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Table of contents: |
| COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE Issue #40 | Home | Index | Magazine | ||||||
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| Articles in section: ABOUT COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE |
| "ABOUT
CFDM" ABOUT COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE |
| Back to top |
"ABOUT CFDM" COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE is dedicated to those who still enjoy running under RS DOS. It will deal with that format exclusively. A primary goal is to keep the COCO community strong. By providing a unique means of communication, maybe old fires will be rekindled as you and I share our knowledge and experiences! The success of this effort depends on each one who becomes a subscriber. Everyone must contribute his/ her two cents in the form of articles, programs, opinions, experiences, etc. If this happens we will all look forward to the next issue. (Check out the manual with your starter kit for details on how to submit material.) Now let's have some fun!!! =* |
ABOUT COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE is the creation and property of Rick Cooper. It is distributed solely by RICK'S COMPUTER ENTERPRISE. The material which makes up each issue remains the property of the author(s) or contributor(s) unless an agreement has been made otherwise. COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE is dedicated exclusively to those who enjoy the COCO3 operating under RS DOS. It is hoped that this publication will encourage the continued usage of our favorite computer. Neither CFDM nor RICK'S COMPUTER ENTERPRISE will be responsible for the submission or publication of any material that does not belong to the submitter. WE DO NOT ADVOCATE OR SUPPORT PIRACY! =* |
| Articles in section: ABOUT THIS ISSUE |
| CONTENTS...PART
1 (i40) CONTENTS...PART 2 (i40) PROGRAM DIRECTORY <i40> THIS MONTH'S COVER |
| Back to top |
ABOUT COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE (2)
1 "ABOUT CFDM"
2 ABOUT COCO FRIENDS DISK MAGAZINE
ABOUT THIS ISSUE (4)
1 CONTENTS...PART 1 (i40)
2 CONTENTS...PART 2 (i40)
3 PROGRAM DIRECTORY (i40)
4 THIS MONTH'S COVER
ACTIVE COCO (5)
1 4TH ANNUAL "LAST" COCOFEST
2 EMULATOR FUND FINALIZED
3 Other Resources
4 RICK'S PICNIC ACCOMMODATAIONS
5 TRIVIA TEST REVISITED =>
____________________________________________________
ADVERTISEMENTS (6)
1 Bob van der Poel Software
2 CFDM SUBSCRIPTION
3 FOR SALE-360K DRIVES, SWITCHES
4 HARDWARE FOR SALE
5 PAGE DESIGNER COLLECTION
6 RICK'S NOW SELLS ZEBRA!!
ARTICLES OF THE MONTH (6)
1 COPY II PC & PROLOCK STORY
2 COPY II PC & PROLOCK STORY PART2
3 GrafExpress Tutorial -continued-
4 GrafExpress Tutorial Series #02
5 Graphics & Formats
6 Keiran Kenny, R A T, et all
=>
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COCO FRIENDS ART GALLERY (7)
1 CARTOONS
2 HORRORNIBS
3 SERENITY
4 SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY
5 THE PINK PANTHER <g>
6 TRANQUILLITY
7 VIEWING THE CFDM ART GALLERY
FAMILY TREE (1)
1 Spencer Update
FORUM (2)
1 GOODTIME by Ben Walker <g>
2 WHAT do we call our computer?
=*
|
FROM THE EDITOR (4)
1 HELLO FRIENDS!!
2 KUDOS
3 NEW POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT
4 THE CFDM CONCEPT ENTERS PC WORLD
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR (6)
1 "GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST" .NIB
2 A PUZZLEMENT
3 BELIEVE IT OR NOT I'M WRITING
4 Digital Clocks etc.
5 Renew please!
6 WE NEED BLUE STREAKS!
POTPOURRI (7)
1 CHURCH3 =>
____________________________________________________
2 LEGACY OF LOVE
3 MAX 10 FOR ME
4 NIGHT TALK by Jim McNeill <g>
5 VINCENT
6 WITH FURROWED BROW
7 >>>>>>>>>FROM THE HEART<<<<<<<<<
PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH (7)
1 "SUCCESS" BY MARK WEBB
2 "SUCCESS" PART II
3 COCOCLK2 - PMODE0 digital clock
4 COCOCLK3 a hi-res digital clock
5 Collecting Loot!
6 SQS to NIB Converter
7 VIEWING /MGE PICTURES:"MGEMENU".
=>
____________________________________________________
REVIEWS (5)
1 COCO 2 EMULATOR
2 CUSTOM COLOR PRINTING
3 LABEL DESIGNER By ZEBRA SYSTEMS
4 LABEL DESIGNER Part 2
5 THOSE ART DISKS & .....
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (8)
1 A PROBLEM WITH CIII PagesE
2 HOW TO DELETE FILE?
3 Hard Questions
4 Need Graphic Format Translator?
5 Those "Back Jacks"
6 To: R. Roeder - "OFFSET SCREEN"
7 To: R.E. Bruhl-"SYNTAX ERRORS."
8 WORD POWER 3.3 =*
|
Here's a description of the files on the PROGRAM/
SIDE. File names preceded by an asterisk are data
files and not to be RUN or EXECed!
NAME.........COMMAND..SECTION OR DESCRIPTION
* *COCOBRA.NIB........ART GALLERY
* *COCOMET.NIB........ART GALLERY
* BARNSCNE.NIB........ART GALLERY
CHURCH3 .BAS..RUN...POTPOURRI (MUSIC)
COCOCLK2.BAS..RUN...PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH
COCOCLK3.BAS..RUN...PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH
* FULLDISK.NIB........ART GALLERY
GE02 .BAS..RUN...ARTICLES OF THE MONTH
* GE16 .BIN........DATA FILE FOR GE02.BAS
* GHOST .NIB........LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
* JSUSLOVS.BIN........DATA FILE FOR CHURCH3.BAS =>
____________________________________________________
LOOT! .BAS..RUN...PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH
MGEMENU .BAS..RUN...PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH
* MOONLIT .NIB........ART GALLERY
* NIBLOADR.BIN........PIX LOADER UTILITY
NIBSAVER.BAS..RUN...CALLED BY SQS>NIB.BAS
* NIBSAVER.BIN........PIX SAVER UTILITY
NIBSHOW2.BAS..RUN...ART GALLERY
* OLD AGE .NIB........ART GALLERY
* OLDCROSS.BIN........DATA FILE FOR CHURCH3.BAS
* SP3 .BIN........DATA FILE FOR COCOCLK3.BAS
SQS>NIB .BAS..RUN...PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH
* SQSREADR.BIN........DATA FILE FOR SQS>NIB.BAS
SUCCESS .BAS..RUN...PROGRAMS OF THE MONTH
* SWALLOW .NIB........ART GALLERY
TRIVMOD .BAS..RUN...ACTIVE COCO
VINCENT .BAS..RUN...POTPOURRI =>
____________________________________________________
* VINCENT .BIN.......DATA FILE FOR VINCENT.BAS
=*
|
Desert Cowboy Once again sunsets come back to life.
Sometimes, the sky just looks so orange in
Arizona and I placed a cowboy out in the desert
to enjoy the scene. I hope you enjoy the
picture this month and hope to see you soon
in the upcoming months.
...... Jim Gibbons
=*
|
| Articles in section: ACTIVE COCO |
| 4TH
ANNUAL "LAST" COCOFEST EMULATOR FUND FINALIZED Other Resources RICK'S PICNIC ACCOMMODATIONS TRIVIA TEST REVISITED |
| Back to top |
4TH ANNUAL "LAST"
COCOFEST 4TH ANNUAL "LAST" CHICAGO COCOFEST
SPONSOR: Glenside CoCo Club
WHEN: April 28, 29, 1995
SHOW HOURS: Sat. 10 AM to 6 PM
Sun. 10 AM to 4 PM
WHERE: Elgin Holiday Inn
345 W. River Road
Elgin, IL
One block south from I-90 on
IL-31S and then East on West
River Road. (Same location as
the previous fests.)
CALL: 1-708-685-5000 or
1-800-465-4329 for reservations.
Ask for Glenside or Fest rates. =>
____________________________________________________
(Mid 50's/night + tax).
ADMISSION: $8 at the door, or
$5 in Advance (2-day tickets
only.)
ADVANCE TICKETS: BEFORE 4/16/95.
Send payment and SASE to:
Tony Podraza, Fest Coordinator
119 Adobe Circle
Carpentersville, IL 60110-1101
----------------------------------------------
GOOD LUCK ON THE 4TH "LAST" CHICAGO COCOFEST!!
FROM THE FRIENDS OF CFDM.
----------------------------------------------
=*
|
EMULATOR FUND FINALIZED When we last visited the Emulator Fund, we had a
balance of $425.75. This month we will call the
fund complete as our goal has been met and Jeff's
travel expenses are paid. Thanks to all who have
made this special project a success!!!
Beginning Balance March 10, 1995..........$425.75
Clarence Bowers $ 7.50
Arthur Hallock 58.00
Rick Cooper 8.75 500.00
to Jeff Vavasour -500.00
Ending Balance April 17, 1995..........zero
=*
|
Other Resources - After seeing an ad in The Computer Shopper, I
sent for a sample copy of a magazine I had never
heard about. THE COMPUTER JOURNAL arrived a week
later. It is devoted to orphaned systems. A lot of
the information does not apply, BUT anyone looking
for hardware hacking info or support for OS-9, Forth
or is interested in computer history might send for
a sample. (Their centerfold was the schematic of the
FIRST Hayes modem.) This issue (Jan/Feb) also had
an excellent article on power supplies, and another
on disk drives. Subscription rates are $24.00 a yr.
(six issues)
The Computer Journal
P.O. Box 535
Lincoln, CA. 95648
===>
____________________________________________________
- Also listed as 6809 support was
Ronald Anderson
3540 Sturbridge Ct.
Ann Arbor, Mi. 48105
- for OS-9
San Diego OS-9 Users Group
Contact - Warren Hrach
(619)221-8246
BBS (619)224-4878
- for Forth language sopport
Forth Interest Group
P.O. Box 2154
Oakland, Ca. 94621
(510) 89 FORTH ===>
____________________________________________________
- listed as a source for a IBM clown (-er clone)
keyboard adapter for a serial port.
Corvatek
561 N.W. Van Buren St.
Corvallis, Or, 97330
(503)752-4833
Happy CoCo-ing GWS ===*
|
RICK'S PICNIC ACCOMMODATIONS For those planning on attending Rick's Picnic on July 15, 1995, you will be interested in the choice of lodging available in the area. Below I will list three motels that I recommend. Keep in mind that Liberty is a small town with only one motel, the Brown Motel. About 20 miles south is Russell Springs with abundant motels and about 30 miles north is Danville with abundant motels. You probably won't mind staying in either Russell Springs or Danville, both are nice towns on Highway 127, straight shots to Liberty, also located on Highway 127. If you need more choices, please let me know. In Liberty: The Brown Motel....606-787-6224 In Russell Springs: Cumberland Lodge..502-866-4208 In Danville: Days Inn...606-236-8601 =* |
TRIVIA TEST REVISITED In CFDM issue 36, Rick Cooper's CFDM TRIVIA TEST
appeared. I took the test & found that I really
enjoyed looking back at past issues for answers. I
probably spent as much time re-reading entries that
were NON-RELATED to the Trivia Test as I did looking
for the answers.
Now I have taken Rick's suggestion and came up with
another set of CFDM trivia questions. I even threw
in one question and INCLUDED the answer. If anyone
gets THAT question wrong, I'd be very disappointed.
So give it a try! It's Rick's Trivia program with
different data statements, so I decided to rename it
for clarity. Just RUN "TRIVMOD.BAS", jot down your
answer to each question & send your answer sheet to
me at the address below. I will, just as Rick did,
provide a prize to the friend with the most =>
____________________________________________________
correct answers or in the case of ties, I'll run a
random-picker program to draw a winner.
Since I do not know in which future CFDM issue this
entry will be in, I'll ask Rick to add an editor's
footnote to announce a cutoff date for the answer
sheets.
Herb Forger Sr 88 Dry Hill Rd Norwalk CT 06851-3127
Tel: (203) 847-4282
And PLEASE add the Sr to my name or else your letter
will be forwarded to my son and then I may not see
it for days. (I guess you SR's and JR's will agree
that the postal service can do a number on you if
you don't differentiate. Omission of that is a mess)
=>
____________________________________________________
-----
RICK: Thanks for the follow-up contest Herb!! And
after looking over the questions, Donna asked me if
I knew all the answers...well..I must say I do not!
Good luck everyone! Some are easy and others will
require a little research.
And PLEASE..note that Herb is conducting the contest
this time and asks that you send him your answers...
so don't send them to me, I'll just have to send
them on.
The cutoff date for your answers will be June 15th,
1995. That gives you nearly a month to get a perfect
score!!
=*
|
| Articles in section: ADVERTISEMENTS |
| Bob
van der Poel Software CFDM SUBSCRIPTION FOR SALE-360K DRIVES, SWITCHES HARDWARE FOR SALE PAGE DESIGNER COLLECTION RICK'S NOW SELLS ZEBRA!! |
| Back to top |
Bob van der Poel Software GREAT STUFF FOR OS9 LEVEL II
----------------------------
Ved Text Editor.........The Best OS9 Editor! $24.95
Vprint Text Formatter.......Dynamite Outputs $29.95
OS-9 Character Set Editor..Change the Screen $19.95
OS-9 Disk Mailing List (DML9)...............
Unlimited Capacity $24.95
Basic09 Subroutine Pack.....................
24 Useful ML Routines $24.95
Cribbage.The Classic Card Game with Graphics $19.95
Ultra Label Maker..........Make Nifty Labels $19.95
Magazine Index System.Complete Rainbow Dbase $19.95
RMA Assembler Library...Complete with Source $19.95
Stock Manager..Your Accountant will love you $24.95
OS-9 Public Domain Disk.Programs with source $ 9.95
=>
____________________________________________________
GREAT STUFF FOR DISK BASIC
--------------------------
*Disk Utility Pack...16 Programs/1 low price $14.95
+Disk Mailing List.....Keeps up to 200 names $16.45
-Ultra Telepatch........THE Telewriter64 Fix $19.95
+CoCo 3 Cribbage....In Fully Commented BASIC $13.95
*Disk Programming Package...................
4 Hard-to-Find Programs $14.95
*Ultra Label Maker...Create Beautiful Labels $14.95
*Magazine Index System..W/Lots of Data Files $14.95
*Basic Program Lister..Easy to Read Listings $14.95
*Mapper...Detailed BASIC Program x-reference $14.95
*Packer..............Compress BASIC Programs $14.95
*Stocks & Bonds Manager...Not Only For Taxes $19.95
(+ = CoCo 3 - = CoCo 1 or 2 * = CoCo 1,2,3) =>
____________________________________________________
For a free, descriptive catalogue please send a
postcard, call or send us email.
All programs are in stock for immediate shipping.
Please include check or money order with your order.
Sorry, no credit cards; but we will ship COD to US
and Canadian addresses (we add a small additional
charge to cover the post office COD fee). Mention
"CFDM" in your order and shipping is FREE! All
orders are shipped via first class mail, usually on
the same day they are received.
P.O. Box 355 P.O. Box 57
Porthill, ID or Wynndel, B.C.
USA 83853-0355 Canada V0B 2N0
Tel: 604-866-5772 EMAIL: Compuserve 76510,2203 =*
|
CFDM SUBSCRIPTION Is your subscription running out? Here's how to check: On your mailing label next to your name is a number. The number after the last dash (-) is the last issue on your present subscription. Please don't let your subscription expire. WHEN YOU RESUBSCRIBE PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR ENTIRE SUBSCRIPTION NUMBER. THIS HELPS ME LOCATE YOU IN MY DATABASE! A single issue of CFDM is $6. Or get 3 issues for only $16. A 6 issue subscription is only $30 (a savings of 6$). Back issues are available at the same rates. COCOs FOREVER!! =* |
FOR SALE-360K DRIVES, SWITCHES At the time of this article I have possession of
5 360K drives for sale. They are half height, bare
drives (no power supply or case). I have tested them
in both RS BASIC and OS9II and they work fine. If
interested let me know and I will mail them. First
come, first served. SEND NO MONEY NOW. Try them out.
If satisfied the cost is $10 plus shipping.
I also have 8 new replacement fire buttons for the
TANDY DELUXE JOYSTICKS. Cost-1$ each. Postage paid.
If requesting a drive please state drive number.
If enough people are looking for fire buttons I can
probably get more.
I spent a good deal of time last week in search of
replacement potentiometers for the DELUXE JOYSTICK.
After a half dozen calls around North America, (It
was a distributer at least 4 times) I finally =>
____________________________________________________
made contact with one of the original manufacturers
of the pot. No more of that size is made. There is
one more original manufacturer, somewhere in Taiwan.
The one company could produce new ones (maybe).
The minimum order would be $450. Doesn't sound too
promising!!
BARRY T MILLER
5321W 8000S RD
CHEBANSE IL 60922
PHONE (815)697-2533
=*
|
HARDWARE FOR SALE NEW (N) & USED (U) COCO HW FOR SALE.
THE PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING AND HANDLING.
TANDY # DESCRIPTION PRICE
-------- ------------------------------- -----
N 26-2228 DIRECT CONNECT MODEM PAK 15.00
N 26-3008A JOYSTICK CONTROLLERS (PAIR) 7.00
U 26-3024 MULTI-PAK INTERFACE (UPGRADED) 40.00
-W/ ORIGINAL CHIP & DUST COVER
N 26-3025 MOUSE FOR COLOR COMPUTER 15.00
N 26-3028 HIGH RES JOYSTICK INTERFACE 5.00
N 26-3143 ORCH 90CC STERIO MUSIC SYNTH 15.00
U 26-2812 DWP230 DAISY WHEEL PRINTER PLUS
26-2913 BI-DIR TRACTOR ------------ BOTH 70.00
=====>
____________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION PRICE
----------------------------------------- -----
U SIGNALMAN ANCHOR MODEM - 300BPS 10.00
N BURKE & BURKE XT-RTC HARD DISK INTERFACE 50.00
U QUANTUM MOD Q540 HARD DRIVE - 40M 40.00
U EPSON SMD-400 3.5" 720K DRIVE 30.00
U SANYO FD-5481 5.25" SSDD DRIVE 15.00
N WICO ANALOG JOYSTICK 15.00
U BLUE STREAK ULTIMA 25.00
N HD63809EP CPU & B&B 6309 BOOK & disk 20.00
N TCC1014A GIME CHIP 10.00
Also have much CoCo software, but don't want to fill
up this issue of CFDM. Send a SASE for a list or
make an offer. A brief list includes CIII Pages E,
CoCoPRO s/w, Max-10, T&D s/w & clip art, =>
____________________________________________________
games, B&B s/w, utilities, graphics, etc.
Send cash, check, or money order to:
Roy Putlack
27W370 Geneva Rd. 57
West Chicago, IL 60185
=**
|
PAGE DESIGNER COLLECTION This is a set of 6 disks which support Max-10 and
provide you with the means to create truly impres-
sive documents. The Page Designer Collection gives
you borders for the page, boxes & frames for enclos-
ing portions of text, bold capital letters, heading
designs, greeting cards, and a variety of graphics
you can use to create signs, posters, awards, news-
letters, etc. The 20 page instruction manual makes
using the Page Designer a real snap!
Disk #1 - 7 page borders, 2 boxes, and a line.
Disk #2 - 30 frames, scrolls, boxes, ribbons, and
designs for enhancing the text.
(CTRL + 2)=>
____________________________________________________
Disk #3 - 26 bold capital letters, a newsletter de-
sign, and an award design.
Disk #4 - 26 large script capital letters, stars,
U.S. flag, and an eagle.
Disk #5 - 7 greeting card designs, 12 headings (one
for each month), 4 boxes, and clip art.
Disk #6 - a program which you can use to create
special titles to use with Max-10.
The entire set of 6 disks is only $30.
Send your check or M.O. to:
Jim Bennett; 118 Corlies Ave; Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
=*
|
RICK'S NOW SELLS ZEBRA!! Rick's Computer Enterprize has recently entered an
agreement to sell the famous ZEBRA SYSTEMS software!
Below is a description of the three major packages
and the great add-ons!
The CoCo Graphics Designer Plus.........$20.00
(Also note the add-ons listed below to make
this a very complete system.)
The Label Designer......................$20.00
(Also note the add-ons listed below. They
work with both Label Designer & CoCo Graphics
Designer Plus.)
First Prize.............................$30.00
(Comes with 9 disk sides of clip art, borders, =>
____________________________________________________
and templates to make awards, certificates,
and licenses for business, education, family,
general purpose, humor, religion, and sports.)
subLOGIC Flight Simulator II for CoCo 3....$10.00
----------------------------------------------------
PLEASE ADD $2.00 TO COVER SHIPPING/HANDLING ON ANY
SIZE ORDER! OUT OF COUNTRY S/H IS ANOTHER $3.00.
----------------------------------------------------
ALL PRODUCTS REQUIRE 64K COCO II OR 3, MOUSE OR
JOYSTICK, DISK DRIVE, AND COMPATIBLE PRINTER.
----------------------------------------------------
GREAT ADD-ONS FOR LABEL DESIGNER
AND COCO GRAPHICS DESIGNER PLUS
Picture disks 1 to 6 each contain 132 pictures =>
____________________________________________________
for use with CGDP and LD and also export to
Colorware's CoCo Max and Max-10 programs.
- #1 Education, People, School, Science...$7.50
- #2 America, Sports, Party, Office.......$7.50
- #3 Animals, Religion, Nature, Travel....$7.50
- #4 Holiday Collection...................$7.50
- #5 Hobbies, Vehicles, Astrology.........$7.50
- #6 Maps of the 50 US States.............$7.50
- Font Disk A (10 fonts for CGDP & LD)....$7.50
- Font Disk B (10 fonts for CGDP & LD)....$7.50
- Border Disk #1 (176 Borders for CGDP)...$7.50
Rick's Computer Enterprise
P.O. Box 276 Liberty, KY 42539 =*
|
COPY II PC & PROLOCK STORY The following entry was taken from Delphi messages
with the permission of Marty Goodman. It originated
from a question by Tom Fann about the availability
of Copy II PC. Tom was worried about some copy-
protected CoCo programs he had and seemed interested
in insuring his investment by acquiring a copy of
Copy II PC. This program would allow him to make
backup copies of his protected software.
----------------------------------------------------
Central Point Software ceased to make the Copy II PC
option board...and left the software piracy support
business...about a year ago. About a year ago, it
dropped the price of the board to about 40% of what
they used to sell it for, to close out stock.
Central Point provided with its final release of =>
____________________________________________________
the board (the Delux Option Board) hardware and
software capability to read and write 800K Macintosh
diskettes... something that is UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE to
do with an ordinary PC style floppy controller. It
was this capability that give the board some extra
product life...
The software piracy business, which had been the
main business of the option card until the Macintosh
disk reading had been added, had also dwindled to
near nothing, as PC software vendors at the low end
utterly abandoned any form of protection, and at the
high end ($1000 to $10,000 software packages)
allowed the user to freely copy the software, but
made that software require a "dongle"... a hardware
key that sits on the parallel port. So, in its =>
____________________________________________________
last days before being swallowed up by another
company, Central Point closed out its stock of
option cards, and killed the product.
NOTE VERY CAREFULLY that the Copy II PC PROGRAM,
(software only) the program that does not require
the option board... WILL NOT copy a number of highly
protected Color Computer diskettes!!!! ONLY the
version of the program that works with... that
requires... the hardware option board can be counted
upon to copy essentially all protected CoCo disks.
(See Part II for the story on PROLOCK.)
=*
|
COPY II PC & PROLOCK STORY
PART2 For a while, in the world of the IBM PC, PROLOCK
offered a protection scheme that used a laser to
burn a tiny hole in the diskette, and then provided
code to software developers to check for the burned
area. Of course, this protection stood or fell on
how well the code was embedded, and how hard it was
to remove that check. If I were doing that sort of
thing, I'd check for the bad spot at a number of
different points in the program, including one or
two points that you would EVENTUALLY get to, but
that you would not be LIKELY to get to for a long
time. I'd hide the code carefully, encrypting it
using XOR so that it could not be seen by a normal
scan of the program in memory or on the diskette,
decrypting it using twisted (possibly self-
modifying) code just long enough to run it, then =>
____________________________________________________
encrypting it again. THEN I'd embed CHECKS FOR the
checks in a couple of dozen places in the program.
Checks that did a CRC of critical parts of the code
that checked for the hole, and that would halt the
program if they found that code had been modified in
any way. THAT would take a good cracker a while to
track down! Not that it would DEFEAT a determined
and patient cracker... but it WOULD slow such a
person down significantly.
PROLOCK announced that they were on the verge of
releasing a varient of their software protection
called (if I recall correctly) Prolock Plus, which
was designed to WIPE YOUR HARD DRIVE if it detected
you were running a pirated version of the program.
The IMMEDIATE reaction to this announcement of =>
____________________________________________________
the "improved product" by the public was OUTRAGE and
HATRED. It resulted in a virtual boycott of all
products protected by Prolock (even tho they never
had actually released Prolock Plus), in part out of
anger, in part out of fear that a flaw in the
protection scheme would destroy ones hard drive's
data. This reaction also stepped up efforts to
crack and disseminate the cracks for all products
protected with the old PROLOCK, and resulted in
people going out of their way to pirate those
products. Prolock went under as a result of that
clever idea.
=*
|
GrafExpress Tutorial Series #02 Last month we looked at the screen resolutions
available through GE. This month we'll stick with
the topic of screens, but we'll look at the differ-
ent ways they can be displayed with GE.
In Disk Basic you have a choice of displaying
the high resolution screen and then watching as the
screen is drawn or set all palette to one color then
reset them to have your screen appear to pop up on
your monitor. Either way this has the annoying ef-
fect of making the program appear to run exception-
ally slow, as menus droop down instead of pop up.
GE has the ability to store more than one
screen in memory and to perform graphic operations
on any of these screens at any time. This months
demo program (GE02.BAS) shows both ways of display-
ing screens. The first example performs the =>
____________________________________________________
work on four 160x200 screens in advance. These four
screens can then be displayed at any time. The
second example shows a case when it is desirable to
have the display screen also be the screen which is
drawn on; such as receiving keyboard input so you
can see what you are typing. Here are the screen
commands used in GE:
(FAST)SHOW(Screen#) -this command displays the num-
ber (screen#). If you do not include (screen#), it
will show the current work screen. (FAST) is also
optional. GE normally synchronizes to the 60HZ in-
terrupt in order to prevent flicker. If you include
(FAST) it does not do this. Using the command SHOW
will make the current work screen also be the cur-
rent display screen such as in the second example in
the demo program. =>
____________________________________________________
WORK(screen#) -makes the number (screen#) the cur-
rent work screen. All graphics are performed on the
work screen.
! -this command is called "switch." It is the short
cut way for calling the command SHOW then WORK.
Using this command will change the current work
screen into the display screen and the next higher
number screen into the work screen. Normally you
would use this command only if you are using two
screens, switching between the two.
So much for this months topic. Try modifying the
demo program until you understand the affect of
these commands.
-continued in next article- =*
|
GrafExpress Tutorial -continued- The number of screens available to GE depends on the
memory of your CoCo. Here is a chart showing what
you get. This will change as you increase the num-
ber of pictures also stored in memory.
RESOLUTION #SCREENS WITH 128K #SCREENS WITH 512K
128x192 4 28
128x200 4 28
128x225 4 28
160x192 4 28
160x200 4 28
160x225 2 18
256x192 2 18
256x200 2 14
256x225 2 14
320x192 2 14 =>
____________________________________________________
320x200 4 14
320x225 1 11
As you can see GE is a lot more versatile with 512K.
Perry Friesen
50 Eggleton St
Red Deer, AB
T4R 2L2
=*
|
Graphics & Formats Here's a comparison of five graphics compression
systems, listing the good and bad of each, and where
they came from (a little history).
CM3 - CoCo Max III uses this format. A special
TRANSLAT program is used to create the file &
a special loading program is needed to view
files. It boasts reasonable good compression
of pictures, and features color-cycling and
animation palettes.
MGE - Color Max 3 used this format. When saving a
picture, you could select compression or no
compression. Strangely, many files were
smaller when the compression was switched OFF
comprared to when it was (supposedly) on! =>
____________________________________________________
MGE files can be made smaller by saving them
in ANY of the other formats. Sadly, MGE is
NOT very good!
GIF - Pronounced "jiff", it stands for Graphics
Interchange Format. A GIF file is THE type
that can be loaded and saved on ANY computer,
provided you have the GIF software. There are
several GIF viewers available for the CoCo and
many use clever routines to show hundreds of
colors simultaneously. GIF files are usually
large, because they contain a lot of picture
information. Saving and loading of GIFs is
best left to the professionals! Typical GIFs
are 320 x 200 x 256, and 640 x 400 x 256.
GIF is copyrighted by Compuserve. =>
____________________________________________________
NIB - Created by Rick Cooper and used extensively
in CFDM. NIB uses machine language and two
easy-to-use support programs to load and save
a picture. NIB is effecient at compression,
but files cannot be over 9 granules, due to
memory conflicts. NIB could be considered the
CFDM STANDARD for graphics.
SQS - Of course I mention this because I created it!
Squish is used in my Fractals program. Like
NIB (I modeled it after NIB) it uses two easy-
to-use support programs to load and save, and
while not as efficient as NIB, files can be
larger than 9 granules, the ABSOLUTELY largest
file possible being 14 granules. Unusually =*
complex pictures often need more than 9 grans.
|
Keiran Kenny, R A T, et all I was thinking about Keirans disk drive problems &
the thought came to me that the problem is American
drives run on 120 volts, 60 Hertz while European
standard is 220 volts, 50 Hertz. BUT, as far as I
know, the circuit boards and motors still use 5 V. &
12 V. direct current. The difference is in the power
supply, esp. the transformer. The newer 1/2 height
double sided drives use half the current of the old
full hight drives. There for, if the power supply is
good, two 1/2 height drives may be placed in a full
height case with a "y" adaptor on the power supply
If heat problems are encountered, a small muffen fan
will take care of it. I have three systems running
with this configuration with no problems. (after the
jumpers on the drives were set to "0" and "1". ==>
____________________________________________________
I glued 13 mm high rubber feet on the side of the
case and laid it on its side. (Cut off a large
eraser, in one case. stick on feet are avalable
from Radio Shack.)
Robert Allen Turner had a good point about fax
modems. Standard modems receive and transmit digit-
tal data, a stream of "1"s & "0"s, which are ASCII
code for letters, numbers, & symbols. ASCII 171 is
the c in a circle, copywrite symbol. Facsimile (the
original word for what we now call "fax".) is more
like analog. First transmitted as an analog radio
signal from a photo-electric cell slowly scanning a
picture fastened to a rotating drum. A receiving ma-
chine would have an electric light focused to a spot
on sensitized paper on a drum rotating at the same
speed. With the advent of Zerox machines and ==>
____________________________________________________
flatbed scanners, the process has been enhanced.
Most 24 pin printers will display 360 dots per inch.
Robert Gault sells a weather fax program for the Co-
Co three. The Feb.'95 68 Micros has source code for
a 57,600 bits per second driver for the serial port.
Like Mr. Earl Casper says at that speed there are 31
CoCo memory cycles between bits. Hey People, I've
been telling Radio Shack for 14 years, Its not just
a Game machine...It's the Cadilac of 8 bit computers
How many graphic screens can you store in a 512K Co-
Co? How many on a disk? I'm sure we have good graph-
ic printer drivers. We are receiving a series of
light & dark pixels, storing them as a graphics
screen (or series of screens) then assembling them &
dumping it to a graphic printer. I see the day com-
ing when any CoCoist can receive fax. GWS ==*
|
| Articles in section: COCO FRIENDS ART GALLERY |
| CARTOONS HORRORNIBS SERENITY SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY THE PINK PANTHER <g> TRANQUILLITY VIEWING THE CFDM ART GALLERY |
| Back to top |
CARTOONS
First let me congratulate Rick for such a fine
program ("THE COCO REGISTRY"). The only trouble I
had was not being able to see it very well due to my
poor eyesight. My ophthalmologist will not let me
drive my car, so here I sit at my old CoCo3 at least
eight hours a day! I really got a big bang out of
the cartoon "SNOOPRED" -- How did he do that? I
would like very much to know exactly how he did it!
I submit 2 cartoons -- Life is dull without Fun,
Fun, Fun. Now for two questions: 1- Where can I find
some clipart and/or pictures for my COLORMAX DELUXE?
2 - Where can I find clipart of the "Jetsons" and
the "Flintstones"?
(See Harold's pics, "OLD AGE" and "FULLDISK".)
BE SEE'N Y'ALL. HAROLD J. MOENICH =*
|
HORRORNIBS
COCOMET presents a comet flashing past a planet inhabited by grizzly critters who are awakened by the comet's nuclear and gravitational forces. If your little monsters have difficulty in going bye-byes, let them watch COCOBRA - guaranteed to produce sweet dreams. Both pictures are experiments in animation via the CM3>NIB route. =* |
SERENITY
When I see a bright moon lit night I visualize a
cabin on a lake with the mountains in the
background where you could fish, or just admire
the quiet of the night.
(MoonLit) =*
|
SWALLOWTAIL BUTTERFLY
This picture was suggested by a greeting card. The
author titled it "Monarch Magic". To my way of
thinking, it is certainly not a Monarch butterfly.
I'd call it a Swallowtail -- in fact I have!. If I'm
wrong, someone correct me. Anyway, it made a good
subject for a colorful picture.
In the way of technical details, I was able to get
the butterfly perfectly symmetrical by drawing only
half, then using the capability of CoCoMax 3 to flip
the design and paste it properly to achieve a whole
butterfly. I had hoped to rotate it slightly, but
that would have distorted the design too much. So,
rather than take the time to correct all the details
I took the easy way out and left it vertical. I then
=>
____________________________________________________
filled in the background, trying to keep it less
complex than the greeting card picture. In terms of
time, this probably took longer than most of my
previous pictures -- the better part of four days.
But, I think it was worth it. I hope you do too.
Select "SWALLOW" in NIBSHOW.
Norm Barson
7 Ridge Court
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
=*
|
TRANQUILLITY
I have always been fascinated with barns and
mountains. This is what I visualize as a peaceful
country side with a red barn and the mountains in
the background.
(BarnScne) =*
|
VIEWING THE CFDM ART GALLERY Please use NIBSHOW to view the .NIB pictures on this
month's disk. As you recall, NIBSHOW was featured
in issue #18 and a more complete documentation can
be found there. NIBSHOW is the contribution of our
Friend Stuart Wyss-Gallifent. Thanks Stuart!
After RUNning NIBSHOW, press D for a directory of
the NIB pictures on the disk. Use the arrow keys to
choose a picture and press the spacebar to view it.
Press BREAK to leave the picture. Press X at the
MAIN MENU to exit NIBSHOW.
=*
|
| Articles in section: FAMILY TREE |
| Spencer
update |
| Back to top |
Spencer update Fellow CoCo-nuts - Since my last entry into the
family tree, I have gone from semi-retired (unemploy
ed) to retired; I turned 62 the 30th of December and
put in for early retirement. We now have a telephone
and feel less isolated. I have also joined the Glen
side Cclor Computer Club and the Atlanta Computer So
ciety. We (my wife, Diane, and myself, three other
dogs, two cats, three white mice, and asorted CoCos)
have also taken in another stray puppy. With care,
worming and affection he has turned into DAFFY TAFFY
HAPPYBOTTOM- worlds largest Cocker Spanial. (with an
unfortunate taste for computer disks) This has made
me become better orgenized. (and buy more disk file
boxes) I have also subscribed to the CoCo Trader &
The Computer Journal. (I'll do [almost] anything to
keep our favorite computer going) I seem to be ==>
____________________________________________________
working harder now than before I retired. Diane is
writing an autobiagraphy, but her declining health
is making progress difficult. She has been disabled
from complications of radiation poisening since '75,
and was told then no one in her condition had ever
lived past 35. Diane says that the Good Lord wo'nt
take her untill she's finished what he wants her to
do; and as slow as she's gotten, she'll live to 100!
She'll be 50 in April. I just received my backissues
& have been reading through them. two of my favor-
ite sections are Qusetions & Answers & Family Tree.
I love this CoCo community that Rick has brought
together. I have seen more than a few members write
to say they wish they could do more, but they cant
program or write music or draw beautyfull pictures,
but the two sections I like the best require ==>
____________________________________________________
none of that. Do what you can, and remember, the
Bible says ...They also serve
who only stand and wait.
keep CoCo-ing
Garry & Diane Spencer
909 East 26th Ave.
Tampa, Fl. 33605
(813)221-3502 ===*
|
| Articles in section: FORUM |
| GOODTIME
by Ben Walker <g> WHAT do we call our computer? |
| Back to top |
WHAT do we call our computer? STOP THE PRESSES, LET'S GET THIS IRONED OUT NOW!
Is our favorite computer called a...
COCO 3
CoCo 3
COCO III
CoCo III
Color Computer 3
Color Computer III
=>
____________________________________________________
Tandy Color Computer 3
Radio Shack Color Computer 3
(and variations with Roman Numerals)
IS THE PLURAL OF COCO (CoCo, etc.)...
CoCos ? CoCoi? (pronounced
Koe - Koy. One
COCOs ? CoCo, many CoCoi
)
COCOS ?
CoCo's ? AAAARRRGGGG (or is it Aaaaarrrggg?)
Someone make a decision!!!!!! =*
|
| Articles in section: FROM THE EDITOR |
| HELLO
FRIENDS!! KUDOS NEW POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT THE CFDM CONCEPT ENTERS PC WORLD |
| Back to top |
HELLO FRIENDS!! Another issue of CFDM is close to being complete. It
looks like I'm going to have more entries in this
issue than we usually manage in a single disk issue!
I hope you'll enjoy that because there's lots of
input from our Friends! I can see that my letter-in-
box is overflowing and I don't think I can get any
more in this issue.
Keiran Kenny recently wrote that our good friend Jim
McNeill celebrated his 80th birthday on May 24th!!
A MOST HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU JIM!!!
In case Keiran doesn't receive my reply to his post,
Keiran, I've lost Tom LeHane's address and need it
to send him a new disk. Please send with your next
letter. =>
____________________________________________________
Also, we're getting excited about the coming Picnic!
It looks like we could have 15 to 20 in attendance!
I hope our Friends from the near states will come on
to Liberty. It shouldn't be too far for those in
northern Tennessee, southern Indiana, and southern
Ohio. I believe we'll have a great time! The latest
to tell me they plan to attend are Barry Miller,
Pete Blackwell, Alan Dages, and R. C. Smith. I hope
to report more names next month!!
As you can see by the Family Tree, we need some more
autobiographies for this section! We may have to
start on updates...and that's okay too! If you wish
to write a new entry on what's happening in your
life, please know that we more than welcome your
addition! =>
____________________________________________________
And....how about some new ideas for a theme issue?
The last one, Sci-Fi, was terrific!! Please send
your ideas in and be prepared for the Friends to
make them a reality!!
----------------------------------------------------
This Month's Scripture
The kings of the earth set themselves, and the
rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and
against his anointed, saying, Let us break their
bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. He
that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord
shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak
unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore
displeasure. Psalms 2:2-5 =*
|
KUDOS Thanks to all the following for their contribution to this issue: Roy Atkins Marty Goodman Paul Wolf Norm Barson Michael Gross Stuart Wyss Jim Bennett Keiran Kenny Ray Berney Mary Susan Kerr Pete Blackwell Barry Miller Robert Bruhl Harold Moenich Judy DeLuca Vic Neufeldt Herb Forger Bob van der Poel Software Perry Friesen Roy Putlack Dorothy M. Funk Garry Spencer Rolland W. Funk Robert A. Turner Jim Gibbons Ben Walker Glenside CoCo Club Mark Webb =* |
NEW POLICY ANNOUNCEMENT It has become necessary to restate our disk
replacement policy. All disks purchased from Rick's
Computer Enterprise are fully covered by our new
policy for 30 days from the time they arrive at your
mailing address. If your disks arrive in bad
condition or become damaged while you are making
backup copies, simply return the disks to Rick's for
quick replacement at absolutely no cost.
While it is my responsibility as seller to deliver
to you a useable product, it is your responsibility
as user, to protect your investment by immediately
making backup copies of your purchased diskettes.
Common sense tells us that if one uses their master
copy indefinitely, it will sooner or later be
damaged. And while the costs of my products =>
____________________________________________________
take into consideration the costs of providing
replacements, they cannot possibly cover the costs
of continually replacing the same disks or disks
that fall out of a reasonable grace period.
Much less that 1% of products delivered by Rick's
Computer Enterprise are ever in need of replacement.
If your rate of replacement is greater than that, it
may be for a reason that you can detect. The major
reason for disk damage is faulty disk drives. Not
only cleanliness of drives, but other mechanical
problems can cause disk damage.
For future reference: Any diskette product that
proves to be damaged within 30 days of delivery will
be replaced at absolutely no charge. After 30 =>
____________________________________________________
days, there is a $1 charge per diskette, to cover
our costs of shipping and handling (and possible
disk replacement).
Thanks,
Rick Cooper
=*
|
THE CFDM CONCEPT ENTERS PC WORLD Here's an exciting announcement from Rick's......
We are undertaking an advance into the PC domain
by trying out the CFDM philosophy of Friendship
and sharing. The product will be a PC disk very
similar in concept to CFDM. The new magazine is
called PCFDM (PC Friends Disk Magazine). I invite
all our CFDM Friends with PCs to join this effort
to educate PCers on how to have fun by meeting
and sharing with others! If you don't have a PC
but would like to help us by introducing PCFDM to
your PC friends, please do so!!
The introductory disk is now available. You'll
receive this introductory disk now and the first
issue in September for the price of $12. On the =>
____________________________________________________
introductory disk you'll find the philosophy of
the new magazine (basically the philosopy of our
CFDM). You'll also find three issues of the
magazine side of CFDM, some graphics, and some
music files. The drivers for this introductory
disk were written by Jeff Vavasour. These are
not the drivers that will be used with PCFDM, but
it gives one an idea of what we have enjoyed with
CFDM for over three years now.
So please join me in this new project....let's
show others something unique from the CoCo world!
=*
|
| Articles in section: LETTERS TO THE EDITOR |
| "GHOST
OF CHRISTMAS PAST".NIB A PUZZLEMENT BELIEVE IT OR NOT I'M WRITING Digital Clocks etc. Renew please! WE NEED BLUE STREAKS! |
| Back to top |
"GHOST OF CHRISTMAS
PAST".NIB
Dear Rick: On this disk you will find a NIB picture
titled "GHOST". I'm not much of an artist, but I
thought that you might get a kick out of my view of
my daughters Christmas gift. Looks (and sounds) like
it will be around for a while!
Also enclosed you will find my check to
STRREETCCHH my subscription.
I can't remember if I contacted you since my
question about a program to transfer a NIB pic to a
CM3 pic, but my problem has been solved by Jim
Bennett. Jim pointed out that I had the program
right under my nose and didn't know it. The program
is called "NUTRANS" and it can be found on side 2 of
issue No. 1 of "JUMPIN' JIM'S ART DISK". =>
____________________________________________________
The program is called "NUTRANS" and I have been
running it ragged. Not only will it do NIB to CM3,
but it transfers CM3 to NIB, MGE to NIB or CM3, etc.
Anyone who has not taken advantage of Jim's set
of art disks is missing out on some things that are
not only neat to see, but really useful.
I have even gotten some great add-ons for my MAX
10 that have proven to be A ++++.
PAUL WOLF
CR #25
=*
|
A PUZZLEMENT Dear Rick-
As I was browsing through my CoCo Registry (sec-
ond addition) I was suddenly struck by a realization
- There are hundreds of towns in the U.S. with only
one CoCo owner. (OK, OK, Kansas City has three,it's
a big town.) The K C CoCo Club seems fairly large.
The thought of the members driving those long miles
from Kansas and Missouri to meet with those three Co
Co nuts in Kansas City boggles my mind. (I guess my
mind is easily boggled.) However, I know each Tandy
dealer sold more than one, there for, a lot of CoCo
owners are missing. I went through my files and got
the membership list of our old Carolwood CoCo club.
(It disbanded in 1989 -The last meeting was just the
president and myself- We agreed to divide the club
assets equally. He got the program disks, I got ==>
____________________________________________________
the manuals. (my box was bigger.) I went over the
list to see who I could find after six years. Our
President had moved, after being laid off his elec-
tronics job with Honeywell, to just outside Orlando.
(Next time you're at Disney World- Take a good look
at Donald Duck) Some had moved to follow their jobs
...Hong Kong, Malasia, Mexico. Two were Amiga owners
four had IBM Clowns- I mean clones. Four still were
faithfull to the CoCo world. One said she was living
on a fixed income since her divorce and hadn't done
much with her CoCo since her T V broke. (It was her
monitor) Another said he had a CoCo 2 and though it
filled his needs, nothing was around for it anymore.
one said he didn't want to be bothered. The last was
too busy with other electronic projects to get in-
volved. I've noticed many names in CFDM, MI&CC, ==>
____________________________________________________
and other sources which are not in The Registry. I
don't know why not. Some may feel they would be
giving up some privacy. From my unscientific study,
I have concluded we are the visible twenty percent
of the CoCo comunity. The rest don't know what they
are missing.
Garry Spencer
Regestry # 151
Update on Regestry- phone (813)221-3502
-----
RICK: A very interesting study! I believe your 20%
guess is pretty accurate. You'll also note that
there are some pretty well-known CoCoists who have
not registered. I guess they feel everyone knows
where they are?! Thanks Garry! =*
|
BELIEVE IT OR NOT I'M WRITING Enclosed is my check for another 6 months of CFDM,
also $5.00 toward Jeff's transportation.
On the flipside of this disk are some of Dorothy's
pictures. They are all CoCo Max 3, hope you will be
able to use them.
I received the second issue of THE COCO REGISTRY and
it is really great, I can access all the information
listed on the data form. For some reason I could
only access the names and addresses on the initial
disk I received.
Thank you for the CcCo II emulator, I haven't had
the opportunity to try it yet. I have Jeff's
version 1.30 and it works fine on my PC, so I =>
____________________________________________________
see no reason why version 1.40 would not function
ok.
Each month Dotti and I look forward to receiving
CFDM and marvel at the wonderful job you are doing,
keep it coming.
Rolland Funk
Forest Grove OR
-----
RICK: Thanks Rolland and Dottie! It's always a
pleasure to see Dottie's pictures! I'm going to try
to put a few in each of the next several issues.
=*
|
Digital Clocks etc. Dear Rick: With my new drives I am beginning to feel a little more confident and I hope you and other Friends will like the submissions on this disk. COCOCLK2 is an oldie. I have sent it to Ray Smith who may adapt it for UP-2-DATE Dragon disk magazine. COCOCLK3 is a CoCo 3 version that I have just com- pleted. I had a lot to relearn like how to use the INSTR command and Mike Hoke's SP3. I have put separ- ate notes for each program on this disk. Please forward a package of 25 flippies by surface post. A cash payment is enclosed. =* |
Renew please! Dear Rick: I don't want to miss anything so ...
please extend my subscriptions to CFDM & Hardcopy.
Also, please send me a copy of Jeff Vavasour's
CoCo II Emulator (I'll write him a note too). Your
CFDM and this CoCo still make my "Door" to wonder-
land. Whenever I have a program to save to another
disk, I add a line for a "REM" statement or to show
on the screen the source of the "Original." Saves
time if I wish to re-search it later.
In CFDM Vol 1-28: LISTings? I appreciate any
kind of instructions. I can LLIST basic prograams
after loading, but there are many commands, Pokes,
etc, that I haven't come across in my CoCo 3 book
or find hard to locate in "500 Pokes & Peeks." There
are also many that I have come across, but not yet
learned to use (awfully thick-headed). =>
____________________________________________________
I have a great deal of respect for You, George
Quellhorst, James Gibbons, Keiran Kenny, Roy Atkins
Schuler, Stuart T. Wyss-Gallifent, and ALL the rest
that make up your contributors.
Thank you. Vic Neufeldt H5-25-30
-----
RICK: Thanks for the kind words Vic! By the way,
this entry was received on June 18, 1994! Sorry I
took so long to get it in....but at least Vic's wish
for Jeff Vavasour's CoCo 3 Emulator has come true!!
=*
|
WE NEED BLUE STREAKS! Two of our Friends are looking for Blue Streaks. If
you have an extra for sale, please contact either:
Judy DeLuca or Pete Blackwell
920 Capitola Ave 1408 1/2 McFadden St
Space #66 Paris, TN 38242-3210
Capitola, CA 95010
Tel: 408-476-1126 Tel: 901-644-2635
Pete also has a couple of ribbons for a DMP-430. If
you need them, call Pete.
HOLD THE PRESSES!!!!!!!!
---- ADD ANOTHER TO THE LIST =>
____________________________________________________
Robert Bruhl
841 N. Mapleton
Oak Park, IL 60302
Tel: 708 386-7062
=*
|
| Articles in section: POTPOURRI |
| CHURCH3 LEGACY OF LOVE MAX 10 FOR ME NIGHT TALK by Jim McNeill <g> VINCENT WITH FURROWED BROW _________FROM THE HEART_________ |
| Back to top |
CHURCH3 Run CHURCH3.BAS to load OLDCROSS.BIN;"THE OLD
RUGGED CROSS" and JSUSLOVS.BIN;"JESUS LOVES ME".
What I'm trying to say by these two selections is
that God loved us so much that he let his only Son
to be hung on the cruel cross of Calvary!
I wish my talents went as far as graphics but
I cannot take credit for the church graphic. It is
something to look at while the music is playing.
Does The Old Rugged Cross selection sound like
an old time organ? This was accomplished by changing
the waveform of Music3+:third harmonic=100. By the
way, changing the first harmonic to 100 sounds like
a calliope; second harmonic to 100 has a bell sound,
and fourth harmonic to 100 has a penny-whistle
sound.
Thank you, George Quellhorst! =*
|
LEGACY OF LOVE One night last week, I went with Dad To the place of his childhood. It felt like going back through time As we traveled through those woods. As we crossed the hills and little creeks To reach Mount Eden Ridge, I realized these are the roots Of my own heritage. We attended Daddy's childhood church. The folks there knew him well. And as Dad began to testify, My heart within me swelled. As he thanked his Lord for all those folks => ____________________________________________________ Who had taught him God's holy way, He questioned, had it not been for them Where would he be today? That's when I started thinking "Where would I be as well?" Without my parents' example It would be hard to tell. For the saints that years ago did pray For my dear Daddy's soul And the ones who taught him in Sunday School, And of the Bible told Were laying precious groundwork For his future family => ____________________________________________________ So his future generations Would heir this legacy. So now I want to thank the Lord For the prayers I know were prayed Although they were offered before my birth They are real to me today. I hope the people of Mount Eden Church know How much they mean to me Their lives are a daily witness Of how Christians ought to be. I pray the Lord will bless them All throughout eternity For the example they showed Daddy That he now shows to me. =* |
MAX 10 FOR ME I'm sure that many of you have used the MAX 10 Word Processor for years and feel the same way that I do, but this is my tale. I recently obtained MAX 10 by way of CFDM & commenced reading the documentation. After several pages, I thought to myself: "I still like TELEWRITER128 better". But then I found out how easy it was to access fonts & styles, & many other options that require a lot of text research to accomplish on TW128. And then some options are not even available with TW128. So now I am having a ball with MAX 10. My mother who is 86 years old, is very independent & does her own grocery shopping but it takes her over two hours to complete it. So I made her a grocery store directory, unique to her store, by item and => ____________________________________________________ aisle (condensed with MAX 10 fonts), & a shopping list by aisle so that she can go aisle by aisle for her items & not have to back track to look for items missed. When I asked her how it was working out for her, she said "It's great but since you've had this computer for over 11 years, why didn't you do this a long time ago?." I couldn't think of a quick answer, so I told her that to make up for that oversight, I would add a last entry near the end of her shopping list: my phone #. When she is near finished with her shopping, she can call me & we can meet for lunch at a nearby restaurant. (And later I can carry her 50 pounds of groceries into her house). Thanks MAX 10; I still like TW128 for many other projects, but you are going to get a lot of my attention; (and my Mom loves you too). =* |
VINCENT VINCENT was written by Don McLean as a tribute to
Dutch painter Vincent Van Goth.
RUN"VINCENT"
=*
|
WITH FURROWED BROW I'm sitting at my CoCo 3.
I want to do something. What will it be?
Pictures are nice. I've done quite a few.
Maybe some Stringart -- done that too.
So here I am, wishin' and wishin'
For something to use as a submission.
I don't want Rick to get impatien'
While I search for inspiration.
I ponder and ponder -- it only gets worse.
He'll just have to settle for this stupid verse!
=*
|
_________FROM THE HEART_________ I was reading through one of those giveaway ad papers that the local grocery stores in Pell City provide to their customers and I came across the following: "BOY WISHES TO BE IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS - Perhaps you have heard of the Children's Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of terminally ill children. If so, you may have heard that one child wanted to go to Disney World or another wanted to meet some celebrity. Seven year old Craig Sherford, who suffers from terminal cancer , has a wish. He wants to have the largest collec- tion of business cards ever collected by one person. This would of course put Craig into the Guiness Book of World Records. This does not seem to be much to=> ____________________________________________________ ask. Most people who have business cards are contin- uously on the lookout for someone to give them to. There are many of us who would like to help these children get their wishes, but may be limited in what we can do. But if you have a business card you can certainly help Craig Sherford get his wish. Mail or bring your card (only 1 copy) to our office and we will see that it is sent along with many others to Craig. If you wish you can also mail one of your cards to: Craig Sherford, Children's Make-a-Wish Foundation, 82 Perimeter Center East, Atlanta, GA 30346." I thought that I would share this with the readers of CFDM, in hopes that those of you with a business card might wish to mail one to Craig. -Bob. =* |
"SUCCESS" BY MARK WEBB To begin the game, RUN "TITLE". This runs the title
screen. Press any key and the game board will be
drawn and data read and placed. The game is ready
to play. RULES OF THE GAME:
This is a two player game. After the screen is
finished drawing, each player types in their name at
the prompt. You are then asked for the amount to
play to. (A larger number means a longer game. 500 -
1000 is average.) Here you enter an amount that will
be used in the next step. You will be asked how many
hearts, stars, and cash you are going to need to win
the game. These three must equal the total you
decided to play to. Each player can enter a
different amount of stars, hearts, and cash as long
as it adds up to the same amount previously stated.
=>
____________________________________________________
eg. Play to 500: Player 1-50 stars + 50 hearts + 400
(x1000) cash = 500. Player 2- 25 stars + 100 hearts
+ 375(x1000) cash = 500. The computer will check to
make sure you added right and then the game begins.
SUCCESS begins with both players on Payday. You have
$1000 and a $1000 salary to start with. Dice are
rolled by pressing the space bar. You get your
salary each time you pass Payday and double your
salary when you land on it. Each player has a score
card on which their cash, salary, and accumulated
stars and hearts are displayed. A purple heart or
star is equal to 25 of them and a black one is worth
125. Your card is updated after each turn.
The inside tracks of the board are where you get =>
____________________________________________________
most of your hearts and stars and various other
items necessary to win such as money, increase in
salary, experience cards (which you can use to move
a specified number of spaces), a mystery square
where you can win or lose varying amounts of the
above, a scissors which cuts your salary, or a frown
face which causes you to lose a turn. Only one dice
is used on the inside tracks. The placement of the
items on the inside tracks is different with each
game you play. To go to the inside you must land on
the entrance square of the one you want to enter and
pay the requested amount or land on an opportunity
square (the orange O) which will allow you to go
into one of them. Once you have gone through one of
them once, then that one is free forever.
(See Part II.) =*
|
"SUCCESS" PART II After leaving an inside track you receive Experience
cards equal to the amount of times you have gone
through. These can be used instead of rolling the
dice. Your experience cards are shown below the
gameboard when it is your turn. You will always know
how many of each you have. Once you go through any
track three times, a "Free Hawaii" will appear on
your card. This will allow you to go to the Hawaii
square any time you want to (from the outside track)
by pressing "H". This movement counts as a roll.
All of the squares on the board are self-explanatory
and it doesn't take long to get used to the game.
The Horse Racing Square is a good place to make lots
of $$$ by betting on the horses...If you are Lucky!
It is a random feature and can cost you also! =>
____________________________________________________
That's about all there is to tell except "HAVE FUN".
I am submitting this game with a letter of consent
by the writer. If you like the game, any comments or
questions can be sent to the writer: Mark Webb, Box
793, Gold River, B.C. Canada V0P-1G0.
PAUL WOLF CR#25
=*
|
COCOCLK2 - PMODE0 digital clock This is a simulation of a 12-hour digital clock. The graphic strings for the digits 0 - 9 are in line 300 - 320. The loops for establishing the hour, min- ute and second values will be fairly familiar from sample programs in CoCo handbooks. Line 120 draws the digits in scale 12. This, and the thick outlines of PMODE0 graphics make the dis- play clearly visible. Graphics in PMODE0 execute faster than those in other PMODEs. The clock is fairly accurate in a short run. To keep the timing accurate required special measures so that the seconds count is held on the screen for varying periods. To draw an 8 on the screen takes almost three times as many TIMER pulses as a 1. This is compensated for in the delay loop (line 150). => ____________________________________________________ The TIMER count, U, is multiplied by 12 and the result is subtracted from DL. It may be hardly evid- ent but thus an 8 in the seconds unit space will be displayed for a shorter time than a 1. These values were arrived at by trial and (much) error. To adjust the clock while it is running hold down the UP-ARROW to advance it one second at a time or the DOWN-ARROW to retard it. The screen space occupied by a digit is erased before the next digit is drawn in that space. A blank rectangle of screen 56 by 40 is GOT for this purpose in line 70. Line 30 establishes the high speed poke values according to whether you are using a CoCo2 or a CoCo3. Press CLEAR while the program is running to end and restore operating speed to normal. =* |
COCOCLK3 a hi-res digital clock The graphic strings for the digits 0 - 9 and the colon are in lines 930 - 1030. The characters are hollow and they are drawn, painted and stored in SP3 buffers in lines 190 - 510. This takes place "behind the scene" (line 100). Enter the hour and minute at the opening screen prompts and, after a delay of about 3 seconds, the display will commence. To synchronise the seconds display with that on your digital watch hit ENTER at the minute prompt about 3 seconds before the minute mark. The hour, minute and second values are set by the loop in lines 670 - 810. The INSTR statements in the lines 700 - 750 read the left and right digits of each string, and call the SPT subroutines 540 - 650 that HPUT the digits into their correct positions.=> ____________________________________________________ Mike Hoke's SP3/BIN has to be on your disk for a call by line 20. It executes very quickly and a delay loop in line 760 is necessary to slow the pro- cess down. The value DL=883 in line 40 was arrived at by experiment. You can vary this value to advance or retard the clock. You can adjust the clock while it is running. Hold down the up-arrow to advance the seconds timer one second at a time. Hold down the down arrow to retard it. The high-speed poke is operating. Press BREAK to end the program and restore normal speed. The clock will run fairly accurately for a lomg time, but I do not think NASA will want to use it for timing spaceprobe launchings. =* |
Collecting Loot! Here is another maze game that I developed several
months ago. It is the largest and most compressed
maze program I have thought up. To get the
complexity I needed, I drew the solution, then I
drew the maze around it. To keep the whole program
small, only a few commands were added. So NORTH (N),
SOUTH (S), EAST (E), WEST (W), SCORE (C), GET (G),
MOVES (M) and HELP (H) are the only commands this
program recognizes. (It uses INKEYS.) The title
suggests your main objective: collect the loot!
There are three bags of loot dropped at random
around the maze. You don't know if there are hidden
in some alcove or on the main path. The main goal is
to get out, but if you stumble upon a bag of loot,
by all means, pick it up! The mimimum moves required
is 476 and getting loot costs more moves, so =>
____________________________________________________
you know this is not a small maze. Try your luck.
See if you can get out in as few moves as possible.
=*
|
SQS to NIB Converter As more and more CFDM users use my Fractals program
to create beautiful fractals, the need for a
convenient converter program becomes apparent. As
you know, the latest versions of Fractals use my
own SQS saving format. If you remember, some
fractals are so complex and detailed, that NIB did
not save them. That was why I wrote the SQUISH
compressor. Many fractals ARE "NIB"able. This
program, SQS>NIB.BAS will convert any SQS file into
a NIB file, keeping all the colors intact.
To run this program, you need these files:
SQS>NIB.BAS - the main program
SQSREADR.BIN - the SQS machine language file
NIBSAVER.BAS - the NIB saving program
NIBSAVER.BIN - the NIB machine language file =>
____________________________________________________
Type RUN"SQS>CM3" and press ENTER.
You will see a brief screen of directions and hints.
Press any key to move on. Enter the source drive
for the SQS file, then the name of the file. If
you don't remember the name, type DIR to get a
directory. After typing in the name, the SQS file
will load. Press any key after loading, and the
"NIB"ing program will automatically run. You will
be asked for a title to save under, the number of
lines in the picture (192), and if the picture is
in memory (it is). Then NIB will get to work.
**IMPORTANT** Not all SQS files can be saved with
NIB! I urge you to try viewing the new NIB file
with NIBSHOW to verify that it was saved properly.
If the picture loads incorrectly (garbage on the =>
____________________________________________________
screen), then the picture CANNOT be "NIB"ed
I believe in past issues of CFDM that a NIB to
CM3 converter was published. This means that you
can change your SQS files into CM3 files by
first making NIB files, then changing the NIB files
into CM3 files! A two-step process, but it will
get the job done!
KUDOS to GODFREY MOLL for catching the problems
with SFRACTALS, and for asking for viewing
programs and conversion programs.
=*
|
VIEWING /MGE
PICTURES:"MGEMENU". The need for a convenient method of viewing Color Max /MGE pictures prompted me to write the program: "MGEMENU". It is a BASIC program with a binary file entitled "BASIC TOOL" appended to it. The origin of BASIC TOOL is unknown to me at this time, but it was contained in a public domain program, which may be found on the Mid Iowa & Country CoCo Library disk #205. The program from which I extracted BASIC TOOL is: "MGETOCM3.BAS". ---------------------------------------------------- When you run MGEMENU, you will first be asked the question: RGB or CMP [R/C]?. You should answer this prompt with 'R' for an RGB monitor, or 'C' for a Composite or Monochrome monitor, as well as a TV. ---------------------------------------------------- The program will then read the DIRectory of the => ____________________________________________________ last accessed disk drive. If it finds no /MGE files, it will inform you of such. You are then instructed to press [ENTER] to continue. At this point, you should place a diskette that contains /MGE files into the drive that is being accessed and then press the [ENTER] key. ---------------------------------------------------- When the program is satisfied that the diskette in the drive contains /MGE files, it will display a 2- column menu of the available files. You may then select the file that you wish to view. The program will then load and display the picture. When you are done viewing the picture, you may press [BREAK] to return to the file selection menu. ---------------------------------------------------- While you are at the file selection menu, you may-> ____________________________________________________ press [BREAK], enter a number that is smaller than or equal to zero or a number that is higher than the last available file to exit MGEMENU. Upon exit, the program preserves the palettes of the picture that is currently in memory. This is useful if you want to save the picture via a picture saving utility such as Rick Cooper's NIBSAVER. To restore the palettes prior to running NIBSAVER, or any other picture saving utility, you should enter: GOSUB 33. This will cause MGEMENU to restore the palettes. You may then run your picture saving utility to save the picture. Note that MGE pictures are 200 lines, rather than 192, so you should select the 200 line option of NIBSAVER. MGE files also have a way to determine correct palettes for CMP & RGB, so no conversion is necessary. -B0B- =* |
| Articles in section: REVIEWS |
| COCO
2 EMULATOR CUSTOM COLOR PRINTING LABEL DESIGNER By ZEBRA SYSTEMS LABEL DESIGNER Part 2 THOSE ART DISKS & ..... |
| Back to top |
COCO 2 EMULATOR I have really enjoyed running the COCO 2 Emulator
on my 486DX-40. I have trouble switching back to
the real CoCo2 because of certain keyboard changes
between the two. Let's hear it for standardization.
Anyway, I have version 1.4 of the emulator, and it
seems to run most things fine. I need to write to
Jeff regarding two programs that don't seem to work
on the emulator. Bells and Whistles from an old
RAINBOW doesn't work. It just makes clicking noises
and also MUSICA 2. I really found MUSICA a fun
program to use, but the emulator won't run it. It
crashes. Does anyone know a solution?
I cannot wait to get hold of the CoCo 3 Emulator.
I hate to say that my CoCo may retire to the =>
____________________________________________________
closet, but I have a space problem. Now to dream!
With the apparent EASE that Jeff has designed the
CoCo 3 Emulator, perhaps he can be convinced to
design and program a CoCo 4 Emulator. It could have
these features built right into the "ROM":
Support for 40/80 track disks of both sizes
640 x 400 x 256 graphics modes and others!
More than 512k. My DX has 8 megs. Put it to use!
Reprogrammable fonts on the 40/80 column screen.
Built in key-repeat/keyboard buffering
=>
____________________________________________________
Built-in SuperPut!
Built-in NIB. Can you imagine just being able to
type a BASIC command that will NIB a file?
Imagine:
10 HSCREEN 2
20 NIBLOAD"GREETING.NIB"
And that ONE command would load the NIB file.
Upper/Lowercase commands accepted
Use of the PC's Real-Time Clock
Better Directory format: sizes/dates/times
Redesign the Disk File Table for efficiency.. Sigh=*
|
CUSTOM COLOR PRINTING SMALL GRAFX ETC. offers a special service: if you
send them a disk with graphics files on it, they
will print them in color for you. And the results
are great!
Terry Laraway operates the business and he does a
super job. Three times I have sent him disks with
graphics made with CoCo Max III. I have been 100%
pleased with the results.
The last time I sent him 2 disks with graphics that
were created on CoCo Max III by my 5th graders. The
prints got back to me in just a few days and they
looked so good that we put them in the school art
show.
===>
____________________________________________________
There are two things that I really like about these
prints: 1. The color is very clear and strong (not
weak and smeared looking) and 2. The proportions of
the picture are accurate.
I know that Terry has a bunch of hardware items that
he sells, but all I know about is the prints, and
they are THE BEST I have ever seen.
I encourage you to give this service a try. I think
that you will really like it.
SMALL GRAFX ETC. 41 N.W. Doncee Drive; Bremerton, WA
98310 tel. 206-692-5374
** =*
|
LABEL DESIGNER by ZEBRA SYSTEMS The first thing I do when I get new or used disks
is to remove all labels and clean them up. When I
put something on the disk, I make my own labels to
identify the program(s). Initially, I used a short
BASIC program, which contained the text and the con-
trol codes for the printer. Nothing fancy.
Then, along came Label Designer. Now I'd be lost
without it. I use it only for the standard labels,
15/16"x3-1/2". However, it also has the capability
for large address labels, file folder labels, cas-
sette and disk labels.
Label Designer is point-and-click. There are three
pull-down menus titled File, Edit and Label. Once
you choose the label size you want, you can go to
the Edit Menu and Place Pictures or Edit Text. You
do these one at a time. A selection of pictures =>
____________________________________________________
is included on the program disk. They can be placed
anywhere on the displayed blank label in Small Medi-
um or Large size. You will not see an exact repre-
sentation of the picture (or the text) on the screen
at this point, but a smaller, condensed version made
to fit the screen. As you scroll through the availa-
ble pictures, you select the one you want, put the
pointer on it, press and hold the button, move the
picture to where you want it and release the button.
You are not limited to these few pictures as six
disks of additional pictures are available (these
are the same as those used for CoCo Graphic Designer
Plus, also from Zebra). When finished with the pic-
ture placement, point and click on O.K. Then select
the Edit Text. =>
____________________________________________________
Text can be in one of four sizes: Small, Thin,
Wide, or Bold. It can also be centered, or left- or
right-justified. You just type in the text, using
the back-arrow to erase the last character. Hitting
<ENTER> takes you to the next line, or you can point
and click at the next location you want to use. In
addition to the LABLFONT on the program disk, there
are two disks of additional fonts available. However
most of these can only be used in the Bold Size.
When you have finished your design of the label,
you can go to the File Menu. Among other features,
it has Preview which allows you to view the label as
it will look (it is too large to fit the screen, but
can be scrolled). You can also Print the label, Save
it, or Load a previously-saved label. The Set-up
See Label Designer Part 2 =*
|
LABEL DESIGNER Part 2 feature allows you to configure the program for your
printer, the baud rate, and the number of drives you
have. If you have more than one drive you can desig-
nate which will be used for the additional font or
picture disks.
With the variety of fonts and pictures, you can
really dress up your disks. If you have a color
printer, that can give you additional flexibility,
like color-coding by topic. All-in-all, Label De-
signer is a well-done, very useful program.
There are a few minor annoyances, which do not
interfere with the usefulness of the program. For
one thing, every time you select a new picture, the
program defaults to the Small size and you must
point and click on the size you want. Similarly,
=>
____________________________________________________
after every line of text you enter, the program
resets to the Small Size, again requiring you to
select the size you want.
If you load your labels into the printer where you
normally load your paper, you will find the printing
offset. This requires resetting the position of your
tractor-feed labels. I put two marks on the paper
guide on my printer -- one for the left edge of
paper, and one for the left edge of label stock. The
program has the capability of starting your printing
to the right of where it would normally start, but
you cannot move it left.
Believe it or not, I had been toying with the
idea of reviewing this program just a few days be-
for receiving Issue 39 in which Rick announced he
=>
____________________________________________________
would soon be offering the Zebra software. I would
have had to acknowledge that I didn't know if Zebra
was still in business. Now, if I have convinced you
that this program is worth adding to your library,
you can get it from Rick.
Norm Barson
7 Ridge Court
East Brunswick, NJ
08816
=*
|
THOSE ART DISKS & ..... With these last holidays, I've found lots of use
for Jim Bennett's Art Disks (especially #5) for
making cards. I'm afraid I spoiled a good work... I
tried to add borders with the use of anoer card
making program. After I had already sent out quite
a few, I felt the cards looked better without those
borders. My machine is a one color machine. To add
color, I pause, change ribbons, pause, change
ribbons etc. OK sometimes but not this time...Jim's
art is great, one can use different Max 10 fonts & I
have cousins, aunts, and grandkids that get a kick
out of my excuse for poetry. Jim also includes some
Max 3 pictures with the suggestion to add to, color
or whatever and submit to CFDM. Great, and a chance
to learn more (hope to try). Thanks Jim. This
submission form included was made with the =>
____________________________________________________
program "SUBMIT" by Leslie Waltzz in CFDM issue 23.
Thank you too -- Leslie.
Each time I look through these magazine for some
thing, I run across others that I've not yet tried
or haven't given enough time to. Hope 1995 is a year
with longer days -- 30 hours might help this slow
joker. Thanks again... ALL.
=*
|
A PROBLEM WITH CIII PagesE A Short time before Walter Bayer passed away I
purchased CIIIPagesE V,2.5 from him. I have had a
problem with it from the beginning but never had a
chance to speak to Walter about it. When I move the
cursor to the right, when about 1 inch from the
right Tool, Scroll and Undo Icons bar the cursor
jumps to the the tool bar, therefor I can not
position any thing in that area. I have tried both a
mouse and a joystick and on two different computers
but the problem presists. Can anyone tell me why
this happens.
Rolland Funk
47760 NW Wwaldheim Way
Forest Grove OR 97116-7413
(503) 357-6291 =*
|
HOW TO DELETE FILE? Dear Rick: As you have seen by now I corrected my
Letter to the ED. and resaved it. Now how do I
delete my first version?
PAUL
-----
RICK: It's simple Paul, load the file you want to
delete just as if you wanted to view it, then press
F1 to get the SYSOPS MENU. Finally, highlight the
KILL FILE ON DRIVE0 option and press ENTER. Note,
your disk must be in drive 0.
=*
|
Hard Questions I have been thinking of installing a hard drive on my CoCo III. The choices I seem to have are Ken- ton (SCSI), Burk & Burk (IDE), and Disto (?). Does anyone Know of any others? Is there any limit to the size of the drive? Is the Ken-ton a true SCSI? Will I need any other adaptors or boards? I under- stand the Owlware hard drive used an Adaptec inter- mediat board and the Burk & Burk board is just an adaptor to plug an IBM 8 bit IDE board into our CoCo A true SCSI board will allow seven SCSI devices to run on one 50 conductor cable. Who has a Ken-ton hard drive? Could I run a 500 Meg hard drive and a 250 Meg tape backup and perhaps a CDROM on the same cable? I await your answer.... Yours for better CoCo-ing Garry Spencer ===* |
Need Graphic Format Translator? Looking in all my graphic files, I used to have
no way of NIBing the best ones for CFDM. I had
recently aquired ColorMax Deluxe, so that I can
campare its features to CM3. I have GIFVIEW (aka
CC3GIF) and I use its option of loading GIF format
files and saving as MGE format files. I use TRANSLAT
and its option of loading MGE or PIX format files
and saving as CM3 format files. Oh, sure, I use
VUMASTER (aka ALLVIEW) and PROJECTOR 2.1 to view-
only IMG, ST, TNY, MAC and .640 format files, but I
want to SAVE them as CM3 or NIB files! This is was
frustrating!!
Then, I remembered that someone sent me a really
wild program called The CoCo 3 Picture Show v.2.1 by
Chas Mastrandrea. This very unique graphics =>
____________________________________________________
is sort of a Universal Graphics File Format
Convertor for the CoCo 3. I have all kinds of
patchware programs that load one format and then
save them in another format, but this involves only
2 formats. Now, I use this one program to load files
in the .MGE, .CM3, .ST, .MAC, .HRS and .640 graphic
format and save them in .MGE, .CM3, .ST or .HRS
format. I had 4 .ST graphic files that I wanted to
see if I could save to the .NIB format. At lot of
jockeying later, I got 2 of them NIBed. Along with
GIFVIEW, I can now re-format almost any graphic file
for CM3 or NIB. Isn't it great what the CoCo
Community can do! I.B.M. can also do this, but at
7 to 10 times the cost! Not bad for the BEST LITTLE
HOME COMPUTER in the WORLD!!
=*
|
Those "Back Jacks" Though you have probably all solved your problems,
I'm just a mite slower. I too, made up that box to
connect my right joystick jack and my cassette jack
to the interface for using Max 10 or Max 3. For
awhile there were no problems, but then one day as
I was printing a letter, my printer went beserk --
slammed against one side, returned and started to
print way off course. I shut things down quickly,
thought and sweated awhile. I finally unplugged
everything and went back to original setup and
tried again. Printer worked normally, etc. I took
everything in that setup apart and found my problem
to be two shorted contacts in one of the switches --
my eyes sometimes don't see too well. Of course I
ruined all my plugs and jacks, and had a hard time
to locate new ones. Now I have just =>
____________________________________________________
extended those back jacks with three plugs, three
jacks and cables made up of #22 wire so that I can
more easily plug things in from the front, and save
that wear and tear on those jacks in the back that
(in my case) are slightly difficult to see. That
Box with switches idea as shown in that old issue
of the "Rainbow" does work, but watch carefully all
those connections.
Vic Neufeldt
=*
|
To: R. Roeder - "OFFSET
SCREEN". R.E.: "OFFSET SCREEN PROBLEM" - ROBERT ROEDER,
ISSUE #33 of CoCo Friends Disk Magazine.
Reply: Dear CoCo Friend Robert:
The reason that you are experiencing the offset
screen when you cold-start your CoCo could be due to
poor contact of the GIME/ACVC chip and it's socket.
I have read of this type of problem before and the
solution generally involves removing the GIME chip
from it's socket and then reseating it back into the
socket. That usually cures the offset screen
problem. Extreme caution must be taken when removing
the GIME chip from it's socket, so as not to damage
the chip, the socket, or the motherboard. Make sure
that you put the chip back into the socket in the =>
____________________________________________________
same position as you removed it. It is relatively
easy to rotate the chip 180 degrees and it will
still fit into the socket. That, of course, would
fry the virtually irreplaceable GIME chip. It is
suggested that you use a Universal PLCC remover for
the task of removing the GIME chip. You may also,
albeit carefully, use a small flat-head screwdriver
to GENTLY pry the chip from the socket. BE VERY
CAREFUL if you do this! The GIME chip is the large
square chip labelled IC6 and resides next to the
keyboard connector (CN2). As a note, the following
is available from: Performance Concepts, 8250 Tyler
Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060. Universal PLCC Remover -
$30.00 each, Low Cost PLCC Remover - $13.00 each,
TCC1014A 1987 GIME CHIP (limited supply) - $30.00
each (and I believe it is well worth it!). The =>
____________________________________________________
shipping and handling charge (ground) is $5.00 for
orders weighing under two pounds. Unfortunately,
you can only buy the PLCC removers with an order for
one or more GIME chips. The owner, Robbie McKee may
be contacted via phone at: 1-(216)-974-9550.
----------------------------------------------------
REMEMBER TO USE PROPER STATIC PROTECTION WHEN
HANDLING THE GIME CHIP! IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO CLEAN
THE GIME PINS & SOCKET PINS WITH A SOLVENT ALSO.
----------------------------------------------------
Another source, and probably a better buy, for the
PLCC remover is: JDR Microdevices, 1850 South 10th
St, San Jose, California 95112-4108. PLCC Extractor
#EXT-PLCC - $13.95. This seems to be equivalent to
the previously mentioned $30.00 unit! Include $5.00
for shipping and handling. =*
|
To: R.E. Bruhl-"SYNTAX
ERRORS." R.E.: "SYNTAX ERROR PROBLEM" - ROBERT E. BRUHL,
ISSUE #38 of CoCo Friends Disk Magazine.
Reply: Dear CoCo Friend Robert:
I believe that your Syntax Error problem lies in
the usage of the following variables in line number
310 of your program:
11ASCD$,28ASCC$,17ASC$, and 28ASCA$,28ASCM$.
The problem is that BASIC is seeing the 'ASC' in
each of these as the reserved word 'ASC', which
returns the ASCII value of the first character of a
string literal. The proper syntax for 'ASC' is:
ASC("string"). The command: A=ASC("A") would set =>
____________________________________________________
the value of A to equal 65, which is the ASCII value
of the letter 'A'. To correct your problem, insert
spaces in your line 310 as follows:
28AS CD$,28AS CC$,17AS C$, and 28AS CA$,28AS CM$.
The result is that BASIC will no longer see the
'ASC' reserved word due to the spaces and your
Syntax Error problem should vanish. Feel free to
contact me in the event that you still experience
problems with the program.
As a side note, you cannot use any reserved word as
either a variable, or any part of a variable. Some
examples of these reserved words would be: GO, TO,
IF, FN, ON, etc. It is a good idea to check your
BASIC manual, when you experience this type of =>
____________________________________________________
problem. That way, you can be sure that you are not
using a reserved word as a part of a variable name.
I hope that this has been of some help.
RRRR AAA TTTTT
R R A A T
RRRR AAAAA T
R R A A T
R R A A T
R R A A T
ROBERT ALLEN TURNER
PO BOX 396
DOUBLE SPRINGS AL
35553-0396.
=*
|
WORD POWER 3.3 I would like to find Word Power 3.3. Does anyone
know where I may obtain a copy with the manual. I
phoned and wrote to Microcom but got no response.
I may be contacted at:
3 Lundy Lane
London,Ontario
Canada N6C 3G4
1-519-433-6948
=*
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