memory cards from AST
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When you buy the p-System from NCI you
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For full details call or write:
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(604) 430-3466
tion. Colorplus is a trade mark of Frederick Electronics
Reviewer's Notebook
Last month I mentioned a few of
the new printers we had received.
This month I'll mention one more,
plus another type of output device— a
plotter. And we'll even cover some
software for a change.
The HP 7475A
The arrival of the Hewlett-Packard
HP 7475A plotter ties in nicely with
all the attention that is being placed
on the graphics capabilities of per-
sonal computers, especially in televi-
sion commercials. In these commer-
cials, all you have to do is press two
keys and your complete financial pic-
ture appears in four or more colors.
Nice, even if the number of key-
strokes is vastly underestimated. But
if you want to take your financial por-
trait around to your associates, you're
going to need either a very good
camera or a plotter. And you can't
beat a plotter for resolution and
speed.
The HP 7475A is the enhanced ver-
sion of the popular HP 7470A plotter.
The earlier version had only two
pens and could handle only 8V2- by
11-inch paper. But it was fast, ac-
curate, and sold for the moderately
inexpensive price of $1795. The new
plotter sells for about the same price
as the older one, but it has several
superior features— six pens instead of
two, the ability to handle larger paper
(11 by 17 inches), a better character
font (the letter "O" is actually curved
rather than octagonal), and even
automatic pen capping, which keeps
pens from drying out.
Of course, these features would be
useless if there weren't any software
to take advantage of them. Fortunate-
ly, the people at Hewlett-Packard
have been very successul at getting
the major graphics software houses
to write driver programs for the HP
7475A. At last count we had received
more than 10 packages, including
by Rich Malloy
Lotus's 1-2-3, Supercalc3, and Graph-
talk.
In typical HP tradition, the HP
7475A has more control keys than you
could ever hope to become even
vaguely familiar with, but it is an im-
pressive little graphics machine
nonetheless. We'll have a more de-
tailed article on it in the future.
The MT-160 Printer
Getting back to printers, we should
mention another of the printers be-
ing offered by Mannesmann Tally.
The MT-160 is a real workhorse,
though it may be one of the smallest
office printers around. Priced at $795
($695 without a near-letter-quality
mode), the MT-160 is a fairly reason-
able value considering its capabilities.
It can print at 160 cps (characters per
second) in draft mode and 80 cps in
near-letter-quality mode. As for
pitch, it can print at 10, 12, and 16.5
cpi (characters per inch), and it is the
only printer I have seen lately that
can also print at 20 cpi. For graphics
it is compatible with the Epson. And
it has both a serial and parallel port.
To top things off, the MT-160 offers a
unique and simple way to set its vari-
ous parameters: you merely press a
"yes" or "no" button in response to
a series of questions it prints out.
And it remembers this configuration
even after you turn the machine off.
Friday! and Peachtext 5000
After all this talk about hardware,
I should mention two software pack-
ages we've received for the IBM PC-
one a database manager, the other a
collection of practically everything.
The database manager, called sim-
ply Friday!, was announced last April
by Ashton-Tate amidst tremendous
hoopla. This easy-to-use application
program written in dBase II was sup-
posed to revolutionize offices. Practi-
cally anyone could use it to do prac-
tically any office task.
Now that Friday! has been out for
a while, we must agree with some of
the hype. Friday! is a good product.
And while it is true that practically
anyone can use it, there is a definite
limit to what you can do with it. Two
things are particularly objectionable.
First, each field of data is limited to
32 characters. And although 98 per-
cent of your data will fit in 32 char-
acters, the 2 percent that doesn't will
sure keep you from saying T.G.I.F.
Second, although our IBM PC has
500K bytes of memory, Friday! acts as
if it still has only 64. In order to use
all of its 200K bytes of code, Friday!
must constantly load small program
modules from the disk drive and
overlay them onto a 64K-byte mem-
ory space. Practically every other
time we hit a key, Friday! goes out to
the disk and pulls in another overlay.
A nice product, but I'll wait for
Saturday!
Another event that happened last
April was that the folks at Peachtree
Software decided to knock Wordstar
off the Softsel software Hot List by of-
fering Peachtext 5000, available for the
IBM PC, the Compaq, the Texas In-
struments Professional Computer,
and the Zenith Z-100. It didn't knock
Wordstar out of the Top Ten, but it's
a real contender. It combines a good
word processor with a thesaurus, a
no-frills spelling checker, a no-frills
spreadsheet, and a no-frills database
manager, all for $395. Only the word
processor and the thesaurus are real
leaders in their field, and I have
minor complaints about all of these
programs. Also, these packages are
not exactly "integrated" with each
other. But you can't beat the price.
If you can afford to buy only five
software packages for your MS-DOS
machine, try just this one. If it doesn't
meet all your needs, it will give you
a good idea of what will.B
Circle 267 on inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 251
Software Review
ProDOS
by Rob
Although Apple Computer's DOS 3.3 operating sys-
tem has more software available for it than any other per-
sonal computer operating system, it does have some
minor problems. Originally designed as an operating
system for small floppy disks, DOS 3.3 doesn't easily
support 8-inch floppy disks or the increasingly popular
Winchester-technology hard-disk drives. Typically,
vendors of larger disk drives have resorted to supply-
ing DOS patches or special modified versions of DOS
3.3. Due to its heritage, DOS 3.3 also doesn't support very
large files, or interrupts, which are necessary for local
networking and other more advanced applications.
To remove these limitations, Apple is releasing Pro-
DOS, a totally new operating system for Apple II and
lie computers. According to Bill Schjelderup, product
marketing manager at Apple Computer Inc., ProDOS
is "designed to overcome the limitations inherent in DOS
/MYDISK/
PRODOS
BASIC. SYSTEM
STARTUP
LETTERS
GAMES
UTILITIES
SYS
SYS
BAS
DIR
DIR
DIR
/MYDISK/LETTERS/
LETTERS/
TOM. J TXT
MARY. S TXT
MOM TXT
/MYDISK/UTILITIES/
/MYDISr
(/GAMES/
UTILITIES/
GAMES/
~~
SUPERZAP
DEBUGGER
APA
HEXDEC
BIN
BIN
BIN
BAS
ARCADE DIR
ADVENTURES DIR
DISK/GAMES/ADVEN
rURES
/Ml
ADVENTURES/
ZURK BAS
CAVE BIN
QUEST BAS
/
VIYDISK/GAMES/ARC
*DE
ARCADE/
*
VIDEOBALL BIN
APPLE. WARS BIN
GERBIL.WARS BAS
Figure 1: A typical ProDOS directory structure. The pathname,
shown above each directory listing, describes the path followed to reach
a particular directory from the volume name on down. If the volume
specified is mounted anywhere in the system, ProDOS will find it
regardless of which drive it's in.
Moore
3.3 and provide a significantly improved base for applica-
tions software development." Although ProDOS doesn't
make DOS 3.3 obsolete, Apple expects that most new
applications will be written under ProDOS because of
the numerous advantages it offers.
New Features
ProDOS provides a variety of new features and greatly
enhanced performance over DOS 3.3. Some of the new
ProDOS features include
• support for Apple's Profile 5-megabyte Winchester
hard-disk drive on an Apple II or lie
• automatic time and date stamping through built-in
drivers for the Thunderclock clock/calendar card (avail-
able from Thunderware Inc., 44 Hermosa Ave., Oakland,
CA 94618, (415) 652-1737) or through user-installed drivers
for other clock/calendar cards
•Unix-like nested directory structures and file types that
are compatible with the Apple III SOS operating system
so that disks can be interchanged between the two
machines
• file sizes that can range from 1 byte to 16 megabytes,
and the ability to randomly access any type of file
• up to 256 different types of files, including a number
of reserved user-defined types
• support for up to four interrupting devices through
user-installed interrupt handlers
• a uniform machine-language interface that lets
assembly-language programs easily access and use all
the ProDOS features
• use of Apple's 64K-byte extended 80-column text card
as a high-speed pseudodisk for ultrafast file accesses
For the average user who programs primarily in
BASIC, ProDOS adds a number of new commands and
increases the flexibility of many existing DOS 3.3-type
commands. In fact, the DOS command structure is
extensible— ProDOS includes provisions for additional
user-added commands to provide special features or
allow customization for a particular application.
ProDOS is also much friendlier to outside peripheral
vendors than DOS 3.3. ProDOS will automatically
recognize and use other disk devices of all sizes, pro-
viding they are designed to follow the interface-protocol
guidelines described in the ProDOS Technical Reference
Manual.
For software developers, it will now be possible to
252 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
create one disk that will load on either the Apple II or
Apple III. The boot loader, common to both ProDOS and
SOS, recognizes the type of machine it boots on and at-
tempts to load SOS into an Apple III or ProDOS into
an Apple II or He. All you have to do is include both
operating systems and the necessary files on the same
disk.
Volumes, Directories, and Pathnames
A number of differences are found between ProDOS
and existing operating systems like Apple's DOS 3.3 or
Digital Research's CP/M. Where DOS 3.3 or CP/M specify
disks by their physical drive location (e.g., S6,D1 for DOS
3.3 or B: for CP/M), ProDOS uses volume names to
specify disks rather than the drive locations. Under DOS
3.3 or CP/M it's easy, for example, to delete the wrong
file or initialize the wrong disk by inadvertently insert-
ing the disk in the wrong drive. With ProDOS, errors
like these don't occur. If ProDOS can't find the specified
volume in a particular drive, it searches through all the
drives attached to the system until the volume is found
or the last drive is searched.
To help keep disk storage organized, ProDOS uses a
Unix-like system of nested directories known as a hierar-
chical directory structure. In addition to having a main
directory on each disk (or volume), ProDOS also allows
subdirectory files within the main directory. Each sub-
directory can hold files of any type, including further
subdirectories. This nested directory structure makes it
easy to keep large amounts of disk storage organized.
(Figure 1 shows an example of a typical ProDOS user's
disk directory structure.)
To specify which directory is accessed at any given
time, ProDOS uses pathnames. A pathname describes
the path to follow through the various levels of direc-
tories until you reach the directory where your program
resides. For example, if you wanted to run a program
called Videowars in a subdirectory called Games, which
was in the main directory of a volume called Mydisk,
you could type
RUN /Mydisk/Games/Videowars
To avoid having to retype the entire pathname every
time you access a particular directory, ProDOS lets you
set up a pathname prefix, which specifies a default direc-
tory. If you enter a pathname without a leading slash,
it is automatically appended to the path stored in the
pathname prefix, and the result is used as the actual
pathname. Using the previous example, we could set the
pathname prefix to /Mydisk/Games/ and then simply
type RUN Videowars.
ProDOS's nested directories and pathname facility add
some unique capabilities to your software. Programs can
now keep their own directories and file types, avoiding
some of the confusion encountered when all the pro-
grams on a disk are lumped into a single large directory.
On a large hard disk, you can easily partition the disk
into logical areas for various types of programs and data
At a Glance
Name
ProDOS
Type
Disk operating system software
Manufacturer
Apple Computer Inc.
20525 Mariani Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
|408) 996-1010
Hardware Required
Apple II or He computer with a minimum of 64K bytes of
memory for operation with Applesoft BASIC; supports l28K-byte
memory configuration with Apple's extended 80-column text
card
Description
Single-user, single-task operating system with significant per-
formance improvements over Apple's DOS 3.3; includes hierarch-
ical directory structures, numerous predefined and user-definable
file types, directory time and date stamping, support for up to
four interrupts, file sizes up to 16 megabytes, and block-oriented
disk I/O; ProDOS disks are compatible with Apple III SOS disks
to allow easy file sharing between the two machines
Special Features
A 64K-byte column adapter card in the Apple lie auxiliary slot
can be used as a pseudodisk to provide significantly faster file
accesses; ProDOS provides support for Apple's Profile 5-mega-
byte hard disk with the Apple He interface card
Software
Software utilities available for ProDOS include Filer, a program to
initialize and copy whole disks or individual files; Convert, used
to transfer files to or from DOS 3.3 disks; Exerciser, to access
ProDOS machine-language calls and functions; BASIC. SYSTEM,
a DOS command interpreter and user interface for Applesoft
BASIC; and Help, which adds a series of help screens to the
BASIC user interface; a BASIC Programming Examples disk can
be used along with the ProDOS tutorial material in the
documentation
Documentation
ProDOS User's Manual provides a tutorial on the Filer and
Convert programs; ProDOS Technical Reference Manual
describes internal organization, machine-language calls, organiza-
tion of BASICSYSTEM. and how to interface additional device
drivers and interrupt routines to the ProDOS system; BASIC
Programming with ProDOS provides tutorial material and
describes how to use ProDOS features and files from programs
written in Applesoft BASIC
ProDOS Packages
ProDOS User's Manual with /Utilities disk including Filer and
Convert
BASIC Programming with ProDOS with BASIC/Examples disk
ProDOS Technical Reference Manual with the Exerciser pro-
gram on disk
ProDOS Tool Kit package includes 6502 macro assembler, text
editor, and debugger with 6502 Assembler/ProDOS Tools
Manual
(The above packages were tentative at the time this article was
written.)
Price and Availability
The price was not available at the time of writing; it is due to
be released in early 1984 and shipped with new Disk II systems
after that
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 253
'SEEDLING file"
"SAPLING" FILE
TO 512 BYTES
MAIN -SYSTEM MEMORY
LANGUAGE- CARD AREA RAM
1
DATA
BLOCK
DIRECTORY
ENTRY
"KEY"
BLOCK
513 TO 128K BYTES
INDEX
BLOCK
DIRECTORY
ENTRY
"KEY"
BLOCK
UP TO 256
512 BYTE DATA BLOCKS
$FFFF
$D0O0
$C000
$BE00
$9800
$0800
$0400
$0000
APPLESOFT
IN
ROM
PERIPHERAL ROM's
SYSTEM I/O
SYSTEM GLOBALS
($BF00-$BFFF )
BASIC GLOBALS
l$BE00-$BEFF]
BASIC. SYSTEM PROG
+ 1K FILE BUFFER
BASIC "HIMEM"
$9000(36K)OF
BASIC
WORKSPACE
BASIC "LOMEM"
TEXT SCREEN 1
ZERO PAGE.
STACK PAGE.
INPUT BUFFER
$FFFF
$F00O
$E000
$D000
DISK DEVICE DRIVERS
PftODOS MLl
RESERVED FOR
FUTURE USE
ALTERNATE *K
RAM BANK
PRODOS MLl
(1)
USER AREA
HOLDS PROGRAM.
VARIABLES, HI-RES
GRAPHICS SCREEN AREA
"TREE" FILE 12BK + TO 1GM BYTES
UP TO 128
INDEX BLOCKS
UP TO 327S8
512 BYTE
DATA BLOCKS
Figure 2: ProDOS file-storage methods. ProDOS uses a growing
"tree" structure to provide efficient storage of files that can range from
1 byte to 16 megabytes. Files smaller than 513 bytes are stored in a
single data block and are referred to as "seedling" files. "Sapling"
files have an index block that holds block numbers of up to 256 data
blocks, thus providing storage for up to 64K bytes. The largest files,
stored as "tree" files, use a master index block to designate up to 128
index blocks, each of which can point to 256 data blocks.
As files grow or shrink during system operation, the file-storage
method is automatically changed as the file size crosses the boundaries
between "seedling," "sapling," and "tree" sizes.
files without having to resort to such tricks as making
the hard disk look like a number of separate, fixed-size
floppy disks.
Blocks and Files
Rather than dealing with physical disk tracks and
sectors like DOS 3.3 does, ProDOS reads and writes
512-byte blocks. The conversion from disk sectors to
blocks is handled by each disk's driver routines. For ex-
ample, if ProDOS were reading a block from a disk that
stored data in 128-byte sectors, the disk driver would
read four sectors and supply the data to ProDOS as a
single 512-byte block. Since ProDOS simply supplies a
block number to the disk driver, it is completely indepen-
dent of the physical disk-sector sizes or the number of
sectors per disk track.
Figure 3: A memory map of a 64K-byte Apple II or lie with Pro-
DOS and SYSTEM.BASIC installed. ProDOS is stored primarily in
the language-card area of memory, and BASIC. SYSTEM resides in
the area formerly occupied by DOS 3.3. Coincidentally, a ProDOS
system provides about the same amount of free BASIC user space as
a DOS 3.3 system.
To efficiently accommodate files that can range from
1 byte to 16 megabytes, ProDOS stores files in three dif-
ferent ways (shown in figure 2). Depending on a file's
size, it will be stored as either a "seedling" file, a "sap-
ling" file, or a "tree" file. Files with sizes between 1 byte
and 512 bytes are stored as seedling files— the data is
stored in a single disk block. A sapling file can range
in size from 513 bytes to 64K bytes. ProDOS creates an
index block that holds the block numbers of up to 256
data blocks, each of which can store 512 bytes of data.
Files larger than 64K bytes are stored as tree files that
can consist of up to 32,768 data blocks or 16 megabytes
of data. To store a tree file, ProDOS uses a master index
block that holds the block numbers of up to 128 index
blocks, each of which can specify 256 data blocks. As
files grow or shrink during disk operations, ProDOS
changes the storage method automatically— the entire
process is completely transparent to the user.
Inside ProDOS
From the BASIC user's point of view, many ProDOS
commands are virtually identical to existing DOS 3.3
commands. However, ProDOS is a completely new
design internally. It is normally located in the language-
card area of memory and prevents the use of Apple's In-
teger BASIC that is loaded there, under DOS 3.3. (Figure
3 shows a memory map of a 64K-byte Apple II or He with
ProDOS installed.) When used with assembly-language
programs, ProDOS uses only the memory above hexa-
decimal BFOO, leaving 45.75K bytes of free memory space
in a 64K-byte machine.
Also unlike DOS 3.3, ProDOS doesn't include any user
interface. All commands are passed to ProDOS through
a set of 24 machine-language calls to the ProDOS MLl
(machine-language interface), which are similar to the
254 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
FEATURES
INCLUDE:
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With 128K RAM Memory
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Monochrome Monitor and
Adapter, Parallel and
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Answer Back COMPDSHACK IRIN
IBM® COMPATIBILITY
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THE SMART COMPUTER USER
WANTS REAL VALUE WITH
IBM COMPATIBILITY! CirC | e 348 on inquiry card
THE TAVA PC. The ultimate Personal Computer. It gives you
IBM PC® Compatibility at a fraction of the cost. Choosing a
personal computer is a difficult decision. But, when your deci-
sion is a TAVA PC, it's not hard at all! The TAVA PC runs under
DOS 1.1, 2.0, CP/M86®, and p-System®. You can choose from a
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such as dBasell®, Lotus 1-2-3®, Visicalc® and thousands more.
©JAVA CORPORATION
trademark of ASHTONTATE
1983 tCalifomia residents add 6% sales tax. dBASE II is a registered
LOTUS 1-2-3 Is a registered trademark of Lotus Development
CP/MS6 is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc.
UCSDp is a registered trademark of Softcch Microsystems
IBM PC is a registered trademark of IBM Corp.
Visicalc is a registered trademark of Vlsicorp
ii'ii'i* L Uli UI
Figure 4: A detailed block diagram of an Apple II or He with Pro-
DOS and BASIC. SYSTEM installed. Arrows indicate the flow of
control through the system. ProDOS includes device-driver routines
for Apple's Disk II floppy-disk and Profile hard-disk drives. Also in-
cluded are drivers to handle the /RAM pseudodisk and a Thunderclock
clock/calendar card. Any other disk or clock/calendar devices require
additional routines installed. Other interface cards with on-board
ROM drivers will be recognized and operate properly, providing that
they follow Apple's various interface guidelines.
set of calls used by the Apple Ill's SOS operating system.
No provision for user-entered commands exists within
ProDOS itself. Instead, ProDOS is designed to work
with various .SYSTEM programs, which translate user-
entered commands into the appropriate ProDOS calls.
(Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a typical BASIC user's
ProDOS system.)
To maintain a consistent DOS interface while allow-
ing Apple to alter the internal code in the future, Pro-
DOS uses a 256-byte page of memory as a ProDOS
globals page. The globals page is used to hold the ad-
dresses of all disk-driver routines, interrupt handlers, the
clock-calendar routine (if installed), and the call address
of ProDOS itself. It also holds a memory bit map that
is used to indicate which pages of memory are currently
used so ProDOS won't overwrite them during a load.
The globals page is the only part of ProDOS that Apple
guarantees will be consistent when future versions are
released. No matter where ProDOS itself is loaded
(depending on memory size), the globals page will
always be in the same place and contain the same data.
To allow programs to deal with future versions of Pro-
DOS, the globals page also includes data to indicate the
version of ProDOS currently installed in the machine
and data to indicate the type of machine it's installed on.
Currently, the system recognizes the Apple II series of
computers or Apple Ills running in Apple II emulation
mode. However, room is available for future expansion.
Curiously, ProDOS won't work on most of the Apple
II work-alikes. On a Franklin, for example, it hangs up
during the boot process and coincidentally leaves Ap-
ple's copyright message on the screen. This is unfor-
tunate for the owners of these machines, but you can't
really expect the people at Apple to spend much time
getting new software to work on unauthorized copies
of its hardware.
BASIC.SYSTEM
Most users will talk to ProDOS through the .SYSTEM
program called BASIC.SYSTEM, which provides an ex-
tended set of DOS 3.3-like commands to Applesoft
BASIC. When BASIC.SYSTEM is loaded, it resides just
beneath ProDOS in memory. Coincidentally, it leaves
about the same amount of free memory as DOS 3.3.
Most BASIC.SYSTEM commands are compatible with
the equivalent DOS 3.3 commands to allow existing
BASIC programs to run with minimum alterations. A
few seldom-used commands have been removed, how-
ever, and a number of new commands have been added
and existing commands extended. You can now, for ex-
ample, use OPEN, READ, WRITE, and CLOSE to access
any type of file (including directories), and you can use
BLOAD or BSAVE on any part of any type of file.
One of the most interesting new commands is simply
a dash, a "run anything if possible" command. By typing
" - filename", you can run a BASIC program, run a
binary program, execute a text file of commands, or load
and run a new .SYSTEM program.
To help you deal with ProDOS's nested directories,
BASIC.SYSTEM provides a PREFIX command. You can
use it to either set the pathname prefix to specify a
default directory or to read back the current pathname
prefix onto the screen or into a program variable.
BASIC.SYSTEM also provides I/O (input/output) com-
mands that are much more flexible than those found in
DOS 3.3. Instead of just using PR# or IN# to specify an
I/O slot for input or output, BASIC.SYSTEM provides
extensions to these commands that allow you to specify
a particular address in memory to call for input or out-
put or even to assign new addresses to given I/O slots.
For instance, if your printer-interface card is in slot 1 and
you have a special printer-driver routine loaded into
hexadecimal address 300, you could type PR#1,A$300.
From then on, any output normally sent to slot 1 would
be sent to your routine at hexadecimal 300 instead. An-
other way to accomplish the same result would be to
type PR# A$300 when you want to turn the printer on
and PR#0 when you want to turn it off.
Adding Commands to BASIC.SYSTEM
In addition to providing a variety of flexible DOS
commands, the BASIC.SYSTEM command structure is
also extensible— you can add your own commands for
special applications. By changing a pointer location in
256 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Listing 1: A listing of the two benchmark programs used to perform
the disk access-time tests for the 500-record file. The programs used
for the Apple III and the IBM PC were similar. A 500-record file is
created by the program in listing la and is read by the program in
listing lb (see "The Apple III and Its New Profile," September 1982
BYTE, page 92).
REM CNTRL-D
(la)
20 DS r CHRS (4)
6 NR . 500
100 PRINT DS;"OPEN TEST"
110 PRINT DS;"READ TEST"
140 FOR I = 1 TO NR
160 INPUT BS
180 NEXT I
200 PRINT DS; "CLOSE TEST'
220 PRINT "DONE"
(lb)
2 DS
40 AS
60 BS
3 NR
100
110
140
160
180
200
220
CHRS (4): REN CNTRL-D
"123456781234567812345G78112345678'
AS + AS + AS + AS
500
OPEN TEST"
WRITE TEST"
TO NR
DS
DS
PRINT
PRINT
FOR I =--
PRINT BS
NEXT I
PRINT DS
"CLOSE TEST'
PRINT "DONE 1
Apple lie Apple lie Apple III IBM PC
ProDOS DOS 3.3 SOS PC-DOS
Write 500 records
Read 500 records
Write 32K-byte file
Read 32K-byte file
36
35
19
5.5
175
221
44
31
37
33
32
23
Table 1: A comparison of the relative floppy-disk access times of
ProDOS and DOS 3.3 with times indicated in seconds. Times for
the IBM PC and the Apple III are included for reference purposes.
The 500-record file consisted of sequential 128-character records
terminated with carriage returns, giving a total file size of just
less than 64K bytes. (Benchmark programs used are shown in
listing 1.) ProDOS appears to operate effectively six or seven times
faster than DOS 3.3.
the BASIC. SYSTEM globals page, you can specify the
address of an external command routine, which will be
called if BASIC. SYSTEM gets an unrecognized
command.
Apple's Help and APA (Applesoft Programmer's Assis-
tant) programs are two interesting examples of added
BASIC. SYSTEM commands. Running the Help program
on the /Examples disk adds a special HELP command
to the system. You can then type HELP followed by any
DOS command, and a screen of information describing
that particular command will be quickly loaded from the
Helpscreens file on the disk and displayed.
When you run APA, it adds a series of program editing
and debugging commands. Some of the commands
added by APA let you renumber your program lines,
merge two BASIC programs, use automatic line number-
ing, hold a program in a special memory area, compress
a program to remove all REM statements, and obtain an
XREF (cross-reference) listing of variables versus line
numbers.
Performance
According to Apple, DOS 3.3 transfers data to or from
an Apple Disk II at about IK bytes/sec while ProDOS
transfers data at 8K bytes/sec. These figures are the raw
transfer rates and do not include overhead time to ac-
cess directories, open file buffers, or pass the data to Ap-
plesoft BASIC.
To evaluate the actual effective speed improvement, I
used the same disk-access speed benchmarks used to
evaluate the Apple III (see "The Apple III and Its New
Profile," September 1982 BYTE, page 92). The evaluation
included additional tests to write and read a 32K-byte
file of binary data, simulating a large program store or
load. (The benchmark programs used are shown in
listing 1, and the test results are summarized in table 1.)
The performance increase with ProDOS was im-
pressive. ProDOS ran five to six times as fast as DOS
3.3 when accessing text-file records or reading the 32K-
byte binary file and about twice as fast when first storing
the binary file. In fact, the times for ProDOS were almost
the same as the times recorded for the Apple III run-
ning SOS, the progenitor of ProDOS.
It wasn't possible to use the same benchmark
programs to measure the access times to the /RAM
pseudodisk because /RAM provides 62K bytes of space
while the benchmark program writes a 63.75K-byte file.
However, the times to save and load the 32K-byte binary
file were roughly 1.2 and 0.4 seconds respectively.
BYTE did not receive an Apple He Profile hard-disk
drive for evaluation. However, based on the test results
with the Apple III Profile, you should expect an addi-
tional improvement in overall disk speed of a factor of
three to four.
Utility Software
Along with ProDOS itself and BASIC.SYSTEM, Apple
provides three utility programs: Filer, to manipulate disk
files and volumes; Convert, to transfer files between Pro-
DOS and DOS 3.3 format disks; and Exerciser, to access
the ProDOS MLI commands.
Filer is used primarily to copy files or whole disks or
to initialize new ProDOS disks, but it also provides
options that let you delete or rename files, rename
volumes, alter file write-protection, and list ProDOS
directories. To help the novice user, Filer provides a series
of built-in tutor screens that explain the various Filer
commands and options. Filer is also useful when you're
moving files from one directory to another on the same
disk. You could, for example, create a new subdirectory
called Games and then use Filer to copy all your game
programs from the main directory to Games. If the name
258 tebruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
THE IDEA PROCESSOR ™
A NEW CONCEPT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TEXT AND GRAPHICS
Much more than just the finest text editor — much more than just the most powerful cardfile system — much
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TEXT SOURCE MATERIAL
[from ANY standard ASCII file]
Notes
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| Titles
Contract BoilerPlate
[ Line Charts
Subroutine Library
Diagrams
■
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S
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n
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• Keyboard MACRO commands replace 100
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• On screen underline and Boldface
• Edits files up to 160K
• Saves and indexes spreadsheets and graphics
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• Incorporates spreadsheets and graphs in
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• Uses full power of IBM keyboard and printer
• Complete novices use it comfortably in an
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• Manages up to 64,000 cards in a data base
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of each game program ended with the same suffix, the
Filer wild-card character ( =) could be used to accomplish
the copy with a single Filer command.
Convert can be used to copy files in either direction
between ProDOS and DOS 3.3. Since ProDOS uses dif-
ferent filenaming conventions than DOS 3.3 (filenames
can be 15 characters long and cannot contain spaces),
Convert modifies DOS 3.3 filenames by truncating them
to 15 characters and changing any spaces to periods.
Both Filer and Convert appear to be well written and
user-friendly. The prompting is clear and unambigu-
ous—it will be difficult to make an error using either
program.
Exerciser is primarily a tool for system program
developers. It can be used to manually execute each of
the ProDOS MLI calls and to modify areas of memory.
Exerciser should be used with caution. It will be very
easy for an unwary user to damage the data on a disk
because Exerciser lets you read or write data onto any
disk block. However, it should be invaluable for debug-
ging systems or for patching a damaged disk.
Documentation
Although the manuals I received for review were early
draft copies, the ProDOS documentation looks excellent.
All three manuals are well written, containing numerous
examples and special cautionary messages when de-
scribing areas where problems might occur.
The ProDOS User's Manual explains how to use the
Filer and Convert utilities. Written at a level suitable for
rank beginners, it takes you step by step through each
Filer and Convert function, explaining any new term en-
countered along the way. I found the ProDOS User's
Manual to be the least needed of the manuals supplied
because both Filer and Convert are menu-driven and vir-
tually bulletproof. You simply progress from menu to
menu, selecting the options you want— it's almost im-
possible to make any serious mistakes.
BASIC Programming with ProDOS will probably be the
most read of the ProDOS manuals. Even though much
of the material included will already be familiar to DOS
3.3 users, it explains all the new ProDOS commands and
options and includes descriptions of ProDOS directories,
pathnames, and file types. For the beginner, BASIC Pro-
gramming with ProDOS includes all the information
necessary to learn to use ProDOS effectively. A large per-
centage of the manual is spent explaining text files. It
includes chapters that describe how text files are created
and accessed, how to use random-access files, and how
to create files of commands as Exec files. The appendixes
include descriptions of the differences between DOS 3.3
and ProDOS when using Applesoft BASIC, a summary
of ProDOS commands and features, descriptions of all
error messages, and a complete glossary of all terms
used.
The ProDOS Technical Reference Manual provides a com-
plete description of ProDOS's inner workings. It will be
invaluable to anyone who wants to write a system pro-
gram, install his or her own device drivers, or deal with
260 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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ProDOS from assembly language. It includes chapters
that describe files and pathnames, calls to the ProDOS
MLI, writing system programs, and adding routines to
ProDOS. Appendixes provide descriptions of the file-
storage methods and directory formats, disk organiza-
tion, the relationship between ProDOS and SOS, and
how to use the Exerciser program.
ProDOS Packages
At the time this was written, Apple had tentative plans
to market four different ProDOS packages. For assembly-
language programmers, there will be a ProDOS Tool Kit
with a new version of Apple's EDASM editor/assembler,
a debugger program, and the 6502 Assembler/ProDOS
Tools Manual. The new version of EDASM includes
macros and supports the various ProDOS file types and
pathnames. Apple will also market a package that con-
sists of the ProDOS Technical Reference Manual and the
Exerciser program— useful if you want to write additional
device drivers or .SYSTEM programs that interface
directly to the ProDOS MLI. A BASIC users package will
include BASIC Programming with ProDOS along with the
BASIC /Examples disk. A utilities package will combine
the ProDOS User's Manual with a /Utilities disk holding
Filer and Convert.
Pricing hadn't been set when this article was written.
Most previous Apple software packages of this type have
cost less than $100.
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Conclusions
ProDOS provides a significantly improved operating
system for Apple II and He computers. With disk ac-
cesses about six times faster than DOS 3.3, files up to
16 megabytes long, and support for Apple's Profile
5-megabyte hard-disk drive, ProDOS provides an en-
vironment that will make it easier for applications
developers to write the increasingly sophisticated soft-
ware required by the business community. Using disk
and file formats that are compatible with the Apple Ill's
SOS operating system, ProDOS allows development of
software that will boot up and run properly on either
machine— loading ProDOS on Apple lis or lies and
loading SOS on Apple Ills.
For the more casual user, ProDOS may initially seem
more complex to learn than DOS 3.3 due to its nested
directory structure and increased command options.
However, it will be easier to keep your programs orga-
nized under ProDOS, and the volume names and path-
names will prevent errors that could occur under DOS
3.3 if the wrong slot # or drive were specified. You should
note that ProDOS does not make DOS 3.3 obsolete.
There is no need to convert existing software to ProDOS
unless you need the increased performance or new
features.
For hardware developers, ProDOS provides a uniform
protocol that lets you interface virtually any type of disk-
like storage device without resorting to the now common
DOS patches. If Apple's interface guidelines are fol-
lowed, foreign disks will be recognized and used prop-
erly without requiring any alterations to the operating
system. (This will also make life a little easier for users.)
On the minus side, neither Apple's UCSD Pascal nor
Apple CP/M is compatible with ProDOS, and this may
prolong some existing problems. Current suppliers of
hard disks for the Apple II generally provide software
that lets you partition your disk into areas for DOS 3.3,
Pascal, and CP/M, because the three operating systems
are not compatible. On the Apple III, Pascal resides on
the SOS operating system and shares the nested direc-
tory/pathname facilities to manage disk storage. I hope
to see a new Pascal for the Apple II with the same fea-
tures. In the interim, Apple will supply software that
will let you partition your Apple He Profile hard disk into
separate areas for ProDOS and Apple's Pascal 1.1 oper-
ating system.
To summarize, Apple's new ProDOS represents a
significant improvement over the existing DOS 3.3 oper-
ating system and includes features that are unavailable
with most other personal computer operating systems.
Although it may not be worth the effort to convert your
existing DOS 3.3-based software to ProDOS, its capabil-
ities give it some strong advantages for development of
new programs. ■
Rob Moore (Warner Hill Rd. , RFD #5, Derry, NH 03038) is a design engi-
neering manager with an interest in FORTH, graphics, and computer music.
262 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
The Professional's Editor for Program Development, Word Processing, Source Code Translations
EXPECT A LOTjMTCMT
Newest Features:
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Widely acclaimed as an editor, VEDIT has evolved to
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For the first time you'll be able to perform complex text
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Reviewers' Comments
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True Full Screen Editing
Edit Files One Disk in Length
Automatic Disk Buffering
Compact (Only 16K) and Fast
Display of Line and Column
Set/Goto Text Markers
'Undo' Key to Restore Line
Automatic Indent/Undent
Adjustable Tab Positions
Repeat Function Key
Text Move and Copy
10 Scratchpad Buffers
Load/Save Buffers on Disk
Powerful Command Macros
Directory Display
Edit Additional (small)
Files Simultaneously
Insert Another Disk, File
Unlimited File Handling
Recovery from 'Full Disk'
Change Disks While Editing
Word Wrap. Format Paragraph
Simple Printing
150 Page Indexed Manual
Startup Command File
Menu Driven Installation
Program CRT Function Keys
Support Newest CRT terminals
Flexible Memory Map Support
Customizable Keyboard Layout
VEDIT is available for virtually every 8080, Z80 or
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VEDIT
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8080,Z80orIBMPC.$150
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• ftUBTOMI/ABLE
CFv'M Is i revalued trademark of HiRiial Research Inc. MSDOS fa t trademark of Mtaaofi IBM b a trademark of
International Business Machines. Quote, from I rifoVTiirlJ review Cuyi'ri.ijii 1983 byPopubu Computing, lit asuhsidiaiyof
Cw Communications. Inc., FraminnJam, MA- RepdfflfidfnrolnfoWwH Quotes from Byte rttfcw Copyright 1983 by Byte
PubBoWms, inc. Quotes [mm SeMrai rertw Copyright 1983 by Sextant Ptibllshipg Co. Quote Imm re Magazine review
Copyright 1983 by PC Marine.
CompuView
Circle 84 on inquiry card.
PRODUCTS, INC.
1955 Pauline Blvd., Suite 200 Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103 (313) 996-1299 Telex - 701821
Orders: P.O. Box 1349, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106
BYTE February 1984 263
We've always said
SuperCalc is the world's most
useable spreadsheet.
At first, all spreadsheets seem
to give you about the same things.
Until you put them to work. Then
you'll find out if they do everything
you expected. Or make you do
everything the hard way.
You know what makes the differ-
ence? It's not just having the new-
est, whizziest features, but what
those features actually do for you
in the real world. And that's the
whole idea behind SuperCalc and
SuperCalc2. Because they've
been designed to work with you in
a natural, intuitive way.
What we're really talking about
here is useability. When you get
right down to it, it's not any one big
thing, but a combination of little
things. Like the number of key-
strokes it takes to get a job done.
Or the effort it takes to switch from
one function to another. Maybe a
few keystrokes here and there
doesn't seem like much of a differ-
ence. Or having to change disks
to plot a graph. But when you multi-
ply those little things by the thou-
sands of times you do them, they
make all the difference in the world.
Even the size of the spreadsheet
is important. Some programs
promise you a huge area to work
with. Unfortunately, they can use
so much of the computer's avail-
able memory just keeping track
of all the blank cells that you're left
with only a handful. But we've
designed SuperCalc to give you
the largest useable spreadsheet.
If you look at the printout below,
you'll see a lot more examples of
what we mean. And we think you'll
realize why this is the most use-
able spreadsheet in the world.
Text can
'spill over" into
next column
Calendar/Date
calculations
Dictionary sort
order (not ASCII)
Two key
sort
User-set decimal
places
Data management
capability
Floating
$ signs
Negatives shown
in( )
Individually
variable column
widths
rot»i if B
*4 S &Y I
amce- TOTAC
1*91 , l£>2 J4ol
'.SAO 10CT
t-',oO* SZ7
tO,-4t4 iys
7,000 isso a
t,4Vo isa a:
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j 74 99
*9,440 I I
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ss ?4 w,5i 3 sat,
S3 S2 JO. OSS 376 I
iO SS »„'.•. 1 r.i i 443
I ma 24.SIO 443
I 03 2-0,640 43t> (
74
W /, IJB tee,
73 Sti4.S17 IZ09
94. 7,2*1?
7Z. *B4 . S44
1.318 77 #260.4i'J
309
402S
amce summary statistics!
Bt*ff CompJ j/rurnt it Avqrmgm Rmtmmt
flmnmgmr- J *84. 667
Smniar- J fSi.OOO
St* -ft 2 *42. POO
JO
Nowyoucan
draw your own conclusions.
SuperCalc?
Now we're introducing our new-
est version, SuperCalc3, which
comes complete with the kind of
graphics you'd expectto find in a
program that does everything else
so well.We give you full color And
presentation quality. Plus eight
different type styles to choose
from. And new financial features
like internal rate of return. We've
even integrated all these functions
onto one single disk. Which means
you don't have to change disks
all the time. Or settle for a weak
spreadsheet and low-resolution
graphics just for the sake of getting
both in the same package.
As you might expect, we've
made SuperCalc3 100% com-
patible with SuperCalc and
SuperCalc2. So you can move
up to it whenever you're ready.
You can even convert your VisiCalc
files.The SuperCalc family is
available for CP/M , CP/M-86, Con-
current CP/M-86, MP/M, MS-DOS
and PC-DOS operating systems.
Right now, SuperCalc3 is available
for the IBM PC, PCXTand IBM PC
compatibles. It's only $395. And
soon it'll be available for a lot more
personal computers.
SuperCalc3. When you're really
serious about spreadsheets, this
is the one you'll wind up using. But
don't take our word for it. Go try
SuperCalc3 at your computer store
today. And draw your own
conclusions.
CP/M*CP/M-86? Concurrent CP/M-86, and MP/M*are trademarks ot
Digital Research. MS ■ -nos is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM* is atrademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
VisiCalc* is a trademark of Visicorp. '© 1983 Sorcim Corporation
Supercede^
" & SORCIM*
2310 Lundy Avenue San Jose, CA 95131
(408)942-1727
Integrated
presentation-
quality graphics
Prints all
available plotter
colors
Prints up to four
charts on the
same page
Eight font
types
Components of
graph resize to
match size of text
Full color
graphics Exp|oding
pie charts
Accounting For The
Serious Business User
The IBM PC and XT, the Apple
LISA and Apple III, the DEC
Rainbow, the Victor 9000, the
Wang Personal, the Tl Pro-
fessional, the Zenith Z-1 00 . . .
What do these top-selling
business computers have in
common ? All of these popular
products plus over 30 other micro-
computers run the Software Fitness
Program 1 " accounting applications
plus the Team Manager™ report
writer.
You can choose Open Systems'
accounting applications in COBOL or
BASIC on single- or multi-user com-
puters running on every popular oper-
ating system including CP/M, CP/M-
86, MP/M, MP/M-86, MS-DOS, PC-
DOS, OASIS, RM/COS or XENIX. Over
200,000 of our applications have
already been installed in over 200
different types of businesses.
Powerful Yet
Simple To Use
We've got the most advanced and
comprehensive accounting software
you can buy-yet our products with
training disks and owner's manuals
will put the computer novice at ease.
And with our newest prod-
uct, the Team Manager re-
port writer, a user can select
from over 800 predefined data
dictionary elements to create
an unlimited number of
simple or complex reports.
If you're looking for on-
track accounting solutions to
increase your profits . . . look
to the Software Fitness Pro-
gram Accounts Receivable,
Accounts Payable, General Ledger,
Payroll, Job Cost, Inventory, Sales
Order Processing, PLUS the Team
Manager report writer. Our com-
petition can 't even come close.
If your bottom line is your top
priority, today and tomorrow, we've
got solutions. Ask for a demon-
stration from your local computer
dealer.
OPEN
SYSTEMS
430 Oak Grove Minneapolis. MN 55403
(612) 870-3515 TWX 910 576 I743
^ccoisv^ j&Ufo. cgl-y Ajfi��fr
*%>J^ *»
266 BYTE February 1984
Circle 276 on inquiry card.
Software Review
Knowledgeman
A close look at a new, fully integrated management system with
complete database and spreadsheet capabilities all in one
by James W. Walker
Multifunction integrated programs are a recent popular
trend in personal computer software. These programs
include such functions as database management, spread-
sheet analysis, graphics generation, and word process-
ing. Knowledgeman: The Knowledge Manager is a re-
cent entry into this market.
This new information-management system from Micro
Data Base Systems combines in one package a superior
relational database-management system (DBMS), an ad-
vanced third-generation spreadsheet, a forms generator,
the means for full statistical analysis, extensive operating
functions, and a complete structured-programming lan-
guage for writing command procedures. Both color and
monochrome displays are supported. The program lists
for $500 and requires a minimum of 192K bytes of RAM
(random-access read/write memory). Recommended
mass storage is 500K bytes. Knowledgeman takes full ad-
vantage of the new generation of 16-bit microcomputers
with releases for the IBM PC, Victor/Sirius, and Altos
microcomputers. Unlike most other relational database
management systems, such as dBASE II or Condor,
Knowledgeman has few design limitations. For example,
with Knowledgeman you may have up to 255 fields per
record and an unlimited number of tables open at once
(assuming enough RAM and disk space are available),
thus allowing multiple table processing with a single
command.
My work involves determining the evolutionary rela-
tionships between groups of flowering plants. I use
Knowledgeman to analyze the distribution of character-
istics among flowering-plant groups. For example, if the
pollen of certain flowering plants indicates that two
groups of plants may be related, Knowledgeman looks
for other traits, such as flower, fruit, and seed type, that
these groups may have in common. In this short review
I can scarcely do justice to this comprehensive program,
but I will attempt to outline its major features.
Database Management
As a database manager, Knowledgeman allows you to
set up a file, define the various fields of each record,
enter data, modify data, and access data in a number
of different ways.
Table Formation
Knowledgeman creates each database as a table, con-
sisting of rows, or records, and columns, or fields. The
DEFINE command forms the table. You enter DEFINE
and a table name, and the system prompts you for a file-
name and then for the fields. Each field must have a
name and a type (string, numeric, or logical) and, if it's
a string field, a maximum length.
You can have up to 65,535 records per table and up
to 255 fields per record as long as you have enough disk
space and RAM to handle it. Essentially, the software
places no limit on record or field length since each may
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 267
At a Glance
Name
Knowledgeman
Type
Integrated relational database-management system and
spreadsheet
Manufacturer
Micro Data Base Systems Inc.
POB 248
Lafayette, IN 47902
|317) 463-2581
Price
S500
Language
Assembly language and C
Format
Floppy disk
Software Required
PC-DOS 1.1 and 2.0. MS-DOS 1.x, or CP/M-86
Computer System
192K bytes of RAM, 500K bytes of mass storage
Documentation
One reference manual, beginner tutorial guide, fold-out
command guide
Audience
"Second-time" users, BASIC programmers
be up to 65,535 characters long. You can define "pictures"
to provide field-integrity checking (e.g., use placeholders
to restrict data input to alphabetic, alphanumeric, or
numeric characters) or specific kinds of editing (e.g., use
placeholders to automatically convert alphabetic char-
acters to uppercase or lowercase). Fields can also have
fixed characters, e.g., the dashes in social security num-
bers can automatically occupy the proper positions on
input. You can create virtual fields (defined by a formula)
that occupy no storage in the table. The system updates
virtual-field values as data changes occur in the fields
or expressions that define them.
You can check table definitions with the SHOW com-
mand. SHOW with a specific table name gives you a dis-
play of the following: field names, field types, field "pic-
tures," virtual-field definitions, index-key expressions,
date of last modification, and current number of records.
When SHOW is entered by itself, Knowledgeman gives
you all tables in use and their complete filenames, as
well as the default table.
The USE and FINISH commands respectively open
and close the tables. If the RAM and disk space are avail-
able, there is no limit to the number of tables that can
be used simultaneously. FINISH followed by a specific
table name closes that table, while FINISH ALL closes
all tables in use. A new default table can be declared
using the DEFAULT command followed by the table
name.
Data Input
After defining a table, you begin data entry with the
CREATE command. Knowledgeman responds with
"Record Number xxx" and provides field prompts. Fixed
characters declared in field "pictures" appear automati-
cally, and each field's length is indicated by dashes. The
system supports full use of the IBM PC's arrow and spe-
cial-function keys for editing data items (field variables).
Field values of the previous record can be repeated. Fur-
thermore, you can insert, delete, or overwrite a previous
field-value display.
Knowledgeman doesn't provide virtual-field prompts
because those values are automatically computed. If you
create subsequent records after a table's initial record
creation, you can place them in the file anywhere you
choose.
Table Modification
You can easily modify tables with the REDEFINE com-
mand, adding new fields, deleting existing fields, or
changing the type, size, or name of a field. You can
redefine or add field "pictures" and virtual fields and
rename or erase tables with the RENAME and DESTROY
commands, respectively. Data items (field variables)
themselves may be updated in one of two ways. Using
the BROWSE command you can look at one record at
a time and edit the data items in it or you can set the
browsing scope to look only at records 134-256, for ex-
ample. You can rapidly browse forward or backward
through the records with the function keys. You can also
set conditions, such as certain field values, for the
records to be browsed. Knowledgeman has the added
feature of selective field browsing so you can BROWSE
(or CREATE) only some of a table's fields if you wish.
The CHANGE command changes data items global-
ly. For example, the command CHANGE NAME TO
"AUDREY" would change all field values for the field
"Name" to "Audrey." However, if you want you can limit
the scope of data item changes to certain record numbers
or to certain conditions, e.g., you can CHANGE FNAME
TO "AUDREY" FOR LNAME = "WALKER" to change
only those records whose lname (last name) is "Walker."
Knowledgeman deletes records using a logical switch.
When the system creates a record, it automatically sets
up the first field as #MARK. You cannot delete or rename
this field, and it has an initial logical value of "false."
If you want to delete records, change the #MARK field
of the selected records to "true" (with the MARK com-
mand). An UNMARK command is available to change
records marked "true" back to "false." If you want to
delete the records permanently, the COMPRESS com-
mand destroys all records marked "true." You can create
new tables from existing tables using the IMPRESS,
CONVERT, and ATTACH commands. The IMPRESS
command allows you to "impress" an existing table
definition onto a empty new table. Field names, types,
sizes, and "pictures" are all carried over to the new table.
The CONVERT command changes the field values from
packed binary to a special file format— ASCII, BASIC-
268 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
compatible, and DIF (Data Interchange Format). If you
only want the values from certain fields, Knowledgeman
supports selective attaching. Although you can use the
CONVERT and ATTACH commands in several ways,
they are especially useful when you want to construct
a new table out of existing tables.
Table Sorting and Indexing
The SORT and INDEX commands appropriately sort
and index records. You can sort records in ascending (A-
Z) or descending (Z-A) order or in some combination
thereof. Sorting is based on the contents of a field or on
relationships between fields (e.g., records could be
sorted A-Z on three times the salary). You can also create
indexes in ascending or descending order or in some
combination of sequences using the INDEX command.
Data Retrieval
You can retrieve data a record at a time or generate an
entire output table. There are two ways to get an in-
dividual record, OBTAIN and PLUCK. Use OBTAIN to
get a particular record number, first, last, prior, or next
Perform files can keep the system
busy for hours with just one entry.
record, as well as record number xxx, and to get a record
conditionally, for example:
OBTAIN FOR FNAME = "AUDREY"
Use the PLUCK command for rapid retrieval of
indexed records. This is the fastest way to retrieve a
record conditionally, but before you can use the PLUCK
command, you must create one or more index files for
the table.
Knowledgeman uses B + tree indexing for rapid record
retrieval. You can use an unlimited number of index keys
per table. Each index can have as many as 65,535 fields
and be up to 65,535 characters long. If you want to con-
ditionally retrieve records often, use index files; the
PLUCK commands are much faster than the conditional
OBTAIN commands.
The system can automatically update indexes as you
make changes with the BROWSE and CHANGE com-
mands. However, this slows down the CHANGE com-
mand significantly, so you may decide to override this
feature and create new indexes after major table changes.
You must recreate index files after using REDEFINE,
COMPRESS, or SORT commands.
The SELECT (LIST) command creates a new output
table from one or more existing tables. It is one of the
most powerful Knowledgeman commands. You can pick
any number of fields for data generation, and the order
in which you list the fields determines the arrangement
of the output table. You can SELECT to include, for ex-
ample, all records, the next 100 records, or records in a
How a
fireman
and a
broken
leg
made
software
simple.
^W^ hat does a fireman know
about designing software?
Nothing. Usually.
Meet Dennis Jarvis, a firefighter from
Southern California. About five years ago he
broke his leg in a fire-related accident and was
confined to the house for about six months. To
keep him occupied, Dennis' wife bought him a
computer.
Dennis had never used a computer before.
But he proved to be a natural.
Dennis was soon writing his own programs.
And Basic Accounting from Firefighter was
born.
It was brilliant.
And so simple, you don't have to know
anything about accounting theory to use it.
But don't get the wrong idea. Just because it's
simple, doesn't mean it's not smart, too.
Basic Accounting from Firefighter has so many
more features and capabilities than the best sell-
ing accounting package, there's no room to list
them in this ad. You'll just have to ask your
dealer to show you.
Dennis? He returned to the Fire Department
soon after his leg healed, but remains the
spearhead of Firefighter Software.
In fact, in his never-ending efforts to make
Firefighter the most personal, most supported
software, Dennis has set up a telephone hotline
to answer your questions and provide consulta-
tion. That's just Dennis' way of insuring
Firefighter remains superior, always simpler yet
smarter.
Hotline: 1-800-641-0814
California Hotline: (213) 991-8200
firefighter.
simpler, smarter software.
SBpractical
^peripherals
31245 La Baya Drive, Westlake Village, CA 91362
Circle 297 on inquiry card.
February 1984 @ BYTE Publications Inc. 269
EXPOTEK
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\BORDER
turn the spreadsheet's borders on
or off
leave spreadsheet mode while
\BYE
maintaining all spreadsheet defini-
tions and variables
\COLUMN,\ROW
add or delete columns or rows
\COMBINE
combine portions of different
spreadsheets
\COMPUTE
compute up-to-date values for all of
a spreadsheet's cells
\CONCEAL, \REVEAL
conceal cell's definitions from view
(or reveal to view)
\COPY
copy cell definitions
\DISPLAY
print desired cell values
\DUMP
print formulas serving as basis for
cell values
\EDIT
edit the active cell's definition
\PROTECT \UNPROTECT
protect or unprotect cell definitions
from alterations
\SAVE, \LOAD
save or load a file
\STOP
leave spreadsheet mode without
maintaining spreadsheet cell values
\STYLE, \ACTIVATE,
declare and conditionally
\DEACTIVATE
activate-deactivate reverse video,
blinking, etc.
\UNDEFINE
undefine a cell or block of cells
\USING
assign a "picture" to a cell for in-
tegrity checking and editing
\WIDTH
specify the column width
\ =
reposition the spreadsheet display
Table 1: The Knowledgeman spreadsheet commands.
certain range. You can specify "pictures" for output data
values to edit the data or set up any number of condi-
tions for data retrieval. A full set of logical operators is
available, including =, <>, >, <, >=, and <=.
Knowledgeman allows an unlimited number of tables
to be open at once (dependent only on available RAM
and disk space), so you can use the SELECT command
to query multiple tables. The system supports wild-card
string, character-match symbols, and a "unique" qualifier
to suppress the display of an item's next value if it equals
the preceding one. You can SELECT dynamic, multifield,
multisequence sorting of the output table with the
qualifier
"ORDER BY direction fieldname. . ."
This enables you to obtain sorted data from only the
records retrieved without having to physically sort all the
table's records. Finally, you can have an unlimited num-
ber of changes in an output field's value triggering con-
trol breaks by using the qualifier
"GROUP BY fieldname. . ."
This computes full statistics for all the fields in each con-
trol break and displays them if you wish.
Spreadsheet
To use the Knowledgeman spreadsheet within the
database program, enter the CALC command. Spread-
sheets can have up to 255 rows or columns. Special ef-
fects include up to eight foreground or background col-
270 February 1984 8 BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 138 on inquiry card.
It Meets Your Needs
WhateverThey Are v—
\ - -
1
uy - - ■■' ^^
^g£s5g&
Large Multi-user Capability \
A truly professional, reliable solution— the NETlwork
8816 has been specifically designed for installation
in demanding multi-user applications. The low starting
price allows you to start with two users and growler"
to many thousands without the expense-efTeplacing
existing equipment or softvyai»-flS"you grow. We
offer three typesoJU-oeaTArea Networking, including
Ethernetjjwrth-frjlTshared multi-system resources.
AND IT WORKS. Gone are the bottlenecks that make
shared-processor multi-user systems too sluggish
for real time applications. What's more, we offer an
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NET/worker. You get styling, operating comfort, value
and reliability.
All MuSYS systems utilize TurboDOS, the Industry
Standard Multi-user Operating System. Mainfrgin.
capability at microcomputer prices^nd-eotfipatible
with virtually all CP/M Sotoy^r-NET/work systems
give you advancgdJeatOris such as 8MHZ processors,
highsjje©€HTaTddisk drives with storage capacities
trp^o280MB, and 16 bit future upgrade path.
This system meets your needs... WHATEVER THEY
ARE. Call or write, MuSYS Corporation, 1752-B Langley,
Irvine, California 92714. (714) 662-7387 toll free out-
side California 1-800-852-5362. TWX 910-595-1967
Cable MUSYSIRIN.
Dealer and OEM inquiries welcome.
We design the future.
NET/work is a trademark of MuSYS Corporation. TurboDOS is a
trademark of Software 2000, Inc. CP/M is a trademark of Digital
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4^r
A Software Implementation
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If you manufacture a computer system or a computer based product,
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Systems Strategies "C" Language based communication packages.
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ors, reverse video, blinking, half-intensity, and sounding
the bell (provided your hardware can handle it). The
spreadsheet has entry, edit, and message lines and
variable column widths, and you can execute regular
database commands within it. Some of the spreadsheet
commands are listed in table 1. Notice that \BYE data-
base commands can be executed within the spreadsheet
mode. Equally important, spreadsheet cells can extract
data from independent tables and can also be defined
as programs.
Forms Generation
You can design forms for data entry or output with
the FORM command, declaring any number of
elements. Use an AT command to position labels or data
values at the desired row-column. Display forms with
the PUTFORM command and print or write them to disk
(with or without data) with the PRINT command. The
TALLY command uses a screen form for "what if"
analyses comparable to spreadsheet analyses. Screen
forms may have up to eight foreground or background
colors, reverse video, blinking, half-intensity, and bell
sounds. The CLEAR command followed by a form name
clears the form from the screen; when used alone, it
clears the entire screen.
Statistical Analysis
You can generate a full statistical analysis of the out-
put table with the SELECT command or you can obtain
the desired statistics without displaying field values
using the STAT command. The following statistics are
available for numeric fields: count, sum, mean, mini-
mum, maximum, variance, and standard deviation. Nu-
merical accuracy depends on the operating system and
the central processor. Count and minimum-maximum
statistics are available for string fields as well.
Operating Functions
Knowledgeman supports many operating functions,
numeric, string, and logical. Numeric operating func-
tions include absolute value, arcsine, current record
number, exponentiation, string length, natural and base
10 logarithms, position of matching string values, maxi-
mum and minimum comparisons, random number gen-
eration, root computation, sine, and square root. String
operating functions include uppercase and lowercase
conversion, substring extraction, trailing blanks elimina-
tion, and type determination. You can use logical func-
tions to determine if you have reached the end of a table,
if a file is on line, or if a string's first character is alpha-
betic or numeric. These operating functions are par-
ticularly useful in command procedures.
Command Procedures
When the same list of commands must be performed
two or more times, Knowledgeman allows creation of
command procedures (one or more commands in a per-
form file). A perform file is basically a batch file that you
can evoke within the Knowledgeman program. You can
272 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 339 on inquiry card.
create perform files with a word-processing program or
by using the COPY CON: command at the PC-DOS sys-
tem level. Perform files can contain an unlimited number
of commands. This way, you can initiate enough com-
mands to keep the computer busy for several hours
while only having to enter one of them.
You can call a perform file from within Knowledgeman
with the PERFORM command or by including the per-
form filename with the KMAN command at the system
level. The lengths of Knowledgeman commands and
command procedures are unlimited.
You can include comments within commands and
command procedures, using " \* " before and " * \" after
the comment. A single command procedure can contain
up to 26 different parameters and an unlimited number
of working variables that are entirely unrelated to table
fields or spreadsheet cells. Working variables, macros,
and forms can all be declared local to a given procedure.
There is also a complete structured-programming lan-
guage to construct command procedures.
Program Design
Knowledgeman comes with a memory-resident 56K-
byte main program and 16 overlay files that are called
as needed. The overlay files run from about 8K bytes
to nearly 17K bytes each (most are between 12K and 15K
bytes). All 16 overlays together total slightly more than
210K bytes. For those with tight disk space it is possible
to load the 56K-byte KMAN. EXE file that stays in mem-
ory and then use one drive for overlays and the other
for data files. In addition, those with limited disk space
can use several disks with different overlay programs on
them. For example, if you are not using the spreadsheet
mode you can leave out two overlays devoted exclusive-
ly to the spreadsheet, saving more than 30K bytes. Since
the SORT, INDEX, CONVERT, and SELECT With Dy-
namic Sort commands generate temporary files on the
default drive, it is useful to have one disk containing only
the overlay files for default work space.
To enter Knowledgeman from the system level, key in
KMAN. You can enter a perform filename to implement
a particular set of environment variable definitions,
macro and/or form declarations, and/or commands. For
example, I call a perform file on entering Knowledgeman
to set environment variables E.DMIN and E.DMAX to
false (so the minimum and maximum statistics don't dis-
play with the SELECT command) and E.PAUS to true
(so the system pauses after each screenful of data
output).
Knowledgeman doesn't provide any menus, but you
can easily create them with a word-processing program.
Using Knowledgeman's structured-programming lan-
guage and command perform files or a program like Pro-
key, it is not difficult to develop a menu-driven system.
I started to do this but soon discovered that Knowledge-
man's command structure is so easy that a menu-driven
system is hardly necessary. I did use Prokey to define
40 special-function keys (F1-F10 unshifted, shifted, plus
Control key, and plus Alternate key). I also used com-
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February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 273
Function
Nonconditional single-record retrieval
Indexed single-record retrieval
Conditional middle-record (No. 672) retrieval
Conditional last-record (No. 1345) retrieval
Table 2: The OBTAIN and PLUCK command performance test
results. Times are shown in minutes: seconds.
Command
Time
OBTAIN
<:02
PLUCK
<:02
OBTAIN
1:24
OBTAIN
2:48
ments embedded in commands. This kind of command-
driven system is much faster than a menu-driven one
and still has many of its advantages.
Knowledgeman allows unlimited macro nesting and
macros can be of any length. It also has a series of user-
definable variables— environment variables and utility
variables. Environment variables all begin with "E."
followed by up to four letters; they have string, numeric,
or logical (true or false) values. All environment variables
have default values and are easily changed in Knowl-
edgeman or a command-procedure file.
The environment variables do such things as control
whether the bell sounds on input of invalid data, define
which statistics are displayed with SELECT or STAT com-
mands, and suppress error messages.
Utility variables are preceded by a "#" and can also
be modified. They contain such things as the average,
count, maximum, minimum, and standard deviation.
The SAVE command stores environment and utility
variables, global working variables, global macro and
form definitions, and current spreadsheet definitions.
You can leave Knowledgeman, do something else, and
then resume work where you left off. The LOAD com-
mand, which reloads this information, can operate in
whole (loading everything) or in part (loading only
macros, working variables, or forms, for example).
Knowledgeman provides extensive data security to be
used or not at your discretion. A file named
USRMAN.EXE creates a global user file called
KPASS.IGU containing passwords and security levels.
You can use USRMAN.EXE (62K bytes long) to authorize
new users, delete users, alter a password, or change a
security level. You can specify read/write authorization
down to the individual field or cell level. There are 65,535
possible security-code combinations, data files are en-
crypted, and a 49K-byte scramble utility is provided to
List data values for five fields
Time
Nonconditional SELECT
<:03
Conditional SELECT (single condition)
3:13
Including dynamic sorting:
Nonconditional SELECT
Sorted on one field
4:03
Sorted on five fields
7:41
Conditional SELECT (single
condition)
Sorted on one field
3:01
Sorted on five fields
3:19
Table 3: The first SELECT (LIST) command
performance test
results. Times are shown in
minutes: seconds.
encrypt perform files so they cannot be read at the
system level.
Performance
Written in assembly language and C with data files
in condensed binary code (convertible to ASCII), Knowl-
edgeman's performance is very pleasing. Limitations on
the program's speed appear to be more the result of
hardware restrictions than software restrictions. I ran
command tests using two different data tables with the
following results (both on an IBM PC with 320K bytes
of RAM and two 320K-byte double-sided, double-density
floppy-disk drives, using PC-DOS 1.10 and Knowledge-
man 1.00).
The first series of commands were tested on a 154K-
byte data table with 19 fields and 1345 100-character
records (see table 2). The results suggest that you should
prepare indexes for fields you intend to retrieve often
while you use the conditional OBTAIN command only
when you want a field seldom used as a key.
I also performed various tests of the SELECT (LIST)
command for this first data table. The results are shown
in table 3.
A second data table, 152K bytes long, with 47 fields,
and consisting of 592 208-character records, was also
tested. Results are shown in table 4.
The small difference between the time for a conditional
SELECT on four conditions with a dynamic sort (3:36)
and the time for the same command without the
dynamic sort (3:32) proves how fast the sorting process
is and suggests that the response time is largely disk
dependent.
I am pleased with Knowledgeman's speed, especially
the SELECT command. Hardware seems to be the great-
est limiting factor in this program's performance. The
following suggestions may help overcome some of these
limitations. First, try a hard disk rather than a floppy
disk. Knowledgeman is not copy-protected, so you can
put it on a hard disk or a RAM disk. Getting enough
RAM to hold frequently accessed files should also im-
prove performance because the system spends so much
time searching the current database table.
Documentation
The 300-page reference manual (including appendixes)
contains 12 chapters, 7 appendixes, a glossary, an index
List data values for seven fields
Time
Nonconditional SELECT
<:03
Conditional SELECT (single condition)
2:50
Conditional SELECT (four conditions)
3:32
Including dynamic sorting:
Nonconditional SELECT
Sorted on one field
3:07
Sorted on five fields
4:32
Conditional SELECT (four conditions)
Sorted on five fields
3:36
Table 4: The second SELECT (LIST) command performance test
results. Times are shown in minutes:seconds.
274 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 275
of commands, and a general index. The manual is writ-
ten for three levels of comprehension: introductory, in-
termediate, and advanced, and sections are marked ac-
cordingly so you can reference it at the appropriate level
of knowledge.
User Support
Micro Data Base Systems provides a customer-support
number for end users. The people I spoke to were
knowledgeable and courteous, returned my phone calls
promptly, and answered all questions to my satisfaction.
They will send one free update of Knowledgeman to
everyone who sends in the program registration card, if
a new update exists at the time the registration card is
sent. A complete copy of the revised reference manual
comes with the update.
Defects and Suggested Improvements
I found only one major problem in version 1.00 of
Knowledgeman after using the database part of the pro-
gram extensively. Micro Data Base Systems promised to
fix the bug in the next release, and, sure enough, when
I received it, the problem was gone. Considering the size
and complexity of the programs involved and that this
was version 1.00, I find Knowledgeman remarkably er-
ror free.
Although the list of Knowledgeman's features is im-
pressive, there is always a "wish list" of useful additions:
for instance, it would be nice if you could display or print
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using field names (i.e., labels could be longer than the
length of their field variables), if the SHOW command
were separate from the ATTACH-IMPRESS overlay file
(why should you need a 17K-byte overlay file to call the
table directory command?), and if you could use wild-
card characters in any expression (even if that limits their
use), instead of having to use the IN operator.
Conclusion
Knowledgeman is an integrated information-manage-
ment system combining a superb relational database
with a fine spreadsheet for the price of one. You get a
printed forms generator, screen-form management,
statistical analysis, many operating functions, and a
structured-programming language for building com-
mand procedures. More Knowledgeman modules are
coming, including a graphics generator, an integrated
full-screen text editor, and a forms "painting" feature.
Knowledgeman activities and materials, including train-
ing seminars, videocassettes, a pocket-sized command
guide, and a beginners' tutorial manual, are being
developed rapidly. QUE is publishing an applications
book, Using Knowledgeman, in the near future.
It is my opinion that Knowledgeman may be the most
powerful relational DBMS currently available for micro-
computers. For example, dBASE II allows only 32 fields
per record, a maximum of two tables open at once, and
no dynamic output sorting. Knowledgeman, on the
other hand, allows up to 255 fields per record, an un-
limited number of tables open at once, and dynamic out-
put sorting. In addition, Knowledgeman is an integrated
program, combining spreadsheet capabilities with data-
base management.
Unlike Lotus 1-2-3, basically a spreadsheet-graphics
generator with limited database capabilities, Knowledge-
man is a full-fledged, powerful DBMS fully integrated
with a full-fledged spreadsheet (with graphics coming).
Lotus 1-2-3's limited "spreadsheet-used-as-a-database"
has a maximum of 2048 records per table with only one
table open at a time (hence no multiple table query).
Knowledgeman allows 65,535 records per table and an
unlimited number of tables open simultaneously. More-
over, Lotus 1-2-3's spreadsheet doesn't let cells access in-
dependent database tables or contain entire programs
as Knowledgeman does. After several months use, I have
learned to appreciate a statement made in the reference
manual introduction: Knowledgeman has been "careful-
ly designed to dominate all of the leading file handlers,
'application generators' and 'relational' systems existing
in the micro world." Micro Data Base Systems can be
proud of this package, its creation, and its continuing
development. ■
James W. Walker (Department of Botany, University of Massachusetts,
Amherst, MA 01003) is a professor of botany researching pollen ultrastruc-
ture and the evolutionary relationships of flowering plants. He considers his
computer an indispensable tool in his research. (Work supported by NSF grants
DEB 80-10893 and BSR 82-09195.)
276 February 1984 & BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 320 on inquiry card.
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Rixon PC COM I,™ * a communications software pro
gram (Diskette) and instruction manual to enhance
the capabilities of the PC212A and the IBM PC. PC COM
I operates with or replaces the need for the IBM
Asynchronous Communications Support Program. The pro-
gram is very user friendly and provides single key stroke control of
auto log on to multiple database services (such as The Source SM& ), as well
as log to printer, log to file transfer and flow control (automatic inband
or manual control). PC COM I is only $49.00 if purchased at the same
time as the PC212A. The PC212A comes with a 2 year warranty. For
more information contact your nearest computer store or Rixon
direct at 800-368-2773 and ask
for Jon Wilson at Ext. 472.
PC2I2A $499.
PC212A WITH
ASYNCH PORT $539.
SANGAMO WESTON — — "— "~zS^" — — ^— ~
2120 Industrial Pky., Silver Spring, Md. 20904
301-622-2121 TWX 710-825-0071 TLX 89-8347
• IBM is a registered trademark of (he
International Business Machine Corp.
** Hayes Smartmodem is a product of
the Hayes Stack ™ series, a
registered trademark of Hayes
Microcomputer Products Inc.
+ CROSSTALK is a trademark of
Microsluf Inc.
# PC COM I is a trademark of
Rixon Inc.
& The Source is a servicemark of
Source Telecomputing Corp.
INC.
3043B © RIXON INC. 1983
The Rixon PC212A Card Modem
Another Modem Good Enough To Be Called RIXON
Circle 401 on inquiry card.
Hardware Review
The IBM CS-9000 Lab
Computer
A closer look at IBM's "other" microcomputer
by Thomas
At the Brandeis University Chemistry Department, we
have been trying to use the IBM Personal Computer (PC)
for all our microcomputer applications. Most of the time /
we have been able to meet our needs with the PC. But
not always.
Here's a case in point. One of our researchers wanted
to have a microcomputer pulse a laser, trigger data col-
lection on a Biomation 8100 waveform digitizer, then
download the 2K bytes of data from the Biomation into
the computer. This process would be repeated up to 1000
times at a rate of 30 times per second. The result of each
run would be summed with the results of the previous
runs. Next, a stepper motor controlling a mono-
chrometer would be incremented, and all of the above
would be repeated again for up to 200 monochrometer
settings.
There was one more requirement— the computer
should cost no more than $10,000. That's a lot to ask. Sur-
prisingly, though, it can be done, and done well, with
the IBM CS-9000.
At the time I encountered this problem, the IBM In-
struments Division in Danbury Connecticut, had just
announced its 68000-based laboratory computer, the
CS-9000 (see photo 1). Usually, I prefer to wait until a
product has been on the market for a year or so before
using it. This gives time for the new-product hoopla to
subside, the groundswell of early-user complaints to
crest, and the manufacturer to show its level of good faith
in correcting bugs. But we were faced with a Hobson's
choice: either the CS-9000 would be adequate for our
needs or nothing in our price range was. So, after a trip
to Danbury to see the operation of a prototype, we took
the plunge. For those who can't wait for an ending, we
found two things: (1) being the first on your block is
even more painful than we had expected, and (2) the
CS-9000 is an incredibly powerful computer.
R. Clune
A System Description
The IBM CS-9000 is so versatile that it would take years
for one person to test all of its features (see the January
1983 BYTE, page 100, for a product description). I am
most familiar with a subset of the system's capabilities.
In this review, then, I will describe the CS-9000's major
features in broad strokes and give in-depth coverage of
those aspects with which I have personal experience.
If you want additional information on the rest of the
system, talk to IBM. In my experience, the people there
are very helpful and scrupulously accurate in their dis-
cussion of the CS-9000. Indeed, the single strongest
point of this generally excellent system is the unbeliev-
able level of customer support. In particular, Dr. John
Tesch of the customer-service department has provided
us with expert technical assistance, the cash value of
which has probably exceeded the purchase price of the
system.
Now, for the computer itself. The basic processor unit
features include
• an 8-MHz Motorola MC68000 16/32-bit microprocessor
• three cascadable, 16-bit timers for up to 2-MHz clock-
ing
• 128K bytes of on-board RAM (random-access read/
write memory)
• 128K bytes of ROM (read-only memory), for a real-time
operating system
• SYSBUS (a superset of Versabus) bus structure
• five expansion slots
• four DMA (direct memory access) channels with 1-
MHz maximum throughput
• seven levels of interrupt
• one IEEE-488 parallel bus (see photo 2)
• three RS-232C serial ports (see photo 2)
• one bidirectional, 8-bit parallel port (see photo 2),
278 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Photo 1: At left (la) is a front viae of a typically configured IBM CS-9000 with the built-in dot-matrix printer. The rectangular plate covers
a mount for a single 5Vt-inch floppy disk. Notice the paper tray under the keyboard. The handle below the video display connects to the
mounting yoke (see text). Photo lb shows a front view of the business configuration of the CS-9000. Note that the built-in printer and softkeys
have been removed.
which is not a true Centronics-type port because it lacks
some lines (e.g., BUSY and DONE); however, any device
supporting a Centronics-compatible interface can be con-
nected to it
• 57 pressure-sensitive keys for dedicated systems con-
trol (see photo 3)
The monochrome display (see photo 4) shows 80 char-
acters by 30 lines of text and has fairly good graphics
resolution (768 by 480 pixels). This seems a bit thin for
computer-aided design (CAD), but IBM has sold a num-
ber of the CS-9000s for preliminary design work-ups.
The display has its own separate memory and 10 pro-
grammable softkeys. It also includes space for a single
5V4-inch floppy-disk drive.
The minimal configuration just described is used with
the ROM-based operating system. Disk-based software
is available for data acquisition and process control of
the IBM Instruments Division's line of chemical instru-
ments. These include FTIR (Fourier transform infrared
spectrophotometry), NMR (nuclear magnetic reson-
ance), and HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatog-
raphy) analyzers. In connection with the HPLC, IBM of-
fers a four-channel, 13-bit, 30-Hz ADC (analog-to-digital
converter) card called the sensor board. The card pro-
vides autoranging with a dynamic range of 10 6 . Also in-
cluded on the sensor board are four more RS-232C ports,
32 bits of parallel I/O (input/output), eight LED (light-
emitting diode) drivers with eight debounced-switch in-
puts, and two 16-bit counters. IBM does not currently
offer a high-speed ADC; however, the company tells me
that it considers this a requirement for the near future.
To make the unit a usable computer, you will need to
add a system bus card with five expansion slots and at
least another 256K bytes of RAM on the expansion card.
Each memory-expansion card can hold up to 1 megabyte
of RAM, for an on-board system maximum of 5 mega-
bytes. You will also need floppy-disk drives; the system
supports up to four 8-inch and 5V4-inch drives in any
combination. A hard disk, requiring a separate controller
card, is also available. Next, you will need a keyboard;
the keyboard offered with the system is the same one
as on the IBM PC.
Additionally, you will need an extended, disk-based
operating system. Two are available: Xenix and OS 1.1,
a multitasking operating system with a full-screen editor
that is similar to PC-DOS 2.0. The available languages
include a BASIC interpreter, an assembler (included with
OS 1.1), a FORTRAN compiler, and a Pascal compiler.
A C compiler and a COBOL compiler (Xenix only) are
reportedly in the works.
IBM also offers a dot-matrix printer that sits in the main
processor housing and features
• software-selectable character density of 10 characters
per inch (cpi), 80 characters per line (cpl); 12 cpi, 96 cpl;
or 16.8 cpi, 132 cpl
• 24- by 9-dots/character matrix
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 279
At a Glance
Name
The IBM CS-9000 Lab Computer
Manufacturer
International Business Machines
IBM Instruments Division
Orchard Park
POB 332
Danbury CT 06810
(203) 796-2500
Dimensions
Processor
Processor Board
Interfaces
Memory
Display
Keyboard
Mass Storage
Expansion
Operating System
Languages
System unit: 22 by 17 by 6.6 inches. 27.3
pounds; with CRT, printer, and keyboard,
68.2 pounds
16/32-bit Motorola MC68000 with an
8-MHz clock speed and four 1-MHz DMA
channels
One IEEE-488; one general-purpose,
bidirectional 8-bit parallel; three RS-232C
128K bytes RAM minimum, expandable to
5 megabytes
80 characters by 30 rows; green phosphor
Optional 83 keys with number pad and
10 programmable function keys (the IBM
PC keyboard); additional keypad has 57
user-programmable keys
Optional, 51/4-inch floppy-disk drives (327K
storage); 8-inch drives (985K storage);
51/4-inch Winchester hard disks (5 to 10
megabytes of storage)
Optional, five slots with a system bus card
OS version 1.1; Xenix available soon
BASIC interpreter, 68000 assembler, FOR-
TRAN compiler, Pascal compiler, and C
compiler available (COBOL available with
Xenix)
Software Options
Chromatography application program, math/stat library, IBM
3101 (and 3270 soon) emulator programs
Other Hardware Options
Analog/sensor card with four-channel, differential input;
autoranging ADCs giving 12-bit plus sign resolution at 30 Hz;
sensor board also has eight debounced switch inputs; eight
output drivers to 5-V supply; 32 bits of parallel I/O assignable
in 8-bit groups as input or output or as two 8-bit bidirectional
ports; two cascadable 2-MHz clock counters providing two
pulse trigger output points and pulse-counting input points;
four asynchronous terminal or modem RS-232C ports with
maximum speed of 19.2 bps; an adaptor to Multibus is avail-
able from Hal-Versa Engineering Inc., 18597 Paseo Tierra,
Saratoga. CA 95070. |408) 374-2953
Documentation
8V2- by 11-inch loose-leaf binder format; Operator's Manual.
108 pages; OS 1.1, 400 pages; Problem Isolation Manual, 114
pages; BASIC Manual, 500 pages
Price
Base system, S5695; printer, S2095; keyboard. S270; 256K-byte
RAM expansion, S1095; 1-megabyte RAM expansion, S4080;
dual 5'/4-inch floppy disks. $1445; dual 8-inch floppy disks,
S2470; hard-disk controller, S1295; single 5-megabyte hard disk,
S2495; single /0-megabyte hard disk, $2695; expansion feature
with five slots, S95; analog sensor board. $850; BASIC inter-
preter, S195; OS 1.1 extensions, $155; Pascal compiler, $595;
FORTRAN compiler, $595; chromatography application pro-
gram, $495
Photo 2: A rear view of the CS-9000, showing the IEEE-488 inter-
face with the extender in place (far right), the disk-drive connector
(next to the IEEE-488), the Centronics port (middle), and the three
RS-232C ports. The connector on the top goes to the video display.
• graphics resolution of 200 horizontal dots/inch by 336
dots/inch
• four-color printing
• graphics and text screen dumps with the familiar shift-
PrtSc keystrokes of the PC
The compact packaging of the CS-9000 is designed to
save valuable laboratory bench space. We have set the
unit on a four-wheel cart to roll it into position when
it is being used and wheel it out of the way when it is
not. The compact design is a mixed blessing, though.
Because it is mounted on top of the computer and has
to have adequate clearance for the printer beneath it, the
screen is above normal eye level. Although the tilt of the
screen is adjustable, the height is not. As a result, the
operator tends to sit slumped in a chair with the key-
board on his lap and his feet on a desk, staring up at
the screen. In short, the ergonomics of the package
design are not state of the art. In a laboratory, however,
you do not usually spend a lot of time at the keyboard.
The working conditions of a researcher are not those of
a secretary. For our applications, there have been no com-
plaints regarding the display's human engineering.
If your applications are more keyboard-intensive, relief
is at hand. The National Accounts Division and National
Marketing Division of IBM have developed an interest
in the CS-9000 for business applications. The system is
being repackaged for them, sans integral printer, and
given a quieter fan. The current fan sounds like a
household vacuum cleaner. The business package is
shown in photo lb. The ergonomics, as you can see, are
much improved. Because of the newfound business in-
terest and the resultant expanded user base, a greater
variety of canned programs should become available for
this system. Indeed, the decision to offer Xenix and
COBOL appears to be the first fruit of that interest.
Documentation
The documentation for the system is hardly a master-
piece. In fairness, it has been improved tremendously
280 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Infoscope ...
Its magic
happens
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your eyes
Thirty minutes with your new
computer and Infoscope, and
you con be showing off — en-
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displaying it, putting it to work in
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Infoscope, a revolutionary new
program for dynamic information
management, opens up the
potential of the personal com-
puter. It's usable and useful now.j
even for a beginner, but it'll
never get in the way in the
long run.
From the first minute you
use it, you'll discover
some very interesting
applications. It comes
with demonstration "scripts"
and sample data so you con
sit back and watch it do its
stuff without doing a lot of
tedious data entry.
Infoscope helps you create
"Scopes" to display data — win-
dows on the screen that grow,
shrink, move around, and
overlap, while showing you just
the information you want to see.
As you work with it, Infoscope
adapts to your level of expertise.
Its "choice-driven" approach
makes it easy for a new user to
get up to speed, but it doesn't
entangle an expert in a maze of
menus he doesn't wont to see.
In short, Infoscope is as simple or
os complex as you want it to be,
and it does virtually any infor-
mation management chore you
wont it to do.
But you have to see it for yourself.
Infoscope is available for most
popular 1 6 bit microcomputer
systems. Ask for a demonstration
at your local computer store, or
write us for details.
Microstuf, Inc.
1 845 The Exchange, Suite 1 40
Atlanta, Georgia 30339
(404) 952-0267
Infoscope is o Trademark
of Userview Corp.
Circle 251 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 281
9 SIS ■■■ 99 S ■■■■»<■ |91 131 15|
EfflgiSBgKIl ISPf..' BIS
a a 1 1 si 9 ■ a a a a a i a a a a » a ■ a ■
s r |i ' i a a a a a a a a a a a m * a a a
Photo 3: The CS-9000 keyboards. At the top, on the front of the main
processor box, are the 57 programmable, pressure-sensitive keys.
Photo 4: A sample screen display that shows text and graphics, taken
from an IBM demonstration program.
since its earlier incarnations, but it is still less than ideal.
The writing style is the usual turgid documentation
prose. If you are a systems programmer it should pre-
sent no great problems, but for a scientist-hacker it is
formidable.
The manual lacks tutorials and, except for the high-
level language sections, lacks indexes. Most surprising,
the documentation does not contain schematics or a
memory map. IBM has answered all questions prompt-
ly, but better documentation would lessen the number
of questions users would have to ask.
The Voice of Experience
My experience with the CS-9000 began with setting
it up. The bridge over the main processor housing, used
to support the video display, is a pain to install. But
it needs to be done only once, so what the heck. The
video display mounts on a plastic yoke with a ball joint
that enables the screen to be positioned for user com-
fort. Unfortunately, the yoke is made of very cheap plas-
tic. When I went to tighten the yoke, I broke it, even
though I followed the instructions to tighten gently. That
yoke is cheap. I would have written this off to my
superior strength, but another research group at
Brandeis has a CS-9000 and the same thing happened
to them. I have been informed that the yoke has been
redesigned to eliminate this problem.
Once the system was assembled, I started to plug a
digital multimeter (DMM) into the IEEE-488 port. It
wouldn't plug in. Amazingly, the IEEE-488 port is posi-
tioned too close to the plug for the disk drive. There is
no room for the IEEE-488 cord, which exits the plug from
the side of the plug head. In order to use the IEEE-488
while the disk drive was attached to the system, I had
to install an extender to the IEEE-488 interface (see photo
2). IBM now supplies the extender with the computer
and will soon flip the IEEE-488 port upside down so that
the cord does not interfere with the other plugs. You may
not have to contend with this problem, but I was begin-
ning to think I had made a very serious mistake.
It got worse. When the extension to the IEEE-488 plug
was installed, I tried to write a BASIC program to transfer
data from the DMM. Nothing. A call to IBM identified
the problem: the software driver for the IEEE-488 was
not yet written. After the driver arrived, I appended it
to the BASIC program and tried again. Nothing. Another
call to IBM. Dr. Tesch made the first of three trips to
Brandeis. The problem was that we had a prerelease ver-
sion of the operating system, but the software driver was
for version 1 of it. He took the computer back to Dan-
bury with him, had the new ROM BIOS (basic I/O sys-
tem) installed, and sent the system back with the new
1.0 DOS (disk operating system) extensions disk.
Nothing. More telephone calls. It turned out that we had
the prerelease version of BASIC. After we got the right
BASIC, the interface worked perfectly. By the way, the
resistor in question was 56K ohms.
Next, all we had to do was get the Biomation, with
a two-line handshake, to transfer data over the IEEE-488,
which has a three-line handshake. I had an idea on how
to achieve this and it looked fairly simple on paper. A
few months later, it worked.
The next problem was writing an assembly-language
program to do the data-acquisition routine. I am a com-
plete patzer when it comes to assembly language. I usual-
ly write the program in BASIC, compile it, and then op-
timize the program by keeping intermediate values in
registers instead of shuffling them back and forth in
storage. But there is no BASIC compiler for the CS-9000.
So Tesch (God love him!) agreed to write an assembly-
language routine from my BASIC program. These peo-
ple take "customer support" literally.
282 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Tesch wrote the program. Nothing. He didn't have a
Biomation in Danbury to test the program, so he came
back up to Brandeis to see what the problem was (this
was the third time; I've shortened the story a bit). He
managed to identify the errant line of code, and we were
finally squared away. While he was at Brandeis, he pro-
vided us with three different versions of the data-
acquisition routine for three different modes of opera-
tion. I'm not sure whether he did this out of generosity
or in hopes that he would not have to deal with us again,
but either way it was appreciated. Finally, we were up
and running with our application.
Or, rather, we are up and running most of the time.
IBM is feverishly trying to track down an odd little glitch
in OS 1.1. Once every few hundred times we try to write
a file to disk, the computer tries to write the file into
system space and an error results. We must then reboot
the system with a consequent loss of data. The error hap-
pens so rarely and (apparently) randomly that IBM has
been having a hard time tracking it down. Because we
write data to disk every few seconds, the amount of in-
formation lost in rebooting is not substantial. And the
missing data is easily reproduced in our application. If
your application is not so fault-tolerant, however, you
should make sure this problem has been overcome
before buying the CS-9000. The problem has occurred
at other installations, so it isn't our hardware that's caus-
ing it. In any case, be sure to back up your work on disk
frequently.
I have only one continuing source of irritation with the
system: the printer. It is awkward to load with paper,
frequently jams when operating, and either holds very
little paper (if you use the paper holder under the key-
board) or lets the paper drape in front of the operator's
feet (if you set a box of paper under the desk and feed
the printer from there). I understand that IBM has re-
designed the paper bailer to minimize the jamming prob-
lem, but the other problems seem endemic to the built-
in printer.
Back to BASICs
As I mentioned earlier, I have used the CS-9000
primarily with the BASIC interpreter. The rest of my
remarks will center on using this very substantial BASIC.
Those readers accustomed to one of the many incarna-
tions of Microsoft BASIC are in for a treat. Unlike most
BASICs, you are not limited to 64K bytes of program-
ming space. The interpreter can address as much mem-
ory as you have on your system. It also includes the MAT
(matrix) functions. Further, it features a broad range of
statement modifiers, such as FOR J = 1 to 11 (see listing
1, line 80). You can use 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit words. The
range of floating-point numbers is approximately 1.0E
+ / -308 with approximately 15-digit precision. Because
the MC68000 uses memory-mapped I/O, all devices (in-
cluding the printer, screen, IEEE-488 port, etc.) use the
OPEN statement (like files), which makes programming
I/O routines quite painless.
There are, of course, a couple of usual features of in-
284 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 285
Listing 1: The program listing for the data-acquisition and analysis routine using the Biomation 8100. Because the bus-management lines
of the IEEE-488 are not used by the Biomation, the REN line is used to trigger the laser and the Biomation, and the IFC line is used to
trigger the monochrometer stepper-motor (lines 240-250 and line 370, respectively).
1
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1 10
120
130
140
1 50
160
1 70
180
1 90
200
2 1
220
2 30
240
250
260
270
280
290
300
3 1
320
330
340
350
36
370
380
390
400
4 1
42
4 30
REM PROGRAM FOR COLLECTING DATA FROM BIOMATION 8100
REM INITIALIZE CALL LOCATIONS
B=$E000 : SREAD=B+$2 94 8 : SYSFUNC = B+ $ 2 CBS
REM DIMENSION ARRAYS.
DIM A% (2000), B% (1025), F% (11)
LENG=2048
REM INITIALIZE IEEE488 ROUTINES
DATA 286,10,290,10,0,17,0,12,0,10,0
READ F%(J) FOR J= 1 TO 11
RESTORE
REM SET EXPERIMENT PARAMETERS
INPUT "BIOMATION SAMPLE INTERVAL SETTING
INPUT "NUMBER OF SCANS PER MONOCHROMETER
INPUT "NUMBER OF MONOCHROMETER SETTINGS '
INPUT "DURATION OF PAUSE BEFORE TRANSFER
INPUT "NOISE LEVEL OF SIGNAL " ;NOISE
INPUT "NAME OF FILE TO SAVE RUN DATA IN '
OPEN FILES AS FILE #1
PRINT #1 , BIOM
PRINT # 1 ,NOSTEP
OPEN "#BUSD?" AS FILE #6
REM DATA ACQUISITION ROUTINE
FOR. MON=l TO NOSTEP
FOR SCAN=1 TO REP
CALL SYSFUNC( 6 , F%( 6 ) )
SYSFUNC < 6 , F%( 8 ) )
(ZZZ)
SYSFUNC ( 6 , F%( 1 ) )
SREAD( 6 . , B%( 1 ) , LENG , $0D.
1 TO 10 00
(MICROSEC) ";BIOM
SETTING " ;REP
;NOSTEP
" ; ZZZ
; FILES
CALL
WAIT
CALL
CALL
FOR
! SET REN TO
! RESET REN
TRIGGER LASER, BIOMATION
I :
(COLLECT DATA
SOD, )
(UNPACK DATA, ADD COUNT TO MEMORY A%
C%=SWAP%(B%< I > ) AND 2 55
IF C%> NOISE THEN A% ( 2 * I -
C%=B%( I ) AND 2 55
IF C%> NOISE THEN A% ( 2 * I )
1 ) = A% ( 2 * I - 1 > + 1
: A% ( 2 * I ) + 1
NEXT I
NEXT SCAN
REM TRIGGER MONOCHROMETER MOVE
T=TIME:CALL S YSFUNC ( 6 , F% ( 1 ) )
FOR 1=1 TO 2000:PRINT # 1 , A% ( I )
IF TIME-TO THEN 390
NEXT MON
CLOSE #1
CLOSE #6
END
AND WAIT FOR IT
! IFC TRIGGERS
A%( I ) =0 : NEXT I
TO STOP
MONOCHROMETER
terpreted BASIC that I miss. Arrays cannot be dynamical-
ly dimensioned because the interpreter translates each
line of BASIC code into a tokenized pseudocode as it
is entered, not as it is executed. This feature makes the
BASIC run rather fast for an interpreter. For example,
lines 230-340 of listing 1 trigger a laser and the Bioma-
tion, collect 2K bytes of data from the Biomation, com-
pare each byte to a noise level, and, if appropriate, add
1 to an element of a 2K data array. Interpreted BASIC
does all of this in one second! For that level of speed,
I'm willing to live without dynamically-dimensioned ar-
rays. By the way a compiled FORTRAN version of this
program did the same process 12 times in one second.
Another consequence of translating each statement as
it is entered is that the BASIC comes with a line editor
rather than a full-screen editor. And the editor is a little
tricky to use. For example, if you have a variable type
error in a program line and edit the line, you may still
get a type error prompt. I've found it's best to delete the
offending line and retype it correctly.
Line 300 of listing 1 illustrates a couple of interesting
points about the BASIC. First, 2 bytes may be stored in
286 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Text continued on page 290
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Listing 2: The program listing for plotting the data from listing 1 on the screen, one monochrometer setting at a time.
1 REM PROGRAM TO PLOT DATA COLLECTED FROM PROGRAM 1
10 CLS
20 INPUT "FILE NAME ";FILE$
30 OPEN FILES AS FILE #1
4 INPUT #1 , BIOM
50 INPUT #1 ,NOSTEP
60 DIM DAT( 10 , 2000)
70 FOR 1=1 TO NOSTEP
80 FOR J=l TO 2000
9 INPUT #1 , DAT( I , J)
100 NEXT J
110 NEXT I
120 CLOSE #1
130 FOR K=l TO NOSTEP
140 MAX=-128 :MIN=127
150 CLS
160 LOCATE 10,0
Listing 2 continued on page 289
/
ytftf^f
+#**"*"
FIRST CHANNEL TO PLOT? 25
LAST CHANNEL TO PLOT? 176B
SCREEN INCREMENTS? .5
.1 MICROSEC/SAMPLE
ANOTHER PLOT WITH THE SAME FILE?
MONOCHROMETER SETTING 3
Figure 1: A screen dump of a plot of a single scan of the Biomation, showing the luminescence decay curve of Benzil excited by a pulsed
nitrogen laser. Data was collected from a modified version of listing 1 and plotted using listing 2.
288 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 2 continued:
170 INPUT "FIRST CHANNEL TO PLOT" , A
180 INPUT "LAST CHANNEL TO PLOT" , B
190 INPUT "SCREEN INCREMENTS ", C
200 FOR I=A TO B
210 IF DATCK, I > <MIN THEN MIN=DAT(K,I)
220 IF DAT(K,I)>MAX THEN MAX=DAT<K,I)
230 NEXT I
240 FACTOR=450MMAX-MIN)
250 LINE ( 1 , 47 0- ( <DAT(K, A) -MIN+1 ) * FACTOR) , 1 , 470- ( (DAT<K, A) -MIN+1 ) * FACTOR) )
260 FOR I=A+1 TO B
270 LINE < -1 , -1 , < I-A) *C , 470- < <DAT<K, I > -MIN+1 ) *FACTOR> >
280 NEXT I
290 LOCATE 24,0: PRINT B I OM ; " MI CROSE C / SAMPL E " , "MONOCHROMETER SETTING ";K
300 INPUT "ANOTHER PLOT WITH THE SAME FILE",Q$
310 IF Q$="Y" THEN 140
320 NEXT K
33 END
FIRST CHAHN^^OTvf'tOT? 25B
LAST XMMHplTfQ PLOT? 6B0
^©BEEN INCREMENTS? 2
/\_..V- -»'
A.J "■* * '
.1 MICROSEC/SAMPLE
ANOTHER PLOT WITH THE SAME FILE?
MONOCHROMETER SETTING 3
!(
Figure 2: A screen dump that demonstrates the fine structure of the plot.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 289
Text continued from page 286:
one 16-bit memory location to save space. The SWAP%
function lets you reverse the high and low bytes in a
memory location. Of course, performing an AND 255
with the value masks out the high byte. The second
point has to do with why line 300 is there at all. It seems
that the interpreter cannot perform B%(I) AND 255 and
compare it with noise all in one line; apparently, there
is a bug in the interpreter. If you do the operations
separately, there is no problem. This is the only bug I
have encountered in the interpreter.
Lines 80 and 240 in listing 1 illustrate the use of the
IEEE-488 port. The operating parameters of the port are
entered into a data array and passed to the interface
driver by calling SYSFUNC:. Line 70 lists the parameters
this program uses. The parameter 286 sets the maximum
timeout for a transfer to the succeeding argument (which
is 10) times 50 milliseconds; the parameter 290 sets the
maximum transfer size without using DMA to whatever
follows (10 again); the ends a sequence of instructions,
so F%(6) begins a new sequence; the 17 sets the REN
line high and the ends that sequence; the 12 resets the
REN line, and again ends the sequence; then, 10 sets
the IFC line, with the ending the sequence. Thus, the
F% array actually contains four different sets of
parameters, each invoked by CALL SYSFUNC(dev #,
F%(N)), which reads F%(N) to F%(N + I), where
F%(N + I) = 0.
Let's look at line 20 in listing 1. This line initializes the
system calls used in the program. In the new version
of BASIC, version 1.1, you do not need to add the call
locations.
Listing 1 collects data from the Biomation. Listing 2
displays that data, one monochrometer setting at a time.
Lines 250 and 270 of listing 2 do the actual screen plot.
Line 250 draws a line from the first data point (scaled
for the screen) to itself. That is, it sets the first point of
the line. Line 270 draws a line from each subsequent
point to the preceding point. The -1,-1 argument says,
"Connect this point to the last point." Figures 1 and 2
show screen dumps of sample outputs from listing 2,
using data collected from a modified version of listing
2 in which the raw voltages from a single scan of the
Biomation were collected.
Summary
The CS-9000 is a very fast and powerful laboratory
computer. It has enough I/O ports to please the most
jaded palate. The options let you configure the system
for most conceivable laboratory applications. The range
of numbers it can work with makes it unnecessary to
constantly use log values to avoid overflows. The
CS-9000 is very affordable. And, above all, the level of
customer support sets new standards of excellence for
the microcomputer industry. ■
Thomas R. Clune (55 Central St., Ashburnham, MA 01430) is physical
chemistry laboratory coordinator for the Chemistry Department of Brandeis
University in Waltham, Massachusetts.
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Circle 148 on inquiry card. byte February 1984 291
Hardware Review
The Rixon R212A Intelligent
Modem
A modem that can emulate the Hayes Smartmodem
and do a few other tricks besides
by Chuck
Remember when you could tell the difference between
a computer and a peripheral? In the old days, computers
had front panels full of lights and switches, printers were
large, clattering beasts, and modems were big, ugly boxes
that connected to special, and expensive, phone circuits.
In those times a modem knew its place. But now, here
comes a modem with a full-blown Z80 microprocessor
in it— the same chip that's in lots of home computers.
All of a sudden, the distinction between computers and
their peripherals is getting hazy. What do you call a
modem that has memory like a computer? In this case,
you call it a Rixon R212A Intelligent Modem.
The folks at Rixon have been in the modem business
a long time, but they have manufactured primarily in-
dustrial products. The R212A and its IBM PC-compati-
ble cousin, the PC-212, are among the company's few
ventures into the consumer world. If Rixon keeps pro-
ducing products like this, the company might have to
discontinue some of its industrial business to keep up
with the demand of consumer and commercial markets.
Not only is the R212A the most sophisticated modem
in its class I have seen, it is also easy to use. I'll describe
some of the R212A's features in this review.
Setting Up
Photo 1 shows the R212A as it comes packaged with
an AC (alternating current) adapter and a modular
telephone cable; an instruction manual (not pictured) is
also included. It does not come with the RS-232C cable
you'll need to connect it to your computer or terminal,
but this is a stock item in most computer stores. The
modem is packaged in a beige molded case with a black
front panel.
Weger
The first thing that I noticed about this modem was
its front panel, which really wasn't a front panel— or not
what I would call one. There is a piece of black anodized
aluminum with the Rixon logo, but there are no LEDs
(light-emitting diodes), lights, or switches on the panel.
In fact, there are no controls or indicators anywhere on
the case. And if you're the kind of person who opens
the case to see the insides, you'll see that there are no
DIP (dual-inline package) switches on the circuit board,
either. All the options— and there are plenty in this
modem— are set by software commands.
The back panel contains two RJ-11 modular telephone
jacks as well as a connector for the power supply. It also
contains a standard 25-pin female RS-232C connector
labeled DTE (data terminal equipment) for connection
to the terminal or computer. Once again, there are no
switches or indicators.
Installing the R212A is extremely simple. Run a cable
from a serial I/O (input/output) port on your computer
or terminal to the DTE connector. The phone line goes
in one of the modular jacks with the cable supplied.
Finally, plug in the AC adapter. The other modular jack
is a real convenience; if you want a telephone connected
to the same line, it can be plugged into this jack, saving
the cost of a phone-line Y adapter. Note that the whole
telephone— not just the handset, as on some other
modems— plugs into this jack. Of course, you don't need
to plug a phone into this jack. The modem will work
fine without one.
To communicate with the R212A, you will need a com-
munications program that allows your computer to send
and receive ASCII (American National Standard Code
for Information Interchange) characters over its serial I/O
292 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
*;• - : .■■.--*. . ■
t&Xi ' KAMmmA
INTELLIGENT MODEM
Mt-numbGr Aui-
I <«(vli> H£U> mmu Inmtanl accvw
torn , out (InjMllpt
.« th» ODD Mtwack
• JOOIJOCbp.
Photo 1: The Ri'xon R212A package includes the modem, a modular telephone cable, an AC line adapter, and a manual (not pictured).
port. This could be a program that makes your computer
into a dumb terminal, or it could be a more sophisticated
modem program. Both kinds will work with the R212A.
Of course, if you are using a terminal instead of a com-
puter, you don't need a program.
As the lack of switches implies, the R212A is controlled
entirely from your computer or terminal. Once the
modem is connected to the computer, you can type two
carriage returns to wake it up. It responds with a sign-
on message, shown in the first four lines of photo 2. It
also determines automatically the transmission speed of
your system, either 300 or 1200 bps (bits per second),
and the type of parity, based on the carriage returns you
send it. From then on, it accepts ASCII commands.
These commands can be entered manually from the
keyboard, or you can use a program to send them. In
my experience, a fancy modem control program is not
needed, since the R2T2A can do just about everything
by itself. The commands are all one or two letters long,
so it takes little effort to type them. Table 1 briefly sum-
marizes the R212A's command set.
Features
One of the nicest features of the R212A is its help dis-
play. Most user-friendly software packages now have
some sort of help facility. It's rare, though, to find a piece
of peripheral equipment with one. The R212A's help dis-
play, shown in photo 2 as it appears on the screen of
my Zenith Z-89 computer, gives a brief description of
each command. While the help goes no deeper than this
(e.g., you can't ask the R212A to further explain the
keyboard dial command), it is sufficient to jog your
memory after you've read the instruction manual.
Any intelligent modem should be able to automatically
dial a phone number. The R212A can do that easily with
the K (keyboard dial) command. Merely type a K, and
the modem prompts for the phone number. Entering the
number followed by a carriage return causes the R212A
to dial the number. The R212A ignores spaces and
hyphens, so the number can be entered in the usual
manner. Don't try to use parentheses to enclose an area
code, though; these have special meanings to the R212A.
In addition to plain old auto-dialing, the R212A has
the S (store) command for built-in number storage. The
modem can store up to 10 phone numbers; each can be
up to 60 characters long. When you want to dial a stored
number, you need to enter only its index number (a digit
from zero to nine). The numbers are saved in the
modem's internal RAM (random-access read/write mem-
ory), which has a battery backup in case there's no AC
power. Rixon says the battery will last at least two years.
In addition to the S command, the R212A has the D (dis-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 293
tlXON R212A INTELLIGENT MODEM REV 4
1211 BPS
H FOR HELP
I KEYBOARD DIAL
SI STORE I
1-9 DIAL I
R REDIAL
HII HULTI-REDML
» DISPLAY IS
SC LOGON CHAR
T TEST
C CLEAR IS
( CO ON-LINE
OPTIONS
X HANS UP
1 ANSWER
I ORIGINATE
NU HAYES
I SUIT
Photo 2: The help display generated by the RZ12A. Note the sign-
on message at the top of the screen. The dollar sign is the modem's
prompt character. Each of the commands shown is accessed by its one-
or two-character mnemonic.
At a Glance
Name
Rixon R2I2A Intelligent Modem
Use
Communication over voice-grade telephone lines at 300 or 1200
bits per second (bps)
Manufacturer
Rixon Inc.
2120 Industrial Parkway
Silver Spring, MD 20904
(301) 622-2121
Size
1.5 by 6.25 by 97 inches
Weight
2.5 pounds
Features
Direct-connect, to 300 bps plus 1200 bps; accepts ASCII
commands from computer or terminal; holds 10 phone numbers
plus identifying information in battery backed-up memory
Hardware Needed
Computer or terminal with RS-232C port, along with RS-232C
interconnecting cable
Software Needed
Any communications program capable of sending and receiving
over the computer's RS-232C port
Documentation
78-page manual in a SW- by 8!/2-inch format
Options
None
List Price
S499
Command Definition
K
Keyboard dial; any telephone number may
be entered directly from the computer or
terminal keyboard, rather than using a
number stored in the modem's memory.
S#
Store a telephone number in location #,
where # is a number from zero to nine. The
number may be up to 60 characters long,
including comments.
0-9
Dial a number stored in the modem's
memory (memory locations are numbered
zero through nine).
R
Redial the last number dialed,
M
Multiple redial; redials the last number dialed
up to 10 times before giving up.
D
Display the phone number directory.
SC
Set the "log-on" control characters; once set,
the characters can be used within a log-on
sequence to send stored text to the remote
system and wait for a response.
T
Test mode. The R212A goes into a local
loopback self-test, or a remote self-test if on
C
line.
Clear all stored numbers. The R212A
prompts to be sure this is really what is
wanted.
G
Go back on line if previously disconnected
with special "programmed disconnect"
character.
Option select (see table 3).
X
Hang up the phone line.
A
Forces the modem into "answer" mode when
dialing a call (i.e., high-frequency modem
tones).
1
Forces the modem into "originate" mode
when dialing a call (i.e., low-frequency
modem tones).
NU
Select Hayes mode. The R212A will
recognize Hayes Smartmodem commands.
Q
Quit; causes the modem to "sign off" and
return to noninteractive state. (Calls will still be
auto-answered, though.)
PARITY
Typing the word PARITY in uppercase
causes the R212A to detect the parity your
system is using.
Table 1:
R212A command summary.
play) command for displaying the directory. A sample
directory is shown in photo 3.
You'll notice in this picture that the phone numbers
have text associated with them. This is a handy feature;
I use it to save the name and/or description of the system
associated with each phone number. You have to use a
slash (/) following the phone number to indicate text.
Everything after the slash is interpreted by the R212A
as text.
Also shown in photo 3 is an example of the S com-
mand. At the bottom of the screen I typed S7, which
means store a number in slot 7. The modem responded
with the existing contents of slot 7, and with a message
questioning whether I really wanted to change what was
in that slot. I did, so the modem then prompted me for
the new phone number— a simple, logical procedure.
The R212A is well matched to modern telephone sys-
tems. For example, it can detect the presence or absence
of dial tones, and it will inform you if it can't get a dial
294 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
THE BUFFER DID IT.
Who Stole The 1500 Letters
From The Computer?
Let's just say you've got to
send a letter to 1500 different
people. Would you like to
spend 22.5 hours* or
60 seconds of
4^*0
*
&
computer
time?
With
a garden-
variety
buffer, the
computer has
to mix, merge
and send 1500
addresses and 1500 letters to the
buffer. Trouble is, most buffers
only store about 32 letters. So after
32 letters, the computer's down
until the printer's done. Altogether,
you're talking 22.5 hours.
In the case of our new (not to
mention amazing)
^tthar-- ShuffleBuffer,
thar>
there <
Y °W love i
!1 <?ve j t
my w
computer time
is 60
seconds
flat.
Just give
ShuffleBuffer one form letter and
your address list, and it takes care
of the mixing, the merging, and the
printing. But that's not all
ShuffleBuffer's stolen from the
computer. Oh, no.
Who Changed and
Rearranged The Facts?
Again, ShuffleBuffer's
the culprit. You want
to move para-
graph #1
down
where
#3 is?
Want
to add a
chart or
picture? No
problem. No mystery, either. Any
buffer can give you FIFO, basic
first-in, first-out printing. And some
Circle 184 on Inquiry card.
N w°fe
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i ■■
iTSJ'iJ I*
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buffers offer By-Pass; the ability to
interrupt long jobs for short ones.
But only ShuffleBuffer has what we
call Random Access Printing — the
brains to move stored information
around on its way to the printer.
Something only a computer could
do before. Comes in especially
handy if you do lots of printing.
Or lengthy manuscripts
Or voluminous green
and white spread
sheets. And by the
way, ShuffleBuffer
does store up to
128K of information
and gives you a
By-Pass mode, too.
And Who Spilled The
Beans 239 Times?
Most buffers can't
tell the printer to
duplicate. If they can,
they only offer a
start/stop switch,
which means you're
the one who has to
count to 239. Turn
your back on your
buffer, and your
printer might shoot out
a room full of copies.
ShuffleBuffer, however,
does control quantity.
Tell it the amount, and
it counts the copies.
By itself.
So,What's The Cat<
There isn't any.
Sleuth
around.
You won't
find another
buffer that's as slick a
character as this one.
You also won't find one that's
friendly with any parallel or serial
computer/printer combination.
This is the world's only universal
buffer.
With a brain.
Who Wants You To Catch
A ShuffleBuffer In Action?
You guessed it. We do. Just go to
your local computer dealer and ask
him to show you a ShuffleBuffer at
work. Or, you can call us
■0- at (215) 667-1713, and
v>
<3P
a.e"
we'll clue you in-on
all the facts directly.
\j>
sja<
0*F
.^
* Based
on an average
4000 character letter
& 128K buffer.
,„■««> «***
• ffi "* u,B -
■■■■■' ■ ■ -.■ ;. . ■ *
f^ShuffleBuffer
Th
The Buffer with a Brain
Interactive Structures Inc.
146 Montgomery Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
BYTE February 1964 295
Photo 3: The R212A's directory display. The notations next to the
phone numbers are stored as ASCII text by the modem. "BATCH"
is a way to run a set of commands. The bottom of this display con-
tains an example of storing a new phone number.
tone by telling you "dead line." It can also interpret most
busy signals and will inform you if the line is busy or
if there is no answer. If you wish, you can use the R
(redial) command to automatically redial the most
recently dialed number. If you're really desperate to get
through, you can use the M (multiple redial) command.
This automatically redials the last number up to 10 times,
with a brief pause between each attempt.
In case redialing the same number isn't impressive
enough, the R212A has something called linking. Any
stored number can be linked to any other number. Then,
if the first number is busy or does not answer, the
modem automatically tries the linked number. So if your
favorite bulletin-board system is busy, you can
automatically try another one. It's possible to link
numbers to each other, so the modem goes back and
forth between them until it finally gets one to answer.
You can also link several numbers, causing the R212A
to try them all. If you link the last to the first, you get
the modem's equivalent of an endless loop. Your phone
line will be busy forever unless one of the numbers on
the linked list answers or you manually abort the dial-
ing operation.
The R212A is capable of both tone and pulse dialing.
If you don't instruct it otherwise, it tries to dial the first
digit with a tone. If sending a tone fails to interrupt the
dial tone, it assumes that the phone line works only with
pulse dialing, and it dials the whole number with pulses.
If the dial tone goes away after tone dialing the first digit,
the modem dials the rest of the number with tones. You
can, of course, put the modem into a tone-only or pulse-
only mode, so it doesn't have to go through this detec-
tive work each time it dials. Finally, the letters T and P
can be embedded in phone numbers to manually switch
Command Definition
&
Wait for intermediate dial tone; generally used
with PBX (private branch exchange) systems
where an access number must be used to
get an outside line,
°/o
Pause 5 seconds; can be used to wait for
access tone on long-distance services such
as Sprint and MCI.
P
Forces pulse-dial mode for subsequent digits.
T
Forces tone-dial mode for subsequent digits.
L
Link to another stored number if this number
is busy.
/
Comments. Everything following a slash
character is treated as a comment. Comment
characters are displayed in the directory but
not dialed.
Space
Ignored. A space can be used within
telephone numbers to improve readability.
Table 2:
Special characters in telephone numbers.
between tone and pulse dialing. This is useful if you're
on a PBX (private branch exchange) that understands
only pulses, but you dial an access code to get an out-
side line, which can use tones. The R212A can handle
the whole dialing operation, including waiting for secon-
dary dial tones. You can also use the percent (%) char-
acter to cause a 5-second pause anywhere in a dialing
sequence. Table 2 summarizes the special characters
allowed within telephone numbers.
Advanced Features
In addition to storing phone numbers, text, and link
codes, the R212A can store log-on sequences. A log-on
sequence is a series of ASCII characters that the R212A
sends down the phone line once it has detected a
modem on the other end. This can be an account
number, a password, or whatever. In effect, the log-on
sequence lets you automatically log on to a remote sys-
tem without lifting a finger. The log-on sequence is
stored by enclosing it in square brackets ([ ]) when you
store the phone number.
The log-on sequence feature is very versatile. It can,
for example, contain any ASCII control characters, not
just printable ones. It can contain a special character that
causes the R212A to wait for a specific response from
the remote system before proceeding with the rest of the
sequence. It can also contain secure characters, which
are never displayed in the R212A's phone number direc-
tory. Secure characters are enclosed in parentheses when
you first store the log-on sequence. This is a useful fea-
ture if you set up your modem to be used by others who
should not know things like remote system passwords.
Another advanced feature is the batch facility. Se-
quences of commands can be enclosed in angle brackets
(< >). The R212A buffers everything received after an
open bracket and executes it (without echoing or
prompting) after it sees the closed bracket. Therefore you
can write a program that sends a series of commands
to the modem all in one batch, without cluttering up
your screen display. The contents of the batch buffer
296 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Photo 4: 77ie options menu displayed by the R212A in response to
the command. Option 9 (dialing mode) has been selected.
always appear on the directory display (photo 3), so you
can see what your computer has been sending.
In case you aren't satisfied with the way the R212A
works, the designers give you a chance to change it with
the O (options) command. This command calls up the
menu shown in photo 4. There are 10 user-selectable op-
tions shown in the menu. Some of these deal with such
details as how the modem controls certain RS-232C lines,
while some deal with more mundane issues, such as
whether the modem sends the message ONLINE to you
when it detects a carrier. Table 3 gives a brief summary
of the options. Most people, however, should find that
the default options are sufficient; I didn't even look at
the other options until I had thoroughly played with the
auto-dialing and other features.
If your telephone system is old and uses dial tones
with unusual sounds, which the modem might not be
able to detect, you'll find that you need the O command
and option number 7. Option 7, BLIND, causes the
R212A to begin dialing a number after five seconds have
elapsed, even if it doesn't detect a dial tone.
Other Nice Touches
The R212A has some other nice features, too. For ex-
ample, the C (clear) command clears out all the stored
phone numbers. Fortunately, the R212A gives you an
"are you sure?" prompt before doing this. There is also
a built-in self-test mode that loops back (connects the
modem to itself) to make sure signals are being transmit-
ted and received correctly.
The R212A can also emulate a Hayes Smartmodem.
This means that the Rixon modem can operate like a
Hayes Smartmodem so that people who have invested
in software that understands the Hayes modem can use
the R212A with their old software. The Hayes modem
is much more limited than the Rixon modem, however;
it doesn't have number storage, linking, or log-on se-
quences, and it doesn't detect dial tones. Also, it doesn't
provide a help menu. I like all the Rixon features, so I
haven't really used the Hayes-emulation mode except to
test it.
Number
Name
Definition
1
DISC
Stores a special disconnect
character. The character selected
with this option, if typed 3 times in
quick succession, will cause the
modem to return to keyboard
mode without disconnecting the
telephone line.
2
AUTOQ
Determines whether or not modem
automatically exits keyboard mode
2 minutes after last keyboard entry.
3
ECHO
Determines whether or not modem
echoes back characters when in
keyboard mode.
4
DSR ON
Causes the Data Set Ready (DSR)
lead to be either permanently on
or on only in data mode.
5
CTSON
Causes the Clear To Send (CTS)
lead to be either permanently on
or on only when the modem is
ready to transmit.
6
LNGTH
Selects 9- or 10-bit character length
in 1200 bps mode.
7
BLIND
Determines whether modem tries
to detect dial tone automatically or
merely dials blind after a 5-second
wait.
8
ENQ
Determines whether modem sends
the ASCII character ENQ to a
remote modem for handshaking
purposes.
9
DIAL
Selects tone, pulse, or automatic
dialing,
A
ONLINE
Determines whether or not the
MSG
modem issues an ONLINE
message when it detects a remote
modem's carrier.
Table 3:
R212A options
(set by the command).
Finally, in keeping with its industrial origins, Rixon has
a version of this modem available without the case, for
use in a card cage. If you have many modems at one site,
this would be a good way to keep your modems
organized.
Documentation
The R212A comes with a very comprehensive 87-page
manual. The manual is well designed, full of figures and
examples, but was obviously written with the industrial
market in mind. It's a bit dry, and the organization is
occasionally puzzling. For example, on page 4, it tells
you how to disassemble the modem. I think I would
rather see some setup information first. An index would
also be useful. There is, however, a nice foldout sum-
mary of all Rixon and Hayes commands and options.
Complaints
The lack of external adjustments makes the modem
extremely simple to use; it cannot accidentally be set for
the wrong speed, parity, or operating mode. The absence
of controls also means that the modem can be located
anywhere that's convenient; it doesn't have to be within
easy reach of the operator. The absence of indicator lights
or LEDs is another matter. Some people find it comfort-
298 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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ing to watch the "transmit data" light on a modem wink
at you as the bits are swallowed by the telephone net-
work. You don't get that with the R212A. People who
are accustomed to the Hayes Smartmodem may notice
that the Rixon lacks the Hayes's monitor speaker. Per-
sonally, I don't care to eavesdrop on modem conversa-
tions, so I don't mind the lack of a speaker.
These features aren't missed if everything is working,
but if you're trying to track down a problem, like a
broken wire in your RS-232C cable, you begin to see the
need for them. For example, my one-year-old daughter
got her hands onto the computer keyboard when I was
experimenting with the modem. I returned to find that
the modem would not respond to the computer; nothing
I could type or do would make it respond. Finally I
discovered that she had somehow entered the command
to put it into Hayes mode, so none of the Rixon com-
mands I was trying had any effect. I suppose this is an
argument in favor of child-proof computers.
Since the R212A is a new product, Rixon is bound to
have its share of shakedown problems with it. I have ex-
perienced two such problems. One was an undocu-
mented "feature," while the other was actually a hard-
ware failure.
The feature problem arose because Rixon designed this
modem to be compatible with a wide variety of terminals
and computers. Some of these terminals apparently
don't understand that normal modem handshaking re-
quires one RS-232C signal (called DTR, or data terminal
ready) to be active when talking to the modem. To get
around this, Rixon installed a pull-up resistor on this line
so that DTR is always active. That's fine most of the time,
but it means that, unless the modem is turned off, it
answers the phone— even when the computer is turned
off. Not a very useful situation. The people at Rixon were
very helpful when I complained about this and they told
me how to disable it. The solution required cutting that
pull-up resistor on the DTR line (R79 on the circuit
board). This is no big deal, but people with no hard-
ware experience might feel better asking a friend to do
it. It's easier just to unplug the modem when it's not in
use.
The second problem was a fluke. During a thunder-
storm, the phone line apparently took a lightning-
induced jolt. It was not enough to knock out the phones,
but it did cause the modem to behave peculiarly. For ex-
ample, the modem kept the phone line off the hook
when it was not supposed to. It turned out the light-
ning had zapped a protective device. (Better than zap-
ping the whole modem, I thought.) Since my modem
was only a few weeks old at the time, the people at Rix-
on replaced it with a new one, no questions asked. We
have had more storms, but the replacement modem has
not had any problems.
Conclusions
The Rixon R212A is an extremely intelligent modem
that has auto-dialing features more powerful than many
modem programs. It supports stored numbers, identi-
fication text, log-on sequences, and several forms of auto-
redial. It communicates with the user through a series
of ASCII character commands that are documented in
a self-contained help facility. The R212A is extremely easy
to set up and use, yet offers many powerful options for
sophisticated users.
Some people may find the total lack of switches and
indicators difficult to accept; in normal operation,
however, they are not missed.
Anyone who is in the market for a 300/1200 bps
modem would do well to consider the R212A. At $499,
it is definitely an "intelligent" choice. ■
Chuck Weger (do Oldenberg, 331 6th St. NE, Washington, DC 20003) is
an independent consultant specializing in computer graphics. He was formerly
on the technical staff of Computer Sciences Corporation.
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302 BYTE February 1984
Creating useful products
and services for you.
291380
Software Review
SAVVY
This easy-to-use system actually learns from you
by Peter V. Callamaras
Imagine finding one package that combines the ele-
ments of hardware, software, and firmware with some
general-purpose business applications and doesn't re-
quire a master's degree in computer science to under-
stand or to use. In addition, the package understands
plain ordinary English. What would you call it? Incredi-
ble? A lifesaver? Well, Excalibur Technologies Corpora-
tion calls it Savvy.
Savvy is a system that runs on an Apple or an IBM
PC (Personal Computer) and is unique in the personal
computer arena. The Apple hardware consists of a plug-
in card for slot 7 of the motherboard. Much like the CP/M
cards available for the Apple, the Savvy card contains
a Z80 processor and support chips plus the necessary
Savvy ROM chips. The Apple's 6502 processor becomes
a subordinate controller for the microprocessor. The IBM
PC, on the other hand, requires no unique hardware ad-
ditions. The Savvy software consists of four disks con-
taining a set of business-type applications, a set of dem-
onstration programs, and a robot programmer.
Ease of Use
The intent of Savvy is to make it easy for the noncom-
puter-oriented Apple or IBM PC owner to perform busi-
ness and professional tasks. Actually, easy is an under-
statement. Savvy usually knows what you want to do,
even if you misspell the command. The operating system
is oriented toward human or natural language.
Usually, if you want to perform a particular set of oper-
ations, you must follow a very precise, unforgiving set
of instructions. For instance, if you want to scan a data-
base for any BYTE articles on AI (artificial intelligence),
you would follow this scenario:
1. Call the search-retrieve module.
2. Input the correct information in the key search fields.
Example: first search field = BYTE
second search field = Article
third search field = Artificial Intelligence
3. Initiate the database manager that retrieves the
records matching your search criteria.
To perform the same operation with Savvy, all you need
to enter is: "get me all the BYTE atricles on artificial in-
telligence." The system then retrieves the articles. Note
the misspelling of the word articles. Normally, if a mis-
spelling occurs, you get an error message and must
reenter the data. This system can usually figure out what
you mean. The process Savvy uses is called adaptive pat-
tern recognition, or learning.
The learning comes from you. The more you use the
system, the more it learns. The Savvy system builds up
patterns to compare with your input. If it finds one or
more exact match, Savvy returns those items. If there
is no match, however, Savvy makes a guess by finding
a pattern that comes close to your input. For example,
if you ask people to identify a city from a skyline pic-
ture, they mentally match the picture to skylines they
have seen before. Most people can easily tell the dif-
ference between New York and Paris, for instance. If you
show them pictures of 10 different skylines, they should
be able to identify them easily. This is what Savvy does.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 303
At a Glance
Name
Savvy
Manufacturer
Excalibur Technologies Corp.
800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW
21 Mercado Plaza
Albuquerque, NM 87104
(505) 242-3333
Hardware
Z80-based plug-in card on Apple; four applications disks
Computer
Apple (H, II+, He), 48K- or 64K-byte IBM PC; two 5/4 -inch
floppy-disk drives; optional 80-column display, monitor, and
printer
Features
Integrated operating system, pattern recognition, virtual memory,
natural-language programming, 63-place decimal arithmetic
Compatibility
IBM PC, IBM PC XT, other PC-compatibles
Documentation
146-page programming manual and 330-page loose-leaf reference
manual
Warranty
Limited one-year
Price
S950
Audience
Nontechnical computer users; business and professional computer
users desiring an easy-to-use set of programs; those interested in a
pattern-recognition system
It gives you the best answer based on. patterns it has
observed previously.
To continue the skyline analogy, if you ask people to
identify a city and then show them an evening picture
of the skyline from a slightly different angle, they can
probably connect the two. Savvy does this also; in fact,
the more you use the system, the better it discriminates
between patterns. Excalibur Technologies claims to have
a proprietary method of ensuring the integrity of Sav-
vy's pattern-recognition system so you can't overload it
with too many patterns.
There is no need for the user of Savvy to have any par-
ticular computer skills or background. The system does
everything possible to make it easy for the noncomputer-
oriented user. For example, if you want to temporarily
lock the value of an item or a variable, you tell Savvy
to "freeze" the item. When you want to change the value,
you simply "thaw" the item. The developers of Savvy
have gone out of their way to eliminate as much com-
puter jargon as possible.
This leads us to a strong point in the Savvy system:
the ability to program without any programming back-
ground. You use your own words to describe what Sav-
vy is supposed to do. It is very close to programming
in your natural language. As an example, instead of com-
ing up with some algorithm to add two numbers, mul-
tiply the sum by a third number, and print the result,
you simply tell Savvy to "take number one, add it to
number two, then multiply the sum by a third number
and display the result," using almost those exact words.
The robot programmer that comes with the Savvy sys-
tem, one of the more highly touted parts of the system,
is designed to help you establish your own databases.
You can use it only to write databases. For instance, if
you want to create a database for birthdays, you can use
the robot programmer to write it. You follow the manual
and prompts to configure the input formats, relations,
search criteria, and output. Then the robot programmer
writes the code while you watch.
When the robot finishes, you can input the names,
dates, addresses, and whatever else you want in your
database. Once it is established, you can search for, up-
date, and output information from it. Typically, you
might ask it to list all family members who have birth-
days in March or all the members of the local church who
were born on the 15th of any month. The relationships
can be as simple or as complex as you wish, and you
ask for the information in plain English.
Applications
The Savvy applications programs include a text pro-
cessor with a mailing-list feature and a set of standard
business accounting applications, with accounts receiv-
able, accounts payable, inventory management, payroll,
and general ledger.
The text processor is not designed for heavy word-
processing applications but works fine for writing short
letters. The mailing-list feature enables Savvy to generate
your printed letters. File size is not the problem here;
the software just isn't available yet.
In the payroll module, you set up a payroll file, sub-
tract any individual deductions and taxes, record time
data, and print out both checks and a payroll summary
report.
The accounts-payable/receivable packages track
receipts and expenditures by client or supplier as well
as service charges, past-due accounts, payment due
dates, and all the other standard AP/AR data.
The general ledger tracks your accounts, prints checks
for expenditures, runs trial balances and prints income
statements.
Finally, the inventory-management program estab-
lishes your inventory and tracks changes in stock levels.
You can set up the inventory to include parts numbers,
descriptions, stock levels, costs and prices, reorder
points, and storage-location information.
As you can see, Savvy is primarily designed for small
business or professional use, and in that context it does
an adequate job. If you find that the applications don't
meet your needs as written, you can enhance or modify
them as you wish. The package includes the source code,
and you can use the programming facilities of the Savvy
system to make any changes.
Documentation
The accompanying documentation is an important
part of the Savvy system. I received a large loose-leaf
304 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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CONTRpL
DATA
BYTE February 1984 305
jNt are
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Is your Apple's 6502 processor chip a little
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binder and a separate Savvy programming manual. The
manual is fairly straightforward, and you are led through
the various Savvy functions with extensive use of the
tutorial approach and actual screen images of the dialog
between the user and Savvy. Almost no technical jargon
is included. My only complaint is that Excalibur Tech-
nologies used a rather small typeface and packed every
page full of information. Consequently, it takes a long
time to go through the documentation.
Conclusion
Savvy is a combination of hardware, software, firm-
ware, and applications programs designed for small
business or professional use. The actual system consists
of a plug-in board (for Apple users) and four disks. The
package also includes two sets of support documenta-
tion.
Communicating with the Savvy system through
English-like conversations makes it very quick and easy
for the noncomputer-oriented user to get up to speed.
The more you use the Savvy system, the more it recog-
nizes your commands. You can use the system's robot-
programming capabilities to write all sorts of databases
using English-like instructions. Savvy requires no
specific programming skills and after using it for a while,
you can become quite adept at writing your own Savvy
programs.
The applications are pretty much no-frills business
programs, consisting of a document- or letter-writing
module with mailing-label capabilities, payroll, accounts-
payable/receivable modules, general ledger and inven-
tory management. You can modify or enhance any of
these modules.
The documentation is voluminous, but complete, and
does a good job of leading the user through the various
functions and capabilities of the Savvy system.
Savvy costs $950; a fairly large investment. You also
need at least a 48K-byte Apple system (Apple II, II Plus,
or He) or a 64K-byte (currently it won't use more) IBM
PC, two disk drives, a monitor with an 80-column dis-
play, and finally a printer. To make a choice, you must
balance the unique operating and programming capa-
bilities Savvy offers against a set of specific application
programs for your word processing and business needs.
Overall, Savvy is a very easy-to-use, friendly system
that requires almost no background in computers. I en-
joyed using the Savvy system, but reviewing it was not
easy, as I could have spent many pages on any one of
its capabilities. I look forward to seeing how Savvy's
unique abilities affect the way people interact with com-
puters in the future. ■
Peter V. Callamams (HQ AFCC/EPPB, Scott AFB, IL 62225) is an officer
in the Air Force. He has degrees in computer technology and biological sciences,
and a master's degree in systems management. He has been interested in com-
puters since 1966 and was formerly the service department manager of a com-
puter store.
306 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 310 on inquiry card.
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Software Review
The Micro-Sci Gameport III for the
Apple III
How to upgrade your Apple III to an Apple II and recapture the
fun of computing
by William J. Purpura and Paula K. Purpura
The Apple III is a high-powered, sophisticated com-
puter, but you can't use it to play Space Raiders, Chop-
lifter, or any Apple II games that require a joystick or
paddles.
The Apple III was designed to utilize more than 64K
bytes of RAM, and this design did away with the per-
manent memory locations used by the Apple II paddles.
The new joystick input designed for the Apple III,
although it has a much better A/D (analog to digital) con-
verter than the Apple II's, is not much help. Most Apple
II games were written to use the Apple II paddles or joy-
sticks, and we couldn't find any game software designed
specifically for the Apple III. Until now, Apple III owners
have had to sit back and let the fun slip by.
Now, Micro-Sci (2150 South Hathaway St., Santa Ana,
CA 92705, (714) 662-2801) has come to the rescue with
Photo 1: The Gameport III board.
the Gameport III. Gameport III is an inexpensive ($74.95)
card that plugs into an Apple III slot to emulate the
Apple II's normal game I/O (input/output) port. With
this slick little board in place, most Apple II game soft-
ware will run on the Apple III.
Micro-Sci has assured us that it has found only one
Apple II game, Frogger, that does not work with the
Gameport III. Frogger uses a unique joystick reading
routine, which is sensitive to the individual joystick used
and causes problems on both the Apple II and the Apple
III.
Installation of the Gameport III is extremely easy (just
insert it in a slot), and the instructions provided by
Micro-Sci are simple. One caution: the 16-pin connec-
tor from the joystick or paddle must be aligned prop-
erly in the socket on Gameport Ill's board. If, for ex-
ample, the game won't recognize the joystick button or
the position of the joystick, the cable is probably not
plugged in correctly, so double-check the installation
before powering up your computer.
Once the hardware is installed, the Apple II emula-
tion disk supplied with the Apple III must be modified
to handle the Gameport III. Micro-Sci provides a disk
that will simplify this chore. You boot Micro-Sci' s disk,
which will then ask for the Apple II emulation disk and
will modify it without further action on your part. The
whole process takes a few minutes.
A few older versions of this board may require a minor
hardware modification to run correctly. This is due to
a problem discovered after the first units had been in
the field awhile. When the Gameport III is activated in
something other than Apple II emulation mode, it causes
problems with the normal Apple III SOS (super oper-
308 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
ating system) operation. For this reason, the Gameport
III is disabled automatically on power-up or CONTROL-
RESET.
To make the Gameport III operational, the user must
press button one on the joystick or paddles. (Remember
to do this while the game is loading, or you might end
up with certain incorrectly initialized inputs.)
It seems that a significant amount of EMI (electromag-
netic interference) noise is generated inside the Apple
III card-slot area. This high level of noise, particularly
during disk operation, occasionally caused the Game-
port III to turn on, leading to all sorts of system failures.
This happened to us during a disk-copy operation,
which failed with a "Stack Overflow" message.
The solution to the problem turned out to be simple.
In Apple II emulation mode, the
Apple III can only output the
high-resolution color signal on the
NTSC pin. "
A 0.1 micro-farad capacitor (ceramic type, nonpolarized)
must be soldered between pins 2 and 8 of the 16-pin
game connector on the trace side of the old version of
the Gameport board. Micro-Sci assures us that all new
boards have this modification, and anyone who has ex-
perienced such system failures with their board should
contact the Micro-Sci Customer Service Group at (714)
662-2801.
Anyone who is using an RGB (red, green, blue)
monitor with the Apple III should be aware that in Apple
II emulation mode, the Apple III can only output the
high-resolution color signal on the NTSC (National Tele-
vision System Committee) pin. This means that such
monitors can only display color games in black and
white. The problem is in the design of the Apple III and
is not a fault of Gameport III. The exception is the Elec-
At a Glance
Name
Gameport III
Use
Permits the use of Apple II paddle/joystick game software on
the Apple III
Manufacturer
Micro-Sci Corporation
2150 South Hathaway St.
Santa Ana. CA 92705
(7I4| 662-2801
Price
S 74.95
Components
Card, disk
Name
Manufacturer
A2FS.1
Sublogic
ABM
Muse
Alien Rain
Broderbund
Alien Typhoon
Broderbund
Bug Attack
Cavalier
Cannon Ball Blitz
Sierra On-Line
Castle Wolfenstein
Muse
Choplifter
Broderbund
David's Midnight Magic
Broderbund
Dog Fight
Microlabs
Falcons
Picadilly
Fire Organ
Vagabond
Jaw Breaker
Sierra On-Line
Lunar Leeper
Sierra On-Line
Olympic Decathlon
Microsoft
Pest Patrol
Sierra On-Line
Planetoids
Adventure International
Pool 1.5
IDSI
Raiders of the Lost Ring
Cavalier
Raster Blaster
Budgeco
Snack Attack
Data Most
Sneakers
Sirius
Space Invaders
Apple
Space Raiders
United Software of America
Space War
Apple
Star Blazer
Broderbund
Star Cruiser
Sirius
Suicide
Picadilly
Super Invader
California Pacific
Thunderbirds-GX
Urban Soft
Zenith
Gebelli
The above list is by no means comprehensive.
Table 1: The following are games we tested with the
Gameport III that require
either paddles or joysticks.
trohome RGB monitor, since Electrohome has an adapter
board to convert the NTSC signal back to RGB. Unfor-
tunately, this board will work only with Electrohome
monitors.
An annoying aspect of using the Gameport III is that
each time the user wants to run a new game or use the
computer in normal Apple II emulation mode, the sys-
tem must be rebooted. One of the game manufacturers'
piracy-prevention strategies is to set up disks so that the
user cannot exit to the operating system while running
a game. The rebooting procedure can be frustrating (par-
ticularly when you're reviewing lots of games), but it
does not detract much from the joy of turning the serious
and dull Apple III into a fun-loving Apple II.
Summary
The Gameport III is a must for anyone with an Apple
III who would like to run Apple II game software. The
price is not out of line for the fun provided. Check to
be sure that the unit you buy already has the capacitor
modification for reliability. ■
William ]. Purpura holds master's degrees in mechanical engineering and
business administration and works as a project engineer for Rockwell
International.
Paula K. Purpura is a senior systems engineer at Thermco Products Corp-
oration and has a B.S. in computer science and an M.B.A.
The authors can be reached at 5810 Paseo Ferrelo, Anaheim, CA 92807.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 309
Software Review
The Videx Ultraterm
A video-display card that enables the
Apple to display up to 160 columns or 48 lines
by Peter V. Callamaras
The Videx Ultraterm is a new video-display card de-
signed to plug into any Apple II (II, II Plus, or He) to
enable the Apple to display more than its standard 40
columns.
Before the introduction of this display card, Apple
owners had only two choices concerning the number of
columns they could display: they could accept the stan-
dard 40 columns or add a peripheral card to give the
Apple 80 columns. In either case the number of rows, or
lines displayed, was limited to 24. The Ultraterm offers
Apple owners a greater choice of displays (see table 1).
In addition to adding to the amount of information you
can display on the screen (see photo 1), the Ultraterm
actually enhances the visual display with these features:
•a standard high-resolution character set (7- by 9-dot
font)
•a high-quality character set (9- by 16-dot font)
•the ability to choose between normal or inverse-video
display
•the ability to display the characters in either a high-
light, normal, or lowlight mode (this refers to the relative
brightness of the characters on the screen)
•a 15-character line-drawing set as part of the standard
character set
• seven block graphics characters as part of the standard
character set
•96 ASCII (American National Standard Code for In-
formation Interchange) characters with true descenders
The Ultraterm also gives you the ability to "program"
your video display using any or all of the available modes
(highlight, lowlight, inverse, etc.), a built-in soft switch
that will automatically give you the 80-column mode
when you boot either Pascal or CP/M, and a well-written
users manual.
The features are impressive, yet the Ultraterm is also
easy to install and use. After you open the top of the
Apple and ground yourself to the power supply (by
touching the large gold unit in the left-rear corner of the
computer), simply plug the Ultraterm board into one of
the Apple's expansion slots and plug a two-wire molex
Photo 1: An example of one of the text formats possible with the Videx
Ultraterm card for the Apple II. In this mode, the Apple can display
an incredible 48 lines of 80-column text.
310 Rbruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
At A Glance
Name
Ultraterm Video-Display Card
Manufacturer
Videx Inc.
897 NW Grant Ave.
Corvallis, OR 97330
(S03J 758-0521
Price
S379
Software
Demonstration disk
Hardware Required
Apple II, II Plus, or He
Capabilities
40-160 columns, 24-48 lines, two character sets, four intensity
levels, added graphics and line-drawing character sets
Documentation
Well-written 78-page manual
Warranty
90 days, workmanship and material
Audience
Any Apple owner desiring more than 40-column display; all
business or professional Apple users
The Preboots
Name
Ultraterm Applewriter ll/lle Preboot
Price
S29
Audience
Apple users who want Applewriter II in more than 40 columns
and 24 lines
Name
Ultraterm Visicalc Preboot
Price
S69
Audience
Anyone who uses Visicalc
connector into the Ultraterm board (one end of the con-
nector into the normal Apple video-output port and the
other to your monitor). Put the top back on your Apple,
turn it on, and begin.
With the Ultraterm, you must use a monitor for a
video-display terminal because a standard television set
cannot handle an 80-column display. The monitor must
have at least a 15-MHz bandwidth to handle up to the
132-column mode or a 20-MHz bandwidth for the 160-
column mode (extended bandwidth is required because
of the Ultraterm's 28-MHz clock). It must also have a
high-persistence phosphor because the Ultraterm uses
an interlaced display mode to give more than 24 lines
in the 32-/48-line modes. Potential Ultraterm owners
Columns
Rows
Display type
40
24
Normal Apple display
80
24
Standard 80-column display
80
24
High-quality 80-column
80
32
Extended 80-column
80
48
Extended 80-column
96
24
Extended-column display
128
32
Extended/Visicalc display
132
24
Super-extended display
160
24
Ultra-extended display
Table 1:
The Videx Ultraterm
offers Apple owners a choice of
displays.
should examine their current monitors or any potential
monitor purchase to insure that they meet these criteria.
Tests conducted by Videx have shown that the follow-
ing monitors can be used successfully with the Ultra-
term:
•The Apple Monitor III is suitable for all displays ex-
cept 160-column. It is the Videx monitor of choice for
use with the Ultraterm.
•A NEC JB-902M will display all video modes, in-
cluding 160-column, but the short-persistence phosphor
causes the display to flicker. The 9-inch screen makes
anything over 80 columns hard to read.
•The NEC JB-1201M will perform the same as the NEC
JB-902M, but the 12-inch screen makes it easier to see
80+ columns.
•The Ledex/Amdek 100 was the monitor I first used
with the Ultraterm. It worked well in 80 columns, but
is unsuitable if you wish to take advantage of the
extended-column modes.
•Amdek 300A is the monitor I now use. It is superb;
not only does it have an amber screen (easier on the
eyes), but it can take advantage of all the Ultraterm fea-
tures. It has both the necessary bandwidth and phos-
phor persistence needed to go to 160 columns and 48
rows.
If you are not now using or contemplating buying one
of these monitors, I would encourage you to check with
your local computer dealer about the compatibility of
other specific monitors. If your dealer is unable to help
you, check with the Videx technical services departmenr.
The folks at Videx are happy to answer consumer
questions.
The only problem I had while using the Ultraterm was
with some of the popular Pascal programs that normal-
ly display in the Apple 40-column mode. Specifically,
PFS, Wizardry, and Visischedule will "fool" the Ultra-
term into thinking it is supposed to be in the 80-column
mode, and you end up with no display! The solution
is to plug your monitor directly into the Apple's video-
output port. Or, if you use any of these software pack-
ages often, you can install a Videx switch plate for a
simpler switchover.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 311
Besides the obvious advantages of the expanded-dis-
play area, there are some other handy features available
with the Ultraterm. Using the programmable "alternative
attributes," you can display either standard or high-
quality character sets in inverse or normal video with
highlight or lowlight brightness. You can also get other
character sets from Videx on EPROMs (erasable program-
mable read-only memories) featuring some common
foreign characters.
Special Features
The high-quality character set uses a 9- by 16-dot
matrix instead of the standard 7- by 9-dot matrix. It is
easier to read, although I found the standard set satisfac-
tory. The relative brightness of the display can be con-
trolled with the highlight/lowlight feature. This means
that you can have a screen display with some characters
brighter (or dimmer) than others. (This can be useful for
emphasis.) You can also combine the highlight/lowlight
feature with the normal/inverse screen capability to ex-
tend the emphasis capabilities of the screen display. For
instance, you could show an important caution or warn-
ing message in an inverse highlight, while the normal
text would be in a lowlight, normal-video mode. The
uses are limited only by your imagination.
Again, both Pascal and CP/M will come up automati-
cally in 80-column mode; there is no need to buy addi-
tional hardware or make any modifications. I found this
feature handy because I often switch back and forth be-
tween programs. With the standard Videx Videoterm I
sometimes forgot to throw the switch to the right out-
put. The built-in soft switch makes the Ultraterm easier
to use.
The Ultraterm's capabilities are also programmable, so
you can customize your screen displays if you wish. A
chapter in the manual addresses the various methods
and techniques for programming your screen displays
to take advantage of the Ultraterm's wide capabilities.
BASIC, Pascal, and assembly-language information is in-
cluded. One note: there are changes in how some video
displays work with the Ultraterm installed, such as the
loss of the FLASH command capability, but this is all
documented in the manual.
The Videx Preboots
Videx sells a set of preboot disks that allow you to
enhance some of the more popular software in conjunc-
tion with the Ultraterm.
The preboots are separate disk-based programs that
you have to load into the Apple before you load an ap-
plication program. The preboot then configures the
Apple and Ultraterm to give you some special features.
The preboot will first ask you to select one of several op-
tions and it sets up the Ultraterm accordingly. You then
load the application program as you would normally.
The preboots do not make changes to the application
program, so there is no need to worry about voiding war-
ranties or writing things to your application disks. Let's
take a look at two currently available preboots.
Applewriter II/IIe Preboot
The Applewriter preboot program gives you the abil-
ity to display more than 40 columns and 24 lines. Your
choices are: 80 columns by 24 lines, 80 columns by 32
lines, or 80 columns by 48 lines.
As mentioned before, you need a good monitor to use
the 80-column feature. The extended displays make a big
difference in how you process words. I found that the
80 by 48 display gives me a better "feel" for how my final
documents will look because it is so close to the actual
size of a physical page (80 by 55). Most first-time users
will probably prefer the 24-line mode until they get used
to the slightly smaller characters that are used with the
32- and 48-line modes.
This preboot works with either Applewriter II or He.
Just follow the instructions on the instruction sheet.
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MICRO
Introducing Scott. Foresmarfs new line of microcomputer books.
II
FOR THE PROGRAMMER
;AHOW-TO-DO-ITBOOK
Nelson T. Dinerstein
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS:
MAKING THE MOST OF THE MICRO
by Jeff Berner. Based on the popular
BBC television show currently seen on
PBS stations around the country. A
lively, fully illustrated introduction to
microcomputers and their applications.
dBASE II FOR THE PRO-
GRAMMER: A HOW-TO-DO-IT BOOK
by Nelson T. Dinerstein. This book helps
professional programmers develop
quality application systems in dBase II.
Includes numerous programs, sub-
routines, and advice on overcoming
common programming problems.
A LIBRARY OF SUBROUTINES
FOR THE IBM PERSONAL
COMPUTER by David S. Walonick.
Packed with tested subroutines for a
wide range of personal and business
applications, including subroutines on
time, math, sorting, printing, and
keyboarding This book can help you
cut your programming time in half!
To order, contact your local
bookstore or computer store, or
write to
Scott, Foresman and Company
Professional Publishing Group,
Dept. BY-1
1900 East Lake Avenue
Glenvlew, IL 60025
312-729-3000
312 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 326 on Inquiry card.
PGS introduces
the no-compromise monitor
to meet your
no-compromise needs.
High resolution
Once you've invested in a
first-rate computer, you don't
want to compromise with a
second-rate monitor. That's
why PGS introduced the first
no-compromise monitor, the
Princeton HX- 1 2. It set the price/
performance standard for high
resolution RGB color monitors.
Super resolution
Now we're introducing the
first no-compromise monitor in
the super resolution class. It's
our new SR- 1 2: an RGB monitor
that meets the most demanding
expectations at a price that will
surprise you.
Monochrome
And, for price/performance in
a monochrome monitor, we're
introducing the MAX- 1 2: our
new amber monitor that's as
easy on the eyes as it is on
your budget.
The monitor to meet
your needs
All three PGS monitors are
engineered for no-compromise
performance to provide you
with a cleaner, sharper image
than any other monitor in the
same price class. The HX- 1 2
and the SR- 1 2 both feature
uncompromising color conver-
gence for crisp whites without
color bleed. The MAX- 1 2 offers
impressive clarity in a mono-
chrome monitor with easy-on-
the-eyes amber phosphor.
And all three monitors come
with a non-glare screen and a
shielded cable that plugs
directly into the IBM PC or XT.
The HX- 1 2 has the highest
resolution (690x240) and the
finest dot pitch (31mm) in its
class. And yet its suggested
retail price is comparable to
many medium resolution
• monitors. The HX- 1 2 brings
no-compromise color to the PC
and now, with the PGS RGB-80
board, to the Apple He as well.
Suggested retail price: S695.
The new SR- 1 2 , in conjunction
with the PGS high performance
color graphics card, also features
a .3 1 mm dot pitch supporting
690 horizontal resolution.
However, by increasing the
horizontal scan rate to 27.5 KHz,
the SR- ! 2 can support 400
vertical resolution in non-
interlaced mode. This results in
a very high quality, flickerless
image with the ability to gener-
ate graphics and text that is
truly of monochrome quality.
Suggested retail price: S799.
The new MAX- 1 2 offers you
easy-on-the-eyes amber with
720x350 resolution at a sug-
gested retail price (S249) that is
actually lower than the leading
green-on-black competitor. And
the MAX- 1 2 runs off the IBM PC
monochrome card — no special
card is required.
Clarity of the Max 1 2 is en-
hanced by dynamic focusing
circuitry which ensures sharp-
ness not only in the center but
also in the edges and corners.
Suggested retail price: S249.
Whatever your needs, from
word processing to super reso-
lution graphics, there's now a
no-compromise PGS monitor
that sets the standard. Ask your
dealer for a demonstration and
let your eyes decide. Or call for
more information and the name
of your nearest dealer.
You can look to PGS for the
Image your eyes deserve.
Princeton
Graphic Systems
1 101 -I State Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
609 683-1660 TLX 6857009 PGS Prin
Circle 301 on inquiry card.
Nationwide service provided by Bell & Howell Service Company and MAI Sorbus Service Company.
Here's just a taste
of our great prices.
TRS-80
DOS PLUS 3.5 S89.00
HOME ACCOUNTANT mod III 59.50
LNW EXPANSION W/32K 345.00
PICKELS & TROUT CP/M mod 2,16 195.00
SUPPLIES
FLIP-SORT holds 50 $ 19.95
FLIP-SORT PLUS holds 100 24.50
BIB 5'/." DISK CLEANER 8.95
PLASTIC LIBRARY CASE 2.50
IBM TO PARALLEL CABLE 30.00
ISO II SIX SOCKET ISOLATOR 49.95
3M
S.S.D.DEN 40 TRACK 22.00
D.S.D.DEN 40 TRACK 34.50
VERBATIM DATALIFE
S.S.D.DEN 525-01 24,50
DSD. DEN 550-01 42.50
RIBBONS
DIABLO HY TYPE II FILM 5.95
NEC or C.ITOH DOT MATRIX 8.50
EPSON MX-80— RX-80 8,95
PRINTERS
EPSON GRAFTRAX PLUS $60,00
EPSON RX-80 299.00
EPSON FX-80 CALL
FINGER PRINT for EPSON 54,95
GEMINI 10 X 318,00
GRAPHICARD PRINTER INTERFACE 99.00
JUKI 6100 LETTER DUALITY 509.00
MICROBUFFER II 32K 209.00
OKIDATA 92A PARALLEL 450.00
PRINTEHFACE lor APPLE 75.00
TTX LETTER QUALITY w/Traolor 529.00
APPLE
128K ALPHA BYTE RAM BOARD $ 299.00
EPS KEYBOARD Programmable 299.00
HAYES MACH III JOYSTICK 37.50
INDUS DISK DRIVE 287.00
MICROSOFT 2-80 SOFTCARD 229.00
QUENTIN APPLEMATE 230.00
RANA ELITE 1 259.00
SUPERFAN II w/Zener Protection 79.00
SUPER 5 </! HEIGHT TEAC 249.00
VIDEX 80clm w/Sott Switch 229.00
ASCII EXPRESS PRO 94.50
BANK STREET WRITER 48.00
DISKQUICK CALL
LEGACY OF LLYGAMYN 29.50
LODE RUNNER 17.35
MERLIN 49.50
NEW FLIGHT SIMULATOR 34.16
PFS.WRITE APPLE lie 105.00
QUENTIN APPLEMATE 230.00
SILICON SALAD CALL
STICKY BEAR in stock CALL
MONITORS
AMDEK COLOR I PLUS $325.00
AMDEK 310A 179.00
BMC 9191 Color w/Sound 235.00
GORILLA GREEN 99.00
PANASONIC DUAL-MODE COLOR 325.00
QUADCOLOR II 246.00
TAXAN AMBER 125.00
USl PI3 12" 155.00
ZENITH AMBER 119.00
MODEMS
HAYES Micromodem ll/e Apple 2/2e....$ 256.00
HAYES SMART MODEM (300 Baud)... 208.50
HAYES SMART MODEM (1200 Baud). ..528. 50
HAYES 1200B IBM Internal 459.00
NOVATION IBM w/Crosstalk 1.2,3 496 50
PROMETHEUS 1200 Baud IBM internal, ..CALL
IBM®
ALPHA BYTE COMPUTER PRODUCTS:
256K w/RS-232 90 day warranty $ 256.00
512K w/RS-232 90 day warranty 459.00
CP/M 86 DIGITAL RESEARCH 54.00
HERCULES GRAPHICS CARD 399.00
HOME ACCOUNTANT PLUS 99.00
KEYTRONICS KEYBOARD 215.00
MICROSOFT LATTICE C Compiler 369.00
MICROSOFT WORD w/Mouse 387.50
MICROSOFT 64K 278.00
MOVE-IT Communications Pkg 98.00
MS-DOS FORTRAN 260.00
MULTIMATE Word Processor 324.00
PFS:File 97.50
PFS:Graph 97.50
PFS.Report 97.50
PLANTRONICS C0L0R+ w/Draftsman 475.00
PROKEY 58.50
QUADBOARD W/64K...: 298.00
OUADLINK 515.00
Tandon TM100-2 Double side 40 Irk. ...235.00
WORD PLUS Spelling Checker 115.00
APPLE & IBM®
DEADLINE $ 35.00
ENCHANTER 35.00
KOALA PAD 99.00
MASTERTYPE CALL
MICRO COOKBOOK 35.00
PINBALL CONSTRUCTION SET 29.50
WITNESS 35.00
WIZARDRY CALL
ZORK I, II, III 28.00
To order or for
information call
In Los Angeles:
(213)706-0333*
IPUTER
PRODUCTS
31304 VIA COLINAS
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
"For all your computer needs, come visit us at our new California store.
Satisfaction Assurance — Your satisfaction is assured by our 30 aay guarantee on all hardware
products we sell. All manufacturers' warranties are hdndred by manufacturers Dead-on-arnva! soft-
ware will be replaced free during rhe first 20 days, however, nd refunds or exchanges on software
Proof of purchase reduired. All returns must be authorized in advance.
There is one thing you need to about this preboot:
Applewriter normally rewrites the entire screen each
time you type something in. This works fine with a 40-
column display but with the Ultraterm there are many
more characters, and the program really can't keep up.
To resolve this, the preboot program shows the characters
as they are typed. The rest of the screen is updated
whenever you pause.
The Visicalc Preboot
This preboot will probably be the answer to the prayers
of Visicalc users everywhere! As with the other preboot
programs, you load the Visicalc preboot first, but the first
time you use it, it will automatically configure itself to
match your version of Visicalc (version 193, 202, 208, or
218). If you change versions the preboot can be recon-
figured. This program has the following display size op-
tions: 80 columns by 24 lines, 80 columns by 48 lines,
128 columns by 32 lines, or 160 columns by 24 lines. With
the 160-column option, however, you have to have a
monitor that can handle the full 160 columns.
The first time I went from 40 to 80 columns and tried
different line lengths I was amazed at the difference this
preboot made in using Visicalc. When I went to the 128-
and 160-column modes I was astounded. The added
window width and height gives you a realistic idea of
how your spreadsheet will look when done; it also
"feels" better.
It's worth adding the Ultraterm display card to your
Apple just to have access to this preboot-expanded Visi-
calc. It was difficult to go back to normal Visicalc after
using the preboot.
Documentation
The Ultraterm manual deserves mention as one of the
best I have seen. It includes a table of contents, glossary,
index, overview, and installation guide, as well as sepa-
rate chapters on each relevant subject area. It contains
the Ultraterm's theory of operation, schematics, and
firmware listings. There is even a section that lets Word-
star users configure their disks to come up automatical-
ly in the 80-column by 48-line format. I wish all manuals
were as complete as this one.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ultraterm display card is one of the best
peripheral devices I have seen to enhance the display
capabilities of the Apple. It can be used in any Apple
II, including the lie with extended memory. This display
card will without a doubt make the Apple II display the
new standard against which all microcomputer video
displays will be measured. ■
Peter V. Callamaras, an officer in the Air Force, can be reached at AFCC/
EPPB, Scott AFB, IL 62225. The recipient of degrees in computer technology
and biological sciences, he recently received his master's degree in systems man-
agement. He has been interested in computers since 1966 and used to be the
service department manager of a computer store.
314 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 298 on Inquiry card.
ni^3fc
" J ^'*'^>^€ix!S^&&j^3*tt^\x*ttjsa*tfa*s>**&2'a3* lll > :B ''"
"Your Portfolio, Sir."
DOW JONES INVESTMENT EVALUATOR™-
the computer software that serves your personal
investment needs at home, accurately and
efficiently.
A Personalized System
With the INVESTMENT EVALUATOR, your
home computer and a telephone modem, you
have a personalized system for managing your
portfolio. A system that automatically updates
and tracks only those stocks you want to follow —
allowing you to evaluate your position at a glance.
Easy Access to News /Retrieval®
This software automatically dials and connects
you with Dow Jones News /Retrieval®, the
world's leading supplier of computerized infor-
mation on demand. It allows you and your family
access to current quotes, financial and business
news, general news, movie reviews, sports,
weather and even the Academic American
Encyclopedia.
The Right Amount of Software
for the Job
The INVESTMENT EVALUATOR gives you
the capabilities you need without making you
pay for a lot of complex functions you may
never use. Menu screens lead you to what you
want with one-touch commands. The program
is completely reliable, comes with an easy-to-
follow manual and is fully supported by the
Dow Jones Customer Service hotline.
From Dow Jones, Publishers of
The Wall Street Journal
Dow Jones has been
serving the business and
financial communities for
over 100 years. Now
Dow Jones Software™
serves you at home.
For a free brochure call:
1-800-345-8500 ext. 262
(Alaska, Hawaii and foreign
call 1-215- 7R9-700H ext. 262)
Dow J ones Software
Dow Jones Investment Evaluator
...Bank on it.
Available for Apple II, Apple He,
IBM PC and TI Professional.
Compatibility with Atari and
Commodore to follow.
Copyright © 1983 Dow Jones & Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
Circle 116 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 315
| u »0o„.
i^^S
^^
CLOCK CALENDAR
'or IBM PC or ™xr
.• DOS co m pa tlblB
J^WUWim battery backup
_P»" No. 2,050 $74.95
i,-
WARE
PC Ware, Inc.
Dept. 2
4883 Tonino Dr.
San Jose, CA 95136
(408) 978-8626
In USA shipping paid by us for orders pre-paid. We
accept C.O.D. orders (U.S. only). For VISA or
MASTERCARD shipping charges will be added. CA
residents add 6.5% for tax. Outside USA add 15%
for shipping and handling. Payment must be in U.S.
funds. Dealer inquiries invited. One year warranty.
Display 80 characters
across and add 64K of
mory. This board '
the Apple //eon
HI-RES GRAPHIC
PBINTER INTERFACE
(or Apple II and //e
.Keyboard controlled Kreen du-np.
Indifferent commands for text
• Cable included
Part NO. 22080 S1A9.96
Use your dot matrix printer
to print high resolution graphics
with your Apple H or lie.
See us in California at the
JANUARY 28, 29,1!
San Mateo Fairgrour
MAY 5, 6, 1984
Oakland Convention Center
. f P "°M Oo> & to! 380 '/O
Connect any serial device
such as a printer, mouse, plotter,
modem, etc. to your Apple )[ or //e
CENTRONICS
PRINTER INTERFACE
for Apple II and lie
Multiple drivers onboa^n^ROM
(ln T^TaS&CP/MCcrnpatlble
, Applesott. Pascal. > d 3lrobe .),
, f s rst k e e sTse^Bus,PaP.r
.SCleXlocated ribbon
connector
Part No. 22010 $69.95
.With cable Included
BartNo "-°" I7996
o your Apple )
This ia a genera.
PARALLEL I/O INTERFACE
for Apple II and lie
. Multiple drive, onboard In E PR°M
(lnte , rCh « ng pa a scLl IcP/MCompatlble
tK^oSSJor-l Parallel ports
. Four handshake line?
• . Conveniently located ribbon
connector
Part No. 22020 $89.95
Hardware Review
Apple Disk Emulators:
Axlon, Legend, Pion, and Synetix
Four RAM disk emulators for the Apple II allow
faster execution times for certain applications
by Michael W. Gilbert
Applications that require a lot of file manipulation and
disk access are often slowed considerably by the relative-
ly slow disk-access speeds afforded by the Apple's
5 Vi -inch disk system. These applications, of course,
would be greatly enhanced if the disk information trans-
fer rate were brought up to the transfer rate of data in
RAM (random-access read/write memory). Some user
systems could also benefit from the addition of storage
space in the form of more disk drives.
For most applications, a RAM disk emulator (DE) per-
forms exactly like a mechanical drive, but considerably
faster. This speed advantage can be put to good use in
many applications, including compilations, assemblies,
database manipulations, sorting, word processing, data
acquisition, and graphics. The current basic building
block of the DE is the 64K-bit RAM chip. As RAM tech-
nology is developed, we will see RAM chips with greater
storage capacity and lower prices, and DE units will
become even more competitive with mechanical storage
methods.
I compared four RAM DE devices for the Apple II/II
Plus/He family: the Axlon Ramdisk 320, the Legend 128K
DE Softdisk, the Pion Interstellar Drive, and the Synetix
Flashcard (formerly the Synetix 2202 Solid-State Disk
Emulator) (see photo 1). All four DE devices support the
three most popular operating systems for the Apple:
Apple DOS 3.3, Pascal, and CP/M. Prices range from
$529 for the Synetix Flashcard to $1095 for the Pion In-
terstellar Drive. Each system includes a manual, software
to interface it with the operating systems, various
utilities, and a diagnostic program for the RAM chips.
318 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Disk Emulators and DOS
Each of the four units I reviewed has a program that
alters Apple DOS 3.3 to allow it to use RAM as an
emulated disk drive. Unlike CP/M, Pascal, and the Ap-
ple Ill's SOS, Apple's DOS 3.3 was not designed to allow
for alternate drivers. Unfortunately, RAM DEs will not
work with most copy-protected or modified software that
does not use all the standard DOS conventions, com-
mands, or entry points, or with software that must be
booted to run. The Synetix and Legend emulation soft-
ware places the DOS patches right under DOS and
moves the file buffers down to protect them. The Axlon
and Pion interface cards both have their own RAM
space; the patches are located on the interface card and
not in the Apple II main memory.
The Axlon DOS patch has an excellent feature: it can
toggle (by means of a $300 routine) between Axlon DOS
and normal unpatched DOS. This routine also preserves
all DOS data in the lower pages (0-3) of memory. The
four systems patch a routine called the RWTS (read/write
track/sector) to route calls through their own access rou-
tines. (Note: a DE could be set up to look exactly like
a standard disk controller to the bus, but without the
DOS modifications— involving timing loops— it would
be no faster than a disk.)
In a sense, the Axlon and Pion DEs will be compati-
ble with a few more programs than the others (for
example, Magic Window II), but because they all change
DOS by at least 2 bytes (a Jump~JMP~operand), any pro-
gram that overwrites DOS with its own operating system
will obliterate the patch no matter how small it is. The
Photo Is RAM disk emulators for the Apple. The
units shown are, top to bottom, the Axlon Ram-
disk 320, the Synetix 2202 Solid State Disk
Emulator, and the Pion Interstellar Drive. Not
shown is the Legend 128K DE Softdisk, which
somewhat resembles the Synetix card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 319
RAM Disk Emulator
Task (seconds)
Disk
(seconds)
BLOAD (34 sectors)
with Fastload
2.5
0.4
10
3
BSAVE (34 sectors)
3
15
LOAD (84 sectors)
with Fastload
6
0.7
21
7
SAVE (84 sectors)
7
34
Table 1: A comparison showing how quickly a RAM disk emulator
can access data compared with a normal floppy disk under Apple
DOS 3.3. Performance was also tested with a DOS speed-up pro-
gram called Fastload/DOS.
Axlon DOS can, however, be reconnected easily (using
the toggle) once you are back in normal DOS. This
method may lend itself well to future interface develop-
ments.
In all cases, the systems are less than ideal for the
canned-software user. They are more suited to specific
user-written or user-modified applications or for use in
development systems.
How Much Faster?
The access speed increases offered by all four units are
almost exactly the same. All but the Legend are com-
patible with Microseeds' Fastload/DOS, a commercially
available utility that speeds up DOS 3.3. The Legend has
a feature that is functionally equivalent to Fastload/DOS
built into its software. The units all work approximately
the same way; the RAM is paged and accessed through
a peripheral "window" address(es). The factors that limit
speed are the operating system's file-handling overheads
and the clock speed of the microprocessor. The file-han-
dling overheads can be reduced by using a DOS speed-
up program (such as Fastload/DOS) or by bypassing the
file handler entirely. The 34-sector BLOAD routine takes
0.4 second and can be executed directly, using RWTS
in a machine-language program, in under 0.2 second.
The use of a speed-up card such as the Number Nine
Booster card (a 6502C processor with a 3.6-MHz clock)
can further increase the speed of data transfer. Table 1
shows a sample of the speed-ups under DOS 3.3. Speed-
ups under all three operating systems range from 200
percent to over 5000 percent, depending on the applica-
tion and on how you choose to compare things. Most
operations, other than those involving DOS 3.3 text files,
will be considerably (approximately 1000 percent) faster.
For DOS 3.3 text files, none of the four units offers a
spectacular speed advantage over 5V4-inch disk drives.
This is because of the DOS overheads used when han-
dling text files. The Axlon software enhances text-file
speed by loading groups of records into memory and
accessing them there. However, this nongeneral solution
to the problem requires rewriting user programs, and
it will not work in many cases.
Pascal access times increased similarly with all four
units. Synetix and Axlon configure the emulators as the
root volume, allowing faster system access (filer, etc.) and
compilations. Neither the Pion nor the Legend card can
act as the root volume— a limitation. Pascal more readi-
ly allows for the attachment of nonstandard device
drivers: all the systems will probably be more compati-
ble with software and hardware under Pascal than with
DOS 3.3. The Synetix Pascal software comes with an ex-
cellent utility (U.code) to transfer files to and from the
Flashcard.
CP/M access times are also virtually identical. None
of the units can use the emulator as the A: drive, so
SUBMIT files cannot be tested for speed-up. In addition,
the ATTACH programs associated with the systems can-
not be used in SUBMIT files. When SUBMIT.COM is in
effect, it changes vector table locations needed by the
attach routines. The emulated drives cannot be formatted
with FORMAT.COM, but they usually don't need explicit
formatting (if they do, a quick utility is supplied). You
should PIP your files to the DEs rather than using
COPY.COM.
Despite these minor limitations, the CP/M user prob-
ably stands to gain the most from the DEs; they can be
used with most commercial CP/M software with little
or no incompatibility. For example, if you run a spell-
ing-checker program on a large text file first with the
5V4-inch disk and then with a DE, the DE's usefulness
is apparent. The ease with which CP/M can be recon-
figured to accept I/O (input/output) code changes and
new drivers to support custom I/O devices serves to
highlight a weak point of the Apple DOS.
All four DEs can be accessed directly with the RWTS
routine under DOS 3.3 in assembly/machine language
for high-speed applications. This makes them especial-
ly useful and extremely fast for applications programmed
directly in 6502 assembly code.
System Configurations
The Synetix system can emulate up to 12 drives (using
six cards) under DOS 3.3, two large (560-block) drives
(two cards) under Pascal, and four drives (two cards)
under CP/M, with a suggested maximum of three to four
cards with the Apple II Plus standard power supply.
New CP/M software allows two cards to be configured
as one large 576K-byte drive. In addition, utilities are in-
cluded to segment and reconstruct large files for backup
on the Apple 126K-byte floppy disks. The Synetix system
also includes a routine to use its 294K-byte card under
DOS 3.3 as one large 32-sector drive. This is the only
system offering a large drive option under DOS 3.3.
The Axlon system can emulate up to 12 drives (six
units) under DOS 3.3, six drives (three units) under
Pascal, and one drive (one unit) under CP/M, with no
limit to how many systems can be used. Each Axlon unit
has its own power supply. The Axlon allows for using
its extra (within the 320K-byte) RAM as an expansion
from 35-track to 40-track emulation, with appropriate
software patches.
320 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
CLEO
makes the mainframe connection.
Your PC can do more.
CLEO Software is the
answer to your
interfacing problems.
The communications features
of the CLEO-3270 Software
package allow your microprocessor
to emulate a cluster of IBM terminal
devices.
You don't even need to change software
on your mainframe computer, because
for all it knows, it's
communicating with a
3271-12, 3275-12. or
3276-XX cluster. And the
CLEO program will
support multiple devices.
If your IBM mainframe doesn't support
remote 3270 clusters, you need remote
batch communications. CLEO-3780
Software is your answer.
For full details contact Phone 1 , Inc.. 461 North Mulford
Road, Rockford. IL61 107; phone (81 5) 397-81 10.
Telex 703639
PC
Standard Features-CLEO 3270
• Bisynchronous 3276-2 protocol to 9600 baud
• SDLC 327 1-12 and 3275-12 protocol
• Up to eight line cluster activity
• Selectable control unit address
• User install program for various CRTs
• 3278 emulation for ASCII CRTs
• Available for CP/M™, MP/M™. MsDOS™, TurboDOS™, Unix™,
and Xenix™
• 3276-1 2 protocol, coming soon
Standard Features-CLEO 3780
• Point-to-point and multipoint communications
• Available for CP/M™. MP/M™. MsDOS™, TurboDOS™. Unix T '
and Xenix™.
• Supports transparent mode
• Coded in C language
CP/M is a Trademark of Digital Research, Inc.
MP/M is a Trademark of Digital Research. Inc.
MsDOS is a Trademark of Microsoft. Inc.
Circle 294 on inquiry card.
TurboDOS is a Trademark of Software 2000. 1
Unix is a Trademark of Bell Labs
Xenix is a Trademark of Microsoft. Inc.
CLEO
At a Glance
Name
Axlon Ramdisk 320
Type
External RAM disk emulator
Manufacturer
Axlon Inc.
1287 Lawrence Station Rd.
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
(408) 747-1900
Size
B'h by 6/ 8 by 3% inches
Features
320K bytes of memory, own power supply and battery backup,
comes with two database-manager programs
Hardware Needed
Apple II or III
Documentation
75-page manual
Options
UCSD Pascal driver: S15
Price
S999
The Legend unit can emulate four drives (four cards)
under DOS 3.3, four drives (four cards) under CP/M, and
six drives (six cards) under Pascal. Legend Industries Ltd.
is currently working on emulations of larger drives under
Pascal and CP/M.
The Pion system can emulate two drives (one unit)
under DOS 3.3, two drives (one unit) under Pascal, and
one drive (one unit) under CP/M. The Pion system, how-
ever, can be physically expanded up to 1 megabyte of
RAM (extra available in 256K-byte increments) enabling
emulation of up to eight drives (one unit) under DOS
3.3 (using optional mapping software) and very large
drives under Pascal (up to 1768 blocks) and CP/M.
The four units include software for initializing the
emulator system (installing the patches). The Pion sys-
tem requires the DE to be formatted for each operating
system; this is usually done only once, after the unit has
been powered down, or for a change of operating sys-
tem. The Axlon system uses a configuration utility that
creates a boot program to carry out particular copy opera-
tions. The Synetix system has an installation utility that
is user friendly, including a prompted copy routine. The
Legend system has an installation utility that assigns an
emulated drive number that can be other than the slot/
drive numbers, to be used by DOS enhancement copy
commands. The Legend DOS enhancements add two
new commands directly to DOS 3.3: MOUNT and UP-
DATE. The command .M1,S6,D1 copies the contents of
S6,D1 5V4-inch disks onto emulated drive 1; U1,S6,D1
copies the contents of emulated drive 1 onto a disk in
S6,D1. Under CPJM, all the systems use similar AT-
TACH.COM files. Note that, because of SUBMIT's use
of the vector table under CP/M, some of the AT-
TACH.COM files cannot be used in SUBMIT files for
turnkey use. Under Pascal, all systems use similar drives
that are appropriately configured and attached by the
Pascal system after booting from the disk.
All of the units include software for configuring turn-
key systems for initial loading and start-up.
Installation
The Axlon DE is an attractive, freestanding unit, the
size, shape, and color of an Apple II Disk Drive, with
a power cord and cable/interface card that installs in any
Apple slot (1 through 7).
The Pion unit is also well packaged in a slightly larger
metal case (to allow for RAM expansion), with an inter-
face card that must be installed in slot 4. 1 have one criti-
cism of the Pion: the power supply is a calculator type,
on the plug end of the power cord, and it cannot be
switched on and off. Because both the Axlon and the
Pion RAM are external to the Apple, heat is not a
problem.
The Legend is a compact card that installs inside the
Apple in any slot. My Legend card required the removal
of an Apple motherboard RAM chip and the installa-
tion of a refresh strap from card to motherboard, which
may make the current version of this card incompatible
with the He. Legend Industries Ltd. has now updated
the product: the new version has its own refresh (no
strap) and will work with both the He and the III in II
emulation mode.
The Synetix is a large, tightly packed, cleanly laid out
card that also installs in any Apple slot. Despite the fact
that the RAM is inside the Apple, the low power con-
At a Glance
Name
Legend 128K DE Softdisk
Type
Memory card with disk-emulation software
Manufacturer
Legend Industries Ltd.
2220 Scott Lake Rd.
Pontiac, Ml 48054
(313) 674-0953
Size
7/,-inch Apple expansion card
Features
128K bytes of memory, comes with several utility programs
Hardware Needed
Apple II or III
Documentation
98-page operating manual
Options
64K-byte version (S327)
Price
S599
322 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
s#r
If your
personal computer
doesn't tie into
office automation
maybe it doesn't
belong in your
office.
Unfortunately, with
most personal comput-
ers, the information you
get is limited to the informa-
tion you put in.
But if your personal
computerties into office
automation,there's nolimittohowfaryou
can go.
And quite simply, that's the difference
between the Wang Professional Computer
and almost every other personal computer
on the market.
The Wang Professional Computeroffers
you excellentcommunications.lt is so com-
patible it can work with the entire family of
Wang office computers, as well as most
mainframes.
There are other advantages, of course.
Like the best selling word processing in the
world . And the fastest data processing of a ny
personal computer we've tested.
But the way we look at it, your office is
filled with important information.
If you don't take advantage of it, you
might as well leave our computer home with
the rest.
For a demonstration of the Wang Pro-
fessional Computer, call 1-800-225-9264. Or
write to Wang Laboratories, Inc., Business
Executive Center, One Industrial Avenue,
Lowell, MA 01851.
WANG
The Office Automation
Computer People.
8
A.,
1\
BY4
© 1983 Wang Laboratories, Inc.
BYTE February 1984 323
At a Glance
Name
Pion Interstellar Drive
Type
External RAM disk emulator
Manufacturer
Pion Inc.
I01R Walnut St.
Watertown. MA 02172
(617) 923-8009
Size
9 by 8]4 by 4 inches
Features
256K bytes of memory, own power supply and battery backup
Hardware Needed
Interfaces available for several computers, including Apple II,
S-100-based systems, TRS-80 Models II, III, and 4, Morrow, and
IBM PC
Documentation
15-page manual
Options
Extra 256K-byte memory cards ($595), up to I megabyte
Price
SI095
sumption (approximately 150 mA) ensures that very lit-
tle heat is generated.
All four DEs are compatible with a wide range of pe-
ripherals including language cards, printer cards, serial
I/O cards, Z80 cards, 80-column cards, etc. Problems will
arise with alternative storage devices that use the same
parts of DOS for patching and with a peripheral card
that has a routine in ROM (read-only memory) that
makes an absolute reference to a DOS point that has
been patched or changed.
The Axlon and Pion units are self-powered; each has
its own power supply and battery backup. Without this
backup system, any loss of power will mean loss of
stored information. The drives can be left on all the time
and will retain data. In addition, in case of power failure
or brownout, the drives are battery backed-up for ap-
proximately three hours (Axlon) and one-half hour
(Pion), with the battery under continual trickle charge
when the power is on. I tested the feature and the
claimed backup times are accurate.
The self-power feature accounts, in part, for price dif-
ferences between the units. The potential DE user must
assess his needs with regard to the importance of data
retention after power down. The feature is not needed
for every DE application; the devices can be reloaded
easily with data on power-up. An ideal situation would
be to have the entire computer system backed up; cur-
rently, if a power outage lasts longer than the batteries,
the data is lost because it can't be backed up onto a disk.
The Axlon is the only unit to store the DOS image:
it can be warm booted with the command PR#x, where
x is the slot number of the Axlon's interface. Because it
is always powered independently from the Apple II, it
can also be used as a cold-boot drive if placed in a slot
numbered higher than the disk controller's slot. The abil-
ity to warm and cold boot from the Axlon gives it an
advantage for certain uses. Most designers opt not to
designate tracks on the emulated disks as system, tracks
for saving space or using it for data; in almost every case,
the operating system tracks are already on the disk in
the system.
Documentation and Software
The Synetix and Pion software are sparsely docu-
mented; a listing for direct access of the RAM in assem-
bly code is included but is only briefly commented on.
The package could be improved with source-code list-
ings for the DOS patches.
The Axlon unit has well-annotated assembly-code list-
ings of its programs, and its manual is well presented
and relatively clear.
The Legend software is well documented and the soft-
ware can be modified fairly easily (by a skilled assem-
bly-language programmer).
In all cases, however, the manuals are not always clear
enough, and they fail to cover aspects of use as well as
problems due to software interactions with existing sys-
tem conventions. All of the units come with hardware
diagnostic routines that were tested by substituting
known-defective RAM chips for good ones. The Synetix
program is the easiest to use, but the card must be in
a particular slot, an inconvenience in multicard systems.
At a Glance
Name
Flashcard (formerly Synetix 2202 SSD)
Type
RAM disk-emulator card for Apple II
Manufacturer
Synetix Micro Products
15050 N.E. 95th St.
Redmond, WA 98052
(800) 426-7412
Size
II / 2 -inch Apple expansion card
Features
294K bytes of memory
Hardware Needed
Apple II
Documentation
30-page user's manual
Options
147K-byte card (Synetix 2201), Softech Microsystems' p-System
operating system, Magicalc spreadsheet program from Artsci ($70)
Price
With 294K bytes: $529
With 147K bytes: $349
324 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
NETWORK
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BYTE Eebruary 1984 325
As for applications software, both the Synetix and Pion
systems come without any. The Axlon unit, however,
comes with two database systems, both documented,
listed, and modifiable; a utility to enable the extra 40K
bytes of memory the unit has; and a utility to manipulate
certain text files faster. The Legend unit is a general-
purpose RAM card; as such, the disk emulation itself
is, in a sense, a utility. The Legend unit comes with a
complete documented set of additional utilities: Amper-
card— software that enables the user to easily use the card
to store and access 128K bytes of strings, arrays, and vari-
ables under BASIC; Memory Master— software that
relocates DOS onto the card and out of Apple II mem-
ory and simultaneously makes available 3.2 and 3.3;
Slide Select— software for rapid access of image files;
Firmware Selector— software allowing the user to move a
firmware Integer or Applesoft card out of slot 0; and
Visicalc-Expand— to enable Visicalc users to manipulate
larger (up to 176K-byte) models.
A Balance Sheet
Axlon pluses: the unit is always powered and backed
up by battery, and it does not need reloading. The oper-
ating-system image is stored for cold and warm booting.
It has the least amount of in-Apple memory patching
due to RAM space on interface. It can toggle between
Axlon DOS and normal DOS. It has good documenta-
tion (currently being revised and expanded) and a com-
plete software package (also being expanded to include
more CP/M and Pascal utilities). Minuses: it takes up
physical space outside of the Apple and is expensive.
Legend pluses: the Legend is a general-purpose RAM
card that can be used in many applications other than
disk emulation, including use with Visicalc. It has DOS
enhancements with new commands, MOUNT and
UPDATE. It has excellent commented listings of software
to allow for modifications and an excellent package of
memory-management utilities. Minuses: it has the small-
est disk-emulation capacity per card and total drives, and
it has one technical problem— if a system Reset occurs
during disk (emulator) access, the system will hang up,
requiring a cold boot (and causing the loss of RAM-card
data). [Editor's Note: Legend Industries has recently released
another version of its memory card, called S-Card. This card
can hold from 64K bytes to 256K bytes of memory. And, when
256K-bit chips become available, the upper limit will be 1 mega-
byte. The price for the 64K-byte version is $399; 128K-byte,
$524; and 256K-byte, $724. . . . R. M.]
Pion pluses: the unit is always powered and battery
backed-up, and it does not need reloading. It has the
least amount of in-Apple memory patching due to RAM
space on its interface. Its RAM is expandable to 1 mega-
byte. It has good documentation, and hardware error
detection is provided to prevent faulty data. The Pion
drive is the only system I evaluated that is not designed
exclusively for the Apple; it can run (using different host
interfaces) on Apple, S100/IEEE 696, TRS-80 II/III, IBM,
SS50, Motorola, and with a universal Z80-interface
Osborne, Intertec, Superbrain, Morrow, etc. It will soon
be expanded to cover North Star, Victor 9000, and Dec
Q bus as well. Operating systems supported include Ap-
ple (DOS 3.3, CP/M, and Pascal), CPIM 2.2 (S100),
TRSDOS, LDOS, FLEX, OS-9, RT-11, and North Star
DOS, soon to include CP/M 3.X, CP/M-86, concurrent
CP/M, MS-DOS, TURBODOS, MP/M, and CDOS.
Because of its extensive range and its capacity to expand
to 1 megabyte, this device will be of interest to many
users outside the Apple market. Minuses: it takes up
physical space outside of Apple, its power supply is un-
wieldy, and it is expensive.
Synetix pluses: the Flashcard performs functionally as
well as any system on the market, but at a much lower
cost. It is well developed in all operating system en-
vironments. It has well-developed CP/M software and
32-sector operation in DOS 3.3. It takes up the least
amount of space and is the easiest unit to install or move
around. Minuses: it has inadequate documentation and
not enough utility and applications software.
Conclusions
All these units perform well and are reliable. Not once
during many weeks of moderate-to-heavy use did any
of the units (once debugged) fail to operate correctly.
They all offer about the same speed advantages and the
same software incompatibility disadvantages. Axlon and
Pion have a power/backup hardware advantage, but at
a price. Synetix offers equivalent performance with fewer
features at a lower price. Legend offers a general-purpose
RAM board whose features and uses extend well beyond
disk emulation.
The RAM disk emulators that I reviewed will give
users a definite speed advantage over mechanical drives.
Another advantage is the possibility of using DEs in en-
vironments hostile to the moving parts of mechanical
drives. (One manufacturer cited systems used at a grain
elevator as an example. The grain dust in the air would
hopelessly jam up a disk drive after prolonged use.) I
have found the DEs useful; in fact, I wrote this article
with the help of one. My programs can be edited and
compiled faster than they were without the DEs, my
database runs and sorts much faster, and I have devel-
oped full-frame graphics animation programs that run
at about seven full frames per second— no easy task on
an Apple.
I use CP/M on my Apple almost exclusively these days.
It is under CP/M that all the DEs are most compatible
and, therefore, most useful.
There is no one "best" DE: each has features that make
it suitable for different applications. There are differences
in software, documentation, and ease of use that will
be important when you evaluate a potential purchase. ■
Michael W. Gilbert (73 Spaulding St., Amherst, MA 01002) is an indepen-
dent microcomputer consultant, electronic music composer, and technical writer.
His first contact with RAM disk emulation was as a consultant to Synetix
Micro Products writing graphics demo software. His current area of comput-
ing interest is graphic art.
326 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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HELPWARE
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IBM/Apple Communication
Sending text files between Apples and IBM PCs is easy with these
simple programs
Perhaps there are some BASIC pro-
grams or files on an Apple II Plus or
He computer that you would like to
use on an IBM PC or XT without hav-
ing to type them in all over again. Or
maybe there is an IBM file that you
would like to massage with some
Apple software. The IBM PC and Ap-
ple versions of BASIC are similar
enough that, with only minor modi-
fication, many programs written for
the Apple II will run on the IBM PC
and vice versa. In this article I will
outline a method and list programs
that will allow you to transfer BASIC
programs or data files between IBMs
and Apples quickly and easily.
These programs assume that each
machine has a serial I/O (input/out-
put) board and that a "cross-over
cable" (sometimes called a "modem
eliminator") links the serial boards
together. A cross-over cable has con-
nectors on each end that join pin #2
of one serial connector with pin #3 of
the other machine's serial connector.
This crossover of the data lines
enables the data output from one
machine to become the input to the
other. Cross-over cables are available
from computer dealers at a nomimal
price.
These programs also assume that
disk drives (as opposed to cassette
recorders) are used on each machine
and that a reasonably standard DOS
(disk operating system) is being used
on each system. The programs run
on the IBM PC and Apple II Plus and
by Robert Jones
will probably run on the IBM XT and
Apple He as well, because no unique
features of these models are used.
A Brief Overview of the Method
The user controls the operation of
this data transfer from the keyboard
of the receiving machine. This con-
trol is assumed once the sending ma-
chine's program begins to run. The
user runs the receiving program,
supplying, when asked, the name of
the file to be sent from the sending
Their versions of BASIC
are similar enough
that, with minor
modifications, many
programs written for
the Apple II will run on
the IBM PC and vice
versa.
machine and the name of the file
under which to save it on the receiv-
ing machine. The requested file is
loaded into a string array on the
sending machine, sent line by line to
the receiving machine's comparable
string array, then the string array is
saved to a file on the receiving ma-
chine's disk drive. These programs
use a 4800-bps (bits per second) rate
and a format of 7 data bits, 1 stop bit,
and even parity. Set the parameters
on the Apple serial card and use the
IBM program's OPEN statement to fix
them for the PC's communications
buffer.
Apple-to-IBM Example
Suppose that you have a text file on
your Apple but your IBM PC has
some software that plots data for you.
The following instructions will send
your text file from the Apple II to the
IBM PC. Listing 1 is the APTOIBM
sending program. Listing 2 is the
APTOIBM receiving program. Be-
fore running these programs, be sure
that the serial-card slot number for
the Apple is correctly noted in the
Apple II program (that is, set SLOT
equal to the slot number if it is other
than slot #5). Check that your IBM
PC serial board is configured as
COM1: as specified in the OPEN
statement. COM2: can be used in the
program by modifying the OPEN
statement. Make sure that there is
sufficient disk space in the receiving
machine.
Run the program on the (sender)
Apple II first. The message "Waiting
for instructions from the IBM . . ."
should appear. Be sure that the file
to be transmitted is on the disk in one
of the Apple drives. Now run the
IBM (receiver) program. When asked
for the Apple filename, enter the
name as it appears in the catalog of
that disk, including the drive specifi-
cation, if needed (e.g., "MYFILE,D2").
You will also be asked for the file-
name under which to save this file on
the IBM PC. Be sure to give it a valid
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 331
filename specification (e.g.,
"B:MYFILE.DAT"). After pressing the
Return key, you should see the
Apple's drive light go on as it
searches for the requested file. As the
file is being transferred, it will be
listed on the Apple's screen. When
transmission is completed, the
lengths of the string arrays (contain-
ing the "lines" of the files) in both
machines will be compared. If the
lengths match, then the IBM will save
the file. If the lengths do not match,
then you will be asked to either save
the file or abort it. Over 90 percent
of the time, the lengths will match.
If they do not, there may have been
a leading or trailing blank space in
one or more of the lines or control
characters within the text. I would
suggest saving the transferred file
anyway, then later searching for the
cause of the problem. I have not yet
had a discrepancy with a Visicalc file
nor with a text file containing only
alphanumeric characters (such as
those written with an Applesoft
WRITE statement). The files created
by word-processing programs are
another story, however. These are
best saved (despite any length dis-
crepancies) and edited later.
If the file to be transferred is not
found on the sending machine, then
the user is informed and asked to
enter the correct filename. The pro-
gram may be halted by pressing the
Return key instead of specifying a
filename. If the requested file can't be
found, check the drive specification
and the spelling of the filename and
run both programs again.
If the file contains more than the
2000 lines for which X$() is dimen-
sioned in all programs, then dimen-
sion the X$() arrays in both programs
to a larger size. A dimensioned size
of 2000 "lines" is probably more than
adequate for a file that fits into 25 to
35K bytes of available memory. If the
file is too large to fit into the memory
available, you will receive an OUT OF
MEMORY message on the sending
machine, and some major modifica-
tion of both programs may be
needed. Alternatively, you could
break the file into smaller segments,
transmit the segments separately,
then rejoin them.
332 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 1: The Apple to IBM sender program.
100
no
120
130
140
150
160
170
1B0
190
200
210
230
240
250
260
270
2S0
290
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370
380
390
400
410
420
430
440
450
460
470
480
490
500
510
520
530
540
550
560
570
5S0
590
600
610
620
630
640
650
660
670
680
690
700
710
720
730
740
750
760
770
780
790
800
810
820
830
840
850
860
870
REM
REM
APTDIBM SENDING PROGRAM FOR APPLE
BY ROBERT JONES AUGUST 3, 1983
LISTING #1
HOME
REM SOME DEFINITIONS
DIM X*(2000>
SLOT = 5: REM SERIAL PORT SLOT
D* = CHRt (4)
EF* = "XX"
OE = 1
LI = 768: REM LINE INPUT ROUTINE
FOR I = 768 TO 812: READ X: POKE I,X: NEXT I
REM GET NAME FROM IBM
GOSUB 800
print d*; "in#";slot: input fa*: print d*;"in#0"
PRINT
IF FA* = " " THEN 760
REM READ APPLE FILE FROM DISK
PRINT D*;"OPEN "JFA*
PRINT D*; "READ " ) FA*
ONERR GOTO 380
1=0
I = I + OE: CALL LI,X*<I>: GOTO 370
PRINT D*; "CLOSE": POKE 216,0:ER = PEEK (222)
IF PEEK (222)
5 THEN 490: REM END OF FILE FOUND
REM ERROR REPORT
PRINT D*; "PR#";SLDT: PRINT "ERROR": PRINT D*j "PR#0"
IF ER = 107 THEN PRINT "X*(> IS TOO SMALL FOR FILE."
IF ER = 77 THEN PRINT "FILE TOO LARGE FOR AVAILABLE MEMORY."
IF ERR = 176 THEN ONERR GOTO 380: GOTO 370: REM LINE TOD LONG
GOTO 770
N = I
1
REM N<1 MEANS FILE NOT FOUND.
IF N > THEN 540
PRINT D*; "PRtt":SLOT: PRINT "NF":
PRINT D*S"PR#0": GOTO 270: REM NF
REM SEND FILE TO IBM
PRINT D*; "PR#";SLOT
PRINT "FOUND"
AC = O
FOR I = 1 TO N
PRINT X*(I)
AC = AC + LEN <X*(I)): REM APPLE CHECKSUM
NEXT I
REM SEND END OF FILE FLAG TO IBM
PRINT EF*
REM SEND CHECKSUM FROM APPLE
PRINT AC
PRINT Dt; "PR#0"
PRINT : PRINT "WAITING FOR ANSWER FROM IBM. . ."
PRINT D*; "IN#";SLOT: INPUT ANS*: PRINT D*i"IN#0"
IF ANS* = "MORE" THEN 270
REM FINISH UP
PRINT : PRINT "NORMAL COMPLETION."
END
REM SUBROUTINE FOR HEADING
HOME : HTAB 10: PRINT "APPLE TO IBM SENDING PROGRAM": PRINT
PRINT "WAITING FOR FILE NAME FROM IBM . . . " : PRINT
RETURN
REM LINE INPUT AT 768 - 812 <CALL 768, ANY*)
DATA 32, 190,222,32,227,223, 162,0,32, 117,253, 134,253,32,57,213, 165
DATA 253,32,82,228, 162,0, 160,2,32,226,229, 160,0, 165,253, 145
DATA 131,200, 165, 11 1, 145, 131,200, 165, 112, 145, 131,96
The FILE NOT FOUND, SUB-
SCRIPT OUT OF RANGE, and OUT
OF MEMORY errors are the only
major problems I have encountered
in the six months I have been using
these programs. However, I am sure
that other errors could be en-
countered—there is always at least
one more bug.
IBM-to-Apple Example
To send a file from an IBM PC to
an Apple, see listings 3 and 4. Listing
3 is the IBMTOAP sending program.
Listing 4 is the IBMTOAP receiving
program. Run (first) the sending pro-
gram on the IBM PC; then run the
receiving program on the Apple. The
operation is analogous to that of
Text continued on page 338
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Listing 2: The Apple to IBM receiver program.
too
no
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
2B0
290
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370
3S0
390
400
410
420
430
440
450
460
470
4B0
490
500
510
520
530
540
550
560
570
580
590
600
610
620
630
640
650
660
670
680
690
700
710
720
730
740
LISTING #2
REM APTOIBM RECEIVING PROGRAM FOR IBM
REM BY ROBERT JONES AUGUST 3, 1983
REM SDME DEFINITIONS
DIM X*(2000)
EF* = "XX": REM END-OF-FILE FLAG
ONE = 1
WIDTH 40
ON ERROR GOTO 710
OPEN "C0M1:4800,E,7, 1" AS #1 : REM SERIAL PORT
CLS: LOCATE 1,7: PRINT "APPLE TO IBM TRANSFER PROGRAM": PRINT: PRINT
PRINT "BE SURE THAT THE APPLE PROGRAM"
PRINT "IS RUNNING BEFORE YOU CONTINUE!": PRINT
INPUT "APPLE FILE NAME " ; FA«
IF FA* = "" THEN PRINT *1,FA* : GOTO 660
INPUT "IBM FILE NAME ";FI*
PRINT
IF FI* » "" THEN FI* = FA*
PRINT #1,FA»: REM TELL APPLE THE FILE TO FIND
FOR J = 1 TO 750: NEXT J
INPUT #1, NF*: REM SEE IF APPLE HAS FOUND IT
IF NF*= "NF" THEN PRINT "FILE NOT FOUND. .. REENTER NAME": GOTO 250
IF NF* = "FOUND" THEN GOTO 390
GOTO 660: REM ANY OTHER RESPONSE FROM APPLE
REM READ FILE FROM APPLE
PRINT: PRINT "READING FILE FROM APPLE . . .":PRINT
I = 0: REM INITIALIZE COUNTER
1=1+ ONE: LINE INPUT #ONE, X*(I) : IF X* ( I > <> EF* THEN 410
INPUT # ONE, AC: REM APPLE'S CHECKSUM
N = I - 1: REM DROP THE END-OF-FILE SIGNAL FROM THE LIST
REM COMPUTE LENGTH FOR CHECKSUM COMPARISON
PRINT "NUMBER OF LINES: " ! N
PRINT
PRINT "APPLE LENGTH:", AC
PRINT "IBM LENGTH : " ,
IC = O: FOR I = 1 TO N: IC = IC + LEN(X*(I>): NEXT I
PRINT IC
IF IC= AC THEN 560: REM IF CHECKSUMS MATCH
INPUT "CHECKSUM ERROR, CONTINUE? "!CN*:IF CN* <"Y" THEN 650
REM SAVE FILE TO I.B.M. DISK
OPEN FI* FOR OUTPUT AS #2
FOR I = 1 TO N: PRINT #2, X* < I ) : NEXT IS CLOSE #2
REM ANOTHER FILE?
PRINT: PRINT "DO YOU WANT ANOTHER FILE ";: INPUT ANS*
IF ANS* < "Y" THEN GOTO 650
PRINT #1, "MORE": GOTO 220
REM FINISH UP
PRINT #1, "NO"
CLOSE #1
PRINT: PRINT "NORMAL COMPLETION"
END
REM ERROR HANDLER
IF ERR = 24 THEN RESUME: REM AVOID TIMEOUT
PRINT "STOPPED BY ERROR NUMBER" : ERR; " IN LINE "JERL
CLOSE #1
STOP
Listing 3: The IBM to Apple sender program.
100
no
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300
310
REM IBMTOAP SENDING PROGRAM FOR IBM
REM BY Robert Jones AUGUST 3, 19B3
LISTING #3
REM SOME DEFINITIONS
DIM X*<2000)
EF* = "XX": REM END OF FILE FLAG
DLY = 500: SHDLY = 50 : REM DELAY BETWEEN LINES AND AFTER 40 CHARS.
ONE = 1
WIDTH 40: GOSUB 760
ON ERROR GOTO 800
OPEN "COMl:4800,E,7, 1" AS #1: REM SERIAL PORT
REM GET FILE NAME FROM APPLE
INPUT #1,FI*
IF FI* = "" THEN GOTO 680
OPEN FI* FOR INPUT AS #2
REM SEND FILE TO APPLE
PRINT #1, "FOUND"
REM READ FILE FROM I.B.M. DISK
Listing 3 continued on page 336
334 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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addressable output. Sharp new
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HIGH PERFORMANCE MATRIX PRINTERS
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Circle 106 on inquiry card.
Datasouth Computer Corporation
Box 240947 • Charlotte, NC 28224
704/523-8500 • Telex 6843018 DASOU UW
BYTE February 1984 335
Circle 3 on Inquiry card.
SHIPPING
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COMPUTERS
ALTOS 580-10
ALTOS 586-10
ATARI
APPLE LOOK-A-LIKE
PIED/PIER (PORTABLE). . .
SANYO 550-555
TELEVIDEO
803 $1769 1603 . .
PORTABLE
NORTHSTAR
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PRINTERS
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DATASOUTH 180
GEMNI 10X
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OKIDATA. . . .(all models)
CITOH
8510 $345 1550 .
F10-40CPS$1050 F1055
DIABLO
620 $860 630 . .
NEC
3550 . . . .$1699 8025 .
7710 . . . .$1849 2030 .
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TERMINALS
ALTOS II
TELEVIDEO 914.
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$759
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MONITORS
AMDEK 300G
AMDEK 300A
AMDEK COLOR l+ .
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.$130
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DISK DRIVES
MICRO SCI A2
RANA 1000. .
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MODEMS
HAYS SMART MODEM. . . .
SMARTMODEM 1200
SMARTMODEM 1200 B. . . .
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13422 N. CAVECREEK RD.
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OTHER INFORMATION: 602-867-9897
Listing 3 continued:
320
330
340
350
360
370
380
390
400
410
420
430
440
450
460
470
4B0
490
500
510
520
530
540
550
560
570
5B0
590
600
610
620
630
640
650
660
670
6B0
690
700
710
720
730
740
750
760
770
780
790
800
810
820
830
840
850
860
870
I = O
IF EOF (2) THEN 350
I = I +ONE: LINE INPUT #2,
CLOSE #2
N = I
X* ( I ) : GOTO 330
REM SEND FILE TO APPLE
PRINT
PRINT "SENDING"jNi "LINES TO APPLE ..."
CL = CSRLIN
IC =
FOR I = 1 TO N
LDCATE CL + 1,1: PRINT "LINE BEING SENT:"; I: REM LINE COUNT TO SCREEN
L = LEN(X*(I>>: IC = IC + L : REM SUM NO. OF CHARACTERS
FOR J = 1 TO DLY : NEXT J: REM DELAY BETWEEN LINES
FOR K = 1 TO L STEP 40: REM 40 CHARACTERS AT A BURST MAXIMUM
FOR J = 1 TO SHDLY: NEXT J: REM DELAY BEFORE EVERY 40 CHAR. BURST
PRINT HI, MID*(X*<I> ,K,40> ;
NEXT K
PRINT #1,: REM CARRIAGE RETURN TO END LINE
NEXT I
REM SEND END OF FILE FLAG
FOR J = 1 TO DLY: NEXT J
PRINT #1, "XX"
REM SEND CHECKSUM TO APPLE
FOR J = 1 TO DLY: NEXT J
PRINT #1, IC
REM ANOTHER FILE
INPUT HI, MORE*
IF MORE* < "Y" THEN GOTO 680
GOSUB 760 : GOTO 240 : REM GET NEXT FILE NAME
PRINT : PRINT "NORMAL COMPLETION"
PRINT
REM FINISH UP
CLOSE #1
ON ERROR GOTO 0: REM TURN THE ERROR TRAPPING OFF
END
REM SUBROUTINE FDR HEADING
CLS:LOCATE 1,13: PRINT "IBM TO APPLE" : PRINT
PRINT "WAITING FOR FILE NAME FROM APPLE ..."
RETURN
PRINT
REM ERROR HANDLER
IF ERR = 24 THEN RESUME : REM TIME-OUT ON C0M1:
IF ERR = 53 THEN PRINT H1,"NF" : RESUME 240 : REM FILE NOT FOUND
REM OTHER ERRORS
PRINT "ERROR ";ERR;" IN LINE " ; ERL
PRINT HI, "ERROR " : ERR : REM LET APPLE KNOW
GOTD 710
Listing 4: The IBM to Apple receiver program.
100
no
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370
380
390
400
410
420
REM IBMTOAP APPLE RECEIVING PROGRAM — LISTING H4
REM BY ROBERT JONES AUGUST 3, 1983
REM SOME DEFINITIONS
DIM X*(2000)
SLOT = 5: REM SERIAL PORT SLOT
D* = CHR* (4)
EF* = "XX": REM END-FILE FLAG
OE = 1
LI = 768: REM LINE INPUT ROUTINE
FOR I = 768 TO 812: READ X: POKE I,X: NEXT I
HOME : PRINT "IBM TO APPLE RECEIVING PROGRAM": PRINT
REM SEND FtLE NAME TO I.B.M.
PRINT "NAME OF I.B.M. FILE >"i
CALL LI,FI*
IF FI* = "" THEN 330
PRINT "APPLE FILE NAME "i
CALL LI. FA*
IF FA* = "" THEN FA* = FI*
PRINT
PRINT D*; "PRH" ;SLOT: PRINT FI*
IF FI* = "" THEN PRINT FI*: PRINT D*;"PRHO": GOTO 780
PRINT D*; "PRHO"
REM GET RESPONSE FROM IBM
PRINT D*; "INH";SLOT
INPUT ER*: IF ER* = "FOUND" THEN 470
PRINT D*; "INHO"
PRINT
IF ER* = "NF" THEN PRINT "FILE NOT FOUND.
GOTO 260
336 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 4 continued on page 338
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C Compiler 329
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PLI-80 489
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PFS:File $95
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We have the capability to copy
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BYTE February 1984 337
Listing 4 continued:
430
440
450
460
470
4S0
490
500
510
520
530
540
550
560
570
5S0
590
600
610
620
630
640
650
660
670
6B0
690
700
710
720
730
740
750
760
770
780
790
BOO
810
820
830
B40
PRINT
STOP
"CHECK IBM FOR ERROR MESSAGE. '
REM READ FILE INTO X*<> UNTIL END FLAG
PRINT
1=0
I = I *■ OE: CALL LI,X*(I): IF X*(I) < > EF* THEN 490
INPUT IC: REM CHECKSUM FROM IBM
PRINT D»; "IN#0"
N = I - l: REM ELIMINATE END OF FILE FLAG
PRINT
AC =
REM COMPUTE NUMBER OF CHARACTERS RECEIVED
FOR I = 1 TO N:AC = AC + LEN <X*(I>>: NEXT I
PRINT "IBM CHECKSUM = "SIC
PRINT "APPLE CHECKSUM = " ; AC
PRINT
IF IC = AC THEN 680
PRINT "CHECKSUMS DO NOT MATCH."
INPUT "CONTINUE ANYWAY ?"5CA*
IF CA* = > "Y" THEN 670
PRINT : GOTO 720
REM SAVE FILE TO APPLE DISK
PRINT D* 5 "OPEN "!FA*
PRINT D*; "WRITE ";FA*
FOR I = 1 TO N: PRINT X*(I): NEXT I
PRINT D*i "CLOSE"
PRINT "ANOTHER FILE ";
INPUT ANS*
PRINT d«; "pr#";slot: print ans»: PRINT D*;"PR#0"
IF ANS* = > "Y" THEN 230
PRINT
PRINT
END
'NORMAL COMPLETION"
REM LINE INPUT AT 768 - 812 (CALL 768, ANY*)
DATA 32, 190,222,32,227,223, 162,0,32, 117,253, 134,253,32,57,213, 165
DATA 253,32,82,228, 162,0, 160,2,32,226,229, 160,0, 165,253, 145
DATA 131,200, 165, 111, 145, 131,200, 165, 1 12, 145, 131 , 96
Text continued from page 332:
sending files in the opposite direction
(outlined previously) except that the
transmission time is about one-third
as fast because of the delays Apple-
soft needs to process each string
before receiving the next one. In fact,
if a line contains more than 40 char-
acters, a slight delay is needed while
the Apple's cursor returns to the left
side of its 40-column screen. Delay
loops (e.g., FOR J = 1 TO DLY: NEXT
J) are inserted in the appropriate
places in the IBM sending program.
I have tried to keep these programs
short and straightforward so that you
can easily tailor them to your own
needs. Presumably, similar programs
could be written to transmit files be-
tween different microcomputers with
similar serial connections.
Notes on Using the Programs
1. Sending an Applesoft program
to the IBM PC requires that the pro-
gram first be converted into a text file.
The following is a one-line routine,
entered as line number (zero), to
save the Applesoft program in mem-
ory as a text file suitable for trans-
mitting to the IBM PC. Type it in,
then type RUN. You will be asked to
name the text file for your Applesoft
program.
D$ = CHR$(4): INPUT
"TEXTFILE NAME ]";F$:
POKE 33,33: PRINT D$;"OPEN";
F$:PRINT D$; "WRITE'^FS:
LIST 1 - :PRINT D$;"CLOSE":
POKE 33,40: END
Similarly, an IBM PC BASIC pro-
gram can be saved with the "A" op-
tion so that it is stored in ASCII for-
mat instead of the tokenized form,
e.g., use SAVE "MYFILE",A.
2. If you are transmitting the Visi-
calc file from the Apple to the IBM
PC, the direction indicator needed for
the Apple II Plus version of Visicalc
will cause a problem (i.e., horizontal
or vertical movement on the arrow
keys). This information is stored near
the end of the Visicalc file as either
"IX\" or "IX-". It must be deleted
before you attempt to load it into the
IBM version of Visicalc. Failure to
delete this command could cause a
loss of data in the cell in which the
cursor is positioned when the file is
loaded by IBM PC Visicalc.
3. To transfer a random-access file,
I suggest first converting the data in
the random-access file to a sequen-
tial file, transmitting the sequential
file, then converting the data back in-
to random-access form.
4. The monitor routine used by the
Apple II Plus converts lowercase let-
ters to uppercase letters. This conver-
sion presents a problem if maintain-
ing lowercase is desired. One way
around this is to write your own in-
put routine in machine language. A
simpler way, if you have a language
card, is to move the monitor (and
Applesoft) to the RAM (random-
access read/write memory) card,
eliminate the conversion switching,
then run the program. On an Apple
II Plus with a 16K-byte RAM card in
slot 0, these changes are accom-
plished as follows:
CALL -151
to enter the
monitor
C081 C081
read ROM (read-
only memory) and
write to RAM
D000[D000.
FFFFM
copy Applesoft
and monitor to
RAM card
C083 C083
select the RAM
card
FD82: EA
EA
delete the lower-
case conversion
3DOG
warmstart DOS
Users who are familiar with EXEC
files may want to create one with
these commands in it. If you press
Reset on the Apple, then ROM Ap-
plesoft (with the lowercase to upper-
case conversion reinstalled) again
takes over. To return to the modified
RAM monitor, just type PRINT PEEK
(-16256).
5. Interested persons may want to
add routines to handle other errors
or long files. A large file, for example,
could be read and transmitted in
blocks of 1000 lines, with appropriate
delays for loading and saving to disk
between blocks.
6. More memory for holding a file
can be obtained on the Apple by
using one of the DOS moving pro-
grams to relocate DOS to the RAM
card (as long as you are not using the
338 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Want to hook IBM?
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Or call us at
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Making IBM smarter since 1983.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
Circle 4 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 339
age 65
years worked 40
retirement benefits
The U.S. Department of Labor has a free
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Write: Pensions, Consumer Information
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"BASF
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LINE FILTER
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Single computer license — Dlrs 275.00
Logic Programming Associates Ltd.
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U
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Daisy Wheel Printer
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Software Services™
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RAM card for the monitor modifica-
tion mentioned in #4). A file as long
as 35K bytes may be transmitted in
this manner. Ordinarily, 50K bytes of
memory are available to IBM PC
BASIC with this program in memory
if 96K bytes or more are installed in
the IBM. So the Apple's memory size
is the limiting factor on the maximum
file (or segment) size that can be
transmitted. Remember that a 35K-
byte Apple file shows up as a 142-
sector file on a catalog of an Apple
disk.
7. Although a bps rate of 4800 is
used in the programs listed here, the
Apple-to-IBM transfer could run at
9600. The 4800 limit is imposed by
the rate at which the Apple II can
receive data using these programs. If
the few minutes of speed gain from
the Apple to the IBM is worth the
time spent setting up the Apple serial
card for the faster bps rate, then the
IBM receiving program could use a
9600 (instead of a 4800) bps rate in the
OPEN statement. However, you
would have to reset the Apple serial
card to 4800 again if you were going
to pass programs from the IBM to the
Apple. The constant switching of bps
rates is probably not worth the effort
unless it can be done within the Ap-
ple programs themselves. The
manual for the serial card that I use
does not explain how to do this on
the Apple.
8. Because Applesoft does not have
a LINE INPUT statement (which
allows commas and semicolons to be
included in a string being read), both
Applesoft programs use a short ma-
chine-language routine (located at
768 decimal) to simulate LINE IN-
PUT. The routine used here is slight-
ly modified from "The Penultimate
Input Anything Routine" by Peter
Meyer, published in Call—A.P.P.L.E.
In Depth 1: All About Applesoft, a
publication of Apple Pugetsound
Library Exchange, 21246 68th Ave. S.,
Kent, WA 98032. ■
Robert Jones (7 Lexington Rd., Saratoga Springs,
NY) has been using an Apple II Plus since 1979 and
an IBM PC since early 1983 for statistical analysis,
financial modeling, and development of simulation
models of economic and social systems in BASIC and
FORTRAN.
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Baby Blue CALL
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EXP 500 Par . . $429 Ser $459
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All products usually In stock for immediate shipment and carry full manufacturers' warranty. Price subject to change — this ad prepared two months in advance. You
get the lowest price. We honor personal checks — allow 10'days to clear. COD up to $200 add 3%. Visa, MasterCard add 3%. For shipping & insurance add 3% or
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284
■ M
i ■
I
SOFTCON
►'■ :"
TUESDAY-THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21-23, 1984, SUPERDOME, NEW ORLEANS
If you buy or specify a lot of software for your company,
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have filled the massive (400,000 square foot) Louisiana
Superdome in New Orleans to showcase over 12,000 software
products. These companies will use Softcon to unveil some of
the most revolutionary new software products in the industry's
short history. More than 70 seminars, panel discussions,
forums and workshops, presented by the world's most
renowned computer authorities will update you on the newest
products and industry trends.
You can learn more in one or two days from the experts at
Softcon than you could in months by reading trade journals or
listening to salesmen. You'll see, try out, and compare brand
new software which expands and increases the user-bility and
productivity of your existing hardware, and you'll meet new
vendors.
Registration is $30 for exhibits only and $195 for admission to
exhibits and the conference program. For complete
information about attending or exhibiting, call or write
Northeast Expositions, 822 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill,
Mass. 02167. Tel: 617-739-2000 or 800-841-7000. Because it's
carnival season, hotels are filling fast, so call today.
SOFTCON EXHIBITORS
AS OF DECEMBER 1, 1983, MORE ARE BEING CONFIRMED DAILY.
A J & f.1 Associates Ads Sutlware AHA Aardvark/McGraw Accon! Software Access Technology Accountants Microsystems Adapt Addison 1
" '.nnrjlogy Adventure International Agdata Agri-Data Allenljach Industries Appha Software Alpine Datnsystems Amaray Americ
re Apple Cumputei Applied Data Communications Applied Data Research Articulate Publications Artificial Intelligence Artsci ASAP Asht
BASF Baker hill 6 Company B '
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Institute ol America Ac
iess Systems American Sy8t«..«.™.wi.iii.«n-ww. 1 ™.
"■-re Autodesk Avant Garde Axel Johnsan/Siemi
Corp Data Management Assoc Datamost Dalamension Datapro Data Sources Data Systei
ration r?WDP Soliware Eastman Publishing Elt'Ctr~" : " ' '
: iltw.iro fishi-r BuMfifiiiiSv-'leiTis Flex ware Flint rack Lenminn
! IBM Corporation I. B fvlaga^
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Company lnsolt Intelli
Jones Colad Kangaroo Soltware KPD Industries Kent Marsh Lid Key
,v.ire Lightning Software Lisl Living V
iputer Application) M&T MacMillan Publishing Managi
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For Registration and Hotel Information call today
Produced by Northeast Expositions. 822 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167 Telephone: 617-739-2000 or 800-841-7000
A Low-Cost, Low Write-
Voltage EEPROM
Seeq Technology's $10 EEPROM can be programmed in your
computer with simple and inexpensive circuitry
If you need nonvolatile memory, a
PROM (programmable read-only
memory) gives you what you need at
low cost. Unfortunately, you can pro-
gram a PROM chip only once. It is
possible to reprogram EPROMs (eras-
able PROMs), but first they need to
be erased with expensive ultraviolet-
light devices. EEPROMs (electrically
erasable PROMs) do not need ultra-
violet light. Instead, they are erased
and reprogrammed with high volt-
ages (usually between 20 and 30
volts). But another problem arises
here— if you want to reprogram the
EEPROM, you have to remove it from
your circuit and put it in a special
EEPROM "burner" that has the
proper voltages. This happens
because most personal computers
don't have power supplies with 20-
to 30-volt (V) ranges. You can, of
course, build a burner into your com-
puter, as Louis Wheeler did in "The
Practical EEPROM" (July 1983 BYTE,
page 460).
But what a chore. It would be
much easier if you could program the
EEPROM without such high write-
voltages and without taking the
EEPROM out of your computer. With
that capability, you could easily store
programs or data in your computer
indefinitely.
Fortunately, Seeq Technology of
San Jose, California, has created such
an EEPROM— the 52B13, part of the
52BXX family of EEPROMs (or
E 2 ROMs, as Seeq calls them). The
52B13 is programmed with a TTL-
level voltage and, on top of that, costs
only about $10. I paid $6 for a
preproduction sample chip, which is
by Joe D. Blagg
a tenth of the cost of the Intel 2817
EEPROM.
Simple Interfacing
The 52B13 is a 2K by 8-bit EEPROM
that is pin for pin compatible with the
popular 2716 EPROM as well as the
6116 static RAM (random-access read/
write memory).
Since my Z80-based personal com-
puter uses 6116 static memory, I was
able to plug the 52B13 into one of the
24-pin memory sockets. I needed to
make only one small circuit change
to create a 10-millisecond (ms) write-
enable (WE) input to the 52B13. To
create the WE signal, I "stretched
out" the write signal from the pro-
cessor with a mono stable multivibra-
tor or "one-shot," as it is commonly
called.
The read cycle of the 52B13 does
not require any special circuitry. Even
with a 4-MHz clock rate, the 52B13
needs no wait states, because it
boasts a 250-nanosecond (ns) maxi-
mum read access time (some ver-
sions are rated for 350 ns). The
number of read cycles is unlimited,
but the number of write cycles is
limited to 10,000 per byte. As you
might expect, a write cycle is much
slower than a read cycle. The limita-
tions for writing to the 52B13 are a
small price to pay, though, for the ad-
vantage of nonvolatile memory.
The Circuit
The 52B13 needs proper address
decoding, as any memory chip does.
My computer decodes addresses
with a 74LS138 decoder/demulti-
plexer, as figure 1 shows. Each of the
eight output lines of the decoder goes
to the different chip-enable inputs of
the separate 2K memory devices.
T he 74 LS123 one-shot stretches out
the WR signal from the Z80 micro-
processor to 10 ms because the WE
input of the 52B13 must remain low
during the 10-ms write cycle. (By the
way, the 10-ms time is a nominal
period that may actually be anywhere
from 9 ms to as long as 70 ms. If you
need a faster write time, Seeq has a
higher-performance version, the
52B13H, that can be programmed in
1 ms.) The resistor-capacitor com-
bination causes the one-shot to stay
on for 10 ms. The entire chip could
be cleared in a single step, but with
the 52B13 this requires a +15- to
+ 22-V pulse. I did not experiment
with this feature of the device.
Switch SW1 lets you protect the
EEPROM from accidental writing.
The switch should be closed when
you're programming the device and
open after you have finished writing
to it.
Programming the 52B13
Programming the 52B13 is simple.
After constructing the circuit shown
in figure 1, 1 used BASIC commands
to put data into the 52B13 and then
checked to see if I was successful. It
was a pleasure to see the EEPROM
and its support circuitry work the
first time. But why not, since the in-
terface is so simple? Turning the
power on and off did not change the
contents of the EEPROM. All seemed
to be well.
Then I tried to change one of the
memory locations that I had previ-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 343
CPU
BUS
wrO
I
mreqO-
A140-
I
AlsO
AlzO
AllO-
AloO"
ft9[>
A7C^-
A6D>-
A40-
AsC^
AlO
AOO
I
74LS04
+ 5V
L
74LS138
19
22
23
Gl
G2
G3
C
B
A
YO
Yl
Y2
Y3
Y4
Y5
Y6
Y7
GND
16
12
V cc GND
52B13
A10
A9
A8
A7
A6
A5
A4
A3
A2
Al
AO
CE
WE
l/0 a
l/0 7
1/06
I/O5
I/O4
1/03
l/0 2
l/0 x
0E
15
12
11
10
18
21
17
16
15
13
11
10
CSO
CS1
C~S2
DECODED
CS3 ) L N A K ..
cF4
CS5
CS6
BLOCKS
CI
2 M F
14
Rl
15K
!,
74LS04
3f
1^
RC
1/2
74LS123
CLR
+ 5V
• R3
I4.7K
SW1
13
~lt
CPU
BUS
<H+5V
' R2
'■ 4.7K
PIN16-V CC
PIN 8-GND
JT*?
GND
<]0!
^O06
^ZDo4
^Zl03
^002
-O01
-<Z!rd
Figure 1: A schematic of the 52B13 EEPROM circuit. The EEPROM is decoded the same as the other 2K by 8-bit memory blocks. A one-shot
provides the 10-ms write-enable pulse needed for the EEPROM to be programmed.
Listing 1: This BASIC routine moves data
from RAM to the EEPROM.
100
REM
** E2R0M PROGRAMMER **
110
REM
120
REM
D = STARTING ADDRESS OF
130
REM
DATA TO PROGRAM.
140
REM
N = NUMBER OF BYTES - 1.
150
REM
P = E2R0M STARTING ADDRS.
160
REM
170
LET
D =
180
LET
N = 2047
190
LET
P = 14336
200
REM
210
FOR
I = D TO D+N
220
IF PEEK (P) = 255 THEN GO TO 260
230
POKE
P, 255
2A0
FOR
) -- 1 TO 2
250
NEXT
J
260
POKE
P, PEEK (I)
270
NEXT
I
280
REM
290
PRINT "DONE"
300
STOP
ously put data in using POKE. To my
dismay, the memory-byte contents
did not change. That is when I
learned that, unlike with the 2817
EEPROM, you cannot write to a
memory address in the 52B13 until it
is first erased, which you do by
writing all logical highs to the ad-
dress. When you first get the 52B13,
you'll notice that all bits have already
been set to a logical high state.
I wanted to try programming the
full 2K bytes, so I wrote the program
in listing 1. The routine first checks
to see if the byte is cleared before at-
tempting to write the data. The
FOR. . .NEXT loop at lines 240 and
250 provides a time delay before the
next POKE statement is executed;
this delay permits the WE signal to
time out before another byte is writ-
ten. The entire 2K-byte transfer takes
about 150 seconds to execute.
Conclusion
My original reason for using the
52B13 was to store a text-editing rou-
tine in my personal computer as a
resident program. Now that I have
some experience with the 52B13, 1 am
looking forward to adding a host of
resident utility programs to my
system.
The age of the EEPROM seems to
be upon us. Major advances in the
last year have made them a cost-
effective alternative to EPROMs in
many areas. We can expect to see
more and more of them in the
future. ■
References
1. Wheeler, Louis. 'The Practical EEPROM."
BYTE, July 1983, page 460.
2. 52B13-Electrically Erasable ROM (pre-
liminary data sheet). San Jose, CA: Seeq
Technology Inc., March 1983.
Joe Blagg has been an instrument engineer at
Union Carbide for six years. Before that, he was
an electronics field engineer for the Federal Avia-
tion Administration. He is a 1974 graduate of the
University of Kentucky, where he earned his
B.S.E.E. degree. His special interest is personal com-
puter hardware and software. You can contact him
at RR 13, Box 556, Paducah, KY 42001.
344 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Peopl
e are going ror
Friday! like there's no
tomorrow
Friday! is the new electronic
file handling system that has become
an instant best-seller because it's
so revolutionary.
Within two weeks, it broke into
the Top 20 on the sales chart of Softsel,
one of the country's leading computer
software distributors.
And it's now well on its way to
the top.
The Friday! phenomenon
is simple.
Friday! uses simple menus and talks
to you in plain English, so almost anybody
can use it.
It's great for sales and commissions,
clients and portfolios, mailing lists and
labels, invoices, inventories, paychecks,
reports and more. And it works with other
microcomputer software like 1-2-3™ and
dBASE II® (our own advanced database
management system).
It comes with a complete, step-by-step
tutorial, but you can set up an "electronic
file" without even looking at the manual,
then use it at the touch of a few keys.
Friday! finds any filed information in
seconds. Computes totals, subtotals, com-
missions, etc. Prints form letters and
mailing labels. Gives you quick reports
from all or part of a file with a few key-
strokes. Or if you need a special report for
^^k . ' V
'i&Bfaft M
J0^' ^M^l^^^^^l
'.___jjiiiu? asft^. .i,
your bank or board of directors, just "paint"
the format on your screen, then have
Friday! do all the work.
And while Friday! does more than file
handling systems selling for as much as
$495, it's yours for just $295 (suggested
retail price)!
For more information, contact
Ashton-Tate, 10150 West Jefferson Boule-
vard, Culver City, CA 90230. (800) 437-4329
ext. 202. In Colorado, (303) 799-4900. In the
U.K., call (0908) 568866.
Or for the name of your nearest
dealer, just call 1-800-4-FRIDAY, ext. 202.
/SHTON -TAIE
c Ashton-Tate 1983. Friday! is a trademark and dBASE II is a registered
trademark of Ashton-Tate. 1-2-3 is a trademark of Lotus Development Corp.
Circle 30 on Inquiry card.
BYTE Rjbruary 1984 345
Foot Control
Adding a foot-operated Control key
to your keyboard simplifies control sequences
Wordstar is a nice piece of software,
but its nifty editing features are ham-
pered because you must use too
many simultaneous key strokes or
control characters to implement the
features. You generate them either by
simultaneously pressing the Control
key and a particular alphabetic
character, by selecting from a group
of additional keys with dedicated
editing functions, or by using a
mouse.
by Dennis M. Pfister
These methods work, but they all
have one serious deficiency: they re-
quire you to move your hands from
the standard typing position. This is
inefficient and provides you with
more opportunity for error.
I thought that there must be a
better way. I had done a considerable
amount of commercial sewing, where
a foot switch is used to free the
operator's hands, so I decided that
this approach might be just the
KEYBOARD MATRIX
LLLL
CONTROL.
KEY
FOOT SWITCH
CONTROL KEY
Figure 1: A schematic of a typical keyboard matrix showing a foot switch Control key addition.
thing. This idea developed into what
I have termed Foot " Control, which
is an inexpensive (less than $40) solu-
tion for relief from all those control
characters.
What Does It Do?
Foot "Control gives you an addi-
tional Control key that is located on
the floor and operated by foot. This
allows your hands to remain in the
standard typing position. You gener-
ate a control character by pressing the
foot switch and then typing the
desired character key. It can also be
used as a duplicate ESCape key for
software requiring large numbers of
ESC sequences.
What You Need
The only parts required are a rea-
sonable quality foot switch with a set
of normally open contacts, a phone
jack and plug, and a length of two-
conductor wire. The length of wire is
determined by where you intend to
locate the foot switch. The plug and
jack are necessary only if you want
to be able to remove the foot switch.
I have used many types of foot
switches and found that the heavier
commercial-grade units tend to stay
in place on the floor better than the
cheaper ones. Second-hand switches
from old office equipment work
especially well. They also provide a
better feel and will allow you to rest
your foot on them without accidental
346 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
ATTACH FOOT SWITCH HERE
(TEST FOR SWITCH SUITABILITY
AT THESE POINTS)
Figure 2: A diagram of a foot switch Control key.
closure. I think that the ability to rest
your foot on the switch is a must for
anyone engaged in long word-pro-
cessing sessions.
Wire can be anywhere between 18
and 24 gauge and should be stranded
to ensure flexibility when routing the
cable underneath your workstation.
Stranded wire also provides greater
resistance to breakage due to flexing.
If you decide that you want to have
the capability of plugging and un-
plugging your foot switch from the
keyboard, choosing the right plug
and jack is almost purely a matter of
aesthetics. Voltage and current levels
associated with keyboards generally
are so low that they can be dis-
counted in the selection criteria. Just
choose the plug and jack combina-
tion that provides the easiest mech-
anical installation.
The Installation
Keyboards are usually nothing
more than switches grouped in
matrix fashion (see figure 1). Your in-
stallation goal is to provide yourself
with a duplicate Control-key switch
wired in parallel with the existing
keyboard Control-key switch. This
allows you to use either the normal
keyboard Control key or the foot
switch as the Control key. Adding
"pedal power" to your system re-
quires only that your keyboard be of
the mechanical-contact type and not,
for instance, the capacitance type.
There are ways to add the foot-
control feature to capacitance-type
keyboards, but the solutions are sys-
tem-dependent. You will find that
most systems are of the mechanical
type. Write me if you have a capaci-
tance or other type; I'll try to help.
The easiest way to check whether
your system or terminal is suitable for
conversion is to turn off the power,
open the keyboard enclosure, and
find where the Control-key terminals
are soldered into the keyboard
printed-circuit board (see figure 2).
Using an ohmmeter, connect the
probes across the two contacts asso-
ciated with the Control-key switch,
press the Control key, and see if there
is a meter deflection with each press-
ing of the key. If so, your keyboard
is suitable.
The only thing that remains to be
done is the soldering of a wire from
each contact of the Control key to the
jack contacts. If you decide not to use
a plug and jack, wire directly from
the keyboard Control-key switch con-
tacts to the foot switch. Be careful not
to apply too much heat to your key-
board because it is easy to damage
the keyboard printed-circuit board.
Mount the jack on the keyboard case
and reassemble the keyboard en-
closure if required. Wire up the foot
switch to the plug and insert the plug
in the jack.
Plug in your foot switch, invoke
Wordstar or whatever word pro-
cessor you are using, and get ready
for a new adventure in word process-
ing. Now, whenever you need a
Control key, just press the foot switch
and the appropriate key. If you are
like me, you will never go back to
hunting for that keyboard Control
key again. I also can guarantee that
the addition of this foot switch will
generate considerable comment and
speculation from the uninitiated. ■
Dennis M. Pfister (POB 1248, San Luis Obispo,
CA 93406) is MIS manager at TRW Inc. He holds
a B.S. degree in mathematics/computer science and
is interested in motion control, electronics, com-
puters, and music.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 347
jS ^
The most comprehensive
statistics and graphics
ever developed for
and sophisticated
database workstation
the personal computer.
Years of research, development, and
field testing have resulted in the
most extensive statistics and graph-
ics database'program specifically
designed for thepersonal computing
environment. STATPRO ™ provides
the data analysis capabilities and
flexibility previously available only
on a large computer. Researchers,
business professionals, and other
data analysts will welcome the
breadth yet simplicity of this pro-
gram! STATPRO requires no pre-
vious computer experience, no
special command language. Single
keystrokes access all of the data man-
ipulation, statistics, and graphics
power of STATPRO.
STATPRO allows easy access to its
extensive numerical data
capabilities.
The strength of STATPRO is found
in the functions of its user friendly,
menu-driven database. You can
easily learn to enter and edit,
manipulate, transform, and print
out data. STATPRO's searching
capabilities allow these functions to
be performed on all your data or a
user defined subset of your data .
Statistics Modules Menu
A) DESCRIPTION
B) REGRESSION
C) ANOVA
D) TIME SERIES
E) MULTIVAR
(ESC)) Exit to Master Menu
Choice-)[ ]
Transformations and over 400
conversions are available. You can
place the results of these transfor-
mations into the same field or any
other field in STATPRO's database.
STATPRO offers a comprehensive
collection of statistical procedures.
The statistics component of
STATPRO contains a multitude of
procedures, grouped into the fol-
lowing modules:
Descriptive: Contingency analysis,
cross tabulation, normality tests;
descriptive, comparative, range and
non-parametric statistics.
Regression: Linear, non-linear,
stepwise, and multiple regressions;
residual analysis and statistical
matrices.
Analysis of Variance: Single and
nested classifications, two and three
way equal and unequal sample size
and non-parametric ANOVA.
Time Series: Moving averages,
multi-stage least squares, fitted
polynomials and trig functions,
additive and multiply forecasting.
Multivariate: Principal components,
factor, orthogonal factor, oblique
factor, pair-weighted cluster, dis-
criminant function, multiple con-
tingency, and canonical correlation
analysis.
STATPRO provides graphic
representation of your data in
minutes.
STATPRO graphics plot all the
results of your STATPRO statistical
analyses including scatter, triangle
regression, and box plots; pie-
charts, histograms, and dendo-
grams. Further, with STATPRO you
can custom edit with any of four
character sets from the keyboard.
You can also edit using paddles,
joystick or special graphics com-
mands. Mix text with data fields.
Place multiple plots on each screen.
Define your axis limits.
You can save your graphics on a
disk for a multiple color "slide
show" presentation, or print them
out through a variety of compatible
printers.
STATPRO documentation wraps
up the package.
Although STATPRO software is
essentially self-documenting, com-
plete print documentation is pro-
vided. This includes a walk-through
Introductory Tutorial, a Menu
Chart, and a comprehensive
User's Guide for each STATPRO
component.
STATPRO currently runs on all
versions of the Apple® II, Apple / / /,
and IBM® Personal Computers.
To find out more about Stat pro:
The Statistics and Graphics Data -
base Workstation , contact your
local dealer, or
Call us toll-free at
800-322-2208
In Massachusetts call (617) 423-0420.
You can also call us toll-free for
information on corporate purchase
through our National Account
Program.
Wadsworth Electronic
Publishing Company
Statler Office Building
20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
STATPRO is a trademark of Wadsworth Electronic Publishing Company. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM is a registered trademark
ot International Business Machines, Corp.
348 BYTE February 1984
Circle 381 on inquiry card.
Inside a Compiler
Notes on Optimization and Code Generation
A look at Pascal/MT+86 and Pascal-86 shows you
how to evaluate these and other compilers
As compilers for microcomputers
proliferate, an understanding of how
those programs work can prove valu-
able to high-level-language program-
mers. Examining compiled code, for
example, can help you pinpoint sub-
tle programming errors, and it opens
the door to speed improvements in
time-critical program sections. An ex-
amination of two compilers— Digital
Research's Pascal/MT + 86 and Intel's
Pascal-86— illustrates how compiler
optimization and code-generation
schemes affect compiler perfor-
mance, but first let's consider com-
pilers in general.
Compilers are relatively new to
microcomputers. Early microproces-
sors, such as the 6502, were pro-
grammed mostly in assembly lan-
guage or BASIC. The advantage of as-
sembly language is performance— as-
sembly-language mavens have
managed to make even rudimentary
processors such as the 6502 perform
impressive tasks. Of course, the dis-
advantage is that it is very difficult to
write new assembly-language pro-
grams, and it's even more difficult to
by Kaare Christian
rewrite or reuse existing programs.
Prograrnming in BASIC is the other
extreme. BASIC is easy to learn and
easy to use for simple tasks because
it is interactive. However, interactive
languages are very slow because each
statement in the language must be
evaluated and interpreted on the fly
as the program runs.
Programs written in
compiled languages are
easier to understand
and modify than those
in assembly language.
More and more people are using
compiled languages for program-
ming microcomputers because such
languages avoid the difficulties of as-
sembly and interpretive languages.
Numerous compilers are available for
microcomputers. There are compiled
versions of BASIC and Pascal for
microcomputers as well as compilers
for languages such as C, FORTRAN,
COBOL, and PL/I, which originated
on larger computers.
Compilers
First, let's note some of the
strengths of compiled languages.
Compiled languages are easier to
learn and more universal than are as-
sembly languages. These features are
important because there are too few
programmers today. Programmers
should learn generally useful tools,
such as compiled languages, rather
than special-case tools, such as
machine-dependent assembly lan-
guages. In addition, programs writ-
ten in the better compiled languages
are easier to understand and modify
than are programs written in assem-
bly language. These factors are im-
portant because many programs are
maintained by a number of people
over a long period of time.
Another compiler advantage is that
programs written in compiled lan-
guages execute much faster than do
those written in interpretive lan-
guages, and speed is one of the major
factors that determine what problems
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 349
a computer can solve. Numerous
problems cannot be solved effective-
ly in interpretive BASIC because it is
hundreds of times slower than are
the better compiled languages
(reference 2).
If compilers offer so many advan-
tages over assemblers and inter-
preters, then why aren't compiled
languages more common in the
microcomputer world? Unfortunate-
ly, many of the early microproces-
sors, such as the 6502, are unsuitable
for use with compiled languages. In
particular, the limited stack and lack
of 16-bit arithmetic on the 6502 make
it hard to write a good compiler for
that machine. Just five distinct high-
level languages for the Apple II—
Pascal, FORTH, BASIC, Sweet 16,
and FORTRAN— are available, ac-
cording to a BYTE article by Jim
Gilbreath and Gary Gilbreath (ref-
erence 2). It is not known how many
of these languages are compiled, but
from the fact that these languages are
between 10 and 200 times slower than
6502 assembly language, it is ap-
parent that the 6502 is not the
machine of choice for high-level lan-
guages.
On machines such as the Z80, it is
possible but difficult to write com-
pilers. A dozen high-level languages
for the Z80 were cataloged in the
Gilbreath article: Coral, FORTRAN,
PL/I, C, BASIC, ZSPL, Pascal, PLMX,
Ada, FORTH, APL, and COBOL.
The fastest of these are just twice as
slow as Z80 assembly language, and
an astonishing 35 high-level-language
implementations on the Z80 are with-
in a factor of 10 of Z80 assem-
bly-language speed. The newer
microprocessors are much more
promising. The 8086, the 68000, and
the NSC16032 all offer features that
make compilers relatively easy to
write.
Compilers on the 8080 produce
code that is, at best, about twice as
slow as code written in assembly lan-
guage. In articles by Jim and Gary
Gilbreath, BYTE recently bench-
marked a wide variety of systems and
languages by comparing their perfor-
mances in the Sieve of Eratosthenes,
a method for finding prime numbers
(see references 1 and 2). The advan-
tage of the Sieve of Eratosthenes
method over more obvious ap-
proaches is that the Sieve can find
prime numbers without using multi-
plication or division. The results of
the Gilbreath benchmarks indicated
that the assembly-language version
of the Sieve running on the Z80 was
twice as fast as the fastest compiled
language and about four to eight
times as fast as the more typical com-
pilers. The bottom line for compiled
languages on the rudimentary micro-
processors is that they are much
easier to use than assembly language,
but they produce code that is
significantly slower than hand-
written assembly code.
On machines that more efficiently
support compiled languages, there is
a much smaller performance penal-
ty for using a compiled language in-
stead of assembly language. But just
how much of a penalty? Several
methods exist for discovering just
how much performance is sacrificed
Compilers avoid the
difficulties of assembly
and interpretive
languages.
when you use a compiler rather than
an assembler. One technique is the
benchmark.
Benchmarks
The Gilbreath benchmark mea-
sured the speed of a large assortment
of high-level programming languages
running on a variety of machines,
from microcomputers to mainframes.
The results of this and other bench-
marks provide useful information for
people who are evaluating compilers.
Many of the more popular languages,
such as Pascal, are available from
several different companies, and the
Gilbreath benchmark results provide
a direct comparison of competing
products.
Most benchmark authors are very
careful to point out that the results of
a single benchmark, or of bench-
marks in general, should not be over-
stated. Numerous factors should be
considered when choosing a pro-
gramming language and implemen-
tation. Among them ate the features
of the language, the documentation
for the language, and the availability
of programmers already skilled in the
language. Add to that the available
tools for the language, the availabili-
ty of the language for the target com-
puter system, and any extensions to
the language that might be useful in
your application.
In the Gilbreath benchmark
results, the enormous range of per-
formance of the various languages
and computers is striking. One might
expect that a version of the Sieve
written in assembly language for the
IBM 3033 would be 400,000 times
faster than a version written in BASIC
for the PET. But why is an assembly-
language version on the Z80 twice as
fast as a CB80 version on the Z80,
which in turn is twice as fast as an
Aztec C version on the Z80, which in
turn is twice as fast as Whitesmiths'
Pascal on the Z80?
Benchmarks tell us which lan-
guages are fast and which are slow
at performing the benchmark task.
From a pragmatic point of view, a
user cares only about performance,
not about how that performance is at-
tained. But from an inquisitive point
of view, it's interesting to see what
compilers do to achieve their level of
performance.
Examining Code
Most compilers provide a feature
that enables programmers to examine
the code they are producing. Typical-
ly, these compilers enable you to
create a listing file that contains the
original source code interspersed
with the assembly-language code
that the compiler produced. On
systems that lack an explicit code-
examination feature, you can examine
the code by using a program debug-
ger or a separate disassembler pro-
gram, but in that case even more
sleuthing is necessary. If you plan to
rely upon a compiler, it is certainly
best to use one that shows you its
code so that you can tune perfor-
mance when necessary, verify correct
operation, etc. Convenient access to
generated code is one of the most im-
350 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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portant features of any compiler.
Compilation usually consists of
two separate parts: analysis (often
called syntax analysis) and code gen-
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deciphers (understands) your orig-
inal program; the code-generation
section actually creates the machine-
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Because each computer has a unique
instruction set, it is necessary to
rework (and rethink) the code-gen-
eration part of a compiler each time
the compiler is transported from one
machine to another. Why does one
compiler produce faster code than
another? Although there are no
simple answers, two basic reasons
emerge: (1) compilers use different
schemata for code generation, and (2)
compilers perform varying amounts
of optimization on their code.
A compiler's schema is its basic
philosophy of code generation. The
schema dictates what code is gen-
erated for each feature in the high-
level languages.
Assembly-language programs are
usually faster than high-level-lan-
guage programs because the assem-
bly-language programmer can adjust
the code to fit the circumstances
more flexibly than can a compiler.
Human coders can understand pro-
grams, whereas compilers merely
translate programs. Experienced pro-
grammers usually can tell what's im-
portant in a program, which often
enables them to apply shortcuts that
improve performance at the expense
of generality.
To improve their code, compilers
usually perform optimizations. By
optimizing, compilers can produce
code that approaches the speed of
code produced by an assembly-lan-
guage programmer.
In order to actually examine these
two aspects of code generation
(schemas and optimization), I wrote
the Sieve of Eratosthenes algorithm
in "pure" Pascal. I chose Pascal
because several Pascal compilers are
available in the Rockefeller University
laboratory, where I work, and
because it is one of the most popular
352 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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?*
Listing 1: The Sieve of Eratosthenes in Pascal, microcomputer languages.
program sieve (input.output);
(* the sieve in pascal *)
const size = 8190;
var flags : array[0..size] of boolean;
i.prime.k : integer;
count: integer;
begin
count : = 0;
(* init flags array *)
for i : = to size do
flags[i] : = true;
(* look for primes *)
for i : = to size do
if flags[i] then begin
(* found one! *)
prime : = i + i + 3;
k : = i + prime;
while k < = size do begin
(* rule out multiples *)
flags[k] : = false;
k : = k + prime
end;
count : = count + 1
end;
end.
A Tale of Two Compilers
Listing 1 shows my version of the
Sieve in Pascal. It is an almost direct
copy from the Gilbreath benchmark.
I compiled my version on two com-
pilers for the Intel 8086 microproces-
sor. The first compiler is Digital
Research's Pascal/MT + 86 version 3.1
running under the CP/M-86 operat-
ing system, also from Digital Re-
search. The second compiler is Intel's
Pascal-86 version 2.0 running under
the Intel iRMX/86 operating system.
Both compilers accepted the listing 1
version of the Sieve without com-
plaint, and both compilers produced
working programs. I have used both
compilers in the past and I have
found that both are trustworthy
products.
All of the measurements were per-
formed on an Intel SBC 86/14 single-
board computer running the iRMX
operating system. The board is con-
figured to run at 8 MHz. Where nec-
essary, assembly-language code pro-
duced by Pascal/MT + 86 was trans-
ported to the 86/14 and assembled
using Intel's ASM86. Reference data
for the 8086 microprocessor was
taken from The 8086 Family User's
Manual (reference 6).
All of the timings presented in this
article were produced by running the
code and measuring the time for a
certain number of iterations. The
times are slightly slower than "book"
times for two reasons: (1) the 8086 I
used was suffering wait states due to
slow memory-access times, and (2)
the repetition loop introduced some
overhead. (Executing the code a large
number of times made it possible to
measure the time with a stopwatch
rather than with a logic analyzer or
scope.)
It would be impossible to detail the
code for all the features of Pascal in
a single article. Instead, I have chosen
to focus on two examples of code
generation: one that illustates the ef-
fect of optimizations and one that
shows the different FOR loop
schemata used by the two compilers.
You should perform your own in-
vestigation if you are interested in
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some other feature of code genera-
tion.
An Example of Optimizing
The primary responsibility of a
compiler is to produce correct code.
This doesn't mean that the program
is correct, merely that the operations
written in the high-level version of
the program are correctly performed
in the machine-language version pro-
duced by the compiler. The program
may be wrong, but it isn't the com-
piler's fault.
Most compilers strive for more
than correct codes; they want to pro-
duce fast code. Fast code usually re-
quires optimizations. I envision op-
timizations as modifications to a com-
piler's basic code-generation schema-
ta. For instance, the following 8086
assembly code would initialize the
variable named TFLAG to the value
0:
MOV TFLAG,0
On the 8086 this instruction is 6
bytes long and takes 16 basic clock
cycles to execute. This code could
serve as a compiler's schema for ini-
tializing variables. How could we im-
prove upon this schema? Suppose
that the operation occurring just
before the MOV TFLAG,0 operation
left the value in the accumulator.
Given that the AX (accumulator) reg-
ister already contains a 0, the follow-
ing 8086 assembly-language instruc-
tion can initialize the variable named
TFLAG:
MOV TFLAG,AX
Although this instruction doesn't
look very different from MOV
TFLAG, 0, the improvement is
dramatic. The 8086 MOV TFLAG,AX
instruction is just 3 bytes long and
takes only 10 basic clock cycles to ex-
ecute, yielding nearly a 50 percent
improvement. This second version
could not serve as a basic schema for
initializing variables because it relies
upon the previous contents of the ac-
cumulator. However, if a compiler
recognized those cases where the ac-
cumulator contained the required
value, then it could perform this
optimization.
356 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 2: The 8086 assembly-language code generated by the Pascal/MT+86 and Pascal-86
compilers for the following two statements from the listing 1 program:
prime :=i + i + 3;
k := i + prime
Pascal/MT+86 Code
; PRIME
I + I + 3
1 MOV
AX, I
2 ADD
AX,I
3 ADD
AX,3
4 MOV
PRIME, AX
;K : =
I + PRIME
5 MOV
AX,I
6 ADD
AX.PRIME
7 MOV
K,AX
Pascal-86 Code
;PRIME : = I + I
8 ADD
AX.AX
9 ADD
AX, 3
10 MOV
PRIME.AX
;K : =
I + PRIME
11 ADD
AX,SI
12 MOV
K,AX
Place the value of I into AX register
Add the value of I to AX register
Add 3 to the AX register
Store the AX register in PRIME
; Place the value of I into AX register
;Add the value of Prime to AX register
; Store the AX register in K
+ 3
Add AX register to itself yielding
Add 3 to the AX register
Store the AX register in PRIME
I + I
;Add AX register to SI register yielding I + PRIME
; Store the AX register in K
Pascal/MT+86
Pascal-86
Statement
Number
AX
Register
Statement
Number
AX
Register
SI
Register
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
I
I + I
PRIME
PRIME
I
K
8
9
10
11
12
I
I + I
PRIME
PRIME
K
I
I
I
I
I
Table 1: Register contents during
dicated in this table exists in the
execution of the listing
register at the start of
2 code. Note that the value in-
the instruction cycle.
I examined the assembly-language
code produced by the Pascal/MT + 86
and Pascal-86 compilers for the Sieve
program in order to find a good ex-
ample of optimizations. I chose the
following example because it is rela-
tively simple and because it clearly il-
lustrates how optimization can im-
prove performance.
Whenever a new prime is located,
the listing 1 Sieve program computes
two values, PRIME and K. Two
Pascal statements compute PRIME
andK:
prime : = i + i + 3;
k : = i + prime;
The Pascal/MT + 86 code and the
Pascal-86 code produced by these
two statements are shown in listing
2. The assembly-language code in all
the figures in this article uses the
mnemonics and assembly-language
directives supported by the ASM86
assembly language. Note that listing
2 is an excerpt from listing 3, which
shows the complete code generated
by both compilers for the Sieve.
The Pascal/MT + 86 code can be
understood simply by reading
through it and noting the sequence
of operations. The Pascal-86 code is
much harder to understand because
it is heavily optimized. In order to
Text continued on page 360
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BYTE February 1984
357
Listing 3: The complete code produced by two compilers for the listing 1 program.
Pascal
Pascal/MT+86
Pascal-86
count : = 0;
MOV
COUNT,
MOV
COUNT.O
for i : = to
MOV
I.OFFFFH
MOV
CX.O
size do
M4:
MOV
INC
DEC
JGE
JMP
DS:WORD PTR 202CH ; 1FFFH
I
DS:WORD PTR 202CH
M2
M3
P5:
MOV
I.CX
flags[i] : = true;
M2:
NOP
MOV
SI.CX
MOV
AX.OFFSET FLAGS
MOV
FLAGS[SI],1
ADD
AX,I
INC
CX
XCHG
AX.DI
CMP
CX.1FFEH
MOV
BYTE PTR [DI],01
JLE
P5
JMP
M4
for i : = to
M3:
MOV
LQFFFFH
MOV
AX.O
size do
M12:
MOV
INC
DEC
JGE
JMP
DS:WORD PTR 202EH.1FFFH
I
DS:WORD PTR 202EH
M5
M6
P6:
MOV
I.AX
if flags[ i] then
M5:
NOP
MOV
SI, AX
begin
MOV
AX.OFFSET FLAGS
TEST
FLAGS[SI],1H
ADD
AX,I
JE
P7
XCHG
AX.DI
TEST
BYTE PTR [DI],01
JNZ
M7
JMP
M8
prime : =
M7:
MOV
AX,I
ADD
AX.AX
i + i + 3;
ADD
AX, I
ADD
AX,3
ADD
AX,3
MOV
PRIME.AX
MOV
PRIME.AX
k : = i + prime;
MOV
AX,I
ADD
AX, SI
ADD
AX, PRIME
MOV
K,AX
MOV
K,AX
while k < = size
Mil:
CMP
K.1FFEH
P8:
CMP
K,1FFEH
do begin
JLE
JMP
M9
M10
JNLE
P9
flagsfk] : =
M9:
NOP
MOV
SI.K
false;
MOV
ADD
XCHG
MOV
AX.OFFSET FLAGS
AX.K
AX.DI
BYTE PTR [DI ],0
MOV
FLAGS[SI],0
k : = k + prime
MOV
AX.K
MOV
AX.PRIME
ADD
AX.PRIME
ADD
AX, SI
MOV
K.AX
MOV
K,AX
end;
JMP
Mil
JMP
P8
count : =
M10:
MOV
AX.COUNT
P9:
INC
COUNT
count + 1
INC
MOV
AX
COUNT.AX
end;
M8:
JMP
M12
P7:
MOV
INC
CMP
JLE
AX.I
I
AX.1FFEH
P6
358 February 1984 © BYTE Publications tac
Circle 305 on inquiry card.
■
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■ "
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1 '(Tr 155 ^
i y
\ ' .' if m
Compiler
Time
(microseconds)
Pascal/MT + 86 31
Pascal-86 18
Size
(bytes)
23
13
Table 2: Summary of results of the listing
2 code.
Text continued from page 356:
understand the Pascal-86 code, ex-
amine table 1, which details the
register usage. I deduced the first line
in table 1 by backtracking through the
code. Given that the accumulator
contains the value of I, it makes
perfect sense to compute I + 1 by add-
ing the accumulator to itself. This
step is an optimization because dou-
bling the accumulator won't normal-
ly double I; this particular optimiza-
tion can therefore take place only
when the accumulator contains I.
This optimization gives the Pascal-86
code a one-instruction advantage
over Pascal/MT + 86 code.
Similarly, the code for computing
K was optimized in Pascal-86 by tak-
ing advantage of the fact that registers
happened to contain all of the nec-
essary values. As the Pascal-86 in-
struction 11 in listing 2 starts to ex-
ecute, the SI register contains the
value of PRIME. Pascal-86 simply
adds the two registers together to
form K and then stores the result in
K, saving one instruction over the
more obvious approach taken by
Pascal/MT + 86. The total code size
and execution times for Pascal/
MT + 86 and Pascal-86 are shown in
table 2.
Could these examples be improved
by an assembly-language program-
mer? A programmer might be able to
produce a Sieve program that was
faster overall than the Pascal-86 code,
but it would certainly be impossible
to improve on the code that Pascal-86
generated for the computations of K
and PRIME. The Pascal/MT+86 com-
putation of K could easily be im-
proved. As Pascal/MT + 86 starts to
compute K, the value of PRIME is al-
ready in the AX register. All that is re-
quired is to add in the value of I and
store the result in K as shown below:
;k := i + prime
ADD AX,I ;AX already
; contains
;PRIME, just
;add in I
MOV K,AX ;Store result in
;K
This code saves one instruction and
would make the Pascal/MT + 86 code
more competitive with the Pascal-86
code.
The Pascal-86 code for computing
K and PRIME is devious. It uses an
approach that is not recommended
for human programmers because the
code is hard to understand and hard
to modify. Pascal-86 uses results of
many previous steps as a starting
point for computing K and PRIME.
However, I believe that devious (but
correct) code generated by an
automaton (the Pascal-86 compiler) is
acceptable. Programmers strive to
create readable programs because
programs that can be easily read can
be used and maintained by others. In
this case, the goal is to create readable
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360 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 129 on inquiry card.
Circle 249 on inquiry card.
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BYTE February 1984 361
Listing 4: The 8086 assembly code generated by the Pascal/MT+86 and Pascal-86 compilers
for the following listing 1 FOR loop:
for i := to size do
flagsli] := true;
The code has been reformatted to make it more legible, and it has been slightly revised to con-
form to Intel op-code standards. Both routines have been assembled and tested.
Pascal/MT+86
1 MOV I,0FFFFH
2 MOV DS:WORD PTR 202CH,
1FFFH
3 M4: INC I
4 DEC DS:WORD PTR 202CH
5 JGE M2
6 JMP M3
7 M2: NOP
8 MOV AX.OFFSET FLAGS
9 ADD AX,I
10 XCHG AX,DI
11 MOV BYTE PTR [DI],01H
12 JMP M4
M3:
Pascal-86
13 MOV CX,0H
14 P5: MOV DS:I,CX
15 MOV SI,CX
16 MOV DS:FLAGS[SI],1H
17 INC CX
18 CMP CX.1FFEH
19 JLE P5
.■Initialize I to - 1
.•Initialize anonymous
loop counter to 8191
Increment I
Decrement anonymous loop counter
Jump to M2 if loop should continue
Jump out of loop
Do nothing
Place base address of FLAGS
array into AX register
Add I to the base address
in AX register
Put address of an element of
FLAGS array into DI register
Put a 1 (true) into element
of FLAGS array
Jump back to loop increment
section
Put a zero into CX register
Place value in CX register into I
Copy CX register into
SI index register
Put a 1 (true) into an
element of FLAGS array
Increment CX register
Compare value in CX register
with Terminal Value
Jump back to P5 if loop should continue
Coding
Method
Pascal/MT + 86
Pascal-86
Author's Assembly Loop
Author's Assembly String
Time
(milliseconds)
265
155
120
17
Size
(bytes)
39
21
15
13
Table 3: Summary of the performance of four routines used to initialize the FLAGS array.
and maintainable Pascal source code.
The object code generated by the
compiler doesn't need to be
readable— it should be correct and
efficient.
The FOR Loop Schemata
The Sieve benchmark program in-
cludes two FOR loops: one loop to
initialize the array of flags that form
the basis of the Eratosthenes method
and one loop to actually search for
primes. The FOR loop is obviously a
very important part of Pascal and it
also happens to be one of the areas
where the two compilers in this
study use very different strategies.
We will examine the initialization
FOR loop because it is the simplest
FOR loop in the Sieve. Another
reason for studying the initialization
FOR loop is more subtle— this par-
ticular loop can be dramatically op-
timized. Listing 4 shows the code for
the initialization FOR loop produced
by the two compilers.
The coding schema for a FOR loop
can be separated into three logical
sections: the initialization of the loop,
the test-and-increment section, and
the body of the loop. A glance at
listing 4 reveals that Pascal/MT + 86
and Pascal-86 use different FOR loop
structures.
In Pascal/MT+86 the initialization
section is at the top of the code (lines
1 and 2), the test-and-increment sec-
tion is in the middle (lines 3 through
6), and the body of the loop is at the
end of the code. The Pascal/MT + 86
FOR loop is completely coded in
twelve 8086 assembly-language state-
ments containing 39 bytes of code.
The execution time of the initializa-
tion FOR loop (8191 iterations) is 265
milliseconds (see table 3).
The Pascal/MT + 86 FOR loop
schema uses two loop counters, the
visible loop counter named I and an
anonymous loop counter created by
the compiler. In the listing 4 code the
anonymous loop counter is stored at
location 202C hexadecimal and is
referenced only twice, once in line 2
and once in line 4. The visible loop
counter is incremented once each
pass through the loop, whereas the
anonymous loop counter is decre-
mented each time through. The vis-
ible loop counter is initialized (in line
1) to be 1 less than the starting value,
while the anonymous loop counter is
initialized (in line 2) to be the number
of passes through the loop plus 1.
During each execution of the loop the
anonymous loop counter actually
determines whether the loop should
continue. The visible loop counter (I)
is just along for the ride and for use
in the body of the loop.
Dual loop counters are the most
striking feature of the Pascal/MT + 86
FOR loop schema. What is to be
gained from dual loop counters? Ac-
tually there is an advantage. Pascal is
intended to be a very "safe" lan-
guage. Pascal uses strong type check-
362 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 361
ing, strict syntax, explicit declara-
tions, etc., to safeguard against pro-
grammers' mistakes or laziness. One
of the safeguards built into Pascal is
the inviolability of the FOR loop. It
is supposed to be impossible to pre-
maturely exit from a FOR loop in
Pascal. The initial conditions of the
loop are evaluated once (when you
enter the loop), and the loop counter
itself should not be modified during
the course of the loop. The dual loop
counters of Pascal/MT + 86 make it
impossible for a programmer to pre-
maturely exit the loop since the ac-
tual loop counter is inaccessible to a
Pascal programmer. We will come
back to this point shortly.
The next striking feature of the
Pascal/MT + 86 FOR loop schema is
the presence of a pair of Jump state-
ments on lines 5 and 6 of listing 4.
One statement clearly would have
been adequate. The conditional jump
on line 5 is a "jump if result is greater
than or equal" around the second
jump. It would have been simpler
and shorter to simply insert a "jump
if result is less than" to M3. Another
interesting feature is line 7, the "no-
operation" line. Occasionally a com-
piler is forced to insert NOP codes in
a program in order to fill reserved
space. However, why should a NOP
be the target of a Jump instruction?
With miniscule effort the jump on
line 5 could have used line 8 as the
target instead of line 7.
One final comment must be made
regarding the Pascal/MT + 86 listing 4
code. The 8086 microprocessor has
addressing modes specifically
designed for accessing arrays of bytes
or words. These addressing modes
are ignored in the Pascal/MT + 86
code shown in listing 4, and the ad-
dress calculations are done explicitly
in statements 8 through 11.
The FOR loop schema used by
Pascal-86 is much leaner than the
Pascal/MT + 86 schema. The basic
organization of the Pascal-86 FOR
loop is different. In Pascal-86 the loop
initialization is at the top (line 13), the
body of the loop is in the middle
(lines 14 through 16), and the
test-and-increment portion is at the
end. The Pascal-86 version doesn't
use dual loop counters; it effectively
uses the array addressing mode of
the 8086 microprocessor, and it
avoids back-to-back Jump statements.
The advantage of the Pascal-86 loop
schema over the Pascal/MT + 86
schema is obvious. The Pascal-86
code is 18 bytes shorter and executes
110 milliseconds faster. (The results
are summarized in table 3.)
Could an assembly-language pro-
grammer produce a better initializa-
tion FOR loop than Pascal-86? Al-
though I'm not a veteran 8086 assem-
bly-language coder, I decided to
attempt to improve on the Pascal-86
code. The easiest way to program in
assembly language is to use a high-
level language (Pascal, perhaps) as a
crutch. Write the problem initially in
the high-level language. Once the
high-level language version is work-
ing, it is relatively easy to examine the
compiler's code and then write an
optimized version.
I was able to improve the Pascal-86
initialization loop very slightly (see
listing 5). Pascal-86 used the CX
register as the loop counter and the
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Listing 5: Two routines written by the author in 8086 assembly language. The first version
is essentially an optimization of the Pascal-86 FOR loop; the second version uses 8086 string
operations to achieve an enormous speed advantage. (Compilers cannot easily detect loops that
could be recoded using string operations; programmers have a definite advantage in such situa-
tions.) Both routines were coded and tested using an Intel development system.
8086 Assembly-Language Loop
.'Initialize FLAGS array so that each element = 1
;Use SI to index FLAGS array and also as a loop counter
1
MOV
SI.OH
Put a zero into SI index register
2 LI:
MOV
FLAGS[SI],1H
Put a 1 (true) into an element
of FLAGS array
3
INC
SI
Increment SI register
4
CMP
SI.1FFEH
Compare SI register with final value
5
JLE
LI
lump back to LI to continue
8086 Assembly-Language String Operation
initialize FLAGS array using string operations
6
PUSH
DS
7
POP
ES
8
CLD
9
MOV
CX,1FFFH
10
MOV
DIOFFSET FLAGS
11
MOV
AL,01
12
REP
STOSB
Move contents of DS segment register
into ES segment register
Clear the direction flag
Place iteration count into CX register
Place address of FLAGS array
into DI index register
Place a 1 in the AX byte register
Repeat the string operation
SI register as the array index. I com-
bined these two functions in the SI
register and saved one instruction. I
also saved an instruction by keeping
the loop count in the SI register; the
Pascal-86 version copied the value to
memory once per iteration. (I could
have saved one more instruction by
looping from 8190 down to instead
of looping from up to 8190.)
This first assembly-language
tweaking produced a modest im-
provement—the code shrank from 21
to 15 bytes and the time shrank from
155 to 120 milliseconds. The 35-milli-
second improvement represented ap-
proximately a 20 percent increase in
speed.
Can the initialization FOR loop be
tuned even more? The 8086 micro-
processor includes string instructions
for performing operations on arrays
or bytes or words. My second assem-
bly-language coding effort produced
a much faster version by using the
8086 string instructions. Notice that
the string version in listing 5 doesn't
even use an explicit loop; the actual
iterations occur in statement 12
where the "store byte string" opera-
tion is repeated 8191 times. The
assembly-language string version is
2 bytes shorter than the assembly-
language loop version, and it is over
six times faster.
Many observers have cautioned
that tweaking code produces only
modest improvements; dramatic im-
provements require changing the
whole approach. In this example,
tweaking produced a 20 percent im-
provement, whereas changing the
whole approach by using the string
instructions produced a sixfold im-
provement.
You should also note that the ini-
tialization code using the 8086 string
instructions shown in listing 5 is not
a general substitute for a FOR loop
schema. The particularly simple FOR
loop studied in this article happens
to be expressible as a string opera-
tion—most FOR loops cannot.
Ramifications of the
FOR Loop Schemata
The biggest difference between the
FOR loop schema of Pascal/MT + 86
Listing 6: A program that investigates
premature exits from a FOR loop.
program premature(input,output);
var i,count : integer;
begin
count : = 0;
for i : = 1 to 10 do begin
count : = count + 1;
i : = 10;
end;
writeln(count,' iterations')
end.
Listing 7: Pascal code containing a subroutine
(named "shortcircuit") designed to circumvent
Pascal-86 compilation safeguards.
program premature(input,output);
var i,count : integer;
procedure shortcircuit;
begin
i := 10
end;
begin
count : = 0;
for i : = 1 to 10 do begin
count : = count + 1;
shortcircuit
end;
writeln(count,' iterations')
end.
and of Pascal-86 is MT+86's anony-
mous loop counter. We saw previous-
ly that the Pascal/MT + 86 approach
was used to make it impossible to exit
a FOR loop prematurely by modify-
ing the control variable. I decided to
investigate how the Pascal-86 com-
piler protected the FOR loop because
safe programming is so important to
Pascal.
I coded the test shown in listing 6
in order to investigate the safety of
the two Pascal compilers' FOR loops.
The program attempts to short-circuit
the loop by setting the loop counter
variable I to 10 each time through the
loop. The variable COUNT actuaWy
keeps track of how many times the
loop operates. When I compiled the
program in listing 6 using Pascal/
MT + 86, it compiled without com-
plaint; when I executed the program
I saw the message "10 iterations."
When I compiled the program using
Pascal-86, 1 received an error message
informing me that it was not accept-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 365
able to change the value of I in mid-
loop. Pascal-86 protects FOR loops
during compilation by detecting as-
signments to the control variable,
while Pascal/MT + 86 protects FOR
loops during execution by using dual
loop counters.
Could either technique be fooled?
After several false starts, I produced
the program shown in listing 7. The
coding techniques shown in the list-
ing are definitely not recommended,
although they appear to be legal in
Pascal. Since I couldn't explicitly alter
the loop index variable (I), I decided
to use a subroutine to do the dirty
work. The subroutine named Short-
circuit is designed to circumvent the
compilation safeguards of Pascal-86.
The program in listing 7 compiled
without complaint using Pascal/
MT + 86 and Pascal-86. The loop ex-
ecuted 10 times in the MT + 86 ver-
sion and only once in the Pascal-86
version.
The Pascal-86 compiler does its best
to protect the FOR loop at compile
time, but the compiler can be fooled.
The Pascal/MT+86 compiler protects
its FOR loop during execution by
using an inaccessible loop counter. I
wasn't able to short-circuit the
MT + 86 method, but I was dismayed
by the lack of warnings when I com-
piled the program in listing 6. It's up
to you to decide which compiler's
operation you prefer.
Conclusions
I hope that you don't decide to
forgo the FOR loop in Pascal because
of its overhead. In the great majority
of FOR loops, calculations in the
body of the loop dominate the execu-
tion time. Fine-tuning your programs
for today's language implementations
may allow marginal improvements,
but your program wil be harder to
understand and possibly harder to
transport.
Similarly, I hope that all of you
avoid the FOR loop short-circuit tech-
nique shown above. Clever program-
ming can occasionally add a new
feature to a language, such as the
ability to prematurely exit a FOR
loop. However, such programming is
nonportable and hard to understand,
and it may not even work when the
next version of your compiler is re-
leased. Code generation enables us
to understand why the Pascal/
MT + 86 loop is inviolable while the
Pascal-86 loop is not, but if you pro-
gram in Pascal, you should use FOR
loops only when you really know in
advance how many times you want
to iterate.
For the most part you should strive
for correct, clear programs. Speed is
a secondary concern. People who
write programs with a compiler's
quirks in mind are trying to serve two
masters. Programming is hard
enough when you are serving a
single master— correctness.
When is it appropriate to examine
your compiler's code? Sometimes a
program that appears to be correct is
not working as you think it should.
Examining the relevant code might
reveal a bug in the compiler, although
it is more likely to reveal a subtle error
in your programming. Simply ex-
amining the code in a different
form— assembly language— often re-
veals errors in your high-level-lan-
guage programming.
Another reason to examine code is
to speed up the time-critical section
of a program. We've all heard that 10
percent of the code executes 90 per-
cent of the time. If a small section of
code must be rewritten by hand in as-
sembly language, it is easiest if the
code is programmed first in the high-
level language and then optimized
based upon the generated code. An
added benefit of this technique is that
the high-level version can serve as
documentation, a much better form
of explanation than the usual assem-
bly-language documentation.
A final excuse for examining code
is curiosity. Compilers perform a vital
service, but we don't normally get to
see the results. Poking around in the
compiler's attic can be good clean
fun.H
References
1. Gilbreath, Jim. "A High-Level Language
Benchmark." BYTE, September 1981, page
180.
2. Gilbreath, Jim and Gary Gilbreath. "Eratos-
thenes Revisited: Once More through the
Sieve." BYTE, January 1983, page 283.
3. Pascal/MT+86 Language Reference Manual.
Pacific Grove, CA: Digital Research, 1982.
4. Pascal-86 User's Guide. Santa Clara, CA: Intel
Corporation, 1981.
5. ASM86 Language Reference Manual. San-
ta Clara, CA: Intel Corporation, 1981.
6. The 8086 Family User's Manual. Santa Clara,
CA: Intel Corporation, 1979.
Kaare Christian (5517 Fieldston Rd., Bronx, NY
10471) is a research associate with Rockefeller
University and holds a B.S. in applied physics from
Cornell University.
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Writing Device Drivers for
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Using Tandon TM100-4 Drives
The increase in flexibility can be worth the added effort
by J. Eric Roskos
One of the many new features of
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The TM100-4, however, will hold
twice as much data as the standard
IBM double-sided disk. Unfortunate-
ly, MS-DOS 2.0, as configured for the
IBM PC, cannot recognize this drive
without some modification. Thus,
MS-DOS 2.0 is a natural candidate
for a user-written device driver.
Though it is possible to patch DOS
to make it work with this drive using
existing device drivers, writing a new
routine allows you to make optimal
use of the TM100-4's features, such as
the faster head-stepping rate that is
possible with this drive.
In this article, I will describe the de-
velopment of a device driver for the
TM100-4, explain device drivers in
general, and look in some detail at
problems I encountered in develop-
ing this particular driver. These prob-
lems reflect some pitfalls that are
characteristic of the IBM PC and DOS
2.0, so they are useful when writing
other kinds of drivers as well.
Device Drivers
An MS-DOS 2.0 device driver con-
sists of two separate procedures,
called at separate times by DOS.
These procedures are patterned
closely after the device drivers in the
Unix operating system produced by
Bell Laboratories, although the DOS
drivers' structure reflects an orienta-
tion toward assembly-language pro-
gramming, whereas this part of Unix
is written entirely in the C language.
The first of the two procedures that
make up a device driver is the
"strategy" procedure. It is called by
DOS to request an operation from
the device, such as a read or a write.
The procedure stores the request and
then returns to the caller.
The strategy procedure does not
perform the requested operation;
that is done by the second procedure,
the "interrupt" procedure. It is im-
portant to understand the reason for
this. In a well-designed operating
system, I/O (input/output) operations
should occur asynchronously. It may
be possible to make the peripheral
function more efficiently if you are
allowed to make requests to it and it
is then allowed to process them,
without an unreasonably tight con-
nection between the two events. For
instance, it may help to let the device
handler sort a set of requests in some
strategic order that minimizes the
amount of movement required by the
disk heads. Likewise, it may help to
allow the device driver to anticipate
a future I/O request based on past
ones and to prepare for it before the
user requests it. Such advanced rea-
sons are usually found only in multi-
user (or multiprocess) operating
systems and, in fact, DOS 2.0 does
not make much use of them; but we
can design better device drivers if we
realize this underlying principle.
The interrupt procedure, the sec-
ond of the two making up the device
driver, is responsible for performing
the operation requested by the
strategy procedure. The interrupt
procedure is called when the device
is ready to handle another request.
It looks for a request stored by the
strategy procedure, and if it finds
one, it executes the requested opera-
tion and signals DOS that it has done
so by turning on a "DONE" indicator
associated with the request.
In large operating systems, the in-
terrupt procedure is called by the pe-
ripheral, which sends a hardware
signal, or interrupt, to the micropro-
cessor when it has finished a previ-
ously requested operation. This
signal causes the processor to issue
a subroutine call to the interrupt pro-
cedure, which starts the peripheral
working on another request. In DOS
2.0, the interrupt procedure is instead
always called by DOS immediately
370 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
after the strategy procedure is called,
probably because this is an early ver-
sion of the operating system that
does not seem to use the fully asyn-
chronous structure just described. In
fact, the sample driver given in the
DOS manual assumes that DOS will
always call the interrupt procedure
immediately after the strategy pro-
cedure, which would be incorrect in
a truly asynchronous system. But
even when asynchronous interrupts
are used, the first time a device is
used after it has been sitting idle,
DOS will have to call the interrupt
procedure to get things going,
because an interrupt is generated
only when a device first finishes an
operation.
This means we don't have to worry
about setting up the processor to pro-
duce interrupts (or about asking DOS
to do it for us), but we can still pro-
gram a device handler that has a
structure much like those used in
sophisticated operating systems.
Thus, we can learn a lot about how
device drivers work by constructing
this relatively simple driver.
Disk Drivers
The kinds of requests that can be
given to a device driver by DOS are
listed in Chapter 14 of the DOS 2.0
manual. For a disk driver, the pos-
sible requests are as follows:
INIT— Initialize the disk hardware
when the system is first started up.
This procedure is always called exact-
ly once, when DOS is started at
power on or by pressing Ctrl/Alt/Del.
MEDIA CHECK-Check whether the
user has changed disks since the last
time the disk drive was used. For my
device driver, I always tell DOS I
"don't know" whether it was changed
because for a floppy disk this is prob-
ably more efficient than reading the
disk to see if it has been changed. An
interesting alternative to this ap-
proach might be to tell DOS the disk
hasn't changed if the disk motor is
still on and tell it it has changed if the
motor is off. The motor is turned off
by the clock-handling routine in the
ROM BIOS (the portion of the basic
input/output system that is per-
manently stored in read-only mem-
ory) if the disk is not used for a few
seconds; this provides a good guess
as to whether the user might have
changed the disk. If the user has
changed the disk, the motor will be
off (unless he is incredibly fast).
Thus, if the motor is on, you can
assume the user hasn't changed
disks; in such a case, DOS would not
reread the disk if the block being ac-
cessed was in memory, speeding up
multiple accesses to the same block.
The DOS manual doesn't tell exactly
what the three alternatives (has
changed, hasn't changed, don't
know) do, so you are probably safer
with the "don't know" alternative.
BUILD BPB-Tell DOS where in
memory you have stored a table,
called the BPB, describing the size of
the directory and the number of
blocks on the disk.
INPUT— Read from the disk into
memory. DOS gives you the starting
block number on the disk, the start-
ing address in memory where you
are to put the data, and how many
blocks you are supposed to read in.
OUTPUT— Write from memory to
disk. DOS gives you the same infor-
mation as for the INPUT function.
OUTPUT WITH VERIFY-Write from
memory to disk, then verify that the
data was written correctly. For our
disk driver, we treat this request the
same as a plain OUTPUT, although
it would be fairly easy to add a func-
tion to check that the data was writ-
ten correctly, since the ROM BIOS
provides a VERIFY function.
The exact form in which a request
is given to the driver is explained in
Chapter 14 of the DOS manual. This
data is called a "request header" and
tells exactly what DOS wants the
device driver to do. It always contains
a "command code," a number iden-
tifying the functions to be performed;
a "status word," in which we store in-
formation telling DOS whether we
successfully performed the operation
it asked for; and some other informa-
tion that I won't go into here, telling
the size of the request area in mem-
ory and the unit number when more
than one device is to be handled by
the same driver. The request header
usually has other information follow-
ing it in memory, such as the address
and block numbers to be used for an
INPUT or OUTPUT operation.
The two main things that a device
driver for a disk must accomplish are
the INPUT and OUTPUT operations.
The other functions are fairly simple
and may be based, with appropriate
modifications, on the listing supplied
in the DOS manual. I'll concentrate
on the INPUT and OUTPUT opera-
tions in the remainder of this article.
Accessing the Disk
When DOS asks the driver to per-
form either an INPUT or OUTPUT
function, it supplies three numbers
that tell exactly what is to be done.
The first is the "transfer address,"
consisting of two words. These words
are the address in memory where the
disk transfer is to take place. For an
INPUT, this is where the data from
the disk is to be stored as it is read
from the disk. For an OUTPUT, this
is where the data to be written onto
the disk is found in memory.
To understand this, let's consider
how a user's program would access
the disk; for simplicity, let's say you
want to read an integer from the disk
in a BASIC program. You can't read
just an integer, which is 2 bytes long,
from the disk; the disk is read in
blocks of 512-bytes. One of the func-
tions of DOS (and the BASIC inter-
preter) is to figure out where on the
disk the integer is stored; it will be
in some 512-byte block of the disk,
and this whole block has to be read
into memory all at once, because
that's how the disk works. So DOS
sets aside an area in memory, called
a buffer, into which the block is to be
read. This area is entirely separate
from your basic program and is in-
visible to you. It then asks the driver
to read the block into the buffer, and
after the driver has done so, it ex-
tracts the integer from the block and
puts it into your BASIC variable.
It is the address of this buffer in
memory that is the first of the num-
bers given to the driver with an IN-
PUT or OUTPUT request. The driver
does not have to set up the buffer or
determine where data is on the disk;
that is done by the higher-level parts
of DOS. It only has to read one or
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 371
more 512-byte blocks from the disk
into memory when requested. The
second number given to the driver is
the number of these 512-byte blocks
that are to be read in. Often, only one
block will be read at a time; but when
a lot of data is to be transferred at
once, such as when copying a file or
saving the text from a word pro-
cessor, many blocks may be read or
written at the same time. The third
number given to the driver is the
"starting-block number" telling
where on the disk this data is to be
read or written. Because disks always
work in terms of 512-byte blocks, the
disk is divided up into a series of
these consecutively numbered
blocks; the block number is a "disk
address" analogous to the memory
address of a variable in memory, but
the size of the object being addressed
is much greater (512 bytes versus 1
byte).
Operating the Hardware
I've just explained that when DOS
asks the driver to perform an INPUT
or OUTPUT, you'll be given informa-
tion on where in memory and on
disk the data is to be found or put.
But you have to make the disk drive
actually read or write the data. For-
tunately, the program in the IBM PC's
ROM (read-only memory), called the
ROM BIOS, makes this easier. This
program has subroutines for almost
every hardware device available for
the machine, including, fortunately,
the TM100-4 disk, which is just
another floppy-disk drive to the IBM
PC. To use this subroutine, move in-
formation concerning what you want
done into the 8088's registers and
then call the subroutine via the 8088's
INT instruction. However, there are
two problems. First, the ROM BIOS
doesn't know about DOS's block
numbers; second, in any one call to
the ROM BIOS subroutine, you can't
transfer more than nine sectors at a
time. (Depending on where the start-
ing sector is on the disk, you may
only be able to transfer less than
nine.) The information you have to
give DOS is listed in table 1.
Of the available functions, a DOS
disk drive needs to use only func-
tions 0, 2, and 3; these are the RESET,
AH = Function to be performed:
= RESET the disk drive
1 = get status information
2 = READ from disk into memory
3 = WRITE from memory to disk
4 = VERIFY a write operation
5 = FORMAT a track of the disk
AL = Number of sectors to transfer
CH = Track on disk to be used
CL = Sector within track to use
DH = Head on disk drive to use
DL = Disk drive to use
ES:BX = Address of buffer in memory
Table 1: Before calling the ROM BIOS
subroutine, you must load the appropriate
information (shown above) into the BIOS
registers.
READ, and WRITE functions. Notice
that locations on the disk are given
in terms of the track, head, and sec-
tor. The track number identifies
which of the concentric rings of data
on the disk is to be used; the TM100-4
can store twice as much data as a
standard double-sided drive because
it has 80 tracks instead of 40. The
head number on a double-sided disk
drive such as the TM100-4 identifies
the side of the disk you should use.
And finally, the sector number tells
which of the nine available sectors on
a given track and side is to be used.
(This sector number can be anything
between and 255; although Micro-
soft and I use numbers 1 through
9, any numbers can be used. This
is how most copy-protection schemes
work.)
To compute the track, head, and
sector number from the DOS block
number, we use the following
formulas:
track = block / 18
TS = block mod 18
head = TS / 9
sector = TS - (head x 9) + 1
Because each track holds 18 blocks
(9 blocks per side, 2 sides), the track
number is the block number divided
by 18 (using integer division). The
value TS is the sector number within
the track, a number between and
17. If this number is less than 9, use
head and sector TS + 1 (because sec-
tor numbers start at 1, not 0). If it's
9 or greater, subtract 9 from TS + 1
and use head 1. In other words, the
first 9 sectors are on head 0; the sec-
ond 9 are on head 1. This is also how
head, sector, and track numbers are
calculated by the DOS disk drivers.
For an introductory description of the
ideas of head, sector, and track, see
pages 1-10 of the DOS 2.0 manual;
it provides more information on the
basic concepts involved.
After you've translated the block
number to the numbers required by
the ROM BIOS, you have to break up
requests for transfers bigger than can
be handled at one time into con-
secutive requests to the ROM BIOS.
The reason you have to do this is that
the ROM BIOS doesn't know how
DOS numbers sectors. It doesn't
assume after it has transferred the
last sector on track n that it can go to
some other track and sector, say track
n+1 sector 1. You have to tell it ex-
plicitly. So whenever the track or side
(head) numbers change, you have to
give the ROM BIOS another request.
Although this is somewhat compli-
cated, if you sit down with pencil and
paper you can probably write out a
simple procedure, in the program-
ming language of your choice, to
solve the problems just described.
This is not too difficult and is a good
practice whenever you are program-
ming a complicated procedure in as-
sembly language. Unfortunately,
there are some interesting and
frustrating aspects of this problem
that aren't documented in any
manual— and this made my project
much harder.
Unexpected Problems
When I wrote the original device
driver, I used the example in the DOS
manual as a guide. Within a reason-
able amount of time, I had what
should have been a working driver.
But it wasn't that simple.
First, I had put some calls to DOS
into my driver to display information
so I could trace the activity of the
driver for debugging. But the driver
didn't work at all. It hung the system.
I tried using the debugger supplied
with DOS. I traced the execution of
the driver, using breakpoints at ap-
propriate places. Strangely, the re-
quests to the driver seemed to be get-
372 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
ting destroyed; and more strangely,
no matter where I put the break-
point, this would always happen
sometime after the first breakpoint
was hit. Finally, by more tracing, I
discovered the first difficulty with
writing device drivers for DOS 2.0:
you can't use the debugger because
the debugger uses DOS's I/O rou-
tines rather than having its own, as
is desirable in a good debugger (a
debugger should generally be as in-
dependent of anything else in the
system as possible); and DOS's I/O
routines are not "reentrant," meaning
you can't call them from within a
previous call on the I/O routines, or
the former's data will be destroyed.
This was a disappointing setback.
You can't use the debugger to debug
the operating system because the
debugger tampers with the data
you're trying to examine. It's hard to
understand why Microsoft designed
it this way. It would be helpful if
someone would develop a debugger
independent of anything (except
perhaps the ROM BIOS) to plug in-
to the extra socket on the 5150 cen-
tral processor (there's not a free
socket on the 5160, so it wouldn't
work there).
The second problem I had con-
cerned the DOS I/O routines. They
aren't reentrant. This is mostly
because DOS seems to have been
written in assembly language. Many
of the idiosyncrasies of DOS could
have been avoided if, when making
a Unix-like single-user operating sys-
tem, they had also followed the lead
of Unix and written it in C, which
uses a stack for local variables, thus
tending to minimize problems such
as those that occurred with the
debugger and I/O routines.
After filling out one of the com-
plaint forms in the back of the DOS
manual to send to Microsoft, I pro-
ceeded to write my own routines to
use the ROM BIOS to display debug-
ging information on the screen. They
are illustrated in listing 1. After
replacing the original calls to DOS
with calls on my new routines, I
tested it again. A third problem
emerged. No matter what I did, DOS
would give the message Sector size too
large in file Tm4.com. This message
Listing 1: The ROM BIOS debugging routines.
debugging macros
; prtreg - print contents o-f register rg in hex, -followed by message
; string in msg, e.g., prtreg ax , "=ax register"
prtreg
macro
rg,msg
push
ax
mov
ax ,rg
cal 1
prtax
wto
msg
pop
ax
endm
! wto - write mesg to display. E.g.,
wto "I/O Error"
wto
macro
mesg
1 ocal
msgstr , around
ifdef
debug
push
ax
push
bx
push
si
mov
si ,of f set msgstr
cal 1
putc
pop
si
pop
bx
pop
ax
jmp
around
msgstr :
db
mesg
db
0DH.0AH,'*'
around:
endi-f
endm
; Local Procedures -for debugging macros
putc - equivalent o-f DOS -function ?
putc
pr-oc
near
mov
bl ,7
mov
bh,0
pu t c 1 :
mov
al ,[si]
cmp
al ,'*'
je
putc2
mov
ah, 14
int
10H
inc
si
jmp
putc 1
putc2:
ret
putc
en dp
i prtnum
- print 1 ow-or
der 4 bits o-f al
pr tnum
proc
near
push
ds
push
cs
pop
ds
push
bx
mov
bx.o-f-fset xltab
xlatb
mov
ah, 14
mov
bh,0
int
lOh
pop
bx
Listing 1 continued on page 374
February 1984 © BYTE Publicalions Inc. 373
Listing 1
continued:
.pop
ret
xltab
db
prtnum
endp
ds
-0123456789ABCDEF'
; prtax - print ax register's contents in hex
prtax
proc
near
push
ex
push
ax
mov
al ,ah
mov
cl,4
shr
al ,cl
cal 1
prtnum
pop
ax
push
ax
mov
al , ah
and
al ,0Fh
cal 1
prtnum
pop
ax
push
ax
mov
cl,4
shr
al ,cl
cal 1
prtnum
pop
ax
push
ax
and
al ,0Fh
cal 1
prtnum
pop
ax
pop
ex
ret
endp
prtax
Listing 2: The device driver local stack routine.
Code used to set up a private stack for the device driver
; *'XS The -following is in the code segment tor the driver: because
i i'i% the code, stack, and data segments are set up to all start at
; S** the same address.
Private stack - because DOS doesn't provide enough
room for us to do our debugging I/O
stkbot
db
equ
dw
dw
102 dup ("TM4 Stack "') ; 1020 byte's stack area
$
? ; a little extra space just to be sate
Stack pointer save area
spsav
sssav
dw
dw
j DOS'S stack pointer is saved here
: DOSs stack segment is saved here
entry to / exit from device strategy: example of stack switching
devstraiegy:
; switch to private stack
mov spsav,sp ; save DOS's stack pointer
mov sssav,ss ; and its stack segment
mov ax,cs : stack is in the code segment, so we
mov ss,ax ; set stack segment = code segment
mov sp, offset stkbot ; and point stack pointer to bottom
; of the stack
'*.£$ Code for strategy routine goes here
switch back to DOS's stack
mov ss, sssav
mov sp , spsav
ret
restore DOS's stack seg we saved
likewise its stack pointer
and return to DOS, who called us.
meant that my driver was telling
DOS that the disk's sector size was
something other than the intended
512 bytes. After careful examination,
I found that this was false— the sec-
tor size was correct. At this point,
only guessing and intuition led to a
solution. I guessed that what was
happening was that the system stack,
a small stack local to DOS that is used
in place of the user's stack whenever
a DOS function is called, was over-
flowing and destroying some of
DOS's data. This seemed possible
because my debugging I/O routines
saved all the system's registers, using
a lot of space on the stack, and called
ROM BIOS procedures, using even
more. So I resorted to the unortho-
dox method of having the device
driver set up and use its own local
stack (this method remains in the
finished driver). This eliminated the
error message, although I have no
concrete evidence that this was the
cause of the error. This is not a
satisfactory solution, because it
means the driver takes up more
space than it should and the method
used to switch stacks is complicated,
much like a context-switching opera-
tion used in a multitasking operating
system to switch between several pro-
grams running at the same time. But
this solution does assure that the
driver will have a known amount of
stack space, and it eliminates the er-
ror message. The method used to
switch to a local stack is illustrated in
listing 2.
Hardware Limitations
Following this improvement and
the addition of some macros to print
the contents of the registers on the
screen, debugging proceeded about
as expected for a while. The driver
seemed to be working at last. But
then, while copying a large file, an
I/O error occurred. The error code
returned by the BIOS was code "09";
according to the ROM BIOS listing in
the Technical Reference manual, this
means "attempt to DMA across 64K
boundary." This was the first refer-
ence I had seen to what turned out
to be a difficult, and largely undocu-
mented, hardware restriction on the
IBM PC. When doing I/O to the disk
374 ftbruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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using the conventional hardware ap-
proaches (those used by the ROM
BIOS), you can't read or write a block
that lies across a 64K-byte boundary.
This has nothing to do with the seg-
mentation registers, which are the
usual cause of 64K-byte restrictions.
Instead, it has to do with the way the
circuit is built (as seen on sheet 4 of
the 64/256K-byte System Board dia-
grams). Although it isn't documented
clearly, memory on the IBM PC is
partitioned into 64K-byte blocks for
purposes of DMA (direct-memory ac-
cess) I/O. Chip U19 on the central
processor board is a "DMA page
register" that must be given the up-
per 4 bits of the address of the buffer
to be read or written before the I/O
operation starts. This will determine
the upper 4 bits of the address in
memory at which the I/O will occur.
Since this can't be changed while the
I/O is going on, you can't do I/O to
a buffer lying on a 64K-byte boun-
dary. For instance, you can't have a
buffer that starts at hexadecimal ad-
dress 0FF00 and goes through ad-
dress 10100, because that lies on a
page boundary; note that the upper
4 bits of the starting and ending ad-
dress differ.
This wouldn't be so bad except that
DOS regularly tries to do I/O opera-
tions using buffers that lie on page
boundaries. This happens, for in-
stance, when the COPY command is
used to copy a large file if your
machine has more than 64K bytes of
RAM (random-access read/write
memory).
Again, it's hard to understand why
this was done. Certainly the new I/O
functions provided in DOS 2.0 that
use a pool of buffers maintained by
the operating system shouldn't have
to do this, and probably don't; the
buffer pool almost certainly can be
allocated to avoid these 64K-byte
boundaries. It would also have
seemed reasonable for functions such
as COPY to check and not attempt
such I/O. It's true that user programs
would have to be restricted not to at-
tempt such I/O either, if they were
using the "raw" I/O functions pro-
vided by DOS. Perhaps this was an
attempt to allow DOS to smooth over
irregularities in the hardware, as a
good operating system should. As
such, it was not a bad design deci-
sion, but it does make writing device
drivers more difficult, especially
since documentation of this restric-
tion is so sparse. The only case in
which such a restriction is necessary,
raw I/O by the user, is not desirable
in any operating system because it
minimizes protection by the system
against the user accidentally destroy-
ing valuable data in memory.
I solved this problem in my driver
by checking whether a requested I/O
operation crossed a 64K-byte boun-
dary. If it did, I transferred up to the
block that crosses the boundary.
Then, I copied the offending block to
a local buffer within the driver and
transferred it; then I transferred all
the data following the boundary-
violating block. This requires three
transfers where one would have suf-
ficed, but it solves the problem. This
may not be the best method— there
may be some hardware trick to solve
the problem, but if there is, it's not
documented. The method I used
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complicates the code (and, in fact, my
solution does an unnecessary copy in
the case of an INPUT operation
because of the way the program is
structured), but it works, and there
is no visible degradation in perfor-
mance.
The Finished Program
The finished device driver is a fully
functioning driver for a TM100-4 disk
configured as device 1 (the drive nor-
mally called B: by DOS). It assumes
that the device (or A:) drive is a
standard IBM disk drive compatible
with either the TM100-1 (single-sided)
or TM100-2 (double-sided) disk drive.
This is probably the best approach to
use, unless you have an expansion
chassis supporting more than two
disk drives, because IBM and the
other software suppliers all distribute
their programs on the standard
40-track disks, and these do not ap-
pear to be readable on the TM100-4
with IBM's disk controller.
A major feature of this disk driver
is that it changes the head-stepping
rates for both the standard TM100-2
drive and the TM100-4 to rates that
seem to work much better. Specifical-
ly, the TM100-2 is operated at 4 ms
(milliseconds) per step and the
TM100-4 is operated at 2 ms per step.
This is slightly faster than the
specified optimal stepping rate for
the drives (the optimal rates are not
possible because the fast clock rate on
the IBM PC causes the controller's
stepping rate to be settable only in in-
crements of 2 ms, and the optimal
rates are 5 and 3 ms, respectively).
Using these rates causes the heads to
move smoothly and quietly, eliminat-
ing the loud and irritating buzzing
noise usually produced by the drives.
If you find that your drives will not
work at these rates, you can change
them to slower values, but it is im-
portant not to operate the TM100-4 at
a 4-ms step rate, because it is claimed
by at least one vendor (Network Con-
sulting, Inc.; see the warning on page
3 of chapter CONFIG.IBM(Utl) in
the UCSD p-System programmer's
guide dated 16 March 1983) that a
"serious vibration problem" exists
that can damage the drive if a 4-ms
stepping rate is used. I have used my
disk drives at the rates set by this
driver for the past eight months with
no adverse effects or increased I/O er-
ror rate; in fact, it would seem that
the reduced vibration levels pro-
duced by operating the heads close
to their specified optimal rates would
reduce wear on the head supports
and other parts in the drive.
Future Enhancements
One advantage of having your own
disk driver is that you can devise
ways to further increase the storage
capacity of your drives. One of the
easiest ways to do this is to go to 10
sectors/track instead of 9. This feature
is currently available under some im-
plementations of the UCSD p-Sys-
tem, where it appears successful.
However, it requires changing vari-
ous timing parameters provided to
the disk controller, and thus it is not
as easy as going from 8 to 9 sectors
per track.
Retrospective
In looking back on this project,
several things are apparent. The first
and most important is that, if I were
writing the driver over, I would do it
in C. I used assembly language
primarily because I did not have a C
compiler. I have subsequently pur-
chased a C compiler that would be
well suited for this application; I have
used it to write several stand-alone
device-handling programs. I would
guess that it would have taken me a
third of the time it took me to imple-
ment the program in assembly lan-
guage if I had used C, because the
majority of bugs, other than the prob-
lems described in this article, were
related to register and addressing
complications and structural flaws in
the code that would have been
avoided or easily detected if a block-
structured language had been used.
I favor C for this project because it
is not strongly typed but has power-
ful control structures, unlike either
Pascal, which is strongly typed and
has weaker control structures, or sys-
tems-programming languages such
as BLISS, which essentially has no
typing at all and relatively weak con-
trol structures.
It is also apparent that DOS 2.0
computers
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would have benefited from the use of
C. This version of DOS is obviously
patterned after Unix; even the names
of the system calls are the same as in
Unix (more exactly it is a subset of
Xenix, which was patterned after
Unix). Unix began as an assembly-
language system but was quickly
revised to be written in C. Some of
the benefits of this approach would
have been a more uniform calling se-
quence for the DOS system calls
(presently they tend to be irregular)
and a much greater likelihood that
the operating system's routines
would be reentrant, because C and
similar programming languages store
most variables on the stack. If all
"static" variables are properly used,
implementation of multitasking is
much simpler and does not involve
the previously described problems.
Finally, debugging this device
driver was enormously difficult
because of the absence of adequate
debugging facilities. A large software
house probably would have an Intel
Development System or a similar
facility to provide hardware tracing
for debugging, but the average user
does not have such equipment. Any-
one attempting to implement a
device driver for this system would
do well to first obtain or write a good
stand-alone debugger. Unless you
have considerable patience, ex-
perience, and intuition, locating bugs
in such a program is difficult.
Conclusions
It is feasible to write device drivers
for MS-DOS 2.0, although debugging
can be difficult. This is a good feature
of the operating system, as is its
structure. Some problems, as ex-
plained previously, exist; with luck
these can be ironed out.
A project such as this can give you
a better feel for what goes on within
a given operating system than does
user-level programming. At present,
MS-DOS is rather complicated. The
original system, developed outside
Microsoft, was written quickly and
lacked many necessary features.
Considerably more expertise (as well
as an understanding of Unix) was in-
volved in developing version 2.
Yet MS-DOS still seems to be sub-
ject to two opposing forces. One
steers it toward a fairly good struc-
ture, perhaps because of the upward-
compatibility with Xenix that it is
supposed to have. The opposing
force, fostered largely by the con-
tinued use of assembly-language
coding, is steering it towards the old-
fashioned disarray and patchwork
familiar to anyone who has done sys-
tems programming for one of the
older operating systems on main-
frame machines. Hopefully, with
new features such as the ones
discussed in this article, the former
will prevail in the end.B
/. EricRoskos (Box 220562, Nashville, TN 37212)
is a graduate student at Vanderbilt University whose
dissertation is on a new architecture for multipro-
cessor shared-memory systems and related theories
of communication and synchronization.
For more information on the source code used
to construct this device driver, please contact the
author.
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Deciphering Word Games
Two BASIC programs that will help you
solve cryptograms and anagrams
Puzzles fascinate me. As a young-
ster, I loved encrypted codes, secret
languages, decoder rings, and similar
puzzles. I still enjoy decoding word
puzzles; all the more so when they're
as close at hand as cryptograms or
anagrams in the local newspaper.
The cryptograms in newspapers
are short messages, often only a few
sentences long, in which each letter
of the original text has been replaced
by some other letter of the alphabet.
Usually the substitutions are random
choices without a pattern. For exam-
ple, the latter a may replace all the t s,
while b replaces all the os. One par-
ticular letter is never used for more
than one coded letter. Sometimes a
few letters will not be encoded at all;
they remain the same in the encod-
ed message as in the decoded plain
text.
Anagrams are words whose letters
have been rearranged into a mean-
ingless jumble. The trick is to put
them back into their proper order to
spell a word. For example, SIBAC is
an anagram for BASIC. The longer a
word, the more possible combina-
tions it has. For instance, a three-
letter word has six possible combina-
tions: 1x2x3 = 6. A four-letter
word has 24 possible combinations:
1x2x3x4 = 24. A five-letter
word has 120 combinations, six letters
have 720 combinations, and so on.
You can spend a lot of time trying to
find the hidden word in a six-letter
by Mark C. Worley
anagram unless, of course, you are
inherently intuitive or prone to
logical analysis. (Some people just go
on to the comics page.)
Cryptograms are a particular chal-
lenge to decode because of the con-
tinuing search for the correct letter
substitutions, or keys, to the crypto-
gram. Prior to computers, this search
would consume a lot of paper, pen-
cil lead, erasers, and patience as each
new key was tried out in the text.
With computers, the monitor pro-
vides a constantly fresh worksheet
and the keyboard becomes a pencil
that never dulls with an eraser that
always wipes cleanly. Perhaps you
will be interested by the following
programs written in Microsoft Ex-
tended BASIC that can help you en-
joy solving word games.
To Solve a Cryptogram
Crypto, bas is a program ideally
suited for solving the short- to
medium-length crytograms frequent-
ly found in the corners of newspaper
pages. Using a 24-line by 80-character
display monitor, Crypto, bas displays
almost 400 workspace characters.
This means that five lines of code and
workspace, 79 characters long, can be
displayed. Those of you with smaller
screens will have less available work-
space, but the program can be modi-
fied for your screen size by changing
the 79 in line 50 to 1 less than your
screen width. For instance, if your
screen is limited to 40 characters,
then change the 79 to a 39.
To decode a cryptogram, load and
run Crypto, bas (see listing 1). The
screen will clear and the command
TYPE THE CRYPTOGRAM:
will appear on the screen, along with
an on-screen ruler showing 79
dashes. The input command LINE
INPUT allows punctuation to be in-
cluded in the string. The ruler is
printed to help eliminate entering an
80-character line, which usually
results in an automatic carriage
return and line feed (CR LF) on the
screen. These unexpected CR LFs use
up extra space in the display and
generally make the display unman-
ageable. If the cryptogram occupies
more than one displayable line, type
what you can, then enter new lines
by hitting the Enter or Return keys.
When you have finished entering the
entire cryptogram, hit Enter or Re-
turn on a blank line.
Line 80 in listing 1 checks for a
0-length line. When a 0-length line is
encountered, variable A is set to
equal the number of lines entered,
then a subroutine counts the fre-
quency of each character. The MID$
and ASC commands count the char-
acters quickly.
The next subroutine, beginning on
line 480, starts with ASCII character
65 (capital a) and continues through
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 383
ASCII character 90 (capital z), search-
ing for the largest value of AMT(X).
AMT(X) is the variable that contains
the frequency of occurrence of the let-
ter whose decimal ASCII value is the
X in AMT(X). Line 500 searches and
compares each value of AMT(X) to
find the highest value (or last-found
highest value) if more than one char-
acter has an equal number of occur-
rences in the text. To ease decoding
and the character-frequency count,
you should enter the anagram in
capital letters. The program can be
modified to include in the character-
frequency count coded messages that
use numbers and other printable
characters for letter substitutions.
After the five most frequent char-
acters are found, the subroutine
returns to line 110 where the crypto-
gram and workspace lines are
printed. A line of the encoded text is
printed, then a workspace line below
that, followed by a blank line. This
continues until the entire message is
displayed. Below the text, the five
most frequently used letters in the
English language— e, t, o, a, n— are
shown. Immediately below those let-
ters the five most commonly used let-
ters in the message are displayed.
This provides as easy way for you to
choose the first few letters for pos-
sible substitution into the encoded
text. Also shown is a count of the
total number of characters in the text,
which is helpful to know. (There is
some argument about what the most
commonly used letters really are. Ac-
cording to various sources, they in-
clude the following combinations:
etlan, ethsi, etaoi, or etona. The most
commonly used character is actually
not e, but the space between words.
The frequency of spaces is important
to recognize in many encoded texts
and in text-compression storage
methods.)
After the code is entered and dis-
played, you are prompted to begin
substituting letters. Choose a letter in
the coded text to be changed and
enter it. Then choose a letter that
should substitute for that letter and
enter that. The program will now
search for every occurrence of the
first letter in the coded text and sub-
stitute the corresponding letter in the
Listing 1: Crypto.bas is a program in BASIC used to solve and create your own cryptograms.
10 REM CRYPTO.BAS PGM TO EASILY WORK CRYPTOGRAMS 12/31/82
'CLEAR THE SCREEN (CLS)
Terminate with a blank line <CR>
'LINE INPUT ALLOWS PUCTUATIONS
'LL<A)=LINE LENGTH
'BLANK LINE TERMINATES INPUT
'A=# OF LINES IN CRYPTOGRAM
'COUNT LETTER FREQUENCY
'MAKES CRYPTO & WORKSPACE EQUAL
'CLEAR SCREEN (CLS)
'A=# OF LINES IN CRYPTOGRAM
'PRINT CRYPTO S< WORKSPACE
20 PRINT CHR*<12>
30 DIM GN<95> , AMT(95>
40 PRINT"TYPE THE CRYPTOGRAMi
50 PRINT STRING*<79,95>
60 LINE INPUT Z*(A>
70 LET LL(A)=LEN(Z*(A) )
80 IF LL(A)<>0 THEN A=A+l:GOTO 50
90 A=A-1
100 GOSUB 390
110 FOR X=0 TO Al X*(X)=Z*(X> I NEXT X
120 PRINT CHR* (12)
130 FOR Y=0 TO A
140 PRINT Z*(Y>: PRINT X*(Y)
150 IF PF=1 THEN LPRINT Z*(Y)i LPRINT X*(Y)
160 PRINTlIF PF=1 THEN LPRINT 'AND A SPACE BEFORE NEXT LINES
170 NEXT Y 'PRINT NEXT CRYPTO/WORKSPACE LINES
180 PF=0 'CLEAR PRINT FLAG
190 ' *** PRINT THE FIVE MOST FREQUENTLY USED CHARACTERS ***
200 PRINT "CRYPTOGRAM: "(
210 FOR Y=l TO 5
220 IF G(Y)<>0 THEN PRINT CHR* <GN < Y> > ; " "]
230 NEXT Y
240 PRINT " TEXT LENGTH: "( TEXT
250 PRINT "PLAIN TEXTl ETLAN"
260 PRINT: INPUT"ENTER THE LETTER TO BE CHANGED (or QUIT or PRINT) "(A*
270 IF A*="PRINT" THEN PF=llGOTO 120 'PF=PRINT FLAG
280 IF A*="QUIT" THEN END
290 INPUT"ENTER THE LETTER IT IS TO BE CHANGED TO"|B«
300 ' *** SEARCH FOR A* IN Z*, THEN REPLACE IT IN X* WITH B* ***
310' *** Z* IS THE CRYPTOGRAM, X* IS THE WORKSPACE **»
320 FOR Y=0 TO A ' A=# OF LINES OF TEXT
330 FOR 1=1 TO LL(Y) ' LL (Y) =LENGTH OF THAT LINE
340 IF MID* <Z*(Y) , I, 1)=A* THEN MID* < X* < Y> , I , 1 ) =B*
350 NEXT I
360 NEXT Y
370 GOTO 120 'PRINT CRYPTO S, WORKSPACE W/CHANGES
380 ' *** SUB-ROUTINE TO COUNT FREQUENCY OF EACH LETTER ***
390 PRINT CHR* (12) STRING* (12, 10) TAB (25) "COUNTING LETTERS"
400 FOR Y=0 TO A ' A=*t OF LINES OF TEXT
410 FOR X=l TO LL(Y> ' LL ( Y) =LENGTH OF THAT LINE
420 Q*=MID*(Z*(Y) , X, 1) |Q=ASC(Q$) i AMT (Q) =AMT <Q) +1
430 NEXT X
440 NEXT Y
450 FOR X=0 TO AlTEXT=TEXT+LEN(Z*(X) ) :NEXT X 'TOTAL-UP TEXT LENGTH,
460 TEXT=TEXT-AMT<32) ' it SUBTRACT SPACES FROM COUNT
470 ' *** SELECT THE FIVE MOST FREQUENT LETTERS ***
480 FOR Y=l TO 5
490 FOR X=65 TO 90
500 IF AMT(X)>=G(Y) THEN G < Y) =AMT < X ) : GN ( Y) =X 'FIND HIGHEST COUNT,
510 NEXT X •>... STORE IT AS GN(Y)
520 AMT(GN(Y))=0 'IGNORE THIS ONE NEXT TIME AROUND !,
530 NEXT Y 'LOOK FOR NEXT MOST FREQUENT LETTER.
540 RETURN
workspace with the second letter. The
alternating lines of coded text and
workspace will be reprinted on the
screen with the coded text remaining
unchanged and the workspace show-
ing the substitutions. Now, a ready
comparison can be made between
the two versions to see if the substitu-
tion choice was a good one, and to
see which is the best letter to try next.
If the choice was a bad one, you can
change the letters in the workspace
back to the original or to some other
letter. The top line of each pair of
lines (the original cryptogram) always
remains unchanged. Only the bot-
tom line of the pair (the workspace)
changes.
The program won't save the cryp-
togram on disk. However, if you've
decoded it or are interrupted and
want to save your work, enter PRINT
in answer to the prompt from pro-
gram line 260. PRINT will save the
cryptogram and workspace on paper
via your printer, then it will return to
the program and reprompt you for an
input. When you enter QUIT as an
answer to the prompt, the program
will exit.
Crypto.bas is not intended for
rigorous code-breaking other than
simple letter substitution, but it can
be used to create cryptograms. By fol-
lowing the instructions on decoding
a cryptogram, you enter the plain text
in place of the coded text, then use
the letter-substitution capabilities of
this program to generate the desired
cryptogram. (Use the program to de-
code your cryptogram and check that
you haven't assigned the same letter
for two letters or made some other
error.)
384 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Circle 59 on inquiry card.
To Solve an Anagram
Anagram.bas (listing 2) will accept
a word that is three- to six-letters
long, display all the possible com-
binations on the screen, or print
them at your command. A two-letter
word has two combinations that are
easily visualized without the aid of
a computer. But a seven-letter word
has 5040 possible combinations, far
too many to scan on paper or on your
monitor. Thus, the SWAP command
is used extensively to simplify the
program and increase its speed.
Without SWAP, the process of swap-
ping A$ and B$ requires these three
steps:
1. T$ = A$
2. A$=B$
3. B$=T$
SWAP requires only one command
SWAP A$,B$
to accomplish the same thing.
It works like this: when a word is
entered, its length is checked and
each letter is assigned to the string
variables A through F. If the entered
word is less than three characters or
more than six, you're reprompted to
make another input.
A three-letter input will generate
six combinations. A three-count
FOR . . . NEXT loop with two inter-
nal swaps provides the six possible
"words."
A four-letter input has 24 possible
combinations. By running through
the three-letter swap four times, you
produce 24 combinations. This is ac-
complished by the routine beginning
on line 300. It runs through the three-
letter routine once, swaps A$ and D$,
runs through again, does another
swap, and repeats the process until
we have all the combinations printed
on the screen.
A five-letter combination produces
five times the combinations that a
four-letter combination does, so we
run through the four-letter swap five
times. A repeated swap of B$ and E$
each time produces the proper cir-
cular shifting of each letter in the
group.
As you might have guessed, a six-
letter combination can be accom-
Listing 2
Anagram.bas is a BASIC program to decipher and create anagrams.
10 ' ANAGRAMS. BAB *** ACCEPTS 3,4,5,?< 6 CHARACTER GROUPS
2d ' *** !< PRINTS ALL POSSIBLE COMBINATIONS.
'PF=PRINT FLAG
(X to eXit program) " ) W«
30 PRINTlPRINT[PF=0
40 INPUT"ENTER A WORD
50 IF W*="X" THEN END
60 INPUT"PRINTED COPY (Y/N)i"iP*
70 IF P*="Y" THEN PF=ll LPRINT W*
80 IF LEN(W«)<3 THEN 30
90 IF LEN(W»>>6 THEN 30
100 ' *** ASSIGN A*-F* FOR THE UP-TO-SIX CHARACTERS OF W* »»»
110 A*=MID*<W», 1,1) iB*=MID*(W*,2, 1) i C»=MID« <W«, 3, 1 )
120 D»=MID»<W*,4, 1) iE»=MID»(W*,5, 1) I F«=MID* < W», 6, 1)
'X' EXITS FROM PROGRAM
ANYTHING BUT 'Y'=NO
LESS THAN 3 IS TOO FEW
MORE THAN 6 IS TOO MANY
130 IF LEN<W*)=3 THEN GOSUB 4001 GOTO 30
140 IF LEN(W«)"=4 THEN GOSUB 3001 GOTO 30
150 IF LEN<W«>=5 THEN GOSUB 2001 GOTO 30
160 GOSUB 5001 GOTO 30
200 FOR J=l TO 5
210 SWAP B*,E*lGOSUB 300
220 NEXT J
230 RETURN
300 GOSUB 400
310 SWAP A*, D* ■ GOSUB 400
320 SWAP B*,D*iGOBUB 400
330 SWAP C*,D*lGOSUB 400
340 RETURN
400 FOR X»l TO 3
410 SWAP B*,C*|PRINT A*|B»|C*|D*|E*|F*|" " I
420 IF PF-1 THEN LPRINT A*» B«| C«| D*| E* j F«l "
430 SWAP A*,C*iPRINT A*| B*| C*| D*| E*| P»| " "|
440 IF PF=1 THEN LPRINT A*p B*i C*| D*| E*| F* < "
450 NEXT X
460 IF PF=1 THEN LPRINT
470 PRINTl RETURN
500 GOSUB 2001 GOSUB 620
510 SWAP A*,F*iGOSUB 2001 GOSUB 620
520 SWAP B*,F*l GOSUB 2001 GOSUB 620
530 SWAP C*,F«iGOSUB 2001 GOSUB 620
540 SWAP D*,F*i GOSUB 2001 GOSUB 620
550 SWAP E*,F«i GOSUB 2001 GOSUB 620
560 RETURN
600 ' *** FREEZE DISPLAY FOR 6-LETTER COMBINATION. ***
610 ' *** DISPLAYS 120 COMBINATIONS AT A TIME. **»
620 PRINTl PRINT"PRESS <BP> TO CONTINUE."
630 IN*=INKEY*
640 IF IN*=CHR*<32) THEN PRINT CHR* ( 12) l RETURN
650 GOTO 630
FIGURE LENGTH OF W*,
'THEN GOSUB AND SWAP.
'LEN(W*)=6
'5-VARIABLE SWAP
4-VARIBALE SWAP
3-VARIABLE SWAP
I
1
6-VARIABLE SWAP
<SP>=SPACE BAR.
LOOKS FOR A PRESSED
SPACE BAR BEFORE
CLS AND RETURN.
plished by going through the five-
letter swap six times, with the nec-
essary swap between each run-
through of the subroutines. Since 720
six-letter words cannot be displayed
simultaneously, they are printed in
six groups of 120 words each. After
each group of 120 words is printed,
the subroutine starting on line 620
freezes the display. This gives you the
time to scan the screen for the de-
sired word(s), and only by pressing
the space bar can you go on to the
next 120 combinations. The program
lets you print the letter combinations
on your printer by answering the
prompt
PRINTED COPY (Y/N):
with a Y. Any other response is ac-
cepted as a no. And as with Cryp-
to.bas, Anagram.bas can also be used
to create encoded words.
With these two programs, Ana-
gram.bas and Crypto.bas, I hope
you'll find that your decoding tasks
are easier. Understandably, there will
be a few purists who dislike using a
computer to decipher anagrams, and
I won't argue with them. It depends
on your purposes for attempting to
solve puzzles. Using a computer to
solve a cryptogram, however, doesn't
prevent the human intellect from par-
ticipating in the process; it only
removes the drudgery.
As a final word, I'll leave you with
a cryptogram to test both the pro-
gram and your decoding skills.
YJMQ CJDYANQR AS ZJJEAYW SJ
HJRK SWQYQ TIOOEQY, HWAEQ
JSWQRY TRQZQR BDBGRBMY
BDN CRJYYHJRNY. A EAKQ SWQM
BEE BDN WJTQ SWBS PJI WBN
YJMQ ZID HASW SWAY QBYP JDQ.
(Answer on page 468). ■
Mark C. Worley (POB 7225, Dallas, TX 75209)
is an electronics-design engineer of meteorological
equipment and its interfaces at Texas Electronics Inc.
in Dallas, Texas. He has published several articles
on a variety of analog and digital projects.
386 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Five Original
Graphics
Improving on the Spirograph
by Robert Sussman and Ted Sussman
Aesthetically pleasing graphic de-
signs can be produced using mathe-
matical curves— specifically, those
called hypocycloid and epicycloid.
One way to construct them is to use
(by hand) physical templates to form
combinations of these curves. This
approach formed the basis for the
popular toy Spirograph. A second
method is to plot them, point by
point, and, using a ruler, connect ad-
jacent points to approach the true
mathematical shape. We used a third
method— computer graphics. This ar-
388 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
tide outlines the computer-graphics
method and illustrates some of its
results.
The epicycloid is a curve described
by a point on the circumference of a
circle as the circle rolls, without slip-
ping, on the outside of a fixed circle.
The hypocycloid is a curve described
by a point on the circumference of a
circle as the circle rolls, without slip-
ping, on the inside of a fixed circle.
Their equations are given in para-
metric form in the text box on page
390. They are abstracted from Mur-
ray R. Spiegel's Mathematical Hand-
book of Formulas and Tables, McGraw-
Hill Schaum's Outline Series, 1968,
page 42.
To best appreciate and understand
the computer method, it is instruc-
tive to simulate it by hand using the
second method. The independent
parameter — 6 — is assigned success-
ively larger values, at a fixed step size,
and the x and y coordinates of the
cycloid are calculated and plotted.
The adjacent points are then con-
nected by straight lines, thereby ob-
taining an approximation to the true
mathematical curve.
As an example, figure 1 shows the
construction of a hypocycloid using
circles in the ratio of 5 to 14. Because
this figure was drawn by hand, a
large parametric step size of 10
degrees was used in the construction.
The points on this figure are num-
bered to show the development of
the curve.
Notice that if 6 is allowed to in-
crease past a certain value, denoted
by max / tn e cusps will coincide. For
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 389
Parametric Equations
Epicycloid
x = (a+b)cos(8) - b cos(gd)
■■ (a+b)sin(6) - b sin(g6)
Hypocycloid
-- (a-b)cos(d) + bcos(hd)
y = (a-b)sin(O) - b sin(hd)
g = (a + b)/b
h = (a-b)/b
6 = parameter
= angle between the x axis and the
line connecting the two circles'
centers
a = radius of fixed circle
b = radius of rolling circle
390 February 1984 © BYTE PublicaHons Inc.
Figure 1: An example of a handmade hypocycloid using the point-to-point technique described
in the text.
figure 1, 6 max equals 1,800 degrees. In
general, max is easily calculated
given the radii of the circles; this per-
mits you to predict the total number
of points needed to draw the hypo-
cycloid.
Additional properties of these
curves can be developed to aid the
designer in the choice of the values
of the radii.
The computer permits the use of
extremely small parametric step sizes
resulting in points on the cycloids
that are very close together. The com-
puter connects these points by
straight lines, but the illusion of a ful-
ly developed mathematical curve is
created. In addition, many curves can
be drawn quickly, giving the user
many options for new designs.
But the most interesting aspects of
using a computer to create these
curves are those that extend the con-
cept beyond what is possible with the
first two methods. These extensions
of the concept can be realized only
using a computer. In general, these
designs are sets of overlapping pat-
terns. An example of this is shown in
the first illustration on page 388. The
program creates an initial pattern
with and from initial parameters and
linearly changes these parameters for
successive patterns:
1. The location of the point on the
rolling circle moves toward the cir-
cle's center as a function of the pat-
tern number.
2. Each successive pattern is rotated
a fixed number of degrees from
the preceding one.
3. Each successive pattern is scaled
to produce a zoom effect.
The five designs shown here are a
small subset of all those possible
using this technique. It requires your
creative ability and artistic insight to
use the computer to reveal them.M
Robert Sussman is a fourth-year student in the
school of engineering and applied science at the
University of Virginia. Ted Sussman is a graduate
student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
They can be reached at 11022 Saffold Way, Reston,
VA 22090.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 391
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394 BYTE February 1984
Circle 163 on inquiry card.
Bubbles on the S-100 Bus
Part 2: The Software
Making Micropolis MDOS and CP/M work
with last month's project
Author's Note: Since this article was
completed, Intel has revised the BPK 72
Bubble Memory Prototype Kit discussed
in the Editor's Note at the end of part 1
of this article (BYTE, January 1984, page
380). As mentioned there, Intel is now
offering the revised for for $199 as a pro-
motional item. The new kit is completely
assembled and tested at the factory and
incorporates the latest version of the 7110
bubble-memory chip, which has been re-
packaged. The new chip is thinner,
leaded, soldered directly to the printed-
circuit board (permitting standard board
spacing), requires a smaller board area,
and is more reliable. Because the BPK 71
is already assembled and tested, those
portions of part 1 relating to its testing
can be skipped unless problems occur. The
new kit is also equipped with an on-board
clock oscillator that eliminates the need
for the clock circuit, IC1, IC3, the 8-MHz
crystal, and associated components,
shown in the schematic diagram (figure
2). The BPK 72 Bubble Memory
Prototype Kit User's Manual also has
been revised to incorporate the in-
formation previously found in application
note AP-119. A new application note,
AP-150, containing a set of subroutines
written in 8085 assembly language that
demonstrates the basics of bubble-memory
software design, is supplied with the kit.
Although no longer needed, the much
revised user's manual has eight pages of
assembly instructions similar to those
that come with a Heathkit. The new
manual is a great improvement over the
earlier documentation.
by Louis Wheeler
Last month, we built and com-
pleted preliminary testing on the
bubble-memory board. In this con-
cluding part, we'll dive into the soft-
ware and discuss the details of mak-
ing the magnetic bubbles act like a
floppy-disk drive or cache memory.
Before you proceed with the up-
coming software, be sure all previous
tests have been successful. Then dis-
card the BASIC test routines.
Bubble-Memory-Driver Package
The application note supplied with
the kit contains a set of subroutines
to drive the BPK 72 bubble memory.
These subroutines demonstrate the
basics of bubble-memdry software
design. The bubble-memory-driver
package (see listing 1) is based on the
principles derived from this set of
subroutines and the user's manual.
I have been using it for some time
now without any problems.
Before I get into the details of the
driver package, I will give a brief
description of the environment for
which it was written. My system con-
sists of an DMSAI (S-100 type) com-
puter with a Z80 microprocessor, 56K
bytes of RAM (random-access read/
write memory), 2K bytes of EEPROM
(electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory), a Micropolis
Mod II dual-disk-drive system (77
tracks, 16 sectors per track, 256 bytes
per sector), a Z-19 terminal, and a
printer. I have two operating systems:
the Micropolis disk operating system
(MDOS), which came with the
floppy-disk system, and a recently ac-
quired CP/M system.
Most of my applications software is
written in Micropolis BASIC, which
uses the MDOS resident I/O (input/
output) package called Res. Res is
something like CP/M BDOS (basic
disk operating system) and BIOS
(basic input/output system) com-
bined. MDOS is a more sophisticated
operating system than CP/M, but it
cannot be modified as easily as the
CP/M system with its BIOS module.
The bubble-memory-driver package
I am about to discuss functions with
either of these operating systems.
Given the proper linkage routine, it
can probably be used with any oper-
ating system running an 8080, 8085,
or Z80. Linkage routines and instal-
lation procedures for both MDOS
and CP/M will be covered later.
The bubble-memory-driver pack-
age in listing 1 can be located any-
where in memory. Since it is only 220
bytes long, I placed it in EEPROM
along with my system monitor ancf
other peripheral drivers. The package
provides six bubble-memory func-
tions: (1) initialization, (2) general
control operations, (3) reading of
data, (4) writing of data, (5) reading
the FIFO (first-in/first-out) buffer, and
(6) writing 42 bytes to the FIFO buf-
fer. Functions 2, 5, and 6 are normal-
ly not required and can be deleted if
you are short of space. (They were in-
cluded for use in an as yet unwritten
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 395
diagnostic program; they might also
prove useful for special applications.)
All functions (except number 2) use
the same calling sequence. The con-
trol function requires the additional
step of loading the C register with a
7220 Bubble-Memory-Controller
(BMC) command code (see table 1).
Normally, you just have to load the
HL-register pair with the address of
the parameter block (discussed
below) and then call the desired
function. On return, if an error has
occurred, the Carry flag will be set.
If needed, the BMC status code can
always be found in the Status byte of
the parameter block. I have yet to en-
counter an error during normal oper-
ation. For testing purposes, errors
can easily be forced by first writing
data without the automatic error-
detection/correction bit being set and
then reading the same data back with
the bit set. The error-detection/cor-
rection option is selected with bit 6
in the Enable byte.
The parameter block includes the
data necessary to set up the paramet-
ric registers in the 7220 BMC, the ad-
dress of a user buffer long enough to
store the data to be transferred
to/from the bubble memory, and 1
byte to store the BMC status. This is
a total of 10 bytes. The parameter
block can be located anywhere in
RAM. Also, because its address is
provided with every call to the
bubble-memory-driver package, it
can be moved about. You can even
have more than one block if circum-
stances dictate. For example, if two
separate files are being accessed at
the same time, it might be desirable
to set up two parameter blocks, one
for each file. In any case, once a
parameter block has been initialized,
only two of the parameters are nor-
mally updated: the starting page
number, BEGADR, and the user buf-
fer address, BUFADR.
The number of FSA (formatter/
sense amplifier) channels, CANALS,
will always be 1 (indicating two FSA
channels); specifies one FSA chan-
nel and is used only for testing. The
bank-select parameter, MBMSEL,
should always be (anything else
would indicate a multibank system).
BLKLEN specifies the number of 64-
Text continued on page 402
396 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 1: The bubble-memory-driver package contains 8080/8085 assembly-language' sub-
routines that can be set in ROM and linked with a disk operating system to enable the bubble
memory to function as a disk-emulator or cache-memory system. The package requires 220
bytes of storage and can be located anywhere in memory.
ADDR Bl B2 B3 E LI HE LABEL
QPCD OPERAND
mm
eeee
0000
0008
0000
0000
0800
0808
0000
0008
0800
0088
0000
0008
0088
0008
0888
0888
8088
8088
0868
0600
6086
0608
0688
0668
0866
0008
0088
0066
0688
0086
0088
8066
0668
0006
0080
0088
0606
0886
0666
0066
0008
8686
0000
0806
0800
0008
0668
0066
0060
0086
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
Ffc.23
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
F623
0811
3812
8813
8019
681D
B61E
8881
8040
8806
B6FD
883C
68E1
88E1
66E0
1066
1818
1628
1836
1646
1060
1878
1838
1898
1186
1128
1136
1148
1158
1168
1178
1138
1196
1266
1216
1228
1236
1246
1258
1268
1276
1238
1290
1306
1318
1328
1336
1348
1356
1366
1378
1336
1396
1488
1416
1420
1436
1448
1456
1466
1478
1438
1498
1500
1510
1520
1530
1548
1558
1566
1578
1588
1598
1688
1610
1620
1630
1648
1650
1668
1678
1688
1690
1788
1710
1726
1736
1740
1750
1768
1778
1738
1796
1300
1310
1328
1336
1340
1350
1366
1378
1338
1398
* INTEL BPK72 BUBBLE MEMORV DRIUER PACKAGE *
* *
* Copyright <C) 1983 Louis E. Wheeler *
* The subroutines contained in this Package provide the user- with
* the basic functions needed to communicate with the INTEL BPK-72
* bubble memory system. Before calling any of these functions
* the user must establish a PARAMETER BLOCK with the following
* parameters stored in the order shown:
* Name (Bytes) Function
*
* BLKLEN (6-1) = Block length. The number of 64 or 68 byte pastes
* to be transfered. implies a 2048 page transfer.
* CANALS (2) = The number of FSfl channels. 8 or 1. Normally
* 1.. indicating 2 FSfl channels.
* ENABLE (33 - Defines various modes of operation for- the
* 7228 controller.
* BEGflDR (4-5) = Starting paSe number (address) for a transfer
* block.
* MBMSEL (63 = Bank number of multibank systems. Always
* for s indie bank systems.
* BUFADR (7-83 = Address of user defined buffer. Minimum size
* 64 bytes (depends on BLKLEN and ENABLE).
* STATUS '.'9) = Status byte returned after all calls.
At
* The first five parameters are defined in the INTEL documentation.
* BUFADR points to a user supplied buffer with a mini nun size of 64
* bytes. The actual size depends on the block lenath in pages and
* whether or not automatic error correction has been selected in the
* ENABLE byte. On return., the STATUS byte will contain the last
* BM status input from the BMC. If an error condition existed..
* the C-flaa will be set.
* FUNCTIONS PROVIDED:
BHINIT - Initializes the bubble memory system
BMCNTL - Performs non-data transfer control operations
BMREAD - Reads one block (record) from bubble memory
BHURIT - Writes one block (record) to bubble memory
RDFIFO - Reads content of FIFO buffer
URFIFO - Writes 42-bytes of data into FIFO buffer
CALLING SEQUENCE:
MUI C. [command]
Oil H..PARAMBLK
CALL [function]
JC ERROR
Required for non-data transfer-
control operations only.
HL = FWA of the above PARAMETER BLOCK
Any of the above functions
Transfer to user defined error routine
t. ■+*+++-+-++*.++*+-++++:***++++++^^
ORG
0F623H
A place to put it.
COMMAND CODES
CIZ
CRD
CUR
CAB
CFR
CPURG
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
* STATUS WORD BITS
FIFOBT
OPDGME
BUSVBT
EQU
EQU
EQU
OTHER EQUATES
REGB
PTVMSK
STATER
EQU
EQU
EQU
11H
12H
13H
19H
1DH
1EH
61H
40H
88H
6BH
8FDH
3CH
INITIALIZE
READ
URITE
ABORT
FIFO RESET
MBM PURGE COMMAND
FIFO STATUS
OPERATION COMPLETE
BUSY BIT
* I/O PORT ADDRESS ASSIGNMENTS
BMSTAT
BMCOHD
BMDATA
EQU
EQU
EQU
6E1H
8E1H
0E8H
FIRST BMC REG TO SET (BLKLEN)
MASK FOR PHRITV BIT
STATUS URD ERR MSK IGNORE PTV
STATUS PORT
COMMAND PORT
DATA PORT
*
* BMINIT - Initializes the HEM system for operation as specified
* in the PARAMETER BLOCK supplied by the user.
Listing 1 continued on page 398
Your Apple's telephone.
HP* '"ill/Ill J,
M //// /f// fi/ llll llllliimiauilk
miiiiiiwILii
Wiiiiiimiiiiii liiiiiiiiiii
"Thanks for the prompt reply. Sure
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A complete plug-in communications
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With Micromodem He and Smartcom
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Work at home and send reports to your
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Micromodem He. Think of it as your
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lines, at 110 or 300 bits per second.
Micromodem He installs easily in an
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power source. It connects directly to
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phone jack, to perform both Touch-Tone®
and pulse dialing.
Micromodem He dials, answers and dis-
connects calls automatically. And. unlike
some modems, it operates in full or half
duplex, for compatibility with most time-
sharing systems.
A built-in speaker lets you monitor your
"Gary: The pedigrees for next
week's auction are as follows..'.
Micromodem He
Smartcom I
m
calls when dialing. That way, you'll
know if a line is busy. With Smartcom I.
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Discover how Micromodem he can
help maximize the capabilities of your
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Smartcom I companion software.
For effortless communications.
Whether you're a newcomer
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Thanks to Smartcom I!
Let Smartcom I guide you through a few
easy-to-answer questions to tailor the
program to your particular needs. Then
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Make a selection from the Smartcom I
menu to manage your communications,
files or printer. Program prompts guide you
along the way. And menu selections let
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you easily make a call, end a call, or answer
a call. When you're on the receiving end,
your Micromodem He answers automat-
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Convenient! And so is the Smart-
com I memory for phone numbers.
Smartcom I stores three of your most
frequently called telephone numbers
and one prefix. Plus, it also remem-
bers the last number dialed.
Smartcom I also provides a direc-
tory of the files stored on your disk.
And lets you create, list, name, send,
receive, print or erase files right from
its menu.
Smartcom I is as versatile as you need it
to be. It accepts DOS 3.3, Pascal, CP/M™
3.0 or CP/M Plus™ operating systems.
And accommodates up to six disk drives
and several printer interface cards.
Like all our products, Smartcom 1 and
Micromodem He are backed
UniQC' k v excellent documentation
ndyGo and full support. Including a
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See your dealer today. Then plug into
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Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.,
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FCC approved in USA. Micromcdem lie is a registered trademark of
Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc. Smartcom I isa trademark of
Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc. Apple isa registered trademark of
Apple Computer. Inc. Touch-Tone is a registered service mark of
American Telephone and Telegraph. CP/M is a trademark of Digital
Research, Inc. CP/M Plus is a trademark of Advanced Logic Systems.
©1983 Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc.
Circle 167 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 397
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Company Name
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City
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State
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Phone
Clip out and mail or call TOLL FREE:
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J (In Minnesota, call 1-800-742-5685 Dept. #86.) |
7309
398 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
2D F6
11
El
58 F6
Listing 1 continued
F623
F623
F623
F623
Ft.23 CD
F626 3E
F628 D3
F62A C3
F62D
F62D
F62D
F62D
F62D
F62D
F62D
F620
F62D
F62D
F62F
F631
F631
F631
F631
F63:
F634 23
F635 46
CULLS
0B
El
7E
D3
B3
F636
F637
F638
F639
F63fl
F63B
F63C
F63D
F63F
F63F
F63F
F63F
F640
F641
F643
F643
F643
F643
F644
F645
F647
F648
F649
F64R
F64B
F64C
F64D
F64E
F64F
F651
F652
F652
F653
F654
F655
F656
F657
F657
F658
F658
F658
F658
F658
F658
F653
F658
F658
F658
Fb58
F658
F658
F6S8
Ffc.58
F65B
F65B
F65D
F65F
F66B
23
7E
17
17
17
17
B0
D3 E0
23
7E
D3 E0
23
7E
D3 E0
23
46
23
7E
17
17
17
B0
D3
23
E0
5E
23
56
23
EB
C9
01 FF FF
DB El
tb FD
12
F2 6C F6
F663 0B
F664 78
F665 Bl
F666 C2 5B F6
F669 C3 73 F6
F66C
F66C E6 3C
F66E C2 73 F6
F671 flF
F672 C9
F673
F673 3E 19
F675 D3 El
LOAD BMC REGISTERS
GET IHITIHLZIE COMMAND
SEND IT.
WAIT FOR COMPLETION
* + + :t,++. + + **+++:f.++++++*+:t<:t,+^:t<:1,:i,++++++*++-.t<++i,+++* + + ++*+**++++.+++*++
1900
1910
1920 *
1930 *
1940 BMINIT
1950
1960
1970
1930 *
1996
2000
2010
2020
2030 +
2040 * CULLS'. None
2050 *
2060 *
2070
2080
2090
2100
2110
2120
2130
2140
2156
SEHDREG. BMEXIT
CULL
SNDREG
MM I
A.CIZ
OUT
BHC0MD
JMP
BMEXIT
SNDREG
SHDREG:
Formate and sends internal control registers to the BMC.
Note: HL must point ot the user supplied PARAMETER BLOCK.
MUI
OUT
R..REGB
BMC0MD
GET 1ST REG ADDRESS
AND SEND IT.
CONSTRUCT AND SEND BLOCK LENGTH. [BLR]
2160
2170
2180
2190
2200
2210
2220
2230
2240
2250
2260
2270
2280
2290
2300
2310
2320
2330
2340
2350
2360
2370
2380
2390
2400
2410
2420
2430
2440
2450
2460
2470
2480
2490
2500
2510
2520
2530
2540
2550
2560
2570
2580
2590
2600
2610
2620
2630
2640
2650
2660
2670
2680
2690
2700
2710
2720
2730
2740
2750
2760
2770
2730
2790
2300
2310
2820
2830
2840
2850
2360
M0IJ
GUT
INK
MOM
INK
MOO
RflL
RflL
RflL
RflL
ORfl
OUT
*
* ENABLE BVTE. CER]
*
INX
M0U
OUT
A,M
BMDRTfl
H
B,M
H
fl,M
B
BMDflTA
H
fl,M
BMDflTA
GET BLKLEH CLSB)
SEND IT. '.BMC B-REG )
BUMP HDDR
6=BLKLEN u-ise.)
A=NUM OF FSfl CHANNELS
SHIFT LEFT 4-PLflCES
MELD WITH BLKLEH (MSB)
SEND IT. (BMC C-REG)
BUMP ADDR
GET ENABLE BVTE
SEND IT. (BMC D-REG)
* CONSTRUCT AND SEND ADDRESS REGISTER. [AR]
SUAPREG:
INX
MOO
OUT
INX
M0U
INX
M0U
RflL
RfiL
RflL
ORfl
OUT
INX
M0U
INX
M0U
INX
XCHG
RET
H
fl..M
BMDflTfl
H
B,M
H
fl,M
BMDflTA
H
E,M
H
D,M
H
BUMP ADDR
A=ADDR REG (LSB)
SEND IT. (BMC E-REG)
B=ADDR REG (MSB)
fl=BUBBLE NUMBER
SHIFT IT 3-PLACES
MELD WITH PAGE NUMBER (MSB)
SEND IT. (BMC F-REG)
BUMP ADDR
GET USER BUFFER ADDR
TO DE-REG
FOR LATER USE.
BUMP PHTR TO STATUS ADDR.
HL=POINTER TO USER BUFFER.
DE=POIHTER TO RETURN STATUS
*
* BMEXIT - Waits for completion of the current BMC operation and
* then checks for any error conditions. If art error is
* indicated, the C-flaa is set prior to exitins. This
* routine serves as a common exit for all functions.
* Note: A busy condition that persists too lonS is considered
* an error. This midht occur if the parameter block
* is improperly constructed.
* CALLS: None
BMEXIT:
BHEXli
BMEX2:
BMERRX:
LXI
B..0FFFFH
IN
BMSTHT
AN I
PTVMSK
STAX
D
JP
BMEX2
DCX
B
MOO
fl,B
ORA
C
JNZ
BMEX1
JMP
BMERRX
ftNI
STATER
JNZ
BMERRX
XRfl
A
RET
MUI
A, CAB
OUT
BMCOMD
SET UP TIMER.
GET STATUS
MASK OUT PTV ERR
SflUE IT.
NO, GO CK FOR ERRORS.
ELSE, FOR JUST
SO MftHV
TIMES
LOOP AND TRY AGAIN.
TOOK TOO LONG IF BC=0
WAS THERE AN 'ERROR?
YES, TAKE ERROR EXIT.
NO, CLEAR FLAG
AND EXIT.
CLEAR THE RECKAGE
BY ABORTING
Listing 1 continued on page 400
Gifford
has a lock on
multiuser OT 8-16
It's 11:00 P.M. Do you
know where your files are?
It's great when multiple local and off
site users can run any 8- or 16-bit CP/M
or MP/M™ program. It's even better when
they can share expensive resources like
printers, hard disks, and tape drives. Best
of all is when they can share your most
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delivering systems with all these features
for over two years.
But sometimes data is sensitive. How
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than their fair share?
Gifford adds a new dimension
to CP/M security.
With our new security features, you
can control what resources and data
are shared.
Gifford's proprietary security
enhancements include user login with
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electronic mail, and the ability to restrict
users to specified terminals, programs,
and directory areas. Plus, an audit log
utility that keeps a permanent record of
system activity. And you also get all the
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Research's MP/M-86™
You select the level of security
needed to get the best balance between
file sharing and file safety.
Unleash productivity with
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With our Virtual Terminals, each
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to four different programs running concur-
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You could look up an address in
dBASE II,™ jump over to SuperCalc™ to
make some projections, then switch
instantly to WordStar® to use this infor-
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what's on a screen, just touch a key to
refresh your memory. You won't need to
go through the distracting process of
loading and unloading programs.
And since your Virtual Terminal can
run any 8- or 16-bit CP/M or MP/M pro-
gram, you can choose the best programs
for your job from the biggest software
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The Gifford Security Blanket:
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Gifford delivers solutions. This
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For example, our three user
CompuPro® based system with a 21-
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can be easily expanded for $500 per
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Other Gifford solutions include
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backup, printers, plotters, and modems.
Single- and multiuser 8086, 68000, and
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Two year warranty protection.
In the unlikely event that you encoun-
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service hotline or diagnosed via modem.
All at no cost to you.
Lock in on Gifford Security
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If total support, training, on site
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S-100 bus architecture, and complete
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Once you get it you'll see why Gifford
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Gifford Computer Systems is a Full
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The powerful Gifford System 321 shown
with optional GCS-80 Virtual Terminals.
2446 Verna Court, San Leandro, CA 94577
(415) 895-0798 A division of G&G Engineering
I'D LIKE THE WHOLE STORY.
Please send me your brochure.
Name Title
Organization M/S
Address
City_
Phone.
.State.
.Zip.
□ Please have a representative call me.
BY-S
GIFFORD COMPUTER SYSTEMS □ San Leandro, CA (415) 895-0798 D Los Angeles, CA (213) 477-3921 □ Houston, TX (713) 680-1944
Amherst, NY (716) 833-4758 □ Telex: 704521
Circle 151 on inquiry card. BYTE February 1984
399
Circle 1 on inquiry card.
Super Savings
10-50%
OFF LIST
ANADEX t+295.
CITOH $-&95_
DAISYWRITERS "$4495.
DIABLO W95.
DYNAX t-58SL
EPSON ~$-499_
GEMINI >~399_
GE -$+93CL
ids t-^99.
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TOSHIBA t2495_
\fj£
adds -$-ssa
AMPEX ~$-SZ9
COMREX ~$-H49
ESPRIT ~$-595
LEAR SIEGLER ~$-595
All equipment is in factory cartons with manufac
turers' warranty. Prices subject to change withou
notice. Most items in stock or shipped as receivec
1
NATIONWIDE SERVICE. MOST PRODUCTS
SUPER WAREHOUSE
P C BOX 373 WALUNGFORD. CONNECTICUT 06492
ORDER LINE ORDER HOURS
203-265-1223 9 °° ™ ■ zoo pm-e:
MONDAY-FRIDAY
PHONE ORDERS FREE
(ONE DOLLAR CREDIT FOR PHONE ORDERS)
400 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 1 continued:
:D F6
re
F677 3E IE
F679 03 El
F676 37
F67C C9
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D
F67D CD
F680 79
Fb31 D3 El
F633
F686
F686
F636
F636
F636
F686
F636
F686
F686
F686
F686 3E ID
F688 D3 El
F68A CD 2D F6
F68D 3E 12
F68F D3 El
F691
F691 DB El
F693 B7
F694 F2 91 F6
F697
F 697 DB El
F699 B7
Ffc.9fl F2 58 F6
F69D E6 81
F69F Cfl 97 F6
FbA2 DB E0
F6fM 77
FbfiS 23
F6A6
F6A9
F6A9
P6A9
F6A9
F6A9
F6FV3
F6fl9
F6FI9
F6H9
F6A9
F6A9
F6A9
F6BB
F6AD
F6B0
F6B2
F6B4
F664
F6B6
F6B8
F6BA
F6BD
F6BD
F6BF
F6C1
F6C2
F6C5
F6C7
F6Cfl
FbCB
F6CD
F6CE
F6D1
F6D1
F6D2
F 604
F6D7
F60A
F6DM
FbDH
P6DA
FbDH
FbDH
FbDH
FbDH
FbBH
FbbD
F6DE
FbEl
FbEl
F6E3
C3 97 Fb
3E ID
D3 El
CD 2D
3E 13
D3 El
F6
DB El
E6 81
FE 31
C2 B4 F6
DB El
E6 FD
12
F2 01 F6
E6 31
Cfl BD F6
7E
D3 E0
C3 BD Fb
lfl
FE 41
Cfl 58 F6
C3 73 F6
30
11 37
19
CD 52 Fb
DB El
Eb 01
* *+**+*■+++++-+************+■+++■*■+****++++***+++****+*+***+*++•++++*
BMCHTL
* CHLLb:
BMCHTL:
Facilitates direct user control of the MBM system through
coiniftand operations. No data is transferred. The routine
expects to find the COMMAND CODE in the C register.
LOAD BMC REGISTERS
GET COMMAND
INITIATE IT.
WAIT TILL DONE
* BMREHD - Reads one record as specified ir, the PARAMETER BLOCK.
* Note'. Failure to provide sufficient buffer area can
prows disastrous.
CALLS
BMREHD:
BMRDli
bmrd;
2370
2880
2890
2900
2910
2920
2930
2940
2950
2960
2970
2930
2990
3008
3010
3020
3030
3048
3050
3060
3070
3030
3898
3100
3110
3120
3130
3140
3150
3168
3170
3130
3190
3280
3210
3220
3230
3240
3250
3260
3270
3238
3290
3380
3310
3320
3330
3340
3358
3360
3370
3330
3390
3400
3410
3420
3430
3448 BMWRIT:
3450
3460
3470
3430
3490 *
3500 BMWRl:
3510
3520
3538
3540 *
3550
3560
3570
3588
3596
3608
3610
3620
3630
3640
3650
3660
3670
3688
3698
3708
3710
3720
3738
3740
3758
3768
3778
3738
3798
3380
3318
3820
3330
MO I
fl.CPURG .
i AND PURGING
OUT
BMCOMD
J EUERYTHING.
STC
1 SET CARRY FLAG
RET
; AND EXIT.
SNDREG,
BMEXIT
CALL
SNDREG
MOU
A,C
OUT
BMCOMD
JMP
BMEXIT
SNDREG,
3MEXIT
MUI
A..CFR
OUT
BMCOMD
CALL
SNDREG
MUI
A, CRD
OUT
BMCOMD
IN
BMSTAT
ORR
A
JP
BMRD1
IN
BMSTAT
ORA
A
JP
BMEXIT
SHI
FIFOBT
JZ
BMRD2
IN
BMDHTH
MOU
H,A
IHX
H
JMP
BMRD2
RESET FIFO
SEND REGS TO BMC
INITIATE READ
OPERATION.
GET STATUS
WAIT FOR BUSY
LOOP UNTIL SET.
GET STATUS
: BUSY ?
■ NOPE.. ALL DONE.
FIFO EMPTY'?
'• YEP, GO CK BUSY
HOPE, GET THE DATA
. STORE IT
BUMP STORE ADDR
AND LOOP FOR MORE.
BMWRIT - Writes one record to the BM. Note! records shorter
than the block size specified in the PARAMETER BLOCK
should be padded with a suitable character, else the
record will be filled out with what euer is auailbable.
* CALLS: SHDREG, BMEXIT, BMERRX
BMUR2:
BHWR3:
MUI
OUT
CALL
MUI
OUT
IN
RNI
CPI
JNZ
IN
AH I
STAX
JP
AN I
JZ
MOU
OUT
IHX
JMP
LDAX
CPI
JZ
JMP
A,CFR
BMCOMD
SHDREG
A, CUR
BMCOMD
BMSTAT
BUSYBT+FIFOBT
BUSYBT+FIFUBT
BMWRl
BMSTAT
PTYMSK
D
6MUR3
FIFOBT
BHWR2
fl,M
BMDATA
H
BMWR2
D
OPDOHE+FIFOBT
BMEXIT
BMERRX
GET FIFO RESET
SEHD IT.
SEND REG'S
GET WRITE COMMAND
SEND IT.
GET STATUS
WAIT FOR BUSY
AHD FIFU BITb.
LOOP UHT1L. ..
GET STATUb
MASK OUT PTV ERR
SAME IN E-REu
OP COMPLETE/FHILEO?
FIFO READY?
HOPE, LOOP TRY AGH.
YES LOAD SOME DATA
GIUE IT TO BMC
BUMP ADDR
AND LOOP FUR MORE.
GET STATUS
ALL DONE AND GOOD?
NORMAL EXIT.
ERROR EXIT
* RDF1F0 - Reads the contents of the FIFO buffer.
* CALLS: SWAPREG, BMEXIT
RDFlFu:
RDFIF02:
LXI
DAD
CALL
IN
AN I
D,0887H
D
SWHPREb
BMSTAT
FIFOBT
POSITION PARAMBLK PNTR
TO USER BUFFER ADDR.
SET UP HL/DE POINTERS.
GET STATUS
ANY DATH THERE:'
Listing 1 continued on page 402
PIECE
OF
MIND
CompuPro's System 816.
The fastest, most cooperative computer you can buy.
OEMs and systems integrators are busy
people. Too busy to waste time with an
uncooperative computer system.
That's why every System 816 from
CompuPro is built to work long
and hard without a whine or
a whimper.
More Dependable.
With ten years of pioneering
successes built into it, the
System 816 is backed by the
industry's longest warranty
coverage. Depending on your
needs, our warranties range from
12 to 36 months. Most other
computer manufacturers expect
you to be satisfied with 90 days,
which typically covers parts only.
You can also depend on
complete hardware and software
support, flexible configurations and upgrades, and
system training.
More Powerful.
The System 816 squeezes more performance out of the
IEEE-696/S-100 bus than any other system you can buy.
A choice of CPUs— and up to 4 Mbytes of our exclusive
M-Drive/H™ RAM disk— give multiple workstations all
the speed and power they can ask for. Standard RAM
memory is expandable to one megabyte or more.
Disk storage capacity ranges up to 4.8 Mbytes on
floppy drives and as much as 320 Mbytes per controller
on hard disk.
More Versatile.
All family members share a common
modular architecture. So it's a
simple matter to upgrade or
reconfigure any of them to keep
up with your needs. All the while
maintaining complete software
compatibility up and down the line.
And the S-100 bus allows you
the flexibility to plug in any
compatible board to add graphics
capabilities or boards for your
own unique applications.
You also get your choice of
operating environments, including
CP/M® CP/M-86® Concurrent
CP/M-86™, MP/M-86™ and
CP/M-68K™, and our own
CP/M®8-16™ and MP/M™8-16™.
At the programming level, the
System 816 family supports Pascal, C, FORTH, BASIC, ■
COBOL, PL/1, FORTRAN 77™ and more.
More Information.
Your customer's satisfaction is important to both of us,
so don't get stuck with a system that's more of a
hindrance than a help. Send in the coupon and find out
what peace of mind is all about.
For business, scientific and industrial computing
solutions, call (415) 786-0909 ext. 506 for the location of
our dealers worldwide, or the Full Service CompuPro
System Center nearest you.
CH Send me your free System 816 brochure.
(omp
uPro,
A GODBOUT COMPANY
3506 Breakwater Court, Hayward, CA 94545
CP/M and CP/M-86 are registered trademarks and CP/M-68K. MP/M-86. Concurrent
CP/M-86 and FORTRAN 77 are trademarks of Digital Research Inc. CP/M 8-16 and
MP/M 8-16 are compound trademarks of Digital Research Inc. and CompuPro.
For dealer locations, see page 439.
□
NAME
Send me the name
CompuPro System
of my
Center
nearest Full Service
or dealer:
TITLE
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
ZIP
Mail to: CompuPro, Attn: Sales Dept.
3506 Breakwater Court. Hayward, CA 94545
Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.
System 816 front panel design shown is available from Full Service CompuPro
System Centers only. ig 1983 COMPUPRO
Circle 67 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 401
Text continued from page 396:
byte blocks to be transferred in one
operation. For the 128-byte records
used by CP/M, BLKLEN is set to 2.
For MDOS, which uses 256-byte
records, BLKLEN is set to 4. A
BLKLEN of implies a block length
of 2048. The Status byte need not be
initialized.
Using the driver package with an
assembly-language program is not
difficult. Just set up the parameter
block, load the address of the param-
eter block into the HL-register pair,
and call the desired function. Al-
though linking the bubble-memory-
driver package with an operating sys-
tem is also fairly straightforward, it
does require some knowledge of the
interworkings of the operating sys-
tem involved.
MDOS Linkage
Linking the driver package to the
Micropolis operating system was
somewhat simpler than it was with
CP/M. This is partly true because the
MDOS linkage (see listing 2) is not a
complete disk emulation; it functions
more like a cache memory than a
disk. Although it lets you access the
bubble memory with BASIC disk
commands (OPEN, CLOSE, GET,
PUT, etc.), it has no directory, and,
if more than one file is to be main-
tained, it is your responsibility to
keep track of where the files are
located. I chose this approach for two
reasons: (1) MDOS does not readily
lend itself to this type of modifica-
tion, and (2) it is more in keeping
with my intended application— to
provide my text editor with a large,
fast, yet nonvolatile storage medium.
The editor uses the bubble memory
as though it were disk 3 with a capac-
ity of more than 30 typewritten
pages. It treats the bubble memory
like a temporary working file, using
a floppy-disk file for permanent stor-
age. I intend to use it for other large
files where rapid access is a factor,
such as a checkbook file.
The preceding approach simplifies
the modification of MDOS and still
produces the desired results. There
is room in the Res module to accom-
modate the added code. The only
patch necessary is at the point where
Res determines if the disk number is
Text continued on page 406
402 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 1 continued:
F6E5 Cfl
58
F6
3346
JZ BMEXIT
J NO, EXIT.
F6E8 DB
Eg
335U
IN BMDHTH
; YES, GET OATH
F6EH 77
3368
MOM N,H
; STORE IT
F6EB 23
337W
I NX H
: BUMP STURE HODR
rbEC C3
El
F6
3880
JMP RDFIFG2
; LOOP FOR MORE.
F6EF
3890
*
F6EF
3900
*
********
************************
****************** ********
F6EF
3910
*
F6EF
3920
*
URFIFG
- Sends 42 bytes to the
FIFO buffer.
F6EF
3930
*
F6EF
3948
*
CRLLS:
SNDREG, BMEXIT
F6EF
3950
*
F6EF
3960
*
F6EF - CD
2D
F6
3970
WRFIFO:
CALL SNDREG
; SEND REG'S
F6F2 8E
2fl
3980
MUI C,42
; SET CNT FOR 42 BVTEb
F6F4 7E
3990
URFIF;: .
MOU R,M
; GET SOME DHTH
F6F5 D3
E0
4000
OUT BMDATA
i SEND IT
F6F7 23
4010
INX H
1 BUMP LOAD ADDR
F6F8 0D
4020
DCR C
; COUNT IT AND
F6F9 C2
F4
F6
4830
JNZ URF1F02
; LOOP IF NOT DONE.
F6FC C3 58
F6
4040
JMP BMEXIT
; EXIT.
F6FF
4058
*
ERRORS THIS ASSEMBLY 0000
Command Code
(hexadecimal)
10
Command/Explanation
WRITE BOOT LOOP REGISTER MASKED. Can be used in place of
the WRITE BOOT LOOP REGISTER command. Masks out any trailing
1s.
INITIALIZE. Reads and decodes the boot loop from the MBM and stores
the result in the FSA's boot-loop register. Does not alter any data stored
in the MBM.
READ BUBBLE DATA. Causes data to be read from the MBM into the
BMC FIFO buffer. All parametric registers must be set up prior to issu-
ing this command.
WRITE BUBBLE DATA. Causes data to be transferred from the BMC
FIFO buffer to the MBM. All parametric registers must be set up prior
to issuing this command.
READ SEEK. Rotates the MBM to an address designated in the
parametric register, Can be used to reduce access time. After this com-
mand, the parametric registers must be reset.
READ BOOT LOOP REGISTER. Causes the BMC to read the boot-loop
register of the selected FSA channels into the BMC FIFO buffer.
WRITE BOOT LOOP REGISTER. Causes the BMC to write the contents
of the BMC FIFO buffer into the selected FSA channels. The data must
have been previously written into the FIFO buffer.
WRITE BOOT LOOP. Causes the existing contents of the MBM's boot
loop to be replaced with 40 bytes taken from the BMC FIFO buffer.
Caution— execution of this command destroys the boot loop written in-
to the MBM at the factory. This command cannot be executed until the
Write Boot Loop Enable bit has been set in the Enable register.
READ FSA STATUS. Causes the BMC to read the 8-bit status register
of all FSAs and stores it in the BMC FIFO buffer.
ABORT. Terminates any command currently being executed. If the BMC
is busy when executed, this command must be followed by an IN-
ITIALIZE or MBM PURGE command.
WRITE SEEK. Rotates the MBM to a designated address location. After
a WRITE SEEK command is executed, the parametric registers must
be reset. Can be used to reduce access time.
READ BOOT LOOP. Causes the BMC to read the boot loop from the
MBM into the BMC FIFO buffer. Must be preceded by a FIFO RESET
command.
READ CORRECTED DATA. Causes the BMC to read into the FIFO buf-
fer a 64-byte block of data after the FSA has attempted to correct the
data. The FSA informs the BMC whether the error was correctable or
not. The command is used only when the system is in the error-correction
mode enabled in the Enable register.
RESET FIFO. Clears the BMC FIFO buffer and all I/O latches.
MBM PURGE. Clears all BMC registers, counters, and the MBM ad-
dress. Does not clear the block-length register, FSA counter, or the 4
high-level bits of the address register.
SOFTWARE RESET. Clears the BMC FIFO and all registers except
parameters. No INITIALIZATION command is required after this
command.
Table 1: A list of 7220 Bubble-Memory-Controller command codes. Each code is further
explained in the BPK 72 Bubble Memory Prototype Kit User's Manual supplied with
the kit.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
1A
1B
1C
1D
1E
1F
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404 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 2: The MDOS bubble-memory-driver linkage modifies the MDOS Res module to
allow Micropolis BASIC to access the bubble memory as a cache memory. The modification
can be installed using the MDOS LOAD command.
flDDR Bl B2 B3 E LINE LABEL
0PCD OPERAND
0000
mm
mm
mm
mm
mm
2B88
2Bei
2B01
8968
8968
896A
896D
096D
86FE
06FF
8700
0708
0700
8700
0700
0700
0788
0700
8700
8708
0788
0700
8700
8708
8700
0708
0708
0700
0703
0704
0707
0709
878C
070E
0711
0714
0714
8716
071'3
07 IE
87 IE
0720
8723
0726
072b
0729
872C
072F
8732
0732
8735
8738
0738
0739
8739
8739
073C
073F
0742
0743
0746
8749
8749
074C
874F
8752
8753
8756
8759
8759
8759
875C
075E
8761
0762
0765
8768
8769
876A
8760
0770
0773
0776
8777
MOOS RES - BUBBLE DRIVER LINKAGE
00
FE 02
02 00 07
F818
F01B
F81E
0004
0801
8020
0800
0080
3A 21 12
B7
CA 14 07
FE 84
CA 26 07
FE 08
CA 32 07
C3 F4 8F
IE 83
3fl 22 12
FE 86
CA 49 87
FE 89
CA 39 87
C3 F4 0F
CO 7E 86
CO 18 F8
C3 PC 09
32 38 07
C3 FC 09
CD 59 07
CD IB F0
D2 FC 09
10
C2 3C 07
C3 Ffl 0F
CD 59 07
CD IE F0
D2 FC 09
ID
C2 4C 07
C3 FA 0F
3A 38 07
FE 04
CA 65 07
El
C3 00 10
2fl 27 12
29
29
22 A0 06
2A 23 12
22 A3 06
21 9C 06
C9
1088
1018
1020 * *
1030 * Copyright <C) 1983 Louii E. Wheeler *
1070
1030
1090
1100
1110
1120
1130
1140
1150
1160
1170
1130
1190
1200
1210
1228
1230
1240
1250
1260
1270
1230
1290
1300
1310
1320
1330
1340
1350
1360
1370
1380
1390
1400
1410
1420
1430
1448
1458
1460
1478
1438
1490
1580
1510
1520
1538
1548
1550
1560
1578
1580
1590
1600
1610
1628
1630
1640
1650
1660
1670
1680
1690
1700
1710
1720
1730
1748
1750
1760
1770
1780
1790
1800
1810
1820
1830
1848
1858
1860
1870
1880
1890
1900
1910
ORG
NOP
ORG
CPI
JNC
ORG
XRA
RET
2B00H
0%8H
02H
BUBRES
06FEH
A
J DUMMY ORG FOR LOADER
UNIT NUMBER CK PATCH
; CHECK LEGAL DRIUE
J HO, ITS A BUBBLE.
FIX FOR PRINTER INIT.
* RESIDENT INTERFACE FOR BUBBLE MEMORY DRIUERS
* SYSTEM EQUATES: <BM function addr's equate to EEPR0M Jump table)
4BMINIT
'8BMREAD
'8BMWRIT
*
SBLKLEH
SCANALS
SENABLE
SBEGBDR
SMEMSEL
BUBREb
BIHOUT:
B0PEH:
BCL0SE:
OCFLAG:
BGET:
BRDRPT:
BPUT:
BURRPTJ
BSETUP:
SETREC:
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
L0A
0RA
JZ
CPI
JZ
CPI
JZ
JMP
MUI
LDA
CPI
JZ
CPI
JZ
JMP
STA
CALL
CALL
JMP
STA
JMP
DB
0F018H
0F81BH
0F01EH
0884H
81H
20H
8808H
00H
1221H
A
BINOUT
84H
B0PEN
88H
BCL0SE
8FF4H
E,3
1222H
86H
BPUT
89H
BGET
0FF4H
OCFLAG
IIU TPB
eBMINIT
89FCH
OCFLAG
89FCH
08H
INITIALIZE BUBBLE MEMORY
READ BUBBLE MEMORY RECORD
URITE BUBBLE MEMORY RECORD
BLOCK LENGTH=4 PAGES
NUMBER OF FSH CHNLS=2
ENABLE BYTE=RCD & HI-SPD
BEGIN HDDR=PAGE
BUBBLE NUM SELECT=FIRST
; GET 1ST CODE
J IF CODE =
; 08 - GO CK 2ND CODE
; 04 - IT'S AN OPEN
i 08 - IT'S A CLOSE
J "PARM ERROR" EXIT.
J ERR RETRY CNT
J GET 2ND CODE
; 86 - IT'S A PUT
1 89 - IT'S A GET
1 "PARM ERROR" EXIT.
J SET OPEN FLAG
; INITIALIZE PARAM BLOCK.
: GO INITIALIZE BUB MEM
i EXIT
: SET CLOSE FLAG
I EXIT
; OPEN/CLOSE FLAG
; 84 = OPEN 08 = CLOSED
CALL
BSETUP
; GO SET UP CNTL BLK
CALL
•36MREHD
; GO READ REC
JNC
89FCH
; GOOD READ, EXIT.
DCR
E
; BUMP RETRY CNT
JNZ
BRDRPT
; TRY ONCE AGAIN.
JMP
8FFAH
; "PERM ERROR" EXIT.
CALL
BSETUP
; GO SET UP CNTL BLK
CALL
SBMWRIT
J GO URITE REC
JNC
89FCH
i GOOD PUT, EXIT.
DCR
E
J BUMP RETRY CNT
JNZ
BURRPT
; TRY ONCE AGAIN.
JMP
8FFHH
; "PERM ERROR" EXIT.
LDA
OCFLflG
5 CK FILE OPEN
CPI
84H
JZ
SETREC
; VES, GO ON.
POP
H
J CLEAR STACK
JMP
1000H
; "FILE NOT OPEN" EXIT.
LHLD
1227H
; SET UP REC I
DAD
H
J MULTIPLY BY 4
DAD
H
; <64 X 4 = 256 BYTES)
SHLD
BEGflDR
; PLACE IN PARAM BLOCK
LHLD
1223H
; GET BUF ADDR
SHLD
BUFHDR
; PLACE IN PARAM BLOCK
LXI
H,PHRAMBLK
; HL=PARAMETER BLOCK FUH
RET
Listing 2 continued on page 406
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BYTE February 1984 405
Text continued from page 402:
legal. The jump-to-error routine was
changed to jump to the bubble-link-
age code. Thus, the Res module now
assumes that a disk number greater
than 2 is not an error but a bubble-
memory request.
The linkage itself is straightfor-
ward. Similar to BDOS calls in CP/M,
MDOS uses a code to determine the
intended disk function. However, it
is a 2-byte code stored in hexadecimal
locations 1221 and 1222. Only the
codes for OPEN, CLOSE, PUT, and
GET have been decoded. Any other
code is interpreted as a Parm Error,
and the appropriate error exit is
taken. OPEN causes the parameter
block to be initialized, then calls the
BMINIT driver routine to initialize
the bubble memory. GET and PUT
call the appropriate driver routines.
If the Carry flag is set on return from
either the BMREAD or BMWRITE
routines, indicating that an error did
occur, three attempts are made to
perform the I/O function correctly
before taking a Perm-Error exit.
Actual installation of the linkage is
quite simple. With the bubble-mem-
ory-driver package already in PROM
(programmable read-only memory)
or elsewhere in memory, it is
necessary only to assemble the link-
age and then use the system's LOAD
command to overlay the Res module.
The bubble-memory exerciser pro-
gram in listing 3 can then be used to
test the installation and the bubble
memory. Written in Micropolis
BASIC, it reads and writes single
records or blocks of records. It also
incorporates a test routine that writes
a predefined record, then reads it
back and compares it with the data
that was written. It also checks the
bubble-memory status. Testing the
whole bubble memory of 511 records
takes about 114 seconds (using a Z80
with a 4-MHz clock). For com-
parison, I ran the same program
(slightly modified) using the floppy-
disk memory; it took 368 seconds, or
roughly three times as long.
One other note. Because there is no
directory, it is not necessary to format
or initialize the bubble memory be-
fore writing to it. The BMINIT sub-
routine does not change any data
stored in the bubble memory. It
Text continued on page 412
406 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 2 continued:
0777
1920 *
0777
1938
ORG
067EH
; AN EMPTV flREH . . .
867E
1948 +
067E
1958 *
067E 21 84 00
1960 IHITPB:
UtI
H..SBLKLEN
; SET BLOCK LENliTH
0681 22 9C 06
1978
SHLD
BLKLEH
0684
1930 *
0684 3E 01
1990
MM I
R..SCANRLS
J SET NUMBER FSR CHANNEL:
0686 32 9E 06
2000
STB
CRNALS
0689
2010 *
0689 3E 20
2020
HUI
A..SENABLE
; SET ENHBLE BVTE
0688 32 9F 06
2038
STfi
EHRBLE
868E
2848 *
868E 21 00 00
2058
LXI
H,SBEGRDR
J SET BEGINNING PAGE NO.
0691 22 A8 06
2060
SHLD
BEGADfi
0694
2070 *
0694 RF
2080
XRR
fl
; SET BM BANK SELECT
0695 32 H2 06
2890
STfi
MBMSEL
0698
2100 *
0698 21 9C 06
2U0
LXI
H..PARAMBLK
i SET HL=FUH PARAMETER E
8698 C9
2120
RET
869C
2138 *
069C
2148 * PARAMETER
BLOCK
069C
2158 *
069C 069C
2168 PHRRMBUCi
EQU
*
;
06.9C
2170 *
069C 80 00
2130 BLKLEH
DU
0000H
; BLOCK LENGTH (PAGES.)
069E 00
2198 CANALS
DB
00H
; NUMBER OF FSR CHANNEL?
869F 80
2208 ENABLE
DB
88H
J ENABLE/CNTRL BVTE
86A8 80 08
2210 BEGADR
DU
8000H
i BEGINNING PAGE NUMBER
06A2 00
2228 MBMSEL
DB
00H
; BUBBLE BANK
06H3
2238 *
06H3 00 00
2248 BUFHDR
DU
0000H
; USER BUFFER ADDRESS
06R5 08
2258 STATUS
DB
00H
; RETURN STATUS
86R6
2268 ■*
66H6
2270
END
ERRORS THIS ASSEMBLY 0000
Listing 3: A BASIC program to exercise/test the BPK 72 bubble-memory kit, software drivers,
and operating system linkage. The program, written for Micropolis BASIC, must be modified
for use with other BASIC interpreters.
1BQ8
1010
1020
163Q
1S4Q
1050
1060
1070
1080
1090
1100
1110
1120
1130
1140
1150
1160
1170
1180
1190
1208
1210
1220
1230
1240
1250
1260
1270
1230
1290
1306
1310
1320
1330
1340
1350
1360
1378
1330
1390
1480
1410
1420
1430
1440
1458
1460
1478
1480
1498
1588
BUBBLE MEMORY EXERCISER ==
REN =============:
REM
REM RE'J. H 830413
REM
DIM R*>:258X. B*<250:>, D*<258:>
Q*=CHHR*':34> -.REM 34 = Quote Mark
P=225 :REM Status. Port address.
OPEN 1 "3-.BLIBTST" ERROR 1790
REM
PRINT: PRINT: GOSUB 1710: PRINT
C*="": PRINT "Read/ Write.' Read File--'
INPUT C*
IF C.*="R" GOTO 1190
Write File/ Test file/ Quit
IF C*=
IF C*=
IF C*=
IF C*=
■LI"
'RF 1
W
GOTO 1248
GOTO 1380
GOTO 1390
•T" GOTO 1480
THEN CLOSE 1
READ H RECORD
WRITE fl RECORD
IF C*="Q"
GOTO 1090
REM
INPUT "RECORD * "JR
GET 1 RECORD R fl*
PRINT Fl*
GOTO 1090
REM
INPUT "RECORD # ";R
INPUT "ENTER DRTfi TO URITE
D*=LEFT*<D*,248:>
PUT 1 RECORD R D*
GOTO 1090
REM READ fl
INPUT "BEGINNING RECORD #
INPUT "ENDING RECORD *
FOR R=R TO R9
GET 1 RECORD R fl*
PRINT fl*
PRINT " ";R
NEXT R
GOTO 1090
REM WRITE fl
INPUT "BEGINNING RECORD # "
INPUT "ENDING RECORD #
INPUT "ENTER TEST DflTFT.D*
d*=q*+left*':d*, 24s:>+a*
FOR R=R TO R9
PUT 1 RECORD R D*
NEXT R
GOTO 10y8
REM TEST
INPUT "BEGINNING RECORD
INPUT "ENDING RECORD #
STOP
END
,D*
BLOCK OF RECORDS
";R
"JR9
block of records
;r
JR9
BLOCK OF RECORDS
";R
";R9
Listing 3 continued on page 408
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books postpaid.
D Enclosed is my check/money order (including tax). McGraw-Hill
pays postage and handling. Full 15-day refund privilege.
QTY
CODE*
AUTHOR
PRICE
Name.
Address.
City
.Apt..
.State.
.Zip.
. For dealer information, call E. Crawford 212/512-4043. .
23-D226-4440-3 |
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Listing 3 continued:
1510 D*="RBCC)EFGHIJKLr'1H0PQR£TUUUXVZl2345678'5iQab<:'defslhiJt<.lmriOFqrstukJu:>;yz"
152Q D*=D*+D*+D*+Df
1530 R*=Qf+D$+Q*
1540 for r=r to r9
1550 put 1 record r
s=ih<p> find 25
get 1 record r
s=in<p:> and 25
1560
1570
1580
1598
1660
THEM GOSUB 164S
564 THEN GOSUB 1640
fl$
IF
B$
IF
IF BfOD* THEN GOSUB 164©
if r.-10 = intcr/ib) then print "record *" jrj" completed.
1610 ne;-:t r
1620 print: print "number of errors = " ;e
16.30 GOTO 1090
1640 REM
1650 PRINT "ERROR ENCOUNTERED IN RECORD *t " JR
1660 E=E+1
1670 GOSUB 1730: GOSUB 1710
1630 PRINT B*
1690 PRINT
1700 RETURN
1710 REM
DISPLFrV
IN HEX
1720 S=IN'.PJ AND 253
1 730 S 1 = I NT ■: S/ 1 6 > +48
1740 IF Sl>57 THEN Sl=Sl+7
1750 S2=';S AND 15!) +48
1760 IF S2,57 THEN S2=S2+7
1770 PRINT "STATUS = " ;CHAR$'';S1 J jCHftR*<S2)
1780 RETURN
1790 REM ERROR PROCESSOR —
18O0 PRINT! PRINT ERR*;" "}
1810 GOSUB 1710
1820 GOTO 1S90
1830 END
Listing 4: The CP/M bubble-memory-driver linkage. This program illustrates how the CP/M
BIOS can be altered to use the bubble-memory-driver package. Modification specifics are depen-
dent on the CP/M implementation in question.
BDC* Bl B2 B3 E LINE LABEL
OPCD OPERAND
0000
mm
0088
8088
0008
0088
0880
0000
0888
8008
0000
0008
0008
0008
0008
0008
8000
0008
0000
0000
0008
8008
7580
0008
0000
0808
0800
8888
0008
0008
0008
8088
0008
0008
0060
0000
7518
7518 C3 2B 80
751B
7516
7524
7524 C3 34 38
7527 C3 5F 88
752H C3 71 80
752D
752D
7538
7538 C3 3D 80
7533
7533
7533
r32,"
7381
7352
73FD
77E9
1800
1010
1020
1030
1848
1058
1868
1070
1080
1090
1100
1118
1120
1130
1140
1150
1160
1170
1180
1190
1208
1218
1220
1238
1248
1258
1268
1278
1238
1290
1380
1310
1320
1330
1340
1350
1360
1370
1380
1390
1400
1410
1420
1430
1440
1456
1460
1470
1480
1490
1500
1510
1520
1530
1540
1550
CP/M BIOS - BUBBLE DP.IUER LINKAGE *
Copyright to 1933 Louis E. Wheeler *
The Modifications presented here are intended as an example only.
They demonstrate how a typical CP/M BIOS can be modified to use
the BUBBLE MEMORV DRIUEP. PACKAGE (separate listing).
To incorporate these changes, the BIOS Jump table must be
located., along with free space to store the added code. Then.,
the modified BIOS should be installed in tFie system following
the instructions given in the appropriate CP/M manual.
This listing is divided into tuo sections: '.1> Patches.
<2) Added Code. All patch addresses shown are for a 32K CP/M
configured by Centa for a Micropolis disk system.
* PATCHES *
*
* This section revises the existing BIOS jump table to go to
* the added code routines listed below. The actual location of
* the Jump table and address of the patches is dependent on
* the existing BIOS. Each system is different. The ORG s
* shown in this assembly are for a CP/M configured by Centa Systems
* for Micropolis disk systems.
BIOS
+
*
EQU
ORG
JMP
ORG
JMP
JMP
JMP
ORG
JMP
7500H
BIOS+24
BHOME
BIOS+36
BSETDMR
BREAD
BWRITE
BIOS+48
BSECTRHN
J CP/M BIOS Base Address
i Location of Jump Table + 24
J Patch for HOME
; Jump table + 36
; Patch for SETDMA
; Patch for READ
j Patch for write
i Jump table + 48
; Patch for SECTRRH
408 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
* The following equates taken from existing BIOS jump table.
HOME EQU BI.OS+327H ; *** Depends on existing BIOS ***
SETDMA EQU BIOS+301H ; +** Depends on existing BIOS ***
REfi D EQU BI0S+352H ; *** Depends on existing BIOS ***
WRITE EQU BIOS+3FDH ; •** Depends on existing BIOS ***
SECTRRH EQU BIOS+2E9H J *** Depends on existing BIOS ***
Listing 4 continued on page 410
Submarine engineering
FOR TOMORROW'S defense
The Naval Underwater
Systems Center is the Navy's
principal research, develop-
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for submarine warfare and sub-
marine weapon systems. We
provide high technology vital to
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edge in combat systems (sonar,
combat control, electromagnet-
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targets, weapon launch and
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Working at major laborato-
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and New London, Connecticut,
our engineers and scientists
design, develop and evaluate
prototypes of these systems and
interface with private industry
for production of the final product.
To maintain our lead in
submarine warfare and weapon
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develop new technological sys-
tems for the future, and at our
center, the future depends on
our work today.
We are looking for elec-
tronic engineers and computer
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Assignments will be as diverse as
taking you on board submarines,
to field detachments and other
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may vary from desk to deck,
software design to hardware test.
We seek graduating and ex-
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and specializing in scientific
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We offer you challenge,
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And the living is good too!
Newport and New London areas
are popular for their excellent
beaches, fishing and sailing.
We believe we have both
the challenge and the opportu-
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Underwater Systems Center,
Personnel Staffing Division, B
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
or call (401) 841-3585.
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U.S. Citizenship Required
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Circle 254 on Inquiry card.
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residents 612-469-4666
Listing 4 continued:
7533 1560
7533 77 l 4
0603
0020
7B49
7A4R
7A4D
0002
0001
0020
0000
0000
7533
7533
7714
7714 C3 00 80
7717
7717
7717
7717
7717
7538
7538 02
7539 03
753H
753fl
753H
753A
753H
753A
753fl
75D8
75D8 3C
75D9
75D9
7509
75D9
75D9
75D9
75D9
75D9
75D9
7509
75D9
75D9
75D9
75D9
75D9
7509
75D9
7509
75W
7509
75D9
75D9
75D9
7509
7509
75D9
7509
75D9
75D9
7509
75D9
7509
7509
7509
75D9
7509
7509
7509
75E2
75E2
75E2
75E2 00 00
75E4 00
75E5 08
75E6 00 00
75E8 00
75E9 00 00
75EB 00
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EL
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
75EC
8000
F018
F01B
F01E
75E2
0800
0000
0000
8003
8006
21 02 00
22 E2 75
5E 01
3008 32 E4 75
308B 3E 20
8000 32 E5 75
8010 21 00 00
1570
1588
1598
1600
1610
1620
1630
1640
1650
1660
1670
1680
1690
1780
1710
1728
1730
1740
1750
1760
1770
1730
1790
1800
1810
1820
1330
1840
1350
I860
1870
1380
1390
1900
1910
1920
1930
1940
1956
I960
1970
1980
1990
2000
2010
2020
2030
2040
2050
2060
2070
2080
2090
2100
2110
2120
2138
2140
2150
2168
2178
2138
2198
2280
2210
2228
2230
2248
2250
2268
2278
2280
2298
2388
2318
2328
2330
2340
2350
2360
2370
2380
2390
2400
2410
2420
2430
2440
2450
2460
2478
2480
2498
2580
2510
2520
+
GOCPM
EQU
BI0S+214H
ORG GOCPM
JMP BGOCPM
*** Depends on existing BIOS ***
J GO INIT BUBBLE MEMORY
The following changes the number of eastern disks from 2 to 4.
Exactly how this patch is made is dependent on the specific system.
ORG
DB
DB
BI0S+3SH
02H
83H
*** Oepends on existing BIOS ***
i Increase DISK'S to 3.
J Increase DISK'S to 4.
The following changes the disk size parameter in DPBLK2.
Note: This change may only be applicable to Micropolis disk systems.
The Centa Systems version of the BIOS has tuo DPBLK's. one each for
the tuo models of Micropolis disk drives <Mod I and Mod ID.
ORG BIOS+0D8H
DB 3CH
*** Depends on existing BIOS ***
Chanae <DMS) disk size <DPBLK2)
to reflect bubble memory capacity.
HOOED CODE *
HDISKS
SECTRK
SECSZE
*
DISKNO
TRACK
DMflflD
SBLKLEH
SCANALS
SEHABLE
SBEGflDR
SMEHSEL
*
EQU 3
EQU 32
EQU 128
EQU BI0S+549H
EQU BI0S+54AH
EQU BI0S+54DH
EQU 8002H
EQU 81H
EQU 20H
EQU 0000H
EQU 00H
NUMBER OF DISKS (0.1..2 & BUBBLE)
CP/M 128-BYTE SECTORS/ TRACK
CP/M SECTOR SIZE
*** Depends on existing BIOS ***
*** Depends on existing BIOS ***
*** Depends on existing BIOS ***
BLOCK LEHGHT = 2 PAGEb = 128 BYTES
NUMBER OF FSA CHHNLS = 2
ENRBLE BYTE = RCD & HI-SPD
BEGIN flDDR = PAGE
BUBBLE NUM SELECT = FIRST
* The following equates link these modifications to the BUBBLE
* MEMORY DRIVER routines. The addresses shown equate to a Jump
* table in an EEPROM pointing to the drivers, also located in
* EEPROM. The actual location will depend on the system,
it
BMIN1T ECU 0F018H S BUBBLE MEMORY INITMLIZE
BMREAD EQU 8F01BH ; BUBBLE MEMORY REHD
BMWRIT EQU 0FU1EH 1 BUBBLE MEMORY URITE
The following PARAMETER BLOCK can be ORG' d to any convenient
area in read/write memory. If the BIOS are not in PROM, the
PARAMETER BLOCK can be located within the BIOS.
ORG BI0S+8E2H ; *** Depends on existing BIOS +*+
EQU * i BUBBLE MEMORY PARAMETER BLOCK
DU 0000H ; BLOCK LENGTH <PAGES)
DB 88H i NUMBER OF FSA CHANNELS
DB 80H i ENHBLE/CNTRL BYTE
DU 0880H 1 BEGINNING PAGE NUMBER
DB 00H 1 BUBBLE BANK
DU 0000H 1 USER BUFFER ADDRESS
DB 88H J RETURN STHTUS
PARAMBLK
BLKLEN:
CANALS".
ENABLE'.
BEuADR:
MBMSEL:
BUFADR:
STATUS:
* The following equates determine where the below patches are
* to be stored in the BIOS area of CP/M. The actual locations
* are dependent on the specific BIOS.
AREA1
AREA2
AREH3
AREH4
AREH5
AREH6
EQU
BIOS+0B00H
EQU
EQU
EQU
EQU
6
EQU
Uhere to put GOCPM patch.
Uhere to put HOME patch.
Uhere to put SETDMA patch.
Uhere to put SEcTRAN patch.
Uhere to put REHD patch.
Uhere to put URI TE patch.
* GOCPM - System hardware initialization.
BGOCPM:
ORG
HREH1
j *+* Depends on existing BIOS *+*
LXI
H, SBLKLEH
J SET BLOCK LENGTH
SHLD
BLKLEN
MUI
A,SCflNALS
; SET NUMBER FSA CHANNELS
STH
CANALS
MUI
A..SEHABLE
; SET ENHBLE BYTE
STH
ENABLE
LXI
H,SBEGADR
i SET BEu INNING PAGE NO.
Listing 4 continued on page 412
410 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
THIS IS
BO€ING
TOO!
Boeing Military Airplane Company offers a
stimulating career in the pleasant
environment of four-season recreation, good
schools, fine cultural activities and moderate
Midwest living costs. You can become a vital
part in developing the most advanced
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qualify in one of the following disciplines:
PRODUCT SYSTEMS ENGINEER - Systems
analysis and development of system
requirements; hardware and software
functional requirements and system integration
tasks; interface requirements life cycle cost
analysis.
SOFTWARE/COMPUTING SYSTEMS AND
ANALYSIS - Analyze system functional and
performance requirements, prepare functional
(low or logic diagrams, prepare system block
diagrams, and perform system level analysis
and trade studies to support selected design.
REAL TIME SYSTEMS AND SIMULATION
SOFTWARE ENGINEER - Design, develop,
integrate and test real-time software. Develop
operational software requirements. Experience
in ASSEMBLY and other high-order languages
required.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT - Advanced concept
development using innovative design and
fabrication techniques such as robotic winding,
pultrusion, and roll-trusion. Develop load paths,
cost and weight trade studies, and prepare
drawings using Computer Aided Design.
Related aerospace experience required.
FLIGHT CONTROLS ANALYSIS ENGINEER -
Conduct linear analysis using root locus,
frequency response, and power spectral
density methods. Develop hardware and
software requirements for sensors, actuators,
digital filtering, and computations for
microprocessor based digital autopilots.
Develop real time and non-real time, flight
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programming.
STRESS /DURABILITY /DAMAGE
TOLERANCE - Define design load conditions,
determine internal loads and accomplish stress,
durability and damage tolerance analyses of
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finite element analysis and related aerospace
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RADAR SYSTEMS ANALYSIS - Conduct
analysis of radar performance, prepare and
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evaluation criteria for radar subsystems.
Send resume to: Jim Snelling
Boeing Military Airplane Company
Dept. B2
P.O. Box 7730
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"Where you design the future."
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F
Circle 38 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 411
Text continued from page 406:
simply loads the boot-loop registers
and readies the BMC for operation.
When everything checks out, all
that remains is to save the modified
Res module.
CP/M Linkage
The modifications required for
CP/M are more extensive and compli-
cated than those for MDOS, and the
installation isn't as simple. However,
the CP/M modification provides com-
plete disk emulation (see listing 4).
Programs, including transient com-
mands, as well as data can be stored
in bubble memory. It is a real
pleasure to enter Stat and get an im-
mediate response without the usual
"clank, whirrr" of the floppy disk.
The assembler and other programs
that require disk access also run
much faster and quieter. However,
since no changes to the "warm-boot"
sequence have been made, a Control-
C still boots the CCP (console com-
mand processor) and BDOS from
floppy disk. There is, of course, no
reason why a warm boot or, for that
matter, a cold start cannot be made
directly from bubble memory if the
necessary revisions are made to the
boot loader. I have not done so yet,
but it appears to be a simple task for
the experienced assembly-language
programmer.
Explaining the modification to
CP/M would be much easier if the
CCP or BDOS portions of the operat-
ing system were being altered. These
two CP/M modules are standard for
all CP/M systems. But the BIOS or
CBIOS (customized BIOS) module is
hardware dependent, and we must
modify this module to enable CP/M
to communicate with the bubble-
memory-driver package.
Altering the CP/M operating sys-
tem for bubble memory is quite
similar to the modification described
in "Building a Hard-Disk Interface for
an S-100 System, Part 3: Software" in
the May 1983 BYTE (page 368). The
approach I have taken is slightly dif-
ferent. Instead of creating a new
BIOS, listing 4 shows how an existing
BIOS can be patched to accomplish
the same end. I chose to patch rather
than revise because I didn't have a
complete source listing for the disk
412 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Listing 4 continued:
80 13 22 E6 75
8016 RF
8017 32 E8 75
801A 21 E2 75
801D CD 13 F0
8026 Dfl 20 30
8023
8023 3E C3
8025 32 00 06
8023 C3 17 77
802B
802B
803
802B
802B
B02B
8.02B
B02B
802B 3fl 49 7R
802E FE 03
803U C8
8031
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8034
8834
8034
8034
8035
803c.
803S
803C
803C
803C
803C
863C
803D
8030
8030
803D
803D
803D
803D
8048
8042
8845
8045
8046
8049
804C
894D
804E
8050
8851
8052
8853
8056
8057
8058
8059
805H
805D
305E
805F
805F
805F
805F
305F
805F
305F
8062
3064
8067
8067
8068
886B
306E
C3 27 78
69
60
22 4D
22 Ey
C9
3fl 49 7ft
FE 03
C2 E9 77
C5
11 00 00
2A 4ft 7H
62
EB
3E 20
87
19
3D
C2
79
87
4F
09
22
El
C9
il 80
E6 75
3fl 49 7rt
FE 03
C2 52 78
F3
21 E2 75
CD IB F0
C3 30 80
HOME
BSETDHA:
2530
2540
2550
2560
2570
25B0 ERROR:
2590 *
2600
2610
2620
263« +
2640
2650
2660
2670
2680
2690
2700 *
2710 BHOME
2720
2730
2740
2750 *
2760 +
2770 *
2780
2790
2300
2310
2820
2830
2840
2350
2860
2870
2380
2890
2900
2910
2920
2930
2940
2950
2960
2976
2930
2990
3000
3010
3020
3036
3040
3056
3066
3670
3030
3696
3166
3116
3120
3130
3146
3156
3160
3176
3180
3190
3200
3216
3226
3230
3240
3256
3266
3276
3286
3296
3360
3316
3320
3336
3340
3350
3360
3376
3386
3390
3400
3410
3428
3430
3440
3450
3460
3470
3430
3490
SHLD
XRA
STA
LXI
CALL
JC
MUI
STH
JMP
BEGADR
ft
MBMSEL
H.PARfiMBLK
BMINIT
ERROR
H.0C3H
0000
GOCPM+3
J SET BM BANK SELECT
; FUM PRRAM6LK TO HL
1 GO INITIALIZE BM
i HANG OR DO SOMETHING IF ERR
; +** Restore existing BIOS code ***
; *** replaced by JMP instruction
; RETURN TU EXISTING BIOS+3
-> Continue with existing BIOS code.
Howe to track 60 position of current drive
ORG f i AREH2 ***
LDA DISKNO J GET DISK NUMBER
CPI NDISKS J CHECK FOR BUBBLE MEMURV
R2 ; RETURN IF BUBBLE <N0 ACTION)
-IMP HOME
*
* -> Continue with existing BIOS code.
*
* t + :^-+* + +-* + + + + + ^+ + + + ++^ + :k* + :t.^:t<i.^i<** + ;+ ; + + + + + + + + i' + + + + + ** + + * + '+i ll f^:t (; + : ^-+
* SELDSK - Select disk given by register C
* -> No modification required.
* SETTRK - Set track given by register C
*
* -> No modification required unless your BIOS actually
* -> positions the disk head to the selected track. If this
* -> is the case, perform the test shown for HOME.
*
* SETSEC - Set sector given by register C
■+
* -> No modification required.
*
* SETDMA - Set DMA address given by registers B and C
ORG
$
MOU L,C
MOU H..B
SHLD DMAAD
SHLD BUFHDR
i AREH3 ***
I LOW ORDER RDDREbS
; HIGH ORDER ADDREbS
: SAUE THE ADDRESS
; FUR BUBBLE TOO.
-.> Include any additional code your system may require,
-> probably none.
RET
i No add'l code re*v d for- Micropolis.
4 *-+ ++++*****+**+**+*+++**+++:+H<*****+*+**+**+***********+**+****:*
* SEtTRAN - Translate the sector number given by B arid C
BSECTRAH:
ORG J j AREH4 *+*
LDA DISKNO ; GET DISK NUMBER
CPI NDISKS ; CHECK FUR BUBBLE MEMuRV
JNZ SECTRHN J IF NOT, GO DO DISK.
PUSH B ; SAUE SECTUR
LXI D..&106H ; CLEHR DE
LHLD TRACK ; TRACK « TO HL
MOU H,D J CLEAR H, L=TRACK
XCHG
MUI H..SECTRK ; GET SECTORS PER TRACK
ADD A ; MULT I PL V BY 2
DAD D ; BEG TRK ADR =
DCR A j TRK * SECTRK * 2
JNZ BMP',' ; LOOP Tu MULTIPLY.
MOU A,C ; GET SECTOR NUMBER
ADD A j MPV BY 2
MOU Cfl ; PUT IT BACK
DAD B J HDD IT Tu BEG TRK ADR
SHLD BEGADR i SAUE IN BEGADR.
POP H ; PUT SECTUR IN HL
RET ; BUBBLE EXIT.
* REHD - REHD SELECTED CP/M SECTUR
BMPV:
BREHD:
ORG
$
; HREH5 ***
LDA
DISKNU
; GET DISK NUMBER
CPI
NDISKS
J CHECK FUR BUBBLE
JNZ
REHD
i NO, GO REHD DISK
DI
I KILL INTERRUPTS.
LXI
H..PARAHBLK
; FUH PARANBLK TU HL
CALL
BMREHD
; GO REHD BUBBLE DATA
JMP
BRIJEX
; GO TAKE COMMON EXIT.
Listing 4 continued on page 414
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Circle 135 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 413
Listing 4 continued:
8871
3500
*
8071
3518
*
8071
3520
*
***************************************************************
8071
3530
*
WRITE -
- WRITE SELECTED CP/M SECTOR
8071
3540
*
3071
3558
ORG
$
J
HREH6 ***
8071
3560
*
8071 3rt
4?
7H
3578
BURIT!"";:
LDfl
DISKHU
i
GET DISK NUMBER
8874 FE
03
3580
CPI
NDISKS
i
CHECK FUR BUBBLE
3076 C2
FD
78
35y0
JNZ
WRITE
i
NO, GO WRITE DISK
8879
3600
*
307^ F3
3610
DI
j
KILL INTERRUPTS.
807H 21
E2
75
3620
LXI
H.PflRfiHBLK
j
FWfl PflRHMBLK TU HL
8070 CD
IE
F8
3630
CALL
BMWRIT
;
GO WRITE BUBBLE DP.TH
8030
3640
*
8088 FB
3650
BRWEXi
El
;
OMIT THIS INSTRUCTION
8881
3668
*
i
IF VOUR SVbTEM DOES
8881
3670
*
s
NOT USE INTERRUPTS.
8031 3E
00
3680
MU1
fl,0
i
CLEHR fi-REb
8083 DO
3690
RHC
i
NO PROBLEM EXIT.
8084 3C
3700
INR
fl
3085 C9
3718
RET
;
ERROR EXIT.
8886
3728
*
8086
3730
*
ERRORS THIS HSSEMBLV 8000
portion of my BIOS, which was writ-
ten by Centa Systems for Micropolis.
If you are fortunate enough to have
a complete listing of your BIOS, or
you are using a Micropolis disk sys-
tem and CP/M with BIOS written by
Centa Systems, the modification
should not be too difficult. If not, you
will probably have to unleash your
disassembler to uncover a few hid-
den locations. You need to know the
location of the current selected disk
number, the selected track, and the
DMA (direct memory access) address
(user buffer address). You must also
find out where and how your BIOS
determines whether a selected disk
number is legal or not and fix it so
that the number that you select for
the bubble memory is acceptable.
Another thing you will need is an
unused area large enough to hold the
added code. About 130 locations will
be required, but they need not be
contiguous. The source code shown
in listing 4 is designed to be seg-
mented and scattered around mem-
ory wherever space is available. The
version of CP/M that I am using is
quite tight on space. Therefore, as a
temporary measure for testing, I as-
sembled the added code to start at
hexadecimal location 8000, which is
above my 32K-byte CP/M. This lets
me use the DDT (dynamic debugging
tool) to load the added code and
make the rest of the patches by hand.
In the future, I plan to revise the
"stream I/O handler" so that the pe-
ripheral drivers I have stored in
EEPROM are used instead of the I/O
routines located within the BIOS
module. This will free up sufficient
storage for the bubble-memory-driver
linkage. The listing is intended pri-
marily as an example. Exactly how
you incorporate the added code and
changes depends on the specifics of
your system BIOS.
Installing a new operating system
is covered in the CP/M manual and
also in the May 1983 BYTE article (see
figure 6 on page 378). The method I
used differs only in that I used DDT
to make the patches to the BIOS
jump table and the jump instruction
patched at the beginning of GOCPM.
After completing the installation, a
BASIC program like the one shown
in listing 3 can be used for testing.
Some modifications to the disk in-
structions (OPEN, CLOSE, GET,
PUT) and the INP instruction prob-
ably will be required; otherwise, the
program should function as written.
Since the CP/M alteration is a true
disk emulation complete with direc-
tory, initialization of the bubble
memory is required before it can be
used. My CP/M system came with a
program called VOLPREP.COM; how-
ever, it did not work with the bubble
memory. Fortunately, an assem-
bly-language fUe (VOLPREP.ASM)
was provided, and I quickly dis-
covered that the program directly ac-
cessed the disk drivers rather than
the BIOS jump table. Consequently,
it was not getting to the bubble-
memory drivers. A simple change in
the address table in the beginning of
the VOLPREP program plus a few
other minor changes were all that
was required to make it work.
I am very pleased with the perfor-
mance of the bubble-memory proj-
ect; with it, I no longer fear the flick-
ering lights. I used it to write this ar-
ticle, which was much too long to fit
in my system's RAM. Yet with the
bubble-memory addition, my text
editor performed as though it had
adequate space.
With even larger-capacity bubble-
memory chips on the way (Intel re-
cently announced a 4-megabit ver-
sion), I would not be surprised to see
bubble memories beginning to re-
place hard disks in small or portable
computer systems. Using the newer
chips, it should be relatively easy to
put 4 megabytes of reliable bubble
storage inside the cabinet of an S-100
computer. I believe that bubble mem-
ories will replace floppy disks in
some . systems, particularly in the
portables. ■
References
1. A Primer on Magnetic Bubble Memory.
Santa Clara, CA: Intel Corporation, 1982.
2. BPK 72 Bubble Memory Prototype Kit
User's Manual. Santa Clara, CA: Intel Cor-
poration, 1981.
3. Cruce, Andrew C, and Scott A. Alexander.
"Building a Hard-Disk Interface for an S-100
System, Part 3: Software." BYTE, May 1983,
page 368.
4. CP/M Operating System Manual. Pacific
Grove, CA: Digital Research, July 1982.
5. Halsema, A. I. "Bubble Memories: A Short
Tutorial." BYTE, June 1979, page 166.
6. Helmers, Carl. "This Elephant Never
Forgets." BYTE, July 1977, page 6.
7. Magnetic Bubble Storage Data Catalog.
Santa Clara, CA: Intel Corporation. February
1981.
8. Thorp, Art. "New bubble-memory packag-
ing cuts board space and manufacturing
costs." Electronics, March 24, 1983, page
128.
9. Wells, Paul. Microprocessor Interface for the
BPK 72. Santa Clara, CA: Intel Corporation,
June 1981.
10. 7110 1-Megabit Bubble Memory (data
sheet). Santa Clara, CA: Intel Corporation,
1982.
11. 7220-1 Bubble Memory Controller (data
sheet). Santa Clara, CA: Intel Corporation,
1981.
Louis Wheeler is a retired federal government
employee. He spent 14 years as a programmer,
teacher, and manager of minicomputer systems. His
special interest is data processing, in which he has
an associate degree. He can be contacted at 1323
Tamera Dr., Oceano, CA 93445.
414 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Calculating Overhead Costs
by Computer
A simple, foolproof arithmetic procedure determines the distribution
of indirect costs quickly and accurately
by G. Truman Hunter
This article demonstrates how an
accounting application that can be
used by all types of businesses eases
the distribution of indirect, or over-
head, costs. Specifically, it shows
how to calculate those costs using an
arithmetic procedure that provides
information that is more accurate
than that obtainable using approxi-
mation procedures. In addition, the
method described here does not re-
quire the long, tedious work the ap-
proximation approach demands. The
accounting procedure can be used on
a large computer as well as a small
one, and it can also provide results
on a hand-held calculator.
An Accounting Problem
The procedure solves a common
accounting problem by permitting a
computer user to calculate costs that
are transferred among departments
of a company. Determining such
costs is known as indirect cost ac-
counting, overhead cost distribution,
burden distribution, or burden cost
accounting. Cost accountants have
been calculating these transfer costs
for decades, relying on estimates and
approximation procedures to mini-
mize the cost of the calculations in
time, money, and effort.
In fact, it's well known that solving
the problem of calculating the cost of
reciprocal transfers among depart-
ments requires the solution of a set
of simultaneous equations. Before
computers were widely available,
these results took many hours to cal-
culate by hand. And because the
starting point for the procedure was
often a set of estimates of dubious ac-
curacy, many people believed that
precise solutions were unobtainable
and therefore unimportant. Conse-
quently, emphasis was on speedy ap-
proximations rather than exact
answers.
Cost-accounting textbooks took the
same approach, telling their readers
that if more than four or five depart-
ments were involved, solving simul-
taneous equations would not be prac-
tical. Instead, they proposed using
such methods as the Christmas Tree
or the Waterfall approach. Their
names come from the geometry of
the solution, where a decreasing
number of departments provides a
triangular picture of data as costs
flow from one level to the next. The
first department examined has its
costs distributed to all other depart-
ments, and no costs are returned to
it. That department is then no longer
involved in the calculations. The next
department then has its costs distri-
buted, with none returned to it, and
the procedure thus continues. Data
on the less important departments is
collected first, and the final product
departments are done last; the prod-
uct departments cannot distribute
charges among themselves.
This process did not tell the user
where the indirect costs, or burdens,
originated. Since the source was not
known, there was no way to attack
the problem of reducing specific dis-
tribution costs. Moreover, no trail
showed the actual transfer of dollars
from each department to every other
department under this old scheme.
With the simultaneous-equation
solution, on the other hand, an ex-
act number of dollars for every dis-
tribution factor is known. This
method easily leads to reductions in
overhead costs.
History of a Faster Solution
I was first introduced to the prob-
lem of indirect cost accounting in
1951, when a steel company asked
IBM to tackle such a problem. It was
taking the firm about 300 man-hours
to calculate those costs by hand.
After I studied the problem and
read an accounting handbook, I
found a practical solution: the Gauss-
Seidel iterative procedure. This pro-
cedure provides easy error detection
and is simple, foolproof, and fairly
fast. The nature of its equations and
values guarantees a solution.
The steel-company case required a
set of 51 equations for 51 departments
and a possible 51 x 50 transfers.
Only about 600 of 2550 possible
transfers actually occurred, however.
This ratio— about 1:4— of the number
of actual to theoretical transfer rela-
tions has held for several similar busi-
ness applications.
Once the procedure was worked
out, the calculations took only 35
minutes on an IBM card-pro-
grammed calculator. The calculation
procedure is iterative: each inter-
mediate set of answers gets closer
to the final set. When no further
changes take place, the solution has
been reached.
This procedure actually converged
at a rate of almost one decimal col-
umn for each iteration, so that figures
involving values to $999,999 can con-
verge to the final answer in about six
416 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 417
F(B,A)xT(B) + F(C,A)xT(C) + F(D,A)xT(D) + DC(A) = T(A)
F(A,B)xT(A) + F(C,B)xT(C) + F(D,B)xT(D) + DC(B) = T(B)
F(A,C)xT(A)+F(B,C)xT(B)+ +F(D,C)xT(D) + DC(C) = T(C)
F(A,D)xT(A) + F(B,D)xT(B) + F(C,D)xT(C)+ + DC(D) = T(D)
Figure 1: Equation layout for 4-department indirect cost calculations.
or seven iterations. In other words,
the accuracy of the estimates of the
final answers increases about one
decimal place per iteration.
When I originally tried to convince
several accountants to try this pro-
cedure, I heard many excuses as to
why they thought it had no value.
After one accountant had told me re-
peatedly that his starting data was
approximate and that he therefore
didn't need the precision I could pro-
vide, I told him that this procedure
could give him any level of inac-
curacy he desired. Needless to say,
he didn't appreciate sarcasm any
more than the truth.
In 1953, this procedure was used
on an IBM 701 computer to solve an
indirect-cost-accounting problem for
156 departments of a large New York
City bank. Calculating and printing
the answers took about 10 minutes,
considerably less than the 1000 man-
hours required for hand-calculation
procedures. When the procedure was
followed for a 91-department bank,
an IBM 650 calculator did the job in
7.5 minutes, replacing a 300 man-
hour hand calculation. Similar sav-
ings were realized for a pharmaceu-
tical company's 45-department dis-
tribution. A state hospital then used
the procedure to reduce a several-
month task to a 4-day job on
punched-card machines. A lot of card
handling was required because the
institution had no computer.
A Sample Problem
The current availability of micro-
computer-spreadsheet programs
makes the solution even easier.
Here's a sample procedure for ana-
lyzing costs for four departments. It
is not a real case and takes more itera-
tions to solve than an actual problem
would, but it uses the procedure that
actual cases follow.
First, this simple four-department
distribution demonstrates how to set
up the necessary equations and use
the procedure to obtain a solution.
Then the sample is worked out using
the usual spreadsheet notation of
rows and columns.
The total cost of each department
is made up of the charges transferred
to it from all other departments, plus
its own direct charges. The total cost
for department A is best stated with
this equation:
Cost (B to A) + Cost (C to A)
+ Cost (D to A) + Direct cost (A)
= Total cost (A)
To simplify subsequent calculations,
the equation can be expressed as:
F(B,A)xT(B) + F(C,A)xT(C)
+ F(D,A)xT(D) + DC(A) = T(A)
where T represents the total cost of
a department named by the letter in
the parentheses following it, F rep-
resents the distribution factor be-
tween two departments (the first de-
partment mentioned is the source of
the costs and the second is the
receiver), and DC represents the
direct charges of a specific department.
The equations in figure 1 are used
to calculate indirect costs for a four-
department distribution. Because no
department distributes costs to itself,
a gap is left in each line. Note the
symmetry to the equations; they are
set up to fit nicely into a spreadsheet
arrangement of rows and columns,
organized by departments. The cal-
culations along a row correspond to
the costs absorbed by a particular
department, and those down a col-
umn correspond to transfer of costs
from one department to others.
After the equations are set up, the
factors for making distributions be-
tween departments are needed. Cal-
culation of the distribution factors is
done separately and is not part of the
distribution-calculation procedure.
The information for developing the
factors for a company should be avail-
able from the firm's accounting
department and, indeed, the factors
themselves may already be available.
One way a department might mea-
sure its distribution of the costs for
services, for example, is based on the
number of persons in each depart-
ment. If a department has one per-
cent of the company's personnel, for
instance, and it is assumed that all
personnel share the use of the
cafeteria, then one percent of
cafeteria expenses would be dis-
tributed to that department. Figures
then would be calculated in a similar
manner for other departments.
Telephone expenses, however, might
best be distributed based on the
number of phones rather than peo-
ple in each department, although
long-distance costs can be charged
directly to the department that made
them. The distribution factors can
also be based on relative amounts of
floor space or on any items that can
(and must) be quantified. Each fac-
tor is a number between zero and one
inclusive.
Once all the factors are known,
they can be substituted in the equa-
tions. For this example, a set of factors
and initial expense values is used.
Note that the gaps have been filled
with a zero factor, which can ease
some computer procedures.
.00xT(A) + .10xT(B) + .15xT(C)
+ .15xT(D) + 8000 = T(A)
.15xT(A) + .00xT(B) + .20xT(C)
+ .10xT(D) + 7000 = T(B)
.00xT(A) + .10xT(B) + .00xT(C)
+ .30xT(D) + 9000 = T(C)
.15xT(A) + .15xT(B) + .10xT(C)
+ D0xT(D) + 12000 = T(D)
Now the only unknown quantities
in these equations are the depart-
418 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 419
ment's total expenses. The paradox,
however, is that you can't calculate
the total expenses unless you already
know them. Here the powerful itera-
tive procedure is useful.
For the first equation, assume that
the total expenses are the direct ex-
penses. Then the first equation
becomes:
+ .10x7000 + .15x9000 +
.15x12000 + 8000 = T(A)
+ 700 + 1350 + 1800 + 8000 =
T(A) = 11850
The estimate for total expenses of
department A gets more accurate, go-
ing from a value of 8000 to 11,850.
Using that new value in the second
equation and other values assumed
to represent total expenses provides
a new figure for T(B) of 11,775, which
is considerably better than the first
estimate of 7000. Similar substitutions
and calculations that cycle through
the four departments lead to the final
answers. When no further changes
occur, the final totals are
T(A) = 14,455
T(B) = 14,108
T(C) = 15,769
T(D) = 17,861
Now that the total costs for each
department are known, we can cal-
culate the net, or true, final cost by
subtracting the amounts distributed
from each department to others.
They can be found with the same
general equations, because the
amount going to a department has to
come from some other department.
In this example, department A dis-
tributes $2168 to department B and
$2168 to department D, leaving a net
cost of $10,118. The net costs for the
other departments are calculated
similarly.
When the distributions both to and
from all departments are calculated,
the sum of the costs must equal the
initial costs of the four departments,
because we can neither gain nor lose
any dollars. Because the original sum
was $36,000, the sum of the net costs
must also be $36,000. (Verifying that
these sums match is a way to check
420 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
the accuracy of the calculations and
the procedures.)
Spreadsheet Procedures
The setup for this sample data
using a typical electronic spreadsheet
procedure is shown in table 1. Row
3 has spaces for the total expenses of
each department and the sum of all
departments. Rows 6 through 9 are
designed to hold the calculations for
the distributed amounts to each de-
partment as well as each depart-
ment's direct (initial) charges and
total costs.
Row 11 will hold the net expenses
for each department and the sum for
all the departments. Net amounts are
calculated by subtracting the dis-
tributed amounts in each column
from the total in row 3.
Because no department can distrib-
ute more than 100 percent of its total
expense, net expense can never be
negative. The net expense can be a
few cents or a dollar under, however,
as a result of accumulated rounded-
off values in the calculation pro-
cedures. Rows 14 through 17 contain
the factors for calculating the costs to
be transferred between each pair of
departments.
The usual spreadsheet program is
set up to detect the type of circular
relationships that exist between the
department totals. It prevents the use
of an analysis that incorporates such
relationships by substituting the
values comprising them with the
word "error," thus indicating errors.
Therefore, to avoid the problem of
having the screen filled with error
signs, the row of totals— B3 through
E3— has the total for each department
set to zero. Once this precaution has
been taken, you can manipulate the
figures on the terminal screen, but
you must be sure that no circular rela-
tionships are stated when you store
your data, or you will get error
signals when you reload the sheet.
Before you can begin solving a par-
ticular problem, the row of totals
must be copied from the column of
totals at the right (G6 through G9) to
row 3 (B3 through E3). Table 2 shows
the resulting data at this point. The
sum of the net expenses does not
equal the total of the initial expenses
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BYTE February 1984 421
EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES
Discover Litton Data
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This position requires 5-10 years experi-
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Requires familiarity with Air Defense
Command and Control Systems and
strong hands-on hardware experience.
Hardware and /or software experience
with INTEL 8085, 8086, RCA 1802 or
Zilog Z8000 using a microcomputer de-
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In addition to highly competitive salaries
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To discover how to be part of our suc-
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Casey Clemence
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
Department 615-K5, P.O. Box 5000
Agoura Hills, California 91301-0500
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/H
□a
Litton
DATA COMMAND SYSTEMS
For only . . .
$712
Your recruitment ad in this 2" space
will reach over 400,000 qualified
readers just like yourself.
To place your ad call 212-512-2556,
or send your copy to the address
below.
BYTE
P.O. Box 900, NY 10020
BCD
INDIRECT COST DISTRIBUTION
E F
-ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE
3
O
O
O
O
4
TOTAL EXPENSES ARE
ABDVE THIS LINE
5T0///FRDM
DEPT — A
DEPT-
-B
DEPT-
— C
DEPT-
— D
INITIAL
TOTAL
6DEPT — A
O
O
BOOO
8000
7DEPT — B
O
O
O
7000
7000
8DEPT — C
9000
9000
9DEPT — D
O
O
12000
12000
10
NET EXPENSES
ARE BELOW
THIS
LINE
36000
36000
11
O
O
O
O
13
DISTRIBUTION
FACTORS
14
O
. 1
15
15
15
. IS
2
. 1
16
O
. 1
■ 3
17
1 R
. 15
-
15
. 1
O
19T0 MAKE THIS EXAMPLE WORK, ENTER THE FOLLOWING:
20AT B3, +G6 AT C3, +G7 AT D3, +GB AT E3, +G9
21THEN FORCE RECALCULATIONS UNTIL TOTALS AT F3 AND G10 ARE EQUAL.
Table 1: The data for analysis for a hypothetical four-department company is set up here
as it would be for use with an electronic spreadsheet program. Row 3 provides spaces for
the total expenses of each department, and row 11 will display their net expenses.
INDIRECT COST
C D
DISTRIBUTION-
E F
-ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE
10293 102B7 9820
TOTAL EXPENSES ARE ABOVE THIS LINE
1553
—A
O
544
O
544
NET EXPENSES ARE BELOW THIS LINE
7205
o
5TO///FR0M
6DEPT — A
7DEPT — B
BDEPT — C
9DEPT — D
10
11
1
13
14
15
16
17
19T0 MAKE THIS EXAMPLE WORK
20 AT B3, +G6 AT C3, +G7
DEPT — B
1029
O
1029
1543
DEPT — C
1473
1964
O
9B2
6687
5401
DISTRIBUTION FACTORS
O .1 .15
.15 O .2
O .1 O
.15 .15 .1
DEPT — D
2330
1554
4661
O
6991
. 15
. 1
.3
O
45935
NITIAL
8000
7000
9000
12000
36000
26283
TOTAL
12B32
12061
14689
16069
55652
ENTER THE FOLLOWING:
AT D3, +G8 AT E3, +G9
21THEN FORCE RECALCULATIONS UNTIL TOTALS AT F3 AND G10 ARE EQUAL.
Table 2: This data appeared during the calculation procedure. Note that the calculations
for determining F3 are always one cycle behind those used to find G10. When the values
for the two spaces are equal and cease changing, the solution has been reached.
14455 1410B 15769 17861
TOTAL EXPENSES ARE ABOVE THIS LINE
5TO///FR0M
6DEPT — A
7DEPT — B
BDEPT — C
9DEPT — D
lO
11
O
216B
O
2168
DEPT B
1411
O
1411
2116
DEPT — C
2365
3154
O
1577
DEPT — D
2679
1786
5358
NET EXPENSES ARE BELOW THIS LINE
10119
9170
62194
INITIAL
BOOO
7000
9000
12000
36000
36000
TOTAL
14455
1410B
15769
17861
62194
. 15
. 15
DISTRIBUTION FACTORS
.1 .15
.2
. 1
.15 .1
. 15
. 1
O
13
14
15
16
17
19T0 MAKE THIS EXAMPLE WORK, ENTER THE FOLLOWING:
20AT B3, +G6 AT C3, +G7 AT D3, +G8 AT E3, +G9
21THEN FORCE RECALCULATIONS UNTIL TOTALS AT F3 AND G10 ARE EQUAL.
Table 3: The final results of the four-department analysis. The totals in G6 through G10
correspond respectively to those in B3 through F3.
422 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circie 9 on inquiry card.
at this time because of the lag in the
computation procedure. At the end
of the several iterations, however, the
total net expenses and total initial ex-
penses will be the same.
The total of all departments in F3
is always one cycle behind the total
in G10. Both totals increase as each
cycle is performed. Eventually when
the two totals agree and stop increas-
ing, the solution is reached. This ex-
ample takes 11 iterations to obtain a
solution. To carry results to the
nearest penny takes 21 iterations; the
results, however, are not worth the
extra effort.
The problem is now ready for the
iteration procedure, which is signaled
via the Recalculate key of the system
that will perform the calculations.
Each time the key is touched, one
complete iteration takes place.
Remember that all totals must in-
crease with each calculation. Any
decrease indicates an error in values,
calculations, or formulas. Table 3
presents the final result. It contains
all the factors, all the initial expenses,
all the dollars related to each factor,
and all the dollars transferred in and
out of every department. Now the
total expenses of each department
can be analyzed to determine what
can be done to reduce expenses.
Modifying the Data
After reviewing the results of a set
of calculations, you might want to
change one or several factors. It is
possible to make such changes and
then use the Recalculate key to obtain
new results. In this case, some
amounts will decrease to the new
values (contrary to what was said
above). However, changes must keep
going in the same direction and not
oscillate up and down. And because
the calculations are easy to make, you
can also go back to the beginning
with a new set of figures and com-
plete the whole procedure again.
Using BASIC or APL
A similar program can be written
to do the same calculations, loop
back, and repeat them until the totals
do not change. I have written such
programs in BASIC and APL.
Listing 1 contains a BASIC program
for the sample problem. It will print
all intermediate values to the screen
and then give final answers in a
format similar to that of table 3.
To bypass the printing of inter-
mediate totals, you can delete the
PRINT statements in lines 390 and
480. You can also expand with
remarks to make it more understand-
able. Or you can shorten it by putting
multiple statements on a line; how-
ever, this makes it less understand-
able.
To include more departments,
more data statements must be added
and the dimension statements (lines
10-110) must be enlarged to cover the
maximum number of departments.
The output printing statements must
also be changed to accommodate
such an increase.
If 100 departments were used, for
instance, 10,000 spaces would have to
be allocated for the factors and 10,000
for the distributed amounts. At a rate
of 2 bytes per space, this analysis
would require at least 40,000 bytes of
storage. Again, this requirement
could be reduced significantly by
limiting storage to only the actual
factors needed and giving up the
symmetry of the tables. Note, how-
ever, that large values could require
double-precision calculations and a
corresponding increase in storage
requirements.
In APL, the procedure is even
simpler, since the final result to the
equations can be found in just one
step. You get the inverse of the factor
table using the quad-divide function
and then multiply the inverse by the
initial expense vector. Then you print
out the appropriate items of initial,
final, net costs, and transferred
amounts using appropriate array
functions. Mathematicians and
APLers will love this trivial
procedure.
Hand or Desk Calculator
Procedure
With a hand or desk calculator and
a large piece of paper, you simply
simulate the procedure done by a
computer by starting with table 1.
Use a soft pencil to write down the
distribution amounts and the depart-
ment total (column G), then replace
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February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 423
Circle 314 on inquiry card.
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Listing 1: A BASIC program for determining how indirect costs are distributed among the
four departments of a hypothetical company.
10 REM program for reciprocal cost distribution among -four departments.
20 N=4
30 'DATA 0, . i, . 15. . 15
40 DATA . 15,0, .2,'. 1'
50 DATA 0, .1,0, .3
60 DATA . 15, . 15, . 1,0
70 DATA 8000,7000,9000,12000
BO DIM 1(4)
90 DIM M(4)
100 DIM T(4)
110 DIM P ( 4 , 4 )
120 REM set up factor table from data
130 FOR R=l TO N
140 FOR C=l TO N
150 READ V
160 LET P(R,C)=V
170 NEXT C
ISO NEXT R
190 REM set up initial expense table from data
200 FDR Z=l TO N
210 READ r<2)
220 NEXT Z
230 REM set up temporary total expense table
240 FOR Z=l TO N
250 LET M'(Z)=I <Z>
260 NEXT Z
270 REM set up total expense table
2B0 FOR Z=l TO N
290 LET Ti2)=I (Z)
300 NEXT Z
310 REM begin calculation iteration
320 FOR R=l TO N
330 LET G=0
340 FOR C=l TO N
350 LET D=M'.Cj *P(R,C)
360 LET G=6»D
370 NEXT C
3B0 LET M(R)-B+I CR)
390 PRINT R,I1(RJ
400 NEXT R
410 REM calculate old and new total expenses
420 LET E=0
430 LET F=0
440 FOR Z=l TO N
450 LET E=Ei-M'.Z)
460 LET F=F+T«Z)
470 NEXT I
4B0 PRINT E,F,E-F
490 REIi save "new" totals as "old" totals for next iteration
500 FOR Z— 1 TO N
510 LET TiZi=HiZ)
S20 NEXT I
530 REM test for completion of iteration cycles
540 IF <E-F)J=1 THEM 320
550 FOR 0=1 TO N
560 LET N(C)=T<C>
570 FOR R=l TO N
580 LET N(Ci=N(C)-T(C)*P(R,C)
590 NEXT R
600 NEXT C
610 FOR Z=l TO N
620 PRINT INTU <Z) ) „ INT(T(Z> > , INT(N<Z> >
630 NEXT Z
640 PRINT "FINISHED"
650 REM print results
660 PRINT "TOTAL EXPENSES ARE;"
670 FOR Z=l TO N
6B0 PRINT INT(T (Z) ) ,
690 NEXT Z
700 PRINT " "
710 PRINT
720 PR I NT "DISTRIBUTION AMOUNTS ARE: INITIAL
TOTAL"
730 FOR R=l TO N
740 FOR C=l TO N
7 5 P R I N T I N 1 CP<R,C)*T<C>>,
760 NEXT C
770 PRINT INTd (R> ) , INT <T<R> >
780 NEXT R
790 PRINT "NET EXPENSES ARE:"
800 LET Q=0
810 FOR C= 1 TO N
820 LET Q=fl+N(C>- ■ ■ .
830 PRINT INT (N<C) S ,
840 NEXT '■ .
850 PRINT IhlTiQ)
860 END
424 Rbruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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them when better figures are cal-
culated. The totals are also copied to
the top of each column (in row 3) to
make it easier to find the pair of
numbers involved in each calculation
of distribution amount.
Computer Capacity Required
From a practical standpoint, the
size of the problem that can be solved
using the procedure outlined here
depends on the maximum number of
columns the spreadsheet program
can handle and/or the computer's
total storage capacity. For example, if
you use an electronic spreadsheet
program or a program that stores the
full table of distributed amounts and
the full table of factors, you will need
much more storage than if you use
only the required nonzero elements.
Because in actual cases about 75
percent of the factors equal zero, you
can rearrange and condense the data
layout if you're willing to give up the
convenience of having all the items
line up neatly in their own rows and
columns by department. For ex-
ample, in the 91-department bank
case, only 620 factors of the possible
8281 (91 x 91) existed. Thus only 7.5
percent of the possible number of
transfers occurred.
The bank's problem was analyzed
using DOS 2.0 and Lotus's 1-2-3 in a
327,680-byte IBM Personal Computer
(PC). Initially 211,340 bytes were free.
Data on the 91 departments would
not fit in this space, however, and I
estimate that the task would have
taken an additional 64K bytes, or a
total of 280K bytes, of problem space.
Compare these requirements to
those for completing the same job in
BASIC, coding only the nonzero
factors. That approach required only
11,500 bytes of space for data,
program, and stored initial, final, and
net expenses. And even with full
table space stored, the problem might
still have fit into the available 61K
bytes of free space in an IBM PC. It
took only eight iterations to arrive at
the solution— a total-expense figure
of over $20 million. That figure is ac-
curate to the nearest dollar. In other
words, accuracy improved at a rate of
just one iteration per column. And
coding for only the nonzero factors
speeded program execution.
Conclusion
The data for determining indirect-
cost distribution throughout a com-
pany can be found in the firm's ac-
counting records. The arithmetical
procedure is simple, and the report
forms can be custom formatted to suit
various user needs. Current account-
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The availability of small computers
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physics from the University of Wisconsin and an
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which time he held the position of Manager ofAPL
in the Systems Development Division. Since his
retirement he has had more time for Scouting and
has taught courses on the use of the IBM PC and
other systems.
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BYTE February 1984 427
Programming Quickie
Bullet-Proof Pascal Input
This valid-number program holds data-input errors at bay
by David F. Hinnant and Michael B. Smith
One of the major problems with Pascal as imple-
mented on microcomputers and some large mainframes
is that data-input errors in running programs can often
have catastrophic results. Not only can the program ter-
minate abnormally, but on many microcomputers the en-
tire operating system is often forced to reinitialize; data
can be lost or corrupted when disk files are not prop-
erly closed or buffers are not flushed before program
termination.
When reading in character input there is no problem;
a character variable can hold practically any key com-
bination available on the terminal keyboard. The data-
input error problem surfaces when data of an unexpected
type is entered. This is most likely to happen when the
running program is expecting a number but finds an
alphabetic character in its input stream. On most UCSD
Pascal systems, a message of the form
IO error: bad input format
S# 1, P# 1, I# 10
Type < space > to continue
informs the user of such an error, and the operating sys-
tem must then be reinitialized.
Reasonably, then, you would like to input numbers
as character strings because the possibility of input er-
rors is remote— but you cannot do arithmetic with
strings. Fortunately, Pascal provides a relatively simple
way of circumventing this dilemma by providing: (1) a
capability to input data as an alphanumeric character
string, and (2) the ORD( ) function, which lets the in-
put character string be used to construct a valid number.
The ORD( ) function returns the integer decimal
ASCII (American National Standard Code for Informa-
tion Interchange) code of the character argument passed
to it. Because the ASCII values of the numeric charac-
ters are in continuous ascending order (see table 1), each
character of the input string can be easily tested to see
if its ordinal value minus the ordinal value of the first
ordered numeric character (0) is a valid counting number
(0 through 9). If it is, then the input character is a valid
digit. The central algorithm of listing 1 is really quite
simple.
str.len : = Length(buffer);
position : = 1;
number : = 0.0;
WHILE (buffer[position] IN ['0'. .'9'] AND (position
< = str.len)
DO BEGIN
number : = number * 10 + ORD(buffer[position])
- ORD('O');
position : = position + 1;
END;
Character
ORD(character)
ORD(character)— ORD('O')
(decimal)
(decimal ASCII integer
code)
(integer value)
48
1
49
1
2
50
2
3
51
3
4
52
4
5
53
5
6
54
6
7
55
7
8
56
8
9
57
9
Table 1: The ascending values of the decimal ASCII integer codes correspond
to the
ascending decimal character integers. By subtracting
ORD ('0'), which is decimal 48, from
the decimal ASCII integer of
the input
character,
the
result must fall in the 0-9 range if the input
character is to be considered valid.
428 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Circle 22 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 429
Listing Is The numbertest program verifies that input characters are valid numbers.
(*$r-*) (* Turn range checking off since we Know what we're doing. *)
PROGRAM numbertest (INPUT, OUTPUT);
(*
David F. Hinnant
Michael B. Smith
5--Jan-83
*>
TYPE
typechoices * (realnumber, intnumber, nonumber) $
(* We either have a real, an integer, or garbage *)
VAR
result : real;
inputkind I typechoices J
buff : string;
PROCEDURE numberize( vAR number 5 REAL} VAR numtype : typechoices}
buffer : STRING)}
(*
This procedure accepts an input string, and parses it to produce a
number. The number can be either a real or an integer. The returned
boolean variable 'input' contains the type of the number. If the input
string contains doesn't contain a decimal point, it is assumed to be an
integer. The variable 'buffer' contains the input string. The variable
'number' contains the valid parsed number, if any,
*)
CONST
radix » 10} (* Ue are working with base 10 numbers hopefully *)
dec imal"' . ' J
VAR
sign, power, position, len, scale 5 INTEGER;
negpower t BOOLEAN;
expset, opset } SET OF CHAR;
BEGIN
expset *= L'e','E'Ii; (# valid identifiers for scientific notation #)
opset := C ' + ','--' 1 ; (* valid sign operators *)
numtype ♦ = nonumber; (# initially assume input is invalid #)
number 5= 0.0}
power t= 0}
scale t- 0}
position I- 1} (# Start with the first character *)
sign 5 = 1} (* Initially assume that the number is positive *)
negpower J= false} (# Initially assume power (if any) is positive *)
len J- length (buff er) } (# Get the length of the input string *)
if len > then (* If we have something, then parse it *)
BEGIN
IF. buff exposition] IN opset THEN
BEGIN (* First character is a sign operator XO
IF buf f erCpositionD - '-' THEN sign 5- -1} (* Number may be negative *)
position J- position +1} (* Go to the next position in the input *)
end;
IF bufferCpositionJ IN [l'O'..'9'D THEN
BEGIN (* First character is a valid digit *)
Listing 1 continued on page 432
430 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE February 1984 431
Listing 1 continued:
nullity pe ',--■ in t number} (* Number could be an integer *)
REPEAT
number ♦= radix * number + Orel (buff erCposition] ) - Ord('O')}
(* Translate the character into a number using / Ord() / *)
position J -■■■ position + 1}
UNTIL (position > len) OR (NOT (buf f erCposition ] IN ['0'..'9']))|
(* Keep translating until we run out of characters or input is invalid *)
end;
IF position <~ len THEN
BEGIN <* We have something left to work with #)
IF buf f erCposition ] -- decimal THEN
BE1GIN (# We have encountered a decimal point *)
numtype 1-- realnumber; (* Number isn't an integer, but may be real * )
position ♦- position + 1}
WHILE (position <« len) AND (buf f erCposition 1 IN ['0'.,'9':i) DO
BEGIN
number ♦ = radix * number + ord (buf f erCposition] ) - ord('O')}
position ' = position + 1 }
scale »» scale+1} (* Count digits past the decimal point *)
end;
end;
IF buf f erCposition II IN expset THEN
EtEGIN (* We have encountered a scientific notation marker * )
position J ■ position + i;
numtype t= realnumber; (* All scientific notation is real #)
IF buf f erCposition] -- ' + ' THEN position 5= position + i;
IF buff erCposition J ■ '-' THEN
BEGIN (* Scientific: notation has a negative power of 10 *)
position X- position + :L ;
negpower \~ true,
END ; '
WHILE (position <» len) AND (buf f erCposition 3 IN ['0',,'9']) DO
BEGIN
power \~ radix * power + ord (buf f erCposition] ) -- ord('O')}
position I- position + i;
END ;
end;
end;
WHILE scale > DO
BEGIN (# Move the decimal point to the correct position *)
number t~- number / radix?
scale \~ scale ••- 1?
end;
IF negpower THEN
WHILE power > DO
BEGIN (* Divide by radix to compute the correct power *)
number l~ number / radix;
power 5 = power -1}
END
ELSE WHILE power > DO
BEGIN (* Multiply by radix to compute the correct power *)
number I- number * radix}
power t» power -1}
END }
END}
number t~- number * sign? (* Now give the number the correct sign *)
IF (position <- len) OR (len : = 0) THEN numtype t = nonumberj
END} (* numberize *)
BEGIN
WHILE TRUE DO
BEGIN
Write('input? > ' ) } Listing 1 continued on page 434
432 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Listing 1 continued:
Read In (buff) ;
number ize< result , inputkind* buff);
CASE inputKind OF
realnumber X Writeln('The number is
intnumber ? Uriteln ( ' The number is
nonumber : Writeln('* ', buff, ' '
END
END ',
END .
r result, ' and is real . ' ) I
't trunc ( result ), ' and is an integer,
is not a number . ' ) }
The length of the string is obtained, and the index
pointer to individual characters within the string is set
to point to the first character. The WHILE-DO loop does
the work and operates as follows. First, the character is
tested to see if it is a counting number. Then the value
of the index is tested to see if it is less than the length
of the character string. If both tests are passed, the first
digit is computed by subtracting the ordinal value of '0'
from the ordinal value of the first character. The index
is incremented and the tests are performed again; the
process repeats until either an invalid character is found
or the entire string has been processed.
This parsing algorithm can be extended to accept a
decimal point, optional plus and minus signs, and data
input in the form of scientific notation as shown by the
numberize procedure in the numbertest program of list-
ing 1. Listing 2 shows sample input and output from the
program.
We have found only one problem with this program:
in any operating system, underflow and overflow con-
ditions are possible, and we have not guarded against
them here. You should either take care not to exceed the
limits of your implementation, or modify this algorithm
to protect against overflow and underflow. We have suc-
cessfully used variations of this program for several years
in places where error-free data input is critical. ■
Listing 2: Trial input characters and the numbertest program
responses.
input? > 4 . 5
The number is 4.50000 and is real.
input? >4567
The number is 4567 and is an integer.
input? >3.4
Tne number is 3.40000 and is real.
input? >3.4000
The number is 3.40000 and is real.
input? >hi there
" ni there " is not a number.
input? >3.4e-10
The number is 3.40000E-10 and is real.
input? >1.2345L+12
Tne number is 1.23450E12 and is real.
input? >34.34e-03
The number is 3.43400E-2 and is real.
input? >+45
The number is 45 and is an integer.
input? >-3 4e-01
The number is -3.40000 and is real.
input? >
David F Hinnant (2300 Avent Ferry Rd., Apt. G5, Raleigh, NC 27606)
holds a B. S. degree in physics and is a Unix systems analyst with ITT Telecom-
munications. Michael B. Smith (2504-A East 3rd St., Greenville, NC 27834),
a systems programmer at East Carolina University Computing and Informa-
tion Systems, is a senior in applied physics at ECU.
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BYTE February 1984 435
Technical Forum
Favorite Benchmarks
Discrete Fourier transforms test your computer's number-crunching
ability
by Jeffrey L. Star
One of my favorite benchmarks is based on the calcula-
tions loop from a DFT (discrete Fourier transform)
program.
The DFT algorithm is one of many in the arsenal of
time-series analysis techniques. In my work, I sometimes
need the DFT, and I have versions of this algorithm run-
ning on everything from S-100 bus machines to a DEC
(Digital Equipment Corporation) VAX 11-780.
The code in listing 1 is a good test of the mathematics
functions of a computer, particularly transcendental
functions. The routine is basically two nested loops, with
a final calculation of the square root of the sum of
squares of trigonometric functions. Depending on the
nature of the data you might feed to this calculation, the
processing time can be decreased dramatically. Of
course, for the purposes of a benchmark, this misses the
point entirely.
Table 1 shows timings for this routine on two ma-
chines: an IMS International IMS5000 (a 4-MHz Z80A
S-100 machine, running CP/M 2.2) and a Hewlett-
Packard HP 9845A desktop computer. The code on the
IMS5000 was written in CBASIC, CB-80, and in single-
precision Microsoft FORTRAN-80. It's amusing to note
that the $30,000 HP desktop computer (which is
marvelous for a variety of tasks, but not suited for plain
number-crunching because of its BASIC-in-ROM inter-
preter) is faster than the $5000 IMS5000's pseudointer-
pretive CBASIC (version 2) but slower when compared
with compiler Microsoft FORTRAN-80. (A word of cau-
tion: both CBASIC and CB-80 use double-precision real-
arithmetic, which explains their slow speeds.)
As table 1 illustrates, the time the routine takes in-
creases roughly at the same rate as the square of the
number of points. For some of the tasks I have to do
around the lab, I need to calculate a 400-point DFT,
which would take more than 12 hours using CBASIC! ■
Number of
Data Points HP 9845A
IMS5000
CBASIC FORTRAN-80
CB-80
10
20
40
< 4
15
74
24
100
443
< 3
11
44
15
67
285
Table 1: Timing measurements taken when running the bench-
mark shown in listing 1. Times are in seconds.
Listing 1: The benchmark algorithm expressed in CBASIC 2. The
algorithm for this benchmark is actually the calculation loop from
a DFT program and is especially useful when you're testing the
mathematical functions employed by a system.
REM » PROGRAM DFT - CBasic 2
REM ♦ TIMING BENCHMARK FOR DISCRETE FOURIER TRANSFORM
REM * J.L. STAR
REM « APRIL 1981
INPUT "What is the ORDER of the TEST" "?NJ
DIM D ( NX > , F ( NX >
XI ■ 0. : X2 " 1.
,1 ■ 1, S N » FLOAT (NX)
3D « (X2-X1>/(N-1,0> : Wl = 0. : W2 r 3.1415926/(0*1)
W3 = W2/(N-1.0) ! B - 0. : T = O.
PRINT ■■*# CREATING DATA VECTOR **"
FOR IX ■ 1 TO NX
D(IX) = SIN(IX) + RND/3.
NEXT IX
INPUT "HIT (RETURN) TO BEGIN CALCULATIONS ";LINE DUMMY*
PRINT CHRt(7)
FOR IX = 1 TO NX
W = W3*FL0AT( IX-1) : CI = 0. : SI ■ O.
FOR MX = 1 TO NX
G = W»<X1 + FLOAT ( MX- 1)»D)
CI = CI + D(MX)*COS(G)
SI = SI + D(MX)*SIN(G)
NEXT MX
F(IX) ■ SQR(S1»S1 + C1*C1)*D
NEXT IX
PRINT CHR»(7) : PRINT "•*» CALCULATIONS FINISHED **"
PRINT " TRANSFORM" : PRINT
FOR I* - 1 TO NX
PRINT USING " **« *««n, »«»««««"; I *,F < IX)
NEXT IX
END
A)
Dr. Jeffrey L. Star is a development engineer in remote-sensing research at
the University of California (Santa Barbara, CA 93106).
436 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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Mail to: Applied Software Technology
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(408)370-2662
For use with the Apple II, He and III, and the IBM PC and compatibles.
Circle 27 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 437
Ask BYTE
Conducted by Steve Ciarcia
Apple Robotics
Dear Steve,
I am a 16-year-old
Norwegian computer en-
thusiast who wishes to ex-
press his gratitude for your
continuous inspiration. Liv-
ing on the outskirts of com-
puterdom, it often takes
months for the latest news to
get here.
I am presently planning a
robot language and simula-
tion on, and for, the Apple II
Plus as a study project. My
ambitious goal is to incor-
porate the Motorola
MC68000. 1 also hope to have
a dual operating system—
voice/keyboard— as a part of
the program.
I would like to have a few
questions answered. How
can the 68000 be incor-
porated in the Apple, and
which high-level languages
are available or can be ap-
plied? (I hope to write part of
the program in Pascal.) With
the chips now available,
which is the best speech-
recognition and speech-
output setup for the Apple?
Thank you for any infor-
mation you might have on
these topics and for keeping
the rest of the world in touch.
Erik Edward Syring
Sandvika, Norway
Digital Acoustics has a series
of products and boards that in-
terface the Motorola MC68000
to the Apple II. Various utility
programs are available to inter-
face some high-level languages.
For further information, write
the company at 1415 East
McFadden, Ste. F, Santa Ana,
CA 92705, (714) 835-4884.
There is no "best" speech-
output system for the Apple. It
depends on the intended applica-
tion. If a large vocabulary is
desired and speech quality is of
secondary importance, a
phoneme-type speech synthesizer
is best. If extreme clarity of a
limited number of words is
desired, LPC (linear predictive
coding) is the choice. If accents
and music are required, an adap-
tive differential pulse code
modulation system is worth con-
sidering. . . . Steve
New Zealand TV
Standards
Dear Steve,
I have a homebrew com-
puter with hexadecimal key-
pad entry and LED output.
I want to convert it into a sim-
ple and inexpensive terminal
by connecting it to a TV
receiver. It would be easy to
get a TV display using a 6847
display generator chip and
an RF modulator except that
the 6847 uses NTSC timing,
and I don't want to modify
the timing on my PAL-system
TV set.
I am sure that a solution to
this problem is available
because the Radio Shack Col-
or Computer, which uses the
6847, has a New Zealand ver-
sion. I would appreciate your
help.
Michael Stubbs
Auckland, New Zealand
The NTSC timing in the 6847
display generator chip can be
modified for use with the PAL
TV system. An article in the
November 20, 1980 issue of
EDN magazine shoivs what is
required. "Display Generator
Chips Implement Smart Ter-
minals" by Bissmire, Farrell,
and Fletcher (pages 161-173)
describes a complete smart ter-
minal built around the Motorola
MC6808 microprocessor and a
6847 display generator. Modifi-
cations for the PAL system are
also presented. . . . Steve
Dvorak Terminals?
Dear Steve,
As you are probably aware,
many people are interested in
the Dvorak keyboard layout
because it is more efficient
than the Qwerty design.
Many people are converting
to typewriters with the new
layout, and some people
want it on their computer
systems. I have heard that
some terminal manufacturers
offer it as an option. Do you
know of any such manufac-
turers? Thank you for your
assistance.
Norman S. Frye
Grants Pass, OR
The Spring 1983 Peripherals
Digest issue of Mini-Micro
Systems featured a product
guide on alphanumeric ter-
minals, listing some of their per-
tinent specifications. A column
entitled "Special Features" was
patently lacking in any reference
to a Dvorak simplified keyboard
(DSK) option. Manufacturers
that boast an "ergonomic" design
apparently do not consider DSK
as ergonomic. Hoioever, this lay-
out is gaining in popularity, and
many typewriter manufacturers,
such as Remington, Smith-
Corona, Royal, and IBM, offer
such an option. It will not be
long before the major terminal
manufacturers join the crozod.
Write to some of the terminal
manufacturers, requesting this
option. They may offer it upon
request but do not want to ap-
pear "revolutionary" by adver-
tising it. . . . Steve
Apple Chips
Dear Steve,
I have an Apple II and an
Amdek Video 300 monitor.
The top five lines of the dis-
play don't line up with the
other lines to form a straight
column. By using the hori-
zontal hold, I can get them to
come close, the top line be-
ing Vh characters off and the
fifth line off only a little.
I tried a friend's Amdek
Video 300, and the display
was the same. I then tried my
monitor on his Apple II Plus
and the display was perfect.
Also, when I hook up the
color TV I formerly used, I
have a hard time getting the
color to come in satisfactori-
ly. The color TV works okay
on a normal TV station.
Do you have any sugges-
tions on chips I can try
replacing before I take my
Apple in to be fixed?
Dave Partyka
Lorain, OH
The video problem with your
Apple II is caused by a problem
in the horizontal-synchronizing
circuitn/. The Apple uses a
14.318-MHz crystal oscillator as
its master clock and divides the
output down to generate, among
others, the color subcarrier (3.58
MHz) and the horizontal line
rate (15.734 kHz). This is ac-
complished by four 74LS161
counters labeled Dll through
D14 on the motherboard. Refer
to page 89 of the Apple II Ref-
erence Manual for chip loca-
tions using this index. In addi-
tion, the output signals from the
counters are processed through
chips B14, B13, A12 (74LS02),
and many others.
First, check the 74LS161
counters by substitution and
note any difference. Swapping
with other chips of the same type
on the board is a convenient
way. Note any changes, and the
defective chip perhaps can be
isolated. Without the use of an
oscilloscope, additional sugges-
tions are not practical. If these
tests are not fruitful, the best
recourse is an authorized Apple
438 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
for Performance, Quality and Reliability
Anyone can sell you a box full of hardware. But is it too much computer? Too little? Will it run the
appropriate software? What about service? If you need the right answers before and after the sale,
call your nearest Full Service CompuPro System Center. For product information, see pgs. 25 & 401 .
ALABAMA
Birmingham
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ARIZONA
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CALIFORNIA
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Matrix Computers
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Satellite Beach
Binary Magic, Inc.
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HAWAII
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ILLINOIS
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(217) 636-8491
La Grange Park
Small Business
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Skokie
Lillipute Computer
Mart Inc.
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MARYLAND
Bethesda
JR Systems
(301) 657-3598
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston
New England
Electronic Exchange
(617)491-3000
Chestnut Hill
Key Micro Systems
(617) 738-7306
MISSISSIPPI
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Amherst
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Park Plaza Computer
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John D. Owens Assoc.
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NORTH CAROLINA
Greensboro
General Semantics
Computers
(919) 378-1500
OREGON
Portland
Microwest Computer
Products
(503) 238-6274
PENNSYLVANIA
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Systems
(215) 364-8220
RHODE ISLAND
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Key Micro Systems
(401) 828-7270
TEXAS
Austin
CPA Systems, Inc.
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Informa. Inc.
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Informa, Inc.
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CPA Systems, Inc.
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VIRGINIA
Woodbridge
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(703) 690-3312
WASHINGTON
Bellcview
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Computer Systems
(206) 453-0596
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American Computers
& Engineers
(206) 583-0130
WISCONSIN
Greenfield
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of Milwaukee
(414) 281-7004
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Beam International
(608) 255-2325
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Coquitlam, B.C.
CSC System Center Ltd.
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Vancouver, B.C.
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THE PHILIPPINES
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Corona International Inc.
78-34-71
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Swansea
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©1983 CompuPro
Ask BYTE.
dealer. Sync problems can be
nasty! . . . Steve
S-100 Advice
Dear Steve,
I want to gradually up-
grade my present Exidy
Sorcerer system. The first
thing I need is an S-100
enclosure. I've looked at a lot
of them, but I'm not sure
which is best. Can you offer
some advice? Thanks.
Walter Jeffries
Hanover, NH
S-100 mainframes consist of a
motherboard, power supply, and
cabinet. The better mainframes
pay careful attention to each of
these components. The mother-
board should be made from high-
quality fiberglass-epoxy material
and have heavy-gauge copper
traces. The trace areas for the
power conductors should be wide
enough for the anticipated cur-
rent requirements. Shielded
boards are preferred because they
reduce RF radiation and cross
talk. There should be either an
active or passive termination of
the bus lines to minimize noise
and sufficient sockets for all an-
ticipated additions. Extra sockets
allow increased spacing of those
cards that generate excessive
heat or interact ivith adjacent
boards.
The pcaver supply should have
sufficient capacity (usually 20
amps or greater) and be well
filtered to reduce ripple. It
should be properly fused and in-
coryomte a line filter to eliminate
transients and RFI. Premium
mainframes include constant
voltage transformers to improve
regulation.
The cabinet itself should be of
sturdy construction, include a
fan to remove heat, and have a
sufficient number of cutouts on
the rear panel to accommodate
serial and parallel connectors.
AC convenience outlets are an
added feature.
In general, you get xuhat you
pay for. . . . Steve
Secondhand Arcade
Gear
Dear Steve,
At the local video arcades,
I've noticed that some older
machines are for sale. Would
it be worthwhile to purchase
one of these with the intent
of improving or modifying
the existing game? Is this
possible for someone who is
not an electrical engineer?
Also, are these machines
generally too dedicated to
gaming for easy modification
to serve a more general
purpose?
David Young
Springfield, MO
Picking up used electronic
equipment at bargain prices and
investigating the mysteries of the
machine can be a rewarding or
a frustrating experience, depend-
ing on your purpose.
It can be rewarding from the
standpoint that a lot can be
learned by studying the designs
of these pieces of equipment and
what makes them work. It can
also be frustrating because sche-
matic diagrams are usually not
available and any software built
into the system cannot easily be
decoded.
It may not be an impossible
task to perform some simple
modifications to a particular
video game, but it will certainly
be time-consuming, and you
may wind up being a self-taught
electrical engineer before you
finish.
With the recent drop in prices
of computers and home video
games, it may cost more to
modify an older video game than
to purchase one new, depending
on the type of game. . . .Steve
Apple + Heath
Dear Steve,
I recently completed a
Heath H-89 and want to run
Apple software on it. Is there
a commercially available 6502
board that will work in my
H-89? If not, is there an easy
way of modifying the com-
monly available 6502 boards?
Aris Espejo
Ft. McMurray,
Alberta, Canada
/ am not aware of a commer-
cial product that will enable Ap-
ple II programs to run on your
Heath H-89 computer. Adding
a 6502 microprocessor board to
the H-89 may allow program-
ming in 6502 language, but the
memory map would not be cor-
rect for Apple programs. The
Apple makes extensive use of its
monitor ROM programs and bit-
mapped graphics. Your H-89 is
configured as a terminal with
character-mapped rather than
bit-mapped graphics, so they
would not be compatible.
Because much of the Apple
operation is software controlled,
it is easy to convert the Apple to
run other processors by plugging
in cards. The Apple functions,
in effect, as a bit-mapped
graphics terminal for the plug-
in card. Going the other way is
much more difficult. . . .Steve
Power Supply
Considerations
Dear Steve,
I am trying to put together
a system based on the S-100
bus. I have a commercial
power supply that puts out
+ 8 Vat 25 A, +16 Vat 3 A,
and -16Vat3A.The power
supply has no overvoltage or
overcurrent protection. How
important are these protec-
tive circuits? Is there a com-
pany that supplies them?
Can you give me a simple
design? Thanks.
Don Carlton
Hanahan, SC
Ovewoltage and overcurrent
protection in any system arc
always trade-offs between the
price you want to pay for protec-
tion devices and the price you
will pay if a failure occurs.
In an unregulated supply like
the one you describe, the risk of
an overvoltage situation is loiv
if the input voltage remains
within nominal tolerances. A
commercial surge suppressor on
the input to your supply should
add sufficient protection from
voltage surges in the AC line. A
heavy-current supply like this
one should also be properly fused
on the primary side of the supply
and on each DC supply.
Surge suppressors are sold by
several advertisers in BYTE,
such as Advanced Computer
Products and Priority One
Electronics.
In an S-100 bus system, some
protection is also offered by the
distributed voltage regulators on
each card. The three-terminal
regulators usually used for this
application have built-in current
limiting and can operate over a
large input-voltage range. If you
are concerned about a particular
board, you could add an over-
voltage sensor on board for ex-
tra protection. These devices
monitor the supply voltage and
fire a crowbar SCR (silicon-
controlled rectifier) in the event
of an overvoltage situation. You
can find an overvoltage sensor at
Radio Shack stores. . . . Steve
A German
Commodore
Dear Steve,
I would like to buy a Com-
modore 64 with a disk drive.
Next summer, however, I will
be returning to Germany
where electrical and TV stan-
dards are different. I know
Commodore sells an appro-
priate version of this com-
puter in Germany, but I don't
want to wait that long.
Is there any way to modify
the computer or get an
adapter so that the American
version will run in Germany?
It should be no problem to
make 110 volts out of 220, but
what about 50 Hz out of 60?
And is it possible to adapt
the TV signal? Thank you
very much for your help.
Bernhard Dick
Philadelphia, PA
440 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
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BYTE
February 1984 441
Circle 341 on inquiry card.
Ask BYTE.
A unique solution to this
problem was described in the
January 1983 Ask BYTE column
("Uninterruptible Power Sup-
plies Problem Solved," page 481).
The author of the solution,
Richard T Nicholls, used a
Tripp Lite power inverter manu-
factured by Tripp Manufacturing
Company to convert a 12-V bat-
tery voltage to 110 V, 60 Hz.
Using this method, he was able
to operate a TRS-80 Model I
with no problems. The method
also ensures uninterrupted
power since it is battery
powered .... Steve
Centronics Standard
Revisited
Dear Steve,
Would you please tell me
what the specifications for a
Centronics parallel interface
are? There seem to be an in-
finite number of devices and
computers that use it. My
computer doesn't have one,
and I would like to put one
together. Thank you.
John G. Lussmyer
Lowell, MI
The Centronics parallel inter-
face is a de facto standard for a
parallel printer port. In its
simplest configuration, it con-
sists of eight DATA lines, a
STROBE line, an ACK (for
acknowledge) line, and
GROUND. There are several
other signals, such as BUSY,
PAPER EMPTY, and SELECT,
but they are normally not
required.
For the purposes of driving
many of the parallel input
printers on the market, it is
necessary only to wire the lines
as indicated below:
Pin Signal
1 STROBE
MICRO BEE
SOFTWARE
Manufacturing licences for the popular
Australian designed Micro Bee computer
have recently been granted to many com-
panies throughout the world.
MYTEK Computing is the largest and
most respected producer of software for
the Micro Bee Computer.
MYTEK Computing invites dealers to
sample its large and extensive range of
Micro Bee Software.
Micro Bee users are also invited to re-
quest to be included on MYTEK Com-
puting's free mailing list. Catalogues are
air-mailed regularly to all parts of the
world.
1HB COMPUTING
1 Kent Street, Bicton, 6157, Perth, Western Australia
Telephone: (09) 330 7336
2
DATA
3
DATA 1
4
DATA 2
5
DATA 3
6
DATA 4
7
DATA 5
8
DATA 6
9
DATA 7
10
ACK
16
GROUND
The STROBE and ACK lines are
usually active low, but either or
both can be active high, in which
case an inverter circuit is neces-
san/. . . . Steve
Affordable
Tape Backup
Dear Steve,
We converted our office
microcomputer (an Altos
8000-15) from floppy-disk to
hard-disk storage about nine
months ago. We have been
using floppy disks for back-
up, but this has become
rather cumbersome. Altos
markets a stand-alone tape
backup unit, but the price is
$3500.
Does anybody manufac-
ture a reliable after-market
tape backup system for $1000
or less? Thank you.
C. D. Walker
Germantown, TN
Pegasus makes a 25-megabyte
tape backup system for hard
disks that is advertised for $695.
You can contact the company at
Pegasus, 2200 West Higgins
Rd., Ste. 245, Hoffman Estates,
IL 60195, (312) 843-1090.
. . . Steve
High-Resolution
S-100 Graphics
Dear Steve,
A large number of color
monitors are available for the
IBM PC and its clones but
few for S-100 lovers, save
some expensive units nor-
mally used for basic CAD/
CAM applications. Numer-
ous S-100 boards are offered
for composite video, but I
have been unable to find a
suitable S-100 board that will
drive an RGB monitor. And
inasmuch as I want to con-
figure an S-100 bus machine
with an RGB monitor and
IBM or Keytronic keyboard,
I have a few questions.
First, do you know of an
S-100 RGB board that pro-
vides, say, 680- by 480-pixel
resolution with 16 full-attri-
bute colors? Second, I have
considered buying an IBM
PC color board with the
proper characteristics and
kludging it to the S-100 bus,
in view of the fact that they
both are 8088-based. Do you
think that I would face insur-
mountable problems in do-
ing this, or would a careful
mapping of the IBM system-
board lines to the S-100 lines
suffice?
Justin Farnsworth
Neuilly, France
Cambridge Development Lab-
oratory (100 Fifth Ave.,
Waltham, MA 02154, (617)
890-8076) markets a board and
software that will create high-
resolution graphics on an S-100
system. An article describing
this system appeared in the
November 1982 BYTE. "Cam-
bridge Development Lab's High-
Resolution Video Graphics Sys-
tem" by James R. DeKock (pages
148-160) describes the system in
detail.
If the rather high price of that
system concerns you, you might
consider the Microangelo board
tnj Scion. It features 512- by 480-
pixel graphics as well as 40-line
by 85-character text. It sells for
$795 in single quantities. For
further information, write
Scion, 12310 Pinecrest Rd.,
Reston, VA 22091, (703)
476-6100. . . . Steve
P.S. / don't recommend kludges.
442 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 261 on inquiry card.
WHY DEC AND INTEL
CHOSE THE MARK WILLIAMS
C-COMPILER.
DEC and INTEL wanted the best C technology avail-
able, with excellent code density, supporting the full C
language and their specific operating environments—
all at a competitive price.
They found it all at Mark Williams.
WHY YOU SHOULD
CHOOSE THE MARK WILLIAMS
C-COMPILER.
Our C-compiler supports the dominant 16-bit micro-
computers-68000, PDP-11, Z8000, 8086- with a proven
reliable, high-technology product. We are shipping
versions of C for a large number of environments includ-
ing CP/M and PC DOS. Both cross and native compilers
are available.
Call us for the distributor nearest you. OEM's should
contact us directly about their specific requirements.
Mark Williams Company,
1430 West Wrightwood, Chicago, Illinois 60614,
312/472-6659.
Mark
Williams
Company
Circle 387 on inquiry card. byte February 1984 443
Ask BYTE.
European Modem
Frequencies
Dear Steve,
I have built your ECM-103
modem (March 1983 BYTE,
page 26), and it works fine.
The only problem is that it
operates only on U.S. fre-
quencies. Is it possible to
change it so that it can work
on European frequencies?
Bj0rn Haaland
Tomter, Norway
Texas Instruments has a
modem chip designed to work on
the European frequencies. The
chip number is TMS99534, and
it can be obtained from Texas In-
struments or its distributors. It
uses the same frequency crystal.
Write to the company at Texas
Instruments, Semiconductor
Group, POB 202129, Dallas,
TX 75220. . . . Steve
Floppy Disk Use Sans
Computer
Dear Steve,
Is there any way to write a
Teletype (TTY) signal (110-
bps, 20-mA current loop) or
an RS-232C signal (300 bps)
to a 5 'A -inch floppy disk
without going through a
computer? We have several
gamma and liquid scintilla-
tion counters that currently
output information to TTYs
with punch-paper tape. In
addition, one gamma
counter is a microprocessor-
based system that must com-
municate with the output
device.
Because paper tape is an
obsolete medium and a
paper-tape reader is almost
as expensive as the main-
frame of our new microcom-
puter system, we would
prefer to use floppy disks to
transfer information. One
option would be to interface
the counters directly into the
computer (go on line). How-
ever, we have six such in-
struments and would have to
buy six micros or a minicom-
puter system with a multi-
user operating system.
If we must go through a
computer to write a disk,
what is the least expensive
computer one could use to
write in a common disk for-
mat (Apple DOS 3.3,
CP/M-80, etc.)? This may
seem like a trivial question.
However, a simple way to
write a 5V4-inch floppy disk
without going through a
computer would have broad
application in science and
industry.
H. Edward Grotjan Jr.
Houston, TX
It is not necessary to interface
your equipment through a com-
puter system to store data on
5 l A-inch floppy disks, although
this certainly can be accom-
plished with most microcom-
puters available.
A system called the FDS-100
Minifile can be interfaced to an
RS-232C serial port and will
store data directly to 5Vi-inch
floppy disks. The FDS-WO is an
intelligent minifloppy-disk sys-
tem with built-in power supplies
and can store up to I79K bytes
per disk. The address of the
manufacturer of the FDS-100 is
Atek NC Corporation, 887 Main
St., POB E, Monroe, CT 06468,
(203) 268-1839.
Information on the type of disk
format used in the FDS-100
should be available from the
manufacturer. . . . Steve
RS-232C/RS-422A
Interface
Dear Steve,
I have a used IBM 3101
video display that includes
only an RS-422A interface.
Could you please direct me
to a source that shows how
I can build an RS-422A-to-
RS-232C converter so that I
fOOO
C^
RS-422A
INTERFACE
RS-232C
INTERFACE
Figure 1: A method for interfacing between the RS-422A and
RS-232C standards.
can use the 3101 with my OSI
equipment? I also have some
IBM boards that output eight
RS-422A lines that I would
like to use with my RS-232C
devices. Any help you can
provide will be appreciated.
Keith Brigode
Holland, OH
Your problem of communicat-
ing between pieces of equipment
that contain different interfaces
is not uncommon because of the
numerous communication stan-
dards in use today.
The Electronic Industries
Association (EIA) standard
RS-422A is an upgraded version
of the electrical specifications for
the RS-232C interface. The main
difference to note for your ap-
plication is that the RS-422A
uses balanced transmission
while the RS-232C uses un-
balanced transmission.
One method for interfacing
between the two standards is
shown in figure 1. The balanced
transmission output from the
RS-422A interface is converted
to a TTL signal by a National
Semiconductor DS8820 line
receiver and then converted to an
RS-232C-compatible signal by
the MC1488 line driver. In the
reverse direction, the RS-232C
signals are converted to TTL
levels by an MC1489 line driver
and then converted to balanced-
transmission signals by the
DS8830 differential line driver.
Proper signal polarity can be ob-
tained by reversing leads at the
RS-422A interface.
An excellent description of the
differences between the RS-232C
and RS-422A interfaces can be
found in the article "Welcome to
the Standards fungle" (February
1983 BYTE, page 146).
. . . SteveB
In "Ask BYTE," Steve Ciarcia answers questions on any area of
microcomputing. The most representative questions received
each month will be answered and published. Do you have a
nagging problem? Send your inquiiy to:
Ask BYTE
c/o Steve Ciarcia
POB 582
Glastonbury, CT 06033
Due to the high volume of inquiries, personal replies cannot
be given. All letters and photographs become the property of
Steve Ciarcia and cannot be returned. Be sure to include "Ask
BYTE" in the address.
444 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
-N-^
.NEW PRODUCTS'
Before Johann Sebastian Bach developed
a new method of tuning, you had to
change instruments practically every time
you wanted to change keys. Very difficult.
Before Avocet introduced its family of
cross-assemblers, developing micro-pro-
cessor software was much the same. You
needed a separate development system
for practically every type of processor.
Very difficult and very expensive.
But with Avocet's cross-assemblers, a
single computer can develop software for
virtually any microprocessor! Does that
put us in a league with Bach? You decide.
The Well-Tempered Cross-Assembler
Development Tools That Work
Avocet cross-assemblers are fast, reliable
and user-proven in over 3 years of actual
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Every time you see a new microprocessor-
based product, there's a good chance it
was developed with Avocet cross-
assemblers.
Avocet cross-assemblers are easy to use.
They run on any computer with CP/M*
and process assembly language for the
most popular microprocessor families.
5V4" disk formats available at no extra
cost include Osborne, Xerox, H-P, IBM
PC, Kaypro, North Star, Zenith,
Televideo, Otrona, DEC.
Turn Your Computer Into A
Complete Development System
Of course, there's more. Avocet has the
tools you need from start to finish to enter,
assemble and test your software and finally
cast it in EPROM:
Text Editor VEDIT -- full-screen text edi-
tor by CompuView. Makes source code
entry a snap. Full-screen text editing, plus
TECO-like macro facility for repetitive
iasks . Pre-configured for over 40 terminals
and personal computers as well as in user-
configurable form.
CP/M-80 version $150
CP/M-86 or MDOS version $195
(when ordered with any Avocet product)
EPROM Programmer Model 7128
EPROM Programmer by GTek programs
most EPROMS without the need for per-
sonality modules. Self-contained power
supply ... accepts ASCII commands and
data from any computer through RS 232
serial interface. Cross-assembler hex ob-
ject files can be down-loaded directly.
Commands include verify and read, as
well as partial programming.
PROM types supported: 2508, 2758,
2516, 2716, 2532, 2732, 2732A,
27C32, MCM8766, 2564, 2764, 27C64,
27128, 8748, 8741, 8749, 8742, 8751,
8755, plus Seeq and Xicor EEPROMS.
Avocet
Cross-assembler
Target
Microprocessor
CP/M-80
Version
•CP/M-86
IBMPaMSDOS"
Versions •
• XASMZ80
Z-80
•XASM85
8085
XASM05
6805
$200.00
each
$250.00
each
XASM09
6809
XASM18
1802
XASM48
8048/8041
XASM51
8051
XASM65
6502
XASM68
6800/01
XASMZ8
Z8
XASMF8
F8/3870
$300.00
each
XASM400
COP400
XASM75
NEC 7500
$500.00
Coming soon: XASM68K... 68000
(Upgrade kits will be available for new
PROM types as they are introduced.)
Programmer $389
Options include:
• Software Driver Package -
• enhanced features, no installation
• required.
• CP/M-80 Version $75
• IBM PC Version $ 95
RS 232 Cable $30
8748 family socket adaptor ... $ 98
8751 family socket adaptor . . . $174
• 8755 family socket adaptor . . . $135
• G7228 Programmer by GTek baud
• to 2400 ... superfast, adaptive program-
• ming algorithms ... programs 2764 in one
• minute.
• Programmer $499
• Ask us about Gang and PAL programmers.
• HEXTRAN Universal HEX File Con-
• verter -- Converts to and from Intel,
• Motorola, MOS Technology, Mostek,
• RCA, Fairchild, Tektronix, Texas
• Instruments and Binary formats.
Call Us
If you're thinking about development sys-
tems, call us for some straight talk. If we
don't have what you need, we'll help you
find out who does. If you like, we'll even
talk about Bach.
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-448-8500
(In the U.S. except Alaska and Hawaii)
VISA and Mastercard accepted. All popular disc formats now
available •■ please specify. Prices do not Include shipping and
handling ~ call for exact quotes. OEM INQUIRIES INVITED.
'Trademark of Digital Research
* Trademark of Microsoft
• Converter, each version
$250
AVOCET jf~
SYSTEMS INC,
DEPT. 284-B
804 SOUTH STATE STREET
DOVER, DELAWARE 19901
302-734-0151 TELEX 467210
Circle 32 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 445
Software Received
Apple
Algebra Arcade, an arcade-
type educational game.
Design graphs to outwit the
Graph Gobbler and Alge-
broids and simultaneously
learn basic and advanced
algebra. Choose your own
level of play with equations
ranging from straight lines to
quadratic formulas. For II, II
Plus, and He; floppy disk,
$49.95. Wadsworth Electronic
Publishing Co., 8 Davis Dr.,
Belmont, CA 94002.
Argos, an arcade-type game.
To save Earth, you must
destroy Argonians both in
space and on land. Fight off
waves of their missiles,
spaceships, and parachutists.
Requires a joystick. For II and
II Plus; floppy disk, $34.95.
Datamost Inc., 8943 Full-
bright Ave., Chatsworth, CA
91311-2750.
Amphel's Simple Tenant
Billing System, a tenant-
billing procedure. Up to 500
accounts can be handled
enabling rental-property
owners and managers to
keep track of rents, past-due
payments, late charges, util-
ity fees, and miscellaneous
charges. For II and He; flop-
py disk, $99.95. Amphel In-
dustries Inc., Suite 353, 2888
Bluff St., Boulder, CO 80301.
Bats in the Belfry, a strategic
extermination game. Your job
is to catch and dispose of bats
that have infested an old
schoolhouse before they
reach its belfry. Avoid the
fuzzballs and trapdoors that
slow you down. If your score
is high enough, you can
become a Bat Master. For II,
II Plus, and lie; floppy disk,
$29.95. Phoenix Software
Inc., 64 Lake Zurich Dr., Lake
Zurich, IL 60047.
The Exchange, a stock-mar-
ket game with high-resolu-
tion graphics. Buy and sell
stocks to make as much
money as you can. Business
tips from the computer's
news service help you ana-
lyze market trends. Be pre-
pared for capital-gains tax,
splits, rises and declines in
stocks. For II, II Plus, and He;
floppy disk, $59.95. Kelcom
Management Ltd., 30 South-
ampton Dr. SW, Calgary,
Alberta T2W 0T5, Canada.
Enchanter, an interactive-
prose fantasy game. Learn
the wisdom of the medieval
guilds from cartographers,
orators, scriveners, physi-
cians, and fletchers. These
magical powers enable you to
destroy the evil warlock,
restore peace to the king-
dom, and become an en-
chanter. For the II; floppy
disk, $49.95. Infocom Inc., 55
Wheeler St., Cambridge, MA
02138.
Gnosis VII, a role-playing,
educational adventure game.
Mental horizons expand as
you try to discover seven
secret names in a mythical
land called Gnosis. You must
perform hierarchical, secular
tasks that enhance cultural
values. No two scenarios are
the same. For II Plus and He;
floppy disk, $19.95. Magnetic
Harvest, POB 255, Hopkins,
SC 29061.
Hypertyper, an educational
typing program. Learn or im-
prove typing skills at a pace
and level that you select.
Words per minute and accu-
racy percentage are displayed
when you complete each ex-
ercise. For the II; floppy disk,
$29.95. Summit Software
Corp., Suite 2, 880 Second
St., Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
Masquerade, a high-resolu-
tion graphics adventure
game. You are a detective try-
ing to break a tough case. All
but one clue is a dead end.
Use your expertise to deci-
pher this game of logic. For H,
II Plus, and lie; floppy disk,
$34.95. Phoenix Software Inc.
(see address above).
Matrix II, a machine-lan-
guage matrix package that
speeds up Applesoft. Solve
mathematical problems in
scientific, engineering, sta-
tistical, and computer-graph-
ics applications efficiently. A
36-page tutorial assists begin-
ning and advanced users in
matrix manipulations. For II
Plus and lie; floppy disk,
$19.95. LRS Systems, 810
North Seventh, St. Charles,
MO 63301.
The Money Manager: A Per-
sonal Finance Simulation.
Teachers of high school
personal-finance and con-
sumer-education classes can
use this program that simu-
lates budgeting, banking, use
of credit, insurance planning,
consumer purchases, and in-
come tax preparation. This
teacher's guide includes a
student workbook. For II, II
Plus, and He; floppy disks,
$74.95. Sterling Swift Publish-
ing Co., 7901 South IH-35,
Austin, TX 78744.
Personal Tax Planner 1983/84,
a personal federal income tax
planning program. Reduce
your tax based on informed
decisions about second jobs,
investments, and the advan-
tages or disadvantages of
long- or short-term capital
gains and losses. For the He;
floppy disk, $99. Aardvark/
McGraw-Hill, 1020 North
Broadway, Milwaukee, WI
53202.
Plato's Cave, an educational
program that compares
evidence with inference.
Players must confront the
problem of trying to under-
stand reality by seeking and
analyzing information. This
program requires active data
probing within limited infor-
mation-gathering abiVrties.
For the II Plus; floppy disk,
$49.95. Krell Software Corp.,
1320 Stony Brook Rd., Stony
Brook, NY 11790.
Portfolio Minder, a stock and
bond portfolio-tracking pro-
gram for brokers and house-
hold uses. Up to 50 portfolios
with 200 transactions per ac-
count can be manipulated
using cross-referencing and
an editor. Printouts include
realized and unrealized gains
and losses, portfolio income,
status, and other transac-
tions. For II Plus and lie;
floppy disk, $125. Softcell, 13
Webster Ave., Hanover, NH
03755.
Round About, an arcade-
type game. As the captain of
the starship Roundabout, you
must shoot down alien in-
vaders to make outer space
as safe as possible. The
enemy travels in large packs
and can assume various
threatening shapes. For the II
Plus; floppy disk, $29.95.
Datamost Inc. (see address
above).
Short Cuts, an applications-
writing program. Add extra
commands to Applesoft
BASIC programming to sort
data such as strings, real
numbers, or integer arrays.
Other features include error
checking during input, print
formatting, help screens, and
user-defined error messages.
For the II, II Plus, He, and III;
floppy disk, $39.95. Penguin
Software, 830 Fourth Ave.,
POB 311, Geneva, IL 60134.
Spare Change, a humorous
arcade-type game in which
you are the owner of a busy
arcade. Unfortunately, your
two best customers are trying
to pilfer enough tokens to
retire. Try to distract them by
playing their favorite tunes,
ringing pay phones, and
446 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
CompuShack
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Software Received <
popping popcorn. You're
often treated to slapstick car-
toons. For II, II Plus, and lie;
floppy disk, $34.95. Broder-
bund Software Inc., 1938
Fourth St., San Rafael, CA
94901.
Spell Perfect, a spelling-cor-
rection program that detects
misspelled words. Reduce
proofreading to a one-step
process with easy prompts, a
word count, a dictionary you
create, and displays of words
that are spelled similarly. For
II, II Plus, and He; floppy
disk, $89.95. LJK Enterprises
Inc., 7852 Big Bend Blvd., St.
Louis, MO 63119.
Unit Professional, a library
unit to be used with pro-
gramming in Pascal. You can
solve some of the simpler
problems of formatting and
error checking on input and
output before you code it.
Screens and their fields are
user-defined. For II Plus and
lie; floppy disk, $39. D & L
Professional Micro-comput-
ing, 1201 Lincoln Ave., New
Castle, IN 47362.
Wizardry— Legacy of Llylga-
myn, a three-dimensional
fantasy and adventure game.
This is the third scenario in
the Wizardry series in which
you are one of the descen-
dants of the heroes of the
Knight of Diamonds. As
such, you are to seek the
dragon L'kbreth and regain
the mystical orb to balance
nature's upheavals. For II, II
Plus, lie, and III; floppy disk,
$39.95. Sir-Tech Software Inc.,
6 Main St., Ogdensburg, NY
13669.
Wordworx, two educational
word games for all ages.
Myspellery is a vocabulary
builder in which you decode
mystery words using as few
clues as you can. Sentence
Maker challenges your abil-
ity to invent grammatically
correct sentences given a
string of five letters. You can
add your own myspelleries to
challenge other players. For II
Plus and He; floppy disk,
$34.95. Reston Publishing
Co., 11480 Sunset Hills Rd.,
Reston, VA 22090.
Atari
Capture The Flag, a two-
player game for all ages. In a
split-screen display, the in-
vader must exit the three-di-
mensional labyrinth through
one of two doors to reach the
flag. If the defender touches
you it will prevent you from
capturing the flag. Adjusted
tempo in music reflects ac-
tion. For 800/1200; floppy
disk, $39.95. Sirius Software
Inc., 10364 Rockingham Dr.,
Sacramento, CA 95827.
Moviemaker, an interactive
sequential-animation pack-
age in which you are a movie
director. You devise the ac-
tion, set the scene, and create
actors, and the program plays
back the completed com-
puter-generated movie. For
800/1200; floppy disk, $60.
Reston Publishing Co., 11480
Sunset Hills Rd., Reston, VA
22090.
Nightraiders, a space-war
game. You have joined the
Nightraiders corps to rescue
Earth from tyranny. Destroy
the enemy's military strength
and cross the battlefield to
attack the base. As you fly
over enemy territory you en-
counter targets such as a
tank, bridge, radar tower,
missile, train cars, and more.
For 800/1200; floppy disk,
$29.95. Datamost Inc., 8943
The best career move you can make is to
It's free. It's confidential.
Today's technical career market changes fast.
But now there's a way to keep up with it. This
new key to career opportunity is your personal
computer. And the cost is nothing but a phone call.
Just call CLEO. That stands for Computer Listings
448 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
of Employment Opportunities.
CLEO responds to your commands. You specify
what job categories, companies, or geographic loca-
tions interest you. CLEO calls up the appropriate ads
right on your screen. At every step, you're guided by
explicit online instructions.
Daily updates keep CLEO job listings current.
Fullbright Ave., Chatsworth,
CA 91311-2750.
Popeye, an arcade-type
game. As Popeye, you must
catch all of Olive's hearts,
notes, and cries for help
before they hit the water and
sink. Eat spinach for strength
but beware of Brutus, the Sea
Hag, and vultures. Levels of
difficulty increase. For 400/
800/1200; cartridge, $40.
Parker Brothers, 50 Dunham
Rd., Beverly, MA 01915.
The Return of Heracles, a
Greek mythology adventure
game. When you become a
Greek hero or heroine, Zeus
will assign 12 tasks but will
not offer any clues as to how
to do them. The Oracle of
Delphi has the advice you
seek, but it's not free. For
800/1200; floppy disk, $32.95.
Quality Software, Suite 105,
6660 Reseda Blvd., Reseda,
CA 91335.
CP/M
Co-Sort, a sort-and-merge
utility program. With this
program you can sort small
data sets using a fast algo-
rithm without transferring
files. It allows for fixed- or
variable-length records, all
data types, and provides
many keys in any direction.
Floppy disk, $200. Informa-
tion Resources, Box W, Man-
hasset, NY 11030.
List-master, an information-
management utility program
for CP/M 2.2-based systems.
You can keep track of lists in-
cluding 30,000 data items,
each with 252 characters. It
includes a full-screen editor
for data entry, sort and
criteria-select procedures,
and integrates with BASIC
programs. Floppy disk,
$149.95. Palace Software, RD
#1, Box 331, Moundsville,
WV 26041.
Magikey, a keyboard-en-
hancement program for ver-
sion 2.2-based systems. This
program lets you define and
assign a string of characters
to any key. Features include
built-in batch-processing
capabilities, console and
printer I/O redirection, and
extensive string-editing op-
tions. Floppy disk, $100. Pro
Microsystems, 16609 Sage-
wood Lane, Poway, CA
92064.
Plotpro, a set of three Micro-
soft BASIC programs that
make scientific applications
graphs on any 80- or 132-coI-
umn printer. Protemp creates
templates of the physical ap-
pearance of any graph. Pro-
quick controls plotting and
printing of infinite-length
graphs. Plotpro creates linear
and logarithmic plots and
can plot multiple functions
on the same graph. Floppy
disk, $49.95. BV Engineering,
POB 3351, Riverside, CA
92519.
Commodore
Music Tutor, a set of six pro-
grams that teach beginning
music students the basic
elements of music. Programs
include bass- and treble-clef
notes, rhythms, symbols,
music terms, and a review
game. For the 64; cassette,
$30. MKI Software, 15295
Oceana, Allen Park, MI
48101.
Portfolio Manager, a stock-
market analysis program to
assist in personal invest-
ments and financial manage-
ment. Files let you create and
update as many as 70 stocks
based on current market
quotes. You can thus spot
the keyboard of your personal computer.
You can even apply for positions right from your
own terminal. For a detailed job search, or just an
idea of what's available, CLEO is waiting for your
call today. With today's opportunities.
CLEO access: (415) 482-1550 (408) 294-2000
(213) 618-8800 (714) 476-8800 (619) 224-8800
Circle 55 on inquiry card.
300 BAUD, full duplex, standard ASCII code.
Access assistance: (213) 618-1525
^^^% Recruitment advertisers —
I call (213) 618-0200 collect
■^^^ to find out how you can
Computer Listings of Employment Opportunities place VOUf ad Ofl CLEO.
An electronic publishing activity of The Copley Press, Inc.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 449
Software Received
trends for buying and selling.
For 64 and VIC-20; floppy
disk and cassette, $29.95.
Basic Byte Inc., POB 924,
Southfield, MI 48037-0924.
Spectrum-64, a fast Fourier
transform-analysis program
for use in college junior to
graduate-level calculus
classes. This program finds
the frequency spectrum or
inverse for waveform or data
analysis when you enter a
signal or data sample. Ap-
plications include signal-
spectral content, filter design
and response, antenna-radia-
tion patterns, convolution in-
tegrals, and a variety of other
technical uses. For the 64;
floppy disk and cassette,
$79.95; $59.95 with proof of
student or teacher status.
Red-Shift Software, POB
45488, Seattle, WA 98145-
0488.
Zeppelin Rescue, an arcade-
type game. Your mission as
the pilot of a blimp is to
rescue hundreds of people
stranded in a hazardous en-
vironment while keeping
watch on your gas gauge and
avoiding obstacles. Choose
from five cityscapes and four
levels of difficulty. Requires a
joystick. For the 64; floppy
disk, $24.95. Computer Soft-
ware Associates Inc., The
Silk Mill, 44 Oak St., Newton
Upper Falls, MA 02164.
Heath/Zenith
Disarm.Com, an artificial-in-
telligence puzzle program.
Using extensive graphics, a
robot that learns additional
command words through
analysis is told how to disarm
a bomb by remote control.
For the H/Z-89; floppy disk,
$35. Friendliware, POB 21206,
Lansing, MI 48909.
Slabs.Com, a graphic adap-
tation of Towers of Hanoi. Try
to rearrange the slabs in a
minimum number of moves.
For the H/Z-89; floppy disk,
$15. Friendliware (see ad-
dress above).
FLJ Soft, a graphics and
printing program that helps
you modify Zenith's interac-
tive business graphics pack-
age to provide printing of
graphs and pie charts. It's
written in assembly language
with a source code for cus-
tomized modification. For the
H/Z-100; floppy disk, $19.95.
FLJ Software Co., POB 3293,
Hialeah, FL 33013.
IBM
Personal Computer
Acme Linear Optimization,
a mathematical-formulation
program that allocates
limited amounts of resources
to different projects to mini-
mize costs and maximize
profits. Only a basic knowl-
edge of algebra is needed to
operate for planning in busi-
ness, marketing, engineer-
ing, and the environment.
Floppy disk, $150. Acme
Computer Co., 532 Northeast
83rd St., Seattle, WA 98115.
Enchanter, an interactive-
prose fantasy game (see de-
scription under Apple). Flop-
py disk, $49.95. Infocom Inc.,
55 Wheeler St., Cambridge,
MA 02138.
The Exterminator, a BASIC-
programming tool. This pro-
gram uses labels instead of
line numbers and lets you
write a type of control state-
ment. You can write pro-
grams in several different
files and combine them in
any order you select. Floppy
disk, $49. Micromedia, POB
33071, Northglenn, CO
80233.
dB/RA, a dBASE II utility
package. This array program
permits the creation of a
group of related data with a
similar format, provides stor-
age of over 65,000 memory
variables, and allows access
to data from up to 12 files
simultaneously. Floppy disk,
$200. Gryphon Microprod-
ucts, POB 6543, Silver
Spring, MD 20906.
Harvard Project Manager, a
project-planning and man-
agement program. This pro-
gram aids in analysis, plan-
ning, and scheduling proj-
ects by determining which
parts of the project are critical
to the total project time. It
also helps to efficiently
schedule tasks at minimum
cost while still meeting dead-
lines. Floppy disk, $395. Har-
vard Software Inc., Software
Park, Harvard, MA 01451.
Investment Tax Analyst, a
user-friendly series of Visi-
calc templates for accoun-
tants, stockbrokers, financial
planners, and individual in-
vestors to analyze the tax im-
plications of different invest-
ment strategies. This pro-
gram can determine the total
tax cost and effects of invest-
ments up to six years, both
before and after investments
have been made. Floppy
disk, $150. John Wiley &
Sons, 605 Third Ave., New
York, NY 10158.
Least Squares Curve Fitter
(LSF), a curve-fitting method
package. This program is
used to derive a relationship
between sets of variables by
collecting, storing, and re-
trieving large amounts of
data for applications that in-
clude such fields as politics,
mathematics, engineering,
and finance. The three types
of curves generated are
linear, quadratic, and cubic.
Hoppy disk, $39.95. Prentice-
Hall Inc., Rt. 9W, Englewood
Cliffs, NJ 07632.
PC Life, a game centered on
a simulation of a cell's life-
cycle. Create a world with a
life pattern for all single-cell
beings to follow on the grid
of your screen. Cells produce
colorful kaleidoscopic-type
patterns as they grow and
die. Floppy disk, $24.95. PC-
Ware, Department BMS1,
POB 3174, Gaithersburg, MD
20878.
Planfin, an accounting pro-
gram designed to forecast,
budget, and figure dis-
counted cash-flow for your
business needs. It is menu
driven and allows you to
change values in areas such
as production and sales, pric-
ing, financing, inflation,
foreign-exchange move-
ments, and more. Floppy
disk, $195. Business Software
Pty. Ltd., 10 Help St., Chats-
wood, New South Wales
2067, Australia.
Plotpro, a set of three Micro-
soft BASIC programs (see de-
scription under CP/M). Flop-
py disk, $49.95. BV Engineer-
ing, POB 3351, Riverside, CA
92519.
Professional Tax Plan, a tax-
planning program for such
professionals as accountants,
attorneys, trust officers, and
insurance agents. This pro-
gram lets you index tax years
for 1985 and after. It offers
ten-year averaging, capital-
gain deduction, self-employ-
ment tax, taxable unemploy-
ment compensation, medical
expenses, credit limitations,
and other features. Floppy
disks, $350. Aardvark/
McGraw-Hill, 1020 North
Broadway, Milwaukee, WI
53202.
Profin, a financial-analysis
program. You can financially
evaluate your investments in-
cluding irreversible capital-
gain projects. This menu-
driven program lets you ask
"What if . . ." questions. You
can produce business-
oriented forecasts, budgets,
discounted cash flows, and
returns on investments. Hop-
py disk, $295. Business Soft-
ware Pty. Ltd. (see address
above).
450 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
The
portable
daisywheel
printer.
Only $599.
For the first time, your tetter-quality printer
can be used almost anywhere] Bring the new
Trahstar 1 20 with you to work, to school, and
home again! Conveniently weighing in at less
than 19 pounds, it generates unrivaled print
quality and is the size of a standard briefcase.
The new 120 is so light, so small, that you
can take it with you!
Remarkably, the new $599 Transtar 120 is
"plug and go" compatible with the best-sel-
ling word processing programs, just plug the
120 into your personal computer and watch
this precision printer purr along at 14 cps
Shannon text speed producing superscript,
subscript, underlining and a true boldface.
Even using letterhead is now a breeze with
the 120's automatic single sheet loading!
Don't worry about durability: it's a tough
little machine; It joins the highly reliable fam-
ily of Transtar printers wrth a failure rate
that's the envy of the industry: less than 1%,
Should your 120 ever need repair, a nation-
wide network of authorized service centers
stands ready for speedy repair on your six-
month end-user warranty.
Just think of it: everything you want in a
letter-quality printer. ..anywhere you want it.
Only $599.
Transtar
P.O. Box C-96975, Bellevue, Washington 98009
Circle 362 on inquiry card.
Software Received
Mr. Quartermaster, a menu-
driven inventory-control sys-
tem for businesses and in-
stitutions. This program lets
you print reports for inven-
tory, reordering, and usage
listings. You can update stock
and inventory items plus
maintain comprehensive files
with add, change, or delete.
Floppy disk, $120. RJL Sys-
tems, 106 New Haven Ave.,
Milford, CT 06460.
1983 Tax Preparer, a program
for professional, computer-
automated preparation and
filing of 1983 tax returns. It
also keeps individual tax
records throughout the year.
Features include preprinted
1040 forms, instant access, a
disk library, client-billing let-
ter for professionals, and
foolproof error recovery.
Floppy disk, $250. Howard
Software Services, Suite 310,
8008 Girard Ave., La Jolla,
CA 92037.
Real Analyzer, a real estate
program. You can analyze
both income and home prop-
erty over 5 years. This pro-
gram will help you decide
when it's best to buy sell, ex-
change, or refinance any
property by projecting cash
flow and profitability before
and after taxes. Floppy disk,
$195. Real-Comp Inc., POB
1263, Cupertino, CA 95015.
RIP, a real estate investment
package. This set of 12
Visicalc templates helps in
time-consuming calcula-
tions. The analysis template
will perform a detailed 8-year
analysis on property by com-
parison of investment alter-
natives. Floppy disk, $29.95.
Tom Ciulik, 3011 Bunker Hill
Circle, Marietta, GA 30062.
Sailing, a sailing-adventure
simulation game. You must
sail your boat through the
Caribbean Sea in a race
against time to rescue swim-
mers trapped in the Bermuda
Triangle. Beware of the creep-
ing mist, gravitational vor-
tices, storms, and other ob-
stacles. Floppy disk, $34.95.
Accupipe Corp., 222 West
Lancaster Ave., Paoli, PA
19301.
Supercalc 3, an electronic
spreadsheet with integrated
graphics and data- and text-
management capabilities. It
is geared toward professional
managers who need to solve
financial and numerical anal-
yses. You can create line and
bar graphs and pie and
exploded-pie charts. Floppy
disk, $395. Sorcim Corp.,
2310 Lundy Ave., San Jose,
CA 95131.
Triple Brain Trust, a ques-
tion-and-answer game for all
ages. After a question is cor-
rectly answered, the player
places an X or an O on a tic-
tac-toe grid. Categories in-
clude word recognition, basic
reading, geography, movies,
and general sports trivia.
Floppy disk, $39.95. Reston
Publishing Co., 11480 Sunset
Hills Rd., Reston, VA 22090.
TRS-80
The BASIC Answer, a text-
processing utility program.
BASIC programmers can
construct code in a structured
manner. It uses labels instead
of line numbers and supports
variable names of up to 14
significant alphanumeric
characters. For the Model 4;
floppy disk, $69. Logical Sys-
tems Inc., 8970 North 55th
St., POB 23956, Milwaukee,
WI 53223.
Games for the II (vol. 2),
three arcade-type games. In
Palestine, you pilot your
fighter to destroy the enemy.
You can
now order
article
reprints
from this
publication
University Microfilms International,
in cooperation with publishers
of this journal, offers a highly con-
venient Article Reprint Service.
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can now be obtained in their
original size (up to8 1 /2 x 11 inches).
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452 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
An Analog and Digital I/O board for your IBM PC "at just $295!"
Who does Molinari think he is?
Ho ho ho.
Don't laugh. We're not kidding. Data Transla-
tion is practically giving away a new single board
plug-in that brings complete analog and digital I/O
capabilities to your IBM Personal Computer.
Ordered in lots of 500 or more, you can enjoy
full data acquisition capability for as little as $295.
And smaller unit orders also qualify for considerable
savings. . . one unit is only $495.
But what would you expect from an innovator
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And all of these functions are supported by PCLAB,'"
our BASIC callable subroutine library running under
PC DOS."
A comprehensive user manual with many
programming examples will get your application up
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Ext.
\C*ocW/Trie.
The DT2808 is the lowest cost data acquisition board
for the IBM PC. It includes A/D, D/A, digital I/O, clock
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This easy to use, easy to program board is highly reliable,
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The new DT2808. The lowest cost
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just one in a long line of software
compatible analog I/O boards offered
by the industry leader.
Data Translation. **
Yes Virginia, there is a Santa J%?
Claus. He's president of Data
Translation.
For more information,
call one of our elves.
(617)481-3700.
*500 pes., $495: quantity one
Data Translation provides a full
family of analog and digital I/O
boards with software support
for the IBM PC.
DATATRANSLATION
World Headquarters: Data Translation, Inc., 100 Locke Dr., Marlboro, MA 01752 (617) 481-3700 Tlx 951 646.
European Headquarters: Data Translation, Ltd., 430 Bath Rd., Slough, Berkshire SLI 6BB England (06286) 3412 Tlx849 862.
In Canada: (416) 625-1907.
IBM PC, IBM Personal Computer and PC DOS are registered trademarks of IBM. PCLAB is a trademark of Data Translation, Inc.
Circle 105 on inquiry card.
IT'S SIMPLE
CALL & SAVE MONEY!
1-800-841-0860
DIRECT MARKETING COMPUTERS AND
EQUIPMENT TO SAVE YOU MONEY!
SINCE 1978
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EPSON
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WE SELL IBM
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• PIONEER IN DIRECT TO
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• NAME BRAND PRODUCTS
• LARGE INVENTORIES
• NEXT DAY SHIPMENT ON
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• DISCOUNT PRICE LIST AND
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• COPY OF MFR'S WARRANTY
• PRICES AND PRODUCTS ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT NOTICE
~ { Man's Best Friend ) ^-
Micro Management
Systems, Inc.
2803 Thomasville Road East
Cairo, Georgia 31728
|912) 377-7120 // -]
Software Received.
In Ape Escape, you climb
through the jungle to save
Alvin Ape. And in Saucers,
you help Andorians exter-
minate eight types of pests.
For Models II, 12, and 16;
floppy disk, $29.95. Mary-
land Model II Games, 3304
Carlton Ave., Temple Hills,
MD 20748.
Kaleidophone, a program-
mable color-organ/video-
music system. Create an un-
limited variety of color dis-
plays that change in time
with the music. You can play
this like a video instrument
or operate it from built-in dis-
plays. For the Color Com-
puter; cassette, $20. New
Salem Research, West Main
St., New Salem, MA 01355.
LS-FED II (File Editor), an
all-purpose file and disk
editor. This utility program
displays a 256-byte sector of
a file in both ASCII and hexa-
decimal notation. Any byte of
a displayed sector can be
modified and you have
several options for movement
through the sectors. For the
Model 4: floppy disk, $49.
Logical Systems Inc. (see
address above).
LS-FM (File Manager), a util-
ity program for file manage-
ment. It lets you display, kill,
move, remove, and copy
files. Wildcard characters can
be used to purge a disk, and
files can be copied to more
than one disk drive simulta-
neously. For the Model 4:
floppy disk, $49. Logical Sys-
tems Inc. (see address
above).
LS-Help Generator, a utility
program for use with LDOS
Help that lets you create your
own help files for use with
LDOS. The Help Generator
takes a text file and changes
it into a data file that can be
accessed with LDOS Help.
For the Model 4: floppy disk,
$49. Logical Systems Inc. (see
address above).
LS-LDOS Help, a screen-
oriented utility program that
displays information about
LDOS. Simply type HELP
and a keyword to obtain in-
formation on LDOS or
LBASIC commands. For
Models I, III, and 4: floppy
disk, $29. Logical Systems
Inc. (see address above).
LS-Help Text Source, ASCII
text files covering LDOS and
LBASIC commands. The files
may be incorporated into the
LDOS Help utility or ap-
pended to create your own
help files. For Models I, III,
and 4; floppy disk, $29. Logi-
cal Systems Inc. (see address
above).
LS-Technical Help, ASCII
text files covering assembly-
language programming with
LDOS. The four files contain
a description of the Z80 mne-
monic functions, flag set/
reset information, and op
codes. For use with two disk
drives and LDOS Help. For
the Model 4; floppy disk,
$39. Logical Systems Inc. (see
address above).
Plotpro, a set of three Micro-
soft BASIC programs (see de-
scription under CP/M). For
Models I, III, and 4; floppy
disk, $49.95. BV Engineering,
POB 3351, Riverside, CA
92519.
Pro-Cess, a menu-driven,
machine-language program
that provides maintenance
for CMD- or CIM-type load-
module files. It allows file ap-
pending, mapping, sorting,
packing, offsetting, and par-
titioned data-set member ex-
traction. You can reorganize
large, inefficiently generated
load modules. For the Model
4; floppy disk, $40. Misosys,
POB 4848, Alexandria, VA
22303.
Smal-LDOS 5.1.3, a disk
operating system based on a
subset of LDOS. It features
many of the filters and utili-
454 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 240 on inquiry card.
The Micromint
Collection
Micromint. Supporting the varied projects that appear in Steve Ciarcia's
monthly article in BYTE Magazine, "Garcia 's Circuit Cellar. " Offering a wide
range of computers and peripherals designed to meet the exacting demands of
the hobbyist as well as worldwide corporate clients.
TERM-MITE ST
SMART TERMINAL BOARD
As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar
BYTE Magazine, January & February 19S4
All you need to build a Smart Video Terminal equiva-
lent to the types advertised tor 51,000.00 or more is a
Term-Mite ST circuit board, scanned or parallel key-
board, video monitor and power supply.
• Uses brand new Natl Semi NS455A Terminal
Processor.
• 24 lines by 80 characters. 25th reverse-video
status.
• Upper & lowercase. Line (block) graphics.
• Selectable data rate, parity & display options.
• Reverse video, halt intensity, double height 8
width, underlined, blinking and'or blank character.
• Separate sync or composite video output. Sell Test.
Term-Mile ST Video Display Terminal Board
BCC22 Assembled & Tested $284.
BCC23 Complete Kil 244.
MPX-16 MICROCOMPUTER
IBM PC COMPATIBLE
As featured on the cover otBYTE Magazine. Also
featured in Ciartia s Circuit Cellar November,
December 1982 & January 1983
The Computer With A Split Personality.
—Use it as an IBM PC look alike that directly boots
PC DOS 1 .1 and accepts all expansion boards
designed lor the IBM PC
—Use it as a powerful 8088 single board computer
for all your OEM applications. Just add serial ter-
minal, disk drive and power supply. Directly boots
CP/M-86.
Buy the MPX-16 in the lorm that best meets your
needs or budget As a bare board, as a wave soldered
board that contains all components less ICs, as an
assembled and tested circuit board or as a complete
'system.
• Directly boots PC DOS 1.1 and CP/M-86.
• Most IBM PC software executes with no
modifications
• IBM PC bus compatible + 9 expansion slots
• Intel 8088 16-bit microprocessor.
• Optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor.
• 256K bytes on board memory.
• Up to one megabyte of system memory.
• Up to 64K bytes of system ROM/EPROM
• 2 RS-232C Serial & 3 Parallel I/O ports.
• Disk controller for 5Vi" or 8" drives.
• Sixteen levels of vectored interrupts.
MPX-16 Circuit Board Assembled
W/64KRAM $1,200.
OEM 100 quantity price 900.
MPX-16 Circuit Board Asembled
W/256KRAM 1,400.
MPX-16 Semi-Kit (wave soldered circuit
board wall components) Less ICs 695.
Complete Kit of ICs W256K RAM 595.
MPX-16 Unpopulated (bare) PC Board .... 300.
CP/M-86 Operating System + Manuals ... 80.
MPX-16 Switching Power Supply 300.
MPX-16 Technical Reference Manual 50.
MPX-16 Metal Enclosure with Fan 300.
Tandon TM 100-2 Double Sided/Density
Drive 300.
IBM PC Keyboard Interface Adapter 100.
Shipping & handling additional on all
MPX-16 orders.
IBM PC is a trademark o< International Business Machines Inc.
CPM-86 is a trademark of Digital Research Inc.
Z8 is a trademark ol Zilog Inc
Circle 242 on inquiry card.
Z8 BASIC SYSTEM
CONTROLLER NEW!!!
As featured in Ciartia s Circuit Cellar.
BYTC Magazine, July « August 1981
The Z8 Basic System Controller is an updated version
of our popular BCC01 . The price has been reduced
and features added. The entire computer is 4" by 4V?"
and includes a tiny BASIC interpreter, up to 6K bytes
of RAM and EPROM, one RS-232C serial port with
switchable baud rates and two parallel ports. BASIC
or machine language programming is accomplished
simply by connecting a CRT terminal Programs can
be transferred to 2732 EPROMs with an optional
EPROM programmer for auto start applications. Addi-
tional Z8 peripheral boards include memory expan-
sion, serial and parallel I/O. real time clock, an A/D
Converter and an EPROM programmer.
• Uses Zilog Z8 single chip microprocessor
• Data and address buses available for 124K memory,
• Can be battery operated.
• Cross assemblers for various computers
BCCH Assembled & Tested $149.
New Low Price
Z8 MEMORY. I/O EXPANSION.
CASSETTE INTERFACE
• 8K bytes of additional RAM or EPROM
• Three additional 8 bit parallel ports.
• Cassette interface— 300 baud K.C. Standard.
• Software real time clock.
BCC03 w/4K RAM Assembled & Tested $150.
BCC04 w/8K RAM Assembled & Tested 18
Z8 EPROM PROGRAMMER
• Transfer BASIC or Assembly Language application
programs from RAM to 2716 or 2732 EPROM
• Comes with programming & utility routines on
EPROM.
• Requires BCC03 Z8 Expansion Board for operation
BCC07 Assembled & Tested $145.
Z8 ANALOG TO DIGITAL
CONVERTER
• Uses Analog Devices 7581 IC, 8-channel 8-bit.
• Adds process control capability to the Z8 system
• Over 1 ,000 conversions per channel per second.
• Monitors 8 analog signals in one of two 10v ranges.
BCC13 Assembled & Tested $140.
Z8 SERIAL EXPANSION BOARD
• Adds additional RS-232C and opto-isolated 20 ma.
current loop serial port to the IB System.
• Runs at 75 to 19,200 baud in all protocols.
• Comes with listings of sample serial I'O routines.
BCC06 Assembled & Tested $160.
Z816K MEMORY EXPANSION
BOARD
• Add up to 16K o) additional memory. RAM or
EPROM , to your Z8 System Controller in any
multiple.
• Accepts 2016, 6116. 2716, or 2732 memory types.
• Four 16K cards may be installed on the Z8 System
bringing the total memory to 64K.
BCC14 Assembled & Tested w/8K RAM $120.
BCC16 Assembled & Tested w 16K RAM 155.
COMING SOON! MICRO D-CAM
FORTH LANGUAGE VERSION DIGITAL TV CAMERA
0FTHEZ8
With the new Z8 with on board 4K FORTH you can
program high speed control functions in a few simple
high level language commands. Perfect for data
reduction, process control and high speed control
applications.
BCC20 Z8F FORTH Microprocessor chip .... $150.
BCC21 Z8F FORTH System Controller
(This board is a BCC11 with a BCC20
installed)
Assembled & Tested 280.
Z8 CROSS ASSEMBLERS
From Micm Resources
IBM PC, APPLE. 6502 Systems 5W",
CP/M2.28" $ 75.
From Allen Ashley
TRS-80 Model I, III, Northstar5V4' 75.
CP/M2.28" 150.
Z8 FIVE SLOT MOTHER BOARD
• Expand your Z8 BASIC System with minimum
effort.
• Contains five slots complete w/44 pin connectors.
MB02 Assembled & Tested $69.
TRIPLE VOLTAGE
POWER SUPPLIES
+5V f§ 300 ma. +/-12V @ 25 ma.
UPS01 Assembled & Tested $35.
UPS02 Complete Kit 27.
+5V@1Amp. +12V@.5Amp. -12V @ 50 ma.
UPS03 Assembled & Tested 60.
UPS04 Complete Kit 50.
SPEECH SYNTHESIZERS
MICROVOX TEXT-TO-SPEECH
SYNTHESIZER
As featured in Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar
BYTE Magazine September, October 1982.
Microvox is a second generation professional voice
quality text-to-speech synthesizer that is easily inter-
laced to any computer, modern, RS-232C serial
or parallel output device and provides speech ol
unbelievable clarity
• Unlimited vocabulary.
• 64 programmable inflection levels
• 6K lext-to-speech algorithm.
• Full ASCII character set recognition and echo.
• RS232C and parallel output.
• 1000 character buffer, 3000 optional.
• Adjustable baud rales (75-9600).
• Spelling output mode.
• 7 octave music and sound effects
• On board audio amplifier & power supply.
• X-On/X-Ofl handshaking.
MV0I Assembled with 1K buffer $299.
MV02 Complete Kil with 1K buffer 219.
Add $15.00 for 3K buffer oplion.
VOTRAX SC-01A PHONETIC
SPEECH SYNTHESIZER IC
The SC-01A Speech Synthesizer is a completely self-
contained solid state device that phonetically syn-
thesizes continuous speech of unlimited vocabulary.
Used in our Microvox and Sweet-Talker.
SC01A Quantity 1-99 S44. ea.
100+ 32. ea.
1000 i 24. ea.
I
As featured in Ciarcia s Circuit Cellar
BYTE Magazine, September & October 1983
GIVE YOUR COMPUTER THE DIMENSION OF SIGHT
• Interprets, enhances and stores images.
• 256 x 128 digital image sensor.
• Plug-in boards for the IBM-PC. APPLE II -» or e.
• Software includes utilities for auto exposure,
multi-level greyscale. screen dump and image
enhancement.
• Includes interface card, 4 foot extension cable,
camera assembly, manual, and software on
diskette.
DC01 IBM PC Assembled & Tested $299.
DC02 IBM PC Complete Kit 264.
DC03 APPLE II Assembled & Tested 299.
DC04 APPLE II Complete Kit 264.
300 BAUD ANSWER/
ORIGINATE MODEM KIT
As featured in Ciarcia s Circuit Cellar
BYTE Magazine, March 1983
Micromint's latest 300 Baud Modem Kit is crystal
controlled, uses the Tl TMS99532 IC. contains just
25 parts and requires no calibration or adjustments.
Use with acoustic coupler or in direct connect mode,
MD04 Complete Kit as shown $60.
i5 Transformer for Direct Connect Mode .. 9,
Acoustic Coupler Kit 20.
E-Z COLOR GRAPHIC
INTERFACE WITH SPRITES
APPLE II E-Z Color plug-in board with Graphics
Editor on 3.3 disk
EZ01 Assembled & Tested $150.
EZ02 Complete Kit 125.
APPLE II E-Z Color Plus
• Allows the use of a single monitor or TV set
E211 Assembled & Tested w Graphics Editor $200.
KRELL LOGO tor E-Z Color and E-Z Color Plus
Supports Sprite Graphics.
E221 Krell LOGO w lull documentation S89.
Animation Software lor E-Z Color Plus
• Draw with Sprites using Joystick or Koala Pad.
• Animate Sprites from your own BASIC program
EZ21 Animation Software S49.
S100 E-Z Color Graphics Board
• With sound generator & joystick interlace.
• MBASIC Graphics Editor on 8" diskette.
EZ04 Assembled & Tested $289.
MICROMINT INC. 561 Willow Avenue.
Cedarhurst. NY 11516
To Order: Call Toll Free 1-800-645-3479
For Information Call: 1-516-374-6793
Call: Monday-Friday, 9-5 PM
Software Received
ties of the original system.
For Models I and III; floppy
disk, $59. Logical Systems
Inc. (see address above).
Student Grade System, a stu-
dent-average teacher's aid
program. Teachers can keep
track of students using num-
bers or letter grades, easily
add or delete names, and
print a student's progress
during a term. For the Model
III; floppy disk, $75. Tinker
Techniques, 435 Greenway
Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.
Z Graph, a graphics-editor
package in machine-lan-
guage. Construct screen
images using the computer's
block-graphics capabilities.
You can automatically gener-
ate lines, circles, and rec-
tangles, or save any image
generated from other pro-
grams. For Models I and III;
floppy disk, $50. Misosys
(see address above).
Timex/Sinclair 1000
AC and DC Circuit Analysis,
two electronic-analysis pro-
grams. You can compute
general numerical solutions
to electrical circuits contain-
ing 12 nodes and 25 branches
of resistors or controlled
sources. The program also
displays node and branch
voltages, currents, and
powers. Cassette, $15.95.
Computer Heroes, 1961
Dunn Rd., East Liverpool,
OH 43920.
1983 Tax Return Helper, a
1983 income tax calculation
program. A set of five pro-
grams automatically cor-
relates, updates lines, and
checks errors when you enter
information for Form 1040
and Schedules A, B, C, D,
and E. Cassette, $14. K Soft,
845 Wellner Rd., Naperville,
IL 60540.
RPNZL Programming Sys-
tem, a set of four programs
that provides the speed and
control needed in BASIC pro-
gramming. It includes a 3000-
bit-per-second tape system, a
full-screen text editor, com-
piler, sampler, linker, and
other features. Cassettes,
$29.95. The Golden Stair,
141A Dore St., San Francisco,
CA 94103.
Other Computers
Cape Cod Golf, a graphics-
simulation game. You control
the swing and make shots
with a joystick on a 9-hole
golf course. Try to par the
course while avoiding trees,
sand traps, and water
hazards. Ideal for both avid
golfers and nongolfers. For
the Texas Instruments 99/4A;
cassette, $14.95. Harry P.
Richard, 18 Fruitwood Dr.,
Burnt Hills, NY 12027.
Plotpro, a set of three Micro-
soft BASIC programs (see de-
scription under CP/M). For
Victor computers using MS-
DOS; floppy disk, $49.95. BV
Engineering, POB 3351,
Riverside, CA 92519.
Supercomp-Twenty, an elec-
tronic spreadsheet for finan-
cial modeling and decision-
support applications. This
program is designed to be
used in a distributed network
so that models can be moved
between different computers.
You can also import data to
a graphics or word-process-
ing package. For the Digital
Equipment Corporation
(DEC) Professional 350; flop-
py disk, $395. Access Tech-
nology Inc., 6 Pleasant St.,
South Natick, MA 01760. ■
This is a list of software packages that have been received by
BYTE Publications during the past month. The list is correct to
the best of our knowledge, but it is not meant to be a full de-
scription of the product or the forms in which the product is
available. In particular, some packages may be sold for several
machines or in both cassette and floppy-disk format; the prod-
uct listed here is the version received by BYTE Publications.
This is an all-inclusive list that makes no comment on the
quality or usefulness of the software listed. We regret that we
cannot review every software package we receive. Instead,
this list is meant to be a monthly acknowledgment of these
packages and the companies that sent them. All software re-
ceived is considered to be on loan to BYTE and is returned to
the manufacturer after a set period of time. Companies send-
ing software packages should be sure to include the list price
of the packages and (where appropriate) the alternate forms
in which they are available.
NOT ONLY ANOTHER TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH
BUT ALSO EASY TO USE AND TO INSTALL
Modems are the most important device
used to link two products together
through ordinary telephone lines at
miles apart. The INCOMM STARCOM, a
300/1200 bps Auto Dial. Auto Answer,
Auto Log On modem was introduced to
link two high speed devices together
with having absolutely NO knowledge
of computers or communications in
general. Anybody can install and
operate the STARCOM Family in a few
minutes.
STARCOM is a 300/1200 bps Auto Dial/Auto Log On/Auto Answer Modem.
OSCOM is a 300/1200 bps Auto Dial/Auto Log On/Auto Answer with Osborne
{TM) Computer Software (included) modem.
COMSOFT is a communication software package.
OEM MODEM BOARD is also available for custom installation.
THE
STARCOM
,$399.
« ' • • • •»
FREE $150.00 value subscrip-
tion to Official Airlines Guide
with purchase of each Starcom
or Oscom. Get immediate electronic
access to airline fare and schedule
info. 0AG Electronic Edition can save
you at "least 30% on most business
trips and could save you thousands
of dollars annually!
DEALER INQUIRIES
INVITED
(312) 459-8881
or 1-800-323-2666
INCOMM
115 N. WOLF RD. WHEELING, IL 60090
****---~-^««r
THE
OSCOM
.$450.
SO COMPACT!
Only 1V 4 " x 6V2" x 7V 2 '. 1.5 lbs.
Fits in your coat pocket!
456 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 181 on inquiry card.
Event Queue
February 1984
February-April
Courses from Integrated
Computer Systems, various
sites throughout the U.S.
"Implementing Local Area
Networks" and "Computer
Network Design and Proto-
cols" are two of the courses
to be presented. For course
information, contact Ruth
Dordick, Integrated Com-
puter Systems, 6305 Arizona
Place, POB 45405, Los
Angeles, CA 90045, (213)
417-8888.
February-April
Courses in C Language and
Unix, various sites through-
out the U.S. Three five-day
courses are offered: "C Pro-
gramming Workshop," "Ad-
vanced C Topics Seminar,"
and "Unix Workshop." For
complete details, contact Joan
Hall, Plum Hall Inc., 1
Spruce Ave., Cardiff, NJ
08232, (609) 927-3770.
February-July
Reliability and Maintain-
ability Engineering Insti-
tvles and Short Courses,
various sites throughout the
U.S. A few of the programs
to be offered are "Reliability
Engineering, Testing, and
Maintainability Engineering"
and "The Tenth Annual Re-
liability Testing Institute." For
a complete schedule, contact
Dr. Dimitri Kececioglu, Col-
lege of Engineering, Aero-
space and Mechanical Engi-
neering Department, Univer-
sity of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
85721, (602) 621-2495.
February-August
Conferences and Expositions
from the Society of Manu-
facturing Engineers, various
sites throughout the U.S. and
around the world. More than
25 conferences and exposi-
tions are scheduled. For a
calendar, contact the Public
Relations Department, Soci-
ety of Manufacturing Engi-
neers, One SME Dr., POB
930, Dearborn, MI 48121,
(313) 271-0777.
February 13-36
Kuwait Info '84, Internation-
al Exhibition Center, Kuwait
City, Kuwait. Exhibits in this
third annual event will en-
compass a broad range of in-
formation businesses, includ-
ing data and word process-
ing, communications, office
automation, micrographics,
security systems, and en-
vironmental control systems.
Information is available from
Carol Purdey, Intermarket
Network Corp., Suite 203,
1110 Vermont Ave. NW,
Washington, DC 20005, (202)
822-9127.
February 14-15
The First Annual Automated
Manufacturing Systems
Conference: A Market As-
sessment, Inn of Westchester,
White Plains, NY. For infor-
mation, contact Carol Sap-
chin, Frost & Sullivan Inc.,
106 Fulton St., New York, NY
10038, (212) 233-1080.
February 14-16
The Twelfth Annual ACM
Computer Science Confer-
ence, Franklin Plaza Hotel,
Philadelphia, PA. Papers,
panel sessions, and abstracts
will address the central
themes of "Factory of the
Future," "Coping with Small
Computers," and "Social and
Ethical Implications of Com-
puters." Exhibits will feature
over 50 computer and in-
structional materials. Par-
ticulars are available from the
Association for Computing
Machinery, 1133 Avenue of
the Americas, New York, NY
10036, (212) 265-6300.
February 15-16
Intermountain Telecommu-
nications Show, Expomart,
Salt Lake City, UT This
show, cosponsored by Jon
Taylor & Company and the
Utah Telecommunications
Management Association,
will focus on the latest devel-
opments in voice- and data-
communications equipment
and services. For informa-
tion, contact Jon Taylor &
Co., POB 356, Salt Lake City,
UT 84110, (801) 298-3100.
February 17
Computer-aided Manufac-
ture for Semiconductor Fab-
rication Applications, Palo
Alto, CA. This intensive
short course, sponsored by
Continuing Education in
Engineering and the College
of Engineering of the Univer-
sity of California in Berkeley,
will survey CAM trends. Ad-
vanced registration is re-
quired due to limited enroll-
ment. The fee is $215. For in-
formation, contact Continu-
ing Education in Engineer-
ing, University of California
Extension, 2223 Fulton St.,
Berkeley, CA 94720, (415)
642-4151.
February 17-19
Computer Expo '84, Expo
Centre, Orlando, FL. This
show will feature more than
100 demonstrations of micro-
computer hardware and soft-
ware. Attendees can partici-
pate in a wide range of semi-
nars and hands-on work-
shops. For details, contact
Laurel Netzer, POB 3435,
Longwood, FL 32750, (305)
862-6917.
February 18-22
Euroshop 84, Fairgrounds,
Dusseldorf, West Germany.
This international trade fair
will feature more than 600 ex-
hibitors from 20 countries
and will be supplemented by
workshops exploring various
facets of the merchandising
business. For show details,
contact Dusseldorf Trade
Shows, 500 Fifth Ave., New
York, NY 10110, (212) 840-7744.
For information on travel and
arrangements, contact the
Housing Division at (800)
221-3302; in New York, (212)
974-1934.
February 20-22
The 1984 Office Automation
Conference (OAC '84), Con-
vention Center, Dos Angeles,
CA. The theme of this con-
ference is "Office Automa-
tion and You." For the first
time, an executive-only pro-
gram will be offered. Further
information is available from
the American Federation of
Information Processing Soci-
eties Inc., 1899 Preston White
Dr., Reston, VA 22091, (703)
620-8926. For details on the
Executive Program, contact
John J. Connell, Office Tech-
nology Research Group, POB
65, Pasadena, CA 91102.
February 20-23
Arabian Productivity Ad-
vancement Using Comput-
ers/Graphics, APAC '84,
Inter-Continental Hotel,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is
the first international con-
ference and exposition on
computer graphics to be held
in Saudi Arabia. Industry
and government representa-
tives from Middle Eastern
and Western nations will at-
tend. For information, con-
tact APAC '84 Conference
Director, World Computer
Graphics Association Inc.,
Suite 399, 2033 M St. NW,
Washington, DC 20036, (202)
775-9556.
February 21
High-resolution Litho-
graphy, Palo Alto, CA. This
intensive short course, spon-
sored by Continuing Educa-
tion in Engineering and the
College of Engineering of the
University of California in
Berkeley, will focus on ad-
vances in electron-beam
lithography, optical litho-
graphy tools, and more. Ad-
vanced registration is re-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 457
Event Queue.
quired due to limited enroll-
ment. The fee is $215. For in-
formation, contact Continu-
ing Education in Engineer-
ing, University of California
Extension, 2223 Fulton St.,
Berkeley, CA 94720, (415)
642-4151.
February 21-23
Softcon, Superdome, New
Orleans, LA. This interna-
tional software conference
and trade fair is designed for
retailers, independent sales
organizations, consultants,
government agencies, educa-
tional institutions, and pro-
fessional software develop-
ers. Registration is $15. For in-
formation, contact Northeast
Expositions, 822 Boylston St.,
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167,
(800) 841-7000; in Massachu-
setts, (617) 739-2000.
Februan/ 22-24
Fundamentals of Finance
and Accounting Using a Mi-
crocomputer, New York City.
This three-day seminar is
sponsored by the Data Pro-
cessing Institute of the New
York University School of
Continuing Education. It will
cover microcomputer appli-
cations for effective decision
making and controlling busi-
ness requirements. Previous
computer knowledge is not
required. The fee for the
course is $695. For details,
contact the NYU School of
Continuing Education Semi-
nar Center, 575 Madison
Ave., New York, NY 10022,
(212) 748-5094.
Februan/ 22-24
Pick Spectrum '84, MGM
Grand Hotel, Reno, NV. This
business-computer forum,
designed for people in com-
puter education and the tech-
nical or manufacturing paths,
will feature a wide array of
demonstrations and exhibits.
Seminars will be available on
Pick implementations, net-
working, magnetic tape
media, and voice response
and recognition. The fee is
$350. To register, contact In-
ternational Database Man-
agement Association Inc.,
Suite 210, 9740 Appaloosa
Rd., San Diego, CA 92131,
(619) 578-3152.
February 22-28
Imprinta 84, Fairgrounds,
Dusseldorf, West Germany.
This international congress
and exhibition will feature
techniques and services in
print communication and its
alternatives. For details, con-
tact Dusseldorf Trade Shows,
500 Fifth Ave., New York, NY
10110, (212) 840-7744.
Februan/ 23-24
Computers in Construction,
Orlando, FL. This seminar is
designed to assist construc-
tion contractors and con-
struction management firms
in acquiring computer sys-
tems. The fee is $425 per
registrant. More details are
available from CIP Informa-
tion Services Inc., 1105-F
Spring St., Silver Spring,
MD 20910, (301) 589-7933.
February 23-26
Technology, Entertainment,
Design Communications
Conference, Conference Cen-
ter, Monterey, CA. Audio and
visual presentations docu-
menting technological ad-
vances and their usage in
communications processes
will be presented at this con-
ference. Registration fees are
$475. Contact Judi Skalsky,
T E. D. Communications
Conference, 635 Westbourne
Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90069,
(213) 854-6307.
February 25-26
Computers & Reading/ Learn-
ing Difficulties, Hilton, San
Francisco, CA. This second
annual conference is de-
signed for those people who
use computers in the reading
and language arts, and for
overcoming learning disabil-
ities. Interested persons may
request brochures from Edu-
cational Computer Confer-
ences, Department N, 1070
Crows Nest Way, Richmond,
CA 94803.
Februan/ 25-26
The Computer Supermarket
Personal Computer Show,
County Fairgrounds, San
Mateo, CA. Retailers, manu-
facturers, and distributors
will offer savings on a wide
variety of personal com-
puters, software, and acces-
sories for hobby, business,
and home uses. For exhibitor
and show information, con-
tact Microshows, POB 4323,
Foster City, CA 94404, (415)
571-8041.
February 27-28
Software Tools for Distrib-
uted Support Systems,
Westin Hotel at Copley Place,
Boston, MA. This confer-
ence, targeted at managers
and professionals, will fea-
ture in-depth demonstrations
and discussions by leading
software vendors. For details,
contact Dr. Warren Briggs,
The Software Tools Confer-
ence, Suffolk University,
Beacon Hill, Boston, MA
02114, (617) 723-4700.
February 27-29
Fundamentals of Finance
and Accounting Using a
Microcomputer, Chicago, IL.
For details, see February
22-24.
February 27-29
Micro Technology & Audit-
ing, Westin Peachtree Plaza,
Atlanta, GA. This intensive
conference provides an up-
date on state-of-the-art tech-
nology, controls, security,
and auditability of microcom-
puter systems. Topics to be
presented include a Unix sys-
tem tutorial, recovery man-
agement for microcomputers,
encryption, the Pick operat-
ing system, and the portable
audit office. For details, con-
tact MIS Training Institute
Inc., 4 Brewster Rd, Framing-
ham, MA 01701, (617)
879-7999.
February 27-March 2
MICAD '84, Paris, France.
An exhibition associated with
the MICAD biennial confer-
ence will be held for the first
time. This event also marks
the tenth anniversary of
MICADO, the French Com-
puter Graphics Association.
MICAD will provide an op-
portunity for manufacturers
of computer graphics hard-
ware and software to make
contact with the rapidly
growing French computer-
graphics market. For infor-
mation, contact Caby Smith,
World Computer Graphics
Association Inc., Suite 399,
2033 M St. NW, Washington,
DC 20036, (202) 775-9556. In
Europe, contact MICADO,
ZIRST, Chemin de Pre Carre,
38240 Meylan, France; tel:
(76) 90-31-90; Telex: 980 882 F.
Februan/ 27-March 2
Welcome to the World of Per-
sonal Computing, Fort Lau-
derdale, FL. This workshop
serves as a comprehensive
introduction to the uses of
microcomputer technology
in business, industry, and
government. Six modules,
ranging from user productiv-
ity to software reliability, are
on the agenda. For further in-
formation, contact Keston
Associates, 11317 Old Club
Rd., Rockville, MD 20852,
(301) 881-7666.
February 28-29
The Twelfth Annual Mid-
west Digital Equipment Ex-
hibit and Seminar, Thunder-
bird Motel, Minneapolis,
MN. More than 100 manufac-
turers of computer terminals,
data-communications equip-
ment, peripherals, data-ac-
quisition systems, and digital
test instruments will display
their products. Admission to
both the exhibits and semi-
nars is free of charge. For
more details, contact Coun-
tryman Associates Co., 1821
University Ave., St. Paul,
MN 55104, (612) 645-9151.
458 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
February 28-March 1
The Annual Computer Fair
of the Computer Society of
Bermuda, Princess Hotel,
Southampton, Bermuda.
The theme for this event is
"Bermuda— The International
Offshore Software Mart."
Seminars, demonstrations,
presentations, and vendor
exhibits will highlight this
show. For full details, contact
James H. Young Jr., Com-
puter Society of Bermuda,
POB 1479, Hamilton 5, Ber-
muda, (809) 295-7111.
February 28-March 1
COMPCON Spring '84, San
Francisco, CA. For details,
contact the IEEE Computer
Society, POB 639, Silver
Spring, MD 20901, (301)
589-8142.
February 28-March 2
The Air Force Conference on
Technology in Training and
Education, School of Health
Care Sciences, Sheppard Air
Force Base, TX. This confer-
ence will explore technology
in aerospace applications,
technical training, and edu-
cation, with emphasis on
current developments in the
Department of Defense. Top-
ics of discussion include
computer-generated simula-
tions and training aids and
innovative uses of interactive
videodiscs. For information,
contact Captain Jim Camp-
bell, SHCS/USAF/MSSA,
SAFB Wichita Falls, TX 76311,
(817) 851-6461.
March 1984
March 1-2
The Microcomputer Jungle:
Impact on Health Care, Kan-
sas City, KS. This course is
designed to broaden the
knowledge base for novice,
intermediate, and advanced
small system users who work
in health-care fields. The fee
is $90 for physicians, nurses,
therapists, and administra-
tors; $45 for student/resi-
dents. For details, contact Jan
Johnston, Office of Continu-
ing Education, University of
Kansas Medical Center, 39th
and Rainbow, Kansas City,
KS 66103, (913) 588-4480.
March 6-8
Professional Development
Week '84 (P.D.W. '84), Holi-
day Inn, Ottawa, Ontario,
Canada. The theme of this
event sponsored by the Data
Processing Institute is "Tech-
nology—Solution or Prob-
lem." Held in conjunction
with Interchange '84, both
events will cover various
government electronic data
processing applications and
systems. For information,
contact the Data Processing
Institute, Box 2458, Station D,
Ottawa, Ontario KIP 5W6,
Canada, or call Carol Halikas
at (613) 992-3333.
March 8-9
Computers in Construction,
San Diego, CA. For details,
see February 23-24.
March 8-10
The Role of the Microcom-
puter in Education IV, Ar-
lington Park Hilton, Arling-
ton Heights, IL. In-depth
seminars and sessions cover-
ing a wide range of educa-
tional topics make up this
conference. Further informa-
tion is available from Rick
Nelson, Micro-Ideas, 1335
North Waukegan Rd., Glen-
view, IL 60025, (312) 998-5065.
March 12-14
Auditing and Controlling
Microcomputers, Houston,
TX. This seminar reviews the
technology behind micro-
computers and shows how
they can be used by an audi-
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February 19S4 © BYTE Publications Inc. 459
YOU CAN'T
FIGHT STATIC
SITTING DOWN.
Static electricity exists everywhere in an office
environment — it's not just confined to a few square
feet around a CRT. And when you consider that some-
one casually walking past a terminal can generate
enough charges to trigger a major malfunction,
it's clear that a small anti-static mat is hopelessly
ineffective in protecting sensitive computers.
The solution is Staticide®. Unlike bulky mats,
which can be unwelcome in a smartly-decorated
office setting, Staticide provides an invisible barrier
against static — a shield that remains in effect for up to
six months with a single application. And while mats
can cost hundreds, a quart of Staticide is only a few
dollars. What's more, now you could wipe out static
and dust attraction on CRT screens and keyboards
with new Staticide® Wipes™.
Staticide from ACL. When
you compare it against anti-
static mats, the results will
floor you.
Staticide
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We offer no static
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460 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Event Queue.
tor for practice management
or as a tool in an audit en-
gagement. For a course out-
line, contact Miriam Hoyt,
MIS Training Institute Inc., 4
Brewster Rd., Framingham,
MA 01701, (617) 879-7999.
March 12-15
Interface '84, Convention
Center, Las Vegas, NV. For
details on this twelfth annual
data communications/infor-
mation-processing confer-
ence and exposition, contact
the Interface Group Inc., 300
First Ave., Needham, MA
02194, (800) 325-3330; in Mas-
sachusetts, (617) 449-6600.
March 13
NorWesCon-84, Red Lion Inn
Convention Center, Bellevue,
WA. The theme of this ninth
annual Pacific Northwest in-
dustrial electronics trade
show is "Discover Solutions
in Technology." Almost 50
manufacturers will present
exhibits, demonstrations,
and seminars of original
equipment manufacturing
and end-user products for
the industrial electronics
marketplace. Admission is
free for all members of the in-
dustry. For information, call
the sponsor, Almac Elec-
tronics Corp., 14360 South-
east Eastgate Way, Bellevue,
WA 98007, (206) 643-9992.
March 13-15
CIMCOM, Convention Cen-
ter, Washington, DC. The
Computer-integrated Manu-
facturing and Communica-
tions (CIMCOM) conference
and exposition is sponsored
by the Computer and Auto-
mated Systems Association
of the Society of Manufactur-
ing Engineers (CASA/SME).
It will focus on software de-
velopment and applications,
beginning with manufactur-
ing planning and continuing
through the manufacturing-
control processes. For infor-
maiton, contact CASA/SME,
One SME Dr., POB 930,
Dearborn, MI 48121, (313)
271-1500, ext. 521.
March 13-15
Micro/SET 84: Microcom-
puter Expo for Scientific,
Engineering, and Technol-
ogy, Engineering Society of
Detroit, MI. Papers empha-
sizing microcomputer appli-
cations in research, design,
engineering, and manufac-
turing will be presented.
Complementing the confer-
ence program will be dis-
plays of scientific, engineer-
ing, and technical microcom-
puter hardware and soft-
ware. For more information,
write to the Conference Man-
ager, Engineering Society of
Detroit, 100 Farnsworth,
Detroit, MI 48202.
March 13-15
Optical Storage of Docu-
ments and Images, Biltmore
Hotel, Los Angeles, CA. Top-
ics to be covered are read-
write and read-only storage
of analog and digital informa-
tion including office docu-
ments, engineering draw-
ings, and parts catalogs. The
fee is $695 for the first person
from an organization and
$595 for each additional at-
tendee. For more informa-
tion, contact Technology Op-
portunity Conference, POB
14817, San Francisco, CA
94114-0817, (415) 626-1133.
March 15-16
Technology Outlook, the
Wisconsin Center, Madison,
WI. This seminar, conducted
by the University of Wiscon-
sin—Extension Engineering
and Applied Science Pro-
gram, is for industrial ex-
ecutives seeking an under-
standing of telecommunica-
tions, automation, computer
advances, and genetics. The
fee is $475. For information,
contact the University of Wis-
consin—Extension, Depart-
ment of Engineering and Ap-
plied Science, 432 North
Lake St., Madison, WI 53706,
(608) 262-3748.
Circle 10 on inquiry card.
March 18-22
Saudicomputer '84— The
Business Computer Show,
al-Dhiafa Exhibition Centre,
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. For in-
formation, contact Philip Jen-
kinson, Saudicomputer '84,
Overseas Exhibition Services
Ltd., 11 Manchester Square,
London W1M 5AB, England;
tel: 01-486 1951; Telex: 24591
Montex G.
March 19-21
Material Characterization
Techniques for Integrated
Circuit Processing, San
Mateo, CA. This three-day
course is designed to ac-
quaint participants with cur-
rent techniques for inte-
grated-circuit development,
process monitoring, and
failure analysis. The course
fee is $450 for lectures only or
$695 for the third-day lab ses-
sion. For information, contact
Continuing Education in
Engineering, University of
California Extension, 2223
Fulton St., Berkeley, CA
94720, (415) 642-4151.
March 19-22
Automated Manufacturing
Conference and Exhibition
(AM84), Textile Hall, Green-
ville, SC. The latest auto-
mated manufacturing tech-
nologies will be the focus of
this combination exhibition
and seminar. Representatives
from more than 200 firms are
expected. Complete details
about the conference can be
obtained from the AM84
Registration Control Center,
POB 5616, Station B, Green-
ville, SC 29606, (803) 242-3170,
ext. 260. Details about the ex-
hibition are available from
AM84, POB 5823, Greenville,
SC 29606, (803) 233-2562.
March 19-22
The Eighth Annual Federal
Office Systems Expo (FOSE
'84), Convention Center,
Washington, DC. The theme
for this year's expo is "Reali-
ties of Integration: Technolo-
gies, Applications, Human
Resources." More than 60
conference sessions and 1200
exhibits are planned. Ad-
dress inquiries to Jacqueline
Voigt, National Trade Pro-
ductions, 9418 Annapolis
Rd., Lanham, MD 20706,
(800) 638-8510; in Maryland,
(301) 459-8383.
March 22-23
Computers in Construction,
New York, NY. For details,
see February 23-24.
March 22-25
The Ninth West Coast Com-
puter Faire, Civic Auditorium
and Brooks Hall, San Fran-
cisco, CA. This is one of the
year's largest computer
shows. For information, con-
tact the Computer Faire Inc.,
Suite 201, 181 Wells Ave.,
Newton, MA 02159, (617)
965-8350.
March 23
The 1984 Computer Law In-
stitute, Cleveland, OH. This
event, sponsored by the Bar
Association of Greater Cleve-
land, will cover current legal
and tax issues that affect the
computer industry. For de-
tails, contact Carole Falcone,
Mall Building, Cleveland,
OH 44114, (216) 696-3525.
March 26-28
The Seventh International
Conference on Software En-
gineering, Orlando, FL. This
conference seeks to evaluate
what has been learned from
the past and to provide direc-
tions for future investigations
in software engineering. Its
theme is "Fifteen Years of
Software Engineering: Re-
sults and Futures." A soft-
ware tools fair will be held
concurrently. Contact the
IEEE Computer Society, POB
639, Silver Spring, MD 20901,
(301) 589-3386.
March 26-29
Personal Computer Interfac-
ing and Scientific Instru-
ment Automation, Blacks-
burg, VA. These hands-on
s>
IK
The most powerful UNIX™-compatible
operating system available for the IBM PC™,
IBM XT™ and compatibles.
Now you can have the multi-user, multitasking
programming capability of a mainframe on a
microcomputer. The UNIX-compatible environ-
ment of COHERENT™ lets you take C code
developed using UNIX V7 system utilities and
compile and run it on the IBM PC, IBM XT
and Corona.
COHERENT'S highly-optimized kernel lets you
access over 145 different commands including a
C-compiler, a text-formatter and LEX and
YACC. Extensive hard disk and memory card
support is available now. By the time this ad
appears more devices and more IBM PC
compatibles will be supported.
The cost — far less than the cost of similar
UNIX-based operating systems and when you
buy COHERENT from NCI you receive all the
documentation and technical support you need
to operate it.
Call or write
Network Consulting Inc.
Discovery Park,
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Burnaby, B.C. Canada V5G 4M1
(604) 430-3466
COHERENT is a trade mark of Mark Williams Co, UNIX is a trade
mark of Bell Laboratories. IBM PC and IBM XT are
trade marks of International Business Machines Corporation.
Circle 268 on inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 461
Event Queue,
workshops, sponsored by
the Virginia Polytechnic Insti-
tute and State University,
provide participants with ex-
perience in wiring and test-
ing interfaces on popular
personal computers. For in-
formation, contact Dr. Linda
Leffel, C.E.C., Virginia Tech,
Blacksburg, VA 24061, (703)
961-4848.
March 26-30
The Sixth NC Industrial
Automation and Robot Con-
ference and Exhibition,
Milan Fair, Milan, Italy. Con-
trols for automated material
handling, variable mission
manufacturing systems, and
quality control will be fea-
tured. A concurrent confer-
ence consisting of 20 sessions
will be presented. For more
information, contact the So-
ciety of Manufacturing Engi-
neers, One SME Dr., POB
930, Dearborn, MI 48121,
(313) 271-0023.
March 27-29
Southwest Computer Con-
ference (SWCC), Myriad
Convention Center, Oklaho-
ma City, OK. This seventh
annual business and indus-
try conference is aimed at
management and technical
personnel. It will feature more
than 50 seminar presenta-
tions and 250 exhibits. For
details, contact E. Z. Million,
SWCC, POB 950, Norman,
OK 73070, (405) 329-3660.
March 28-30
The Sixth Annual Computer
Graphics Conference, Doral
Hotel On-the-Ocean, Miami
Beach, FL. The theme for this
conference is "Forecasts and
Assessments." Further details
are available from Carol Sap-
chin, Frost & Sullivan Inc.,
106 Fulton St., New York, NY
10038, (212) 233-1080.
March 30-31
Third Annual Conference on
Communication Technol-
ogy, Joseph Stokes Auditori-
um, Children's Hospital of
Philadelphia, PA. This pro-
gram presents advances in
technology and treatment al-
ternatives for physically han-
dicapped and speech-im-
paired persons. Speakers,
equipment demonstrations,
and workshops are planned.
The two-day registration fee
is $95, which includes all
course materials. If your reg-
istration request is post-
marked before March 10, the
fee is $85. Group rates are of-
fered. For full particulars,
contact Joan Bruno, Child-
ren's Seashore House, 4100
Atlantic Ave., POB 4111,
Atlantic City, NJ 08404, (609)
345-5191, ext. 278.
March 30-April I
The NY Personal Computer
Show, Exposition Rotunda,
Madison Square Garden,
New York City. Formerly
called the Eighty/Apple/PC
Computer Show, this event
will feature products and ser-
vices for all small computer
systems. Complete show de-
tails can be obtained from the
Kengore Corp., POB 13,
Franklin Park, NJ 08823, (201)
297-2526.
April 1984
April 1-4
The 1984 EFT Expo, Hyatt
Regency, Grand Cypress Re-
sort, Orlando, FL. This an-
nual convention and exposi-
tion, sponsored by the Elec-
tronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
Association, provides the op-
portunity to meet with
leaders and experts in the
field of automated payments
systems and services. The fee
is $495 for EFT members and
$625 for nonmembers. For
details, contact the EFT
Association, Convention
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• 64 inflection levels (automatic or
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• RS232C and Parallel connectors
• Spelling and phoneme access modes
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"CAT-100 COMPUTER"
The CAT-100 Computer. Some say it's ahead of its time, we say it's just in
time, with its dual onboard processor Z80/6502, the CAT-100 is capable
of running both Apple II and CPM software. System monitor ROM
includes only boot program. Base price includes 64K memory, onedisk
drive and four Apple compatible expansion slots. The CAT-100 has
optional dual slim-line disk drives, made by quality famous AtPS of
Japan. The detachable full ASCII keyboard has standard upper/lower
case, auto repeat & N key rollover capabilities. Standard on the
keyboard are separate cursor control keys and a numeric keypad. Last
but not least the display has composite color or B/w output with six color
graphic display (280 ' 192 line or 280 * 160 with 4 text lines). Game I/O
connector and built-in speaker are standard, not options. So when you
read this ad call us for a brochure. You won't be too late, you'll be just in
time.
PRICE: *850 (keyboard. MK and disk drive included)
SEI, InC. 641 Academy Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062
To order out-of-state call: 1-800-323-1327
For information & Illinois orders call: 1-312/564-0104
VISA & MasterCard acceptable - Add 5% for shipping & handling
462 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 455 on inquiry card.
Circle 322 on inquiry card.
Coordinator, Suite 800, 1029
Vermont Ave. NW, Washing-
ton, DC 20005.
April 2-4
Speech Tech — 84, St. Moritz
Hotel, New York City. This
voice-synthesis and recogni-
tion applications show covers
voice input/output as applied
to computers, telecommuni-
cations, defense electronics,
robotics, education, and aids
for the handicapped. For in-
formation, contact Stanley
Goldstein, Media Dimen-
sions Inc., 525 East 82nd St.,
New York, NY 10028, (212)
680-6451.
April 2-5
The 1984 Test & Measure-
ment World Expo, Brooks
Hall, San Francisco, CA. This
is the third annual expo
sponsored by Text and Mea-
surement World, a magazine
from Interfield Publishing.
For details, contact Meg
Bowen, Test & Measurement
World Expo, 215 Brighton
Ave., Boston, MA 02134, (617)
254-1445.
April 3-5
Cincinnati Business Show,
Convention-Exposition Cen-
ter, Cincinnati, OH. Exhibits
include automated office
equipment, computers, com-
munications, telephone sys-
tems and equipment, word
processors, business systems
and forms, and software and
computer peripherals. For in-
formation, contact Weber and
Associates Inc., 10608 Mill-
ington Court, Cincinnati,
OH 45242, (513) 791-6303.
April 3-6
DEXPO East 84, Bayside Ex-
position Center, Boston, MA.
This conference, dedicated to
professionals who use Digital
Equipment Corporation
(DEC) equipment, is spon-
sored by the national in-
dependent DEC user group
of Warwick, Rhode Island.
Topics to be covered are office
automation, personal com-
puters, communications, sec-
urity and disaster planning,
education, graphics, technol-
ogy trends, and other areas
of interest. For information,
contact Expoconsul Interna-
tional Inc., 55 Princeton-
Hightstown Rd., Princeton
Junction, NJ 08550, (609)
799-1661.
April 4-11
CeBIT, Hannover, West Ger-
many. This office-equipment
and data-processing technol-
ogy exhibition will bring to-
gether exhibitors from more
than 25 countries. For infor-
mation, contact Hannover
Fairs Information Center,
POB 338, Route 22 E, White-
house, NJ 08888, (800)
526-5978; in New Jersey, (201)
534-9044.
April 5-7
COMDEX/Winter, Conven-
tion Center, Los Angeles,
CA. This conference and ex-
hibition will feature separate
hardware and software sec-
tions on the same exhibit
floor. For information, con-
tact The Interface Group Inc.,
300 First Ave., Needham,
MA 02194, (800) 325-3330; in
Massachusetts, (617) 449-
6600.
April 8-11
World Retailers Business &
Equipment Exposition,
Palais des Congres, Paris,
France. This exposition is
sponsored by the National
Retail Merchants Association
(NRMA) and runs concur-
rently with NRMA's Ninth
World Conference of Re-
tailers. The exposition is de-
signed to introduce store
merchants to new develop-
ments, equipment, and pro-
cedures. Admission is free,
although retail store mer-
chants must show ticket. For
complimentary tickets and
details, write to Dan Soskin,
NRMA Enterprises, 100 West
31st St., New York, NY 10001.
April 9-12
Intergraphics '84, Sasakawa
Memorial Hall, Tokyo, Japan.
This conference and exposi-
tion is cosponsored by the
Society of Manufacturing
Engineers (SME) and the
World Computer Graphics
Association (WCGA). It will
focus on the growing impor-
tance of computer graphics
in business and manufactur-
ing industries. For infor-
mation, contact James
McLaughlin, Society of
Manufacturing Engineers,
One SME Dr., POB 930,
Dearborn, MI 48121, (313)
271-0023.
April 13-14
The Fourteenth Annual Vir-
ginia Computer User's Con-
ference, Sheraton Hotel,
Blacksburg, VA. This con-
ference is sponsored by the
Virginia Tech Student Chap-
ter of the ACM (Association
for Computing Machinery)
and the computer science
department of Virginia Tech.
Topics include modeling and
simulation, STARS and
a message to our subscribers
From time to time we make the BYTE subscriber list available to other companies who wish to send our sub-
scribers material about their products. We take great care to screen these companies, choosing only those
who are reputable, and whose products, services, or information we feel would be of interest to you. Direct
mail is an efficient medium for presenting the latest personal computer goods and services to our subscribers.
Many BYTE subscribers appreciate this controlled use of our mailing list, and look forward to finding informa-
tion of interest to them in the mail. Used are our subscribers' names and addresses only [no other informa-
tion we may have is ever given).
While we believe the distribution of this information is of benefit to our subscribers, we firmly respect the
wishes of any subscriber who does not want to receive such promotional literature. Should you wish to
restrict the use of your name, simply send your reguest to the following address.
BYTE Publications Inc
Attn: Circulation Department
70 Main St
Peterborough NH
03458
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 463
Circle 399 on inquiry card.
BEST IN
PRICE & QUALITY
Call Now TOLL FREE
800-368-3404
(In VA, Call Collect 703-237-8695)
AMPEX'INTERTEOTEXAS INSTRUMENTS'GENERAL DATA
COMM.«ANDERSONJACOBSON»C.ITOH»QUME • BEEHIVE*
DATASOUTH'DIABLOCENTRONICS • NEC 'PRENTICE
EESBa
INTERTEC SUPERBRAIN II
64KDD" $1798
64KQD" $2143
64K SD* (96TPI) $2689
■(Includes M/Soft BASIC)
DYNABYTE 8/16 BIT Call
CALLAN 16/32 BIT Call
EnEnna
NEC
7710 Ser $1899
7715 $1949
7730 Par $1899
7720 $2449
7725 $2496
Std. Tractor 77xx $ 199
3510 $1364
3515 $1394
3530 $1390
3550 (IBM) $1709
DATASOUTH DS180 Call
DATASOUTH DS220 Call
DIABLO
620-SPI $ 849
630-R-102/147 $1949
630ECS $2389
630-R155* $1694
•(for IBM PC, Apple II, TRS-80)
630K104(KSR) $2265
QUME
Sprint 11 /40-PLUS $1288
Interface $ 76
Sprint 11/55 Call
Sprint 9/45 FP $1794
Sprint 9/55 FP $2080
Bi-Dir Forms Tractor .... $ 219
CENTRONICS: 122 Par . $ 689
351 $1673
BarCod e $ 98
AMPEX
D80 $ 689
PHAZE (3270 Ex. Mem) $1589
BEEHIVE (SMART DISPLAY)
DM5 Call
DM5A Call
DM83 (Burroughs) Call
DM3270 (3270 Emulator) . . Call
Protocol Converter Call
QUME
QVT-102 $ 549
QVT-108 Call
C. ITOH
CIT 101 $1289
CIT 161 (64 Colors) Call
CIT 201 (Graphics for
TEK 401 0/401 4) Call
$ 124
347
69
CIT 41 4 (Graphics
640x480 Res.) Call
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
745 Standard $1172
745 Std. (Reconditioned) . . Call
765BblM'my Call
785/787 Call
810 Basic $1249
810 Package $1439
820 Package RO $1610
820 KSR Package Call
703 Std $ 459
707 KSR $ 549
850 Tractor Feed $ 549
l.'.M-H.'il
Prentice Star 300 Bd
U.S. Rob
Password AD (21 2A)
USRobTelPack
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Ventel212 + 3E Call
Prentice 24/9600 bd Call
BEEEang
QUME
DataTrak5$ 289 or 2 for $ 549
DataTrak8$ 51 9 or 2 for $ 999
Egasnaa
BISYNC-3780 $ 569
WordStar $ 279
DataStar $ 218
Mail Merge $ 144
SpellStar $ 144
Plan 80 $ 249
d Base II $ 489
CalcStar $ 119
SuperSort $ 144
SuperCalc $ 144
InfoStar $ 279
lnfoStar(8") .... Special $ 249
CISCobol $ 689
Forms II $ 159
MACRO 80 $ 183
"C" Compiler $ 239
WordStar Professional
(WS, SS, MM, S1) . . . .$ 399
ReportStar $ 199
Starlndex $ 129
PlanStar Call
StarBurst Call
InfoStar Plus Call
256K RAM Bd $ 256
256K RAM Bd Full Parity . $ 305
BabyBlue $ 600
BabyTex $ 600
BabyTalk 3270 BISYNC $ 895
8" Disk Controller $ 395
We also make EIA RS 232 or RS 449 cables to your order, can supply you with
ribbons, printer stands, print wheels, thimbles for all printers listed. Plus
many, many more items. Most items in stock. CALL NOW.
All items shipped freight collect either motor freight or UPS unless otherwise speci-
fied. All prices already include 3% cash discount. Purchase with credit card does not
include discount. Virginia residents, add 4% Sates Tax. For fastest delivery send
certified check, money order or bank-wire transfer. Sorry, no C.O.D. orders. All
equipment is in factory cartons with manufacturers .^^^^
warranty (honored at our depot). Prices subject to y5*
change without notice. i^^—
^TCBfimflLS
Event Queue
J
Terminals Terrific, Inc., P.O. Box 216, Merrifield, VA 221 16
Phone: 800-368-3404 (In VA, Call Collect 703-237-8695)
464 february 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Japanese fifth-generation
computers, and microcom-
puters. For information, con-
tact Suzanne Nagy or Roger
Goff, VCUC-14, 562 McBryde
Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacks-
burg, VA 24061.
April 13-15
The International Personal
Robotics Congress and Ex-
position, Convention Center,
Albuquerque, NM. Interna-
tional corporations and
high-technology executives
can view the latest in robots
designed to serve personal
needs. For details, contact Al-
buquerque Convention and
Visitors Bureau Inc., POB
26866, Albuquerque, NM
87125-6866, (505) 243-3696.
April 16-18
Videotex '84, Chicago, IL.
The focus of this interna-
tional conference and exhibi-
tion is commercial applica-
tions and activities of video-
tex. For details, contact Sally
Summers, London Online
Inc., Suite 1190, 2 Penn Plaza,
New York, NY 10121, (212)
279-8890.
April 17-19
IPAD II, Marriott Hotel,
Denver, CO. This is the sec-
ond national symposium to
promote a wider awareness
of the technology surround-
ing the Integrated Program
for Aerospace-vehicle Design
(IPAD). The focus will be on
advances in distributed data-
base management tech-
nology to support integrated
CAD/CAM requirements. It
is sponsored by the National
Aeronautics and Space Ad-
ministration, the Department
of the Navy, and the Indus-
try Technical Advisory Board
for IPAD. Information is
available from the IPAD Proj-
ect Office, Mail Stop 246,
NASA Langley Research
Center, Hampton, VA 23665,
(804) 865-2888.
April 18-20
The 1984 Rocky Mountain
Data Processing Expo &
Conference, Denver, CO.
This is the seventh annual
expo sponsored by the Mile
High Chapter of the Data
Processing Management As-
sociation. Displays will in-
clude mini- and microcom-
puters, word processors,
software, educational ser-
vices, and network systems.
It is being held in conjunc-
tion with the DPMAs Region
4 conference. For informa-
tion, contact Industrial Pre-
sentations West Inc., Suite
304, 3090 South Jamaica
Court, Aurora, CO 80014,
(303) 696-6100.
April 24-25
Workspace 84, Moscone
Center, San Francisco, CA.
This second annual con-
ference and exposition,
sponsored by National Fairs
Inc., will be devoted to the
concerns of the automated
office. For details, contact
Charley Yourd, National Fairs
Inc., 1902 Van Ness Ave., San
Francisco, CA 94109.
April 26-28
Science Park '84, New
Haven, CT. This microcom-
puter conference and exposi-
tion is designed for small-
business executives. For
details, contact Science Park
'84, Five Science Park, New
Haven, CT 06511, (203)
436-3089. ■
In order to gain optimal
coverage of your organi-
zation's computer confer-
ences, seminars, work-
shops, courses, etc., notice
should reach our office at
least three months in ad-
vance of the date of the
event. Entries should be
sent to: Event Queue,
BYTE Publications, POB
372, Hancock, IMH 03449.
Each month we publish
the current contents of
the queue for the month
of the cover date and the
two following calendar
months. Thus a given
event may appear as many
as three times in this sec-
tion if it is sent to us far
enough in advance.
Hake this
giant $79.50
Handbook for
only $3.00...
when you join the Byte Book Club
You simply agree to buy 3 more books — at handsome
discounts - within the next 12 months.
THE McGRAW-HILL COMPUTER HANDBOOK
Editor in Chief, Harry Helms
■ 30 big sections give you in-depth answers
■ 992 -page mammoth sourcebook includes
nearly 500 helpful illustrations
■ a staff of well-known contributors share
the expertise that helped launch the
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It puts the whole spectrum of computer science at your fingertips!
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Whether you're a micro owner or a data processing
professional, whether you use a computer for
your business or in your home, here is the ideal single-
volume reference.
Organized for fast, easy access, it offers thorough
coverage of every aspect of computer science and
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overviews, The McGraw-Hill Computer Handbook
gives full-length, signed chapters to really fill you in
on subjects as wide-ranging as:
■ circuitry ■ software ■ languages
■ peripherals ■ networking ■ robotics
It's the one-stop "answer book" that covers every-
thing from basic computer theory to specialized areas
like voice recognition and artificial intelligence.
Computerworld praises it for having "the depth and
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BYTE february 1984 465
Books Received
The Academic Apple, Richard
Mowe. Reston, VA: Reston
Publishing, 1983; 176 pages,
15.3 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN
0-8359-0033-9, $10.95.
Advanced Database Machine
Architecture, David K. Hsiao,
ed. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice-Hall, 1983; 416
pages, 18.5 by 24.3 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-13-011262-3,
$35.
Apple II DiskGuide, Zelda
Gifford. Berkeley, CA:
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983;
46 pages, 13.5 by 13.5 cm,
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-931988-
96-9, $7.95.
Atari 400/800 DiskGuide,
John Taylor. Berkeley, CA:
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983;
64 pages, 13.5 by 13.5 cm,
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-931988-
95-0, $7.95.
Automating Your Financial
Portfolio, Donald Woodwell.
Homewood, IL: Dow Jones-
Irwin, 1983; 272 pages, 15.5
by 23.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN
0-87094-399-5, $19.95.
Automation, John Diebold.
New York: American Man-
agement Associations Book
Division, 1983; 224 pages,
14.5 by 21.3 cm, hardcover,
ISBN 0-8144-5756-8, $14.95.
BASIC Subroutines for Com-
modore Computers, Eddie
Adamis. New York: John
Wiley & Sons, 1983; 320
pages, 17 by 25.3 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-471-86541-9,
$12.95.
C-Bims: Cassette-Based Infor-
mation Management System for
the PET, Gary Greenberg.
Blue Ridge Summit, PA: Tab
Books, 1983; 224 pages, 13 by
21 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
8306-1489-3, $10.95.
The COBOL Programmer's
Book of Rules, G. Ledinjr., M.
Kudlick, and V. Ledin. Bel-
mont, CA: Lifetime Learning
Publications, 1983; 240 pages,
15 by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN
0-534-97923-8, $14.95.
CP/M DiskGuide, Curtis A.
Ingraham. Berkeley, CA:
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983;
40 pages, 13.5 by 13.5 cm,
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-931988-
97-7, $8.95.
CP/M for the IBM Using
CP/M-86, Judi N. Fernandez
and Ruth Ashley. New York:
John Wiley & Sons, 1983; 272
pages, 17 by 25 cm, softcover,
ISBN 0-471-89719-1, $14.95.
Commodore 64 User's Hand-
book, the WSI staff. Cleve-
land, OH: Weber Systems
Inc., 1983; 312 pages, 13.5 by
21.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
938862-50-2, $14.95.
Computer Graphics for the
IBM Personal Computer,
Donald Hearn and M.
Pauline Baker. Englewood
Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall,
1983; 352 pages, 18 by 24.5
cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-
164335-5, $24.95.
Computers for Profit, David
C. Dykstra. Reston, VA: Res-
ton Publishing Co., 1983; 272
pages, 17.5 by 23.5 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-8359-0867-4,
$14.95.
CONLAN Report, R. Piloty,
M. Barbacci, D. Borrione, D.
Dietmeyer, F. Hill, and P.
Skelly. Lecture Notes in
Computer Science, #151.
New York: Springer-Verlag,
1983; 192 pages, 16.5 by 24.5
cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387-
12275-3, $10.
Controlling Financial Perfor-
mance, An APPLE Business
User's Guide, D. P. Curtin,
J. R. Alves, and A. K. Briggs.
Somerville, MA: Curtin &
London, 1983; 176 pages, 21.5
by 28 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
930764-58-7, $15.50.
Controlling Financial Perfor-
mance, An IBM PC Business
User's Guide, D. P. Curtin,
J. R. Alves, and A. K. Briggs.
Somerville, MA: Curtin &
London, 1983; 176 pages, 21.5
by 28 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
930764-57-9, $15.50.
Cryptograph]/, Thomas
Beth, ed. Lecture Notes in
Computer Science, #149.
New York: Springer-Verlag,
1983; 416 pages, 16.5 by 24
cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387-
11993-0, $18.50.
DBMS For Distributed Com-
puters and Networks, Dimitris
N. Chorafas. Princeton, NJ:
Petrocelli Books, 1983; 272
pages, 16 by 24 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-89433-184-1,
$24.95.
The Design of Dynamic Data
Structures, Mark H. Over-
mars. Lecture Notes in Com-
puter Science, #156. New
York: Springer-Verlag, 1983;
192 pages, 16.5 by 24 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-387-12330-X,
$10.
The Design of Well-Structured
and Correct Programs, Suad
Alagic and Michael A. Arbib.
New York: Springer-Verlag,
1978; 304 pages, 16.5 by 24
cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-387-
90299-6, $17.
Direct Methods for Sparse
Matrices, Ole Osterby and
Zahari Zlatev. Lecture Notes
in Computer Science, #157.
New York: Springer-Verlag,
1983; 136 pages, 16.5 by 24.3
cm, softcover, ISBN 0-387-
12676-7, $8.50.
Easy Add-On Projects for
Spectrum, ZX81 & ACE,
Owen Bishop. London, Eng-
land: Bernard Babani Ltd.,
1983; 192 pages, 11 by 17.8 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-85934-099-
6, £2.75.
Effective Structured Program-
ming, Lem O. Ejiogu. New
York: Petrocelli Books, 1983;
192 pages, 16 by 24 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 089433-205-8,
$24.95.
Electro-Optical Communica-
tions Dictionary, Dennis Bod-
son and Dan Botez, eds.
Rochelle Park, NJ: Hayden
Book Co., 1983; 176 pages,
15.5 by 23.5 cm, hardcover,
ISBN 0-8104-0961-5, $16.95.
Electronics Handbook, Mat-
thew Mandl. Reston, VA:
Reston Publishing Co., 1983;
376 pages, 16 by 24 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-8359-1603-0,
$29.95.
40 Easy Steps to Program-
ming in BASIC & Logo,
James L. Poirot and R. Clark
Adams. Austin, TX: Sterling
Swift Publishing Co., 1983;
64 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-88408-275-X,
$3.95.
44 Dynamic ZX-81 Games
and Recreations, Ian Davies.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pren-
tice-Hall, 1983; 174 pages, 15.3
by 22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
13-329144-8, $19.95.
Foundations of Computation
Theory, Marek Karpinski, ed.
Lecture Notes in Computer
Science, #158. New York:
Springer-Verlag, 1983; 532
pages, 16.5 by 24.3 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-387-12689-9,
$22.
Getting Started on the Sharp
1500 & Radio Shack PC-2,
H. C. Pennington, Gary
Camp, and Ralph Burns. Up-
land, CA: IJG Inc., 1983; 280
pages, 21 by 27.5 cm, ISBN 0-
936200-11-1, $16.95.
Getting the Most Out of Your
Word Processor, Arnold Rosen.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pren-
tice-Hall, 1983; 222 pages,
17.3 by 23.5 cm, softcover,
ISBN 0-13-354548-2, $9.95.
Graph-Grammars and Their
Application to Computer Sci-
ence, Hartmut Ehrig, Man-
fred Nagl, and Grzegorz
Rozenberg, eds. Lecture
Notes in Computer Science,
#153. New York: Springer-
Verlag, 1983; 464 pages, 16.6
by 24.3 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
387-12310-5, $20.50.
Guide to the IBM Personal
Computer, Walter Sikonowiz.
New York: BYTE Books/
McGraw-Hill, 1983; 312
pages, 15.3 by 22.9 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-07-057484-7,
$19.95.
Hardware Interfacing with the
Apple II Plus, John E. Uf fen-
beck. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:
Prentice-Hall, 1983; 256
pages, 18 by 24 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-13-383851-X,
$19.95.
How to Win at Video Games,
the editors of Consumer
Guide. New York: Crown
Publishers, 1983; 64 pages, 21
466 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Books Received.
by 27.5 cm, spiral-bound,
ISBN 0-517-42470-3, $3.98.
I Speak BASIC to My VIC,
(Teacher's Manual), Aubrey
B. Jones Jr. Rochelle Park, NJ:
Hayden Book Co., 1983; 272
pages, 21 by 28 cm, softcover,
ISBN 0-8104-6169-2, $18.75.
IBM and the U.S. Data Pro-
cessing Industry: An Economic
History, Franklin M. Fisher,
James W. McKie, and Richard
B. Mancke. New York:
Praeger Publishers, 1983; 544
pages, 16 by 24.3 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-03-063059-2,
$37.95.
IBM Data Files, David
Miller. Reston, VA: Reston
Publishing Co., 1983; 272
pages, 15.3 by 22.8 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-8359-3026-2,
$15.
IBM PC DiskGuide, David
A. Wilson. Berkeley, CA:
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983;
48 pages, 13.5 by 13.5 cm,
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-931988-
94-2, $8.95.
The IBM/PC & Business Soft-
ware, James E. Kelley Jr.
Wayne, PA: Banbury Books,
1983; 354 pages, 18 by 23.5
cm, spiral-bound, ISBN 0-
88693-000-6, $39.95. Includes
two 5V4-inch floppy disks.
The IBM Personal Computer,
Robert J. Traister. Blue Ridge
Summit, PA: Tab Books,
1983; 202 pages, 19.5 by 23.5
cm, softcover, ISBN 0-8306-
1496-6, $10.95.
IC Timer Cookbook, 2nd ed.
Walter G. Jung. Indianapolis,
IN: Howard W. Sams & Co.,
1983; 384 pages, 13 by 21 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-672-21932-8,
$17.95.
Kaypro User's Handbook, the
WSI staff. Cleveland, OH:
Weber Systems Inc., 1983;
312 pages, 13.5 by 21.5 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-938862-12-
X, $14.95.
The Master Memory Map for
the Commodore 64, Paul
Pavelko and Tim Kelly. Res-
ton, VA: Reston Publishing
Co., 1983; 192 pages, 15.3 by
22.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
8359-4243-6, $14.95.
Mastering Micros, Hannah
I. Blank. New York: Perrocelli
Books, 1983; 368 pages, 16 by
24 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-
89433-207-4, $24.95.
Microcomputer Graphics and
Programming Techniques,
Harry Katzan Jr. New York:
Van Nostrand Reinhold,
1982; 244 pages, 16 by 23.3
cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-442-
28419-5, $22.50.
Minute Manual for Apple
Writer II, Jim Pirisino. Colum-
bia, MD: Minuteware, 1983;
85 pages, 13.5 by 21.5 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-913131-00-8,
$7.95.
Office Automation and Word
Processing Fundamentals,
Shirley A. Waterhouse. New
York: Harper & Row, 1983;
368 pages, 18.7 by 23.4 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-06-046954-
4, $14.50.
PC DOS Using the IBM PC
Operating System, Ruth
Ashley and Judi N. Fer-
nandez. New York: John
Wiley and Sons, 1983; 240
pages, 17 by 25 cm, softcover,
ISBN 0-471-89718-3, $14.95.
Personal Computers &
Games, the editors of Con-
sumer Guide. New York:
Crown Publishers, 1983; 64
pages, 21 by 27.5 cm, spiral-
bound, ISBN 0-517-41595-X,
$3.98.
Pictorial Data Analysis,
R. M. Haralick, ed. New
York: Springer-Verlag, 1983;
480 pages, 17 by 25 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-387-12288-5,
$49.70.
Planning and Budgeting, An
APPLE Business User's Guide,
J. R. Alves, D. P. Curtin, and
A. K. Briggs. Somerville,
MA: Curtin & London, 1983;
144 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-930764-62-5,
$15.50.
Planning and Budgeting, An
IBM PC Business User's Guide,
DANA'S COMPUTER DISCOUNT
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• ALL COMPONENTS INCLUDED
• FULL DOCUMENTATIONS
• 128 K RAM
■ 5 EXPANSION SLOTS
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$995 00
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Single sided 163 K capacity
$194*
FULL HEIGHT
Apple II & E Compatible
35 Trac
Single sided 143 K capacity
$169 95
TEAC FD55B
The Highest Quality!
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Double sided, double density
Compatible
I89 95
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LMS JOYSTICK
Apple II & E Compatible
Heavy duty case.
$29*
Commodore® Compatible Drive $ 299 s
RAM CHIPS
4164
4164
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200NS
$5.95 ea. Limit 64 Pc
$5.50 ea. per customer
Dana's Discount Computer
Buyers Club * * * *
• $12.00 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP (REFUNDABLE}
• $10.00 CREDIT TOWARD FIRST PURCHASE.
• SPECIAL ADDED DISCOUNTS.
• MONTHLY SPECIALS FOR MEMBERS ONLY.
• SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT AND I.D. CARD.
TRAC FD55F (DSOD-96TPII
12" Amber Monitor Low Res
12" Green Monitor Low Res
13" BMC Color Monitor
12" Atrona Amber Monitor Hi Res.
12" Atrona Green Monitor Hi Res .
80 Col. BMC Printer
3% Apple Compatible
PERSONAL CHECKS ACCEPTABLE FROM CLUB MEMBERS. ** £"*] ^Compatible •••-••■• •'•■ ■
5 V. (SSDD) Floppy Discs (Box ot 10).
Cooling Fans for Apple
$239.95
89.95
89.95
249.95
109.95
109.95
249.95
CALL
CALL
16.95
44.95
APPLE II &E
Disc Drive Controller Card
Printer Interface Card
Epson Compatible
**5S8£S88?
CO
WPUTER'
$44'
64 K Upper Lower
247 Functions on Keyboard
Numeric Keypad
H.D. Case
$499*
IC's Available & More
74LS323 $2.25
61 16 4.90
2114 1.49
6502 4.95
ORDER DESK 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
PSTMON.THRUFRI.
Orders normally shipped within 48 hours.
J °ciuT Dana's Computer Discount
And Save! P.O. Box 15485, Santa Ana, California
Orders: 1-800-262-D AN A In California: (714) 953-9105
Product shipped in factory
cartons with manufacturer's
warranty. Prices & availability
subject to change without
notice.
International orders accepted with a $5.00 surcharge for handling, plus shipping charges • We accept Visa, MasterCard, Money Orders.
and Certified checks • Checks require bank clearance • California residents add 6% sales tax ■ All subject to availability, acceptance, and
verification • All sales are final • Satisfaction guaranteed or full refund.
'Eagle, IBM, Apple, Apple ME, and Commodore are all registered trade marks of Eagle. IBM, Apple and Commodore corporal ions.
Circle 208 on inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 467
Books Received,
J. R. Alves, D. P. Curtin, and
A. K. Briggs. Somerville,
MA: Curtin & London, 1983;
144 pages, 21.5 by 28 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-930764-61-7,
$15.50.
Polishing Your Apple, vol. 2,
Herbert M. Honig. Indiana-
polis, IN: Howard W. Sams
& Co., 1983; 112 pages, 14 by
21.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
672-22160-8, $4.95.
Problem Solving and Struc-
tured Programming with For-
tran 77, Martin O. Holoien
and Ali Behforooz. Monterey,
CA: Brooks/Cole Publishing
Co., 1983; 528 pages, 18.5 by
23.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
534-01275-2, $21.95.
The Programmer's CP/M
Handbook, Andy Johnson-
Laird. Berkeley, CA: Osborne/
McGraw-Hill, 1983; 512
pages, 18.5 by 23.5 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-88134-103-7,
$21.95.
The Programmer's Craft,
Richard J. Weiland. Reston,
VA: Reston Publishing Co.,
1983; 176 pages, 18 by 24 cm,
hardcover, ISBN 0-8359-5645-
8, $18.95.
Programmer Productivity,
Myths, Methods, and Murph-
ology, Lowell Jay Arthur. New
York: John Wiley & Sons,
1983; 314 pages, 16 by 24 cm,
hardcover, ISBN 0-471-86434-
X, $22.95.
Programming a Personal
Computer, PerBrinch Hansen.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Pren-
tice-Hall, 1983; 440 pages, 18
by 24.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN
0-13-730267-3, $25.
The Programming Languages,
C. H. Smedema, P. Medema,
and M. Boasson. Englewood
Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall Inter-
national, 1983; 160 pages, 15
by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
13-729756-4, $16.95.
The Programming Language
Ada Reference Manual, ANSI/
MIL-STD-1815-1983. Lecture
Notes in Computer Science,
#155. New York: Springer-
Verlag, 1983; 344 pages, 16.5
by 24 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
387-12328-8, $14.50.
Programming Languages, De-
sign and Implementation, 2nd
ed. Terrence W. Pratt. Engle-
wood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-
Hall, 1984; 624 pages, 18.5 by
24 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-13-
730580-X, $24.95.
Programming the Apple II in
BASIC, Paul Tebbe. Engle-
wood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-
Hall, 1983; 192 pages, 15.3 by
22.8 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-13-
729749-1, $16.95.
Quadpack, A Subroutine Pack-
age for Automatic Integration, R.
Piessens, E. de Doncker-
Kapenga, C. W. Uberhuber,
and D. K. Kahaner. New
York: Springer-Verlag, 1983;
312 pages, 15.5 by 23 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-387-12553-1,
$22.
Semiconductor Device Tech-
nology, Malcolm E. Goodge.
Indianapolis, IN: Howard W.
Sams & Co., 1983; 512 pages,
16.3 by 24.3 cm, hardcover,
ISBN 0-672-22074-1, $34.95.
Simulation of Computer Com-
munication Systems, Charles
H. Sauer and Edward A.
MacNair. Englewood Cliffs,
NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1983; 174
pages, 18.3 by 24.3 cm, hard-
cover, ISBN 0-13-811125-1, $25.
Software Design and Develop-
ment, Philip Gilbert. Chicago,
IL: Science Research Associ-
ates, 1983; 704 pages, 19 by
24.5 cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-
574-21430-5, $32.
Software Directory, 7th ed.
Fairfax, VA: PC Clearing-
house, 1983; 840 pages, 21.5
by 27.5 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
88674-000-2, $29.95.
The Structured Alternative:
Program Design, Style, and De-
bugging, Don Cassel. Reston,
VA: Reston Publishing Co.,
1983; 256 pages, 16 by 23.5
cm, hardcover, ISBN 0-8359-
7084-1, $24.95.
Structured Cobol Report
Writer, David Schechter and
George Yvkoff. Reston, VA:
Reston Publishing Co., 1982;
320 pages, 18.3 by 24.3 cm,
hardcover, ISBN 0-8359-7097-
3, $24.95.
25 Advanced Games for the
PET/CBM, Larry Hatch.
Reston, VA: Reston Publish-
ing Co., 1983; 224 pages, 15
by 23 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-
8359-7894-X, $12.95.
The User's Guide to Commo-
dore 64 & VIC 20 Computers,
Software & Peripherals, the
editors of Consumer Guide.
New York: Crown Publishers,
1983; 80 pages, 21 by 27.5 cm,
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-517-
41447-3, $4.98.
User's Handbook to the Atari
400/800 Computers, Jeffrey R.
Weber and Stephen J.
Szczecinski. Cleveland, OH:
Weber Systems Inc., 1983;
322 pages, 13 by 21.5 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-938862-15-4,
$13.95.
User's Handbook to the IBM
Personal Computer, Jeffrey R.
Weber. Cleveland, OH:
Weber Systems Inc., 1982;
300 pages, 21.5 by 13.8 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-938862-13-8,
$13.95.
User's Handbook to the
TRS-80 Model II Computer, Jef-
frey R. Weber. Cleveland,
OH: Weber Systems Inc.,
1983; 304 pages, 13 by 21.5
cm, softcover, ISBN 0-938862-
01-4, $13.95.
User's Handbook to the
VIC-20 Computer, Jeffrey R.
Weber and Stephen J.
Szczecinski. Cleveland, OH:
Weber Systems Inc., 1983;
280 pages, 13.3 by 21.5 cm,
softcover, ISBN 0-938862-48-
0, $13.95.
Using VisiCalc, Carol Klitz-
ner and Matthew J. Plociak Jr.
New York: John Wiley &
Sons, 1983; 277 pages, 17 by
25 cm, softcover, ISBN 0-471-
89852-X, $16.95.
VIC BASIC, A User-Friendly
Guide, Ramon Zamora, Don
Inman, Bob Albrecht, and
Dymax. Reston, VA: Reston
Publishing Co., 1983; 360
pages, 15 by 23 cm, softcover,
ISBN 0-8359-8377-3, $14.95.
Visicalc DiskGuide, David
A. Wilson, Berkeley, CA:
Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 1983;
16 pages, 13.5 by 13.5 cm,
spiral-bound, ISBN 0-931988-
98-5, $6.95.
A Z80 Workshop Manual,
E. A. Parr. London, England:
Bernard Babani Ltd., 1983;
192 pages, 11 by 18 cm, soft-
cover, ISBN 0-85934-087-2,
£2.75. ■
This is a list of books
received at BYTE Publica-
tions during this past
month. Although the list
is not meant to be exhaus-
tive, its purpose is to ac-
quaint BYTE readers with
recently published titles in
computer science and re-
lated fields. We regret
that we cannot review or
comment on all the books
we receive; instead, this
list is meant to be a
monthly acknowledgment
of these books and the
publishers who sent them.
The answer to the cnjpto-
gram on page 386 reads:
SOME CONSIDER IT
FOOLISH TO WORK
THESE PUZZLES,
WHILE OTHERS PREFER
ANAGRAMS AND
CROSSWORDS. I LIKE
THEM ALL AND HOPE
THAT YOU HAD SOME
FUN WITH THIS EASY
ONE.
BYTE's Bugs
Gremlins Tiptoed Here
Author Raymond A.
Diedrichs wrote in to say
that Gremlins had tiptoed
through the version of his
Font program ("A Character
Editor for the IBM PC,"
November, page 467). The
following patches should be
made in the indicated pro-
gram lines:
line 2090 "1 + 1" instead of "I"
line 2175 "CROW + 1" instead of
"CROW"
line 2280 "1 TO 8" instead of
"0 TO 7"
line 2325 "1 TO 8" instead of
"0 TO T'm
468 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Clubs and Newsletters
Scope for Scholars
Scope (Scholarly Communica-
tions: Online Publishing and
Education) is a newsletter that
is produced bimonthly at
Queens College in Flushing,
New York, and contains in-
formation on networks, pub-
lishing opportunities, calls
for papers, a calendar, and
annotated bibliographies. An
annual subscription is $47.
For details, write to Scope,
Queens College, City Univer-
sity of New York, Flushing,
NY 11367-0904.
A Word for
IBM PC Users
The Washtenaw IBM Per-
sonal Computer User Society
(WIPCUS) meets on the third
Thursday of every month in
Ann Arbor, Michigan. The
monthly publication, WIP-
CUS Word, contains minutes
of meetings, information of
sources for the IBM Personal
Computer, and a list of recent
acquisitions in the WIPCUS
disk library. The club also
maintains a hotline and an
electronic bulletin board sys-
tem, the WIPCUS Wire, that
operates 24 hours a day on
the three commonly used
modem protocols. Member-
ship is $18 a year; $12 for
students and senior citizens.
Address all correspondence
to Sue Wooley, WIPCUS,
2647 Yost, Ann Arbor, MI
48104.
Innovations In
Education
Hands On is a quarterly
newsletter produced by Tech-
nical Education Research
Centers (TERC), a nonprofit,
public service corporation
dedicated to improving edu-
cation by encouraging the ap-
propriate use of microcom-
puters in labs and class-
rooms. Each issue includes
articles, book and software
reviews, a bulletin board,
news, and an idea exchange.
A $10 contribution is re-
quested to receive the
quarterly newsletter. For in-
formation, contact Technical
Education Research Centers
Inc., 8 Eliot St., Cambridge,
MA 02138.
Computer Assistance
for the Disabled
The Center for Computer
Assistance to the Disabled
(C-CAD) is a nonprofit cor-
poration that meets regularly
to discuss how the discovery
of computers has contributed
to the quadriplegic business-
person. Meetings also in-
clude demonstrations of
Logo, adaptive software,
voice recognition, and more.
For details, write to C-CAD,
POB 314, Hurst, TX 76053.
A Students' Scroll
Scroll, a newsletter pre-
pared by students in the
technical-writing program at
Middlesex Community Col-
lege in Massachusetts, con-
tains information about
career objectives and skills
that potential technical
writers will need to develop.
For further details, write to
the Technical Writing Pro-
gram, Middlesex Commu-
nity College, Springs Rd.,
Bedford, MA 01730, or call
Caryl Dundorf at (617)
275-8910, ext. 278.
Guide to Periodicals
The Computer Nezvsletter, a
guide to microcomputer in-
formation, is produced ten
times a year in six editions
for various brands of com-
puters available today. Each
issue contains a directory of
recent articles from more
than 50 periodical publica-
tions. References are an-
notated to include relevant
source information. One sub-
scription is $17.50 for all ten
issues; when subscribing, in-
clude the name and model of
your computer. Contact
MHN Services Inc., Depart-
ment M3, POB 952, Cleve-
land, OH 44120.
Compupro
Across the Board
A national nonprofit users
group for owners of God-
bout's Compupro provides a
forum in which to share tech-
nical information, solutions,
and special-purpose applica-
tions. A monthly newsletter,
a bulletin board system, and
a member-list publication are
planned. An optional charter
membership is available for
$10. To inquire or join, send
your name, address, and
equipment information to
CPro Users Group, POB 1474,
Woodbridge, VA 22193.
Newsletter for
Productive Lawyers
The Automated Law Office
Consultant is a newsletter that
provides lawyers with infor-
mation and analyses about
automated-office products
and how to select equipment
that will improve productivi-
ty in the law office. A sub-
scription is $65 a year from
Roadrunner Publications
Inc., POB 13548, Austin, TX
78711.
IBM Users In
Bluegrass Country
The Bluegrass IBM PC
Users Group meets on the
fourth Saturday of every
month at 1 p.m. in the Univ-
ersity of Kentucky Comput-
ing Center's Micro Lab
(Room 107, McVey Hall).
Membership is $5 a year and
includes a monthly newslet-
ter and access to a software
library. For further informa-
tion, write to Diane Skoll,
Room 72, McVey Hall, Univ-
ersity of Kentucky, Lexing-
ton, KY 40506-0045.
For Genealogical
Researchers
The Quinsept User Group
produces a newsletter that
covers such topics as genea-
logical-book reviews, prob-
lem solutions, and articles of
interest to genealogical re-
searchers. The newsletter will
begin as a quarterly and pro-
gress into a bimonthly pub-
lication. Membership is $15
annually and includes a sub-
scription to the newsletter. To
apply for membership, write
to Quinsept User Group,
5855 Santa Teresa Blvd., San
Jose, CA 95123.
Oregonlan
Commodorians
The Southern Oregon
Users Group meets twice a
month to discuss the best
uses for the Commodore 64
and VIC-20 computers. A
newsletter is planned and
anyone with ideas or sugges-
tions is encouraged to send
them to Jim Powell, 3600
Madrona Lane, Medford, OR
97501, (503) 779-7631.
A Capital Idea
The Capital Osborne Users
Group (CAPOUG) meets
once a month at the library in
Bethesda, Maryland, to serve
users from Maryland, north-
ern Virginia, and the District
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 469
Clubs and Newsletters
of Columbia. A $12 member-
ship fee includes access to
the software library main-
tained by the club and a
subscription to the newslet-
ter that contains articles,
tutorials, and advertise-
ments. For details, write to
Merrill Hessel, 6200 Winne-
bago Rd., Bethesda, MD
20816.
Math and Science
Education Journal
The Association of Com-
puters in Mathematics and
Science Teaching (ACMST), a
nonprofit organization, pro-
duces a substantive quarterly
publication called The Journal
of Computers in Mathematics
and Science Teaching (JCMST).
It is applicable to elementary,
secondary, and college edu-
cators who would benefit
from extensive features, re-
views, resources, and a
calendar. Members can bene-
fit from the group's Com-
puter Book Center, in which
more than a dozen participat-
ing publishers of computer
books provide reduced rates.
Membership in ACMST is
$15 a year and includes a sub-
scription to the quarterly
JCMST. Author's guidelines
and advertising rates are
available upon request. For
further details, write to The
Journal of Computers in Mathe-
matics and Science, POB 4455,
Austin, TX 78765.
Ataris are
OK in Duncan
The Duncan Area Atari
Computer Users Group
(DAACUG) welcomes every-
one interested in computing
with Ataris to attend their
monthly meetings in south-
ATTENTION
LA36 USERS
The DS120 Terminal Controller makes your LA36 perform
like a DECwriter® III.
The Datasouth DS120 gives your DECwriter® II the high speed
printing and versatile performance features of the DECwriter®
III at only a fraction of the cost. The DS1 20 is a plug compatible
replacement for your LA36 logic board which can be installed
in minutes. Standard features include:
• RS232 interface
• 20 mA Current Loop interface
• Top of Form
• Adjustable Margins
• Double wide characters
• Parity selection
• Optional APL character set
Over 9,000 DS120 units are now being used by customers
ranging from the Fortune 500 to personal computing enthusi-
asts. In numerous installations, entire networks of terminals
have been upgraded to take advantage of today's higher speed
data communications services. LSI microprocessor electronics
and strict quality control ensure dependable performance for
years to come. When service is required, we will respond
promptly and effectively. Best of all, we can deliver immediately
through our nationwide network of distributors. Just give us a
call for all the details.
• 165 cps bidirectional printing
• Horizontal & Vertical Tabs
• Page Length Selection
• 1 1 0-4800 baud operation
• 1000 character print buffer
• X-on, X-off protocol
• Self Test
data©®*
computer corporation
P.O. Box 240947
Charlotte, North Carolina 28224
704/523-8500
western Oklahoma. Separate
sessions for novice and ex-
perienced users are held after
each general meeting. An-
nual membership dues are
$10 and include access to the
club's disk library and dis-
counts on hardware and soft-
ware purchases. For further
details, contact John Bor-
chardt, DAACUG, 911 Prim-
rose St., Duncan, OK 73533.
A Band of Colors
The Vancouver Color Com-
puter Club meets at 7:30 p.m.
on the third Tuesday of every
month in Burnaby, British
Columbia. To develop as
broad a base as possible,
everyone interested in the
TRS-80 Color Computer is
welcome to join. The $15 an-
nual membership entitles
you to participate in group
purchases, the software li-
brary, hardware lending, and
voting in the club. For details,
contact the Vancouver Color
Computer Club, 333 Boyne
St., New Westminster, British
Columbia V3M 5J9, Canada.
ABACOS
By the Bunch
A Bunch of Atari Com-
puter Owners (ABACOS)
has formed in the Saugerties
area of New York state to
serve the users who live be-
tween Albany and New York
City. A newsletter, Refresh, is
produced every two months
and contains software re-
views, an editorial, and a
program of the month. A $4
annual membership includes
a subscription to the news-
letter. For details, contact
ABACOS, 90-A Partition St.,
Saugerties, NY 12477, (914)
246-7193.
News for Epson
Users
QHX, an independent
newsletter for users of the
Epson QX-10 and HX-20 com-
puters, is produced every
month by the Epson Com-
puting Group. Readers are
welcome to submit ques-
tions, hints, or articles about
new products to QHX for
publication. The number of
the free, club-maintained, ac-
tive electronic bulletin board
is (618) 997-3220. A one-year
subscription to the newslet-
ter is $25. For further details,
contact the Epson Comput-
ing Group, 400-2 East
DeYoung, Marion, IL 62959,
(618) 993-3600.
Forum for Data
The Data Forum is a user-
oriented and -operated infor-
mation exchange free to users
who apply via the communi-
cations line. The database
has plans to expand with
user input. For information,
contact Stephan Anderson,
Suite 718, 20993 Foothill
Blvd., Hay ward, CA 94541,
or call (415) 276-6322. ■
If you would like BYTE readers to know about your club or
newsletter send the details accompanied by no more than one
newsletter to Clubs and Newsletters, BYTE Publications, POB
372, Hancock, f\IH 03449. Overseas groups are encouraged to
participate. Please allow at least three months for your
announcement to appear.
470 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 107 on inquiry card.
ANNOUNCING
THE INSIDE STORY ON
DATA SPEC CABLES.
underhood shield
gold plated pins
Take a look at the picture
above. The shielding under
the RS232 connector hood
of DATA SPEC" cables is
different from anything
you've seen before. No
flimsy foil. Or painted hood.
Instead, DATA SPEC™ gives
you an extra heavy gauge
shield underthe normal
hood which ensures that the
cables exceeds the FCC
requirements on emission
standards.
And, if you look further
inside, underthe shield,
you'll see the advent of PDT™*
Technology. DATA SPEC™
cables are the first to employ
this technique outside of
aerospace applications.
PDT Technology ensures
that you will never have to
solder a broken joint or even
open the hood.
However, the biggest
news is actually the littlest
part of the story. The price.
You can find out about it at
you r dealer who carries
DATA SPEC™ products.
Modern manufacturing
techniques have made
DATA SPEC™ cables priced
lower than lesser quality
shielded cables.
DATA SPEC™ cables.
There's more to it than
meets the eye.
*PDT(Poly-vinyl doping technique) involves the
injection of poly-vinyl underthe shield to fuse the
conductors and pins together, thus ensuring reliability
under the most adverse conditions. PDT is a regis-
tered trademark of Advanced Tool Technology Inc.
qijoj
TM
THE FAMILYOF HIGH INTEGRITY COMPUTER SUPPORT PRODUCTS.
18215 Parthenia Street, Northridge, 91326 CA [213] 701-5848 §* 3 3 9 9 6 5 £ gSJJMX.
BYTE's User to User
Conducted by Jerry Pournelle
Tried and True
Dear Jerry,
You stated in "Epson QX-10, Zenith
Z-29, CP/M-68K, and More" (August,
page 434) that you are interested in the
UCSD p-System, especially under the
CP/M operating system. A number of
years ago, North Star had such a package
available. It was purchased with the
North Star Horizon I am using (1979 vin-
tage) and runs fairly smoothly. I am quite
intrigued by the concepts it presents in
program development; however, I have
had so much difficulty in getting its text
editors to work properly that I abandoned
the project.
On another subject, I don't believe I can
write you without including my fair share
of cracks at your User's Column, which
I read faithfully. I still use the North Star
1979-vintage Horizon with CP/M. This
machine, and several workhorse
machines that friends of mine own, serve
us well year after year. I think you don't
mention enough the path of the tried and
true. Certainly I don't recommend the
same hardware that I have to newcomers
in the computer field. However, I also
would not recommend the Sage, Com-
pupro 68000 processor, or a host of other
products you speak of quite fondly. For
those of us who are not hardware/soft-
ware experts and cannot afford the fre-
quent services of an expert (I am not say-
ing that you can, by the way), a
somewhat less exotic, but time-tested,
machine is the better buy.
Lastly, I will make these off-the-cuff
comments. You don't seem to give ade-
quate press to North Star, Qume, and a
host of other equipment. Also, the S-100
bus seems to have fallen out of favor with
you. Need I cite the Epson, Otrona, Sage,
and possibly more? I don't know about
you, but as I look for a computer to sup-
plement the services of my North Star, I
am glad that I have a bus ready to plug
new boards into. Any computer that I
purchase in the next few years will cer-
tainly be an S-100 machine.
Paul Kile
Appleton, WI
My late mad friend also gave up on the
UCSD Pascal editors, which caused him to
scrap public-domain UCSD Pascal. I gather
that Softech has made considerable im-
provements, but I haven't seen its UCSD
Pascal for S-100 machines.
I don't know where you get the impression
that S-100 systems have fallen out of my favor.
I'm writing this on a Compupro Z80, our
ivorkhorse machine is a Compupro 8085/8088
Dual Processor, and our major experimental
machine is a Compupro that we use to test
8086 and 68000 boards. I remain very much
an S-100 bus enthusiast.
The only problem with S-100 systems is that
they do take a bit of knowledge to get them
set up and running. I'd never advise a casual
user to order an S-100 system by mail from
a discount house. On the other hand, Com-
pupro Systems Centers sell working systems
properly configured for anyone's needs at
advertised prices. I have no hesitation in
recommending a Compupro from a Systems
Center to any user, no matter how naive.
I can also recommend Sage machines to
those willing to learn UCSD Pascal or
CP/M-68K.
The Otrona is my favorite portable, largely
because Workman has got Write running on
it; I use the Otrona when I travel.
If I seem to ignore Qume and North Star,
it's only because I don't have any of their
equipment, and efforts to make contact with
those companies haven't been successful. I'm
not a theorist: I must write about machines
I know and use. I try to look at a lot of them,
but there's no way I can keep up with
everything! . . . Jerry
Fawning Sci-Fi Writers
Dear Jerry,
I enclose an article whose headline
reads: Osborne Ceases Production:
Furloughs Most Workers. It makes your
pro-Osborne article ("The Next Five Years
in Microcomputers," September, page
233) a bit less fawning.
Having read your gushing article, I
have only one observation. Where is
Texas Instruments? When Apple and IBM
finish their latest round of court cases
against Franklin, its copycat-clone ACE,
and the Taiwan /Japanese stolen-tech-
nology copycats, all the unlucky owners
of those clones of Apple and IBM will be
orphans without any company support!
A corollary is that very little will be left
in the professional market except TI PC
(Pegasus)— very carefully ignored by
BYTE-IBM PC, Apple, TI-99/4A, TI-99/8,
and Commodore 64. Certainly Mattel will
fold, then Apple and Commodore will
founder. What we are watching is the
sinking of the first wave of innovators and
the survival of the fittest, regardless of
fawning by science-fiction writers who
should know better. Who sold the first
mass-market 16-bit microprocessor with
speech? Who has more complete systems
(i.e., disk drives and peripheral-expan-
sion boxes) in homes, and who has cor-
nered the market on assembly-language
ROMs to plug in for those who don't wish
to program or who wish to greatly expand
the rather unexciting (to Jerry PourneJJe)
TI-99/4A? I run mine with the PE Box, an
Epson printer, a 128K-byte 4-bank RAM
card, a 64K-byte CP/M card, and two
double-sided Tandon drives— all sold for
the 99/4A. When everyone on the
medium and low end of the market final-
ly goes under, will BYTE finally have any
recognition of the 99/4A, TI PC, and the
improved 99/4A called the TI-99/8?
I doubt it. We TI owners call it "Apple
on the Brain Syndrome," with submanias
about IBM and assorted high-priced
dinosaurs that only a lucky few will ever
purchase, unless they own an oil well or
two.
Balance your BYTE articles! I know my
personal subscription will not survive
unless I perceive reality as opposed to
personal fantasy and Quasi-Religious
Fawning over ISOLATED low-retail-flow
computer events/products!
R. Castleton
Richardson, TX
Gee, I never knew what my problem was.
Castleton reads different versions of both
BYTE and the daily papers than I do; I
thought we'd done a fair job of talking about
TI equipment; also that there was some prob-
lem with the TI-99/4As profitability.
No one more eagerly awaited the TI-99 than
I did, and no one was more disappointed when
we discovered that TI wasn't interested in
publishing anything about its internal details.
When you deliberately cut yourself off from the
hobbyist world, you forfeit very little poten-
tial market— but you do forfeit an important
source of software.
I think Adam Osborne did a lot for this field,
and his low-cost all-up machine complete with
software and documents was one of the crucial
events in micro history. If that be fawning,
make the most of it. . . . Jerry
472 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
BYTE's User to User.
Magazines and
Advertisements
Dear Jerry,
Screenwriter II can be copied. I used
Locksmith 4.0 on my copy and can usual-
ly load the copy. Sometimes the program
load fails, but the failure is not totally
catastrophic, that is, it returns to the
menu after considerable disk grinding.
Then it loads the program on the second
try. Slightly less than totally satisfactory,
but it does preserve the original disk for
future use. These days, with Wordstar on
another machine, the 40-column Apple
screen usually drives me away.
In October's User to User (page 540),
Mr. Henkin may be having trouble with
an added feature of Screenwriter. After
trying it on several Apples at my local
dealer, I have come to the conclusion that
trying to use the joystick option causes
the total failure to boot. I don't know what
the problem is, but I have never been able
to boot the optioned Screenwriter with
the joystick option enabled. Leave out
that one option, and it does work.
The function of character search within
a displayed line was deleted between
Superscribe and Screenwriter. I missed
that feature when I made the change.
And Screenwriter uses the disks in an
odd manner that is not quite convenient
and I think would be bothersome for
anyone not fully oriented to making
obstinate hardware work like your "late
mad friend" and me.
I was attracted to Calcstar by its similari-
ty in command structure to Wordstar. Last
week I placed an order with a BYTE
advertiser; last evening the brown truck
delivered the box (not COD as ordered).
I went through the instruction manual,
installing a copy of Calcstar, doing the
exercises, and then tried to set up a time
card for my work.
While I found that I could set up some
sort of a time card to take in hours' and
minutes' beginning and ending times and
to compute total elapsed time, I have
been unable to accomplish anything that
resembles proper numerical computa-
tion. Like IBM FORTRAN, Calcstar uses
binary floating point that even with 14
significant digits shows some approxima-
tion errors. Then Calcstar column formats
only truncate the display, not the stored
data. So I took a column of start and end
times, computed elapsed times, totaled
elapsed times, and then tried to round to
the nearest 0.1 hour (a fetish of mine on
customers' bills), and multiplied the
result by my hourly rate. The result? The
charge shown in the next cell did not
match the calculator multiplication of the
displayed data. That's not a good way to
give the clients confidence in your
arithmetic prowess when dealing in
engineering services! Conclusion:
Calcstar is inherently too badly con-
structed to be called a spreadsheet.
So, the next step is to send it back to
the store and hope that some other
spreadsheet functions better (as some of
the reviews and books on spreadsheet
programs do declare), right? Nope,
wrong. The advertiser said, "It does like
the book says, then it is not defective and
we won't take it back. You should have
spent full retail if you wanted to try the
product first." And, "Since we failed to
send it COD, it hasn't been paid for; we
will be sending you an invoice."
I use CP/M partly not to have to worry
about protection schemes that promise to
prevent using programs for gainful pur-
poses, and to have access to good pro-
grams. Now I have wasted a half day or
more and have spent money without
gaining a useful program, and the seller
of the product refuses to take it back
under any conditions. Is this the way
BYTE magazine wishes to treat its
readers?
Gerald N. Johnson, P.E.
Ames, Iowa
Few copy -protection schemes work for long;
what one can do, another can undo. The real
trouble is that the copy-protection attempt
makes the software fragile. After all, the idea
of copy protection is to make it difficult for the
machine to read the disk— which may be a
good idea for the vendor, but it's hardly what
the user wants!
Many spreadsheet programs have limited
precision; it's a feature one must check very
carefully.
I'd like it if every mail-order house had a
money-back guarantee, but some of the dis-
count outfits operate at such a low markup
that they simply can't do it. In general: the
loiuer the price, the less support you can ex-
pect from the dealer.
Alas, you have the wrong idea about
magazines and advertisements. The advertis-
ing department doesn't tell me what to write,
and I don't tell them what ads to accept. In-
deed, as long as advertisers pay their bills, it's
legally very difficult to reject an ad, even if
the magazine doesn't want to take it. We had
one item that generated lots of angry letters,
but legal advisors said we couldn't reject the
outfit's ad! Fortunately, they got in a snit about
one of my reviews and cancelled, causing joy
among those who had to open and file all the
hate mail. . . . Jerry
Assembly-Language
No-Man's Land
Dear Jerry,
I greatly enjoy your User's Column in
BYTE. Keep up the struggle for better
documentation! It is partly in that regard
that I am writing to you. Perhaps you can
recommend some books or articles that
deal with an area that is not often
addressed.
Texts on assembly-language program-
ming invariably assume either that the
reader knows all about it and only wants
the details of some new processor (in-
cluding hardware considerations that the
programmer doesn't necessarily need) or
that the reader knows nothing and must
be told about number bases, etc. They
then lead into the writing of whole pro-
grams, systems, monitors, etc. Texts on
high-level languages work in much the
same way. Two sorts are available:
references that define syntax with railroad
diagrams and introductory texts that have
to explain about the meaning of
arithmetic assignment statements and
such.
A no-man's land exists between these
two extremes that interests me. Specifical-
ly, how do I use assembly language to
write the critical subroutine that deter-
mines program efficiency and link it into
the main program that is written in
FORTRAN-80, compiled MBASIC, or
whatever? I have purchased Microsoft
F-80 (subset FORTRAN-IV), L-80 (Linker),
M-80 (Macro-assembler), and MBASIC
compiler in order to do such things. A re-
cent article in BYTE ("Chisel Your Code
with a Profiler," August, page 286)
described ways to conduct activity
analysis to identify the 10 percent of the
code that does 90 percent of the work. But
it (as with most books and documenta-
tion) says only to use assembly code to
optimize that 10 percent.
I know how to identify the critical
subroutine. In a recent research project
(a new numerical neutron-transport
scheme), most of the code is input of the
problem parameters, initialization of ar-
rays, analysis of results, and printout.
This all executes once per run. But one
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 473
BYTE's User to User.
subroutine is called 294,912 times in a
typical run. The program runs four hours
on a 5-MHz 8088/8087 system.
The documentation (and the advertis-
ing) indicates that F-80, L-80, Lib-80, M-80,
and MBASIC compiler constitute a "soft-
ware development system" and that FOR-
TRAN and assembly-language routines
can be called from BASIC programs, etc.
However, all the manuals point to each
other as containing the details, and I have
not successfully managed to use this soft-
ware for its intended purpose. (When I
called Microsoft Tech Support for details,
the response was "Just try it. It all works."
I found this less than helpful, but I tried
it. The result: error messages. In par-
ticular, it seems that the FORTRAN
subroutine requires that the Forlib library
be linked to define various global sym-
bols. The main program similarly requires
that Obslib be linked or the run-time
system used. I prefer stand-alone code.
However, linking both libraries results in
"multiply defined global symbol" errors,
and the programs don't run. If you fail to
link either library, you get "undefined
global symbol" errors.
These tools were expensive, and it
burns me not to be able to use them. So
my question is: where do I find a text that
will walk through some examples of ac-
tually using assembly code to optimize a
routine for a program written in a high-
level language?
Kirk Mathews
Springboro, OH
Good question. I wish I had such a book
myself. There are Z80-code cookbooks and
plenty of books on how to write the assembly-
language programs, but darned little showing
you precisely how to link in assembly pro-
grams to previously written stuff.
I've found the same kind of problem with
CB-80 and Digital Research's RMAC
assembler; it ought to be easy to do that kind
of thing, but there are insufficient examples
to let me puzzle it out.
Maybe one or another of the readers can
help? . . . Jerry
Benchmark Marks
Dear Jerry,
Below are listed three variations of your
20 by 20 array benchmark, adapted to run
in BASIC09 under the OS9 operating
system on a 6809 card in an Apple II.
BASIC09 compiles to an intermediate
code that is then interpreted and is thus
directly comparable to CBASIC in that
respect.
Benchmark
Time
Variation
(min:sec)
Integer Arrays,
Integer Loop Indexes
00:31
Real Arrays,
Real Loop Indexes
01:11
Real Arrays,
Integer Loop Indexes
00:45
In comparison with your published
figures (October 1982 BYTE, page 262) for
other processor/language combinations
the times would seem to be extremely
good, especially when you consider that
the 6809 is running at the Apple's
nominal clock speed of 1.023 MHz. I don't
think you've published figures for this
particular combination. Please notice that
a 68000 processor runs p-code almost as
fast as an 8086 runs its machine language.
If it weren't so popular, the 8086 and its
8088 cousin would be good jokes. I've
never been able to understand why
anybody would transplant 8-bit architec-
ture to a 16-bit processor.
Frank C. Kuechmann
Vancouver, WA
You and my son agree on the 68000 as a bet-
ter way to go, but a number of people I respect
prefer the 8086 (followed by the 286, etc.). As
for me, I'm not so interested in chip architec-
ture or in assembly languages. As the
machines get fast enough and memory falls
in price, most real programming will be done
in higher-level languages.
We at Chaos Manor are doing most of our
work in Pascal just now, with the intention
of switching to Modula-2 as soon as we have
stable Modula compilers. Our programs are
portable between the Sage and the Godbout
8086, and we expect to be able to recompile
them and run on more advanced systems as
they come out. . . . Jerry
Transmitting Pages
Dear Jerry,
As a fellow H/Z-19 terminal owner, can
you tell me who knows the special
routine to make the "Transmit Page" (ESC
#) function work? See enclosure. Two let-
ters to Heath have drawn blanks.
Peter Engh
La Jolla, CA
As your enclosure shows, the Heath
documentation (page 23) discusses "Transmit
Page" but refers to the possibility of special
routines in the host computer. In big
machines, you can edit material on the ter-
minal and, when the screen is set up the way
you want, send the whole page at once. This
is useful for time-sharing systems because
you're not using central-computer time while
editing.
I know of few microcomputers that operate
in the transmit-page mode. If you want to save
stuff from the Z-19 screen, youll have to write
a special routine. The Z-19 manual describes
what the terminal pitches; you have to write
the catcher. . . . Jerry
Copyrighting and
Personalizing
Dear Jerry,
In the August 1983 issue of PC Magazine
(page 58) under the Letters banner "Legal
Matter," the secretary of Cincinnati's IBM
PC User's group requests clarification of
the legality of distribution of software
copied from the pages of PC Magazine. I
can't believe PC's response, which I quote:
"The contents of each issue of PC
Magazine are copyrighted by the
publisher, and all rights of reproduction
in all forms and media are strictly re-
served. The original purchaser/subscriber
only is authorized to make copies solely
for his/her own use. Distribution,
transmission, or transfer of copies to any
other person is an infringement of the
copyright. —Ed." To your knowledge, is
this an industry standard?
On to other things. Seems to me that
a partial solution of the software-piracy
conflict is to personalize each product.
That is, include in each screen the name
of the purchaser. Pirates would be easier
to spot and would have to suffer at least
some embarrassment to be blatantly
using a product that was licensed to
someone else. Sure it complicates manu-
facture and it could be defeated on a case-
by-case basis by clever counter-
programming, but it is a thought. (If the
retail vendor had to run a purchaser-
specific customization procedure at the
store, then at least it would guarantee the
machine readability of the disks you pur-
chase.) It would be irritating to be con-
stantly reminded that a program you
were using often was illicitly copied from
another user whose name you are fre-
quently reminded of.
474 ftbruary 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
BYTE's User to User.
I use Compuview's Vedit on an
Osborne 1 and am pleased with it. (This
machine can perform string searches so
much faster than any larger machine I've
ever used that I'm continually amazed.)
I'm glad to hear that the customization
process will be simplified. I like Com-
puview's software-update subscription
option ($50 per year for Vedit).
Larry Weiss
Garland, TX
Actually, PC's statement is just an explana-
tion of the copyright laws. Only the copyright
holder has the right to sell or distribute copies
of copyrighted matter. There is no restriction
on resale of the original material; it's legal for
me to sell or lend used books. However, I may
not make copies of them (except as provided
under the "fair use" provisions of the
Copyright Act). Specifically, I can't make a
copy, then sell the original.
Magazines traditionally buy various
packages of rights (the right to publish in
magazines, the exclusive or nonexclusive right
to include the article in anthologies, and so
on); what's bought varies from magazine to
magazine and often from author to author
within the magazine.
Personalizing software is costly; imagine
what it would cost to imprint the purchaser's
name on each book sold by B. Dalton!
We're also pleased with Vedit for program-
ming, although the number of commands can
be overwhelming when you first try
it. . . . Jerry
Wordstar Spelling Checker
Dear Jerry,
I recently discovered a useful way of
using The Word Plus spelling checker
with Wordstar. Instead of having The
Word Plus mark the words you choose
with asterisks or similar characters, I use
a null character, CTRL @, as the marking
character. There are several advantages to
this.
First, if you forget to remove a mark
before printing, at least you don't call at-
tention to the mistake — useful if you on-
ly have time to print one copy of whatever
you are working on.
Second, you can use some of the
Spellstar options of Wordstar, e.g., you
can find the marks that you have placed
by typing CTRL-QL. This has the advan-
tage that it doesn't destroy any other
searches you have previously set up by
using CTRL-QA or CTRL-QF, and it
remembers changes that you have already
made. So if you tell it to ignore a mark
you placed, when it "sees" the same word
again, it removes the mark from that and
continues automatically.
Third, any words you tell Wordstar to
put in dictionaries or ignore are record-
ed in a file called filename. ADD, which
you can later edit and turn into a special
dictionary for The Word. (You must edit
the file first— Wordstar adds I, D, or S to
the front of the word.)
By the way, I just read the book you
wrote with Larry Niven, Oath of Fealty. I
particularly chuckled over the part where
the police have asked MILLIE for all the
files in Rand's directory and MILLIE is
told to print them at 300 baud. I trust that
this was your idea.
Miles Thomas
Franklin Lakes, NJ
Thanks for the kind words, and also for the
tip. We tried it on the Z-100 Wordstar and it
worked fine.
Larry and I usually won't answer questions
about who wrote what in our books, but given
his public disclaimer on computer knowledge,
1 suppose I can admit that MILLIE was mostly
my idea. . . . Jerry
Z-DOS and MS-DOS
Dear Jerry,
Your brief note in "Eagles, Text Editors,
New Compilers, and Much More"
(September, page 307) about the incom-
patibility problem between IBM PC pro-
grams and the Zenith Z-100 was
moderately helpful. It could have been
more so if Victor Wright's address in
Louisville, Kentucky, had been included.
Your mention earlier in the column of
your own Z-100 prompts me to ask you
for any assistance and/or advice you can
give in regard to "standard" program
availability for the Z-DOS implementa-
tion of MS-DOS.
Gerald Erskine
New Brunswick, Canada
It's been my general policy not to include
people's private addresses. Alas, I don't keep
answered mail (much to the relief of my wife,
housekeeper, and assistants; where would they
put it?), so I can't look it up for you.
BUSS ("The Independent Newsletter of
Heath Co. Computers," 716 E St. SE,
Washington, DC 20003, (202) 544-0900) is
usually the first to list new Z-DOS software
and is well worth the $20 annual subscrip-
tion fee. (Single issues are $2.) I generally
don't comment on anything I haven't used,
and lately I haven't received much Z-DOS
stuff. Of course, as soon as I write this, it will
flood in. I hope so; the Z-100 is a
machine. . . . Jerry
No Problems with Valdocs
Dear Jerry,
As an almost first-time computer user
I feel compelled to defend the Epson
QX-10 computer and its Valdocs system.
You were too harsh in your judgment of
it and missed the point of who the system
was really designed for. I purchased one
of the first systems released and have had
next to no difficulties with it.
As a way of introduction, I'm a physi-
cian with only a peripheral interest in
computers up to now. I am a charter
subscriber to BYTE and bought a Radio
Shack TRS-80 Model I computer when
it first came out. I learned a lot about
computers from the Model I and how to
program in BASIC, but I could never get
the damn thing to save programs on
cassette tapes and I didn't want to add the
expense of a disk drive to a diabolical
machine that drove me crazy.
So I went back to reading computer
magazines and waiting. Then I saw an
article in BYTE ("An Introduction to the
Human Applications and Standard Com-
puter Interface," Parts 1 and 2, October
and November 1982, pages 291 and 379,
respectively) by Chris Rutkowski about a
new computer system that he was work-
ing on; it looked too good to be true. I
then found out that a computer store in
my town would be carrying it, and I
became a permanent fixture in that store.
Rumors were rampant — it will be out next
month, next week, any day now, by
Christmas. I was such a persistent
customer (pest?) that when the store re-
ceived the first QX-10 1 took it home even
without instructions.
I can honestly say that I have never
taken a complex piece of machinery out
of the box, plugged it in, and had it work
as I thought it should with fewer prob-
lems. It has changed my life. I have a
problem with poor handwriting (typical
physician?) and spelling. To use a
typewriter involves a high frustration
level, much time, and reams of paper. My
use of a computer involves letters, short
papers, and minutes of meetings. The Ep-
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 475
BYTE's User to User.
son QX-10 has done this with no prob-
lems whatsoever.
My three daughters watched over my
shoulders and wanted to use it for school
work and letters to their friends. I let
them try and, again, no problems. In fact,
I had to give them each their own data
disk so I could find my own material.
The clincher happened when I tried
another word processor. I wanted to try
a spreadsheet and a dictionary; I got a
deal on a package of four programs from
Peachtree Software. As this package in-
cluded Peachtext, I decided to try it. It in-
cludes some features not found on the
Valdocs program. I spent most of one
weekend on the self-instruction book
and got about halfway through it. A week
later when I got back to it I had to start
at the beginning. I'm sure that I could
learn it, but unless I used it every day I
would have the same problem each time
I went back to it. I just returned from a
two-week vacation, and using my QX-10
with the Valdocs program was like finding
an old friend.
I haven't had any problems with lost
data. I use Control-M to change data disks
and periodically press Menu and then
Undo to save material as I write it. This
takes about 10 seconds of my time. I guess
if I got used to a faster program than
Valdocs, I might enjoy it, but as it is, I can
live with it!
I will say that computers seem to be like
a virulent virus. I now am making a pest
of myself at the computer store again,
waiting for the TPM primer and the
Valdocs technical manual. I'm anxious to
find out more about what goes^on in my
computer and how to make it do all sorts
of wonderful things. I have bought books
on BASIC, assembly-language program-
ming, CP/M, Supercalc, etc. In a year or
two, I might agree with your criticism.
Who knows? But for now, don't take my
QX-10 and Valdocs away from me.
By the way, I agree with you about the
Epson FX-80 printer. It is quiet and seems
to print well but is not at all easy to load.
It does work fine with form-feed paper
but not with individual sheets. My haunt
of the computer store paid off yesterday,
however. I now have a Comrex CR-II
printer ($600), and it seems to correct all
of the above-mentioned problems.
Herbert Thompson
Decatur, IL
I'm glad you like your machine. Heaven
knows, the QX-10 has got to be a lot better than
no computer at all, and it certainly is easy
enough to get running. (The only one I know
of that's easier to get going right out of the
box is the Eagle 1600). Moreover, if you in-
tend to print only on continuous paper,
without using stationery or letterhead, Valdocs
isn't so bad (except that it takes too long to
address the envelope).
One question: why was your letter to me
done on a Selectric typewriter instead of on
your machine? . . . Jerry
And the Next Five Years
Dear Jerry,
The next time you unlock your crystal
ball to look into the future, you might
want to have it checked out first. When
you used it to write "The Next Five Years
in Microcomputers" (September, page
233), it seems to have been looking into
my window rather than the future.
I am using a multiuser, multiprocessor
system with a custom-designed serial
board that enables me to appear to be five
"virtual terminals." I can run up to five
separate programs and jump back and
forth between them by pressing function
keys. The programs continue to run and
update their own virtual-terminal screen
even if they are not currently being
displayed on the "real" terminal. When
I jump back to a program, its current
screen (including all character attributes)
is displayed from memory in the custom-
serial board. The board can also be used
to allow two terminals to appear as two
virtual terminals each. The multipro-
cessor consists of a main Z80 with 64K,
three satellite Z80s with 64K, an 8088 with
256K, and a 68B09E with 128K. All run
under Micromation's M/NET, a derivative
of Digital Research's MP/M.
Frank Korzeniewski
Berkeley, CA
It sounds like a wonderful system. Not long
after I wrote "The Next Five Years. . ."I found
out some other outfits, including Compupro,
had some pretty neat tricks up their sleeves.
In my defense, two things: "The Next Five
Years. . . " was written as a speech to be
delivered in early spring, and I only said these
things would happen in the next half decade,
not what part of it! Some of what I predicted
hasn't happened yet. . . . JerryB
ferry Pournelle welcomes readers' com-
ments and opinions. Send a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to ferry Pournelle, do
BYTE Publications, FOB 372, Hancock,
NH 03449. Please put your address on the
letter as well as on the envelope. Due to
the high volume of letters, Jerry cannot
guarantee a personal reply.
ULTRA-RES
IEEE-696 S-100
-1X512X512 $495
-3X512X512 $1250
- 1 X 1024 X 1024 $995
TM
GRAPHICS
IBM-PC
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- 1 X 1024 X 1024 $995
- CONSOLE EMULATOR $50
FEATURES
Starting Prices
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Software drivers, Hardware zoom, Programmable Display
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ULTRA-RES Trademark CSD Inc.
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C.S.D. Incorporated
P.O. BOX 253 Sudbury, MA 01776
(617) 443-2750
476 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Circle 43 on inquiry card.
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PRINTERS
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Circle 321 on inquiry card.
DEALER INQUIRIES
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Subject to Available Quantities
Prices Quoted Include
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Shipping & Insurance Extra
Book Reviews
Legal Care for
Your Software
Daniel Remer
Nolo Press
Berkeley, CA: 1982
232 pages, softcover,
S19.95
Reviewed by
Ed Bernstein
Legal Care for Your Software
by Daniel Remer is a step-by-
step, simply written, and
thorough guide for anyone
who writes or publishes
commercial computer soft-
ware or who wonders if it
would be worth the trouble
to do so. The book is full of
examples, explanations, and
even do-it-yourself legal
forms that are basic to any-
one trying to untangle the
web of software law. Remer's
point is that you may be the
most talented programmer
alive— and may deserve to be
the richest— but if you aren't
just as smart when it comes
to the law, you could be in
trouble.
Remer, an attorney who
serves as legal counsel to
several software companies,
never forgets what many pro-
grammers learn the hard
way: although the law may
try to keep pace with tech-
nology, the fact is that it is
often left "from months to
centuries behind." Software
can, of course, be legally pro-
tected, but the programmer's
challenge is figuring out
which legal methods apply
and how to go about putting
them in place.
Because no one law applies
to every situation, Remer ex-
plains carefully, and with
humor, the relative merits of
trade secrets, copyright and
patent protection, trade-
marks, contracts, licensing
agreements, and so on.
Plenty of specific examples
serve to illustrate each case.
But his book isn't designed
to replace lawyers, Remer
says. In many complex cases,
or in cases where mistakes
have already been made, a
lawyer may indeed be
needed. But a knowledge-
able author or publisher can
save time and money by un-
derstanding that "If you want
full legal protection for your
software, you are going to
have to do much of the work
yourself."
Protecting code is a case in
point. The ways to protect
source code (the actual lan-
guage the programmer uses,
frequently in a high-level lan-
guage such as BASIC, FOR-
TRAN, or FORTH) may be
far different from those used
to protect object code (the
low-level instruction to the
computer created by the
source code).
Trade-secret law applies to
both source and object code,
Remer explains, and it is the
industry's favorite way to
protect software. But, as
Remer notes, there are weak-
nesses inherent in trying to
protect code— the program-
mer's ability, for example, to
"keep a zipped lip." He also
outlines a variety of other
procedures that ensure that
trade-secret status remains in
place, including several
nondisclosure agreements.
Copyright protection is
among the easiest to obtain;
your software is, in fact,
"born" with a copyright that
makes it illegal for anyone
else to copy it. But you have
no protection against a fellow
programmer who independ-
ently produces a program
that just happens to operate
exactly like yours. A copy-
right offers protection of an
expression of an idea, not an
idea itself. Two programs can
produce identical results, but
both can be copyrighted if
they accomplish that task in
unique ways.
Patent protection sounds
like the perfect solution be-
cause it protects not only the
expression of the idea but the
idea itself. Unfortunately,
software is almost never
patentable, Remer says, and
even if it were, the time and
legal trouble involved in ob-
taining a patent could easily
exceed the lifespan and value
of the program itself.
Trademarks serve only one
purpose: protecting the
name of a program.
Remer warns, at some
length, about protecting
yourself as well as your soft-
ware. He discusses a variety
of ways to limit personal
liability in the event of un-
happy customers, an in-
evitability in the real world.
Finally, the book provides
copies of various contracts,
agreements, and disclaimers
that you can customize for
your own applications. The
sample forms and contracts—
nearly 100 pages of them—
may be the most useful part
of the book. A careful read-
ing of these forms can be as
educational as the chapters
that explain them.
Remer writes clearly and
with plenty of common
sense. It's hard to imagine a
more useful or less intimidat-
ing guide to the legal com-
plexities of protecting soft-
wares
Ed Bernstein (30 Belle Ave., Fair-
fax, CA 94930) is director of editorial
development for Broderbund Soft-
ware Inc. of San Rafael, California.
Through the Trap Door
March 1979— $35
Breaking the Sound Barrier
September 1977— $35
BYTE COVERS
The prints shown at left are beautiful Collector Edition Byte Covers,
strictly limited to 750 prints each, and signed and numbered by the
artist, Robert Tinney. Each print is 18 in. x 22 in., and is accompanied
by its own Certificate of Authenticity. To order, use the coupon below.
Visa and MasterCard orders may call 1-504-272-7266.
Please send .
Trap Door prints ($35),.
Through the
□ Visa
Card No. .
Breaking the Sound Barrier Expires: .
prints ($35), or sets of both prints Name:
($55). I have included $3 per order shipping Address:
and handling ($8 overseas). city: _
□ I have enclosed check or money order State:
□ MasterCard
_Zip:
Robert Tinney Graphics • 1864 N. Pamela Dr. • Baton Rouge, LA 708 15 |
478 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
« » »■*««.
He's facing an uphill battle unless you help.
This year, the U.S. Ski Team has given
Americans a great deal to be proud of.
Phil Mahre posted his second consecutive
overall World Cup title while Bill Koch pre-
sented the U.S. with its first ever Nordic
World Cup crown. The U.S. Women's team
finished the season number one in the world
It's hard to believe that these magnificent
athletes should need anyone's help, but they
do.
They need yours. Our Alpine and Nordic teams
are not subsidized by the government. Mem-
bers of the team dedicate years of their lives
r/n training to win. And they depend on you
for support.
Please send your tax-deductible donations to
the U.S. Ski Educational Foundation, Box
100M, Park City, Utah 84060. Thanks.
M77EAM
February Specials
"Save This Ad- Space Limitations Prevent Us
From Listing All Products."
IBM PC System - Prices Start At $2650
PC Accessories
Keytronics Keyboard $195
Quadlink IBM To Apple Converter $495
10 Megabyte Hard Disk $1575
64K RAM Expansion Set $59
Tandon TM100-2 DSDD Drive -f^S. \ $237
AST Research Expansion Cards:
I/O Plus ' $120
Combo Plus $257
SixPak $270
Mega Plus HlP . . $305
MegaPak ,:. $257
Call The EXPERT
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
Video Monitors
""Monthly Special" "JCS-RGB 13" For PC . $370
Princeton Graphics HX-I2 $475
BMC RGB $420
Amdek Amber 300A $160
Amdek Green 300 $140
Dynax Amber 20MHz $140
Dynax Green $129
MB122G Green 12" (PC Monochrome) $200
MB122A Amber 12" - By Round $210
Call The EXPERT
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
Dajsywheel Printers
Dynax DX-15 (15 CPS) $495
Brother HR-1 (19 CPS) $630
Brother HR-25 (25 CPS) $795
F-10 Starwriter (40 CPS) $1050
F-10 Printmastbr (55 CPS) ,.,,,. .... $1400
Call The EXPERT „
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
Dot Matrix Printers
Epson FX-80 $550
Ok/data 92 $440
Okidata 93 $720
Okidata 84 $1050
Prowriter 8510 $370
Prowriter-II 1550 $650
Gemini 10 x $305
Gemini 15 x $450
Mannesmann-Tally 160L $699
IDS Prism-80 Color $1150
Riteman Portable Printer $385
Most Printer Cables $35
Call The EXPERT
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
Other Computers
Columbia 1600-1 Desktop w/Softare $2750
Columbia Portable VP $2599
Columbia Hard Disk Desktop $3900
Corona Desktop - 2 Drives $2475
Corona Portable - 2 Drives $2375
NEC APC Green - 2 Drives #H02 $2800
Epson Qx-10 $2195
Apple II-e $1375
Sekon 64 System (Like Apple) $1025
EXPERT Computers
21804 Roscoe Blvd., Suite 18
Canoga Park, CA 91304
(213) 344-6063
(800) 528-9537
Allll -I'S, R)ll VIS.VMASTERCA8I). 20* PREPAID DEPOSIT REQUIRED on cod
ORDERS, CALIFORNIA RES1IIEN1S ADD SALES TAX. PRICES MAY CHANGE - CALL
Til VERIFY PRICES AMD DELHT.KV.
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)
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Software
Lotus 1-2-3 $335
dBase ii $425
Flight Simuiator $40
Megawriteh (Word Processor For PC/ Apple) ... $90
Megaspeller $90
Mail Merge $95
Fridays $260
Catalist (Universal "Mail Merge") $170
Call The EXPERT
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
Extras For Other Computers
ALS CP/M Card $285
ALS Smarterm II (80 Column Card) $145
Rana Elite I $265
Rana Elite II $435
Rana Elite III $555
Rana 2.5 (2.5MByte For PC) $CALL
Microtek Dumpling-16K $160
Grappler + $125
Prometheus 16K RAM Card $60
Sekon 16K RAM Card $55
Sekon 80 Column Card $95
Sekon Hunter (Like Wildcard) $100
Sekon Z-80 Card $115
Video Cable For TI 99/4 $15
Call The EXPERT
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
New Arrivals
Sanyo MBC550 - 1 Drive, 3 Softwares $995
Sanyo MBC555 - 2 Drives, 6 Softwares $1395
* * * * February Special - Orders For Sanyo
Earn $100 Discount On A Video Monitor
Or Printer****
We've Signed Up 4 More Brands Of IBM Compatible
Computers $CALL
Indus GT Drive For Apple w/ 3 Softwares $250
Kraft Joystick $39
Dow Jones Connector $45
Pearl Soft (Data Base) - 6 Formats $200
Call The EXPERT
(213) 344-6063 (800) 528-9537
Diskettes
Verbatim Vehex SSDD $17
DATALIFE SSDD $25
DATALIFE DSDD $33
Head Cleaner Kit $9
FliPit (Use Back Side Of Disks) $17
Diskette Hamper $24
Library Case - Holds 10 Disks $2.25
"When you know enough to buy mail order, you're wise enough to buy from an expert."
480 BYTE February 1984
Circle 78 on inquiry card.
What's New?
TAXING
SOFTWARE
Tax Package Handles
More Than 30 Forms
The Micro-Tax tax-
preparation system can
compute and print more
than 30 IRS schedules and
forms for multiple clients,
partnerships, and corporate
returns. Depreciation is
computed by individual
items or groups of items.
Other tax-computation
abilities include underpay-
ment penalties, self-employ-
ment taxes, minimum and
alternative minimum tax,
and income averaging.
Micro-Tax is said to be easy
to use because it calls for
simple prompts and
organizes data entry in a se-
quence that's similar to that
of manual tax preparation.
Micro-Tax is available for
the DEC Rainbow 100 and
MS-DOS- and CP/M 8080- ,
Z80-, 8085- , and 8086-
based systems. Three
versions are offered: per-
sonal commercial accoun-
tant, and partnership and
corporate. The home com-
puter Micro-Tax costs S195.
The other versions are
$1000 each. Annual up-
dates and state tax-
preparation programs are
available. For more informa-
tion, contact Microcom-
puter Taxsystems Inc., Suite
A, 6203 Variel Ave.,
woodland Hills, CA 91367,
(818) 704-7800.
Circle 550 on inquiry card.
Individual Tax Planner
The Individual Tax Plan-
ner calculates alternative
taxes for individuals and
fiduciaries for 1983 and
beyond. Projections for
multiple years and cases are
displayed on screen, and in-
stant recalculations in a
worksheet format allow
rapid examination of the
consequences of alter-
native tax plans. Computa-
tions include income
averaging tax, alternative
minimum tax, and auto-
matic indexing of post-1984
years. Client information
can be saved to disk for
printing out comprehensive
reports. Full help screens are
provided.
The Individual Tax Plan-
ner for 1983 is available for
a first-year subscription
price of $595, which in-
cludes documentation and
toll-free assistance. An IBM
or IBM-compatible com-
puter with 128K bytes of
memory, two disk drives, a
monitor, and a printer are
required. For further infor-
mation, contact Tax
Management Inc., 1231
25th St. NW, Washington,
DC 20037, (800)372-1033;
in Maryland, (800) 352-
1400; the District of Colum-
bia, 258-9401.
Circle 557 on inquiry card.
Professional and Personal Tax Programs
Aardvark/McGraw-Hill
markets tax-preparation
programs for professional
and personal use. In addi-
tion to standard tax calcula-
tions, Professional Tax Plan
Version 3.0 can compute
self-employment taxes
under the regular method,
taxable unemployment
compensation, taxable
Social Security benefits for
1984 and after, and limita-
tions for most credits. It can
generate an investment
report that summarizes the
after-tax effect of invest-
ment assumptions; addi-
tional reports, such as in-
come averaging, are possi-
ble. Other features include
income inputs, help
screens, a file-information
screen, and a calculator
function. It runs on Apple,
Hewlett-Packard, IBM, and
CP/M systems. The sug-
gested retail price is $350.
For home use, Aard-
vark/McGraw-Hill offers the
Personal Tax Planner. This
$99 program, which runs
on Apple and IBM Personal
Computers, can handle
returns for homeowners
and renters and one- or
two-income households.
Personal Tax Planner will
cipher short- and long-term
capital gains and losses, the
purchase or sale of real
estate, and business. It's
available at bookstores and
computer retailers nation-
wide. For more information,
contact Aardvark/McGraw-
Hill, 783 North Water St.,
Milwaukee, Wl 53202,
(414) 289-9988.
Circle 552 on inquiry card.
Accountant's 1040
Preparation System
G & G 1040 is designed
for accountants using
CP/M-80 and CP/M-86
computers. This profession-
al-level program features in-
put screens that match IRS
forms and the ability to pro-
vide choices for the least tax
consequences, such as
whether Schedule A is pre-
ferable to the standard
schedule. Additional cal-
culations include optional
state sales tax, excess FICA,
earned-income credit, in-
come averaging, and mini-
mum tax. The program pro-
cesses 39 IRS schedules and
comes with a batch com-
pute/print mode and a
depreciation module. It's
claimed that the program
calculates an entire return in
10 to 15 seconds.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 481
What's New?
The suggested list price
for the G & G 1040 Profes-
sional Series is $750. An-
nual updates are available.
A Starter Series that pro-
cesses 15 forms but does
not include batch opera-
tions or a depreciation
module costs $195. Contact
G & G Software Inc., 610
Park Blvd., Austin, TX
78751, (512) 458-5760.
Circle 553 on inquiry card.
Lettered Schedules, 20
The Series 1040 tax-
preparation program con-
tains all lettered tax sched-
ules and 20 numbered
forms. With Series 1040,
you have to enter informa-
tion only once, which
saves time and minimizes
errors. All figures and new
entries are "automatically
carried over to applicable
forms and schedules. Tax
results are calculated and
displayed instantly. The
display screens replicate
1040 forms. Further
Forms in One Package
highlights are that it asks
questions, traps mistakes,
and prompts you from item
to item. Series 1040 works
on such machines as the
IBM Personal Computer.
Series 1040 costs $1150.
Selected state modules are
available. Complete infor-
mation can be obtained
from Calcu-Tax Computer
Software Inc., 19-21 West
Mount Pleasant Ave., Liv-
ingston, NJ 07039, (201)
992-2274.
Circle 556 on inquiry card.
Personal Tax System
for Multiplan
EZ Ware's Tax-Prep per-
sonal tax system works
with Microsoft's Multiplan
electronic spreadsheet. Pro-
vided with 19 tax forms and
schedules, Tax-Prep uses
display screens that
simulate IRS forms as work-
ing templates. A data-entry
procedure interrelates tem-
plates for a complete series
of federal tax forms and
automatically applies
entered data to appropriate
forms and schedules. Tax-
Prep will print directly on IRS
1040 forms and schedules,
continuous 1040 forms,
and computer paper used
with an overlay. In addition,
it can be used with
Multiplan's advanced
features to perform tax
planning, budgeting, and
analysis.
Tax-Prep works with the
Apple, Compaq, Tl Profes-
sional, IBM PC, and Zenith
Z-I00. Complete with a
manual and tutorial, it costs
$89.95. Annual updating is
available. Tax-Prep is
available factory-direct from
EZ Ware Inc., 17 Bryn Mawr
Ave., Bala Cynwyd, PA
19004, (215) 667-4833.
Circle 551 on inquiry card.
Tax Relief for IBM PC
Tax Relief I and II for the
IBM PC have been an-
nounced by Micro Vision.
Tax Relief II, a professional
package, has such features
as income averaging, alter-
nate minimum and
minimum tax, data and
calculation carryover to rele-
vant places, client sum-
maries, and a client direc-
tory. Entries can be
changed and deleted at
any time, and on-line helps
aid data entry. Several print
options and 25 federal
schedules and forms are
supported. An IBM PC or
PC XT with a minimum of
128K bytes of memory,
DOS 2.0, two disk drives,
monochrome or color dis-
play, and a parallel printer
are required. Tax Relief II
costs $299. Annual up-
dates are available.
Tax Relief I is designed for
individual use. It supports
15 forms and has most of
the features of Relief II. The
suggested price is $149. For
more details, contact Micro
Vision, 145 Wicks Rd„
Commack, NY 11725, (516)
499-4010.
Circle 554 on inquiry card.
Commodore Tax
Program
Northland Accounting's
Taxaid was developed by
experienced tax accoun-
tants for use on Com-
modore 64 and VIC-20
computers. It computes a
line-by-line readout of Form
1040 and related schedules.
A manual with step-by-step
instructions for data entry is
supplied.
Three versions of the pro-
gram are available: Taxaid I,
II, and III. Taxaid I, $19.95
tape or $24.95 floppy disk,
is designed for the basic
VIC-20. It outputs informa-
tion to your monitor only.
Taxaid II is tailored for 16K-
byte VIC-20S. Output is to
the monitor or a printer. An
expanded version for the
Commodore 64, Taxaid III
will also output to either
the monitor or printer. Tax-
aid II and III are available on
floppy disk or cassette for
482 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
What's New?
$29.95 or $24.95. Contact
Northland Accounting Inc.,
Software Department, 606
Second Ave., Two Harbors,
MN 55616, (218) 834-5012.
Circle 555 on inquiry card.
SOFTWARE
Templates Extend
1-2-3
Professional Software
Technology has introduced
two templates that expand
the versatility of Lotus
Development Corporation's
1-2-3: Personal Tax Preparer
and Time and Billing.
The Personal Tax Preparer
condenses 1-2-3 to seven
single-letter commands.
Save, Print, and Destroy are
the only fundamentals you
need to prepare Form 1040
and a variety of lettered
schedules. Once entered,
numbers are automatically
carried to the appropriate
locations on supporting
forms and schedules. Stan-
dard features include inter-
na/ tax tables, screen dis-
plays of all forms in use, and
the ability to print directly
on federal forms.
For its single-letter com-
mands, Time and Billing
uses simple associations,
such as Z for zapping an ac-
count. It accommodates
more than 20 people per
disk. A total of 10.000
clients can be maintained,
each with up to 2000 bill-
ing entries. It shows num-
bers as they are entered,
calculations as they are
made, and the interrelation-
ships between entries or
the bottom line. Any sys-
tem of keeping time slips
can be used. Time and Bill-
ing lets you customize up
to 30 abbreviated service
codes, which minimizes bill-
ing-entry descriptions. Re-
ceivables are monitored,
and the aging of accounts
is displayed.
Both programs work
with 1-2-3 Release 1A and
any computer with 256K
bytes of memory and a
hard-disk or two floppy-disk
drives. Previous knowledge
of 1-2-3 is not necessary.
Each program retails for
$175. For full details, contact
Professional Software Tech-
nology POB 269, Rockport,
MA 01966, (617) 546-3494.
Circle 567 on inquiry card.
Fast Word Processor
The Qwerty word pro-
cessor from HFK Software
can keep pace with you
even if you can type 140
words per minute. Qwerty
provides variable margin
settings ranging from 1 to
1 50 columns, tab stops,
paragraph indentations, up
and down scrolling, for-
ward/backward search and
search and replace opera-
tions, and block moves.
Dynamic insertion and
typeover with automatic
word and back wrap is
supported. Text can be
dynamically centered, and
such character attributes as
underscore, boldface,
subscript, superscript, dou-
ble underscore, and strike-
through can be applied
during or after text entry.
Left, right, and delete
operations can be per-
formed by character, word,
or line. On-line helps aid
operation.
Qwerty supports a wide
range of printers. Print op-
tions include a number of
pitch and line-spacing set-
tings, variable form and
character sizes, automatic
pagination with widow
line elimination, and
automatic user-selectable
page numbering. Sixteen
color sets are available
when you use Qwerty
with an RGB color graphics
monitor.
This program is designed
to run on the IBM PC, PC
XT, Chameleon, Compaq,
and other computers using
PC-DOS. With DOS 2.0,
96K bytes of memory are
required. Complete with a
tutorial workbook, Qwerty
costs $325. For $25, you
can try a full-function
Qwerty. Qwerty is
available factory-direct from
HFK Software Inc., Old
Danbury Rd., Danbury, NH
03230, (617) 259-0059.
Circle 559 on inquiry card.
Printer-Control Program
Set-FX, a machine-lan-
guage printer-control pro-
gram for Epson FX-80/100
printers and the IBM PC or
the Compaq portable, has
been introduced by Soft-
style Inc. With Set-FX, Ep-
son printers can produce
the full IBM PC character
set, line graphics, foreign
language characters, and
math and science symbols
exactly as they appear on
screen. Menus are provid-
ed for setting condensed,
emphasized, proportional,
and italic characters. Set-FX
includes a custom font
generator. According to
the manufacturer, special
fonts can be printed at 1 60
cps.
Set-FX requires one disk
drive and a monitor.
Memory requirements are
64K bytes when running
under PC-DOS 1 . 1 or 96K
bytes with DOS 2.0. It's
compatible with any hard
disk operated under PC-
DOS and with all Epson
print modes. Complete
with a manual, quick
reference card, and a
demonstration program,
Set-FX costs $59.95, plus
$2 handling. Contact Soft-
style Inc., Suite 200, 7192
Kalanianaole Highway,
Honolulu, HI 96825, (808)
396-6368.
Circle 558 on inquiry card.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 483
What's New?
Communications
Software and
Controller Emulator
for Lisa
Apple Computer has in-
troduced a pair of data-
communications products,
Lisaterminal and the Apple
Cluster Controller, that
enable Lisa to interact with
mainframe systems. Avail-
able at authorized Lisa
dealers and through Ap-
ple's national account ex-
ecutives, Lisaterminal costs
S295. and the Cluster Con-
troller ranges from $4500
to $7000.
Lisaterminal provides Lisa
with TTY and DEC
VT 100/52 terminal emula-
tion and the ability to ex-
change information via a
modem with computers
supporting asynchronous
protocols. It permits access
to remote mainframes and
information services such
as CompuServe and Dow
Jones. Also provided are
icons, cut and paste in-
tegration between applica-
tion programs, and multiple
windows.
A protocol converter, the
Cluster Controller works
like an IBM 3270-type
cluster controller. When
used with Lisaterminal, Lisa
can communicate with IBM
mainframe networks by
mimicking IBM 3278 Model
2 terminal functions. It con-
verts SNA/SDLC or BSC
protocols to asynchronous
protocols and monitors the
flow of information in both
directions, ensuring ac-
curate transmissions. Both
the Lisa and an attached
printer communicate
through a single Cluster
port. The Cluster Controller
can be accessed via a
modem, making remote
communications with a
mainframe possible. The
Cluster Controller comes
with three or seven serial
RS-232C ports for mixing
and matching Lisas and
printers.
Apple has also an-
nounced that Ryan-
McFarland Corporation's
RM/COBOL and RM/FOR-
TRAN language compilers
are available for the Lisa. For
more information, contact
Apple Computer Inc.,
20525 Mariani Ave., Cuper-
tino, CA 95014, (800)
538-9696; in California,
(408) 996-1010.
Circle 560 on inquiry card.
Music Synthesizer
Musicalc converts the
Commodore 64's Sound In-
terface chip into a three-
voice music synthesizer.
Musicalc lets you play along
with preprogrammed mel-
odies, create and store
melodies for later playback,
and compose music in a
variety of styles. Standard
features include real-time se-
quencing, slide controls,
modulators, and trans-
Mouse Commands
Jane is an integrated
software package con-
sisting of a word processor,
spreadsheet, and a file/list
manager. A mouse-driven
system employing easily
understood pictures and
symbols rather than pro-
gramming instructions is at
the heart of Jane's user in-
for Commodore 64
posers. Musical creations
can be played back through
television sets, stereo
systems, or professional
amplifiers by means of stan-
dard RCA patch cords.
The suggested retail price
is $74.95. For details, con-
tact Waveform Inc., 1912
Bonita Way Berkeley, CA
94704, (415) 841-9866.
Circle 563 on inquiry card.
Integrated Software
terface. Access to various
applications and the enter-
ing of data is performed by
pointing the mouse to the
appropriate symbol on
screen. Each application in-
teracts with the others, and
you can work with any or
all of the applications
through up to four on-
screen windows. Window
dimensions can be expand-
ed or contracted.
Jane runs on most 8- or
16-bit personal computers,
such as the Apple, Atari,
Commodore 64, and IBM
PC, with 64K bytes of RAM.
It comes with the mouse,
mouse controller card, and
users guide. The suggested
retail price is S295. Graphics
and communications pro-
grams will be available. For
complete details, contact
Arktronics Corp., 113 South
Fourth Ave., Ann Arbor, Ml
48104, (800) 225-5275; in
Michigan, (313) 769-7253.
Circle 561 on inquiry card.
Software Targeted
at Business
Superex International
Marketing recently released
15 programs targeted at
businesses. Applications
focus on wholesalers,
retailers, importer/exporters,
financial analysts, mail-
order houses, and phar-
macists. An integrated ac-
counting package with ac-
counts receivable/payable,
general ledger, and payroll
modules is also available.
Most Superex programs
are designed for use on
floppy- or hard-disk
systems, and many are
offered in a special network
configuration. A few pro-
grams, such as the Phar-
macist Assistant, require
hard disks. Superex pro-
grams support Apple, Col-
umbia, Compaq, Corona,
DEC Rainbow, Eagle,
Franklin, IBM PC, Texas In-
struments Professional, and
Toshiba computers. BASICA
or GW BASIC is necessary.
Under MS-DOS, the
minimum memory require-
484 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
What's New?
ment is 128K bytes. Ver-
sions for Apple and Franklin
need 64K bytes of RAM.
Prices range from $300 to
S2000. For full particulars,
contact Superex Interna-
tional Marketing, 151
Ludlow St., POB 248,
Yonkers, NY 10705, (800)
862-8800; in New York,
(914) 964-5200.
Circle 562 on inquiry card.
Ovation for In-
tegrated Software
Ovation software lets
you create, access, move,
extract, and manipulate
data in various forms
without reentering data,
preparing different files, or
swapping applications
modes. This program pro-
vides built-in formats for let-
ters, spreadsheets, and
notes, customizing capa-
bilities, single-keystroke
macro instructions, and ad-
vanced macros via text files.
Five applications capabilities
are provided: spreadsheet,
graphics, information man-
agement, word processing,
and data communications.
Different applications can
be entered at any time, and
data that is entered into a
spreadsheet can be turned
into a graph or inserted into
a report on the same
screen. A linking process
automatically reflects any
changes in associated
forms.
Thirty English-language
commands, entirely sum-
marized on a single card,
are all that you have to
learn to run Ovation. The
commands are common
across applications. Other
features include context-
sensitive helps, automatic
backup and disk number-
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ing, and continuous
prompts. Ovation runs
on the Tandy 2000 and
IBM PC and PC-compatible
8086/8088-based systems
using MS-DOS. It reguires
256K bytes of memory. A
PC XT with a hard disk is
recommended, but Ova-
tion will run with two flop-
py disks. Color and most
printers are supported. The
suggested retail price is
S795. For additional infor-
mation, contact Ovation
Technologies Inc., 770
Dedham St., Canton, MA
02021, (617) 821-1420.
Circle 564 on inquiry card.
Multifunction Package Offers
Six Modules
lntegrated-6, a multifunc-
tion software package for
the IBM Personal Com-
puter, is manufactured by
Mosaic Software. Its basic
ingredients are a relational
database, presentation-
guality business graphics, a
word processor, a spread-
sheet, IBM PC-to-PC com-
munications capabilities,
and DEC VT100/52 or IBM
3101 terminal emulation.
Standard operating features
include menu-driven com-
mands, fill-in-the-blank in-
put formats, and built-in
help screens, lntegrated-6
lets you create, store,
analyze, graphically display
combine, and condense in-
formation and transfer it
between modules and
computers. The same infor-
mation can be output in a
variety of formats for
presentations.
The database module
features disk access with a
capacity of up to ]00,000
records per file. The
graphics module, based on
the Superchartman II pro-
gram, offers nearly 20
graphic styles, ranging from
pie and text charts to
pie/bar chart combinations.
Able to handle as many as
256 columns and 2000
rows, lntegrated-6 's spread-
sheet can use information
created and stored in the
database for graphic
displays or merge it with
text to produce reports.
lntegrated-6 is written in
the C language. It reguires
a minimum memory of
256K bytes. The company
intends to transport it to
other computers and
enhance its emulation
capabilities. The suggested
retail price for lntegrated-6
is $495. Contact Mosaic
Software, 1972 Massachu-
setts Ave., Cambridge, MA
02140, (617) 491-2434.
Circle 566 on inquiry card.
TERMINALS
Hi-Res Terminal
Comes with DIM
Keyboard
Liberty Electronics'
Freedom 200 is a high-
resolution, nonglare 12-inch
video-display terminal with
a 106-key DIN-standard
keyboard. This tilt-and-
swivel unit features eight
foreign character sets, 7 by
9 character cells in a 9 by 12
matrix, a 24-line by 80-
character display format,
and a user-accessible 25th
status line. A software set-
up mode and 10 program-
mable function keys offer
operator convenience.
The Freedom 200 has
nonvolatile memory for
storing function keys and
set-up modes during power-
down. Nonembedded char-
acter attributes for both
the visual display and data
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 485
W^VB^tftt £ ^MfiW
entry as well as double-
height and double-width
characters and 86 graphics
characters are provided.
Miscellaneous highlights in-
clude programmable hand-
shaking protocol, a bidirec-
tional buffered auxiliary port
with expandable buffers,
programmable answer
back, smooth scrolling, ad-
justable screen time-out,
split-screen capabilities with
definable scroll regions, and
Televideo 950 and Lear-
Seigler ADM 31 emulation.
The single-unit price for
the Freedom 200 is $745.
Quantity discounts are
available. For more informa-
tion, contact Liberty Elec-
tronics, 625 Third St., San
Francisco, CA 94107, (415)
543-7000.
Circle 569 on inquiry card.
CAD/CAM Graphics Monitor
Colorgraphic Com-
munications Corporation
believes that its XL-13
monitor is a cost-effective
solution for CAD/CAM
graphics reguirements.
Plug-compatible with the
IBM Personal Computer,
the XL-13 consists of a bit-
mapped graphics board,
graphics primitives, a high-
performance 13-inch color
video display, and a power
supply. Its standard screen
format is 80 columns by 24
or 48 lines, and character
sizes can be 7 by 9 dots in
an 8- by 10-dot grid or bit-
map programmable. Both
text and graphic cursor
types are supported, with
visible, invisible, blinking, or
nonblinking attributes.
Graphics features include
an escape seguence inter-
preter for such graphic
functions as vectors, arcs,
circles, polygons, and
parallelograms; draw over
and behind; independent
draw and erase between
graphics and text; geo-
metric and complex fills;
128 fill patterns; zoom, pan,
scroll, and scaling; and
prefill or post-bounded fill
with solid color or pattern.
The graphics board pro-
vides a 1024 by 512 by 4
resolution. The 40-MHz
bandwidth monitor is
swept at 32 kHz horizontal-
ly and 60 Hz noninterlace
vertically. This combination
provides a flicker-free view-
ing window of 640 by 480
pixels. The IBM PC's highl-
and medium-resolution and
alphanumeric modes are
supported.
The XL-13 lists for S3495.
A 19-inch monitor version,
the XL-I9, costs $3995.
Volume discounts are
offered. For additional infor-
mation, contact Col-
orgraphic Communications
Corp., 2379 John Glenn
Dr., POB 80448, Atlanta,
GA 30366, (404)455-3921.
Circle 570 on inquiry card.
Touch-Sensitive
Monitor for IBM
Microtouch Systems has
unveiled the Point 1 touch-
sensitive monitor for the
IBM Personal Computer.
Point 1 lets you position the
cursor, select from menus,
and manipulate graphics
with the touch of a finger
on the video display. An
on-board 8-bit 65F11
microprocessor controls
data formats and calibra-
tions and comes with a
FORTH interpreter, 2K bytes
of RAM for user programs,
and 4K bytes of ROM for
MTS firmware. Switch set-
tings include 110 to 9600
bps data rates; none, even,
odd parity; 1 or 2 stop bits;
and software-adjustable
parameters. The monitor is
available with TTL or com-
posite outputs and amber
or green- phosphor screens.
Resolution is 1024 by 1024
points at 75 points per sec-
ond; the data rate is 200
points per second. Output
is asynchronous RS-232C.
Five commands are used to
configure the screen, set
parameters, and perform
self-tests. Additional pro-
gramming can be done
using a proprietary Touch
Commands Set and user-
defined commands.
Versions of the Point 1
are available for both
monochrome and color
graphics cards. A 4K-byte
EEPROM is available as an
option. In small guantities,
Point 1 costs less than
$850. An OEM kit of the
touch screen can be ob-
tained. For complete details,
contact Microtouch Sys-
tems Inc., Suite 5050, 400
West Cummings Park,
Woburn, MA 01801.
Circle 568 on inquiry card.
PERIPHERALS
IBM Data Acquisition
and Control
Metrabyte Corporation
has announced an A/D
data-acguisition and control
board for the IBM Personal
Computer. The Dascon-1
features 12 bits of digital I/O,
12-bit resolution of analog
I/O, four analog input chan-
nels with overvoltage pro-
tection, switch-selectable
input filters, two adjustable
voltage references, two
1-mA constant current
sources, external interrupt
capabilities, and a battery-
backed real-time clock.
Resolution is 500 microvolts
per bit. Optional switch
selections can extend the
486 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
What's New?
resolution to 0.5 microvolt
per bit on two channels.
Two channels contain RTD
interfaces for built-in
temperature measurements
from -200 to 650 degrees
Centigrade.
Supplied software in-
cludes I/O driver sub-
routines and such util-
ities as graphics and
calibration/set-up pro-
cedures. Options include
two channels of 12-bit D/A
output with switch-
selectable ranges, a screw
terminal connector, a solid-
state I/O module board,
and an electromechanical
relay output board.
Dascon-1 costs $485, in-
cluding manual, 37-pin D
connector, calibration
resistors, and card guide.
Options range from S12 to
$128.
Also available from
Metrabyte is a parallel digital
I/O card that provides 24
TTL/DTL-compatible digital
I/O lines. It has interrupt in-
put and enable lines as well
as external connections to
the IBM PC's bus power
supplies. The two dozen
I/O lines are provided
through an 8255-5 pro-
grammable peripheral inter-
face. It costs $89. For more
information on these prod-
ucts, contact Metrabyte
Corp., 254 Tosca Dr.,
Stoughton, MA 02072,
(617) 344-1990.
Circle 571 on inquiry card.
Interface Grapples with Printer
The Grappler CD in-
telligent printer interface for
the Commodore 64 is
marketed by Orange Micro.
The Grappler's C-1525
printer-emulation mode
provides the means for
such dot-matrix printers as
Epson, Star, Okidata, Pro-
writer, and NEC to produce
graphics and special
characters. Standard print
features include high-
resolution graphics screen
dumps, text screen dumps,
a transparent operation
mode, and block graphics
screen dump. Double-size,
inverted, rotated, and em-
phasized graphics are ac-
cessible through simple
commands. Margin and tab
settings, page length, and
skip-over perforation are
among the Grappler's text-
formatting features. More
than 22 commands provide
printing flexibility.
The Grappler comes
with all necessary cables
and its own serial ports.
Power is drawn from the
Commodore's expansion
port. The suggested retail
price is $139. For the name
of your nearest dealer, con-
tact Orange Micro Inc.,
1400 Lakeview Ave.,
Anaheim, CA 92807, (714)
779-2772.
Circle 575 on inquiry card.
Comprehensive Data
Encryptor
Transcryptor blocks
unauthorized access to
computers and terminals,
generates its own encryp-
tion keys, and automatical-
ly encrypts messages upon
transmission and decrypts
them upon receipt. Trans-
cryptor operates asyn-
rJ SgggJS^R
chronously, and it automat-
ically adjusts to data rates
ranging from 150 to 9600
bps. It has an error-
correction feature that
causes automatic resyn-
chronization when line-
noise errors occur. System
hardware includes a Z80
central processor and dual
RS-232C ports.
Transcryptor can be easi-
ly installed between a com-
puter and modem or a
direct line. The suggested
retail price is $945. Contact
Cryptext Corp., POB 425,
Northgate Station, Seattle,
WA 98125, (206)364-8585.
Circle 573 on inquiry card.
SYSTEMS
16-bit Desktop
Sperry's 16-bit Personal
Computer has built-in com-
munications capabilities.
The basic unit contains an
8088 microprocessor,
floppy- or hard-disk drives,
an asynchronous adapter
for mainframe communica-
tions, and expansion slots.
Standard hardware in-
cludes switch-selectable
4.77- or 7.16-MHz clock
rates. 1 28K bytes of RAM,
and seven expansion slots.
Two color display moni-
tors are offered for the
Sperry Personal Computer:
medium and high resolu-
tion. The 15-inch medium-
resolution display has an 80
from Sperry
or 40 by 25 format, 16K-
byte buffer, 320 by 200 or
640 by 200 resolution, and
up to 16 colors. Character
size is 5 by 7 in an 8- by
8-dot block. The 12-inch
color monitor has four res-
olutions, ranging from 320
by 200 to 640 by 400, a
1 92K-byte buffer, and the
ability to display up to 256
characters. Its character size
is 7 by 1 4 dots in an 8- by
16-dot block. A mono-
chrome display is also avail-
able.
Mass storage is provided
by 320K- or 360K-byte
floppy-disk drives or by a
10-megabyte hard-disk
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 487
What's New?
drive. MS-DOS level 1 .25 or
level 2.0 is standard, de-
pending on disk storage.
Some of the applications
programs currently offered
are Multiplan, Wordstar,
dBase II, and Mail Merge.
The Sperry Personal
Computer is available in
seven models, differing in
regard to monitor and stor-
age selections. A dot-matrix
printer is optional. Prices
range from $2643 to
S5753. For more informa-
tion, contact Sperry Corp.,
Computer Systems Divi-
sion, POB 500, Blue Bell,
PA 19424, (215) 542-4213.
Circle 590 on inquiry card.
M68000
Runs
Perkin-Elmer's 7350 Pro-
fessional Computer is a
desktop computer founded
on the M68000 micropro-
cessor. The 7350 is a
modular machine consist-
ing of a display unit, de-
tached keyboard, a 15-
megabyte Winchester
hard-disk drive, and two
double-density double-
sided floppy-disk drives. The
furnished DOS is Uniplus, a
Bell Labs Unix System III
derivative. The 7350 is of-
fered in single-user, color
graphics, and multifunction
cluster console configura-
tions.
The single-user worksta-
tion comes with 320K bytes
Computer
Uniplus
of user memory. The color
graphics version has 448K
bytes of memory and a
palette of 27 colors, 16 of
which can be displayed
simultaneously. The
1-megabyte multifunction
cluster console can accom-
modate three terminals. Its
satellites have complete ac-
cess to all host program-
ming facilities and most ap-
plications. A number of ap-
plications packages are
available for all versions of
the 7350.
The single-user worksta-
tion begins at S8400. The
cluster console starts at
S 11,750. For more informa-
tion, contact Perkin-Elmer,
Data Systems Group, 2
Crescent Place. Oceanport,
NJ 07757, (201)870-4768.
Circle 587 on inquiry card.
Royal Introduces Per-
sonal Computer
Royal Business Machines
has introduced the Alpha-
tronic Personal Computer.
This Z80A-based machine
comes with 64K bytes of
RAM and 32K bytes of
ROM. It has a BASIC inter-
preter in ROM and inter-
faces for a cassette recorder,
two disk drives, and a paral-
lel printer. It can be used
with a home television or
an RGB monitor; the dis-
play format is 80 or 40 by
24. Character resolution is
formed in an 8- by 12-dot
matrix. A 79-character key-
board with six program-
mable-function keys and
separate cursor controls
and numeric keypad is pro-
vided. For game and tuto-
rial software, the Alpha-
tronic has a built-in car-
tridge slot.
Slimline 5 '/4 -inch floppy-
disk drives and software
cartridges are options. The
suggested price is S695. For
details, contact Royal Busi-
ness Machines Inc., 500
Day Hill R<±, Windsor, CT
06095, (203) 683-2222.
Circle 586 on inquiry card.
Tandy 2000 Is
Powered by 80186
The 16-bit Tandy TRS-80
Model 2000, an MS-DOS-
based system, is powered
by Intel's 8-MHz 80186
microprocessor. Under MS-
DOS, the 2000 can run
such software as MS-Win-
dows, Ovation, and Multi-
plan. The 2000 has a 90-
key keyboard with 12 func-
tion keys and is offered in
two configurations, both of
which can accommodate
up to 768K bytes of RAM.
The basic 128K-byte 2000
has twin 5 'A -inch floppy-
disk drives, totaling 1.4
megabytes of storage. It lists
for $2750. The 256K-byte
2000 HD system has a 10-
megabyte hard-disk drive
augmented with a single
floppy-disk drive. It costs
$4250.
A 12-inch monochrome
and a 14-inch eight-color
monitor are offered. The dis-
play format is 80 by 25.
High-resolution 640 by 400
graphics are optional. Other
options include a mouse
and a monitor stand.
The Tandy TRS-80 Model
2000 is available at more
than 1100 Radio Shack
Computer Centers. Contact
Tandy Corp./Radio Shack,
1800 One Tandy Center,
Fort Worth, TX 76102.
Circle 585 on inquiry card.
MISCELLANEOUS
Tool Identifies
Dead Components
Metrifast's Thermoprobe
lets you quickly identify
dead components without
coming into direct contact
488 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
What's New?
with the PCB. A solid-state
device consisting of a ther-
mistor probe connected to
a modified Wheatstone
bridge circuit, Thermoprobe
measures minute tempera-
ture changes of 1/25 degree
Fahrenheit (1/45 degree
Centigrade). Because dead
ICs, resistors, transformers,
and diodes do not emit
heat, they can be readily
identified on the unit's built-
in S-meter, which indicates
null to warm as the device
is passed above the com-
ponents.
Thermoprobe is small
enough to fit inside a shirt
pocket. It's powered by a
9-volt battery. Thermoprobe
is available for S 21.95, post-
age paid, from Metrifast, 51
South Denton Ave., New
Hyde Park, -NY 11040.
Circle 593 on inquiry card.
Money Talks
The American Founda-
tion for the Blind is market-
ing a device that identifies
and vocalizes the value of
U.S. paper currency. The
machine, known as the
PMI (paper money identi-
fier), uses an optical scan-
ning device to identify SI,
S2, S5, $10, and S20 bills
and a voice synthesizer to
announce the value. If a bill
is fed into the machine face
down, the voice says
"over." PMI will also say
"please try again" if a bill is
tattered or otherwise un-
recognizable.
The rectangular PMI
measures 3/2 by 6 by 15%
inches and weighs 6
pounds, 2 ounces. Two
controls, an on/off switch
and a volume selector, are
located on the front panel.
PMI plugs into any standard
three-prong, 120-volt outlet
and can be used with a
talking cash register devel-
oped by the Foundation.
PMI costs $600. Purchas-
ing details are outlined in a
free catalog, Products for
People with Vision Prob-
lems, which is available in
print or braille from the
American Foundation for
the Blind, Consumer Prod-
ucts, 15 West 16th St., New
York, NY 10011.
Circle 591 on inquiry card.
Rewrite Labels
When used with their
complementary marking
pen, Holman Data Prod-
ucts' Rewrite Labels can be
erased with a damp cloth
and reused. These 4- by
4 V2 -inch labels have seven
lines for information. A
package of 100 Rewrite
Labels with one marking
pen costs S9.95. Quantity
discounts are available.
Contact Holman Data
Products, 2059 West Lin-
coln, Oroville, CA 95965,
(916) 533-5992.
Circle 595 on inquiry card.
Workshelves Adjust
to Your Taste
The Stack*Rack line of
computer workshelves
comprises nine models that
can be adapted to any
microcomputer on the mar-
ket. Produced by California
Design Works, Stack *Racks
feature adjustable shelves
that can be set level, sloped,
or vertically to suit personal
tastes. They are made of
solid red oak with an oil
finish.
Stack*Racks are available
with 14-, 18-, or 22-inch
shelves in single- or dou-
ble-shelf configurations.
Prices range from $38 to
$ 1 1 8. For complete details.
contact California Design
Works, POB 3052, Mon-
terey, CA 93940.
Circle 596 on inquiry card.
Micro Charts Aid
Micro Logic Corpora-
tion's Micro Chart #7 is a
double-sided, full-page ref-
erence card for 8086 and
8088 programmers. Micro
Chart represents the recon-
struction of the bits, codes,
and special conditions
found in data manuals. The
data are presented in a fully
decoded format, which fa-
cilitates programming, de-
bugging, and patching.
Areas covered are conver-
sion of instructions to and
from hexadecimal, instruc-
Programmers
tion descriptions, cycle time,
addressing modes, flag
codes, register map, mem-
ory map, pinouts, and ASCII
codes. Diagrams and cau-
tionary notes are provided
as well.
Micro Chart #1 is made
of the same type of plastic
as a credit card. In lots of
one to nine, it costs $5.95,
plus $1 postage. Order
Micro Chart directly from
Micro Logic Corp., 100 2nd
St., POB 174, Hackensack,
NJ 07602, (201) 342-6518.
Where Do New Products Items Come From?
The information printed in the new products pages of BYTE is
obtained from "new product" or "press release" copy sent by
the promoters of new products. If in our judgment the infor-
mation might be of interest to trie personal computing experi-
menters and homebrewers who read BYTE, we print it in some
form. We openly solicit releases and photos from manufac-
turers and suppliers to this marketplace. The information is
printed more or less as a first-in first-out queue, sutject to oc-
casional priority modifications. While we would not knowing-
ly print untrue or inaccurate data, or data from unreliable com-
panies, our capacity to evaluate the products and companies
appearing in the "What's New?" feature is necessarily limited.
We therefore cannot be responsible for product quality or
company performance.
February 1984 @ BYTE Publications Inc. 489
RIBBON RE-INKERS
Introducing the Pika-Ink , an incredible new device
which extends the life of your fabric printer ribbons
by a factor of TEN! Works with any fabric ribbon
th Vi-inch or narrower width. Automatically re-inks
your ribbons either on or off the printer for consis-
tent dark black print. Pays for itself on the first rib-
bon!
The Pika-Ink is a kit which includes # Stainless
steel ink reservoir • ball bearing assembly •
transfer felts • 1 15v 60Hz electric motor * power
cord • special computer ribbon ink (extra ink
available). Comes with complete instructions. Re-
quires assembly and fabrication with hand tools.
Pika-Ink kit
each
$89
3+
10+
"$84 $78"
TERMINALS & PRINTERS
Micro-Term E301 $875
Visual 55 $850
Visual 102 $1050
QumeQVT-102 $675
plka
QumeQVT-108 $850
Qume Sprint 11/40 $1495
Sprint Interface $90
Sprint Tractor $235
RS-232
BREAKOUT BOX
The Pika-Hox RS-232 I/O tester is the most advanced
breakout box on the market today. An absolute
necessity for anyone who uses or works with RS-232
peripherals, interfaces, or data lines. Saves hours of
aggravation. Available in standard or deluxe tri-state
models. Lifetime warranty!
• 25-pin male DCE
and female DTE
connectors.
• Individual LED's
monitor pins, 2,
3,4,5.6,8, 15,
17,20, 21,22,25,
plus MARK and
SPACE.
• 24 DIP switches
allow signal lines to
be individually
interrupted.
• 25 test pins for
monitoring or cross
patching with in-
cluded jumpers.
• Tri-State model displays signals as high, low, or
invalid.
• Fits in shirt pocket. 2.9"x5.5"x1.5", wt. 8 oz,
with batteries (included).
• Fully assembled, ready to use.
list
Pika-Box $199
Tri-State Pika-Box S249
each
T179
$219
3+
$174
$211
RS-232 SWITCHES
SAVE 40% TO 80%!
Allows several devices to share a single RS-232 data
line. Enhances flexibility of your system and puts an
end to juggling cables. You've heard them called AB
switches or T-switches, and they have outrageous
prices!
The Pika-Switch" is an economical alternative in kit
form. You assemble it yourself and save 40% to 80%!
Available in two models: 2-device (AB + common)
with 3 female connectors, and 5-device (ABCDE +
common) with 6 female connectors. Switches any 8
lines. Silver plated switch contacts, gold plated con-
nector contacts. Complete, nothing else to buy.
Common
Pika-Switch # 2 (AB)
Pika-Switch # 5 (ABCDE)
Male Connector Option
each
_3±_
$79 $75
$145 $135
No Charge
TERMS: All Sales exclusively by mail/phone order.
Cash, check, money order, MC, Visa. No COD. Add
$4.50 shipping, NM residents add 4% tax. (Foreign
customers: payment must be in U.S. funds drawn
on a U.S. bank, add 10% for air shipment).
ORDERS ONLY
Ask for Dept. 501
Pika-Box
1-800-547-4000
P""H In Oregon, and outside the U.S. call (503) 620-1602 r™"^
Div. of Applied Computing
Dept. 501
1808 Pomona Dr.
Las Cruces, N M 88001
IITE
"back issues for sale
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1984
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Circle and send requests with payments to:
BYTE Back Issues
P.O. Box 328
I Hancock, NH 03449
Prices include postage in the US. Please add $.50 per copy for
Canada and Mexico; and S2.00 per copy to foreign countries.
□ Check enclosed
Payments from foreign countries must be made in US funds
payable at a US bank.
□ VISA
Card # _
□ Master Card
_ Exp
Signature
Please allow 4 weeks for domestic delivery and 8 weeks for
foreign delivery.
name
address
city
state _
zip
490 BYTE February 1984
Apple Country Ltd. has your Number for
ROCK BOTTOM PRICES
**!i
1-800-222-2602
AMDEK COLOR I PLUS
AMDEK COLOR II PLUS
AMDEK COLOR III
AMDEK COLOR IV
AMDEK VIDEO 300 (GREEN)
AMDEK VIDEO 300 (AMBER)
AMDEK VIDEO 310 (AMBER)
BMC 12AU 12" GREEN
BMC AU9191U 13" COLOR
BMC 1401 13" RGB COLOR
BMC AU9191MU 13" RGB IBM
COMMODORE COLOR MONITOR
COMREX 13" COLOR W/SOUN3
COMREX 12" HI-RES AMBER
COMREX 12" HI-RES GREEN
COMREX 12" HI-RES LT GRN
COMREX 13" RGB COLOR
ELECTROHOME 9" GREEN
ELECTROHOME 12" GREEN
ELECTROHOME 13" RGB IBM
ELECTROHOME 13" RGB COLOR
GORILLA 12" GREEN
NEC 12" GREEN SCREEN
ECONO GREEN
LO-RES COLOR
AMBER SCREEN
COLOR - IBM
PRINCETON GRAPHICS HX- 1 2
SAKATA 13" COLOR
SAKATA 13" RGB COLOR
SAKATA SUPER RGB MONITOR
SAKATA 12" GREEN
TAXAN 12" GREEN
TAXAN 12" AMBER
TAXAN RGB VISION I
TAXAN RGB VISION III
ZENITH 12" AMBER
ZENITH 12" GREEN
ZENITH RGB COLOR MONITOR
USI 9" AMBER MONITOR
USI 9" GREEN MONITOR
USI 12" AMBER
USI 12" GREEN MONITOR
USI 14" LO-RES COLOR
ANCHOR MARK I (RS-232)
ANCHOR MARK II (ATARI)
ANCHOR MARK III (TI99/4A)
ANCHOR MARK V (OSBORNE)
ANCHOR MARK VI (IBM PC)
ANCHOR MARK VII (RS-232)
ANCHOR MARK XII (RS-232)
NOVATION J-CAT
NOVATION 212 AUTO CAT
SMARTCAT 212 (1200 BAUD)
SMARTMODEM 3 00 BAUD
SMARTMODEM 1200 BAUD
SMARTMODEM 1200B - IBM
US ROBOTICS AUTODIAL 2 12
294.95
424.95
369.95
749.95
134.95
144.95
164.95
89.95
299.95
349.95
629.95
269.95
269.95
134.95
129.95
129.95
269.95
129.95
144.95
379.95
359.95
89.95
154.95
109.95
289.95
164.95
479.95
489.95
264.95
499.95
679.95
104.95
124.95
129.95
294.95
439.95
119.95
99.95
389.95
129.95
119.95
149-95
139.95
289.95
79.95
79.95
99.95
94.95
199.95
109.95
279.95
104.95
579.95
429.95
194.95
484.95
449.95
449.95
ANADEX DP-9725B COLOR/SCRIBE
ANADEX DP-9625A 1339.95
ANADEX DP-9620A 1129.95
ANADEX WP-6000 2199.95
ANADEX DP-6500TR 500CPS 2329.95
C.ITOH 85 10SCP COLOR NEW!!
CITOH A10 DAISY WHEEL 539.95
C.ITOH 8510SP 569.95
COMREX CR-I DAISY WHEEL 629.95
COMREX CR-II DAISY WHEEL 469.95
DAISEYWRITER 2000 1129.95
DIABLO 630R155 1784.95
EPSON FX-80 W/TRACTOR LOW!!
EPSON FX-100 F/T LOW! I
EPSON LQ-1500 LETTER QUALITY
EPSON MX- 100 F/T
EPSON RX-80
EPSON RX-80 F/T
GEMINI 10X
GEMINI 15X
GORILLA BANANA PRINTER
IDS MICROPRISM
IDS PRISM 132
IDS PRISM 132C - COLOR
JUKI 6100 PRINTER (P)
MANNESMANN TALLY MT160L
MANNESMANN TALLY MT180L
MANNESMANN TALLY MT440L
NEC 3550 SPINWRITER-IBM 1754.95
NEC 8025 120 CPS 136 COL 719.95
OKIDATA MICROLINE 80 299.95
OKIDATA PACEMARK 2350S 1999.95
OKIDATA PACEMARK 2350S
OKIDATA PACEMARK 2410P
OKIDATA PACEMARK 24 1 OS
OKIDATA 82A K/GRAPHICS
OKIDATA 83A W/GRAPHICS
OKIDATA 84 P
OKIDATA 84S
OKIDATA 92P
OKIDATA 93P
OKIDATA 9 3S
PRINTMASTER (DAISY)
PROWRITER I PRINTER
PROWRITER II PRINTER
QUADJET COLOR INK JET PRINTER
QUME SPRINT 11/40+ 1399.95
SANYO PR5500 DAISY WHEEL 659.95
SILVER-REED 550 DAISY 699.95
STAR DELTA- 10 160CPS LOW! I
STARWRITER DAISY WHEEL 1099.95
TOSHIBA P-1350 LP 1579.95
TRANSTAR 315 COLOR 449.95
TRANSTAR 120P 14CPS 464-95
TRANSTAR 130P 18CPS 699.95
TRANSTAR 140S 40CPS 1229.95
EPSON SERIAL (RS-232) 134.95
GRAFITTI CARD 84.95
GRAPPLER + 1 19.95
MICROBUFFER II 16K 144.95
PKASO INTERFACE 129.95
WIZARD BPO 16K 129.95
WIZARD SOB 16K 179.95
OTHER PRINTERS AVAILABLE
LOW! !
LOW! !
LOW! !
LOW! !
LOW! !
189.95
479.95
1299.95
1499.95
549.95
599.95
799.95
NEW! !
2199.95
2329.95
2499.95
379.95
579.95
1049.95
1129.95
449.95
729.95
829.95
1549.95
■ 344.95
619.95
COMMODORE 64 LOW!!
COMMODORE 1541 DRIVE LOW!!
IBM PC LOW! I
COLUMBIA VP PORTABLE 2349.95
COLUMBIA COMPLETE SYS. 2649.95
IBM-PC COMPATIBLE SYSTEM
128K, 2-DS/DD DRIVES, KEYBOARD
AND COMPLETE SOFTWARE PACKAGE
CORVUS CONCEPT MC68000 $3199
256K, 8" FLOPPY DRIVE
COMPLETE SOFTWARE PACKAGE
BI-DIRECTIONAL 8-1/2X11 SCREEN
CORVUS CONCEPT 512K $3599
EAGLE PC II 128K SYSTEM 2649.95
EAGLE SPIRIT XL 3649.95
PORATABLE 1 28K RAM EXPANDABLE
TO 640K RAM ON BOARD, 1 320K
FLOPPY 10 MEGABYTE HARD DISK,
IBM COMPATABLE KEYBOARD,
MONOCHROME MONITOR, 2 SERIAL t»
1 PARALLEL PORT, MS DOS 2-0,
GW BASIC, CP/M 86
KAYPRO II 1449.95
LEADING EDGE
IBM COMPATABLE COMPUTER
8088 MPC 7.16 MHz
7 EXPANSION SLOTS, BUILT IN
CLOCK, PARALLEL AND SERIAL
PORTS, 128K RAM, MONITOR,
WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE.
CALL FOR LOW PRICE!
NEC APC-H01 $2049
NEC APC-H02 $2549
NEC APC-H03 $3049
SANYO MBC 550 SYSTEM 769.95
SANYO WBC-1000 1529.95
TELEVIDEO 16-BIT DESKTOP
128K 8088 5MHZ DUAL 360K DRIVES
INCLUDES CP/M $3499.95
TELEVIDEO 910 TERMINAL 549.95
TELEVIDEO 925 TERMINAL 789.95
TELEVIDEO 970 TERMINAL 1199.95
ZENITH Z-120 ALL-IN-ONE
BUILT-IN GREEN SCREEN
DUAL DRIVES SPECIAL $2999.95
APPLE //e NOW AVAILABLE
WILDCAT STARTER SYSTEM 64K 2DR.
6502 i. Z80 APPLE-CLONE 1499.95
SS/SD ELEPHANT 16.95 OPUS 15.95
SS/DD ELEPHANT 19.95 OPUS 17.95
DS/DD ELEPHANT 25.95 OPUS 24.95
APPLE HARDWARE
ALS CP/M CARD 299.95
AMDEK AMDISK 3" DISK DR 239.95
APPLE-CAT II 264.95
APPLE DUMPLING GX 119.95
4TH DIMENSION DRIVE+CTRL 289.95
4TH DIMENSION DRIVE-ONLY 199.95
HAYES MICROMODEM lie 249.95
KENSINGTON SYSTEM SAVER 64.95
KOALA GR/TABLET W/SFTWR 99.95
LAZER MICROSYSTEM DRIVE 189.95
MICRO-SCI A2 DRIVE ONLY 239.95
MICRO-SCI A2 W/CTRL-CARD 299.95
MOUNTAIN MUSIC SYSTEM 289.95
ORANGE MICRO SMART CARD NEW!!
PREMIUM SOFTCARD lie 334.95
QUADRAM 64K80COL CRD He 124.95
RANA ELITE I W/CTRL-CARD 349.95
RANA ELITE II W/CTRL 499.95
RANA ELITE III W/CTRL 649.95
SOUNDCHASER MUSIC SYSTEM 619.95
SOFTCARD (Z-80 CARD) 234.95
SWEET P PLOTTER 459. y5
TG JOYSTICK W/TOGGLE He 49.95
TRANSMODEM 1200 499.95
WICO APPLE MOUSE 124.95
KOALA PAD TOUCH TABLET 99.95
KRAFT JOYSTICK 54.95
MICROSOFT SYSTEMCRD 256K 449.95
MICROSOFT MOUSE 134.95
MOUSE SYSTEMS PC MOUSE 224.95
QUADLINK APPLE EMULATOR 489.95
QUADRAM QUADBOARD I 64K 289.95
QUADRAM QUADCOLOR I 229.95
QUADRAM QUADCHROME MON 524.95
QUADRAM QUADSCREEN MON 1549.95
RANA DS/DD DISK DRIVE 259.95
STB SUPER I/O MULTIFUNCT 169.95
TG JOYSTICK W/TOGGLE 49.95
TRANSEND P.C. MODEM 1200 399.95
VERSAWRITER GRAPH TABLET 239.95
WIZARD SPOOLER P/S 16K 239.95
CBM64 HARDWARE
CARDBOARD/5 5 SLOT EX PAN . 54.95
CARD? GRAPHICS INTERFACE 64.95
DATA20 Z80 VIDEOPAK 224.95
GRAPPLER CD NEW PRINT INTERFACE
KOALA GRAPH TABLET W/SFT 79.95
MSD-SD1 DISK DRIVE 339.95
VOICE BOX 99.95
Circle 24 on inquiry card.
We will try to meet or beat any advertised price!
CALL US. . . WE CAN HELP! 1-800-222-2602
For technical assistance, order status and California calls (619) 765-0239
Apple Country, Ltd.. P.O. Box 1099, 2602 Washington St., Julian, Calif. 92036 ^^
Terms: We accept American Express. No extra charge for Visa/MasterCard, Cashier's Check, ^^^- "£■
personal check (allow 2 weeks to clear) Shipping & Handling: 5% ($5 ijiin.); APO FPO Alaska W /.''''*'}''
Hawaii & Monitors 5% ($10 min.) Foreign orders 15% ($15 min.) All items are new with /. /'.*.>'.'
manufacturer's warranty. Prices are subject to availability & change without notice. Purchase order 1 si^*>*
must include check. California residents add 6% sales tax. Send $1 (good toward first purchase) for ^h . ~*
new fall catalog. x. ..
Apple Country, Ltd. is a DISCOUNT MAIL ORDER HOUSE for the micro computer industry ^5
and is a California corporation not affiliated with Apple Computer Inc. Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
Circle 346 on inquiry card.
CHECK SUNTRONICS NEW LOW PRICES
IBM Compatible Products Apple Compatible Products General Products- cont.
loinsaLv, 1-800-421-5775
Calif, orders and all Info Call 213-644-1149
S-1QQ Products
COLUMBIA PC 1600-1
Includes: Drives, Video Card, Perfect Soft-
ware Package, MS-DOS, CP/M,
Fast Graphics, BASIC, CP/M-86,
Home Accountant and Com-
munications Program.
PC 1600-1 only $2850.00
COLUMBIA VP (Portable). . . only $2750.00
AST SIXPACK CARD
Six-function card with 64K-348K RAM
Memory, Parallel Port, Serial Port, Clock
Calendar, Super Drive and Super Spool.
AST Sixpack Card only 291.00
MSI DUAL I/O
2 Serial/2 Parallel Ports, Clock 175.00
MSI 256K RAM Board
256K RAM Board with 64K 199.00
256K RAM Board with 256K Call
MSI 256K w/Parallel or Serial Port
256K w/Parallel Port and 64K 259.00
256K w/Parallel Port and 256K Call
256K w/Serial Port and 64K 259.00
256K w/Serial Port and 256K Call
VISTA DISKMASTER
Diskmaster Floppy and Hard
Disk Controller 225.00
APPRATE IBM PROM Blaster 129.00
CABLE for IBM Parallel Printer 29.95
CABLE for Columbia MPC
Parallel Printer 29.95
MODEM Novation 103 Smart-Cat . .$210.00
AFDC-1 Floppy Disk Drive $CQ95
Controller 0«7
Runs DOS 3.3 with any standard Shugart com-
patible 5Va" disk drive. (2 drives each card).
Does not read Vl track.
Apprate PROM Blaster 119.00
"ALS" 80 Column Card 159.00
"ALS" 2-CARD (Z80 CPU) 149.00
API Apple Parallel Printer Interface card.
Centronics Compatible $45.00
WORD PROCESSOR (Benchmark)
For IBM or MS-DOS $299.00
MAILING LIST (Benchmark)
For Apple II 140.00
For IBM or MS-DOS 140.00
SPELLING CHECKER (Benchmark!
For IBM or MS-DOS 105.00
TELECOM (Benchmark)
For IBM or MS-DOS 85.00
CDEX
IBM Training 52.00
TALLGRASS
(J format) 50.00
Mitsubishi Disk Drives, 5V4" and 8 Slim
5%" Thin DSDD 40 Track : 310.00
8" Thin DSDD 80 Track 450.00
General Products
DSKETTESALE
5 W Diskettes
SS/DD (100% certified)
DS/DD (100% certified)
10 up 100 up
1.75 1.55
2.50 2.30
SAM WOO 18MHz
Video Monitors
AMBER 9" 119.00
GREEN 12" 124.00
AMBER 12" 127.00
Composite video I/O. 750
lines resolution. 75'10K ohm impedance.
BMC 13 COLOR
monilar (or your
home computer
video game dis-
play- Olfers 350 x
350 resolution
with 400 dots at
the center.
9191U ...249.00
BMC PRINTER
BX-80 dol matrix printer
h 80 cps, 9x7 prim
head. Quiet, reliable and
priced for
entry level $OCQ00
end-user t«iCl
Note: Please add S10.00 shipping and hand-
ling for the video monitors or printer.
EPROM & RAM SUPER SALE
P/N
Description 8-24 25up
2716
(450nSI 3.95 3.95
2732
!450nSI 4.40 4.40
2764
(28 pin) 8.95 5.95
4164
(in stock) Call Call
6116P-3
(150nSI 6.10 Call
Mother Boards & Card Cages
SLOTS Bare Bd KIT A & T w/CAGE
6 $1900 $44.00 S59.00 $84.00
8 24.00 56.00 81.00 116.00
12 29.00 75.00 110.00 150.00
10MHz, No termination. Includes power indicator and
wiring for muffin fan. Uses OK connector for solderless
installation and removal of power & reset lines.
S1RC00
64KSM A&T without RAM ... I *J*J
64KSM A&T w 64k RAM (32-61 16's). 339.00
S-100 Board Uses 6MHz 61 16's. V? Amp
max. power. Bank Select plus Extended
Addressing allows for multi-memory
board set-up. 4 independant 16K Blocks
make easy use with multi-user sys-
tems. Any 2K RAM may be replaced by
a 2716 EPROM.
SBC-880 Z80A CPU, A&T $169.00
SBC-880 Z80A CPU, Kit 149.00
4MHz Z80A CPU boards
with SeriaVParaUel Paris.
UFDC-1 Floppy Controller, A&T 245.00
UFDC-1 Floppy Controller, Kit 225.00
The UFDC-1 Floppy Controller uses the
WD1795 chip which runs either
and/or 8"'5W Disk Drives.
CLOCK CALENDAR A&T 115.00
CLOCK CALENDAR Kit 95.00
This S-100 Clock Calendar Board has
4 interrupts, Time, Day of Week
and Battery Backup.
Special Sale Items
Apple Keyboard Assm & Tested . . $49.95
SUN-721 S-100 Prototype Board 9.95
SUN-722 Apple Prototype Board 5.95
See our January 1984 BYTE Ad for above item
descriptions. Quantities are limited.
m SUNTRONICS CO., inc.
STORE HOURS: MON.-FRI. 9:00am to 6:00pm SATURDAY 10:00am to 5:00pm
*'*' * " ■ ' ' * 77 . '/. "■*'■ Mail Order— Min. Order $10. Visa or MasterCard (please include expiration date). Add $2.00 (shipping and handling) for
12621 Crenshaw Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250 first 3 pounds plus .50 for each additional pound to your order. CA residents add Calif, sales tax.
MEGA BYTES FOR MICRO BUDGETS
Why pay more for top quality peripherals and accessories when our prices are consistently among the lowest anywhere? Expand your system and
shrink your cost. We invite you to compare prices, then call us.
MICROSOFT,
SALE PRICE
MULTIPLAN
$176.00
MULTIWORD WITH MOUSE
339.63
MULTITOOL FINANCIAL STATEMENT
70.49
MULTITOOL BUDGET
104.96
SOFTCARD SYSTEM CARDS
CALL
MISC. ITEMS
SALE PRICE
92P . . . OKIDATA . . . PRINTER
485.10
93P . . . OKIDATA . . . PRINTER
812. 70
NEC JB1260 MONITOR
112.50
NEC JB1205 MONITOR
177.50
AMDEK COLOR II. . .MONITOR
466.50
PEGASUS DISK DRIVES
CALL
CORVUS DISK DRIVES
CALL
DYSAN DISKETTES (Boxes of 10 each)
SALE PRICE
104/1 5.25" .SS.SD
$32.83
104/1D 5.25" .SS.SD
34.72
104/2D 5.25" .DS.DD
41.04
3740/1 8" .SS.SD
34.09
3740/1 D 8" .SS.DD
42.29
3740/2 8" .DS.SD
42.29
3740/2D 8" .DS.DD
49.24
VIDEX
SALE PRICE
UL-00
. . . ULTRATERM $282.39
VT-600
. . . VIDEOTERM 60. Hz 207.87
VT-601
. . . VIDEOTERM 60.Hz SOFTSWITCH 230.22
VT-602
. . . VIDEOTERM 60.Hz SOFTSWITCH INVER . . .237.68
PS-000
. . . PSIO 170.61
ENH-000
. . . ENHANCER II 111.04
ENH-FS-000. . .
. . . FUNCTION STRIP 29.06
ENH-FS-001 . . .
. . . ENHANCER II, FUNCTION STRIP. . . . 133.37
MODEMS
01 HAYES
02 HAYES
03 HAYES
04 HAYES
05 NOVATION . .
06 NOVATION . .
07 NOVATION . .
08 NOVATION . .
09 NOVATION . .
10 U.S. ROBOTICS
11 U.S. ROBOTICS
. .CHRONOGRAPH
SALE PRICE
$200.79
. .SMARTMODEM 300
..SMARTMODEM 1200....
232.37
568.29
..MICROMODEM II
. DCAT
. AUTOCAT
313.60
180.58
657.95
. JCAT
. SMARTCAT 103/212
. SMARTCAT 103
122.30
488.35
204.43
. . PASSWORD
. .AUTO DIAL
395. 75
525.00
ORDERS ONLY 800-858-4810
IN CAL. 800-821-6662
— COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS
2858 S. ROBERTSON BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90034
INFORMA TION
(213) 559-0596
Phone orders accepted on Visa and Mastercard only. California residents add 6.5% sales tax. No C.O.D. Actual shipping and handling charge added to all orders. Prepaid
orders as follows: Money orders or cashier's check — merchandise shipped upon receipt. Personal checks must clear before shipping. 20% restocking fee. Prices and
availability subject to change. SI 00 minimum order.
492 BYTE February 1984
Circle 60 on inquiry card.
CNAnneL
axinecnons
'■ The Channel Connecting You And Computers
APPLE SOFTWARE .
*AST Versa Form
$245.00
Qbase
139.00
Templates PO/INV @
39.00
ML/CRJ/EJ @
33.00
ARTSCI Magic Window
99.00
Magic Mailer
49.00
Magic Words
49.00
Magic Calc
99.00
•ASHTONE-TATE'" dBase II
■ 385.00
Bottomline Strategist
279.00
Financial Planner
419.00
Friday!
198.00
BEAGLE BROTHERS
Alpha Plot
28.00
Apple Mechanic
22.00
Beagle Bag
22.00
Doss Boss
17.00
Double Take
27.00
Pronto Dos
22.00
Utility City
22.00
BLUE CHIP Millionaire
39.00
BPI GL/AP/AR/INV/PR®
295.00
BRODERBUNO" A.E.
25.00
Choplitter
25.00
Bank St. Writer
45.00
Lode Runner
26.00
G. W/AP
305.00
AR/PR @
275.00
CENTRAL POINT Copy II Plus
32.00
Filer
15.00
CONTINENTAL™GL/AR/AP/PR@
158.00
Home Accountant
49.00
FCM
68.00
CRANE Menu Generator
29.00
DATA SOFT (Zaxxon)
27.00
Micropainter
25.00
DIGITAL RESEARCH™
CALL
DOW JONES'-Market Analyzer™
275.00
Market Manage/ ,
235.00
Market Microscope
525.00
lnves'tment™Eva(uator
129.00
Connector • ,
85.00
EDUWARE
CALL
FOX & GELLER"Quick Code
195.00
dGraph
195.00
dUtil
69.00
Quick Screen i
119.00
HAYDEN Pie Writer
99.00
HAYES® Smartcom 1
89.00
INFOCOHTDeadline
34.00
Zork l/ll/lll @
27.00
INSOFT Electric Duet
22.00
GraphForth
56.00
KENSINGTON- Format II
113.00
LOTUS™ Executive Briefing
System
149.00
MICROCOM Micro Terminal
59.00
MICRO PRO™ Infostar
259.00
•MICROSOFT Multiplan™
169.00
Budget System
109.00
Financial Statement
69.00
Other products
CALL
MONOGRAM Dollars & Sense
79.00
MUSE* Supertext Home Office
73.00
Supertext Pro. (lie)
73.00
Castle Wolfenstein
22.00
PENGUIN
Complete Graphics System II
49.00
Graphics Magician
39.00
Special Effects
29.00
PERFECT SOFTWARE™
Perfect Writer
149.00
Perfect Speller
99.00
Perfect Writer/Speller
199.00
Perfect Filer
199.00
Perfect Calc
99.00
Writer/Speller/Filer/Calc
489.00
PHOENIX Zoom Grafix
34.00
QUALITY Bag of Tricks
29.00
SENSIBLE Speller
83.00
SIERRA ON LINE
Screen Writer II
85.00
Dictionary
69.00
Screen Writer/Dictionary
135.00
Frogger
25.00
Ultima II
39.00
SILICON VALLEY
Word Handler
39.00
List Handler
35.00
SIRIUS Type Attack
28.00
Pascal Graphics Editor
75.00
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING ™
(Specify II+ or He)
pfs: File
84.00
pfs: Report
79.00
pfs: Graph
84.00
pfs: Write (lie only)
84.00
SPINNAKER™ up to 30% off
SSM Transcend I
69.00
Also SEE MODEMS
STONEWARE D.B. Master
1 145.00
D.B. Master Ver. 4
229.00
SUBLOGIC Flight Simulator
25.00
TERRAPIN Logo
119.00
VISICORP Visicale
(II/II+) (lie)
169.00
Other Products
CALL
APPLE HARDWARE.
CENTRAL POINT Alaska Card™ 99.00
DANA » Fan 59.00
EPS Keyboard 319.00
Prom @ 29.00
GIBSON LABS LPS Light Pen 279.00
HAYES Micromodem II W/SC I 249.00
KOALA™ Graphic Tablet 85.00
KRAFT Joystick 49.00
Paddle 39.00
MICRO SCI A2 w/o Controller 219.00
A2 Controller 79.00
A40 w/o Controller 299.00
A70 w/o Controller 399.00
A40/A70 Controller 79.00
MICROSOFT® 16K Ramcard 69.00
Softcard 219.00
Softcard Plus 449.00
Softcard Premium 479.00
Premium Softcard lie 369.00
NOVATION See MODEMS
ORANGE MICRO™
Buffered Grappler 16K 179.00
PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS
Microbuffer II plus 16K PAR 199.00
Other Products CALL
SSM See MODEMS
TG Paddles
Joy Stick
Select a Port
Track Ball
Joy Stick (lie)
TENCAL Cool & Time
VIOEX Videoterm w/ss
Ultraterm
WICO Joy Stick
29.00
45.00
45.00
49.00
49.00
75.00
239.00
279.00
59.00
IBM SOFTWARE
•AST Versa Form 245.00
Qbase 139.00
Templates PO/INV @ 39.00
ML/CRJ/EJ @ 33.00
'ASHTONE-TATE™ dBase II 385.00
Bottomline Strategist 279.00
Financial Planner 419.00
Friday! 198.00
BLUE CHIP Millionaire 39.00
BPI™ GL/AP/AR/PR @ 459.00
CENTRAL POINT Copy II PC 32.00
COMPREHENSIVE
PC Tutor 1.1 45.00
PC Tutor 2.0 45.00
CONTINENTAL™ FCM 79.00
Home Accountant Plus 89.00
Property Management 329.00
DATAMOST Write On 89.00
DIGITAL RESEARCH™ CP/M 86 45.00
Concurrent CP/M 86 235.00
Dr. Logo 79.00
Other Products CALL
DOW JONES™ Market Analyzer™ 275.00
Market Manager™ 235.00
Market Microscope 525.00
Investment Evaluator™ 129.00
Connector 85.00
FOX & GELLER Quick Code 195.00
dGraph '195.00
dUtil 69.00
HAYDEN Pie Writer 135.00
HAYES Smart Com II 89.00
INFOCOM™ Deadline 34.00
Zork l/ll/lll®. 27.00
INSOFT Data Desjgn 169.00
MICROCOM Micro Terminal 69.00
•MICROSOFT™ Multiplan 169.00
Budget System 109.00
Financial Statement 69.00
Word 275.00
Word w/Mouse 339.00
Other Products CALL
MONOGRAM Dollars & Sense 119.00
MUSE™ Supertext Pro 73.00
•PEACHTREE Peachtext 50Q0 235.00
•PERFECT SOFTWARE™ CALL
PETER NORTON Utilities 59.00
SIRIUS Type Attack 29.00
Gorgon II 29.00
SOFTWARE ARTS TK Solver 219.00
SOFTWARE PUBLISHING
pfs: File 94.00
pfs: Report 84.00
pfs: Graph 94.00
pfs: Write 94.00
SPINNAKER™ up to 30% off
STONEWARE
D.B. Master Advanced 449.00
SUPERSOFT Personal Database 90.00
VISICORP CALL
IBM HARDWARE
AMDEK MAI Board 519.00
AST Call
HAYES Smartmodem 1200B /SCII 439.00
KOALA™ Graphic Tablet 109.00
KRAFT Joystick 49.00
Paddle 39.00
MICROSOFT-' Mouse 149.00
System Card 64K 295.00
System Card 256K 465.00
QUADRAM Quadlink
Quadboard 64K
Ouadboard II 64K
Quad 512 plus 64K
Quad 512 plus 256K
Quad 512 plus 512K
64K Ram Chips
Quadchrome
Quadscreen
TG Paddles
Joy Stick
Track Ball
WICO Joy Stick
MODEMS
485.00
285.00
285.00
265.00
420.00
675.00
79.00
519.00
1,595.00
39.00
4900
49.00
59.00
HAYES® Micromodem II
w/SC I (II) 249.00
SMartcom I (II) 89.00
Smartmodem 1200B
w/SCII (PC) 439.00
Smartcom II (PC) 89.00
Smartmodem 1200
(RS232) 499.00
Smartmodem 300
(RS232) 205.00
Chronograph (RS232) 189.00
NOVATION Apple Cat II
(300B) (II) 269.00
212 Apple Cat II (300/1200B)
(II) 559.00
212 Apple Cat II
Upgrade Kit 319.00
Cat (300B) (RS232) 139.00
D-Cat (300B) (RS232) 159.00
J-Cat (300B) (RS232) 109.00
Smart Cat 103
(300B) (RS232) 199.00
Smart Cat 103/212
(RS232) 409.00
212 Auto Cat(RS232) 569.00
SSM Modemcard w/SOURCE II
259.00
Transmodem 1200 (II) 499.00
AIO-2 Ser/Par Interface 169.00
MONITORS
AMDEK Video 300
Video 300A
Color I
Color I plus
Color II
Color III
Color IV
DVM Interface (II)
DVM Interface (lie)
NEC 12" Green JB1201
12" Color JC1215
12" RGB JC1203 (PC)
JC1203 to PC Cable
PGS HX-12
QUADRAM Quadchrome
Quadscreen
TAXAN 13" Color
12" Green
12" Amber
RGB Vision 1 12" Lo
RGB Vision 3 12" Hi
PRINTERS
135.00
149.00
289.00
319.00
439.00
389.00
895.00
169.00
169.00
159.00
299.00
559.00
24.00
539.00
519.00
1,595.00
319.00
145.00
149.00
319.00
559.00
EPSON FX 80/100
OKIDATA Complete Line
DISKETTES
DYSAN» 5'A" SS/SD
5V<" SS/DD
5V<" DS/DD
Plastic Box Add
CALL
CALL
32.00
37.00
43.00
1.50
TERMS'. Add 3% for shipping & handling. $3.00 minimum. Allow 2 weeks for checks to clear. Add 6% for Calif. Sales Tax. Add 2% to total for Visa &
Master/Charge. All sales final for software, accessories & diskettes. Defective Hardware, Monitors, Printers returns must be within 10 working days of
purchase accompanied by RMA # for exchange only. Apple is the Registered Trademark of Apple Computer Inc. IBM is the Registered Trademark of
International Business Machines Corp.
ORDER DESK: National: 1-800-821-4381 Calif: 1-800-421-3245
Product Support: (805) 683-1779 Local Orders: (805) 683-3006
STORE HOURS: M-F 9-6pm, Sat. 9-5pm ORDER HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 8-6:30pm circle so on inquiry card.
Circle 345 on inquiry card.
SUNNY LOW LOW COST
POWER SUPPLIES
(LINEAR & SWITCHING)
FOR S-100, DISK DRIVES
NO. 806 & NO. 516 Mainframes Kit 1, 2 & 3 for S-100 R 2 , R 3 for 2 Drives(Floppy&Hard)
S-100 & DISK POWER SUPPLIES: open frame, assy. & tested, 6 outputs, adju. & fuses protect.
ITEM -I- 5V OVP ~ 5V (° r - l2v > I 24V(OR + 12V) + 8V ±16V SIZ E W x D x H PRICE
5A
1A
5-7A PEAK
13A
3A
10" x 6" x 5"
105.95
3A
8%" x 5" x 4%"
95.95
^ST 12 SLOT & 2 FLOPPY
( 1 Floppy & 1 Hard Disk)
S4 6 SLOT & 2 FLOPPY 4A 1A 4-5A PEAK 8A
DISK POWER SUPPLIES: open frame, assy. & tested, regulated, adjustable & fuses protect.
ITEM IDEAL FOR +5V OVP -5V(or-12V) + 24V (or + 12V) +8VUnreg. +12V SIZE W x D x H PRIC E S^brS-IOt^Onves
2.5A
2.5A - 5A Peak
4A
1A
3A - 5A Peak
6A
1A
6A - 8A Peak
6A
1A
6A - 8A Peak
2A
1A
R 2 x 8" SLIMLINE
R, 2 x 8" or 2 x 5V4" DISK
R 2 [3x8" (or 5V4") FLOPPY]
R3 [or 1x Floppy & 1x Hard]
AC & DC POWER CABLES WITH CONNECTOR FOR 2 DRIVES 8.00
S-100 POWER SUPPLY KITS (open frame with base plate, 3 hrs. assy, time)
ITEM (IDEAL FOR) +8V -8V t- 16V 16V +28V SIZE: WxDxH PRICE
5" x 4" x 4"
8" x 4" x 3%"
10" x 4 7 /e" x 3%'
9" x 6V4" x 4%"
51.95
56.95
71.95
98.95
KIT 1
KIT 2
KIT 3
15 CARDS
20 CARDS
DISK SYSTEM
15A
25A
15A
2.5A
3A
3A
2.5A
3A
3A
5A
12"x5"x4%"
12"x5"x4 7 /a"
13'/ 2 " x 5" x 4'/a"
54.95
61.95
69.95
6 SLOT MAINFRAME assy & tested only $399^95 $299.95 + shipping $ia oo
EACH MAINFRAME (ITEM NO. 806 OR 516) CONTAINS: EMI FILTER • FUSE HOLDER • AC POWER CORD • POWER SWITCH & INDICATOR •
RESET SWITCH • 4V4" COOLING FAN • S-100 BUS 6 SLOT CARD CAGE • (110/220 VAC. 50/60 HZ.) POWER SUPPLY FOR DISK DRIVES & S-100
SLOTS • 2 EA DC POWER CABLES WITH CONNECTOR AND MOUNTING HARDWARE FOR DISK DRIVES • 9 EA. CUT-OUTS; 7 FOR DB25
CONNECTOR 1 FOR 50 PIN CONNECTOR S 1 FOR CENTRONICS • CUSTOM FINISH & LOGO-LESS • COMPACT SIZE • LIGHTWEIGHT. 28 LBS.
ITEM #806 FOR 2 EA 8THINLINE FLOPPY (TANDON TM848- 1 & 848-2 OR EQUIV). OR ONE HARD DISK, POWER SUPPLY: +8V/8A. +16V/3A.
. 5V/5A OVP. 5V/1A & 24V/5A SIZE: 12' (W) X 19 5 (D) X 9.8'(H).
SHIPPING FOR EA. PWR SUPPLY: $5.50 IN CALIF.;
$8.00 IN OTHER STATES;$18.00 IN CANADA.
FOR EA. TRANSFORMER: $5.00 IN ALL STATES;
$12.00 IN CANADA. CALIF. RESIDENTS ADD
6.5% SALES TAX.
DEALER g
INQUIRIES H
INVITED
No. 806
Mainframe
>?P
MAILING ADDRESS:
pgjP I P.O. BOX 4296
TORRANCE, CA 90510
TELEX: 182558
SUNNY INTERNATIONAL
(TRANSFORMERS MANUFACTURER)
(213) 328-2425 MON-SAT 9-6
SHIPPING ADDRESS:
22129Vz S. VERMONT AVE
TORRANCE, CA 90502
* * *
The
GRAY MARKET
We don't play games
Lowest Prices Anwhere! Here is why:
1. Low Advertising Budget
2. Large Volume Buying
3. No Support
4. No Repair Service
Our advertising budget is kept low, we
sell in large volume and you benefit by
getting the best prices anywhere. You
may use Visa, MasterCard, American
Express or prepay (cashier's check or
money order).
We carry so many products that we are
unable to list them all. However, call us
for your specific needs. We have listed
examples of some of our products and
prices. Believe it or not, all our prod-
ucts are priced the same.
ALL PRODUCTS ARE NEW
IN SEALED CONTAINERS
IF YOU WANT THE LOWEST
AND BEST PRICES CALL US
(714) 557-3934
* ■¥■
COMPUTERS
ALTOS $C»LL
VIC 20 SCALL
COLOMBIA JCALL
CORONA SCALL
NORTH STAR SCALL
FRANKLIN SCALL
DEC RAINBOW SCALL
TELEVIDEO SCALL
SANYO SCALL
TEXAS INSTRUMENT SCALL
ZENITH SCALL
PIED PIPER SCALL
Z0RBA SCALL
PRINTERS - DOT MATRIXES
EPSON FX-80 S5I9.00
0KIDATA92A $429.00
STAR MICRONICS SCALL
C ITH0 SCALL
PROWRITER SCALL
IDS SCALL
DATASOUTH SCALL
ANADEX SCALL
NEC SCALL
TOSHIBA SCALL
RITEMAN SCALL
MANNSMAN TALLY SCALL
OLIVETTE SCALL
RIK0 SCALL
LETTEA QUALITY
BROTHER HR-1 559.00
DYNAX DX-15 $449.00
C0MREX SCALL
NEC SCALL
DIABLO SCALL
QUME SCALL
C ITH0 SCALL
STARWRITER SCALL
SILVER REED SCALL
JUKI $CALL
MONITORS
AMDEK COLOR I .... SCALL
NEC SCALL
ZENITH SCALL
SANYO SCALL
TAXAN SCALL
USI SCALL
C0MREX SCALL
GORILLA SCALL
MODEMS
HAYES 300 BAUD . . . SCALL
NOVATIONS SCALL
SIGNALMAN SCALL
TERMINALS
TELEVIDEO 925 SCALL
QUME SCALL
ZENITH SCALL
AMPEX DIALOG SCALL
TERMIFLEX SCALL
DISC DRIVES
SHUGART $CALL
TANDON SCALL
SIEMANS SCALL
REMEX SCALL
RANA $CALL
C0MMAD0R 64 DRI . . SCALL
APPLE PERIPHERALS
GRAPPLER PLUS... S1 15.00
MICROTEK JCALL
OTHER PARALLEL
INTERFACES
SERIAL INTERFAC... SCALL
80 COLUMN CARDS.. SCALL
CPM CARDS SCALL
16K RAM CARDS SCALL
LANGUAGE CARDS ... SCALL
APPLE DISK DRIV . . . SCALL
BUFFERS SCALL
COMPLETE STOCK OF
CABLES SCALL
IBM PERIPHERALS
RAM CARDS SCALL
QUADRAM SCALL
RAYTRONICS SCALL
AST SCALL
COLOR MONITORS SCALL
10 MEGA BYTE HA .... SCALL
GRAPHICS CARDS SCALL
DISC DRIVES SCALL
MODEMS SCALL
COMMADOR 64 - VIC 20
PERIPHERALS
DIS DRIVES SCALL
MONITORS SCALL
INTERFACES SCALL
CARDCO SCALL
THE CONNECTION .. .. SCALL
SOFTWARE SCALL
PAPERCLIP SCALL
DATA 20 SCALL
WORD PLUS SCALL
EXPANSION BOARD . .. SCALL
PLOTTERS
HEWLETT PACKARD . .. SCALL
BAUSCH & LOMB SCALL
AMDEX SCALL
BMC SCALL
STROBE SCALL
HARD DISC DRIVES
SWITCH BOXES
ACCESSORIES
DUST COVERS S7.95
PRINT WHEELS SCALL
RIBBONS SCALL
DISKETTE CASES SCALL
SURGE PROTECTOR SCALL
DISKETTES DS/DD -
10 ea IZ8 ' 95
494 BYTE February 1984
Circle 156 on inquiry card.
TOLL FR : 1-800-545-2 .33 - Continental U.S.
77
TRADE YOUR 5V*" DRIVE
SGL SIDBDBL DEN FOR DBL SIDE/
DBL DEN DRIVE $75.00 ALLOWANCE
DBL SIDE/DBL DEN FOR 2 EA
(TM100-2) FOR 1/2 HGT DBL SIDE/DBL
DEN DRIVES $175.00 ALLOWANCE
• IBM ACCESSORIES
AST
Combo Plus (Serial/Par/CLK 64 to 256K) 249.00
Six Pak Plus (Serial/Par/CLK 64K Expands to 384K) . 289.00
Meg-A-Plus(Serlal/CLK/64K Expands to 256K) 269.00
Meg-A-Pak (Expands Meg-A-Plus to 512K) 269.00
I/O Plus (SP) 129.00
PC-Net (with Shared User Software) 556.00
PC-Net Starter Kit 1,192.00
AST-5251 (Allows connection of IBM PC to System
340038) 700.00
MANY OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE.
ASHTONTATE
D-Base II 400.00
Bottom Line Strategist 279.00
Financial Planner 499.00
Friday 189.00
D.C. HAYES
Smartmodem 1200B-Smartcom 2 software included 429.00
Smartcom 2-Telecomputive for 300/1200 on disk. . . . 89.00
LOTUS DEVELOPMENT
Lotus 1-2-3(on disk) 369.00
KRAFT
Joy Stick 47.50
Paddle (pair) 37.00
KEYTRONICS
Enhance your PC-with a superior keyboard 210.00
M P I
B-52 (DS/DD) 320K 210.00
MAYNARD
Floppy Controller 155.00
Floppy Controller (Serial) 225.00
Floppy Controller (PAR) 205.00
Sandstar MOD-FDC
MODULAR (for 5 V, " or 8" drives) . . 200.00
ADDONS FOR Pararrel MOD 60.00
SANDSTAR Serial-MOD 79.00
MOD-FDC Clock Calendar MOD .... 69.00
Game Adapter MOD 49.00
Sandstar Multi-Function Bd (Holds up to
6 modular add-ons 82.00
PLANTRONICS COLOR PLUS
Color + Color Display Card (16 colors) 395.00
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
PGS HX12-Hi-Res Color, The Best 469.00
OUADRAM
Quadlink— Allows Apple Software to be used in IBM
PC HAS 64K Ram-Game Port Display Gen-Disk
Intf. w/software 489.00
Quadboard 2— 64K Ram (expands to 256K) 2 Ser Port
CLK and software 289.00
Quadboard — 64K (expands to 256K) Par and Serial Port
CLK and software 289.00
Quad 512 — 64 Ram (expands to 512K) Serial Port and
software 259.00
Quadchrome — Color Monitor 489.00
Tilt Table 40.00
Chronograph Clk/Calendar BD 229.00
SHUGART DISK DRIVES
SA455L-1/2 HGT 320 K DS/DD w/BRACKETS . . . 225.00 ea.
440.00 for 2 ea.
TANDON DISK DRIVES
TM100-2A 320K DS/DD 225.00
TM55-2 1/2 HGT 320 K DS/DD w/BRACKETS . . . 249.00 ea.
440.00 for 2
* APPLE/FRANKLIN ACCESSORIES
ALS
CPM 3.0 Card 289.00
Z-Card II 139.00
ASHTONTATE
D-Base II 400.00
ASTAR
RF Modulator 19.00
COOL TIME
Fan, Clock, Surge Protector 80.00
GENERIC
Z-80 Card (Emulates Micro-Soft) 99.00
80 Col. Video (Videx Compatible) 99.00
80 Col. Video w/Soft Switch 125.00
Joystick 20.00
E-Prom Writer 79.00
Pararell Interface 49.00
Pararell Interface w/Graphics 65.00
16K Ram Card 40.00
RF Modulator 13.00
HAYES
Joy Sticks 29.00
Micro-Modem II 259.00
Micro-Model II w/terminal package 279.00
KENSINGTON
System Saver/Fan & Surge Pro 75.00
KOALA TECH
Koala Gr/Tablet w/Software 89.00
KRAFT
Joystick for II E 44.00
LOTUS DEVELOPMENT
Executive Briefing System 139.00
MICRO-MAX
View Max 80 (80 Col for II +) 139.00
View Max 80E (80 Col W/64K Memory Exp to 128K) . 129.00
MICROTEK
Dumpling 64K7lnterface and Graphics 64K Buffer . . 235.00
Dumpling GX-P/Par Interface Card and Cable 99.00
Parallel Interface Board (RV611C) 61.00
BAM 16 (16K Add-on Memory) 45.00
NOVATION
Apple Cat II w/software 269.00
212 Apple Cat 625.00
Handset 29.00
ORANGE MICRO
Grappler + (Graphics Interface) 119.00
Grappler + 16K (Buffer and 5 to64K) 175.00
Buffer Board 135.00
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
Interface Card allows use of HX12Color Monitor .. 156.00
QUADRAM
RAM 80— 80 Col 64K card 119.00
APIC— Par Intf. card 60.00
APIC/G— Par Intf. w/Graphlcs 65.00
CPI— 8' Cable (APIC to Cen. Printer) 34.00
APIC III— Par Printer Intf. for Apple w/8' Cable 95.00
TG PRODUCTS
Joystick— For Apple II + 38.00
Paddles 29.00
Selecta Port 38.00
VIDEX
Ultraterm 279.00
Videterm 189.00
VISTA
A800 Floppy Controller for 8" Drives 300.00
A-800-1 Cable 27.00
* APPLE DISK DRIVES
ALL DRIVES 1 YR. WARRANTY
Vista Solo (35TR) 189.00
Micro-Sci A-2 (35TR) 209.00
Mlcro-Sci A-40 (40TR) 269.00
Micro-Sci A-70 (Quad) 329.00
Micro-Sci Controller 70.00
Rana Elite I 249.00
Rana Elite II 399.00
Rana Elite III 509.00
Rana Controller 85.00
Super 5 "THINLINE"/ size 163K40TR Green 189.00
Super 5 "THINLINE" Vi size 163K 40TR
(TEAC DIRECT DRIVE) Red 225.00
•ATARI
KRAFT Joy Stick 15.00
PERCOM AT 88 SS/DD Disk Drive w/Prlnter Port . . . 499.00
RANA Rana 1000— SS/DD Disk Drive 379.00
TRAK AT-D2 SS/DD Disk Drive 379.00
•COMMODORE
STAR Star Gemini Interface to VIC 20 + CMD64 . . . 65.00
DOW JONES Dow Jones Invest/Evaluator 125.00
KRAFT Joystick 15.00
KOALA Koala GR/Tablet w/software
(specify VIC20 or CMD64) 99.00
*KAPRO II - IV
Sprinter K (5MHZ Speed-up) 99.00
K-Clock (Batt Backup Clk/Cal) 99.50
Video Output BD-(allows use of video monitor) .... 125.00
Kaypro II Upgrade Disk Drives (DS/DD) 239.00
(Trade In Allowance S75 for SS/DD Drive)
•TI-PROFESSIONAL
LOTUS 1-2-3 369.00
QUADRAM TI-64 64K Ram Card 206.00
QUADRAM TI-92 192K Ram Card 339.00
•WESPER
WIZARD BPO (Same as Grappler + 16K
Specify Printer) 149.00
WIZARD IPI (Same as Grappler + Specify Printer) . . 89.00
WIZARD EBO (Internal Buffer for Epson) 109.00
WIZARD 80 COI/64K For II E 139.00
WIZARD 80 Col/ For II + .^ 139.00
* TOLL FREE
1-800-545-2633
CONTINENTAL U.S.
Circle 158 on inquiry card.
TheL
Computer Company, Inc.
Retail Sales ^V
123 East 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
RetallHour*
Monday-Friday 10 AM to 8 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Retail Phone -3844057
tiitamm
SUPERMARKET DEALS
■
TOLL FREE 1-800-545-2633 - Continental U.S.
MINIMUM SHIPPING $3.00 • NO SURCHARGE ON VISA/MASTERCHARGE
SHUGART
5V<" SA400(35TR) 160K 169.00
5'/i"SA400L(40TR)190K 189.00
5'/<"SA455L(40TR)320K 1 /! HGT 225.00
8" SA801R(SS/DD) 600 K 355.00
QUME
5V<" 142 (40TR) 320 K Vi HGT 225.00
8" DT8 (842) 490.00
MITSUBISHI
5 '/< " M-4853 Vi size 96 TPI same as TM 100-4 410.00
M289&63 (DS/DD) 220V 449.00
8"M-289fr63 Thinline 8" DS/DD 1.2 MG 419.00
8" M-2894-63 (1 10V) STD 8" DS/DD 1.2 MG . . . 399.00
CDC
5V<" 9409-DS/DD 225.00
TAN DON
5VTM100-1 SS/DD 160K 150.00
5%"TM100-2AOS/DDf320/<; FOR IBM-PC 225.00
TM101-4(96TPI Quad Den) 339.00
8" TM848-2 (DS/DD) 1.2 MG 425.00
SIEMAN'S
8"FD100-8(SS/DD)110V801 R 169.00
8" FD1 00-8 (SS/DD) 220V Compatible 199.00
MP)
5V< ' - B-51 40TR SS/DD 180 K 145.00
• AC SURGE ELIMINATORS
Grizzly (200W) uninterruptible power
system + surge protection 750.00
Grizzly (500W) uninterruptible power
system + surge protection 1,802.00
Hawk AC power monitor w/surge protection .... 160.41
Lemon (6AC outlets-3 prong) 44.00
Lime (5'-3 prong pwr cord w/on-off switch 69.00
Orange-AC surge + EMI (liter (6 outlets) 95.00
Peach (3 outlets) AC surge/EMI filter 69.00
• DATA CABLES
B"DSC 88-2SKT-1or 2-8" drvs w/skt. conn 20.00
5V<"DSC55-2SKT-for1-5 1 /<"dvsw/skt.conn 20.00
RS232MM-5' (male to male) 19.00
IBM to PAR 32.00
Osborne to PAR 32.00
Kaypro to PAR 32.00
OKI-Data Serial 24.00
• CONNECTORS
RS232 Connectors
SOLDER TYPE
DB25P 2.50 S-100 Connectors . 10/25.00
DB25S 3.00 DE9P 2.00
DB25 Hood 1.00 DE9 Hood 1.00
* DISK DRIVE CABINETS
8" CABINETS
8" DDC88V28 w/PS vertical tor 2-8" drives 269.00
8" DDC88T-1 w/PS vertical-tor 2 or 4-8" thinline
drives 269.00
8" DDC88T-2 w/PS vertical for 2 8" thinline drives 200.00
8" DDC8V w/PS vertical for 1 8" drive 249.00
8" DDC88H w/PS horizontal for 2-8" drives 269.00
5V." CABINETS
5V«"DDC5H w/PS horizontal-for 1-5 '/."drive 55.00
5'/i"DDC5Vw/PSvertical-for1 ea.5'/4"drive 65.00
5V4"DDC55Vw/PSvertlcalfor2-5'/4 drives(NEW) 85.00 ■
• DISKETTES
FOR APPLE, ETC.
5 'A" Soft Sector SS/DD 17.00/10
For IBM PC & PARTNERS lor Oty of 100 (1 5% Discount)
5% "Soft Sector DS/DD 24.00/10
CENTECH
Color code your files: 5 colors In each pkg. (Red,
Yellow, Blue, Green, Brown)
5'/<"Sglslde/dblden 23.00/10
BV4" Dblside/dblden 30.00/10
5V«" 10 sector 24.00/10
5V«" 16 sector 24.00/10
8" Sgl side/dbl den 30.00/10
8" Dbl side/dbl den 40.00/10
• MAXELL
Sgl.slde/dbl.den5V4" 24.00
Dbl. side/dbl. den 5 V." 36.00
Dbl. side/quad den S'/T 45.00
MEMOREX, TDK, VERBATIM CALL
• DISKETTE STORAGE
AA-5 'A (Holds 82 Disks) 17.00
AA-8 (Holds 82 Disks) 26.00
Smoked Plexiglass Disk Tubs
LIBRARY CASES
CAS-5V4" 2.50
CAS-8" 3.00
Color Burst (Pack of 5) 12.00
FLIP "N" FILE
Flip "N" File 25-5V4" (holds 25) w/lock 21.00
Flip "N" File 50-5 'A (holds 50) w/lock 27.95
Flip "N" File "Original-5" (holds 50) 21.00
Flip "N" File "Original 8" (holds 50) 29.95
Colors Available; color burst assl., beige, black, blue, red, gray
• E-PROM ERASERS
QUV-T8/1 H (hobby) 49.95
QUV-T8/2I (Industrial version) 68.95
QUV-T8/2P (w/timer & safety switch) 97.50
• DISK SUB ASSEMBLY
OUR BEST BUY'S
8" SUB ASSEMBLY
DDS + O 2EA SS/DD Siemens FD100-8 Drives
w/cabinet 595.00
DDS + 2 2EA DS/DD Mitsubishi M2894-63
w/cablnet 1,075.00
DDS + 4 3EA DS/DD 8" Thinline Drives w/cablnet 1,150.00
Specify — Vertical or Horizontal Cabinet
5'/4" SUB ASSEMBLY
DDS + 5 1EA SS/DD Disk Drive (SA400L) 239.00
DDS + 6 2EA SS/DD Disk Drive (SA400L) 489.00
• MODEMS
Hayes Smart 300 219.00
Hayes Smart 1200 499.00
Multi-Tech MT 21 2 AD (1200/300) 475.00
Novation J-Cat 300 119.00
U.S. Robotics 212A Auto Dial 469.00
U.S. Robotics (300/1200) Password 375.00
• VIDEO DISPLAY MONITORS
GREEN
BMC12AU(15MHZ)80Col/12" 80.00
Dynax GM 120 (20 MHZ) HI-Res/80 Col/12" 129.00
SakataSC-1000 (18 MHZ) 80 Col/12" 119.00
USI PI-1 (20 MHZ) Hi-Res/9" 119.00
USI PI-2(20 MHZ) Hi-Res/12" 129.00
AMBER
Dynax AM121 (20 MHZ) HI-Res/80 Col/12" 139.00
USI PI-4 (20 MHZ) HI-Res/80 Col/9" 125.00
USI PI-3I20 MHZ) Hi-Res/80 Col/12" 129.00
COLOR
Amdek 1-12" Composite (For Apple) 259.00
Amdekll-12"-RGB(ForlBM-PC)w/audlo 429.00
Amdek I + Composite w/audio 275.00
Princeton HX-12-RGB(ForlBM-PC) 469.00
SakataSC-100-13" Composite (For All) 260.00
SakataSC-200-RGB(ForAII) 489.00
• CARD CAGES/MOTHER BOARDS • MAINFRAMES
'IEEE-696-No termination required
w/card bare card
Slots Bare Bd A + T
cage
cage
4 15.00 40.00
60.00
20.00
6 20.00 48.00
70.00
22.00
8 25.00 69.00
100.00
31.00
12 30.00 99.00
140.00
41.00
18 45.00 150.00
200.00
50.00
22 60.00 185.00
—
75.00
All card cages will accommodate a
4" fan
Add $20.00 for 1 fan-Add $30.00 for 2 fans
• SIERRA DATA
SDS-SBC-100-Z80 (4mhz) master 2 serial
2 par/floppy controller/64k ram .... $655.00
SDS-SBC-100S4mhs slave/2 serial 2
par/64kram $565.00
SDS-ZSIO/4-4 serial port I/O bd $250.00
SDS-MUX-RS232 multiplexer bd $235.00
SDS-HDI-M-Hard disk bd for
micropolis $129.00
SDS-CPM/B105-cp/m for SBC100
w/BIOS $150.00
SDS-Turbodos-Multi-user for master &
slaves $645.00
For 2 Standard 8" Drives
MF + DD6 (6 slot M/B) 575.00
MF+ DD8(8slot M/B) 625.00
MF+DD12(12slotM/B) 675.00
For 2 Thinline 8" Drives
IMF + DD6F 300.00
For 2-5V4" Disk Drives
MF+MD12(12 slot M/B) 560.00
Standard Plain Front
MF+ 12 (12 slot M/B) 499.00
MF + 22(22slot M/B) 550.00
All mainframes except IMF + DD6F have EMI
filter, 2 AC outlets, 15 ea. DB25, 2 ea. 50 pin,
2 ea. 34 pin, 1 ea. Centronic cutouts, power
supply for 8" MF(-5V1A/ + 5V6A/ + 8V16A/
±16V3A/ + 24V6A)
• CLOCK/CALENDAR
S-100»Time in hrs, min, sec.«AM/PM or Military
Format'Date in Mo., Day, Yr, Day of Week &
Leap Year recognition^ hard interrupts (1024
Hz, 1 Hz, 1 min, 1 hr) • On board battery (will
last 14 mos. w/no power on)
QTC-CCS-BB (S-100) $45.00
QTC-CCS-A(A +T) for S-100 $100.00
S-100 PRODUCTS
• CQMPUTIMBQT BARE BD. SET * COMPUPRO
PN-2048 Best Bare Board Set Available
QTC-SBC 2/4 CPU (SBC 880)
QTC-EXP + III 256K (CT256) Memory
bd./Expandable to 1MG
QTC-FDC 5/8 Floppy disk controller
Bare Board Set $150.00
1) Includes manuals & assembly instructions
2) Parts available
3) Monitor S B10S available. Add $30.00.
• CPU/MEM/I/O
QTC-SBC 2/4 BB (SBC880)
QTC-SBC 2/4 A A + T (SBC880)
QTC-Z + 80BB(BIGZ)
DYNAMIC (64K/256K or 1 MEG)
QTC-EXP + III Bare Bd. (CT256)
QTC-EXP + III64KA + T(CT256)
QTC-I/O + BB 2 SEP, 2 PAP, A + T
QTC-I/O + A + T
QTC-ADAAOAConverlerA + T
QTC-Dual GPIB-488 IEEE 488 Intfc. bd.
$50.00
$265.00
$28.00
$75.00
$375.00
. $75.00
$300.00
$400.00
$795.00
20 Slot MB CALL
CPU 8085/88 CALL
CPU 8086/8087 CALL
Disk I CALL
CPM 2.2 for Disk I CALL
Disk II CALL
Ram 16-64K CALL
Ram 17-64K CALL
Ram 21-128K CALL
Interfacer 1 CALL
Interfacer 2 CALL
Interfacer 3 CALL
Interfacer 4 CALL
System Support I CALL
Active Terminator CALL
Enclosure 2 (Desk) CALL
Enclosure 2 (Rack MT) CALL
CPU-Z CALL
M-Drive H CALL
6 Slot MB CALL
12 Slot MB CALL
CPU 68K CALL
Circle 159 ort inquiry card.
S CUSTOMER SERVICE
J? DAVID
" w " n " 1-801 -972*2739
The Great Salt Lake
— j. Computer Company, Inc.
^801^972^717"
Retail Sales
123 £ast 200 South
Salt Lake City, Utah 84111
Retail Hours
Monday-Friday 10 AM to PM
Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Retail Phone -384-0057
^ffl ^ft
MB
N i 1 -£!■
I
SUPERMARKET SERVICE
BE
SEP
8 YEARS (1976) EXPERIENCE IN
COMPUTER MAIL ORDER BUSINESS
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS SAVE 6% SALES TAX
• ALPHACOM
• FOR ATARI, COMMODORE
orTI.
• 40 or 80 COL.
• 80CPS
• FULL CHARACTER SETS • LIGHT WT. 4 TO 6 LBS.
• GRAPHICS • FRICTION FEED
ALPHACOM 42 (40 col) w/lntorface 89.00
ALPHACOM 81 (80 col) w/lnteriace 149.00
40 COL PAPER (per roll) 2.80
80 COL PAPER (per roll) 4.50
• BROTHER
HR-1 A 17CPS Daisywheel 3K Buff 550.00
HR-1A 17 CPS Daisywheel 3K Buff 589.00
• CENTRONICS
351 P— 200CPS, Par 1 00 CPS CORR 1 ,795.00
60B5P— 6O0CPS, Par w/cabinet 6,500.00
6085S— 6O0CPS, Serial w/cabinet 7,000.00
6085IBM— 6O0CPS w/cabinet 7,500.00
358 3 or 4 Automatic cut sheet feeder 695.00
• DATA-SOUTH
DS 180 180CPS/Serial or Par/Tractor 1,400.00
• DAISYWRITER
Daisywriter2000-48K Buffer/20T040CPS LTR/Par . 1,095.00
Daisywriter Cable 40.00
Daisywrlter Tractor 140.00
• DIABLO
620 (25CPS/Serial) 920.00
630 (40CPS/Multi-IF) 1,790.00
630 ECS/IBM 2,100.00
DYNAX
Dynax-15 Par-13CPS Daisywheel
2 color PTG-3K buff 475.00
Dyanx 15 Serial-13CPS Daisywheel 525.00
+ EPSON
FX80 (160 CPS-Par 10") CALL
FX100(160CPS-Par15") CALL
• C. ITOH
Pro-writer I (8510A) Par 120 CPS 350.00
Pro-writer I (8510A) Serial 120 CPS 529.00
Pro-writer II Parallel-15" 669.00
86O0(180CPS)ParorSerial18PIN90CPSLTR. . . 1,099.00
F-1040CPS/Diablo/Par or Serial 1,125.00
F-1055CPS/Diablo/Par or Serial 1,425.00
• APPLE/FRANKLIN
APPLE II E Starter— Includes CPU 1 F.D. Monitor
and Stand 1,395.00
FRANKLIN 1000 w/color 799.00
FRANKLIN 1200 Starter includes CPU 1 F.D.
80 col 1,625.00
FRANKLIN 1200 OMS includes CPU-2 F.D. and
bundled software 1,825.00
• IBM'PC TYPES
COLUMBIA (1600-1) 16 bit 128K Ram 2 ea.
320K Disk Drive-2 SER, 1 PAR, Key Bd. 8 slots,
Display Cd., bundled software 2,775.00
IBM P.C. 16 bit 64K Ram 2 ea. 320 K Disk Drive,
Princeton HG12X-ColorCard 3,395.00
EAGLE PC-2 16 bit 128K Ram 2 ea. 320K Disk
Drive 12" Green (HH-Res) bundled software ... 2,650.00
EAGLE PORTABLE 16 bit 128K Ram 1 F.D./10 MG HD/
Green Screen MS-DOS 210 bundled software . . 4,000.00
• KAYPRO
KAYPRO II w/bundled software 1,475.00
KAYPRO 4 w/bundled software 1,795.00
KAYPR0 10 w/bundled software 2,695.00
• MOLECULAR SYSTEMS
MICRO 10-8 CPU 1 ea. 8" F.D.— 1 ea. 10 MB HD-64K
Ram expands to 256K up to 8 users w/additional
application processors— CP/M and CP/M 86 CALL
MICRO 15-8 CPU 1 ea. 8" F.D.— 1 ea. 15
PRINTERS
• GENERAL ELECTRIC
Demand Document Printers
3400— 400CPS Serial/Tractor to 60 100 CPS Corr. 2,175.00
3404— 400CPS Serial/Tractor 100CPSCorr 2,459.00
• JUKI
6100-18 CPS/Diablo Compatible Par/Daisywheel . . . 569.00
• MANNESMAN-TALLY
Spirit 80CPS Par 10" 330.00
160L(160CPC-40CPS LTR 10") 589.00
180L(160CPS-40CPS LTR 15") 829.00
• MPI
MPI-Portable Sprinter/160CPS/IBM Port/4K Buff, up to
64K 100 CPS CORR. Keyed avlb CALL
MPI-99G (9") Par CALL
MPM50BI(15")Par2KBuffw/Graphics CALL
MPI150AI(15")Par4KBuffw/Graphics CALL
MPM50AI(15")Par16KBuffw/Graphics CALL
• NEC
NEC2010 20CPS Serial Daisywheel 950.00
NEC2015 20CPS Diablo Comp Daisywheel 950.00
NEC2030 20CPS Par Daisywheel 950.00
NEC2050 20CPS for IBM Daisywheel 1,050.00
NEC3510 35CPS Par Daisywheel 1,595.00
NEC3550 35CPS IBM 1,850.00
NEC7710 55CPS Serial Daisywheel 1,995.00
NEC7715 55CPS Diablo Comp Daisywheel 1,995.00
NEC8023A 100CPS-Par-Graphics-10" 389.00
NEC8025A 100CPS Par Graphics 15" 699.00
Serial Card 139.00
• OLYMPIA
Typewriter/Printer Daisywheel 14 CPS 649.00
• OKI-DATA
2350— 350CPS 2 color tractor CALL
2410P 350CPS 2 color tractor CALL
Microline62A(SER & PAR-120CPS 10") CALL
Microline83A(SER&PAR-120CPS15") CALL
Microline92(PAR-160CPS-LTR-10") CALL
Microline93(PAR-160CPS-LTR-15") CALL
Microline84P(PAR-200QPS-LTR-15") CALL
Microline84S(SER-200CPS-LTR-15") CALL
• STAR MICRONICS
Gemini 10X NEWVERSION (PAR-120CPS-10") CALL
Gemini 15X(PAR-120CPS-15") CALL
Gemini Delta 10 (Par-160CPS-10"8K buffer serial) . . CALL
• SILVER REED
EXP550P-17CPSDaisywheel-PAR 669.00
EXP550S-17CPS Daisywheel-Serial 699.00
• TOSHIBA
P-1350(192CPS-120CPSLTR PAR or Serial) CALL
• TRANSTAR
120 P 14CPS Par Diablo Comp 479.00
315 Color Printer 500CPS Par 489.00
PRINTER ACCESSORIES
• DIABLO
Diablo 620-Uni-Direct Tractor 110.00
Diablo 620-Sheet Feeder 720.00
Diablo 630-BI-Direct Tractor 275.00
Diable 630-Tractor Sound Cover 29.00
Diablo 630-SGL Sheet Feeder 775.00
Diablo 630-DBL Sheet Feeder 1,395.00
• JUKI-6100
Serial Interface 55.00
Bi-Dir Tractor 120.00
Unl-DirTractor 90.00
• MANNESMAN-TALLY
Factory Quick Tear 230.00
Auto Front Feed 1,150.00
• NEC
Thimbles 20.00
Vertical Tractor 219.00
Horizontal 152.00
Bl-Dir. Tractor 330.00
Cut Sheet Feeder 1,100.00
• OKI-DATA
84 Cut Sheet Feeder 515.00
82/92 Tractor 55.00
Serial Intf. w/2K Buffer (For 82A) 125.00
Serial Intf. w/2K Buffer (For92& 93) 110.00
Oklgraph I 82A or 83A Graphics ROM 45.00
Oklgraph II 82A or 83A Disk for Apple 55.00
• STAR-MICRONICS
Serial Intf. Bd 70.00
Serial Intf. Bd w/2K Buffer 120.00
Commodore 64 Intf. Bd 72.00
• TOSHIBA
P-1350 Cut Sheet Feeder 800.00
P-1350 Bi-Dir. Tractor 210.00
SYSTEMS
MB HD— 64K Ram expands to 256K up to 8 users
w/additional application processors—
CP/M and CPM 86 CALL
AP 8001— ASYNC/9600 BPS Application Processor 589.00
AP 8003— ASYNC/19.200BPS Application
Processor 839.00
AP8011— SYNC/50K BPS 1,079.00
• NEC
PC8201A-Portable 2.4 MHZ CPU 16K Ram/Expands to
64K-32K RAM LCD Display— Keybd (67 key-5 function)
Modem, Serial and Par Port-FD and Cassette
Interface— Uses 4 AA Batt— bundled software 660.00
PC8201A-90— N1 Cad Pak 16.00
PC8221A— Portable Printer 149.00
PC8271A-02— AC Adapter 15.00
• S-100
COMPUPRO 816A 4,250.00
COMPUPRO 816B 5,595.00
COMPUPRO 816C 7,150.00
• TELEVIDEO
TS-803 4 MHZ CPU-64K 2 ea. 360K F.D.—
Graphics 12" green 1,900.00
TS-1603 5 MHZ CPU-128K 2 ea. 360K F.D.—
Graphics 12" Green CP/M 2,400.00
* ADDS
Viewpolnt-A1 (White) 509.00
Viewpoint-A2 (Green) 539.00
Viewpoint-3A + (Green) 509.00
Viewpoint 60-Same as Televideo 925 715.00
• QUME
QVT-102 80 Col. Green (910 comp) 549.00
QVT-102 80 Col. Amber 560.00
QVT-103 80/132 Col. Green 865.00
QVT-103 80/132 Col. Amber 895.00
QVT-108 80/132 Col. Amber (925 Corp.) 715.00
• TELEVIDEO
TV910 529.00
TV910 + 565.00
TV925 w/2nd page memory 715.00
TV950 w/2nd, 3rd, 4th page memory 925.00
TV970 1,019.00
RG1000/TV60 Graphics Upgrade for 925/950 . . . 1,100.00
* WYSE
WYSE-100 725.00
WYSE-300 (Color) 1,125.00
TOLL FR!
1-800-545-2633
CONTH
Mail Orders
P.O. Sox 3150
Salt Lake City, Utan 64110
Monday Friday 8 AM to 6 PM
Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
• ■ m ■
Lyco Computer Marketing & Consultants
toll free 800-233-8760
TO ORDER
CALL US
In PA 1 717-327-1824
PRINTER PRINTER PAPER
INTERFACING AVAILABLE
lAvallabla for IBM PC, Apple, Atari, Vic 20 & Vic 64
SAVE- PRINTERS
EPSON
OKI DATA
LETTER QUALITY
SMITH CORON ATP2. . . $449.00
DIABLO 630 ..$1719.00
ALPAHCOM 42 $89.00
ALPHACOM 81 $129.00
NEC 8023 $389.00
NEC 8025 $699.00
NEC PC-8200
COMPUTER $CALL
RX-80 $SAVE$
RX-80FT ON
FX-80 In-Stock
FX-100 EPSON
MX-80FT PRINTERS
MX-100 $$CALL$$
MANNESMANN
TALLY
SPIRIT 80 $CALL
MT160L $CALL
80 JSAVES
82A CALL for
83A LOWEST
84 PRICES
92 on these
93 In-Stock
PACEMARK 2350. . . PRINTERS
ATARI 850
REPLACEMENTS
IN-STOCK
CITOH
GORILLA GX1 00 $179.00
PROWRITER 8510 ...$339.00
PROWRITER II $659.00
8600 $1025.00
STARWRITER $1 099.00
PRINTMASTER $1499.00
STAR MICRONTICS
GEMINI 10X $269.00
GEMINI 15X $CALL
DELTA 10 $479.00
MODEMS
ANCHOR MARK I
ANCHOR MARK I
HAYES SMART ..
HAYES MICRO II
Micro Bit
APP-1OO0
NOVATION
I CAT
D-CAT
J-CAT
APPLE CAT II ....
212 APPLE CAT .
S79.00
I. S79.00
S-239.00
S309.00
$129.75
S144.00
$155 00
S1 15.00
$279.00
5589.00
MONITORS
Sakata Color $229.00
Amdek Color I $275.00
Alndek 300 Green $149.00
Amdek 300 Amber $149.00
Gorilla Green $99.00
CARDCO
Cardprinter / L01 $499.00
Cardprint DM1 $109 00
5 Slot Expansion 64 $54.00
64 Write NOW $39.00
64 Mail NOW $29.00
2 j Write NOW $29^00
64 Keypad $29.00
Universal Cass. Int $29.75
Printer Utility $19.75
6 Slot Expansion $79.95
3 Slot Expansion $24 95
PRINTER INTERFACE $39.75
PRINTER INTERFACE with
full graphics s6 5 75
LIGHT PEN , 2975
HES64
Sound Box $9.95
64Forth $55.75
Hesmon $25.75
Turtle Graphics $37.75
Heswrlter $28.75
Gridrunner .$19.75
SPINNAKER 64
Kindercomp $21.75
Story Machine $23.75
Face Maker $23.75
Snooper Trooper $29.7 5
Delta Drawing $34.75
Shamus II c/d $24.95
Pinhead c/d $22.95
DUST COVERS
BOO $3.99
4O0 $3.99
1200 $3.99
410 $3.99
810 $3.99
1050 $5.99
PROWRITER $5.99
GEMINI 10X $5.99
PERCOM DISK $5.99
tipple
SSI
Battle of Shilo $26.75
Tigers in the Snow. . . . $26.75
Cosmic Balance $26.75
APPLE DUMPI INT. GX S99 75
APPLE LXJMPUNG 64 II6 Buf1ef)s1 79 75
INFOCOM
Zork I. II. or III $26.75
Deadline $33.75
SYNAPSE 64 C O fTl IT"! O Cl O He
ZEPPELIN C/D $24.75
BLUE MAX C/D $24.75
DIMENSION X C/D ....$24.75
EPYX 64
ASPHIR $28.75
JUMPMAN JRR $28 75
jPITSTOPR $28.75
ATARI
Computers for people."
O *
Voice Box 2 . $99.75
600XL ...$CALL
800XL for
1400XL... Lowest
1450 Prices
1050 DISK DRIVE .
1010 RECORDER.
. SSAVES
.$74.75
PARKER BROTHERS
Tutankham R $33.75
Super Cobra R $33.75
Astro Chase R $33.75
Frogger R $33.75
B «rt R $33.75
Popeye R $33.75
BRODERBUND 64
BANK STREET
WRITER $49.75
CHOPLIFTER $24.75
LODE RUNNER $24.75
DROL $24.75
KOA LA TOUCH-TABLET. .. $69 75
Monkey Wrench 2 $52.75|
SPINNAKER
Story Machine R ..$26.75 I
Face Maker R $24.75
Kinderomp R $20.75
Fraction Fever R . .$24.75
Delta Drawing R. . $26.75 ]
BLANK DISKETTES
ELEPHANT
Single Side SO (10) $17.75
Single Side DD (10) $21.75
Double Side DO (10) $28.75
MAXELL
MDM10) $28.75
MDII(10) «3S.75
CERTRON CASSETTES
CC-10 12 for $15.00
CC-20 12 for $17.00
INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS
Olsk Storage (holds 1 0) .... M. 05
Dlak Storage (holds 1 5) .... $0.05
Disk Storage (holds 50). . . . $26.05
TRAK DISK DRIVES
AT-D1 $379.00
AT-D2 $399.00
PRINTER CABLE $22.95
Software for ATD-2 ....$22.95
RAN A
DISK DRIVE
COMPUTER CARE
BIB
5V. DISK DRIVE
CLEANER $12.75
COMPUTER CARE
KIT $19.75
HARD DISK
DRIVES for
APPLE IBM-PC
5MEG $1349.00
10MEG ...$1599.00
15MEG ...$1999.00
20MEG ...$2359.00
•Add S Id nil In. TRS HO I), „.••,
TEXAS
INSTRUMENT
Disk Drive... $245.00
FOR ATARI
COMPUTERS
AT88S1 ..
AT88S2 ..
AT**S1 PD
RFD40S1 .
RFD40S2.
RFD44S1.
..$299.00
..$535.00
..$439.00
..$399.00
..$675.00
..$449.00
AT88 doubler
CS TO ORDER
CALL TOLL FREE or send order to
800-233-8760 tt°£ZT
■Customer Service 1-717-327-1825 Jersey Shore. PA 1 774C
POLICY
In-stock items shipped within 24 hours of order. Personal
checks require four weeks clearance before shipping. No
deposit on CO. D. orders. Free shippingonprepaidcash orders
within the continental U.S. PA residents add sales tax. All
products subject to availability and price change. Advertised
prices show 4% discount offered for cash, add 4% for Master
Card or Visa. DEAl rn INQUIRIES INVITED.
Circle 224 on inquiry card.
DISPLAYED VIDEO IS DRIVING DOWN
PRICES ON DISKS! FREE SHIPPING!
TEC'S NEW HALF-HIGH 40 TRACK DISK DRIVE
A//CASE & POWER SUPPLY AT AN INCREDIBLE
LOW PRICE! $195.00!!!!!
*JEW! TRUE HALF HEIGHT DRIVES! 1 5/8 INCH
NOT 2 INCH OR 2 7/16 INCH! DIRECT DRIVE!
NO DRIVE BELT! 3MS TRACK TO TRACK!
FEAC's New Slimline 40 Track w/case & power supply $235.00
randon 40 Track TM- 100-1 w/case & power supply $220.00
(DOUBLE SIDED 40 TRACK DRIVES ADD $75.00)
ihugart New Slimline Double Sided 40 Track w/case & P.S $299.00
ihugart New Slimline Double Sided 80 Track w/case & P.S $379.00
7andon Single Sided Slimline 8" Disk Drive w/dual case & P.S. . . . $545.00
randon Double Sided Slimline 8" Disk Drive w/dual case & P.S.. . . $625.00
rwo Drive 5 1/4" Cable (for most computers) $23.99
(WITH GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS)
)V's Color Computer 1st Drive Only $389.00
ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON TEAC & SHUGART DRIVES/180 DAYS ON TEC & TANDON
layes Smart Modem 300 Baud $225.00 1200 Baud $525.00
fodel I Double Density Board $89.00
)Vs Line Filter W/Surge Supression $45.00
diskette File Box "Holds 70 Diskettes" $29.95
PRINTER PRICES
1X80 FT w/Graphtrax Plus. $459.00 Gemini 10 $349.00
1X100 w/Graphtrax Plus . $659.00 Gemini 15 $479.00
X80 w/Graphtrax Plus. . . $389.00 Citoh Prowriter 8510 $395.00
X80 w/Graphtrax Plus. . . $569.00 Starwriter F10 $1169.00
X100 w/Graphtrax Plus. . $779.00 Smith Corona TP1 $595.00
'rinter Cable 10' long w/gold plated connectors starting at $25.99
1
DV'S EXCLUSIVE "YOU CANT LOSE"
SIX MONTH WARRANTY!
"NO YOU'RE NOT SEEING THINGS, TH 'ATS FOUR
INTERNAL DRIVES IN A MODEL 4, WITH UP TO 4 MEG,
DISK STORAGE AVAILABLE NOW!
DV IS DRIVING DOWN PRICES ON DISK!
DISPLAYED VIDEO is now offering TRS-80' MODEL 4 with TANDON/
TEC/TEAC disk drives, one of the most reliable disk drive systems on
the market, for INCREDIBLY low prices.
MODEL 4 with 64K dual 40 track double density disk drives, complete
system with TRSDOS 6.0 and 1 BOX OF DISKETTES
PLUG IT IN AND GO $1599.00/128K... $1679.00
MODEL 4 with 64K dual 40/40 track double density disk drives, complete
systems with TRSDOS 6.0 and 1 BOX OF DISKETTES
PLUG IT IN AND GO $1899.00/128K... $1979.00
MODEL 4 with 64K dual 80 track double density disk drives, complete
systems with TRSDOS 6.0 and 1 BOX OF DISKETTES
PLUG IT IN AND GO $1899.00/128K... $1979.00
MODEL 4 with 64K dual 80/80 track double density disk drives, complete
systems with TRSDOS 6.0 and 1 BOX OF DISKETTES
PLUG IT IN AND GO $2199.00/128K... $2279.00
MODEL 4 with 64K four 40 track double density internal disk drives,
complete systems with TRSDOS 6.0 and 1 BOX OF DISKETTES
PLUG IT IN AND GO $2299.00/128K... $2379.00
MODEL 4 with 64K four internal drives of any configuration available to
achieve up to 4 meg of disk storage CALL
MODEL 111/4 Internal Two Drive Kit: Includes controller board, dual drive
mounting bracket, dual power supply, all hardware cable; and connectors
(gold plated) & TEC Drive $399.00
4 DRIVE KIT MINUS DRIVE $349.00
MODEL 100 8K $679.00 24K $839.00
DV'S MODEL I DOUBLE DENSITY BOARDS $89.00
<
Visit our retail location at:
111 Marshall Street
Litchfield, MI 49252
(313) 426-5086
(313) 482-4424
(517) 542-3280
(517) 542-3939
(517) 542-3947
WE CARRY TRS-80. IBM, LNW, EPSON & FRANKLIN COMPUTERS
IMMEDIATE DELIVERY
DV'S SIX MONTH
PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY
Authorized Dealership at:
111 Marshall Street, Litchfield, Michigan 49252 P142
To Order: Call (313) 426-5086; (313) 482-4424; (517) 542-3280
(517) 542-3939; (517) 542-3947
OR WRITE:
Displayed Video, 111 Marshall St., Litchfield, MI 49252
'TRS 80 is a trademark of the Tandy Corporation Prices subject to change without notice.
Circle 112 on inquiry card.
^^^
SPECIALS on INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
6502 @ 4.90 6520 @ 4.00 6522 @ 5.00 4116 @ 1.85
2532 @ 5.90 2716 ®> 4.45 6116 @ 6.45 4164 ® 6.90
Anchor
Automation
Signalman
MODEMS
FREE SOURCE MEMBERSHIP WITH SIGNALMAN
All Signalman Modems are Direct Connect, and provide the
best price-performance values. Dealer/OEM inquiries invited
Volksmodem with computer cable 68
Mark VII Auto Dial/Auto Answer 99
Mark XII Smart Model 1 200/300 299
DC HAYES Smartmodem
DC Hayes Smartmodem 1200/300
219
519
PflOM OUEEN for VIC 170
Apple Emulator lor Commodore 64 Call
STAT Statistics Package for C64 95
Solid Oak 2 Level Stand lor C64 or VIC 29
C64/VIC Switch (networking) 1 29
BACKUP VI .0 tape copier for C64 or VIC 20
CARDBOARD/6 Motherboard - VIC 64
CARDBOARD/5 Motherboard r C64 56
CARD PRINT G Printer Int with Graphics 72
CARD PRINT B Printer Interface— C64/VIC 40
CARDB0ARD/3S Motherboard - VIC 22
CARDCO C64/VIC Calculator Keypad 32
CARDRAM/1 6 RAM Expansion - VIC 44
Complete CARDCO Line in stock
CIE and VIE IEEE Interfaces in stock
MSD SuperDrive for C64 or IEEE 365
MAE Assembler for C64 50
Koala Pad Touch Tablet— C64 or VIC 79
CBC 4/1 2 Analog to Digital 4 chan/1 2 bit 1 99
MULTIPUN for CG4 79
Dust Cover for C64 or VIC 6
Grand Master Chess for C64 24
COMAL Language for C64 17
with sprites, color graphics, sound, turtle graphics.
Super BusCard by Batteries Included 1 59
ULTRA BASIC - 64 with Turtle Graphics 37
Super Disk Utility - C64 - includes backup 1 9
MicroChess - C64 - 8 levels of play 1 7
HES MODEM with software 55
Commodore 64 Programmers Reference Guide 16
WordPro 3+/64 with Spellright 85
VIController (also C64) - BSR Controller 50
COM VOICE Synthesizer for C64 or VIC 1 39
VIC products in stock - call for extra discounts.
Victory Software for VIC and C64 In stock.
APPLE— FRANKLIN ITEMS
FRANKLIN— complete line in stock
QUENTIN Drives for Apple/Franklin 219
Swapper Stopper 26
automatic switch between paddles and joystick
KRAFT Apple Joystick 40
Kraft Apple Paddle Pair 30
Koala Pad Touch Tablet-Apple/Franklin 90
SPINNAKER Software in stock
Broderbund Software in stock
16K RAM Card for Apple 59
Multiplan— Microsoft 1 85
Solid Oak 2 Level Stand for Apple 29
Serial Card for Apple 89
MCP RAM/80 column card for lie (AP/TXT) 139
Z80 Softcard and CP/M (Microsoft) 235
RANA Elite I with Controller 389
Parallel Printer Interface/Cable 69
Microtek and MCP Interfaces in stock
Grappler + Interface 129
DC Hayes Micromodem II 299
PFS: File or PFS: Report or PFS: Graph 95
Videx 80 Column Card 209
Apple Blue Book 1 9
Q commodore
See us for Personal, Business, and Educational
requirements. Educational Discounts available.
PETSCAN I $245 base price
Allows you to connect up to 30 CBM/PET Computers to
shared disk drives and printers. Completely transparent to the
user. Perfect for schools or multiple word processing con-
figurations. Base configuration supports 2 computers. Addi-
tional computer hookups $100 each.
COMPACK/STCP
$115
Intelligent Terminal Package for PET, CBM, C64
Includes ACIA Hardware / STCP Software
SCREEN MAKE R 80 Column Adapter lor C64 1 39
Provide big screen capability lor business applications.
Copy-Writer Word Processor for C64 49
Full-featured package with 800 lines of text in memory.
Includes double column printing, graphic capability, full prin-
ter support.
Special Screenmaker/Copy-Writer Combo 179
VICTOBY Software for VIC and C64
Metamorphosis
Labyrinth of Creator
Kongo Kong
Chomper Man
Bounty Hunter
1 6 Creator's Revenge 1 6
16 Galactic Conquest 16
16 Annihilate 16
16 Grave Robbers 13
16 Adventure Pack I or II 16
PAPER CLIP Word Processor- CBM/C64 75
ORACLE Data Base from Batteries Included 109
SPINNAKER Software C64, Apple, IBM, Atari
Computers First Book of PET/CBM 1 1
POWER ROM Utilities for PET/CBM 78
WordPro 4+ - 8032, disk, printer 295
VISICALC for PET, ATARI, or Apple 189
Compute's First Book of 64 Sound & Graphics 10.40
SM-KIT enhanced PET/CBM ROM Utilities 40
PET Spacemaker II ROM Switch 36
Compute's First Book of Games 1 0.40
Dust Cover for PET, CBM, 4040, or 8050 8
CmC Interlaces (ADA1800, ADA1450, SADI in stock)
Compute's Reference Guide to 64 Graphics 10.40
Computers Machine Language for Beginners 1 1
HES Software and Hardware in stock
UMI products in stock
FlexFile for PET/CBM/C64
$49
DataBase, Report Writer with calculations, Mailing Lists.
Easy to use, and can be modified.
FORTH lor PET/C64 full FIG model - Cargile/Riley 50
includes all FORTH 79 Standard extensions, structured 6502
assembler with nested decision macros, standard 16x64
screens, agility to read/write BASIC sequential files, sample
programs, introductory + reference manual.
Metacompiler for FORTH for independent object code 30
Floating Point for FORTH 20
KMMM PASCAL IV for PET/CBM/C64 99
Virtually full Jensen-Wirth implementation is now suitable lor
advanced placement courses.
EARL lor PET/CBM Disk-based ASSEMBLER 65
SuperGraphics - BASIC Language Extensions 45
Fast graphics, sound, turtle graphics routines for PET/CBM.
BAM/ROM for PET/CBM 4K $75 8K $90
CBM PflHlcOomirinSt^m-^4/PETZ7_clfsks 75
STAT for PET/CBM/C64 and Apple 95
Comprehensive Statisticai Analysis Routines
Includes complete file handling capabilities, summary statis-
tics, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests, exponential mean
tests, multiple and power series regression, analysis of vari-
ance, histograms, and non-parametric tests.
Page Mate GO Command Word Processor 40
Full-featured package for all Commodore computers (incl. VIC
with 16K). Full screen editing, and supports disk, tape, and
, all printers.
DISK
SPECIALS
Scotch (3M) 5" ss/dd
Scotch(3M)5"ds/dd
Scotch (3M) 8" ss/sd
Scotch (3M) 8" ss/dd
10/2.20 50/2.00 100/1.95
10/3.05 50/2.80 100/2.75
10/2.30 50/2.10 100/2.06
10/2.85 50/2.70 100/2.65
We stock VERBATIM DISKS
Write for Dealer and OEM prices.
Sentinal 5" ss/dd 10/1.90 50/1.85 100/1.75
Sentinal 5" ds/dd 10/2.55 50/2.50 100/2.35
We stock Dysan disks
Wabash 5" ss/sd
Wabash 5" ss/dd
Wabash 5" ds/dd
10/1.50 50/1.45 100/1.40
10/1.90 50/1.85 100/1.75
10/2.60 50/2.50 100/2.40
We stock MAXELL DISKS
Write for dealer and OEM prices.
Disk Storage Pages 1 for $4 Hub Rings 50 tor $6
Disk Library Cases 8"— 3.00 5"— 2.25
Head Disk Cleaning Kits 12
AMARAY Disk Storage Systems in stock.
Innovative Concepts FLIP 'N' FILES in stock.
CASSETTE TAPES-
C-10
C-30
-AGFA PE-611 PREMIUM
10/ .61 50/58 100/50
10/ .85 50/82 100/70
tVl
Hewlett Packard
Write or call for prices.
DATASHIELD BACKUP POWER SOURCE $265
Battery back up Uninterruptible Power Supply with surge and
noise filtering. The answer to your power problems.
MultiPlan — IBM or Apple 185
Quadboard for IBM available
KOALA PAD Touch Tablets— Apple, Atari, IBM, CBM
Peachtext 5000 Software Package 209
PFS Software for IBM and Apple in stock
SPINNAKER Software C64/VIC, Apple, IBM, Atari
VOTRAX Personal Speech System 280
BMC 9191 Color Monitor 229
BMC 12A 12" Green Monitor 79
Dynax (Brother! DX-15 Daisy Wheel Printer 469
Brother HR-25 Daisy Wheel Printer (25 cps| 769
Itoh Prowriter Parallel Printer 379
Panasonic 1090 Printer with Correspondence Mode 279
Daisywriter 2000 with 48K buffer 1 020
Gemini 1 0X 299
EPSON, Okidata, Star Micronics printers in stock
USI CompuMOD 4 R F Modulator 29
We Stock AMDEK Monitors
AmdekDXY-1 00 Plotter 590
A P Products 15% OFF
COMPUTER COVERUPS IN STOCK
BROOKS 6 Outlet Surge Suppressor/Noise Filter 54
Surge Suppressor-6 outlet 29
Electrohome 1302-2 13" Hi-res RGB Monitor 335
Panasonic 1 2" Monitor (20 MHz) with audio 1 35
Synertek SYM-1 Microcomputer 189
AL L BOOK and SOFTWARE PRICES DISCOUNTED
USI Video Monitors— Green or AMBER 20 MHz hi-res.
Dealer and OEM inquiries invited
Ymnith I data
I systems
ZVM-122A 109 ZVM-123G 95
ZVM-131 300 ZVM-135 490
Z29 Terminal (DEC and ADM compatible) 680
ZT-1 Intel. Terminal with Serial Port 340
Z1 00 16-bit/8-bit System CALL
We stock entire Zenith line.
ATARI -WE STOCK ENTIRE LINE
SPINNAKER and Broderbund Software in Stock.
215-822-7727
252 Bethlehem Pike
Colmar, PA 1891 5
A B Computers
WRITE FOR CATALOG. Add $1.50 per order for United Parcel.
We pay balance of UPS surface shipping charges on all prepaid orders
(add extra for mail, APO/FPO, air). Prices include cash discount.
Regular prices slightly higher. Prices subject to change.
500 BYTE February 1984
Circle 7 on inquiry card.
ORDER WITH CONFIDENCE
from one of the nation's largest
consumer electronic parts distributors!
DISK DRIVE l
PRICE EVER!
Slim disk drive for
Apple II® com-
puter. New
in a box
?
w
A sturdy
cabinet and 3' cable are included.
Runs on Apple controller or our
optional controller.
ORDER NO. r ~~~. _-
83-APL-DD-1 $ 229.95
CONTROLLER
CARD
For two disk drives
ORDER NO
83-WL-CTL-1
s 49.95
IBM COMPATIBLE
JOYSTICK ^
Heavy duty
all metal.
Featuring
ultra linear
pots, self
centering, dual fine center
adjustments. The finest industrial/
commercial joystick available.
ORDER NO. ... __
83-IB-XY-23 s 44.95
APPLE' COMPATIBLE
JOYSTICK With double
trigger feature. (Four total)
light weight, linear pots.
ORDER NO.
83-APL-XY-9
$ 24.95
SELF CENTERING
APPLE' COMPATIBLE
JOYSTICK
With double trigger
feature. (Four total)
light weight,
linear pots.
ORDER NO
83-APL-XY-18
5'/ 4 " DISK DRIVE
SPECIAL
MPI
MODEL
B-51
single side,
double density
BRAND NEW
Never used, no cabinet
ORDER NO.
83-MPI-B51
149.00
REPLACEMENT
KEYBOARD FOR
APPLE II
Heavy duty — error free switches.
Switchable N key rollover, last
key repeat. Upper/lower case
capability. Alpha lock, cable
included.
ORDER NO. ,__ __
83-APL-KB-7 s 79.95
APPLE COMPATIBLE
JOYSTICK
Cord
terminated
with 16 Pin
plug. Our most
popular joystick.
ORDER NO.
83-APL-XY-10
'16.50
RF MODULATORS
Use your TV as a monitor. Con-
verts video signals into RF. Hooks
up to Apple with no modifications.
FCC listed. Two versions: With
sound and without sound.
ORDER NO. without s1Cm
83-VM-42 sound S 16.0U
HS 0E M°. „™ Wilh SOI OK
83-CRM-320 sound s 21.95
5A APPLE II
COMPATIBLE
REPLACEMENT
POWER
SUPPLY
^C*
Full 2A more than the original
power supply. Heavy duty. 110/
220V operation. Mounts directly
into Apple II case. AC cord
included.
ORDER NO.
83-APL-PS-51
$ 79.95
5A POWER SUPPLY
With BUILT-IN
COOLING FAN
^ g
Newly patented Apple II® com-
patible 5A power supply. Fits
completely into Apple II case.
Eliminates the need for external
cooling fan.
ORDER NO. ,__ __
83-APL-PS-53 S 89.95
DATA SPEC™ SUPER CABLES
Fully shielded — shock proof — low loss.
25 Conductor RS232 cable assembly
with 100% alluminex shield. Special
underhood molding
cables fW .^rfl,
currently
made!
ORDER NO. 1
83-MRS232MM-3
83-MRS232MM-5
83-MRS232MM-10
83-MRS232MM-25
83-MRS232MF-3
83-MRS232MF-5
83-MRS232MF-10
83-MRS232MF-25
LENGTH
3'
5'
10'
25',
3'
5'
10'
25'
PLUG/JACK
Male/ Male
Male/Male
Male/Male
Male/Male
Male/Female
Male/Female
Male/Female
Male/ Female
PRICE
$24.95
27.95
29.95
37.95
25.95
28.95
30.95
38.95
SOLDER TYPE 25 PIN
"D" (RS232)
CONNECTOR
RF CABLES
RCA to RCA. Connects
computer to monitor, etc.
ORDER NO.
83-BRR-3
83-BRR-6
83-BRR-12
3'
6'
12'
PRICE
$1.95
2.50
4.50
Please Note: ORA Electronics products are intended to be sold to persons with a working knowledge of electronics and computing. If you do not have such
knowledge, please visit your local dealer for products and information.
MINIMUM ORDER $25.00. VISA. MASTER CARD accepted. No surcharges. Exact UPS charges will be added. PREPAID. Certified checks
and money orders, send exact amount. No shipping, handling or insurance charges in the continental USA. PERSONAL CHECKS: add 5% shipping charges,
allow 3 weeks to clear. INTERNATIONAL BUYERS: US currency and 20% extra for shipping. CA Residents, add sales tax.
OEM / DEALERS: send forspecial prices on your company letterhead.
NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR OPEN ACCOUNTS— NO EXCEPTIONS.
ELECTRONICS
"OUR SERVICE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE"
To order, call TOLL FREE: (800)423-5336
Calif. TOLL FREE: (800)382-3663
Local: (213)701-5848
Telex 181011 ORA PARTS NTGE
18215 PARTHENIA STREET, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91325
BYTE February 1984 501
HALF-HEIGHT SHUGART DRIVE
SYSTEM FOR IBM- PC
Choose 2 or 4 320K byte half heights
or 2 half-heights plus a hard disk.
• Powered by energy efficient direct drive
DC motor
• Mounting kits available for most popular
systems
• Clear and simple instructions
• Full one year warranty
IBM-PC 10 Megabyte Half-Height Hard Disk
Up grade your PC to an XT' Call
609-799-4440 1 Megabyte Halt-Height Hard Disk
also available for your COMPAQ.
SA-712Half-Hgt 10 Meg Hard Disk Call'
SHUGART
HALF-HEIGHT
DRIVES
ShugartSA465DS/DD
Half-Height 96TPI
New' Allows reading
and writing in single
or double density 5.25
diskettes Plug compatible with TANDON TM 100-4.
SIEMENS FDD-221-5 and similar drives.
1 YEAR WARRANTY S350each 2 @ $295 each
Formatted single density 700K bytes
SHUGART SA860 DS/DD
Half-HeightS"
A double sided half m t$
height 8" high speed" —
disk drive. DC
only operation.
Same as used on Zenith Z-100.
1 YEAR WARRANTY $495 each 2 & $475 each
Formatted 1.25 megabyte
Track to track 3ms
SHUGART SA455 DS/DD
Half-Height 48TPI
A double headed minifloppy disc drive with up to320K
on-line storage capacity. Plug compatible with any
standard 5'V drive. Electrically the same as TM-100-2
andFDD-211-5
1 YEAR WARRANTY $245 each
Formatted 320K bytps, extended 360K bytes
Track to tra^k Rmc
HEATH ZENITH H88, 89 or90TWOET SYSTEMS
Dual internal half-height disk drives
Now you can replace your built-in drive with two
double-sided, double or single density, internal half-
height drives in either 48 or 96tpi format, with all hard-
ware, cables, power connector adaptors, and docu-
mentation included. Our double-sided 48tpi works
perfectly as a single sided right out of the box You can
even use this system with your H-1 7 controller. And we
have the software drivers (at additional cost) so you
can run out 48 or 96tpi double-sided, single density
drives on it!
TWOET455 TWOET465
2 SHUGART SA-455 2 SHUGART SA-465
half- height half- height
48tpi double-sided 96tpi double-sided
$595 $695
Both models are shipped complete with all hardware,
shielded metal mounting plates, data cable with chas-
sis connectors, and complete documentation.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR INTERNAL DRIVE:For
only $60 extra plus shipping, we'll send you a single 5' 4
case with power supply and data cable — ready to re-
ceive your SIEMENS internal drive! A regular $80
value. The external chassis disk I/O connector comes
with your TWDFT system
W.S.T. DISK DRIVES (formerly Siemens)
W.S.T. FDD-100-5B4 Same model used in Heath
computers. Added "Flippy" operation feature.
Works with almost any SA-400 compatible system:
RS Model 1 , North Star. S- 100 and more. S235 each
C3-$195 each (with Shugart type Bezel)
W.S.T. FDD-211-5
Dual headed 5V.r. Records data in single or double
density, using hard or soft sector techniques. An exact
TM- 1 00-2 replacement Use in Northstar and IBM, or
any system using dual head 48 tpi drives. Same as
COMPAQ. $265 each.
NUMBER OF HEADS 2
FORMATTED DATA CAPACITY 320K bytes
extended 360K bytes
W.S.T. FDD-221-5
A double headed. 5 V, 96 tpi (80 track) disk drive
Capable of hard or soft sector, single or double den-
sity, it's an exact replacement for the TANDON
100-4. $335 each
2 & $295 each
Increase your on-line storage capacity by 2.5 mega-
bytes with Our new 8" double sided half height disk
drive. Styling matches IBM-PC Utilizes Shugart half-
height 8" double sided disk drives. Allows reading
CP-M data files with optional patch.
FD-PC8 System $1270
Maynard Controller $245
(Allows use of two internal 5 'A" and the two outboard
8" system Add $70 for parallel)
JFormat $50
JFormat-2 $50
We have half-height mounting kits for IBM and
COMPAQ computers.
APPLE HALF-HEIGHT DISK DRIVES Call for price
ENCLOSURES
I
ALSO
MODEL
CONFIGUARTION
STACKING
DIMENSIONS
AVAILABLE
PRICE
DH5A&T
2 standard 5'<
horizontal
17' Lx 12"Wx5"H
external chassis '
connector/
blank plates
SI 25 00
SV5AST
1 slandard5'v
vertical
UV Lx3VWx6"H
vertical 5'v case
lor 2 half-height
drives
S55 00
Of
S7500
lor 'i height
DV5A&T
2 standard 5Vi
vertical
11 V'Lx6"Wx7'H
-
S8500
D5HHHA&T
2 hall-height +
space For single
board computer
horizontal
17"Lx 12"Wx3W"H
blank plates
ext. chassis conn.
$1 25.00
5SHA&T
1 standard 5'V or
2 half-height drives
horizontal
12"Lx8 ,, Wx4"H
blank plate
ext. chassis conn.
$95.00
5SHHDA&T
1 standard or
2 halt-height
hard disks
horizontal
12"LxB"Wx4 H
blank plate
S165 00
8' ENCLOSURES
AMI 00% ourdesign, these 8" enclosuresfeature a Iron t panel power switch desi£
nedwith 1 " clearance
overthedriveto
accomodate a
jig board computer or a
lard disk controller. All 1 6 gauge metal construction with DB 25 cutouts on the
rear panel. CP-206 supply mounting holes, which are standard tor the 8" drive
ndustry.
DHBA&T
2 standards"
(such as
SHUGART 800-R
series or SIEMENS
FDD-100 series)
horizontal
21 ,, Lx17 , 'V'Wx6Vj"H
ext. chassis conn.
S29500
SH8A&T
1 standards' or
2 half-height drives
+ space for single
board computer
horizontal
16"Lx 12V/'WxG ] « H
blank plates
ext. chassis conn
S285 00
DHHH8A&T
for SHUGART
TANDON 848
or similar 8
halt-height designs
horizontal
205 Lx 17 Wx4H
blank plates
ext chassis conn
S320 00
FDPC8
for SHUGART
810-860 matches
IBM-PC or
Zenith systems
horizontal
blank plates
S320 00
1
MULTIDISPLAY
For IBM-PC. contains both mono and color display
plus printer port, all on one card S575
PGS MONITOR
The best RGB monitor going . S475
SANDSTAR MODULES FROM MAYNARD
Sandstar Serial Port Module .^^^__ u
Totally compatible with ■HB i ! If U
software written foi WPr2"-T _. —t.S-1
IBM Asynchronous '
Adaptor. Connecls lo MODEM, serial printer, or any
standard RS232-C interlace device Port may be con-
figured as Serial Pert #1 or a 2. Can use IBM diagnos-
tics. MSE1301 . $105.00
SandStar Clock Calendar Module
Features clock and calendar with battery backup, which
runs when PC power is turned off or plug is disconnected.
Correct time and date loaded each time system is
powered up. Software included. MCL1303 $85.00
SandStar Parallel Port Module
A Centronics compatible I/O port. Use as general pur-
pose I/O port or connect to printer Utilizes same type
connector and pins as IBM Parallel Printer Adaptor, and
is 1 00°o compatible with its software. Configure as Port
»1 or #2. Can use IBM diagnostics MPA1302 $75.00
SandStar Memory Module
Use with SandStar Memory Card. Expands memory by
320K bytes for640K bytes total system memory Uses
only one IBM expansion card. No configuration required
before plug in.
Module maybe purchased with any 64 K incremenl and
easily expanded lo 320K. Electronic disc and print
spooling software are also available.
MMODOOO OK $11500
MMOD064 64K $205 00
MMOD128 128K $300.00
MMOD192 192K $390.00
MMOD256 256K $485.00
MMOD320 320K $580 00
SandStar Game Adaptor Module
Attach up lo 4 paddles and 2 loysticks to your IBM PC
Can be used for general purpose input, with 4 diyitaland
4 analog inputs. 100°o compatible with IBM PC soft-
ware Uses same type 1 5 pin "D" subminiature I/O con-
ncctor as the IBM Game Control Adaptor
Maynard Electronics Multi-Function
Memory Expansion Board
Adds form 64K bytes to 256K bytes to your IBM-PC.
Expandable with either 1 or 2 optional asynchronous
serial (RS232-C) ports Engineered for total compat-
iblilily with IBM I/O specs Parity generation and de-
tection included. Ready to plug into 64 K byte systems.
Optionally available with 1 or 2 RS232-C ports with
20mA current loop 100°o compatible with IBM hard-
ware and software, and may be used to connect your
computer to a modem serial printer or other devices with
computer interface. Board ports may be enabled or dis-
abled and assigned as COM1 and/or COM2.
MMF 1000 OK $21000
MMF1064 64K $305.00
MMF1128 128K $410.00
MMF1192 192K $510.00
MMF 1 256 256K $6 1 5.00
MMF1SER $100.00
(with one serial port added)
MMF2SER $160.00
(with two serial ports added)
(No parallel available).
Maynard Disk Controllers RET
Description
MODFDC (Controller w/mod ports) $265
FDC8 (8 " Controller) $245
FDC5'«(5V Controller) $195
FDCPARALLELlContr. and para portsi $275
FDCSERIALlConlr. and serial portsi $285
FDC8PARA |8" Contr. and para ports) $315
HDM (hard disk module) $495
CONTROLLERS Magnolia Micro-systems
for the H-89 S Z-90 Double Density Disc
controller including CP/M 2.2
Complete hardware & sottware support for:
-Four 5' 4 and Four 8' single or double sided drives
-48 TPI 140 track; drives
-9G TPI (80 track) drives
-3-5VV drives supported by Heath Zenith controller
H-1 7
This package includes:
-double density controller card
-CP/M 2.2 on either 5' 4' or8 media
-new I/O decoder and monitor PROMs
Shipping weight 7 lbs.
DATA
CONNECTORS
50 pin edge card 609-5015 50 pin inline end connector
34 pinedgecard 609-3415 609-5001M
50 pin inline chassis 34 pin mime end connector
609-5016 609-3401 M
34 pin inline chassis
609-3416
POWER
CONNECTORS fc>e«j ;
stacking bracket lor AC socket 8 . single sided
5Vor8 half-height drives C1 120
SB5orSB8 5'. DCconnector CI 1 16
SA 810/860 DC power 5' , DC socket C1 119
CI 115 PCB-8 DC CI 122
SA 850/85 I FDD-200-8-AC free-slandmg 8
8 double sided CI 114 DC connector socket C1 121
8 ACconnectoistandaid. 8 DC standard C1112
single sided C1 113
We sell many other disk drive models too
numerous to list here. We encourage you to call tor
our latest pricing and catalog. Due to production dead-
lines, prices are 60 days old. Please call! Dealer
inquiries invited. In our 5th yearl
Prices and specifications subject to change
without notice
MasterCard, VISA accepted. NJ residents.
add 6% sates tax.
Shipping charges: $3.00 first 4 lbs.. $.40 each
additional lb.
COD charge $5.00.
TOLL FREE ORDER LINE: 800-223-0306
In NJ, Call: 609-799-4440 9:00 am-5:30 pm est.
'FLOPPY
IDISK
SE RVICES
IINC.1HHHB
FLOPPY DISK
SERVICES. INC
741 Alexander Road
Princeton. NJ 08540
502 BYTE February 1984
Circle 145 on inquiry card.
Freedom-Freed the Prices!
We have met or have beaten most advertised prices.
Buy Direct!
32CPS DTC380Z
48K Buffer
Serial and Parallel
I Year Warranty
380 Z S Unbeatable
38 K STAR WRITER .. S Unbeatable
Mannesman)! Tally
• Standard — 7 x 9 160 CPS
• NLQ — 40 x 18 40 CPS
• 2K Buffer and Tractor Standard
160 L 80 col. Call Best Seller
180 L 132 col Call Best Seller
Spirit Call Best Seller
IDS
• Proportional Spacing
• 8 Character Styles
• 200 CPS Bi Directional
• Color Optional
• Sheet Feed • Graphics
• 3.4K Buffer
Prism 80
Prism 132 and Micro Prism
Auto Cassette Sheet Feed
s Call
$ Call
S Call
EAGLE
m
OMSih
OUR PC FLYS
IBM Compatible
Simply a better PC All models
available;for immediate delivery
Call Lowest S
ALTOS
ZENITH
TELEV1DEO
SANYO
USI
TRANSTAR
PIED PIPER
RANA
STB
QUADRAM
DAISYWRITER
FRANKLIN
HAYES
NOVATION
ANADEX
AXIOM
DATASOUTH
MICROTEK
SWEET-P
EAGLE
RITEMAN I
Juki 6100
18 CPS IBM Ribbons
Diablo Compatible 2K Buffer
Best Value Yet SCall
U.S. ROBOTICS
It's a Piece of Cake I
High Quality Software
for Personal Computers
J-CAT
■■
Red Hot
Special I
Novation
J-CAT
i \Xford Processor
i Mail List
i Spelling Checker
i Telecom
NEW,
• Graphics Package
• Financial Planner
• Data Manager
Call for Prices!
• 300 BPS Modem
• Originate/Auto Answer
Sizzling $ 89.50
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
VENTEL
AMDEK
BMC
TAXAN
DIABLO
NEC
EPSON
PRINTEK
MOLECULAR
UDS
SILVER-REED
OKIDATA
COMREX
JUKI
STAR
NORTHSTAR
ADDS
KIMTRON
INTERCOLOR
COLUMBIA
CORONA
C. ITOH
DEC
AMPEX
TOSHIBA
VEW
RIXON
HAZELTINE
SEIKOSHA
TTX
\X/YSE
SANYO PC.
OTRONA
BLUE CHIP
PRINTACOLOR
OUME
KEYTRONICS
ANCHOR
BROTHER
VISUAL
DAISY
Everything in
computer related products:
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
• Computers
• Modems
• Printers
• Software
• Monitors
• Terminals
• Accessories
• Paper
• Ribbons
• Diskettes
• Office Furniture
• In-Store Training
For Price Quotes and Ordering, Call:
1-800-821-4128
For Technical Information and
Order Status, Call:
602-952-1057 or 602-954-6127
*********
FREEDOM
COMPUTER MART
INC.
3370 North Hayden Road • Suite 123-314
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Prices listed reflect a cash discount and are subject to change without notice CO D.s are shipped with a minimum C.O.D. charge Allow 3-7 days for personal checks to clear. Product is subject to
availability Equipment is in factory sealed boxes with manufacturer's warranty There will be a re-stocking charge for returned merchandise. Call first for an RMA number. Software not warranteed for
suitability No return of Software which has been opened. Add 2% for shipping S handling charges (minimum S2 50) All equipment shipped F.O.B Scottsdale. AZ 85251 Circle 212 On inquiry Card.
BROAD LINE OF
A/D PRODUCTS
FOR APPLE II®
TIMER/CLOCK ■ 4-YEAR CALENDAR,
TIMES INTERVALS TO THE
MILLISECOND, INTERRUPTS . . $175
12-BIT A/D ■ 40.000 SAMPLES/SEC.
0.1 % ACCURACY, 8 INPUTS. . . $375
8-BIT A/D ■ 60,000 SAMPLES/SEC.
0.4% ACCURACY, 8 INPUTS. . . $165
FULLY DIFFERENTIAL A/D -
1 MILLIVOLT RESOLUTION
12 SAMPLES/SEC, 4 INPUTS ... $195
THERMOCOUPLE THERMOMETER ■
2 OR 6 CHANNELS.... $135 or $155
ALSO: INPUT MULTIPLEXERS,
OUTPUT CONTROLLERS,
AND CUSTOM SYSTEMS
LAWSON LABS, INC.
5700 RAIBE ROAD
COLUMBIA FALLS, MONTANA 59912
406-387-5355
wabash
When it comes to
Flexible Disks, nobody
does it better than
Wabash.
MasterCard, Visa Accepted.
Call Free: (800)235-4137
PACIFIC
EXCHANGES
100 Foothill Blvd
San Luis Obispo. CA
93401 (InCal. cal
(805)543-1037)
VisaCalc
PFS: File
Wizardry
Zaxxon .
$99.00
...$50.00*
. . $25.00*
$9.99*
....$8.00*
Circle 209 on Inquiry card.
Circle 284 on inquiry card.
Over 1200 Programs
To Choose From
KHFiTRENTl
• two week member renta l
Free Catalog:
619-481-0559 Swd^p
1-800-221-1031 California
1-800-221-4568 All Others
Circle 333 on inquiry card.
We're bringing in the New Year with
specials on quality 3M information
processing products, including:
• DISKETTES • MAC L TAPE
• DATA CARTRIDGES
PLUS! Specials on many other pro-
ducts in our full-range discount
catalog of computer supplies. Call,
write, or utilize reader service to
obtain your free catalog of 1984 3M
Specials.
LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1250-E Rankin Dr., Troy, Ml 48083
Phone: (313) 589-3440
Simply #1 in service & Reliability
OM Authorized Distributor
WlVI Information Processin
recessing Products
5V4" DISK DRIVES
• QUME 142A
Half Height, Double
Sided, 40 TRK/Side .
• TANDON: TM 100-2
Double Sided,
40 TRK/Side
• CDC: 9409
Double Sided,
40 TRK/Side . .
»229
Free Shipping
•235
Free Shipping
»235
Free Shipping
»229
Free Shipping
Order Toll Free:
1-800-531-5475 (Outside Ot Texas) HI
(512) 250-1489 (In Texas) WH
Texas Residents Add 5H Salsa Tax.
• SHUGART: SA 455
Half Height, Double Sided,
40TRK/Side
1C0mpuP.de)
Corp.
13010 Research Blvd., Suite 101
Austin, Texas 78750
Apple ll/lle®
Industrial Control
Plug-In Boards
(SOFTWARE INCLUDED)
Opto-lsolated A32 I/O Board
$295
• Individually Configurable
• Compatible with SSR Modules
• Opto-lsolated Interrupt Inputs
2 Axis Stepper Motor Interface
• Positioning Control OlOET
• Pulse Counting/Timing \ I HJl
• Frequency Measurements ™ ww
ROGERS LABS (714)751-0442
2710 S. Croddy Way, Santa Ana. CA 92704
Circle 223 on Inquiry card.
Circle 65 on Inquiry card.
Circle 316 on Inquiry card.
IBM PC =
1. DEC VT100?
2. DEC VT125?
3. DASHER D400?
SMARTERM™ DOES IT!
• full emulation
• powerful file transfer
• full printer support
• multiple setups
• "smart" softkeys
• 132 column support available
• online help screens
• 30-day return policy
Available through your local software dealer
or directly from:
= ====R
erSOft 2740 Ski Lane
1 Madison, Wl 53713
IlC. (608) 273-6000
Software lor Professionals. . . by Prolesslonals.
300
BAUD
1200
BAUD
MODEMS
SIGNALMAN. .Free hour on 'SOURCE'
300/1200 AUTO DIAL/ANS $319
'Hayes Compatible'
300 BAUD AUTO DIAL/ANS $119
300 BAUD direct connect $ 69
US ROBOTICS... 300/1200... MODEMS
'Hayes Compatible'
'Password' with cables, spkr $339
'S100' card $339
'Auto 212' dlxe $419
DOT noiMTrnc LETTER
matrix rKJJN 1 LKb quality
GEMINI 10 x 120 cps graphics $CALL
PROWRITER 120 cps hi density $359
JUKI daisys wheel 18 cps $529
ibm HARD DISKS cpm
10 Mbyte $1295 40 Mbyte. . . .$2495
23 Mbyte $1995 65 Mbyte. . .$CALL
IMAGE COMPUTERS
P.O. Box 1164, Cardiff, CA 92007
CALL TO ORDER:
(619)942-7373 W M V1SA/MC
(619) 436-7669 ■» *PW ADD 3%
(619) 270-3600 'Dealer Inquiries Invited
LABELS • CONTINUOUS FORMS
PeachText 5000 reg 395- 275 00
complete line of
EDUWARE SOFTWARE
plus other major brands
'Terms: Visa, M.C. or C.O.D.
'Dealer Inquiries Invited
COMPU-MEDIA
SOFTWARE, INC.
159 Main St. S.I.N.Y. 10307
AUTHORIZED
DISTRIBUTOR
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-248-2418
" in N.Y. State 212-967-1700
Circle 292 on Inquiry card.
Circle 178 on Inquiry card.
Circle 390 on Inquiry card.
ITEM-
«»:i
/cfea/ for
• COMPUTERISTS
• OEM MANUFACTURERS
• DEVELOPMENT LABS
• UNIVERSITIES
• INDUSTRIAL
APPLICATIONS
THE ULTIMATE OEM/PC
COMPATIBLE SINGLE
BOARD COMPUTER
FULL /BM - PC*
COMPATIBILITY!
DEALERS AND OEM MANUFACTURERS
QUANTITY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
Standard Key-
board Interface
(Full PC compatible)
Eight Compatible
I/O Interface
Connectors
(Full PC compatible)
(compatible with all
IBM-PC* plug-in cards)
Special J1
Interface
(Allows horizontal mount-
ing of compatible expan-
sion cards for easy bus
expansion and custom
configuring) (Board has
62 pin gold plated compat-
ible connector)
Extended ROM
Capability
(Runs all compatible PC
ROMS) (Jumper program-
mable to accommodate all
popular 8K, 16K, 32K and
64K ROM chips and NEW
EE ROMS! VPP power pin
available for EP ROM
burning!) (External
VPP voltage required)
Board Size
10.5 inchX 13.5 inch
Full Mega-Byte Ram Capacity!
On board!
(With parity)
□ 256K Bytes using 64K chips
P 1 Mega Bytes using 256K chips
Hardware Reset
(Overcomes reset flaw
in PC)
Power Connector
(Full IBM* pinout
compatible)
8088 Processor
(Same as PC)
8087 Numeric
Processor
(Same as PC)
Peripheral
Support Circuits
(Same as PC)
Configuration
Switches
(Same as PC)
Speaker/Audio
Port
(Same as PC)
Wire Wrap Area
To facilitate special custom
applications!
ORDER NOW!!!
Evaluation Board Kit!
(Blank board with full assembly
instructions and parts list.)
Includes highest quality PC board
with gold plating, silk screen,
solder mask
□ MEGA-BOARD™ with full assembly instructions $99.95
D USERS MANUAL with theory of operation,
schematics, block diagram, application notes $19.95, .
D MEGA-BIOS™ fully compatible TmS-DOS/PC-DOS BIOS $29.95 1 |10-day money back guarantee if not completely satisfiedj
ORDER NOW!!!
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!
DISPLAY
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION
4100 SPRING VALLEY ROAD
SUITE 400
DALLAS, TX 75234
(214) 991-1644
TERMS: Shipment made 2 to 5 weeks from
receipt of order. VISA, MC, money order,
company check accepted. COD'S require
$25 deposit. Balance UPS COD. Please
add $2.00 shipping and handling per order.
*IBM and IBM PC are trademarks of International Business Machines
Circle 111 on inquiry card.
©1983 Display Telecommunications Corporation
BYTE February 1984 505
Analog and Power
Control I/O
in a Single Board
Computer
6801 Micro Conlro! System designed
for DISTRIBUTED CONTROL or STAND-
ALONE use: 6801 or 68701 MPU with 2K
ROM or EPROM, 128 RAM, timer. Eight
12-bit analog inputs, 8-bit analog
output, 8 AC or DC inputs or outputs,
serial I/O, digital I/O, power supply.
WINTKK
Circle 388 on Inquiry card.
IWintek Corp.
1801 South Street
Lafayette, IN 47904
317-742-6428
USED PERSONAL
COMPUTER
BROKERAGE
• A nationwide database service matching
buyers and sellers of used P.C.'s and peripherals.
• UPCB acts as middleman, providing
security for both the buyer and the seller.
• All equipment tested and warranlied by UPCB
• All makes and models accepted (or listing
• Bonded and insured
• Reasonable listing rates and commissions
For more information mail today!
I am interested in Buying D Selling LU
Name
Address
City, State,
Z
P
Telephone ( )
Mail to: UPCB Fulfillment Dept.
Suite 21 • 1116 A 8th Street
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
ADD/NET'"
INDUSTRIAL/LABORATORY
LOCAL AREA NETWORK
ADD/NET provides a modular, low cost, easy to use
approach to factory and laboratory networking.
ADD/NET modules may be used stand-alone or
linked together in an extended network. Features
include:
• Up to eight ports per module; interfaces include
RS232C, RS422. RS449, IEEE^88, and industrial I/O
• Transparent communication from any port to any
other port within the network
• User friendly menu permits easy interactive setup
from a terminal
• Command mode permits computer controlled
setup for dynamic linking of ports
• Multiple baud rates supported, with automatic
baud rate lock-in and baud rate conversion
• Up to 2000 feet between network modules
• Error checking and correction for reliability
• Ideal for linking your factory and lab equipment
with your mainframe, P,C. and peripherals
CALL TODAY (3051 293-2002
Adroit Electronics, Inc.
Dept. A, 3790 Silver Star Rd.
Orlando. FL 32808
Circle 370 on inquiry card.
Circle 12 on inquiry card.
Stop Gambling-
Use your personal computer (or expert
handicapping like the experts do - - -
nR • Predicts game scores
SEND r0 • Situation analysis program
nATA * trend analysis program
FREE "^ • unique handicapping guides
m HSFL • Simple operating manual
ON u • Use with Radio Shack, Apple
cysTEM Commodore 64 and others
• Order today-Win tomorrow
START^ INNING WITH
Send S225. for USFL System includes free
money mgl. program (worth $50.) Enclose
check, money order or VIsa/MC card No
Computer
Handicapping
Systems
P.O. Box 33034
Cleveland Ohio
44133-0034
USFI Winners Non-Baseball Next
O Dyson
^/corporation
Solve yourdbc problem, buy 100% mtrimx
toted Dywn JhlnttM AD order* aMppcd
from Hock, wtthln 24 hour*. QUI tofl FREE
(800) 235-4137 for prices and Inhumation.
Vfca and Maetar Card accepted.
PACIFIC
EXCHANGES
100 Foothill Blvd.
San Luis Obispo. CA
93401. (In Cat call
(805)543-1037.)
Circle 113 on Inquiry card.
Circle 284 on inquiry card
HARD DISK DRIVE
SURPLUS SALE!
9 *#>
High reliability 8" Shugart SA 1002 5.33
Mbyte drives for $380. ea.. unused in
their original factory packed cartons.
1000's of pleased customers. Also
available: new Western Digital controller
card ($350.); interfaces for IBM, Apple,
S-100, STD, Heath/Zenith. SS-50, SS-30.
Shipping for drive. $12. Call before
they're gone —
LIQUIDATORS, 803-877-9828, or send
check or money order to 105 S. Main St.,
Greer, S.C. 29651.
A Spooler that
will Spoil You
Addmaster Paper Tape Handler
with Big New 7W Reels
I
Optional serial interfaces for RS232C or TTY
or parallel interface/TTL. X-on/X-off
capability, bi-directional reading and slew,
reads 150 CPS, rewinds 300 CPS. Stops on
character, contains power supply and
Addmaster Model 601 paper tape reader.
Sensibly priced. Addmaster Corporation,
416 Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, CA
91776.(213)285-1121.
DISK DRIVES
(For PC, Mod I, III & IV)
Tandon TM55-2 $229
Tandon TM100-1 $175
Tandon TM 1 00-2 $229
Tandon TM101-4 $315
CDC 9409 $239
Case and PS $ 45
PC EXPANSIONS
MAYNARD
Disk Controller $162
Sandstar Series call
Internal 10MB Drive Systems, from $969
QUADRAM
Quad board (64K) $269
AST
Six Pak Plus: 64K SPC S269
Mega Plus: 64K & SC S269
I/O Plus(SC) $114
2nd S or P or Game $ 35
64K CHIPS
Set of nine $ 55
HAYES
Smartmodem 1200B . . $435
VLM Computer Electronics
10 Park Place • Mornslown, NJ 07960
(201) 267-3268 Visa. MC. Check or COD.
Smith-Corona TP-I Daisy Wheel Printer
0^369°°
UNBELIEVABLE!
* fully-formed characters • serial or parallel Interlace
• compatible with most • choice of 1 or 12 CPI
mlao-compuiers models
Also for your TP- 1 letter quality printer-
the Smith-Corona Tractor Feed
1 Act|ustable tractor wldtl
OO • For continuous forn
• Quick, easy remov
'129
Call Collect
(214)826-6521
FIGURE LOGIC BUSINESS EQUIPMENT, INC.
6408 Gaston Avenue / Dallas, Texas 75214
Circle 11 on Inquiry card.
Circle 142 on Inquiry card.
L*l Hanclivcll
4962 EL CAMINO REAL. SUITE 1 19 • LOS ALTOS CA 94022
[415) 962-9265 » TLX 171947 HAhDWELL LTOS»1-(800) 821-3628
7400
7400
7401
7402
7403
7404
7405
7406
7407
7408
7409
7410
7411
7412
7413
7414
7416
7417
7420
7421
7422
7423
7425
7426
7427
7429
7430
7432
7437
7438
7439
7440
7441
7442
7443
7444
7445
7448
7447
7448
7450
7451
7453
7454
7459
7460
7470
7472
74 73
74 74
7475
7476
7479
7480
7462
7483
7485
7486
7489
7490
7491
7492
7493
7494
7495
7496
7497
74100
74107
74109
74116
74121
74122
74123
19
22
22
22
22
23
2.35
2.35
26
23
22
29
29
39
59
29
29
22
35
29
29
29
29
25
45
23
29
25
29
29
19
79
57
95
95
79
79
65
79
19
19
19
19
25
23
29
29
34
.34
38
34
4,60
49
95
55
65
35
1 75
39
57
45
45
69
65
69
2 90
2.90
32
37
1 95
29
39
59
74125
74126
74128
74132
74136
74139
74141
74142
74143
74144
74145
74147
74148
74150
74151
74152
74153
74154
74155
74156
74157
74158
74159
74160
74161
74162
74163
74164
74165
74166
74167
74170
74172
74173
74174
74175
74176
74177
74179
74180
74181
74182
74184
74185
74186
74188
74190
74191
74192
74193
74194
74195
74196
74197
74198
74199
74221
74251
74273
74276
74279
74823
74284
74285
74290
74298
74365
74366
74367
74368
74390
74393
74490
59
69
75
95
79
2.95
295
2 95
62
1.95
1 20
1 09
67
67
67
1 19
78
78
69
1 65
249
.89
87
87
87
1 20
1 95
1 69
4 75
79
89
85
75
75
1 34
75
1 75
75
2.25
2 25
9 95
3.90
1 15
1 15
85
85
85
68
85
85
1 39
1 39
1 19
95
1 05
1 89
75
1 40
3 90
3 90
1 25
95
68
68
68
68
1 45
1 90
1 90
DIP SWITCHES
4P05i|l<
5Pob.lit
6POSltl<
FPosilx:
BPowttOi
85
9U
90
90
95
SOUND CHIPS
,•64" 2 95
,'6489 8 95
AV3 89H1 9 95
AY3-8912 12 95
MC3340 1 49
MOS PROMS
2708
2758
2716
2716-1
TMS2516
TMS2716
TMS2532
2732
2732-250
2732-200
2764
2764-250
2764-200
TMS2564
MC68764
27128
3 95
5 95
3 95
5 95
5 50
7 95
5 95
4 95
8 95
11 95
8.95
10 95
16 95
12.95
3995
2595
74LS00
J
74S00
74LS00
26
74LS162
1 05
74LS01
28
74LS163
1 05
74LS02
28
74LS164
1 19
74LS03
28
74LS165
89
74LS04
35
74LS166
2 48
74LS05
28
74LS168
1 15
74LSOB
28
74LS1S9
1 15
74LS09
35
/4LS170
1 99
74LS10
28
74LS173
89
74LS11
39
74LS174
39
74LS12
33
74LS175
89
74LS13
47
74LS13I
2 20
74LS14
95
74LSl*j
1 15
74LS15
33
74LS191
1 15
74LS20
26
74LS192
98
74LS21
33
74LS193
98
74LS22
33
74LS194
i 15
74LS26
33
74LS195
95
74LS27
33
74LS196
89
74LS28
33
74LS197
89
74LS30
26
74LS221
1 15
74LS32
33
74 LS 2-10
1 69
74LS33
55
74LS242
1 69
74LS37
45
74LS243
1 69
74LS38
39
74LS244
1 49
74LS40
26
74LS245
2 20
74LS42
79
74LS247
1 10
74LS47
79
74LS248
1 10
74LS48
95
74LS249
1 19
74LS5I
26
74US251
1 40
74LSS4
29
74LS253
1 40
74L.S55
29
74LS257
85
74LS73
45
74LS258
98
74LS74
142
74LS259
2 95
74LS75
59
74L.S260
65
74LS76
45
74LS261
2 49
74LS78
45
74LS266
59
74LS83A
79
74LS273
I 75
74LS85
l '9
74LS275
4 4U
74LS86
45
74LS279
59
74LS90
57
74LS283
99
74LS92
75
74LS290
99
74LS93
75
74LS293
99
74LS95
88
74LS295
1 10
74LS96
98
74LS298
1 19
74LS107
45
74LS324
t 75
74LS109
45
74LS347
1 95
74LS113
43
74LS348
1 95
74LSM4
43
74LS352
1 19
74L.5122
55
74LS353
1 19
74LS123
I 19
74LS363
1 49
74LS124
1 35
74LS365
69
74LSI25
89
74LS366
69
74LS'26
52
74LS367
69
74LS132
79
74LS368
69
74LS 1 36
49
74LS373
1 89
74LSI38
65
74LS374
l 89
74LSI39
85
741 S37^
69
74LSM5
1 25
74LS377
1 95
74LS148
1 49
74LS385
1 95
74LS151
79
74LS385
65
74LS153
79
74LS390
l 95
74LS154
t 70
74LS393
1 95
MLSISS
i t9
MLS39i
1 70
74LS15G
99
74LS399
2 35
74LS1:.7
85
74LS42I
2 95
74LS158
75
74LS663
1 75
74LS160
1 05
7JLS67I)
2 29
741^161
I 15
74LS378
1 95
74LS133
65
74LS379
1 95
74LS241
1 69
74LS36I
2 95
74LS28G
2 90
74LS640
2 95
74LS299
2 00
74LS645
2 95
74LS339
1 95
74LS690
1 50
Tel: 1-(800)-821-3628
Z80 SERIES
8000 SERIES
8200 SERIES
6800 SERIES
CALL FOR
PRICE
S-RAM
2101
5101
21 11
2112
2114
2114-25
2114L-4
2114L-3
2114L-2
2147
HM6116-4
HM6116-3
HM6116-2
HM6116LP-4
HM61 16LP-3
HM6116LP-2
1 95
3 95
2 49
2 99
8 9 95
8 10 95
8 12 95
8 13 45
8 13 95
4 95
4 75
4 95
8 95
5 95
6 95
10 95
Miscel
74S00
74S02
74S03
74S04
74S05
74S08
74S09
74S10
74S11
74S15
74S20
74S22
74S30
74S32
74S38
74S40
74S51
74S64
74S65
74S74
74S86
74S112
74S113
74S114
74S124
74S133
74S134
74S135
74S136
74S138
74S139
74S139
74S140
74S151
74S153
74S157
74S158
74S160
74S174
74S175
74S188
74S194
74S195
74S196
74S240
74S241
74S242
74S243
74S244
74S251
74S253
74S257
74S258
74S260
74S280
74S287
74S288
74S373
74S374
74S387
74S471
74S472
74S473
74S474
74S475
74S570
74S571
74S572
74S573
74S940
74S941
74S132
74S161
74S163
74S181
74S189
74S225
74S283
74S289
39
43
45
52
52
49
49
42
42
42
42
42
42
49
1 19
49
42
46
45
69
72
72
72
72
3 69
54
66
1 15
1 69
1 29
1 29
1 29
73
1 29
1 29
1 29
1 29
2 79
1 49
1 49
2 69
1 89
1 89
1 89
2 75
2 75
2 99
2 99
2 99
1 35
1 35
1 29
1 29
75
2 79
299
2 55
3 10
3 1(1
2 75
7 95
7 95
7 95
9 95
9.95
5 75
5.75
8 95
8 95
2 90
2 9C
2 15
295
3 15
2.15
2.95
7 75
4 15
3 95
aneous
6502
68000
8748
8255-5
82S123
82S129
82S131
93422
93L422
93425
93427
D2125AL-2
D2104
AY5-3600
6810
8304
4.95
49.95
24.95
5.95
2.55
2.99
3.99
8.95
9.95
3.95
8.95
3.95
1.95
12.95
3.95
3.95
LINEAR
DRAM
LM301CN
LM304H
LM305H
LM306H
LM307CN
LM308CN
LM309K
LM310CN
LM311D/CN
LM312H
LM317T
LM318CN
LM319N/H
LM320K-XX'
LM320T-XX'
LM320H-XX'
LM323K
LM324N
LM337K
LM338K
LM339N
LM340K-XX'
LM340T-XX-
LM340H-XX'
LM344H
LM348N
LM350K
LM358CN
LM360N
LM372N
LM376N
LM377N
LM380CN/N
LM381N
LM383T
LM386N
LM387N
35
1.98
1.89
3.25
29
.98
1.49
1 25
89
1.75
1 70
1 49
1.25
1 35
1 39
1.25
4.95
.95
5.95
6.95
95
1 75
1.25
1 25
1.95
1.20
5.60
98
1.49
1 95
3.75
2.75
1.25
1 79
1 95
1.25
1 40
16RAMCARD
Compatiblewith
DOS3.3.CP M.
Visicalc. PASCAL
1YR. WARRANTY
$ 39. !
IN-LINE
PRINTER BUFFER
FOR ANY COMPUTER
ANY PRINTER
■64K Byte
"Parallel to Parallel
•Parallel to Serial
•Serial to Parallel
'Serial to Serial
Model BF64S s 225.°°
For single computer
single printer
Model BF64M '395.°°
For multi-computer
single printer
Allow up to four
computers
Share one printer
MULTIFUNCTION BOARD
WITH MEMORY, I/O
CLOCK
FOR IBM P/C
CALL FOR LOWEST PRICE
SPEEDY EPROM
PROGRAMMER
FOR APPLE II
PROGRAMMING
2716, 2732, 2764, 27128.
2532, 2564
IN 30 SECONDS $ 99. 00
Applell/lle
Compatible $ 175.°
DiskDrive
CONTROLLER
CARD $44.95
SUPER COOLING
FANS FOR APPLE
WITH SURG
IBMMEMORY
EXPANSION KIT
IBM 64K $52.95
(9Pcs64KRAM)
LOGIC PROBE
WITH MEMORY
FUNCTION
s 22. 95
32 758klv
1 0mHz
1 8432
20
2 097152
2 4576
3 2768
3 579535
40
50
5 0688
5 185
57143
60
6 144
6 5536
80
100
10 738635
12 00
14 31818
15
16
17 430
18
18 432
20
22 1184
32
1 75
3 95
3 95
2 95
2 95
2 95
2.95
2.95
2 95
2.95
2.95
2 95
2.95
2 95
2 95
2.95
2 95
2 95
2 95
295
2 95
2.95
2 95
2.95
2 95
2 95
2 95
2 95
2 95
TMS4027
UPD411
MM5280
MK4108
MM5298
4116-300
4116-250
4116-200
4116-150
4116-120
2118
4164-200
4 1 64- 1 50
1 99 1
3 00 I
3 00 I
1 95 I
1 85 I
8
I
8
11 95 1
8
12 95 I
8
14 95 ■
8 29 95 |
4 95 I
5 95 I
6 95 |
HighQuality
Diskettes
5 1 A" SS/SD 15/Box
5V«" SS/DD 17/Box
5'/V' DS/DD 27/Box
80 Column Dot Matrix
Printer
CP-80byC.T.I.
80cps parallel interface
graphics printing compatibfe
with EPSON MX80FT
SALE PRICE s 299. 00
TERMS For shipping include S2 for UPS Ground or S3
for UPS Blue Label Air, Items over 5 pounds require
additional shipping charges $10 minimum order.
1-(800) 821-3628
IS Hand well
4962 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 119 • LOS ALTOS, C,a 9-U.)??|
(415) 962-9265 • TLX: 171947 HANDWELL LTOS |
corp
Circle 164 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 507
AFFORDABLE
M 68000
COMPUTER SYSTEM
M68KCPU 6 10 MHz CPU, 20K static RAW,
: ' I6i< KPROW on board monlt< r,
two RS-232 serial ports, 16-bit
parallel port, 5 timet /counters
Bare board » 99.95
t..,.. ..S615.00
: IttSI !K I2S-312K static RAM.floppytSisk
■ on llei '. .
Bareboard 9 99.99
Complete Kit <128K)..,«*85.0O
M68KE Enclosure with power supply,
fan, filter, 4 slot card cage
9249.00
M60KASM M680oi
foi CP/M80, IBM PC, rftS-80
md hmnt: U computers
4149.00
OPS si ttlng * 4
COD orders add
Foreign orders add 020.00
California iesiden&adti 6.5% tax
CMCE<
Microcomputer (714)553.0133
aytems
P.O. Box 16115* Irvine, CA 927 ! 3
S-100 EPROM PROGRAMMER
EPROM -32
■ High quality S-100 board meets Of exceeds IEEE-696.
• Programs 1K through 32K (byte) EPROMs.
■ Textool zero-insertion-lorce programming socket.
• EPROM is programmed through I/O ports and can be verified
through I/O ports or located in memory space (or verification.
• Programming voltage generated on-board.
■ Personality Modules simplify adaptation of board to different
EPROM types:
PM-1 -2508.2758 PM-3-2732, 2732A PM-6-68764
2516.2716 PM-4-2564 PM-8-27128
PM-2-2532 PM-5-2764
• CP/M-compatible control software
includes commands for programming, $269.95 *
verification, disk I/O and editing. .. ' T
MlcroPynomUi 0R0ER DESK
1-800-237 840D exl 440
Technical Inquiries
19011-682-4054
Corporation
6363 Poplai Ave • Suite 10S
Memphis TN 38119
"Price includes EPROM-32. documenialinn and two Personality
Modules (specify). Additional Modules -S7.95. Conlrol software
on 8" SSSD diskette- $9.95.UPS ground— $2 .00. UPS air —
£4.00. COD— 51.50, foreign add $15.00, TN add 6% sales tax
VISA and MASTERCARD welcome.
ANALOG** DIGITAL
DIGITAL** ANALOG
CONVERSION MODULES
SOFTWARE
CAIN CONTROL
amplifier - custom board test S-100 2 ta ^ Wv
conversion rt/ne mixablc high ond low inputs gain 1
from 1 to 1024 ■ 19 bit --nrnpfe and hold amplifier
ft rhonnpi differential 16-channel - onotacj io doitd
hiqh rxfurncy progrommoble gain instrumentation
amplifier r a«rom bocvrJ test 5 100 2 to 15 khz
conversion time - maatilfi hiqh and lorn inputs nnm
'ram 1 ro IQP4 12-bit sample and hold amplifier
8-chonnel differential - |6rhomel analog to digital
high accuracy - progrqrrtmnble gam instrumentation
omoiifiei - custom board I. ",r S-100 - 2 in IS krv
For adcfltlonal details about the ad-ioo-4 and other
fine California Data Corporation 100°o individually
tested, high reliability products, circle the reader
service card number below or for faster response
write or call us.
CALIFORNIA DATA
CORPORATION
3475 Old Conejo Road. Suite C-10
Newbury Park, CA 91320
1805) 498-3651
Circle 125 on inquiry card.
Circle 245 on inquiry card.
Circle 45 on inquiry card.
PRINTER RIBBONS
PRICE PER PER
RIBBON DOZEN
Anadex 9500 13.50 147.00
Apple DMP 5.95 68.40
Centronics 150/152 7.00 81.00
C. ItOh Prowriter 5.95 68.40
Commodore Pet 8023P 7.00 81.00
Epson MX-FX 70/80 5.25 60.00
Epson MX-FX 100 9.95 108.00
Gemini - 10 2.50 27.00
NEC 3500 M/S Single Sided .... 6.95 80.40
NEC 3500 Nylon 9.75 114.00
NEC PC 8023A 5.95 68.40
Okidata 80/82/83/92 2.50 27.00
Okidata ■ 84 5.00 57.00
Radio Shack D.W. II M/S 5.00 57.00
Radio Shack D.W. II Nylon 6.75 78.00
Radio Shack DMP - 2103 7.50 87.00
Radio Shack LP I II III IV & V 6.00 69.00
Silver Reed EX55 Single Strike 5.00 57.00
Toshiba - 1350 7.50 87.00
Wang Bearclaw 9.00 105.00
Xerox 610/620 M/S 7.75 84.00
Add $2.00 Shipping
To Order Call (313) 569-3218 or
Write for our Catalog
DWIGHT COMPANY, INC.
15565 Northland Drive - West Tower
Southfield, Michigan 48075-6496
Radio Shack TRS-80™
Computers
At Guaranteed Savings
from
Pan
American
Electronics
1117 Conway Ave.
Dept, B
Mission, Texas 78572
Ph. 512/581-2766
Telex 767339
TO ORDER
CALL TOLL FREE
800-531-7466
HOFA
Books • Software • Hardware A
tm J r
i*
■
Id-Ons • fo
t YDin ATAR
600XL/
800 XL. Cornmoffore-64. VICZO.S
nclair.Timex, Apple ll.Osb
orne+OSI
HOOKS far ATARI 4QOC600XL/800XL
SOFTWARE IN MACHINE LANGUAGE
FOR ATARI
ATARI BASIC - Learning by Uiing
ATMONA1
MUST
Order No. 7022 (CI
E19.95
rlrawmgs. special sounds, keys, paddles,
ATMONA2
explore the ATARI RAM/ft
)M iru
Order-No. 164 67.95
You can slop at previously
selected
Small Busmen Software lot all ATARI
'S^MSSfm^StSL
computers
rs of trie
SUPERMAIL (500 addresses on 1 rink)
CPU may be clianged Includes ,
autotiook rlrsk No cartridge, nil DOS. no
Order No. 7O50 dilk
£54,00
Order- No. 731! S49.00
ATMAS
Macro Assembler lor ATARI
10O4BK
SUPERINVENTORY MOOO Kim, p.diskl
One ol the most poweil
above. (Disk only)
Order-No. 7320 £49.00
Very fast. Translates 5k souri
BUSIPACKl Iwrmen in FORTH) Com
about 5 seconds Source cod
can be
invoicing (Disk only)
Order No. 7313 £98.00
Order No. 7099 disk
Order No. 7999 cartridge
£128 DO
ATCASH
Convert your ATARI BOO inlo a powerful
routines from book no. 169 on
Order No. 7303 S49.9S
ATAS
Same as ATMAS but *Hho
capability |32Kind48K RAM
Mailing Lilt in BASIC
PRINTER INTERFACES
850 needed 1
Order.ND.7213 (01 £24.95
Order No. 7291
£19.95
DMHrindOntributor mquirieeere mined. MTA**! atria iitlnifl of a:
ELCOMP PUBLISHING, INC.
53 Rtdiock Lint
Pomone.CA 91766
Circle 117 on inquiry card.
Circle 286 on Inquiry card.
Circle 126 on inquiry card.
maxell
Floppy Discs
CALL NOW -TOLL FREE
1-800-328-DISC
Dealer inquiries invited. C.O.D.'s and
charge cards accepted.
All orders shipped from stock,
within 24 hours. Call toll FREE.
M
North Hills Corporation
3564 Rolling View Dr.
While Bear Lake. MN 55110
1-800-328-DISC
MNCall Collect 1 -6 12-770-048S
Programmable
Communications
Translator
The PCT-100 is a configurable in-line
rs-232 protocol and data translator,
the pct-100 can provide:
* Terminal or printer emulation
* dec or ibm system compatibility
* macro-function keys
* "type-ahead" and data buffering
* Baud rate conversion
* handshake protocol translation
(E.G. CTS/RTS, X0N/X0FF)
the pct-100 is configured using a
built-in communications translation
Language. Programs can be easily
entered t edited from any ascii device.
PCT-100-PCB (PCB ONLY) $ 289
PCT-100-ASM (PCB w/ CASE)..$ 339
PCT-512-M00 (POWER SUPPLY). $ 59
.68
y\A£fJ
method systems incorporated
19751 South Lakeshore Boulevard
Euclid, Ohio WIS
C216) 531-0Wt
\ferbatim
flexible disks
Call Free (800) 235-4137 for
prices and information. Dealer
inquiries invited. C.O.D. and
charge cards accepted.
VISA'
PACIFIC
EXCHANGES
100 Foothill Blvd.
San Luis Obispo, CA
93401. In Cal. call
(800) 592-5935 or
(805) 543-1037.
Circle 233 on Inquiry card.
Circle 284 on inquiry card.
* «^ MICRO
SALES
■k MADE IN USA • BUY FACTORY DIRECT • j
DISK DRIVE SPECIALS *
We've Lowered Our Prices
Offering A Complete Selection And. . .
THE LOWEST PRICES IN BYTE!
8" Shugad 801R SS/DD - The Industry Standard $355.00
8" Shugart 851R Double Sided U Meg - The Old Reliable 457.00
8" flume Datatrak-8 DS/DO "THE BEST" of the floppys 479.00
8" Mitsubishi Full Height Double Sided 1 Year Parts + Labor . . . .445.00
8" Mitsubishi Thinline DS/DD 1 Year P+L Direct Drive 465.00
8" Tandon 848-1 Slimline SS/DD 600K BYTES D.C. Motor 355.00
8" Tandon 848-2 Slimline Double Sided 1.2 Meg. D.C. Motor 475.00
8" Siemens 100-8 SS/D0 ON SALE NOW!!! But How Long? 169.00
5V Mitsubishi Full height 96T.P.I DS/DD 750K M4852 295.00
5'/<"Mistubishi Slimline 96T.P.I. DS/DD 750K M4853 315.00
California
Computer
Systems
YEAR END SALE
SAVE $61.00
New CCS2066 64K Dynamic Memory
• 65.536 bytes ol Dynamic BAM • Z-BO/8080. S-100 compatible • Port bank/16 levels
of 64K = system memory ol 1024K • Independently addressed in 16K blocks • 200ns
access and data lines • Hysteresis drivers and receivers lor high noise immunity and
minimal bus loading effects. Part ffl-5000-50 ONLY $299.00
YEAR END SYSTEM SALE
• 2300A Mainframe • 2422 Disk Controller
• 2066 64K Memory • CP/M Operating System
• 2810 Z-80A CPU • 2719 2-Port FtS-232 Serial
• All AC/DC & Data Cables • 8-bit Parallel I/O
A powerful package at ONLY $1495.00
CCS CALSTAR SYSTEM
Now available and with FREE SOFTWARE: • Perfect Writer • Perfect Calc • Perfect Speller
and • Perfect Filer.
This powerful single box system includes: • Z-BO with 128K of RAM expandable to
256K • A networking interlace • SASI hard disk interface lo add-on a Winchester • CP/M
3.0 operating system • One parallel and two serial ports • Reads and writes the IBM
3740 format (compatible with X0R) ANO • Two double-sided double-density 8" floppy
drives for 2.4 Megabytes ol formatted storage AND • Wil run two or more 8" or 5» "
floppys. Part #S-15O0-05
ON SALE NOW
Regu.larH Ha0 6 .00 — Our Price Only $2695.00
FANTASTIC SAVINGS!
\ S 39S
' HELD OVER
ON THE ORIGINAL S-100 MOD
For engineers, hobbiests, and anyone who wants to save a bundle, the S1-M0D
is the answer. Full regulated power to run up to lour floppy disks coupled with
a mamoth S-100 power supply and 12 slot bus, makes the S1-M0D an excep-
tional computer base. Single board design means no wiring from the power
suppply to the motherboard. This eliminates all ground loop problems associated
with other brands ol mainframes who are forced to use termination. The S1-M0D
is being offered this month with a matching S-100-12 cabinet. Fan cooled, fused,
with reset and keylock the cabinet is also enamel painted and silk screened.
Four A.C. outlets are provided for peripheral hookup and plenty of cutouts
available for RS-232, Centronics + others. Our regular $225.00 price for the
S1-M0D and 250.00 price for our 12 slot cabinet is being SLASHED!
SPECIFICATIONS: tjtfhfr> SAVE
Regulated Unregulated ^^HSS «. _
+ 5V@5A +8V @ 30A Wmm%B OVER
+ 24V @ 3A +16V@6A Hff *-,/•,«
-5V@1A -16V @6A ^*^ *7UU
Oon't settle for those cheap 6 slot immitations you've seen elsewhere in this
mag. OWN THE BEST! XOR S-1 MOD and S-100-12 Cabinet $395.""'
|5VQume 142 Slimline DS/DD.
~37fT00|
5'/i" Tandon TM-100-2 IBM. PC Add-on! DS/DO 48 T.P.I 259.00
5Vi" Tandon TM 100-4 DS/DD 96T.P.1. 750K 369.00
• WINCHESTER HARD DISKS •
SPECIALS
5Va" Miniscribe Hard Disk
*5 Meg $589 *10 Meg $749
6"'fluantum 20' Megacyle Winchester - Two flatters 1895.00
8" Quantum 40' Meg Four Platter - Most Popular 2395.00
8" Quantum 85" Megabyte - Special Order on this Monster! .... 2895.00
8" IOMEGA 10- Meg" Removeable Disk Drive with SCSI Controlled Inter-
face Board. Runsuo to four drives 1895.00
8" IOMEGA 10 Meg* Cartridge Drive - No Control Interface 895.00
8" 10 Meg' Removeable Cartridge Media #M-2000-51 50.00
♦ LAST MINUTE SPECIAL!!! Buy any Winchester hard disk drive above and get a
Western Digital bard disk interlace board AT COST! DULY 295.00!
'Total storage space after lormalling.
SPECIAL
ONLY
$450.00
Limit 5 per customer
XOR-500 DAISYWHEEL PRINTER
A letter-quality daisy-wheel printer at an unheard of wholesale price. This
20 cps workhorse features a daisy-wheel compatible with QUME's
products. Full 132 column format with 256 character buffer, serial AND
parallel interlacing (standard), 8 level automatic impression control -
original and 3 copies. The $450.00 price is not a misprint. High reliability
and quality performance sums-up the XOR-500 Daisy-wheel Printer.
XOR-500 TERMINAL
SLASHED?
SALE
Cut another $50
Only $445.00
That's right! A 700.00 terminal
for $445.00, a special
deal for our customers.
Features: *Screen tilt •Detached keyboard *9 cursor con-
trol keys *5 function keys *7 screen attributes *25th status
line • 50-19.2 Kbaud •Column plus field tab *AND MORE
•All these features with a full 6 month warranty makes this
terminal the best buy on the market.
DUAL DRIVE SUBSYSTEMS
HORIZONTAL OR VERTICAL
Fully Assembled and Tested Units
ONE YEAR P + L WARRANTY
On Shugart and Mitsubishi Subsystems
*/two Misubishi OS/DD Assem. + "ested 2.4 Meg $1170.00
*/iwo Shugart 801R SS/OD Assem. + Tested 1.2 Meg 975.00
#/1wo Shugart 851R DS/DD Assem. + Tested 2.4 Meg 1225.00
w/two Siemans 120-8 SS/DD Assem + Tested 1.2 Meg 675.00
w/two Oume DT-8 DS/DD Assem. + Tested 2.4 Meg 1250.00
Cabinet Assem. & Tested w/Power Supply and Aces 235.00
Cabinet Top and Bottom with Mountirg Hardware Only 69.50
All cabinets A & T and subsystems include all AC/DC wiring and 50 pin data
cable except the horizontal model whicn includes the internal 50 pin cable and
requires an external 50 pin cable pan #06000-01 S 25.00
5Vi" Subsystems - Cabinet - Power Supply - Drives - Cables
w/two 48TPI SS/DD includes all cables Assem + Tested 495.00
w/two 48TPI DS/DD includes all cables Assem. + Tested 595.00
w/two 96TPI DS/DD includes all cables Assem. + Tested . . . .695.00
ORDER TOLL FREE * EAST * 800-435-9357 ^r WEST $ 800-854-8174
do you innji r^f* Aiy hit AARJini iT^n to process
NEED AN
IBM-PC 16-BIT COMPUTER
YOUR DATA?
$1895
COMPLETE SYSTEM
Model XPC with ^
MS/DOS features: r Sj^'
•MS/DOS standard, V3
CP/M-86 operating system
available at only $65.00
• 64K memory
•Green CRT
•2 serial, one parallel port
•2 floppy drives for a
total of 750K storage
•Optional EPR0M to 32K
•Optional Hard Disk add-on
•Optional floppy add-on
•Optional 8087 math co-processor
•Multi-function keyboard (this is one part
ot the system that's NOT like IBM's, it's better)
• Fully expandable memory On-Board to 256K
PLUS 5 expansion slots (all IBM compatible)
•All available through U.S. Micro Sales and
YES it's all fully IBM compatible
THE XPC
A New Model PC by XOR
So close to the IBM PC you'll have to look twice.
Due to the thousands of requests we've been
receiving by phone, mail and visitors, we've
responded by getting XOR to design this fantastic
16-bit IBM duplicate. We're offering a ONE YEAR
warranty (vs. 90 days). Need more information?
Order the manual for $5.00 (plus shipping). This
low price includes drives, controllers, monitor,
power supply, etc. About the keyboard ... If
you've ever seen or used the IBM PC keyboard,
you'll understand why we HAD to come up with
something better — and we did! As a matter of
fact, for those of you who own an IBM PC — it's
time to take a hammer to that keyboard and call
Toll Free to pick-up one of our compatible replace-
ment keyboards at only $239.00
BASIC COMPUTER
ONLY
$895
The Features:
•64K RAM memory
•Expandable to 256K
• Full monitor PROM
•IBM PC compatibility
• Multi-function key-
board and cable
• Runs MS/DOS and CP/M-86 (not included) •Power
Supply +5V@ 10 Amp, +12V@6Amp, -12V @1 Amp
•EPROM expandable on-board to 32K #5 expansion slots
with room for 4 more
INCLUDES: *8 level interrupt *2 serial and one parallel
port *3 timer channels *4 DMA channels •Reset port,
•Speaker port •and MORE!
Circle 366 on inquiry card.
BYTE Rbruary 1984 509
nuufMiiu iiv lent
FIRST TIME BETWEEN TWO COVERS
No matter what type of computer you own, this
book will get you on-line TODAY!
Complete information on computer bulletin board
systems including:
•What they are (and what's happening).
•Kinds o( information available.
•Public domain systems.
•Free software (and how to get yours).
•Blitz course in telecomputing.
•Buyer's guide to modems.
Over 400 verified listings. Periodically Updated.
On-line Logbook. Electronic Mail Address Book.
$14.95 P.P. Make checks payable to:
Computer Food Press
Div. of Coltrane & Beach
31754 Foxfield Dr.
Westlake Village, CA 91361
Voice Orders-(213) 838-7716 Modem Orders-{213) 559-9033
HOOK IN NOW!!
SPECIAL OFFICE
When ordering, refer to this AD and
receive your FIRST UPDATE FREE!
ScreenWiz
FULL SCREEN CONTROL
An assembler subprogram you call from your
programs to handle screen input/output as
IBM mainframes do.
Define full screen format specifications
outside your program, and call ScreenWiz to
retrieve Ihe formats, and do all the I/O for you.
• One command input/displays a full screen
• Use all of your CRT video attributes
• Define up to 24 function keys
• Define templates for display and input.
• Validate input while keying. Insert and
delete characters to correct fields
• Tab fields forward and backward
• Draw figures using vertical field displays
• Save memory as only one format needs to
be in memory at one time. Make the
constants to display virtual, and they don't
use any memory at all.
• Build help screens. Call them with one
function key then return to where you were.
Available now for most popular —
BASIC \ IBM PC $99
COBOL I CP/M-80 $99
FORTRAN [ Shipping $ 6
PASCAL ) Source code included
IflTERDRTR
15 Toronto St. Suits 700
Toronto, Ont. Canada M5C 2E7
(416| 366-2136 (call collect to order!
SYSTEMS INC.
Visa, M/C
Am. Express
IBM PC COMPATIBLE
Slimline Disk Drive $215.00 ea.
(Shugart SA 455. DS.DD 320KB)
Slimline Hard Disk $495.00 ea.
(Shugart SA 706 5MB)
Computer Case Call
Keyboard Call
Power Supply Call
Disk Controller Card Call
Color Graphic/Monochrome/Printer
Interface Card Call
Compatible Bare PCB Call
3M Diskette SS/DD $20/box
3M Diskette DS/DD $28/box
Dealer Inquiries Welcome
ELECTRADE CO. (408) 946-2541
780 Trimble Rd., Suite 605
San Jose, CA 95131
Circle 73 on inquiry card.
Circle 185 on inquiry card.
Circle 127 on inquiry card.
MEMORY FOR IBM PC-XT
64K —$159.95
320K — $319.95
384K — $359.95
51 2K — $439.95
• Uses 64K Drams
• Gold Fingers — Solder Mask
• Addressing On Any 64K Block
• No Parity
Add 6% sales tax in California. Add
$2.00 for shipping. Add $2.00 for C.O.D.
Send check or money order to:
In §ync
5738 Commerce Blvd.
Rohnert Park, CA 94928
(707) 585-2793
Circle 180 on inquiry card.
Scotch Diskettes
Rely on Scotch* diskettes to keep your valu-
able data safe. Dependable Scotch diskettes
are tested and guaranteed error-free. The low
abrasivity saves your read/write heads.
They're compatible with most diskette drives.
(800)235-4137
Dealer Inquiries
Invited
Printer Cables
&
.oo*
S35.00*
— Parallel —
ALTOS
ATTACHE
ATARI
CENTRONICS
COLUMBIA
EAGLE
IBM- PC
KAYPRO
OSBORNE
SANYO
TI-99
$3 S
Oo*
$35
SERIAL —
00*
ATTACHE COM.
RS232 (DB25P)
(9 conductor 1-8, 20)
CABLES UNLIMITED
4030 Wabaska Dr.
San Diego, CA 92107
619-222-3366
Circle 391 on inquiry card.
| The Statistician |
CPM IBM-PC
TRS-DOS XENIX
* Multiple Regression * Survey Research
Stepwise * Nonparametrics
Ridge * X-Y Plots
All Subsets " ANOVA
Backward Elimination * Random Samples
* Time Series Analysis " Data Base
* Descriptive Statistics * Search & sort
" Transformations * Hypothesis tests
Please call TOLL FREE
1-800-334-0854 (Ext. 814)
^K ■ Hk for more information
^k ^L or
H Quant Systems
V W Box 628
^Hgl Charleston. SC 29402
^^^^ VISA-M/C Accepted
IBM PC, APPLE, etc.
SHARING AND SWITCHING PROBLEMS?
GILTR0NIX HAS THE SOLUTION!
HI Any CPU
Modem or
Other Peripheral
MANUAL UNITS AUTOMATIC UNITS
2-6 Porls OR 2-7 Porls
Selecto-Swilcti Auto-Switch
Serial (RS 232)/Parallel (Centronics)
LOW COST ADD-ONS FROM THE MAIN
MANUFACTURER
(VI
COGiltronix
L^J 3780 Fabian Way Palo Alio, CA 94303
(■115) 4931300
Circle 152 on inquiry card.
Best Prices On
TRS-80 Computers
Our 6th year of discounts
Ed or Joe McManus
Fgt. Prepaid. Save Tax.
Toll Free 800-23 1 -3680
Marymac Industries, Inc.
225 1 1 Katy Fwy., Katy
(Houston) Tx 77450
I -7 1 3-392-0747
Telex 774 1 32
See us in the Wall Street
journal every Tues., Wed., Thurs.
Circle 284 on Inquiry card.
Circle 308 on inquiry card.
Circle 231 on inquiry card.
I VI I
THE PC SYSTEM SPECIALIST
PRICES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
COMPLETE SYSTEM
VERY SPECIAL PRICE
64K, Two Disk Drives, Floppy Disk
Controller, Video Card and High Res
Monitor
2S6K RAM, 360KB Disk Drive,
FDC, Video Monitor & Adaptor 10MB
Hard Disk Sub-System.
PERSONAL
COMPUTER
Special
of the
Month!
$2590
IBM PC COMPLETE LINE
$3990
APPRICOT An IBM PC Compatible Computer W/Two Drives & Monitor W/$1250 worth of Software-
Complete System, $2999
TAVA PC
WE WOULD LIKE TO START THE NEW YEAR BY INTRODUCING THE TAVA PC!
A Superior quality IBM PC Com-
patible Personal Computer. Runs
DOS 1.1, 2.0, 2.1, CP/M86® UCSD
p-System® Runs Lotus 1-2-3? Multi-
plan® Word Staff PFS® dBASEII® and ALL FOR £1995
many more! Hardware includes 128K -^^^ **MiMj K\MW\ *fX^
CPU, Floppy Controller, Two DS/DD
Disk Drives, Video Monitor. Video \^^ ^"^ ^ "' SllCICf ested LlSt
Adaptor, Parallel & Serial Ports.
$2395
SLIMLINE DISK DRIVE FOR IBM PC
DS/DD 320KB By tava corp $190
ADD-ON Disk Drive for IBM PCjr® .... CALL
HARD DISKS FOR IBM PC® ffl*
10 MB Hard Disk Sub-System by TAVA CORP.
includes Software, Cables, etc. Internal . $1295
MEMORY BOARDS
CONOGRAPHIC
High Res. Color Graphics Card $995
OUADRAM
Quad Card. Fully pop. 256K $450
QUADLINK CALL
AST SIXPAK 384K CALL
HERCULES Graphics Card $490
APPLE He
Computer System, Controller, Two Disk Drives,
Monitor $1590
DISK DRIVE FOR APPLE
Slimline, or Standard $190
PRINTERS
DAISYWRITER 2000 CALL
OKIDATA
82,4
83A
93A
$440
$690
84A
92A
$975
$575
$970
BROTHER
HR-1
DX-15
$750
$450
MONITORS
AMDEK
300A
300G
310A
IV
$190.00
$160.00
$190.00
/, .
II .
III.
PRINCETON GRAPHICS SYSTEMS
Hi-Res Color
$340.00
$690.00
$390.00
$1190.00
$490
ROMAR II Apple Compatible Computer W/Z-Card
Controller, Two Disk Drives and a Monitor for $1195
NEC TANDON TAVA IBM APPLE QCS MAYNARD
LNW ROMAR PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
■viiwim^ivi
631 E. First St., Tustin, CA 92680
(714) 838-9100
*1BM PC is a registered trademark of IBM Corp.
*dBASE II is a registered trademark of ASHTONTATE, Inc.
LOTUS 1-2-3 is a registered trademark of Lotus Development
Wordstar. Spcllstar. Mailmerge are registered trademarks of Micropro Internationa!
Visicalc is a registered trademark of Visicorp
Multiplan :s a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp
PFS is a registered trademark of Software Publishing Co.
CP/M86 is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc.
MS-DOS ss a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp-
UCSDp is a registered trademark of Softech Microsystems
Circle 248 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 511
Vis*/****
%h&J!&
DISKETTES
3M Scotch' BRAND
AT SUPER LOW PRICES
WE WILL SHIP YOUR ORDER
WITHIN 24 HOURS AND WE PAY
THE SHIPPING CHARGES
COD ACCEPTED
DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED
=TJ CALL TOLL FREE
800 922-8193
IN CALIFORNIA
800 468-1068
T»yco Buiiniu Forms
Computer Supplies
Posl Office Box 605
Newbury Park, CA 91 320
ZH "™ Heath
Users
Double Your
5%" disk storage
capacity without adding a drive.
Get twice as much from your H88 or
H89 microcomputer. Our FDC-880H
floppy disk controller, in conjunction
with your 5 1 /," drives, for example,
expands memory capacity from 256
bytes to 512 bytes per sector.
And it handles single and double-
sided, single and double-density, 8" and
5 1 /!" drives — simultaneously.
Ol
C.D.R. Systems Inc.
Controlled Data Recording Systems Inc.
7210 Clairmont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92111
(619) 560-1272
Circle 450 on inquiry card.
Circle 349 on inquiry card.
Circle 47 on inquiry card.
MagiKey-
THE FULL-FEATURED KEYBOARD EXPANDER
Redefine any key to send a string ol characters.
MagiKey'" does more . . .
* automates application software, integrates
function or cursor keys
* "help" menus displayed al any time
* built-in batch processing more powerful
than SUBMIT or XSUB
* strings can redefine keys, pause (or lill-the-
blanks keyboard input, or contain nested
key definitions
* invisible to system and software
* lor any 8080-8085-Z80-CP/M 2.2, no
system or software modifications
$ioo
6" SSSD. Kaypro 5V - inquire about other 615" formats
check. VISA, MC add 6% lax in CA
PfvO , ; mkroSystems
CP M (im) Oorta 1 Research
16609 Sage wood Lane
Poway, California 92064
(619) 693-1022
The INTELLIGENT
GRAPHICS TERMINAL
All of this on a single S-100 board
• Full 512 color mapping pallette
• TTL/analog RGB color or 8 level grey
• 680x480 4 color and/or 340x480 16 color
• Transparencies, overlays, multiple pages
• 8086. EPROM, 128K RAM expandable
on -card
• Full editing terminal/graphics firmware
• Text throughput is greater than 2000 cps
• 10 windows, individually scrollable
• Programmable terminal formats to 113x40
• 64K x 64K virtual screen graphics with
clipping and scale
• Drawn/filled circle, pie, arc, polygon
• Complex fill patterns and line styles
Low introductory prices: Assembled and
tested $895. Partial kit $295.
Availible soon: Fully integrated expansion
card adds speech, sound effects, serial and
parallel ports, and time-of-day clock.
Advanced Graphics Engineering
P.O. Box 3403, Retton, VA 22090
(703) 435-8110
OTDK
flexible disks
Call Free (800)235-4137
for prices and information.
Dealer inquiries invited.
C.O.D. and charge cards
accepted.
visa-
PACIFIC
EXCHANGES
100 Foothill Blvd
San Luis Obispo. CA
93401 (InCal call
(805) 543-1037)
Circle 304 on inquiry card.
Circle 14 on inquiry card.
Circle 284 on inquiry card.
CONVERSES COMPUTER
AT LAST! A FULL IMPLEMENTATION of the original ELIZA program is
now available lo run on your microcomputer!
Crcaled al MIT in 1966. ELIZA has become Ihe world's most celebrated
artificial inlelligence demonstration program ELIZA is a non-diceclivc
psycho! heraoist who analyzes each siatemeni as you type tt m and then
responds with her own comment or question— and her remarks are
often amazingly appropriate'
Designed to run on a large mainframe. ELIZA has never before been
available lo personal computer users excepi in greatly stripped down
versions lacking Ihe sophislication which made Ihe original program so
fascinating
Now. our new microcomputer version possessing the FULL power and
range of expression of the original is being offered al the introductory
price of only S25 And if you want to lind out how she does it for leach
her to do more), we will include the complete SOURCE PROGRAM for
only S20 additional.
Order your copy of ELIZA loday and you'll never again wonder how to
respond when you hear someone say. 'Okay, let's see what this com-
puter of yours can actually do!"
ELIZA IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING FORMATS:
ARTIFICMJL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH GROUP
■_««««««_. 921 North La Jolla Avenue. Dept B
^^7^1 Los Angeles. CA 90046
^jjl^-w (213)656-7368 (2131654-2214
(^^^^^■i mc VISA and checks accepted
u
APR
V. IheAr
APPLE WARE, RMC
Apple Users Group
Software Library Bonanza
At truly affordable prices!
For the? Iirsi Lime enjoy your
Apple to us fullest rapacity,
using specially packed disks
with over 60 outstanding
programs Bach.
[not, available (rum any other source]
Each packed disk includes an extensive variety ol
interesting, uselul and entertaining programs .
indispensable Lo all compuiensis 1 Each mined category
packed disk includes
BUSINESS • EDUCATIONAL • DATA BASE • GAMES
UTILITIES • SCIENCE • MUSIC • GRAPHICS • FINANCE
Library Disks I, II and lil are mned categories Dedicated
disks are
• GAMES • UTILITIES ■ GRAPHICS ■ INTEGER ■
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. Each packed disk is
available for only S59.95 each.
WHY PAY MORE?
Drder direct from this ad and Sawe up to S150. Buy
Library Disks I, II and III and get a special bonus disk
FREE over ?60 programs "for SI 79 95 * S3
shipping For [.he best value, receive all 9 disks featuring
over B0Q of our best programs for only 65C each
for a package price of only 5389 Postage Paid 1
NEW BusnesS • Prolessonal • Executive Package (enabling
vim Lu bring voui busness tu its lugnest level ol efficiency] also
Bvateble. dree Readers Sarvce Card fur mr complete caiatog
For Orders Only Call now
TOLL FREE: 1-800-327-8664
Florida: 1-305-987-8665
lie, HI Eniul . ana Franklin Ace [For 3 3 DOS}
Tektronix 40XX
Terminal Emulation
EMU-TEK™ IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR
IBM PC, XT, AND MOST COMPATIBLES
• Access powerful mainframe graphics using:
—PLOT 10 (trademark of TEKTRONIX. Inc.)
— DISPLA (registered trademark of ISSCO)
— DARC (available from QUESTEL. Inc.)
—and most similar packages and services.
■ Upgrade with complete software compatibility.
• Increase versatility with options such as:
—High resolution board support
— Local pen-plotter support
—Hard copy on matrix printer
— Advanced communications program features
— Other terminal emulations, including:
— VT100 (trademark Digital Equipment Corp.)
—RETRO-GRAPHICS (trademark Digital
Engineering, Inc.)
• 30 DAY NO-RISK TRIAL PRIVILEGE.
. 10801 Dale Sl./PO. Box 615
F_T_C3J Stanton, CA 90680
( DATA SYSTEMS < 7,4 > 995-3900
FTG will soon become PC INNOVATIONS
Circle 28 on inquiry card.
Circle 25 on inquiry card.
Circle 139 on inquiry card.
^FV FORMULA INTERNATIONAL INC. fe^i>
^^ -^^ 12603 Crenshaw Blvd., Dept. B, Hawthorne, CA 90250 ^^^^/
^^>. v^* For information (2131 973-1921 • Orders Onlw (nutsirip C.aMI \ fftOm fi79-R7";«
'/Y
V
pinecom
TM
Pioneer of Low Cost
Apple* Compatible Computer
No Copyright Problems!
Compare These Features with Our Competitors:
• Powerful Utility Program (100% Apple Compatible)
• 68-Key Upper & Lower Case Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
• 25 Pre-programmed Function Keys
• 2 Speed Auto Repeat Funtion
• 64K User Memory — expandable to 1 92K
• 5A Switching Power Supply (1 10/220VAC)
• All ICs Are Socketed for Easy Service
• Nation-wide Dealer Network for Convenient Technical Support
And best of all, the price Assembled and Tested is just
Now
with New
Improved
Keyboard
and 64K RAM
00
499
pinecom dp-64
Dual Processor (6502 and Z80A)
Detached Keyboard
64K RAM Expandable to 192K
25 Function Key Keyboard
Auto Repeat Keys w/Upper/lower Case
2 Slim Disk Drives (optional)
100% Apple II Compatible
40/80 Column Display (optional)
Runs Both Apple Soft and CP/M Software
i m #§. m i
mMmMM m
._ J
Model DP-64 Fully Assembled
$
650
00
AP-II COMPUTER A&T
Apple Look Alike
48K User Memory
Supports Upper & Lower Case
100% Apple II* Compatible
MICRON COMPUTER
1 00% Apple Compatible >
$
455
00
AP-II MOTHERROARD
Apple II + * Compatible
48K Memory Space
8 Expansion Slots
Bare Board $69.95 ea.
Assembled & Tested . . . .$295.00 ea.
No Copyright Problems!
Model I 48K RAM .
Model II 64K RAM . .
PRINTER by Super-5
Parallel Interface (Centronics
Compatible) Standard
Microprocessor Electronics
80cps Bidirectional with Logic Seeking
96 Character ASCII
Adjustable Sprocket and Friction Feed
$265 00
SEND ONE DOLLAR
FOR OUR DETAIL CATALOG
Model CP-80 .
Shipping & Handling Charges
Under $50.00 Over S50.00
$47500
$51500
$ 555 00
Model III 64K RAM w/Dual CPU. .
(6502 for Applesoft & Z80A for CP/M)
Case and Keyboard Only $159.95
All above models are standard with Numeric Keypad, Function Keys, Auto
Repeat Keys, Upper/lower Case Function, Fully Assembled and Tested.
PERIPHERALS
Autoterm 80-Col. w/Softswitch $99.95
80-Column Card 99.95
80-Column for Apple lie* 49.95
Z80 CP/M Card (no software) 99.95
16K RAM Card w/Cable 47.50
Parallel Printer Interface 85.00
Buffer for Printer Interface (16-64K)
Serial Printer Interface Card w/Adj. Baud
Disk Controller
Disk Controller DOS 3.2/3.3 Auto Select.
EPROM Writer Card (2716/2732/2764) . .
85.00
85.00
65.00
75.00
75.00
3M
DISKETTES
SALE
Single Sided / Double Density
Soft Sector
10 for
$
24
50
Inside California 10% 5%
Outside Calif. (Incl. Mexico & Canada) 15% 10%
Overseas 25% 20%
Circle 146 for Dealer Inquiries. Circle 147 for End-User inquiries.
Purchase
5%
10%
20%
Minimum Order $10.00/Calif. Residents
add 6.5% Sales Tax. Phone Orders Accepted
on VISA or MC ONLY. NOC.O.D.'s. Prices sub-
ject to change without notice.
STORE HOURS
MON-FRI— 10-7
SAT— 10-6
■Apple and Apple II are the trademark of APPLE COMPUTERS, INC.
C LANGUAGE
PROGRAMMERS
c-systsms
C COMPILER
c-window™
The complete c language source level
program testing and debugging tool.
• Single step by c source line.
• Set breakpoints at line numbers.
• Display and alter variables by symbol
name, using c expression syntax.
• No more printf or assembler level
debugging!
c-window™ is a support package tor
the c-ayatams C COMPILER for
8O86/8O88 based systems.
Contact.
c-eyetem*
P.O. Box 3253
TM c-systems
Fullerton.CA 92634
714-637-5362
ft
APPLE COMPATIBLE
Disk Drive $150. 00 ea.
Controller Card $35.00 ea.
Computer Case $55.00 ea.
Keyboard $70. oo ea.
(Numeric and Function Keys)
Switching Power Supply. .$49.50 ea.
Joystick (Heavy Duty) . . . .$17.50 ea.
Slim Fan $25.00 ea.
Prices for dealers in quantities of 25 or more.
End Users Inquiries welcomed.
ELECTRADE CO. (408) 946-2541
780 Trimble Rd. Suite 605
San lose. CA 95131
SUPER PRICE SAVER
Apple Hardware CALL
IBM PC System 2550.
Dynax 449.
Gemini 10X 279.
Okidata 92/93 439/799.
NEC 8023 399.
NEC 3550 1850.
Amdex 300/3100 129/167.
Lotus 123 319.
Rana Elites 239.
Tandon TM100-2 239.
Slim Dr. 5 ! /4" Apple/IBM 199.
Password 329.
Anchor Mark XII 300-1200 289.
Hayes 1 200/1 200B 469/429.
Koala Apple/IBM 78/98.
Micromodem He 259.
Quadram 64K 269.
Software 30% OFF CALL
Computer Price Club
16783 Beach Blvd., Huntington Beach, CA 92647
714-841-6160 _
NO CLUB FEE :•■
Circle 128 on inquiry card.
Circle 77 on inquiry card.
"CONTROL YOUR WORLD"
«£# WITH YOUR VIC-20 .
With simple circuits using low cost parts and our
program supplied on cassette tape, we'll show
you how to use your COMMODORE VIC-20 for:
■ Digital Thermometers ■ Digital Clock .
■ Burglar Alarm - 2 Zone, Time Controlled
■ Fire Alarm - 2 Zone, Time Controlled
■ Dusk to Dawn Lighting with Photo Cell
■ Furnace and Air Cond., Clock and Thermostat
■ Clock Controlled Appliance Switches
Simple program variations in basic can operate
lights, motors, furnaces, machines, heat pumps,
radios, sound systems, test equipment, swim-
ming pools, garden watering, and more.
Your video screen will display simultaneously:
• Two Digital Temperatures • Digital Time • Two
Analog Inputs • Five Input Ports Status • Eight
Output Ports Status.
GET A LOW COST EDUCATION IN COMPUTER CONTROL.
ORDER YOUR CASSETTE AND INSTRUCTION BOOK NOW!
$39.90 PRICE INCLUDES POSTAGE.
Terms: MASTEH CAHD/VISA
The Continental Press, Inc., Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Toll free: 800-233-0759 Collect in PA: (717) 367-1836
APPLE® -PROM
EPROM BURNER CARD
All menu-driven software is provided along
wltn a complete user's manual. All com-
mands are self-prompting, there are no per-
sonality modules required and all voltages
are on-board card.
BURNS E PROMS FEAT URES
2708 2532 2732 "Auto erase verify
2716 2516 2764 "Auto burn verify
2732A 2564 * Partial burn capacity
mMnfz 'Low Insertion force
only 149 95 socket
Now Available APPLE' -prom console unit!
Computer Technology Associates
New Products Division
1704 MOOn, N.E.
= = = (505) 298-0942
specifications subject to change without notice.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple computer. Inc.
visa/mc/ae Accepted
COMPILER
for 8080/8085/Z80
New version oi the compiler
The object code is COMPACT
and is FASTEST iii current (' compili
Our "Sieve" program runs in
8.0 seconds (standard)
and 6.2 seconds (optimized)
(See lanuary 1983 BYTE, pp 283-326)
for pamphlet write:
P.O.Box 508 STA. CRUZ
CA. USA 95062
LSI JAPAN CO., LTD.
2-24-9 YOYOCI SHIBUYA-KU TOKYO (151J WRAM
f'IIONL((Jl)!79-2427
Circle 89 on inquiry card.
Circle 79 on inquiry card.
Circle 221 on inquiry card.
CORONA
$2395
• 2 Dr. 320Kea.
• 128KRAM
• software
• RAM Disk
your choice of DESKTOP or PORTABLE
• NEC 8201 A note book computer $677
• IBM-PC 64K, 2 Drs, color graphics . . $2499
• COLUMBIA 2 Drs, Kybd, software . . . $2495
• EAGLE-PC 2 Drs, Mon, 128K, software $2495
• SANYO-550 IBM Compatible, 128K ... $899
• FRANKLIN Ace 1200 OMS package . $1699
• FRANKLIN Ace 1000 Pro package . . $1199
• SIGMA DESG 10MB expsn chassis . $1799
• DATAMAC 10 MB Internal (IBM-PC) . $1499
• EPSON FX-100 the best of Epson .... $739
• EPSON FX 80 $535
• DYNAX DX-15 letter quality, 16 cps . . $429
• SILVER REED EXP-550 20 cps, 16'' wide $599
• OKI 92 160 cps DP, 40 cps correspdn . .$445
• OKI 84 200 cps DP, 50 cps correspdn $948
— Call for other items not listed—
We meet or beat any price
MICROLAND 5223 Beechnut
Add 3% for MCA/ISA Houston, TX 77096
COD 15% deposit (713) 668-4695
(ship same day order)
$2 credit tor long distance phone order
TeleVideo DEALERS
• Fasl Dump/Restore
over 600k per disk $60
• Type Ahead with Print Screen
64 Character Type Ahead Buffer $60
• 3270 8 2780/3730 Bisync Communications
from Phone 1 & Baleen $700 4 $300
• TurboDOS for TeleVideo Start at $225
• LYNC* Communications
Package $155
• 8" Disk Drive for 802 Computer
Drive & Software $1,100
• RM Cobol'" lor TurboDOS
Full System $525
Run Time $175
• Standby Power System
200VA-400VA-800VA As low as $363
RM/COL Is a registered trademark of
Ryan-McFarland Corp.
CP/M* is registered trademark of Digital Research, Inc.
TurboDOS is a registered trademark of Software 2000, Inc.
PLUS OTHER GOOD TELEVIDEO STUFF!
COGITATE, Inc.
SPECIALISTS IN UNIQUE TELEVIDEO SOFTWARE
24000 Telegraph Road, Soulhfield, Ml 48034
(313)352-2345
VISA/MASTER CARD Accepted
Scotch'
DISKETTES
Call Toll-Free
1-800-328-DISC for prices and infor-
mation. Dealer inquiries invited.
C.O.D. and charge cards accepted.
All orders shipped from stock, within 24
hours. Call toll FREE
AK
North Hills Corporation
3564 Rolling View Dr.
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
1-800-328-DISC
MNCall Collect 1 -612-770-0485
Circle 247 on inquiry card.
Circle 57 on inquiry card.
COMPUTER DISCOUNT PRODUCTS
CDP guarantees the lowest available price!
You pay our discounted price or
the lowest advertised price in this issue.
Proof of price rests with customer Excludes typographical errors, items out of
stock & products sold through authorized outlets unless we are also authorized.
MICROSOFT SP/HMUtm inFOCOIR QUADRAMt
A.LD.S.
APPLESOFT COMPILER
BASIC COMPILER
COBOL COMPILER
FLIGHT SIMULATOR (IBM)
MOUSE (IBM)
1 MULTI-TOOL BUOGET
I MULTI-TOOL FIN. STMT.
1 SOFTCARDII
1 SOFTCARD PREMIUM (lie)
1 64KIBMSYSTEMCARD
1 WORD
MULTI-PLAN
75.99
116.99
239.99
559.99
34.99
129.99
109.99
69.99
215.99
359.99
295.99
SCALL
165.99
'• APPLE
SOFTWARE
1 BPI (GL AP, AR. PAY. INV)
299.99
■ BR00ERBUND Arcade Machine
44.99
Bank Slreel Writer
44.99
Drol
27.99
Loderunner
26.99
■ CENTRAL POINT Copy 11+
25.99
1 OATAMOST Aztec
26.99
Kids & Apple. VIC. COMM. ea.
14.99
1 DATASOFT Canyon Climber
17.99
Zaxxon
29.99
1 DLM Alien Addition Sch-37.99. H-27,99
Alligaloi Mix Sch-37.99, H-27.99
Demolition Division Sch-37.99. H-27.99
Dragon Mix Sch-37 99.H-27.99
Meteor Multiplication Sch-37.99
H-27.99
Minus Mission Sch-37.99.H-; ■
Verb Viper/Word Invasion
37.99
Woid Man/Word Maslei
37.99
Woid Radar/Spelling Wiz
37.99
1 EPYX Crush Crumble Chomp
22.99
I HAYDEN Piewnler
94.99
Saigon II
26.99
1 LSS Crossword Magic
39 99
1 LEARNING CO Bumble Games
29.99
Bumble Plol
26.99
Gertrudes Puzzle
29.99
Juggles Rainbow
19.99
Magic Spell
26.99
Moplown Parade
26.99
Rocky' s Boots
33.99
LIGHTNING Maslerlype
29.99
MICROLAB Oala Factory
229.99
Miner 20-49er
27.99
ODESTA CHESS
53.99
Odin
37.99
PENGUIN Graphics Magician
38.99
SIERRA ON LINE Froggei
24.99
Screenwriter II
89.99
Ultima It
4499
1 General Manager
169.99
1 ULTRASOFT Serpents Slar
29.99
Mask o! the Sun
29.99
1 VISICORP
Scall
1 MICROPRO
1 Infostar/Wordstar
259.99
| Wordstar Pro
389.99
ALPHABET ZOO (new)
DELTA DRAWING
19 99
32.99
FACEMAKER
21.99
FRACTION FEVER (new)
21.99
KINDERCOMP
19.99
MOST AMAZING THING
26.99
SNOOPER TROOPS
2799
STORY MACHINE
21.99
APPLE
HARDWARE
1 CDP 16K RAM CARD
39.99
Printer Card & Cable
39.99
Fan w/surge, 2 outlets
39.99
DAN PAYMAR Lower Case 1 (rev
1-6)25.99
Lower Case 2 (rev 7)
19.99
DARK STAR Snapshot II
89.99
FOURTH DIMENSION Drive
219.99
HAYES Micromodem lie
SCALL
HOME Repeal Key
19.99
KOALA PAD
89.99
KRAFT Joystick
44.99
KRAFT Paddles
31.99
LEGEND !28KRam
359.99
MICRO-SCI Drive
219.99
MOUNTAIN CPS Card
159.99
NOVATION Applecal II
25999
Applecal Upgrade 1200 Baud
309.99
ORANGE MICRO Grappler +
119.99
1 Bufterboard
119.99
1 Bufferd Grappler +
179.99
PADDLE ADAPPLE
24.99
SATURN 128K Ram
379.99
1 Accelerator II
444.99
1 Neptune 64 K
199.99
Neplune128K
29999
ALSCP/M3.0
279.99
..„ KENSINGTON
?I MICROWARE
SYSTEM SAVER
• Surge Suppression
• Fits Apple Stand
• Dual Outlet
• U.L. Listed $£C
• GreatGift! DO
DEADLINE
ENCHANTER
PLANETFALL
SUSPENDED
WITNESS
STARCROSS
ZORKI, II, II
32.99
32.99
32.99
32.99
32.99
ea. 24.99
ACCESSORIES
1 3 Ring Disk Sheets (1D)
7.99 1
1 Flip 'n File (original)
17.99 1
1 Flip n File w/Lockliay (25)
17.99 1
1 Flip 'n File w/Locklray (50)
27.99 1
1 HAYES300BaudSmailmodem
199.99 1
1 1200 Baud Smarlmodem
474.99 1
1 Library Case
1 NOVATION J Cal
1.99 1
104.99 1
1 NOVATION 103/212 Aulo Cal
429.99 1
1 NOVATION 103 Smarl Cal
169.99 1
1 NOVATION Expansion Mod.
29.99 1
1 Power Strip w/surge
17.99 1
1 Printer Stand Small (plxgls)
24.99 1
1 Printer Stand Large (plxgls)
29.99 ■
1 RIBBONS- Brother
SCALL 1
1 MX&FX80
4.99 1
1 MX4FX100
7.99 1
1 OKI 82. 83. 92. 93 & Gem
2.99 1
1 USI Compumod RF MOD
34.99 1
1 Fingerprint
1 (Epson Enhancer) 44.99 1
380Z Letter-
Quality Printer 999.99 1
MONITORS
*MDEK SCALL 1
'RINCETON RGB HZ-12 489.99 1
1UADCHR0ME RGBHX-12 499.99 1
AXAN 12" Amber 18 mh 139.99 1
AXAN 12" Gieen 18 mh 134.99 1
JSI Pi 1 9" Green 20 mh 116.99 1
JSI Pi 2 12" Gieen 20 mh 119.99 1
JSI Pi 3 12" Amber 20 mh 146.99 1
JSI Pi 4 9" Amber 20 mh 136.99 1
JSI I400C Color Composite 288.99 1
JSBORNE Monitor Cable SCALL 1
le lo Princeton 139.99 1
TAXAN 420 RGB
(AP, IBM) 499.99
APIC (APPLE ///PARALLEL)
ERAM 80 column 64K HE
MICROFAZER
OUADBOARD I or II (64 K)
OUADC0LOR I
0UADC0L0R II
0UAD512+(64K)
0UADCHR0ME MONITOR
129.99
SCALL
SCALL
269.99
234.99
20999
219.99
499.99
QUADLINK
479.99
1 <A Height DS/DD Drive
239.99 |
1 ALPHA Dala Base MGR II
169.99 1
1 Apple-IBM Connection
129.99 1
1 Executive Package
115.99 1
1 Typefaces
79.99 1
1 ASHTON TATE dBase II
SCALL 1
I Encyclopedia
59.99 1
1 Friday
SCALL 1
AST Boards
SCALL 1
BR0OERBUND Serpentine
26.99 1
1 CENTRAL POINT Copy II PC
25.99 1
E0UWARE Algebra 1
29.99 1
EPYX Ciush Crumble Chomp
22.99 1
1 Curse of Ra
14.99 1
1 Oil Barons
74.99 1
1 Temple ol Apshai
22.99 1
1 Upper Reaches of Apshai
14.99 1
HAYDEN Piewritei
129.99 1
HAYES 1200B Modem
439.99 1
KENSINGTON PC Saver
SCALL 1
KRAFT Joystick
44.99 1
LIFETREE Volkswriler
119.99 1
LIGHTNING Maslerlype
36.99 1
LOTUS 1-2-3
SCALL 1
MICROLAB Highrise
22.99 1
Miner 20-49er
27.99 1
NORTON Utilities
59.99 1
PC CRAYON
49.99 1
PC TUTOR
47.99 1
POOL 1.5
27.99 1
PLANTRONICS ColoiPlus
409.00 1
SIERRA ON-LINE Froggei
26.99 1
1 Ulysses & Golden Fleece
29.99 1
SIR-TECH Wizardry
44.99 1
SUBLOGIC Pintail
29.99 1
1 TG Joystick
44.99 1
TITAN 64 K BOARD
499.99 1
VISICORP, Visicalc oi Visidex
164.99 1
1 Visilile, Trend/Plot. Schedule ea
199.99 1
Visilink
SCALL 1
1 Visi-on
SCALL 1
1 Visispell
179.99 1
1 visiword
269.99 1
EAGLE PC SCALL 1
B^^SS
ALPHA PLOT
APPLE MECHANIC
BEAGLE BASIC
DOS BOSS
DOUBLE TAKE
FLEX TEXT
FRAME-UP
PRONTO DOS
TIP DISK #1
TYPEFACES
UTILITY CITY
24.99
19.99
24.99
15.99
24.99
19.99
16.99
19.99
14.99
14.99
19.99
r idex
ALL OF ABOVE 234.99
1 APPLE WRITER PRE-B0OT
14.99
1 CHARACTER ROMS
24.99
1 ENHANCER II
99.99
1 FUNCTION STRIP
34.99
HARDSWITCH
16.99
MICROMODEM CHIP
24.99
PS10
169.99
SOFTSWITCH
25.99
ULTRATERM
249.99
ULTRATERM PRE-BOOTS
SCALL
VIDEOTERM
19999
VIDEOTERM W S/S + INV
219.99
VISICALC PRE-BOOT
39.99
^^
ontinental
APPLE SOFTWARE 1983 BOOK
9.99
ATARI SOFTWARE 1983 BOOK
9.99
APPLE GRAPHICS BOOK
14.99
CPA (GL, AP, AR, PAY) ea
149.99
FCM/FL 1st CLASS MAIL (AP)
61.99
FCM/FL1stCLASSMAIL(IBM)
71.99
HOME ACCOUNTANT+ (IBM)
84.99
HOMEACCNT.+IKAYPRO.OSB)
59.99
HOME ACCNT.+ (TI PRO)
119.99
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
299.99
TAX ADVANTAGE
39.99
HOME ACCOUNTANT
(Ap)
44.99
DISKETTES
DYSAN5"SS/DD(10)
31.99
DYSAN5"SS/DD(100)
299.99
MAXELL5"SS/DD(10)
27.99
MAXELL 5" SS/OD (100)
259.99
MAXELL 5" DS/DD (10)
37.99 i
MAXELL 5" OS/DO (100)
359.99
VERBATIM 5" SS/DD (10)
24.99
VERBATIM 5" SS/DD (100)
229.99
VERBATIM 5" DS/DD (10)
36.99
VERBATIM 5" DS/DD (100)
34999
ODyw) ds/dd
| 38.99/box 369.99/case
MAIL or PHONE
YOUR ORDER:
860 S. Winchester Bl.
San Jose, CA95128
(408) 985-0400
SAN JOSE
860 S. Winchester Bl., San Jose, CA 95 1 28
(408)985-0401 Daily 8AM-7PM Sat-Sun-Hol 1 0AM-5PM
SAN FRANCISCO: SAN MATEO:
1230 Market St. .(415)626-2244 | 4228 Olympic Ave.,(41 5) 57 1 -1 658
Daily 10AM-7PM Sat-Sun-Hol 10AM-5PM
No Charge For Credit Cards
Prices Subject To Change
Software Sales Are Final
Min. $4.00 Shipping Charge
Purchase Orders Cad First
INTERFACE
ns-a i/a BOARD
AUTOmOTIVt INDUSTRIAL R080TIC APPLICATIONS
• 16 CHANNEL CAPACITY
■ OPTICALLY ISOLATED I/O'i
• LATCHED OUTPUTS
■ COflPATABLE WITH fnQST NICR0PRXC5SORS
• USED IN SYSTEMS WITH R6502, Z6671 AND
TC6800 CPU'i
• CAPABLE OF DRIVING SOLID STATE RELAYS
WHEN LARGER A.C. LDAD IS REQUIRED
■ HICH SPEED MACHINE CONTROL
• ALLOWS INTERFACING OF INDUSTRIAL SENSORS
OPERATING AT VOLTAGES UP TO 30 VDC TO
THE 5 VDC MCRO BUS.
SPECIAL ORDERS FOR I/O BOARDS TO MEET YOUR
SYSTEMS NEEDS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
ONLY 1175.00 (O.E.ir. DISCOUNTS)
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS ON STAFF
josko enterprises, inc.
290 NEW CHURCHRANS ROAD
NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE 1 97?0
307-322-7666
PER I PH
APPLE
E RALS
II AND
FOR
He
ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL ITEMS
ALL PRODUCTS BUILT IN U.S.A.
APPLE/SHUGART DRIVE (5'/<"|
S159
DISK CONTROLLER (DOS 3.2-3.3)
49
$ 9
80 COLUMN CARD
129
19
(VIDEX EQUIVALENT)
BO COLUMN WITH 64K RAM
129
28
(FOR He ONLV)
GRAPHER PRINTER INTERFACE
179
19
WITH16KT0 64K BUFFER
AND GRAPHICS
QUAD CARD (4 FUNCTIONS)
159
19
(PARALLEL, SERIAL BSR. CLOCK)
(PRINTER GRAPHICS ROM)
29
Z80 SOFTCARD
89
19
(MICROSOFT EQUIVALENT)
5'A" FLOPPY DRIVE ENCLOSURE
9
COLORADO COMPUTER PERIPHERALS
THE P.C.B. COMPANY
RR.6, B0X7-D GOLDEN, CO 80403
(303)278-7172
NOW!
Shugart Disk Drives.
Guaranteed to Work,
Used 8 Inch Drives.
SA-800 S/S, D/D $190°° *
SA-850 D/S, D/D $290°° *
Call or write for Information on
our Low cost data acquisition,
for Industry or Home.
•Add S10 00 shipping charge Inside
continental US.
While Supplies Last.
Call or Write: (513) 435-S440
See Data Corporation,
P.O. Box 773,
Dayton, Ohio 45459
We accept Via A Mastercard.
Ohio residents add 6% sales tax.
Circle 196 on inquiry card.
Circle 58 on inquiry card.
Circle 328 on inquiry card.
Stepping-Motor Driver Box
with on board BASIC in ROM
Controls Motion from any CRT or Computer
HOOKUP AND GO!
Provides all required power
Drives 4 motors at up to 5 amps per winding
while sensing 8 limit switches
STEPPING-MOTOR TIPS COOKBOOK: $8
with 3-0 software & schematic
BIG STEPPER:
Parallel Version $495/card only $195
Smart Version (RS232) $850/with BASIC $985
Centre Computer Consultants. (814) 237-4535
P.O. Box 739. State College, PA 16804
DATA ACQUISITION
and control for ANY computer
The Model 8232 communicates via
RS-232, and has 8 analog Inputs (0-5 VDC;
8 bits), 8 digital inputs and outputs, and a
2000 point buffer. Suitable for field data
logging or lab use, the 8232 costs only
$540. Direct bus-connect unit for TRS-
80/111 & 4 is $295. Detailed manual, $6.
Phone our applications engineer or write:
+ + STARBUCKS +
* W DATA COMPANY W M
PO Box 24, Newton, MA 021 62 (617) 237-7695
Is now offering their OEM quality high
performance Z80 based single board
microcompulers at a substantial savings
495
qq Includes:
- CP/M 2 2
i Daviclge UWilies
I Completely assembled
burned m andleslea
These Boards Feature:
u 4 or 6 MHz' ■ 2 or 4 serial parts'
■ 5W and 8" floppy disk controller
■ 2K Boot ROM with monitor
■ 64K RAM ■ Centronics parallel port
■ High speed bidirectional parallel port
■ DMA Controller ■ SASI Interlace'
' Opiions
Send Check or Money Order to:
Davidge Corporation
1951 Colony Street, SuileX
Mountain View, California 94043
or Call (415) 964-9497
Circle 48 on inquiry card.
Circle 343 on inquiry card.
Circle 108 on Inquiry card.
DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED
K1/i" s P 90l, y soft
5* /I 10 or 16 Sectors prlces/10
MD525 1 aide/dbl dens $24.90
MD550 2 sldes/dbl dens 35.00
M0577 1 side/quad 96tpl 33.76
MD557 2 sides/quad 96tpi 44.50
8»»
Specify Soft or 32 Sector
FD34-9000 1 side/sgl dens 28.00
FD34-8000 1 side/dbl dens 30.00
DD34-4001 2 sides/dbl dens 35.00
Checks-VISA-MC-C.O.D./Add $2 Shipping
Call or write for our discount catalog.
LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS
1250-E Rankin Dr., Troy, Ml 48083
Phone: 13131 589-3440
DATALIFE • THE NAME IS THE PROMISE
THE WARRANTY IS THE PROOF
PROMPT DELIVERY!!! |
S SAME DAY SHIPPING (USUALLY)
IC
DYNAMIC RAM
256K
150 ns
$85.00
64K
200 ns
5.97
64K
150 ns
6.09
64K
120 ns
6.97
16K
200 ns
EPROM
1.56
27128
300 ns
$19.20
2764
250 ns
6.30
2732
450 ns
4.25
2716
450 ns
3.60
2532
450 ns
4.75
STATIC RAM
6264 P- 15
150 ns
$35.97
6264LP-15
150 ns
40.00
6116P-3
150 ns
5.75
MasterCard VISA or UPS CASH COD
Factory New, Prime Parts -uPoo
MICROPROCESSORS UNLIMITED
2-1,000 Souin Peoria Ave /01fl\ OfR7_ilQR1
BEGGS. OK 74421 I' IB) ^Df-4»b1
PERSONAL SERVICE/FRIENDLY ADVICE
DISCOUNT PRICES
MODEMS Retail
CUIC
Hayes Smartmodem 1200 B $599
$439
Smartmodem 1200 $699
$484
New: Hayes Mlcromodem 1 1 e
with Smartcom for Apple 11 e $329
$239
PRINTERS
Diablo 630 $2350
$1720
Dalsywrlter 48K with Buffer $1 495
$999
Panasonic 1090 & 1160
cm
TERMINALS
Televldeo 925 $995
$695
950 $1195
$699
970 $1495
$985
MONITORS
Panasonic (New) D1 300
25V.
composite color; compatible
Off
with IBM-PC.
Inquire about other Panasonic Monitors.
Please . . .call tor our surprising low prices. We carry an
extensive line of all computer related products and
brands not mentioned above.
Circuit! World Electronic!, Corn. p*x"
156 Depot Rd. Huntington Station, N.Y. 11746 fy*^
CALL COLLECT (516) 4239100
MasterCharge, Visa, Personal Checks Accepted.
PrlceBaublect to change without notion.
Circle 222 on inquiry card.
Circle 250 on inquiry card.
Circle 52 on inquiry card.
DIGITAL RESEARCH COMPUTERS
(214) 271-3538
32K S-100 EPROM CARD
PRICE CUT!
USES 2716s
Blank PC Board - $34
ASSEMBLED & TESTED
ADD $30
SPECIAL: 2716 EPROM's (450 NS) Are S4.95 Ea. With Above Kit.
KIT FEATURES
1 Uses +5V only 2716 <2Kx8) EPROM's
2. Allows up to 32K of software on line'
3 IEEE S-100 Compatible.
4. Addressable as two independent 16K
blocks
5 Oomemco extended or Northstar bank
select
6. On board wait state circuitry it needed
7- Any or all EPROM locations can be
disabled
8. Double sided PC board, solder-masked.
silk-screened
9 Gold plated contact fingers
10 Unselected EPROM's automatically
powered down for low power
11 Fully buffemd and bypassed
12 Easy and quick to assemble
256K S-100 SOLID STATE DISK SIMULATOR!
WE CALL THIS BOARD THE "LIGHT-SPEED-100" BECAUSE IT OFFERS
AN ASTOUNDING INCREASE IN YOUR COMPUTER'S PERFORMANCE
WHEN COMPARED TO A MECHANICAL FLOPPY DISK DRIVE.
FEATURES:
* 256K on board, using + 5V 64K
DRAMS.
Uses new Intel 6203-1 LSI Memory
Controller.
Requires only 4 Dip Switch Selectable
I/O Ports.
Runs on 8080 or Z80 S100 machines.
Up to 8 LS-100 boards can be run
together tor 2 Meg. of On Line Solid
State Disk Storage.
Provisions for Battery back-up.
Software to mate the LS-100 to your
CP/M* 2.2 DOS Is supplied.
The LS-100 provides an increase In
speed of up to 7 to 10 times on Disk
Intensive Software.
Compare our price! You could pay
up to 3 times as much for simitar
boards.
BLANK PCB
(WITH CP/M' 2.2
PATCHES AND INSTALL
PROGRAM ON DISKETTE)
*69
95
# LS-100
*399
00
(FULL 256K KIT)
THE NEW ZRT-80
CRT TERMINAL BOARD!
A LOW COST Z-80 BASED SINGLE BOARD THAT ONLY NEEDS AN
ASCII KEYBOARD, POWER SUPPLY, AND VIDEO MONITOR TO MAKE A
COMPLETE CRT TERMINAL. USE AS A COMPUTER CONSOLE, OR
WITH A MODEM FOR USE WITH ANY OFTHE PHONE-LINE COMPUTER
SERVICES.
FEATURES:
* Uses a Z80A and 6845 CRT
Controller for powerful video
capabilities.
* RS232 at 16 BAUD Rates from 75
to 19,200.
* 24 x 80 standard format (60 Hz).
* Optional formats from 24 x 80
(50 Hz) to 64 lines x 96 characters
(60 Hz).
* Higher density formats require up to
3 additional 2K x 8 6116 RAMS.
* Use* N.S. INS 8250 BAUD Rate Gen.
and USART combo IC.
* 3 Terminal Emulation Modes which
are Dip Switch selectable. These
Include the LSI-ADM3A, the Heath
H-19, and the Beehive.
* Composite or Spilt Video.
* Any polarity of video or sync.
* Inverse Video Capability.
* Small Size: 6.5 x 9 Inches.
* Upper & lower case with descenders.
* 7 x 9 Character Matrix.
* Requires Par. ASCII keyboard.
WITH 8 IN.
SOURCE DISK!
(CP/M COMPATIBLE)
64K S100 STATIC RAM
$ 199°?
NEW!
LOW POWER!
RAM OR EPROM!
BLANK PC BOARD
WITH DOCUMENTATION
$55
SUPPORT ICs + CAPS
$17.50
FULL SOCKET SET
$14.50
FULLY SUPPORTS THE
NEW IEEE 696 S1 00
STANDARD
(AS PROPOSED)
FOR 56K KIT $185
ASSEMBLED AND
TESTED ADD $50
FEATURES:
* Uses new 2K x 8 (TMM 2016 or HM 6116) RAMs.
* Fully supports IEEE 696 24 BIT Extended
Addressing.
* 64K draws only approximately 500 MA.
* 200 NS RAMs are standard. (TOSHIBA makes
TMM 2016s as fast as 100 NS. FOR YOUR HIGH
SPEED APPLICATIONS.)
* SUPPORTS PHANTOM (BOTH LOWER 32K
AND ENTIRE BOARD).
* 2716 EPROMs may be installed In any ol top 48K.
* Any of the top 8K (E000 H AND ABOVE) may
be disabled to provide windows to eliminate
any possible conflicts with your system monitor,
disk controller, etc.
* Perfect for small systems since BOTH RAM and
EPROM may co-exist on the same board.
* BOARD may be partially populated as 56K.
64K SS-50 STATIC RAM
$179°
(48K KIT)
NEW!
LOW POWER!
RAM OR EPROM!
BLANK PC BOARD
WITH
DOCUMENTATION
$52
SUPPORT ICs + CAPS
$18.00
FULL SOCKET SET
$15.00
56K Kit $219
64K Kit $249
ASSEMBLED AND
TESTED ADD $50
FEATURES:
* Uses new 2K x 8 (TMM 2016 or HM 6116) RAMs.
* Fully supports Extended Addressing.
* 64K draws only approximately 500 MA.
* 200 NS RAMs are standard. (TOSHIBA makes
TMM 2016s as fast as 100 NS. FOR YOUR HIGH
SPEED APPLICATIONS.)
* Board is configured as 3-16K blocks and 8-2K
blocks (within any 64K block) for maximum
flexibility.
* 2716 EPROMs may be installed anywhere on
Board.
* Top 16K may be disabled in 2K blocks to avoid
any I/O conflicts.
* One Board supports both RAM and EPROM.
* RAM supports 2MHZ operation at no extra
charge!
* Board may be partially populated in 16K
increments.
32K S100 EPROM/STATIC RAM
BLANK PCB WITH 2716
CHAR. ROM, 2732 MON. ROM
«59
95
SOURCE DISKETTE - ADD $10
SET OF 2 CRYSTALS - ADD $7.50
$129
95
NEW!
FOUR FUNCTION BOARD!
FULL
EPROM KIT
$50.00
A&T = PROM
ADD S35.00
I NEW!!
BLANK
PC BOARD
WITH DATA
$39.95
We took our vary popular 32K S100 EPROM Card and added
additional logic to create a more versatile EPROM/RAM Board.
FEATURES:
SUPPORT
ICS
PLUS CAPS
$23.00
FULL
SOCKET SET
$18
# ZRT-80
(COMPLETE KIT,
2K VIDEO RAM)
Digital Research Computers
P.O. BOX 461565 • GARLAND, TEXAS 75046 • (214) 271-3538
* Thli on* board can be used In any one of (our wayt:
A. As a 32K 2716 EPROM Board
B. As a 32K 2732 EPROM Board (Using Every Other Socket)
C. At a mixed 32K 2716 EPROM/2K x 8 RAM Board
D. Ai a 32K Static RAM Board
* Uses New 2K x 8 (TMM2016 or HM8116) RAM'i
* Fully Supports IEEE 696 Bun Standard (At Proposed)
* Supporti 24 Bit Extended Adrettlng
* 200 NS (FASTI) RAM'S are standard on the RAM Kit
* Support! both Cromemco and North Star Bank Select
* Supporti Phantom
* On Board wait State Generator
* Every 2K Block may be disabled
* Addressed as two separate 16K Blocks on any 64K Boundary
* Perfect for MP/M* Systems
* RAM Kit It very low power (300 MA typical)
32K STATIC RAM KIT —$129.95
For RAM Kit A&T - Add S40
TERMS: Add $3.00 postage. We pay balance. Orders under $15 add 75«
handling. No C.O.D. We accept Visa and MasterCharge. Tex Res. add 5%
Tax. Foreign orders (except Canada) add 20% P & H. Orders over $50, add
85C for insurance.
*TM OF DIGITAL RESEARCH INC. (CALIF.)
WE ABE NOT ASSOCIATED WITH DIGITAL RESEARCH INC. (CALIF.) THE SUPPLIERS OF CPM SOFTWARE
BYTE February 1984 517
of looking for reliable
Source of Supply?
c3
from Looking???
about
QUALITY??
RIBBONS +
ALL PRINTERS
SUPER SALE
DISCOUNTS
Call Bob Kelly Now. . .
Kelly Computer Supplies
1811 Carl St. -St. Paul, MN 55113
Toll Free . . . 800-447-2929
MN Res. Call Collect. . .612/644-9030
3M/MAXELL DISKS
Circle 200 on inquiry card.
WHOLESALE
tsssm
U. S. Robotics 1200/300 Baud
Password 359. 00
IBM PC Modem Card 359. 00
wrth 64K Ram 559.°°
with 256K Ram 925. Uil
S100 Modem Card 359.°°
Auto Dial 469 M
„,li;iH.l-'
Silver Reed
EXP 500P (16 CPS Daisy Wheel 10" PAH) . . 489."
EXP500S (16 CPS Daisy Wheel 10" SEP.) .. 539."
Daisy Writer
2000-46K Buller (20-40 CPS/PAR) ... 1099."
OKI-DATA
Microline 82A (Ser/Par 120 CPS 10") . 349. °°
Microline 92 (Par 160 CPS 10") 489."°
(Free shipping & handling in Continental USA)
Order Toll Free 1-(800) 821-5339
3C or Call 1-(801) 298-0872 3$
or Rush Check or Money Order To:
G. R. E. Wholesale Products
P. O. Box 361 N.S.L., Ut. 84054
Circle 94 on inquiry card.
WHOLESALE
3B3BJS
5V«" Soil Sector Bulk/10
Bulk/100
SS/SD 17.50 15.95/10
SS/DD 18.50 16.95/10
DS/DD 23.95 19.95/10
7 Year Gaurantee!
S3.00 Shipping & Handling in Continental USA
Ribbon Type 3 6 12
Apple DMP 5." ea. 5.* !
C Itoh Prownter (all models) 5-* 1 ea. 5."
C lloh F10 40/55 Mulli-Slnke 5.^ ea. 4*
Diablo Hytype II Multi-Strike 5. 9i ea. 4."
Epson/IBM FX/RX/MX-80 ... 5. 91 ea. 4*
Epson/IBM FX/RX/MX-10O . . 9." ea 8.''
Gemini 10/1OX/15/15X 2." ea. 2.' :
NEC 3500 Multi-Strike 7. ,s ea. 6. 69 ea. 5. b-p ea
Okidata 80/82/B3/92/93 2." ea. 2." ea. 2." ea.
Olher Ribbons — — CALL
Ship * Hand in Cont. USA , 3." Free Free
Order Toll Free 1-(800) 821-5339
2£ or Call 1-(801) 298-0872 39
or Rush Check or Money Order To:
C. R. E. Wholesale Products
P. O. Box 361 N.S.L., Ut. 84054
CONTROL THE WORLD!
The SYS-3A is a low cost, powerful microcontroller
card with a Tiny BASIC language. Used in robotics,
energy management, process control, science and
education. Contains everything needed to write,
debug, and permanently store programs that auto
run on powerup. The 46 input/output lines include
A/D, D/A, TTL I/O, and high current drivers. Multi-
ple input ranges and drive capabilities. 4K RAM,
4K EPROM space, 2K software, & Tiny Basic in-
cluded. I/O and memory expandable. Programs
both EPROM's and EEPROM's. RS-232C port
connects to CRT terminals, printers, or personal
computers. Software, hardware, peripheral cards
available. 4.5" x 6.5". 5V operation.
OCTAGON SYSTEMS CORPORATION
6501 W. 91st Ave., Westminster, CO 80030
(303) 426-8540
Circle 273 on inquiry card.
afm SAVE MORE
\/m THAN EVER ON
T~ / 3M Scotch
' / DISKETTES
1 $-195 "W$O70 M -
1 ^^~ 5V„- DSDD ^T """ ""
■ Qty. 20 (745)— ^— Qty 20
SPECIALI
Save even morel
Order 50 or more 3M diskette! before March 15,
1984 and save an extra ten cents per diskette.
5V*~ DSQD— 96TPI (747) . . .
$3.95 ea.
$2.07 ea.
$2.54 ea
$3.30 ea.
.20 per 10
ling + .30
"ERCARD,
is custom-
lois 60611
8' SSSD (740)
8 SSDD (741). .. .
8 DSDD (743)
Shipping: 5'/«" Diskettes Only: 51. 75 Handling +
diskettes ordered. S" Diskettes Only: $2.00 Hanc
per 10 diskettes ordered. Payment: VISA, MAS
C.O.D. ($3.00 extra charge) or check. Taxes: lllinc
ersonlyadd8%.
For fast service call
Nationwide: 1-800-621-6827
In Illinois: 312-944-2788
DISK WORLD!
Suite 4806 • 30 East Huron Street • Chicago. Illi
Authorized Distributor
Information Processing Products
3M
CUIE
PERSONAL SERVICE/FRIENDLY ADVICE
DISCOUNT PRICES
Retail CUIE
SuperCalclll $395 $259
SuperCalcl&ll Call
Lotus 1-2-3 $495 $325
PFS: File
IBM $140 $105
Apple.. $125 $95
We sell a complete line of software and games;
specializing in Educational and Business Pro-
grams.
Circuits Work! Electronic!, Corp.
156 Depot Rd. Huntington Station, N.Y. 11746
CALL COLLECT (516) 423-9100
MaslerCharge, Visa, Personal Checks Accepted.
Prices subject to ctiange without notice.
O Dysan
*/ DISKETTES
5*
U»
£=3£L.*IO$50 ^00
tOMD
104 -ID
104-20
Z04-1D
204-2D
SSSD
SSDD
DSDD
SSQD
DSQD
33.00
35.00
41.00
41.00
48.50
160.00 310.00
172.00 340.00
200.00 395.00
200.00 395.00
240.00 475.00
8
55
Unformatted
3740-1 SSSD
3740-10 SSDD
3740-2D DSDD
$10 $"50 $100
34.00
42.50
50.00
167.50 330.00
210.00 415.00
247.50 490,00
CALL TOLL FREE
800-824-7888
OPERATOR 906
(VISA M.C., COD.
ORDERS ONLY)
7D..V5 e Week, 24Hours a Day
(408) 252-4210
M-F, 8:00 AM -5:00 PM
FOR NEXT DAY
SHIPMENT
Inquiries Also
"fteatLvlt i
•Add $2.00 Shipping
uni
itecl
Per Order 1741 Saratoga Avenue, Suite «201
. CA Residents Add SalesTax ■"■ io ". £»»«*» •*■
Send forOur Free Catalogue* Dealer Inquiries Invited
Circle 96 on inquiry card.
EPROM
PROGRAMMERS
+ UV ERASERS
from $49.95
LOGICAL DEVICES INC.
Mete Rekalulihf, and
Gu£tom&i> Supp&it
U, off Qtitmoit 9 mpxrttance,
SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 18
QS0OQQQ
305-974-0967
Circle 217 on inquiry card.
APPLE USERS:
REGAIN CONTROL!
APPLE STOP CARD
•FREEZES THE ACTION OF ANY PROGRAM OR
GAME WITH THE FLIP OF A SWITCH
•HANDLE INTERRUPTIONS WITHOUT ABORTING
YOUR PROGRAM
•GREAT FOR GETTING HIGHER GAME SCORES
ANOFOROEBUGGING
•INSTALLS THROUGH SIDE VENT SLOTS
•NO TOOLS REQUIRED
•USEABLE IN APPLE II AND COMPATIBLE
COMPUTERS
•90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY
•$29.95 PLUS J2 SHIPPING. CHECK, M.O..
MASTERCARD OR VISA
ANTELOPE COMMUNICATIONS
P.O. Box 4116
Madison, Wl 53711
Apple Is a trademark of Apple Computers, Inc.
WISC residents add 5% sales tax.
A
Circle 95 on inquiry card.
Circle 53 on inquiry card.
Circle 23 on inquiry card.
TOLL-FREE
ORDERING:
800-222-8686
PPT CUSTOM COMPUTER
Ull I TECHNOLOGY
FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT/ 1 CRAFTSMAN COURT - BOX 4160 - SEDONA, ARIZONA 86340
SERVICE / IN ARIZONA:
602-282-6299
Purchase your Hardware and Software directly from an OEM/Systems Integrator. Take advantage of our buying power! We
stock a full line of Board Level Components, Software, and Peripherals. Call for your needs. We'll give you the Lowest
Prices, and the Technical Support and Know-How we are quickly becoming well-known for, Satisfied Customers Nation-
wide! The Nations's Custom Systems House for Business, Education and Science. Call for a system quote.
FOREMOST QUALITY • ADVANCED SUPPORT • REASONABLE COST
OF PRIME INTEREST
Our prime interest at CCT is service and
support. We build and sell hundreds of
systems per year to the serious computer
market. We rigidly adhere to our strict
policy of reliable machines, and reliable
people behind them. We feel the Com-
puPro product line to be the state-of-the-
art of the computer industry.
THE CCT EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY
With any system we build, we provide,
in writing, an unconditional 12 month
direct warranty on the entire system, in-
cluding mainframe, boards, drives, power
supplies, cabling and peripherals! We of-
fer guaranteed 24 hour in-house repair
and/or replacement with just a toll-free
phone call. We can offer this, since we are
so sure of our level of quality and reliabili-
ty. It's great to know that in the event of a
problem, you're not out of business
waiting on service turnaround. We deliver!
Our various OEM contracts with all the
manufacturers of the components we in-
tegrate, allow us this unprecedented flex-
ibility. No factory O.K.'s necessary — just
get it running — NOWI
Wyse 100 terminal- 14" Green ... $699
WS Prom Option - Installed $50
Mitsubishi 8" DSDD drives, full or half
height. Set-up FREE OF CHARGE .. $449
Okidata 82 $389/83 $619
84 .. $1029/92 .. $469/93 .. $779
AshtonTate dBASE II 8" or MD ... $299
Supercalc86-forCP/M86SMP/M .$99
Visual Terminals in stock Call
LearSieglerADM 20 $499
Freedom 50 $499/100-$549
Hays Modem-$259 • Diablo 620-$1029
We carry a full line of software in all
available formats at discount prices.
TECH TIP CORNER
dBASE II USERS - CUSTOM TERMINAL
KEYS! Implement your arrow keys;
emulate Wordstar edit commands - send
an SASE with $2.00 - (ATTN: TTC). Tell us
your arrow key codes. We'll return easy,
detailed instructions to change almost
anything. It's beautiful — Pat...
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL BUSINESS SYSTEMS
STATE-OF-THE-ART QUALITY, PERFORMANCE, RELIABILITY
CCT ANNOUNCES:
INTRODUCTORY PRICE:
$3,399
OUR OWN IN-HOUSE ENGINEERED
CUSTOM COMPUPRO SYSTEMS
CCT-1 - ENTRY LEVEL S*-10*0 BUSINESS SYSTEM
• Enclosure 2-Desk-20 Slot Mainframe • • CCT 2.4 Dual 8" Mitsubishi
• CPU 8085/88 - 6Mhz 8085/8Mhz 8088 • DSDD Drive System - 2.4 Megabytes •
• Disk 1 - DMA Floppy Disk Controller • • CP/M 80 - 2.2 LD/M - CCT Modified •
• RAM 16 - 64K Static RAM - 12 Mhz • • All Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly,
• Interfacer 4 - 3 Serial/2 Parallel I/O • Testing, and Minimum 20 Hour Burn-in •
RUNS ALL STANDARD 8" CP/M SOFTWARE - INCLUDES OUR EXCLUSIVE 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY
CP/ M MP/ M NOTE: Each copy we furnish is CCT modified for the target system. M-Drive/ H and hard disk drivers are furnished,
and the BIOS optimized for the fastest disk step rate, as well as terminal and printer compatibility.
• • CCT-2- THE FASTEST MICROCOMPUTER IN THE WORLD!! * *
Enclosure 2-Desk • 90K Baud Parallel Terminal Board • 78 Key Professional Ergonomic Keyboard
CPU 8086- 10Mhz • Disk 1 • 512K M-Drive/H • High Resolution Amber Monitor. INTRODUCTORY PRICE:
128K- 16 Bit Memory • CP/M 86 -CCT Modified • CCT 2.4 Dual DSDD Drive System
lnterfacer3-8 • SS1 • All Cabling, Complete CCT Assembly, Testing, & Minimum 20 HourBurn-in
RUNS ALL CP/M 86 SOFTWARE - ULTRA FAST - INCLUDES 12 MONTH DIRECT WARRANTY
* * CCT-3 - WMhz 68K System similar to above, with 128K RAM $6,699 * *
imuuuuiunT rmot
$6,799
We are the largest in the custom configuration of complete state-of-the-art S-100 systems, at package pricing, with integration,
burn-in and programming. We custom build CompuPro systems / hard disk systems for business applications. Call for Com-
puPro literature, CCT system configuration data and technical information. We can save you money!
* SUPER PRICES * COMPUPRO COMPONENTS * IN STOCK *
SYSTEM SPECIALS -ALL CCT A&T, BURNED IN: 816AS4299 816B-$4999 816C-$6499
M-Drive CP/M -Blowout-$39 • Disk1w/CP/M-$449 • M-Drive/H-512K-$1149
CPU 8085/88-S319 • CPU8086/87-$579/10Mhz-$659 • CPU68K-$519/10Mhz-$639 • CPU-Z-$249
CPU286-$1249/10Mhz-$1359 • Disk 1-$369 • Disk 2-$599 • Disk 3-$599
RAM17(12Mhz)-$329 • RAM 16(1 2Mhz)-$359 • RAM 21 (128K)-$779 • RAM 22(256K)-$1399
Interfacer 1 -$229 • Interfacer 2-$249 • Interfacer 3-5-$399/3-8-$459 • Interfacer 4-$349
System Support 1 -$299 • Enclosure 2-Desk-$599/Rack-$649 • 20 Slot Motherboard-$210
CP/M80-S99 • CP/M86-$150 • MP/M8-16-$699 • CP/M68K-$279 • UNIX-SOON
86 Upgrade Kit: Consists of CP/ M 86, 64K Ram, System Support 1 , Cable - $749
Call tor CSC Boards — New Releases — Operating System Mods/Updates
* PRICE BREAKTHROUGH *
Hard Disk Subsystems
CCT/Fujitsu 5V<" subsystem, includes Disk 3, custom
enclosure & power supply, all cabling, A&T, formated,
burned- in. Ready for any CompuPro or similar S-100
system: CCT-5(5.5Meg)-$1599
CCT-10(11Meg)-$1899 / CCT-20(22Megj-$2299
?? HARD DISK DECISIONS ? ?
Hard/Floppy Combinations
An exclusive CCT innovation. CCT/ Fujitsu/ Mitsubishi
ultra-system: 5V<" hard disk next to a 1.2 Meg. DSDD
8" floppy. Includes Disk 3, custom horizontal enclosure
and power supply, all cabling, A&T, formatted, burned-
in. Will stand alone in any CompuPro system:
CCT-5/1-$2099 CCT-10/1-S2399 CCT-20/1-S2799
NEW DISK 3/5V4" HD SYSTEMS *
2.4 Megabyte Floppy Systems
CCT/ Mitsubishi 2.4 Megabyte Dual DSDD 8" system.
Includes custom horizontal enclosure, all cabling, A&T,
burned-in. This is the fastest system available: $1149
With stacked half-height drives: $1175
All Systems Carry Our Exclusive 12 Month Warranty.
Prices & availability subject to change. All products new, and carry full manufacturer's warranties. Call for catalog. Free
ware for your system. Plug-in and go. Arizona Residents add sales tax. CompuPro* Trademark — W.J. Godbout
technical help to anyone. We can configure boards & sott-
; CP/M* MP/M* Trademarks - Digital Research
Circle 101 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 519
WE LOVE TO PASS
THE BUCK!
W? v.iJJ do uur
best to Ik'hi any
competitor's price.
WE WANT YOUR BUSINESS!
DNMMIC MM
Z80 FAMILY
4164
4104
4118
41 IB
B118P3
61I6LP3
6264P 15
58725
27B4
2784
273!
2732
2718
27181
2801
200nt 15.30
15»!i 5.50
200ni 1.80
150™ 1.75
150ni 15.10
150nt 5.80
ISOni 35.00
ISOni 5.00
300n>
250ni
450ni
350ni
450ni
351ii
15.80
5.80
4.10
4.85
3.50
4.70
CPU. CTC. P10 13.00
0*flT 9.00
Ml*. SIOJ0I2 13.00
Z80B CPU. CTC. PIO 11.00
NORTHWEST MICROCHIPS DISTRIBUTORS
1730 Vim Ofivi S £. Part OrEjunt, Wit II3IB
12011 171 12»1 lull nttotl
TERMS STOOD Minimum Order. Money Order. Cashiers Check, UPS
COO, Washington Residents add 7.8% lax. Shipping and insurance
eitra. Quantity discounts available. Ask tor our catalog.
PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
(6502 & Z-80 dual processor) 64K COMPUTERS
(Apple compatible) in super modern styles. USS420
US5425 IBM pc look alike case
•(Above prices exclude drives, monitor) & keyboard
•Add 5% as shipping charge US$450
(Detail brochure forwarded on request)
•We also sell cases, keyboards, power supplies,
motherboards, components separately and interfaces.
• Full repair & guarantee available
•Assembled in Canada with CS.A. (Shipment from WA., U.S.A.)
ABC COMPUTERS LTD. (6 stores In B.C. Canada)
643 E. HASTING ST., VANCOUVER, B.C. CANADA VSA 2ZS
PH: (604) 254-2634 & 254-1062 Dealer Inquiries welcome
Apple Is a registered trademark ol Apple Computer Inc.
LIFETIME WARRANTY
GENERIC SERIAL
COMMUNICATION CARD
For Apple II + ' and Apple He
The Generic Serial Communication Card
(GSCC) Is an asynchronous device that sup-
ports all protocol needed for tull handshake
communication (Hardware DTR, CTS, RTS and
Software XON, XOFF). The board features 3 se-
lectable options: Baud Rate from 110 to 9600,
Full or Half Duplex and Auto Linefeed On or Off
that are software selectable. And the 3 options
can be controlled without burning a new EPROM.
Special Introductory
0„P095
■ iai iniroauc
79 !
plus shipping
and handling.
Dealer Pricing Available.
Computer Technology Associates
_.. jgjji === ^= New Products Division
I ■ I 1704 Moon, N.E.
= ■ ^^ Albuquerque, N.M. 87112
58 SHI (505) 298-0942
Specifications subject to change without notice.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple
Computer, Inc. VISA/MC/AE Accepted
Circle 271 on Inquiry card.
Circle 8 on inquiry card.
Circle 80 on inquiry card.
T L
Relocatable
Threaded
Language
$150
RTL is a new language which retains the
speed and extensibility of Forth but adds many
additional advantages as a result of its more
structured dictionary. Names, code, and vari-
ables are all stored in separate areas for easy
generation of headerless, romable code. All
code is relocatable. RTL supports local vari-
ables, multitasking, redirected I/O, and even
allows definitions to be changed retroactively.
All source code is included. Versions are cur-
rently available or under development for
68000. 6809, 8080, 280, 8086, 8088, and
6502.
RTL Programming Aids
10844 Deerwood SE
Lowell, Ml 49331
(616)897-5672
INDUSTRIAL CONTROL
MICROCOMPUTERS
We have six single board computers, two
video boards and 20 other control products.
You can use our products for security
systems, heat control, light control, auto-
mated slide show, traffic lights, irrigation
systems, home computer systems, auto-
mated process control, and robot control just
to name a few. OEM prices available. For
catalog call or write to:
JOHN BELL ENGINEERING,
1014 CENTER STREET
SAN CARLOS, CA. 94070
(415)592-8411
INC.
Serial 4 ■ ' ■ ' ' ' ' ' ■ ► Parallel
PRINTERS!
PLOTTERS!
PUNCHES!
ROBOTS!
Convert What You Have
To What You Want!
* RS232 Serial * Centronics Parallel
' 8 Baud Rates * Handshake Signals
* Latched Outputs * Compact 3'., x <S x r.
No longer will your peripheral choices be limited by the Jype
ol port you have available! Our new High Performance 700
Series Converters provide the missing link. Baaed on the
latest In CMOS technology these units feature tull baud
rate selection to 1Q.2K, with handshake signals to maximize
transfer efficiency. Detailed documentation allows
simplified Installation. Order the Model 770 (Sar/Par) or
Model 775 (Par/Ser) Todayl
only'BS."
Connector Option S10.00
CA Rssldsnii flv, lax
UPS Shipping t3.00
1501-BPlnaStraet
Poit Office Bon 2J33
Oxnird, C.iiform. 93O30
CALL (805) 487-1665 or 487-1666
For FAST Delivery
Circle 318 on inquiry card.
Circle 35 on inquiry card.
Circle 132 on inquiry card.
Maxell Floppy Disks
The Mini-Disks
with maximum quality.
Dealer inquiries
invited. C.O.D's
accepted. Call
FREE (800) 235-4137.
PACIFIC EXCHANGES
100 Foothill Blvd.. San Luis
San Luis Obispo. CA 93401.
In Cal. call (800) 592-5935 or
(805)543-1037.
CHIPS* p ,
THE INFLATION F1GHTERSI
4116
200ns
8/$ 12.00
4116
150ns
B/S13.75
21 141.
300ns
8/8 12.00
2114L
200ns
8/$ 13.00
4164
200ns
• 5.50 each
4164
150ns
$5.95 each
6116
150ns
$5.20 each
6116
200ns
$4.85 each
6116LP
150ns
$5.85 each
1791
Disk Controller
$20.00 each
1771
Disk Controller
$16.75 each
zboa.zboactc
$3.50 each
ZBOAP10
$4.00 each
8251 A
$4.00 each
8255
$4.25 each
2716-1
5V 350ns
8/S4.25 $5.00 each
2716
5V 450ns
$3.35 each
2732
5V 450ns
$3.85 each
2532
5V 450ns
8/S4.25 $5.00 each
2764
5V 300ns 28 pin
$5.95 each
2564
5V
CALL
SOB 7
CALL
68000
CALL
Allow up to 3 wks. for personal checks lo clear. Please include
phone number. Prices subject to change without notice. Shipping C
Handling tor Chips S3.50. FOB Bellevue. WA. for all else.
Washington state residents add 7.9% Sales Tax.
CHIPS 6 DALE
10655 N.E. 4th St., Suite 400
Bellevue, WA 98004
1-206-451-9770
SMITH-CORONA
Memory Correct III Messenger
PRINTER & TYPEWRITER
• RS232 Serial
Centronics Parallel
• Multiple Pitch 10, 12,15
UNBELIEVABLE!
$539.00
CALL COLLECT: 214/826-6521
FIGURE LOGIC
BUSINESS EQUIPMENT, INC.
6408 Gaston Ave. ■ Dallas, Texas 75214
Circle 284 on inquiry card.
Circle 51 on inquiry card.
Circle 143 on inquiry card.
A
CCESSORIES
for your
IBM PC
Computer Products
SIX PAK PLUS— AST
Up to 384K RAM. Clock calendar with battery back-up
Senal port. Parallel printer port, optional game port.
Super drive and super spool software included FREE!
64K, C,S,P (Lis! Price 39500) S269.95
256K, C.S.P (List Price 665.00) S489.95
For Game Port Option Add (list Price 50.00) - S39.95
MEGA PLUS— AST
Up to 512K RAM, clock calendar with battery back-up,
2 serial ports, parallel printer port, game port. Super
drive and supetspool software included FREE 1
64K, C,S (List Price 395.00) $269.95
256K, C, 1 serial (List Price 665.00) S429.95
51 2K, C, 1 serial (List Price 1059.00) S795.00
Second serial port option (List Price 50.00) _ S39.95
Printer port option (List Price 50.00) $39.95
Game port option fUsf Price 50.00) $39.95
Each additional 64K, Add (List Price B9.95) _ S44.95
COMBO PLUS— AST
Up to 256K RAM. Clock with battery back-up. Serial
port. Parallel port, superspool software included FREE!
64K, C.S.P (List Price 395.00) $269.95
256K, C.S.P (List Price 695.00) $419.95
I/O PLUS— AST
Up to 2 serial ports, parallel printer port, clock
calendar with battery back-up, Superdrive and super-
spool software included FREE!
Clock & 1 serial port (List Price 165.001 $129.95
Printer port option (List Price 50.00) $39.95
Second serial port option (List Price 50.00) ._ $39.95
Game port option (List Price 50.00) ___ $39.95
QUADBOARD I— QUADRAM
Up lo 256K RAM. serial port, parallel port, clock
calendar. RAM disk, and printer spooler software
. $214.95
. $275.00
. $399.95
Quadboard w/o RAM (List Price 295.00)
64K Quadboard (List Price 395.00) .
256K Quadboard (List Price 595.00)
QUADBOARD II— QUADRAM
Two serial ports, clock/calendar, memory expansion,
and Quadmaster software
Quadboard II. 64K (LIU Price 395.00) $275.00
Quadboard. 256K (List Price 595.00) 5399.00
QUADLINK— QUADRAM
Allows IBM PC to run Apple software, includes interface
card and software to allow your IBM PC lo run both
Apple DOS and PC DOS
Quadlink (List Price 680.00) $485.00
SYSTEM CARD— MICROSOFT
From the authors ol PC-DOS— up to 256K RAM, serial
port, parallel printer port, clock calendar, plus RAM
drive disk emulation software, print spooler, time
utilities, and terminal emulation software. DOS 1.1 or
2 compalibte
64K system card (List Price 395.00) $279.95
256K system card (List Price 625.00) $429.95
HI-RES COLOR MONITORS
Only the best: Quadchrome or Princeton HX-12. 690 x
480 resolution. 16 brilliant colors, special .31mm dot
pitch tube, includes FREE! cable
Quadram Quadchrome (List Price 795.00) $549.95
Princeton Graphics HX-12 (List Price 695.00) $529.95
AMDEK MONITORS
Full line of high quality monochrome and color video
monitors
Video 310 Amber (IBM) (List Price 230.00) _ $159.95
Color II (RGB) (List Price 529.00) $429.95
Color III (RGB) (List Price 449.00) $399.95
Color IV (Analog RGB) (LiSt Price 995.00) _ $775.00
HERCULES GRAPHIC CARD
Two pages of ultra-high resolution text and graphics
720 x 348. compatible with Lotus 123. Visicalc. dBASE II.
etc. Includes parallel printer port
Hercules graphic card (List Price 499.00) $359.95
PLANTRONICS COLOR PLUS
Up to 16 colors, 80 characters, bi-planar technology,
includes parallel printer port
Plantronics Color Plus (List Price 559.00) $429.95
QUADCOLOR I & QUADCOLOR II
Quadcolor I delivers standard IBM PC color and
graphics, add Quadcolor II and hi-resolution (640 x 200)
color graphics are possible
Quadcolor I basic board (Lis! Price 295.00) _ $234.95
Quadcolor II add on (List Price 275.00) $229.95
64K RAM UPGRADE For IBM PC
with parity (error
_ $49.95
High speed RAM upgrade kit
detection) and one year warranty
64K kit for IBM PC (List Price 89.95)
THE BEST SOFTWARE For IBM PC
We have taken the top rated programs and reduced
the price for a super value!
LOTUS 12 3 Best spreadsheet
Lotus 1 2 3 (1A) (List Price 495.00) $329.95
dBASE II Best Data base
Ashton-Tate dBASE II (List Price 700.00) $429.95
CROSSTALK Best communications package
MicroStulf Crosstalk (List Price 195.00) $129.95
DISKETTES For IBM PC
High quality double-sided, double-density diskettes,
certified to be absolutely error free. Box of ten.
warranteed for one year
Box ot10 w/FREE! plastic case (List Price 39.95) $24.95
Verbatim Datalife (List Price 49.95) - $34.95
PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE!
Continental USA
(800)421-5500
Inside California
(800)262-1710
JADE IS AN AUTHORIZED DEALER
FOR EPSON, OKIDATA, TOSHIBA,
MANNESMAN-TALLY, C.ITOH, etc.
CALL FOR BEST PRICE!
NEC 3550 LETTER QUALITY
Only fully IBM PC compatible letter quality printer
available— why settle lor less? (35 CPS)
NEC 3550 printer (List Price 2350.00) 51799.95
HARD DISK For IBM PC
Hard disk with controller, software, and P/S
5MB system (List Price 1995.00) $1395.00
10MB system (List Price 2495.00) $1699.00
15MB system (List Price 2995.00) $2199.00
KEYTRONICS KEYBOARD
Similar to the IBM PC keyboard, but with all the keys in
the right places'
Keylronics/IBM (List Price 299.95) $199.95
320K DISK DRIVES
Tandon TM-100-2 doubie-sided. double-density 320K
disk drive. Original equipment drive on IBM PC
Full size Tandon (List Price 395.00) $224.95
Half-height 320K drive (List Price 395.00) $199.95
Teac Half-height (List Price 395.00) $239.95
BEST MONITORS AVAILABLE!
Ultra-high resolution, up to 22 MHz. 1000 lines per
inch, amber or green phosphor. FREE! tilt and swivel
base US manufacturer
12 inch green, 22 MHz List Price 249.00 $149.95
12 inch amber, 22 MHz List Price 249.00 $149.95
9 inch green, 18 MHz List Price 239.00 $139.95
9 Inch amber, 18 MHz Lis! Price 239.00 $139.95
12-inch GREEN MONITOR— Zenith
15 MHz. 40 or 80 column
12 inch Green List Price 149.00 $94.95
AMDEK MONITORS
Full line of high quality monochrome and color video
monitors
Video 310 Amber (IBM) List Price 230.00 $159.00
Video 300 Green List Price 179.00 $135.95
Video 300 Amber List Price 199.00 $149.95
Color-I (composite) List Price 379.00 $289.95
Color-ll (RGB) List Price 529.00 $429.95
Color-ll plus (analog RGB) List Price 559 .00 S439.95
Color-Ill (RGB) List Price 449.00 $399.95
Color-IV (analog RGB) List Price 995.00 $775.95
DVM-2 (Apple ll/ll I ) List Price 179.00 $129.95
DVM-80E (Apple lie) List Price 195.00 $139.95
Los Angeles Area
(213)973-7707
Circle 190 on inquiry card.
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, or purchase orders from qualified firms and institutions.
Prices quoted are for prepaid orders only and are subject to change without notice.
Minimum prepaid order $15.00 California residents add 6 1 / 2 % tax. Export customers outside 4907 West HOSeCraPS Ave.
the U.S. or Canada please add 10% to all prices. Shipping and handling charges via Hawthnrnt* California QHP^f)
UPS Ground 50C/lb UPS Air $1.00/lb minimum charge $3.00 HdWinume, ^dllivmid VVtOU
EPSON PRINTER *299 95
OKIDATA PRINTER *349 95
EPSON PRINTERS
SAVE At Least $ 1 50.00!
CALL US FOR THE BEST DEAL ON THE WORLDS
BEST SELLING LINE OF PRINTERS!
EPSON RX-60 100 CPS w/lraclor. graphics
PRM-29082 A 499.00 Value. Save 20000 _ $299.95
EPSON RX-80FT 100 CPS with FREE graphics
PRM-29084 Friction & Iraclor leed _ SAVE $150.00
EPSON MX-80FT 80 CPS with FREE graphics
PRM-28082 Friction & tractor leed _ SAVE $150.00
EPSON MX-100 100 CPS 15" platten
PRM-28100 Friction & tractor SAVE $150.00
EPSON FX-80 160 CPS with FREE graphics
PRM-29080 Friction & Iraclor leed . SAVE $150.00
EPSON FX-100 160 CPS 15" platten
PRM-29100 Friction & tractor leed . SAVE $150.00
OKIDATA— Microline 92 & 93
160 CPS. true corerpondence quality printing, full
graphics. IBM PC compatible (optional), handles
single sheet as well as fan-told paper, professional
design construction and quality
Okl 92 parallel List Price 599.00 $479.95
Oki 93 parallel List Price 999.00 $795.00
2K serial board List Price 120.00 $99.95
IBM PC ROMs tor 92 List Price 59.95 $49.95
IBM PC ROMs for 93 List Price 69.95 $49.95
Extra Ribbon (2) List Price 19.95 $9.95
Tractor lor Okl 92 List Price 89.95 $54.95
MICROLINE 82, 83, & 84
120 CPS (82. 83) 200 CPS (84). industry standard
printers, serial and parallel interfaces, true lower case
descenders, handles single-sheet as well as fan fold
Oki 82 List Price 499.00 $349.95
Oki 83 w/FREE tractor List Price 749.00 $629.95
Oki 84 parallel List Price 1399.00 $925.00
Oki 84 serial List Price 1499.00 $995.00
2K serial board List Price 190.00 $159.95
Extra ribbons 82/92. 83/93 List Price 19.95 $9.95
Tractor lor Oki 82 List Price 89.95 $54.95
Ribbons lor 84 List Price 19.95 $9.95
GEMINI 10X& 15X
Star Micronics— up to 120 CPS. full graphics, friction
and tractor leed. Epson FX-80 compatible
Gemini 10X SAVE $150.00
Gemini 15X SAVE S150.00
Serial board, G-10, G-15 List Price 129.00 $69.00
Serial board, G-10X, G-15X List Price 59.95 _ $55.00
10X, 15X 4K serial List Price 119.00 $99.95
LETTER QUALITY PRINTER $289.95
True letter quality printing at 12 CPS, Wordstar
compatible, handles 8 V' x 11 paper, friction/single
sheet leed, compact and portable, standard Centronics
parallel interface
SAVE! Hundreds ot Dollars!! $289.95
NEW! DELTA 10
160 CPS, up to 16K bufter. serial and parallel inter-
faces, graphics friction and tractor. FX-80 compatible
Delta 10 SAVE $150.00
COMREX CR-II
Best buy in letter quality printers NEW from Comrex!
full featured letter quality printer, FREE' 5K buffer,
logic seeking bi-directional printing, boldface
proportional spacing, double-strike, backspace,
underline, true super -script and sub-script, drop- in
daisy wheel cartridge
CR-II parallel Lisl Price 599.00 $495.00
CR-II serial List Price 644.00 . $589.95
Tractor option List Price 120.00 ___ S99.95
Cut sheet feeder List Price 259.00 $199.95
Keyboard option List Price 199.00 $179.95
STARWRITER F10
High speed letter quality printer, 40 or 55 CPS daisy-
wheel. Extensive built-in word processing functions, up
to 15 inch paper width Uses standard Diablo style print
wheels
40 CPS, F10/parallel List Price 1895.00 S1125.00
55 CPS, F10/parallel List Price 1995.00 $1599.00
MANNESMAN-TALLY
Spiril, 80 CPS 10 inch parallel List Price 399.00 5329.00
160L, 160 CPS 10 inch List Price 798.00 5588.00
180L, 160 CPS 15 inch List Price 1098.00 $828.00
MICROFAZER— Quadram
The microfazer stand-alone printer buffers are
available in any configuration of serial or parallel
input, with serial or parallel output All are expandable
up lo 64K of memory (about 30 pages of 8% x 11 text),
the parallel-to-parallel version is expandable to 512K
copy and pause feature included
Parallel/Parallel
$139.95
$164.95
128K List Price 445.00 $269.95
MICROBUFFER
Practical Peripherals, Inc
Stand-alone Mlcrobufters
Parallel, 32K List Price 299.00
Parallel, 64K List Price 349.00
Serial. 32K List Price 299 00
Serial. 64K Lis; Price 349.00
8K List Price 169.00
32K List Price 225.00
Serial/Parallel
8K List Price 199.00 _
32K List Price 260.00
Parallel/Serial
8K List Price 199.00 _
32K List Price 260.00
Serial/Serial
8K List Price 199 00 .
32K List Price 260 00
$169.95
$199.95
64K add-on board List Price 179.00
Microbulters for Apple II
Parallel. 16K List Price 259,95
Parallel, 32K List Price 299.95
Serial, 16K List Price 259.95 _
Serial, 32K List Price 29995
. 5229.95
. $269.95
5229.95
. 5269.95
, 5149.00
$169.95
5199.95
Microbulters lor Epson Printers
Parallel, 16K List Price 159.95 _
Serial, 8K List Price 159.95
$189.95
$229.95
$189.95
$229.95
. $129.95
, $129.95
574 inch DISK DRIVES
TANDONTM 100-1 SS DD 48 TPI
List 349.00 $225 ea 2 for $195.00 ea
SHUGART SA 400L SS DD 48 TPI
List 299.00 5209.00 ea 2 for $199.95 ea
TANDON TM 100-2 DS DD 48 TPI
List 399.00 $229.00 ea 2 for $225.00 ea
5%" CABINETS/POWER SUPPLY
Single cab w/power supply Lisl Price 99.00 _ S69.95
Dual Cab w/power supply List Price 129.00 _ $85.00
8 inch DISK DRIVES
SIEMENS FDD 100-8 Single sided, double density'
Lisl 399.00 $179.00 ea 2 tor $175.00 ea
SHUGART SA 801R Single sided, double density
List 502.00 5355.00 ea 2 for $349.00 ea
SHUGART SA-851R Double sided, double density
List 605.00 $459.00 ea 2 toi $455.00 ea
QUME DT-8 Double sided, double density
List 599.00 $479.00 ea 2 for $459.00 ea
TANDON TM 848-1 SS DD thin-line
List 499.00 $369.00 ea 2 for $359.00 ea
TANDON TM 848-2 DS DD thin-line
List 599.00 $439.00 ea 2 loi S435.00 ea
NEC FD1165 DS DD thin-line
List 599.00 5450.0 ea 2 foi 5440.00 ea
NECFD1164 SS DD thin-line
$360.00 ea 2 foi $350.00 ea
DISK SUB-SYSTEMS— Jade
Handsome metal cabinet with proportionally
balanced air flow system, rugged dual drive power
supply, cable kit, power switch, line cord, fuse holder,
cooling fan, nevermar rubber feet, all necessary
hardware to mount two 8 inch disk drives, power supply,
and fan. Does not include signal cable
Dual 8" Sub-Assembly Cabinet
Bare cabinet List Price 75.00 $49.95
Cabinet kit List Price 299.00 $199.95
A & T List Price 349.00 $249.95
8" Sub-System—Single sided, Double Density
Kit w/2 Siemens FD100-8DS List Price 950.00 $579.00
A& T w/2 Siemens FD100-8DS List Price 995.00 $595.00
Kit w/2 ShugartSA-801 Rs Lisl Price 1195.00 $939.00
A & T w/2 Shugart SA-801RS List Price 1295.00 $969.00
8" Sub-Syslems— Double Sided, Double Density
Kll w/2 Qume DT-8s List Price 1495.00 $1229.00
A & T w/2 Qume DT-8s Lisl Price 1595.00 . $1249.00
Kil w/2 Shugarl SA-851 Rs Lisl Price 1495.00 $1199.00
A & T w/2 Shugart SA-851 Rs List 1595.00 $1219.00
DUAL SLIMLINE SUB-SYSTEMS
Dual 8" Slimline Cabinet
Bare cabinet List Price 75.00
A & T w/o drives Lisr Price 249.00 .
_ $59.95
5164.95
Dual 8" Slimline Sub-Systems
Kil w/2 SS DD drives List Price 1 195.00 $869.00
A S T w/2 SS DD drives Lisl Price 1295.00 $879.00
Kit w/2 DS DD drives Lisl Price 1395.00 . $1060.00
A & T w/2 DS DD drives Lisl Price 1495.00 $1099.00
DISK DRIVE POWER SUPPLY
Sufficient current to power up to three 8 inch drives
Power supply List Price 149.00 $89.95
$16995 PLACE ORDERS TOLL FREE!
319995 Continental USA Inside California
(800) 421-5500 (800) 262-1710
Los Angeles Area
(213)973-7707
We accept cash, checks, credit cards, or purchase orders from qualified firms and institutions.
Prices quoted are for prepaid orders only and are subject to change without notice.
Minimum prepaid order $15.00 California residents add 6'/ 2 % tax. Export customers outside
the U.S. or Canada please add 10% to all prices. Shipping and handling charges via
UPS Ground 50<E/lb UPS Air $1.00/lb minimum charge $3.00
for your APPLE
J SUPER DISKETTE SPECIAL!
We bought out a mapr manufacturer's overstock,
and we are passing the savings on to you! Single sided
double density, package of ten with FREE plastic case
Box of 10 w/FREE plastic box List Price 34.95 $18.95
DISK DRIVE For APPLE
Totally Apple compatible. 143.360 bytes per drive on
DOS 3.3 full one year warranty, half-track
capability, reads all Apple software, plugs right into
Apple controller as second drive. DOS 3.3, 3.2.1
Pascal. & CP/M compatible
Standard Disk II size List Price 299.00 S1 99.95
Controller only List Price 99.00 $60.00
HALF-HEIGHT DRIVE For APPLE
Totally Apple compatible. Works with all Apple
software and controllers. Faster and quieter than most
other drives, yet only half the size!
Half-height drive List Price 249.00 $199.95
DUAL 8-inch DISK DRIVE SYSTEM
Up to 2 Megabytes lor your Apple, two double density
8 inch slimline disk drives, cabinet, power supply,
cable, controller, and software Compatible with DOS.
CP/M, Pascal and IBM 3740 formats
1 Megabyte Sub-system List Price 1995.00 . $1195.00
2 Megabyte Sub-system List Price 2495.00 _ S1395.00
PRINTER CARD AND CABLE
For Apple, standard Centronics parallel interface for
Epson. Okidata. C Itoh. Gemini, NEC. Comrex, etc.
Includes printer cable and support graphics
Printer card & cable List Price 119.95 $49.95
CP/M 3.0 CARD For APPLE— ALS
The most powerful card available lor your Apple!
6 MHz. Z-80B. additional 64K RAM. CP/M 3.0
plus. 100% CP/M 2,2 compatibhty. C Basic, CP/M
graphics. 300% faster than any other CP/M for Apple
ALS CP/M 3.0 card List Price 399.00 $299.00
BUFFERED GRAPPLER PLUS
Combines the flexibility of the Grapplen with the
convenience of the Bufferboard, all on a single board
Buffered Grappler- w/64K List Price 245.00 $175.00
FAN/POWER CENTER For APPLE
Cooling fan for your overheated Apple II, lit. or lie;
also includes power switch and two switched outlets
with voltage protection circutry
Apple fan List Price 99.95 $59.95
NEW! MICROMODEM lie— Hayes
The standard in direct-connect. plug-in-modem cards
lor Apple. 110-300 baud Includes FREE Smartcom I
Micromodem lie List Price 299.95 $239.95
KOALA PAD— Koala Tech.
A touch sensilive pad that functions like a joystick or
mouse, allowing you to move Ihe cursor around the
screen with the touch of a finger. Complete with
software
Koala Pad List Price 124.95 $99.95
16K RAM CARD For APPLE II
Expand your Apple II to 64K. use as language card.
full one year warranty Why spend $175.00?
16K RAM Card List Price 99.00 $49.95
Z CARD For APPLE— ALS
Two computers in one. Z-80 and 6502. more than
doubles the power and potential of your Apple,
includes Z-80 CPU card, CP/M 2.2 and complete
manual set. Pascal compatible. One year warranty
Z Card with CP/M 2.2 List Price 169.00 $139.95
GRAPPLER PLUS— Orange Micro
The ultimate parallel printer graphics interface card
with many new features, now at a new low price!
Grappler Plus List Price 175.00 $119.95
60 COLUMN CARD
80 column x 24 line video card for Apple II addressable
25th status line, normal/inverse or high/low video. 128
ASCII characters, upper and lower case, 7x9 dot
matrix with true descenders. CP/M, Pascal and
Fortran compatible, 40/80 column selection from
keyboard. 2 year warranty. Best 80 column card!
Viewmax 80 List Price 219.00 $139.95
Visicalc/Easywriter Preboot List Price 30.00 _ $24.95
64K STATIC RAM— Jade
Uses new 2K x 8 static RAMs. fully supports IEEE 696
Bare board 1 i*< Pnrp fit) nn $4Q 95
$89.95
15K bit / ,tl Prire ??Q f)0
S 169. 95
56K kit List Price 299.00
S225.95
64K kit List Price 399.00
S265.95
Assembled & Tested List Price 50.00
EXPANDORAM III
High density memory board, 64K. 128K. a
RJK ; forf Price 475 00
_ add $30.00
r 256 K
$39« 95
128K Lis! Price 595.00
$464 95
192K List Price 709.00
$554 95
ICfM 1 (J) Priro H95 nn
S5B9 95
1/0-4 SSM MICROCOMPUTER
Two serial I/O ports plus two parallel I/O ports
1/0-4 AST 1 1st Price ?onnn SJ45 95
ISO BUS— Jade Computer
Silent, simple and on SALE! A better motherboard
6 Slot (&/," x 8%") 19 MHz
fi KIM Bare hnarH 1 fsf Prire 40 nn S?? 95
6 SIM Kit 1 ill Prire fif) nn
$.19 95
K RIM A A T / i.ftf Prim 75 nn
$49 95
12 Slot (9'/," x 8%") 10 MHz
12 Slot Bare board List Price 54.00
$.14 95
19 Slot kii / M Prim unnn
$69 95
10 RIM 4 «, T I faf Prlr-c IM m
$09 85
18 Slot ff4Vi" x 8%") SMHz
$54 95
$99 95
$139.95
SBC-200 SD Systems
4 MHz 2-80A CPU with serial and parallel
A & T List Price 350.00
I/O
$299.95
ISOBAR
The ISOBAR looks like a standard multi-oultet power
strip, but contains surge suppression circuitry and
built-in noise filters, plus 15amp circuit breaker
$69.95
DOUBLE D— Jade Computer
High reliability, double density disk controller
Bare board * hdwr man List Price 75.00 $59.95
Kit w/hdwr & sltwr man List Price 399.00 $299.95
A & T w/hdwr & sttwr man List Price 449.00 $325.95
CP/M 2.2 with Double D List Price 200.00 $99.95
THE BUS PROBE
Best selling inexpensive S-100 diagnostic analyzer
Bare board List Price 89.00 $59.95
Kit List Price 249.00 $179.95
A&T List Price 299.00 $199.95
VERSAFLOPPY II— SD Systems
Double density disk controller for 5V and 8"
Versalloppy II with PROM List Price 400.00 _ $344.95
Versatloppy II/696 A & T List Price 400.00 _ $349.95
CP/M 3.0 with VF-II List Price 200.00 $80.00
THE BIG Z— Jade
2 or 4 MHz switchable Z-80 CPU board with serial I/O
Bare board w/manual Lis! Price 50.00 $35.00
Kit w/manual List Price 249.00 $179.95
AST List Price 299.00 $199.00
ULTRA-VIOLET EPROM ERASERS
Inexpensive erasers for industry or home
Spectronics w/o timer List Price 99.00 $69.95
Spectronics with timer List Price 139.00 $94.95
Logical Devices List Price 89.00 $49.95
uto/dial
nterlace
$475.00
$399.95
$199.00
S199.95
$299.95
$239.95
d)Haye<
SMARTMODEM— Hayes
Sophisticated direct-connect auto-answer/a
modem, touch tone or pulse dialing. RS232C
programmable
Smartmodem 1200 List Price 699.00 -
1200B lor IBM PC List Price 599.00
Smartmodem 300 List Price 289.00 !
Hayes Cronograph List Price 249.00
Micromodem 100 List Price 399.00
Micromodem Me List Price 299.00
1200 BAUD SMART CAT
Novation
103/212 Smart Cat and 103 Smart Cat. 1.200' and 300
baud, built-in dialer, auto re-dial if busy, auto answer/
disconnect, direct connect, LED readout displays
mode analog/digital loopback self tests, usable with
multi-line phones
300 Baud 103 Smart Cat List Price 249.00 $199.95
1200 Baud 212/103 Smart Cat List Price 595.00 $449.95
J-CAT MODEM— Novation
1/5 the size of ordinary modems. Bell 103. manual or,
auto-answer, automatic answer/orginate. direct
connect, built-in self-test, two LEDs and audio beeps
provide status information
Novation J-Cat List Price 149.00 $114.95
4901 West Rosecrans Avenue.
Computer Products
KsVlllh'* Rhcto 191 on inq uiry card
Hawthorne, California 90250
538-8800
(CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS)
TsTiTiT
848-8008
pggg
TERMS: For shipping include
$2.00 for UPS Ground or $3.00
for UPS Blue Air. $10.00 mini-
mum order. Bay Area and Los
Angeles Counties add 6 1 /2%
Sales Tax, other California resi-
dents add 6% Sales Tax. We re-
serve the right to limit quantities
and substitute manufacturer.
Prices subject to change without
notice.
VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE
2100 De La Cruz Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 988-0697
DoKa
STATU
DRAMS
2101
256x4 450ns
1.90
5101
250x4
460ns
(cmos)
3.90
2102-1
1024x1
450ns
.88
2102L-4
1024x1 450ns
(LP)
.98
2102L-2
1024x1 250ns
(LP)
1.45
2111
256x4 450ns
2.45
2112
256x4 450ns
2.95
2114
1024x4 450ns
6/9.90
2114-25
1024x4
250ns
8/9.95
2114L-4
1024x4 450ns
(LP)
8/11.96
21141-3
1024x4
300ns
n
6/12.45
2114L-2
1024x4
200ns
8/12.95
2147
4006x1
55ns)
450ns
4.90
TMS4044-4
4096x1
3.45
TMS4044-3
4096x1 300ns
3.95
TMS4044-2
4096x1
200ns
4.45
MK4113
1024x8 250ns
9.90
TMM2016-200
2048x6 200ns
4.10
TMM201 6-150
2048x8 150ns
4.90
TMM201S-100
2048x8 100ns
6.10
HM6116-4
2048 1 8 200ns) (cmoi)
4.70
HM6116-3
2046x8 150ns
(cmos)
4.90
HM6110-2
2046x8
120ns
cmos)
8.90
HM6116LP-4
204»x8
200ns
(cmos)(LP)
5.90
HM611GLP-3
2048x8
150ns
(cmos)(LP)
6.90
HM6116LP-2
2046x8
120ns
(cmos)JLP)
9.95
Z-6132
4096x8
300ns
(Qttal)
33.95
LP » Low Power Qstat = Quasi-Static
DYNAMIC RAMS
TMS4027
4096x1 (250ns
1.95
UP0411
4096 x 1 1300ns
2.95
MM5280
4096x1 (300ns
2.95
MK4100
6192x1 (200ns
1.90
MM5208
8192x1 (250ns
1.80
4110-300
16384 x1300ns
8/10.75
4110-250
16384 x1250ns
8/10.95
4116-200
16364 x1200ns
8/11.95
4116-150
16384 x 1(150nt
8/13.95
4116-120
16364 x1120ns
6/28.95
2110
16384 x1150ns
(5v)
4.90
4164-200
66536 x1200ns
5v
CALL
4164-150
65536x1 (150ns
(5v)
CALL
5V ■ single 5 volt supply
EPROMS
1702
256x8
lus)
4.45
2700
1024x8
450ns
3.90
2758
1024x8
450ns
(5v)
5.90
2710
2048x8
450ns
5v
3.90
2710-1
2048x8
350ns
5v
5.90
TMS2516
2048x8
450ns
M
5.45
TMS2716
2048x8
450ns
7.90
TMS2532
4096x8
450ns
(5v
5.90
2732
4096x8
450ns
(5v
4.90
2732-250
4096x8
250ns
fev
8.90
2732-200
4096x6
200ns
St
10.95
2764
8192x8
450ns
tot
9.90
2764-250
8192 x 8
250ns
St
13.95
2764-200
8192x8
200ns
fit
23.95
TMS2564
8192 x 8
450ns
Bt
16.95
MC68764
8192 x 8
450ns
(5v
(24 pin)
38.95
27126
16384x8
;all
Call
5v = Single 5 Vo
I Supply
74LSO0
74LS00
.23
74LS92
.54
74LS01
.24
74LS93
.54
74LS02
.24
74LS95
.74
74LS03
.24
74LS96
.88
74LS04
.23
74LS107
.38
74LS05
.24
74LS109
.38
74LS08
.27
74LS112
.38
74LS09
.28
74LS113
.38
74LS10
.24
74LS114
.38
74LS11
.34
74LS122
.44
74LS12
.34
74LS123
.78
74LS13
.44
74LS124
2.85
74LS14
.58
74LS125
.48
74LS1S
.34
74LS126
.48
74LS20
.24
74LS132
.58
74LS21
.28
74LS133
.58
74LS22
.24
74LS136
.38
74LS26
.28
74LS137
.98
74LS27
.28
74LS138
.54
74LS20
.34
74LS139
.54
74LS30
.24
74LS14S
1.15
74LS32
.28
74LS147
2.45
74LS33
.54
74LS148
1.30
74LS37
.34
74LS151
.54
74LS30
.34
74LS153
.54
74LS40
.24
74LS154
1.85
74LS42
.48
74LS155
.68
74LS47
.74
74LS156
.68
74LS48
.74
74LS157
.64
74LS49
.74
74LS158
.58
74LS51
.24
74LS160
.68
74LSS4
.28
74LS161
.64
74LSS5
.28
74LS162
.68
74LS63
1.20
74LS163
.64
74LS73
.38
74LS164
.68
74LS74
.34
74LS165
.94
74LS75
.38
74LS166
1.90
74LS76
.38
74LS168
1.70
74LS70
.48
74LS169
1.70
74LS03
.59
74LS170
1.45
74LS8S
.68
74LS173
.68
74LS86
.38
74LS174
.54
74LS90
.54
74LS175
.54
74LS91
.88
74L
S181
2.10
74LS189 8.90 74LS383 1.30
74LS190 .88 74LS364 1.90
74LS191 .88 74LS365 .48
74LS192 .78 74LS366 .48
74LS193 .78 74LS367 .44
74LS194 .68 74LS36S .44
74LS195 .68 74LS373 1.35
74LS196 .78 74LS374 1.35
74LS197 .78 74LS377 1.35
74LS221 .88 74LS378 1.13
74LS240 .94 74LS379 1.30
74LS241 .98 74LS385 1.85
74LS242 .98 74LS386 .44
74LS243 .98 74LS390 1.15
74LS244 1.25 74LS393 1.15
74LS245 1.45 74LS395 1.15
74LS247 .74 74LS399 1.45
74LS248 .98 74LS424 2.90
74LS249 .98 74LS447 .36
74LS251 .58 74LS490 1.90
74LS253 .58 74LS624 3.95
74LS257 .58 74LS640 2.15
74LS258 .58 74LS645 2.15
74LS259 2.70 74LS668 1.65
74LS260 .58 74LS669 1.85
74LS266 .54 74LS670 1.45
74LS273 1.45 74LS674 9.60
74LS275 3.30 74LS682 3.15
74LS279 .48 74LS683 3.15
74LS280 1.95 74LS684 3.15
74LS283 .68 74LS685 3.15
74LS290 .88 74LS688 2.35
74LS293 .88 74LS689 3.15
74LS295 .98 74LS783 23.95
74LS298 .88 81LS95 1.45
74LS299 1.70 81LS96 1.45
74LS323 3.45 81LS97 1.45
74LS324 1.70 81LS98 1.45
74LS352 1.25 25LS2521 2.75
74LS353 1.25 25LS2569 4.20
6500
1MHZ
6502 4.90
6504 6.90
6505 8.90
6507 9.90
6520 4.30
6522 7.90
6532 9.90
6545 21.50
6551 10.85
2 MHZ
6502A 6.90
6522A 9.90
6532A 10.95
6545A 26.95
6551A 10.95
3 MHZ
6502B 13.95
6800
66000 58.85
6800 3.90
6802 7.90
6808 12.90
6809E 18.95
6809 10.95
6810 2.90
6820 4.30
6821 3.20
6828 13.gs
6840 11.95
6843 33.95
6844 24.95
6845 13.95
6847 10.95
6850 3.20
6852 15.70
6860 9.90
6662 10.95
6875 6.90
6880 2.20
6883 21.95
68047 23.95
68488 18.95
6800 1MHZ
68B00 9.95
68B02 21.25
68B09E 28.95
68B09 28.95
68B10 6.90
68B21 6.90
68B45 18.95
68B50 5.90
8000
8035 5.90
8039 6.90
INS-8060 16.95
INS-8073 49.95
8080 3.90
8085 5.90
6085A-2 10.95
8086 28.95
8087 CALL
8088 38.95
8089 88.95
8155 6.90
0155-2 7.90
8156 6.90
8165 28.95
8185-2 38.95
8741 38.95
8748 49.95
8755 23.95
524 BYTE February 1984
Circle 114 on inquiry card.
8200
8202 23.95
8203 38.95
8205 3.45
8212 1.75
8214 3.80
8216 1.70
8224 2.20
8226 1.75
8228 3.45
8237 18.95
8237-5 20.95
8238 4.45
8243 4.40
8250 9.95
8251 4.45
8253 6.90
8253-5 7.90
8255 14.95
8255-5 18.95
8257 7.90
8257-5 8.90
8259 6.85
8259-5 7.45
8271 38.95
8272 38.95
8275 28.95
8279 8.90
8279-5 9.00
8283 6.45
8284 14.95
8286 6.45
8287 6.45
8288 24.00
8289 48.95
Z-80
2.5 Mhz
Z80-CPU 3.90
Z80-CTC 4.45
Z80-DART 9.95
Z80-DMA 13.95
Z80-PIO 4.45
Z80-SIO/0 15.95
Z80-SIO/1 15.95
Z80-SIO/2 15.95
Z80-SIO/9 15.95
4.0 Mhz
Z80A-CPU 4.90
Z80A-CTC 4.90
Z80A-OART 10.95
ZSOA-DMA 15.95
Z80A-PIO 4.90
Z80A-SIO/0 15.95
Z80A-SIO/1 15.95
Z80A-SIO/2 15.95
Z80A-SIO/9 15.95
6.0 Mhz
Z80B-CPU 12.95
Z80B-CTC 12.95
Z80B-PIO 12.95
Z80B-DART 18.95
ZILOG
Z6132 33.95
Z8671 38.95
DISC CONTROLLERS
1771 15.95
1791 23.95
1793 25.95
1795 48.95
1797 48.95
2791 53.95
2793 53.95
2795 58.95
2797 58.95
6843 33.95
8272 38.95
UPD765 38.95
MB8876 28.95
MB8877 33.95
1691 16.95
2143 17.95
UARTS
AY3-1014 6.90
AY5-1013 3.90
AY3-1015 6.90
PT-1472 9.90
TR1602 3.90
2350 9.90
2651 8.90
TMS6011 5.90
IM6402 7.90
IM6403 8.90
INS8250 9.95
INTERFACE
8T26 1.54
8T28 1.84
8T95 88
8T96 88
8T97 88
8T98 88
DM8131 2.90
DP8304 2.24
DS8835 1.94
DS8836 98
VOLTAGE REGULATORS
7805T
.74
7905T
.84
78M05C
.34
7908T
.84
7808T
.74
791 2T
.84
7812T
.74
791 5T
.84
7815T
.74
7924T
.84
7824T
.74
7905K
1.44
7805K
1,34
7912K
1.44
781 2K
1.34
7915K
1.44
7815K
1.34
7924K
1.44
7824K
1.34
79L05
.78
78L05
.68
79L12
.78
78L12
.68
79L15
.78
78L15
.68
LM323K
4.90
78H05K
9.90
UA78S40
1.90
78H12K
9.90
C,T = TO-220
K =
■ TO-3 L =
TO-92
DIP SWITCHES
4 POSITION 84
5 POSITION 89
6 POSITION 89
7 POSITION 94
8 POSITION 94
IC SOCKETS
1-99 100_
8 pin ST .12 .10
14 pin ST .14 .11
16 pin ST .16 .12
18 pin ST .19 .17
20 pin ST .28 .26
22 pin ST .29 .26
24 pin ST .29 .26
28 pin ST .39 .31
40 pin ST .48 .38
64 pin ST 4.20 call
ST = SOLDERTAIL
8 pin WW .58 .48
14 pin WW .68 .51
16 pin WW .68 .57
18 pin WW .98 .89
20 pin WW 1.04 .97
22 pin WW 1.34 1.23
24 pin WW 1.44 1.30
28 pin WW 1.64 1.44
40 pin WW 1.94 1.75
WW • WIREWRAP
16 pin ZIP 6.70 call
24 pin ZIF 9.90 call
28plnZIF 9.95 call
ZIF ■ TEXTOOL (Zero Insertion Force)
CRYSTALS
32.76Bkhz 1.90
1.0 mhz 4.90
1.6432 4.90
2.0 3.90
2.097152 3.90
2.4576 3.90
3.2768 3.90
3.579535 3.90
4.0 3.90
5.0 3.90
5.0688 3.90
5.185 3.90
5.7143 3.90
6.0 3.90
6.144 3.90
6.5536 3.90
8.0 3.90
10.0 3.90
10.738635 3.90
14.31818 3.90
15.0 3.90
16.0 3.90
17.430 3.90
18.0 3.90
18.432 3.90
20.0 3.90
22.1184 3.90
32.0 3.90
RESISTORS
</, WATTS' CARBON FILM ALL STANDARD VALUES
FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEG OHM
50 PCS 1.25
100 PCS 2.00
1000 PCS 15.00
BULK DISKETTES
5V4" DISKETTES
ATHANA OR NASHUA
SSSD 18.95
SSDD 22.95
DSOD 27.95
5V4" DISKETTES
NO LABEL
SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY
(WITH JACKETS AND HUB RING)
Pack of Ten $ 16.95
Pack of 100 $149.00
APPLE ACCESSORIES
80 Column Card 129.95
16 K Card 42.50
Fan 38.95
Power Supply 84.95
RF Mod 24.95
Joy Stick (Apple II) 29.95
Paddles Apple 9.95
ZBOCard 129.95
SCRG Switch-A-Slot 19.95
Paddle Adapple 24.95
Extend-A Slot 195.95
Disk Drive 224.95
Controller Card 69.95
Disk Drive
The Flip Sort Plus™
The Flip Sort Plus™ adds new dimensions to
storage. Designed with similar elegant lines as
the original Flip Sort™, in a transparent
smoked acrylic. The Flip Sort Plus™ has a stor-
age capacity of over 100 diskettes and has all
the outstanding features you have come to ex-
pect from the flip sort Family. 24.95 each
DoKa
Circle 114 on inquiry card.
2100 De La Cruz Blvd.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
BYTE february 1984 525
«*&£&«
fJZ&K
«*gZ&*x
CALL TOLL FREE
*•*£««
*«*»
FOR LOWEST POSSIBLE
Specials from your Largest Computer Dealer
Quadram
• Color Card for PC
• Fully PC Compatible
$219
BMC Printer
• BX-80
- Epson MX80FT Compatible
• Friction & Tractor Feed
• centronic Par. interface
$239
Franklin 1200 OMS
• 2 Disk Drives
• Wordstar & Ace Calc &
Mail merge
• CPM & Apple Compatible
$1699
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Sanyo
MBC-550, PC Compatible . , !
MBC-555, 2 Drives, More Software
IBM
PC64K.1 Drive !
PC64K,2Drives
XT Hard Disk Drive, 1 28K
Tava
we Will Beat All competitors
on this PC Compatible
Apple
he starter System
CPU Only ....
Franklin
Sanyo PC (MBC 550)
• IBM Compatible
• 16 Bits, 8088 cpu
• 128KRam, Hi-Res.
Capabilities
• Centronic Printer Port
• Detachable Keyboard
• Free Software
Much, Much More
$849
Apple HE
• Starter System
$1326
usi
• 12" Amber
20 MHz Monitor
$119
Kaypro
Kayproll
Kaypro 4 ,
Kaypro 10
Compaq
Portable(PCCompatible) . .
DISKETTES HI-QUALITY
5Va"
SglSide/Dbl Density
Dbiside/Dbl Density
SglSide/Sgl Density
Dbl Side /Dbl Density
S19
39 /box of 10
ACe1000,64K.
Ace 1200 OMS
All Diskettes come with 5 year warranty &
Reinforced Hub, 100% error free.
Head Cleaning Kits' S 9
5V« Flip tubs (holds 70) ... 19
ALS
• Cpm 3.0
• 6 MHz — Z80B
• 64K Ram
$269
fc NEC 8023A
Better than c.itoh
• Top Quality
• Better Than a 8510AP
• Full Graphics, Friction &
Tractor Feed
$339
Diskettes for IBM PC
• 5 year Guarantee
• Dbl. Side/Dbl. Density
• Reinforced Hub
$22
100 for $210
VIDEO MONITORS
Amdek
colon +
Color II + .
3000,12" creen
300A, 12' Amber
310A, Monochrome Amber
BMC
BMC12AUW .
BMC 12 EUN Hi-Res . . .
BMC 12 - Amber
BMC9191 Color Composite
Princton Graphics
PCSHXl2,Hi-ResColor
PCSSR-12, Hi-ResColor
PCS MAX-1 2, Monochrome
USI
PI 3, 12' Amber
Zenith
ZVM122, Hi-ResCreen .
ZVM123, Hi-Res Amber
we accept all P.o.'s from universities
CALL 800-847-1718 a
**
we OFfer More Than \ Low Prices!!!
[Ma. I >< Cor a J
800-847-1718
PRICES IN THIS MAGAZINE
**
PRINTERS
Dot Matrix & Letter Quality
BMC
BX80 (Epson Compatible) S 239
Daisywriter
2000 W/48K Buffer S1099
Dynax
DX15, LetterOualitv S 469
DX25 call
NEC
8023A(100cps) S 339
8025(15" Carriage) 699
Okidata
82AI80CPS) S 329
83A (15" Carriage) 569
84P(lnStOCk) 999
New Series Okidata
92PI160CPS) S 429
93P(15"Carriage) 739
c. itoh
See NEC for Better Products
Epson
RX-80(120cps) Call
MX-80FTI80CPS) Call
FX-80(160CPS) Call
FX-100 (15" Carriage) Call
Star Micronics
Gemini lOXd20cps) S 299
Gemini 15X 399
Power typed 8 cps) 479
PRINTER INTERFACES
Orange Micro
Grappler + S 119
Crappler + w/16K 179
Microtek
Dumpling GX(GrapplerCompatible) S 99
Dumplingw/16K 159
wesper Micro
wizard Full Graphics interface S 79
Apple Par Card & Cable
Card&Cable S 49
Cables
IBM to Printer S ? R
Kaypro to Printer :
RS232Cables 19
Okidata Options
Tractor for 82 & 92 S 5
Serial Interface 9
Star or Epson
Serial interface S 119
APPLE ADD ON'S
Micro Tek
Bam 16, 16K Memory
Serial Interface
Micro Soft
i6KCard
PremiumSoftCardllE
MultiPlan
SoftCard(Z80)
Micro Max
Viewmax80(80col)
Viewmax80E(ForllE)64K . . .
zcard
CPM 3.0 Card
Joystick
GraphicsTablet
RF Modulator . .
Fanw/Surge . . .
Disk II
Monitoril
Kraft
Koala
Astar
Apple
IBM ADD ON'S
Ast Research
Six Pack +
Mega +
Call for All AST Accessories
Ouadram
QuadCoiorCard
Quad Link
Quad Chrome Monitor
Monochrome Adaptor
Monochrome Monitor
Colorcard
Plantronics
URI Display
Paradise Systems
Multi Display Card
64K upgrade
64K Memory
Centronics cable
pccable
Tandon
TM100-2
Panasonic
1/2 Height, 320K
Circle 61 on inquiry card.
Computer
Components
Unlimited
RETAIL STORE &
MAIL ORDER:
11976 Aviation Blvd.
inglewood, CA 90304
All merchandise new We accept MC
Visa Wire Transfer, COD Call, Certified
Check, POs from qualified firms, apo
accepted Shipping: Minimum S4 50 first
5 pounds. Tax California Res Only add
6' ? sales tax
Prices Subiect to Change
APPLE DRIVES
Micro Sci
A-2
Controller
Quentin Research
Applemate
Controller
Rana Systems
Elitei
Elite ii
Elite in (Quad Density)
Controller ....
Slimline .
Controller
Super 5
5 V 4 & 8 DISK DRIVES
5V«"
Tandon
TM100-1.160K
TM100-2, 320K
TM101-4(Quad.)
Shugart
801RSgl/Dbl
851RDbl/Dbl
Mitsubishi
2894Dbl/Dbl
Qume
Panasonic
1/2 Height, 320K
Tandon
848-1 Slimline sgi/DW
848-2SlimlineDbl/Dbl
Siemans
FDD 1 00-8, Sgl/Dbl
DISK DRIVE CABINETS
5%" Cabinets
single cab. w/ powersupply
Duaicab. w/powersupply . 85
8" Cabinets
Single Cab. w/fan& powersupply S 209
Dual Cab. w / fan & power supply 259
Sales Desk
(800)847-1718 (213)643-5188
Outside California inside California
Customer service & Technical
(213)643-5188
Mon.— Fri. 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This Ad Supersedes All Others
no Surcharge for Credit Cards
CaIiFornia DiqiTAl
Post Off ice Box 3097 B • Torrance, California 90503
FREE
Plastic library
case supplied
with all diskettes
purchased from
. California Digital.
DISKETTES ■■ '16.50
FIVE INCH SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY
tS!IS Each Sox 10 Boxes 100 Boxes
SCOTCH
VERBATIM
MEMOREX
MAXELL
DYSAN
LCAL-S01
CAL-510
CAL-516
MMH.744/0
MMM-T44/"
MMM-744/
19.95
)8 26.50
VRB-52S<01 __ __
VHB-S25M0 26. 50
VRB-S25J16 ■"*•■'»•»
MRX-34G1 __ __
MRX-34B3 26. 50
MRX-3485 —**■*"»
MXL-MD1 _ _ rt
MXL MHW10 20,50
MXL-MH1M6 w«w»
18.50
24.50
25.25
16.50 I
21.75 I
23.50
22.25! 18.75
24.50 23.25
33.00! 30.50
FIVE INCH DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY
SCOTCH
VERBATIM
MEMOREX
MAXELL
MAXELL/ 96
DYSAN
DYSAN /96
24.95
MM M 7-45.0 __ __
MMM-745M0 39.95
MMM-74SM6 "»*™«**»
vno-550'01
VRB-550'10
VRB-550/16
MRX-3491
MRX-3493
MRX-3495
MXL-MD2
39.95
35.00
39.95
45.00
DYS-104I2D
DYS-107/2D -« EA
DYS-105/2D 4£.3U
DY5-204I2D
49.95
22.75
37.95
37.95
31.25
37.95
43.00
40.50
47.95
20.50
31.25
32.75
26.25
34.75
41.25
35.50
45.75
EIGHT INCH SINGLE SIDED SINGLE DENSITY
SCOTCH mmm-740/o 29.50
MEMOREX mrx3062 27.75
VERBATIM vRB.34/9000 31.50 :
I DYSAN Dvs.3740/1 35.75 I
EIGHT INCH SINGLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY
SCOTCH MMM-741/0
MEMOREX MRX-3090
VERBATIM VRB-34/8000
DYSAN DVS-3740/1D
MAXELL ' MXL-FDi
37.75
35.50
35.25
40.75
45.50
SPECIAL
Shugart410
'129
These Sliugarl 4)0 5'j disk drives are all lactory
fresh 1983 production, (ecenlly purchased from the
Four Phase Division ot the Motorola Corporation.
Those disk drives are single sided 80 track(96TPI)
suitable lor use wilh the Radio Shack Model 1 and Model 3 Or any other
application thai can support an 80 track second drive such as the IBM/PC. The
A 10 is lull height and (unclionatly Ihe same as the Tandon TM 1 00-3 Complete
with power connector and installation manual
When these Shugarl -tlOs are liquidated the price will revert to our regular
price o! S249 SHU-SA4 1 ___ ====
MEMORY
BLOWOUT
SAlE II
California Digital has recently participated ir
the purchase ol several Ihousand Siemens^
FDD 100-8 lloppy disk drives. These units are electronically and physically
stmiiiar to lhal of the Shugan 801 R. All units are new and shipped in lactory
sealed boxes. Manual and power connectors supplied free upon request. Your
choice 1 15 Volt. 60 Hz. or 230 Voll 50Hz
aige Quantity ol 230 votl 50 Hz units wa'cnousoO n
nade to will call these drives m quantities ol 50 di more
16K DYNAMIC
1.95
4116 150ns.
64K DYNAMIC
5.95
4164 150ns
4.95^
2732 EPROM
L9
450ns
16K STATIC
4.95
6116 200ns.
2764 EPROM
SALE '5.95
DYNAMIC MEMORY
EIGHT INCH DOUBLE SIDED DOUBLE DENSITY
SCOTCH MMM-743/0
MEMOREX MRX3102
V E R BAT I M VRB-34/4001
DYSAN DYS-3740/2D
MAXELL MXLFD2
23"
COMPOSITE
MONITOR
*159
35 1 15 77
30 3 95 3 65
95 5 75 5 50
crin \=A
CUD i Ml
i-.nd ;T.,r
run :;■.■■!--■.
run .i T'
CND-37S
CND-37H 2 25 I 95 1
CND-50P 5 50 5 10 -i
CND-50H 2 60 2 40 2
CND.2HS 09 69
AMPHGN0L / CENTRONICS TYPE
57O03U0 36 P CNC-3CP 7 05 6 35 3
IEEE48B C dar CND-2JP 7 95 6 35 5
DISK DRIVE POWER CONNECTORS
8 6 pin DC CNP-6DC t 95 1 29
8 3ACSgl-S CNP-3SS 169 109
S 3ACnGl'S CNP-3DS 169 109
5'* iti-ii DC CNP-4DC I 79 I 19
) pin DIN tocpt CNP-D3P 259 t 99 t
Shipping: First five pounds S3.00, each additional pound S.50.
Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess will be refunded.
California residents add 6Vz% sales tax. • COD s discouraged.
Open accounts extended to state supported educational institu-
tions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating.
Retail location: 15608 Inglewood Avenue, Lawndale 90260.
Atari n
■eight cfwges
REMEX D £ E '219
California Digital has iusi purchased a large quanlily of Reme* RFD-4000
Eight inch double sided disk drives Remex is Ihe only double sided disk
drive lhat has an double gimbal mounted head assembly lhal guaranties lower
head tracking. This drive is mechanically solid Remex has always been
known for producing premiere products for Ihe floppy disk market The Remex
company is a subsidiary ol Ihe Ex-cell-o Corporation, a Fortune 500 Company
Eight Inch Single Sided Drives
One Two Ten
385 375 365
385 375 365
169 169 159
369 359 349
SHUGART801R
SHUGART810 Half Height
SIEMENS FDD 100-8
TANDON 848E-1 Hall Height
Eight Inch Double Sided Drives
SHUGARTSA851R
SHUGART 860 Half Height
QUME 842 "QUME TRACK 8"
TANDON 848E-2 Half Height
REMEX RFD-4000
MITSUBISHI M2894-63
495 485 475
485 475 459
459 459 449
459 447 465
219 219 209
379 375 369
MITSUBISHI M2896-63 Half HI. 459 449 409
Five Inch Single Sided Drives
SHUGART SA400L 235 229 225
SHUGART SA410 96TPI/80Trk. 129 119 call
SHUGART SA200% Height 159 149 139
TANDON TM100-1 189 179 175
Five Inch Double Sided Drives
REMEX RFD480 IBM compatible
SHUGART SA450
SHUGART SA455 Half Height
SHUGART SA465 Half Ht. 96TPI
TANDON TM50-2 Half Height
TANDON TM55-4 half HI.96TPI
TANDON 100-2
TANDON 101-4 96TPI 80 Track
MITSUBISHI 4851 Half Height
MITSUBISHI 4853 Vi Ht. 96TPI
MITSUBISHI 4854 VzHt., 8" elec.
QUME 142 Half Height
TEAC FD-55B Half Height
Three Inch Disk Drives
SHUGART SA300 with diskette 229 219 209
Five Inch Winchester Hard Disk Drives
SHUGART 612 13M/Bytes 895 865 825
SHUGART 706 6 M/Byte, Half Ht 795 775 755
SHUGART712 13 M/Byte, 1 / 2 Ht. 895 865 825
SEAGATE 506 6 M/Byte 465 445 425
TANDON 503 19 M/Byte 895 875 855
Upon request, all drives are supplied
with power connectors and manual
ENCLOSURES
California Dicjilal manufactures an asortment ol stock and custom disk drive
enclosures It Ihe volume is justified we will custom design an enclosure lor
your application. The following stock disk drive enclosures are available
All include power supplies the 8 enclosures are supplied with exhaust fans
199
189
175
319
309
299
259
249
239
289
279
269
215
209
199
329
319
309
279
269
259
369
355
350
259
249
245
339
329
319
465
449
439
239
229
219
299
389
275
Horizontal mount two 8 ft
height drives. S279 00
Vertical mount two full height E
disk drives. S299 0Q
Horizontal mount one lull height
or two half height B disk
drives S239 0X1
Vortical mount two lull height 5
disk drives S139 00
TOLL FREE ORDER LINE
(800) 421-5041
TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA
(213) 643-9001
CaMFornja Diq'iTAl
Post Office Box 3097 B • Torrance. California 90503
&
WESTERN UNION
EasyLink
Calilornia Digital has recently contracted with the West-
ern Union Telegraph Company for the privledge of offer-
ing subscriptions to Western Union's new EasyLink data
communications network.
Subscribers are able to transmit and receive domestic
and international communications from a network of over
1.5 millon Worldwide Telex subscribers. EasyLink also
allows access to other Western Union services that till
recently have been available only to dedicated Telex
installations.
Send telegrams, Mailagrams and computer letters as
easy as telephoning Western Union's toll free access
line. Your personal computer and modem become your
link to the World.
One time S35.00 Installation fee includes EasyLink self
teaching user manual. Telex directory and your EasyLink
access password.
Your Choice
Second Drive or Monitor
SANYO
IBM COMPATIBLE
'995
-- »55.t4*J
Sanyo Electronics has just released the lor g awaited IBM/PC look-a-like, the
MBC-550. This is a complete microcomputer that includes 128K/byte o<
memory, a 5 V 160K/byte disk drive upgradeable to320K/byte drives. Also
includes both color composite and RGB graphics interface, low profile key-
board, and parallel printer port. Extensive software such as Sanyo Basic, disk
utilities. Wordstar word processing software, Calcstar spread sheet & Easy
Writer I. MS-DOS is supplied with the Sanyo computer. Most programs
written for the IBM/PC will operate on the MBC-550.
Along with all this California Digital offers FREE" your choice of either a
second disk drive, or a high resolution green or amber screen monitor. All ai
the super low price of only S995.
We are currently experiencing an initial shortage of this computer. Please
place your orders early. The MBC-550 will be shipped on a first c rdered basis.
PRINTERS
'289
Sfar Gemini
MATRIX PRINTERS
SlarGamitii-lOX I30d
Sta'Gem.n. 15X lOOdi.i' sec 15 mdi."
Slar Gemini DoUj - 160 CMi sec
Slat Cop* HOF T trrclion S (raOOf
To'iiii|jnPi:j5(J I92',har soc li.'1'er quality
Gk.dala 02A senal S pa'aM IV ,- caper
:..av.i;,
160 cl
Data U3A & parallel 15 paper
Gk dasaWAt paiiiici '0 papei
Okmaia 2350 mow, 350 enar/scc
Lp'.onFXliO 10 150 char -'sec wilii graijiiii.'n
l:;]',L''iMXiniiwilh(;r 1 ij|tilr.-|» 15 paper
NECSO&MptraNeig'i paper graphics
Afiadei 9601 A riign speed *iingrapnici
Anadei9630A2O0cha'sec pari & senal
Ouantei 7030 corosporxienco quality '80 char-:
GonHa low cosi dot main* punier
Ptnurttet Bf. 10 parallel 9' . paper
I'rowntcrll p.lMNpltS pBpff graphics
D.lt.ipfOQu;.!-, B-600-3 band punier 600 LPM
Pr:n|rpn.« P3011 hrg<- spued punier 300 lines per I
Pftnironn PtiOO ultra iugn Speed 600 lines per rru.
islar l30Pp,irl ISM PC com pal i Cl e
STH-GlOX
STR-G15X
STR-D10
VSLCOOFT
TOS 13=0
OKI-82A
OKI-9ZA
OKia3A
OKI-8-1A
OKI 3350
FfPS-FXEO
EPS-MXIOO
NEC-B023A
ADX9501A
ADX.962DA
OTX- 7033
PRO-7500
PRO-SSI 3P
PHO-2P
DPSBSOO
PTX-P300
PTXP600
TNS-130P
WORD PROCESSING PRINTERS
MEC7T10 fi'jcliar 'second str.al mierlaco
NE.CJ730 Kchai'sec part interface
NEC3S50 r-apuiaiu'iinerae!.i(jned'or'.tieiBM F
NEC205P dBttmedta ©M PC 20 char, sec par
Silver ReM EXP5G0 Uetiawsec parnnlertnce
Silver Reed EXPiBO 1 7 Char sec pat I mle'lace
0iaDlo630J0char.sec serial
0'Mto620 prtjporrionai spacing. *ior> & -cert fat)
Juhi6lOO_t8elw 'sec graphic " '
Brolh.
HRU
rl parail
BttMACM HH 1 A s.vi.-tt interlace
rjvMeiF 10 senal -JOcnai sec
muter F 1 parallel 40ctiarsec
Camre» CRi worrtprocetioingprmier s
NEC- 77 10
NEC 7730
C NEC-3550
l NEC-2050
SRD EXPOOO
SRD-EXP550
DBL-G30
20cps D0L-62O
JUK-6100
BTH HR1P
BTHHRlS
PRO-FlOS
PROF 1 0P
CRXCRlS
CHXCR2P
1-195 00
379 00
J79 00
619 00
1019 00
1995 00
529 00
58900
389 00
1099 00
1199 00
1595 00
189 00
689 00
6935 00
■1250 00
5 795 00
629 00
I 799 00
995 DO
459 00
659 00
1765 00
879 00
539 00
695 00
779 00
1125 00
9 00
MONITORS
i;*.'C i;'ii;i«'!i cnoij:ri;;r i-.MH» compos.
BMC 12 high resou-iion 20MH-
ZeniitiZW.I22AmOcr Phosphor 12 40. 60 column switch
Junilh A'MI.?.) ijinon priu>.rjl'i.ir 12 40/ BO column swilth
NECJB1301 green ptnsptei I8MH* eomposil video
NEC JOi;>ji)iummfrr:ialijr.ii].;ccimposi1
USI Amber screen 12 composit monilor
UoKvpia 23 QfMfl frame Wk. imhitecomposil v«Jeo
Motorola 12 open irame ruquires no'z sync andpowe'
Contact open trama requires lion sync & 12v supply
COLOR
BMC AlStfllUCcJOi composit video with sound
r.'.'C C-! .'.Mf-r,[ dos.(;ro;'l*n-"jie*ilri!r;el8McompulC(
NECJC1203DM RGBcoW monitor
NECJC1201 co'jr composit
2emth 2VM13-1 HGBcdIO- SUriabW 'o: IBM PC
BMC-12A
BMC-12EN
ZTH-122
ZTH-Z123
NECJ3U01
NEC-J31260
USl-tBA
MOT-EW23
MOT-BWI2
CON-BW9
BMC-9191
BMC-9131M
NEC- 1203
NEC-JC1201
ZTH-Z134
COM-tjjOO
AMK-100
79 00
134 00
119 00
105 UG
1 69 00
129 00
169 00
159 00
499 00
699 00
— MODEMS
DIRECT CONNECT
S69
httyttg Smart Modem I200baud egtoantimti aoioaiai
K8T«S 1200B bM uie IWOI Ihc IBM PC t200 DaurJ
Hayes Smailrnodeni 300 baud only autoanswer auiofli
Hayes Micron waem II 103 Apple direct connect
Hayes Uoomodeni too B- 100 auto answer autodial
Hayes Chro'iociMph itme 8 dale
US RoDot>cs2'2A 300. 1200 Baud auto dial 'answer
Penrsi 300 1200auto<3iai.au!olo<j
Universal Data 103LP ime power ansiverfi originate
Universal Dalu 103LPJ Autoanswe/
■ Universal Data .I0: 1 iSOOtjaiirt nail duple* only
Universal Da1a212LP tu« t.''G0bnud duplei line ponver
Novation J Cai direct connect autoanswer
Caf acou si ic coined
nSmadCat !03.auHanswst autorjial
IiOnSmanCai 103 213 U'OOoaudautoOuii
Signalman Mark 1 d'rect connect wiihiermmalcat:
HVS-212AD
-174 95
HYS-1200B
449 00
HYS-103AD
229 OO
HVSMM2
27" 00
HYS-100
319 00
HYS-CHR232
199 00
USR-212A
439 00
PEN-12AD
695 OL-
UDS-103LP
IOS 00
UDS-103LPJ
219 00
UDS-202LP
219 00
UDS-21ZLP
359 00
NOV-JCAT
11500
NOV-CAT
159 00
NOV-SC103
219 00
NOVSC212
529 00
SGL-MK1
69 00
VISA
TERMINALS
The Wyse :00 features die cast '
aluminum case. 102 Key keyboard
and non-glare 26 line green phos-
phor video display. Splil screen
bolh horizontal an vertical makes
the WY- 100 unusally user friendly
This unique lermmal ts perfect 10
enhance any business sysiem
*795
Freedom 50 SpMBoeen deiatcnapie kuytjoars
ViSuOi50 ae:a:cr-.,n, «uyt-,«dras.:"ociaDfcseit-rKjs
V.sua: 50 Green screen
Visual 330. emulator Urfichgroenpnosphef
Air.pc» D.ologue I25c;*een scee'i i*opjqe tuf-c kqys
Ampo» D'a<Out}e 125 ameer screen tv-opage 'unc keys
i ■■ ■
n phOSphOJ
o;cnc-osuiu
LIU-P50
-175 00
VSL -50
r-i"uo
050 tl'J
■.:■;. .!..■.;(.
925 00
675 00
APX-Di:5A
695 00
WYS-00
595 OO
795 Oil
1159 00
TV 1-31 OP
575 00
TVI-925
759 00
TVI-y50
-.■: : - ■
TVI370
1 095 t)i)
ZTH-Z29
;gsoo
APPLE
'929
Apple ll/e. 64K compuler only
Apple ll/e starter kil, monitor, disk. 80 col card
Advanced Busness Tech. 1 3 Key Pad
Calil Computer 77 1 OA Async Serial Interlace
Calil Computer 77lOBsame bul lor modem
Calif. Computer 71 14A 12K PROM module
Calif Computer 7720A parallel interface
Calif Compuler 772-:A Calandar /clock modual
Calif Computer 7729A Centronics interface
Calil Computer 77-10A programmable timer
California Digital 1 6K card for standard Apple II
Hayes Micromodern it for Apple II
Kensington Micro. System saver tan
Microsoft Softcard wfttl CP/M. Z-80
Mountain Computer The Clock
Mountain Computer AD/DA 1 6 input, 8bil
Mountain Computer ROM Plus with keybd tiller
Mountain Computer ROM writer.' socket socket
Orange Micro GRAFPLER parallel interface
Sorrento Valley 8 controller double side D/D
TEAC 5' .i" disk drive lor Apple II
Vista Vision 80, 80 co umn card for std Apple II
Vista 8 disk controlle- double side D/D
ASCII
KEYBOARD
APL-2E
APL-2ESK
ABT-13B
CCS-7713
CCS- 771 OB
CCS-7H4
CCS- 7720
CCS- 772-1
CCS-7729
CCS-7740
CAL-A16
HYS-MM2
KEN-SFl
MSF-SFTCD
MTN-TCLK
MTN-ADDA
MTN-RMF
MTN-ROMW
OMS-G2
SVA223
TEA-A2
VSA-VIS80
VSA-A800
49
Calilornia Digi
over 3000 ol th
■ eyDoardf. Irom It
sivilchus includes it 'ut.hcii Keys ar-.n 14 *e, nuiwm ciusier malic ituskey
excelled value al only $49 MIC-93GO 5 IPs
We also have available ntraretMng General Dynanncs steel Dim panel sio
256 KILOBYTE
MEMORY BOARD
*495
• 256 kiloby1esolmeinorYismg64K<lyn3m!£RAM I
• Duel one meoabylc ol memory using, I lie new
256K dynamic R AM chips.
• Error deleclian-lrap capability.
• Individual tSK block can be relocated to any
boundry within a megabyte ol RAM.
• 24 bil addressing and phantom mode capability.
B. i;;; .GiaaaaDaiB'~:|^i
run.
in oulslantling value m ',. I 0(1 memory iQciinoiogy PnciKl Slinlil)
MitionallcMI.JH.-s 255K ol memos-; ninu'Mniy Parilyerrrjr
1 ERRORLED or IEEE ti95 •ERROR signal 2i or 160.1
TtleCalilnrriiaDiiiil.'ilJ'liC.KnAMDoarilropri;
earlier generation (i-1K dynr^nn: r.irn lio.inl:, ii rim-i, yr:
lealure can be jumpered It- any ol trie interrupt lines, a
addressing Aiin memory m,)nn(]etnent
Proper opcalian wilH tnmt pariifl l-i)jii)[^H -.yilems DMA <l'5i COrirrr),; L -r;, ,ir.rj IEEt;-(i:H'i Tempomry BliSS Masler^
aSSurefl Willi anon llii.'hu.i-tl Ml (|i-n.:'r,ii:ii lo' mcnioiy r L -':i'-.ii lim.nn CAS.imi HAS inninij n. i unlroiied wiilniipiH.'iloifjiljl
cum, iv I ir ii ?i . lor pmprr upi'Mlion nviT Hit; vnlir.- iiiJi.'i.ilmr] lemiii'i.iiure rangt!
The tjoaril is very reci'ril m il.r-.niii irvrvj lln> National -Si'micnrni^rioi Ul' tl-10'.t HAM Cunnoller chip Split termmalion
ne1WOrksareust!,-IiM! .ill i:ldrf:<-. Iim.v. CASi.n,- .in.-l RASim.-, I'liminnlin.-j itn> ia',1 Iracrsiii nriifUKj Tun txusci uses two
separate voltage regulators One lor Itte DRAUs and one (or trie Menace iticjic. increasing the noise immunity ol the ram
ariiiy Typical power dissipation is 8 walls
Documentation includes Ifeory ol Operation COrfigufahOn guide a scften.iiic ana application noles on Hie use ol trie
memory management oiiNons CAL-256K ? Lbs
S- 100 BOARDS
16 BIT MICROPROCESSORS
Octagon mm nru tiOBB ;ho ScttUtollet QV.-mim 735 utt
Godooul siHifi B067 mtctacemp ie im GBt-flear «5 00
Godboul da.il t»nu 5101 8085 B3BB fl.16 GBT-B588 359 00
SINGLE BOARD COMPUTERS
InsoWKH IZK.4hh4 nulS-lOO INS-EQ4 59b 00
hUvj:--: .;',: i ;■;,--. 0-1K AMI! YHtl /SO 00
i !■!,;!(:, Si.t.-ii i .-■■■- .■filloi'.ijy lytri Hi :,M I r.V, (lO
telete* f DC-1 snqlB board TO mmtiun/ TELFDCI G75 00
8 BIT MICROPROCESSORS
Gadtiout^SO 24 oil wtL'rtilKl idd GBT-iBO 250 00
CalilDinia Compuie: l&0 nnciotiiweyini fXS ..till 275 00
latticll IBO Willi two RS232 parts TAH-ZflO 330 00
FLOPPY DISK CONTROLLERS
GoUUDal Pish I doable density GBt DSK1 305 00
Calilornu Compuler 2J22A wan CPM CCS-242? 339 00
Mar tow Disk Jockey II With CPM 2 2 MTJS I)J? 350 00
MatFOwlJisii Jockey I *itnCI'M M|l ln-n M1JS tlJl 225 00
l.irlifllili'MmmcMluiililiMlensily 1AH-00C 419 00
l.irntll I Iim iminr:-. -,.i'i)Hr (leiisily TAR-SDC 279 00
Fulcrum DMA Oitiriitjisk I'OtuhlttJflS* fCM-ODI 389 00
CPM OPERATING SYSTEM
DiaiUr>ResnrctiCP/U3 s sal dan DMC-cpM3o 24a oo
(iiiillnml CPM? 2 lor Disk 1 GBI-C|iM:>;' 159 no
ii,„l!:i,i.il ri'M^ijli.-.'-.diJi.riD.'llilii, liBI-CjiMI!'. .'65 ()(;
TailWB ElecIron.es CPM 2 2 fAR-CpM^2 159 00
HARD DISK CONTROLLERS
Ocisgoii ii^/d uisk cqrUfctflei w«nE C oct-hOi
ti(itlliuiit[')n;h;! a & 1.
fludti-djl Di'it .1 Iuj'j'i W.rlclii.-slcr-.
i.'uiiM Di.-: ;j:i-i ai'iuuliet lor 5'i Vi
cm i)SK;' 509 00
tliil i)SK:l Nov
MOS-V.500 495 00
EPROM BOARDS
STATIC MEMORY BOARDS
Gtidboul K im :c d ;k 16 ti<l d tu luii', GBT Hlb
'.■ .:r-j.. ■ ■ ■■ r: ■ ■ l- - iCCi > GBr-Hir
■ii'j n"
.!3'J I'D
H53 OU
.'J9U0
DYNAMIC MEMORY BOARDS
Caiitnm. i Dif t .: 756K enaano lo 1 Metj CAL-D;'5tJ 495 BO
CariloiiiuCui-iQ ?f)66 04K bJin. seire: CCS-2f<.6 295 00
INTERFACE BOARDS
teifaccri PwrrjIoorH GB1-UJA
leilau'ii tifsuUpj, ipuns GBT -tbOA
iwticeti.i «nii 5 w pr.ni (1BI t.ltiA
GodOtWt Werticer I pwraioom GBT-133A 23900
Gouoo-jiinitiijdri. i w:yf3wr ipuns GBT-ibOA 26900
GrjfJtWi ISllaEVM win b scnai pons GBI I35A 495 00 |
Godboul imeiUcei m
. . i. - GBI-1H7A 3:
Cniotr- iCar-. j:cr.;iO Jsro psitis CC5-2710 21
Ciiil0in:jC3nBJinr?.'l& ?ifrj. 2 par i CCS-2ri9 2!
CaMarnia Computet 2'?0 4 pen pji I CCS-2720 2'
r.i.iinriM Cofflmlai ?83D 6 pen serial CCS-ZBM 4i
Morrow Designs Mulnmurd 3 S 7P tf'>5-Mll' 3-
SPECIAL FUNCTION BOARDS
Hayes S-lJOM<ionvwrti JOOWuC HVSMIOO i,
OlCo'nouVMiAitjw-Cii Mteiy OlC-CCiM t;
;,.-.;ra.--. ■. ■•; - M L"= ! ■■''
i'.'j^bOjl ! . ..: " - nMGUl :■'!' It :■.
DuatSjStams I. ■■■■:■■■ ■.■::•/. r. DSC-/.0M12 G
CuaiSyl!em"5.iJfsoi-Kn J2SI A J DSC AIM!? 6:
MuiiinsOptu^4jtor comroBBcn MU. O'O 17000 |
Mulur.s Cklencai CCJrC a .1*1 ijg.; t, probe Mill tSJ 79 00
1-0 Ucnicvor;. *.re Blip protulyoc I0I-W11W 49 00
Alec f 'i-chobo Aire wrap proioi r pc ARMVW100 25 00
A-IC-i ;-.i.r ..i:-i;i-.i-.i yjM^t- i.n::lf AHIGPIOO 25 00
MAINFRAMES & MOTHER BOARDS
CP/M SOFTWARE
AdaSoli CP/M
D-Base II
Wordslar
Mailmerge
Spellstar
Mulliplan
Macro 80
ADA-445C 395.00
ASH-015C 429.00
MPR-187C 309.00
MPR-392C 169.00
MPR-429C 169.00
MSF-483C 189.00
MSF-187C 139.00
Supersoll
MAC
CP/M 3.0
Despool
Pascal Plus
CP/M 86
MP/MII
MPR-309C 149.00
DGR-401C 85.00
DGR-410C 249.00
DGR-367C 45.00
DGR-004C 429.00
DGR-186C 239.00
DGR-208C 379.00
Shipping: First live pounds S3.00, each additional pound S.50.
Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess will be refunded.
California residents add 6Vz% sales tax. • COD's discouraged.
Open accounts extended to state supported educational institu-
tions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating.
Retail location: 15608 Inglewood Avenue, Lawndale 90260.
Additional Software available for Apple, IBM/PC and
Atari. Please telephone for price and availability.
TOLL FREE ORDER LINE
(800) 421-5041
TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA
(213) 643-9001
UNBEATABLE SANYO COMPUTER
1 2" 80 x 24 1 6MHz MONITORS
Part Humbec Description
Usl Price SALE PRICE
$240.00 $149
$260 00 $165
$240.00 $149
$260.00 $165
$240.00 $140
$260.00 $165
1 0" RGD COLOR MONITORS w/ AUDIO
BBSY0DMS500 Medium Res 350 x 350 lines $495.00 $349
BBSyODM75N High Res. H480 x U240 dots $725.00 $499
BBSY0D W8500 Ultra High H690 x V240 dots $1 085.00 $ 799
Shipping weights on above monitors 12" 24 lbs ea.. 13" color 30 lbs ea
BBSY0DHI8012CX Black & White Display
BBSTBDMHI2CX B & W w/audio
BBST0DM1I2CX Green P31 Display
BBSY0DM9112CX Green P3I w/audio
BBSY00M8212CX Amber Display
BBSYBDMB212CX Amber w/audio
GEMINM0X&15X
120 CPS DOT MATRIX P RINTER
$289
$419
$ 59
$119
CPS
WITH
BBSTRGEMIOX 80 column (20 lbs.) $399.00
bBSTRSEMlSX 1 32 column (26 lbs.) $649.00
BBSTRSERINTX Serial Interlace tor 10X and 15X
BBSTRSERINTX4K w/4K print buffer for I0X and 15X
DELTA 10 & 15 160
DOT MATRIX PRINTERS
6K PRINT DUFFER
BBSTROEI.TA10 80 column (20 lbs.) $649.00 $469
BBSTRDELTA15 132 column (20 lbs.) $799 00 $699
PRINTER CABLES
BBP6C36CP72CP Centronics Male to Male 6' 524.95
BBPGC25BP72CP IBM PC" to Cem.onics Parallel 6' 534.95
BBPBC2S1P6P 6' 9 conductor shielded RS-232 $19.95
MANNESMANN
TALLY
Letter Quality Dot Matrix Printer
For Complete Specifications, see page 41 of our
new 83/34 Engineering Selection Guide
BBTAIMTIBOL 80 column/! 60 cps (21 lbs) $589
8BTALMT1B0L 132 column/160 cps (28 lbs I $829
BBTALMTHIB160 Replacement Ribbon for MT160L 815.75
BBTALMTRIB1 B0 Replacement Ribbon Inr MT1 80 L $17.80
Order Interlace Cables at Left
PIXY 3 PLOTTER
High Quality, economical 3 color plotter. See page 37 of our '83/84
Engineering Selection tor details.
$699
$769
BBTALPIX3P w/parallel interface (sh. wl 16 lbs.)
BBTALPIX3S w/serial interface (sh. lift 16 lbs)
(ompuPro The World's Largest Supplier
of S- 100 Boards!
IIBB0T5I0B8
BBBBTS1588
BBGBT51066
BBBBT51S86
BBBBT5I0B7
BBGBT51SB7
BBBBTSI080
BBBBT5I580
BBBBTS1060
B6GBT5156D
CPU DOARDS
CPU 68K AST 8MHz
CPU 68K CSC 10MHz
Co- Processor w/8086 only
Cr> Processor w/8086 only
CPU 8086/80B7 AST
CPU 8086/8087 CSC
CPU 8085/88 AST
CPU 8085/88 CSC
3/6MH2 CPU-Z AST
3/6 MHz CPU-Z CSC
SDSystems
Usl Price SALE Price
Z60 SINGLE
BOARD COMPUTERS
$ 695.00 $ 595.00
$ 850.0b i mm
ASTS 750 00$ 675.0B
CSC$ 850 00 S 765.00
$1050.00$ 039.00
SI 150 JOS 1065. 00
$ 495 00$ 380.00
$ 595.00 $ 407.87
$ 325.00 $ 270.00
$ 425.00 $ 347.87
DISK CONTROLLER DOARDS
DDSDS38005
BBSDS3BBB2
BBSDS38007
0OSDS3B0B8
BDSDS38BB9
BBSDS38097
BBS0S3B076
BBSDS38062
BBSDS38B8I
BBSDS38096
BBSBS3809B
SBC-300 4MHz ZB0A CPU A&TS 74100$ 619.
SBC-300 6MHz Z80B CPU AST$ 825 00$ 689.
Z80 Starter System AST
ExpandoRAM IV 256K AST
ExpandoRAM IV 256K
w/EDC AST
ExpandoRAM 111/696 256K
PR0M ; 100 w/software AST
RAM Disk 256K AST
ROM Disc 128KA&T
1/0-8 4-Port Async Ser. AST
1/0-8 8-Port Async Ser. AST
$ 450.00 $ 399.
$114500$ 975.
$1990 00 81675
$ 825 00 $ 749
$ 285 00$ 210
$ 875 00$ 775
$ 35000$ 310
$ 600.00 $ 540
S 695 00$ 589
Part Number
Description
-'■ ADVANCED
DIGITAL
CORPOHAJXM
Usl Price SALE Price
i
0BADCS0P6128 Super Six 6MHz 128K Mastc $995 00$B49.00
w/1 AOC PS1 RS232 Serial Adapter
BBADCSPRSLV612B Super Slave 6M Hz 128 K $695.00 $595.00
BBABCSBC15 Ruper Quad for S V< " drives S750.00 $695.00
BBABCSBC18 Super Quad for 8" drives $750 00 $695.00
SOFTWARE & I/O PORT ADAPTERS
0B
00
00
00
Port S 79500 $ 699.00
BAP08171ACPM DISK 1 (AST) w/CP/M' 22 $670.00
When purchased with two 8" disk drives:
BB6BT54018
BBBBT41BBB
DISK 1 Floppy controller (AST) $49500
CP/M'' 2 2 lor Z80/8085
w/manuals8BI0S.8"S/DDisk
CP/M-86' lor CPU 8085/88
S CPU 8086/87 CPUs
w/manuals BIOS 8" S/D Disk
DISK 2 8" hard disk controller $795 00
w/CP/M - 2 2 lASTl
DISK 3 ST-506 type 5 V hard $795 00
disk controller w/CP/M-80" &
CP/M-86' (AM)
S 489. 00
$450.00
$425.00
$148.95
$249.00
$725.00
$725.00
I/O BOARDS
1/0-8 4 Sync. 4 Async,
Serial I/O A&T
Versafloppy III Floppy S ST-506 S 895 00$ 759.
Hard Disk Controller
DBPDBVF339I 45* w/5 Si" unbanked CP/ M " 3 $ 1 083 00 $ 888.
w/8" unbanked CP/M*' 30 $108300 $ BBS.
w/5%" banked CP/M' 3 $1083 00$ B88.
w/8" banked CP/M' 30 $1083 00 $ B88.
Versafloppy It/696 (AST) $ 400 00$ 344.
w/5V«" unbanked CP/M" 30 $ 588 00$ 424.
w/8" unbanked CP/M' 3 $ 588 00 $ 424.
w/5V banked CP/M' 3 $ 588 00 $ 424.
w/8" banked CP/M' 30 $ 58800$ 424.
•CP/M-Plus'" (3 0I configured lor the SBC-300
See Complete Specifications on Pages 12-25
Of Our '83/'84 Engineering Selection Guide
BBSDS38B9S
BBPDBVF33914B
BBPD0VF339147
BBPDBVF33914B
BBSDS38093
BBP0BVF239141
BBPD0VF239142
BBPDBVF239143
BBPDBVF239I44
BBABCPS1
BBADCCPSP
BBADCCPM22*t
BBADCCPMSO't
BBABCTDOS40*t
PS/Netl RS232 Serial Adapter $ 35.00
Centronics Parallel Port Adapter $ 35.00
Advanced Digital CP/M' 2 2 $150.00
Advanced Digital CP/M Plus" 13 0) $350.00
TurboDos' 1 2. or 4 Multi-user $550.00
'Replace * with Q to specify Super Quad: $ for Super Six
t Replace t wilhB lor 8" IBM' 3740 formal. 48 lor 514" 48 TPI format or
96 lor 5W" 96 TPI format.
ST506/SA1000
HARD DISK CONTROLLER
BBADCHDC100I5
BBADCH0CI00IB
BBADCHDCINSTl
BB6BT56010
System Support 1 Multifunction $450 00 $375.00
1/0 (A&T)
BBGBT5B0I0/56531 SSf w/8231 Math Chip A&J S645 00 $570.00
DBGBT5601 0/56320 SSI w/8232 Math Chip A&T $645 00 $570.00
BBGBT53030 Intertacer 3 - 8 port serial (A&T) $699 00 $599.00
BB6BT53040 Interfaced 3 Serial. 1 Cenlron- $450 00 S389.I
ICS Parallel. 1 Parallel (AST)
8/16 BIT MEMORY DOARDS
BBGBT52016 RAM 16 1 2MHz 32K Static A&T$ 55000$ 495.00
BBBBT52021 HAM 21 12 MHz 128K Static AS.TS 995.00$ 895.00
BB6BT52022 RAM 22 12MHz 256K Static A&TS1750 00 $1549.00
BB6BT52012 M-Dnve/H 512K RAM Disk A&TS1475 00 $1195.00
#&*" {^octagon
BOARD LEVEL PRODUCT
BBBCTCP0816 8/16 Bil SBC (AST) $ 895 00 $ 795.00
BB0CT80B7N0P 8087 tor CPJ 8/16 $300.00
BBBCTCPM86 CP/M 86' $ 150.00
BB0CTC0NCPMB6 Concurrent CP/M-86' $ 195.00
BB0CTMPMB6 MP/M-86' $ 495.00
ST-506 Hard Disc Controller $ 595 00$ 525.00
MAINFRAMES
BBBCTH0C
BBDCTHDS0BI9
BB0CTS256TBD
BBBCTD5I2K
BB6BT51200 20 Slot Desk Top (A&T) $925.00 S79S.C
BBG8T5I250 20 Slot Rack Mount (AST) $975.00 SB50.C
For more CompuPro Specifications
see Ml" 2-33 ot our New Catalog
Manufactured by Vector Electronic Co. under license from CompuPro
BBVCTB8006FB Intertacer 1 2-Senal (AST) $295 00 8219.00
BBVCTB80BGF2B Intertacer2.3-Par.1-Ser (AST) $325 00 $239.09
BBVCT8800GRI7B RAM 17 64 K 10MHz $450 00 $369.00
Static RAM (A&T)
192Mb Hard Disc Subsyslem $229500 $1995.00
256K Static RAM (A&T) $185000 $1719.00
512K Dynamic RAM (A&T) S145000 $1345.00
See Specifications on Pages 12-27
Ot Our '83/'84 Engineering Selection Guide
COMPLETE OCTAGON 8/16 " SYSTEMS
BB0CT8I6SMPMW/256K Sialic RAM S MP/M-86'" $7350.00
BB0CT816SCCPH W/256K Static RAM 8 Concurrent CP/M-86 $7350.00
BBBCT8160MPMW/512K Dynamic RAM S MP/M-86 $7350.00
BB0CTIIB0CCPMW/512K Dynamic RAM S Concurrent $7350.00
CP/M-86
See Complete Specifications on Page 5 Of Our
New '83/'84 Engineering Selection Guide
ST506 514" Winchester Conl $500 00 $450.00
8" Winchester Com $500 00 $450.00
Install program (or use with non-ADC $ 10.00
CPU board (Supplied on 8" CP/M"
compatible disk)
See Complete Specifications on Pages 14 - 27
of our 'B3/'84 Engineering Selection Guide
MACKO'i'KCH International Corp.
MAX: 1 S-100 SLOT
1 MEGABYTE
The MACR0TECH MAX is a 256K lo 1 Megabyte S-100 IEEE/696
dynamic memory board Thai's right up to 1 Megabyte on a single
standard size S- 1 00 board The first 384 K is on the Host card thai plugs
into your motherboard. The remaining 640K ts located on a unique "piggy-
back" card that attaches to the host The MAX family is ideally suited to
applicalions where density, speed, and software flexibility are essential
See Page 1 6 Of Our New '83/04 Engineering Selection
Guide for Complete Specifications
Ordering Information: The 256K and 384K versions include the fully
socketed Host card. The 512K and larger versions also include the fully
socketed "piggy-back" card. List Price SALE Price
BBMACMAX256 256K Dynamic RAM (AST) S112500 $1165.00
BBMACMAX384 384 Dynamic RAM (A&T) S1467 00 $1395.00
BBMACMAX512 512K Dynamic RAM (A&T) S186000 $1795.00
BBMACMAXM 1 MEG Dynamic RAM (A&T) $2449 00 $2325.00
BBMACMAXTM MAX Technical Manual $ 15.00
BBMACMAXVDSK MAX Virtual Disk Software supplies $ 25.00
on 8" S/D Disk
BBMACM3 Memory Mapping Option $ 91.00
Attention CompuPro CPU 8085/68 liters: You must order the CPU
modification hardware to insure complete compatibility
BBMACGBTMOD Hardware modification lui
CompuPro CPU 6085/88
10.00
= ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 420-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (8 1 8) 709-5 1 1 1 circle 303 §
DEAL PAGES 092 & 393
DISK DRIVES & CABINETS ON SALE!!
5V»" FLOPPY DISK DRIVES
BBMPI5I* MPI Full Height SS 48TPI {5 lbs.) $200.00
B8MPI52* MPI Full Height DS 48TPI (5 lbs.) $270.00
BBMPI9I- MPI Full Height SS 96TPI (5 lbs.) $275.00
BBMPI92* MPI Full Height DS 96TPI (5 lbs.) $400.00
BBMPI50I MPI Vi-Height SS 48TPI (4 lbs.) $260.00
BBWPI502 MPI Vi-Height DS 48TPI (4 lbs.) $300.00
BBTNDTM1001 Tandon Full Height SS 48TPI $199.00
BBTNDTM10O2 Tandon Full Height DS 48TPI $249.00
BBTHDTMID14 Tandon Full Height DS 96TPI $339.00
■Replace with M lor MPt Door, oi S for Shugart SA400 Type Door
Dual 8" Disk Enclosures
All ol these rugged enclosures feature forced, filtered air cooling, hefty
power supply, with the heat producing elements mounted to outside for
cool, reliable operation. The rear panels are punched for the appropriate
data cables.
FDE002. Economical design for two standard size 8" floppies. Hinged lid
for easy drive access. Power supply: 5V(B4A, -5V@i.8A. +24(°> 3A
DT1002. Cabinet for two 'A-heigtit 8" drives or 1 full height 8" floppy or
Winchester. Includes Shugart type AC power cable
Lit Price SALE Price
Part Number Description
5 1 /." Disk Drive Cabinets
BBJMMC5
BBJMR2C5
BBJMR2C5C
Single Drive Cabinet (5 lbs)
Dual Drive Cabinet (9 lbs.)
Dual w/lnternal Data Cable (9 lbs.)
$ 79.00
$ 99.00
$115.00
BBIIIF0E002 FDE002 Dual Enc. (35 lbs.) $359.95 $325.00
BBIIIDTL002SHU DTL0C2 Dual Thin Line(12 lbs.) $225.00 $175.00
BBIItDTLMPIKiT MPI Vi-Heighl DTL adapter kit $ 24.95
BBIIICBLSPH3D4FM Shugart to Qume AC Cable $ 4.95
BUY CABINETS WITH DRIVES AND SAVE!
Combinations with FDE002
s3Bwir*^5j(Kf
5V«." Hard D sk
BBMCPI302
Micropolis 20.4/25.9 Mb (12 lbs.)
$1465.00
BBMCP1303
Micropolis 33.9/43.2 Mb (12 lbs.)
$1675.00
BBMCP1304
Micropolis 40.8/51.9 Mb (12 lbs.)
$2195.00
BBTNDTM501
Tandon 6 Mb (9 lbs.)
$ 699.00
BBTNDTM502
Tandon 12 Mb (9 lbs.)
$ 849.00
BBTNDTM503
Tandon 19 Mb (9 lbs.)
$ 995.00
BBSHU8Q1R Shugart Full Height SS (IB lbs.) $349.00
BBSHU8S1R Shugart Full Height DS (18 lbs.) $479.00
BBSIEFDD1006 Siemens Full Height SS (18 lbs.) $169.00
BB0METRAK842 Oume Full Heighl DS (18 lbs.) $459.00
BBMITM2B94S3B Mitsubishi Full Height DS (18 lbs.) $375.00
BBIUPMIS MPI Full Height SS (11 lbs.) $300.00
BBMPM2S MPI Full Height DS (1 1 lbs.) $460.00
BBMPI41D MPI Dual '«- Height SS (22 lbs.) $760.00
BBMPI42D MPI Dual '.-Height DS (22 lbs.) $630.00
BBMPW1M MPI VHeight SS (9 lbs.) $380.00
BBMPI42M MPI Vi-Heighl DS (9 lbs.) $460.00
BBTNDTM8481 Tandon v... Height SS (9 lbs.) $359.00
BBTN0TMM62 Tandon V Height DS (9 lbs.) $435.00
BBPDBIIIFDE2S2 w/2 SHU801R Drives
BBPDBIIIFBE2M2 w/2 MFM289463BS Drives
BBPBBIIIFBE2Q2 w/2 QMETRAK842 Drives
BBPBBIIIFBE2B51 w/2 SHU85IR Drives
BBPDBIIISIE W/2FDDI008 Drives
Combinations with DTID02
$ 969.00
$1049.00
$1199.00
$1239.00
$ 595.00
BBPDBIIITND1 w/2 TNDTM8481 Drives $ 879.00
BBPDBIIITNB2 w/2 TNDTM8482 Dlives $1039.90
BBPDBIIIMPI1 w/2 MPI41M Drives $879.60
BBPDBIIIMPI2 w/2 MPI42M Drives $1039.00
Due lo UPS Regulations, drives end ceblneti will be shipped separately.
Please Include shipping lor each disk drive and cabinet.
All of the necessary power for two TANDON TM500 series or equivalent
hard disk drives Just imagine, you can have 1 0OMbytes of storage using
two of the Micropolis 5 Vi" Winchester disk drives and this cabinet! Power
supply: +5V(fC 6A and +1 2V@ 6 A The rear panel is punched for two 20.
two 34, and one 50 pin header connector. Fan cooled.
BBIIIHD5002 Dual Hard Disk Enclosure $369.00
DUY CABINET WITH DRIVES AND SAVE!
BBPDB50IHD5
BBP0B502HD5
BBPDB503HD5
BBPDB1302HD5
BBPDB1303HD5
BBPDBI304NB5
w/2 TM501 Drives
w/2 TM502 Drives
w/2 TM503 Drives
w/2 MCP1302 Drives
w/2 MCP1303 Drives
w/2 MCP1304 Drives
$1599.00
$1899.00
$2149.00
$2999.00
$3799.00
$4399.00
Due lo OPS Regulations, disk drives will be shipped separately from cab-
inets. Don't lorget to include shipping lor each disk drive cabinet
maxell
irS WORTH IT!
1200 BAUD MODEM SALE
(5?1-?— - « UT » DIAL/
U.S.
ROBOTICS -.
AUTO ANSWER
FREE SOFTWARE!
Part number BMgjjtjM Uil Price SALE
BBPDBPASSTEU3 Password Modem w/Com- $528.00 $379.00
munication Software 8" CP/M'"
BBFDBPASSTEL5 Password Modem w/Com- $528 00 $379.00
munication Software 5V Apple
BBPDBADIALTELB Auto Dial 212A Modem $67800 $$495.00
w/Communication Soltware 8" CP/M 1
BBPDBADIALTELS Auto Dial 21 2A Modem $678 00 8495.00
w/Commumcation software 5W Apple
BBPOBSIOOTEU S- 100 Mortem Card w/operating S528 00 $379.00
software on 8" CP/M' diskette
D.C HAYES
For more details on
Modems, toe pages
36 S 39 ol our
New Catalog
Part Number Description
Ust Price Oor Price
BBDCH0400P 1200 Baud Smartmodem $695.00 $514.95
BBDCN0200P 300 Baud Smartmodem $279.00 $229.00
BBDCH0300P Chronograph $249.00 $199.00
BBDCNB100P MicroModem 100 $399.00 $349.00
BBDCHOOOOP MicroModem II $379.00 $299.00
BBDCNI200B IBM-PC" Modem card $599.00 $499.00
PJXON
1200 Baud Direct Connect w/10 Number Memory
5%" DOUBLE DENSITY DISKETTES
BBRIXR212A 1200 Baud Stand Alone unit $495.00 $449.00
BBRIXPC2I2A 1200 IBM PC" modem (2 lbs.) $495.00 $449.00
BBRIXPCC0MI IBM PC" Modem Software (1 lb.) $ 69.00
BBPOBBIXIBM IBM Modem i Soltware Together (3 lbs.) $539.00
Part Number Sectors
Tracks
Sides/
Heads
Price Per Box ol 10
1 2 or more
BBMXLMDI M Soft
BBMXLMHI 10M 10 hard
6BMXLMHII6M 16 Hard
40
40
40
1
1
1
$28.00
$28.00
$28.00
$25.00
$25.00
$25.00
BBMXLMD2DM Soft
BBMXLMK210BM 10 Hard
BBMXIMH2I6DM 16 Hard
40
40
40
2
2
2
$42.00
$42.00
$42.00
$30.00
$38.00
$38.00
BBMXLMDI DDM Soft 80 1 $36.00 $33.00
BBMXIM02DDM Solt 80 2 $44.00 $40.00
BBMXLMH2I6D0M 16 Hard 80 2 $44.00 $40.00
All mini disks with exception of MD 1 DOM MD2HD & MD2DDM are with hub ring
8" DOUBLE DENSITY DISKETTES
8BMXLF01I26M1200 Soft
BBMXLFHI32MI200 Hard
$36.00 $33.00
$36.00 $33.00
BBMXLFB2XDM1200 Sofl 2 $45.00 $40.00
BBMXLFH232BMI200 Hard 2 $45.00 $40.00
Go on The Gold Standard!
A GOOD COLOR TERMINAL
NEEDN'T
COST A LOT
OF MONEY
yffcy HITACHI IMJ Al
\&J Hitachi Denshl.Ltd. UVHL
TRACE SCOPES
NOW WITH A
5 YEAR WARRANTY!!
NEW LOWER PRICES!
FOR COMPLETE SPECIFICATIONS ON HITACHI OSCILLOSCOPES, SEE PAGES B2 « 83
IN OUR 03/'84 ENGINEERING SELECTION GUIDE
40MHz with
Delay Line
BBHITV422 List Price $895.00
SALE PRICE:
60MHz with
Trigger View
BBHITV65I
'List Price: $1195.00
SALE PRICE:
100MHz Delayed Sweep/
Quad Trace
BBHITV105BF List Price: $1595.00
SALE PRICE:
$ 749. 00 $995. 00 $1 395. 00
(Shipping Weight 17 lbs I
(Shipping Weigh! 31 lbs)
(Shipping Weigh! 31 lbs)
■UK.
ADDS
Phone Today and Get On Our
Priority Interrupt Mailing List!
PRIORITY
Circle 303 on inquiry card.
ELECTRONICS
9161 Deenng Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311-5887
^ffl ^S
BBAODCOIOK Viewpoint/Color Terminal (40 lbs.) List: $129500
ON SALE NOW FOR ONLY: $1 129.00
ORDER TOLL FREE (800) 420-5922 - CA, AK, HI CALL (818) 709-51 1 1 s
Terms US VISA. MC BAG Check. Money Order U S founds Only Ca residents add6'/ ? % Sales Tax, MINIMUM PREPAID ORDERS1S0O. Include MINIMUM SHIP- =
PING S HANDLING oJS3 00 for Ihe first 3 lbs plus 404 tor each additional pound Orders over 50 lbs. sent freight collect Just in case include your phone number Prices ^^=
subiect to change without notice We will do our best to maintain prices through February. 1 984 Many quantities are limited. Son - io ramchecks. no refunds or ex- —
changes on sale merchandise Credit card orders will be charged approriate freight Sate prices lor prepaid orders only We are not responsible tor lypographical errors ^=|
2 RETAIL STORE PHONE NUMBERS: (Cholsworth:) (618) 709-5464 - (Irvine:) (714) 660-141 1 |g
Digitalker
rmsoa
74LS02
74LS03
74LSC4
74LS0!.
74LS08
741S09
74LS10
7415)1
74LS12
74LS13
74LSI4
74LS15
74LS20
74L521
74LSZ2
74LS26
74LS27
74LS28
74LS30
74LS32
74LS33
74LS37
74LS38
74LS40
74LS42
74LS47
74LS4B
74LS49
74LS51
74LS54
74LS55
74LS73
74LS74
74LS75
74LS76
74LS78
74LSB3
74LS8S
74LS86
74LS90
74LS92
74LS93
74L595
74LS96
74LS107 14
74LS109 16
74LS112 16
74LS113 14
74LS1I4 14
74LS122 14
74LS123 16
74LS125 14
74LS176 14
74LS132 14
74LS133 16
74LS136 14
74LS138 16
74LS139 16
74LS151 16
74LS153 IE
74LSI54 24
74LS155 16
74LS1S6 16
74LS157 16
74LS158 16
74LS160 16
74LS161 16
74LS162 16
74LS163 16
74LST64 14
74LS165 16
74LS16B 16
74LS169 16
74LS170 16
74LS173 IB
74LSI74 16
74LS175 16
74 LSI 81 24
74LS190 16
74LS191 IB
74LS192
74LS193
74LSI94
74LS195
74LS197
74LS221
74LS240
74LS241
74LS242
74LS243
74LS244
74LS245
74LS247
74LS248
74LS249
74LS251
74LS253
74LS257
74LS25B
74LS260
74LS266
74LS273
74LS279
74LS2B3
74LS290
74LS293
74LS298
74LS352
74LS353
74LS365
741.5366
74LS3B7
74LS368
74LS373
74LS374
74LS375
74LS3B6
74LS393
74LS399
74LS670
81LE95
81LSQ7
74SO0
74S02
74503
74S04
74S05
74508
74S09
74S10
74S11
74S15
74S2Q
74S22
74S30
74S32
74S38
74S40
74S51
74S64
74S65
74S74
74SB5
74S86
74S112
74SII3
MrJJ. I' IM
14
74S1I4
74S133
74S134
74S135
74S136
74S138
74S139
74S140
74S15I
74SI53
74SIS7
74S15B
74S160
74S174
74S175
74S188-
74S194
74S195
74S196
74S240
74S241
745242
74S243
74S244
74S251
74S253
74S257
745258
74S260
74S280
74S287-
74S2BB*
74S373
7453 74
74S387*
74S471"
74S472*
745473'
74S474'
74S475*
74SS70"
74S571"
74S572'
74S573*
74S940
74S941
CA3010H
CA3039H
CA3Q46N 14
CA3059N 14
CA30EON 16
CA3065E 14
CA3080E 8
C040QO
CD4001
CQ4002
CD400G
CD4007
CD400?
CD4010
CD401I
CD4017
CD40I3
CD4014
CD4015
CO4016
C04017
C0401B
C04019
CD4020
C04021
CD4022
CD4023
CD4024
CD4025
CD4026
CD4027
CD4028
CD4029
CU4Q3D
C04034
CD4Q35
l [Moo ir
CA30B1N
CA3082N IS 1.19
CA3083N 16 1.49
CA3086N 14 .69
CA3089N 16 l 69
CA3Q96N 16 1.49
I
C04040
CD4041
CD4Q42
CD40J3
CD4044
CD4Q46
CD4047
CD404S
CD4049
C040SO
CD4Q51
CD4052
CD4D53
CD4056
CD4059
CD406Q
CD4Q66
CD4068
CD4069
CD4Q70
C04071
CD4072
mm
C04075
CD4076
CD4078
GD4081
CD4082
C04093
CA3130E
CA3140E
CA3I60H
CA3161E
CA3162E
CA3189E
CA3401N
CD4098
CD4506
CD4507
CD4508
CD45I0
C0451 1
CD4512
CD4514
C04515
C04516
CD4518
C04519
CD452D
C04526
CD4528
C04529
CD4543
CD4S62
CD4566
CD4583
CD4S84
CD4723
CD4724
MC14409
MCJ4412 16
MC14419 16
MC 14433 24
MC14S38 16
MC14S41 14
13.95
13 95
11.95
40 CPU
40 MPUw/Clcck
40 MPUw/Clcckal3MHz . . .
40 CPU-8-M (Internal Clock) iMHi
40 CPU-8-M lEilemal Clock) lMHr .
40 MPU— B-bil (6MHz)
40 CPU-Sgl.chipfHiill12Bbts.Ram) . .
40 CPU (256 bytes RAM] ...
40 CPU (64 bytes RAM)
40 CPU w/Basic Micro Interpreter
40 CPU ..
40 CPU 16-bH 5MHz
4D CPU 8/16-blL
40 HM05 RAM I/O Port-Timer.
40 HMOSEPROMMPU
-280, 280A, 280B, Z8000 SERIES-
40 CPU (MK3880N)(7flOC) 2MH7
28 Counter Time; Circuit
40 Dual Asynchronous Rec. /Trans.
40 Direct Memory Access Circuit .
40 Parallel I/O Interlace Controller
40 Serial I/O (TiCB and RxCB Bondcdl
40 Serial I/O (Lacks 01RB). ..
40 Serial I/O (Lacks SVNCB).
40 Serial I/O
40 CPU (MK3B80N-4)(7B0C-1) 4MH*
28 Counter Timer Circuit
40 Dual Asynchronous Rnc. /Trans
40 Direct Memory Access Circuit
40 Parallel I/O Interlace Controller
40 Serial I/O (TtCB and RxCB bonded)
40 Serial I/O (Lacks DTRB) .
40 Serial I/O (Lacks SVNCB)
40 Serial I/O . ..
40 CPU(MK3880N-6(6MHz.
2B Counter Timer Circuit
40 Dual Asynch. floceiver/Transmiller
40 Parallel I/O Interlace Controller
48 CPU Segmented
40 CPU Won-Segmented
40 Serial Comm Controller
40 Counter/Timer i. Parallel I/O Unit
12.95
44 95
34.95
44 95
29.95
-6500/6800/68000 SERIES —
40 MPU wilt) clock and RAM [2MHz)
40 Peripheral inter Adapter
40 MPU
40 MPU wnri clock and RAM
40 CPU (IMHi] Eternal (Locking)
40 Peripheral Inter Adapl (MC6820)
24 Priority Interrupt Controller
24 1024x8-bi(ROM(MC68A3O-8)
24 Asynchronous Comm. Adaptor
24 Synchronous Semi Data Adapter
24 O-GOObps Digital MODEM
64 MPU 16-Bit (8MHzj
40 General Purpose Int. Adapter
40 Multi. Protocol Camm Controller
2B Enhanced Prog Comm. Inl.
24 64K EPROM 1450ns) . .
40 Peripheral Inter Adapter
INS8080A
TM555Q1
INS8154
8156
INS82C06
DP8212
DP8214
DP8216
DP8224
DP8226
DPB22B
DPB23B
INS8243
INS8245
INS8246
INS8247
INS82J8
INSB250N
DP8251
DP8253
DP8255
DP8257
-60B0A SER1ES-
INS177M
FD1791
FD'793
FD1795
FD1797
6643P
40 CPU
40 Synchronous Data interlace (SIRC)
40 128 Byte RAM 16-Bil I/O .
40 RAM with I/O Port and Timer
20 Octal D Flip Flop Trl-State (74C374)
24 B-bitlnput/Ou1pul|74S412)
24 Pnonty Interrupt Control
16 B>* Directional Bus Driver
16 Clock Generator/ Driver
16 Bus Driver ..
28 System Com. /Bus Driver (74S428)
28 System Controller (7-5S438)
24 I/O Expander lor 48 Series
1B 16'Key Keyboaifl Encoder [74C922I
20 20'Key Keytxard Encoder (74C923)
23 Di5playController(74C91l)
28 Display Controller (74C912)
40 Asyn. Comm Elemwl . .
25 Prog Comm. I/O (USART)
24 Prog Interval Timor
40 Prog. Peripheral 1/Ol.PPl)
40 Prog DMA Control
28 Prog Interrupt Control
40 Prog CRT Controller
40 Prog. Key Dear n7 Display Imerlace
20 8-BTl Tri-Siaie Bi fractional Trans
20 B-bil Bl-Dtrocllonal Rsceiver ..
20 8 bit BiDirectional Receivef .
20 8-cHtBi-Drectional Recerver
20 Octal Laiched Peripheral Dnver
4D 8'bit Urav Peripheral Interface
4D 16K EPROM with I/O
— DISK CONTROLLERS
40 Single Don si ly ...
40 Single/Dual Density |lrw.)
40 Si ngle / Double Den si ly ( T rue )
id :".-.. j [>;-.:.:■, ;■:::-■ :-:'::i .
40 Dual Density/Side Select True
40 Fioppy Disk Coniroiter (1MHz)
— SPECIAL FUNCTION
2995
29 95
29 95
29 95
2995
OS0025CN
DS0026CN
INS2651
MC3470P
MM58167AH
MM58174AN
C0P402N
C0P402MN
CDP470N
W.t535'i-\A II
MM536GESI
B Dual MOS Clock Driver (5MZ) .
8 Dual MOS Clock Onver (5MZ)
28 Communication Chip .
IB Floppy Disk Read Amp System
24 M icroprocessor Real Ti me C lock
16 Micro. Compatible Time Clock
40 Microcontroller w/64-Oigit RAM
and Direct LED Drive
40 Microprocessor w/64-digit RAM
& Direct LED Dnve w/N Buss Inl.
20 32-segVACFluOr Drvr (20-pin pkg )
S Prog OSDltatorrDivider (60Hi|
8 Prog Osciltator/Drvider(100Hz)
■■\>m DYNAMIC RAMS
4027
4116N-2
4116N-3
4116N-4
4164NI50
4164N-200
MM526I
MM5262
MM5270
MM52S0
MM5290-2
MM'ii-.in-i
i.mw/'M 1
MM!,;"!)! .1
18 10241 1 1300ns) 99
16 4096x1 (2S0ns) 2.49
16 1t>.384xl (150ns) 1 89-8/14 95
16 16.384x1 (200ns) 1 69-8/12.95
16 16,384x1 (250ns) 1 .49-8/10.95
16 65.536x1 1 150ns) 6.95 - 8/49.95
16 65.536x1 (200ns) 5 95-8/44.95
IB 1024>1 (300ns) 49-B/195
22 2048x1 (365ns) 40-811.95
IB 4096*1 1250ns) MK4096 4.95
22 4096x1 (200ns) 2107
16 16.384x1 (150ns)
16 16.384x1 (200ns)
16 16.384x1 (250ns)
16 8192x1 (200ns).
STATIC RAMS-
(650ns)
89- B/ 14 95
69-8/12 95
19-8/10.95
22 256x4
16 1024x1
16 t 024x1
IB 256x4
16 256x4
4S0IKI8101
(350ns)
(450ns)L.P
(450ns)8lll .
(450ns) MOS
16
1024x4 (450ns) .
1024x4 (450ns) LP
1024x4 (200ns)
1024x4 (200ns) LP
4096x1 (70ns)
(70ns)
2102
21L02
2111
2112
2114
2114L
2114-2
2I14L-2
2147
2I4B
TMS4045
TMS40L47-45 20 !D24x4
5101 22 256x4 (450ns} CMOS
MM5257 IB 4096.1 (450ns) 4044
HMG116P-3 24 2048x8 (150ns) CMOS
HM6115-4 24 204Bx8 (200ns) CMOS
HM611BLP-4 24 2048x8 (200ns) L P CMOS
HM6264P-15 28 8192x8 (ISOns)CMOS
27LSO0 16 256x1 [BOnsJLP
16 16x4
22 256X4
I 49-8/9.95
1 95-8/1395
1 75-8/11.95
2 25-8/14.95
7489
74C920
74C921
74C929
74C930
74S1B9
74S200
74S206
74S2B9
82S10
82S25
(50ns) 3101
(250ns) -
(250ns) CMOS
(250ns)CMDS(6501)
l250nS)CMOS(O5!B)
|35ns) 93405
.i!l.l;l,.,'):).|IO .
^tioxi (60nsl9341t
16x4 (35ns)3l01
1024x1 (50ns)O.C (93415)
16x4 (50ns)O.C.(74S289)..
PROMS/EPROMS
256.1
1702A
74
256x8
4.95
2708
?4
1024x8
(450ns)
3.95
2708-5
?4
1024x8
(550ns) SM00246
.2.95
TMS251D
?4
2048x8
(450ns) 2716
5.95
1MS2532
?4
4096x8
1450ns) NMC2532 ...
.6.95
TMS2564
IX
8192x6
|450ns)
14.95
TMS2716
74
2048.8
|450ns) 3 voltage
9.95
2716
74
2048.B
(450ns)
4.95
2716-1
74
2048x8
(350ns)
S,95
2716Q-5
74
2048x8
(550ns)
.4.49
2732
74
4096x8
(450ns)
6 95
2?32A-3
74
4096x8
(300ns)
7.95
2732A-4
74
4096x8
(450ns) 21V
6.95
27320-4
74
4096x8
(55Dns]
595
27580-A
74
1024x8
(450ns)
2.95
2764-4
7fl
8192x8
|450ns)
9.S5
2764-3
78
8192x8
(300ns)
14.95
MM52D40
74
512x8 |1us)
4.95
MCl.llitl/ii.t
74
8192x8
(450ns) ....
24,95
27128
78
16.384x8 1450ns) 128K EPROM
59.95
74S188
1B
32x8
PROMO.C 16330-1).
1.49
74S287
IR
256.4
PROMTS (6301-1)
1.95
74S288
IB
32x8
PROMTS (6331-1)
1 95
74S387
1ft
256x4
PROMO.C (6300-1)..
1.95
74S471
70
256x8
PROMT. S (6309-1). .
.5.95
74S472
711
512xB
PROMTS (6349-1) .
.4.95
74S473
?n
512x8
PROMOC (63481 ...
4 95
74S474
74
512x8
PROMTS (0M87S296N
.4.95
74S475
74
512x8
PROMO.C (8340)
4.95
74S476
18
1024x4
PROM T S
6.95
74S4 7B
74S570
74S571
7i<;-.,n
82523
82S115
82S123
82SI26
b;':>i; ,( '
82S130
82SI85
B2S190
82S191
16 32x8
24 512x6
16 32x8
16 256x4
16 256x4
512x4
1024x8 PROMTS
16 512x4 PROMO.C (6305) 2.95
16 512x4 PROMTS (6306) 2.95
18 1024x4 PROMO.C (635?) .... 4.95
IB 1024x4 PROMT.S. (82S137) . ,4,95
PROMOC (27S18) . 2 95
PROMTS (27S15) 9.95
PROMTS I27S19) . 2 95
PROMO.C. (27S20) . . 2.95
PROMT S (27S21) . ., .2,95
PROMOC (27S12) .. 3,95
IB 2048x4 PROMT.S (TBP24S81) 9.95
24 2048.8 (80ns) . . 14.95
24 2048.8 180ns) .. 14.95
DM87S180N 24 1024x8 PROM C I82S1B0) 9,95
DMB7S181N 24 1024x8 PROMTS (82S1B1) 9.95
0M87S1B4N IB 2048x4 PROM D C (82S184) 9.95
DM87S1S5N IB 2048x4 PROM T S (82S185) . .9.95
DM07S19ON 24 2048.4 PROM C (82S190) ,14.95
0M875131N 24 ?04Bx8 PROM T.S (82S191) , ,.14,95
DATA ACQUISITION
DC 10 Mostek DC/DC Convert +5VIO-9V 2.95
MC3470P IB Floppy Disk Read AMP System 4 95
MC14U8L7 16 7-tiil D/ A Convener (DAC0807LCN) 1 49
MCI408L8 ia 8 hii D/A Convener (DAC0808LCN) 2,25
ADCOB03LCII 20 8-bit A/D Convenor (±1/21 SB) 4 95
ADC0804 20 8-bit A/0 Converter (USB) 3 49
DAC0806 16 B-liil O/A Convener (0 78% Lm ) . . . I 95
ADC0809 28 8 Oil A/D Converter (8-Ch Multi.) 4 49
ADC0817 40 B-hil A/D Convener (16-Ch Mulli.) 9 95
OAC1000 24 10-Bit D/AConv Micro Comp |0 05 j /j) 7 95
OAC100B 70 10-bit D/A Conv Micro Comp. (0.20V,) 6 95
DACI020 16 10-bilO/AConv (0 05% Lm ) .. 7.95
DACI022 16 10-hil D/AConv (0.20% (.In.) . . . . 5,95
DAC1222 1812-mi D/AConv (0.20%Lin.) . . .6.95
LM334Z Constanl Currenl Source ' 119
LM335Z Temperature Transducer 1 40
LM399H Temp Comp Prec Ret ) 5ppm/C°) 5 00
AT-5-1013A 40 30K Baud Uar1 (TR16Q2I
.3.95
LOW PROFILE
(TIN) SOCKETS
8 pin L
14 pin L
16 pin L
1B pin Li
20 pin Li
22 pin LI
24 pin LI
28 pin LI
SOLDERTAIL(GOLD)
STANDARD
14 pin
IB pin
IB pin
nSQ
1.03
ST
s
WW
SOLDERTAIL
STANDARD (TIN)
14 pin S
16 pin S
IB pin S
20 pin S
24 pin S
20 pin S
40 pin S
WIRE WRAP SOCKETS
(GOLD) LEVEL #3
Spin WW
10 pin WW
14 pin WW
16 pin WW
ISpin WW
20 pin WW
22 pin WW
24 pin WW
2B pin WW
36 pin WW
40 pin WW
1.75
1-79
$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only
California Residents Add 6'/:% Sales Tax
Shipping — Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance
Send S.A.S.E. for Monthly Sales Flyer!
Spec Sheets — 30c each
Send $1.00 Postage for your
FREE 1984 JAMECO CATALOG
Prices Subject to Change
■3
ameco
EEBEEIIIEa
1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002
2/64 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415)592-8097 Telex: 176043
DT1050 — Applications: Teaching aids,
appliances, clocks, automotive, telecommunica-
tions, language translations, etc.
The DT1050 is a standard DIGITALKER kit encoded with 137 separate
and useful words, 2 (ones, and 5 different silence durations. The
words and (ones have been assigned dlscrele addresses, making it
possible to output single words or words concatenated Into phrases
or even sentences. The "voice" output ol the DT1050 Is a highly In-
telligible male voice. Female and children's voices can be synihealz-
ed. The vocabulary is chosen so that It is applicable to many pro-
ducts and markets.
The DT1050 consists of a Speech Processor Chip, MM54104 (40-pln)
and two (2) Spoech ROMs MM52164S5R1 nnd UM52164SSR2 (24-pln)
along with a Master Word list and a recommended schematic
diagram on the application sheet.
DT1050 Digitalker™ $34.95 ea.
MM841D4 Processor Chip $14.95 ea .
DT1 057 - Expands the DT1050 vocabulary from 137 to ovor 2GD
words. Includes 2 ROMs and specs.
Pari No. DT1 057 $24.95ea.
Pan Ho. "Pins Function Ptto
70451PI 2B CMOS Precision Timer 14 95
7045EV/KH" 2B SlOpwalcti Cflip, XTL 19 95
710ECPL 40 3Vi Digit A/0 iLCDOnve) 9 95
FE02O3D 3Vi Dtgil LCD Display for 7106& ?115 19-95
7IOBEV/KH* 40 IC. Circuit Board, Display 34.95
7107CPL 40 3'ftDlgii A/D (LED Drive) . 11.95
7lQ7EV/KiP 40 IC, Circuit Board. Display ,. ,29.95
7116CPL 40 3ftD<gi1A/DLCDDi5.HLD 16.95
7201IUS LowBattery Volt Indicalor 2.25
7205IPG 24 CMOSLEDStopwalcfi/Timer r2.95
7205EV/Kil* 24 Stopwatch Chip. XTL 14 95
720BCJPE 16 Tone Genuralor ... 4.95
7206CEV7KII* 16 Tone Generator Chip, XTL . 7 05
7207AIPD 14 Oscillator Conlrolloi 5 95
7207AEV/KH" 14 Freq Counier Chin. XTL 7 95
72151PG 24 4Fonc CMOSSlopwatchCKT 13,95
7215EV/KH- 24 4 Func Stopwaicn Chip. XTL 14 95
7216AUI 28 3 Digit Uiw Counter C A. 29.95
72I6CIJI 28 8 Digil Freq Counter CA. .24.95
7216DIPI 2B BDigilFreq CounlerC.C... , 10 95
7217UI 28 4 Digit LED Uu/Down Counter C A . 10,95
72I7AIPI 2B 4 Digit LED Up/Down Counter C C 11 95
7224IPL 40 LC04V)DtQilUpCounterDRI 10 95
7226AUL 40 8 Digit Urw Counter ..... 29 95
7226AEV/KH' 40 5 Function Counter Chip. XTL 74,95
130009 1983 INTERSIL Data Book (i356p.) S9l5s1
TOoucn 74HC High Speed CMOS
74HC00
14
.59
74HC139
IK
99
7JHC251
IB
IN
74HC02
14
.59
74HC147
Ifi
1 19
74HC253
IB
m
74HC03
14
.75
74HCI51
IB
89
74HC257
Iff
89
74HC04
14
.59
74HC153
IR
.99
74HC259
IB
1 49
7JHCU04
14
65
74HC154
24
2.49
74HC2C6
14
1 19
74HC08
59
74HC157
IK
89
74HC273
n
7 89
74HC10
14
.59
74HC158
IB
89
74HC2B0
14
3 9ft
74HC11
14
.59
74HC160
IK
1 29
74HC373
70
?3<l
74HC14
14
.85
74HC161
lb
1 29
74HC374
70
V 34
74HC20
14
.59
74HC162
IK
1 29
74HC390
IB
1 49
74HC27
14
.59
74HC163
IB
1.29
74HC393
14
1.49
74HC32
14
.75
74HC164
14
1.29
74HC533
70
739
74HC42
IK
.99
74HC165
IK
2.79
74HC534
70
74KC51
14-
.75
74HC173
IK
169
74HC595
IB
3Bfi
74HC58
14
75
74HC174
IK
99
74HC68B
70
a 19
74HC73
14
79
74HC175
IB
99
74HC4002
14
54
74HC74
14
.79
74HC192
IB
1 39
74HC4017
IB
7 11
74HC75
IB
.89
74HC193
IB
1 39
74HC4020
1K
1 19
74HC76
IB
.79
74HC194
Ifi
1 09
74HC4024
14
74HCB5
IR
1.59
74HC195
1fi
1.09
74HC4040
Iff
74HC86
14
.69
74HC237
IB
2.95
74HC4D60
IB
1 39
74HC107
14
.79
74HC240
70
1 95
74HC4075
14
fil
74HC109
111
79
74HC241
n
1 95
74HC4078
(W
74HC112
111
.79
74HC242
14
195
74HC4511
16
7fi9
71HC1 13
14
.79
74HC243
14
1 95
74HC4514
74HC132
14
.99
74HC244
20
1 95
74HC453B
Iff
74HC137
in
1.95
74HC245
ill
2 49
74HC4543
16
3 49
74HC13B
m
1.09
74HCU04 is
^Programmable Array Logic (PALS)
Pin No.
PAL10H8 20 Octal tO-lnput AND-OR Gate Array (High Output} S3 95
PALI2H6 20 Hen 12-lnnul AND-OR Gale Array [High Outpul) 3,95
PAL14H4 20 Quad 14-lnputANO-OR Gale Array (High Oulput] 3.95
PAL10L8 20 Octal 10-inpul AtiO-OfMnverl Gate Array (Low Output) 3 95
PAL12L6 20 He» 12-mput AND-OBtnverl Gate Array (Low Oulput) 3 95
PALI4L4 20 Quad 14-lnout AND-OR-lnver! Gale Array | Low Output) 3.95
PAL1BL8 20 Octal lfHnpul AKD-Ofl-mvert Gale Array 9.95
PAL16RB 20 Octal lb-Input Register AND-OR Gate Array 7 95
PAL16R6 20 Hex 16-lnpui Register AND-OR Gate Array 7 95
PAL16R4 20 Quad 16-lnput Register AND-OR Gale Array 7 95
130012 1982 NATIONAL PAL Data Book|i76p j . . $5.951
74C00
74C02
74C04
74C08
74C10
74C14
74C20
74C30
74C32
74C42
74C48
74C73
7JC74
74CB5
74CB5
74C69
74C90
74C93
14
TL071CP 8
TL072CP 8
TL074CN 14
TL081CP 8
TL082CP B
TL0B4CN 14
LM301CN B
LM302H
LM304H
LM305H
LM307CN B
LM30BCN 8
LM309K
LM310CN 8
LM311CN 8
LM312H
LM317T
LM317K
LM318CN 6
LM319N 14
LM320K-5
LM320K-12
LM320K-15
LM320T-5
LM320T-I2
LM320T-15
LM323K
LM324N 14
LM337T
LM338K
LM339N 14
LM340K-5
LM340K-12
LM340K-15
Frr
71
th
16
1 95
74C95
14
1.39
74C244
70
1 95
74C107
14
89
74C373
711
249
74C151
IB
2 49
74C374
70
2 49
74C154
74
3 49
74C901
14
59
74057
74C903
14
59
1ft
1 19
74C906
14
59
74C161
IB
1 19
74C911
78
8 95
74C162
IK
1 19
74C912
78
8 95
74C163
IB
1 19
74C915
IB
1.19
74C164
14
74C917
78
895
74C173
Ifi
1 19
74C922
18
4 49
74C174
Ifi
I 19
74C923
70
■195
74C175
1 19
74C925
IB
5 95
74C192
IB
149
74C926
18
5.95
74C193
1B
1.69
B0C95
IB
69
74C195
lb
1 39
60C97
It
.69
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LM723N
14
59
mzh
In
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LM733N
14
1 00
LM340T-5
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LM739N
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LM741CH
8
35
LM340T-15
79
LM74 7N
14
69
LF347N
14
1 49
LM748N
8
59
LM348N
14
-99
LM1310N
14
1 49
LU350K
4 95
LM1458CI
B
59
LF355N
8
1 10
LM14S8N
14
89
LF356N
fl
1 10
LM14B9N
14
89
LM370N
14
4 49
LMI496N
14
1 95
LM373N
14
3 95
LM16O0N
IB
2 49
LM377N
14
1 ,95
LM1B71N
18
2.95
LU3BDN
14
89
LM1872N
18
3 25
LM381N
14
1 79
LM1877IJ-9 14
2 49
LM382II
14
1 39
LM1SB9N
18
2 25
LM384N
14
t 79
LM1896N
14
2 95
LM386N-;
fl
89
LM20O3T
1.99
IL494CN
IB
3 95
LM3189N
Ifi
1.59
TL496CP
fl
1 19
LM3900N
14
59
NE53IV
B
2 95
LM3905CN
8
1 19
NE544N
14
2.95
LM3909N
8
99
NE550A
14
1 95
LM3914N
18
295
NE555V
8
35
LM3915N
18
2 95
LM556N
14
69
LM39I6N
IS
2 95
NE564N
IB
2.95
RC4136N
14
1.25
LM565N
14
t 19
RC4151NB
A
1 95
LM5G6CN
8
1 49
RC4194TK
4 49
LM567V
B
99
NES5J2
8
2 49
NE570N
IB
395
KSS34
9
1 69
LM703CN
8
1 19
ICLB036B
14
3 95
LM709N
14
49
LM130B0I
8
t 19
LM71DN
14
69
LM13600I
in
l 19
LU71IN
14
79
MORE AVAILABLE i
30003 1982Nal.LlnearDalaBook
I952pgs I
532 BYTE February 1984
Circle 192 on inquiry card.
home computer accessories KEYBOARDS — POWER SUPPLIES
VOICE SYNTHESIZER
FOR APPLE AND COMMODORE
M& JE520AP
JE520CM
• Over 250 word vocabulary -allines allow the formation ot mora
than 50,0 wwita * o\i\¥i-\t\ ampVitiet , speaker, volume control, anrj
audio jack • Recreates a clear, natural male voice * Plug-in user
ready with documentation and sample software • Case size:
7VL x 3VW x 1-3/8"H
APPLICATIONS: • Security Warning • Telecommunication
• Teaching • Handicap Aid
• Instrumentation • Games
Thi JE5; VOICE SYNTHESIZER will plug tight Into your campultt and allow you to
enhanco almoil any application Utilizing National Semiconductor'! DIGITALKER lm
Spssch Prot '.:-.■;: IC lwlth lout cuilam memory Chips). Ititj JE520 campraass'
natural tpoach into digital memory. Including iho original Inflections and amphiiet.
Tho fin nil li an gitramary clear, natural vocalization,
ci-o, sa»: VOCABULARY EXPANSION MODULE
• Expands to over 1 000 bisic words
* Allows sanction ot up la 6 additional word sets
Pari N o. Descri ption Price
JE520CM For Commodore 64 & VIC-20 $1 14.95
JE520AP Fnr Apple II. IU ■,and//e $149.95
* VMM
JE664 EPROM PROGRAMMER
8K to 64K EPROMS - 24 & 28 Pin Packages
Complete!! Self-Contained - Requires No Additional Systems tor Operation
■ Programs and validates EPROMs ■ Chocks (or properly erased EPROMs
- Emulates PROMs or EPROMs ■ RS232C Computer Interlace lor editing and
program loading • Loads data into RAM by keyboard ■ Changes data in RAM
by keyboard • Loads RAM from an EPROM • Compares EPROMs lor content
ditferencos ■ Copies EPROMs ■ Power Input: 115VAC, 60Hz, less than 10W
power consumption ■ Enclosure: Color-coordlnBted. light tan panels with
molded ana pieces in mocha brown • Sue: 15VL x8VDx3VH ■ Weight:
5 1 . lbs.
I.'..? JEO-l EFMM hogtrirsmi : i.-i>: .lies .-'nil nnxjums various 8-Bit Word EPflOMs Irom 8K to
6-tK-Bn mc-mcy capacity Data can be entered into the JE 664 's internal 8K 1 6-Bil MM m three
ways. ( 1 1 Irom a ROM cr EPROM. 12) Irom an external computer via the cptiona! JE665 RS232C
BUS. c3j Irom its panel keyboard i"ne jE664's RAM* may be accessed tor emulation purposes
from tne panel's lest socket to an external microprocessor. In oroorammnrj and emulation, the
JE664 allows tar examination, change and validation ol program conieu The JE664's RAMs
CM bo piorjraniffKiO qntcMy loali " l"s (or any value), allowing unused addresses in Ihe EPflOM
|g ix- Drwiumined la'.ei without necessity ot "LTV" erasing. The JEG6-1 displays DATA and
ADDRESS in convenient heiadeomal (alphanumeric) format. A "DISPLAY EPROM DATA"
button changes the DAIA readout hem RAM word to EPROM word and 15 displayed in both
haartacln w l *~a binary code The ticnt panel features a convenient operating guide The JE664
Programmer ircludos one JM16A Jumper Module las listed below).
JE664-A EPROM Programmer $995.00
Assembled S Teste d (includes JM 1 6A Modjie)
JE665 - RS232C INTERFACE OPTION - The RS232C Interface Option implements
computer access lo Ihe J£6G4's RAM. This allows the compute' to manipulate, store and
tr.ins'er EPROM data loand Irom the JE664. A sample program listing is supplied in MQASICfc
CP M computers Documentation is promied to adapt the software to Direr computers with an
RS232 twt 9600 Baud, fl-b-t word, odd parity and 2 slop tuts
FOR A LIMITED TIME A SAMPLE OF SOFTWARE WRITTEN IN BASIC FOR
THE TRS-BO- MODEL I. LEVEL II COMPUTER WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
JE664-ARS EPROM Prog. w/JEBH Option $1195.00
Assembled S Tested (Includes JM16A Module)
EPROM JUMPER MODULES - The JE6M's JUMPER MODULE (Personality Module) is a
plug-in Module 'hat presets Ihe JE564 lor the proper programming pulses lo Ihe EPflOM and
configures the EPflOM socket connections tor that particular EPfluM.
jaw meat
mm
'
[MOM MWurUIHO)
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JUOBA
zros
!SV
aho, Mcwtto tot. mid ti
114 55
JHTH
?716 T«S!SI6fTl|
!SV
IfiKt. Mane*!, Na. NEC 71,
AMO. Hmcm. Male-.
. 514 95
JMIrjfl
!"■-.'■ = ■'.■■:
W.+5V.-1N
MoinroU. 71
*U'hS
JM32*
TMS2532
2SV
Mourda, Tk Hiiactn, OKi
SM'Ji
•"338
?r»
25V
AMO. FwBu. NEC. Hrtadt. Intel.
Sites
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mix
21V
FijpM, kM
tU 35
JMEU
tA-.iMirt-:
21V
MotuoH. . .
S14.95
jum
2764
21V
intiH, Far Hind. OKJ
S14 95
4-Digit Fluorescent Alarm Clock Kit
ely i
I incl
y tram
Vs
The JE750 Clock Kit is a versatile 12-hour digital clock
with 24-hour alarm. The clock has a bright 0.5" high
blue-green fluorescent display. The display will automat-
ically dim with changing light conditions. The 24-hour
alarm allows the user to disable the alarm and immediat-
ely re-enable the alarm to activate 24 hours later. The kit
includes all documentation, components, case and wall
transformer. Size: 6 VL x 3^ "W x 1 VD.
JE750 Alarm Clock Kit $29.95
Lx9.8"Wx3 , s"H
Lx7'b"Wx 1'.2"H
3 BDDIIllOOOMi
a maaaaaaaamm
_. aaooaaocioaai
ifii
19»4"l_x6VWx 1»"H
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1 06-Key 8-Bit Serial ASCII Keyboard
■ Numeric and cursor keypad • 1 user defina-
ble keys • 7 LEO function displays • Security
lock ■ N-key rollover • Color: white with black
panel • Documentation included ■ Weight: 6'6
lbs.
KB139 $59.95
Micro-Switch 1 06-Key Keyboard
8-Bit Serial ASCII
• Numeric and cursor keypad • 8 user defina-
ble keys -Japanese/English characters -8
LED function displays • Documentation
incl. • Fits DTE-22 enclosure • Wt: 3'/2 lbs.
KB106SD29-4 $29.95
SMK 1 03-Key Unencoded Keyboard
Numeric and cursor keypad • SPST mechan-
ical keyswitches ■ 40-pin header connection
• Fits DTE-22 enclosure • Weight: 314 lbs.
KB9000 $19.95
Power/Mate Corporation
REGULATED POWER SUPPLY
■Inpul: 105-125/210-250VAC at 47-63 Hz -Output: 5VDC 8 3.0
Amps/6VDC S 2.5 Amps ■ Size: 4!i>"L x 4"W x 2VH • Weight: 2 lbs.
EMA5/6B $29.95
Power/Mate Corporation
REGULATED POWER SUPPLY
■ Input: 1 05-1 25/2 1 0-250VAC at 47-63 Hz • Output: 5V <8 6 amps/6V
8 5 amps • Size: 5VL x 4?s"W x 2VH • Weight: 4 lbs.
EMA5/6C $39.95
Power-One's
REGULATED POWER SUPPLY
• Input: 105-1 25VAC, 47-440 Hz ■ Output: +5V S 12 amp; +12V @
1 .7 amp; -1 2V tj 1 .7 amp • Size: 1 4.25'L x 4.87"W x 2.75"H ■ Weight:
11 lbs.
DBB-105W $59.95
POWER SUPPLY +5V0C ® 7.5 AMP, 12VDC @ 1.5 AMP SWITCHING
Input' ItSVAC. 50-60H; '<, 3 HW/230VAC, 50Hi ffi 1 6 amp. Fin volt, /pnwir (iipply ssl.ct awlt-
cl!.!nlS/_230VAC| Output: 5V0C B 7 Samp, l2VDCf, 1 6 amp, UN. blk. pow. MM. Hft'TKl
POWER SUPPLY 4-Channel Switching - Apple Compatible
Mlcroprocenar. mini-computer, tormlnal mudlcal aqulpmonl and procatt control appllcalltmii. in-
put: 90-13QVAC 47-440HZ. Output: +BVDC®8A, -SV0C (?c 1A; +12V0C t-c I A, -12VUC <n I A.
Line raa.: *0.2V.. Ripple: 30mV p-p Load reg.: ;Hi Over current protoclion. Ad|: 5 V main nut-
pul±10%. 6-3/B-Li l-7/B"Wi 4-15/t6"H. Wt. IV. Ibl.
Part No. FCS-604A S69.95 each
DISKETTES AND ACCESSORIES
■ MINIFIES! [DM
5%" and 8" Diskettes
ULTRA MAGNETICS — 5%" DISKETTES
UMS240I
-. ' SSDO San S*-ir- nn'ln Hub Rir>g iBulM
BbmwI URICE
10 »4 05
ice inn
-. ' DSDD Soil Stclot mlK Hub n.n una En.glopg
. ■ DSDD Sou Soclor Blltl HuO Ring IBulM]
tO 31.19
100 13B.8S
. - SSOD Soli Sdcroi »im Envoiop<i (MTPII
10 34.S5
UMOttir "
. ' SSCD Sail Secror seiBNaui.l
loo !5i as
, - dsoO Sell Sudor wnn En.aiac* 1MTP11
10 41.M
100 ISS.SS
SMESKEI, - 5% •DISKETTES
SttD
SKIDS
. ' S5DD Soli S«10r *ir" Hut. R.ng ir>a En,«l0D«
10 M.as
■.- SSDD So'1 Skioi *iss Hun «,n iBuiM
100 \A»M
sm;o
; ■ DSDD Soti Spcip- -mn Hub H^no unrj En.Biooo
10 !fl.95
100 199.95
ULTRA MAGNETICS — 8" DISKETTES
■juiinz
■ ■' '":• . - -. \ "««"»__
100 219.15
• DSDD So'I Soclor lUnldrrluimii Bulk _^
nitova tie soil jecrovca aii nan Hub R.ngt *.rn mt fceet.on <ii i
100 aSB.SK
DISKETTE ACCESSORIES
Disk Minder
#%
• Attractive, lunctiona disk storage system • 50 1.8", or 75
15 Vt ') disk storage capacity • Easy tiling and removing
• Protects disk tram dust contamination ■ Moldod from
durable smoked plastic witti Iront car/ying handle • Sue
7"Wx6'/i-H x 9V.-0 •Weight: 2 ttts.
It 9.3:
•Stores 10 |5'i
s 10(5'.-.
MP5201 tOWhite5"."Envelopos .. .10lorS1.49
MP5201-100 100 While 5% - Envelopes 100 lor S10.95
MPB201 10 WhitoS 'Envelopes 10lorS 1.95
MPB2D1-10O 100 While B" Envelopes 100lorSt7.95
Vinyl Pages
For 3-Hiiiii Binders
PC001
2 Pocket 5
. "Vinyl Page. .
10lorJ7.95
PCOD1-2
A Pocket 5
. "Vinyl Pago.
10lorSB.95
PC014
1 Pocket B
Vinyl Page.
10 (or 17.95
PC014-2
2 Pocket a
V,nyl Pago
. 101orlB.95
Mail Pak™
$10.00 Minimum Order — U.S. Funds Only
California Residents Add 6'/?% Sales Tax
Shipping — Add 5% plus S1.50 Insurance
Send S.A.S.E. lot Monthly Sales Flyer!
Spec Sheets — 30c each
Send $1.00 Postage for your
FREE 1984 JAMECO CATALOG
Prices Subject to Change
VISA*
1355 SHOREWAY ROAD, BELMONT, CA 94002
2/84 PHONE ORDERS WELCOME — (415) 5928097 Telex: 176043
DISK DRIVES AND CABLE
PANASONIC JA551 -2
Double-Sided Half-Height 5 V DRIVE
Shugart SA455 Equivalent
- Single or double density ■ 4U TP1 ■ 40 Imcks • 6ms trac* Id back • 327KBytea
formatted storage • One year warranty parts and labor
The JA551 is perfect lor word processors, personal and portable computers,
small business computers and terminal add-ons. Includes operating manual
Requires: -*-5VDC<§.9A and H2VDC® 1 A Siie:5 3B"Wx 1 63"H*8D. Wt
3.3 lbs.
JA551-2 $239.95
TEAC FD55A
Single-Sided Half-Height 5V« " Drive
• Single or double density - 4S TP1 ■ 40 tracks ■ 6ms track lo track - 5W
power consumption • Brusfiless DC direct-drlvo motor • 160KBytes for-
matted storage • One yeor warranty parts and labor
Double your work space with the TEAC 5'* FLOPPY DISK DRIVE. Because
the TEAC FD55A Drive is half Ihe height ol conventional drives, you can lit up
to four TEAC drives in the same space where Iwo conventional drives lit Or,
have room for two (loppy disk drives and a hard disk drive. Includes operat-
ing manual. Requires. t5VDC @ .55A and +12VDC « 3A Sue. 5VW x
!VH x 8"D .Wt: 3 lbs
FD55A $249.95
SHUGART SA455
Double-Sided Half-Height 5W Drive
• Single or double density • 48 TPI -40 tracks • 40SKBytes formatted
storage ■ Gms track lo track • Brushless DC direct-drive motor - One yeer
warranty parts and labor - Media and interlace compatible with the SA450
Backed by Ihe Industry's largest and most experienced engineering sales
and service organizalion, Ihe SA455 is the smart solution for a wide range ol
dosklop applicalions. Includes operating manual Requires: I 5VDC 7A
and -M2VOC A 75A. Size: S.e8"W x l.E3"H x 8"D. Wt: 3.3 lbs.
SA455 $259.95
UV-EPROM Eraser
8 Chips — 51 Minutes |
1 1 Chip — 37 Minutes
Erases 2708, 2716, 2732. 2764, 2516. 2532. 2564. Erases Up to 8 chips
wllhln 51 minutes (1 chip In 37 minutes). Maintains constant exposure
distance ol one Inch. Special conductive foam liner eliminates sialic
build-up. Built-in salely lock to prevent UV exposure. Compacl — only
9.00" x 3.70* x 2.60". Complete with holding tray for 8 chips.
DE-4 UV-EPROM Eraser . .
U VS-1 1 EL Replacement Bulb
s 79.95
,...$16.95
|
5V4" APPLE™
COMPATIBLE
DISK DRIVE
• Uiei Shurjad SA330 machinlci • 143K
lormttted itorigs • 35 tracks — compatible
with Apple controller • Complete with connec-
tor and cable — |uit plug into your dlik con-
troller card • Size 6"L x 3V,~W x
8-9/16"D ■ Weigh): 4V* lot.
PartNo.ADD-514 $195.95
8; FLOPPY DISK DRIVE
■FA
■ Single-Sided
• 77 Tracks
• 400/800K Bytes
Capacity
• Industry Standard
density. Transfer rate: 250K bits/sec. single density; 5O0K bits/sec.
double density. The FDD100-8 is designed to work with Ihe single-
sided soft sectored IBM Diskette I, or eq. disk cartridge. Power:
115V AC @50-60Hz, + 24VDC Q 1.7 amps max.. + SVDC St 1.2 amps
max. Unit as pictured above (d:es not include case, power supply, or
cables). Size: 8.55"W x 14"L x 4.5"H. Weighs 12 lbs. Incl. 96-pg.
manual,
FDD100-8 . $1 69.95 ea.
SIGNAL CABLES
5Va " DRIVES USE 34-PIN ASSEMBLIES
8" DRIVES USE 50-PIN ASSEMBLIES
•S = SOCKET CONNECTOR
*C = CARD-EDGE CONNECTOR
SINGLE DRIVE CABLE
Slyl. M , Sl>l» N
Drive
Stylo
Part No.
1-4
s +
5 V. "
M
S34-36-C
7.95
7.25
5'/. "
N
S34-60-C
8.95
8.39
8"
M
S50-36-C
10.95
9.95
8"
N
S50-60-C
12.49
10.95
DUAL DRIVE CABLES
Drive Styl. Pari No.
M
5%" O S34-36C-18C 12.59 11.19
5 '/a" P S34-60C-24C 14.29 12.69
8" O S50-36C-18C 16.49 14.49
8" P S50-60C-24C 18.95 16.95
Power Cable Kits
Kits include: Connector shells, connector
pins, and power cables.
Power Cable Kit for 5V« " Drive Price
PartNo.PCK-5 $2.95
Power Cable Kit for Full-Sized 8" Drive
Part No. PCK-8 $3.95
Power Cable Kit for Oume Full-Sized 8" Drive
PartNo.PCK-Q $4.95
Circle 192 on Inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 533
^-/UemvncedI
X Z>-COWPUTERl
^/raoDucrs
*>.
APPLE
IBM PC COMBO CARD
MEMORY PLUS AT LOW PRICES!
Now! "Multicard" expandable
from 64-256K with
(1) PARALLEL (1) SERIAL
(1) CLOCK/CALENDAR
$22900
$ 399 00
COEX 64 SPC with 64K
COEX 256 SPC with 256K
S-10064KcmosRAMCARD
Unbelievable
Price!
'299°
100
Assembled and Tested
ACP has sold over 1 000 of these IEEE compatible
low-priced, high-reliability 64K Static RAM Cards
• Single 5-Volt operation.
SIEMEN'S SALE
You can now purchase Shugart
compatible 8" Disk Drives below your
existing factory direct pricing I
These Prices are the lowest ever published
"Siemen's SSDD FDD100-8. . $169.00
Also, with purchase of Disk Drives
you can buy the Vista V-1000 Dual Case
with Power Supply and Cable
for only $375.00 — Regular Price $495,00
Otter Limited! Factory Warranty 90 Days!
Shipped Immediately from Stock! 'OEM Quantities
DOT MATRIX PRINTER
COEX 80-FT
y 9x7 Dot Matrix, 80 CPS. Bi-Directional
Printing
v 2K Buffered Memory
v 80, 96. 132 Columns. Graphics and
Block Printing
v Selectable Char Pitch. Line Spacing
and Feed
COEX Interface Card to Apple $49.95
ACP HAS DISK DRIVES
APPLE II
Thin
Line
Drive
COMPATIBLE
^
TOSHIBA Half High
PC Compatible • Double Sided
$24g00
TANDON 100-2
PC Compatible • Double Sided
$23900
HARDWARE
AST Megaplua" Card L
P'N MG064 (64K, S. C) 3
•Comboplus " Card
P/N MC-064SPC (64K. S. P. C) 3
•PC I/O Plus II™ Card
P.-N I/O (C. S) 1
• 'SIX PACK'*
PAN SP064SPC (64K. S, P, C)
COEX Extender Card
Prototype Card
HERCULES
Hercules Graphic Card
MOUSE SYSTEMS Mouse for IBM
MICROSOFT
Mouse plus Multiiool Word
M&R 6 Slot Expansion Chassis
for IBMPC/XT or Eagle etc
ORCHID Hi-Res Graphics Adaptor
PERSYST Spectrum (64-256K)
P/N SP64, (64K. Clk, S. P)
PLANTRONICS Color plus'- Card
OUADRAM Quadboard (64-258K)
P'N Q64. 64K w.'4 functions 3
OuadLink Apple Card 6
Quadboard 64K
Microfazer Print Buftor MP-64
Ouadchrome (Hires RGB)
RIXON PC212A Modem I'O 5
SSM Transmodem 1200
USI Multidisplay Card
VISTA "Multicard"' (exp. 64-256K)
P/N V-064 (64K, Clk, S. P) 3
P/N V-256 (256K. Clk, S. P) 6
• "Maxlcard "" (up to 576K)
P/N V-576-64K
P/N V-576-576K
•"PC Master" (10 I/O) 4
•'•PC Extender" (up to 10 I/O) 2
•"Dlakmaater" 2
•8' Thlnllne Dual Floppy
• V I2O0 6.2Mb Cartridge Drive
449
479
299
PRNTERS
COEX 80F'T BOcps
$299
DYNAX Daisywheel
SILVER REED
EXP500 132 Column
STAR MICRONICS - NEW!
Gemini 10X 120cps
39!
Gemini 15 15"
59<
EPSON FX80
69E
FX10O
695
BROTHER HR'IBMC
1195
DAISYWRITER
1495
TTX Daisywheel
•JFC Splnwnler 3550
BM PC lo Parallel Cable
60
MONITORS
AMDEK CORP
300 GrBen 12"
$19J
310 Amber 12"
21C
Color 1 Composite.Hilachi
39S
Color II RGB Hi-Res
89E
3MC
12" Green
12E
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
RGB IBM Lookalike
700
DISKETTES
DYSAN 5V." SS SD
10 '$55
3YSAN 5%" DS SD
in 65
BM 5W" SS SD
10.-6C
BM BW SS DD
10/65
VERBATIM 525-01 SS
10/45
VERBATIM 550 01 DS
10/55
MAXELL MD1 SS
10/5C
MAXELL MD2 DS
I0/6C
-lip Storage Box 5"." (80 disks)
3ULK SPECIAL SS
10/25
With Sleeve and Box
100/195
MORE BM GOOD ES
C0MPUCA8LE
Keyboard & Drive Covers (set)
CURTIS
PC Pedeslal
PGS or Ouadchrome Adaptor
Vertical PC System Sland
IBM Mono Extension Cable
Keyboard Ext. Cable (3-9')
EPD PROTECTION DEVICES
The Lemon (Surge Protector)
The Peach (Surge Prolector)
ThB Orange (with EMI'RFl)
The Lime
INTEL 8087 IC
KOALA PAD
KRAFT Joystick IBM
RAM EXPANSION
I6K Motherboard (16 IC's)
64K Memory Exp (9 IC's)
OTHER DR VES WE STOCK
TANDON 848-2 Tlilnline $479.00 SHUGART 8Q1R
TEAC FD55B 299.00 SHUGART 860 Thlnllne 479. C
PANASONIC C155 (PC Compj . . 259.00 SHUGART SA400 2 Ill.uol
MP1 B52 279.00 SEAGATE ST506 (6MB Win.) . . . 599. 00 1
HAYES
Smart mod em 300
PC Modem Software 1 .3 (above)
Smartmodem 1200
PC Software 1 4C (above)
Smartmodem 1200B
Smartcom II
800-854-8230
TWX
910-595-1565
COMPATIBLE
DISK
CONTROLLER
Only
$4995
Apple Printer Interface
$AQ95
w/Apple lo Epson Cable T 1 *M
Apple Me Compatible
$9995
80 Column
Card W/64K
49
APPLE COMPATIBLE
POWER SUPPLY
APPLE COMPATIBLE
Iff* J ° Y
s 999
s 49
95
NEW LOW
ACP PRICE
Also from COEX, NEW EPSON
Parallel Interface for Apple.
Wi th cable $49.9 5
VISTA A800
8" Disk Controller
$29995
for Apple
VISTA "DISKMASTER"
IBM Compatible
$19995
3". 5". 8" and
V1200 Compatible
Mappkz computer
WW' Authorized Dealer
APPLE COOLING FAN
with
Surge
^Suppression
95
STICK
only $ 1 5 95
^^^^ Computer Company
VISTA V1200
6.2 Cartridge Drive w/Controller
Apple or IBM Compatible
Please Specify S00095
with Order
VISTA "SOLO"
iW^^^— Apple It/lie
I Compatible
^1 I Disk Drive
Totally compatible to Apple Drives.
.n„'199 95
Controller $49.95
Just plug in and run.
Apple II 16K
RAM CARD
Compatible with
Z80 Softcard ' . PASCAL CP/M
Full 1 year Warranty. Top Quality by COEX
Apple lie w 6-iK
Apple lie System
Apple lie Sys w/Exl Texl
Disk II w/Conlroller
Disk II w.o Controller
Monitor III Green
Super Serial Card
Parallel Interface Card
BO Column Text Card
Extended 80 Column Texl
Doi Matrix Printer
249.00
529.00
Apple Products Available In-Store Only"
UST
$1395 00
1995.00
2195.00
545.00
395.00
249.00
195 00
165 00
\25.00
295.00
695.00
ACP
$1195.00
1695.00
1B95.00
449.00
359.00
199.00
169.00
139.00
MORE HARDWARE
MICROSOFT
Z60 Softcard
16K Ramcard
SSM
AIO-II 4 Function Serial
Parallel
EASTSIDE
Wildcard Apple II
KENSINGTON
System Saver
KEYBOARD COMPANY
Numeric Keypad
Apple II Joystick
Apple II Hand Controllers
KRAFT
Joystick
Hand Controller
MPC
126K Bubble Memory
PROMETHEUS
VERSAcard Four-in-1
VISTA COMPUTER CO.
AB00 6" Disk Control
Quartet Disk Drive 5W
Solo Disk Drive w/Conir
Solo Drive w/o Contr
Vista 5W Disk Contr
Type head Buffet
VIDEX
Videoterm 80x24 Card
Keyboard Enhancer II
Soft Switch
Function Strip Keys
PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS
16K MicrobuHer
32K Microbuffer
Snapshot Option
VOTRAX
Type n'Talk Speech
Personal System
VYNET
Apple II Voice Syn.
Apple II Telephone I/O
SCOTT INSTRUMENTS
Voice Recognit'n VETB0
COEX
16K RAM Card
Parallel Card w/Cable
Apple Protocard
Apple Extendercard
Apple lie Ext RAM Card
CORVUS
ORANGE MICRO
The Grapplnr I/O (Plus)
The Bufferboard
SATURN SYSTEMS
32K RAM Card
128K RAM Card
STREET
ECHO II
LEGEND
64KC ll He
128KC II lie
18SRC 18K Static
MICROPRO Wordstar w CI J M
MOUNTAIN COMPUTER
CPS Multifunction
Music System
AD plus DA
ROM Plus
MAR ENTERPRISES
Sup'rtsrm 80x24 Card
SuprMod II
SuprMod V (IBM)
ALS
TheCP.M Plus ZBO Card
Smarterm 60x24 Card
The Synergizor Package
UST
$395.00
195.00
149.95
49.95
29.95
199.00
379.95
849.00
299.00
24900
92.00
49.95
345.00
259.00
299.00
149.00
799.00
99.00
99.00
29.00
29 00
199 00
ACP
$249.00
89.00
179.00
115.00
89.00
124.95
44.50
25.95
49.00
40.00
699.00
166.00
299.00
799.00
249.00
199 00
49.00
35.00
279.00
129.00
30.00
69.00 '
220.00
253.00
109.00
49.95
49.95
19.95
327.00
599 00
149 00
499
239.00
395.00
350.00
155.00
399.00
349.00
699.00
269.00 I
499.00
135.00
415
169.00 |
335.00
299.00
129.00 |
269.00
49.00
49.00
329.00 |
279.00
549.00
■J.I.I!J*M.J.M.MI=M.ii«J
SAVE UP TO 40%
BUSINESS
Screen Writer
BD Master
Visicalc " 3 3
VisiplOl
PFS. File II
PFS, File III
VisiUenrJVis'plol
PFS. Graph II
PFS, Graph III
Mulliplan
Versa form
Wordstar
dBASE II
Supercalc
PFS. Report II
PFS, Report III
Accl Plus G/L
G/L, A/P, A/R
Above + Inventory
Magic Window
HOME
Home Accountant
Trans end I
Transend II
Visiterm
ASCII Expts. Prol
$129 HOBBY
155 Zoom Graphics
185 Utility City
159 Locksmith 4
115 Nibbles Away II
155 GAMES
25 Choplifter
115 Ftogget
155 Wizardy
199 Snack Attack
279 Cannonball Blitz
299 Knight Diamonds
439 Zotk I
169 Zork III
95 Starcross
115 Serpentine
299 Star Blazer
599 Deadline
799 Tubeway
115 Flight Simulaior
Space Vikings
59 Sargon II
76 Spitfire Simulator
119 Apple Panic
89 Olympic Decatri
Apple" Apple Trademark of Apple Computer
IBM" IBM Trademark of International Business
Machines
Mail OnlEt P.O. Bin 17329 Irvine. CA 92713
Retail: 131 (IB E. Edinyer, Santa Ana. CA 92705
(714) 558-8813
542 w Trimble. San Jose. CA 95131
(408) 946-7010
TERMS: MO Cashier's Check Bank W«e Personal checks
allow 2 weeks lor processing Include Drivers License a
credit card *s Visa, AMEX CB add 3% service charge Add
3% shipping & handling or $2.50°. whichever is greater. .
10% lor loteign orders or US Parcel Post Include Telephone
number NO CODS. Prices subject to change without notice
Some items subject 10 phot sate. Wo reserve Ihe right 10
Substitute manufacturer Retail prices may vary
534 BYTE February 1984
Circle 13 on inquiry card.
ADVANCED
AtYilSMiar.
PRODUCTS
Serving Computer Professionals Since 1976
HARDWARE
AST Megaplus" Card List
P/N MG064 (64K, S. C) 395
•Comboplus" Card
P/N MC-064SPC (64K, S. P, C) 395
•PC I/O Plus II'- Card
P/N I/O (C. S) 165
•"SIX PACK"
P/N SP064SPC (64K, S. P, C)
COEX Extender Card 40
Prototype Card 69
HERCULES
Hercules Graphic Card
MOUSE SYSTEMS Mouse lor IBM
MICROSOFT
Mouse plus Multitool Word
ORCHID
Hi-Res Graphics Adaptor 395
PERSYST Spectrum (64-256K)
P/N SP64, (64K. Clk, S, P)
PLANTHONICS Color plus' - Card
QUADRAM Quadboard (64-256K)
P/N 064, 64K w/4 (unctions 395
QuadUnk Apple Card 680
Quadboard 64 K
Microfazer Print Buffer MP-64
Quadchrome (Hires RGB)
RIXON PC212A Modem I/O 596
SSM Transmodem 1200
USI Multidisplay Card
VISTA "Multlcard"" (exp. 64-256K)
P/N V-064 (64K. Clk, S, P)
P/N V-256 (256K, Clk, S, P)
►"Moxlcard""' (up to 576K)
P/N V-576-64K
P/N V-576-576K
•"PC Master" (10 I/O)
•"PC Extender" (up to 10 I/O)
• "Dlskmaster"
•8" Thinline Dual Floppy
•V12O0 6.2Mb Cartridge Drive
395
695
495
249
299
ACP
$279
299
29
35
359
269
Call
339
319
399
279
525
279
190
4S8
449
479
299
249
729
329
199
199
Call
999
PRINTERS
COEX 60F/T SOcps
DYNAX Daisywheel
SILVER REED
EXP500 132 Column
STAR MICRONICS ■ NEW!
Gemini 10X 120cps
Gemini 15 15"
EPSON FX80
FX100
BROTHER HR-VBMC
DAISYWRITER
TTX Daisywheel
NEC Spinwriler 3550
IBM PC to Parallel Cable
S299
$199
525
649
399
319
599
469
699
549
895
749
1195
895
14«h
1295
549
1875
60
39
MONITORS
AMDEK CORP
300 Green 12" $199
$155
310 Amber 12" 210
175
Color I Composite/Hilachi 399
339
Color II RGB Hi-Res 899
695
BMC
12" Green 129
89
PRINCETON GRAPHICS
RGB IBM Lookalike 700
545
DISKETTES
DYSAN 5V SS SD 10/$55
S38
DYSAN 5Vi" DS SD 10/65
48
IBM 5V«" SS SD 10/60
43
IBM5WSSDD 10/65
47
VERBATIM 525-01 SS 10/45
23
VERBATIM 550-01 DS 10/55
34
MAXELL MD1 SS 10/50
29
MAXELL MD2 DS 10/60
39
Flip Storage Box 5W (80 disks)
BULK SPECIAL SS 10/25
19
19
With Sleeve and Box 100/195
149
MORE IBM GOODIES
COMPUCABLE
Keyboard & Drive Covers (set)
S19
CURTIS
PC Pedestal
$80
64
PGS or Quadchrome Adaptor
10
Vertical PC System Stand
20
IBM Mono Extension Cable
50
44
Keyboard Ext. Cable (3-9)
34
EPD PROTECTION DEVICES
The Lemon (Surge Protector)
43
The Peach (Surge Protector)
The Orange (with EMI/RFI)
68
122
The Lime
76
INTEL 8087 IC
199
KOALA PAD
99
KRAFT Joystick IBM
70
40
RAM EXPANSION
16K Motherboard (16 ICs)
19
64K Memory Exp. (9 ICs)
50
TIME SHARE SERVICES
COMPUSERVE Subscription
SOURCE Subscription
MODEMS
HAYES
Smartrnodem 300
$210
PC Modem Software 1.3 (above)
49
Smartrnodem 1200
525
PC Software 1.4C (above)
79
Smartrnodem 1200B
445
Smartcom II
79
Smartrnodem to IBM Cable
25
SOFTWARE
dBASE II
$ 399 00
Condor
$ 389 00
SuperCalc
$ 99 00
SuperCalc 2
$ 1 79 00
Multiplan
$ 1 89 00
Wordstar
$ 299 00
Lotus 1-2-3
Call!
T. K. Solver!
Call!
Flight Simulator
$4500
Context MBA
Call!
Computer
Inovations
C86C Compiler
$369 00
Copy II Plus
$0000
Visiword
$23900
s^rn-ww^
If You're Thinking IBM PC"
READ THIS!
Digital Research
Pascal MT + 86 $295.00
Concurrent CP/M 86 260.00
CBASIC86 149.00
Plus More Great
Software Values
In Our
1983 Catalog!
Send For
Your Copy NOW.
MULTI CARD II Plus
(The optimum PC Expansion Card)
* OK to 384K RAM
* ASYNC Serial Port
* Clock/Calendar w/Nicad Backup
* Parallel Printer Port
* Joy Stick/Game Port
* RAMDisk Software
* Spooler Software
64K „, $ 229 00
384K O „ $ 499 00 '"
Zero "K" Version Available Only $199.00
PLUS! . . .with Purchase of either
Memory card above
SUPERCALC™ only $89.00 (195.00 value)
Disk Emulator FREE
Print Spooler FREE
ACP PC "FEATURE OF THE MONTH" IvJ
1. DISKMASTER™. Disk Controller for IBM PC or XT adds both 5'/T and 8"
floppy drives. Complete with Software. Same card can also handle List ACP
the Amlyn 6.2 Mb Cartridge Add-on Subsystem $299 $199
2. VISTA 1200 with DISKMASTER" $999
3. M&R "SUP'R EXTENDER"" 1 . IBM PC & XT Expansion Chassis with (6) Slots, Power
Supply and Fan. Your price!!! only $439.00. You cannot afford to live without one.
DISK DRIVES
TANDON 100-2
PC Compatible • Double Sided
$23900
TOSHIBA V; High
PC Compatible • Double Sided
$24900
Circle 13 on inquiry card.
TERMS: MO. Cashier's Check. Bank Wire. Personal checks
allow 2 weeks for processing. Include Drivers License and credit
card #s Visa. AMEX. CB add 3"'° service charge. Add 3%
shipping & handling or $2.50, whichever is greater. Add 1 0% tor
foreign ordBrs or US Parcel Post Include Telephone number. NO
CODs. Prices subject to change without notice. Some items
subject to prior sate. We reserve the right to substitute manu-
facturer. Retail prices may vary. Wo are not an authorized IBM
dealer. IBM" trademark of International Business Machines.
MAIL ORDER: P.O. Box 17329 Irvine, CA 92713
Retail: 1310 E. Edinger, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(714) 558-8813
542 W. Trimble, San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 946-7010
800-854-8230
TWX
910-595-1565
64K MEMORY + P.S.CS229.00
64K DYNAMIC
200 NS
$595 TIYIIYI2016
2KX8 STATIC
200 NS
Wi
STATIC RAMS
2101
256x4
(450ns)
1.95
5101
256x4
(450ns) (cmos)
3.95
2102-1
1024 x 1
(450ns)
.89
2102L-4
1024 x 1
(450ns) (LP)
.99
2102L-2
1024 x 1
(250ns) (LP)
1.49
2111
256x4
(450ns)
2.49
2112
256x4
(450ns)
2.99
2114
1024x4
(450ns)
8/9.95
2114-25
1024 x4
(250ns)
8/10.95
2114L-4
1024 x4
(450ns) (LP)
8/12.95
2114L-3
1024 x 4
(300ns) (LP)
8/13.45
2114L-2
1024x4
(200ns) (LP)
8/13.95
TC5514
1024 >4
(650ns) (cmos)
2.49
TC5516
2048 x 8
(250ns) (cmos)
9.95
2147
4096 x 1
(55ns)
4.95
TMS4044-4
4096 x 1
(450ns)
3.49
TMS4044-3
4096 x 1
(300ns)
3.99
TMS4044-2
4096 x 1
(200ns)
4.49
MK4118
1024 x8
(250ns)
9.95
TMM2016-200
2048 x 8
(200ns)
4.15
TMM2016-150
2048 x 8
(150ns)
4.95
TMM2016-100
2048 x 8
(100ns)
6.15
HM6116-4
2048 x 8
(200ns) (cmos)
4.75
HM6116-3
2048 x 8
(150ns) (cmos)
4.95
HME116-2
2048 x 8
(120ns) (cmos)
8.95
HM6116LP-4
2048 x 8
(200ns) (cmos)(LP)
5.95
HM6116LP-3
2048 x 8
(150ns) (cmos)(LP)
6.95
HM61 16LP-2
2048 x 8
(120ns) (cmos)(LP)
10.95
Z-6132
4096 x 8
(300ns) (Ostat)
34.95
HM6264
8192 x 8
(150ns) (cmos)
49.95
L LP ■ Low Power
Qstat = Quasi-Static
EPROMS
1702
256x8
(1us)
4.50
2708
1024 x 8
(450ns
3.95
2758
1024 x8
(450ns
(5v)
5.95
2716
2048 x 8
(450ns
(5v)
3.95
2716-1
2048 x 8
(350ns;
(5v)
5.95
TMS2516
2048 x 8
(450ns
(5v)
5.50
TMS2716
2048 x 8
(450ns
7.95
TMS2532
4096 x 8
(450ns
(0V)
5.95
2732
4096x8
(450ns
CSv)
4.95
2732-250
4096 x 8
(250ns
(5v)
8.95
2732-200
4096 x 8
(200ns
(5v)
11.95
2732A-4
4096 x 8
(450ns
(5v)(21vPGM)
6.95
2732A
4096 x 8
(250ns
(5v)(21vPGM)
9.95
2732A-2
4096 x 8
(200ns
(5v)(21vPGM)
13.95
2764
8192 x 8
(450ns
(5v)
6.95
2764-250
8192x8
(250ns
(5v)
7.95
2764-200
8192x8
(200ns
(5v)
19.95
TMS2564
8192x8
(450ns
(5v)
14.95
MCM68764 8192 x 8
(450ns
(5v)(24pin)
39.95
MCM68766 8192 x8
(350ns
(5v) (24 pin)(pwr dn.)
42.95
27128
16384 x 8
(300ns
(5v)
29.95
5v - Single 5 Volt Supply 21vPGM - Program at 21 Volts
DYNAMIC RAMS
EPROM ERASERS
QSPECTROIMICS
CORPORATION
TMS4027
UPD411
MM5280
MK4108
MM5298
4116-300
4116-250
4116-200
4116-150
4116-120
2118
MK4332
4164-200
4164-150
MCM6665
TMS4164-15
4096 x 1
4096 x 1
4096 x 1
8192 x 1
8192 x 1
16384 x 1
16384 x 1
16384 x 1
16384 x 1
16384 x 1
16384 x 1
3276B x 1
65536 x 1
65536 x 1
65536 x 1
65536 X 1
5V = single 5 volt supply
(250ns)
1.99
(300ns)
3.00
(300ns)
3.00
(200ns)
1.95
(250ns)
1.85
(300ns)
8/11.75
(250ns)
8/7.95
(200ns)
8/12.95
(150ns)
8/14.95
(120ns)
8/29.95
(150ns) <5v)
4.95
(200ns)
9.95
(200ns) (Sv)
5.95
(150ns) (5v)
6.95
(200ns) (5v)
8.95
(150ns) (5v)
8.95
Capacity
Intensity
Timer
Chip
(uW/Cm')
PE-14
9
8,000
83.00
PE-14T
X
9
8,000
119.00
PE-24T
X
12
9,600
175.00
PL-265T
X
30
9,600
255.00
PR-125T
X
25
17,000
349.00
PR-320T
X
42
17,000
595.00,
• computer managed inuentoru
— ulrtually no bach orders!
• ueru competltlue prices!
• Friendly staff!
• Fast seruice - most orders
shipped within 24 hours!
6800
I 68000 49.95 I
6800 2.95
6802 7.95 1
6803 19.95 I
6808 13.90 1
6809E 14.95 I
6809 11.95 I
6810 2.95 I
6820 4.35
6821 2.95
6828 14.95 I
6840 12.95
6843 34.95
6844 25.95 I
6845 14.95 1
6847 11.95 1
I 6850 3.25 I
6852 5.75 1
6860 7.95 I
6875 6.95
6880 2.25
6883 22.95 1
68047 24.95
| 68468 19.95 |
6800 = 1MHZ
I 68B00 10.95 I
68B02 22.25
68B09E 29.95
68B09 29.95
68B10 6.95 1
68B21 6.95
68B40 19.95
I68B45 19.95 I
| 68B50 5.95 |
68B00 - 2 MHZ
6500
8000
8200
6502
4.95
6504
6.95
6505
8.95
6507
9.95
6520
4.35
6522
6.95
6532
9.95
6545
22.50
6551
11.85
6502A
6522A
6532A
6545A
6551 A
6.95
9.95
11.95 I
27.95
11.95
DISC
CONTROLLERS I
1771 16.95 1
1791 24.95 1
1793 26.95 I
1795 29.95 I
1797 49.95 1
I 2791 54.95 I
2793 54.95 1
2795 59.95 I
2797 59.95 I
6843 34.95 1
8272 39.95 1
| UPD765 39.95 1
MB6876 29.95
MB8877 34.95
1691 17.95 I
L.2143 1B.95J
8035
8039
INS-8060
INS-8073
8080
8085
8085A-2
8086
8087
I 8088
I 8089
18155
I 8155-2
18156
18185
8185-2
18741
I 8748
L.8755
5.95
5.95
17.95
49.95
3.95
4.95
11.95 I
24.95
CALL
29.95
89.95 I
6.95 I
7.95 I
6.95 I
29.95 I
39.95 I
29.95 I
24.95 I
24.95J
CRT
CONTROLLERS
6845
14.95
68B45
19.95
HD46505SP
15.95
6847
11.95
MC1372
6.95
68047
24.95
8275
29.95
7220
99.95
CRT5027
19.95
CRT5037
24.95
TMS9918A
39.95
.DP8350
49.95.
8202
24.95
8203
39.95
8205
3.50
8212
1.80
8214
3.85
8216
1.75
8224
2.25
8226
1.80
8228
3.49
8237
19.95
8237-5
21.95
8238
4.49
8243
4.45
8250
10.95
8251
4.49
8253
6.95
B253-5
7.95
8255
4.49
8255-5
5.25
8257
7.95
8257-5
8.95
8259
6.90
B259-5
7.50
8271
79.95
8272
39.95
8275
29.95
8279
8.95
8279-5
10.00
8282
6.50
8283
6.50
8284
5.50
B286
6.50
8287
6.50
8288
25.00
.8289
49.95.,
Z-80
2.5 Mhz
zBo-cpu
zeo-CTc
z8o-dart
z8o-dma
zBo-pio
zso-sio/o
zeo-sto/1
zso-sto/2
Z80-S10/9
4.0 Mhz
zsoa-cpu
Z80A-CTC
Z80A-DART
Z80A-DMA
Z80A-PIO
Z80A-SIO/0
Z80A-SIO/1
Z80A-SIO/2
Z80A-SIO/9
6.0 Mhz
3-95 I
3.95 I
10.95 I
14.95 I
3.95 I
11.95 I
11.95 I
11.95 I
11.95 I
4.49 1
4 95
9.95 1
12.95
4.49
12.95
12.95
12.95
12.95 I
Z80B-CPU
Z80B-CTC
Z80B-PIO
Z80B-DART
Z80B-SIO/2
ZILOG
Z6132 34.95
Z8671 39.95
9.95
12.95
12.95
19.95 I
39.95 I
CRYSTALS^
32.768 khz
1.95
1.0 mhz
3.95
1.8432
3.95
2.0
2.95
2.097152
2.95
2.4576
2.95
3.2768
2.95
3.579545
2.95
4.0
2.95
5.0
2.95
5.0688
2.95
5.185
2.95
5.7143
2.95
6.0
2.95
6.144
2.95
6.5536
2.95
8.0
2.95
10.0
2.95
10.738635
2.95
14.31818
2.95
15.0
2.95
16.0
2.95
17.430
2.95
18.0
2.95
18.432
2.95
20.0
2.95
22.1184
2.95
^32.0
2.95
CMOS
UARTS
AY3-1014
6.95
AY5-1013
3.95
AY3-1015
6.95
PT1472
9.95
TR1602
3.95
2350
9.95
2651
8.95
IM6402
7.95
IM6403
8.95
INS8250
10.95
GENERATORS
BIT-RATE
MC14411
BR1941
4702
COM5016
COM8116
MM5307
11.95
11.95
12.95
16.95
10.95
10.95
FUNCTION
I MC4024 3.95
LM566 1.49
XR2206 3.75
L.8038 3.95
MISC.
UPD7201
29.95
TMS99532
29.95
ULN2003
2.49
3242
7.95
3341
4.95
MC3470
4.95
MC3480
9.00
11C90
13.95
95H90
7.95
2513-001 UP
9.95
,2513-002 LOW
9.95.
r CLOCK ^
CIRCUITS
MM5314
4.95
MM5369
3.95
MM5375
4.95
MM58167
12.95
MM58174
11.95
■MSM5B32
3.95.
^EYBOARD^
CHIPS
AY5-2376
11.95
AY5-3600
11.95
AY5-3600 PRO
11.95.
4000
4001
4002
4006
4007
4008
4009
4010
4011
4012
4013
4014
4015
4016
4017
4018
4019
4020
4021
4022
4023
4024
4025
4026
4027
4028
4029
4030
4034
4035
4040
4041
4042
4043
4044
4046
4047
4049
4050
4051
4053
4060
4066
4068
4069
4070
4071
4072
4073
4075
4076
4078
4081
4082
4085
4086
4093
4098
4099
14409
14410
14411
14412
14419
14433
4502
4503
4508
4510
4511
4512
4514
4515
4516
4518
4519
4520
4522
4526
4527
.29
.25
.25
.89
.29
.95
.39
.45
.25
.25
.38
.79
.39
.39
.69
.79
.39
.75
.79
.79
.29
.65
.29
1.65
.45
.69
.79
.39
1.95
.85
.75
.75
.69
.85
.79
.85
.95
.35
.35
.79
.79
.89
.39
.39
.29
.35
.29
.29
.29
.29
.79
.29
.29
.29
.95
.95
.49
2.49
1.95
12.95
12.95
11.95
12.95
7.95
14.95
.95
.65
1.95
.85
.85
.65
1.25
1.79
1.55
.89
.39
.79
1.25
1.25
1.95
4528
4531
4532
4536
4539
4541
4543
4553
4555
4556
4581
4582
4584
4585
4702
74C00
74C02
74C04
74C08
74C10
74C14
74C20
74C30
74C32
74C42
74C48
74C73
74C1*
74C76
74C63
74CB5
74C86
74C89
74C90
74C93
74C95
74C107
74C150
74C151
74C154
74C157
74C160
74C161
74C162
74C163
74C164
74C165
74C173
74C174
74C175
74C192
74C193
74C195
74C200
74C221
74C244
74C373
74C374
74C901
74C902
74C903
74C905
74C906
74C907
74C908
74C909
74C910
74C911
74C912
74C914
74C915
74C918
74C920
74C921
74C922
74C923
74C925
74C926
74C928
74C929
1.19 I
.95 I
1.95 I
1.95 I
1.95 I
2.641
1.191
5.79 I
.95 1
.95 I
1.95 I
1.95 I
.75 I
.75 I
12.95
.35 I
.351
.35 I
.35 I
.35
.59 I
.35 I
.35 I
.39 I
1.29 I
1.99 I
.65 I
.65 I
.80 I
1.95 I
1.95 I
.39 I
4.50 I
1.19 I
1.75 I
.99
.89
5.75
2.25 I
3.25 I
1.75
1.19
1.19
1.19
1.19
1.39
2.00 1
.79 I
1.19
1.191
1.49 I
1.49
1.39 I
5.75
1.75
2.25
2.45
2.45
.39
.85
.85
10.95
.95
1.00
2.00
2.75
9.95
8.95
8.95
1.95
1.19
2.75
17.95
15.95
4.49
4.95
5.95
7.95
7.95
19.95J
*JDR Microdevices
1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA)
(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110
© Copyright 1984 JDR Microdevices
VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE
HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sat. 10-3
PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING
TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling Include
$2.50 lor UPS Ground and $3.50 lor UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and
foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please
contact our sales department lor the amount. CA residents must
Include 6°/o sales tax. Bay Area and LA residents include 6' i%. Prices
subject to change without notice. We are not responsible lor
typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and lo
substitute manulacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale.
536 BYTE February 1984
Circle 193 on inquiry card.
21ia<so NS 8/$9" 21 14
250 NS
74LS00
74LS00
74LS01
74LS02
74LS03
74LS04
74LS05
74LS08
74LS09
74LS10
74LS11
74LS12
74LS13
74LS14
74LS15
74LS20
74LS21
74LS22
74LS26
74LS27
74LS28
74LS30
74LS32
74LS33
74LS37
74LS38
74LS40
74LS42
74US47
74LS48
74LS49
74LS51
74LS54
74LS55
74LS63
74LS73
74LS74
74LS75
74LS76
74LS78
74LSB3
74LS85
74LS86
74LS90
74LS91
74LS92
74LS93
74LS95
74LS96
74LS107
74LS109
74LS112
74LS113
74LS114
74LS122
74LS123
74LS124
74LS125
74LS126
74LS132
74LS133
74LS136
74LS137
74LS138
74LS139
74LS145
74LS147
74LS148
74LS151
74LS153
74LS154
74LS155
74LS156
74LS157
74LS158
74LS160
74LS161
74LS162
74LS163
74LS164
74LS165
74LS166
74LS168
74LS169
. 74LS170
.24
.25
.25
.25
.24
.25
.28
.29
.25
.35
.35
.45
.59
.35
.25
.29
.25
.29
.29
.35
.25
.29
.55
.35
.35
.25
.49
.75
.75
.75
.25
.29
.29
1.25
.39
.35
.39
.39
.49
.60
.69
.39
.55
.89
.55
.55
.75
.89
.39
.39
.39
.39
.39
.45
.79
2.90
.49
.49
.59
.59
.39
.99
.55
.55
1.20
2.49
1.35
.55
.55
1.90
.69
.69
.65
.59
.69
.65
.69
.65
.69
.95
1.95
1.75
1.75
1.49
74LS173
74LS174
74LS175
74LS181
74LS189
74LS190
74LS191
74LS192
74LS193
74LS194
74LS19S
74LS196
74LS197
74LS221
74LS240
74LS241
74LS242
74LS243
74LS244
74LS245
74LS247
74LS248
74LS249
74LS251
74LS253
74LS257
74LS258
74LS259
74LS260
74LS266
74LS273
74LS275
74LS279
74LS280
74LS283
74LS290
74LS293
74LS295
74LS298
74LS299
74LS323
74LS324
74LS352
74LS353
74LS363
74LS364
74LS365
74LS366
74LS367
74LS368
74LS373
74LS374
74LS375
74LS377
74LS378
74LS379
74LS385
74LS386
74LS390
74LS393
74LS395
74LS399
74LS424
74LS447
74LS490
74LS624
74LS640
74LS645
74LS668
74LS669
74LS670
74LS674
74LS682
74LS683
74LS684
74LS685
74LS688
74LS689
81LS95
81LS96
81LS97
81LS98
25LS2521
25LS2569
.69
.55
.55
2.15
8.95
.89
.69
.79
.79
.69
.69
.79
.79
.89
.95
.99
.99
.99
1.29
1.49
.75
.99
.99
.59
.59
.59
.59
2.75
.59
.55
1.49
3.35
.49
1.98
.69
.89
.89
.99
.89
1.75
3.50
1.75
1.29
1.29
1.35
1.95
.49
.49
.45
.45
1.39
1.39
.95
1.39
1.18
1.35
3.90
.45
1.19
1.19
1.19
1.49
2.95
.95
1.95
3.99
2.20
2.20
1.69
1.89
1.49
14.95
3.20
3.20
3.20
3.20
2.40
3.20
1.49
1.49
1.49
1.49
2.80
4.25
74S00
74S00
.32
74S02
.35
74S03
.35
74S04
.35
74S05
.35
74S08
.35
74S09
.40
74S10
.35
74S11
.35
74S15
.35
74S20
.35
74S22
.35
74S30
.35
74S32
.40
74S37
.88
74S38
.85
74S40
.35
74S51
.35
74S64
.40
74S65
.40
74S74
.50
74S85
1.99
74S86
.50
74S112
.50
74S113
.50
74S114
.55
74S124
2.75
INTERFACE'
8T26
1.59
8T28
1.89
8T95
.89
8T96
.89
8T97
.89
8T98
.89
DM8131
2.95
DP8304
2.29
DS8833
2.25
DS8835
1.99
DS8836
.99
DS8837
OS8838
1.65
1.30,
74S132
74S133
74S134
74S135
74S138
74S139
74S140
74S151
74S153
74S157
74S158
74S161
74S162
74S163
74S168
74S169
74S174
74S175
74S181
74S182
74S188
74S189
74S194
74S195
74S196
74S197
74S201
1.24
.45
.50
.89
.85
.85
.55
.95
.95
.95
.95
1.95
1.95
1.95
3.95
3.95
.95
.95
3.95
2.95
1.95
6.95
1.49
1.49
1.49
1.49
6.95
74S225
74S240
74S241
74S244
74S2S1
74S253
74S257
74S258
74S260
74S273
74S274
74S275
74S280
74S287
74S288
74S289
74S301
74S373
74S374
74S381
74S387
74S412
74S471
74S472
74S474
74S482
74S570
74S571
7.95
2.20
2.20
2.20
95
.95
.95
.95
.79
2.45
19.95
19.95
1.95
1.90
1.90
6.89
6.95
2.45
2.45
7.95
1.95
2.98
4.95
4.95
4.95
15.25
2.95
2.95 j
VOLTAGE
REGULATORS
7400
7805T
.75
7905T
.85
78M05C
.35
7908T
.85
7808T
.75
7912T
.85
781 2T
.75
7915T
.85
7815T
.75
7924T
.85
7824T
.75
7905K
1.49
7805K
1.39
7912K
1.49
781 2K
1.39
7915K
1.49
781 5K
1.39
7924K
1.49
7824K
1.39
79L05
.79
78L05
.69
79L12
.79
78L12
.69
79L15
.79
78L15
.69
LM323K
4.95
78H05K
9.95
UA78S40
1.95
78H12K
9.95
C, T
= TO-220
K = TO-3
L = TO-92
SOUND CHIPS
I 76477 3.95 AY3-8910 12.95 1
76488 5.95 AY3-8912 12.95 1
L.76489 8.95 MC3340 1.49 J
ORDER TOLL FREE
800-538-5000
wnwEmi
(CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS)
DATA ACQUISITION
ADC0800
ADC0804
ADC0809
ADC0817
IpACoeoo
15.55 DAC0808
3.49 DAC1020
4.49 DAC1022
9.95 MC1408L6
4.95 MC1408L8
2.95
8.25
5.95
1.95
2.95J
CONNECTORS'
RS232 Male
2.50
RS232 Femalt
3.25
RS232 Hood
1.25
S-100ST'
3.95,
r EXAR
XR 2206
3.75
XR 2207
3.75
XR 2208
3.75
XR 2211
5.25
^XR 2240
3.25,
r INTERSIL^ 1
ICL7106
9.95
ICL7107
12.95
ICL7660
2.95
ICL8038
3.95
ICM7207A
5.59
L ICM7208
15.95^
^9000
9316
1.00
9334
2.50
9368
3.95
9401
9.95
9601
.75
9602
1.50
.96S02
1.95,
LINEAR
LM301
LM301H
LM307
LM30B
LM308H
LM309H
LM309K
LM310
LM311
LM311H
LM312H
LM317K
LM317T
LM318
LM318H
LM319H
LM319
LM320(see
LM322
1.M323K
LM324
LM329
LM331
LM334
LM335
LM336
LM337K
LM337T
LM338K
LM339
.34
.79
.45
.69
1.15
1.95
1.25
1.75
.64
.89
1.75
3.95
1.19
1.49
1.59
1.90
1.25
7900)
1.65
4.95
.59
.65
3.95
1.19
1.40
1.75
3.95
1.95
6.95
.99
LM340(see
LM348
LM350K
LM350T
LM358
LM359
LM376
LM377
LM378
LM379
LM380
LM380N-8
LM381
LM382
LM383
LM384
LM386
LM387
LM389
LM390
LM392
LM393
LM394H
LM399H
NE531
NE555
NE5S6
NE558
NE561
NE564
7800)
.99
4.95
4.60
.69
1.79
3.75
1.95
2.50
4.50
.89
1.10
1.60
1.60
1.95
1.95
.89
1.40
1.35
1.95
.69
1.29
4.60
5.00
2.95
.34
.65
1.50
24.95
2.95
LM565
LM566
LM567
NE570
NE571
NE590
NE592
LM709
LM710
LM711
LM723
LM723H
LM733
LM741
LM741N-
LM741H
LM747
LM748
LM1014
LM1303
LM1310
MC1330
MC1349
MC1350
MC1358
MC1372
LM1414
LM1458
LM1488
LM1489
LM1496
T = TO-220
.99
1.49
.89
3.95
2.95
2.50
2.75
.59
.75
.79
.49
.55
.98
.35
I .35
.40
.69
.59
1.19
1.95
1.49
1.69
1.89
1.19
1.69
6.95
1.59
.59
.69
.69
.85
LM1558H
LM1800
LM1812
LM1830
LM1871
LM1872
LM1877
LM1889
LM1896
ULN2003
LM2877
LM2878
LM2900
LM2901
LM3900
LM3905
LM3909
LM3911
LM3914
LM3915
LM3916
MC4024
MC4044
RC4136
RC4151
LM4250
LM4500
RC4558
LM13080
LM13600
LM13700
; = TO-3
3.10
2.37
8.25
3.50
5.49
5.49
3.25
1.95
1.75
2.49
2.05
2.25
.85
1.00
.59
1.25
.98
2.25
3.95
3.95
3.95
3.95
4.50
1.25
3.95
1.75
3.25
.69
1.29
1.49
1.49
7400
7401
7402
7403
7404
7405
7406
7407
7408
7409
7410
7411
7413
7414
7416
7417
7420
7421
7425
7427
7430
7432
7437
7438
7442
7445
7446
7447
7448
7451
7473
7474
7475
7476
7482
7483
7485
7486
7489
7490
7492
7493
7495
7497
74100
74107
74109
74116
74121
L74122
.19
.19
.19
.19
.19
.25
.29
.29
.24
.19
.19
.25
.35
.49
.25
.25
.19
.35
.29
.29
.19
.29
.29
.29
.49
.69
.69
.69
.69
.23
.34
.33
.45
.35
.95
.50
.59
.35
2.15
.35
.50
.35
.55
2.75
1.75
.30
.45
1.55
.29
.45
74123
74125
74126
74132
74136
74143
74145
74147
74148
74150
74151
74153
74154
74155
74157
74159
74160
74161
74163
74164
74165
74166
74167
74170
74173
74174
74175
74177
74181
74184
74185
74191
74192
74193
74194
74195
74197
74198
74221
74246
74247
74259
74273
74276
74279
74366
74367
74368
74393
RCA
CA 3023
CA 3039
CA 3046
CA 3059
CA 3060
CA 3065
CA 3080 1.10
CA3081 1.65
CA3160
2.75
1.29
1.25
2.90
2.90
1.75
CA3082
CA 3083
CA 3086
CA 3089
CA 3096
CA3130
CA3140
CA3146
1.19
Tl
TL494
TL496
TL497
75107
75110
75150
75154
75186
75189
TL071
TL072
TL074
TL081
TL082
TL083
4.20
1.65
3.25
1.49
1.95
1.95
1.95
1.25
1.25
75494
75365
75450
75451
75452
75453
75454
75491
75492
75493
.89
Bl FET
.79
1.19
2.19
.79
1.19
1.19
LF357
TL084
LF347
LF351
LF353
LF355
LF356
1.40
.491
.45 I
.45 I
.45 I
.50 I
4.95 I
.60 I
1.75 I
1.20 I
1.35 I
.55 I
.55
1.25 1
.75 I
.551
1.65 I
.85 I
.69 1
.691
.85 1
.85 1
1.00 I
2.95 I
1.65 I
.75 I
.89 I
.89 I
.75 I
2.25 I
2.001
2.00 I
1.15 I
.79
.79
.85 I
.85 I
.75
1.35 I
1.35
1.35
1.25 I
2.25
1.95
1.25 I
.75 I
.65 I
.651
.65
1.35 I
1.65
1.55
.80
2.99
3.49
1.30
1.15
1.85
1.95
.59
.39
.39
.39
.39 I
.79 f
.79 I
.89
2.19
2.19
.60
1.00
1.10 I
1.101
lYIIGRODEUIGES AT IYIIGR0PRIGES
■ mm] lif ■
ALL MERCHANDISE 100% GUARANTEED
Copyright 1984 JDR Microdevtces
Circle 193 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 537
16KEPR0MS
ai16 25 o NS 8/$795
RF MODULATOR
(ASTEC UM10B2) QUANTITIES LIMITED
* PRESET TO CHANNEL 3 NOW
* USE TO BUILD ONLY
TV-COMPUTER INTERFACE
* +5 VOLT OPERATION
POWER SUPPLIES
IDEAL FOR HOBBYIST. BENCHWORK & DO-IT-YOUR-
SELFERS! 90-DAY WARRANTY! NEW & UNUSED!
QUANTITIES LIMITED!
$695
ASTEC AA1 1190
* QUAD OUTPUT SWITCHING
DESIGN AS USED IN APPLE III
* +5 @ 4A; -5 @ .25A
* +12 @ 2.5A; -12 @ .30A; 15.5"x4.5"x2"
SIGMA INSTRUMENTS
Model 2PC2241
I * DESIGNED FOR DEC EQUIPMENT
| • FUSE PROTECTED * LINEAR DESIGN
AUXILIARY AC OUTLET
* +5 @ 4A; -15V @ 1.5A; 12.25"x4"x4.75"
NOW
ONLY
$5990
NOW
ONLY
$1995
OUR BUVER BLEW IT...
I& BOUGHT TOO iYIANV OF THESE! I
4116 250ns 8/7.95
CAPACITORS
TANTALUM
6V
10V
15V
20V
25V
35V
.22uf
.40
.27
.40
.33
.40
.47
.35
.50
.68
.45
1.0
.40
.40
.45
.45
1.5
.45
.50
1.8
.75
2.2
.35
.40
.45
.65
2.7
.40
.45
.90
3.3
.45
.50
.55
.60
.65
3.9
.45
4.7
.45
.55
.60
.65
.85
6.6
.70
.75
8.2
1.00
10
.55
.65
.80
.85
.90
1.00
12
.65
.85
.90
15
.75
.85
.90
18
1.25
22
1.00
1.35
27
2.25
39
1.50
47
1.35
56
1.75
100
3.25
270
3.75
DISC
10pf
22
25
27
33
47
56
68
82
100
220
330
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
.OS
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
470
560
680
620
.001 ul
.0015
.0022
.005
.01
.02
.05
.1
.1
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
50V
MONOLITHIC
.1ul-mono 50V .18
.047ul-mono50V .15
ELECTROLYTIC
.47ul
1
2.2
4.7
10
47
100
220
470
2200
RADIAL
50V
25V
35V
50V
50V
35V
16V
35V
25V
16V
.14
.14
.15
.15
.15
.16
.18
.20
.30
.60
COMPUTER
GRADE
26,000uf 30V 3.95
1ul
4.7
10
10
22
47
100
100
150
220
330
500
1000
1500
6000
AXIAL
50V
16V
16V
50V
16V
50V
15V
35V
25V
25V
16V
16V
16V
16V
16V
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
.05
.07
.07
50V .07
12V .10
.47uf-mono 50V .25
.01uf-mono 50V .14
.14
.14
.14
.16
.14
.20
.20
.25
.25
.30
.40
.42
.60
.70
.85
OPTO-ISOLATORS
4N26
4N27
4N28
4N33
4N35
4N37
MCT-2
LlWCT-6
1.00
1.10
.69
1.75
1.25
1.25
1.00
1.50
MCA-7
MCA-255
IL-1
ILA-30
ILQ-74
H11C5
TIL-111
TIL-113
4.25
1.75
1.25
1.25
2.75
1.25
1.00
1.75 J
1N751
1N759
1N4148
1N4004
KBP02
KBP04
L.VM48
DIODES
5.1 volt zener
12.0 volt zener
(1N914) switching
400PIV rectilier
200PIV 1.5amp bridge
400PIV 1.5amp bridge
Dip-Bridge
.25
.25
25/1.00
10/1.00
.45
.55
.35.
NEW UN-USED
MUFFIN FANS
4.68" Square
| 3.125" Square
HEAT SINKS
I TO-3 style
| TO-220 style
SWITCHES
I SPDT mini-toggle
I DPDT mini-toggle
LSPST mlnl-pushbutton
14.95
14.95
.95
.35
1.25 1
1.50 |
.39J
IYIIGRODEUICES
Mil
IYIIGROPRIGES
TRANSISTORS
2N918
MPS918
2N2102
2N2218
2N2218A
2N2219
2N2219A
2N2222
PN2222
MPS2369
2N2464
2N2905
2N2907
PN2907
2N3055
3055T
2N3393
2N3414
2N3S63
2N3565
PN3565
MPS3638
| MPS3640
PN3643
PN3644
MPS3704
.50
.25
.75
.50
.50
.50
.50
.25
.10
.25
.25
.50
.25
.125
.79
.69
.30
.25
.40
.40
.25
.25
.25
.25
.25
.15
MPS3706
2N3772
2N3903
2N3904
2N3906
2N4122
2N4123
2N4249
2N4304
2N4401
2N4402
2N4403
2N4857
PN4916
2N5086
PN5129
PN5139
2N5209
2N6028
2NE043
2N6045
MPS-A05
MPS-A06
MPS-A55
TIP29
TIP31
TIP32
.15
1.65
.25
.10
.10
.25
.25
.25
.75
.25
.25
.25
1.00
.25
.25
.25
.25
.25
.35
1.75
1.75
.25
.25
.25
.65
.75
.79 j
BYPASS CAPS
.01 UF DISC
.01 UF MONOLITHIC
.1 UF DISC
k .1 UF MONOLITHIC
1 00/6.00 I
100/12.00 I
100/8.00 1
100/15.00J
LED LAMPS
JUMBO RED
JUMBO GREEN
I JUMBO YELLOW
iLED MOUNTING HARDWARE
1-99
.10
.18
.18
.10
100. up
.09
.15
.15
.09
LED DISPLAYS
HP 5082-7760
MAN 72
MAN 74
FND-357 (359)
FND-500 (503)
FND-507 (510)
ItIL-311 4x7
.43"
.3"
.3"
.375"
.5"
.5"
CC
CA
CC
CC
CC
CA
1.29
.99 I
.99
1.25 I
1.49 I
1.49 I
.270" HEX W/LOGIC 9.951
RESISTORS
V. WATT 5% CARBON FILM ALL
STANDARD VALUES
FROM 1 OHM TO 10 MEG OHM
50 PCS. SAME VALUE .025 |
100 PCS. SAME VALUE .02
L1000PCS. SAME VALUE .015 J
IC SOCKETS
1-99 100
8 pin ST .13 .11
14 pin ST .15 .12
16 pin ST .17 .13
18 pin ST .20 .18
20 pin ST .29 .27
22 pin ST .30 .27
24 pin ST .30 .27
26 pin ST .40 .32
40 pin ST .49 .39
64 pin ST 4.25 call
ST = SOLDERTAIL
6 pin WW .59 .49
14 pin WW
16 pin WW
18 pin WW
20 pin WW
22 pin WW
24 pin WW
28 pin WW
40 pin WW
.69
.69
.99
1.09
1.39
1.49
1.69
1.99
.52
.58
.90
.98
1.28
1.35
1.49
1.80
WW = WIREWRAP
16 pin ZIF 5.95 call
24 pin ZIF 7.95 call
28 pin ZIF 8.95 call
ZIF = TEXTOOL
(Zero Insertion Force)
DIP
SWITCHES
.85
.90
.90
.95
.95 .
4 POSITION
5 POSITION
6 POSITION
7 POSITION
L8 POSITION
1224 S. Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA)
(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110
VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE
HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sat. 10-3
PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING
TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling include
$2.50 lor UPS Ground and $3.50 lor UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and
loreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please
contact our sales department for the amount. CA residents must
include 6% sales tax. Bay Area and LA residents include 6V=%. Prices
subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for
typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to
substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale.
© Copyright 1984 JDR Mlcrodevlces
538 BYTE February 1984
Circle 194 on inquiry card.
2732
32K EPROM
276a
64K EPROM
MICROCOMPUTER
HARDWARE HANDBOOK
FROM ELCOMP — $14.95
Over 800 pages of manufacturers data
sheets on most commonly used IC's.
Includes:
* TTL - 74774LS and 74F
* CMOS
* Voltage Regulators
* Memory — RAM, ROM, EPROM
* CPU's — 6800, 6500, Z80, 8080,
8085, 8086/8
MPU support & interface —
6800, 6500, Z80, 8200, etc.
BEST SELLING
BOOKS
OSBORNE/MC GRAW-HILL
Apple II User's Guide 16.95
CRT Controllers Handbook 9.95
] 68000 Assembly Language
Programming 16.99
CBASIC User Guide 15.00
SYBEX
Your First Computer 8.95
The CP/M Handbook 14.95
The PASCAL Handbook 18.95
Microprocessor Interfacing
Techniques 17.95 I
TRANSFORMERS
FRAME STYLE
12.6VAC
2amp
4.95
12.6VAC CT
2amp
5.95
12.6VAC CT
4amp
7.95
12.6V AC CT
8amp
10.95
25.2VAC CT
2amp
7.95
PLUG CASE STYLE
1 12VAC 250ma 3.95 1
12V AC 500ma 4.95
12VAC lamp 5.95
M2VAC 2amp 6.95 1
DC ADAPATER
1 6, 9, 12 VDC selectable with universal I
adapter 8.95
I NOTE: Please include sufficient amount tor |
[shipping on above Items.
DISK DRIVES
TANDON
ITM100-1 5'/. " (FOR IBM) SS/DD 229.00 I
|TM100-2 5 V (FOR IBM) DS/DD 259.00 |
SHUGART
I SA 400L 5V." (40 TRACK) SS/DD 1 99.95 1
| SA 400 5'/." (35 TRACK) SS/DD 1 89.95 |
PERTEC
I FD-200 5v. ss/dd 1 79.95 1
I FD-250 s% ds/dd 1 99.95 1
MPI
| MP-52 514" (FOR IBM) DS/DD 249.00 1
NOTE: Please include sufficient amount tor
shipping on above items.
z&^es^
^""^r—-
SEW
]
*^^^g
1
FD 100-8
SHUGART 801 EQUIV.
SS/DD — 10/$175 EA.
8-INCH
DISK DRIVE
SALE
FD 200-8
SHUGART 851 EQUIV.
DS/DD — 10/$220EA.
$189oo $23900
EDGE-CARD
CONNECTORS
S-100 ST
3.95
S-100WW
4.95
72 pin ST
6.95
72 pin WW
7.95
50 pin ST
4.95
44 pin ST
2.95
AA pin WW
4.95.
MasterCard
CABINETS FOR
CABINET #1 *29.95
[• DIMENSIONS 8% x5' 5 /iex 3W
* COLOR MATCHES APPLE
I* FITS STANDARD 5%" DRIVES,
INCL. SHUGART
• INCLUDES MOUNTING
HARDWARE AND FEET
I NOTE: Please include sufficient amount for
I shipping on above items.
5 1 A" DISK DRIVES
CABINET #2 $ 79.00
• COMPLETE WITH POWER
SUPPLY, SWITCH, LINE
CORD, FUSE & STANDARD
POWER CONNECTOR
• DIMENSIONS: 1 1V2X5 3 /4X 3^16"
• +5V @ 1 AMP, +12V @ 1.5 AMP I
• FITS STANDARD 5 1 /4" DRIVES |
• PLEASE SPECIFY
GRAY OR TAN
UISIT DURING
I I;l3 i/'li i ai
RETAIL STORE HOURS
SATURDAV 10 to 3
CENTRONICS
I IDCEN36 Ribbon Cable 36 Pin Male 6.95
IDCEN36/F Ribbon Cable 36 Pin Female 6.95
[CEN36 Solder Cup 36 Pin Male 7.95
DIP CONNECTORS ^
DESCRIPTION
HIGH RELIABILITY
TOOLED ST IC
SOCKETS
COMPONENT
CARRIERS
(DIP HEADERS)
RIBBON
CABLE
DIP PLUGS (IDC)
ORDER BY
AUGATxx-ST
ICCxx
IDPxx
CONTACTS 8
14
16
18
20
22
24
28
40
For order
.99
.99
.99
1.69
1.89
1.89
1.99
2.49
2.99
instructions see
.66
.75
.85
1.00
1.25
1.25
1.35
1.50
2.10
"IDC Connecto
1.45
1.65
2.50
4.15
s" below.
RIBBON CABLE
SINGLE COLOR
COLOR CODED
CONTACTS
r
10'
V
10'
10
.50
4.40
.83
7.30
16
.55
4.80
1.00
8.80
20
.65
5.70
1.25
11.00
25
.75
6.60
1.32
11.60
26
.75
6.60
1.32
11.60
34
.98
8.60
1.65
14.50
40
1.32
11.60
1.92
16.80
50
1.38
12.10
2.50
22.00
D-SUBMINIATURE
DESCRIPTION
SOLDER CUP
RIGHT ANGLE
PC SOLDER
IDC
RIBBON CABLE
HOODS
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
FEMALE
MALE
FEMALE
BLACK
GREY
ORDER BY
DBxxP
DBxxS
DBxxPR
DBxxSR
IDBxxP
IDBxxS
HOOD-B
HOOD
CONTACTS 9
2.08
2.66
1.65
2.18
3.37
3.69
—
1.60
15
2.69
3.63
2.20
3.03
4.70
5.13
—
1.60 i
25
2.50
3.25
3.00
4.42
6.23
6.84
1.25
1.25 I
37
4.80
7.11
4.83
6.19
9.22
10.08
—
2.95
50
6.06
9.24
—
—
—
—
—
3.50 1
For order instructions see "IDC Connectors" below.
M
OUNTI
NGHA
RDWA
RE 1.C
10
IDC CONNECTORS
DESCRIPTION
SOLDER HEADER
RIGHT ANGLE
SOLDER HEADER
WW HEADER
RIGHT ANGLE
WW HEADER
RIBBON
HEADER SOCKET
RIBBON
HEADER
RIBBON
EDGE CARD
ORDER BY
IDHxxS
IDHxxSR
IDHxxW
IDHxxWR
IDSxx
IDMxx
IDExx
CONTACTS 10
20
26
34
40
50
.82
1.29
1.68
2.20
2.58
3.24
.85
1.35
1.76
2.31
2.72
3.39
1.86
2.98
3.84
4.50
5.28
6.63
2.05
3.28
4.22
4.45
4.80
7.30
1.15
1.86
2.43
3.15
3.73
4.65
5.50
6.25
7.00
7.50
8.50
2.25
2.36
2.65
3.25
3.80
4.74
ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS: Insert the number of contacts in the position marked "xx" of the "order by" part number listed. Example: A 1 pin right angle solder style
header would be IDH10SR.
Copyright 1964 JOR Mlcrodevlcea
Circle 194 on inquiry card.
BYTE February 1984 539
FOR APPLE COMPUTER USERS
#
JDR Microdevices
NOUSAnOSSQUH
JDR 16K RAM CARD FOR APPLE II+
I • Expand your 48K Apple to 64K
I * Fully compatible with Apple Language System — Use I
in place of Apple Language card ]
I* Highest quality card features: gold edge connector, |
sockets for all IC's.
• 2 YEAR WARRANTY
Kit with Instructions $40.95 i
Bare PC Card $14.95
$4495
GET SLIM IN 1980!
JDR HALF-HEIGHT DISK DRIVE
I * 35 Track if used with
Apple Controller
I * 40 Track Controller and DOS
Available (Call for Price)
$20995
v_
-\
1
e t —
ZT GE3 1
Ml) SVSTCMS
I FD-35 DISK DRIVE
$ 199
95
* Shugart Mechanism —
Made in U.S.A.
| * Direct Replacement for
Apple Disk II
| * Compatible with Apple
Controller or other Apple |
compatible controllers
| * Specially designed
electronics with low power ]
consumption
I * DOS 3.3 and 3.2 compatible |
* One Year Warranty
I CONTROLLER CARD
$69.95
MasterCard
APPLE COIYIPATIBLE
POWER SUPPLY
I* Use To Power Apple-
Type Systems
• +5V@5A +12V@3A
-5V@.5A -12V@.5A
|* Instructions Included
$79^
BMC
BMK-80 PRINTER
I • 80 CPS Dot Matrix Printer
I • Prints Bi-Directional in 40, 80,
71 or 142 Columns in Normal,
Double Width or Compressed I
Text.
Print Superscript As Well As
Superb Graphics in Character J
or Bit Image
fs'ai lg
VIEWMAX-80
NOW ONLY $ 159 95 |
I* 80ColumnCardforApplell+|
• Video Soft Switch
* Inverse Video
I* 2 Year Warranty
VIEWMAX-80e
A/ElrV*129 95
I* 80 Column Card for Apple Mel
* 64K RAM Expandableto 128K
1 64K RAM Upgrade $4760
GRAPHMAX *129 95 |
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• Printer Card
I* Centronics Parallel Interface |
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& Zoom Options . . . $ 1 49 95 1
NASHUA DISKETTES
5V<" WITH HUB RING
I MD1 SOFT SECTOR, SS/SD 19.95 I
MD1D SOFT SECTOR. SS/DD 26.25
MD2D SOFT SECTOR. DS/DD 30.75
MD2F SOFT SECTOR, DS/QUAD DENSITY 45.00
MD110 10 SECTOR HARD, SS/SD 19.95
| MD210D 10 SECTOR HARD, DS/DD 30.75 |
8" WITHOUT HUB RING
I FD1 SOFT SECTOR, SS/SD 24.75 I
FD1D SOFT SECTOR, SS/DD 30.00
L.FD2D SOFT SECTOR, DS/DD 36.75J
VERBATIM
DATALIFE
DISKETTES
SS/DD SOFT SECTOR
$29.95
SS/DD 10 HARD SECTOR
$29.95
\SV*" DISKETTE!
FILE
| * ATTRACTIVE, FUNCTIONAL |
DISK STORAGE SYSTEM
| * 75 DISK STORAGE
CAPACITY
I * MOLDED FROM' DURABLE |
SMOKED PLASTIC WITH
FRONT CARRY-
ING HANDLE
$16"J
OTHER ACCESSORIES
FOR APPLE II
ITHUNDERCLOCK $129.95|
• Real-Time Clock Calendar
• Software Included
• Mountain Software Compatible
• BSR Control Options Available
[KRAFT JOYSTICK $39.95l
MONITORS
BMC MONITOR STAND
MODEL PA-900
Your Display Will
Tilt & Swivel '29.95
MONOCHROME
BMC BM12AUW GREEN 12" $ 89.95 I
BMC BM12EUY 18 MHZ AMBER $ 1 39.95 I
BMC BM 12EUN 18 MHZ HIGH RES GREEN $ 1 1 5.00
NEC JB1201M- 20 MHZ GREEN S 169.00
| ZENITH ZVM-121 - 15 MHZ GREEN $ 99.00 |
COLOR
| BMC BM-AU9191U COMPOSITE 13" $ 279.00|
NO C.O.D. ORDERS PLEASE
JDR Microdevices
800-538-5000 • 800-662-6279 (CA)
(408) 995-5430 • Telex 171-110
VISIT OUR RETAIL STORE
HOURS: M-W-F, 9-5 T-Th., 9-9 Sal. 10-3
PLEASE USE YOUR CUSTOMER NUMBER WHEN ORDERING
TERMS: Minimum order $10. For shipping and handling include
$2.50 for UPS Ground and $3.50 (or UPS Air. Orders over 1 lb. and
foreign orders may require additional shipping charges — please
contact our sales department for the amount. CA residents must
include 6°/o sales tax, Bay Area and LA residents include 6Vj°/o. Prices
subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for
typographical errors. We reserve the right to limit quantities and to
substitute manufacturer. All merchandise subject to prior sale.
IB) Copyright 1984 JDR Microdevices
540 BYTE February 1984
Circle 195 on inquiry card.
Unclassified Ads
WANTED: IBM 5100-5120 with APL 64K, RS-232C serial I/O
option. I am developing an adaptive pharmacokinetic system for
medical applications. Also, looking for prospective associates and
programmers versed m C, APL, or Z80/8086 assembly language
Peter A. Orner, MD, PhD, Suite A-204, 3737 Moraga Ave.,. San
Diego. CA 92117, |6I9) 272-6781.
WANTED: Tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization seeks com-
puter donation for compilation of reference information on AiDS.
Will be used in a network to provide up-to-date information to
local AIDS groups. Certified receipts. Paul Paroski Jr., MD, National
Gay Health Education Foundation Inc., 1)4 Willoughby Ave..
Brooklyn, NY 11205, (212) 622-3000.
WANTED: Tax-deductible donation of Apple computer, disk-
drive, monitor, and/or printer to be used for financial records,
membership drives, state and federal yearly reports, updating
animal-care sheets, etc. References and IRS information on request.
We pay shipping and give receipt. Carol Odell, Wildlife Rescue
Team Inc., Route 2, Lincoln. NE 68505.
FOR SALE: Lot I: BITE: July November, December, 1977; 1978
to 1981. complete; 1982 and 1983, less two issues. Lot 2: Kilobaud
Microcomputing: June. September to December, 1977; 1978 to
1980, complete; 198!. less December; 12 issues scattered thru
1982-1983. Lor 3; Creative Computing numbers 2, 4, 5, and 6
of 1978; 1979 to 1981, complete; numbers 2, 3, 4. and 12 of 1982;
1983. complete. Will accept best offer FOB for each lot. Duncan
Bailey. 609 Echo Glen, River Vale, NJ 07675. (201) 666-3992.
NEEDED: Physically disabled Vietnam Veteran needs Smart-
modem for access to college computer from home. Used OK
Irvmq J. Goldfarb. 116 Court St., Pittsburgh, NY 12901.
FOR SALE: Multiuser CP/M computer, one 60-megabyte Win-
chester disk drive, one tape backup, expandable to 32 users, flop-
py and tape backup, demo unit with new guarantee; lists for
S32.0O0, sell for SI 6,000. Allen Cohen, American Bar Code
Systems, Suite 376, 5757 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
(2I3| 642-1101.
FOR SALE: Morrow Designs MD-3 microcomputer with CP/M,
64K RAM, and two double-sided disk drives. Includes standard
software plus lots of extra programs. Used only 4 months: S 1300
or best offer, Heath H-29 terminal: S695 firm. Richard Haendel,
POB 22152. Oklahoma City, OK 73123, (405) 721-9215.
FOR SALE: ELF computer, not completed with regulated
power supply and heavy-duty transformer, enclosure cabinet for
computer boards, ASCII keyboard, and monitor, Giant board and
I/O board have been tested. Documentation included. Tom Acuff,
3109 15th St.. Moline, II 61265. (309) 764-5977.
FOR SALE: ELF II computer with 4K RAM, giant board, ex-
pansion power supply UHF and VHF video modulators, light pen,
various programs, and complete manuals: S250. John Choriton,
2316 View Ridge Dr., Bellingham, WA 98226, (206) 733-5122.
FOR SALE: DEC computer system. Includes a MINC-II pro-
cessor, an RX02 dual 8-inch DSDD floppy-disk drive, a DECwriter
III 180-cps printing terminal, and a VT105 video terminal with
graphics capability. System comes complete with the MINC BASIC
and RT-ll operating systems and includes both FORTRAN and
assembly language compilers. May be willing to sell terminals
separately. Excellent condition; price negotiable. Herbert Wendell,
405 Northfield Ave. West Orange. NJ 07052, (201) 736-8259.
WANTED: Atari 800 games and other programs on disk. Send
name, address, and disk; I'll return a disk with different programs.
Sen Can. 3717 Diamondhead Dr., St. Louis. MO 63125.
FOR SALE: OSI-C3-A, 56K with dual 8-incn SSSD drives, CP/M
package, printer interface, and cable, Lifeboat XBASIC, COBOL,
FORTRAN. OS-65D 3.0. OS-65U 1.1, OS-DMSA nucleus, OS-65D
extended ediror, and Wordstar 3.0. All disks and documentation:
SI800. FOB Wilton. Wm. E. Ritchie.- RD 2, Wilton, NH 03086,
(603) 654-6157.
FOR SALE: Memorex 651 hard-sector 8-inch floppy-disk drive.
Used but in good condition. Make offer or will trade for S-100
boards, etc. Kevin Cardon, 1500 North 1220 East. Lehi, UT 84043,
(801) 768-9567.
FOR SALE: Four Shugart SA800 8-inch floppy-disk drives in
excellent shape: S150each. Two Memorex 552 8-inch floppy-disk
drives, double-sided: SI75 each. Roger Wilson, 922 Dunbarton
Dr.. Richardson, TX 75081, [214) 690-1895 after 6 p.m.
FOR SALE: OSI system consisting of Superboard (mounted in
cast-aluminum cover) and Leedex 12-inch monitor, cassette, and
ASf? 33 teletype. In very good condition with good system docu-
mentation, Will sell for best offer or trade for dot-matrix printer,
Edward Crovella. (716) 839-3468 after 6 p.m.
FOR SALE: Wbrking S-100 boards, 16K static RAMs; $65 each.
8K static RAMs: S30 each. Bytesaver II with 10 2708s: S75. Pro-
cessor Tech 1200 bps cassette interface: S35. OP-80 optical paper-
tape reader: S20. Two partial SOL-20s: S15 each. Mostly Processor
Technology software. Martin Eberhard, 307 East Healey #10,
Champaign, IL 61820, (217) 398-0077 evenings.
FOR SALE: Vector Graphics MZ with S-100, 280, 4MHz, 56K,
dual 300K disks. Centronics and RS-232C ports, SOROC 120 ter-
minal, Selectric printer/typewriter, CP/M. Pascal-Z, and other
goodies: $2500 or offer. Also. PDP-SM CPU, 8K core, autostart,
and HO interface: $500 as is. TI-59 Calculator with printer-base,
all accessories and software, like new: S250, PROM-Blaster Ap-
parat for Apple II: S75 Mike Hughes, POB 393, Rapid City, SD
57709. (605) 341-6755.
FOR SALE: Microtek MT80P printer S250. Microterm ACT-I
terminal- S 100 SwTPC 6800 computer with 44K. Two serial and
one parallel I/O boards: S425. SwTPC AC30 cassette interface:
$50. Send for complete list. Jim Hall. 2063 108th Ave., Otsego,
Ml 49078. (616) 694-9760.
WANTED: Information on the IBM printer Model 3284-2: serial-
interface location on the logic control unit, it's pin definition and
location. Would like to interface it to a Z80 microprocessor. Also,
would welcome and answer all correspondence related to com-
puters, programming, etc. Tony-A'damse Veerk, 41F The Hague,
Holland.
FOR SALE: H-14 printer with RS-232C serial cable; excellent
condition, checked by factory. Extra ribbons and all manuals in-
cluded: SI25. Will pay shipping. Tom Dorsert. E 2726 Golden
Rd„ Spokane. WA 99208, (509) 466-0585.
WANTED: Apple software to swap. Will trade for games,
utilities, or whatever. Send typed list of programs and I'll send
mine. Wade Tsai, 1309 South Port Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560,
(318) 367-8860.
FOR SALE: Epson MX-100 printer. Epson interface board for
Apple, and Graphicwriter: all S600 or best offer, Apple Disk II
Drive: S299. Rana Disk Elite One: $250. Versawriter: $199. DOS
Toolkit: S40. Gorgon: $27. ABM: SI5, Swashbuckler: S20. Other
software at varying prices. Peter Su. 14 Devonshire Dr., Barrington,
Rl 02806.
WANTED: Computer and electronics enthusiasts who want
to correspond with a 22-year-oid male electronics engineer. I am
interested in the exchange of ideas, programs, and circuit designs.
I use an S-100. Z80-based system, Also, anybody who wants to
communicate about the electronics and computing scene in India.
Kim Agrawal, Sri Aurobmdo Ashram, Pondicherry 605 002. India.
FOR SALE: Heavy-duty power-supply system. Metal case (12
by 6 by 30). two Lambda power supplies: (LGS-EE-5-OV-R; 5 V
@ 110 amps) and (LND-X-152; ±12 V @ 2.5 amps) with AC-power
fail-detection board. Package price; $1400; asking $700. Jim
Kitchen, (713) 644-2841 days. 251-0723 nights.
FOR SALE: 48K Atari 400 with BASIC cartridge, manual, dust
cover, and various cassettes: all for $250. Also, an Atari 16K mem-
ory board that I will swap for back issues of BYTE, Creative Com-
puting, or Compute Best offer, send your list. Jim W. Prickett. 2142
Cross" Rd., El Centra, CA 92243.
FOR SALE: Base II dot-matrix printer in top condition with
RS-232C serial, Centronics parallel. 20-mA-current loop, and
IEEE-488 interfaces. Also, has tractor feed, graphics, and extended
buffer options. Asking $450. Will consider trading for 1200-bps
computer, external modem, or item of equal value. Walter Vose
Jeffries, HB1630 Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755.
FOR SALE: LNW 80 computer board with gold connectors,
most capacitators. resistors, and sockets. All manuals and the BYTE
construction article: S 125 or offer. Also, three S-100 Vector Graphics
boards |I977 Rev. I & 2) including the hi-res board. 8K RAM board,
and the Flash-writer board: all three for S 200 or best offer. James
E. Shephard, 15634 Northeast 107th Court. Redmond, WA 98052.
(206) 883-6052.
WANTED: Schematics and operational information on the Seals
Electronics 32KSC, a 32K-byte S-100 static RAM board. Also, for
sale: five new, unused boards needing some logic parts and new,
prime RAM chips: Tl TMS 4044, 4116. 21L02; and 80IR-compatible
disk drive. Prices negotiable. Steve Fritts, POB 13057, St. Paul, MN
55113, (612) 771-8264.
WANTED: Student would appreciate the donation of an Apple
II with disk drive and 64K to be used in the development of edu-
cational programs for schools and to further my knowledge of
computer languages. Mark Zwich, 1821 Wbodsfield Dr„ Richfield,
Wi 53076,
UNCLASSIFIED POLICY: Readers who have computer equipment to buy, sell, or
trade or who are requesting or giving advice may send a notice to BYTE for inclusion
in the Unclassified Ads section. To be considered for publication, an advertisement must
be noncommercial (individuals or bona fide computer clubs only), typed double-spaced
on piain white paper, contain 75 words or fewer, and include complete name and
address. This service is free of charge; notices are printed once only as space permits.
Your confirmation of placement is appearance in an issue of BYTE as we engage in no
correspondence. Please allow at least three months for your ad to appear. Send your
notices to Unclassified Ads, BYTE/McGraw-Hill, POB 372, Hancock, NH 03449.
FOR SALE: North Star Horizon II, S-100 bus. 32K, dual 5 K -inch
drives. RTC. two serial and one paraliel ports, oak cabinet,
manuals, etc. Lots of software Offers? Also, two IBM 7441/1980
Selectric ball-communicating printers, financial keyboards, and
RS-232C interface. Will include 280 and/or 6502 software drivers,
and documentation: S230 each or S420 for both. FOB Also,
TTY model 43 KSR with modem: S475. Rich Adamson. 7310
Adams, Lincoln, NE 68507, |402) 464-0718.
FOR SALE: Apple II 48K computer (has full uppercase and
lowercase keyboard), I6K language card, disk drive with controller
and green monitor: s 1000 or best offer. Also, MX-80 friction-feed
kit: S70. Lester Barrel, 1907 Bamam, Dodge City, KS 67801. (316)
227-7536.
WANTED: I am interested in corresponding with other
Cromemco C-10 owners, users, and groups to share and swap
programs and information. Steven E. Martin. 7751 Gamid Dr,
Springfield, VA 22153. (703| 664-4251 days and 451-2992
evenings.
FOR SALE: Okidata Microline 80: SI95. IDS 440G: S345.
Okidata Slimline 160: S 1195. Decis Data 6540: S995. Mountain
Apple Clock: SI45, Apple Parallel Card: S70. Apple Communicate
Card: S 1 15. visual V200 CRT: S545. Microfinesse Fin Model |new|:
S290. Panasonic NV8200 VCR: S550. All clean, in working con-
dition, manuals included. Dave Drucker, 5 Norbert, Hawthorn
Woods, IL 60047. |3I2) 541-2122.
FOR SALE: Tekrronix 60-MHz dual trace, delayed-alternate
time-base oscilloscope. Model 2215 with accessory pouch: like
new: SIOO0 or best offer. Stephen Rao. 9001 Watertown Plank
Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, (414) 257-8567.
FOR SALE: OSI C4R MF 48K RAM. two 5-inch disk drives,
battery backup clock/calendar, four joysticks, programmable tone
generator, DAC, 32 by 64 redefinable character or graphic In 16
colors. OS-65D with Microsoft BASIC, assembler and debugger
with all manuals and lots of software. Over S3500; asking S25O0
in Canadian funds. Daniel Filteau, 1471 Bourgeoys, Longueuil.
Ouebec J4M 1Z5. Canada, (514) 468-3820.
FOR SALE: Tektronix 4054 graphics terminal. 300 hours total
time used. Less than 50 hours on CRT tube. Options: #01— Data
Communication Interface; #24— 64K-bytes total memory: #30—
Dynamic Graphics. Also, Trans-Era A/D converter unit and Trans-
Era BCD-Binary I/O unit. Walt Hedges. 4635 West Euclid. Laveen,
AZ 85339, (602) 237-4080.
WANTED: S-100 boards. Three Compupro RAM 20 32K static:
SI25 each. Two Tarbell DD controllers with CP/M 2.2: S200 each
Compupro I/O: SI00 Compupro CPU-2: S200. All boards perfect
with manuals. Jim Blair, (318) 367-8455.
WANTED: Student would appreciate an unwanted, new, or
used copy of Beneath Apple DOS |Worth & Lechner, for Apple
DOS 3.3) and/or Bag of Tricks. Willing to pay, or trade software
or a copy of 6502 Assembly Language Programming (L. Leven-
thal) in new condition. Darryl Dueck. 59 Pinecrest Bay Winnipeg.
Manitoba R2G IW2. Canada. (204| 668-5176.
WANTED: Used Olivetti Praxis 30 electronic typewriter. Long
Kha. 7322 Mesa College Dr.. Apt. 18. San Diego. CA 92111. |619|
277-4277.
WANTED: TRS-80 software to swap. Also, need help in repair-
ing a TRS-80 logic board Model I G version; need two ROMs set.
I have some TRS-80 upgrade plans for trade. Looking for 80-
column TRS-80 Model I upgrade plans. Send SASE for replies. Tim
Cochrane, POB 176. Industry, PA 15052.
FOR SALE: Apple software: Wizard and the Princess for S 18
or best offer and Ultima for S25 or best offer. Both in original pack-
ing. Also, will buy or borrow used adventures and games. Darrin
Rothe, 310 North Main. Deer Park, WI 54007, (715) 269-5313 after
5 p.m. and weekends.
WANTED: Percom Doubler A [the one discarded when you
upgraded to Doubler ll| for TRS-80 Model I: Level II ROM chips
for newer Alps keyboard (the set that mounts directly on main
board), and aircraft navigation software on disk. H. Sherwin, 609
South Main St.. Clearfield. UT 84015. |80l| 773-8005.
FOR SALE: Persci 270 dual 8-inch SS/SD floppy-disk drive and
power supply. Very fast and factory maintained: S395. Alan
Westhagen, 68l4-20th NE, Seattle, WA 98115, (206) 524-7335.
WANTED: Anyone who wants to exchange programs & soft-
ware for a Processor Tech S0L-20 T. and N. Eliasson, Gosgatan
15 S-72348 Vasteras. Sweden.
WANTED: VIC-20 books, tapes, cartridges, or other new or
used equipment. Please send list when corresponding. Bart
Kreuser, 1695 Biemeret, Green Bay, WI 54304.
FOR SALE: Two Calcomp #142 SSDD 8-inch drives, one
Calcomp #I42M SSDD 8-inch drive; both need repair Also, Tarbel
SD FDC, Calcompjumpered, Shugart adaptor; IA Z80 2-MHz CPU
with CP/M boot PROM; Cromemco Z80 monitor PROM; 16k
Godbout Econoram IV static RAM; I6K WMC MEM-2 static RAM;
and four 8K Godbout Econoram i] static RAM. Complete
documentation on each item. Make an offer. Dave Raibert. ( 201)
444-4600 and 529-3595.
WANTED: Young robotics A.I experimenter would like con-
tact with others with same interests. Peter J Skelley. 16121 59th
Ave. SE. Snohomish. WA 98290.
FOR SALE: Altos 16-bit multiuser computer with hard disk
The system has Horizon WP Accounting, and Mulciplan running
under the Xenix operating system New: SI6.700. asking S720O.
Mike Hughes, 1245 West Huntington Dr. #207, Arcadia. CA
91006. (213) 287-7385.
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 541
Unclassified Ads
FOR SALE: Fortune 32:16 computer with hard disk, Unix oper-
ating system, WP, Multiplan. and accounting software. Asking
half of what the system costs. Russ Sharer. POB 3535, Arcadia.
CA 91006. (213] 445-8720.
WANTED: To trade a one-month-old Radio Shack TRS-SO
(MCIOJ with some money, for a used Jupiter Ace with some soft-
ware and documentation. William V. Petro Jr.. 30047 Regent,
Wickliffe. OH 44092. (216) 944-5903.
FOR SALE: Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I with Level II BASIC.
Comes with functioning keyboard, monitor, cassette recorder,
several games, and complete documentation. Will trade for IBM
PC software/hardware or best offer. Michael Beauchamp, 313 Old
Post Rd.. Waterloo. Ontario N2L 5P3. Canada. (519) 885-0891.
WANTED: People who are interested in or use the Logo lan-
guage. I would like to exchange programs, ideas, and informa-
tion. Keith Robison. 113 Morris Rd., Exton, RA 19341.
WANTED: TDL Assembler, Chess, and Statistics software in
source listing and on 5 V* -inch disk for Osborne 1 in single den-
sity Will give you other software in exchange. Hermann Locarek,
Fuggerstr. 4, 8901 Stadtbergen. West Germany.
FOR SALE: Xerox 820 computer with two 5% -inch DS/DD
drives or two 8-inch SS/DD drives. Also. Xerox/Diablo 630 letter-
quality printer. James Long, Rt. 3 No. 6 Autumnwood, Holts Sum-
mit. MO 65043, (314) 896-5989 after 7 p.m.
FOR SALE: Back issues of BYTE. vol. I, no. I [1975] through
1982, complete except for vol. 1. no, 2, 3, 5, and 9. Mint condi-
tion, S250 includes U.S shipment. Bill Schweber. POB 543. Sharon.
MA 02067.
FOR SALE: Netronics Explorer-85 system. Complete with key-
board. 64K memory, two 8-inch disk drives, and CP/M. All in
perfect working order; will sell for best offer, Larry Katz. 854 North
Krome Ave.. Homestead. FL 33030. (305) 248-7561 days.
FOR SALE: TRS-80 Model 1 48K. RS-232C. modem. DEC printer,
software, manuals: S975. CCTV Security System with two
cameras, monitor, more: $500. 3M 257 desk copier: S175. Also,
TRS-80 Model 16 256K. two drives, real-time clock, Xenix/Unix
software, modem, printer, terminal, hard disk, more: S7950. Jim
Thomas, POB R, Pine Lake. GA 30072. (404) 498-1401.
FOR SALE: BYTE January 1981 through December 1982 (24
issues) and Microcomputing January 1977 through October 1982
(70 issues): S170, prepaid. Will consider VIC-20, Tl 99. etc. as par-
tial trade. Paul Schmidtke. 4308 East Little Creek Rd., Tucson. AZ
85712, (602) 326-0442.
FOR SALE: BYTE, 7/76 thru 10/76 and 1/77 thru 12/82. miss-
ing one issue: S200. Interface Age, 1/77 thru 12/82, missing 7/78:
SI50. Kilobaud, 10/77 thru 12/82, missing 3 issues: S125. Creative
Computing, 3/77 thru 6/81. missing two issues: S100. Personal
Computing, 7/78 thru 12/81, missing 1 issue: S75. All plus ship-
ping. Also dr dobbs. etc. George Lang. 306 East 96th St., NY.
NY 10128. (212) 348-3610.
WANTED: Texas Instruments Model I computer. D. Jones, POB
778. Daly City. CA 94017. (415) 877-8676.
FOR SALE: Hardware maintenance and service library package
for IBM Personal Computer XT: #6936809, never opened, sealed:
USS80. 1 pay shipping. Luis Baez. 7922 East Drive, North Bay Vil-
lage, FL 33141, (305) 756-5687 evenings.
BOMB
>rBox
BYTE'
s Ongoing A/lonitc
Article it
Page
Article
Author(s)
1
30
The Apple Macintosh Computer
Williams
2
58
An Interview: The Macintosh Design Team
Lemmons
3
84
Apple Announces the Lisa 2
Williams
4
88
Build the Circuit Cellar Term-Mite ST Smart Terminal,
Part 2: Programming and Use
Ciarcia
5
113
User's Column: Chaos Manor Gets Its Long-Awaited
IBM PC
Pournelle
6
147
BYTE West Coast: A Business Computer, A Business
Program, and More on Voice Recognition
Shapiro
7
160
Don't Bench Me In
Houston
8
168
Beyond MIPS: Performance Is Not Quality
Carroll,
Rosson
9
175
Software Performance Evaluation
Boyle
10
193
The Art of Benchmarking Printers
Mello-Grand
11
218
Benchmarking FORTRAN Compilers
Tetewsky
12
227
Benchmark Confessions
Marvit,
Nair
Lewis
13
235
The Word-Processing Maze
14
243
Evaluating Word-Processing Programs
Naiman
(5
252
ProDOS
Moore
16
267
Knowledgeman
Walker
17
278
The IBM CS-9000 Lab Computer
Clune
18
292
The Rixon R2 1 2A Intelligent Modem
Weger
19
303
Savvy
Callamaras
20
308
The Micro-Sci Gameport III for the Apple III
Purpura,
Purpura
21
310
The Videx Ultraterm
Callamaras
22
318
Apple Disk Emulators: Axlon, Legend, Pion, and
Synetix
Gilbert
23
331
IBM/Apple Communication
Jones
24
342
A Low-Cost, Low Write-Voltage EEPROM
Blagg
25
346
Foot "Control
Pfister
26
349
Inside a Compiler: Notes on Optimization and
Code Generation
Christian
27
370
Writing Device Drivers for MS-DOS 2.0 Using
Tandon TM 100-4 Drives
Roskos
28
383
Deciphering Word Games
Worley
29
388
Five Original Graphics
Sussman.
Sussman
30
395
Bubbles on the S-1 00 Bus. Part 2: The Software
Wheeler
31
416
Calculating Overhead Costs by Computer
Hunter
WANTED: Byte Nyoole document #112 |"An M6800 LISP In-
terpreter" I979|; MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab "HakMem" Memo
#239 (on Collatz' problem. I972|: and a textbook, "Computer
Approaches to Mathematical Problems" by J. Nievergelt [Prentice-
Hall. 1974). Will pay copy costs and postage or will buy your
original at your price. Barry Knapp. 4695 Osage Dr.. Boulder, CO
80303. (303J 494-8390.
FOR SALE: 2708 EPROMs. 200 EPROMs were removed when
eguipment was upgraded to 2716. All were working when re-
moved: perfect for the hobbyist. I to 25: SI. 25 each; 25 or more
at S I each. Rich Matthews. POB 80685. Baton Rouge, LA 70898.
|504J 291-0832 evenings and weekends
FOR SALE: Codata CTW 300/20/f8 8-user Unix computer.
20-megabyte fixed disk. 386K floppy. 256K RAM. C. Pascal. FOR-
TRAN 77. excellent condition: Sll.95'0. Tom Cole. 1207 Ceder-
wood Dr.. Joliet, IL 60435, |8I5| 729-0300,
WANTED: Atari 810 disk drives, used but in good working
order. Also, 1200-bps modem with software for Atari 800.
80-column board. 48K RAM plug-in board, and business-oriented
software. Offers of game programs given consideration Stephen
A. Risik. 10224 Windsor View Dr.. Potomac. MD 20854.
WANTED: Technical and service information for a G.E. TN-1200
impact (chain) printer. Also, nonworking printer for parts. Russel
Hill, c/o Industrial Counseling Services, POB 278. Ashland. OR
97520. (503) 488-0220.
BOMB Cites Chaos Manor
Jerry Pournelle's User's Column,
"The Latest from Chaos Manor,"
won top spot in the November
BOMB. Dr. Pournelle wins $100. The
five authors of "Technical Aspects of
IBM PC Compatibility," Charlie Mon-
tague, Dave Howse, Bob Mikkelsen,
Don Rein, and Dick Mathews, will
divvy up the $50 prize for second
place. "Concurrent CP/M" by Joe
Guzaitis grabbed third place.
Lawrence J. Curran and Richard S.
Shuford's interview with "IBM's
Estridge" was a close fourth. And
Bobbi Bullard's "Comparing the IBM
PC and the Tl PC" placed fifth.
Heartiest congratulations to these
authors.
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542 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
Reader Service
Inquiry No.
Page No.
1 1 SUPER WAREHOUSE 400
3 1ST PLACE SYSTEMS 336
5 800 SOFTWARE 134
6 A.S.T. RESEARCH 239
7 AB COMPUTERS 500
8 ABC COMPUTER LTD 520
9 ABC DATA PRODUCTS 423
10 ACL INC. 460
11 ADDMASTER CORP. 506
12 ADROIT ELECTRONICS, INC. 506
13 ADV. COMP. PROD. 534, 535
14 ADV.GRAPHIC ENGINEERING 512
• ALF PRODUCTS, INC 306
298 ALPHA BYTE 314
15 ALPHA NUMERIC INTL. 273
16 ALPHA OMEGA COMPUTER 14
19 AMDEK CORP. 55
20 AMER. BUYING & EXPORT 426
21 AMER.SQUARE COMP. 357
22 ANADEX 429
23 ANTELOPE COMMUNICATIONS 518
244 ANTEX DATA SYS. 116
• APPLE COMPUTER INC. CM, 1
24 APPLE COUNTRY LTD. 491
25 APPLEWARE, INC. 512
26 APPLIED DIGITAL DATA SYS. 192
27 APPLIED SOFTWARE TECH. 437
28 ARTIFICIAL INT'L. RESEARCH 512
29 ASHTON-TATE 73
30 ASHTON-TATE 345
31 ATARISOFT115
4 AVATAR 339
32 AVOCET445
459 BASF SYSTEMS 287
34 BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC. 98
• BECK MFG 78
35 BELL, JOHN ENGR. 520
36 BHRT283
37 BIBLE RESEARCH SYSTEMS 139
38 BOEING MILITARY AIRPLANE 41 1
• BORLAND INT'L. 99
39 BOTTOM LINE, THE 189
40 BROWN DISC MANUFACTURING 234
' BYTE PUBL. INC. 368, 369
' BYTE PUBL. INC. 463
• BYTE PUBL. INC. 490
41 BYTEK COMP. SYS. CORP. 246
42 BYTEWRITER 20
• C WARE 262
• C-SYSTEMS 514
43 C.S.D. INC. 476
391 CABLES UNLTD.-DIV.
WORSWICK IND. 510
44 CADMUS COMPUTER 110, 111
■ CALIF. DIGITAL 528, 529
45 CALIF. DATA CORP. 508
• CALIF. MICRO COMP. 124
46 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 334
47 CDR SYSTEMS 512
48 CENTRE COMP.CONSULTANTS 516
50 CHANNEL CONNECTION 493
51 CHIPS & DALE 520
52 CIRCUITS WORLD ELECTR. 516
53 CIRCUITS WORLD ELECTR. 518
55 CLEO 448, 449
57 COGITATE 514
58 COLORADO COMP. PERIPH. 516
59 COLUMBIA DATA PROD. 385
404 COMMAND SERVICES CORP. 378
60 COMMERCIAL BUSINESS SYS. 492
61 COMP. COMPNTS. UNLTD. 526, 527
62 COMP. WHLSLRS. OF FREDERICK 364
406 COMPANION COMP. 300
• COMPAQ COMPUTER CORP. 10, 11
63 COMPETITIVE EDGE 174
64 COMPLEXX SYSTEMS, INC. 149
65 COMPUADD 504
66 COMPUPRO 25
67 COMPUPRO 401
• COMPUPRO 439
68 COMPUSERVE 330
69 COMPUSHACK 447
70 COMPUTER CHANNEL 204
71 COMPUTER CLASSIFIEDS 354
72 COMPUTER DISCOUNT PROD. 515
73 COMPUTER FOOD PRESS 510
113 COMPUTER HANDICAPPING 506
74 COMPUTER HUT OF N.E. 341
75 COMPUTER INNOVATIONS 120
76 COMPUTER MAIL ORDER 166, 167
• COMPUTER PLUS 459
77 COMPUTER PRICE CLUB 514
Inquiry No.
Page No.
79 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 514
80 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY 520
• COMPUTER WAREHOUSE 333
81 COMPUTERS AND MORE 180
82 COMPUTERS AND MORE 120
83 COMPUTERS WHOLESALE 379
84 COMPUVIEW PROD.INC. 263
390 COMPU-MEDIA, INC. 504
85 CONCURRENT CORP. 126
86 CONROY-LAPOINTE 156, 157
87 CONROY-LAPOINTE 156, 157
88 CONROY-LAPOINTE 156, 157
89 CONTINENTAL PRESS INC, THE 514
90 CONTROL DATA CORP. 305
92 CORONA DATA SYS. 67
93 COSMOS 75
94 CRE WHOLESALE PROD. 518
95 CRE WHOLESALE PROD. 518
96 CREATIVITY UNLTD. 518
97 CROMEMCO 5
98 CRYPTRONICS INC. 72
450 CUESTA SYSTEMS 512
101 CUSTOM COMP.TECH. 519
208 DANA COMPUTER DISCOUNT 467
102 DATA MANAGEMENT ASSOC. 261
410 DATA STORAGE SOLUTIONS 93
41 1 DATA STORAGE SOLUTIONS 93
104 DATA TECH INDUSTRIES 163
105 DATA TRANSLATION INC. 453
106 DATASOUTH COMP.CORP. 335
107 DATASOUTH COMP.CORP. 470
395 DATA SPEC 471
396 DATA SPEC 471
108 DAVIDGE CORP. 516
• DELUXE COMP. FORMS 398
109 DIAMOND SFTW.SUPPLY 205
454 DIGITAL RESEARCH 216, 217
• DIGITAL RESEARCH COMP. 517
• DIRECT SOFTWARE 195
110 DISCOUNT SOFTWARE 352
• DISKWORLD 290
• DISKWORLD 518
1 1 1 DISPLAY TELECOMMNCTNS. 505
112 DISPLAYED VIDEO 499
114 DOKAY COMP. PROD. INC. 524, 525
115 DOW JONES SOFTWARE 101
116 DOW JONES SOFTWARE 315
117 DWIGHTCO., INC. 508
118 DYNAX, INC. 103
403 DYSAN CORP. 47
119 DYSAN CORP. 231
120 EAGLE SOFTWARE 152
121 EASTERN ENTERPRISES 213
122 EASTMAN KODAK CO. 170
123 EASTMAN KODAK CO. 171
124 ECOSOFT 404
125 EDUCATIONAL MICROCOMP. 508
126 ELCOMP 508
127 ELECTRADE CO. 510
128 ELECTRADE CO. 514
129 ELECTRONIC SPECIALISTS 360
130 ELEK-TEK 184
131 ELLIS COMPUTING INC. 187
• EMPIRICAL RESEARCH GROUP 130
132 ENGINEERING SPECIALTIES 520
405 ENGLISH I COMP. TUTORIALS 378
• EPSON AMERICA 86, 87
135 EPSON AMERICA 413
136 EXCEL 128
137 EXCEL 140, 141
412 EXECUTIVE MGMNT. SYS. 127
78 EXPERT COMPUTERS 480
138 EXPOTEK 270
139 F.T.G. DATA SYS. 512
140 FALCON SAFETY PROD. 85
142 FIGURE-LOGIC BUS. EQUIP. 506
143 FIGURE-LOGIC BUS. EQUIP. 520
458 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING 155
145 FLOPPY DISK SERV. INC. 502
146 FORMULA INT'L. 513
147 FORMULA INT'L. 513
212 FREEDOM COMP. MART 503
148 FUJITSU PROFESS.MICROSYS. 291
149 FUTECH INT'L. CORP. 104
150 GENERAL TECHNOLOGY 355
151 GIFFORD COMP.SYS. 399
152 GILTRONIX, INC. 510
154 GMS SYSTEMS 387
155 GOULD, INC. 181
156 GRAY MARKET 494
158 GREAT SALT LAKE COMP. 495
159 GREAT SALT LAKE COMP. 496. 497
Inquiry No.
Page No.
160 GTEK INC. 53
• H&E COMPUTRONICS 138
161 H&M DISK DRIVE SERVICES 376
162 H.E.I. INC. 26
163 HANDWELL CORP. 394
164 HANDWELL CORP. 507
• HAYES MICROCOMP.PROD. 94
166 HAYES MICROCOMP.PROD. 95
167 HAYES MICROCOMP.PROD. 397
168 HEATH COMPANY 129
169 HITACHI 69
414 HUMAN DESIGNED SYS. 375
157 HYPERGRAPHICS 225
170 I. B.C. 19
172 I.T.M. 226
173 I/O TECHNOLOGIES 351
174 IBM CORP. 232, 233
176 IBM SYSTEMS SUPPLY DIV. 435
177 IDEA WARE 259
178 IMAGE COMP.PROD. 504
180 IN SYNC 510
181 INCOMM 456
182 INFOCOM 240, 241
457 INMAC 426
183 INTEGRAND 66
184 INTERACTIVE STRUCT. 295
185 INTERDATA SYSTEMS, INC. 510
452 INTERFACE, INC. 135
453 INTERFACE, INC. 135
187 INTERTEC DATA SYS. 13
455 INTEX MICRO SYS. 462
460 IQ TECHNOLOGY 202
400 J.M.I. SOFTW. CONS 182
190 JADE COMP.PROD. 521
191 JADE COMP.PROD. 522, 523
192 JAMECO ELECTR. 532, 533
• JANUS 136, 137
193 JDR MICRODEVICES, INC. 536, 537
194 JDR MICRODEVICES, INC. 538, 539
195 JDR MICRODEVICES, INC. 540
196 JOSKO ENTERPRISES 516
197 JUKI INDUSTRY OF AMERICA 209
198 KADAK PRODUCTS 154
199 KAYPRO SOFTWARE DIR. 431
200 KELLY COMP.SUPPLIES 518
203 KEYTRONICS CORP. 299
205 KNOWLEDGE SYS. 45
206 LABORATORY MICROSYS. 122
215 LANGLEY-ST.CLAIR 405
207 LASER MICRO 380
209 LAWSON LABS 504
210 LEADING EDGE PROD. CHI
21 1 LIBERTY GROUP INC. 382
■ LIQUIDATORS COMPANY 506
389 LOGIC PROGRAMMING 340
216 LOGICAL DEVICES 18
217 LOGICAL DEVICES 518
218 LOGITECH, INC. 132
219 LOMAS DATA PRODUCTS 165
220 LOTUS DEVELOPMENT 242
221 LSI JAPAN CO. 514
222 LYBEN COMP. SYS. 516
223 LYBEN COMP. SYS. 504
224 LYCO COMPUTER 498
226 MA SYSTEMS 301
227 MACROTECH INT'L. 173
229 MANNESMANN TALLY 177
230 MANX SOFTWARE SYS. 24
402 MARK OF THE UNICORN 433
231 MARYMAC INDUSTRIES 510
232 MAYNARD ELECTRONICS 71
• MC-P APPLICATIONS 381
• MCGRAW-HILL BOOK CO. 465
■ MCGRAW-HILL BOOK STORE 407
• MCGRAW-HILL RECRUITMENT 422
233 METHOD SYS. INC. 508
234 METRO SOFTWARE, INC. 203
235 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. 186
236 MICRO AGE COMP.STORES 425
237 MICRO CONTROL SYS. 16, 17
398 MICRO CRAFT CORP 81
238 MICRO DATA BASE SYS. 185
240 MICRO MANAGEMENT SYS. 454
241 MICRO MART 340
242 MICRO MINT 455
243 MICRO-TAX 183
245 MICRODYNAMICS 508
246 MICROHOUSE 337
247 MICROLAND 514
248 MICROMAIL 511
249 MICROMATION 360
250 MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD. 516
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251 MICROSTUF, INC. 281
252 MICROTECH EXPORTS 366
253 MICROWARE 188
254 MID-AMERICA WHOLESALERS 410
255 MILLER, J.W. 340
256 MINI MICRO MART 403
257 MOORE BUSN. CENTERS 56, 57
258 MOUNTAIN VIEW PRESS 275
259 MPI 297
260 MTI SYSTEMS CORP. 164
• MUSYS CORP. 271
261 MYTEK 442
262 NATIONAL COMPUTER LTD. 124
263 NAVAL UNDERWATER SYS.CTR. 409
264 NEBS COMPUTER FORMS 364
265 NEC INFORMATION SYS. 353
266 NESTAR SYSTEMS INC. 105
267 NETWORK CONSULTING, INC. 250
268 NETWORK CONSULTING, INC. 461
269 NEVADA COMPUTER 434
• NORTH HILLS CORP. 508
• NORTH HILLS CORP. 514
270 NORTHWEST DIGITAL SYS. 64
271 NORTHWEST MICROCHIPS DIST. 520
• NRI SCHOOLS ELECTR. DIV. 417
144 NWS 434
272 O'HANLON COMP.SYS. 197
273 OCTAGON SYSTEMS CORP 518
274 OMNISOFT 82
275 OMNISOFT 83
276 OPEN SYSTEMS, INC. 266
• ORA ELECTRONICS 501
279 ORYX SYSTEMS 190, 191
281 OSBORNBMCGRAW-HILL 327, 328, 329
283 P.C. NETWORK 325
284 PACIFIC EXCHANGES 340, 378,
434, 504, 506, 508, 510, 512, 520
285 PACIFIC INFOTECH CORP. 126
286 PAN AMERICAN ELEC. INC. 508
408 PC PIPELINE 300
337 PC WARE, INC. 316, 317
413 PEGASUS DATA SYS. 459
290 PEOPLE & TECHNOLOGY 172
' PERCOM DATA 9
291 PERSOFT118
292 PERSOFT 504
293 PERSONALIZED COMP.PAPER 154
294 PHONE I, INC. 321
• PIKA-BOX, DIV.APPLIED COMP. 490
295 P0PC0M/PRENTICE CORP. 248, 249
296 PRACTICAL PERIPH. 260
297 PRACTICAL PERIPH. 269
319 PRACTICAL PERIPH. 363
300 PRIMAGES, INC. 419
301 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS. 313
302 PRINTER STORE, THE 52
175 PRIORITY ONE 392, 393
303 PRIORITY ONE 530, 531
304 PRO MICROSYSTEMS 512
305 PROMETHEUS PRODUCTS 359
306 PURCHASING AGENT, THE 70
307 QUADRAM CORP. 22, 23
308 QUANT SYSTEMS 510
309 QUARK INCORPORATED 41
310 QUBIE DISTRIBUTING 307
311 QUELO 215
312 RADIO SHACK CIV
313 RAN A SYSTEMS 27
314 RELMS 424
315 RHINO ROBOTS, INC. 237
401 RIXON 277
• ROCKY MTN. SOFTWARE 133, 139
316 ROGERS LABS 504
318 RTL PROGRAMMING AIDS 520
320 S C DIGITAL 276
321 S-100 DIV. 696 CORP. 477
322 S.E.I. INC. 462
323 SAFEWARE 152
324 SAGE COMP. TECH. 361
325 SAKATA 125
326 SCOTT FORESMAN 312
• SCOTTSDALE SYSTEMS 131
461 SD SYSTEMS 65
327 SEATTLE COMP.PRODS. 44
328 SEE-DATA CORP. 516
329 SEEQUA COMP.CORP. 6
331 SEMI DISK SYSTEM 77
• SILICON SPECIALTIES 76
• SOFTCON 342
333 SOFTRENT 504
334 SOFTWARE AUTOMATION 79
335 SOFTWARE BANC 221
336 SOFTWARE SERVICES 340
288 SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS, INC. 117
339 SOFTWARE TOOLWORKS 272
340 SONY VIDEO PRODUCTS 46
• SORCIM 264, 265
341 SOURCE EDP 441
342 STAR MICRONICS 415
343 STARBUCK DATA CO. 516
344 SUN SOFTWARE 427
345 SUNNY INT'L. 494
346 SUNTRONICS 492
• SYSTEMS STRATEGIES 272
348 TAVA CORP. 255
349 TAYCO BUSINESS FORMS 512
February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc. 543
Reader Service.
Inquiry No.
Page No.
351 TDK ELECTRONICS 150, 151
* TEKTRONIX, INC. 112
352 TELETEK ENTERPRISES, INC. 49
399 TERMINALS TERRIFIC 464
353 TEXAS COMPUTER SYS. 408
• TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 144, 145, 302
299 THIRDWARE COMP.PROD. 201
354 THREE M COMPANY 223
355 T1NNEY, ROBERT GRAPHICS 54
356 TITAN TECHNOLOGIES 206
357 TOPAZ, INC. 107
358 TOSHIBA AMERICA, INC. 420
359 TOSHIBA AMERICA, INC. 421
Inquiry No.
Page No.
360 TRANSACTION STORAGE SYS. 257
361 TRANSTAR 121
362 TRANSTAR 451
363 TRISTAR DATA SYS. 164
364 TSK ELECTR.CORP. 247
365 U.S. ROBOTICS 377
366 U.S. MICRO SALES 509
368 UNIPRESS SOFTWARE, INC. 284
369 UNIVERSAL DATA SYS 21
370 USED PERSONAL COMP.BRKRGE 506
407 VANTEC 300
372 VAULT CORP. 285
373 VERBATIM CORP. 153
Inquiry No.
Page No.
374 VIDEX 15
375 VISUAL TECH, INC. 28, 29
376 VISUAL TECH, INC. 119
• VLM COMPUTER ELECTR. 506
381 WADSWORTH ELECTR.PUB.CO. 348
382 WANG ELECTR.PUB.INC. 80
• WANG LABS, INC. 323
383 WAREHOUSE SOFTWARE 102
384 WASHINGTON COMP.SYS. 215
456 WESTERN AUTOMATION 376
385 WESTERN TELEMATIC 352
386 WHITESMITHS LTD 146
387 WILLIAMS, MARK CO. 443
Inquiry No.
Page No.
388 WINTEK CORP. 506
392 WRITING CONSULTANTS 354
393 WYSE TECHNOLOGY 367
394 XOR CORP. 123
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544 February 1984 © BYTE Publications Inc.
a THE MY THE IBM® PERSONAL COMPUTER BECAME OBSOLETE.
■
»'«
*J
IBt
-. ■■ .■—■•■: ■
It was a monday In the autumn
of '83,
The day they announced the
And unlike IBM's, ours comes com-
plete with a high-resolution monitor,
controller, seven expansion slots,
serial port, parallel port, a tlme-of-
r^^-'^rxv.^i'm^a^iiVi'.r^i'Wv^iiriit'.yr.i
IBM® PC, at just about hatf the price. of dollars worth of software to get
/, more powerful.
(for example, our disk drives have a
"mean time between failures" of
20,000 hours, versus an 8,000-
hour MTBF for theirs), it's compatible
with Just about all the software and
peripherals that the IBM is.
It run (an extra $40) . . . and $170
Just for the time of day (a calendar/
clock that's standard with Leading
Edge). In short, the basic package
comes to you as a very expensive
It's this simple, The Leading Edge
P*
. *l • •
1
■
cessing (the most powerful w.p.
program ever created to run on an
IBM-type personal computer). In
short, the basic package comes to
you complete and ready to work.
With IBM, on the other hand, you
get charged extra for everything .
Even for the PC DOS disk that makes
Edge PC...
Get serious.
In the age of the personal com-
puter. Leading Edge, means what
it says.
LEADING EDGE PRODUCTS, INC, 225 TURNPIKE STREET. CANTON, MA 02021. 1-800-343-6833. IN MASSACHUSETTS, (617) 828-8150
IBM Is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Circle 210 on inquiry card.
The dawn of a new era in microcomputer technology
NEW TANDY TRS-80 MODEL 2000
High Performance MS-DOS Computer That
Operates at Twice the Speed of the IBM PC
Our Tandy® 2000 delivers much more than other 1 6-bit
MS-DOS based computers. More speed. More disk storage.
More expansion. Higher resolution graphics. And a modular
design that advances the science of ergonomics.
Use the Hottest Names In Software
Like dBase II, a powerful relational data base management
program. Microsoft-Multiplan, the "second-generation" elec-
tronic worksheet. PFS:File, a simple way to organize informa-
tion. MultiMate, the highly-acclaimed word processing
program. And many more already acclaimed by the entire
microcomputer industry. Still more programs are coming, in-
cluding Microsoft's state-of-the-art MS-Windows operating
environment. You can view several "windows" at
once — files, letters, graphs and more — and exchange
information between them.
More Speed, Storage and Expansion
A "next-generation" 16-bit CPU makes the Tandy 2000
dramatically faster than the IBM PC and other MS-DOS
systems. The vast storage capacity lets you set up
massive data bases. You can add more memory, high-
resolution color and monochrome graphics, our new
Digi™-Mouse and much more. And you can install
most of these options yourself.
Complete Service and Support
The Tandy 2000 is backed with the quality and sup-
port that have kept Tandy Corporation in the fore-
front of the microcomputer industry. See the
Tandy 2000 today at over 1 000 Radio Shack
Computer Centers and participating Radio
Shack stores and dealers nationwide.
! ; N\hi fhhii-rip
I I I I I I 1 I f ' J / i r
' ' ' i i r ' i / ■ i ■ i , : i '""
f J ' r , it i i i , ~j;
Compare the Tandy 2000
to the IBM Personal Computer
'^SBMHBsHBBHi
m
Price Comparison 1
Tandy 2000
IBM Personal Computer
Base Unit
$2750
$2104
2nd Drive
Included (720K)
$529 (320K)
Monochrome Monitor
$249
$345
Display/Printer Adapter
Included
$335
128K RAM (Total)
Included
$165
RS-232
Included
$120
MS-DOS 2.0
Included
$60
Total Cost*
$2999
$3658
Feature Description
Tandy 2000
IBM Personal Computer
Internal Memory
128K Standard
64K Standard
Disk Capacity
Per Drive
720K
160K or
320K (optional)
Microprocessor
Clock Speed
8 MHz
4.7 MHz
True 16-Bit
Microprocessor
Yes (80186)
16-bit/1 6-bit data path
No (8088)
16-bit/8-bit data path
User-Available
Expansion Slots*
4
2
Graphics Options
Color Resolution
640 X 400
320x200
Number of Colors
8
4
Monochrome Resolution
640 X 400
640x200
Tandy 2000 With
Two Disk Drives
Tandy 2000 HD With
Built-in 10-Megabyte Hard Disk
2750
OO
26-5103
4250
OO
Commercial Lease Available
For Only $95 Per Month
(Plus Applicable Use/Sales Tax)
Commercial Lease Available
For Only £150 Per Monlh
(Plus Applicable Use/Sales Tax)
"Comparable IBM configuration with monochrome adapler and display, commumcalions adapier, {wo 320K disk drives and 128K RAM
tManulacturer's pricing as ol 9/1/83
Non-interlaced monitor, graphics and Digi-Mouse not included
Now Available! See the
Tandy 2000 Today!
Radio /hack
The biggest name in little computers®
A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION
Circle 312 on inquiry card.
Prices apply at participating Radio Shack slores and dealers IBM is a registered Irade-
mark ol International Business Machines Corp PFS is a registered trademark ol Software
Publishing MS and Mulliplan are trademarks ol Microsolt Corp MulliMate is a trademark
of Sotlword Systems Inc dBase II is a trademark of Ashton-Tate.
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