ae oe arse

mau ae y Neu Jersey

seat He es avast 3 vo

eREAT HEY

Peet TOT

TOTALLY SPELLBOUND!

FOR THE 81 * Load UITH your word processor

* Several methsds avaitabile For error notiFication— bightight , beep, etc.!

fidd your oun uOords— pour GL ex—

pansion is the Limit! For serious

vord processors— $43 =<

LIBERATE YOUR OL!

The BEFIHITIGE BRSIC compiler! Compiles almost HHY SuperBasic program vith no need For changes? fis easy as typing LIHEERATE! It will generate MULTITASKING code—

to BASIC! LIBERATOR

Easy to use, MANY more Features— {[ Gr order For onty:

cali or write!

64 COL. TERMINAL PROG. FORT

YOUR 2068- HO EXTRA HARD-|

STEHDER BASIC COMMARDS! VERY EASY 16 USE, I.E.-

-EPRIKT B4:SAUE “FILE.BBB"...805 TREES NO "RAN, NAT HABE PSPEcTERN-G4 is a 64 coluan terminal cong. co cuct save BUTTON...FULLY 2068/SPECTRUN CON- SPRTIGLE.. SUPPORTS 2 BRIVES, UP TH J60K/DISK. SIRCLUBES INTERFACE & BOS CARTRIDCE. BISK BRIVES SARE RURILABLE SEPERATELY CBE = Echols bs whee: 2050 modem. EASY to use, vith Full documentation. = : a - =o 35kt buffer area, 7K BASIE menu area...$34.55 pp. :

= munication program for the 2662, and also has ZNOBEN error checking File transfers! SPECTERN con alsa work with HARBYARE 25232 cards te run at 1290 baud! Yorks at 200 baud with the

Nore features...call or urite!

FREE MOHEY!! 1987 ¢§ = \

CATALOG AYRILAGLE-

fl z 4 fi L E 3) ART ICGKS, é REG FORTS- CALL OR GRITE FOR ‘TENAtLs! 325 Vest Jersey Street #20 ” LGRze Umi sa ast 7282

a nee aqilbox or

THRE ff LOOK!

TRUNP CARODEE x S96R BRAM om your 8L! * TONY TEBBY TOGLEIT IL! * Print Spooter * 2 RAMNDisks CBunamic #& Statici> * Dual Bisk InterFace! ALL o ’ >= GOAL FOR ORLY $299 4KKY

FORTS & JCOKS FOR:

= PISEL PRINT, THE 2068 DESKTOP POBLISHER-

your phone: 0335

ree delivery service available te Manhattan (HY, HY) addresses...call For details!

OL REPLACEMENT KEYBOARD

Ais age as

TTensgetz0i) a2? -

AVUTULAUNOUAUUEDESUAUECUUACHUUESUOUUEEGALANT fhunninueu

: The SCHOR FULL-TRAVEL sea ide Ps ava

tlable ROU for uour QL...

Tastalls he HO SOLDERING RECESSARY- just re-

erove your GL top and replace with the SCHON top!! mn one compact card!!! getains the look and size of your OL- but vith a

EAL typeuriter keybourd!> only $89 <

sFront Page EXTRAS

e#Ll Features of FRGHT PACE, the S0L desktop publisher and MGRE! Billous loading of text Files he QUILL, ae 7 a E1GR, and almost BHY ether File! FP extra auto- For INSTANT spelling correction iiaricarty MICRO-JUSTIFIES the text! filse, 5 neu Biype-styles. Type styles can be changed WHILE eiext is loadiag...text loads inte columns A Bicre Features- talt or Urite,omly

vitor OL's with EXTRA RAM ORLY! FUTURA EXVIRONNENT ON OL*

ORANE!

Prindouing pointer utility system. Hoa-destructive

indous, stagle key pop-up nenus, FULL MULTI-

: ASKING, Super Fast RAH disk, dynanic printer buf-

fer, multi-mode screen duaps, and auch sore! Call Cen even turn your proegrams into €,

RESIDENT procedures (nda commands @

rourite for sore info! GRAN is the environnent of the FUIUEA...and REGUIBES @1 LEGST 256k RAN. <<

ORAM 15 ORLY $49 2068 DISK SYSTEN- $13!

HARKEN DISK INTERFACE & BOS CHRTRIDGE- WITH

ff VARIETY SALES

/ HEPARTNENT TDK-5

SEND $1 AND CET $2'SiiMcamucc2s UW. JERSEY 51. ,#20 CREDIT! FREE MOWEY! $c, ™™"** ELIZABETH, HJ 07202

4LINTT: GHE (2) $2.80 CREDIT PER PERSON.

JULY/AUGUST

Next Issue:

MAGAZINE

FOR ALL TIMEX AND SINCLAIR COMPUTERS

TIME DESIGNS MAGAZINE CO. 29722 Hult Rd.e Colton, Oregon 97017

Editor: Tim Woods Assistant Editor: Stephanie Woods Editorlal Assistant/Productlon: D.L. Woods

Photography:

(unless otherwise noted): Thomas Judd Printing by; Toad’! Litho Printing and Comp., Oregon City, Cregon 97045

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $16.95 a year for six issues (US funds only). No extra charge to Canadian subscribers. All other countries please write for information on air mail rates.

CUSTOMER SERVICE: Customer satisfaction is our goal. For subscription service problems please write or call TIME DESIGNS.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Write or call to prevent delay of sevice,

Reproduction of this magazine in whole or in part by any means without written permission is prohibited by law

“NOTICE: Contributors to TIME DESIGNS are independent of the TIME DESIGNS MAGAZINE CO., and opinions ex- pressed in the contents of the magazine are notnecessarily those of the management or its advertisers. Time Designs Magazine Co. willnot be held iiable for any damage or conse- quences resulting from instructions, assertions of fact, review of products or companies provided in the magazine's content."

Desktop Publishing

Renew Your

Subscription Today!

Vol.3 No.5

EDITOR’S FORUM

It's very hard to think about doing anything con- structive with your computer during the summer when so many other things confront you that are much more appealing. But never-the-less, I usually use this time of the year to work on one particular project. Something to keep the fingers limber--the brain from going stale, anything to prevent having. to re-learn even the simplest procedures by the time "indoor" weather comes around again.

On this thought, I've compiled a list of some suggested summer computer projects:

1. "Key-in" (and de-bug) one of those extra long program listings that have appeared in TDM or other pub- lications.

2. Make one of Tim Stoddard's modifications to your computer, or build a kit. (Note: If you don't have ex- perience in this area, get help from someone who does.)

3. Buy your computer a present. How about a disk drive system or new 80 col. printer? Familiarize your- self with the DOS (Disk Operating System), or all of the features of the printer.

4. Tackle Syd Wyncoop's series on 2Z80 Machine Code in TDM (the first lesson is in the March/April '86 issue).

5. Explore a field of interest you are not familiar with, such as word processing, another computer language (FORTH, PASCAL, C, etc.), computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications.

6. Write a program.

If your feeling very ambitious this Summer, you could also join a computer club, start your own Sinclair user group, revitalize the one your already a member of, start a BBS, and even organize a local Sinclair computer fair.

I would be interested to hear what you came up with this summer. If you have a tip or short program to share with others, send it in, and I'll print as many as possible in an upcoming issue.

A lot of news items have been filtering across my desk lately, and I'll try to keep you posted in the "For Your Sinclair" section. The TS world does not’ stand still. Many of you already know that the fine British magazine, ZX COMPUTING MONTHLY, is no longer being pub- lished. We here at TDM, feel this has created a_ real void for "serious" Sinclair computer users in the U.K. Plans are being carried out presently to unite what we are doing over here, with this international community and perhaps even entice the major hardware and software developers to take part.

Another problem that has erroded over the past couple of months, is the lack of a reputable repair service for our Timex Sinclair computers. I am _ per- sonally looking into this matter to see if it could be rectified. If you know of anyone who even repairs these machines as a hobby, please drop me a line.

Hope you enjoy the JULY/AUGUST issue. Find some shade, a hammock, a tall glass of ice tea, and give it a good read. We'll be back next issue.

Tim Woods Managing Editor TIME DESIGNS MAGAZINE

T'S Machines Thrive In South America

When the Timex Computer Corporation here in the States closed their doors for good, a rumor was going around that thousands of TS2068's had been "dumped" upon the South American consumer electronics market. But the rumor couldn't be substantiated and was soon forgotten. Later on, an “unauthorized" Spectrum clone was dis- covered in Brazil, along with a dubious software supply. The manufacturer of the Brazilian Spectrum hed even im-

proved some of the bugs in the original Sinclair ROM. Versions of this improved ROM found it's way here in the U.S., and some Spectrum Emulator boards for the 1TS2068 featured the chip.

TOMAHAWK

a reel-tine a flight siz Simla ion based Aa Advanced Bees ck MELicoeTER Hen eee RB

mown to you as

LUE THUNDER ==

The meanest, deadliest combat heli- copter ever to rule the skies! Designed to fight and survive, it's now your job to show your skills in controlling this machine with all you've got — against tanks, anti-air—-

craft installments, other helicopters, and eneny combat ‘planes. fa ressive sound effects, chainguns, rockets,

missiles (laser sided aa others. Don't miss out_o

TOMAHAWK Tteme 1039 $ 16.35

NIGHT GUNNER

Aa Super ARCADE style game (and doesn't require quarters) for your 2068. _ Fully Action-Packed game based on a WWe scenerario. 30 thrilling missions where you participate as the gunner and bomb aimer agains moving and still targets.

NIGHT GUNNER Item# 1090 $ 3.35

O Fe EING AND HANDLING $3.00 SH ING A

KNIGHTED COMPUTERS

ANNUAL "SUMMER SI22LER" SALE TS2068 SOFTWARE

KNIGHTED COMPUTERS 10 CANALVIEW MALL FULTON, NY

(315) 593-8219

The extent of the Timex Sinclair market in South America wasn't realized until just recently, and it appears that the TS activity is in Argentina, the most educated country in Latin America (and ranks very high world-wide). Christian Pusso, Director of the largest computer publication in Argentina,

called "K64", re- cently reported to TIME DESIGNS, "The market here in Argentina is strongly formed by Commodore 64, 128, MSX

compatibles, Timex Sinclair, Atari 800/130, Apple Mac- intosh, IBM PC's and its clones...all assumed to be a total of 500,000 home and PC users".

Laws are very strict in some of the South American countries on importing large quantities of computer goods, forcing many manufacturers (including Commodore) to license existing companies within the country to assemble the computers and then distribute them. In this case, the CZERWENY (an odd-sounding name) Company is licensed through Timex (and more than likely, Timex of Portugal) to manufacture the CZ1000 (the TS1000) and the CZ2000 (the TS2068). Other Timex "clones" and Spectrum clones are widely available...along with stock (U.S. versions) of the Timex Sinclair line.

Many South Americans are discovering the powerful capabilities of the TS machines, and their lower cost is especially appealing. Many computer dealers feature add- ons and software. Devices to convert the 2068 into a

FIGHTER PILOT

Based on the USAF F-i5 Linge: et e ond. of a

real-time flight simulator

ou erior aircraft. This simul at ee oS many of the same features

more found on modern day flight

Simulstars. Including 3-D cockpit

view, fully aerobatic Per formance;

training and combat m

crosswinds turbulance, Blind landing,

and pilot sicill rating for the various

levels of diffaculty. All done in real

time! FIGHTER PILOT Item #1089 $11.95

PANASONIC 10801 Printer

A full-sized Sx9 dot matrix erie that has a Near Letter Quality Mode, and operates in draft mode at 120epe. The printer that was used to make these sheets (photo-copied of course. to give you the idea. akes regular sheet paper, or ie feed aerest

tem #10

$ 229.95 ADD $7.50 SHIPPING

13063-1790

VISA/MASTERCARD ACCEPTED

Spectrum, like emulators and twister boards are the most popular. Spectrum games and other programs are readily available.

The impact of this South American Timex Sinclair "connection" may be far-reaching. The need for an in- formation exchange is great, and currently there is a great interest in programming and low-cost disk drive systems.

Sinclair Clones In The Kremlin

TDM contributor, J. Kevin Paulsen, brought this to our attention: In the March 16th issue of INSIGHT Magazine (published by The Washington Times) an article on the Soviet Union's attempt at catching up with the microcomputer technology race was featured. The in- teresting article pointed out how the Soviet's have surpassed the West in many areas except for the de- velopment of inexpensive personal computers for the masses. The author reports that, "It is a system in which access even to typewriters and copying machines is carefully guarded, out of fear of dissident and other unofficial communications. Printers are not available on the open market, and computer components are prohibit- ively priced".

But the most surprising revelation is that the Soviets have started to manufacture computer "clones". "Smaller computers with brand names such as Agat, Iskra, and Electronika began to dribble off assembly lines, closely resembling machines from IBM, Apple Computer Inc and Sinclair Research Ltd.".

Newest Sinclair

TDM correspondent, Bob Lussier, supplied us with information on the new SPECTRUM PLUS 3 computer which will replace the current 128K+2 model shortly. The computer makes history as the first Sinclair with a disk drive unit, and it is also a return to the old black styling we had grown accustomed to, plus’ several other new features makes this the ideal personal computer. It's sad though to think that Sir : Clive had no hand in this latest version of the time-tested ZX Spectrum. Instead, the for- ward marketing strategies of Amstrad are the driving forces behind this new micro.

Along with the built-in 3" Amstrad floppy drive, there is also a built in Centronics printer port, an auxiliary disk drive port for adding a _ second drive, MIDI port, RGB monitor con- nection, twin joystick ports, and standard cassette tape I/O ports. The DOS is a version of Amstrad's own Ams-— DOS, but has been modified, and uses the old Microdrive commands exclusively. The price of the Spectrum Plus 3 is £249, and includes a_ disk with six games, plus a joystick. The Spectrum Plus 2 now sells for £149. For further info, you can write to: Sinclair, Brentwood House, 169 Kings Road, Brentwood, Essex CM14 4EF, U.K.

CP/M is compatible with the built-in disk operating system, but Amstrad has released no plans to offer a CP/M emulator. However, outside developers are currently

a Zt

More Computer Fests Announced

“Mini-Fair” Comes to the Northwest

Plans abound for regional and national TS computer fests. It has been said that the future of our Timex Sinclair community depends on gatherings such as_ these. Now more users will be able to attend this next year due to a variety of locations currently being proposed.

The three user groups from the Bay Area of Northern California are currently making plans for a "Silicon Valley TS Computer Fest" to be held somewhere in the South Bay Area, and a suggested date of June 1988. The region offers itself as an excellent family vacation spot, as well as the "bargain hunter's dream"...several large electronic parts houses are nearby. For further information write to: Norm Lehfeldt, 757 Guerrero, San Francisco, CA 94110.

Four user groups from Florida are currently working on details for the "Sunstate TS Winterfest '88" to be held in Orlando, Florida, either at the end of February or first part of March 1988...an exact date has not been set yet. The Central Florida area is the number one vacation destination in America, with Walt Disney World nearby. Along with U.S. dealers of Sinclair merchandise, the planning committee will invite companies from the U.K. as well. A 24 hr. BBS has been set up to serve as an information exchange on the Winterfest. The phone number is: (904) 775-0093 (7/1/N). Or write to: Mary- Lynn Johnson, 249 N. Harden Ave., Orange City, FL 32763.

Good News for TS users in the Northwest--the "Timex Sinclair Mini-Fair" will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 1987, in Seattle, Washington. Hours are 10 am to 5:30 pm, and small admission charge of $2 per person ($3 for family) will be charged at the door. Five user groups from the region will be participate, along with at least six TS dealers. The TS Mini-Fair is sponsored in part by Time Designs Magazine and RMG Enterprises. Nine guest speakers are planned for a wide variety of Sinclair topics and interests. As of this writing the exact location had not been established. For further in- formation write to: TDM, .29722 Hult Rd., Colton, OR 97017.

Other TS computer fests have been discussed for both the Midwest again, and one for the Eastcoast. Watch this space for further developments.

working on such a system. In fact, most of the large software houses in Great Britain are enthused about the new Spectrum and are gearing up for production of new game software supplied on the 3" disk format. To quote one source, "From a software point of view the 128K Plus 3 means that huge games--similar to the best of the US Commodore 64 disk-based programs will be possible. The way these work is to load in sections of the game as you play--deleting those areas of the game you've already played through from memory, as you go".

NEW PRODUCTS

ANNOUNCEMENT For TS2068 and SPECTRUM

Novelsoft

brings Artificial Intelligence to the Timex/Sinclair

fa SPER

2PEert

ZXpert lets you explore the reasoning process of human experts. With ZXpert you can create an Expert System on any topic you like!

* A useful and educational program * Includes 2068 & Spectrum versions

* Easy and fun to use * Supports Microdrives

* No programming language to learn * Two example knowledge bases

* On-line help * Superb Manual with Tutorial plus....

Once you have developed a useful knowledge base, with your permission NovelSoft will sell it and pay you a royalty!!!

Join the revolution with...ZXpert $19.95 U.S. Plus $3.00S & H Novel Soft

33 Skelton Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8V 3W3 * TEL. (416)259-8682 * CompuServe 70416,1435

Product/Dealer News

Larry Kenny of LARKEN ELECTRONICS told TDM about the plans for the 256K RAMdisk for the TS2068. It will use static-type RAMs complete with battery back-up. It will require users to purchase the Larken cartridge, as it contains the commands for the RAMdisk. Larry strongly urges any 2068 user who is interested in increasing their memory up to 256K to write to him, as he is com- piling an "inform when ready list", plus it will give Larry an idea of how much interest there is in this product. Also available now, are two new versions of the Larken EXTENDED BASIC/DOS CARTRIDGE, one for users of the Aerco FD-68, and another for Ramex Millenia K/SPDOS Disk System owners. Both versions feature full Spectrum compatability and NMI (non-maskable interrupt), plus improves the original DOS. For further details and prices, write to: Larken Electronics, RR#2, Navan, Ont., Canada, K4B-1H9.

WEYMIL CORPORATION (Box 5904, Bellingham, WA 98227) has released the DELTA DEVICE, a -non-volatile memory system for the TS1000. A small circuit board contains 32K RAM divided into four 8K blocks which can be in- dependantly switched via a DIP switch to various lo- cations in the Sinclair memory map. Memory is backed-up by a battery. Included is the Rigter Operating System (ROS), which is a data handler/directory system manipu- lated by simple commands. Application of the Delta Device includes the ability to store several programs and recall them instantly. Price: $75.00 plus $5 (S&H).

In last issue's product/dealer news column, we reported on the excellent expanded new version of THE GUIDE TO TS TELECOMMUNICATIONS, but we incorrectly stated the price as $5...the correct price is $7.50, and worth every penny. The book is strongly recommended to

anyone wanting to learn how to use modems with their Sinclair computer. Lots of information for the advanced user too. Send for your copy: Pete Fischer, P.O. Box 2002, Tempe, AZ 85281.

Bill Jones (author of SMART TEXT) is starting a newsletter called: "TS-2068 Safe Disk Up-Date". Emphasis will be on programming, as well as the Oliger Disk Drive System. It will be published quarterly, and the annual subscription price of $12.00 includes unique dividers and punched pages to fit a 3-ring binder. For further information write to: TS-2068 Safe Disk Up-date, 1317 Stratford Ave., Panama City, FL 32404.

Silicon Mountain Computers (C-12, Mtn. Stn. Group Box, Nelson, B.C., Canada VIL 5Pl1) has released an ex- cellent new modem terminal program for the TS1000 called ZX-TERM*80. The software package uses genuine hi-res graphics to provide up to 80 columns of text (!) and windowing. Features include XMODEM protocol for uploads and downloads, printer support, Upper/Lower case char- acters, Westridge or Byte-Back compatible, and much more. Price: $24.95. Write for complete details.

Robert Hartung reviewed the Spectrum program, BETA BASIC in the MAY/JUNE '87 issue of TDM. A new version (4.0) is available for Spectrum's with 128K. Price is £15.95 and is available from: Betasoft, 92 Oxford Rd., Moseley, Birmingham, B13-9SQ, U.K.

Markel Enterprises. has a new address: 4712 Avenue "N", Suite 383, Brooklyn, NY 11234; and also a new BBS for Timex Sinclair users, called SINCLAIR AT NIGHT (718) 627-1293 (settings are 8/1/N).

RMG Enterprises has a Timex Sinclair BBS-—(503) 656-8072, hours from 9 pm to 10 am (settings are 8/1/N).

Variety Sales (325 West Jersey St., #2D, Elizabeth, NJ 07202) is giving a free British Sinclair magazine (while supplies last) with each order received and the customer mentions they saw mention of Variety Sales in TDM.

Sir Clive's new battery powered laptop computer, the Z88 has had some delays in delivery due to "bugs" in the software. All problems should be corrected by the time you read this. There is a limited special offer price for the Z88--only £229.95. Write to: CAMBRIDGE COMPUTERS LTD., Cambridge, CB4 1BR, U.K.

Sunset Electronics (and some selected dealers) have new dust covers for your Timex Sinclair 2068, 1000, 1500, 2040 printer, and the QL. Made of quality fabric, these attractive covers prevent damaging liquid spills, and harmful dust. The logo tells everyone your proud to own a Sinclair. Write to Sunset for complete price list: 2254 Taraval St., San Francisco, CA 94116. Telephone- (415) 665-8330.

Users Group Update

Have we listed your group recently? Send. us the club's name/address and get noticed!

Southeastern Michigan Computer Organization Timex Sinclair Special Interest Group

c/o Barry Carter, newsletter editor

Box 614

Warren, Michigan 48090

P.O. Box 199

GUTS/SV (Group Using TS of Silicon Valley) c/o Bill Miller

6675 Clifford Drive

Cupertino, California 95014

P.O. Box 88361

Clackamas County Area TS Users c/o Rod Gowen

1419 1/2 7th Street

Oregon City, Oregon 97045

706 S. Mason

Kansas Area Timex/Sinclair Users Group c/o Paul Reynolds

4557 Cherry

Wichita, Kansas 67217

Vashon Island Sinclair Timex Association c/o Tony Willing

Seattle Area Timex User Group c/o John Scearce

Tri-City Timex Sinclair User's Group c/o Mike Davis, President

Saginaw, Michigan 48602

TAS-BAM User's Group P.O. Box 48961 St. Petersburg, Florida 33743

Vashon, Washington 98070

Sun Lake User Group

Bill Ward, Secretary

1200 Lake Drive

Grand Island, Florida 32735

Seattle, Washington 98188

Timex Sinclair User Group-Philadelphia P.O. Box 53490 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19105

Westmoreland Computer Users Club Timex Sinclair Special Interest Group P.O. Box 3051

Greensburg, Pennsylvania 15601

WMJ DATA SYSTEMS

**Serving the Timex/Sinclair community since 1983 **

¢ Free shipping on all prepaid orders!

¢ Shipment within 24 hours on most of our orders!

e Your personal check is gladly accepted with no delay! ¢ C.0.D. phone orders accepted! (Shipping charges added)

TS1000

ACZ GENERAL LEDGER TS1000 $19.95 SUPERTAPE-45 PROGRAMS TS1000 18.95 TEXTWRITER 1000-32 col. TS1000 12.95 SPEECH SYNTHESIZER TS1000 16.95 STOCK PLOT TS1000 14.00

BOOKS AND ACCESSORIES KRAFT SYSTEM JOYSTICKSTS2068 $ 9.95

HACKER’S HANDBOOK ALL 9.95 BASICS AND BEYOND TS2068 7.00 C10 CASSETTES 25 for 21.00 C20 CASSETTES 25: for. . -23,00 TS2068 ACZ GENERAL LEDGER TS2068 $19.95 THE DEALER’S DEN TS2068 19.95 MACHINE CODE TUTOR TS2068 18.50 TOMAHAWK TS2068 16.95 NIGHT GUNNER TS2068 16.95 FIGHTER PILOT TS2068 16.95 CRITICAL MASS TS2068 15.95 SABOTEUR TS2068 15.95 BASIC TOOLKIT TS2068 13.95 MSCRIPT (specify conf.) TS2068 24.95 DIAMOND MIKE TS2068 16.95 COLONIZE THE UNIVERSE TS2068 16.95 STOCK PLOT TS2068 16.00

All QUICKSILVA Software TS2068 CALL

WMJ DATA SYSTEMS—TD

4 Butterfly Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788

(516) 543-5252 (2 p.m. - 5 p.m. Best)

FREE Apple, Atari, Commodore, IBM...Catalog FREE Timex/Sinclair Catalog - Write or Give us a CALL!

TS Communique

By Joe Williamson

A forum for people having problems with their 1000, 1500 and 2068. If you would like to ask a question, send it to:

TS Communique c/o Time Designs Magazine Co. 29722 Hult Road Colton, OR 97017

I bought a QL and would like to know how to hook it up with my Zenith Data Systems RGB Monitor. If you can supply any help, I would be very grateful. Thank you.

Larry Anderson Davenport, IA

Dear Larry,

From the pin-out you sent for the Zenith monitor, the following connections should work. Be careful in soldering so that there arn’t any frayed wires or solder bridges causeing shorts between pins.

QL Signal Zenith Monitor

2 Ground 16 & 19

3 composite video 20

4 composite sync 1 . 5 vertical sync 14

6 Green 5

7 Red ee

8 Blue 6

If this does not lock the picture into sync, try connecting pin 4 of the QL to pin 1 & 14 and eliminating the pin 5 connection of the QL. Also, I showed the connection of composite video so you can display either RGB or monochrome video which may help with certain video modes. -Joe

I am using a Timex 2068 computer, @driving a brand- new Magnavox monochrome monitor (Model BM 7622), working mainly with MSCRIPT word processing software. I continually notice the following symptoms:

1. Usually, the malfunction first appears as a flickering of the screen display. After about ten minutes, the video signal is lost and the screen shows only a normal raster (blank lit screen). Sometimes the signal is not entirely lost; very dim words and letters of the text are visible on the screen.

2. Manipulating the brightness and contrast controls of the monitor does not restore the video signal to normal. Turning the monitor power off then on again does not restore the display.

3. Turning the 2068 off then on generally restores the signal to normal, but then of course everything in memory is lost.

4. The remedy that seems to work most of the time is to pull out the plug from the 2068 monitor jack and then plug it in again, whereupon the video signal usually returns to normal strength.

5. The symptons described above are the same whether I am using a three-year-old 2068 or a two-month-old 2068, a fact which seems to indicate that the Magnavox monitor {is at fault. However, there still could be something about the 2068 monitor output circuit which is causing the problem.

6. The output from the RF jack of the 2068, which feeds an ordinary television set, remains constant and strong without any of the symptons described above.

Seymour Miller Forest Hills, NY

Dear Seymour,

Because you have the problem with both computers, It would be most reasonable to think that there is a problem with the monitor or the monitor cable. Try jiggling the cable at both ends to see if the symptons come and go or replace the cable. To see if the problem lies In the computer, try another monitor. If there is a problem with the computer, there are several places to

ea H Ni 7 yas YTS)

check. Video is processed in the SCLD and comes out on pin 33 and on the RGB lines (pins 48, 47, & 46). You would need an oscilloscope to check for activity on these pins.

The video then goes through the sync & white level control, VRI (try adjusting it to see if this clears up the problem) and feeds the base of @5. the signal comes out on the emitter and feeds the emitter of Q4 and out the collector of Q@4. From here, the video feeds both the RF modulator and the video output circuit consisting of @3 and Q4 which have been known to cause problems. The video signal feeds the base of Q3, out from the collector, feeds the base of @2 and out on the emitter through C58 to the video out put jack. Determining where the video is found and then lost can tell you where the fault is quite easily (one of the easier circuits to follow). I have seen alot of video problems traced to the SCLD Cunfortunately) and Q2 & Q3.

As I stated before, your problem sounds like it is in the monitor or cable. Look there first! -Joe

I read the letter from Mel Routt in the first TS Communique. I seem to have the exact same problem with MSCRIPT. I have an Aerco parallel printer interface connected to a Blue Chip M120/10 printer. I get the

random printout glitches on both tape and disk versions of MSCRIPT. Tasword II and anything typed from Aerco RP/M work fine. I am also looking for a CP/M word Processor.

For some reason the print from my Alphacom 32 is smaller than usual. The letters vary in size during the printout. This happens on both the 2068 and the 1500 so the problem is in the printer. Is there a solution for this?

IT have an Aerco FD-68 Disk Interface connected to a Zenith ZVM-131 RGB monitor. I can see faint lines moving on my video. In RP/M, the letters appear to shimmer. This appears to be some sort of interference. The cable from the FD-68 to the monitor is shielded so the interference does no.come from there. Someone told me that it may be coming from the 2068 power supply. Is a better power supply available?

Dave Bennett Lemoyne, PA

Dear Dave,

Mel Routt wrote us back and said that since he received Version 5.2 of MSCRIPT, the problem has disappeared. So try trading up for the new version. The Alphacom 32 problem sounds like a damaged Pin heater. Your best bet is. to replace the whole unit. The interference problem sounds like a buss loading problem or poor sync. If the problem is there with only the disk interface connected, more than likely it is from poor sync being stripped from the video. Try adjusting the sync and White level adjustment inside the computer just to the top upper left of the speaker designated as VRIi. If this doesn’t help, you may need to check the actual sync stripping circuit on the disk interface. If you have an oscilloscope, look at the sync line. You should have clean, steady negative peaks with no tearing where the peak starts or ends. -Joe

In your Banner program for the 2040 printer (TS 1000) in SUM Magazine, May 1986, I can’t get past the line:

30 LET LEN=LEN M8

It comes up with a syntax error. I have tried several things such as "" etc. to no avail.

A. L. Francis Yucaipa, CA

Dear Mr. Francis,

LET and the 2nd LEN are both key words and need to be entered as a single keystroke. The first LEN is a variable and is just typed in L-E-N. -Joe

STARFLEET 2068 is an all BASIC, low-resolution graphics, shoot 'em up space wars game for the Timex Sinclair 2068. The program listing and CK-TYPE output (to aide your typing/debugging of this program--see May/June '87 issue of TDM) is printed below. STARFLEET 2068 is also available on tape from Lemke Software (2144 White Oak, Wichita, KS 67207) for $9.95 ppd., in case you want to try this game, but don't. have the time to key it in.

Scenerios In the late 1990's, NASA finally perfected the first WARP DRIVE engine. Earth Federation, a joint US-Canada-European space agency quickly arose to control deep space exploration. Over the first several decades, 9 major STAR BASES were constructed; 1 at the edge of our solar system, and 8 others nearly equidistant from this home base. The year is now 2068 AD. After nearly 70 years of exploration, it was beginning to look like we were alone in the galaxy...until THEY appeared. They made no effort to answer our communications, gave no sign of peaceful intent--and as far as we know, might be purely mechanical (computerized) devices. They simply came, de- stroying everything in their paths. They caught us by surprise. After 70 years of uninterrupted peace in space, Earth Federation had only 1 armed Star Ship left in space active service--the STRATA-GEM. The ship was hastily fueled, its crew briefed, and as the aliens were about to attack Star Bases 1 and 8, the STRATA-GEM was launched to meet the attackers. YOU are the CAPTAIN. Battle Stations are sounding. Good Luck!

Armaments: The Strata-Gem has Electro-Magnet "shields" to repel the enemy weapons. Full strength is 10. If they go to zero, good bye!

Weapons: You have Photon Torpedos (for longer range shots) and Phasor weapons.(for closer range shots). The number of each depends on the level of difficulty.

Sensors: Sensor range is 3 parsecs, at full strength, but will vary on shield strength (ship damage).

Engines: You have WARP Speed capability (Warp 1 to 3). You have 20 units of fuel. (Note: the faster you go, the more fuel you use!!) WARP 1 moves you 1 parsec (row and/or column) per move, WARP 2 moves you 2 rows and/or columns per move, etc. If you run out of fuel, good bye!

Docking: You must DOCK to refuel, repair, restock armament, etc. The Star Base will not lower its shields (necessary for you to dock) if there are enemy ships in the quadrant.

Surprises: Yes, there are a few. If a Base refuses to lower it's shields, try-try again. You may have just been a "Bad Captain" and need to pay penance! There are 6 levels of difficulty!

How to Play.

STARFLEET 2068 has 2 screens, the navigation screen and the weapons/tactical screen. The navigation screen shows you a map of the galaxy: stars, bases, your ship, the enemy ‘ships. The weapon/tactical screen showS you a "close-up" view around your ship, also the range of your sensors (a circle). Anything inside this circle is "fair game" for your weapons.

On the Navigation screen, "HELM AT YOUR CONTROL" will flash, telling you that it is your turn to make a move. Use the joystick to command your ship to make a move. You can change the WARP SPEED by pressing numbers 1 to 3. Press "D" to DOCK, press "W" to go to the WEAPONS screen.

FLEET cuibb

SPACE ARCADE GAME

by STAN LEMKE

NOTE: to DOCK, you must "fly" your ship into the STAR BASE User Defined Graphic you wish to dock with. Then on _ the next turn you command "D" (dock). DON'T try to fly thru stars or other ships!. Press "0" (zero) for no move, as_ in station keeping.

On the Weapons screen, you will see the map "close- up". Here you will see that Docking really places you just beside a STAR BASE. "WORKING!" will flash when you first go to this screen. The program is calculating the range, distance, position of everything for this new display. When the screen is completed, you will see your ship (center of the circle) with a" " User Defined Graphic flashing on it. This is your weapons "cross-hairs" for aiming at a specific target. Use your joystick to position this on the target of your choice. When ready, press fire. At any point prior to pressing fire, you can select your weapon: press "IT" for torpedo, "P" for phaser weapon. If you shoot at yourself, this is a signal to abort the shot. Press "N" to go to the Navigation screen.

The program (listing).

Type in the program, SAVE it to tape with RUN 4040 [ENTER], (you start the program with RUN [ENTER]). LOAD in the CK-TYPE program (see May/June '87 issue of TDM) and run it to help you find typing errors. Correct these as required, and re-SAVE the new copy.

This program uses 13 User Defined Graphics as 8x8 pixel Sprites. These are easily identified in the program listing as single INVERSE VIDEO letters (A thru M). I did this by re-defining each UDG as the inverse of its letter. This has no effect on the CK-TYPE, and requires no action on your part except that each time you encounter an IN- VERSE VIDEO character, you know it is a User Defined Graphics character (and which UDG character) and you must type it in with the "GRAPHIC" cursor command.

The program also abounds with REM statements. are quite helpful for programming/debugging purposes, if you remove these from your "working" copy, increase the program speed by at least 25%!!

These but you will

SHEE FH SEES EH EH ELSES

19 REM +44 28 REM STAR ae See ee ee

RE "Bee PRINT aT B 31;" TRE ‘ 8,8; Tas’ aaa a RN

210 PRINT AT ¢ hii: RETURN 228 PRINT AT 1 hi)l;TAB 31;"

6,10; "Time =“; FN RETURN

IN ete th coe et fl

IND & RE 258 REM se 250 REM

else THEN

run ou fatis

is rsat? cetit+rank

i 1 baal

B30 REM 24 242 REM 258 PRIN Pti TRB 18;

S68 PRINT 7 4

=4 in isse IF Rite AND shi THEN LET =a an=shs.6 ank 1350 IF hit?:@ ANG sh<S THEN LET =a (h2,44413 in : =l in & 498 ar f SEM 424 Star

be €=8 SUB cer E28 i420 REM

THEN PRINT AT bf fe SUB 182:

i.i}, KoinkS; "8": LET jesje+

and were Vapori The Federat HEELERS HH RHE

tara T AT 28,28; wer their are enemy": hips in the quadrant #212: PAUSE 92: 60 3u 9@: GO SUB Baa: Go To 112e 14688 NEXT J: IF dac UB 2828: PRINT AT ae fohit is verified." is initiated.":

5 NT (RANDa4a) -

. 22) : LET s =pt+INT

bo fie tRND218

PU ed ee

“Boo: Backing orbit is

PRINT #8;AT 2,

een

ut ty ais impossible UE my PAUSE 52 us 7 BO SUB Zia: So 5 358: Go To

1i48a@ RE

149@ REM $24 Ck i5a@a REM

IF fueleeaa THEN LET fuel LET muf=2

IF shomsh THEN LET IF snomsn THEN LET IF ptompt THEN LET eo yoga THEN LET

iol)

t _ line

oe “la RAE

RIO NG ba

Continued Next Page.

STARFLEET @libé

sgn PT fe ho A

3 Now tn e+ ta oe oo

itision Dmg #+4#

PRINT OAT

Petarpeds bank pause Be:

#2008 Let pizpt-1: ter 5

s¢=8 THEN Ler np SuB ase: LET ptrelvnpt Pret aie eas

yea-yileynpts:

LET py= =914INT

Pe Gorking |

Pb oe-

PLOT Px pd:

REM 2% PR

60 SUB Bea: : $0 SUB 2348 2380 LET p

yi: DRAW IR BEEP 2458

2330 PRINT AT

2542 REM

2258 REM #2#% Hit

2252 REM

2372 LET cx=FN Ft x2}: LET dmg=a: firngt+Js ee

Something?

lee oy

LET hit= 28:

ra) i Wie

Txt